Chapter Text
It had been six months since leaving the upside down, after escaping, Eddie was terribly wounded and there wasn't much choice on what to do.
Despite knowing what it meant for him, Eddie decided to turn himself in so he could receive the medical care he needed. If he didn't get medical attention he would die, it really was the only choice and he was so damn tired of running.
He had ran for over a week, he was starving, exhausted, thick with mud and running forever didn't sound anymore freeing and after the upside down.. he realized while it would be hell, it was much better to be in prison than dead, even if he was innocent.
Dustin was crushed and while he wanted nothing more than to help Eddie escape, he also knew that without going to the hospital that Eddie would die and that wasn't an option for him.
Robin was sad and angry that Eddie was dealt such cards that the group couldn't undo or fix. She was also mad she hadn't befriended Eddie sooner, she grew fond of him and to think he was going to be locked away for something he didn't commit was sickening.
Nancy felt bad, it felt like an injustice. An end sentence to Eddie's life that was similar to death and being a reporter, she was use to researching or writing about crimes and knowing Eddie didn't commit any yet was getting locked up regardless made her just as angry as Robin was. It wasn't fair.
Steve was confused, and conflicted, like everyone else he felt that Eddie's arrest was unjust and unfair. Eddie shouldn't have been involved with the upside down and yet he was sucked in and now paying a cost he shouldn't have to pay. But Steve was also found that he was deeply sad about it which confused him, sure he Eddie had grown on him but it hit him harder than he thought it would.
Once Eddie was admitted to the hospital, he was no longer allowed visits besides from authorized family members so Wayne, his uncle, visited immediately with great relief that Eddie was finally found, albeit in rough shape, but alive.
No one from the group was really aware of how Eddie was doing until Dustin started visiting Wayne for information which Dustin would pass along to the rest of the group who was worried about Eddie, his recovery and his arrest.
There was a strange pit in Steve's stomach, a curiosity that Dustin's information didn't quite satisfy — a weird need to talk to Eddie himself and once Eddie was allowed calls at the hospital, Steve quickly got the number from Dustin in hopes to satisfy his wonders.
Once Steve was alone, he called. He could still remember that first conversation with Eddie, the first one he had with him a week and a half after the upside down. It played in his mind often.
******
"Hello?" Eddie had picked up the phone rather quickly, Steve was expecting a pause to prepare his thoughts.
"Hey, Eddie.. it's me, it's uh.. Steve." Steve had lost all train of thought once he heard Eddie's voice that sounded better, healthier from when he had last saw him.
"Harrington?" Eddie asked surprised, "to What do i owe this pleasure?" Steve could hear his grin through the phone.
"Well.. I just wanted to see how you were doing," Steve beat around the bush, still trying to mentally get it together.
"Good, bad.. I don't know really. I'm not dead so that's a plus but once I'm cleared it's straight to prison for me so.." Eddie trailed off, somehow managing his chipper tone.
Steve breathed out, "Right, sorry.. dumb question," he had apologized. Obviously eddie wasn't doing that great considering his fate.
"It's alright.. did you get my number from Henderson?" Eddie had asked, shuffling the phone around, Steve could hear faint flicking in the background.
"Yeah.. are you smoking?" Steve couldn't help but laugh.
"I'm stressed, give me a break," Eddie had chuckled too, voice mumbled as he took a drag.
"Okay, okay," Steve laughed again. "I'm surprised they let you." He said.
"Ah don't tell the cops but my uncle snuck them in," Eddie said quietly.
"I wouldn't tell," Steve reassured.
The line went quiet for a moment.
"So what's on your mind, Steve? Did you just call to see how I'm doing or.." Eddie had broke the silence with curiosity of his own. "Or are you having curly haired girl problems because I'm going to tell you now, I have no more advice left to give." Eddie chuckled.
"It's not about Nancy," Steve smiled to himself as he heard Eddie's laugh, "And yeah, I wanted to see how you are.." he paused for a moment in thought, "I don't know there's just been this nagging thought in my mind to talk to you and now I am and that thought still isn't going away." He said.
