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How did Steve and Eddie wind up in an RPG where they were lovers?
Simple of course, a long drawn out plan by Eddie where he slowly weaved a clever web over time that drew Steve into the game and made Steve his players lover.
Now it wasn't all done in vain, with Will recently having come out - Eddie wanted to show him that they were all accepting and what better way than to add in two gay characters to the game?
While it wasn't dungeon and dragons because he knew that Steve's ability to focus would not last the course of multiple games and Steve couldn't endure on board play for a lengthy period of time,
It was still very much fantasy based - similar to larping but with dungeon and dragons off board mixed in.
There were less rules compared to their typical games and while Eddie still played leader, everyone had a chance to change up the story (If it made sense of course)
It also gave everyone much more free will with their characters, their choices and to further the story line..
More than anything it was just to have done fun, blow off some steam and be a little ridiculous.
It got everyone acting and it was often hilarious to see how everyone reacted to certain situations when they had much more freedom than speech or a plastic figurine,
Steve saw it as a big game of charades and became frustrated often which was even more hilarious,
Eddie knew Steve was enjoying it which made it all worth it, especially once Steve finally got into character.
Plus.. it gave Eddie a chance to hang out with Steve and get him involved in something he liked - besides their usual movie nights with Robin or random outings with the kids,
And who could say no to a little fun?
******
"I, King Stéphanos - declare we march into the forest of whispers, we draw our weapons and we fight!" Steve proclaims as he strikes a pose like Peter Pan,
The group gathered in the theatre, using the props to their advantage,
"Blasphemy!" Dustin rumbles loudly, "That will send Will the wise and I straight to our deaths, we don't stand a chance against the undead," he proclaims in a huff as he paces,
"Someone's got to go in there, we must save Gareth the great and Tayr!" Will bangs his staff against the floor, hat tipping slightly as he does so,
"My love - Dominus, any knowledge you would like to bring forward?" Steve looks to Eddie as he bats his lashes,
Eddie stands up from where he was previously sat cross legged on the table to join Steve's side,
"Wherever my heart goes, I shall go as well," he puts a hand to his heart and speaks in dramatics, as Steve feigns swooning, resting his head against Eddie shoulder,
"Oh it's so beautiful," Will wipes a fake tear from his eye, "Love, such sweet love!" Dustin raves as he turns to Will,
"I have to go into the whispering forest, I must save Tayr!" Will states loudly as he spins around, looking to nothing but imagining the scariest forest to ever exist,
"Hey, what about me?!" Gareth calls out as he stands next to Mike on the sidelines, pretending to be trapped in the whispering forest,
Eddie covers his mouth as he snickers, "And Gareth the wise too!" Dustin shouts out as he too looks towards the imaginary forest,
"Thank you," Gareth quips in a huff as the group tries not to laugh,
"One of us should go first to make sure the fairy's and the undead aren't waiting to meet us for our death," Dustin puts a hand over his brows as he peers into the forest,
"I am the leader so I will go forward, I will scope.." Eddie steps forward, "If I don't make it back.." Eddie's cut off by Steve as he drops to his knees,
"You mustn't!" Steve pleads and fakes a sob, bringing his hands together as he looks at Eddie while he begs,
"If you don't make it back, I simply cannot live.. I'm only man, I can't take lead over our party - oh Dominus, I could not go on with out you," Steve cries,
He wraps his arms around Eddie's leg as he feigns loud, gut wrenching sobs,
"Stéphanos - my bright twinkling star over the northern sky, " Eddie brings Steve up to his feet,
"I must ensure your safety as well as our parties, so If not me then who?" Eddie caresses Steve's cheek as he talks in a soothing tone,
"He's our only chance, Stéphanos.." Dustin whispers in plea, "Our friends won't last much longer," Will says in worry as Mike and Gareth cry out for help,
