#the prop

the prophecy by Taylor Swift is so Buffy summers coded and here’s why:

Master List

Issue 1

Issue 2

Issue 3

Issue 4

Issue 5

Issue 6.

Issue 7

Issue 8

Issue 9

Issue 10

Issue 11

Issue 12

Issue 13

Eddie Edit by the faboooo @eddiemunsons-missingnipple

Steve had finished his books, the band bickered nearly every day now, and it was getting old being in this tiny bunk most of the time.  Eddie had warned him, life on the road wasn’t all fun, and they would definitely need their breaks.  They were currently on the last leg of the first big stretch and Steve was READY for the week off.  

“Yeah well, maybe you shouldn’t have rushed the intro counts!”  Jeff shouted at Gareth. 

“I didn’t rush, you missed your entrance.  Maybe if you hadn’t smoked that extra joint, you wouldn’t have been sluggish on your entrance.”  Gareth snarked back.  

“Guys, it's ok.  We aren’t going to be 1000% all the time.  We got it together in no time.  No one noticed.”  Frank tried to talk sense.  There was no need to argue over it.  It happened, it was over. 

Eddie just sighed.  “Guys, last show of this leg then we get a week break in LA.  Let’s not kill each other now.”  

The curtains to Jeff’s bunk closed with a rush and Steve peeked out to see who was left out in the communal space.  Eddie leaned back with his eyes pinched closed.  Gareth was moving into the bathroom space behind the bunks, and Frank was reading a book pretending to ignore the heavy atmosphere.  

Steve got Eddie’s attention and waved him into his space.  

They had been doing this a lot, sharing bunk space until one of them went to their own space to sleep or whatever.  Steve was starting to feel claustrophobic, but for some reason, adding the body of Eddie Munson  into that same small space made him feel safe, more kept than crushed.  

Eddie closed the curtain behind him. 

“What’s up, sweetheart?”  Eddie asked, sounding concerned.  Steve didn’t usually beckon him in until it was almost bedtime. 

“I’m feeling–”  he wasn’t sure how to put it.  He was rocking in his corner.  

Eddie took in the smell of the bunk.  It was overwhelmingly Steve in this small space.  It was calming.  Immediately, Eddie’s tension headache started to dissipate. This was why they needed breaks and why the tour was going to last longer even with less shows.  “Overwhelmed?”  Eddie guessed. 

Steve nodded.  

“Turn.” Eddie could typically give Steve one word commands and get what he wanted.  Steve turned and put his back towards Eddie.  Eddie started running the tips of his calloused fingers over Steve's back.   “Off.”  He added. And Steve yanked the tee he was wearing over his head.  Eddie continued his soothing techniques.  

If Steve was capable of purring, he would be.  He knew it.  This was something he told Eddie his mom did for him when he was little and scared of storms. Before she made herself numb with prescription cocktails and alcoholic ones, too.  Before his dad made it miserable for every Harrington that existed.  Eddie took it upon himself to help Steve, if he let him know he needed some form of comfort.  

Steve hadn’t fallen asleep in Eddie’s bunk again after waking up that morning alone in the wrong bed, he had panicked that he had royally fucked up and made sure not to repeat the same mistake again.  

Eddie had been so comfortable with Steve taking up more than half that tiny bed, pressing Eddie into the wall.  He had wished for Steve to get too sleepy and do it again.  But he couldn’t just ask him to stay.  That would be crossing a line.  

A line that was already too blurry sometimes.  Eddie had started kissing Steve every concert.  Obscene kisses that lasted way too long and that left him aching for more.  But Steve hadn’t complained.  It was all a part of the contract.  It was all a part of the act, right?  Eddie wanted to kick himself for this damn contact.  For picking Steve Harrington when he could be wooing Steve Harrington for real instead.  

The contract made it all too gray.   He wasn’t sure what Steve really felt, but he did know their friendship was real.  They laughed together more than not after shows.  While they waited on their turns in the small showers after the rest of the band, picking one bunk or the other to play with Tarot cards, or playing cards, or reading something together.  

Gareth had called Eddie out at their last stop.  “We’re not all able to flirt away the nights, you know.  I get that you have this great stress relief in your bed every night, but some of us miss our families.” 

“We are just friends, Gare. There is no ‘stress relief’ happening.”  Eddie argued lightly.  As much as he wished there was.  He’d probably kill for a handy after a performance where he spent the second half hard and wanting the man he had right there next to him.  

Because Steve was a fucking great kisser.  He left nothing to be desired and the more they did it, the better it got.  He was getting a little hard, right now, just thinking about the last kiss.  He pulled one of the pillows on his lap and leaned his elbows down on the pretense of getting more comfortable.  

Steve leaned into the pillow, and looked up at Eddie. “Thank you.”  Steve’s eyes sparkled with appreciation.  

“No problem,”  Eddie booped his nose with his pointer finger. Then his arms wrapped around Steve from behind, pulling him close.  And Steve sighed.  It’s times like these when Eddie wants to say the hell with the contract and just keep this man forever.  

Steve turned, getting more comfortable, his nose nestled in the crook of Eddie’s shoulder.  Where he smelled so much like Eddie Steve could cry.  And Steve let himself, for the first time since that first night, fall asleep with Eddie in the same bunk. 

It wasn’t too long before they were roused from their naps.  Jeff slapped the side of the bunk, shouting, “Wakey Wakey.  We need to do a sound check, Munson.”

Eddie groaned, not wanting to move from his perfect little cozy nook.  He shifted until Steve sat up, rubbing his eyes.  Eddie let him know.  “There’s still two hours until showtime if you want to sleep a little more.  I can come wake you after we do the sound check.”  He offered. 

“Sure.”  Steve took the pillow that had been in Eddie’s lap and put his face against the side that had been on Eddie’s lap.  

As soon as the rowdy Corroded Coffin boys were out of the bus and the driver went to smoke and find a bar he could watch TV at, Steve did what he had been doing shockingly a lot since the kissing started happening.  He closed his eyes, thought of the on stage kisses, and what he wanted them to lead to.  

Hard in almost no time, Steve took  himself in his hand and began pumping with fervor.  He slipped his tiny bottle of lube from the pair of socks he kept tucked beside the mattress and slicked himself up.  He moved faster with the slippery help.  It felt so good.  He gripped tight, as tight as he imagined Eddie would be if he let Steve fuck him.  Steve was nearly certain he would be the one taking Eddie into him.  But that sounded just as good to him.  

