#future harringroveson

[brightside-of-the-upsidedown]

I'm not sure how I'll continue it yet, but this is the infamous pastel grunge punk!Steve I ended up writing instead of tentacles, so enjoy XD

Sparked by this beautiful post

By @discodeviant because while I was reading, Beggar's Song by Matt Maeson started playing in my head.

Steve looked into the backroom bathroom's cracked mirror and fixed his hair for the seventh time in the last thirty minutes. It was practically a ritual at this point when he was nervous. Well, maybe it'd become his lucky thing after tonight.

He brushed the hair away from his face and clicked his tongue ring pensively. From one side, his new haircut still had his usual thick brown voluminous waves with highlights that nearly brushed his shoulder. From the other side, he'd had it trimmed down into a disconnected undercut and dyed baby pink. He'd originally been planning on dying all of his hair pink and getting both sides shaved, but had chickened out. He'd still been thrilled by the outcome though.

Or at least he had loved it just this morning. But would everyone else? Had he made a mistake and fucked up one of the only good things about him-

A fist banged on the door and Robin's voice came through the door. "Come on, dingus, you're already pretty. Stop spiraling and let's go!"

Steve smiled and let her in. "Aw, Buckley, I'm pretty? Even pretty enough for you?"

Robin snorted and wrinkled her nose. "Don't push it. Now get your ass up on stage before it escapes those pants and makes a run for it. You're never going to throw those out, are you?"

Steve looked down at his worn thin jeans and yeah, maybe they were a bit tighter than usual in the ass, but their new apartment had a lot of stairs, okay! Despite it being almost more holes than pants, they were comfortable and definitely something his parents would never have let him wear when he'd still been under his dad's thumb. So of course that made them his favorite.

He turned and washed his hands once more. Robin let out a choking noise and pointed at his ass. "That's a new hole."

For a split second, Steve thought she was talking about something else until she poked at a spot on his ass not covered by the pants. There was a new hole in his jeans that showed off a not small peek of his ass and thigh. But it was low enough that Steve wasn't too worried about it.

"Buy a guy dinner first, jeez." Steve teased her.

She just slapped his ass. "Yeah, sure, I know a great little place on Easy Street called Cafe Puttana."

"Did you just call me a whore in my own mother tongue, Buckley?!" Steve gasped dramatically. "And maybe if you dressed like this more often, you'd stop having to resort to handing out free drinks to get a girl's attention." Steve hip checked her as she giggled at him and opened the door. "Now let's get this show on the road before everyone notices their favorite bartenders are both missing. My public awaits." He adjusted his pink jean vest over his Nirvana t-shirt as he stepped out, still picking, still-

"Your 'public' is a bunch of drunks, punks, burnouts, and half dead partiers." Robin hugged him from behind just before they got to the stage in the bar. "So don't let the nerves get you. Just have fun and sing me a song, piano man."

That got a genuine laugh out of him. "I'm no Billy Joel, but I'll see what I can do, uptown girl."

Robin went up on stage to announce him. She hyped him up as best she could given her audience and got a not too bad round of applause. Steve wasn't expecting much, this was a gig he'd just gotten only because he worked at the bar and the band that had been scheduled to play had canceled. He usually worked as their bartender and he was good at it. He probably wouldn't have gotten either job if Robin hadn't stepped up to bat for him.

Steve practiced his breathing exercises as the players they could find on such short notice got ready. He stepped up on stage, gave a friendly wave to the regulars who recognized and cheered for him.

He took a seat at the piano he'd had to tune himself before the show because it got so little use.

"Hey, you bunch of vagrants and drains on society." His words were met with proud hoots and hollers. "It's me, Steve, your favorite bartender." This was met with a loud boo from the bar, Robin playfully heckling him.

"That bunch of assholes the boss hired canceled, yeah, I know. So you get me instead, aren't you lucky? Usually you have to buy a drink to get to listen to my dulcet tones." Steve grinned as the crowd booed, whistled, and catcalled. "So enjoy the music, I wrote it myself. Yeah, that's right, fuck you, I have layers. Or if you don't like it, just shut the fuck up and enjoy the view you bunch of pervs." More catcalls.

Steve signaled the players and waited a moment, waiting for his cue, as they played the intro. They weren't bad for only two days of practice.

Jesus, come talk to me

I am but a blind mess, I am wild and free

I know that I need us more than I need me

One more whiskey, I am wild and free

Steve started playing as he continued singing.

Oh, but I'm a beat-down, washed-up son of a bitch

I got one more cigarette and all my money is spent

But I'ma be damned if I let it keep me down

Oh yeah, I'm a beat-down, washed-up son of a bitch

I got one more cigarette and all my money is spent

But I'ma be damned if I let it keep me down

Steve didn't hear any hecklers, not that he thought anyone was that willing to get on Robin's Shit List, but he still didn't dare look up.

Oh, my mother Mary, come walk with me

I am on four drugs, I am wild and free

I know that I failed less, the less I knew me

Wander through the darkness, and come walk with me

Steve felt good about the beat and the band seemed to be really getting into it.

Oh 'cause I'm a beat down washed up son of a bitch

I got one more cigarette and all my money is spent

But I'll be damned if I let it keep me down

Ay, yeah

Yeah I'm a beat down washed up son of a bitch

I got one more cigarette and all my money is spent

But I'll be damned if I let it keep me down

Yeah, yeah

He timed his breathing as the band trailed into the chorus.

Oh yeah, I'm a beat-down, washed-up son of a bitch

I got one more cigarette and all my money is spent

But I'ma be damned if I let it keep me down, yeah, yeah

Oh, I'm a beat-down, washed-up son of a bitch

I got one more cigarette and all my money is spent

But I'ma be damned if I let it keep me down, yeah, yeah, yeah

Steve nodded and belted the post chorus.

You know that it's not over

It's okay to let yourself hurt

Swimming in the murky water

Won't you come on out? Yeah, yeah

You know that it's not over

It's okay to let yourself hurt

Swimming in the murky water

Won't you come on out? Yeah, yeah

We sing a beat-down, washed-up beggar's song

And we sing it even louder when the money is gone

Because we'll be damned if we let it keep us down, yeah, yeah

Oh, I'm a beat-down, washed-up son of a bitch

I got one more cigarette and all my money is spent

But I'ma be damned if I let it keep me down, yeah, yeah, yeah

Steve blinked his eyes open when he felt a bit of an echo- no, there were people singing along. He recognized Robin's off key voice and smiled. Steve sang out the lyrics with his whole chest.

