Adore You (oneshot, friends to lovers, mutual pining, idiots in love??, smut!! 18+ minors DNI.
Golden (drabble, established relationship, nervous energy eddie, lots of love and fluff)
Cruel Summer (oneshot, fuckbuddies-to-lovers? is that a thing?angst, fluff, smut!! 18+ minors DNI)
Have A Heart (oneshot, frienemies to lovers, kinda mean!Eddie, valentine's day fic!)
SERIES
Out of The Woods
Seven years ago, Eddie Munson broke your heart. After letting you leave for college without so much as a goodbye, you discover he's actually left you with more than he'll ever know. (If you can help it.) With your estranged father's passing, you're forced to return to Hawkins and confront your past (and future.) All while attempting to avoid Eddie until you decide how--if to tell him your secret.
Adore You (oneshot, friends to lovers, mutual pining, idiots in love??, smut!! 18+ minors DNI.
Golden (drabble, established relationship, nervous energy eddie, lots of love and fluff)
Cruel Summer (oneshot, fuckbuddies-to-lovers? is that a thing?angst, fluff, smut!! 18+ minors DNI)
Have A Heart (oneshot, frienemies to lovers, kinda mean!Eddie, valentine's day fic!)
SERIES
Out of The Woods
Seven years ago, Eddie Munson broke your heart. After letting you leave for college without so much as a goodbye, you discover he's actually left you with more than he'll ever know. (If you can help it.) With your estranged father's passing, you're forced to return to Hawkins and confront your past (and future.) All while attempting to avoid Eddie until you decide how--if to tell him your secret.
summary: Seven years ago, Eddie Munson broke your heart. After letting you leave for college without so much as a goodbye, you discover he's actually left you with more than he'll ever know. (If you can help it.) With your estranged father's passing, you're forced to return to Hawkins and confront your past (and future.) All while attempting to avoid Eddie until you decide how--if to tell him your secret.
summary: You're back and now Eddie's world is upside down. Your string of good luck finally ends.
chapter warnings: slow burn, motherhood, swearing, sexual tension, fluff, 18+ content, references to drugs and alcohol.
a/n: we finally have a lil steamy flashback and an Eddie POV!! ty as always for your patience :)
chapter 4: Kickstart My Heart || series masterlist
MARCH 17, 1986
“Who the hell throws a St. Patrick’s Day party in Hawkins?” You’ve got a Coors Light six-pack in your arms, grumbling your way through the woods.
Eddie chuckled, his hand finding the way to the small of your back. “You implying our town isn’t good enough?” The sarcasm dripped from his words like honey as he helped you avert a fallen tree that laid across the path.
You couldn't see it, but you just knew he had that signature smirk of his plastered all over those perfect pink lips, and you quietly thanked the universe that you couldn’t see it in the darkness the two of you were currently traversing.
Otherwise he'd definitely catch you staring.
“I’m saying,” you try to focus, “if Rick wanted to throw a party, he didn’t need to use St. Patty’s day as an excuse, people woulda came anyways. Now we gotta deal with idiots dressed as leprechauns and pinching every—ow!”
The sting on your hip was a minor one, and Eddie’s grin made any discomfort on your face vanish.
“Gotcha.” He smirked, pinching his fingers together triumphantly.
You continued ahead of him, feeling the heat rush to your face. “Just you wait, Munson…”
He called after you, "Ooo, feeling feisty tonight aren't we, Bug?"
You stuck out you tongue and middle finger in equilibrium.
The feeling in your stomach was new. Being with Eddie was more than just your safe place lately--it felt like home. He felt like home.
You can't be around him for more than ten minutes without feeling like you wanna shove your tongue down his throat, either.
A ten minutes walk through the woods, and lights from Rick’s cabin started to show through the tree line. You knew Reefer Rick’s parties were legendary, and Eddie had never been too keen on bringing you because of it. After all, they’d been raided before, and the last thing he wanted to do was have you face-to-face with Hopper.
Though you’d gotten to know Hop pretty well on account of all the shit with your Dad, and it was something Eddie actively tried to prevent from happening again.
“Hey,” Eddie jogged to your side, putting his free arm over your shoulders. “just…stick close to me okay? If I say it’s time to go, it’s time to go. Deal?”
His tone was loving, but stern. You nodded, those big brown eyes not leaving your face for a second.
“‘Course. But it is just a party Eddie, you’re acting like we’re walking into Mordor or something.”
He kissed the crown of your head at that, the feeling warming your stomach. “C’mon Samwise, let Frodo get you a buzz, hm?”
Inside was exactly what you pictured it would be. Wasted teens and 20 year olds losing their fucking minds.
…dressed as leprechauns no less.
“Told ya.” You whispered to Eddie, earning a wink from him.
He took the beer from you, placing it on the nearest booze-covered table. You didn’t know what to do exactly, but Eddie kept you by his side. The warmth of his palm never left the small of your back as he guided you through the house.
“Yo! Rick!” He shouted over the music.
“Oh, Eddie! What’s shaking, man?”
The two men greeted one another as all men do; a vague hand gesture and something akin to a high-five.
Rick nodded his head at you, “Who’s this?”
“Shit, my bad man.” Eddie apologized before introducing you. Rick bowed politely, and you laughed, instantly understanding why he and Eddie were friends.
“Welcome to the castle, faire maiden. Try not to get in too much trouble, okay? I don’t need your boyfriend kickin’ my ass at my own party.”
Eddie looks at you, an innocent laugh bubbling between the two of you.
Maybe Rick didn’t know you two weren’t…
You need to correct him.
Right?
You should tell him Eddie isn’t your boyfriend. You’re not together like that.
You should, but you don’t.
And neither does Eddie.
“No,” you manage to get out. “no you certainly don’t.”
Eddie doesn’t say anything, but you feel his hand rub circles on your back gently.
Rick grabbed a few cups, and poured both you and Eddie what he called a 'welcome shot'. It was more of a double...possibly a triple.
Once you’d weaved your way through the crowd, a familiar laugh calls your attention. “Look! Steve’s here!” You point him out, nearly bolting from Eddie’s side. You can tell he’s three-sheets-to-the-wind, but it doesn’t stop you from sneaking up behind him and giving him a big hug.
“Who the—“ the drunken sing-song of your name that leaves his mouth has you giggling. “I didn’t know you’d be here!”
Eddie, on the other hand, is seething. Practically shaking with…Anger? Frustration?
No, no. Those feelings are something Eddie is far too familiar with. This? This is new, it’s a churning and rolling storm in his gut.
Jealousy.
He watched as you hugged Steve, as Steve hugged you. Around your waist, the waist Eddie has been glued to all night.
Get it together, Munson.
What the fuck is wrong with him? Steve is your friend, he’s Eddie’s friend. It’s a way you’ve greeted each other hundreds of times before. Yet for some reason, this time it made him want to knock Steve’s head off of his shoulders.
Maybe it's the drunken haze in Harrington's eyes, maybe it's the way your hands linger just a bit too long on his shoulders, but Eddie couldn't take it anymore.
