Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

“Hey, what can I get you?”

“A bourbon Manhattan would be great, thanks.”

Not what Eddie would have expected from the pocket-sized woman sitting on the other side of the bar, but ok. He pulls a bottle of Makers off the shelf behind him and stops in his tracks when she corrects him.

“Not that shit. Buffalo Trace, please.”

He turns his head and raises an eyebrow at her. A woman of good taste. It’s not an overly expensive liquor, but it’s fucking delicious. “You got it.”

Eddie puts the wax covered bottle back and grabs the Trace, pouring it into a glass with one of those big ice blocks in it, adds a few shakes of some locally made orange bitters, a splash of the good vermouth, gives it a stir, and garnishes it with a Luxardo cherry. Sliding it across the glossy bar top, he grabs the card she’s already got set out and asks, “You want to leave it open?”

She gingerly takes the glass first, holds eye contact while she takes a sip, licks her lips, and nods. “Keep it open.”

He taps the card once on the bar in acknowledgement and takes it over to the register to start her tab. He doesn’t think he’s seen her here before, but being a busy bar in Chicago, she could have been in here a thousand times and he might not have noticed. He’s been working here for a few years now, and after a while the faces all just started to blend together.

Tonight though, she has his attention. Not like that. He’s as queer as a three dollar bill, but this woman just has some kind of presence that sort of demands attention. She’s sitting alone, completely unbothered by that fact, just enjoying a fucking well made cocktail if he does say so himself, and silently watching Eddie as he works. She’s tiny. Big eyes, small frame, dressed well as far as he can tell, and has this aura of confidence that’s almost bewildering.

She asks for another after sipping the drink slowly, and Eddie gets her a fresh glass. The corner of her mouth ticks up like she appreciates that he didn’t just refill the glass she already had. As he works the bar and slings drinks left and right, he can’t help but notice her eyes on him. She’s looked him up and down with an analyzing gaze that kind of makes him feel like a piece of meat. He gets hit on by women pretty often, and Eddie is mentally preparing himself for having to tell her “sorry darling, you’re barking up the wrong tree.”

When she finishes her second drink, he makes his way over to ask if she’d like another, totally bracing himself for some kind of pickup line. 

“Is this your only job?”

Ok, not at all what he thought she’d say. Furrowing his brow he tells her, “Yeah, I’m here about four nights a week.”

“And does it pay well?”

Seriously, what is going on? He can’t imagine why she would be asking him such a weird (and ok, kind of invasive) question. “It pays the bills, yeah.” Eddie gestures towards her glass. “Did you want another?”

“Have you considered going into another line of work?”

What the hell? If this lady is trying to scam him into some MLM scheme, he’s absolutely not interested. Selling leggings or candles or some shit is not appealing in the slightest. He’s trying to think of a way to kindly tell her to fuck off without screwing himself out of a tip when she leans in.

“I own a business that I think would suit you very well. You’ve got the look for it. The charm. Something my clients would definitely be interested in.”

Eddie looks her over again. She sort of oozes power, and with the cryptic way she’s propositioning him, he can’t help but be curious as to what the fuck this pint sized boss bitch does for a living. “I’m closing up in 30. Hang back and we can talk?”

She smirks at him like she already won and nods, pushing her glass back across the bar. He makes her another Manhattan and announces that it’s last call.

Once the bar is cleared out, the door locked, and the sign turned off, Eddie approaches the patron side of the bar and takes a seat next to this mystery woman. “Ok, you’ve piqued my interest. What exactly is this business of yours?”

“I own an escort service.”

Eddie immediately barks out a laugh. “Fuck off!”

She just looks at him, unimpressed. 

“Fuck off. Are you serious?”

“Dead serious.”

Eddie scoffs, not quite believing that she isn’t fucking with him. “So what, you’re looking for hookers or something?”

She rolls her eyes. “I’m not a pimp. And it’s not sex work. Not unless you’d want it to be. It’s a companion agency and there’s an untapped market for gay male escorts.”

“How do you even know I’m gay?”

She raises an eyebrow at him, which…ok fine. “I clocked you the minute I sat down. Don’t play dumb with me, it’s not a good look for you. And you do look good. I can think of a handful of clients off the top of my head who you would be perfect for. And these clients? They have money. A lot of money. I don’t run some shoddy operation that’s just a cover for prostitution. This is a legit high end business, and there’s money to be made for someone like you.”

Eddie is fucking baffled. He’s just a bartender. Yeah, the bar is nice and he has to dress in black slacks and a white button up every day, so sure he looks alright. But what the fuck is this lady thinking? “What…why me?”

“You’re a good looking guy. Young. Fit, if maybe a bit on the skinny side. Might need to trim some of that hair, but the look works for you. And I’ve been watching you. You’re good with strangers. You banter well with them, listen, engage, and get good reactions out of them. You’re charming. And intuitive. Don’t think I didn’t notice how you made my drinks with the good ingredients rather than the rail shit after I asked for a better bourbon. You notice what your clients want and you make adjustments to give them just that. I really think you’d be a good fit for this line of work.”

“And uh…what exactly does this work entail?”

She smirks again like she won. “The clientele varies, but it’s usually men who are looking to have someone accompany them to events. Charity balls, galas, gallery openings. These men have class. We would just need to clean you up a bit. Get you a nice wardrobe, which would be provided for you…a little grooming. You’ve got potential.”

“Are you trying to tell me I need to chop my hair off? Because that’s non-negotiable.” He can’t believe he’s even considering this. 

“Not entirely. I can tell it’s a part of your whole look. It could just stand to be cleaned up a bit. Think sort of…70’s Mick Jagger length.”

Ok. Yeah. Eddie could work with that. Jagger was a fucking fox with that shag. He could do that. Wait, is he actually considering this? “Ok, so…you’re telling me I’d just basically go on dates with rich assholes and then…what? I get paid for it? No expectations?”

“That’s exactly what I’m telling you. This is a legal business. All of the clientele is vetted, they send their requests through the agency, we find the most suitable matches for them, handle all the details of where and when, and you would just have to show up. This isn’t some back alley shit. These are classy events, or sometimes just men who want someone to dine with them at a fancy restaurant. They pay for your services through the agency, and you get your cut when the date is done. Simple as that.”

Services. His services. She’s making it sound totally legit and not shady at all, but that word sticks out like a sore thumb. “What do you mean by ‘services?’ You said it’s not sex work.”

“It’s not. You’re providing companionship for an evening.”

“So none of your…escorts or whatever sleep with the clients?”

“If the clients are inclined to provide a tip for additional services, that’s outside of the agency. We don’t ask questions, and it’s not expected. Most dates are just cut and dry, accompanying the client to the event, and that’s it.” Her stoic, professional demeanor cracks just a bit. “Look, some of our escorts do provide those types of services, but not all of them. It would never be expected of you to do that. And we would never push. It would be entirely your choice if that’s something you would feel comfortable with. But honestly…I have watched you tonight, and I really think you’d be great at this. It could be an excellent opportunity for you, and I guarantee you’d be making a hell of a lot more being served drinks at a gala than slinging drinks behind this bar.”

Eddie should have known from that first smirk she gave him that she would be getting what she wanted. This is the most tempting offer he’s ever received. He could try it out, right? Just like…one time and see how it goes?

“Let me think about it.”

She reaches into her handbag and slides a black business card across the bar. 

Nancy Wheeler

Chicago Connections

“I look forward to hearing from you.”

Chapter Text

Eddie takes to the job like a fish to water.

One year in, and he’s one of Nancy Wheeler’s best escorts. He agreed to the haircut, and it really does look good on him. He’s got a closet full of Armani and Prada suits, which is fucking weird as hell having them hanging next to his leather jacket and battle vest. He even joined a gym. He’s put on some muscle, and it’s been worth the effort for how well his clients tip and how they react when he takes his shirt off. He’s got even more clients than Billy now. And that guy is a full on manwhore. Not that there’s anything wrong with that. 

Nancy was right when she told him that any extra “services” were never an expectation. And he did really well with the wealthy queer men looking for a date to their fancy events, just as she predicted. That’s all it was for a while. 

Really, it was only a matter of time.

He was out with this silver fox type, some big shot in the Chicago art scene. He went with him to a gallery opening, some stuffy affair with people who spent more time talking about their investments than looking at the art, but Eddie was a perfect charming date. Afterwards he agreed to go back to the guy’s loft for a drink. The guy made it clear that he had no expectations of Eddie, he just wanted to have a scotch and relax after the event.

One drink later, and he was offering Eddie double his rate if he’d spend the night with him. He can’t lie, it was a fucking turn on having someone want him so badly they’d pay thousands of dollars for it.

Eddie stayed the night.

He got his back blown out by a guy more than twice his age and had absolutely no regrets. He’s one of Eddie’s regulars now. 

It’s definitely not something he does with every client. He won’t even consider it until the date is over and he’s had a chance to gauge what kind of person they are. One of his dates was a closeted up-and-coming politician type who wanted Eddie to pretend he was the guy’s step son. He was obviously creeped out by it, but agreed, figuring it was some sort of weird family situation that was none of his business. The date went well, Eddie played the part, and the client was satisfied. It didn’t really get weird until afterwards when the guy asked Eddie if he would continue playing the part back at his townhouse.

He’s been blacklisted from the agency.

Most of his clients are good, though. There’s a wide age range, and he’s pretty much always accompanying them to formal events. Tonight he’s going out with some rich finance guy who needed a date for a charity gala. Eddie stands outside of the John Jacob Astor Suite at the St. Regis and adjusts the collar on his Prada suit before knocking on the door. How the fuck has this become his life?

“Mr. Munson I presume?”

The man on the other side of the door is dressed in an expensive suit (Eddie can tell the difference now), and the first thing he notices is that he has a great head of hair. His eyes are dark, but not quite brown. Hazel maybe? Straight nose, strong jaw, nice smile. Not all of Eddie’s clients are what he would consider attractive, but this guy is pretty fucking nice to look at.

“You presume correctly.” He extends his hand to shake. “And I take it you’re Mr. Harrington?”

He can’t help but notice how big this guy’s hands are when he takes Eddie’s and gives it a firm shake. “That I am. Care to come for a drink before we head out?”

“I’d love to.”

Eddie strolls through the suite taking in the view from the floor to ceiling windows while Mr. Harrington pours them two glasses of bourbon. They take a seat on the stiff couch and Eddie sips the amber liquor and hums. It’s good shit. 

“So tell me more about yourself. Nancy mentioned you’re recently divorced?”

Mr. Harrington runs a hand through his hair and sighs. “Yes, I am. It was finalized just a couple months ago.”

“Congratulations.”

The man crinkles his perfect brows and sips his bourbon, assessing Eddie. “Thank you. That’s not normally the reaction I get. People are so quick to offer their condolences.”

“Well usually when a couple gets divorced it’s not because they’re happily married and head over heels for each other. Clearly there were problems that couldn’t be solved and both parties are better off going their separate ways.”

Mr. Harrington nods in agreement. “I couldn’t have said it better myself. Life has definitely been easier since we separated.”

“Do you mind my asking…what were the unsolvable problems you two had?”

“My ex wife caught me in bed with another man.”

“That would do it.”

They both laugh and relax a bit further into the couch. This is the part of his dates that Eddie really likes. Breaking the ice and getting his clients comfortable. 

“Yeah, she wasn’t too pleased. I think it actually had less to do with the affair and more so that it wasn’t with another woman. And look, I know I was the bad guy for cheating-“

“I don’t judge,” Eddie interrupts. He doesn’t. His clients' lives are really none of his business. He‘s hired to do a job and he does it well.

“I appreciate that. Anyway. It was good timing I suppose. I spent years hiding who I really was and I figured it was time to start living my truth. To stop pretending to be something that I’m not. So while the divorce was messy, it was a blessing in the end.”

