Modern Steddie where the Corroded Coffin boys are protective as fuck and pretend to be Eddie's boyfriends whenever they notice some creep making unsolicited advances during their gigs.
This has always been a thing, but they get even more protective after a guy corners Eddie in the bar bathroom and gets way too handsy with their vocalist.
One night, they are playing their usual Friday gig when Eddie catches sight of a pretty guy giving him this awed, hungry gaze. His interest is picked instantly.
They play for an hour more, Eddie makes sure to use all his seductive moves when he's singing and playing. The guy doesn't take his eyes off him for a second.
When the show is over, they pack their things quickly, load everything in the van, then come back for a couple of drinks.
Eddie makes a beeline to the bar and, unsurprisingly, pretty boy is by his side in a second.
The man doesn't even have a chance to say a single word before Gareth is draping his arm over Eddie's shoulder and saying, "Sorry, pretty boy, this one here is taken."
It breaks Eddie's heart how sad the man actually looks. He just mumbles a small, "I'm sorry, my mistake." Before he sidesteps the two of them and leaves, like a kicked puppy.
Eddie panics. He shoves Gareth's arm off him and sprints after the man, a confused exclamation leaving his friend but Eddie ignores him.
He catches up with the guy just as he's reaching the restroom.
"Hey, hey, wait!" The man turns, pretty hazel eyes large with shock as he takes Eddie in. "Please, ignore what just happened, my friend was just being protective."
"Your friend? He's not your boyfriend then?"
"Oh god, no. Gareth is as straight as they come, no way. But he does that when he thinks some creep is trying to hit on me."
"Not you! You're not a creep! Gareth is just an idiot! Oh my god, I'm sorry."
The man laughs; this pretty little thing that's a mix of a snort and a giggle and Eddie can't help but stare at those pink lips.
"Can we please start over?" he asks with a sigh. "I'm Eddie."
"Pleasure to meet you, Eddie. I'm Steve." They clasp hands and Eddie swears he can feel too the shiver that runs down the man's body. "Can I buy you a drink? Or are your friends gonna try to hunt me down if I do?"
"You can buy me anything you want, baby. Be my guest."
The smile he gets is blinding and beautiful and Eddie almost melts right there and then.