Work Text:
"Can you stop playing that so loudly? Some of us are trying to work here, kid," Eddie said, rolling out from under a truck he was working on.
He shook his head to emphasize his point and get some stray hairs out of his face. He was annoyed as it was, feeling like he had forgotten something he couldn't put his finger on. It was the second time the new hire, Gareth, had control of the Bluetooth speaker. He switched the song from 'Milkshake' by Kelis at Eddie's stern look, blushing sheepishly. One more strike and he'd be banned from using it; Eddie would gladly let one of the other staff control it.
"Sorry, boss," Gareth looked apologetic and returned to helping the mechanic he was training under.
The older mechanic gave Eddie a look that said he'd keep the new guy on task and teased Gareth by asking if he'd get a milkshake tonight or a hot date. Eddie brushed it off as the usual jokes the guys said. It wouldn't be the first or last time Gareth heard that around here. There'd been more lewd jokes than expected, though. A few of the staff's partners, spouses, and kids dropped by little things; home-baked goods, lunches, and even one of those sugared up Starbucks coffees were brought in. Maybe it was getting close to anniversaries or birthdays.
Eddie liked music, but he minded when it'd be inappropriate if a customer's kid heard. Older Hawkins residents still avoided Munson's Auto Shop, despite it being here for nearly 20 years. It was primarily because of his last name and an incident long past nowadays. A college kid dropped off the truck he was working on. They'd explained the problem by imitating the noises the car made. Luckily for them, the fix was changing out rusty parts. Steve gave him hell for it when he did the financials, but Eddie gave college kids a discount. They had enough to pay for. Some days, with Eddie's back, he wished a mere part replacement could fix him up.
The day continued on a pattern; fixing cars, keeping new hires in line, helping customers up front, and making sure everyone got their breaks. He'd handle the books and bring files home if he had to. Steve's been nagging him to hire a clerk for financials. This year may be the one he gave in.
It was a welcome reprieve when Eddie locked up shop, letting Gareth shadow him to learn the process. At least the kid was good at keeping the place clean and putting back tools.
"So..Eddie, " Gareth said, bouncing on the balls of his feet. It was a nervous habit Eddie noticed he had, the kid digging his hands in his pockets. Eddie raised a brow, gesturing as if to say, 'go on.'
Eddie replied when Gareth hesitated. He knew they both wanted to get home before it was too dark. "Look, we can cover your shift if you need a day off. Especially if it's for something like an appointment," Eddie said, shrugging.
He finished locking up the doors and held the door for the kid. Gareth trailed after him.
"It's not about a day off. The..guys told me about your partner, Steve?" Gareth spoke up. Eddie wasn't about to fire a kid for being small-minded. He held his tongue, unsure what he'd say text.
Eddie leaned against the outer shop wall and dug in his pockets for a lighter and cigarette. He'd need something to keep calm if he was about to hear bullshit.
"I figured the shop would get more customers..if we advertised it as LGBTQ owned? Lots of people my age, have found shops like this not so welcoming," Gareth explained, still bouncing on the balls of his feet. "Figured today was a good day to suggest it. With the whole..day of love thing."
He could read between the lines; Gareth wasn't just suggesting this an ally. Eddie offered Gareth a cigarette, having lit his own and taken a few drags. The kid turned it down, waving a hand, but thanked him. Guess his folks taught him decent manners, even if the 'day of love' remark confused Eddie. Maybe it was a thing with younger people.
"I'll consider it. Maybe we can put a few flag stickers up or put it on our site?" Eddie finally said. His phone rang with a call, and he was sure it was Steve. "How about we talk about this next shift? I've gotta take this, Gar. I'll see you, kid," Eddie added.
He waved with his free hand as he headed to his car and didn't catch what the kid said as they split. Probably was just a goodbye. Had he paid more attention, he would've picked up that it was 'Happy Valentine's Day' and a comment about hoping Steve and Eddie had fun if they celebrated. He watched to make sure Gareth returned to his car safely, taking a few minutes to smoke and relax. They weren't secretive about their relationship. But he never thought about putting that out there; it might make them a target for the small-minded in Hawkins. He put the cigarette out, with the others, in the half-full plastic bottle he kept in the cup holder.
"Hey, big guy. I'm on the way home now. The new kid was feeling chatty," Eddie explained. He called Steve before he pulled out onto the road.