Eddie can’t imagine having to live like that for so long. “Well, congratulations again. I’m really happy for you.”

Mr. Harrington smiles, it’s a good smile, and clinks his glass against Eddie’s. “Thank you. Again. This is actually my first event that I’ll be taking another man to. So apologies if my nerves get the better of me.”

“You’re doing just fine so far. And I'm sure we’ll have a great time. Tell me more about this gala we’re going to. It’s at the Field Museum?”

“Yes, The Chicago Gala. It’s hosted there every year and my investment firm has been a big donor over the years. And as the owner and CFO, I’ll actually be receiving an award on behalf of the firm for its continued generosity.”

Jesus, Eddie didn’t know how much of a big deal this event is. “Impressive. I didn’t realize I’d be hanging off the arm of an award winner this evening.”

To his surprise, his date actually blushes a little bit. It’s cute.

“Well, I didn’t realize exactly how good looking my companion would be tonight. Is that Prada?”

“It is. Good eye.”

“What can I say. I tend to notice the finer things. And you wear it well.”

Eddie preens a little bit at the attention. He knows he looks good, and hearing this handsome man confirm it does wonders for his self esteem. “You should know Mr. Harrington, that flattery works very well with me.”

His date laughs and winks at him. “Good to know.” Standing from the couch, he sets his empty glass down and offers Eddie his hand. “And no need to be so formal.”

Eddie takes his hand and rises from the couch.

“Please. Just call me Richard.”

Chapter Text

The Field Museum is gorgeous at night. The lighting is low, tables are set up throughout the space, heavy drapes hang from the walls and there are fresh flower arrangements everywhere. 

Richard had them driven here in a private car, and it’s crazy how used to that Eddie is now. It’s a far cry from his beat up van that permanently smelled like weed.

As they enter the building, Eddie’s hand tucked into the crook of Richard’s elbow, they’re immediately greeted by the head of the Women’s Group. If the welcoming board standing next to her with Harrington Investments at the top of the list of sponsors wasn’t indication enough of how much of a big deal Richard is, the way everyone seems to fawn over him sure as hell is. They’re not even inside for a full minute before someone is handing them champagne flutes and thanking them for being there.

Since his company is a top donor, and he’s receiving the Corporate Philanthropy Award, Richard has a private table for his group at the front of the room. They slowly make their way over and Eddie readies himself to be whatever Richard wants him to be. Most of the time at events like this, Eddie is just the arm candy. His clients just need him to stand there and look pretty, which he’s happy to do. He gets paid the same regardless of his participation. 

Richard has spent years in the closet, and this is his first time bringing a man with him as a date. Eddie fully expects to just be seen and not heard, but surprisingly, Richard makes a point to introduce him to everyone they encounter on their way across the room. Eddie works the crowd with one hand holding a delicate glass and the other still on his date’s arm. 

The men he’s introduced to are pleasant enough, the types who are all business, and don’t comment on the fact that Richard’s companion isn't anything like his ex wife. They just glance at where Eddie’s hand is and avoid the topic entirely. It’s either because they feel awkward addressing it, or because Richard is the most well respected man in the room and someone you’d want to have on your good side. Eddie is pretty sure it’s the latter.

Conversation flows well enough regardless, and Eddie is well practiced with these types, knowing just what to say to earn a chuckle or a pat on the arm. The women, though? That’s where he really shines.

He learned pretty quickly that a lot of the older ladies aren’t exactly being showered with attention by their husbands. And since Eddie clearly isn’t interested and poses zero threat, he lays on the charm and flirts like crazy. They eat that shit up. His dates are usually pleased with all the compliments they receive for bringing such a “lovely young man” along with him.

Tonight is no different. 

“Richard, honestly, he is just too much! And so handsome!”

Eddie has been laying it on thick with this short, stocky woman who’s got to be at least in her 80’s, and she’s been giggling like a fucking school girl. He loves this shit.

Richard places his hand on top of Eddie’s and brushes his thumb back and forth. “He certainly is. You better not try to steal him from me, or I’ll be having words with your husband,” he teases.

“Oh, dig his old bones up! See if I care!”

They both crack up and Eddie can’t believe the sense of humor on some of these people. They soon part, with Eddie giving her a wink and her returning it, and finally make it to the table just before dinner service begins. Richard, being a perfect gentleman, even pulls out his chair.

He introduces Eddie to his colleagues, who all greet him with a firm handshake, and polite smiles. As the food is being plated, he notices that Richard keeps looking at the empty seat across from them, and glancing around the room.

“Are you still expecting someone?”

He sighs through his nose while gritting his teeth and squeezes Eddie’s knee under the table. “I was. Not to worry. Let’s just enjoy our dinner, shall we?”

Eddie lets it go. Not his business.

About halfway through dinner, Eddie’s enjoying his filet mignon, and pretending to enjoy the conversation about racquetball, when the empty seat across from him is suddenly occupied. A man practically throws himself into the chair with all the grace of a drunk panda, gulping down a full flute of champagne. 

He’s got to be related to Richard. It’s like a carbon copy, but roughly 30 years younger.

“Nice of you to finally join us.” The disdain in his date’s voice is a bit of a shock, he’s been so pleasant all evening.

“Oh, I wouldn’t miss this for the world, Dad.”

There it is. 

“Steven, I believe you know everyone. Allow me to introduce you to my guest this evening, Edward.”

The guy just looks him up and down with a bitchy expression. “It’s Steve. Not Steven. You know how much I hate that.”

Judging by this guy’s attitude, Richard probably does know, and addresses him that way on purpose. He ignores his son and signals a server, asking them to bring another plate. “You’re going to need something to soak up all the alcohol.”

Jesus. He’s probably right, but calling his son out like that was a bit much. Whatever. It’s not Eddie’s business. He’s here to do bis job, not get involved. 

“So, Richard,” he says, drawing back his date’s attention. “Tell me more about this award.”

Richard gives him a grateful look and touts his company’s achievements in philanthropy while pointedly ignoring the glares his son is sending him from across the table. Steve is giving off the impression of being a spoiled brat. And look, Eddie’s not blind, the guy is hot. And weirdly, the attitude is kind of doing it for him.

When dinner service is done, they remain at the tables while speeches are given, guest speakers talk about where everyone’s donations are going, and the winner for the Corporate Philanthropy Award is announced. Richard stands to the applause of the entire room and gives Eddie’s shoulder a squeeze before rounding his chair and heading to the stage.

Eddie turns in his seat, giving his date his full attention as he accepts his award and begins his speech. Not even thirty seconds in, there’s a voice right next to his ear.

“How much is he paying you?”

Eddie whips his head around and is face to face with Steve. “Excuse me?”

“You heard me. There’s no way he just met you and asked you to come to this. He’s paying you, isn’t he?”

Oh he is not taking the bait. “I think maybe you should mind your business and pay attention to the ceremony instead of acting like a brat.”

Steve actually looks surprised that Eddie would dare to speak to him like that. He just gives him another assessing look, grabs Eddie’s glass of wine from the table, and leaves. 

After the ceremony, Eddie takes Richard’s arm again as he makes his rounds to accept the congratulations from all the well-to-do’s of the crowd. As they’re wrapping up, he takes the opportunity to excuse himself to use the restroom. He’s just finished washing his hands and fixing his hair in the mirror when Steve’s reflection appears behind him. He looks pissed. And drunk. Always such a lovely combination.

“You know what he said to me when I came out? He said ‘I’m going to pretend I didn’t hear that, Steven.’ And now…what…he can just turn around and do whatever the fuck he wants?”

Eddie sighs and turns to face him. “Steve, you’re drunk-”

“Yeah! I am! I walked in here tonight and saw him showing off his new…whatever you are, and I was pissed! And it’s an open bar, dude!”

“Maybe you should get some water-”

“You know he threatened to cut me off if I ever brought a guy to an event like this? Yeah. Told me it would ‘tarnish the Harrington name’ or some shit.”

Eddie steps forward and clasps his shoulders. “Steve. Whatever this is, it’s between you and your father. It has nothing to do with me. Now I’m going to head out that door, and you’re going to get your shit together. Have a good night.”

With that Eddie turns and exits the restroom. Steve thankfully doesn’t follow.

On their ride back to the St. Regis, Richard sits close and rests his hand on Eddie’s knee. “You were spectacular tonight. I’m very glad Ms. Wheeler recommended you.”

“So am I. Without you, I wouldn’t have met the love of my life.”

His date raises a questioning eyebrow. “Pardon?”

“80’s. Blue hair. Pearl earrings. I believe her name was Doris?”

Richard lets out possibly the first genuine laugh Eddie’s heard from him all evening. “Of course, how could I forget! You certainly charmed your way into her good graces. I must say, I’m impressed. You were worth every penny.” His hand slowly drifts away from Eddie’s knee and down his thigh. “I can’t help but wonder what other services you provide.”

Eddie allows the roaming touch as he looks at the man next to him. It was a good night, aside from the momentary drama with the guy’s son. “My time isn’t free, Richard.”

“I didn’t assume it was.” The car rolls to a stop outside the hotel and the driver gets out to open their door. “Would you care to come up and we can discuss this further?”

Eddie smooths his hand over Richard’s thigh, giving it a light squeeze. “Lead the way.”

Chapter Text

It’s been a few weeks since the charity gala, and Eddie is standing outside of another expensive suite. He gladly accepted the date when Nancy sent over the request with “Harrington” on the client info file. He didn’t even bother opening it, he had a great time with Richard and didn’t need to know any other information than where to be and when. 

They’re going to a gallery in the Gold Coast, one of the places his artsy client has taken him to before. Not black tie, but definitely a place where you want to show up looking sharp, yet not like you’re trying too hard. He’s wearing Armani tonight. No tie. White shirt with the top two buttons left open. Dark blue jacket and matching slacks. And his favorite brown Louboutins. 

It’s a short moment after knocking on the door before it opens and he’s face to face with Harrington. Just…not the one he was expecting to see.

“Steve. What are you doing here?”

“Um…I hired you? Through the agency? Did Nancy not tell you?”

Eddie is fucking kicking himself for not opening that goddamn file. “I’m so sorry, this is really unprofessional of me. I um…thought it was Richard who booked me again.”

Steve looks a little dejected and Eddie feels like a total asshole. “Oh. Yeah, I guess you probably wouldn’t have accepted the offer if you knew it was me.”

“No! Steve, I just saw Harrington on the file and made the assumption. That is entirely my mistake. You hired me to do a job, and I’m happy to do it.”

Steve relaxes hearing that and invites Eddie in for a drink. They take a seat on the couch, Steve hands him a glass of bourbon with a side of flashbacks, and they clink glasses. Once again, it’s a good fucking bourbon. 

“So. This is the part where I usually ask a client more about something I read in their file. Since I obviously failed to do that, why don’t tell me something about yourself.”

“Are you always this formal?”

“I’m professional. There’s a difference.”

Steve takes another sip of his bourbon and licks his lips. They’re nice lips. “Something about me…well, for starters, I feel like a grade A dickhead for how I spoke to you at the gala. That’s…honestly why I tracked down the service my dad used. I wanted to apologize.”

“Steve, you don’t have anything to apologize for.”

“I do, though. I was drunk, and upset, and I was out of line. My issues with my dad…they aren’t your problem. It wasn’t fair of me to dump all my shit on you like that.”

Eddie sips his bourbon and gives Steve an easy smile. “No harm done. And like I said, no apologies needed. Though I do appreciate the effort you went through. Now I’m just wondering whether or not I should be offended that you only hired me to say you’re sorry and not for my stellar company.”

He was going for humor, but Steve actually blushes. “Well…I’d be a liar if I said that was the only reason.”

“Is that so?"

“You seemed…cool. Charming. And uh…Jesus Christ, I feel like a fucking flustered teenager. You’re hot, ok?! You’re really fucking attractive and I thought it might be fun to go out with you.”

