86 Baby

by xPersonalLies

'86 was going to be his year, Eddie was damned sure of it. Except… King Steve seemed intent on becoming a part of his life. Eddie soon found he wasn't as opposed to the idea as he originally thought.

27. Research

Eddie actually spent Friday afternoon alone. He'd promised to help Wayne dig out his new garden since the weather was nicer and by the time the sun was setting he was sweaty, dirty and aching. After a long hot shower, all he wanted to do was sleep.

Wayne had heated up some food whilst he cleaned up. Sitting together at the table, eating the microwave curry, it almost felt like old times again. Eddie missed it. "Thank you, Eddie. I never woulda got back up if had to get down there and dig."

"Anything for you, old man."

"Hey, less of that old man shit. I'm not past my prime yet."

"I know. Claudia seemed real happy to see you the other day." Eddie laughed into his rice as his uncle turned red.

Dustin had complained the whole time to Eddie that he was going to be late for his orthodontist appointment because the two wouldn't stop talking. For someone trying to get them together, he was doing a remarkably poor job. It was a good thing he had Eddie on his side to help. He was a little more subtle.

"She's sweet. That kid of hers is pretty smart too. She raised him right."

"Just like you, huh?"

Wayne shook his head in amusement, glancing up at Eddie. "Yeah, you turned out alright, son."

"Gee, thanks," he snorted. "I'll have you know I've only had one detention this year and it's almost March. That is a new record for me." Even during middle school he was always getting detentions, more for fighting than anything else.

It was only when he entered high school that he stopped throwing punches and learned to be smarter with his mouth. Sure he still got beat up for it but less often. Nowadays nobody really bothered him so long as he kept his head down. Eddie didn't get the same enjoyment out of provoking Jason Carver as he used to with Steve or Tommy. He'd done enough that people left him alone now. Maybe he was growing up after all.

Wayne chuckled softly. "I'm proud of you, kid."

"Gah, when will you stop calling me that?"

"Never. You're my kid and that'll never change." Eddie shook his head but was pleased. He glanced up as the phone rang, making a protesting noise as Wayne stood but was waved away. "Munson residence?" A moment later he smiled. "Yeah, he's here, one second. It's for you, Eddie."

"Thanks." He already knew who it was given Wayne's smile. "Hey, Steve, missing me already?"

"No. I was just wondering if you wanted to come over and finish watching Star Wars. We've still gotta watch Return of the Jedi?"

"Mmm, I dunno... see, I already showered and everything."

"Oh," Steve sounded so disappointed that Eddie didn't bother with the act.

"Of course I'll come over. Give me about an hour, okay?"

"It's fine. If you're tired or busy or whatever. I don't wanna be a burden."

"Steve, you're not. I'll see you in an hour. And for the record..." He got up and walked away from the table, lowering his voice so Wayne couldn't overhear. "...I've missed you today."

"Yeah?" He already sounded happier. "Cool. I'll get the movie ready for when you arrive. You staying the night?"

"If you'll have me." Eddie smiled and began twirling his hair around his finger. "We got work in the morning though, don't forget."

"Got it, not a late night."

"See you soon, pretty boy."

"Bye, Eds."

Eddie hung the phone up and rejoined Wayne, trying to finish quickly so he could change and pack up his work clothes for the morning. He glanced up to find Wayne watching him with a smile and swallowed his mouthful to ask, "what?"

"Nothing. You're off after this?"

"Yeah. We're rewatching Star Wars, gonna watch the last one tonight. It'll be late so I'll stay the night. I'll be home tomorrow after work sometime." He caught Wayne still smiling at him and laughed. "Seriously, what is it? Do I have something on my face?"

"No. I'm just realising how much you've grown recently." Wayne cleared away their plates, ruffling Eddie's hair much to his chagrin. "Don't stay up too late."

"Okay." He held up his hands in defeat and stood. "Gotta get my stuff."

Eddie grabbed a bag to shove his clothes in, changing into a pair of sweatpants instead of the shorts he was wearing. It was far too cold to be walking around outside in shorts. He wasn't like Steve who did it all year round. He glanced at his still-made bed, sheets fresh from the wash almost a week ago. He barely even slept there anymore.

"Hey, Wayne!" He called and Wayne muted the tv to listen as he rejoined him. "You can take the bed, y'know. That camp bed can't be comfortable and you know I'm not coming home tonight. I don't mind."

"I'm not stealing your bed."

"Why? I basically live at Steve's. Please? It'd help with your back," Eddie wheedled, grinning when Wayne sighed in defeat. "The sheets are clean I promise!"

"You're not moving out, are you?"

"No. C'mon it's only been a couple of months!" Yeah, he spent most nights with Steve. A lot of those now at his house after the whole Max and Lucas fiasco but living together... he'd not even considered that yet. "I promise I'll never leave you."

