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dontfeeltoohot · 1 year

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EDDIES BIRTHDAY WEEKEND - OCTOBER 31ST / HALLOWEEN

And so it begins! Here is 8k of Eddie starting to actually not feel well, plus carving pumpkins and a fall festival!! I hope you guys enjoy!

Eddie wakes up in a daze, feeling hazy and bleary, like somehow he’s brought the fog from the haunted houses they’d been at last night, home with him. Blinking, he takes a moment just to lay in bed, listening to Steve’s slow, sleepy breaths next to him. Remembering what day it is, the man smiles, and rubs at his eyes. Halloween is the best day of the year in his book. Sure his birthday is cool too, but Halloween means dressing up, watching horror movies, getting candy, and scaring people without repercussions (for the most part). Getting up quietly and letting Steve sleep, he pads to the bathroom to start his morning routine.

An hour later, it’s becoming apparent to the musician that he’s not feeling like himself, maybe not sick, but his usual energy and dramatics are lacking. Though his blood glucose and insulin levels are normal, he feels oddly lethargic as he cooks eggs and bacon; despite Steve’s protests that he shouldn’t cook on his birthday, for his group of friends. As he stands in front of the stove, his boyfriend comes up behind him and wraps his arms around his slender frame.

“You excited for today, birthday boy?” His breath is hot against Eddie’s ear and cheek, earning him a smile and shiver.

“Mhm, definitely. We’re going to that downtown festival thing tonight, right?”

“That’s the plan! Did you still wanna carve pumpkins and stuff too? We can put on Halloween while we do it,” Steve suggests softly, nuzzling Eddie’s curls.

“I’m down for that. Chrissy sucks at carving, it’s always super entertaining to watch.”

“I do not,” a voice calls from the living room, where both women are waiting patiently for their breakfast.

“Sure, because last year you didn’t absolutely massacre the poor pumpkin,” Eddie shoots back, rolling his eyes fondly. “So pumpkin carving, movies, then festival. Sounds like a great birthday. Are we dressing up or anything for tonight? And if so, are we doing matching stuff?”

Out of all the things that have slipped his mind, costumes seem to be top of the list. The idea of going out to a party store to find something seems daunting, but if the other three express interest in wanting to get something more elaborate, he’ll go along for the ride. They start throwing out ideas almost immediately, as the bacon finishes cooking and Eddie puts everyone's eggs on their plates.

“I think we should do matching,” Steve grins, and Eddie knows that being cheesy is right up his boyfriend's alley.

“Yeah, matching could be fun! We could do all of us, like from a movie or something,” Robin nods as she finds her seat, looking at the food hungrily.

“Wizard of Oz? Flinstones? Mario and the gang?” Chrissy starts thinking, stealing a piece of bacon from the tray Eddie sets down.

“Oooh, or The Incredibles? We’d all look hot in spandex,” Robin stabs at the eggs on her plate, making a god awful slurping noise.

“Can you not,” Steve shoots her a grimace before narrowing his eyes in thought. “Addams Family could work, or Scooby Doo,” he throws out.

“While all three of you have cute ideas, I think I have a better one, and I’m the birthday boy, so what I say goes,” the grin he gives has his boyfriend groaning.

“This better not be like when we went as Tonks and Sirius,” Chrissy groans.

Eddie can’t help but smile at the memory from a few years back, when he’d abandoned his usual horror movie costume to go with Chrissy to some party she’d been invited to. They’d been a hit, and the musician had been able to conjure up a surprisingly realistic british accent the entire night. His best friend had informed him later, as he’d been on his way to drop her at her place, that numerous girls had come up to her asking if he was single. If that wasn’t an ego boost, he wasn’t sure what was, even if he was gay as hell.

“Nope! It’s going to be twenty times better.”

All three look at him while he swallows some of his breakfast, before Robin finally caves, looking at him with curious expression.

“Out with it!”

“The masterpiece that is The Shining,” the long haired man’s grin is bordering on manic.

They’ve all seen it of course, thanks to Eddie himself pushing it on them. It’s one of his absolute favorite movies ever made, and he’s pretty sure he could wax poetic about it for hours. Back in high school he’d even written an essay for his stupid english class. He watches the three of them all share a glance.

“But…who’s going to be who? There’s only one woman in it,” Chrissy cocks her head much like a puppy would.

“That’s where you’re wrong, darling Cunningham. There are three, well…more than that if you count the very beginning. But I digress. There are three that matter. And you two will be the twins,” he flashes a big, bright smile, looking pleased with himself.

“Then…who’s going to be the wife?” Steve’s brow is furrowed in a way that makes Eddie want to kiss it.

“I will, of course.”

The reaction he’s been hoping for comes to fruition. Steve all but chokes on the water he’s sipping, Chrissy’s eyebrows raise comically high, and Robin snorts but looks just as excited as he is. Rubbing his boyfriend's back, the long haired man gets in his space, pressing his face up to the other’s cheek, dropping a quick kiss, still smiling.

“And Steve will be Jack, obviously,” he adds as an afterthought. “This way it’s easy for us and we don’t have to look for actual costumes, we can just get regular clothes.”

In reality, it’s logical and smart, and after a few moments, the group seems to agree with the reasoning. Steve and Chrissy both grab their phones, scrolling as they eat to figure out what they’ll need exactly. As Eddie finishes his food, he excuses himself to go and change his infusion set. Grabbing his supplies, the man carefully takes his current set out, disposing of the needle and cannula properly. After wiping the new area on his lower abdomen that he plans on putting his pump with an alcohol swab, he uses the applicator to insert his infusion set.

Normally, Eddie’s able to do it with no problems, he’s been doing it for twenty years give or take, and it’s like riding a bike at this point, so easy he can do it in his sleep. Today, however, he messes up, wincing when the starter needle catches painfully, not at the right angle to slide in easily. Swallowing, his head starting to ache, the guitarist blinks and throws the set away, grabbing a new one, grimacing. It’s like throwing money down the drain.

The second attempt is worse, and his hands shake as he gets frustrated, yanking the starter needle out. He glares at it as if it’s personally offended him, then throws it into the trash next to the other one. Huffing, Eddie sets down the cannula and his pump, letting it hit the white bathroom counter loudly. A moment later, his friends are there, crowding the door frame which only makes him more anxious.

“What’s wrong?”

“I’m going to fucking die, is what’s wrong, Steven,” Eddie all but growls, bouncing on the balls of his feet, feeling restless. “I can’t get my stupid shit to work right, and I’ve wasted two kits, a-“

“Hey, okay, take a breath. Getting all worked up isn’t going to help, alright?” Steve puts a hand on his shoulder.

Instantly, as if the younger man’s hand is magic, Eddie deflates, moving closer so he can rest his head on Steve’s shoulder a moment. His skin feels stretched thin as he stands there, and his emotions feel too close, too sensitive, like if someone says one wrong thing to him he might burst out in tears.

“I can help you, if Steve isn’t sure how to do it,” Chrissy offers, having helped him more than enough times.

Steve bites at his lip, then nods.

“Yeah, I’ve never done it, but I can watch you, so I know what to do next time,” he suggests, looking a little upset with himself that he’s not sure how.

“Don’t worry princess, it’s easy,” Eddie says before rolling his eyes. “Well…it’s supposed to be easy if I could get myself to do the right thing.”

Chrissy gives him a look, then maneuvers them so Steve will be able to see everything she’s doing. She walks him through the steps, even goes as far as to have him hold the applicator and push down. It doesn’t hurt nearly as bad as Eddie expects it to for someone who’s never done it before, and his body releases any stress he’s been holding. By the end of it, Eddie’s got himself hooked up again, and Steve looks proud of himself. A win win.

“We need to go to the store and grab some clothes and pumpkins,” Robin says when they’ve all congregated back into the main space of Eddie’s apartment.

For once, Eddie doesn’t feel like going. He’s not sure if it’s from the stress of getting his pump back in, or the exhaustion that’s still clinging to his bones, but the thought of heading into any store right now sounds draining. Sniffling a little, nose runny no doubt from allergies, the musician almost bows out, is so close he even opens his mouth, but snaps it back shut a moment later, realizing he doesn’t want to waste time he could be spending with Chrissy, or Robin, or Steve. It’s Halloween, for christ sake, and they all deserve to have a fun time. While the girls work on getting ready, Steve finds Eddie in the bedroom, leading him to sit.

“I wanna give you your present,” the barista murmurs, pressing a kiss to his lips.

“Oh?”

“Yep. Gimme one sec.”

Eddie waits, trying his hardest not to be impatient. He’s always had trouble with waiting for things, and while half of him knows Steve didn’t even need to get him anything, the other half is excited to see what it is. A minute later, Steve walks back in with a box that’s definitely been wrapped by the man, a little wrinkled, but far better than some generic, perfect wrapped box. He sets it down on Eddie's lap and then smiles.

“It’s not huge, and I can always change it if you don’t like it, b-”

“Stevie…I’m going to love it okay? Come sit?”

Steve sits next to him as he slowly unwraps the paper, using the same care as when he opens Wayne’s cards. When he gets the wrapping off, he opens the top of the flimsy cardboard box and grins. Inside is a soft looking black sweater, folded neatly, a wrapped rectangle that Eddie assumes is a DVD, and then another wrapped item, the shape reminding him of a jewelry box. Upon inspection, the sweater is as soft as he’s imagined, and he picks it up, rubbing his face against it.

“Does it pass the Munson seal of softness?”

“Definitely, thanks Stevie.”

Unwrapping the second item, Eddie can’t help but beam, the director’s cut of Midsommar is the one movie he’s been wanting on DVD for months. He presses a kiss to Steve’s cheek and then finally unwraps the last, smaller box. It is, in fact, a jewelry box. Curious, the long haired man opens it slowly, then finds a dark silver chain holding a hand-welded silver guitar pick at the end. Flipping it between his fingers, he reads ‘Type 1’ on the back and feels himself blink, eyes burning.