You know that it's not over

It's okay to let yourself hurt

Swimming in the murky water

Won't you come on out? Yeah, yeah

You know that it's not over

It's okay to let yourself hurt

Swimming in the murky water

Won't you come on out? Yeah, yeah

He could hear a lot more voices raise with his as he sang the last chorus as the band tapered off. "Come on, beggers!"

We sing a beat-down, washed-up beggar's song

And we sing it even louder when the money is gone

Because we'll be damned if we let it keep us down, yeah, yeah

Oh, I'm a beat-down, washed-up son of a bitch

I got one more cigarette and all my money is spent

But I'ma be damned if I let it keep me down

For an embarrassing moment, Steve thought he might fucking cry at the roars from the bar. Yeah, it was a few dozen regulars, drunkards, and partiers blitzed out of their minds, but it was leagues above his self doubt's worst case scenario. He had to swallow hard more than once before he felt confident enough to talk into the mic again. 

"See, that wasn't so bad, was it, you assholes?" Steve knew he was probably smiling like an idiot, but it was hard to care. "Give a hand to the band, they had like two days to fucking practice my crap, holy shit."

The bar clapped and yelled for them. The band looked pleased with the positive attention and a few waved back. One flipped off the audience much to their delight.

"Now, the rest of the songs are covers, the good shit, I promise." Steve announced. "So spend your fucking money, don't forget to tip, and enjoy."

They ended up playing some Nirvana, a little The Clash of course, Dead Kennedys, Siouxsie and the Banshees, through in a Motley Crüe song, and topped it off with his beloved Queen.

To Steve's honest surprise and giddiness, there was a demand for an encore of Beggar's Song. He led them through it one more time before ending for the night. Closing time was in less than an hour and he wanted to help Robin out with last call.

They got a decent amount of tips that he let the band take the lion's share of, but still got a sweet fifteen bucks on top of the thirty his boss had already paid him. He'd be able to buy some pretty good food for him and Robin this month.

That's all I got for now!

The backstory is Robin and Steve moved together somewhere after Robin got kicked out for coming out to her parents.

Maybe she stayed with Steve until her parents told his parents and they called to tell him to send her home, whatever. Robin and Steve decided to strip whatever they could from the house, sell it, sneak into her room while her parents were gone to pack, and they rode off into the sunset. 

Now they have a shitty apartment, jobs at a shitty bar, and they've never been happier. ❤

I have plans to bring Billy and Eddie into it later.

Two Nights Ago

Robin: I volunteered you for a gig

Steve: I've only sang in front of you!

Robin: it's time to fly, I'm kicking you out of the nest, dingus

Steve: does this make you my mama bird?

-Robin throws a pillow at him-

Steve: how could you do this to your child!

[serenity-lattes]

Chapter 1/20 of How to Save a Life

Pairing: Steve Harrington x Eddie Munson x Billy Hargrove

Series Summary: Grey’s Anatomy AU, focusing on the lives of surgical interns, residents, and attendings as they grow into seasoned doctors while balancing personal and professional relationships. Steve and Eddie run around like headless chickens their first year, and when things finally seem like they’ll settle for the second year residents, Billy comes into their life, shaking everything up again. 

Chapter Summary: Our group of interns (Steve, Eddie, Carol, Tommy, Nicole, and Keith) are shown the hospital and are fighting to win that first surgery at the end of the day.

Warnings: Canon typical blood/gore, details of medical procedures, surgical tools, anxiety attack, vomit, minor character death, major injuries. It’s a hospital/surgery AU.

Word Count: 2185

A/N: For my A1 square, “In other good news, flattery works for me” for @harringroveson-bingo​​ This chapter is inspired by Grey’s Anatomy episode: 1x01

The operating room. The thought of one can bring someone anxiety, but sometimes it can give someone an absolute thrill. It’s crystal clean to the point you can see your reflection in the marble floor, fluorescent lights blind you, and your nose is scrunched from the intense smell of disinfectant. Today, there are six brand new doctors who are positively giddy to be in one. 

“Each of you comes here today hopeful, wanting in on the game. A month ago, you were in med school being taught by doctors. Today... you are the doctors,” The chief of surgery, Dr. Jim Hopper says, voice reverberating off the tile walls, “The seven years you spend here as a surgical resident will be the best and worst of your life. You will be pushed to the breaking point.”

Steve Harrington runs a hand along the tray that would hold the surgical tools, flinching slightly from the cold metal. It nearly sends a chill down his spine from the thought that soon, finally, he will be in one of these operating rooms performing life-saving surgeries. 

“Look around you. Say hello to your competition,” Jim calls out, taking a moment to look at each of the six doctors looking amongst each other, “Two of you will switch to an easier specialty. One will crack under the pressure. One of you will be asked to leave.”

Jim had to go through a strict screening process, accepting these six people carefully. Of course, he had an idea who would flake out, who would crack, who he would eventually fire, but he kept his expectations high. After all, they didn’t just pass medical school without brain power and incredible effort. 

“This is your starting line. This is your arena.” He says, giving the group a pointed look, “How well you play, that's up to you.”

Another doctor confidently strolls into the room, as if ready for battle, peaking the interest of the six interns. The doctor shares a nod with Jim and Jim leaves the room, allowing Dr. Murray Bauman to have the lead of the interns’ initiation. 

“I am Dr. Murray Bauman, I am the head of the trauma department,” he says, giving the group a dramatic bow, “Now. I’ve got five rules and you best memorize them. Let’s get a move on, kiddos.”

Dr. Bauman turns on his heel and exits the O.R. with his coat fanning behind him like a cape. The six interns rush out of the room, pushing at each other to get out the door.

“Rule number one, don't bother sucking up. We already hate you and that's probably not changing. Ask me again in five years if any of you make it,” he muses before pointing out the six brand new phones on the nurses’ station, “Congrats, everyone. Free work phones. It is strictly for work, no extra curricular videos or texts, kiddos. Nurses will contact you, you answer every call or text at a run. A run, do you hear me? That's rule number two.”

Eddie Munson is the first to grab one of the shiny new phones. He had never had a new phone in his life because paying for med school was a priority.

“Your first shift starts now and lasts for the next forty-eight hours. As you know, you're interns. Thus, you’re grunts, nobodies, and the bottom of the surgical food chain.”

“In other good news, flattery works with me,” Eddie deadpanned, glancing over at Steve who was the closest to him. 

“You will run labs, write orders, and work every second up until you feel like you’re ready to drop!”

Murray leads the group through the hallway, pointing out a specific door, “On call rooms. Sleep when you can and where you can. This brings me to rule number three, if you’re sleeping with each other, don’t bring your bullshit into the hospital. This is the big leagues, people, high school is over!”

