#Eddie doesn't mind the pickles

[trashiiking]

[jo-harrington]

Interview Prep (Eddie Munson x Store Manager!Reader)

Pairing: Eddie Munson x Fem!Reader

Summary: Reader is worried about making a change to some routines.

Previous Part: Standard Operating Procedures 1.03

Warnings/Themes: AU where the Upside Down doesn't terrorize Hawkins. Reader works at the Claire's at StarCourt. Eddie works at TapeWorld. Mutual Pining and Slow Burn, Meeting the Family, Anxiety, Fluff

Note: Special thanks to @chestylarouxx @fracturedarkness and @courtingchaos for reading my snippets, listening to my rambling, and easing my nerves with this one. It's been in my drafts since February! And it's always kind of eluded me, but it's very special so I appreciate the time you took to help me out. So so much.

You can find my masterlist here for more featuring our resident Store Manager and all of my other writing.

Please do not interact if you are not 18+.

Enjoy!

---

“…and I swear the sound is so much better than my Fender. Like a thousand times better. I’m gonna need a new amp, I think. She is way too good for that hunk of junk that Rick got from his buddy way back when.”

“Uh huh.”

“God, I wish you could come to a show to hear it. Maybe...maybe I can ask Tom at the Hideout if our set could be a little later one night so you could come out after the store closed?"

"Sure."

“And then we could get pickle and bologna milkshakes at Benny's afterwards."

"Sounds great."

"Am I boring you?” Eddie finally stopped as he hit the button on the bailer and put his hands on his hips. "You're not even listening."

“What?” You freed yourself from your thoughts and got a good look at him. "I...what? No."

It was break time, which meant cardboard got crushed and garbage tossed before you ventured into the food court for something to eat. And on a day like today when your schedules aligned, that also meant your break was spent with your closest friend--only friend--in Hawkins.

And on any other day, you would have happily listened to his story.

Hell, you actually had listened to him...for most of it at least--he boasted about his new guitar, how he named her Sweetheart, and her first actual performance outside of Gareth's garage that had occurred the night prior--before you got too caught up in your own head.

It had been a normal Wednesday when you got to the store for your opening shift. The registers were counted, gate pushed up, and you were about to confidently post the new schedule.

Then the mail was delivered.

And with it, a larger envelope from home office that contained a very hefty packet inside.

Normally a package like that would make you happy; it was a sign that one of your favorite weeks of the year was approaching: planogram week. It was, quite honestly, not only your favorite week but your favorite part of the job altogether. More than your team, more than your discount...certainly more than helping customers.

Summer was coming to an end, which meant all of the trendy accessories would make way for backpacks, water bottles, notebooks, and lunch boxes. Things that stayed hidden away for 75% of the year, but were suddenly at the forefront of every parent and pre-teen's mind as they got ready to look their best on the first day of school.

Today, however, you suddenly felt a sense of dread as you opened the package because a planogram meant that you would have to schedule an overnight shift on the one night of the week that the mall closed early.

Sunday Night.

Date Night with Eddie.

Eddie's favorite night. And yours.

Your favorite part of your job encroached on what was becoming an essential part of your life.

So you spiraled until your break because it was easier to worry and overthink than it was to just...communicate the fact that you might have to miss a Sunday and face the possibility that Eddie could be mad at you.

Unfortunately he seemed a little steamed right now because he thought you hadn't been listening to him.

His little grumpy face was cute though.

Why was this harder than having to call your team to ask if they were ok with an unexpected overnight shift? God damn it, you needed to get a grip.

“You weren’t listening to anything I said,” he repeated.

“Yes I was,” you insisted.

“What did I say then?”

“You nailed the solo.”

“And…”

“And you actually got a round of applause.”

“And?”

“And you need a new amp.”

“And?”

“Uhm… a-and…”

Shit…maybe you had delved a little bit too far.

Growing up with a big, loud family--including an overbearing mother and two annoying brothers--meant you had the innate ability to split your brain in half and listen to them while also worrying about your own shit.

However, thanks to the intensity of your worrying, that ability failed you.

You wracked your brain for a good 30 seconds until Eddie’s scowl turned into a wicked smile, and then you knew he was just being a jerk.

“You’re the worst,” you grumbled at him.

“Excuse me,” he placed a hand on his chest in fake affront and stumbled back a few steps to collapse against the side of the trash compactor. “I'm the worst? You agreed to Pickle and Bologna milkshakes and ignored your best friend. Not very metal, sweetheart."

"I just have a lot on my mind." You shook your head and sighed. "Sorry."

"Well it's a good thing that I am a great listener. Unlike someone."

Eddie pushed himself off the compactor, put his hand on your shoulder, and guided you back inside to the food court. You got your meals of choice and tucked yourselves into a table in the corner by the JCPenney entrance.

"Alright," he started with his mouth full of fries. "Tell dear old Eddie what's bothering you."

You swallowed a mouthful of food and took a deep breath.

It was now or never.

"Well...there's this big thing coming up at work...planogram...uh...floor set," you began. "And it's really important and after it's done...we'll get visitors from corporate and my boss will probably make a few visits to see how it's going. I just want to do really well."

"Well, you've been doing a good job so far right?" Eddie shrugged. "Why wouldn't they think so now?"

"I don't know, I don't wanna mess it up," you admitted. "I'm a new store manager. And a lot of the team never worked retail before. I literally cried my first floor set as a sales associate. It's tough."

"You're just giving yourself the yips. I do it all the time when we add a new song to the set list."

"Don't just say that to make me feel better."

"Last week I forgot how to do a G-chord," he crossed his heart. "Scouts honor."

"You were a Boy Scout?" you asked skeptically.

"Stop distracting me." He popped another French fry in his mouth in an exaggerated fashion. "What else?"

"Well...we have to schedule floor sets on a Sunday."

"Ok."

"After the store closes."

"...Oh."

"Yeah."

Eddie sipped his drink thoughtfully and stared at you with his abyss-like eyes; they didn't betray a single thought going through his head and it made you nervous.

And nervous meant that you didn't shut up.

"I mean I don't want to have to cancel our night out," you started with the word vomit. "It's just the way things are always done and you'll see one day if you still work at Tape World for long enough, that's one of those things that...I don't know, if you try to do things differently it always comes back to bite you in the ass.

"And I'm young and whenever we have a conference call to talk about sales...my DM doesn't let me forget that I'm a baby compared to everyone else and it's so frustrating because I feel like I can't even suggest anything new because it immediately is dismissed as naive. It's like they keep waiting for me to fail. So I wish...I wish I could make a change so we could keep our plans. Like if it was anything else I could make it work but I...this thing I just can't, you know?

"But...but...b-because I would have to work on Sunday overnight I would probably be off another day so if you're ok with it we can do something else? Maybe on...I don't think I could get Tuesday off because of everyone's availability...maybe Friday if your friends are cool with me crashing your club night. Or...you open on Saturdays. We could do Saturday night instead?"

The punctuation to the drawn out sentence was your labored breath and Eddie noisily sucking the dregs of his soda through the straw. Shithead that he was didn't even have the decency to do anything but continue watching you with his big dumb cute eyes.

"Weeellllll..." he started in a sing-song tone and then paused and sucked at the straw some more.

Could he just tell you to fuck off already so this wouldn't be as painful as it was?

"That really sucks you need to work overnight," he finished his thought with a grin and shoved his cup to the side. "Being in the mall after hours...sounds kinda creepy. Do you think there are ghosts?"

"Are you kidding me right now?" you deadpanned. "You let me go on and on like that for nothing?"

"It was funny."

"I hate you."

"You cherish me."

"It was painful." You groaned. "Like I think I'm sweating. My heart hurts Edward."

"Don't act like you've never let me do that before," he scoffed and rolled his eyes in an exaggerated fashion. You threw a fry at him. "Don't start what you can't finish sweetheart. One fry can turn into a food fight and I would hate to find out the hard way why I'm Hawkins High's food fighting champion."

"Ok so...Saturday night?" you asked. "This Saturday...are you doing anything?"

"Uh..." Eddie hesitated and sat up a little straighter. "I mean...no hot dates or anything. What did you have in mind?"

"Maybe just what we normally do?" you suggested. "Drive around, eat a bunch of junk food. Or if you want to come over to my place and I--"

"So, I have a confession to make," he interrupted you. "I actually do have plans on Saturday. More like...standing plans than anything. My uncle Wayne is off on Saturdays and we've always watched reruns on TV and ordered pizza. Family night or whatever. My mom used to do the same thing so...Wayne thought it would be...I dunno, good for stability or something.

"It's silly but I don't want to just ditch him without asking," Eddie explained and your heart melted.

Of course you didn't want to take time away from his family; you knew how important his uncle was to him.

"Oh...well that's ok...we can rain check for another day then or--"

"Why don't you just come over?" Eddie asked. "He won't mind. I am opening this Saturday so I'll be done by 5; you can get there in time for Wheel of Fortune. That way he can't yell at me when I try to solve the puzzles with lewd words." He mimics, what you assume is, Wayne's voice.

Eddie looked so eager that you immediately agreed.

Your heart stopped in your chest though.

Come over? And meet his uncle?

Sure...you'd already met Benny a few weeks ago...and yeah you'd thought of it like meeting someone from Eddie's family but...this was his actual family. What if you insulted his uncle or...or made yourself look stupid.

You needed to put your best foot forward. Make a good impression.

"How about..." your mouth started moving before your brain could catch up. "...instead of ordering pizza, I cook for you guys instead? I'll be off Saturday since I'm doing the overnight on Sunday. I can just bring everything over."

Eddie's eyes lit up and as he teased you about the impressive cooking skills that you had supposedly boasted about previously, all you could think was...

How did this situation get even more stressful?

---

The rest of the week leading up to Saturday had been overwhelming to say the least.

To you, food was life. Cooking for someone was everything that you could do to show them that you cared. How many hours had you spent with your grandma making cookies for neighbors at Christmas, or freezer meals when a distant relative had a baby, or a tray of something after a friend of the family had passed.

Food was love and friendship, and as much as what you had done for Eddie with the guitar had been a show of friendship...this meant so much more.

So you needed to hit a home run...or a bullseye...or whatever sports terminology signified that you won.

Which meant you'd spent some down time flipping through your grandma's old recipes that she had gifted you once upon a time--a thin, pocket-sized spiral notebook with a purple cover that was filled with her illegible handwriting and personal shorthand--and thinking of ideas that would be both impressive and hearty. You'd already changed your mind twice, and had made just as many trips to Bradleys for extra ingredients.

You'd also pestered Eddie several times through the course of the week to get his input without giving anything away.

"Does your uncle like cheese?"

"Of course he does."

"Some people don't."

"Would we get pizza every Saturday if we didn't like cheese?"

"There's some pizza that doesn't have cheese."

"Why the questions? Are you nervous sweetheart?"

And that was when he started to tease you. Every chance he got. Lunches, breaks, passing you on the way to the employee lot as you started a shift and he ended one.

He asked if you wanted their phone number so you could call Wayne and make kissy noises at each other for hours, if you wanted him to bring love letters home to save on stamps, and if you were planning to dress really nice for your date with his uncle.

"I'll be sure to grab extra chapstick for him so his lips are ready for you tomorrow," he laughed and leaned closer to make the biggest, noisiest smacking kiss noise in your ear as you waited for your break time cookies.

"You're an idiot," you rolled your eyes after he uttered the last one. "I don't want him to hate me because...what if he doesn't want me to hang around you anymore. I'd kind of lose my mind."

"Oh, uh," Eddie backed away a little bit and rubbed the back of his neck, then shoved his hands in his back pockets. "Wayne wouldn't do that. He's...a little bit of a grump, but he's harmless."

"Guess we know where you got it from," you muttered.

"I didn't know you were...actually worried," Eddie continued. "I'm sorry. But it'll be ok. Even if you...wore a potato sack and brought canned beans that we had to heat on the stove for dinner. He'll think you're great. Because you are."

You were both a little silent after that, Eddie staring at his feet bashfully as you felt your heart race and your head spin.

You finalized your plans that night when you got home and immediately started on your dessert, sure that it was all gonna be a hit with both Munsons.

It was gonna be great. Because Eddie thought you were great.