“Steve, it’s perfect. I love it, thank you,” he breathes out, burying his face into Steve’s shoulder.

Slipping the chain over his head, he lets it dangle off of his chest, keeping it outside of his sweater instead of tucking it inside, wanting everyone to see it.

Half an hour later, after showers, makeup and Eddie whining dramatically for the girls to hurry up, they’re piling into Steve’s car once again. The eldest looks out the window as they make their way to the store, his head a little heavy and; the only way he can describe it, swimmy. The music Robin’s playing through the speakers has his head beating in time with the drum, and he’s tempted to turn it down, but doesn’t want to ruin her fun.

Heading inside, Steve wraps an arm around his boyfriend's waist, bumping his hip playfully. Eddie smiles and brushes some hair away from Steve’s forehead that’s fallen in the midst of his antics. Both Chrissy and Robin head to the women's section to see if they’re able to find blue dresses they can smear red dye onto, giggling happily. The guys walk back to the mens section, even if Eddie needs a dress too, deciding to get Steve’s stuff out of the way.

“You need a green plaid shirt, and a red jacket,” Eddie recalls, looking around for a green gingham button down for himself.

While browsing the options, Steve finds him once again, suckering himself to the older man's back, before nuzzling his shoulder. It feels weirdly nice, the affection, especially out in public. He wouldn’t necessarily consider himself to have voyeuristic tendencies, but getting to show people that Steve is his? He can get into that.

“Hey, I wanted to ask you,” Steve murmurs, trailing along with Eddie, their fingers laced together. “You’re okay right? Like..you just seem a little off today, I guess. Maybe that’s not the right word,” he trails off, rubbing the back of his neck sheepishly.

“I’m good,” Eddie furrows his brow, watching his boyfriend.

He is good, right? He’s been a little emotional, sure, but birthday’s do that to a lot of people. And yeah he feels worn down, but the guitarist has been working a lot, pulling longer hours to take more clients, he’s been rehearsing with the band. Plus he’s been giving every other bit of attention he can to the man in front of him, so it makes sense he’s stretched thin and tired. Steve seems to mull Eddie’s answer over, looking unconvinced. The look on his face is so scarily similar to Chrissy’s that he blinks to make sure he’s not imagining it.

“I’m okay Stevie, really. I guess I’m kind of tired from all the stuff that’s been going on the past week, but I’m okay. Nothing some good old Halloween fun can’t fix.”

This answer seems to satisfy the brunette more, and Steve nods, pressing a kiss to his shoulder as he leans against him. Eddie squeezes his hand and lets them stand there in the clothing section for a moment, just taking each other's presence in. When someone walks by, they finally pull apart, both laughing quietly.

“Okay Harrington, let's find you this damn jacket. We need to get you a fake ax, and I need a baseball bat.”

By the time they reconnect with the girls, they’ve got mostly everything. The only thing Eddie still needs is the brown corduroy dress. Robin, conveniently, is holding one in her hands, eyes sparkling. Taking it, he looks it over, trying to figure out if it’ll even fit. Sure he’s got a tiny waist, but his shoulders are still broad.

“Go try it on babe,” Steve looks at playfully.

Two minutes later, Eddie’s walking out in nothing but the corduroy jumper, pale legs fully on display, his black crew socks hiding half of his shins and feet. Chrissy snaps a photo subtly, but Eddie notices and glares. It’s not that he hates himself in a dress, dresses are cool and men used to wear them all the time. No, it’s the fact that he’s in only the dress, no tights or even a shirt underneath the almost overall like covering.

“I swear to god Christina,” he snarks at the strawberry blonde, who rolls her eyes.

“Oh relax, Edward, they’re for my own personal enjoyment. And Steve’s,” she snickers.

“Don’t bring me into this,” Steve shakes his head but then gives Eddie a smile, eyes roaming up and down his frame.

“Like what you see Stevie?” Big eyes widening, he gives his boyfriend a soft, almost doe-like look, the picture of faux-innocence.

“You always look hot, baby.”

Robin pushes the cart around and they grab four good sized pumpkins, along with some candy. Eddie isn’t normally much of a candy eater, not because he can’t have it, but because it requires more planning around everything he eats during the day. Looking at the options while Chrissy throws sour patch kids in the cart and Steve picks up a bag of twix, the tattoo artist finally lands on milky way, grabbing the dark chocolate ones instead of the regular milk chocolate kind. He sets them in the cart and laughs as Robin carries over three different bags full of assorted sugary goodness.

“Got enough there Buckley?”

“I just want us to have an array to choose from!”

The four walk slowly past some of the autumn home decor, Chrissy in particular eyeing some of the things with a glint in her eye. As Eddie tells himself to let her enjoy the feeling of moving and getting to redecorate, a tickle blooms in his sinuses. Scrunching his nose up, the feeling only increases, and he pulls the neck hem of his shirt up, angling his face down into it.

“hihGkTSCHew! iieGKshuhew! ih’KgtSShhEW!”

“Bless you!”

“Bless you Eddie!”

Both girls direct blessings towards him, while Steve squeezes his hand, cheeks slightly pink as he watches his boyfriend intently. Eddie’s about to thank them, about to smirk at his boyfriend and give him a playful wink, but his nose isn’t done, it seems to still want his attention. Noticing how many people are milling about, he shifts so he’s turned more towards Steve, face once again angled down the neck of his shirt.

“ihGKktew! hngKT-huh! iihGkT’uhew!”

The last sneeze shakes something loose, causing congestion to flood into his head. Sniffling doesn’t seem to do anything, and pressure is now sitting behind his eyes like a lead balloon. God he hates stifling, it always makes his head swim. Rubbing his face, he realizes Steve’s still holding onto his hand tightly, while the girls have moved closer to the home decor.

“Bless you baby, you okay? Your allergies bothering you?” Steve’s eyes are wide and round, and he looks like he wants to push him against a wall and kiss him senseless.

Eddie wouldn’t be too opposed.

“Yeah, I’m-snfSNF! I’m good,” he swipes his wrist up against his nostrils, blowing out a breath.

The rest of the trip consists of Robin throwing a little bat plush into the cart that she sees, claiming Eddie needs it, Chrissy picking up a soft blanket for her new soon-to-be place, and Eddie sniffling more and more, smirking at the way Steve stays extra-close. As he pays for his stuff, the long haired man swipes a hand down his face and coughs into his arm, his allergies apparently bothering him more than he thought.

Steve’s watching him as he picks up his receipt and Robin thrusts the little black bat into his arms. He can feel himself smiling more than he intends, but the thing is so soft and squishy and the little ears are two-toned. How can anyone not enjoy that? He holds the little guy close while walking to the car, sitting him on his lap once they’re all in and buckled. If his friends think it’s dorky, they don’t say anything- though he’s fairly certain Buckley has a bunch of these things too, and he knows Chrissy has a stuffed puppy she’s slept with since she was a baby. Does Steve have some kind of comfort item? He himself used to have a ratty polar bear named Jaws, but he’d gotten nasty enough from being dragged everywhere that he finally came fully apart. Ten year old Eddie had cried every night for a week before he finally got used to being companion-less.

“Stevie, have you ever had a stuffed animal or anything?”

Steve’s face does something like he’s trying hard to remember. It makes Eddie squirm slightly, knowing Steve can’t recall off of the top of his head.

“I think I had this little duck when I was a kid? I can kind of remember it, but I’m pretty sure my dad took it away once I turned like five or six, since it was a kids toy or whatever,” he shrugs, and god Eddie wants to give Steve a big hug and twenty duck stuffed animals.

Chrissy makes a wounded noise behind them, and Robin lets out a huff.

“God I hate your dad,” she grumbles, and Steve can’t help but snort.

“You and me both Robs.”

Interesting, Eddie thinks, staring out the window. His pointer finger rubs over the bat's purple ear absentmindedly as he thinks about Steve and the fact his father seems like a douche-canoe. He gets it, his dad is a literal murderer, and he hates that Steve’s childhood had obviously been less than ideal. At least he’d had Wayne. He gets the feeling his boyfriend didn’t have anyone like that.

Wrinkling his nose when he feels it run, Eddie snatches a tissue out of the little middle compartment where Steve keeps them, blowing quietly. He can’t help the grimace that passes his features when the result is far more productive than he’s been planning for, grabbing another to press against the one already up against his nose. He really doesn’t feel all that allergic aside from the congestion, and even the sneezes back at the store hadn’t felt like his normal allergy-induced ones. Balling the tissues up and putting them in his jacket pocket, he gives his boyfriend a little smile when he notices the pink blush on his face again.

“I’m cute, I know,” Eddie jokes cheekily, making Steve playfully hit his leg.

“Yeah yeah, you’re almost unbearably cute.”

“Ugh, you guys need to stop with the sappy talk,” Robin interjects, making a fake gagging noise.

“We’ve been putting up with you and Chris being all over each other,” Steve shoots back, looking far from impressed.

The way Steve calls Chrissy ‘Chris’ makes Eddie grin. He’s known from the start that his two new friends would get along with his best friend, and obviously he’s been more worried about Steve than Robin simply because they’re dating, but it’s nice, hearing the nickname fall so easily out of the man's mouth. By the time they park and are heading back up to the apartment, the pumpkins in the musicians arms feel more like fifty pound weights. Setting them down on the kitchen table, Eddie brushes hair out of his face and coughs into his arm lightly, not taking notice of Steve and Chrissy sharing a look.

“Okay, I’ll get some paper or something to put down so pumpkin guts don’t go everywhere, and then we can start,” Eddie hums thoughtfully, trying to remember where the paper he has is.

The musician comes back two minutes later with a large stack of printer paper. Steve’s getting Halloween pulled up, while the girls are grabbing knives. Robin is holding his largest, sharpest chef’s knife, making him grab it quickly.

“Why is it I don’t trust you with this one?” He jokes playfully, wanting her to know he doesn’t think she’ll actually hurt anyone, just that she’s the clumsiest girl he’s ever met.

