CW: blowjob, frottage

...

Eddie knew who he was.

He was a father to the most precious girl in the world, one he swore he would do anything for, and the thought of hurting her, of her growing up with an absent father, was the worst thing he could think of. Eddie wasn't going to condemn her to the same life he had. Charlie deserved better, and he would be better.

But he was more than just her father now; he had Steve. Having a partner like that, so caring and committed, made Eddie feel like the luckiest person in the world. After a lifetime of misfortune, it was an odd feeling knowing someone loved him despite his tendency towards annihilation.

Things were better now. Maybe not back to what they had been before that fateful night, but they were getting there, day by day. Eddie's main focus now was spending time with Charlie and Steve rather than working on the album. He still had flashes of inspiration, and when they came, he would hurry to write down whatever popped into his head. But he spent the days with his family, exploring the parts of LA he'd never noticed when he'd lived there years ago. Having a child had opened up a whole new side of the city to him, one not filled with alcohol, drugs, and debauchery. Eddie found he preferred the day-life of the town anyway.

Little by little, the days became easier.

They only had a week left before going back to Chicago, before going home, and as much as Eddie was looking forward to it, there was a part of him that would miss LA.

There was one place he had avoided, unsure if he wanted to return there, but now, with their visit coming to an end, he kept thinking about it. And he wanted to take Steve, too. The problem was keeping Charlie occupied because it was better to visit at night, to see the city sprawled out and lit up below. But they couldn't abandon her for a few hours, so he had to rope someone into babysitting her.

It was Michael who caved. With the promise of another life piece for the band, he agreed to watch Charlie for a few hours.

"Michael's staying?" Charlie asked over dinner six days before their departure. "Where are you going?"

"Yeah, where are we going?" Steve asked curiously.

Eddie just shrugged, shoving a large helping of casserole into his mouth so he didn't have to elaborate. "It's a surprise. And it's only for a few hours, babygirl. We'll be back in time to say goodnight."

"Oh, okay."

Steve was still looking at him curiously but held his questions at bay until they were alone, and when Charlie left them, Steve snagged Eddie's arm and pulled him close. "Will you give me a hint?"

"I rented a bike." Eddie grinned at Steve's surprised look, kissing him chastely. "It's easier to get there without a car. And faster."

"And you know you look good on a bike."

"That too," Eddie conceded, ignoring Steve's eye roll. Tapping his chest, Eddie lowered his voice so Charlie wouldn't overhear. "But honestly, I like the way you hold onto me. Very tight."

As he said it, Steve's arms tightened around him. "Like this?"

"Bit more." They were so close Eddie had to put his arms around Steve's neck, now chest to chest. "Better."

They didn't break apart when Charlie bounded into the room a moment later, only making space for her to worm between them. With an arm wrapped around each of their legs, she pouted and asked, "Why can't I come?"

"Because I want to kiss Steve, and you find that gross." She pulled a face, making them both laugh. "Exactly. And I'm gonna kiss him again and again and-"

"I don't wanna come anymore."

"Good. Because Michael's here and he would disappointed if you cancelled your date with him. I think he's planning on taking you out to get ice cream." Eddie stepped back so she could run and answer the door, not surprised to be pulled back in immediately. Arms back around Steve's neck, he took advantage of the momentary alone time to kiss him. Guiding him back against the kitchen island, Eddie hooked his fingers in Steve's belt loops to press their hips together, huffing in displeasure when Steve broke free. "That's not fair."

"Later," Steve promised, the heated look he sent Eddie enough to make his pants feel too tight. Laughing, Steve adjusted Eddie's pants for him.

"That's not helping."

"No?" The sound of Eddie's belt buckle was loud in the kitchen, and he looked at the door, worried about Charlie, but he could hear her dragging Michael into the living room, giving them more time. Steve kissed his cheek, returning his attention to the task at hand, well, his dick in Steve's hand. "How about now?"

"Better make it quick, Princess. We don't have long."

Without a word, Steve sank to his knees and licked a stripe up his cock, swallowing him smoothly, throat wet and warm as Eddie's hips gave an aborted thrust. Carding his fingers through Steve's soft hair, Eddie had to bite back a moan, not wanting to be interrupted in this blissful moment. He wasn't going to last long, not least because it had been weeks since he'd received this particular pleasure. But the twinkle in Steve's eyes and the way he took all of him with no preamble meant Eddie was embarrassingly close already.

