#Eddie and wayne

[hellfiredemon]

Got to work on the absolute best team for the Steddie Bang for @messessentialist (AO3 @/pricklywhicket)'s fic Start by Pulling him Out of the Fire Featuring artwork by me and the extraordinary @maikaartwork (Twitter)

This story is incredible and so dear to me! Give it a read and check out Maika's incredible piece here.

[thelastwalkingsoul]

Eddie didn't experience an easter egg hunt until Wayne.

That first year Eddie had lived with Wayne had been a whirlwind of emotions. Eddie had been lost and scared, not trusting Wayne and too on edge to get comfortable. He'd bounced back and forth between being quiet and making himself small to yelling at Wayne to try and get a reaction. Eddie doesn't like thinking about that year, but the good parts stick out from the bad. The parts when Wayne tried his best to make the curveball that was little Eddie happy.

He remembers his first Easter with Wayne. The awkward gruff way Wayne had called Eddie out of his room and told him to start looking. How confused Eddie was until he moved a cushion and found a bright blue plastic egg. He doesn't remember how he reacted, but that was one of the first moments Eddie truly considered that Wayne might care for him.

They'd continued the tradition. Wayne would (very poorly) hide plastic eggs around the trailer, always filled with whatever candy happened to be Eddie's favourite at the time. Eddie would go looking for them, usually putting on a show of not being able to find any at first, just to get that amused smile out of his uncle. He'd gather them all up in a bowl that would sit on the kitchen bench, slowly being cracked open over the following days.

One year, Eddie picked up an egg only to notice that the weight was off. All the eggs usually felt just as heavy as each other, but that one was way lighter. He'd looked to his uncle, who shrugged. So Eddie opened it. Inside were a handful of guitar picks in various colours, but there was one in particular that stood out. It was a red and black celluloid pick, the colours and pattern similar to his sweetheart he'd bought only months earlier. Eddie had taken one look at Wayne's face and laughed himself at the man, hugging him tight.

The pick still lives on the chain around his neck.

Part 2 (kinda)

[artbean]

THE BALLAD OF EDDIE MUNSON’S BATTLE VEST

by @hawkinsleather

"Go on," Wayne nods, urging him to close the blades and make his first cut. He does it slowly and nervously. The scissors are sharp and cut into the thick fabric like a hot knife into butter. He's more confident with the next cut and soon enough he's cut all the way round back to where they started. He admires his work. It's not perfect, there's tiny scraps of the sleeve still hanging off, probably from the places where he had to open the heavy scissors for the next cut.

"Good job, Eddie," Wayne says.

my fourth and final piece for the @strangerthingsreversebigbang! loved working on something centered on wayne nurturing eddie. be sure to check out the fic!

[beep-beep-robin]

steve having to get used to the way things are so different in the munson household than they ever were in the harrington household.

the way wayne actually asks the boys what they‘re doing that day, the way he knows things about eddie that steve‘s own dad doesn‘t even care to ask him about.

that wayne wants to get to know steve in his own way, puts effort into making him feel welcome in their trailer, even if it‘s just by buying that one brand of cereal he likes to eat (that both eddie and wayne don‘t) without mentioning it. it just appears in the cupboard one morning, and keeps reappearing whenever the last one had been empty.

he‘s surprised that even though wayne works nights, eddie and wayne still make an effort to have at least one meal together every other day, and steve gets to join in on those when he's there. that was something that was only reserved for very special occasions with his own parents, and even then it would be spent in silence or with them talking about business stuff. barely making the effort to ask steve how school was going (yeah, they hadn't had a meal together in THAT long).

but with eddie and wayne it's different. eddies loud personality definitely doesn't change when he's eating, hands flying everywhere while explaining something that had happened that day, steve having to be careful to not get stabbed in the eye with his fork. wayne mainly listens, but throws in questions here and there, keeping eddie going, showing he's interested.

steve mainly listens as well, enjoying seeing eddie act so much more himself than he does in front of anyone else.

but as he gets more and more used to this new dynamic, and actually feels at home for once, even though he doesn't really live there, steve starts to talk more as well.

and it's nice, not only having eddie there, but to also have wayne there. listening intently, asking questions, showing actual interest. that isn't something steve's used to, not from anyone else but eddie and robin, actually.

let alone from someone who feels so much like what he'd always wished for in his dad when he was a kid.

steve thinks that this is the family he was always meant to have. it's a weird combination, steve "the king" harrington, his boyfriend, eddie "the freak" munson and eddie's uncle, all stuffed together in a small trailer. but steve couldn't be happier.

it isn't long until christmas that year rolls around, and steve nearly cries his eyes out when he gets handed a small, messily wrapped box (eddie's handiwork), containing a key to the trailer.

(because he basically lives here already anyways, eddie adds, trying to hide the tears in his own eyes, while wayne wraps steve in a hug).