Eddie drew in a slow breath, phone shuffling again, "So my telepathic waves are finally working," Eddie joked. "I'm kidding.. but uh, I'll be honest.. it gets kinda boring in here, I only see my uncle so.." Eddie sighed.
"Henderson has called too but it's nice to talk to someone else for a change, someone my age and who doesn't have a Suzie in their life because I swear to god, Steve, I'm ready to rip my hair out," Eddie broke into laughter in which Steve joined in.
"The kids in love, he's knee deep in it," Steve agreed. "No one else has called?" He asked curiously.
"Nope but I'm sure once my number gets out then the death threats will be rolling in," Eddie mumbled sombrely.
"Can't they block those?" Steve asked in a saddened whisper.
"Nah, don't think they'd care to." Eddie said.
"That sucks, I'm sorry." Steve had frowned.
"It's not your fault, Steve," Eddie said quietly. Steve wasn't sure why those words made his heart sink and his eyes start to gloss over.
Steve cleared his throat, "So you're up for talking then?" He asked. "Yeah, I am," he could hear Eddie smile.
*****
That's really how and when it started, that first phone call was easily hours long and Steve wasn't even sure how it was that long, how they had so much to say or so much to talk about and didn't run out of things to talk about but their conversations just flowed easily.
Steve started calling every day and Eddie would call him too, each time they had so much to talk about, even if it was the most random shit, they were both into the conversations and the others opinions and thoughts. No phone call was ever boring or dull or awkward.
With in three weeks, they felt closer to each-other than they ever had with anyone else. Steve knew things about Eddie that no one knew and Eddie knew things about Steve that no one knew. Opening up to each other was easy, therapeutic and they just enjoyed talking to each-other.
In that three weeks, they also found themselves thinking of the other all the time, longing for their next phone call, getting all giddy and excited when they'd finally talk. Without knowing it, both were falling for each other.
And by the end of that three weeks it was their last conversation before Eddie was carted off to prison, his health was good, he was recovered enough to be out from under the hospitals watch and the police weren't wasting anytime to get him locked up.
Steve knew hopper was working hard behind the scenes since his return to get Eddie freed but it was very complicated and while Steve didn't want to seem too invested, he was heavily invested.
He found himself in the library which he had never stepped foot in before as he tried to figure out prison life, what would legally happen with Eddie, what could possibly be done for his release.
That last conversation before Eddie's transfer was extremely difficult, Steve put on his brave face because he didn't want to make Eddie upset but Eddie was terrified, there were many nights during that three weeks where Eddie would just sob in worry, in misery, terrified of spending his life in prison, terrified of going to prison, period.
It was heart wrenching for Steve to hear and to know he could do absolutely nothing to help Eddie or to get him out of it and he had no answers himself, most of the time he found himself crying with Eddie too and that last conversation before Eddie's transfer was no different, especially as neither knew if or when they'd ever be able to talk again.
On May 19th, a week after being booked, Eddie made a call to Steve, his first since being in prison.
Steve answered the phone, confused by the silence and then an automated voice came through, "This is a collect call from Indiana state prison, to accept this collect call from," the automated voice paused, "Eddie," Eddie mumbled on the other end, "Please press one," the automated voice continued.
Steve did not hesitate to press one, heart pounding, "Hello? Eddie?" He asked worried and frantic.
"Hey, Steve," Eddie's voice was hoarse, a whisper, his happy-go-lucky tune gone.
"I thought you were being transferred to.." Steve was cut off by Eddie, "So did I but uh.." Eddie drew in a shaky breath, "They're expecting for me to be put on death row so.. guess they thought why move me twice, right?" Eddie laugh was broken and frail, Steve could tell he was trying to hide his crying.
"No, no they can't do that! You haven't even had your trial yet and.." Steve refused this information,
"They can do whatever they want, I'm nothing.. just another inmate," Eddie's voice shook as he let out a sigh.
"Well are you okay, I mean obviously you're not okay but.." Steve trailed off, angered by the system and the injustice of it all.
