Chapter Text
Steve sat next to Eddie at the kitchen island as the King…no…William and Wayne cooked steaks in the kitchen as they chatted about their recent tour. The atmosphere was a bit more relaxed, and Steve was feeling less tense, but Eddie still held his hand rubbing his thumb gently in circles on Steve’s palm as his other hand rubbed each knot going up Steve’s spine.
His was face was still red, this time from a blush rather than a coughing fit. Meeting parents and family is always a good step forward in a relationship...right?
Steve kept waiting for Eddie to kiss him again all day, he would never try to initiate it himself. He had hoped that Eddie would kiss him good morning, but then Chrissy and Bobby came.
Maybe Eddie was waiting for his dad and uncle to leave before he kissed Steve again?
“So, Steve are you a Pacer’s fan?” Wayne asked as he chopped onions across the island from him.
“Yes sir…sorry, sorry… Wayne. Yes, I’m a…Pacer’s,” Steve swallowed try to calm his heartrate, “fan.”
“That’s ok, Stevie. So, am I,” Wayne smiled reassuringly, “I was a bit surprised by their opening line up this year, what do you think of it?”
“Oh…uh…me too?,” Steve replied, and he felt Eddie give him an encouraging squeeze, “I felt they picked based off of…popularity…. r…r…rather than stats.”
“You know I completely agree Steve,” Wayne responded, starting on the mushrooms now, “you know I met the current coach a few years ago…and I have to say he’s has more air in his head then all the basketballs on that court.”
Steve giggled with a bright smile, and the three men smiled right back, for it was such a nice thing to see.
William and Eddie kept giving each other satisfied looks as they watch the bond between Steve and Wayne develop. The King was immensely happy for it, as much as he would love to start bonding with his son’s kind but broken soulmate, he was insanely busy. Wayne had much less on his plate and would be able to focus more on helping Steve heal.
Soon they were all gathered around the island eating the huge steaks that William and Wayne had brought from a local butcher in the town they were just in for their tour. It worked out really well as it was Saturday which was one of Chrissy’s nights off.
Wayne and Steve continued to talk about basketball, moving onto their favorite baseball teams and slowly Steve stopped stuttering, his shoulders relaxing.
“So, let me get this straight. Homeruns don’t automatically win you the game?” Eddie asked only slightly teasing. He really didn’t know anything about sports.
Steve looked down with a chuckle and blush before answering Eddie’s question, “Well yes and no. It depends on what inning you’re in and the score. For example, during a Red Sox’s game….”
They all smiled and listened intently as Steve was finally coming out of his shell a bit, his confidence growing with each word and his face glowing with a smile.
Steve could feel the stares and he realized just how stupid he sounded. He probably sounded like a rambling kid who was hogging the conversation that no one was interested in.
‘Kids should be seen and not heard, especially a mouthy brat like you,’ he could hear his mother say.
He could feel his face growing red again, this time with embarrassment, “Anyway…the…the g…g…game was s…stalled… and uh…you know never mind…I’m sorry…I’m so sorry.”
Steve ducked his head and hunched his shoulders and stared down at his food, hoping they would just pick up the conversation and ignore him like his parents did.
Eddie looked up in alarm at Steve’s sudden reversal of confidence. The prince had hoped that they had cracked the code to Steve opening up, just to suddenly hear him sound so unsure. He was about to tell Steve that is was ok and he could finish the story when…
“Steve I know exactly the game you were talking about; I was actually there a years ago for it and you described it perfectly…great job,” Wayne praised not even phased at the reversal.
This was normal for neglected kids to feel as through what they were saying wasn’t important.
“In fact, I’ve been invited to join the Red Sox for a week of training this coming spring. You should come with me; I would love having your insight. You’re so knowledgeable about everything. You would be a great help,” Wayne continued, as he put another helping of potatoes on Steve’s plate.
