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Steve honks his horn, letting Robin know he's outside. Normally he’d go ring the bell; but they’re already late and if Marissa Buckley answers the door they’ll never leave.
Less than a minute later, Robin bursts from the house in all her chaotic glory.
“Hey sorry! I couldn’t find my lip stick—you know the red one—, then when I did find it, I realized it was the wrong color for the top I had one but it’s my favorite so then I had to change my shirt, which meant I had to change my whole outfit, then before I knew it you were here!” She says in one long stream as she climbs into the passenger seat.
“It’s fine, Eddie said he’d have a table saved for us,” Steve shrugs as he backs out. “I just don’t want to miss anything.”
Eddie invited them to watch his band play at a bar in Bloomington. It wasn’t much larger than the hideout, but they were invited which is a huge deal.
“Yeah, yeah. We all know you’re obsessed with your boyfriend,” Robin teases.
“He’s not my boyfriend,” he groans. No matter how much he wishes it was true.
“Because you wont make a move!”
Ugh, he hates when she’s right. It’s not like Eddie’s sending mixed signals or anything, either. Just last week he gave Steve a mixed tape full of first date songs with All you have to do is ask written inside the jacket. It can’t get clearer than that.
“I know okay! I’m just waiting for the right time,” he sighs.
“Better make it soon Steve. He’s not going to wait forever,” Robin warns. “It probably hurts his feelings that you’re dragging it out, too.”
Shit. He didn’t even think of that. Steve knows she’s right. And Eddie has no shortage of options; guys and girls alike flirt with him whenever they go out. Every time Eddie turns them down politely, always with a little side eye at Steve.
It’s just a matter of time before Eddie gets tired of waiting; or worse, assumes Steve isn’t interested.
“Alright, I’ll ask him tonight,” he decides.
The bar is packed. Steve doesn’t know if it’s because it’s a Friday night, or if it’s Corroded Coffin. They have been making some waves in the underground Metal scene. Maybe more than any of them have realized.
“Steve!” Eddie calls from across the room, gesturing wildly to an empty table.
“That must be us,” Robin grins and heads over. Steve sends Eddie a thumbs up and watches him disappear behind a curtain before grabbing drinks from the bar.
“Can I get a vodka cranberry and a pint of whatever’s on tap,” he asks when the bartender approaches.
“Coming right up,” she smiles.
The lights flash a five minute warning just as Steve takes his seat.
“Beer,” he says setting the drink down in front of Robin, keeping the other for himself.
“You’re such a country club mom,” Robin laughs. Steve just shrugs, sipping his spicy juice happily.
When the lights go down, Steve turns his focus to the small stage. A loud guitar riff echos out of the speakers.
“Hello Bloomington!” Eddie shouts into the mic as the stage lights up. It takes his eyes a second to adjust, but when they do, Steve’s jaw drops.
Eddie’s outfit was so different from his normal clothes, and even his usual stage outfit. He must be dressing to impress. It’s certainly working on Steve though he doesn’t think he’s the target audience.
A long sleeve mesh crop top, under his battle vest, leather shorts that barely cover his ass, thick black eyeliner, and silver jewelry; all seem to make Steve’s brain short out. And if that wasn’t enough, there’s about three inches of creamy thigh before Eddie’s shoes start.
Massive black platform boots with belts and silver buckles down the side. He counts four chains on each one. The chunky heel has to be at least eight inches tall.
Steve has no idea what songs the band played. It’s as if he saw those boots and blacked out, because the next thing he knows, Eddie’s thanking the crowd.
“You’re drooling,” Robin whispers, handing him a napkin. With a glare, he snags the napkin, cringing when he wipes his face. Was he seriously slobbering all over himself? Talk about embarrassing.
Eventually, Eddie comes out to greet them. Fans stop him along the way, which Steve knows is still new to him. So, he doesn’t interrupt, just watches the band sign tapes and shirts. Eddie writes his name on a set of impressive tits before finally bounding over.
“So, what did you guys think?” He asks.
“Amazing as always. Love the threads,” Robin replies when it’s obvious Steve hasn’t regained his brain function yet.
“Thanks! I found these at a thrift store and just couldn’t resist,” Eddie grins, throwing a leg onto the seat to show the boots off more closely.
Robin says something back but Steve’s too distracted to pay attention. The long line of Eddie’s leg extends way further than normal, his shorts ride up even more; and Steve’s body reacts.
“Want a drink?” Steve finally spits out, dropping his hands in his lap to hide the evidence.
“Sure,” Eddie grins smugly. With a quick nod, Steve jumps to his feet. Turning to ask the other man what he wants, Steve finds he has to look up. He’s never seen him from this angle before, usually Eddie’s shorter than him. Holy shit.
“Uh, do— what do— uh,” he mumbles.
“You okay there, Stevie?” Eddie asks, leaning down to be heard.
“I’m in love with you,” he blurts out. Eddie’s eyes widen and Steve feels his cheeks heat. “I didn’t mean to say that. I mean, I meant it in general, I just didn’t mean to say it right now.”
Eddie purses his lips and his brow crinkles, like he’s doing his best not to laugh in Steve’s face. Robin on the other hand, has no problem cackling at his expense.
“You broke him!” She snorts, holding her sides.
With a smoldering look, Eddie steps further into his space. Every step he takes, Steve takes one back until his back hits the nearest wall. Eddie throws an arm over his head, boxing him in.
“What if I said I’m in love with you, too? What then?” Eddie asks, so close his breath caresses Steve’s lips. And Steve… whimpers. Honest to god, whimpers.
“Please kiss me,” he whispers.
“Don’t have to tell me twice.”
Steve’s eyes slip shut as Eddie’s lips touch his. It’s soft and sweet, not nearly as dirty as he expected; and for some reason, that sets his blood on fire more than anything else.
“Go on a date with me, tomorrow night?” Steve gasps when they break apart.
“About time, Harrington,” Eddie grins. “I should have worn these boots weeks ago.”