#jane x eddie
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munsonson Ā· 2 years ago
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šššš¢š«š¢š§š (š¬):Ā š˜Œš˜„š˜„š˜Ŗš˜¦ š˜”š˜¶š˜Æš˜“š˜°š˜Æ/š˜š˜¦š˜®!š˜™š˜¦š˜¢š˜„š˜¦š˜³, š˜šš˜µš˜¦š˜·š˜¦ š˜š˜¢š˜³š˜³š˜Ŗš˜Æš˜Øš˜µš˜°š˜Æ/š˜š˜¦š˜®!š˜™š˜¦š˜¢š˜„š˜¦š˜³
š–ššš«š§š¢š§š (š¬):Ā š˜ˆš˜Æš˜Øš˜“š˜µ, š˜—š˜³š˜°š˜§š˜¢š˜Æš˜Ŗš˜µš˜ŗ
š–šØš«š š‚šØš®š§š­:Ā 2.4
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This shouldnā€™t hurt as much as it does.Ā 
Things couldā€™ve ended far worse than they actually did. Hell, most of the couples in their school tended to make breakups as dramatic as possible, normally painting one half of the relationship as some kind if irredeemable monster, if not to paint them as this sympathetic martyr, than just to save face that it actually hurt.Ā 
In her case, Eddie Munson told her they just werenā€™t a good match and he wanted to be friends again instead. That was as healthy as they could possibly get. And in the best case scenario, too, sheā€™d still be able to have him be a part of her life. She didnā€™t think she could stand the thought of seeing him in the halls and not being able to acknowledge him.Ā 
Sheā€™d fallen hard and fast for Eddie, embarrassingly so.Ā 
Given the heavy duty of designated driver for the little hooligans sheā€™d somehow decided to adopt with Steve Harrington, sheā€™d gotten accustomed to waiting in the high school parking lot, her nose pressed into the creases of her current novel while she waited for them to finish their important campaigns, all procured from the brilliant mind of Eddie Munson.Ā 
Sheā€™d known him before then, too, but only in passing. Heā€™d often make a big spectacle of himself in the cafeteria just to bug the other students, and he held the record as super senior. But sheā€™d never even talked to him until she saw him walk the boys out after a seemingly successful campaign, his arms wrapped tightly around Dustin and Lucasā€™ shoulders as he praised them.
Heā€™d acknowledged her when he got to her car.Ā 
ā€œMy fair maiden,ā€ heā€™d said,Ā ā€œI apologize for the delay.ā€
Sheā€™d blubbered out some kind of half-hearted response, good enough to make him laugh, and that made her heart go a million miles a minute.Ā 
It didnā€™t take long before sheā€™d gotten the courage to ask him out, even if it was just for coffee. He was surprised, but he agreed.Ā 
It had been nice, he even drove her home after. She probably shouldā€™ve seen the signs then because he didnā€™t suggest a second meet up, she had instead. And heā€™d agreed.
It was about a month before they made themselves official, in Hawkins High language, practically married. But it really just meant she got to hold his hand between classes and get quick kisses goodbye when it was time to separate, somehow always on her cheek than her lips.Ā 
Sheā€™d thought their dates were fun; it was a lot of pressure since he always left it up to her, never having any other idea than lounging about her home and just watching TV. But she was the one who thought of renting movies for horror marathons, figuring it was up his alley. She thought of bowling and drive-in theaters and picnicking near the quarry for its desolate atmosphere, another thing she figured was right up his alley.Ā 
But things came to an underwhelming end when Eddie approached her at her locker on some random Thursday to tell her things just werenā€™t working out and he wanted to stay as friends. Despite how much even that had hurt, she agreed. She didnā€™t want to make him do anything he regretted.Ā 
She could still be friends with him, happily so. That meant she could still sit with him at lunch, hear his outlandish tales, and be able to admire him from afar, even if she was no longer able to touch him and hold his hand.Ā 
ā€œBe honest,ā€ sheā€™d heard Gareth say as she approached with her tray,Ā ā€œwhat really happened? You know, most guys woulda killed to be able to take her out, the fact she stuck around for months is surprising enough.ā€
Eddie shrugs, chewing absentmindedly on a pretzel heā€™d brought. She would pack him lunches when they were together since he always forgot and resorted to eating prepackaged things instead. Since they broke up, it seemed like old habits really did die hard.Ā 
ā€œTo tell you the truth,ā€ he starts rather dramatically,Ā ā€œno substance. Pretty face, nice voice, real sweet, but God, boring as all hell.ā€ He runs a hand down his face. The other boys seemed surprised. Dustin and Mike share a look, but say nothing, clearly waiting to hear more. Because there was no way it could be just that. There had to be more. They knew her better than anyone, had been through so much with her. What could be the real reason Eddie broke things off?
ā€œAnd?ā€ Dustin coaxes.
ā€œAnd what?ā€
ā€œDude, seriously?ā€ Mike scoffs.Ā ā€œShe wasnā€™t interesting enough for you?ā€
Eddie shakes his head.Ā ā€œLook, sheā€™s a great gal. And I know you guys are super close, which is awesome, but we just werenā€™t the best match. And I felt like shit that she was putting in all of the effort when I wasnā€™t interested. Now sheā€™s free to...I dunno...find someone boring, too.ā€ He sniggers, elbowing Jeff beside him trying to get him to laugh, too, but he could see how upset Dustin and Mike were.Ā 
Luckily, for her sake, they didnā€™t notice her standing there, having overheard everything. Spinning right back around, sheā€™d ditched her tray onto one of the trash bins before leaving the cafeteria completely before there was a chance anyone could see her tears.Ā 
God, it shouldnā€™t hurt as much as it does, she thinks again. He was more than welcome to have his own opinion, but why did it have to be something like that?Ā 
He was right, she wasnā€™t exactly Chrissy Cunningham or Heather Holloway, being this huge spectacle that made every new day more exciting than the last. All things considered, sometimes too much excitement frightened her. Having risked her life at least once a year for nearly four years now made her yearn for the more simple things. It was stupid of her to think Eddie would want the same. Eddie Munson, who liked to make scenes in the cafeteria and rock out in a bar with his band. He didnā€™t crave the simplicity of life like she did.
She didnā€™t go back into that cafeteria for the remaining of the lunch period. In fact, sheā€™d decided to skip the rest of the day completely, knowing she shared three periods with Eddie and right now she really didnā€™t want to see him. She just wanted to get away, leave herself to her own thoughts to try to calm down.Ā 
Well, that really only lasted for ten minutes because she found herself pulling into the small parking lot into Family Video. She spots Steveā€™s car at the far end and knows heā€™s inside. It was childish of her to go running and crying to Steve Harrington, who she knew would take her side and say all the cruel things about Eddie that she couldnā€™t bring herself to because she really just needed someone on her side right now. Aside from Dustin and Mike, of course. She wouldnā€™t forget how they jumped to her defense.Ā 
The little bell rings at the top of the door as she walks in, startling Steve into consciousness, who seemed to be snoozing on the edge of the counter, drool pooled across his forearm. He wipes feverishly at his face and blinks unfocused in her direction, trying to situate himself quickly into his customer service face.
ā€œWelcome to Fam-Jesus, you scared me,ā€ he cuts himself off when he at last realizes itā€™s her. Confused, he turns to glance at the clock hung up on the wall.Ā ā€œDonā€™t tell me schoolā€™s out already? You beat Robin here.ā€
ā€œNo, Iā€™m playing hooky,ā€ she shakes her head, unsteadily moving towards the counter.Ā 
ā€œWhat? You? Iā€™m sorry, am I still dreaming?ā€ Steve asks dramatically.Ā ā€œSince when do you, of all people, ever skip class? Iā€™d sooner believe Nancy doing it than you.ā€
ā€œJust...needed a break sā€™all,ā€ she says with a shrug, looking around.Ā ā€œKeith not here?ā€
ā€œNah, heā€™s off today. Something about a new graphic novel heā€™s been dying to get. Says heā€™d have to wait overnight just to get one of the first editions. I donā€™t know, I donā€™t really listen to him unless heā€™s handing over my check,ā€ Steve said. She leans up against the counter, trying to act casual.Ā ā€œEverything okay?ā€
ā€œYeah, why wouldnā€™t things be okay?ā€
ā€œWell, for one, having to clarify that things are supposed to be okay when asked if everythingā€™s okay is a pretty big indicator that things arenā€™t, in fact, okay.ā€ Steve says with a laugh.Ā ā€œSo everythingā€™s not okay, then?ā€
ā€œEverythingā€™s okay,ā€ she lies.Ā ā€œI just...can I ask you something?ā€
ā€œYeah?ā€
She isnā€™t sure how to come out and say it without sounding stupid. Better, she canā€™t figure out a way to come out and say it without sounding completely pathetic. But this was Steve, he was the king of asking her embarrassing things. He even called her once at three in the morning to ask how long you were supposed to leave cookies in the oven for. The follow up question was how to get the burnt smell out before his mom came home.Ā 
ā€œAm I boring?ā€
Steve tilts his head.Ā ā€œHuh?ā€
ā€œAm I boring, Steve? Am I boring?ā€
ā€œNo? Who gave you that idea?ā€ Steve snorts, like he thinks it was a foolish thing to ask.Ā ā€œWhoever it is clearly hasnā€™t seen you handle a crowbar.ā€ He was referencing when sheā€™d nabbed a crowbar from the junkyard lot to fend off the demodogs with him, all to protect the little ones in the bus. She doesnā€™t want to remember that right now, not when it makes her feel cold inside.Ā 
ā€œNobody, I just...I dunno, I just think that maybe Iā€™m not as exciting as, like...you o-or Rob or Nancy or, hell, even Jonathan.ā€Ā 
ā€œNonsense, youā€™re a badass! True story, you know I wouldnā€™t say that about just any...ā€ Steve trails off, finally really looking at her.Ā ā€œHey...hey, why are you really askinā€™ me that? Something happen? Someone say something to you?ā€
ā€œNo, Steve, I was just asking.ā€
ā€œYouā€™re lying,ā€ he accuses.Ā ā€œWho was it, was it Byers? Nancy? Not Robin...ā€
ā€œNo! No, Steve, they didnā€™t say anything, please just drop it. I shouldnā€™t have asked.ā€
Steveā€™s face eventually relaxes, having realized he knew exactly who she was talking about.
ā€œMunson.ā€
She shakes her head.Ā ā€œStop it, Steve.ā€
ā€œWhat did he say? I thought he just wanted to be friends, whereā€™s all this coming from?ā€ he asked. There were too many questions being thrown at her. She doesnā€™t want to cry, especially not in front of him, but as soon as she feels her cheek dampen that was it. Soon she was burying her face in her hands and trying to stop the little whimpers from coming out.
She doesnā€™t notice Steve leap easily over the counter. He pulls her close, shushing her quietly.Ā 
ā€œHey, Iā€™m sorry, I didnā€™t mean to make you upset,ā€ he says. She sniffles, wrapping her arms around him. Heā€™s petting her hair, kissing the crown of her head, trying his damndest to get her to calm down and talk to him. He was the perfect person to come to, she now realizes. Her subconscious knew Steve was the answer.
