In His Eyes - MG
tags: fluff, insecure reader, eddiemunsonxthick!reader, verbally and physically abusive mom, angst
sum: reader is insecure and has no friends, eddie changes that.
a/n: if i missed anything in the tags or sum i sorry. i wrote this like a month ago and just went off of what i remember. i do know that i enjoyed writing it and hope you enjoy :3
Eddie Munson. The freak of Hawkins High, the boy who plays the devils game. Is he really that bad? Well life sucks, but people suck more. That's how you end up as the butt of most jokes. Jokes. They’re not really jokes, that is just what they call it to get away with being an asshole.
You are thick, but hot as hell. Most boys your age just think you're fat, they don't see the girl beyond the hoodies and baggy clothes. Eddie Munson, on the other hand, sees everything. And I mean everything. He notices when you’re wearing a new lip gloss, when you got a new hoodie, when you don’t eat in the cafeteria. Every slight movement Eddie notices. He’s had a crush on you since he can remember, not because of your body. Well, that's a factor, cause he wants to squeeze your hips and thighs like fucking lemons. But he loves your style as well, your taste in music, clothing, and everything in-between.
To him, you're a goddess.
Yet you still see yourself in a horrible way like the popular kids. Eddie despises them for making you hate yourself. And it's not your fault, you're just trying to live your life, yet those pesky popular, rich kids pull you back down the second you get yourself up.
One day you walk into school feeling like utter shit. Your body aches because of the stupid workout you did yesterday. A class to so called “get fit”. That shit is not for a beginner.
The second you get to your locker you hear, “oooohhhhhhh Paarrkkkkkeerrrrrrr!!!” come from none other than Steve fucking Harrington. You ignore him and keep walking towards class to avoid him. Maybe, just maybe, if you get there quick enough the teacher will yell at him for harassment, and he’ll go away.
Eddie walks in with a dramatic flourish, as always. He sees Harrington messing with you and gets pissed off. Today is not the day for someone to be messing with his crush. “Hey Harrington! Why don't you just leave the girl alone, and shove your hairspray and lotion, up your ass!” You spin around after hearing the comment from Eddie that has Steve red as his car.
Your eyes widen, a slight blush creeping up your neck as you hold back a giggle. You’ve never had someone stand up for you before, and you're not gonna lie, it feels kinda good. Eddie, seeing you bite your lip to hold the giggles back, smirks. He could stare into your eyes for hours and never get bored...
Damnit, Munson focus! He thinks to himself. As you quickly turn and hurry to class, the banter between Steve and Eddie fades.
By lunch you just sit down with your headphones and book. Technically, you're supposed to be eating, but you lost your appetite the second your name was in Harrington’s mouth this morning. Eddie notices. Dustin, who is sitting at the Hellfire lunch table with Eddie and the rest of the group, notices how distracted Eddie is. All of a sudden fingers are snapped in Eddie’s face and he looks at Henderson, annoyed. “What.” Eddie says irritated that he was pulled out of his thoughts.
“Are you okay, man? You’ve been distracted all day. What’s going on with you?” Dustin says, but Eddie grumbles about Harrington being an asshat and “it's nothing” or “I’m good.” To Dustin, Eddie goes back to staring into space. In reality he’s staring right at you, as you read quietly with your headphones on.
After he finds the courage he had this morning, he grabs his tray, and heads straight for the table you're sitting at. He pulls out a chair and plops down on it, as if it was a comfortable reclining chair. You slowly close your book, setting it on the table, and taking your headphones off before finally looking up at him. When you do, you almost die laughing. Eddie has a stupid goofy grin on his face that looks comical. How can just one, goofy face make you feel so much better in five seconds, when you barely know it? Eddie being himself only grins wider at your amusement. “Hey. I’m Eddie Munson. You might know me as the “freak” of Hawkins High, and that I am.” He owns the stupid nickname, that just makes everything so much funnier to you, the way he introduces himself.
“Hi?” you say biting your bottom lip trying not to laugh. Eddie takes that as a good sign that he didn’t completely blow it. “I’m Anastasia Parker, you can call me Anna. I’m- I don't have as epic of a nickname as you Eddie.” Your teasing smile makes Eddie’s grin go goof ball.
