[ Steve's reaction is exactly what Eddie was afraid of. He sighs as he just takes a step back, and keeps walking until he hits a cabinet before eventually sinking onto the floor. ]
Yeah. I, um. I don't think medical attention is going to help.
[ He sighs, refusing to look at Steve, because he doesn't -- he can't look at Steve and see fear in his eyes, directed at Eddie. He knows he's a monster now, but it would kill him to watch Steve react to him as if he were one. ]
[Steve's shoulders slump in defeat. He knows he's failed his friends a few good times but this ranks the worst. He can feel his stomach twist in painful knots, his head dropping in shame. Whatever was happening to Eddie sounded untreatable and that's a burden Steve places on his shoulders. He should have never left Eddie and Henderson alone like he had.
He was such an idiot. He had been so fixated on playing hero, he lost sight of two people he cared for whole trying to protect two more.
Christ, Eddie's words hurt even him and before Steve can stop himself, he's moving to kneel down in front of his friend.]
[ The last thing Eddie wants is for Steve to blame himself. Fuck, he couldn't have predicted Eddie would have done exactly what he said he wouldn't do by trying to be a hero himself. And Eddie had lived, mostly. Even if he was becoming something else now, he didn't die, and that was on Steve getting him out of that place.
It's a comfort, though, having Steve's hand on his knee. He snaps his head down to look at the way Steve's warm, inviting hand cups over his knee, cold and bony as it is. ]
Don't think there is anything that can help, Steve. You should...you should be careful. [ His attention slowly shifts from the warm hand on his knee to Steve's neck, where he can practically hear Steve's pulse despite how far away his ear is from his neck. ]
Because I'm kind of craving blood right now and I can hear your heart beating from here.
[It's too late for that. Steve already blames himself for everything that went horribly wrong with the battle against Vecna. He won't admit it outloud but he feels like he's failed everyone, even the shit town. He couldn't protect Max like he had promised, he couldn't protect Eddie and almost lost Henderson too. This battle had been a lot, one none of them had been prepared for.
What do you expect when you literally have a band of teenagers trying to save the world?
Max could die at any given second and now Eddie was basic cursed. There is a flash other defeat and failure that illuminates within Steve's eyes. No cure? Nothing could help his friend? Nothing at all?
There is something about the way Eddie says the last few words that has Steve pulling his hand back quickly. Perhaps it was the brutal honesty?]
Human blood or can we kill an animal or something?
[ Steve withdrawing his hand prompts Eddie to let out a sigh. He can't even blame Steve for that, he did just admit to wanting to drink his blood, and even if he clearly is still in control, who can say how long that will last?
He shrugs, avoiding looking at Steve out of shame. He hates that after everything, he's just become as monstrous as everyone has claimed he was all this time. Now he really is at risk of becoming a murderer. ]
I don't know. We could try, but I honestly have no idea what's happening to me.
[ The craving for blood makes him think vampire, but that's ridiculous. There's no such thing, right? They're just stories...but he would have said the same thing about the Upside Down and everything associated with it, too. ]
If I don't get something soon, though, it's going to be human blood. [ And with that, he looks up at Steve with a sad and scared look on his face. ] I don't want to hurt you, Stevie, you should leave before I do.
[Steve has no idea in hell what's actually happening to Eddie but he's placed that responsibility upon himself. He doesn't even know where to begin when it comes to a cure, if thats even an option but he can't just allow whatever is happening to Eddie claim him. Steve wouldn't be able to forgive himself, not after all the horror Eddie has already endured.
This isn't fair. ]
We can figure it out? There has to be a fucking answer, right?
[Right?
Steve is trying not to allow the worry and concern show on his face. The guilt that he's failed Eddie completely, that Steve couldn't actually save him from this. ]
I'm not just going to fucking leave you here alone, man. Can you even go outside like this?
[Typical Steve Harrington for you, the man that isn't going to leave a friend behind when in danger even when his friend is the danger.]
[ Eddie doesn't deserve the concern that Steve is showing for him. That's what he's convinced himself of, anyway. He knows now that Steve would offer himself up on a silver platter if it meant keeping everyone else safe, and he hates that. He wishes Steve could be a little bit selfish sometimes, if it meant he'd have an ounce of self preservation. ]
Don't know. [ Eddie's eyes are focused on the ground, because he knows if he looks at Steve he's going to lose his composure and he has no idea what that would mean for Steve. He feels dangerous, like he's seconds away from pouncing. ]
Look if you're not...if you insist on this can you at least tie me up? I don't trust myself right now. [ He doesn't say it, but there's an unspoken especially around you.
