It started with a phone call.

Steve woke up to the incessant ringing of his phone. He rolled over, blindly searching, and finally closed his fingers around it. "Hello?" He answered without checking—big mistake.

"When were you going to tell us you're dating the Eddie Munson?!"

He flinched back from the shriek of Dustin's voice, accidentally smacking Eddie's back, and he snorted awake, turning to look at Steve blearily. "Sorry."

"Oh, he's sorry. Why didn't you say anything?"

"I wasn't apologizing to you, Dustin," Steve sighed, pinching his nose. "Look, what do you want? And how do you even know? Was it Robin? I'm gonna kill her for telling you nosy brats."

"You… haven't seen?"

"Seen what?" Steve sat up, feeling nervous, when he got no response. "Dustin?"

"The article. It's all over Corroded Coffin's fan pages. He's back in LA to record with the band, and someone posted a photo of you with him saying you're dating."

"Oh my god," Steve groaned, falling back onto the bed and into Eddie's arms. He pulled Steve close, resting his head near the phone to listen. "How many people look at those things? Actually, don't answer. Just send me the link."

"Is it true?"

He would regret this, but there was no point in hiding it. "Yes."

"Oh my god, you lucky bastard."

"Dustin!"

"How could you not tell us?! I thought we were friends, man. Are you gonna introduce us?"

Steve was about to answer no when Eddie took the phone. "Dustin, was it?" The shocked silence on the other end was audible even to Steve, and he could tell Eddie was enjoying himself."I would love to meet you guys. Maybe over a game of DnD? But right now, it's early, so I'll get Steve to call you back and arrange a date later."

"O-of course! Tell Steve to call me ASAP. This is like, Code Black worthy."

"I'll let him know." Eddie handed back his phone when Dustin hung up. "Code Black?"

"Basically, it means an emergency. He used to talk like we were using radios. Wouldn't respond to me if I didn't say over." He smacked Eddie's chest when he laughed. "Quiet, or you'll wake Charlie. It's still early."

"Oh, do you have plans?"

"A few." Steve shifted closer, fingers trailing over the snake's tail wrapped around Eddie's bicep. "If you can be quiet."

"So quiet," Eddie promised, leaning in to kiss him.

Steve pulled back before their lips could meet, smirking when Eddie huffed his disappointment. Instead of keeping him waiting, Steve dived under the covers to press a kiss on Eddie's stomach, which was shaking with suppressed laughter. Biting into the soft skin, Steve smirked at the choked sound that was his reward before pulling down Eddie's sleep pants. He was half hard, either persistent morning wood or already reacting to his mouth. Either way, Steve wasted no time in taking him into his mouth, relishing in the stretch as Eddie's cock filled.

"Fuck, baby, your mouth is heaven," Eddie sighed, fingers threading into Steve's hair to guide him gently. "You wanna be good? Because there's something I want to try."

Always game for something new, Steve hummed.

Eddie's reply was breathless as his hips gave a little jolt. "Want you to finger me."

Steve was not ready for that and moaned, rutting into the mattress at the thought. It hadn't crossed his mind before, fucking Eddie, because the sex was so good. But now the idea had been put in his head, and he wanted it so bad his cock was aching.

Wasting no time in grabbing the lube under the pillows, Steve squirted some onto his hand to spread around his fingers. Eddie melted at the first touch, letting Steve pull back so he could concentrate properly even if he kept sucking his cock, lightly bobbing his head and tasting the precome Eddie was so readily leaking. Dazedly, Steve realized he must really be turned on.

Determined to make it feel good, he went slow and thrust his finger experimentally, pride swelling in his chest when Eddie groaned, fingers tightening in his hair again. It took a few attempts to find his prostate, but when he did, the startled moan Eddie let out was definitely enough to wake Charlie.

Steve pulled off his cock to warn breathlessly, "Quiet, or I'll have to stop."

"Don't you dare," Eddie told him in an equally threatening voice, and he flashed Steve a cocky smirk. "Unless you want to stop?"

"No."

"Then add another finger. I can take it."

