Eddie came home and Steve is crying.
Eddie was in the entry way and he can see Steve in the kitchen and he’s crying. He’s facing away from Eddie, heating something up on the stove, and he’s crying. Eddie can hear him sniffling. He can see the way his shoulders move just slightly and a thousand thoughts rush through Eddie’s mind.
Robin’s hurt. No. Steve wouldn’t be here if she was hurt. When she scraped her knee falling off of her bike, Steve was by her side all afternoon.
His parents called. It wouldn’t make sense. Steve never left their phone number after their move.
He’s failed a class. Again, wouldn’t make sense. Steve was on top of his grades, making sure he wasn’t forgetting any tests or projects. He was taking college seriously.
This is the only logical answer.
Eddie made Steve upset … Just how?
This morning’s events ran through his head. Steve got up for a run, showered, woke Eddie up (fully) with some kisses. They messed around. Then Eddie went off to work.
Did he kiss Steve before he left?
Surely he did. He’d never forget.
Did he forget to tell Steve he loved him? Never in a million years. He tells him that every time he leaves the room.
It’s not Steve’s birthday. That’s in the summer.
It’s not their anniversary … is it?
Is it the anniversary when Steve first asked Eddie out?
Or the anniversary of the day when Eddie realized they’ve been dating (for two months!)?
Or the anniversary of moving in together?
Or the first time they said “I love you” to each other?
Shit. Was it the first time they’ve fucked?
Somehow Steve keeps all these dates in his head and Eddie can barely keep track of them.
Whatever date it was: Eddie forgot to tell Steve happy anniversary this morning.
He turned on his heel — his boots squeaking on the linoleum floor.
“Oh, hi Eddie!” Steve greeted with a sniff.
Eddie turned to look at Steve and it’s worse than he thought. Steve’s eyes were so watery, a slight red. He had to been crying all day.
“I made supper,” Steve said. “Should be done here soon.”
“I’m so sorry, baby,” Eddie said, rushing over to Steve. He took Steve’s face in his hands, wiping away any loose tears. “I’m so sorry that I forgot.”
Steve furrowed his brow. “Forgot what?”
“I —“ Eddie trailed off. He couldn’t think of what made today so special. “I don’t know what today is.”
“Friday?” Steve asked confused.
“No, I mean, yes,” Eddie said. “I just meant — I’m sorry. For whatever I did. I hate to see you cry.”
“That’s not what you said last night,” Steve rolled his eyes, turning back to the meat sauce.
“I still need to bake the lasagna, so you have plenty of time to shower,” Steve sniffled, wiping at his eye. “Will you take the trash out? That onion is still killing me.”
“Onion?” Eddie asked, his eyes darted to the trash can.
“It’s so strong,” Steve laughed. “It’s been bothering me since I started.”
“Of course,” Eddie laughed. He gathered the trash and pressed a quick kiss to Steve’s cheek. “I love you.”
Eddie couldn’t help but laugh as this day will forever be remembered as day he thought he fucked up.