"Alright, alright, I'll sleep in the damn bed. Don't go cramping my style forever."

"Harsh."

"Get going, it's almost completely dark out and those van lights are unreliable. Don't want them going out on you halfway across town."

"I knew you worried about me." Eddie hugged him quickly before grabbing his shoes. "See you tomorrow!"

"Drive safely!"

"I will!" Eddie shut the door and hurried to his van which started to life with a loud sputtering. The lights did flicker a bit which made Eddie think Wayne's paranoia wasn't for nothing. He'd have to check them in the morning if he had time.

He made it to Steve's in one piece though, pulling up behind his BMW and killing the engine. The front door opened as he was grabbing his bag and Steve leaned against the doorframe watching him with a soft smile. He'd showered too by the look of his floppy hair and Eddie couldn't resist ruffling it when he got close enough.

"Stop it!" Steve shoved him away and brushed it back with a huff. "Why do I put up with you?"

"Because I give amazing hand jobs?"

"Get inside before you start speaking like that!"

Eddie laughed as he was pulled inside. Dropping his bag next to his shoes, he sniffed the air and hummed approvingly. "Is that marshmallow cookies I smell?"

"Go and see."

It was. A plate of warm cookies was waiting on the coffee table and Eddie grabbed one eagerly, shoving half of it into his mouth. "Oh my god, they're amazing!" He mumbled around his mouthful, catching the falling crumbs in his palm.

"Use a plate you animal." Steve shoved one in his hand with an eye roll. "I just cleaned."

"And it looks wonderful in here. Seriously. I don't know how you find the time to do all this."

"I was born to be a housewife."

"Is that what you want?"

"Maybe. I wouldn't mind being the stay-at-home parent." Steve sat down, patting the spot next to him so Eddie joined him. "I'd want to spend time with my kids, love them properly. I'd never want them to feel like we do."

"You think we can have kids?"

"We can adopt. Maybe surrogacy if we can find someone willing to do it with us. Do you want kids?"

"I dunno. I've told you, I've not thought about it much." Eddie took one of his hands and began tracing along the lines of his palm. "It's a nice thought but never something I've considered a reality. Being gay... it's limited a lot of my options. I mean, shit, I still can't believe you're my boyfriend sometimes."

"It's okay, it's not something we have to talk about now. Hell, I'm only eighteen I don't want kids just yet. The ones we have are enough for me."

Eddie laughed and relaxed back as Steve turned on the tv and started up the movie. "And we only have five."

"I think Will is coming to visit during spring break. You can meet him then."

"I should make a one-shot for them all to play. Shit, let me grab some paper." Eddie was up before Steve could stop him, running to his room to find a free notepad and pen. He sat back on the couch and began scribbling earnestly, all the ideas suddenly flooding his brain and he wanted to get them down before they disappeared. "We can watch the film still, I'm paying attention."

"Uh-huh."

"Yeah, Luke just landed on Tatooine to rescue Han. Princess Leia in her slave costume coming right up if you're interested."

"I'm not." Steve caught his chin, forcing him to look up and then leaned in to kiss him. "I'd rather look at you."

Eddie grinned, indulging him in another kiss before jerking out of his hold. "Give me a few minutes, pretty boy. My brain is racing and I've gotta get this down."

It was more like half an hour and Eddie only stopped because his hand was starting to cramp. He sighed and tossed the notebook onto the table, reaching for a cookie instead. As he leaned back he noticed Steve watching him and raised an eyebrow. Steve took his cookie, biting into it with a smug grin and handed back the last mouthful which Eddie finished quickly.

"Get your own next- Steve!" He laughed when he was tackled back, bouncing slightly as he hit the sofa. "Don't you wanna watch Luke and Vadar's fight?"

"Ugh, you're such a nerd," Steve complained, getting off him.

"But I'm your nerd," Eddie returned smugly, kissing his cheek. He wrapped his arms around Steve's waist too, pressing in close and resting his head on his shoulder. "We can cuddle until the movie's finished."

"Then we can make out?"

"Yes." Steve happily slung an arm over his shoulders and settle down to finish the movie. Eddie was beginning to figure out that Steve would go along with anything as long as he got some physical affection. Slipping a hand under his shirt to stroke his warm stomach, Eddie kissed his cheek and whispered, "you know, for a jock you're really cuddly."

"Shut up." Steve's face flushed slightly but he kept his eyes on the screen. "Get off me if you don't like it."

"I never said that." Eddie continued kissing him, reaching the corner of his mouth.

"Watch the movie, Eds." Steve kissed him firmly before breaking free. "Or I'll turn it off and take you upstairs now."

