#Eddies labyrinth news | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

justsomerandomfanfic · 10 months ago

Text

Look At You - Eddie Munson X Female Reader

Title: Look At You

Eddie Munson X Female Reader

Additional Characters: Reader's friend, Hellfire Club (Mentioned), Reader's mother, and Chris (OC)

Loosely Inspired By: One Of Your Girls by Troye Sivan

WC: 11,764

Warnings: Parties briefly mentioned, vomit briefly mentioned, alcohol (teens mentioned drinking), drugs, Reader's a bit shy in the beginning, movie references, nicknames, Reader's mother is emotionally/verbally/mentally abusive, fear of needles, friends to lovers, yelling, crying, cursing, teasing, banter, flirting, very brief mentions of food issues, angst, and fluff

You scrunched your shoulders closer to yourself, your hands clutched your book to your chest with an iron grip as your friend dragged you into some party. Your senses were overwhelmed by the loud pulsating music rattling the entire house, echoing and reverberating throughout your body as you pushed through the hordes of drunk teenagers; the smell of vomit and alcohol made you scrunch up your nose in disgust.

It was the perfect combination to make the night miserable; the smell, the noise, and most importantly, the people. You were not very much of a people person. When meeting someone, or talking to someone new, you were quiet; shy. But, once you grew comfortable with the person, you would talk and talk.

Parties were the bane of your existence, and so was your friend. You loved your friend dearly, but you hated when they convinced you, more like peer pressure, you into going to dumb parties. You got out of them somewhat, faking an illness or your need to finish your homework, but that would only help you for so long. You could've been home, eating junk food, watching ‘Labyrinth’ for the ten millionth time as you idolized Jennifer Connelly.

Your sweet daydreams were quickly cut short though as your friend pulled you into the main room full of sweaty teens, dancing wildly around each other as the lights from the ceiling threw shadows all over the place. You cringed at how much louder the music had gotten as ‘You Spin Me Round’ played from a large speaker in the corner of the room.

Your friend's hand around your bicep shook, gaining your attention. You turned to them, seeing the bright smile on their face and the excitement in their eyes. You'd feel happy for them, but you were very overwhelmed and uncomfortable at that moment.

"Hey!" They called over the music, their body already dancing to the music slightly. "I'm going to say hey to Brian and Allison. Go to the kitchen and get a drink, you need it! Loosen up and have fun for once!"

You had to suppress the urge to roll your eyes as you watched your friend leave you, rushing to a small group of teens, red solo cups and beer bottles in their hands. You felt fear engulf you, your whole body growing cold as you looked around the room rapidly, your eyes darting at the dancing teens and the bright party lights. Your heart began to race in your chest, you couldn't breathe, and it was all becoming too profoundly difficult to stay in that room. You mustered up the strength to push through the crowd, as if going through a maze of people you tried to squeeze through; finally making your way out the back sliding door.

Breathing deeply as you stood outside, you let out a breath of relief. Your head spun a little bit, feeling dizzy at the sudden change in environment, but you tried your best to stay calm. Looking down at your hands, you let out another breath, glad your book made it out of that warzone without a rip or tear.

"You okay?" You heard a voice speak up, much louder than the music pumping behind you; muffled by the sliding glass door. You quickly turned to the voice, seeing a guy leaning against the wall of the house, knee bent and foot pressed against it; his hands stuffed in his pockets. He was looking up at the sky, not even looking at you. You stared at him before you looked around you, no one else was outside, aside from you and him.

You swallowed thickly, "Me?" You asked, turning back to the young man, slightly shrouded by the awning; casting him in a dark shadow.

"You're the only one out here with me, correct?" He asked, pushing off of the wall to turn and finally look at you. "You looked pretty frazzled when you came out." He then added, making you narrow your eyes at him slightly.

"Why do you care?" You asked, normally you were so forward when talking to new people, but you were really annoyed, tired, and wanted to go home.

"I'm not like those brain dead zombies in there," He said, stepping into the light, finally allowing you to see who you were talking to. "I'm Eddie."

He had long, curly dark brown hair, brown eyes, and a rockstar type of style. You watched as he pulled his hands out of his black ripped jeans pockets, noting the rings adorning some of his fingers as he crossed his arms; noticing his leather jacket with a denim vest over it. It looked homemade, with rips and tears; patches of rock bands and pins. He was cute, you'd give him that. Looking back up at his face, you realized that you should've been talking a while ago.

"I- I'm Y/N." You introduced yourself, noticing a small tin box of some kind hanging from a clasp from his belt loop. "And I'm fine."

This... Eddie, just smiled at you, chuckling, "I'll believe that when I see it. You're shaking like a leaf." He mentioned, making you look down at yourself, seeing that you were in fact shaking. Well, mostly your hands. You clutched your book tighter, trying to stop them.

You looked up at the sky, or what you could see of it, away from Eddie and the partygoers. "I'm fine." You repeated softly, and Eddie hummed, looking you over.

"Not a party person?" He asked, and you remained silent as he continued, "Or people person? I mean, I get that. I don't care for it either." He shrugged as you looked at him again.

"Then why are you here?" Only to watch Eddie smirk, leaning his side against the side of the house.

"I could ask you the same." He said with a laugh.

"Touche." You mumbled as Eddie sighed softly, glancing off to the darkened yard before looking back at you.

"I'm here on business, but you... What about you?" He asked, and you sighed, looking back up at the night sky; seeing a few stars past the dark clouds.

"My friend dragged me here." You began, biting your lip briefly, "I didn't want to go, if they didn't take me I would-"

"Be cuddled up in a comfy blanket, watching a romcom or something?" Eddie interrupted you, and you shrugged one shoulder up.

"More or less. That is usually my evening. Relaxing or doing homework." You answered, growing more and more comfortable with Eddie as you talked to him. “But I’m not really a romcom kind of girl.”

Eddie hummed, before he grabbed the tin box at his hip, opened it, and pulled out what you assumed was a blunt. You assumed right as he brought it up to his lips, pulling out a lighter from his back jean pocket. He flicked it open with his thumb, before pushing down the thumbwheel. He did it a couple of times, with no luck of any flame. Sighing out his nose, he leaned his head back against the wall, frustrated. You stared at him, pursing your lips as you slowly dug into your pocket, pulling out your own lighter. Testing it, you pushed down the thumbwheel, sending out a little orange flame.

Eddie looked up at the sound of your lighter, "Wow, do you think you could give me a light here?" He asked you as you shut your lighter, pushing your finger over the metal cover, feeling the engraving.

Walking over, you moved your book under your arm as you stopped in front of Eddie. Flicking open the zippo lid, you created the flame as Eddie reached down to grab your wrist. You were surprised at how gentle he was as he raised your hand up, moving the end of his blunt to the open flame. Standing so close to him, he already smelt like cannabis, but also, surprisingly, strawberries. Letting out a puff of smoke through his nose, Eddie let go of your hand. You immediately missed the warmth, as the cold autumn air chilled your wrist. You quickly pushed that thought out and took a step back.

"Thanks, babe." Eddie winked at you, making your face warm up at the sudden nickname.

He then took another deep breath, letting out the smoke into the night air; you watched it swirl into nothingness. "You smoke?" He asked abruptly, breaking the silence between the two of you as if he didn't feel the awkward tension that you felt crawling down your spine.

"Ew, no. No. It's my father's." You explained swiftly, and Eddie nodded.

"Wicked," Eddie nodded, taking another drag from his blunt. "Better than my lighter for sure. Broken shit. Gotta get a new one." He mumbled to himself as you watched him.

"You know that's, like, bad for you, right?" You spoke up, “It could kill you.” Your nose scrunching up at the terrible smell as Eddie shrugged.

"Eh, that's just what society tells everyone.” He countered, “Besides, it calms me down, and believe me. I need to calm down." Eddie laughed out before he paused and turned to you, twisting the smoking blunt between his fingers. "I can put it out if you're uncomfortable though... Smoke and all." He offered and you shook your head. You didn't really care that much, you'd probably leave soon anyway; try and find your friend before they get too drunk and go home. Eddie let out the last bit of smoke before he dropped the dead blunt to the ground, crushing it with the heel of his white Reebok sneakers. "So," He began, stuffing his hands into his jeans pockets again. "Tell me about yourself, Y/N."

You turned to him, bewildered that he was still trying to talk to you. You didn't mind it, but normally people didn't talk to you long. Either getting bored of you or the conversation. And normally, you wouldn't be talking to strangers, especially guys. Especially a guy that you barely knew. And who was cute, but that was beside the point. "What's there to know?" You asked skeptically, watching as Eddie shrugged again, his head tilting to the side a bit.

"Well, I've never seen you around school before, which is crazy since I feel like if I saw you, I would've remembered meeting you." He stated, “Plus,” He added, “You seem like a fun girl to talk to." He pointed out, taking you back slightly. "I'd like to get to know you; if you’d let me." He finished, making your cheeks flush in shock and embarrassment.

"You... You want to get to know me?" You asked, bewildered and beyond dumbfounded as you watched Eddie nod his head with a smile on his face.

"I think you're pretty cool, so yeah... I'd like to get to know you." Eddie repeated, and you shook your head.

"I'm not that cool. I mean, we just met, like, ten minutes ago. How can you think I’m cool in that short amount of time?" You asked, making Eddie sputter out a laugh.

"Not cool? Impossible. Your style alone is cool, babe." He gestured to your attire with a hand before stuffing it back into his pocket; it was getting colder, but you didn’t seem to notice.

You looked down at your clothes, your rainbow-striped sweater, blue flared jeans, white socks, and your red hightop Converse. Nothing special, it wasn't like you looked as cool as him. Him and his punk leather, rockstar attitude. He was probably in a band or something. You looked back up at him, clutching your book as you spoke shortly, "Thanks. I like yours too."

Eddie's eyes widened slightly before he gave you a toothy grin, "Why, thank you, my lady." He bowed, making you laugh - a snort escaping - covering your mouth with your hand as his eyes lit up and he stood back up straight. Bringing a hand up, he ran a hand through his hair, his jacket sleeve moving up as he did so. Your eyes widened as you saw his arm, seeing a tattoo on his skin.

"You have a tattoo?" You asked in awe, as Eddie nodded.

"I actually have five." Eddie corrected, pulling down the collar of his band tee to reveal a tattoo on his chest, near his collarbone.

"Five? Wow," You replied, "I've always wanted a tattoo, but my mom is really not okay with them."

Eddie watched as you walked over, leaning against the wall beside him. "Really?" He asked, amazed by you as you nodded, a small smile on your face.

"Yeah, she thinks that it’s devil crap or something. I just think she needs to be more open minded." You replied, before looking up at Eddie. “And it may sound silly, but I never really knew what I would get if I got one… I just knew that I really wanted one - Something - anything.” You shrugged, shuffling the soles of your shoes on the patio concrete before continuing, "If I may, could I see the one?" You inquired and Eddie was happy to answer, pulling his sleeve up to show you his bats. He watched as your eyes lit up, your hand reaching forward, but freezing. You look up with your big eyes, looking right into his brown ones with uncertainty. "May I touch it?"

Eddie just smiled, "Go for it."

You reached out, before pressing your pointer finger along the small bats, outlining them. Your warm touch sent a shiver down Eddie's spine making him hold his breath as he watched you carefully. His brown eyes followed every movement of your finger, goosebumps appearing as your finger brushed against his skin. You were so gentle, kind; it made Eddie's chest feel warm.

"Did it hurt?" You asked, bringing your hand back to your side as you sputtered a short laugh, "Of course it had to of had to, silly questions."

Eddie shook his head, clearing his throat as he slid his sleeve back down. "No, not silly at all. It did hurt, especially my puppet master one, but the least of all was the bats."

You hummed with a small smile, "That's the one thing I'm scared of. I'm not good with pain. Needles scare the crap out of me." You admitted and Eddie’s grin widened, one of his shoes gently knocking into one of yours.

"Well, if you ever want to break some rules, I know a place. And, I'd be happy to tag along." Eddie softly offered, making you pause for a second, before nodding your head.

"Yeah, I'll keep that in mind." You laughed, making Eddie’s grin soften slightly. You looked down at your wrist at your watch, seeing the time, your eyes widened, "Oh, goodness. It's very late. I need to get home."

"Need a ride?" He was quick to ask, not wanting your conversation to end, as you bit your lip, glancing inside the house through the glass sliding door; you were unable to find your friend in the crowd. You didn't want to have to go in there and find them. So, weighing your options, you looked up at Eddie.

"Yeah, a ride would be great."

~~~

From then on, you and Eddie were inseparable. Joined to the hip. At school, you ate lunch with him and his club friends, your chair incredibly close to his as you laughed along to something Eddie had said. You even stayed after school when Eddie had his Hellfire club, watching beside him - usually sat upon the cushioned arm of his throne, as he looked over his game as the game’s Dungeon Master.

Every day was a new experience for you. Spending time with Eddie made you forget all about your problems and worries at home. You found it easy to slip into normalcy, laughing with him and joking around. You never thought you would find someone who made you so happy, someone who made it so easy to just be yourself; without the fear of judgment or disappointment.

Eddie had such an easygoing nature about him, always having fun. There was something different about him that made you feel comfortable. And it wasn't long until you realized you had feelings for him. Which really scared you. These feelings... They were dangerous. But… You couldn't help it.

However, it did land you into some inner tumoral. Sometimes, your mind would begin to blank, your thoughts dwindling until all you thought about was how you wanted to run your fingers through his hair or press your lips to his. But just being able to simply sit next to him, listening to his voice, feeling his presence; was enough. That was enough for you.

~~~

Eddie pulled into your driveway, turning off the engine once parked. Turning to you, he watched as you unbuckled and grabbed your bag from between your feet; double-checking your bag to see if you had everything. You then turned to Eddie, seeing that he was already looking at you, startling you slightly, but making your cheeks flush.

"You got everything, babe?" He asked and you nodded, leaning over the middle console to press a kiss to Eddie's cheek.

"Thank you for driving me home, Eds." You replied and Eddie rolled his eyes jokingly.

"Y/N, baby, no need to thank me. It's what best friends do. I’ll call you when I get home." He shooed you along, making you laugh as you opened your door and hopped out.

Walking backwards, you waved goodbye as Eddie pulled out of the driveway, a bright smile on your face. Once he was out of sight, you let out a happy sigh, turning around and heading up the steps to your home. Finding the door already unlocked, like it was most days, you walked on in with a smile on your face. Kicking off your converse, you dropped your backpack at the stairs before passing the living room and heading to the kitchen.

