Leelei- 40s- Love, love LOVE Stranger Things Fanfics- Trying my hand at writing my own, please be gentle with me, itâs my first time writing â¤ď¸ MATURE CONTENT SO PLEASE, PLEASE 18+ only MINORS DNI! I would love to hear what you think! Comments and re-blogs welcome!Have a question or idea? Please let me know! You can find me on wattpad : Bobo1980 Please reblog if you like what your reading, and I would love your feedback, but please be niceâ¤ď¸
I am far from a professional writer, just having fun and hoping that y'all get some enjoyment from it! Please let me know if you are enjoying my stories, I would love to hear feedback on any favorite fics, favorite parts or lines that you liked. Thank you so much for taking the time to read my storyâ¤ď¸ Please re-blog if you like itâ¤ď¸
Loving Mr. Munson-
You thought you were going to live your life Happily Ever After with your boyfriend Robbie Munson until you caught him cheating on you . Now that the Fairytale is over it's time to try to pick up the pieces and start over.
You decide to drop off some of your ex-boyfriend's things at his Father, Eddie Munson's house. Eddie, who had become your friend over the years comforts you, and while you are in his arms you realize maybe it was HIM you wanted all along....
This is an Older Eddie x Reader fic. There is also a 20ish year age gap between Eddie and Reader.Their relationship is totally and completely Loving and consensual. đMature Content- 18 +only Minors DNIđ
Loving Mrs. Munson
You love your husband Eddie more than anything in the world, the years that you have been together have been the best years of your life. What could possibly make your life even more perfect? A baby.
It sounds amazing, doesn't it? Only life isn't always easy, sometimes you have to really work for what you want. But if there is one thing that Eddie Munson knows , it's that he will do anything to give the love of his life exactly what she wants. If at first you don't succeed, try,try againđ
This is an Older Eddie x Reader fic. There is also a 20ish year age gap between Eddie and Reader.Their relationship is totally and completely Loving and consensual. đMature Content- 18 +only Minors DNIđ
Beauty and the Freak
Veronica Montgomery's life fell apart after tragedy struck her family and now she's trying to pick up the pieces . After her mother remarried, Veronica finds herself in a new town, at a new school for her Senior year of High School. Little did she know her life was about to change again the second she was paired up with the town outcast Eddie Munson. Her life would never be the same.
Made for You
Eddie and Veronica sequel
Veronica Montgomery's life the past year has been a whirlwind, moving, making new friends and falling in love with Hawkins outcast Eddie Munson. Now it's all going to change- Time to start a new chapter of their lives together.College, living together, let the good times begin.
Disclaimer:
This is a work in progress!
đMature Content and Smut- 18+ , this book gets spicy, TW: There are parts that involve drinking and drug useđ
This is the sequel to Beauty and the Freak- if you haven't read it please do!
Housemates
An Eddie Munson and Steve Harrington Story.
Mackenzie O'Conner's life was falling apart. After catching her boyfriend in the act , she finds herself starting over, starting completely from scratch . Now single and in the middle of an akward and complicated living arrangement, she finds a possible solution When her new friend Robin, just so happens to have friends that are looking for a new roommate. Steve and Eddie consider It a win win situation, until they realize that they might just be developing feelings for their funny and sweet new roommate.
Mature Content -This story is 18+ , spicy chapters will be marked with a đśď¸
TW:đ Mature Content đ MINORS DO NOT INTERACT -18+ ONLY đ. Sweet Smut, pregnancy talk- a very important announcement is about to happen.....
Reader:
Tonight is finally the night.
Keeping this secret from Eddie has been the hardest thing I have ever had to do. It feels sneaky, but I keep trying to convince myself that it is a good sneaky, because it is a surprise so that's ok, right?
I was able to make an appointment with an OBGYN and get established as a patient and that was amazing. Everything with the baby is looking good, right on track, which put my mind at ease, for now. I know I will always worry until the day that I give birth,that is just how I am. I even have a very early ultrasound picture of our little 'gummy bear' that I can't wait to show Eddie. I am so excited for him to go to my next appointment, to hear our baby's heartbeat.....
I have been going back and forth in my brain on how I was going to tell my husband the good news and decided I wanted to do something that would really knock his socks off. That is why I had to wait for the perfect opportunity, the perfect moment. That is why I waited for tonight.
" Hey Babycakes, I'm heading out a little early to practice - you wanna come with? Or are you going to ride with Steve and Nancy?"
I bit my lip as he walked around the corner into the spare bedroom where we were staying in at the Harringtons house for the weekend. He looked so fucking sexy dressed in his black jeans ,a Metallica T-shirt he had ripped the sleeves off showing his tatted and muscular arms, black boots and to top it all off a backwards black baseball hat.
He smirked at me as I ogled him unapologetically. " Like what you see Princess?"
" A backwards hat? Jesus Christ Munson are you trying to kill me? Backwards hats are my-"
"Kryptonite, your weakness I know." He grinned. " That's why I'm wearing it. Gotta look good for my Angel." He winked and walked over to me.
" You always look good Baby. But this-" I sat up on my knees in the middle of the bed and reached out for him , grabbing him and tugging him down towards me." This should be fucking illegal Munson. And your ass in these jeans Eds-"
" I can only imagine what you will be walking into the Hideout wearing. Remember, there are a bunch of old fucking perverts there, be careful."
"I'm not worried, they know who my husband is and Baby, I can handle myself. Besides, I'm going with the Harringtons- I will have Nancy there to protect me."
Eddie Barked out a laugh." She may be small but I would bet on Nancy any day over Steve, he's my best friend and he's tough, but he is not a fighter."
" That is what I've heard." I slid my arms around his waist and squeezed his tight ass. Damn. "What would you like me to wear for you Baby? Jeans? A leather skirt? Any requests?"
He lightly pushed me back onto the bed, covering my body with his, our faces just barely an inch apart. My heart raced." What do I want you to wear? Whatever the fuck you want because you look absolutely fucking delicious in everything. After the show? Nothing but a fucking smile Dollface." He dipped down and lightly nipped at my lower lip with his teeth. I groaned and pressed against him." I'm going to be so fucking wound up watching you in the crowd, I'm going to need a little..." He pressed his groin into me and I whined." Release. Sounds like you will too. "
" Watching you on stage is like foreplay. You are so fucking hot, all I want to do is touch you but I can't."
Eddie smiled. " After the show, It will all be worth it, I promise Kitten." I watched as he glanced up at the clock on the wall." Shit, I gotta go." He popped up and helped me to my feet.
" Ahhh,the life of a Rockstar. Go on Baby, the stage awaits."
He leaned down and kissed me, squeezing me tight." I love you Sweetheart. I'll see you there."
" See you there, Munson. Can't wait."
He pressed one last sweet kiss against my lips, smiled again and then left. He was so excited for tonight, I could feel it radiating off of him . He had called his band mates shortly after we had gotten home from the Hideout last time, after Rodney had prompted him to do another show, and they were all able to find a time and make it work. Eddie was absolutely giddy. He missed his friends, missed performing and he was so damn good at playing his guitar. When we were home we didn't have a lot of spare time, but we would have to make it. I wanted to listen to him play. I wanted him to play for our baby.
I sighed. Our Baby. And tonight Eddie would finally know about our baby....
There was a knock outside the door. " Are you decent?"
I smiled. "Come on in Nancy! I'm just trying to decide what I should wear tonight." Jeans? A skirt? That's what I had been in the middle of before Eddie walked in looking like sex on a stick-
" Same." She entered the room and closed the door with a smile." I only have mom PTA clothes now. It's pathetic." I saw her look down into my open suitcase, loaded with multiple pairs of jeans , skirts, my leather jacket, Eddie's vest, a hoodie , leggings and underneath it all, hidden, was a very special shirt...
I laughed. " I have all these 'going out clothes ' but rarely ever wear them . I'm much happier staying home in sweats and watching movies. "
" I am either wearing my professional attire or 8 different layers of clothing to stay warm at all of my kids sporting events! Do you think you could come help me find something to wear? After all with Corroded Coffin playing tonight all of Hawkins finest will be showing up.I can't show up looking like a reporter or soccer mom."
I smiled."Of course! Let's go take a peek in your closet."
" Awesome! I don't know why but I am just super excited for the show tonight. Probably because it brings me right back to the good old days."
My stomach quivered with anticipation. " Yeah, I'm pretty excited too."
" You guys sound amazing! Your fucking killing it out there Baby!!" I beamed as I reached out and handed Eddie an ice cold beer.
He wiped the sweat off his brow with the edge of his T-shirt, giving me a quick glance at the inked skin below. He grinned then took a big swig." Feels so fucking good to be up there again. "
" Your on fucking fire tonight Munson!" Jeff smiled as he clapped Eddie on the back then looked at me." Your old man's still got it!"
I laughed." Old man? I don't see any old men here, well, except for Rodney."
Jeff smirked." You are probably the only one that can get away with saying that."
" Yeah, he likes me." I winked ."He wanted me to let you guys know he has icy cold beers waiting for you at the bar with your lovely wives."
" Fuck yeah!" Gareth and Scotty shouted and jumped off the stage and headed in the direction of the cold adult beverages.
Tonight the Hideout was packed, a full house. Corroded Coffin had pulled in another amazing crowd for a little dive bar. Eddie was completely in his element on stage, his voice was deep and sexy and his fingers were magic. He was an incredible musician and front man. This may not have been a giant arena or stadium but it didn't matter, Eddie Munson was a fucking rockstar.
"Are you enjoying the show Sweetheart?" He asked, setting down his beer and hooking my belt loops with his fingers, pulling me close.
I grinned." What do you think? I get to watch my sexy ass husband perform on stage with all the women of Hawkins fawning over him, and I know he is going home with me at the end of the night and they are going to be jealous as hell."
Eddie smirked." Your such a little shit. "
" But I'm your little shit, I'm even wearing your old jean vest to prove it. So all the bitches know you are mine."
He chuckled." I don't think there was any question Dollface." He leaned forward and kissed me." That vest looks really fucking good on you." He laughed again."Jesus Christ,that fucking vest is older than you are."
" I like it. And It's not old, it's vintage."
" Just like me."
" Your only getting better with age, Munson , like fine wine."
He smiled. " Your so full of shit."
I grinned and slid my hands into his back pockets ,squeezing his ass. " Nope, not me."
He leaned in again to kiss me , his lips just grazing against mine -
" Great show tonight buddy, just so amazing."
Steve interrupted, walking up and patting Eddie on the shoulder.
Eddie sighed, pulling away, but smiled." Thanks man."
" Steve, when it comes to timing you really are the worst!" Nancy huffed and shook her head.
" What? I wanted to congratulate him on a great show before he went back up there-"
" They were getting ready to kiss-"
" Seriously?"
" Yes!"
Eddie smirked." From this moment forward I'm giving you a new nickname - from now on you will be known as Steve 'the Cockblocker' Harrington."
A laugh burst from my lips as I watched Steve cross his arms in front of his chest, looking defeated." It's really ok Steve. I've got my whole life to smooch this man, what's a few more hours?"
" Well now I feel like a major shithead."
" Seriously Dude, it's fine. And thanks for being here, for the support."
" Of course, we wouldn't miss this for anything!"
Nancy smiled at Eddie." We wouldn't miss another reunion show!"
As if on cue the remaining members of Corroded Coffin made their way back through the crowd, eager to get back on stage.
" Ready to Rock Munson?" Gareth asked.
" You fucking know it!"
"Well all fucking right!"
I watched as the others prepped on stage, getting their instruments ready, checking their set lists again and patiently waiting for Eddie to join them.
" Well Muffin, it's time."
I smiled up at him." I know it is Baby, go up there and raise some hell."
He flashed me his handsome , sexy smile. "Abso-fucking-lutely." And then he kissed me, REALLY kissed me , leaving me standing there breathless as he jumped up on the stage , winking at me as he slid the guitar strap over his head .
"Tease!" I grinned and joined Steve and Nancy front and center of the stage.
"How's everyone doing tonight?" Eddie asked into the microphone, receiving an almost instantaneous cheer from the crowd. "Aww, come on now , you can do better than that! I said how the fuck is everyone doing tonight?"
This time the crowd erupted and he smiled. " That's more like it! You guys ready to continue rocking?" Another cheer." Well let's fucking rock!"
The band began playing Crazy Train and everyone came alive. I stood there completely transfixed, watching as my husband had the time of his life on that stage. They played everything from Metallica to Alice in Chains, to Stone Temple Pilots to Iron Maiden. They played songs that they hadn't played together before on stage but they were having such a good time that they just fucking went for it.
Eddie paused between songs to take another drink. " I don't know if any of you were here last time we played, it was a pretty big night for me, I proposed to the woman I love and she said yes-" The crowd clapped. " She's here tonight, right in the front, this beautiful fucking Angel right here, and she's my wife now."
Steve and Nancy hooted and cheered and I felt my face get hot as eyes focused on me. He smiled down at me. "I'm going to dedicate this song to you Sweetheart, the same song I played for you that night, because I was made for loving you Baby, and you were made for loving me."
The band went right into the Kiss song and I grinned like a lovesick fool at him as he sang to me. I smiled because he had played this song the night he proposed and now without even knowing, he was playing this song for me on the night I had a surprise for him, and he was about to find out he was going to be a father again.
I danced with Nancy and sang along to the top of my lungs, slowly, casually unbuttoning the jean vest that I wore until finally by the end of the song I revealed the T-shirt beneath it.
Nancy's eyes went wide and she grabbed Steve's arm getting his attention and pointing to my shirt. I beamed as I proudly displayed the shirt I had been hiding from everyone all night.
Steve looked at me, confused for a moment. "Daddy's Future Metalhead?"
" Look at the arrow pointing down Dingus!" Nancy laughed, clapping her hands together.
" Wait a minute, are you, holy shit-"
"She's pregnant!"
I bit my lip as I turned back toward the stage. I watched as Eddie's eyes met mine again, watched as they drifted down to the words on my shirt, and I saw his lips move as he read them out loud. " Daddy's Future Metalhead-" I watched as the words sunk into his brain, and a moment later his eyes flashed with recognition, and they were wide as they met mine again.
I smiled and nodded my head." Surprise!"
He quickly put the microphone down, took off his guitar and set it on the stand. He rushed over and kneeled before me on the stage, taking my face in his hands." Are you really pregnant?"
" I am," I felt my eyes filling with tears. "Congratulations Baby, we are having a baby! You are going to be a Daddy again!"
He grinned and jumped down off of the stage, wrapping me up in his arms and spinning me around as his band members and people in the crowd looked on in confusion.
Steve wiped at his eyes, the big softy that he he was and hollered, " They are going to have a baby!"
The concert goers cheered and Eddie leaned his forehead to mine." It happened, it really fucking happened Princess, and I'm so fucking happy."
He kissed me and happy tears rolled freely down my cheeks.
The show continued on after the brief but exciting unexpected intermission, Nancy of course wanted all the details, Steve gave me a giant bear hug and congratulations.
" We knew it would work out. We are so happy for you! You guys are going to be the best parents- if it's a boy, I think Steve would be a great name, don't you?"
I laughed, still giddy with the excitement of the night. Eddie was ecstatic, and I was elated.
When the show was over and we were back in our room at the Harringtons, I saw my husband's eyes tear up as he looked in amazement at the ultrasound picture of our baby.
" This is fucking incredible, Angel. This, right here is an image of what our love for each other looks like. This baby was made because we love each other so much that we didn't give up. It's beautiful, it's so fucking beautiful."
" Eddie your going to make me cry again, I happen to be very emotional right now-"
He pulled me close." It's ok Dollface, I am here for all of it. We will get through this together."
" I know Baby. I'm just so relieved that I don't have to keep this from you anymore. Your not mad?"
"No, not at all. Infact I think the pregnancy announcement was very metal." He grinned down at me.
" I wanted to make it special."
" I fucking loved it. And I fucking love you."
I smiled up at him." And I fucking love you too Munson."
" Then I think," He scooped me up in his arms and carefully laid me down on the bed ." It's time to celebrate. I mean we can right? Like there aren't any restrictions or anything right? Because your healthy, the baby is healthy-"
I giggled. " Yes, it's fine, we can have sex. Please Eddie-"
He cut my words off with a kiss-that was all that he needed to hear. And then we made love.
It wasn't rushed, or frantic, but tender. Eddie worshipped me..
First undressing me slowly, kissing and licking his way across every inch of my body, making me to shiver. And his touch, even though his fingertips were rough, it was so light and so soft it gave me goosebumps.
He slid into me slowly, inch by inch until I was begging and panting for more, until he was buried deep inside me.
Each thrust, each stroke of his cock was gentle, deliberate, and he loved me so softly and so sweetly, covering me in featherlight kisses and whispering lovely words in my ear that I almost wanted to cry.
When we climaxed together it felt so intimate, and when we collapsed into the bed and he wrapped me in his arms I felt so loved and so cherished, even more in this moment than ever before.
Eddie kissed my cheeks ,my lips, my jaw then slid his way down my body to place a kiss on my belly, resting his head there after." Hey there Mini Munson, this is your Daddy. I just want you to know that I love you and I am so excited to meet you someday. But until that day I want you to grow big and strong and healthy. Your Mama," He looked up at me with those big brown eyes and smiled, and I brushed the hair back from his face." She is doing an amazing job, keeping you safe and giving you the absolute best living accommodations you could ever ask for. And I have to tell you Baby, you are so,SO lucky because you are going to have the best Mama in the world."
I sighed. " I hope so Eds..."
" I know so." He crawled back up beside me and I snuggled into his chest. He gently lifted my chin up to his face." You are glowing, Mrs. Munson you know that?"
I laughed." I'm pretty sure it's sweat from the lovemaking Eddie."
" No seriously. Your fucking radiant, beautiful."
" Are you going to think so when I'm as big as a house and ready to pop?"
" You will be even more beautiful then. Body full and round with our child. Super Fucking sexy."
I laughed again. " We will have to see about that." I played with his hair." I know tonight played out a little different than what you were expecting-"
" It was better, so much fucking better."
" I'm so glad. I was so nervous. So, are you hoping for a little boy or a girl?"
" Either. I just want a healthy baby."
" Do you want to find out the gender?"
Eddie thought a moment." I kind of want it to be a surprise."
"Really?"
" Yeah. Don't you think that would be exciting?"
I bit my lip." It would be. But what will we call the baby in the meantime if we don't know what the sex is? I have been calling it my little gummy bear because that is what it looked like on the ultrasound."
" That works. I'm sure we will come up with about twenty more nicknames before this baby is born. I mean I have about twenty different nicknames just for you Darlin." He grinned." Shit, It's still so fucking unbelievable, we are going to be parents, that's so fucking wild! There is so much we will have to do before the baby gets here, like, clean out my music room and make it a nursery, which will mean painting and deciding on a theme, we will have to make a list of things we will need- a car seat, crib, changing table, diapers- do you know how long it has been since I have changed a diaper? What if I'm rusty at it?"
I laughed." It will all come rushing back in sure. In the meantime, Daddy, I think we should get some sleep. It has been a big night and I'm exhausted, you must be too. We have months to figure things out. I have been reading all the books and I have started making lists, we can go over all of them together."
He smiled." We are in this together. Together we are going to be amazing parents."
" Yeah we are Baby." I kissed his lips." Let's get some rest, tomorrow we have a lot of news to spread. We will have to tell Wayne and my parents and Robbie-"
" That's going to be fucking interesting -"
" It will be but it's going to be fine."
He hugged me tight."I love you."
" Love you too Munson."
And that night I slept so peacefully, dreaming of Eddie with a dark haired, brown eyed baby in his arms and our world was absolutely perfect.
As always thank you so much for reading đ Comments and re-blogs warm my heart, feedback and ideas are always welcome â¤ď¸
did you have to use AI for the photo? i get it's for the sake of the fic but seriously
I'm sorry, I should have known better .I was trying to visualize a very specific older Eddie look for inspiration. I would truly love to see drawings or paintings of a 40 something Eddie. Seriously, please let me know of an artist that could do this! I'm sorry if I have offended anyone, it was certainly not my intention.
keep thinking about lounging on the couch with bestfriend!eddie, both tired after a long week of work. his body leans up against your side, which you welcome, gently guiding his head to rest near your neck, where your hands automatically move to rove through his curls. your fingers push through tousles of thick plush hair, making him groan in response, and settle into you further.
"feels good, sweetheart," his voice is a deep whisper against your throat.
"mhm," you hum, your softness matching his. "your hair's so fluffy, eds. you'll never cut it, right?"
he lets out a soft snort, "no, no. would never do that to you. know it's basically your favorite thing about me."
you smile, your cheek landing on his crown, "is not."
"you supervised my last trim."
"that was just emotional support, thank you very much."
"emotional support for you." he grins, moving a hand up to thumb with your shirt collar. "would you even still love me without it?" his face morphs into a phony frown, wide brown eyes on display for you.
"oh shut up, drama king, you know i would." you tease him, "would you still love me if not for the amazing back scratches i supply?"
he lets out a sigh, head falling back against the crook of your neck, pretending to ponder it. "i s'pose so. guess you're stuck with me."
"yeah, guess i am." you hand moves down to his shoulder blades and you start your light scratches, just because he brought it up, and also because he's a brat.
"wait a sec-" he slurs out, "can you go underneath my shirt? please? 'ts a more immersive experience that way."
totally a brat.
"yes king eddie, i'll do as you please" you roll your eyes, eating it right up. he knows it, too.
"thanks, sugarpop. you're the best."
and within a few minutes, his body is jello against yours, and you can't help but let out a quiet laugh when you notice him already drooling against your chest.
You thought you were going to live your life Happily Ever After with your boyfriend Robbie Munson until you caught him cheating on you . Now that the Fairytale is over it's time to try to pick up the pieces and start over.