“Oh…oh…uh thank you for the…invite…but…but…well I would need to…to…get b-back to work after the…the parliament…. thing” Steve stuttered now truly confused.
The prince hadn’t mentioned the parliament meeting again since Steve’s first day here and now the Duke was talking about months in the future. Steve couldn’t go that long without working. He couldn’t be a useless burden to them for that long.
“What parliament thing?” William asked raising his eyebrow.
Eddie’s face went white as he realized he hadn’t told his dad and Wayne the running lie he used to get Steve to come to the palace in the first place.
“The parliament thing, dad. You know where we need to introduce Steve to parliament for you…know ceremony and stuff,” Eddie replied his eyes widening with emphasis.
“Oh yes…I’m sorry Steve. You’re right…you’re so smart to remind me of it. Kid, I’d lose my head if I didn’t have five assistants to keep it screwed on me,” William praised with a smile.
He would refrain from giving his son an earful until he heard Eddie out on why he lied to this sweet kid. But William had a hunch through, he too would have said anything to get this kid safe and warm. Even lie to him about a ceremony that only occurred when a royal couple wanted to marry.
“So…so…I’m sorry to ask…I don’t want you to think…I’m not having fun here…or that I’m not grateful for everything…thank you guys for dinner and for everything…but…but when do think…uh,” Steve stammered, his body shaking again.
“Unfortunately, Steve parliament is on their winter break now and they won’t reconvene until the new year and then they have a few weeks of hearings to get through before we can present you,” William cut in gently, not wanting the kid struggle anymore.
“So, Steve you’re stuck here for the winter…which I for one, am very happy about,” Eddie replied, putting his arm around his soulmate’s shoulders, and pulling him a bit closer.
Steve blushed again too but was still panicking. He needed to show them that he could pull his weight and not be sick and useless all the time.
“I’m…uh really happy about that too…but can…can I apply for a job here…to help p…pay for somethings?” Steve asked again.
“Honey bear, you don’t need to pay us back for anything. I promise you’re no trouble at all. The only thing you need to do is rest and eat. Speaking of eating why don’t we move onto dessert. Chrissy made us a chocolate cake for tonight,” Eddie said changing the subject, taking their plates.
“I can clean, you guys cooked. It’s only…” Steve was cut off by another coughing fit.
Eddie immediately put the plates down and rubbed Steve’s back through it.
“Shh it’s ok…just let it out. It’s almost time for your next round of medicine,” the prince soothed.
He waited for it to pass before guiding Steve back over to the couch were Ozzy and Alice were already sitting and waiting for them. Eddie gently pushed Steve down and started his routine of placing blanket after blanket on top of his sick soulmate and tucking them in tightly.
“Thank you so much for the offer but we got it honey bear… remember what Bobby said, you need your rest…you’re so sweet and kind for offering and we know how grateful you are,” Eddie continued to soothed as he put on the TV for Steve handing him the remote and giving his knee a squeeze through the blankets.
What he wouldn’t give to just lean down and kiss Steve…but his dad and uncle were here, and they were right. Eddie needed to wait.
“Here you go Stevie,” Eddie said as he handed him his medicine and a cup of tea.
“Thank you Eddie,” Steve replied, taking the pills gratefully.
Eddie, Wayne, and William quickly cleaned up and brought a huge slice of chocolate cake over to his soulmate on the couch.
Wayne took a seat next to Steve giving him a good amount of space, but he still turned his body towards the younger kid and purposely showed a relaxed posture.
“So, Steve, is that offer to help out still good? I got a new colleague here that just set up shop in one of outer buildings. He’s doing a special project for the crown, and he could use a smart kid like you to assist him?” Wayne asked taking a bite of his cake.
Eddie, who was sitting on the other side of Steve, nearly choked on his slice of cake. He quickly swallowed and glared at his uncle.
“Wayne…Steve is still very sick, and he needs his rest, remember?” Eddie reminded trying to keep his tone light but failing. The last thing Steve needed was the stress of a new job.
