[This is insanely stupid. Billy follows Steve's tongue, wets his own lips and looks almost fond. He's seen something new tonight; he's going to savour this, however dumb Steve looks.
Then Eddie's calling them a cab, and Billy looks at him, eyebrows lifted like can you believe I want to fuck this guy so bad while he's tasting the air and having secret drinks. Jesus christ. ]
I dunno man, I think it might've been the vodka coke's you drank like water.
[ ... oh. oh yeah, he is little jealous. no, wrong word. threatened? eddie's only ever done casual hookups before, this is... well, steve seemed like he wanted something else. he can do casual, if that's what he wants, but.
shoving those feelings down. he'll get fucked up and dwell on this a different day. ]
We're just switching venues. [ he manages a smile at billy that doesn't totally meet his eyes, but there's sympathy there. god he understands. then he's turning back to give the driver their location. ]
It's okay. [ he ruffles steve's hair fondly. ] Pace yourself next time, alright?
[ The widest eyes in existence peer at Eddie, trying to impart secrets and insinuations without doing any of that in front of Hargrove. ]
She knows me, okay, she knows me inside-out, knows all my history and secrets that aren't really secrets anymore because she's so smart that she found them out. She knows me, and I ...
[ Steve hangs his head, studying his shoes as he walks. He gives a wriggle to try and free himself, quietening down. ]
[He's sure this is all very meaningful and Robin is great, and that this thing is important for Steve to work through but, like. He pauses, swivels and dips, hauling Steve over his shoulder by the waist and giving Eddie the most exasperated look he can muster. ]
Can you go back there and make sure he doesn't puke on my ass.
[ Billy's earlier assessment is right. Those big brown eyes make it hard to hide exactly what he's feeling. There's something... maybe a little vulnerable in them as Steve starts that desperate plea. Something a little like resignation.
Like, naturally, whatever this is was too good to be true once they were out in public, or with someone from home, or where he wasn't the only choice Steve was clinging to because he was familiar. Eddie's about to say - he doesn't know, it's cool, we're fine, we can be friends or whatever no matter what and then Billy's got him up and over his shoulder.
It could be nothing or it could be everything. ]
Uh. Yeah. I've got puke watch. [ he rubs the back of his neck, wishing he'd been smart enough to get blackout drunk. ] Cab should be here in five. Unless you think you can carry him back, then we can probably hoof it.
[ He flails as his weight drops and settles, upended with a view of Billy's ass and the pavement. Steve tries to kick his heels but he feels so heavy he isn't even sure if he's moving his legs. ]
Hargrove, stop being a bastard, oh my god.
[ If he cranes his head sideways he can see Eddie. This is, even through an alcoholic haze, incredibly embarrassing. ]
Why is nobody listening to me! I'm — goddamn it — I'm not Boromir! I have Aragorn intentions! Eddie, hold up!
[ The sheer effort it takes to spin all that nonsense while wasted is impressive even to Steve, hoping some of the sentiments get through. ]
No, no, I get it, man. You're always Aragon. And you got a looooot of feelings you gotta let out. [ hopefully not all over hargrove's ass. ] But right now, you're the ring. And Hargrove and I are playing Frodo and Sam, so we gotta take you to the top of Mt. Diadem to lay you to rest in the softest bed before you spew like Mt. Doom.
[ he pats steve's cheek. ]
Besides, we know who the Boromir is here. Just chill.
[It’s not malicious - Billy dropped nerd shit the moment his mom dipped. Maybe if - well, maybe in another timeline this would be a different conversation.
He shifts Steve’s weight, figures it’s what? Twenty minutes to walk? That’s doable.
He grunts, turning his head just enough to catch most of Eddie’s face. ]
He’s like - [he pauses, rethinks.] He’s into you. Blinders on full. People like us don’t watch nerd shit if not.
[ he looks doubtful. the line between nerd shit and mainstream has gotten a lot blurrier in the last forty years.
his eyes are on steve's face, making sure he's not showing any signs of distress or puke. brow furrowing slightly in thought, before his eyes flick up to billy's. thinking about the way steve had been looking at him, and the way billy had been looking at steve in turn. he shrugs, reaching a hand up to pull his hair down from the messy ponytail and sliding his hands into his pockets again.
But, if Steve's passed out and too drunk to remember any conversations being had around him... ]
Did you know you were into guys before you met him?
[Somehow it feels less tense to say it straight to Eddie. Feels like he’s talking on the same level (ha) instead of, well. Steve’s rich. He’s a little slow on the uptake. He means well and all of that had drove Billy crazy.
He’d shrug, but. You Know.] Before Hawkins. Way before.
[ easier to talk about it. even if he still feels like it's a secret that should stay smothered, whispered only behind closed doors, in case the wrong person overhears.
eddie's lips quirk in a lazy smile. ]
Shame you got stranded in our shithole town. It'd be easier convincing people monsters are real than the idea that queers walk among them. Only safe place is in the closet, even for freaks like me.