In fact that sent a thrill down his spine. He arched into his hand.  He bet Eddie could make him cum, dick untouched.  He wanted him to try.  To plow into him so hard and fast.  He had watched Eddie as he moved his hips on stage, making love to his guitar and amping the crowd into a frenzy.  

Eddie knew how to move on stage and if his kissing was any allusion to what he would be like in bed.  Steve was ready. The first time Eddie had dragged him by his leash across to the middle of the stage, he pulled him up, choking him a bit, but Eddie had watched him the entire time, checking in on him with just his eyes.  Steve had been pulled into him and they had made out for five minutes while the band just played and played.  He had felt Eddie against him, his shirt long since tossed to the crowd, his sweat slicked skin against Steve’s. That memory sent him over the edge.  He moaned into the pillow just in case anyone came back on the bus. 

Steve had been so hard when they were done kissing that first time, mouth tingling with the phantom left behind from the plush mouth of his partner.  He had to leave the stage and find the bathroom.  He had stroked himself until his release before cleaning up and heading back to the stage.  Eddie had then looked at him with a smile and another ‘are you ok?’ mouthed when he turned his back to shake his ass to the crowd.  

Steve had just nodded.  No need to tell Eddie he’d just had to run and yank one out to keep from giving the crowd a free show.  His minimal straps of leather and the black panties were showing enough as it was.  Steve resumed his crawling.  His job was to crawl to Eddie at certain times. And Eddie would either pretend to ride him, pet him, or play with him in other ways.  Steve just had to play along.  

Should he be embarrassed by this all?

Probably. It should be dehumanizing, humiliating. 

Most people probably wouldn’t let themselves be belittled to the position of pet, but Steve, he didn’t care.  He didn’t want to do the pet thing in life, not really.  But he was finding he liked to be made to feel small.   To feel cared for.  He liked the caresses, he liked the ownership part.  He didn’t like the on all fours thing very much.  He wondered if they could adjust a little sometimes.  His knees were black and blue and not from anything fun.  

He was ready for a week of comfy sweats and warm baths and cooking at home.  He was going to his LA apartment while they had their week off.  Eddie had an apartment in LA too, but he said if Steve wanted the comfort of his own place to take advantage.  He didn’t have as big of a place in LA and it didn’t have a suite or anything.  Steve offered Eddie to come stay with him, in Nancy and Robin’s room since they are still in New york.  He had said he would think about it.  

Steve knew Eddie liked his space but he also was a lonely guy.  And Steve was, too.  After years in a big lonely house, he liked having roommates.  He liked being on tour with the guys.  He liked all of this.  He liked living with Eddie, even.  Especially now that they were friends.  

He felt like they should have been friends forever.  Even if Steve wouldn’t remember the first part of their time together, he still felt like he missed out.  

He heard the chattering of the band boarding back on the bus to grab their clothes so they could change and get ready.  Steve sighed and slipped out of his bunk.  He would get his straps and shorts on for the show.  Eddie gave him a smile when he saw him up and moving.  “Ready for one more show then a nice break?”

“You know it.”  Steve said back.  “My knees need some healing time.”

“No crawling tonight, ok?  Just walk to me.  I can bend you over and pretend to ride you that way.  And the rest can be done the same way just standing.”  Eddie turned Steve to look at him.  “You have to tell me when you need things, sweetheart.  I can’t just guess, ok?”

Steve felt his eyes well up.  Why did that make him want to cry? “Yeah, ok. I can do that.”

“Good boy.”  Eddie fluffed Steve’s hair.  They all made their way to the roomier dressing rooms to get ready. One last show then a nice week off. 

Tag List:

@i-me-mine , @inklessletter , @micheledawn1975 , @corrodedseraphine , @hbyrde36 , @acenby-weirdo , @paleidiot, @dangdirtydemons, @lofaewrites

Steve met with Chrissy on Tuesday.  She sat him down and talked to him about dating Eddie.  “I am happy for you two, but I want to know this isn’t some get rich quick thing for you.”

Steve flinched.  “I am more than happy with my life now. Comfortable.  I am not looking to ride his coattails into fame with dating him.  In fact, I would love to keep us as private as we can be while we keep this going.”  He laughed without humor, “I have been rich before, if you remember.  It wasn’t anything that made me happy.  And fame isn’t what I am after.  I wouldn’t be a model if I wanted fame, I would have tried acting.” He shrugged.  “I just want to be happy.  Eddie makes me happy.  I know you understand that.  You and Gareth.”  

Chrissy nodded.   “Sometimes we find love where we least expect it.”  She smiled.  “Steve, I like you.  I hope you don’t take this the wrong way.  Eddie is my best friend.  I will come for you if you hurt him.”

Steve belted out a laugh.  “Please do.  I don’t want to hurt him.  I would never do so intentionally.  You have my word.”

Chrissy believed him.  She looked him in the eyes and saw the truth.  This guy was head over heels for her best friend.  And her heart melted a little.  “It’s not easy dating someone in a band. Be prepared for weeks without him, and missing him.  You are in a unique position right now, but it won’t always be like this.”  She sighed.  “But if you love him, it's worth it, I promise.”

“I do.”  Steve said.  And even though he knew it was too soon.  It was the truth.  “I do.”

Wednesday morning came slow and sweet.  Steve was nestled in the tangled limbs of Eddie and it was wonderful.  He snuck to the bathroom, brushing his teeth and taking care of his morning needs, then came back to bed. He kissed Eddie awake. 

“No fair!  You’re minty fresh, Stevie.”  Eddie protested but he kissed back anyway. 

“Wake up first next time, Munson.” Steve teased.  

They hadn’t had sex yet, but Steve wanted to.  He was glad they hadn’t jumped to it right away but he was tired of waiting.  Plus once they were back on the bus, it would be harder to get alone time.  Real alone time, not just a curtain.  

“Eddie,”  Steve whined and wriggled against the other man.  

“Steve,”  he gasped out, feeling the hard length of Steve pressed against him.  “Are you sure you’re ready? This isn’t just your morning wood talking?”

“Absolutely ready, baby.”  Steve pulled Eddie on top of him, turning the dynamics.  Steve undressed Eddie as Eddie made kisses and marks all over Steve.  Steve, who only had on a pair of boxers, was closer to naked than his boyfriend.  “Need you naked, Eds.”  He breathed out. 

Eddie was no virgin but it had been a while and he had been building this up since Steve showed up in that pile of photos.  This was something special, something he wanted to keep.  Steve was his other half, he just knew it.  He nuzzled close to Steve.  He wanted to slow the pace, make it last, make it special for Steve, too.  