Because Harrington drives him crazy, has even before he apparently got turned into this monster. ]
[Steve would argue that Eddie out of anyone deserves the world and more. He definitely deserves more than this terrifying transform he's going through. It frustrates Steve that he doesn't have a solution or if one is even available. It unsettles him that Eddie could be stuck like this forever. The situation is certainly problematic and it will only get worse if Eddie is having these kind of cravings.]
I'm going to fix this, alright? I'll figure something out....
[Steve knows he's repeating himself helplessly but he doesn't want Eddie to feel like he's going to be shunned away to face this unexplained mutation on his own.]
Tie you up? You're being serious right now?
[Having to keep Eddie contained in ropes would make Steve feel awful. Not that he doesn't already.]
[ Eddie laughs derisively at that, because of course Steve wants to fix it. ] I don't think there is anything you can do, man. [ He wants to chase Steve away, for his own safety, but at the same time he's terrified if Steve leaves, he won't have a shred of humanity left in him.
At the same time, the longer Steve stays, the more in danger he will be, and the closer to killing Steve Eddie will get, which will only end with the same outcome. ]
I'm serious, if the hunger takes over I don't know what I'll do. I don't wanna hurt you man, I'm...I'm really scared that's exactly what I'm gonna do.
[ It doesn't help that Steve is starting to smell really good right about now. To the point where Eddie is already considering shoving Steve up against the wall and just taking his fair share of blood. ]
[The realization of Eddie's words echo against Steve's ears and there is a sudden wave of defeat that ghosts over his handsome features. He hangs his head because he knows Eddie is right, no matter how much Steve chooses not to believe it. Why is this always his fate? Why does he always fail those he cares about most?
God, he's supposed to be the damn protector for Christ sakes!]
I'm sorry...
[It's not enough. It never is.
Now is probably the time to take Eddie's warning seriously and Steve's eyes begin to dart around in search of anything helpful.]
[ Eddie feels a pang of something, and he's certain it's not hunger. He didn't think it possible to still feel anything like guilt while like this, but apparently he still has a conscience. Which is a good sign. ]
Hey, no, don't. It's not your fault, Steve. I'm the idiot that had to go and be a hero, remember?
[ He frowns as he considers their options. He's not fond of the idea of being tied up in this situation, but he is the one who suggested it. It's the only way to ensure he won't attack Steve if he gets too weak to fight against his hunger. ]
Rope, if you have it. Chains might be stronger, but I doubt you have anything like that just lying around. [ He lets out a laugh and rolls his eyes. ] My first time getting tied up by you and it's not even for anything fun.
[ Might as well dig himself a deeper hole while he's at it. He doubts Steve is going to want him around for much longer once it's revealed just how dangerous he is now. ]
[If Eddie hadn't made such a sacrifice all of them could be dead. Steve just wished he would have stayed behind or had Eddie just come with the group. He couldn't fix the stupid choices he made, he couldn't fix Eddie either and that was a huge blow. Steve was supposed to look out for him and he failed. ]
I should have stayed with you or had you come with us, man. Maybe then?
[Right. He needs to get on this whole finding a rope thing before Eddie actually does lose control and both boys end up in one hell of a situation. Maybe he has some rope in his car?
Here is to hoping.
Eddie's words catch Steve off guard. It shouldn't come as a sudden surprise because Eddie always spouts off at the mouth when he Steve's company.
Well, there's no point in arguing over it now, I guess.
[ He frowns, ignoring the way he can feel his fangs with the way his lips contort. It's better if he just tries to not pay attention to all the changes his body is undergoing, lest he start falling into a spiral.
But then Steve's responding to Eddie's dumb comment, and Eddie is torn between displaying amusement and looking guilty for making such a comment at a time like this.
He opts for a mixture of both. ]
Well, yeah, sorry. Humor's kind of a coping mechanism, you know?
[ He pauses, notes how he feels himself start to salivate as Steve's heartbeat is the one thing that seems to fill his ears. Shit, he could probably pin Steve to the wall and take just a taste -- ]
You'd better hurry, I -- I think it's getting worse.
