Intro. Hawkins, IN
CH1. Springfield, IL
CH2. The Ozarks, MO
CH3. Wichita, KS
CH4. Thunder Lake, CO
CH5. Moab, UT
CH6. Vegas, NV
CH7. Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
The Epilogue
The Mixtape
The Keepsakes
we all talk about kinky Eddie but what about goofy, giggly sex? let's be honest, eddie is a menace sometimes [18+ obv]
eddie gets over-excited and accidentally bumps your teeth when kissing. he pulls away feigning hurt, holding his lip with a pout, just to laugh and say "just jokin, sweetheart"
eddie pushes you on his bed and your head bumps the wall a little. you spend the next 5 minutes convincing him you're totally fine and you should really get back to the task at hand because you're so. turned. on.
eddie who gets ahead of himself and tries taking off his jeans while walking only to fall flat on his face. you can't help but break down laughing and neither can he
you're on top riding him like your life depends on it and he grips your hips harshly to stop. you look at him confused only to watch him swat your hair away from his face and fake cough
you change positions to missionary. you're so close, eddie is too, but then "fuck, CRAMP. CRAMP! MY LEG"
eddie's back to grinding into you, faces so close together intimately. "did you have.. *sniff* garlic for lunch?"
stopping midthrust to sneeze
he stops again moments later, sighs and mentions he forgot to do something. "it can wait... no it can't." he grabs a shirt to place in front of him and runs out of his room. you hear a bunch of clanking metal then he's back. "wayne wanted me to take food out of the freezer for him. nearly knocked over the fridge, i was moving too fast"
he climbs on top and puts his cold hands on your belly
gets too excited and keeps missing your hole.
he's thrusting in you when you put your hand on his chest to stop him. "i hate this song." "babe, we talked about this. sabbath will never get turned off during sex." "but can't you change just this song? lower it maybe??" he pulls out, walks to the stereo, and turns it up
you get on your knees in front of him, his hands dig into your hair. he stops you just as your mouth is about to devour him, "nope, you're right. this song sucks"
your mouth is gliding over his cock, his hand is gripping your hair. he's thrusting into your mouth but pulls out suddenly. gasping, "that was a close one. almost came in your mouth when it's your puss-puss that's hungry." you grimace at his words. "yeah, i heard how bad that sounded too but i ran with it anyway"
you're back on top riding him, this time with your hair in a bun. you start slow, but get impatient and start bouncing quicker. you've both been waiting for release and now you finally get to it. eddie's fingers are digging into your hips while your nails are clawing into his upper chest. you ride it out and collapse on top of him, your breathing synchronises as it slowly comes down
you sit up and look down at him. "hi," you whisper. "hi," he chuckles back.
eventually you get up and both of you slide some underwear on. he turns to you with a hand held up toward you. "great teamwork back there, champ." he's expecting a high five but you just shake your head and make your way toward the bathroom. "well.. practice is same time next week"
Pairing: Eddie Munson | Reader
Summary: Eddie really loves the theatrics.
Word Count: 3,639
Warning: smoking weed, underage drinking, skinny dipping (w. underoos)
A/N: Here is chapter 3. Thank you to all of you who've given the other chapters love. =)
Chapter 1 Chapter 2
One Fine Day
“But, you got my note, ya?” He asked. His thumb resting on your cheek.
“Mmhm” You leaned into his hand.
“Ok, I have to do something, but I’ll meet you at the table, alright?” Eddie gave you a quick peck on the top of your head and left. He left you stunned with flushed cheeks. You lifted your hand and held it to your forehead, making sure you didn’t imagine it.
You lifted your head to the sound of your name being yelled at, seeing Robin clumsily fly down the hallway towards you. In her path, she pushed a kid or two out of her way. When she reached you, she gripped her hands onto the upper parts of your arm and pushed you into your locker.
“Did I just see that with my own eyes?” Her eyes were the size of saucers.
“I... think so?” Using one of your hands to cover the heat that blanketed your cheeks from embarrassment. Your pulse raced through your veins.
“I expect everybody here did.” There was a colossal grin on her face as waved her arms around. You reciprocated. “I told you so. I.told.you!” She slapped your arm repeatedly.
“Shut up” the highest squeal came out of your mouth as your two giggled like the school girls you were.
Robin placed her arm around your shoulders. “Off to lunch?”
“Onward, ho” you lifted your arm and pointed toward the cafeteria.
Both of you were still laughing as you walked into the lunchroom. Nothing implied to be out of the ordinary. Just the smell of the bland lunch food and mid-day teen odor. Glancing over at the Hellfire table Eddie wasn’t sitting in his usual spot. Gareth and Jeff were play-wrestling at the head of the table. You look at the rest of the Hellfire crew and the boys just sat there laughing. Mike and Lucas cheering them on. But you also noticed your little brother wasn’t there as well.
A moment later the doors by the stage burst open from the outside.
“HOLY SHIT!!, MUNSON’S ON THE ROOF,” the panicked teen announced. “I THINK HE’S GONNA JUMP!” The kid turned his heels and ran back outside.
There was a sudden murmur that echoed throughout the cafeteria. Kids rapidly shot up from their seats and rushed to the parking lot. Bodies pushed each other as they forced themselves through the double doors.
“What the fuck did he just say?” Without waiting for a response from Robin, you dropped your backpack onto a table and ran with the rushing crowd.