And Saturday, the doubt didn't creep on you at all. Not while you cooked, not as you packed your casserole dish and Tupperware into a large cooler bag, and not even as you drove across town, following Eddie's directions to Forest Hills without getting lost once.

It wasn't until you stepped out of your car and stared at the front door that you felt your stomach drop a little.

Those four cement steps might as well have been a thousand.

But...your sneakers only needed to crunch on the gravel before the door was thrown open and a slightly-breathless Eddie smiled at you...and then all the worry disappeared.

"Hey," he greeted. "D-did you need any help?"

"Yeah, if you don't mind," you shrugged.

He jogged down the steps in socked-feet and crossed to the passenger's side door of your car, talking a mile a minute as he reached in to grab your things.

"I, uh, got home an hour ago," he rambled. "The A/C at the store conked out...and then Paulie had me make a trash run before I left. Had a big shipment today. So if I'm still a little sweaty...that's why."

"You're fine," you laughed.

"Sorry."

"Don't worry. I've been cooking so I'm probably a little sweaty too. Lasagna and July...sort of don't go together that well."

He raced up the steps and held the door open for you.

"Lasagna? Oh the old man is gonna love you," Eddie chuckled.

You entered the Munson abode and were immediately hit by the strongest sense of home that you'd felt since...well, since you'd still been at home. Not necessarily that it was a place where you belonged, but...it was a place of belonging.

Mugs and hats and other memorabilia lined the walls, reminiscent of the tchotchkes that your mother stacked to high heaven on every available surface. The couch was a little faded but looked comfortable and soft as though you could sink into the cushions and disappear into a soft nether-realm.

Your grandpa had a couch like that. His spot sunk to the shape of his body. It was still your favorite place to sit when he wasn't already there. It was like a hug.

That was when your eyes found the armchair, molded around the shape of the man seated in it. He was older, a little weathered and greying, hairline receding, and even though he isn't smiling right now, the lines around his mouth were indication enough that he smiled quite a bit.

Just like his nephew.

"Uh, Wayne this is my friend from the mall," Eddie introduced you as he juggled your cooler bag and your large Tupperware to the kitchen counter. "The one I told you about. Works at the jewelry store."

"Nice to meet you," you smiled and held a hand out to him to shake. He took your hand in a firm grasp and as you shook his the way your grandfather taught you--to command respect and trust--his eyes narrowed.

"I had to hear about you through Rick, who heard about you through Benny," Wayne started. "And I haven't the slightest idea why my nephew thought he needed to keep you a secret; not the first girlfriend he's brought around--"

Eddie groaned something unintelligible from the kitchen and you fought the urge to break eye contact with Wayne so you could look at him.

"--but I just watched him run around for the past hour tidying up. And he's never done that before. So if you can help him keep the habit, you're alright in my book." Wayne smiled widely and let your hand go.

"Thank you," you chuckled nervously, suddenly realizing how silly it had been that you were even worried in the first place.

Eddie had been right.

You could never admit that to him.

"Even did the dishes," Wayne looked past you at Eddie. "He never does the dishes."

"W-we're having dinner," Eddie whined. "Gotta have clean plates."

The two of them bantered back and forth comfortably and you joined Eddie in the kitchen to get everything plated. There was a salad, buttery mashed potatoes, and of course your still-warm and gooey lasagna.

Eddie explained that it was Wayne's favorite that he rarely got to have homemade--

"Stoffers will do in a pinch," Wayne explained.

--and that you were already more loved than he was simply for making it, to which Wayne agreed. And he even pointed out the well-loved Garfield mug that he had gotten Wayne for Father's Day one year for that fact alone.

Eddie tried to protest when you took the dessert bowl from him to stow it away in the fridge until it was the appropriate time.

"I didn't even get to have cookies with you today," he reasoned. "Or a soda. See? I suffer when you're not working. How am I--a growing boy--supposed to reach my fullest potential without proper sustenance?"

You snorted and brought the plates out to the living area while Eddie trailed behind you.

"He's just grumpy because you're making him eat vegetables," Wayne chuckled as he took his plate. "A feat I have yet to achieve in 8 years. So if you weren't already in my good books, you are now."

Dinner passed relatively uneventfully at first. You and Eddie sat on the couch--which was just as comfy as you thought it would be--as Wayne occupied the armchair. They inhaled their first helping and showered you with compliments. Eddie begrudgingly admitted that your cooking was as good as you had bragged, and even said the dressing on your salad "wasn't Ranch but was still pretty tasty."

As Eddie had told you days ago, Wheel of Fortune started promptly at 7:30 and he and Wayne tried to solve as many puzzles as possible around mouthfuls of food. They teased each other when their guesses were particularly ridiculous, and celebrated when they got one right.

You solved a long puzzle correctly--your only contribution to their little competition--before there were very many tiles revealed on the board and Eddie patted your thigh in praise when you got it right with a soft "that's my girl" that nearly had you drop your plate.

When Wheel ended, Wayne stood up to grab seconds for himself and Eddie and a couple of beers for you all. Before he sat back down he grabbed a tape from a basket beside the television and popped it into the VCR.

"I hope you don't mind," he said sheepishly. "I like the background noise and Love Boat doesn't start til 9."

As the static on the screen cleared, you were treated to a good look of a Map to Illustrate the Ponderosa in Nevada.

"Mind? I love Bonanza," you laughed, and Eddie groaned beside you.

"No I already have to endure Wayne and Rick and their western reruns, and now you too?"

Conversation then turned to you. Turned to the usual stuff that you talked about when you met someone new. And you really...didn't like talking about yourself. The middle child and the only girl with two strong-willed brothers and parents that liked to pick and pick and pick at every imperfection; it was ingrained in you.

Thankfully, Eddie seemed to really like to talk to you, at you, about you.

"I work at Claire's. We do like...ear piercing and cute accessories for kids."

"She works there? She's the store manager. And the youngest one in the company. Right? Is that...no...in the district. Anyway..."

And where you faltered, he picked up the reins.

"I mean it's just community college. Everyone graduates. I'm not smart or anything."

"Are you shitting me right now? Sweetheart I can't even graduate high school."

Eagerly.

"And there was this one time, I shit you not Wayne," Eddie's hands mimed as he tried to tell his story. "She literally balanced on one foot on the top rung of a ladder. Had to have been...20 feet high...to get this kitten that was stuck on top of the bailer. How it got there? I couldn't tell you."

"It was not the top rung."

"It was."

"It wasn't 20 feet!"

"Let me tell the story."

"I'm supposed to be telling the story," you laughed at him.

"Ok, you're right, but you weren't telling it good enough," Eddie argued. "You have to emphasize."

"He means fib," Wayne clarified.

"I mean...bend the truth for entertainment purposes only," Eddie explained rapidly.

Eventually dinner was done and it was time for dessert, which Eddie eagerly followed you into the kitchen for.

"How am I doing?" you asked nervously as you rummaged in the fridge.

"You're doing great. How many times do I have to tell you he would like you?" he huffed good-naturedly.

"I don't know, I just needed reassurance."

"Are you kidding me?" he scoffed. "You're doing great. I'm sure he'll be asking me when the next time you'll be over is so he can maybe get some more lasagna. He doesn't just let anyone watch A Rose for Lotta with him. You're special."

"Am I?"

"You're special to me."

You looked up at Eddie a little shocked and he smiled sheepishly and shrugged.

You couldn't get your hopes up. You just...couldn't.

"What's taking so long in there?" Wayne asked as he ejected the tape from the VCR so he could flip to ABC. You both looked over and found him watching you with a smirk and a twinkle in his eye.

"I dunno," Eddie replied petulantly. "Someone's withholding my reward."

You rolled your eyes and grabbed another set of plates from the drying rack by the sink. You opened your container to reveal the fluffy green mounds of pudding and whipped cream and marshmallows studded with bright maraschino cherries.

"Sweetheart, you didn't," Eddie grabbed you by the shoulders and leaned over to look into the Tupperware.

"I did," you beamed.

The perfect end to a great night.

Because you might not have known that lasagna was Wayne's favorite.

But you knew that Watergate salad was Eddie's.

---

It was late by the time Eddie walked you out to your car, way past your usual bedtime, and later than you should have been up especially considering that you would be doing the overnight tomorrow.

The dessert had been consumed in its entirety; once you and Wayne had your fill, Eddie ate the remainder out of the bowl looking, quite literally, like a kid in a candy store. And as Captain Stubing and Doc Bricker bickered aboard the Pacific Princess, you began dozing on Eddie's shoulder.

He shook you awake and you said your goodbyes to Wayne.

"You're welcome anytime," he insisted as you headed to the door. "Lasagna or no. Don't let Ed trick you into spoiling us. He's still young but my waistband can't handle it."

And now you were standing with Eddie, the driver's side door between you as you sort of refused to get in and drive away. It was a real Midwest Goodbye.

"I'll see you at work..." you fumbled over your words as you tried to think of the next time you'd actually get to see him. You had the overnight tomorrow, and you'd be off Monday. Eddie would be off Tuesday which meant... "Oh god, well...Wednesday? That seems so far away."

"It doesn't have to be Wednesday," Eddie shrugged. "What if I brought you breakfast on Monday? After your floor set is over?"

"God that's gonna be so early for you," you dismissed his idea.

"So? You just made us the best dinner and there's leftovers for a few days, which you didn't want. Let me get you breakfast."

"I don't want to put you out."

The two of you bickered back and forth for a minute before you put your foot down and told him to sleep in because he had to close on Monday night.

"Thanks though," you said. "This was nice. Family dinner at home. It was really nice. Makes me a little homesick but...I guess Hawkins is my home for now."

"Hey, of course, any time," Eddie replied. He looked pensive for a second and then turned so he didn't have to look at you. Like he was hesitant about what you would say or think. "We don't...I mean I guess what I mean is...I really enjoy hanging out on Sundays and I know this is sort of a one-off thing. But...you know we don't only have to hang out on Sundays. We can do...I mean...have dinner again sometimes or meet you after work even if I'm off...or see a movie again...get something from Family Video or..."

"You wanna hang out with me more?" you cut into his rambling.

"Yeah, why not?"

"Friends hang out all the time but..." You shrugged. "Don't...skip out on...I mean I guess I don't know what it is you do with the guys outside of band practice and DnD. Don't skip out on them just for me."

"No, hey now, wait," Eddie held his hand out to stop you. "Those turds already see me all the time and are gonna see me more once school's back in session. And...I'll probably work less so...I'll take any time with you now that I can get."

"Alright." You beamed.

"Alright." He mirrored you. "More non-Sunday hangouts."

You agreed and he held out his pinky. You immediately hooked yours into it.

“See you Wednesday sweetheart,” Eddie said his farewell. “Don’t dream of me too much.”

---

"Alright guys, it's almost 7am, time to clean up," you announced to your overnight crew with a clap of your hands.

It had been a fun but trying night, but ultimately successful.

Saturday had been perfect but your whole Sunday routine had already been thrown off and you spent a majority of your day sleeping and cleaning and wondering what Eddie was getting up to at work.

As you predicted, everyone was more than a little confused by the planogram booklet but you were a patient teacher. Everyone thought they had an eye for store layout until they were faced with twenty shipment boxes of pencil cases and locker decor. You had to talk a few of them down from near-panics several times throughout the night.

Over the course of the floorset, side ponytails became even more askew than normal, a few pairs of shoes got kicked into a pile by the gate, and everyone turned into tired, sweaty messes.

To keep morale up, you had insisted on everyone bringing a favorite tape that alternated in the shop radio and you had stocked up at Bradley's with an assortment of sugary snacks and drinks for the break room. Thankfully, the treats had prevented anyone from bursting into tears or threatening to quit, as you had witnessed countless times during your time working in retail.

You really channeled Eddie's sweet tooth when making your choices and it had paid off.

But after 12 hours of unpacking, stacking, dusting, shifting, and sliding, you were all ready to go home.

You ushered everyone out of the store and locked the gate behind you, and as the group walked toward the employee exit, excitement had returned. Pride for a seemingly-impossible task completed.

"The store looks so good! Mindy is gonna shit herself when she comes in to open."

"Oh my god, do you think we're gonna have a store visit? Can you let me know what they think of the hair wall?"

"We're gonna make so many sales! Who can say no to that unicorn backpack?"