"Please make it back to me," Steve sniffles as Eddie nods, "That's all I wish for,"!Eddie drawls out wistfully, "Take care of our party in my absence, you must protect them at all costs," Eddie states sternly,
"I won't let you down," Steve insists, the two sharing quite the dramatic, lovey-dovey hug,
"I think they're going to kiss," Mike whispers to Gareth as the group watches Steve and Eddie,
"It would be about damn time," Gareth mutters under his breath, making Dustin and Will snicker quietly,
Eddie and Steve part, no kiss to be had - leaving the group mildly disappointed,
"You two must follow King Stéphanos lead if I shan't make it back," Eddie turns to Will and Dustin who give a slight bow to Eddie in agreement,
"Be safe, Dominus," Wills doe eyes go wide as he speaks to Eddie, Eddie nods, flashing a small smile as he draws his prop sword from its sheath on his back, entering the imaginary forest with caution -
"Oh I can't watch," Steve twirls around with a hand over his eyes,
"Oh no! The dragon has claimed Dominus too!" Dustin yells out as Eddie joins Mike and Gareths side as the ones held captive by the monstrous dragon,
"No!" Steve screams out so loud that everyone covers their ears, faces scrunching as Steve flings himself down to the table, beating on it as he wails,
"Not my Dominus!" He blubbers as a timer goes off, "Finally!" Gareth exclaims, "We need to start using chairs, my legs are like jello," he groans as he leaves the sidelines,
"Shit, guys I got to go.. my moms going to kill me if I'm late for dinner again," Mike huffs as he looks down at his watch,
"Oh I'm in," Dustin perks up, "Yeah me too," Will joins in, "Is it cool if I come?" Gareth asks, "If my moms already feeding two extra kids, I don't think one more will hurt," Mike laughs,
"Do you guys need a ride?" Eddie asks as Dustin waves a hand, "We rode, see you guys tomorrow," he smiles wide,
"Oh and uh, you might want to tell Steve you didn't die," Gareth chuckles as he points to Steve whose still kneeled down by the table,
Will, Mike, Dustin and Gareth all head out, leaving Eddie and Steve on their own,
Eddie smacks his palm against the side of his fist, making sing-songy clicks with his tongue as he walks over to Steve,
Eddie draws in a sharp breath, crouching down beside Steve as he weighs his head to the side, "Tough game, Stéphanos?" He asks sympathetically,
"Just a little," Steve slowly turns his head to look at Eddie, "I'm fine, I'm fine.. it's just a game," he wipes at his eyes, playing it off like he was completely unbothered,
"I'm just trying to.. you know, keep it realistic for the kids," Steve stands up, straightening out his shirt as he wipes at his nose,
"The kids are gone," Eddie fights a smirk as he too stands up,
Steve looks around, placing a hand on his hip as he raises a shoulder, "Well.. I was.. Never mind," he lets out an exasperated breath in defeat,
Eddie grabs his jacket and vest, laughing quietly in amusement, "You we're staying in character, I got it.." Eddie makes up an excuse for Steve who points to Eddie in agreement, "Exactly," Steve exclaims,
"It'll be ok," Eddie chuckles as he runs one of Steve's shoulders before shrugging on his jacket and vest,
"How about some burgers since you're temporarily freed from the dragon?" Steve suggests as they head for the door,
"I can eat," Eddie nods, "But you're buying," he grins - pushing the door open with his back and letting Steve out first,
"Fine.." Steve drawls out with a smile as the two walk side by side down the hall.
*******
"So we're still doing movie night after with Robin right?" Eddie asks, not bothering to cover his mouth as he chews,
Steve gives a small shake of his head. "She's sick, she wasn't at work today either," he covers his mouth as he chows down on his French fries,
"Oh no," Eddie sinks back in the booth with a small frown. "Maybe we should take her some soup," Eddie points to the diners menu,
"I'll take her the soup, you pick the movie and we can meet back at your place?" Steve suggests as he picks up another fry,
"Yeah, your Nintendo's still at my place so we could play a little of that too," Eddie says before taking another bite of his burger,
"Oh yeah," Steve says in thought, "I'll beat your ass at Duck Hunt his time," he insists, "Pfft, yeah right." Eddie scoffs,