“Well, I guess not everyone can pull it off. It’s hard work owning such an epic nickname. I just happen to have the charm to.” Eddie winks, making your ears turn slightly pink. Your book is forgotten, along with his tray, on the table. After a minute, he speaks up once again.”So, why is a beautiful girl like you, sitting alone?” There's a slight ease to his tone, but it's mainly serious.
You hesitate, getting nervous, you subconsciously tuck a loose strand of hair from your bun, behind your ear. “I uh- no one really wants to talk to me I guess. Everyone has.. Opinions of me, i kinda like that quiet, sometimes its good. Most of the time it makes my ears ring. That;s why I listen to music instead,” you, for some odd reason, can’t look this boy in the eye as you speak.
Eddie looks concerned. Suddenly he gets up, you think, oh great, you’ve run another person off. When really he moves around the table and sits next to you, tucking the same strand of hair you did, behind your ear because it had fallen back into your face. Your eyes widen, breath hitches. What the actual fuck?? You think to yourself. This is the first time someone, let alone a guy, has paid a lick of attention to you. And he’s flirting??? When you finally get the guts to look up Eddie is smiling softly, knowing how much he affected you. Seeing your soft blushing cheeks is the best part of his day.
What in the fucked up world is happening? Eddie Munson, the freak of Hawkins High, just made your heart stop beating BY MOVING YOUR HAIR! Your blush only grows more red when he leans a touch closer. “Well, I think everyone here is a total ass for not sitting with you. You're very pretty and have an awesome personality. I can’t really say much as ‘the freak’, but I still think everyone should be flocking to sit with you. I may have just met you, but you're still extremely kind, even to me. Plus you have good taste in literature.” His boyish smile as he talks, seems to make the whole cafeteria disappear. The only thing in the room to you is you and Eddie. He gently takes your hand, still smiling like a complete goof ball. “Why don’t you join my table? I can always move a few chairs where you’ll be right next to me. I bet you’ll even enjoy my friends.”
The offer is irresistible. “I’d love to.” Eddie grins, standing up with your hand in his pulling you up with him. You grab your headphones and book before walking with him, leaving his tray behind. Once you both get over to the table Eddie gestures dramatically towards you. “Everyone! This is the beautiful Anastasia Parker, you can call her Anna.” He pulls out a chair for you, the boys at the table, plus Max Mayfield, all watch as you sit down next to Eddie. Dustin speaks first.
“So Eddie. I see you’ve managed to get your crush over here. Good job!” Dustin claps a few times before introducing himself, “I’m Eddie’s best friend, Dustin Henderson. Nice to meet you.” The toothless smile this Dustin kid flashes at you is just adorable.
You smile saying back, “Well, I’d say my name but Eddie did the courtesy of saying it for me.” You smile politely. After everyone has taken a turn introducing themselves, conversation flows easily. Making these very strange ninth graders your new friends, plus Eddie and the only other two people actually in your grade.
At the end of the day Eddie pops up next to you while you're at your locker. “Wanna come over tonight? My uncle has to work and you look like you could use a break.” His suggestion is not at all forced, more like a hopeful question.
After a split second of thought, why not? After all, you deserve a break, and besides, you don’t have any homework tonight because you finished it in class. “Sure. I finished my homework earlier so I won’t have much to do other than listen to my mother ramble.” You smile at him “I’ll meet you in an hour.” As you walk away, you feel butterflies start to collect in the pit of your belly.
When you get home, you practically sprint up the carpeted stairs to your bedroom to change. Your mother on the other hand has different ideas. Once you get up there you see your mother in your room stuffing stuff in trash bags. “Mom! What are you doing! That’s my stuff!” Your mother turns around to look at you clearly drunk again.
“What did I tell you about letting your room get messy?! You have trash everywhere in this disgusting room! What have I told you about all this junk food?! This is the reason you’re fat and ugly! No one will want a disgusting pig!” Oh yeah, did I forget to mention your mother is the reason for most of your body image issues? She will berate you, slap you, call you everything under the sun, just to make you feel bad about yourself.
