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spaceshipsoutthepool · 9 months

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Sulk in the Sun🍹

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While it’s quite out of character to do so; Penny loses her cool and storms off. Although it isn’t ladylike to admit that. Brains comes to join her by the pool. And of all people, is the one to try and talk her out of potential leaving International Rescue.

Boom! last fic of the year bay-beeee. Happy 2024

Story under the cut for those who prefer to read here

Lady Penelope was never a sun chaser. Or comfortable in great heat. Much as she was trying to relax. Forcing herself to relax might be the more operative term.

"Oh, I'd much rather be wrapped up in layers. With a walk on the heath any day.” she thought moodily, looking out over the ocean again. rather than facing the sunlight like the fellow tourists topping up their tans. “Bring on winter. It's probably a lovely chilly autumn day back home!”

Around the pool (but not actually in it), holiday makers and expats alike were turning over and over for an even bronze. Penelope privately thought most were cooking themselves to walnuts; all oiled brown and wrinkly. She decided she probably looked silly; sat in the near shade wearing a cover wrap and a large sun hat. And then decided she didn't care. Not particularly. Just like she didn’t care for this resort. And she didn’t care about International Rescue. No, not at all.

Penelope again tried to put ‘the day job’ from her mind. And tried to focus on just the sea breeze coming over the cliff side. The blue ocean. and blue almost cloudless sky stretching on for ever and ever. And somewhere out there, just beyond the horizon and further hidden by several clever mirage devices, hidden in plain sight was Tracy Island…

Drat.

"Your drink, M’Lady?"

Penelope did not jump. She refused to. Parker was now hovering at her side again, ever the faithful English butler. Even in his holiday cream chinos.

"Parker. You're on holiday too.” she scolded. “Do desist bullying the resort staff out of their jobs!"

"Begging your pardon milady. But they can't make a mixer or -pardon me language- a blooming cup of tea right.” He explained. “Not to your particular way of liking, at any rate."

Penelope sighed. He had a point.

"I do appreciate it, Parker. But you are fussing.”

“Sorry, milady.”

“Really. The world won't end just because of a little spilt milk or life providing lemons for the lemonade..." she said, taking the drink from the tray. then added with a rather viscous look back out to sea. "Despite what our American friends think."

"Quite? Erm...” Parker hesitated. It seemed he was not, for all their year's together, sure how to address a Ladyship whose pride had been wounded. Discussing Common enemies or wrong uns sure. Not catty remarks about ol’ pals and friendships possibly soured.

“Well… I’ll be off then? if you say so milady?"

"I do. Please Parker, go off and enjoy yourself?" She said, then added, “Preferably without a casino in sight?”

Parker sighed.

“No more gambling wot I ain’t got m’lady. You have my word on that. But.” Again, Parker hesitated. Then cleared his throat.

"If I might be so bold as to say so, milady-?"

"No. You may not." Penelope snubbed. And stubbornly turned back to the picture esc view.

“…Very good, m’lady.” Parker snubbed right back. Penelope sat tense, purposely ignoring him as he departed. then cursed her bad temper as even Parker left her too sit and stew.

Villains and hazards she could handle with ease. Emotions, or more unpleasant feelings, she’d always rather hated facing. Creighton-Wards don’t do very good at that. Especially without something constructive or some engagement to throw herself into.

“I wasn’t made for relaxing on sunbeds.” She thought. “That clearly skipped a generation.”

She did persevere, however, between sipping the fruity drink and reading the awful bad romance thriller book she’d brought with her.

(she’d initially brought the new hit bestseller to hide the history journal she had actually been reading. It wouldn’t do for the British tabloid press to think she wasn’t such a blonde. But then Diane had said the Book was so awful, it was actually good. So, Penelope had tried to read it for real. Then decided while she could trust Diane one many things, life and death things even; book recommendations was not one of them.)

The book, however bad, wasn't exciting enough to take her mind off things. Not properly. But She absolutely was not going to lose her temper, again or spend the whole holiday shut up in her room. Nor was she going to cry or shed one single tear over Jeff bloody Tracy. Or Scott for that matter. She hadn’t so far and was not about to start. Certainly not in public, thank you very much.

Lady Penelope was just debating if she should give it up? And see what the on-site gym had to offer, hoping to physically run away from her troubles. But when she went to sit up her ribs to remind her why she was on a ‘relaxing holiday’ in the first place. Trying not to wince was extra hard when she heard Parker’s heavy footsteps. (The ex-cat burglar was deliberately making himself heard and not sneak up on her again.) Instead, Penelope repressed a groan. not even forty minutes had gone past since she’d asked to be left in peace!

"Begging your pardon again ma'am. but there’s a gentleman wishing to speak to you?"

"If it’s anyone with the surname Tracy on the telephone I do not wish to speak to them." She snapped, not looking up from the book.

"Good thing it ain’t on the phone, then." Parker cut back, rather brutishly. then asked, "What can I get you to drink, young sir?"

"J-Just a c- cold soft drink please, Parker."

"Brains?!"

"H-hi Lady Penelope.”

Penelope bolted up (ouch) and lifted her sunglasses. Sure enough, there was International Rescues resident genius. He gave a little wave, as Parker gave a little nod and left. "My dear boy, how splendid to see you! What on earth are you doing here?"

“I’m dropping in on you, a-apparently. If that’s okay?" Brains smiled, sitting on the sun lounger next to hers. The young man stuck out like a sore thumb in his vest, shirt and tie. But despite the heat and the awkward way he held himself, (as if the lounger would bite him if he were to put his feet up,) Brains didn't seem to mind. Mind, Penelope supposed he was used to the heat of the southern hemisphere.

“I-I hope, I'm not interrupting anything?”

“Only my own ruminating. How did you know where I was?" She asked, astonished, putting down the rubbish paperback. Then narrowed her eyes at him. "And why are you here, even? Did someone put you up to this?"

Brains’ hands went up sharpish in surrender, like she’d levelled a pistol at him.

"N-no. no one! I came of my own accord.” He said. Then amended, putting his arms down. “Well a-actually, no. That's not true. I was coming here. Solo. then l-lost my nerve? and Tin-tin bullied me into actually going through with this. And then flew me here!"

Penelope whipped around. (Her ribs didn’t like that.) Tin-tin sat at the outdoor bar, looking resplendent in tangerine. with a drink to match. seeing she’d been spotted, Miss Kyrano saluted her.

"Tin-Tin said if you like, she's up for a trip out into town. but she’s also said to tell you she’s not coming over until she knows you definitely won’t judo throw her over the cliff. or be cross with her for bringing me over.” Brains explained.

“I would never-!” Penelope said aghast. Then remembered the rather vicious exchanging of words that had led to her checking into the resort rather than staying on Tracy Island. “…Not the first option at least.”

“T-that’s fair. And as for the how, John tracked the heli-jet to the mainland, and locating your communications was very simple. That and this is one of the nearest luxury adults only resorts to the airport. Tracy Industries has a gold card- “

"Oh of course he does." Penelope scoffed. And then felt a teensy bit bad for throwing Brains off his track.

Brains nervously cleared his throat. and continued. "Yes. to a suite? We stay here if the weather is too bad to get back across from supplies runs with the jet or the Ladybird. so, we simply walked onto site, dropped off our bags; Tin-tin got changed and then we came looking for you."

“Right. Well Brains, you’ve found me. Congratulations…”

Brains shifted nervously as she scrutinised him. Then turned away, pulling back down her sunglasses.

"A-a Penny for them, Lady Penelope?" Brains tried when the silence stretched a little too long.

"Right now, my thoughts do not make for good company." Penelope said coolly, not accolading the pun on her name, intentional or not.

Then sighed, rubbing her temple.

"My apologies. You are a pip for coming out to see me. I shouldn't take it out on you. Or dear old Parker, either for that matter."

"Less of the old." She thought she heard. Penelope glanced back to the bar where her butler was taking an awfully long time to fetch Brains his pop.

Penelope took off her sunglasses, folding them neatly back into their case.

"But Brains? Dear if you've come to apologise on their behalf or ask me to come back to the island, don’t bother. and I’m not apologising either, so don’t waste your time asking me too!" She said, feeling rather childish. Then added. “Even if it is bad form."

"No, I didn’t. And-and I'm not going to do that. I-I c c ccc.”

Brains paused and took a breath before continuing.

“I came on my behalf. Admittedly with a push. No one bar John was informed where we were heading. Just off base. And as for saying sorry-?”

“What about it?”

“Well, I think you’re both in the wrong? if it matters, Lady Penelope.” He said sincerely.

Penelope shot him a look that sent ‘stronger men’ running normally. This time Brains wasn’t affected.

“However, you came to Tracy Island for r-rest and recovery. And I’m sorry you fell out with Scott and Mr Tracy. That I will a-a-pp-p. That I am sorry for.” He continued. “I wanted to make sure you're okay. Really?"

"That, that is very sweet of you. I'm …fine, thank you." She said. Then teased just a little. "How many times do I have to say you’re free to call me Penny. or at least Penelope?"

"I don't think I could manage ‘Penny’." Brains shook his head. "It doesn't sound right from me."

“Alright.” She said, “But I mean it. And it is sweet, but I hate to think I’ve put you out. you could have just called?"

"W-would you have answered? "

"From you, yes.” Penelope said truthfully. “But then again I guess there's no way of screening calls outside of the home video phone and FAB One.”

"No. That is something I’ve been looking into? Assimilating a ringtone, different coloured lights for items. Or a caller id like on telly phones. It’s been simple enough to roll out on the vehicles so far. But on the watches and-!”

Brains stopped. “… Lady Penelope, you're letting me t-talk e-electronics again."

"You call it techno babble; I find it interesting." She shrugged. It might have sounded like false flattery to or from someone else, but she did genuinely enjoy listening to Brains. Even the bits that went over her head.

"Yes, but y-you're avoiding an awkward conversation." Brains frowned. "Where was I?"

"Television phone lines?" Penelope tried. Brains frown grew a little exasperated. "Oh, it was worth a shot. I said I would have answered. if it was you."

"Right. Well as I said I wanted to make sure you were okay. I was worried about you. So, were Tin-tin a-and the fellas? And we’re all missing you and had been looking forward to you visiting. Really. I hope I’m not wrong when I say I see you as a very good ‘pal’, Lady Penelope? even outside of work.”

Brains was not a great fan of spontaneous physical affection. or else Penelope might have reached over and squeezed his hand. She herself wasn’t one for mushy sentiments without substance.

“You aren’t wrong. Although I'm not using the term ‘pal’ , thank you. but You’re a dear friend of mine too Brains. One Whom I’m lucky to have I might add.”

“The gadgetry upgrades are an a-added bonus.”

He said it in his normal tone but punctuated it with a very over top wink. Ah a joke.

Parker did not bring Brains his cola. But allowed the automatic waiter to bring it to him instead. It was a shiny chirping dustbin looking thing with a flat tray head, running on wheels and a track. Nothing as sophisticated as Braman. Although someone had gone to great trouble to put a smiley face on its front using its order lights as eyes. Penelope glared at it all the same for intruding.

Brains took the drink, thanked the robot; And continued.

“And it was somewhat selfish of me too. Coming to see you I mean. I wanted to get off the island for a little while. or at least away from the house.”

“Oh? Brains, is something wrong?” Penelope wasn’t going to admit she was worried no. not at all.

Alright, perhaps a smidgen.

“hm. it isn't a nice atmosphere.” Brains said, plucking out the umbrella from the drink and rolling it in his fingers. “And the others are trying to hide in my lab which is-?”

The near splutter of giggle from her startled them both.

“Terribly sorry, Brains.” Penelope apologised. “I wasn’t laughing at you. I just got the ridiculous image of one or more of the boys physically hiding under your work bench like a game of sardines!”

“Ah. no. That would be funny! And that has happened before! Not with the work bench but the storage cupboard. I do have to remind them sometimes it is a working lab and workshop." Brains said with a chuckle. Then more seriously, "If they were working on their own projects, I wouldn’t mind. It would be simply a case of just being there at the same time? but it was more they all keep coming in rather than face one another. if that makes sense? to see how whatever it is I’m working on is going and small talk."

“Ah. No, I quite agree that it is quite bothersome when people do that. One moment.”

Penelope reached into her bag. And pulled out an anti-listening device, ironically disguised as a compartment pocket disc and radio player. While the one in her compact and Brain’s watch were probably more than adequate for any electronic bugs; this one packed a little more juice that’d allow them a little more privacy. Beaming white noise up out of its antennae, the gadget then echoed surrounding noise back outward, creating a barrier around in up to a five-metre radius. Both eves’ droppers and recording devices alike wouldn’t hear them now. Even Parker and Tin-tin’s own IR devices would struggle against it. Parker wouldn’t even hear what she was saying even if he hid in a nearby decorative pot plant.

“There. Then we speak a little more freely about your lab and the Tracy’s.” Penelope smiled, setting it on the table between their sun loungers. “You can never guarantee secrecy in these places. As you’ve proven!”

Only Brains was more focused on the not-a-radio. “Is the new synth mechanism working well for output you need it too outside of the testing conditions? I wasn’t certain it could generate the continuous voltage without compensating the battery life.”

“Now who’s talking shop to avoid discussions?” Penelope pointed out. Brains sighed and swirled the cola as if it might help.

"It isn’t a nice atmosphere.” He said eventually. “In any of the villas. But other than seeing you’re okay? I'm staying out of the actual argument please. So are Tin-Tin, Gordon and John. "

“That’s only two out of five brothers." Penelope said quietly.

“Alan is heading to Thunderbird Five two days earlier than he was meant to. John changed his mind and was going to let Alan owe him another week seeing as you weren’t there anymore? but I think Alan’s trying to escape too. " Brains said. “And his, Alan’s I mean. His stance is ‘I told you so’. but I'm not sure which side of the argument. Although John asked you to call him, and you can tell him your side of the story.”

“Our own little ‘bitch sesh’.” Penelope said, sipping her drink to avoid pursing her lips. “And Virgil's?"

Penelope wished she hadn’t asked. Brains’ face fell.

“Virgil isn't speaking to anyone." He said sadly. "Last time I saw him he was holed up in Thunderbird Two making adjustments to the starboard’s main averting b-six aid access. And he had been for nearly ninety minutes!"

"Which bit is that? That he’s repairing."

"Oh. On the hatch in the cockpit, for storage." Brains corrected. "It keeps sticking."

“What a nuisance that must be." Penelope frowned. “Especially as Two’s pilot.”

“Quite. But. It shouldn’t take all that long to fix. And… I’m not sure I should say this?”

“And?” Penelope prompted anyway.

“And Virgil is not even acting as Scott’s confidant." Brains said.

“Oh…goodness, that is troubling."

“Hmm. Yeah.”

The pair sat in silence for a moment or few.

There was a splash, which served as a fitting distraction as any.

Tin-tin had at some point put on her cap and stripped down to her swimsuit. making use of the pool she’d hopped in for a dip and started doing steady lengths. Parker was looking h’after her stuff. He sat watching the sunbathers like a guard dog, daring any dirty old men to ogle or approach the young lady. It was quite sweet how protective he was of Tin-tin. Parker had acted much the same in Paradise Peaks, despite them being on assignment.

Deciding they’d be alright, Penelope sighed again and turned back to Brains.

"It wasn't in my itinerary, you know? To upset Virgil. I didn’t set out to do so on purpose.”

“I know.”

“Or Jeff actually. Certainly not to anger him. or Scott. or any of you for that matter-."

“don't.” Brains frowned interrupting. “I know that. With what was said, I believe it was needed, giving the operation. but the way it was put, it wasn't right.”

“That's rather the crux of the matter. rather than quite what was said itself.” Penelope admitted. Brains nodded, leaning his elbows on his knees. “Does he often do that with the rest of you?”

“No, not a lot. Although sometimes Mr Tracy says things in that tone without meaning too. But He does it to even Kranyo? I don’t like it when he does that.”

“I doubt Kryano does either. Well, thank you for your honesty… I knew I was in for a lecture. Or possibly at worst a telling off. I just hadn’t expected it levelled at me quite so bluntly or on a personal level.” Penelope complained. “Oh dear. But you are right. And I shouldn’t have shot back either. At Jeff. I'm afraid my own father was a ‘give them as good as back, son’ sort of approach too.”

“Mine tried.” Brains agreed. “So did the professor.”

“Oh?”

Brains very very rarely ever talked about his family life before the Tracy’s. Adopted or otherwise. But he was slightly more casual here, just for a brief moment.

“It didn’t take. Sending me to boxing classes to t-toughen me up just gave the school bully an easier target. Especially if I couldn’t see them in the ring without my glasses.” He said. And waved off any sympathy.

“H-how did your parents find it?” Brains asked and at her questioning look clarified, “Not following the life they’d planned for you? If that’s not too personal?”

