I see all the "Steve needs glasses because of all the beatings he's gotten" takes and I raise you "Steve has always low-key needed glasses but no one ever noticed until his vision got worse from the beatings."

-----

Steve: Wait, so you're telling me that tree leaves don't blend together when you're farther away than standing right next to the tree?

Robin: No? Like, you know leaves are separate, right, dingus?

Steve: Well, yeah! Up close! But I thought it was some sort of... camouflage, or something! Like zebra stripes! That when you got far enough away the leaves just all looked like one big blob!

Robin: ...

Robin: Camouflage?!?!

-----

Eddie: So how'd you pass all those eye exams they gave us if the letters were blurry?

Steve: Well, I was always after Maggie Harmon in line and she was super smart, I mean, she even had glasses, so I just...

Eddie: You just what, Steve?

Steve: *hands over his face* I copied her answers.

Eddie: Steve, light of my life, are you telling me... you cheated on an eye exam?

Steve: I thought people would think I was stupid if I got the answers wrong!

Eddie: *processing* So you thought... it was a test... of how smart you were?

Steve: I was six!

Eddie: *trying not to laugh* Oh, Stevie, I love you.

Steve: *grumbly* Love you, too.

-----

Steve becoming a voracious reader now that reading doesn't give him a blinding headache. He didn't know books could be that awesome! They were always just painful!

Eddie loves it because the first thing Steve decides to read is "that nerd shit" (aka LOTR) and he gets really into it.

-----

The first time Steve puts on his glasses

Steve: *staring at Eddie kinda awestruck*

Eddie: What?

Steve: It's just - your eyes are even prettier than I thought.

Eddie: *utterly in love*

-----

Eddie: So, yeah, apparently Steve has needed glasses for a while now.

Dustin: Hold on. What? Steve, how long has your vision been shit?

Steve: Ummmm, I mean, it's been getting worse for years.

Dustin: So when you fought Billy - could you actually see him?

Steve: *starting to get annoyed* Yes, I could see him. He was just sort of. Blurry.

Dustin: *as if he's just made a fascinating discovery* Maybe that's why you lost so many fights! Maybe you're not actually terrible at fighting, you just couldn't see!

Steve and Eddie in tandem exasperation: Dustin!

-----

Of course, it's also sad because even if no one else figured it out, Steve's parents should have. But they didn't. And he thinks about that sometimes when he sees himself in the mirror with his glasses on. And it's just one more way he knows he wasn't wanted. They didn't even care enough to notice he couldn't see. When that happens, he gets reallh quiet and Robin and Eddie know exactly what he's thinking. Eddie pulls him down onto the couch next to him and Robin curls up on top of him with her arms wrapped around him in a hug and Eddie kisses his cheeks and they remind him that they want him.

-----

Also, Eddie thinks Steve is insanely hot with the glasses. Every morning, the first thing Steve does when he wakes up is put on his glasses. The first thing Eddie does is kiss him until those glasses are fogged up.

Eddie: If you'd been wearing these that time in the boathouse, I think I'd have had a hard time deciding if I wanted to hold a bottle to your neck or jump your bones.

Steve: *blushing*

“A Helping Hand”

In the face of uncertainty, Eventide Twister finds the courage to aid another kid in need.