He didn’t want it to feel like they were just here, doing this, because they were both pent up and horny.  “Let me take care of you, Stevie.”  He pleaded.  

Steve looked at him, eyes wide, and nodded.

Eddie took his time. He kissed Steve from toes to nose, a slow and arduous task that he took nothing but pleasure out of.  He was learning what spots made Steve squirm, which ones made him gasp or moan.   It was bliss.  He was ticklish on his ribs.  He was sensitive and responsive.  “Don’t hold back, baby.  I love hearing you.”  Eddie smiled at him.  

Steve bucked and wriggled.  It was the most delicious torture to let Eddie roam over him like this.  He was so hard it hurt, but he wanted this.  He loved this.  Eddie was giving him something no one ever had and it was making Steve’s eyes sting with tears.  Happy tears.  

He felt a warm wet trail start to form on his cheek.  Eddie looked up and saw it.  

“Are you ok?” He sounded so concerned. 

“I am very ok.  Happy.”  Steve pulled Eddie to him. Kissing him with all the feelings he didn’t have words for yet.  “Open me up, Eds.  Need you.”

A growl came for Eddie and he set to work on slipping lubed fingers into Steve.   Brushing his spot with every calculated move.  When Eddie had worked three fingers in, Steve moaned.  “I’m good, please.  Need you so much.”  His cock was throbbing with need and he wanted, needed Eddie now. 

Eddie slipped his slick digits out of Steve and lined up.  He was nervous, his hands shook.  He had never felt this with anyone.  “You ready, baby?”

“Please, Eddie.” it was a whine.  

With some added lube, Eddie slipped in slow and carefully.  “You feel so good.”  He took his time, sliding in increments.  “Stevie, so perfect, baby.  Such a good boy.”

Steve clenched at the praise and Eddie felt his heart burst. Made for him.  Steve was perfect for him.   

“You want to be my good boy, Steve?”

“Yes.” Steve said and it felt so good to finally be able to be himself. 

“You want to be mine?”

“Always.”

Eddie began to move his hips, the feelings of climax were already building.  And he knew it would be a quick one.  He wanted Steve to come first.  He needed it.  “Want you to wear my name on you.  Let everyone know you’re mine, sweet boy.”  Eddie was saying.  “So fucking perfect.”  

He wrapped his hand around Steve’s cock and began to pump along with his thrusts. Steve shivered and moaned and Eddie nearly lost it then.  

“Need you to come for me, pretty boy.”  

Steve could feel it building, his limbs were stiff and he was going to lose it.  Edde felt so good, brushing into his pleasure zone with every move.   Tears still streaming down his face, he was floating, and he was gone for Eddie.  His hands lifted up to pull Eddie close.  “Need to hold you.”  He said. 

“Whatever you need, take it.”  Eddie said and crashed their mouths together.  He felt Steve’s come between them as he finished pumping him until he whimpered from overstimulation.  Eddie would save that fun for another day.  This was about making Steve his.  Branding him, loving him, and filling him up from the inside out.  Eddie only had to pump a few more times before he was following Steve into bliss. 

They laid, catching their breath for a few minutes.  Kissing and caressing each other in the afterglow of it all, Eddie had never felt his heart so full.  He was full of Steve. And life had never been this good. 

Thursday brought the interview.  They were getting ready.  Eddie was in a silk button down, the bottom two buttons were buttoned, but the rest left his chest exposed.  The bottom was half tucked into the leather pants.  Steve was dry mouthed looking at him in this outfit.  “Fuck, Eds, do you want to just stay here and let me ride you?”  

Eddie pulled him close and kissed him.  “We have to go, babe.  But I am loving the insatiable vibes.”  His tongue dipped back into Steve’s mouth.  

“Then stop kissing me, asshole.”  Steve laughed.  He was pulling on the leather vest and tight jeans Eddie had picked for him.  The collar and leash were waiting for him to put on, too, but they would wait until they got to the venue to put that on.  

They got into the back of the car they called, kissing from time to time as they rode towards the destination.  They only had  three days before loading onto the bus again.  No more solitude and privacy.  And Steve was not really looking forward to that. Thinking about it, he sighed.

Eddie pulled Steve to his side and kissed the top of his head.  “What are you thinking?”

“How I don’t want to be stuck on that bus again.  I want to be able to have alone time with you.”  He felt whiny.  

“You are insatiable.”

“Not just that, Edward.  I am just– I am going to miss our time alone.”

“Hmm.  I know, but we can share a bunk like we started to last time. And cuddle.”

“Sounds good.”

“Sounds perfect.”  Eddie laughed. “And then in four weeks, we will be in New York again.”

Steve laid his head on Eddie’s shoulder.  They got to their destination in another twenty minutes.  Before leaving the car, Eddie clasped the collar on Steve.  “One of these days, I will get you a real one of these. Just for home, just for us.”  

Steve shivered. 

“I don’t want to make you do anything in public like this, because I want it just for me, yeah?” He was whispering into Steve’s ear as they walked in.

Steve wanted to be owned by him, it was such a warm feeling.  But he loved hearing that it would be just at home, just for them.  Just for him.   That made it feel special.  It made it feel personal.  Different from this fake image stuff.  Steve nodded in response. 

Eddie wanted to marry him.  He knew it was too soon.  But Steve was perfect for him.  There was no doubting that now.  

They spaced out a little as they walked in.  Eddie held the leash taut and stood tall with his persona.  Steve loved watching him like this.  Something about knowing that the public didn’t know the real him, even though this was part of him.  Eddie embodied this rock star, it was a part of him, but it wasn’t all of him.  No one knew the soft parts, the cuddler.  That was what belonged to Steve.  Only Steve. 

They sat, Eddie on a stool and Steve at his feet, kneeling.  The woman running the interview looked between them and cleared her throat. 

She asked the same old boring questions he always had to answer.  He kept his charm turned up and would pet through Steve’s hair from time to time.   He would give him some tugs and scratches.   Steve was bored, but he kept his attention on Eddie’s movements.  

When the interviewer tried to ask him questions, Eddie redirected her.   Steve wasn’t comfortable with that kind of thing, but Eddie had picked up on that in the early days.  He would make up an answer for him and laugh it off.  He never answered the same question the same way twice and it made Steve laugh when he read the interviews.  One magazine thought he was thirty five and from Long Island.  Another thought he was Twenty three and from Michigan.  His favorite color was Champagne, Chartreuse or Burgundy depending on the magazine.   It was all for fun.  

