Chapter Text
“How was work?” Sodapop asked, breaking the silence between him and his boyfriend, Steve.
Steve looked up from his plate, he furrowed his brows in thought. After a moment, he shrugged.
“It was okay, I suppose. Nothin’ interesting happened. What about you, babe?” He stared at Sodapop gently, his gaze soft and loving.
“Same. We haven’t gotten any more leads. This is a tough case.” Soda sighed, his shoulders drooping slightly.
Sodapop worked for a local detective agency. As a kid, he had been fascinated with cracking mysteries. Oftentimes, he would find himself making up his own mysteries to solve. He loved his work, but the case he's been on was draining.
For the last year, Sodapop has been trying to find the culprit behind several murders. Most of the victims were women around his age. Other than that, there were no connections that could possibly bring him to a conclusion.
He had reviewed autopsy report after autopsy report. None of which brought him any closer to bringing the girls’ families closure.
“I’m sorry to hear that, dear.” Steve spoke. He frowned and stood up from his chair. He reached out to grab Sodapop’s empty plate.
Steve stacked his on top of Soda’s and made his way to the kitchen in their apartment. He set the dishes in the sink, making a mental note to take care of them later. Without hesitation, Steve strided over to Soda once more and wrapped his arms around his lover’s shoulders. He placed a soft kiss on his head.
“Why don’t I draw you a warm bath? I’m sure that will help ease your stress.” Steve stood up straight and rubbed Soda’s shoulders lovingly.
“That would be great, Stevie. Thank you” Sodapop stood up and turned around to meet his boyfriend’s eyes. His face softened with pure admiration. He smiled and pecked Steve’s lips.
Steve grinned, his crooked teeth showing. If it had been with anyone else, Steve wouldn’t have smiled as wide. He was insecure about his teeth, yet fearful of the dentist. Sodapop never once made fun of him, he was always loving and gentle.
“I’ll get right on that, go relax. I’ll get you when it's ready.” Steve cupped Soda’s face in his hands and kissed him. He held the kiss for a few moments before breaking it and stepping back.
Sodapop nodded. Without another word, the two split; Sodapop moving to take a seat on the sofa and Steve going to the bathroom to run warm water for his lover.
Sodapop sunk into the couch, or it pulled him in. He wasn’t sure. All that he really knew was that he was madly in love with Steve and needed to relax for a bit. Being in the apartment with Steve always brought Soda a little bit of ease, even if they weren’t talking to each other. It was a much needed break from his job, something that Soda had hoped Steve felt similarly about.
While Steve was drawing the bath water, Soda dozed off on the couch. He didn’t have thoughts or small dreams, just a peaceful, short nap. He was awoken shortly by Steve gently playing with his hair and calling his name.
Sodapop’s eyes fluttered open. He smiled tiredly and spoke, “If this is a dream, let me sleep a little longer.”
Steve chuckled and caressed Sodapop’s cheek. He placed a soft kiss on Soda’s forehead. “Your bath is ready, baby. Come here, I’ll help you up.”
Steve wrapped his arms around Sodapop, who had no problem leaning into his boyfriend for support, although he didn’t need it. It was the small gestures that made his day much brighter.
Steve stood up slowly, his arms still wrapped around Soda firmly. He held his boyfriend as Soda attempted to push the sleepiness aside.
“How long was I out for?” Sodapop asked quietly.
“Not long. I didn’t start the bath water right away. I came out here to ask what towel you wanted to use and you were sleeping. I figured that I would let you rest for a bit.” Steve explained, his hand trailing up to play with Soda’s hair, brushing it to the side gently.
“That’s awfully kind of you, mister. I might just have to take you home to meet my mama.” Soda laughed quietly, resting his head on Steve’s shoulder.
Steve chuckled and turned his head to place a kiss on Sodapop’s forehead. “If it means I get to spend the rest of eternity with you, then sure. But first, let's get you to the bath. The waters goin’ to get cold.”
“That sounds wonderful, lead the way.” Sodapop straightened up, his eyelids still heavy from exhaustion.
Steve grasped Soda’s hand firmly yet gently and led him to the bathroom. He shut the door behind them, ensuring privacy. He knew that Sodapop preferred the doors closed.
“Mind if I join you?” Steve spoke, watching Sodapop pull his shit over his head and discard it in the clothes hamper.
“Go ahead. I think the creator should enjoy his work, too.” Sodapop flashed a playful smile as he unbuckled his belt and let his pants fall to the floor. He kicked them to the side, too tired to pick them up and put them in the hamper as well.
Steve’s breath hitched as he watched Sodapop drop his pants. His mind flew all over. He felt his face flush.
“The water is getting cold, Stevie. Hurry up.” Sodapop teased as he turned around and discarded his boxers to the side, on top of his pants.
He stepped into the water, sighing with relief at the warmth. He slowly lowered himself into the water, letting the heat warm up his body. Steve was quick to remove his clothes and slip in behind Sodapop.
Steve wrapped his arms around Soda and held him close against his body. He placed soft kisses on Soda’s neck and shoulders.
“Thank you, by the way. This is nice.” Sodapop tilted his head to the side, easing into Steve’s touch.
“I would do anything for you, Soda. You know that.” Steve hummed softly in the tune of one of Sodapop’s favorite songs. Soda rocked side to side to the rhythm of the song.
“I know. But this is extra. You didn’t have to.” Soda splashed water on himself, warming his upper body.
“You were tired and stressed, of course I had to do this.” Steve paused his kisses and squeezed Sodapop gently.
“I love you, Steve.”
“I love you too, Sodapop.”