You entertained their conversation but when you set foot outside and saw a familiar van parked next to your car, you lost all ability to speak.

He had said he was gonna surprise you with breakfast...but you told him not to. Of course he didn't listen; it had you rolling your eyes in annoyed amusement.

God you knew everyone was a gossip, this was gonna get to Mindy and then she was gonna give you an earful. She already let you have it when she heard about your invitation to dinner.

You quickly thanked your team and ushered them to their cars before you meandered towards yours. You ignored the questioning looks that they shot you as you hesitated to get into your car but you waved goodbye as they drove away.

When the last car left the lot, you immediately stormed over to the passenger's side door of the van and threw it open to find a McDonald's bag on the seat, two coffees in the cupholders, and a tired-eyed Eddie in the driver's seat. His fingers tapped on the steering wheel in time with Kiss's Beth.

"I'm always somewhere else," he turned his upper body towards you dramatically and began serenading you. "And you're always there alone."

"Unbelievable," you scoffed at him.

"Just a few more hours and I'll be right home to you. I think I hear them calling. Oh Beth what can I do?" He slapped his hands against the steering wheel dramatically. "Beth what can I do?"

You climbed into the passengers seat, closed the door behind you, and opened the McDonalds bag to the delightful smell of hot, fresh, crispy hash browns and egg McMuffins.

"If it's not obvious," Eddie announced as he reached across the van to shove his hand into the bag for a hash brown of his own. "I'm Beth in this scenario because you left me alone for hours and hours and hours last night."

"Oh yeah?"

"Yeah I got into all sorts of trouble."

“I told you not to bring breakfast.”

“I wanted to surprise you.”

"You didn't need to come if you were tired."

"I wanted to and I pretty much do whatever I want anyways," he insisted, and then thankfully focused on his food as you felt your face heat up.

"Well, if you'd like to know, me and the boys were not actually playing all night," you remarked and dug the sandwiches out of the brown bag. You handed one to Eddie, whose mouth was already full of salty, potatoey goodness after he'd shoved the hash brown in one piece. His cheeks were all round and full like a chipmunks and you held back a giggle.

God he was too cute. And he brought you breakfast after a long overnight shift. And he had called you his girl and told you you were special. How were you supposed to stop yourself from having a crush on him if this was...just how he was?

The two of you got to talking about your night, about his Sunday shift, about what you did before work, about what he did after it. And it was nice.

And as you sat there watching him slurp the hot coffee and watch the sparse traffic around the mall dive, you finally found the right words and the strength not to make an absolute fool of yourself.

"This was really nice of you, Eddie. You're wonderful."

He put his hand on his chest and looked a little sheepish.

"I'm wonderful?"

"You're wonderful to me."

---

Next Part: Corrective Action

The tag list is currently suspended.

[lolahasmoxie]

Friends to Something More (E.M.)

Friends to Lovers with Eddie Munson.

But not the "we've secretly been in love with each other for 15+ years since we were kids" FtL.

It's the "we're in our mid-20s and are just now noticing each other." FtL.

You could admit that Eddie was attractive; you had eyes. But he was Eddie. You were his bro and best bud, and you occasionally played wing-man for him at The Hideout.

Eddie could admit that you were beautiful, but he always saw you as more like a sister. He would fart and burp in front of you, but also wing-man for you as well.

Then, one day, you're both 25.

You're at The Hideout with the gang, and Eddie can't help but watch you walk away to the bar to get the next round of drinks.

Had your ass always jiggled like that?

You give the drink order to the bartender and turn around just in time to catch Eddie looking at you.

Wait, since when did his lips get that plump?

Throughout the night, Eddie sidles closer and closer to you. When his arm wraps around your shoulder as he talks to Steve, you can't help but give a quick inhale. You hope Eddie doesn't notice; he absolutely does.

Fuck, has he always smelled this good?

Eddie is talking to Steve, but all he can think about is how the perfume you're wearing makes him want to bite your flesh and how wonderful your body feels pressed to his side.

At the end of the night, you and Eddie decide to share a cab since he's staying at your apartment for the night.

He has a small go-bag of items in your bathroom, and you take turns getting ready. Once in your PJs, you settle on the sofa to watch a bad horror movie. Eddie is tense, but you don't say anything because you know he'll tell you when he's ready.

About 40 minutes later, Eddie finally turns to you and clears his throat.

"Everything okay?"

"I want to do something, and if you at any point don't like it, just tell me to fuck off, and we'll never speak of it again."

"Okay, now I'm scared."

"I really, really, REALLY want to kiss you right now.

"Oh, fuck off, Eddie."

"It's not a joke. I don't know why, but the thought popped into my brain at The Hideout, and I feel like I might die if I don't find out."

Your mouth hangs open, and you feel the same desire as you study his face. Good lord, he was so fucking pretty. Your eyes glance down briefly to his lips before you return his gaze.

"Please."

You learn Eddie is serious and intense when he has his mind on something. And he doesn't do anything half-assed, either.

He raises his calloused hands to cup your cheeks, warm brown eyes staring intensely into yours. You feel like melting as his thumbs slowly caress your cheeks. You've never had anyone look at you like this, had someone look at you so reverently before.

Eddie can't remember when a woman looked at him like you were now. Had a woman ever looked at him like this? Like he was the sun, and you were simply compeleld to follow.

He leans in, and there's a slight pause before your lips touch.

It's the last breath before the dive.

He rubs his nose softly against yours and smiles when you softly gasp. He would do anything to hear that noise again.

Then his lips are against yours, so soft and featherlight.

A kiss.

Then there's another, but with slightly more pressure.

He's the one who licks across the seam of your lip; he's the first to hum as you open for him. His hands keep you secure, thumbs caressing your face as he pulls you closer.

Then you're in his lap. You rest your weight entirely on him, and you can feel his cock grow hard under you. When Eddie finally pulls away, his eyes are almost all black, and he looks at you like he wants to devour you.

"Please let me take you to bed?"

"Isn't that kind of fast?"

Eddie can't help but chuckle as he pulls you down wholly on top of him. He peppers your face with kisses as you giggle.

"You take your coffee with a touch of cream and 1 sugar. You absolutely HATE pickles; you won't even eat the fries that touch the pickle spear at Benny's. Your favorite relative is your Aunt Deb, and you would throw me into traffic for a chance with Jason Newsted."

Your jaw hits the floor as you rest your head against his chest. Even though he can't see the smile on your face, he knows it's there.

"You tell people you like your coffee black, but that's a lie. You like it with enough milk that it turns a light tan. You love pickles so much that you always eat the one off my plate. Uncle Wayne is your favorite person on the planet, and you would throw me into traffic for a chance with Lita Ford."

He pulls you up and claims your lips once more.

"It may be fast," he mumbles against your lips. "but I'm not freaked out. Are you?"

"The only thing I'm freaked out about is how good you are at kissing. Seriously, who knew Eddie Munson could kiss like this?"

"Let me take you to bed; there's a whole lot more I can show you, Sweetheart."

FtL: where both participants know that they've just had their last first kiss.

[oneforthemunny]

So all the Eddie’s are tatted up but I wondered if you had any particular tattoos in mind for them?

I think you mentioned rockstar being particularly inked with tattoos for the girls and nepo baby before!

so for modern!eddie I think he'd have a lot of really kinda meaningless tattoos lol. not a whole lot like completely covered, but if he thinks somethings cool he's like yeah I'll put that on my body. definitely has a pickle rick tattoo and you know he does.

rockstar!eddie has a lot. he has the bat symbol from corroded coffin. he's definitely got something for wayne and his mom too. he's just got like a fuck ton of tattoos tho lol. most of them are like gothic and kinda scary looking to match his vibe, then like as he gets older there's drawings from the girls. they use him as their own personal doodle bear lol and he gets them tatted.

older!eddie has brielle's name and delilah's name on his chest. has a tattoo for gina that was in a heart that he got covered up into like a heart with a dagger lmao on his ribs. gets a bunny for reader, and has her initial on his ring finger too.

mafia!eddie has skulls down his forearm and upper arm, a sort of tally for all the people he's killed. he doesn't have a lot a lot, but has one for reader somewhere hidden entirely. wouldn't want anyone to ever see it bc then they would know he has someone who he cares about at home and might go for her.

cowboy!eddie would never ever ever admit it but he has a little horseshoe on his ass lmao. makes you swear not to tell anyone. it's like barely an inch tall and he got it drunk while at a competition but you think it's so fucking funny. has a medusa tattoo too for his favorite horse lol <3

janitor!eddie definitely doesn't have a lot, probably least tatted out of all of them, but has your name or initials on his ring finger. probably something for his mom and you and the kids on his ribs, like dates or even flowers or something.

bouncer!eddie has the stereotypical mom with an arrow heart on his arm bc he thought it was funny. recently got a dagger going down his forearm and you think it looks really fucking hot. also has cupid on his right shoulder blade bc you dared him too and... he did lol.

[indecisive-dizzy]

Hiiiii :D

Little random but I’m thinking about DearDollops too much

So have some headcanons :DDDD

Eddie definitely helps Daisey do drag, specifically the makeup cause he loves his bestie and loves making them feel pretty

Daisey watches Eddie do his makeup. They’re just sitting there, watching their bestie completely enamored as he gets ready for whatever they planned to do together

They’ve definitely mumbled an I love you out loud and panicked once they realized. They’re stammering and stumbling over their words and Eddie’s just giggling to himself at their bestie being adorable

Unrelated but G3 Lagoona is literally Daisey I love them

Daisey loves Eddie’s eyes. They could stare into them all day

Eddie loves Daisey’s hair. He loves to mess with it, run his fingers through it, braid it when he’s feeling overwhelmed, put flowers in it, he loves it :3

Daisey definitely tells the cashier that Eddie ordered no pickles

Eddie loves carrying stuff, since that’s literally his job. He carries Daisey around for legit no reason, he just loves to carry his bestie

Also unrelated but I’m making a Saw au for welcome home and Eddie is Amanda because they’re both my favs

Daisey loves watching scary movie with Eddie cause he cuddles them whenever he’s scared (which is the whole movie)

They both wear lipstick occasionally, so I can see Daisey having a singular kiss mark on their forehead or cheek and Eddie has a bunch all over his face :3

Sleepy cuddles <3

If Eddie leaves a piece of clothes at Daisey’s place, they definitely cuddle with it. I think Eddie would have very specific kinds of cologne, so Daisey catches hints of them on the piece of clothes they have

Daisey’s so in love with Eddie it’s so unreal I love them so much

The two of them cuddling just makes me so happy I don’t even know why

Just Eddie gently playing with Daisey’s hair and hugging them closely while Daisey buries their face in his chest <3333

I’m insane I’m biting the bars of my enclosure right now I need them

I have school tomorrow 😭

Eddie and Daisey with the "Do you feel Bonita?" meme hehehehe <3

God Daisey same,,, Eddie giggling tho <3 oughh 💕💕

Scoops up bestie cuz they said they wanted a snack,, Dasiey was just on the couch lol

ik nothing about saw <3 it's too much for me (a wimp)

Yeah see Eddie tries not to overdo it, just one pretty purple kiss mark on Daisey's cheek. Only to get smothered in return (he doesn't mind, he's quite happy actually hehe)

don't make me think about what cologne Eddie would wear I'm gonna go feral akdhajdj but yeah Daisey,, as they should

Cuddles are everything bestie!! I love cuddles sm <3

[little-annie]

Closets & Dill Pickle Chips [1/2]

---

Bi- Panic

Tonight was Eddie's return to the stage and Steve was proud and excited and couldn't wait to show off his friend. He'd brought a date, some girl from high school he hardly remembers. She's pretty, sweet and he didn't quite want to show up to Eddie's gig alone, because that'd be weird. Right?

So he sat with his arm around the woman's waist and at the moment couldn't even remember her name as he took in the show. Eddie was killing it, he looked like a real rockstar, crop top, leather pants and a magnetism to his performance. It proved difficult to look away and if the energy of the bar and the music got Steve going, well, he didn't mind and apparently his date didn't either. Her dainty fingers lingered on his thigh, venturing higher and higher until she squeezed and whispered something in his ear. Something that was drowned out by the sound of Eddie's voice coming through the speakers as back up vocals, low and raspy. But Steve's gut twisted with excitement so he must have heard what she said. Right?