[jqmunson]

Have a very merry Christmas from Eddie and Wayne.

❤️❄️💚❄️❤️❄️💚❄️❤️❄️💚

The Munson trailer is filled with love and cheer this holiday season.

From them to you.

JQMunson's 12 days till Eds-Mas

(Christmas day)

Thank you for joining me on this little edit challenge journey! I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did. Enjoy yourself today. Stay safe. Merry Christmas, friends.

🎄☃️❄️🌟🌨️🔔🦌🧑‍🎄🫂

♥️- J.Q.M

[ghosttownwherenoonegoes]

Have you ever stood in the middle of your room feeling off somehow but not knowing what's wrong or why you're feeling strange? And you can't even explain it to yourself?

In those instances, Eddie does his best to help you, because he knows you just as well as you do, but sometimes he knows you don't need him.

You need his dad.

Eddie never takes offense. He gets it. He just gives you a wry smile, chocolate button eyes glassy with tears of worry for you, and walks with you through the trailer and into the living room where his dad is sat watching television. Killing time until his shift.

It's a familiar routine for the three of you and that's why you refer to Eddie's Uncle as being somewhat like a doctor to you. Because if you can't figure yourself out, then Uncle Wayne can with a long, good look at you.

"When's the last time you ate, darlin'?"

"I ain't seen you drink water for a few, sweetpea. Might wanna get on that."

"Don't 'spose you've seen my favourite film 'round here, have you?" And he'll list off one or two of your favourites, giving Eddie a pointed look towards the VHS stack in the corner, tucked behind the TV.

Sometimes, it's not as simple as needing a comfort film or some physical self care. Sometimes, you just feel wrong. For no real reason or rhyme, and that's okay. The Munsons understand that too.

In those more complex cases, Uncle Wayne will tease Eddie, dropping hints.

"You been neglecting cuddles, Eddie? Ain't like you to not be clingin' to someone."

"You kids gonna sit down? Plenty of space here." And he'll shuffle over so you can sit beside him, and Eddie on your other side. You can hug either or both or not touch at all; no offense will be taken, understanding and love will be given, and they'll support you no matter what.

There's a saying in the Munson household for good reason: "if in doubt, ask Uncle Wayne" 🥺🙏💖

Eddie & Wayne @hellfirebabe @eddiemunsonshoney @potatos-library @bakerstreethound @gemstone-roses @sweetpeapod @authorlovers @jslittlebirdie @heydreamchild @comfortcharactercraze @mywinterivy @corrodedcoffeen @ourstaturestouchtheskies  @m00nlight101 @3ddi3-daydreamer @pleasantlycrazyworld @samlealea @manyfandomsfanvergent @indouloureux @basicallybats @niceboyeds @becca-alexa  @singularattitudeofasafetypin @knifeskiss @loving-and-dreaming  @hiscrimsonangel @esme-viridian

[niceboyeds]

pep talk (e.m)

Eddie Munson x reader 

ft. Uncle Wayne

summary: sometimes all you need is to buckle down and work all through the night, fortunately someone else is also around at the early hours of the morning to give you a much needed pep talk.

contains: self-doubt, overworking, fluffy fluff, i genuinely don't know what else to add lol

word count: 1.2K

@ghosttownwherenoonegoes for you, my dear. please take care of yourself, you're doing so well! The Munsons would be so proud of you🤍

