Chapter Text
It’s been a month since Steve and Eddie became SteveandEddie, and Steve can confidently say he hasn’t felt so relaxed since… maybe ever? He figured learning how to navigate a relationship with a guy in a town that’s still more than a little wary of those that don’t “fit in”, would have him worried. Looking over his shoulder and wishing he could just reach out and grab Eddie’s hand whenever he wanted.
But the thing is? Steve's found he doesn't give a damn about what others think. All his relationships thus far have been about his image. Even with Nancy, Steve made sure to shower her with affection in public so everyone could see how much he cared about her.
Steve doesn’t need anyone else to tell him how he feels about Eddie.
All he needs is the man himself. Plus they’re plenty affectionate when they can be. By themselves sure, but also with the Party. With Wayne. With the people that matter.
Everyone had taken the news of their relationship as expected. You bond fighting monsters from another dimension and two boys kissing is hardly a big deal. Wayne had simply smiled and ruffled Eddie’s hair warning him to take good care of “[his] boy”. Eddie had squawked and lamented about him being the only one that got a shovel talk when he was Wayne’s nephew, not Steve. He had both his uncle and his boyfriend in stitches with his dramatics that day.
The kids did surprise Steve a little though, making soft remarks about how nice it was to see him smiling. How Eddie is good for him. It was so out of character for them it floored Steve the first time. Now he’s come to expect the small niceties in amongst their usual banter. It’s sweet.
Of course, his and Eddie’s relationship is also a great cover for why they’re maybe a little glued at the hip at the moment. Sure, they do spend a fair amount of time doing couple-y shit. But they also spend a portion of their time as Stevie and Teddie.
It’s done wonders for the both of them. Eddie feels more stable than ever with their routines and his natural inclination to care, and Steve gets to throw away his worries at the end of a long day and just focus on fun.
It’s not always sunshine and rainbows of course, and Steve always feels especially guilty after their time together involves tears and nightmares and panic attacks. Eddie is quick to reassure him though, reminding him that this is his mind’s way of dealing with all the living nightmares they faced at a young age. And that he’s honoured to be one of the people Steve trusts to see him like that. To make him feel even a little better. A little safer.
All this to say, things are going well.
And Eddie has an idea of how to make things even better.
***
“Hey Steve?” Eddie asks when the man in question is lounging on the bed next to him, flat on his back and staring at the ceiling as he plays with the fur of his teddy bear. Eddie’s not even sure he’s noticed himself doing it, but he knows he’s been on the cusp of regressing all morning. He was hoping to have this conversation before composing an answer became too much of an ask and hopes the use of Steve’s name without any embellishments will help.
“Mm?” Steve replies, turning his head to look up at Eddie sitting next to him with bleary, but always so beautiful, eyes.
“I was thinking,” Eddie starts, tone open and easy, hoping to convey his support no matter what Steve’s answer may be. “Today might be a good day to do some shopping.”
Steve doesn’t say anything but does tilt his head a little like a puppy. Eddie knows he’s probably thinking back to the groceries they’d picked up for Wayne and themselves just the other day.
“Remember we talked about what the doc said in your last session?” He enquires.
Steve had elaborated some more on how Dr Owens was the man he saw for therapy, and how he’d brought up Eddie in their last session and discussed what his involvement in regression could look like. Owens had suggested perhaps buying a few items to use when Steve was regressed, such as Bilbo the bear, that could help him fall into the headspace, or remind him that feeling this way was okay, and that Eddie supported him in everything.
Eddie is of course very on board with the idea.
Along with the new apartment, the government had shelled out a little more cash for Eddie, acting as a (shitty) apology for almost using him as a scapegoat for the murders. Eddie kept that money aside at first, unsure what to spend it on other than the occasional new cassette, or replacing some of the mugs that’d smashed in the “quake”. Now, Eddie sees the perfect opportunity to spend some taking care of his boy. It’s a Wayne mandated instruction after all.
Steve sits up and looks warily over at Eddie, plushie clutched tighter in his hands.