Eddie chuckles and leans in a little more towards Steve. “Well I’m flattered, darling. You’re not so bad yourself. Now tell me. What’s this gallery thing we’re going to?”

Steve tells him all about his best friend Robin, who to Eddie’s surprise, actually runs the gallery. She’s doing a feature tonight highlighting lesbian artists in the Chicago area, and she’s been working on it for months. It sounds like a big fucking deal to her, and the way Steve talks about it and how proud he clearly is…well damn if it doesn’t warm Eddie’s heart.

They take a private car over to the gallery, and before they’re about to walk in, Steve stops him.

“Shit, I should have asked this earlier. Do you go by ‘Edward,’ or…”

“Usually for older clients. But honestly, I prefer just Eddie. And thank you for asking. Not many people actually do.”

Steve smiles and extends his elbow. “Well. Right this way, Eddie.”

He takes the offered arm, trying desperately not to compare it to the guy’s father, and they head inside. Steve points out his best friend immediately, beaming with pride as he watches her from across the room schmoozing with the many guests in attendance. Eddie’s definitely seen her here before, and loved watching how her manic kind of energy was such a contradiction to all the buttoned up elitists trying so hard to look aloof.

They grab some glasses of white wine and slowly make their way through the gallery, stopping to look at every piece on display. It’s all very formal and stiff until they get to a sculpture of a vulva made entirely out of carabiners and Eddie lets out an involuntary snort.

“What was that?!”

“Sorry,” he tells Steve. “But this might be the gayest thing I’ve ever seen.”

Steve stifles a laugh, covering it up by sipping his wine, and nods. “Yeah, I think you may be right.”

The mood lightens after that and they make their way through the gallery cracking jokes and genuinely having a good time. Steve is sweet. Gentlemanly. Easy to get along with. Eddie finds that he doesn’t have to try as hard or perform as much as he does with most of his other clients.

When they get to a painting of two women spooning in bed, holding each other close with content expressions on their faces, Steve makes a soft sound and whispers, “That’s so romantic.”

Eddie finds himself actually getting kind of smitten with this man.

They finish their loop around the gallery and Steve offers to get them another glass of wine. Eddie watches him walk away, looking really fucking good in his clearly tailored suit and maybe taking a moment to admire his ass. He tucks his hands in his pockets and slowly meanders around until he’s approached by Steve’s friend.

“I’m sorry so it took me so long to come over and say hi! I’m Robin, Steve’s platonic soulmate. You’re Edward, right?”

He chuckles and shakes her hand. “Just Eddie is good. I think I’ve actually seen you around here before.”

“I thought you looked familiar! You’ve been here with that lanky silver fox, right? Is he one of your clients?”

Eddie is temporarily stunned. This woman has managed to totally throw him off his game In a matter of seconds.

“Oh, it’s ok! Steve told me all about you, or what he knows anyway, and it’s totally fine! No judgement here. I’m honestly just glad to see him smile like that again.”

“Uh…thanks? Wait, what do you mean by that?”

She glances across the room where Steve is excitedly talking to a petite woman with strawberry blonde hair and looks back at Eddie. “Look, I don’t know if I should even be mentioning this, but he’s had a rough couple of months. He was in a relationship with this guy, and they had to keep it on the DL because of his dad, which by the way, the internalized homophobia with that man should be studied. Anyway, Steve really liked him and was hoping it would go somewhere serious, but the guy pulled the rug out from under him and told him if he couldn’t nut up and be out in front of his dad, it was over.”

“That’s fucked.”

“Totally fucked. And Steve’s been under that dickhead’s thumb his entire life, and felt like he couldn’t do anything. So. The guy left. And he’s been devastated since then. Now his dad is like, single and out and taking men to charity galas like it’s nothing? Steve had to be closeted around all those same rich douchebags forever, and seeing his dad just…flaunting his new arm candy - no offense-“

“None taken.”

“Cool. Well…it kind of broke him all over again. So, back to my point, I haven’t seen him smile like this in a really long time. Whatever you’re doing, keep doing it.”

Eddie doesn’t even have a chance to respond, much less process everything Robin told him, before Steve has returned with a fresh glass and the little blonde. Robin’s girlfriend Chrissy, apparently. She’s cute as a fucking button. They make pleasant small talk until their glasses are empty again, and bid the ladies farewell. Steve leads them back outside and into the private car, where Eddie assumes the night will be ending. 

“It’s still kind of early…would you want to grab another drink or something?”

Steve looks so fucking sweet as he asks, with his goddamn puppy eyes. The more time Eddie spends with him, the more he thinks that this guy might just be a golden retriever in human form. “Sure, why not.”

He asks the driver to take them to Broadway and Lawrence and Eddie spends the entire ride trying to think of why that intersection sounds so familiar. They pull up to a bar with bright signage and he smiles. It’s been years since he’s been to Green Mill Lounge. All these wealthy men who take him out always bring him to the swankiest places the city has to offer, and he wrongly assumed Steve would be doing the same.

“Is this place ok? I know it’s not like…super fancy or anything, but it’s fun.”

Eddie places his hand on top of Steve’s and gives it a squeeze. “Steve, it’s great. Honestly, this place is much more my speed. Can we uh…ditch the jackets though? We might be a little overdressed.”

Steve gives him that smile that Robin must have been talking about and shucks his suitcoat. Eddie removes his too, and they leave them draped on the seat as they climb out of the car and head inside. It’s dimly lit, just like he remembers, with candles on all the tables and a small jazz band playing at the back of the room. It’s busy, but they’re able to grab a couple open seats at the bar and order some cheap beers. It’s a welcomed change from champagne, and Eddie moans as he takes his first sip of PBR.

“Fuck, this tastes like home.”

Steve grins and turns in his seat toward Eddie, giving him his full attention. “Yeah? Where’s home?”

Eddie turns and faces him as well. “Indiana. Just this small little town nobody’s ever heard of. I lived there with my uncle and we used to throw these back while working on his truck.”

“So how did you go from trucks in Indiana to escorting in Chicago? Sorry! If you don’t mind my asking.”

He takes another sip of his beer and shakes his head. “I don’t mind at all. I’m not ashamed of my job. Definitely wasn’t something I could do back in Hawkins, that’s for goddamn sure. I tended bar out there at a shitty club my band used to play at-”

“You’re in a band?!”

“Was. Was in a band. We all mostly went our separate ways except our drummer, Gareth. My best friend. He came out here with me a while back. Hawkins wasn’t exactly an accepting place. Small town in a conservative state and all. I got out as soon as I had the money to move and we settled here. I was a bartender for a few years before Nancy found me. She came in one night and offered me the job, made it sound pretty fucking good. I figured I’d just try it once and see how weird it was, if I would even be good at it. I ended up having a lot of fun and it just kind of took off from there. Haven’t had to stand behind a bar in about a year.”

Steve has been hanging on his every word and the attention is pretty fucking nice. “That’s so cool. And you like it? The job?”

“I do, yeah. It’s not always great, but I’ve been able to go to a lot of cool events, dine at restaurants I never would have been able to afford before. My wardrobe has greatly improved,” he laughs.

Steve gives him a quick look up and down. “I noticed the Armani label. Nice. And the Louboutins? You look good.”

Eddie smirks at him. “Why thank you, Stevie. And might I say, you wear the hell out of a suit.”

The lighting is low, but Eddie can still see his cheeks flush a bit. He’s adorable. “Thanks…it’s uh…really cool that you were able to just get out and do your own thing. Live your life the way you wanted to.”

It feels weighted, and Eddie is overcome with the urge to just wrap Steve up and tell him everything is going to be ok. He just wants to see this man smile again. A real smile. The one Robin told him about. “So tell me. What do you do to pay the bills? Longshoreman? Elevator mechanic? Professional bridesmaid?”

There it is. Steve’s smile lights up his face as he throws his head back laughing. “Those cannot be real jobs! At least not the bridesmaid thing!”

“Oh, it is! You can Google it!”

“Yeah, I’ll get right on that. No, I uh…I actually work for my dad. It sucks. I hate it. He’s always had this vision of a family dynasty, but I have zero fucking interest. I guess I’m just putting up with it until I can find something I’d actually like doing.”

Eddie slaps the bar top and leans forward. “Ok. We’re gonna play a game. Being in this place,” he says waving his hand around, “has me inspired. You know they filmed a scene of-”

“High Fidelity!”

“Yes! John fucking Cusack, oh my god. He’s the reason why I ever sought out this bar in the first place.”

Steve nods excitedly after taking another gulp of cheap beer. “Oh yeah, me too. I’ve had a crush on him since I saw-”

“Say Anything?!”

“Yes!”

“Lloyd Dobler, fucking hell. He’s the fantasy, am I right?” Eddie sighs.

“Absolutely. What I wouldn’t give to have him holding up a boombox outside of my bedroom window.”

Eddie chuckles and nods his agreement. “Period. So anyway. The game. Top five dream jobs. I’ll tell you mine, you tell me yours.”

“Deal.”

He’s got Steve grinning from ear to ear now and his chest feels oddly full at the sight. “Ok. In no particular order. Rock star.”

“Obviously.”

“Right?! Ok um…I have to take a page out of High Fidelity’s book, it would be sick as hell to own a record store. Then, let’s see…writer. Like, coming up with the next great American novel, but maybe spooky and probably pretty gay.”

“I love that for you.”

“Thank you, Stevie. Alright two left…Ooh! Hosting a travel show where I can go around the world and just eat a fuck ton of good food for free.”

“Oh shit, that’s a good one.”

“Fuck yeah it is.” Eddie scratches his chin and ponders his last dream job option. “Got it. Last one. Archaeologist. Live the childhood fantasy and just dig in the dirt all day trying to find bones and shit.”

Steve sighs with a wistful look on his face. “Shit. Yeah that would be so fun. Ok…my turn.” He takes another sip of beer and straightens up in his seat. “Pitcher for the Chicago Cubs.”

“Booooooo.”

“What?! Sorry, I was really into sports when I was younger and my dad always pushed me towards basketball, but I had so much more fun playing baseball.”

“Ok,” Eddie nods. “I’ll let that one slide. Get it? Slide? They do that in baseball right?”

Steve makes a very undignified snort and Eddie loves it so goddamn much. “Yeah, they do that in baseball. Alright, next job…baker. It would be really fun to own a bakery. I used to make all kinds of pies and cookies and shit with my Nona and it’s some of the best memories I have.”

“Oh, that’s sweet.”

“Thank you. Wait, that wasn’t also a bad joke, was it? Sweet? Bakery?”

It’s Eddie’s turn to snort and he buries his face in his hands. “Oh my god, that was terrible. I wish I did think of that.”

“Good thing one of your jobs wasn’t stand up comedian. You’d suck.”

Eddie throws his head back and laughs. “You are such a little shit! And you owe me three more jobs, so let’s go!”

“Ok, ok! Third dream job…Actor. But not like, a Brad Pitt or something. Smaller shit. Independent movies, maybe a cool tv show or something.”

“Oh, yeah, I could totally see that for you.”

Steve blushes a bit and takes another drink. “Job number four…let’s see…Oh, park ranger! I always wanted to travel around and see all the national parks. It would be so cool to be able to just wander around those spaces every day, see redwoods and mountains and geysers. Keep them all safe so future generations can appreciate them too.”

“Fuck, Steve, that’s actually really beautiful. I love that.”

“Thank you. Ok…last one. You know it’s actually kind of tough to narrow it down, but something with kids. Social worker or teacher or something. I just really love working with kids.”

Eddie’s heart is about to melt out of his chest. “Do you work with kids often at the investment company?!”

Steve laughs and shakes his head. “Oh god no! No, I uh…I volunteer, actually. With the Big Brother program. I’ve been doing it for a few years now and I guess it just kind of scratched an itch I had growing up as an only child.”