You decide to drop off some of your ex-boyfriend's things at his Father, Eddie Munson's house. Eddie, who had become your friend over the years comforts you, and while you are in his arms you realize maybe it was HIM you wanted all along....
Iâve got you Sweetheart- Part oneđśď¸
Sticky Sweet- Part Twođśď¸
Clearing the Air- Part Threeđśď¸
Hawkins High Reunion-Part 1-đśď¸
Hawkins Hight Reunion Part 2-đśď¸
Excuse me Sir- Part 6đśď¸
Parental Warnings- Part 7
Nothing Else Matters- Part 8đśď¸
Welcome Home - Part 9đśď¸
New Routines- Part 10đśď¸
Maybe itâs destiny Sweetheart- Part 11
Family Time- Part 12,đśď¸
One Night Only- Part 13đśď¸
Just for Us- Part 14
To have and to hold Part one
To have and to hold Part twođśď¸
Bonus Blurb- 80âs Mixtapes đśď¸
In Sickness and in Health
Making Plans
Bachelorette Partyđśď¸ -Part One
Bachelorette Party đśď¸-Part 2
The Big Day-The Rehearsalđśď¸
The Big Day-The Ceremony
The Big Day-The Reception đśď¸
The Big Day-The Honeymoon đśď¸
Prologue: In the Beginning
Part one- Connection
Part two- Meeting Mr.Munson
Part three- Betrayal đśď¸
LMM ASKS:
Who's your Daddy?đśď¸
Squeaky Clean,đśď¸
Gonna Make You Sweatđśď¸
Magic Handsđśď¸
Happy birthday Babyđśď¸
Dreaming of the future thinking of the pastđśď¸
Permanently Yours đśď¸
Inspiration Boards:
One Night Only
To Have And to Hold
The Bachelorette Party
The Big Day
Happy Birthday Baby
Be on the lookout for more of everyoneâs favorite Dilf! Please let me know if you are interested in joining a tag list!
As always thank you for reading, commenting and re-bloggingâ¤ď¸It means so much to me!
TW:đ Mature Content đ MINORS DO NOT INTERACT -18+ ONLY đ. Sweet Smut, pregnancy talk- a very important announcement is about to happen.....
Reader:
Tonight is finally the night.
Keeping this secret from Eddie has been the hardest thing I have ever had to do. It feels sneaky, but I keep trying to convince myself that it is a good sneaky, because it is a surprise so that's ok, right?
I was able to make an appointment with an OBGYN and get established as a patient and that was amazing. Everything with the baby is looking good, right on track, which put my mind at ease, for now. I know I will always worry until the day that I give birth,that is just how I am. I even have a very early ultrasound picture of our little 'gummy bear' that I can't wait to show Eddie. I am so excited for him to go to my next appointment, to hear our baby's heartbeat.....
I have been going back and forth in my brain on how I was going to tell my husband the good news and decided I wanted to do something that would really knock his socks off. That is why I had to wait for the perfect opportunity, the perfect moment. That is why I waited for tonight.
" Hey Babycakes, I'm heading out a little early to practice - you wanna come with? Or are you going to ride with Steve and Nancy?"
I bit my lip as he walked around the corner into the spare bedroom where we were staying in at the Harringtons house for the weekend. He looked so fucking sexy dressed in his black jeans ,a Metallica T-shirt he had ripped the sleeves off showing his tatted and muscular arms, black boots and to top it all off a backwards black baseball hat.
He smirked at me as I ogled him unapologetically. " Like what you see Princess?"
" A backwards hat? Jesus Christ Munson are you trying to kill me? Backwards hats are my-"
"Kryptonite, your weakness I know." He grinned. " That's why I'm wearing it. Gotta look good for my Angel." He winked and walked over to me.
" You always look good Baby. But this-" I sat up on my knees in the middle of the bed and reached out for him , grabbing him and tugging him down towards me." This should be fucking illegal Munson. And your ass in these jeans Eds-"
" I can only imagine what you will be walking into the Hideout wearing. Remember, there are a bunch of old fucking perverts there, be careful."
"I'm not worried, they know who my husband is and Baby, I can handle myself. Besides, I'm going with the Harringtons- I will have Nancy there to protect me."
Eddie Barked out a laugh." She may be small but I would bet on Nancy any day over Steve, he's my best friend and he's tough, but he is not a fighter."
" That is what I've heard." I slid my arms around his waist and squeezed his tight ass. Damn. "What would you like me to wear for you Baby? Jeans? A leather skirt? Any requests?"
He lightly pushed me back onto the bed, covering my body with his, our faces just barely an inch apart. My heart raced." What do I want you to wear? Whatever the fuck you want because you look absolutely fucking delicious in everything. After the show? Nothing but a fucking smile Dollface." He dipped down and lightly nipped at my lower lip with his teeth. I groaned and pressed against him." I'm going to be so fucking wound up watching you in the crowd, I'm going to need a little..." He pressed his groin into me and I whined." Release. Sounds like you will too. "
" Watching you on stage is like foreplay. You are so fucking hot, all I want to do is touch you but I can't."
Eddie smiled. " After the show, It will all be worth it, I promise Kitten." I watched as he glanced up at the clock on the wall." Shit, I gotta go." He popped up and helped me to my feet.
" Ahhh,the life of a Rockstar. Go on Baby, the stage awaits."
He leaned down and kissed me, squeezing me tight." I love you Sweetheart. I'll see you there."
" See you there, Munson. Can't wait."
He pressed one last sweet kiss against my lips, smiled again and then left. He was so excited for tonight, I could feel it radiating off of him . He had called his band mates shortly after we had gotten home from the Hideout last time, after Rodney had prompted him to do another show, and they were all able to find a time and make it work. Eddie was absolutely giddy. He missed his friends, missed performing and he was so damn good at playing his guitar. When we were home we didn't have a lot of spare time, but we would have to make it. I wanted to listen to him play. I wanted him to play for our baby.
I sighed. Our Baby. And tonight Eddie would finally know about our baby....
There was a knock outside the door. " Are you decent?"
I smiled. "Come on in Nancy! I'm just trying to decide what I should wear tonight." Jeans? A skirt? That's what I had been in the middle of before Eddie walked in looking like sex on a stick-
" Same." She entered the room and closed the door with a smile." I only have mom PTA clothes now. It's pathetic." I saw her look down into my open suitcase, loaded with multiple pairs of jeans , skirts, my leather jacket, Eddie's vest, a hoodie , leggings and underneath it all, hidden, was a very special shirt...
I laughed. " I have all these 'going out clothes ' but rarely ever wear them . I'm much happier staying home in sweats and watching movies. "
" I am either wearing my professional attire or 8 different layers of clothing to stay warm at all of my kids sporting events! Do you think you could come help me find something to wear? After all with Corroded Coffin playing tonight all of Hawkins finest will be showing up.I can't show up looking like a reporter or soccer mom."
I smiled."Of course! Let's go take a peek in your closet."
" Awesome! I don't know why but I am just super excited for the show tonight. Probably because it brings me right back to the good old days."
My stomach quivered with anticipation. " Yeah, I'm pretty excited too."
" You guys sound amazing! Your fucking killing it out there Baby!!" I beamed as I reached out and handed Eddie an ice cold beer.
He wiped the sweat off his brow with the edge of his T-shirt, giving me a quick glance at the inked skin below. He grinned then took a big swig." Feels so fucking good to be up there again. "
" Your on fucking fire tonight Munson!" Jeff smiled as he clapped Eddie on the back then looked at me." Your old man's still got it!"
I laughed." Old man? I don't see any old men here, well, except for Rodney."
Jeff smirked." You are probably the only one that can get away with saying that."
" Yeah, he likes me." I winked ."He wanted me to let you guys know he has icy cold beers waiting for you at the bar with your lovely wives."
" Fuck yeah!" Gareth and Scotty shouted and jumped off the stage and headed in the direction of the cold adult beverages.
Tonight the Hideout was packed, a full house. Corroded Coffin had pulled in another amazing crowd for a little dive bar. Eddie was completely in his element on stage, his voice was deep and sexy and his fingers were magic. He was an incredible musician and front man. This may not have been a giant arena or stadium but it didn't matter, Eddie Munson was a fucking rockstar.
"Are you enjoying the show Sweetheart?" He asked, setting down his beer and hooking my belt loops with his fingers, pulling me close.
I grinned." What do you think? I get to watch my sexy ass husband perform on stage with all the women of Hawkins fawning over him, and I know he is going home with me at the end of the night and they are going to be jealous as hell."
Eddie smirked." Your such a little shit. "
" But I'm your little shit, I'm even wearing your old jean vest to prove it. So all the bitches know you are mine."
He chuckled." I don't think there was any question Dollface." He leaned forward and kissed me." That vest looks really fucking good on you." He laughed again."Jesus Christ,that fucking vest is older than you are."
" I like it. And It's not old, it's vintage."
" Just like me."
" Your only getting better with age, Munson , like fine wine."
He smiled. " Your so full of shit."
I grinned and slid my hands into his back pockets ,squeezing his ass. " Nope, not me."
He leaned in again to kiss me , his lips just grazing against mine -
" Great show tonight buddy, just so amazing."
Steve interrupted, walking up and patting Eddie on the shoulder.
Eddie sighed, pulling away, but smiled." Thanks man."
" Steve, when it comes to timing you really are the worst!" Nancy huffed and shook her head.
" What? I wanted to congratulate him on a great show before he went back up there-"
" They were getting ready to kiss-"
" Seriously?"
" Yes!"
Eddie smirked." From this moment forward I'm giving you a new nickname - from now on you will be known as Steve 'the Cockblocker' Harrington."
A laugh burst from my lips as I watched Steve cross his arms in front of his chest, looking defeated." It's really ok Steve. I've got my whole life to smooch this man, what's a few more hours?"
" Well now I feel like a major shithead."
" Seriously Dude, it's fine. And thanks for being here, for the support."
" Of course, we wouldn't miss this for anything!"
Nancy smiled at Eddie." We wouldn't miss another reunion show!"
As if on cue the remaining members of Corroded Coffin made their way back through the crowd, eager to get back on stage.
" Ready to Rock Munson?" Gareth asked.
" You fucking know it!"
"Well all fucking right!"
I watched as the others prepped on stage, getting their instruments ready, checking their set lists again and patiently waiting for Eddie to join them.
" Well Muffin, it's time."
I smiled up at him." I know it is Baby, go up there and raise some hell."
He flashed me his handsome , sexy smile. "Abso-fucking-lutely." And then he kissed me, REALLY kissed me , leaving me standing there breathless as he jumped up on the stage , winking at me as he slid the guitar strap over his head .
"Tease!" I grinned and joined Steve and Nancy front and center of the stage.
"How's everyone doing tonight?" Eddie asked into the microphone, receiving an almost instantaneous cheer from the crowd. "Aww, come on now , you can do better than that! I said how the fuck is everyone doing tonight?"
This time the crowd erupted and he smiled. " That's more like it! You guys ready to continue rocking?" Another cheer." Well let's fucking rock!"
The band began playing Crazy Train and everyone came alive. I stood there completely transfixed, watching as my husband had the time of his life on that stage. They played everything from Metallica to Alice in Chains, to Stone Temple Pilots to Iron Maiden. They played songs that they hadn't played together before on stage but they were having such a good time that they just fucking went for it.
Eddie paused between songs to take another drink. " I don't know if any of you were here last time we played, it was a pretty big night for me, I proposed to the woman I love and she said yes-" The crowd clapped. " She's here tonight, right in the front, this beautiful fucking Angel right here, and she's my wife now."
Steve and Nancy hooted and cheered and I felt my face get hot as eyes focused on me. He smiled down at me. "I'm going to dedicate this song to you Sweetheart, the same song I played for you that night, because I was made for loving you Baby, and you were made for loving me."
The band went right into the Kiss song and I grinned like a lovesick fool at him as he sang to me. I smiled because he had played this song the night he proposed and now without even knowing, he was playing this song for me on the night I had a surprise for him, and he was about to find out he was going to be a father again.
I danced with Nancy and sang along to the top of my lungs, slowly, casually unbuttoning the jean vest that I wore until finally by the end of the song I revealed the T-shirt beneath it.
Nancy's eyes went wide and she grabbed Steve's arm getting his attention and pointing to my shirt. I beamed as I proudly displayed the shirt I had been hiding from everyone all night.
Steve looked at me, confused for a moment. "Daddy's Future Metalhead?"
" Look at the arrow pointing down Dingus!" Nancy laughed, clapping her hands together.
" Wait a minute, are you, holy shit-"
"She's pregnant!"
I bit my lip as I turned back toward the stage. I watched as Eddie's eyes met mine again, watched as they drifted down to the words on my shirt, and I saw his lips move as he read them out loud. " Daddy's Future Metalhead-" I watched as the words sunk into his brain, and a moment later his eyes flashed with recognition, and they were wide as they met mine again.
I smiled and nodded my head." Surprise!"
He quickly put the microphone down, took off his guitar and set it on the stand. He rushed over and kneeled before me on the stage, taking my face in his hands." Are you really pregnant?"
" I am," I felt my eyes filling with tears. "Congratulations Baby, we are having a baby! You are going to be a Daddy again!"
He grinned and jumped down off of the stage, wrapping me up in his arms and spinning me around as his band members and people in the crowd looked on in confusion.
Steve wiped at his eyes, the big softy that he he was and hollered, " They are going to have a baby!"
The concert goers cheered and Eddie leaned his forehead to mine." It happened, it really fucking happened Princess, and I'm so fucking happy."
He kissed me and happy tears rolled freely down my cheeks.
The show continued on after the brief but exciting unexpected intermission, Nancy of course wanted all the details, Steve gave me a giant bear hug and congratulations.
" We knew it would work out. We are so happy for you! You guys are going to be the best parents- if it's a boy, I think Steve would be a great name, don't you?"
I laughed, still giddy with the excitement of the night. Eddie was ecstatic, and I was elated.
When the show was over and we were back in our room at the Harringtons, I saw my husband's eyes tear up as he looked in amazement at the ultrasound picture of our baby.
" This is fucking incredible, Angel. This, right here is an image of what our love for each other looks like. This baby was made because we love each other so much that we didn't give up. It's beautiful, it's so fucking beautiful."
" Eddie your going to make me cry again, I happen to be very emotional right now-"
He pulled me close." It's ok Dollface, I am here for all of it. We will get through this together."
" I know Baby. I'm just so relieved that I don't have to keep this from you anymore. Your not mad?"
"No, not at all. Infact I think the pregnancy announcement was very metal." He grinned down at me.
" I wanted to make it special."
" I fucking loved it. And I fucking love you."
I smiled up at him." And I fucking love you too Munson."
" Then I think," He scooped me up in his arms and carefully laid me down on the bed ." It's time to celebrate. I mean we can right? Like there aren't any restrictions or anything right? Because your healthy, the baby is healthy-"
I giggled. " Yes, it's fine, we can have sex. Please Eddie-"
He cut my words off with a kiss-that was all that he needed to hear. And then we made love.
It wasn't rushed, or frantic, but tender. Eddie worshipped me..
First undressing me slowly, kissing and licking his way across every inch of my body, making me to shiver. And his touch, even though his fingertips were rough, it was so light and so soft it gave me goosebumps.
He slid into me slowly, inch by inch until I was begging and panting for more, until he was buried deep inside me.
Each thrust, each stroke of his cock was gentle, deliberate, and he loved me so softly and so sweetly, covering me in featherlight kisses and whispering lovely words in my ear that I almost wanted to cry.
When we climaxed together it felt so intimate, and when we collapsed into the bed and he wrapped me in his arms I felt so loved and so cherished, even more in this moment than ever before.
Eddie kissed my cheeks ,my lips, my jaw then slid his way down my body to place a kiss on my belly, resting his head there after." Hey there Mini Munson, this is your Daddy. I just want you to know that I love you and I am so excited to meet you someday. But until that day I want you to grow big and strong and healthy. Your Mama," He looked up at me with those big brown eyes and smiled, and I brushed the hair back from his face." She is doing an amazing job, keeping you safe and giving you the absolute best living accommodations you could ever ask for. And I have to tell you Baby, you are so,SO lucky because you are going to have the best Mama in the world."
I sighed. " I hope so Eds..."
" I know so." He crawled back up beside me and I snuggled into his chest. He gently lifted my chin up to his face." You are glowing, Mrs. Munson you know that?"
I laughed." I'm pretty sure it's sweat from the lovemaking Eddie."
" No seriously. Your fucking radiant, beautiful."
" Are you going to think so when I'm as big as a house and ready to pop?"
" You will be even more beautiful then. Body full and round with our child. Super Fucking sexy."
I laughed again. " We will have to see about that." I played with his hair." I know tonight played out a little different than what you were expecting-"
" It was better, so much fucking better."
" I'm so glad. I was so nervous. So, are you hoping for a little boy or a girl?"
" Either. I just want a healthy baby."
" Do you want to find out the gender?"
Eddie thought a moment." I kind of want it to be a surprise."
"Really?"
" Yeah. Don't you think that would be exciting?"
I bit my lip." It would be. But what will we call the baby in the meantime if we don't know what the sex is? I have been calling it my little gummy bear because that is what it looked like on the ultrasound."
" That works. I'm sure we will come up with about twenty more nicknames before this baby is born. I mean I have about twenty different nicknames just for you Darlin." He grinned." Shit, It's still so fucking unbelievable, we are going to be parents, that's so fucking wild! There is so much we will have to do before the baby gets here, like, clean out my music room and make it a nursery, which will mean painting and deciding on a theme, we will have to make a list of things we will need- a car seat, crib, changing table, diapers- do you know how long it has been since I have changed a diaper? What if I'm rusty at it?"
I laughed." It will all come rushing back in sure. In the meantime, Daddy, I think we should get some sleep. It has been a big night and I'm exhausted, you must be too. We have months to figure things out. I have been reading all the books and I have started making lists, we can go over all of them together."
He smiled." We are in this together. Together we are going to be amazing parents."
" Yeah we are Baby." I kissed his lips." Let's get some rest, tomorrow we have a lot of news to spread. We will have to tell Wayne and my parents and Robbie-"
" That's going to be fucking interesting -"
" It will be but it's going to be fine."
He hugged me tight."I love you."
" Love you too Munson."
And that night I slept so peacefully, dreaming of Eddie with a dark haired, brown eyed baby in his arms and our world was absolutely perfect.
As always thank you so much for reading đ Comments and re-blogs warm my heart, feedback and ideas are always welcome â¤ď¸
TW: Mature Content đ MINORS DO NOT INTERACT -18+ ONLYđ , Sweet Smut, Pregnancy talk, a very important announcement is made......
Reader:
Tonight is finally the night.
Keeping this secret from Eddie has been the hardest thing I have ever had to do. It feels sneaky, but I keep trying to convince myself that it is a good sneaky, because it is a surprise so that's ok, right?
I was able to make an appointment with an OBGYN and get established as a patient and that was amazing. Everything with the baby is looking good, right on track, which put my mind at ease, for now. I know I will always worry until the day that I give birth,that is just how I am. I even have a very early ultrasound picture of our little 'gummy bear' that I can't wait to show Eddie. I am so excited for him to go to my next appointment, to hear our baby's heartbeat.....
I have been going back and forth in my brain on how I was going to tell my husband the good news and decided I wanted to do something that would really knock his socks off. That is why I had to wait for the perfect opportunity, the perfect moment. That is why I waited for tonight.
" Hey Babycakes, I'm heading out a little early to practice - you wanna come with? Or are you going to ride with Steve and Nancy?"
I bit my lip as he walked around the corner into the spare bedroom where we were staying in at the Harringtons house for the weekend. He looked so fucking sexy dressed in his black jeans ,a Metallica T-shirt he had ripped the sleeves off showing his tatted and muscular arms, black boots and to top it all off a backwards black baseball hat.
He smirked at me as I ogled him unapologetically. " Like what you see Princess?"
" A backwards hat? Jesus Christ Munson are you trying to kill me? Backwards hats are my-"
"Kryptonite, your weakness I know." He grinned. " That's why I'm wearing it. Gotta look good for my Angel." He winked and walked over to me.
" You always look good Baby. But this-" I sat up on my knees in the middle of the bed and reached out for him , grabbing him and tugging him down towards me." This should be fucking illegal Munson. And your ass in these jeans Eds-"
" I can only imagine what you will be walking into the Hideout wearing. Remember, there are a bunch of old fucking perverts there, be careful."
"I'm not worried, they know who my husband is and Baby, I can handle myself. Besides, I'm going with the Harringtons- I will have Nancy there to protect me."
Eddie Barked out a laugh." She may be small but I would bet on Nancy any day over Steve, he's my best friend and he's tough, but he is not a fighter."
" That is what I've heard." I slid my arms around his waist and squeezed his tight ass. Damn. "What would you like me to wear for you Baby? Jeans? A leather skirt? Any requests?"
He lightly pushed me back onto the bed, covering my body with his, our faces just barely an inch apart. My heart raced." What do I want you to wear? Whatever the fuck you want because you look absolutely fucking delicious in everything. After the show? Nothing but a fucking smile Dollface." He dipped down and lightly nipped at my lower lip with his teeth. I groaned and pressed against him." I'm going to be so fucking wound up watching you in the crowd, I'm going to need a little..." He pressed his groin into me and I whined." Release. Sounds like you will too. "
" Watching you on stage is like foreplay. You are so fucking hot, all I want to do is touch you but I can't."
Eddie smiled. " After the show, It will all be worth it, I promise Kitten." I watched as he glanced up at the clock on the wall." Shit, I gotta go." He popped up and helped me to my feet.
" Ahhh,the life of a Rockstar. Go on Baby, the stage awaits."
He leaned down and kissed me, squeezing me tight." I love you Sweetheart. I'll see you there."
