The Late Killjoy

https://archiveofourown.org/users/The_Late_Killjoy

[thelatekilljoy]

Yo!

Hello there! I’m Killjoy, and I hope you’re having a wonderful day! I'm 22 and remain obsessing over Steve and Eddie. I don't understand how Tumblr works but I'm here anyway <3 You can find my fics on ao3 if you please :)

Have a good day and make good decisions (or else).

[thelatekilljoy]

Crow Boys Official Soundtrack

[INSERT NUMBER HERE] months ago, I uploaded my 2025 Steddie Big Bang, Crow Boys. Only thing is, I completely forgot to add a link to the playlist I had curated for it. Everyone, say it with me: ABSOLUTE BUMMER.

So, as a little treat, I figured I'd spruce up said playlist (aka give it a much-needed organizing) and go a little in-depth about my choices, for the folks like me who are a little too into music.

For those who just wanna peek at the playlist, HERE YA GO!

And for those who wanna nerd out about music with me, you can peek under the cut <3

I organized the playlist so the songs kinda align with the story (emphasis on kinda). To make this a little easier, I'll split up the songs in three sections: Chapter 1, The Middle, and Chapter 2.

Chapter 1

Little Moth - I initially put this song in the playlist in the perspective of Eddie inviting Steve into his life, especially when he hears about how Steve's parents kinda suck. But while I was reorganizing today, I realized parts of it also fit with Wayne taking Eddie in and being a source of comfort to his nephew in such a horrible time in his life. So, I moved it up to the tippy top of the playlist as a sort of intro.

Snail - This became Kid Eddie's theme song to me as I was writing. This song is absolutely perfect for describing how Eddie feels about not only himself but the world around him. He feels like there's something wrong with him and everybody knows it. I already liked this song beforehand, but listening to it within the context of Crow Boys made me realize just how heartbreaking it is. Which can be said about most Cavetown songs, honestly. There will be a lot of Cavetown in this playlist! So many songs were perfect.

Seven Wonders - I'll admit, I put some songs in as fillers and this is one of them. I know this song isn't from the 70s but Fleetwood Mac gives me 70s vibes no matter what.

Crocodile Rock - This song is just so silly and fun, and I imagine Steve would have enjoyed it as a kid, which is why he hums it on the playground. Calling back to it in the second chapter when Eddie plays it on guitar for Steve also felt incredibly wholesome, and it makes me smile even now.

Mississippi Queen - I was wondering what sort of rock song would play on the radio and catch Kid Eddie's attention and sort of open up his mind to the world of heavier music. I know to our standards now, Mississippi Queen isn't exactly the hardest rock, but it felt good for the time period I was working with. Also it's funny imagining Eddie absolutely vibing with a song like this and not knowing a damn thing about the lyrics.

Down On The Corner - I found this song while looking for 70s vibes to use as filler, but I ended up having this song in my brain while I was writing Eddie and Steve's day at the park when they're walking down the sidewalk and they get ice cream. Good vibes indeed.

piggy bank - I actually added this song in recently. I like how soft it is, and the sort of childish way of saying "I wouldn't bet my piggy bank on it" tickled my brain cells and made me think of my little crow dudes. Something about Eddie being so enamored with Steve and letting his guard down for a bit, allowing himself to be happy with his new friend even if Steve could potentially hurt him down the road.

Angel - This is one of those filler songs I was talking about, but I did like the line "I said it's funny that you understood."

Island Song - I... have no excuse. The Adventure Time song is in this playlist and there's nothing you can do about it. "All of my collections, I'll share them all with you." COME ON, BRO. Also it's just so playful and cutesy. That's them, your honor.

Come Over - So, I don't recall if I ever really wrote out Eddie feeling a little bit insecure about the fact that he doesn't have as much as the other kids at school, but it was in the back of my mind. Him putting those feelings aside and inviting Steve over for Spring Break so his friend wouldn't have to spend it alone was a pretty big reason for this song, even if I never really wrote it out. "Someday I'm gonna be somebody people want" could be aimed at Steve as well as Eddie. Eddie struggles with not fitting in, and Steve struggles with his parents.

Summertime - This was a very indulgent addition to the playlist. It just screams devotion and those hopeful, pure feelings that come along with being with your favorite person. "You can run away with me anytime you want" is such a beautiful expression of love. "Til we find our way in the dark and out of harm" is also a great line for Eddie wanting to protect Steve from his parents.

