( Steve is taken aback by Eddie's reaction. Of all people to give a shit, he didn't think Eddie would be among them. But maybe it's not about the party, but more...the principal of the matter. It's about his parents being hard on him even though they've barely been more than a blip in his life for the past few years, ever since he's proven he can be alone for extended periods and take care of himself.

Maybe it's about not having any friends to invite him to theirs. Nancy and Jonathan could hardly be counted as more than friendly acquaintances after everything, and they're not graduating for another year anyway.

The rest of his friends had just finished middle school...It's kind of depressing when he lays it all out there.

He perks up when Eddie suggests taking Steve out on graduation night. Why does that cause his stomach to do a somersault? It's probably nothing, right? Eddie is just finding another excuse to make fun of Steve all night. Even though Eddie hasn't really been doing it in a mean-spirited way. This kind of teasing...it's been nice. So nice that he can't stop a smile from forming as he contemplates his answer. )

Well, then, I guess it's settled. Where you gonna take me? Or is it a surprise? I gotta at least know how to dress.