As the show came to a close, Eddie came to their table to thank Steve for coming to support them. A strong hand resting on his shoulder the whole time, gently squeezing. Steve couldn't pull his eyes from Eddie's. They were lined with kohl and nearly hypnotising as he looked into them and noticed the varying colours dancing within their iris'. Chestnut, oak, amber. They were quite beautiful. The world seemed to blur around them as Eddie spoke and smiled like sunshine.

"I'll see around Stevie, thanks again for coming out tonight and bringing your lady." Eddie's grip shifted, moving further up to Steve's neck where he gently held, fingers hardly breaching into the line of baby hairs at his nape, a calloused thumb rubbed once and their eyes never once left each other. If anything Steve's eyes darted to Eddie's lips and he felt the need to get closer. "I'll let you get back to your date. Night, Harrington."

Why'd he feel so breathless 

"Night, Eddie." Steve quietly spoke, fighting the need to follow the man's touch as he pulled his hand away

His date said something, her quiet voice lost to the sound of Steve's thoughts and the image of Eddie's lips that so suddenly burned into his brain for the whole half a second he took them in.

Steve knew what he wanted and it made his stomach twist, his brow sweat and his sanity slightly crumble. He wanted a kiss. He wanted a kiss so goddamn bad he felt his lungs may give without. He wanted to know what Eddie's lips felt like on his. What his breath tasted like mixed with his own. How their lips would move together. How Eddie would hold him. If he'd pull him in by the waist or if he'd cradle a cheek in his guitar string bitten hand. How the calluses Steve knew he had would feel against the soft skin of his jaw. 

Steve wanted to know all of it

Everything down to the damn pulse of the man's heart beating through kiss bitter lips.

But what the fuck? He's here. He's here on a date with a beautiful woman and he's thinking about Eddie? He's just horny that's it, he needs to leave and get his date home and things will be fine.

Steve Harrington doesn't kiss men.

Steve Harrington doesn't kiss Eddie Munson.

—

Few words were exchanged over one last glass of whiskey before Steve and … he still couldn't remember her name, made their way back to her place. 

Out of desperation to shut up his groaning mind, a mind that kept comparing this woman's features to that of a friend; Steve walked the nameless woman backwards with aching lips to her bedroom. Not bothering to kick the door shut behind them, they carried on with their evening. A sweaty, meaningless evening that honestly seemed to last too long for Steve's liking. The dark eyes meeting his, the auburn curls tangling in his fingers, it was too much and it was doing quite the opposite of what he wanted. As those curls wrapped around his fingers and hot gasping breaths poured over his lips, he couldn't shake the thought of Eddie and how he wished it was him tangled in his grasp.

Fuck

The second things were over, Steve grabbed his clothes and stormed out. He didn't know where he was going, he just knew it was somewhere. Crazy probably being the most likely destination.

It wasn't a far walk but exhaustion had gotten the best of him and he found himself perched on a park bench. Head held in his hands, he willed his stinging tears to stay at bay. He let the chill of the evening air wash over, encase him in an icy embrace and allow his heartbeat to settle and his mind to clear. 

He didn't know why he was reacting the way he was. Maybe he was just confused, scared, maybe he just really fucking needed to talk to Robin, but he didn't even know what to say. 

I wanna kiss Eddie, I wanna feel the pressure of his body wrapped around mine, I wanna feel his calloused fingers pulling at my skin? 

Fuck that 

It's not like he could even let Robin know it's Eddie he was thinking about. Right?

But he sat there anyway, contemplating the words that'd most likely spew from his mouth the second he saw his girl.

—

Steve wasn't fine.

The moment the door clicked shut behind him, he slumped against it. Pulling his knees to his chest, dropping his head to his lap, Steve wrapped his arms around his shins. Squeezing tight and still trying to will the tears to stay at bay because 'men don't cry Steven.''

He shook. His breath grew erratic and soon unmanageable. Jesus Christ, he'd never felt more sick in his life but as he pulled himself from the floor, wobbly knees and blurred vision, he made the trip to the bathroom with great difficulty.

Knee caps crashing into the cold tile floor, Steve clung to the porcelain bowl. Dry heaving until his stomach hurt, he curled into a shaky ball on the bathroom floor. 

As the cold tile against his cheek dulled his mounting headache, it did nothing to steady his breath. Every shallow inhale burned and forced his eyes to water. He was alone, suffering through whatever this was alone because he had no one. He had no one to hold him, no one to kiss him, no one to sing to him… to sing to him the way Eddie does.

Because he does, because he's so fucking sweet and anytime they spend together it's domestic bliss. Steve cooks, Eddie sings to Fleetwood Mac of all things and spins around the kitchen haphazardly with a bowl full of something that eventually splashes onto the floor. Because when Steve wakes up from a nightmare, shaking and scared, traumatised from the flashing images of razor sharp teeth and leathery wings, he calls Eddie. The only person who fully understands and Eddie will hold him without question. Sing him to sleep and, Steve knows, he knows for a goddamn fact that Eddie has kissed the top of his head to help comfort him and it always does. 

It always does.

But it can't be Eddie, it's not allowed to be Eddie.

After what felt like an eternity of burning lungs and panicked breaths Steve's mind eventually calms. Or maybe it just went numb to save itself.

Now he's sat on the floor of the bathtub, arms wrapped around his shins, cheek pressed to his knees and scalding hot water raining down on him and he eventually comes to. His vision cleared and the fog in his mind dissipated enough to realise he'd been staring at the same bottle of shampoo on the ledge of the tub for so long that his body was stiff in its position and his fingertips had shrivelled under the constant exposure to water. 

He was just lonely. That's it. That's something he could drink to, right?

—

Ring. 

Ring.

Ri-

"Hello?"

"Rob"

—

Dill Pickle Chips

Steve spent the last week avoiding Eddie like the plague and honestly, it hurt so goddamn bad. He missed him. He missed him like he missed air when a Demmobat had its tail wrapped around his neck. Missed him like he missed the sun on his skin after staying in the hospital for weeks on end. Missed him during those nights where he knew the only thing that could comfort him was Eddie's arms around him and his lips pressed to the top of his head. Missed him although he was something he never had, not really anyway. They were good friends, joked around, got high together, did stupid shit and cared about each other but the realisation of last week hit Steve like a brick wall, and now, well, he didn't know if he could look at Eddie without thinking about him in that way.

Without wanting him.

Within the last week Steve had come to the realisation that he's not just lonely. He filled his days and nights with women and not one of them filled the empty feeling in his chest he knew that the other man could. It was a startling realisation to come to, but he eventually did. He's okay. Kinda. He's getting there at least. He needed to talk to Robin though and that was his plan for tonight. 

Well maybe.

He just needed to wrap his mind around this. Wrap his mind around Eddie. Wrap his mind around everything. All with the help of Robin. 

Letting Eddie's name escape his lips in the dirtiest of whispers far too many times since his realisation, Steve eventually found himself in a cold shower, trying to wash away his sins before he got ready to head over to Robin's for night. 

Maybe spending time with his emotional support lesbian could get his mind off of things. 

Things being Eddie Munson.

Though that didn’t fare well.

To her credit Robin hadn't the slightest clue (to Steve's knowledge) about his recently somewhat accepted attraction. So, she supposedly hadn't the slightest clue as to why Steve's cheeks aggressively sprung to crimson when he stepped into her apartment and saw none other than the object of his attraction splayed out on the couch. 

Hair wild and wispy, coffee coloured bloodshot eyes sleepy, Eddie was truly nothing less than a liquid form on the thrifted orange and blue sofa. Legs hanging over the back of the furniture, arms lazily falling around his upside down head. He looked as if someone had poured him out of a glass and he chose to remain how he spilled out. Haphazardly and with part of his midsection peaking out just enough to get Steve's blood flowing a little faster.

"Stevie," Eddie smiled, voice raspier than usual, quite literally tumbling onto the floor to spring up and make his way over to Steve before pulling him into a strong embrace. Carding his fingers through Steve's hair and unavoidably making Steve's night that much more difficult; Eddie was high off his ass and when Eddie was high, he was touchier than usual and the usual was already a lot.

Steve, already half hard from his earlier 'activities' shivered as Eddie's fingers gripped his hair and pulled him back into view to witness a devilish smirk and the way the man's lips lazily moved as he continued to speak, "Looking as beautiful as ever." Eddie whispered, breath ghosting over Steve's lips. 

And maybe if Steve was sane, not lingering in the bliss of his previous release from mere hours ago, he wouldn't have whined from the sensation alone. He also probably wouldn't have caught onto the way he swears he felt Eddie's dick twitch against his hip as he bit his lip trying to silence the sound that had unfortunately escaped his lips.

Tonight was going to be hard and unfortunately for Steve, in more ways than one.

Robin had stood there with a knowing look on her face before she pulled a stoned Eddie back to the couch and threw a bag of chips at him to hopefully distract his wandering hands. Much to Steve's disappointment.

Steve wasn't planning on this this evening. The object of his attraction hazed out, giggling to himself about God knows what while he continued to melt into the couch while simultaneously working his way closer to Steve. Because of course the only other seat available was next to Eddie. Of course.

Robin none the wiser (or so Steve thought), he couldn't blame her. She hadn't the slightest clue what was going on inside his head and for the time being he didn't know if he was 100% sure on telling her just yet. So in an effort to remain casual, he had to play the role of everyone's straight friend. Even though that was something he was quickly realising he wasn't. 

So he sat there, allowing Eddie to inevitably melt into him while he continued to giggle to himself forcing Steve's heart to swell from the sweet sound alone. Watching some God awful European movie Robin 'liberated' from Family Video, Steve allowed his mind to wander and maybe his eyes as well. 

Both, fortunate or not, focused on Eddie. Legs hanging over the armrest, head resting on Steve's thigh, he picked at the pile of chips he'd deposited on his chest. Dill Pickle, because they were Eddie's favourite– and no, Steve didn't remember that, nor did he keep a bag stocked at his place and Robins just in case. 

Oblivious to Robin's curious gaze, Steve's eyes hardly left the features of the man before him. Yes, having Eddie's head so close to his dick could prove to be a problem, but with all the willpower he could summon, Steve opted for admiring the arch of Eddie's nose and wrinkle of the pale skin around his eyes as he continued to occasionally giggle about nothing. Because that's wasn't fucking adorable.

Stoned Eddie was nearly comparable to Kryptonite for Steve, only second to an on stage, sweaty in a crop top Eddie that unknowingly served as Steve's Bi- awakening. But this form sparked something different. Steve didn't feel the intense need to go home and continue his earlier 'activities ' No, this form caused his cheeks to warm and his heart to twist. He felt warm and fuzzy and so goddamn happy. This wasn't just attraction, it was something much more and truthfully that scared Steve more than anything.

Gay, Bi-Sexual, whatever he was, he could handle that, hardly, but he could, he's growing to accept that. Maybe. But love? No, no, love's too much and way too soon. Like? He could hardly lie to himself and settle on that because the idea of having his heart ripped from his chest was currently too much to bear. That was a feeling he'd have to shove down. 

Or

Maybe he could let himself drown in it, just for this evening. He could allow himself that. Right? 

Hardly realising he was mid spiral, Steve's attention was pulled back to reality by a gentle tap to his bottom lip. Brows pinched, he minutely flinched from the touch before his eyes focused on Eddie looking up at him from his lap. Those deep pools of coffee and amber looking back at him with a goofy grin. 

"Chip?" Eddie quietly suggests, tapping a Dill Pickle chip to Steve's bottom lip again, because of course Eddie was feeding him. Goddammit.

Okay, so maybe Steve hadn't confessed anything to Robin that night like he'd originally planned, but it was the first time she'd witnessed Steve's predicament. A straight man doesn't stare so lovingly at his friend and unknowingly comb his fingers through said friend's hair while neglecting to watch a movie. The look of adoration was so vividly painted across Steve's face, Robin hoped he realised what he was feeling, because it looked like something powerful, pure and beautiful. 

Bi- Schedule

After a week of avoiding Eddie like the plague, sleeping with a sickly amount of women, coming to the acceptance that, yeah, he might just have a thing for one of his best friends and falling asleep on Robin's fire escape with the man while smoking a joint and carding his fingers through Eddie's curls; Steve found himself back at the Hideout again.