"Y/N." Your mother's voice rang out, making you pause midstep, going back to the living room where your mother sat in her armchair, book in hand. She took her reading glasses off the bridge of her nose, closing them, and placing them on the small table beside her. She then stared at you, a frown on her face, her hands interlaced in her lap, "Have you been with that boy again?" Her tone was stern and demanding, making you bite your lip nervously as you looked down at the ground.

"Yes... Mom, I—" Before you could continue, she cut you off with a wave of her hand.

"Don't 'Mom' me. That boy is bad news. I told you to stay away from him." Her voice rose slightly in pitch and volume with each sentence.

"But-"

"And don't tell me how you feel about this, he's the devil! Playing those- those demonic games-”

"He's not the devil!" You shouted suddenly, causing your mother to jump slightly and stare at you. "I like him, okay?! I like him more than anyone I've ever met! He's my best friend and I can't just not hang out with him anymore." You finished your voice breaking as tears formed in your eyes.

Your mother blinked several times before standing up, walking over to you.

"Oh, my darling honey," She began as she cupped your cheeks in her hands, "It's not safe for you to get involved with those types of boys.” The cadence in her voice sounded like she was speaking to an errant child. “Now, I better not see you around him any longer or we might have to move again." She ended the conversation, pinching your cheek before she left for the kitchen.

You watched her leave, tears streaming down your face, completely heartbroken as you rubbed the cheek she pinched. She didn't understand Eddie, and she never would. But her threat frightened you. You knew that if she caught you with Eddie, she would move the two of you away again. She did it once, she’d do it again.

Grabbing your backpack, you headed straight to your room, forgetting about that snack you wanted as you shut your door. Dropping your bag, you finally let go, your chest rising and falling rapidly as you fell onto your bed. Laying on your stomach, you smashed your face onto your pillow, letting out a small, muffled sob as you began to cry. What else could you do? Before you could even start brainstorming ideas, you jumped slightly when you heard your phone ring, reaching over you, grabbing it, and bringing it to your ear.

"Hello?" You asked, clearing your throat and hoping you didn't sound as sad as you were.

"Hey! Babe! How's my favorite girl doing?"

Eddie.

Of course, it was Eddie. He said he was going to call you.

Your eyes widened as you struggled to sit up straight, "Eddie, you have to be quick, my mom could be listening." You whispered, hoping your mother ignored the phone but you still felt uneasy as you clutched the phone with a death-like grip.

Eddie pursed his lips in thought as he leaned against the wall of his trailer by the wall-mounted phone. You had only told Eddie about your mother once, but Eddie could tell from that one time that your mother was a tough subject for you, so he never pressed you further. Even though he had a lot of questions.

"Okay, okay! Don't worry, babe, alright? I'll be quick. Promise." Eddie assured, hearing movement on the other side of the line, "I just wanted to let you know that the meeting next week has been moved to five. Henderson has a dentist appointment or something after school."

You hesitated, biting your lip. "Okay, that's good to know. Thank you, Eddie." You spoke out with a breath.

Eddie began to twirl the phone cord between his fingers, his eyes staring at an old, discolored spot on the floor by his feet, "Are you okay?" He asked, and it seemed like a dumb question to him. Of course, you probably weren't okay. The way you sounded over the phone, he could hear how upset you were.

You paused, biting your lip, trying to think of anything, anything, to say. "What makes you ask that?" You replied. You hoped he wouldn't notice the slight shake in your voice.

"You sound kind of down," He replied, his voice low, his eyes focused on the discoloration, "I know I can't see you right now, but I bet you got a frown on that pretty face of yours." You sighed, and even though you still felt pretty terrible, hearing his voice, and just him in general, was enough to lift your spirits a little. You didn't think that you would fall even deeper for Eddie, but there you went. It was like your heart belonged to him already. You heard a bit of shuffling on his end before he spoke once more, "I know I said that I'd be quick, and I will, so... I'll see you tomorrow?" You could almost hear the hopeful tone in his voice; though, there was a hint of unsureness lingering there.

"Yeah..." You muttered, "I'll see you tomorrow."

"Goodnight, babe."

You let a small sigh escape you, "Goodnight, Eds."

Hanging up the phone, you hoped to god that your mother wasn't listening in as you slid yourself further onto your bed, your back pressed against the headboard. You wrapped your arms around your knees, resting your chin on them, your bottom lip trembling. Tears slowly began to trickle down your cheeks, leaving tracks in their path, and you buried your face in your arms, allowing yourself to become engulfed in darkness.

~~~

The next morning, you woke up groggy. Clearing the little crust away from the corners of your eyes, you sat up with a small groan. As you got ready for the school day, you tried to remember when you fell asleep last night, but you couldn't remember. Walking to one side of the room, you opened your small dresser, grabbing a pair of pants before starting to really get ready for the day.

You sat on the edge of your bed, fixing the cuff of your red jeans as you leaned to the side slightly, peeking out your bedroom window. Seeing your mother's car gone and missing from the driveway, you let out a small breath of relief, your shoulders dropping.

Sliding your black studded belt through your belt loops, you walked over to your closet. Shuffling through your many hanging shirts of various colors, your hand paused on one, near the back of the closet. Pushing the shirts on their hangers to the side, you pulled the black shirt off the pole and towards you. Holding it up, you couldn't help but smile, your free hand coming up to grasp the soft fabric; rubbing it between your fingers.

The shirt was black with the main print being a graveyard. Rows and rows of cross-shaped tombstones stood, a pair of red hands loomed above, holding strings that dropped down and connected to some of the tombstones. The words, 'Metallica' was in silver in the middle of the shirt, while 'Master Of Puppets,' was printed at the bottom of the illustration.

It was Eddie's and you may or may not have stolen it from him one of the times you visited him at his trailer - and he didn't mind. You usually wore it to sleep, but the scent, which was so perfectly Eddie, had begun to fade, which made you sad. Slipping it off the hanger, you replaced your nightshirt with the band tee, feeling a wave of comfort wash over you as it covered your body.

Grabbing your backpack from near your bedroom door and your denim jacket from the hook, you headed out into the hallway, and down the stairs. As you slid on your black Converse, you side-eyed the clock on the wall, seeing that you did not have enough time to eat before you began your trek down to the high school. And so, with a hungry stomach, you slipped on your backpack and headed out the door.

~~~

As the school day went on, you felt as if you were drowning. Your classes were boring and monotonous as the teacher droned on about the Civil War, giving no real attention to the class except for a few snickers from the students behind him as he wrote on the chalkboard. When the bell finally rang, you quickly packed up all your things and rushed to leave the classroom, eager to get out.

Unfortunately for you, the halls were packed with students, meaning that you could not make your escape without brushing against others. You sighed, running your fingers through your hair as you looked around, hoping to find an opening to get through.

Finding a small opening, you took your chance, speeding through, you maneuvered through the crowd as people gave way to you. Your heart rate increased as you pushed through everyone, making your way towards the cafeteria. Once inside, you let your eyes scan the room, quickly spotting Eddie sitting with his club members. Making your way over, you couldn't help but feel giddy as your legs carried you over to him, unable to hide the huge grin forming on your face.

Turning his head, Eddie's eyes met yours, they brightened, a smile growing on his lips. Standing, he met you halfway, letting out a small grunt as you threw yourself into his arms. Eddie hugged you tightly, wrapping his arms around you and lifting you off the ground as he spun you in circles; making you laugh as you held onto him. When you both stopped spinning, Eddie set you back on the ground. Closing your eyes, you allowed yourself to enjoy this moment, savoring the warmth he provided as he held you close to your chest; rubbing your cheek on his denim vest and leather jacket combo.

Looking up at him, he was already looking down at you, his eyes roamed over your face. You gazed right back into those chocolate-brown eyes of his, feeling the anxiety and sadness just melt away instantly. "Hey." You breathed out quietly, smiling as he pulled you closer to him, his hands finding their place on your waist.

"Hey, there, babe," He spoke softly, moving a stray piece of hair behind your ear. "Looks like somebody missed me." He teased, earning a light slap on his upper arm.

Rolling your eyes playfully, you pouted, "Of course, I missed you, Eds." Eddie chuckled as he nuzzled his nose into your hairline, breathing in the sweet smell of your coconut shampoo.

After a moment, you felt the side of your face buzz, feeling eyes on you. Looking over, you huffed, gaining Eddie's attention. Eddie followed your eyes, seeing his club members staring at you and him. Half of them were trying to muffle their laughter, making Eddie glare at the group.

"What are you airheads looking at? Get back to eating, nothing to see here." Eddie spoke out, his gaze never leaving yours. His tone was firm. With a shrug, the group turned their heads back down to what they were doing, not wanting to draw any more attention than necessary. "Come on," Eddie spoke softly, only to you, "Let's get out of here." You nodded your head, following beside him as he led you out of the cafeteria.

Stepping outside, you and Eddie walked out into the woods by the school, stepping over tree roots and walking around bushes and trees, you finally spotted the old picnic bench. Sitting down, you tucked your legs under the table as Eddie sat down with his legs on either side of the bench; facing you.

After a couple of minutes of silence, Eddie smiled over at you, "Look at you. You look beautiful today. Especially in my shirt."

You laughed lightly, feeling your face flush, "Thanks, Eddie."

"No, I'm serious," He continued, scouting a smidge closer, "I should give you my shirts more often… Actually, just take all my clothes. I don’t need them.”

You shook your head, grinning as you glanced around the woods, "You wouldn't get them back if you did that." You pointed out with a laugh.

Eddie chuckled, shaking his head a bit, his bangs falling into his eyes slightly, "Maybe, maybe not." Eddie replied, turning his body so that his arm was leaning against the table, propping his head up on his hand, "But you do look beautiful today."

"That's the second time now. How many times are you going to compliment me today?" You asked, arching an eyebrow.

"Well," He chuckled, his mouth twisting upwards in amusement, "I can't seem to stop myself."

Your eyebrows raised slightly as you stared down at your lap, you bit your lip. You could feel your heart beating faster, pounding loudly in your chest, your ears feeling slightly warm. You doubted that you would ever get used to hearing him say those things to you. You cleared your throat, glancing back at him, "So," You trailed off, "How was your morning?"

He grinned, chuckling, "Boring, without you." He huffed, "I wish we had the same classes."

"Me too." You nodded your head, "I think History would actually be fun if you were in my class." You muttered, shrugging a shoulder, "I could hardly pay attention."

"Well, you wouldn't pay attention if I was in class with you." Eddie joked, causing you to chuckle slightly.

"You're right." You giggled, fidgeting with your fingers in your lap, watching as the wind blew through his dark, curly locks. "You're such a bad influence on me." Immediately as you said that, your smile slipped, turning into a small frown. Even though you were joking, that was what your mother thought he was.

Eddie leaned forward in his seat slightly, his elbow resting on the table, as he watched you intently, studying the expression on your face, "Y/N? Hey…" Eddie questioned quietly, reaching out and taking your hand in his. "What's wrong, babe?"

You swallowed hard, trying to avoid his gaze as you answered, "Nothing," You cleared your throat, "I'm fine."

Eddie pursed his lips, narrowing his eyes, "I know you're not." He scooted closer, interlacing his fingers with yours, "What's going on?" You looked up at him, you returned to biting your lip. "Do you wanna talk about it?" He asked.

"It's my mom..." You replied softly, running a hand through your hair, "She doesn't like you."

"A lot of people don't like me, sweetheart." Eddie replied nonchalantly, squeezing your hand lightly as he gave you a lopsided grin.

You huffed, "I know. But, she doesn't want me to hang out with you anymore. And when I told her I wouldn't stop spending time with you, she got all mad. She told me that I shouldn't be friends with someone who's... The devil. That you’ll brainwash me." You whispered, looking down at the table, "I- I don't know what to do... I mean, she made me move that last time I made friends with someone she didn't approve of... I don't want to leave. I don't want to leave you." Sighing deeply, you shut your eyes, tears burned behind them as you finished, "It hurts, Eddie."

Silence filled the air between you two. A minute passed before you heard a sigh escape his lips. Opening one eye, you glanced up at Eddie, his brows furrowed in frustration. Leaning forward again, you watched as he reached out, brushing his hand across your cheek; wiping away the lone tear that managed to escape your eye.

"Y/N..."

"And- And, I don't care what she thinks." You whispered, shaking your head. "I just dont- I don't know what I'd do without you." You admitted, sniffling slightly as you stared at him; your brown eyes meeting his chocolate ones.

The corner of his mouth curved upward, a genuine grin spreading across his face, "I don't know what I'd do without you, babe." As he spoke these words, he brought your hand up to his lips, placing a soft kiss on the center of your palm. "You make this shit town a whole lot better."

You blinked a few times, noticing how close you and Eddie were to each other, your cheeks flushed as your heart started racing once more. Licking your suddenly dry lips, you opened your mouth slightly, but no sound came out.

Eddie's eyes were trapped as he observed every detail in your face. The slight hint of your freckles, cheeks, and back to your bright, shimmering eyes; your lashes still wet from your prior tears. His half-lidded gaze then flickered down to your lips, and his tongue traced his bottom lip nervously. As Eddie's gaze lingered on your lips, a mix of emotions swirled in his eyes. Unbeknownst to you, Eddie had always harbored a special adoration for you ever since the night you both met at that dreadful party that you'd been dragged to. He had never met anyone like you before.

His heart would flutter every time you bantered back and forth and the way you would shyly smile in his presence only fueled his hidden affections. In those stolen moments where your eyes met and sparks seemed to fly, Eddie couldn't help but wonder if you felt the same way, buried beneath the layers of playful teasing and genuine friendship.

As you sat there, hand in hand, Your breath hitched as the atmosphere between you and Eddie crackled with an undeniable tension as you sat there, the weight of unspoken words lingering in the air. In a moment of daring courage, you both leaned in, hearts pounding in sync, unsure of what the next second would bring.

As your lips drew closer, a mix of nerves and anticipation enveloped you. Eddie's gaze softened, his usually mischievous eyes now filled with a vulnerability that mirrored your own. The world seemed to fade away, leaving just the two of you, suspended in a moment that felt both surreal and inevitable.

And then, in a flutter of breath and hesitancy, Eddie's nose brushed the side of yours, his hot breath caressing your cheeks. Your hand shook slightly as you brushed the tips of your fingers against his cheek, your eyes fluttered as your lips met in the middle; your hearts beating frantically in unison.