Feat: Eventide Twister,  Monochrome

Story and Description Under The Cut

-Playing with some stray grass blades in her lap, Eventide awkwardly glances between her best friend, Heather Tart, and two unrecognizable fillies from another class as they sit together in a circle during recess. She quietly listens in as they heartily chat away about different things, from class to hobbies to the latest trends. As much as she wants to add in her own input, a wave of nervousness swallows her words when she notices how deep in conversation the three already are. She finds herself feeling self-conscious, far too aware of the two strangers she had never spoken to before. Eventide had noticed that her friend had been befriending the fillies for the past two weeks. She only wished Heather could have warned her before having them meet up with them during their half-hour break outside.- Filly 1: -raises eyebrow and smiles- You’re really quiet, Eventide. Eventide Twister: -perks up a bit at the sudden acknowledgement. But before she can respond, she hears Heather laugh beside her before giving the top of Eventide’s head a light pat Heather Tart: Pft, she’s always like that. Filly 2: (?) -glances at Eventide- Well, what about you? What kind of music do you like? Eventide: (!) -finds herself smiling excitedly at the subject- Oh! Ireallylikesongswithpiano! Or really nice guitar! My mom knows how to play guitar and she’s been trying to teach me but now she might schedule piano lessons for- Heather: -quickly interjects, wincing as she quietly hisses- Slow down, Eve. Eventide: -halts completely, glancing at Heather to find her friend eyeing her with a frown. She can’t help but stare, bewildered and taken aback. Never before had Heather ever corrected her. Turning back to the other two fillies, she realizes they’re glancing at each other before looking back at her without a word. Feeling a pang of guilt, Eve looks away- Sorry… Filly 1: It’s okay- ooh! -both she and the other filly notice another group of kids - presumably their friends - on the other side of the playground. One of the colts waves them over- Sorry, we gotta go guys! Filly 2: -stands up with the other filly, and waves at them as they move away- See ya Heather! Bye Eventide! Heather: -grins and waves enthusiastically- Bye guys!! Eventide: -smiles shyly and waves as well. Admittedly, she feels relieved that they’re alone once more. She looks up at Heather as the filly giggles happily and stands. When Heather holds out her hand, Eve happily gratefully takes it, pulling herself up- Heather: -blissfully swings her and Eventide’s hands together- SEE, I told you! Aren’t they the coolest?? They’re, like, the smartest girls in our grade and- -Heather yelps as she turns and ends up tripping over a stray root. Eventide tries to pull her back by her hand and is ready to steady her, but Heather manages to balance herself- Eventide: Areyouokay?? Heather: Uuugh, I’m fine…-continues to tug Eventide along by her hand- I didn’t see it, that’s all… Eventide: -frowns, moving to match her friend’s pace- Shouldn't you wear your glasses? Why’d you take them off? Heather: -pouts- They make me look lamer than I already am… Eventide: (!) Hey! You’renotlame! Heather: -scoffs, eyelids drooping- Maybe. But being a part of a family of hicks is. -groans and slaps a hand over her eyes, sliding it down- I’m telling you, Eve, I can’t WAIT until the day I can live it up in Canterlot and get away from this stupid farm life. It’s so embarrassing… -As Heather frowns, looking rather distant as they walk (forcing Eve to keep an extra eye on the ground), Eventide finds herself...worrying about her friend. Time and time again, the lavender filly has vented about how she felt about her family; what it was like to feel like a nobody in such a large, expansive family tree like her own, unable to stand out amongst her many cousins. How she desperately wanted to be more than just a farm hand like her parents and most of her family. Not enjoying the sight of her friend in one of her negative moods, Eve can’t help but try to offer positivity- Eventide: You can be an Apple AND be cool! Look at Applebloom and Applejack! One day you’ll be real big like them, and- Heather: Hmph...Applejack’s really annoying and just forces me to do farm work when I don’t want to...it doesn’t matter if she’s friends with the princess, she’s like, the lamest out of all of Princess Twilight’s friends. And Applebloom might be kind of popular, but she’s still just some farmer with her weird accent and dirty clothes and whatever. I doubt anyone takes her as seriously as her other friends. Eventide: -looks at the ground nervously. She doesn’t agree with those statements, recalling how kind both mares were towards her, but doesn’t want to accidentally worsen her friend’s fragile mood- Oh… Heather: -sighs dreamily, cupping her freckled face with her free hand- But it’ll be different for me! No one will ever see me as just another Apple! -holds out her hand in front of her, as if she could already see the future- One day, everyone will be seeing Heather Tart walking with Canterlot’s greatest socialites and nobles!! I’ll be going to fancy parties and talking to all of the famous ponies, and even the princesses! Eventide: -smiles, squeezing the filly’s hand. This is the side of her best friend that she admires and loves seeing; the one that cherishes her dreams- You’ll totally get there! You’re really good at blending in and talking to ponies! Heather: -grins, clearly priding in that comment- It IS my talent~ -gestures with her head towards the group of kids in the distance that were no doubt a blob of color in her eyes- Which is AWESOME, cause I read that knowing how to make social connections is important if you want to make it to the top~!  -meeting Eventide’s eyes, her own magenta orbs glitter with ambition- And if I’m going to get to Canterlot’s high society one day, I need to start early. Eventide: -smiles sheepishly- That’ssocool...I wish I had a big dream like you. I like doing a lot of things, but I still don’t really know what I want to do… -Eventide glances down at her cutie mark displayed on her shoulder; a colorful twister with out-of-place music notes dotting the design. How that aspect connects to her talent is beyond her. No matter what she did, looking at it still felt weird. To think flying fast enough to catch Ms. Pinkie Pie's stray, flying cake at her own birthday party the previous year was all it took for her to gain her mark (it was a shame that the pretty dress her mother had bought her for the occasion managed to get torn on twigs in the process) . Flying fast was nice, but what was she supposed to do with that talent? Everypony kept recommending the Wonderbolts, but the thought just...didn’t click with her.- Heather: -chuckles and shrugs- Well, whatever you end up doing, learning to stop being so socially awkward could help. Eventide: -winces, feeling a bit of discomfort in the comment. The strange smile Heather flashes her only worsens the feeling, as if the filly found some amusement in her own remark- Idotry... Heather: Psh, well try a little harder! Eventide: -lowers her gaze, uncertain how to respond and still feeling discomfort- Heather: -hums obliviously, swinging their hands again as they follow the back wall of Friendship Elementary and head towards the side of the building where the entrances to the outdoor bathrooms were- Anyway! You’ll go inside the bathroom with me, right?? It’s all creepy and quiet in this corner- -Heather quiets when the two of them hear some voices from around the corner of the building. While at first Eventide assumes some other kids were either leaving or entering the bathrooms themselves, the two fillies slow to a halt when they begin to make out voices- ???: Please give it back! ???2: Whoops! Missed it again! ???: Stop throwing it like that! ???3: HAH, come on, this way! Eventide: -exchanges wary glances with Heather before the two of them quickly tiptoe to the corner together, peering around it-

