Chapter Text
Steve had already talked to both Dustin and Suzie who ensured him they had catering covered and he was to be a guest at their reception and not a work horse.
February was a snowy frigid month, making up for the mild start to the winter- a few outreach classes had come and gone and the first adult class was coming up.
Steve had spent ample time planning out the first cuisine to cook and sample as well as spending his spare moments corralling Mike, Will, and Lucas’s more and more outlandish ideas for Dustin’s bachelor’s party- organizing his own plans and staying true to what he and Dustin talked about when he was asked to be best man.
His main duties included keeping Dustin’s wishes in mind when it came to the bachelor’s party the weekend before the wedding. Anything Mike suggested was almost a knee jerk automatic no.
He met Eddie at the Music school as his last class let out for the evening, hot cocoa in hand for Eddie,
“For me?” Eddie asked as Steve handed him the warm drink.
“Yes for you. It’s a peppermint hot chocolate from that local shop you like. I had some kind of lemongrass tea? Honestly I put in like five packets of honey, I just wanted to warm up.” Steve added.
Eddie gave him a quick kiss before sipping his beverage, “Hmm, noted Steve likes his tea mostly honey, saving that information in my Steve file. Walking me home from work? What a gentleman.” He teased between sips.
“Actually my intentions aren’t just pure of heart. Dusty picked his bachelor party weekend and the boys have been blowing up my phone with outlandish ideas- so I have a favor to ask to appease the masses.” Steve said as Eddie got layered up to face the elements.
“Okay I’m listening, what’s the favor?” Eddie asked as he tucked his hair under his fleece lined beanie.
“Would it totally put you out to run like a one off campaign? Then we can do a mini themed bar crawl at some of the arcade bars to keep them occupied, I feel like I’m babysitting all over again.” Steve lamented.
“Would it put me out?! Stevie, I live for this shit! I will put on a goddamn show for Dusty’s boys night!” Eddie’s voice grew with sincere excitement.
“He’d much prefer you over a stripper, so yeah Eds, put on a show for them.” Steve snickered at his joke.
Eddie threw him a wink, “I’m not opposed to flashing a tasteful amount of nip.”
Steve wiped his mitten encased hand over his face and snorted, “It doesn’t even shock me how much you fit in with those nerds.”
“I’ve got like three weeks then, right? Can Gareth come too?” Eddie asked eyes lighting up like a little kid asking for ice cream with sprinkles.
Steve looped his arm through Eddie’s elbow as the unforgiving wind picked up, “Absolutely Eddie more the merrier.”
They walked up the platform steps to the blue line, “Coming back to mine?” Eddie asked.
“Yeah I picked up some groceries when I was over a few days ago to make homemade tomato soup and fancy grilled cheeses for us.” Steve said as the train came into view.
“And enlighten me, Chef Stevie, what pray tell makes a fancy grilled cheese?” Eddie asked face full of curiosity.
“These particular ones will be gouda and caramelized onion on dark rye, just an elevated take on kraft singles and wonder bread.” Steve said as they boarded the El and escaped the cold.
They stood close face to face packed in like sardines during a high commute time. Eddie leaned down and planted a kiss on the tip of Steve’s nose.
“That sure does sound fancy, baby.” Eddie said as their bodies swayed with the movement of the train that carried them closer to their stop.
***
Wayne was coming in for a visit. What Eddie didn’t know, and what Wayne had purposefully omitted was he wouldn’t be coming alone.
He'd have Ginger with him.
He’d always have a special place in his heart just for Gomez, but at the end of the day, and the weeks of walking the stray, and the same amount of time getting to know Ms. Johnson better because of it had him caving like the sap he was.
Like the sap he raised Eddie to be.
Two cut from the same cloth.
He couldn’t get rid of the glossy auburn coated, puppy dog eye wielding, sad tail wagging little dog.
So she was accompanying him on his drive to Chicago to spend the day with Eddie and Gomez and a probable dinner with Steve.
Ms. Johnson. Valerie was over the moon when Wayne caved and decided to take Ginger in permanently.
The rescues in the area were at capacity, and the humane shelters in the bigger towns as well. He’d never even consider a place thay euthanasia was a factor. So he got a dog.