“Hey!” Eddie shouts, and you jump. You’re out of Steve’s embrace now, but the boy’s hand still lingered on your shoulder. “Uh, what about me Harrington? No love for your favorite male companion?”
Steve chuckled, unaware of the murderous thoughts swimming through his friends mind. “Yeah, yeah, keep your pants on Munson.”
“Where’s Robin?” Your voice is barely below a full roar in order to compete with the Van Halen blasting over the stereo.
“Ah,” Steve winked. “Vickie is here. Haven’t seen the two of them in…” Your friend looked at the expensive watch on his wrist, “over an hour.”
The heat in your face nearly had you swooning. “Well…g-good for her. For both of them.”
“I forgot, can’t mention anything about sex in front of this one,” he joked, poking your cheek with the hand holding his beer. “She might get cooties.”
You swatted his hand away, “Just because I haven’t had a penis inside me, doesn’t mean I’m a prude, Harrington.”
Steve truly was kidding, he knew you well enough to know you were simply repulsed by the options at Hawkins High. Sure, you’ve had a few hook ups here and there, but sex was something…different. Maybe it was because there was never a right time, or place.
Or maybe because you’d decided it wasn’t worth losing the one person you actually want to have sex with if things got weird after.
“I’m a Senior now, Steve. It’ll happen soon enough, don’t you worry.”
“Right,” he scoffed. “Who’s gonna be worthy enough? No one here, that’s for damn sure.”
You swallowed hard enough to actually hurt.
Eddie noted the sudden shift in your demeanor, he reached for your hand, but you pulled it away quickly.
“I’m gonna go grab a drink, okay? Anyone want anything?”
Steve raised his beer, signaling he was all set.
Eddie stepped into you. His lips pressed against the shell of your ear. “Come right back, okay? We’ll be right here, Bug,”
You swear you felt your knees buckle. “Mhm, sure.”
Alcohol. I need alcohol now.
Greeting a few acquaintances, you made your way to the green-colored punch on the kitchen island. Though you were still warm from Rick's version of a shot, you definitely weren't as buzzed as you wanted to be.
“Don’t ask what’s in it.” A girl shouted as she filled her cup. “Just drink up, baby! Woo!”
She stumbled off into the crowd, leaving you to consider whether or not you should be consuming the swamp water in front of you, but then you look back to Eddie.
He’s still right where you left him, stood next to a dancing Steve, only now he’s leaning against the table with his arms crossed, smiling ear-to-ear at the red head in front of him.
Your stomach lurched, twisting itself into a knot inside your abdomen. A brick, leadened and red-hot fell into your gut as you watched her pull down her top to show off the tattoo on her chest.
“Shit…” you spin quickly, grabbing the first cup you find and scooping the booze straight from the bowl. The burn of the alcohol temporarily smothers the feeling as you chug it down.
What more do you have to do? How much more obvious do you have to be? Maybe friends really was it, and all the things you'd built up in your head over time were just...platonic.
Maybe you simply weren’t his type.
“I wouldn’t do that if I were you.”
You wipe your chin, and see Billy Hargrove leaned against the fridge. “Patty’s not exactly a girl to model yourself after.”
The girl, Patty, is now being groped by two different guys in the middle of all the dancing. “I don’t know, Billy, she looks like she’s having a great time.” You laugh.
Despite his reputation, Billy never bothered you. In fact, it was the opposite. Though it may have been a secret, he had never been anything but kind to you since the two of you got partnered up when he had to repeat biology last year.
Thanks to you, he passed with flying colors, and he’s been nice to you ever since. The two of you also got shoved into a closet last March for a round of seven-minutes-in-heaven. You made out a little, but nothing more.
Billy laughed, opening a beer and offering it to you. You took it embarrassingly quick.
“You’re the last person I’d expect to see here. Who’d you come with, Einstein?”
You rolled your eyes at his old affectionate nickname for you. “Eddie. He’s over there with Steve and the…busty red head.”
As you turn to point him out, your arm hits something—someone. Eddie is there, right behind you.
So close in fact, you can feel the heat of his body against yours.
He’s not looking at you though, his gaze is locked on Billy, and it’s the very definition of if-looks-could-kill.
“Hargrove.” He says flatly.
Billy nods his head up once. “Munson. Don’t mind us. Just having a drink with my adorable little lab partner here.” He taps his beer bottle against yours.
You look up at Eddie, but he still isn’t looking at you. His gaze isn’t leaving Billy’s and Billy isn’t exactly known for backing down.
Eddie was at that same party last year. When you and Billy had emerged from the closet, he looked like he was gonna be sick. Drank himself into a black hole, but you took care of him all night.
“Well then—“ you say suddenly, hoping to ease the tension. “thank you for the beer. See you around, Bill.” You grab Eddie’s hand, and he laces his fingers with yours.
“Anytime, Einstein. You’ve got my number.”
You're sure at that moment, you heard Eddie growl.
The two of you are headed out of the kitchen, back to Steve and the rest of the party, when Eddie starts pulling you instead.
He’s moving quickly through the house, down two hallways, and into the first door that isn’t already shut.
“Eddie what the hell?!” You shout as he shut the door behind him.
“Why were you talking to Billy fucking Hargrove?”
You blink at him, not sure why he’s asking you this. Your beer finds its way to the counter. “He’s one of the few people here I actually know?” It comes out as a question. “He was over by the booze, and he offered me a beer, so I took it.”
“He’s an asshole.”
The glass bottle in your hand bangs against the counter as you put it down. “To you. He’s nice to me, Eddie. The bravado shit is just a show for everyone else.”
Eddie scoffed, “Yeah, I'm sure being nice is all he has in mind.”
Your head shakes involuntarily. “Where the fuck is this coming from? I walked away from you for two minutes and you had a red head and a big pair of tits in you face. You didn’t seem too worried about me then.”
You cross your arms, shielding yourself from what you know is coming. "Why am I here, Eddie? Why bring me here if you just planned on getting laid by the first girl you see?"
He looked disgusted, "I brought you here because I want you here--because everything is better with you around. Why are you worries about some chick with big tits? She was showing me a tattoo she got--" Eddie stopped—sighing. "Forget it, I don't want to talk about her."
Eddie's posture changed, his shoulders relaxed, and he moved closer to you.
“And for the record, I always worry about you.” He whispers.
You don’t speak--simply look into his eyes. The usual soft chocolate-brown color is barely visible. His blown out gaze rakes over your features, stopping at your lips briefly.
His palms run down your arms, making them uncross. “You’re all I fucking think about.”
The thrumming of your heart deafened you, but your best friend wasn’t budging.
“Eddie…”
His hands found your waist. Eddie leaned towards you, pressing his forehead to yours. “Tell me to stop, Bug.”
His nose moved along your cheek as he exposed your neck to his view. He kissed the base of your ear, leaving trails of hot breath and soft pecks along your jaw.
“Don’t,” you moan. “Don’t stop.”
A growl erupted from Eddie as he scooped you up, placing you on the counter.
“You have no idea,” he whispered, kissing the side of your neck. “No fucking idea what you do to me.”