His partner had a thing about them having dinner together. Maybe it was because Steve's folks were inconsistent when he was growing up, or it was just that he liked routine. Some things were better left unsaid. Eddie pictured the eye roll Steve gave at that, hearing his put-upon sigh on the other line. He'd probably switched out his contacts for glasses, too. Steve knew Eddie's habits, and Eddie knew Steve's. He was sure Steve could picture his leg bouncing, the one he didn't have on a pedal.
"Sure, Eds. Just get home safe. I've got dinner set to reheat. I guess this is what I get for trying to do more for Valentine's day," With that dry-toned comment, Steve hung up.
Eddie stared at the phone like it offended him. Steve knew damn well Eddie avoided calling while already driving. And it wasn't Valentine's day yet. It couldn't be. Their shop calendar was marked off til the 12th, and much as Eddie thought it was cliche, he'd always celebrated for Steve's sake. No wonder Steve asked him if he could come home a little early. A glance at the time, 8, told him most shops would be closing or near it. That's what he got for moving back to Hawkins. Why didn't he get flowers, or at least chocolates, early? What was wrong with him?
The rest of the drive home was a blur. There wasn't a point in rushing home, the dread growing in Eddie's stomach. He was tired and achy and knew he was likely to snap with the mood Steve was in. Hopefully, he wouldn't be on the couch for this one. They'd gotten good at talking through issues, but there were still communication gaps. Today was one hell of an example.
Eddie pulled into the driveway, killed the engine, and looked into the car mirror. There was an oil splatter on his cheek, and his hair was sticking up. He knew from experience that taking off his work clothes didn't take away the shop scent. It was every check-in Steve's list for what used to make him hot and bothered. Nowadays, it only made him push Eddie towards the shower and help him wash his hair if he needed a hand.
That wasn't to say their spark died out. Seeing Steve come undone did something to Eddie, and there was an unspoken trust when they tried new toys or experimented in bed. Eddie missed being younger sometimes. They didn't always talk through conflicts back then. Instead, they used to get physical till they were sore and had to cover up hickeys the next day.
"Hey, Steve," Eddie said, after making his way upstairs. He gave Steve a sheepish smile when he saw him and carefully considered his words. "I'm sorry. I forgot, and I know how much today means to you. How about we make the most of tonight instead? Being pissed at each other..it never helped us before."
He'd washed up as best he could in the laundry utility sink. Steve's gaze was scrutinizing, squinting at him behind his glasses. The other man sighed and set down the towel he was drying his hands with. There was still tension in his shoulders. Eddie had to bite his tongue to keep from offering to massage it away. They both could have tempers. It'd taken them years to learn how to keep the peace and not set each other off more.
"I just wish you would've told me, Eddie. What if I had something special planned for tonight?" Steve pointed out, gesturing at the table spread. He chuckled bittersweetly and shook his head when the oven went off. Their food was reheated, as Steve promised. "You running late isn't why I'm upset. "
There were scented candles that burned a little low, and he'd set out the nicer tablecloth. Eddie swallowed, glancing between it and Steve. Their anniversary was the second half of the year; it wasn't that. Steve was the romantic of the two. Eddie went to the table and put a hand on one of the chair backs, leaning into it for support. His nails were still dark, with something from work on his right hand. Eddie grimaced when he noticed it.
"Sweetheart, I can't read minds. All I knew was that you wanted me home a little early," Eddie bit back defensively, trying to keep his tone light. He knew Steve likely waited on him to eat, too. Being hungry would only make their chances at a proper lower. "Want a hand with setting out plates? You can tell me what's on your mind as we get dinner set."
Steve gave him a look that said Eddie should've known better. But he still nodded. Steve grabbed himself oven mitts, leaving the drawer where they stored them open for Eddie to grab his own. Eddie went to get his own. He might've slammed the drawer shut, wanting to get some of his own frustration out.
"Alright, let's talk. But I need you to be quiet for a few minutes. Let me get all this out," Steve said, poking Eddie with his mitt to emphasize his point. "Get out the lasagna, set it on the table for me. There's some pasta, too."
Steve held the oven open as Eddie obliged, setting in a pan of something that smelt delicious. The nights Steve cooked were the ones Eddie looked forward to. Eddie sliced the lasagna as Steve spoke and listened attentively.
"We've been together for years. Whenever we discussed a wedding, we wanted to wait for the right time. Til your business was settled, til it was the right time of year with my work schedule..at the rate we're going, I'll be fully grey if we do it. Who said we had to shell out money for a big ceremony? Or do an expensive honeymoon?" Steve asked, his tone near exasperated.