After your mother goes downstairs, you slip out of your window, almost in tears getting in your car. God, I wish dad was still here. Maybe she’d be more bearable. You think to yourself. Ever since your father died your mom has been drinking herself into oblivion and taking her anger out on you. As you drive towards the trailer park Eddie lives in, tears stream down your face. When you eventually get there you compose yourself, wiping the remaining tears off your cheeks.
Walking in, Eddie immediately notices something is wrong. “Hey are you okay? You look upset. Did something happen?” He jumps up from the couch and walks towards you. He gently cups your cheeks. Just from his concern, you seem to crumble right into his arms, sobbing into his chest. Eddie freezes only for a second when you fall into his arms. He quickly wraps his arms around you, holding you up, whispering sweet words in your ears, saying it's okay. “Whenever you're ready you can tell me what's wrong.” His words are kind and patient. He feels no need as to rush you.
After you start to feel better, you start to speak. “My mom she-” you hesitate not knowing how to explain it, “Ever since my dad died, she’s been struggling to cope. Instead of seeing a therapist, like I did, she turned to alcohol as her way to forget. She will take her anger out on me instead, more so on my body. She was throwing stuff around my room, stuffing my clothes and personal belongings in trash bags. Then when I walked in she started yelling at me, called me fat, said no guy would ever want me.” on the last bit your voice wavers, you start to tremble again just wanting to disappear into Eddie’s arms.
He holds you closer, feeling horrible that you can’t go home and be safe from cruel words. “You’re not fat, certainly not ugly, and most definitely will have guys swarming over you soon enough. You’re the most beautiful girl I’ve ever seen. I know I can’t say much considering I’m a so-called ‘freak’, but you're perfect in every way.” He gently kisses the crown of your head, “Besides I want you.” He whispers the last words as if they are sacred. His words somehow make your heart flutter, something you always thought just happened in a fairytale.
For the rest of that evening, Eddie sits with you on his small couch, watching movies, eating junk food, and dramatically mocking soap operas. You feel like you’ve known him for a thousand years, like you didn’t just start talking today in the school cafeteria. It feels like you’ve known him your whole life.
Fast forward to the next morning at school. You walk in as usual, Steve Harrington, the ass he is, picks on you, hoping to get a reaction. When he doesn’t, he huffs annoyedly. Nothing could possibly ruin the amazing mood you’re in. When you get to your locker, Eddie is standing there already waiting. You smile upon seeing him.
“Good morning, gorgeous.” He says with a grin that goes from ear to ear.
You open your locker still smiling. “Good morning to you too. How are you on this lovely morning?” You talk in the sweetest, most joyful tone Eddie has ever heard.
“I’m doing awesome now that I’ve seen you.” His grin only grows wider as he speaks. “So, any plans after school? Because if not, I know this place where we could watch the sunset. If you’re up to it of course.” Eddie’s attempts at flirting are adorable
“I’d love to go watch the sunset with you. But really, it depends on how much homework I have tonight. I might have to study as well. Though, I might be able to let you know by lunch time.” You smile kindly. Eddie’s smile falters only for a second, you still catch it. “If I can't, I’ll make it up to you sometime. I promise.” You kiss his cheek before going to class. As you walk away he holds his hand up to his cheek, gently touching where you kissed him.
Dustin, who had come around the corner just as you kissed Eddie's cheek, bursts out laughing. He goes over to Eddie, “You're so head-over-heels for her, man, y’know that?” Eddie rolls his eyes, dropping his hand. That only makes Dustin laugh harder.
At lunch, instead of sitting alone at the usual table you’d find yourself in, you sit next to Eddie at the Hellfire table. He finds his smile when you sit down next to him. The conversation between you and his friends carries easily, just like with Eddie. You laugh and carry on, it’s like you’ve always been a part of this group.
Suddenly, you hear a bunch of students yelling and chanting, when the whole table looks up, a fight has broken out between two of the star basketball players. Jason Carver jumps in trying to separate them, but ends up getting hit himself. Before you can comprehend it, a lunch tray comes flying right at your head, one that one of the fighting boys had thrown. The loud sound of a tray hitting your head, plus a yell of pain from you, stops the fight. Everyone turns, and sees Eddie already over you, placing his hand firmly over your bleeding forehead. He looks up and around like everyone there is an idiot. “Someone get the nurse. Now!” Chrissy, the cheer captain, jumps up and runs to get the nurse. Jason Carver looks at Eddie, then you. The boy who threw the tray looks over and mutters a weak, “sorry…” Making Eddie’s blood boil more.