Tommy Hagan and Carol Perkins tense up and inch away from each other, avoiding each other’s gaze. Steve curls his lip in disgust. He’d had his fill of the two of them during med school. The thought of them being gross at work was enough to make him start tasting that sesame bagel from this morning. 

“Rule number four, if your attending is sleeping, don't wake them unless your patient is actually dying. That being said, said patient better not be dead when they get there. Time is of the essence and we like to cherish what little of it we have.”

Murray began to look over the group, trying to gauge their reactions, figure out who he was going to pair with who today. Then one of the interns raised her hand, sheepishly. 

“Yes little orphan Annie?” Murray huffed, unimpressed that his plan was being interrupted.

“My name is Nicole,” she frowned, “But you said there are five rules and that was only four.”

Murray’s phone blipped with a message. A smirk spread across his face and he dangled his phone in their faces.

“Rule number five. When your attending moves, you move, too.”

Murray sprints down the hall, the six interns following closely behind. He led them to the E.R. where they were being met with a man curled up on a gurney.

“Okay, children, what do we do first?”

Carol is the first to pipe up, immediately spouting off various tests that should be run. Eddie gets the man on his back, checking the four quadrants of the abdomen. Steve starts asking the man questions to form a history. 

“If his pain is on the right side, it could be his appendix. CT’s gonna take too long to check, we can do an ultrasound instead,” Steve says urgently, checking the man’s temperature, “Not to mention he’s febrile.”

Eddie looks up at the other three just standing there, “You just gonna stand there or are you gonna get the ultrasound in here?”

Murray smirks. Oh, he likes the fire in that one. He just might have to steal him away for trauma. Keith wheels the machine in, but trips and falls on his face, making Nicole yelp in surprise. Eddie cringes at the sight of Keith’s bloody nose and snatches up the gel to squirt onto the patient’s abdomen. 

“Sorry, sir. This will be cold,” Eddie says, squeezing the bottle for an ample amount. Steve gets the machine on and hands the wand over to Eddie.

The three of them look at the screen, looking for any indications of what’s causing this man’s pain. 

“There,” Carol speaks up, pointing to one of the corners of the screen. Eddie squints and moves the wand to get a better look.

“Would you look at that? It’s supposed to be a gallbladder but it looks like a sac of stones,” Eddie murmurs, looking back to Murray, “cholecystitis.”

Murray nearly looked impressed. Nearly. He then stepped out to make a call. Steve and Eddie shared a look amongst themselves. Did they just mess up? Why did he leave?  After they cleaned the man’s stomach and got him comfortable in bed, Murray returned. 

“As you may know, the intern who shows the most promise gets to perform in the O.R. for the first time,” Murray says, hands clasped behind his back. In walks another doctor, one many of the interns knew, one who inspired most of them during med school. Dr. Joyce Byers, the head of general surgery. “Now, lucky for you all, I was able to make a quick judgment based on this case alone. Dr. Byers will be shadowing one of you lucky ducks as you perform your very first surgery, a chole.”

The six interns gasped, Tommy and Carol, namely. Steve watched with doe eyes, silently hoping it would be him. There was no way it was going to be Keith, that much was certain. 

“Congrats, Guns n’ Roses, today’s your lucky day.”

Eddie’s jaw dropped in disbelief as he stepped forward to shake both Murray’s and Joyce’s hands, thanking them for the opportunity. 

“Now, freckles, Cheeto dust, and orphan Annie, I don’t want you two touching anyone else for the rest of the day, so you’re going to the gallery to watch Munson and maybe, hopefully you’ll learn something,” Murray says, clapping Eddie on the back as he walks by, not sparing a second glance at the three interns who have already disappointed him today.

“C’mon, Dr. Munson, I’ll take you down to the scrub room,” Joyce smiles like a literal angel. No wonder she was so widely renowned, and not only for her talent. Keith, Nicole, and Tommy followed behind, ashamed that they were only to be present in the gallery. 

Murray turns back to the remaining two interns, eyes narrowing. 

“Swayze and loud-mouth, you didn’t disappoint me just now. Therefore, as a kindness, I will be introducing you to the head of our cardiothoracic department, Dr. Newby.”

Now, Steve couldn’t quite complain about that. Robert Newby was nearly as renowned as Joyce Byers, and to have the opportunity to work with so many great surgeons… Well, there aren’t enough words to convey such a feeling. 

Inside the scrub room, Eddie was lathered in soap, still in disbelief that he was about to do his first surgery on his first day as a doctor. He expected it to be weeks later. Yet here he was, alongside Joyce Byers. 

Joyce quizzed him on the steps of a chole procedure, making sure he wasn’t totally in over his head. So far he seemed collected enough she wasn’t worried he was overly confident or too nervous. A happy medium. If he choked, though, she was ready to step in and take over. This wasn’t the first intern she has worked with and trained, nor would he be the last. 

Once efficiently scrubbed and rinsed, Joyce and Eddie entered the operating room. It wasn’t empty like when the chief first introduced them, no. There were plenty of people moving like a well oiled machine- an anesthesiologist, scrub nurse, circulating nurse, the patient, now soon to add two surgeons.

“Hello, everyone. This is Dr. Munson and he will be attempting his first surgery this afternoon,” Joyce chimes as the scrub nurse begins to glove both her and Eddie, “Interns in the gallery? Please pay close attention. This will be you in the weeks to come.”

Eddie turns to look up at the faces in the gallery- Tommy, Nicole, and Keith, his fellow interns. There are other doctors he has yet to meet, some residents and attendings. The pressure is certainly on.

Joyce steps aside to the assistant surgeon position, allowing room for Eddie. He steps up, giving her curious eyes. Honestly, he’s in disbelief that he’s actually doing this.  

“Alright, doctor. Which tool are you choosing?” she asks, eyes upturned in a smile above her mask.

Eddie takes a breath, “Ten blade, please,” he says, turning to the scrub nurse with an open hand. 

Meanwhile in the cardiothoracic department, Steve and Carol join Dr. Newby during his rounds of patients. Most would expect this floor to be full of elderly patients, when really, there are patients of all ages. 

Currently there’s a woman who is struggling with complications after a coronary bypass. The nurse is shouting out a series of symptoms for Dr. Newby to care for- plummeted blood pressure, v-tach, sky-high central venous pressure, and she’s maxed out on meds. Steve watches, mouth agape.