He laughed but settled down, content to stay in Steve's arms to finish the movie. As soon as the credits were rolling, Steve turned off the tv and to Eddie's surprise and slight panic, picked him up and stood. He gripped Steve's shirt tight and tried not to flail at the sudden change.

Steve grinned, waggling his eyebrows. "Bet you didn't think I could do that."

"I mean, you've done it before." Eddie remembered the day at the quarry very well when Steve had thrown him over his shoulder. Right now though he was carrying him bridal style which felt a whole lot different. When it became clear Steve intended to carry him up the stairs, Eddie felt panicked again. "No, you can't be serious!"

"Don't struggle. I've got you, Eds. Trust me."

"Of course I trust you but..." Eddie looked at the stairs again and quickly closed his eyes, pressing his face against Steve's chest. "I'm dumping your ass if you drop me."

"Noted."

Eddie didn't open his eyes again until he felt himself being lowered and instinctively grabbed Steve tighter. "Whoa!"

"Hey, it's the bed." Steve chuckled softly, letting him go and Eddie breathed a sigh of relief as he landed on the soft mattress. "Told you I could do it."

"You're insane." Still, he couldn't help feeling awed at the show of strength. He glanced at Steve as he pulled off his shirt, taking the moment to admire his well-built frame. "Since when do you work out? I mean, don't get me wrong, it's really fucking attractive but you weren't like this in high school."

Steve shrugged, continuing to undress and Eddie groaned at the sight of his perfect ass. He covered his face and fell back on the pillows dramatically, making Steve snort. "I don't work out hard or anything. Sure, I go for runs but... it's better to be prepared."

"Oh god, tell me you've not built a bunker out in the garden."

"No!" Steve joined him on the bed, now in his sleep pants and shoved him aside to make room. "But if something goes wrong at least I know I can carry you out of there or any of the kids or Robin or-"

Eddie pressed a finger to his lips and smiled. "You worry too much, sweetheart. What do you think's going to happen in small town, Indiana?"

"You'd be surprised." And there was that sad smile again, one Eddie hadn't seen for a while.

He moved to cup Steve's jaw and pressed a quick kiss to his lips before getting up to change himself. "One day you're gonna tell me exactly what happened. I don't care how many years it takes, I'll get the truth out of you eventually."

"Maybe on our honeymoon."

"Hey, don't forget we're technically engaged. Shit, longer than we've been together."

"That doesn't count!"

"No? Because I recall agreeing to get married in our fifties. That sounds a lot like getting engaged to me." And he stuck his hand out, wiggling his fingers in Steve's face. "Where's my ring, sweetheart?"

"You've got enough of them already."

"I wouldn't say no to one from you." In fact, Eddie would treasure it for the rest of his life but he wouldn't admit that out loud.

"Go brush your teeth, Munson, before I get ideas."

"At once, my liege." He bowed low, ducking a pillow thrown at him and laughed on his way to the bathroom.

Steve joined him after a moment, kissing his shoulder as he reached for his toothbrush. Eddie gave him one on the cheek in return, laughing as he wiped off the foam in disgust. By the time he got into bed, his exhaustion crept back up on him quickly and he was half asleep as Steve joined him.

"Tired?" Steve asked, switching off the lights and cuddling up behind him. Eddie hummed in response, pliant and sleep fuzzy. He got a quiet laugh in response and another kiss on his shoulder. "Night, Eds."

"Night, sweetheart," he mumbled back, falling asleep soon after. He was woken up the following morning by the smell of coffee and opened his eyes as Steve set a mug on the side next to him. He stretched and rolled over as Steve sat down with his own mug, smiling sleepily. "Hey."

"Morning."

Eddie sat up and grabbed his drink, slowly reviving himself. "What time is it?"

"Just gone seven."

"Seriously?" Eddie groaned when Steve nodded. "Why so early?"

Steve shrugged, smiling into his drink. "I was kinda hoping we could pick up from yesterday. You fell asleep pretty quick. Didn't get a chance to have any fun."

"Fun?" He asked blankly. When Steve went red he suddenly understood, feeling embarrassed himself at taking so long to catch up. "Oh!"

"It's cool if you don't. I don't wanna push you into anything. Sorry, it was a stupid idea. You've just woken up and-"

"Steve, hey, slow down. I didn't say no." Eddie set his mug down and turned to cover his hands. "What's with all the apologising? You don't have to say sorry because you want something."

"I don't wanna be a burden."

"You're not." Eddie shifted closer, kissing his cheek and trailing more down his neck. Steve sighed and relaxed back, careful not to spill the coffee he was still holding. "Hey, remember the first time you touched me and you said I was bigger... is that true?"

He chuckled. "Don't know. Thought it would sound hot in the moment. Did it work?"

"Yeah," Eddie admitted. "So dirty talk..."