[The more Steve's mind focuses on the fact that he has no choice but to bind his close friend has his stomach turning over in knots. The last thing Steve wants to do is tie Eddie up for whatever reason. Even if said reason is because Steve himself could be in great danger. So what else was new?
Right. He needs to get on that.
Yet he's still stuck in the same exact spot with his eyes fixated on the creature that was his good friend. This sudden transformation makes his heartache and the guilt just keeps gnawing away at his core.]
Real cute, Munson.
[There isn't much time to wonder if Eddie was actually being serious about what he had said. He needs to figure out this whole damn rope situation. ]
Stay here, yeah? I'll umm, be right back.
[He sprints off before Eddie has a chance to reply and within minutes he's back in the trailer rope in hand. ]
[ Eddie's mind feels like a mixture of guilt, rage, and a strange amount of ecstasy in there for good measure. Like his body is trying to convince him that this is a good turn of events, that he could take what he wants, all he has to do is reach his hand out and grasp it.
But no --
He can't take Steve just because he wants him. Steve would never forgive him, and then he would really be a monster, unable to forgive himself. He has to wait, to keep his composure, and to hope that maybe they can find a way to keep Eddie from giving into the beast within.
When Steve comes back, Eddie's eyes flicker to the rope and then back at Steve and gives him a quick nod. ]
Hurry, please, I feel like I'm hangin on by a thread.
[ He holds his wrists out, in case Steve wants to start with those. To make sure that Eddie can't wriggle his way out of his bonds. ]
[This still feels so wrong no matter how many times Steve tries to convince himself that this is for the best for both himself and for Eddie. That doesn't stop his stomach from knotting up even more as he settles on his knees and begins to tie Eddie's wrists together tight and secure.
Surely he could find some kind of animal to settle Eddie's hunger, right? Unless Eddie can only survive off of actual human blood.
Fuck this was complicated as much as it was frightening. ]
You still need to be fed.
[And who's to say Eddie doesn't have some insane vampire strength and can break free of the rope?]
[ Eddie's eyes grow wide with surprise as Steve offers to find him an animal to feed off of. It still boggles his mind that Steve is still here, that he isn't tying him up and leaving him to die. He wants to help even though he's proven that he's dangerous.
In another life he would have flirted with Steve, implied he wanted his blood, but he's too afraid Steve will offer himself freely, and Eddie won't know when to stop. So, he opts for -- ]
I don't know, I never had to drink blood before. Just. Maybe not rats?
[ After another moment's silence, he adds -- ]
Knock yourself out. Whatever you can get your hands on.
[Did Eddie truly believe that Steve would just flee and make the boy suffer on his own after what they had been through together? Steve couldn't be so cowardly or cruel towards Eddie like that and Eddie should know by now that Steve willingly tosses himself into danger without hesitation.
Now the real question is if Steve has it in him to kill an innocent animal for Eddie to actually feed on. Would he even be able to find something around these parts and would it be enough to satisfy the hunger?]
[ Steve's question takes him by surprise. But then again, after everything he has done, the way he has refused to leave Eddie to die, or up to his own devices, he probably shouldn't be that shocked that Steve wouldn't want him to leave.
He holds up his wrists and smiles wryly. ]
Not like I could if I wanted to. [ But then he slumps a bit as his smile fades and he takes on a more serious expression. ]
Seriously. I won't. I'll stay here. [ Though he isn't sure if he can stay here much longer. If he ends up hurting Uncle Wayne... ]
[Eddie's own safety is far more important than Steve's own right now. He doesn't want Eddie to make a dash for the door as soon as Steve leaves because he fears he may attack. If what was left of the town happened to even get a glimpse of Eddie like this there would be a fucking man hunt. ]
I'll try my best to be quick.
[It just depends on what type of animal he could find and would it be suitable enough for Eddie’s hunger. He makes a dash for the door so he can begin his quest for food.
Steve is gone longer that he attended to be but once he returns he's thankfully not emptied handed. Hopefully Eddie hasn't starved to death. He slowly creaks the door open before stepping inside cautiously as to not startle his friend.]
[ While Steve was gone, it had been hard for Eddie to keep from spiraling. Every little noise startled him and the hunger only got worse.