Medical school was one thing. They practiced on people who were already dead, but there was something about actually watching someone potentially die that was far more haunting. Carol watched, hands covering her mouth. Thank god Dr. Newby wasn’t calling them in to help.

Blood clot. 

Next thing they know, the woman is being flayed open in her room because there’s no time to get her back down to the operating room. Dr. Newby moves expertly, removing the clot with his hands rather than a suction. Steve and Carol had never seen anything like it. 

Then the heart monitor rings out that high pitched sound. She’s flatlining and no amount of massaging her heart or shocks from the internal paddles is helping. She’s gone and Steve just watched her die. Literally see the moment the life left her body.

“Time of death, 14:39.”

Steve can’t hear Carol call out for him because his ears are ringing. He can’t hear the nurse ask him if he’s okay because his head is suddenly pounding. He doesn’t notice the lady looking shocked by his appearance as he shoves himself through the door of the nearest bathroom. And he certainly doesn’t notice anything else as he flings himself down to the nearest toilet as that sesame bagel from this morning finally makes its appearance back into the world.

Meanwhile Eddie’s in the O.R. riding on a high as he knots the last stitch for his patient after a successful chole. Joyce is incredibly impressed, as most interns flub their first surgery. 

Murray was right in choosing this one, she thinks. He’s going to be special.

 NEXT PART -> 

Harringroveson Bingo Masterlist

Stranger Things Masterlist

Masterlist of All Masterlists

[reaperquinnandkayaquinn-blog]

I love this idea

I have this au where billy, eddie and alexie come back, the upside down is defeated, lots of paper work is done for billy and alexie, eddies name is cleared, the party are heros. The party stay in touch as they leave Hawkins, new relationships happen, and they all get famous and rich.

Steves a pop singer, think Harry styles meets Avril

Eddie is a Rockstar, corroded coffin took off

Billy's a model, and doesn't hide his scars

Jonathan is a photographer

Nancy is a journalist

Robin is a director

Will is an artist

Mike is an author

El is a rock star, became close with eddie

Max(after getting surgery to replace her eyes) is a pro skater, x games level

Lucas is in the NBA, tells his fans to follow their dreams

Erica is a actress and mathmation

Dustin is a scientist, with his tech genius wife

And they all look cool and rarely vist Hawkins

[jad3w1ngs]

Fic authors self rec! When you get this, reply with your favorite five fics that you've written, then pass on to at least five other writers. Let’s spread the self-love 💖

Ahh this is so fun. Okay here we go, god I have so many to try and choose from (wow that sounded cocky)

In no particular order here are my current five faves of the fics I've written

'Forged' - Mungrove

Edeval, the dragon god of metal and fire, has requested a hunt in his honour. As a blacksmith Edeval is Billy's patron god and so he volunteers to represent his village in the royal hunt. Little does he know that the hunt is simply a trial for Edeval to choose his future bride. Taken from his home to the gilded isle of the gods Billy is also about to find out that whilst Edeval may have power over fire, he's not exactly a dragon either.

'The Stolen Sapphire' - Harringroveson

William Hargrove was drafted into one the most notorious pirate crews on the seven seas after his father sold him to settle his debts. He had been prepared for his captain 'King Stephen' to either kill him or sell him on but instead he was accepted into the crew without question. Now he's rethinking whether or not that was a good thing when he is invited to the Captains chambers for an 'unusual' game.

'A blue eyed cat and a brown eyed boy' - Harringroveson

Billy has been living on the streets ever since his father attempted to sell him to an older man when he turned 14. Now, half starved and slightly feral he stumbles into the sleepy town of Hawkins, where he meets a boy who appears to want to help him.

Eddie has always hated the way hybrids are treated. The very concept that a thinking, feeling creature has to be owned by a human just because they were born with a few animal traits, infuriates him. So when he spots an unowned, feral hybrid he makes it his mission to help him.

Steve has had a crush on Eddie since middle school, so when the other boy asks for his help with looking after a new hybrid he jumps at the chance. It's not like a hybrid's going to stand in the way of them getting together, Eddie owning a hybrid shouldn't change anything. In fact, there should be nothing wrong with them sharing him, right?

'Live Fast, Die Beautiful' - Harringrove

Corroded Coffin are invited to open for one of the newest and biggest metal bands Mindflayer during the Indiana leg of their tour. Eddie invites Steve to come backstage with him where he meets Mindflayer's, openly gay and incredibly attractive, frontman Billy Hargrove.

Whilst Steve is instantly smitten he can't see this going past a casual one-night stand and Billy, well Billy's been hurt before.

'Ghost' - Mungrove

Billy has been trapped in the Upside Down for longer than he can remember. One day he meets another trapped soul that might just make this hell worth it.

Written to the song 'Ghost' by Gunship.

[robthegoodfellow]

Fic Stats Meme

Rules: Give us the links to your fics with the most hits, second most kudos, third most comments, fourth most bookmarks, fifth most words, and your fic with the least amount of words.

tagged by @imsodishy 💛

Most Hits: Sideways (Hits: 10,049) Harringrove - s2 rewrite - E - Complete

On Friday, Billy terrorized his stepsister, harassed his crush, and got blitzed with the school drug dealer. And then it all went sideways.

Second Most Kudos: Only One Bed (Kudos: 200) Harringrove, Mungrove, Hellcheer, eventual Harringrovesoningham - no Upside-Down AU - E - WIP

Summer after graduation. Eddie and Billy are roommates and friends with all the benefits. But Eddie’s a bit head over heels for Chrissy, and Billy loves HATES Harrington. Eventual asymmetrical polyamorous love fest.

Third Most Comments: That's All Folks! (Comments: 38) Mungrove - s4 fix-it fic sauteed in Looney Tunes logic - T - Complete

Eddie wakes up in the Upside-Down and is promptly ushered into Billy Hargrove's manhole. Answers the perennial question: what if Billy had the powers of Bugs Bunny?

Fourth Most Bookmarks AND Fifth Most Words: ¿Por qué no los dos? (Bookmarks: 31, Words: 18,031) Harringroveson - 90s future fic, no Upside-Down, aro Billy - E - Complete

Billy's a go-go dancer allergic to rom-com scenarios. Steve and Eddie are a pair of hopeless romantics, each harboring a major crush on a certain blond bombshell.