Steve did as he was told, losing himself in the quiet, restrained noises Eddie was making. He wanted to hear what he really sounded like but also knew now wasn't the time, not wanting to stop for anything. Steve sat up to watch Eddie properly, mind feeling hazy at the clear pleasure on his face. "Good?"

"So good, baby," Eddie promised, pulling Steve down for a kiss. "Bet you wish it were your dick though."

Fuck he did. The thought of being inside Eddie was almost enough to make him blow his load. Steve refocused. He used to be known for this when he was a teen, fingering girls to mind-blowing orgasms. He wasn't about to give up that reputation. Bearing down, he watched Eddie's pupils blow out and grinned. "Looks like you're gonna cum before I can get there."

Eddie responded by dragging Steve into a kiss, biting his lip, and causing him to slip further into hazy pleasure. He was so close, caught up in Eddie's body and making him feel good; it was a surprise when he came almost as soon as Eddie got his pants down and a hand around him, spilling onto his stomach with a groan. "Oops," Eddie grinned, pinching Steve's nipple to force another spurt from his cock at the sharp pain. "Not this time, Princess."

"Asshole," Steve panted, momentarily forgetting what he was doing until Eddie grabbed his wrist and made his hand move again. "Wanted to fuck you so good, make you cum on my dick."

"Next time," Eddie promised with another kiss. "But you gotta make me cum first. Don't forget what you're doing, Steve."

Blinking in confusion, Steve looked down and realized he was still two fingers deep inside Eddie. Laughing in amusement, he thrust his fingers again, wrapping his free hand around Eddie's leaking cock.

As much as Steve loved Eddie being on top and bringing him to orgasm (countless orgasms by this point from his cock, his hands, his mouth… could he get Steve to cum with words alone? Steve made a mental note to remember that one). The point was, Eddie looked quite pretty underneath Steve as well, and their dynamic hadn't shifted. Eddie was still in control, telling Steve what to do - even if he sounded a little more breathless than usual - and Steve was rewarded with pretty sounds as Eddie was brought closer to the edge.

"Hey, Eddie," Steve said softly, making Eddie open his eyes to look at him. With a smile, Steve leaned in and kissed him softly, whispering against his lips, "I love you."

Just as Steve had hoped, Eddie came. And then it was Eddie's turn to say, "asshole."

"Mhmm," Steve hummed, kissing him again before sitting back and admiring his handiwork: Eddie's flushed face and spent body. He jolted when Steve slapped his thigh, eyes narrowing. "You need to shower."

"Fuck you."

"Love you too." Stealing another kiss, Steve laughed when he was tackled back onto the bed, Eddie getting between his legs. He may be a sweaty, slightly sticky weighted blanket, but he was Steve's, and it made his heart swell when Eddie relaxed into his hold with a contented sigh. After petting his hair for a few minutes, Steve asked, "When was the last time someone fucked you?"

"When Charlie was conceived," Eddie said with a shrug, and then he chuckled at Steve's confused expression. "Don't think too hard, princess. Yeah, there was three of us."

"What happened to Charlie's mom?" He had been wondering about it for a while but hadn't worked up the courage to ask Eddie because he could get defensive about his past. Sure enough, he stiffened and started to pull away. Steve's arms tightened around him instinctively. "Don't."

With a dramatic huff, Eddie fell back on Steve. "Not going anywhere, I promise."

Steve went back to petting his hair, wishing his heart would calm down.

"Baby," Eddie said softly, kissing his chest. "I love you. I trust you with my life, with Charlie's life. I let you take her out on your own. Don't ever think I'm pulling away from you. I'm not, okay? It's just… that was my past, and I'm not that person anymore. It's hard to talk about, to remember myself like that."

"S'fine, Eddie, I get it. I don't like remembering who I used to be either."

Eddie moved up so they could kiss properly, his thumb brushing along Steve's cheekbone. "I love you."

"I love you too."

Sometimes, he wished Eddie wasn't so closed off, but then, Steve also recognized why he was like that. It didn't matter, really. Charlie had told him on her first day at school that her mom didn't want her. What did it matter now? So he let it go, kissing Eddie back until he felt too gross to stay in bed, and insisted they shower.

