#been reading eddie fics since he was introduced and let me say

[pleuviors]

one of my baes reblogged this and i just got hit with a tsunami of nostalgia… i had totally forgot about this masterpiece of a series. i am rereading this IMMEDIATELY. but first i gotta put all my thoughts down abt it:

if you haven’t had the chance to read this, oh my god do i envy you :( i wish those little MIB bitches would come and erase my memory just so i could read it again.

i swear this fic altered my brain chemistry for the better. it hooked me on eddie so bad—specifically mean!eddie. i’d leave every chapter feeling like some goddamn junkie, literally fiening and gnawing at the bars for more.

it’s tension packed. it has the slowest of slow burns. it has all the angst and yearning with occasional comfort…. everything you want in an enemies to lovers story… and yet, it doesn’t follow the formula of your typical hurt/comfort fics. the journey isn’t a constant slope, their push and pull is scattered throughout—even when they finally kiss—which is something you don’t see quite often and i LOOOOVE it. it’s what engrained the fic into my mind in the first place.

their story is messy and if that isn’t the most rockstar!eddie coded thing ever, i don’t know what is. think almost famous meets daisy jones but somehow—i seriously didn’t think it was possible?—better.

PRICE OF FAME - AN EDDIE MUNSON X READER AU

18+ — MINORS DNI

pairing: rockstar!eddie x journalist!reader

summary: you’re a writer for Rolling Stone magazine and Eddie hates the media; or in other words, you’re doing a piece on Corroded Coffin and Eddie can’t stand you.

contains: enemies to lovers, angst, drug and alcohol use, smoking, themes of misogyny/sexism, and eventual smut— each chapter will have more, in-depth warnings.

| -main masterlist- |

part one | part two | part three | part four | part five | part six | part seven | part eight | part nine | part ten | part eleven | part twelve

tags/more content: price of fame asks | price of fame talks

[milf-harrington]

i read a fic yesterday (return of the king) where Steve swapped with Eddie at the last second at the end of s4 and ended up being the one who died and had to be left behind and then he came back as a vampire and it just got my brain TICKING.

So role-reversal AU where steve is the one who comes back basically kas-ified as is the common trope with eddie, but where eddie goes to steve, steve goes to robin.

lets say, for funsies, that they managed to kill vecna and max only ended up hospitalised for a broken elbow and a twisted ankle (from falling on it), so everyone has the time and space to grieve.

Steve’s death hits Robin the hardest because he was her person. He was her i-wish-we-could-just-merge-into-one-being. Her ride or die. Her soulmate. And he’d been taken from her, torn apart and left to rot in the very world he’d tried so hard to protect her from. 

The others give her space to let her mourn quietly in her bedroom, dressed in steve’s clothes and listening to his music like if she just tried hard enough she could still merge them together and let him use her lungs to breathe, her heart to pump his blood, her head to share his thoughts. that she could single handedly go from a me to a we.

And then, one day, Robin starts acting weird. She doesn’t know the Wheeler’s phone number and on her way to find it in the phone book, she found the Munson’s first, and when Eddie picks up it’s too a very chipper Robin asking for a lift to the shops where she proceeds to buy an alarming amount of red meat and refuses to answer any questions.

And she’s just- happy. She’s weird and happy and keeps calling Eddie to ask him about Dungeons and Dragons lore and if he can take her to the library or to the butcher and if he can let her borrow his jumper please? I get cold easily. And then she just keeps stealing clothes, from everyone. Sometimes she asks, sometimes she’ll just take a jacket off of the back of a chair and act like nothing happened, sometimes she just sneaks off to go rooting through washing baskets.

Then comes the day she invites Eddie over, probably a week or so after her initial journey into Weird-Ville, nervously rambling about nothing right up until she closes the front door behind them and runs into Eddie’s back because Eddie’s just spotted Steve-fucking-Harrington peering at him from around the corner. 

Apparently, a not-exactly-dead-anymore Steve crawled through Robin’s window one night and has since taken up residence underneath her bed. 

“He was kinda- not all there, at first.” She tells him, chopping a steak into cubes and dropping them into a blender. Steve, winged and fanged and tailed, leans against the counter and watches her with sleepy eyes. “But we’ve been working on it.”

After the initial pants-shitting shock of having her dead best friend re-appear as a creature of the upside down, Robin had simply accepted it and moved on. Happy to have Steve back no matter what it looked like. 

And what it looked like was blending raw meat, and reading together in the bathroom to bring back his ability to talk, and stealing clothes for the veritable nest Steve was building in her closet. The next step in her plan to re-domesticate her best friend, had been to introduce him to another person: Eddie, evidently. 

Steve promptly spends 5 minutes being a feral little creature, scenting Eddie within an inch of his life like he’d done to Robin, and then attempting to plant him in his nest like a little ornament. 

Just. idk. feral kas!steve seeking out robin for safety, who slowly re-introduces him to his humanity and then his future boyfriend.

[cinematicnomad]

cinematicnomad's steddie fic recs

i've been reading a lot of stranger things steddie fics over the past 2 months so i've decided it's time for me to make one of my requisite fic reclists, both for myself, and for anyone else interested. here's my usual reminder that i prefer lengthy fics, and that i am also a sucker for canon divergent fics (which basically all of these are bc eddie is alive post s4 obviously unless it's a time loop fic—if i tag a fic as "canon divergent eddie lives", assume this means the fic is compliant through the end of s4 except for eddie's death) and happy endings. all these fics are complete, though it's possible that if the fic is part of a series the series may not be complete. i will try to always add appropriate tags!

T = teen M = mature Ex = explicit NR = not rated

bracing for impact by writersagainstwritersblock (1/1 | 9k+ | T) canon divergent eddie lives; wayne POV; steve has bad parents; outsider POV

wayne watches as eddie falls hopelessly in love, with of all people, goddamn steve harrington.

it's not a big deal by aidaronan (1/1 | 11k+ | M) canon divergent eddie lives; alternating POV; mutual pining; angst w/ a happy ending

eddie survives, but his entire life is locked away in the upside down forever (his books, his dnd stuff, his guitar.) everything that wasn't on eddie when steve carried him into the ER, gone. so naturally steve starts giving him things. handing eddie back those little outward markers of who he is.

you oughta know by thisapplepielife / @thisapplepielife (1/1 | 12k+ | M) canon divergent eddie lives; steve POV; future fic; angst w/ a happy ending

days stretch out, long and slow. steve tries to ignore the only thing he’s sure of: eddie ran. he ran from him, ran from all of them. or: steve's having a rough couple of years, thanks for asking. compliant fic: i'm brave, but i'm chicken shit (1/1 | 13k+ | M) eddie POV; eddie centric; 1990s; recreational drug use

introduced me to my mind by alchemystique (2/2 | 16k+ | T) canon divergent eddie lives; mutual pining; getting together; happy ending

"eddie," wayne says, and eddie fights the urge to scream, or laugh, or cry. "i'm not running," eddie tells him, even though that is a fucking lie. "you should call him more," wayne says, and eddie rubs the meat of his palm into his eyeballs until he sees stars. doesn’t think about what 'call him more' means in context—do they talk about him? series: sweet leaf (4/4 | 16k+ | T) outsider POVs; rockstar!eddie; period typical homophobia

steve harrington's guide to making it work by eggbertsheggbert (8/8 | 23k+ | NR) canon divergent eddie lives; steve POV; bad harrington parents; steve is kicked out; angst w/ a happy ending

steve harrington has never been good at asking for help. especially not since he started being seen as the protector of the group. so, when his parents kick him out after discovering his sexuality, he figures he can get extra shifts, save up, and get a place before anyone realizes anything is wrong. join steve as he takes on the weight of the world. he's got it figured out, he's definitely NOT struggling, and—above all else—he can make this work.

the power of love by lacerta26 (8/8 | 27k+ | T) canon divergent eddie lives; outsider POVs; series; post-canon; coming out

jim gets mostly to the end of the house and then someone speaks. "i came out here for a smoke," eddie, his voice low, hushed. "yeah, but this is much more fun," steve now, almost laughing but not quite. * jim had only stepped out for a cigarette when he learns something new about steve and eddie and if this was one of the boys bringing home a girl, he’d have the exact stern words to make sure they were being a gentleman but his usual shovel talk isn't quite going to cut it because he has to let them know it's fine, more than fine, for them to be who they are, here. 

hands where i can see them by SolarMorrigan / @solarmorrigan (12/12 | 29k+ | T) canon divergent eddie lives; multiple POV; established relationship; emotional hurt/comfort

eddie thinks that he and steve have a good thing going; being friends with benefits is honestly a pretty sweet deal. steve is a great friend, the sex is great, everything is great. except for the fact that steve hadn't realized they were only friends with benefits. except for the fact that steve thought they were in a relationship. except for the fact that eddie doesn't realize how much he'd valued that relationship until it's gone (and he's trying his damnedest to get it back).

it's alright if you love me by alivingfire (7/7 | 31k+ | T) canon divergent eddie lives; outsider POV; character study; 5+1; steve-centric; hurt/comfort

"oh, haven't you heard? steve harrington doesn't cry." in which steve harrington breaks up, breaks a few hearts (including his own), breaks free, and finally gets to break down. or: 5 times steve didn't cry, and 1 time he did.

off the beaten path by pukner (6/6 | 34k+ | M) canon divergent post s3; alternating POV; queer awakenings; cliffhanger ending (must read sequels)*

"i'm saying this," says steve, loudly, cutting him off, "because someone i love is, uh, gay. and i love them, but like, platonically. and also me calling you a queer might've been a little hypocritical, in retrospect." there is a long, baffled pause. "what," says jonathan, "steve, are you—are you coming out to me?" steve frowns, "oh, yeah, i guess i am. cool." or, post season 3, steve manages to figure out that he's bisexual, despite his best efforts to repress it, comes out to robin and jonathan byers of all people, and figures himself out. also, there's a cute guy who might be actually insane running the kids' dnd club and he's got his eye on him. and his bandana. too bad eddie munson hasn't had a similar revelation. he's still under the impression that he's a straight man obsessing over steve harrington for normal, extremely heterosexual reasons. OR: steve figures out he's bi before eddie figures out that he's gay. eddie still manages to fall first. series: *off-script (2/2 | 67k+ | Ex) eddie POV; internalized homophobia; mutual pining

a tattoo is worth a thousand words by writersagainstwritersblock (18/18 | 40k+ | M) canon divergent post s3; eddie POV; babysitter steve harrington; getting together

"ambidextrous, princess, it’s what makes me so good with my hands." eddie wiggled his fingers. "you mean for guitar?" steve asked, completely missing the innuendo, and also nearly knocking eddie flat at the thought that steve harrington knew he played guitar. "you stalking me or something?" eddie asked. steve frowned. "uh, no, but your band played in the middle school talent show, it's pretty hard to forget a thirteen year old screaming death metal before his voice dropped." eddie almost laughed at that. almost. "you saying i'm unforgettable, princess?" "if that’s how you want to take it, munson." eddie realized this was turning towards something far more dangerous than taunting a boy known for getting into fights, like flirting with a very, very straight boy known for getting into fights. OR after the events of season three steve shows up on eddie's doorstep asking for a tattoo... and then keeps showing up much to the dismay of eddie's traitorous heart. sequel: visible ink (12/12 | 57k+ | M) outsider POVs; firefighter!steve; tattoo artist!eddie; found family

the one in which a time loop is fucking exhausting. by badpancake (12/12 | 41k+ | T) canon compliant; time loop; steve POV; temporary character death; suicide; angst w/ a happy ending

it’s the first time in a while that he doesn’t know what comes next. he’s dove into the water hundreds of times. screamed as his flesh was torn apart, heard master of puppets in the distance and held back tears. felt max’s cold, small hand in his as she laid in the hospital bed. there are things that always happen, no matter how hard he tries: el doesn’t arrive in time. eddie dies. max is put in a coma. steve fails. they lose. "steve, how many loops have you been through?" his head is nodding, and his eyes are watery, and eddie has approached him like a spooked animal. "i lost count.” AKA: the one where steve harrington is stuck in a time loop, and eddie munson is really fucking hard to save, or: fuck volume 2, these bitches are in love.

steve the reluctant by rachtay13 (7/7 | 46k+ | Ex) canon divergent eddie lives; steve POV; oblivious steve; steve plays dnd

robin raised her brows.  "you know what, harrington?" she nodded her head. "yeah, you know what? i dare you to make a friend. i dare you." read for steve in denial, excessive d&d gameplay, robin as a mermaid, and eddie's glinting rings. as one reader said "the most frustratingly dense version of steve i have ever read and i am HERE for it."

you're so fucked up and i love it by genericfanatic (18/18 | 54k+ | Ex) canon divergent eddie lives; eddie POV; accidental relationship; hurt/comfort

eddie munson hated steve harrington. he'd apparently saved his life, dragged him out of hell and got him to a hospital while nancy rushed behind him working on alibis and half truths to prove he couldn’t have murdered chrissy. and here he was, doomed to live for the foreseeable future, in debt forever to steve fucking harrington. but eddie really hated how normal steve fucking was.

where do we go from here? (quietly fading away) by allandmore (9/9 | 60k+ | M) canon divergent eddie lives; steve POV; angst w/ a happy ending; non-graphic violence

"what's scarier than saving the world? figuring out what to do afterwards. i get it," eddie turns on his side, one shoulder on the wall, and grips the front of steve's shirt. His face is so close steve can feel the warmth of his breath. "but we've got time now. right, steve? we bought us all time. time to figure all our shit out. isn’t that what matters?" OR steve harrington struggles to find purpose after the upside down. (but maybe purpose doesn't have to be big. maybe it's helping dustin navigate sophomore year. maybe it's reminding robin to send in college admission letters. maybe it's eddie munson. maybe).

star of the masquerade by glorious_spoon (6/6 | 64k+ | M) canon compliant; eddie POV; time loop; temporary character death; angst w/ a happy ending

steve jerks awake, sitting up so quickly that robin almost topples over and staring wildly around the room. when his gaze lands on eddie, he blanches visibly. "oh, shit," he mutters. "come on, no. come on. not again." "harrington?" eddie asks slowly. he does not love the way that steve is staring at him right now. he really doesn’t. steve looks like he’s staring at a ghost, a bloodied monster, like eddie is something that should not exist in the light of day. "you good, dude?"

one size fits all by entanglednow (10/10 | 65k+ | Ex) canon divergent eddie lives; steve POV; fake/pretend relationship; misunderstandings; slow burn

steve just wanted to do something nice for a friend, he doesn't mean to get eddie's ring stuck on his finger, and it's definitely not his fault that everyone he knows is jumping to conclusions.

renegades (leave a light on) by queerofthedagger (13/13 | 66k+ | Ex) canon divergent s2; eddie POV; road trip; slow burn; strangers to lovers

eddie doesn't expect to get into trouble for his recent drug business, although he probably should have. even less does he expect steve harrington of all people to save his sorry ass with a nail bat that looks awfully at home in his hands. least of all, though, does he expect harrington to insist on skipping town for a while to avoid the fallout. the winter holidays of '84 seem intent on proving him wrong on all fronts. thrown into a spontaneous road trip-slash-cut-and-run to san francisco—just until things back home blow over, munson—eddie has all the time in the world to confront such questions as: why would harrington care to help him? why does he wake up from nightmares more often than not? and, maybe most importantly, why is the former king so ready to leave hawkins behind on a whim? or: idiot boys make impulsive idiot decisions, and along the way—reluctantly but inevitably—they fall in love. a story of endless winter streets, finding family, and leaving home to find a new one.

falling without caution (people watching) by super_skam310 (10/10 | 66k+ | NR) canon divergent eddie lives; eddie POV; slow burn; eventual happy ending

steve harrington is a man that demands your attention; whether your give it willingly or not is inconsequential. eddie's camp tended to be in the latter category. OR eddie's borderline obsessive watching of steve spanning from steve's freshman year to season 4, culminating in the unfortunate realization that the king had been dethroned the moment nail bat hit monster flesh and that maybe steve harrington was lovable all along.

in the margins by foxy_mulder (4/4 | 70k+ | T) canon divergent eddie lives; steve POV; angst w/ a happy ending; suicidal thoughts; hurt/comfort

steve is having a hard time adjusting to the new normal, after everything that went down. he doesn't want to bother his friends with his problems, though, when they've got so much weight on their shoulders already. steve stumbles on an alternate version of hawkins, where none of it ever happened. everyone’s alive, his headaches are gone, his friends actually want to hang out with him, and he’s…happy. (the party has to fight another monster. but this one doesn't prey on people's fears. it preys on their deepest desires.)

skull rock era by chattrekisses (11/11 | 71k+ | Ex) canon divergent s2; steve POV; slow burn; internalized homophobia; fix-it

steve harrington never planned for eddie munson. steve was supposed to marry his high school sweetheart, have 2.5 children, and take over the family business. he was supposed to live a blissful life on a nondescript cul-de-sac, complete with a white picket fence and a closet full of tasteful polo shirts. he was supposed to make a graceful transition between being the golden boy and being the american dream. mediocrity was what destiny had designed for steve. reality had other plans. (or, steve and eddie, against all odds, fall in love.)

roll for seduction by spikeisthebigbad (37/37 | 74k+ | Ex) canon divergent post s3; steve POV; steve plays dnd; fix-it

when steve reluctantly agreed to play dungeons and dragons with the hellfire club he expected to hate every second. he did not expect to spend his friday nights flirting with eddie munson. what if eddie and steve were dating during season 4? starts after season 3, and eventually ventures into season 4. not canon compliant.