Least Words: That Bartender Sure Is Something (996 words) Harringrove - alternate POV scene from Sideways - G - Oneshot

Answers the question: What did Sam say to Steve when he went up to the bar?

no pressure tags (idk who may have already done this, sry!): @fizzigigsimmer @suometar @dragonflylady77 @bigdumbbambieyes @keziahrainalso @ihni @thissortofsorcery

[billyharringson]

So I'm doing a world building exercise for a possible future novel and I'm using fanfic for this exercise. Therefore here is my Siren Billy AU that I'm also using as a prompt fill for the @billyhargrovebingo

Square: A2 - I read the rules before I break them

Rating: Teen and up (may change)

Ships: Eventual Harringroveson, established Steddie

Title: The tragedy of the Siren's Song

Additional tags: Siren Billy Hargrove, Witch Steve Harrington, Vampire Eddie Munson, established steddie, Neil Hargrove is His Own Warning, Traumatised Billy Hargrove, Rating May Change, Other Additional Tags to Be Added, worldbuilding exercise, Alternate Universe - Fantasy

Summary: Billy was eight years old when his mother left, and sometimes when he looked back on it, he wonders if it would have been kinder for her to have simply skulked away in the middle of the night. Instead, she had taken Billy down to the ocean, sat him on one of the large boulders where they often communed with the sea and made him watch as she pulled on her cloak and disappeared into the water.

Billy waited until the sun set properly before paddling back to shore, casting one last look at the ocean that had been more his home than anywhere, before leaving his surfboard on the beach and heading back to the man that was going to ensure his continued obedience by tearing him away from everything he’d ever known.

AO3:

[dynamic-power]

Evie @energievie tagged me in an end of year writer interview! This is such a cool idea.

-----

1. How many works do you have on AO3? 

15! I plan to increase that by a lot next year!

2. What’s your total AO3 word count?

Just shy of 62k.

3. What are your top 5 fics by kudos?

Since Prom - Steddie, E

An Offer - Kanej, T

back to the past - Steddie, T WIP

Coach H - Steddie, T

Kinktober Drabbles - various, E WIP (it's finished on tumbr. I just need to move the last few to AO3 lmao)

4. Do you respond to comments? Why or why not?

Ngl, I struggle with this. I want to. I see and cherish every single one! But I forget to reply, or I don't know what to say, or I don't check for comments for a month and when I finally see them, I feel like it's too late. 😅

5. What’s the fic you’ve written with the angstiest ending?

That would be A Coat Or A Blanket. Angst is not my forte. I want happy endings for everyone.

6. What’s the fic you’ve written with the happiest ending?

Probably Since Prom? Or Arrivals. Just because there's an actual plot and a real ending lol.

7. Do you write crossovers?

Not yet. But maybe in the future? 🤷

8. Have you ever received hate on a fic?

Yes lol. It was on a kinktober fic. Ao3 rule number 1: don't like, don't read. Apparently they didn't get the memo. 🤣

9. Do you write smut? If so, what kind?

Most of my fics are kinktober! So kinky, gay sex. 😏 That'll change next year. I mean that I plan to write a lot of non-kinktober stuff, not that I won't be writing kikny, gay sex.

10. Have you ever had a fic stolen?

I don't think so 👀

11. Have you ever had a fic translated?

Nope, but I wouldn't be opposed

12. Have you ever co-written a fic before?

Nope, but I wouldn't be opposed. Seriously, if you ever want to collab, lmk! 😄

13. What’s your all-time favorite ship?

Currently, it's Gallavich. But my favorite of all time is Drarry.

14. What’s a WIP that you want to finish but don’t think you ever will?

It's one I haven't even started posting yet. It's a Gallavich soul mate AU where the pair have special gifts centered around eye contact. Mickey can see soul mates and Ian severs soul mate connections. I'm absolutely in love with it but I'm also kinda struggling to get through it. 😭😭😭

15. What are your writing strengths?

Word limits. I love the challenge of trying to portray certain emotions or situations in a limited amount of time, and I feel like I'm really good at it. I don't have to get caught up in details, I can just make my readers feel in just a few sentences.

16. What are your writing weaknesses?

Pacing lol. I don't have patience, I always end up rushing my ending.

17. What are your thoughts on writing dialogue in other languages in a fic?

2 situations. If the POV character doesn't speak the language, I try to limit it to things that can be easily assumed without need for translation. Expletives, nicknames, or recognizable phrases. Unless, of course, the POV character is meant to not understand what is being said. And 2, if the POV character speaks the language, I'll usually have them translate in their thoughts. I just want the reader to be on the same level of understanding as the POV character.

18. What was the first fandom you wrote for?

Harry Potter. That was way back in the day. I posted my first fic in 2010. 🤣 On my current account, it was Six of Crows.

19. What’s a fandom/ship you haven’t written for yet but want to?

Hooo boy. Doctor Who comes to mind. I'm obsessed with the idea of Fourteen and Jack Harkness meeting again. I've always wanted to do something for Criminal Minds. I'll probably dip my toe into Supernatural, too. I've done drabbles for Mungrove, Harringrove, and Harringroveson, but i'd also like to do full fics for them. Idk, I've always got too many ideas.

20. What’s your favorite fic you’ve written?

Either Since Prom or Coming Soon To Home Video. I can't pick.

If you write fanfiction, you should totally do this! Consider this me, tagging you.

Our just giving you cake. 🍰

[camaro-and-smokes]

First Line of 10 Fics game

Rules: share the first line of 10 of your most recent fanfics and then tag 10 people. If you have written less than 10 fics, don't be shy and share anyways

I was tagged by the lovely @dragonflylady77 💜 and my main @suometar by @spaceofentropy 💜 Thank you 💜💜💜 Because my fics are all of the subject of this sideblog, I'll post this here.

Let Me Be the One (Mungrove, lemons, angst, fluff)

Somewhere in the outskirts of Chicago in mid-2000s...

Nightmares (wip, Harringroveson, mostly angst, hurt/comfort, nightmares, maybe some lemons in the future who knows, older characters)

He’s falling.

Oh Baby (Harringrove oneshot, lemons, hurt/comfort)

What they had been doing over the months after the very satisfying ten minutes in the bathroom at Tina's party had been less than romantic, really.

Pretty wo(man) (wip, Harringrove, lemons, angst, hurt/comfort, genderlfuid characters... Two lines because, well...)

Blonde. Blonde, BLONDE, BLONDE.

Little Bird Starts Nesting (wip, Harringrove, domestic life, established relationship, older characters, angst, domestic fluff etc)

“Dada?”

Dream a Little Dream of Me (Harringrove, soulmates, angst, hurt/comfort, dreamsharing, genderfluid characters, fluff, lemons - all the good stuff. Imo one of the best fics I've ever written and also the one I love the most.)

The nightmares had finally stopped.