Despite an orgasm, Eddie was still handsy and insisted on cleaning Steve himself. The soft kisses and gentle touches were more than welcome. Steve felt safe and loved, and that was all he'd ever wanted, so he kissed Eddie back to let him know it was okay, that he was loved too.

It was only back in the bedroom that Eddie broached the subject again. They had both changed, and Steve was beginning to think about breakfast when Eddie spoke. "Alison. That's her name. Charlie's mom."

Steve turned to see Eddie frowning, and he had to snatch the towel away to do his curls properly when Eddie started scrubbing them. For someone who took careful care of Charlie's hair, he wasn't so good with his own.

"We used to run in the same circles, Ally and I. Wasn't the first time we fucked, wasn't the first time we were high either. It must've been a couple of months before I saw her again, and she told me she was pregnant." Eddie's frown had deepened, so Steve placed a kiss on his forehead, smoothing out the furrow when he relaxed. "I paid for everything. Kid was mine, after all. She got clean, and I did, too, for support. Ally didn't believe in abortion but wasn't going to keep the baby either. I wasn't planning to be at the birth, but Ronnie talked me around. Soon as I held her, I knew I couldn't let her go."

Eddie's smile was beautifully soft as he looked down at his hands. Then he sighed and tugged the towel out of Steve's hands to hold them. Steve squeezed softly, but Eddie didn't look up, his next words hollow.

"Two days after Charlie was born, I found Ally with a needle in her arm. Knew she couldn't be trusted around my babygirl, and she didn't object to signing away her parental rights. Charlie was all mine. So I took her away from LA and all the bad shit here. The flat below Chris' was for sale and I bought it. We've been there ever since."

Steve couldn't imagine what that had been like, alone with a baby and no clue how to raise them. "You did an amazing job, Eddie. Look at her. She's perfect."

"And I trust you with her." Eddie finally looked at Steve, and his eyes were shiny with tears. "Don't ever hurt my babygirl, Steve."

"I won't," Steve promised, kissing him. "She means everything to me. So do you," he murmured against Eddie's lips, brushing away his tears. "I'm not going to do anything to jeopardize this. Not now I've finally got you. All I've ever wanted was a family to love. You gave me that. How could I ever throw it away?"

"I'm going to hold you to that."

"Good."

They broke apart when the door opened, and Charlie walked in, rubbing at her face sleepily. "Why are you crying, daddy?"

Steve was the one to pick her up as Eddie wiped his face clean. "Oh, he's just crying because he loves you. Sometimes, when you love someone so much, that happens."

"Oh." Charlie frowned but held her arms out to Eddie when he came over, and he took her. She hugged him tight, her words muffled but audible. "I love you too, daddy. Even if I don't cry about it."

"That's fine, babygirl. You don't need to cry." He glanced at Steve, who joined them, kissing the top of Charlie's head to make her giggle.

"I like you too, Steve." She said, giving him a blinding smile identical to Eddie's, down to the dimple.

And, oh, now he was crying too. It made Charlie and Eddie laugh, even when Steve gave them a halfhearted glare.

He still found it hard to believe that this was his life now. A relationship with Eddie and a daughter. Well, he hoped she would become his daughter, but that took time. Charlie liked him, which was enough for now. He had to earn her love, and he was trying his best.

Laughing when Eddie bit his ear, Steve fended him off and stepped out of his arms. "Stop it."

"Just making sure you know how much I love you."

"Kiss me then."

"Put me down first!" Eddie did as he was told, and Charlie ran off, calling over her shoulder. "I'm making breakfast!"

"Better make sure she doesn't burn the house down," Eddie muttered distractedly, giving Steve a swift kiss before running after her.

Before joining them, Steve checked his phone because he had the feeling Dustin would have messaged him. Sure enough, he had several unread texts.

Dustin - [09:27 AM]

YOU'RE IN LA?!

I swear to god, Steve, you used to tell me everything. I hate you.

We are having another game day when you're back. The others agree, and you better bring Eddie.

BTW, here's the link to the article.