" See you there, Munson. Can't wait."
He pressed one last sweet kiss against my lips, smiled again and then left. He was so excited for tonight, I could feel it radiating off of him . He had called his band mates shortly after we had gotten home from the Hideout last time, after Rodney had prompted him to do another show, and they were all able to find a time and make it work. Eddie was absolutely giddy. He missed his friends, missed performing and he was so damn good at playing his guitar. When we were home we didn't have a lot of spare time, but we would have to make it. I wanted to listen to him play. I wanted him to play for our baby.
I sighed. Our Baby. And tonight Eddie would finally know about our baby....
There was a knock outside the door. " Are you decent?"
I smiled. "Come on in Nancy! I'm just trying to decide what I should wear tonight." Jeans? A skirt? That's what I had been in the middle of before Eddie walked in looking like sex on a stick-
" Same." She entered the room and closed the door with a smile." I only have mom PTA clothes now. It's pathetic." I saw her look down into my open suitcase, loaded with multiple pairs of jeans , skirts, my leather jacket, Eddie's vest, a hoodie , leggings and underneath it all, hidden, was a very special shirt...
I laughed. " I have all these 'going out clothes ' but rarely ever wear them . I'm much happier staying home in sweats and watching movies. "
" I am either wearing my professional attire or 8 different layers of clothing to stay warm at all of my kids sporting events! Do you think you could come help me find something to wear? After all with Corroded Coffin playing tonight all of Hawkins finest will be showing up.I can't show up looking like a reporter or soccer mom."
I smiled."Of course! Let's go take a peek in your closet."
" Awesome! I don't know why but I am just super excited for the show tonight. Probably because it brings me right back to the good old days."
My stomach quivered with anticipation. " Yeah, I'm pretty excited too."
*******************************************
" You guys sound amazing! Your fucking killing it out there Baby!!" I beamed as I reached out and handed Eddie an ice cold beer.
He wiped the sweat off his brow with the edge of his T-shirt, giving me a quick glance at the inked skin below. He grinned then took a big swig." Feels so fucking good to be up there again. "
" Your on fucking fire tonight Munson!" Jeff smiled as he clapped Eddie on the back then looked at me." Your old man's still got it!"
I laughed." Old man? I don't see any old men here, well, except for Rodney."
Jeff smirked." You are probably the only one that can get away with saying that."
" Yeah, he likes me." I winked ."He wanted me to let you guys know he has icy cold beers waiting for you at the bar with your lovely wives."
" Fuck yeah!" Gareth and Scotty shouted and jumped off the stage and headed in the direction of the cold adult beverages.
Tonight the Hideout was packed, a full house. Corroded Coffin had pulled in another amazing crowd for a little dive bar. Eddie was completely in his element on stage, his voice was deep and sexy and his fingers were magic. He was an incredible musician and front man. This may not have been a giant arena or stadium but it didn't matter, Eddie Munson was a fucking rockstar.
"Are you enjoying the show Sweetheart?" He asked, setting down his beer and hooking my belt loops with his fingers, pulling me close.
I grinned." What do you think? I get to watch my sexy ass husband perform on stage with all the women of Hawkins fawning over him, and I know he is going home with me at the end of the night and they are going to be jealous as hell."
Eddie smirked." Your such a little shit. "
" But I'm your little shit, I'm even wearing your old jean vest to prove it. So all the bitches know you are mine."
He chuckled." I don't think there was any question Dollface." He leaned forward and kissed me." That vest looks really fucking good on you." He laughed again."Jesus Christ,that fucking vest is older than you are."
" I like it. And It's not old, it's vintage."
" Just like me."
" Your only getting better with age, Munson , like fine wine."
He smiled. " Your so full of shit."
I grinned and slid my hands into his back pockets ,squeezing his ass. " Nope, not me."
He leaned in again to kiss me , his lips just grazing against mine -
" Great show tonight buddy, just so amazing."
Steve interrupted, walking up and patting Eddie on the shoulder.
Eddie sighed, pulling away, but smiled." Thanks man."
" Steve, when it comes to timing you really are the worst!" Nancy huffed and shook her head.
" What? I wanted to congratulate him on a great show before he went back up there-"
" They were getting ready to kiss-"
" Seriously?"
" Yes!"
Eddie smirked." From this moment forward I'm giving you a new nickname - from now on you will be known as Steve 'the Cockblocker' Harrington."
A laugh burst from my lips as I watched Steve cross his arms in front of his chest, looking defeated." It's really ok Steve. I've got my whole life to smooch this man, what's a few more hours?"
" Well now I feel like a major shithead."
" Seriously Dude, it's fine. And thanks for being here, for the support."
" Of course, we wouldn't miss this for anything!"
Nancy smiled at Eddie." We wouldn't miss another reunion show!"
As if on cue the remaining members of Corroded Coffin made their way back through the crowd, eager to get back on stage.
" Ready to Rock Munson?" Gareth asked.
" You fucking know it!"
"Well all fucking right!"
I watched as the others prepped on stage, getting their instruments ready, checking their set lists again and patiently waiting for Eddie to join them.
" Well Muffin, it's time."
I smiled up at him." I know it is Baby, go up there and raise some hell."
He flashed me his handsome , sexy smile. "Abso-fucking-lutely." And then he kissed me, REALLY kissed me , leaving me standing there breathless as he jumped up on the stage , winking at me as he slid the guitar strap over his head .
"Tease!" I grinned and joined Steve and Nancy front and center of the stage.
"How's everyone doing tonight?" Eddie asked into the microphone, receiving an almost instantaneous cheer from the crowd. "Aww, come on now , you can do better than that! I said how the fuck is everyone doing tonight?"
This time the crowd erupted and he smiled.     " That's more like it! You guys ready to continue rocking?" Another cheer." Well let's fucking rock!"
The band began playing Crazy Train and everyone came alive. I stood there completely transfixed, watching as my husband had the time of his life on that stage. They played everything from Metallica to Alice in Chains, to Stone Temple Pilots to Iron Maiden. They played songs that they hadn't played together before on stage but they were having such a good time that they just fucking went for it.
Eddie paused between songs to take another drink. " I don't know if any of you were here last time we played, it was a pretty big night for me, I proposed to the woman I love and she said yes-" The crowd clapped. " She's here tonight, right in the front, this beautiful fucking Angel right here, and she's my wife now."
Steve and Nancy hooted and cheered and I felt my face get hot as eyes focused on me. He smiled down at me. "I'm going to dedicate this song to you Sweetheart, the same song I played for you that night, because I was made for loving you Baby, and you were made for loving me."
The band went right into the Kiss song and I grinned like a lovesick fool at him as he sang to me. I smiled because he had played this song the night he proposed and now without even knowing, he was playing this song for me on the night I had a surprise for him, and he was about to find out he was going to be a father again.
I danced with Nancy and sang along to the top of my lungs, slowly, casually unbuttoning the jean vest that I wore until finally by the end of the song I revealed the T-shirt beneath it.
Nancy's eyes went wide and she grabbed Steve's arm getting his attention and pointing to my shirt. I beamed as I proudly displayed the shirt I had been hiding from everyone all night.
Steve looked at me, confused for a moment. "Daddy's Future Metalhead?"
" Look at the arrow pointing down Dingus!" Nancy laughed, clapping her hands together.
" Wait a minute, are you, holy shit-"
"She's pregnant!"
I bit my lip as I turned back toward the stage. I watched as Eddie's eyes met mine again, watched as they drifted down to the words on my shirt, and I saw his lips move as he read them out loud. " Daddy's Future Metalhead-" I watched as the words sunk into his brain, and a moment later his eyes flashed with recognition, and they were wide as they met mine again.
I smiled and nodded my head." Surprise!"
He quickly put the microphone down, took off his guitar and set it on the stand. He rushed over and kneeled before me on the stage, taking my face in his hands." Are you really pregnant?"
" I am," I felt my eyes filling with tears. "Congratulations Baby, we are having a baby! You are going to be a Daddy again!"
He grinned and jumped down off of the stage, wrapping me up in his arms and spinning me around as his band members and people in the crowd looked on in confusion.
Steve wiped at his eyes, the big softy that he he was and hollered, " They are going to have a baby!"
The concert goers cheered and Eddie leaned his forehead to mine." It happened, it really fucking happened Princess, and I'm so fucking happy."
He kissed me and happy tears rolled freely down my cheeks.
" So am I Baby, so am I."
*******************************************
The show continued on after the brief but exciting unexpected intermission, Nancy of course wanted all the details, Steve gave me a giant bear hug and congratulations.
" We knew it would work out. We are so happy for you! You guys are going to be the best parents- if it's a boy, I think Steve would be a great name, don't you?"
I laughed, still giddy with the excitement of the night. Eddie was ecstatic, and I was elated.
When the show was over and we were back in our room at the Harringtons, I saw my husband's eyes tear up as he looked in amazement at the ultrasound picture of our baby.
" This is fucking incredible, Angel. This, right here is an image of what our love for each other looks like. This baby was made because we love each other so much that we didn't give up. It's beautiful, it's so fucking beautiful."
" Eddie your going to make me cry again, I happen to be very emotional right now-"
He pulled me close." It's ok Dollface, I am here for all of it. We will get through this together."
" I know Baby. I'm just so relieved that I don't have to keep this from you anymore. Your not mad?"
"No, not at all. Infact I think the pregnancy announcement was very metal." He grinned down at me.
" I wanted to make it special."
" I fucking loved it. And I fucking love you."
I smiled up at him." And I fucking love you too Munson."
" Then I think," He scooped me up in his arms and carefully laid me down on the bed ." It's time to celebrate. I mean we can right? Like there aren't any restrictions or anything right? Because your healthy, the baby is healthy-"
I giggled. " Yes, it's fine, we can have sex. Please Eddie-"
He cut my words off with a kiss-that was all that he needed to hear. And then we made love.
It wasn't rushed, or frantic, but tender. Eddie worshipped me..
First undressing me slowly, kissing and licking his way across every inch of my body, making me to shiver. And his touch, even though his fingertips were rough, it was so light and so soft it gave me goosebumps.
He slid into me slowly, inch by inch until I was begging and panting for more, until he was buried deep inside me.
Each thrust, each stroke of his cock was gentle, deliberate, and he loved me so softly and so sweetly, covering me in featherlight kisses and whispering lovely words in my ear that I almost wanted to cry.
When we climaxed together it felt so intimate, and when we collapsed into the bed and he wrapped me in his arms I felt so loved and so cherished, even more in this moment than ever before.
Eddie kissed my cheeks ,my lips, my jaw then slid his way down my body to place a kiss on my belly, resting his head there after." Hey there Mini Munson, this is your Daddy. I just want you to know that I love you and I am so excited to meet you someday. But until that day I want you to grow big and strong and healthy. Your Mama," He looked up at me with those big brown eyes and smiled, and I brushed the hair back from his face." She is doing an amazing job, keeping you safe and giving you the absolute best living accommodations you could ever ask for. And I have to tell you Baby, you are so,SO lucky because you are going to have the best Mama in the world."
I sighed. " I hope so Eds..."
" I know so."Â He crawled back up beside me and I snuggled into his chest. He gently lifted my chin up to his face." You are glowing, Mrs. Munson you know that?"
I laughed." I'm pretty sure it's sweat from the lovemaking Eddie."
" No seriously. Your fucking radiant, beautiful."
" Are you going to think so when I'm as big as a house and ready to pop?"
" You will be even more beautiful then. Body full and round with our child. Super Fucking sexy."
I laughed again. " We will have to see about that." I played with his hair." I know tonight played out a little different than what you were expecting-"
" It was better, so much fucking better."
" I'm so glad. I was so nervous. So, are you hoping for a little boy or a girl?"
" Either. I just want a healthy baby."
" Do you want to find out the gender?"
Eddie thought a moment." I kind of want it to be a surprise."
"Really?"
" Yeah. Don't you think that would be exciting?"
I bit my lip." It would be. But what will we call the baby in the meantime if we don't know what the sex is? I have been calling it my little gummy bear because that is what it looked like on the ultrasound."
" That works. I'm sure we will come up with about twenty more nicknames before this baby is born. I mean I have about twenty different nicknames just for you Darlin." He grinned." Shit, It's still so fucking unbelievable, we are going to be parents, that's so fucking wild! There is so much we will have to do before the baby gets here, like, clean out my music room and make it a nursery, which will mean painting and deciding on a theme, we will have to make a list of things we will need- a car seat, crib, changing table, diapers- do you know how long it has been since I have changed a diaper? What if I'm rusty at it?"
I laughed." It will all come rushing back in sure. In the meantime, Daddy, I think we should get some sleep. It has been a big night and I'm exhausted, you must be too. We have months to figure things out. I have been reading all the books and I have started making lists, we can go over all of them together."
He smiled." We are in this together. Together we are going to be amazing parents."
" Yeah we are Baby." I kissed his lips." Let's get some rest, tomorrow we have a lot of news to spread. We will have to tell Wayne and my parents and Robbie-"
" That's going to be fucking interesting -"
" It will be but it's going to be fine."
He hugged me tight."I love you."
" Love you too Munson."
And that night I slept so peacefully, dreaming of Eddie with a dark haired, brown eyed baby in his arms and our world was absolutely perfect.
As always thank you for reading â¤ď¸ Comments and re-blogs warm my heart.
this is chapter one, click here for series masterlist
description: you move to hawkins expecting small town boredom, not eddie munson and government conspiracies. after living in what feels like a john hughes movie, you start realizing hawkins might not just be another fresh start. it might be connected to you in ways you never couldâve imagined.
pairing: eddie x you (fem!reader)
tags: eddie x reader, reader insert, friends to lovers, new girl in hawkins, 80s nostalgia, grief themes, best friend nancy, mean girl drama, jason carver being a dick, trauma bonding, secret past, mystery/thriller elements, reader has a tragic backstory unfortunately, hurt/comfort, another teenager the wheelers' have to feed
TW: abusive/toxic parental figure, grief/loss of a parent, bullying, mentions of death/murder, misogyny, NSFW eventually, but not this chapter
WC: 13.2k (worth it, i promise)
A/N: okay hi! so this is a rewrite of my first-ever eddie fanfic. i started this shit on wattpad when season four first came out, and needless to say it needed to be refreshed LOL. but i hope you all enjoy, this is literally my baby. reblogs are always appreciated<3 kisses
âHawkins Welcomes You.â
Your momâs voice cuts through your half-asleep haze, pulling you awake with a groan. You peel your cheek from the car window, blinking blearily at the giant wooden sign as your stepfather chuckles from the driverâs seat.
âCâmon,â Dan says, glancing at you through the rearview mirror. âAt least pretend to be excited. You finally get fresh air instead of inhaling city fumes twenty-four seven.â
You roll your eyes, turning to stare out the window again. He isnât wrong, though. Hawkins looks nothing like New York.
No towering skyscrapers swallowing the sky. No endless blare of sirens or crowded sidewalks or people shoving past you like theyâre late for the apocalypse. Just miles and miles of trees, stretching endlessly alongside quiet roads that look almost too clean.
Ten more minutes pass before you finally pull into a neighborhood tucked inside a cul-de-sac buzzing with life. Kids race down the street on bikes, someoneâs grilling in a driveway, music drifts faintly through the warm summer air.
Your mom smiles at you knowingly. âDifferent from the city, huh?â
âLittle bit,â you mumble.
Dan pulls into the driveway of a two-story house planted dead center in the cul-de-sac and shifts the car into park.
âWell,â he says, clapping his hands together once, âthis is us.â
Heâs out of the car almost immediately, already heading toward the garage. âMoving company left everything in there, so all weâve gotta do is unpack.â
You climb out slower, stretching your stiff legs before glancing toward the neighboring house.
Thereâs some kind of gathering going on in the backyard. Families crowd around patio tables while kids dart through the grass. Very suburban and painfully wholesome.
âWhy donât we go introduce ourselves?â your mom suggests. âLet Dan handle the heavy lifting. I think I saw some girls around your age over there.â
You sigh dramatically, but follow anyway. Halfway across the lawn, four boys come flying down the street on their bikes so fast that one nearly clips your shoulder.
âMike!â another one yells. âJesus, watch where youâre going!â
The boy twists around just enough to throw you a panicked look. âSorry!â
You barely have time to react before theyâre gone again.
Your mom snorts softly beside you. âCharming.â
By the time you reach the backyard, a woman with big blonde curly hair and an aggressively cheerful smile is already making her way toward you.
âOh my god, hi!â she says warmly. âYou must be Julianna. Iâm Karen Wheeler.â
Your mom smiles politely. âI am, but how did youââ
âI saw the moving trucks earlier,â Karen admits immediately. âI may have peeked over a little. Honestly, I was shocked someone finally bought that house. It felt empty forever.â
âOh,â your mom laughs. âWell, we wanted to wait until summer before moving. Let Melody finish junior year in New York first.â
âNew York?â
The new voice practically cuts through the conversation. You turn to find a girl about your age staring at you wide-eyed, like you just told her you personally know Madonna.
âLike,â she says, stepping closer, âactual New York City?â
You laugh a little. âLast time I checked, yeah.â
âOh, my god.â She shakes her head. âIâm insanely jealous. Do you know how many incredible journalists come out of New York? I swear, if I could live there for like, one week, Iâd probably never shut up about it andââ
âNancy,â Karen cuts in with a look. âMaybe introduce yourself before interrogating the poor girl.â
Nancyâs eyes widen. âRight. Wow. Sorry.â She sticks her hand out quickly. âIâm Nancy.â
You take her hand and introduce yourself, shaking it with a grin.
âNancyâs starting her senior year, too,â Karen says. âMaybe you could show Melody around town tonight? Introduce her to everybody?â
âIâd love to,â Nancy says instantly, already grabbing your wrist. âHold on, let me get my keys.â
You barely have time to throw your mom a look before Nancy starts tugging you toward the house.
âAnd while we walk,â she says excitedly, âyou are telling me everything about New York.â
Nancy spends the next hour driving you around Hawkins, pointing out practically every building in town with an enthusiasm thatâs honestly kind of adorable.
âAnd this is Hawkins High,â she says dramatically, gesturing toward the brick building as she turns onto another road. âThatâs Melvaldâs Pharmacy, and over there isââ
The car suddenly jerks to a stop. You catch yourself against the dashboard with a startled laugh as someone outside groans dramatically.
âJesus, Nance,â a familiar voice says. âYou trying to kill me?â
Nancy winces behind the wheel. âSteve, Iâm sorry! I got distracted showing my new friend around.â
You glance out the window to find a guy with fluffy brown hair leaning against the hood of the car, grinning despite nearly being flattened.
âNew friend, huh?â he says, looking over at you curiously. âWhereâre you from?â
âNew York,â Nancy blurts out before you can even open your mouth.
She immediately cringes. âSorry. Again.â
You laugh. âYeah, what she said.â
Steveâs eyebrows lift slightly. âDamn. Big city.â
âI know,â Nancy says, like she personally discovered this information herself. âIsnât that insane?â
You canât help smiling at her excitement. For someone who met you maybe two hours ago, she seems weirdly invested in your existence.
âIf you really wanna show her Hawkins,â Steve says, opening the passenger door, âyou should take her to Starcourt.â
Nancy shoots him a look. âAbsolutely not.â
âWhy not?â You ask.
Steve snorts as he slides into the seat beside you. âBecause there is no Starcourt.â
âWhat?â
âIt burned down last summer,â he says casually. âSo now itâs mostly rubble and trauma.â
âAnd then thereâs the lab,â Steve continues.
Nancy immediately smacks his arm. âSteve.â
âWhat?â He looks over at you.Â
âThereâs a lab here?â you ask, genuinely curious. âThat actually sounds kinda cool.â
âNot really,â he says finally. âA lot of bad shit happened there.â
Before you can ask anything else, Steve points toward a small storefront. âThere.â
Nancy pulls into the parking lot of a video store, and Steve hops out. He motions for both of you to follow him inside.
A bell jingles overhead as you step in. Behind the counter stands a girl around your age with short red hair and a look that screams "exhausted already."
âSteve,â she says flatly, âyouâre late.â
âItâs my fault,â Nancy says quickly. âI was showing my new friend around.â
The girlâs eyes land on you immediately, scanning your outfit before she smiles.
âOh, thank god,â she says. âAnother normal person.â
Nancy gasps dramatically. âRobin!â
âWhat?â Robin says innocently, holding her hand out toward you. âIâm Robin.â
You shake it, laughing softly. âNice to meet you.â
âYou too,â she says. âAnd let me guessâŚyouâre not from Hawkins.â
âIs it that obvious?â
âThe Metallica shirt kinda gave it away.â
Before you can answer, Nancy glances down at her watch and suddenly groans.
âCrap. My momâs gonna kill me.â
She looks at you apologetically. âSorry, but we should probably head back. Dinner at six sharp is like military law in my house.â
You grin. âSounds terrifying.â
âIt is.â
You say goodbye to Robin and Steve before Nancy drives you back to the cul-de-sac. As soon as she pulls into your driveway, she points at you seriously.
âI leave at 7:15 tomorrow morning,â she says. âYou can ride with us if you want, but fair warning, my little brother Mike comes too.â
âI think Iâll survive.â
Nancy laughs. âGreat. See you tomorrow.â
The next morning starts with you scrambling out of bed at six-thirty after almost sleeping through your alarm.
You throw on a pair of brown corduroy bell-bottoms and a tight MĂśtley CrĂźe tee before tugging your leather jacket over your shoulders. Your curls refuse to cooperate, no matter how much you fight with them in the mirror, so eventually you just give up.
Good enough.
Downstairs, your mom hands you a toaster waffle wrapped in a napkin just as youâre halfway out the door.
âEat something!â
âI am eating something!â you call back.