in over my head by staymagical (16/16 | 75k+ | Ex) canon divergent eddie lives; alternating POV; head trauma; temporary amnesia

one moment, steve is entering his room, ready for bed, and the next he's in forest hills staring at a very confused very concerned eddie and the run-down remains of the old munson trailer. three hours later. thus begins a secret shared between friends, steve leaning on eddie as they try and understand and navigate this new terrifying post-concussion symptom of steve's. with vecna dead and the gates closed, it can only be steve's own scrambled brain giving up on reality. it's a race against the unknown, trying to find answers and search for solutions before it happens again and steve isn't sure how long he can keep pretending he is alright when he is anything but.

leave the light on sometimes all night by anniebibananie (7/7 | 78k+ | M) au—no upside down; steve POV; hurt/comfort; slow burn; eventual smut

june 1986 steve is lonely. he’s always been lonely, honestly. an empty house, absent parents, friends that didn’t really know him. frankly, he probably doesn’t really know himself, either. it used to be easier to ignore—between sports and parties and searching for the next girl to hang around with. then nancy wheeler told him he was bullshit. in the wreckage of the storm, he realized she probably hadn’t been that off base to call his life bullshit. [life in hawkins, indiana is boring, ordinary, no supernatural entities. steve still changes. luckily, he still makes some new friends, too. certain people are simply meant to be in the same story.]

the lathe by palmviolet (13/13 | 82k+ | M) canon compliant; steve POV; time loop; fix-it; angst w/ a happy ending; implied self-harm

"this time, do it right. this time eddie won’t bleed out in his arms, in anyone’s arms. this time, steve will do it right." — or, steve relives the day they try to kill vecna over and over, and eddie just can't seem to stop dying. steve finds this totally unacceptable. sequel: disaster / lucky (1/1 | 7k+ | M) coda; eddie POV; implied/referenced self-harm; trauma recovery

it's got what it takes by rose235b (20/20 | 83k+ | T) canon divergent eddie lives; steve POV; friends to lovers; slow burn

“i can walk you to your car if you need to go though.” eddie’s hand stopped moving. robin’s eyes snapped towards steve as if it wasn’t a nice thing to offer. “i’ll just maybe grab the vest so i can leave it for tomorrow.” he was undeterred though. if he could help eddie munson after the worst period of his life by literally just walking, steve would walk across the entire state of indiana. eddie looked back at him, his eyes narrowing slightly as he seemed to search for something on steve’s face. “okay.” it came out softer than steve was used to eddie being. steve's on his never ending quest to make up for past mistakes. eddie's post-vecna mess of a life seems like the perfect place to start. - or, two idiots fall in love very slowly to the tune of 80s music.

(something happens and i'm) head over heels by gibbouslunation (11/11 | 94k+ | T) canon divergent eddie lives; alternating POV; head trauma; angst w/ a happy ending

eddie made a strangled disbelieving noise, expression flickering. "you are not apologizing to me right now, for like, feeling a normal way about stuff. i can’t believe you." steve pushed a shaking hand through his hair. his heart rate no longer in his ears meant he felt he could at least think a little more clearly. "maybe it was the heat. doesn’t always have to be something messed up, right?" eddie gave him a placating nod. "sure, heat exhaustion is a helluva thing." it had been happening a lot recently. the…forgetting. zonking out. whatever. he was pretty sure he was just extra exhausted, it had been a few weeks since everything but it might have just been the adrenaline or something finally wearing off. sometimes it was like he just forgot someone was speaking, or couldn’t remember for a moment what they’d been talking about. like blinking out of a fog maybe. it does not get better, in fact, it actually continues to get worse.

water closet by stillmadaboutpetra (7/7 | 103k+ | M) canon divergent eddie lives; steve POV; found family; slow burn; character study

steve's heard that a lot of life changing conversations usually happen in the kitchen or on the porch, but in his experience, it's the bathroom. a series of bathroom conversations (plus a whole lot of everything else) that slowly change steve, and his little world, in the wake of surviving vecna.

burned on the pyre by oklahoma (13/13 | 105k+ | Ex) canon compliant; steve POV; time loop; temporary character death; angst w/ a happy ending

"i’m gonna save your life, eddie munson." - caught in a time loop created by eleven where he is forced to relive the same day over and over, steve has to come up with a plan to kill vecna entirely while also making sure eddie and max don’t lose their lives in the process.

the beat has just begun by forgetthemoon (12/12 | 106k+ | M) canon compliant; steve POV; period-typical homophobia; fix it; slow burn

vecna dies. so does eddie. the world doesn't split open. in the aftermath, steve goes home to an empty house. well. almost empty. steve sighs, hanging his head. one more thing. then he can go to bed. the dirty towel can wait until later. he tosses it towards the bathtub without looking and turns to the sink, grabbing his toothbrush and toothpaste. when he looks in the mirror, eddie's staring back at him.

lonely is the night by intrajanelle (23/23 | 109k+ | T) canon divergent post s2; canon rewrite; eddie POV; hurt steve; angst w/ a happy ending

harrington had fallen, splayed in front of his preppy little beemer, like the jock equivalent of a fallen fucking angel. eddie, not having thought this through, watched harrington’s eyes roll to the back of his head, and said, "well, crap." or: post-season 2, eddie and steve get to know one another.

i can give you a heartbeat by soupbitchin (14/14 | 113k+ | T) canon compliant; eddie POV; ghost!eddie; happy ending; fix-it

being dead isn’t like eddie thought it would be. for starters, he’s a lot more alive than he expected. or, the ghost of eddie munson’s still hanging around, and he’d really appreciate if someone could notice him, thanks.

the end is here (and we do it a hundred times over) by placebythering (13/13 | 125k+ | M) canon compliant; steve POV; time loop; temporary death; suicide; angst w/ a happy ending

steve jolts awake, staring up into the dull beige of the camper’s ceiling. there’s a distinct brown stain, likely from a leak. the cushion of the back seat is hard against his back, and if he strains he could hear yelling and laughing from the outside. he wonders if he’s finally lost his fucking mind. —or, steve relives the day of the end over and over again.

caught in the middle, helpless again by margosfairyeye (14/14 | 131k+ | Ex) canon compliant; eddie POV; time loop; angst w/ a happy ending; canon-typical violence

fuck, eddie has been here before. the deja vu was bad enough but this is like, double, this is like deja deja vu or deja vu vu or something, this is unprecedented shit here. and eddie knows what comes next, knows like the roiling ache in his stomach that they’re going to go in, go though the portal and into the upside fucking down and didn’t they already do this? -- -- eddie loops through the time from lover's lake to his death, over and over again.

blood, love, and rhetoric by sourpastels / @lesbiansidney (18/18 | 143k+ | M) canon compliant; alternating POV; eddie lives; canon typical violence; accidental roommates

eddie believes three core things about the art of performance. 1. all the world's a stage. 2. performance is both a weapon and a shield, he wields it as both. and 3. you can’t act death. to quote stoppard: “it’s not gasps and blood and falling about—that isn’t what makes it death. it’s just a man failing to reappear, that’s all…” and eddie had gasped and bled and fell about, and was foolish enough in that moment to believe that was death. but he forgot a crucial step: he reappeared. or: steve is taking it day by day, flitting between the high school and the hospital and hopper’s cabin, locking any thoughts of eddie munson away at the back of his mind. meanwhile, eddie is just trying to get out of the upside down, with nothing but a nail-shield and the world's worst company.

sleight of hand by smithereen (19/19 | 143k+ | Ex) canon divergent post s2; alternating POV; internalized homophobia; slow burn

steve needs a weed dealer. he gets a bit more than that. (this is an AU set a couple months after the snow ball in season 2.)

take the money and run by thisapplepielife / @thisapplepielife (22/22 |143k+ | Ex) canon divergent eddie lives; alternating POV; road trip; getting together; future fic

"rules. like, there’ll be no eating in my car. you're not driving my car. no heavy metal," steve keeps listing, "you’re not picking up women and fucking them in m—" "i'll try to control myself," eddie interrupts with a quip, a smirk. fucking girls in steve’s car, or anywhere else for that matter, isn’t going to be an issue, unless something pretty fundamental shifts in him. steve continues, completely ignoring eddie, "you’ll wipe your feet. you're not dragging dirt all over my car. no hitchhikers. no cutesy road games. no smoking in the car. i'm not paying for all the gas." "ass, gas or grass, got it," eddie says, like he's taking this very seriously. he is not taking this seriously. or: road trip!

if your heart surrenders by asbealthgn (39/39 | 163k+ | Ex) canon divergent pre-s1; alternating POV; slow burn; secret relationship; angst w/ a happy ending

“that one’s on the house, okay?” eddie says, and steve opens his eyes to look back down at him. on his face is the slightest hint of concern, and something else steve can’t place. he’s still holding his hand. "thank you," steve says. he’s not sure exactly which thing he’s thanking eddie for, the weed or the hand in his or the lack of judgment at his fucked up head. he just knows that he’s grateful. eddie gives him a smile, a gentle curve of those pretty lips. "anytime, harrington."

tuesday's gone with the wind by thisapplepielife / @thisapplepielife (9/9 | 184k+ | Ex) alternate universe – no upside down; eddie POV; rock band; drug use; plane crash

corroded coffin's leased plane went down on june 13th, 1995 in the woods of louisiana. ten people on board died. eddie munson survived. before he survived, he really lived. companion series: wildflowers...and all the rest (15/15 | 151k+ | Ex) gareth POV; original female character; one shots; growing old; slice of life

gossip by jcmadgirl (11/11 | 213k+ | Ex) canon divergent eddie lives; steve POV; pre-canon; sexual assault; angst w/ a happy ending

steve's whole life story, told through multiple snapshots of the events that made him into the person that he is today. or, a rewriting of stranger things from steve's POV.

i never did believe in miracles (but i've a feeling it's time to try) by cuoredimuschio (26/26 | 215k+ | M) canon divergent eddie lives; multiple POV; slow burn; mutual pining; getting together

eddie is beginning to think that, somewhere in the helter-skelter of surviving the upside down, being swarmed by possibly rabid but definitely rancid demobats, and charbroiling vecna’s slimy ass, he accidentally tripped through the wrong gate and landed in an alternate dimension. well, a different alternate dimension than the one he was already in. because steve harrington is flirting with him.

vignettes of lost connections by hardlyhalcyon (halcyonfrost) (50/50 | 229k+ | Ex) canon divergent pre-s1; alternating POV; secret relationship; angst w/ a happy ending

steve harrington and eddie munson had met long before dustin henderson dragged steve down to reefer rick's cabin. hawkins wasn't a huge town, and there was only the one high school, but the two were never friends. didn't even like each other. in all their darkest moments however, they somehow found company together. or the one where steve has depression, eddie becomes his safe space, and when eddie encounters battles he can't fight, steve reminds eddie of his own strength. a pre-/peri-/post-s4 fic with steddie before s4 events, continuing through and after.

as the world falls down by daeneryske (36/36 | 245k+ | Ex) canon divergent eddie lives; steve POV; bad harrington parents; period typical homophobia; angst w/ a happy ending

after saving eddie from the upside down, steve hides him at his house while the party concocts a plot to clear eddie's name. what steve doesn't expect is how much he likes hanging out with eddie as they get to know each other. under the looming shadow of the mind flayer threatening to destroy hawkins, steve and eddie realize they're each grappling with their own darkness, from steve's father's impossible expectations to eddie's feelings of worthlessness. their friendship develops into something more even as the party prepares to fight Vecna and his monsters one last time. steve must decide if he's ready to shrug off the rigid roles assigned to him and become his own person. eddie must learn to embrace what steve has been trying to show him every day since nearly dying: that he's worth saving.

nothing else matters by bigskyandthecoldgun (31/31 | 279k+ | Ex) canon divergent post s2; steve POV; secret relationship; period typical attitudes; everybody lives

"you ask a lot of questions about me," steve tells him. "because you're interesting," munson says, quiet and honest. "you're a lot different than what i've heard." steve hums, eyes closed. "yeah," he says, eyes fluttering open when munson takes the joint from him again, "you are, too." or: steve ditches the prom to get high.

since you've gone (i've been lost without a trace) by steddieeddie (7/7 | 300k+ | M) canon divergent s4; multiple POV; comatose steve; grief; angst w/ a happy ending

may 31st 1986, two weeks until graduation. robin, eddie, and nancy are all set to walk across the stage, eddie being given a free pass after the whole ‘almost framed for murder’ thing. the three have been trying to be excited about their graduation, but it feels almost mundane to be excited when steve wouldn’t be there. they would be sat out on a football field in the blistering heat while waiting for their names to be called, with dustin and max in the crowd, cheering them on in steve's place. there would be fake smiles plastered to all their faces, no matter how realistic they tried to make them. none of them have genuinely smiled since steve got vecna'd. sixty-five days. steve had been in a coma for sixty-five days. the doctors keep telling the party that it doesn't look good, that steve's injures had been severe, and that they didn't know if, when, he would wake up. but they refused to lose hope. he'll wake up. it's just a matter of time. OR five times steve harrington didn't wake up, and one time he did.

the most dangerous thing (is to love you) by brokebeatle (21/21 | 304k+ | Ex) canon divergent eddie lives; alternating POV; shared trauma; slow burn; period typical homophobia  

"i know you care about what those little twerps think of you, and i can assure you they think way too highly of you," eddie says with a wink, and steve gives a half-hearted smirk for just a moment. "but look…i know i can’t ask you to stop worrying about those kids, so how about this? you worry about them, and you let me—actually let me—worry about you." steve pushes his hair back, and yet again, gravity instantly pulls it back down, since he’s looking at his feet. "…i don’t need anyone to worry about me." "too fucking bad. someone’s gotta do it, and it’s gonna be me." "why?" steve replies with a raspy laugh, shaking his head slowly. "why? why." eddie crosses his arms tightly across his chest, knocking his foot into steve’s again with a bit more strength. "because we’re friends, dipshit." —in which eddie's got a reason he's been planning on leaving hawkins since long before the world almost ended. the only thing keeping him in town at this point? his promise to be friends with steve harrington. and eddie doesn't break promises.

the man that i could be by ohstars (26/26 | 325k+ | Ex) canon divergent post s3; steve POV; secret relationship; period typical homophobia; angst w/ a happy ending

"steve harrington isn't straight. it's been a few weeks since he sat on that bathroom floor at starcourt with robin, where she shared her biggest secret with him and unintentionally unlocked an entirely new side of steve. since he’s had to come to terms with being open to exploring that side of him, but he's finally acknowledged that he's most likely, definitely, without a doubt into guys." -- after coming to terms that he may be queer, steve harrington does a little exploration on his own and meets the one and only eddie munson. just as things are going well and accepted the fact he's falling for eddie in their own little bubble, steve's world is shaken by a tragedy he can't quite talk about. and when the dust settles and he's nearly ready to put the pieces back together, his worlds collide when he realizes his eddie is the same eddie playing D&D with the kids. the same eddie who's now wanted for murder thanks to another upside down monster. how will he save the day when he can barely focus watching his ex mingle with his monster fighting team? series: the men we've become (4/4 | 45k+ | M) future fics; alternating POVs; domestic living

[typicalopposite]

💃🏻 Couple's first dance - for bucktommy, please and thank you

— @nine-one-wanton 💜

i am so late to all these OMG but here you go ! <3

PSSS READ ME FIRST <-(old fic this one is a sequel to!)

And this is also on AO3 too! HERE

<3<3<3<3<3

The wedding was beautiful. It was everything Buck ever wanted and more; Tommy’s equally red rimmed but ecstatic eyes tell Buck it was perfect for him as well. 

They are introduced into the reception— Mr. and Mr. Buckley-Kinard— and everyone cheers and claps as they walk to their table. Buck can’t remember a time he has ever smiled this hard before. His cheeks are actually starting to cramp, but he couldn’t stop if he tried. He is a married man! He is married to Tommy! Tommy is his husband. That’s going to take some getting used to, in the best way possible— he can not wait to sign his name the first time. Evan Buckley-Kinard. He is going to write it so obnoxiously fancy and big and bold! 

The speeches are as embarrassing and emotional as he’d expected them to be. Eddie then Chimney then Maddie then Bobby; stories are shared and jokes are told. Loving words and well wishes for a bright and long future for them. Buck can’t believe he has held it together this long; he feels so loved. Tommy squeezes the hand that Buck is fairly certain he has been holding since they shared their first kiss as husbands— he brings it to his lips. 

The string lights hanging above them seem blindly bright all of a sudden, but that could very well just be from the tears that have quickly filled his eyes. Tommy tugs on his hand— “You owe me a dance,” he says teasingly— and leads him out into the center of the dance floor. Buck feels a lump of emotion begin to form in his throat, and he can only hope he makes it through this dance without completely embarrassing himself with an emotional breakdown. 

The song is going to be a surprise for Buck, per Tommy’s request. He stepped aside and let Buck go full clipboard mode on every other aspect of their wedding; he just wanted to get to pick their song. “I promise, you will not be disappointed,” Tommy vowed, pulling Buck into a tender kiss after he finally conceded, giving Tommy full reign of their first dance. Now is the moment of truth, the point of no return, the thing he has anxiously been anticipating, and waiting to finally know for months . 

Tommy stops and turns, facing Buck. He looks over Buck’s shoulder at their DJ— Christopher— who flashes them both a bright smile, giving a thumbs up before turning his attention to his laptop, and the wedding playlist. Buck locks eyes with Tommy, taking a deep breath, and blowing it out, as they wait. Then the wait ends, and the song begins— This I Promise You by *NSYNC. 