"Steve," he breathed, trying - and probably failing - to hide his arousal. "Baby, you gotta slow down or ill-" His chuckle was Eddie's undoing. The vibration around his aching cock had Eddie biting his knuckles so hard he tasted blood, spilling down Steve's throat with a muffled groan. Fingers going lax to allow Steve to pull off, he dropped his bleeding hand and whispered, "fuck," with a shaky laugh. "Your mouth is… fuck, it's heaven."

"I figured. That has to be some sort of record." Steve's voice had a little rasp to it, enough to make Eddie's body interested, and his dick gave a valiant twitch. It didn't go unnoticed, with Steve still kneeling in front of him, and he laughed. "Seriously?"

"Can't help it." Eddie shrugged, offering Steve a hand to pull him to his feet. Running a thumb over Steve's swollen bottom lip, Eddie groaned when it slipped into that familiar warmth. "You're a menace."

Steve only smiled, sorting out Eddie's pants to make him decent before cradling his hand, moving to kiss his reddened knuckles. "Careful."

"I got you to take care of me." Eddie's breath caught when Steve rewarded him with the most beautiful smile. Before he could do something silly, like falling to his knees himself - to return the favor or propose marriage, Eddie wasn't sure - the kitchen door banged open, making them both jump.

"Are you going to say hi to Michael or not," Charlie demanded, hands on hips as she glared at them. "You're being rude."

"She's right," Eddie sighed, reluctantly pulling himself away from Steve with a lingering look. "We better say hello before leaving."

Nodding, Steve followed.

After greeting Michael, Eddie took a step back in the conversation, still lost in thought about what had just happened. Not so much the blowjob, although that was noteworthy, but what had happened afterward. Eddie hadn't considered himself the marrying type before, and although he had thought about it a couple of times concerning Steve, it had never been that serious. But now? Eddie watched Steve laughing with his friend, his daughter on his lap, and Eddie's heart ached with fondness. Yeah, he could see himself marrying Steve, putting a ring on his finger, and wearing one himself. Unable to help it, Eddie rubbed at the bare skin, wondering how it would feel to wear a slim golden ring instead of one of his normal, chunky ones.

Catching Steve's eye, he smiled reassuringly when he raised his eyebrows. The revelation felt a little too new to share. Eddie wanted to think it over some more before bringing up the topic. Would Steve even say yes? Something told Eddie that he would, and it was a comforting thought.

"Eddie," Michael said with barely suppressed amusement. "Don't you have somewhere to be?"

"Huh? Oh, yeah!" Ignoring Michael's laughter, Eddie got up and offered Steve his hand. Charlie glared at him as she was shifted sideways, so he swooped down to kiss her. "Sorry, babygirl, but I'm stealing Steve for a little while. You be good for Michael, okay?"

"I will."

"We'll be fine," Michael told him reassuringly. "Enjoy your date."

"Daddy said he's going to kiss Steve over and over."

"And I plan to make good on that promise. We'll be back in a few hours."

"We'll be here."

"Bye-bye." Steve booped Charlie's nose in farewell, grinning at her giggle before allowing Eddie to lead him from the room. "So, what do you have planned?"

"Still not telling, Princess."

"It's a good thing I love you because you're annoyingly stubborn."

Eddie let him go to grab his keys, walking backward out the front door to grin at Steve. Unwilling to take his eyes off him, Eddie almost fell over the steps but was saved by Steve, who grabbed his shirt and tugged him back. "My hero," Eddie cooed, kissing him sweetly. The blush that crept onto Steve's cheeks looked beautiful in the setting sun. "Ready?"

There was still a look of apprehension on Steve's face as they stopped in front of the bike, and Eddie helped him into the helmet. He wasn't planning on going fast or far, so he'd forgone leathers. Making sure it was secure, Eddie straddled the bike and patted the spot behind him before pulling on his own helmet. By the time he was done, Steve was behind him, arms wrapped firmly around his waist. Eddie hadn't been lying when he'd told Steve he loved this part. A squeeze to let him know Steve was ready, and they were off.