“From you, no, not at all. Hmm. I think switching from scouts to the guides helped? But it was being made head girl and going to finishing school that finally won mater over.” Penelope shrugged. Something her old tutor would have struck her with a ruler for, speaking of. “As for my father? In his own words better a strong daughter then another waste of an heir like his brother was. Yours?”

“The professor didn’t really mind what I wore or what I changed, so long as I didn’t miss any classes.”

Brains didn’t elaborate any further. Penelope picked up the thread of conversation before the silence became awkward.

“I'm afraid I’ve made papa sound a brute. He wasn’t. He was a good man in most respects. although I don’t think he and Jeff would have gotten on at all.” She said. But the augment was still playing on her mind. and the subject circled back and reared its ugly head. “But speaking of Jeff and fathers. This isn’t a case of simply being grounded or getting into trouble with a local constable, is it?”

Brains shook his head, and Penelope continued. “And yet Jeff spoke to me like a child.”

“But what you did was incredibly risky? He’s right to think that.” Brains replied.

“I don’t need to hear any more of his Opinions.” Penelope said curtly. “…or his mothers.”

"If it helps Mrs Tracy called him and Scott foolish. For speaking to you like that. Individually. and idiots collectively " Brains put in.

"It does actually." Penelope said, a little cattily. "Given Grandmama Tracy cannot stand me, she must really be quite galled to be on my side."

“y-yeah. Well partly on your side.”

"Was she very rude about me?" Penelope grinned. Brains thought for a moment reanalysing.

“Urm…you do know Mrs Tracy says your name odd. Like it’s an insult?” He said warily.

“Oh, she always does that. That's why I call her Grandmama.”

“Oh. But Mrs Tracy hates that?”

“I know. She pretends to flirt with Parker, and she knows we all hate that.”

“I'm not certain it is pretend. Wait, is that why she called you a snob?”

“Is that all? Well, I am. That’s not terribly rude. if it’s true.” Penelope smiled sweetly. “She also thinks I'm a bad influence on you Tin-tin and the boys. And Jeff to boot.”

“Really? I don’t believe it.”

“She told me that herself. And you’ve my word it’s the truth.”

"I don’t understand why you find that funny?” Brains said, “Oh well. Other than that Mrs Tracy wasn't so rude as to call you anything but ‘her majesty!’ behind your back… But that was before the fight."

“It was hardly a fight! Nothing was broken or hit." Penelope disagreed.

"Well, what would yo-you call it then?"

Penelope thought. "A mild skirmish.” She said, “Or perhaps the start of a rift."

"I- I’m not going to call it that first one. But Mrs Tracy is being very vocal about everything being ’bang out of order’. And that she ‘raised you boys better’.” Brains said, with air quotations. “And she keeps dishing out chores. The villa is spotless. And Mrs Tracy is hand washing the dishes despite having the dishwasher. She only does that when she’s cross.”

Brains then smiled and lowered his voice unnecessarily, "Can you keep a secret, Lady Penelope?"

"Always dear.” Penelope whispered back, conspiring for juicy gossip. “Go on?"

"Mr Tracy even got middle named!" Brains chuckled. "He was complaining about Virgil’s hiding. And Mrs Tracy told him to pull his own socks up. Metaphorically. B-but he doesn’t know Gordon and I heard him."

"Oh my!” Penelope tittered. “Although if Gordon heard? then it will go around the island like wildfire."

“T-true True.” Brains smiled.

But then that smile slipped somewhat.

"I-I'm afraid there’s no way to avoid Scott’s fussing or temper by the way. He gets very worried about any of us getting hurt. You and me? We might not be one of his brothers but Scott? He's always trying to look out for everyone."

"I know." Penelope conceded. "I know. But the hypocrisy? He cannot throw himself into ridiculous scrapes himself then join in with berating me like a child!"

"I know.” Brains echoed. “He does it a lot. Even worse since that accident with the ‘dish Monte Bianco? the others call him smother hen.”

Virgil had called it that and some several more rather expletive things, she knew.

“Gordon says it’s a compliment?” Brains continued. “Too you I mean. That Scott cares for you. As one of the team”

“It didn’t feel like a compliment.” Penelope pouted. Not that she’d admit that. “He didn't have to jump in and agree with Jeff quite so eagerly either. And the dressing down from Mr Jeff Tracy? I maintain; it really felt like I was being spoken to like a child!”

“Hmm.”

Brains paused tapping his shoe nervously.

"I I do respect Mr Tracy, a great deal. But sometimes..."

Brains took a deep breath.

“Sometimes Jeff can be a little frustrating to deal with.” Penelope suggested. “And it feels like he doesn’t take one seriously.”

“You hit the pr-pro p. you’ve hit the nail on the head there as it were, Lady Penelope.” Brains paused again. “I wish sometimes…”

Penelope gave him a moment. But Brains changed tack.

"You were worried about him. Last April? so you insisted Mr Tracy took a holiday, correct?" he said, placing the cola on the table next to hers and the fake radio.

"I did.” She said, curious to see where he was going with this. “After a very insistent message from a little thunderbird-ie prompted it. But they were right."

"Oh. I didn't know that bit… but You still had Mr Tracy’s best interests at heart, right?"

" I hoped so."

Jeff had been very against it…

"But then Scott burnt out trying to be in charge?" Brains said. "Even before the seascape called in. And Mr Tracy came back only to the island."

"I remember." Penelope said. This time it was her turn to pause before speaking. “I felt like I was being blamed without him saying so.”

"Hmm. he doesn’t like it. not being in charge?” Brains said. Penelope agreed. “But at the same time, he’s never given Scott any training or expertise into stepping up. He just expects Scott to ‘know’ what to do. Same with Tracy industries. And it isn’t just Scott. It’s all five of them. I know they had a say in the matter of making the operations. But not so much in how it’s run sometimes. Or how it’ll run in the future.”

“Hmm.” Penelope smiled and put her shades back on. “And that makes it all alright, doesn’t it?”

“Lady Penelope?”

“Yes?”

"Your jaw is doing that thing it does on missions where you’re really angry but pretending to be helpless."

“Good grief Brains! Remind me never to play poker with you.”

“You can count cards!” Brains shot back. "I prefer chess anyway. Scott was right in the lounge though, w-with what he said.”

“Scott was rude.”

“But correct. You don’t have to prove that you’re indestructible. We know you aren’t, even if you act like it!”

Penelope did not hide her scowl this time. “I can manage, you know? I'm aware this latest ‘favour’ I’ve done for Jeff is more of a blot on my record than a gold star. But I’ve been living this lifestyle for longer than they have.”

“I k-know that! We all do. We were all worried!” Brains said and put his head in his hands. He didn’t look up when spoke.

“He was right. So was Mr Tracy. but the way it was put wasn't. He does it to his brothers all the time! even when they’re out on a rescue. And sometimes Mr Tracy? He speaks to them as their dad when they’re running through protocols. or as a commander when they need their father?”

"That's the trouble with a family business I suppose." Penelope sighed. She drew out a cigarette case and her holder. At exactly the right moment Parker just happened to be walking past to light it for her with just a flip of his zippo. Barely breaking his stride. Remarkable talent of that man.

"I get I am essentially an employee in a family run enterprise. Albeit a rather extravagant one. As well as a friend of said family." Penelope continued, exhaling smoke out. "But to get a dressing down so publicly? With the lot of you in earshot, and Scott as his second jumping in and backing him up? Call me spoiled but I'm not used to it. I wouldn't do that to anyone who works in my home or working under me invited to the house. it's unseemly!"

That last bit came out a little loud and had it not been for the anti-eavesdropping device then heads may have turned.

Brains stifled a cough through his nose. And Penelope made sure to blow smoke the other way.

"What about your err... previous employment?" he asked, waving smoke away from his face. “Did You never get in this sort of trouble with them?”

“Oh goodness all the time. Not so much in journalism, but I’ve had some HORRID directors and horrible bosses. Far worse than Jeff. Especially within the fashion industry. thank goodness for houses like François Lemaire!” Penelope sighed again. "But I can get away with kicking up a fuss right back if needs be behind the catwalk and cameras if something is wrong. especially on behalf of the newer or younger models. Brands don't want the press of being outed as underpaying or cutting corners... That wasn't what you meant, was it dear?”

Brains shook his head. “Not really. But was there much difference? With modelling, interviews and being an agent.”

“The extortionate pay and more weapons pointed at my head.” Penelope quipped. Then really thought about it. “And bizarrely less sexism interestingly enough? Things were said to my face more, granted, but I could actively use that to an advantage.”

“Gee. T-that’s socially fascinating to observe. But I would not like to step into either of those worlds. With the exception of consulting and inventions.” Brains said. Then laughed. “Wait? You know those tacky souvenirs that say things like ‘you don’t have to be mad to work here-?

“But it helps.” Penelope said. “Yes, I know the ones you mean.”

“Well, I think we don’t have to be mad where we work?”

Penelope chuckled right back. “But it helps. True, very true.”

“I b-believe I might know what I'm contributing to the Secret Santa.” Brains said, making a note in his pocketbook. “”

“That’s very apt. regardless of whose name you pull out.” Penelope agreed. “What’s the limit this year by the way?”

The worst-best present was a Tracy Tradition. Had been since the boys had been pocket money age. save buying four presents each. And Grandma receiving five of the same mug or tea towel. The categories had become more wilder but if anything, the price limit had come down, to maintain the challenge.

“Gordon says up it to twenty dollars. but Alan wants to be extra hard and say ten.”

“I could be a bounder and include the postage then.” Penelope said, not meaning it really. “You get that slogan. I’ll contribute something with Alice in Wonderland. We're all mad here!”

“I'm sensing a theme.” Brains stammered.

“Let’s see if they notice. Mind I suppose Tracy Island is a wonderland somewhat.” Penelope smiled. “All your brilliant ideas? the bravery, the secrets.”

Brains however wasn’t laughing.

“Will you stay? In the organisation.” He said, suddenly serious and switching topics. It threw her, just a little.

“Why should I?!” Penelope retorted. She hadn’t thought of quitting. Not really. But she could!

“I can give you a list of reasons if that wasn’t rhetorical.” Brains replied.

“I don’t need a list.” She frowned. Penelope went to take another drag of her cigarette only to find it had burnt up.

“Can I ask why you don’t just fly back to England then?” Brains asked as she stubbed it out in the ashtray.

“No.”

The voice didn’t normally allow for any argument to bode. But Penelope wasn’t having much luck in being intimidating. Must be something with the factor seventy sunscreen.

“I m-maybe wrong but I think you were hoping someone would come. Here, from the island. To find you.” Brains challenged. ��I like to think you’re giving them a chance to get their act t-together.

“Think what you like!” Penelope said. And in Trying to Give him the brush off, she snatched up her book again. She even started reading it again to ignore him. Unfortunately, she had it Upside down. And didn’t realise for a beat too long she was so annoyed. Still Penelope Powered through it. even tuning the pages. Brains in turn turned in his seat. and looked out over the same spot as she’d spent most of the day doing. He sipped his cola, politely ignoring her ignoring him.

“G-good book?” he asked eventually.

“Awful.” Penelope said, calmer. Brains was annoyingly very good at being a good influence. “And not in a way so bad it’s entertaining.”

“Ah. S-shame. Not even if it’s read the wrong way r-round upside down and back to front?”

“Not even then, darling.” She said, putting it back down. And steeled her courage to the sticking place. “And… going back to your question. admittedly I couldn’t face the flight. Home. Or Back to the island.”

Brains frowned. “Do you mean physically or psychologically?”

“Both-.”

“Lady Penelope-!” Brains interrupted.

“well-!” she interrupted right back. Goodness, this felt horribly vulnerable! “I just wasn’t in the mood for another argument. And a long-haul flight, even in a Fireflash, sounded extremely inadvisable at this point.”

“Are you in pain?” Brains asked. Then eyed her glass suspiciously. “Should you be drinking that on medication?”

“Now you sound like a Tracy. It’s a mocktail. I’m not so foolish to get white girl brit-abroad wasted, thank you! Not with bruises.” Penelope said, stirring it for emphasis. And gave a little scowl. “It's mostly fruity and syrup. Parker was right, this isn’t even close to a cocktail.”

“So, if you aren’t drinking a-alcohol, does that mean you are taking pain relief?”

“Yes, Brains I am.”

“The full prescribed dosage?”

Penelope didn’t dignify that with a straight answer. Brains pushed his glasses back up his nose and continued to stare incredulously at her till Penelope explained.

“I didn’t want to take them. They’re so strong. They make me woozy, and I cannot stand how at odds with my own limbs they make me feel.” She grumbled. “I came here to relax, not to be comatose.”

“You came to the island to relax. You went to recover enough to get out of any questions from the press.” Brains corrected. And sighed,

“Mr Tracy’s really gotten to you, hasn’t he?”

“I meant it when I said think what you like.” Lady Penelope said coolly. “I'm here and he’s there. And he’ll still be behind his desk when I get home.”

“Is that your solution for dealing with uncomfortable situations?” Brains accused. “j-just run away and hide.”

“Better to hide in plain sight then get caught." Penelope sniffed.

“That's not denying running away.” Brains retorted.

“It was hardly a run. Given how long it took to repack my bags.” Penelope said, Losing her temper with another old friend. It wasn’t a burning fiery thing this time; this burnt like ice. “And don’t act as if he has never upset you either? Or that you’ve never buried yourself in work to avoid Jeff. Scott told me about the smashed models.”

That last bit she added Rather unfairly. Beastly even. Penelope regretted it the instant she said it. Brains regarded her for a moment, and she thought he might get up and leave that time. She wouldn’t blame him.

Instead, he grumbled, "You’re all very alike y-you know? In that you're all sorry about how you spoke to each other but too stubborn to a-actually apologise. Plus, you’re British and not going to admit he upset you. Really upset you."

"For someone who just said he'd rather watch from the side-lines, you know a lot about how people tick Brains.”

“For someone who’s so cool under pressure she frustrates the Hood? you can be one heck of a hot head sometimes, Lady Penelope!”

Penelope considered he had a point. But didn’t verbally say so.

“What was in your cola to make you so direct today?” she said instead.

“Why didn’t you ask for help?” he replied instead.

“Because I do not always need to be rescued.” Penelope stated. “I’m not a damsel in some story. For every concern Parker or I have called the boys in, there must be a dozen or so missions I handle. sometimes without most of you even being aware of until afterwards.”

“I know.” Brains said quietly. “But you did need rescuing in that situation. Or should have been? And you didn’t ask for help.”

“I am aware, Brains. Hindsight is a marvellous thing.” She snipped. “Unfortunately, I was too late in my decision making.”

“P-Penelope? You were hurt.”

Maybe it was the fact he’d dropped the title? Or it was the unsaid parallels to another tragedy. but Penelope didn’t interrupt.

“In an avalanche of all things. And at one point even missing? And knocked unconscious. Enough to scare us all.” Brains said. “That might be the reason Mr Tracy was, either consciously or not, hard on you. But… It is frustrating that we’re an organisation that helps people; but we’re bad at looking out for each other. Especially to how everyone is feeling, e-emotionally.”

“…Brains, I shouldn’t have snapped at you. Or brought up the Thunderbird Six planning.” She said in a hush. “I'm sorry.”

“Thanks.” Brains nodded. Then added, “A -also how much did he tell you? About the model I broke?”

Penelope was Not glad to change the subject as such. But certainly, latching on to it.

“So, it was on purpose then?” Penelope asked.

“no.” Brains defected. “Frustration? yeah…Failure isn’t an option. Even just demonstrations and trials.”

“He said it was more than one.”

Brains looked up at that, worried.

“S-Scott knew about the other models?”

“No. You just told me.” Penelope pointed out. Brains’ mouth opened and closed twice before just settling on silently frowning. “Scott said they’d been other pitches…and then even after repurposing Alan’s biplane, you seemed to lose confidence in yourself for a little while. That was clear even to Parker and myself.”

“wouldn’t you? nothing was good enough.” Brains frowned. “Nothing I made was what Mr Tracy had in mind.”

This time Lady Penelope did reach across the gap to squeeze his arm. It was more on his sleeve if anything. She didn’t wish to overwhelm the poor fellow.

“There’s no shame in wanting to work to a specification.” She tried.

“Or wanting to stick to the mission.” Brains countered in agreement. “Just please have ah- an extra b- backup plan next time, Lady Penelope? And be more careful around missions with snow.”

Lady Penelope promised she would.

“Annoyingly, I'm normally rather good at them. And please don’t be cross about the models? Scott didn’t tell me a lot. Virgil and John filled me in a little more. It wasn’t gossip, they were worried for you, dear boy.” She continued. “But they told me enough to make me wish you’d gotten to be on board your airship’s maiden voyage. Even if it did get sabotaged and end up a rather dangerous affair.”