Your breathing was hot and heavy and quick. The soft moans spilling from your lips spurred Eddie on.
“Feels like I’m dreaming, honey.“ He whispered against your lips, and you could smell the alcohol on his breath. “Can…can I touch you?”
You were nodding before he finished the question. "Everywhere...touch me everywhere."
His mouth moved with your own, and Eddie couldn't get enough of you. His hands roamed, never satisfied with the amount of skin he was touching. "You're so fucking beautiful." He growled.
His warm grip slid down your body, past your waist, to grab handfuls of your ass. He pushed you against him firmly, and you felt how hard he was beneath his jeans.
“Eddie I—“
Bang, Bang, Bang!
The pounding on the door made you jump.
“Hey! Some people need to take a leak! Fuck somewhere else!”
The two of you looked at each other, breathy laughs falling in the space between.
“Shit.” He breathed. “C’mon, let’s get outta here.”
Eddie couldn't see straight--couldn't breathe. The world was collapsing around him and it’s a damn miracle he got home in one piece.
Your voice replayed over and over in his head, though somehow the silence in the trailer he’d taken over from Wayne was deafening.
“Leave, Eddie. There’s nothing left here for you.”
It had been so long, he had almost forgotten.
How his world lost all color when you left. How time started moving in slow motion and fast-forward all at once. The day you left for college was the last time anyone saw him for nearly a year after.
The months that followed were filled with getting high and drinking and not leaving the trailer. He would occasionally go to the Hideout, but only on weekdays, when he knew it would be dead. That stopped after a few visits, it reminded him too much of you.
He couldn’t find a job, let alone keep one. Wayne begged him to return your calls, to go visit you and make whatever was wrong right again. Poor old man had no idea that Eddie couldn’t—he wouldn’t.
He’d finally reconnected with Steve 4 or 5 years ago, and they’d been rocks for each other since. Life as full-fledged adults was pretty fucking tricky, but he and Robin really did make it a whole lot easier. Steve got Eddie a job at Tom's Auto—they do the work for all of his Dad’s clients. The pay wasn’t half bad and Eddie’s been there ever since.
In the beginning, Steve would ask Eddie if he heard from you, hopeful that if anyone would know anything, it would be him. "She's better off." It's all Eddie could muster.
Until tonight, he was sure you were never coming back, and he hoped to whatever God was listening that you were safe and happy. After all, it's been seven years and you’d never been back to Hawkins. Not even when your Dad died, not that Eddie expected you too. To be honest, Eddie wasn’t exactly sad to see the son of a bitch go.
He’d snuck into the funeral—if you could call it that—and waited in the back. Eddie looked over a slew of Plant workers and locals, trying to pick you out of the crowd, but you weren’t there, he was stupid for even hoping you’d be. He didn’t exactly have a plan if you were there, just hoping to catch a glimpse of you, he supposed.
Eddie stumbled to his freezer and pulled out the chilled bottle of Vodka, taking several large swigs.
“Fuck, fuck, fuck…” his forehead pressed against the cool metal of the refrigerator.
How the fuck was he going to do this?
Eddie had no idea you were in Hawkins, but by the looks of it you’d been back for a while. Had you been avoiding him?
She wouldn’t waste her time. He thought.
Where were you working? Did you come back to sell the house? Did someone come back with you?
He couldn’t stomach that last one.
Eddie put the vodka back, slamming the freezer door shut. “God fucking dammit!” He cursed, rubbing his palms over his eyes.
Everything he did was to protect you, to let you have the life he knew you deserved and the future he knew you we're capable of. Even now, he wanted to make sure you were safe, secure...
but that wasn’t his job anymore. It hadn't been for nearly a decade.
Eddie couldn’t disrupt the life you’ve created for yourself, even if some how it lead you back to this hell hole.
So he’ll follow your lead. You want to be invisible? He’ll do his damn best, he won’t be the reason for any more of your heartache.
He swears it.
"And then, Mommy, I...was...flying!" Maggie emphasized with her arms stretched out in the back seat.
"Wow, Mags! That is such a cool dream!"
You turned onto Main Street, and made a bee-line for Duke's Donuts. Friday morning's were equally as special as Friday nights to Maggie because she got to have her favorite glazed donut breakfast.
It was a $1.50 black coffee/donut combo, and you were fine with that.
"Now remember, Mags," you shut her door, and continued the conversation once you're back in the car. Maggie munches her donut gratefully. "Mommy has a job interview today, so I might be a few minutes late--"
Panic floods your veins as you turn the key, and your car doesn't start.
Not only does it not start, it doesn't do anything.
"Shit, shit, shit. No!" You try again in a desperate attempt, but nothing happens. "Fuck!"
"Mommy?" Maggie asked worrily.
You sighed, "I'm sorry, sunshine. Mommy is a little frustrated right now, just...stay here, gimme one second."
"Okay, Mama."
You lift the hood, and check all the standard bits you know how to check. Oil is good, timing belt seems fine...
Thankfully, the counter lady at Duke's was kind enough to let you use their phone to call Steve.
"I got a tow truck coming for it, okay? I'll come grab you and Maggie."
"Steve...you have work, it's fine. We can ride in the tow."
He chuckled through the receiver, "I think you're forgetting I work at a place with my last name on the building, I can skip a day."
He got as laugh out of you, "Well alrighty then, both you and Mags get to play hooky."
"I'll see you soon, okay? 10 minutes max."
Maggie was bummed about missing school, they were having an assembly on fire safety today and she was so upset she wouldn't get to show off how she already knows how to 'Stop, Drop, and Roll.'
But knowing she gets to spend the day with Uncle Steeb definitely made it more bearable.
"Look Maggie-moo, I think he's for us." You pointed at the bright blue tow truck that read Tom's Autobody.
Steve was right behind him.
"Uncle Steeb!" Maggie shouted, jumping into his arms.
"Mags! What did you do to Mom's car, hmm?" He joked, hugging her tightly.
"It wasn't me!" She laughed, "Mama said its a pizza junk."
Steve threw his head back and laughed.
"And was I wrong? Look at it, Steve. It is a...pizza junk."
Maggie watched as the car got loaded onto the truck bed.
"You know, we have plenty of company cars. I could always--"
"No, Steve. I appreciate it, but no. No more hand outs." You said firmly.
Your friend sighed, "It's not a hand out. It's a hand up, ya know, like...like I'm lifting you up? Don't laugh at me, I'm offering to give you a head start, you can't get ahead if you're always behind."
You hugged him tightly, "I know, but I've done it alone this long, we'll be okay."
He knew better than to argue.
Your car set off to the repair shop, and you got into Steve's car to follow. "All set, Mags?"
"Yup!"
Steve put the car in reverse, "Oh but don't be surprise if the bill for the work is paid when you get there."
"God dammit, Harrington."
"Yeah, yeah, love you too. Don't worry, I got one of my best guys working on it just for you."
summary: Seven years ago, Eddie Munson broke your heart. After letting you leave for college without so much as a goodbye, you discover he's actually left you with more than he'll ever know. (If you can help it.) With your estranged father's passing, you're forced to return to Hawkins and confront your past (and future.) All while attempting to avoid Eddie until you decide how--if to tell him your secret.
