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eddiexmunsonlover · 9 months ago

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One Step Away From You (Chapter 2)

ExBestFriend!Eddie Munson x PlusSize!Fem!Reader

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Chapter Summary: It's your first day back at Hawkins High. Your day goes as expected, until you see the face of your ex-best friend, Eddie Munson, at a lunch table with your younger friends. WC: 5.7k Warnings: MDNI. Explicit language used. Descriptions of anxiety, mentions of depression. Notes: I've been dying to post this chapter. I've been waiting to post chapters until I have the next one finished, and it's been harder than expected to not just post them right away. This chapter features time spent with the younger kids, and Steve and Robin, as well as a little flashback. I hope you guys enjoy!

Monday, September 16th, 1985

Your eyes slowly open, taking in the dawn sky peeking through your curtains as the sun begins to rise. Your eyes shift to the clock by your bed, 5 minutes before your alarm goes off. Yawning, your hand falls to rest on your cat Henny, peacefully sleeping against your chest. You smile as you gently pet his soft black fur, enjoying the few moments of peace before you have to get ready. Moments of peace, soon interrupted by anxious thoughts about your first day back at Hawkins High. The repetitive feeling of your cat’s fur against your hand helps to keep your thoughts from spiraling too much. That is until the sudden, loud blaring of your alarm caused him to sprint off the bed in a flash. You snort out a laugh as you quickly turn off your alarm.

Stretching out all your limbs, you climb out of bed with a sigh and head to the bathroom to start your morning routine. You spend a few minutes browsing your wardrobe, deciding on what to wear for your first day outfit. Finally deciding on a pair of your favorite acid wash jeans that hug your curves, a Metallica Ride the Lightning shirt, and your trusty, worn black converse hi-tops. You turn to your vanity, beginning your usual hair and make-up routine. You kept your hair in its natural form, only adding some hairspray to your roots to add some volume. Followed by a smokey eye, winged eyeliner, mascara, and some chapstick. You grab your bag, keys, and a pack of pop-tarts, giving Henny a kiss on his head before heading out the door.

You start your truck, turning the dial of the radio until you hear the familiar sounds of Hall & Oates. You light a menthol cigarette, a habit picked up from your parents and the stress of the last few years, before backing out of your driveway. You take note of the same unfamiliar van in Uncle Wayne’s driveway as you pull out of the trailer park. As you drive down the road, singing along to Out of Touch, you feel that familiar anxious knot start to form in your stomach as you get closer to the school.

A knot that only grows when you pull into Hawkins High’s parking lot, noting all the cars and students already there. You pull into an open space in the back and park your truck, sighing as you finish your cigarette, eyes roaming among the students lingering around their cars. Starting at a new school was never easy, but starting at a new school after the year had already started was worse. Today marked the 3rd week of the school year. You hope the year was still fresh enough that no one would pay particular attention to a newer face. Who were you kidding, in a town as small as Hawkins? Of course they would notice. You groan before deciding, Fuck it, let’s get this over with. You grab your bag and begin walking toward the school entrance, not letting your eyes linger away from the main doors to meet the ones of your fellow students.

After 3 years, the halls of Hawkins High are still familiar to you, finding your way to the principal’s office easily. You enter, eyes falling onto a middle-aged woman, clad in all purple clothing and accessories as you approach her desk.

“Hi, uhm-” you cleared your throat, prompting her eyes to lift to meet yours. “It’s my first day. My mom already took care of the paperwork. I’m here to get my locker and class schedule.” You notice the way her eyes look you over, squinting scrutinizingly in the process.

“Name?” she asks, voice monotone as she reaches for a folder of papers in the desk drawer. You give your name, watching as she shuffles through them. Your eyes briefly look around, landing on the door to the Principal’s office. You can’t help rolling your eyes as you notice the plaque on the door, Principal Higgins. Can’t wait to deal with that prick again. You look back to the receptionist as she wordlessly hands over 2 papers with your locker information and your class schedule. Her eyes never look back up to you as she quickly resumes her previous task. Your body shifts awkwardly.

“Uh, thank you. Have a good one” you politely offer as you turn to leave. Rolling your eyes and muttering “Rude bitch” as you re-enter the halls and head to your first class.

Your first few classes of the day go as expected. Much to your dismay, your presence had caught the eyes and attention of a few of your peers. If it wasn’t for the fact that your presence in their classes is new, your looks would be grabbing their attention regardless. You did your best to be as unbothered as you could, ignoring their gazes and whispers as you focused on the lectures or doodling in your notebook. As you sit in your last class before lunch, you can’t help but feel frustrated at your predicament.

Moving back to Virginia in 10th grade had fucked everything up for you. To say you were devastated after the move is an understatement. You struggled to adjust; switching schools half-way through the school year, leaving behind Eddie, your Dad, and your parents' crumbled marriage. You fell into a depression and didn’t attempt to make new friends or try to pass your classes. By the end of your 10th grade year you’d failed most of your classes, causing you to be held back and having to redo the year over again. If your family had never fallen apart and you’d never moved, you would’ve graduated this past May.

There’s no point in lingering on it now, it’s done. The best thing you could do now is stay on top of your schoolwork, graduate next May and hopefully go off to college in the Fall to start the rest of your life.

Your eyes shoot up from your notebook as the bell rings, dragging you out of your thoughts. You collect your things, following your peers into the quickly crowding halls. You originally planned to spend your lunch period in the library, setting up your school planner and figuring out assignments you already needed to catch up on. However, your young friend Mike Wheeler on the other hand, insisted that you come and sit with the boys for lunch when you’d called and let them know you were back in Hawkins.

The cafeteria buzzes with its usual chatter, as does the Hellfire table. Eddie, Gareth, Jeff, and Grant discuss the latest DnD campaign, begging Eddie for details of the upcoming one this Friday. Eddie laughs bashfully, denying their requests. Until he notices the newer, younger members of Hellfire completely oblivious to their conversation, and thoroughly engaged in their own. Eddie attempts to filter out the whines of the older members.

“I’m so happy she’s back, I can’t believe it.” Dustin remarks.

“I know! You told her to come sit with us right?” Lucas directs at Mike, who eagerly nods his head in response.

“Yeah, has anyone seen her yet?”

The other two boys shake their heads.

“I could’ve sworn I saw her on my way to 3rd period but I wasn’t sure” Dustin adds.

“Man. It’s nice we’ll actually get to go to school together, at least for this year.” Lucas says, referencing the few years you have on them.

It’s a rapid fire conversation Eddie can barely hear. Just when he’s about to interrupt and ask who the hell they’re talking about,

“Oh wait, there she is!”

Eddie’s eyes follow to where the younger boys’ eyes and small waves are directed toward, eyes landing on you.

Eddie’s movements freeze, breath hitching in his throat as he watches you. It’s like everything moves in slow motion. Your eyes quickly scan the cafeteria, uncertainty sketched across your face. Until your eyes catch the younger boys, and a breathtaking smile spreads across your face that knocks the air right out of his goddamn lungs. You giggle softly as you begin to walk towards them. And all Eddie can do is fucking stare.

He has to force himself to blink multiple times to make sure he’s not dreaming. It’s really you. What the fuck, it’s you?? He could only watch in disbelief, brain short circuiting. In the nearly 3 years that had passed, you really didn’t look much different at all. You did seem more confident, comfortable in yourself. Your features had matured a bit more too, but you still had that same baby face; pink, chubby cheeks and soft jawline. Only now your hair is a few shades lighter and you’re sporting a nose ring. Your body had filled out more too, the same body Eddie had practically gawked over seen from his bedroom window yesterday. Now that he has a view from the front, he can’t stop his eyes from fully looking you over. From your gorgeous face, to the faint outline of your plush stomach through your Metallica shirt, to your thick thighs that rubbed against each other as you walked. Eddie was still frozen in place as you finally approach the table, eyes not having met his yet.

You greet the younger boys with a smile,

“Hey buds” you exclaim happily. Your arms wrap around Mike and Lucas, giving them both a half hug before rounding the other side of the table to Dustin, ruffling his hair playfully.

“How’s freshman year treating y’all?” You ask genuinely. You can’t deny that you had worried a bit for them. Freshman year can be rough, especially for a ‘freak’.

“Good”

“Eh”

“Not so bad” Mike shrugs, “the club has helped.” His head gestures to the other, older boys at the rest of the table.

Your eyes follow, noting the other boys’ eyes are already on you, watching in subtle curiosity. Your eyes land on the boy sitting at the head of the table. Hair long, dark, and wild. An unreadable expression on his face, dark brown eyes boring into yours.

Eddie. Fuckkkk.

Your eyes widen slightly, smile faltering as you try to swallow the lump that just lodged itself in your throat. You try your best to put on a genuine smile, only partially effective as an awkward half smile tugs at your lips.

“Hey, Eddie” you offer with a small nod.

His mind finally snaps out of its daze, reality and resentment setting in. He coughs lightly, clearing his throat as his features and gaze harden.

“Y/N” he offers, voice cold as he snatches his gaze from yours. He resumes eating his pretzels, as if your very presence didn’t just shatter his world as he knew it.

“You guys know each other?” Lucas asks curiously.

Dustin turns his head to look up at you behind him, eyes widening.

“Wait… Eddie? As in THE Eddie… that taught you DnD?” Dustin asks.

You give him a tight lipped smile as you nod,

“The one and only.”

You begin to fidget on your feet uncomfortably, stomach turning.

“I can’t believe I didn’t connect the dots until now.” Dustin breathes out slowly.

“Whoa… you should totally join and play with us!” Mike quickly adds.

Abort mission. Abort mission. Your thoughts scream at you.

“Oh, that’s alright.” You dismiss him quickly with a smile and small wave of your hand, “Anyway, I just came by to say ‘Hi’ to you guys real quick. I gotta get going.”

You’re greeted with a chorus of groans from the younger boys. You offer a small nod and tight-lipped smile to the older boys. Your eyes briefly glance at Eddie, whose eyes haven’t left his pretzels since first leaving yours. You tell the younger boys you’ll see them later as you begin to walk off towards the exit. Finally releasing a breath you didn’t realize you were holding. A breath that’s quickly catching in your throat again as you hear fast footsteps approaching from behind you and feel a hand on your shoulder. You relax as you turn and see Dustin’s face.

“Hey, wait. So reaalllly quick. Lucas and Mike wanted me to ask if you wouldn’t mind giving us a ride home after school?”

“Seriously man?” You let out a genuine laugh, caught off guard.

“Oh, come onnn. You remember how much it sucks to ride the bus! Pretty pretty please??” Dustin asks, putting on the best puppy eyes he can manage. You roll your eyes and groan playfully at him.

“Fine, but whoever gets to my truck first gets to sit in the cab with me, the last 2 are stuck in the truck bed” you add.

If you’re gonna be stuck giving them a ride, you’d at least get some entertainment out of watching them race for the best seat. Dustin salutes you before scurrying back to the Hellfire table as you turn and walk out of the cafeteria as quickly as your legs can take you.

Gareth, Jeff, and Grant share curious, confused, but knowing glances at each other and Eddie. Picking up on the undeniable tension in the air between him and this girl. Feeling their eyes on him, and before Gareth can even open his mouth, Eddie’s hand shoots up to cut him off.

“Don’t.”

They’d drop it for now, but Eddie knew it was only a matter of time before it was brought up, whether by them or the newer members whom you seemed to know so well.

Shitshitshit! Your thoughts rapidly fly through your head as you hightail it to the library to spend the remainder of your lunch. Eddie’s was the last face you expected to see at school, in Hawkins. Let alone sitting at a table, in a DnD club with your young friends. What the hell is he still doing here anyway? Remember that comforting, hopeful feeling you had? It was long gone now, dissipating at the sight of your old best friend. Crumbling into ashes as your eyes met his, his face even more beautiful than you remembered… and hardened as he saw you.

You were so confused. Last you knew of Eddie was that he had hooked up with some girl who worked for a record company in LA, recording a demo tape for a record deal back in Spring 84’. At least that’s what you and Eddie’s friend from the trailer park and Corroded Coffin's drummer, Ronnie had relayed to you over the phone. You’d asked her not to give you any more updates about him after that, the news making your stomach drop. When she went off to NYU later that year, you figured the band had just replaced her with a new drummer.

You enter the library and head towards an old spot of yours, a table in the back tucked between bookshelves rarely perused by your peers. Your head falls into your hands as you plop down into a chair, sighing deeply as you attempt to calm your thoughts and breathing. All those thoughts and feelings about Eddie you’d tried to bury over the last few years were now clawing their way out of the grave and overtaking your mind.

You feebly try to push them down again. You look at the lunch you had packed for yourself. Knowing you couldn’t stomach it right now, you pull out your planner and syllabi from your earlier classes. It only leads to your thoughts of Eddie and your school work hashing it out in your head for your undivided attention. You sigh again, already knowing which will be the winner. Leaning back in your chair, you think about how exactly you got here. How the best friend you’ve ever had could barely make any eye contact with you, and the sight of him made you have a near panic attack.

It had been a cloudy day in early December 1982, when you dragged your feet across the road to the Munson trailer. Sprinkles of rain began to fall, soaking into your hair as you dreaded breaking the news to your best friend. You willed away the tears that were already building in your eyes before you could even step onto Uncle Wayne’s porch. A few moments after your weak knocks on the door, it opened to reveal your best friend. His signature cheeky smile plastered on his face, quickly slipping away when he noted the somber look on yours.

“Hey, hey. What’s wrong?” He asked softly, hand reaching for your arm as he stepped out the trailer to join you on the porch. You couldn’t look him in the eyes, you knew as soon as you did you wouldn’t be able to stop the waterfall.

“I’m leaving, Eddie…” you mutter, voice soft and cracking.

“Leaving? W-What do you mean?” Eddie asks, confusion seeping through his voice and features. You gulp, trying to calm yourself before you continue. “Is it your dad? Is he giving you guys problems? I told you, you can come to me and Wayne if he-”

“No-No. He’s in the tank for a DUI right now a-and Mom thinks… it’s perfect timing to just get away, put some distance…” you manage to get out. You take a deep breath before willing yourself to look up and finally meet his eyes. “We’re moving back to Virginia.”

Your eyes search his as yours begin to well with tears. Finally saying the words to him made it real, definite, final. He sighs deeply, a small frown pulling at his lips.

“C’mere…” He whispers, pulling you into his chest as his arms wrap around and squeeze you tightly. His gesture causes your tears to fall freely. You almost feel bad that you’re no doubt soaking his shirt and leaving behind an embarrassing wet spot, but the feeling of his arms around you and the sad, anxious thoughts flying through your mind distract you from it.

“It’s gonna be okay” he says reassuringly, a hand softly rubbing up and down your back.

After a minute he pulls back, hands holding both of your arms as he looks at you with a small smile.

“They have phones back in Virginia, right?” he asks, joking lightly. Anything to lessen the frown and tears streaking your cheeks. You smirk softly in response, nodding your head as you wipe your tears. “Then it’ll be okay. We’ll call a-and talk about school, new records, DnD campaigns… that dick Higgins” A brief, wet laugh escapes your mouth at his words.

“all the things we talk about now. I promise.” He finishes, moving one of his hands from your arm to extend his pinky finger out to you. A long playful gesture you’ve done since meeting in 4th grade. You take a moment to let his words and optimism sink in.

You wrap your pinky finger around his, offering back a small smile. “Promise.”

The bell signaling the end of the lunch period pulls you out of your memory. You collect your things, taking your place in the halls among your peers as you head toward your next class. Only 3 more periods to get through, that’s it. Just 3. Then you can go home, and dig into your stash for some relief from this whirlwind of a day. You take a deep breath and put on a brave face as you walk into your English class. You’re one of the first students there, quickly grabbing an open seat in the back. Settling in, you pull out your notebook from your bag, facing toward the front of the class just as a patched denim jacket catches your eye. Eddie saunters in, dropping ungracefully into a seat in the back, 2 rows away from you. This can’t be happening. You lace your fingers together, resting your mouth against them as you stare at the board, not daring to let your eyes wander towards the long haired boy.

A soft gasp coming from your right grabs your attention,

“Hey, I know you! Scoops Ahoy right?” You look over the girl as she takes a seat next to you. She looks familiar, you’d definitely seen her a few times while you were working at Scoops this summer. Donna? Denise? Debbie? You tried remembering the girl's name, knowing Steve had mentioned it at some point.

You clear your throat before answering, “Yeah, mhm. That’s me.”

“Oh my gosh. I still can’t believe what happened with the fire. I mean, a grease fire? From that god awful Hot Dog on a Stick place? Still so crazy to me.” She states, shaking her head in disbelief. You nod softly in response.

“Yeah, tell me about it. Guess they never learned grease and water don’t mix.” You breathe out a soft laugh, “Not an experience I’ll forget anytime soon, that’s for sure.”

“For sure, I bet! Hey, I thought I remembered Steve saying something about you just visiting for the summer… I’m guessing you’re here to stay?”

You were a little taken aback at how kind she’s being. She seemed nice enough buying ice cream, but holding a full on conversation with you in a classroom was unexpected. By the looks of her, she wouldn’t be considered a ‘freak’ by any means. Not popular, but not an outcast either.

“Yeah that’s right, at least until graduation.” you respond with a soft smile that she quickly returns.

“Cool. Well anyway, I’m glad you guys made it out okay.”

“Thanks, me too” You finish as she settles into her seat, just as Ms. O’Donnel begins to speak at the front of the class.

As you settle back into your own seat, your cheeks warm. He didn’t hear that, did he? You try to pay attention to Ms. O’Donnel as she discusses The Catcher in the Rye when you can feel eyes on you. Taking in your peripheral vision confirms it. Yep, he definitely heard that. Eddie is practically staring daggers at the side of your face before scoffing, shaking his head and looking toward the front of the class.

It takes every fiber of his being to not storm out of the classroom right in that moment, but he actually wanted to try and graduate this year, so he stays. Leg rapidly bouncing, biting down his already short nails just to attempt to calm the nerves and emotions raging through his body. Seeing you again, then to overhear that you had been visiting Hawkins in the summer this whole time… it’s too much for him to process. He’s hurting, fucking heartbroken actually, but that’s being overshadowed by anger. He knew it. Part of him never wanted to fully admit it to himself, but now he knows it’s true. You had truly abandoned him. He’s never blamed you for moving back to Virginia. That wasn’t your fault. You had no control over it, and he knew that. What he could never understand though, was why a couple months after you’d moved, you stopped calling and returning his calls. He used to go over and over in his head if he had done something, said something wrong and could never think of anything. He had tried not to let himself linger on it for too long and put on a tough front. He had been wrong about you, he’d decided. You were just like all the other people in his life that just hurt and abandoned him. That’s what he had to tell himself to move on and not drive himself crazy. Even if part of him didn’t, wouldn’t believe it. Well now he knows. You’d been visiting in the summers this whole time, and never bothered to tell him or see him? He still doesn’t understand why, but now he knows that he was right.