“Me too. I’d have liked to see the Sky Ship launch at least. Even if it had just been from inside a Thunderbird.” Brains said, a little wistfully. “Maybe if they ever build a second one? Ah-although I doubt it after the cost of the damage I caused-”

“You get that idea out of your head this instant!” Penelope scolded. Brains looked up at her, shocked. Whether it was her Tone of voice, or he hadn’t meant to say that bit aloud, she didn’t care.

“You didn’t cause Skyship’s nosedive into a controversial missile base.” She reminded him. “Those villains who killed the crew and then one another did. You saved us. The shoot-out caused the crash. None of the blame rests on your shoulders.”

“I know but it was my design-?” he tried.

“Absolutely none of the events are your fault and the blame does not rest on your shoulders. If anyone has said otherwise, then they are exceptionally stupid.” Penelope challenged. “And if you argue that it is your fault even out of misplaced guilt or the like, I will personally throw you in that pool, in what you are wearing right now!”

“You y-you’re not meant to lift anything heavy or do anything strenuous for at least two weeks?!”

“Then I will get Parkers and Tin-tin’s assistance. Don’t think I won’t!”

Brains gulped.

“…I-I don’t think I’ve ever known you so cross.”

“Likewise!”

“First at Mr Tracy, then me.”

“Jeff was being, pardon my language, an arse. you dear are listening to your insecurities. No one gets to make you feel small, Brains. not even your own thoughts.” Penelope said stubbornly.

Brains nodded slowly. And sighed, “I know the actions of others weren’t my fault. And no one said t-they were. The opposite in fact. But like you said earlier? About being blamed. It wasn’t in my control what happened. But I still feel bad?”

“And that was only after it crashed. I felt bad about being laughed at and I think that reflected in everything else I worked on for a while. And how I was with the Tracy’s.” Brains admitted. “I can design incredible machines. I know that. but having no brief made it e-extra challenging when its s-shouldn’t have been. And then the answer had been under our noses the entire time.”

“isn’t it just like that sometimes?”

“Hmm…also I’ve never heard you swear before? That’s t-twice in an hour now.”

“I blame the heat. It’s clearly getting to me.”

“If Mr Tracy apologises, Will you forgive him? and stay?”

Penny withdrew her hand.

“And if he doesn’t?” she suggested.

No one had called her. No one had stopped her leaving Tracy Island in the first place.

“Well, then my analyzation of the situation would be wrong. But I very much doubt Tin-tin and the Tracy brothers would let you leave without a fight. especially if you called Virgil. Middle brother and chief peacekeeper.”

“Why should I be the one to extend the olive branch?”

“Would I be here if you h-had? Because they're trying to give you space and also they are g-genuinely terrified of upsetting you further.” Brains said. “Scott will say he’s sorry the moment you get him on a private call. He’s admitted aloud he messed up.”

“If he messed up, then so did I. Disastrously so.” Penelope admitted. “With such an abysmal rookie mistake too. I'm surprised I wasn’t let go of on the spot.”

Brains had unfortunately taken a swig of his drink and nearly choked on it.

“Let Go!? You a-are our top agent!”

“That, I doubt.” Penelope said. “I failed a mission, old boy. Regardless of the weather and the results. The only reason that microfilm was recovered was sheer dumb luck. I didn’t even complete the task, Parker did it for me. All for what? a twisted ankle, bruised ribs and the whole island laughing at or scolding me!”

“We weren’t laughing!”

“It certainly felt like it.”

“w-what did you just tell me about not listening to your own thoughts?” he tried. “I c-could throw you in the pool!”

“Could you? Try it. Dear.” Penelope challenged, with an eyebrow.

Brains slowly backed down. Not without a complaint.

“Why is throwing people and t-things in the pool the biggest threat in my life recently?”

“You are a gentleman.”

“I mean it though. You’re both our friend and the best agent.” Brains insisted. “You go across the world for us, not just London. You’re the only agent he trusts to have a direct link too. And your portrait hangs on the wall. The only one of our networks. Alongside his own sons.”

“…And what if I’m sick of hiding in plain sight?”

It was very quietly asked. She wasn’t sure Brains had heard it. Penelope was about to pretend she hadn’t said it at all and carry on when he spoke again.

“Can you go without? The trills and the subterfuge.” Brains asked. “Sometimes I'm sick of being an inventor. But if I didn’t create? I’d die!”

“Spoke like a true artist…No. I doubt I could retire even if I needed to. And it has been the only enterprise I’ve been in in my life with some moral backbone.” Penelope admitted. “But I know one thing.”

“What’s t-that?”

“I definitely wasn’t made for relaxing when forced too.”

“M-most definitely a Tracy trait.”

“Tosh. I told you, I'm a bad influence on them, remember? But truly, shall we get out of here?” Penelope suggested. “I believe you said our favourite technician mentioned a trip out?”

“I b-believe I did. That's a good idea.” Brains grinned. “So long as this m-means you’re not cross with me for coming out here.”

“No. I'm rather glad you did.” Penelope smiled. “Give me time to change and arrange the car with Parker.”

“I’ll go let Tin-tin know.” Brains agreed getting up. “When will you be back?”

“Will you be coming with us?” Penelope asked with a frown.

“Hmm, no. not s-shopping at least. But I might come for the drive.” He said, “There's also p-plenty of galleries and museums in the town. and a rather fun shooting range just outside of it. Most of us prefer it to the island one even.”

“Oh darling, you love dressing room montage, and you know it.” Penelope teased. “Here. A toast?”

Brains was bemused. But raised his glass anyway. “T-to what?”

“To the whims of Jeff Tracy.” Lady Penelope joked, “And what we put up with sometimes for international rescue.”

“I’ll drink to that.” He beamed. And clinked his glass to hers.

“Oh, and Brains?” She asked. The scientist turned back.

“Y-yes, Penelope?”

“Thank you. For this.” she said sincerely. “I think a ‘little chat’ was long overdue. And far more needed than a holiday.”

#thunderfam #thunderbirds #thunderbirds 1965 #lady penelope #brains #my fanfiction

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bippot · 2 years

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Summary: Corroded Coffin is successful and probably will continue being successful for a while. Yet, they've been working non stop for so long and are desperately in need of a break. Where do rockstars go? Fucking Vegas, baby! Casino's? Dolphin shows? Spa days? Siegfried and Roy? A chance for Eddie to finally show his singer how much he truly loves her? How could they pass up an opportunity like this?

Tags: Rock Stars, Friends to Lovers, Idiots in Love, Platonic Relationships, Found Family, Las Vegas, Maternal Instinct, Fame, Nightmares, Water Guns, Gambling, Drunkenness, Marriage, Eventual Smut, Happy Ending, Hot Tub

Song Recommendation: Love Me Forever by Motörhead

Stranger Things, Eddie Munson Masterlist - here

└─────── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ───────┘

Corroded Coffin was a hit. As soon as they added a new vocalist, things took off. Not that there was an issue with Eddie's voice, god no. He just wanted to focus on his sick guitar skills and let Y/N belt out the tunes. They went from the dingy Hideout to actual gigs in a little under five years as a talent scout had happened to see them perform one day and offered them to sell their soul for a recording contract. Well, no, not really, but they were being worked to the bone, so it felt like the devil's work.

Yet, they were finally given a small break, and the band decided to go to....V v v v Vegas, baby! Why not? They all were of age now, so yeah! They could experience the casinos and nightlife to its full extent, and they were planning to do just that.

"What a beaut!" Eddie cheered as they stepped out of their new and clean van, luggage in hand and gesturing to the building before them.

Y/N smirked, looking over at Eddie with amusement as the other boys piled out behind her. She had grown rather fond of the guitarist - she had grown fond of all of them very quickly after being introduced, but Eddie? She had a particular soft spot for him - and handed her bag over to him as he outstretched his palm. He always did that. Wherever they went, he insisted. Always had. Always will.

Once they were all out of the vehicle, they were gazing dreamily at the resort they were staying at. All of the palm trees and real gold dust tinted windows and the water features and the hypnotic flickering sign that elegantly read 'The Mirage'. It was a lot to take in. They were in Paradise. Literally. Paradise, Nevada. And it felt like the most necessary place they could be.

And then the pyrotechnics for the fake volcano went off with a sudden sizzle noise, making them all jump with the shock. They were sure Gareth was seconds away from scrambling into Jeff's arms like the Scooby to his Shaggy. Instead, though, he shrugged it off and pretended that he hadn't been affected with a shaky, "Psst, wasn't even scared."

"Yeah right, dude," Simon responded as he adjusted his grasp on his bag's strap, a smirk playing on his lips as he patted the drummer on the shoulder and retrieved that goddamned camera he brought everywhere with him to snap some pics. Y/N was getting a little sick of being blinded by his flash at any moment of the day.

Y/N looked down to find that she'd held onto Eddie's bicep and awkwardly retracted her hand whilst muttering a half-hearted apology. Eddie seemed unaffected by her touch, though his grin grew wider as he turned towards the building and began to walk to the grand entrance with everyone else following his lead as usual.

After having spent the entirety of the last four and a half months touring together on the road, crossing each state line, maybe two in a day, they were all ready for a well-earned break. It seemed like aeons ago when they were doing this for fun. Now, it was their job. Not that it was any less exhilarating, just the novelty had worn off a bit.

As they entered, they took in the lavishness of the room. It was breathtakingly beautiful with the wall behind the reception, well, it wasn't a wall, it was a goddamned aquarium. Because she knew what they were about to do, Y/N took it upon herself to deal with the waiting in line and checking in as the boys had crowded the glass and were awestruck at all the fishies swimming around. Simon seemed to forget there was glass right in front of his face and was rather surprised when he bumped his nose into the transparent pane.

"I'm sorry about them," Y/N apologised to the receptionist, a bubbly blonde woman who seemed to be smiling ear to ear at the sight of them. Boy, if she had a smile like that for all the customers, her cheeks must be aching by the end of the day.

"We're used to rockstars. Don't worry, honey."

With a quick and loud whistle, Y/N caught the attention of her band, and they followed her like good, obedient puppies, all grinning and waving excitedly at the receptionist as they passed her desk. By the time they'd reached the bellhop, Y/N looked down at their keys and realised, "Two rooms. We've got to split in two. Jeff, you take Gareth and Simon to the twin. Gareth, you're the smallest, so you take the couch."

Gareth was offended by her statement as he put a hand over his chest. "That's bullshit. I could kick your ass," he grumbled as he glared at Y/N. She raised her eyebrow, and he backed down with a pouty, "Fine. Just cause you want to snuggle up to Munson."

"You don't want to know what Eddie and I get up to when our precious baby Gareth isn't around," she teased, gently pinching his cheeks as her voice became higher pitched as she mocked him. Gareth squirmed, trying to bat her hands away.

"Don't touch the face; it's my money maker."

Jeff took Gareth's bags from him and handed them to the very patient bellhop who had been waiting for them for a while. With one last blow of a kiss, Y/N stopped annoying her bandmate and turned to Eddie, apologising yet again, "Sorry if I presumed that you'd be okay staying with me. I should've asked beforehand."

Eddie waved away her concern and nudged her shoulder with his, playfully joking, "Who else would carry your bags to your room?"

The answer was simple. "The bellhop."

"Oh fuck yeah. Forget about him. Imagine we're not in a fancy schmancy hotel, who would carry your bags to your room?"

She knew what he was implying. But, honestly, she was in the mood to be a little difficult. Her life for so long had been working and hanging out with a bunch of sweaty boys. This was supposed to be her chance to relax. Take some time for herself. Maybe spend some time in the spa. But nope... At least she had a choice of which sweaty boy to bunk with. That's why she responded with, "My dad. Yeah, he's a nice guy. If I asked, he'd probably carry my bags for me," with a completely blank face, causing a chorus of groans to erupt from the lanky man beside her.

"Not quite what I was getting at, sweetheart. Imagine your dad isn't there."

"Why isn't he there? What happened to him?"

"He's dead."

Where the hell was he going with this now? They were off track already.

"So, in this hypothetical scenario, you've murdered my father?"

"I didn't murder him. Hypothetically. But he is dead," he continued in the hopes of getting her to react to him. There was nothing so far, so he needed to up the ante. "Yay! You get to join the dead dad club. We meet on Thursdays, and you get your own free badge, and if your other parent dies in the next five years, you get a ceremonial pen."

If he wasn't mistaken, the corners of her lips upturned slightly, just a tiny, subtle smile that she tried hard not to show. With newfound hope in his heart, he pushed a little harder and grinned, his big brown eyes shining brightly in excitement. "Now that Mr L/N is dead - RIP, he really was a great guy - who does that leave to wait on you?"

"Maybe a butler. Do you think we have enough money for me to afford a butler?"

"You're impossible."

Just before he could start his first tantrum of the holiday, another bellhop appeared with a falsely cheery, "I apologise for the wait -" He stopped as he saw their faces. "No way! Corroded Coffin?"

Neither of them had gotten used to being recognised at all - not that they minded much. They liked meeting fans and getting to interact with people who enjoyed their music. People who actually listened to their music - no matter how boring or pretentious their lyrics sounded to some - in their minds always seemed to be few and far between. They were never able to fully wrap their heads around their notoriety, but it made them feel important, like, 'hey, we produce content that people enjoy and consume in their free time' and that was one of the best feelings in the world.

"Two-fifths of Corroded Coffin, but hey, you got the best two," Eddie playfully commented as he placed their bags on the luggage cart that was stationed near them.

"Livin' For The End Of The World is your best album, no question," the bellhop said in awe, looking back and forth between them, a look of amazement written all over his face. "I sing that entire album to my kid sister sometimes, ya know."

"Your sister, does she like it?" Y/N queried curiously, genuinely wanting to know whether children were responsive to their music.

"My sister loves it." So children do vibe with it. Or maybe just that child in particular. Whatever the case, it was a mini win.

As they headed towards their hotel room, Eddie noticed how the bellhop seemed far more interested in Y/N than him. That was fair. Y/N was a fucking rock goddess after all, and their male fans weren't exactly immune to her natural charms.

Fuck, Eddie wasn't immune to her charm either, and that's why he slyly placed his hand on her waist when they got into the elevator and smiled smugly down at her, making sure to flash those dimples which she had told him she loved on multiple occasions. She pretended not to notice, though. Instead, she focused her attention back on the bellhop. Which Eddie wasn't too happy about. Why did these mediocre men that she didn't know even conjure the thought they had a chance with her?

"How's your tour going?"

"It's great. Fucking tiring. I'm about to fall asleep standing up; I'm sure of it. I know why cocaine is so prevalent in the industry now. But, yeah, we're doing good. Right, Ed?" He answered with a rigid nod. She thought that was all he was going to do. As Y/N was looking up at him with eyes that practically begged him to 'be nice', he tugged her flush against his body and locked his arms around her hips.

Everyone knew how touchy Eddie was. He had no reservations about kissing his male bandmates on the lips when they were on stage. Hugs were frequent. Originally, it was a lot to get used to, but Y/N did. Eventually. Yet, she soon realised that he'd treat her differently than the other members of Corroded Coffin. His love and affection for them were public for all to see. Completely unbeknown to Y/N, Eddie's love for her was different. He wanted their moments to be entirely private and not on the cover of the next issue of Kerrang or Rolling Stone.

Their moments were just for them. Nobody else. A bellhop was somebody else, so she was a little confused by Eddie's actions. Still, if he was too spent to deal with this interaction, she'd do it all for him. No questions asked.

"He gets quiet when he's exhausted. Normally, I can't get him to shut up," Y/N reassured the bellhop with a chuckle to hide the concern creeping into her mind about the state of her friend.

Sure, what she said was true. Eddie did get considerably less flamboyant and animated, and the volume of his declarations decreased heavily when he got tired. He'd never turned into a mute before. Hell, he even spoke in his sleep. But something felt different tonight, something in his demeanour made Y/N suddenly... a little hot and bothered. she'd never admit it, but with how firm a grasp he had on her, she felt a bubbling sensation rise inside her stomach. It was warm and comforting, and she found herself leaning into his hold, enjoying the heat radiating off his body.

"So, is this a couples retreat, or do I have a chance at meeting the other members?" Josh eagerly questioned, his eyes sparkling excitedly as they travelled from Y/N to Eddie and back again, clearly eager to know.

Now, Josh's question was crafted, though it's doubtful he intended it in that manner. There were so many ways it could be answered and potentially backfire.

'Our bandmates are around the hotel somewhere.'

1) Missing the first part where Josh insinuated that they were a couple. Suspicious. Josh would try to read between the lines.

2) There was a possibility that the eager bellhop will go scouring the establishment for the remaining three members of Corroded Coffin.

3) If 2) happens, Josh finds a grumpy Gareth, who knows if he'll still consider himself a fan after dealing with the disgruntled drummer.

Or they could jump straight in with, "We're not a couple.'

1) So, the focus was on their relationship, huh? That's the first thing that was picked up on. Also suspicious.

2) Extra suspicious because of how the pair were invading each other's personal space.