Your lips moved together slowly, gently moving against each other as you both explored the taste of each other, each moment was perfect. Every sensation, every smell, every sound seemed amplified. It felt like you were floating in a bubble of bliss, forgetting about everything but each other.

Pulling away, you kept your eyes shut as you pressed your forehead against his, feeling his bangs brush against your eyelashes, a giddy smile finding its way to your features, “Were you serious when you said you give me more of your shirts?”

Eddie chuckled lightly, “If it means I get to kiss you again, then sure.” He mumbled against your lips as his left hand cupped your cheek, his thumb caressing your skin.

You smiled, pressing a soft kiss to his nose before pulling away slightly, your eyes gazing into each other. "Can I have that other Metallica one? The one with the electric chair?" Excitement was clear in your voice as Eddie chuckled, nodding his head, you grinned widely, your eyes sparkling with happiness.

"Look at you…” He muttered, seeing your smile before answering your question, “But, of course." He winked, causing your smile to widen as he leaned forward, his mouth barely grazing over yours, "Anything for you." He murmured before closing the distance between the two of you once again.

~~~

"Are you sure about this, babe?" Eddie asked, his hands holding the steering wheel tightly, driving his van in the next town over from Hawkins. "I mean, you don't have to do this just to piss off your mom."

"I'm not just doing this," You shrugged a shoulder, glancing over at him from the passenger seat, "Don’t you remember me telling you how much I’ve wanted one when we first met?”

"Do I remember?" Eddie asked himself, a small grin growing on his face as he glanced over at you, your eyes meeting his before he turned back to the road, "The way you looked at me when you saw my tattoos... How your eyes lit up, and the smile that crossed your face... The way your lips parted... The way they looked so soft..." Eddie trailed off, "Yeah, no... I don't think I remember." Eddie shook his head as you felt your cheeks burn from his words, making you shake your own head, biting your lip. Oh, how he teased you...

Watching as the many trees passed by, you hummed before continuing, "It sounds like you weren't even paying attention." You answered, amused, resting your elbow on the van's door armrest, holding your head up by the palm of your hand.

Eddie smirked, "Maybe I was too caught up in you to listen to what you were saying," He countered, raising an eyebrow as he glanced over at you for a brief moment, watching as you rolled your eyes, amused.

"If that's true then I doubt you've been listening to anything I have been saying. I swear I have to snap you out of staring at me every five seconds, Eds." You laughed lightly, your eyes falling back on the window as you continued humming under your breath.

"Not my fault you're so beautiful that I can't take my eyes off you, baby." He muttered flirtatiously.

"Shut up," You giggled, throwing your head back against the van's headrest, "You’re making me blush!"

Eddie didn't say another word, a large grin on his face as he pulled up to the familiar tattoo parlor.

As you unbuckled yourself from the passenger seat, Eddie quickly got out and rounded around the front of the van. Opening the passenger side door, Eddie dipped into a low bow, stretching his free hand out to the side as he gave you a grin, "My lady," He spoke in a rather posh voice.

Placing a hand on your chest, you placed your free hand on top of his as you batted your eyelashes mockingly, pretending to gasp, "Oh, my," You spoke, mimicking him, "What a gentleman." You said as you stepped out of the van.

"Only for you." Eddie answered back, your hand staying in his as the both of you began to walk to the front, glass door.

As you both walked a couple of feet, you stepped up onto one of the curb stops, walking carefully so as not to fall; Eddie's hand in yours, watching you as you stepped toe to toe on the cement block. "What are you thinking of getting?" Eddie then asked, as your eyes stared down at your feet.

"I think I'll keep that as a surprise until this artist friend of yours asks..." You muttered with a small smile, coming to the end of the curb stop, stepping off, and looking up at Eddie as he grabbed the door handle of the parlor door.

"Well then," Eddie opened the door, the bell above it jingling, "I'm excited to find out what it is." Entering the parlor, Eddie waved at the man behind the counter. The man was tall, in his late twenties you assumed, and had a remarkable similarity to Kurt Russell from that 'Escape From New York' movie. "Hey! Chris!" Eddie exclaimed as this 'Chris' just gave Eddie a grin, pressing his palms against the counter.

"Hello, Eddie. Brought a friend, I see." He turned his bluey gaze to you, offering his hand as the two of you stopped before the counter, "Hey, name's Christopher, but you can call me 'Chris,' He spoke as you shook his hand, "I can only assume either of you came to get a tattoo. Unless you missed me." He joked, making Eddie huff, his eyes rolling as he flopped his arm over your shoulder.

"You assumed correct, Chris," Eddie spoke, pulling you into his side, "My lovely girlfriend wants a tattoo."

Christopher hummed, nodding his head, "Well, you came to the right place." He clapped his hands together once before pressing them back against the counter before him, his eyes turning back to you, "What did you have in mind? Flowers, some sort of animal, a quote? I can do practically anything."

You just smiled, your mind already picturing the tattoo image that you had in mind. "I want bats." You answered simply, the side of your face burning as Eddie's head turned swiftly to stare at you wide, surprised - and in awe - eyes.

Chris's grin curled into a mischievous one as he quickly glanced at Eddie and back to you, "Bats... Hmm, yeah, I can do that. Let me quickly come up with a sketch." He then spoke, sitting down in the chair behind the counter and pulling out a small sketch pad and pencil.

Eddie just continued staring at you, "Bats..." He muttered softly, "You want bats?" His question was filled with disbelief.

You shrugged a shoulder, your hand coming up to hold his hand from your shoulder, "I like bats."

"You like my bats," He whispered proudly, emphasizing on the third word as you smiled coyly.

"I love your bats," You repeated teasingly, squeezing his hand in yours before releasing it to reach up and push a strand of hair behind his ear, "I feel like you should've seen this coming."

Eddie just huffed, raising his free hand to grab yours from his hair, cupping your hand to his cheek; continuing to stare at you adoringly as he nuzzled his cheek into your palm. "I thought you were going to get something from that movie you like or something..."

"Hmm," You hummed, your thumb brushing against the soft skin of the apple of his cheek, your eyes drifting, spotting the little freckles that were dotted there, "That might be a good second tattoo idea."

"You really got the key to my heart, babe," Eddie spoke, his voice sounding full of what you could only think was a deep sense of love as his warm brown orbs gazed into yours, causing you to let out a small giggle, your thumb rubbing circles around his cheek.

"And you got mine, Eds." You mumbled as his eyes dropped to your lips, just a mere breath away until Christopher popped his head up from his sketch pad.

"Sorry to interrupt," He grinned, his mischievous eyes gleaming, standing from his chair as the two of you pulled away from each other slightly; Eddi's arms still wrapped around your shoulders. "What do you think of this?" Chris then asked, showing you the sketch he had gone, and immediately, your eyes widened, as did your smile.

"It's perfect!" You cheered, feeling a rush of excitement run through you as you stared down at the sketch. It was of Eddie's bats, drawn the same, but flying in a slightly different pattern; more horizontal. It was perfect and you couldn't wait for the masterpiece to be permanently printed onto your skin.

Chris pulled the sketchbook back, "Great, you two lovebirds can follow me to the chair." He spoke, as he led you and Eddie to his station.

As you walked, you took that time to look around the parlor, seeing the walls covered in posters and framed art depicting different types of tattoos. The room was bright, but not blinding and everything was done in black, white, and gray tones. Taking a seat on the later chair, Chris slid over another wheely chair, the same as his, for Eddie to sit on as he gathered his needed materials from a separate room.

Eddie held your hand as you laid your arm on the chair's armrest, gently squeezing your hand as you continued to look around the room at all the different tattoo designs. "Are you excited?" He asked, watching as your eyes flickered from design to design, a smile still on your face.

"So excited. But I'm still nervous. I'm trying not to think about the needle."

"Hmm, yeah," He hummed, following your line of sight, "I'll be here the whole time. You know that you can take a break at any time. Just let him know."

"I know," You nodded, looking over at him, "But I can do this. I mean, I've been waiting for this ever since I was twelve."

"I know," Eddie mimicked you softly as Chris came back over with the tattoo gun and inks needed.

Setting the items down on the table, Chris grabbed some gloves, sliding them on, "Alright, where did you plan to have it?"

"Right here," You gestured to just below your collarbone, and Chris nodded as he got the items ready on the tin tray beside him, organizing them.

"Alright, I just want to let you know that it might be painful, or it might not. Some people say it just feels like someone scratching the same spot over and over, and some don’t, so I just wanted to warn you about that." He spoke, opening the ink bottles and pouring a couple of drops into a small, plastic cup, "I try and make this as pleasant of an experience as possible for everyone who comes in. So if you need a break, you can take it. If you need a snack, I got a mini fridge, and if you need me to change the radio station, I bet Eddie will go and change it for you." He finished, before twisting his wrist, warming it up. "Are you ready to begin?"

You nodded, "Yeah."

~~~

The tattoo was perfect. You thought it was gorgeous. And when Eddie first saw it after Chris was done, his first word was, ‘Wicked.’

Seven little bats decorated your soft skin, and even though you had gone through a lot of pain to get them, it was incredibly worth it. Chris and Eddie were right, and it did hurt, but not as much as you thought it was going to hurt. Your mother, after you had told her of your wish to one day get a tattoo and tattoos in general. She said that it was a way of signing your soul over to the devil. That was the reason your mother moved you away to Hawkins, your mother found out that a friend of yours had a tattoo. But nothing she said really deterred you from wanting a tattoo.

And four months later, you sat in your room with Eddie, a movie randomly playing on your small television across your bed, whilst you read a book and Eddie's head leaned on your shoulder. He was staring at the TV, not fully paying attention to it as he played with the fraying hem of your shirt... That you stole from him.

You continued to read, your book taking you to a far-off world with elves, wizards, and hobbits. Eddie had recommended the 'Lord Of The Rings' series, letting you borrow his set, and you couldn't have been happier. You were in the second book, almost near the end; you couldn't put it down. Even though it was long, and the author really liked to describe anything and everything, you enjoyed how easily you seemed to fall into the fantasy world of Middle Earth.

Sighing, Eddie scooted impossibly closer to you, growing a bit bored. His hands were tingling slightly with the want and need to do something, anything. He wished he had his baby with him. His other baby. While you were reading, he could've been practicing a few songs, but his visit to your house for the first time was not planned.

You had told him that your mother was going out to play Scrabble with a few friends for the night, and that she wouldn't get back until pretty late. So, you took Eddie to your place. You were excited to finally show Eddie your room. Even though it wasn't anything like his, Eddie still loved it.

When he walked in, he knew it was your room. Your desk was pushed off to the side, near the window. Folders, notebooks, and other various items were neatly placed there. The shelves that contained your many, many books were on the other wall, next to your closet door. The bed looked comfortable too; with a plush, fuzzy faux-fur blanket that covered your gray sheets, accompanied with gray pillowcases on your pillows.

Your room was nice, open, and bright. And it made Eddie feel calm; safe.

Letting out a dramatic sigh this time, Eddie pushed himself up slightly, lifting and turning his head to press his nose into your shoulder, his eyes staring at what he could see of the side of your face with sad, puppy dog eyes.

"Bored?" You asked softly, thumbing the page over.

Eddie pouted, "Yeah… How could you tell?"

"This is the ninth time you sighed in... Oh, I don't know... Ten minutes." You spoke glancing at the circular clock on the wall and down at him before back at your book. "Just let me get done with this chapter and I'm all yours."

"Okay..," Eddie sighed, watching as you continued to read, his fingers returning to play with the hem of your shirt.

After about five minutes, or what felt like hours for Eddie, he started to become restless again. Shaking his socked left foot side to side from where it lay on your bed, he curled his fingers around your arm, his nose occasionally rubbing your shoulder as he started to hum the tune of 'Fade To Black.' Shuffling up again, the slight movement caused his hands to move down on your long-sleeved shirt; unintentionally pulling the collar of your shirt down a little.

Immediately, Eddie's eyes were glued to the bit of black ink poking out from beneath the stretched collar of your shirt. His finger moved upwards, lightly tracing the outline of what he could see of the bat, his pout quickly turning into a small grin. Unable to really help himself, Eddie felt himself being drawn towards it. As if it was calling out to him. Before getting it, you had told Eddie millions of times how much you loved his tattoos, all of them, but especially his bats.

He probably had a small inkling - or suspicion - that you had plans to get something similar, but he never gave it a second thought, until now. You loved his tattoo so much that you got one like his permanently tattooed onto your skin. You loved him so much that you got something that reminded you of him... Permanently tattooed onto your perfect skin, and somehow he could barely breathe.

Letting out a shallow breath, Eddie leaned down, pressing a soft, lingering kiss to the top of the bat's wing, what he could see just peeking out from the collar of your shirt. It was enough of a distraction, for him to not notice when your hand paused in the air, millimeters away from flipping to the next page. Pressing his warm face into the equally warm skin of the crook of your neck, Eddie sighed; finally feeling the fast beating of your heart against his cheek.

"You're killing me, Eddie." You huffed, shutting your book and setting it on the bedside table before looking over at what you could see of Eddie; his face still dug into your shoulder. "You're acting way too cute." You chuckled, reaching up to run a hand through his hair, breaking away small knots.

His nose bumped against yours as he raised his face from your shoulder, an innocent smile on his face, "What do you mean? I'm always cute."

"That's true," You agreed, moving forward and pressing a sweet, short kiss to his lips. "Now," You pulled away slowly, placing a small amount of space between the two of you, "What do you want to do? Since you're so bored."

"Well," He grinned mischievously, "I have a few ideas."

Tilting your head to the side slightly, "Really?" You questioned with a raised eyebrow, feeling your stomach twist as his eyes glanced down at your awaiting lips for a moment, "Care to share?"

"Mmhm." Eddie hummed, his hand raising to cup your cheek, his thumb brushing against your bottom lip, before cupping the back of your neck, bringing your face ever closer to his; allowing his gaze to drift down and down until his eyes landed on your mouth once more.

Before either of you could continue, a sudden knock on the bedroom door brought both of you back to reality; your door opening and revealing your mother. She had come home early.

Your eyes widened as you sat bolt upright in bed. Eddie shot up beside you, his eyes wide as well, as your mother's jaw dropped, her eyes widening in shock before they turned into eyes of pure anger.

"Y/N!" She yelled, making you flinch as she turned her eyes to Eddie, "And you! Devil boy! Out of my house, you spawn of Satan!"