********
"Hey!" Steve hisses with a laugh as Eddie nudges his arm with plastic gun in hand, "Stop cheating," he laughs as he tries to focus,
"I'm not — this duck is hard to control," Eddie lies as he bumps Steve's arm again with a snicker, the two seating side by side on the floor,
"Okay you've lost your duck privileges," Steve chuckles as he drops the gun, wrestling eddie for his controller,
"No," Eddie whines as he tries to keep hold of it, the two tugging them controller back and forth and it finally slipping out of Eddie's fingers,
Steves arm flings back against the coffee table, both boys shouting in horror as he spills his soda, "Ah! Not the carpet," Eddie panics, quickly putting his lips to the table to slurp up the spill,
Steve quickly puts the can up right- doing his best to catch the remaining spill with his hands,
He looks at Eddie with a tight lipped smile, "Oops," he lets out a breath of a laugh,
Eddie's eyes narrow as he stands up, quickly making way to the kitchen and spitting out the soda he slurped up into the sink,
Steve carefully follows with soda in hand, he puts his hands under the sink, pouring the soda down the drain and washing the sticky syrup residue from his fingers,
"Oops is right," Eddie clears his throat, tugging his shirt off that had spillage of its own on it and tossing it into the laundry basket,
"Maybe no more duck hunt," Steve tries to maintain an innocent look, "Maybe?" Eddie chuckles as Steve dries his hands off on a hand towel,
"It's not my fault you're so competitive," Steve argues as Eddie leaves the kitchen and heads to his bedroom, "I'm not competitive," Eddie argues, "You are," he insists as he grabs a new shirt,
"You're the one who was trying to make me lose." Steve counters as Eddie waltzes back to the kitchen, pulling the new shirt overhead, I did no such thing," Eddie feigns innocent himself as he turns his chin up,
"Yeah, okay," Steve mocks as he walks grabs a few paper towels and goes to the living room to clean up the remainder of the mess,
"Do you want to fight, Steve.. hmm? I mean clearly you're a poor sport because you lost," Eddie challenges as he follows Steve,
"I didn't lose, you cheated!" Steve stands up in a huff as he accuses Eddie, passing by him as he throws the dirty paper towels in the trash,
"No I didn't," Eddie sings with a repeated shake of his head. "Yes you did," Steve mimics him, "You know this isn't very Dominus of you," Steve points to Eddie,
"Oh, we're going to use our characters now?" Eddie quips, crossing his arms over his chest as he takes a defensive stance,
"Yeah, yeah we are," Steve takes his own defensive stance as he places his hands on his hips and keeps his head held high,
"Okay so what, you want to duel, go fight the dragon.. what, huh?" Eddie sways as he looks at Steve through little slits,
"Nope, We're wrestling," Steve states confidently, Eddie's face scrunches, "That wasn't in the options!" He exclaims,
"Your options aren't the end all be all, now down on the floor, Munson," Steve demands,
"Okay if — if," Eddie holds up a finger, "If we wrestle, what's the winner get?" He perks a brow, "You admit you cheated, I get to pick out the next three movies and.. Dominus has to make it out alive," Steve insists,
"That's if you win," Eddie points out, "Which I will so come on, let's do this," Steve motions his head to the empty space on the floor in front of the TV,
"Okay fine, fine, but if you get hurt it's not my fault," Eddie holds his hands up in warning,
"As if," Steve laughs mockingly as they both take a neutral position, leaning forward - slightly crouched and ready to pounce,
"One.." Eddie starts the count, "Two.." Steve continues as his eyes narrow, "Three," the both yell,
The two lung towards each-other while trying to knock the other off balance, failing miserably as the two just end up shoving each-other back and forth with their shoulders,
"I think you dropped your keys," Eddie looks down to the floor quickly, "What, where?" Steve follows his gaze, loosening up his grip enough for Eddie to get Steve down to the floor,
Eddie attempts to get Steve in a Kimura hold but before he can, Steve locks Eddie's arm behind his back - wrapping his legs under Eddie's arm and quickly flipping them over.