3) Awkwardness commences, especially when they retreat to the privacy of their hotel room. Alone. Together. Alone together.

4) Just the fact that they were sharing a room could be used as the main evidence in their trial of love.

5) Plus, they hadn't answered his intended question, so they would need to provide follow-up statements.

Before Y/N could formulate a response, Eddie grumbled, "How slow is this fucking elevator?"

When she looked at him, she couldn't stop the laugh that burst from her mouth at the sour expression he wore. She was so lost in trying not to laugh at his childish behaviour that she missed the moment the bellhop replied, "We're almost there! Three more floors by the look of it."

"Seriously, I gotta pee," Eddie complained loudly, his voice echoing throughout the lift, causing Y/N to giggle even louder. And before either of them knew what hit them, the door to the lift opened and they were shown to their room. Eddie almost flew into the bathroom to relieve himself, not overly happy that he was leaving Y/N with the hot bellhop, but hey, that was better than pissing himself. When he returned, Josh had left and Y/N was happily lying face first on the bed, having jumped into its embrace the moment she was left alone.

"Nice view," he noted as playfully slapped her ass as he strutted to their bag to begin unpacking their clothes. Her only reply was a muffled whelp as her head somehow pressed further into the fluffy pillow. "Help me unpack your shit."

"Too comfy to move. Fuck off."

He rolled his eyes and chuckled, but wasn't going to let her get away with it. At first, he lightly poked her in the arm. No response. He shook her. Nothing. Okay, he can get more forceful. He shuffled to the end of the bed, knelt on the mattress and reached to lift her hips to get her to move. Shit. That was a compromising position. Her butt was right next to his crotch and the soft skin of her abdomen was on show as her shirt had fallen upwards as she groaned out a surprised (but also a very sleepy), "Eddie, what are you doing?"

His breath hitched as she moved against his touch, trying to wriggle herself back down to the mattress. A strangled muttering of something escaped through his clenched teeth as his dick twitched in anticipation. Nope. Not the time. Nope, nope, nope. God, he hoped that she wasn't reading this situation wrongly. Was she thinking that it wasn't an accident that he had just shifted her against his hardening groin? After several awkward moments in which he didn't dare breathe, he apologised sheepishly, "Sorry. Was just trying to pick you up," and flopped onto the duvet next to her, letting out an "Oof" when he hit the mattress with a thud.

Trying to ignore how badly needed the friction between his cock and the mattress, he realised that he had pushed past way what should have been a simple act of picking someone up, and wondered how he had managed to fuck this up so spectacularly. Instead of grinding down into the surface below him like he so desperately needed to, he let himself sink further into the comfort it provided.

"Comfy, huh?"

"Way too comfy."

After a few seconds passed without either of them saying anything else, he turned to look at her, a smirk slowly forming on his lips as he found that she'd fallen asleep, and was completely out for the count. He was too busy watching her peaceful features, admiring the sight of her plump rosy lips curving into a satisfied smile and how her cheek was squished against the pillow, he found it difficult to care enough about unpacking anymore.

Y/N hadn't been asleep for long, but she was rudely awoken by the customers in the next room arriving and slamming their door behind them. She groaned quietly, her eyes blinking open to find Eddie still next to her with pen and paper in his hand. He noticed her leaning up on her elbow to try and get a peek at what he was writing and immediately put his hand over her face to shield the pages from her prying eyes. "Show me, loser."

"No fucking way," he scoffed, shaking his head as he tried in vain to cover up what he was writing, but that was probably pointless anyway.

"Come on. Show me."

"No," he repeated defiantly, his voice a bit deeper and raspier than normal, and that was definitely noted by her.

That didn't stop her from moving his hands away from her face and crawling closer to see what he was so secretive about anyway. When she reached for one of the papers, he didn't stop her; instead, he let his head fall back and closed his eyes.

"Owner Of My Heart?"

"It's a work in progress. Very early draft. It's not worth reading."

She rested her head against his shoulder - admittedly, she hadn't woken up yet - and read what he'd written yet.

One thousand is the number of the rejected

Still pretty as a picture, you

I only want to be your fool

I'm still just as crazy in tune

If you want to break the spell, baby girl

You break me too

I've learned from my mistakes

I'm just a little less lonely these days

Because of your smile? lips? heart?

That's all he had. That's all the paper said.

"I like it so far. It's kind of sad." She looked up at him and had to ask, "Are you okay?" His gaze fell to hers and the moment their stares met, she found herself drowning in them. It seemed to be taking every ounce of willpower to not let her heart skip a beat as he stared at her with such intensity, and she had to fight the urge to blush under his stare.

"Yeah, I'm okay," he eventually responded, breaking eye contact to look down at his lap, his fingers anxiously fidgeting with his pen as a faint smile pulled on his lips and he looked down at the sheet he had just written on. If only she knew.

An unexpected wave of nervousness - one even worse than her typical pre-show jitters - reared its head as she forced herself to inquire, "So...who's this 'owner' then?"

Lie. Just fucking lie, Eddie.

"She's imaginary."

Oh, thank god.

"I don't have to find the misguided girl that broke your heart and kick her ass?"

"You? Kick her ass?"

"Well, I'd write her a very strongly worded letter."

He was laughing, now. And he laughed loud, hearty and genuine, making her grin despite her misgivings. Once he had calmed himself, he averted his gaze and admitted, "Yeah, she hasn't broken my heart yet." His gaze flickered up briefly to meet hers. "There's no need to worry about it."

'Yet' Y/N noticed. There was a girl. She was real. She could see his hesitation towards telling her about 'her', how worried he was when talking about 'her', the small signs, everything. And he never mentioned it. Not once. Getting up, she beelined for the bathroom, trying to hide her mixed feelings as she called over her shoulder, "I'm going to shower. You don't need the bathroom, do you?"

"No, no, go ahead."

As she walked over to where she'd left her bag, her feet dragging slightly, she tried to push the thoughts of Eddie and the phantom woman out of her mind. She knew what happened if she got sucked into a maelstrom of thoughts of a broken heart. Corroded Coffin would have more sad songs added to their next album at this rate.

Once she had singed the outer layer of her skin off with the hottest shower possible, Y/N wrapped herself in a towel and walked back out to find that their other bandmates had made an appearance. Jeff wolf-whistled, Simon (after checking that she wasn't on show at all) snapped a photo and Gareth playfully declared, "Ed, if you want us to leave the room so you two can get on with your 'business', we can."

Gareth was rewarded with a swift hit to the back of the head with a pillow by Eddie who glared daggers in Gareth's direction, but soon his expression turned back into what it was before: bashful with his eyes filled with awe as they wandered all over Y/N's figure.

"Why are you all acting like you haven't seen all of this before?"

Life on the road means you get very, very close to people - maybe closer than you'd ever wish. Their tour bus was relatively small so there were not many secrets between band members.

"I, for one, haven't seen a semi-naked woman in around four days. I like to take the opportunity whenever I can," Gareth smirked, rubbing his hands together enthusiastically as he looked down at Y/N again and wiggled his eyebrows suggestively. She snorted and shook her head, rolling her eyes playfully as she grabbed her fresh clothes and makeup bag, then returned to the confines of the bathroom.

Quietly, so she wouldn't be able to hear through the door, Eddie reprimanded the other boys, "Stop doing shit like that."

"Why? Y/N doesn't mind. She always does it to us too."

"Jeffrey, my darling idiot boy, it's not Y/N who has a problem with men leering at her, it's Eddie who doesn't like it," Simon explained with a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. Eddie groaned at the truthful analysis, and his cheeks began to flush as he looked down at the floor, unable to bring himself to meet Y/N's amused gaze when she walked out of the bathroom looking all clean and perfect.

Well, not perfect. Like the rest of the band, she had that 'crafted messy' look. An old black crop that had Joan Jett on the front and was fraying at the hem is all that she wore on top, no bra, no coat (they were in Nevada in summer, there was no need), just that thin fabric. Not much was left to the imagination of what she looked like under there. Her green cargo pants, however, were baggy and covered in pockets as they hung on her hips. It looked like it had been worn countless times, and yet it seemed to fit with her curves.

Perfect. Or at least she was to Eddie.

"I'm hungry. Room service or shall we go down to dinner? Is it still open?" she asked the boys. Why she thought they had any clue was beyond her.

"Room service!" It was quite creepy how they all responded in unison. They had been stuck with each other for far too long and it showed.

Within no time, they were all stuffing their faces and watching TV, all crowded on Y/N and Eddie's bed - presumably getting crumbs everywhere. Gareth had huddled himself between the couple and Simon took the opportunity to tease, "I'm sure this bed is large enough for Gareth to share with you two."

"Gross. That's like sleeping in between my parents."

Over the years, the two older members of the band had taken on a sort of parental role for the other boys. Y/N had never considered herself motherly before, but she knew what the boys lacked in common sense, they made up for with enthusiasm, which can be a dangerous mix in the industry that they were in. None of their homes had been particularly stable, with some being more neglectful than others, so Y/N and Eddie tried their hardest to steer the younger ones away from stupid decisions. Especially Gareth who was the youngest and stupidest. It was difficult due to the fact they were also still young and stupid, not to mention the fact that the rock scene often offered them tempting ways to seriously mess up their lives.

"Aw, does our little babygirl not want to cuddle up to mommy and daddy?" Eddie teased Gareth, poking him in the ribs as the boy tried to squirm away from the touch.

Y/N chuckled, reaching behind Gareth to ruffle his hair affectionately, but found that it was tangled beyond belief. She wiped off her hands, pushed the remainder of her fries onto Eddie's plate and slotted in the space between Gareth and the headboard.

"Sweetheart, can you get my brush for me, please?" They knew who she was talking to despite the fact that she hadn't looked away from Gareth's unkempt bush that he called hair. Eddie was on it immediately and retrieved it for her, placing the comb in her hand before he returned to gobbling down the last bit of her food.

"When was the last time you brushed this, stupid?" she asked Gareth, untangling what she could with her fingers to be more gentle in preparation for the comb's bristles against his scalp. Her soft touch didn't make any difference. He winced anyways, shying away from her touch as he attempted to move away. "If you took care of it more often, it wouldn't hurt as much when I have to do this."

Gareth pouted as he continued to glare daggers at her before relenting and moving to allow her full access to his hair. She began to brush out the knots in slow motion, careful to avoid irritating him further, even though he was already starting to calm down. As she worked her way slowly, meticulously brushing away whatever knots might still be lurking around his mane of curls, Y/N heard him whisper, "Thank you."

"Anything for our babygirl."

Even though the boy had been complaining about it since forever, Gareth liked it when they babied him. He loved the affection, he craved it. He knew he was lucky to have such caring friends who did everything in their power to ensure he felt cared for and appreciated. He wasn't used to feeling that way before that band. It had been foreign, unfamiliar, but something he'd always wanted.

Over time, he became so calm that he fell asleep with his head resting against Y/N's chest. She smiled softly as she looked at him, nudging Eddie so he'd notice too, then glanced up at the other two. Simon, in his effort not to fall off the side of the bed, had gripped onto Jeff and the pair had also fallen asleep with Simon's camera just about to fall from his hands. Despite how annoying he was with it, that camera was special. Eddie silently crept towards him and gently wiggled the device from Simon's grasp. Eddie stood in front of the TV and snapped a photo of his band, needing to capture such a sweet moment, then safely placed the camera down on the bedside table and returned to his place beside Y/N.

When he saw the smile on her face, he couldn't help but mirror it in turn. In that instant, he swore that he would give anything in the world to stay in that moment forever; because in that moment, he realised exactly what platonic love was. And he knew with 100% certainty that wasn't what he felt for Y/N. She was like sunshine, like flowers blooming in springtime, like the stars in the night sky, like the rain that falls at twilight. It may sound simple to most, and probably is, but he felt complete when she was by his side, as though everything else in the world was completely insignificant compared to this girl next to him.

With that thought in his mind, he slithered his arm around her shoulders and guided her head to his shoulder, kissing the crown of her head gently as he closed his eyes and sighed contently. A million thoughts raced through his head at once as he held onto his beloved - the love of his life - as if she was the only person who existed in the whole universe. But he didn't dare tell her any of that right now. Instead, he decided to let them have the moment in peace, letting him savour the warmth and security he felt when she was curled up in his arms.

Just before she fell asleep, Y/N lifted her head to place a sleepy kiss on his cheek and mumbled, "Love you."

Eddie grinned widely, knowing full well that she wasn't awake enough to understand that she spoke the words aloud, and replied softly into her hair, "Love you too, doll." As Y/N began to drift off, he kissed her hairline lovingly before he followed her lead.

└─────── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ───────┘

It started out as little whines as it always did. The band were used to Eddie's nightmares by now. They weren't as frequent as they used to be, but if something particularly exciting had happened or he had yet to adapt to their new surroundings yet, they would rear their ugly head again.

Y/N, being in the closest proximity to Eddie, was the first to be awoken by his pained sounds. She slowly tried to weasel herself out from under Gareth. Once she managed to escape and carefully climbed out of the middle of the bed so she could sit on the tiny gap he'd left on the end, feeling so bad that she had to ignore how he sounded like a kicked puppy until she was in the position to comfort him. Gareth grumbled in protest but went back to sleep almost immediately.

"It's okay, honey. I've got you," she whispered, her fingers drawing soft circles on his hand in a desperate attempt to calm him without waking him up completely. His brows were furrowed tightly together as he let out small whimpers and shuddered. His nails dug into his palms, so she pulled on his fingers and slipped her hand into his to ensure he would hurt himself.

Eddie's eyes snapped open, fear filling them before he looked at Y/N frantically, his breathing growing laboured. It took him a minute to realise where they were, but as soon as he registered where they were, his hands flew to his face as his mouth fell agape. "I'm sorry," he said weakly after a beat of silence, his voice hoarse and shaky. "I didn't mean to wake you." He squeezed his eyes shut, trying to will away any remaining traces of his old fears and memories. As much as he hated feeling vulnerable and afraid, at least it hadn't gotten so bad that he woke the other boys this time.

"Hey, it's alright. You're safe here," she said softly, gently brushing the hair out of his face. She stroked his cheek tenderly and gave him a soft smile, causing him to close his eyes again with a sigh and relax into her touch. "It's going to be okay. You're okay. We're okay."

For a while they both sat quietly, not really knowing what else to do despite the fact that they'd been through this routine so many times. This was one of the reasons that she originally split the rooms as she did. Out of the band, she was the one who could best deal with his night terrors. Gareth would be grumpy if he was woken too abruptly. Simon gets overwhelmed easily. Jeff would be the next best, but he had a tendency to get overly emotional if he saw one of his friends in distress and, therefore, it would take Eddie more time to regain his composure. Y/N was the safest and, subsequently, the only choice.

"Do you want to talk about it? About anything?" Y/N asked as quietly and calmly as possible after a long pause. Eddie shook his head wordlessly. He didn't seem to want to open up and risk reliving his terrorized past all over again. He still found it terrifying just talking about it.

Her thumb stilled against his cheekbone for a moment and she watched him closely, searching his dark eyes for any sign of emotion. She could tell that he was struggling to keep his features blank even as his breathing hitched every few seconds.

"Can I get you anything?"

"A hug."

She nodded quickly and moved closer, wrapping her arms around his shoulders. He leaned into her, letting her hold him as his breaths calmed down and his shaking slowed down until he stopped altogether. He held her tightly against his body. Her arms felt nice wrapped around him, and she could feel the tension in his body dissipate as he relaxed into her embrace.

They stayed that way for a while.

Eventually, Eddie broke away and wiped his eyes hastily. "Sorry," he mumbled, his cheeks flushed red from embarrassment. He was grateful that she didn't press him and just allowed him the space to collect his thoughts, allowing him to process everything. She knew better than to push.

"I am going to pee myself if I don't go now. I promise I'll be back in two minutes."

Eddie gave a small nod as he released her and waited patiently for her to come back to the room. He wasn't sure how long he waited, but she returned as fast as she could. He had shifted to sit with his legs dangling over the side and had his head in his hands, resting his elbows atop his knees. His eyes were squeezed shut and he seemed like he was either doing deep breathing exercises or attempting to hold back tears.

Y/N approached cautiously, kneeling between his legs on the floor and putting her hand on his thigh reassuringly. He opened his eyes and met hers as she smiled. He didn't say anything for a second but then, as his gaze softened slightly, he gave a short laugh. "That was a quick piss."

"Didn't even use the hand towel to dry my hands. I thought your jeans would be better," she joked and playfully wiped her wet hands against the fabric that covered his thighs. "Crazy that you fell asleep in jeans, by the way."

Instead of replying, Eddie slipped off the bed and made sure that he landed directly on top of her, forcing her back to hit the carpet with a soft "Oh fuck" leaving her lips. He smirked at her but the smirk turned into a genuine smile once she rolled her eyes at him. He braced himself on his elbows above her, his arms bracketing her head as she reached around to wrap her arms around his torso, pulling him into a bone crushing hug. And, he didn't fight it; he just let himself be held tight, revelling in the warmth of his friend's body, soaking up as much physical contact as humanly possible.

