It was the perfect day. The sun was shining and the air warm. Perfect really. If only Eddie could get his nerves under control.
Steve was none the wiser, thankfully, too busy setting up the picnic he'd insisted on making. Not that Eddie was complaining. Steve's cooking was to die for. They had left Hawkins behind for the day and drove to Long Beach to enjoy the sunshine. It took a while to find a secluded spot, but finally, they were settling down to eat.
Eddie was starving, or maybe he was nervous. He couldn't tell which. Probably both.
He couldn't remember the last time he'd been this nervous. Actually, he could. The day he decided to ask Steve out. Not that he ever got the words out. After blurting out something nonsensical, he'd lost his head and kissed Steve. Thankfully, Steve kissed him back. It would've been very awkward if he hadn't.
Words had always been Eddie's strong suit, but not when it came to Steve. One look at his beautiful face and hazel eyes turned him into a gibbering mess.
Not today, though. Eddie was in control. He hoped.
He got through the meal without breaking down, Steve oblivious to his internal panic as they lay in the sand cloud gazing and making up ridiculous guesses.
"That one's definitely a duck."
"Nah, looks like Robin with her hair up."
Finally, Eddie worked up the courage to ask. He sat up so suddenly it startled Steve from his doze, and he blinked sleepily at Eddie, adorable and distracting. Eddie kissed him to calm his nerves. Steve's lips never failed to quieten his mind to help him see more clearly. This time was no different because when they pulled apart, Eddie was holding the box he'd been carrying around for weeks between them.
Steve looked down at it in puzzlement, a frown giving way to surprise when Eddie opened it to reveal the ring inside. It wasn't anything extravagant, a simple silver band, because that was all he could afford. Eddie swore to himself he would work hard to give Steve whatever he wanted.
"Eds?" Steve asked softly, hands coming up to cradle Eddie's shaking ones.
"I don't care that it's not legal; it'd be real to us, and that's all that matters. We can wear rings and tell people we're married. It'd be more real than any stupid piece of paper could make it."
Steve laughed wetly, lips managing a small smile.
"I love you, Steve. I'd do anything for you. You're the love of my life." Eddie meant it, every single word from the bottom of his heart. "So marry me, sweetheart, and I'll spend the rest of my life proving it to you."
He got a little nervous when Steve said nothing, but then he nodded fiercely, tears finally breaking free to roll down his cheeks.
"Yeah?"
Steve just kept nodding, letting go of Eddie's hand to hold his out. Thank god for Robin, Eddie thought as he slid the ring on, and it fit perfectly.
"I know it's not much. One day, I'll get you something better."
"It's perfect, Eddie. I don't need diamonds or fancy dates. I never have. I just wanted to feel loved, and I do with you. That's all I want."
"Well, I guess I'll just have to keep loving you forever then."
Steve's answering smile was more blinding than the sun. "Forever," He agreed, kissing Eddie warmly.
Honestly, why had he been nervous again?