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It was finally the summer of ‘85. The last glorious summer before your final year of high school. This was supposed to be the summer of a lifetime. But no, your friends weren’t able to do anything since they were too busy having lives of their own. Nancy and Jonathan were interning at the paper. Robin and Steve were at Scoops Ahoy. You couldn’t even do anything with Dustin cause he was at summer camp. So this just left you stuck at home, sitting on the couch, watching reruns of Bold and the Beautiful at 10 in the morning.
With nothing else better to do, you decide to go to the record store downtown and finally grab that copy of the new Talking Heads album and maybe surprise Dustine with the new Weird Al as well. Pulling into the parking lot, you noticed the familiar van that was Eddie’s. Parking beside him, you see his head banging, jamming out in the driver’s seat having a private little concert. Completely unaware of the world around him, just him enjoying whatever metal song he was listening to.
Stepping out of your car, you could hear the vibrations of the bass coming from the van. Closing your car door, you sauntered over to his van and tapped on the window. A high-pitched scream emanated from behind his window.
“Jesus H. Christ!” Eddie clutched his hand to his chest. Plumes of smoke burst through as he rolled his window down. “F…fuck Christ, Henderson”
“That’s my name.” Suppressing your laugh, sputtering like an old water faucet, you leaned in and placed your head into your palms. “Don’t wear it out,” Eddie heaved as he caught his breath. The van smelled very much of weed, tobacco, and summer sweat.
Eddie shakily grasped at your arm. “Please, don’t you ever do that again. You damn nearly gave me a heart attack.” He wiped the sweat off his brow. “Jesus.. fuck”
“You’ll survive.” You placed your hand into his hair and ruffled it. “See you around, Munson.”
While walking to the entrance of the record shop, you heard Eddie call after you.
“Hey, Henderson, doing anything later?” Turning around, you see him propping himself against his van, another cigarette hanging between his lips. He never looked so hot, no pun intended, but also all pun intended. He glistened from the summer heat, hair clinging to his sweaty forehead. It was then you noticed he wore a cropped version of his Hellfire T-shirt, jeans that hung low around his waist, showing the band of his boxers, and a pair of high-top Reeboks. Eddie was a vision, making your mouth slightly water.
“Uh… Probably just gonna listen to the new Talking Heads album I’m about to grab.“ You hovered your hand above your eyes, blocking the sun. “Why?”
“So nothing?” Smoke came out of his nose as he spoke. “I was just thinking. Uhh… I got nothing else today either. If you .. like, I dont know, wanna hang? We can listen in my van.”
About an hour later, you and Eddie sat at the back of his van, feet dangling over the bumper, a beer in hand. Watching the waters of Lover’s Lake lap up onto the shore and how the trees swayed with the warm breeze. Talking Heads played low in the background. The temperature was a smidge cooler but still humid.
“So, tell me, Henderson. Why aren’t you with your crew?” At the corner of your peripheral, Eddie pulled something out of his crumpled leather jacket. A joint. He never looked more at peace doing something so simple as grabbing something from his jacket and then lighting up that something.
“Everyone decided this was the summer to figure out their lives and it excluded me.” You laughed lightly into your beer, taking a long swig. “Steve and Robin are working at an ice cream shop at the new mall. Nance and Jonathan are interning at the town paper. Can’t even bother my little brother cause the brat is away at camp. And Me? Zip. Zero. Nada. You?”
“Wait? You have a brother?” He tilted his head away from you and blew smoke.
“Ha, yea. He’s a super nerd, smart as all hell. Gives me whiplash most of the time. You’d love him. He plays DnD too. Mostly with his friends.” You scrunch your nose as the smell of the weed hits your senses.
“Sweet. Gotta meet the kid sometime. Teach him a thing or two.” Eddie unconsciously offers the joint your way. Again, this was the last summer of your last year and you were going to make it memorable in any way possible. You reached to take it from him.
“Shit, sorry.” he pulled his hand back. You rolled your eyes, taking it from him. It’s not like you ever smoked before. It’s just not very often.
You brought the joint to your lips and pulled. The smoke filled your mouth, the earthy yet subtle-fruity flavor coated your mouth. As you inhaled, a slight tingle sensation hit the back of your throat and burned going down to your lungs, making you cough violently.
“Ah, ya hit it too hard, sweetheart.” he chuckled, taking the ‘J’ from you. Using his other hand to pat your back. “You gotta breathe her in lovingly. Hold her like a lover you don’t want to let go of. Then you just inhale her into your lungs slowly so you won’t choke like you are now.”
He showed you how he did it. Eddie pressed the end to his pink lips and inhaled agonizingly slow. You watched him in admiration, not being able to take your eyes off his puffy lips. You had the sudden imagining of how they would feel against yours. Your heart skipped at the thought.
He held the smoke for about a second or two. His chest rose as he sucked in more deeply, letting the smoke fill his lungs. He lifted his chin and let the smoke swirl across the ceiling of his van. It was mesmerizing. You couldn’t take your eyes off of him. He nonchalantly leaned back into his hands, his cropped shirt rising a bit, showing off the happy trail that led into his boxers.
This had triggered something primal within you or something like it: a massive flood of adrenaline (or maybe arousal) shot through your veins like a bullet, giving you goosebumps. Suddenly, the temperature in the van rose, even if the back doors were open. You had to do something about it.
Without giving it much thought, you hopped out of the van, stripped off your shirt, throwing it behind you. Hitting him square in the face.
“What the…” with Eddie being surprised, he struggled with the shirt for a hot second. Taking this time, you ran towards the water, letting your shorts fall behind you, stepping over them. Standing there in your undies, hands on your hips, you turned to see Eddie’s face twist, hearing a guttural groan from him.
“You coming, Munson?” you laughed with a mischievous smirk on your face.