"They have me separated right now but once I'm in gen pop, It's.. it's not going to be good." Eddie whispered in horror. "My dads in here so I'm hoping he will have my back but.. I haven't talked to him since he was locked up so.. that could go south too." He said.
"Is there anything I can do or that Wayne can do to keep you separated longer?" Steve asked frantically, worried for Eddie.
"No," Eddie breathed out, a quiet, breathy, crying pause. "I'm allowed letters and they said I'm allowed visitors but I'm not sure how that works and I know it's asking a lot but.." Eddie trailed off.
"You don't have to ask, Eddie. You know I'll be there, I'll call the prison right after we're done and figure out how it works." Steve swore without hesitation.
The automated voice interrupted to let them know that Eddie had only five minutes left on the call.
"I only get two calls per day.. fifteen minutes each," Eddie stated with a defeated sigh. "Have you called Wayne?" Steve asked. "Yeah," Eddie merely said, "And I'm being set up with a lawyer.. god it's such a mess."
"I'm going to figure out the visits, okay? And I'm going to talk to Hopper.. I'll help anyway I can." Steve said determined.
"Just hearing your voice helps, Harrington." Eddie breathed out more happily and as Steve went to reply, the line beeped, the automated voice taking over to let him and Eddie know that the fifteen minutes were up and the call had ended.
To say Steve was filled with rage would be an understatement. Eddie was innocent and there he sat in prison with people who weren't innocent, where he could only make short calls a day, where his life was at risk, where they planned to have him on death row as Steve knew all of Indiana was hoping for the fall of Eddie Munson.
So Steve went back to his books, he talked to the prison, he talked to Hopper and after much consideration.. Steve talked to his dad, one of the most high profile criminal attorneys in Indiana, with his own business and all.
The conversation was stopped by his father quickly, not believing Eddie had a shot in hell at a lesser sentence let alone at release but Steve pushed and he pushed, claiming Eddie's innocence over and over again and finally, with much back and forth, Steve's dad heard him out and began to think on it.
During that time Steve talked to Eddie as often as he could, they sent letters back and forth and Steve worked on visitation. It was a long process of paperwork, of hand books, of police checks but by the end of May, Steve finally secured a thirty minute visit with Eddie.
It wasn't a quick drive at all, three hours and some odd minutes but to Steve it was well worth it and he hadn't seen Eddie since they dropped him off in the hospital in March so it was a long time coming.
Eddie was over the moon, he had already seen Wayne since being in prison but he was seeing him at the hospital too, it felt like he hadn't seen Steve in forever yet their constant calls and letters kept them close.
******
As Steve was led through the prison, he couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. The sound of clanging metal doors and echoing footsteps only added to his discomfort. He couldn't imagine how Eddie must feel living in this environment day after day.
When Steve was searched, it felt invasive and dehumanizing. He was told to remove his shoes, empty his pockets, and even lift his shirt to show his waistband. It was a stark reminder that this was not a normal place.
Despite his unease, Steve tried to keep a level head and listen carefully to the instructions given to him. He was told what to expect during the visit and how to use the phone on the divider to communicate with Eddie.
As he sat in the row of chairs, Steve couldn't help but notice how cold and sterile the room was. The glass dividers and phones only served to remind him of the separation between him and Eddie. He longed for a more personal connection, but he knew that this would have to do for now.
Steve glanced around the room and noticed the other visitors who were also there to see their loved ones or friends. Some looked nervous, others sad, and a few looked angry. It was a sobering reminder that there were many families affected by the prison system.
He then saw Eddie walking towards him, wearing an orange jumpsuit, his head downcast and his long dark hair covering his face as he was guided to the chair opposite of the glass by an officer, wrists and ankles shackled and clanging loudly.
Steve shifted in his seat, heart pounding in his chest as Eddie slowly raised his head, eyes tired, puffy and red as he picked up the phone while Steve quickly picked up the phone on his side.
"You have no idea how good it feels to see your face again," Eddie's eyes became more red as he spoke in a strained whisper, eyes going glossy as he stared at Steve behind the glass.
It took everything in Steve not to break right there and then. His smile wavering as his lips trembled, "It feels good to see yours too, it's been.. what two months almost since.." Steve trailed off, looking around, realizing some things weren't safe to talk about.