“I am an excellent knife-wielder, Munson,” the freckle-faced woman shoots back, making him laugh.

He’s not entirely sure that’s true, and he doesn’t feel like finding out anytime soon.

They all settle in, one on each side of the table, starting to work on getting the innards of the pumpkins out, putting it all in trash bags. By the time they start to actually carve the gourds, Eddie’s ready to flop on the couch and take a nap. His congestion hasn’t eased up at all, and that bone deep exhaustion is still hanging on tight. Sniffling and rubbing his nose with the sleeve of his sweatshirt; really Steve’s sweatshirt, he pokes holes in the hard, hollow surface of the pumpkin until he gets what he needs to follow and cut, tongue poking out of his mouth in concentration. With all of them so focused, trying to finish their creations- Steve’s working on a giant skull, Chrissy has a spider, and Robin has a poison apple- Eddie finishes his own; Michael Myers, and heads to the bathroom, looking through his cabinet to find his allergy pills. He downs one, cupping his hands under the faucet as a makeshift glass, bending forward and swallowing. Hopefully this will help.

Everyone gets an ‘a’ for effort, even if Steve’s pumpkin is by far the best. Eddie can’t help but be impressed with his boyfriends artistic skills, enough so he presses a kiss to his neck and smiles, nuzzling his hair.

“When did you get so artsy? Come work with me at the parlor,” he murmurs, continuing to rub his nose on the nape of the man's neck, sniffling softly.

Feeling Steve’s body tense, feeling goosebumps appear, the long haired man smirks in satisfaction and sniffles again, this time dragging his nose close to Steve’s ear, rubbing it just barely against his skin. The barista moves and presses a kiss to his lips, letting them linger together a moment before breaking apart, grinning.

“We got a couple of hours before the festival starts, anything you want to do?”

Not sure if ‘take a nap’ will go over well, he opts for the next best thing.

“How about we watch a dumb scary movie and cuddle?”

“I vote yes,” Chrissy says from the kitchen, where she’s snacking on chips and guacamole.

“We all know you just want another excuse to cuddle with Robin,” Eddie drawls, yawning after.

His best friend looks like she wants to say something, but instead she merely heads to the couch with her food, cuddling up with her new girlfriend. The two men find their way to the couch too, and before Eddie can stop himself twelve minutes into Sinister, he falls asleep.

Chrissy wakes him up almost two hours later, telling him they need to start getting ready. Eddie promptly tells her to fuck off, grumpy and cold. He’s the only one on the couch now, no longer using Steve’s lap as a pillow. Sitting up, the tattoo artist notices that he’s genuinely not feeling well now, no longer teetering on the fine line of worn down versus coming down with something. Shivering, he wraps his arms around himself and mentally yells at himself when he remembers the costumes he’s chosen for everyone. Of course he’d stick himself in a damn dress the night he’s starting to feel sick. The guest room has Chrissy and Robin starting to work on their costumes, so Eddie goes to his own room, finding Steve freshly showered, hair damp and skin still a little pink.

“Hey babe, have a good nap?” Steve smiles, and he looks so beautiful that the musician finds himself momentarily frozen, just admiring his features.

“Y-Yeah, uh,” he snaps himself out of it, then sniffles and bites his lip. “I think I might be coming down with something,” Eddie admits after a second.

It feels abnormal to say it outloud, he’s never been one to ask for help or admit when something’s wrong. Telling Steve so plainly that he’s getting sick feels foreign and like he shouldn’t be, like it’s a secret. Even when he was younger he’d pretend he was fine, not wanting to bother Wayne or make him miss work. A few times it had backfired spectacularly, but for the most part he’s good at taking care of himself. Steve’s eyes find his, and Eddie’s sure that the man’s insides are squirming- his own did when his boyfriend caught that cold a few weeks back.

“Yeah? What’s going on baby,” Steve steps closer, one hand finding Eddie’s shoulder, the other brushing his thumb against the guitarist's cheek.

“Just feel gross I guess? Kind of achy, exhausted, heads hurting, stuffy,” he shrugs, leaning forward to let his forehead rest on the barista’s shoulder.

“Maybe we should stay in tonight. We can watch more movies and keep it cozy,” the younger man suggests, making Eddie shake his head back and forth despite it making him feel dizzy.

“Absolutely not Steven. It’s Halloween, I am not going to spend it laying on a couch. I don’t feel awful, just like I might be catching a little cold or something anyway. It won’t hit till tomorrow, or even later.” Steve stares at him for a second as if to call his bluff, but then nods, pressing a kiss to his curls. It makes Eddie melt even further, eyes drooping heavily.

Twenty minutes later, they’re heading out the door, all four dressed in costume. Steve’s got his fake ax in his hand, looking all kinds of sexy, even if Jack Torrance is decidedly not, red jacket looking cozy on his frame. Robin and Chrissy are in their dresses, fake blood splattered all over, but they’ve got jackets on as well, the air too cold to really justify not wearing them even with a costume. Eddie is thankful his costume is at least half warm, a beige turtleneck and green gingham button down under a tan jumper like dress, tights and, for his comfort purposes, his black sneakers instead of tall boots.

“Let us know if you wanna head home okay babe?” Steve directs towards his boyfriend, who awkwardly nods.

“Wait, are you okay?” Chrissy’s voice is at just the right tone that Eddie grimaces.

“Just getting a little sick, Chris, nothing major. Just a cold or something.”

“Take it easy tonight, we can always come back and wa-”

“Yeah, I got it, watch TV,” the long haired man grumps, sniffling.

Downtown Hawkins is full of people when they park in the area roped off for all the cars, the streets blocked off with vendors and games, a bounce house for kids on an area of grass. There are some carnival games as well as a few amusement type rides, pumpkin painting and more. Everyone is in costume for the most part, except the ‘too cool’ teenagers that have been dragged by their parents. Eddie’s never been one of those kids, always fully embracing the chaotic holiday to its fullest.

“What should we do first?” Robin asks with a smile, bouncing on the balls of her feet, holding hands with Chrissy- it completes the costume even more.

“Food? Or maybe I can win another bat for Eddie,” Steve teases, pointing to one of the carnival games a couple hundred feet down, where a large bat plush is hanging to win.

“Ooh, food first,” Robin nods, always one for snacks.

Eddie links hands with Steve and matches pace so they fall in line together. It’s chilly out, but Steve’s made sure he’s got a jacket on, always one to mother hen. For some reason, Eddie doesn’t mind it too much, all things considered. He may be stubborn as hell, but he’s lenient for the barista. As they make their way down to where food trucks and snack stands are, the tattoo artist turns and coughs into the crook of his arm. It makes his head give a throb but the pain eases off to a dull ache, and Eddie shifts closer to Steve, craving the physical contact.

As they wait in line, the guitarist notices his best friend rub at her nose, scrunching it up, eyes narrowing. He’s always thought she had an attractive sneeze, even before he really knew her well, sitting behind her in high school. He knows her routine, how she’ll try to make it go away, scrunch her nose up and eventually rub at it, finally succumbing to the four or so sneezes like always. Seconds later, the strawberry blonde does just that, the cuff of her jacket sleeve rubbing against it, before-

“hh’GKkt’uh!”

“Bless you,” Robin rubs her shoulder, but Eddie just chuckles.

“Oh she’s not done.”

True to his word, Chrissy sniffles and cups her hands that are still covered by the sleeve cuffs, to her face.

“hah’IKgt’ew! snf! Thanks,” she gives her girlfriend a smile, rolling her eyes as Eddie just shakes his head knowingly.

“Oh come on, we both know you have more in y-”

“hah’IGKtuhEW! snf! That one wasn’t cute,” she huffs at her best friend jokingly.

Steve’s eyes widen and he looks between the two, cheeks pink.

“I told you, she’s a menace,” Eddie grumbles, laughing when the petite woman glares at him, though the effect diminishes when her eyes flutter.

“ah’hngKTew! hh! h-ah’IKTew! snfsnf! Okay, think I’m done,” she rubs her nose into her sleeve cuff one last time before finally relaxing.

“Bless you,” Robin finally giggles, pressing a kiss to the other’s hair. “Should I be worried? Are you feeling okay?”

A blush appears on the strawberry blonde's cheeks, and she shakes her head, leaning into the taller woman.

“I’m good, they’ve always kind of been like that, you can ask Eddie. I feel good, promise.”

Eddie glares at her, then nods, giving Robin a thumbs up. “Yep, she just sneezes a billion times no matter what. If she’s sick she can’t hold them back like that.”

Steve and Chrissy end up with hotdogs, Robin gets a burger, and Eddie opts for a grilled cheese. He’s been saving his carbs for candy, but honestly this is the only thing that sounds even remotely good to him, and it’s rare he’s ever able to even eat one. Munching on the bread and cheese, he lets out an almost unholy noise, moaning. The other three stare at him, making him smirk.

“Never seen a guy enjoy his food before?”

“Maybe you’d like to take the sandwich back to your apartment and not me,” Steve jokes lightly, taking another bite of his own food.

“Says the man literally downing a weiner.”

Chrissy and Robin laugh.

“You both have good points. But really, enjoying your food, birthday boy?” Chrissy asks.

“God yes. I always forget how good these things are. Like I know they’re good, but they’re always even better when I do have one,” Eddie rambles, shivering slightly as a cool gush of wind goes by. Swiping his nose on his wrist, he finishes up his sandwich, then takes a few sips of water while checking all of his levels and making sure he’s got enough insulin ready for the chaotic mess that is his body.

When the group finishes, Chrissy links arms with her best friend, causing Eddie to smile softly at her. They’ve been through a lot together, and he can’t help but feel overly excited about her move in a few weeks. They walk down to the ‘carnival’ area, and Eddie rolls his eyes fondly when Steve starts getting all macho-man, walking up to a basketball free throw game, running a hand through his coiffed hair. The three others watch him in amusement, but once he starts throwing the balls, they go in every single time. By the time the plush bat is being handed over, Chrissy and Eddie have their mouths open and Robin is laughing.