All his phone calls with Eddie had him skirting the topic. Also the topic that now that Ginger was a forever fixture he and Valerie had dinner two nights a week and played a lazy round of cards after.
It was nice.
He pulled up in front of Eddie’s apartment, “Well alright Ginger, I reckon we’re about to get an earful, c’mon girl.”
He rang at the buzzer box and was let into the building, Eddie greeting him on the intercom before he made his way up.
Eddie swung open the door, “Ohhh Waaaaynie!” He said annoyingly as Gomez bounded out the door and jumped on Wayne before he too registered the other dog.
Recognition clicked and Gomie’s whole body wagged as he snuffled Ginger who wagged her tail patiently in return, staying planted next to Wayne.
Eddie pointed an accusing finger at the dog, “Wayne! You lied!” Eddie hissed.
“I did no such thing boy, I simply did not disclose. A grown man can have his secrets.” He shrugged as if it were nothing both dogs following him back into the apartment and Eddie shutting the door behind them.
“Well- explanation?” Eddie hounded.
“Her name’s Ginger, she’s about two years old by what the vet can tell and healthy once she was properly groomed and consistently fed.” Wayne said as easy as listing off facts.
“She looks good as new Wayne, her coat is shimmering she’s so healthy.” Eddie complimented as he pet the dogs as they sniffed each other and initiated play.
Wayne had his hands shoved into his front pockets and shrugged sheepishly, “She keeps an old man busy, not to mention Valerie likes to see her too.”
“I’m sure it’s not just her Valerie likes to see.” Eddie muttered.
Wayne shot him a warning glare, Eddie put his palms up by way of surrender.
The two dogs playing as Gomie kept bringing Ginger his toys onto the couch and Ginger gently took them and tucked them under a blanket with her nose.
Eddie grabbed his phone to send off the video to Steve who was hard at work getting his premade meals cooked for the week at Grateful.
The response immediate,
Did Wayne keep her?!
All this time and he didn’t even tell me, what did I say? Old man’s got a penchant for strays. Total bleeding heart.
You learn from the best Eds.
Eddie felt his insides warm at Steve’s last text, if anything it was Steve who collected ragtag misfits and made them into a family.
“Record store?” Eddie asked
Wayne nodded, “Could use a new Earl Scruggs album.”
“You sure Ginger’s gonna feel comfortable here?” Eddie asked before they left.
“Oh yeah. That dog can damn well make herself comfortable in all new places, a gift really.” Wayne said as he got his coat on and Eddie started the white noise machine.
When they made their way out Wayne had been right, Ginger curled up on the couch near Gomez and not even a whine was heard as the door clicked shut behind them.
***
The two men did their usual haunts of record stores and a couple of vintage shops that had decent vinyl selections, meandering and talking on their rounds as they collected albums they didn’t really need but that’s how these things worked- you started with a mission in mind and bought three albums you’d have never picked before that moment.
They got back to Eddie’s apartment aromas wafting through the door of something garlic-filled and bright, Steve in a gag gift apron all frills and shades of pink over his tee shirt and jeans greeting them as he pulled a tray from the oven.
“Hey Wayne you’ve got yourself a real sweetheart on your hands, the both of them are already walked and fed- walk together like a dream, a real easy pairing.” Steve said as he placed the baking sheet on the stove top.
He slid off his oven mitts and gave Wayne a firm hug, “Always good to see you.”
“Likewise kid, thanks for keepin’ my boys well fed.” Wayne said gruffly.
Eddie leaned in to steal a kiss from Steve as Wayne told him all about their Vinyl haul for the day.
They enjoyed their French inspired roast chicken dinner along with roasted vegetables and rustic garlic bread as Wayne tried and failed to keep Valerie out of his recent stories.
Steve thought a man as gentle and kind as Wayne deserved another chance of love in his life and was happy he decided to keep Ginger and in essence keep Valerie in his world.
“Wayne I’ve got the guest room set up for you, you’ll just have to keep an eye out for the piles of books that have now accrued on the floor, I’m running out of shelf space.” Eddie said as he let the needle drop on one of the new records he had brought home today.