"Works on you." Steve hummed, nosing his hair. "Nothing wrong with that. Everyone has their preferences."

"What about you?"

"Oh, definitely praise," Steve admitted without an ounce of embarrassment. "You tell me I'm doing a good job and I'll probably blow my load."

Eddie hummed, filing the information away for later. But a wicked thought formed almost instantly that he couldn't ignore. "Are you my good boy, Stevie?" He asked, trying to keep his voice low and approving. "Because you did a good job. Real fucking good, sweetheart."

Steve's eyes widened in surprise, cheeks instantly flooding with colour before he ducked and hid his face. "Asshole!"

"No, don't hide. I just wanna praise you for making me feel so good. You're amazing, Steve." He set Steve's mug aside, making him uncover his face. "Seriously, it was... wow."

"Worth repeating?"

"Definitely." His face was flushed but his smile made Eddie nervous. It felt dangerous. "Steve?"

"You wanna feel my hand again, Eds? Want me to wrap my fingers around your dick and get you to come?"

It was Eddie's turn to blush, blood rushing not only to his cheeks but to his dick too. "Stop it or you're gonna have to make good on that promise."

"What if I want to?" Steve knelt over him but didn't move to take off his boxers, despite the fact Eddie was already half hard. "Maybe I like pleasing you."

Eddie grabbed his hand before he could touch him. "Steve… are you a sub?"

"A what?"

"A sub. Y'know… submissive. Do you like to be dominated?"

Steve's face turned red and he pulled back, sitting down on Eddie's thighs. "I don't know what that means."

"Okay… has any girl ever directed you in the bedroom? Told you what to do or praised you, that kind of thing?"

"Once." He looked down, obviously shy.

Eddie felt that too but his heart was also racing because there were things he'd learned in that stupid BDSM book that he was desperate to try. If Steve wanted to… he swallowed thickly and tried not to think about it. That was a conversation for later or maybe now, depending on Steve's reaction.

"Wanna tell me about it?"

"Remember when I told you about that threesome?" Eddie nodded as Steve's eyes flickered up to meet his briefly. "One of them fucked me and told me what to do with her girlfriend whilst she did it."

Oh, wow. Eddie was now most definitely hard. He tried to ignore it, focusing back on a still red-faced Steve. "You said it was the best sex you'd ever had."

"It was. I liked that."

"Do you want me to try that?"

Steve's head snapped up so fast that Eddie had to pull back so they didn't collide. "Pegging me?"

"Well, no. I've got my own dick for that." He smiled as Steve laughed, the tension easing slightly. "I meant dominating you or something." He took a deep breath, it was now or never. "Okay, I've got this book and it explains a lot of stuff like this, the whole BDSM thing. I think you should read it, let me know what you think."

"Can we go get it now?"

"Now?" Christ, he was eager. Eddie, unfortunately, had a problem to deal with first. "Sweetheart, I don't know if you've noticed but I'm in no state to drive anywhere."

"Oh, I'm sure we can resolve that." Steve's hand slipped into his pants quickly, wrapping around his cock. "You've been holding out on me."

"Shit, Steve, give a guy a warning," Eddie grunted, immediately relaxing back.

"Do you want me to stop?" Steve grinned smugly and twisted around to rummage in his bedside drawer, keeping his hand firmly around Eddie. He turned back a moment later with a bottle of lube in his hand and tossed it to Eddie. "Can you do it? My hand's occupied."

"Yeah, yeah." Eddie shimmied out of his boxers and uncapped the bottle to pour some into Steve's waiting hand. He jumped when Steve immediately went back to his cock and started stroking him. "Hey, that's cold."

"Mmm, you're not shy though..." He paused, thumbing the head and Eddie groaned. "Did me talking about that threesome get you going? Or where you imagining fucking me yourself?"

"Both?" Eddie was finding it hard to concentrate on anything but Steve's hand and grabbed his wrist to make him stop at the sudden onrush of his orgasm. "Shit, wait a sec, that was close."

"Sensitive?"

"Third time," he got out through gritted teeth, letting go of Steve's wrist. "Gotta... build up stamina."

"I think it's hot." Steve kissed him softly. "Can I make you come now? I wanna make you feel good, Eds."

"Yeah, go for it, sweetheart." Eddie pulled him back in for another kiss, surprised when Steve's free hand slipped under his shirt to play with his nipple. "Steve," he choked on his name, spilling over his hand a moment later.

"Fuck, that's hot."

Eddie opened his eyes to find Steve looking down at his cock still in his hand. "How the hell have you never touched another guy before? You're really into this."

Steve grinned and kissed him again quickly. "I'm into you, Eds, not any random guy's dick. Is it wrong that I'm attracted to yours?"

"No?"