"Yeah, feels like a life time ago," Eddie swallowed hard, nodding as he stared down at the table for a moment. "Your dad called," his eyes flicked back up to meet Steve's, "He's coming in next week to talk about my case with me." Eddie revealed.
Steve blinked rapidly at the information, his dad hadn't filled him in on that so he was taken by surprise. "That's good, that's great.. i mean he's kind of an ass but he's great at what he does and he hates losing a case," Steve spoke in an excited rush.
"It's just a meeting," Eddie said with a frown, not holding out any hope. "Has anything else happened?" Steve asked curiously. "Besides reporters calling and trying to visit, no," Eddie shook his head. "Oh and the death letters.. lots of them.." Eddie tapped his finger against the table, his metal handcuffs clanging against it.
"Those shouldn't be allowed," Steve shook his head in anger. "Somebody has to tell me how awful I am, what a monster I am and they can't wait until I die, right?" Eddie mused without a hint of a laugh.
"You're not awful or a monster and you're not going to die," Steve said firmly, not wanting to hear such things.
Eddies lip quivered as his eyes moved around, trying not to cry.. "Things are happening in here, really, really bad things, Steve." His chin twitched as tears rolled down his cheeks.
"Ever since I was released to gen pop.." Eddie gritted his teeth, "Every single day is bell," he breathed out in a gut wrenching whisper. "Can they separate you again.." Steve's face fell, stomach turning at the horrors Eddie was facing.
"Mm-Mm, apparently it's not severe enough.. this is just merely prison life." Eddie mumbled in anger and disdain, repeating what he was told.
"I'm not made for this.. I'm not built for it.. and everyone thinks that I killed Chrissy and Patrick and Fred and I.. I may not make it to a trial," Eddie cried quietly, seemingly embarrassed for doing so as he quickly wiped the tears away and stiffened up.
Steve fought back tears of his own, looking at Eddie's shaky hand as he held the phone and seeing four blackened bruises on his arm wrist, a handprint. Steve wanted to throw up, he wanted to break his way through the glass and get Eddie the hell out of there and to safety but he couldn't, he couldn't do anything. He was powerless.
"I'll talk to my dad, okay? If he takes you on I'll see if he can get you separated again?" Steve spoke reassuringly, trying his best to comfort Eddie who nodded with a flicker of a smile.
"I'm glad you came," Eddie looked Steve deep in his brown eyes, meaning every word. "Though I'm sure the drive sucked," Eddie laughed to lighten the mood.
Steve shook his head, "Worth it to see you," he pointed at Eddie whose cheeks reddened as he smiled. Steve raised a hand, lightly tapping a finger to the glass, "I'm still waiting on your letter, by the way.." he smiled coyly.
Steve having used a women's pen name to not raise brows at the prison or make things worse for Eddie. Their letters had become more intimate and vulnerable, skirting the lines of flirting and sexual innuendos and using code was getting tiring so Steve instead began using another name to keep Eddie safe.
"I'm sending it out today, I promise." Eddie swore, cheeks flushing more, eyes lighting up with happiness and excitement. "I uh, I saw you put money into my account, you didn't have to do that. You're already paying for gas and for calls.." Eddie trailed off with a burden of a sigh.
"I work, I make okay money, before I would have spent it on stupid shit but buying you phone time or new soap or whatever is a much better spend." Steve said honestly, he didn't want Wayne shouldering it all either — and Steve had become semi close to Wayne at that point in time, visiting him here and there to talk about Eddie.
"Well.. thank you." Eddie said a bit shy. Steve smiled warmly, "Don't need to thank me." He said in fact.
******
The end of the visit was abrupt, They felt like they had barely talked or saw each other and before they knew it, the officer was calling times up and lugging Eddie off like he was an animal that couldn't be contained yet Eddie was more than compliant. His mistreatment was unjust just like everything else.
Eddie only was allowed four hours per month of visits and with Wayne visiting and then Steve's dad, it only left Steve with the one visit in may and then one visit to Eddie before the month of April ended.