As soon as the bell rings, Eddie’s the first out of his seat and out of the door. You take a deep breath, wanting nothing more than to crawl in a hole and hide, the undeniable feeling of guilt overtaking you. You know you can’t, however. You’re going to have to tough it out for 2 more periods. Eddie doesn’t even attempt it, immediately walking out to his spot in the woods behind the school to smoke, to try to calm his body and mind so he can at least try to attend his last class of the day.

Art happens to be his last class of the day, a class that he notices upon entering, is another he has to share with you. If you had known your first day was going to go like this, you would’ve just stayed in bed with Henny all day. You shake your head to yourself, knowing this is something you won’t be able to avoid and run away from for long. Is that something you even want? You tended to avoid conflict and confrontation at all cost… but you love Eddie. You miss Eddie. You know things are the way they are because of you. You have to take responsibility for it. You had known dropping contact with Eddie might hurt him, but you told yourself it probably wouldn’t bother him that much and he’d move on quickly. The insecure part of your brain told you, you probably didn’t mean as much to him as he did to you. Seeing his reaction today at lunch, and in class overhearing of your summer visits he wasn’t included in, tells you you’re dead wrong. What the hell am I going to do? How am I going to fix this?

When the bell rings this time to signal the end of the school day, you’re the first out of your seat and the classroom. Stopping at your locker to collect the last of your things into your bag before heading to the front doors. Stepping outside you take a deep breath of fresh air, digging for your pack of cigarettes and quickly lighting one. You close your eyes as you blow out the smoke, immediately feeling slightly calmer.

Then, just as if the gods have heard your plea for some lightness to this quickly souring day, you spot a familiar BMW pulling into the front of the school. You can’t deny the smile that quickly appears on your face. You put out your cig before Robin inevitably joins, knowing her distaste for it. You stroll over to the car as Steve parks it, already jumping out of the driver's seat to wrap you in a tight hug. You giggle, hugging him back.

“Hey, haircut. Miss me that much already?”

“Hush it, Y/L/N.” Steve quips. A split second later, you hear a rapidly approaching squeal before a body is pushed against your back, effectively putting you in the middle of a human sandwich hug.

“Oh, Y/N! Thank god you’re here. I didn’t know how much more of Steve I could bear on my own!” Robin exclaims exasperatedly, resting her head on top of yours. You let out a belly laugh, enjoying the comfort of their presence and hugs before begging them to let you go.

“So, how was your first day back?” Steve asks as you both lean back against his car.

You roll your eyes, sighing as you shake your head.

“That’s the last thing I wanna talk about right now” When they meet you with concerned, sympathetic looks, you add “It’ll be alright though. I’m just so happy to see you guys, it‘s just what I needed.” You offer them a genuine smile.

Out of the corner of your eye, you spot the familiar curls of Dustin rushing out of the front doors of the school. Eyes quickly scanning the parking lot before landing on you. You point toward your truck in the back of the parking lot.

“Black truck!” you shout, trying to hold back your laughter as you watch his eyes follow your finger before scurrying across the parking lot.

“Uh, HELLO, Henderson?!” Steve exclaims, arms thrown in the air in disbelief.

“I don’t have time for you right now, Steven!!” Dustin shrieks in response, dodging other student bodies as he races for the best seat. You can’t hold it in anymore at that, throwing your head back in laughter with Robin.

“Jeez. Guess I’m chopped liver, then.” Steve scoffs, shaking his head as he looks back over to you two.

“Oof. That’s rough, bud. How will your fragile ego ever recover?” Robin remarks, rubbing Steve’s arm in fake sympathy.

“Yeah, yeah. Laugh it up.”

You notice Mike and Lucas run out of the school seconds later, playing out the same actions as Henderson. Cursing when they see Dustin’s already ahead of them.

“Oh, Y/N! You should totally apply to Family Video and work with us!” Robin exclaims excitedly.

“Yeah, it’ll be the three amigos again!” Steve adds, eliciting a groan and eye roll from Robin who lightly pushes him.

“Dingus”

“While I would love nothing more, I already promised my aunt I’d work for her at the restaurant” You respond with a pout. “But, you can definitely count on me coming in to bother y’all on your shifts.”

They have a shift this afternoon so you part ways, hugging them goodbye with promises to talk later. Steve insists he wants to hear all the details about your day, when you’re ready to share of course. You smile, waving them off as you walk toward your truck. The 3 boys crowding around the passenger door, bickering with each other.

“Dustin was here first. You two in the back, no arguments!” You state simply as you unlock the doors. As everyone gets settled, you quickly flip through your cassettes, putting in Motorhead’s Overkill album. As you begin to pull out from your parking spot, your eyes briefly land on Eddie. He stands at the front of the school, leaning against a pillar as he smokes a cigarette. Gareth is talking to him, but his eyes are on you. Catching the events of the last few minutes, cozying up with Steve Harrington of all people. You notice Gareth’s eyes follow Eddie’s to yours before you quickly return your focus to getting the hell away from this school.

When you pull up to a red light, you open the small back window.

“Whose house am I dropping y’all off at?”

“Mine is fine!” Mike responds, “We’ve got some homework to work on.”

You nod before a thought pops into your head.

“Hey” you turn your head slightly to look at Dustin and the boys in the back, “How is Max doing? I didn’t see her today.”

The boys are quiet for a moment, pondering what to say, causing your eyebrows to furrow in worry.

“She’s uh- she took everything that happened at the mall… Billy… pretty hard.” Mike finally says.

“She doesn’t really hang out with us much anymore. Her and her mom moved into the trailer park actually.” Dustin adds quietly.

“She broke up with me.” Lucas says after a few moments, unable to hide the sadness in his voice.

Your eyes widen in shock for a moment before you fully turn your head back, eyes meeting Lucas.

“I’m really sorry, bud. She probably just needs some time. I’m sure you guys will be able to work things out.” You offer sympathetically, Lucas giving you a soft nod and half-smile in return.

You sigh, elbow resting on the bottom of your window frame, driving again as the light turns green. You make a mental note to figure out which trailer she’s moved into, keep an eye out for her at school and check in on her. Hearing she’s pulled away from the group and broke up with Lucas worries you, you don’t want her to have to go through this struggle alone.

Dustin breaks the silence a few moments later.

“Sooooo, what’s up with you and Eddie?” you choke out a laugh and shake your head. Real smooth, Dustin. “I mean, from the way you used to talk about him, you two seemed really close. But I picked up on that tension at lunch. Something happened, I know it.” he prods further, like this was a mystery he’s determined to insert himself in and solve.

“Nosey much, Henderson?” you say, side-eyeing him.

“I’m just saying. We’re close with you… and now Eddie is our dungeon master, we’re getting close with him… things could get sticky if there’s some tension there, which I know for a fact there is.”

“Oh is that so?” you retort, feeling relief as you pull into the boys’ neighborhood, knowing there isn’t as much time as Dustin would like to continue pushing you for information. “Dustin, I love ya. But respectfully, it’s none of your damn business, bud.” You finish, scrunching your nose at him teasingly. He puts his hands up defensively, dropping the conversation as you pull up to Mike’s house. You bid them farewell with a smile and wave as they thank you for the ride.

You might have sped on the drive back to your trailer, just a little bit. You still have a few more hours till your mom gets home, and you want nothing more than the comfort of home and the familiar green plant in your lungs after your day. You don’t spare a glance at the trailer across the street as you pull in, quickly hopping out of the truck and unlocking the front door. You groan in relief as you quickly rid yourself of your bra and jeans, slipping into your comfy house shorts. You grab a blunt you pre-rolled, a lighter, and your portable radio before walking out the back door and sitting on the back steps. You’re grateful your small backyard is obscured from the views of your neighbors by some trees and bushes as you light your blunt. You lean back against the stair railing, listening to the sounds of Fleetwood Mac as you let the calming effects of your weed start to take over. Even as your body and mind calm, a single question repeatedly pushes into your thoughts.

How am I going to fix this?

#eddie munson fic #eddie munson x plus size reader #eddie munson x fem!reader #eddie munson x female reader #eddie munson x you #eddie munson x y/n #eddie munson x plussize!reader #bestfriend!eddie munson #eddie munson slow burn #eddie munson best friends to lovers #one step away from you

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corroded-hellfire · 1 year ago

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Where the Heart Is: Epilogue - Eddie Munson x Reader

Part 5

Summary: It’s moving day and the next chapter of your life with Eddie is beginning. And somewhere down the road, pieces of your heart collide with one another, making your anniversary all the more meaningful.

Note: The story has finally come to its close. It amazes me that this was never intended to be a series at all—it turned into one purely because it became so requested of me. It’s been a year since this fic first posted and the number of you who have stood by all this time to see it to the end hold such a special place in my heart. Thank you all for your kind words, generous reblogs, and all the love I’ve received over this story. I have loved writing in this world and would always be open to receiving requests in it. I hope you enjoy this little slice of their happily ever after 🧡

Words: 4.6k

[Where the Heart Is masterlist]

“Jesus Christ, Munson.”

Steve sits down on the edge of the U-Haul, trying to catch his breath after shoving Eddie’s amp on board. The bed of the moving truck is decently full already. The Harrington household was the first stop, and Steve’s things bound for Boston were loaded yesterday.

Today at the Munsons, it’s time to do the heavy lifting. Well, for Eddie and Steve to do the heavy lifting. Not to say that you and Nancy aren’t helping, but you have the easier job of loading up the back of Eddie’s van with boxes full of clothes and other smaller and more delicate objects that are certainly lighter than the alternative.

“What’re ya whining about now, Harrington?” Eddie says, sweat dripping from the curls that frame his face. His hair is in a bun at the base of his neck but it’s not enough to keep him cool in the late August heat.

“That amp weighs more than your bed did,” Steve says.

“No shit,” Eddie argues, wiping his sweaty forehead off on the sleeve of his t-shirt. “Because one is a mattress and a basic frame to hold it up and the other is a goddamn expensive piece of musical equipment. I hope you didn’t ding it at all.”

“I’ll ding you,” Steve mumbles under his breath as he stands back up.

“What?” Eddie asks.

“Nothing, nothing,” Steve says as he hops up the steps back into the trailer.

“How ya doing, babe?” you ask, coming over to Eddie after carrying a box of his D&D stuff over to his van.

“Hot. Sweaty. Tired.”

“Aww,” you coo and wrap your arms around his neck. It doesn’t matter in the slightest to you that he’s all sweaty—you’ve been the cause of him getting sweaty many times before. Eddie rests his hands on your hips and pecks your lips.

“Eddie!” Wayne calls from inside.

“Yeah?”

“Are you bringing your desk?”

Your boyfriend chews on his bottom lip, deliberating. “Well, do you wanna keep it?”

“What the hell do I need a desk for?” Wayne asks, making you chuckle.

“Okay, we’ll take it.” Eddie huffs a laugh and gives your hip a squeeze.

“I’m glad that Wayne’s getting a proper bedroom back,” you say.

“And I’m sure he’s glad that we’re bringing the old bed with us and he’s getting a new one. I don’t think he’d get much sleep on it thinking about what you and I have done on it.”

“That doesn’t even include you on your own for years before that,” you tease. Eddie digs his fingers into your ribs, making you squeal and giggle as he tickles you.

Nancy comes out of the trailer, balancing two medium sized boxes in her arms. She raises her eyebrows at Eddie as she walks past him to get to his van.

“Wayne looks like he’s planning on helping Steve carry that desk out here. I’d get your ass in there,” she warns.

Eddie sighs. “Ugh, stubborn old man.” He kisses the top of your head before disappearing inside his home—or rather, former home.

You walk over and help Nancy load up the two boxes she just brought out. Both of you walk over towards the U-Haul and Nancy smacks her hand against the side of it.

“I am not looking forward to driving in this thing with Steve all day,” she says. “He’s never driven something this big but of course he’d never admit that it’ll be difficult.”

You chuckle and nod along, knowing your boyfriend would be the same way. You open your mouth to respond when you hear yelling coming from inside.

“No, tilt it like this!”

“I know what I’m doing!”

“Remind me to never let you work on my car if this is the way you handle things!”

Nancy sighs and shakes her head.

“Do you think it’s too late to tell them that they can’t move in with us?” she asks.

Once everything is on the truck and ready to go, Steve and Nancy say their goodbyes to Wayne and slip into the front seats, giving you and Eddie the chance for a more private farewell. You give Wayne a big hug, which he happily returns.

“Don’t worry, I’ll take good care of him,” you promise.

Wayne chuckles and shakes his head as the two of you pull apart.

“Just worried about how long before you call me to come pick him up ‘cause you’ve had enough of him.”

“Never,” you assure Wayne, taking one of his weathered hands in yours and giving it a squeeze.

“You heard her,” Eddie says, nodding his head towards you. “She’s never letting me go. I’m gonna be a prisoner.”

“Locked up in a nice Boston apartment with your girl and two of your best friends,” Wayne says, shaking his head. “When will justice be served?”

When you step back from Wayne, you’re not sure if Eddie wants you to stay or go wait in the van while he says goodbye to the man who raised him. When your boyfriend playfully tugs your ear on the way to his uncle though, you take it as it’s fine for you to be here.

“Well, I’ll see ya soon, Old Man,” Eddie says as he pulls Wayne in for a hug.

“You drive safe, okay?” Wayne asks, his hand clapping his nephew on the back as they hug. “And I mean real safe, not ‘Eddie safe,’ okay? You got precious cargo there you’re carrying.” Wayne throws you a wink over Eddie’s shoulder.

“Oh, I know,” Eddie says. He pulls back and sighs. “Gotta make sure my guitar gets to Boston unharmed.”

Wayne shakes his head and turns to you. “He ever acts up, just smack him on the back of the head. Like this.”

“Ow!” Eddie complains, reaching up to cover the spot where his uncle just thunked him. With a small giggle, you nod your head, affirming that you’ll know what to do.

There’s a brief moment of silence before Eddie sighs and claps his hand onto Wayne’s shoulder.

“You take care, you hear me? Don’t make me start sending Red over here to check on you. Or maybe I’ll just call Abigail.”

At the sound of his new girlfriend’s name, Wayne rolls his eyes.

“I can take care of myself. I’ll see you up there in Boston for Thanksgiving,” he says.

Eddie nods. He goes to take a step towards the van but twists and gives Wayne another hug instead.

“Thanks for everything, Wayne. I mean it. For everything.”

“You’re a good kid,” Wayne says as he hugs him back, tighter than the last time, you notice. “‘M proud of you, son.”

By the time they break apart, your eyes have misted over. Blinking away the tears seems to help, but one or two manage to escape and slide down your cheeks.

Eddie walks over and laces his fingers with yours.

“Ready, sweet girl?”

“Let’s go.”

The two of you hop into the van and, ahead of you, Steve starts up the truck. Eddie’s van rumbles to life and you just pray this thing makes it to Boston. Perks of having a mechanic for a boyfriend, though, are that you don’t have to wait around forever to have some mechanic come by and check it out, then fork out the big bucks for whatever is wrong with it.

Eddie puts the van in drive and follows Steve down the road, towards the exit of Forest Hills. Dark brown eyes flick up towards the rear-view mirror. Eddie watches the front door to the trailer close behind Wayne and takes a long look at the home he grew up in. It’s small, old, and not in the best condition. But it’s where he’s lived his life and had some of the best times he’s ever had. It’ll be weird to him to have a new home. To be in a new city. In a new state. But he’s excited. Excited to turn the page and start this next chapter of his life with you.

Rough, callused fingers find yours as you pull out of the trailer park. You intertwine your fingers with his and bring his hand up to your hand for a kiss.

“You okay, handsome?” you ask.

The grin he gives you makes your breath catch in your chest. You’ll never get over how breathtakingly beautiful he is. The way his curls frame his face just right and how his long eyelashes brush his cheeks every time he blinks.

“Me?” Eddie asks. “Never been better, baby.”

If Steve and Eddie thought that getting furniture out of both their houses and into the truck was hard, they’re in for a nasty surprise. The apartment you’re all sharing is on the second floor of the off-white building the moving van and Eddie’s truck are parked in front of. Both Steve and Nancy’s cars are parked behind the building, in a small private lot. Steve had driven his car here and then flown back with Nancy before the move.

“Ah, Jesus,” Steve sighs as he takes a look at the staircase the two of them will be maneuvering furniture up.

One of the advantages of living close to the school though, is that students are always around, either passing through or lodging somewhere nearby. Luckily, two guys from your and Nancy’s English class last semester come out of the apartment building next to yours.

“Whoa, need some help?” One of the guys, Jerry, asks when he sees the U-haul stuffed to the brim with furniture and boxes.

“Boys?” Nancy asks, turning to face your boyfriends. “Will your pride allow you to let others help?”

“Shit, my pride got knocked out of me the second time I dropped my dresser on my foot,” Eddie says. He turns to Jerry and offers his hand. “We’d appreciate that, man.”

With the help of Jerry and his friend Rich, all of the furniture and belongings are moved into apartment 286 within a few hours. The two good Samaritans wouldn’t accept pizza and beer as a thank you, just insisted helping was no trouble and it counted as their workout for the day.

Between the loading of the vehicles, the long drive, then the unloading of the vehicles, the four of you are thoroughly exhausted. All of the furniture is still in pieces and none of you care beyond making sure each bedroom has the right mattress in it for your inevitable crashes tonight.

“Thank God the bedrooms are on opposite sides of the apartment,” Eddie says to you as you walk out from your shared bedroom.

“I said the same thing to Nance not ten minutes ago,” Steve says. He sets down a box labeled “Living Room” in big black letters. “I don’t wanna hear a damn thing that’s gonna go on in that room of yours.”

“Glad we could finally agree on something,” Eddie says as he slings an arm over your shoulders.

“That’s fine,” Nancy says as she comes out of her and Steve’s room. “But you know we will talk about what goes on in there to each other, right? Girl code and all.”

“Girl code consists of telling each other what goes on in the bedroom?” Steve asks, eyebrows so high they’re practically hidden in his hair.

“Not everything,” you say to placate the men. Even though, obviously, you and Nancy do discuss just about everything that goes on in there with each other. What else are you supposed to talk about when getting coffee together?

“Okay, I’m starving,” Eddie says, resting his free hand on his stomach. “Please tell me we have a goddamn phone book so I can order some food.”