Yeah, there goes Eddie’s heart. It’s in a puddle on the floor. “That’s really cool. Has it been the same kid this whole time, or does it like…rotate? I have no idea how that all works.”

“I had a few different kids my first year doing it, but then I got paired up with Dustin. He kind of sunk his hooks in and hasn’t wanted to let me go,” Steve laughs. 

Eddie gets it. “So what do you guys do together?”

“Oh, god, all kinds of shit. He loves arcades. We go to movies all the time and he always manages to sucker me into getting way too much shit at the concession stand. He’s so fucking smart, loves going to the Museum of Science and Industry and Shedd Aquarium. I’ve taken him to the Field Museum too, but it’s always weird seeing my family’s name on plaques and shit there. Dad always makes a big fucking deal out of the money the company throws around, but he doesn’t actually do anything you know?”

The difference is actually staggering. Sure, Richard writes the checks and happily accepts the awards for his philanthropy, but here Steve is…actually taking time out of his days to hang out with a kid who needs someone to just be with him. There’s no contest of who the better person is. “Yeah…yeah I know. So tell me more about Dustin. What’s he into? I have zero frame of reference for what kids are about these days.”

“He’s a total nerd. And I mean that in the best way! The kid is endlessly entertaining even if he sometimes talks to me like I’m a total idiot. Which…fair. Him and his friends are all into this tabletop game with like…wizards and monsters and shit.”

Eddie leans in close. “Steve. Don’t fuck with me. Are you telling me these children are playing Dungeons and Dragons?”

He snaps his fingers and points at Eddie. “Yes! That’s it! It’s all they want to talk about! Wait…how do you know about it?”

“You’re looking at the finest dungeon master Hawkins, Indiana has ever seen.”

Steve just stares at him blankly. “Is that like…a sex thing?”

Eddie nearly falls off his chair laughing. “Oh my god! No, Jesus Christ, Steve! It’s the person who runs the games, comes up with the story, the evil bad guy everyone has to fight.”

“OH! Sorry, oh my god, I feel like such an idiot.”

“No, no! You’re good! That was fucking hilarious though, goddamnit!”

Steve looks like he has a lightbulb moment and it’s cute as shit. “Oh! The DM! Dustin keeps telling me about how his friend Will is the DM for their games and I literally had no idea what that meant. I never asked because I didn’t want to be ridiculed by a 12 year old.”

“Fair,” Eddie tells him. “Kids that age are ruthless. Fuck, that is so cool, though. That game was my entire life through middle and high school. Good to know there are still kids who play. I figured with the rise of the iPad, all they’d want to do is sit in front of screens all day.”

“Yeah, definitely not these kids. They take every chance they can get to pretend to be elves and goblins or whatever the fuck.”

Steve’s cluelessness about the game shouldn’t be as endearing as it is. And with any tension long gone, they fall into an easy flow of conversation until the lights in the bar turn on and everyone is kicked out.

Climbing back into the car, they keep bantering back and forth, and Eddie finds that it’s just…so fucking easy to talk with this beautiful man. He doesn’t even realize until they’re back in the suite, too busy arguing over their favorite celebrity crushes, that Steve never even asked him to come up. They just went there on autopilot and settled on the couch right next to each other.

“Conan O’Brien? Seriously?” Eddie asks.

“What?! Humor is an attractive quality,” Steve argues.

“Ok, fine. You got me there.” Eddie can’t stop smiling. He hasn’t had this much fun with someone in a long time. 

Steve looks over his face with a sweet little smile. “I haven’t laughed this much in months. You’re pretty amazing, you know that?”

“So are you, sweetheart.”

There’s a very loaded pause, and then Steve is leaning in. Eddie meets him halfway and god his lips are so soft. His eyes slip closed and he loses himself in the kiss. The warmth of Steve’s mouth. The little click sound every time they part before coming back together. The hum that comes out of him when Eddie takes his bottom lip between his own and teases it with his teeth. How Steve opens his mouth to accept Eddie’s probing tongue, moving slowly and lapping up the lingering taste of the beers they shared. 

Steve’s hand comes up to cup Eddie’s jaw and he moans into the kiss. And Eddie freezes.

This isn’t a date. Not a real date anyway. 

“Eddie?”

He opens his eyes and puts a bit of space between them. “Steve, I um…I’d really like to keep doing this, but if it’s going to go any further…it’ll cost extra.”

Eddie feels like a piece of shit for having to let reality crash in like the fucking Kool Aid man through the wall. And watching Steve’s expression twist into something akin to hurt only makes it worse.

“Right. I’m so sorry. I uh…kind of forgot what this whole thing was.”

“Honestly…so did I,” Eddie admits. “Look, Steve, I had a really great time with you. Genuinely. I think I actually…might really like you. As stupid as that may sound coming from an escort.”

Steve doesn’t laugh. Doesn’t even crack a smile. “I think I actually like you too.”

Fuck. No way in hell could Eddie have ever seen his night going this way. He figures he should probably try to keep this professional. Feelings are messy. Feelings are something he shouldn’t be having for a client. “I should head out.”

Steve just nods and gets up off the couch after Eddie, following him to the door. “Thanks for coming out with me tonight. I had a really great time.”

Eddie gives him a small smile as he opens the door. “So did I. Goodnight, Steve.”

“Night, Eddie.”

He steps out and hears the door click shut behind him. And stops. Counts to ten. Turns back, and knocks.

Eddie is face to face with Steve again and his heart is racing. “Hey. So, I was really busy at work tonight and just got off my shift. Would you want to hang out?”

The smile that blooms on Steve’s face is everything he could have asked for.

He reaches out, grabs Eddie by the collar of his shirt, and pulls him inside.

Chapter Text

Steve’s lips are a fucking gift. He kisses Eddie like he’s starving for it. His hands are in Eddie’s hair, fingers digging in and holding on tight. Eddie grips his waist as they stumble their way back through the suite. They manage to make it back to the couch again without tripping over any furniture and collapse into the cushions in a heap of limbs. Eddie slots his thigh between Steve’s legs, giving him something to grind down on. The groan he swallows down makes his cock fucking throb. It’s all so goddamn good, and he doesn’t want to stop, but can’t shake the nagging feeling in the back of his mind that he should probably clear up some shit before this gets any hotter.

“Steve, wait, wait…” He stops Steve’s advances, placing a few fingers on his lips. “We need to slow this down for a minute.”

Steve’s pupils are blown and his cheeks are flushed. He blinks a few times and nods, and they both straighten up on the couch. “Are you…are you ok?”

“I’m great. Fantastic, actually. But before this goes any further, we should probably talk.”

He nods and clears his throat. “Yeah. Ok. What did you want to talk about?”

“I like you. Which we’ve already established. But um…I’d really like to take you on a date. For real. It’s just…considering my job…is that something you’d even want to do?” The few actual dates Eddie had over the last year didn’t exactly go well once the guys found out about his profession. He wouldn’t blame Steve one bit for not wanting to do this.

The corner of Steve’s mouth ticks up and he relaxes a bit. “Yeah, I would. I already told you, I like you too.”

“And that’s amazing. But, Steve…I’m an escort. If we were to actually go out, if this really turned into something…you know I’d still be doing that, right?”

Steve takes Eddie’s hand in his and gives it a kiss. Which…fucking swoon-worthy. “Yeah. I do. And I really don’t think it would bother me. You like your job. That doesn’t mean you are your job.”

How. The fuck. Can this guy be so understanding. Sure, ok, he can be fine with Eddie going on paid dates with other men but…there’s the other under-the-table part of his job. That he did. With Steve’s dad.

“Sweetheart. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate that. But you know that a part of my job is sex work. Right?”

“I mean. I kind of figured it might be. So it’s not like it’s a surprise.”

Seriously. Who is this man? “And you…you’re ok with that?”

Steve thinks about it for a moment and nods. “Yeah. I think so. If you’re being safe…if it doesn’t really mean anything…then I think I could be ok with it.”

Eddie kisses him. He can’t not. “How are you real? Am I dreaming or something?”

“Nope. You’re wide awake. And I really want to keep kissing you.” He leans in and gets his lips back on Eddie’s. Fuck, they feel so good. Eddie’s about to get lost in it again when he regretfully has to stop it.

“Ok, sorry, I’m so sorry…it's probably best if I just come clean about this, so it doesn’t come out later, and you have your chance now to kick me the fuck out and never speak to me again.”

“Eddie, what are you talking about?”

He hesitates just for a moment. There’s really no easy way to say it. “I slept with Richard.” Ok, now that the words left his mouth, he thinks that is maybe the easier way to say it rather than I slept with your dad. It doesn’t sound as fucked up. Either way, he braces himself for rejection, or maybe even a punch to the jaw.

Steve just stares. Blinks. Processes. He’s quiet for so long that Eddie’s actually worried he might be having like a silent aneurysm or something. Is that a thing?

“Oh. Ok.”

That’s it? That can’t be it. “Ok? Just…ok?”

“I think I might need a little moment here.” Eddie’s happy to give him all the time he needs. It apparently isn't long. “Yeah. Ok. Thanks for telling me.”

“Steve. You’re seriously alright with this?”

“I mean…it’s a lot to process. But I don’t really care. If he had to pay for someone to sleep with him, that’s his business. And like I said, I’m fine with your job, Eddie. Sex work is work. As long as you’re safe, that’s all I’d really care about.”

He has to be dreaming. There’s no way this man is real. “How…I… really ?!”

Steve huffs a little laugh and strokes Eddie’s cheek. “Yes, really. I’d only have one request.”

Eddie would literally give this man anything he asked for. He probably shouldn’t say that though. Might be a bit much for a first date. Sort of. “Let me hear it, sweetheart.”

“Can you maybe just not go out with my dad again?”

His instinct is to laugh, but Eddie swallows it down. This is serious shit. “Of course. I wouldn’t fucking dream of doing that again.”

Steve smiles. The good kind that Eddie’s loved seeing all night. “Then I guess we’re good. Can I keep kissing you now?”

Eddie cups the back of his neck and brings him. It’s less heated than before, but the soft touch of their lips and slower pace are enough to make his toes curl. It just means more now. Steve sees him. And still wants him. 

It’s not long before Eddie’s licking into his mouth, pulling more beautiful sounds out this man. Steve presses his hands to Eddie’s chest, guiding him to sit back against the cushions and moving to straddle his lap. Eddie runs his hands up and down Steve’s thighs while they chase each other’s tongues and bite at each other’s lips. Steve starts to rock his hips, grinding his hard cock right up against Eddie’s. They both moan at the contact and Eddie moves his hands up, getting a hold of that fat ass and pulling him in closer. 

Steve breaks their kiss with a gasp. “ Fuck. Oh my god.”

“You need to slow down, sweetheart?”

“Jesus, no. If I could get you inside me right this second, I’d do it.”

Fucking hell, Eddie might just pass out from all the blood draining out of his brain and right to his dick. “Yeah, honey? You want me to fuck you?”

Steve pinches his eyes shut and nods, rocking his hips in a slow rhythm. “Please tell me you have condoms. I didn’t uh…think we’d end up here.”

Eddie’s a professional. He doesn’t ever leave for his dates without making sure he’s got a variety of condoms and sachets of lube tucked away in his jacket pocket. “I’ve got everything we need, Stevie. Can we move to the bed, though? I want to see you spread out on those sheets for me.

There’s a shudder that rolls through Steve’s body before sliding off Eddie’s lap and pulling him to his feet. Steve guides him across the suite and into the bedroom, never letting go of his hand. Eddie pulls him close, wraps an arm around his waist and kisses him again, sucking Steve’s bottom lip into his mouth and dragging it through his teeth as he pulls away. 