You jog across the street toward the Wheeler house, finding Nancy already in the driverâs seat while Mike sits slumped in the passenger seat, looking half asleep.
âHey again,â you say as you climb into the backseat.
Mike glances at you in confusion.
âYou almost hit me with your bike yesterday.â
His eyes widen immediately. âOh, my god. Right.â He laughs awkwardly. âSorry. Dustin needed me to help prepare for our new Hellfire campaign andââ
âMike,â Nancy interrupts sharply, pulling out of the driveway, âI promise she does not care about your weird Hellfire stuff.â
Mike slumps lower in his seat, and you grin to yourself.
âSo,â Nancy says, glancing at you through the mirror, âwhatâs your schedule?â
âStudy hall first. Then biology, calculus, advanced litâŚâ
Nancy nearly swerves.
âCalculus?â she repeats. âJesus.â
âWhat?â you laugh. âItâs not that bad.â
âYes, it is.â
Mike turns around slightly. âYouâre smart smart.â
âSheâs from New York,â Nancy says, as if that explains everything.
âWell, I have newspaper this morning,â Nancy says. âSo Mikeâs gonna have to show you around.â
Mike nods. âI gotta stop at Hellfire first, though. You can come with me if you want.â
You have absolutely no clue what Hellfire actually is, but considering you barely know where the bathrooms are in this school, you nod anyway. âSure.â
Hawkins High is chaos by the time you arrive. Students crowd the hallways, lockers slam shut every two seconds, and somehow everyone already seems to know everyone else.
Nancy practically launches herself out of the car.
âBye, guys!â she calls before disappearing down the hallway.Â
Mike sighs. âShe walks insanely fast when sheâs late.â
You laugh as the two of you make your way deeper into the school.
âJust warning you now,â Mike says quietly, âthe guys can be kinda weird at first.â
âWeird how?â
âTheyâre justâŚâ He hesitates. âMost of them donât really talk to girls.â
âThatâs comforting.â
âAnd theyâre not super trusting of new people.â
You raise an eyebrow. âMike, are you and your friends in a cult?â
âBasically.â
He stops outside a door with a poster with giant letters reading:
STAY OUT OR PERISH
You stare at it. âVery welcoming.â
Mike knocks in some bizarre pattern before the door creaks open slightly.
âSheâs new,â Mike explains. âIâm showing her around today.â
The door swings open wider. You step inside and immediately notice the massive table covered in figurines, papers, and game boards.
Then a voice speaks behind you. âNew girl, huh?â
You turn. A guy with messy dark curls and big brown eyes stands on top of a small stage at the back of the room, staring down at you like heâs trying to solve a puzzle. He hops off the stage smoothly and walks closer.
âNo, wait,â he says dramatically before you can speak. âLemme guess.â
His eyes drag over your outfit briefly before meeting yours again.
âTight clothes, wild hairâŚâ He nods once. âYou are definitely not from Hawkins.â
You cross your arms, fighting a smile. âNew York City.â
âCalled it.â He points at you triumphantly before turning toward Mike.
âDonât worry, Wheeler. Iâll take over tour guide duties from here.â
âEddie! But Nancy saidââ
âIâll survive,â you cut in, already distracted by the elaborate game setup on the table. âYou should probably go do your campaign thing.â
Mike looks hesitant for another second before finally nodding.
Eddie steps toward the door and pulls it open with an exaggerated bow.
âAfter you,â he says. And despite yourself, you smile as you walk past him.
Eddie slips out into the hallway, and you follow after him, letting the theatre room door swing shut. The second it clicks closed, he sticks his hand out expectantly.
You stare at it. âUhâŚâ
He laughs quietly, shaking his head. âYour schedule, sweetheart. Lemme see it.â
Your eyes narrow slightly at the nickname, but you dig through your bag anyway, pulling out the crumpled paper and handing it over. Eddie unfolds it dramatically, then his eyebrows shoot up.
âHonors Biology, Advanced Calculus, and College Literature?â He tilts the page toward the light like heâs inspecting evidence at a crime scene. âJesus Christ.â
You snort. âThose were normal classes at my old school. Hawkins just translated the credits weirdly.â
âNo wonder Wheeler adopted you so fast.â
You blink. âWhatâs that supposed to mean?â
Eddie grins immediately, pushing his curls out of his face. âNothing bad. Relax.â
You snatch the schedule back from him. âDidnât sound very nothing bad.â
He throws his hands up defensively. âOkay, okay. Iâm just saying, youâve got this wholeâŚâ He gestures vaguely toward you. âMean, New York energy thing happening.â
âMean?â
âYou know.â He smirks. âLike youâd knock somebody out if they breathed near you wrong.â
You laugh despite yourself.
âAnd girls like Nancy Wheeler usually donât go near people like that,â he continues. âBut seeing your academic prowess, it suddenly makes sense.â
âWeâre neighbors,â you point out. âShe didnât even know my schedule until this morning.â
Eddie pauses, then slowly lowers his hand.
âYou moved in next door to the Wheelers?â
âYeah?â You squint at him. âWhy does everybody react weird to that?â
âNobodyâs reacting weird,â he says quickly. âJust unexpected.â
You stare at him for another second before sighing. âSo are you actually showing me where my classes are, or are you just profiling me?â
That earns a laugh out of him. âCâmon.â
He takes off down the hallway, talking so fast you almost miss half of it.
âCalcâs over there, lit class is two doors down, bioâs at the end of the science wingâŚâ He points rapidly as he walks. âAnd that cafeteria food? Avoid the meatloaf unless youâve got a death wish.â
You laugh under your breath, hurrying after him.
âNow,â he says, spinning around dramatically as he walks backward, âwould you like the boring tourâŚâ He pushes open the double doors leading outside. âOr the cool one?â
Warm morning air hits your face as you step outside behind him.
âWe gotta move quick,â Eddie says suddenly.
Before you can ask what that means, he takes off sprinting alongside the building.
âAre you serious right now?â you call after him, laughing.
He ducks beneath the bleachers, waving you toward him dramatically. You follow, squeezing through the metal beams until you reach the tree line beyond the football field.
The second you step onto the wooded path, the school bell rings, and you stop dead in your tracks.
Eddie turns around immediately. âWhat?â he asks. âNever seen trees before?â
âIâm pretty sure weâre skipping class.â
âYou have study hall first period,â he says dismissively. âWith me, by the way. So technically this is educational.â
You roll your eyes and shove past him lightly, your shoulder bumping his arm. âDelusional.â
âCharming,â he corrects.
The trail opens up to a hidden little clearing tucked between the trees. Thereâs an old wooden bench littered with crushed beer cans and cigarette butts.
Eddie reaches into his jacket pocket, pulling out a metal Altoids tin and a lighter.
âYou smoke?â he asks casually, opening the tin.
Inside sits a neatly rolled joint. Honestly, moving across the country and starting over at a new school felt like a fair enough reason to relapse into bad habits.
Eddie lights it, takes a drag, then passes it over. You inhale deep, throwing your head back to exhale. Eddie immediately starts laughing.
âWhoa, easy there, city girl.â He reaches for it. âYou donât gotta kill it, itâs eight in the morning.â
You cough into your sleeve, glaring at him while pulling the joint away before finally handing it back.
His grin widens, then he sits beside you, turning so heâs straddling the bench facing you.
âSo,â he says, smoke curling from his lips, âI gotta ask.â
His eyes flick over your face.
âWhyâd your parents drag you all the way out to this shithole?â
You lean back slightly against the bench.
âMy stepdad got offered some position at the hospital,â you explain. âBetter pay. Less traffic. Fresh start bullshit.â
Eddie hums knowingly. âSo you got uprooted against your will, too.â
âPretty much.â
âWhatâs he like?â
You glance down automatically, rubbing your arm absentmindedly.
âHeâsâŚâ You shrug. âSomething.â
âWhatâs that supposed toââ
A twig snaps somewhere behind you. âI knew Iâd find your ass out here.â
Both of you look up as another curly-haired boy steps through the trees.
Eddie gestures vaguely toward you. âHenderson, this isââ
âYou seriously forgot my name already?â you ask incredulously.
Eddie points at you immediately. âI knew it started with aââ
You cut him off and hold your hand out toward the younger boy instead, introducing yourself.
âDustin Henderson,â he says, shaking your hand enthusiastically.
You immediately notice how sweaty his palm is. Dustin sits across from both of you, frowning at Eddie. âReally, man? First day?â
Eddie shrugs unapologetically, taking one last hit before passing the joint toward you again.
âSheâs from New York,â he says, like that explains everything. âI had faith in her.â
Dustin looks at you curiously. âWait. Youâre the girl Mike almost hit yesterday?â
You groan. âIs that all I'm known for?â
âYes,â Dustin says immediately.
âI seriously canât believe someone finally moved into that house,â Dustin mutters afterward.
Thereâs something oddly sad in his voice.
You glance between him and Eddie. âOkay, now I have to ask. Whatâs wrong with my house?â
Dustinâs eyes widen instantly. âNothing.â
âTotally nothing,â Eddie agrees way too fast.
You narrow your eyes. âThat was suspicious.â
Eddie points at you. âSee? Mean New York energy.â
Before you can argue back, a loud voice suddenly cuts through the trees.
âHey! Who the hellâs back there?â Everybody freezes.
Then: âMunson?â the voice calls again. âThat you, freak?â
Dustin immediately stands.
Eddie mutters, âShit.â
Your stomach tightens. âWhoâs that?â
âJason,â Eddie says shortly, already looking toward the trail exit. âAnd we should go.â
You stand slowly as four boys in green letterman jackets step through the trees. Of course, theyâre jocks.
âWhat do you want, Jason?â Eddie asks with a long sigh, as if this happens often enough to be exhausting rather than alarming.
âNothing much,â Jason says casually. âJust smelled you from the field and figured weâd come and pay you a visit.â
His friends snicker behind him. Then Jasonâs eyes land on you, a slow grin spreads across his face.
âWell, well,â he says. âWhoâs this?â
You immediately look toward Eddie and Dustin. âYeah, Iâm gonna go.â
You move to walk past them, already over whatever macho bullshit this is, but before you can clear the group, a hand clamps around your shoulder hard enough to stop you in your tracks.
You freeze, and Jason smirks down at you.
âCâmon, princess,â he says. âDonât be rude. Whatâs your name?â
You force a smile that definitely doesnât reach your eyes. âWhy? You collecting them?â
The boys behind him laugh quietly, and Jasonâs grip tightens.
âGot an attitude too,â he muses. âCute.â
Your stomach twists instantly. âLet go of me.â
âOh, donât be dramatic.â
You try jerking your shoulder away, but his fingers only dig in harder.
âSeriously,â you snap. âGet your fucking hands off me.â
Jason tilts his head slightly, still smiling. âOr what?â
Something hot flashes through you so suddenly it almost startles you. The trees blur for half a second, your ears ring, and every muscle in your body tightens at once.
Then you move before you can even think about it. Your free arm swings hard into his shoulder to throw him off balance before your knee drives upward directly into his crotch with enough force to make him crumple instantly.
Jason drops to the ground with a strangled yell. âOh my godââ
âHoly shit!â Two of the jocks immediately crouch beside him while another takes off sprinting toward the school.
Jason curls into himself, clutching his crotch as he wheezes dramatically.
âYou bitch!â he gasps. âWhat the hell is wrong with you?!â
You stare down at him, breathing hard. âI told you to let go.â
One of his friends looks between you and Jason helplessly. âWhat are we even supposed to do here? Sheâs a girl!â
âI donât care!â Jason wheezes. âDo something!â
Behind you, Dustinâs trying, and failing, not to laugh. Eddie, meanwhile, just stares at you.
A voice suddenly booms through the trees. âWhat the hell is going on out here?â
Everybody turns. Principal Higgins storms down the trail looking furious. Jason immediately points at you from the ground like a war victim. âShe attacked me!â
Higgins looks between all of you once before barking, âOffice. Now.â
The walk across the field is agonizing. Dustin finally breaks first, his muffled snickering dissolving into full laughter.
âThat,â he says between breaths, âwas the coolest thing Iâve ever seen.â
You groan softly, rubbing your face.
âSeriously,â Dustin continues. âWhere did you learn to do that?â
You shrug awkwardly. âI donât know. Instinct?â
âRemind me never to piss you off,â he says.
Eddie still hasnât said much. You glance sideways at him just in time to catch the faint smirk tugging at his mouth. Before you can call him out on it, Principal Higgins catches up and grabs your arm firmly.
âYou,â he snaps. âWith me. Boys, get to class.â
Dustin looks horrified, and Eddie just mouths âsorryâ as youâre dragged away.
And unfortunately, the timing could not possibly be worse. The bellâs already rung, which means the hallways are packed. Every student turns to stare as Higgins marches you through the school like you just committed homicide.
Perfect.
âHey!â Nancyâs voice cuts through the noise.
She appears beside you, looking alarmed, and lightly grabs your wrist. âWhat happened?â
âIâll tell you later,â you mutter as Higgins keeps dragging you forward.
The office door slams shut behind you, and Higgins immediately rounds on you.
âYou are in serious trouble, young lady.â
You lean against the chair across from his desk, trying not to look annoyed. âAm I?â
âYes, you are!â he snaps. âAssaulting another student on your first day? Unbelievable.â
You blink at him slowly. âHe grabbed me.â
âAnd you responded with violence.â
âHe grabbed me,â you repeat. âHard enough to bruise.â
Higgins scoffs. âFrom what I heard, Jason Carver now requires medical attention.â
You almost laugh. âOh no,â you say flatly. âNot the basketball player.â
Higgins narrows his eyes. âYouâd better hope heâs healed in time for Fridayâs game.â
There it is.
You sit back slightly, expression cooling. âWell,â you say calmly, âmy stepfatherâs the head doctor at Hawkins Medical.â
Higginsâ face shifts slightly.
âAnd after school,â you continue, âIâm going there to get my shoulder examined. Since your star athlete thought grabbing me was appropriate.â
âYou threatened him,â Higgins says weakly.
âHe threatened me first.â
He sits there, eyes looking through you, deep in thought. Then:
âJust this once,â he says tightly, âIâm letting you off with a warning.â
You smile sweetly. âThatâs very progressive of you.â
His jaw clenches. âGo to class.â
You stand immediately before he can change his mind. The office door swings open, revealing Eddie leaning against the wall outside. The second he sees you, he straightens.
âWhat happened?â he asks quickly. âWhatâd that asshole say? Because if Higgins tried to blame you forââ
âEddie.â You laugh softly. âRelax. Iâm okay.â
He blinks. âThatâs it?â
âI handled it.â
He studies your face for a second before realization slowly spreads across his own. ââŚWhat did you say to him?â
You shrug one shoulder casually. âI implied that Jason getting sued for harassment would probably look bad for the school.â
Eddie stares at you, then grins.
âJesus Christ,â he mutters, almost impressed. âYouâre kinda terrifying, you know that?â
The rest of the school day drags. Every single class turns into the exact same routine: stand up, introduce yourself.
âYes, Iâm from New York.â
âYes, the city.â
âYes, itâs very different from Hawkins.â
By seventh period, youâre pretty sure that if one more person asks whether youâve ever met a celebrity, you might actually lose your mind. So the second the final bell rings, you practically sprint toward the parking lot.
You donât see Eddie again for the rest of the day, your schedules apparently completely opposite from his, which is probably for the best considering the chaos he seems to naturally attract.
Youâre halfway to Nancyâs car when someone calls after you.
âHey! Hey, Miss.Big Apple!â
You turn to find Eddie jogging across the lot toward you, curls bouncing wildly in every direction.
âWhatâs up?â you ask.
He slows in front of you, suddenly looking oddly nervous, which feels strange on him.
âI was just thinking,â he says, rubbing the back of his neck, âsince you smoke and allâŚâ
Your eyebrows lift slightly.
âI figured you might need a reliable hookup around here.â He shrugs casually, though his cheeks pink faintly. âAnd lucky for you, I happen to provide quality service at affordable prices.â
You laugh. âWow. What a salesman.â
âI know,â he says solemnly. âItâs a gift.â
He hesitates another second before adding, quieter this time: âI could give you my number. If you want.â
You hold your hand out toward him. âLemme see.â
Eddie blinks before placing his palm in yours carefully. You dig a pen out of your jacket pocket and scribble your number directly across his skin.
His eyes stay fixed on your face the entire time. When you finish, you press the pen cap back on and start backing away toward Nancyâs car.
âHowâll I know if you need something?â he calls after you.
You glance back over your shoulder. âYouâll know.â
Then you turn and walk away before he can answer. Nancyâs already leaning against the passenger door by the time you reach the car, arms crossed and looking deeply suspicious.
âWhat,â she says slowly, âwas that?â
You glance back toward Eddie. A few Hellfire guys have gathered around him now, all talking loudly while he stares down at his palm like you personally handed him a winning lottery ticket.
âNothing,â you say.
Nancy snorts. âBullshit. Youâre blushing.â
âI am not.â
âYou literally are.â
You groan dramatically as you climb into the car. âDrive the car, Wheeler.â
By the time Nancy pulls into your driveway, your stomachâs twisting itself into knots.
âYou think sheâs gonna be pissed?â you ask quietly.
Nancy glances over at you sympathetically.
âI meanâŚâ She winces. âProbably a little.â
âAwesome.â
âBut,â she adds quickly, âyou also kneed Jason Carver in the balls, which honestly earns you points with me.â
You laugh under your breath.
âGood luck,â she says as you climb out.
âThanks.â
The first thing you notice is that Danâs car is missing from the driveway. Relief floods your system immediately; one less lecture to survive.
You slide your key into the lock, and the front door swings open before you can even turn it. Your mother stands there with a wine glass in hand. Uh oh.
âYou,â she says flatly, âwanna explain what the hell happened today?â
You sigh dramatically and brush past her into the kitchen. âIâm assuming Dan called?â
âOh, he called,â she says, following behind you. âApparently, you assaulted some poor innocent basketball player.â
You snort. â'Poor innocent basketball player', my ass.â
Your mom raises an eyebrow and gestures for you to continue. So you explain everything: Jason grabbing you. The woods. The principal. The shoulder bruise, every bit of it. And slowly, your motherâs expression shifts from irritated to relieved.
One thing about your mom: she always believes you first. Itâs probably why the two of you get along so well.
Sheâs cool in a way most moms arenât. Took you to your first Motley CrĂźe concert. Helped you hide your first tattoo from your grandparents. Pretended not to notice when your room smelled suspiciously herbal after you turned eighteen.
Honestly, sheâs kind of iconic.
âI see,â she says finally, taking another sip of wine. âSo this Eddie boyâŚâ
Oh no.
âWhat about him?â
âIs he cute?â
Heat instantly crawls into your face. Your mother immediately gasps dramatically. âOh my god, he is.â
âMom.â
âWhat?â she laughs. âIâm curious!â
You roll your eyes but canât help smiling a little. âHeâs justâŚâ You shrug. âDifferent.â
âDifferent good or different serial killer?â
You snort. âDifferent familiar.â
She tilts her head.
âThe guys back home dressed like him,â you explain. âActs like them too. Doesnât really care what people think.â
Your mom smiles knowingly over the rim of her wine glass. âAnd?â
âAnd nothing.â
âMhm.â
The momentâs ruined by the front door slamming hard enough to rattle the walls. Dan storms into the kitchen looking furious.
âWell,â he says sharply, tossing your keys onto the table, âyou had an exciting first day.â
Your mom immediately stands. âDanââ
âNo, seriously,â he says. âDo you know what kind of conversation I had to have today? That kid came into the hospital talking about some psychotic new girl that attacked him.â
You press your lips together tightly, your mom nudging your leg with her foot.
âDonât laugh,â she warns.
âIâm trying not to.â
Dan sighs heavily, pinching the bridge of his nose before finally sitting down, then his eyes land on your shoulder.
âAre you okay?â
You hesitate. Then slowly pull your collar aside enough to reveal the purple bruising already forming along your clavicle.
Danâs jaw tightens immediately. âIâm going to that school tomorrow.â
You groan. âPlease donât.â
âThat kidâs parents want someone punished,â he says firmly. âAnd if Higgins tries to spin this against youââ
âYou care an awful lot for someone worried about his reputation getting ruined,â you mutter.
His expression flickers briefly.
Then the kitchen phone rings before he can answer. Your mom reaches for it. âHello?â
âSheâs right here.â
She covers the receiver and looks toward you. âItâs Nancy.â
You run upstairs and connect to the line in your bedroom. âHey.â
âOh my god,â Nancy says immediately. âYouâre alive.â
You laugh as you push your bedroom door closed. âBarely.â
âI seriously thought you were gonna get murdered.â
âNah. My momâs cool.â
âWell,â Nancy says brightly, âmy mom wants you over for dinner.â
âShe also wants to hear about New York for like three straight hours.â
âThat sounds about right.â
âSo?â Nancy asks. âPlease?â
You glance toward your bedroom window overlooking the Wheeler house next door.
âYeah,â you say finally. âIâll come over after I shower.â
An hour later, youâre crossing the lawn toward the Wheelersâ house in a long skirt and an old Rolling Stones tee. You barely knock before the front door swings open.
A tiny blonde girl with pigtails beams up at you. âOh, hi.â
âHolly!â Karen calls from somewhere inside. âWhat did we say about opening the door yourself?â
Holly giggles and runs off immediately. Karen appears a second later, smiling warmly. âHi, honey!â
You laugh as she pulls you into a hug. âNancyâs upstairs.â
As you head upstairs, you glance into the open bedrooms lining the hall. Hollyâs room is bright pink chaos. Mr. and Mrs. Wheelerâs room looks like a furniture catalog exploded. Mikeâs door is covered in fantasy posters and Hellfire Club flyers.
And NancyâsâŚwell. Nancyâs is exactly what you expected. Heart posters. Bowie. Blondie. Soft pinks and greens everywhere. The door swings open before you can knock.