“King Steve, everyone!”

“Not anymore Robs,” Steve’s voice goes tight and Eddie looks at him curiously, trying to save this moment in his mental rolodex to ask him about later.

“Thanks for winning him Stevie,” he jumps in, a large smile on his face.

Taking the bat, he announces his name is now Lestat, and he is going to be sleeping in his bed at all times, looking entirely pleased with his new friend. They play a few more games, Steve winning a teddy bear for Robin and Eddie managing to somehow win a little frog for Chrissy and; after an embarrassing amount of tries, a bear for his boyfriend too. Both couples walking around, stuffed animals in hand, they stop at a few booths that are set up with different kinds of candy and little items. The artist eagerly takes a little thing of bubbles, blowing them throughout the street until the soapy liquid is gone, kids having gathered to jump around.

Somewhere in between the four of them taking photos at a small photo op area and viewing all of the scarecrows that have been dressed up by local shops- why the parlor or Not Just Coffee didn’t get the memo is a mystery to them- Eddie starts feeling bad. The temperature is only dropping and he can feel a chill start to settle into his bones, the kind that doesn’t bode well for the long haired man. His throat’s started hurting in the most piercing, uncomfortable way, and the achiness that’s seized his body is making his skin feel too sensitive.

“We should go check out all those cool pumpkins,” Steve suggests, gesturing to the long rows of different carved pumpkins along the sidewalk.

Following, Eddie ignores the look Chrissy fixes him with. He knows he’s being quieter and not as energetic, and he knows his best friend worries, but there’s not much they can do about a silly cold. It’s stay at home or be out here, and it’s not like they’re doing anything strenuous, they’re walking around. The musician can tell they’re all having a good time, and that’s what matters to him.

“Hey Harrington,” a voice from behind them makes the group turn.

A man with a tan police uniform is standing there, gazing at them. The little gold bar on his right pocket says ‘JIM HOPPER’, and his badge clipped to his other side tells Eddie he’s the police chief of Hawkins. Curious that he knows the barista, of all people, but then he remembers his boyfriends grown up here his entire life and the town is small. Steve, for his part, smiles and shakes Hopper’s hand.

“Hey Hop. How’re you? Not running into any trouble?”

“Nope, just watching out for teens who want to cause trouble,” the older man shrugs, his eyes looking at the freckled faced girl next, once again smiling. “Buckley, good to see you again.”

“Good to see you too Chief,” she nods.

If the policeman notices her holding Chrissy’s hand, he doesn’t say anything. Soon, Jim’s gaze turns to Eddie, who swallows thickly and shifts. It’s not that he’s against cops, but any that he’d encountered back in Chicago hadn’t been too friendly, and they’d always made him feel like he'd done something wrong, even when he hadn’t. He’d never been caught in highschool when selling drugs, but he’d been close, close enough that a cop that patrolled the hallways of North-Grand had taken him to the office to sit him down and question him. Not one of his finer moments.

“Jim Hopper, don’t think I’ve seen you around before,” the man says kindly, holding a hand out.

The name is familiar in a distant, hazy way, like maybe he’s heard Steve mention him before in a random conversation. Shaking the gruff man's hand, Eddie nods and hopes he gives a smile instead of a grimace when swallowing makes his throat sting.

“Eddie Munson, nice to meet you.”

Hopper freezes, gaze suddenly more calculating, eyes sweeping him up and down minutely.

“You’re Wayne’s boy.”

Stiffening, the artist nods, licking his lips nervously. It sinks in suddenly, just how he knows this man's name, why he seems familiar. Tension hangs in the air, and his friends watch the interaction with confusion written all over their faces.

“Yes sir.”

“You just visiting? I’m sure your uncle is happy to see you.”

“I moved back about a month ago, actually. Missed him too much, I guess. Plus the local tattoo shop had an opening, so it worked out.” His cheeks feel hot as he tries not to squirm under the now knowing gaze.

“Gotcha. Well I’m glad to see you’re doing well,” the Chief nods, then gestures to Chrissy. “And you are?”

“Chrissy Cunningham, Eddie’s friend. I’ll be moving here soon.”

“Christ, if you two are as codependent as these two punks, I’m sure I’ll be seeing you both around more, too.” Hop throws a smile to Robin and Steve, then back to Eddie and Chrissy, who relax a bit, sensing he’s not as intimidating as he seems.

Steve looks like he wants to butt in and defend himself, but Hopper rolls his eyes and then nods, before looking at Eddie again, his gaze once again piercing, like he’s trying to convey something silently. When the guitarist just blinks back, he takes a step closer.

“You need anything, if anyone gives you trouble, you just gimme a call, okay kid?”

“Y-Yeah…thank you. Nice to uh…see you again, I guess.”

When the older man walks off; a sweet looking brunette woman calling him over from a booth, Robin, Chrissy and Steve turn to the metalhead. Steve’s raising an eyebrow, Robin has her head tilted, but his best friend looks like she’s starting to comprehend the interaction.

“Uh, what was that? Why does he know you? I thought you just moved to-” Robin starts but Eddie shakes his head.

“I used to live here, back when I was little. I moved away with my uncle when I was eight,” he offers her, feeling uncomfortable not just from illness.They let it drop, for which Eddie is beyond grateful, not wanting to get into the shit show that’s his childhood.

By the time nine pm rolls around, they’ve done pretty much everything there is to do. They’ve congregated with a few of the ‘kids’ Steve always talks about, talking about life and what they’ve been up to. Eddie knows Max and Dustin, but the others are new. Finding out that they all enjoy D&D makes the man thoroughly thrilled, already telling them they need to play together.

“Of course you two would end up becoming friends,” Steve grumbles, when he realizes they share D&D in common, and now have more to talk about.

“You’re just jealous I’m about to have another older male friend in my life.”

Oh yeah, he’s going to enjoy hanging out with these brats.

Standing out in the now frigid cold is making whatever shit he’s coming down with really start to set in. Eddie’s not usually one to complain when he doesn’t feel well, but as the minutes tick by, the man wonders how long they’re going to stand there. His throat’s starting to get that swollen feeling, like his tonsils are double the size they should be, and it makes the artist touch his upper neck carefully, wishing he could rub the feeling away. Sniffling and rubbing his nose on the cuff of his jacket, Eddie leans into boyfriend, head fuzzy and aching.

Steve’s BMW warms up as they pull out of the packed parking area twenty minutes later, waiting in a long line to make their way back to the rest of the town. Shivering, Eddie shuts his eyes, listening to the other three talk about the coffee shop and then kids he and Chrissy have met. The ride doesn’t take very long, and the eldest wants to be petulant as Steve gets out of the car with a look on his face. He knows what’s coming next- the two business owners aren’t coming up with them.

“I wish I could stay baby, you know I do, but I gotta go back to my place so I have everything I need for work tomorrow morning. Plus you need sleep, and I don’t wanna wake you up at five am like I always do when I stay over,” Steve explains softly, running a hand down his back when Eddie presses close.

“Yeah, you’re right,” he bites his lip, feeling like a child who’s getting told they can’t go with a parent overnight somewhere. “Sorry, m’good,” he adds with a wobbly smile, breaking the hug.

“If you start feeling worse, tell Chrissy okay?”

“I know, Stevie, I’m a big boy,” the man huffs, feeling prickly again. Jesus can his emotions chill for two minutes? “Text me when you get home, okay?”

“I will baby,” Steve nods and presses a kiss to his boyfriend's forehead, brushing his bangs out of the way. He lets them linger for a moment before finally pulling back.

“See you tomorrow?”

“See you tomorrow. And thanks for winning me my bear, he’s going to stay on my bed. Happy birthday Eds, I hope it was the best one yet.” Steve adds, squeezing the hand Eddie doesn’t have his own bat in.

All four say goodbye, kissing their respective partner before Steve and Robin pull away and Eddie leans against Chrissy, feeling any energy he’s had left drain out of him. The fact he doesn’t get sick often makes everything worse, and when they get into the apartment, he turns to his best friend and leans his face down on her shoulder, their height difference more apparent at times like these.

“How’re you feeling birthday boy?” Chrissy asks, noting it isn’t even ten pm yet.

“I’m okay I guess,” Eddie mumbles, shivering. “Think I might take a shower to warm up and then lay down. Maybe on the couch? We can watch Garfield's Halloween Adventure,” he suggests, finally standing to turn away and cough into his arm.

Garfield’s Halloween Adventure is something Eddie’s watched every year on Halloween since he was born. It’s one of his favorite memories with his mom, snuggling up on the couch on the night of his birthday and watching the orange cat and dopey dog row across to the haunted house. Even after she died, he’d continued the tradition with Wayne, and then eventually Chrissy. Quietly, he wishes Steve were there to join in on the tradition. Chrissy must be able to tell, because she presses a kiss to his head and then squeezes his arm.

“Go shower. I’ll make you some tea to have when you get out. I’ll find some extra blankets too.”

Sometimes, Eddie isn’t sure how the universe allows him to have a friend like Chrissy Cunningham.

With the water extra hot, Eddie stands under the spray, thankful to be out of the slightly uncomfortable dress. It dawns on him, as he soaps up his hair, that he had reintroduced himself to the chief of police in a goddamn dress and tights. Grimacing, he coughs out into the open, not bothering to cover as he rinses his curls, head throbbing right at his temples. Even under the water, he’s cold. It’s like there’s a blanket of ice over his bones, especially when the water gets turned off and he wraps a towel around his waist. Reattaching his pump, he goes to pull on a pair of comfy, too big sweatpants and a sweatshirt of Steve’s. After a moment of thought, he pulls on socks too, pale feet too cold to be bare on the hardwood floors.

Knowing he won’t be eating anything else tonight, Eddie brushes his teeth and flosses, something he does religiously. He’s had one cavity his entire life- he’d been six and traumatized by the sound of the drill. It’s funny now, he thinks, that he uses a tattoo gun every day. Not exactly the same, but still close enough that some people react the way he had as a child. Looking at himself in the mirror, hair still damp, he notices dark circles starting to appear under his eyes, a tell-tale sign he’s starting to get sick. At least he’s avoided feeling really unwell until now, after all the fun has been had.