Eddie hopped up from your bed, grabbed his shoes, and hastily slipped them on. You stood up from the bed as well, your mother's eyes stared at him like a hawk, all the while Eddie couldn't help but grin. You moved over to the window, pushing the pane up as Eddie almost strutted over.

Despite what was happening, you couldn’t help but admire him.

Shrugging on his leather jacket, he gave you a quick kiss on the cheek, making your worried expression turn into a loving smile. "Bye, babe."

"Bye, Eds." You breathed deeply as your mother rushed over.

"No! No! Get out, Devil boy! Out!" He waved a pointy finger as Eddie slipped out of your window, landing on the lower side roof and down to the ground. Once he was out of sight, your mother turned to you; a sliver of fear rolled down your spine as her eyes glared daggers at you, her arms crossed. "And you, young lady, are in very big trouble." She seethed, "I told you- I forbade you from ever speaking to that boy again! And you have the nerve- the- the audacity to bring him into my home! To have him in your room! You- you- you-" She began, stuttering over her words angrily, her hand waving in the air by her face; her cheeks were red. As she continued to stutter, her eyes glanced down, seeing the hint of black against your skin. She paused, frozen before she reached out and pulled the collar of your shirt slightly, just enough to see one of the bats that was etched onto your skin peeking out from under your shirt. "Is that..." She raised her free hand, licking her thumb before rubbing the bat; whatever it was, it didn't fade, or spear... It didn't come off. She pulled away, "You... That devil child has infected you!" She cried angrily.

You swallowed nervously as she continued to talk, your mind running over every possible way you could get out of this emotionally and mentally unscathed, "Mom. I am an adult. I can get a tattoo-"

Her eyes flashed dangerously, "Stop right there. Don't you dare say another word." She growled, "He has brainwashed you. He took you and corrupted your mind, and you will pay dearly for it."

You watched as your mother stalked away, "Mom..." You spoke, but she ignored you, reaching for your phone sitting on your bedside table, "Mom!" You cried out, watching as she reached for the cord of your phone and yanked it straight out of the wall.

Jaw dropped, and you continued to watch as she collected your phone into her arms before turning to you, "You will not get your phone back until I deem it suitable. I may regret this, but I will give you one last chance. I rather like this town. I would be upset to leave it so soon." She spoke before leaving your room, shutting your door behind her.

Huffing out a breath, you felt your eyes burn. The tears threatened to spill from their confines as you turned towards your bed, dropping yourself onto it, letting the tears finally fall.

Eddie stood in front of the bathroom mirror, his hands gripping the counter edge tightly as he stared down at the counter itself. He wanted to call you, see how you were doing, and cheer you up like he always knew how to, but he knew that it would be too risky.

So, he stood, his fingers tapping the underside of the counter as he thought. He wished things were different, and he wished that your mother didn't hate him. But everyone hated him, and he wished that he was used to it. But you didn't hate him. Not even close. He needed you, he needed your support and encouragement, he needed your love and warmth; just as much as you needed him.

He sighed, sliding down onto the floor, and leaning his back against the bathtub; the cold surface chilling his back. Closing his eyes, he tilted his head back against the rim of the tub, letting out a sigh.

~~~

Your mother watched you like a hawk for the next couple of weeks. Everywhere you went with her, she was close beside. And she followed you wherever you went; store, arcade, everywhere. Everyone you spoke to, she would know about. It was like she was everywhere. But, she wasn't.

She couldn't go to the high school, no matter how much she tried to convince the Principal to let her. 'My daughter is in danger,' she would plead, only for the Principal to reply with, 'There is nothing to worry about.' Nothing to worry about? Your mother was fuming. You wondered how she would’ve done it either way, since she had a job and all.

And so, the only time you could see Eddie was during the school day, which was less time than you liked. You didn't share any of the same periods, and could only see him during the couple of minutes before class, during the half an hour lunch, and the few minutes after school before you had to walk home. Your mother even forced you to quit your 'Drama Club,' which was actually the Hellfire Club.

Sitting on the picnic bench out in the woods, the same bench you and Eddie shared your first kiss - and many more - you leaned against Eddie's shoulder. Lunch had started less than ten minutes ago, Eddie had eaten some of the fries and drank his chocolate milk, but you had hardly touched yours at all. You hadn't touched anything all morning; you simply pushed the plate of mush around. You could feel Eddie's curious glances burning into the side of your face as he looked down.

"You gotta eat, baby." He moved his arm, wrapping it behind you, his hand rubbing up and down on your arm, "Come on, take a bite." He cooed softly, leaning down a little bit so that his nose brushed against your cheek. You shook your head quickly, pushing your plate of untouched food away from you, "Y/N." His voice came out in barely more than a whisper.

Taking a deep breath, you opened your mouth to speak, "I will for you." You muttered, reaching out and grabbing the sweet roll from your tray, "Only for you."

"That's my girl." Eddie brought you closer to his side, pressing a kiss to your temple. "I know life is pretty shitty right now, but we can get through this. I promise you, once we graduate, we will get out of this town."

You humphed softly, a small smile growing on your lips, "If you graduate," You teased lightly, making Eddie gasp in faux offense; his free hand coming up to his chest.

"If I graduate? Baby, 86' is my year." He winked, causing you to giggle a little, making his smile grow bigger. You rested your head back against his shoulder, the two of you contentedly eating your food.

After a moment, you paused, "What if we left now..?" You shook your head on his shoulder as Eddie paused his own eating, "Nevermind. Silly question."

"Not silly at all." Eddie spoke, the both of you being brought back to the night you met at that party, "Not silly at all." He repeated, thoughtfully.

~~~

Your mother came home from work on an early Wednesday evening, dropping her purse and keys down on the table near the door as she slipped off her heels. "Y/N! Dear, I'm home!" She called out, checking in the living room, but not finding you there. Walking to the kitchen, passing the dining room, she called out again, "Did you take the beef out like I asked?" Entering the kitchen, the beef was not out on the kitchen counter, and the dishes in the sink were unfinished. Letting out a deep, irritated sigh, she moved to the stairs, placing her hand on the banister, "Y/N!?" With no answer again, she quickly made her way up the stairs, entering the hall, and pushing your door open.

She gasped, seeing your walls stripped of your posters, your shelves empty of your books, and your bed coverings missing from your bed. Rushing to your closet, she slammed it open, finding empty hammers in your empty closet before doing the same with your dresser; empty. She ran a hand through her hair, her body turning, and her eyes surveying the room with haste. Where were you? Where did you go? Were you with that boy? Damn...

Hearing the sound of a van pulling into the driveway, and a door opening, she ran to your open bedroom window that faced the street, her hands held onto the windowsill with a death-like grip, her eyes wide with anger and shock as you hopped out of the van; Eddie's van. Speaking of the Devil boy, he came around from the other side of the van, his arm looping over your shoulders. You just stared up at your mother with a triumphant grin, crossing your arms, and jutting out your hip.

Your mother stood stunned and speechless as she watched you uncross your arms, you then placed them to the side of your head, your pointer fingers pointed up; mimicking horns as you stuck out your tongue at her. Eddie watched you, a proud grin on his face - flattered - admiring you proudly.

Her expression quickly changed, becoming filled with fury, while Eddie gave your mother a grin, waving his hand. "Goodbye, Mrs. L/N!"

Your mother watched as you and Eddie then started to get back in the van, and finally, she spoke, "Y/N! Get back here this instant! If you get in that van, you are no longer my daughter!" She exclaimed angrily but only watched as the van's engine started up and the two of you sped away down the street.

You laughed in the passenger seat, throwing your head back against the headrest, Eddie glancing over at you with a smile; laughing along with you, happy to see you so happy.

You sighed as you calmed down, feeling adrenaline rush throughout your veins as you ran a hand through your hair before you turned to look at Eddie; resting your elbow on the middle console, palm resting on your cheek.

"So," You began, your smile never dwindling as you gazed up at Eddie, "Where are we going to go?" You asked, excitement filling up your heart.

Eddie shrugged, glancing over at you with a matching grin, having a double take when he saw your smile. You looked beautiful… As always. The setting sun was shining on you, bathing you in the most perfect light. His smile softened, "Look at you..." He muttered, "You're all bright-eyed and bushy-tailed." He finished before he reached over the center console, and grabbed your other hand in his. Bringing it to your lips, he pressed a gentle, yet loving kiss to the top of your knuckles, keeping his eyes on the road.

"Look at me..." You replied, your voice taking a soft tone, a warm smile playing on your lips.

---

Main Masterlist | Stranger Things Masterlist

241 notes · View notes

a-strange-inkling · 4 months ago

Note

Haunted bookshop AU for the thing <3 <3

this has awakened things in me! 📚 👻

• chrissy desperately needs an after school job to earn enough money to get away from her mother. she applies at all the small businesses along main street. she gets a few call backs, but none are as peculiar or intriguing as mayflower books, a small antique bookshop that does not bear any resemblance to its fresh, springy name.

• the bookshop is old, disorganized and completely stuffed full. dusty books stacked haphazardly in every nook and cranny, shelves bursting at the seams. with all the stacks, it’s like a labyrinth, there’s a few hidden rooms and reading corners. her mother would hate it. but there’s something warm and cozy about the place that chrissy can’t explain when she comes in to meet with the owner. something that makes her accept the job and take the afternoon shift from three to eight o clock.

• the owner is a sweet old man who’s so happy to have such a nice girl like chrissy to bring some new life into the place. he’s slowing down in years and would like to have his evenings off, but he couldn’t bare leaving the shop all on its own. he seems to really love his store. he talks about it like it’s a person rather than just a building. the arrangement is perfect all spring and summer long. chrissy greatly enjoys running the front desk, exploring the shop, and finding new books to read. it’s the perfect place for her to escape and hide from her life. she slowly starts to fall in love with it too. mr. munson’s right. there’s a warm presence that always makes her feel so happy and at home.

• however, thing change when autumn rolls around and the days get shorter. chrissy’s a little frightened of the dark. the hour before closing she starts to hear noises, books falling over, strange whispering sounds. it goes on for awhile until one night she’s so scared she begins to cry. one of the ghastly noises makes her duck under the desk. there’s someone in the shop with her. she knows it.

• and then there’s a gentle knock on top of the desk and she finds a boy standing there, well a young man. just a few years older than her maybe. and yes, he’s a little scary, with long wild hair and a big leather jacket, but when he smiles chrissy isn’t so frightened anymore and feels a little silly about it. he asks her why she’s so upset and she tells him about the noises and that she feels like she’s going crazy. she thinks the place might be haunted. he laughs, “oh yeah? do you believe in all that? ghosts?”

bonus:

• she whispers that she doesn’t know, a little flushed. but she likes the sound of his laugh, it reminds her a little of mr. munson’s. she asks the strange boy if she can help him find anything. he laughs again, telling her that he knows his way around. his uncle’s the owner and he used to help him run the store when he was a kid.

• chrissy is fascinated. mr. munson never mentioned a nephew before, but then, he is a private, quiet man. he doesn’t say much of anything. the boy tells her his name, eddie, and chrissy promptly replies “i’m chrissy.” he nods bashfully, like he already knew that. he tells her he’ll stay with her and help her close up, if she wants. he knows absolutely everything about the store, that it used to be called munson books, but mr. munson changed the name to mayflower books after his wife, may passed away. eddie excitedly shows her even more secret places and passageways that she didn’t even know existed. he digs around and finds her book titles that he thinks she might like to try too. it’s like he knows all her favorite authors and genres.

• chrissy begins to look forward to closing time now. eddie stops in every night so she won’t be scared or alone. he’ll help her tidy up and sort the shelves. she never hears the noises or whispers when he’s around, he makes her feel so safe. sometimes they just sit and read together, other times they’ll talk until chrissy’s voice is hoarse. to her amazement, she feels herself falling for him.

• it’s of course, quite a horrible shock when she discovers that mr. munson’s nephew was murdered several years ago.

#it’s always ghost chrissy #we need some more pining ghost eddie i think #hellcheer #eddie x chrissy #eddissy #ask game #au five facts game

55 notes · View notes

humanityinahandbag · 1 year ago

Text

Steddie: Wayne the Matchmaker (Part 1?)

Wayne wasn't born yesterday.

He knows full well that his nephew, his boy, is far gone for the Harrington kid. Knows it in the way he sighs, the way he drapes himself over the couch. Knows it in the way lyrics pour out of Eddie's room while he tries to write songs (just last Tuesday he heard Eddie muttering goddammit what rhymes with chest hair from behind his bedroom door).

So it isn't much of a surprise to see Eddie swooning quietly by the front door as he shoves his feet into ratty sneakers, a red car waiting in the driveway. Government hush money had been enough for Wayne to take less shifts, to put some away for Eddie's future, and to buy a modest one floor ranch house on a tree lined street closer to his boy's new friends.

Including the one currently walking carefully around the newly planted posies towards the front door.

"You seein' that Harrington boy again?" he asks.

Eddie's face went pink, and he ducked down pretending to look through his backpack for something. "Yeah," he says behind a curtain of hair. "We're going to the movies."

"S'nice. What are you seein'?"

"Uh, the new David Bowie thing. Labyrinth."

Wayne ignores how Eddie phrases it, like he hadn't been bouncing off the walls to see that little David Bowie Thing when the posters first showed up outside Melvalds. "Doesn't much seem his taste. He choose it?"

"Yeah, he-" Eddie stops and looks up. "Don't."

"Don't what?"

"Don't do that," Eddie says, fixing his Uncle with a frosty stare. "I know what you're doing, and we're just- we're friends. He's- he likes his ex. You should see them, honestly. They're like, perfect together. Dream couple." As if Wayne didn't hear the sorrow behind his tone.

"Mmmhm," says Wayne. "You sure?"

Eddie didn't get a chance to rebuttal when the door was knocked. Wayne opens it before he could.

"Hi, sir." Always polite this one. Steve's wearing a polo shirt and light wash jeans. It all looks newly pressed. And if he breathes in- yup. That's definitely cologne. "Uh, I'm here for Eddie?"

"Yeah, he's here. You wanna come in-"

"He doesn't." Eddie pops out from behind the door, glaring over his shoulder at Wayne. "C'mon, Stevie! We'll miss the previews!"

"Bye, Mr. Munson!" Steve calls over his shoulder. He grabs Eddie by the back of the collar, tugging him backwards, laughing and racing him to the car.

And well. This just wouldn't do.

Wayne never pretended to know a whole lot about love. He'd had his flings back in the day, but life had given him more curveballs than he'd been able to catch at once.

Not that he was complaining. Eddie was one of the best things that had ever happened to him.