"You're not going to cheat your way out of if this time," Steve laughs manically as he pins Eddie, calling the count before Eddie groans and taps out,
"Whatever, I let you win," Eddie breathes out loudly as he lays back on the floor, Steve now straddling him as he frees Eddie,
"Bullshit," Steve argues with a shake of his head, "You know what, I'm going to kill Dominus off - oh look at that, he's dead," Eddie mocks as he fakes dead,
"That's.. against.. the rules.." Steve violently shakes Eddie by his shoulders, "Nope too late, he's dead and guess what? You killed him, how dare you.. he trusted you," Eddie hisses before laying back on the floor to play dead,
"Nu-uh because... I command you to be alive," Steve argues, "You can't do that!" Eddie counters, "I can and I did," Steve prides, "Nope, against the rules," Eddie shakes his head as he looks up at Steve,
"Like you follow rules," Steve scoffs as Eddie stays silent while he fakes deceased,
"Live, damn it," Steve shakes Eddie again before groaning,
"Okay fine.. be dead," Steve goes to stand up, Eddie uses the opportunity to flip them over so he can pin Steve down, "Cheater!" Steve yells in shock,
"Dominus lives and.. Dominus wins," Eddie quips proudly with a radiant smirk, "Oh whatever," Steve rolls his eyes, "What do you want then?" He sighs, staring up into Eddie's amber brown eyes,
Eddies eyes flicker from Steve's own down to Steve's lips, he quickly gives a shake of his head as he lets Steve go, "Nothing," he states as he climbs off,
"Really, nothing?" Steve asks suspiciously as he sits up, watching Eddie get up and seat on the couch, "Yeah, nothing." Eddie shrugs as he stares at the TV,
"So are we going to watch this movie or what?" He perks a brow, trying to shift focus off of himself, "Sure.," Steve eyes Eddie curiously as he slowly gets up,
"What's the catch?" Steve asks as he stands, "No catch," Eddie feigns innocent, "Okay then," Steve shrugs as he joins Eddie on the couch,
"You still cheated by the way," he nudges Eddie's side playfully, "Whatever you say, Steve," Eddie laughs.
******
"The dragons getting angry, it won't be long before it eats the three of us and spits our bones out!" Mike throws on his best scared voice,
The group joined back together to continue their game.
"I like my bones," Gareth groans as Eddie peers at him, "Might want to reword that," he chuckles,
"The three of us must make our way through the whispering forest, it's our only chance to save our friends," Will proclaims,
"Dominus entrusted me with your safety, I must go first," Steve takes lead as he steps in front of Dustin and Will,
"And if you die?" Dustin questions, "It will be in the name of love," Steve sighs wistfully as he starts forward, the three drawing their weaklings to ward off imaginary monsters,
"That's great but it doesn't help us much," Dustin squeaks, "It's romantic," Will argues in Steve's defence, "It's reckless," Dustin insists as they follow close behind,
"It's taking forever," Mike groans, "Don't rush them or they will all die," Eddie hisses,
"There.." Steve points a prop bow to nothing, "The dragon," Will gasps in shock, "How are we ever going to get around it?" Dustin whispers in worry,
"A spell would be useful," Eddie mumbles under his breath before looking around as if he didn't say it himself,
"Just don't turn me into a toad again," Gareth begs as the group laughs,
"What if we freeze the dragon? Then we'd have enough time to release our friends and get back to safety," Will suggests,
"No, that spell doesn't work long enough — I mean, Ahh.. help," Mike switches to a monotone yell,
"Hmm.. we can't kill it, we will die before we even get a chance," Dustin thinks, "How about an invisibility spell?" Steve suggests,
"On us?" Wills brows knit, "On them - then one of us will call the dragons attention elsewhere while two of us free our friends," Steve clarifies,
"Yeah and I can use the freeze spell once they're freed, that'll give us enough time to get away," Will chimes brightly,
The three continue on with their plan, Dustin and Steve running to Mike, Eddie and Gareth to free them while Will stays behind to cast the spells and lead the dragon away from the castle,
"My king, you've come to save me," Eddie beams joyously as Dustin frees Mike and Gareth, "I couldn't dare leave you behind," Steve says in a rush as he frees Eddie,
The two join hands as they follow Mike, Gareth and Dustin back through the forest to gather Will who freezes the dragon, giving them enough time to get back to safety and out of the dragons reach,
"We've found the magical chest!" Gareth jumps excitedly, "I wonder what's inside," Mike keeps his tone quiet, dramatic,
"Whose going to open it?" Will looks around in question, "All of us," Eddie states confidently,
The group gathers around the imaginary chest as they all groan and grunt while opening it, some wiping sweat from their brows as it opens while others ooo and awe,
"We're rich! We're rich!" Dustin dances around excitedly, "Wait this.. this can't be.," Eddie peers into the chest in shock, "It's the Davlos jewels, the ruler of Scabrue.."