The school nurse arrives within a few minutes, the principal and a few teachers behind her. While the principal gets the boys and a few witnesses, the nurse goes over to you, gently trying to get you up so you can go to the nurses office. Eddie gently wraps his free arm around your waist, helping you up, while still keeping his hand on your forehead. He walks with his arm around your waist to the nurses office refusing to let you go. He’s muttering curses towards the boy who threw the tray, making you giggle slightly, which only hurts your head more.
In the nurses office, Eddie reluctantly moves his hand to let the nurse see. When he does, he sees the blood on his hand, your blood. The nurse gestures to the sink, so he can wash his hands, all the while she gently examines the spit open forehead of yours. She cleans the wound, drawing a hiss from you at the sting of the antiseptic. Eddie finally finishes washing your blood off his hands, and sits back down next to you, taking your hand. His fingers intertwine with yours, creating a soothing gesture.
After she puts a bandage on your head, you claim to be “dizzy.” Eddie can see the slight glint in your eye that means you're up to something. When you ask if you can go home, the nurse says yes. When she asks if you have a car you say no. You even keep up the lie when she asks if your mom can pick you up. Eddie, catching a glimpse of your plan, offers to drive you home. Once you and him slip out of the school, Eddie is laughing. “You’re a total genius, you know that?” You just grin.
“What can I say? I have some good ideas in my injured head.” You say teasingly.
He smirks. “Well since you’re physically impaired,” he lets his words hang, because he picks you up bridal style, making you yelp, your arms quickly wrapping around his neck.
“Eddie Munson! Have you lost your mind?!” He laughs as you hold on tightly. “You asshole.” Despite your words, you're smiling as he clumsily opens his van door, setting you down on the passenger seat. He runs to the other side jumping into the driver seat and starting up the old van.
Back at Eddie’s trailer, you see a new car sitting in the driveway. “Whose car?” You’re confused, you thought Eddie’s uncle worked during the school hours.
“That is my Uncle Wayne’s car, he took a day of vacation today, needed a break. Don’t worry he won’t bite.” Eddie smiles reassuringly. Inside, you see who you presume is Wayne, sitting on an old recliner, drinking a beer. Eddie drops both your backpacks by the door. “Hey Wayne!” Wayne jumps out of his, what looks like a food coma, from Eddie’s voice.
“What the hell are you doing here? Aren’t you supposed to be in school still? And whose the girl?” Wayne doesn’t sound unfriendly, more-so concerned for why his nephew is home before school lets out, and with a girl.
You step forward, head still throbbing. “I’m Anastasia, a friend of Eddie’s. A fight broke out and a tray hit my head. I lied to the nurse so I could leave early and Eddie offered to drive me. My home isn’t exactly paradise right now so he brought me here. Do you mind if I stay a bit?” After hearing your explanation, Wayne looks concerned for you too.
He stands up, setting his beer down, he looks at your head and sees the bandage. “You said shits tough at home?” You just nod. “Then you can stay here for as long as you need. A friend of Eddie’s is always welcome. You look sweet and like you won’t cause trouble.” He turns to Eddie, sounding firm, like the boy is stupid. “Well don’t just stand there. Get the poor girl an ice pack for her head!” Eddie immediately runs to the kitchen to retrieve the ice for your head, almost falling on the way back. Wayne sighs knowing his nephew all too well, he knows Eddie has a big fat crush on you.
After a few movies, you find yourself asleep on Eddie’s side. Sitting on the old couch you did just the other day.
When Eddie feels you relax completely against his side, he refuses to move, not wanting to wake you. Wayne sees the way his nephew stays completely still so he doesn’t wake you. Wayne grabs a blanket and gently drapes it over the both of you. Eddie looks up at him, Wayne can see the love Eddie has for you in his eyes.
