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It’s dark when Steve gets home, the only light coming from outside peeking through the blinds. Angel meows when he walks in, eyes glinting in the dark before he can flick on a light switch. She brushes up against his leg as he locks the door, quiet purring already filling the room. She’s a sucker for attention as much as her dads are. Eddie likes to says she takes after him more. Steve thinks it’s to make up for the fact that he’s Angel’s favorite.
Ironically, he hadn’t even wanted her at first. Eddie had brought her home soaked to the bone, fur stuck to her tiny frame when he pulled her from the cover of his leather jacket. She’d looked more grey then, dirty from wandering the streets until Eddie found her. It’d taken a bath and a few hours for her to turn into the lovable white fluff ball she is now. Eddie found her curled up on Steve’s chest the next morning and the rest is history. Now she follows him around every minute of the day, only curling up with Eddie to add to a cuddle pile forming on the couch or in their bed. Not that they’ve been able to do so in the last couple of months.
Eddie’s recording an album and Steve couldn’t be more proud of him. But he couldn’t be more lonely either. Their apartment is covered in memories of the two of them, Eddie’s mark left on each room of their space. Two year’s worth of nostalgia to keep Steve company while Eddie tours around America. Angel chirps again, begging for attention since Steve’s sat on the couch instead of picking her up. He leans over and sighs, turning a lamp on before leaning over to lift her into his lap. She nudges into his face immediately, purr ramping loud enough that he can feel her whole body shake with it. It’s been a long day for him, he can only imagine how long it’s felt in the apartment. He leans back and Angel shifts with him, stretching out across his chest while he smooths a hand down her back.
The continued silence threaten to choke him, throat clogging with unshed tears. How is it possible to miss someone so much? Not that he would ever let Eddie know the extent of the heartache that hits him day to day. No reason to bring him down when he’s out there achieving his dream. He and the band are recording their first album in California, right there in the middle of Hollywood. Nothing could make Steve bring him home now.
A few tears fall despite his best efforts, and Angel tilts her head when he starts to sniffle. She doesn’t shift from where she’s laid, but she’s stopped making biscuits on his chest, more focused on figuring out what’s going on. A particularly harsh hiccup has her ears twitching before she leaps down from his lap. She spares one backwards glance and then heads into the dark hallway leading to the bedroom.
It doesn’t help that it’s been a terrible day, a bad week honestly. Eddie’s not here to whisk Steve into the kitchen and crowd him against the counter while he cooks something quick before ushering them both off to bed. If Eddie was here all this misery would slip away like water on glass, but instead Steve has to sit with it heavy on his shoulders. No one’s here but him to make sure he gets enough sleep. Steve leans back on the couch, raising his hands to harshly scrub at his face. Tears aren’t going to help with anything. The sooner he can stop crying the faster he can get into bed. They slow but don’t stop; Steve’s gotten used to this as part of his routine, so it’s second nature to slide his shoes off and shuffle into the kitchen. He grabs a PopTart and a glass of water, double checks the front door is locked and clicks the lamp off. Darkness surrounds him and he starts his slow walk to the bedroom.
When he and Eddie first moved, Eddie would get restless sometimes and rearrange the furniture while Steve was gone. It took many stubbed toes before Eddie finally agreed to at least share the new updates in the house before Steve tried stumbling around in the dark. Now, nothing been moved in the past two months means he can find his way and spare his toes from the corners of furniture.
Angel’s curled up on Eddie’s pillow when Steve walks in, stark white on their dark sheets. He flips on his bedside lamp, sending warm light throughout the room. She doesn’t stir when he sits down, used to this routine as well. The tears have finally stopped, and Steve can feel the sticky tackiness that’s left behind from tear tracks on his cheeks. He doesn’t care right now, his stomach growling and threatening a revolt if he doesn’t eat this PopTart. The crust is dry as always, but that’s what the water’s for.
By the time he’s done with his snack, his water’s gone, and Angel’s only shifted enough to splay out on her back. Steve shucks off his jeans in the bathroom and scrubs at his face. He looks tired. There’s faint bags under his eyes that seem to get darker every day. The lights don’t do him any favors, painting him paler than ever while he brushes his teeth.
At least going to bed means he’s killing time before Eddie’s able to call him. Sleep comes slow, the ticking of his clock distracting him from counting sheep, and Angel stands up just to press closer to his side, and then, and then he wakes up to Angel’s chirping.
