For The Love Of All Things

"...Why?"

"Like I said, Eds, it doesn't matter," Steve repeats, exasperated. He shuffles down under the covers—thick and black and all Eddie. "Come to bed, I'm sleepy."

Every single time Eddie goes to the store, he picks up a pack of Topps and makes Steve open them up at the kitchen table. And when Steve gets excited, but tries to immediately smother himself, Eddie leans in and asks what's special. Then, it's the model cars from the toy store. The Lego sets from the Mall of America when they take a trip through Minnesota. Hall & Oates tapes from the record store, Tom Cruise on VHS, Beatles records that Steve reminisces on from when he was little and danced with his mom. Gym equipment that Steve was afraid would, "Take up too much space."

And he says that a lot, too. Steve always mentions, "Are you sure I should bring this into the apartment? This might take up too much space." He says it about anything he's interested in, no matter what. Eddie always has to drag him through the store, force him to buy the thing, take him back home, and create space for Steve.

November 1st, 1984 – 17:09

“Eddieeeeee, it’s Jeff, pick up dude. Pick up. Pick up–okay fine. Where’d you disappear to last night? We still on for band practice tomorrow night? Call me back.” 

November 6th, 1984 – 21:21

“Hey Eddie. It’s, uh, Steve. Harrington. Sorry it’s taken me so long to return your call, I’ve… I’ve had a few things going on. Thanks though, thanks for hanging out with me on Halloween and, like, taking care of me or whatever. I just… thanks again man. See you at school.” 

November 7th, 1984 – 15:55

“Harrington, holy shit dude, I really hope I’m not getting your machine because you’ve collapsed in a heap at home with, like, your brain melting out your ears or something? You looked like shit at school today, and I mean that with, like, concern, not as an insult. Um. Yeah. Just–if you need any, like, pain relief or something, I’ve got you covered, just say the word. It’s, uh, Eddie–Munson, Eddie Munson. Okay. Bye.” 

November 7th, 1984 – 15:57

“Hey dude, it’s Gareth, why is your line still engaged? I’ve tried you like three times. Did you see Harrington’s face today? Holyyyyyy sheeeeet, he looked like he’s been through a meat grinder. Call me back.” 

November 7th, 1984 – 15:59

“Edward. Yo. It’s Freak. You see the Kings’ shiner today? Heard it was Billy Hargrove. Bro is an animal.” 

November 7th, 1984 – 16:15

“Hey, it’s Jeff. You picking me up at six? I got you Red Vines.” 

November 8th, 1984 – 11:36

“Hi Eddie, it’s Steve. I’m hoping getting your machine means you’re back at school. You shouldn’t miss any more class. But, uh, thanks for driving me home. I’m going to take tomorrow off too. Let me know when you’re free so I can buy you a six-pack as a thanks.” 

June 17th, 1985 – 19:43

“Edward, it’s Freak. I’ve got two words for you; Scoops Ahoy.” 

June 18th, 1985 – 10:06

“Hey, it’s Jeff. I was at Starcourt today getting a lamp and checking out the yoga chicks, as one does – did you know Steve Harrington is working at Scoops Ahoy? Oh Eddie boy, oh how the mighty have fallen. Hey, weren’t you two kinda hanging out there for a bit last year?” 

June 22nd, 1985 – 18:53

“Eddieeee, where are you man? It’s Gareth, I’ve got the best news! I’ve got us a gig at The Hideout! It’s for July 3rd. The manager I spoke to says if it goes well it could turn into a regular spot. We need to strategise – call me back!” 

June 30th, 1985 – 20:14

“Hey Eddie, it’s Steve. I checked my roster at work, and I can definitely make it to your first show! Gonna try and convince Buckley to come, because she’s cool and nerdy like you guys, and you’re all cool with each other, so cred points for me with your friends. Should I bring anything? Should I wear a Corroded Coffin shirt? I will, you know, zero shame. Call me when you get home, I wanna hear how rehearsal went.” 

July 2nd, 1985 – 17:03

“Yooooo, Edward. It’s Freak. I got that amp from my cousin, it’s much better than that one with the dodgy cable. Swing by after dinner and we can load it in the van? Buzz me back when you get this.” 

July 2nd, 1985 – 22:53

“Hey Steve-o, it’s Eddie. I thought you’d be home by now, but I’m guessing you have been overrun by the army of evil children demanding the SS Butterscotch. It is, after all, an ocean of flavour. Anyway, we’re going on at nine tomorrow night. I’m… I’m really glad you’re coming. I’ll tell you a secret, Stevie, just between you, me, and your answering machine. I’m nervous. Promise you’ll tell me your grandma rocks harder than me or something to keep my head on straight, yeah? I hope work wasn’t too shitty, see you tomorrow night.” 

July 3rd, 1985 – 23:27

“Hey Stevie, it’s Eddie. I didn’t see you at the show tonight, and the crowd was like twenty drunks, so I reckon I would have spotted you. You okay? Call me.” 

July 4th, 1985 – 13:04

“Howdy Ed, it’s Jeff. I heard from Gareth – The Hideout manager liked our set! He’s open to giving us a regular spot. How good, yeah?! Also, we’re having a barbecue later – mom said to come over, and bring Wayne. Okay, bye.” 

July 4th, 1985 – 21:18

“Hey Steve. Is everything okay? Call me back.” 

July 5th, 1985 – 22:20 

“Steve-o, you’re starting to worry me. Is this the shit you ‘can’t talk about’? Call me back, please.”

July 6th, 1985 – 23:45

“Harrington. It’s Eddie. I’m pretty sure I’ve filled your answering machine after this message. At this point, I’d really just love word you’re alive, but I can take a hint. I thought you wanted–that you–um. Anyway. See you round.” 

March 25th, 1986 – 16:56

“Um, hi. This is Jeff Best. Steve, if you get this…have you seen Eddie? He always says you guys don’t talk anymore, but I don’t know who else to call. Jason Carver has lost his mind, and–and I’m worried. I– Jesus, I don’t know why I bothered calling you, actually. You didn’t show up for him before, why would you now?”

April 3rd, 1986 – 14:31