“You’re so gorgeous, Steve. Wanna see how pretty the rest of you is.” He runs his hands up Steve’s stomach and chest, sliding them under the material of his tailored jacket and gently pushing it off his shoulders. He catches it before it falls to the ground, and carefully lays it down on a nearby chair. 

Steve stays obediently still as Eddie slowly untucks his shirt and pops one button at a time from top to bottom. He pulls the material apart, exposing Steve’s golden skin, dotted with beautiful marks and his chest covered in thick hair. He’s toned, and somehow both soft and solid. Eddie wants to get his hands and lips and tongue all over him. He pushes Steve’s shirt off, biting his lip at the sight of those biceps, and sets it aside with the jacket. Placing his hands on Steve’s hips, Eddie walks him backwards to the foot of the bed. “Sit.”

Steve lowers himself to the mattress without protest and doesn’t take his eyes off of Eddie as he kneels and removes his shoes and socks. While on the floor, he unbuckles Steve’s belt, making sure to avoid touching the tent in his slacks, and then works open the button and zipper. Grabbing the waistband is all the signal Steve needs to lift his hips, allowing Eddie to slide the material down and off. He rises and neatly lays them down on top of Steve’s other clothes, taking as much care as he can with the expensive clothing so he doesn’t just rip it all off with his teeth.

Eddie approaches Steve, tips his chin up with a finger, and leans down placing a soft kiss on his lips. “Don’t move. I’ll be right back.”

He goes to the attached bathroom, grabs a hand towel, and joins Steve back in the bedroom. Steve looks at him curiously as he sets it down on the bed and then reaches into the pocket inside his jacket and pulls out his supplies. Trojans, flavored condoms, packets of lube. He’s always prepared.

Steve picks up a flavored condom and looks a bit puzzled. “What do you need these for?”

Eddie shucks his jacket and adds it to the pile. “Oral.”

“Oh.”

“You said you wanted to make sure I’m being safe, right?” Steve nods up at him. “Well, I take my health and safety very seriously. I don’t do anything without protection.”

“No, right, that makes sense.”

Eddie cups his cheek and pulls his attention away from the condom in his hands. “Steve, it’s ok if you don’t want to do this.”

”I do. I’m just nervous I think?”

“Why would you be nervous, sweetheart?”

He turns his head to kiss Eddie’s palm, and probably to avoid eye contact. “I’m just realizing you’re probably a lot more experienced than me. I’m…kind of afraid I won’t be good enough for you.”

His confession takes Eddie completely by surprise. Yeah, sure, he’s had a lot of sex. It’s part of his job. He moves with a well practiced confidence that comes from doing what he needs to make sure his clients are satisfied. But Steve isn't a client. This isn’t business. This is real. Eddie’s actually excited for this. And he wants Steve to enjoy it as much as he knows he’s going to.

He takes Steve’s face in both hands, bringing his gaze back up, and leans down to kiss him softly. “I need you to listen closely when I say this. I want you. More than I’ve wanted anyone in a long time. Experience doesn’t matter to me, ok? I don’t have any expectations here. You want to just lay back and be a little pillow princess for me? Baby, I wouldn’t mind that one bit. I promise you, I will not be disappointed.”

Steve’s lashes flutter and he lets out a heavy sigh. “I think I would like that, actually.”

“Thank you for telling me, sweetheart. I’m more than happy to take care of you.” 

Eddie kisses him again before he straightens up and takes a step back. He toes off his shoes and untucks his shirt, and makes a long show of slowly unbuttoning it, drinking in Steve’s heated gaze as he watches. When the last button is freed, he slips his shirt off one shoulder, then the next, and silently thanks Billy for all the workout tips he was given. Eddie’s in the best shape of his life, his arms are defined, his chest filled out, he’s got fucking abs for Christ sake. All the muscle he’s worked on over the last year makes his tattoos look even better now, the ink trailing down his arms and across his smooth chest. It’s all entirely worth it for the way Steve is looking at him right now.

“Holy shit. Eddie…you’re fucking beautiful.”

He smirks and sets his shirt aside. “You’re one to talk. Sitting there like a fucking Adonis.”

Steve’s cheeks flush just the tiniest bit at the praise. “Take your damn pants off and get over here.”

Ah. There’s the confidence Eddie was hoping for. He chuckles and pulls off his belt, unbuttons his pants and slowly slides the zipper down. He lets them fall to the floor revealing his black Versace boxer briefs, the material nearly stretching to its limits with how hard he is. Bending down, he steps out of his pants, removes his socks, and adds everything to the pile of clothing that’s got to collectively be worth more than three months rent.

He steps between Steve’s spread legs, runs a hand through his thick hair, and kisses the corner of his mouth. “Lay back, honey. Get comfortable.”

Steve scoots back on the bed and lays himself down the pillows, shimmying until he feels settled. Eddie climbs onto the mattress, crawling over to him like a lion hunting its prey. He’s on all fours, hovering over Steve, his hair cascading around his face like a curtain as he leans in and gets a taste of those gorgeous lips again. He feels Steve’s hands lightly touch his waist, and moans as the man opens his mouth, letting Eddie’s tongue dip inside. 

He lowers himself to his elbows, their chests just barely grazing, while he cradles Steve’s face with his hand. Eddie dives back in over and over, drinking in the taste of Steve and smiling into the kiss when he feels those hands gain a little more confidence. They slowly move up Eddie’s sides, onto his pecks, his shoulders, around his neck, and bury themselves in his hair. Steve pulls him closer and starts to give as good as he’s getting, chasing Eddie’s tongue, nipping at his bottom lip, licking further and further into his mouth.

God, it’s so fucking good.

Eddie could do just this all night and be happy. But he’s got plans for this man. With his clients, more often than not, Eddie is the one bottoming. So for Steve to want to take that position tonight? To have the chance to bury himself in that gorgeous ass? Eddie’s going out of his fucking mind with anticipation.

He forces himself to break away from Steve’s lips, and starts kissing his way down. He takes his time sucking at the moles on his neck, dragging his teeth across his bronze skin, breathing in the scent of expensive cologne. He tastes sweet and a little bit salty, and Eddie could mouth at his body for hours if Steve let him. And good god, the sounds coming out of him. Little hisses and whimpers and sighs. They’re going right to Eddie’s dick. He’s painfully fucking hard at this point, but no way in hell is going to rush this.

Eddie’s exploration continues, moving down to the dip below his Adam’s apple, biting at his clavicle, kissing over the hair on his chest. Steve’s nipples are hard, and Eddie thumbs over one while taking the other into his mouth. He sucks and bites at it until it’s dark pink. Steve is panting and letting out these high pitched ah sounds while Eddie switches sides and gives the other one equal treatment.

Steve’s hands have been in his hair this whole time and they finally let go as Eddie works his way lower. When he shifts to kiss down Steve’s sides, the man jolts and grips the sheets, letting out a startled sound.

“You ok, Stevie?”

“Yeah,” he gasps. “Tickles.”

Eddie grins and lightly bites at where his lips last were, earning a yelp and Steve’s hips lifting off the bed. “Oh, honey, I love watching you squirm.”

He trails his lips to Steve’s stomach, kissing all the beautiful marks he finds there. It’s like a map of the stars, or paint artfully dotted on a canvas. Eddie wants to hunt down and catalog every single one. His favorite so far, he thinks, is the one just a couple inches below his navel. He pays it special attention while his fingers drag across the bold Dolce and Gabbana on the waistband of Steve’s briefs.

“Can I take these off, sweetheart?”

Steve’s response is a breathy, “Yes, please.”

Fuck.

Eddie sits up from where he’s been bracketing Steve’s closed legs and slowly starts dragging the material down. Steve’s well groomed, his pubic hair trimmed to a short length. As more of him is gradually revealed, Eddie finds that there’s nothing else short about him. Steve’s thick cock springs out of his briefs and slaps against his stomach. Big and fucking beautiful. Eddie’s never really had much of an opinion about balls before, but Steve’s…he wants them in his fucking mouth . 

He scoots back on the bed and pulls Steve’s briefs all the way off, allowing him to open his legs a little and get more comfortable. Looking at him now, completely naked, spread out on the sheets, breathing heavily and hard as nails…God he’s…he’s so fucking…”Gorgeous.”

Eddie grabs a packet of lube and moves forward, pushing Steve’s thighs further apart. He reaches up and grabs a pillow, and pats Steve’s hip. “Up for me, darling.”

Steve, sweet obedient Steve, lifts himself up and Eddie slides the pillow underneath to prop him up a bit. 

“Is that ok?”

He nods and runs his hands through his hair. “Yeah. Yeah, it’s good.”

Eddie kisses his bent knee and works his lips and teeth down Steve’s thigh as he tears open the packet and squeezes some lube onto his palm. He holds it there for a moment while he sucks a bruise into Steve’s skin to give it a chance to warm up. He works it around with his fingers and straightens up, settling himself on his knees comfortably with Steve spread open in front of him. What a fucking view.

Ignoring his dripping cock completely, Eddie takes his slick hand and cups Steve’s balls, smoothing the lube from his taint, all the way up his sack. Steve gasps in surprise and braces his hands on the backs of his thighs, opening himself up even more. Eddie takes his time, gently massaging the delicate flesh, giving small squeezes and tugs as he works his hand back and forth. Steve’s head is thrown back in the pillow and his mouth hangs open as he pants and moans and begins to beg.

“Eddie…oh my god. That feels so good. Please…please, I need more. Need you to touch my cock, baby.”

That’s exactly what his goal was. Work him up slowly, get him squirming and pleading before giving him any hint of relief. 

His hand gives a slight tug as it glides down, a squeeze on the way back up, and doesn’t stop until it’s wrapped around Steve’s length and gliding up to the dripping head of his cock. He keeps it there, giving it a little pulsing squeeze as his thumb rubs slow circles over the tip, spreading lube and precum all around.

“ Ah! Fuck! What the fuck!”

Eddie grins and slides his fist back down, works his balls again, and strokes back up the length of Steve’s cock. He keeps up that slow rhythm until Steve is begging again.

“Eddie, please! Oh god! I need you…I need you to fuck me.”

The sound of his pleas make Eddie’s cock kick in his briefs. God, this is amazing. He gives Steve one more stroke, twisting is fist around the tip and sliding off. He adds more lube to his fingers, spreads it around, and glides them up and down the cleft of Steve’s ass, just barely grazing his hole. 

“Fuck, right there…right there.”

Eddie circles his rim, pressing lightly and teasing him with just the tip of his finger until Steve lets out a sound that’s not far off from a sob. Slowly, he eases it inside the tight clutch of Steve’s body, pulling out, and going in just a little deeper with each thrust. He’s so hot and tight. Eddie can’t fucking wait to get his dick inside this beautiful man. 

He slowly pumps his finger in and out until the begging starts again. God damn, he loves this.

“Baby, please! Another. Can I please have another one?”

Eddie has to bite back a groan. “Keep begging so pretty like that and I’ll give you anything you want.”

He eases two fingers in and brings his other hand up to keep working Steve’s balls. Slow and steady. That’s his plan until even he can’t take it anymore. Steve opens up beautifully for him, his breaths coming in the same rhythm of Eddie’s movements, like they’re perfectly synced with each other. 

Eddie doesn’t wait this time for Steve to reach his next limit. He eases a third finger in, while moving his other hand up from Steve’s balls to his flushed cock. Steve’s fingers dig hard into his own thighs where he’s holding on for dear life. Once his tight hole relaxes around Eddie’s fingers, he picks up his pace, just a little bit, stroking Steve faster and pumping his fingers in and out.

Steve…sounds so fucking beautiful. Moaning, whining, whimpering, panting, until…

“ Fuck! ”

…Eddie curls his fingers and presses his thumb on Steve’s taint. His balls are drawing up tight and his legs are starting to shake. He’s so close. 