By the time Steve returns, Eddie feels very on edge. He jumps at the sound of his voice, his head jerking to the side until his eyes fall upon his friend, returned with the food he can smell without even seeing what it is. ]
You did. [ He licks his lips, a feeling of shame wash over him at letting his hunger control him like this. Steve must really think he's a freak now.
And yet, Steve is still here, isn't he? He came back with food. That has to mean something.. ]
I can't lie, a part of me didn't think you even had it in you, [ he admits sheepishly. ]
[Upon entering, Steve holds up his hands to show Eddie that it's him and he means no harm. The way his friend jerks around in near paranoia causes Steve to jump back a little, hands still up slightly.
God, he feels like complete shit that he's left Eddie alone in this state but his friend had to eat. What other choice did Steve actually have?]
It wasn't particularly easy.
[Steve isn't the type to kill innocent animals for fun or food for that matter but Eddie needed him and here he was.]
I'm sorry I was gone for so long, man. Are you alright? Come on, you need to drink this thing.
[ Eddie could practically sob in relief, that is how desperate he was becoming. He never anticipated Steve would be so willing to go through such lengths to feed him, and now he almost wants to kiss him in thanks.
But, that would probably freak Steve out, so he just reaches out for Steve, or rather for the animal he had tracked down. ]
[Steve must sound like a broken record but he's genuinely worried and concerned for his buddy gone vampire. The least he could do was make Eddie comfortable and accepted. He didn't want Eddie believing he was this horrible monster.
He helps Eddie with the animal considering the circumstances and steps back so that he can feed in peace. Being helpful hasn't made Steve feel less guilty about what has happened.]
[ As soon as Eddie has his hands on the dead thing, his fangs are quickly unleashed and he sinks his teeth into its flesh. He wrinkles his nose at first, because it's clearly been dead for a short while, but it's still blood. It's still warm, and does seem to stave off the hunger long enough where he doesn't feel like he's a threat to Steve anymore.
Once it's drained dry, he wipes the back of his hand across his mouth and fixes Steve with a look. Of course, now that he's had a chance to clear his head, he's faced with the problem of what to do with the damn thing. He can't just throw it in the trash.
He also can't stay here. He's going to be a danger to his uncle if he stays here. ]
Thanks, man. You, uh. You didn't have to, but I appreciate it. [ He manages a slight smile, his eyes pointed down at the floor as he tries to avoid his mind spiraling out of control now that he's faced with what the next steps are going to be. ]
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Yeah. I, um. I don't think medical attention is going to help.
[ He sighs, refusing to look at Steve, because he doesn't -- he can't look at Steve and see fear in his eyes, directed at Eddie. He knows he's a monster now, but it would kill him to watch Steve react to him as if he were one. ]
Guess I really am a freak now, huh?
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He was such an idiot. He had been so fixated on playing hero, he lost sight of two people he cared for whole trying to protect two more.
Christ, Eddie's words hurt even him and before Steve can stop himself, he's moving to kneel down in front of his friend.]
Don't say that, you hear me? Don't...
[He reaches a hand out to rest along Eddie knee]]
We can try to find something to help you, yeah?
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It's a comfort, though, having Steve's hand on his knee. He snaps his head down to look at the way Steve's warm, inviting hand cups over his knee, cold and bony as it is. ]
Don't think there is anything that can help, Steve. You should...you should be careful. [ His attention slowly shifts from the warm hand on his knee to Steve's neck, where he can practically hear Steve's pulse despite how far away his ear is from his neck. ]
Because I'm kind of craving blood right now and I can hear your heart beating from here.
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What do you expect when you literally have a band of teenagers trying to save the world?
Max could die at any given second and now Eddie was basic cursed. There is a flash other defeat and failure that illuminates within Steve's eyes. No cure? Nothing could help his friend? Nothing at all?
There is something about the way Eddie says the last few words that has Steve pulling his hand back quickly. Perhaps it was the brutal honesty?]
Human blood or can we kill an animal or something?
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He shrugs, avoiding looking at Steve out of shame. He hates that after everything, he's just become as monstrous as everyone has claimed he was all this time. Now he really is at risk of becoming a murderer. ]
I don't know. We could try, but I honestly have no idea what's happening to me.
