( the way eddie smiles when he talks about dustin creates a spot of warmth in steve's chest. it's knowing exactly how eddie feels when he says he misses dustin. steve would feel the same if he suddenly skipped town. but it could also be the way eddie's smile softens his features. the way the sunlight slanting through the wide open door hits the side of his face. the way his hair curls against his forehead. things steve didn't realize he missed seeing.

then eddie asks him a question, and steve sucks in a breath, lets it out slowly as he thinks. he scratches the side of his face. ) Uhh, fine? You know, a lot better now that the world's not in danger of ending.

( for now, at least. who knows how long that's going to last this time. )

The kids are all as annoying as ever. Robin's been spending a lot of time with...a new friend. Vickie. ( steve lowers his hand to his knee. the other arm rests on his outstretched thigh. ) Nancy... ( he feels another pang in his chest. different from the one he felt a second ago. less of a pleasant ache, more of a dull throb. ) Well, she and Jonathan've been spending a lot of time together. So...your advice didn't really work out.

( but there's no hint of an accusation in his voice. and when he looks at eddie, it's with a small, self-deprecating smile. )