Eddie knew the real answers but never gave them.  

The interview lasted about an hour then they got out of there and went to get pizza.  They changed in the car, putting on  tee shirts and Eddie changed into jeans instead of the leather pants.   He pulled on his ball cap, hiding his hair.  Steve did the same, and put on some shades.  

They enjoyed dinner in a dark corner of the little pizza shop, then took another car home.  The difference between California pizza and New York pizza was astonishing.  

Steve called Robin, and Eddie called Wayne.  Eddie also called Chrissy about the interview and called the guys to check on the time they were meeting on Sunday to load up.  

It was going to be a long four weeks.

@i-me-mine , @inklessletter , @micheledawn1975 , @corrodedseraphine , @hbyrde36 , @acenby-weirdo , @paleidiot, @dangdirtydemons @lofaewrites @yeehawbrothers, @yourmom-isgay

Eddie had Steve on the bed, tucked into the blankets.  He paced as he basically yelled into the phone.  

“You have to get ahead of this, Chris.  I promised him.” his frustration came out in his tone and his ragged hair, hands raking through it constantly. 

“He knew what this could do.  He knew the risks, Eddie.  It was all in the contract to cover your ass if this went south.  I am trying to hold them off, but that pap knows who he is and he is going to sell it for top dollar.  You know how those vultures are.”  He could hear Chrissy sigh. “Just prepare him.  Be there with him.  Maybe it's time to come out as a couple and if you both agree to void the rest of the contract, he will only miss the international leg and no one can sue anyone.”

“I don’t want to travel without him.”

“I know.  But it will be up to him.”

This might just be enough to show Steve Eddie isn’t worth all this.  He sinks against the wall, fighting tears.  He isn’t worth Steve’s health.  Steve had fainted.  He had been tossed around in a sea of cameras and bodies.  They hadn’t been careful enough.

He wouldn’t let it happen again.

Eddie was letting himself spiral.  There was no way Steve would think he was worth all this.  This was going to be the end of them.  He was in love with steve.  He couldn’t imagine life without him now. Waking up with Steve was the best thing that had ever happened to him.  Better than his fame. He would give it all up for Steve.  He would do that. 

“Ed?” Steve called to him. 

“I- uh- I gotta go, Chris.  Call me if you get any updates.”

“Take care of him. I got this.” She confirmed and hung up. 

Eddie walked back to the bed.  Steve was sitting up, drinking from the water Eddie left on the nightstand. 

“Hey, baby, are you feeling ok?”

“Yeah, sorry about that. With all the lights and the jostling, it took me back to the accident and it just overwhelmed me.  I am so sorry.”

Eddie laughed, but it sounded angry.  Steve winced.  “YOU’RE sorry?  What the fuck are YOU sorry for?”  Eddie’s hand ripped through his hair.  “I am so sorry.  I am on my knees,”  he literally fell to his knees at that. “I am begging for forgiveness that I let this happen.  I should have been more careful.”

“Ed, no.  Come here.”  Steve swung his legs out and met Eddie in the middle, on the floor.  “I am ok.  I am fine.  I was having a really good time.” He was blushing, Eddie noticed.  “The song? Eds.  The song.”  And Steve was kissing him.  Something he had been looking forward to before the mob. 

“Wait, baby, wait.  There’s more.”  Eddie let out a big breath.  “Someone in that mob knows who you are.  They are going to sell the story with the photos they have from today and a few from the shows.  Chrissy found out and called me.  They are going to try to paint it as me taking advantage of you.  Abusing you.”

“What?”  

“They want everyone to think it's some sex contract, and I am blackmailing you to sleep with me or whatever.  She is trying to get it stopped.  If we can get the highest bid under a publication name, we can stop it.  She has a friend, Freddie, who runs a magazine.  She is going to work with him on it. But it all might go public, Steve, and I promised to keep you safe, to keep your identity safe.”

“I don’t care if they know who I am. I am a model, Eddie, it could have happened any time anyway.  I am not scared of that at all. I am more worried you are going to be portrayed as a villain when this is not what that is.  I am not a victim.” 

“But the reason I started this whole thing…”

“Doesn’t matter.  You were honest with me.  We talked that out, we got past it.”

“I know, but-”

“No.  No buts here, Eddie. Let them find out who I am, but let’s do it on our own terms.”

“You want to tell them about us?”  Eddie asked.  He was truly baffled. He expected to be giving Steve a ride to the airport by now.  

“I love you, Eddie.”  Steve said and he just froze.  Too soon.  Even if it is true. 

“Steve?” Eddie sounded so small.  Like he couldn’t believe his own ears. 

“Fuck it.  I love you.  I am crazy about you.  I have been, even before we started being together.  I was in love with you already.  I felt it from our first meeting.  I was attracted to you, but then we got to be friends, and it made me fall for you.”

“This is too much to ask of  you, Steve.” Kiss.  “I love you, too.” Kiss. “I don’t want you to end up regretting us.”  Eddie was crying.  He didn’t realize Steve felt so much for him.  He didn’t realize.  “I have loved you for a long time.”  

Steve pulled Eddie close. He held him there for a long time.  “Let’s come out to the press before this can hit.  Can Chrissy help with that? If not, Nancy has connections.  She is a freelance journalist, too.”

The phone rang.  Edde grabbed it.  “Hello.”

“We didn’t get it, Eddie.  The Sun got the highest bid.”  She sounds so worried. 

“We’re going to talk to the press.  Get someone here in the hour.”  Eddie said.  

“You two are both sure?  It is going to be a circus.” 

“Yeah,” Steve grabbed the phone.  “Rip up the contract.  I will sign whatever I need to. It’s null and void per verbal agreement as of now.” 

Steve hit the speaker button so they could both talk. 

“Steve, you are an absolute dream, baby.”  Eddie kissed his temple.  

“Eddie, you are my dream.”

“As lovely as all this is, guys, we have work to do.  Get camera presentable.  No kink shit, ok?”  Chrissy brought them back to the task at hand.  “Steve, you wear a soft blue or navy, it makes you look softer.  The gray slacks are a great choice.  Eddie, you pull out the suit.  You know the one. And I will have someone there in thirty.”

Eddie pulled his hair up in a bun and slipped on a charcoal color suit with a wine colored silk shirt and his boots. It looked like he was being serious.  That was his serious suit, Steve realized.  No one could think it was for show. It fit him perfectly. Steve pulled on the new sweater he had purchased and his gray slacks.  He even slipped on his delicate gold framed glasses to complete the look. 

