puppy steve on the mind today. but in the sense of *before* like- he doesn't know he likes being puppy yet, doesn't know that's an option.
steve who likes fidget toys. easy mindless ones he can occupy himself with. steve who gnaws on the ends of pens and holds things in his mouth. (its just convenient when his hands are full! or so he tells himself) steve who feels fulfilled when being active outside. who likes more than a few soft blankets in his bed after a long day so he can curl up away from the world.
and eddie who notices. notices the snap of steves head at sharp noises. (head trauma aside) how steve glows with an "atta boy" compliment he so rarely receives.
and eddie who gently leans into it. making sure to acknowledge steves accomplishments no matter how small. drove the kids to a hellfire sesh? steve gets a warm thank you with the hair being brushed out of his face. steve doing something generous, cooking or gifting something? "such a sweet and thoughtful boy, Stevie" steve does something impressively athletic? eyes wide with pride before: "atta boy, Stevie! so talented, huh"
and maybe this goes on for a while. the praise that steve scoffs at and brushes off with a bashful smile. the gentle affectionate touches like a hand brushing through his hair briefly, a gentle squeeze on the shoulder, a hand tenderly held at the nape of his neck while a thumb gently brushes the back of his neck, or the light and brief scratches along his scalp.
steve thinks nothing of it at first. it's a bit weird, sure. maybe. but he eventually finds himself seeking it out. finding moments where he can hear Eddie's voice do that thing again where it gets all low and soft. to feel Eddie's hands in his hair again. to hear that praise he should be at least embarrassed by. but he isn't. not one bit like he'd think.
and maybe Eddie's sat on the couch, leaned back against the arm. a tired steve sat on the floor between his legs. head tiredly leaned against his knee after a get-together with loud chatter and music and socializing that went on for hours. Eddie's hand finds Steve's hair. not brief, not just a single touch. but lingering, attentive and gentle brushes of his fingertips running through his hair gently. the lightest press of nails along the scalp.
and steve melts. eyes closing and even a small sigh can be heard as he tilts his head just enough to welcome more.
"that feel good, Stevie?" eddie would whisper in that low, soft tone steve has come to recognize. steve would nod slowly. just enough to give an answer without moving too much from Eddie's hand. "ye-yeah. makes my head quite. feels warm" steve would say. voice quiet and slow. realizing he hasn't spoken in a while as the words tumble and feel odd as they come out.
eddie would feel an endearing ping in his chest. something soft and prideful. his steve finally relaxing. letting himself be the one taken care of for once. steve finding something that lets him let go. lets him cope. and eddie is more than happy to explore this new side. to indulge in it and whatever may come of it. what it may bloom into. all at a pace thats comfortable for steve.
"such a sweet puppy" eddie would whisper in a warm coo. nails gently scratching behind Steve's ear. just to test the waters. and judging by how Steve's face tints with a little rosey hue to his already glowy face. his glassy eyes. the tension of a swallow that can only be assumed to be keeping down a noise. the slight lean into the scratches of eddies hand.
eddie smiles. something soft and warm with pride. endearment. so he'd lean into it a bit more. a little bit more each time. but for now, sweet, warm praises with gentle hands in steves hair is enough as steves head rests in his lap. curled up on his side until his eyes close. his head all quiet and warm like a cloud. finally letting himself be taken care of like he needs. getting the relaxation, the release and rest he deserves.
they'll talk about it more in depth come morning. steve will probably feel shy and embarrassed at the acknowledgement afterwards. once his head comes up from the clouds. but eddie? always there and ready with reassurance. that it's okay. more than okay that this helps steve. that eddie is more than happy to explore it with him. especially with how his face lights up with something glowy and almost innocent with eddies reassuring praise. how he looked when eddie called him puppy. he needs to take care of steve again. needs to see that sweet and happy and carefree boy more often
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