“Eddie! Eddie! I’m-”

He stills his fingers, buried all the way in Steve’s ass and lets go of his dick.

“ Ah! No! Please, please, please! I was… fuck I was so close!”

Eddie takes way too much pleasure in Steve’s scrunched up face and pathetic little pout. “Not yet, sweetheart. I thought you wanted me to fuck you?”

Steve takes a moment to catch his breath and looks at Eddie with those pleading puppy dog eyes. “I do. Fuck, I really do. I can’t wait any longer, Eddie. Please?”

“Well…since you asked so nicely.” He slowly pulls his fingers out, admiring how Steve’s hole gapes for him now, and reaches over for the hand towel. When all the lube is wiped clean, he sets it down, kisses the back of Steve’s thigh and gets up on his knees. He’s just about to tuck his thumbs in the waistband of his underwear when Steve reaches out for him. 

“Can I?”

“Of course, honey.” He takes Steve’s hand and pulls him up to sitting, cups his cheek, and kisses him for the first time in what feels like hours. “ Go ahead, Stevie.”

Steve’s hands tremble just the tiniest bit as he begins to peel Eddie’s briefs down. His cock is finally freed and bobs in the air where it juts out from his body. Steve pulls the cloth down until it’s pooled around Eddie’s knees and leans back a bit to admire the newly exposed skin. His hand reaches up, fingers trailing lightly down Eddie’s abs to the smooth flesh below. He’s made waxing a part of his routine (thanks again, Billy) along with manicures and pedicures. 

“God, you’re so smooth. And fuck…your cock…” Eddie hisses when Steve gives it an experimental stroke. “So pretty.”

“Well, not quite as big as yours but I’m sure it’ll do,” Eddie replies. “Are you ready for me, baby?”

Steve nods and lays back down, taking a deep breath and pulling his thighs up and apart again. Eddie has to do a bit of an awkward shuffle to kick his briefs off, and grabs a condom. He tears it open with his teeth and rolls the latex down his aching shaft. Grabbing another packet of lube, he shuffles closer and gets right up to Steve’s spread cheeks. He opens the lube, squeezes some into his hand, and gives himself a few strokes. Once he’s nice and slick, he wipes off his hand and guides the tip of his cock to Steve’s hole. He rubs the head up and down his crack a few times and grins at Steve’s shaky inhale.

Eddie watches with rapt attention as he begins to press inside. Steve’s nicely stretched out, but still grips him so tightly as the head sinks in past the rim. Both of their mouths drop open with a groan as Eddie continues sliding in. When his hips meet the plush of Steve’s ass, Eddie has to take a moment to fucking breathe. He’s so tight. So perfect. He feels so fucking good. 

“Closer,” Steve whines. “Eddie…I need you closer.”

He’s a bit taken aback by that. Eddie’s so used to sex being all business. Usually his face is pressed into a mattress or he’s being bent over a piece of furniture. Sometimes the other way around. It’s so fucking rare now that he’s looking into the eyes of the person he’s with, further reminding him that this is so much more. 

Eddie doesn’t hesitate. He leans forward and braces his forearms on the bed, draping himself across Steve’s body. They’re so close. His eyes are sparkling. Eddie can feel his breath against his lips and the heat of his skin. God, he didn’t realize how much he needed this too. How he needed to be so close that they could feel each other’s hearts beating.

Steve wraps his legs around Eddie’s waist, glides his hands up his back, and holds tight to his shoulder blades. When tips his chin up, Eddie wastes no time getting their lips back together. He works a hand behind Steve’s neck and cradles it gently as he kisses him. As their mouths open and Eddie slides his tongue inside, Steve wiggles his hips. Eddie groans into his mouth and presses in further, absolutely devouring the man below him as he begins to slowly move.

It’s absolute bliss. Eddie doesn’t stop licking into Steve’s mouth as he drags his cock out and slides back in. He’s swallowing down every whimper and moan he works out of Steve’s throat. And they taste so good. 

His pace increases, finding that he’s quickly losing his composure and the need to absolutely pound Steve into the mattress starts to take over. They break their kiss with a groan as Eddie snaps his hips harder and faster. Steve throws his head back, exposing that long, bitable neck bulging with veins. Eddie latches his mouth there, kissing and licking and sucking as his own breath is punched out of him with every thrust. Steve cries out when he bites down where his neck and shoulder meet, and Eddie groans in response feeling blunt nails rake down his back. 

“Fuck, Stevie…feels so fucking good, baby.”

“Eddie,” he whines. “Oh my god!”

Without changing his pace, Eddie props himself up on his hands so he can get a better view of the man beneath him. Steve looks fucking incredible. Hair a mess and fanned out in every direction on the pillow, eyebrows scrunched together tightly, cheeks flushed, eyes half lidded and watery like he’s close to tears, mouth agape as he pants and makes the most beautiful fucking noises every time Eddie’s pelvis meets his ass. 

“God, I could fuck you all night, honey.”

Steve whimpers and pinches his eyes shut. “Eddie, I’m so fucking close.”

He rises back up on his knees and grabs the lube. He makes a mess of it on his hand again and he slows his hips just a little bit. Steve has this bratty little look on his face like what the fuck are you doing? That changes quickly when Eddie gets his hand back on the man’s balls. Steve groans and scrambles to find something to hold onto. One hand grips the sheets, and the other grabs at the pillow under his head. 

Eddie works his hand over Steve’s sack, drawn up much tighter now with his impending orgasm. He gets his thumb and forefinger wrapped underneath and squeezes, gliding them up and over the sensitive skin until he gets to Steve’s cock. It’s flushed a dark shade of pink now and Eddie wishes he could get it into his mouth while continuing to fuck him…wishes he could do it without any condoms in the way. God, he’d love to taste Steve’s cum instead of the artificial strawberry he’s gotten so used to.

Just the thought of taking a load in his mouth has him thrusting faster as he strokes Steve’s dick in time with the movement of his hips. Eddie can see on Steve’s face how close he is. He wanted to draw this out as long as possible, edge him over and over until he's crying. But Eddie’s not sure how much even he can take anymore.

He keeps stroking Steve’s cock, working it faster and harder while the man chokes on his own breath and squeezes the sheet and pillow so tight his knuckles are going white. Eddie brings his other hand to his balls and gets a perfect rhythm, squeezing, tugging, stroking, thrusting…

Steve is done for.

His head tips back as he screams, and his legs tremble as his orgasm hits him full force. Eddie gasps at the feeling of his dick being squeezed while streaks of cum paint Steve’s chest a pearly white. Steve is fighting to get a full breath as shakes through the aftershocks. 

“Ed…Eddie…fuck…ah ah ah…oh god…oh my god…”

Eddie keeps working his cock in and out, but gently slows his hands to a stop. He quickly wipes them off and drapes himself over Steve’s body, getting his lips back on that gorgeous neck. 

“Steve...holy shit. Can I keep going honey? I’m so fuckin’ close.”

Steve answers by getting his hands back into Eddie’s hair and wrapping his legs around his waist again. Eddie picks up his pace, fucking into Steve harder and faster. “Jesus fuck, you’re so tight. Taking my cock like you’re made for it. Holy shit.”

God, he’s so close. He feels it building up, he’s right fucking there. He just needs…

“Eddie,” Steve whispers in his ear. “Cum inside me. Fill me up. Please. ”

They both know he’s got a condom on, but the fantasy of it…of pumping his load into Steve’s ass, making him take every fucking drop, leaving a piece of himself inside…

“Steve! Fuck, I’m cumming!”

Eddie groans and buries his face in Steve’s neck as he grinds against his ass, pressing in as far as their bodies will allow and cumming so hard his ears ring. Each pulse of his cock punches a grunt out of him and feels like it’ll never end. Fuck, he wants to stay in this moment, in the man, forever.

Steve holds him as he trembles and regains control of his breathing. His whole fucking body is tingling, or maybe he’s just still shaking, it’s hard to tell. They lay like that for a while as they both come down, and the feeling of Steve’s hand rubbing his back and fingers carding through his hair is something he wishes he could have every fucking day. 

There are lips on his temple, his cheekbone, right next to his ear. “Are you ok?”

Eddie tries to swallow before speaking. Fuck, his mouth is so dry. “Yeah, baby. Why?”

“You were shaking for a while there. Just want to make sure you’re alright.”

God, he’s so sweet. Eddie lifts his head, it feels like a lead balloon, and blinks some fogginess out of his eyes. Steve looks gorgeous. Totally fucked out, features relaxed and satisfied, a small smile on his face. Eddie couldn’t stop himself from kissing him if he tried. It’s dry and their lips kind of stick, but it’s perfect. “You’re perfect.”

He didn’t mean to say that out loud, but he’s glad he did. The look Steve gives him is bashful and soft and so fucking cute. “You were amazing, Eddie. God,” he chuckles. “What the fuck did you do to me?! I didn’t even know I could cum that hard.”

Eddie huffs a laugh and kisses him again. “I aim to please, sweetheart.”

“Will you stay the night? Let me take you out for breakfast?”

They're covered in cum and lube and sweat. Eddie is still inside of him. They need to separate and shower and clean up the mess they made, but Steve is totally unbothered by it, already making plans to keep Eddie around longer. It makes something in his chest crack open. 

“Of course, Stevie. I’m all yours.”

Chapter Text

Eddie takes the drink offered to him and swirls the scotch in his glass before taking a sip. It’s smoky and burns a bit, but it’s good. Art Guy’s scotch is always good. They just went out to dinner tonight, one of the Michelin star places he likes, and headed straight to his loft after. Eddie steps over to the large windows overlooking the neighborhood and takes another sip. A hand slips around his waist and settles on his stomach, and lips press to the spot on his neck that usually makes him shiver but tonight…it makes something in his gut twist. 

He’s only been seeing Steve for a couple weeks, but it’s literally been every day. They’ll meet for lunch when Eddie has dates in the evening, and when he’s not working, they go out to dinner, or cuddle on Steve’s couch and talk or hours, or fuck until they’re ready to pass out. 

Eddie is completely obsessed with him.

Steve keeps insisting that he’s fine with Eddie’s job. He’s had no problem with him going on dates, even asks questions about what they’ll be doing and what the guys are like. And it’s with genuine interest, not a hint of jealousy. He’s said over and over that he’s ok with the other part of Eddie’s job. And Eddie believes him. 

All the dates he’s had since he started seeing Steve have been pretty cut and dry. Just random events and then he goes home. Tonight is his first time out with one of his regulars where sex has basically become part of their routine. And for the first time since he started this…Eddie feels fucking gross for doing it.

“Martin.”

“Mhm,” the man hums as he kisses lower on Eddie’s neck. It makes his skin crawl.

“Martin, stop. I…I can’t.”

He freezes and immediately puts space between them. Eddie’s never told him to stop, and he’s so fucking glad that it’s being respected. When he turns around to face him, Martin looks confused and disappointed. “Edward, is everything alright?”

“No. I’m so sorry. I just…I don’t think I can do this anymore.”

Martin assesses him and a look of understanding crosses his face. “Ah. I see. You’ve met someone.” 

“Yeah…I have. I just don’t feel right doing this.”

“It’s alright, Edward. I suppose it was only a matter of time before someone won your heart. Whoever he is, he’s a lucky man.”

Eddie disagrees, but doesn’t say anything. He’s the lucky fucker who gets to be with Steve. “Thank you, Martin. I appreciate that.”

“So. Does this mean you’ll be…retiring?”

That gets a laugh out Eddie. “No, not retiring. I’ll still be taking clients, but the uh…extra services will no longer be available.”

Martin, surprisingly, looks pleased. “I’m glad to hear that. Obviously I’ve enjoyed all of our time together, but you really have been a lovely companion. I’ll be sure to let Nancy know when I’m in need of your company again.”

