Steddie with a side of Byler

Lakeside Eddie commission (@fracturedarkness) inspired by the fic Hot & Cold by @somnambulic-thing from their Come As You Are universe

I spent a long time staring at this one. Not because I didn’t know what to paint, but because I wanted to do justice to the feeling somna’s fics leave behind. Landscapes aren’t something I tackle often, and that uncertainty followed me through every step of this piece. But some stories inspire you to reach beyond what feels comfortable.

“Smile,” Will said quickly, leaning in closer, pulling himself into frame with Mike.

Their heads were touching. Will’s smile came easy, like he could pretend this was nothing more than two friends hanging out.

But Mike was still looking at him. Not the camera. Him.

Click.

The flash went off. Will blinked, laughing under his breath as he pulled back just slightly. The countdown for the next photo started.

“Alright, focus,” he said, still smiling. Leaning back in.

Mike doesn't move.

“I can’t,” Mike says nearly against Will’s ear.

He turned his head. Their eyes locked.

Click.

The next flash went off, but neither of them reacted to it. They were too close now. Noses nearly brushing, breath slipping into the same shared space.

“Mike,” he said softly.

“Will,” Mike answered.

Their eyes searched each other. Will couldn’t breathe. Couldn’t move.

Mike reached out and touched Will’s cheek.

“I missed you,” Mike murmured, his gaze flicking down to Will’s lips before lifting again. “so much.”

Click. The flash goes off.

Something in Will sparked all at once. His whole body buzzed, like he’d been thrown back onto one of those spinning rides, except he wasn’t moving at all.

He couldn’t speak. Couldn’t think. His lips parted, but the words dissolved before they could form. Confusion and want tangled together somewhere beneath his ribs, too knotted to pull apart.

Mike must have seen it on his face, because he nodded, tilting his head as he leaned in.

“Yes,” he whispered, and Will felt the words against his lips. “Just like this. I missed you like this.”

And then Mike kissed him. His arms came around Will and pulled him closer, and the tiger slipped from Will’s hands and fell forgotten to their feet. Will went weak under the kiss.

Click.

The photo booth flashed one last time, catching the moment.

Time cast a spell on you — Chapter 34

Artist: sqnnnvvviii (on TikTok) / shrimphater333 (X)

They do not respect his authority at all. They're asking him when he became the authority? They're asking, "What happened to fighting the system, man? You sold out."

They're calling him a corporate shill now.

day 3: first kiss

He didn’t understand it at first until he watched Steve going on failed dates after failed dates, or watching a short relationship end in a terrible break-up and Steve moping around.

Eddie didn’t want to count how many times he’s seen Steve’s heart break.

So now he’s on a mission: keep Steve from dating.

He’s ruining every opportunity Steve gets for dates, making plans with him almost every weekend and after a while, Steve stops asking girls out and Eddie feels accomplished.

At least, he did until Steve kissed him goodbye after movie night and now Eddie’s so fucking confused.

Waterpark - They bounce around but primarily work ticket sales. Eddie also works there, he mans the biggest waterslide. Poor Nancy works there too. She was left to manage the joint by the Owner but no one will listen to her, except for Robin. The staff have big parties where everyone drinks/smokes a little too much and hook up. It's a very fun summer gig, even for Nancy once she makes out with Robin at one of the parties and starts to loosen up.

Amusement Park - Robin and Steve man the games booth. Eddie is a costumed character. Eddie and Steve have freaked multiple kids out because they keep getting caught making out while Eddie is still mostly in costume (he just takes the head off). Nancy plays a character too, a princess. No kids get freaked out when Robin and Nancy make out, mainly cause they're more discreet.

Small Town (1 or 2 Screen) Movie Theater - They are the only employees so they do everything. Eddie is a frequent customer. Eventually, Steve stops charging him for tickets. Soon after that, Eddie starts "watching" movies from the projector booth with Steve.

Small Town History Museum & Gift Shop - Steve walks patrons through the exhibits and provides additional information when necessary. Robin covers the gift shop, she doesn't really like talking to large groups people (the groups are never larger than 5 people). Eddie starts a Haunted Walking Tours business and tries to poach Steve but he wouldn't leave Robin like that.

Bowling Alley - Robin mans the main counter, Steve handles shoe rentals. This shouldn't be a two person job but it is now because Robin refused to touch the shoes. Eddie works there too, he handles concessions and always smells like stale grease.

Strip Mall/Shopping Center - Steve works at the Convenience Store and Robin works at the Record Store next door. Eddie also works there, he handles the Comic Book Store 3 doors down. But for some reason, it frequently has a "Just Stepped Out, Be Back in a Jiffy" sign on the door.