âHey!â Nancy says, halfway through brushing her hair aggressively. âIgnore this mess.â
You stare at her spotless room. âWhat mess?â
She laughs as you toss your bag down and flop across her bed. Your eyes land on a framed picture sitting beside her lamp: Nancy and a boy with long brown hair smiling at the camera.
You pick it up carefully. âIs this your boyfriend?â
Nancy smiles softly instantly. âYeah.â
âOh my god,â you say. âI thought Steve was your boyfriend.â
Nancy nearly chokes. âNo! God, no.â She laughs. âSteve and I dated forever ago. Weâre way better as friends.â
You raise an eyebrow knowingly. âSure.â
She rolls her eyes at you before taking the picture gently.
âJonathan lives in California now,â she says. âHeâs coming this weekend, though. Youâll meet him.â
The answer hangs there awkwardly for a second before she suddenly points at you. âWhat about you?â
âWhat about me?â
âBoyfriend back in New York?â
You shake your head. âNot anymore.â
âWhat happened?â
You shrug lightly. âOnce he realized I was moving eleven hours away, things kinda fizzled.â
Nancy winces sympathetically. âThat sucks.â
âEh.â You flop back against the pillows. âHonestly, he was more a best friend than a soulmate.â
Nancy laughs softly.
Then the conversation drifts: New York nightlife. Music. Clubs. Food. By the time youâre describing sneaking into Soho clubs at fifteen, Nancy looks ready to book a plane ticket immediately.
âWe have to go,â she says firmly. âIâm serious.â
You grin. âI was already planning a road trip back once my car gets here.â
âGirls!â Karen calls from downstairs. âDinner!â
Later, sprawled across Nancyâs bedroom floor while Tiffany plays softly through the stereo, she suddenly asks: âWhatâs your curfew?â
You shrug. âDonât really have one.â
âAnd your dad?â
You stiffen automatically. âStepdad.â
Nancy notices instantly. âOh. Sorry.â
âItâs fine.â You pick at a loose thread on your skirt. âHeâs just not really my dad.â
âIs he nice?â
You snort softly. âHe likes to think he is.â
Nancy goes quiet for a second before casually dropping: âSo. Whatâs going on with you and Eddie?â
You blink. âNothing.â
âBullshit.â
You flop backward dramatically against the bed frame. âI donât know,â you admit finally. âHeâs cute.â
Nancy grins immediately. âAnd?â
âAnd he reminds me of people back home.â You shrug. âBut also not really. Heâs oddly confident for someone who gets called freak.â
âThereâs a reason people act weird about him.â
Nancy explains everything about Chrissy, the quarry, and the accusations. Jasonâs witch hunt. Everything.
You sit there stunned. âWhat do you think?â you ask quietly once she finishes.
Nancy answers immediately. âI donât think he did it.â
âSteve and Robin donât totally trust his judgment sometimes,â she admits, âbut none of us think heâs a killer. I understand more than anyone about caring for someone who gets treated poorly based on rumors alone.â
âDid that happen with Johnathan?â
Nancy goes still. And after a long pause, she quietly tells you about Will: the disappearance, the fake body, the FBI. By the time she finishes, your headâs spinning.
âThatâs insane.â
âI know.â
A knock interrupts before you can ask more questions, and Karen peeks in. âTen oâclock, girls.â
You immediately sit up. âHoly shit.â
Nancy laughs. âTold you the stories would take hours.â
You stand, grab your bag, then pull Nancy into a quick hug.
âSeven fifteen?â you ask.
âSharp.â
You smile, then begin your trek across the Wheelersâ lawn onto yours.
Your alarm goes off at six in the morning, sharp, the sound shrill enough to make you groan immediately into your pillow. You drag yourself out of bed, shuffle into the shower half asleep, and let the hot water wake you up slowly.
By the time you finish brushing through your curls and throwing on bell-bottom jeans, a faded Grateful Dead long sleeve, your denim vest, and your favorite brown boots, you feel at least halfway human. The second you walk into the kitchen, though, the peace evaporates.Â
Danâs sitting at the table with a cigarette hanging from his lips and the newspaper spread open in front of him, while your mom slides a plate of eggs and toast in front of you alongside coffee doctored with cinnamon exactly how you like it.
âHow was dinner?â she asks casually, leaning against the counter.
âGood,â you mumble around a sip of coffee. âTheyâre obsessed with New York. I think Nancy would actually sell a kidney to live there.â
Dan flips the newspaper page loudly. âWell,â he says flatly, âthis is home now.â
You immediately shoot your mother a look. She silently raises both hands in surrender, as if she refuses to get involved in whatever this is about to become. You take another sip of coffee and look back at Dan.
âYouâre a doctor,â you say slowly, motioning toward the cigarette between his fingers. âShouldnât you know those things are bad for you?â
His eyes finally lift from the paper. Without breaking eye contact, he crushes the cigarette out into the ashtray.
âSince when do you care about my health?â
You shrug. âSince you started pretending to care about my behavior.â
Your mom coughs into her coffee to hide a laugh.
âAnd yes,â Dan says before you can continue, âIâm still going to the school today.â
You groan dramatically and shove the rest of your toast into your mouth before checking the microwave clock. 7:10.
âShit.â
You grab your bag, kiss your momâs cheek quickly, and dart out the door before Dan can say another word. Nancyâs already warming the car up when you jog across the street, but instead of getting in, Mike and Dustin are outside straddling their bikes.
âYou guys ditching us?â you call.
âNah,â Mike says. âHellfire meeting after school. Nancyâs got her internship thing.â
You shrug and slide into the passenger seat, and Nancy immediately gasps.
âYouâre early. Also, your hair looks amazing today.â
You laugh as she reaches over to touch one of your curls. âWhat, Steve hasnât taught you his sacred hair secrets yet?â
Nancy rolls her eyes and turns the radio up instead. Bon Joviâs âRunawayâ floods through the speakers instantly.
âOh my god,â you gasp dramatically. âMy mom and I saw him at Madison Square Garden this summer.â
Nancy nearly swerves. âYou just keep making New York sound cooler and cooler.â
You grin and turn the volume up louder.
The drive to school feels⌠nice. The two of you sing badly to Bon Jovi while the morning sun cuts through the windshield. Everything feels softer here somehow. The town feels less like real life and more like some John Hughes movie you accidentally wandered into.
By the time you pull into the parking lot, Nancyâs still laughing.
âOkay,â she says while putting the car in park, ânew rule today: please stay out of trouble.â
You snort. âThat might be difficult considering Danâs coming to school around noon to deal with Jasonâs parents.â
Nancyâs eyes widen. âWait. He actually needed surgery?â
You bite back a smile. âApparently, testicle retrieval surgery, yes.â
Nancy immediately doubles over laughing against the steering wheel. âWhat the hell did you hit him with?â
âI genuinely donât know.â
The second you walk into school, though, the good mood disappears. Thereâs a crowd gathered around your locker. âOh, youâve gotta be kidding me.â
You shove your way through the cluster of students and stop dead in front of the metal door.
BITCH spray-painted in giant dripping red letters across the front. âHow the hell did they even know this was mine?â
âHonestly?â Eddieâs voice cuts in from behind you. âNot their strongest work.â
You turn to find him leaning casually against the lockers nearby like some art critic examining a gallery piece. âThough the commitment to color theory is admirable.â
You snort despite yourself, and he motions two rows over. âDonât worry. Youâre not the only featured exhibit.â
You glance over to find the word FREAK painted across his locker in equally aggressive lettering.
âLovely,â you mutter, crossing your arms. âSo how exactly do we get this off?â
âWay ahead of you.â
Dustin suddenly appears beside you, carrying paint thinner and a towel. âUnfortunately,â he says dramatically as he hands them over, âthis is not our first anti-freak rodeo.â
He glares directly at a group of basketball players snickering across the hall. Eddie sprays down your locker before casually tugging it open.
You blink. ââŚYou know my combination?â
He looks up innocently. âYou gave me your schedule yesterday.â
âYou remembered my locker combo but forgot my name?â
âThat feels irrelevant now.â
You shake your head, laughing quietly, before noticing something sitting inside your locker.
A cassette tape, labeled in messy handwriting: MISS BIG APPLE
Your eyebrows lift immediately, and Eddie suddenly looks intensely interested in the floor.
âItâs justâŚâ He rubs the back of his neck awkwardly. âSome songs I figured youâd like. Stuff you maybe havenât heard before.â
Dustin immediately coughs loudly and walks away to give him privacy.
âAs a thank you,â Eddie adds quietly, âfor yesterday.â
You carefully slip the cassette into your bag. âThank you,â you say softly. âReally.â
Eddie just stares at you with those stupid warm brown eyes while hallway noise buzzes around you in the background. Then the bell rings, making both of you jump.
âSo,â he says quickly, âyou wanna skip the educational prison system and hit the trail?â
You grin immediately. âLead the way.â
By the time the three of you settle at the wooded bench again, the morning air smells like cigarettes and damp earth. Eddie lights one almost immediately while sitting on top of the table facing you, boot resting on the bench beside your leg.
âSo,â he says, smoke curling from his mouth, âhow bad was the parental fallout?â
You sigh dramatically. âMom was cool after I explained. Dan, however, was deeply disturbed by the state of Jason Carverâs balls.â
Dustin bursts out laughing so hard he nearly chokes.
âNo, seriously,â you continue. âApparently, he had to perform testicle retrieval surgery.â
Eddie coughs violently into his cigarette.
âYou reversed his manhood,â Dustin wheezes.
âI still donât understand how you hit him that hard,â Eddie says, staring at you in disbelief. âYouâre, likeâŚâ He gestures vaguely. âTiny.â
âRude.â
âIâm serious! Your stepdad really believed you just snapped and nearly sterilized a guy?â
You shrug. âHeâs kind of an asshole. Jasonâs also kind of an asshole. Birds of a feather.â
That earns another laugh out of Eddie.
âBut,â you continue, âheâs coming to the school today because Jasonâs parents apparently think Iâm some violent psychopath.â
âCarverâs family basically owns this town,â he says. âThe football fieldâs literally named after them.â
You steal Eddieâs cigarette from between his fingers before answering. âDoesnât matter. Dan will do whatever it takes to keep us here.â
Eddie watches you closely. âHeâs really that loaded?â
âThey tripled his salary to get him here,â you mutter. âMeanwhile, my mom had to argue with him just to get me gas money.â
âWait.â He blinks. âI thought you didnât have a car.â
âItâs getting shipped here Friday.â
âYou have a car?â
You smirk. âJealous?â
âA little.â
Then, quieter: âI could drive you too, yâknow. If you ever need a break from Princess Wheeler.â
âNancy,â you correct automatically.
âRight. Sorry. Princess Nancy Wheeler.â
âSure,â you say. âIâd like that.â Eddie looks weirdly pleased by the answer.
Then the bell rings. âWhatâve you got next?â he asks while hopping off the table.
âGym.â
His face immediately twists in disgust. âSame.â
The girlsâ locker room is exactly as awful as you expected. You ask the gym teacher for a lock only to be told youâre apparently supposed to bring your own because Hawkins High enjoys setting students up for failure.Â
By the time you pull the hideous uniform on, you already hate everything. The shirtâs too tight, the shorts are too short, and every girl in the room keeps staring at you like youâre an escaped zoo animal.
The second you walk into the gym, Eddie nearly chokes. âWow.â
You immediately narrow your eyes. âDonât.â
âIâm just saying,â he says, raising his hands innocently, âyou somehow make the ugly shorts work.â
âI look like a fucking Cabbage Patch Kid.â
He laughs loudly enough to turn heads. The whistle blows before you can threaten him further.
âDodgeball!â the coach yells. Absolutely perfect.
Team captains get picked, and naturally, Jasonâs friends are leading both teams. Eddie immediately abandons ship and climbs into the bleachers, muttering âfuck thisâ under his breath while you get picked dead last after one of the guys openly groans, âDo we have to?â
You roll your eyes and join your team anyway. Then the game starts, and immediately turns into attempted murder.
Every guy on the opposite side targets you specifically, hurling dodgeballs hard enough to leave bruises. One nearly clips your face before you catch it and launch it directly back at some assholeâs forehead hard enough to knock him flat.
Eddie whoops loudly from the bleachers.
The game devolves into chaos after that. Sweat, shouting, rubber balls flying in every direction. You almost forget theyâre trying to humiliate you until one catches you directly in the stomach hard enough to knock the breath from your lungs.
You stumble back against the wall, gasping while the basketball guys laugh across the court.
Your eyes narrow instantly. âOh, fuck all of you.â
You march straight toward the bleachers and collapse beside Eddie while trying to breathe normally again.
âJesus Christ,â he mutters. âAre you okay?â
You nod weakly. âTheyâre psychotic.â
âWelcome to Hawkins.â
Eventually, the whistle blows again, signaling the end of class. You drag yourself back into the locker room already exhausted, only to stop dead the second you reach your locker. Your bagâs hanging open, and your clothes are gone.
Giggles sound behind you, and you slowly turn around. Three girls stand there smirking while another exits the bathroom stall. Blonde. Pretty. Mean.
âA shame,â the blonde says sweetly, âwhen things disappear, and you have to retrieve them.â
Oh, you have got to be kidding. You storm toward the stalls immediately and shove the door open. Your clothes sit inside the toilet, soaked through while water overflows onto the floor.
For a second, you just stare. Then rage floods your chest so fast it almost makes you dizzy.
âYou psycho bitch!â one of the brunettes snaps. âJason might not even be able to play on Friday because of you!â
The blonde crosses her arms dramatically. âI was supposed to get laid if we won.â
You blink slowly. Then deadpan: âWell, judging by your personality, that was probably your only shot.â
The girlâs face twists instantly. You shoulder past her hard enough to make her stumble before storming out into the hallway, carrying your dripping clothes.
Eddieâs still outside, leaning against the wall. The second he sees your face, he straightens immediately. âWhat happened?â
âSome bitch drowned my clothes in a toilet.â
âI need to go home and change,â you continue. âCan you drive me?â
He doesnât even hesitate. âYeah. Câmon.â
His van is old, with rust around the edges and enough cassette tapes scattered across the dashboard to pose a fire hazard. He tosses your soaked clothes into the trunk before shrugging his jacket off and handing it to you.
âYouâre shivering.â
You realize then that you actually are. Not from cold, but from anger. You pull the jacket tighter around yourself silently.
The drive home is quiet. Eddie keeps glancing over at you every few minutes like heâs trying to figure out whether youâre gonna cry or punch somebody. Luckily, your drivewayâs empty when you pull up.
You unlock the front door and head upstairs while Eddie lingers awkwardly near the entrance.
âYou can come up,â you call over your shoulder.
He immediately slips his boots off before following you upstairs. You hang the ruined shirt carefully over the bathroom sink and start frantically blotting it with a towel, trying to save it somehow. Please, please donât be ruined.
The tears hit before you even realize theyâre coming.
âHey,â Eddie says softly behind you. âHey, whatâs wrong?â
âItâs stupid,â you choke out.
âItâs obviously not.â
You finally turn around, tears slipping down your face.
âThose girls ruined my dadâs shirt.â
âHey, hey. Itâs just wet. Itâll survive.â
âItâs hand-painted, Eddie.â
âCanât he make you another one?â
And that breaks you completely. You sink onto the bathroom floor, wrapping your arms around yourself while another sob tears from your chest.
Eddieâs expression immediately changes. âOh,â he says quietly.
You wipe at your face angrily. âHe died when I was ten.â
âShit,â Eddie says softly the second the words leave your mouth. âIâm sorry. I didnât know.â
He scoots closer on the bathroom floor until his shoulder presses against yours, wrapping an arm carefully around you while his thumb rubs slow circles against your arm.
You lean into him without really thinking about it, exhausted from crying and angry and embarrassed all at once.Â
He wipes underneath your eye with his thumb when another tear slips free, and something about how careful heâs being almost makes you cry harder.
âIâm gonna shower,â you mumble, brushing your palms down your sweatpants. âYou can hang out in here if you want.â
Eddie nods immediately. âFine by me.â
You dig through your dresser for clean clothes before another thought suddenly hits you. âNancy.â
Eddie looks up from where heâs sitting cross-legged on your floor as you reach for the phone beside your bed. You quickly dial the school office and wait, twirling the cord nervously around your finger.
âHawkins High, how may I direct your call?â
You clear your throat instantly. âHi, yes, this is Karen Wheeler. Could I speak to Nancy Wheeler? Itâs important.â
Eddieâs head slowly tilts. The office secretary doesnât even question it. A minute later, Nancy picks up, sounding panicked. âMom? Is everything okay?â
âNance, itâs me,â you whisper immediately.
âWhy are you pretending to be my mother?â
You snort quietly. âBecause Iâm technically supposed to still be at school.â
âYouâre home?â she asks immediately. âWhat happened?â
âSome girls threw my clothes in a toilet during gym,â you say flatly.
âWhat?!â
âIâm fine,â you rush out before she can spiral. âI just came home to change, but honestly, I feel gross now, and I really donât wanna go back.â
âThe second I get home, Iâm coming over,â Nancy says firmly. âAnd we are discussing this.â
You smile despite yourself. âI know.â
âAnd if this has anything to do with Jasonââ
âIt does.â
âOh, my god.â
âNance.â
âFine,â she sighs dramatically. âGo, mope. Iâll see you later.â
âBye.â
The line clicks dead. Eddieâs staring at you in disbelief. âWhat?â
âYou committed identity fraud with zero hesitation.â
You shrug. âI panicked.â
âYou sounded exactly like Mrs. Wheeler.â
âThatâs honestly more concerning than impressive.â
By the time you finish showering and change into soft sweats and an oversized Metallica long sleeve, your angerâs simmered down into something quieter. You towel-dry your curls before walking back into your room, only to find Eddie standing in front of your vinyl shelf, completely mesmerized.
âOh,â he says when he notices you. âHey.â
His eyes flick over your clothes quickly before he clears his throat. âNice shirt.â
You grin slightly and pad over beside him.
âMy dad collected most of these,â you explain as he scans the records. âMom too. We lived above a record store back in New York, so Sundays were basically coffee, records, and avoiding church.â
Eddie snorts softly while pulling out a Black Sabbath album carefully. âThat,â he says, âsounds significantly better than church.â
He opens your record player, pauses when he sees Fleetwood Mac already sitting inside, then slowly lifts it up with dramatic judgment. âFleetwood Mac, huh?â
You immediately snatch it from his hands. âOh shut up. Stevie Nicks is a genius.â
âNo, no,â he says quickly, grinning. âTheyâre good. Little mainstream, but respectable.â
Then he slides Paranoid onto the turntable. âBut this,â he says as the opening guitar of "War Pigs" riff fills your bedroom, âis religion.â
You laugh quietly and flop onto your bed while he stands there completely absorbed in the music. He picks up your guitar a second later after spotting it beneath the bed.
His eyebrows shoot up immediately. âNo fucking way.â
âWhat?â
âA Stratocaster?â He looks at you like youâve personally changed his life. âYou play?â
You nod. âMom taught me when I was little.â
Eddie settles into the beanbag chair at the end of your bed with the guitar resting in his lap, fingers absentmindedly strumming along to the song. His eyes close after a moment, curls falling into his face while he plays effortlessly, and you catch yourself staring longer than you probably should.
Heâs beautiful. Not in the polished Hawkins High way. Not like Steve Harrington or Jason Carver, thereâs just something magnetic about him. Eddie finally opens his eyes again and catches you staring.
Neither of you says anything. He just slowly leans forward, and you meet him halfway. Your foreheads touch first, noses brushing lightly before his fingers tilt your chin upward carefully, almost like heâs checking whether this is okay.
Then he kisses you. His lips are warm and impossibly gentle, and you kiss him back immediately without thinking twice. One kiss turns into another, then another, until his hand slides into your hair and your fingers curl into the front of his shirt.
âYour eyes are insane,â he murmurs against your mouth. âHas anyone ever told you that?â You laugh softly before kissing him again, harder this time.
Then, the front door downstairs opens, and you both jerk apart instantly. Eddie practically throws the guitar back into his lap while you scramble to fix your hair.
âHon?â your mom calls from downstairs. âYou home?â
âIn here!â
Your mom appears in the doorway a second later and immediately clocks the scene in approximately half a second. You sitting flushed on the bed. Eddie holding a guitar awkwardly, like heâs in witness protection. Black Sabbath blasting through the room.
Her eyes light up instantly. âOh!â she says brightly. âYou must be Eddie.â
You close your eyes briefly. Eddie stands so fast he nearly trips over the beanbag chair before holding his hand out politely.
âUh, hi, Mrs.ââ
âJulianna,â your mom corrects immediately while shaking his hand enthusiastically. âPlease.â
âWhyâre you home early?â she asks, turning toward you.
You point toward the ruined shirt hanging near the bathroom.
âSome girls decided to baptize my clothes in toilet water because of the Jason thing.â
Your momâs expression hardens immediately. âAh.â
âEddie drove me home.â
âWell,â she says, glancing toward the record player, âat least you have good taste in music.â Eddie visibly relaxes a little.