“God, those glasses do something for me.” Eddie nipped at Steve's neck.  

“That is good to know.”  Steve smiled mischievously.  He kissed Eddie and they took each other’s hands.  

The elevator opened and a woman on staff showed them immediately to a conference room. 

Reporters lined the rows already.  Steve recognized the one from Rollingstone that interviewed the band not too long ago. 

The rest of the band was there, all in khakis and different button ups that were all stylized but nice.  Gareth had his mid length curls held back with a black headband like Steve used to do playing soccer. 

Steve nodded at them.  “Chris briefed us on what’s up.” Jeff said.  “Sorry, this is happening like this.”

“It’s part of the risk. He’s worth it.” Steve answered.  And the whole band smiled softly at him. 

“You love him.” Gareth teased. 

“I do.”

“Good, I didn’t want to have to kill you, I like you.” Frank added. 

Steve couldn’t stop the laugh.  They had become his people just like Robin and Nancy and Dustin were.  They were his people now, too. 

A guy Steve did not recognize called everyone to silence.  He opened the mic to Eddie who had a prepared Statement that Chrissy had faxed to the hotel.  It was on the podium. 

“Thank you for coming here today with such short notice. As you know, Corroded Coffin is wrapping up the North American leg of the tour Saturday with RockFest.  We are so happy to have been made a part of this annual mega concert and we are happy that the international tour starts in two months.  We are going to spend our time getting some much needed family time.  And my family has changed, recently.”

“We haven’t made any public announcements or anything so you all will be the first to know.  Make sure you share our wonderful news.  My boyfriend and I will be spending the break really getting ready for our new life.”  He held his hand out to Steve. 

“King, as many of you know him, is my boyfriend.  His name is being leaked tomorrow, so I want you fine people to do the right thing and share our real story.”  He adjusted his jacket and gave Steve a kiss on the cheek.  Chaste and sweet, but he needed grounding.  

“Steve and I go way back, actually.”  Eddie started. “We went to highschool together but we didn’t hang out back then.  We had different crowds we hung out with.  I was fortunate enough to see him in the model agency portfolio when I was looking to hire someone to be my pet for this tour.  And, as crazy as the demands were for that, Steve wanted to do that.”

“We have spent nearly a year together now, and a friendship was formed between the two of us. That friendship blossomed into more.  Steve is no longer under contract with the band.  That was dissolved by both parties mutually to keep things as clean as possible.  But we went out tonight to have dinner, and we were blindsided by paparazzi. You all know how that can go.” A mumble of appreciation went through the crowd. 

“They want to paint Eddie into an abuser, and myself into a victim.” Steve jumped in.  “This has never been the case.  Eddie and I just happened to get close and fall in love.  There is nothing nefarious about the way he treats me.  The story that will launch tomorrow is based on a facade that was built to draw attention and create talk for the band. Publicity.  It is not the reality of life.  And even if it was, it would be consensual and between two adults.  No bad guy, no victim.” 

Steve gave Eddie a chaste little kiss and Eddie finished out. 

“We are together.  We are in love.  Please allow us time to continue to blossom.”

Questions started being fired at them.  Eddie answered the ones he wanted to, looked to Steve to answer some, and then shot some down with just a wagging finger.  

The noise never died down on its own.  Eventually the man who started the conference, ended it with an “That will be all for the night.”  The band and Steve were ushered down a back hallway and to an elevator back up to the suite. 

The band stayed long enough to order and eat dinner. 

“I was going to take you to the  museum and then have a picnic tomorrow.”  Eddie said after the guys left. 

“Sounds like you had an amazing plan.  But you know what else it means?”

“What?”

“We can have a picnic here and watch movies and talk and maybe- just maybe- you’ll get lucky.”

“Maybe?  Please, you will hardly be able to resist me.”  Eddie smiled.  

“Oh you think?  You think I am easy, Munson?”

“For me? Absolutely.”

“When you’re right, you’re right.” Steve tackled Eddie.  

Their press conference aired on the ten o'clock news on every station they could get on the phone. Eddie smiled looking at them.  The band often nodded along with what the men said.  Gareth even looked a little teary at one point.  Steve was ignoring the news, kissing all over the naked chest of his extremely hot boyfriend.  

“Steve, I need some room service so I don’t pass out on you.”  He was giggling. “Insatiable.”  he sounded awed.  Honestly, he was.  

They’d already been through two rounds and he could feel Steve hard against his hip again already.  

“Then you better call now, babe.”  Steve poked his ribs.  “Get a move on.” 

Eddie waited until he heard what the anchor said about the conference then he called down and ordered them so much food, Steve started laughing. 

“We might need more later.”  Eddie said.  “If you keep up this pace, I might not even get any sleep.”

“Are you complaining?”

“Absolutely not.  Just thinking ahead.”

He pulled Steve close for another kiss.  “If I take care of that, will it buy me more time to eat?”  Eddie wiggled his eyebrows. 

“Maybe.” Steve laid back and let Eddie swallow him whole.  His hands went into Eddie’s hair.  He tugged.  Eddie hollowed out his cheeks and went as deep as he could for Steve. 

Steve bucked his hips.  Seeing the plush lips of Eddie Munson around his cock was like its own special kind of heaven.  Eddie’s eyes watered a bit as he pushed himself.  

“Don’t hurt that pretty throat, baby. You got a concert coming up.”  Steve gritted between his teeth. 

Eddie hummed. That pushed Steve over the edge. Eddie swallowed it all.  

Steve pulled him back up and snuggled him until the knock came, then Steve got up to get the food.  The man wheeled in the cart, loaded with trays. “Are you sure you got enough, Eds?” He teased the man. 

“You’ll thank me later, big boy.” 

He was absolutely right. 

Tag list:

@i-me-mine , @inklessletter , @micheledawn1975 , @corrodedseraphine , @hbyrde36 , @acenby-weirdo , @paleidiot, @dangdirtydemons @lofaewrites @yeehawbrothers @gregre369

The tour bus was packed, and Eddie showed Steve the set up.  There were four bunks lining the sides of the bus in the back, two couches towards the front.  They pulled out to make a bigger bed.  Storage was above the bunks and there was some under the bus as well. The big suitcases were down there with the amps and some of the band’s things, but they each had a small suitcase up top with essentials and things to entertain themselves and the guitars were up there too.  

“Where do you want me to bunk?” Steve asked. Holding a backpack with his toiletries, some books to read, and some music to listen to with his walkman.  