Steve placed the plates in the sink and settled himself on the couch enjoying the easy company and energy Wayne and Eddie provided talking over the soft music playing in the background.
“I’ve gotta head home tonight and finish up tweaking some lesson plans for this upcoming week, but as always Wayne it’s good to see you.” Steve said as he made his way to slip into his shoes and winter parka.
Wayne gave him a clap on the back as he walked past, “Chef Steve the pleasure is all mine, got me eating like a prized pig whenever I see ya, kid.”
Eddie walked Steve out, “Thanks for dinner baby, and for taking care of the pups while we were out, you do so much for me.”
Steve kissed him deep and leaned his weight onto him, “You do so much for me too Eds, or should I say Dungeon Master?”
Eddie whispered in his ear. “Don’t be a tease Stevie, and be prepared because I will be wearing a cape to add to the theatrics for Dustin.”
Steve stepped out of his space and held him at arms length, “You utter nerd.”
“Yeah, but you love it.” Eddie teased.
Steve shook his head, “I really fuckin’ do.” And made his way back to Avondale.
***
They all had on varying degrees of capes, or pointed ears, or colored contact lenses in- and Steve, he was making popcorn, Dustin had an honest to god wooden staff.
And Eddie, his good looking, tattooed, metal head boyfriend had fake fucking fangs to add to the story he had concocted over the weeks.
They were two hours into their campaign and there was a roll of yells and exasperated groans over whatever Eddie had just thrown their way.
So Steve was hiding in his kitchen making a massive batch of stove top popped popcorn with various seasoning- even the goddamn dog had on a black dracula styled cape.
Gomez couldn’t even play.
But it sounded like whatever was going on might be winding down and the Party was having a great time, everything Dustin had wanted and more with the addition of another player like Gareth who was apparently some type of Orc?
Steve still didn’t understand any of it.
There was a soft knock on his door as Max and El stood on the other side, Suzie had opted to spend the weekend with her siblings and childhood friends in Utah as her own version of a bachelorette party.
He let them in, “Those losers done with their nerdathon yet?” Max asked as she lead herself to the kitchen and popped a handful of popcorn into her mouth, “Ooh ranch seasoned?” she asked around the bite.
“Yes, and what? No hug??” Steve grumped at her as El made a big show of hugging him tight to her small frame and lifting him so only his toes were touching the ground.
“Bar crawl time yet?” She asked as she set him down.
Dustin let out a victorious bellow of a screech-
“Uh, if that noise was any indication I’d say we’re close to bar crawl time.” Steve winced at the decibel as El laughed and went to check on the campaign.
Drinks we already flowing freely Eddie was perched on his chair obscured by his binder of notes and shooting a wink and flash of fang at Steve.
Steve who rolled his eyes, but was questioning himself for feeling a little turned on by the damn fangs.
He turned on his heel and joined Max in the kitchen. She poured them each a shot of Vodka and gulped hers down, “To Dusty and Suzie and the most disgustingly sweet love story of our generation.”
Steve gave a light chortle at her toast and threw back his own shot feeling the burn slide down his esophagus.
Another half hour later found Steve, El, and Max in their own respective cloaks for the evening and piling into a rideshare to get the night going.
Gareth was up front with the driver and serenading the car to REO Speedwagon.
Mike already red cheeked and loud, Will slightly glassy eyed and hanging on every one of Mike’s ever-changing tirades.
El seated on top of Max’s lap sliding slightly onto Lucas and Eddie plastered against Steve’s arm. Eddie nipped on his ear lobe causing Steve to shiver, “Saw you looking at my fangs sweetheart.”
Steve pinched his arm. “In your dreams Nerdcula.”
“Deny all you want baby. I saw what I saw.” Eddie’s voice dropped in an enticing way.
They pulled up to their destination, Logan Arcade, Dustin was trailed in by his merry band of losers hollering and finding purchase on the retro pinball machines of their choosing, Max running in not to be outdone- arcade games were always her time to shine.
Steve wandered in arms bumping with Eddie as they made their way to the bar to purchase pitchers of beer for the Party.