Have You Ever Seen The Rain - This was a filler, but the beginning lyrics were a little too good to not add in this particular section. At this point in the story, it is 100% the calm before the storm.

Come Along - This song was added at the suggestion of the artist I worked with for the fic. They said it had the vibes of Eddie and Steve playing around in the creek and I absolutely agreed. It's literally perfect. Those boys ain't worried about a damn thing......

seven - Oops! I broke everyone's hearts! Now, I'm not a fan of Taylor Swift by any means, but she had two songs that fit with this fic, and I'm a sucker for lyrics, so... ANYWAY, this song was a sort of way to tie up the first chapter. Sort of like an ending theme.

The Middle

The Story - The songs in this section are sort of like... just songs that I felt captured the pain of what had just happened, but didn't exactly fit into the first chapter. This one in particular is sort of like, yeah bad shit happens, that's life, it hurts, kinda gotta move on but also I wish things will work out. Y'know?

Soul Without a Shell - Another indulgent addition! I just really love this song and I can imagine Eddie feeling similarly to the lyrics every once in a while during the thirteen years he and Steve aren't friends.

As Two People Drift Apart - This one speaks a little bit more to the angry side of Eddie who's pissed off about everything as time goes on. The change in emotions throughout the song is soooo good.

Wherever You Are - I thought about taking this one out of the playlist, but I really like the lyrics about wanting to reach out to someone, but knowing you shouldn't.

Sadness As a Gift - This song hurts real good. But it also gives me that perspective of how pain in life is inevitable but also kind of makes life what it is.

You Without Me - Kinda similar to the last one. Maybe this is the more forgiving side of Eddie before the bitterness set in.

Sheep in Wolf's Clothing - this is an incredibly Steve-coded song, especially in the years after he and Eddie go their separate ways. Him being so sweet but putting on his mask and becoming like the kids his parents force him to be friends with. Growing into King Steve over those thirteen years because that's what everyone wants from him.

Chapter 2

1994 - This one kind of encompasses the entire chapter of Steve trying to come to terms with everything that happened and trying to not only seek forgiveness, but also forgive himself. This is his theme song for the fic, and I have soooo many feelings about it. I also think it's cool that the songs I felt describe the boys best in their separate POVs are both by Cavetown.

The View Between Villages - This is another one where Steve is struggling with his past self but maybe he's beginning to see the way to unravel everything in his mind and start working towards that forgiveness he wants. He wants to remember, and he wants to sit in those feelings and force himself to reckon with them.

Burning Heart - This is just a silly little song that I think Steve would whistle in his car while waiting. And it's from the Rocky soundtrack soooo...

let them know they're on your mind - I like both versions of this song, but I felt the acoustic was more fitting. I like how the song kinda fits with Eddie being so stuck on Steve's mind after that first little interaction that he kinda begins flirting with the idea of getting to know more about Eddie and trying to figure out how to interact with him. And, y'know, Steve finally remembering and being so obsessed with wanting to tell Eddie he remembers and has been thinking about it.

Nostalgia in My BedRoom - THIS SONG IS LITERALLY JUST THE PERFECT VIBE FOR THE TINIEST SCENE IN THE FIC. This is just the song version of when Steve goes and searches for the box of trinkets in his closet. "Yeah I really, really miss you." PLEASE-

The Promise - "I'm sorry but I'm just thinking the right words to say, I know they don't sound the way I planned them to be." Tell me that isn't Steve fumbling the absolute fuck out of his conversation with Eddie in the bathroom. YOU CAN'T.

Say You Will - "Say you will give me one more chance, at least give me time to change your mind." ALSO THE BATHROOM APOLOGY LMAOOOO

People Always Change - This one is just good for Steve struggling after Eddie kinda shuts him down at the cookout, but he wants so desperately for Eddie to see that he may have changed, but he's still the same Steve deep down inside. And how he wants to believe the same for Eddie.

I'm Still Your Boy - I added this one either yesterday or today. Something about thinking of Steve sitting in his car outside of the Munson's trailer and hesitating to knock on the door, when he's late to the day at the creek. He's still Eddie's boy.

Something Great - DING DING DING ANOTHER INDULGENT ADDITION!!! This felt perfect to add in that euphoric feeling of Steve finally feeling that connection with Eddie again, when they're in the creek and goofing off with the kids. "I want you here with me, like how I pictured it" AND "Is it too much to ask for something great?" and ALSO "One day I'll come into your world and get it right." SOMEONE HOLD ME

Swim Between Trees - This one just has a good vibe like something that would play in a montage of the '86 creek day if it were a movie, y'know?