When she finally stopped crying, he at last let her go, giving her some space.
She rubs the tears from her eyes and wipes the tears on her jeans.
ā€œWant me to kill him?ā€ he asks jokingly. She laughs. He smiles again.Ā ā€œWhat happened? Can you tell me now?ā€
She told him what Eddie had said, the real reason heā€™d broken up with her and how she ran from the cafeteria and came here. Steve was reasonably upset, but he didnā€™t want to make it all about pounding Eddie into a pulp, he knew she needed her friend right now and he was prepared to be just that.
ā€œHey, screw him,ā€ Steve scoffs, throwing an arm over her shoulders and pulling her back into his chest.Ā ā€œYouā€™re far from boring, believe me, and honestly if you ask me you could do so much better than Eddie Munson. The guy picks his nose. I saw him once. It was gnarly.ā€
Sheā€™s laughing again, playfully hitting him.Ā 
ā€œThank you, Steve,ā€ she says,Ā ā€œIā€™m sorry to dump all this on you, I just needed someone to talk to, you know?ā€Ā 
ā€œWell, you came to the right guy. I canā€™t tell you it gets much better from public humiliation, but I can tell you that you find much better shit to focus on. Like this obviously stellar job. Robin. My new stereo I saved up for. And...well, you.ā€ He playfully flicks her nose. She wrinkles her nose and swats his hand away.Ā ā€œEddie doesnā€™t know what heā€™s talkinā€™ about. But I know heā€™s gonna kick himself in the ass when he realizes he lost a girl like you.ā€
ā€œYeah, youā€™re just saying thatĀ ā€˜cause youā€™re my friend.ā€Ā 
ā€œNot true, I also wanna bug you for your famous cookies.ā€ Steve winks.
ā€œI can bring them to you tonight, then.ā€ she said, patting his arm.Ā ā€œI should get going. Um...you clearly are very busy and I donā€™t wanna keep you from doing your job.ā€
ā€œI know, such a bad influence. The gateway rebellion was skipping class. Now itā€™s job defiance,ā€ Steve chuckles, rubbing the back of his neck.Ā ā€œHey, um...if you want, when you come by tonight, maybe you could stick around? Was gonna rifle through the back, borrow some flicks to waste my evening away. Free to join me if you want? Robin flaked out on me, says sheā€™s doing some band practice with Vicky. Didnā€™t ask for details.ā€
She thinks about it and smiles.Ā ā€œSounds like fun. Girlsā€™ night.ā€
ā€œInvitation rescinded!ā€ Steve shouts, turning away.Ā 
ā€œNo, Iā€™m kidding, Iā€™m kidding, stop!ā€ she protests, giggling.Ā ā€œIā€™ll bring cookies and pizza, Steve. Iā€™ll be there.ā€
ā€œAlright, then,ā€ Steve said.Ā ā€œUm...hey, donā€™t worry about Eddie, alright? Heā€™s just being a dick. And honestly, apart from his relationship with the rugrats, heā€™s still gonna be a dick. He missed out on a girl like you. Clearly heā€™s a martian.ā€
ā€œDoesnā€™t mean much when Iā€™m from Hawkins. But thank you, Steve. Iā€™ll see you tonight,ā€ she says, squeezing his hand and finally leaving the store back to her car. She left feeling much lighter than she had going in. He was right. Forget Eddie. If he thought she was so boring he clearly didnā€™t need her around him. She had other friends, friends like Steve.
Smiling to herself, she climbs into the driverā€™s seat and turns the key into the ignition, hearing the engine roar to life.
Things would be just fine.Ā 
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mrsjellymunson Ā· 4 months ago
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KNOCK AT THE CABIN | Part Two
Pairing: Eddie Munson x fem!reader
Written for @bettyfrommars, @allthingsjoeq and @somnambulic-thing ā€™s excellent Stranger Prompts challenge - thank you for this, friends!
Series Summary: After the events of the previous months, everyone is shocked by the unexpected return of an old friend. But how much has he changed?
Chapter summary: Some answers, more questions šŸ˜‰
WC: ~8.5k
C/W: 18+, MDNI, NSFW, series CW for eventual Eddie Munson x fem!reader smut, post-S4, Upside Down exists, dark/supernatural themes, emotional scenes, eventual friends-to-lovers, descriptions of minor injuries, food/eating, mentions of canon-typical torture/experiments.
A/N: This series contains a lot of themes and scenarios that I havenā€™t written for before, Iā€™d love to know what you think! Please comment and reblog, it means the world to writers, and reblogs mean work gets seen. Abundant thanks to @the-unforgivenn for beta-ing and playing The Thesaurus Game šŸ˜› This series has a taglist so if youā€™d like to be on either it or my general one just lemme know in a comment, ask or message, Iā€™d love to have you on board šŸ™šŸ’™
Prev: Prologue Part One
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You wake earlier than they do, shards of sunlight peeking through Steveā€™s pathetically thin and badly arranged curtains hitting you straight in the face.
You donā€™t move initially, enjoying the sound of both boysā€™ soft, rhythmic breaths, grateful theyā€™ve both had the opportunity to rest and sleep.
You use this moment of stillness to allow the events of the previous night to filter through your consciousness. Eddieā€™s still here. Heā€™s somewhat warmer than he was, and is still breathing. Youā€™ll take all of those as a win.
His arm is still wrapped around your ribs, his chest against your back. During the night, one of his thighs has made its way between yours, and his hips are now pressed up against the swell of your ass.
You suppose that if you look at it objectively, heā€™s in a pretty good approximation of the Recovery Position. Good for him. Promoting healing, aiding recovery, and all that.
And you suppose that if you look at it subjectively, having the entire length of Eddieā€™s body squashed against the entire length of yours, and having his leg pressed against you just there, stirs feelings that are inappropriate for you to be having right now. Such as how much youā€™re enjoying it. How safe you feel. How much you wish there werenā€™t even these small, thin pieces of fabric separating you from himā€¦
He snuffles behind you, groaning softly, and his arm contracts, pulling you even closer to him. Youā€™d much prefer it was more than just the involuntary tensing of a waking man thatā€™s causing him to do this, but push that thought to the back of your mind.
You slowly turn your head as far as you can, only able to see a little of him out of the corner of your eye. His hair is fuzzy as hell, but thatā€™s the least of your concerns right now.
In what you hope is a soft and comforting voice, you ask,
ā€œMorning, big guy. Howā€™re you feeling?ā€
Eddieā€™s voice is cracked and broken, like he hasnā€™t used it in a while. Itā€™s gravelly and low as he mumbles,
ā€œMmf. A little sore, but warm. God, it feels so good to be warmā€¦ā€
His arm clenches around you again, and he pushes his face into the back of your neck.
Trying to cover an unbidden moan, and inject some levity, you reply,
ā€œWell, thank goodness for that, otherwise all of mine and Steveā€™s efforts last night wouldā€™ve been for nothing.ā€
Eddie shifts, starting to get a sense of where he is and the situation heā€™s found himself in. It causes Steve to stir behind him and let out a little groan of his own, and you feel Eddie freeze.
Trying to calm him and keep this obviously bizarre situation simple and light, you mumble,
ā€œYeah, body heat seemed to be the best way to keep you warm. I donā€™t suppose waking up naked between me and Harrington was on your bucket list, right?ā€
Eddieā€™s cheeks donā€™t exactly flush (going from pale grey to pale pink far too much of a gradient to be entirely achievable right now), but you do notice a little warmth appear in them.
Eddie jests, at least you think heā€™s jesting, as his grip around you tightens again, stronger this time as his muscles wake up, and he chuckles lightly as he smooshes his face into your hair,
ā€œWell, it's definitely not the worst place Iā€™ve ever woken up.ā€
This rouses Steve enough that heā€™s now fully awake, and he seems to remember where he is too. He moves away from Eddie and sits up, rubbing his eyes and yawning. Glancing over, he mumbles,
ā€œHey, man. So, thereā€™s literally hundreds of things I wanna ask you right now, but I guess Iā€™ll start with, uh, how are you?ā€
Steveā€™s face contorts with a mix of incredulity and embarrassment at the utter banality of the question he just asked.
Unfazed, Eddie replies,
ā€œHonestly, dude? Iā€™m not entirely sureā€¦ā€
He tries to shift his legs to sit up, but realises how enmeshed they are with yours, and inadvertently pushes his thigh up even closer to you.
Steve continues, unable to stop himself.
ā€œWhat happened? Where have you been? How did you even get here?ā€
Eddie lets out a long, low exhale.
Finally picking up on how tired Eddie still is, and how tangled your and Eddieā€™s limbs are, you guess Steve decides he doesnā€™t want to get into any of that right now and declares,
ā€œYā€™know what, Iā€™m gonna go make coffee.ā€
He grabs some sweats and a crumpled tee, and heads out towards the kitchen, leaving you and Eddie alone.
Fuck, this is awkward.
After a short pause, you mumble,
ā€œYeah, I suppose we should get up too. The kids are gonna be beside themselves, Iā€™d prepare yourself for a barrage of questions if I were you.ā€
Exhaling, you somewhat reluctantly extricate yourself from Eddieā€™s embrace, sitting on the edge of the bed and reaching for the pile of clothes youā€™re grateful you had the foresight to put out last night.
Pulling on jeans, a worn t-shirt and a woollen jumper, you sit back down and turn to Eddie, whoā€™s now leaning up against Steveā€™s battered headboard, sheets bunched around his waist.
You notice his eyes are still sunken and red-rimmed, but heā€™s lost some of the sallowness that he had last night, and his features are significantly more relaxed.
As he sits up you have the chance to observe his torso properly. Heā€™s thinner, and much paler, than the boy you remember. The odd appearance of his musculature that you could see last night is still abundantly present.
And there are scars. Lots of scars. They vary in appearance and colour, rough slashes and violent starbursts, in silvery white, muted pinks and shades of angry purples and reds. Some look smooth and well-healed, whilst others are raised and jagged. Some transect the inked designs you came to know so well, and it looks like he mightā€™ve lost a nipple.
Realising youā€™ve been staring, you tear your eyes away and move them instead to Eddieā€™s face. He looks terrified, like heā€™s worried youā€™re going to find him abhorrent and run away screaming.
He starts to reach for the covers, to cover himself, but you lunge forwards and grab one of his hands in yours. You donā€™t break his gaze as you tell him,
ā€œItā€™s okay, Eddie. You donā€™t have to hide yourself from me.ā€
His face softens, but his eyebrows remain pinched and his lips are still pressed tightly together.
Finally looking down as you stroke over his hand with both of yours, you notice that the wounds that you bathed and tended to only a few hours ago are practically healed, only a few areas of redness remaining where there were bleeding gashes and scarlet grazes. Some have almost disappeared.
You decide not to focus on this and concentrate instead on the fact that your friend, your best friend, the one you all thought was dead, is back with you here, right now.