Fever dream (Harringroveson, plain p*rn without a plot)

“Hey, gorgeous,” Steve said and kissed Billy.

Wounded deer (Harringrove oneshot, hurt/comfort)

Steve opened the front door and his eyes grew large.

The Letter (Harringrove oneshot, hurt/no comfort, angst. Three first lines because it is probs one of the most beautiful and mood setting starts I've written.)

Billy, Steve looked at the name on the paper. How it smudged when his tear fell on the ink that hadn’t yet dried in full.

(I'm in Orbit) Stars Exploding (Harringrove oneshot, soulmates, angst, hurt/comfort, temporary character death)

It started at some party.

No pressure tags: @neonponders @strangerqueerthings @chrisbitchtree @discodeviant @lovebillyhargrove @prettyboybillyhargrove and anyone else who wants to join because I can't remember right now who else writes!

[kiraixi]

My name is Kirai ♡

I use [They/Them] pronouns. Mainly write Harringrove but also Argilly!

Feel free to dump ideas or thoughts into my asks ❤️

ao3 profile , bluesky

WIP’s

Mermaid, Pirate, King: Harringroveson / Medieval Fantasy AU. Rated E

On the Californian Coast : Argilly / Childhood friends to lovers, just Billy discovering himself before all goes downhill in Hawkins. Rated M

Finished ~ oneshots

Billy and Steve's montage of fucking in weird places : A collection of them getting spicy in places they probably shouldn’t, we got a kitchen and Nancy bedroom atm but ill be adding more! Rated E

Bad Kitty, Billy! : Cat Billy goes into heat, steve helps out…. yeah.. Rated E

Secret Girl(Boy)friend? : Steve’s been a little suspicious about his new girlfriend to everyone, guess it’s up to Dustin to sleuth around and find out! Rated T

Pestering Pretty boys : There's a box under the bed, its existence known to Steve but never actually seen. Maybe it's time to show off the skills he's been crafting since the day his mom sat down in front of the vanity and changed Billy's world. Rated T

My soft Summer with you : Steve’s not dumb, it’s common with Billy to act huffy some days, but instead of hauling him into their ritual after hours snogging Billy simply snatches the goods out of his hands and bolts backyard. Nothing to worry about, surely? Rated T

A Royal Declaration : Two days ago Steve Harrington, royal heir to the throne, Billy’s childhood best friend turned lover, got down on one knee and proposed to Lady Nancy Wheeler.. Rated T

Mission (Maybe)possible : Billy's resigned himself to moping in his room, locked inside for tripping on the many landmines that make up his father. But all's not lost when a pair of pestering brunettes come tapping on his window... Rated G

Tumblr

Santa Baby : Christmas themed ficlet of Billy babysitting Holly and awkwardly flirting with Steve 🎄

Sharks and the water park : Baby Billy and his mom go celebrate his birthday Rated G

Max has a dream : short Max memory of Billy and Argyle. Rated G

Last Kiss : Future ficlet of Steve and Billy moving to start a new chapter in their lives. Rated G

Pretty Baby. : Kinktober prompt, Lingerie | Edging. Rated E

Anon Answered

“We cant do this here, but make it harringrove” Rated E

pt2 Rated E

[hashtagleh]

You’re so right, and because I get super loving/appreciative when I’m high, I went and found my favorite fics by them to rec to you guys, and if there’s a single fic in this list that you haven’t read, you need to drop everything immediately to change that because holy heck you will not regret it!

if i stare too long | MetalSandwich/Harringroveson/Steddilly (Billy/Steve/Eddie) | word count 191K

Post season 4 but Billy and Eddie both survived, and Mungrove happens first because they’re both hot for Steve which is just *chef’s kiss*

This is ot3 already because I fell in love with Eddie but hate seeing anti-Billy content and they’re often pitted against each other in fandom, but the writing in this alone is literally so good. Then there’s pining and misunderstandings and the smut omg it’s perfect. They’re all stupidly in love with each other and it’s sweet and sexy and a not-quite slow burn and just the BEST happy ending 😍

(ALSO there’s illustrations by celebillustrate for every chapter, so this fic will literally spoil you)

Wicked Game(s) [technically a series, but you can read the main fic on its own] | Harringrove | word count 128K

A non-traditional ABO fic where Billy and Steve are both Alphas, and Billy starts off as an asshole with a crush on Steve, so he tries getting Steve to submit like an Omega but Steve is Not Having That and there’s a whole thing about Steve literally only able to submit if the other submits to him, so that they’re clearly equals, and Billy and Steve end up figuring out how to make it work while also still being true to their designations.

There’s pining and angst and misunderstandings and a whole bunch of sexiness and of course a happy ending. Even and maybe especially if you don’t care for ABO fics, you will for sure still like this one. 🔥

cherry pie | Harringrove | word count 133K

I will admit I haven’t read this one in a couple of years, so my memories are a bit fuzzy, but it’s tagged in my bookmarks as one of my top favorites, so I’m going to end up rereading it as I compile the typeset for binding it anyway.

Things I do remember: Billy and Steve have a summer fling right after graduating high school, and that whole fling is the whole first half of the fic so that’s where you see the original falling in love. But they’re emotionally constipated and Billy follows through on his plans to go back to California at the end of summer while Steve stays in Hawkins, and then for five years Steve and Billy don’t talk at all. Billy goes back for Max’s graduation

- oh yeah, they have a good relationship here, that’s important and I love it -

and he only expects to be there for a week but she convinces him to stay all summer again, which he ends up agreeing to because of course. Billy and Steve are clearly still pining and Steve is hurt but also open about it, and both of them have grown a bit from the teenagers they used to be, and of course they end up getting back together because happy endings only and always! 🎉

this ain’t a love song | Harringrove | word count 13K

Modern college AU that’s literally just 🌽 but damn is it good. Billy and Steve are each under the impression that the other hates them, but really they’re just pining super hard. (That bit isn’t ever formally acknowledged in the fic but the reader can see it.)

They finally hook up at a party and they’re keeping the masks that the other expects, and borrowing one of the fic tags here - the dove is not dead but it’s not healthy either. They’re both drunk and into it but there’s not the checking in for consent but just the expectation that the other could stop them if they wanted when they get to kinks - namely, Steve applies his King Steve persona and the power dynamics and how things played out were hot enough to awaken a new, hyper-specific kink in me 😜

(For anyone hesitant, the ending is indicative of a good actual relationship in the near future and while Steve is still confident after the sex, he’s not mean like he was in the scene, so we can see his affection there too even if Billy is a dumb boy who can’t pick up on it. He’s also basically like “next time you can lead” so there’s an unacknowledged comment about the power imbalance not really being an imbalance for real.)