Everything I Didn't Say - This one is also indulgent as FUCK. I like how it gives off the vibes of Steve's second attempt at an apology, at the elementary school park.

All My Wars - This song. Is so incredibly Steve-coded. It is quite possibly the single most Steve-coded song I've ever heard. (It fits SUPER well for a fic called The Last Steve Harrington, if you really want to have maximum feeling hurtage). I see this song as Steve finally forgiving himself, once he's gotten Eddie's forgiveness. A weight is lifted off his shoulders and he's ready to move on now. He doesn't have to be the sheep in wolf's clothing anymore.

Little League - Steve and Eddie hanging out and feeling like nothing ever changed between them. Going back to friends so easily and feeling that strange nostalgic feeling of reconnecting with someone that had once been so safe.

I'll Be Alright Without You - This song is soooo funny to think about Eddie singing. The lyrics are like a spurned lover but he was literally just like... an eight year old when everything happened LMAOOOO idk I got a giggle out of it, and he and Steve also got a bit of a giggle out of it. Something about the song Rhonda requested being really ironic, all things considered.

This Song - OOOOOOOO THEY'RE IN LOVE AND THEY'RE KISSINGGGGG. Imagine this playing in the van scene. Please.

Everything Has Changed - This is just... really obvious and idk what to say about it LMAO

Regret - Consider this the sort of wrap-up to Steve's whole section. The lyrics kinda speak for themselves, but I like how it starts off with the lines about forgetting stuff, like Steve. I also feel like it would be very Steve-coded to have an upbeat song at the end of his section.

Someone To Belong To - They're in love. Nuff said. (this whole album is so good btw).

Your Song - Just another sweet Elton John song, but this one is from 1970. I felt like it kinda went full circle back to the fic beginning in the 70s. It feels like a good song for the Epilogue. End credits rolling vibes but it's not the final song because...

Landslide - This one is :) So, I originally had this song at the very beginning of the playlist, since the start of me even making the playlist. It was the first song I decided to use as Crow Boys vibes. Mind you, I wrote and uploaded Crow Boys before Season 5 came out. But I figured I would move this song to the end of the playlist as a sort of homage to the final episode. When I heard it playing I swear my jaw dropped and I was like HOLY SHIT-- Anyway, it's just a good song that encapsulates everything.

If you stayed through this entire post of me rambling about music and my own fanfic, thank you. I wanted to get my thoughts out and I figured maybe someone like me would also be a nerd about it. Crow Boys was genuinely my love letter to Steddie, to the fandom, and to the show itself.

Unfortunately, I think I only have one more fic in me before I have to lay down my Steddie Badge and retire. I've signed up for the 2026 Steddie Big Bang and I hope to see ya there when it's done.

(no tags, i'm just gonna let this one float in the abyss)

[thelatekilljoy]

here's another eddie bc i'm bored as heck

shhhh don't wake him up

[thelatekilljoy]

rare kenzie art post!

i was consumed by a vision and had to make it come to life. anyway here's eddie as like... a late 90s-early 2000s nu metal dude. idk. pls forgive the sloppiness (i will NOT learn how to draw chains)

(you're not allowed to say he looks like chad kroeger and mike shinoda had a baby)

[arelliann]

Art for pt2 of Crow Boys by @thelatekilljoy betaed by @turinspeachjam for the @steddiebbang

The fic is now complete!!!! The enemies are lovering, the hurt is comforted and little Eddie and Steve are all grown up <3

Huge shoutout to Killjoy and Jam for being awesome partners for this project, I've had an absolute blast working with you both.

[thelatekilljoy]

I want what they have 😭

[arelliann]

Art for Crow Boys by @thelatekilljoy betaed by @turinspeachjam for the @steddiebbang

The cutest childhood friends to enemies to lovers fic you've ever read in your goddamn life, they're just the littlest guys 😭

[thelatekilljoy]

I love them so dearly <3

[thelatekilljoy]

Crow Boys - Out Now!

Hello! My 2025 @steddiebbang project is complete and ready to be enjoyed over on AO3!

I had a wonderful time working with @arelliann and @turinspeachjam to make this fic the best it can be. I couldn't have done it without them :)

Find Arelliann's posts here: Part One and Part Two

Here's Jam's AO3 and their Steddie Big Bang Project

See more information about Crow Boys itself under the cut!