“You really are a mother hen, Stevie.” Eddie observed as they waited for the pitchers and chilled glasses.
“So, Mike and Will?” Eddie asked.
Steve hummed a low noise, “Mike’s always had eyes for El, but I’ve always wondered if he sensed that he treated Will a little more than just a friend- and I mean Will’s not waiting for him, he dates, but since they were in middle school I’ve always seen it.”
El wedged her way next to them, “What’s up?” She asked.
“The sky.” Steve said as she gave him a flat look at the answer.
She followed their line of vision and smirked and lowered her voice, “You know Mike and I broke up? It was before Dustin and Suzie’s surprise engagement party.”
Steve spun to give her his undivided attention, “We’ve been on and off for forever it was almost normalized, I met someone else at work- and well, I think we all know how this plays out.” She gestured her beer at the boys.
Steve smiled, “Who’d you meet El?”
She blushed, “Their name is Dex, they also were brought up in the foster system, it’s not official or anything just new. Exciting.” She smiled at Steve.
He squeezed her hand with his own as the three observed the two men leaning close together over the game they were playing and dancing around each other.
“Mike’s more aware than we give him credit for.” She said as she flitted over to Max’s side.
Steve eyed Eddie, “Guess there’s a chance after all.”
Eddie lead Steve to a table and grabbed a deck of Uno cards to create their own rivalry.
The night wore on another bar long forgotten as the Party got loud as more pitchers were purchased, Gareth joined Eddie and Steve’s Uno game, as Steve laid down a crucial draw four and laughed in Eddie’s face.
Gareth put his hand over his heart. “Brutal Steve, a kill shot with Uno cards if I’ve ever seen one!”
Eddie groaned and laid his head down on the sticky table as Dustin stumbled closer and howled.
“Time to head out?” Steve asked Lucas and Mike, Will was fighting to keep his eyes open and the girls had disappeared about an hour ago to head to the airbnb they had rented.
“The night is young!” Dustin slurred, grinning, arms thrown over his friends shoulders.
Lucas laughed, “The slurred speech means we have about twenty minutes before he passes out so yeah let’s get our asses back to the airbnb- we all still doing brunch tomorrow?” He asked as Steve ordered a Lyft for them and one for himself and Eddie.
“Uh, how about you let us know? If circumstances change.” Steve said eyeing Dustin and Will not knowing if they’d be up for brunch in a few short hours.
Gareth’s wife Maddie had already texted him earlier she was on her way to pick him up.
Gareth gave them a salute, “My beautiful wife is here to get me, Dusty congrats, marriage is wonderful, I know you basically already know, but trust me man. It grows.” Dustin gave him a bear of a hug as Gareth gave him a dopey smile and headed out to the car.
“Brother Orc, safe travels!” Dustin yelled as Gareth left the bar.
Mike leaned over and started another round of the insufferable, drunk howling,
“Okay my little wolves lets get you in the Lyft and somewhere to sleep it off!” Steve said ushering them out of the bar.
Eddie on his heels and whispering “mother hen” under his breath.
Steve whipped around to look at him and grip his jaw, “Be nice to me Eds, and I might just let you keep those fangs in when we get back to mine.”
Eddie snapped his mouth shut, the idea was appealing.
He knew Steve had been looking earlier.
“Knew you liked the fangs Stevie.” Eddie preened.
***
The week between the bachelor party and the wedding flew by. March in Chicago was questionable at best for what you’d get weather-wise. The weekend of the wedding looked to be holding onto the chill in the air, frost and snow still in patches on the ground as some perennials were fighting their way up and through the cold gray ground to sprinkle in a hint of spring-time green.
The rehearsal dinner just served as a massive reunion for Hawkins and all of Suzie’s siblings and extended family that lead into a late night karaoke bar to keep the fun going. Mike and Will choosing a duet and still skirting around each other.
Neither bringing a plus one to the wedding.
The actual wedding was a courthouse affair and the reception after at a historic mansion in Oak Park.
Steve was driving himself and Eddie from the courthouse ceremony out west to the reception. He slid his hand over his sage colored silk tie, the same color as the bridesmaids dresses, with one hand on the steering wheel.