-She immediately sees an older filly and an older colt throwing a blue notebook to one another. Between them, a shorter pegasus with dark hair and light streaks turns from one kid to the other, their rounded, stressed green gaze following the notebook- ‘Bullies...even Princess Twilight’s school has them.’’ Heather: -cringes, whispering- Yikes...nevermind, let’s go. Eventide: (!) -whispers- Shouldn’twehelpthem? Heather: -pulls her head back in disbelief, whispering harshly- Wha- no! They’ll just go after us like that kid! -tugs at her hand- Come on! Eventide: -brows narrowing back, Eve can’t bring herself to budge from her spot. Hearing the kid’s pleas, watching how increasingly upset they’re becoming, Eventide feels a great deal of worry, as well as anger, as she watches the scene- ‘What would mom do…’ …-biting her lip, she soon finds her body moving from their hiding place, ignoring Heather hissing her name. With clenched fists at her sides, she manages to find her voice- Hey! -All three kids turn their heads towards the voice, only to find Eventide standing there, wide-eyed and shaking like a leaf- Colt: Psh… -raises an eyebrow and rests his hands, one still holding the notebook, onto his hips- What? What do you wa- ???: -realizing the colt is distracted, they dart for the notebook and attempt to grab it back- Colt: (!) Ha, no way-! -yanks the notebook back. However, the harsh movement and tugging causes the notebook to tear, leaving a cover and numerous ripped and crumpled pages in his hand- ???: -gasps, staring in horror and distress at the mess- Filly: Well geez, way to overreact kid. Colt: -laughs- Whoops! Hey, you’re the one who pulled first-! Heather: I'M TELLING PRINCIPLE TWILIGHT!! -the three ponies, including Eventide, turn towards the direction of the loud voice, only to find no one there. The sound of quick retreating footsteps around the corner can be heard, causing the two older kids to exchange worried glances- Filly: W-wait, we were just playing! Colt: -throws the papers in his hand to the ground and begins running, completely ignoring Eventide as he passes her and quickly rounds the corner with his friend in tow- Yeah stop, it was an accident!! Eventide: -while she feels some worry for her friend, she hears soft rustling and turns, seeing the remaining pegasus on their knees to pick up the scattered ripped papers. Taking in their disheartened expression, Eve moves to pick up the closest paper to her and moves to kneel by the kid. Holding out the paper, she smiles sadly- Here. ???: (!) -surprise flashes across their face. Another second passes before they carefully take the paper from her, their voice soft- Thank you… Eventide: They were real jerks…areyouokay? -notices how the kid’s mouth presses into a tight line, their green gaze downcast and only deepening her worry. Yet they nod- W-whathappened? How come you were over here alone with em...? ???: -sighs, gathering the papers into their lap- ...I saw this dragonfly and...really wanted to draw it. It flew over here so I followed it. But I ran into them instead... Eventide: -puzzled- Draw-? -Eve cuts herself off as she picks up a ripped paper she noticed laying behind the kid, her expression full of wonder as she gives it a good look.  A half-finished drawing of a pegasus with bug-like - dragonfly-like- wings stares back at her. Eventide: Holymoly...thisissopretty! ???: -peers at the drawing in her hand. But their expression quickly twists into dismay- No… Eventide: -looks up- W-what’swrong? ???: -balls up their fists in their lap, miserably staring at the ripped paper- I drew that for my friend...h-he said he liked dragonflies the last time I saw him, and he’s been really sad lately so I just- -bites down on their lip and lowers their gaze, tears pricking at the corner of their eyes, their voice coming out hoarser- Now it’s ruined. Eventide: -ears flatten, watching the kid wipe at their eyes with a fist. Newfound determination bubbles up within her and she shoves a hand into one of her vest pockets- Holdon! ???: (?) -glances up at her in confusion- Eventide: -whips out a small roll of clear tape- Therewego! ???: -blinks- ...you...carry tape with you? Eventide: My dad says you can never go wrong with tape. -places a hand on their shoulder, smiling gently- It’llbeokay! Watch! -lays the drawing down and lines up the ripped edges before carefully fixing the rip with tape on both sides. Feels the kid quietly watching- Aaand there! Itstilllooksamazing! And even if you don’t give this one to your friend, maybe it can help you if you want to redraw it? ???: …-slowly exhales- Yeah, that’s...that’s a good idea. -takes their drawing back. Meeting Eventide’s blue gaze, they finally offer her