“Oh, hmm.  I don’t know.  Let’s see where everyone else wants to go.”  Eddie offered because the four bunks were usually the perfect number for the band and they never had to use the couches that pulled out.  “Normally, I take this one.”  Eddie threw his blanket and bag on the top left bunk.  “Gareth usually does that one.”  Pointing to the opposite top bunk. “Jeff takes the one below me.  And so Frank takes that one. But someone might be excited to take the  pull out. It’s actually bigger than the bunks.  So we can ask unless you want to claim the pull out.” 

“Oh I kind of like the bunks so maybe one of the guys would like the bigger space.  We can ask first.  I don’t want to step on any toes here.”

When the other guys get in.  They easily shift to let Steve have the bunk below Eddie’s.  Frank jumped at the chance to have the bigger sleeping space.  “Just never thought to claim it before.” he had said. 

Steve climbed in, making himself at home with one of his own pillows  shoved into the corner to make a cozy place to read.  The bunk had a little light he could use and the curtains to give the visage of privacy in there.  He tacked up a photo of him with Robin and Dustin with some tape and one of him with Robin and Nancy, making the little rectangle a little more homey.  

They guys were cutting up and hanging out on the couches just outside, and he could hear them.  He didn’t want to throw them off their normal routine so he sat back in his corner and pulled out the book he had started not long ago.  It was something Dustin had told him he should read and he figured hours on a bus would be the perfect time.  It was not something he would have picked himself, but there were three of them so he would have plenty to read for a while.  He stared at the blond on the front of the first novel, Lyonesse.  He read through a few hours, still keeping some of his attention on the conversation out in the main area. 

Eddie had his feet up on the opposite couch, his sock feet bumping into Gareth’s thigh when they hit a bump.  It was just another tour, even if they had an extra person this time, they would be fine.  It would be great.  This was the second time they had hit the road but this one was definitely longer.  They had a break in about four weeks then they would tour another four weeks.  It was broken up to give them some time to recoup a little. 

Eddie had nearly lost his voice on their first tour that had lasted three straight months of back to back concerts.  This time they had two nights on, one off then one week off every 4 so that they didn’t get burned out and they didn’t get injuries to their voices.  Jeff did a lot of back up vocals and he hadn’t fared much better than Eddie last round either. 

“So,” Gareth gave Eddie a look with an eyebrow wiggle and nodded to the lower bunk where Steve was reading.  The light peaked out from around the dark navy privacy curtain.  

“What?”

“What’s going on?”

“Nothing.”  He said taking a sip of his beer that he had pulled out of the fridge.  They didn’t do a lot of drinking or drugs on tour, they had tried the rockstar thing last time and this time had agreed to keep it chill.  It wasn’t the life they wanted.  To be always out of it, that was the last thing Eddie wanted.  He wanted to remember his time on the road.  They could lose their following with one bad song, one bad album, and he didn’t want to waste what they had now.  Sure he’d still smoke.   It helped with stage fright to be a little mellowed from the joints he had pre rolled for the first four week stretch.  

“C’mon, you have had the peak of your fantasies at your apartment alone for weeks.  Nothing?”

“No, man, we’re– we’re friends now.  That’s been kind of fun. Getting to know the real Steve Harrington.”  They were talking quietly, leaning in to meet in the middle hoping not to be overheard.  “He’s a pretty stellar guy, honestly.  I think if anything comes from it, I don’t want it to be another Roddy.  I don’t want another friend I can call when I am feeling too wound up for my fist to be good enough, ya know.”

“You like him.”  Gareth teased but he gave a small reassuring smile.  “Would it help at all to say I think the feelings are mutual.  He looks at you like you're something special.  I kind of wonder if it's all the head trauma, honestly.” 

“Not funny, Gare, seriously” But Eddie was laughing at his friend.  “I don’t know, man, I just don’t think he sees me that way.”

Eddie got quiet for a bit after that.  He listened to Jeff tell stories from their time apart.  His girlfriend was dropping hints about settling down and Jeff had that starry eyed look in his eyes.  The same one Eddie saw when Gareth talked about Chrissy.  The same one Eddie was probably starting to get about Steve, but that needed to stop.  

Steve was his friend and that was that.  

The band started talking about the first stop on the tour.  Nashville was a town known for country music but they were going to come in and take over.  And they were going to get there the day before so they could explore a city new to them.  

Eddie found himself thinking of exploring the city with Steve in tow.  Visiting a honky tonk bar and dressing to fit in so he could enjoy some time out without drawing a crowd.   Having a drink or two with Steve while the country music drowns out the crowd.  He was thinking about buying them both some boots and plaid shirts so they could go have some time.  

He had a small little smile on his face when Gareth yanked him out of his thoughts.  “Hey man, are you ready to stop somewhere for some dinner?”

“Yeah, let’s get some food.”  Eddie got up, stretching. He knocked on the bunk side and got Steve’s attention.  “Hey, we're going to stop for some dinner if you want to come with us.”  

Steve smiled out from his little rectangle he had already decorated.  Eddie felt like he needed some twinkle lights to make it more Steve.   “Yeah, where are we?”

“West Virginia, I think.”

Steve was putting a bookmark into the book he was now half way through. 

“Good book?”  Eddie asked.

“Yeah, it’s alright.   Dustin recommended the series to me.  I just wanted something to fill the time.   I slept for  a little bit.  Just always get tired in a vehicle when I am not driving.” 

Steve climbed out and stretched to his full height out of his little bunk. 

Eddie watched as the shirt he wore rode up and showed his waist.  A scar ran along his side down into the pants he wore.  Eddie knew it was from the car wreck, but his hand itched to follow along its path to find what was below.  He always liked how Steve looked but now that he knew Steve more, it was worse, much much worse.  He cleared his throat and turned toward the rest of the group.  

“Alright!  Let’s get some grub.”

The bus pulled into a diner that was connected to a truck stop.  The driver went to fill up the tank and the guys, all dressed down in sweats and ball caps, went into the diner.  An older lady in a traditional waitressing dress sat them and handed them menus.  The greasy burgers were delicious and the fries were hot and golden.  Eddie topped his with a strawberry milkshake and Steve had a rootbeer float.  The other guys all had sodas.  But they had a great time joking around and still living on the high of being freshly on the road.  It wouldn’t be this fun the whole time, Eddie knew, but for now, it was a blast.  

The first night on the bus was an adventure for Steve.  The mix of snores rumbled through the cabin.  The privacy curtain did nothing to block the noise.  He would have to remember to get ear plugs at their next stop. Frank was also a sleep talker, so he would randomly say things like “The cactus has rabies.”  and it made Steve laugh, but he was never going to get sleep like this.  