~
Eddie can’t believe his life right now. Corroded Coffin has officially recorded their first album and they’re good to go home. As much fun as it’s been exploring California, Eddie hasn’t stopped wishing Steve was here with him. He knows the other guys feel the same, Gareth lamenting that Chrissy couldn’t tag along. Jeff calls Laura nearly as much as Eddie calls Steve, and Grant’s always talking about how much Dylan would love California.
Everyone misses home.
Their producer had been surprised at how quickly they’d asked about heading back to Indiana, but had still given them the go ahead to start driving. He’d be checking in once he shared the album around a bit, they just had to keep playing their own gigs and be patient.
They started driving that night, streetlights and stars their only friends on the open road. It’d been too late to call anyone to give them a heads up, and by the next morning they’d decided to keep it a surprise anyway. Grant’s behind the wheel now, each of them taking turns to try and get home as soon as possible. At the rate they’re going, they should be back home by tomorrow afternoon.
I’m coming, Stevie.
~
The only thing worse than having a bad day at work, is having to go to a second job instead of going home. And worse than that? Having a bad day at both jobs.
Steve had nearly been late to the cafe this morning, stumbling in right before the open sign got flipped. He wasn’t able to make his own coffee until an hour into his shift, so he’d started out sluggish and quiet. He got scheduled with Dana, who doesn’t even like talking to customers and does her best to stay in the back unless Josh is working. And of course, Josh is off all week, which means Steve didn’t get any help until Hannah and Jorge showed up at nine.
Those three hours felt like an eternity. One customer even threw their iced latte back at him, staining his shirt and somehow managing to get his socks wet too. Jorge had taken one look at him and sent him for a break out back. Dana hadn’t spared him a glance when he passed her reading a magazine.
Of course the door had locked when he tried to walk back in, so then he’d had to circle the block to get back inside. Luckily, in that time Jorge and Hannah had been able to tidy up the mess he’d left in his wake of the breakfast rush. His socks remained damp for the rest of his shift though, and his skin felt sticky under the coffee stain.
There wasn’t enough time to head home for different socks, so Steve changed into his black button down and headed off to his serving job down the street. He sat at a bus stop to eat his lunch and tried to focus on the positives like Chrissy always did. What he would do to have her cheery spirit with him now, but she was off visiting Nancy for a bit in Boston, so he was on his own until his shift with Robin.
Robin’s the one that found Benny’s Bistro in the first place, after a long first week of college. The atmosphere was welcoming and felt like a haven in the middle of the city. Benny mentioned needing some help and the rest is history. Robin’s primarily a hostess, but sometimes she’ll help with running food if it gets crazy busy. Steve’s been a server there for a couple years now, and out of his two jobs, this one is his favorite.
Not that it stops his disappointment when he finds out that Robin’s called in sick. It’s just one shift, and at least he’s in a new shirt, it can’t be that bad.
It is that bad.
Steve’s socks stay damp the whole shift and he can already feel blisters forming. He tripped walking into the dining room and dropped an entire tray of food on the floor. Not before trying to catch it though and ending up with spaghetti smeared along his pants. Thankfully they’re black, but it doesn’t stop the grease stain from becoming tacky on his thigh. One of his tables leaves him a note saying his lackluster service cost him a tip, and only a couple of tables take pity on him and leave a tip at all. Wednesdays are always a hard night.
Finally, he’s able to fold up his apron and head to his car. The streets are practically empty now, only a couple late night stragglers from the Cosmic Lounge and other workers leaving their own late night shifts. Hardly any cars are left in the parking garage, Steve’s BMW sticking out like a sore thumb on floor four near the elevators.
If there was a way to simply snap his fingers and be home, Steve would do it. As it is, he sits in the silence of his car for a minute before turning his key. Eddie called earlier to say they finished the album but it’d be another week before he could come home. Steve can only hope that Eddie couldn’t hear the defeat in Steve’s voice at the news.
~
Angel has not stopped pacing between Eddie’s legs since he got home. No matter what room he walks into, she’s right there with him, tail curled around one of his legs when he stops moving. Looks like it’s not just him that’s been missing her. As much as Steve’s her favorite, the two can have their moments until Steve gets home.