Jonathan of all people convinced him to go out. Apparently a little "Guys Night" while he and Argyle were back in town from Cali. 

Never in a million years would Steve have thought he was going to have a guy's night with Jonathan Buyers and a stoner named Argyle wearing every colour of the rainbow who had hair down to his ass. But here he was, squished around a small table in front of a stage, waiting for Corroded Coffin to play.

And dear lord did they play. The bar was full, word getting around that a suspected Murderer/ Cultist/ Satanist was playing in a metal band at the Hideout was apparently very good for business. Who would have thought. So, Corroded played their hearts out, the band was on fire and Christ,  Eddie was magnetic. Women rushed the front of the stage just to be close to the man and if it wasn't for the little amount of self control he had, Steve would've too.

Earthen eyes lined with Kohl. Chocolatey curls frizzy and bold, gathering in the streams of sweat running down Eddie's neck and clinging to his shoulders. Leather pants that were illegally tight leaving nothing to the imagination. Steve's surprised he didn't pass out when the man tore his shirt off in the few spare seconds of a drum solo. 

He knows he looked like a dope. His beer had long gone warm as it sat in his grasp and he stared in awe at the man before him. Sweaty torso, a pierced nipple and the newest addition to Eddie's ink; Steve could hardly keep his jaw from dropping let alone his dick from stiffening. Shifting uncomfortably in his chair, willing the ever growing mass in his jeans to dissipate,  Steve continued to stare. His eyes mapping out Eddie's newest tattoo. It mimicked the lightning of the Upside Down, cascading between scars and splaying the vast canvas of Eddie's etched torso and side. It was hypnotic to see, let alone watch as Eddie ground his hips against his guitar while he played.

What Steve would give to be that guitar 

"Hey man, you alright?"

Oh shit, he's here with other people, that's right

Throwing back the rest of his beer (all of it) Steve turned to meet Jonathan's concerned expression

"Yeah, yeah, I'm fine, just uh-" remembering the severity of his erection, Steve shifted to sit with his legs crossed, no matter how painful, "-just tired, is all."

"Oh dude, sorry, we can get going if you want."

Well he doesn't want that. If anything he wants to stay later to witness Eddie in all of his post show glory and glow, "Nah, it's alright, it'll do me good to have guys night out."

So that's what they did. After the show they made their way back to the bar lining up a round of shots to do with the band. They waited for the other guys while they chatted about nothing in particular. 

As weird as it may be, Steve could smell him before he could see him. Eddie's pine and tobacco scented cologne wafted into his lungs like the welcome breeze of spring's first rain and dear lord did it do something to him. The smell of the man's sweat and cologne made Steve's knees nearly buckle. 

He was in deep.

"Harrington!" Eddie bellowed pulling Steve into a sweaty side hug that made his skin burn with need, "You made it man,-" Eddie squeezing his waist Steve had to fight off the groan that clawed at his throat, "- I missed you at last week's show."

Steve just smiled trying not to think about last week and the journey that'd been. Sexuality crisis and all. Reaching for two shot glasses, Steve moved to hand one to Eddie while he complimented the man on his performance.

"Thanks Stevie," Eddie winked, flinging his hair back to pull it into a low knot, leaving his sweat stained skin glistening in the bar light, on display for Steve to drool over. It was then that Steve noticed Eddie was still shirtless, and he couldn't help but let his eyes wander. His surprisingly toned figure, fucking nipple ring and that goddamn tattoo. Steve wanted to touch him, wanted to bite him, wanted to lick the sweat and tattoos from his skin. Fuck.

"Steve- " Eddie whispered, gently tapping the man's nose with his finger, "- I'll take my shot now Sweetheart."

Trying to not combust from the nickname alone, Steve handed Eddie the ounce of liquor, fingers brushing in the process sending a shiver up his arm.

The men did shot, after shot, after shot, ending the evening with rosy cheeks, blurry eyes and loose lips. Steve, way too many times to be platonic telling Eddie how pretty he was or how beautiful his eyes were. Many times did Steve find himself leant against Eddie, arms around the man's bare waist as he leaned his head either into Eddie's neck or chest, grumbling about how he felt he was going to be sick.

"You're alright Stevie," Eddie would whisper, rubbing Steve's back or carding his fingers through the man's hair soliciting a hardly audible groan, "I'll call you a cab okay. You going home or to Robin's?"

"Yours" Steve grumbled, burrowing into Eddie's neck further, hardly resisting the urge to bite or lick the man and maybe if he rubbed his lips against Eddie's skin and licked the salt from his lips, that's his secret to keep

"I don't think that's a good idea,-" Eddie quietly spoke, pulling Steve back to look into his eyes, gently holding a hand to his cheek and rubbing a thumb over Steve's flushed skin, "- I'll send you to Rob's, okay?"

Steve nodded, however minutely and hung onto Eddie as the man walked to the bar and called for a cab. It arrived shortly after and Steve found himself being carefully helped into the vehicle and buckled in. He may or may not have taken a not so subtle inhale of Eddie's cologne one last time before the man clicked his buckle into place and placed a gentle hand on his cheek again.

 Steadying himself with a hand resting on the roof of the cab, Eddie spoke, "You get to Robin's safe, okay? If I don't hear from you tomorrow Steve Harrington, believe me I will show up on your doorstep to make sure you're alive and well. Got it?"

Steve nodded, drunken eyes getting lost in all that is Eddie Munson

Thumb brushing Steve's cheek again, Eddie spoke quietly, "I need to hear you say it Sweetheart."

"Yes, Eddie." Steve whispered, turning his face ever so slightly to the side to press a kiss to Eddie's wrist 

And maybe, he meant nothing by it, but the way Eddie blushed and whispered, "Good Boy," sent a pulse of electricity through Steve's body, settling happily in his core.

–

2 a.m., nose red, lips numb, vision slightly blurry and mind racing with one burning topic, Steve stumbled into the quiet apartment he called home (well his second home- Robin's apartment.) Falling back against the door and literally yelling for his best friend who slept less than twenty feet away, Steve's head began to spin and he loudly repeated, "ROBIN!"

Bright lights suddenly burned his eyes and he groaned in protest as he slumped to the floor. Drunken knees giving out under his weight with a dull thump of his ass hitting the hardwood. Eyes shielded, Steve tucked his head into his knees with another groan, only this one was followed with a hiccup.

The padding of fuzzy socked feet against hardwood thumped down the hall and soon stopped at the threshold of the small entryway.

Hands on hips, hair messy and a white t-shirt nearly to the knees stood Robin Buckley. Who, truthfully looked a little less than pleased, "Are you drunk?"

Steve shook his head, which was a very obvious mistake when the room began to spin even faster and his stomach twisted resulting in another groan

"You're drunk. Great. And at 2a.m. Nice. -'' but it's not like she could stay mad as the man on the ground in front of her groaned like a wounded animal. Hands falling to her sides in defeat, Robin let out a rather dramatic sigh and moved to settle her hands on Steve's shaky shoulders, "-Come on big guy. We going to the bathroom to throw up or am I taking you straight to bed?"

"Your bed." He grumbled against his knees (Because of course Steve had his own room at Robin's but hardly used it, opting to normally gossip with his best friend until they passed out) 

"No, I'm not having you puke on me in my sleep. Now come on." If that happened maybe she could stay mad for more than a few seconds 

"Needs to talk Robbie."

"Steve, you're in no shape to talk, come on."

"No." He pouted 

"I'm not going to argue with you."

And like a stubborn four year old he continued to persist, "No."

"Christ,-" Robin squeezed her eyes shut in frustration, "-you know, as much as I want to leave you here to choke on your own vomit, I can't do that. Get your ass up."

"Your bed."

Pinching the bridge of her nose and honestly too tired to deal with anymore childish pouting, Robin gave in, "Oh my god, fine. Come on then."

Though it took a moment, some cursing and a pit stop in the bathroom, Steve finally made it to Robin's bedroom. It was with very little grace that he stripped down to his boxers and shuffled through her pile of dirty laundry until he found a pair of sweatpants. Struggling through every second of pulling on pants and climbing into bed, Steve uncomfortably settled onto the mattress with a groan.

Laying on his back, trying to will the room to stop spinning with his mind, Steve mumbled, "Still needs to talk Rob."

With a pleading tone and the sweet land of slumber calling her name, Robin regretfully answered,  "It's nearly 3a.m. can it wait 'til morning?" 

"No." Steve answered, voice not far off from sounding like a wounded, tired whine 

"Fine,-" With far too much movement Robin flopped over to lay on her back, causing every inch of Steve's stomach to twist until the bed quit shaking. From there she inched her way up in bed allowing her back to lean against the headboard while she pulled Steve's head to her lap. With instinct he laid his ear against her thigh and her hands began to card through his hair, "- what's up Dingus?"

Steve was quiet for a moment, the liquid courage running through his veins slowly fading with every second, but that persistent voice in his head still remained, 'just tell her you idiot, if anyone understands it'll be her'.

Fine

"I think I like him, Rob." 

Her body tensed for a hot second, this wasn't the conversation she thought she'd be having tonight, especially at 2:56 a.m. on a Saturday morning. Normally drunk Steve liked to ramble on about nonsense, sometimes Nancy Wheeler, the kids or his undying love for herself but not...this…not yet anyway, well except for that one drunk phone call a few weeks ago. Though she knew it'd come eventually.

She took a deep breath, essentially preparing herself for the conversation though she was curious if he'd even remember it come morning. Then she finally answered, "Tell me about 'em."

And so Steve did, in a little too much detail of course because his brain to mouth filter wasn't totally functioning at 100% at the moment. He went on about eyes the colour of the earth and curls he wanted to tangle his fingers into, adding the fact that he did last weekend while they smoked a joint on her fire escape. Salty porcelain skin and tattoos he wanted to lick off, ones he could picture in his mind right now if he tried hard enough. That lightning tattoo specifically that seemed to cascade down Eddie's beautifully etched torso. 

He'd rambled on about the man's figure for a good several minutes before Robin cut him off, "Steve, honey-"

"Hm?" He turned his head to look up at her from her lap

She couldn't help but smile as she carded her fingers through his hair again, "You like anything more about this guy other than his looks?"

"Guy?" His brows furrowed in question like he hadn't realised he'd been talking about a man this entire time

"Mmhm," she answered gently with a nod, fingertips softly scratching his scalp

"Oh God," Steve breathed. Needless to say he was sobering up a touch. 

There was a rather long moment of pause, Robin allowing him to process his sobering thoughts to the point where she thought he passed out. That was until he finally spoke, "Him, Robin, as in a guy. Oh wow. Oh my god, wow. I um…I do though…I like him, like a lot. I think. He makes my heart feel all fuzzy and my stomach feel like it's doing somersaults when I'm around him." 

He sat up, maybe a little too quickly for his settling stomach, but now his position matched hers, back against the headboard and legs straight out. He stared forward, looking into the darkness ahead, "Oh my god-" he breathed again, Robin grabbing his hand, lacing their fingers together, he continued, "-I uh… Robin…I think I like men too… like men and women?… is that allowed? Can I do that? Can I like both? I don't know if there's enough Steve Harrington to go around for that."

Robin couldn't help but chuckle, Steve obviously wasn't 100% sober with that last comment, "Yes it's allowed, Yes you can do that and Yes you can like both,-" she squeezed his hand, hoping to gain a little more attention and thankfully she did as his head turned to face her, "-it's called being Bi-Sexual, Steve."

"Bi-Schedule." He wrongfully repeated, gaining a giggle and a nudge to the shoulder.

"Bi-Sexual, Steve."

"Bi-Sexual Steve" he stated matter of factly in his drunken state 

"Close enough,-" Robin mused, "-yes, Steve is Bi-Sexual."

"Bi-Sexual."

"Yes."

"Hm."

Robin remained silent, only slumping her head against his shoulder to be met with his following suit. Resting his cheek on the top of her head, slumping the rest of his body against hers Steve fell silent with a satisfied hum.

—

And well of course that wasn't a conversation Steve would remember, but Robin would. 

If anything the word Bi-Schedule rang a weird bell in Steve's head for the following weeks.