[He’s done blaming Susan for the move, done blaming Max - but yeah, it had sucked. Sucks. All his options became real selective, which would have been fine if any of the girls had been hot.
He rubs his tongue over his gums.] I figured I’d be on cock celibacy till I moved out. There was no way I’d risk it - in case he found out.
[His jaw grinds.] But man, Hawkins girls - they’re not Cali girls. What the fuck do we have in common except making out? They don’t surf, they don’t skate. [These are petty complaints. He glances at Eddie.] No hot metal chicks. How were you surviving?
Yeah. [ grimly. it's been a long time since he had to worry about that, though. instead he considers the rest of the question. ]
I got a band - Corroded Coffin? [ not like they're big, but billy likes metal. chances are they came up in conversation once or twice here and there. ] We're good enough to get gigs here and there. If we went out of town, there were usually a few guys who clocked my bandana and signaled they were down.
[ he pulls a hand from his pocket to wobble it in a s-so kind of way. then folds his arms again. ]
Usually sucked, no names, no numbers, had to be extra careful, but beggars can't be choosers. I can at least take some solace in the fact that I did not die a virgin.
[Noted (and really, he hadn’t noticed, too swept up in staring at Steve’s ass to notice Eddie’s). Huh. If his cheeks are pink, it’s absolutely the effort of Steve’s weight.]
Nice. You got game, Munson. Colour me shocked.
[He isn’t, he guesses. Eddie has a vibe - a whole I could corrupt you kind of thing, which is hilarious. Nerd.] You, uuuh. Just guys?
Wouldn't be if you ever heard me play. Everybody wants to fuck a good guitarist.
[ he's got it in him to shake off the ho-hums play a little air guitar. it still feels weird to be talking about any of this in broad daylight - let alone night time in a big city. ]
I'd say like... [ he wobbles his head back and forth as he thinks - and then immediately regrets it. straightening his steps ] ninety-nine percent guys. You?
Forty-Sixty? The sixty is for hot moms. Every mans got a weakness.
[He says it very casually, but it is not a joke. He finds himself wishing that maybe he had heard Eddie play. Like maybe he spent all that time enduring high school politics when he could have been out giving his dad actual reasons to fuck with him.
Hindsight.
He notices - slowly - the lingering discomfort. Can’t quite place the cause. Maybe it’s him. Billy knows his own rep, after all. ] Play for me some time. [He blurts it out, surprises even himself.] I mean really play.
[ in the quiet of the streets, the slight difference in his footsteps sounds more obvious to his ears. he finds himself wishing he'd had them get the cab. he's not used to so much walking, and he's spent the last three weeks holed up in his room getting high, drunk, or fucking around with steve.
but if they had just hopped the cab for a quick ride, they probably wouldn't talk like this.
eddie looks him up and down, letting that smile turn a little more genuine. ]
A literal motherfucker, our own Billy Hargrove?
[ sure. why not. if they're going to be the three musketeers they might as well go hard and commit. ]
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[ He looks so sad but heeds the sensible advice. The night air is so good, he sticks his tongue out to taste it. ]
Where are we even going? I had a secret extra drink at the bar, oops. You're right, I'm wasted. I'm so sorry.
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Then Eddie's calling them a cab, and Billy looks at him, eyebrows lifted like can you believe I want to fuck this guy so bad while he's tasting the air and having secret drinks. Jesus christ. ]
I dunno man, I think it might've been the vodka coke's you drank like water.
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shoving those feelings down. he'll get fucked up and dwell on this a different day. ]
We're just switching venues. [ he manages a smile at billy that doesn't totally meet his eyes, but there's sympathy there. god he understands. then he's turning back to give the driver their location. ]
It's okay. [ he ruffles steve's hair fondly. ] Pace yourself next time, alright?
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And that's Eddie ruffling Steve's hair. ]
I don't want to pace myself, I'm freaking out.
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Yeah, assplanting will do that to you.
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Hey. Deep breaths, okay? [ and takes one in himself as an example. ] What's got you so riled up, huh?
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[ The widest eyes in existence peer at Eddie, trying to impart secrets and insinuations without doing any of that in front of Hargrove. ]
She knows me, okay, she knows me inside-out, knows all my history and secrets that aren't really secrets anymore because she's so smart that she found them out. She knows me, and I ...
[ Steve hangs his head, studying his shoes as he walks. He gives a wriggle to try and free himself, quietening down. ]
I just need to talk to her because she'll get it.
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[He's sure this is all very meaningful and Robin is great, and that this thing is important for Steve to work through but, like. He pauses, swivels and dips, hauling Steve over his shoulder by the waist and giving Eddie the most exasperated look he can muster. ]
Can you go back there and make sure he doesn't puke on my ass.
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Like, naturally, whatever this is was too good to be true once they were out in public, or with someone from home, or where he wasn't the only choice Steve was clinging to because he was familiar. Eddie's about to say - he doesn't know, it's cool, we're fine, we can be friends or whatever no matter what and then Billy's got him up and over his shoulder.