Wayne wasn’t phased by his nephew’s glare, and gave his own calm but pointed stare back, widening his eyes in warning. He knew what he was doing. Steve needed to feel useful, and this was a ‘job’ that would benefit him immensely.
“I know, Eddie. This wouldn’t be for a few weeks. Like I said he’s still setting up shop,” Wayne explained.
“Yes!” Steve blurted out eagerly.
Goddess Steve was idiot. He didn’t even ask what the job was. What if it something he couldn’t do or he failed at it and embarrassed Eddie and the monarchy. Steve wasn’t even qualified to do anything but serve food and probably fuck up something.
“Yes, please…sir. I’m sorry, Eddie…it’s not like I don’t want to spend time you…I really…really like spending time with you…it’s just…I…I…should probably…you know…not…not contribute….”
“No,” Eddie replied, sharply interrupting Steve’s stumble. Steve needed to be here, warm, and safe with him.
But one look at the devastation on his Stevie’s face made him realize how badly he fucked. What kind of soulmate was he to just crush Steve’s spirit?
Steve only nodded with wide eyes. “Oh ok…I’m sorry…I’m so sorry Eddie,” he said softly as he looked down to his cake.
He could see Eddie’s angry eyes and stiff and tense posture. Steve wanted to kick himself and disappear. Steve disappointed Eddie and he wanted to die. After everything Eddie did for him, rescue him, feed him, give him warm clothes…kiss him and here Steve goes accepting a job without asking Eddie if he was cool with it first.
Goddess was he stupid. He tried so hard to be good for him, to be interesting for him. Goddess he was pathetic. Steve should have said no to his uncle…but if he said no, they would thought he was freeloader.
Steve’s fork started trembling on his plate, making a loud metallic noise echoed against the ceramic. His breathing picked up as he tried to stop his shaking hands. Eddie might kick him out now.
Oh Goddess, what if he had to walk back to Eagle Ridge. It would take him months. What if he had to leave right now? He would need to walk in the snow. In the dark.
“No, no, honey bear I’m sorry…I didn’t mean to react like that” the prince immediately apologized changing his demeanor.
Eddie quickly put his plate on the coffee table and slowly put his hands out as he approached Steve.
“All right boys…we’ll get out of your hair for the night,” William quickly said noticing Steve’s impending panic attack.
It broke his heart to see the kid in such distress, but he knew that Steve would be more comfortable if the room wasn’t full of new and intimating people. King or not William too had lifelong anxiety and new when to leave to give himself and others the space.
“You’re right, I want to get to bed. Steve, I’m so happy you’re here, please let me know if you need anything…I’m so impressed and proud of you,” Wayne praised as he got up.
He wasn’t happy with Eddie’s outburst, and he planned to tell him later. Wayne understood Eddie’s protectiveness, it was natural for newly united soulmates, but Steve needed to build confidence and this ‘job’ would encourage that.
He nodded for his brother to follow and set the steady but not hurried pace as they didn’t want Steve to think they were fleeing and cause him further alarm or embarrassment.
“Eddie, text me tonight, love ya kid,” William yelled out as he and Wayne lingered in the door that lead to the garage.
“Love you guys too…good night,” Eddie spoke out, mindful of his volume, his eyes still on Steve.
Meanwhile, Steve still hasn’t moved or even really acknowledged the departure of the two older men. His hands were still shaking, his eyes unfocused and lost in thought. Steve’s shoulders were hunching in on his himself as if trying to disappear.
“Stevie?” Eddie asked quietly as he heard the door close.
Steve only looked up briefly before looking back forward and gave a shaky nod and a whimper that vaguely sounded like, “uh huh.”
“Oh my honey bear,” Eddie cooed as he slowly took the plate from Steve’s trembling hands and placed it on the coffee table.