Without hesitation, Eddie scrambled with his belt buckle while trying to kick off his socks and sneakers. All the while, his chocolate eyes kept on you. Once he was able to unbuckle his jeans, he dropped trou, took a step forward, and tripped. Your mouth agape, a bubble of laughter spewed from your mouth.
Eddie looked up at you with a ferocity in his eyes that you’ve never seen before. Granted, this is also the first time you’ve ever really spent time with him, one on one. And it’s at Lover’s Lake, getting zooted out of your minds.
Eddie stood up, ripped his shirt off, and chased you to the waterline. As you reached the shore, you could hear the crunching of his feet against the pebbly ground. When he was finally a few feet away, you screamed with laughter. His arms wrapped around your body and tackled you into the water. The cool water instantly felt amazing on your hot skin as it engulfed you. Holding your breath as he dunked you under, you kicked the space beneath you, legs burning as you tried to find the surface. Finally breaching out of the water, you heaved for air.
Without giving you a moment, there was a sudden splash to your face. Wiping the water from your face, Eddie clapped at the water again, another rush of water sloshing over you.
“Oh, no you don’t!” You swam over and pounced onto his shoulders to try and dunk him, but failed miserably.
Your wet hands slipped from his shoulders. Luckily for you, Eddie turned his body the moment you tried to jump him and grabbed you. There was a pregnant pause, still laughing, as he held you a little longer than expected. Both of you stared into each other's eyes with your soaked hair plastered to your rosy cheeks, cool water dripping from your faces. The sunlight reflected upon the water droplets on Eddie making him look like a disco ball. Your breath quickened at his beauty.
And boy was Eddie fuuucking beautiful! You never realized till now how he had a small number of freckles scattered across the bridge of his nose and the tops of his shoulders. Or how his big, brown, puppy-dog eyes sparkled with the reflection of the sun on the water. Or how his cheeks were flushed red from the bright sun almost making him look like a metal version of Snow White. Then a sudden roaring sound of a jet-ski engine interrupted as they rode by.
“Thanks” You shyly looked away and pressed your palms against his chest to push off of him. Giving him a final splash in the process.
“Anytime, princess.” his tone is a little sullen as you move from him. Eddie's eyes were unwavering from you, lips slightly pouting.
Moments later, the two of you drifted on your backs, lazing about in the lake. The conversation was minimal with the occasional question or two popping up. The effects of the weed now hitting you along with the buzz from the beer. So right now? You were feeling incredible; like you were unsinkable. The water moved around your limbs in swirls, tickling your skin and adding to your already-spaced mind. The sensation of metaphorically floating and physically floating was something. It was like laying in infinity. Everything was light and wispy. The sun on the cool water sparkled brighter, cicadas screamed louder.
“How are we feeling there, Henderson?” Eddie asked, swimming over to you. You casually lifted your arm out of the water, giving him a thumbs up. It was then your stomach rumbled.
“Burgers,” you replied.
“Let's get some then.” Eddie chuckled. He flopped back over into the water for one last dip and swam to the shore. You followed.
The sun hung low across the horizon as you peered over the dashboard, wind flowed through your hair making the dry tendrils whip at your face. With the windows rolled down, your feet hanging out of the passenger side. Out of the corner of your eyes, Eddie was still shirtless as he looked forward at the road, his tongue resting on the top of his lips. His fingers mindlessly tap to the Dio song on the steering wheel.
Eddie turned his head to give you his signature crooked smile on his sun-kissed face. As your eyes meet, he noticed you tremble. Eddie patted the seat beside him, ushering you to move to him. You did as he silently asked, a warm glow rising up into your face.
“Come here” He mouthed your name as he pulled you into him. “You’re shivering.” Eddie wrapped his free arm around you. His hand rubs the sides of your arms, making your skin tingle with warmth. You feel Eddie’s breathing stagger beneath you. The constant rise and fall of his breathing lulled you into comfort. You nuzzled your head against his warm chest. Eddie tilted his cheek to the top of your head and pulled you in tighter.
------------------------
As the parking lot filled with students, you looked up to see Eddie on the roof of the cafeteria. His pocket bandana wrapped around his head. One foot leaned on the lip of the roof and his hand hovered over his brow scanning the crowd, making him look like a pirate searching for land.
“EDDIE! ARE YOU NUTS?” you screamed as your arms waved in the air. Eddie caught your attention. You’d never seen his face look so bright. His smile spread ear to ear, teeth showing.
Robin is still by your side. “What is he thinking? Has he gone clinical?”
“I… I don’t know.” You clutched at the sleeve of her jean jacket. No air was left in your lungs. Your heart raced with fear. What if he tripped? You couldn’t take it. Eddie was going to be the guy that would be the death of you one day. Like Robin had said, he truly had gone clinical.
Eddie raised his arms to the heavens and professed. “I, EDDIE THE FREAK MUNSON, HAVE HAD HIS HEART STOLEN BY A FAIR AND BEAUTIFUL MAIDEN OF HAWKINS!” Eddie screamed your name, animating his arms wildly towards you.
You heard the murmured awws and eww’s from the girls surrounding you. The crowd turned their heads to you. You kept your gaze on Eddie trying to avoid the looks of anyone around you.
Time felt frozen; it was you and Eddie. No one else. A never forgotten memory. Maybe a story that would be told at your future wedding or a tale told to your future children. You never saw yourself as the type to think about such things. Especially with everything that has happened in the last couple of years with the Upside Down. You always scoffed at the idea of girls who fantasized about their dream futures with their dream man. But in this fleeting moment, it was an all-consuming thought.