Grasping his hand in both of yours, you murmur,
ā€œHowever it happened, itā€™s really, really good to have you back, you know.ā€
He smiles then, and although it reaches his eyes, it does little to lift the grey pallor of his face.
He brings his other hand over, and as he rubs his thumbs over your knuckles he notices the ring on your thumb. He runs a pad over the contours of the skull.
ā€œYou- You kept this?ā€
ā€œOf course! I wear it every day. It helps me remember my best friend.ā€ Your voice gets quiet as you add, unsure whether youā€™re overstepping.
ā€œIt helps keep you close to me.ā€
You hold each other's gaze for a beat too long, and Eddieā€™s lips open as if heā€™s going to say something.
Before he has the chance, a ball of anxiety rises in your throat, and you decide you canā€™t take the risk of himā€¦ what?
Telling you youā€™re stupid? That it doesnā€™t mean anything? That he wants his ring back?
You know none of this sounds like anything Eddie would say, but in your fragile, exhausted state you need to protect yourself from the risk of emotional harm, no matter how small.
You remove your hand from his and bend to retrieve the clothes Steve left for him, reasoning with a small smile,
ā€œWe donā€™t want you getting cold again, right?ā€
Eddie starts to dress, grunting a little as his limbs start working again. He only has time to pull on the worn sweatshirt when the door bursts open and the kids rush in. Dustin first, swiftly followed by Mike and Lucas, whilst Will and Jane hang back in the doorway.
The three teens leap, grinning, onto Steveā€™s bed, whooping and hollering and rolling around. Theyā€™re full of questions and theories and tales of what theyā€™ve been doing whilst heā€™s been gone, all talking over one another.
Whilst Eddie is smiling and laughing and you can tell heā€™s buoyed by their love and exuberance, you also know he still needs to recover from last night, let alone whatever else he might have been through these past few weeks. So after a few minutes you shoo them out, instructing them to go help Steve make breakfast.
Dustinā€™s the last to leave, pausing in the doorway as he turns back, running his hand down his cheek and saying, with an infinitely adoring expression on his face,
ā€œI canā€™t believe youā€™re here, man. Itā€™s so good to have you back.ā€
They share friendly smiles before Dustin turns on his heel and follows the others, his voice decreasing in volume as he heads down the hallway yelling,
ā€œIā€™m on toast duty today! You guys ate all the good peanut butter last timeā€¦ā€
You both snicker at their antics, Eddie shaking his head a little.
You want to say more, but settle for,
ā€œThey missed you. We all did.ā€
Eddie furrows his eyebrows and rolls his lips inwards into a tight-lipped smile, and you sense that heā€™s just as emotional as you all are.
He continues dressing, and youā€™re relieved the kids didnā€™t see Eddieā€™s scars, for all their sakes. Youā€™re not sure whether theyā€™re ready to revisit what happened in the Upside Down, and you don't want Eddieā€™s first day back with you all to involve him having to uncomfortably explain where they all came from.
He dons the rest of the unfamiliar clothing, and eventually stands, facing you. He spreads his arms wide and pulls a goofy face, raising his eyebrows high and flattening his mouth into a thin line, knowing how unlike ā€˜himā€™ he must look right now.
You never imagined youā€™d ever see your favourite black-loving metalhead in an oversized heather grey Hawkins Athletic sweatshirt, worn navy sweatpants and fluffy white sports socks, but needs must, and at least itā€™s all clean and heā€™s staying warm.
Thereā€™s a crash in the kitchen, startling both of you, but it prompts you to suggest,
ā€œCome on, letā€™s go see what chaos those guys are causing.ā€
You direct him to the front of the house, and as Eddie shuffles into the kitchen all eyes turn to him. You see the kids take in his fluffy hair and new garb. He notices and, preemptively gesturing to himself and in a very close approximation of his Dungeon Master voice, says,
ā€œIf anyone says anything about this, I swear I will kill you. Got it?ā€
Mike and Lucas try to act like they werenā€™t even looking, and Dustin raises his hands in supplication. Jane laughs at the boysā€™ responses and Will smirks at the shenanigans, and youā€™re certain he and Eddie are going to get along just fine.
The kids have made everyone a simple breakfast of boiled eggs, toast and fresh oatmeal and they bring it to the large farmhouse-style table as everyone gets situated. Craving his proximity, you take the chair next to Eddie. Steveā€™s made a large pot of hot coffee, which is swiftly devoured by the four adults and almost instantly requires replenishment.
The kids want to fill Eddie in on, well, everything. Over breakfast thereā€™s much chatter about whatā€™s been happening in town, how the three of you ended up staying here, how kind and supportive Wayne and Owens have been, even a somewhat discombobulating discussion of what Eddieā€™s funeral was like. Plus thereā€™s tales from the boys about D&D and stuff thatā€™s important to the teens, most of which you zone out of.
Eddie is also properly introduced to the two he doesnā€™t know. He greets Will with a broad smile and claps both his hands around the boyā€™s slender one, a symbolic gesture full of characteristic Eddie warmth, welcoming another sheep even though this particular one has known the others for many years.
You donā€™t think anyone else notices, but you donā€™t miss the moment of extended eye contact and tiny nods that are exchanged between him and Jane, as they are introduced and shake hands.
Eddie seems to have a good appetite, devouring four warm, runny-yolked eggs, three slices of toast slathered with butter and jelly, and two large bowls of oatmeal with honey and syrup in rapid succession.
Thereā€™s some syrup on his chin when heā€™s finished. You want to clean it off with your thumb and suck it into your mouth, but you resist the urge.
The food cheers him, even seems to put a little colour in Eddieā€™s cheeks. Well, perhaps not colour exactly, but a move from grey to white is certainly progress. Itā€™s hardly Cordon Bleu cuisine, but Eddieā€™s hoovered it up like itā€™s the best meal heā€™s ever had. You wonder what heā€™s been surviving on all this time to make such simple stuff seem so luxurious.
Coffee mugs are refreshed, the table is cleared, and there follows a semi-formal exchange of the personal items of Eddieā€™s that are in the cabin. Lucas returns his pocket knife, which Eddie thanks him for with a bro handshake and a half-hug, and Dustin gets down on one knee and presents him with his wallet chain on outstretched hands, as if heā€™s presenting a weapon or battle trophy to his commander. Eddie ruffles his hair and brings him in for a crushing bear hug.
Robin and Steve return his crucifix and boarā€™s head rings, which he dons, and you canā€™t help noticing that theyā€™re slightly looser than they used to be. Youā€™re grateful nobody questions why you donā€™t return the skull ring to him, or seems to notice the knowing glance and small smile that he gives you.
Dishes are cleaned and yet more coffee is brewed, and you head to the utility room to see how Eddieā€™s clothes are doing in the (noisy, and possibly unsafe) drier. As you return thereā€™s a lull in the conversation.
Ever the direct one, Robin canā€™t stand the not knowing any longer, and as Steve pours the next round of coffees she blurts,
ā€œSo, what the fuck happened? We thought you were dead. You were dead. They fucking buried you!ā€
The kitchen falls silent for a moment, nobody sure how much Eddie wants to divulge or relive.
He wraps his palms around his steaming mug, and takes a long, slow, deep breath in and out before he starts talking.
ā€œI donā€™t remember much after that night with the, uh, Demobats. I kinda remember being jostled into a van, or a military-type vehicle maybe? And tubes, bright lights, people shoutingā€¦
ā€œThe next thing I know, Iā€™m in some kind of lab, a poky room with a tiny cot and metal furniture, and people coming in at all hours to prod at me and stick me with needles. They did all sorts of tests and injected me with shit, and they wouldnā€™t tell me what any of it was.
ā€œIā€™m not sure whether itā€™s a good or a bad thing that I canā€™t remember a lot of detail. Itā€™s mostly just pain, agony, and being either chained or locked up. And screaming, so much screaming... Whether that was me or the others, I donā€™t know.ā€
You interject,
ā€œThere- There were others?ā€
He nods slowly.
ā€œYeah, definitely more than just me. I have no idea how many, who they were, what happened to them...ā€
His hands start trembling, and he lets go of the mug thatā€™s started to shake in his grip, quickly putting his hands in his lap.
ā€œI think the injections they were giving me were concoctions made from theā€¦ things they foundā€¦ down there.
ā€œOwens visited me a couple of times. He said he didnā€™t like what was being done to me but he wasnā€™t able to change anything. The last time I saw him he told me he was being transferred to a different site and didnā€™t think heā€™d be able to visit again, but he wanted me to know there was someone on his side.ā€
Thereā€™s a brief pause before he continues,
ā€œThe last, uhh, experiment was the worst-ā€
Eddie screws up his face and clenches his teeth at the memory, and balls up one fist, bringing it up to his pursed lips. He squeezes his eyes closed, and a tear appears at the corner of one eye.
You donā€™t know whether itā€™s the right thing to do, but you grab his other hand under the table, hoping itā€™ll give him comfort but fully expecting him to flinch away.
He doesnā€™t, and his hand clamps around yours in a fierce grip, almost crushing it.
Voice trembling and breaking, he continues.
ā€œIt was- Jesus H Christ- it was like liquid fucking fire. All I remember was feeling like theyā€™d injected me with molten lava, and then there was so much shouting, and hands holding me down, and then everything went black...ā€
He pauses, and nobody else speaks.
Steve swallows, the tap drips into the sink and Robinā€™s rings clink softly against her coffee mug as she turns it anxiously.
ā€œAnd thenā€¦ And then the next thing I remember is coming to, and feeling cold, so- so fucking cold. And darkness, absolute darkness. And I was so scared, and I just started scraping and scratching at whatever was over me, and just kept scrabbling and digging untilā€¦ there wasnā€™t anything over me anymore.ā€
Youā€™re all stunned.
Someone says a quiet ā€˜fuckā€™, and you think you hear a sob, perhaps from Dustin.
Steve remains silent but runs a hand through his hair, palm coming to rest over his mouth, and Robin mutters a soft,
ā€œShit, Eddie.ā€
You all realise that Eddie wasnā€™t lying on a slab at all for these past two months, but was being experimented on, and it takes a long moment to sink in.
Eventually, Eddie says,
ā€œFuck. They really buried me, huh?ā€
To illustrate his point and as an attempt to inject some humour into the moment, he loosely combs his fingers through his fluffy locks and asks, ā€œWhen I got here, did I have stuff in my hair?ā€
There are a few chuckles, and someone throws a balled up paper napkin at him.
Thereā€™s another short pause where nobody says anything, but then itā€™s like a dam breaks and everyone starts talking at once. Robin and Steve make comparisons with the Russians, the kids offer D&D analogies and half-baked scientific theories, and people ask Will and Jane what they think.
For the rest of the morning much discussion ensues, as well as the consumption of store-brand cookies and even more coffee, and you all try to fill in the blanks. Whilst some of the kids interject with ideas and suggestions, others sit quietly, mostly listening. You wonder quite how much secondhand trauma this is going to cause all of them.
As a group you eventually surmise that some shadowy branch of the military was battering Eddie and the others with all sorts of tests, and injecting them with unknown substances, goals unknown and refusing to tell anyone what they were.