Summary: established relationship, Eddie is an emotionally constipated lil guy who's scared of his own feelings, adorable nervous energy, so much fluff its gross
AN: BRUV i wrote this in about a half hour ago and now its up and i BARELY edited this so please be gentle! I love you guys, have the best weekend!
I can’t fucking say it.
Eddie has been pacing back and forth in his room for the past 45 fucking minutes.
He’s tried saying it looking in the mirror, looking at his feet, hell, he even tried staring out the fucking window.
Nothing.
He can think it—that’s the easy part. Those three little words play in his head like a god damned broken record.
When he’s not around you, he’s thinking it. When he’s just left you, or on his way to you, he can feel it on the tip of his tongue.
Oh, but when he’s with you? It’s like a big flashing neon fucking sign buzzing in his brain:
EDDIE MUNSON LOVES HIS GIRL.
It should be easy, no? To look you into your dreamy eyes and tell you.
Let’s try this again.
Eddie bounced back and forth on each foot, shaking the nerves from his hands. “C’mon, Munson. Don’t be a chicken shit…”
He let out a few quick breaths. “Okay, okay…”
Eddie’s brain is screaming at him. Telling him to say the fucking words he’s been thinking and feeling for the past 4 months.
Really the past 3 years he’s knowns you, but that’s neither here nor there.
He feels out of breath just sitting on the edge of his bed with his head in his hands.
“I can’t fucking say it, holy hell.” Eddie scrubs his face, feeling like a complete coward.
Always running from what scares him.
He heard the door of the trailer open, and the familiar chime of your keychain follow.
“Eds? I’m back! and I got you a surprise!”
Whatever nerves he was feeling vanished. You’re the most calming presence Eddie’s ever met. Like…a warm blanket. A cup of tea on a rainy day. Lover's lake, right as the sun was starting to rise.
Magical. Healing. Golden.
You were everything to him, and he couldn’t even fucking tell you.
“Babe?” You called again, looking for him.
“Y-Yeah! Yeah, in here, sweetheart.” He stands quickly. Drying his sweaty palms on his pants.
You round the corner into his room, and Eddie swears you get more beautiful every time he sees you. You smile at him, “Hey, handsome.”
“There’s my pretty girl.” He says without a second thought. “You and Buckley have fun at the mall?”
Eddie pulls you into him completely, and you melt. He’s so sturdy and strong but so, so gentle with you. You inhale him, he inhales you.
Home.
“I did, Robin keeps me from flying too close to the sun,” you laugh. “I did, however, get you a little something.”
Eddie pulls back, looking at you. “What? Why?”
You’re beaming up at him, “‘Cause I love you, ya silly goose.” You bend down, and grab the bag at your feet. “Here, opening it!”
Eddie doesn’t even have time to process how easily you’d say it.
You’ve never once pressured him—never made a big thing about saying it. It came with no strings when you said it the first time.
You’d spent the day with him, doing nothing particularly important. These were Eddie’s favorite. It’s just him and his girl, no sharing you with Robin or Dustin or any of those other gremlins.
You had an early shift the next day, so you kissed him goodbye, and grabbed your bag. Eddie kissed you once for every step you took toward the door.
“Baby, nooooo,” he whined. “I’ll let you sleep, sweetheart. No funny business, scouts honor.”
You laughed, “Oh, you were Boy Scout?”
Eddie shifted his feet, “I could’ve been.”
You kissed him deeply at the front door, “I’ll be back before you know it."
“Fine, fine,” he said dramatically. “I’ll just be here…alone…wallowing in my sorrows.” Eddie flopped back and fell backwards over the couch.
Your giggle echoed off the walls of the trailer. “I love you! I’ll see you in the morning!”
The door shut behind you, and Eddie shot up like a rocket, and stiff as a board.
You love him.
You said you loved him.
And he didn’t say it back.
It’s haunted him since.
Eddie took the bag from your hands, and pulled you gently to follow him. You sat down together on the edge of his bed.
You spoke to him as he opened it, “Okay, if you don’t like them, just be nice because it took me 40 minutes to decide between two sets and this one spoke to me and I wanted—“
“Honey, honey.” Eddie chuckled. “Take a breath. Whatever it is, it’s perfect." He tapped your nose gently, "‘Cause it’s from you.”
Eddie unwrapped the tissue paper, revealing a black acrylic case. He removed the lid, and his jaw nearly hit the floor.
“Holy shit, baby.”
Inside the case, was a brand new set of black onyx and ruby red DND dice.
“You like ‘em? Robin almost left me in the store because I just couldn’t decide—“
Eddie put the dice down quickly, grabbed your cheek, and kissed you tenderly.
He brought his other hand to your face as well, cupping it gently as his mouth moved over yours
When he was done with your mouth, Eddie kissed your nose, your cheeks, your eyes, your chin, any part of you he deemed not smothered in affection enough.
His lips had barely left your skin before he spoke, “I love you. God, I love you so much, sweetheart.”
Your smile—it could light up the whole town.
“Y-Yeah?” You asked hopefully, “You do?”
Eddie nodded, his hair tickling you cheeks. “I really, really do, baby. I love you. Thank you for thinking of me. For taking the time to do something that I never woulda done for myself. Thank you for just…” Eddie sighed, kissing your forehead. “Just for being mine. Christ, I’m so lucky.”
It wasn't about the gift.
Eddie had it all when he had you, and now he's going to make sure you know it.
Summary: As children, you and Eddie made a pact to never cross that line. But as the two of you have grown it has become almost impossible to keep. You decide to make a new pact instead. ;)
Explicit sexual content, Minors DNI, word count 3k, moved over from my old account 🖤
*******
"Eddie!" you knock loudly on the door of his trailer. His van is here so he's gotta be home.
"Eds?!" you try again, banging on the door even louder.
He's probably still sleeping. The boy doesn't wake up earlier than noon, especially on a Saturday.
You close the screen door and make your way around the trailer to his window. It's cracked slightly and the smell of weed immediately hits your nose, making you smile. He's up.
You push up on the old window, listening to the squeak as it struggles to move. "Eddie!" you shout through the crack. Again, no response.
You roll your eyes as you use all your strength to lift the window enough to crawl through. You climb in head first and tumble onto his floor. As you sit up, your eyes adjust to the dim room. You see him lying on his back on the floor, headphones on his ears, his fingers tapping away as he listens to the music.
No shirt, his tattoos on full display. Hair pulled back into a messy bun, loose curls sticking out everywhere. A pair of dark green flannel pajama pants hanging low on his waist.
Fuck, he looks good.
You watch as he brings his fingers to his lips, inhaling on the joint, releasing a cloud of smoke into the air. You tiptoe across the floor, hearing the tune of 'Dirty Women' by Black Sabbath coming from the headset as you lean over him.
His already round eyes widen even more as he sits up quickly, his head slamming into yours.
"Shit! Are you okay?" he shouts over the music still blasting in his ears. You reach out with one hand removing his headphones, leaving them dangling around his neck as you rub your forehead with your other.