"Then let me appreciate you." Steve knelt over him, grabbing the tissues from the side to clean up the mess. Eddie hissed slightly because he was still sensitive but Steve kissed him quiet, tucking him back into his underwear. "Now about that book?"

"Fuck, let's hurry before work." Eddie kicked off the covers and grabbed his clothes.

They made it to his trailer in record time but Steve stayed outside as Eddie snuck in the grab the book. Wayne was snoring away in the bed so he was extra careful not to make any noise, not until he was back in Steve's car. He held up the book victoriously.

Steve took it and flicked through it curiously. "Wow... that's a lot of stuff."

"Let's start small, okay?" Eddie turned back to the beginning. "Read through the introduction, really understand it first. The rest we can discuss later."

"The rest?"

"Like preferences. What you wanna try."

Steve hesitated looking up at Eddie shyly. "Like the handcuffs?"

"Exactly." Eddie smiled back and kissed him. "Introduction for today and think about it. If you're not comfortable with the idea, we can drop it."

"But you like it."

"Doesn't matter if you don't. I'm not gonna force anything on you." Eddie really hoped Steve wanted to try stuff but what he said was true, he'd never force anything between them. "Come on, we better go."

Steve dropped him off at work and promised he would read during his breaks. Eddie could only hope he wouldn't show Robin but he already knew he would. Those two were too honest with each other. He wouldn't be surprised if Robin knew how big his dick was at this point.

Work dragged on to the point Eddie was sure the clock was busted, even if it matched his watch. When it was finally time to go he wasted no time hurrying to Family Video. Steve was manning the counter and smiled brightly when he saw who came through the door.

Eddie smiled back and hopped onto the counter. "How's your day been, pretty boy?"

"Interesting." And he dropped the book between them without further preamble. "How did you know I was a sub? Like, is it obvious or something? I had no idea but this book explains so many of the things I've been feeling. I didn't realise it was an actual thing." Eddie looked around quickly to make sure the store was empty and Steve laughed. "Now you're shy."

"It's not something people discuss in broad daylight in a shop normally. I haven't... told anyone either. It was hard enough bringing it up to you, let alone talking about it."

Steve looked at him curiously, shutting the book. "Sorry, I forgot it's not a normal thing. People shouldn't overhear this, should they?"

"No." But Eddie smiled and caressed his cheek quickly. "Don't worry about it, sweetheart, nobody heard. We can talk about it as soon as you finish your shift, okay?"

"Okay." The doorbell jingled again and Steve slipped the book back behind the counter, customer service smile in place. "Welcome to Family Video! How can I help?"

Eddie jumped down and began browsing the aisles. Steve had returned the Star Wars films that morning so they needed something new to watch. Truth be told, Eddie was hoping they'd be too busy to watch a film tonight. Steve seemed eager to talk and he didn't look disgusted. Eddie was hoping they could find a common ground with it.

Still, those kinds of thoughts would have to wait until later. It wouldn't be a good idea to get a boner in the middle of the store. So he refocused on finding a film.

When Robin returned a few minutes later with lunch, she greeted Eddie normally and tossed him a bag. He wondered if Steve had told her or not but that question was answered almost immediately when she said, "I can't believe you've got Steve convinced he wants to be tied up."

He choked on nothing, coughing violently. She had to take him into the back room because people were looking over concerned. "Christ, Robin," he wheezed when he finally regained his breath. "Hello to you too."

"Sorry. Hi, Eddie, how are you? Now, tell me more about the whole BDSM thing Steve has suddenly brought up?" She sat down on the worn couch, looking expectant. "Was that better?"

"Uh, not really, no."

"You want to hurt him?"

"No!" Eddie groaned, rubbing his face. "Why are you two so codependent? God, do you know everything?"

"Yes," she answered with no hesitation. "Sorry, Eddie. You want to be with Steve, he's a package deal. You already knew that."

"Yeah, yeah." He sat down next to her with a sigh and started hesitantly. "It's not about hurting Steve. Did you read it too?"

"Didn't really get it. Steve seemed to understand it better than me. Which is why I wanted to talk to you about it. It seems... intense."

"It's about trust."

"How?"

"You know this is incredibly private, right?"

Robin only raised an eyebrow, biting into her burger.

"Fine! It's about Steve trusting me to do things for him and knowing I'd take care of him. That's what I get out of it. And yeah, maybe I like the idea of being in charge. Is that what you want to hear?" Eddie said it all a bit aggressively but he hadn't been expecting to have this conversation with anyone, let alone Robin. Steve had really thrown him in the deep end here. "I wouldn't be slapping Steve about or- or hurting him needlessly. It's controlled and discussed beforehand. I wouldn't do anything Steve doesn't want."

"Right." She still sounded unconvinced.