The apartment looks about the same as he left it, except for the dust gathering in their spare room. When they’d first moved in, the spare room had been used as storage for all the boxes they didn’t want to unpack yet. Now, a foldout couch sits on one wall, two bookshelves are full of D&D scribblings and half full notebooks with messy lyrics. It’s a hub for all of Eddie’s quick thoughts to live in one space, and of course a comfortable space for any guests that stop by. Dustin and Robin have spent many nights on this foldout.
It doesn’t seem like anyone’s stayed over while Eddie’s gone, or if they have, it’s not unlike Robin to just steal the other side of their bed of Eddie’s gone. Angel saunters into the room with a soft meow, rubbing her face against the guitar stand like it’s been a while since she’s been in the room too. He leaves his guitar in it’s case, running a finger along one of the bookcase’s shelves, fingertip leaving a streak through the dust.
When he spoke to Steve yesterday, it’d taken everything for him to not ruin the surprise. It’d been heartbreaking to hear Steve’s hesitance to ask when Eddie would be coming home. Everyone had agreed on having their return be a surprise, but the defeat in Steve’s voice made Eddie want to swallow the lie. Hopefully the surprise would be worth it.
Eddie’s done everything he can to pass the time, clean the spare room, make the bed, even unload the dishwasher. Angel’s kept a watchful stare this entire time, eyes perceptive from one end of the couch when Eddie slumps down opposite of her. He put on one of Steve’s favorite albums, Springsteen’s voice filling the space where there’s a lack of Steve. Angel huffs from her side of the couch and stretches before walking over. She slumps against his leg and rests a gentle head on his knee. It’s a small thing to stroke a ringed hand along her back.
Everything except for dinner is ready for when Steve comes home, which means Eddie’s got a couple of hours before the other man walks in. Plenty of time to take a breather with Angel on the couch. It’s dark when he opens his eyes again, the sound of a car door sending Angel jumping away from his lap and towards the window. Steve must be home, shit, oh well, he can always make dinner in a minute. For now, he can at least do the other half of his plan.
It’s a mad dash for the candles he placed around the room earlier, hand digging into his pocket for his lighter. Since they’re only the tiny tea light candles, not a lot of light comes off of them, just enough to not be surrounded by black void. He set a couple on the washer and dryer too, trying to guide Steve towards the bedroom. Somehow, luck is on Eddie’s side and he’s able to swap the music over before he hears Steve’s key in the door. Softer music fills the apartment and he’s able to finish lighting the candles on Steve’s nightstand, turning towards the door with a smile, breath caught in his throat at the anticipation of seeing his sweetheart again.
Steve says something quietly, probably a greeting to Angel. He must notice the candles because the next thing Eddie hears is a thud of something hitting the floor and quick footsteps closing the distance from living room to bedroom. They stop at the door frame, Steve’s hand grabbing on side of it when he meets Eddie’s eyes. He doesn’t even look around the room, purely focused on Eddie standing at the foot of the bed.
“Hey, baby.”
And Steve bursts into tears.
“Woah, woah, hey, come here.” Eddie closes the distance this time, murmuring quietly into Steve’s hair once he’s close enough to pull him in for a hug. Steve trembles in his arms, face hidden in Eddie’s neck and gripping onto the back of Eddie’s shirt like he’ll vanish if Steve doesn’t hold on.
“Eddie.” It’s barely a whisper, more felt against Eddie’s neck than heard. His collars gone damp but at least Steve’s not shaking any more.
“I got you, baby. Surprise.” Eddie forces a half chuckle, but it comes out wetter than he expected. He’s missed Steve so much. A month apart is just too long. No matter what, he’s dragging Steve along next time. Angel will have to learn to be a traveling cat. Steve chokes on a small laugh of his own and finally loosens his grip on Eddie.
“Sorry, it’s a nice surprise.” Steve sniffles, but there’s a small smile tugging at his lips when he looks at Eddie again. Tears are still gathered in his eyes, and Eddie rubs a gentle thumb below one eye to trace the shape of Steve’s face. His boyfriend leans into the touch, eyelashes fluttering with the movement.
“Stevie, Stevie, Stevie, what am I gonna do with you? You hungry?”
A stomach growl answers before Steve can, and genuine laughter bubbles out of Eddie at Steve’s shocked face.
“That’s enough for me. Put on something comfortable and me in the kitchen. I meant to have it ready but Angel convinced me to take a nap.”