nav

~~~~~~

“sweets… why don’t you take a break?”

“don’t have time for a break, Eds. I gotta catch up, I’m so behind!”

“you’ve been studying for hours, I’m sure you’re plenty caught up for tonight.”

“Eddie. please, I really need to get this done.” you turn your eyes away from the textbook, seeing his defeated look and it makes your chest pang with guilt.

why didn’t you do it earlier?

why did you take on more than you knew you could handle?

you should be spending time with him.

“okay, just come to bed soon.” he leans down to kiss the top of your head before making his way into the bedroom, leaving you at the dining table with nothing but the quiet murmurs outside the trailer to distract you.

soon doesn’t come though, as you find yourself in a steady groove. powered only by too much coffee and sheer willpower.

you don't even notice the time until you hear a familiar pair of boots making their way up the stairs to the trailer’s front door.

there was no way you stayed up all night?

oh but you had, and it only made you grow even more frustrated with yourself.

“mornin’, kid. didn't expect you to be up yet.” Uncle Wayne trudges through the trailer, eyeing the table you had cluttered with many textbooks and journals.

“didn't exactly go to sleep...” a heavy sigh following your words.

“well, maybe you're just a night owl like me.”

“I don't think I can do it anymore.” you admit with a toss of your pen onto the table. feeling completely overwhelmed by the amount of work you still have yet to do.

“do what?” he pries, sitting beside you in a dining chair. he begins taking off his boots, waiting for you to explain.

“this.” you answer, gesturing your hands to the mound of homework assignments.

“I just feel like I’m in a never-ending cycle of work, school, work, school. when do I get to do things I enjoy? when do I get to spend time with Eddie or you? this is the first time I've seen you in a week because usually before you even get home from work I’m on my way to my job. and then by the time I finally make my way back you've left for your shift. and Eddie is being so patient with me, but I know he's upset that I haven't been spending any time with him.”

you pause to catch your breath, having said it all in one and certainly too fast. he thinks of starting to speak but holds off knowing you're not quite done with your vent.

that’s Wayne’s thing, he’s a listener first and a problem solver second. always more than willing to offer a solution to whatever you need help with but never cutting you off.

“I just don't think I can do it all anymore. it’s too much pressure.” you finish, looking over to see a very empathetic Uncle Wayne locking eyes with you. seeing the tears welling up in your eyes makes his heart ache for you.

“listen kiddo, I know it’s hard right now. shit’s stressful, s’all part of growin’ up. unfortunately there’s not much I can change about that.” his hand comes around to pat you the shoulder, trying to comfort you just as the tears breach your eye-line.

“but I know you’ll regret your decision. hell, I wish I had just half the perseverance you do to finish school. you've already worked so hard to get to this point, don't give up on your dreams.”

“but with work I—”

“I told ya to lessen your hours at your job!” he chuckles lowly, attempting to lighten the mood but quickly speaks up again before you argue.

“you should just worry about school, let me and Eddie help take care of ya. s’what we like to do. family helps family, and that means I’m not gonna let you quit on yourself. even if it means I gotta come home from work and give you a pep talk every mornin’. but I’d much rather you sleep at night, nightshift ages ya.”

you sit with his words for a moment, contemplating. sure, it would be amazing to only have to worry about your studies, but was it logically the best option?

“just sleep on it.” Wayne interrupts your train of thought. “don’t make any big decisions on exhaustion.”

“yeah…  yeah, you’re right. I should get some sleep.” you sigh, slowly standing up from the table and stretching your sore back.

“sleep tight, darlin’.” he hugs you tightly, knowing you needed it. he is proven right once again when he first attempts to release you, but your grip stays tight on him. he doesn’t mind though, he’s always happy to comfort you when you need it.

“thank you.” you whisper before letting him go. he gives a single nod in reply before you turn to walk to the bedroom.

the door creaks open louder than you had hoped, but Eddie didn’t stir at all at the sound. you pad across the bedroom to your side of the bed, slipping under the covers which engulfed you in the scent of your boyfriend.

unfortunately as soon as you relax into the mattress, he immediately notices your presence.

“baby…” his voice quiet and slightly whiney.

“hi Eds.” you whisper back, wiggling into his arms.

“what time is it?”

“um… well, Wayne is home.” you answer honestly, despite his request for you to go to bed with him.

“did you get your work done?”

he doesn’t scold you, and he doesn’t complain that you never showed up last night, something you’ve always appreciated about him. he doesn’t hold anything against you because at the end of the day, or perhaps the beginning in today’s case, he only wants you to do what you love.

he doesn’t want you to give up on your dreams and passions because he knows this is what you want. you’ve worked so hard and he would never want to hold you back, especially since you’ve never once stopped him from following his own dreams.

“I got enough done for now.” you answer with a yawn, cozying into his body even more.

“sounds like you were cryin’, baby. you okay?”

“yeah, I’m okay. Uncle Wayne gave me a pep talk, helped me with something.”

“he’s a good man.” you know he’s smiling, you can hear it in his voice.