The tears never stood a chance; they quickly topple over, and Tommy is just as quick to brush them away. He uses the hand gently caressing Buck’s cheek to pull him into a kiss, then goes for Buck’s wrists, bringing them up around his neck. The memory of their first dance comes flooding back. his breath hitches and Tommy pulls him closer, leaning their foreheads together “I know there are probably a million other songs I could have chosen…” Tommy says quietly. “But it just felt… right. Kind of like coming full circle…”

“It— it’s perfect,”  Buck manages, a shaky but giddy laugh bubbling up and out of him. 

“Perfection deserves perfection,” Tommy says, with that flirtatious smirk that still makes Buck’s stomach swoop and his knees weaken; thank god for the tight hold his husband— his husband— has around him. The lines And I will take… you in my arms… and hold you right where you belong plays and Buck knows he could have never picked a more perfect song; he’s so glad Tommy asked to pick their song.  

“I love you.” Buck says, and presses his lips to Tommy’s, having to mentally fight himself to keep it chaste and PG.

“God, I love you too,” Tommy replies, bringing his lips up to Buck's forehead as they continue to sway to what might officially be Buck’s favorite song now. 

By the end of the chorus both Buck and Tommy are over being stared at and beckon everyone to join them on the dance floor. Maddie and Chimney wind up next to them and Maddie looks to be fairing no better emotionally; her happily weepy big brown eyes shining at Buck and Tommy as they get close enough for her to compliment the song choice; Chimney happily agrees. Buck thinks he still owes them both a world of thanks. Maddie for helping convince him to reach out to Tommy again, for being the one to suggest that Buck could invite him to her wedding. Chimney for saving Tommy’s life back in the day, and for introducing them in the first place (even if it wasn’t with the intention of playing matchmaker). For now, though, he just tells them he loves them and watches them spin off across the floor, before turning his attention back to Tommy. 

His eyes are starting to glisten again, and the song is singing through its last few lines. Buck tightens his hold around Tommy’s neck, pulling him in for one more kiss as the music fades out and the room cheers for them. It’s truly a moment he will never forget.

[scoops-aboy86]

🧠🪱Wiggly Wednesday🪱🧠

No one tagged me, I just had a brain worm on account of the @softsteddieseptember prompt “cheesy pickup lines” for this week. But this isn’t really an entry, just an outline that I don’t have the brainpower for right now. 

Steve is an actor who always gets what (who) he wants. He’s kind of been a fuckboy about it in the past, but his best friend and frequent co-star Robin is a good influence on him, helped him come to terms with and come out as bisexual and everything. 

Eddie is a computer programmer with a part time job as a barista, and has what he definitely feels is the misfortune to make Steve’s ridiculously customized latte. 

The latte isn’t foamy enough or something. Actually, it’s just that Steve has taken an interest and wants to get to know the cute barista, likes that Eddie doesn’t even recognize him from his movies at first. 

Eddie says something about his computer programming work, and Steve laughs and calls him a nerd, which does not go over well. 

Steve comes back most days whenever he’s in town, trying to salvage it, but Eddie is firmly convinced it’s unsalvageable, a nonstarter in the first place. No matter how disappointed he always feels on the days Steve doesn’t show, or how much he ends up telling Steve about his life in between rejections.

At some point Robin shows up at the cafe to let Eddie know she’s sorry he has to put up with her hopeless bff’s low-key stalking and that she’s trying to talk Steve into a long filming project in Europe to chill out, so he’ll soon be out of Eddie’s hair. 

Something something, idk, maybe Steve talked about Eddie to Dustin, who works in computers or something and needs a new programmer. Dustin reaches out to offer an interview while Steve is off incommunicado on set, totally Dustin’s own idea, Steve is just the reason he knows how to find the guy. Eddie gets the job purely on merit from that point and gets to quit working at the cafe, all his money problems are now solved. 

By the time Steve gets back, Eddie is close with Dustin and the rest of the kids, Hellfire Club style. They all think he’s the coolest. Also, they end up telling him a bunch of stories about Steve and how he used to be kind of a douchebag but has since grown into a really good dude. And even more recently (which Eddie eventually realizes means since he and Steve first met) has cooled it on dating around and ended up in a lot fewer gossip mags and tabloids, which has generally been pretty good for his mental health. 

Steve comes by one of their game nights and is caught completely unaware off guard. But he takes Eddie aside and apologizes for hanging around so much before. 

Eddie forgives him. Really, the worst Steve ever did was greet him with increasingly silly pickup lines and offer to show him a good time, only to leave with a shrug and his latte when Eddie turned him down again. Always tipped everyone at the cafe well, not just Eddie, and never made him feel like he expected anything because of it.

Steve points out that (*gestures the Party*) most of his favorite people are nerds, he’d just put his foot in his mouth like a dumbass that first day. (He does not mention that he used to get really defensive when people noticed/called him out on that, he’s come so far! Robin is so proud, even though he’s still definitely a dingus.)

Anyway, they start to part on good terms. Just before heading out, though Steve turns with a huge grin that Eddie recognizes and says, “Hey, since we’re starting off on a different foot now, let me introduce myself… My name is Microsoft. Can I crash at your place tonight?” 

Eddie stares at him, then laughs so hard that his face hurts. 

He finally takes Steve up on that date. 

Did I write all that up for the cheesy pickup punchline? Absolutely.

Do I wanna write the actual fic? Nah. So it’s up for grabs if anyone else wants to, just tag me so I can read it someday.

Tagging… idk, my permanent tag list I guess. 😛 I’m stuck in a car for 6 more hours (out of 11), gotta get this pasted in before I lose reception again.

@hotluncheddie @lawrencebshoggoth @sofadofax @irishvampireboy @oatmilk-vampire

@wheneverfeasible @hamiltonswiftie @grtwdsmwhr @yesdangerpls @theseaofdespair

[steddieas-shegoes]

thank you gerry much

It's time forrrrr weekly fic recs! These are my top 3 (to me) fics by some of my favorite authors, but please check their AO3/masterlists because they have so many amazing things to read and sometimes what I love most isn't what you might love most!

This week is transmasc Steve truther, Sleep Token cult leader, @steves-strapcollection/@gerrystamour! Gerry is probably singlehandedly responsible for the transmasculine Steve Harrington tag on AO3 and I couldn't be prouder of his hard work. He also is responsible for the creation of quite possibly the hottest OC to ever exist: our boyfriend, Tig (more below). Cannot put into words how special Ger is to me and this fandom as a whole. As always, read the tags, don't like, don't read, and consider me the personal attack dog for him if you aren't nice 😇 And as with all of the recs, NSFW is below the cut, minors DNI with me or with Gerry!

ger's ao3 | ger's writing tumblr | ger's fandom tumblr

here i have found some peace of mind Rated E | 60,434 words I can't put into words how incredible this is. The moment Ger announced this fic, I was hooked like a damn fish. It's his pride and joy, his magnum opus, his gift to the world. One of many favorite lines: “Steve, you just sucked my soul out of my cock , don’t be fucking modest,” Eddie laughed, lifting his hands to dig the heels of his palms into his eyes. “We didn’t even make it to my bunk, Steve. I had everything set up, then you came in here and got on your knees like the perfect wet dream you are, and you’re gonna act like you don’t know exactly how good you are?”

i could be honest, i could be human Rated E | 48,581 words This fic. HOOOOOO BOY. This fic has it all. It has the angst, it has the soft boys, it has the idiots, it has the gentle tender nasty fuckin'. And its follow up properly introduces TIG. i can't tell where you end and where i start is the first time I read anything so focused on an OC, especially when it's Steve and an OC. Tig is built different. He is and always will be our boyfriend. And let me just say, for the record, he is even hotter than this fic gives him credit for. He's been even MORE developed since and god help us all. Favorite thing: Just the fact that we've been given an OC that is so incredible. He's inspired people to do more with OCs and I think it's great. Tig is my hero, and Ger is my hero for making him THE hottest fictional man to ever exist.

you're in the walls that i made with crosses and flames Rated E | 7,659 words This was a birthday fic for @legitcookie (who will be featured on a rec soon!) and I would venture to say it may be one of the most romantic tender fuckin' scenes I've read to date. Ger sent me the scene from Atonement and I...changed as a human. Favorite lines: “Stevie,” Eddie breathed, the corners of his mouth ticking upward in something close to a smile, even as the next fluttering blink had the tears barely clinging to his lashes falling down his cheeks.

And Steve was helpless, staring up at the beautiful man in his arms, and he had to blink his own tears away as they blurred his vision. “Eds,” he said, not even bothering to hide just how awed and overwhelmed he was to have Eddie like this again. Steve made a promise to himself that he would make up for every single day he made this man feel unwanted, unworthy, unloved.

[rainbow-nerdss]

Fic Writing review 2023!

I was tagged by: @just-my-latest-hyperfixation @aidaronan @exhuastedpigeon @jamespearce9-1-1 @theotherbuckley @aspecbuddie @thewolvesof1998 @daffi-990 (And possibly others, i may have missed one or two, sorry if i did!)

I can't believe 2023 is over, honestly. This year has had some ups and downs for sure but overall I'm so proud of what I've achieved. I started the year mainly writing Stranger Things fics, and while I still love that fandom and all of the wonderful people I met there, my inspiration for writing it was beginning to fade.

And along came 9-1-1. I am so happy with where I've ended up, and for all the new friends I've made since I found this show back in April!

Here's an overview of my year in fic:

Words posted to ao3: 235,060

Words written: 250,465

Works posted: 38

Fandoms posted for: 3 (Stranger Things, 9-1-1, MCU/Captain America)

Specifics and tags are under the cut!

Longest fic:

Crawling on Back to You 109k words, 30 chapters Stranger Things, Steve/Eddie, Rated E

Shortest fic:

Keep on Walkin' and don't look back 521 words Stranger Things, Steve/Eddie, Rated T

Top 5 by kudos:

1. Right in front of your eyes

9-1-1, Buddie, 15k

He and Chris, and Buck. They work, they’re a unit. Why should it matter that he’s single? Buck is watching him, like he’s reading every thought on his face. “You’re already planning to lie about the date. Why don’t you just tell her you met someone yourself?” Eddie shrugs and tilts his head to the side, squinting in thought. “She won’t set me up on dates if she thinks I’ve got someone,” he muses. “But she’ll want to meet whoever it is.” “So... Introduce them?” Or: Buck offers to fake-date Eddie so Pepa will stop setting him up on dates.

2. Pinky Promise

9-1-1, Buddie, 1k

Christopher Diaz doesn't mind that his dad's dating someone new. He's not dumb, he knows there's someone. The way his dad has been smiling lately, the way Chris catches him staring at his coffee, daydreaming like he isn't a grown man. The sleepovers Chris is suddenly allowed to go to on almost a weekly basis. Chris is happy for him, really he is. He’s just not planning to let himself get attached to whoever it turns out to be, just in case. He doesn't need a step-parent, because he has Dad, and he has Buck, and that’s enough. Whoever his dad dates, well. They'll probably leave, eventually. Chris doesn’t need to worry about them. Or: Eddie and Buck come to Chris with some news, and he doesn't take it very well at all.

3. Peek-A-Boo

Stranger Things, Steddie, 1k

Eddie tried not to stare. He really tried. He didn't notice at first, too preoccupied with the tub of pringles he'd been making his way through while talking about Corroded Coffin's last gig. Sure, he'd noticed the shorts. The ridiculous amount of leg Steve was showing, the way they hugged his ass, but it wasn't until Steve moved, lifted one foot to rest on the cushion, knees spread, that Eddie noticed another feature of the shorts. Or: Steve puts on a bit of an accidental show.

4. Definition

9-1-1, Buddie, 2k

It keeps happening, time and time again. People get it wrong. Whatever people say, it feels wrong and they don't know how to set the record straight, until Chris takes it into his own hands. or: 5 times people get Buck's role in Chris's life wrong, and 1 time they set the record straight

5. take my hand (knot your fingers through mine)

9-1-1, Buddie, 4k, written with @pock-o-pea

At least Buck’s okay. He’s outside, safe, doing his job. Buck’s okay, which means no matter what happens inside this van, If the crushing weight of the fridge takes him before Buck can get to him, if the van pancakes or flips or any number of likely disasters occur, if Eddie dies in here, alone, and in pain, then… He thinks of Mallory, of Jo. How they’d called out for each other. His eyes shut briefly as Mallory’s words echo in his head. “She’s not my daughter. Jo’s mother was my best friend… she saved me so many times.” Or: what 6x18 could've been

2023 Events I've participated in: AUgust, Fandom Trumps Hate

Current works in progress:

The bodyguard fic (somebody to someone) -One chapter posted, 3 more written and (almost) ready to post!

Steve time travelling in the upside down (of moments and unmoments (of time lost)) -One posted, two more in the drafts 😁

The break-up fic (you were my town) - Two posted, the third almost ready to post

Season 7 fic: 10 chapters, currently being edited to post

and then a bunch of isolated oneshots I've yet to figure out an ending for: 5+1 times Eddie sees buck with kids that aren't his, friends with benefits, secret relationship, Teacher!Buck, Buckley siblings kiss of death, Buck in the stairs (just started this one last night!)

Goals for 2024:

I want to finish posting all of the WIPs which are already on ao3, post my s7 fic before March 14, keep working on all the WIPs I have in my docs and of course write more and keep sharing!

Most of all I want to keep participating in this wonderful fandom I've found on here, I have had *such* a good time over the past year in fandom 🥰🥰

No pressure tags (sorry if you've already done this and I missed it!)

@hellwrites @the-emdash @wildlife4life @disasterbuckdiaz @loserdiaz @jeeyuns @callmenewbie @911-on-abc @bittersweet-in-boston @kwills91 @trenchcoatsandtimetravel @spotsandsocks @devirnis @housewifebuck @lover-of-mine @gayhoediaz @mojowitchcraft @wikiangela @steadfastsaturnsrings @sunflowerdiaiz @cardamomsage @velvetjinx

Also tagging anyone else who might want to look back at the year and I've accidentally missed!

Rules: Feel free to show whatever stats you have. Only want to show Ao3 stats? Rock on. Want to include some quantitative info instead of stats? Please do this. Want to change how yours is presented? Absolutely do that. Would rather eat glass than do this? Please don’t eat glass but don’t feel like you have to do this either.

[this-is-moony-lovegood]

OK, genuine question. Has anyone read a fic where it’s a buddie x princess diaries AU? If so, please reply to this so I can read it. If not, I need you to hear me out, because I need someone to write this ASAP and I don’t have time for it.

I’m thinking that Eddie has to be our Mia. The reason for that is I need Isabel to be our queen Clarice Rinaldi. This Ramon went to college in the United States and met Helena. While he was there, they fell in love and he decided that he didn’t want to be king anymore. If it meant he got to be with her. He graduates college he Genovia and goes to the states. When Isabel sends someone after him, they find that Helena is pregnant with Eddie. This would imply that Eddie is the oldest child, even if we don’t actually know if that’s the case for this to work. Eddie is going to need to be the heir to the throne.

So the story picks up where Ramon has died relatively recently, maybe within the last year? And Isabel and her security team, which consist of Bobby, Hen, Chimney, and Buck arrive on Eddie’s doorstep. at this point, let’s say that Christopher is six, and that Shannon has either died or has left them. When Isabel and the team show up there essentially saying that it is time for Isabel to step down and that she needs Eddie to take the throne of Genovia because he is the rightful heir. This is also assuming that Ramon is the oldest child, even if Pepa is most likely the oldest child in Cannon. Ramona is the oldest it would mean because Eddie exists in the first place, he would have claim to the throne before her. Kind of like the only reason that Prince Harry would have the throne is if all of Prince William children were to die. Does that make sense?

I’m kind of fuzzy on whether or not you tell the full story of the first Princess diaries, because I don’t feel like this would work very well. I think that this only functions if Eddy is a little bit older like 24 to 26. So we can go with the whole high school plot. So instead, I feel like we introduce the fact that this is how Eddie becomes the crown prince of Genovia and then we do a skip. So with the story, I think we jump up to essentially where we are in the second Princess diaries movie. So essentially Parliament is telling Mia, or in this case Eddie the only way that Eddie can take the throne is if he is married. However, instead of having Eddie fall for someone who could potentially take the throne, we had to do with the fact that he’s already head over heels for buck. I don’t think that Buck or Eddie are aware of each others feelings at this point, so they have been dancing around it. Essentially since Eddie came to Genovia Buck and Eddy have been really close because Buck is part of Eddy personal security team. So we have to go through the business of Eddie trying to find a wife with the help of the team? I’d like to think that maybe we can put Athena as Isabel‘s chief of staff, while Bobby is the head of security. Anyway, they do the whole slideshow presentation and the team end up picking Marisol. So Eddy is having to go through with this engagement/potential marriage, while simultaneously in love with Buck.

My whole reasoning for this is I would love to see a scene where they end up, kissing in the garden and falling into the fountain, and then dealing with Athena‘s wrath after that. And then I really want to see an archery scene where Buck is helping Eddie learn archery, because he still pretty new to this whole princely thing and does not know, how to shoot a bow and arrow properly. Bonus points if we have Christopher laughing in the background at Eddie’s miserable archery skills. And then I really want the scene where you would have Buck throwing rocks at his window and then they sneak out and have their date under the tree and wake up into their arms, and then it’s spoiled by paparazzi. And of course you have to have the big wedding where Eddie has to say Marisol I’m “sorry I’m not gonna marry you because I don’t need a queen at my side to rule a country I love.” But then Eddie and Buck afterwards regardless.