Owens clearly never agreed with their approach, and it sounds like he tried to distance himself as much as possible.
The military finally took their experiments too far. Thinking theyā€™d killed him, they eventually released Eddieā€™s body to his only family, Wayne, and allowed him to be buried.
Unbeknownst to them, their final experiment was the most successful, it just took longer to manifest than the others. Weeks, in fact. Just long enough for the scientists (if you could even call them that) to lose any expectation of a recovery, and for Owens and Wayne to organise a funeral.
Eddie had awoken, dazed, trapped and freezing and with no idea where he was, and had somehow managed to smash the lid of his coffin and scramble his way to the surface. On a rainy night, miles from anywhere.
Finally, Mike is the first to ask the question you think most of you have been contemplating.
ā€œDude, how did you even find us?ā€
At particularly painful points in his oration, Eddie has looked to you, seemingly finding comfort in your face, and his gaze doesnā€™t leave yours as he replies,
ā€œHonestly? I donā€™t really know. I just had thisā€¦ feelingā€¦ that I needed to come in this direction. And the closer I got, the more certain I was that this is where Iā€™d find you.ā€ Hurriedly, he looks around the rest of the group and adds, ā€œFind you all.ā€
He carefully lays the hand not holding yours flat onto the table, and, eyes fixed on the faded floral tablecloth, he chokes back a sob as he asks a question that heā€™s clearly been holding back.
ā€œWhy didnā€™t anyone- Why didnā€™t you come find me?ā€
Robin grabs his hand across the table, wrapping it in both of hers, holding it tightly. Thereā€™s a beat of silence before she speaks.
ā€œW-we didnā€™t know! They didnā€™t tell us anything about any lab. We thought you were dead. Eddie, that first night? They told us youā€™d died!ā€
Her voice cracks on the last word, and you see tears start to slowly run down her cheeks.
Eddie chokes, and his eyes lift to the ceiling.
Dustinā€™s the first to move as he scrapes his chair back and sprints around to Eddie, enveloping his shoulders and neck in a clumsy but aggressively enthusiastic hug as he mumbles into his friendā€™s shoulder,
ā€œBut youā€™re not dead. Youā€™re not. Youā€™re here, with us, now. Youā€™re back, Eddie, youā€™re back...ā€
Lucas stands too, ruffling Eddieā€™s hair and half-hugging the top of his head with one arm, leaning his cheek against Eddieā€™s curls, and you lean into Eddie, placing your forehead against the side of his bicep.
Steve turns from where heā€™s been brewing even more coffee, and moves to place his hand on a patch of shoulder not covered by Dustin or Lucas, patting softly. As he turns back to the stove he comments,
ā€œYeah, man. Dā€™you really think we wouldnā€™tā€™ve come got you? Fuck those guys and all their crappy experiments. No one does that to a member of The Party.ā€
You simultaneously feel Eddieā€™s grip on your hand tighten, and the rest of his body relax. Many of you are crying, the sleeves of Eddieā€™s sweater darkening in patches from the wet plops of Dustinā€™s tears.
Will and Jane are affected too, and you see their faces soften as they clasp each other's hands under the table.
Eddieā€™s breath deepens as he absorbs the love and affection of his friends. You guess heā€™s not used to this much positive attention, and has clearly received even less over the last few weeks.
You all sit in silence for a few long moments, allowing all this new information to sink in and emotions to settle.
Eventually the noise of the stove and the clattering of coffee supplies, together with a strong gust of wind and the increased pattering of leaves against the window, brings you all back to the room.
Eddie seems to have processed everything faster than the rest of you, his emotions shifting, and as Steve pours more coffee he becomes agitated, slamming his fists on the table, startling all of you with the ferocity of his movements.
You guess heā€™s angry not only at the testing he underwent, but that they lied to all of you, and let him feel hopeless, like nobody cared.
The kids move back as he stands and starts pacing, running his hands through his already-frizzy hair and shaking his head.
ā€œFUCK! Those bastards! Not only did they use me as some kind of twisted lab rat, but they didnā€™t even tell you guys I was alive? And they let me think that none of you cared enough to come find me, visit me, get me out? GODDAMMIT!ā€
He slams a palm into the doorframe, and you all jump a little.
Turning back to the room, Eddie notices the effect heā€™s having on everyone, and, rubbing the back of his neck, says,
ā€œI think Iā€™m gonna go take a walkā€¦ā€
He moves towards the back door, the expanse of the disused field behind the cabin seemingly the ideal place for him to get his head together.
But, spying the large axe leaning against the frame, he has a better idea.
ā€œHey, uh, do you guys have, like, logs ā€˜nā€™ shit that need chopping? I really need to, um, work through some stuff. Besides, itā€™s probably the least I can do, given how much heat and hot water Iā€™ve already cost you all.ā€
He gives a sheepish snort and brings his hand to his face again.
Itā€™s you who speaks first.
ā€œAre you sure, Eddie? I mean, itā€™s been a stressful few days. Are you okay to be doing something soā€¦ physical?ā€
ā€œYeah, yeahā€¦ Iā€™m feeling a littleā€¦ pent up. Could do with working some of it off, yā€™know?ā€
You nod, figuring all of you are going to need different ways to process this whole bizarre and unsettling situation.
Dustin and Mike find some old tan workboots in a closet, presumably left by the previous owner. They donā€™t fit perfectly, and it looks like something may have nested in one of them at some point, but theyā€™ll do for now. Eddie pulls them on over his loaned sweats and socks, leaving them unlaced.
Robin offers him his leather jacket. Sheā€™s obviously had a go at cleaning off as much of the mud as she can, but you can all tell itā€™s never going to be quite the same. At least itā€™s dry now, and Eddie takes it gratefully.
He grabs the old axe and the small hatchet that you use to chop kindling, unlocks the back door and steps outside, closing it behind him.
Dustin wants to go out to him, but Robin grabs him and holds him in a tight hug, explaining that he needs some time to process stuff.
The others give him space, some staying at the kitchen table to process their thoughts, others retreating to the living room and diverting their thoughts with the crackling cartoons that break through the terrible TV signal.
You choose to keep an eye on Eddie, staying back a little from the back door so as not to alarm him, but keeping him within your eye line.
You see Eddie pace a little, muttering to himself, then he shakes his head as if to clear it.
He turns to the log pile and hefts the axe a couple of times, getting the feel of it. He lifts a couple of modestly sized logs onto the stump, wielding the axe above his head and splitting them easily. Almostā€¦ effortlessly.
He chops a few more, flinging them into a pile with ease, then moves to lift a few larger ones, breezing through them with the same ā€˜hot knife through butterā€™ nonchalance.
Itā€™s the most physical activity youā€™ve ever seen him do, aside from lifting the odd amp or two, which always left him puffed out. But heā€™s sailing through the woodpile with barely any exertion.
You can see heā€™s still processing the contents of your morning, as his features screw up occasionally and grumbled words and what are probably profanities spill from his lips.
As he hefts the axe through the tough logs you can see his eyes are getting redder, and his skin appears paler. You canā€™t see his body, but the tendons on his hands and neck are popping starkly underneath his translucent skin. And, the wind has picked up considerably since heā€™s been outside, whipping loose leaves and twigs around the cabin just like it did last night.
Eventually, he starts on the biggest, gnarliest logs. The ones you guys would only attempt when you really, really needed the firewood.
You hear grunts, muffled by the back door, as he works the tougher wood.
The axe gets stuck partway through a particularly thick log, and with an animalistic grunt Eddie yanks the blade from it. Easily lifting the log in his arms, he notches his long fingers into the groove and, in a move that startles you, he rips it into two pieces with his bare hands.
By the back door you suppress a gasp, your hand flying across your mouth and your eyes going wide. Youā€™re not sure whether you should go to him, try to comfort him, or leave him to work through this in whatever way he needs to.
You donā€™t get the chance to decide, as he finally gets to a particularly old and knotty log that none of you have been able to get anywhere close to splitting. As Eddie slams the axe down into it with a ferocity you didnā€™t think was possible, he gets it far further than any of you have so far, but again, the blade gets stuck.
The wind picks up even more, as Eddie picks up the axe, log attached, and heaves it around his head, sending it spinning across the back field as he lets out a loud, feral and painful-sounding yell.
Breathing deep for a couple of moments, he runs a hand down his face and begins to trudge across the bumpy earth to retrieve it, coping easily with the rough and uneven ground of the ploughed field and his ill-fitting boots. You can see heā€™s still yelling expletives and occasionally waving his arms and shouting up into the sky.
The distance that heā€™s managed to throw the axe is substantial enough that he shrinks in your field of vision by the time he reaches it. You can no longer make out his expression, but as he comes to a halt you do see him bend over and place his hands on his knees, watching his back heave as he takes a few more deep, steadying breaths.
He lifts the axe and heaves both it and the attached heavy log easily over his shoulder with one hand. You consider that youā€™ve never seen him lift anything with such ease, save maybe his leather jacket, flung over his back, dangling it from one finger on a hot day.
As he turns and starts making his way back to the house, you notice that the wind has started to die down and is whipping less of Eddieā€™s hair around his face, and leaves and twigs begin to fall to the ground.
You hadnā€™t realised Jane had come to join you at the back door. Despite not directly knowing Eddie before, she says, in her characteristically deadpan voice, ā€œHe isā€¦ different now. Isnā€™t he?ā€
You purse your lips and nod, quick and small, and find it remarkable that this seemingly awkward young woman, whoā€™s endured so much at the hands of so many, has developed such insight and tenderness.
After removing the axe from the gnarly chunk of wood and placing it by the back door, Eddie spends a few minutes arranging the logs heā€™s split into neat piles beneath the small shelter. The skin around his eyes is less red now, and his general demeanour seems more relaxed, controlled. Perhaps this has helped after all.
He takes a couple of breaths and composes himself before he heads back towards the door, holding the axe in one hand and a stack of logs atop his other arm.
Bashful, and conscious that youā€™d rather he didnā€™t know that youā€™ve been watching him the entire time, you take a few steps backwards and make like youā€™re just now coming to the door, opening it for him with a broad smile and directing him to the place in the living room where you store the wood for the fire, thanking him for his efforts.
As he places the last of the wood and starts to take off his jacket, you notice that his hands are again torn and bloody, splinters sticking out every which way and an angry-looking blister on one palm.
You assume that heā€™s reopened his wounds from last night, but the positions and patterns donā€™t match up. Everything from last night has almost completely healed, and these are all new.
Regardless of the peculiarities, they need attention, so you instruct him,
ā€œCome with me, letā€™s get you cleaned up.ā€
You send him to your bedroom as you grab some washcloths, a bowl of warm water and the first aid kit from the bathroom.
You sit him up against your headboard, setting up your supplies on the comforter. Figuring itā€™s the most practical position for you to be in, you straddle his knees and begin dabbing at his cut and splintered hands with antiseptic. Realising thereā€™s too much debris in the way, and wincing at the sheer size and quantity of them, you grab some tweezers, removing the splinters of various sizes that have embedded into his fingers and palms.