Moving to the living room where Chrissy is curled up in the corner, he gives her a tired smile. Looking around, he notices she’s in her pajamas too, blankets all over the couch and steaming mug of tea sitting on the coffee table on a coaster. Literal. Godsend. Grabbing his black solar system blanket; the one he’s had since he was fourteen and Wayne surprised him with it, he wraps it around his shoulders like a cape, grabs his tea, then burrows himself under another one, pressing close to his best friend.

“Should I move? Don’t wanna get you sick,” he takes a sip of his tea, big brown eyes looking at her worriedly.

“While that’s sweet, we both know if you’re not getting cuddled when you feel gross you’re a terror,” she teases, a small hand laying against his knee.

“Damn, call me out.”

Garfield’s Halloween Adventure is already pulled up, paused at the beginning. The entire ‘movie’ is less than half an hour long, so Eddie forces himself to stay awake, knowing he’ll be disappointed if he doesn’t watch the entire thing. He finishes his tea as the large grandfather clock chimes midnight and the ghost pirates start to appear. The screen goes black five minutes later, and though it’s barely past 10:30, he looks at Chrissy, feeling guilty.

“Would you hate me if I went to bed early?”

“Of course not,” she frowns, looking at him with her brow furrowed.

“I’m sorry, this cold is just hitting me, I guess. I feel like I can barely keep my-snf! my eyes open.”

“Yeah bug, go ahead,” Chrissy nods, rubbing his shoulder. “You need sleep. I’m glad you’ve enjoyed your birthday,” she says gently, standing to follow him to his bedroom.

“Want me to cuddle with you till you fall asleep?”

Eddie snaps his gaze to hers and then nods. He’s sure he looks ridiculous as he lays down, his solar system blanket still wrapped around his shoulders, little bat Robin bought him close by; his bat Steve won him is sitting on his chair for now until there’s more room. Chrissy lays down too, and it reminds him of when she’d come over crying because of her shitty mom, and how they’d lay in his bed just talking about their futures. It reminds him of all the times she’d come over to learn guitar and they’d lounge on his bed listening to whatever new CD he had. It reminds him of when they got an apartment together and he’d have nightmares of Wayne dying, and he’d crawl into her bed like a child seeking protection.

“Night Chris,” Eddie mumbles, slinging an arm over her waist as he snuggles under the sheets. He’s asleep in seven minutes, and Chrissy is close behind.

#my fic #birthdayweekend #em #sh #st #rb #cc #ytau

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dontfeeltoohot · 1 year

Text

EDDIES BIRTHDAY WEEKEND - OCTOBER 30TH (7450)

I hope you guys enjoy today's installment. It includes Eddie starting to get sick, but he doesn't realize it because he's just prickly and emotional!

Warnings: Clowns? Haunted houses? That's about all I got. Eddie and Chrissy fight a little. Eddie's extra emotional.

X X X

Waking up next to Steve is always nice, especially when they’re in Eddie’s bed, mostly because his bed is smaller than Steve’s which means they’re closer together. Neither of them exactly like to cuddle while sleeping; Steve runs far too hot for either to be comfortable, but waking up being wrapped around each other is nice, especially when it’s cold outside and the heat is on low. Robin and Chrissy are in the guest room, and even though Eddie had pretended to be scarred last night, he’s still elated for them both. They deserve each other.

Remembering Steve and Robin are off today, the musician grins, wiggling around a bit. Deciding he wants to get a head start on the day, the long haired man removes himself carefully from Steve and the warm bed, then heads to the ensuite, brushing his teeth, removing his pump, and getting in the shower. By the time he’s washed his body and hair, ringlets starting to take shape once again while he turns off the water, he can hear noise coming from the bedroom. Shaking the excess water off, reattaching his pump, and drying himself with his dark grey towel, Eddie makes his way back, towel wrapped around his waist.

Chrissy, Robin and Steve are all on his bed, somehow contorting themselves to fit. It’s a nice sight, as if they’re all a little family, but it’s also confusing, seeing Robin Buckley sprawled out, her hair fanned on his pillow.

“You’re having a pow-wow without me?”

All three turn to look at him, and while Steve’s eyes travel over his frame, Robin slaps a hand over her own, and of course Chrissy is unphased, merely shrugging and turning back to laugh at the other two. Huffing, Eddie grabs jeans and an old striped shirt he’s had for years, beelining it back to the bathroom so he doesn’t scar Robin more than necessary. A minute later, after yanking on the items, the long haired man steps back out, to where only Steve remains, still on the bed.

“The girls decided to let you get dressed,” Steve says, lips quirked upwards.

“Probably scarred Robin for life, wearing more than if I was wearing a swimsuit,” he jokes, pressing a kiss to Steve’s cheek, squeezing his hand.

There’s no awkwardness or tension in the air from their miscommunication, and Eddie’s grateful. While the day is going to be mostly lounging around and heading out to get some groceries, the four are leaving later in the afternoon to head to Indianapolis for the city's award winning haunted house experience- Indy Screampark. It’s been voted USA’s top haunted house the past two years and Eddie is more than stoked to be able to experience it, especially with his best friends.

As they all sit on Eddie’s couch, breakfasts in hand, watching some walkthrough of the park so they have an idea of what’s to come, the long haired man feels Steve tense ever so slightly. It dawns on him then, that he’s not even sure Steve’s going to enjoy this. From what he’s gathered, his boyfriend isn’t a huge horror person, but he watches movies with him without too much complaining. There have been times (IE The Conjuring 2), when Steve’s shielded his face or looked away from the television during scary scenes, times when he’s jumped and curled into Eddie’s lap, but for the most part he’s not what anyone would classify as a ‘scaredy-cat’. Movies, he knows, are a lot different than real life.

“You guys are like…cool with going to this thing tonight right? I don’t think Chris and I ever actually asked,” Eddie admits, setting his bowl in his lap and looking at the two best friends, brown eyes big and curious.

“Oh, I’m definitely down. I might freak out, but that’s the whole point, right?” Robin nods, making Chrissy look elated.

One down.

“Steve?”

All three look at the man who’s rubbing the back of his neck, looking sheepish and shy. Eddie instantly regrets even mentioning wanting to go.

“I…I’m a little freaked out by it, but I’m sure it’ll be fun, too. Especially with you guys. I know you won’t let shit happen or anything. The experience in general will be cool, just…might freak out a little too.”

“We don’t have to go, St-”

“We’re going. I want to go, I’m not lying, I swear. I’m nervous, but I’m not dreading it. I wanna go and experience the fun with you.”

The two men stare at each other for a moment, before Chrissy nods and claps her hands.

“It’s settled then. We’re going to go and have a kick ass time, and it’s going to be a memory for the ages,” she beams, grabbing Robin’s hand, who blushes.

Eddie keeps Steve a little closer than usual the rest of the morning, arm wrapped securely around the coffee shop owner, wanting to assure him that he’ll be there for him. The musician is very acutely aware of just how intense things can get in a haunted house, and the video’s make the park look like it could rival the ones back in Chicago, where he’d worked. He’s also aware of the rules the actors have to follow, at least, he hopes they’re the same in every place. If Steve really starts getting stressed, he’ll tell them to back the fuck off, maybe go get some food and let him cool down.

Around noon, Eddie and Steve head out to Target, letting the girls stay back to relax and; if Eddie’s honest, let them have some alone time together. Steve drives while Eddie fiddles with the aux cord, trying to decide on the music he wants. Much like his train of thought, the way he listens to his music can also be classified as ‘chaotic’. He’ll listen to half a song before switching to another, only to switch that one before it even gets to the chorus. Steve finally puts his hand on Eddie’s before he can once again skip around, squeezing his fingers gently.

“We’re a minute out Eds, maybe let the music rest,” he teases.

Eddie knows it’s simply that- teasing. It makes him grin, knowing they’re able to joke around about simple things like his chaotic methods, or Steve’s inability to be subtle about things. As they park, he sniffles and rubs at his nose with his wrist, wrinkling it when the ticklish feeling from all the leaves and shit that Autumn brings. It’s rained overnight, only furthering the release of mold, and the artist can’t help but pause as he steps out of his boyfriend's fancy BMW, pressing his arm against his face.

“iiGKtSHew! hih’KgSSHhew! ih’GhSHHuhEW!”

“Bless you,” Steve rounds the front of the car so he can press a hand to Eddie’s shoulder.

“Ugh, thanks Stevie,” the twenty eight year old sniffles and rubs his face, which makes his boyfriend put his arms around his wrists.

“No rubbing, it just makes things worse babe.”

Huffing, Eddie gives a semi-pout and then links their fingers together, knowing Steve is enjoying this- not just him sneezing or being allergic, but getting to take care of him too, in any little way he can. He himself enjoys taking care of Steve, and; when he gets the chance, Chrissy. He’s sure he’ll feel the same way with Robin whenever she gets sick too. Leaning into Steve’s side, Eddie slings an arm around his waist as they make their way inside to the large box-chain retailer.

“So we need to grab soap, tissues, your shampoo,” Steve rattles off while Eddie watches him fondly, wondering if he has a little list written in his phone like usual.

“And we need to replenish snacks,” he chimes in, grabbing a cart from the return area.

They stop by the small 1 to 5 dollar section, and Eddie doesn’t notice Steve’s eyes on him as he bounces through the small area, checking out all the Halloween items as well as; much to Eddie’s dismay, the Christmas decor that’s starting to trickle in. He touches at least half of the things while his boyfriend follows him, looking at the little hot cocoa station decor items.

When they’ve both seen everything, Eddie leads them down the main aisle, passing the animal care section, the cards and the office supplies. Both men pause to look at the home decor area that’s now also been taken over by Christmas and holiday decorations. Pillows, random trinkets, fake trees and plaid blankets take up most of the space, and while Eddie refuses to acknowledge the fact Christmas is slowly taking over his own favorite time of the year, he does veer from the cart, stepping closer to the display. Reaching out, the man’s hand brushes a soft red and black plaid blanket, and after feeling a few different ones, he picks it up and tosses it in the cart, brushing hair out of his face.