Do we see the vision? Because I need someone to write this if it has not already been written. And if it has, like I said before, send it to me!

[lovecolibri]

SaL anon here my friend after a very, very long week. This is actually my 3rd attempt at sending you an ask. First, I finally had time and was excited to type up something for the latest episode and then the Buck LI stuff came out and the mood for that was killed. Next I had mostly typed up my salty thoughts only to have my internet go down (yes, I whined at home "what i was going to read??!!" and pointedly ignored my very much filled bookcase because my ships aren't in them). So here let's see if this one works out.

So how is it KR and the promo dept always manage to kill any joy we have when we get fed any kind of Buddie content (the follow-up to the Eddie getting shot, and the 5b and premier come to mind here)?? Seriously Buck and Eddie more or less went on a date and had family night together and almost immediately they came back with "look Buck and Eddie are going to go on dates!!". Its exhausting cause it seems like any time they put out a story that might even be slightly suggestive of them being more than platonic bros they insist on following it up with stories to "prove" they are, no matter how recycled those plots are.

And okay let's take a second here to ask WTF is KR doing with these characters? In 6b alone we've had Buck dying, a coma dream, PTSD, super powers, and now he's getting a crush, and we STILL haven't finished the accursed sperm donor storyline??!! Bobby and Athena investigated had the death of a beloved friend 🙄 plot, HenRen had the nonsensical Denny secretly seeing his Dad which was never an issue before plot, and Madney and Eddie are just kinda there?? The other characters have had at best one storyline where the audience has to either invent or rewrite the backstory for. But for Buck he's had like 50 plotlines, none of which have really gone anywhere? I love Buck but I'd rather have him have 1 good arc and resolution than whatever this bullshit is. I'd easily take that screentime and give it to any of the other characters if it meant we got 1 well thought out and executed storyline. Instead we're just recycling and redressing old plots for everyone else while KR uses a magnetic poetry set to plan what Buck's doing from episode to episode. We have 5 episodes left in the season, 4-5 guest characters that are going to be incorporated (including 2 much beloathed ones 🙄🙄🙄), and nothing really setup for our mains to do (even Eddie dating isn't setup, it literally hasn't come up after Ana and you'd think they could have in 6a while he was watching his son mature).

Anyway, I'll stop the rant here though there's definitely more I could say. I'll close off saying I hope you're feeling better today since this week looks like its been rough on you. Sending you virtual tea, soup, and hugs!!

Long week is RIGHT my friend! I'm so sorry you were foiled in your previous attempts! I am right there with you on the Buck LI stuff just...sucking a lot of the joy out of things for me. Because of course we're doing this again 🙄🙄🙄 I was even writing up notes on a possible fic and you KNOW I haven't written anything since Malex and even that was before s4 started. But alas. That sucks about the power going out! I hate when that happens especially if I was in the middle of something! (Also I am SO with you. I keep buying books and then just...not reading them because my brain says "it's not our blorbos so no.)

I am just...so tired at this point. Like yes these people *may* not stick around, but even so, I don't want to loose out on Buddie scenes and Buckley-Diaz family scenes! I don't want Buck to have 90% of his time and discussions with some new character I do not know or care about instead of Eddie and the firefam! They already tried to do that with BT and it was the woooooorst! I want Eddie to have screentime and arcs but again, I don't want the little time we DO get to be wasted on some random side character! And lets be honest, there is no person they can introduce at this point that can compare with the relationship Buck and Eddie have already built and the ways in which they are the perfect partners for what each other needs. So the options are to a) cut down on seeing that relationship so their new het ones don't look so shitty and lame in comparison, b) have these women be mostly just Blurry Girlfriends in the background with no personality or depth just to have the boys paired off so they don't have to do Buddie while still centering their relationship so people can't call them out for not committing to Buddie because their "friendship" looks basically the same, or c) give them LIs that are basically the other's personalities transplanted into a female body in order to have the relationship be anything close to what Buck and Eddie need in a life partner. These are all terrible options, and I hate them, more than I hate the idea of them ending up single even though it undercuts their own narrative set up for the characters but that's a cop-out too.

ANYWAY

👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 to everything about Buck's 700 shitty arcs this season while everyone else is mostly twiddling their thumbs. KR is literally the worst at pacing and planning, and constructing a season with any kind of flow. On the bright side, Ravi is coming back and Chim is going to get to do something! I'm so excited! I was really hoping for more of him and Bobby teaming up last week because the little crumbs we got were GOLD.

I did have a very emotionally rollercoaster-y week and the show being Like This absolutely Did Not Help, but I am making it work. Mostly with loooots of fic. Cheers friend, lets see if we can make it through the finale intact, if Buddie dreams can make it through the finale intact, and if the SHOW can make it through the finale intact with how these renewal negotiations are going.

[council-of-beetroot]

💕 🔮📚🏆🎤

💕who's a character you love but never (or rarely) talk about?

Answered here

📚 recommend a fanfic!

Since it's what got me hooked on polpru and desperate enough for more Polpru so that besides constantly pestering Eddy (I'm surprised they haven't told me to go away and leave them alone) I made a whole ship week, i will recommend this by @doomspiral however you are legally required to tell me what you think after reading

Also go read this by @lietpolski it's fantastic!

And of course here is my main fic rec list and my bookmarks that i recommend you check out

Fic rec list

Also if you read any fics on my bookmarks let me know what you think i love discussing fics

🔮 you can choose to retcon one thing from the manga/anime, what is it?

Answered here

🎤 what's your favourite character song?

Answered here

🏆 sell us on a character! maybe it's someone who you think deserves more love - tell us why they should be liked!!

Okay first everyone needs to forget western Europe and north America exist for a minute okay? Trust me it's way more fun that way. Now let me introduce you to my favorite motherfucker: Lithuania

This dude's romantic history could fill an encyclopedia this dude has been at the top of the world and has had to lift himself up from the ground. Who doesn't like that kind of character? This dude is fucking feral and yet is stuck working the nation equivalent of a shit 9-5 soulless office job. He's got found family and forced family dynamics too! Plus he looks great in a dress (the best men are the ones you can make into women) And besides everyone likes places like Britain or France but imagine how badass you will look when you say Lithuania is where it's at.

[mutenized]

Red String of Fate

Modern Eddie Munson x AFAB Photographer reader 

Part 2 is here! thank you all for the love, it really means a lot! @omgitsd0lly​ really encouraged and supported me to make this fic more than it was going to be! With her support I’ve decided to make this a series so if you haven’t read part one you can find it here and the playlist I’ve made to accompany this work can be found here!

I really don’t know the word count since I’ve been drabbling this in my notes so apologies!

Also I don’t know the name of the one Hellfire Club/Corroded Coffin member so I’m making it up, please don’t hate me lmao

Warnings: alcohol consumption, mention of social anxiety, Dustin is 18 in the fic so it’s not like they’re taking a minor on tour but really would you think Eddie would separate himself from someone he sees as a little brother?

MASTERLIST / REQUEST SOMETHING 

Playful giggles left Robin and you as you two nestled together against the crowded bar. Taking advantage of the swarm of fans trying to say hi to Jeff, Gareth, Michael, and especially Eddie, Robin opens the gallery of her camera to show you the photos she took. On your way over, the two of you had agreed to laugh at photos that weren’t even that serious just to make Eddie even more jumpy than he already was.

“Oh and LOOK at this one! What a DORK!” A chortle left Robin which made Gareth push through the crowd to join the both of you at the bar. “That doesn’t look funny at all, what are you two doing?” With a lowered voice, you filled in the brunette in on your antics to which he enthusiastically joined in on. 

“Dude! Eddie looks fucking dumb! God bless him.” Fluttering his lashes while he faked a southern drawl, Gareth chuckled as a wheeze laugh escaped your lips. That was it. Politely excusing himself from the girl who wouldn’t stop clinging to his side and flirting, which he playfully returned, Eddie made his way to your part of the bar with crossed arms and feigned annoyance. 

“Let me see this photo!” Long arms reached for the expensive body of the camera in which Robin instantly reacted by leaning away from him and cradling it by her chest. 

“DUDE, I suggest you don’t grab for my baby unless you want a handful of boob and an earful of terrified screams.” The words that fell off of Robin’s lips made the taller metalhead to retract his arm back to his side before sighing dramatically.

“FINE but I’ll see them later in the hotel, you know that.” With a final pointed (but friendly) glare to the girl who reminded you so much of a more chaotic version of Peter Parker, Eddie’s chocolatey doe eyes focused on you as you nursed your vodka soda. “I’m Eddie, by the way. I hope these two didn’t make you think I’m too much of a dweeb.” Cracking a sideways smile, a hum escaped your throat. 

“I don’t know.... they both told me unholy secrets from your high school years...” a lie in which the duo played along with. God you three would be the death of him, he already knew it. 

“Oh god.” An exasperated sigh leaves him as his shoulders slump. Rolling your eyes, you hold your hand out and officially introduced yourself. “I was wondering what your name was. You tood out like a sore thumb compared to all this...” Wildly motioning his arms around, you took in the crowd only to shrug. “Hey I’m here to capture the moment and listen to good music, even if it usually isn’t my normal flavor.” With a swig of your drink, you placed the empty cup on the opposite side of the counter before waving to Bella who nodded and quickly threw the cup in the trash.

“Well, big boy,” you teased, slapping your hand against his chest, horror filling his face as he realized you had heard the name the girl whom was previously attached to his side had used, “I gotta go do my job and get the band’s set captured. See you after.”

Pushing through the crowd, you felt a mix of embarrassment and pride fill your chest. Little did you know, Eddie was staring at you with widened eyes and admiration whilst Gareth, Robin, and Jeff, who had joined at the tail end of the conversation, gaped and folded into one another laughing harder than ever before.

The show had come and gone, and you slouched behind the two folding tables that made up of the merch table for the bands. Leaning against the wall, you had gotten into a conversation with your friend’s girlfriend about the photos you’ve taken for the set as well as the ones you had snagged of them in the green room right after the set. Pride was too weak to describe how you felt about these photos, some of them being your best work. 

“Hey doll,” snapping your head to Saph, the singer and your friend, “I think fuzzball is making googly eyes at you like he was on stage. Need me to do anything?” Looking over her shoulder, you rolled your eyes playfully before shaking your head. “No, no it’s fine. I might’ve embarrassed him in front of his friends, so I think that’s why he’s like that.” Perking a brow, you filled Saph and her girlfriend in on everything which made tears fill both of their eyes as they folded and held their stomachs laughing. 

Making your way back over to the Corroded Coffin crew, you rested your elbow on Robin’s shoulder in which she responded by wrapping her arm around your waist. Your usual social anxiety was nowhere to be found, most likely thanks in part to the alcohol you had consumed earlier. You weren’t paying attention to the conversation filling the now empty venue until you heard your name being mentioned. 

“-so, what do you think? Want to join us on the rest of tour?” Snapping back to reality, your eyes focused on Jeff’s. “Oh word? What did you say? I’m sorry but I was zoned out.” A flush fell upon your cheeks as you admitted, half in part to your own fault of zoning out and other part due to Jeff asking you to join them on tour. 

“I was asking if you’d want to join us on the rest of tour. Robin’s main focus is on video so having her do double has been running us dry on content so...” Arching his brows and opening his arms out to you as if to say, ‘the choice is yours.’

Looking between the group consisting of your new friend Robin, Jeff, Gareth, Michael, and Eddie, you roll your bottom lip between your teeth gently as you rack your brain to see if you had any prior engagements. Shrugging after an anxious and hopeful pause, you nodded.

“Yea, sure! If you want, we can go out drinking then we can crash at my apartment which also gives me time to pack my shit.” A roar of cheers escaped the group before their merch slinger whom you had learned was named Dustin, trudged inside with a huff. “The merch is in the van, so what’s the deal for tonight!” 

The Barcade was filled with the ideal demographic, and the staff didn’t mind Dustin being 18 as long as he didn’t consume any alcohol, so that was a win. Leaning against the Space Invader cabinet that sat unused, your eyes dragged over Eddie’s figure as he and Gareth yelled at one another in competitive spirits. 

Twisting the wheels of the racing game, stomping of faux gas pedals were paired with the rigs that held the steering wheels in slamming as they hit the end. “Jesus, if you drive like this in a game, I’m glad you don’t drive the bus.” Walking over behind Eddie’s seat, you focus on his screen and cringe as multiple cars pass his. “Damn, big boy, put some pedal to the metal.” God, there you went with that damn pet name again. If you weren’t so oddly hyper focused on the screen, you would’ve missed the way Eddie’s ring clad fingers squeezed at the peeling faux leather of the steering apparatus. 

“Well, princess, better watch what you say. I bet I can beat your ass at this.” Eddie’s head tilted up so his gaze could meet yours. A competitive glint played in the pools of his deep orbs in which you fell into. Rolling your own eyes, your hand lightly shoved his head before pointing to his screen. “You literally drive like a fucking grandma, I can beat you.”

Hopping into the plastic seat to the right of Eddie’s you press 4 tokens into the slot before a ‘waiting’ emblem appeared on screen. Eddie wouldn’t admit it, but between the way you had easily meshed with him and his chosen family, paired with the way you returned the playful jabs he was commonly known for using, his head was dizzy with an affection he hadn’t felt for anyone in a while. He was positive he was being delusional in his tipsy state when he thought that there was a magnetic pull between you both. 

Yet he didn’t know you thought the same thing within the first moment your palm met his.

‘Red string of fate is tangling I'll gently pull on the thread Unravel all that's mangling Unclear thoughts in my head’

[edsloveydove]

I Have Always Seen You

pairing: eddie munson x chubby female reader

summary: of course the boy i've known since 3rd grade, the one i've loved since 7th grade, would be the one to break my heart. i never thought he would be the one to fix it too...

warnings: bullying, fatphobia, use of the word pig towards reader once, falling off a bike, blood and cut knee from falling off said bike, self-doubt and sort of self-hate i guess, cursing, mentality that reader wouldn't be 'missed' (idk if thats a warning but just in case), no use of y/n, underage drinking, reader has an older brother for sake of the story (i gave him a really basic/common name), thoughts and flashbacks are in italics!! nickanames/pet names (shortcake, princess, honey, sweetheart), reader is at least a bit shorter than eddie, very poorly edited, talks of the demobats and upside down, again like very badly edited, lemme know if i missed anything, i'm sure i have!

word count: 9k+

notes: my first fic guys and it turned into this 9,000 word monster! wild! anyway, this might be trash i honestly don't know, i have no perception of it, pls let me know what you think!! also, this story is told in first person point of view so it uses 'i, me, myself' and all that, idk how i feel about it though tbh. uuuuh, enjoy!!

DON'T REPOST MY WRITING OR SHARE IT TO OTHER PLATFORMS (including mentioning it in tiktok comment sections and stuff like that pls) THIS IS MY WRITING, DON'T STEAL IT PLEASE!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The sweltering midwestern heat was hitting Hawkins, Indiana early this year. School had only been out for a few weeks and it was already hot enough to have the city pool passing the max capacity damn near every day. 

Luckily for me, I had been able to successfully avoid going every time my friends have asked me to join them. Until now. 

“C’mon, it’s gonna be so much fun! Steve’s parents are gone again, like usual, so it’ll just be us and a few other friends!” Robin tries to convince me through the phone.  

“Robin, I never believe ‘just us and a few friends’, because it is ne-”

“It’s never just a few friends, I know. But this time it really will be just a few people. Like, actually just a few people. After everything that happened during spring break and all that, Steve really just wants the main guys there. There’s not gonna be any crazy partying, we’re gonna swim and relax, that’s it.”

“I don’t know, I might be busy tomorrow,” I attempt an excuse. 

“Then we’ll move it to when you’re free. We really want you there, you haven’t gone to any of our movie nights or other hangouts yet,” Robin points out while saying my name softly. “Is it something else? Is there someone you don’t want there?” 

Robin isn’t entirely wrong, there is something else that’s keeping me from joining my friends. And technically it does have to do with someone, but not in the way she thinks. And that someone happens to be none other than the Eddie Munson. 

I’ve known Eddie for many years. My older brother was one of his best friends while growing up having met in elementary school. James was in the grade above Eddie, and the one to introduce him to D&D, eventually passing on the title of Hellfire Club President to him as well. I was always in the background, hoping my brother would let me learn how to play just so I could impress him and his friends. 

While they were occupying the basement, getting pizza and bottles of Coke every other Saturday for their stupid role-playing game, I was in my room reading trashy romance novels and out riding my bike to the library in hopes to seem cool when I came back late at night. 

By the time I got to high school, it was James’ second to last year before he went off to college in Chicago on his big-shot football scholarship he managed to snag before he was even a senior. And yes, James was a Hellfire nerd and a star-athlete, so no one messed with their little club while he was there. Eddie was in his sophomore year, already antsy to graduate and move on to greater things. 

I was just the outcast that didn’t even have a group. It didn’t matter that I was the captain of the football team’s little sister, I never made any friends because I never tried to. 

Needless to say, yeah, Eddie and I had some history and maybe things got brought up when Vecna was trying to take over the world that might have been better left untouched. And maybe the idea of seeing him again brings butterflies to my stomach while also making my gut sink. 

“No, it's not that. I just…I guess I just haven’t been feeling it since…since yanno,” I say, half heartedly. 

Robin voices her understanding and tells me to just call back when I make a decision on if I would go or not. I promise her I will and hang up the phone. It’s not like I didn’t want to see them, because truly I did but it also wasn’t a complete lie when I told her I hadn’t been feeling quite right since the Venca situation. 