Pizza is ordered and delivered, and since none of you had brought a couch to your new home, the four of you sit on the floor in the middle of what will become your living room as you eat it. Steve pours a cup of Pepsi for everyone, and you all raise your red solo cups.

“What should we toast to?” you ask.

“A smooth semester,” Nancy says.

“To Munson and I finding good jobs here,” Steve adds.

“And to the many adventures we’re gonna have and how they’ll make everyone back in Hawkins completely jealous,” Eddie says.

“Let’s try and keep them in this dimension, yeah?” you say.

“Deal,” Eddie replies.

“To our new beginnings!” you say as you lift your cup.

The four of you tap your cups together, being careful not to be too hard lest you spill some.

It’s an early night, considering how exhausted you all are. That’s why when you come out of the bathroom, yawning and rubbing your tired eyes, the last thing you expected to see when you walked into your room was Eddie plugging in a strand of multicolored Christmas lights. The strings of lights are draped over piles of boxes, Eddie’s dresser, your bedside table, and a bookshelf you’d brought.

The lamp connected to the fan on the ceiling is still on, so it’s hard to really see the glow emanating from the little bulbs.

“What’s all this?” you ask, tapping your fingernail against one of the small red lights.

“Well,” Eddie says as he stands up from his crouched position, “I remember you told me at Christmas you would hang lights in your room and watch them blink and shine as you fell asleep. And, I mean, I know it’s not Christmas time, but I figured these lights might make you happy anyway.”

Your face feels stuck between a grin and a cry as you walk over to your boyfriend. His cheeks are warm as you cup them in your hands and press a kiss to his lips.

“I love them. I love you,” you say softly. “They do make me happy. But you make me the happiest.” You take another look around the room, watching the different colors do their best to be seen in the brightly lit room. “These lights kind of follow us, huh?”

Eddie chuckles and nods his head. “Pretty sure we have custody of them by this point.”

“Maybe tomorrow we can hang them up? Like they were in the van?” you ask. “I mean, who needs crown molding when you have Christmas lights?”

Eddie chuckles and runs his hands up and down your arms.

“God, I can’t believe this is our room. That I get to fall asleep next to you every night and wake up to you each morning.”

“And some fun stuff in between.” You smirk and raise an eyebrow at him.

“Think we should christen the room?” Eddie asks.

Instead of answering, you get down on the mattress that’s on the floor while the bed frame is still dismantled. You pull your pajama shirt up over your head and toss it behind you.

“Pants off, Munson.”

“Don’t need to tell me twice.”

Eddie practically hops out of his pants and throws them in a corner. He yanks the longer chain attached to the ceiling fan and the main light goes dark. Dozens of pretty lights twinkle and dance as you take in the strands around the room. The only word you can come up with to describe how it looks is magical.

There’s a dip on the bed next to you and you look over to see Eddie stripping himself of his shirt as he sits down. He lays back against his pillows and opens his arms for you.

“Come on, baby,” Eddie says. “Let’s fool around on our bed.”

Three Months Later

The apartment is fuller than you’ve ever seen it. You’re in the kitchen, checking on the green bean casserole that you made. Your friends and boyfriend unanimously decided you should be in charge of the side dishes for Thanksgiving because you’re the best cook. Nancy has been making cookies for the last few days with Holly, who flew in for the holiday. That left Eddie and Steve in charge of the turkey. You’re not sure how that’ll go, and if you made a few too many side dishes in case the bird ends up inedible, so what?

“Oh, sweetie?”

You turn around from washing off your hands in the kitchen sink to see Steve’s mom standing before you with the pumpkin and apple pies she brought.

“Can I help you, Mrs. Harrington?” you ask.

When she smiles you immediately know where Steve acquired that feature. Similarly, Mr. Harrington, who is out in the living room talking with Wayne, has the same eyes and nose as his son. They share the same confidence too, even if Mr. Harrington’s sometimes borders on cocky.

“Did you want the pies in the fridge?” Mrs. Harrington asks.

“Oh! Yes, please.” You open the refrigerator door and carefully take the desserts from her and lay them near the carton of milk. “I’ll put those in the oven after everyone is done with dinner.”

Mrs. Harrington takes one of your hands in hers and gives it a soft squeeze.

“Take a deep breath, dear. I know it can seem overwhelming, but you’re doing great. Everything smells delicious. If you need any help, you let me know, okay?”

“I will,” you agree. “Thank you.”

She gives you one last kind smile before walking back out to the living room.

Somehow, you feel calmer after just those few words from Mrs. Harrington. You’ve never even met her before today, but her nurturing presence was comforting. It’s a melancholy feeling because you’ll never have that with your own mother. As much as you’ve accepted that, it still finds a way to sting every now and again.

A ding on the oven lets you know that the biscuits are done. Once you’ve gotten them out of the oven and given the stuffing a few stirs, you see someone come into the kitchen out of the corner of your eye.

“There’s my favorite cook.”

You giggle and step forward to hug Wayne. You’d hugged him when he arrived earlier, but you’re stealing another one now anyway.

“And look at that!” Wayne says. “Wearing the apron I got you for Christmas last year.”

“Oh, I wear this every time I cook,” you tell him proudly, looking down at the turquoise material tied around your waist. There are a few stains here and there despite your best efforts to keep it pristine.

Eddie pops into the kitchen claps a hand against Wayne’s back before coming to stand next to you.

“Need any help, babe?” he asks.

“Actually, I think dinner is just about ready. Help me set the table?”

“No way,” Wayne says with a shake of his head. “You worked hard cooking all this for us, Eddie and I will get everything out on the table.”

The dishes exit the kitchen one by one, to be laid out on the dining room table and Eddie’s old desk that have been pushed together and covered with a burnt sunset tablecloth. The chairs are mismatched as well, but you all had to work with what you’ve got.

Once it seems like everything has been situated, you take a deep breath. It’s out of your hands now. All you can do is hope people enjoy the food you made.

Everyone is gathering around the table, sitting down in front of lovely place settings that Nancy worked very hard on. Mr. and Mrs. Harrington take two seats at the far end of the table. Steve sits down next to his father at the head of the table, with Nancy on his other side. Holly giggles about something Steve said as she slides in the chair next to her big sister.

Wayne slips past you and takes a seat next to Mrs. Harrington. The second head of the table, opposite Steve, is free and you give a little bow and motion for Eddie to take it. He chuckles and presses a kiss to your forehead.

The two empty place settings on either side of Eddie seem to stare at you. The extra chairs mock you as you look over the people sitting at the table in your home. Steve and his parents, Nancy and her little sister, Eddie with his uncle. Family. Not just the individual ones, but as a collective group. The four of you who live in this apartment have brought the people in their lives into all of your lives. It’s an extension of a family that keeps going on and on.

“Ah,” Eddie says as he hops up from his seat. “Forgot the wine that Wayne brought.” He gives your lips a quick peck before walking into the kitchen. You can’t help but smile as you watch him. This is where you belong. Eddie is your family and your home.

The quiet knocking pulls you out of your latest Eddie-zone-out. It sounds again and you realize someone is knocking on the front door.

“I’ve got it,” you say as Steve starts to stand.

The cold doorknob bites your hand as you twist it to reveal who’s standing there. At first your eyes are too high, catching on a familiar face but not quite the one that fills you with glee. When you look down, there she is. Large, inquisitive eyes, wide smile, and two pigtail braids to top off her lovely purple dress.

They’re here. You’d extended the invitation to your sister months ago, but never heard back. That wasn’t unusual of your sister, but it did complicate your planning. Nancy insisted that you have the extra place settings and chairs for them just in case. Though you truly believed it would all be in vain, you agreed.

Tears collect along your waterline, and you know it won’t be long before they’re leaking down your face.

“I am so happy you’re here. Look at how tall you got!” You lean down and Chloe instantly jumps into your arms. The hug you give her is as tight as it can possibly be without hurting her. “I missed you so much!”

“I missed you, too!” Chloe says as she pulls away and you stand up.

More surprising than opening your front door and seeing your sister and niece, your sister leans in and pulls you into a hug.

“It’s really nice to see you,” she says.

As stunned as you are, you manage to hug her back. It’s a warm and comforting hug—something you never thought you’d get from her again.

“It’s nice to see you too, Melanie.” You find yourself actually meaning those words. This is certainly no indication that things will become more stable between the two of you, but at least it’s a nice gesture on a holiday.

“There’s someone I want you to meet,” you tell both of them, but give Chloe a wink. “Eddie? Babe?”

He steps out of the kitchen, wine bottle in hand, and his head swivels as he searches for you. You see his eyes take in you, then the woman and little girl who look very similar to you. A grin lights up his face and you just know how happy he is for you. He sets the wine bottle down on the table and walks over to you. The closer he gets, the shyer Chloe becomes. Though she’s too big for it now, she tries to hide herself behind your legs.

“Eddie, this is my sister Melanie and my niece Chloe,” you say.

Your boyfriend squats so he can be on more of an even level with the girl. He offers a hand to her.

“It’s nice to meet my girlfriend’s favorite person,” he says.

Chloe still looks a little unsure, but she comes out from behind your legs just enough to shake his hand.

“I think that’s you,” she tells Eddie softly.

“Why’s that?” Eddie tilts his head in curiosity.

“Because she’s never smiled like that when she’s looked at me before.” Chloe looks up at you, now a speechless mess, and then lowers her head to look at Eddie again. “When you came outta the kitchen. It was a big, big smile. I never seen her smile that big before.”

Heat rises to your face as your niece calls out your terminal case of lovesickness. Eddie doesn’t seem to know what to say either as he stands back up and takes your hand in his.

“Let’s, um. Let’s all sit down before the food gets cold,” you suggest. In your frazzled state, you forgot you didn’t exactly introduce your sister and boyfriend properly. You quickly remedy the situation and let them shake hands and have a polite greeting while you bring Chloe to the other side of the table where you’re sitting.

“Here we go,” you say as you help her into her chair. “This is Holly. She’s my friend Nancy’s little sister. That’s Nancy there, that’s Steve, those are Steve’s mom and dad, and this is Eddie’s Uncle Wayne.”

Chloe is seated directly across from Wayne and gives him a shy smile.

“Hi, darlin’,” Wayne greets. “Are you happy to see your aunt?”

“Yes!” Her face lights up and it absolutely melts your heart.

Eddie and Melanie come over and join you at the table; Eddie next to you at the head of the table, and Melanie directly across from you. A special sort of warmth you’ve never felt before overtakes your body. It's comforting, like wrapping yourself in the fluffiest blanket on a cold day. The source of this feeling smacks you in the face. You’re sitting between your two favorite people in the world. A part of you never thought this would actually happen, but here it is. It’s overwhelming in the best possible way.

Steve rises at the opposite end of the table, his wine glass in hand. It looks like someone poured it in Eddie’s absence. All heads turn to Steve, some unfamiliar faces staring back at him, and a lot of familiar ones. It doesn’t make a difference though. Steve is addressing everyone at the table.

“We’re grateful that each of us has some family with us today. The world is crazy, and you never know when things are going to go upside down.”

You, Eddie, and Nancy share a look, smirks on each of your faces at Steve’s hidden joke that only you three would get.

“So, here’s to family, friends, and the moments that bring us together.”

“Cheers!”

Everyone clinks their glasses together, reminiscent of the four of you knocking your red solo cups of Pepsi against each other. The difference between then and now is purely the nicer dinnerware and fuller apartment. The sentiment is still the same. A celebration of what you’ve accomplished so far and excitement for the adventures that lie ahead.

Under the table, Eddie laces his fingers with yours. Your mind wanders back to last Thanksgiving. The first time you and Eddie held hands. The first time you kissed. The first time you met. Back then, you never could have imagined what was beginning to blossom. The surprise of it sneaking up on you is half the fun.

Now you’re here, exactly where you belong. The people around this table own pieces of your heart, with Eddie holding the largest shard. This is what family is. This is home.

Eddie lifts your hands from under the table and presses a kiss to your knuckles. The soft chink of your charm bracelet the only sound penetrating the bubble that you and Eddie are in. Your newest charm, the little silver turkey you received this morning, stares up at you from where it rests on your wrist.

Soft lips on the back of your hand have your eyes rising to meet Eddie’s again. He leans in and steals a soft, tender kiss. A small giggle from behind you lets you know that you’re being spied on. But you couldn’t care less who watches you kiss your boyfriend.

“Happy Thanksgiving!” someone calls, you’re not sure who.

Eddie just smiles and gives your hand a squeeze.

“Happy Thanksgiving, Eddie.”

“Happy anniversary, sweetheart.”

#Eddie Munson #eddie munson x reader #eddie munson x y/n #eddie munson x you #eddie munson fan fiction #eddie munson fanfic #eddie munson fic #WTHI

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xmasterofmunsonx · 2 years ago

Text

Got Your Number

Summary: You’re Steve Harrington’s older sister and after a rough and tumultuous breakup, you’re back in Hawkins, Indiana.

Pairing: harrington!reader x Eddie Munson

Author’s notes: Potential S4 SPOILERS! For all intents and purposes of this story it’s September of 1986- Eddie is 21, almost 22, reader is 23. Post season 4, and the upside down did happen but we’re pretending the ending was how we are all talking ourselves into how it actually ended, aka Eddie lives. I started this story about 6 months ago after S4 ended, got extremely sick for a few months, and have had major writer's block over this fic because I was so unhappy with the rushed feeling of it. I hated how I’d thrown random details in there because I hadn’t thought it out well enough. So we’re taking our time the second time around- so if the storyline seems familiar, it is, it’s because it’s me rewriting my own story! Enjoy my rewrite and I appreciate any and all feedback as always ❤️

Warnings: 18+ (Minors DNI!!), language, drinking, mentions of past abusive relationship, possibly triggering bad mother/daughter relationship (comments about weight, looks, etc.), eventual smut/sexual relationship.

Word count: 7k+

You groaned as you walked through the front door of your childhood home, the familiar smell bringing back memories of years past. Your slightly younger brother Steve had flown out to you to help you pack up and drive a moving truck to move back to Hawkins. You arrived back home to an empty house, which was nothing new to either of you. Your parents were due back from a business trip any moment now, and you actually weren’t too upset that they hadn’t arrived yet.

“You remember where your room is?” Steve joked as he plopped one of your suitcases down in the large foyer.

“Hasn’t been that long, Stevie.” You both rolled your eyes at each other and you grabbed the suitcase from him and traipsed upstairs.

Your room had looked the same since high school, the floral wallpaper only dulled over the last five years. You hadn’t been home much since you graduated in ‘82- you had moved away to the University of Chicago and graduated with your high school (not-so) sweetheart Charlie, who quickly became (even more of) a controlling, toxic boyfriend as soon as you were alone with him in the big city. He wasn’t always so controlling of what you did- he limited your trips home to Hawkins to strictly seeing his family only, or just skipping coming home for the holidays completely because he convinced you that your school load was too much for you. Things had gotten worse over the last year as he became increasingly more abusive and violent, and you had to get the cops involved and took out a restraining order against him.

You browsed around your room, not having many moments to yourself to look around the times you had been home and smiled at some of the high school memories that still hung on the walls in frames and in photos.

“I went ahead and trashed the ones of him so you didn’t have to see him anymore.” You turned around to meet the eyes of your brother who shared the same kind eyes as you- he hadn’t always been the same either. You both were kind of jerks throughout high school but you’d heard everything Steve had gone through when he confessed it all to you back in the spring. Scars littered his face, and you felt bad you hadn’t been home for him, but you had to be careful about leaving Charlie.

“Thanks. You can just leave everything else in the moving van, I’ll get the rest of my stuff out tomorrow and we can return the van.” You smiled at him and he dropped the bags you’d packed with your essentials and favorite clothes. You had too much stuff to fly back with, and it was only a three hour drive across the states to come back home. It gave the two of you plenty of time to talk in person, and you were shocked at how well the little town had been put back together after the “earthquake.”

Steve left you alone and you were quick to unpack, wanting to make sure your room felt like yours again as quickly as it could. You had some artwork from your apartment in Chicago you were itching to hang on the walls, but you were going to wait for that until another day.

“There you are!” Your moms screeching voice echoed through your room and you greeted her with a hug- one of the first ones in a year, and quickly gave your dad one too. Neither of them were happy about you and Charlie’s split, especially since you were due to be married in December, but once you spared the details of the relationship they were understanding and welcomed you back home to get back on your feet. Your mom used to be close with Charlie’s mom, and apparently still was, so you two had bickered a few times before moving back saying she needed to understand the severity of the situation and that you were to not have any contact with his family if you could help it.

Being a Harrington had a lot tied to it. You were one of the better known families in the town- your dad was a businessman who dealt in everyone’s business in the town, so in turn everyone knew your business too. You were the pride and joy since Steve had not made good enough grades to attend a better university, but now you knew it was because he was too busy fighting in an underworld dimension similar to that of your Dungeons and Dragons days.

That’s right- you used to be a nerd. Before you were graciously accepted onto the cheerleading squad your freshman year of high school, and welcomed into Hawkins High royalty, you’d been best friends with Eddie Munson, he was a grade behind you but the two of you were inseparable since you were young. The “freak” of the town as he was known now- but you hadn’t seen him since you left, and even before that you two hadn’t spoken much unless it was your old friends, saying mean things and pretending that you didn’t care about him. Your family name pressured you into becoming what you had- a scholar, a cheerleader, and one of the queens of the school. But all of that was behind you now. You barely scraped by your last year of college because of your horrible relationship, and you were back at home living at your semi-absent parents house. You knew they were disappointed in you, but they hadn’t exactly expressed that just yet.

“Dinner should be ready by 6, I’ve just got to throw a few things together.” Your mom told you, you knew she wanted you to come down and help her but after being in a car for three hours, that was the last thing you wanted to do. She excused herself with your dad and left you alone in your room again. You hung up a few dresses in your closet and came across your old cheerleading uniform that was still hanging in the back corner, untouched and still perfectly ironed. You scoffed as you pushed it further back, hating the memories tied to the article of clothing.

“Hey, we’re all going to watch movies tonight at Eddie’s house if you wanna come. Robin’s picking out a few from the store and I said we’d grab some beer on the way.” Hearing his name stopped you in your tracks. Steve had told you Eddie had been in on the Upside Down shenanigans in the spring- told you of how he had almost died, but the thought hadn’t crossed your mind that the two actually still hung out together even though Steve had mentioned it before. You felt sure Eddie wouldn’t want you there, not after how mean your friends had been to him in your four years of high school, so the suggestion made you feel odd about going over there.

“I uh- I hadn’t planned on seeing him, really. Does he know I’m back?” You pushed the empty suitcase underneath your bed and twisted a piece of brown hair around your finger nervously.

