Work Text:
Dustin looked back at Eddie as he sat on the warm grass as it danced around his slight frame in the wind. He wore black sweats and a grey pullover hoodie comfortably resting against fresh bandages. The sun shown upon pale skin and still fresh scars, but Eddie was smiling.
“He’s okay,” Steve said quietly.
“Maybe,” Dustin sighed.
Dustin sunk further down into his lawn chair and Steve continued to look out toward the field, toward Eddie.
Dustin cleared his throat. “Thank you,” he said quietly.
“For what?”
“Everything.”
Steve turned back to Dustin, ranking his eyes from Dustin’s slightly dirty sneakers to his hellfire tee he hasn't taken off for a week. Dustin’s eyes shown, reflecting the green of the sunny field.
Steve smiled, all teeth and bright eyes. “Always, Dusty.”
The breeze ruffled their hair and brought the fresh scent of grass, warmth, and Spring around them.
“Hey guys, you gonna join me over here?” Eddie called, his voice cracking from disuse, “I’m hogging all the sun on my own.”
“Coming!” Dustin responded.
Standing up Dustin stretched his arms above his head before turning back to Steve.
“C’mon Steve,” Dustin said, gesturing toward the field, toward Eddie.
Steve stayed sitting, and his eyes looked back to Eddie. His hair now rested on one side of his shoulders, a scar now visible on his jaw. Steve should probably feel scared, mad, maybe even nothing at all, but all he felt was joy.
Steve has felt joy before. He knew its fireworks and its sparks, burning quick. As he looked at Eddie basking in the sun, a small smile on his chapped lips, Steve was introduced to a whole new type of joy. Joy like the sun, everlasting in its warmth.
Steve stood up and clapped Dustin on the shoulder as he passed. “C’mon yourself,” Steve said, walking through the tall grass toward the field, toward Eddie.
Always, toward Eddie.