You imagined the both of you owning a small record store on the Lower East side of New York City, near the mecca that was CBGB or living in LA to avoid the harsh winters of Indiana. Perhaps even touring the world with Corroded Coffin. You also envisioned Eddie playing with your kids, pushing them on the swings, or chasing them across the park lawn as they laughed loudly.
Who knew what this future held now that the floodgates seemed to have opened? Hopefully, nothing world-turning will ever happen again.
“Oh, my god! That is so sweet” One girl said
“So romantic” another fawned.
“Who’s he talking about?” another asked.
“DUSTIN! PULL!” Eddie yelled as he lowered his arm and pointed down towards your brother. You looked over to your right to see Dustin, with the rope clutched in his hand. The Hellfire crew stood near him looking at you with the biggest grins on their faces. There was a swift whoosh and a huge white tarp-sized sheet that dropped over the side of the roof. Various little yelps scattered throughout the crowd.
Your eyes focused on the bright sheet, seeing red and black paint splattered amongst it. With a bit more focus, you read what he designed in the red paint.
‘WILL YOU GO TO PROM WITH A FREAK LIKE ME?’ It had been crudely painted with bats flying over a castle tower.
You couldn’t describe how you felt at that moment. Your body buzzed and your heart leaped within your chest. Your mind went a million miles an hour. Your every thought bouncing wildly in your head like a pinball, making you feel lightheaded. It could also be from all the blood your heart was rapidly pumping through your veins. Your knees wobbled, almost wanting to give out under you.
“WHAT SAY YOU, PRINCESS?” Eddie shouted into his hand.
“Why don’t you ever do anything like that for me?” The girl to your right moaned to her boyfriend. She crossed her arms over her chest and stomped away, leaving her boyfriend with his mouth agape.
Random students nudged you on the shoulders for a response.
“Come down!”
“What are you going to say?”
“Why haven’t you answered yet?”
“Jump!”
Robin saw the panic in your body language, grabbed your hand, and gave you a reassuring squeeze. You looked down at your hand holding it tight, squeezing her back. While your other hand fidgeted with the hem of your sleeve.
You’ve always suspected that Eddie could be a secret and hopeless romantic. But once again, he always exceeded all expectations. In the back of your mind, you held onto those memories of him at the party, the summer before, and just recently kissing you on the head.
Your knight in dirty denim.
Looking back up at Eddie, your other hand raised to your mouth and screeched, “GET OFF THE ROOF AND I’LL TELL YOU!” you replied gleefully.
Eddie jumped from the ledge, causing more yelps from the people, and disappeared.
“You’re, obviously, saying yes, right?” Robin leaned into you. You gave her a slight shrug of your shoulders. Looking away, you chewed on your nails in anticipation of Eddie’s return from the roof.
“And you!” You turned a false anger towards Dustin, stomping your feet along the way. His eyes grew to the size of dinner plates. He looked to his left and looked to his right. His friends stepped aside to cower from you. “You knew?!”
“I..I.. uh” Dustin stammered trying to avoid eye contact with you. You prodded your finger into his chest.
“You fucking knew… this whole time?” Your hands landed on his shoulders and shook him. Dustin’s eyes finally dropped to your face and stared at you. His cheeks glowed red as the small crowd watched and laughed as you belittled your little brother.
“We all…” Gareth tried to interrupt.
“Shut it, Gareth,” eyes shooting daggers his way. He could only look away. “I’m talking to him. Explain yourself!” returning your attention to Dustin.
“I mean… Not.. I tried..” for once in his life words faltered from him. “If you j… just opened your door.”
You squint your eyes at him, a smile rising on your face, pulling him in for a surprise hug. Roughly planting kisses all over his curly headed-mop.
“You… kiss… are the... kiss… best… brother…” Dustin tried to push you away, but you overpowered him. “kiss… ever!!”
“Stop!” He continued to struggle as he swatted at you. “It!”
A few long moments later, Eddie blasted his way through the cafeteria doors, heavily huffing and puffing. He still kept a smile on his gorgeous face.
‘He really needs to stop smoking.’ you thought.
Eddie was an anxious, sweaty mess as he walked towards you, hands on his hips as he grasped for air. Once again, in this bubble, this moment only belonged to the two of you. As he neared, your pulse raced even more than it was already. You nervously shifted from one foot to the other. When your eyes met, heat filled your cheeks as you chewed the inside of your cheek. You probably looked like a ripe tomato by now.
“Mr. Munson, Ms. Henderson.” the principal interrupted the moment. “You two, with me, Right! Now!”
Pairing: Eddie Munson | Reader
Summary: Definitely not the response you expected from Eddie
Word Count: 3,536
Warning: vomiting, underaged drinking
A/N: Here is chapter 2. Enjoy our sweet, sweet Eddie boy. =)
Chapter 1
Little Broken Parts
The Monday after finally rolled around with a great fizzle. You hadn’t heard from Eddie since before the battle of the bands. After your performance, you were so convinced that Eddie’s disappearance was him coming to see you backstage to slap a big, wet, sloppy kiss on ya. But when he never arrived, your heart dropped like an anvil in a Wile E. Coyote cartoon.
You slumped at your desk trying to pay attention to the homeroom teacher. You couldn’t. This weekend you just replayed Friday night over and over in your mind. You remembered how Eddie looked at you in admiration. How he moshed in the back of the auditorium with your little brother. Or at least you thought. For all you knew, it was all in your imagination. Because it’s not like you could see really see anything properly beyond the stage lights.