[ The craving for blood makes him think vampire, but that's ridiculous. There's no such thing, right? They're just stories...but he would have said the same thing about the Upside Down and everything associated with it, too. ]
If I don't get something soon, though, it's going to be human blood. [ And with that, he looks up at Steve with a sad and scared look on his face. ] I don't want to hurt you, Stevie, you should leave before I do.
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This isn't fair. ]
We can figure it out? There has to be a fucking answer, right?
[Right?
Steve is trying not to allow the worry and concern show on his face. The guilt that he's failed Eddie completely, that Steve couldn't actually save him from this. ]
I'm not just going to fucking leave you here alone, man. Can you even go outside like this?
[Typical Steve Harrington for you, the man that isn't going to leave a friend behind when in danger even when his friend is the danger.]
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Don't know. [ Eddie's eyes are focused on the ground, because he knows if he looks at Steve he's going to lose his composure and he has no idea what that would mean for Steve. He feels dangerous, like he's seconds away from pouncing. ]
Look if you're not...if you insist on this can you at least tie me up? I don't trust myself right now. [ He doesn't say it, but there's an unspoken especially around you.
Because Harrington drives him crazy, has even before he apparently got turned into this monster. ]
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I'm going to fix this, alright? I'll figure something out....
[Steve knows he's repeating himself helplessly but he doesn't want Eddie to feel like he's going to be shunned away to face this unexplained mutation on his own.]
Tie you up? You're being serious right now?
[Having to keep Eddie contained in ropes would make Steve feel awful. Not that he doesn't already.]
Isn't that a bit extreme, man?
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At the same time, the longer Steve stays, the more in danger he will be, and the closer to killing Steve Eddie will get, which will only end with the same outcome. ]
I'm serious, if the hunger takes over I don't know what I'll do. I don't wanna hurt you man, I'm...I'm really scared that's exactly what I'm gonna do.
[ It doesn't help that Steve is starting to smell really good right about now. To the point where Eddie is already considering shoving Steve up against the wall and just taking his fair share of blood. ]
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God, he's supposed to be the damn protector for Christ sakes!]
I'm sorry...
[It's not enough. It never is.
Now is probably the time to take Eddie's warning seriously and Steve's eyes begin to dart around in search of anything helpful.]
What do you suggest? Rope?
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Hey, no, don't. It's not your fault, Steve. I'm the idiot that had to go and be a hero, remember?
[ He frowns as he considers their options. He's not fond of the idea of being tied up in this situation, but he is the one who suggested it. It's the only way to ensure he won't attack Steve if he gets too weak to fight against his hunger. ]
Rope, if you have it. Chains might be stronger, but I doubt you have anything like that just lying around. [ He lets out a laugh and rolls his eyes. ] My first time getting tied up by you and it's not even for anything fun.
[ Might as well dig himself a deeper hole while he's at it. He doubts Steve is going to want him around for much longer once it's revealed just how dangerous he is now. ]
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[If Eddie hadn't made such a sacrifice all of them could be dead. Steve just wished he would have stayed behind or had Eddie just come with the group. He couldn't fix the stupid choices he made, he couldn't fix Eddie either and that was a huge blow. Steve was supposed to look out for him and he failed. ]
I should have stayed with you or had you come with us, man. Maybe then?
[Right. He needs to get on this whole finding a rope thing before Eddie actually does lose control and both boys end up in one hell of a situation. Maybe he has some rope in his car?
Here is to hoping.
Eddie's words catch Steve off guard. It shouldn't come as a sudden surprise because Eddie always spouts off at the mouth when he Steve's company.
Steve's a little lost at words for a second.]
You seriously just came at me with that?
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[ He frowns, ignoring the way he can feel his fangs with the way his lips contort. It's better if he just tries to not pay attention to all the changes his body is undergoing, lest he start falling into a spiral.
But then Steve's responding to Eddie's dumb comment, and Eddie is torn between displaying amusement and looking guilty for making such a comment at a time like this.
He opts for a mixture of both. ]
Well, yeah, sorry. Humor's kind of a coping mechanism, you know?
[ He pauses, notes how he feels himself start to salivate as Steve's heartbeat is the one thing that seems to fill his ears. Shit, he could probably pin Steve to the wall and take just a taste -- ]
You'd better hurry, I -- I think it's getting worse.
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Right. He needs to get on that.
Yet he's still stuck in the same exact spot with his eyes fixated on the creature that was his good friend. This sudden transformation makes his heartache and the guilt just keeps gnawing away at his core.]