“Yeah, he knows. He seems… open to you coming over to hang out. And you need to meet and see everyone because they’re going to be your best friends too.”

“And how do you know that?”

“Pfft, who else do you have to hang out with?” You scoffed at his remark even though it was true. You had no desire to talk or see anyone from your past. Whether it was out of shame or anger, you were not really planning on rekindling any old high school friendships. Once you had some clarity of how much you had changed yourself to fit the Hawkins mold they wanted you to fit, you felt angry that you’d let your parents control that much of who you were despite how little they were actually involved in your life. “Right, so we’ll leave after dinner.” He patted your door frame twice before he trudged back to his room.

Dinner was awkward as expected, your parents were the worst at small talk and even worse at being comforting. You avoided talking about Charlie all together, thankfully, and your parents weren’t rushing you to search for a job anytime soon to give you a little bit of a break after school.

“So you’re going to the Munson’s house?” Your mom asked you with her eyebrows raised.

“Yeah, Robin picked out a few movies to watch like we do every Thursday.” Every Thursday? You eyed your brother and he averted his gaze to the candles in the middle of the table.

“So you see hi-them every week?”

“Week? More like every day. Those kids can’t get enough of Steve. He’s always chauffeuring them around town.” You’d heard about him and the “kids,” but you were still a little shocked to know that your brother was that good of friends with your old best friend who you were pretty sure hated you- he’d left that out.

“Always the babysitter.” Steve muttered to himself as he cleared his plate.

“Are you done yet, sweetie?” Your moms sticky voice chimed in as you looked at your food that you hadn’t yet finished, “you can come to some aerobic classes with me if you want so you can work off that college weight.”

“Yeah, I’m done.” You pushed your plate forward and got up, eating a few bites as you walked the plate to the sink. “Jesus Christ, now I remember why I hated coming home.”

“Yeah, they haven’t changed much. Don’t let it get to you. You look fine.” You knew you did, but your moms comments had always been so negative about your appearance and your weight. Steve definitely got the better metabolism of you two, and your mom tried to control your eating habits all throughout high school the best she could. Charlie was no help either, so when the two of you broke up you had sought therapy and had been working on your own eating habits since you were on your own for a few months after the breakup. It was freeing, so it was going to be hard to be under the watchful eyes of your mom again- when she was home. “C’mon, let’s grab some beer.” Steve grabbed the keys to his BMW and you followed him out, saying a quick goodbye to your parents.

“Fuck them.” You sighed as you buckled your seatbelt.

Steve agreed as he drove to the corner store and grabbed a pack of beer, driving to Eddie’s house.

“So, Eddie and Wayne’s trailer got destroyed in the uh, thing.” Steve haphazardly waved his hand in the air, “and Hawkins basically paid Eddie and Wayne to keep their mouth shut by giving them a new home.” He commented as he drove in a different direction than what you remember his old trailer being. Eddie hadn’t always lived with his uncle Wayne- his mom had died, and his dad was a felon and lost custody of him at a young age. You’d known him before he moved in with Wayne and stuck by him through all of the years he had trouble adjusting, and had grown close with Wayne since you were at their house so much.

You pulled up to a small brick house that looked much homier than the trailer they used to rent, and you could see amber lights glowing from the inside. You took a deep breath before you stepped out of the car and followed Steve to the front door, walking around a few other cars that were parked in the yard.

“He’s not mean and scary- you’ve got nothing to worry about. You’re the mean and scary one to him, remember?” Like you needed reminding- your plan for the night was to blend in and remain quiet, and go as unnoticed as possible.

“HARRINGTON!” The boy’s voice was unmistakable. It was deeper than you remember, but still somehow the same. He greeted your brother with a huge hug and you were unsure of what to do, so you quietly passed by the two guys and stepped foot into the kitchen hoping someone else was in there. Nancy, Jonathan, and Robin were all standing in the kitchen with beers already, and they greeted you similarly with big hugs and smiles. You’d known them through your brother and the few times you had been “allowed” back home.

“How was the drive?” Robin asked you as she took the beer from you and put it in the fridge, but not before you grabbed one for yourself and Steve.

“Not nearly as bad as dinner with my parents.”

“Ugh, I can’t imagine being stuck in a car with Steve for three hours. Working with him for that long is bad enough.” Robin remarked and you all laughed.

“Shut it, Buckley. We work 8 hour shifts together all the time.” Steve brushed through the kitchen to grab a drink for himself and you handed him his as Eddie peered around his shoulder.

“Hey there.” Eddie wiggled his fingers at you in a wave, and you hesitated before you walked over to him to give him a small hug.

“Hey.” Was all you said as he froze before he returned the hug, matching the lightness of the embrace you gave him. You noted that he still smelled the same, except you could smell weed and cigarettes on him now that he was older, and it seemed like he’d tried to cover the smell up a little with some cologne.

“So, I got a few different movie genres for us tonight, come on!” Robin broke the awkwardness and you jumped back from Eddie, avoiding his gaze and followed Robin into the living room where the rest of the kids were already lounging waiting for your arrival. You were introduced to everyone, a few you recognized and a few you didn’t. There was a large age gap, but you knew all their names from Steve’s storytelling, and a few from their faces when you’d been back home briefly.

You felt the tension in the air as you watched the people file into what you assumed were their normal seats until all that was left was a two seater leather chair. Eddie held out his hand for you to sit, “it’s usually mine, but you can take it tonight.” You sat down in it and took a few sips of your beer and motioned for him to sit down.

“I don’t bite, you can sit too.” You continued sipping your beer as the kids sorted through movies and finally decided on a horror film, and Eddie made himself comfortable beside you. You noticed he had tattoos and scars peering out from the sleeves of his Iron Maiden t-shirt as his arms rested comfortably at his sides beside you.

“Long time no see, Harrington.” He said as he shot you a charming smirk, and you were met with the same chocolate brown eyes as you remember from your childhood.

“Can say the same, Munson.” You brought the cold bottle up to your lips and finished off your first beer with a smirk. He grabbed the empty bottle from you and took it to the kitchen, and returned quickly with another one for you- already opened.

“Before the movie starts I’m going to step outside to partake in some real fun. You’re more than welcome to join, or you can stay inside- the choice is yours.” He invited you in his dramatic voice, and you chuckled to yourself as you followed him outside.

“Thought I smelled weed on you.” You muttered as you stepped out onto the back porch.

“Oh, you smoke now?” He smirked as he lit a joint and took a big hit before passing it to you.

You inhaled the weed into your lungs and held it there before you could even think of something to say to him. Do you apologize? Shoot the shit with him? You literally hadn’t spoken a kind word to him since freshman year, so this felt painfully uncomfortable for you to be out here. You were quickly regretting your decision to follow him.

“Yeaaaah.” You took another hit and held it in before passing it back to him. You watched as he propped himself against the porch railing and looked at you with his eyelids hooded, “Eddie, I don’t even know where to start.”

He held his hands out beside him, “I got all night to listen.”

“You’d want to?” You were shocked.

“I mean, I do believe- if I remember correctly, you owe me a bunch of apologies.” He seemed like he was unphased by your presence. You felt more intimidated by him than anything.

“Ha, yeah.” You sat down in one of the porch chairs, “Just so you know, first off, I’m really sorry for how much of a bitch I was to you.”

“Go on.” He motioned to you as he sipped his beer with a proud smirk on his face.

“And I totally understand if you hate me.”

“Well, I don’t, so…” He said through a chuckle.

“I don’t know what got into me in high school. I let myself be bullied into being a bully and I hate that you were one of the targets. You didn’t deserve that. I realized I was being who everyone else wanted me to be and not who I really was, and lost the people that actually cared about me the most. All of those friends were so fucking fake to me- and would you believe Charlie came home on a ‘work trip’ and cheated on me with Grace of all people?”

“I sure would. What a cunt.”

You let out a groan, “I can’t believe I wasted so many years with that jerk.”

“So, what’s your plan now that you’re back?”

You shrugged as you sipped on your drink, and held a hand up to the joint being passed back to you. “I guess just see what I can find to do here with a degree.”

“You always were such a smarty pants. I finally graduated, you know?”

“Yeah, Steve told me.” You leaned back in the chair and looked up at the night sky. “He actually told me everything. Like, about-“

“Oh shit, I didn’t know that.” Eddie moved to the seat beside you, a tiny table separating you two.

“I wanted to come back, and see you and make sure you were okay but Charlie wouldn’t let me. That was kind of the end of it all. I had to push through graduation, get a new place, and get enough evidence on him to get a restraining order against him before I could get all my stuff and go. You wouldn’t believe how hard it is to get one when you’re with someone like him.” You let out another scoff, “sorry- you didn’t need to hear that.”

“You can still talk to me.” He kindly smiled at you and you returned one to him.

“I was really nervous about coming here tonight. Thanks for not being a jerk, like I was.”

“I mean, you definitely hurt my feelings some but I knew that wasn’t really you. Been called a lot worse than freak.”

“I can’t believe the whole town thought you were a murderer? I mean- you?”

“You’re telling me. I still don’t know how Hopper convinced everyone it was Jason and got me cleared.”

“I just feel so bad I wasn’t here for everything going on, I always knew this place was cursed. How… bad off were you?”

Without saying a word, Eddie lifted his shirt up and showed you. You could see the scars in the dim light of the moon and the porch light, and you can only imagine the pain he’d been in recovering.

“Bats did that?”

“No, fucking demobats. They were huge. Had these long crazy tails, and I thought I could fight them off to save your brother and the others some time.” Eddie’s voice was not his usual expressive tone, he was more somber and serious.

“You did though.” You pulled your feet up into your seat and looked over at Eddie adjusting his tshirt back into place.

“Yeah, and barely made it out alive. I blacked out and woke up in Hopper’s cabin in the woods. Couldn’t get real help in the hospital because I was wanted for murder still, somehow avoided infection and am left with these killer scars.”

“Pretty badass looking if you ask me.” You said, feeling the beer and weed loosening you up a little bit.

“Eh, I had to take a break from playing for a little. But we’re back at the Hideout now - we got moved to Saturday nights since we draw such a crowd now. It used to be Tuesday.”

“Yeah, I remember.” You said quickly.

“Do you?” He raised an eyebrow at you.

“Just because I was a jerk to you didn’t mean I didn’t know anything about you Eddie. You were my best friend. I kept some tabs on you even though I was in a different crowd. I snuck into a few shows my senior year and hung out in the back.” You blushed at the admittance. “What year was that for you? How did they even let you guys play so young?”

“We were just that good, sweetheart.” He let the nickname roll off his young so easily it caught you by surprise. Wayne used to call you that and you readjusted in your seat at Eddie using the endearing name for you.

“So you’ll be playing this Saturday?”

“Mhm. Got Hellfire Club tomorrow night at the record store.”

“What?! You still play?!”

“Still play? I’m the dungeon master. We have club every week at the record store on Friday nights. I kinda run the store now. Like, uh, that’s my job. I manage it and teach guitar lessons. Just started lessons about two months ago and my afternoons are booked solid.” He was beaming with pride and excitement when he met your eyes.

“That’s amazing. Can I come by? It’s been a while so I might just watch, but I won’t get in the way.”

“Absolutely.” He squeezed his eyebrows together. “You’re welcome Saturday night too.”

“Ah, I may be booked. Have a lot of friends to reconnect with, you know?” You both laughed at your sarcasm and let the silence become comfortable as you both looked around at the quiet piece of land Eddie’s house was on. “Thanks again for not being a jerk. I really do deserve it.”

“No, you don’t. I appreciate the apologies and I missed having you around. Steve’s not my favorite Harrington, believe it or not.”

“I still am?”

“No, your mom is.” He said with a serious expression before he busted out laughing at the shocked look on your face. “Just kidding. I’m willing to put the past aside if it means I can have my friend back. I know a lot of things are different now, but I don’t think you need to be alone right now, you could use a friend, yeah?”

“More than you know. Thank you, Eddie.” You reached out and grabbed his hand, giving it a soft squeeze.

“Wanna join them or just stay out here all night?”

“Honestly I wouldn’t mind staying out here if that’s alright with you.” You spoke quietly as you crossed your arms, the September chill was setting in but you were not going to ask for a blanket, and you were too comfortable to get up.

“I’ll grab us another drink and blanket and we can just stay out here? Don’t go anywhere.” He held his hands out for you to stay put and you laughed at his silliness, his welcoming personality hadn’t changed much and it was just what you needed tonight.

He returned moments later, “your blanket, my kind lady.” He draped the warm fleece over your lap and you thanked him as he opened the beer bottle for you.

You and Eddie spent two hours together talking and laughing, sharing stories and filling in puzzle pieces where your lives had gone different paths. As the night came to an end you realized you weren’t so mad about having to come back home, and you were glad your path had crossed Eddie’s once again.

“So, seems like you two got along pretty well last night.” Steve said as he drove you back home from dropping off the van you had rented.

“Yeah, I guess. He said he’s going to pick me up before Hellfire tonight so we can go get dinner before the game.”

“I’ve got a date tonight, so you think he can bring you back home too? I might be gone all night, who knows.”

You shrugged at your brother, “Probably so. I don’t see why that would be a problem.” You two walked into your house together, the echo of the door shutting could be heard throughout the house. Your parents had already left to go out of town on another business trip, too busy to stay back and spend any time with you - but you honestly weren’t even bothered. It was a relief to know you wouldn’t have to hear their remarks about anything.

The hours passed quickly leading up to the time when Eddie said he’d pick you up, and you heard the front door squeak open and closed again. Heavy footsteps were heard going up the stairs and you tried to pretend like you were still getting ready when Eddie knocked on your doorframe.

“Safe to come in?” He asked, pushing the door open to look inside.

“Wouldn’t matter, you’re already opening the door. Just finishing up getting ready, then I’ll be ready to go. Steve’s in his room if you wanna go talk to him.” You pointed to his room and Eddie stepped inside of your room instead.

“Nah, I’m here to see you.” He walked around your room with his hands on his hips, looking at all of your old posters and pictures that remained on the walls. All of the ones with him in them had been replaced by ones with your high school friends- the fake ones.

“I’m going to get around to taking those down. I don’t need any reminders of the past, Steve already took down the ones with Charlie.” He nodded quietly as he inspected each of them like he’d never seen them before- which, come to think of it, he probably hadn’t.

“You really changed, huh?” He said as he admired your senior prom picture with the group of varsity cheerleaders. You had worn a hot pink dress and your hair was teased to the high heavens. “You look uh, more like yourself tonight.” He motioned to your outfit- some light wash jeans and a fitted black tshirt. You had found an old black denim jacket of Steve’s so you had decided it was now yours since he decided to store it in your closet.

“Feel more like myself now too. You ready to go?” You touched up your light layer of lip gloss as you stood up from your vanity, and little to your knowledge but Eddie had to recollect his thoughts before he could answer.

“Born ready. Let’s go eat. Diner or pizza?”

“Like that’s even a question. Diner.” You said with a smile as you followed the tall boy with crazy, curly hair out of your room.

After you two finished your greasy burgers and fries, you walked to the old record shop. It had survived the town splitting in half, but barely, and it had been repainted black instead of the old ugly brick it used to be. Eddie unlocked the front door, turned the lights on and held his hands out to welcome you to the store.

“Welcome, welcome. If I may be of any assistance to any record purchases, I’m available for help. If not, I’m going to be in the back setting up for tonight. If any of the kids walk in, just send them back here.” You nodded as you found yourself picking through the labels of the records. They’d been nearly categorized by genre, then alphabetical order. You browsed while you heard Eddie rummaging around in the back room, and decided to go watch him.

He didn’t notice you had walked in the room, and you were all but mesmerized by the way he was neatly unpacking and setting up the game table for tonight in the spacious back room. He was talking to himself and checking things off his checklist in his mind, and you thought it was endearing how much thought he was putting into the set up. It had become a lot more complex from when the two of you had first started playing as kids.

“Like what you see?” His voice caught you off guard and you shook yourself out of your trance and walked further into the room. “Wanna join in?”

You shook your head as you felt your ponytail bounce, “no, I’m fine just watching tonight. Maybe another time.”

“Beer’s in the fridge, grab me one too.” He asked and smiled at you as you fetched the beverages for yourselves. He was moving chairs all around, and added one to beside the one at the head of the table, “you can be assistant to the DM tonight- how’s that sound?”

“Perfect.” You sipped on the cold beer and smiled as he handed you the plan for tonight’s game, and you read over the pages containing gameplay details that you hadn’t thought about in years. You looked up from the papers to find Eddie staring at you, and it was his turn to blush- except he held eye contact with you and didn’t look away, which made you blush harder than him.

You didn’t know why Eddie was being so kind to you. He had let you back into his circle again, no questions asked and no hard feelings that you knew of.

“What?” You asked, the room was quiet and he was still staring at you.

“Nothing, it’s nothing.” He shook his curly head of hair and proceeded to go to the front of the store to wait on everyone’s arrival.

One by one the kids all arrived and you were happy to see Jeff and Gareth too- they were hesitant to greet you, but one look at Eddie and they knew you weren’t there for the wrong reason.

You took your seat beside Eddie at the head of the table and listened as he told them about the new campaign they were starting tonight. You were captivated by his deep voice and his animated actions as he told the details of the storyline. He plopped back in his seat as he watched everyone around the table decide on their first move. He had one of those full face smiles on- the type that reached the crinkles in his eyes, and you realized he’d always had those, but they were much deeper now than you remembered.

“This one’s gonna be good.” He turned to you and you nodded, “you okay?”

“Yeah, I’m fine. Just glad to be back. Feels a little weird.”

His hand patted your thigh with what felt like searing heat, and he rested it there for a few seconds, “Relax. I already told you that it’s all okay. We’re starting fresh, but not really, like we talked about last night, m’kay?” You nodded, and he lightly squeezed your thigh before releasing it and turning back to the table.

The game went on for hours, you were so entertained by the enthusiasm of the kids and Eddie, it was really a heartwarming night for you after the previous night had started off a little awkward and rocky. It honestly felt like so many years had passed.

“You seemed like you were having fun.” Eddie said as he started up his van.

“It was fun to watch again, I seriously don’t think I've played since… well, since I made the cheerleading squad for freshman year.”

“That’s a damn shame. You were always the best.”

“No way! I was only decent. I sucked at cheerleading. I only made it because my parents funded the school’s athletic programs, paving the way for me and Steve to be successful.” You joked, picking at the rips in your jeans. “Thanks for picking me up and taking me home tonight, I really appreciate it. I had fun, the record store looks amazing too.”