Summary:

1973 Before Eddie Munson was The Freak, he had another name shouted at him by his peers: Crow Boy. New to Hawkins after his mother's death, Eddie struggles to find friendship at the local elementary school. He finds himself being ridiculed for spending recess alone, finding shiny lost treasures on the school yard. An unlikely friend joins his side for a brief while before leaving him all alone again.

1986 Steve Harrington doesn't have the best memory. Turns out, getting concussions is pretty damn bad for your brain. He forgets bits and pieces of old memories that return whenever they please. There's something about Eddie Munson that he can't quite place... Until he does. It seems some apologies are in order.

Time has changed them both, but deep down inside they're still the same boys from thirteen years ago. Though, friendship might not be the only thing to arise from their reunion.

A Treat For Reading Further:

If you know, you know. This art is by me! I just couldn't find anywhere to use it.

[toktopus-art]

you know what take these memes too it is pride month after all

[puncertainty]

finally finished this :3

[thelatekilljoy]

I'm so happy to announce my 2025 @steddiebbang project, Crow Boys (project 025)!

I'll be working with artist @arelliann and beta @turinspeachjam (MoonshinePeachJam on AO3) to make a warm, fuzzy, yet (hopefully) heartwrenching story about childhood friends, grief, and an overdue reunion.

Half in 1973 and half in 1986, we see Eddie and Steve become childhood friends for a brief while before getting separated, and how that separation leads to the rocky feelings of their inevitable reunion in 1986.

No upside down AU, FULL of the nostalgic feeling of being a kid, and just in general the type of story I've been waiting for the right reason to tell.

Summary below cut <3

1973

Before Eddie Munson was The Freak, he had another name shouted at him by his peers: Crow Boy. New to Hawkins after his mother's death, Eddie struggles to find friendship at the local elementary school. He finds himself being ridiculed for spending recess alone, finding shiny, lost treasures on the school yard. An unlikely friend joins his side for a brief while before leaving him all alone again.

1986

Robin Buckley wasn't exactly Steve Harrington’s first true friend. Back in elementary school, he'd found a friend that felt like joy bubbling up in his chest instead of the usual boredom of forced interaction. It was the most fun he'd ever had until it was ripped away from him. Now, after listening to Dustin Henderson sing Eddie Munson's praises, he wonders if there's a way to apologize and rekindle that friendship.

Time has changed them both, but deep down inside they're still the same boys from thirteen years ago. Though, friendship might not be the only feeling to arise from their reunion.

I hope you'll look forward to seeing our project sometime in October/November <3

[resande]

“aren’t i pretty enough for more than fun in the dark?”

[thelatekilljoy]

I'm gonna post this and be scared about it so you guys better be nice to me >:(

in other news i'm in the process of posting an unrelated 3 part fic over on ao3. it has 2 chapters and i'm working on the 3rd!!

[tumbleringismycopingmechanism]

[steddieunderdogfics]

It's Been a While: A Disjointed Guide to Explore the Apocalypse by WaldosAkimbo

It's Been a While: A Disjointed Guide to Explore the Apocalypse by WaldosAkimbo

@waldosakimbo

Rating: Teen and Up

26,743 words, 20/20 chapters

Archive Warning: Graphic Depictions of Violence

Tags: Alternate Universe - Apocalypse, Alternate Universe - Zombie Apocalypse, but make the zombies demogorgons, brief mention of Steve Harrington's Parents, Hurt/Comfort, Hurt Steve Harrington, Hurt Eddie Munson, Minor Original Character(s), Flashbacks, pills used briefly, The Party Loves Steve Harrington

Summary:

Steve Harrington is out in California visiting an uncle on his mother's behalf and it is boring. And he's being sad. And Robin's tired of it. So, when his cousin says he's going to be playing in a Battle of the Bands in town, he tags along, only to catch sight of one Eddie Munson and his band. And it's heart eyes at first insult. But, of course there's bad blood between Steve's cousin and Eddie and they leave on not great terms. Only for the world to rip open and for people to start changing into these crazy monsters with teeth. Now Steve's just trying to get home. Along the way, he picks up souvenirs from the creature's he's defeated, a couple of scars, and, oh yeah. One Eddie Munson, who's really hoping to find his uncle in all this mess. It's a small world after all....

Thanks for the rec!