“Baby, did I tell you how handsome you look today?” Eddie said, studying the profile of Steve’s face as he drove.
Steve shot him a crooked grin, “You too, Eds, you look sexy with your hair pushed back.” Steve said and returned his eyes to the road as the light turned green.
“Don’t you quote Mean Girls to me, mister.” Eddie joked and fiddled with his loose French braid he’d decided to rock for the wedding.
He let the palm of his hand rest on the back of Steve’s neck as he drove, fingertips skating over the hair at the nape. Steve smiled at the contact and let the playlist switch to Dio.
They arrived, Suzie and Dustin out front doing rounds of photos with a vintage car, Suzie in her long sleeved, off white gown, faux fur stole across her shoulders looking like a retro knock out. Cat eye shape glasses adding effortlessly to the aesthetic.
Dustin threw him and Eddie a big wave as he spotted Chrissy and Robin making their way to mingle at the cocktail hour.
“Let’s grab some signature drinks?” He asked as Eddie slipped his hand into Steve’s and walked up the front steps of the historic landmark.
Steve had some kind of gin fizzie concoction, and Eddie opted for the whiskey, a spin on an old fashioned, Steve found himself by Eddie’s side while he was in a lively debate with one of Suzie’s brother’s about The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe.
He slipped his hand from Eddies’ and made his way to the grouping of Robin, Chrissy, El, and her date Dex, Steve introduced himself and slid into their conversation seamlessly.
Dex was a high school counselor and was talking to Chrissy about the Music School outreach aspect, apparently after talking to Robin about working for CPS.
“It’s just Indianapolis can start feeling a little small and El talks about how much she loves Chicago.” Dex said turning their soft gaze to a smiling El.
Steve grinned, “You know you’d have a job in a heart beat if you wanted it El, could use someone with your skill set and disposition at Grateful.”
“We really just started talking about it, I mean I’ve been thinking about it for a while now.” El dismissed but kept her knowing smile in place.
He understood the appeal for El, Dex was interesting, and making an impact, confident in a way Mike never really grew into being.
There was a tapping of metal to glass and Suzie’s voice following, “I’d love to have everyone come find their seats so we can have a bite and get to some speeches, then dancing- Thanks so much for celebrating me and my Dustybuns on our very special day!”
People cheered and made their way to the tables, Steve’s nerves set in knowing his speech would be coming up, and for the hundredth time wishing he had been better prepared.
Eddie found his way back to Steve’s side, “Baby, you’re gonna do great we’re amongst friends.” He grinned and guided Steve to their shared table which was seated with truly all friends.
Steve tried to center himself and feel more at ease, Suzie’s father spoke, and blessed the newly weds with a prayer. Claudia said a few words about being excited to get to call Suzie her daughter now, Suzie’s Maid of Honor- Her younger sister went before him.
And then it was Steve’s turn.
He got up and fiddled his tie while clearing his throat,
“As some of you may know I’ve known Dustin since before that fateful summer camp he met Suzie. Before Suzie his life was the newest pop culture references, keeping up to date on the monster manual for DnD, and hanging out in the Wheelers basement for entire weekends at a time. Then he came home that summer and told me ‘Steve do you know true love? I met the girl of my dreams.’- and I thought, kid you’re twelve you don’t know what you’re even talking about- Now Dusty was used to being the smartest in his class back in Hawkins, but Suzie outshone him in every facet of summer camp, her math was unparalleled, her knowledge of earth science, biochemistry, and physics were eons beyond what Dustin knew- and he wanted to be as good as Suzie. Strove for it really, to prove he could be on her level, understand her lingo, and well over a decade later I guess it worked, because they still speak their own language, Suzie may still be eons ahead of Dustin but she let’s him try. I stand here corrected because at twelve Dustin did know what true love was, and he did meet the girl of his dreams. The proof is in the life they’ve built for themselves over the years. Cheers to Dustin and Suzie!”
Steve sat to catcalls and clapping, Robin beamed at him, “The perfect level of sincere Stevie, you killed it!”
Steve downed the rest of his champagne as the toasts continued and the meal started. Eddie put a grounding palm on his thigh and sipped his own champagne, “It was a great speech Stevie, there’s a reason Dustin chose you.”