At the mention of her name, Angel chirps and jumps on the bed, tail curling around herself while she watches them. Steve nods but doesn’t move back, instead leaning into Eddie’s arms for another hug. Eddie squeezes him tight again, pressing a kiss to Steve’s head.
“C’mon, change into some pajamas, I’ll see you in a second.”
~
Steve changes in stunned quiet, music still playing softly from their radio. When he goes to set his watch on the nightstand he sees the last of the candles that Eddie lit, flames flickering in the shape of a heart.
“He spoils us, doesn’t he?” Angel doesn’t answer his question, just settles further down at the edge of the bed.
Eddie always looks softest in the kitchen, and now is no different. He’s pulled his hair into a loose bun, a couple stray curls framing his face as he fills a pot and sets it down on an empty burner. All of the dishes Steve remembers leaving in the sink earlier are gone, and he knows without a doubt that Eddie’s been busy since he got home.
He only gets a moment to watch Eddie before he notices Steve in the door frame of the kitchen. He lunges close to Steve and pulls him close, crowding him against a counter. Eddie presses a quick kiss to Steve’s cheek, then a few along his jaw before sliding his mouth against Steve’s.
It feels like coming home.
He tastes like bubblegum, tobacco, and just Eddie. It’s Steve’s favorite taste in the world. A cold hand reaches under Steve’s shirt, just enough to rest a hand on his bare hip, and he gasps. Eddie deepens the kiss easily, mapping out Steve’s mouth with an inquisitive tongue and a fervor Steve’s missed.
The sound of water spilling over pulls Eddie away, hands and mouth gone in a flash to turn the heat down. A sheepish smile is sent Steve’s way and Eddie shrugs in a ‘what can you do’ way when he steps further away, digging into their pantry for something.
Steve’s lips feel numb in the best way, and he can’t bring himself to do anything but watch as Eddie dumps macaroni into the pot and close the distance again.
“Alright, we’ve got about eight minutes. Where were we?”
~
Eddie can’t stop sneaking glances at Steve. He feels like a teenager again, gauging his crush’s reaction to the food he made. Steve doesn’t complain, digging into his macaroni like a starved man. He didn’t want to say anything earlier, but Steve seems tired, like he hasn’t been doing the best with Eddie gone. It would’ve been nice to know how Steve was feeling, but Eddie figures they’ve got their whole lives to convince Steve that it’s okay to share his unpleasant feelings.
Steve’s been leaning more into Eddie’s space the more he eats, eyes blinking shut for longer and longer. As much as Eddie would love to sweep his boyfriend off his feet and carry him to bed like the princess he is, he’s too tired himself. Instead he nudges the empty bowl out of Steve’s hands and carries it to the kitchen. It won’t hurt anything to leave the dishes in the sink for tonight. When he steps into the living room again, Steve’s laid back on the couch, neck bent awkwardly and eyes closed.
“Alright, c’mon, sweetheart.” Steve doesn’t open his eyes when Eddie nudges at his foot, just furrows his brow slightly. Eddie crouches down, resting a hand on one of Steve’s knees to shake him gently. “Hey, wake up, let’s go to bed. You’re gonna hurt your neck like that.”
Steve murmurs for a moment, but rolls his head forward to look down at Eddie. He smiles sleepily when Eddie leans against his knee. He offers a single nod and stretches, giving Eddie time to lean back and stand up. They shuffle to their room together, arms a warm line between them.
~
In the dark, Steve tries to breathe quietly, focused in on the steady heartbeat under his ear. Eddie’s been rubbing a comforting hand across his shoulders, reaching up into the hair resting at his nape to twist it gently. Angel’s curled at their feet and Steve couldn’t be happier.
This is what he’s missed the most. Just being in Eddie’s arms after a long day. Nothing has to be said. Nothing has to be done. Only basking in the comfort of being with the one you love, and knowing they love you.
“Sleep well, baby. I love you.”
It’s barely a whisper in the dark, followed by a press of Eddie’s lips on his head. Steve turns slightly, pressing his own kiss to Eddie’s chest with a smile.
“I love you, too.”
All of the uncertainty that’s been weighing him down for weeks slips away, replaced by the comfort Eddie brings by simply being around. Tomorrow can be as difficult as it wants, Steve’s got Eddie by his side, which makes him feel invincible.
Sleep comes easy after that.