Know a fic that deserves extra love? Submit through our asks or the submission box!

[thelatekilljoy]

I don't know anything about D&D so excuse me if this sounds absolutely bonkers but imagine a fic where Steve and Eddie body swap right before big events for both of them, so Eddie has to coach Steve through DM-ing for the finale of a campaign, and Steve has to coach Eddie for something too. Maybe a sport or something?

Anyway. this is 100% up for grabs for anyone wants it. I don't have the brain cells to write it.

[tubesock86]

winter blues

[temptingfatetakingnames]

Open mic night was Eddie’s favourite night of the week. It wasn’t often that the group was able to make the drive up to Indy but everyone was finally available this time. Gareth, Jeff and Grant were going in his van. Steve was taking Robin, Argyle, Jonathan and Nancy. Steve hadn’t seemed too interested when Eddie had invited them but he owed Robin something and she forced him into being their designated driver for the evening’s festivities. It would be the first time the groups would be mixing and Eddie was incredibly anxious about it.

He loved Gareth, Jeff and Grant but they had no filters whatsoever and even though Steve might not be a douchebag anymore, he had still been King Steve and that didn’t just go away because they had fought interdimensional demons together. He also couldn’t explain to the guys the real reason he was hanging out with Steve without mentioning said interdimensional demons. So. Eddie was anxious. But it was open mic night and he was going to hope for the best. He fucking loved open mic night.

“Tell me again how you became friends with Harrington?” Grant asked from the back seat.

Eddie couldn’t help but sigh, he had explained (lied) to them all multiple times but they could sense that something was missing from the story.

“I told you! Henderson introduced us. You know how he always went on and on about him, had to see for myself.”

“And you hit it off? Just like that?” Jeff asked.

Eddie shrugged. That was the story and he was sticking to it.

“But why did you have to invite him to open mic night?” Gareth whined.

“Chill out. We’re going to have a good time,” Eddie said as he reached for the radio dial. He turned the music up louder, ending the Q and A portion of the ride.

When they pulled up at the bar, he saw that Steve and the rest of the gang were already there and waiting outside. He parked the van and went to meet them. Steve was standing a bit off to the side, arms crossed over his chest, scowling at Robin. He looked good. A simple black t-shirt showed off his arms and tight acid washed jeans showed off his ass. Eddie assumed Robin had helped him pick the outfit, he had never seen Steve wear black before. Nancy and Johnathan were holding hands and leaning into each other’s space and Argyle was finishing off the last few tokes of his joint.

Robin spotted him and the guys and waved them over.

“Hey, Eddie!” she said with a bright smile lighting up her face.

Eddie tucked one hand into his front pocket and used the other to wave back. “Hey guys, this is Grant, Jeff, and Gareth,” he said pointing at each of them in turn. “This is Robin, Nancy, Johnathan, Argyle and Steve.”

Introducing them all to each other might have seemed a little silly – they did all go to high school together. Well, except for Argyle – but it felt right, too. Eddie wanted them to get along and making introductions felt like a new start. They all nodded at each other, somewhat warily before moving to the door. They didn’t intermingle – group lines still clearly demarcated and Eddie sighed.

Wayne was good friends with the owner of the bar, so he let Eddie and his friends drink a bit. Usually just a pitcher or two of his cheapest beer, which was completely fine with him. Beer was beer as far as he was concerned and he wasn’t going to complain when he was getting it for free while he was still underaged. The place wasn’t too full yet, he liked to arrive a little early so he could get a spot near the front of the stage. He got everyone settled at the table and then dragged Jeff off to the bar to help him with the drinks.

“Hey there, my main man Moe,” Eddie sing-songed as he approached the man behind the counter. He was Wayne’s age with wrinkles around his eyes and grey in his hair. He and Wayne went way back, the best of friends even though they were complete opposites. Where Wayne could be quiet and standoffish, Moe was charismatic and brash – they balanced each other.

“Eddie!” Moe called back and smiled widely at him. “Good to see ya, how’s Wayne?”

“Wayne’s great! He says hello.”

“How many glasses?” Moe asked as he started to fill up a pitcher of beer. “You brought a big group this time.”

“Oh, uh – nine!... Please.”

Moe set the pitcher on the counter before turning to grab and stack a bunch of cups. Jeff picked up the cups and Eddie took the pitcher.

“Thanks, Moe.”

Moe waved him off, still smiling.