You had locked yourself away, in your room, all weekend. Only coming out to grab food and to use the bathroom. You avoided phone calls from Robin, Ellie, and anyone else trying to congratulate you on your performance. Dustin frequently tried coming to your room to check in on you, only to ignore him as well. Knowing he was that one separation degree between you and Eddie made your chest hurt. You absolutely hated it. But you only had yourself to blame.
“Late. Again. Mr. Munson” Ms. O’Connell announced. Her voice jolted you from your daydream. You could hear some kids in the class giggle. This is where Eddie would usually speak back to the teacher and make a big scene when entering the class late. Not today though.
You lifted your head to see Eddie seamlessly bobbing and weaving himself through the desks. His wild hair hid his face. Your heart pounded as your hands began to feel clammy against your bouncing knee. With a loud screech, Eddie pulled up in the chair next to you. You couldn’t help looking at him. The way he crossed his arms when he sat down made him seem small.
It was as if he didn't want to be noticed. Your mind went to a million places at once. You barely even notice the piece of paper he was dropping on your desk. Eddie gave you a nod when you placed your hand on top of it. You unfolded the note to see his messy scribble that read Hellfire table. Lunch. Signed with a couple of wonky colored-in bats.
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It was an incredibly hot Memorial Day weekend in ‘85. The last three-day weekend before the end of school and the start of summer. Luckily, for you, it meant one thing, it was the time when the rich kids opened up their pools and doors at their fabulously large houses for the coming season. Their parents would leave them for the weekend to do what rich parents did best. Neglect their children and let them do what they wanted.
You sat in the backseat of Steve’s car as his co-worker and your best friend sat in the front. Both arguing about something from Fast Times at Ridgemont High.
“You’re most definitely like Linda Barrett.” her arms flailing around, beer spilling from the can in her hand. “The older friend, mentoring, influencing the younger. I-E me, Dustin...” she pressed her hand against her chest.
“Watch the leather, will ya? And what?” Steve’s face pinched while gripped the steering wheel. “No, way Robin,” shaking his head in disagreement.
“You are!” Robin laughed into her beer can.
“If I’m anybody, it is absolutely Damone,” he ran a hand through his mile-high hair. “He knows how to get all the ladies.”
“As if, Harrington.” you can barely respond. You felt your sides cramping.
“No, but seriously. Every. Single. Girl. That comes in…” Robin gave a raspberry with her tongue while giving a thumbs down. She shifted to her knees, practically dangling herself into the backseat.
“Hey!” Steve used one hand to grab the back of her jacket and pulled her down into the seat. You and Robin continued to laugh. “I have not, by the way,” shaking a finger in the air while looking back but also trying to focus on the road.
“I have all of his rejections tallied in the backroom.” Robin reached behind her, handing you a can of your own.
“Shut the front door” Your face dropped. “Steve… Steve Harrington? Being rejected?” That would be a sight to see, especially when you know he’s forced to wear those shorty short shorts and that sailor hat. Opening the can with a click and a hiss, you take a swig.
“Aaand we’re here” Steve slammed on the brakes, in frustration, near the house, wanting to stop his humiliation. Your head bobbed forward, hitting the back of the driver's seat and spilling some of your beer. “Shit. Sorry, Henderson.” his eyes winced.
“No, no, it’s all good.” You swiped at the spilled beer on your shirt, only making the beer spread and soak into your shirt some more. “Eh, fuck it.” Shrugging your shoulders. You were probably going to end up having more drinks spilled on you later. No use in trying, you thought.
“Alright, my friends. You know the deal.” His voice is subdued with a hint of irritation. Steve took in a deep breath. You and Robin gave a knowing look to each other on what was about to come. Mother-hen Steve. He turned around with his fingers pointed at both of you. “No mixing of drinks and not smoking. Stick to one kind of thing tonight. Got it?!” His voice was stern. “You hear me?”
You and Robin looked at each other with shit-eating-grins on your face. You wiggled your eyebrows as you looked back at Steve.
“We cross our hearts and hope to die.” You both spoke in tandem. As well as crossing your hearts and giving the boy scout salute. “Scout’s honor!”
“I’m fucking serious.” Steve pinched the bridge of his nose. “Remember what happened last time?”
Oh, you remembered alright. You and Robin had drank so much that the two of you thought it would be brilliant to steal someone's bikes, leave the party, ride them to the convenience store at two am, and get slushies. Then calling Steve because you forgot where you placed the bikes and needed a ride home.
“Yea, we got it.” Robin rolled her eyes.
“Can we go in now?” Your body bounced with excitement as your hands were drumming on the top of the driver’s seat headrest.
“Alright then. Let’s go.” with one last chug, you exited the car.
Moments later, the three of you were squeezing together at the beer keg surrounded by the sweaty bodies of drunken teenagers. Girls danced provocatively, to the loud tune of Like a Virgin by Madonna, no doubt trying to impress their crushes that weren’t paying any attention to them. Boys flexed their non-existent muscles to each other, trying to “show” off the top masculinity they believed they possessed. It was a swirling jungle of hormones.
The downstairs areas were littered with drunk teenagers sitting on the stairs and couches, empty beer cans and bottles abandoned on tables. All the cigarette and pot smoke made the air hazy. The wood flooring was sticky from the spilled alcohol. There were gaggles of teens hanging out on the back patio chanting along to someone holding Billy Hargrove as he did doing a keg stand.
About, two hours, you had lost your friends and your way around the house. You wander aimlessly in the halls with no destination in mind. Bumping into bodies that filled the hallway. By this time your drunken curiosity had already taken over. Every now and again, you would just open a door to peek in on a couple thumping awkwardly on a bed. Or opening another to see Jason Carver and some of his cronies snorting a line of the white nose candy.