"I'm sorry I'm ruining your vacation."

"Nonsense." She released him for a moment to pull back and look at his expression which was a mix of guilt and sorrow. She cupped his face in her hands. "Your nightmares are never your fault, Eddie. Besides, you haven't ruined anything." She paused to tease, "Not yet."

He raised an eyebrow at her, his lips curled up in a half grin and she smiled back at him fondly. There was no missing out on the way he sighed heavily and buried his head into her neck, inhaling her scent. It was comforting in a way that no one ever really understood. He breathed in deeply again and she heard his breathing stutter slightly as the last vestiges of his nightmare faded from his mind.

"I'm about to fall asleep," he said quietly as Y/N continued to rub soothing circles on his waist.

"As comfy as this is now, I think it will feel like a total bitch if we stay all squished up here. Surely, the bed would be more comfortable."

Eddie hummed and agreed, moving to climb off her and came to the realisation, "Gareth has taken up all the space we left."

"That bitch."

Sprawled out like a starfish, the drummer hadn't left a single inch of free room and he had a smug look on his face, almost as if he knew what he'd done in his sleep. Y/N took a peak and scoffed at the display.

"I swear this is our bed," she pointed out as she swiped the one pillow that Gareth wasn't hogging and plopped it on the floor.

After retrieving the fluffy blanket that she always carried in her luggage because their tour bus could get seriously cold at night, Y/N lay on her side, gesturing for Eddie to slot himself in front of her. He hesitated for only a brief moment before joining her under the covers, snuggling closely to her so that his back was flush against her chest.

"Kinda like being the little spoon," he admitted quietly as she rubbed his arm.

"Only kind of?"

"Okay, I'm a big fan."

Reaching behind him, he found her hand and placed it on his chest over his heart, intertwining their fingers as he closed his eyes, his breathing finally slowing as exhaustion won out. A small noise escaped his throat and his grip around her tightened subconsciously as his body relaxed fully, falling deeper and deeper into his slumber.

Y/N couldn't help but smile warmly as she watched him relax and eventually drift off to sleep. She pressed her lips to his cheek before she closed her eyes, her own body relaxing in an effort to catch some shut eye as well.

"Dude, shh.. Only an asshole would wake them right now. Come on…"

"But, Jeff, Eddie's fat head is blocking the door and I want breakfast."

Gareth and Jeff's little bout of arguing had woken Y/N up. Her sleepy eyes blinked open and glanced over at her bandmates, who appeared to have started a new argument already. She frowned and rubbed her eyes, fighting the urge to roll her eyes when Simon snapped a photo.

She gave Eddie's hand a squeeze to wake him up enough that she could manoeuvre him away from the door so they could leave the room without causing any more commotion. Eddie, in his sleepy state, turned to face Y/N and poked his nose into her cheek, mumbling something unintelligible. Y/N chuckled softly and ran her fingers through his hair, making him purr as he nestled deeper into her skin.

"Nightmares?" Jeff mouthed, although he already knew the answer. She nodded and gave a look that assured him that Eddie was fine. Jeff shot her a sympathetic glance before heading out into the hallway and pulling the other two with him.

"Thank god they've left," Eddie mumbled as soon as they were outside of the door and out of sight.

"Thought you were still asleep."

He opened one eye to peek at her and she gave him a teasing smile as she brushed the hair out of his face. He smiled back but remained silent for another moment, reluctant to move from her embrace. They both seemed content to lie there and enjoy each other's company for a bit longer.

"What are you thinking about?" he asked eventually, his voice barely above a whisper.

"It would be best if I went spa then pool, right? Or would the spa person prefer it if I smelt more like chlorine than myself?" she rambled, saying exactly what was on her mind without hesitation. It was a lot of meaningless things to ponder about. But she did it anyway. "Or, would it be better if I did the one today and the other tomorrow?"

A quiet chuckle left his lips, bringing a smile to her face as she turned her head to look across at him. "What's your judgement, Edward?"

"You could stay here with me all day?" He offered a lazy smile, a light blush covering his cheeks and his eyes crinkling at the corners. He looked absolutely adorable.

She let out a laugh, a smile tugging at her lips. "That is tempting and I'm sure the maid has seen much weirder shit than two idiots giggling on the floor," she teased, trying her best not to lose herself in his eyes.

"I don't know who you're talking about. I'm a man. I don't giggle."

"Oh yeah?"

Her fingers found their way to his neck and she tickled him to prove her point. He scrunched his cheek to his shoulder in a futile attempt to suppress his giggles, the sound of it vibrating through his whole body. It only made the laughter worse. As he began to writhe and twist beneath her, she continued until he managed to catch both of her hands in his grasp, stopping their movements.

"You don't giggle, huh?"

"Shut it."

They both burst into fits of laughter and Eddie sat up to lean against the side of the bed, resting his head against the mattress while she stood up, stretching her legs and arms above her head, her shirt riding up to show off more of her skin.

He felt his eyes wander up and down her figure, lingering on every part of her body. He wanted nothing more than to run his hands along every curve, tracing every contour, and to kiss every inch of exposed skin that he could reach, memorising every centimetre of her. He wanted to touch every bit of her, taste every drop of her, and savour her every sensation. He wanted to worship her and worship her until she was begging for more.

"You hungry?" she asked as she placed the pillow back and the blanket neatly folded at the foot of the bed.

"Very."

She held out her hands to help him up off of the ground and he gladly accepted her offer. Shaking the sleepiness off and ignoring the sudden ache low in his stomach at just the thought of her touching him, he followed her lead as she prepared herself to go into public.

Their bandmates were still devouring the breakfast buffet when they arrived, which was surprising to no-one. Even after years together, Y/N was still astonished by how quickly they could a) find food and b) completely clear their plates - that is if they even bothered to use plates in the first place.

"Look who finally woke up!" Gareth exclaimed with a mouth full of pancake and sausage, waving his fork towards them.

"Well, scientists have proved that being forced onto the floor reduces the potency of sleep," Eddie lied drily, leaning forward and taking the piece of bacon Gareth was about to eat from him.

"Hey! Give me back my bacon, dumbass!"

"It's payback," Ed said between chews.

"Bite me!"

Eddie chuckled as Gareth pouted childishly and turned his face to Y/N, completely under the impression she'd be sympathetic to him. He didn't have any luck however as she simply shrugged in response with an easy smile and moved to gather her own meal with Eddie on her heels.

After thoroughly taking advantage of the buffet, the pair sat with their friends and ate their fill, enjoying their time together once again and just generally enjoying themselves.There was so much more to love and cherish in this band than just the music they produced. They got to share joys with each other in these beautiful locations across the globe, where they shared memories that meant the world to them. And the best part? Their label paid for it. Nothing tastes better than free.

All the boys expressed their interest in going to the pool. That settled Y/N's indecisiveness about what she was going to do that day. The spa it was. Honestly, she just wanted one moment alone. Maybe that was selfish of her, but she'd been attached at the hip to all four of them for so long. She missed being able to spend some uninterrupted time focusing on herself instead of worrying about her boys.

"Sunscreen." She handed Eddie a bottle as they prepared for the day's activities. The pair had returned to their room to get changed into their swim gear and Y/N knew, for an absolute fact, that none of the boys would have even thought about bringing SPF in their bags. "Simon burns easily so really get on his case."

He rolled his eyes but took the bottle nonetheless. "Yeah, yeah…" She grinned and reached up to flick his forehead playfully, laughing when she heard his grumble of annoyance. "Fine. I'll make sure they put the fucking lotion on."

"Good boy."

Red immediately rushed to Eddie's cheeks as he averted his gaze from hers with a sheepish grin. Did she have any idea what that would do to him? To his poor hormones? His heart fluttered in his chest as his eyes lingered on her for several seconds too long, the heat from his blush slowly rising up to his ears, then he hurried into the bathroom and shut the door.

When he'd changed into his trunks, she had already left, presumably heading to the spa. Eddie grabbed the sunscreen with a huff and made his way to the pool. He spotted Jeff sitting underneath a parasol by one of the larger pools, watching as Simon was happily trying to drown Gareth. A wicked grin crept over Eddie's face as he saw the scene before him. "I like what I'm seeing here, bring me up to speed."

"Gareth took a picture of his junk with Si's camera," Jeff replied nonchalantly, keeping his eyes focused on the water as the two of them continued to play around in the pool.

"Again?"

Eventually, Simon did let Gareth up for a breath and he splashed back with a big slap to the water. The boys soon were attacking each other in the water and ignoring the warnings of the surrounding lifeguards.

Meanwhile, Y/N was thoroughly relaxed as a lovely lady gave her a manicure, allowing her body to relax into the chair. Just talking to another woman was a breath of fresh air after dealing with so much masculinity for so long, she decided. As they talked, she couldn't help but feel extremely happy; her smile never failed to grace her lips.

After all those years of Y/N learning to take care of herself and her band and being so independent, it felt good to be pampered every now and then. There weren't many occasions where she actually needed someone to take care of her, but it was nice to indulge a little once in a while. Plus, having pretty nails is, well, pretty. And who doesn't want to feel pretty?

Then it was onto the body scrubbing, the facial massage, the pedicures, the seaweed wraps… everything seemed endless. Y/N got sick of all these people touching her. There was a tactile threshold and before they even got halfway through, Y/N decided it was time to cut her session short. She thanked the women politely, bid them goodbye, and headed straight towards where she knew her friends would be.

Somehow, they'd acquired water guns - maybe they'd stolen them from an unlucky child - and as soon as Y/N was spotted, they ambushed her with screams of delight. Y/N laughed as they attacked her with the water, trying to dodge most of their attacks but unable to avoid getting sprayed in the face multiple times. "Four vs one? Hardly fair, boys," she chided playfully. Eddie walked up behind her and wrapped his arm around her waist pulling her close, his gun resting against her temple.

"Guns down or the Princess gets it!"

Going along with it, the other three slowly lowered their toys and were rather surprised when they each got a shot of water straight to the face. Eddie smiled smugly down at Y/N as he pretended to blow the smoke from his gun. "Ah, the humble gunslinger saves the damsel once again," he cheered playfully, holding his hand up to high five her but she slapped it away playfully before snatching the toy from his hand and aiming it at his face.

"Dumbass."

As she aimed the gun directly at his nose, Eddie's eyes widened comically as he scrambled to get away from her and ran towards the water's edge, falling flat onto his back with a splash and yelping at the cold liquid. Eddie looked up to see Y/N laughing hysterically above him, not a trace of remorse to be found on her expression. He watched Simon throw himself towards Jeff and tackle him under the water as Gareth did the same to Y/N.

The all too familiar sound of a whistle filled the air and everyone stopped fighting and began to look up at where the noise came from. The lifeguard stood there, staring at them with a disapproving look on his face.

"One more warning and you're out."

Corroded Coffin was silent for a moment, then, one by one, they happened to catch each other's eye and couldn't hold it back. A slew of boisterous laughter bubbled its way from their throats, causing the lifeguard to shake his head in disbelief.

"How many warnings have you guys had?" Y/N asked breathlessly once the group managed to collect themselves.

"Two," Simon replied.

Jeff thought it was "Three."

"No, it's four," Gareth argued.

Y/N turned to Eddie and raised an eyebrow. He mouthed, "Seven." He'd been counting "Let's go before we get kicked out."

They all nodded and followed Eddie out of the pool, leaving a trail of wet footprints towards their towels where the rest of their stuff laid. Y/N was the last to get out of the pool and Eddie had to refrain from obviously leering at her as she pulled herself out, her bikini clad body glistening in the sunshine.

"Jesus Ed, buddy, your eyes are bulging out of your head," Jeff teased and slapped his friend on the shoulder as he passed.

Gareth spun a towel in a spiral and whipped it against the guitarist's back, laughing and joking that, "Not the only thing that bulging."

If there weren't children around, Eddie was sure he and Gareth would've gotten in a tussle as the younger boy would try to yank his trunks down. So, in an effort to stop that thought before it even arrived, Eddie slapped Gareth around the back of the head. Of course, Gareth retaliated with a jab to his ribs, which resulted in Eddie getting him in a headlock.

"Gonna give up?"

"Give me all you got, old man."

Simon, Jeff and Y/N sat back on the loungers, paying not much attention to the two fighting boys. It wouldn't be long before they'd be done anyway. Little squabbles happened all the time and it never lasted more than five minutes.

Giving a quick glance over to her idiots, Y/N got distracted from rubbing sunscreen into her legs by how stupidly hot Eddie looked as the sun kissed his neck with golden glow and his eyes crinkled at the edges as he smiled and taunted Gareth. Even his hair looked amazing despite it being sopping wet, his dark brown curls just begging for her fingers to run through.

God. She shook her head slightly, snapping herself out of her thoughts and continued applying the SPF. "Si, when did you last reapply?" she called out to him, turning back to watch the scene with amusement.

His face scrunched up briefly, clearly thinking hard as he racked his brain, but then just shrugged. That was super helpful. She knelt beside him and squeezed a bunch of lotion in hand and started on his back as he did his front.

"Dude, don't come near me," Gareth jovially huffed as he finally managed to get far enough away from his attacker that he could breathe properly. Eddie cocked an amused brow at him, raising his eyebrows suggestively as if asking if he was conceding.

Clearly, the fight was coming to an end, but to make sure it one hundred percent did, Gareth hurried behind Y/N and pulled her to her feet, using her as a human shield from any further attempts from Eddie.

"Okay! Okay, I yield. I surrender."

Eddie prayed that Y/N didn't notice how his eyes wandered as she stood before him, her wet shorts clinging to her thighs and exposing every curve of her body and making him feel all sorts of things. He swallowed thickly as he forced himself to concentrate as she handed him the bottle of sunscreen. "There ya go, big guy."

"Do you, uh, do you need me to get your back?"

"Would you?"

Perched on the lounger, Eddie was gentle and slow as he caressed her skin, working his way over the dips in her shoulders and down to her hips. He was careful not to apply too much pressure and as such, his hands gently glided over her skin as she lay prone. Y/N sighed softly as his callused fingertips stroked her smooth skin as if she were made of porcelain, his touch sending shivers throughout her whole body.

"Want me to pay you back?"

"Would you?"

Honestly, Eddie didn't give a shit whether he burnt or not. Yet, he wouldn't pass up an opportunity to have her hands all over him. Not when her beautiful eyes stared intently at him, almost hypnotizingly so.

The other boys were used to being third, fourth and fifth wheels at this point and didn't bat an eyelid when they heard Eddie let out a pleased sigh as Y/N applied lotion to his chest and back. They knew better than to interrupt and so they remained quiet, content to pretend they weren't there for 'mommy and daddy's private time' as they teasingly named it.

"I like your nails," Eddie complimented, admiring the way her hands danced across his shoulder blades and the back of his neck. His voice was low, husky and deep and just as intoxicating. "They look like they could be used as weapons."

Teasingly, she dragged the nail on her forefinger down his peck, leaving a small trail of red as she went. Eddie gulped, feeling a bit lightheaded as he tried desperately not to look as affected as he felt. He quickly wiped his palms against his thighs, determined to not show how much Y/N's touch affected him and gave a weak laugh. Nowhere in her brain did she realise how sensual of an action it was and yet, somehow, she still seemed innocent as she smiled down at him and said, "I'm still getting used to the whole picking thing up bit. You wouldn't believe how long it took me to get my card out of my wallet when I went to pay."

"How long?"

"A total of four whole minutes."

"Are you two done eye-fucking? I want to go to the casino."

Both Eddie and Y/N snapped their heads around to glare at Gareth who now had an amused smirk plastered on his lips and the toy gun pointed at their faces. Simon and Jeff had disappeared somewhere along the way, most likely to the arcade, and left the babygirl behind.

"Why can't you go by yourself?" Eddie asked, his voice betraying his annoyance at having his privacy invaded. He'd just gotten some peace and quiet and here Gareth was, ruining everything.

"Because, you twats," he drawled lazily, waving the toy gun around as he spoke. "I need supervision so I don't spend my entire life savings."

"For once, our babygirl makes a good point," Y/N interjected, nodding in agreement with Gareth as her hand unconsciously played with the ends of Eddie's damp hair. "Go shower, put some clean clothes on and maybe we'll come with you to the casino."

The moment Gareth heard her words, he jumped up and quickly kissed her on the cheek, mumbling, "You won't regret this," as he skipped his way to do as she said.

Once he was gone, Eddie flopped backwards onto the deck chair and pouted. "You're such a pushover," he grumbled.

"And what about you? Are you gonna be a spoilsport?" Y/N asked, grinning mischievously at him. "Or are you going to let the two of us have all the fun?" Eddie's face instantly broke out in a huge grin as she playfully pushed him off of the lounger.