You watched Eddie’s face blush pink, “Not a problem. It’s uh, it’s been nice seeing you again.”

“Yeah, it has.” You looked out the window and watched as your surroundings became more familiar the closer you got to your house. The rest of the ride was silent except for Eddie’s radio playing Metallica in the background, and his thumbs drumming along to the beat of every song. When you pulled up, your driveway was empty. You had assumed Steve’s date had gone well. “You wanna come inside and hang for a bit? Steve’s on a date, my parents are on another work trip, and I’m not feeling like being alone in the big house. If you need to get home, I understand it’s late but-”

“I’ll come in. I’ve got nowhere else to be. Wayne’s working tonight.” Eddie turned the ignition off as he parked on the street in front of your house, and you waited for him to round the front before you walked in together.

“Help yourself to a beer if you want another one, dad’s got plenty in the fridge. I’m going to head upstairs and change into pajamas and I’ll be back down.” He gave you a thumbs up and you heard the fridge door rattle as you made it up to your bedroom. You changed into an old pair of shorts and oversized shirt, headed downstairs, and found Eddie had settled onto the large leather couch in the living room with the tv on. The clock read 1:30, but you weren’t feeling too tired.

“Think Steve will make it back tonight?” He asked without looking up from the screen.

“No idea. It’s still early, I don’t know what he can find to do in Hawkins this late but more power to him if he’s out there.” You said as you sat down on the opposite end of the couch, pulling a blanket over your lap. He’d settled on some movie and you were paying attention to it, when he nudged you with his beer bottle and you took it without question and had a few sips, then handed it back to him.

“What’s going on in that head?” He turned to face you and you sighed.

“Not much, honestly. I feel defeated to be back here. There isn’t much here, no offense, and I didn’t see myself ending up here again. But here I am.” You sighed again, a little anger appearing in your chest, “I’m just so mad at Charlie, you know?”

“Are you mad at Charlie, or mad at yourself?”

You shot your eyes at Eddie and gave him a look. “I-I’m mad at…him. He was a piece of shit, Eddie. Everyone warned me. Well, not everyone. But Steve did. You didn’t like him. None of the people with a single brain cell or more liked the guy. I can’t believe we were engaged.” You shivered as if you were grossed out at the thought.

“Engaged?! I didn’t know it was that serious.” He took a swig from the beer.

“I mean, I moved to Chicago for him. School was just… the excuse. I was pretty serious about him, we were supposed to get married in December but I called it off in the spring. ‘Good’ family, reputation, all that shit my mom cares about.”

“But nothing that you care about.” Eddie finished your thought.

“Bingo.” You said as you scooted closer, grabbing the beer from him. “I don’t even know what I care about anymore now that I’m out of the relationship and that shitty situation.”

“A shituation is what I like to call that.” You busted out laughing at Eddie’s joke and it felt good to let go and laugh like that. You hadn’t in a while. Well, you had last night but that was several beers in so you would’ve laughed at almost anything.

“You asked me what my plans were, what are yours?” You turned the subject around on Eddie.

He shrugged, “I hope the band takes off soon. It’s taken me a while to recover from… everything. I still haven’t really come to terms with all of it, so it’s hard to think too far into the future.”

“That’s fair.” You stole the beer and took a sip, then handed it back to him. “What about you and the ladies?”

He scoffed and threw his head back “I mean, it took me three years to finish high school, I play D&D in the breakroom of the music store weekly with kids that still go to high school, I play in a metal band, and my body is covered in scars. Doing really great for myself in that department, Harrington.”

You felt bad for asking as he finished off the beer and got up to grab another, but you genuinely had no idea. After you moved, you hadn’t heard much about Eddie so you really didn’t know. He reappeared with two more and offered one to you with raised eyebrows, and you took it. When he sat down, he was a few inches closer to you and you could feel the warmth of his legs against yours.

“Sorry, I-”

“You didn’t know. It’s okay.” He seemed to have calmed down quickly, but you still felt bad. “There’s been a few, but nothing serious. Not really much to offer here.” You wanted to say there was because you knew Eddie better than most did, but you kept your mouth shut and moved on.

“I can’t believe that there was just this whole other world below Hawkins this whole time… and none of us knew it.” You stared at the coffee table in front of you. “I wish I-”

“No, no, no. Don’t you say you wish you could’ve been here.” Eddie was getting riled up as he readjusted on the couch, “I wouldn't have wished what I saw on anyone. Especially you.”

“No, I mean, I just hate that I left here without any care. I just wish Steve would’ve told me that it was going on.”

“Probably scared you would’ve tried to come back. Harrington's love to try to be the hero, you know that?”

“Yeah, yeah. So I’ve been told.” You let out a scoff as you rolled your eyes.

“Jesus, you two are so much alike.” Eddie commented and you hadn’t realized he was staring at you. “Such an attitude on both of you.”

“Oh, yeah?” You challenged him.

“Yeah.” Eddie tucked a leg under him and turned to face you, scooting even closer. “Big ole heads full of pretty hair, ego, and a whole lot of attitude that comes along with it.” He reached out to push a few pieces of hair behind your ear that had fallen out of your ponytail throughout the day, and drug his thumb across the edge of your jawline.

“But my hair is prettier, right?” You asked quietly, feeling the nerve to see what you could get away with.

“Oh, absolutely. Everything about you is prettier.” His hand lingered on your jaw and he quickly drew it back at the sound of a car door slamming shut outside. He kept his eye contact with you, as if he were timing exactly how long it would take for Steve to walk through the front door and he was spot on as he jumped back and sunk into the couch as if you two had been sitting feet apart the whole night.

“How was your night, Stevie?” He asked with a smirk as Steve shut the door.

“What are you doing here so late, Munson?” Steve asked, annoyed at the presence of his friend.

“Just keeping me company since this house is so empty. Stole a few of dad’s beers, I don’t think he’ll mind.”

He looked between the two of you before he scoffed and rolled his eyes, “I’m going to bed. ‘Night.”

“There’s that Harrington attitude we all love!” Eddie yelled up the stairs and Steve held up his middle finger in response. “I think I’ll head out now.” He announced as he stood up and stretched, his shirt rising a bit above his plaid boxers you’d already spotted a few times tonight during the game.

“See you tomorrow night?” You asked as you walked him to the door.

“Yeah? I’ll pick you up again if you want. I don’t think you want to go there by yourself. Usually Buckley and your brother show up at some point but who knows with the stick he’s got up his ass tonight if he’ll come tomorrow.”

“Sounds good. What time? I’m free…” you looked at your watch, “all day.”

“Well, some of us are contributing members to society now and have jobs so, I’ll come pick you up when I’m off at 2?” You blushed, realizing how eager you were seeming to see him. “Can’t get enough of me, can you?”

“Yeah, uh, two sounds great.” You stuttered out.

“Perfect. We have practice at Gareth’s before, I can have them move it to 3 so I can have time to get you.” Eddie seemed unphased by your nervousness, or at least he was playing it cool and not pointing it out.

“See you then, Munson.” You waved him off and watched him walk to his van.

“Later, Harrington.” He yelled out without looking back at you, just giving a wave to the air.

You shut the large wood door and collapsed your back against it, closing your eyes and sighing. “Fuck.” You were screwed. Since when did you feel like this about Eddie? How did you feel about him? Why did he make you blush, and so nervous?

“No game, big sis. No game at all.” Steve spoke from the top of the stairs.

“Oh my God, Steve. Go away!”

“You’ve got a crush. A big one. Don’t you?”

“Steve!” You yelled his name after you locked the front door and turned the lights off, Eddie’s grumbling van could no longer be heard outside. “I do not.”

“Do too. And he does too.” He pointed at the closed door, “He always has. You’re just blind.”

“What?” You felt like the air was gone from your lungs.

“Uh, yeah?” He raised his eyebrows as you walked up the stairs to your bedroom and where Steve was perched. “I read your old diaries while you were gone. There’s way too much in those about Eddie for you to not have a crush on him. And he, get a couple more beers in him and my God, the boy will not shut up about you. He was non-stop talking and asking questions about when you were gonna be back and what you would be doing and-”

“Okay, chatty Cathy. I get it. But I don’t have a crush on him.” You pushed past him and made it to your bedroom, “How was your date?”

“Not answering that until you confess your crush on Munson. Night, sis.” Steve shut his bedroom door before you could say anything and you followed suit, your hands immediately reaching to feel the blush in your cheeks.

Maybe you did. But that was fast, or was it?

#eddie munson #stranger things #eddie munson x reader #stranger things 4 #eddie munson writing #eddie munson x harrington!reader #eddie munson smut #eddie munson fanfic #stranger things fanfiction #eddie munson x you

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girl-next-door-writes · 2 years ago

Text

So Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas Now

Characters: Steve Harrington x Reader

Summary: An accident (or an act of Munson) leads to Steve needing to raise his temperature. Lucky for him, you are there to help.

Word Count: 1100 words

Prompt: #3: Warming up in a bathtub big enough for two

A/N: This one officially marks the end of my Steven’s Greetings! If you have enjoyed what you’ve read, then please feel free to reblog and go check out my Masterlist. If you didn’t, that’s cool, you move on with your life and find yourself some fics that you love.

It was an accident. Everybody swore blind that it had been an accident. It wasn’t like anyone would have ever done that on purpose, not with the temperatures as they were, not even though that had all found it hilariously funny. The fact that Dustin’s legs had given out on him, leaving him in a crumpled heap of hysterics on one of the pool chairs definitely didn’t mean that Eddie had orchestrated the situation. Well, not that Steve could prove anyway.

The cigarette that he’d been smoking was now limp between his lips, the beer he’d been holding sinking to the bottom of the pool as Steve very slowly ran his fingers through his hair, pushing it away from his face. The unimpressed expression on his face only served to provide a second wave of laughter from those gathered. He looked like a drowned rat standing there in the pool, his usually voluminous hair flat and stringy.

“Come on, it’s not that funny.” You said, trying hard to hold back your own amusement. The two of you had been deep in conversation, Steve trying to impress you about something, when Eddie had ‘bumped’ into him, sending the poor boy sprawling into the freezing water.

Steve made his way to the poolside, his clothes dragging him with each step. He reached up to take the hand you had offered and then the world seemed to go into slow motion.

Now, it could have been another Munson move, or maybe Steve just gripped stronger than he had intended, either way there was a yelp of panic, followed by Nancy and Robin scrambling, and failing, to grab hold of you as you lost your balance and landed rather ungracefully on your boyfriend, taking him back beneath the waters surface.

When the two of you emerged, Steve noted that the laughter had died down and people looked genuinely concerned. Yeah, him being pushed into a pool was hilarious, but it turned out they didn’t think the same about you.

“Are you okay?” Robin asked as you spluttered a little, wiping the water from your eyes and leaving streaks of mascara, making you look more like a damp panda.

“Yeah, yeah, I’m fine. Just cold.” You grinned as you shivered.

“Come on, let’s get you into something dry and warm.” Steve insisted, guiding you to the steps while shielding your body from everyone else. The last thing he wanted was everyone seeing the material clinging to you and making comments he himself would be very happy to make if it wasn’t for the risk of hypothermia right now.

As the two of you squelched inside, he grabbed a blanket off the back of a chair in the kitchen and wrapped it around your shoulders.

“We should take off as much as we can here, that way we don’t end up with a trail of water all the way to my room.” He frowned, knowing the grilling he would get if he ‘ruined the carpets’. Kicking off his shoes, he tugged his sweater over his head and dropped it into a pile on the tiled floor, his socks and jeans quickly joining them leaving him in just his underwear. That was something he didn’t think twice about until he saw you staring at him slack jawed, and then he became incredibly self-conscious. Crossing his arms over his chest, he looked like a lost child as his nerves were written across his face for all to see.

“Sorry.” You shook your head, suddenly realising you had been staring. “You just- it- that- I mean- “

“You wanna finish a sentence? A guy could get all kinds of worried over here.” He half joked, his cheeks beginning to flush despite how his body was shivering.

“You’re really freaking hot. I mean, I knew you were, well, are, but knowing it and seeing it, that’s two different things. Sorry. I was just appreciating the view.” You gave him a lopsided smile and he ducked his head, trying to hide his own smile.

“Yeah, well, stripping in my kitchen was not the way I thought this would go, but I’ll take it.” He shot you a wink and then offered to hold the blanket for you while you removed layers.

Ever the gentleman, Steve closed his eyes as you stripped down to your underwear, even though he really wanted to peek. It was only when he heard Eddie wander into the kitchen behind him that he quickly wrapped the blanket around you, partly to protect your modesty but also partly because he didn’t want anyone else seeing his girlfriend in her underwear. That was a view just for him, boyfriend’s privilege.

“Can you ask Nancy to throw this stuff in the dryer for me?”

“I can do that!” Eddie grinned, already reaching for the wet clothes.

“Nancy. I don’t want to get down here and find everything shrunk or some shit.” Steve said pointedly causing Eddie to give him his best kicked puppy look.

“Just trying to help.”

“Yeah, well, you can help by getting Nancy. NOT Robin. NOT Dustin. Nancy. Jonathan at a push.” Steve insisted as he guided you towards the staircase, rubbing his hands over your blanket encased form to create a little heat.

Once upstairs, he grabbed the comforter from the end of his bed and wrapped it around him, his teeth chattering.

“Steve, baby, I’m not sure just a dry set of clothes is gonna be enough to warm you up. You’ve been cold for too long. How about I run you a bath, we can you’re your body temperature up, then we can get you all wrapped up in sweats.” You frowned, noting the paleness of his skin and the way he was shivering.

“You’re just as cold. You should have the bath, I’ll be fine.” He protested, not used to someone taking care of him, that wasn’t how this worked. “I’ve got some stuff you can wear once you get out and while you take a bath, I can go make some hot drinks.”

“Steve. You’re freezing.” You said softly, tenderly caressing his cheek. “Is there any way I can convince you to get that fine ass of yours in the bath?”

“I’ll be okay. You need to warm up.” He hummed, leaning into your touch.

“Hold up, Harrington. Your house is huge, I’m betting your bathtub is big enough for two. Want to test out my theory?” You gave him your best innocent look and he chuckled.

“Now that is definitely one way of getting me into that bath. Lead the way.”

#Steve Harrington #Steve Harrington x reader #Steven Greetings #gndw fic

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beelicious-and-fictitious · 2 years ago

Text

Lip Piercing

Summary || [Eddie Munson X Female Reader] To you it's just an insignificant piece of jewelry, but to him it's everything

Labret (bottom lip piercing) || 2.1k words || NO BETA/ BARELY EDITED, Post High School Graduation, Slightly Insecure Reader, Eddie Being Adorkable And Inanely Flirty, Descriptions of Intolerant World View, First Kiss, Light NSFW Ending

Just Quinn Fics | Main Masterlist

Hey-o, if you enjoy this fic, feel free to let me know in the comments or reblog with comment and tell me what you liked about it or maybe a favorite line (or just keyboard smash, I know what you mean) ❤ they are always appreciated

It's your turn to host tonight's party meeting. From the minute Eddie Munson graduated, the party was adamant that he continue to be a part of Hellfire club. And while he wasn't allowed on school premises by school administration anymore, he had taken up the unofficial positions of Hellfire Presidential Advisor and Newbie Mentor.

It's not that the new Hellfire cabinet didn't know how to teach, it's more like they lacked the time and patience to do it themselves. Lucas had to quit both of his extracurriculars to help Max recover in physical therapy, and president Dustin and vice president Mike did their best to balance all of their club responsibilities with their school and non-Hellfire relationships.

"It's just a little extra hand," Eddie had reasoned to himself. "A couple hours every week spreading the joy of the greatest fantasy game ever created."

But you knew Eddie better. He missed the club. And on top of that, his garage band had also had to take a hiatus after Jeff got an unexpected full ride scholarship from some out of state college and their drummer's messy parental divorce forced him to move to Iowa. Between losing friends and being bottom rung at his new garage shop job, you knew he was holding back how much the changes were affecting him.

That's why you invited him over to your house hours early to help set up. Normally, if he had the time available, you'd use Steve or other older members of the gang, but today you just wanted to spend some time alone with your good friend to make sure he was okay. You gave him a list of supplies to pick up and told him to meet you at yours after your quick morning shift.

It's unlike Eddie to show up on time but he's close enough– only ten minutes late. You can hear the retching growl of his elderly van pulling off the road and into the grass in front of your house. Smiling, you wipe your hands on the kitchen cloth and subconsciously turn your body to the side door, only to be surprised to hear a knock at your front door.

It takes you a moment of confusion before you open it to find that, yes, it was still Eddie. He looked just as surprised to see you as you were to see him (and seemed to be glancing downward at something).

"Hey Ed," you say slowly. "You never come through this door…"

It was just known. Eddie had always been welcome in your house which was too small to be called a bungalow but only slightly roomier than the trailer he lived in. The only people who used the front door were solicitors and your new friends– but Eddie always came through the side door, never a knock between them because he was always expected. It made a part of you sad that things had seemed to change so much in just a few months.

He was still staring at you with a dumbstruck expression. It made you self conscious enough to look down yourself and check for possible stains on your shirt. Did you forget to wear a bra, perhaps? But when you looked, you found nothing out of the ordinary and looked back up at him, puzzled.

"What? What's wrong?"

Eddie shook his head quickly and skirted around you into the house, calling quickly, "nothing, nothing! It's just… didn't want to walk in on you in case your boyfriend was around."

You snorted as you closed the door. "Boyfriend? What boyfriend?"

"The Keeley guy, remember?"

"Oh!" You rubbed a hand over your arm. "Oh that was a while ago; we never even made it to a third date. I can't believe I haven't talked to you about it, that was a month ago…"

You feel increasingly troubled, but Eddie just bumps his forehead on your shoulder playfully. "Don't worry about it, we both got busy, that's all. I promise I'll use the side door next time. Your package, as requested."

Then he presented the grocery bags filled with the party supplies. You take them and spread them out on your kitchen counter, talking as you do. “Thanks Ed. And thanks for coming over early to help me set up, I really appreciate it."

Eddie nods from his position leaning against the counter. He hasn't offered further help nor does he seem particularly talkative despite all the things that you missed out on. He just continues to lean on the counter top with a mysterious smile and mischief in his eyes.

You finally pause shifting party materials and cock a hand on your hip. "What is it? Why are you looking at me like that?"

Something swirls in the pit of your stomach as his smile quirks up in the corner. His eyes are trained on your lips and refuse to go anywhere else. It's a look you had seen Robin give Nancy from time to time before they got together.

It's the kind of look you are not supposed to give to a girl who is 'just your friend.'

Nervous about pointing out the flirty look even if jokingly, you subconsciously tuck your bottom lip between your teeth– and feel metal.