He was tightly holding onto control, Eddie could tell. It'd take Eddie trying to ignore the topic for him to snap. It reminded Eddie of the voice he'd use when he heard him teach. He'd lay out all the facts for his students and let them make their own conclusions. Eddie was about to speak up, but Steve gave him a firm look, and Eddie just focused on making sure the table was fully set.
"Even Wayne's surprised we never tied the knot. Can you tell me one good reason for us to wait longer?" Steve emphasized the one reason, slamming down the pan he'd just gotten out of the oven. Thankfully, it was metal and not one of the glass ones.
Eddie sighed and took off the mitts. He put them away in the drawer and gave Steve a loose hug from the back, resting his head on his shoulder. Steve wrinkled his nose, likely smelling the shop remnants on Eddie. But he relaxed against him, his shoulders losing some of the tension they'd carried tonight. Touch was always grounding for both of them.
"Honestly," Eddie started, closing his eyes a moment. "I don't know why we waited so long. You're right! We wanted to find the perfect time. And when we were young, we wanted different things. I'd be a rockstar, and you planned to foster kids and pets," he reminisced, voice losing the tone he took up earlier as he spoke. Plans changed as they did. Nothing was the same as it was.
Steve sliced the bread in the pan, the homemade bread tickling Eddie's nose. Eddie watched his hands as he worked. Picturing Steve with a ring looked right, something dainty contrasting with how big his hands were and the callouses he'd gotten. It wouldn't change much. Their relationship would still be the same. The most significant change would be on paper and legally.
Steve looked at him, something soft in his eyes. They'd both grown over the years. Eddie pulled back and gave him some space, letting his hands linger on his waist.
"And?" Steve said, raising a brow. "What do you think? We can forget I brought it up, but it'll still eat at me."
He set aside the knife and tapped his hand atop Eddie's hand on his waist. It was a sign they'd used in their intimate moments, a literal tapping out to switch things up. Eddie gladly obliged. Steve turned around and pulled Eddie closer, wrapping his arms around his neck. He smiled, and Eddie smiled when he saw his smile lines and how the greys he'd been getting caught the light.
"I think we should do it. Get married, maybe adopt another cat or two," Eddie suggested with a twinkle in his eyes.
It didn't sort everything out. He knew there'd be more to discuss and clear the air over. But it was an easy thing to say. When he was younger, it would've shaken him, the commitment feeling too weighty. But when he said it out loud, it sounded mundane as him and Steve discussing the groceries. It was inevitable, something they both recognized would come. Steve smiled and leaned in, giving him a kiss on the cheek.
Steve pulled back and took Eddie in some. His eyes searched his face as if he were searching for something. For what, Eddie was unsure, and he raised a brow. Steve just chuckled, and something seemed to settle in his eyes. Steve moved his hand down to Eddie's waist and rubbed circles into his back. With his free hand, he dug into his pocket and held up a ring, a simple gold band. Eddie got the same feeling he had earlier, his heart skipping a beat.
"I know, I know. Maybe I got ahead of myself. But Wayne gave me your grandpa's ring years ago," Steve admitted."I had plans to make this romantic, hell - there was a whole proposal speech. But when have we ever done anything the typical way? Will you marry me, Eddie?"
He passed the ring off to Eddie. Eddie handled it carefully, looking at it with wide eyes. Had Eddie known Steve had this planned, he would've had someone else run the shop for today. He wouldn't have even come in. Eddie looked at the ring and held it up to the light. There was an inscription inside he couldn't quite read.
"Stevie, honey, if you got something written inside," Eddie started before slipping the ring on to see the fit. "You should've gotten it in a bigger font. It's not that I don't appreciate it - it's...hard for me to see it. The answer's still yes. You should've put that together by now."
Steve let out a surprised laugh, his body shaking with the force of it. He slipped his hand into the one Eddie slipped the ring onto and kissed him, still keeping it chaste.
"It's our names and when we first got together. Back in '90, remember? Old man?" Steve teased, raising a brow.
"I'll show you, old man, Stevie. You can still be a little shit," Eddie said.
But he appreciated it, the personalization, and he wanted to show it. He gently pushed the pan of bread aside and picked Steve up. The other man near squeaked in surprise, wrapping his arms around Eddie for support. It was on adrenaline alone that he pulled it off. His back would give him hell for it later, but it was worth it for the smile on Steve's face when he set him atop the counter. Something told Eddie they'd have to reheat dinner again.