He and Jeff made their way back to the table. Eddie was pleased to see that the two groups were intermingling a bit when he got back. Robin was chatting with Grant and Gareth, which made sense – they probably had the most in common. Johnathan and Nancy were sitting side by side, listening. Argyle was currently a space cadet, staring at the popcorned ceiling like it was the night sky. And Steve – well Steve had his arms across his chest and was leaning back like he wished he was anywhere else. Whatever, he could be a grumpy goose all he wanted. Eddie placed the pitcher in the center and Jeff started handing out the cups.

“So, what’s the King been up to since graduating?” Gareth asked and then took a sip of beer. Eddie rolled his eyes. The question was innocent enough but the way Gareth asked it made it sound like he already knew the answer and it couldn’t be anything good.

“Family Video re-opened, so me and Robs have been working,” he said and shrugged, taking the question and the way it was asked in a surprisingly good stride.

“That’s it? Working at Family Video?” Grant chimed in with a smirk.

Everyone could read between the lines of what Grant and Gareth were saying – the great Steve ‘The Hair’ Harrington, King of Hawkins High graduated but going nowhere – Working a menial service industry job that he probably hated. Eddie didn’t know if Steve had any other plans. He knew Robin and Nancy were all set to go off to college once they graduated but he and Steve had never really talked about their life goals. Maybe he was happy with an easy job and no stress. There were worse things, he supposed. But he also couldn’t imagine getting stuck in fucking Hawkins.

“Yup,” Steve replied. “That’s it.”

“That is not it, Steve!” Robin said from across the table. “Why don’t you tell them –” Her words were cut off when Moe walked onto the stage and announced that open mic night had officially begun.

A cheer went around the room and usually Eddie would be the first one to go up to the mic but he wanted Robin to finish her sentence. It was clear she wasn’t going to when the cheers finally quieted and a man from the back of the room approached the stage. Eddie listened but he found himself distracted; he hated mysteries. Puzzles needed to be solved or else he felt them like an itch in the back of his mind. He would need to bring the conversation back around to Steve later so he could find out what else the man had going on.

When the first performance ended to polite claps, Eddie jumped up to go next. He loved putting on a show. Moe always had an acoustic and electric guitar on the stage for anyone who wanted to use them. Eddie grabbed the electric guitar and strummed a few chords, testing it out before he went up to the microphone. He usually stuck to more rock and roll songs for open mic night over the heavier stuff he performed with Corroded Coffin. It was nice to be able to do both and he loved it when the crowd sang along with him. He finished his slowed down version of For Whom the Bells Tolls with an exaggerated bow.

A few regulars he knew went up after him. Jeff did a great acoustic version of Number of the Beast which Eddie had not expected to work at all. Robin and Nancy did a Blondie’s song together that wasn’t half bad. They had nice voices, and Robin at least managed to stay on key. Blondie was no joke.

They were on their third pitcher, the mood at the table loosened as they talked and sang and drank. Eddie and Steve only had one beer each before switching to sodas – a stipulation of Moes that anyone he brought to drink had a safe drive home. Eddie had never bent this rule, he appreciated Moe giving them a space to come and drink and he wouldn’t get him in trouble by driving drunk.

“Steve! You’re turn!” Nancy yelled.

Steve shook his head. “I’m not getting up there. I’m only here because Robin made me come.”

Jeff and Gareth shared a look between them, rolling their eyes.

“Afraid to sing in front of us, Harrington?” Eddie asked. He knew that Steve wasn’t afraid of anything. His dumb bravery would put the strongest barbarian to shame but sometimes heckling worked and Eddie really wanted to hear him sing.

Steve just leaned back calmly. “Not gunna work on me, Munson.”

“Steve,” Robin whined and stretched out his name, “you have to sing.”

“Nope,” Steve responded.

Robin leaned over so she was practically in his lap and squeezed his cheeks together.

“You have to sing, Steve,” she said with the utmost seriousness.

Something passed between them because Steve’s eyes got large and frightened and Robin snickered. She had something on him! Something he didn’t want her to tell them and she was threatening him with it. Good job, Robin!

Steve sighed deeply before heading up the stage as the crowd hooted and hollered.

Robin leaned back in her chair with a satisfied smirk on her face.

“He’s probably going to sing Tears for Fears or Abba or something,” Eddie said to the group.

“My money is on Madonna,” Nancy chimed in.

Robin snorted. “Duran Duran!”

They all laughed.