They wanted to see each-other everyday, often, being apart sucked and their letters detailed such. It detailed the longing, the yearning, the tears shed, the sleepless nights, without saying they liked each other was on, instead, the two discussed their profound feelings for one and other in great detail with each letter sent.
They both knew what that meant, they were both aware they were falling for each-other but neither bit the bullet to say so and they didn't really need to as it was evident between the two that.
Their letters no longer skirted around flirting either, Eddie writing such things as "I wish I could hold you, kiss you." Or, "You really know how to get me going." And Steve writing, "If only I could send you pictures.. the risky kind." Or, "I'd be making out with you for hours." — and often, getting much more riskier than that.
By June, Steve's dad had taken on Eddie's case after meeting with Eddie and Steve begging his father to take the case (even if it was embarrassing to beg, it was worth it.)
Eddies trial was set for October, the news was everywhere as the trial date was set. Eddies picture was on every news station, on every newspaper.. none of those articles or segments were pleasant or kind and when Steve saw that first paper, his blood boiled.
'Hawkins Freak Turned Killer,' is what the newspaper title read, the article stating, 'Eddie Munson was only a few months shy from graduation, on his third year of senior year. He is the son of Russ Munson (Rusty) who has been incarcerated for the past two years with five more to go on weapons and drug charges along with grand theft auto.
Eddie was known as a troubled adult who didn't fit in, he stood out for his eccentric personality and for his interests. One being The Hellfire Club, a club he ran at Hawkins local high-school where members would play dungeons and dragons, the same game that people are linking to satanic cults and dangerous behaviours.
Eddie had an extensive record himself as a juvenile to his adult years, he always seemed to have difficulty at staying out of trouble. One must wonder if it was his up bringing or the satanic game that made him commit such heinous acts,'
Steve stopped reading at that point, he truly couldn't stomach it. Sure it was Eddie's story in quick, bad lighting terms but that's not who Eddie was and the media was twisting everything they could to make him look like the devil himself.
After so many articles, Eddie was deemed among the media and people as The Devil Of Hawkins.
Not only was Steve appalled, the rest of Eddie's friends were too, as was Wayne. Eddie was no devil, quite the opposite. They tried to talk to the media to no avail, they ripped down posters with his new nickname plastered around town but more popped up.. it was disgusting and Steve was growing to hate his community.
Luckily Eddie was oblivious to most things going on outside of prison walls but inside he was quite literally in hell. Thankfully after a beating so severe that his eye was swollen shut and his arm was dangling from its socket, Steve's dad, Eddie's now lawyer, was able to get Eddie separated once again which meant he was safe for now but that didn't make up or change what he had been through so far and most of it kept him up at night, it kept him afraid, it made him sick.
In the middle of June once the prison deemed Eddie as a non-threat, his visits were changed from no contact to contact and of course Steve and Eddie called each-other right away, over the moon excited and in disbelief that they'd be able to see each other face to face, to touch each other, to be close, instead of separated behind glass.
It was only days later that Steve made the trip out to visit Eddie, bouncing in excitement all the way to the prison.
*****
Steve went through the usual process of being searched thoroughly and briefed on the strict rules he had to follow before being escorted to a heavily guarded room. The guard leading him to the room had an expressionless face and seemed to be in a hurry.
The room was a cold, intimidating space that felt more like a prison cell than a visitation room. The door was made of heavy metal with a small window that allowed the guards to monitor the activities inside. The room had three tables, one of which was occupied by a person in a drab uniform. The remaining two tables were empty.
As Steve took his seat, he noticed the room was sparsely furnished with only a vending machine and a dying plant in the corner.
The atmosphere was suffocating, with every sound echoing and amplifying, making it impossible to ignore. Steve could feel the weight of the guards' suspicion on him, and he wondered what he had done to deserve such scrutiny.
He tried to shake it off, eyes flicking up to a second heavy duty door that creaked loudly as it opened, hearing the rattling of chains as Eddie was shuffled on through, now fitted in a white jumpsuit, hair no longer holding waves or curls but instead looking dry and sad as it was kept back in a low bun, his cheek red and purple from the last bearing before being separated.