"Does that means he's.. dead?" Mike gulps, "Or it's a trap.." Steve says in worry as he looks to Eddie who reaches into the chest, pretending to pull something out and then examining it curiously,
Eddie drops to the ground dramatically, groaning and squirming before finally laying still, "It's the stone curse!" Will points to Eddie in horror, "Stone? Stone! No!" Steve flees to Eddie's side,
"What does that mean?" Gareth whispers to Will in confusion, "A kiss!" Dustin proclaims, "Yeah - yes, the only way to break the curse is by true loves kiss," Mike adds on to the groups sudden new lore,
"A kiss?" Steve looks back at Mike, Gareth, Will and Dustin like they're insane, "Rules are the rules," Gareth shrugs as he rocks on his heels, "And you are Dominus true love, as we all know," Will nods along,
Steve looks back at Eddie with narrowed eyes whose now become a pro at faking dead, the group tries not to snicker - having been trying to get Steve and Eddie actually together the whole game,
Now that the opportunity was right there in front of all their faces, it was the ultimate test to see if Eddie and Steve were actually in to each-other like the group had thought,
"If you don't do it, he stays stone.." Dustin sings, "It's just one kiss," Mike adds on, "And it's just part of the game," Gareth insists, "We will even look away," Will says softly as the boys all agree,
"Fine," Steve sighs, "I can't just let my love lay there and turn into stone, it's not right," Steve wallows,
"Just turn.." he waves a hand at the boys who quickly spin around to face the opposite direction,
Eddie peeks an eye open, fully expecting Steve to back out or pretend to kiss him and insist he really did,
"After this.. you better live through the whole god damn game," Steve hisses in a huff as he leans down towards Eddie who quickly shuts his eye,
He can feel Steve hesitate above his lips and Steve's breathing picking up as his heart begins to race,
Closing his own eyes, Steve's lips gently press against Eddie's own, taken back by how soft they were and even more surprised when Eddie tenderly kisses him back,
Eddie doesn't move away or try to dodge Steve's lips, instead he brings a hand up to caress Steve's cheek as their lips move in slow rhythm,
Dustin looks over his shoulder to see Eddie and Steve lip locked in a sweet kiss, nudging the other guys to look as they silently clap, cheer and high five each other,
The group spins back around as Eddie and Steve part, not wanting to get caught staring as they'd all get ragged on by Eddie and Steve for not listening,
Eddies eyes flutter open, hand still on Steve's cheek as he looks into his whiskey brown eyes,
"One more," Steve whispers stunned by the kiss, "Yeah, for good measure," Eddie nods, voice almost in audible as he quickly licks his lips before meeting Steve's again,
"Oh and they're kissing again.." Gareth sings quietly. "Maybe we should," Mike motions to the door, "Lets give it another ten seconds," Will says in a whisper,
Eddie and Steve part again, both blinking rapidly in awe, "Would you look at that.. the curse is broken," Eddie says softly,
"Well.. it is true loves kiss," Steve tilts his head as he speaks, eyes trailing to the boys before quickly standing up,
"In the game I mean," Steve quickly clarifies as Eddie too stands up, scratching at the back of his head as he nods "Yeah, yeah.. uh the game.." he's pulled back to reality,
"You guys can turn around now," Steve directs, "He's saved," Will exclaims joyously as the boys spin around, all grinning wildly from what they had witnessed.
The timer goes off, putting an end to their game for the day and the boys couldn't have been more obvious as they all quickly darted out of the theatre to leave Steve and Edie alone,
"Think they saw?" Steve questions as he watches Eddie gather up his things, "Oh yeah," Eddie says in a breath, "Definitely,"
"But it was all part of the game right? So no big deal," he says as he shrugs his jacket and vest on,
"Right," Steve chews on his lip, trailing behind Eddie as they head for the door,
"But if it wasn't - I mean, if it wasn't part of the game.. then what?" Steve asks as they leave the theatre, voice wavering nervously,
"Then.." Eddie purses his lips they head down the hall, "I'd like to do it again," Eddie muses with a sheepish smile,
"Outside of the game.. I mean," he clarifies with a small anxious laugh.
"Well we're not playing right now," Steve states as they exit the schools doors and make way to their vehicles,
"No.. no we're not," Eddies voice is soft as he speaks, stopping in between his van and Steve's car that are parked side by side,
Eddie leans against the side of his van as Steve leans against the side of his car, both suddenly nervous with pounding hearts as Eddie picks at his nails and Steve chews on his lip.