As you swap back to using the wet cloths and begin cleaning the blood from his skin, youā€™re perhaps less surprised than you should be to find that the new injuries have already stopped bleeding, and some of the smaller ones even appear to be closing up, apparently heading the same way as the cuts on his face and feet from whatever happened last night.
You work quietly for a few moments before your curiosity gets the better of you.
ā€œEddie?ā€
ā€œHmm?ā€
ā€œWhat was that? Outside, just now? You seemā€¦ā€
ā€œDifferent? Yeah, I knowā€¦ Donā€™t ask me how it happened, but I feel different too. Stronger, fasterā€¦ā€
He glances at you through his bangs.
ā€œLess in controlā€¦ā€
His brow is furrowed as he holds your gaze, and you guess heā€™s waiting for you to back off. You donā€™t.
ā€œI guess theyā€¦ changed me.ā€
You move to touch his chin gently with one hand, wanting to reassure him. You realise that by telling him this youā€™re going to reveal that you were watching him, but you forge ahead anyway.
ā€œListen, Iā€™m not gonna pretend that whatever it is that I just saw wasnā€™t a littleā€¦ unnerving. But Iā€™ve never felt unsafe around you. Quite the opposite, in fact. And that hasnā€™t changed. I donā€™t think it ever will.ā€
He refuses to meet your gaze, and twists his battered hands together in his lap, seemingly fighting with himself.
ā€œI should go. Leave you guys. Youā€™re not safe with me here.ā€
A vice grip seizes your chest. All logic leaves you, and the only thing you can think about is never letting him go again.
ā€œEddie, no!ā€
ā€œI donā€™t really know what their plan was, but Iā€™m guessing they were trying to make me into a super soldier, or something. Theyā€™re not gonna stop. As soon as they find out what happened at the cemetery, theyā€™re gonna try to find me. And if I could find you, they can find me.ā€
A ball of anxiety forms in you. You canā€™t let him go. You just canā€™t.
ā€œI thought you were dead, we all did. Iā€™ve only just found you again, after I thought Iā€™d lost you forever. Please donā€™t say youā€™re going to leave?ā€
Your voice cracks and you swallow back a sob. You lurch forward and grip both of his hands with all the strength you have left, not caring that youā€™re getting his blood on you, and might even be hurting him.
If Eddie feels any pain, he doesn't flinch. But the sight of you falling to pieces in front of him, because of him, is apparently something he canā€™t bear.
ā€œOkay, I wonā€™t. Iā€™ll stay tonight, at least. Then weā€™ll try to figure something out. Maybe contact Owens, see if he knows anything. Alright?ā€
He raises his head and looks into your eyes now, as you snuffle a little and manage a small smile. Heā€™s yours for tonight, at least.
No, not exactly yours, you have to remind yourself. Heā€™s safe, with all of you, for tonight, at least.
Something else decides to jostle for prominence in your mind, and you ask him, quietly,
ā€œHow did you find us? Really. How did you know where to go?ā€
Eddie takes a deep breath before shifting slightly, and he returns the grip on your hands.
You think you hear a little trepidation in his voice as he speaks.
ā€œI donā€™t know if this is going to sound crazy, butā€¦ what doesnā€™t these days, right? Itā€™s like- Even beforeā€¦ everything, itā€™s like every time I left you I left a part of my soul with you. Andā€¦ it would stay with you all the time we were apart. And then whenever I was with you Iā€™d find it again. Thatā€™s how I found you. It was like I was searching for a piece of myself, and somehow I just knew where to find it.ā€
He goes quiet, dropping his chin to his chest again.
His words play on a loop in your head. Even beforeā€¦ I left a part of my soul with youā€¦ and whenever I was with you Iā€™d find it...
You shift forwards even more, closing the gap between you, and the movement makes you become acutely aware of your proximity. You become conscious of the feel of his firm thighs between yours, how good it feels. How, for the second time in less than twenty four hours, you wish there werenā€™t these thin pieces of fabric between you.
Something sparks in your chest: Could he feel the same way as you?
Your voice trembles as you practically beg him,
ā€œI don't want you ever to leave, Eddie. I donā€™t want us to ever be apart, and always be there for each other. I donā€™t want you to ever be missing a part of your soul again. I want to be with you, always.ā€
Eddie huffs out a sob of his own, lifting your hands to his and nuzzling his face into your knuckles. He takes one and slowly turns his head until his round nose connects with your curled fingers. And then, ever so slowly, he connects his lips with the soft, sensitive skin on your palm.
Tentatively, he moves a little and purses them against the inside of your wrist, lightly pressing them there, inhaling deeply and his breath shuddering slightly as he inhales your scent.
You notice both of your breathing has quickened. You can feel Eddieā€™s as it passes over your skin, and you feel your heartbeat in your throat.
Eddie looks over at you. His body may have changed in myriad ways, but his eyes remain the same. Theyā€™re still the huge, beautiful, warm pools of cacao that have drawn you in since the moment you met. Itā€™s the tether that makes you realise that no matter how else he mightā€™ve changed, deep down heā€™s still Eddie. Your Eddie.
You move your other hand, gently taking his wrist, and move his free hand up to your face. You close your eyes as you softly kiss his palm, and then move his hand to cup your cheek.
Gently, almost imperceptibly, Eddie moves his thumb and touches it to the very corner of your mouth. You feel a heat in your belly and you turn your head towards it, skimming it over your lips.
Your eyes flick between his chocolate orbs as Eddie bends his thumb ever so slightly. The pad of it pulls at the plush of your lower lip a tiny amount, but itā€™s enough to create a gap.
Without thinking you start to open your jaw, and he begins to move forwards. As he pushes into your waiting mouth all you can think about is tasting him, and your tongue starts to move. Just as the tip of it is about to make contact with Eddieā€™s thumb, thereā€™s a jarring yell.
ā€œHey, everybody! Grubā€™s up!ā€
You pull apart with a start, both inhaling sharply.
Itā€™s Robin, calling from the kitchen. Of course youā€™re grateful that the mums never allow the kids to arrive empty handed, but a large part of you wishes that you and Eddie couldā€™ve had just a little more time to exploreā€¦ whatever this is.
You let out nervous chuckles as you smile softly at one another, and hold each otherā€™s gaze for probably little longer than is strictly necessary before you gather up the medical supplies and you both stand.
You canā€™t help but take Eddieā€™s hand in yours as you pull him towards the kitchen, encouraging him to follow lest he misses out on the delicacy that is Dustinā€™s momā€™s substantial contribution.
ā€œCā€™mon, Claudiaā€™s lasagnas are totally legendary. It may sound simple, but combined with Mrs Sinclairā€™s recipe for garlic bread, I promise you, youā€™re about to have a near-spiritual culinary experience.ā€
Still feeling the heat of what just occurred in your room you busy yourself with packing away the first aid kit, and then elect to sit across the table from Eddie. You convince yourself that youā€™re not avoiding him, simply allowing the kids the chance to get close to him for a little while.
As if reading your mind, Dustin immediately plants himself in the chair next to Eddie, swiftly followed by Mike on his other side. Lucas sits next to Dustin, and Will slides in next to Mike. They chatter excitedly about campaigns and creatures and characters, and to see Eddie flanked by his adoring sheep brings a different kind of warmth to your chest.
The conversation remains light over dinner. Jokes are cracked, teasing occurs, and youā€™re pleased everyoneā€™s getting a break from the tension and horrors.
The culinary delights are as good as youā€™d promised, and Eddie hums and moans at the delicious bounty before him. He remains pale, but heā€™s definitely regained some strength, vigour.
He glances over at you after taking an especially large mouthful of the meaty dish, and after you stop giggling at his uncouth antics he grins at you, tomato sauce staining his lips and the sides of his mouth, confirming,
ā€œYouā€™re right, this is goddamn heavenly!ā€
At another point he takes a particularly large bite of some soaked bread, and herb-flecked garlic butter oozes all over his thumb. Your eyes are drawn to it as he brings it to his mouth and presses it between his plump lips, and your eyes connect across the table as he sucks it off, twisting the digit and temporarily giving himself the most salacious pout. He spots you looking, and leaves his thumb in his mouth for what you consider is altogether too long before pulling it out with a pop. You gulp audibly and shift in your seat, grateful for the general clamour disguising your arousal.
You havenā€™t discussed as a group whether or where Eddieā€™s going to stay, though it seems to be unspoken between all of you that of course heā€™s going to remain here until you can all figure out what to do next. You decide not to raise the earlier conversation you had about him possibly leaving.
Dustinā€™s the first to broach the subject, asking,
ā€œSo, whereā€™re you sleeping tonight, Eddie? You wanna come bunk with us in the warmest room in the house?ā€
He wiggles his eyebrows, attempting to extol the virtues of the open fire. His excitement is palpable, and you envy the optimism of youth that can make even the least appealing flat surfaces sound like an enticing bedspace.
You interject on Eddieā€™s behalf, suggesting,
ā€œHey guys, I know it would be the coolest sleepover ever, but I think Eddie mightā€™ve earned the luxury of an actual bedroom after what heā€™s been through recently, donā€™t you think?ā€
Dustin looks crestfallen, but recovers quickly, agreeing with an only slightly pouty,
ā€œI suppooooooseā€¦ā€
Without looking at the others, you turn to Eddie and proffer,
ā€œYouā€™ll stay in my room, right?ā€
Eddie nods, his curls bouncing, as he agrees, perhaps a little too quickly,
ā€œOf course, yep, that soundsā€¦ entirely fine.ā€
You miss how Robin and Steve glance at each other, Steve raising an eyebrow as Robin smirks at him.
Thereā€™s a quick clean up as dishes are done and pans are left to soak. Craving normalcy, you pile into the small living room and manage to make it through about two thirds of another of Keithā€™s loaned films before blinks get longer, eyes start to close and heads start to loll.
Robin chivvies the teens to get their sleeping bags set up, and thereā€™s the typical grousing and bickering as everyone tries to use the bathroom at the same time. You think at one point three of the boys are trying to use the sink simultaneously, jostling each other and spitting far too enthusiastically in an effort to spray their compatriots. Itā€™s a small nugget of frivolity that makes you consider the possibility that you might just all be okay.
Steve moves the small electric heater from his room back to yours, and you retrieve Eddieā€™s clothes from the drier. He slips into his Hellfire shirt and clean boxers as you change into your Garfield nightshirt, and then starts to grab blankets from beside you.
Confused, you question,
ā€œWhatā€™re you doing?ā€
ā€œOh, uhā€¦ I just thought Iā€™d sleep on the floor, yā€™know, give you the bed.ā€
Youā€™re aghast.
ā€œDon't be silly, Eddie. Thereā€™s plenty of room. Sleep up here, please? I mean, itā€™s not like we never have before. All those nights in the trailer when I got too baked to make it home, or you got too baked to drive me, or bothā€¦ā€
You both chuckle at the fond memory. You wonder whether youā€™ll ever let on that sometimes you were faking it, or deliberately took too many drags from the last blunt, just so you could spend the night with him, in his bed.
He throws the blankets back over and, smiling, climbs in beside you.