“That looks cozy.”

“Need another one,” Eddie shrugs, laughing when Steve gives him a look. “Okay…maybe I don’t but…it looks so warm! And it’ll be nice for the holidays on my couch.”

“Who knew my boyfriend was such an interior decorator?”

“Look Harrington,” Eddie drawls playfully, “Not all of us can have your..interesting design styles.”

Steve’s bedroom in his own apartment is by no means ugly, not like how he’s described his childhood bedroom, but it’s mishmashed and though Eddie secretly loves it, he can’t pass up the opportunity to tease his boyfriend about it. He does love it though, he loves how his comforter is a navy blue but he has a light yellow blanket, loves how his dresser and his night table are two different kinds of wood, and how cozy the whole place is. It’s like he’s gathered bits and pieces he’s loved, and whether they match or not, he’s going to keep them close.

“Yeah well,” Steve trails off, not having a good comeback.

Grinning, Eddie hugs him close and then continues down the main aisle, lacing their fingers together. He’s tired, he realizes, not exhausted really, but just tired enough he recognizes it for what it is. Rubbing his eye discreetly while Steve grabs the vitamins he takes every day, Eddie pulls his phone out and snaps a quick photo, sending it to the group chat that he, Steve, Chrissy and Robin have.

Even buying vitamins he’s dreamy and has a great ass.

Thirteen seconds later he gets a throwing up emoji from Robin and a skull and crossbones from Chrissy.

Steve sets the container in the cart and leads them to the personal care section, where Eddie wanders around until he finds his Odele Curl Defining shampoo, the one that his boyfriend always grimaces at. ‘Some of us can’t be rich and afford sixty dollar shampoo Stevie’, he’d told him the first time they’d showered together. ‘Plus, it’s sulfate free which is what really matters. You know that’s the shit they put in car oil? Learned that from Queer Eye. Jonathan Van Ness man, he’s like…an angel or something.”

By the time they finish up, there’s far more in the cart than what they’ve originally come for, including a new soft sweatshirt for Steve and a little blind bag horror character keychain for Eddie. He opens it up on the card ride home to find a tiny Pennywise (1990’s version), grinning as he inspects it. They get back to the apartment at almost 1pm, only a couple of hours before they’re leaving to head to Indy. Robin and Chrissy help them put away the groceries they’ve bought, and soon enough all of them are once again on the couch, watching Buzzfeed Unsolved and laughing at the two men on screen.

The drive to Indy isn’t horrendous until they get about a mile out from the attractions. Eddie’s sitting in the front seat due to Robin and Chrissy wanting to sit in the back, even though he’d offered numerous times to the both of them that he could sit in the back. As the car line to get in slowly creeps forward, the long haired man feels…off. Not bad, not sick, but off. Like something minuscule isn’t right, like his skin is too tight. Unease, maybe, is another good word for it. The tiredness from earlier hasn’t worn off, but he has an iced coffee in him that they’d picked up an hour prior on the way, so he thinks it’ll help once he’s out of the car and able to stretch his limbs.

Parking is kind of a bitch, but eventually, the four friends make their way out of the car. Eddie rubs his face and finds Steve, who’s opening the door for Robin and Chrissy to get out. The two women are smiling, looking excited for what’s to come. Wrapping an arm around his best friend, he gives Chrissy’s shoulder a squeeze.

“You start dating someone and forget all about lil ole’ me,” he pouts dramatically, throwing the back of his hand on his forehead like an old Hollywood starlet.

“Oh stop, you know I love you. I’m just excited to be with Robin.”

As much as Eddie knows this, as much as the logical side of his brain can confirm, something in him feels slightly annoyed, because fuck, Chrissy is his best friend, and he’s so glad for her and Robin, but it’s his birthday weekend, and he feels like he’s barely talked to her all day. He doesn’t know where it’s all coming from, why he’s (very) suddenly starting to feel annoyed about it all, but he tries to swallow it down the best he can. He wraps an arm around her, wondering if Steve feels the same way about Robin and the fact he’s not been able to be as close with her as he usually is.

Tickets shown at the front gate, the group walks through and is greeted by performers and actors all dressed in different zombie and clown get ups. Looking around, Eddie finds his boyfriend on the opposite side of Robin, taking everything in with wide eyes. Snorting, he finally drops his arm from Chrissy’s shoulder and moves to be closer to Steve.

“How ya holdin’ up Princess?” He teases, crowding the twenty seven year olds space so a clown that’s watching them can’t get to him first.

“There’s a lot going on,” Steve blinks. “It’s cool though. A lot more fun already than what I was expecting.”

“We’ve gotten eight feet into the park babe,” Eddie laughs, pressing a kiss to the man’s fluffy hair.

“Still. I’ve never been to anything like this. It’s not what I expected.”

“Is that good or bad?”

“Good, I think.”

“Fuck, you’re adorable Harrington,” Eddie sighs as if it’s a burden having such a hot boyfriend.

“Ok, I’m going to break this gross sap-fest up. Which house are we going to first?” Chrissy butts in, Robin hanging off the shorter girl's arm.

There’s six houses in total: Killgore’s 3D Circus, Zombieland Unchained, Backwoods, Mutation, Nightmare Factory Blackout and Zombie Paintball Assault. They’ve already decided to nix the last one, none of them wanting to actually play paintball or even observe it, which helps them make sure they can do all of the other five. Eddie’s excited for all of them, especially Killgore’s 3D Circus and Nightmare Factory Blackout. The idea of a house where you have to feel your way through sounds like an extra fun time to the guitarist. Steve’s probably going to shit his pants.

“I vote Backwoods,” Eddie says when neither of the other two speak up.

“Sounds good to me,” Robin nods, swinging her hand in Chrissy’s.

Eddie tries not to bristle at the motion, tries to calm himself down again. This is his best friend and her newly appointed girlfriend. They’re happy. Three hours ago he was ecstatic for them, what the hell is wrong with him. He wraps an arm around Steve, then looks at him, just barely an inch shorter.

“That sound good to you?”

“Yeah! I’m down for some murder,” Steve jokes.

Eddie doesn’t think it’s possible to find anyone cuter than Steve Harrington.

The four make their way over to the line for ‘Backwoods’, enjoying the screams and yells coming from inside the large open area and small shacks in front of them. Steve stays close to Eddie as they start moving toward the small out-house type building, signifying the start. Eddie and Chrissy find it fun and comical, while Robin is half scared and half giddy. Steve tries to act like it doesn’t bother him, like he’s still the protector of the group, but the long haired man can feel how his hand holds just a little tighter when people start moving towards them, or someone screams.

They walk through, the sound of chainsaws growing closer as they make their way through a large barn type building, chains rattling. Eddie knows there will be at least one person waiting for them as they round the corner. Sure enough, a man with fake blood all over him growls, yelling at them to get off his land, ripping the cord of a chainsaw. The tattoo artist is impressed with the fact it looks real.

Further along, they start passing large cages with women in them, looking bloody and bruised. They moan and beg for the guests to help them, to not leave them chained up. Both Robin and Chrissy scream as a man with a machete charges towards them, getting close to their faces. The four hustle along.

“You doing good, baby?” Eddie asks Steve when they finally reach the end, stepping to the side to let other attraction goers file out.

“Yep! Yep I’m great,” Steve nods, standing straighter. It makes Eddie huff.

“You know you don’t have to be right? You can be scared. Don’t always have to protect everyone,” he murmurs as they near the end.

“I….I know. But I’m fine, Eds, really.”

The words make Eddie tense, though he’s not really sure why. He thinks maybe it’s got to do with wanting to take care of Steve even when he’s not sick. The musician is protective too, even though he’s not had many people to be protective too. It must show, at least to Chrissy, because the petite girl steps in, smiling.

“Well, Eddie will be there if you do get freaked out, he’s pretty good at getting people to back off if need be,” she offers, patting the man’s shoulder.

As if something clicks in Steve’s brain, he nods and relaxes, leaning into his boyfriend's side, an arm around his waist. For the long haired man’s part, he leans in too, pressing a kiss to the other's forehead. Looking satisfied, his best friend goes back to Robin and they continue on to the next house, Mutation.

It’s a little less scary, entering ‘Omni Labs’, the fake setting where the story says they’ve mutated plants, animals, insects and humans- an experimentation gone wrong. They’ve all chosen to just observe, going through like a normal haunted house, though the attraction also offers an interactive experience, one that allows you to be grabbed, taken places, put in cages and even forced to stay.

Eddie, of course, half wants to go all in, but knows it would take up time that could be used for other houses, so he goes along with the other three, smiling as large creatures pop out at them, laughing when one mutated person tries to get Chrissy and Steve’s attention, both staring wide eyed back. People jump out at them, exclaiming things are going wrong, that there are creatures that will eat them if they continue. It makes Robin, of all people, giggle. What feels like an eternity later, they get to the ‘light at the end of the tunnel’, make their way through the last door, and then everyone relaxes.

Smiling slightly, Steve seems a little more enthused now, which in turn makes Eddie smile back. He’s been worrying they’ve made the wrong decision, but the younger man’s reaction is easing that anxiety. Maybe they’ll all enjoy this after all. The four take a break, heading to the Monster Midway, the area for food and drinks. It still has the horror aspect thanks to clowns coming around and staring at them, trying to make them uneasy. Eddie steals Steve’s crust from the slice of pizza he’s downed, not very hungry himself. He’s been careful eating all day so he can enjoy more carbs, though now food seems to be the last thing he wants.

“You’re not hungry?” Robin’s brow furrows, and the man shrugs.

“Too much adrenaline. I’ll get hungry later I’m sure.”