“Steve?”  he heard Eddie’s loud whisper. He might as well just talk normally, Steve thought. 

“Yeah, Eds?”

“Do you need some ear plugs?  I forgot to mention the noise levels, but I have a whole box of disposable ones if you want a pair.”

“That would be great.”  Steve slipped out of his bunk and climbed the little ladder up to Eddie’s.  Sure he probably could have reached, but something told him to climb up.  Eddie was tucked into his blanket and rolled into it like a burrito.  He had a couple of photos up just like Steve did but his were of bands he had met and posed with since being in the business.  There was a photo of Eddie with Metallica right in the middle, next to it was Eddie and Ozzy.  

Eddie noticed Steve looking at them.  He scooted over and waved Steve in.  Which was insane.  These bunks were maybe the size of a twin bed.  Steve climbed in anyway. Eddie talked about meeting with some of his heroes.  

“Metallica is actually the reason we don’t allow anything stronger than weed on the bus.  They told us so many crazy stories.”  He laughed a little.  “These keep me motivated.  Like yeah, right now everything is good but being in a confined space over a period of time?  I’ll need motivation later.”  

They talked for a while, staying relatively quiet. And Steve didn’t mean to fall asleep in Eddie’s bunk, but he did.  He didn’t see the sweet smile on Eddie’s face when he realized Steve was asleep.  Eddie just curled up to his side and fell into the warm sleep of someone who was perfectly happy.  

Nashville was fun.  The colors, the kitsch, the southern drawls of its residents.  It was all adding up to be a good time for the Corroded Coffin guys and Steve.  Eddie dragged Steve to get him dressed up. Basically using him as his own personal Ken Doll, Eddie got him in a fringed plaid shirt, tight levi’s, and some gorgeous black cowboy boots.  

“I think you need a hat, doll.”  Eddie said, taking him in.  

Eddie found himself a pair of black cowboy boots too, but these had some metal accents and a chain on them.  “Very Metal,” Steve had teased.  Eddie also got a black button up that had some white and red embroidery on it.  He even got his own levis.  

“I will wear a hat if you do.”  Steve said.  

“Oh yeah?” Eddie Smiled.  He found a red hat for Steve and a black one for himself. 

Steve’s mouth went dry when Eddie presented the finished look. The tight jeans, the hat, it was all working for Eddie.  He had pulled his hair back in a low ponytail and Steve was obsessed with the whole effect.  Eddie spun around to give the full 360 view.  

“Yeah, it's perfect.”  

“You look pretty nice too, cowboy.”  Eddie turned Steve to the mirror.  

Now, Steve was a model for a reason.  He could pull off a lot of looks.  The jeans hugged him, the plaid had shades of red, yellow and gray in it.   The fringe seemed ridiculous when Eddie handed him the shirt, but with the hat and boots, it worked.  “We clean up nice, huh?”  Steve laughed.   

Eddie paid for their clothes, and they left to hit the town.  The sun was starting to set and the glow of the golden hour made Steve want to photograph Eddie.  He had brought his camera.  

“Ed, lean against the pole, one leg up.”  Steve directed him.  And Eddie knew what he wanted.  Steve took  a few shots then had him pose a few other ways.  Taking so many photos, he was sure the film would be out soon.  

Gareth found them in front of a bar called Tooty’s.  “Hey, let me get some of you two together.” He offered.  Steve nodded and they posed.  Back to back like they were southern Charlie’s angels.  Gareth only got a few before he said. “You’re out of shots, Harrington.”  

He blushed.  “Yeah I think I took some before we started our impromptu shoot here.”  He hadn’t.  “But it's starting to get too dark anyway.” He shrugged.  He hoped one of them would come out good.  He was going to add it to his wall on the bus.  

They shoved their way into Tooty’s.  It was a famous bar so it was crowded.  They saw Jeff and Frank already at a table. They waved them over.

It was karaoke night so they all took a turn butchering country songs.  Except Eddie went up and sang Jolene like it was his job.  And Steve was once again reaching for his drink to replenish the desert in his mouth.  

Gareth elbowed Steve. “Got a little drool there, Harrington.”  He gave him a cheeky smile.  

Jeff and Frank joined in on the teasing then.  

“I mean, I don’t think I have ever heard Eddie sing for real.”  Steve said.  “Not like that anyway.”

“We actually have done some weird covers in our stage shows.  Believe it or not, he has sung live like that before.  You’ll see.”  Jeff supplied.  

Frank was just staring at Steve for a bit.  Then he just said,  “You’re alright, you know that.”  It was like it came from nowhere.  But suddenly, Steve knew he had the stamp of approval from Eddie’s friends.  His family, really.

Tag List:

@i-me-mine , @inklessletter , @micheledawn1975 , @corrodedseraphine , @hbyrde36 , @acenby-weirdo , @paleidiot, @dangdirtydemons

They were definitely being followed by the paps.  Eddie stuffed his hair into a ball cap and put on sunnies to help play it down, but people still caught on. He just wanted a day out with his boyfriend, for fucks sake. 

The guys were all out Gareth and Chrissy as they celebrated their engagement. That did happen in Paris.  At the Eiffel Tower.  Of course.  It might be Eddie's fault they're late to the party. 

But Steve looked too good this morning. And Eddie is but a mere mortal. 

Steve had helped Gareth plan it.  The proposal had been perfect. It was cute.  It made Eddie squirm a little on the inside.  Because, you see, Eddie had a plan.

He knew they couldn't legally get married but he wanted to do a grand gesture anyway.  Steve was the kind of guy you spend forever with.  

It was all Eddie wanted. 

"It should be just up here, babe." Eddie tucked Steve close, putting his hand on Steve's lower back and pushing him towards the restaurant  that was their destination.  His body would help shield Steve from the cameras and eyes.  And maybe keep him from getting overwhelmed by the incessant paps. 

They pushed through the back entrance of the restaurant, seeing the gang in the back corner booth, already drinking, and breadsticks on the table.  

“Eddie!!”  Chrissy was definitely already drunk.  “My best friend in the whole world!  Come look at my ring!.”  She waved her left hand back and forth, the dim lightening still glinting off the rock on her hand. “I’m getting married!”  She did a little clap/dance combo. 

Eddie pulled her in for a hug and slid into the booth next to her. 

“You two are late,“ Jeff teased, wiggling his eyebrows at Steve.