Turning off your bedside light, the room becomes bathed in the low, pale blue glow of the moonlight.
You both lie on your backs, staring at the ceiling. Somehow itā€™s easier to talk like this.
Thumbing the skull ring on your hand, you want to talk about theā€¦ other thing that happened, but have no idea how to bring it up.
As youā€™re ruminating, Eddie beats you to it.
ā€œI hope it wasnā€™t weird? Earlier, I mean. It wasā€¦ā€
Your thighs clench a minuscule amount as you recall the feel of him between them, and the lightest brush of your lips on various parts of each other, and you finish his sentence for him.
ā€œNice. It was nice.ā€
Shit. It was so much more than nice, you think to yourself.
ā€œI donā€™t want you to think Iā€™m taking advantage of you, or anything. I guess Iā€™m just a little touch-starved, yā€™knowā€¦?ā€
ā€œI donā€™t. Honestly, Iā€™m just glad to be close to you again. And if I made you feel uncomfortable then Iā€™m really sorryā€¦ā€
You can tell by the minor shifts in the covers and from his general demeanour that Eddieā€™s fidgeting with his hands.
ā€œYou didnā€™t, I promise.ā€
Thereā€™s another pause, and Eddie huffs out another small breath before he continues,
ā€œListen, I know the past twenty-four hours has basically been weirdness personified, and I donā€™t want to make it even weirder, butā€¦can Iā€¦ maybeā€¦ hold you?ā€
ā€œI think weird is probably the understatement of the century, but itā€™s okay. Andā€¦ I think Iā€™d like that.ā€
You shift closer to one another under the covers, and you turn onto your side as Eddie moves himself to spoon behind you in an echo of your position last night.
He tentatively drapes his arm over you. He feels warmer than when you last did this, and more relaxed, and you press slightly backwards towards him as much as you dare, letting out a heavy, relaxed sigh.
You take Eddieā€™s hand in yours, threading your fingers with his, running yours over and between his digits and turning his forelimb this way and that. He hums into your hair and lets you move his arm however you like.
But you stop when you glance down in the dim light and spot a small tattoo on the inside of his wrist that youā€™ve not seen before. Itā€™s definitely new. You know this because youā€™ve spent hours tracing over every inch of his inked skin, fantasising about following the images with more than just your eyes, imagining using your fingers, your hands, your lips, your tongueā€¦
But this oneā€™s not like any of his others. This one is small and simple, and looks like the outlines of two soft-cornered rectangles with a blocky W between them. It takes you a moment to process what youā€™re looking at, realising it looks a lot like one youā€™ve seen before. Sheā€™s had it covered with a delicate floral design (having connections in government really can get you anything, including underage ink), but you remember what it looked like.
Janeā€™s was a rectangle stacked on top of two horizontal lines, but when you looked at it from a different angle it became numbers: 011.
Looking at Eddieā€™s, you move the position of his arm. It turns the image a little, suddenly giving it more meaning, as you see it depicts a different number: 030.
Quietly, you croak,
ā€œEddie, whatā€™s thi-?ā€
You donā€™t have a chance to process what any of it could mean as Eddie suddenly tenses, his head lifted from the pillows and his face flicking towards the window and back to you.
His brow furrows as he murmurs,
ā€œDo you hear that?ā€
You strain your ears and hear nothing at first. But then, gradually, and from far away, you hear the disturbingly familiar sounds of flapping, shuffling and screeching.
Goosebumps appear on your arms and the back of your neck as you abruptly recall the only things you know of that make sounds like these:
Creatures from the Upside Downā€¦
Prev: Prologue Part One
Series masterlist
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Thanks so much for reading!
I really hope you enjoyed this part. The next one will probably be the last, and the taglist is open (as is my general one), just say the word, friend šŸ™‚
Comments and reblogs mean the world to me - please let me know what you think!
A/N 2: Did anyone spot the LOTR, Captain America and/or Make Up references? ļæ½ļæ½ā€ā™‚ļøšŸŖ“šŸ‘ (Also, completely by accident, AQPDO too šŸ˜œ, and ETA: this and THIS šŸ« )
Taglist: @joejoequinnquinn @jamdoughnutmagician @ali-r3n @eddiemunsonshandcuffs @jasminelafleur @corrodedcoffincumslut @kthomps914 @iletmytittiestitty-russ @findmeincorneliastreet @tlclick73 @sapphire4082 @razzeith @cupid-club @storiesbyrhi @eris-rose-86 @micheledawn1975 @bl0ssomanddie @veemoon @sunshinepeachx @writinginthetwilight @curlyjoequinn @madaboutmunson @airen256 @idkitsem @em0220 @kookygranger @fanfics-i-find-here @the-unforgivenn @b3lladoonna @skrzydlak @comeonatmebruh @jamiecb66 @80s-addict @abellmunsonmovie @definitionwanderlust @amandahobblepot @daisy-munson @sheneedsrocknroll92 @maedesculpaeusoubi @munson-blurbs @wonderlanddreamer @daisy-munson @kellsck @eddiemunsonshandcuffs @babydollface1165
(Iā€™m getting a bit tangled up with my taglists so I hope nobodyā€™s mortally offended if I either have or havenā€™t included them!)
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harringroveera Ā· 3 months ago
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These two guys are just too obsessed with each other honestly
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labyrinthofpassion Ā· 1 month ago
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youtube
I made a 4 hour 9-1-1 deep dive because this show cured my depression (sort of.) anyone in this thread seen Step Up: All In?
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missmarveledsblog Ā· 3 months ago
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BEFORE HE CHEATS (EDDIE MUNSON X READER)
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summary : Y/N hopper is out with the gang celebrating at the hideout when her boyfriend walks in with a blonde on his arm and she goes for where it hurts ... his car while eddie help the woman he secretly loves get over her new ex .
warning: violence against cheating exes and their cars , hopper being a girl dad boss
A rare night out with the older members of the gang , a celebration of the anniversary stopping the end of the world and eddie being cleared as a murderer . the rules we're simple no outsiders that included partners which only effected the rest as jonathan and nancy were still going strong together . the drinks flowing and music blaring everyone was enjoying their night. eddie and steve complaining about dustin and his ego while robin and Y/N well no one knew what they were talking about especially when alcohol was involved, the word vomit was on fast forward with the two, yet eddie munson often felt trapped in a trance at the chief of police daughter. how her laugh was his favourite sound . how when she looked at him , he'd honestly thought his legs would give out yet she belonged to someone else because he was too much of a chicken shit to tell her how he felt. he loved it was just the gang tonight he got to admire her and not feel sick watching her in the arms of some asshole that clearly didn't deserve her. How the moment he met the dude 8 months ago he felt something , a walking red burning flag the guy was. how he would let her down most of time . no if she was his girl , he would make sure everyday that she would know how special she was . But now he was looking from the outside , being the guy she would cry to when he could give her the world if she asked . he may not of had money for fancy date but he would make it special , he would make sure it was something that was worthy of her. he knew she wasn't the type to be impressed by flashy gifts and date . she appreciated everything no matter how small it was , even when the kids pitched in and got her flowers with a cassette she lit up like they gave her a new car . He wished something would give him the chance just for once cut him a break in the shit show he called his life.
like an answered pray the gang eyes all locked on the door as he walked in a skinny little blonde on his arm looking completely terrified of everything around her. " hey we had some car trouble could we use the phone " he called not clocking his girlfriend tense shoulders and heartbroken face or her existence at all . " could be a work friend " robin mused. " baby come on we're missing our engagement party " she cried. " how long you been together " a man asked them . " only four month but when you know well you know " she giggled not sounding like the brightest bunny in the cageĀ  . " we can leave " steve winced . " nope more alcohol " she shook her head her face completely emotionless as she looked over seeing the two heading for the pool table . she watched for half an hour , they played up using the excuse to touch each other in a sickeningly sweet seductive way . she scoffed when the girl complain how harsh the whiskey or how he would beam down at her kissing her like she was all he could matter about . " we could kick his ass " steve mused . " nope hey stevie that bat with the wire still in your car? " she slammed the rest of her drink down . " yeah why " he asked. " no reason , thanks for the keys " she walked by she ignored how her ex turned trying to hide himself and the selfish fuck thought it worked like he actually got away with it . " steve , you told her the bat was in the car and let her take your key " robin mused. " yeah " he nodded til his eyes widened in realization. " oh shit " he ran toward the entrance only for them to heard the smashing already take place . " hey fuck face i think your cars in more trouble , i suggest you hide your friend from the girlfriend out there " eddie yelled back .
when the gang walked out every window on the corvette was gone , she was currently dragging her own keys alongside the exterior of the car, the sound of the scratched up metal filled the car park . She pulled out the butterfly knife from her boot to which sheĀ  stabbing them in the in the tire as they watched . " what the fuck you crazy bitch " he yelled. " oh hey baby fancy seeing you here" she waved stabbing the tire while he watched on . " who is she " the blonde on his arm screeched ." his girlfriend of 8 months " eddie rolled his eyes . what he didn't expect was the pissed off grunt of the blonde . "have you got another bat " she stomped toward the car . " no but if you wanna shred the interior here" she held the knife out to the woman . now his side chick was slashing his seats before pulling a gun out of the glove box . " headlights, he's not worth a life sentence " Y/N yelled as the gun rang out the woman threw it to the ground just as the red and blue light came speeding in . " oh hi dad " she smiled . " what's going on " he huffed. " he cheated and he's car mysteriously got destroyed stranger things have happened huh? " she smiled weakly. " sir i did not cheat ... ok i did but it was so her dad would give me a promotion so i could take care of your daughter " her ex rambled . " well you should park your car somewhere safer next time son the boys can give you lift home " hopper crossed his arm. " arrest them they did it " he cried . " you guys see it " he asked the group . " no " they yelled. " hey hop hate to say no cctv busted since last night " roy the owner of the bar smirked. " now off you go insurance can handle it " hopper waved to her ex a anger grimace on his face as the man walked off without a car or a girlfriend . " maybe next time you'll think before you cheat " she called . " it wont be on us " the blonde called . " hey steve give .. " . " abby " she sniffled. " abby a lift home" she smiled sadly to the woman . " sorry i didn't know he was seeing anyone,Ā  i thought i met the guy after so many failed date but he was just after my moneyĀ  " she said standingĀ  tears falling down her cheeksĀ  . " thanks for the help now go home and plus stevie there's better guy and no shrimp dickĀ  and he's already rich " she winked as the two walked off . " you need a ride home guys won't mind " hopper looked at her. " nah i'm good " she smiled sadly walking over to the gang as robin wrapped her in an embrace. " hey come on little vandal i'll bring you home " eddie smiled softly leading her to his van as her dad ran up behind them . " next time don't leave evidence" he whispered handing over the knife and bat . " night dad " she kissed his cheek . " night sweet heart , me and my girls tomorrow for dad daughter breakfast " he smiled . " make sure el has her eggo's " she chuckled . " hey munson don't pussy out " he yelled out making her stop at the van. " what does he mean " her eye filled in confusion . " that our cue to go " robin yelled .
