[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. ]
Oh Munson if only you knew. [The sly wink, the grin-tongue combo is so signature Billy, it's like having a ghost of himself morph his face. He used to have fun, before. ]
- Whatever got you laid the most. You're own stuff, right? Wow me.
[Then there's a brief stir on his back, a murmur that sort of short circuits his brain. Watch out for the vines, Nance and Billy's grin falters, his forehead furrows as he swallows. He holds in a breath then exhales, slow. ]
[ it's a shared expression. waiting for Steve to slip back into dreams, trying not to show that it hurt to hear. They're friendly but not friends.
When it feels safe to talk again, Eddie bobs his head in a nod. ]
I know just the song. But, [ his gaze drifts to Steve then back to billy. ] it's a performance I only put on for friends. And see, this post-Hawkins you? I don't mind being friends with. Let's keep it that way, alright?
[ especially if the kids turn up. He's a protector, they're his flock. ]
[It takes a moment to crawl back out of his own head, eyes straight ahead until he blinks. He wets his lips, wishes he had a cigarette between them and nods, before he removes a hand from Steve and extends a fist out.]
Deal. [It feels good. Does it matter that they’re both ghosts? Probably not. He glances again, grin softened to a smirk.]
[It's not the worst afterlife, is it? It's not terrible to have Eddie Munson by his side, rings knocking his knuckles, or have Steve hauled over his shoulder. The walk isn't even that bad - it wouldn't for Billy, but he doesn't really think to consider that Eddie might struggle with it. By the time they've reached the hotel again, maybe Billy's coaxed a song title or two out of Eddie, or maybe not.
The puzzle of fitting all three into an elevator is extremely ridiculous, and Billy is a little careless with Steve's legs and head, but they're in, then there's Steve's room where Billy huffs and dumps him very unceremoniously onto his bed and then stretches. ]
This fucking guy - [he mutters, fondly, before he starts pottering about Steve's kitchenette for glasses, water, etc etc. ]
[ he's out of breath once they finally hit the hotel again. His legs are sore as shit and he just knows he's going to be stiff and tired tomorrow. But for now, he focuses on softening billy's gruff treatment.
He gets Steve lain out on his side and drops a bucket beside the bed, pulling a sheet up over him while he waits for a glass of water. His fingers linger fondly in Steve's hair, expression troubled for but a moment, but it's quickly brushed aside as he straightens up and looks over at billy. ]
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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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Watch out for vines, Nance ...
[ He isn't awake, though. ]
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- Whatever got you laid the most. You're own stuff, right? Wow me.
[Then there's a brief stir on his back, a murmur that sort of short circuits his brain. Watch out for the vines, Nance and Billy's grin falters, his forehead furrows as he swallows. He holds in a breath then exhales, slow. ]
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When it feels safe to talk again, Eddie bobs his head in a nod. ]
I know just the song. But, [ his gaze drifts to Steve then back to billy. ] it's a performance I only put on for friends. And see, this post-Hawkins you? I don't mind being friends with. Let's keep it that way, alright?
[ especially if the kids turn up. He's a protector, they're his flock. ]
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Deal. [It feels good. Does it matter that they’re both ghosts? Probably not. He glances again, grin softened to a smirk.]
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Welcome to the Neo-Hellfire Club, my brother in death.
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The puzzle of fitting all three into an elevator is extremely ridiculous, and Billy is a little careless with Steve's legs and head, but they're in, then there's Steve's room where Billy huffs and dumps him very unceremoniously onto his bed and then stretches. ]
This fucking guy - [he mutters, fondly, before he starts pottering about Steve's kitchenette for glasses, water, etc etc. ]
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He gets Steve lain out on his side and drops a bucket beside the bed, pulling a sheet up over him while he waits for a glass of water. His fingers linger fondly in Steve's hair, expression troubled for but a moment, but it's quickly brushed aside as he straightens up and looks over at billy. ]
Are you still in the hotel or did you move out?
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