[mccall-muffin]

Little Kitty Christmas Special // Babe Heffron x Reader

Summary: How Christmas is in the Heffron-Household.

Warnings: Just a lot of fluff!

A/N: This came to my mind cause I didn't want to make a third part actually, but this was fun.

Tagging: @liebgotts-lovergirl, @brassknucklespeirs

December 24, 1946 - South Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA  

Humming, you stand in the kitchen preparing the stuffing for the turkey that will be on the table tonight. You've been in the kitchen for hours anyway, getting everything ready. Pigs in Blankets, Yorkshire Pudding, Brussels sprouts, mashed potatoes, gravy, cranberry sauce, and a few other odds and ends. Also, the English Christmas Pudding has to be prepared, for which the fruits have been pickled in rum for several weeks.

As you look out the kitchen window, you see Babe standing in front of your house but staring into space. You take a deep breath, briefly washing the potatoes off your hands before stepping outside. Babe doesn't even seem to notice this because he flinches when you put your arms around him from behind.

He quickly realizes it's you and visibly relaxes. He sighs, and you rest your head on his shoulder. "What's wrong, my darling?" you ask him. He puts his hands on yours and leans his head against yours.

"It's just... This time. It's - especially hard," he says after a while. You sigh and bite your lips before stroking his hands. "I'm sorry about that, love," you whisper, "It's okay, dear. I'm afraid it can't be helped." You both stand there, looking out at the street for a moment. "Christmas used to be my favorite time," Babe tells you, and you listen intently. "The family was together, the food was excellent, and there were presents." Babe chuckles. "The atmosphere was always very nice, but now... All I can ever think about is that God-forsaken forest."

Babe lowers his head, and you break away from him to wrap your arms around his neck. "Hey," you say, forcing him to look at you. Tears glisten in his eyes, nearly tearing your heart out. You know you can't take away what he's experienced, and it's incredibly hard for him, but you can only be there for him.

"I know I can't take away the pain, love, but I'm here for you; I hope you know that," you say, putting a hand on his cheek. "I love you, Babe. Eddie loves you, and if I can bring even a little joy back to you, I'll do anything to do that." You lean in and kiss your husband tenderly. Babe takes your hand in his and smiles gently at you. "I love you more than anything, Y/N. You don't even know how much." He kisses you again, and you pull him towards you.

"Daddy!"

You break away from each other as you notice little Eddie standing on your porch, being led down the two steps by Babe's mom. "Hey, my little man," Babe says happily, taking his son into his arms. He lifts him, and Eddie laughs happily. You stand by and smirk with one hand in front of your mouth.

Babe walks up to you with Eddie in his arms and kisses you again.

"There now, you two. We know how in love you are, but save it for the bedroom, will you?" Anne, Babe's mother, now interferes. "I wouldn't mind having more cute little angels like that," she laughs, taking Eddie out of Babe's arms as you and Babe exchange looks. "Ma," the latter then says, annoyed. "What? You can't blame me for wanting more grandchildren," she justifies herself. "It's not like you don't already have eleven," Babe laughs, and his mother smacks him on the arm. "Edward James Heffron, don't get cocky now."

Babe rubs his arm playfully. "Very well, I must return to the kitchen," you say, giving Babe's hand a quick squeeze. "Dinner's not going to prepare itself." Babe gives you a pat on the butt as you walk past him. You turn around in surprise and look at him, startled, but Babe shrugs innocently, which makes you laugh.

When the food is ready, you stand in the kitchen frame to watch Eddie and Babe play with each other. The sight keeps putting a smile on your face.

"You're fortunate."

As you turn around, Anne smiles at you. "I know," you agree with her. "You guys gave me quite a scare when Babe came back from the war, and he suddenly had a son. But that shouldn't have surprised me that much. What surprised me was that he also had a girl with him, whom he was determined to marry by all means in the world." You look at Anne, frowning.

"He's so damn happy with you. It warms my heart to see my son like that." You take a deep breath. "I'll do what I can." "He needs you, Y/N." You look at Anne, then nod slowly. "I know. And I need him. I love your son, Anne." "And I know that, my child."

Suddenly your front door opens, and you look up in confusion. "Hello, fellas; Uncle Bill is here," you already hear the familiar voice of Babe's best friend. You give Anne's hand a quick squeeze before walking into the entryway, where Babe, with Eddie in her arms, is already greeting Bill.

"Y/N," Bill then says, pressing a kiss to your cheek. "Bill, good to see you," you speak with a smile before greeting his wife, Frannie. "And Frannie. It's good to have you here. How are you?" you ask, pointing to her round belly. "Oh, been better, if I'm honest," she says, out of breath, and you take her coat from her. "It's getting close to the end, and I can tell." "Yeah, and then I finally get to meet our rascal," Bill grins before walking up to Frannie and kissing her.

"So, how's my godson?" Bill then asks, nudging Eddie to the side. Babe hands him off to Bill and smiles. "He's getting bigger, that's for sure." Babe smiles at you.

It's not long before the rest of Babe's family arrives, which means you have a full house. His three brothers with their wives and children and his two sisters with their husbands have come. Babe's dad also followed when he was done with work.

The mood at the dining table is boisterous, and you enjoy the family together. Now and then, you squeeze Babe's hand when you notice his gaze becoming absent and then smile at him encouragingly. You see, it's no different with Bill.

"Don't you miss home, Y/N? Your family?" Jimmy, Babe's brother, asks you, and you look up. "Of course I do," you reply with a smile. "But my parents are arriving soon, and I'll see them then. Traveling that far with Eddie isn't a good idea yet." "I guess that's true," Jimmy's wife Vera agrees with you. "And when is baby number two coming? Eddie is 18 months, after all," Joey laughs now, earning a nasty look from Babe. "Can't you just leave her alone?" he asks, looking at his brother.

"What, Babe? Martha was pregnant again after only six months." "Yeah, but not everyone has as pronounced a reproductive urge as you, Joey," Jimmy now laughs and smacks him on the back of the head. "Hey!" the latter exclaims and wants to retaliate, but their mother intervenes. "Stop it, boys, and behave!" she says sternly, looking at her boys. "Sorry, Ma..." Jimmy and Joey mumble meekly, which brings a smirk to your face.

When it's time for the gift-giving, you're sitting on the sofa next to Frannie and Vera, sipping your wine glass. You're all sitting around the beautifully decorated Christmas tree, and some have already started singing cheesy Christmas carols.

Then suddenly, Babe gets up and stands in front. "Okay, okay. Before you all pounce like vultures on the presents, I want to say something," he says and then looks at you. "Hear, hear," Jimmy calls out, raising his glass. "He hasn't even started yet, you idiot," Joey says, and you shake your head in amusement.

"My very dear wife Y/N. Please come forward," Babe says, and you blush slightly before walking forward to join him.

Babe takes your hands in his and looks you in the eyes. "I wanted to tell you that you are the most wonderful person in my life. You are the best mother to our son. You are the best wife to me. I love you with all my heart, and I couldn't imagine my life without you," Babe says as tears start to well up in your eyes.

"Hey Babe, you know you already married her, right?" exclaims Bill, and everyone starts laughing. Babe looks at him for a second and then nods. "I know, but that's why I still want to say thank you. After probably the most horrible and difficult time in my life, you gave me the most beautiful and loving time, and for that, I am forever grateful!" Babe leans down to you and gives you a quick kiss. "I love you, Y/N. I always will. And as a token of that," he then says and takes out a box.

Confused, you look at him. "What's this?" you ask, and he smiles. "Open it."

Carefully, you open the lid and what's inside the box melts your heart. "Oh my God!" you exclaim, dropping the top to the floor before reaching into the box and pulling it out.

It's a little white kitten.

"Oh my God, Babe," you then say, giving your husband a big hug. "The first time I saw you, you were petting a little thing just like that on the streets of Aldbourne. That was almost three years ago, but I've thought about you every day since. Whether I've seen you or not." You hold the little thing in your arms and stroke it gently.

"It's perfect," you breathe then, kissing Babe passionately. "I love you," you say, smiling at him.

"Hear, hear," Jimmy repeats and raises his glass, which you all do to him now.

You and Babe are cleaning up the mess his family left behind together. Eddie is already in bed, and Anne and Joseph, Babe's parents, have also said goodbye.

Tired, you put the dirty dishes in the sink while the kitten jumps around your legs. "Well, you little one? You must be hungry," you say, petting the little one before giving it some food.

"Have you decided on a name yet?" asks Babe, standing in the doorway with his arms crossed. "Not yet, but it can wait," you whisper, then look at Babe. "How about April?" he asks, and you look at him questioningly. "April?" "Well, it's a girl, and that month, I got to marry the greatest woman in the world." You smile, bend down and pick up the little cat. "Are you an April?" you ask her, and as if to confirm, she meows. Then you look at Babe with a smile before putting the little thing back on the ground. "April it is."

You walk past Babe and start clearing more plates before you hear him doing something on the gramophone and look up as the song 'Have yourself a merry little Christmas' by Judy Garland plays.

Surprised, you look at Babe, who holds out his hand to you. "No, honey, we should finish this," you say, pointing to the mess still on your dining room table. Babe walks up to you and hugs you from behind as he kisses your neck. "That can wait," he whispers, making the hairs on the back of your neck stand up. "Babe," you say again, but he's already taken the plates from your hands and placed them on the table.

He pulls you into the middle of the room and then toward him. He begins to move slowly with one hand on your back and one in your hand. You look at him before sighing and resting your head on his shoulder.

Slowly you move to the rhythm of the music, and Babe gently strokes your back. You breathe in his all-too-familiar scent and then sigh happily.

"You know, I thought of something today," Babe says, pushing you off him a little so he can look at you. "Uh-huh, and what's that?" you ask, and he grins. "Well, I've been thinking about what Ma and Jimmy said. About - well, about having a second baby." You widen your eyes. "What?" "Well, Eddie's getting big enough now, and I'd like him to have a little brother or sister."

After the initial shock, you smile at Babe before touching his cheek. "You know I would do anything for you, sweetheart. And if you want to have a big family... Then let's have a big family. I didn't know that's what you wanted." Babe kisses you passionately. "I'd have a hundred kids with you," he says, and you laugh. "You're not serious, are you?" "No, but one or two more wouldn't hurt." "Well then, Babe Heffron, let's make another baby," you say, and he grins.

Babe lifts you without waiting any longer and throws you over his shoulder. "What right now?" you ask with a laugh, but Babe doesn't give you an answer, instead carrying you up the stairs. Once in your bedroom, he lays you on the bed and places himself over you.

"You just keep surprising me, love," you're still laughing, and Babe kisses you tenderly. "I should hope so. Otherwise, it would be boring."

You look into his eyes again and bite your lips. "I love you, Babe. I hope you don't forget that." A big grin appears on Babe's face. "If I should, I hope you'll remind me again immediately." He brushes a strand of hair from your face, then places his lips on yours.

"I don't think I'll ever call Christmas a favorite holiday again, but I can tell you that as long as you're by my side, at least one light will shine." He kisses you again, more passionately, before pushing himself away a little. "I love you, Y/N. Nothing in the world can change that ever. And now... Let's get to that Christmas miracle," he grins, and you laugh. "Well then... baby-me, love." "Oh, you don't have to tell me twice."

Even though it will take some time until you get pregnant again, the love between you and Babe still is as strong as ever. He is the rock in your life and will always have your back. Times will be challenging, but he will be there for you and your children. You couldn't wish for a better husband or father of your children in your life.

You love him with all your heart.