Bonus, by ToAStranger:

Under the Covers | Harringrove | word count 87K

Another that I haven’t read in forever, but I classify as one of those classic post-season 2 Harringrove fics that just shape fandom. There’s pining and angst and slow burn and also a dash of humor tossed in there that makes the whole thing read as an honest to God novel. Top tier, highly recommend. 🙌🏻

There’s a whole lot more to read by either or both of them too that I also adore, and some that are on my shortlist TBR, so be sure to go check out their other fics too! Honestly they’re both such a gift to the Stranger Things fandom 💛💛💛

brawlite ao3

ToAStranger ao3

I dare y’all to name a better fic writing duo than @brawlite and @toast-ranger-to-a-stranger. I’ll wait…

That’s right, you can’t. bc they fucking outsold.

[brightside-of-the-upsidedown]

-kicks in double swinging doors and almost gets hit in the face-

What if Steve starts sleep walking after season one, and Billy almost runs him over before Billy started school in Hawkins. Steve shocks awake when Billy gets out of his car, is confused and in nothing but his pajamas and socks at night in mid October, and Billy drives him home.

Billy starts feeling concerned when it keeps happening. (Some times Steve remembers it, some times he doesn't.) Billy reads up a bit on sleepwalkers at the library and he starts feeling a little protective over Steve. They start hanging out during the day too.

Steve some times sleep talks about what happened. Billy feels- kind of needed and starts cruising at night sometimes just in case Steve takes a stroll, sometimes just let's Steve sleep it off in his passenger seat. It's calming and good for his nerves.

Steve gradually becomes Billy’s passenger princess 👸 Billy’s moods are more stable with Steve’s influence, having a good excuse to be out of the house and away from Neil more. Max learns about their weird friendship and that Steve sleepwalks.

The Halloween party and school turn out different, though Steve lies to the others about how they know each other. Billy doesn't mind, kinda likes that they have a secret. They hang out even more outside of school. After Nancy dumps him at the party, Steve drives Billy and Max, drops Max at home, and Billy stays the night at his house because Steve really needs the company.

When Billy sees Steve at the Byers house, he almost wonders if Steve is sleeping walking again. Steve trusts Billy enough to just tell him the truth and show him the demodog.

Afterwards, Billy starts just showing up at Steve’s to drive him around on Hawkins backroads until he falls asleep.

Steve gradually sleepwalks less now he has someone to talk to more, has the kids to keep an eye on now, Dustin, and Billy.

Maybe instead of the pool, Billy gets a job at the gym at Starcourt mall so he can see Steve in his stupid cute uniform.

If Billy ends up in the hospital after the mindflayer or something (No date with Karen this time, was on his way to pick up Steve) and winds up in a coma, Steve starts sleepwalking again and Eddie finds Steve this time.

But that's another post. Should I do a part two?

[serenity-lattes]

How to Save a Life: Masterlist

Pairing: Steddilly

Summary: Grey’s Anatomy AU, focusing on the lives of surgical interns, residents, and attendings as they grow into seasoned doctors while balancing personal and professional relationships. Steve and Eddie run around like headless chickens their first year, and when things finally seem like they’ll settle for the second year residents, Billy comes into their life, shaking everything up again.

Warnings (will be updating as future chapters are posted: Canon typical blood/gore, details of medical procedures, surgical tools, anxiety attack, vomit, minor character death, major injuries. It’s a hospital/surgery AU. 

A/N: For my A1 square, “In other good news, flattery works for me” for @harringroveson-bingo​ So far there has been inspiration from Grey’s Anatomy episodes: 1x01

Chapter 1: Year 1, Day 1

Chapter 2: Year 1, Day 60

Chapter 3: Year 1, Day 120

Chapter 4: Year 1, Day 210

Chapter 5: Year 1, Day 360

Chapter 6: Year 2, Day 1

Chapter 7: Year 2, Day 7

Chapter 8: Year 2, Day 60

Chapter 9: Year 2, Day 90

Chapter 10: Year 2, Day 210

Chapter 11: Year 3, Day 30

Chapter 12: Year 3, Day 90

Chapter 13: Year 3, Day 270

Chapter 14: Year 3, Day 300

Chapter 15: Year 3, Day 330

Chapter 16: Year 4, Day 1

Chapter 17: Year 4, Day 30

Chapter 18: Year 4, Day 90

Chapter 19: Year 4, Day 92

Chapter 20: Year 4, Day 360

Harringroveson Bingo Masterlist

Stranger Things Masterlist

Masterlist of All Masterlists

[cavinginhisfvce]

just a lil snippet of a one-shot im working on. :D it'll be harringrove, obviously. it's gonna be angst, since that's my brand, but it'll have a good ending for billy and steve <3

(might try to throw in some implied future harringroveson)

[billyhrgrv]

Question for fanfic writers and readers:

Would you rather read a fic that only has 1-2 chapters up but posts the following chapters weekly?

Would you rather have a fic that posts 4-5 chapters at once but updates a little more sporadically (say 4-5 chapters once every few months)?

Or do you only read finished fics?

[docockbrainrot]

It starts with just little things.

Things that a normal, everyday person going about their normal, everyday life might not even notice. But Steve Harrington is so far removed these days from anything remotely "normal" it isn't funny. Maybe once, in another time. Just trying to recall who he was before… It's almost impossible. Just out of reach, slipping through his fingertips like silt and sand. And if he tries to peer too hard into those depths, it's akin to disturbing the lake bed and attempting to ascertain the inhabitants through the murk just kicked up. Looking with intent but futile and left with annoyance as he waits for the mud to settle so he might try again.

That's how it feels too when remembering Billy Hargrove. Some days, well, it hardly seems like he ever existed at all. The days where Steve goes to his silly little job and puts on that silly little facade and smiles in people's faces and Robin can't even find anything funny to say because he has gotten so damn good at it she's none the wiser. No one is. The days that pass without anyone mentioning His name, the days that pass without something reminding Steve of Him. It's more frustrating to see nothing. To look out into the universe and see nothing remains of what Billy put into it, or perhaps it's simply obscured by the sediment of the water.

Those are the days that make him feel like he's going off his rocker. Life has simply gone on and taken Steve along with it because that is what it does. The world waits for no one (certainly no one in the middle of Bumfuck Nowhere, Indiana) and it spins on its axis like it always will until the end of time and by then no one will be left to remember any of them. But in the meantime, it's too much for Steve. The monotony. The dissonance. The disconnect.

Until recently, that is.