His uncle, his dad, is known for giving the best pep talks in the house. it’s no surprise he gave you one when he walked into the trailer this morning, seeing as he’s given you quite a few already and you’ve overheard his chats with Eddie.

“he really is. I don’t deserve him.”

“uh yes you do. we all deserve an Uncle Wayne, you just lucked out like me and got the real deal.”

“yeah, I really did get lucky ending up in a family with the two of you.” you yawn once again as you speak, exhaustion finally sinking in.

and you meant every word you said. The Munsons were your family, and Wayne took you in without a second thought and wide-open arms, because his son loved you. you could never fully find the words to express your gratitude to him. but it was okay, because he already knew, and that alone was more than enough for him.

[withacapitalp]

@thefreakandthehair

Dearest Lex! First of all, happy birthday <3 People like you are once in a lifetime, and I'm so so grateful we've become friends. I tried to pull together a little surprise, I'm sure someone else has already posted theirs, but I scheduled mine to be here bright and early!!

For anyone not in the loop who wants to do something for Lex DM me!!

Link to Ao3

Eddie had never exactly had the best track record with birthdays. 

When he had been couch surfing with his mom and dad, there wasn’t exactly time for setting up a birthday party, or money for cake and presents. If he was lucky, his mom would get him a cheap toy car, or a lollipop that she swiped from the gas station — little ways to make the day special. She tried, she really did, but that was mostly at the start.

By ten, she seemed to have forgotten her son even had a birthday, too lost in the drugs to see him waiting for her to notice. Hell, there were even some years where he himself completely missed it. They would pass by somewhere, and Eddie would offhandedly see the date, realizing with a jolt that his birthday had passed days or weeks ago and nothing had changed. 

He hated those years most of all. 

But…but today was his thirteenth birthday. 

He was turning thirteen today, and he was finally in a place he could really call home. He was turning thirteen, and for the first time, Eddie wanted to let himself hope. He let himself day dream about a party with balloons and a cake littered with bright candles. He had thought endlessly about how Thirteen was going to be great, the best year yet. His year. 

Eddie had, foolishly, let himself think that things might be better now. After all, Wayne had been nothing but kind to him so far, always wanting to know what Eddie thought and listening when he told wild long winded stories. Wayne was good, and he seemed like the type to make birthdays something special. 

He woke up that morning, hope starting to stir in his chest, and it instantly vanished when he threw his arm out to wake his uncle, only to find that the other side of the bed was cold. 

Uncle Wayne wasn’t in the room they shared, and when Eddie wandered out, there was a post-it note on the fridge saying that he switched to the day shift, and he wouldn’t be home till 7:00 tonight. 

No cake, no presents, not even a card. He hadn’t even written Happy Birthday on the note. 

He tried not to be disappointed, tried to reason with himself, because Uncle Wayne might not have even known it was his birthday. He hadn’t even known Eddie existed until a few months ago, how could he know when his birthday was?

But there was a wrathful sad creature writhing in his chest, pressing down on that old wound and making it reopen, telling Eddie that if Wayne actually did love him, he would have known. He would have cared enough to ask. 

It wasn’t fair to think that way. His Uncle cared plenty. He had taken Eddie in, given him a home, shared his room and his food and his life when didn’t have to, and Eddie wanted to be grateful for all of that. He was grateful for all of that. 

He just also wanted Thirteen to be different. 

The rest of the day was the same. Eddie went through school in a daze, barely paying attention to his classes or the assholes all around that liked to make fun of him. No one wished him well, or asked how he felt to be thirteen, and he was almost kind of glad for that. 

Because thirteen felt the way that twelve did. It felt the way eleven, ten, nine, eight, seven, six, five, and four did too. 

Thirteen sucked. 

By the time he got out of class and back to the trailer park, it was getting hard to hold back the tears pressing at his eyes. He lept into the trailer and shut the door with a bang, hitting his back against the door and sliding down. He collapsed onto the floor in a heap, sniffling and pressing his palms against his eyes, trying to make them stop before they started. 

Eddie had always been a crybaby. It was something his father had absolutely detested about him, something he had tried to beat out of his son time and time again. Those attempts had only made Eddie cry more, which made his father angrier, which started a vicious cycle, which led to scars and nightmares and all of the things Eddie just wanted to forget about. 

This wasn’t how Thirteen was supposed to be. He wasn’t supposed to be thinking about the bad things, he wasn’t supposed to be upset. 

“Why’re you cryin’ kiddo?” 

Eddie immediately startled at the unexpected voice, jumping with a gasp and accidentally smacking his head against the metal door. Now he was really crying, holding the back of his head with both hands and choking on cut off sobs. 

Wayne shot up from his easy chair and dashed over. He lifted his arm, probably only intending to help Eddie up, or check the back of his head for a lump. 