It was a really traumatic and horrible experience for everyone involved, and really astonishing that everyone made it out alive. 

‘Maybe I should just go…but what if it’s horrible? I know none of my lovely friends would ever say anything to me about it, but I just can’t stand the thought of them seeing me in a swimsuit, especially Eddie.’ I shake my head at the thought. ‘What a stupid thing to think, god, we all nearly died and I’m worried about my stomach in a swimsuit, how shallow is that? I guess some things just never change, no matter the life threatening situation…’

I go about my nighttime routine, washing my face and making sure no lights have been left on around the house. I say goodnight to my mother and fall right asleep. Or, I try to at least. 

But my mind keeps me up for much longer than I would have hoped. 

‘It would be a good time, though. Have a couple of beers, spend the night in one of Steve’s nice guest bedrooms. I wouldn’t even have to swim, I could just say I’m on my period or something. Ugh, but Robin knows that I always swam even on my period when we were younger. I’ll just wear a suit under my clothes and pretend the water is too cold even though it’s the peak of summer? Yeah, that should work. I can’t imagine anyone will care that much anyway if I’m not in the pool with them. I really do miss my friends.’

~ 

The next morning I call Robin and tell her I’ll be there tonight. She squeals in delight and tells me how happy she’ll be to see me.

Now it was just time to pick out an outfit, should be simple enough, right? 

Well, after leaving it to the last second and now only having about 15 minutes to get to Steve’s when it’s already a five minute drive, having half of my closet strewn about my room doesn’t seem like a very good place to be at. 

I finally sigh and opt for a swim suit from the summer before that I never wore, a green one piece with a wrapped sort of style for the top portion, and black cut off shorts and an old t-shirt that fits comfortably loose over it. 

I grab my keys and kiss my mother on the forehead, reminding her I wouldn’t be back till the next morning. 

Several shouts of my name reach my ears once I reach Steve’s backyard, it does bring a small smile to my face knowing I’ve been missed just as much as I’ve missed them. 

“You’re actually here, I’m so happy to see you!” Nancy says pulling me in for a hug, Robin joining on top, squishing us all together. 

“Yeah, yeah, I know it’s been a while. I’m sorry.” 

“No, you don’t have to be sorry, it’s been a really hard year,” Nancy says sincerely. 

Steve comes up for a hug next, squishing me for dear life, I could feel him about to try to lift me up and spin me around so I pull away rather abruptly. 

“Alright, alright, it’s nice to see you, too, Steve.”

He answers with a kiss to the cheek and makes me promise that I’ll come to the next hangout and every one after that. I see Jonathan and he waves with a small awkward smile. 

Finally my eyes meet Eddie’s. 

~

“James! James! C’mon, come outside and play with me!” It was nearing the end of summer before James would go back to school for his 8th grade year and I would be going into 6th grade. 

“Not right now, can’t you see that I’m busy? I’m too old to play outside anyway,” my brother rolls his eyes. 

I hop down the stairs so I can see the basement fully now. Spotting all of my brother's friends huddled around our dinky old card table while he has books and notepads sprawled on his end. 

“Well, can I at least play your game with you guys? I’m sure I can learn it fast!” I beam, faking confidence in hopes to sway them. 

“No offense, shortcake, but it’s probably too confusing for you. Besides, we’re right in the middle of a campaign, it would be too hard to add in another character out of the blue right now,” Eddie says with a chuckle, like the idea that I could play is too amusing to even consider. 

Naturally, I take full offense. 

“Fine! You’re all so annoying, I didn’t even want to play with you anyway. Especially not with someone who has a buzzcut!” I stick my tongue out at them and run away, but not before I can hear them laughing. 

Sitting alone in my room I know it was childish of me, especially for my age. James was probably right, he was too old to be outside playing tag with his sister. I was too old to be throwing a tantrum like this over some friends wanting to spend time with each other without one’s little sister hanging around. 

~

“Hey, Munson.” 

Eddie nods his head in greeting and goes back to talking with Jonathan. Well, that’s honestly about as much interaction as I expected to get from him tonight. 

“Alright, let’s get this party started!” Robin exclaims, dragging you toward the cooler filled with ice and drinks, I grab a Sprite to start with. 

2 hours later and my Sprite is still mostly untouched and it’s now gone lukewarm. The others are in the pool splashing and playing chicken, I sit on the side with my feet dangling into the shallow end, watching as they fool around and laugh. Giggles and quiet laughs leave my lips on occasion with them. 

“You should get in, the water’s really nice!” Nancy says. 

“Yeah! Strip for us and get in here,” Robin adds, making everyone laugh. 

“You guys just want to get me out of my clothes, don’t you?” I play it off, shaking my head slightly. Giggles erupt again. I excuse myself to the bathroom after pulling my legs out of the pool. 

Closing and locking the door behind me I look at myself in the mirror.

‘I should just get in the pool, shouldn’t I? I do feel like I’m missing out on what could be a lot of fun. And it wouldn’t hurt to wash all this sweat off of me. I could just keep my shirt on, I have an extra change of clothes as backup anyway.’ 

I finish my business and leave the bathroom. 

After turning the corner to go back to the pool I run straight into something firm, nearly being toppled over before hands are at my forearms to keep me from doing so. Seeing dark curls fanning across this “something’s” shoulders and several patches of dark ink on its bare skin, I immediately know I have just run head first into Eddie. Great. 

“Sorry, I wasn’t looking where I was going,” I murmur, keeping my eyes pointed down. 

“It’s alright, shortcake. No harm done right?” he says, adjusting his head to try to catch my eyes. 

I nod my head and pull away from his hands that still rest gently on my arms. 

“Hey, hey, what’s up? You’re so quiet tonight, is everything okay?” 

I nod again and pull away harder, rushing out the door to get back to the pool, ignoring his call of my name and a request to “just hold on a second.” 

Pulling my shorts off quickly, I step up to the pool and begin to wade into the water before Robin stops me. 

“Your shirt! You don’t want the chlorine to ruin it!” 

My heart thumps, thinking of how I can handle this. My mouth opens to say something but before I can, Robin cuts me off. 

“Just take it off, no one’s gonna make fun of you for being in your swimsuit and if they do I’ll beat them up for you and then we’ll all collectively agree to throw them out of the group. And don’t try to tell me that’s not what it is, I can see it all over your face. You’re allowed to have fun and go swimming, I don’t like to see you excluding yourself, no matter the reason,” she says. 

Of course she would see right through any lie I could throw her way. That’s just how Robin is. No matter how clumsy she can be, she really is observant. Not only that, but she’s right. Nobody cares and if they do, that’s their problem. 

I rip off my shirt and dive into the pool trying to minimize the time in which people could see me without it. Immediately finding Steve’s legs I yank his ankles so he falls backwards into the water with an unnecessarily loud screech. 

It makes the rest of us laugh loudly until Steve comes back up for air with a thirst for vengeance. He chases me around the pool, not for long considering he’s such a strong swimmer and I’m really not trying very hard to get away from him, and catches me easily. His arms wrap around my waist and I cringe as his hands nudge my stomach, scolding myself for the action right after. Steve doesn’t care about my stomach, if he did, he wouldn’t be my friend. 

“That really wasn’t very nice,” Steve says and starts lifting me out of the water. 

“Steve, hey. Steve! Steve, no, I’m too heavy! Stevie, no! Bad Stevie! Bad!”

I’m thrown in the air as far as he can get me and I splash back down. 

I come up spluttering for breath, “Oh, you are so dead, Harrington!” 

All at once the rest of us are splashing and dunking him over and over, until he pleads mercy. Shrieks and squeals of glee and what might be considered laughter fill the air as everyone gets their turn being thrown into the water. 

Eddie comes back out from the house and cannonballs in the middle of our ‘hate on Steve’ fest. 

Eventually I end up back on the side of the pool in my shirt with just my feet in, this time so I can enjoy a fresh soda and mellow out a little, not to make myself smaller. Nancy and Jonathan have called it a night already, leaving Steve, Eddie, and Robin in or by the pool with me. 

“I never noticed this scar? Where did you get it?” Robin points to my knee. 

~ 

The nice old librarian put a hand on my shoulder gently to get my attention, telling me the library would be closing soon and it was best I head home, I hadn’t realized how late it already was. I pack everything together as fast as I can, quickly saying goodnight and unlocking my bike, trying my hardest to race home before the sun sets. 

The wheels of my rickety bicycle pump faster and faster and in my haste I bump over a high curb without realizing, flying off and onto the pavement. 

Tears spring to my eyes as air is sucked in through my teeth. I take a look at my knee and see a small dribble of blood seeping down it, my hands have little scrapes all over, spotted with little beads of red. 

Not the worst I could have gotten from a bike incident, but bad enough to keep me from being able to ride the rest of the way home. It’s not far, but so much for getting back before the street lights turn on. 

About 15 minutes later I make it into our backyard, dropping the two wheeled contraption from hell into the grass and stumbling through the door, all while sniffling back sobs. 

“Oh hey, shortcake! James was starting to get worried about you, you really shouldn’t walk alone at night yanno? Next time ju-” Eddie cuts himself off after seeing the state I’m in. Of course he had to be the one to see me like this. Anyone else could have been sent on snack duty tonight, but it just had to be him. 

“Oh my god, what happened?” He walks up to me. 

I shrug my shoulders and look away. I catch a glimpse of how bad my knees and hands have gotten on the walk home. Blood drips down both knees, my left knee looking significantly worse than the right. Dirt and pebbles cover my palms along with streaks of crimson. 

“Don’t do that, sweetheart. Tell me what happened? Please?” 

I still don’t say anything, fresh, hot tears welling up and already spilling out. I refuse to let stupid Eddie Munson see me like this, all it would be is more leverage to make fun of me with. 

He pulls my hand gently until I’m sitting down. Eddie appears in front of me with a first aid kit a few seconds later, carefully cleaning the gashes on my knees and scrapes on my hands with alcohol wipes. 

“Did,” he lets out a shuddering breath, “Did someone hurt you?” 

“No, god no Eddie, I just-, god this is so embarrassing, I just fell off of my bike is all,” I mutter, not really wanting him to hear the words as they come out. 

“S’ not embarrassing, stuff like that happens. I just wish you would have told me, here I was thinking the boys and I were going to have to band together to cause hell for our favorite little goblin,” he says. 

“You’re just trying to make me feel better, you guys wouldn’t really do that, I guess James might. Most of you guys don’t even really like me that much anyway, you don’t have to lie,” I whisper.

“That’s not true! Of course we would stick up for you!” he says like he’s shocked that I would think the opposite. 

I just shrug my shoulders again and wipe my eyes, still avoiding looking him in the face. 

“Here, let me help you up to your room. That can’t feel good to walk on,” he pulls me up from the chair and goes to lift me into his arms. I jump out of his reach before he can. 

“It’s okay, I got it. Just- you better get back downstairs before they start worrying. I’ll take care of myself.” 

“What? No, you’re basically limping just standing here, shortcake, let me carry you, it’ll only take a minute?” He phrases it like a question. Asking but also sort of demanding. 

The idea is actually really nice, and I want to say yes to it. It would be like when the prince finally gets the princess in all those books I’ve read. Eddie could sweep me off of my feet and whisk me away. 

But I know better, I know that he wouldn’t be able to lift me. Even if he could he wouldn’t so much as glance at me, again, I’m just his friend's little sister. Here only because this is where she lives. 

“No thank you, I’m okay. Go ahead and go back to your game, I’m sure they miss you already. Nobody would even notice if I were gone, but they’ll practically riot without you,” I try to cover how deeply I believe those words with a laugh as I wobble away and halfway up the stairs before he can stop me. 

~

“Um, I guess I don’t really remember. It’s probably just one of those super old scars you forget are even there,” I say, even though I recall the night I got it vividly. 

Eddie’s eyes meet mine from the other side of the pool and they look almost…hurt at the possibility that I might not remember that day. Well, he didn’t get to feel hurt about it. He made it clear that he doesn’t care how I feel when we were in the upside down. 

“Hmmm, yeah, I have, like, tons of those actually,” Robin says, “This one is from my cat, Steven, and this one-” 

“You have a cat named Steven?” I cut her off. She gives me a look that says ‘duh’. 

“But what about Steve? Like human Steve? Was this before or after you became friends? And how has this never come up before?” I practically shriek. 

“Believe me, it has come up before. And yes, before she tells you otherwise, it was after we became friends,” Steve says, settling down beside me while throwing his arm around my shoulders. 

“That is not true! I found him outside the mall before we became friends! We may have been working together at that point, but we were not friends yet!” Robin shouts. 

“We were friends, she’s just embarrassed that she named her cat after me,” Steve whispers in my ear, making me giggle like a schoolgirl. 

Even though I’ve never seen Steve romantically, he still had the ability to reduce me to feet kicking and hair twirling. 

“What’s wrong with you, Munson?” Steve asks, noticing the scowl covering his face that usually carries a bright smile. 

Eddie shakes his head, “Nothing man, just thinking about how I don’t have a beer in my hand right now.” 

~ 

A call of my name breaks my gaze away from the mirror. 

“You almost ready? It’s time to go!” James yells, entering my room. “Hey! You look great! It almost feels like I’m sending you off to prom already,” he says wiping fake tears from his cheeks. 

I shove him in the chest and readjust my hair and the straps to my dress for what feels like the millionth time. It was a rather simple looking thing considering I had to sew it myself since the only dresses even near my size were too far out of theme for the 8th grade Winter Snowball or they were simply just ugly. 

Light blue and white fabric lays delicately across my shoulders and down to my knees, matched with white slip on shoes and silver snowflake jewelry. 

“You look really nice, seriously. I know how nervous you are, but it’s gonna be okay, I promise,” my brother assures me, slapping my shoulder much harder than necessary to push me towards the door, “Now it’s time to get your butt moving, let’s go!” 

When we arrive at the dance I immediately catch eyes with Robin and speed walk to her. James goes wherever he's needed for volunteering. 

After about 45 minutes the first slow song of the night comes on as I sit contently by myself at the far end of the bleachers. I wasn’t sad to not be dancing with anyone, I was honestly sort of relieved that I hadn’t had to dance all night. But watching all the couples on the dance floor does make my heart ache just a little. 

“I haven’t seen you dance all night, what’s that about?” 

“Why are you here?” 

“Ouch, shortcake, I don’t even get a hello? And what, I can’t come volunteer with your brother?” Eddie says, fake hurt painting his face. 

“It just doesn’t seem like you, I guess.” 

He sits down next to me leaving at least enough room for another person to sit between us. He hands me an unopened juice box. 

“Seriously though, why aren’t you out there? You don’t have someone you wanna get cozied up with on the dancefloor?” He wiggles his eyebrows at me in his typical annoying Eddie way. 

I roll my eyes, as my stomach twists with shame. He’s mocking me, isn’t he? 

“Nope. I’m okay with it though. Honestly I was perfectly happy just sitting here. Until you showed up that is,” I say with a shrug. 

“Oh really? Well, gosh, who made you such a sour fart?” he laughs as I push him in the arm. 

“Alright, c’mon then. Pity party is over, let's go do this,” Eddie holds out his hand and raises a brow when all I do is look at it confused. “Let’s go dance, shortcake, you should at least once before it’s over.” 

“Um- I-” I’m at a loss for words. There’s no way he’s being anything but friendly but my stupid heart skips too many beats to count. 

“Here, I need to go check on James and see how the other volunteers are doing. While I take care of that, I want you to sit here and decide if you want to dance with me or not. Of course, I won’t make you do anything you don’t wanna, but if you’re up for it, I’m here,” he says, bouncing back to the drinks and snacks table. I smile giddily at his back and stay sitting. 

By the time the last song of the night played I was still in the exact same spot I had been for nearly 2 hours, waiting for Eddie to come back. 

Immediately after he left, I knew I wanted to dance with him. Of course I would. I’ve known him since I was in 4th grade and have had a crush on him for a year now. All I had to do was wait a few minutes and I would get to live out a fairytale dream. Dancing across the room in a flowey dress with the guy I liked. Of course it would be strictly platonic on his end but it could mean something more to me silently. 

So there I sat, with my empty juice box, tapping my foot in excitement. The first slow song ended and there was no sign of Eddie, but I was sure he just caught up with volunteer work. After the next 3 songs played I began to doubt myself slightly. 

‘Maybe he hadn’t actually wanted to dance like it had seemed. But he looked really sincere when asking me. Yeah. And even if Eddie is just a regular teenage boy, and he can definitely be a jerk sometimes, he’s much sweeter and kinder than most. He wouldn’t leave me hanging like that. He’ll be back any minute now, I’m sure.’ 

By the time 11 more songs had played, I knew he wasn’t coming back. Tears were smearing my mascara while I sat as still as possible on the bleachers, not wanting to draw any attention to myself.  

Of course he wasn’t being serious. He just wanted to tease me like usual, the only difference was this time it went too far. This time he was cruel about it. He could have just told me he didn’t mean it. Instead he strung me along and had me sitting here like a lovesick puppy for an hour straight. 

Who was I kidding? Eddie couldn’t be interested in me. He was my brother's best friend and had seen me grow up. I was just his friend’s chubby little sister. Wearing a dress that doesn’t sparkle and shine like all the others’, sitting alone and pouting like a baby. 

He probably thought I would crush his feet if I accidentally stepped on them. 

After persevering through another hour of horror, James finds me in my corner ready to head home. 