Both Steve and Chrissy turn their gazes on him too, but he resolutely ignores them, pulling out his phone to check his levels. 79. Perfect. Eddie stretches a bit, smirking when a clown walks up behind Steve and Robin, the pair unsuspecting as the guy dips right between them quickly, face turned to Steve with a sadistic smile as he laughs. The barista jumps, knee hitting the picnic table.

“Jesus Christ!”

More cackling from the clown before he turns and jeers at Robin, who lets out a high pitched squeak, one hand on her chest. Eddie snorts at both reactions and waves at the actor, who steps closer with a look of determination. The long haired man blinks and then continues gnawing on the pizza crust. Scaring him is hard to do, whether it’s intimidation tactics, jump scares, or dark rooms. Which, speaking of-

“So you guys wanna do the blackout house next?”

“Even I’m going to regret saying yes,” Chrissy groans, even though his best friend knows she’ll secretly like it.

“Eh, you’ll be fine. You can hold my hand if you want,” he jokes, setting the crust down after a few bigger bites.

“Do I really have a choice?” Steve smirks, a glint in his eyes. “The last one wasn’t so bad, it was actually kind of fun. Guess you’re turning me to the darkside, Munson.”

“Happy to be the leader of your voyage into all things scary and horrific.” He shoots Steve a playful smirk.

The temperature is dropping. Late October in Hawkins keeps the weather at a brisk upper 40’s to mid 50’s, but it somehow feels colder in Indianapolis, even if it’s just a few hours north. Discreetly, Eddie checks the temperature on his phone, finding that it’s only 47 degrees, with a wind chill of 45. Sitting in his short sleeved shirt and an old, well worn black sweater, he wishes he’d brought something a little warmer. The artist lets his hair down, slipping his dependable, worn out hair tie back on his left wrist. Steve bumps their feet together, and Eddie bumps back, leaning forward to squeeze the shaggy-haired man's hand.

Slowly, taking everything in, the group heads towards Nightmare Factory: Blackout. Getting in line, they notice the music change from regular spooky, haunting music to something deeper, the sounds of chainsaws and clanging laid overtop. With only a ten minute wait, the two couples end up inside, staying impossibly close. Entering, they pass through steel beams, the sign above reading ‘Caution, Controlled Area’, the entire building and ambiance giving off the factory vibes. Eddie and Chrissy lead the way, though Steve is pressed so tightly to his boyfriend’s back he might as well be up with them too. Robin is half shielding Chrissy, turned into her, holding her hand as tightly as she can without hurting her, and Eddie holds his best friend's other hand, due to Steve clutching both of his in the fabric of the older man’s sweater.

It’s black, pitch black. The only thing that guides them in the rope, which in turn forces the four friends to let go of each other enough that their hands can hold on to the one driving force that can help them get out of the maze. Greeted with loud noises, Steve uses his unoccupied hand to grab Eddie’s, both mens arms bent awkwardly but not dropping. There’s movements around their legs, and screams coming from all directions. A siren blares as if the place needs to be locked down, which causes a noise crawl from Robin’s throat, just loud enough for the others to hear. Eddie tries to look back but it's impossible to see her, even barely a foot away. He swallows and continues forward, feeling the presence of scare actors in front of him.

Strobe lights dance around them, and fog sits heavy and thick in the air. Music plays, synched up with certain timed jump scares, and the long haired man has to remind himself to focus on going through the roped areas, instead of pausing to try and figure out what all is going on. By the time they make it out, the women seem to be a little frazzled, Steve is rubbing his eyes, and Eddie is laughing, surprised at how good it was after the fact.

“Jesus Christ,” Steve’s hands are shaking a little, so Eddie holds them tight and leans in, pressing a kiss to Steve’s head.

“You three okay? Do we need to take a second?” He asks, earning nods from all of them. “Okay, no worries. We only have two more to do, anyway.”

Looking around, Chrissy leads them to a spot where it seems to be less crowded, further back from the main pathways where scare actors are pestering some guests. They sit down on the ground, Robin practically in Chrissy’s lap, her long limbs slightly awkward. Steve leans his head against his boyfriend’s shoulder, eyes shut, fingers absentmindedly brushing over the other’s pant leg, obviously trying to come down from the intense adrenaline rush. Eddie’s not sure how long they sit there, but after a few minutes he feels antsy and off again, his leg; the one his boyfriend isn’t playing with, jiggling with restrained energy.

The couples stand after another few minutes of recuperating, Eddie holding out a hand for Steve, Robin mimicking the action with Chrissy. He thinks it’s interesting, seeing them fall into a somewhat odd dynamic, but really, the musician wouldn’t expect anything less, if he’s honest. They’re both peculiar in their own ways, Robin with her quirky personality and issues with social queues, Chrissy with her childlike wonder and optimism. He wonders how people view he and Steve, wonders if they look like a mismatched pair who seem out of place, or like they’re an old married couple. Either way, Eddie’s grateful to be with Steve at all.

“Which one next? I think the zombie one is close,” Steve squints, trying to remember.

“Can you handle a hoard of zombies coming at you, big boy?” Eddie teases playfully, winking at him when Steve narrows his eyes challengingly.

“Of course I can. I’ve dealt with worse.”

Eyebrows raising, Eddie looks half amused and half exasperated.

“What’s worse than a hoard of zombies? Aside from a hoard of vampires.”

“Angry customers.” Steve smirks, and okay, he’s got Eddie there.

The women laugh, Robin nodding enthusiastically. The walk to Zombieland: Unchained is quick, and the shrieks and nervous laughter of the guests can be heard from the entrance, the entire haunted ‘house’ outdoors, the pathways marked by large sheets of metal, making only the sky visible, immersing them into the ‘outpost’. The queue isn’t terribly long since people are constantly moving through the attraction, but it still takes a good fifteen minutes before they’re entering. The first thing they see is an overturned bus, cars on the other side of them, piled high. The wreckage has pyrotechnics spitting out fire in front of them before it switches to fog and green lighting, a noise like a weather warning blaring around them.

Any zombies they encounter snarl and snap at them, grunting and yelling. The apocalypse survivors beg them to help, begging for their bodies, for food. Steve stays close to Eddie the entire time, but is almost laughing at some parts, looking at Eddie as if to say ‘this section is dumb’ or ‘they’re not believable’. When they finish up and get out, all four of them are grinning, thankful for the less intense but still jump-inducing fun. There’s only one house left to make their way through, the one Eddie’s been most excited for- Killgore’s 3D Circus.

The few things he’s seen about it makes it look entirely dizzying and thrilling, one of those experiences where you’re terrified but in the best way possible. While walking over, the guitarist notices his head’s aching a little, not enough to hurt, just enough to be bothersome. No doubt it’s from all the adrenaline spikes and the fight or flight responses. Approaching the line for the last house, Eddie beams, admiring the large big top, circus themed appearance. They walk through an open clown mouth to get further through the queue, and Chrissy shudders.

“Don’t like clowns?” Steve asks, looking a little uneasy himself.

“Nope, I can do pretty much everything else but these jerks terrify me. I watched ‘IT’ when I was seven and it scarred me for life,” she groans, pressing her face into Robin’s shoulder. Their height difference is cute, Eddie notes, the five inches between them making his best friend seem particularly small.

“If it helps, I’m not fond of them either,” his boyfriend grimaces, wrinkling his nose. Eddie wants to kiss him.

“At least I’m not the only one then. Eddie’s weird and loves them.”

“Guilty as charged,” he grins. “They’re fun, you guys are just uncultured. Robs, you with me on this one?”

Robin bites her lip, looking a little torn.

“I mean, I don’t think they’re the worst things in the world, but they’re definitely freaky. I saw one once at a birthday party and refused to go up to him to get a balloon. Like why are they always smiling? And why do they wanna hang around kids?”

“Okay, you’ve given way too much thought into this,” Steve rolls his eyes fondly at his best friend.

They get to the front of the line and are given 3D glasses, ones that help make the rooms look even crazier than they already are. Everything is being used with blacklights and neon, and even not having fully gotten through the first hallway, it’s making them all a little disoriented, lights beaming forward as they walk. The house relies on lots of jumpscares when the rooms are dark or there’s something to jump out of from behind. Even Eddie jumps after someone in all black jolts forward near him, yelling.

They head through the different rooms, going from black to a strobing effect. It’s when they get to a pathway that goes in two different directions, the stroble lights and neon making him feel a little overwhelmed, that everything goes to shit. The four have been close, but none have been holding on to each other, at least, Eddie hasn’t been. He doesn’t notice the three of them take one path while he goes on the other, the lights and noises starting to get to him. From there, the long haired man only gets more and more flustered. His entire body feels too tight and hot, he feels trapped and jittery, his skin is crawling. Looking around, the eldest attempts to figure out where he is and ground himself, but it’s so fucking loud. Fuck.

Okay Munson, you can do this man, you just need to keep walking. That’s the only way you’ll get out of this shit show. So he does, yanking off his glasses in the process. He walks quickly and with purpose, eyes glued to the ground so he can focus on getting the hell out. One of the clowns pops out at him but he ignores them, only to start being followed.

“Leave me alone,” he grits out, pressing the right heel of his hand against his right eye, body trembling.

The clown merely cackles and jumps around before finally heading back to his main post. Eddie beelines it, finally making it to where the two paths intersect and rejoin. It leads down a hallway where lights are giving off the impression the entire room is spinning. Head throbbing, feeling beyond flustered and anxious and overwhelmed, the musician gets out, arms crossed and wrapped around his torso, blinking rapidly. His cheeks are hot and the cold air feels good on them. Hearing three familiar voices, all breathing heavy and laughing, stuttering out cuss words and ‘oh my god’s, the tattoo artist looks up and feels a sudden rush of annoyance flood his body.

“What the fuck guys?” His voice comes out harsh, holding himself tighter.

Robin, Chrissy and Steve’s heads all snap to his at the same time, like they’ve been programmed to do everything in sync. Chrissy’s brow is furrowed, Robin looks sheepish and Steve’s eyes meet his, looking confused.