"So uh.." Eddie taps his foot in thought, "See you next game or — movie night, whatever.." He waves a hand with a pathetic laugh,
"Movie night is tonight.." Steve bites back a grin, "Right.. it is, uh.. see you soon then?" Eddie squeaks out awkwardly, "In like two hours, yeah," Steve laughs,
"Okay, yeah.. two hours," Eddie nods, nearly tripping over his own two feet as he goes to round his van.
"Eddie," Steve chuckles lightly as he catches Eddie by his jacket sleeve, "Hmm?" Eddie turns, resembling a lost puppy as he looks at Steve,
"Come here," Steve grins with a laugh, pulling Eddie in towards him and placing a gentle hand on Eddie's cheek,
The two look into the others brown eyes, scanning them for a moment before Eddie closes the distance between them this time while their lips melt together,
"Yeah - yeah, definitely uh, definitely want more of that," Eddie's lips are still puckered as he speaks, still enwrapped in the kiss as his eyes flutter open,
"Wow, yeah.. wow." Steves in a daze himself as they part, looking into Eddie's amber brown hues in happy surprise,
"So more of that," Steve nods in agreement, "Uh-huh," Eddie nods too, "Maybe we don't tell anyone yet.. I mean," he weighs his head side to side. "Yeah, wouldn't want to like.. spring it on them or anything," Steve says,
"So.. movie night.." Eddie breathes out, "Move night," Steve nods as the two back up, staring at each other in realization,
"Okay last one," Steve yanks Eddie to him as they feverishly kiss,
That one more turned into about five more, but neither were really keeping track.
******
"Why are you two acting so weird?" Robin asks Eddie as she helps gather snacks and drinks while Steve sets up the movie in his basement,
"I'm not," Eddie exclaims, "I mean we're not.. nothings weird," Eddie panics as Robin pops a piece of popcorn into her mouth,
"Uh-huh.. did you two get into an arm wrestling match again or something?" Robin eyes Eddie curiously, "No," Eddie laughs as he avoids Robins gaze,
Robin isn't buying it whatsoever, picking up the popcorn bowl and chip bowl as her and Eddie head into the basement,
"Are you going to tell me why you two are acting weird?" Robin starts to grill Steve who presses play on the VCR,
"Weird? Whose weird? Not us.. no.." Steve tries to cover, failing miserably.
"Okay, I don't know what's going on but I clearly missed something and for my own sanity, I'm not going to try and knock it out of either of you," Robin states in a huff,
She places the bowls down on the table, flopping on to the pull out bed the three typically share when watching movies in Steve's basement,
Eddie sits down on the opposite corner of the bed, muttering to himself quietly as Robin flashes him a weird look,
"Oh great, the middle again," Steve sighs as he climbs onto the bed, wiggling in between Robin and Eddie as Eddie hands him a soda,
The movie continues on as per usual, though Steve and Eddie were silently nervous this time,
Eddie wiggles closer to Steve who doesn't move an inch, continuing to stare at the tv screen as his heart starts to race,
He waits a few more minutes before gently grazing Eddie's hand with his own, smiling to himself as Eddie grazes his hand back,
Eddie draws the throw blanket up over them which barely covers the three of them combined, his hand nudging Steve's again as Steve nudges back,
Steve places his hand in between them with his palm up, opening and closing his hand slowly,
Eddie trails his fingers softly along Steve's wrist and then up his palm, drawing nonsensical shapes and patterns into his skin before gliding his own palm against Steve's as their fingers intertwine,
Steve looks over at Eddie with a sweet smile as Eddie returns it with a more shy one, the two keeping their hands laced together and hidden through out the entire movie,
It was a surprise Robin didn't notice a thing, or so they thought.
Really, Dustin had told Robin the first chance he got but she was sworn to secrecy so she kept quiet.