The warmth bloomed in Steve’s chest at Eddie’s approval. Steve tampered down his smile and dug into his dinner.
The night carried out with the traditional first dances- Dustin and Suzie’s a silly choreographed one to The Never Ending Story theme song. Then Suzie’s entire massive family took to the dance floor as well.
It was well past midnight, Will and Mike slow dancing and gently swaying together, Will’s cheek resting on Mikes shoulder as Steve was filled with a rush of happiness for Will.
Finally, he thought to himself.
He and Eddie made their way off the dance floor, Robin and Chrissy already having dipped out, “Ready to head home Eds?”
Eddie nodded, “Seeing you in a suit all night has got me needing to peel you outta it, those pants look criminal on your ass Stevie.”
Steve grabbed the lapels on Eddie’s sport coat, “Better get us home then.” Steve grinned and said his goodbyes.
***
Gomez was spending the evening at Gareth and Maddies’ so once the two of them were back at Steve’s place Eddie clicked the door locked behind them and slowly undid Steve’s tie for him, knuckles brushing teasingly against the sensitive skin of his throat.
He kissed under his jaw and next to his adams apple, Steve’s breath hitched at the attention Eddie was giving him.
“Bedroom?” Steve croaked out.
Eddie smiled against his neck and lead him to the bedroom undressing Steve piece by piece of his suit, hanging each up maddeningly slow. Until Steve was standing in just his black boxerbriefs.
Eddie trailed the silky sage tie over Steve’s shoulder and down his back, “Hands behind your back for me baby.” Eddie said still fully dressed and toeing off his shoes.
Steve complied a quiet, “Yes, Eddie.” Falling from his lips.
Eddie tied the silk material tight- just enough that the delicate bones in his wrists felt the pressure and couldn’t be wrung free.
Eddie guided Steve down on the mattress, letting his hands roam over the expanse of Steve’s back. Eddie lowered Steve’s underwear under the curve of his ass and kissed down his spine, landing a light smack on the globe of his cheek.
Steve hissed in excitement as Eddie sloppily kissed his shoulders, arms, hands secured at the small of his back, and bit into the flesh of his ass. Licking over it to soothe the bite.
Eddie tugged Steve’s wrists to wake up a dull ache in the front of his shoulders, as he angled Steve’s hips up and slid a pillow in front of him as he kissed the back of his thighs and fully removed his boxerbriefs.
Steve could feel the whisper of Eddie’s clothing against his bare skin and felt even more turned on being exposed for Eddie.
Eddie pushed Steve’s thighs further a part as he landed another, firmer, hit to his ass diving in and kissing the reddening flesh, then closer to the center of Steve.
Eddie moaned in a needy way, “You did so well tonight baby, gonna reward you.”
He lapped his tongue over Steve’s most sensitive parts, swirling it at his entrance and getting into him, holding him open so Eddie could get his wicked tongue deeper as Steve squirmed beneath his hold.
Eddie snaked one hand up and tugged at the silk tie around his wrists, Steve whined into his pillows, “Eddie, please, please Eds, fuck me.” Steve begged as Eddie worked his fingers into Steve along with his tongue, saliva creating glide.
Eddie groaned into him as he begged again, Steve heard Eddie unzip his dress pants, he secured one hand on Steve’s hip and put the other in front of Steve’s face, “Want it rough baby?”
“Yes, wanna feel you, feel it for days Eddie.” Steve panted.
He heard Eddie spit into his hand and shove fingers back into Steve, removed them and lined up his cock.
Inching in so Steve felt every movement. Rocking into him and making him gasp for it. Eddie filled him all the way up, pulled out, and slammed back in.
Steve angled his hips to meet the thrusts, “So good for me Stevie,” Eddie placed a hand on the nape of his neck to push him further into the pillows, other hand grabbing his hip, “You take it so well for me, just for me baby.”
The pace grew more erratic as Eddie slipped his hand to Steve’s own hardness, “Wet for me Stevie, good boy, I’m gonna let you come for me.”