By this time, Steve’s warning had flown out the window. Like paper lanterns in the sky on a windy day. You had chased a couple of beers with cups of heavily spiked punch and shots of tequila… Vodka? Or was it rum? You couldn’t remember by this point. You suddenly felt your stomach turn as the smell of spilled beer, aqua net, and sweaty body odor hit your nostrils. The hallways started spinning around you. The lights shone brightly, making your eyes water. You held yourself against the walls as you wobbled through the long corridors searching for a bathroom. The damned fruity punch (honestly could have been the shots. Who knows?) betrayed you and was quickly rising from your stomach, making you gag at its now acidic taste. Your hand rushed to your mouth as you tried to constrain what was to come.
The next minute, you found yourself at the giving end of a porcelain bowl. Gripping the sides of the seat, you felt pieces of your soul leave your body. Spitting one last time, you reached for the handle and flushed the spewed contents. You leaned against the wall next to the toilet, you could finally take a full breath of air. Your head slumped forward because your neck no longer was able to hold its own weight. The world was so fuzzy and your body felt floaty. The walls vibrated from the music blasting throughout the house. Your head was pounding and your ears rang from the pressure building against your skull.
“Dude, get out,” a voice hissed. Barely lifting your head, only vaguely able to see, what could have been a small tussle, at the opening of the bathroom door. Behind your heavily lidded eyes, you saw a body being violently pushed away from the entrance and then the door being slammed shut. A shadowy mass flashed across the bathroom and kneeled down in front of you.
“Henderson?” You heard the familiar voice huff. “You ok? Talk to me, princess.”
Their large hand nudged you softly at your shoulder, the other hand lifting your chin. Their calloused thumb caressed the edges of your jaw, wiping anything left over on your chin. Your eyes couldn't focus, but you could still make the shape of that unmistakable mane.
Eddie. His name floated in the black matter of your brain. Eddie. Cute Eddie. Eddieee. Your brain just repeating itself.
A sudden wafting stench of stale beer brought another wave of nausea. Bile came rising from your empty stomach, burning your throat once again. The contents dribbled out onto your shirt.
“Ooh, ooh! Let it out.” Eddie jerked your body toward the toilet. Gently gripping your hair away from your face as you hacked into the toilet. A cacophony of coughs fills the bowl. His other hand rubs your back. “It’s alright. I got ya, princess. We’ve all been here.” Eddie’s voice comforting you.
“Mm..fhank ooou” your voice croaked into the porcelain throne. Your hand gripped his thigh as the other wiped your mouth. Eddie’s body stiffened at your touch. “Eeeh…dd..ie Monshoon” the words slurred out your mouth in a sing-song manner.
“Alright, y/n, let’s get you settled.” he chuckled as he delicately backed you away from the toilet. He gently placed his hand on the back of your neck to support your head against the wall and wiped the tears from the edge of your eyes. Eddie rose to his feet to grab something by the sink. The sound of the tap being turned on and off filled the room. The feeling of his hand leaving you made you more empty than your stomach. It’s not like you and Eddie were incredibly close so having him against you was an odd sensation. However, it was a comforting one. One your drunken self decided that you really liked.
He bent back down to your level and kept you steady as he anxiously dabbed at your sweaty forehead. His brows drew together as he feared that he or his rings would scratch you. With every dab to your face, a small trail of heat was left behind from his touch. It was like your skin was trying to memorize the way he felt. There was an intimacy to his care in what seemed to be only for you. It was a side of Eddie you had never experienced before. You knew, beyond people's expectations, that he was a good person. But not like this. He had a softness in the way he looked at you and in the way he handled you, making sure he didn’t accidentally touch you inappropriately. Eddie was so gentle in his touch that it tickled. You couldn’t help but let out a groggy giggle.
“What’s so funny, princess?” Eddie continued cleaning your face. Behind your heavy lids, you could see the worry that plastered his face. The lines on his face were accentuated by the furrowing of his brows. Your heart pounded against your chest.
“Oh… hic.. N..noothing” You playfully poked at his chest and let out another huge hiccup. Eddie pushed your hair back some more, wiping the damp towel across your brows. The air from the a/c hitting your heated skin sent goosebumps over your body. “Yyou’re... just .. hic… sopreeetty” You reached your hand up to his face and clumsily ran your thumb between his scrunched brows and tried to smooth it out.
“Ha, that’s a new one” Heat rose to his flushed face as he pressed his forehead against yours. His soft brown eyes focused on yours as he caressed his thumb along your jaw. “Don’t hate me, but I need to, ok?”
“Mm…couldneverrrrrr” Your words stumbled out as if being accused of something.
The muscles in his arms flexed as he shed his jean vest first. Eddie then grabbed the hem of his shirt, slipping it over his head with ease. His auburn hair became more mussed. You could faintly make out the tattoos that scattered against his pale skin. Your drunk intrusive thoughts wanted you to reach out and touch them. The bats have always been your favorite. The next thing you knew, Eddie was pulling you towards him, shifting his weight to his knees. He fiddled with the top of your blouse, slowly unbuttoning it. You raised your arms for him to lift the blouse over your head.
“Arms down, Henderson” he chuckled swallowing hard. The grazing of his cooled rings upon your skin gave you a shiver as he lowered your arms. Eddie chewed the inside of his cheek, trying to concentrate on the task at hand.
“But like wwwhy?” slumping into his body, your cheek pressing against his chest and your eyes fluttering, as you tried to keep them open. Sleep wanting to take over. He was so warm. And so comfy.