Curious, Steve clicked the link and was taken to a dark website with bright text he had to squint to read. When he did, his heart sank.

Eddie Munson's Secret Relationship

The real reason he gave up music?

Underneath was a picture of the two of them hand in hand, Steve's nose scrunched up with laughter as Eddie gesticulated with his free hand.

Steve groaned, hardly daring to read on, but a sickening curiosity forced him to.

Rumors have been circulating for years about Eddie Munson's departure from Corroded Coffin without warning or statement. No clear answer has ever been given, only a short disclosure from their front man Jeff Best, explaining Eddie had 'gone home for his health.'

We can exclusively reveal that Mr Munson has also been involved in what is considered a serious relationship, according to our sources. Although his suitor remains unknown, it is clear that the two are taking things to the next level as Eddie brings his partner to LA while he helps record Corroded Coffin's next album.

Rest assured, avid readers, we will have more news soon!

"What the fuck?" Steve groaned, half amused, half exasperated. It sounded like something a teenager would write. He scrolled up to see the last few articles. All rumors and photos of Corroded Coffin. Some of them were blurry like they were taken in a rush or something. He wondered how they managed to get such a clear shot of him and Eddie, but it was just his luck.

"What's got you looking so sour?" Eddie had returned and plucked Steve's phone from his hands, eyebrows raising in surprise before slowly drawing together as he read the short article. "Sources?" He snorted, handing back the phone. "Well, they're not very good ones if Charlie's not mentioned. Sorry, sweetheart, but I think the bigger news would be that I've got a kid, not my boyfriend."

Maybe it was true, but Steve played offended, rolling his eyes and pushing past Eddie without comment onto the landing. He could smell toast cooking.

It only took seconds for Eddie to follow, worry already in his voice. "Steve?"

"So you're saying I'm not big news?" He turned abruptly, snagging Eddie by his shirt to pull him in close.

Eddie relaxed, even smiling a little when he leaned in to kiss Steve sweetly. "You're the best thing that's happened to me since Charlie. But she does come first."

"I know." Steve had thought about it before, and yes, Charlie would always be Eddie's priority. "I know you'll always love her more, and that's fine. Because I know you love me too. It's different." Laughing at the surprise on Eddie's face, Steve kissed him again. "You act like I didn't walk into your life less than a year ago, and she's been here over six. She's your daughter, of course, she's the priority."

"I love you." Eddie kissed his hands, holding on tight. "You're so amazing it's unreal, Steve. That should be the big news. That someone like you actually exists and wants to be with me of all people."

"You do yourself a disservice."

"You didn't know me before Charlie. And I'm glad. Wasn't the best person to be around." Eddie's expression became sober momentarily, but then he rallied and smiled at Steve. "You make me a better person. Helped me open up and let someone else in with Charlie."

"Only the best," Steve agreed softly, resting their foreheads together.

The smell of burning toast quickly broke them apart, along with Charlie's voice calling in surprise. "It's black!"

The article's implications didn't really hit Steve until he went shopping the following afternoon, taking Charlie with him to give Eddie time to concentrate. They were looking at the different colored icing when Steve realized some people were watching them. Initially, he was alarmed, but then he noticed the guy was wearing a Corroded Coffin T-shirt, and instantly, he felt nervous and then stupid for overreacting.

God, one article about him, his name not even mentioned, and now he thinks people will recognize him.

"I think red and black," Charlie said, completely oblivious to Steve's distraction. She tugged on his hand when he didn't answer. "Steve!"

"Huh?"

"It should be red and black. Like the album. Daddy would like that."

"Uh, sure. Red and black it is." Steve held out the basket for her to put a couple of packages in. "Come on. Let's go before you want chocolate."

"Chocolate?"

"One bar."

Steve had forgotten about the couple in the baking aisle, but they ended up queuing behind them at the checkout. It was the woman who turned with a big smile and said in a bright voice, "Hello!"

"Hi," Charlie immediately responded. "We're making a cake. Steve is the best baker ever, and he's teaching me. He's my daddy's boyfriend, not my teacher." And she beamed at Steve, clearly pleased with herself.