a soft, sincere smile- Thank you… Eventide: -grins cheerily- Mhm! Hey um, what’syourname? ???: Oh...my name’s Monochrome. But it’s kind of long, so um...you can call me Mo, or Momo- Eventide: (!!) -claps her hands together, eyes sparkling- ‘Momo’issocute! Okay! Um, my name’s Eventide Twister! YoucancallmeEve! It’s nice to meet you! Monochrome: -blushes- That's a really pretty name. Um.... -nervously shuffles the papers in their lap- Nice to meet you too... Eventide: How come I’ve never seen you before?? Monochrome: Oh. Well, I’m in 5th grade. Eventide: (!) Whoa, you’re two years older! Monochrome: Yeah. And I usually draw during recess. -shifts their eyes away- I’m...not really good at talking to ponies. Eventide: Aw, that’s okay…-glances down and sheepishly rubs the back of her hand- I’mthesame… Monochrome: -stares at her curiously- Really…? Eventide: Mhm. I get real nervous talking to anyone I don’t know. But it kinda helps to have a friend with me- -both Eventide and Mo glance up upon hearing the ringing of the school bell. Standing up, Eve offers Monochrome a hand, one they stare at for a moment before gently taking, pulling themself up- Monochrome: Well...thanks again, Eventide. -smiles softly- Bye then... -begins walking away, the remnants of their drawings and notebook clutched against their chest- Eventide: (!) I’llseeyouaround! -when Mo turns to give her a puzzled look, as if surprised by those words, she continues with a bright beam- I wanna see more of your drawings next time! Maybe we can doodle together! -Something about that lights up Monochrome’s eyes, and they eagerly nod and smile back. As they begin to rush off and round the corner, Eventide notices them suddenly jerk back, as if almost running into something. Ducking their head, Mo murmurs a quick apology before walking around whatever is around the corner. To Eventide’s relief and delight, Heather walks into view, though she eyes Monochrome with a strange look as they retreat.- Eventide: Heather!! -runs towards her- Heather (!): -opens her arms and catches Eventide as she throws her own arms around her. She snickers- Well geez, missed me much? Eventide: -pulls back to clasp Heather's hands between her own- I’msogladyou’reokay. Did those bullies catch up with you? Heather: PFT, catch up? I hid behind the first door I saw! -smirks and pulls her hands back to cross her arms in satisfaction- They were dumb enough to go running around for somepony they never even saw! Eventide: Huh…? You...didn’t tell a teacher? Heather: -scoffs- No way...! I’m no snitch, Eve! I already told you they’d start picking on us if we messed with them! If that kid wants to report it, they can speak up for themself. Eventide: -face twists in confusion, her ears flattening- A-areyousure...? Heather: 'Course I am. Speaking of, I saw you were making friends with the loner?? Eventide: ‘Loner’…? Heather: Yeah, that kid. The one who just sits in a corner all quiet and writes stuff in their notebook. Eventide: Oh! Theirname’sMonochrome, andtheyactuallydraw! They’re really good! Heather: Eeeh sure… Eventide: And they’re really nice! You should meet them! Heather: -laughs uncomfortably, glancing off to the side while rubbing her arm- Yeah, not really the kind of friend I should make, Eve. -raises an eyebrow, that strange amused smile on her muzzle again- But I guess you being friends with them kind of makes sense? Eventide: (...??) -hesitantly smiles back, not quite understanding- Huh? Heather: (!) -takes Eventide’s hand and begins leading her again- C’mon! We’re gonna be late! Don’t want to miss choir, right~? Eventide: -manages to perk up again at the mention of one of her favorite classes- Ah, right! -following a step behind her friend to their lined up class, she worries about Monochrome, just catching a glimpse of their dark tail as they disappear into the school with their class. New prickles of guilt hits her when she spots the two bullies following the older classes into the building.- ‘Is it...really okay to just say nothing?’

Presenting the day Eventide and Monochrome met as kids, kill me softly. I just want to give a fair warning to the people who will inevitably ship ChromeTwister that I too am fond of this relationship and if different ships can be canon in different AUs, this one is absolutely a thing in some AU of Destinyverse. But in this main canon timeline, it isn't the end-game relationship in mind for either of them. Doesn't mean you can't enjoy their ship of course!! Have fun with different pairings in Destinyverse! Just keep it in mind and um, don't have ship wars? That's all I ask. <xD

If you want a reminder of what their general friendship was like, check out Mo's little speech in "Admirer".