That wasn’t what Eddie saw. Eddie saw a hand raised his way, and tears on his cheeks, and knew he was about to get punished again for being a stupid crybaby. He flinched back, ducking his head between his legs and waiting. 

But no hand ever came. No screaming, no pain. Nothing. Hesitantly, Eddie lifted his head up, watching his uncle with fearful eyes. 

Wayne was still as a statue, his arms at his sides. There was a funny look on his face, a strangled kind of shock that looked uncomfortable. Eddie uncurled from his ball, lowering his arms and wrapping them around his knees loosely. 

“‘M sorry,” He mumbled, humiliated. This was really turning out to be his worst birthday ever. Wayne chewed on the inside of his cheek for a minute before slowly lowering himself down to the floor, groaning as his knees cracked loudly in the quiet trailer. 

“You don’t got to apologize,” Wayne said once he was on the ground. Eddie knew that was true. This wasn’t the first time they had done this particular song and dance, but it was the worst time. Wayne told him the same thing every time- he didn’t have to apologize. 

Eddie still felt the need to. 

“Sorry,” He repeated, cringing as the word flew out of his mouth. Wayne sucked a deep breath in and let it out in a long sigh, looking around as he contemplated his words. 

“Does it help you if I say I’m not angry with you?”

Eddie paused, considering. Whenever Wayne said he didn’t have to apologize, Eddie always felt like he needed to apologize for apologizing. It was silly, and confusing, and made his heart race. 

But the thought of knowing that Wayne wasn’t upset made his heart beat just a little bit slower, so Eddie nodded hesitantly. Wayne nodded back, clicking his tongue once and looking Eddie right in the eye, forcing him to look back. 

“Then I’m not angry with you. Not even a little bit, Eds,” Wayne said carefully, making sure every word was heard. 

It was the little nickname that really made Eddie’s shoulders start to relax. Wayne had started calling him that the third or fourth day after his arrival, and, every time he did it, Eddie felt just a little bit safer. 

Wayne let Eddie calm down a bit more, watching him brush away any lingering tears and take long shaking breaths. Then, when he was sure Eddie wasn’t going to fall apart again, he repeated his initial question in a soft, unexpectedly gentle, tone. 

“Why were you cryin’?”

Eddie’s cheeks flushed, and he ducked his head. Now that it was over, he felt ridiculous for falling apart like that. It was such a silly thing to get so upset over, and Wayne didn’t need to know. 

“I thought you had a shift?” Eddie said, changing the subject while smoothly avoiding the question.

“Got Gordie to take the last three hours. I wanted to be home to surprise you,” Wayne replied. 

A blinding rush of hope stabbed Eddie directly in the chest. He despised it for still existing, for not being beaten down by the reality of the life he had lived. Through all of it, he still had hope, he still wanted to believe something better was coming. 

Maybe that was stupid. Maybe it was brave. Maybe it was the only thing keeping Eddie alive at this point. He dropped his gaze to the floor between them, trying to gather up his courage. 

“Why?” Eddie whispered, unable to look up in case he was wrong. 

It was quiet. It was quiet for a long time. Eddie didn’t move, didn’t dare to even breathe too much. He couldn't until he heard the answer. 

“...It’s your birthday, kiddo,” Wayne said, each word coming out slow and measured, “You know that, right?”

Wayne knew. 

Wayne knew, and he had taken time off, even though they needed the money badly. He had given up those precious few hours just to be here for him. Just because he wanted to. 

The lump that had begun to ease out of his throat grew three times as big. 

“Then why’re you so surprised that I’d wanna be here?” Wayne wondered, sounding confused, but also sad. Guilt began to bloom in his stomach, but Eddie couldn’t bear the thought of lying right now. 

“Didn’t think you knew,” Eddie mumbled, feeling his lashes starting to stick together. The unspoken ‘didn’t think you cared’ sat heavy in the air between them. 

Eddie dropped his head between his knees again, hating himself for thinking badly about Wayne. His uncle had done nothing but care for him this entire time, making sacrifice after sacrifice, and Eddie had really thought he would do something as terrible as this? What kind of person was he? 

Wayne, unaware of Eddie’s internal battle, spoke slowly, taking his time with each word the way he always did. 

“Got it out of the paperwork your social worker sent me,” Wayne said, hesitating for a second before lowering his voice into a whisper before asking his next question. 

“Is that what got you all upset?”

This is where it would be smart to lie. 

If it was his father, Eddie would have lied. 

If it was mother, Eddie would have lied. 

If it was anyone but Wayne, Eddie would have lied. 

Instead, he gave the tiniest nod he possibly could, taking the risk of falling and hoping his uncle was serious about wanting to catch him. 

Wayne sighed heavily, and Eddie raised his head just enough to watch as his uncle shook his head and got to his feet, only walking a few steps before coming to sit next to Eddie by the door. 

“I’m sorry. I thought about wakin’ you when I left, but I wanted to let you sleep. I should’ve done that, and I apologize,” Wayne said, lowering his arm around Eddie’s shoulders and tugging him in for a sideways hug. 

It always amazed Eddie how quickly Wayne would apologize for things. He had never heard his father say he was sorry, but Wayne did it all the time. If Eddie’s toast was too crunchy, if he was late coming home, every time he thought he misstepped, he said he was sorry. For all the little things, and all the big things too. 