Steve wanted the ground to open up and swallow him whole. He was not getting out of this trip without being arrested at least once.

"Wow, that sounds cool." The woman glanced at Steve again and smiled. "You wouldn't happen to know Eddie Munson, would you?"

Charlie did it for him. "That's my daddy. You like his band?"

The man had turned around to listen, too, and he nodded, looking surprised. "We love them. Seen them every time they've toured, even the first one with Eddie. He's... your dad?"

"He is," Steve said firmly, and they both looked at him instead, which was what he wanted. Charlie didn't deserve to be interrogated because she was a child and therefore more honest without meaning to. He wouldn't let them take advantage of that. "And he'd appreciate it if you didn't tell people. There's a reason he left the band. You can see why. He doesn't want her in the spotlight."

"You're one lucky lady to have a daddy who cares about you so much," the woman said kindly. "We'll keep quiet."

"Thank you." Steve breathed a sigh of relief when they were finally served and allowed to leave.

Charlie didn't seem to notice what had happened, happily telling him about the design she wanted to do for the cake. Steve figured he could do it, and it would make the band happy, too, so it was a win all around. Eddie wasn't in when they got back, a note pinned to the inside of the door explaining he had gone to the studio. Charlie happily pointed out that meant the cake would be a surprise for him, too, and they got to work immediately.

It went well, and Charlie was getting better with her decorating with every cake and cupcake they made. Steve let her do the icing, and it turned out pretty good. He wiped away the excess drip before she noticed, praising her for her steady writing, and got a beaming smile in response.

When they were cleaning up, she hugged him tightly. "Thank you, Steve. I like baking with you; it's my favorite thing to do."

Blinking furiously not to cry, he hugged her back. "Mine too," he told her truthfully. "I've always wanted someone to help. Robin hates it, even if she eats all my cookies."

Charlie giggled. "They are tasty."

"I know. That's why I make you some every weekend." He poked her stomach, making her laugh louder and wriggle out of his arms. "Right, we better clean up before your dad returns, or we'll be in trouble for making a mess."

There was flour all over the countertops, and chocolate icing had mysteriously been smeared on the wall. Charlie flashed him a guilty smile before wetting a sponge to clean it up.

They had the kitchen clean just in time to hear the front door opening and Eddie's voice calling, "Honey, I'm home!"

Rolling his eyes, Steve followed Charlie as she ran towards the door to jump into Eddie's arms, and he had to juggle his keys and a bag to catch her. Steve quickly took his things before something hit the floor, and he got a smile and a kiss in thanks once Charlie was secured. "How was work?"

"Eh, Gareth tried to rope me into this livestream thing he was doing. Apparently, people are into that. I don't know. I told him to leave me alone to focus." Eddie's grin let Steve know whatever he said to Gareth wasn't as PG as his explanation. "But I stopped at the shops on the way home to get something for our little mermaid here."

Charlie grabbed the bag from Steve eagerly and looked inside. "Oh, thank you!" She squealed, pulling out the plastic package that contained Zoggs diving sticks. Steve remembered them from when he was a kid and was amused to see Charlie loved them, too. "Can we use them now?"

"I suppose so. Got get changed." As she ran upstairs, Eddie pulled Steve in for a proper kiss. "Hi," he murmured when they broke apart, nudging their noses together. "I missed you today."

"Maybe you shouldn't go to work then?"

"Who would pay for this lovely house?"

"Jeff."

Eddie laughed, squeezing Steve closer, and he happily went into the embrace. "So, what did you two do today?"

"Made a cake. You're not allowed to see it until tomorrow night at the barbecue."

"No? What if I…?" Eddie pushed him away suddenly, darting into the kitchen, and Steve had to run after him, barely yanking on the back of his shirt to pull him away from the table. "Not even a peek?"

"No." Steve guided Eddie back to the couch, pushing on his shoulders to make him sit, and quickly climbed into his lap. Eddie was easy to distract with kisses, and this time was no different, all complaints forgotten as their lips met and his hands found Steve's hips. Steve had barely licked into his mouth, sucking on that damnable piercing, when the telltale thudding of Charlie's footsteps broke them apart, and he quickly got up.