“Totally my fault,”  Eddie fessed up, holding up his hands in surrender.  He just couldn’t help it, ok?

“We got a bottle of wine, but I think it’s mostly gone now.” Gareth said. 

“We’ll get one when the waiter comes by.” Steve said.  

They put in drinks orders for themselves and then the table took turns ordering.  Massive plates of pasta and garlic bread and everyone shared from each other, tasting everything.  

“Yours is the best,” Steve told Chrissy.  She nodded frantically, agreeing. 

Eddie felt himself be the most relaxed he’s been in probably years.  Hanging with his friends, celebrating something fantastic, and being in love.  This was what he had been missing all these years, what he could have been missing if Steve hadn’t given him a chance.  If he had blown it by holding grudges and being an absolute dick.  

He leaned over and kissed Steve.  Because he deserved it. Because Eddie wanted it, needed it.   And because they belonged to each other, and that was the best thing he could ever hope for.  

Steve and Eddie stumbled into their hotel suite.  Already pulling clothes off of each other.  Full of wine and real good pasta, they both tasted of spices and sauces.  

“Need you so bad,”  Steve said into Eddie’s mouth. 

“Fuck.  Yeah?  Earlier wasn’t enough, huh?”

“Never enough.”  Steve offered. And he knew it was true.  He could be just getting his breath, and his need for Eddie starts to grow again.  

Steve picked Eddie up, carrying him to the bed.  He tossed Eddie onto the bouncy mattress and Eddie moaned at being manhandled. 

“What if I let you fuck me tonight?”  Eddie smiled bright at Steve. 

“Fuck.  Yeah. ok. God, I bet you’re tight, huh?”

Eddie didn’t often play switch in the bedroom, but he wanted Steve like that.  He had never wanted anyone else like that.  He had done it once for his ex and even his ex-girlfriend and he played with pegging once. But he had a carnal urge to have Steve fill him up. 

Steve took his time, opening Eddie up with lubed digits, scissoring and gently pumping.  But Eddie was being impatient and needy. “Steve, now, ok?  I will be fine, just really want you inside me.  Need it.”  Eddie looked at him with pleading, blown eyes.   Big brown orbs just begging to be fucked.  

And Steve is only a man.  “Fuck, yeah, ok.  Just tell me if we need to stop.  I know you don’t usually–”  Eddie cut him off with a kiss and pulled Steve’s hips towards him.  

Steve pulled away laughing and pushed himself, slowly into Eddie.   “Shit, so tight.  Fuck me.”

“Not tonight, that’s your job.”  Eddie joked.  Fuck, he was so full, so surrounded by Steve. Steve. Steve. “Fucking, kiss me and fuck me already, yeah?  Shit, you're thick, baby.  Feels so good.”

Steve’s mouth crashed against Eddie’s again.  Tongues tangoed, hips bucked, and Steve fucked Eddie.  He sped his pace as he got his confidence that he wasn’t going to hurt Eddie.   Steve buried his face into the crook of Eddie’s neck, breathing him in.  Shit, he smelled so good.  He wanted to bottle his smells so he could wear it like perfume.  

Eddie moved his hips frantically, meeting each of Steve's thrust with his own push towards him.  He was close, the angle they had made sure Steve was brushing his spot with each thrust.  Steve wrapped his big hand around Eddie’s cock and began pumping him.  

“Want you to come, Eds, cause I am not going to last much longer.  I think you are fucking sucking my soul out through my cock.” He spit in his palm, then returned it to the task at hand. 

Eddie felt a wave of heat through his body as the tension built to a peak.  “Fuck, Steve, so close, baby, just a little more.”  Then his voice went to high pitched whines as he felt the orgasm hit him.   Steve continued pumping him, pumping into him, making the pleasure last and last. Eddie curled his toes.  

“Come, inside me, Steve.”  He panted as his pleasure started to ebb.   

“Fuck,  yes.  Eddie, I love you.”  And Steve let it out, filled Eddie and ran out as he kept pumping shallowly to ride out his orgasm. 

The last show of the tour was half over.   The guys were tired and ready for a year or two off.  Writing and rehearsal could happen from the comfort of one of their home00s.  Gareth and Chrissy were looking forward to wedding planning.  

Eddie was just looking forward to the last song tonight.  He had spent forever on making sure the lyrics were perfect.  They had spent most of the sound check practicing the new song.  And he was nervous on stage for the first time in  a long time.  

“Just a few more songs tonight,”  he was talking to the crowd. They replied with the “oh”s and “Aww”s he expected.  “Yeah yeah yeah, but you all, you get a special treat tonight.  We’ve been sitting on a new song.  Not released yet.  But we are going to play it for you. TONIGHT!”

The cheers were crazy.  The crowd was bouncing and screaming.  

“Alright, alright,”  Eddie motioned to simmer down with his hands.  “We have a few more before we get to it.  But this second half, we are going to slow it down a little.  Set the mood for the new song.”

Steve was on the wings, smiling like an idiot as his boyfriend worked the crowd.  They did Pet next, it was slower paced, but the message wasn’t that of romance.  Pet was the reason Steve was here so he favored the song.  He nodded a long and sang out with them. 

After a few more songs, the lights lowered and went blue.  Steve inched a little closer to them.  

“Ok, folks, here’s our finale song.  We have loved being here with you all tonight.  But there is one person I love being here more than anyone else.”  Eddie waved Steve onto the stage. “Come here, babe.”  

Steve moved over to him, drawn by it all, he looked at Eddie with big surprised eyes. 

“God, you are so gorgeous.  This one's for you.” 

Eddie sang, he really sang this one.  It was more rock ballad than metal, and Steve was nearly in tears before the first chorus.

Steve jumped onto Eddie as he finished and put his guitar down, wrapping his legs around his middle.  Eddie laughed and swung Steve around.  Then he put him down.  And dropped to one knee.  

“I know we can’t legally do this shit, but I want you to know I am in this for the long haul.  Forever.”  

Steve took the ring Eddie held out, a thick black metal band with E + S engraved on it.  He put it on then pulled Eddie up for a kiss. “Forever, baby.”  Steve said back.  

The crowd was screaming and clapping for them.  The band was patting them on the back and congratulating them.  Gareth whispered to Steve.  “We’ll still have a wedding man, y’all deserve it. Fuck legalities.”  

Steve just laughed and nodded, tears streaming down his face.  Eddie’s eyes were wet, too.  

“You hear that everyone?!” he shouted to the crowd.  “Eddie Munson is off the market.  FOREVER!”  

The End.