It was strange, but it was probably the thing he liked most about living with Wayne. With Wayne, Eddie wasn’t always the one who had done the wrong thing. 

“But I had a plan, if you wanted?” Wayne offered, and Eddie nodded his head against Wayne’s shoulder, still not ready to talk. 

“Well, I figured we could grab a slice or two, ‘n go to the movies. See that new one you were talkin’ about? Salem’s Somethin’? Thought you might like to see your first official PG 13 movie together,”

“That sounds nice,” Eddie whispered, the smallest trace of a smile gracing his face as Wayne grinned when he spoke. 

“Yeah, then after I uh I got you a cupcake? You said you like red velvet, so I tried to get a cake, but the bakery only did cupcakes. I got a chocolate one for me, but I have a candle you can put in it.” Wayne continued, pointing over to the counter that separated the kitchen from the living room. There was a pink box sitting there, tied tightly with white twine that came together in a pretty bow on the top. 

Eddie couldn’t even remember talking about his favorite kind of cake with Wayne. But Wayne remembered, and the thought of that flooded him with warmth from the top of his head to the tips of his toes. 

He let his legs slide out straight, sitting right next to his uncle’s. His feet only reached about three quarters of the way down his uncle’s calves, but Wayne swore that would change soon. He liked to call Eddie a ‘bean pole in the making’ and that always made him laugh. 

“Oh, and I got a present for ya,” 

“A present?” Eddie wondered aloud, amazed. The movie and pizza was already so much, and the cupcake was even more. Weren’t those his presents? 

“Yeah. Go wait on the couch and close your eyes, alright? Didn’t get a chance to wrap it,” Wayne instructed, briefly stopping to ruffle Eddie’s curls before walking down the hallway to their room. 

Eddie stood on slightly shaky legs, walking over to the couch in a daze and sitting in the corner. He closed his eyes, letting the darkness take his vision as he waited, unable to guess what his present might be. 

He heard Wayne walk back over, and something heavy was placed in his lap. It was big, really big, and Eddie’s leg began to bounce in anticipation. 

“Okay, you can open ‘em,” Wayne said, and Eddie’s eyes flashed open. 

There was a guitar case in his lap. 

A real life, genuine, honest to god, guitar case. 

Eddie stared at it with big bug eyes, every single thought rushing out of his head as fast as they could go. He lifted one trembling hand and put it on the hard plastic, feeling the scratches and grooves with his fingers as he stared down at it. 

It was the most beautiful thing he had ever seen. 

He lifted it out of his lap, and stood up. Wayne stepped back, and Eddie kneeled down, feeling for the latches and lifting them. The guitar was somehow even better than the case. It was a soft amber wood acoustic, with a few stickers adorning the bottom, and strings that were just starting to fray at the top. 

It was perfect. Absolutely perfect. 

“Dean, my manager at the plant? He said he was lookin’ to get a new one, so I convinced ‘im to sell me this one. ‘S a little old, and he said it’ll be finicky, but it’s a good starter guitar. Thought you might like to make some music, seein’ as you listen to so much of it,” Wayne explained. 

That was a lot more talking than he was used to from his uncle. When Eddie looked up with a wide eyed expression, still unable to speak, Wayne’s strange bout of nerves vanished. 

“I know it ain’t much,” Wayne started, hunching in his shoulders, “But-”

“I love it,” 

That was Eddie’s voice, but he didn’t think he had spoken. The words weren’t good enough. They would never be good enough. No words would ever be able to even start to explain how Eddie was feeling. He stood up and wrapped his arms tight around his uncle’s middle, burying his face in the man’s chest and trying to hide the treacherous tears that had escaped once more. 

“Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you,” Eddie whispered endlessly, wishing that there was something better to say. 

Wayne seemed shocked, but he recovered quickly, patting Eddie on the back. 

“C’mon now,” Wayne muttered, probably embarrassed by the outburst. Eddie didn’t care. He squeezed even tighter, trying to convey everything he could with a hug, because words were pale in comparison. 

Wayne finally resolved to just let Eddie get this out, sighing and wrapping his arms around the boy’s shoulders. 

“Alright. You’re alright now,” Wayne whispered, putting his chin on the top of Eddie’s head, knowing he couldn’t do that for very much longer. 

And Eddie believed him. For the first time he let himself think things were going to get better without being afraid. 

[munsonology]

Modern!eddie would get in Wayne’s truck and be like “I’m in me pa’s car. Vroom vroom”

And wayne comes out the house yelling “get the hell up outta my truck boy unless you have some vroom vroom money!”

😭😭😭😭

[hellfiredemon]

joins the steddie big bang and draws no steddie

[morganbritton132]

Steve gets really into birdwatching after patrolling the woods around Hawkins for upside down creepy-crawlies and then accidentally joins the Hawkins Community Birdwatching Society, and rightfully doesn’t tell anybody about it because he still wants the party to think he’s cool.

However. Eddie brings his uncle around the party for the first time and before he can introduce him, Wayne’s like, “Hey, Steve. Diana tell ya that she saw a pileated woodpecker outside of Melvards last week?”

When Steve doesn’t respond with confusion, a record scratches inside Robin and Eddie’s brains at the same time because

“This is Wayne? Your friend Wayne??” Robin asks at the same time that Eddie exclaims, “Steve from bird club is Steve Harrington?!”