“You puked on your shirt, babes. And I’m going to need you to stay awake for me, ok?.” Eddie pushed your hair back away from your face.
“Mmmk…” Even in your drunken stupor, you could feel his hands trembling as they traveled to each button. After what felt like forever, Eddie was finally able to unbutton and slip your blouse off. With hitched breath, his body stilled when he glimpsed the bra you wore underneath. His eyes darted to the ceiling.
“Shit… fuck… I’m sorry, I’m sorry,” he mumbled to himself repeatedly. His breath staggered and his heart pounded against his chest as it rioted for its escape.
After a while, he seemed to have forgotten how to breathe altogether and let out a huge sigh. He scratched at the back of his scalp and gave his hands a quick shake to expel the nerves that built up. Not wanting someone to walk in on them and think the wrong of the situation, Eddie finished replacing your shirt with his own as quickly as he could. He could not care any less what people said about him, but that was one situation he wouldn’t be able to handle if accused, especially if it was about you.
Even in this inebriated state, he still thought you were the most rad girl he knew. However, this wasn’t how he wanted to see you in his clothes or you half-naked. Eddie’s mind wanted to wander, but he knew this was not the moment for it and that would have to wait for another day. In another lifetime, when both are consenting bodies, this would have been a dream come true. With a brief rattle of his brain, he hurriedly put his jean vest back on.
“Oo, mmm… ode..styyy” you giggled, lazily slapping your hand on his arm.
“Ok, sunshine. You’re gonna hate this too,” he warned again. Eddie threw one of your arms around his shoulders for support, wrapping his arms under your armpit and hoisting you up. He then intertwined his fingers with the hand you held over his shoulder.
“No, back down,” you pouted. The sudden weight of your body losing grip in Eddie’s arms. Your head was spinning from vertigo, hitting your body. A lump formed in his throat. He hated seeing you this way.
“Sorry, princess.” Eddie cleared his throat. He held you close and he held you firm. For a fleeting moment, you thought he may have placed a soft kiss on the top of your head. “I’m going to place my arm around your waist and you’re going to throw that pretty arm back over my shoulders again. Ok?”
With an unbalanced nod, you wrapped your arm back around him. He grabbed hold of your waist and braced you against him tightly. There was no way he was letting you slip again.
“Alright, let’s find Harrington, shall we?” Eddie struggled a bit to push you forward out of the bathroom and into the crowded hall.
------------------------
Lunch couldn’t come fast enough and it didn’t. Your fingers tingled from the vibration of drumming your pencil against the desk. You reread the note over and over and over, trying to decipher anything from it. What could Eddie need to say? He sent an obvious message, on Friday, that he didn’t feel the same.
‘God, he hates you,’ you thought. You weren’t able to concentrate on anything but that note and Eddie. The edges of the small paper are already beginning to fray like your wracked mind.
A rush of energy consumes your body, making you shake your leg violently under the desk. You glanced over at the clock above the classroom door.
‘Only 15 minutes till lunch.’ You squeezed your eyes shut imagining the bell ringing at that moment. Opening them up only to be disappointed that your Jedi mind trick didn’t work.
“Hey!” Robin reached over and placed her hand on your knee. “Calm down, you’re probably overthinking things,” she whispered.
“Oh, really?” the sarcastic tone coming out with a bit more venom than intended. “Sorry. I didn’t mean it. I just… What if he hates me Robi...” tears pricked the edges of your eyes.
Robin grabbed your hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze. “Please, with the way that boy looks at you, you’d think you were god herself coming for his salvation.”
“Shut up” You couldn’t help but laugh and accidentally snorted. It helped to rid some of the jitters.
“Is there something funny about Uranus, Ms. Henderson?” the astronomy teacher asked.
“No, Mrs. Waller,” it took all of you not to burst at the timing of her question.
The bell finally rang. It was probably the longest 15 minutes you’ve ever gone through, other than when your little brother and Steve went into the tunnels after Dart.
Every part of your anatomy vibrated with nervous energy. The books rattled in your arms as you practically power walked your way to your locker. Your hands trembled when trying to dial the numbers of your lock. Always managing to miss the last digit of the combination.
“Goddamnit!” You slammed your fist against the metal door. “Fucking open, you goddamned piece of shit!”
“Whoa! Now I see where Littleson gets his colorful vocabulary from” Eddie leaned onto the locker next to you with his arms crossed. The impact of his body on the locker made you jump out of your skin. There was a smugness to him, a little more than usual. But that’s what made you fall for him. It was the casualness of the enormous ego he had. Eddie wasn’t concerned by the likes of society accepting him. And that was the gravity that pulled you into his orbit.
“E…eddie. Hi” barely able to get the words out.
“Look, about Friday.” Eddie looked down, playing with the rings on his fingers.
“Y..you didn’t call. You could have at least..” you began, taking in a deep breath. Unsure of how to properly convey the complexity of your feelings. “I g..get it. I com…completely read this wr…”
“Hender…” halted only by the soft pressing of his hand against your cheek and the sweet whisper of his voice. “Has anyone ever told you that you talk too much?”
“All the damn time.” His face was mere centimeters from your face. Noses practically touching. You could feel the eyes on the two of you as roaming students ran to their next class.
In the weeks after his death, his presence is felt all throughout Hawkins.