âIâm gonna make food,â your mom announces. âYou kids want anything?â
You shrug while Eddie nods quickly like heâs afraid refusing will get him exiled. The second she leaves, Eddie looks back at you in disbelief. âYour mom is cool as hell.â
You laugh softly. âYeah. She kinda is.â
âShe doesnât act like anyone elseâs mom around here.â
âSheâs always been like that,â you explain while lying back against your pillows. âShe was a musician and painter in New York. Thatâs actually how she met my dad. Then she went into the arts, and he became a cop.â
Eddie tilts his head slightly while looking around your room again. âSo your parents were both artsy New York people and somehow your dad became a pig?â
You sit up immediately. The shift in your expression makes Eddie freeze. âHey,â he says quickly. âSorry. That came out wrong.â
âHe didnât want to be,â you explain quietly. âHe worked in music production and tech stuff first. The police recruited him because of surveillance equipment he helped design.â
Eddieâs shoulders loosen slightly. âI justâŚâ He sighs. âCops around here suck.â
âI know.â
He reaches over and gently places his hand over yours. âBut your dad sounds cool.â
You smile sadly. âHe was.â
A second later, Eddie notices the edge of your tattoo peeking out beneath your sleeve. âOh shit.â
Before you can stop him, he gently pulls your sleeve up farther. âDude,â he breathes. âThis is gorgeous.â
His fingertips trace lightly over the vines curling around your forearm.
âMy mom designed it,â you say softly. âItâs actually a cover-up.â
He looks up immediately. âOf what?â
You shake your head with a small smile. âStory for another day.â
Your mom yells upstairs before he can argue: âFood!â
Downstairs smells like grilled cheese, tomato soup, and coffee by the time you reach the kitchen. Eddie practically melts after one bite.
âThis is insane,â he says around a mouthful of sandwich.
Your mom grins proudly over her wine glass. âSecret recipe.â
The conversation flows easily after that, mostly music. Eddie talking about guitar, your mom asking about bands, both of them somehow launching into a ten-minute debate about Ozzy Osbourne while you sit there watching in amusement.
By the time Eddie finally checks the clock, itâs already three. âShit,â he mutters, standing. âWayneâs probably wondering if I got kidnapped.â
You walk him to the front door while your mom cleans dishes in the kitchen. Right before he steps outside, Eddie glances over your shoulder to make sure she isnât looking. Then kisses you quickly.
âCan I see you tonight?â he asks quietly.
You smile. âCall around nine.â
âDeal.â
Unfortunately, the exact moment he steps onto the porch, Danâs car whips into the driveway.
ââŚWhoâs this?â
Eddie straightens automatically and offers his hand politely. âUh, Eddie. Nice to meet you, Mr.ââ
âDoctor Warren,â Dan corrects coldly before brushing right past him without shaking his hand.
You close your eyes briefly, and Eddie slowly lowers his hand. âTold you,â you mutter quietly. âHeâs something.â
âClose the damn door.â Dan barks from inside.
You glare at the back of his head before turning back toward Eddie. âSorry.â
Eddie just shrugs lightly before heading toward his van. The second the door closes behind you, tension floods the house instantly.
âDid you let that boy in my house?â Dan asks sharply.
Your mom looks up from the kitchen, completely unfazed. âOur house. And yes, I did.â
âHe looks like an Ozzy Osbourne wannabe.â
âHeâs polite,â your mom replies simply. âAnd he drove her home.â
Dan grunts something under his breath while opening a beer. Your mom changes the subject immediately. âSo,â she says casually, âdid you go to the school today?â
âNope.â He takes a long sip. âWent straight to the Carversâ house instead.â
âJasonâs doing fine, by the way,â he says while looking directly at you. âIn case you care.â
âNot particularly.â
The beer bottle slams onto the table hard enough to make you jump. âWell, maybe you should,â Dan snaps. âYouâre lucky I fixed your mistake.â
âMy mistake?â
âYou assaulted someone.â
âHe grabbed me!â
âHeâs from the most influential family in Hawkins!â
âAnd?â
Dan steps closer immediately, towering over you with alcohol already heavy on his breath. âDo you have any idea what I had to do to stop them from pressing charges?â
You laugh bitterly and grab your purse from the chair. âWhat? Throw money at them? Thatâs your solution to everything.â
His jaw tightens instantly. âYou donât know what youâre talking about.â
âNo,â you snap. âYou just buy people off and expect everyone to kiss your ass for it.â
âWhere are you going?â
âOut.â
You slam the front door hard enough to rattle the windows before he can answer again, heart pounding violently in your chest while anger burns hot behind your eyes.
The second you step off your porch, you nearly collide with Nancy walking up the driveway. âOh, hey. Are you okay?â
You glance back toward the house automatically. Danâs silhouette looms behind the front window with a beer bottle still in hand, pacing around the living room like a storm cloud trapped indoors.
âYeah,â you say quickly. âCan we just go to yours? Danâs being⌠Dan.â
Nancy follows your gaze toward the window, visibly tensing before nodding immediately. âYeah. Câmon.â
Nancy finally breaks the silence halfway up her porch steps. âWhat even happened?â she asks. âHe looked really pissed.â
You let out a dry laugh and adjust the strap of your bag on your shoulder. âHeâs upset Iâm not more sympathetic toward Jason. Apparently, he had to go to the Carversâ house and throw money at them so they wouldnât press charges.â
Nancy scoffs loudly while opening the front door. âThatâs such bullshit. Jason practically attacked you.â
âTell Dan that,â you mutter as you follow her upstairs. âHeâs obsessed with keeping the peace and kissing ass. I swear if he didnât think this move would make him look like some small-town hero doctor, he probably wouldâve handed me over himself.â
Before Nancy can answer, Mikeâs bedroom door suddenly flies open. Mike, Lucas, and Dustin practically spill into the hallway in a rush, talking over each other while grabbing jackets and backpacks.
âWhere are you guys going?â Nancy asks, stopping on the stairs with her hands on her hips.
âSteveâs picking us up,â Mike says quickly. âWe have stuff to do.â
âHellfire stuff,â Dustin adds dramatically.
You pause halfway up the stairs. âWait. Steve hangs out with you guys?â
All three boys stare at you. ââŚYeah?â Dustin says slowly.
âWeird,â you mumble. âHe just doesnât seem like the Dungeons & Dragons type.â
Nancy closes her bedroom door behind the two of you before immediately turning toward you with narrowed eyes. âOkay. Start talking.â
You collapse dramatically onto her bed with a groan. âWhere do I even begin?â
âThe girls.â
You sigh heavily and stare up at the ceiling while explaining what happened in gym class. The dodgeball game from hell. Your clothes getting dumped into the toilet. The locker vandalism. By the time you finish, Nancy looks genuinely furious.
âThat was definitely Jessie,â she says immediately. âAnd the brunettes were probably Heather, Macy, and Christina.â
âYou know them?â
âUnfortunately.â Nancy crosses her legs beneath herself. âThey were all on the cheer team with Chrissy. Jessie especially can be brutal when she wants to be.â
âShe was acting like I personally ruined her future marriage,â you mutter.
Nancy rolls her eyes. âJasonâs entire friend group acts like football is the center of the universe.â
âSo.â
âSo?â you repeat cautiously.
âYou said Eddie drove you home.â
Heat immediately crawls into your face. Nancy gasps dramatically. âOh, my god.â
âDonât start.â
âHe came inside?â
You bury your face in your hands instantly while she starts laughing. âNancy.â
âWhat happened?â
You groan loudly into the pillow before finally giving in and telling her everything. The records. The music. The guitar. The kiss. The way he sat on your bedroom floor, comforting you while you cried over your dadâs shirt. Nancy listens to every word with the biggest grin youâve ever seen on another human being.
âDid you shower together? Was he a good kisser?â she blurts out immediately once you finish.
You shove her shoulder. âJesus Christ.â
âThatâs not a no.â
You hide your face again, laughing despite yourself. âNo, we didnât shower together.â You pause. âAnd it wasâŚdifferent.â
Nancy softens instantly. âDifferent good?â
You nod slowly, staring down at your hands. âHe was really gentle when I got upset. I seriously canât believe people think he killed someone. He doesnât feel dangerous like that.â
âHe isnât,â Nancy says firmly.
The conversation drifts after that. She asks about your mom, visibly fascinated by the fact that she doesnât really care if you drink or smoke or stay out late.
âShe basically told me once I turned eighteen that she couldnât stop me anyway,â you explain while tracing patterns into the comforter with your fingertip. âSo now we just have this agreement where I donât fail school or die.â
Nancy laughs softly. âShe sounds cool.â
âShe is.â
The rest of the night turns into gossip. Apparently, Jessie was practically invisible until junior year, when she came back from summer break with bigger boobs and an entirely new personality. Chrissy introduced her to Jasonâs friend group, and suddenly every guy in Hawkins started acting like she hung the moon.
âShit.â
âWhat?â
âItâs after nine.â Your eyes widen. âEddie was supposed to call.â
Nancyâs grin immediately returns. âOh, I see. More ânot showering together.ââ
You throw a pillow directly at her face. âShut up.â
By the time you cross the lawn back toward your house, your momâs car is gone, while Danâs still sits in the driveway alone. Usually, if they went somewhere together, he drove.
You slip quietly inside and immediately find him passed out in your dadâs recliner with a beer bottle dangling loosely from his hand while the television flickers across his face. The sight alone makes anger curl hot in your stomach. Asshole.
Then the kitchen phone rings. You hurry toward it before it wakes him.
âHello?â you whisper.
âHey.â Eddieâs voice crackles warmly through the receiver. âSorry, Iâm late.â
Relief immediately floods your chest. âNo, itâs okay. I was at Nancyâs.â
âWere you gossiping about me?â
You smile despite yourself. âMaybe.â
âWow. Betrayal.â Then his tone shifts. âWhy are you whispering?â
You glance toward the living room automatically. âDanâs asleep, and I answered the kitchen phone soââ
âHang up the phone.â
Your blood runs cold instantly. Dan stands at the end of the hallway, gripping the beer bottle tightly.
âNo,â you say carefully. âGo back to sleep. Youâre drunk.â
âI said,â he hisses, âhang up the fucking phone.â
The bottle flies before you can react. It explodes against the wall beside your head violently enough to make you jump.
âHey, Eddie,â you choke out quickly into the receiver. âI gotta go.â
âWait,â Eddie says immediately. âWhatâs happening?â
Dan storms forward and rips the phone from your hand before slamming it back onto the receiver hard enough to rattle the wall. You immediately back against the hallway as he crowds closer, alcohol heavy on his breath.
âWhat the fuck are you doing?â you whisper shakily when he starts ranting.
âYou think I donât notice this shit?â he mutters. âThe outfits. The attitude. The little comments at breakfast.â
Your stomach drops.
âYou always wanted attention,â he continues, voice low and ugly. âIt used to be cute when you were younger.â
Every nerve in your body screams at once. You shove hard against his chest, but he just laughs and grabs your wrist painfully enough to make you yelp.
âStop touching me!â
âWhat?â he taunts. âCat got your tongue now?â
His free hand slides against your waist. Then, the headlights flash through the front window, and Dan freezes. A car door slams outside, and suddenly the front door bursts open. âHello?â
Eddie rushes inside immediately, eyes darting between you, Dan, and the shattered glass scattered across the kitchen floor. Dan lets go of you so fast you nearly stumble.
âHey there, son,â he says smoothly, like nothing happened. âFamily business. Sheâs fine.â
Eddie doesnât even look at him; his eyes stay locked on you. âNah,â he says calmly. âWeâve got plans.â
Dan scoffs. âAt this hour?â
âMovie night,â Eddie says easily. âRight?â
You nod instantly. âYes.â
âGo grab a sweater,â Eddie adds while holding your stare meaningfully. âItâs cold.â
You understand immediately. Get out. Now.
You practically sprint upstairs the second Dan turns away, shoving clothes into your bag with shaking hands while your heartbeat pounds violently against your ribs. By the time you rush downstairs again, Danâs yelling in the kitchen.
âA movie? Thatâs bullshit.â
You grab Eddieâs arm immediately. âYes,â you snap. âA movie.â
Dan glares at you, then at the broken glass scattered across the floor.
âMom wouldnât wanna come home to this mess,â you add coldly.
Eddie guides you outside with a hand pressed carefully against your back before opening the van door for you. The second you climb inside, the adrenaline finally crashes, and your entire body starts shaking uncontrollably.
âHey,â Eddie says quietly, reaching for your thigh instinctively before immediately pulling back when he feels how badly youâre trembling. âWhere do you wanna go?â
You stare straight ahead through blurry eyes. âAnywhere but here.â
He nods once, then silently puts the van into drive.
The ride stays completely quiet, aside from your shaky breathing and the hum of tires on pavement. Five minutes later, the van turns down a gravel road surrounded by thick woods before stopping beside a small trailer tucked near the tree line. You blink at it through watery eyes.
ââŚWhere are we?â
Eddie unbuckles slowly before looking over at you. âMy place.â
âYou live here?â you ask quietly as you shut the van door behind you. âWhereâs your family?â
Eddie shoves his keys into the lock and pushes the trailer door open. âItâs technically my uncle Wayneâs place,â he explains while stepping aside to let you in first. âBut he works night shifts at the plant constantly and sometimes leaves for weeks at a time, soâŚâ He gestures vaguely around the trailer. âItâs basically mine.â
The second you walk in, you get hit with pure teenage-boy-living-alone energy. Thereâs a bong sitting proudly in the middle of the coffee table, pizza boxes stacked dangerously high beside the couch, empty beer bottles scattered across the kitchen counter, guitar picks everywhere, and at least four jackets thrown over random furniture. Oddly enough, his bedroom is the cleanest part.
You sink down onto the couch heavily, wiping the leftover tears from your face while Eddie hovers nearby awkwardly for a second before finally sitting beside you. He grabs a napkin from the coffee table and hands it over gently.
âYou wanna tell me what the hell that was?â he asks quietly.
You stare down at the crumpled napkin in your hands for a second before exhaling slowly. âDanâs always had issues with alcohol,â you admit. âThatâs actually part of why he wanted out of New York so badly. He was drinking on the job, got caught, and before the hospital could officially fire him, he quit. It wasnât really⌠bad at home until a couple years ago.â
âHe wanted a kid with my mom,â you continue. âA biological one.â
âAnd she didnât?â
You shake your head slowly. âShe canât have kids.â
Eddie blinks in confusion. âWait. Then howââ
âShe adopted me.â
âSheâs technically my aunt,â you explain softly while staring down at your hands. âMy real dad was gone and my birth mom wasâŚâ You pause. âInto some really bad shit. Drugs, mostly. My mom found out what was happening and fought like hell to get custody of me.â
âI was seven when she adopted me. Honestly, I donât remember much from before that. Which is probably a good thing.â You shrug lightly. âSheâs my real mom as far as Iâm concerned. Blood doesnât really mean shit to me.â
Eddie stares at you for a long moment before quietly saying, âJesus, sweetheart.â
You laugh softly at the nickname, âThe tattoo I covered up?â you say after another pause. âThat was from before she adopted me.â
Eddieâs brows knit together immediately. âWhat was it?â
You instinctively rub your wrist. âNumbers.â
He goes still.
âWhen my mom got the call about me, apparently, the police found me wandering near the road in Montauk.â Your voice grows quieter the farther you go into the story. âWhen they brought me back to the apartment, they found my birth mom practically brain-dead in a chair. Completely gone, high out of her mind.â
Eddieâs jaw tightens. âAnd thatâs when they found the tattoo.â
âThe police thought it was some kind of branding,â you continue carefully. âLike she was planning to hand me off to people for drugs or trafficking or something.â
âHoly shit.â
âYeah.â
You lean back against the couch cushions and close your eyes briefly. âThankfully, I didnât know any of that until after I got it covered. I think if I had to look at those numbers every day, knowing what they meant, I wouldâve lost my mind.â
Eddie immediately wraps an arm around you again, pulling you carefully against his side.
âHey,â he says softly into your hair. âIâm really fucking sorry.â
You shrug weakly against his chest. âItâs okay.â
âNo,â he murmurs. âItâs not.â
You stay there for another minute before he finally asks quietly, âSo where does Dan come into all of this?â
You let out a humorless laugh.
âWhen my mom told him she couldnât have kids naturally, he suggested finding a surrogate.â You pause. âExcept he wanted to do it the âtraditional way.ââ
Eddie physically recoils. âYouâre kidding.â
âNope.â Your voice hardens slightly. âHe told her thatâs how 'God intended it.'â
âWhat the fuck?â
âShe freaked out. They tried couples counseling after that, but honestly, I think it just made everything worse.â You shrug again. âAfter that, he stopped trying to play dad and just became⌠this.â
âWhy does your mom stay?â
The question hurts because youâve asked yourself the same thing a hundred times.
âI think part of it is the money,â you admit. âAfter my dad died, she stopped painting. Stopped playing music. She used to have gallery shows and commissions and all these big dreams, and thenâŚâ You swallow hard. âAfter he died, it was like she lost whatever part of herself made her love things.â
âShe got a boring hospital job. Met Dan there. Rich doctor, fake charm, pretending to be some loving family man.â You laugh bitterly. âOf course she fell for him.â
Eddie nods, taking a deep breath before landing on his next question: âHow did your dad die?â
âHe was coming home from work.â Your voice cracks slightly. âHe stopped at a convenience store because he always brought me candy on Fridays and flowers for my mom.â
âThere was a robbery,â you whisper. âThe guy saw the uniform, panicked, and shot him.â
The tears hit instantly. âHe was two blocks away from home,â you sob quietly. âTwo.â
Eddie immediately pulls you fully into his chest, one hand cradling the back of your head while the other rubs slow circles into your back.
âHey,â he murmurs softly against your hair. âHey, breathe for me.â
You try. God, you try. Eventually, he presses a kiss against your forehead and gently says, âOkay. New plan.â
âYou need pajamas? Water? Food?â He gestures toward the giant tower of pizza boxes nearby. âPizza pyramid offerings?â
A laugh escapes you unexpectedly.
He disappears into his bedroom for a second before returning with an Iron Maiden shirt and a pair of boxers. âIâll give you privacy,â he says, immediately turning toward the kitchen.
You change quickly before crawling into his bed, exhaustion finally beginning to crush you completely. A few minutes later, Eddie returns, carrying a glass of water, before carefully sliding in beside you. The second he wraps an arm around your waist and pulls you against him, you finally relax for the first time all night.
The next morning, Eddieâs alarm goes off at seven sharp, loud enough to nearly launch you out of bed. You jolt upright in confusion before realizing where you are.
Beside you, Eddie groans dramatically and wipes at his eyes before stretching. And unfortunately for your sanity, heâs shirtless. You stare a second too long because he cracks one eye open and immediately starts laughing.
âGood morning to you, too, sweetheart.â
You roll your eyes quickly and reach for your bag before he can catch you staring again.
âHave you seen myââ
âOh.â Eddie sits up and points toward the living room. âI hung your skirt up so it wouldnât wrinkle.â
Your stomach does an embarrassingly soft little flip at the sight of your clothes folded neatly beside the couch. You grab your Fleetwood Mac shirt before immediately stealing Eddieâs Iron Maiden tee instead.
From the bathroom doorway, he watches the entire thing happen with a grin. âYou stealing my clothes already?â he asks.
âShut up.â
He walks over behind you slowly, fingers tracing lightly along your back before his arms settle around your waist. Your breath catches instantly when he presses soft kisses against your neck.
âHowâre you feeling?â he asks quietly against your skin. âAfter last night?â
You turn in his arms and kiss him softly, fingers curling into his messy curls.
âIâm okay,â you murmur. âYou scared of me yet?â
Eddie smiles against your lips and shakes his head immediately before kissing you again, slower this time, hands sliding carefully up and down your back. His mouth drifts from your lips to your jaw, then your neck, and you let out the softest gasp before suddenly catching sight of the clock.
âOh, my god.â You jerk backward. âEddie, itâs seven-thirty!â He groans dramatically into your shoulder.
âWe have to go!â
Within ten minutes, the two of you are sprinting out to the truck half-dressed and exhausted. Eddie peels out of the trailer park while the cassette tape he made for you blasts through the speakers.
Then Billy Idol starts playing, and you immediately turn toward him. âNo fucking way.â
Eddie grins smugly and turns up the volume.Â
âYou like Billy Idol?â
He starts mouthing the lyrics dramatically instead of answering.
âEddie!â
He cups a hand around his ear obnoxiously. âSorry!â he yells over the music. âCanât hear you!â
The rest of the school day passes in a blur after that.
You and Eddie barely make it into first period before the late bell rings, both trying (and failing) to act normal while sharing secret glances across the hallway all day long.
Every time you pass each other, he brushes his fingers against your arm or throws some sarcastic comment your way just to watch you smile.Â
At lunch, Dustin practically interrogates both of you after catching you wearing Eddieâs Iron Maiden shirt beneath your jacket, while Mike looks deeply horrified by how smug Eddie suddenly seems.
By seventh period, youâre exhausted. Everything from the last twenty-four hours finally begins catching up to you all at once. So when the final bell rings, you practically melt with relief while stuffing books into your bag. Youâre halfway down the hallway when a familiar voice calls your name.
âHey, Big Apple!â
You turn to find Eddie leaning against the lockers, waiting for you, hands shoved into his jacket pockets. âYou surviving?â
âBarely,â you groan dramatically.
He falls into step beside you as the two of you head toward the parking lot together, shoulders bumping occasionally while students stream around you.Â
Thereâs a van parked outside your house across the street when you guys pull into the cul-de-sac. And standing in the driveway beside Nancy are four unfamiliar faces.
âWell,â Eddie says beside you, squinting toward the driveway. âEither the government finally came for WheelerâŚâ
ââŚor your welcoming committee got bigger.â
As the two of you cross the street, Nancy spots you immediately and waves excitedly. âThere you are!â
The group turns toward you all at once.
The first boy you notice is tall and painfully skinny with shaggy brown hair hanging around his face. Standing beside him is another boy of a similar age, with softer features and a nervous posture, his bowl cut brushing against his eyebrows. Then thereâs a redheaded girl leaning against the van with crossed arms and an unimpressed expression already plastered across her face.
And finally, a girl with dark curls and huge, curious eyes staring at you intently like sheâs trying to solve a puzzle.
âThis way!â Nancy calls from the basement door.
You and Eddie follow her downstairs, and immediately it feels less like a basement and more like some weird little underground universe.