[corrodedcoughin]

no but wait abba's take a chance on me but steddie and there are so many ways it could go!!

high school Steve dating around and getting a reputation for being a ladies man and Eddie watching from the sidelines thinking 'if you're all alone when the pretty birds have flown honey I'm still free take a chance on me'

s4 steddie, Eddie thinking Steve is pining for Nancy after the upside the down forest scene and he watches as Nancy dresses Steve's wounds but Eddie wishing it was him 'if you change your mind, I'm the first in line, honey I'm still free take a chance on me'

post vecna and they are spending more and more time together, in Eddie's trailer, going for drives/dinners/any spare moment they can have in each other's company they do 'we can go dancing, we can go walking as long as were together. listen to some music maybe just talking, get to know you better'

Eddie is so hopelessly heart achingly in love and he can't even deny it, he tries to hold back but he just cant, imagining what it might look like to be with Steve, how it might feel to openly show how much his heart belongs to him but too scared to try for fear of his worsts nightmare being true 'so much that I wanna do when I dream I'm alone with you its magic'

Eddie losing countless hours convincing himself that Steve would never feel the same way about him, not the Steve Harrington 'you want me to leave it there afraid of a love affair but I think you know, that I can't let go'

that is until there's a party for the older one's at Steve's. he ends up lying on the floor with Steve in his kitchen, everyone else in the living room debating the benefits of sweet and savoury flavour combinations. Steve lets his walls down, tells Eddie that he is scared to let anyone close to him in case the find out what he's really like and decide that he's not worthy of their love and attention after all. he doesn't look at Eddie when he's saying this, knows he can't look at him because Steve's resolve would dissolve and Eddie would know just how much Steve wants him to prove him wrong. Eddie had been talking to Nancy before this, finding out that her and Steve aren't an option, haven't been an option for a long time now so he just decides that now is time, if nothing else he hopes confessing will show Steve that Eddie knows him and he loves him, not in spite of who he is but because of who he is. so, he tells him 'you say that I waste my time but i can't get you off of my mind. no i can't let go 'cause i love you so'

later on, Argyle decides he needs snacks to prove his culinary point which is when he stumbles into the kitchen to find Eddie and Steve wrapped up in each other while sat on the floor, propped up against the cupboards, smiling into each other and letting out little puffs of laughter. argyle needs his food though so he carries on, grabbing his pickles and giving them both a thumbs up 'congratulations muchachos may your ride on the love bus be everlasting'. neither Eddie nor Steve hear him, too infatuated by each other. Argyle doesn’t mind, humming a song as he leaves the kitchen ‘honey I’m still free, take a chance on me’

[newtonsheffield]

So if eddies trying to set up Kate with Eloise’s brother - building owner Anthony. Does Anthony realise that Eddie and Eloise are trying to set them up? X

Okay, so Anthony knows that Edwina and Kate are related (He's the one giving them cheap rent) and Kate knows that Eloise's brother owns the building.

Anthony also knows that Eloise and Edwina have been trying to set him up with Edwina's sister and he was not into it. He doesn't need his younger sister setting him up, thanks. He dates plenty. Maybe too much.

And of course, when he meets Kate he absolutely is interested but now he can't have them set it up because she thinks he's the handyman. And She also called him a rich arsehole which is apt but a little hurtful given he wouldn't mind her thinking a little more kindly of actual him. It's a bit of a pickle.

Particularly when he gets a text from Edwina that says

[foxxsnacks]

Gimme the Eddie stuff, I agree with you

God okay so like. I'm still figuring out my hcs a bit I suppose but I do have a bit so far!

• at first, he's a very nervous pred. He doesn't want to risk hurting his prey at all, and is very sensitive to their needs. If you want out, just say the word.

• but as he grows more experienced and knows what certain people's limits are? Like, Dustin for example? He becomes a MASSIVE tease

• he can easily tell if he's going too far, and will cut it out immediately, but if he's in a playful mood he taunts his prey SO MUCH

• licking, swallowing around them, hanging them over his mouth... then pressing and prodding at them way too much once they're in his stomach

• if his prey is upset beforehand, he'll be a lot more gentle with the whole experience, and will likely offer to just let them inside to hide away for a bit. When he's calmer like that, his touches to his middle are much more gentle and caring.

• some days, if it's someone he knows, he'll let them hotbox his stomach so they can get stoned together. Definitely one of his favorite things to do to pass the time

• he actually hates genuinely scaring his prey. If it's for an act, he doesn't mind it, but if he can tell they're actually scared? Nope. He's spitting them out immediately to make sure they're okay. No buts about it.

• I don't think he'd mind squirmy or still prey. If they're squirmy, he might pull up his shirt just to look at his middle, probably snorting in amusement when he can see them move. If they're still, he might mess with them a little to try and get them to move, but not much. More of just poking at his stomach on occasion and going "c'mon, do something"

• although he does like the idea of eating prey with food, he generally doesn't. Not unless he's high and has the munchies. If that's the case you're stuck inside him with whatever he can get his hands on to eat. This probably leads to some disgusting combos. Like pickles and whipped cream or something.

• belly rubs make him melt. Like, literally. He'll need to sit down if you rub at him. He's not used to any sort of positive attention, so you do that and he'll just swoon.

God. I have so much more but none of my thoughts are really coherent.

[jaskiers-lutkulele-of-sex]

And here is the desperation mechanic!

Obviously there's a good argument for, if this was his normal you know habit and he didn't mind that all the officers thought that of him and he was just smug that he consistently Got out of tickets this way, Maybe he just goes ahead and does it right? Maybe he doesn't give a shit That Eddie is there?

Buuuut, maybe especially if they are like not dating or very very newly dating, maybe Steve hesitates. Maybe he doesn't quite know how that's going to go down with Eddie and he doesn't want to make it weird?

So maybe he doesn't intend to do it, sort of figures well he'll just you know take the ticket this one time. Officer has to win you know sometimes...

Only He has now primed himself to respond in a very specific way to the red and blue lights coming up behind him. Which, he should have known, because sometimes it'll catch him off guards at other times, he'll see the lights and hear the siren for you know something else just over a routine day and he will find himself needing to cross his legs or grab himself to ward off the sudden urge

(lol maybe Eddie has even noticed that specifically about him, and has sort of come to the conclusion that Steve has some kind of a law enforcement kink or something, and isn't super sure how he feels about that.)

anyway, lights and siren go off, Steve's body prepares to be desperate, Steve decides actually he doesn't want to do that... Not in front of Eddie... But it's too late.

his body is used to letting go, now. It's like key in the door syndrome, when you have to go so much worse the moment you've actually got your keys in the door and you're actually close... And the way that's even worse if you ever have given in once inside your house, that that increases the likelihood that you won't be able to make it the next time...

suddenly Steve is really genuinely desperate, and is desperately trying to hide it from Eddie, even as he pulls over, even as the officer gets out and comes up alongside him.

Steve crosses one leg over the other, fighting not to grab himself, and rolls his window down, wincing as he does so.

"license and- ah, Mr Harrington. Do you know how fast you were going?"

and Steve is biting his lip in between questions, and he can feel sweat pop out all over his body and he needs so badly to plunge his hand into his lap, he could make it if he was allowed to hold himself, but he doesn't want to do it in front of Eddie, doesn't want Eddie to know...

and the officer totally clocks it, and absolutely interprets this as a situation where Steve was, as per usual, speeding because he was desperate to piss, only he doesn't want his buddy to know.

And The officer just shakes his head at the pickle this stupid teenager consistently gets himself in, but indulgently figures he doesn't need to ruin the guy's day by making him piss himself in front of his buddy. Especially when it seems likely that that's going to happen anyway, even if the officer walks away...

"This is your last warning, kid. Get home quickly but safely now."

and as the officer heads back to his car, Eddie is whooping softly, not even daring to believe that they just got out of that...

But where he expects Steve to join him, he looks over and clocks that something's wrong.

Steve turns over the engine again, but he's got to uncross his legs if he wants to get to the gas pedal, and he can't can't can't, not unless he wants to lose it right here right now, it's frustrated because he didn't even really have to go before this, and now he's absolutely going to fucking lose it right there like a child and his seat in front of eddie-

"Steve? What's wrong?"

And there's nothing for it. There are only a few ways out of this one... So Steve gives in and grabs himself and uncrosses his legs.

"uh, Steve? Is now... Is now really... Really the time?"

And as he pulls back under the road, practically using his dick as a stress ball, trying to keep it together, He has to explain.

"But why didn't you go at the diner? We were just there?"

And then Steve has to explain that really genuinely this is not helping his case of you know feeling like a child, but genuinely he didn't have to go then. And then he has to explain the most humiliating part... Maybe the most humiliating part? Is it more humiliating to choose to piss yourself or pretend that you're desperate to get out tickets, or is it more humiliating to have accidentally given yourself a pavlovian response, to have accidentally trained yourself to be desperate in those situations?

XD poor bastard.

(Eddie of course will not mind, will think that it's hilarious, will love that Steve has been getting one over on the officers, and maybe is going to find it a bit hot also. XD)

cw: wetting

Steve pissing himself as a way to get out of trouble any time he got pulled over for speeding.

Sometimes he would get away with just squirming in his seat, and "I'm sorry officer, I just have to go to the bathroom so bad. I, I don't think I can make it home."

Other times it would take some crocodile tears, a gasp of "Oh, shit," and looking down as a small wet spot appeared at the crotch of his jeans. A hand shoved between his legs and a beg of "Please, I think I'm going to have an accident."

And sometimes he had to take it further. Loud, slightly exaggerated sobs as he completely flooded his pants, his stream hissing as it broke through and a soft patter as drops overflowed the edge of his car seat and ran onto the floor. "I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. I just, I couldn't hold it anymore. I was trying to get home before it happened."

And honestly, it was worth the wet pants, having to clean his car, and having most of Hawkins PD thinking that he had a bladder control problem to get out of paying speeding tickets.

[demigoddessqueens]

Venom/Eddie ❤️ HC’s

(Update on AO3 for fellow monster lovers)

Being in a relationship with Venom and Eddie is a never-ending stream of hijinks from day-to-day, but hey, at least it keeps things interesting!!

Venom’s idea of fun is often rooted in some sort of event that’s either stopping bad guys while also finding any new restaurants that “tickle his pickle”. Nothing about this buys into the idea of a happy status quo, that’s for sure, but it is demanding as it is exciting.

Honestly, there are no real reservations. Fun, enjoyable, new (date) ideas are always welcome, and Venom’s rash type of personality coincidentally gives him a strong, well-tuned perception of your (and Eddie's) needs.

It can be challenging for Venom to have a deeper, more emotionally intimate relationship. Sometimes he can get easily bored, always seeking constant excitement or the excitement will finds you!

There is a bit of a sweet side though (that doesn't involve eating every bad guy). For a Symbiote as a crush/lover, he can be adaptable, albeit curious and questioning everything in your surroundings, which certainly helps to keep things always interesting.

On the flip side of Venom's antics, Eddie proves to be a warmhearted, gentle person who takes his commitment with you seriously. He can be a very private person, who keeps feelings and opinions reserved, but with the right persuasion and trust, he lets you in to that side of his "world" and life.

When he's not feeling stressed out of his mind (cough, Venom, cough), Eddie can have a very positive, warm outlook on life and love, and will try his damnedest to not take his relationship with you for granted. He's very loyal and supportive, with a deep capacity for love. Albeit while he may detest conflict, sometimes, he'll need space to live his life (the Venom part of it). Good thing there's a strong trust between you all!

Whenever both Eddie and Venom are (shockingly) getting alone well, they can both be warm, friendly affirming, good listeners, and will settle for the occasional flexible and laid-back weekend.

They take their commitment to you seriously, and potentially want to see seek some sort of lifelong bond with you. It is equally loving as it is respecting other's personal space and showing affection to one another through acts and deeds (we've all seen that Venom likes to cook! <3)

If things ever get hot and heavy (wink, wink ;) ), Eddie is more of the sensuous type whereas Venom is a bit more on the raunchy side. Either way, both approach intimacy with complete attention, seriousness and depth. It's an experience that encompasses all senses, and welcomes all interactions to connect with on a more engaging level. It won't be a lot of verbal feelings, but actions amongst the three of you always speak louder than words.

Last but not least, positive affirmations for everyone keeps that apartment happy and reassuring, especially if some missions get tougher than others. Both Symbiote and Eddie love being praised, but not over doing it to the point of it being "gushy". Best bet you can give each other as partners? Expressing affection and admiration.