"It's hard to explain, especially if you're not into it."

"Yeah, trust me, I don't understand." She patted his knee and smiled. "Steve does though, he was really interested in the book, almost happy. I think it's helping him understand some things he's never been able to word, y'know?"

"Really?"

"Mhmm, he used to say girls were gentle, that he had to be careful not to be too much with them. He wanted them to take more control but didn't know how to ask. Has he told you about the threesome he had?" When Eddie nodded she laughed. "I thought he wanted to marry those girls the way he went on about them. He was real upset when they left town."

"Steve is far too honest with you. Do you guys talk about Nancy like this?"

Robin went red and took another bite of her burger with a shrug. "Sometimes. It's easier to relate on that since, well... Steve knows. It's harder with you because I've never been with a guy, let alone you."

"You haven't discouraged him, have you?"

"No! I just want what's best for Steve. But he's eager to please in relationships. Don't take advantage of him. I don't know if he wants this or is doing it for you."

Eddie looked down at the mostly squashed burger he'd been kneading over the last few minutes. That would be the worst thing of all, Steve pretending to make him happy. He knew he would too.

"Hey, Eddie," Robin said softly, squeezing his knee again. "I know you wouldn't hurt Steve. Just make sure first, okay?"

"Okay," he promised.

They broke apart when Steve opened the door and looked at them both curiously. "Am I interrupting?"

"No," Robin said quickly before Eddie could even open his mouth. "Sorry, Eddie choked on his burger so I brought him back here to take it easy for a few minutes. I'm coming back out." She left quickly saying, "don't leave me alone too long."

Steve took her vacated seat and looked at Eddie questioningly. "I can't believe how honest you two are with each other." Was all he said. It was enough to make Steve blush.

"What did she say?"

"Wanted me to explain the whole thing to her! I mean, seriously, Steve? I can barely talk about it to you and then I have to explain everything to Robin? It's embarrassing!"

"Well I'm sorry but Robin is basically a part of me. She wants to understand what this is! I tell her everything, Eddie, you know that. We don't keep secrets. I'm sorry it's embarrassing for you but it's not for us."

"So whatever I tell you, you tell her? We don't have any privacy?"

"No, that's not it at all!" Steve got up, running his hands through his hair. "You don't get it. Robin is more than a friend or family, she's my soulmate, Eddie. We're tied together in a way I can't explain and I won't lose her. I needed her opinion on this. If you've got a problem with Robin then we're done. She's my exception. Anything else I can work on but not her. Not now, not ever."

"You'd break up with me, right now, if I had a problem with Robin?"

"Yes."

Eddie sat there, too stunned to speak as he looked at Steve. He opened and closed his mouth a couple of times but couldn't find the words. Finally, he slumped back on the couch and exhaled shakily. Steve's expression softened and he came to sit with him, taking one of his hands and entwining their fingers. Eddie stared at their hands, lifting them after a moment to kiss Steve's.

"Fuck, I can't believe I'm agreeing to this. I guess I'm dating Robin too, huh?"

Steve broke out into a smile. "Yeah, sorry."

"Just promise me one thing? Promise you're not doing the whole BDSM thing for me? I want to know you're into it too. I don't want this if you're only doing it for me."

"I'm not, Eds." Steve took a deep breath, squeezing his hand. "I've never thought about it before but I'm interested. As soon as my shift's over, can we go to yours and talk? Max called earlier and she's at mine. Privacy, right?"

"Right."

Steve smiled, leaning in to kiss him. "I know it's not easy to understand this thing I have with Robin. Trust me, nobody else has been able to accept it. But I don't tell her everything. Things about you - like your mom - I would never share. But this is about me too, that's why I've talked to her."

Eddie nodded, resting his forehead against Steve's cheek. "So your basically still dating Nancy as well, huh?"

"I wouldn't go that far. I just help Robin out whenever they have an argument or she doesn't understand why Nancy acts a certain way."

"My boyfriend is pseudo-dating his ex-girlfriend and I'm pseudo-dating his best friend. What is my life?" Eddie grinned when Steve huffed out a laugh. "The things I do for you, Steve."

"Thank you, Eds. It means a lot to me that Robin is included, that you don't try and freeze her out."

"I won't. I know she's important to you." He pulled back after another chaste kiss. "Come on, we should go join her before she thinks we're making out back here again."

"What about your burger?"

Eddie looked at the crumpled bag on the table and shrugged. "I can wait a few more hours. You owe me a spectacular dinner though."

"Deal." Steve sealed it with a kiss and then they rejoined Robin.

Eddie watched the two of them work. It really was like they were two parts of the same person, working perfectly together. He could see the conversation they shared without a single word being spoken. The questioningly look from Robin and the slight shake of Steve's head, the smiles they shared, the touches.