"Easy Tiger." you giggle and he gives you a crooked grin. His eyes are glossed over and slightly red from his activities.
"Sorry, didn't hear you comin.” he explains, pointing towards the earphones.
"Yeah, I got that.” you smile, shoving his shoulder lightly as he scoots a little closer to you.
"Thought you were coming by tonight?" he raises an eyebrow as he stands up, holding his hand out to you. You grab his hand and he pulls you from the ground.
"My shift got canceled and I was bored." you shrug, reaching out for the joint in his hand.
"I have an idea.” Eddie says suddenly, his brown glinting. You inhale deeply on the joint and wait for him to continue. He stands there silently, eyes zoning in on your chest.
"Eddie!" you smack him upside the head bringing him out of his daze and he shakes his wild hair.
“Sorry.. I'm high." he shrugs with a little wiggle of his brows.
"Your idea?" you push.
"Right.. the clubhouse. Let's hotbox." A slick smile spreads on his pretty lips. Every time you're together, you have to fight the urge to kiss him. To touch him. To beg him to touch you.
You had both made a pact. An oath. You were best friends. You couldn't cross that line. But now.. every year it gets harder and harder to keep it.
I wonder if he feels the same.
"Hello?” Eddie snaps his fingers in front of your face teasingly.
"Mhmm.. yeah. Let's go." you grin at him and his smile widens. He walks over to his nightstand, swiping up his little lunchbox.
You make your way outside, following the familiar trail into the woods behind the trailer park. You used to come here all the time together. Staying up, eating bags of candy and telling scary stories until Wayne would come and drag you both out.
You reach the rickety ladder leading high into the trees and glance over at Eddie, a nervous look on your face.
"When's the last time you've been up here? It looks... well, it looks like we're gonna die if we attempt this."
"Oh, we're fine. Come on. You first." he encourages, his hand landing on your waist. The small touch sends tingles down your spine.
"Why do I have to go first?" you groan, grabbing hold of the wooden plank.
"That way I can catch you if you fall." he explains, keeping his hand resting gently on your side. You take a deep breath and begin your climb.
"Shit!" you squeal as your foot slips on the third step and you fall into Eddie, his free hand lands on your ass, holding you up.
"Oops." you laugh, turning to peek at Eddie. His hand remains in place making you blush.
“Eds?" you nod towards his hand and he just smiles.
"Total accident, sweetheart. Swear." he cheeses. Your heart starts to pound in your chest. He's flirting. Shit, no... He always flirts. It's just friendly banter. Normal for the two of you. But is that all it is? Fuck.
You continue up the ladder, Eddie following close behind until you reach the top. You push the Spider-Man sheet to the side and crawl into the small treehouse. Everything looks about the same. A few new additions since the last time you've been here.
An ashtray sits in the corner, a stack of playboy and hustler magazines sprawled out, some empty beer bottles.
"Eddie Munson.." you giggle, shaking your head in mock disappointment.
Eddie plops on the dusty floor reaching out and snagging one of the magazines. "What? A man has needs."
"Ew." you joke, grabbing his lunchbox, plopping a pre rolled joint between your lips.
"What? You don't uh, take care of yourself?"
The question catches you off guard. But even more than that, his tone. It was much deeper than before. You hope your cheeks aren't as red as they feel as you meet his gaze. You light the joint, inhaling deeply, holding the smoke in your lungs a moment before exhaling.
"No, I do." you whisper, taking another toke.
Eddie watches you curiously, scooting a little closer to you in the already cramped space.
"You gonna share?" he winks at you, making your heart flutter. He's so close. All I want is to taste him. To finally give in.
"Hey, you okay?" Eddie nudges you playfully with his foot, shaking you from your thoughts. You nod sitting up on your knees in between his sprawled legs. You bring the joint to his lips and his eyes lock on yours as he inhales slowly.
You inch closer, the slight buzz from the weed making you more confident.
"Are you about to kiss me?" Eddie blurts making you pause.
"What? No!” you snort shoving his chest hard, making him fall back to the dirty floor. He coughs, the smoke filling his lungs coming out in small spurts as you move back to your spot against the wall, feeling a wild mix of emotions.
He scrambles to get back up, immediately coming to sit in front of you again. “I- uh- I wasn't gonna stop you.. if you were going to... ya know?" he mumbles under his breath.
You meet his big brown eyes, the same eyes you've looked into for years and years. There was no mistaking it. They were darker. Full of hunger. A hunger for you.
Shit.. say something. Anything. Your mind goes blank. Every part of you wanting to just kiss him.
The other part of you worried about your friendship. The whole reason the two of you made the pact.
"The pact.” you breathe.
Eddie speaks next, leaning back slightly, twisting one of his rings on his finger.
"Who do you think about when you touch yourself?" he burns lowly, his eyes searching your face.
"What?”
"Who do you think about?" he asks again, his eyes remain locked on yours.
You. Always you.
You shrug instead, keeping your thoughts to yourself.
Eddie nods slowly, taking another long puff off the joint before handing it your way. The small area was already cloudy with smoke as you both continue to add to the haze.
"It's not like we made a blood oath or something."
Eddie says after a few minutes. Both of you now feeling the effects of the high.
"We literally made a blood oath." you argue, a smile on your lips as you think back to the two of you pricking your fingers with a thumb tack.
"We were thirteen." Eddie pushes back, moving over so he's sitting right next to you. You can feel his body warmth radiating against your side. When you turn his face is only inches from yours.
"Where is this coming from?" you whisper.
"I just.. fuck, I don't know. Just, look at you." Eddie breathes out, his words making your entire body warm.
"Who do you think about?" you ask suddenly.
"I don't know what you mean." he grins widely, forcing you to ask him directly.
"When you touch yourself.. do you just think about those girls in the magazine?"
"Sometimes.. sometimes I think of someone else." he hints as his hand gradually makes its way to your thigh.
"Me?" you swallow hard, barely pushing the word out.
"Do you think about me?" he challenges, his hand resting heavily on your upper thigh.
"Yes." you admit. You knew it wasn't the drugs.
You've always wanted Eddie. But the buzz was allowing you to finally speak your truth.
You can tell he's happy with your answer, his face lighting up. His brown eyes gleaming.
"Show me."
"I don't under-'
"Show me what you do when you think about me." he cuts you off swiftly.
Holy shit. Your mind fills with wild thoughts as you take what he said into consideration. You can feel yourself throbbing at the thought. Touching yourself in front of him. Eddie's eyes watching you as you bring yourself to your peak. Would he touch himself too?
Before you can change your mind you guide your hands into your shorts, listening as Eddie inhales sharply.
"Fuck." he exhales, watching carefully as your hand meets your warmth under the material of your shorts. You close your eyes, worried that if you see him you might overthink everything.
Right now it just felt good. So good.. and you know he's watching.
"I close my eyes." you start, slowly rubbing circles around your clit. Eddie hums in response, waiting for you to keep going.
"And I see your face. I-I think about how your lips would feel.. your tongue. the sounds you would make..." you moan as you slip two fingers inside, feeling your arousal.