*****
******
"Where is everyone?" Steve asks as he enters the theatre, ready to continue the game,
"They're probably just taking a while to bike here," Eddie gives a shrug as he leans against the table, looking down at his watch for a moment,
"Hmm," Steve says in thought as he paces a small line, "Something on your mind, Harrington?" Eddie perks a brow, standing up straight as Steve stops in front of him,
The two examine the others face, slowly wrapping their arms around each other only to break apart at the speed of light as the rest of the group begins to file in,
"Sorry we're late," Will says as he sets down his bag, "We got into a bit of trouble in class, had to weasel ourselves out of detention," Mike huffs, "I weaselled, you two were useless," Dustin corrects,
"What's your excuse?" Eddie looks to Gareth who gives a shrug, "Didn't realize the time," he merely says as he drops his bag down,
"Okay," Eddie clasps his hands together, "So Dominus was freed from the curse thanks to Stéphanos.." Eddie recounts where they left off as Steve and him exchange a quick glance,
"So the chest was a trap," Dustin nods along in thought as he sways side to side, "Then we must leave the chest alone," Gareth chimes, "We continue forward to freedom," Mike agrees,
"That means making it past the serpent river," Eddie sighs, "And over the magical bridge," Will adds on,
"I think we can do it, but no more splitting up," Steve says determined as the group nods, "Yeah I don't want to end up at the castle again," Gareth sighs,
"Okay but we must be very careful, those serpents will jump straight from the water and can snatch any of us off our feet and down to the fiery water below," Eddie warns as the group takes a breath,
"So long treasure," Mike sighs wistfully as he waves at the imaginary chest, "Ah, we might find another.. one without a trap," Dustin muses as they continue forward,
"We're so close to home - oh how I miss home," Will drawls out dramatically, "We will be back soon enough, to safety.. to family," Eddie reassures,
"Easy for you to say, your lover is by your side," Gareth quips, "He's not my.." Eddie's face scrunches, "Oh wait.. right, yeah," he looks at Steve, "In the game.." Steve nudges Eddie's side with a small smirk,
"Well we are all friends, at least we have each other," Will beams, "Exactly," Eddie gives a swift nod in agreement, thankful the spotlight was off him and Steve,
*****
The game continued on, drawing extremely close to the finish line so instead of calling time and putting the rest of the game off until the next play, the group decided to finish it up,
It didn't really make much sense to shelf five or ten minutes of game play anyways.
The group had made it past serpent river, over the magical bridge and their last obstacle before home was the womberling tree,
It was a beautiful tree really, the red leaves making anyone stop to take a gander but that's exactly the moment the tree would eat one whole.
The group made it past slowly and cautiously, only Steve left to avoid its path and beauty that drew one in,
His eyes flicker from the tree to the group, attempting to walk past but losing his balance on some imaginary rocks that leaves him tumbling directly into the trees path,
"We must save him!" Will shouts in horror, "You all stay put, Stéphanos, my star - had saved me, now I must save him," Eddie places a hand over his heart as he takes a breath, stepping forward cautiously,
"Be safe, Dominus," Dustin whispers as he wipes a fake tear from his eye,
Eddie starts forward towards Steve, crouching down as he tries to hide from the tree,
"Stéphanos, are you hurt?" Eddie asks quietly as Steve groans, "Im fine, my ankles a little sore," he sits up,
"We must get out of here before the tree spots us, can you stand?" Eddie asks in worry as Steve nods,
Eddie helps Steve up slowly, "The tree! It's starting to turn!" Mike yells out in horror, "They will never make it out alive," Gareth covers his eyes, peeking through the little slits between his fingers,
"I can't watch," Will turns around with a sob as Steve and Eddie carefully make their way past the tree, flying to the ground to safety as the tree tries to lunge at them but luckily they lay just out of reach,
"They did it!" Dustin yells joyously as the group all jumps around excitedly, hugging one and other in victory as Steve and Eddie rise to their feet,
"You could have left me behind, we both nearly died!" Steve huffs as Eddie shakes his head, "I could never," he refuses as him and Steve wrap their arms around each other,
They pull back once they realize the hug has gone on a little too long (though the boys were pretending not to notice.. they totally did and biting back any remark was becoming painful for the bunch,)
Eddies taken by surprise as Steve's lips land on his, quickly settling into the kiss as the world fades away,
"I was never good at keeping secrets," Steve laughs softly as they part, "Neither am I," Eddie breathes out,
Both boys eyes slowly turning to look at the group who try to feign unaware so badly that they make themselves even more obvious,
"You guys don't have to pretend like you didn't see," Eddie chuckles as Dustin lets out a loud breath, "Oh thank god,"
"You two kissed! You kissed! Does this mean.." Wills eyes widen with a bright smile, "Clearly it was for the game," Mike tries to give Steve and Eddie an excuse,
"The game, my ass - no one kisses like that for a game," Gareth scoffs as Steve swipes a hand at the air to silence the boys,
"It wasn't just for the game," he admits quietly, still nervous himself as Eddie rocks on his heels, "Steve and I are kind of.. well we..." Eddie stutters as he tries to explain,
"We haven't really discussed it.." he squeaks out as he looks at Steve, "We are just figuring it out for ourselves," Steve states as Eddie nods in agreement, "Yeah, that."