Your whole body shudders. "Oh…"

Your hand moves to cover the labret piercing, which you never ever ever wore in public or even told anybody about after you got it. It had been your silly little secret for a time and you had clumsily put it in the second you got home entirely out of habit, completely forgetting that Eddie counted as early company.

For his part, Eddie seemed deeply amused by your weak attempt to hide the jewelry that had been winking at him in the light for the past twenty minutes. "When did you get that?," he asked, still smiling like a menace.

You roll your eyes indignantly, "a while ago… it's not a big deal…"

"Sure I just… never knew you had it in you," he replied, twisting his neck to get a view of it around your toying fingers.

You dropped your hand and sighed, busying yourself with party set up and snack prepping. "It's just a piece of jewelry. It's cute! But everyone in the whole world thinks wearing something on anything other than your ears is a sign that you're a criminal or a devil worshiper."

"You don't have to tell me," Eddie laughs.

You shake your head and laugh alongside him. "I get one piercing on my lip, and suddenly everyone thinks I'm a thug, or a harlot, or I'm advocating deviancy of some kind. It has to mean something in their eyes, because they can't just see it for what it is: just… beautiful."

Eddie slides a hand onto your shoulder and squeezes. Understanding radiates from his body in waves and you feel an unexpected sense of relief wash over you, like a weight lifted that you hadn't known was weighing you down. It's not an important secret, but having kept it to yourself had sort of made it into one. And now Eddie knew. Eddie, who would be the first in line to understand exactly what you mean when you say it's just jewelry.

"For the record," he says into your ear, "I really like it."

"You do?," you feel silly for asking because it's Eddie but it slips out of you anyways.

He has his arms folded over his chest and wears a teasing smile. "Yeah. Goes real well with your chunky sweater and sensible jeans. Very big 'future cool mom' vibes."

You punch him in the chest and laugh, "oh shut up, asshole!"

The laughter dies out and you look at the clock, showing an hour before your rowdy guests will start to arrive. You fiddle with the stud, not wanting to take it out just yet but also far from ready to show the rest of the gang. Long, warm fingers wrap lightly around your wrist and pull your hand down, and suddenly you feel yourself being crowded into your counter by Eddie's body and you don't mind it. Nor do you mind how close his pretty face is to yours.

"I really do like it," he says again in the slowly diminishing space between you.

Instinctively, your hands find purchase on his hips and draw him flush against your own. It feels natural even though you have never done this before (with him, your friend). "Yeah?..."

Eddie wants to do something about it. You want Eddie to do something about it. He leans in until his forehead touches yours and heat pools in your stomach feeling the weight of him against you.

From so close, you can't see the way he bites his bottom lip but you do feel the tip of his nose bump your own. Your need for him aches and you grow impatient enough to tilt your head and barely brush your lips against his. It sets a fire in the blackened pools of his dark eyes as he feels your lips stick to his just a tiny bit upon the light contact.

And still he hesitates and asks, "Jesus, please tell me this means I can kiss you and not make things weird between us?"

"Eddie," you say in a scolding tone and dig your fingers into the lapels of his jacket so hard the leather squeaks, "if you don't kiss me right now, I'm going to–"

Thank god he does because you have no idea what you were going to say next. His lips are incredibly soft and taste of a faint cherry something that only intensifies as he presses your shocked mouth open and licks your tongue. He can feel your body vibrating with need against him and it only makes him more desperate to keep going. His hands cradle your face and his hips press further into yours, effectively trapping you against the counter. And taking your bottom lip in his mouth comes the gratification of feeling the inorganic press of your lip piercing in his mouth.

One kiss becomes a series of kisses, drawn out and hungry like a flame taking to new and unexpected kindling. Despite its suddenness, it doesn't feel strange, it just feels right. Hell, it feels like a long time coming, actually. Like you've been dancing around wanting each other since the beginning.

It's Eddie who pulls away first and you find yourself gasping for air, so dizzy that if he hadn't been holding you up, you would surely have collapsed. One of his arms wraps around your back and you feel with some embarrassment that sweat had been collecting in your undershirt and it quickly turns from cold to hot as he holds you there.

You open your eyes and focus on his lips, unsure of what you might find if you look into his eyes and you are grateful when he doesn't force you to look.

"Whoa," he sings in a gravelly voice that vibrates in your chest. "That was… intense."

A chuckle escapes you and you let the air start to clear. Though your dizziness quickly dissipates, your light headedness doesn't fade and you still feel like your floating. This sensation is nurtured by the way Eddie subconsciously rocks, cradling you against his chest and almost dancing to music in his head. You are convinced he is partially, if not completely unaware that he is even doing it, and you rest your chin on his chest in contentment.

This little cocoon of budding love cannot last forever though. Eddie heaves a great sigh, presses another kiss to your lips, and takes a step back. You feel all of the heat in your body evaporate like mist and resign yourself to party prepping, first reaching for your piercing to remove it as you make your decision.

When you do meet his eyes at last, he whispers, "we'll talk about this later."

Later comes at nearly 2 am after Steve and Robin usher the young ones home, and the only talking going on is your incessant invocation of Eddie's name as he takes you with all the reverence of a starving man finally being allowed to gorge himself on a decadent spread.

Eddie divests himself of his clothes in a matter of seconds but with your clothes, he worships every part of you that is revealed to him. He lays you down and massages your legs, ignoring the needy tug of your hand tangled in his unruly curls. And when he finally pushes into you and seats himself to the hilt of your core, Eddie sighs and thinks that this is where he's always belonged.

Just Quinn Fics | Main Masterlist

I just think Eddie is so neat I adore every version of him ❤ if you wouldn't mind, please reblog and/or leave a comment to let me know what you liked about this fic!

#three bees writing #eddie munson x female reader #bee's archive of fiction #🐝🐝🐝✒#joseph quinn character fiction #black reader insert #joseph quinn fanfiction

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imgoingtofreakoutnow · 1 year ago

Text

FRET NOT, DEAR HEART - 1

Summary: After losing the battle against Vecna, the Hawkins gang has to care for their wounded, and since one of them is still a wanted criminal, they have to get creative...

Pairing: Steve Harrington x Eddie Munson

Warnings: fix-it fic, angst (only for this chapter, i swear), blood and wounds, mentions of death and panic attacks, some swearing here and there, SPOILERS FOR ST4 VOL2

Word Count: 2.7k

A/N: I've been working on this for quite a while now so I really hope you enjoy it! This is basically a prologue and the next few chapters will come out in the next few days. A huge thanks to @tripleyeeet for hyping me up and just being supportive through it all!!

Links: AO3 / MASTERLIST / CHAPTER 2

\_/

Steve was going too fast. The camper was barely able to avoid the cracks in the tarmac and the fallen trees blocking half of the road. The entire structure shook at every bump, almost as if it was about to fall apart at the next one. They were riding in a death trap, already filled with enough death as it was.

Max was barely alive. Every breath that left her throat felt like it was to be the last. Holding her tight in his arms, Lucas had half of his face covered by bruises and blood. Steve could hear the soft chanting coming from him, escaping his lips like a prayer.

“And if I only could… I’d make a deal with God…”

However the gentle, broken melody was lost in the other screams and cries that filled the vehicle.

“Eddie…”

Dustin was sobbing as he was holding Eddie’s head, tears of both fear and pain running down his cheeks, but he seemed to have completely forgotten about his broken leg. “Eddie, please… please, hold on.”

“He’s losing a lot of blood…” Robin started laughing nervously, her hands covered in Eddie’s blood. “Wow, I-I-I- had no idea there could be this much blood inside a human being…”

“Robin, not helping!” Nancy was ripping every piece of fabric she could find, handing them to Robin and Erica, who —just like all the other kids— looked like a walking corpse.

“Keep pressing on the wound!”

Robin nodded, doing as instructed. “Yes, ma’am.”

Nancy started applying pressure on one of the bigger wounds with a clean cloth but even that was immediately flooded with a wave of blood. She shook her head, fear crossing her eyes.

“We gotta take him to the hospital.”

Steve laughed bitterly. “Yeah, right. Why don’t we hand him over to the police altogether?”

“If we don’t, his wounds will get infected! And Rob’s right, he’s losing too much blood and unless you know how to stitch up a wound-”

“I know how to do that.”

Four heads turned towards Erica, including Steve before remembering suddenly he was the one driving and barely keeping them all alive.

“How?”

Erica turned towards Robin’s wide eyes and shrugged. “I read a book about it once.”

“Great…” Nancy sighed, shaking her head again.

If her hands hadn’t been covered in blood, Steve was sure she would’ve pinched the bridge of her nose.

“We don’t have time to be picky, Nance!”

The girl turned quickly towards Steve, her expression a mix of anger and exasperation. “Even if I agree to let an eleven year old stitch up wounds-”

“I’m sure I can do it.”

Nancy shot a quick glare at Erica, who seemed to remain unfazed by that, before looking back at Steve. “We still need a place to hide him. A safe place.”

“Yeah,” Steve nodded, taking a sharp turn at the next crossroad, “I’ve got that.”

“Alright.” Steve tossed the keys to Erica. “The first aid kit should be somewhere in the kitchen, same with the sewing kit. The big key is for the main door and the plastic thing-y is for the alarm.” Erica was already running away from the camper. “You have thirty seconds before it sends a signal to the police so be quick with it!”

“Got it!”

He shook his head as his eyes lingered on the walls of his house. It seemed so alien after everything that had happened in the last few days, a memento of a life that didn’t exist anymore. However, Steve didn’t miss it. No matter how messy or scary that reality was, it was much better than the pampered and selfish way he had lived before.

“Nance? Rob? You good?”

With Eddie’s arms around their shoulders, the two girls were able to raise him up and bring him off the camper. Nancy was steadier in her steps, while Robin’s legs were as wobbly as pudding but didn’t falter once.

“We can manage,” Nancy assured, giving a quick nod both to Steve and to herself.

“He’s still losing so much blood…”

“Robin.”

“Focusing, I’m focusing.”

Steve nodded back. “I’ll bring the other three to the hospital and then come back as soon as I can.”

“Don’t-” Steve turned around. Dustin was standing just beside him, a heavy panting leaving his lips with each breath. “Don’t let him die.”

Nancy gave him a small smile. “We’ll do what we can.”

“I know you will.”

As they walked slowly towards the house where Erica was holding the door open for them, Steve turned the engine back on and rushed down the road. There was no time to waste worrying when he could do nothing yet.

The knocking on the door echoed through the forest behind Steve’s house. A lone owl took flight as Steve continued knocking. “Girls, it’s me! Come on, open-”

Robin opened the door, launching her arms around Steve’s neck and pulling him tight into a hug. “Thank God, you’re alright!” Steve had no time to return the hug or let out a pained gasp that Robin was pulling him into the house and closing the door behind. “What took you so long?”

“Hawkins is a fucking mess. Half of the roads are torn apart by the portals and the other half blocked by fallen trees. I had to change route so many times I lost count and wait for Lucas and Dustin’s parents to arrive at the ER before leaving them there on their own…”

He passed a hand on his face. Back at home, the few hours of sleep of the past couple days were starting to hang heavy on his body. He was craving the softness of his bed so badly.

“And Max?”

Steve shivered. He could still feel it, the sensation of Max’s body in his arms. She was breathing, of course she was, but the way her snapped limbs hanged so lifeless was going to haunt him for a long time; maybe forever.

“She was sent to surgery the moment we stepped inside.”

Robin finally exhaled. “Good.”

Steve looked at the light coming from the living room. Shadows were moving back and forth, but he didn’t move towards it. He stood still in the darkness of the hallway, too scared of what was waiting for him to actually take one more step.

“How is he?”

Robin didn’t notice the tremor in his voice. She just followed the direction of his nod before she turned back to him. Her eyes jumped from one place to the other, never really settling anywhere as she started fidgeting with her hands. Steve knew that expression too well and didn’t like it one bit.

“Well. He’s… breathing.”

“Okay.” Steve waited for a good minute but nothing else left Robin’s lips. “Any more details?”

Robin shook her head with a sigh. “It’s easier if you see it for yourself.”

She moved towards the living room but Steve didn’t move an inch. He couldn’t point out why he was so scared. He had already seen Eddie covered in blood, his flesh torn apart as more blood spilled from the open wounds with each and every breath. He had already seen him at his worst and —rationally speaking— he knew whatever Erica had done, couldn’t be worse than that. Nevertheless… terror was gripping his heart with its cold claws.

“Steve.”

When he came back to the moment, Robin was once again in front of him. Her hand was holding his, squeezing softly as a small, reassuring smile appeared on her face.

Steve took a deep breath and, when Robin walked away from the hallway, he finally followed her. And when he saw what was going on in the living room, all the air seemed to disappear from his lungs.

The carpet on the floor had lost its white color, now painted with different hues of red. Part of Steve's brain wondered how he was going to explain that to his parents, before his eyes moved to the three figures near the couch. Eddie was laying on it, covered in bandages like a mummy, but unlike one of those he was still breathing… and shaking.

“Why- why is he shaking?”

Erica cleaned her hands in a towel nearby before throwing it away —on a huge, dirty pile— and turning to him. He could still see remnants of blood under her nails. “I cleaned and stitched up the wounds as best as I could but…”

She stopped and lowered her gaze, her shoulders slumped in defeat. Steve had often questioned the fact that the girl was truly only eleven, but in that moment he saw it. He could clearly see how small she was compared to everything that was happening around her, to what they had tasked her to do. They were all mere specks of dust in the great scheme of things.

“It’s not your fault, Erica.” Nancy moved next to her, gently rubbing her back. “You did an amazing job.” Erica kept her gaze to the bloody ground.

Then Nancy met Steve’s eyes. Hesitation crossed her face before she spoke, maybe hoping she could find at the last second a better way to say what she had to. But she didn’t.

“The wounds were already infected.”

Nancy kept talking but Steve didn’t hear any of the other words. A sudden static noise filled his ears. He tried shaking it away but, for some reason, it wouldn’t go. The fear was back, crueler than before, clawing its way to his heart.

“Steve?” He turned to Robin, her eyebrows knitted in worry. “You okay?”

“Yes, I-” he shook his head, “I’m just… can’t we do something though?”

“Do you have any penicillin?”

He barely registered Nancy’s question but shook his head. He was so tired he could hardly put together any words in the right order. “I- I don’t think so.”

Erica sighed, crossing her arms. “Told you.”

“I might have some at home,” Nancy muttered, “but I won’t be able to bring it before tomorrow, at the very least. My mum will go crazy the moment I step home.”

“You’re right.” Steve sometimes forgot that normal people did actually have parents to go back to. Parents who cared and worried. Parents that were there when needed. “You should all go home, your parents must be worried sick.” His eyes went back to Eddie, who was still breathing quickly. “I can handle this, I think.”

Erica raised her eyebrows. “You think?”

“I mean, he has a fever, right? So I should just…” Steve opened his mouth to speak but nothing came to his brain. “What should I do?”

The eleven year old shrugged. “Whatever your parents did when you were a child.”

“So?”

“Oh. Uh…”

“Keep him hydrated. He’s losing tons of liquid with all that sweat. Damp a towel with warm water, not cold water —never cold water— and tap his face. It’s a really good sensation. And even if he’s shivering, don’t cover him. You need to let the heat go away. Also, do you by any chance have Tylenol in the house?”

Robin finally looked around, only then noticing all the wide eyes and raised eyebrows staring at her. “What? I was a sickly child.”

Steve nodded. “I might have that.”

“Good, it helps lower the fever. But don’t force him to take it when he’s unconscious. You don’t want him choking on the pill, do you?”

“Way to put a man under-pressure, Rob.”

She shrugged again walking backwards towards the entry door. “Better safe than sorry.”

“We really should go now. I’ll call you tomorrow to let you know about the penicillin, okay?”

Steve nodded as Nancy followed Robin towards the exit. Erica wasn’t moving though. She was still near the couch, staring at Eddie’s shaky figure. Steve walked towards her and stopped just beside the little girl.

“Thank you for what you did today.” He whispered, as if he was worried about waking Eddie. “You didn’t have to do this and yet you did. It was very brave of you, Erica.”

She didn’t say anything for a while. They both just stood there, next to each other, watching the guy who fought hundreds of bats on his own and lived. His curly hair was sticking to his sweaty forehead but Steve stopped his hand before it could go and move them away.

When the noise of the engine starting reached the two of them, Erica finally moved towards the door. “Just keep him alive, Steve. Don’t ruin my efforts.”

The last thing Steve heard was the door closing behind her before silence settled in the house.

The clock was ticking in the kitchen, its sound echoing against the empty walls and in every empty room. It was deafening and all Steve could think of was destroying it once and for all.

He could still hear his thoughts, however the last thing he needed was his own mind talking hopeless nonsense into his brain.

He turned back to Eddie. Somehow, he looked even worse than two seconds before.

“This was really not how I pictured you coming to my house for the first time.”

The words filled the room like a warm, unexpected sunny day in winter time, silencing the storm of his thoughts and filling the stale quietness of the house, a stillness he never managed to get used to.

As the seconds passed, the realization of the meaning behind what he had just said hit him like a basket ball in the face. “Not that I pictured it thoroughly or anything,” he added, his words fumbling over one another, “just… the normal amount, I guess.”

He could feel his ears slowly heating up as his eyes fell back down to Eddie. His eyelids still closed, his mind focused on the fight against whatever disease was threatening him from the inside.

“Why am I even explaining myself…” Steve whispered, passing a hand through his hair. The sticky feeling that met his skin prompted a sudden wave of disgust.

“God, I really need to shower.” But he didn't move, nor tore his gaze from Eddie.

Steve finally dared to move away those rebellious curls from Eddie's forehead, but his hand jolted away the instant his fingertips touched the other's skin.

“Fuck, you’re scorching hot.”

Forgetting altogether the shower, he headed to the kitchen and grabbed a bowl, filled it with warm water —under Robin's instructions— and managed to find the last clean towel in the back of a drawer. Then he went back to the living room and sat on the floor next to the couch. The carpet was slightly moist under him, but he didn't mind. The rest of the carpet was no better.

“There you go,” he said, as he gently passed the damp cloth over Eddie's forehead. “I really hope this makes you feel a little bit better.”

He was probably imagining it but Steve could swear he saw the muscles on Eddie's face relax ever so slightly. He was still shaking, he was still boiling in his own skin, but the small crease between his eyebrows had disappeared.

A corner of Steve's mouth couldn't help but be pulled upwards.

“You heard the kid, Munson,” Steve murmured, as he continued his motions, “I cannot have you die on my watch or she will kill me.”