“All ready to go?” he asks jovially like he always seems to be. 

“Yes.” 

James picks up on my mood right away, but I’m already halfway to the car before he can say anything. 

“Okay, uh, I gotta clean up some stuff still but here,” he throws me his car keys when I turn back around, “Go get the car started yeah?” 

I nod and head out to the car when I see Eddie jogging up to the doors after me. My steps speed up hoping for all hell to avoid him. He calls my name but I don’t look back or slow down, in fact, the only thing it succeeds in doing is making me walk faster. 

My hands shake as I try to slip the key into the driver’s side door handle. Warm hands settle on my wrists. 

“Holy shit, I am so sorry, shortcake. I was so excited to dance with you, I really was, I just got caught up in helping another volunteer with something and lost track of time. I didn’t mean to forget you there all alone, I swear on everything. I know how excited you were for tonight and I am so sorry. I didn’t realize how long I had been gone until everyone started leaving and then I saw you get up and realized what I’d done, please forgive me,” he rambles off almost too quickly to understand. 

I expect tears but all I get is a deep rooted feeling of shame and anger. Ashamed by the fact that I thought he would come back and angry at myself for sitting there hopelessly when I could’ve danced with Robin at least. 

“Please, look at me. Please tell me you at least got to dance with someone else, right? You had a good time? Please tell me you at least had fun,” he pleads. 

A scoff escapes me as I whirl on him. 

“No, I didn’t dance with someone else, I sat there and I waited for you. I waited for you the whole time, and I guess that was my first mistake wasn’t it, huh? I believed you. I really thought you meant what you said to me.” 

I rip my arms out of hold. 

“You know what’s funny, too? I was actually having a really good time before you showed up. I told you as much earlier, even. I was perfectly happy to sit by myself, considering that’s how I spend most of my time anyway. I was really enjoying just watching the lights and the twirl of dresses, alone. I was overjoyed to just sit and watch Robin dance with her friends. And you had to come and- and lie to me! You made me feel special for fuck’s sake.” 

His eyes flash with guilt and he must have finally realized how much he hurt me. 

“I get that I’m not the prettiest and skinniest girl and I know that most of those kids don’t even know my name, but you do! You know me. You know me and you still forgot about me,” I pause and take a deep breath, “Do you remember what I said that night when I fell off my bike?” 

Eddie shakes his head.

“Nobody would even notice if I were gone. Nobody, not even you, I guess. You forgot about me not even 5 minutes after making me feel like the most special girl in that whole damn room. And that was really mean, Eddie. I hope you, at least, have a good rest of your night,” I step into the car and start the engine.

~ 

Steve plops down next to me holding 4 cans of beer, one for each of us. 

“I’m really happy I came tonight, thank you, for inviting me and not forgetting about me after I kinda disappeared,” I say quietly. 

Steve pats my back while Robin says something along the lines of ‘duh, of course we would never forget about you.’ 

Eddie stays silent, watching me closely. 

I put my drink on the ground beside me and lay on my back, pulling my shirt down to make sure it covers me still. I start to count the stars, just to keep my brain occupied. My eyes drift shut, my mind choosing to visit yet another memory tonight.  

~ 

It was James’ graduation party. All we had were a couple tables set up with snacks in the backyard and a bonfire, nothing too fancy. I made a simple ‘Happy Graduation!’ banner to hang across the gate for everyone to see, too. 

I’m wearing a plain white sundress and converse, I knew I would be running back and forth from the backyard and the kitchen too much for heels to be sensible. Making sure there’s enough drinks and food and ice for everyone was my job tonight. The sun is still up, melting the ice and warming every drink out here. 

James calls my name softly, “You can quit running around and tending to every little need. Come hang out with everyone for a little bit. Please?” 

I set down the metal tub where drinks are kept and walk over to sit around the fire with him and his usual friends. New faces have popped up over the years, but many stayed the same. Danny Williams, a junior who may or may not have been my first kiss when we happened to both show up at the same party and ended up playing spin the bottle together, Jason Carver, a freshman who appeared promising on the football team before switching to basketball instead, Michael Brown, a senior who’s been in the little Hellfire Group since the beginning. There are several others I don’t recognize and even more that I do. 

Of course, Eddie is there too. I just haven’t really…acknowledged him in…in a really long time. 

I haven’t necessarily been giving him the silent treatment, but I stopped entertaining the conversations he always seemed to start with me. 

Danny greets me with a smile as he sits down next to me. He even pulls his lawn chair a little closer towards mine, grinning slightly while doing so. 

“What can I do for you Danny?” I say. 

“Oh nothing. I just wanted to come sit by you, is all.” Huh. That…that sort of stumps me. 

I didn’t think Danny would even recognize me at the party, and I’m honestly even more surprised that he wanted to talk to me after kissing me. We make small conversation, butting into the rest of the group's discussion once in a while to add an opinion. 

Night had fallen and marshmallows and graham crackers were brought out for s'mores, as well as a couple of 12 packs of beer that someone had brought with them. 

I knew James had gone to several parties to celebrate winning a football game where there had been alcohol, or even just little get-togethers where it was provided. I guess now that it was only soon-to-be seniors and high school graduates, minus myself, left at the party it was time for that portion of the night to begin. 

I stand up to go in and let the others have their fun. 

“Where’re you going?” Danny asks, grabbing my hand lightly, looking up with wide puppy dog eyes. His eyes are a pretty green color. Brown eyes have always been my favorite, though. 

“Oh, I was just going to head in and call it a night. That way you all could have your fun without worrying about me dragging you down.” 

My comment makes his brows furrow, his mouth opens to say something, but he’s cut off. 

“You can stay out here, you know. No one minds having you here and I’m sure dear old James doesn’t care if you partake in a little drink, do you?” Eddie states. When did he get so close to us? 

“Even if I did care she gets to do what she wants, man. As long as you're safe about it, go for it,” James says, patting my back and taking one for himself. 

I’ve never drank before, but what the hell? James was leaving in just a few weeks now and this might be my only chance to try it. It’s certainly one of my last chances to hang out with everyone like this, at least for a while. 

After just 2 cans my tongue had already loosened significantly. Danny and I had been talking and giggling the whole time until he had gotten up to go home since his designated driver was ready to leave. 

“So, you and Danny seem pretty close suddenly?” Eddie phrases it like a question, wanting more information on the subject. 

Usually I would just hum in what could be taken as agreement or disinterest but my mind was running a little slower than normal. 

“Yeah, he and I kinda ran into each other at a party that I kinda crashed with Robin and we ended up, like, kissing and stuff,” I giggled. “But shhhh, don’t tell anyone else.”  

Eddie’s eyes widened, but that could have been a trick of the light. 

“What, uh, what do you mean by ‘and stuff’?” 

“Oh nothing. We just had one teensy tiny kiss because we were playing spin the bottle,” I say, not really thinking about it. 

Now I really know my brain is playing tricks on me because for a second I think Eddie looks pleased with this new knowledge that it didn’t really mean anything. 

“I feel like we haven’t really talked in a long time. What’s, uh, what’s been up, lately?” 

The question itself is awkward, but the way he struggled through it made it even more awkward. 

“I’ve been regular old me, Eddie. Nothing new or exciting. Although I did finish a book last night that really threw me through a loop. Oh! Actually there is something exciting! Do you wanna hear it?” 

He smiles, “Of course I do, shortcake.” 

“Well,” I take another sip of what is now my third beer, “William Gillar and Stacy Johnson have finally graduated!” I let out a squeal. 

Eddie just looks at me confused. 

“Do you have any idea what this means, Eds? I am finally free of those two asshats for the rest of my high school experience! Isn’t that amazing! I mean, it was easier to ignore this year than last year, but god I am so thrilled! No more mean notes from them calling me a pig in my locker and book bag, I can even finally find a table to sit at for lunch instead of hiding in Mr. Steerwell’s class,” I sigh happily. 

“Do you wanna know what else they did? This is so silly! They used to catch me on my walk home from school and steal my library books. How stupid is that? Why would you steal someone’s library books, right? They would run around with it so I would chase after them and then laugh at how my body would jiggle. How funny, right? I am so happy they’re gone, Eds, you have no idea.” 

Eddie has his mouth halfway open, anger flaring in his eyes. But that couldn’t be right, why would he care about a couple of high school bullies. 

“No, that’s not funny or silly. That’s been going on this whole time? And you didn’t tell anyone? God, why wouldn’t you tell someone, sweetheart? That’s horrible,” he says. 

“Meh, it’s just normal high school bully stuff.” I wave my hand in dismissal. 

“No, it’s not. Bullying shouldn’t even be considered normal anyway, but what they did to you? That goes far beyond normal, shortcake. I wish you would have said something. You know James and I would’ve taken care of them for you, right?” 

“Well, it doesn’t really matter now, does it. It’s too late,” I dismiss him and his misplaced worry. Honestly, it was nothing I couldn’t handle. He must have sensed how much I didn’t want to talk about it anymore because he dropped it. 

The night moves quickly after that, people say their goodbyes as James takes over clean up duty, considering I can barely stand up without nearly falling asleep. 

“Eddie, will you take her in and make sure she gets into bed okay?” James asks. 

That’s how I find myself being semi-dragged up the stairs to my bedroom and thrown on the mattress like a sack of potatoes. I don’t think Eddie was half as rough as my brain made it seem, to be honest. 

“Eds?” I whisper looking down at Eddie who’s kneeling by feet, gently taking my shoes off. 

“Yeah?” 

A couple beats of silence pass where I try to figure out how to word what I’m thinking. 

“I forgive you.” His movements stop. “I hope you know that. It’s probably such a silly little thing to even remember but I forgive you for forgetting to dance with me. I probably would have forgotten me, too. And…and I am sorry. I really am, for pushing you away so hard after. It was really stupid of me and I wish I hadn’t. Robin is a good friend, but you’re kind of the closest thing I’ve ever had to a best friend, I think. And I threw that all away over hurt feelings. Puberty, am I right?” I giggle. 

“S’ not silly to remember that. And you weren’t being stupid, sweetheart. You were hurt, you were protecting yourself and I don’t blame you for that. I should never have even walked away from you that night, but I did. And I don’t deserve your forgiveness for it,” Eddie says. 

More words mumble out of his mouth but none of it registers. Soon the noise stops and I feel Eddie’s warm hands pull my shoes all the way off, pushing my legs onto the bed and turning me to lay comfortably on my stomach. 

He must remember that’s my favorite way to sleep. 

My mind must really hate me because I swear, right before I fall asleep, I feel lips pressing gently to my forehead while a guitar calloused hand pushes hair away from my eyes. 

Of course, that didn’t actually happen because that’s not something Eddie would do. Right? Yeah, he wouldn’t…

~ 

A timid shake to my shoulder pulls me from my dozing. 

“Hey, shortcake, it’s time for you to go in.” 

There’s only one person who’s ever called me by that nickname. 

“Hm, it’s been a while since you’ve called me that…Eds.” 

I don’t know what made me decide to use his nickname. It never seemed right to use it after we drifted so far apart when James left. 

Eddie helps pull me to my feet. 

‘Hmmm, he’s always been a lot stronger than he looks. I barely even lifted myself up for him.’ 

“Oh, now you wanna be all friendly again? Using a nickname and everything? What’s this all about, huh?” Eddie says, steadying me with his calloused hands when my legs wobble.   

My brows furrow, “What’s that supposed to mean?” 

“Earlier, when we were in the house. You practically ran away from me. I mean, it’s just that we…we haven’t seen each other since we went into the upside down. I thought maybe,” he lets out a long breath. “Maybe things had changed or something, I guess. I was hoping we could talk about it after we all got out but you’ve been avoiding everyone.” 

“And why is that? Why do you think things would have changed Eddie?” 

~

“No! No, no, no! Edward Munson, if you cut that rope, so help me god!” 

“You know I always love when you use my full name.” 

And the bastard cuts the rope. 

The next thing I know, he’s out of the trailer doing something entirely too heroic and the exact amount of stupid he always is. 

Before I can think I shove Dustin out of the trailer, the one not in the upside down, and send him to go help Lucas. 

“No! We need to help him! Can’t you see that he needs help!” 

“I know Dustin, I know. That’s why I’m staying here. But I need you to go find Lucas and Erica and check on Max. There are others who still need our help, Henderson. Please, listen to me and go help them.” 

I turn back into the trailer before he can disagree again, locking the door to make sure he doesn’t follow. Without second guessing, I jump through the portal, landing somewhat safely on my side. 

I manage to find a bike and just a few minutes later I’m riding as fast as I can towards the bat tornado that Eddie stands in the middle of. 

“Eddie you dumb jerk, you better not be getting yourself killed!” I scream at the top of my lungs. His eyes catch mine as a look of horror crosses his face. 

“Why the hell did you follow me? I specifically told you not to!” 

“Yeah, well I specifically told you not to cut the rope!” 

We fight off the bats as best we can until they all suddenly drop to the ground. 

Eddie and I stand breathing hard, our brains trying to catch up with all of what just happened. Eddie turns to me, a grin beginning to form. 

I punch him as hard as I can in the chest. And then I do it again, and then again and again, until I’m pounding my fists against his chest over and over again. 

“What the hell?! Honey, stop, you’re gonna hurt yourself!” 

I choke on hiccupping sobs as hot tears overflow past my lashes. 

“Don’t you ever do something like that again! Ever!” 

Eddie grabs my wrists to keep me from hitting him anymore. I keep trying until I realize his hold on me is too strong. 

“Princess, you gotta stop. I don’t want to see you hurt anymore, please stop.” 

He wraps his arms around me, stroking the back of my hair, pressing soft kisses to my forehead. 

“It’s okay, sweetheart, it’s okay. We’re okay, I promise.” 

“That was not okay, Eddie. Not okay!” I tell him looking up into his eyes. 

“I’m sorry, I really am. But look, we did it!” 

He looks down at me thoughtfully. His eyes flit down to my lips. My breath catches. 

He couldn’t possibly be… 

His lips are on mine. And Eddie Munson is kissing me. 

Both of his hands are on the side of my face, rubbing his thumbs softly across the apples of my chubby cheeks. 

I pull away, “What do you think you’re doing?” 

“Kissing my shortcake,” he says with a smirk while I grimace at the phrase. He laughs at the face I make and kisses me again. 

I kiss back harder this time, getting lost in all things Eddie. The way his hair feels soft even despite being so dirty. His lips are somehow minty. He smells like smoke and old books. 

My heart soars. This has to be proof, then. Eddie must think of me the way I think of him. I can’t imagine ever kissing someone with this much passion if it didn’t mean something more. I smile into the kiss.

Footsteps sound behind where we stand and Eddie pushes me off of him, placing several feet between us. I look at him confused and hurt by his sudden change in behavior. He refuses to meet my eyes. He even wipes the back of his hand across his mouth, looking straight ahead at Steve, Robin and Nancy appearing in front of us. 

Oh.

He’s too embarrassed to let his new friends see him with the big girl? Is that what it is? Does he suddenly regret kissing me? Was it just a heat of the moment type of deal, then? I was the closest human thing, so he settled on me for a little ‘yay the world didn’t end’ kiss?

In my whole life, I don’t think anything has hurt as much as that did. 

~

An uncomfortable amount of silence fills the air.. 

“Things got weird after James left, but you know that. We both felt it, even though we tried to ignore it. Jason started to act like he ran the damn school even though we were friends at one point. I never saw you because we were never at your house anymore. Then I got held back and we basically had every class together. Then I got held back again and you graduated. I missed you. I really, really missed you,” he says the last part quietly. Almost like he was afraid for me to hear it. I hold back a scoff.

“I missed you so much, it’s ridiculous. I just wanted my shortcake back. My sweetheart, my princess, my honey,” he laughs to himself, I stay quiet. “God, I was such a jerk to you growing up. And not because ‘I had a crush on you’ because that’s bullshit, guys shouldn’t be allowed to be mean to girls with the excuse of it being ‘romantic’. I wish I had treated you better, been a little friendlier. I never realized how much you meant to me until your brother’s graduation.” 

He takes his eyes away from his feet to glance at me. 

“Do you remember that night? It was your first time drinking and you got so sleepy I had to tuck you into bed. You had told me about you and Danny at that party and it made me jealous. I’d never really felt jealous before, certainly not like that at least. It made me realize how deep my feelings for you went.” 

I remain silent, partly because I didn’t want to interrupt him when this is the most honest and vulnerable he’s ever been, out of respect, and partly because I was utterly confused and angered by what he was saying and claiming.

“You forgave me for leaving you alone at the dance, even though I never deserved to be forgiven for that. I didn’t even know how badly you were being bullied at school until you told me, that’s not a person who deserves to be forgiven.” 

A soft laugh and a pause. “I guess what I’m saying is…is I wish things had, in fact, changed after Vecna. And I know, that’s probably not something you want to hear because I know it’s not the same for you but I figure if you’re not gonna talk to me anyway, I may as well tell you, right?” 

He takes a step towards the house but I don’t let him get far. 

“What do you mean it’s ‘not the same for me’?” 

“Well obviously you’ve been ignoring me since I kissed you so, clearly it wasn’t something you wanted.” He shrugs his shoulders. “And that’s okay. I’m not saying you have to be with me or anything, I’m just saying…I don’t know what I’m saying.” 

“I’ve been ignoring you?” I ask, dumbfounded by his idiocy. 

“Well, yeah. You haven’t even been answering the walkie.” 

“And you think that was because I didn’t want to kiss you? Not because, oh, I don’t know, maybe the fact that the second Nance and the others showed up you shoved me away from you? It couldn’t have been because it was obvious you couldn’t stand the thought of being seen with me?” 