It could be nothing or it could be everything. ]
Uh. Yeah. I've got puke watch. [ he rubs the back of his neck, wishing he'd been smart enough to get blackout drunk. ] Cab should be here in five. Unless you think you can carry him back, then we can probably hoof it.
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[ He flails as his weight drops and settles, upended with a view of Billy's ass and the pavement. Steve tries to kick his heels but he feels so heavy he isn't even sure if he's moving his legs. ]
Hargrove, stop being a bastard, oh my god.
[ If he cranes his head sideways he can see Eddie. This is, even through an alcoholic haze, incredibly embarrassing. ]
Why is nobody listening to me! I'm — goddamn it — I'm not Boromir! I have Aragorn intentions! Eddie, hold up!
[ The sheer effort it takes to spin all that nonsense while wasted is impressive even to Steve, hoping some of the sentiments get through. ]
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If he stays still I can haul his ass back.
[Do Not Make Him Slap Your Ass.]
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[ he pats steve's cheek. ]
Besides, we know who the Boromir is here. Just chill.
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[ All the blood going to his head makes it hard to think, eyelashes fluttering as his cheek is patted. ]
... Ed — nnnngh.
[ Out like a light. ]
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Did he just pass out?
[Dead Weight] What the fuck was that about?
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[ god if that isn't a reminder that this isn't his crowd.
eddie slides his hands back into his pockets and tries to straighten up. ]
Lord of the Rings is my favorite book. I made Harrington watch the movies the second he let his guard down.
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[It’s not malicious - Billy dropped nerd shit the moment his mom dipped. Maybe if - well, maybe in another timeline this would be a different conversation.
He shifts Steve’s weight, figures it’s what? Twenty minutes to walk? That’s doable.
He grunts, turning his head just enough to catch most of Eddie’s face. ]
He’s like - [he pauses, rethinks.] He’s into you. Blinders on full. People like us don’t watch nerd shit if not.
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his eyes are on steve's face, making sure he's not showing any signs of distress or puke. brow furrowing slightly in thought, before his eyes flick up to billy's. thinking about the way steve had been looking at him, and the way billy had been looking at steve in turn. he shrugs, reaching a hand up to pull his hair down from the messy ponytail and sliding his hands into his pockets again.
But, if Steve's passed out and too drunk to remember any conversations being had around him... ]
Did you know you were into guys before you met him?
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[Somehow it feels less tense to say it straight to Eddie. Feels like he’s talking on the same level (ha) instead of, well. Steve’s rich. He’s a little slow on the uptake. He means well and all of that had drove Billy crazy.
He’d shrug, but. You Know.] Before Hawkins. Way before.
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eddie's lips quirk in a lazy smile. ]
Shame you got stranded in our shithole town. It'd be easier convincing people monsters are real than the idea that queers walk among them. Only safe place is in the closet, even for freaks like me.
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He rubs his tongue over his gums.] I figured I’d be on cock celibacy till I moved out. There was no way I’d risk it - in case he found out.
[His jaw grinds.] But man, Hawkins girls - they’re not Cali girls. What the fuck do we have in common except making out? They don’t surf, they don’t skate. [These are petty complaints. He glances at Eddie.] No hot metal chicks. How were you surviving?
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I got a band - Corroded Coffin? [ not like they're big, but billy likes metal. chances are they came up in conversation once or twice here and there. ] We're good enough to get gigs here and there. If we went out of town, there were usually a few guys who clocked my bandana and signaled they were down.
[ he pulls a hand from his pocket to wobble it in a s-so kind of way. then folds his arms again. ]
Usually sucked, no names, no numbers, had to be extra careful, but beggars can't be choosers. I can at least take some solace in the fact that I did not die a virgin.
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Nice. You got game, Munson. Colour me shocked.
[He isn’t, he guesses. Eddie has a vibe - a whole I could corrupt you kind of thing, which is hilarious. Nerd.] You, uuuh. Just guys?
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[ he's got it in him to shake off the ho-hums play a little air guitar. it still feels weird to be talking about any of this in broad daylight - let alone night time in a big city. ]
I'd say like... [ he wobbles his head back and forth as he thinks - and then immediately regrets it. straightening his steps ] ninety-nine percent guys. You?
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[He says it very casually, but it is not a joke. He finds himself wishing that maybe he had heard Eddie play. Like maybe he spent all that time enduring high school politics when he could have been out giving his dad actual reasons to fuck with him.
Hindsight.
He notices - slowly - the lingering discomfort. Can’t quite place the cause. Maybe it’s him. Billy knows his own rep, after all. ] Play for me some time. [He blurts it out, surprises even himself.] I mean really play.
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but if they had just hopped the cab for a quick ride, they probably wouldn't talk like this.
eddie looks him up and down, letting that smile turn a little more genuine. ]
A literal motherfucker, our own Billy Hargrove?
[ sure. why not. if they're going to be the three musketeers they might as well go hard and commit. ]
Got any requests?
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