He wasn't jealous, not really. He knew it wasn't a romantic, they were so clearly platonic. Still, he couldn't help wishing he had that type of connection to Steve. To be able to see his thoughts so clearly and know him so well.

Maybe one day he would.

He had to remind himself they'd only officially known each other since last August. They had years to get to that point. Eddie wanted to get there, swore he would.

If he had to share embarrassing, supposedly private parts of his life with Robin, then he'd do it. The less he knew about what they talked about, the better. At least he had Steve's word the most vulnerable parts stayed between them.

After closing up he was seized by the sudden urge to hug Robin. She froze up in his arms, awkwardly patting his back with a chuckle. "Um, bye, Eddie?"

"Thank you for being there for Steve," he whispered, squeezing her tight and then letting go. "I'll probably see you tomorrow."

"Yeah." She smiled back, almost as brilliant as Steve's smile. "See you guys tomorrow." And she squeezed Steve's hand before going to unlock her bike.

"What was that about?" Steve asked as they got in his car.

Eddie shrugged, belting himself in. "Just realising how much she means to you is all. I'm glad you've got each other."

Steve looked at him in surprise, expression becoming so soft Eddie was worried he might cry. Then he smiled and started the car. "Come on, let's get to yours and talk."

"That doesn't sound ominous."

"Sorry, let's go talk about sex?"

"Better." He was still nervous as hell by the time they pulled up outside his trailer. Fumbling with the keys, he finally got the door unlocked and went inside. At least Wayne was already gone for the night. He waited until Steve had shut the door to ask, "so?"

"So..?" Steve laughed and grabbed his hand, leading him into the bedroom. As they sat on the bed he pulled out the book and put it between them. "How long have you felt like this?"

"Um, since forever I guess? It was a lot harder to ignore once I had someone to focus the feelings on." Eddie rubbed the back of his neck and shrugged. "I don't want to hurt you, Steve. Do you understand that?"

"Yeah, I've read through and I get it. I know it's not about hurting me or you. I meant what I said earlier, about relating to it. The parts where it talks about giving up control and trusting your partner, all of that. I get that." He took a deep breath, looking kind of nervous but then plowed ahead. "Okay, I had a look at the other stuff and..." Steve put on his glasses, flipping to the back and Eddie felt his face burn when he stopped on the kink list. "What are the marked stars for?"

"Steve..."

"And can we try something?"

"What, now?"

"Yeah." He bit his lip, setting down the book. "One thing really looks interesting... a forced orgasm. Can we try?"

Shit. Eddie swallowed thickly, trying not to think with his very hard cock. "A-are you sure?"

"Yeah." Steve shifted, hand moving down to his crotch and Eddie became aware he was hard too as he readjusted. "Please, Eds? You said we could try. Don't you wanna- I dunno... tie me up and make me come? I want to try. I trust you. We can use the stoplight system, whatever you want. I'm green if that helps?"

Eddie groaned, diving forward to crash their lips together. "Fuck, sweetheart, you're perfect. Give me a second." Leaving Steve breathless on the bed, Eddie scrambled for his drawer and pulled out the new black bandana he'd bought in Indianapolis. "Okay, shirt off and hands up."

He did it without question, laying back and arousal surged low in Eddie's stomach as he knelt over him and tied the material around his wrists. Satisfied, he sat back and let Steve try out the restraint. He tugged curiously and then smiled. "Good."

"Not too tight?"

"Nope."

"Let me know if that changes, yeah? Don't want to hurt you."

"Says the one who just tied me up."

Eddie grabbed his face and said sternly, "shut up." Steve's eyes widened in surprise, pupils immediately dilating but he kept quiet, even if his breathing deepened. "Good boy." Eddie patted his cheek and gently removed Steve's glasses, setting them on the side. He considered Steve as he undid his own jeans to relieve the pressure.

It was like something straight out of a wet dream having Steve sprawled on his bed shirtless and hands tied, erection pressing into his jeans.

"That must be uncomfortable, want some help?" Steve nodded, eyes fluttering shut when Eddie undid his jeans and guided his hips up to take them off, along with his boxers. "God, sweetheart, look how pretty you are. Already this hard?"

Steve groaned as Eddie took his cock into his hand, taking his time exploring now he had the leisure to. He wanted to find all the sensitive spots, what would make Steve squirm and what he didn't like. But he seemed to like everything, quiet noises slipping through his mouth even as he tried not to make a sound. Eddie found it very hot and his own dick was aching in his pants.

He didn't even need the lube, Steve was leaking so much. "You really like this, huh?" Eddie teased the head and Steve's hips bucked into his hand. "How much do you wanna come? I could just leave you like this and come back in a bit. That's what you want. You want me to decide, right?"