“Yeah. Said we should buy some stuff.” Steve mumbles. “But we don’t have to Eds. I don’t need anything else and I know you’ll insist on paying and it’s not worth it.” He rushes out before Eddie can say anything else.
Eddie pauses. He figured there might be a little push back at the suggestion but he’s not sure why Steve seems so frantic.
“Hmm well I’d have to disagree with you there big boy.” He says, tone still light and airy. “There have been one too many close calls with drink spills for my liking so a sippy cup at least is on the ‘need’ list. And I happen to like spoiling my baby as you very well know so I see no problem in picking up a few other things while we’re at it.”
He takes a moment to reach out and hold of one of Steve’s hands gently when he doesn’t respond.
“What’s got you so reluctant hm?” He asks. Figures it’s better to be direct than to cause a misunderstanding between them. “We can keep everything here if you need. You’re here more often than not and no one comes in my room but us so everything would be good and safe I promise.”
Steve shakes his head.
“S’not that.” He sighs. “It’s gonna make me feel small. Going shopping for that kinda stuff. I can’t be like that in public.”
Ah.
So that’s it.
Well, Eddie thinks, that’s a relatively easy fix.
“That’s alright sweetheart.” Eddie says, leaning over to wrap an arm around Steve and let him melt into his chest. “How’s about this. We take a drive a little ways out so we don’t come across anyone we know. If anyone asks, which they won’t, we’ll tell them we babysit. Pretty convincing as far as lies go seeing as it’s true.”
Steve giggles.
“And I’ll even let you wear some of my clothes, hm?” He asks, figuring this will be the turning point.
As predicted, Steve scoots back with a grin, still keeping a hand interlocked with Eddie’s.
“I can wear Teddie clothes?” Steve asks, excitement bleeding into his voice as he falls into that in-between stage of regression. Steve’s described it to him as feeling not quite so young, but still a little fuzzy. Like he's on a seesaw, ready to tip either way.
Eddie ruffles his hair with his free hand, smiling as Steve pouts.
“Of course you can, squirt.” He replies, not leaving Steve to sulk for long.
They take their time getting ready, Wayne on the day shift for once and gone before they’re even dressed.
Eddie picks out his usual ripped jeans and band tee combo, throwing on a worn, knitted burgundy sweater under his leather jacket, thin enough that he won’t overheat but a much needed layer against the Fall chill. Once dressed himself, keeping his baby entertained with silly voices and stories as he goes, Eddie sets out some black sweats (his least worn pair, knowing even little Steve didn’t enjoy feeling underdressed when getting ready for the day), a Black Sabbath tee just to see Steve smile, and a grey sweater to match his own. He helped Stevie into each one, noticing him slip further into his regression as Eddie took care of him.
Eddie finished the look off with some of Steve’s own socks that he kept here, little Ewoks all over, and Eddie’s very own battle vest (a prize possession that the whole Party had helped him craft during his stint at the hospital thanks to the old one ending up caked Upside Down grime and a little of Steve’s blood. Which Eddie tried not to think about). Stevie bounced on his toes as Eddie slid the jacket over his shoulders, helping him slide his arms through.
“Look just like Teddie!” Steve says, awe and excitement so clear Eddie can’t help but lean forward and kiss him sweetly on his head.
“That’s right.” Eddie agrees. “You look metal, little one. No one’s gonna mess with you now.” He winks and sees any last threads of apprehension melt away. Inwardly, he breathes a sigh of relief. He knows this’ll be good for Steve, but he’d been just a tad nervous he’d been about to cause his baby some major stress. Thankfully, that doesn’t seem to be the case.
“We all ready to go munchkin?” He inquires, offering out a hand for Stevie to take. They won’t be able to hold hands like this out in public, but he can at least offer the comfort within these walls. Steve takes it.
“Mhm! Ready Teddie.” He replies, giggling at the rhyme. Eddie can’t stop his smile even if he wanted to. He’s so glad he gets to have this. To help Steve find such joy, such ease after all he’s been through.
“Then our adventure begins!”