“Please do. You’ve always been one of my favorites.” He takes a final sip of scotch and sets the glass down. “I should get going. I had a great time tonight.”

“As did I.” 

Martin walks him to the door and hands him the standard envelope he always has ready. Eddie shakes his head and puts his hands up. “No, no…I can’t take that.”

“You can and you will. Consider it a bonus for all you’ve done for me. Take you boy out. Someplace nice.”

Eddie sighs and gives him a half smile. “Thank you. For everything.” He takes the envelope, tucks it in his jacket, and gives Martin a chaste kiss on the cheek. “Goodnight, Martin.”

“Take care, Edward.”

As soon as he leaves, he heads straight to Steve’s apartment. It feels like a weight has been lifted that he didn’t even know he was carrying. Steve basically gave him his blessing to do whatever the fuck he wants when he’s on the job, but Eddie just…can’t. He doesn’t want to anymore. Having someone else’s hands and lips on him? He’s never felt any shame about the work he does, but tonight it made him feel cheap. It was meaningless. And he realized with stunning clarity that Steve is the only person he wants touching him like that. 

The doorman has seen him at the apartment nearly every day over the last two weeks. When Eddie arrives, he greets him warmly and lets him right in. Eddie takes the elevator to the top floor and practically sprints down the hall and starts banging on Steve’s door. It opens a moment later and his heart swells in his chest. Steve’s wearing slippers, sweatpants, and a shirt Eddie must have left there earlier in the week. The faded Metallica logo never looked so good. 

“Eddie! I thought you were out with Art Guy? You said you usually stay out late.”

He could fucking cry. He can’t believe how chill Steve has been about everything. And seeing him all soft like this, wearing his shirt, so fucking happy to see him. Eddie just knows. This is it for him.

“Hey baby. I uh…I ducked out early. Wanted to come see you.”

Steve’s cheeks go a little pink, and he gently takes Eddie’s hand and pulls him inside. “You didn’t have to do that. I was gonna meet you for lunch tomorrow.”

Eddie can’t take it. He cups Steve’s face and puts everything into the kiss. Steve slips his hands under Eddie’s jacket and holds his waist and…yeah. Those are the only hands he wants on him. He licks into Steve’s mouth and moans as their tongues caress each other. Steve giggles into the kiss and Eddie pulls away. “What’s so funny, sweetheart?”

“You taste like scotch. Pretty sure it’s Lagavulin.”

Eddie giggles right back and nods. “Yeah, it is. You’re ridiculous.”

“And you’re supposed to be on a date. Is everything ok?”

“Yeah. Everything is perfect, actually. I just um…can we sit?”

Steve takes his hand and they head to the living room where he has a half drunk mug of tea on the coffee table, a fluffy blanket heaped on the couch, and a paused episode of Conan O’Brien Must Go on the tv. 

“I didn’t realize I was interrupting a romantic night with your boyfriend,” Eddie teases.

“Oh, shut up!” Steve laughs and pushes Eddie down onto the couch, settling in next to him. “What’s going on, babe?”

Babe. Eddie is always big on the pet names with him…sweetheart and honey and baby and angel and dollface and anything else that’ll make Steve blush. It’s only been in the last few days that Steve calls him babe all the time. It makes a tornado of butterflies swirl in his chest.

Eddie’s been nothing but honest and upfront with Steve about his profession. He knows about his regular clients, where they usually go, and what they get up to after. He doesn’t want any secrets with Steve, and wants to give him all the space in the world to back out if he finds he doesn’t actually want to be with him knowing what he knows. But Steve is just…so fucking cool about everything. So Eddie finds he doesn’t have to beat around the bush at all.

“So, I was out with Art Guy. We had a great night! Went out to dinner, had some amazing food. Then he took me back to his place, poured us a scotch, and I was just standing there looking out his windows and…he came up behind me. Put his hand on me. Started to kiss my neck and it…it made me feel sick. I realized that I don’t want anyone touching me like that anymore. Nobody but you. So I told him to stop-”

“He did, right?!”

Steve looks like he’s about to burn Martin’s place down if he didn’t. “Yes! Yeah, baby. He did. I told him I couldn’t sleep with him. All I could think about was how it just didn’t feel right having someone else touch me. I wanted it to be you. I only want it to be you.”

“Eddie…I don’t know what to say. This is your job, babe. I don’t want you missing out on anything for me.”

“I’m not! I still want to work for the agency. I really do like it, and I’m good  at it. Just…the extra stuff? The sex work? I’m done. I don’t want anyone else. I just want you.”

Steve’s face goes all soft and gooey. He scoots closer and kisses Eddie’s cheek. “You don’t have to do this for me. But if you want to do this for yourself, I’m behind you one hundred percent.”

Eddie sighs and takes Steve’s hand in his. “You might be the most incredible man I’ve ever met. And honestly? I’m doing this for both of us. I don’t want to give that part of myself away anymore, and I don’t want to do anything that might risk your health or safety. You’re too important to me.”

He used to get such a thrill out of men who wanted to pay for a chance to sleep with him. It made him feel powerful. Irresistible. But none of that compares to the way Steve is looking at him right now. Like he actually cares. Like he doesn’t just want Eddie’s body, he wants Eddie.  

Steve leans in and gives him the most tender kiss. He lets it linger. “You’re important to me, too.”

God, all he wants right now is to erase the feeling of Martin’s hands and lips on him. Eddie pulls him back in, and it’s not long before they’re stripping each other down right there on the couch. He reaches into his discarded jacket pocket and pulls out his lube and a condom, and hands them to Steve. His confused expression is so fucking cute. “Get me ready, sweetheart?”

Steve’s eyebrows shoot up into his hair. “Oh! You want me to…”

They haven’t switched yet. Every time they’ve slept together, Eddie has topped. And it’s been incredible, truly. But he’s fucking dying to have Steve inside him. “Yeah, I do. I need to feel you, Stevie. Your hands, your lips…everything.”

By the look on his face, Eddie is pretty sure Steve gets it. He lays him down the couch and opens him up so slowly and gently that Eddie feels like he’s going out of his mind. Steve kisses all over his neck. Gets his mouth latched onto that spot and Eddie’s whole body shivers. That’s what he needed. 

Steve rolls the condom on and leans over Eddie, lining himself up. “Ready for me?”

Eddie nods and wraps his arms around Steve’s shoulders. “ So ready.”

Feeling Steve’s thick cock push into him steals his breath away. It’s so slow and cautious, and Eddie’s eyes water looking at the concentration on Steve’s face. He’s cataloging all of Eddie’s expressions and reactions as he eases himself in. God, he feels so cared for and it’s everything.

When Steve finally bottoms out, Eddie feels so fucking full he can barely breathe. Eddie’s pretty big, but Steve is fucking hung . He feels him everywhere. He closes his eyes and lets his head fall back into the cushion below him. Steve’s lips and tongue work their way up and down his neck and it’s so fucking tender. Eddie’s body relaxes around the welcomed intrusion and he holds Steve close. “Stevie…baby, you can move. I’m ok honey. Please…please fuck me.”

Steve keeps kissing his neck as he starts to rock hips in a slow rhythm. “Eddie,” he pants. “You feel so fucking good, babe. Goddamnit, I’m not gonna last long.”

Eddie can do nothing but moan and gasp and cling to Steve tighter as he picks up his pace. Fuck this man is amazing. Eddie’s only known him for a couple weeks, but he would be perfectly content if this is the only person who ever touched him again. It’s fucking crazy. And he doesn’t care. 

The couch squeaks underneath them as Steve’s thrusts get harder and faster. Eddie’s not going to last longer at this rate, either. There’s really no need to. He doesn’t need to impress anyone. He doesn’t have a tip he’s working towards. They’re just two men who have a fucking insatiable need to feel each other and touch each other. To make each other fall apart and then just…hold each other. His favorite part of all of this has been how Steve lets him stay, wants him to stay, whispering sweet things to him as they fall asleep curled around each other. 

It might be the sappiest fucking thing he’s ever done, but the thought of falling asleep with Steve in his arms, never wanting to let him go, is what tips him over the edge. Eddie’s whole body shakes and he bites down on Steve’s shoulder as he cums between them. The high pitched, needy, pathetic sounds coming out of him don’t embarrass him in the slightest. Especially not when Steve echoes them, burying himself deep and filling the condom with a shudder.

They lay in the afterglow for a long time. Sharing soft, sleepy kisses and touching everywhere they can reach. 

And when they finally separate and clean each other up and get ready for bed, they slip into Steve’s sheets naked and content. Steve turns over and Eddie wraps himself around his back, trails his lips across Steve’s shoulder and neck and smiles to himself when he hears the man sigh happily. 

This is the only place he wants to be.

They’ve made it official. After a month of obsessing over each other and seeing each other every day, Steve asked him if he wanted to be his boyfriend. It was so fucking cute. They were cuddled up on Eddie’s couch. Steve had come over after Eddie was done with a date and they put on High Fidelity. It was during the scene where Cusack was at Green Mill Lounge when Steve turned his head and said, “You know I knew that night, when we were at that bar, that my life was never going to be the same again. I’ve never felt that before.”

“Is that so, babydoll?” Eddie had asked.

Steve kissed him. “Yeah…I just knew. And I’ve been kind of nervous to ask you this, but…you wanna be my boyfriend?”

Eddie tackled him and kissed all over his face, shouting yes, yes, yes between each smack of his lips.

The rest of the movie remained unwatched.

The next morning Eddie had to awkwardly ask over coffee and pancakes if Steve would want to get tested with him. He was kind of embarrassed to admit that he was overdue for it. He’d been so wrapped up in the newness of their budding relationship, and with him only sleeping with Steve since they got together, he just kind of…forgot that he needed to do that. He’d made a habit of going in at least once a month just to make sure he was all clear, if not more depending on how…busy he was with work. Eddie has always been religious about using condoms for everything, but he also tends to get paranoid. 

Steve was so fucking understanding about it. 

And now he’s here, in a clinic he doesn’t normally go to, because they decided to meet after Steve was done with work and this place was close by, and Eddie is feeling some sort of way about filling out this form with his boyfriend right next to him. The staff here doesn’t know him. They don’t know what his profession is (or was technically). The ladies at the place he normally goes to have always been so cool about what he does and just glad that he takes his health so seriously.

So now here, with people he doesn’t know, and his boyfriend easily filling out this fucking form, Eddie is trying to brace himself for judgement or something

Have you had sex in the last 6 months?  __Yes __No

                With how many people? 1  2  3  4  5  6  7  8  9  10  more than 10

His eyes dart to Steve’s form that’s almost totally filled out and he feels a little sick when he sees the number 2 circled.

Eddie has to circle more than 10.

How many people have you had sex with in your lifetime? 

                0  1  2  3  4  5  10  15  25  30  50  75  More than 100

Steve circled 6.

Eddie has to take a moment to do a quick mental calculation, adding in his body count before he started working as an escort, and his hand shakes a little as he circles 50.

Have you ever exchanged drugs or money for sex?  __Yes __No

He doesn’t have to sneak a peek at Steve’s form to know the answer to that question. 

“Babe? You ok?”

Eddie lifts his head and looks at his boyfriend, whose expression is so open and caring. “I don’t know. Just feeling kinda…something.” 

It’s not shame exactly. But it feels close. 

“Kinda something, huh?” The corner of his mouth ticks up in a little grin and Eddie wants to kiss him.

“Yeah. Just maybe…regretting some life choices I think.”

A look of understanding crosses Steve’s beautiful face. He sets his clipboard down on the empty seat next to him and turns to face Eddie. “You know I don’t judge you for anything, right? I don’t care how many people you’ve been with or what you’ve done in the past. Hell, if anything I’m actually kind of grateful for it.”

“How?!”

Steve laughs and takes his hand, giving it a kiss. “Because it’s made you insanely good in bed.”