But dammit if he didn't want the kid falling down the same hole he had.

Eddie deserves love. And Wayne figures that a few gentle nudges wouldn't hurt.

It starts with simple suggestion.

The next time Steve is at the front door, Wayne makes sure to distract Eddie with a well timed, "fix your hair," that had him scrambling for the bathroom, leaving Wayne alone with the Harrington boy.

"Steve," he says.

"Mr. Munson! Nice to see you. Um, we're just going to the arcade-"

"He likes sticky hands."

Steve blinks. "Sorry?"

"If you're gonna win him anything, get him one'a those sticky hands. It'll be hell on me, but he loves'm."

Steve nods, like it was precious information, perking up when Eddie breaks out of the bathroom.

When they get back, Eddie is considerably pinker, slapping everything around the house with a stupid pink sticky hand on a string.

"Steve won it for me," he says, as if daring Wayne to take it away.

Wayne only cracks another beer.

(He tells himself over and over that this is for the pursuit of love, even when he wants to shove Eddie out a window the fourth time a very sticky hand thwacks him on the back of his bald head.)

"He likes sunflowers," Wayne says the next time he sees Steve, which just so happens to be a week before graduation. Steve had arrived with a cake. A cake he baked. From scratch. Eddie had run to get his camera to take a picture and that was when Wayne got his chance.

Steve looks up at Wayne owlishly. "Sorry?"

"Sunflowers," Wayne repeats. "If you get him flowers for graduation, that's what he likes."

Steve nods seriously, brow drawn in thought. "Cool," he says finally. "Sunflowers."

Eddie gets sunflowers for graduation. He presses one of the petals between the pages of The Hobbit.

"Still think he's just a friend?" Wayne asks from the doorway.

Eddie traces the petal and closes the book. "It's enough," he says.

Wayne gives his nephew a long look. "You're allowed to like him."

"I know."

"No. You're allowed to like him," Wayne says again. "Like him like you like him."

Eddie stares at the petal. "I know," he says. And then; "I love him."

"I know," says Wayne and bundles Eddie into a hug.

Wayne gets to a point where he could gnaw through the walls of their new home, which he won't do, because Claudia Henderson chose the wallpaper and chewing on furniture is mostly frowned upon. But by god does he want to.

Wherever Eddie is, Steve follows. He appears at their front door to take Eddie on hikes. When he heard Eddie never learned to swim, he takes him to the quarry and Eddie comes back damp and flushed and Wayne guesses it has something to do with the shirtless boy in the driveway.

And yet through it all, Eddie doesn't see.

He doesn't see the long looks or the careful touches. Doesn't grasp the meaning behind Steve appearing one night with a bag of groceries and a smile and an announcement of I'm cooking you dinner! before making the best damn lasagne Wayne's ever had.

Instead, Eddie fawns and sighs and does everything he can to make Steve happy. Dotes and compliments and builds him up until Steve is red and spluttering and beaming.

Eddie is a good boy. Wayne raised a good boy, who loves fiercely and wholly, but somehow didn't think he was worth the same trouble.

And. Well. That just wouldn't do.

Wayne wants time to come up with some kind of a plan, but fate was a sporadic fucking asshole and chose for him. Which is how Wayne finds himself answering the phone on a Thursday to hear Steve's voice on the other line.

"Mr. Munson?"

"Steve. Eddie ain't home. He's at band practice."

"Oh," Steve says. "Right, uh. Can you tell him that I called?"

Wayne thinks a moment. "I can," he says, slowly. "But first, I'd like to talk to you."

A long pause. He can practically hear Steve sweating on the other line. "Me?"

"You," says Wayne. "S'only that you've been here an awful lot lately. Eddie's taken a real shine to you. You know that?"

"He's one of my closest friends, Mr. Munson."

"Mmmhm. An' I'm glad for him. But I don't mean like that."

He hears Steve suck in a breath on the other end. "Oh."

"Not that it's any of my business, an' maybe these old eyes are seein' things, but I catch you lookin' from time to time. Then again, I'm just an' old man-"

"You're not that old," Steve says. "And. Your eyes work great. Probably better than mine."

Good first step. Buttering up the parents.

"So. Just so we're on the same page, Mr. Munson. Eddie told me that you know about him. That he likes. Um. Yunno."

"Men."

"Yeah," says Steve, relieved. "Yeah, men, right. And so I was thinking the other day that I'm a man!"

"So you are," says Wayne.

"And it came to my attention a few months ago that people can like both. Which is- which is crazy. But I guess it's not so crazy. I used to work in an ice cream store and people would order the weirdest combos. Like... strawberry and pistachio? And I'd say, you can't like both! But then Robin told me I could."

"Steve."

"Right. So anyway. I've been spending all this time with Eddie. But I wasn't really sure. I mean, he can like men. But that doesn't mean he'd like my type of man. That I am. Man-wise."

Wayne hums. "And if I told you he did like your type of man? Man wise?"

"I'd probably ask if he liked Italian or Chinese, sir."

Outside Wayne can hear Eddie's van rolling back down the street. "He likes lo mein. No onions."

"Okay," breathes Steve.

"And even if he looks like an angry alley cat, the boy likes romance. You hear me, son? Candles, flowers, showin' up at windows."

"I can do that," says Steve. "I'm great at romance."

Eddie's car rolls into the driveway and Wayne looks out the window, waving to Eddie as he cuts the engine and the music and steps out. His boy stops to carefully step over the flowers first, waving back.

His good boy, who pours love out until he's empty and never complains. He deserves to have it poured back.

"You're welcome anytime, Steve," says Wayne earnestly. "Anyone who makes my boy as happy as he is- you're welcome anytime."

Eddie walks in as Wayne hangs up. "Who was that?"

Wayne tugs him into a hug. "No one," he says. And then, "go shower. You smell like Gareth's garage."

"Like a goddamn rockstar, you mean?" Eddie ducks away from a swat and laughs, running down the hall.

Like a kid in love, Wayne thinks, and turns on the game.

With ao3 being down (pour one out, I'm donating my life savings once they're back up) I got feral enough to write a one shot on here. I can't update my other Wayne Matchmaker fic. So. Yunno. This will have to do for now.

Does this need a part 2? You tell me.

LONGER, EDITED VERSION NOW ON AO3!

(IF I POST A PART 2 IT WILL BE THERE :D)

#steddie #steddie fanfic #steddie oneshot #boys in love #eddie munson #steve henderson #uncle wayne #wayne munson #good uncle wayne #eddie munson the gremlin #pour one out for ao3 #we miss you #we'll never take you for granted again #my god i'm feral #sticky hands

487 notes · View notes

loveinhawkins · 2 years ago

Text

thinking about the first time Dustin actually sees Eddie without any of his high school persona on show. They’re locking up the drama room after Hellfire, and Eddie realises that he’s left his acoustic guitar in one of the music classrooms, so Dustin follows him.

It’s then that they find a very young looking freshman sat by Eddie’s guitar—Dustin had thought that maybe he looked a little daunted starting Hawkins High, but she looks absolutely miserable.

They manage to piece together the fact that she had a violin lesson, went to the bathroom, then got completely disoriented on her way back, the teacher nowhere in sight; she stayed put, kept doubting herself about what was the way out to the parking lot.

And Eddie… he doesn’t poke fun, not even a little bit. He just picks up his guitar, says, “Don’t worry, this place’s a labyrinth sometimes,” and guides her out.

He doesn’t leave the parking lot until the girl finds her mom’s parked car, just keeps smiling even when the mom regards him with poorly concealed disdain.

That’s how Dustin knows Eddie’s kindness is the real deal: it’s not for show, not for the benefit of anyone else—not even himself. It just is.

So when the news is full of the death of Chrissy Cunningham, when others start whispering darkly about how they’re not surprised that Munson boy was no good, Dustin never once doubts Eddie.

He’s seen the very best of him, long before The Upside Down.

#just emotional over dustin saying ‘you don’t know him like I do Max!’ that Dustin really KNOWS him ��️#his absolute unshakeable faith in Eddie right from the beginning right when things looked bleakest #eddie and dustin #eddie munson headcanons #dustin henderson headcanons #dustin henderson #eddie munson

731 notes · View notes

formosusiniquis · 7 months ago

Text

The cone of silence has been lifted and now I can shout about my @steddiebang2024 fic! So, so, so excited to be working with @kaspurrcat to bring you all a Labyrinth AU!

When Eddie was sixteen, when he was the type of person that fantastical things happened to, he wished away his baby brother. He'd wished for a lot of things before, but unlike those, this one came true. But fantastical things happen to people who can handle them. He survived dangers untold and hardships unnumbered and rescued Dustin from the castle at the heart of the Goblin City and the Prince who had answered Eddie's wish to steal him. Now it's sixteen years later and Eddie still feels like he's fighting hardships: his agent can't sell his book unless he sells out his morals, he's just ended another relationship he hadn't realized was doomed to fail, his Pop had a heart attack, and something is following him. Something other than the injured owl he saved from the monster that attacked it. When he goes back to his childhood home to help ease the burden on his Ma and Pop who raised him, with his new animal companion in tow, he realizes things might be more dire than he realized. The Goblin Prince hasn't forgotten him after all these years, and now that war is on the horizon for the Labyrinth, he's being called to return to make good on the promises he made while stealing Dustin back.

#steddiebang24 #steddie #labyrinth au #graphic design is my passion

44 notes · View notes

rogueddie · 1 year ago

Text

Steddie Sick Fics

Important: READ THE TAGS! Also, leave a comment and kudos! These fics are amazing and I love them and I hope y'all do too 😷

Fever

addweetoo

Steve is sick and Robin's out of town. So she calls Eddie to take care of Steve, not knowing that Steve hasn't talked to Eddie since Eddie woke up in the hospital.

Words : 11,359 Chapters : 1/1 Rating : Mature

AO3 : x

Larkspur and Lily of the Valley

DarkWitchOfErie

Steve has a cough and thinks it's allergies, until a blue petal comes up.

Words : 4,540 Chapters : 1/1 Rating : Teen and Up Audiences

AO3 : x

Gently,

TheDeathsWish

In which Eddie wants nothing more than to give Steve the gentle kindness he deserves.

Words : 12,905 Chapters : 1/1 Rating : Teen and Up Audiences

AO3 : x

The Labyrinth

wayfarers0

“I think you’re just not feeling good, kiddo,” she says quietly. “Do you feel nauseous?”

“No. No, I don’t.” fuck, is all he can think; fuck. “No.”

“Hey, it’s okay. Steve told me once you’re not good with that sort of thing.”

“M’not nauseous,” he says, but he has to swallow down saliva as he says this. “I’m just anxious.”

Words : 2,422 Chapters : 1/1 Rating : General Audiences

AO3 : x

medicinal

peaktotheocean

“I’ve got a friend who is having a ton of migraine issues," Robin blurted out. Eddie's head rose to look at her. That was a new one. "We heard weed helps. Any truth to it?” She asked hopefully.

Uncle Wayne always used to joke that Eddie was too curious for his own good. Eddie just never thought he'd agree with the assessment while selling weed to Robin Buckley of all people.

Words : 2,233 Chapters : 1/1 Rating : Teen and Up Audiences

AO3 : x

greening out

llovebug

When Eddie accidentally takes too many edibles, he finds himself greening out and wandering the streets of Hawkins. Steve spots him and takes it upon himself to nurse Eddie back to soberness and get him somewhere safe and warm.

Words : 2,702 Chapters : 1/1 Rating : Not Rated

AO3 : x

Take Your Silver Spoon, Dig Your Grave

fangirlandtheories

“Shit Harrington,” Eddie smiled, pulling the thread tightly. “Let’s play a game.” Steve rolled his head on his shoulder, looking at him with fever bright eyes. “2 truths and a lie?”

“I sleep with the light on, I haven’t seen my parents in a month, and I like men and women.” Steve watched as Eddie froze in place.

“That’s not cool, Steve.” Eddie continued stitching, a little less gently this time. “Robin said you’re a bit dense, but fucking mocking me af-”

“4 months.” Steve interrupted.

“What?” “It’s been 4 months since the last time I saw them.”

Words : 6,020 Chapters : 1/1 Rating : Teen and Up Audiences

AO3 : x

I’ll be there for you

Battered_child

After the nightmare spring break in which they had gone to fight a monster in the crazy Hellscape version of their hometown, the weeks that followed had been non-stop for Steve.

First there were the hospital visits, though he’s not sure it counts as visiting when one spends more of their time there than away. The first week had been the worst.

After they had dragged Eddie’s lifeless body from the Upside Down, Steve had been so worried that someone would come after him that he’d refused to leave the other boy’s side for the first few days. This of course meant he didn’t get his own injuries seen to, and he then spent his own painful recovery either at Eddie or Max’s bedsides, working, or ferrying kids (and Robin) around town for various reasons.

Words : 6,545 Chapters : 1/1 Rating : Teen and Up Audiences

AO3 : x

Can I Still Call?

theswampnugget

Steve doesn't like being taken care of. More specifically, he doesn't like to feel like a burden. He really can't avoid it when a migraine wipes him out in the middle of a shift, and none other than Eddie Munson comes to drag him home.