When he hit the floor, he didn't hesitate to pretend to be dead and rolled around for a few seconds until he posed - his head resting on his palm with his elbow touching the ground and his leg bent at the knee with his foot firmly placed by his other knee - and joked, "This sexy son of a gun is going to bet away all of his cold hard cash tonight."

And judging by the twinkle in his eye, that might just be true.

└─────── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ───────┘

Gambling is addictive, no matter how much you know your odds. It was always there, always lurking in the shadows, waiting to pull you down into its clutches where it would keep you there until your bank account was in the negative. Yet, it's fun. That's how it gets you.

"Do I look like 'I'm a smart, sophisticated woman who is going to win some money' or, you know, a whore?" Y/N asked as she smoothed down her dress. Eddie had just exited the bathroom and was looking over at her, his eyebrows raised slightly in surprise at how beautiful she looked.

Not that she wasn't pretty. Because she was. And Eddie knew for a fact that she was - he didn't know much, but he knew that. But he wasn't expecting the way her hair fell over her shoulders, tumbling down to frame her perfect face, making his fingers itch to brush the silky strands away so he could see her eyes better. And how her dress was that perfect mix of effortless elegance and classic grunge style, showing off her curves beautifully. Eddie didn't really have time to think about it though as he watched as she smiled at him, holding out her hand expectantly.

"What do you think? Do I look classy?" Her eyes were twinkling mischievously, challenging his reaction.

Obviously he wasn't going to refuse a chance at holding her hand; especially not if that meant he got to look at her lovely smile all night. So, he took her hand and twirled her around, grinning broadly. "You're the classiest looking whore I've ever seen," he told her, causing Y/N to laugh.

"How much could I charge?" she murmured playfully, leaning against him before pulling away. Eddie's arms automatically went back down and his hands landed on his hips awkwardly, unsure of what to do next.

"Doesn't matter, I'd bankrupt myself," he flirted, trying to ignore the butterflies in his stomach that seemed to suddenly appear. She playfully rolled her eyes and turned to leave before turning back to the mirror once again to fix her hair. Coming up behind her, Eddie gently guided her wrists away from her head and held them down at her sides, trapping her wrists with his own. "Stop messing, you look beautiful." He leaned down to whisper in her ear, nuzzling against her neck with a smirk on his lips. "And I mean it."

He could swear he saw her flush, and that made his heart swell with pride. He felt like he had accomplished something important. She turned in his grip, looking him in the eye. She was close enough to him that he could smell the sweet scent of her perfume. Oh no, he was feeling light headed.

"You don't look too bad yourself, Munson," Y/N replied teasingly, a wicked grin spreading across her features as she watched him blush in response.

"Well, thank you, my lady."

Jovially, Eddie gave a sweeping bow and kissed the back of Y/N's hand like a mediaeval Knight would a Princess' hand. Y/N laughed and shook her head at him, her laugh soon turning to a giggle as he lifted her off the ground and happily spun her around. "Edward, put - put me down! Ed! Oh my God!" she protested, still laughing uncontrollably as she struggled weakly to escape his hold. His laughter echoed throughout the hotel room as his hands gently rested on her waist, keeping her firmly in place.

His laugh died down as he looked down at Y/N and realised how close their faces were, their breath mingling together slightly and their eyes locked. He swallowed thickly as he tried to think of anything else besides her soft pink lips and her beautiful eyes as she looked at him. Just as he placed her down and went to lean in and kiss her softly, someone knocked loudly on the door.

From the other side of the wood, Gareth yelled, "Guys, Simon and Jeff are coming too. Get out here!" Startled by his friend's voice, Eddie quickly pulled away from Y/N and straightened up, cursing under his breath at the missed opportunity. He hadn't wanted to let her go yet. But unfortunately, their friends were knocking again, louder than before. He sighed wearily and ran a hand through his hair.

"Come on, sweetheart, our children are waiting for us."

The pair exited the room and made their way with the rest of Corroded Coffin to the casinos to spend way too much money on....? The atmosphere? The comradery? The chance of getting more money, yeah, that's most likely.

As he followed Y/N down the hall, Eddie was sure that he should've been caught checking her out. But he couldn't bring himself to care, too distracted by his own thoughts of how she was so fucking gorgeous, how he could just grab her hand and drag her into the nearest room to make love to her. He found himself smiling as she turned around to flash him a smile - one that caused his knees to weaken - and held out her hand again. "Hey, slow poke, you're lagging behind."

"Oh," he replied lamely, taking her hand and intertwining his fingers with hers. He hoped she wouldn't notice how sweaty his hands were. He kept his eyes averted from her while following the group to the casino entrance. If she noticed, she didn't say anything about it as they walked out into the hot Vegas air.

There were people everywhere - all dressed in expensive clothing and designer shoes, sipping champagne and chatting with each other in a loud, cheery tone. Five years ago, Eddie thought that it was a sight he'd never see. All the luxury and extravagance around him only served to remind him of how far the band had come. How far their dream had come. He was proud to call himself a part of it. He knew it probably wouldn't last forever, but he certainly wasn't ready to give up on it now.

"Woah," Gareth exclaimed, staring in disbelief at one of the waterfall features, promptly walking over to it like he was in a trance and sticking his hand into it, his mouth open in amazement. He glanced over his shoulder at Eddie and Y/N with an excited look on his face.

"I don't get it. There is water in Hawkins," Eddie said dumbfoundedly, walking toward his friend and tugging his hand away before he soaked all of his clothes. He hadn't forgotten how many times this kid had gotten drunk and ended up in a fountain.

Y/N looked at Jeff and Simon with a questioning look, finding that they were staring at her expectantly, as if she would tell them what to do. Admittedly, there was so much choice. With 2,300 slot machines and 115 table games, it was hard to pick. And even harder to choose wisely when you don't exactly have a clue how to play. "I don't know what you're staring at me like that for. I'm here for the bar," she stated simply. She had no idea why they expected her to have a single clue about all this shit. With a humorous huff of "Go ask your father," Y/N made a beeline to the bar.

A quick glance at the bartender revealed him to be a tall blonde who looked like a Greek god. "A pretty lady like you? I think you'd suit a Mai Tai," he told her flirtatiously, giving her the best crooked grin he possibly could. "Its name means 'out of this world', so it's fitting for someone such as yourself."

"Hit me with it," Y/N ordered, not even batting an eyelash, not bothering to say anything different. If he thought she would like a Mai Tai, she was getting a Mai Tai, damn it.

"Sure thing, beautiful."

Turning around, the man started to prepare her drink, whistling a jaunty tune as he did so. Y/N looked around the area she was in curiously, taking in all the flashy things and the bright colours. It felt like she was watching a movie, except the film didn't look quite real because, well, it was a 360° shot. Everything looked so unreal.

As the bartender brought her drink, Y/N reached for the glass and took a small sip, instantly feeling the tingle of the alcohol burning its way down her throat and warming her chest. "Wow," she muttered, impressed by the taste of it. "I thought it was expensive, but fuck, I'd pay double for that."

"It's on the house."

"Oh. Thank you."

From where he was standing, Eddie could see Y/N chat to the handsome bartender and blurted out, "What do you think they're talking about?" He'd interrupted himself and changed the subject from how to play Blackjack to 'huh, the girl I like is talking to someone else'. He winced internally as the words left his lips. Shit, he sounds like a complete fool...

"Probably what drink she's ordering," Simon answered plainly, shrugging his shoulders.

"Yeah, that tends to be why people talk to bartenders," Gareth snorted, a sly grin forming on his face when he added, "But, Y/N's already got her drink in her hand so it's not that."

Frankly, the band was tired of the two of them swooning after each other. It had been five years of constant longing glances and meaningful touches, and yet, the both of them were oblivious to each other, making everyone want to gag. It was borderline infuriating and gross at times.

They had been flirting nonstop since their first day of rehearsals. They weren't subtle, either. Eddie had actually dropped his guitar, his pride and joy, when Y/N turned up to the Corroded Coffin open auditions all those fateful years ago. Then he pushed Gareth in front of him so the younger boy would have to do the introductions - something he never allowed Gareth to do because he'd once ruined an audition in two seconds when he asked, "who's the cute chick?" and it was actually a man with a very fragile ego and a good right hook.

Y/N, on the other hand, hadn't applied rouge that day but it sure looked as if she did. At one point, Y/N accidentally tripped over her own feet when she had been two busy watching the way Eddie's biceps flexed when he scrambled to pick his guitar up and quickly darted her hand out to hold onto the nearest surface for support, forcefully wacking Jeff in the nuts. She didn't fall to the ground, but Jeff certainly did.

"Dude, you've got to do something about it," Jeff urged, trying not to laugh at the lovesick expression on their frontman's face. As annoying as Eddie was, he was still their boy. Their boy needed to either get laid and move on, or get the girl of his dreams. Jeff knew what he'd prefer if he was in Eddie's situation.

"Huh? Do something about what?"

Who knew what they were talking about. It's not as if it was obvious. "You're totally hopeless, dude." Jeff shook his head. He paused briefly before adding, "Seriously though... I don't know. Maybe just... Ask her?" He smiled encouragingly, and even though Jeff was trying his best to stop laughing, he wasn't doing a great job of it.

Judging by how Eddie's focus was entirely on Y/N, Jeff knew he wasn't being listened to. Not that it bothered Jeff much anyway; as long as they stopped being idiots and finally acted on their feelings for each other, then it was all good. Besides, it was kind of funny to watch.

"Do you think I should go over there?"

"You're going to do it no matter what I say."

Eddie was already walking towards the bar before Jeff had even finished his sentence. Jeff chuckled at his friend's dramatic flair as he watched him walk towards the woman talking animatedly, his hair slightly mussed from where he ran his hand through it. He reached Y/N in no time and made her jump when he placed his hand on the small of her back. "Oh fuck! Hey, Ed!" She calmed herself, "Try this."

Y/N held her straw near his mouth, and he took it hesitantly between his lips as his heart began beating rapidly. He wasn't sure whether it was from the excitement or nervousness that was pumping through his veins right now, but whatever it was, it sure made everything seem like it was moving in slow motion. His eyes widened in surprise as he slowly sucked in some of the cocktail, savouring every bit of flavour and heat that spread throughout his body.

"Good, right?" Y/N asked eagerly as Eddie pulled the straw away, licking his lips unconsciously. Her eyes were zeroed in on his mouth, mesmerised at how pink they were.

"Fuuuck.. This tastes amazing." Despite how much the bartender was getting on his nerves, Eddie had to admit, his cocktails were good. "Two more of whatever these are, one for me and the other for my lovely lady, please barkeep." He raised his hand for emphasis, glancing briefly at Y/N to give her a wink that she returned with an innocent smile.

The bartender gave the pair a quick scan then proceeded to make the drinks without another word. As soon as Eddie had paid for his drinks and they were in hand, he grabbed Y/N's wrist and dragged her away from the counter and towards their bandmates, claiming that, "I've still got to explain how to play." And while that was true, maybe he had an ulterior motive.

Soon they were all crowded around Eddie as he taught them how to play Blackjack. According to the dealer, it was rather strange to have four young adults eagerly peering over the one of them who actually was taught how to play (by his uncle Wayne), so, to make it look less weird, Eddie hooked his arm around Y/N and pulled her so she was seated on his thigh.

High rollers always had their arm candy on their laps in all the gangster movies he'd seen. He figured it was only appropriate. Hell, she seemed to fit perfectly in his lap. As he glanced down at her, he noticed the way her cheeks lit up as she stared at the cards intently. Her attention went from person to person as her tongue stuck out the corner of her mouth in concentration. He loved watching her do that. She looked so sexy and so lost in the game.

"I think it's time to surrender," she whispered quietly into his ear, sending chills across his entire body. "Three or more and we lose."

Blackjack is a pretty easy game. Can you count to 21? Yep, you can play it. But Y/N had remained on his lap. She hadn't taken the stool beside him like their other bandmates. No, they were still working together as a team even though it would be possible to play as individuals.

"I can feel it. Our next card is going to be a two."

Nope. It was a five. Bust. "I know, I know. You told me so," he whispered in exasperation as she leaned down and pressed her forehead against his shoulder, chuckling softly at their misfortune. He wasn't mad in the slightest.

How could he be when she hadn't smacked his hand from her thigh yet? He'd been sliding it back and forth from her ass to a couple of inches up from her knee for so long now. He could feel her thighs, warm and soft underneath his hands, and that feeling alone was enough to drive him crazy. His fingers traced patterns on the outside of her thigh, enjoying the sensation, and Y/N sighed contently as she wrapped her arm around his shoulders.

More and more games were played, most of which involved the band arguing amongst themselves and the dealer having to remind them that there were other people at the table too, and yes, it was rude to point and laugh when people went bust.

At one point, Y/N happened to notice how Eddie had begun to get more confident as they'd won a fair few games. He was leaning back in his seat, his bottom lip caught in between his teeth as he studied the cards on the table intently. Even his foot began tapping at the same pace his hand was drumming against her thigh. She found herself staring at him, entranced at how focused he was and how hot he was looking. It was quite fascinating to her, to say the least.

Unable to stop herself, she reached out and tucked one of his curls behind his ear. She couldn't help herself, she just wanted to touch him. He didn't appear to notice at first, too absorbed in playing Blackjack in front of them. But, when he heard her giggle, he looked up at her and grinned.

"I'm, uh, going to go to the bathroom," she mumbled out, the distant memory of one her girl friends recounting a story of a guy being able to feel your heartbeat on his lap if you're turned on firm in the front of her mind as she detangled herself from his grip, standing up quickly and brushing her skirt off and heading straight to the bathroom before he'd even gotten a chance to respond.

When the cubicle door closed behind her, the room felt colder than usual. She shivered lightly and let out a shaky breath as she leaned against the wall and closed her eyes, her mind still reeling with thoughts about how adorable Eddie looked whilst playing Blackjack. She wasn't ashamed to admit that the image had her practically drooling.

However, she was preoccupied. As she sat on the loo and her gaze fell to her underwear, she realised that they were way more damp than she'd hoped they would be. Shit. Could Eddie feel that? Or had her dress covered it? Shit. Shit. Shit. She tried her best to calm herself, praying to any god or goddess that she never believed in unless she was in a crisis.

"Oh shit," she murmured under her breath as she stood up and walked over to the sink, washing her hands, trying not to panic as she thought about what she was about to face.

Fuck it. She needs another drink. One thing's for certain, she was going to need it if he kept sliding his hand up her leg like he'd been doing for the last hour.

Eddie wasn't entirely sure why Y/N had taken so long in the bathroom. It had been a while since she left and he'd lost more times than he wanted to in that time. And when he saw her making her way from the bathroom to the bat, he was confused. Gambling ensures that the servers were giving them free drinks. She didn't need to go to the bar. So, why did she do it? Did something happen? Or did she want to talk to that bartender again? He certainly couldn't tell.

"Win big while I was gone?" Y/N asked as she returned. She dismissed his offer when he patted his thigh this time, choosing to stand behind him and lean down to whisper in his ear instead, causing his body temperature to rise exponentially in seconds.

"Think you might be my lucky charm, sweetheart."

From then on, she stood there, helping him out and massaging his shoulders, until Gareth got grumpy about how much he was losing and whined about moving onto the slots. "Babygirl, you're allowed to go on your own," Eddie argued, too deep in the game to want to leave.

Gareth was known for his tantrums. While Eddie's were brief stints of anger that were soon quelled, Gareth's strops could last days. One time, Simon had got his and Gareth's game boy confused because they'd bought the same colour. The younger boy pouted and whined for a whole two weeks. It was hell.

"Come on, big guy. I'll go with you," Y/N offered after seeing Gareth sulking in his chair. He perked right back up when she said it, hopping up immediately afterwards and almost skipping to the slot machines. Simon accompanied them too and soon the three of them were way too delighted to be losing money at a much faster rate than they were before, laughing and teasing each other as they lost more and more.

As the amount of dollars in their bank account went down, the number of alcoholic beverages they consumed went up. When Y/N finally wised up and stopped throwing money away, she pulled Gareth and Simon away, all giggling and smiling at whatever silly thing that had come to cross their minds.

"I'm going to tell Edward and Jeffrey that we're going out on the town!" Gareth exclaimed, downing the last morsel of his drink as if he'd gone without hydration for the past ten years. The other two weren't going to stop him.

With their heads resting against each other, Simon didn't even line up his frame as he took a picture of Gareth's retreating figure. Surely, it was blurry, lopsided and poorly lit, but he didn't care. "Got any glam shots of me tonight?" Y/N asked with a sly smile as she reached out to steal his camera so she could take a picture of him.

"A few."

"Only a few? I'm going to have to rectify that then."

She turned the lens to face her and took so many photos of her tipsy face, which was the nighties equivalent of a selfie. She laughed and took more pictures of her friend, laughing along with him and grinning widely as he threw his arms around her and posed stupidly for the camera until he ran out of film. Luckily, Simon always carried spares. (And so did Y/N in her purse in case he ran out of his spares. Honestly, that boy spent so much on film, she was surprised that he had any money left to lose in a casino.)

