(the new Fantastic Four movie has me thinking...some very light spoilers included)
Movie star AU where Eddie is an actor, but because he always gets cast in a wig, no one usually recognizes him with his mane of hair. And Eddie is fine with that, he can still be goofy and himself without being hounded by the media, so all good.
He gets cast as Johnny Storm, does his job pretty well and does the whole tour and promo in the wig and contact lenses, so he maintains his semi-anonymity.
He gets invited to a screening of the movie in Indianapolis. It's a special event because it's for charity, the town of Hawkins which is god knows where got struck by the worst earthquake in decades and Eddie, who's never been there but it's his uncle's hometown, volunteers to come and get more funds for the rebuilding and relief efforts.
It goes as usual, he wears his costume, wig and lenses, shakes a lot of hands, gives a lot of smiles, hugs kids, takes pictures, posts online with links to donation pages. When it's finally done and everyone waits for the movie to start, Eddie learns from his manager Chrissy that his ride will only be there in 3 hours because of a confusion with the agency.
Oh well. There's a movie and he got a ticket for it along with his invite, so he can watch it again. And maybe admire Pedro Pascal...again. Just a little.
Eddie changes out of the costume, dons his usual attire, lets his hair down and plops next to a gorgeous guy around his age who is arguing in very loud whispers with a teenager in a baseball cap next to him.
"Steve, I'm just saying that if they mess it up like they did with the originals-"
"Then you'll take it gracefully, Dustin. You'll watch the rest of the movie, clap at the end, the usual. The kids here need at least one good day. But," the man named Steve raises his finger, "you can bitch about the movie all the way back to Hawkins tomorrow and I won't stop you. I might even get you some nougat if you are quiet."
Eddie can't see Dustin's face, but he can hear the scoff. "You're treating me like a kid."
"Are you formally declining the nougat bribe then?"
"...no. I'll take it."
"Good." Then he finally turns to Eddie and gives him an apologetic smile. "Kids," he whispers and offers him some popcorn to make up for the whisper fight during the movie ads. "Sorry about that. Are you here with the kids as well? I haven't seen you around."
Eddie shakes his hand but grabs a handful of popcorn. "Nah, I'm here with the movie theater. Just helping with some stuff and they gave me a ticket for my help." It's not exactly a lie, right? "You're from Hawkins? A...teacher?"
Steve nods. "Yep. Can't say I chose the best time or place to get employed there, but I love the kids. Things home are...well. I guess you watch the news. So getting them out to see something nice for a change is all we can do."
The movie starts and Eddie settles down in his seat, enjoys the music. He knows some actors don't like watching their movies, but he always does it, preferably with Wayne - then he can share all of the weird and embarrassing details like which costumes chafed the worst and where his co-stars messed up.
Then his character appears on screen. Eddie sees Steve lick his lips and mutter to himself something. Something that sounded like "oh fuck." Eddie thinks for a second that maybe Steve recognized him, but no.
As the movie goes on, Eddie only pays attention to Steve's reactions. He seemed so cool when he saw him for the first time, but now he sees he's a bit of a dork. He really gets into the story, clutches his chest in sad or touching moments and even laughs at the "is the board a part of her body" moments. Eddie could sit there forever.
Almost at the end, when Johnny attempts to sacrifice himself, Steve sighs and looks dreamily at the screen. "I'd give an arm for a date with that guy," he says and Eddie's brain shuts down.
"Um...I don't want your arm, I prefer it attached to your body," he laughs, "but a date sounds nice. I haven't had one in ages though, so I might be rusty."
Steve turns his head and gapes at Eddie.
Eddie's brain wakes up and screams "WHAT HAVE YOU DONE?!", but it's too late.
Steve's gaze travels between the screen, Eddie's face and back. "Oh. You are-"
"I can wear the wig and contacts if you're that into it," Eddie interrupts him. "I mean. This," he points at his face and body, "is not exactly as advertised, but-"
But Steve stops him, places his hand on top of Eddie's. "God, no. I mean. I like this better than the advertisment. But...uh..."
Eddie waits. He sees tens of questions run through Steve's head. He finally opens his mouth.
"Do you like pizza for dinner?" he asks and Eddie almost swoons.
Eddie smiles at that ridiculous man, with all his nougat schemes and love for teaching and kids, and pats his hand. "It's a date, Steve."