Words : 4,130 Chapters : 1/1 Rating : General Audiences

AO3 : x

#stranger things #steve harrington #eddie munson #steddie #fic rec #ficrec

169 notes · View notes

corrodedcoffins-blog · 1 year ago

Text

The Album

note: set in ~2025~

also the song 'paris' is the one by taylor not sabrina lol

y/nl/n

liked by taylorswift, dovecameron, and others

y/nl/n: my new single 'positions' is out now!!! 💗💗

view all comments

hughes_bros: does this mean a new album?!?!

neverwasthebest: she's so pretty

talkin.nonsense: she's so wifey here

weasley.ronald: i love keeping the pink vibes

melanie @/singular.defender 'switching the positions for you' because he's old and can't??

lils @/taylor_stan_ she's in her wife era, what do you want from her???

emmaline @/frogfan 'boy i want you to meet my mama on a sunday, then make a lot of love on a monday' she is so unserious

jaden @/sassymanapolgist i love the vibe of this song and so excited for the album!!!

y/nl/n

liked by Corrodedcoffinoficial, radvzx, and others

y/nl/n: my album 'daylight' is coming out tonight!!! wtf!! midnight est!!!

view all comments

y/ns_: 'eddie munson' as the opening track is so iconic

Eugene_stan: I LOVEEE this cover!!!!

ally_7: shes never gonna beat the slut allegations with a song called '34+35'

joMarch: oh.. thats not

em.2004: HAJAHGAJAHH

nicky @/menagainstmen we got little freaked.. love 'slut!' tho

olivia @/livvy_ replying to @/menagainstmen fr it's like the cutest little love song

dani @/juno.bestmovie.ever half of 'eddie munson' is just her saying she's so happy, y'all suck for making her feel bad about her relationship

Amanda @/inlovewith.michealcera hits different 👀 break up moment???

matty @/spiderman.andrew 34+35, dress, positions girls getting that good d

Florence @/reneerapp_mademegay this is her lover

lizzie @/lovingmylife.lie labyrinth is so fucking cute ahhhhhhh

Steph @/gilmoregirlsss 'baby you might need a seatbelt when i ride it, open like a door come inside it' is crazyyyy

conner @/saltburn.scaresme i wonder what isla and leo think about this album??

lilian @/dancemoms.fan 'sweet nothing written by y/n l/n and eddie munson' 😭😭😭

~taglist~

@whoscamila @mystargirl-interlude @creoleguurl @witchwolflea @kissmejoey @taylorswiftsloverfr @random000000sblog

88 notes · View notes

caxde · 11 months ago

Text

Labyrinth | Eddie Munson x reader

summary You knew Eddie before it all, the fame and the succes. He knew you before you found fame, as you both reach it, your relationship changes into something new.(6.7k)

this was a rockstar!Eddie request by @sage-glowstick , she wanted a fic inspiered and that featured Silver Springs by fleetwood mac, here we are I hope you like it babe <33

warnings hurt/comfort, miscomunication, friends to lovers, slowburn, eddie being a dumbass, angst!, afab reader but no pronouns used I think

English is not my first language so I'm sorry if there's any mistakes

Hawkins, May, 1986

“You should come tonight” Eddie said, as he handed you a handmade flyer.

You were sitting down on the exit stairs of the Hawkins High School as he stood there, his body between your legs. Always so close, yet far away. You looked down at it, you saw the scribbled out Corroded Coffin logo over a black and white photo of the band, it read: last home show before tour!

“I still can’t believe that you’re actually going on tour.” You mutter back to him, as you play with the edges repeatedly. Your fingers craving the warmth that a cigarette would let them.

“You’ll make it big too, I know it.” He chuckled, as he left a friendly bump on your knee with his. You laughed as you stared back at his eyes, a flicker of sadness on yours, melancholy in his. A sense of homesickness even if he hasn’t left yet.

“Fucking hope so.” You stood up, a smile appearing on your lips as you got closer to him, you nod as you look at the small flyer one last time before folding it and tucking it deep in your pocket. “I’ll be there, don’t worry.”

Your cheeks flushed as you see the way his smile grows wider and softer, excitement clear his expression, as his hands play excitedly with his rings.

“I’ll see you there then.” He said as he grinned, before turning around and walking to his van, leaving you there.

You watched him leave, thinking about if that was going to be the first time or the last that you had to see him leave, if you would ever get enough courage to actually tell him how he makes you feel, or if he will never know.

You stood there for a second too long as you reached out for a cigarette, feeling the relief it left on your body once the nicotine made its way into it. You started walking slowly to your car, head still in the clouds as you fantasized about telling him. How it would feel to be honest with him for once, i really like you edds you’d say, and he would nod and smile. That stupid smile that drove you wild and mad all at once.

On the back of your car your bass guitar laid there. A promise, a getaway ticket for you to get out of here. You had played with some small bands, nothing ever stuck, not really.

And unlike Eddie, you hadn’t told anyone about the one way plane ticket you had bought for yourself to New York, hoping you’d find fame there.

The show had been amazing, as it usually was.

Thought tonight Eddie seemed to finally shine as bright as he should have always had.

He was angelic under the stage lights.

For once he wasn’t wearing an old beat up band t-shirt, but an open see-through black shirt that let his stomach visible, a happy trail from his belly button traveling down onto his crotch, framed in tight black jeans that you had been trying all night not to stare, as hard as it was.

The sweat that stuck to his body made him shine even more, and even if you thought that he would smell of sweat and alcohol, nothing but an intense smell of sandalwood and perfume followed him as he came down from the stage to hug you tightly.

He didn’t care that everyone was watching. The only thing that mattered right now was that you had come and that you were there, looking at him with admiration and (he hoped) love. He had fallen for you that night, and he would blame the adrenaline, but he was in a rush to let you know.

So his arms wrapped around your waist tightly, not letting you go. Resting his head on the small of your shoulder as he enjoyed the way your arms had settled on his neck, your chest against his, and your hearts beating fast, as one.

It was obvious to both of you, and even if it was necessary, you needed to tell him, it was now or never.

“Eddie” You whisper into his ear.

“I’ll miss you so much.” He answered. You nodded back, he felt it by the way your hair moved, and your chin hitted his body.

“Eddie” You repeated.

He stepped back enough to be able to look at your face, his hands still on your waist. You were in a room full of people, yet you only had eyes and ears for each other, treasureing this moment, wishing it could last forever.

“I’m leaving for New York.” You confessed. Him being the first person you told. You looked at him, as his expression travelled from shockness to proudness. You realised now that your arms had stayed where there were, your hands on the back of his neck, tangled between his curls, the softness of them leaving you speechless for a second too long.

“You better come to our show there.” He joked, as his voice became softer, his eyes shining, not because of the light, but because of the feeling of fondness he felt for you in this moment. He pulled you close once again, and he muttered against your ear. “I’m so fucking proud of you.” He admitted.

“I’m really proud of you too, Edds” It shocked you, just how much sincerity layed on those words, in that moment saying anything else, would just break the moment, in your opinion.

So you just decided to look at him. And the way his face beamed at you, flushed in pretty hues of pink, and that stupid Eddie grin that he had only for you.

In another world, in a world where you were braver, you would have told him you loved him right there, maybe even kissed him.

But in this one, you decided to just hug him again, and really focused on the way he felt, the way he smelt, and just how warm and safe having him this close made you feel. It may be the last time in a while.

In another world, Eddie begged you to come tour with him, he would tell you that he isn’t ready to stop seeing you all of a sudden, that he isn’t capable of imagining a time in his life where he isn’t as close to you as he is right now. In that world Eddie would finally realise that those feelings are the big scary ones, the four letter ones.

But in this one, he is way to scared of leaving home, and he is just panicking enough that he just melts into your arms, and thinks that he’d be a goner if you weren’t his friend, and that he’s too scared of fucking this up with his stupid crush.

So, he drove you home. And whipped your tears as they felt out of your cheek when he finally said goodbye. Leaving you alone in your bed, with his goodbye gift, his Corroded Coffin shirt that you slept with that night.

New York, October, 1986

Moving away from home had a funny way of making you feel like you’ve never actually had a home before.

Even more so when you ended up sharing an apartment with people from your own town, but now you were all older in a way, safe and far away, with a new opportunity.

You did know who Steve was, and the same thing happened with Robin, but you weren’t really friends before, and just in six months you couldn’t imagine a world without them.

Your first week in New York seemed so long ago, it felt like a dream.

Searching for an apartment, and bumping into an old known face that was renting a room.

You were living with them the next day, and you never looked back.

Robin was working at an independent bookstore. Steve found a part-time gig at a youth center. And you made ends meet in an alternative bar in SoHo, down the street where you lived.

What was even better, you were actually playing. Like in a band, a real band. You sang and played the bass, Robin was on drums, and Steve was lead guitar and singer.

Labyrinth had become a new usual in the alternative culture in New York, and you tried to play at least four nights a week.

Robin had come up with the name.

After the first movie night you hosted and Steve had fallen in love with magic dance and the way Bowie sang it, he insisted you guys figured the melody out so you could start covering it regularly.

Now you always open your shows with your version of it.

A new version. A rockier one.

But tonight was a first. One Night Only: Corroded Coffin, openers; Labyrinth. It was more commonly known as “The Hawkins show”.

You had been walking in circles all morning, as your nerves grew bigger and stronger. Not only for playing at the legendary Webster Hall, not even for the fact that actual managers and as Steve had called them “big fishes” were going to be there. It was all because of the stupid curly headed boy.

Now, moments before you actually had to play, you laid on the little backstage space that they let you, trying to get Robin to stay still as you painted a black liner on her eye.

“Robs, I swear to god if you move again and I poke your eye out, I’m not even going to feel bad.” You threaten, as the blonde looked up at you, your faces inches away from hers.

“I can’t help it, it feels funny.” She whined as she stared back at you, her eyes squirming involuntarily as you inched closer.

“Come on dude, she’s done that to you like 52 times at least.” Steve added to the conversation as he changed shirts for the third time in a row. Retouching his hair as soon as the white tank top was hiding his chest, his anxious movements remained the same.

“I thought you were wearing the black one.” You added with a curious look on your face, as you see Steve purse his lips together.

“Dude, don’t make me change again, please.” He stepped closer to the mirror that was behind the both of you.

“Sorry, duuude.” You mocked his new favourite word, as he grinned back at you, his nervous energy becoming yours.

“Can you please finish my other eye before you make fun of Steve?” Robin begged as she grabbed your face, making you look back at her.

“Will you stay still?” She nodded. “Good.”

She didn’t stay still, but you treasured these kinds of moments for what they were worth. The feeling of finally being with people that knew you, truely. Feeling loved, and cared for.

“Right, I’ll get us some beers before the show while you guys change.” Steve announced as he headed out, his body already out the door.

“As if it was something you hadn’t already seen before!” Robin screamed at him. You laughed at her sincerity, and her wobbly hands. It was fun to know just how much control over her movements she had when she was on stage, and just how clumsy she could become once the lights were no longer shining. “So, what are you wearing for your big night?” Robin teased back at you, an eyebrow higher than the other.

“My big night?” Your voice went an octave higher, as you blushed.

“Come on… Eddie?” She asked, as she took her shirt off and she put on her old-once white-badly stitched shirt on.

“What about him?” You said back, a monotone in your voice that wanted to make it sound like it wasn’t that big of a deal, even if it absolutely was.

“Your huge crush on him?”

“I do not!”

“You so do!”

“Well, what if I do?” Robin couldn’t stop laughing, as she saw just how red your face was turning, almost matching the shade of your lipstick.

You turned your back on her as you tried to find his shirt, as faded and as distressed as it was now, it felt important to wear it today. A short black skirt under it, leaving your legs exposed.

“You so do, you love sick bug.” She continued teasing once she saw the shirt you decided to wear.

“I’m just showing support for our hometown talent.” You said back, a fabricated lie that you like to tell yourself, instead of the i’m so nervous i feel like i might vomit so i need something familiar truth.

“Sure you do.” A familiar voice came out from the opened door.

Eddie was resting his body on the door frame, his arms flexed over his chest, and his head tilted, with the same grin that he always had for you.

And once again it happened, nobody else seemed to be in the room when he was in it. His hair seemed longer, and healthier, his arms looked more muscular and his face somehow stayed the same.

That stupid upside grin and his shiny brown eyes.

Steve followed him closely behind, handing you the beer as you cheered as you did before every show.

“Eddie, this is Steve, Steve Eddie.” You introduced the two guys as they shook hands, looking at each other in a funny way. Steve’s free hand was in his waist, the same pose he always has when something was clicking in his head. Eddie had his head crooked to the left, trying to pierce something together.

“Did you hang out with..”

“Henderson.” Eddie finished. They both nodded and laughed, a calm banter starting between the both of them.

“And this is Robin.” You added as you messed with her hair as she waved a shy hi.

“From band?” He asked her, making her shoulders drop, making her feel included and seen.

It made your heart melt just a bit more, seeing him get along so well with your friends, and it was also an incredible relief. This was everything you wanted, Eddie hanging out with your friends, smiling and laughing. You had been dreaming about it ever since he left, and you had met these people that had no problem adopting you into their life.

“We should start doing our sound check” Steve said once he had finished his bottle of beer, Robin already standing up with her drumsticks on her back pocket.

“I’ll join you two in just a second, I need to finish this first.” You moved your head at the mess on the table, makeup scattered away and a song half written in your notebook.

“S’key” Robin blurred as she pushed Steve out of the room, knowing that what you meant to say was that you wanted some time with your old friend.

As they left the room, the mood changed all of a sudden. The room seemed smaller, warmer. The lights softer.

Eddie rested his body on top of a free space of the table, his leg gracing the chair you were sat in, his eyes looking at you closely as you did your black liner. A stupid soft smile appearing on your lips as you looked at him through the reflection of the mirror.

“What?” You laughed as you looked at his curved lips, pinker than you remember.

“I like looking at you.” He confesses. Eddie wanted to tell you so much more, but was somehow still afraid of saying something stupid, so he did what he always does, he lit a cigarette and offered one to you. “I missed being able to look at you.”

“You’re an idiot Moon.” You chuckled as you let him light the cigarette for you.

“At least I’m your idiot, right?”

Eddie’s eyes were hopeful, shining brighter than they have ever done for you, his brown eyes looking like melted caramel, as he left his lips slightly parted while the smoke left them.

He sometimes wished you could read his mind, or that he could read yours. In his opinion it would be easier than to actually gesticulate the words out of his mouth.

“As long as I’m yours.” You answered back, almost in a whisper. Your doe like eyes looking up at him.

Time stopped there. As soon as Eddie left his free hand drawing patterns on the skin of your arm, he was enchanted there, and you couldn’t stop looking at him. Not really believing that he was finally as close to you as he was.

You finished your cigarettes in that comfortable and warm silence, and you waited a few seconds before interrupting it.

“I’ve got something for you.” He looked down at you, his eyebrows raised in intrigue, you bit your lower lip in nervous anticipation.

“Show me?” He begged. You couldn’t help but wonder how he could sound begging for something else. You, perhaps.

You nodded, as you got up from your chair and bent over searching for the new t-shirts you had made for today's show. Not really remembering that you had a skirt on, and not really giving it that much thought, but from Eddie’s point of view it seemed like the view was the gift entirely.

The way your naked legs looked had already made him a little dizzy, but once you bent over he could see the way your thong kept you covered, but still your ass was in full display. He felt a little tighter against his jeans, as a tingling started to grow, along with his blushed cheeks, he resorted to bite the inside of his cheek in a pathetic attempt to not make it all too evident. He even lifted his head up, looking at the ceiling as soon as you turned around.

If you hadn’t been as nervous, you would have caught it all, but once again, you were busy looking at the way your fingers were fidgeting with the shirt you were giving to him.