[sabbathbloodysabbeth]

Just waiter Steve who’s in tiny black shorts because Robin didn’t like how the pair she was assigned fit. So they swapped, Robin with the baggier basketball shorts and Steve with the short but reasonable pair. Both of them have ties and a button down, and some days even wear sunglasses for the bit.

Though one day while on the clock, Rockstar Eddie comes in. High off his ass. Comes off as a dick, so Steve and Robin double team him. One of them “accidently” trips the other into dumping soup all over him. Then when the other is trying to clean it up, the other is purposely charging Eddie for the soup (it’s not like he’ll notice) and the older gentleman who comes here every day gets a free meal.

Turns out the older man that comes in there every day is Wayne and he’s now sitting across from a soup covered Eddie laughing his ass off because he knows how the wonder twins work when a customer is an asshole. (It’s not the first time he’s received a free meal from them)

[beep-beep-robin]

eddie goes into witness protection and not even his friends are allowed to know he‘s still alive, only wayne knows.

wayne watches as all of these kids he didn‘t even previously know surge into his life and help him with the trailer, the (fake) funeral, and he notices how much all of them care, but he‘s most surprised by steve.

steve who wayne didn‘t even know before eddie „died“, steve who cries at eddie‘s funeral. steve who he only knew as hawkins high‘s „king“, someone eddie would never have hung out with in a thousand years if it wasn‘t for the upside down. steve who helps wayne repair the trailer, asks questions about eddie‘s past that no one had ever cared enough to ask before.

steve who now meets up with wayne weekly for dinner, listening intently to stories about eddie. steve who tells wayne that eddie awakened feelings in him that steve himself didn‘t know he could feel, even if he‘d only known him for a little while. steve who wayne wishes he could tell eddie‘s still alive.

and then steve tries to move on and wayne has to encourage him. he marries a woman his parents set him up with. he feels bad, she‘s nice, kind hearted, but everytime he looks at her brown eyes he notices he‘s trying to find eddie in them. he can‘t let him go for some reason. it nearly kills him a few times.

then eddie comes back after a few years when he gets tired of being stuck in witness protection. steve‘s split from his wife. steve wastes not one second making up for lost time. doesn‘t want to lose one moment to being mad at eddie or wayne for lying to them, because what choice did they have? they had all the time in the world now.

wayne cries when he sees his two sons finally reunited. and this time around, steve gets married to the right person, he‘s sure of it.

[humanityinahandbag]

In my mind, Robin has to tag along on most of Steve's hangouts with Eddie. Eddie thinks it's a SteveandRobin thing but really it's because she's the only line of defense between Eddie and Steve.

She just keeps telling Eddie that he should be grateful. He doesn't get it but whatever.

The actual problem?

If Eddie does anything in the vicinity of Steve that's funny or sweet or, even more dangerous, is really nice and attentive to any random child, Steve suddenly gets a look in his eye that means Casual Hangs Can Include a Marriage License, Right?

On Halloween, helping Steve give out candy, Eddie made a little girls night when he saw she was dressed as a princess and actually bowed and once she and her dad were gone Steve put down the bowl and casually said, "After this we need to swing by City Hall real quick."

Thankfully Robin was there to spray him with a water bottle and throw a full sized Milky Way at his head.

Meanwhile Eddie's standing in the background confused as hell wondering why Steve keeps suggesting bureaucracy as a fun activity and why Robin and Steve are whisper-yelling at once another in the kitchen like it's not even legal and you haven't even asked him out yet! and I'm wooing him, Robin, where's your sense of romance? When you know you know! Did you see how he is with kids? And that's quitter talk honestly Robin, I'll break City Hall's doors down and you can sign the papers it can't be that hard.

[ghosttownwherenoonegoes]

I wanna write another Uncle Wayne comfort fic (Eddie x reader ft. Uncle Wayne being the bestest dad in all of Indiana) buuuut I don’t wanna write for me because that’s all I ever do soooooo if you have any requests for Eddie x reader or for Munson family content, please send in to my inbox! I have Saturday off and it’ll be an intense study day so I’ll need good things in my inbox to entertain me on my breaks!🙏❤️

Please note: I have not seen episode nine. I know what happens and that’s as far as I can handle. So don’t ask for anything canonically relevant or for post episode nine comfort because I won’t be able to write it for you.

Other than that, go ham! Be as specific as you want or as vague, I don’t mind! Just pleaaaaaase feed my Munson brain rot, I beg!😭🙏

[niceboyeds]

alligator tears (e.m.)

pairing: Eddie Munson x reader with an appearance from Uncle Wayne

warnings: alludes to panic attack, talks of past abuse, mentions blood, comforting!Eddie, comforting!Wayne, sorry if i forgot anything but let me know and i’ll add it

word count: 1.1K

Eds taglist:

@neewtmas

nav

——————

“what was that?!” you hear a yell from the other room. footsteps coming toward you, almost seeming louder than normal.

the vase you accidentally knocked over shattered onto the floor, glass covering the kitchen. you feel yourself shaking and your breathing becomes staggered as you sit on your knees and begin picking up the glass. trying to hurry and get it cleaned up before he can get into the kitchen, but it’s no use. it’s such a mess and he’s already rounding the corner.