Dice scatter across the table while Dustin, Mike, Lucas, and Will argue loudly over their campaign. Max and El sit nearby, sharing a blanket while Robin and Steve lean against the wall, holding sodas like exhausted babysitters.
âMunson!â Dustin yells immediately. âYou abandoned the campaign yesterday.â
âI had more important matters to attend to,â Eddie says solemnly before leaning down and kissing the top of your head.
Dustin immediately gags. âOh, my god.â
You laugh while Eddie drops into a chair beside the boys at the table.
Nancy and Jonathan drift over toward Steve and Robin, so you follow after them, settling onto the couch while conversation immediately explodes again. New York becomes the topic within approximately thirty seconds.
âSo wait,â Robin says, eyes wide, âyouâve actually been to real clubs?â
âRobin,â Steve groans. âYou act like she escaped another dimension.â
âShe basically did.â
âYou guys are ridiculous,â you laugh.
Nancy immediately lights up. âTell them about our road trip idea.â
âOh my god,â Robin gasps dramatically. âYouâre taking Wheeler to New York?â
âItâs still theoretical,â you say carefully.
âNot anymore,â Nancy says firmly.
That somehow launches everybody into talking over one another. Questions about Broadway, food carts, nightlife, subway rats, concerts, fashion; honestly, it starts feeling less like a conversation and more like youâre hosting a tourism seminar.
In the middle of it all, though, you feel eyes on you, and you glance across the room automatically, and Elâs staring. Not in a rude way, something closer to curiosity.Â
The second your eyes meet hers, she quickly looks back down at her hands while Max continues talking beside her.
âYou with us?â Nancy says, snapping you back into the conversation.
âHm?â
âI was just telling them you promised everybody pizza in Times Square.â
You snort. âI absolutely did not promise that.â
âToo late,â Steve says. âItâs legally bound now.â
A few minutes later, Steve suddenly claps his hands together once. âBeer run.â
Robin immediately points at him. âIâm coming because last time you bought the weird, cheap stuff.â
âThat was one time.â
Nancy stands up next. âWait, I wanna go.â Jonathan sighs but follows her anyway.Â
âYou guys want anything?â Steve asks while grabbing his keys.
âIâm good,â you say honestly while sinking farther into the couch cushions. âI think Iâm emotionally fused to this furniture right now.â
Robin points at you knowingly. âRough week?â
âYou have no idea.â
The older group heads upstairs after that, leaving the basement quieter, aside from the constant chaos of the D&D campaign. Honestly, after the emotional whiplash of the last twenty-four hours, it feels nice just sitting there watching Eddie exist.
Heâs completely in his element behind the DM screen, talking dramatically with his hands while Dustin argues with him about some fantasy creature.
Max eventually wanders over beside Lucas to watch the game closer, leaving El sitting alone at the edge of the couch, still picking at her fingers.
âHey,â you say gently. âI donât think we officially met properly.â
El looks up slowly. âIâm El,â she says quietly.
âI know.â You smile softly. âNancy told me a little about you.â
She nods once before looking back down again. You remember what Nancy told you upstairs earlier.
About Hopper. About losing him recently. About how quiet Elâs become since it happened.
And suddenly, looking at her now, something inside your chest aches. âYou know,â you say quietly, âI lost my dad too.â
Elâs head lifts immediately. âYou did?â
You nod slowly. âYeah. He was a police officer.â
âMy dad was a police officer too,â she says quietly.
You smile gently. âYou wanna tell me about him?â
And slowly, carefully, she does. About watching Miami Vice together. About Eggos and cabin rules, and Hopper teaching her things he probably had no business teaching a teenager. About how loud he snored and how bad he was at lying and how safe she felt around him.
As she talks, her whole face changes. Lights up.
âHe sounds like he loved you a lot,â you say softly.
Elâs eyes water instantly. âHe was not my real dad,â she admits after a second.
You donât even hesitate. âDoesnât matter.â She looks toward you.
âHe still loved you,â you say gently. âThat makes him your real dad.â
That completely breaks whatever wall sheâd been holding up. El suddenly throws her arms around you tightly enough to nearly knock the breath from your lungs.
You hug her back immediately while she wipes at her eyes quickly.
âThank you,â she whispers.
âSo,â you say softly after a minute, trying to lighten the mood a little, âElâs short for what? Eleanor?â
She shakes her head. âEleven.â
You blink. ââŚEleven?â
She nods.
âHuh.â You smile slightly. âThatâs definitely memorable.â
She glances toward Mike briefly before slowly tugging her sleeve upward.
And your entire body goes cold. 011. Tattooed directly onto her wrist.
Your stomach drops so violently that it feels like the floor disappears beneath you. El notices your expression immediately, and her eyes widen.
And before you can even process whatâs happening, she stands abruptly and rushes upstairs. The D&D table goes silent instantly. Mikeâs on his feet first.
âWhat happened?â he demands immediately while hurrying toward you. âWhat did you say?â
âMike,â Eddie warns sharply behind him.
âNo!â Mike snaps, panic bleeding into his voice. âWhat happened to her?â
Your mouth opens, but nothing comes out. Nancyâs voice suddenly echoes from the stairs as she reenters the basement with the others. âWhatâs going on?â
Her eyes immediately land on your face, and she freezes. âHey,â she says quickly, grabbing your shoulders gently. âTalk to me. What happened?â
You look at her, then at Mike. Then, at the staircase El disappeared up. And finally force the words out.
âHer tattoo.â
The room goes completely still, and you can barely hear your own heartbeat.
âIâŚâ Your voice shakes violently now. âI used to have the same one.â
OKAYYY so i hope you all enjoyed that...this idea had been swimming around in my head for a HOT minute so let me know what you think ;)
I am far from a professional writer, just having fun and hoping that y'all get some enjoyment from it! Please let me know if you are enjoying my stories, I would love to hear feedback on any favorite fics, favorite parts or lines that you liked. Thank you so much for taking the time to read my storyâ¤ď¸ Please re-blog if you like itâ¤ď¸
Loving Mr. Munson-
You thought you were going to live your life Happily Ever After with your boyfriend Robbie Munson until you caught him cheating on you . Now that the Fairytale is over it's time to try to pick up the pieces and start over.
You decide to drop off some of your ex-boyfriend's things at his Father, Eddie Munson's house. Eddie, who had become your friend over the years comforts you, and while you are in his arms you realize maybe it was HIM you wanted all along....
This is an Older Eddie x Reader fic. There is also a 20ish year age gap between Eddie and Reader.Their relationship is totally and completely Loving and consensual. đMature Content- 18 +only Minors DNIđ
Loving Mrs. Munson
You love your husband Eddie more than anything in the world, the years that you have been together have been the best years of your life. What could possibly make your life even more perfect? A baby.
It sounds amazing, doesn't it? Only life isn't always easy, sometimes you have to really work for what you want. But if there is one thing that Eddie Munson knows , it's that he will do anything to give the love of his life exactly what she wants. If at first you don't succeed, try,try againđ
This is an Older Eddie x Reader fic. There is also a 20ish year age gap between Eddie and Reader.Their relationship is totally and completely Loving and consensual. đMature Content- 18 +only Minors DNIđ
Beauty and the Freak
Veronica Montgomery's life fell apart after tragedy struck her family and now she's trying to pick up the pieces . After her mother remarried, Veronica finds herself in a new town, at a new school for her Senior year of High School. Little did she know her life was about to change again the second she was paired up with the town outcast Eddie Munson. Her life would never be the same.
Made for You
Eddie and Veronica sequel
Veronica Montgomery's life the past year has been a whirlwind, moving, making new friends and falling in love with Hawkins outcast Eddie Munson. Now it's all going to change- Time to start a new chapter of their lives together.College, living together, let the good times begin.
Disclaimer:
This is a work in progress!
đMature Content and Smut- 18+ , this book gets spicy, TW: There are parts that involve drinking and drug useđ
This is the sequel to Beauty and the Freak- if you haven't read it please do!
Housemates
An Eddie Munson and Steve Harrington Story.
Mackenzie O'Conner's life was falling apart. After catching her boyfriend in the act , she finds herself starting over, starting completely from scratch . Now single and in the middle of an akward and complicated living arrangement, she finds a possible solution When her new friend Robin, just so happens to have friends that are looking for a new roommate. Steve and Eddie consider It a win win situation, until they realize that they might just be developing feelings for their funny and sweet new roommate.
Mature Content -This story is 18+ , spicy chapters will be marked with a đśď¸
rules: make a new post with the names of all the files in your WIP folder, regardless of how non-descriptive or ridiculous, and tag as many people as you have WIPs. people send in an ask with the title that most intrigues them, and you post a snippet or tell them something about it!
Thanks for the tag @hamilhansen â¤ď¸
I would LOVE for you to inquire about any of these works in progress.....
-Loving Mrs Munson - Future Metalhead- Dilf Eddie x Reader
-Housemates- Spicy Book Club- Eddie/Steve/Original Character
-Loving Mr Munson Extra - Daisy- Dilf Eddie x Reader
-Summertime Eddie Headcannons-
-Rock and Roller- Eddie Munson x original character (Roller Derby Girl)
-To Die For- serialđŞEddie Munson (think Dexter-esque) x reader
No pressure tags: @beasbrain @gem-writes @harrywavycurly and anyone else that would like to participate!
chapter ONE from through the fences.
pairing: eddie munson x fem!reader (au)
word count: 5.6k
summary: crash-landing in hot water, eddie does what he knows best: he runs. and he runs right into you; a girl unlike any he's ever met. but it doesn't - can't - mean anything other than a bed to sleep in.
content warnings: 18+ minors dni: suggestive & mature themes, lust at first sight, smutty but primarily implied intimacy and a closed-door romance, use of nicknames and pet names, adult language, reader is kinda a brat and eddie is very much into it, also includes: references to breaking the law, mentions of food consumption â if i missed anything, pls let me know!
psa: images used in the header donât depict readers physical attributes!
Eddie Munson is good at one thing and one thing only: running the fuck away from problems.
At least, thatâs what he tells himself when he does what he does. Because youâve not met him yet to prove otherwise. You meet him later.
Thirty-four hours later, to be exact.Â
His life changes forever when he bumps into you, fresh off a night bus from Indianapolis to New York. Itâs a double-edged sword, really. But more on that in a minute.
If the truth is to be considered, the trajectory of Eddieâs future changes earlier. At his uncle's trailer. During an altercation between him and that fuckface, Carver.
Itâs a fight that ends in casualties larger than just the brunetteâs fractured ego. Hence the panicked packing, the scribbled goodbye letter to Wayne (left in a spot only the older man will find), the hot wiring of Mrs Hubertâs car that aids in his quick getaway â all of which occurs as hot tears burn into his bruised skin.
The drive from Hawkins to Indianapolis is a blur. Dead silent too. Nothing but gushes of wind blowing through the parted window, the sound of tires on gravel, and his messy, laboured breathing. He keeps to the speed limit, since the last thing he needs is getting pulled over while heâs attempting to go on the run, and doesnât make any stops until he reaches his destination.
Parking the car on some random, rather dodgy, street, Eddie exhales. Closed fists land at his eyes, rubbing the tiredness away, then he keeps moving. Keys remain in the ignition as his feet hit the tarmac. Thereâs also an apology note to Mrs Hubert in the glovebox â because heâs not a complete fucking asshole.
With the rucksack over his shoulder, head hanging low, Eddie walks aimlessly through the city crowd. This is as far as he thought to go. Honestly, he had no clear plan of action aside from get the fuck out of Hawkins, fast. He should probably find a motel, at least until he figures out what heâs going to do next because staying in Indianapolis isnât a good idea in the long run. No doubt this will be the first place theyâll come looking.
His legs weave with the wind, down various blocks. Heâs unsure how long itâs been since heâs abandoned the car, but when his stomach rumbles, he scans the surroundings heâs found himself in and he decides to take a break, at a diner he can see down the street.
He doesnât make it two steps when a cop car pulls up outside and Eddie freezes. They donât look in his direction as they scramble out of their vehicle, they probably donât even know who he is yet, but the sight of them alone is enough to redirect the brunetteâs movements, make him turn on his heel. And thatâs when he sees it.Â
The bus depot.
Boston, Atlanta, Houston, Toronto, New York. He scans the list of departures. Since he doesnât have a passport, escaping to Canada is definitely out of the question. For a minute, he thinks about Boston, but ultimately itâs the city that never sleeps he picks in the end. Millions of people. Plenty of opportunity to become invisible, anonymous.
Later, when he retells this part of the story, your eyes glisten mischievously, as they usually do, and you say itâs your wishes that put him there, at the same time as the police, so heâd abandon the notion of hiding out in Indianapolis, venture further. New York, perhaps. Where youâre living, completely oblivious to his existence and somehow knowing all the same.Â
This voodoo shit is not for him, but the sentiment of someone out there â especially a smokeshow like you â willing him in a different direction, well, he canât help the fucking cocky grin on his face.
The lady at the desk informs him thereâs an overnight to New York City in four hours. He buys a ticket on the spot, leaving him with a lowly sum of three-hundred bucks for whatever plan he comes up with once in the city. Heâll have to get a job somewhere. A no-questions-asked, cash-under-the-table type of employment. Shouldnât be too hard, he thinks. Hopes, actually. In reality, heâs got no clue what the fuck heâs doing.
Maybe he should have stayed in Hawkins? What if he got in his head too fast? What if they (being the general public along with the cops) considered his side of the story? But he shakes the questions away as fast as they arise. He canât second guess himself, not now.
In the time Eddieâs waiting for his bus, he buys a bottle of water and a sandwich. He finds an empty bench in the corner of a depot and eats his food, scanning the surroundings for anyone looking in his direction suspiciously. Nobody does. His face makes the news only after heâs met you, but by then he feels pretty much invincible.
The journey is restless. He knows he should sleep. Wishes for the sweet release of dreams as lights zoom past the bus window, however the drowsiness never comes. Too anxious, scared. Heâs also missing his uncle. The one family member thatâs always been in the brunetteâs corner and now he may never see the old man again. Not like Wayne would want to see his nephew, not after what heâs done. Disappointed him in the process. Fuck, that hurts to think about.
Twenty long hours pass.Â
Two stops on the way for bathroom breaks and fuel. Eddie stays on the bus both of those times, hiding towards the back so no one can place him later. His aim is to remain a shadow without a face because when the police are eventually going to try and find his whereabouts, no one can step up and say: âOh, that boy youâre looking for took the same night bus as me. To New York City.â.
By the time Eddie steps off the metal machine, a new day is already coming to a slow end. The surrounding crowd is a mix of office folk, heading home after presumably long, exhausting hours at their unfulfilling jobs, and rowdy college kids, whose next agenda item is getting plastered drunk. A few families, some tourists. Homeless, street vendors, all groups mixing together in a way that mere hours ago, would have seemed unnatural to the lost brunette.
Despite the heavy tiredness, Eddieâs struck by how alive he suddenly feels.
He ventures further between the concrete blocks and busy lights, momentarily unafraid to keep his head up and takes in every last detail of the expansive jungle â until heâs rudely reminded itâs been hours since heâs had a warm meal.Â
Stomach rumbling louder than necessary, Eddie stops at the first diner he comes across. He sits at the far end, eyes on the door since he shouldn't be too careless, and orders a burger from the grey-haired waitress. A couple of people venture in and out as he waits. No one of particular importance stands out, so once he gets his food, the brunette feels secure enough to drop his gaze and eat.
Although, heâs still listening. Actively. To the bell above the door, the various chatter of everyone else here, the orders being placed and delivered. He listens to the radio thatâs playing in the background, just in case it switches to the news and his name is being broadcasted across the nation. And as heâs listening, he hears something quite unexpected.
Laughter. Which frankly, isnât all that strange, but the sound vibrates through him, causing a tingle to run down his spine and his heart to skip a beat â odd.
Eddie looks up, around. Canât place the person, thinks he may have imagined the whole thing, so itâs back to eating the most average burger in America.
Thank god his ears stay alert while heâs chewing on the unseasoned patty because there it is again, and this time, as his head snaps up from the plate in front of him, he sees a girl two tables up. You.
Facing his general direction, although your focus is entirely on the person youâre with. Thereâs a wave of heads blocking his view, but every time they shift, Eddie catches a glimpse and for a moment that borders on stalkery, his burger is frozen mid-air.
Fuck, what a face.
He shakes his head, gaze dropping along with the burger, and blinks a few times at nothing in particular. When you laugh again, Eddie closes his eyes tight, because this is perhaps the darkest time in his life and for some reason, when your giggles reach his ears, his entire being feels sort of warm, fuzzy â and if anyone is paying attention to his inner monologue from the last thirty-odd hours, this isnât the time for either of those inklings.
What else is a guy to do but run? Itâs already been established that Eddieâs quite good at that.
He flags down the waitress, pays with a tip that he cannot afford but whatever, he also canât afford to fall in a trap otherwise known as another pretty girl, so he bolts. Doesnât spare you another glance as he rushes past, just straight out the door and onto the busy New York street.
The universe â as youâd later tell him â has other plans because thereâs a gentle tap on his shoulder while he figures out which way to go. He doesnât think when he turns back around, facing the entrance of the diner he just ran out of. Facing you.
âYou dropped this,â you say and he blinks, glancing down at your outstretched hand and his stupid fucking bandana, tucked carefully between your fingers.
Eddie clears his throat. âThanks.â
But he doesnât move. Stupid, really. Mere seconds ago he was aching to get away from the possibility of something like this happening, and now heâs standing a fool, staring at the piece of cloth youâre holding. Only when you retrieve your hand, the bandana still in your grasp, does his gaze trail upwards, meeting yours.
One brow up, arched, youâre studying him with a level of scrutiny heâd rather not experience from a complete stranger. Especially one as pretty as you. Fuck. This is a nightmare.
He sighs, then reaches for the item between your fingers. He shouldnât have turned around. Once his photo is plastered across the news outlets, youâll definitely be able to place him here.
âHermès.â
âWhat?â He asks, brows furrowed. Heart in his fucking throat from the nerves.
âThe scarf.â
Eddie once again looks at the piece of cloth, now in his grasp, then frowns because heâs still not sure what you mean. You must notice the weird look he is undoubtedly sporting because you keep talking.
âI recognise the pattern and the classic Hermès orange.â
âI donât know. I found it,â he says mindlessly, although thatâs not entirely true.Â
Honesty doesnât come easy to him. In reality, Eddie stole what he believed to be a bandana working at McKinney's party a couple of weeks back. Business was slower than usual, so he wandered through the house, rifled through some cupboards, closets. The scarf â as you call it â was just waiting to be rescued.
âWell, itâs quite the find,â you say, and thereâs something in your tone that has the brunette meeting your gaze once more.
âThis uh⌠HermèsâŚâ He cocks a brow. âSounds expensive?â
You nod, a small smile tugging at your lips. He tries not to let his eyes wander, really, but heâs only a man. The slip is brief and only happens once⌠okay, twice. You must notice and decidedly like that sort of attention from him because you pull your bottom lip between your teeth.
And if Eddie wasnât done for before, he is now.Â
Not to sound overly cocky, but he knows the look written across your face, has seen it many times before, so his list of never ending troubles is longer by one more: you. For sure the type of girl that can ruin his life â more than it already is â and now that heâs thinking about it, looking at you up close, not the kind of girl that willingly eats at a dingy diner.
A thought very much confirmed when a taxi you hail, without giving a second thought to the friend he believes is still inside the locale, drops you and Eddie outside a building with a doorman. The elderly gentleman calls you by your surname, tipping his hat and opening one side of the glass to allow passage. You smile sweetly, motioning for Eddie to follow.
He really should be careful not to show his face to too many people that could timestamp him in different spots around the city he escaped to. But the sway of your hips and the glimmer in your eyes is, quite frankly, hypnotic. A friendly reminder: heâs only a man.
âSo, what brings you to New York?â You ask once the elevator closes.
Eddie shrugs. âWanted somethinâ new.â
âAhh,â you muse, tilting your head slightly. âSo youâre running from something.â
Not a question and Eddie wonders how you can tell. You answer his thought with a slight glance at the bag over his shoulder, and he presses his lips together.
âQuite the deduction skills.â
âRuns in the family,â you say with a shrug.
In retrospect, he should have asked straight away what you meant. Earlier, in the taxi, you made a comment that also dinged a bell in his mind, tickling his fight or flight, but Eddie ignored the obvious because your hand was down his pants. Heâs never met a girl this forward and one could colour him intrigued â even if this sudden fascination came at a really, really terrible time.
The elevator opens with a swoosh and as he follows you through the foyer, large staircase to one side, chandelier up above, heâs thinking again about what a girl like you was doing at a diner. Surely thereâs fancier places to eat in the city. Restaurants suited to your poise, your outfit.
âNice place,â he says, taking a look around.
âIt could be better,â you tell him, and when Eddieâs brow shoots upwards, wanting just slightly to check your privilege, you add, âLess suffocating, for starters.â
He frowns. A twinge of guilt settles in his core for judging you based on surface level. Clearly, he doesnât know you. Strangers still. And he absolutely hates when people jump to conclusions about him, his upbringing. The notion has caused many fights back home, yet here he is, doing the same to a girl thatâs done nothing but shown him interest, kindness too.
âShow me your room.â
You huff a gentle laugh, briefly glancing at your heels, then ask, âAre you always this forward?â, with a slight tease to the tone of your voice. Eyes settled on him once more.
âIâm not the one who pushed a stranger into a taxi and touched âem in a very forward way.â Eddie counters, sauntering towards you. He stops when his sneaker touches the tip of your heeled toes, both of you looking down between the barely-there space.Â
His mind is spiraling slightly, since this is a pitstop he really cannot afford right now. Although, his worries are quickly fusing with the intoxicating scent of your undoubtedly expensive perfume and the recent memory of your delicate fingers wrapped around his girth. Whatever. He can spend the night and fuck off in the morning, before you wake up. If the police place him here and question the doorman, question you, heâll be long gone. Maybe to another city? Itâs already been established how heâs good at that: running.
