Chapter Text
After months of deliberation and serious preparation, Steve and Eddie finally adopt a baby girl. They chose her the moment they saw her because she has brown eyes, like both of them, and a charming smile (like Steve's in Eddie's opinion; and like Eddie's in Steve's opinion). She's a tiny thing, not even a year old yet. Her name is Olivia, or simply Ollie. Eddie thought that it was a sign because it sounds almost like Ozzy. But Ollie is better. Because now she's theirs. And he loves her more than anything in the world.
Both Steve and Eddie are very responsible parents; they've read several parenting books (to be honest, about a dozen) to know exactly what to do in any situation. Eddie insisted on staying with the baby until evening on weekdays while Steve is at work. Perhaps this is because the fact that as a child, he himself was often left home alone. His mother was at work trying to make ends meet, and his father was nowhere to be found.
Eddie adores Ollie. She spends all her waking hours in his arms while he shirks his chores because he's distracted by her. Eddie assures Steve that he doesn't get tired during the day, but as soon as he hands the baby over to Steve, he falls asleep the moment his head hits the pillow. Although there doesn't even have to be a pillow. He's learned to fall asleep in any position, anywhere.
Yes, Eddie knew that children are active. Hyperactive. Curious. And also very, very clingy, because Ollie constantly reaches for everything with her tiny hands. Soft toys, plastic blocks, anything that's lying around. But especially... Eddie's hair. The first time he lay in bed with Ollie, he almost cried, and not entirely from happiness, because she wouldn't let go of a lock of his hair, and he was too afraid of hurting her if he started uncoupling her fingers. His ear piercings were suffering just as much...
Saturday. Steve has gone for a walk with Ollie, and Eddie stays at home to clean the flat. He has already finished cleaning and taken a shower. He wipes the foggy mirror with his hand and examines himself. He knows it is difficult with children, especially such little ones who begin to explore the world. He has bags under his eyes from lack of sleep, Ollie has been restless for several nights in a row, and he has had to stay awake so that at least Steve could get enough sleep and go to work without feeling overwhelmed. Eddie gets enough sleep on the weekends, and Steve insists that he just rest. But Eddie doesn't want to be a slacker. His curls are tangled, and he cannot barely brush them because they are matted and knotted. He can't remember the last time he washed his hair –maybe about a week ago? It's hard to take care of yourself when you have to keep an eye on someone else 24/7.
Eddie rummages through his drawer and pulls out a pair of scissors. But that's not the most important thing, is it? Yeah, he likes his long hair. He likes the way his messy bun looks, especially when Steve comes up from behind and kisses his neck. And now he can make Steve do it all the time.
First, Eddie makes a ponytail to take off the length in one go. He looks in the mirror again, exhales loudly, and...
Snip. Snip. Snip.
A tail of black hair remains in his hand. Now he needs to make himself look normal. Eddie tries to make the strands all the same length and create the appearance of some kind of improvised haircut. At least he's still curly!
When he's finished, he sweeps the hair off the floor and vacuums it. His hair is still damp, so he styles it with some styling gel Steve has given him. Overall, he looks quite cute. And the bangs look really nice. Just then, he hears a key in the door. Steve's back.
"Eddie, baby, we're home." Steve walks into the room, but Eddie is nowhere to be found. He's sitting in the bathroom, hesitant to show himself. "Eddie, are you here?"
"I'm in the bathroom. Wait a minute." Eddie braces himself and adjusts his short curls one again.
"Is something wrong?" Steve asks warily; he's learned to detect the slightest changes in the people around him. It's all Ollie's influence.
"Yes. No. Give me a second."
"You're scaring me." Steve stands by the door, waiting for Eddie to let him in.
"Is Ollie in your arms right now?" Eddie asks for security reasons. "If so, you better put her in her crib. I'm not sure I'll be able to catch her fast enough if you drop her in shock."
"Oh, my God, Eddie, just tell me what has happened? I'm coming in. One minute." Steve carries the baby to her crib anyway.
Steve opens the door and freezes. Eddie knows Steve will love him no matter what he looks like, but a few images of Steve packing his things, filing for divorce, and walking off into the sunset with Ollie in his arms still flash through his mind. It even sounds funny.
"Your curls..." Steve looks at him, dumbfounded, as if he can't bring himself to come closer.
"They haven't exactly been tidy for the last month, and Ollie's always... You don't like it?" Eddie looks at the floor and scratches his head.
"That's another question. Do you like it?" Steve cups Eddie's face with both hands, wanting Eddie to look at him. "I will love you no matter what you look like. You're still fucking hot..." Steve kisses Eddie gently on the lips.
"Hair is not teeth, it will grow back." Eddie smiles at him.
"But now I can freely do this..." Steve bends down and bites Eddie's earlobe, moving down his neck, leaving a wet trail of kisses. His hands slide under his T-shirt and–
Ollie is crying.
"Tonight?" Steve whispers.
"I'm all yours."