"So then you guys aren't dating?" Will perks a brow as Steve looks to Eddie, both attempting to scrambling for answers,
"Well... no," Steve shifts his weight from one hip to the other, "Not yet," Eddie gives a small shrug, "Look, this is as new to us as it is to you guys," He sighs, "Yeah we don't have many answers," Steve adds on,
"But kissing.. that's a good sign," Dustin points with a small nod of his head, "Yeah it means it's finally happening," Gareth weighs in,
"What's finally happening?" Steve's eyes narrow, "Ah-uh.. nothing, nothing!" Mike covers quickly as he elbows Gareth,
"Just that.. oh look at the time.. we got to go, all of us - us four.. I mean," Will stammers and stutters wide eyed,
"Great game, amazing.. see you guys next Friday," Dustin rounds Steve and Eddie as he speaks,
Gareth, Mike, Will and Dustin frantically grab their bags and rush out of the theatre, leaving Steve and Eddie alone once again,
"Could they be anymore obvious?" Eddie snorts as he shakes his head, "Why does it feel like we just told our children that were about to become a blended family," Steve says in thought,
"It feels like that, doesn't it?" Eddie agrees with a laugh as he starts putting the props back in place,
"So um.." Steves teeth graze his lower lip in thought,
"I know we aren't having movie night tonight but.. want to pick something up to eat and.. I don't know, maybe hang out for a bit or.. whatever," Steve gives a sheepish laugh,
"Would this be as a friend or uh.. a little more than friends?" Eddie questions as he approaches Steve,
"Well, you know.. a little more never hurt anyone," Steve laughs,
"I mean - being a little more than friends.. not that I have any of those right now - well I guess you but - Jesus that all came out totally wrong.." Steve blinks dumbfounded at himself,
"I think there was a point in there somewhere but honestly, didn't catch it," Eddie chuckles as his face lights up,
"I'm asking as a little more than friends, the in between I guess - god that sounds worse," Steve groans at himself, "If you want that.. obviously," he pulls a smile,
"Yeah.. I can't say I've ever really been in this uh situation before so might have to bare with me but, yeah I do." Eddie nods,
"So then dinner and.. whatever," Steve's says slowly as Eddie smiles, "Sounds like a date to me," he grin, patting Steve on the shoulder as he heads for the door,
"Wait is that a yes?" Steve's face scrunches in confusion as he turns around to look at Eddie, "It's a yes, Harrington.." Eddie chimes,
"But your place again, Wayne hurt his back so he's off work for a few days," Eddie turns around to look at Steve as he stands in front of the door,
"Okay, I'll meet you there then," Steve smiles excitedly as Eddie nods before heading out the door.
*******
Steve and Eddie join back together in Steve's basement on the pull out bed, St. Elmos Fire playing on the tv,
The two had already finished their helpings of Chinese food, now lounging back as they finish the rest of the movie,
Steves hand creeps to Eddie's this time, their fingers intertwining much quicker than the time before,
Eddie leans his head back against the couch as he looks over at Steve, tugging on his arm gently to motion for him to come closer,
Steve wiggles over, sitting right beside Eddie instead of inches apart, leaning his own head back against the couch as he looks at Eddie in return,
Eddie frees his hand from Steves causing a small frown to flicker on Steves face in response,
Eddie fakes a dramatic yawn, stretching his arms over his head before draping one over Steve's shoulder, "Really, you used the yawn move on me?" Steve chuckles,
"It's the only move I know," Eddie says shyly with a small smile, "Fair enough," Steve whispers,
His eyes trail from Eddie's amber brown hues down to his lips, noses brushing together gently before gracing the others lips with their own.
“Oh my twinkling star in the northern sky,” Eddie drawls out dramatically as they part, Steve laughs, rolling his eyes, “Oh my love, Dominus.” He quips just as dramatically
The two grin, snuggling up into each other as they finish the movie with smiles plastered to their faces.
Eddie's plan did work.. he would now be spending much more time with Steve but little did Eddie know, Steve had the same damn plan.