Steve shook his head violently, hair falling into his face and Eddie took a moment to brush it back and kiss him.

"No? Guess I better get to work then."

Tightening his grip, Eddie worked Steve's cock hard and fast, trying to remember what his other book said about handjob techniques. Still, he kept twisting at the head, just as Steve liked. He was surprised but also pleased when Steve came over his hand minutes later, trembling through his orgasm.

Eddie wondered what Steve would do if he just kept going. So he did, keeping a firm grip around his flagging erection and continued stroking him. Steve whimpered, hips shifting beneath Eddie and muscles straining but he was too well pinned down to go anywhere.

"S-stop, stop!" Eddie immediately let go, worried he'd gone too far when Steve broke his silence. Steve regained his breath, opened his eyes and frowned at him. "I didn't say red?"

Holy shit.

Eddie's orgasm took him completely by surprise, not that he could have stopped it if he tried. He'd been too wound up from touching Steve. He looked down at his crotch, at the incriminating stain and groaned. "What the actual fuck, Steve?"

"Was that bad?"

"No! No, of course not." He knelt forward and fumbled to untie Steve's hands, massaging the reddened skin. When Steve reached out and caught the edge of his underwear, Eddie shook his head. "I, um, I already came."

"You did? When?"

"When you complained about me stopping." Eddie blushed and fiddled with the bandana.

"Oh, that's what you meant." Steve smiled and leaned in to kiss him. It was surprisingly soft, all things considered. "So you liked it?"

A shiver ran down Eddie's back as he remembered the noises Steve had made. "Yeah, I did… and you?"

If Steve hated it, Eddie might die of embarrassment. He just came from watching Steve alone, he didn't even have to touch him. What if Steve only wanted normal sex? Well, he supposed he would always have this night as a fun memory.

"Well…" Steve drew out the word, purposely avoiding Eddie's eye. "I wish you would've kept going but other than that… it was amazing."

"Seriously?"

"One hundred percent. How far would you have gone?" Steve seemed genuinely curious and Eddie honestly felt ready to share this part of himself, encouraged by his positive reactions.

"Well if you'd let me, probably until you came again."

"You could do that?"

"Sweetheart, there's so much we could try and do. There's a lot more to sex than just sticking it in and thrusting until you come." Eddie grabbed the book again and flipped it back to the checklist. "You wanted to know about the stars? I marked my preferences, things I'd like to try. You do it too and then we can figure out what to try... if you want."

"Do you have a pen?" Steve sat up and grabbed his glasses and the book.

Eddie got up and threw him one. "Whilst you do that, I'll get something to clean us up with."

Steve nodded in response, already marking down the list. Swallowing back his curiosity, Eddie forced himself to grab some sweatpants and go into the bathroom to change and wet a cloth. Steve was still busy marking when he returned and laid back without a word, letting Eddie clean him up. When he threw away the cloth, Steve sat up and flipped the book around for him to see.

Eddie took it and looked down at the second row of stars. He was surprised to see most of them overlapped with his own. "You sure you want to try all these?"

"Yes," Steve answered confidently, smiling when Eddie looked up at him. "Eds, that was amazing what we just did. I really liked it. I want to try more."

"We'll have to talk about it, some of these can be intense apparently. Are you okay with going under? Have you read that part?"

"About subspace?" Steve hummed as Eddie flipped back to the right page. "Yeah, I read it. It sounds... intense but not bad. Can you do that to me?"

"If you trust me enough it should happen naturally. I just want you to be prepared if it does happen. I don't want you to freak out when you come back if you can't remember everything."

"But you'd take care of me, right?" Eddie nodded, smiling when Steve's arms wrapped around his middle, chest pressing to his back. "Then there's nothing to worry about." He kissed Eddie's cheek, shutting the book. "Come to bed, Eds. I'm tired after that."

Eddie's stomach rumbled pointedly, making them both laugh. "I believe you promised me food."

"Five minutes?"

"Okay." Eddie settled back, turning to face Steve and they got comfortable. He did look tired as Eddie gently rubbed his thumb over his cheek. "You can sleep, Steve. I'll make something in a minute."

"No, I'm gonna make you something proper. You're not having cereal for dinner."

"Guilty."

Steve smiled, covering his hand with his own. "I love you, Eds."

Eddie swallowed thickly, glad Steve had his eyes shut so he couldn't see how overcome he was. He'd never pushed Eddie to say it back but it felt important to say something. After a moment, Eddie realised he could say it without the actual words, like a workaround. He kissed Steve softly and murmured back, "Ni mel tye."

"What does that mean?"

"I'll let you figure it out on your own, sweetheart." Eddie kissed him again and settled down, closing his eyes and succumbing to his exhaustion for a moment. "Let's rest for now."