" well i didn't expect your dad of all people to call me out " he began shuffling his feet while his eyes that usually would follow her anywhere couldn't bare to even look at her . " eddie you ok " he could hear her feet coming closer making his own heart beat thump in his chest . " i'vebeeninlovewithyousincewemet" he said the words jumbled together halting her steps . " wait what " she giggled . " i've been in love with you since we met " he sighed . " why didn't you say anything " her voice fell into a whisper . " because look at you and look at me , your badass and well i'm ...OWW" he jumped back . " your badass too and ugh why didn't you say anything could of saved me 8 month of my life " she huffed getting into the van . " what you mean by that" he chased after her . " meaning that night i met that idiot was because you were again flirting with some ditz and i was sick of it so " she huffed heading hitting the seat , " you liked me " he smiled . " yes i like you but this too soon i mean i just broke up with my boyfriend " . " well then i can wait i've been waiting years already i can wait for you anytime " he smiled like a giddy teen . " fuck it "she leaned forward crashing her lips against his , she spent years watching that mouth move wondering how her lips would feel against them . " ok we need to go home before we do anything we regret , i want you that bad sweetheart i'm not leaving anything to chance but i'm taking you on a date once your ready " he smiled starting the van driving off happy both looked to the smashed up car before breaking into fit of laughter .
she watched his profile , she notice something she barely even cared her ex well was now her ex. the man done nothing but let her down and then throw shitty gifts at her. yet once even with eddie doing whatever it always made her happy . he was always about to make her smile no matter what was going around even when he almost died he tried to make her smile . the more she thought of it the more she realise he really was always there . when her and hopper would have a argument like most dad's and daughters he would open his home for her to sleep over. everytime her dates wouldĀ  be cancelled he would pick up her disappointment and do something fun with her " Eddie i don't want you to wait , i mean i don't think i can wait for you anymore " her voice now showing she was the nervous one . she meant it , thought she literally just became singleĀ  she couldn't leave it another second without eddie being her , truly hers . he didn't say anything only drove which made her more nervous til he pulled into the diner. " well then i'm not waiting " he smiled making her released a breath she was holding . " so this is our first date?" she smiled. " i mean it's already the best one those burgers in there are to die for " he chuckled jumping out of the car before walking around and lifting her out of the van . " you ready " he asked holding her close to him . " who knewĀ  cheating and car vandalising would bring me to one of the best nights of my life " she smiled as he leaned down this time taking charge of the kiss and taking the chance he wished he'd done sooner .
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eddiemunson-reader-shame Ā· 2 months ago
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Eddie Munson x Fem!Reader: Venus
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Good afternoon people of Hawkins I take hammer and I fix the canon so that Eddie and his love are there to save the day.
Alternatively: fuck people like Angela. Throw rocks at them.
Trigger Warnings: vomit mention, pregnancy
****
ā€œWhat the hell are they doing to Mikeā€™s girlfriend?!ā€
You sat up ramrod straight, looking directly at Mike Wheelerā€™s little flame as sheā€™s accosted by a group of leering little bitches led by a trashy looking blonde named Angela. After being accosted one day in Bradleyā€™s Big Buy, fate found you and your fiancĆ© chaperoning Mikeā€™s little trip to see his girlfriend and friend in California. Mrs. Wheeler had paid for the plane tickets and paid you and Eddie two hundred dollars, trusting you to take care of her baby boy and his little friends. Responsibility was something you took seriously. You felt protective, a far cry from your usual antisocial and avoidant demeanor.
The minute you landed in California was when you imprinted on the kiddos like a broody hen imprints on baby chicks. You took a particular liking to Mikeā€™s little girlfriend: she was awkward and scared much like you were once upon a time. Jane Hopper was mousy and shy, and had been trying to be bubbly throughout the trip even though you kept insisting to Eddie something was wrong. You could recognize the signs of someone trying to hold it together. Eddie had insisted you were wrong. Despite his efforts to calm you down, nothing could make you feel safe.
You had been off the whole trip, and the way you were on high alert, the more it seemed like Eddie was right about the cause.
ā€œHey! Take it easyā€¦ā€ Eddie soothed, pulling at the hem of your Motƶrhead ringer tee, ā€œLetā€™s not go berserker on them.ā€
ā€œI donā€™t like the way theyā€™re crowding her!ā€ You hissed, pounding your clenched fist on the booth table.
Mike and Will Byers jumped, glancing from you to Eddie then to each other when you immediately stood up out of the booth seat. You were bouncing on the balls of your feet, crouched as though you were going to pounce on someone.
Everyone was already on edge because of you. Going to Rink-O-Mania had been an entire ordeal. Before you entered the parking lot, you were already bitching and moaning about the drive over. Then you started complaining that the rink smelled like feet, and then you complained that the grease from the hot dogs was too overpowering. Eddie had tried to be the peacekeeper. Settling your raging stomach with a thick strawberry milkshake when you started whining about wanting one, and then complaining that the chocolate and vanilla smelled rotten.
The shake helped settle your stomach, but once the nausea was gone you just got more broody and hypersensitive.
ā€œBabe, take a second, okay?ā€ He soothed, pulling you back down into the booth with him, ā€œYouā€™re gonna cause a scene.ā€
ā€œI donā€™t like how theyā€™re just grabbing her and lugging her around like a suitcase!ā€ You said.
Willā€™s hands were shaking, and you could hear him whispering with Mike.
ā€œWhatā€™s wrong with herā€¦?ā€
ā€œHow the hell should I know?! Sheā€™s been insufferable ever since she got on the plane to California!ā€
Eddie glanced over at Mike, shaking his head and frowning.
ā€œMike, take it easy. Sheā€™s not feeling well.ā€ He said.
ā€œEddie, this is stupid!ā€ Mike said, ā€œShe complains about every little thing, whines that she doesnā€™t feel good, then snaps at you if you donā€™t answer her right away or do what she wants. I swear sheā€™s on the rag! Now she wonā€™t even let El hang with her friends.ā€
ā€œMike chill, you donā€™t understand-ā€¦ā€
You immediately snapped your head towards Will when you heard him make a strangled noise in his throat at the mention of Janeā€™s ā€œfriendsā€.
ā€œWhatā€™s wrong?!ā€ You demanded.
ā€œNothing!ā€
Will looked like he had a gun to his head. Hyperventilating. Pure panic on his face.
ā€œWillā€¦ā€ you growled, moving in like a tiger.
ā€œSweetheart, please. Everything is fine. Donā€™t start up with the stress.ā€ Eddie begged.
ā€œYeah, man! Stop freaking everyone out!ā€
Mike stared you down while Will looked left and right, as though hoping to be saved. A storm was brewing, both in your face and on the roller rink. And unfortunately he didnā€™t have the spoons or the know-how to quell both at once.
You glanced hatefully at both Eddie and Mike.
ā€œShut up.ā€ You hissed, before turning back to Will.
He shrank in the booth, the faux leather squeaking.
ā€œThose girls are not her friendsā€¦ are they?ā€ You whispered dangerously to Will.
He was avoiding your gaze. Fidgeting in his seat. You continued to stare him down until he finally, finally shook his head and muttered.
ā€œNoā€¦ theyā€™re not her friends. Those are the ones that bully her at schoolā€¦ā€
The air surrounding the booth seemed to shift; a cold front of anticipation hitting everyone. You began to quiver, while Mike and Eddie rounded on Will.
ā€œWhy didnā€™t you say something?!ā€ Mike demanded.
ā€œI promised I wouldnā€™t tell!ā€ Will countered, while Eddie simultaneously tried to pacify Will and soothe Mike.
But you were done. You were so fucking done.
ā€œFuck this shit.ā€
You moved out of the booth and sat astride a nearby bench, kicking your shoes off and tying on your black skates. Your face was dark, stormy and murderous, and you looked like you were puffed up and ready to kill someone.
ā€œNo, no, no!ā€ Eddie was scrambling out of the booth after you, trying to grab your arm, ā€œSweetheart, we need to stop and take a breath-ā€¦ā€
ā€œEddieā€™s right! What are you even doing?!ā€ Mike demanded.
ā€œIā€™m going to get my fucking kid.ā€ You said.
ā€œSince when is she your kid?!ā€ Mike snapped.
ā€œSince your mother told me to take care of all of you on this trip.ā€ You snarled, nearly snapping the shoestrings on your skates as you tied them with a vengeance, ā€œIf anything happens to any of you, Eddie and I are the ones that are gonna catch hell.ā€
ā€œYou think Iā€™m afraid of Karen Wheeler?!ā€ Eddie interjected, trying to drag you back over to the table, ā€œI get that we have a responsibility, but we need to take a deep breath and not go apeshit on a bunch of kids. You need to think of the situation we might be in...ā€
His voiced dropped to a whisper.
ā€œI donā€™t want either of you getting hurt.ā€
ā€œIā€™m just going to go get Jane.ā€ You said.
ā€œDammit babe you canā€™t just go charging in-ā€¦ā€
Before Eddie could do anything, you had already secured your skates and began gliding out onto the rink. Vaguely over the sound of Bananarama, you could hear Eddie calling your name. You were skating a bit like shit. The motion was a little disorienting, and out in the middle of the rink you could smell everything mixed together with body sweat.
You whipped your head this way and that, before spotting Jane. Cornered by Angela, that bleach blonde jackass.
ā€œExcuse me.ā€ You called out, bumping the blonde with your hip.
The motion was so fluid it simply looked like you were just gliding on by, taking Jane by the upper arm and coasting with her for a turn around the rink. It was done swiftly, no muss no fuss, but you knew from years of experience that girls like Angela wouldnā€™t let you go so easily.
Jane looked a little frightened, and you caught a glimpse of yourself in the reflection of a mirror. Your teased hair was waterlogged with sweat, and your sharp winged eyeliner was dribbling down your cheeks and getting into your sleep deprived red rimmed eyes. To Jane, you must have looked like a demon.
ā€œAre you okay, sweetie?!ā€ You called out to Jane over the intro to ā€˜Venusā€™.
She waited until the iconic screech passed before responding.
ā€œIā€™m okayā€¦ā€ she nodded, clinging to your arm when she realized you had come to save her, not scream at her.
ā€œWhat were they doing to you?ā€ You called out, only to see the intended plan a second later as Janeā€™s bully and her cronies started tailing the two of you around the turn. You locked eyes with Eddie across the room, watching him stand up from putting on his inline skates and gliding towards you two.
ā€œDonā€™t panic.ā€ You told Jane, ā€œJust skate towards Eddie, okay?ā€
She nodded and went forward obediently, nearly falling into his open arms when you gave her a little push. Janeā€™s bullies were closing in on either side of you, and just as you made for Eddie, you felt a tug at the back of your hair. It was soft at first, then someone yanked you backward.
You landed hard on your wrist and ass, and when you looked up, you were doused in chocolate shake.
The smell was more overpowering than the laughter of Janeā€™s bullies. Angela stood triumphantly over you, her friends circling all of you as they laughed and pointed.