"What else?" Eddie rasps, his lips suddenly against your ear, his voice makes you speed up your fingers.
"I think about how you would feel inside me.. if you would be rough.. if you would.. ohh.. if you would make me scream."
"I promise I could make you scream." Eddie burns. You feel his fingers on your chin, turning you to face him. Your eyes drift open and Eddie presses his forehead against yours as you work your fingers in and out of your soaked pussy.
"I think about your fingers a lot... your rings.. I pretend my hands are yours.." you whimper, feeling yourself on the edge but not quite there.
You don't want your fingers. You want his.
"Eddie."
"You gonna cum, sweetheart?"
"I want you.. I want you to make me cum.." you whine desperately, only seconds away from your orgasm.
"Yeah?" he pants breathlessly.
"Please." you beg. He wastes no time reaching into your shorts, you remove your fingers just in time for his to replace them. His slender fingers immediately reach exactly where you need them to, curling with precision, stroking across your g spot making you cum instantly.
"Yes! Oh fuck!" you cry, your muscles pulsing around his fingers, Eddie watches in awe as you fall apart beneath his hand.
"Holy fuck.” Eddie groans deeply, slowly working you through your orgasm.
You grab him, slamming your lips into his pulling a moan from him instantly. He leans in, his body pressing you down to the floor as you tangle your hands in his hair.
Fuck.
He tastes like weed and Camel Blues as his tongue greets yours hungrily. You both kiss sloppily, soaking up this moment. After all these years, both of you finally getting what you want.
Clothes are torn off. No more hesitation as you both paw at each other, kissing and biting, the eagerness apparent from both of you. Moans and the sound of messy kisses fill the room.
"Fuck me." you plead with him as your bodies grind together, skin on skin, so close together.
"We need a new pact." he pants breathlessly, lining himself up.
"Mhmm." you moan, feeling his tip start to stretch you out.
"The new pact is that You're mine." he moans as he thrusts himself in, entering you fully, a filthy cry raining from your lips.
"I'm yours." you whimper, your fingernails digging into his back as he begins to pump in and out of you.
"We have to seal it, sweetheart." he mumbles drunkenly, picking up his pace. His size is unlike anything you've had before, your legs already shaking slightly, a tinge of pain mixed with the beautiful pleasure.
"What do you- oh!" you gasp as his teeth sink into your bottom lip just hard enough to break the skin. You feel the trickle of warm liquid dribble down your chin.
"Shit." you breathe out before returning the favor, taking Eddie's plump lip between your teeth and tugging roughly making him growl as he slams his cock into you.
"Goddamn, baby.” he groans, kissing your lips, gliding his tongue inside. A metallic taste fills your mouth as your tongues swirl together wildly, your blood mixing together in your kiss.
"Call me baby again." you whimper, rolling your hips, grinding on his big cock. He feels so fucking good.
Eddie chuckles bringing his lips to your ear as he fucks you powerfully. His cock glides in and out of your slickness, the sounds loud in the quiet of the woods.
"You like being my baby?" he murmurs in your ear.
"Yes!”
"You feel so fucking good.. so fucking good." he praises, entering you deeply with every snap of his hips. Your head falls to the wooden floor as your back begins to arch.
"There we go, sweetheart." Eddie hums approvingly as your thighs begin to tremble.
He keeps himself buried deep, rolling into you, his thick cock filling you to the brim. He thrusts into you precisely, finding your sweet spot making your toes curl.
"Eddie! R-right there!" you whine, the pleasure of someone fucking you right for the first time was unlike anything you'd felt before. You didn't know sex could feel this good.
"Gonna take care of you, sweetheart.. I got you." Eddie reassures, keeping his pace, in and out, in and out.
His lips lock onto your neck sucking harshly. You grip the back of his head, holding him to you, the feeling of his lips sucking your skin felt delicious. His fingers meet your clit, quickly rubbing circles on the sensitive nub, making your eyes roll.
"Please don't stop... I think.. I think I'm gonna..”
"Cum for me, beautiful.” Eddie demands in your ear, sending you over the edge. You pull his hair roughly as your body jolts upward, your pussy clenching around him, spasm after spasm as you flood his cock.
"E-Eddie! Ohh my god.. f-fuck!" you practically scream, Eddie loving every second of you writhing beneath him. Watching as you make a mess of his cock. You can feel your cum coating your thighs as he continues to pound into you.
His hands tangle in your hair as his lips meet yours feverishly. Your entire body is overwhelmed as you cling to him, it's almost too much but you don't want it to end. He lifts your leg onto his shoulder, the new angle making you gasp.
"You're so fucking hot." Eddie moans, the sounds coming from him are everything you imagined they'd be. Even better.
"We're gonna cum together." Eddie orders as he leans down, taking your leg with him, his hard cock somehow reaching deeper.
"Together.” you whimper, feeling him stretch you out again and again. He speeds up, slamming into you wildly, your legs shake as you grasp for him, wanting him to be as close as possible. He leans down even more, you feel the strain of your leg muscles as he bends you in ways unknown to you before.
He sinks his teeth into your neck making your eyes roll to the back of your head as your nails claw at his back, sending red streaks across his tattoos.
"Gonna cum…. wanna cum inside you.." he mumbles, his hips moving at an insane pace.
"Cum inside me, baby." you moan, completely losing all sense of anything but him as he fucks you senseless. A few more hard thrusts and you feel his cock twitch, his warm cum spilling into you as he moans your name.
"Fucking Christ." he laughs breathlessly as he collapses on top of you. Both of you lay there silently, your chests rising and falling rapidly as you come down from your high. You run your fingers through his curls as he rests his head on your chest.
After a few minutes you hear the crunching of leaves below you causing you both to sit up suddenly.
"Edward!" Wayne's voice calls from below.
"Shit."
"Come down here and eat your damn dinner.. 20 years old and still playing in a damn treehouse." Wayne mumbles as you hear his footsteps heading back through the woods.
You both look at each other and burst out laughing.
"Dinner, m'lady?" Eddie smirks, rounding up your clothes.
"Dinner sounds perfect.” you smile at him, feeling happier than you’ve ever felt.
a/n: I don't want to give spoilers, but we may or may not have a run-in with a certain metal head in this chapter! :O (just a taste, a lil treat bc you've all been so good.)
chapter 3: Silver Springs || series masterlist
NOVEMBER 4th, 1983
Friday was the best day of the week.
Sure, weekends are great, but Friday night meant movie night at the Munson’s.
“You better not make her watching nothin’ scary, Edward.” Wayne huffed, grabbing his choice of cap from the wall, as well as big winter coat.
Eddie’s hand flew over his heart. “I would never! Not so close to the holidays!”
You threw a piece of popcorn at his head as the laughter bubbled from your chest. “Holidays? It’s not even Thanksgiving!” Eddie motions for you to keep throwing so he can catch one in his mouth. You oblige, but not without a protest of your own. “I would like—no, I demand a comedy.”
Eddie bowed to you, peering up and showing off the piece of popcorn he’d caught at the last second “What m’lady wants, she shall receive.”