Because, after all, it starts with just little things.

read the rest on ao3!

[suspiciouslackofclowns]

I actually have a couple up on ao3 that are vaguely similar! I tend to autistic code Steve in a good number of my fics :)

- - -

Here are a couple of the more prominent ones:

Little Imperfections

Two Hours and Seventeen Minutes

- - -

These are both pretty angsty but also have a lot of fluff as well as happy endings, just be sure to take a look at the tags and the notes first to ensure that you’re comfy with reading them ☺️

(I was going to add a third work to the list, but seeing as it contains smut and you don’t have your age in your bio, I wasn’t comfortable linking it)

They’re also both Harringrove, as I uploaded these pre s4, hope that’s not a dealbreaker for you

He’s spent years cultivating the persona that is Steve The Hair Harrington. Has memorized social queues and comebacks and conversation topics so he doesn’t lose his footing when he finds himself enveloped in conversation. Learned how to do his hair perfectly. How to dress. How to smile. How to laugh, because everything he has, his entire reputation, depends on doing these things the right way.

And now he’s letting it all go to shit.

Since graduating, he’s fallen out of his rhythm. Slips up more when he socializes. Says things that often don’t make sense, rambles, and lets his confusion be known when he doesn’t understand what’s being said to him. Hence why Robin lovingly refers to him as dingus, as though she’s any better.

But now he’s really off his game. All it takes is a silly joke, something about the little bear things from Star Wars, and he laughs.

Steve doesn’t often laugh in public, at least, not with his real laugh. Jokes tend to go over his head and when he does understand them, he doesn’t always react correctly. Laughs too hard. Doesn’t laugh hard enough. So he tries to gauge other peoples’ reactions before he chuckles politely, which always seems to yield positive reactions.

The way he laughs right now is not polite. He’s crouched on the floor near the center of an aisle, shelving tapes. Snickering crudely as he grabs a copy of Back To The Future from the box at his side.

He doesn’t even realize that he’s doing it until it’s too late. Until customers start looking at him like he’s insane and he snaps his mouth shut.

“That’s cute.”

“What?”

Steve looks up. Spies Eddie leaning against the shelves with an amused look on his face.

“Your laugh,” he supplies. “Never heard it before. It’s cute.”

Something freezes in Steve. Like every thought suddenly decides to go on break all at once, leaving his mind vacant.

He knows he’s waited too long to react when Eddie nudges his sneaker against the box of tapes.

“I didn’t think you’d be into Star Wars. You seen ‘em all?” Eddie asks.

“Uh, yeah. Bits and pieces.”

“Which one’s your favorite?”

Steve reaches for the next tape. Makes a popping sound with his lips that’s too loud, and he cringes.

“Return of the Jedi. I like the bears.”

“The Ewoks?”

“Yeah.”

“Y’know, they have a couple of their own movies if you ever wanna watch ‘em. They’re spin-offs, but still pretty good.” Eddie crosses his arms nonchalantly. “If you’d be into that.”

Suddenly, Steve’s thoughts all return from having their smoke, and he spreads a goofy grin.

“I’d love that!” he blurts.

Too loud. Too enthusiastic. He immediately grimaces and ducks his head, avoiding looking at Eddie.

He’s not sure why this is suddenly so hard. Why he can’t just make himself be normal anymore like he used to. Part of him wonders if it’s because he’s not as social as he used to be. Another part wonders if it’s because his brain has been scrambled too much by all of the Upside Down shenanigans.

Or maybe it’s because he feels weird around Eddie now that they’re kinda sorta friends. Kinda sorta really friends.

“It’s a date, then,” Eddie chuckles.

His choice of words makes Steve burn brighter than the god damn sun.

“Neat.”

Neat? Oh, Steve is gonna get an earful from Robin later. He can’t help but make a face again out of habit. Inwardly chastising himself yet again.

He makes another popping sound with his mouth.

“What’s that?” Eddie asks.

“What’s what?”

Steve shuffles down the aisle. Tries unsuccessfully to return his focus to the task at hand.

“That sound you keep making.”

As if things couldn’t get any worse.

“Oh, it’s uh…” Steve begins. Pops his lips again and immediately shakes his head. “I just do it sometimes.”

“Yeah, I noticed that.”

Steve does it again. Sighs and rubs his hand over his face, pinching his lips together when Eddie chuckles at him.

“Sorry. Long day,” he supplies. “I only do it when I’m focused.”

“I noticed that, too.” Eddie crouches down next to him. Reaches into the box and examines the first tape that he grabs. “You don’t have to apologize for it, I was just wondering is all.”

“Mm.”

“It’s actually kinda cute.”

If Steve didn’t know any better, he would think that Eddie The Freak Munson is flirting with him right now. He doesn’t know better, but still. Even attempting to wrap his head around that is too much right now.

“It’s annoying.”

Eddie’s quiet for a moment. Steve can see him staring out of the corner of his eye. Then, Eddie pops his lips.

And Steve can’t help it. He mimics the sound and blushes harder when he’s snickered at.

“Nah, Harrington, I hate to argue with you, but it’s pretty cute. Almost as cute as Ewokese.” When Steve just glances at him, he continues, “Y’know, the language of the teddy bear things?”

The ugly laugh comes out again at the thought of the little creature’s gibberish language, and Steve claps a hand over his mouth. Eddie is absolutely beaming at him.

“You really like them, huh?” Eddie muses. He chuckles as he stands up. Drops the tape back into the box with a thunk. “Better bring that cute laugh with you when we have our Ewok movie marathon or I’m gonna be disappointed.”

“Yeah,” Steve manages flatly.

He winces at his tone, but his attention is pulled to Eddie when he hums thoughtfully.

“How about your place this Friday?”

The guy’s expression is… kind. It’s a stark difference to what Steve is used to when he slips up like this. To the countless mean looks that he’s received from Tommy H. and Carol over the years. Even sometimes from Robin, though there’s never any malice behind it.

Forget about Nancy.

But Eddie is different. Like he’s laughing with Steve instead of at him, and that’s oddly comforting.

“Yeah,” Steve says, softer this time.

“Neat.” Eddie gives a salute before he turns on his heel and struts down the aisle. “Don’t work too hard, cutie.”

The little bell above the door jingles as he leaves, and Steve bites his lip to hide his smile.

He returns to shelving tapes. Makes a collection of popping sounds as he works. Considers that maybe, just maybe it isn’t such a bad thing that he isn’t as good at upholding his old persona as he used to be.

After all, Steve is the one who got a date with Eddie Munson this Saturday. Not The Hair.