He was rugged along like an animal, no respect or kindness at all towards him. Eddie had explained in a letter prior to Steve's visit that the guards often treated him like shit too, the ones in gen pop being the worst. It made Steve angry for Eddie.
This time Eddie wasn't sorrowful or frowning, his head wasn't held low and he had a radiant, breath taking smile on his face that captured Steve's heart.
Steve went to stand to hug Eddie but was frozen in fear as a guard yelled at him to sit down, his voice booming loudly and scaring Steve shitless, quickly obeying in panic.
Eddie shot the guard a nasty glare as he was seated at the metal table, muttering something under his breath. He waited for the guard to head back into the other room before sliding down on the metal seat and motioning Steve towards him with his wrists still cuffed.
Steve cautiously looked at the other two guards in the room. "It's okay, they're cool." Eddie said in a reassuring whisper. Steve let out a sigh of relief, holding back tears as he slid down his own metal seat and leaned over to embrace Eddie.
"Sorry I can't give a better hug," Eddie whispered, tone sad. "No, no, don't be," Steve whispered back, "I can feel you, that's all I .." he stopped himself. Eddie nodded in understanding, "Me too," he said.
The two parted, wanting to hold on to each other forever, to shed tears, to indulge in the moment but they had to avoid suspicion.
So they moved back on their seats, seated across from each other as Eddie's face lit up just staring at Steve.
"Why are you in white?" Steve asked curiously. Eddie looked down at his jumpsuit, "Segregated colour," he stated.
Steve raised his head slightly then a suggestive brow to signal to Eddie that he liked it. Eddie chuckled softly, lightly tapping Steve's foot under the table with his own.
"How's working on the trial coming?" Steve asked with a tilt of his head. "Good. I can't say much but your dad really knows what he's doing," Eddie said in fact.
"He does and you'd be surprised the cases he's pulled off," Steve swiped a hand at the air. "He's shown me a few, but I think you know, we have to also realize that I still maybe stuck in here for years." Eddie said quietly.
"Mm-Mm, I'm not giving up hope," Steve refused. "Who knew Steve Harrington would be my biggest cheerleader?" Eddie teased in an almost inaudible whisper.
Steve chuckled, his own face lighting up, "Not me," he said, "But we both know you're innocent and.. and all that stuff from the letters," Steve whispered just as quiet.
Eddie smiled warmly, eyes flicking around the room before speaking again. "They have me working in here now so soon you won't have to put money in my account," he hung his head to the side as he spoke.
"I still will," Steve mused. "What do you do?" He asked, getting as comfortable as one could on a metal seat.
"Laundry mostly, it sucks, and it's boring but it's just me and this other guy who is pretty okay, no issues yet, and it gets me out of the cell so," Eddie raised a shoulder. "We get to listen to music and god.. I forgot how much I missed it," he raved at the simple joys.
"Oh yeah? Listening to Olivia Newton John?" Steve teased with a playful smirk. Eddie snorted, "No, mostly classic rock.. sometimes country which I don't mind too much." He said with a wave of his hand.
"And," Eddie held up a finger, "If I save up enough then I can buy a radio for my room." He said with an excited sway of his head. "I can buy that for you," Steve offered.
Eddie shook his head, "Uh-uh, you're not footing all my bills.. I already feel bad and with your dad taking on my case pro Bono.. you're doing enough, Steve," he reassured sincerely.
"Doesn't feel like it," Steve frowned which made Eddie frown in return. He motioned his head to the vending machine, Steve looked back at it confused then back at Eddie who motioned to it again.
Steve and Eddie noticed that the guards were engaged in a conversation, so they slowly stood up. Steve dug some change from his pocket and walked towards the vending machine while Eddie leaned against it, using his back to block the view of him and Steve from the guards.
"You're doing enough, I'm serious, babe," Eddie whispered. "You just called me.." Steve paused, his heart pounding in his chest, butterflies dancing in his stomach.
"I know," Eddie replied, grinning slowly. Eddie's words had made Steve's heart skip a beat.