“You gave me your shirt, it’s about time you have one of mine’s” He was about to melt right on the spot, and for once you could tell. He let out a sight, a i’m falling in love with you kind of sight, or at least that’s what you hoped, or chose to believe.

“You’re so corny” He halved joked as he grins again, his head shaking with the happiest glee you had ever seen on his face.

He took his shirt off in a quick movement, giving you a show of your own. His necklace decorating the way his collar bones looked and marking an arrow going down his chest, tattoos decorating some of his skin, and the same happy trail that had been living on the back of your head since you last saw it six months ago.

But having him that close, made you weaker somehow. His skin looked softer, his body left the space between you both warmer, hotter, smelling of him and his stupid perfume that followed him everywhere he went.

You were aware that your chest had been rising faster as you were thirsting after him, and that your lip started to hurt a bit from biting as hard as you were, trying to not make a sound as you stared at him.

He took away the shirt from your hands, and put it on slowly, not breaking eye contact with you. His breath was starting to get heavier, and the space between both of you smaller.

“Do I- Does it look good?” He asked, his voice lower, raspier. His words only meant for your ears.

“Yeah. Angelic.” He smiled at your joke, as his fingers played with the ends of your hair.

Even though he realised that it wasn’t a joke, since it seemed like more of a confession. He tried something, he took a step closer, and his smile grew deeper when he saw that you didn’t move away, but stepped closer, your waist bumping into his. Your fingers playing anxiously with the end of his new shirt.

“Do you actually like it? Cus’ I made the design and since we don’t really know anything about what the final one’s gonna look like we could still change it and-” He pushed your hair behind your neck, his fingers stopping right there, and shutting you up a second before he talked again.

“Have you ever thought about kissing me?” Your eyes opened wide at the question. A new side of Eddie you hadn’t seen before, a cockiness and lack of fear that left you in awe. Even his usual grin looked different, as you were that close.

“What” Only all the time you thought.

“It’s just, I’ve been thinking about it. Kissing you.” His fingers that rested on your neck started to bury themselves deep into your skin, pulling you in, asking for permission at the same time. “And what could happen.” His voice was lower, barely above a whisper. It was hypnotising. “What I’d do, with you.”

It was truly making you dizzy, his words saying everything that you have always wanted to hear, your heart beating fast and hard, loud enough for you to hear. A tingeling feeling that invaded your whole body, an electricity that pulled both of you closer with every breath you took.

“I have.”

“You have?” He teased back, eyebrow raised as his hair fell to the side. Your cheeks were flushed in pretty pink, and your eyes were softer as you were lost between his eyes and his lips.

“Yeah.”

“Do you wanto…”

As soon as you nodded, he didn’t waste any more time. He pulled you by your neck softly at first, and as your breath mixed with his he stopped there for a second, enjoying the feeling right before you kiss the person that’s been on your mind since you met them. But once his lips were on yours, his grip became harder, yours was holding onto his waist, needing him closer, and a moan escaped your lips in between kisses when he held your neck tighter, and your tongue met his.

It had been worth the wait.

“Hope you have a good show, darling.” He muttered, once your lips separated from his. A new found confidence that made him sound cockier, and a wink for you before he exited the room.

You should have reapplied your lipstick, and he should have washed it off, instead you went and played wearing his band shirt with smeared red lipstick, while he was wearing yours and some pretty evident mark of who had kissed you.

New York, June, 1987

The studio always smelled of sandalwood, and the air usually was heavy with smoke.

Funny enough, in the last six months it all happened quickly. Photos of you and Eddie wearing eachothers clothes on stage made it to mainstream media, and you were signed immediately after by the same discography that had signed Corroded Coffin.

Which meant that you shared the same studio.

And usually had the same or similar opportunities.

Steve was curlded on the little couch, scribbling away on his notebook, finishing one of the last songs you needed to finish the album.

Robin was in the recording pod, her final drums until you finish writing the last song you had to write.

It was your idea, each of you would write four songs, twelve songs total. Labyrinth. Self titled album, that was all about you, and your friends.

Robin had come up with beautiful melancholic lyrics about unrequited love, and her identity.

Steve wrote about wanting to be free, his party days and what it felt like living in a small town.

And you wrote about them, and the love you had to give.

And Eddie.

Since that night where you opened for them, Eddie had been living under your skin. He’d come over to where you guys were recording, hang out, steal a kiss or two and leave. Or he’d call you late at night begging for you to come over and sleep with him, and you ended up going every time. Success had finally found its way into Eddie’s life, quicker than in yours.

Corroded Coffin was already working on their second studio album, and had a tour planned out. Magazines covers started to have lines like up and coming band sells out tour or Exclusive Interview with Corroded Coffin’s singer Eddie Munson. The last one asking about you, and Eddie saying on paper that you were just extremely close friends, while he was making you beg for him to hit you harder every time you ended up on his bed.

It was confusing. But you wanted him badly. And there was the small voice on the back of your head that begged you to cherish it while it lasted, because you were afraid of what could happen once tour started.

But you didn’t imagine that you’d start touring before him.

The news had just left Robin’s mouth when she joined you two on the little lounge area.

“We just got a call. You’re going to freak out.” She couldn’t stop smiling, her eyes closing from excitement, as she made her way to the couch, hugging Steve as she whispered something on his ear.

“Shut the fuck up.” He said in return, as he opened his mouth in shock, a starstruck gaze in his eyes as he shook his head from side to side.

“I’m being serious.” She confirmed, as they started screaming and abrupting in nervous laughter.

“What?” You asked, seeing them so excited, not following whatever was going on.

“You’re not lying?” Steve asked again as he threw his notebook on the ground.

“Fuck no, Stevie.” Robin continued to look him dead on the eyes, her smile showing off all of her teeth.

“Guys? What’s going on?” You begged again, the both of them finally lookin at you.

“You should start packing your bags.” Steve started, with his eyes sparkling as he couldn’t stop a giggle from escaping.

“Whatdoyoumean?” Excitement was already filtering through your voice.

“I mean we’re touring.” Robin said, slowly, her hands grabbing her jeans in pure joy.

“Fuck off.” You shook your head as your eyes widened “When?”

“From the 20th of July to the 14th of August, and then back on the 1st of September until the 14th of October.” Robin's voice was calmer now, but still she couldn’t believe it as she was saying it. Out of all of you, she is probably the one that's more excited to tour around, she really wanted to see every little place this world had to offer, and music gave that to her.

“Oh.” A bit of shock and disappointment left your voice, and Steve furrowed his eyebrows as he looked at you.

“What?” He said, his stare a familiar sensation.

“I bought you guys tickets as a surprise.” You reached down your bag, and grabbed them, fidgeting with them as you looked back at your friends. “It was supposed to be a surprise.” You handed them the tickets and they laughed deeper, something was going on. “Hey I was excited about seeing Bowie with you guys…” You whined a bit as you snatched the tickets back, throwing them deep into your bag.

“But you will see Bowie with us dude.” Robin stepped closer, a hand resting on your knee as her eyes shined at you, begging for you to put the puzzle pieces together.

“What? When?”

“We’re opening for Bowie.”

You melted into her arms, and Steve followed you guys closely. You had made it, it didn’t matter anymore, that was as close as you could have ever dreamt of, and it was actually happening.

New York, July, 1987

“So you’re really leaving?” Eddie asked, his voice low and softer now that it was only the both of you in the studio.

Your last song is mastered, and the album just needs a few ticks and twists and it will be done, officially.

“Yeah, first show is in Philadelphia.”

“When?”

“We’re leaving in a couple days.” You added, and saw him standing up, putting distance between the both of you. “What’s going on Moon?”

It warmed him, hearing you call him that sweet pet name. The first time you did his skin got covered in goosebumps and his heart stopped for a second. Right now, his heart was shattering and didn’t know how to verbalize it, so hearing you call him that, it drew a needle through his heart. A frown appeared on his face, and all of the alarms started sounding in your head.

“So you’re leaving.” He started, a spiraling down that you didn’t like the sound of.

“So are you.” You pointed out. Eddie looked at you now, your shoulders shrugged in defence, your voice about to break, an uncomfortable conversation that was about to happen.

“Yeah, but I was supposed to…”

“You were supposed to what?” A sharp tone could not only be heard on your voice, but also felt in the air, as this conversation was full of sharp words and needles that stuck on your throat.

“I was supposed to make it, and…”

“So you can go around and I’m supposed to do what? Wait for you?” You weren’t angry, just hurt.

But Eddie didn’t know that.

Eddie just heard you and your cold words. He just saw you sitting down on the couch, with your leg bouncing up and down as your nails buried into your thigh, your hair falling in a controlled mess over you.

Eddie just saw you getting hurt, because of him, and felt awful. So he thought Its better this way, if she stays with me she’ll just get hurt, I love her and I need her happy.

“No.” The way he shook his head, his shampoo filling the air, it stinged the way he looked so beautiful, majestic even. “You were supposed to be by my side.” He sat back down, opposite to you, looking deep into your eyes. “With me.” He half cried, tears stored away and a sore throat coming in.

“I deserve it too…” You whisper, more to yourself than to him.

“Yeah, but… We won’t be together.” He said what you never wanted to hear. A threat, a reality.

“So that’s it then?” A knot was deep in your throat, and your stomach was upside down.

Eddie didn’t know how to tell you, how to act.

Eddie stayed quiet, and let you go.

Los Angeles, October, 1987

“Last show boys.” Steve half sang as he walked into the backstage, three beers in his hand. The tradition that you had still standing.

“Finally.” You sighed, changing the third string from your bass once again.

“You could get a new one.” Robin pointed out as she took her first sip.

“I’m too sentimental about it.” You admitted, beer travelling down your throat as you lighted a cigarette, pushing the smoke out as she fanned it out.

“You’re sentimental about everything.” Steve half joked, the break-up with Eddie still left a sting on you everytime it was mentioned.

“And apparently you two are together now.” Robin said, as she grabbed the magazine that rested on the coffee table.

Steamy moment between the singers of Labyrinth on their latest show.

“Sure, I’m also dating you.” You joked as you grabbed the one underneath.

Labyrinth’s Drummer and Singer are they the perfect match?

“We are a perfect match, aren’t we?” Robin laughed as she pushed her head back, smirking at you as you threw the magazine at her.

“If you keep flirting with me, I’ll kiss you on stage, Buckley.”

“Now that’s a show.” Steve took another sip out of the bottle before talking again, a stupid smile on his face. “But who will kiss me?”

“I can kiss both of you.” You said, jokingly, your cheeks hurting you from smiling.

“Now that is a show.” Robin said as she raised her beer bottle, with the clinking of glass a small promise was made, and laughter and stupid stares were shared.

You did her eyeliner, and for once Robin stood still. Steve always loved to mess with your hair, making it into a controlled mess that made you smile to yourself when you saw the way you looked in the mirror.

It had been a little over a year since you left. Your hair looked longer, healthier. Your face looked the same, but older at the same time. The bags under your eyes now in a purple hue, from being on the road, your smile lines deeper from living with them. And your shattered heart slowly mending back together.

Steve chose to wear the jean vest that he bought on a little shop a few weeks ago in New Orleans. It made him smile when the owner of the small thrift shop asked what he knew him from.

Robin was more confident, so she started wearing small heart parches with pink, white and orange. This time it was a small one on her left sleeve, she kissed it before entering the stage, voices screaming as they saw her.

You choose comfort. The same lacy bra that you already had on, and an old sheer black shirt, left open. The same black jeans, ripped everywhere with the usual red lip. It didn’t matter, you thought, people are here to see Bowie, we are here to have fun.

It was fun.

You started playing your rendition of Magic Dance, and people sang along, cheered when Steve hitted the high notes and you the lower ones.

It was all going way to good. And when you had only two songs left, someone caught your eye.

Right there backstage, Eddie.

An apologetic look on his eyes, and fire in yours.

What does that mean, whatdoes this mean, whatdoesthismean

Steve clocked it to, a knowing nod and a soft “Breathe” that he mouthed to you as soon as he could.

Eddie was there, on your last show, and you didn’t understand why, but if he wanted a show, you might as well give him one.

Before you played what was supposed to be your last song, you moved over to Robin while Steve talked to the audience, and he tells them what he always does. How this means so much for three kids from Indiana, how a year ago you were playing cover songs and now your first album is out, and how lucky he is to be doing this with his best friends, before he introduced you, he looked over, seeing you whispering to Robin.

“Robs, do you remember Silver Springs?” She nodded, and looked at Eddie before lookin back at you, fidgeting with her drumstick.

“Are you sure?” She needed to know that you knew what this meant.

“Positive.” You said before grabbing her by her collar, raising her enough to leave a peck on her lips and making sure everyone saw.

The audience went wild, and Steve chuckled.

“Those are my best friends!” He cackled.

“Do you want one babe?” You muttered into his microphone, and while the people screamed you whispered into his ear. “Silver Springs.” He nodded, and gave you a peck.

You laughed it off, and it was your turn to talk to everyone, though you were only talking to Eddie now.

“Since everyone thinks I’m dating both of them…” You muttered, with a goofy smile as you fumbled with your bass, a nervous tick you didn’t know how to stop. “We are single though, the three of us, so ladies, call us, or dudes I don’t mind.” You smiled as you saw Steve shaking his head no, as Robin shook it yes. “Anyway, um… We are really thankful that this has been our first touring experience… If you told me that The Bowie would ever know who I am I…”

“So emotional” Robin joked through the microphone.

“Well yeah” You shut back. “The point is, we weren’t going to end with this one, but we started as a cover band, so it feels right.” As soon as the beat started, you saw the way people were whispering, and how some of them had clocked Eddie.

And for once, you were the main voice. It was your song, and your moment. And Eddie knew that.

He had come over, wanting to support you on your last show, but as soon as he heard what you were playing, he regretted it, he regretted it all. It was even worse when he felt your stare as you sang to him. You didn’t look at the audience, or at Steve -who he didn’t want to think about you kissing again- you were staring directly and deeply into him. And the words stung.

I’ll follow you down till’ the sound of my voice will haunt you. And he could tell that you were close to crying now, and he was also sure that you had never sounded better, which only made him more proud, in a weird way.

You’ll never get away from the sound of the woman that loves you. And he knew, in that messed up moment, he knew you did love him, and that he had deeply cut you open, as he realised that you would have loved him better than anyone else if he only had given you the chance.

I know I could’ve loved you, but you would not let me. And he was the one crying now. He didn’t realise it at first, and neither did you, but everyone else did. And as a cosmic joke, both of you whipped the tears away at the same time.