He slowly passed the cloth over Eddie's cheek, unconsciously lingering a little bit too long than he should've. A blaring red alarm started crying out in his head, but for once Steve ignored it. “So you gotta survive, okay? You have to fight and win, understood?”

Eddie didn't answer. He kept breathing and shaking, the bandages around his neck and waist tensing up at every slight movement. It seemed a puppet about to fall apart, its limbs ripped at the seams, barely holding onto the body.

Before his mind could stop him, his free hand found Eddie's. He held it as tightly as it could, until he felt Eddie's ring dig into his palm.

“Please, Eddie.” The desperation in his voice broke those few syllables in a silent begging, as Eddie became more and more blurred as tears filled Steve’s eyes. “Please, hold on a little longer.”

#stranger things #steddie #steve x eddie #steve harrington #eddie munson #stranger things 4 #i have caved to your love #annie writes

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chaos-is-beautifvl · 2 years ago

Text

𝐝𝐚𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐚 𝐜𝐨𝐩 𝐩𝐭. 𝟐

𝐩𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠: eddie munson x fem!reader

𝐬𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲: after the first accidental and absolutely horrid incident with your dad, eddie isn’t all too keen on the idea of meeting him officially. spoiler alert: he has every reason to be worried || part one

𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠: hopper!reader, fluff, tad bit of angst, ‘freak’ used derogatorily + affectionately, assumptions, hopper being this close 🤏 to having a heart attack, joyce being the best mom (besides steve), slight mean hopper bc he cares about his kids, mike again being a little shit, el being confused, jonathan needing to learn how to read the room & mentions of sex

𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐝 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭: 4596 (these are my blood, sweat, and tears - no actually, i think i got a paper cut)

𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐞: the long awaited sequel of doac is here! also, you guys are absolutely insane. 2,000+ NOTES??!! thank you so much! i hope you all enjoy part 2 as much as you did the first. feedback is golden, so please let me know what you think. feel free to send me a request. guidelines here and check out my other eddie fics here!

stay tuned for bonus chapters & maybe a part 3???

“I don’t think I can go through this again... Once was enough, but twice? No, no, no.”

Hopper was strewn across the couch, arms over his head and legs splayed out. He slumped over like he was tired of carrying the world’s weight on his shoulders.

“Can’t do what, Hop?” Joyce questioned, replacing the clothes in the dryer with the clothes in the washing machine. “Let your kid grow up?”

“Grow- Hold on, you’re on her side?”

Joyce rolled her eyes, starting the dryer and bringing her laundry basket over to the table to fold the clothes. “There are no sides.”

“No, no, you are. You’re on her side.”

“Okay, fine. I’m on your teenage daughter’s side, who has done nothing wrong.”

“Nothing wrong-?” Hopper sat up, ignoring the instant head rush that followed. “Joyce, she had a boy in her room - a boy - and if I hadn’t gotten there when I did, who knows what would have happened? I swear, it’s Mike all over again.”

Joyce tossed a pair of mismatched socks on the table, resisting the urge to roll her eyes again. She loves the man, but he constantly pushes her buttons. “I mean, she is at that age. It was only a matter of time before she got curious and started exploring her sexual-”

“Joyce!” Hopper groaned, covering his face with his palms as though that would prevent his ears from hearing her words. “Why the hell would you say that? You know something I don’t?”

She shot him an annoyed look, not withholding her eye-rolling. Heaving a sigh, Joyce turned to her laundry, taking note to sew the hole in Will’s shirt.

“She’s almost an adult. Do you expect her not to know or be interested in those things?” She refrained from using the forbidden ‘S’ word to prevent Hopper freaking out. Again.

“No! What kind of question even is that? What? Do you expect Jonathan and Will to be doing those things?” He threw his hands in the air, returning Joyce’s annoyed look.

“Will, no. Jonathan, yes. I mean, c’mon, Hopper, you saying you weren’t like that when you were their age?”

The man could only grumble. Joyce was right. While he was significantly older, he hadn’t refined much since his teenage days. The problem was that even though he was as wild and free as ever, that didn’t mean he wanted to imagine or see his kids doing the same. The thought was grossly unfathomable to him.

Joyce sighed as she cast a glance at Hopper. She could see his inner turmoil, and although his reaction was overly exaggerated, she offered him some solace.

“Look, Y/N is a good girl. I’m sure nothing is or was going on. It’s likely just what she said - they were playing around. Kids do that, you know. If you can somehow pull your head out of your ass, you’ll see why she didn’t tell you about him.” As Joyce was speaking, Hopper opened his mouth to spew what she knew were more excuses. She held her hand up, effectively shutting his mouth.

“You don't even know the boy. He’s sweet, and he seems to care about Y/N a lot. That should make you happy.”

It did. Hopper wouldn’t admit it aloud, but he was glad that the little punk treated his daughter well, even if the man thought the boy had other intentions.

Joyce snapped as an idea came to mind. She turned to Hopper with a coy grin, and he didn’t like where she was headed. “Dinner. We’ll have dinner. And if you decide you still don’t like it, fine. But you have to try at least.”

After a few contemplative minutes, Hopper begrudgingly resigned, sinking further into the couch. “Fine. Dinner it is.”

——

You don't think you’ve ever seen Eddie so skittish. His eyes were wide and alert, and he constantly looked over his shoulder so he would be prepared if your crazy dad came charging at him again.

“D-Dinner?” Eddie sputtered over his words. “You want me to go to dinner with you and your dad? Your dad tried to kill me!”

The nearby patrons of the cafeteria stopped talking after Eddie's outburst, turning their full attention to you two. You smiled sheepishly, waving a hand dismissively. You were granted a reprieve when someone yelled across the cafeteria, and all staring was redirected.

You sighed, turning back to Eddie. “Look, I know my dad was…”

“Crazy, insane, deranged? Murderous, maybe?”

You grinned at Eddie's interruption. While you felt bad, seeing him so frantic was adorable. You hid your amusement behind your hand, clearing your throat and trying to get back to the issue. “You’re right. He was a bit murderous, but if he got to know you, he would love you.”

Eddie sent you a skeptical look, and you adjusted your words. “Love might be a bit strong, but he would definitely like you. I’m sure. I like you, and I happen to have very great judgment.”

“That’s debatable.” Mike interrupted as he plopped down in the seat next to you.

You rolled your eyes, “Funny. Don’t think I asked for your opinion.”

“No, what’s funny is how Hopper tried to kill Eddie.” The boy opened a can of Coke, and the sizzling annoyed you just as much as he did. “He was like, ‘I'm going to kill you for dating my daughter’.”

Mike’s impression of Hopper wasn’t that far off, but his levity of the situation deterred your endeavors of convincing Eddie to come to dinner. Eddie was back on alert, not that he’d ever stopped being overly cautious.

“Dating?” Gareth asked as he and the rest of the crew joined the party. To say that you wanted you and Eddie to be alone was understated. “Congrats, guys. I didn’t even know.”

“Thanks, man. Just let me know if you see a man about yea high with a murderous look in his eyes.”

“Context, please.”

“Can we just leave it alone? Yes, Eddie and I are dating. No, you will not get any context.” You quickly shut down the impending questions that would follow once you and Eddie started explaining.

You don’t think Eddie was paying much attention to the conversation anyway. He resorted to virtually sitting in your seat, hoping you might save him if your dad came around. You wanted to reassure him by explaining that even though your dad was homicidal the first time they met, he wouldn’t actually kill him. But, as you thought about it, you honestly didn’t put a thing past your dad. It is Hopper you're talking about.

You overheard Dustin asking how nobody caught on to you two dating because he caught on after the first few times you hung out together. You couldn’t help but agree silently. You and Eddie had not been subtle about liking each other at all.

Pushing the conversation to the back of your mind, you rekindled the one with Eddie. “He said he’d give you a chance, and, believe it or not, my dad hardly goes back on his word.”

Those were the wrong choice of words, it seemed, with how Eddie finally stopped glancing at all the available exits for his escape plan and whipped his head around to look at you with widened eyes.

He was progressively looking like a deer in headlights the more he thought about being brutally murdered by the chief of police. “So, he was, like, serious? About, you know, killing me?”

“Eddie, he never said he was going to kill you.” He didn't exactly say the words, but his actions proved otherwise. You didn't voice those thoughts, though.

Sighing, you grabbed Eddie’s hand. “I really like you, and it would take so much more than my, like you said, deranged dad to change that. And you totally don’t have to go if you don’t want to, but I want my dad to see you the way I do.”

Your words seemed to do the trick. Eddie laughed, and his grin resulted in one of your own. “Could’ve just told me you were obsessed with me, sweetheart.”

You rolled your eyes, pushing him away from you, “Shut it, Munson.” Pursing your lips to hide your smile, you squeezed his hand, “So... dinner?”

Eddie leaned his head back, hair sweeping behind his shoulders. He hummed before sitting up and wrapping an arm around you. “Dinner.” He held up a finger before you could thank him. “But only because I feel bad you’re terribly infatuated with me.”

“I hate you.”

“You love me.”

“Aww, aren’t you guys cute?”

“Shut up, Mike,” both of you groaned, resulting in laughter from the group.

——

You think that inviting Eddie to dinner was a grave mistake. Hopper had been staring Eddie down the entire time, which made for an awkward conversation.

Just when you were about to ask your dad to stop terrorizing your boyfriend, he stabbed a fork in his mashed potatoes. “So, Munson, what are your intentions with my daughter?”

“Dad!” You groaned, sending him an annoyed look.

“What? It’s a simple question. It shouldn’t be too difficult for him to answer. Or maybe it is with all those extra years in school.” He grumbled the last words under his breath, and you were so close to giving him a big piece of your mind when Eddie replied.

“It’s fine, Y/N. And, uh, sir, I have no ‘intentions’ with your daughter. I just think she’s really cool, and she’s such an amazing person. So, yeah,” Eddie glanced over at you, offering a grin. “No intentions, but I really like her, sir.”

You took a sip of water, hoping the coolness would diminish the heat that swarmed your face at his compliments. Eddie was never one to shy away from telling you how he felt, but your heart skipped a beat or two faster with how he looked at you.

Eddie’s response was a good one, and there was nothing Hopper could say as much as he tried, so he only grumbled as he ate his potatoes.

The conversation went back to normal - talk about school, the new mall they were building, blah, blah, blah. Then it took a surprising turn.

Jonathan was pretty quiet during the entire span of dinner, scarfing down as much food as he could. You knew it was due to the hefty amount of purple palm tree delight Argyle left him with on his last visit.

That’s what led to him speaking. “Hey, Eddie…” Jonathan squinted as if he wasn’t sure Eddie was the one sitting in front of him. Eddie hummed, and Jonathan nodded, convinced that Eddie was indeed sitting in front of him.

“You still, uh, you still coming on the trip with us, man?”

Eddie’s head shot up so quickly you would think he got whiplash. His mouth opened and closed like a fish. You sent a wild look to Jonathan, waving your hands to get him to stop talking.

You hadn’t exactly meant for it to be a secret; you just never got around to telling your dad about it. And, in light of recent events, you decided it was best to wait until things blew over, but Jonathan seemed intent on ruining that plan.

Mike raised an eyebrow at your frantic movements, and you coughed, reaching for your water when Joyce sent you a concerned look. It seemed you weren’t transparent enough because Jonathan continued, despite your attempts at diffusing the situation.

“This chicken is so good, Joyce,” was said as you picked at the piece to prove your point.

“You know,” Jonathan blinked slowly, mistaking Eddie's nonresponse as confusion. “To the Cali trip. I talked to my man, Argyle, and he can’t wait to meet you, you know, thinks you’re pretty rad.”

The silence that followed was loud, terribly so. Your fork was lifted halfway to your mouth with the chicken you suddenly didn’t have an appetite for anymore.

Mike’s expression developed into shock and slight amusement, which pissed you off, but it wasn’t the time to reprimand him. Will’s widened eyes caught your gaze, sharing your mortification. Joyce looked like she might be close to laughing with how her lips rolled together. You wanted to be annoyed, but honestly, you can’t fault her.

And El, not knowing why the table’s facial expressions ranged from mortified to humorous, tilted her head in confusion. Her brows furrowed, and you made a special note to start explaining things more. She was lost most of the time, and it’s your job as her big sister to direct her on the right path. That’s something you’ll worry about later, though.

Meanwhile, Eddie looked like he might shit a brick - a perfectly rectangular one. You’re sure you look the same.

And Jonathan, the cause of the array of facial charades, was just as confused as El until it settled in. You wonder if some genetic thing makes the Byers form similar expressions. His face morphed into shock, like the rest of the crowd. The next he made was guilty, and you’re so glad he feels that way about the mess he created. His shaggy hair flipped around as he turned to you. You could barely understand the words he tried to mouth, but they were apropos of the situation, like ‘I’m so sorry.’

He should be.

A harsh clang of silverware on the table made everyone jump, removing them from their stupor. You don’t know how you or anyone else could have forgotten about Hopper. You slowly dragged your eyes over to your dad, and his expression exceeded all your expectations of what it would be. It’s comical and terrifying, and the way Eddie’s face paled, you think he might have actually shit that brick.

Hopper’s face was red, resembling the color of the salad bowl. Like the first unpleasant time he met Eddie, literal steam came from his ears and nose, nostrils flaring as he gripped the table.

You were trying to think of anything that could appease the situation. You screwed up. Majorly. Totally. Tragically. Your heart attempted to flee your chest cavity in hopes of escaping what appeared to be a perfectly disastrous situation.

“What. The. Hell?!” Hopper’s words came out in disgruntled anger, interrupting your meticulous planning, and you wished you hadn't tried to introduce the two. After all, you are the daughter of a cop, and this cop is notorious for taking things over the top.

“Dad, wait, I can explain-” The words tumbled out of your mouth before you thought of an actual explanation.

“Oh, you sure can, missy. Please tell me why you not only lied about who was going on the trip, but you were going to sneak off with him and do god knows what.”

You blubbered over your words as you twisted your fingers. You knew your dad had a temper, that much was evident when he tried to attack Eddie, but this was worse. You hated when he was mad, even more so when he directed it toward you.

“What, you have nothing to say? Go on, tell me! Tell me why my daughter has become someone completely different since meeting this freak!”

Any thought of not talking back in fear of making your dad angrier disappeared. You could handle him being mad at you - you didn’t like it, but it was tolerable. What you refused to tolerate was him treating Eddie like shit.

Standing up, you slammed your hands down on the table, rattling the silverware and the people at the table. You weren’t known for your outbursts so seeing you in this state was surprising to everyone, even your dad, who raised an eyebrow.

“You do not get to talk to him like that. God, Dad, you wanna know why I didn’t tell you? I didn’t tell you because I knew you’d do this - overreact.”

Hopper’s eyes widened, and he stood as well. “You think this is overreacting? Oh, trust me, you haven’t seen overreacting yet.”

“Don’t you hear yourself, Dad? You haven’t even given him a chance, and yet, somehow, your mind is all made up. Do you see the problem there?”

Out of the corner of your eye, you could see everyone itching to get away from the table, and honestly, you wished you could do the same. But instead, here you were, arguing with your dad about your boyfriend while said boyfriend was sitting next to you, looking petrified.

Hopper sighed frustratedly, dragging a hand down his reddened face. “No, Y/N, the problem is with him. I don’t want my daughter dating someone one step away from being his dad-”

Eddie stood up this time, and all eyes shot to him. He cleared his throat, “You know what, I think I’m gonna go. The food was great, Mrs. Byers, but I have a chemistry test tomorrow. And, well, I wanna pass, so yeah.”

“Ed-” You felt terrible. You wanted this dinner and practically forced him to come even though he was reluctant, and now he was leaving early because your dad couldn’t keep his so wrong opinions about Eddie to himself.

“It’s okay, really,” Eddie grinned at you, trying to show that he wasn’t affected as you were. He whispered the last words, “Hey, at least I know what it’s like dating the daughter of a cop.”

His reassurances did little to reassure you. So, when he left, and everyone at the table was trying to make it seem like they weren’t there, you turned to your dad. There was so much you wanted to say to him. You would have told him how much of a literal asshole he was.

But all you could say was, “You didn’t even try, Dad. You said you would.”

With that, you walked off, following after Eddie, hoping your dad hadn’t ruined your relationship with the one person you didn’t want to lose.

The front door slammed shut, and Hopper had half a mind to tell you to come back inside, but he kept it to himself. It was tense then, and Joyce, who needed to have a lengthy chat with Hopper, told the kids to give them some space.

They hurried away, mumbling, "I have to use the bathroom anyway," and "do you guys wanna play video games?"

Once the table was clear, Joyce turned to Hopper, awaiting an explanation. Hopper plopped down in his chair, covering his face with his hands as he groaned vehemently.

“Do you see what I mean? And she says that I’m overreacting.”

Joyce’s muted response prompted the angry man to remove his hands from his face and send her an inquisitive eyebrow raise. “What? Why are you looking at me like that?”

“C’mon, Hop, do I really have to say anything?”

“So you agree? I mean, I can’t be the only way that sees a major problem with-”

“Jesus, Hopper, are you serious?” Joyce furrowed her eyebrows as she glared at the man sitting next to her. She had put up with his initial disinterest in Eddie because most dads are like that, but she was annoyed now with him actively being an asshole.

“Look, I get it, she’s your daughter, but you’re going to ruin your relationship with her if you continue acting like this.” Hopper opened his mouth to no doubt spout a series of excuses when Joyce held up a hand, signaling him to shut up. “Do you really want to know why Y/N didn’t tell you? She was scared, Hop. Scared of how you might react because she likes a boy you wouldn’t give a first chance. And she hid it because she didn’t want to disappoint you.”

“But, Joyce-”

“No buts, Hop. Eddie, who is very sweet, by the way, hasn’t done anything wrong. You’re letting your judgment get in the way and doing the same thing you did with El to Y/N, and you saw how that worked out. So, you tell me, what is your problem?”

Hopper didn’t answer the question everyone was asking, instead sulking in his seat like a petulant child. He pulled out a cigarette and didn’t even bother to light it, just letting it hang between his pouting lips.

Joyce shook her head, crossing her arms, “We can sit here all night until you fess up, or you can just pull your head out of your stubborn ass and tell me what’s going on.”

The man rubbed his forehead, sitting up in his chair and hanging his head low. He stared at the chip in the floorboards before heaving a dreary sigh. “She’s my girl, Joyce. She’s my little girl, and yeah, maybe I was overreacting-”

“You think?” Hopper didn’t even have the energy to roll his eyes.

“Just- look, I know that she’s getting older. They’re both getting older. But she’s my girl, Joyce, my little girl. What if she gets older and she-” Hopper choked on his words. “What if she gets older and forgets all about her old man?”