The next morning you wake up finding yourself on top of Eddie, on his couch. You smile as you see him drooling, the morning sun hitting his face perfectly. You gently tuck a piece of his hair behind his ear, making him stir. When he opens his eyes, he smiles seeing you looking up at him. He kisses the top of your head before gently moving you to the side, so he can get up. Wayne is in the kitchen cooking breakfast. “Good morning, lovebirds.” He teases lightly as Eddie goes to the fridge.
“Yeah, yeah, you're just jealous because I had a pretty girl laying on me all night and you didn’t.” Eddie says to his uncle oh so smugly.
“Oh yeah? Well you have to go to school, Mr. Mattress.” Eddie’s eyes widen realizing he has school.
“Fuck!” Eddie quickly grabs his bookbag and scattered items, but stops in his tracks when he hears your laugh. “What? Did he put something on my ass again?”
His question makes you laugh harder. ”I’m not going to question the ‘again’ part of that, but today is Saturday. We don’t have school. He’s fucking with you.” Eddie throws down his backpack in frustration, making you laugh impossibly harder.
“Fuck you, Wayne. You suck ass.” Wayne starts laughing as well, Eddie can't help but smile at your continued giggles.
Wayne smirks. “Always works.” He looks at you, “Everytime he annoys me when he wakes up on the weekend, I’ll tell him he has school. It makes him panic and run out the door. He even drives to school and comes back cursing when he realizes there's no school.” As Wayne explains his tactic to deal with Eddie, you start laughing again, making Eddie blush.
He mumbles something before saying, “Thanks for enjoying my embarrassment..” It only makes you laugh harder.
During breakfast, you, Wayne and Eddie carry conversation, one that is mainly to embarrass Eddie. Wayne tells funny stories about Eddie from when he was a baby. By the end of breakfast Eddie’s face is as red as a tomato.
Around ten o'clock, a car pulls haphazardly into the driveway. Wayne goes outside to see who it is, having not recognized the car. Then a woman, tall, skinny, looking pissed, and smells of alcohol comes out, your mother. You don't know why your mother came to the Munson’s house looking for you, she probably asked around in her weird ass friend group. She's red faced and seems ready for a fight before she says, “Where is she? Where is Anastasia? You fucking drunk ass old man! Now where the fuck is she?!” Wayne is starting to look pissed, he's not the one to be disrespected, especially not on his property.
“Ma'am if you can't show some damn respect on my property, I'm going to have to ask you to leave.” Wayne is trying to keep things civil, but your mother is not having it.
“I'm not gonna ask again! Where is she?!” She's basically screaming now. You run outside, hoping you can talk some sense into her, even though she's drunk.
“Mom, I'm right here! Leave them out of this! It's my fault! I got Eddie to bring me here!” You're trying to take the blame, knowing what she's thinking, you went off to fool around with a boy. But she's not listening.
“Get your ass over here! We're going home!” Wayne gently grabs your arm as you walk with slightly trembling legs, the fear rooted deep into your bones.
He looks at you softly, “Do you really want to go with her? It's okay if you don't.” He speaks kindly, reminding you of your father. When you shake your head, tears start to flow uncontrollable. Wayne steps in front of you blocking your mother's view. “I'm going to have to ask you to leave.” He says to her, leaving no room for argument.
Of course her screaming got the neighbors attention on this. Them, being good friends with Wayne, walk over and stand in a line by his side. Seeing you in hysteria makes all their protectiveness come in full swing. Each one of them is either a father, uncle, or even grandfather. Your mother is too drunk to realize it's not worth it, so she starts shaming you again. She throws insult, after insult, making you slowly start to break down. Eddie rushes over to you, having been frozen on the porch. He wraps his arms around you, covering your ears with his large, warm hands. You tremble, shake, and cry into his chest. Eddie doesn't let go. He looks up when he hears Wayne yell at her, “If you want her so bad, you're gonna have to go through us!” That's when your mother realizes it's not worth it.
She says, “That mistake isn't worth it anyways. You can have her. She doesn't deserve anything from me.” And with that, she gets back into her car and drives off, blowing dust from the gravel at them. Everyone turns around and sees Eddie holding you close, whispering calming words that he is praying are helping. Everyone gathers around for a huge fucked up group hug, going around you and Eddie. The best part is all the other women, mothers, and children come out and join.