Eddie snorts and tries to hide his face in his hair. “Jesus Christ, Steve. You might be the only person on the planet who would feel that way about dating a former prostitute.”

“Good thing you found me then.”

Yeah. Good thing indeed.

Negative.

Every result that came back for both of them was negative and Eddie’s never felt so relieved to see that word before. 

They basically cleared their calendars for the weekend with the hopes that they’d both be clean. When Steve comes over to Eddie’s apartment, he basically mauls him as soon as he’s through the door.

It’s a frantic scramble to his bedroom as they practically tear each other’s clothes off. Steve pushes him onto the bed and immediately gets Eddie’s dick in his mouth. Fuck this feels infinately better without flavored latex in the way. 

“Oh fuck! Baby, your mouth! ”

Steve hums as he bobs up and down, taking Eddie as far back as he can. God damn, Eddie could bust so fast watching him do this. Feeling those soft lips wrapped around his cock. That wet tongue lapping at the underside of his shaft. The feeling of Steve’s throat convulsing as he tries to swallow Eddie down.

“Shit! Honey, you need to stop or I’m gonna cum in like three seconds!”

His boyfriend pops off with a loud slurp and grins up at him. “Fine. But only because I want you to cum somewhere else.”

Eddie throws his head back, pinching his eyes shut and pulling at the roots of his hair. “Jesus fucking Christ, sweetheart. You’re gonna kill me.”

He feels Steve crawl up the bed, hears the bedside drawer open and the pop of a cap. Eddie opens his eyes and looks up at his boyfriend who’s pouring lube into the palm of his hand. Steve straddles his thighs and wraps his slick hand around Eddie’s cock, giving it a firm stroke. “Stevie…baby you gotta let me prep you first. I don’t want to hurt you.”

“You won’t.” He strokes Eddie a few more times, wipes his hand on a discarded shirt, and reaches behind himself as he arches his back. With a little wiggle and grunt, Steve smirks at him and tosses a thick black plug onto the bed next to them. 

“Oh my god, you perfect fucking-”

His words are cut off as Steve scoots up and practically impales himself on Eddie’s dick. Fucking Christ, it’s so good. So hot. So tight. So wet. Steve’s body is the only place he ever wants to be again. He wants to live and die here. His heart might actually give out as Steve fully seats himself in Eddie’s lap and starts swiveling his hips. 

“Eddie! Oh my god, babe! Been fucking dying to feel you like this.”

Eddie’s biting his lip so hard he’s pretty sure his teeth are going to slice all the way through. Steve starts lifting himself up just the tiniest bit and grinding back down and Eddie’s so fucking close already it’s laughable. It’s taking everything in him to not blow his load and Steve is making it very fucking hard. Especially as he picks up his pace and fucks himself harder and faster on Eddie’s cock.

“Stevie…baby…you gotta slow down. I’m too close, honey.”

He doesn’t. The bastard just smiles down at him, plants his hands on Eddie’s chest, and goes even faster. “Do it. I want to feel you, babe. Cum inside me.”

Eddie quickly wraps his arms around Steve’s waist, holding him still as he cries out, pumping his load into his boyfriend’s tight ass. “ Fuck! Fuck fuck oh my god baby!”

It feels like his orgasm is never going to end. His dick keeps pulsing, his balls are so tight, his abs are clenched so hard it starts to hurt. When it finally slows to a stop, his entire body is buzzing. Eddie opens his wet eyes and looks up at Steve in awe. “On your back. Now.”

They roll over without dislodging and Eddie pumps his softening cock in and out as he kisses Steve hard and deep. He works his way down his boyfriend’s neck and chest. His cock slips out and Eddie is quick to get between his legs so he can spread his cheeks. He groans when sees his cum starting to leak out of Steve’s ass. Eddie doesn’t want to waste any of it, pushing it back in with two fingers.

“ Oh my god! Eddie…that’s so fucking hot.”

“Yeah, babydoll? You like that? Fuck, you’re so wet now.” He smirks as he rubs his cum into Steve’s prostate and the man’s whole body jolts. “Want me to fuck you with my fingers while I suck you dry?”

Steve practically sobs as Eddie focuses all his attention on that spot. “Yes! Please, fuck!”

Eddie licks all over Steve’s balls, sucking one into his mouth, then the other. His fingers don’t stop as he kitten licks his way up the length of Steve’s cock, finally - finally - getting to taste what he’s been craving since their first night together. Eddie teases his slit, lapping up the salty precum, and wraps his lips around the head of Steve’s cock. The man is a mouthful, and Eddie happily takes in as much as his throat will allow. 

Steve is a fucking mess above him, gripping Eddie’s hair, kicking his legs, writhing in the sheets, and making the most pathetic fucking sounds Eddie’s ever heard. God, he loves this. 

It doesn’t take long, the perfect rhythm of his mouth sucking Steve in, and rubbing the tips of his fingers in just the right spot. Steve sobs as he cums, his whole body tensing up, and Eddie takes it all. He’s never been a huge fan of swallowing, but this is Steve. It’s different with him. 

Eddie slows his ministrations as Steve’s body melts into the sheets. The man is a puddle. Eddie licks him clean and gently removes his fingers before wiping him down and climbing back up the bed. He collapses in a heap next to his boyfriend and sighs. “That…was so   fucking good.”

With a Herculean effort, Steve rolls over and tucks himself into Eddie’s side. “We’re doing that again. Just gimme like…half an hour.”

Eddie snorts and wraps his arms around this incredible man. “God damn right we are.”

They spend the whole weekend in bed.

Eddie steps out of his apartment in his favorite Armani suit just as the private car rolls to a stop at the curb. He’s in all black tonight, from his jacket, to his shirt, and tie, and shoes. He looks fucking slick and he hopes his date thinks so as well. The driver opens the door and his date steps out wearing a well fitted suit in a deep red, with a white shirt and black tie. He’s fucking gorgeous.

He looks Eddie up and down as he approaches the car. “Wow, you look…stunning. Are you ready to go?”

Eddie smiles, cups his cheek, and kisses him. “For you? I’m always ready to go.”

Steve blushes and shakes his head “Get in the car, you flirt. We’re gonna be late.”

It’s a big night and Steve is a little nervous as they head to Chicago Winery. It’s his dad’s 60th birthday and the company is throwing a black tie party with all the rich assholes they can fit into one room. It’s also the first time he’s bringing Eddie as a date to something like this. They’ve been together for almost five months now and Steve has actively been avoiding having to come clean to his father about a few things. But time is up and tonight apparently is going to be the night.

He holds tight to his boyfriend’s hand as they enter the venue  and Steve’s eyes are already darting around the room looking for the man of the hour. He freezes when he spots him, and Eddie gives his hand a squeeze.

“It’s going to be alright, sweetheart. I’m right here. You aren’t going into the lion’s den alone, ok?” Steve nods and gulps, and Eddie tugs his arm to get him to move. “Come on, baby boy. Let’s get a glass of wine, I heard they have some of that here.”

That at least gets Steve to crack a smile and they head over to the bar to get a couple glasses of Pinot Noir. Eddie’s just taking his first sip when he hears from behind him, “Steven. So glad you could make it.”

Steve turns first and greets his father. “Hey dad. Happy birthday. I uh…wanted to introduce you to my boyfriend. This is Eddie.”

Eddie turns around and smiles brightly. “Richard! It’s lovely to see you again!”

Richard’s eyes widen as he looks Eddie up and down. He steps close to Steve and hisses, “What the fuck is he doing here? Is this some kind of sick joke?”

“No, dad. Eddie’s my date. We’ve been seeing each other for months.”

Richard’s face is slowly turning red as he looks back and forth between them. Eddie moves closer and wraps his arm around Steve’s waist. 

“It’s bad enough that you brought a hooker with you, don’t embarrass me any further by pretending that you two are actually dating.”

“ Don’t call him that,” Steve seethes. “And don’t act like you didn’t do the same thing. Eddie is my boyfriend and he has every right to be here with me.”

Richard scoffs and shakes his head. “You expect me to believe that? That my own son would sink so low as to get involved with someone who sells themselves like he does?”

“Did,” Eddie interrupts. “I did. I’m only with the agency part time now, and I stopped ‘selling myself’ when I met Steve. Thanks for putting it so kindly, by the way.”

The look of disdain he gets in return would bother him if he gave a shit about this guy’s opinion. “I see. So what’s your plan then? To leech off my son while you work part time as a former hooker?”

“You’ve got some nerve-“

“Dad, stop! He’s not leeching off of me, Jesus Christ! If anything he’s helping me.”

Richard looks back at his son in confusion. “What the hell does that mean?”

Steve takes a breath and Eddie squeezes his hip reassuringly. “I wanted to tell you before you find out from HR. I’m quitting. I want to go back to school and get my teaching degree.”

“Your what? Steven if you think I’m going to foot the bill for you little flight of fancy-“

“God, stop it! I don’t expect anything from you! I’ve got money saved up, I can afford tuition on my own.”

Richard rubs his forehead and puts a hand on his hip. “Sure. Fine. But do you really expect to afford that high rise apartment on a teacher’s salary? You won’t be able to do this, Steven.”

“I know. I’m not as stupid as you think I am, ok? Eddie and I talked a lot about it…I’m moving in with him.”

Silence.

Richard looks even more baffled than before. “So let me get this straight. You’re quitting your high paying job, and slumming it with a part time escort, so you can work a thankless job that will barely be able to pay the bills?”

“ Stop talking about him like that!”

“Then smarten up and stop acting like a child!”

Eddie’s had enough. He promised Steve he would keep his cool and let him handle it. But he can’t stand hearing Steve’s dad talk to him like this.

“Do you even know your son?” Richard looks at him like a bug he wants to stomp under his shoe. “Do you have any idea what an incredible person he is? How kind he is? How loving, and selfless-“

“Selfless! Sure,” Richard laughs. “He’s so selfless that he's willing to give up everything he’s worked for so he can live in poverty with someone who can’t even hold down a real job! What, was the agency running out of men who would want to date you?”

Eddie has to clench his fist to keep from decking this asshole. “Yeah, you’ve got it all figured out, don’t you? Except the part where I co-own a pretty successful gaming store downtown. Soon-to-be record store too, actually!"

“Babe, are you serious?!”

Eddie tears his icy glare away from Richard and looks softly at his boyfriend. Steve introduced him to Dustin a couple months into their relationship, and they brought him with them to this cool little gaming shop to check out their DnD selection. Eddie hit it off with the owner, and was asked if he had any interest in a management position the guy was looking to fill. With Steve’s encouragement, he took the job and only escorts once or twice a week now.

“Sure am, honey. I was going to save the good news for later in case tonight went to shit. I talked to Bob about the space for sale next door and how we could knock down a wall and expand it to include records and stuff. He’s bringing me on as an owner. Made it official yesterday. We can even make a space in the back so we can run campaigns with the kids if they want.”

Steve nearly knocks him off his feet with how hard he hugs him. “Eddie, that’s amazing! I’m so fucking proud of you!” When he lets go, he holds Eddie’s face and God he looks so happy. “Baby…you’re getting one of your dream jobs.”

Eddie wraps an arm around his waist and pulls him in close. “So are you, my love. You’re gonna be the best teacher.”

Steve’s face goes all soft and Eddie can’t not kiss him. Fuck anyone here who doesn’t like it. He sighs against Steve’s lips. They still give him butterflies every time. It’s not until after he’s kissed his boyfriend breathless that he realizes they’re alone. Richard must have stormed off as some point and Eddie’s fucking glad for it. 

“You want to get out of here, angel?”

“Yeah,” Steve nods. “Take me home.”

Eddie kisses him one more time, how can he not, and leads him back out the door. He couldn’t be more proud to have this man by his side. 

It wasn’t that long ago that Steve just wanted him for the night. Now he’s got Eddie forever.