First, in the decision made by Wayne Munson to wear a guitar pick around his neck as though it always belonged there. Its chain peaks through the collar of every shirt, the pick itself dancing any time the man leans forward. The people of Hawkins know Wayne Munson never played guitar. They know his fingers are too stiff from years of working; his hands shake, and his fingers ache. They know he complains when the cold sets in because it always makes them worse, and he’ll likely have trouble working at the plant within a year. Just like they know that nephew of his, Eddie Munson, played guitar. That his neighbors complained throughout the day about the noise, and homemade flyers were tacked around town with his band’s logo on them. They know Eddie wore a necklace just like that— a way to keep what mattered most close to himself at all times he once told someone who asked.
They know Eddie never took off that necklace if he had a choice.
Then it comes in the form of Steve Harrington, who breaks. Who trades his perfect polos for a denim vest that has seen better days and wears it like an additional limb. There are dark, mystery stains along the sides and tatters throughout the back, but the boy never falters when you look at it questionably. The people of Hawkins know Steve Harrington never cared about the metal scene before and that once upon a time, he used to laugh and mock those who did. They know his parents are very peculiar and that Carol Perkins once told everyone about the reaming Steve got when they came home to find him having skipped a few haircuts. They know he used to walk with his head held high, but now it hangs, and his shoulders slump, and that he’s traded most of the color in his closet for neutral and dark ones like he’s in mourning for something he can’t explain and that the vest is always in his reach. Just like they know that Eddie Munson used to have a vest like the one Steve now wears. That he used to wear it over a leather jacket and never took it off, no matter how hot it got. That he came to school blasting Dio in that van of his, and now Steve seems to have taken to doing the same in his Beemer whenever he comes to pick up the kids.
They know Steve doesn’t seem like he will let that vest go without a fight.
Around the time Steve gained his vest, Dustin Henderson stopped wearing hats. The people of Hawkins don’t know why, and none of them seem to remember a time they recall him being without before. They know he’s usually found with a mess of curls tucked underneath each cap and that he usually sports lively and fun shirts— button-downs patterned in dragons and knights, t-shirts with Weird-Al and Alf. They know that his hair is starting to grow out. That it’s long and messy, with a rack of curls that hangs in his eyes, and old Ms. Jenkins down the street overheard Claudia Henderson crying about how she doesn’t know what to do to help her dear old Dusty boy anymore. They know his typical whimsical t-shirts have been traded for band tees of metal bands most people can’t seem to place, while his button-downs have grown more subdued. There are always enamel pins on his button-downs, though, a tight-knit collection kept on the left side of every shirt, just above his heart. They also know that they’ve seen those pins before and that it used to be Eddie Munson who sported them. They know he used to wear them on that denim vest of his and that he would proudly talk about them with anyone who asked. They also know that Dustin doesn’t seem to share the same feeling and that if you ask, Dustin seems to shut down, unlike Eddie. They know he gets a faraway look in his eyes before he asks if you’ve ever met a hero before.
They know Dustin will never be the same.
Robin Buckley starts wearing a leather jacket and paints a fantasy scene on the back. The people of Hawkins aren’t sure what it is, and none of them can seem to get close enough to find out before Steve Harrington or Nancy Wheeler are in the way, but they all know it has something to do with winged beasts and a rainbowed cloaked mighty knight. They know she used to talk a lot, often talked too much, and ran her mouth over other people without meaning to. They know she speaks different languages and doesn’t mind trudging around by herself. But now, she’s quiet and keeps to herself. Now they know that French and Spanish have turned to something more indescribable that almost sounds made-up and that she’s never without someone by her side who is gripping her hand tight. Just like they know that Eddie Munson used to wear a leather jacket that looked an awful lot like a larger version of the one Robin wears now. That he used to poke around second-hand stores the same way Robin does and that his hands danced across the worn-in flannels and well-loved tees the same way hers do now. They know he used to have a tattoo design that looked like the drawn-on ghoul on the top of her Chucks and that her teachers have gotten frustrated with the number of bats doodled in the margin of her work as of lately.
They know Robin lives in fear of something they can’t place.
Then came Nancy Wheeler, who showed up to the first town hall meeting after the earthquakes in a pretty white skirt and Hellfire t-shirt despite the fear and rumors still running wild. The people of Hawkins know it was a display of wild faith, a quick spit in the eyes of everyone who dared to look at her and her friends and question the innocence of a boy labeled as missing but considered dead. They know her baby brother wore a matching shirt and gripped her hand like a lifeline even though just weeks prior, they had argued loud enough in the parking lot of the Palace Arcade that Chief Powell threatened to write them both up. They know she’s always been a bit brash and that, in the last few years, something unspeakable has happened inside of her. The Hellfire shirt becomes a regular staple in Nancy Wheeler’s closet, and more jeans are added soon. Only they’re tattered and a touch torn, a few shades darker than anything she usually wears, and always paired with a striking flowing top. They know it makes her look like someone else entirely and that Eddie Munson probably would have laughed. Just like they know he wore his own rugged and worn-out jeans. That he practically lived in his Hellfire shirt and wore it with as much pride as Nancy Wheeler seems to, even after everything.
They know Nancy has grown familiar with the ghosts and whispers of this town.
The people of Hawkins know that Erica Sinclair plays DnD in broad daylight and dares people to question her. That Mike Wheeler refuses to be told to stop talking about Eddie Munson. That Lucas Sinclair wears a bandana tied around his wrist. That Max Mayfield is still in a coma for reasons no one will explain but are somehow connected.
The people of Hawkins know so much and yet nothing at all, and yet with every piece, they can’t help but imagine that Eddie Munson lies behind it. They wonder if one day they’ll ever find out just what happened on that Spring Break of ’86, but they know they probably won’t want to know the truth.
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