Steve immediately crossed his arms and sunk down further into the couch. He made a fool of himself in front of the King and the Duke. More importantly he made a fool of himself in front of Eddie’s dad and uncle. How could Steve come back from this?
There wasn’t coming back and now Eddie would see him for what he truly was; a pathetic, stupid, burden.
“Steve, baby can you look at me?” the prince asked as he knelt of the couch next to Steve.
The younger man turned and looked at him with watery eyes, his lips quivering. It was a look that tore Eddie’s heart, especially since it was brought on by something Eddie did. He should have known better then to get angry at his uncle or cut Steve off like that.
“Can I hold you Stevie?” Eddie asked holding out his arms as invitation.
Steve jerked his head back in confusion. Why did Eddie want to hold him? Why wasn’t he being kicked out into the snow right now?
“Oh Stevie…I am so so so sorry, that I interrupted you and spoke to you like that. I wasn’t angry at you…I was upset at my uncle and I just don’t want you to worry about paying for anything or working at all,” Eddie apologized again, his hand coming up slowly to touch Steve’s fingers that were tightly clutching his elbow.
Steve looked up alarmed and confused and shook his head fact, “No, no Eddie I…I should be the one apologizing.”
“What do you mean honey bear? Why do you feel you need to apologize?”
Steve bite his lip as he struggled to explain why.
Was Eddie truly not mad that he didn’t ask for permission before accepting the job? His dad always made him do that. Also did Eddie not see how weak and pathetic and boring he was in front of his dad and uncle?
“For…for not asking if you for p…per…permission…b…before accepting the job and …for being…being awkward…and weird and like…not cool…and…and being stupid and…looking like a weak child,” Steve lowered his voice and looked down.
Eddie shouldn’t be speechless and shocked after knowing what Steve has gone through, he was none-the-less.
“I’m also sorry about what I s…said at dinner…my parents are always saying that I speak out of turn and they’re right…I’m sorry,” Steve finished only looking up briefly again before looking down in shame.
Eddie’s eyes and nostrils flared at the mention of Steve’s parents and the disgusting ideas they put in his soulmate’s head. He quickly got his anger under control as he remembered just how in tune Steve was to the moods of people around him.
“Oh no, Stevie no,” Eddie breathed out, shaking his head. “Can I please hold you Steve?”
Steve looked up again confused but shakily nodded his head. Maybe this was a goodbye hug?
“Thank you Stevie, let me know if you want me to let go,” Eddie praised as gradually enveloped his broken soulmate into a hug.
Eddie practically lifted Steve off the couch, sweeping one arm under his legs and the other cradling his back as he put the younger man on his lap. He needed Steve to know just how much Eddie loved cuddling him and how cherished Steve was.
“I’m so, so sorry Stevie…I care about you so much and I would do anything to make sure you’re never get scared or upset again. I care about you so, so, so Goddess damn much. You are so important to me, “ Eddie whispered into Steve’s hair.
Steve’s breath hitched and he couldn’t help but look up in hope. Despite his panic, he knew those weren’t the words of someone about to kick him out.
“Steve, please, please believe me when I say that you did not appear stupid or weird or awkward and certainly did not speak of turn. In fact…you really impressed my dad and uncle and I know for a fact they really like you already,” Eddie reassured as he brushed the hair out of Steve’s face.
The younger man looked at him and simply nodded his head slightly. Eddie knew that Steve didn’t believe him, but the prince knew that would come with time.
“And you never, ever, ever need to ask me for permission to do anything. If you want to work with my uncle colleague, that is just fine with me…if you want to get an alpaca, we’ll get you an alpaca…you want to go skydiving….” Eddie trailed as he thought about that.
Steve couldn’t help but give a tiny snort. He did like alpacas.
“If you want to go skydiving that’s fine, but only unless I’m strapped to you and the head of the air force is there and there are at least ten other guys in Halo suits that will ensure our safety…and a giant trampoline at the bottom,” Eddie finished his face in wide smile.