"Sorry to interrupt the photoshoot, but Gareth's beginning to annoy me. Let's get more drunk so I can deal with him."

The pair looked up to find Eddie laughing at them, shaking his head, amused. He held out his hand to help Y/N up off her seat but Simon interjected with a "Thanks, good buddy" and took his offer instead. Y/N stood up by herself.

Then it was onto the club, which they all knew would get messy. They entered the nightclub after taking time to herd the band together as Jeff had a tendency to walk away. Making their way through the doors, they were immediately met with flashing lights, loud music and people dancing wildly to some unknown pop tune. There were couples kissing in every corner of the place, swaying and grinding against each other and the DJ was blaring his voice directly into their ears.

"Go dance, I'll get us drinks," Eddie mumbled, pushing his band towards the dance floor. The boys were eager enough to listen to him as they disappeared into the throng of bodies dancing, their shouts of approval filling the air as they danced on.

"Need a hand carrying them?"

"No, go have fun, sweetheart."

"Nonsense."

She didn't listen and joined him, weaving through the crowd easily. They moved together, Eddie's arm wrapped firmly around her waist to keep her close to his side and Y/N's hand shoved in his ass pocket. They made their way to the counter and were greeted "Corroded Coffin!" by the woman taking the orders.

"That's us!" They cheered, high fiving the barkeep as she slid glasses filled with alcohol and shots of tequila across the counter to the other customers.

"We have a drink named after you guys. It'll be gone by the end of the week. You have to try it!"

Looking at the sign before her that read:

'Angel's Blow of Death - Slayer

The Bumblebee Stinger - Bumblebee Unlimited

Walking on Tequila Sunshine - Katrina And The Waves'

And finally, 'Corroded Colada - Corroded Coffin.'

"Surely saying that a drink is corroded puts people off buying it," Eddie remarked in Y/N's ear, leaning down and pulling her closer so she'd hear him better over the music. His fingers brushed her lower back and he smiled mischievously as he ordered five of the Corroded Coladas and two shots of tequila.

When the bartender put those things on the counter, he handed Y/N one of the shot glasses. "Down the hatch! Here's to... our future!" he shouted enthusiastically, clinking their glasses together and each downing the shot. By this point, both of them had become accustomed to the sensation and neither of them even flinched.

It was a hassle to hold five drinks with only four hands, but Y/N came up with the idea to use her bra - which she actually wore for once because her dress didn't look complete without some boob action - as a holder so that she could hold one glass in each hand and use her tits to squish the final one. It was genius really.

Eddie unloaded his two glasses into Simon and Gareth's hands and took one from Y/N to shove towards Jeff. He knew which glass he wanted. Without saying anything he lowered his head to take the straw of the boob glass in his mouth and smiled up at Y/N as he took a drink. She watched him closely. How could she not?

And, of course, Simon was quick enough to capture that moment with his camera.

All she could do was stare at him, completely mesmerised. Honestly, he looked like he belonged with his face between her boobs and, really honestly, he looked so pleased with himself that she wouldn't be surprised if that same thought crossed his mind too.

"I have to go to the bathroom," she squeaked out, her eyes wide and her heart racing. Quickly, she handed her drink and yanked his from her bra to Eddie, leaving as soon as they were no longer in her clutches.

Once again, Y/N was immeasurably turned on and hiding out in the loo. She was practically hyperventilating from trying to stay composed whilst staring at her reflection in the mirror; she just barely managed to restrain her urge to stick her hand down her underwear and sort herself out. No. She just stared at herself and hoped and and wished for her self control to come back to her, but she was already starting to feel weak at the knees.

'Just go back out there, Y/N. Forget about your ruined panties and strut out there like the rockstar you are,' she thought to herself, biting her lip to ground her, but the image of Eddie's face in her breast didn't help matters much either.

"Calm down," she said quietly to herself, slapping her cheeks lightly. She still felt dizzy and lightheaded, which was odd. Her vision blurred as she looked at herself in the mirror once more. Maybe it was just the drink? Yeah, that must be it.

In no time, Y/N was back out there and dancing up a storm with her boys, who were having a ball, too. Imagine the nerds from your class dancing awkwardly to early nineties club bangers without a care in the world (and possibly some powdered assistance), that's exactly how Corroded Coffin looked on the dance floor.

"Shout out to Corroded Coffin. They're somewhere in the crowd if you look hard enough. This one's for you guys!" The DJ announced as members of the crowd who knew who they were cheered. The others looked around like 'WTF is this dude talking about?' "Here it is, 'The Devil From Below'."

Their song began to play and, although they were drunk and high, it never felt more visceral. They'd made it. They'd actually made it. Each member of the band sang their hearts out like they never had before, as if their lives depended on it. Their voices were hoarse and their throats burned from screaming too long, but the adrenaline was flowing through them and their hearts couldn't contain the joy anymore.

Once the song ended, they all went wild. They threw themselves and each other around wildly and laughed hysterically with tears in their eyes, their hair sweaty and sticking to their skin. Everyone seemed to be drunk on the feeling, and they couldn't be happier.

In the revelry, a random drag queen that had been previously talking to Gareth was tugging him in for a smooch. Jeff leant over to Eddie to ask, "Does he know that's a man?"

"I don't think he cares all that much."

Simon took the initiative and pushed Eddie into Y/N. Eddie sluggishly grabbed onto her hips before she could stumble back and pulled her towards him. Thanks to all their liquid courage, Eddie didn't stop himself before he cupped her cheek and placed a big, wet smooch on her lips. He pulled away as quickly as he'd moved in and chuckled softly as he saw Y/N's shocked expression.

Before either of them could say anything, Jeff wolf whistled and smacked Y/N's ass. "Oh, you're not getting away with that!" Eddie exclaimed, moving to give Jeff a kiss too. It was impossible for Jeff to get away unscathed from being playfully kissed by his bandmate since Eddie was so taller and stronger than him. However, it seemed he didn't need to worry as when they stopped they were still chuckling and grinning widely.

They continued dancing until the night grew late and the club began closing for the night. Eventually everyone started heading home. Even those who had taken big milestones that night. "Look at them!" Simon pointed to two very drunk individuals that had 'Just Married' stashes across their chest. "Y/N! Y/N! I've got a question for you."

"Hmm...?"

"Would you marry Eddie if I gave you $5,000? I dare you."

Fuck, she'd do it for free.

"I'll give you $5,000 too."

"Me too."

Eddie even mumbled, "I'll give you $10,000 and I'll eat you out until I get lockjaw."

Looks like a marriage was on tonight's schedule.

└─────── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ───────┘

Vegas weddings are iconic. They're drunken. They're trashy. They're fun. And therefore, they're so Eddie Munson.

Marriage had never been a thing Eddie ever thought would happen to him. Sure, there were times when he wanted kids and the prospect of settling down was always appealing, but he didn't think it could ever become reality for him. But, it was becoming a reality. A beautiful reality. A wedding with the most gorgeous girl. Eddie had seen plenty of beautiful girls before, none had been as special as Y/n L/N. And, maybe if they woke up in the morning and didn't want that annulment, his dream of having mini Munson's running around wouldn't be so outlandish after all.

So, here they were at the Graceland Chapel, preparing to tie the knot. They'd already bought the licence because there was $25,000 on offer. A non-legal marriage wasn't going to cut it. Oh, and there was a fake Elvis there as well. Who could forget about him?

Eddie did have to admit, he hadn't expected that it Y/N would be game. But the way Y/N looked radiant, the way she smiled brightly at him, the way that her hair was curled, and the way the dress hugged her body perfectly... Well, he couldn't blame himself for wanting to marry her.

With booze in their systems and a smile on their faces, the ceremony began as soon as Elvis walked Y/N down the aisle. Somehow the impersonator managed to do the whole thing in a skin tight flared outfit, also drunk out of his mind and singing 'Can't Help Falling In Love With You' without falling flat on the note and his face.

Y/N was laughing the entire time, clearly being egged on by her bandmates. Eddie, on the other, had completely zoned out. His focus was entirely on the woman next to him, the feeling of happiness in his chest making itself known.

"Do you two have rings?"

Yes they certainly did. On the way there, Gareth had insisted that they stopped at a gas station so he could buy three ring pops. He wanted something to eat whilst watching the ceremony, sue him! (There were also simple silver bands that they sold at the venue and the pair bought those two, but obviously were going to use the sweets because that's funnier.)

"Right here, Mr Presley," Simon answered, ripping the packets and handing each one to the pair. It went without saying, that they kept it stupid and playful throughout.

As most heterosexual marriages go, the woman has the ring placed on her finger first. She held her left hand out for Eddie to place the candy on her ring finger. "Repeat after me," Elvis began and Eddie was sure to listen. "I take you to be my loved wife."

"I take you to be my loved wife."

"In good times and bad."

Ah, so this wasn't the traditional vows. Makes sense because there wasn't anything else that was overtly traditional about the venue. Still, Eddie went with it, and honestly, the more he spoke, the more sober he was becoming.

Jesus Christ, their manager was going to murder them.

"In sickness and in health."

That was more like it.

"For richer or for whatever is left in your bank account after tonight."

Well, that was true. Y/N would be coming out on top no matter what. $25,000 and a husband. And, if he was going to go through with all of what he promised, a limitless amount of orgasms. Now that's what I call a girl boss win.

"For now and forever."

Bringing Y/N's knuckles up to his lips, Eddie repeated the words softly. He looked up at the woman standing before him with those big, beautiful brown eyes shining with pure, unadulterated love.

Then it was up to Y/N. She followed each step, also seeming more coherent and less sluggish as she went on. Going so far as copying Eddie's move and kissing him on the knuckles after sliding his sweet ring on.

"You may now kiss the bride!"

And they did just that. It was like a fire had been lit under Eddie's ass, a fire fueled by alcohol and desire, and he basically lunged at Y/N for their kiss. Her mouth was hot and welcoming as her hands found a home in his messy curls and his arm wound around her waist, pulling her closer as she let out a content sigh against him. This kiss was significantly longer than their previous one earlier in the night.

At one point, Eddie decided he wanted to do the classic thing and dipped Y/N. She squealed with delight in his arms, her laughter filling the chapel and echoing off the walls as they collided once more.

It also seemed that Eddie forgot that other people were around because, once their lips parted, his was moving down the centre of her neck all the way to her sternum, leaving a trail of saliva as he went.

All was sweet until the other boys thought it be funny to try and topple the couple by diving at Eddie's back from opposite sides. Eddie had barely registered the assault of bodies when suddenly, it became clear why he was on the floor. All five of them were in an uncomfortable but joyful pile in the middle of the pews, laughing and shouting while Elvis sung another song.

"Your hand is on my junk, Jeff."

"Sorry Gareth, that's actually mine."

"Si, remove it!"

"Eddie, your ass is in my face."

"Whose fault is that, Jeffrey?"

"That better be your wallet, babygirl."

"No, my dick is not hard. That's my ring pop stuck to your ass, Y/N."

"I actually like my head stuffed between my wife's boobs so I'm okay if we want to lie here for a few minutes more."

Eventually, they pulled themselves off the floor, laughing their asses off as they all found the candy stuck to Y/N's dress very funny. Even Elvis teased, "Kinda looks like a buttplug." It was sticky and made to be used in a ring, so yeah, he was correct.

Before they left the establishment, the newlyweds were informed of a discount they could get the honeymoon suite for at a nearby hotel and, why not? It was a night of wasting money! Gareth was handed the keys to their old room and Y/N and Eddie headed to their spanking new room.

The honeymoon suite was far more lavish than their previous one. The bed was huge and in the shape of a heart which Y/N immediately claimed, throwing herself onto it without giving much thought to her surroundings. She didn't even notice the hot tub in the middle of the room, filled to the brim with bubbly water. Or the huge TV on the wall. Or the swing in the corner, wonder why that was there?

Who knew what that was used for.

"My dear wife, how'd you like our amenities?" Eddie questioned, plopping himself onto the large chair next to the bed.

"Comfy bed."

"Is that all you look for in a hotel room?"

"Yup."

Just as he'd done when they arrived at the Mirage hotel room, he slapped her ass, yet this time he used it like a bongo drum. Her giggles filled the air along with joyful screams when he turned her over to face him, straddling her thighs and pinning her hands on either side of her head. Her breath hitched, and he grinned wickedly down at her.

"How are you going to use all the money you won?" he asked as he leaned in closer.

"I thought we could do a 50/50 split."

It was only fair. They both got married.

"So I get $2,500 extra and a hot wife? I have to say, I think I might be that imaginary guy upstairs' favourite good little boy."

Y/N was listening to him. She was. Although, she did finally notice the hot tub and kept that at the forefront of her mind rather than her sexy husband above her, mumbling, "Look a hot tub."

He'd already seen it, but for some reason, he dramatically looked behind him and exclaimed, "No way! Shall we give it a go?"

Of course they would. A private hot tub is put in front of you and you don't go in it? Crazy.

Scrambling off the bed, he threw his clothes off as fast as he possibly could, not bothering to fold or hang them up. He got down to his underwear in seconds, then with one look down at his boxer - he thought he would have a boner by now but he'd managed to keep it down - he inquired, "Shit, do you mind if I... I hate going commando and we didn't exactly bring a spare set of clothes."

"Uh, go for it."

She was a little more tentative when it came to removing her clothes and had to teasingly ask, "Can you unzip me before you get your cock out?" He smiled to himself and did as she asked then quickly took a seat on the edge of the tub, watching intently as she shimmied her dress down to the ground, exposing her lacy black panties and matching bra.

"Are you going to get naked too?"

"Do you want me to?"

Yes, yes he did. A thousand percent yes.

"That sounds like a trick question to me."

To answer his question, she unclipped her bra clasp and let her underwear fall before stepping into the water. He watched, mesmerised as his wife sat there completely nude, waiting patiently for him to join her. He slowly removed the rest of his clothes and stepped into the hot water opposite her as she politely averted her gaze.

"Does this count as skinny dipping?"

"I don't know. Is hot tub dwelling classified as swimming?" she quipped, making him chuckle.

A comfortable quiet fell upon them as they soaked up the heat, letting their fingers play amongst the bubbles in the tub, and just enjoying each other's company. For once, Eddie didn't feel like saying a word. His throat had closed up completely, and all he wanted to do was just stare at his love. She was looking at him too, smiling warmly at him as she did, and if he didn't know about the bet, he would've believed it to be real.

"Husband. That has a nice ring to it, doesn't it?" Y/N said, breaking the peaceful silence that hung over them.

"Yeah," Eddie whispered quietly. He couldn't help but glance at the singular ring on her hand. "It does."

To annoy him, she started by poking him in the knee with her toe, making him laugh slightly and yelp at the same time. Then she got him on the thigh, then on the chest, then as her wet foot went to poke him in the cheek, Eddie grabbed her ankle before she could pull it away. Y/N tried pushing him away and failing miserably when he held onto her tighter.

Splashing him, she whined, "Give me back my foot," and pouted cutely to get him to comply.

"I give you your foot back, what do I get?"

"What do you want?"

The answer was simple.

"Another kiss."

"Well then..."

Leaning across the tub in the hopes he'd meet her halfway, Y/N puckered up and expected him to be messing about. He'd only want a chaste little peck, right? Wrong. He let go of her ankle and gripped onto her wrists - also known as the ankle of the arms - to ensure that she crashed on top of him. His face was boob height when her knees found the seat on either side of his hips.

He sat back, biting his lip as he took in every detail of her glistening, bare torso that was now positioned overtop of him and he was certain he couldn't be any happier. His eyes were transfixed on her skin, tracing the contours of her body whilst taking in every small freckle on her tummy, shoulders and neck that he couldn't help but touch ever so gently.

Her hands, too, trailed their paths all over him, finding comfort in the fact that he was real beneath her fingertips and not just a dream conjured by her imagination. Her thumbs ran across his broad shoulders, feeling each individual muscle underneath her touch and making his whole body jolt under the sensation.

Slowly, Eddie's lips found her shoulder and trailed kisses down to her neck until he reached the valley between her breasts. Just as he was going to take a bite, she gasped and grabbed his hair, pulling his face towards hers to capture his lips in an ardent, full kiss that left no space left for talking. His tongue darted into her mouth eagerly, kissing her passionately while his hands roamed over every inch of her back, down to her rear, before grabbing her ass to make sure he wasn't leaving any part of her skin untouched.

"Want to consummate our marriage?" Y/N moaned against his lips as they broke apart.

"Sure do." He paused when he felt her grind down on him, but had to restrain her hips to ask, "I always imagine our first time in a bed, can we?"