[stevethehairington]

☯ - likes/dislikes headcanon for eddie!

ty for sending this in!! this is a fun one!!

likes:

his favorite movie genre is horror, the gorier the better too (and he says he hates romance movies, BUT that's a lie and his guilty pleasure movies that you can pry from his cold dead hands (too soon? dfjksd jk jk he is ALWAYS alive and well in my mind <3) are when harry met sally and you've got mail (he's got a soft spot for meg ryan okay? she just GETS to him.) (also YES ik these movies come out way later but whO CARES HE'S ALIVE TO SEE THEM SO.)

his favorite food is lasagna, specifically the lasagna that wayne made for him the very first night eddie came to live with him. wayne isn't the best cook and he doesn't like to do it much, but if there's one thing he KNOWS in the kitchen it's how to make a damn good lasagna.

eddie also GREATLY enjoys breakfast for dinner, it is one of life's simple joys and he indulges in it whenever he can.

he also likes chaotic food combinations (e.g. syrup AND hot sauce on his scrambled eggs, bananas on his pizza, if he liked pickles (he doesn't) he'd be into pickles and peanut butter), also not a weird combination but he is definitely that bitch that dips his french fries in his ice cream/milkshakes.

he likes spicy food even though he cannot handle very much of it, but he refuses to let that stop him and he WILL suffer through it (and make it everyone's problem)

he likes tomatoes and steve hates tomatoes, so steve always asks for tomatoes on the side instead of no tomatoes completely so he can give them to eddie.

he loves to sleep in, the morning sun is a CURSE and waking him up before double digits on a weekend is something EVERYONE quickly learns NOT to do. the ONLY person that can get away with it (and even then, it's still rocky) is steve, and there are loooots of bribes involved.

eddie likes the color green most, but yellow is a close second (that only jumps to the top so quickly because of steve), and he also likes red a lot too. (he, of course, loves black too, but he IS a colorful bitch when he wants to be!! and he is full of surprises!)

halloween is his favorite holiday!! he loves to go all out and decorate and dress up and go through his queue of halloween movies and he enjoys handing out candy and seeing all of the cool costumes the kids are wearing too.

he loves metal music, obviously, but his music tastes vary greatly outside of metal too. contrary to popular belief he does genuinely like some of the kitschy bubblegum pop that steve likes to play, and he also has a soft spot for the more bluesy, folksy stuff that he grew up on. he ALSO is a not so secret dolly parton fan (thank you wayne, for that)

he likes it when people touch his hair, but only people he is comfortable with (i.e. steve, the girls, the party). he lets el and max braid his hair, likes it when robin scratches at his scalp when she can't keep her fingers still, and he always lets steve get his hands up in his mane — running his fingers through it when it's smooth, gently detangling after a show, curling his finger around a strand, tucking it behind his ear, gripping onto it and tugging when they're getting hot and heavy.

and, of course, his more obvious likes: metal music (duh), dnd (duh), lotr (duh), fantasy genre in general (duh).

dislikes:

waking up early (of course) lol. he'll do it if he absolutely has to but he WILL complain about it and he will NOT be a ray of sunshine.

he doesn't like organized sports of any kind — of the amateur or professional kind. phys ed fucking SUCKED and he refused to participate, and there is no WAY he would take any of that shit up by choice either. he does NOT follow or watch any professional teams either, and the superbowl/world series/nba championships/WHATEVER are his least favorite times of the year lol. THOUGH, he does end up making an exception to all of this for steve, because as much as he hates sports, he loves steve, and steve loves sports. so whenever steve wants to hit the court, eddie will go with him and he's absolutely shit at basketball, but it's actually not so bad when he's doing it with steve, or with the kids too. and same with watching sports, he doesn't understand the rules or really care too, but he loves how enthusiastic steve gets about it, and he'll jump up and cheer with steve when his team scores a touchdown or whatever (especially because steve's team winning means eddie's gets looots of excited, happy celebratory kisses lol)

in a similar vein, eddie hates running. he does NOT understand people who choose to do it for fun, he thinks they're masochists (and not the fun kind) and also have something wired wrong in their brains to make them actually enjoy that kind of physical activity. it's just so boring. BUT. he is whipped enough that every time steve (who IS one of those weirdos that enjoys running — and seriously, eddie haaad to go and fall in love with a jock what is wrong with him??) wakes him up with the sun, somehow already so awake and far too peppy for this hour, and asks him sooo sweetly to join him on his morning jog, eddie just does not know how to say no, no matter how much he wants to.

eddie also does not like houseplants. not because he dislikes plants, but because he is SHIT at taking care of plants. like, no matter what he does, no matter how hard he tries, every single plant he has ever owned has died on him. he's even managed to kill a succulent. so yeah, he has the opposite of a green thumb and he and houseplants just Do Not mesh, so he Does Not like them.

he dislikes pickles GREATLY. thinks they're fucking disgusting (and he's RIGHT). he also hates raisins because "why the FUCK would i eat a raisin if i could eat a grape?? why would someone suck the juice out of a grape and leave the skin?? that's nasty! no one likes that!!"

he also haaaates it when people try to gatekeep music. he thinks people should be allowed to listen to and enjoy whatever music they want, and they can be as big or as little of a fan as they want too. people don't need to dedicate their whole entire lives to the metal scene in order to like black sabbath or metallica or judas priest. if someone likes a couple of their songs that's fucking cool and that's it. if it's something they're passionate about then that's fucking rad or if it's something they aren't ridiculously into but can appreciate that's cool too. it doesn't make anyone more or less of a fan. he also hates it when people criticize other people's music tastes. like, there's nothing wrong with some gentle ribbing about someone's music taste, but the second it turns from lighthearted teasing to GENUINELY trashing someone for the music they listen to he gets reeeeeal mad about that. because who the fuck cares what kind of music a person listens to and loves?? the fact that they found something they're passionate about is all that matters. and there's no need to be dicks about that.

eventually (not for a while, but it Does happen later in life), he too has to get glasses and he Does Not like them, but every time he starts to complain about them and call them stupid and ugly steve tells him he's not allowed to like them on him and hate them on himself, especially since they drive steve just as crazy as steve's glasses drive eddie. that helps, that definitely helps.

Headcanon meme

[eddiescumfilledsock]

more (mostly romantic) eddie hc because this man never leaves my mind now

CW for having a kid and marrige if that bothers you, I think i made sure it stayed all gn though

-he would love to give you pretty flowers he saw on a tree or bush, even just nornal leafs and dandelions, as well as any cool rock or button skjdjdj

-if you do the same he will get so giddy and press them before glueing it to some paper and keep it in a shoe box with the other little things you gave him and theyre his most prized possessions hed say its a tie or right after his guitar but he's lying

-hes like that its a crystal nothing more meme but instead of a crystal its any neat little thing he found on the side of the road lmao

-him putting fruit stickers on you <3

-hed put it right in the middle of your forehead and say some shit like you cost 1.98 but are priceless to me like the sweet dork he is if you do the same to him he will stick them to the inside part of the lide in the show box too

-hhhhhnnnn him not being able to really buy you a big pretty bouquet of flowers so he picks a bunch of random ones he thinks look nice from peoples yards and those planters outside shops and gives them to you in a gas station cup

-he is kinda embarrassed once he gives them to you because he couldnt get you something fancy and is scared youll hate them but that all melts away when he sees how happy you are

-taking a couple polaroid pics of them so even when they eventually wilt and die you will both always have a physical memory :)

-he would also do that thing if you dont like the pickles on your burger or a specific flavour of skittle he will eat them even if he doesn't like them either instead of just like,,, neither of you eating them

-he doesn't do it becuase hes worried about wasting money or food or anything like that hes kinda stupid sometimes but its okay hes cute and means well <3

-hed do that shit where hed blow his nose and hand you the tissue or burp and blow it at you and say for you babe <3

-a menace

-if you draw or make him something he will cherish that shit until the day he dies, even if its just a random little doodle on a sticky note

-expanding on that, if you're an artist and draw his dnd character he would literally never recover im not even kidding it could look like shit and hed still show everyone, rub it into the guys faces that his s/o drew his character and only his

-if you did the hellfire symbol thing hed put it in the front pocket of the binder he uses to keep the papers and stuff in

-GOD HIM MAKING A LITTLE RING OUT OF THE TWIST TIE TO A LOAF OF BREAD AND GIVING IT TO YOU AND PROMISING HES GONNA GET YOU A REAL DIAMOND ONE SOME DAY

-matching jewlery with him <3 whether it be a necklace or bracelet or even ring, if he picks it out itd be one of those silly little kid ones but if it's t o o childish hed probs just have it on his key ring or hanging in his van though :/ gotta keep up that bad boy rocker look

-if you guys have a special song together he would wanna get some lyrics tattooed on him, that or as cheesy as it is your name/initials in your hand writing

-hed wanna get one with your name and the day you met/started dating/got married at first but it looked too much like a remembrance one for someone thats died so he scrapped that idea

-hed be over the moon ecstatic if you did the same or something for him but would understand if you didnt want to get a tattoo, they arent for everyone :)

-fucking you know that scene from the movie up where they put their hand prints on the mail box? he would do that shit on his van and any other vehicle he gets

-when you guys get a house or apt hed wanna do the same on the wall

-if you have a kid(s) someday hed like them to add their hand print too <3

-carving your names into trees and picnic tables all the time

-hed want you to kiss his guitar pick before any shows he plays for good luck, if he ever gets famous in any capacity hed say your kisses helped

-if you have hiccups he would scare you by yelling as loud as he can no matter where you are then say you're welcome :)

-why do i get the vibes he would be the kid at lunch that just d r i n k s ranch

-

AN: i don't think giving gifts is his main love language so this might just be me projecting but i think hed also do these ksjdjd if anyone actually reads this and wants to share a hc pls feel free!! i love seeing content for this dude <3

[dragonmuse]

So Leda House gang: favorite comfort food?

I have a stuffy nose, comfort food is on my mind.

Stede- Mashed potatoes. He just likes that they're bland and salty. No particularly memories attached.

Eddy- Banana bread. Their mother used to make it frequently, so now it's a go to on rough days.

Lucius- Garlic bread dipped in marinara. It was almost all he ate his first year living on his own and now it just settles his soul a little to revisit.

Pete- Hot dogs cooked in baked beans. His dad made it for him a lot growing up and then it was easy to make on the road for himself.

Izzy- Chicken parm. Eddy used to order it wherever they went and split it with him when it was inevitably too much food. Now he just makes it himself, purposely makes too much and has it for days.

John- Grilled cheese. Nothing beats butter, cheese and bread.

Frenchie- John's 'Frenchie Toast' which is regular french toast, but made with affection and sometimes sliced up strawberries.

Jim- Any citrus themed pastry, but lemon danishes are very high on the list. Ideally they are a little warm and served on their favorite plate which has a chip that fits their thumb perfectly.

Oluwande- Pickles. He doesn't even like pickles most of the time, but when he's bummed out, they just hit the spot. They generally have a jar around because Jim likes them, so when they see him eating one, it's as good as a bat signal.

Roach- Cooking is really his comfort activity, so everything, basically.

Read- Oatmeal. It's a recent occurrence and no, not for any particular reason. Definitely not.

Anne- Milka bars. She doesn't have a big sweet tooth, but Cadbury does it for her when she just needs something nostalgic and mellowing.

Alma- Carrot and ginger soup. Pop makes it for everyone in the family when they're under the weather and it's all she wants sometimes.

Charlie- Peanut butter out of the jar with a spoon, ideally with chocolate chips sprinkled on top. This will be washed down with a quart of milk.

Felix- His grandmother's moqueca. He has the recipe and does occasionally make it, but he much prefers to have it in her kitchen. It's an ambiance thing.

[munsons-maiden]

Oh the struggle of being a bisexual hurts! How could I ever choose between Chrissy and Eddie!? What am I going to do!? I know I have two hands, I could hold one of each hand but don't make me choose. I can't choose between them, god- What a pickle it is to be bisexual today, you know? You're just minding your own business and suddenly BAM ''Chrissy'' and you start sweating but all of a sudden you're hit again BAM ''Eddie'' and now you're melting and its awful because how am I possibly going to choose between these two? I can't.

So I will choose both of them, we can all hold hands and get ice cream! It'll be nice and we can just hang out and talk about music, me and Eddie can talk about how pretty Chrissy is! We could! I'm tellin' ya we could! Hey, we totally could.

-squelch

Okay so for the record I'd always always always chose Eddie because he owns my heart.

That being said, if I didn't already know I was bi (or pan? idk it doesn't matter I'm not straight that's a fact) Chrissy Cunningham/Grace Van Dien would have been my bi awakening. She would have been for me what Eddie Munson is for Mike Wheeler.