The trailer door blew out of Wayne’s grip as he opened it, “Christ, it’s freezin’! Turn the heat on, boy. Your date is gonna freeze to death.”
Eddie gives you a knowing look. There’s no point, his eyes send the message loud and clear. The two of you have told Wayne dozens of times that you weren’t on dates, you were just best friends hanging out.
He didn’t buy it.
“Why does she get the heat? Pretty sure I got frost bite when I got outta the shower today.”
“Because,” Wayne slid his hands into a pair of work gloves as he walked toward you. “I like her and I want her to keep comin’ around.” He bent down, and kissed the crown of your head.
You protested, “I don’t wanna bug you—“
“Yeah, yeah, yeah.” Eddie teased. “Ya know you say that a lot?”
“It’s the truth!”
“You could never bug me—ever. Even if you could, who cares? Not like it’s a bad, it’s a good bug you reserve just for me; my bug.”
Your eyes seemed to roll of their own free will, “Eddie.”
He dropped down next to you, putting a hand on your upper thigh as he offered you a twizzler. “Yes, Bug?”
Neither of you had noticed when exactly Wayne slipped out.
You’d compromised that night. Ghostbusters, a little something for the both of you.
About 30 minutes in, Eddie looked at you. He took in how you laughed at something Bill Murray said, how the sound bubbling from your chest made your nose crinkle.
God, he could listen to that sound all day.
When you turned to him, he panicked. Standing quickly, “Uh, shit…here,” he said, not knowing where the hell he was going with the sentence.
Eddie looked around for a moment, what felt like an hour for him was surely only a few seconds. He ended up grabbing Wayne’s old Polaroid camera from the shelf. “C’mon, we gotta take a picture.”
You smiled through your confusion, “Why?”
Eddie shrugged, “Because we never do! And I wanna remember this even when we’re so old we can’t remember our own names.”
“You want to remember a randoms Friday night?”
He nodded. “If it’s a Friday night with you? Always.”
The whirr and click of the camera went off before you knew what was happening. “Eddie, I wasn’t ready! I’m gonna look like a fucking Goblin!”
The timber of his laugh made your heart race. Eddie pulled the film from its slot beneath the lens. “Don’t sell yourself short, Bug. Troll maybe, but never a Goblin.”
You elbowed his ribs at the exact moment he connected with the couch.
“Oof.” He laughed. “C’mon, smile?”
“Fine.”
Eddie put his arm around you, pulling you in close. A second later, the flash blinded you both, leaving you dazed and giggly for the next minute.
You held out your hand, and gestured to where the photo of the two of you was laid out to develop. “Let’s see it then.” You demanded.
Eddie pulled it off the coffee table, looking at it before he handed it to you.
He wasn’t looking at the camera, no. His eyes were on you, and he was smiling harder than he’d thought was possible.
He saw how you were leaned into him, your hand holding his as it draped over your shoulder, the light behind your eyes, the smile he couldn’t get enough of.
Eddie felt it then.
So immediate and sudden it felt like his heart got struck by lightning, and it was then that he realized two things:
That this feeling, whatever it was, couldn’t possibly end well.
And two?
He is so fucked.
It became easier to breathe.
You hadn’t realized just how suffocating life here had become. To be back in Hawkins and still feel like you were hiding and alone. Though now, and in the weeks since you’re run-in with Robin and Steve, it all got a bit brighter and a little less heavy.
Steve was committed to putting the past behind you, a sentiment he all but drilled into your head the first night he visited Maggie and you at the house.
“You did what you thought you needed to do to make it. You’re back now, though. Let us be there for you.”
He also became Maggie’s own personal jungle gym. Whenever they watched a movie or had a snack together, your daughter could be found on top of him in some way. They especially enjoyed watching cartoons on Saturdays; Maggie perched on top of Uncle Cheeseball’s shoulders, because according to her it was the ‘best seat in the house.’
Robin couldn’t be deterred either.
She’s over at least three nights a week now, and Maggie is obsessed—like, seriously obsessed. It’s the sort of bond you watch from afar and admire, the way your friend opened her heart to your daughter. How she’s protected her innocence and encouraged her silliness.
Kids aren’t exactly everyone’s cup of tea. They’re loud and messy and demanding in a totally innocent way. They require you to think before you act and never put yourself first. It’s why any dates you’d been on over the years hadn’t worked out, most people disappeared after they learned of her. Not that you cared, Maggie was number one in your life, and you were damn proud of that.
But now here you are, the life you had been convinced you’d never have was happening before your eyes.
“And ya know what else, Miss M? Your Mom fell right on her butt and slid all the way down the hill!”
Maggie’s laughter echoed off the your living room walls.
“Hey! It was December and Hillcrest is notoriously icy when it snows!” You feigned insult, and tickled Maggie as her laughter multiplied.
“Mom! That’s so silly! How'd you stop sliding?” She questioned.
Robin’s eyebrow quirked up, “Yeah, how did you stop sliding?”
You sighed, embarrassment painting your face. “Steve—Uncle Cheeseball had to catch me.”
The two of them howled with laughter, “Yeah-yeah, laugh it up. I don’t like this, you’re in…cahoots!”
“Excuse me!” Robin objected. “I am a responsible adult!”
Maggie stood with her hands on her hips. “Yeah! Me too!”
You leaned down, kissing her forehead. “Alright, well, it’s bedtime for all adults and former children.”
Maggie whined, but let out a yawn mid-grumble.
“See? Proof.” You booped her nose. “Go on, you have school tomorrow. Teeth, pjs, bed, okay?”
Maggie hugged you, “Okay, Mama. Goodnight, Robby! I’ll see you on Friday for pizzas!”
She ran the few feet to your friend, and squeezed her. “Wouldn’t miss it for the world, kiddo.”
Maggie, by the grace of God, listened. She was so worn out from laughing and dancing and playing with Robin that she crashed as soon as her little head hit the pillow.
“Want me to take the trash out on my way?” Robin asked, hands full of the nonsense she’d brought along with her.
“Is there a 3rd hand in there I don’t know about?” You nodded towards her, “No, Robs. I got it, I just gotta do the dishes first.”
Robin smiled behind you, relishing in the gratitude she felt having you back. “I-I’m so proud of you.” It was a near whisper, and when you turned to your friend, she had tears in her eyes.
“Maggie is…she’s so cool! And you’re obviously an incredible Mom. I’m just, I’m sorry you felt like you had to stay away.”
Your own eyes burned at that. You walked to Robin and pulled her into a hug. “I’m sorry too, I’m sorry I didn’t call, or write…I just didn’t know how to—to be here.”
She nodded into your embrace, adjusting the items she cradled. “Well, you’re here now. Anything you need, say the word and I’ll be here, Steve too.”
You pulled away, “I know.”
Robin grabbed her keys with the few fingers she had free. “I don’t mean to ruin the beautiful moment of love and friendship, but have you thought about...him? About what’ll happen if you see him again? I mean, Hawkins isn’t exactly a big town.” She avoided using his name, and that didn’t go unnoticed.