A shared moment that made you both smile, as you finally reconnected to the audience and the final note hitted, you let your body crumble into the ground, feeling the warm embrace of Steve and Robin. You had them, no matter what.

“I’m sorry.”

“Shut up, it was beautiful.” Robin half chuckled, half cried as you stood up and waved goodbye for the final time.

You mouthed a thank you and various I love you’s to the people that still cheered, maybe more now that they had seen you break down. You weren’t sure and didn’t want to think about it.

They hugged you tighter than before once you were backstage, and made sure you were okay before he came, with his tail between his legs.

“Hi.”

You were hugging yourself, your arms crossed across your chest, a shy look on your face, not sure what to say after that.

Eddie was still open, his eyes puffy and red, his throat sore from holding on to tears and the trembling hand you had left him with traveled down his pocket in search of his cigarettes.

He offered you one.

A peace offering that you accepted.

“I’ve been an asshole.” He admitted.

“Yeah, a bit.” You nodded as you lighted your own for once.

But you couldn’t lie to yourself, being this close to him, it sparked something back. A tingling, a feeling, a dormant electricity.

“I really want to be something to you again.” He tried being sincere for once. And you knew he was actually being truthful, his eyes locked with yours, his voice clear and without a trembel, and a I’m so fuckin sorry written across his face.

“I really loved you, you know?” You admitted. A bit of sweet poison leaving your lips. “I loved you and it seemed like you didn’t care.”

“I did care, I do care.” He tried stepping closer, but didn’t dare to, wanting or better said, needing to give you your space. “I love you too.”

He didn’t speak in the past, you noticed.

“Still do?” Hope in your voice, begging for him to actually say it again, even if both of you knew it wouldn’t fix anything.

“Still do.”

“You’re going to have to prove yourself, you know?” He nodded, as smoke left his mouth.

“I do.” He was lost in you, the way you let smoke out, the way you had taken a step closer to him. The way you were, there, actually speaking to him.

“One date.” You agreed, and his eyes shined again.

“One date.” He nodded.

A promise you hoped he didn’t break again.

He didn’t, not this time.

if you enjoyed it -i really hope you did- please reblog, comment or leave a heart, your support means a lot to me <3

228 notes · View notes

quinns-shadowy-arts · 11 months ago

Text

Feel My Heart Beat Against Your Palm

Day 5 of @steddielovemonth‘s Steddie Love Month Event! Rating: T CW: Recreational Use of Drugs, Detailed Description of a Panic Attack, Detailed Description of a Nightmare. Tags: Love Confessions, Hurt/Comfort, Steve Harrington loves Eddie Munson, Eddie Munson Loves Steve Harrington, Living with the Aftermath of Trauma, Panic Attacks, Nightmares, Recreational Use of Drugs, Robin is Really Trying to get Steve and Eddie Together. WC: 2,198 Prompt: Love is being seen and known; Submitted by @acasualcrossfade

Eddie’s staying the night, as he does every Friday. They’ve started a tradition. Eddie, Robin, and sometimes Nancy, Johnathan, and Argyle go over to Steve’s every Friday to watch movies. They all take turns picking the movie. Tonight was sort of a group decision. Robin had spotted Labyrinth in the “New Releases” section of Family Video. The group would’ve gone to the theater to see it when it first came out, but they were all still recovering from Vecna. So they’ve only gotten to it now.

Robin thought Labyrinth sounded weird enough to satisfy her taste, Jonathan and Argyle thought it sounded fun, Nancy didn’t really have anything to say for or against the movie, Eddie wanted to see the puppetry and fantastical world, and Steve liked that David Bowie was in it. It seems that Steve has taken a liking to David Bowie more than he usually does, if Eddie has anything to say about it. Compared to the usual argument that would’ve unfolded, it seems that Labyrinth was the perfect pick for the group.

After the movie was over, everyone sorta hung around for a bit. After discussing what they liked about the movie and other general topics, Nancy left to drive Jonathan and Argyle home. Robin stayed to help clean up a bit; chatting with Steve and Eddie further. Then the phone rang.

“Hello?” Robin had answered the phone after a silent stare off between the three of them. She nodded her head, followed with a bundle of ‘yeah’s and ‘mhm’s. She hangs the phone back up and turns to the other two.

“So… My parents want me back home.” Robin says while twisting the ring on her middle finger.

“What, why?” Steve questions. Robin usually spent the night with Steve and Eddie after their movie nights.

“Um, something has just… come up.” Robin says while staring into Steve’s soul. She raises her eyebrows at him, trying to telepathically convey something to him. Steve furrows his eyebrows and tilts his head. Eddie thinks he looks like a puppy dog. The thought makes something warm swirl in his belly.

After a couple of minutes, Steve’s eyebrows shoot up in understanding.

“Ohhhh, yeah ok. Here, let me walk you to the door.” Steve walks over to Robin. They walk to the door and hushed whispers spill after them. Eddie is nosy, always has been and probably always will be. He tries listening to them while mindlessly moving things around, trying to look like he’s busy and not eavesdropping on their conversation. But alas, they’re too far away for any words to be coherent enough for Eddie to understand. After a couple of minutes, Steve walks back into the room.

“Robin’s riding her bike home, something came up.” Steve says, walking over to walk some of the collected trash into the kitchen.

“Is everything ok?” Eddie asks, following after Steve. Steve stands with his back turned to Eddie,

“Yeah, her parents just need her for something” Steve responds, barely turning his head in Eddie’s direction while stuffing the empty plates and cans into the trash can.

“Oh ok.” Eddie nods. Sure, Robin makes things fun and he loves her, but Eddie is definitely not too upset about being able to spend some alone time with Steve.

After finishing up cleaning, Eddie turns to Steve with a mischievous smirk. He pulls a baggie with joints out of his pocket,

“Hey, want to maybe light up with me?” Eddie raises his eyebrows at Steve, still holding his smirk. Steve smiles back,

“Yeah, dude. Why the hell not” Steve walks over to Eddie and plucks the joint out of his hand.

“Let’s go up to my room, yeah?” Steve asks while not looking back, knowing that Eddie is already following.

Once they get up to Steve’s room, Steve pulls open his window and stands against the ledge. He starts patting his pockets, trying to find his lighter. He sticks the rolled paper into his mouth, using both hands to dig around in his pockets. Eddie walks over and strikes up his lighter. He cups the end of the joint while lighting the end.

Eddie makes the stupid decision to look up, making direct eye contact with Steve. His eyes are absolutely devastating. The moon hits off of them, lighting them up. The chocolate brown of his eyes meld together with an earthy green and flecks of pure gold, creating an all encapturing sight. His eyes look like a mossy forest, deep and enchanting.

“Thanks, man.” Steve says, breaking the moment. He pulls a deep breath in, holding the smoke in before exhaling back out, aiming the smoke through the open window. Eddie blinks away, looking back down to put his lighter back into his pocket.

Steve passes the joint over to Eddie. Eddie grasps the joint in his fingers. Steve’s hand brushes against Eddie’s, his hand warm and solid. An electric feeling passes through Eddie. He shivers before taking his own hit.

They stay there for a while, sitting in a comfortable silence while passing the joint back and forth. They don’t technically need to share, Eddie has another joint in his baggie. But they share anyway, they always do. Soon enough the joint has dwindled down, they’re both high enough to hopefully have a peaceful sleep. Steve turns to Eddie, looking into his eyes before speaking up,

“I’m tired, man. Ready to go to bed?” Eddie nods his head. His eyes feel as droopy as Steve’s look. Despite staying over every week, Eddie always ‘just happens to forget’ his pajamas at home.

“Can I borrow some clothes? I forgot mine again.” Eddie tries to feign innocence by bringing his hand up to rub at the back of his neck. He can’t be blamed that much, though. He likes to feel close to Steve by wearing his clothes. He likes to pretend that he’s wearing them for different reasons, like maybe he belongs to Steve. That maybe Steve belongs to him, too.

“Sure” Steve says as he walks over to his dresser. He pulls out a set of sweatpants and a soft, worn T-shirt.

“Here, Eds” He says, tossing his clothes over to Eddie. He turns back around and starts changing into his own sleep wear. Eddie turns and starts undressing. He puts on the sweatpants first. They’re slightly too big on him. The length is fine, but the fabric hangs loose around his calves and thighs. They’re a light grey in color, soft and perfect.

Eddie pulls on the shirt. It’s a dark, navy blue. The front reads “Hawkin’s Community Pool Lifeguard”. It’s probably one of the darkest shirts Steve owns, ironic due to it supposedly being worn out in the sun all day. It’s soft and a bit on the thinner side from being worn for so long. Eddie’s seen Steve wear this shirt around the house quite a bit. Knowing that he gets to wear one of Steve’s most comfortable shirts makes Eddie’s face warm.

He turns back around, Steve already done changing and looking at him. Eddie smiles at him,

“Well, good night, Stevie.” Eddie says, wiggling his fingers in a flirty way as he turns to leave the room.

“Wait-” Steve says, grabbing onto Eddie’s bicep.

“Can you…Can you stay in here?” Steve asks. He looks at Eddie despite his hesitation.

“Yeah. I’ll stay with you, Stevie.” Steve softens at Eddie’s affirmation. He doesn't let go of Eddie, but instead pulls him towards the bed. Steve pulls back the covers and slides in first, leaving a side open for Eddie.

Eddie crawls in, grabbing the blankets and tucking them both in. He leaves a gap in between them. He wants to close the space, to cuddle with Steve and fall asleep wrapped around him. But he doesn’t. Instead he turns onto his side, the one facing away from Steve. It kills him, not being able to look at Steve; but he knows he won’t be able to go to sleep if he looks for any longer.

“Good night, Stevie. Have sweet dreams, don’t let the bedbugs biteee” Eddie chants, teasing Steve while meaning every word.

“You too, you dork,” Steve says. Eddie can hear the smile in Steve’s voice. Sleep soon starts taking over Eddie’s body. His eyes droop closed, his breath evens out, and he melts into Steve’s absolutely delightful bed.

He can’t breathe. The bats are after him. His legs sting as he peddles faster. He needs to do this. He needs to draw the bats away from Dustin. He needs to go. He needs to stand up.

He jumps off of the bike, throwing it to the ground. He swings back around and stabs at the bats with his spear. He tries holding up his shield, but there’s too many. They’re swarming him

. He falls to the ground. They bite into him. It hurts. They’re eating him. He can’t breathe. He’s going to die. He’s going to die. He can’t breathe.

He can’t breathe, he can’t breathe, he can’t breathe, he can’t-

“Eddie!” Steve shakes him awake. His lungs hurt. He’s sweaty and panic is still stuck in his throat. His heart is beating too fast for his body, he’s going to die if it keeps going like that. He’s going to die-

“Hey, hey, look at me.” Steve says, still holding onto Eddie’s shoulders. His eyes shoot over to Steve’s. His heart is still beating too fast, he still can’t breathe.

“Here-” Steve says. He moves his hand down Eddie’s arm and onto his hand. Steve grips his hand and pulls it up. He presses Eddie’s hand to his chest, right above his heart.

“Feel that? It’s my heartbeat, we’re ok. Feel my chest, Eds. Follow my breathing,” Steve’s skin is warm under Eddie’s palm. Eddie focuses on the rise and fall of Steve’s chest. He tries matching his breathing to Steve’s.

Inandout. Inandout. In and out. In…. and out.

“There we go. Good job, baby. You’re doing amazing for me.” Eddie flushes at the pet name. He feels better now. He can breathe. He still feels taught, like a string pulled too tight.

“You remember where we are? We’re in my room. You’re in my bed. It’s Friday, remember? We watched Labyrinth with Robin, Nancy, Jonathan, and Argyle? We’re safe, it’s ok.”

Right, right. It’s Friday. He’s in Steve’s room, in Steve’s clothes. He’s here because Steve asked him to stay. He remembers.

“Ok….I’m ok.” Eddie says after a minute. Steve moves his free hand up from Eddie’s shoulder and onto his face. He cradles Eddie’s face in his hand. His hand is rough from calluses. His thumb swipes away the tears on Eddie’s face. When did he start crying?

“You did so amazing, Eddie. You just had a nightmare, we’re ok.” Steve reaffirms. Eddie feels shame coil in his gut.

“I’m sorry you had to see that. I didn’t wake you up, did I? I’m so sorry-”

“Hey, No. None of that. You don’t need to apologize, Eds.” Steve says softly, continuing to rub his thumb across Eddie’s face.

“No, I do. I know sleeps hard and I took that away from you-” Eddie tries to say, but Steve cuts him off again.

“Eddie, it’s ok. I know. I know what the nightmares are like, Eds. You went through so much, Baby. It’s ok to still be scared. I’m still scared too. You don’t need to apologize. You have nothing to apologize for.” Steve looks at Eddie with something so soft. It’s not demeaning, but genuine and light. Eddie wants to fight back, to convince Steve to let him apologize. But Steve makes him feel so safe. He can’t argue back, but he still can’t agree, either.

“Hey, I know that look. You have to believe me, Eddie. Do you know how many times you’ve helped me after a nightmare? So many times, Eddie. So many times.” Steve smiles at him,

“You always tell me it’s not a hassle. That I’m not a hassle. You make me feel seen, Eddie. I see you too. I see you, Eds.”

Eddie’s heart swirls. Steve sees him. Steve sees him for him. All the excitement and fun and liveliness of the day. All of the bad and pain and fear of the night. He sees Steve, and Steve sees him right back. Eddie nods this time; his walls have been tumbled down, Knocked over by Steve’s assurance.

“I love you, Eddie.” Steve presses his forehead against Eddie’s. His hand’s still holding Eddie’s to his chest. Eddie can feel his heartbeat, steady and strong. Eddie can almost feel the love pumping through Steve.

Eddie’s face breaks into a smile. Steve sees him and loves him despite it, Because of it. A warm flourish blooms through Eddie. A tear runs down his cheek for a different reason, now.

“I love you too, Stevie.” Eddie says. The love they share is caught between them. The small space still there is filled with love. Eddie can’t deny it, he can only embrace it.

Steve’s skin is warm against his, their hearts beat together, and they love each other. Eddie sees Steve, and Steve sees Eddie.

#hurt/comfort #steddie fanfic #steddielovemonth #maybe this makes up for yesterday's post #CW: description of a panic attack #CW: descrition of a nightmare #steve harrington loves eddie munson #eddie munson loves steve harrington

88 notes · View notes