Years ago, Eddie would have forgone the helmet in favor of feeling the wind on his face, the warmth of the fading sun. Now, however, he had something worth living for, so despite missing that feeling of freedom, it wasn't much of a bereavement. Not with Steve wrapped around him, an entirely new and more welcome warmth spreading through Eddie from the touch.

It was getting dark quickly now, summer finally coming to an end, and by the time he pulled up in the hills and turned the engine off, the stars were twinkling above, and they were shadowed in the moonlight. He helped Steve down, carefully removing the helmet, and stole a quick kiss, which earned him a light laugh. He led Steve away from the clearing to the crest of the hill. Just as Eddie remembered, it overlooked the city in all its nighttime glory, twinkling below them.

Steve let out an audible gasp, slipping his arm around Eddie's as they stopped. "Oh, it's beautiful. How did you find this place?"

"Used to come here before. Wrote a lot of songs out here. Easier to concentrate in the quiet." Spreading out the blanket, Eddie sat and patted the spot beside him for Steve. He watched the moving lights of cars on the highway for a while before saying softly, "I want to explain. I want you to understand why I… did what I did."

"You can tell me anything, Eddie," Steve responded just as softly, turning his back on the city so they were facing each other. His encouraging smile helped loosen the tight knot in Eddie's chest.

"My dad-" Eddie began and then stopped abruptly. He'd never really talked about his relationship with Al, not even with Wayne. He still wasn't sure how to put it, or how he felt about his father. But Steve understood in a way no one else could, because his father was the same. That thought helped break down whatever barrier Eddie was still holding on to, and for the first time, he found the words. "He was my hero when I was a kid. My mom adored him, so I did, too. Right up until she died, and he disappeared after the funeral. I spent months waiting for him to come back. I was seven."

Steve's hand shot out to grab his, squeezing so hard it was almost painful. But he didn't speak, for which Eddie was glad. If he was interrupted, he might never finish. So he squeezed Steve back and continued.

"Wayne tried his best, but he wasn't my dad. It wasn't until I was eighteen and Wayne picked me up from the station that I realized who actually cared about me. Al only came back when he had no choice. Out of money, on the run, or if I had some value to him, that last time when I finally cut him off, he almost got me killed and did get me arrested before he ran again. I realized he would never love me. Not like Wayne did. I'd lost everything but my family."

He was surprised to find he was crying when Steve reached out to brush the tears away and went willingly into his arms. The embrace was full of an understanding that needed no words. Two lost boys desperate to find someone to love. Eddie fisted the back of Steve's shirt tightly, unable to let go.

"I lost it all again. The drink. The drugs. Charlie, she…" She had saved him. But Steve already knew that, and Eddie didn't want to go into it. "And I almost fucked it all up again. Maybe I'm just programmed that way. Or maybe when my dad appears, I can't help myself. There's still a part of me that loves him. And isn't that fucked up?"

"That makes both of us," Steve laughed wetly. "Couple of fuck ups with shitty dads."

"I don't want to be like my dad, Steve. I don't want Charlie to grow up and hate me." That was Eddie's biggest fear in life, and finally voicing it helped ease some of the weight from his shoulders. "I couldn't bear it."

"She won't." Steve pulled back to look at him earnestly. "Eddie, you're the best dad she could ask for. You love her, it's obvious. You'd never hurt her the way you've been hurt. We're learning from our parent's mistakes, both of us. And you're nothing like your father, trust me."

"You think?"

"I know."

Eddie kissed him.

Surprised to be pushed, Eddie went willingly onto his back, looking at Steve curiously. He only got a smile in response, before Steve swung a leg over Eddie to straddle his middle. Hands running up Eddie's sides to come to rest on his chest, Steve's smile turned teasing. "If you were like your dad, I wouldn't be here right now."

"I miss you."

The words conjured up from the darkest parts of Eddie's brain hit him like a sucker punch. He'd come so close to losing this.

"Hey, Eddie, focus." He blinked, watching Steve grab his hands to guide them to his hips. Solid, warm, and so very real. He hadn't lost Steve. "I'm right here, okay? Not going anywhere."