âWhat if Iâm simply trying to rob you?â You ask, pulling the Hermès scarf from his back pocket and lifting it into view.
He smirks as his gaze briefly darts between the designer cloth and yours.
âPretty sure you can afford one all on your own, Krystle Carrington.â
You scrunch your nose. Not a fan of the nickname, he notes while wetting his lips to hide an affectionate smile. Heâll definitely use it again, like a schoolboy endlessly teasing a girl heâs got a crush on. Which, of course, this isnât. Eddie just needs a certain type of relief and youâve already indicated how youâre more than eager to oblige.
With the orange scarf still in your grasp, you turn away from him and start to walk up the stairs.
âI suppose I should be glad you didnât compare me to Alexis,â you say over your shoulder, the sound of your heels clacking against the marble staircase almost muffling your voice.
When you stop right at the top, Eddie is still a few steps behind, meaning when you turn to face him again, youâre ever so slightly taller. Seemingly the one in control.
âAnd itâs not nice to make assumptions about people,â you continue.
âWell,â Eddie begins, glancing around the space with his arms outstretched slightly, as if to prove a point. âLook at this place. I think itâs safe to say youâre doing okay for yourself.â
âYou wouldnât believe me anyway, if I told you otherwise.â
Despite the sudden solemn tone, thereâs a proud look on your face. The sort Eddie loves to wipe off with his mouth because nothing is more humbling to girls like you than messing around with a guy like him, only to be left behind since this sort of shit doesnât matter to him, not the way it historically matters to chicks.
Theyâll screw around with him, follow him around for free weed, some other shit too, and a big fuck you to their stiff parents. Eddie knows his role in the Hawkins social hierarchy and it has never bothered him. He sticks by the rules, even wears his title as a badge of honour. Yet, even though theyâre just using him, they get attached anyway and he ends up having to break hearts â which he kind of enjoys.
Come tomorrow morning, youâll be just another girl and he wonât think of your laughter, wonât spare a second reminiscing the mischievous glimmer in your eyes, or the way your hand felt down his boxers (like it belonged there).
âKick me out, let me crash. Itâs honestly whatever to me, sweetheart.â Eddie says with a shrug. âBut I donât think you want me to leave.â
You raise a brow in that challenging way you do, and he should be worried how heâs noticing these things already, after barely knowing you an hour. He doesnât dwell on that thought though. Instead, Eddie slides a hand up your side, slow and steady, until his fingers are at your waist. He pulls you closer and you weave your arms around his neck, trying to find balance.
âI think youâre trying to prove something to the people that own this place and you need a guy like me to help you out.â
Admittedly, a line heâs used plenty of times in the past, so colour him surprised when you scoff. Your eyes roll â brat â as you push off him and keep walking along the upstairs hallway. Thereâs a split-second during which Eddie is muttering to himself, âWhat the fuck?â, because that line always works, before a smirk replaces the momentary confusion and he continues to follow you.
âIf all Iâm looking for is - and I quote - a guy like you,â you begin in rebuttal, pushing a large, white door open with your hip. âI would have simply stayed at the diner to wrap up my date and brought that loser home instead.â
Eddie canât help the short laugh that escapes.
âThat was a date?â
You nod, then say, âClearly not a very successful one.â
The inside of your bedroom is unsurprisingly devoid of any real character. All the furniture matches in woodtones, clearly custom made to fit the dimensions of space. Thereâs a white duvet on top of the large bed and some fashion magazines scattered around the place, half-hidden behind piles of colourful clothes. No posters, no photos. If youâre lying, and the two of you are breaking and entering, heâd be none the wiser.
âIs this actually your place?â He canât help himself. Heâs already on the run, so it would be great to avoid any additional charges.
A dangerous, knowing smile tugs at your lips at the question, and when you decide not to answer, Eddie seriously begins to consider calling quits on this whole thing. Heâd rather face a case of blue balls than get arrested for having sex in someone elseâs bed. Not an ideal scenario to get caught here, especially after travelling this far to escape his fate.
The universe â or in this case, you â glues his feet to the ground by a simple act of undoing the collection of buttons currently holding your blouse together. You leave the last few before moving onto the zipper of your skirt, which you slide down your legs, all while holding his gaze and the orange Hermès scarf.
Clearing his throat, Eddie drops the rucksack to the carpeted floor and crosses the room. It only takes a few, slow strides until heâs towering over you once more, hastily latching onto your blouse and pulling you flush against his chest. You tug your bottom lip between your teeth and blink up at him, a picture of false innocence.
âAny last words?â You ask, voice all sultry, sending a zap straight to his groin.
Fingers cross your frame, a ghost of a touch, as Eddie reaches for the scarf youâre still holding. He lifts it slightly into view, the corner of his mouth twitching into a smirk, one brow raised.
âDo you think this Herbert personââ
âHermès,â you chime.
ââwill forgive me if I use this to tie you up?â
And then he kisses you.Â
He doesn't wait for you to answer the question, and doesn't ask permission either. Eddie simply takes whatâs right in front of him and revels in the way you melt, equally wicked. Itâs fierce and demanding, tasting of tension thatâs been simmering between the two of you all evening. Boil, bubble, pop.
The abstract floral scent of your undoubtedly expensive perfume fills his senses. Intoxicating, he thinks, like throwing gasoline on a burning fire. He wants â needs â more. So his fingers work to remove the blouse completely, fabric soft against his calloused fingers.Â
Itâs pure, animalistic instinct. At least thatâs what Eddie tells himself when he bites your lower lip, tongue catching your gasp. Or when he slides his hands down the curve of your ass and lifts you off the floor, guiding your legs around his waist.
One could also call it expanding his portfolio. Heâs been with a fair share of upper-class chicks, but no one compares to your stature. Plus, yours is the first of many beds heâll land in while hiding out in the city. Nothing special. By tomorrowâs sunrise, the feeling of your skin against his will be nothing but a memory.
At least, thatâs what he keeps telling himself beneath the sheets, arms around your frame, holding on for dear life.
The New York dating scene bores you.Â
Honestly, there is a lousy selection of candidates to begin with. If theyâre employed, established â and tick the criteria set by your parents, in terms of wallet size â they are really unattractive. And if the potential date is somewhat good looking, handsome even, theyâve seemingly got no prospects, and any potential romance is over before it even begins because your parents would never allow their only daughter to enter a relationship with a bum.
The whole thing has become quite the chore, and everyone in your inner circle knows youâre not one to ruin a good manicure for housework.
Now, thatâs not to say you spend your days and nights alone. Quite the opposite, actually. Finding a boyfriend that satisfies your family by meeting their ridiculous expectations may be a tedious task, but you persevere. After all, thereâs the trust fund stipulation to consider, the bonus you donât receive unless you find a potential husband before your twenty-fifth birthday. The feminist inside of you screams to let it go, try a hand at true happiness (whatever that looks like), but the materialistic side always wins. Money is all youâve ever known.Â
âA life thatâs incredibly comfortable is hard to give up.â Thatâs what your grandfather always says. Your motherâs father. Heâs the only one in your family who thinks the âmarriageâ clause is ridiculous. Then again, Bernard Senior is also the only one who got lucky in that department. The love of his life â your fabulous grandmother, Judith Cecil â happened to be beautiful, successful, and came from old-money. Tick, tick, and tick.
The Cecil family are British-American financiers and real estate investors. Your grandfatherâs side of the tree is also very wealthy (what is these days known as Big Pharma, they had a small part in that), but still not quite Cecil stature, which is why grandmother Judith never changed her surname. Smart woman.
Money makes your world go around, so you go on unsuccessful dates with unattractive, rich assholes, only to end up in bed with someone a lot more⌠fun. Not a foolproof plan by any means, but the gameâs the game. Youâve got a few years left until you need to be sauntering down the aisle and there is a long list of suitors who will marry you in the blink of an eye â even if you donât want to marry them.
Thatâs how you find yourself at La Bonbonierre.
You like this diner. Primarily for its convenient location: far enough from the Upper East Side, so no one from your real life will ever spot you here, yet still close enough to home, making for a short-ish car ride.
The guy youâre with didnât even bat an eye at the suggested locale, which tells you all you need to know about how much further this night will go; i.e. not very far. Sure, youâll make out a little before bidding him goodnight, but chances are you will never see him again. Sorry to Matthew from the Bronx. Heâs charming as hell and in another life, maybe the two of you would go on a second date⌠Not a third though. Never a third.
In the span of thirty-two minutes, youâve learned all about Matthewâs shattered dreams of becoming a professional athlete due to a badly torn ACL, his pivot into getting a journalism degree from a local community college, and his desire to travel outside of the great state of New York. You tell him next to nothing, but the guy doesnât seem to mind. Easy on the eye, bad at a two-way conversation.
As he talks, polishing a burger faster than you can blink, you nibble on the french fries, dipping them in your vanilla milkshake and nodding along to words you most definitely will not remember tomorrow. Tonightâs goal is simple: satisfy an urge that needs satisfying. Nothing heâll say will change your mind about what this date actually is.
âThe Bulls are dominating this year,â Matthew says. âIf the Knicks had half the squad they do down in Chicago, weâd be unstoppable.â
âIâm more of a Yankees fan myself.â
Matthew snorts and shakes his head. âYankees are a baseball team.â
âA ball is a ball, Matthew.â You deadpan, unbothered by the correction and the amused look heâs shooting you from across the table. âBesides, I prefer to watch the players than the game, and the Yankees have Don Mattingly.â
âJerrod Mustaf, Charles OakleyâŚâ Matthew lists off.
âYes, the New York Knicks team is full of knockouts,â you say honestly, smiling because thereâs nothing you enjoy more than a lighthearted sparring match. âBut Matthew⌠Don Mattingly has a mustache.â
He laughs at that and you join in instantly. Short and sweet. Nothing to write home about, except when your date tilts his head to flag down the waitress, still laughing to himself, you notice someone behind him, sitting all alone just a few booths down. Someone quite striking.
All you get is a glimpse, but itâs enough to pique your interest.
A wave of chocolate-brown locks and a big, wide gaze to match. The mystery man is wearing a faded denim jacket â vintage, if you were to take a guess â over a plain tee, and thereâs something silver around his neck that glistens slightly under the fluorescent light. His head hangs low, just as quickly as he lifted it seconds prior, as if heâs avoiding eye contact with whoever glances his way, and the tension in his shoulders is visible even from the space between you. An out-of-towner, for sure. Running from something perhaps?
Stealing one last look in the mystery manâs direction, you force yourself to focus on your date. In the seconds you just lost, too distracted by the lonesome brunette, Matthew seemingly has moved on from talking about sports, choosing instead to ramble about the public transport in this city. Poorly designed routes, overcrowded carts, expensive for a college student. All facts you can agree with, so you nod.
âDonât you have a car?â Matthew asks, then adds, âAnd a driver?â
âArenât you observant.â
âYou literally picked me up. Or should I say, your driver picked me up,â he teases and you roll your eyes in a playful manner.Â
âMy generosity is always overlooked,â you dramatise, the corners of your lips twitching upwards because boys always think youâre flirting if you say shit with a soft smile.
Matthew places a hand over his heart.Â
âI thank your generosity,â he says with a smirk. âJust be sure to pass along my gratitude to your driver too. Do you even have a licence?â
A shocked scoff escapes you, followed by a giggle as you throw a french fry at him. He dodges with ease, then returns the attack, which only makes you laugh louder.
âWell, Frank wonât be giving you a lift home,â you say between chuckles. âHeâs got the rest of the night off.â
âFuck. Not a night off.â Matthew replies sarcastically.
Surprisingly, you feel good with him, which doesnât happen often. Sure, youâre good at making people comfortable, youâre good at flirting, but you donât usually let your own guard down. Knowing that dates with guys like Matthew â guys who you could never bring home to your parents â wonât make it past the night, well, itâs just easier to keep true feelings out of these interactions.
Matthew must notice the sudden change in your demeanor because his smile turns softer, wistful even, as he looks at you from across the table.
âIâm never going to see you again, am I?â
You do your best to keep the smile on your face, even if it doesnât reach your eyes, as you reach for his hand and squeeze.
âYouâll make one hell of a journalist some day,â you say earnestly. âAnd who knows, maybe youâll interview me in the future, for a piece about the most generous women in the world.â
Matthew snorts and squeezes your fingers back.Â
âIâm looking forward to it.â And then he says goodbye.
After your date leaves, you take all of two seconds to sigh, compose yourself, before glancing in the direction of the mystery man you spotted earlier. To your disappointment, heâs gone too. Great. Looks like youâre going home alone.
You place some cash on the table, including a generous tip, and push to stand. Thatâs when you notice something orange on the floor, close to where the brunette was sitting. On closer inspection, the piece of cloth is a scarf. A HermĂŠs scarf, at that. Odd. You wouldnât say the person sitting here moments prior could afford something this expensive, but assumptions can be wrong, so you pick the scarf up.Â
Thinking â hoping â he didnât get very far, you rush out of the diner. Maybe youâd be able to spot his head of hair and give this back to him. MaybeâŚ
Huh.
The universe is on your side because there he is, just standing outside, looking around as if heâs unsure which way to turn. His hesitancy tugs at something inside of your body and you instantly want to become someone he can count on, at least for tonight, so you tap his shoulder.
Facing you completely, the mystery man is even more handsome than you first noticed. A sea of light freckles coat his face, complimenting his deep-brown eyes perfectly. Thereâs tiny dents in his cheeks where you can tell dimples will appear if he smiles, and gentle frown lines that somehow make him feel more real. And his mouth, so plump and⌠kissable.
âYou dropped this,â you say, trying to appear nonchalant.
The guy blinks, glancing down at your outstretched hand, before clearing his throat.
âThanks.âÂ
His tone is all gravely and deep, and it sends a shockwave through your system. God, you want him to keep talking. You need him to keep talking. You need him to do a lot more actually, but youâll settle for hearing his voice again.
Naturally, you get what you want and in the process you find out a few things about him.Â
HermĂŠs is not a brand heâs familiar with, meaning your assumption about the item being out of his league was correct. The fact is further proven when he says he found the scarf, which you actually think is a lie, but you let it slide (for now). Then he asks if itâs expensive and his curiosity seems slightly desperate, as if all of a sudden heâs contemplating where to pawn the item off for some extra cash.
You nod at his last question, smiling softly and his eyes snap to your lips. They donât linger, but they do drop down again for a second time and you know you have him right where you want him â which will soon prove quite detrimental.
i do NOT consent for my works to be fed to ai agents. i also do NOT consent to them being copied or reposted in any way, here or on any other site. this tumblr account is the only place i post my works.
as always, thank you for reading & please support your writers by reblogging <3
đ mal's rambling corner aka extra context / content:
- set in the early 90s (in case anyone is wondering), + an au cause no monsters etc in Hawkins; eddie is running from something else hehe
- although not directly specified, eddie and reader are around the same age: i.e. in their early twenties
- i may also become a late 80s/ early 90s fashion guru while working on this series lol .. took me forever to research which designer brand was big in that time + sold scarves/ bandanas (the Hermès scarf mentioned linked here)
- for those that don't know, krystle carrington is a character from dynasty, and here i'm thinking of the og that eddie maybe watched with wayne (a guilty pleasure, of sorts)
- imagine what you please, but i think reader wears Chanel N°5; hence the vague description of an abstract floral scent.. my mom uses this perfume and it's the only way i could think to describe it, aside from using the word 'expensive'
- i also researched diners operational in the 90s, then i google mapped how far they'd be from the port authority bus depot to see if it's walkable for eddie jskkskks + la bonbonniere is about 34-41 mins by foot (these days) and a pretty straight road so for someone just arriving to the city â eddie â it would be quite easy to find
some super cool people who expressed interest in this story (pls let me know if you wanna be added / removed): @scarlet-prey @msmetallicareeves @probablyin-bed @kellsck
older!rockstar!eddie munson x older!housewife!reader
SUMMARY: A slow day filled with love between you and your husband.
WARNINGS: fluff. reader being a housewife. set in the present day. two mentions of reader and eddie having college aged kids. eddie being grey. two oldies loving each other. farm life.
W/C: 1.1K
A/N: first fic in forever. glad to be back, hope everyone is well!!
The sun had barely risen above the horizon, sending only soft spills of gold on the dewy grass of the farmhouse, when the animals started their day. The rooster, Oz, per usual served as an alarm clock to the others â his shrill crow waking the sleep dazed animals, their beady eyes blinking as they began their day.
Inside, the light filtered in slowly, painting light stripes on the two bodies who lay next to each other.
Unlike the animals, you didnât need Oz to know when to start the day. Decades of living on a farm tended to build up a pretty hefty internal alarm clock. Though, the rooster did take part in laying that foundation.
You came to your senses slowly. First, a grey fog spreading over your dream. Then, the sound of your own, involuntary hum. Eyes fluttering open and, finally, the feeling of your body pressed up against Eddieâs.
You didnât dare to press your cheek against his chest to feel his warmth, feel the steady rise and fall of his breath, hear the soft rumble of his snores. You knew where that led to. To not dealing with the animals.
So, with a stretch you got up. First stop, bathroom. Second stop, animals. Third stop, coffee on the patio.
Third stop, coffee on the patio â 7:56 AM
You were curled up on the outdoor sofa, mug in one hand, pencil for the sudoku puzzle that lay in your lap, in the other. The kids always said it made you look like a âHallmark grandmaâ which, God, you were not ready for. Thankfully (or hopefully) the kids were smart enough to not have kids of their own in college. Fingers crossed.
Just then, the soft padding of feet on wooden floors followed by the door sliding open.
Eddie.
âMorninâ,â he rasped, rubbing his sleep stained face with one hand as he made his way over to sit down next to you, setting his own mug on the coffee table with a soft clink.
âMorning, honey,â you smiled, reaching over to fix his hair. âSleep okay?â
Still long, still curly. But now, a striking shade of silver that spoke volumes of time passed.
âMhm,â he hummed, leaning into you with a yawn. âHow âbout you?â
âDecent. Got the animals sorted out⌠Might need a wash today, some of âem,â you mumbled, opening your arms to pull him closer.
âMm, Iâll do that.â
No over-the-top sweetness. No sugar-coated words. Just the quiet intimacy of two people who have spent decades with each other. The âboringâ life that was like a balm to two old souls who have seen it all. Who didnât need excitement to love each other.
âAnd I made use of that juicer you got me. Figured some fresh orange and lemon would be nice with breakfast," your lips grazed his forehead as you spoke.
âThatâs a full productive day âfore I even woke up, sweetheart.â
âAs always.â
Truthfully, the years of being a housewife made you find comfort in the hustle and bustle. Even if it wasnât anything like it used to be before â height of his fame, his tours, in the mix with you staying home with the kids. The fast paced chaos, though, turned into slow mornings with slow movements, paired with the ability to stop and take a breath.
âMight pop into the studio today, âf you donât need my manual labour,â Eddie smiled, straightening up to take a sip of his coffee.
âOh, yeah? You writinâ new stuff?â
âJust got a few ideas. Might be good to get the juices flowinâ. Even if all my songs will end up âbein about you again.â
Your lips curled up into a smile at his words that never failed to charm. Even after all this time of being his muse.
âDonât sell yourself short, honey, Iâm sure you got some⌠Not autobiographical ideas up there.â
âSo⌠That a no on the manual labour? âCept for giving the cows a good wash. Bet Princess smells like hell.â
âShe does,â you snorted. âAnd no. Donât think we have anythinâ major to do âround here these days, anyways.â
âWell, Iâll drop off around lunch, probably. Give a shout if anything changes.â
First stop, finish coffee. Second stop, breakfast. Third stop, wash the cows. Fourth stop, studio. Fifth stop, get back home.
Fifth stop, Eddie coming back home â 7:12 PM
The house was dimly lit when he made his way back in. The vanilla candles that were burning, mixed with the meal being pulled out the oven.
The soft clink of dishes had mixed, too, with the sound of Appetite for Destruction spinning on the record player which your son had called âvintageâ recently â leaving both you and Eddie deeply offended.
And a little intimidated at how quickly time had passed.
Yet, you were both still here.
Him, still causing chaos, while being a dutiful husband who was mindful and did his part. And yes, heâd gotten to the age where âgood husbandâ sounded way more metal than ârockstarâ.
And you, still holding everything down. For him, for yourself, for both of you together, for your family⌠Just differently now. Allowing yourself to take a moment. To stop when he suggested you should rest. The kind of thing that comes with age and your body pleading to slow down.
âThere she is,â Eddie beamed when he saw you tinkering away in the kitchen, wrapping his arms around your waist from behind.
âHave a good session?â you asked, relaxing into his hold as you took your oven mitt off.
âMhm⌠Couldnât wait to curl up with you, though.â
âThink itâs time to admit youâre becoming a homebody, Ed,â you smiled, craning your neck to look up at him.
âPfft, absolutely not.â
âUh-huhâŚâ
He simply smiled, pressing a gentle kiss to the crown of your head. Followed by another. Then another. Then one more, for good measure. Just to see a smile on your face.
âAnd whatâs that for?â
âTo thank you for this dinner.â
And everything else. You knew that. And you knew just how aware he was of everything youâve done and continue to do. But most importantly, you knew how grateful he was for it.
He showed it. Every single day.Â
And that mattered more than you could say. It helped everything you did stay a choice which was made out of love, rather than a sacrifice.
âCâmon, help me set the table,â you detangled yourself from him to grab the plates.
âYes, maâam,â he said, seamlessly falling into step beside you.
Just like before. Like always.Â
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