Real cute, Munson.
[There isn't much time to wonder if Eddie was actually being serious about what he had said. He needs to figure out this whole damn rope situation. ]
Stay here, yeah? I'll umm, be right back.
[He sprints off before Eddie has a chance to reply and within minutes he's back in the trailer rope in hand. ]
Ready?
no subject
But no --
He can't take Steve just because he wants him. Steve would never forgive him, and then he would really be a monster, unable to forgive himself. He has to wait, to keep his composure, and to hope that maybe they can find a way to keep Eddie from giving into the beast within.
When Steve comes back, Eddie's eyes flicker to the rope and then back at Steve and gives him a quick nod. ]
Hurry, please, I feel like I'm hangin on by a thread.
[ He holds his wrists out, in case Steve wants to start with those. To make sure that Eddie can't wriggle his way out of his bonds. ]
no subject
Surely he could find some kind of animal to settle Eddie's hunger, right? Unless Eddie can only survive off of actual human blood.
Fuck this was complicated as much as it was frightening. ]
You still need to be fed.
[And who's to say Eddie doesn't have some insane vampire strength and can break free of the rope?]
Animal preferences?
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In another life he would have flirted with Steve, implied he wanted his blood, but he's too afraid Steve will offer himself freely, and Eddie won't know when to stop. So, he opts for -- ]
I don't know, I never had to drink blood before. Just. Maybe not rats?
[ After another moment's silence, he adds -- ]
Knock yourself out. Whatever you can get your hands on.
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Now the real question is if Steve has it in him to kill an innocent animal for Eddie to actually feed on. Would he even be able to find something around these parts and would it be enough to satisfy the hunger?]
Promise me you won't leave?
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He holds up his wrists and smiles wryly. ]
Not like I could if I wanted to. [ But then he slumps a bit as his smile fades and he takes on a more serious expression. ]
Seriously. I won't. I'll stay here. [ Though he isn't sure if he can stay here much longer. If he ends up hurting Uncle Wayne... ]
no subject
I'll try my best to be quick.
[It just depends on what type of animal he could find and would it be suitable enough for Eddie’s hunger. He makes a dash for the door so he can begin his quest for food.
Steve is gone longer that he attended to be but once he returns he's thankfully not emptied handed. Hopefully Eddie hasn't starved to death. He slowly creaks the door open before stepping inside cautiously as to not startle his friend.]
It's me. I'm back. Found you something.
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By the time Steve returns, Eddie feels very on edge. He jumps at the sound of his voice, his head jerking to the side until his eyes fall upon his friend, returned with the food he can smell without even seeing what it is. ]
You did. [ He licks his lips, a feeling of shame wash over him at letting his hunger control him like this. Steve must really think he's a freak now.
And yet, Steve is still here, isn't he? He came back with food. That has to mean something.. ]
I can't lie, a part of me didn't think you even had it in you, [ he admits sheepishly. ]
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God, he feels like complete shit that he's left Eddie alone in this state but his friend had to eat. What other choice did Steve actually have?]
It wasn't particularly easy.
[Steve isn't the type to kill innocent animals for fun or food for that matter but Eddie needed him and here he was.]
I'm sorry I was gone for so long, man. Are you alright? Come on, you need to drink this thing.
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But, that would probably freak Steve out, so he just reaches out for Steve, or rather for the animal he had tracked down. ]
Other than hungry? Yeah, man, just peachy.
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[Steve must sound like a broken record but he's genuinely worried and concerned for his buddy gone vampire. The least he could do was make Eddie comfortable and accepted. He didn't want Eddie believing he was this horrible monster.
He helps Eddie with the animal considering the circumstances and steps back so that he can feed in peace. Being helpful hasn't made Steve feel less guilty about what has happened.]
Hope it's enough.
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Once it's drained dry, he wipes the back of his hand across his mouth and fixes Steve with a look. Of course, now that he's had a chance to clear his head, he's faced with the problem of what to do with the damn thing. He can't just throw it in the trash.
He also can't stay here. He's going to be a danger to his uncle if he stays here. ]
Thanks, man. You, uh. You didn't have to, but I appreciate it. [ He manages a slight smile, his eyes pointed down at the floor as he tries to avoid his mind spiraling out of control now that he's faced with what the next steps are going to be. ]
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