ā€œLook who it is!ā€ She laughed, ā€œThe loserā€™s fat little mother hen!ā€
You didnā€™t say anything as you got to your feet. Watching the girls circle you was giving you motion sickness, and you slapped a hand over your mouth as the sickening smell of cheap cocoa ice cream and curdling milk invaded your nostrils.
ā€œAww look, sheā€™s not saying anything.ā€ Angela sneered, getting into your face, ā€œIs Mommy feeling queasy?ā€
The hot dog grease, burnt popcorn, oil, Angelaā€™s Loveā€™s Baby Soft perfume, and the insoles of skates that had been sweated in since the sixties, were cumulatively gathering together into one rank whiff to make your stomach turn violently. The feeling of saliva flooding your mouth meant the end was nigh. You looked up at Angela, a sly grin on your face as one of her female friends went up behind you with a fist raised.
ā€œOh, Mamaā€™s feeling queasy alright,ā€ you hissed, spit dribbling out of your mouth.
ā€œYou stuck up little bitch.ā€
Angela only had one moment to react before her friend hit you hard in the middle of the back. The floodgates opened. The punch to the back knocked you forward, and you immediately threw up all over the front of Angelaā€™s blue shirt.
You finally understood the meaning of a Kodak Moment. Her face changed in the span of a second from superior, to shock, to horror and then fear as she began gagging as the smell of vomit hit her nostrils. You coughed up the remains of the shake while her friends immediately vacated the rink, the music stopping mid riff and everyone clearing off the minute ā€œralphā€ was heard echoing through the roller rink. Angela began screaming as Eddie nearly bowled into you, laughing so hard he was crying.
ā€œHoly hell!ā€ He cried, his face red with laughter and his smile wide as he led you out of the rink by the arm, ā€œDid you have to do that?!ā€
ā€œShe shouldnā€™t have doused me in shake.ā€ Was your smug response.
ā€œYOU DIRTY BITCH!ā€
Angela shrieked, alone in the center of the rink, covered and stinking, ā€œYouā€™re fucking gross! Youā€™re disgusting!ā€
ā€œWord of advice, sweetheart,ā€ Eddie called over his shoulder, a smug smile on his face while leading you into the waiting arms of Will, Mike and Jane.
ā€œNext time: donā€™t pick a fight with a pregnant woman!ā€
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hellishchrissy Ā· 2 months ago
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should I stay, or should I go now? if I go, there will be trouble and if I stay, it will be double
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sixaus-meaa Ā· 11 days ago
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Six The Musical as Messages pt21
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enamoredwithbella Ā· 1 year ago
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If youā€™re tagging max mayfield x reader under ANY other character post but Max Iā€™m manifesting continuous instances of minor inconveniences to happen to you for the next 50 years. Stub your toe bitch smh šŸ˜’
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munsonson Ā· 5 months ago
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What instantly turns you off from a Stranger Things fic? For me itā€™s anything villainizing Nancy, particularly in Steve stories. It bugs me so much.
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kitchen-spoon Ā· 2 months ago
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Iā€™m looking for a Steddie fic I read awhile ago, Steve and Eddie break up but then Eddieā€™s ex comes back and drops off a kid. Everyone in the party but Steve knows about Eddieā€™s daughter. They all reunite at Dustinā€™s wedding and Eddieā€™s daughter is the flower girl.
Iā€™m pretty sure it is part of a series maybe? Idk but if anyone knows what I am talking about please tell me the name of this I am dying to read-read it.
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imactuallyreallycool Ā· 8 months ago
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Um yeah šŸ˜”šŸ«¶šŸ’–
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Healing myself from my last post (if you know, you know šŸ˜”šŸ™)
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harringroveera Ā· 2 months ago
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Billy: So this is it, right, Bambi?
Steve: Yeah, I canā€™t believe it. Weā€™re no longer enemies. Weā€™re now officially boyfriends!
*
El, waking up in her bedroom with a gasp: IT HAPPENED!
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leaharleyg Ā· 1 year ago
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I made this for Stranger Things but you can honestly use it for any and every fandom...unfortunately. More queer rep amiright.
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missmarveledsblog Ā· 3 months ago
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THE BABYSITTING TRAP PART 1 ( STEVE HARRINGTON X READER)
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summary :Ā when always being the babysitter hasĀ it'sĀ perks for once.Ā  Ā except their friends had plans for the twoĀ 
warnings:Ā steveĀ is a simp forĀ readerĀ ,Ā mutualĀ pinning ,Ā scaredĀ steve
FridayĀ night madnessĀ atĀ family videowas definitelyĀ the least favourite activity steveĀ harringtonĀ would count on hisĀ list .Ā another would be stuck with theĀ kids ,Ā he always found himself as theĀ babysitter .saturdayhe wasĀ volunteered toĀ lookedĀ after the lotĀ sinceĀ eddieĀ andĀ robinwereĀ going to some concert he had no interestĀ in ,nancyĀ andĀ jonathanĀ hadĀ datenight ,evenhopperĀ had a date night withĀ joyceĀ . " come on " he could hearĀ dustinĀ whiny tone before heĀ even seenĀ him pulling her into theĀ store .Ā Y/N Hopper andĀ dustin'sĀ older cousin who mysteriously showed up the summer will byers went missing and arrived. thoughĀ steveĀ knew the real truth she was in the lab along withĀ elĀ .Ā what was more surprisingĀ toĀ find outĀ chief jim hopperĀ hadĀ oneĀ nightĀ stand with aĀ henderson. another surprise was how beautiful sheĀ was andĀ was no secret to the group ofĀ steveĀ crush on the girl ...well except to her. "Ā i'dĀ say sailor costume was way better than this "she smiled upĀ atĀ boyĀ . " you say that every time you come in here " he rolled his eyes . "Ā itsĀ trueĀ though ,Ā please tell me you held that video orĀ i'mĀ leaving that kid in the car park " sheĀ pouted absolutelyĀ melting him from the inside. " what doĀ iĀ get in return " he asked feeling a little confidence. "Ā i'llĀ help you with the kids tomorrow nightĀ sinceĀ eddieĀ and robin are ditching us " she batted her lashes. " ok ok deal here you are " he smiled handing over the tape as she handed him theĀ money .Ā " Y/N fancy seeing you here sweetness " keith emerged even making steve jump. " hey ken sup " she smiled back hiding the cringe . " it's keith anyways what you say me and you drive in tomorrow i'll bring the mints" he wiggled his brows . " as appealing as that sounds me and steve are babysitting tomorrow night and any other night you happen to be free " she grimaced. " ook your loss babe " he scampered off with whatever was left of his ego . " your loss babe " she mimicked making steve laughed. " poor guy couldn't give him one date no " steve joked . " waiting on better offer " she winked going to pick out candy while dustin appeared . " ask her out seriously how many hints can a chick give you " he rolled his eyes . " wait what " . " you heard me,Ā  here for the candy " he smiled dropping less then enough on the counter as he yelled to y/n he paid and to go . " wait no , ah shit " steve huffed putting it in the til watching them leave she gave him one last wave through the window then she was gone .
never in all his years of being the one left with the kids was he this nervous not even when faced with monsters orĀ end of the worldsituations .Ā And yet here he was wondering ifĀ he'sĀ clothes and hair lookedĀ good .Ā He even had eddie and Robin sitting on his bed giving him advice . " you need to make a move dingus " she huffed bored and well blunt and to the point was her only advice . " yeah me and Robin didn't make up fake plans for you to screw this up harrington " eddie copied dramatically . " wait you both aren't going to some concert " he turned to the two . " nice going , no ok we're sick of the puppy dog shit , we thought it would happen during the whole vecna situation but nope so we are going to the movies with his bandmates and Vicki tonight so don't screw it up " she glared at the metal head before explaining. " what if your wrong and I make a fool of myself yet again " he sighed. " you think Henderson would help us if we were wrong " eddie asked honestly . " yes I would " steve deadpanned. " we're not wrong ok , now be yourself and get the girl and keep her this time " Robin pushed him out the door . " or one of us will take her instead I mean she's hot " eddie yelled after . " wanna raid his pantry " he turned to Robin.
Pulling up to dustin Hendersons was never as nerve wrecking . He had an argument with himself on whether to get flowers or not decided not to giving incase they were wrong , he felt they were wrong , he just hope this time it was him who was wrong . The first red flag was the quietness , he didn't hear the incessant chattering or dustin arguing with at least one or two of them . He was starting to doubt if he had the right day or not or if it was a prank just on him. Knocking on the door she answered wearing long t-shirt and shorts looking not long up after a nap . " shit didn't dustbin tell you they're spending day at the wheelers our services aren't needed today after all" she yawned stretching up leaving door wide open for him to come in . " no I guess he forgot .. I woke you up want me to go , I can come back when kids are back " he began to ramble. " or since all our friends abandoned us you can drop me home and we could hang out " she turned and smiled . " like your trailer just us " he asked almost shocked and little pitchy for his liking. " I mean only if you want to " she smiled brightly up at him earning a quick and fast yes . " let me grab my shoes " she beamed rushing to put them on along with grabbing her bag before walking out the door . " you not going ..ok this drive is gonna kill me " he mumbled eyes darting to wear her shorts hugged the globes of her ass perfectly . " what a good way to go " . " huh " she spun around head tilting in confusion . " its good we still get to hang out " he coughed trying to keep his voice steady . " yeah we haven't done that in a long ass time huh " she mused while he was lost looking at how her brows furrowed and her plump lips pursed . "Oh we can watch that movie I got last night " she giggled excitedly. " didn't you and dustin watch it " . " no he fell asleep before it started " she rolled her eyes. " well then we can watch it and rub it in his face " steve chuckled. " I love it " she clapped before jumping into his car .
It was hard to keep his mind off the fact he was sitting beside the woman of his dreams , going to her place alone being so close to her for whole afternoon . It filled him with both nerves and excitement. Even now it was hard to keep his eyes on the road while she was sitting beside him , slight bed head from her nap , the shirt ... wait was that his shirt. " is that my shirt " he asked confused. " dustin gave it to me" she looked at him confused. " I left it there after guys night sleep over " he chuckled hiding the fact he was screaming inside she was wearing his clothes . " well it's my shirt now, so soft and comfy " she sighed happily sending a shiver down his spine , she was gonna be death of him . Just hearing that come out her mouth made him short circuit . " ok looks better on you anyways " he smiled dreamingly at her . " you think" she looked down before seeing them pulling into the trailer park both waving to Wayne as they passed by . Pulling up outside her trailer or bain of hoppers existence he called it . Just as she got out the car she heard it . " who knew you be hotter in my clothesĀ  " steve muttered thinking she couldn't hear him but she heard it as clear as she could hear the birds in the sky or the kids running around. Maybe the evening would be better than she thought.
Part two *
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yinora-evergreen Ā· 4 months ago
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SINCE MY FEED SEEMS TO HAVE BEEN BOMBARDED WITH THE FACT THAT STRANGER THINGS SEASON 5 IS IN THE MAKING, I'D LIKE TO LET EVERYONE KNOW I DO IN FACT WRITE FOR STRANGER THINGS, AND MY REQUESTS ARE OPEN, SO
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