“what happened??” he runs inside, looking around and sees you on the ground looking incredibly frightened.

you feel yourself reverting back to the same defense mechanism you used growing up. curling yourself tight into a ball in the nearest corner. tucking your head under your arms, trying to protect your face.

“i’m sorry! i’m sorry!! i-it was an accident! please don’t hit me!!” you plead, begging him not to hurt you.

you haven't felt this way in so long, you thought you had worked past it. but your newly found fight-or-flight technique has returned into your childhood “be small and weak, maybe he’ll skip you this time” method.

“hit you?! baby what are you talking about?” you hear the words leave his mouth, the voice familiar. you know it’s not your father, but the rest of your body can't seem to figure it out.

“i’m so sorry.” tears are staining your face as you sit there, sobbing into your knees.

“baby,” he reaches out to you, causing you to flinch and try to scoot yourself further into the lower cabinet doors. “you’re bleeding. let me help, please…”

you peak through your arms, seeing a face who has never once laid a hand on you aggressively or out of anger. “Eddie?” you sniffle out. “i’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to, I just barely bumped it and it fell. I c-couldn’t catch it and—”

“honey, I don’t care about the vase.” you stare at him, confused as to why he’s not mad at you. you broke his vase and he should be upset.

“I-I’ll get you a new one, I promise.”

“I don’t care about the vase.” he repeats, as if he’s trying to drill it into your head. “I care that you’re more upset about the cheap vase than you are about the cuts on your hands.”

“oh. oh my god...” you look down at your hands, seeing them covered in blood. you hadn’t noticed the cuts along your palms and finger tips, too busy trying to clean before anyone saw.

“can I help you?” he asks softly, reaching his hand out to you again but not quite touching you. he waits for you to nod before holding onto your forearms and helping you stand.

he brings you over to the table, sitting you in a chair before rushing to the bathroom. he returns shortly after with a first aid kit.

you sit quietly, letting him clean your cuts and watching as he removes a couple slivers of glass.

“do… do you wanna talk about it?” he asks, holding a hand against your cheek gently and rubbing his thumb back and forth to soothe you.

“not really.” you answer honestly, and he respects your decision. he knows of your past, you’ve told him bits and pieces, but he hasn’t experienced the PTSD you had mentioned firsthand. until now.

“okay, I understand. whenever you want to, i’m here.”

“i’m—”

“you better not be trying to apologize again.” your silence is all he needs to know he was correct. “you never deserve to be punished, whether things happen accidentally or not. you are allowed to feel safe and comfortable without a second thought. I will never lay a hand on you like that, ever.”

“thank you.” you whisper, shedding a few tears at his gentle words. you open your mouth to say something else but the trailer door opening startles you, making you jump at first but the face who walks inside immediately calms you.

Uncle Wayne walks into his home, surely exhausted from a long night at work, huffing about something until he sees the mess you’ve made.

“wha… what happened?” your bottom lip starts to quiver again, more tears running down your face as he speaks.

“I’m gonna clean it, I’m so sorry!” you rush out, trying not to upset him.

you know he’s tired, he usually showers and goes to bed immediately after getting home. and now you fear he’ll be mad that he can’t go about his regular schedule.

“what’s with the alligator tears? accidents happen, kid.” he walks over to scope out the mess still wearing his work boots and he shoves a bit of the broken glass with his foot.

“s’alright, easy cleanup.” he nods his head a couple times, like he’s agreeing with his own words, before reaching into the closet where the broom is kept.

“please, I’ll—”

“shush, I got it.” his voice is firm, you know he won’t budge on his choice, which leaves you to continue sitting in the dining chair while Eddie finishes tending to your cuts.

“did my boy tell you about the mug avalanche he made?” Wayne speaks up again, scooping the glass into the dustpan. he looks over at the two of you and sees you shake your head no, informing him to continue.

“Eddie was maybe 12?” he starts, trying to remember the age but brushes it off quickly. “anyways, he couldn’t reach the shelf that used to hold all the mugs, so he climbed up onto the counter. but he pulled himself up using the cabinet, whole thing came crashing down ‘n made a mess all over the place. found him cryin’ and—" he explains the story, Eddie is quick to join in.

“I wouldn’t say I was cry—”

“hush boy, it’s my story.” Eddie clamps his mouth shut and allows Wayne to finish. “I told him accidents happen. there’s no consequence for being human and making a little mistake.”

“s-so you’re not mad?” you sniffle, tears dried up and your chest calming.

“not at all.” he insists, pouring the last bit of broken glass into the trashcan.

“see baby, it’s okay. a little vase is not important.” Eddie wraps his arms around you, hugging you tightly as you begin to feel safe and at ease.

“okay. thank you.”

“no need for thanks. family cares for family, and you’re part of ours now. no more alligator tears, ‘kay kiddo? they really pull at my heart strings.”

it all seems to click right there, in this moment you know they’re all you need to feel safe and loved. he’s right, they are your family. a chosen family, which seems so much more special.