Steve was shaking again, but this time in laughter. He was never one for skydiving but now he kind of wanted to say yes…if only to see if the precautions were actually done.
Eddie looked at Steve fondly before apologizing one last time, “I’m sorry again for saying you can’t take that job, I just didn’t want you to overexert yourself. You’re more than welcome to take it when you’re feeling better…only if you want to through…will you forgive me?” Eddie finished.
His eyes watered as Eddie kissed his forehead.
“I…I forgive you,” Steve whispered unsurely, still uncomfortable with the new concept of being apologized to rather than doing the apologizing.
Eddie wide smile was breathtaking.
“Did you have good time meeting my dad and uncle at least?” the prince asked raising his eyebrow.
“Yes…they’re…they’re really nice…and I had…had a good time,” Steve hesitantly stuttered.
Steve’s nerves were still trying to calm down, but it was true, he did have a good time. At first he was scared, they both reminded him of his own father with their towering frames and commanding presence. However, his father never hugged him, let alone be gentle and kind to him like Wayne and William did.
“Good I’m glad! My dad and uncle are the best, but I know they can be a lot at times,” Eddie responded, pulling Steve back in tighter for a hug.
“Yeah, yeah they are the best,” Steve quietly agreed as he hesitantly put his arms around Eddie’s neck.
Maybe Eddie would kiss him now?
But then he felt Eddie chuckle mischievously before he muttered, “Hold on honey bear.”
Eddie tightened his hold on Steve and stood up, blanket, soulmate, and all were hefted in the prince’s strong arms. Steve yelped and tightened his hold as well.
“I think we earned ourselves a night in bed, with some candy and The Great British Bake Off,” Eddie declared as he made his way down the hall.
Steve chuckled and nodded his head and he couldn’t help but inhale Eddie’s delicious smell coming from his neck. It was intoxicating and Steve was hoping he could have something sweeter then candy in the near future.
He would need to be patient as he didn’t want Eddie to think he was fast. Oh Goddess what if he went too slow and Eddie thought he was a prude?
Steve’s new item to panic was cut off as Eddie kicked open the door to his room and gently placed him on the bed. Ozzy and Alice coming up and cuddling next to him.
“There, snuggle up while I get us some popcorn and hot chocolate,” Eddie said with a wink before leaning down and kissing Steve again on the forehead.
Steve went pink with a blush and started petting the dogs to distract himself as the prince left. Maybe Eddie was just waiting for the right moment to kiss him again? Maybe he was waiting for Steve to look really good?
He would need to go through the closet tomorrow and actually put together a nice outfit that would impress Eddie. Then maybe…maybe the lunch that Chrissy will make could be considered a date?
Soon, the prince arrived back with a tray of snack and the hot drinks, and they picked where they left off. As they watched the slow pace and pleasant show and ate their weight in comfort food, they both began to relax and chat about random things.
“I actually really like alpacas,” Steve confessed as he munched on another slice of cake.
“Alpacas are awesome, we should get one…and a capybara!” Eddie agreed already picturing his personal zoo.
“I don’t want to go skydiving but I think bungee jumping kind of cool,” Steve later said.
“Yes, it’s awesome and we are both going in the summer,” Eddie declared already pulling out his phone and texting one of his personal assistants.
A few hours later, they were deep into the next season of the show, the forest outside was pitch black, the snack tray was all wrappers and dirty plates and Steve was asleep on Eddie’s shoulder...again.
The promise he made his dad was still ringing in his ears…he should go back to his own bed.
But….
Ozzy and Alice were asleep on his legs and it was practically illegal to wake a sleeping pet. Plus, how could he be anywhere other then where Steve was. Especially with his calm and slow breath tickling his neck.
Goddess was he beautiful.
Eddie muted the TV and slowly settled them both lower in the bed, taking his soulmate…his Stevie…his love into his arms, the crown prince of Hawkins fell into a deep and happy sleep.