"Imagine? You imagine us? Me?" Eddie nodded eagerly, his eyes sparkling with passion and eagerness to explore every part of his wife. Underneath the water, his hands were at her hips, his thumbs drawing soft circles on her skin and she finally put the pieces together in her head. "You're serious, aren't you?!"

"Very."

"Fuck yes!"

Y/N squealed excitedly, causing Eddie to grin from ear to ear as his grip around her waist tightened. She cradled his face in her hands, kissing his nose, cheeks, forehead and jaw tenderly before planting a few short yet passionate kisses onto his mouth. He didn't resist. Why would he? He loved when she kissed him and just sat there, beaming at her affectionately while she was peppering kisses all over his face.

And then the penny dropped for him. "No way! This isn't happening. I'm hallucinating, right? Y-you like me back?"

"Like?" she laughed lightly. "Eddie, I love you."

As his eyes widened, his lips curved into a huge smile and he pulled her even closer for a kiss, savouring the moment in which he had finally received the confirmation he'd been searching so desperately for. He kissed her with such intensity and passion, she felt dizzy from how hard he was trying to please her, and when he pulled away again, he murmured in her ear, "Love you too, doll."

"Shall we dry off and fuck?" Y/N purred seductively, her fingers trailing down his stomach until they reached the bottom of his happy trail. She stopped just shy of touching his cock directly, knowing that it was hard and desperate for any kind of contact.

"God, you know me so well."

He knew he was a lucky man when Y/N arose from the tub, wrapped herself in her bathrobe and held out her hand to help him when he nearly slipped due to his eagerness to join his wife. "Whoa Bambi, take it slow," she teased, yet her smile dropped when he was fully out of the tub and on complete show to her. All the water and bubbles had given her a distortion of what he looked like below the waist. Under her breath, she mumbled, "How the fuck am I going to be able to?"

"Able to do what?"

Shit. He heard her. She gave him an apologetic glance as her cheeks flushed red, but she forced a smile to return to her face and replied with a game of charades. She held out her hands a distance similar to how big his cock was. He gave her a confused expression before she gestured down to his crotch. Oh yeah! His dick!

"I'll be gentle."

"You better be. We've still got two days left here and I'd rather not be bedridden for them."

A sly grin appeared on Eddie's face as he moved closer to her, picking her up bridal style in one swift move with ease and laid her on the bed. As he hovered over her, he moved down and placed open mouthed kisses along her neck and collarbone until he finally reached her breasts. She arched her back in pleasure, her breath hitching ever so slightly as his hungry tongue made its way to her nipple, teasing it until it hardened even more.

"Do you want to know a fun fact?" she asked as his hands traced circles around her nipples and promptly flicked one, which elicited a loud moan from her lips.

"Love to."

"Earlier, in the club, you drank from the cup between my boobs. Turned me on. And, I mean, like, soaked through." She bit her lip as she awaited his response. She didn't have to wait long.

With a wicked smirk, he chuckled at her, replied, "So, you like the look of me right here?" and playfully motorboated her. Her giggles echoed throughout the room as he tickled her, making her squirm around on the sheets and swat at him.

Once he was content, he carried on his path down her body until his head reached her belly button and he rested his chin on it. "Want me to go lower?" His eyes never left Y/N's. "Want to fulfil my offer, after all."

"I'm yours, so... do whatever you want to me."

"Holy fuck."

Instantly, his mouth dipped lower to bite at her thighs, sucking on the soft skin until it was bruised. He continued his journey, leaving trails of hickeys and bite marks on her inner thighs up until he reached Y/N's clit, giving a soft kiss before he started playing with the swollen bud with the tip of his tongue.

"Look how sensitive you are. Jesus, Y/N!" He teased as she began to squirm under him again, her hands fisting the sheets while her breathing quickened. He had to hold her hips tightly to ensure she didn't wriggle away from him as he sucked on her clit.

Her fingers combed through his hair whilst her body tensed up from anticipation, a slew of groans escaping her throat as he continued his assault. He pushed her thigh further into the mattress as he lapped along her entrance before poking his tongue in and tasting her sweet juices.

With a deep sigh, she fell back onto the pillow, her legs falling limp as her arms stretched behind her head, allowing Eddie access to every inch of her body he wanted, which happened to include her pussy, and that was a fact he was very happy about. He slid his tongue along it, licking it, teasing and stroking the sensitive nerves. It was almost too good to be true. He couldn't get enough of it.

If this was a dream, it was a fucking good one. He knew he was fully awake when she tugged on his hair, a whine falling past her lips that he knew was a signal that she was getting close. He moved up and down the length of her wet entrance, his tongue working its magic and causing little tremors to ripple through her body as her breathing grew shallow.

Then, to ensure she had the best time possible, he slowly curled his finger inside. All those melodic noises she made increased in volume, and got even louder when another was added. As she had expected, his guitar fingering did translate well to the more intimate side of life.

"You look so pretty. My pretty girl gonna come on my face? I know you can, do it for me, Y/N."

Soon enough, he was rewarded with a string of muffled moans as her body convulsed under him, gripping his hair tightly with both hands as her orgasm hit her like a wave crashing against a rockslide, sending her mind flying to another dimension where she lost control and let out a strangled gasp as her entire body came alive.

"Fucking hell, babe."

"W-what?"

His face was soaked. His lips glistening, his eyes glazed with desire, and his entire being dripping with arousal. Metaphorically and literally. "Well, that's never happened before," Y/N panted, a lazy smile appearing on her face. She held up her hand for a high five and he happily obliged it, his eyes filled with adoration as he stared at her. "Hell yeah, Eds!"

"Can I try to do it again?"

"Go for it."

Honestly, Y/N had no idea her body could come so much. After the third, her brain became too fuzzy that she stopped counting. Her eyelids were heavy, and her body felt like melted butter. Her smile was sluggish as he leaned forward to press sloppy kisses to her lips, making her giggle. After he pulled away from her lips, he whispered, "One more?" in her ear as he planted small kisses down her jaw.

"No, you've got to have some fun too."

"Believe me, doll, I am having fun." Then he nibbled her ear lobe lightly. "But you can have more than that if you want it. Hell, baby, I'll give you as many as you want."

He loved watching her face flush with heat as he spoke to her like that, loved knowing that it brought such a strong reaction from her. Even more so when he saw her biting her lip, trying to hide that sinful gleam in her eyes as she weighed her options.

At first, she gave him a soft, almost innocent kiss on the cheek, then she peppered his face with small pecks until she reached his ear and whispered in a seductive tone, "I'd rather feel what it's like to have your cock deep within me." He malfunctioned. "I've wanted it for so long."

"I think you've just broken my brain."

Every single bit of sanity he possessed was completely gone by the time she flipped them over and straddled him, taking care to remove her robe in order to reveal all she had to offer. When he lay upon his back, his gaze wandered over her, drinking in every curve of the body that had been gifted to him, from the swell of her breasts to the length of her legs.

As if she read his thoughts, Y/N smiled at him in a way that was almost shyly. She took him all in, memorising all of her husband's features in hopes that she'd never forget anything about him. His brown irises, which were always intense, but so loving now. How they sparkled as he looked at her with admiration. How beautiful he looked beneath her.

She gave him a peck on the mouth. "Love your lips."

Cheek. "Got cute cheeks too. Even cuter eyes."

Neck. "Really hot neck. I don't know how you do it really."

Collarbone. "I've never really been a collarbone kind of gal but...for you I'd convert."

Then she placed a kiss on his tattoo near his pec. "Big fan of this guy."

Kiss, kiss, kiss to his abs. "Very sexy. Very sexy..."

Eddie's breathing was erratic, his heart racing faster and faster in anticipation as each second passed, and Y/N sensed it. So, to finally relieve some of his tension, she turned so he was facing her back and lined them up, taking a deep breath before backing down onto his cock. His hands immediately went to her hips, holding her tight.

A low guttural groan escaped his lips as she bottomed out, and just by the way his thighs shook, she turned to see his face in ashamed bliss. "Fuuuck, that's so embarrassing. You feel way too good, baby," Eddie apologised as she giggled at him. "Literally in your cunt for less than ten seconds and I came."

Despite his shame, he sat up, brushed her hair from her shoulder and placed his head there. He kissed her neck softly, then stopped as soon as he realised she was laughing. "My pussy that good, huh?" she mused teasingly and reached to scratch the back of his head. "We've got all night. And, guess what?"

"What?"

"That's a lot of ten seconds, Munson."

"Shut it, also Munson."

Y/N Munson. That name suited her perfectly. She had totally forgotten that her name would change, but as soon as those fateful words came out of his mouth, she broke out in a huge grin and kissed his temple.

During her time teasing him, Y/N must've lifted herself up a bit, whether consciously or unconsciously, and was no longer taking all of him. So, Eddie yanked down on her hips until he was buried to the hilt again. "Oh fuck," she whined, bucking her hips as his lips met her neck, sucking on the skin and kissing every nook and cranny he could find.

That was her cue to start bouncing on him. A mixture of moaning and groaning filled the hotel room, their sounds overlapping in harmony as Y/N rode him hard and fast. Eddie's fingers clawed her skin as he held her tighter, the muscles of his arms flexing every time he pulled her back onto him. Her eyes were shut tight as she rode his cock, her nails digging into his knees, causing him to let out deep, loud grunts, each one more pleasurable than the last.

All of a sudden, Eddie decided he wanted to see her face when she came apart and, without vocalising what he was about to do, wrapped his arms around her chest and fell backwards. Luckily, nothing bad happened, but Y/N definitely was surprised. "Whaaa-" She didn't even get to finish her yelp before she landed on his chest with a "umph".

"Warn a girl."

"Sorry, got too excited."

Perched half on the bed and half on Eddie, Y/N moved in tandem with his thrusts, rocking her hips and grinding against him, her knee hooked over his thigh as he thrust up into her. Every once in a while she'd moan and bite her lip as her inner walls tightened around his shaft, squeezing him in just the right spot that sent him straight to heaven.

"Oh my God, you take me so well, baby. Just like that," he moaned into her ear, his fingers tightening around her waist as he continued thrusting deep inside her with full force, making her whimper at each movement of his hips. "And your tits are so fucking perfect bouncing like that, oh."

Eddie had started murmuring incoherent things, mostly praising her body as he pumped himself harder than ever, losing himself in a world where only he and Y/N existed in the room. His hand drifted between her legs and found her clit, stroking it in a slow circular motion, and soon, his other hand was being tugged up to rest around her neck.

"Eyes on mine," he grunted. She complied eagerly, gripping onto his hand so he'd get the memo to add more pressure to her throat and looking at him through half lidded eyes as she bit down harshly on her bottom lip. "Good girl. Keep looking at me. Keep your eyes on me. Let me watch you come on my cock."

It didn't take much for her to fall off the edge. And, as he said, her gaze was trained on his until her eyes rolled to the back of her head and she screamed as her body tensed, squeezing his shaft tightly enough that he nearly lost control of himself, unable to keep himself from exploding inside her. His body stilled against hers for a split moment; then he came, shuddering violently with every spasm that tore through him.

"Jesus, you let your one night stands experience that?" she exclaimed incredulously as he pulled her closer to him, burying his nose in the crook of her neck.

"Nope, that was a wife specialty." He grinned against her skin and pressed a few kisses against it.

"Guess I better give you the husband specialty then."

Before he could refuse, she removed him from her and kneeled beside him. At first, she gave him a soft, almost innocent kiss on the cheek, then she peppered his face with small pecks until she reached his ear and whispered, "I've always wondered what you'd sound like when I've got your cock in my mouth." She kissed the lobe of his ear. "I'm about to find out."

And she did. With deliberate slowness, she danced her hand down his chest until she met his cock in full view, teasing it with her finger until it was fully hard again, running the edge of her thumb across his head, before she lowered her head and gave it a good long lick. His eyes rolled to the back of his head and he gripped the bedcovers tightly as her talented tongue played with the tip of before she began moving it in slow circular motions around and around, tasting the remnants of both of them on his skin.

Once she felt satisfied with what he liked, she used it to tease him with, teasing his balls with her fingertips and sucking on his shaft until he cried out in frustration. She knew that the sounds he was making would drive her crazy if she continued like this, but damn was she enjoying herself. She smiled as he clenched his teeth and grunted her name, coquetting, "Want me to take you deeper, sweetheart?"

Frankly the groan he let out was enough of an answer so, she took that as a sign to do as she said. With her palms flat against the mattress and her ass tauntingly wiggling near his chest, she took him into her throat and bobbed her head up and down.

"Oh god," he cursed, his voice hoarse and raw. "Baby! That's.. that's it, baby. Keep going, baby. You're driving me crazy, you're driving me mad. Fuck, you're so.... Please, please baby, take me deeper."

She complied. She took him all the way into her throat before gagging slightly and pulling away, earning a chuckle from him as he caressed her back and gave her a reassuring smack on the ass.

"Good girl," he praised and fully intended to continue praising her but she returned her mouth to his cock. He was speechless for a few moments, staring at the ceiling, feeling like he wasn't able to breathe as she deep throated him, each movement eliciting a moan of pleasure.

"You're killing me," he choked out, unable to keep the lusty grin off his face. He felt like he was melting beneath her touch and honestly, it was a sight he'd never forget. And she took him all the way to the hilt, leaving him quivering on the bedsheets, and all he could manage to say was, "Fuck...coming."

His eyes rolled back in his head as he came, releasing into Y/N's mouth and throwing his arm over his eyes in ecstasy. "Love you," he breathed out before he collapsed onto the pillows. She smiled tenderly at him as she wiped the remains of semen from her lips before she lay back and rested her head on his shoulder.

"Did you enjoy the husband specialty?" She asked playfully. He turned his head to look at her, giving her a sleepy smile and a nod in return.

The pair were quiet for a few minutes as they got their breathing back to normal. Eddie pulled back slightly just enough so he could look down at her, still lying on his chest. Their gazes locked as he stared at her, admiring everything about her. His fingers traced gently down her sides and across her stomach, stopping just below her belly button.

"Will you still want to be mine in the morning?"

His voice was soft, unsure and vulnerable, the way he normally sounded whenever he felt uncertain about something. As if he was afraid that her answer would shatter his very world, leaving nothing but shards behind.

"I'll be yours for as long as you want me to be yours. Hell, even after that."

He pulled her tighter against him, planting small kisses all along her neck, her shoulders and then settled his head on top of hers, resting his chin on her shoulder, closing his eyes as he allowed his mind to conjure up images of what their future might bring together.

"Our manager is going to murder us."

Eddie couldn't help but chuckle at her statement as he gazed lovingly down at the woman he loved, who was staring back into his eyes with love and adoration.

"Being kicked out of bed last night and today being full of partying and gambling, I'm so fucking tired," he complained to her with a smile tugging at his lips, and Y/N smiled back with the same expression.

After dealing with his whining for years now, she knew exactly how to stop the complaint. "So, sleep and I'm the little spoon tonight because I want to be. We'll wake up super late and I'll feel something poking into my ass because I always do whenever we've woken up like that -"

"You have!?"

"Yeah. I've always, you know, rationalised it as meaninglessness morning wood... Can I get back to my plan?"

Kissing her cheek, he mumbled a playful, "Proceed" against her skin.

"We fuck for a bit and then we go back to sleep. Maybe have lunch with the boys once we wake. We go to some fancy dinner, then a Siegfried & Roy show. Steal our keys back off Gareth....fuck as many times as we can until we pass out." She gazed up at him. "Sound good?"

A soft chuckle escaped his lips before he replied, "Sounds perfectly fucking ideal, yeah." And then he leaned forward and placed a kiss on her temple before yanking the duvet from under their bodies and pulling it over them both, snuggling up next to her until he fell into unconsciousness in her arms and she followed shortly thereafter.

They did as she said the following day to the surprise of no-one. The other members of Corroded Coffin could tell just by their faces that everything had gone perfectly. Once the newlyweds joined their friends for lunch, they were bombarded with questions about their night.

"I'm just asking how many times?"

"No, Jeff, that's gross. I don't want to hear how many times they fucked," Simon whined, rolling his eyes as Gareth smirked in approval from where he sat, eating his meal while he listened to his friends gossip.

Just as Y/N was about to make a teasing remark (presumably about the ten second scenario), Eddie clasped his hand over her mouth and gave her an amused smirk, raising an eyebrow suggestively. "Licking my hand won't do anything but turn me on, sweetheart," he taunted her before removing his hand and letting her go, chuckling softly.

"All I was going to say was that we had a good time. Get your mind out of the gutter, Mr Munson," she scoffed jovially before being assaulted with a kiss.

"I apologise, Mrs Munson."

Everyone else groaned as they realised the couple would be even more gross and flirty to be around now. It had gone from pining to making out at the dinner table. Yet, all the boys weren't overly fussed deep down. The two idiots had finally gotten together and were happy, that's all their bandmates cared about.

#eddie stranger things #eddie munson & reader #eddie munson x you #eddie munson x reader #eddie munson #stranger things #Youtube

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