Eddie’s face drains of color. 

“I can’t help but see now that this is all you think I deserve. A quick kiss when no one can see, right? A little making out before someone can figure who you’re with, huh?” 

“No! That is not at all what that was! I can’t believe you would think that. I pushed you away so you wouldn’t be seen with me!” he shouts, cutting me off. 

“What?” 

“The whole town wanted me for murder! Murder! They thought I was running a cult that killed my friend as a sacrifice! My friend! I didn’t want you to be tied to that anymore than you already were, so I pushed you off before the others could see. If someone, somehow went yapping about a girlfriend of mine and things went sideways when we got out of the upside down, you might have gone down with me and I couldn’t let that happen. I just couldn’t. I was going to tell you all of this as soon as I could but you never let me get the chance, and I see why now. I am so sorry it looked like I was embarrassed to be with you, but that will never be the case with me.” 

He takes my face in his hands and looks me directly in the eyes. 

“You are single-handedly the most beautiful person I have ever met. Inside and out. You have always cared for me and the old Hellfire Club. Don’t think I didn’t know it was you sending cookies on our campaign nights, even after graduating. I remember when I showed up at your house looking for James because some older kids had taken my lunch money in middle school, little you went after them yourself and did one helluva job doing it. You sat me down and cleaned me up. Gave me peas to put on my forehead.”  

It was like a forgotten memory was just pulled up by his words, I did remember that. 

“I could never be embarrassed by you, ever. I don’t care what people think. I…I love you. And I love your hair, and I love your eyes, and I love your laugh, and I love your stomach and your thighs, and I love your mind. I love you and I hope you can see it. I hope…I hope you can see me,” he finishes off in a very quiet whisper, tilting his head down and away from my eyes. 

I place my hands over his that still hold my face. 

“I have always seen you, Eddie Munson. Always.” 

His head jolts up to look me in the eyes once more. 

“God, Eddie, I’m so sorry. I know you’re not a horrible person, I should have known, I’m so sorry. God, you were literally being hunted for murder and I was crying about you being embarrassed by me? I’m so fucking sorry.” 

I shake my head and take a deep breath. 

“I love you, I have for so long. I love the way you smile, I love the way you’re not afraid to take up space, I love the way you’re there for Dustin, the way you were there for me countless times. I love you and your horrible music.”

“Hey, now. Watch it.”

I laugh, “I love you and I see you and I’m so sorry.” 

“It’s okay, it’s okay. You’re forgiven, I promise. You didn’t even really need to apologize in the first place.” 

“Yes, I did. Because none of that was fair to you.” 

“And none of that was fair to you, shortcake. It’s okay.” 

I look at his lips, and that’s all the cue Eddie needs to kiss me. Finally. We put our hearts into it, getting lost in each other. Getting lost in our sudden understandings of the other.  

“We’re both really kinda stupid aren’t we? Stupid and oblivious,” I say, chuckling quietly. 

“Oh, definitely. I mean, we’ve known each other for, what, at least ten years and we couldn’t figure this out without a bunch of drama?” 

“It seems very on brand for you actually, you’ve always been one for the dramatics.” 

“I love you.” 

“And I love you.”

[itsthewritergal]

Freak - Eddie Munson x reader

Omg my first ever Eddie fic!! What can I say I’m completely obsessed with him aha! 

Enjoy :) xx 

TW: bullying, name calling, anxiety mentions (pretty sure this is it but let me know if I’ve missed anything)

Y/N felt her heart leap into her throat as Mrs Jones, her English teacher invited her up to the front of the class to introduce herself. There wasn’t anything she hated more than being the centre of attention and her plan for this school was just to fly under the radar. 

“So Y/N tell us a bit about yourself” Mrs Jones,  said gently with a kind smile which only terrified Y/N more 

“Well I just moved to Hawkins to weeks ago,” She paused looking to Mrs Jones for a little bit of help, not noticing how her hands began shaking as every single person in the class stared at her 

“What is your favourite subject?” Mrs Jones prompted 

“English, so I suppose its good I’m starting with that” She said with a light chuckle, but that didn’t stop her voice breaking from the anxious thoughts running through her head

“Oh my god, her hands are shaking. What a freak” One of the cheerleaders sitting at the back muttered, loud enough to create a ripple of stifled laughter through the class 

“Gemma! That is enough” Mrs Jones snapped, “Go on Y/N, what about hobbies or how about what you want to be when you grow up?” 

“I enjoy reading and I want to be a writer, ” She said simply, pleased that she managed to get through the sentence without panicking more 

“What kind of writer?” Mrs Jones asked 

“Fantasy or Horror” She said with a smile, feeling more at ease talking about her passions. 

“Horror? She really is a freak!” Another student said from the back of the class, Y/N caught it and felt an anxious bubble form in her throat

“Can I go sit down now?” Y/N asked quietly

“Of course” Mrs Jones said with a patient smile. 

Y/N took her seat once more next to a girl who had introduced herself as Freya, before Y/N had been called up to the front

“Stay away from me Freak” She snapped harshly, 

“Watch out Freya, you don’t want to catch anything from her” One of the boys the row behind them laughed quietly. 

Y/N shifted her chair a little away from Freya, not wanting any more attention surrounding her. She forcefully pushed the tears back as the lesson started. 

— — — — 

Y/N stood at the entrance to the cafeteria, her bag in her hand. Her mums homemade pasta salad sitting in a Tupperware box at the bottom, she had been looking forward to it since her mum had sent it off with her this morning but now she just felt sick. She had hoped by lunch she might have someone to sit with, but not one person she had tried to talk to had made any effort back, they had just called her a freak and left with a laugh. Looking over all the tables she saw an empty one in the corner of the large room, it was furthest away from the table of cheerleaders so Y/N decided that would be the best option. She quietly began eating her lunch when Freya and Gemma turned their attention to her, 

“Awh look at the freak eating all alone, she’s a loner as well as a freak” Gemma giggled loudly enough for the whole cafeteria to hear, the cheerleaders laughed along with her as a few of the other tables turned and stared at Y/N, who shifted uncomfortably in her seat. She casted her eyes down, and focused on the food in front of her, wanting nothing more than the ground to swallow her whole. 

“Hey” A voice cut her out of her trance, Y/N lifted her gaze and set her eyes on the guy who sat himself opposite her “I’m Eddie, the schools resident freak-waste-of-space-weirdo nice to meet you fellow freak” He grinned, Y/n laughed at his introduction “You have a name?” He asked 

“Y/N” She answered quietly “Not quite the first day you hoped for eh?” He said with a sad grimace 

“Not really” She admitted, feeling a little more at ease that she wasn’t alone 

“Well you can’t really expect much more from the airheads on the cheerleader team, their expertise start and end with knowing the basketball team inside and out” He said “Pay no attention, they’ve peaked in high school, which means that soon enough it’ll be the freaks turn to peak” He grinned 

“Soon enough” Y/N agreed letting her first smile of the day tug at her lips 

“Ah so the freak can smile, here I was thinking that I was making your day worse” He said 

“You’re actually making it better” Y/N admitted “You’re the first person to actually talk to me like a human” She laughed quietly 

“Well Y/N the freak, would you like to join me and my little sheep at our table?” He said standing up and extending his hand in a bow which made Y/N laugh

“I would love to” She grinned taking his hand and her pasta salad in the other. Eddie lead her over to a table in the middle of the cafeteria where his friends sat

“Everyone this is Y/N, she the newest freak in Hawkins High, so be nice she’s one of us” Eddie said his hand never leaving hers as they sat down. 

After a few quick introductions Y/N was thrown into a question and answer session with Dustin who wanted to know all about her life, and how she was finding Hawkins, Y/N began to feel comforted by the words that tumbled out of Dustin’s mouth. 

“Are we still on for D&D later?” Will asked Eddie, as the conversations all died down 

“Of course my friends” Eddie grinned “You all better be prepared” 

“What’s D&D?” Y/N asked quietly feeling the anxiety bubble up as Eddie turned to her “It’s a game, this fantasy game where we all run campaigns. Eddie’s the best dungeon master there is! You should join!” Dustin said 

“Yeah you should, we’re just about to finish this campaign, you should join the next one” Will said with a smile “What do you think Eddie” 

“The more the merrier, what do you say freak?” He said with a friendly grin 

“I don’t know if I’d be any good” She said 

“How about you come watch tonight, I’ll even let you run the session with me” Eddie said “No pressure, if you don’t enjoy it you can go home. But if you do you can join next campaign” He suggested

“Yeah ok, sounds fun” Y/N said with a smile 

“Well we better get to class, see you tonight Eddie! Bye Y/N” Dustin waved as he headed off with the others out of the cafeteria 

“Y/N” Eddie said quietly 

“Yeah?” 

“Those cheerleaders are missing out on the best damn freak Hawkins High has ever had” Eddie said 

“Thanks Eddie” Y/N blushed 

“What’s your next class?” He asked

“Chemistry” Y/N answered pulling out her timetable, Eddie took it gently from her hands. 

“Well it looks like you’re with me for the entire afternoon, isn’t that lucky”Eddie smirked 

“Freaks have to stick together after all” Y/N grinned 

“That we do” 

Taglist :)

@whitewineandpizzapuffs @planet-naptune @thefandomplace@sebby-staan  @poguesinablanket @witch-and-a-half@nojamsonmytoast @seanh-boredom @wanniiieeee@louweasleymalfoy @missryerye @big-galaxy-chaos @barnestatic@devilsbooksworld @lovesanimals0000 @navs-bhat @saayanaaa

[ygrworld]

The Little Habits

summary: being on an interview for stranger things season 4 premiere, you get asked an question about yourself, and the answer sends the internet on a wild reaction

warnings: spoilers for season 4 and being famous

word count: 1,2k+

author's note: thanks for everyone who told me to write this bc it actually made me get my ass up and do smth!! also, gifs no mine!

not a taglist but people who wanted to read the fic: @sergeantbuckybarnes @aereth @spinthehemmo @quinnfender @confessionsofapaintingfreak

"And here she comes: the Hawkins princess!"

Hearing your character's nickname being called on stage, you got up from your seat and walked towards the interviewers, looking at the paparazzis and fans who were screaming your name.

Even though you have been doing this for weeks, months and years now, you still got nervous whenever you're on an interview, specially one as big as the Stranger Things Premiere. As a character introduced in season three that has returned to season four, you have already gained a huge fanbase for your character, which made your appearence one of the most awaited of the night.

"So Y/N, how are we feeling tonight?" You heard the male interviewer ask, looking towards you.

Checking if you microphone was turned on, you waited for the fans screams to calm down for you to answer

"Pretty nervous" You said, with a smile. Hearing the audience laugh, you choose to keep talking "Coming back for another season of Stranger Things is a dream come true, but this season is getting so much recognition, even more than usual"

"How do you think this reflects on your character? Olivia was a pretty popular character on season three, but how do you think she's doing now, popularity wise?"

Now is the turn for the female interviewer to ask you a question, and you feel the anxiety leaving your body, since the subject of your character is something you are very used to, after working for three years on the show

"Olivia is now on her senior year, making difficult life choices that are also added with the pressure of helping defeat Vecna. The viewers might not see themselves on the last part, but they definitely see themselves on the pressure she is feeling right now, which I think helps people like her so much. She's a relatable character for many"

"Everyone alsos relate to her having a huge crush on Eddie, am I right?" The crowd goes wild with the interviewer statement, and you only laugh and shake your head

"Will we have any relationship confirmation on the next episodes or maybe even next season?"

"Well, there's nothing confirmed yet, but I'll let a little secret out: when me and Joseph are on set together acting, I do interpret her as a little head over heels over Eddie"

More screams followed after you finished talking, and you couldn't contain your grin. After the crowd started to silence, the interviewers started to talk again, this time turning to the cameras

"Olivia was one of the biggest surprises along the way, and with her smarts and personality, she was able to help save Hawkins. But she also got a lot of help from her friends along the way. Let's receive Joe Keery, Joseph Quinn, Maya Hawke and Natalia Dyer: our Hawkins gang!"

The crowd went wild. One by one, the actors started to appear on-stage, waving and smiling. You walked a little bit to the side, making room for your friends

"Hi everyone, how are you guys feeling?" With a genuine smile, the interviewer asked the same question he asked for you minutes before

"Great!" Joe Keery answered, looking at his castmates before talking again "Being here since the first season and seeing how far it comes definitely makes us a little nervous, though"

"Yeah, definitely. Me and Y/N started working at Stranger Things around the same time so we haven't experienced all the years that went by like Natalia and Joe, but we can definitely say that we all are nervous, since this is one of the biggest season of the show" Maya answered, getting a hum of agreement from Natalia and a 'yeah' from Joe

"You all worked for months on your character. Even Joseph, being the newest addition, had months to prepare for his character, right Joseph?"

"Some years, actually" He answered, earning a laugh from the audience

"So now that we are reaching an end for the series, is there anything from your characters that are you taking with you for life?"

"I actually got an habit from Steve, which is the obsession with the hair" Joe replied, making everyone laugh again, including yourself. And you want me to believe you were nervous, Joe? You thought to yourself

"Before Stranger Things, I wouldn't care how my hair looked when going out, but then Steve came and everyone was calling him Steve Hairington and I think it became a very prominent feature of me, so I started to take more care of it"

"Mate, you are made for this hairstyle" Joseph commented. You looked at him, who was standing on your right, and smiled brightly.

He was one of your favorite castmates, and you even dared to say, friend. You always watched the new episodes of this season with him, commenting on each other's scenes, and could always be found on his trailer, talking and working together. It was no wonder you were starting to fall for him, in a classic case of life imitating art

"I actually got an habit from one of my castmates" You interrupted, raising your finger like a kid on class waiting to talk.

When everyone looked at you, you continued "I used to do this little tongue out whenever I was focused, but since I started working Joseph, I just go always full tonge out mode" You said, replicating what you were explaining.

Everyone started to laugh again, which only intensified when you and Joseph looked at each other and put your tonge out at the same time.

His eyes were shining brightly, happy for having this little habit of him noticed by someone he admired so much like you

The thing is, you were not the only one replicating your character on real life. Joseph was also totally smitten with you and everything that came together with you. Fans had started to point out the way he was always looking at you on interviews, how he would always hold your hand when you were seen together on set, and how in every behind the scenes content he was hugging or putting one arm around you. Joseph couldn't stand the thought of not being near you in any shape or form.

The interview kept going as normal, and soon it was time for the other cast members to be in the stage. As you were waving goodbye, you felt one hand intertwining with yours, and gave it a squeeze, already sensing that it was Joseph

"You did great out there, Joe" you whispered to him after you were out of the reach of the cameras and audience. The other actors kept walking and going around, while you both stopped on tracks

"You were there by my side, which made it slighter easier" He said, stopping in front of you and holding both your hands on his

"Don't be so selfless. I didn't helped you do the talk, you did all by yourself" You replied and started walking again, with Joseph accompanying you. You only stopped again when you felt Joseph's arm hugging you from behind

"You know they will find out about our relationship soon enough if you kept giving so many hints to them, right?" You heard Joseph whisper on your ear

"Maybe then we can battle Nat and Charlie for the 'Best Couple of Stranger Things Cast' award, uh?"

"They are the only known couple on set right now, sweetheart" Joseph replied, putting his head on the space between your neck and shoulder

"Maybe the fans will start to put the pieces together after today's premiere"

"Maybe..." You replied, vaguely "But while they do that, don't you want to put this tongue of yours to another use?"

[spotsandsocks]

And It's There When You Call Out My Name

Companion fic/part two to this fic posted last week And its there when I look in your eyes Read it here first from Buck's pov

Read on AO3 2k Teen

It’s just an ordinary evening; no different from so many others he’s had with Buck and ordinary might sound dull to some people but Eddie loves ordinary. His eyes follow Buck around the kitchen. It’s not the only thing he loves.

The amount of pleasure he gets from being here, talking about ordinary things, helping to cook or clean up afterwards is ridiculous.

He’s happy and it’s been a long time since Eddie could say that. It’s been a hell of a journey to get himself to this point but he’s not had to do it alone. The thought makes him smile.

They move around the kitchen together, a seamless dance of two people who know each other down to the bone. Buck takes the last plate from his hand with a smile.

So, Eddie’s not alone. Not anymore. He’s in Buck’s kitchen and it feels like home, no, he corrects himself because that’s not quite right; it’s Buck who feels like home, wherever he is, that’s where Eddie wants to be. It’s one of the reasons he knows he’s in love, his stomach gives a pleasant little flip at the thought. 

And it’s why evenings like this have become the norm for them now, Eddie’s allowed himself that much, a slow slide into Buck's life and Buck’s happily let him in. So now it’s either Eddie and Chris at Buck’s or him at theirs. It all adds up to more time together than apart. More evenings like this than he can count. 

Then Buck turns and he has a smudge of pasta sauce on his face and with all that love in his heart and unfortunately not a single thought in his head Eddie reaches out and wipes it away and with that one simple gesture everything changes.

He knows what’s happened straight away. He can read that face without any effort at all. No one understands Buck like he does, which means  he has to act quickly because everything they have is going to vanish if he doesn’t. 

The man he loves has gone rigid, blue eyes wide and terrified because he’s finally noticed. He finally knows. And he’s not ready, but then Eddie already knew that, it’s why he hasn’t said anything.

Eddie holds in his sigh, despite all his efforts it was inevitable that one day Buck would see, after all, how can all that love truly stay hidden. 

