The practice had barely gotten off the ground that night. The band instead sat around drinking with their newest addition. Not that Steve was part of the band per se. But he had taken to sitting in on their practice nights and present at The Hideout every week as far back as Eddie could remember.
With the drinks flowing, the conversation flowed as they relaxed, and it was Gareth who brought up past crushes. "I'm telling you guys, Samantha Stone has something going on. That fucking smirk of hers, god, it's insane."
"What about Tammy Thompson?"
Steve was shaking his head before Jeff had finished. "She sings like a muppet. Kisses like one, too."
"That is… oddly specific."
"Just saying." Steve glanced at Eddie and raised his eyebrows.
"Nope." Eddie leaned back to sip his drink. "Not a chance."
"Oh, we all know who Eddie had it bad for," Michael chuckled.
Jeff nodded, finishing his drink to say, "Hasn't shut up about Steve since he walked into the school on day one."
Eddie choked on his beer, the sound far too loud in the now-silent room. When he got his breath back, it was to find everyone staring at him with the same look of trepidation, all except Steve, who was smiling, still drinking his beer.
Eddie could feel his face was still red with embarrassment and wanted the ratty couch to eat him when everyone started cooing at him. Sliding down with a groan, he covered his face and mumbled, "Just kill me already."
"What about you, Steve?" Gareth asked, nudging Eddie teasingly.
"Nancy Wheeler," he answered without hesitation. "Didn't work out so well."
"And now?"
At the prompting, Steve went red too. "I, um, well, y'know…"
"Oh my god, I think he's embarrassed," Jeff staged whispered. "Eddie, I think you actually have a shot."
Eddie threw his empty can at Jeff, ignoring the other's laughter. He only had eyes for Steve, who met his eyes briefly before glancing away again. His own embarrassment forgotten, Eddie did what was either the bravest or most stupidest thing he'd ever done, jumping from the couch and striding across the room to Steve. Ignoring the wolf whistles from his friends, he leaned down and kissed him, surprised but also pleased when he was pulled down to straddle Steve's lap.
"Well fuck," he murmured against Steve's lips when they broke apart. "I guess I do have a shot."
"Yeah, you do." Steve smiled back, leaning in to kiss him again, and they were soon showered with beer cans and trash.
"Get a room!"