Charlie bounded into the room in her swimsuit, still clutching the Zoggs. "I'm ready!"

Steve opened the door, and she ran outside, dive-bombing into the pool with a loud splash. "You coming?" Steve asked, turning back to see Eddie still sitting on the couch and looking curiously flushed.

"Need a minute."

"And people call me the horndog." Steve snorted.

"It's your fault! You can't kiss me like that and expect me not to react." Eddie folded his arms, sliding down, and his pout was too adorable for Steve to laugh.

"I'll make it up to you later."

Eddie immediately perked up. "Promise?"

"Yes. Now calm down and come outside."

It still took him a few minutes to follow, and by that time, Charlie was splashing about and diving to find the Zoggs Steve had thrown in. They sat together on the sun loungers, occasionally throwing the Zoggs for Charlie and enjoying the ever-present sunshine. Steve felt content in their little bubble until Eddie leaned in and burst it.

"Gareth saw that post, too. Said it was one of their super fans or something, always posting news about the band. He said don't worry about it because half their posts are wrong anyway."

Steve had to tell Eddie about the couple and sighed. "People know," he started softly, nodding at Charlie as she dived under the water again. "Recognised me from that stupid post, and Charlie said you were her dad. They said they wouldn't tell people, but…"

Eddie shrugged, reaching out to hold Steve's hand, giving it a tight squeeze. "I know. It won't stay a secret forever. It's something I've thought a lot about coming back to LA and being in the spotlight again. Charlie will get dragged into it. She's tough, and I think she can handle it. It's not forever, though. We'll go back home and back to normal soon enough."

Steve wasn't sure things would ever go back to normal. If Eddie were to be a part of Corroded Coffin again, people wouldn't forget his existence just because he was in Chicago rather than LA. What if he wanted to tour and take Charlie with him? What if he asked Steve to go, too? Steve didn't want to be left behind, but he had his job and life back home. He missed Robin dearly and couldn't image being apart for so long. These two months felt like forever, even if they spoke every night. And he didn't want to be dependent on Eddie. He liked being financially independent after spending years under his parent's rule. He would never give anyone that level of control over him again. Not even Eddie.

"Hey, Princess, what's going on in that head of yours?"

Steve jumped guiltily, swallowing thickly when Eddie kissed his knuckles, looking up questioningly. "Nothing."

"Seems like a whole lot of nothing. You've been quiet for a while."

They broke apart when the Zoggs hit the floor at their feet with a splat. Steve helped throw them back in the pool, waiting for Charlie to dive again before speaking. "If you toured, I wouldn't be able to come."

Eddie hummed, not looking that surprised. "Figured as much. You love your job, and I wouldn't ask you to leave it, you know that. Been thinking about that too and… well, I'd ask you to watch Charlie for me. Wouldn't want to take her with me and disrupt her life. She deserves to be a normal kid."

"You'd do that?" Steve asked in surprise.

"She'd be safe with you." Eddie smiled, laughing when Steve hugged him so fiercely that their chairs rocked. "Hey, it's just a thought. I don't think I'd actually do it. I couldn't imagine being away from you both for so long. But if I did, I know you'd take care of Charlie, that's all."

"I love you."

"I love you too."

Steve hugged him tighter, feeling lightheaded and yet strangely grounded. Maybe it wasn't so strange. Eddie was his anchor when his emotions ran high, and this was no different. Just knowing Eddie trusted him like that made his head spin. It didn't help that Eddie was pressing kisses to his neck, rubbing soothing circles into his back that only made Steve sink further into his hazy thoughts.

"Baby, you're going under. Come on back," Eddie whispered, cupping Steve's cheeks to lift his head so they could look at each other. Steve blinked, wincing in the bright sunlight, and Eddie's smile widened. "Gotta be careful, princess. You do that so easily sometimes."

"Because I'm safe with you," Steve whispered.

"Always."

Steve was glad they had come to LA. Not only was Eddie back in his element, but their relationship was strengthening by the day. Everything he was learning about Eddie only made Steve love him and Charlie more.