It’s all I think about.
Fingers toyed with the hair tie around your wrist, “I wouldn’t even know…” your voice faded out. “I’ll cross that bridge if and when I come to it, I’ve been here for a while already, and haven’t even heard anyone mention his name.”
That was true.
Everyone used to talk about Eddie Munson. The troublemaker, the cult leader, the devil-worshipping freak. The boy who was corrupting you, and ruining your future.
These backwoods hicks had no idea just how good he was back then. How kind and gentle and full of courage he was. You couldn’t understand why they hated him, not when you found it so easy to love him.
“I didn’t wanna upset you—“
“You didn’t,” you’re quick to reassure her, “it’s a logical question, and sure, maybe I’m avoiding the subject, but I appreciate you looking out for me all the same.”
Robin shrugged as if it was the most simple thought in the world, “Always.”
She left after an additional 5 minutes of arguing about helping you clean, to which you would not allow.
Cleaning up after a long day, while exhausting, was your only time to yourself. It was the one part of the day Maggie wasn’t asking something of you or looking for something or covered in something sticky.
Why is it always something sticky?
The dishes were done, and the counters were clean. You plopped on the couch, and turned on whatever the tv was playing at this hour and had just begun to fold the laundry, when the stink of the trash left by the door nearly had you retching.
“Nope, not waiting til morning…”
“Steve, Steve…” Eddie laughed.
The boy threw his hands up in frustration. “Eddie, I’m serious!”
Eddie slapped his friends shoulder. “I appreciate the worrying, pal. I’m fine, I had one beer let’s see…” the metal head looked at his watch, “an hour and a half ago. Why the sudden concern about my health and safety, hm?”
Steve blanched at the question, stumbling over his words. “T-There was an accident tonight! Drunk driver hit the pole on Cornwallis. Cops everywhere, ya know?”
Steve knew exactly why the thought of Eddie getting hurt or worse was suddenly a new phobia he developed. He had just hoped he’d hide it better than this.
Eddie sighed, “Great,” and stood, grabbing his keys out of his pocket, “back roads it is, gonna take me 20 minutes to get home now.”
Steve stood too, causing Eddie to glance back. He pinched his friend’s cheek, “Would you feel better if I called you when I got home, Stevie?” Eddie mocked, pouting his lip.
Steve pushed him away, “Shut up, man. Fine, that’s the last time I give a shit about my friends.”
Eddie laughed, “Nah, I appreciate it, Harrington. I’ll see ya on Friday right? Still looking your car over at the shop?”
“Yeah, yeah. See ya Friday.”
Eddie left Steve’s apartment smiling to himself.
What a good dude.
By the time he hit Cornwallis, the detour was worse than expected. It took him down several back roads and side streets Eddie is usually able to avoid all together.
Not to mention Forest Hills trailer park is on the opposite side of town from Harrington’s place. Eddie is usually able to zip down Main Street to save some time, but with Cornwallis a no-go, it was an addition pain in the ass to avoid the one-ways.
“Oh come on.” He griped. The car in front of him was going what seemed like negative miles an hour. He whipped the wheel to the left, evading the current route and instead, opting for an old way he remembered like the back of his hand.
Even in the dark.
It was eerie. To be on this street that he'd driven hundreds of times, knowing it wasn't leading to you.
He could practically see you, the way you’d sit on the curb until he got there, bag packed with your essentials for a few days. Wanting to get the hell out of this place before your Dad came-too.
The street was dim, lit only by the few flickering street lamps. He attempted to drown out the glimpses of the past, turning up the radio, and blasting Crazy Train so loud it made his windows shake.
Six houses away.
It was a subconscious entity; these memories shouting from the void and demanding to be remembered.
Three…
The porch light to your old house was on. “Huh…weird.” Eddie whispered to himself.
His van was barely at your mailbox when he slammed on his brakes, nearly getting choked by the seatbelt. He skidded to a stop, and killed the music.
Either he’s high as a kite, or it was you. Standing right in front of him as you dragged the trash can to the curb.
He’s hoping it’s the former.
You, rightfully so, looked like a deer in fucking headlights. Jumping back when you heard the screech of his tires.
But you know that van—you’d know it simply by the way it sounded coming down your street or by the shape of the headlights shining through the Hawkins fog.
The rusted hinges groaned when the drivers side door opened. Eddie was moving, but he wasn’t sure why. Not when very fiber of his being was screaming at him to stay in the van—to keep driving. Did he listen?
Of course not.
Eddie Munson says your name so softly and with such disbelief, it almost sounded like fear coating his tongue.
You, unlike the boy—man before you, were frozen.
That was the first thing you’d noticed. Eddie still looked like…Eddie, just a manlier—a more rugged version of the boy you’d loved.
He had five o’clock shadow covering his jaw. Cheekbones that were more defined, the hollows more pronounced. His hair was shorter, shorter than you remember it, anyway and he wore boots—work boots. Gone we’re the torn-up Goodwill sneakers he’d saved up weeks to buy.
He was in a black henley and dark wash jeans, though he still had his signature wallet chain and denim jacket.
Your heart slammed in your chest. Your dinner churned in your belly.
You could go. You could turn around and ignore him, walking back into your home and do exactly what he did to you.
But you wouldn’t, you’re better than that—better than him.
“W-Why…what are you doing here?” He half-mumbled.
“Minding my own business.” The strength in your voice surprised you.
Eddie was quiet, very uncharacteristically so, before he shook his head…presumably in an attempt to sort out his thoughts.
“But you’re, you’re here. You’re in Hawkins.” You could practically see the proverbial egg shells he was walking on.
Was he…afraid of you?
Good. You thought. He should be.
You crossed your arms, “Nothing ever did get past you.”
He was stuck. Quicksand was pulling him down, holding his body tightly and dragging him into the Earth’s core. He couldn’t breathe, he was dying.
At least that’s what it felt like.
Eddie cleared his throat. “How, um, how long—“
“A while.” You interject.
How long had you been here? How long were you staying? It didn’t matter, the answer is the same.
“And you’re staying here.” He nodded to the blue house he’s rescued you from hundreds of times.
“I don’t see how that’s your business.” You we’re cold, colder than he’s ever heard you.
Eddie took you in now. You were the same in every way that mattered. Older, sure…but still you, and for that, Eddie couldn’t be more grateful.
You had new smile lines. Were you happy? He hoped to whatever God was listening that you were.
“It’s not, shit. I—I know it’s not. I just didn’t know—“
A noise from inside the house startled you. Your head whipped around, fast as lighting.
Shit. Maggie.
“You okay?” He asked.
No, no, no.
Ignoring him, you turn and start walking back to the house, when Eddie calls your name again, not daring to move from where he’d planted his feet.
You all but spit at him, “Leave, Eddie. There’s nothing left here for you.”
And you meant it.
When you were safely inside, you check Maggie, who was sound asleep.
The noise must have been the door, or the wind, but it scared to half to death.
He didn’t deserve to know her, and maybe that’s selfish, but you aren’t ready to share your daughter yet.
Not with him.
Who knows, maybe you never will be.
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