Steve grabbed the microphone and took a deep breath, looking out into the crowd. His first note echoed in the room and the talking and laughter ceased immediately, all eyes turned and focused on the stage.

I get up in the evenin’ And I ain’t got nothing to say Come home in the mornin’ I go to bed feelin’ the same way I ain’t nothin’ but tired Man, I’m just tired and bored with myself     Hey there, baby, I could use just a little help

Not a sound could be heard from anyone in the room as they all listened in rapt silence. Steve’s voice was ethereal, perfectly pitched, beautiful. Eddie had never heard anything like it.

You can't start a fire You can't start a fire without a spark This gun's for hire Even if we're just dancin' in the dark

The thing was, Eddie liked Steve. He was a better person and friend than he could have ever expected of the former king. But he was a surface level person, what you saw was what you got. He could be sassy and mean and didn’t seem to dive too deeply into his own feelings. Steve was simple and he liked simple things. He was Steve ‘The Hair’ Harrington for Christ sakes, he could not have the deep well of emotion and pain that he was conveying in this song.

But he did.

And he was.

Eddie turned to Robin and hissed in her ear as quietly as he could, “did you know about this?”

But she was looking at Steve just as dumbstruck as the rest of them and slowly shook her head.

You sit around gettin' older There's a joke here somewhere and it's on me I'll shake this world off my shoulders Come on, baby, the laugh's on me

Steve was baring his goddamn soul. And maybe Eddie had still been judging him too harshly on who he used to be – because they had fought a fucking war together. But it had always seemed to just…glide off Steve. They must have missed it – the darkness and loneliness in his eyes that Eddie was seeing now. They were all seeing it now. Nancy and Robin were both staring at him like they had never seen him before. Eddie was ashamed. How often did he lament people for thinking they knew him? For judging him on his looks before they even tried to know him? And now he had done it, too. But this was worse because Steve was his friend… and he hadn’t seen it. He had seen a piece of the man and assumed it for the whole.

Stay on the streets of this town And they'll be carvin' you up alright They say you gotta stay hungry Hey baby, I'm just about starvin' tonight I'm dyin' for some action I'm sick of sittin' 'round here tryin' to write this book I need a love reaction Come on now, baby, gimme just one look

This blew all of his preconceived notions out of the water. Steve was singing like his goddamn heart was breaking and no one in the world understood him. It was a masterpiece and Eddie was floored. Absolutely floored. He had heard Dancing in the Dark a million times. But Steve… The way he sang it gave the words such a deeper meaning. It was beautiful and haunting and pained. It changed everything about the song… and everything he thought he knew about Steve Harrington.

You can't start a fire Worryin' about your little world fallin' apart This gun's for hire Even if we're just dancin' in the dark Even if we're just dancin' in the dark

He held the last note, beautifully pitched, before he let it go. The room was silent, everyone as awestruck as Eddie. After a pregnant pause everyone erupted into cheers and whistles and Steve dropped his head as a blush starting creeping over his cheekbones – his hair falling over his face. Adorable.

Oh. Oh no.

No. No. No.

He did not just think that.

Appreciative eyes followed Steve as he made his way back to their table and Eddie bristled. He wanted to growl and bare his teeth at them all.

“You have the voice of an angel, my dude,” Argyle said.

“Thanks man,” Steve said as he sat back down.

Robin immediately attacked him, shoving him and screaming, “what the hell was that?”

“You wanted me to sing! So, I sang!” he yelled back.

“I didn’t know you could sing, Steve! Why didn’t you tell me?”

Steve shrugged. “Never came up, I guess.”

“Never came up!? Neve came up?” Robin’s voice kept increasing in volume and incredulity. Eddie was right there with her. “I am betrayed! Betrayed, Steve!”

Steve rolled his eyes at her dramatics. “Calm down, Buckley. It was just a song.”

“It wasn’t just a song though, was it?” Nancy asked quietly.

Steve tensed up and ducked his head but not before Eddie saw something dark move through his eyes. He wanted to ask if Steve was okay, wanted to drag him somewhere quiet where he could talk to him and ask him questions and find out what was behind his eyes – what was behind that song. Eddie wanted to split his skull open and peer inside and learn everything there was to know about Steve Harrington. He couldn’t take his eyes off him, was begging desperately in his head for Steve to look up, to look at him, too.

Who are you, Steve Harrington?

Eddie’s mind itched at the unexpected puzzle.