"Me neither."

"Prove it."

A challenge Eddie was willing to accept. He sat up so fast that Steve slid into his lap with a light laugh, arms locking around his neck for balance. Their lips met softly at first, but it soon turned heated, and this time, Eddie got Steve on the ground, tugging up his shirt to feel his trembling stomach. Breaking free, Eddie sat up and grinned at his panting boyfriend. "You're all worked up, Princess."

Steve's hips followed Eddie's hands tugging on his belt, and he groaned lowly at the tantalizingly slow speed at which his zipper was undone. "Eddie, stop fucking teasing me."

Eddie stopped, pulling back, and smiled when Steve hissed. "Ask nicely, and I might do it."

"Touch me?" Steve asked in such a pretty voice, eyes wide and slightly glassy.

Who was Eddie to say no?

Shoving down his pants, Eddie wrapped a hand around Steve's cock, already leaking and smeared precum down his shaft, smoothing the glide, wringing soft, punched-out sounds from Steve. "Better?"

Steve could only nod, eyes squeezed shut and mouth half open. Taking advantage of that, Eddie kissed him again, licking into his mouth and swallowing his surprised moan. Shaking fingers fumbled with Eddie's jeans, and moments later, both their erections were pressed together between their hands. Steve nudged their noses together, smiling against Eddie's lips. "Better?"

Eddie just kissed him again, thrusting into Steve's hand, sliding against his cock, trapped in his slick hot grasp. "You drive me insane, Steve."

"Good."

Having someone to share himself so fully with was a new thing for Eddie. Instead of shying away from the ugly stuff, Steve turned them into something beautiful. He took Eddie's pain and transformed it into love, accepted him, and even welcomed it sometimes. Wrapped in Steve's embrace, Steve's love, Eddie had never felt safer.

When his orgasm hit him, it was almost a shame. But Eddie knew there would be more, a lot more, because Steve wasn't going anywhere. Emboldened by that, he batted Steve's hand away, taking over to have him shaking apart moments later, gasping his name into the darkness.

Panting, head still buzzing from his orgasm, Eddie could only keep kissing Steve, eager to prolong the moment until Steve broke away with a breathless laugh. "I think that's the first time you've had more orgasms than me."

Eddie laughed, pressing more kisses to Steve's chest. Despite the night cooling off, it was wonderfully warm in his embrace, and Eddie didn't want to stop.

Unfortunately, it was taken out of his hands by the sound of police sirens a moment later. Cursing, he jumped off Steve, and they both hurried to sort out their clothes, looking rumpled but not indecent by the time the cop joined them in the clearing. Eddie reached out to take Steve's trembling hand, reassuringly squeezing it.

"Huh," The cop started, pushing up his visor to look at them both in surprise. "I was expecting a couple of teenagers trying their luck. What brings you out here?" His eyes traveled over the blanket and the skyline below. "Romantic."

"Yeah. That was the point." Eddie put on his best smile, grip firm around Steve's hand when he gave a nervous jerk. "Is there something wrong, officer? Not illegal to enjoy the view, is it?"

"Not at all." The man was looking at them now, and then he pointed at Eddie's crotch. "Your fly's undone."

Well fuck. Eddie zipped it up, wondering how the hell he was going to get them out of this without being arrested. So much for a nice date.

"Got any ID on you?" Reluctantly, Eddie handed over his license. The cop frowned down at it and then back at Eddie. "This a fake? Because if it is, it's illegal to impersonate another person."

He winced as the flashlight hit his face, unable to shield his face because Steve had a death grip on one hand and he was holding the other out for his license. By the time he raised his hand to ward off the light, it was gone with a click.

"Huh, you're really him."

Was that an opening? Eddie thought it might be, so he smiled, albeit a little sheepishly, because he'd been caught with his pants unbuttoned and almost down. "Yeah, I am. And, uh, I'd appreciate keeping this out of the papers. Public indecency isn't a good look, considering I'm a reformed citizen. My daughter…"

The cop sighed, finally taking off his helmet, and he was around their age, maybe a few years younger. He smiled, which put Eddie at ease. "I got a daughter, too. She's a big fan."

Bingo.

