I Can't, Eddie... (Steddie)

34

They walked through the plain black door and were swallowed into a dark hallway. They could hear the music ahead pulsing loudly. Flashing lights showed them the direction to walk. They approached the bouncer, who looked them up and down skeptically. He looked at Steve and Eddie's obviously nervous faces, and then at their clasped hands and sighed.

"No alcohol, kids." He nodded them in, and Steve looked back at Robin excitedly. Eddie looked slightly disappointed at the stipulation the bouncer put on them. Steve rolled his eyes and laughed, taking the lead and pulling Eddie into the room blasting music. The room was dominated by a dance floor, packed with mostly shirtless bodies. Eddie's mouth dropped open. Steve laughed again.

"Try to contain yourself, Munson. Jesus!" He yelled over the music into Eddie's ear. Eddie picked his jaw up off the floor and bumped Steve's shoulder.

"Just taking an innocent little look," Eddie said. "Hey—" he added suddenly, turning to Steve and sliding his hand up the side of Steve's face. He pressed his lips against Steve's for several seconds. The only looks they got were ones from strangers walking past, all looking overjoyed for these two young boys in love. A man in a mesh shirt even put a hand on his chest and smiled as he passed by.

"I love you." Eddie said. Steve smiled and leaned in for another kiss.

"I love you too."

Steve put an arm around Eddie's waist and walked them up to the bar, Robin third wheeling behind them. They perched on the bar stools and Eddie leaned forward so the bartender could hear him.

"Three cokes, please!"

"You got it. You three new around here? You look pretty young." The bartender asked, cleaning the glasses before filling them with soda.

"Yup. Here to check out BU. My boyfriend and I will be here next fall." Eddie said proudly, putting his hand on Steve's shoulder.

"That's great! Good for you guys. Where are you from?"

"Indiana." Eddie said.

"Yikes."

"Yeeah." Steve piped up. "This is the first place we've ever been able to be... out in public."

The bartender frowned sympathetically. "Well this is a pretty special moment for you, then."

Steve looked over at Eddie, who gave a dimpled smile in return. "Yeah, it is," Steve said, still looking at Eddie.

"Well, this is just too cute for words. Your drinks are on the house tonight." The bartender said, sliding their cokes over. They gaped at him and stuttered their thanks. They brought their drinks over to a hightop table and watched the crowd around them. A waitress was wandering around taking additional drink orders and Robin was practically drooling all over herself watching her. She must have been in college, because she didn't look much older than them.

"Go talk to her, Robs." Eddie encouraged, giving Robin a little push. "Unless you want to come dance with Steve and I?"

Steve whipped his head around to Eddie. "Who's dancing?"

"We are," Eddie replied, grabbing Steve's hand and moving toward the dance floor. Steve sighed and rolled his eyes. Robin laughed and waved them off.

Eddie moved his body effortlessly along with the beat of the music. He saw that Steve was slightly less comfortable, so he put his hands on Steve's hips and swayed them back and forth. Steve smiled sheepishly and let his arms rest on Eddie's shoulders. Steve let out a deep breath felt the music move through him. The pressure of Eddie's hands was constant, a safe harbor tethering Steve to the moment. He suddenly found himself laughing, overjoyed at the freedom he felt in this space. His mind let go, and he stepped back while grabbing Eddie's hands and enthusiastically mirroring the movements of everyone around them. Eddie beamed and matched Steve perfectly. Steve pulled back further and let Eddie spin under his extended arm, then continuing the spin to tuck Eddie against his chest.