“Hop…” Joyce sighed. “Our kids - they’re gonna get older. We can’t change that. But if there’s one thing I know about Y/N," she ducked her head to meet his eyes. “She is never going to forget her dad... as long he stops acting like an asshole.”

Hopper chuckled, wiping a stray tear from his face, “Yeah, you’re right.”

“Give him a chance, Hopper. He makes her happy.”

“Okay,” he resigned. He lit his cigarette, furrowing his brows, “How come you’re always right? Is it like a woman’s intuition thing?”

“No, you’re just a moron most of the time.”

——

“So,” Eddie inquired as he tapped his fingers on the steering wheel, “Got a place in mind?”

After storming out the front door, you made your way to Eddie’s van, thankful it was still there. You thought he would be long gone after your dad practically bit his head off, but no. He had just started his vehicle and was contemplating if this time Hopper would actually kill him when the passenger side door flung open.

“Please don’t kill me!” The words were frenzied as Eddie squeezed his eyes shut and held his hands in front of him as if that would protect him from Hopper’s rage.

You grabbed his hands, laughing as you slid into the van. “Wasn’t planning on it.”

“I don’t know. Anywhere with you is good.”

“M’kay, how about…” He hummed before taking a right turn to a lookout point. “Here?”

“Here’s good.”

For the first time, the air was awkward between you two. You didn’t like it, but you didn’t know what to say. What do you say to someone after your dad was an asshole to them during dinner and then proceeded to call them a freak more than once?

Eddie’s “so…” was said simultaneously with your “I’m so sorry.”

You made eye contact, and he let out a laugh you couldn’t help but copy. “Sorry,” he said after catching his breath, “you can go first.”

“My dad,” you started, looking away from him and instead focusing on the view outside. “My dad was an asshole to you, and I know that I can’t make up for that, but I am so sorry, Eddie. Believe me, if I knew he would act that way, I would have never pushed for dinner.”

“Y/N-”

You shook your head, forcing yourself to make eye contact so he could see your genuineness. “No, Eddie. He said some really hurtful things, and I’m really sorry. And, uh, I would totally understand if you, I don’t know, didn’t want to be with me anymore because, well, who wants to deal with a dad like mine.”

“Do you-” Eddie leaned forward, resting his arms on the steering wheel. “You don’t actually think I want that… right?”

You shrugged, toying with a stray thread on the hem of your shirt. “I would understand if you did.”

“Okay, let’s correct that, yeah? I definitely don’t want to break up. I wasn’t lying when I said all that to your dad.”

You stammered, trying to list all the possibilities why Eddie not wanting to be with you was reasonable. All of which included your dad.

“I thought it was pretty hot, honestly.”

You raised an eyebrow, finally directing your gaze to him. He smiled sheepishly again, embarrassed. “Your dad is… he’s a work of art, but that has nothing to do with you. And I mean, the way you stood up to him - highly doubt anyone in their right mind would do that - I don’t know, it was interesting seeing you riled up over little ole me.”

“Pretty hot or interesting? Gotta pick, Munson.” You cracked a grin at the red tint that rose to his cheeks

“Hot,” he nodded, certain of his answer. “Definitely hot.”

Then the air was back to normal, and it felt good to breathe it in. You tutted and shook your head, “Who’s obsessed with who, now?”

“Oh, I’ve always been obsessed with you, sweetheart. You’re just in denial about being obsessed with me.”

You could only roll your eyes, turning to face the door so he wouldn’t see the smile on display. The two of you sat in comfortable silence, watching the night settle over Hawkins until Eddie spoke.

“What about you?” You acknowledged his question with a hum. “You sure you still want to be with me? I mean, I know you’re completely infatuated with me." That made you chuckle. “And you’re also pretty close with your dad. Believe me, I don’t want to stop what we have, but I also don’t want to mess that up.”

“I don't want that either.” Eddie frowned slightly, and you realized how your words sounded, so you corrected them. “What I mean is, I don’t want us to end. My dad means a lot to me, and I love him, but I also love you. And I really don’t want to lose you. I meant what I said before. It would take so much more than my crazy dad to make me not want you. Screw this whole goddamn town. I could care less what they think.”

You finished your rant with a huff. You felt relieved, finally having said everything you’ve been holding in since this whole fiasco with your dad and Eddie began.

You don’t know what you were expecting Eddie’s expression to be after your winded rant, but you certainly weren’t expecting to be met with a budding grin. Raising your eyebrow, you questioned why he looked so amused.

“You love me, huh?” You were confused until it hit you. You accidentally told Eddie, of all people, that you were in love with him.

You’re never going to live this one down.

“Shut up.”

Eddie dramatically splayed himself across your lap. He threw his arm over his head, fanning himself with his hand as if he was but a distressed maiden.

The brunet opened one eye, keeping the other squeezed shut. He held his hand up to his ear, “I’m sorry. I don’t think I quite heard you the first time. Could you repeat that again?” You rolled your eyes, looking away from his simpering grin before you gave in and wore one yourself.

“I said I hated you.”

“I can’t believe that you, Y/N Hopper, love me, Eddie the freak Munson.”

“Yeah, well, unfortunately, you’re my freak.”

Eddie smiled up at you, and this time, you mimicked him. “I guess it’s time to tell you that I’m in love with the daughter of a cop.”

——

🏷 𝐭𝐚𝐠 𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭: @this--is--music , @riotkayla , @lili-pond , @murnsondock , @ecikilljoy , @salembridger , @boomhauer , @under-the-clouds , @insssanemind , @reidstea , @th0rswh0res , @graywrites20 , @tracymbcm , @chrisevansangel , @lizziesfirstwife , @wiieiei , @iloveeddiemunsonnnn

——

#chaos-is-beautifvl #chaos.writes 🖋#eddie munson x reader #daughter of a cop #daughter of a cop pt.2 #eddie munson x hopper!reader #eddie munson fluff #eddie munson x female reader

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sammy-is-not-smiley · 2 years ago

Text

Lost, Hit the Wall

Eddie Munson x fem!reader x Steve Harrington

(Interactions with Eddie and Steve are separate, no Steddie)

Summary: Your guilt for leaving Eddie in the Upside Down triggers an extremely realistic nightmare... When you wake up, you're hit with a certainty that it wasn't just a nightmare.

Wordcount: 2.5k

Warnings/tags: Depiction of fear and panic, being chased, kinda vampire Eddie, language, choking, stress, crying, depiction of extreme guilt, much angst between Eddie and reader, pet names used, set after S4, one use of (y/n), boyfriend Steve, hurt/comfort from Steve, drinking is mentioned, I think that's all?

A/N: Wow, 2 Eddie fics in one week? Who am I? Anyway, this fic was inspired by a maladaptive daydream I had while driving and listening to Nightmare by Avenged Sevenfold. I used a few quotes from the song in it too, hope I didn't execute them too poorly lol. No promises on a part 2 but I'm thinkin about it. Ideas for it are welcome. Enjoy!

A strike of lightning startles you awake.

Somehow already sitting upright, you gasp for breath as if you hadn’t been breathing at all. It burns your lungs. Frantically, you look around to see only dense forest surrounding you on all sides. It's dark, cold, and the smell… it's… familiar. A bad, bad familiar.

Another booming strike of lightning nearby invokes a panic within you causing you to scurry to your feet, staring upwards into the sky. The lightning had been red.

Shit.

No.

No, no, no, not again. You can't be here again, how did you even get back here? You had escaped the Upside Down, it was over!

Looking down at yourself you find your outfit to be the one you had worn that day. Bomber jacket, dirty jeans, and heavy boots that were almost too small. You remembered also having a backpack you had filled with extra supplies but… it wasn't on you. In fact, it seemed the only thing you had on you were the clothes on your back. Supplies, weapons, ammo, everything you would use to defend yourself was gone.

Desperately your feet spin you in circles as you try to find any trace of a gate you might have somehow fallen through. You were vulnerable, out in the open with nothing to help guarantee your safety.

This was bad.

The dark, still trees and vines were all that was there, seeming to mock you. No glowing gate in sight.

"Dustin!!" You screamed, remembering you had been paired with him for battle. You were grasping at straws but you needed to know if you really were alone here. There was no response. "Dustin!… Steve!… Steve, Robin, Nancy!" You practically sobbed, feeling weak at the knees. Still, no response came, only the echo of your voice greeted you back.

This was very bad.

A rustling in the trees above you drew your attention, however, you, once again, were met face-to-face with nothing but shadows of dead foliage.

You had to find a gate. You needed to get back.

Immediately you started running, just choosing a direction and going with it. Dead tree branches and brush slapped against your sleeves and legs as you huffed the air that was hard to breathe. The trees above you rustled again, and with a half glance behind you, you could make out a shadow that seemed to be jumping from tree to tree. The hair on the back of your neck stood on end at the thought of a creature chasing you. Hunting you. You could have sworn you faintly heard laughter from above. That sound was replaced by hearing yourself start to panic, audibly whimpering to yourself through breaths with nothing on your mind but getting to Eddie's trailer.

Eddie.

Suddenly you broke through a tree line and froze, the thought of his name still haunting you.

Eddie.

You… Had escaped.

You had left him. Dustin had insisted you at least take his body back for a proper burial but you had forced him away from the body. Both you and Dustin had been injured, and an irrational fear told you that if you weren’t quick enough, the gate in the trailer would close you in. So you drug the sobbing boy away, watching him rip the guitar pick necklace off of Eddie as he screamed, and you got the both of you out of that hellhole with your lives.

You just left Eds there as if he was just another one of those bats. Why did you leave him?

Glancing around you in the present, you finally found some sort of solace in figuring out your location in Hawkins. Just as you caught sight of a road to take, something yanked you by the collar of your jacket.

Roughly it lifted you up, your legs dangling below you. Finally letting out a scream, you reached above you to try to both release the grip of the thing and hold on for dear life. In a passing thought, you realize the grip on you feels oddly like cold human hands.

Whatever it was lifted you up no more than about fifteen feet before another cackle rang in your ears.

"Aw, is someone scared?" A voice taunted, then released you to a hard welcome with the ground once again.

Ignoring the pain in your side, you attempted to get up again to go for the road. It was slow going at first, but after stumbling, the hill started to assist you. Just as your feet were about to reach the pavement, a large figure dropped in front of you from above. Reflexively you skid to a halt and fell backward onto the dead grass.

"You got somewhere you plan on being, babe? Don't you wanna have a little fun first?" The figure condescends, stepping toward you as you scoot back in fear.

Above you was a looming dark figure, an expanse of rough wings on its back overshadowing its front features… but your eyes widened in recognition despite the added darkness. A mess of long hair and dark clothing was all you needed to see.

You shake your head slightly in disbelief. "E-Eddie?… Wh-…. Y-You're-"

His wings curl in slightly as he kneels down in front of you. A flash of lightning reveals what was hidden from your sight. He still wore the clothes you left him in, blood-stained and all. His skin looked sickly pale and covered in spots that look decayed. And his irises… completely blackened like an eclipse. What was also revealed was a cocky smirk on his face. "I knew you'd be terrified to see me back," He leaned in, crawling on his hands and knees toward your frozen body. "But I didn't think it'd be this good." His teeth practically glow in the dark as his tight-lipped smirk turns into a wicked grin.

Your heart pounded painfully in your ears when you shook your head more vigorously. “How?" You asked, although it came out in a squeak.

He chuckled. "Let's just say that wizard girl you've got isn't the only one that has tricks up their sleeve."

As if jolted with electricity, you scurried to your feet again, this time running in the opposite direction of the road. You know Hawkins like the back of your hand, you could make your way to the trailer from any point. You just had to lose this warped version of Eddie.

This wasn't Eddie though. Eddie was dead.

A burst of nefarious laughter echoed behind you. “Aw, come on, we just started talkin’!”

With all your strength, you managed to scale the hill again and headed towards a small suburban neighborhood. Maybe if you closed yourself in one of the houses you could lose him. You needed to get away from the vulnerable open air.

Behind you, a thunderous flapping chased after you. This time you didn’t dare glance back, convinced the new Eddie was mere inches from grabbing at you again. You didn’t want to know what he would do if he caught you again, and his laughter wasn’t comforting.

Hastily, you ran into the first house you could reach. Hoping it was unlocked, you yanked at the door. Relief filled you when it opened with ease. Turning and making sure to lock the deadbolt, you stepped back from the door, chest heaving for air. You stared at it, hoping that the door didn’t open as easily for him as it did for you despite the lock.

A hefty thump on the roof made your heart sink to your gut when you finally made the connection. Finally realized that he had been flying... like a bat.

You then heard him jump down onto the grass at the side of the house, feet sounding firmly rooted to the ground with no hint of stumbling. Expectantly, you stilled and listened for his footsteps to come to the front door. Instead, he went the opposite direction, toward the back of the house.

The back door. You didn’t check the back door.

You took a few steps with wide eyes before you heard the back door bash open, a giggle quickly following it.

“Oh, little one, you’re being so rude. I was sent just to greet you! By the highest power!” His boots taunted in slow steps, like a lion approaching prey.

You glanced around the livingroom you stood in, desperate for a hiding spot. Your eyes landed on a corner between the wall and couch. It was snug, but it would do.

In a flash, you unlocked the front door and swung it open loudly before quietly dashing to your chosen hiding spot. Pulling your knees to your chest, you attempted to slow your breathing as you listened to Eddie’s footsteps stomp into the room you were in. Then, it was quiet, your breathing kept quiet under your own hand at your mouth. You sat, waiting to hear him go outside and chase after ‘you’. He did no such thing.

A dark chuckle in the room startled you. “Trying to be smart, huh? Cute…. Real cute…. You always try to pull stunts like this. They never work, do they? But you know what?”

A weight pushed itself violently onto the couch next to you and a cold breath fanned at the top of your head.

You looked up to meet his grin with horror. “I’m smarter.” Before you could lift yourself to your feet to run, he had your collar and hair grasped at the back. As his hold tightened it pulled painfully at your hair, causing you to grab at his hand and grimace.

He lifted you up, then threw you against the wall, almost knocking the wind out of you. Once again, before you could even think to move, his hand was at your neck holding you in place.

In response, you let out another pitiful sound of fear as you tried to pull his hand away at the wrist. His grip was insanely strong. Inhumanly strong.

“Please, please, wait, Eds-” You croaked out, struggling under his weight. It felt weird to call him that, especially like this.

“Please what?” He snapped, anger suddenly clear on his face. “Leave you here? Alone? Like you left me?”

Your struggling halted as you stared back at him in shock.

All he did was smirk back at you. “Yeah, I know. Don’t act so innocent. Vecna showed me everything. In fact, Captain Vec and I are very much alive and thriving.” He leaned in, cool breath now wisping at your face. The smell was horrendous. “And you know quite well… That you belong here with us.”

Tears brimmed your eyes, an old garden of guilt flourishing once again in your chest. “You were-… How-…. I’m sorry,” You finally got out, throat strained under the pressure of his hand. “I’m so sorry, Eddie,” You whimpered, tears now falling freely.

He smiled cooly and shook his head, face still inches from yours. “You know that’s not enough, sweetheart. Oh, and it hurts doesn’t it?” He tightened his grip on your neck ever so slightly. “It hurts to know that you belong here with me… Alone, undead, left to eternally starve.” He leaned in ever closer, causing you to squeeze your eyes shut. “That is until someone fleshy like you comes along.”

Once again you find your strength and start to struggle, clawing at his skin, kicking with your feet. However, he’s unfazed as he uses his other hand to pull aggressively at your shirt collar.

“Stop, please-”

“I’m sure you told everyone that I had been too far gone to ever take back home, too torn apart,” He grunted, beginning to rip your shirt to pull over your shoulder. “A replaceable liar is all you are. One that won’t be missed, just like me.”

He then paused, then jostled your head by the neck, urging you to look at him as he leaned back to look at you once more. You do so, tears still blurring your vision slightly. Although blurred, you could clearly make out his wicked smile… And the bright canines now extended into fangs.

When your terrified eyes met his, his face shifted into a pout that mocked. “Aw, baby, don’t look so scared. You should have known,” He began to chuckle as he leaned in again, mouth brushing your exposed shoulder as he spoke. “You should have known the price.”

Searing pain exploded on your flesh as he bit down and an oozing warmth began to coat the skin around his mouth.

A loud scream echoed through the bedroom as you sat up, tears drenching your face. In a panic, you sat up and tried to push yourself back, bunching up the bed covers as you did so. It took you a bit to even notice the hands at your waist or the boy in front of you trying to get your attention.

“Hey, hey, you’re okay, you’re okay, look at me,” When your eyes finally met Steve’s he brought a hand up to your wet cheek. “There you go, look at me. You’re safe, I promise, you’re safe.”

A quick glance around you brought you back. Right. You had come over to Steves and… And you had drunk too much. He wouldn’t let you drive yourself home and just let you stay the night instead. You asked to sleep with him to keep you from having nightmares like usual. You never had nightmares when in the same bed as him… You never did… Until tonight.

At that realization, a hole of helplessness gaped in your chest, spurring on a totally new wave of tears to begin falling.

Wordlessly you leaned up and grabbed a hold of Steve, as if holding onto him would shield you from anything Vecna could ever do.

He gladly embraced you back, happy that he at least was able to get you awake and out of whatever fake world your mind had concocted from past events. He cradled your head to his neck as he leaned on the headboard, gently trying to assure you that everything would be okay.

The warmth of his body was an overwhelming relief compared to the cold skin of Eddie.

“Eddie,” You choked out, sobs straining your throat like Eddie’s hand had in your dream. Eventually, you just started repeating his name over and over again, trying to grasp what you had just seen until finally something else slipped out. “He’s alive.”

Steve hugged you tighter. “Baby, you know Eddie-… You know he’s gone.”

You shook your head vigorously in his neck, smearing tears on him. “No, no, Vecna he-”

“Vecna’s gone too. Rob, Nance, and I-”

You suddenly pushed away from him to look him in the eyes again. A newfound fire was in your eyes. “You say you killed him, but did you see him dead?”

“See him dead? Of course I-” He stopped himself, eyes darting away from you for a couple seconds. “Yeah, I…”

“You didn’t... remember? Not really,” Your face was still scrunched in sorrow, pain, and guilt. “You just assumed. You thought he disintegrated or some shit.”

Steve’s brow came together. “Well, I mean we-…” He shook his head in confusion. “(Y/n), what does this have to do with Eddie?”

“He brought Eddie back,” You emphasized, grabbing his hand and squeezing it. “Eddie’s alive. They’re both still alive.”

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