Tourist Trap
This is for @steddiemicrofic october prompt "train" | wc: 551 | cw: runaway Eddie | rating: G summary: Eddie and Steve meet on a train to Hawkins. AO3
The rumble below Eddie's feet grounds him to the consistent motion of the moving train; clearing his mind and lulling him to sleep. A duffel bag rests under the seat, holding his clothes and other necessities.
His backpack’s clutched tightly in his hands, stuffed with everything he couldn't bare to leave behind; his mother's notebooks, her jewelry, his old teddy bear, and shamefully, his dad's dog tags. That old bastard may be the reason Eddie's left eye can barely open, but he isn't dumb enough to believe he won't miss the asshole. Even though he knows Al won't ever look for him, part of Eddie hopes he'll at least miss him too.
The train slows at a station, and a kid about a year younger than him gets on with a little suitcase and a messenger bag. The conductor tells him to sit next to Eddie so all the unaccompanied minors are in the same place, before he dashes off to do his job.
The boy sits down with an awkward smile and tucks his items under the seat. It's so obvious to Eddie that this kid is a tourist. He's wearing a sweater, with a collar peaking out the top, some kakis, and loafers; but it's the shiny gold watch on his wrist that catches Eddie's eye. No one who lives in Chicago would let their kid get on a train with that just out in the open.
If he was still living with his dad, he might reach over there and lift the piece off him. He's pretty smooth, no one would notice; plus it would make his dad proud, give them enough money to fund his drinking habits and feed his son. The kid’s parents would just assume he left it somewhere or something, not that it would be Eddie's concern.
But Eddie's not living with his dad anymore. He doesn't know where he'll get his next meal, but he promised himself no stealing unless it was from a chain store. They could definitely afford a few lifted loaves of bread.
No, instead of swiping it, he does something even more unthinkable.
“You might want to tuck that watch into your sleeve.” He whispers, leaning in close. “You’re an easy mark.” Eddie looks the boy in the eyes and shrugs, looking away again.
“What does that mean, easy mark?” The kid mumbles back even as he takes Eddie's advice and hides the watch. Eddie rolls his eyes a little.
“It means if someone was looking for something to steal, they'd see you and decide it would be really easy. You're not from around here, you're alone, and that watch tells everyone that your dad can afford another one.” Eddie explains.
“Oh, okay.” The boy says. “My name’s Steve by the way.”
“Eddie.” He replies.
“Why are you on the train?” Steve asks.
Eddie tells him that he's running away to find his uncle in Hawkins.
“I live in Hawkins!” Steve exclaims wiggling in place. “Maybe we can be friends!”
Eddie smiles and agrees.
They talk for the rest of the ride. By the time they get to Hawkins, Eddie’s already a little in love with Steve.
Before they part ways, Steve quickly kisses Eddie's cheek.
Looks like he's not the only one who found love on the train.
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