Yes, Eddie thinks, inevitable, from the second Evan Buckley ducked his head and smiled his way around the words ‘who me?’ 

How it’s taken Buck this long to work it all out is a mystery because Eddie is very aware he’s been looking at him a certain way for a long time. He’s tried, not to hide it exactly, but to damp it down, keep the love muted to an acceptable level of affection for a best friend. 

Ultimately it hasn’t worked, but what was he expecting, his heart has been bleeding into his eyes for years, ever since Buck had seen him struggling and stepped into his mess. 

It had been overwhelming at first, realizing that someone, still almost a stranger to him, had wanted to help and had always found the perfect way to do it. First  when he’d called ahead to tell Bobby Chris needed a place to stay, then introducing him to Carla. After that there was Christmas and skateboards and never ending support. How could he not fall for him and how could he keep those feelings from showing when he looked Buck’s way.

He knows his heart had been firmly in his eyes when he told Buck there was no one he trusted more with his son and his heart was definitely bleeding when he yelled at him in a grocery store, missing him so desperately it hurt. 

Later he’d been unable to keep the love he was starting to understand from his face as he’d said ‘I know you did’ when Buck had risked everything because his own heart was breaking.

The love he could barely allow himself to acknowledge had bled out along with his body, spilling over hot LA asphalt when he’d held onto Buck’s eyes, until his own had closed against his will. 

He thinks now that he’d hoped Buck would see then but he hadn't; he also hadn’t understood what he’d tried to say with his words and his eyes in the hospital.

And then after all that - those blue eyes had been the lifeline that held him together and kept him tethered to a hope of a brighter future. 

How is love like that meant to stay secret? Inevitably it doesn’t, you can’t hide all that forever so now Buck knows and while Eddie isn’t that sorry about it, he does wish the poor man didn’t look like Bambi caught in headlights.

It’s clear Buck isn’t ready to accept that kind of love. He's only known for a few seconds and already he’s spiraling. Eddie can hear every word running through his head. If he can’t stop him, Buck is going to panic and do something they’ll both regret. He jumps in with a gentle but firm voice.

“Stop it. God, you think so loudly.”

He's proud his voice is so calm nothing of his frantic heartbeat can be heard, he can feel it though banging fiercely against his rib cage. He desperately needs this to work. The boy behind him and the man in front of him are his whole world, his family and he will not lose that.

Each word matters, he speaks slowly, “Buck, it’s ok. Just listen, can you do that?”

There’s a glimmer of hope because Buck manages the smallest nod he’s ever seen. He gives Buck the truth and tries to hold onto his happiness;

“Buck, there’s nothing you need to do about this. Nothing you have to fix. I'm not waiting. I'm not hoping for something more.” 

God he has to make him believe and it’s all true, every word.  He just wants to keep what he has. If he can make Buck believe then everything will be ok. He manages to lock the fear growing inside him away and carries on. His voice sounds calm and steady. 

“I'm just being here with you, because this is where I want to be.”

Please let him believe that. Eddie sends his prayer into the universe. Buck looks like he’s going to bolt at any moment.

He holds onto sapphire blue eyes that glisten with unshed tears and hopes against hope that he’s not going to lose everything. All he can do is trust that Buck doesn’t want to lose this either that he’ll want to hold on as tight to ‘them’ as he does.

Buck blinks blindly but slowly reason replaces the panic and Eddie lets his smile widen. Buck’s coming back to him. His heart eases a fraction and his arms ache to hold him. He can’t do that so he settles for a hand on each of his arms, trying to push the reassurance  that they can stay just as they are into his skin. 

He keeps talking and he prays it’s enough.

“Nothing needs to change. I don’t need anything more than this Buck. I’m really happy with everything just like it is. Ok?”

With his heart beating wildly he waits for what feels like a lifetime before Buck nods and mumbles ok twice before the briefest of pauses, then this most remarkable of men resets his brain and moves onto ice cream. 

The relief almost takes him out at the knees. Buck trusts him enough to take him at his word, to believe that Eddie doesn’t need more than Buck can give. A deep steadying breath feels appropriate, he takes it and sits down with Chris to wait for ice cream and breathe slowly until his racing heart returns to its regular steady rhythm.

So nothing changes, he keeps his promise and it’s not even hard. He doesn’t change anything and neither does Buck. They stay them; Just Eddie. Just Buck. Just Eddie&Buck.

There is one slight difference though, Buck knows he’s loved now and Eddie’s glad of it. 

Every ordinary day is a gift. He has something he never had before Buck came along- someone to hold him up and push him forward, comfort and challenge him whichever is needed most. Eddie knows Buck loves him in some way, the warm quiet affection of the man he trusts with his whole soul is obvious. 

He’s not waiting for it to change, he didn’t lie to Buck about that, he has no expectation Buck’s love will ever mirror his own feelings. 

He doesn’t need any more than he has, he’s happy. He does sometimes suspect he could be happier if by some miracle anything were to change between them but he doesn’t dwell on that because he has everything he needs and he doesn’t think about wanting.

He just loves Buck, it's as simple as that, not that he’s perfect, love isn’t blind and he knows that. He knows that despite the smiles, the light he brings with him there are parts of Buck that he needs to work on, darker parts, sadder parts.

Buck sees that too and Eddie’s there for him. He’s there when he works out something needs to change and when he does the work that’s needed to make that happen. He’s there to help and offer support but mostly it’s Buck working hard, making changes. He learns about himself and he grows and Eddie can add proud to all the other emotions Buck generates in him.

Later still when Chris starts pulling away, growing up and building his own life Eddie is equal parts pride and sadness, he aches for what he’s losing but Chris is becoming who he’s meant to be and that’s the whole point of being a parent isn’t it. Buck reminds him of that and is there for him again, like he always has been. 

Even when it’s become just the two of them more often than not he doesn’t expect things to change until one night it does.

He turns to his name on Buck’s lips, he said it differently somehow, it makes him curious, sparks something inside him. Buck asks a question.

“You said once you don’t need anything more than this, but do you want more?” 

Eddie adds a frown to his smile, they went over that a long time ago, which is what he says; surely Buck can’t be worrying about that again now.  When Buck shuffles closer and reassures him he’s not worried in a voice that means something his stomach flips.

“But, do you want more” this time Buck’s meaning is clear and it sets Eddie’s heart racing. He’s spent a long time not hoping, so to be flooded with it now is a little overwhelming.

“Because if you do, could you tell so I don’t waste anymore time.”

He wants to answer but his brain’s shut down and words are a step too far. He suspects his face is painting an eloquent enough picture despite his silence because Buck’s holding his hand, fingers closing around his own.

“Please, please tell me you do.”

The quiet words, etched with longing set him free.

Buck wants him.

That means he can want too, he didn’t need it, that was never a lie, he’d have stayed forever without any more than this but if he can have more he’ll grab onto it with both hands and never let go.

The words are out of his mouth on his next breath,

“I want more, I want everything.” 

Buck’s eyes light up and Eddie’s halfway through a final check, the words “but you don’t…” barely touch his lips before Buck’s mouth is on his stealing them away.

Buck kisses him.

He's never let himself think about it, what Buck’s mouth on his would be like, how soft it would be, how he would taste, he never imagined how his hands would feel on his face or sliding down his back and pulling him closer. Now he doesn’t have to imagine, now he knows. 

He falls into the feeling, lets it soak into him like sunshine sinking into his bones, enough heat  to keep him warm for a thousand nights, bright enough to guide him home again if he was ever lost. He doesn’t think he’ll ever feel lost again, not with this man by his side. 

Buck loves him so it’s ok to want, he pushes and then he has Buck beneath him, pressed into the couch and tasting of desire and devotion, of home and family. 

Buck loves him.

He can taste it, feel it in every place they’re connected. 

He hears his own name gasped out desperately and there’s love there too. 

Eddie’s known he was Buck’s for a long time but now Buck is his as well, he wasn’t expecting it, he hadn’t needed it but he’d wanted it and now he plans to take it and keep it safe and never let go.

Buck loves him and they kiss and nothing’s ever ordinary again. 

Read on AO3

Tagging people who reblogged and said nice things about part 1 @imsupposedtobewritting @buddierights @elvensorceress @ajunerose @bekkachaos @shortsighted-owl @pettyeddiediaz @alyxmastershipper @mikereads @lokisilvertongueshipsvictuuri @loveyourownsmiilee @comfortbuddie @yawningmicrobe @caroandcats @evaneds @shinedivine @diazpatcher @missoliverstark @taketheplanspinitsideways @hermscat @megslovesbooks @lilbuddie @the-likesofus

[itskatastrophe-x]

Through Everything | Eddie Munson x f!reader (CH2)

a/n -- I forgot to mention on the first chapter, there WILL be spoilers since the fic follows the plot of the show!! If you have not watched all the way through, I suggest you do not read later chapters. This will be a slow burn and so far these two chapters have been based on the first episode only. That being said, enjoy!

Chapter 1 , Chapter 2 , Chapter 3

Masterlist

Word Count : 2,007

^v^v^v^v^v^v^v^v^v^v^v^v^v^v^v^v^v^v^v^

The end of the day finally rolled around and you were heading to your locker with your music blaring. The scrawny boy from that morning was standing there awkwardly, rubbing his arm and looking around frantically. You raised your eyebrows as his eyes met yours and he let out a visible sigh as you neared him. “Thank god,” you heard him say as you moved your headphones to your neck. 

“I thought you already left,” he said as he moved out of your way. You swung the door open and shook your head. 

“Sorry. The teacher wanted to talk to me after class.” You shoved your things in your bag and turned to him as you slammed the door behind you. 

“So,” he started. “Did you think about your answer? We need a sub, desperately, now. Our friend can’t make it because… Well, he’s busy. We asked everyone and you’re our last hope.” He gives you puppy eyes and you roll your own at him as you begin walking. 

“Sure dude, whatever,” you reply. He lets out a whoop and pumps his fist next to his side in joy and you hold back a smile. 

“Oh! By the way, I’m Mike. Mike Wheeler. I guess I should have introduced myself this morning.” The two of you exit the building and stop at a wall outside. 

“And I’m (y/f/n). You don’t get the pleasure of knowing my last name.” He shrugs. 

“Fine by me. First name basis is good.” You nod and stand awkwardly there with him for a second. “Alright, well, we meet tonight while the basketball game is going on, so meet us in the club room. I’m sure you’ve seen it before.” You nod and hum your response and get ready to go. You turn to leave but he says one last thing. “Hey, by the way, don’t be anxious around Eddie. He’s our DM. He and his friends may look mean and scary, and they are when they’re all revved up, but I swear he’s cool.” You nod and walk away backwards. 

“Cool,” you repeat. “I’ll be there.” You turn and walk home, your music finally gracing you. Eddie. 

The hours tick by as the sun begins to set, and you make your way back to the school. You decided to shower and change before leaving, This time wearing a torn and frayed pair of black jeans, a t-shirt with the band logo for The Cure splayed across the front, your usual worn-out looking leather jacket with patches and pins, and a pair of black high top converse. You had light makeup on, just some black liner and the darkest shade of red lipstick you owned. Your hair was slightly teased to be a little fluffier, and you rustled it in the mirror by the front door as you were steeling your nerves to leave. “Honey,” your mom called. She rounded the corner from the kitchen and stopped, a small, shocked ‘oh’ leaving her lips as she met you. “Honey, where are you headed?” You grunt and turn to the door, opening it and looking back at her. 

“An after school club with some new friends.” She gives you a light smile. 

“I’m glad you finally made some friends here. I was beginning to think…” She trailed off and you rolled your eyes. 

“Yeah, thanks.” You walk out the door and slam it behind you, the chilly evening air hitting you gently as you sigh. 

The walk was nerve wracking. You didn’t know how to act around new people anymore. You were normally bubbly and a total goofball around friends, but that had died down since you had lost all of said friends. The Hellfire guys all looked so intimidating, aside from the freshmen, so you were preparing yourself mentally to be met with cold stares and quiet chatter. The only thing you had to comfort you on your walk was the sounds of loud metal playing from your Walkman. There were small groups of kids walking in the same direction so you knew it would be busy around the school building, making your nerves climb even higher. 

Your assumption was correct as you rounded the last corner on your journey. You could hear the crowd inside from almost one hundred feet from the building, the drums from the band echoing through the near empty streets. You made your way inside, maneuvering through the crowd with great difficulty, towards the Hellfire club room. As you finally made it to the deserted hallway the room was in, you saw Mike and two others walking down the hall, a flag draped around the shoulders of the smaller person in the middle. You furrowed your brow as they entered the room and out of your sight. You slowly got closer to the classroom and heard chatter inside. You lingered in the doorway as you watched the small girl in Eddie’s face, explaining why she should be allowed to sub. You couldn’t help but feel your heart break when you realized you had been replaced in such a short amount of time, and you were almost about to leave at the end of her explanation, but Eddie’s eyes flitted over to you for the briefest second, then back to the girl in front of him, and you were frozen in place. 

Eddie extended his hand to the girl, holding back a smile as he welcomed her to the club. She took his hand with a stern expression and they shook them once, then parted. Eddie’s eyes made their way back to you, giving you a once over, and turning to the table. “You just gonna stand there and watch or are you comin’ in,” he said loudly, more as a statement. All eyes were on you now and you felt your heart speed up. You looked at Mike and he scrunched his brows and mouthed ‘sorry’. Eddie sat on a throne at the end of the table behind his DM setup and watched you coolly. You felt your face heat up and breathed deeply, trying to make a good first impression. “Who are you? State your business,” he said from his seat as the rest took theirs. All except Mike, who came to you and pulled you in by the arm. 

“This is (y/n). I invited her to sub before I knew Dustin had asked Erica. She said yes but… You already let Erica in. Did you want to go home?” He turned to face you as he asked the last part. The room was quiet again as he waited for your answer. You readied yourself and cleared your throat, bringing back your usual spitfire tone that you loved so much. You looked past Mike to Eddie and smirked. 

“If it would please his highness to have an audience, I think I’d like to stay.” Mike turned to Eddie, who was rubbing his chin and tapping his fingers on the throne in thought. 

“The king will allow it,” he stated, looking back to you. “Only because… Who could let such a pretty face walk home alone in the dark.” You felt your cheeks heat up slightly but calmed yourself and hummed as you walked to a chair behind him and pulled it closer to the table, giving him a small bow before seating yourself, which brought a playful smile to both of your faces. You had a feeling it was going to be a good night for once.

As the night progressed, you couldn’t help but feel more and more at home with this rag tag group of high schoolers. They all seemed intimidating at first, but the longer you were there the more you realized they were the softest nerds you have met. The night was full of laughter and yelling and you were practically at the edge of your seat all night long with the gripping tale Eddie had laid out for the group. At a certain point, Eddie had the rest of the group yelling with a twist you weren’t quite caught up on. After the group agreed to take on the villainous monster, and losing almost all of their team, they headed to the other side of the room to discuss whether or not to continue. This left you and Eddie alone at his end of the table, and you couldn’t help but look at him in awe in the stage lights and how he seemed to glow with pride with the campaign he had created. You stayed like that for a while until he looked back at you, causing you to avert your eyes. “Y’know I could feel you staring. If you think I’m pretty, just say so,” he chuckles out.

“Oh in your dreams,” you retort. “Who is this ‘Vecna’ character anyway? Like what’s the story behind him?” He looks back at you with a twinkle in his eye before starting his explanation, your faces closer to one another as he whispers to you his detailed backstory and where he plans to take the character if the group fails. 

It is all short lived, though, as the group comes back for their final battle. For another few minutes, you are at the edge of your seat with anticipation. The group is restless, all crowding around the opposite end as Dustin rolls, and ultimately misses. Eddie’s reaction has you giggling as you watch his pure joy at the failure. You can tell he put a lot of effort into this campaign and didn’t want it to end, and by the looks of it, he was going to get his way. Erica stepped up to the table, the group of teens yelling in anticipation as she shook and then threw the die. It clattered across the table, the yelling never stopping, until it finally stopped. For a split second, all was quiet, until Erica yelled “CRIT HIT” and the boys went wild. Eddie stood in shock and excitement and did a bow to congratulate the team on their efforts. You hadn’t realized you were standing until Eddie turned to face you, heat rising to your cheeks as you took note that you were leaning against the table next to him, your arms now brushing one another. “Was the night everything you thought it was going to be?”

You beamed at him and nodded, not once moving away. “This is the most fun I’ve had since moving to this town. You seem really passionate here and everyone clearly loved your story. Hell, I’m more inclined to ask to join, now that I’ve watched it all play out like this.”

He extends his hand to you and you look down at it, then back up to his shining brown eyes. “Well in that case, welcome to the club.” You take his hand and shake it, but neither of you move to pull away. “It might be a while until the next campaign, though. Planning and all. But we’ll have a shirt made for you before Spring break. Even if you don’t want to play and would want to watch, you’re welcome any time. Flattery speaks to me and I’d love to hear you cheer me on again.” You chuckle nervously at his words but quickly realize that’s what you’ve been doing all night. “Anyway,” he continues. “How about you let me take you home? It’s late, and I’d like to keep my promise.”

You finally drop your hand to your side and agree, sitting patiently as the rest of the group leaves and Eddie cleans everything else up. The room is, again, filled with silence, but it isn’t uncomfortable. You sit there quietly with your eyes closed, the lights behind you warming you pleasantly. You finally felt happy again, like you had finally found a good group of people to call friends. Sure, Eddie was loud and eccentric, but you could be too at times, so you felt like this was the start of something really good. Life was finally getting comfortable again.