Eddie stroked him as he pumped into him, Steve’s body anticipating the build of his orgasm, still shocked when in ripped through him, Eddie coming close after deep inside of him.
He let himself, still clothed, drape over Steve’s back, “Beautiful today Stevie.” Eddie murmured as he got up and undressed himself.
Untying Steve’s aching arms and massaging them gently as he pulled Steve into his lap, “You know I think you’re perfect, made for me.”
Steve felt a dampness in his eyes.
Eddie smiled at him, “Does that make you feel good? Special? I wanna take care of you baby.”
Eddie wiped a stray tear from Steve’s cheek and licked it off his thumb, “I wanna devour you in the most supportive way sweetheart.”
He lead Steve off the bed on shaky legs and into the shower, water warm and soothing as he massaged Steve with the body wash, and allowed Steve to wash his hair for him again.
“You better baby?” Eddie asked as the water started to turn cold.
“Yes Eddie, I love you.”
“Love you too Stevie.” He said as he twisted the shower off and dried them, leading them both back to bed.
***
The next morning they picked up Gomez together opting to walk to Gareth and Maddie’s walk-up brown stone, “When’s your lease up Eddie?” Steve asked with an infused casual tone.
Eddie gave him a side glance, “My lease is up in May.”
Steve bit down a smile, “Well having a duplex is a little roomier than your apartment.” He lifted his eyebrows as he faced Eddie.
Eddie tried to smother his own smile, “King Steve? Are you inquiring for a mere and lowly jester to join you in your castle?”
Steve snorted, the fucking British accent got him every time, “This King could use a Freak in his life, Eds. If that’s something you want.”
“Oh I want, baby, how could I not?” Eddie held Gomie’s leash in one hand and entwined his other with Steve’s.
The two smiled at each other.
Gomez picking up his pace at the sight of a squirrel, Steve laughed, “You know we have him to thank for this.” He gestured to the Pit mix.
Eddie chuckled, “I’ll allow you to use me for my dog for as long as you want Stevie.”
***
Epilogue
“Friendship neighbors?!” Chrissy screeched when she and Eddie had their monthly charcuterie night.
Eddie beamed at her, “Yup, guess we’ll be neighbs, Chris.”
She made another high pitched noise causing Gomez to join in with his own happy grumble, “Thank god he was a foster fail!” She wailed as she held Gomez’s square head between her palms and kissed between his ears.
“He’s probably the best thing to happen to me, lead Steve right to us.” Eddie said as he dipped another cracker into some kind of smoked salmon spread.
Chrissy chattered on about her and Robin helping the move.
And help they did, before Eddie’s lease was up he took them up on the offer repainting Steve’s place and getting new large display book cases moved in.
The process happened in increments but by the end of May Steve and Eddies’ things seemed to complement each other in a quirky, dark academic way.
Records and books on the shelves, instruments in the third bedroom, and Steve’s gleaming copper set of pots and pans in the kitchen, looking more like artwork than cookware.
Gomez curled on the couch with new cushions.
There was a soft knock on the door with Robin and Chrissy bringing a bottle of sparkling wine and homemade tamales from their favorite neighborhood Mexican joint.
“All settled in now Eds?” Chrissy asked.
“It’s official, the neighborhood’s gone to hell!” Eddie crowed from the couch.
The two girls piling on next to them, Robin sticking her freezing feet under Steve’s short lounge shorts.
He pinched her calf, “Oh, did you get the Raja tamales?” Steve asked wide eyed over the bag of food.
“Do you know me, Dingus?” Robin scoffed and unrolled the tinfoil-ed goodies.
“Thanks Robs.” Steve said, then turned to look at her seriously, “Thanks for getting me to move to Chicago.”
“Ew dude, you’re being so nice, I’m gonna puke.” She leaned towards his cheek and blew a raspberry on his face.
Chrissy eyes Eddie, “Children.”
Eddie threw his head back and laughed, Robin joining in, and Steve hitting Eddie’s arm.
“Cheers to friendship neighbors!” Chrissy sing-songed and poured them all wine and passed it out.
They held their glasses up in toast.
Steve was looking forward to calling Chicago home, to calling these people home.
***