"Well, I'd love to sign something if it'd help with this whole… misunderstanding."

"I think we can come to some sort of arrangement."

A photograph and signed paper from the cop's notepad later, they were off the hook. Eddie even threw in a ring, just to be sure. Steve hadn't spoken a single word since the sirens broke them apart, but he managed a stiff smile when the cop waved goodbye, warned them to keep it in their pants until they were home, and left.

When the sound of the engine faded, Steve exhaled loudly and sagged against Eddie, slapping his arm when he laughed. "It's not funny! We could've gotten arrested. How would we explain that to Michael?"

The thought of that phone call sobered Eddie up, and he held up his hands in surrender. "Okay, okay, you're right. Not funny."

"It's a good thing you're famous." Tugging a lock of Eddie's hair, Steve stepped away to clear up their mess. Eddie admired the curve of his ass as he bent over, grinning when Steve looked up at him and scoffed. "Help me clean up, or you're not getting anything else from me until we're home."

"Six days? You wound me, Princess."

"You'll survive."

Maybe. But Eddie didn't want to push his luck.

The ride back felt like it took no time at all, and Eddie almost kept driving, just to prolong the feeling of Steve wrapped around him. Despite the urge, he pulled up outside the house and helped Steve down.

Before they had made it halfway up the path, the front door was flung open, and Charlie came bounding down the steps to greet them with a flying hug. Barely catching her, Eddie held her in his arms with a grunt. She was getting bigger, and it wouldn't be long before he couldn't pick her up. A depressing but also enlightening thought. His babygirl was growing up.

"Well, hey there, why are you still awake?"

Charlie rolled her eyes. "It's not bedtime yet."

"It's not?" Eddie shrugged, letting Steve go first so he could reopen the door for them. "Well, we can leave for a few more hours if you're not sleepy yet. I was planning to read to you, but…"

"No! I want story time!"

"Go brush your teeth then, and I'll be up soon. Say goodbye and thank you to Michael first." Eddie set her down, and she quickly ran to the living room before reappearing a moment later, thundering up the stairs to the bathroom.

Michael joined them in the hallway, and Eddie took one look at him before bursting into laughter. His normally shaggy hair was put up in bunches, and his face was smeared with makeup. Upon closer inspection, his nails were painted too.

"Ha ha," Michael said dryly, throwing him a filthy look. "You didn't tell me she liked makeup."

"Must have been Ronnie," Steve said with a remarkably straight face. He disappeared into the kitchen and returned a moment later with some wet wipes so Micheal could clean up. "Charlie was asking about her makeup the other day."

Another sign she was growing up. That sobered Eddie quickly, and he stopped laughing. Soon enough, she would be talking about boys. Sure, her innocent crush on Steve had been amusing, but an actual crush? Well, Eddie knew how to be threatening. Between himself and Steve, no boy would stand a chance. Woe betide anyone who tried to break Charlie's heart.

Shaking it off, Eddie joked, "She's pretty good, actually. Looks like she can draw in the lines with lipstick. Not so much mascara, but she'll get there."

"I'd tell you where to stick it, but Charlie might be listening."

"Message received. Don't teach my girl swear words."

"He's doing a fantastic job of that himself," Steve joked, hip-checking Eddie on his way to the stairs. "Thanks again, Michael. I'll see you soon?"

"You bet. You guys are coming to the studio in a couple of days, right?"

"Right," Eddie sighed as Steve headed upstairs. He was not looking forward to that, but hey, at least he had some material to present this time. More than a half-assed song, at least. He was hoping he would do better at home, back in his normal routine.

"Don't worry. Ronnie's mostly forgiven you for being an asshole. Gareth thinks the sun shines outta your ass- uh, butt, after that post you made, and Jeff never holds a grudge."

"And you?"

"If you don't mention the makeup, we're cool."

"Deal." Eddie shook his hand, surprised when he was dragged in for a hug. "Hey, I said I'll see you in a few days. What's this for?"

"Dunno, man. It's just good to have you around again. We're gonna miss you. Especially after that killer Hellfire session. Reminds me of the good old days."

Not that they were all that good. But rose-tinted glasses tended to have that effect, and Eddie didn't bother rectifying it. He hugged Micheal back and, soon after, waved him out the door.