"You're making it impossible not to.." Steve trailed off, pausing to mouth 'kiss you,' before punching buttons on the machine to knock down a bag of chips.
"Are they looking?" Eddie asked, Steve peered behind Eddie, the guards still looking away and chatting amongst themselves.
"No," Steve replied. Eddie slowly lowered his cuffed hands and trailed his fingertips along Steve's hand, sending shivers down his spine. Steve gave Eddie's hand a small, quick squeeze, his lips curved into a smile.
Eddie apologized, "That's the best I can do right now," and Steve nodded, picking up the chips from the vending machine. "It's much better than not being able to touch at all," Steve whispered back.
"Very good point," Eddie agreed as they both sat back at the table. "Am I allowed to give this to you, or will I get in trouble?" Steve held up the bag of chips. "You can give it to me," Eddie chuckled.
Steve watched as Eddie ripped open the bag and began shoving chips into his mouth.
"Hungry?" Steve asked, concerned. "Food here is crap," Eddie replied with a mouthful.
"Can't you buy stuff at the store?" Steve suggested. "It's mostly crap too," Eddie continued to eat.
"God, I hate this. You shouldn't be in here. You shouldn't be going through this." Steve sighed in frustration. Every day, he wished he could turn back time and do things differently.
"I agree," Eddie replied with a sigh, finally taking a break from eating chips. "But I can't do anything but wait until trial," he added, shrugging his shoulders.
"At least I get to see you and talk to you and Wayne. Gareth's called, Dustin's called, and Robin too," he continued.
"Yeah, I was thinking of bringing Dustin up here next time," Steve said, lost in thought. "I feel like I'm being selfish. I mean, you get limited phone calls and visits, and you have other people who want to talk to you and see you," Steve sighed as he spoke.
"Steve, stop." Eddie said firmly, "We aren't doing the pity thing, remember?" He arched a dark brow, leaning forward slightly. "Yeah," Steve breathed out while Eddie finished his chips.
*****
Just like the phone calls and visits prior, the contact visit went quick too.. no amount of time was enough and it slipped away so fast that they barely had time to hold onto it.
Even though they only had brief contact visits, Steve and Eddie cherished the opportunity to say goodbye and share a quick hug before Eddie was sent back to his cell. Steve couldn't imagine how lonely Eddie felt, and Eddie couldn't fathom the pain Steve felt, leaving Eddie behind and returning to his regular life, knowing that the man he cared for was on death row.
The situation was incredibly tough for both of them, and they spent countless hours worrying about the "what-ifs."
What if Eddie was sentenced to life or death? What if they could never share a kiss or even a hug? What if they could never be together? The stress and anxiety were overwhelming, but they supported and encouraged each other, becoming each other's solace in this chaotic situation.
Their connection was beautiful and seamless, even though on the surface, they seemed like an unlikely pair. Steve and Eddie just fit together in a natural and effortless way.
They were open and vulnerable with each other, sharing their deepest thoughts and feelings without hesitation. They could talk about anything, finding joy in each other's company. They understood each other in ways they never thought possible and their bond was unbreakable.
Steve and Eddie knew they had to keep their liking for the other a secret, even in their personal visits or phone calls. The only way they could express their feelings was through letters that Steve wrote under a pen name.
Eddie was already unfairly condemned, and Steve didn't want their relationship to worsen Eddie's situation, especially if it reached the prison or the media. It was a painful sacrifice, but they both knew it was necessary for Eddie's safety.
The fact that Eddie, an innocent man, was facing the death penalty while other heinous criminals like the night stalker were being captured was an outrageous injustice. It was revolting that Eddie was being treated the same as actual killers when he was entirely innocent. Steve and Eddie were both disgusted by the corruption and unfairness of the justice system.
Steve and Eddie's hopes were pinned on Steve's father to handle the case professionally and bring justice to Eddie. They dreamed of Eddie's release, but they knew that was an unlikely outcome, so they mainly hoped for a reduced sentence.
The idea of Eddie's life being in danger was a constant source of terror for Steve and Eddie. They were both anxious and worried about what the future held, and they could only hope that justice would prevail in the end.