“What do you mean what the fuck, you left us,” Steve says, though there’s no heat behind the words.

“Me? I didn’t leave you guys, you left me, and I had no clue where to go, o-or what was happening, and-” he cuts himself off to rub his face and let out a long breath, hands trembling. His heart’s still racing, and he feels like he wants to crawl out of his skin.

“Okay, okay, I think we just got separated, it wasn’t anyone’s doing. There are two paths and it got confusing,” Chrissy says, but it makes Eddie bristle more.

“Uh, no. You guys didn’t even look back to make sure I was there, which, what the fuck Cunningham, I get it, I get you’re preoccupied with your new girlfriend, but we’re supposed to be best friends! If you had disappeared I would have gone to find you. I would have gone to find any of you!”

All three stand there shocked, eyes wide. Robin’s mouth is parted, Steve’s eyebrows are raised, and Chrissy…Chrissy looks like she’s caught between anger, disbelief and worry. Looking at the other pair of best friends, she excuses her and Eddie, yanking his wrist over a good eight feet away. Steve and Robin turn to give them more privacy, talking quietly. The musician looks at his best friend, still overwhelmed.

“What?”

“Eddie, what is going on? You’ve never…you’re never like this. Especially not in a haunted house.”

“Like this? What’s this, exactly?” His voice is dripping in sarcasm, and there’s a part of his brain that’s warning him to stop, to let it go and apologize. But what is he apologizing for, he didn’t leave them, they did. They didn’t check. They didn’t care.

“You’re acting like an asshole. We didn’t mean to get separated, and we’re sorry. But for some reason you’re being a dick about it,” she snarks back, eyes narrowing. Leave it to Chrissy Cunningham to be blunt.

Glaring, Eddie swallows, and his head gives a particularly intense throb behind his eyes.

“Right, I’m being the asshole because I got fucking abandoned in haunted house that was disorienting as shit.”

“We didn’t abandon you, Eddie, we got separated! God, can you ever stop being dramatic for two seconds!? Don’t you get tired of it?”

Eddie stares at her, arms rewrapping around himself, having been used to gesticulate while talking. Huffing and rolling his eyes, the curly haired man licks his lips and shrugs, body feeling suddenly tired and heavy.

“Whatever, Chrissy, let's just go home,” he says, all the fight leaving him. “I’m tired anyway,” he adds, mostly to himself, so quietly he’s pretty sure she doesn’t hear it.

Stalking back to Steve and Robin, hearing Chrissy follow, he stands next to them, biting at his thumb nail. Tension is noticeably in the air, and Eddie feels bad for probably ruining the night. Not for the first time tonight, he wonders what his issue is, and why he’s feeling so….sensitive and grumpy. Tonight’s supposed to be fun, but he’s ending it with yelling at his best friend and getting worked up over something silly.

“Think we’re ready to head out,” Chrissy announces, keeping her voice upbeat.

“Yeah, sounds good to us,” Robin nods, almost too enthusiastically.

As they start their trek back to the car, Eddie stays quiet, holding Steve’s hand loosely in his own. His boyfriend keeps staring at him, looking like he wants to say something, but he decides to beat him to the punch.

“Sorry about uh…all that. I didn’t mean to take it out on you guys,” he chances a glance at Robin too, wanting her to know she’s included in all of it. “Guess I’m just tired or something. Sorry for being a dick and ruining the night.”

“You weren’t a dick, Eds,” Steve frowns, but Eddie shakes his head, laughing lowly.

“You don’t gotta be nice Stevie. I was being a dick and irrational. So I’m sorry, and I hope you guys can uh, can forgive me, or whatever,” he finishes lamely, the space behind his eyes throbbing, pressure building.

“Everyone has their days, babe. It’s okay, you’re human just like the rest of us. Apology accepted, right Robs?”

Robin smiles and nods, waving a hand in the air.

“Of course. Like, do you know how many times Steve and I get bitchy about stuff? You’re a pretty easy guy when it comes to getting annoyed, or at least you act like you are. It’s okay.”

Eddie starts to relax slightly, twisting a piece of hair. Now all that he needs to do is grow balls and apologize to the woman who’s staring at him expectantly. Time to cowboy up, Munson. Hanging back a little, letting the others go ahead of him, he falls in step with Chrissy, then looks down at her,

“I was a shitty friend.”

“Yeah you were. But they’re right, you’re only human, and you always put up with my own dramatics, and I’m sorry for being a bitch to you. I could have been a little nicer.”

Eddie wraps an arm around her, the right side of his lip quirking up. “S’okay, sometimes I need that push. Anyway, I’m sorry Chris.”

“Apology accepted.”

Normally, Eddie would throw in dramatics, would grovel at her feet in a display of over the top theatrics. He’d raise his voice so everyone around could hear as he begged for the fair maiden to forgive him. Tonight, as his adrenaline crashes, he can’t find it in him to do much other than be sincere, exhaustion permeating his entire being. They get to the car and he offers to let either of the women sit up front, but once again the offer is declined, which suits him just fine. Still a little cold, he turns the temperature dial up a bit, still leaving it on cold air, only wanting it to be less biting.

The drive home is mellow. Robin and Chrissy talk about the houses, and Steve interjects when he has his own opinions, but the twenty eight year old stays quiet, resting his head against the window, eyes shut. He doesn’t mean to drift, isn’t even really aware he is, until Chrissy reaches up from behind him, shaking his arm. Groaning, he blinks, looking at the clock that reads 12:02am. They’re halfway home.

“Hmm?”

“Happy birthday, bug!”

Oh, right. His birthday.

“Yeah man, happy birthday, do you feel older?” Robin asks, grinning.

“Not really? Who knows. Maybe I’ll get some cool super powers like being able to file taxes fast or something.”

Steve snorts, then reaches over, squeezing his thigh.

“Happy birthday sweetheart.”

“Oooh, sweetheart, huh? That’s a new one….thanks Stevie.” Eddie blushes just slightly at the nickname, then puts his hand over the one resting on his leg.

+++

When they get off on the Hawkins exit, Eddie’s asleep again, along with Robin. Chrissy and Steve have been keeping each other company by talking about the ins and outs of owning a coffee shop, though mostly the gymnastics coach has forced herself to stay awake, not wanting to leave Steve alone when he’s obviously tired too. A lull in the conversation has the woman glancing at her best friend, and then her best friend's boyfriend.

“Eddie doesn’t normally act the way he did tonight,” she keeps her voice quiet, not wanting to potentially wake up the man.

Steve looks up at her through the rearview mirror, nodding and looking thoughtful. She wonders if he’s been mulling over the event tonight too. It’s rare for Eddie to get as worked up as much as he had tonight, even rarer for it to be in public. Before he’d fallen asleep the first time, she’d had him check his blood sugar, which was one the low side of good, but still good nonetheless.

“Everyone gets cranky and upset sometimes, and tonight was a lot of loud noises and stuff,” Steve offers, which makes her smile.

“You don’t have to act like he’s perfect, he knows he’s not, and doesn’t pretend to be. I think that’s one reason we get along. I can call him out and it’s like he needs it, you know? Needs to be reminded that he’s being a jerk.”

“Still…he had valid reasons, even if it’s not a usual thing,” the barista waves a hand lazily, as if to say it’s no big deal.

“Maybe, but uh…I guess what I’m trying to say is that it’s just that- not a normal thing. I’ve been friends with him for almost ten years, and he doesn’t get flustered or angry like that unless it’s got something to do with his parents, or maybe sometimes if he’s had a really bad day. And when he does act like that, he does it privately. The only other time I’ve ever seen him act like that was back like six or so years ago? He’d been coming down with some nasty virus and ended up throwing the worst bitch fit because I suggested we not go,” she explains.

Steve stiffens ever so slightly at the thought of Eddie being possibly sick, and Chrissy can’t help but chuckle, knowing both her best friend and the other man are into it. She’s known for years Eddie’s into it, kind of hard not to know with the way he takes care of her, the way he’d be playing certain audio’s when he thought she wasn’t home, or would whip his head around when someone sneezed in public. And now, obviously, she knows about Steve since Eddie told her he’d admitted to knowing him through Youtube. Because really, what other kind of Youtube would it be- her best friend loves gaming but he’s not great at it, he doesn’t vlog, or do makeup or have kids to exploit.

“So what, you’re saying he’s getting sick?” His voice is quieter, and he’s glancing at the long haired man before moving his eyes back to the road.

“Not necessarily, but I just think it could be something to look out for. And a heads up now- he’s literally the worst patient. I love him to death, but he refuses to stay in bed, refuses to slow down, won’t take medicine, won’t listen,” she rolls her eyes fondly. “The only thing he will do is eat even if he doesn’t want to, and that’s just because he knows it’ll fuck him up with his bgl levels if he doesn’t.”

Pulling into the apartment complex's parking lot, Steve rolls the car into its usual spot, then turns to look back at her.

“Thanks for the heads up. Also, just so you know, I’m glad you’re moving down here, and I’m glad you’re with Robin. She needs someone like you,” he licks his lips while Chrissy tries to hide a smile.

“But?”

“But if you hurt her I have no problems kicking your tiny ass back to Chicago.”

“I wouldn’t want anything different. If I hurt her then I’m probably possessed by something from one of Eddie’s games,” she jokes, trying to keep the mood light. “But yeah, understood, Steve. And I’m glad you and Eddie have each other too. I know I’ve already told you I’ll kick your ass, but, just know I still mean it.”

“I know,” he offers a big but sleepy smile. “Now, let’s get these two awake enough to drag them up to his apartment.”

“Sounds like a plan. Robs, wake up. I can’t carry you, I’ll just end up dragging you on the ground.”

“Birthday boy, time to get up. I could probably carry you but honestly that sounds like too much work right now.”

Both barely awake adults groan, and Robin kicks her legs while Eddie shoots his middle finger up. Soon, they’re up and back in the apartment, all four falling asleep quickly from the days adventures.

#my fic #ytau #em #sh #st #rb #cc #birthdayweekend

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