Upstairs, he found Charlie already tucked into bed, Steve sat at her side. Clearly, they were both waiting for him, and the sight of his two favorite people smiling as he walked through the door made Eddie grin. "Hey, guys."

Sitting beside Charlie, he unnecessarily smoothed the covers before checking her hair, nodding his approval. Steve was getting really good at plaiting now. Charlie smiled, too, but when he sat back, it faded into something more contemplative that made her look a lot older than six. Before he could ask, she got her own question out. "Do you feel better now, Daddy?"

Eddie looked at her in surprise. "What do you mean?"

She hesitated, looking at Steve. For once, she seemed so small, blankets up to her chin and eyes wide. When Steve nodded, she said slowly, "You were sick, right? That's why you stopped working."

"I-" Eddie stopped and sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. When he opened his eyes, he smiled reassuringly at her and squeezed her leg. "Yeah, I was sick. You're too smart for your own good, babygirl."

A proud smile flickered across Charlie's face before it faded again as she studied him. "But you're better?"

"I am."

"Why…" Eddie squeezed her leg again to let her know she could continue. "Why do you get sick?"

He'd hoped this conversation wouldn't happen for a few more years, but realized his relapse had brought it about a lot sooner. Maybe now was easier, with her still young and unable to resent him. But maybe that was just selfish. Either way, he would try his best to explain, and when Steve touched his back, Eddie found the strength to start. "You know what alcohol is, right?"

"Uh-huh. Auntie Chris has wine sometimes."

"Exactly. But when I drink alcohol, it makes me sick because I drink too much. Like that time you had too much ice cream."

Charlie giggled and nodded when Eddie poked her stomach.

"And you know I don't drink anymore."

"Because it makes you different."

"Yes. And I don't like being different. I like being with you and Steve. But my dad…" he sighed deeply, reaching up to smooth away an escaped curl on Charlie's forehead. "My dad doesn't love me properly, and he hurts me. Not physically," because Charlie looked at him as if bruises were visible. "Emotionally. He hurts my heart. It's better to stay away because I don't want to hurt like that. We stay away from the bad things, don't we?"

"Like wasps."

Eddie nodded, remembering with a wince that once Charlie had stumbled upon a wasp nest. Curious and not knowing better, she had poked the half-dry husk, and the few wasps still alive had risen with a vengeance, taking out their misfortune on his babygirl. When she ran inside crying and screaming with several stings on her arms, Eddie made sure the nest was destroyed. Even years later, she still flinched when something large and buzzing got too close.

"Like wasps," he agreed.

"Are you still sick, Daddy?"

Eddie leaned forward to press their foreheads together and smiled. "Not anymore. And I don't want to be sick again. I want to stay at home with you and Steve where it's safe. That's why I don't want to be my dad's friend."

He glanced up, holding out an arm for Steve to join them. Huddled together in the small bed, something deep inside Eddie's chest seemed to heal. A fracture he hadn't even realized was there. Steve kissed both of their heads, and it was too much. Eddie began to cry.

"I'm so sorry," He said, unable to stop his voice from shaking.

"It's okay, Daddy. We all get sick." Charlie hugged him tight, Steve joining her around Eddie's trembling shoulders.

When he finally regained control of himself, Eddie cleared his throat and reached out to pick up the book on the bedside table. "How about we read for a little bit before you fall asleep? I'm sure you're exhausted after such a long day."

"Yes!" Charlie beamed and settled between them, expectant eyes on Eddie as he flicked through the book.

Steve got comfortable to listen to, catching Eddie's eye just before he began and smiled. Smiling back, Eddie found their page and picked up the story from where they had left off, with Bilbo entering The Lonely Mountain through the secret passage. By the time Smaug was dead, Charlie was fast asleep, and Steve was drifting beside her. Prodding him awake, they tiptoed from the room into theirs and quickly changed for bed.

Falling into bed together, Eddie was so tired he couldn't tell which limbs were his and which were Steve's. Not that he really cared. He was comfortable, and so was Steve because he was already snoring. Smiling to himself, Eddie got the covers over them both before finding sleep himself, comfortable in Steve's warm embrace.