#omg we are so frigged 😭 | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

kingkatsuki · 2 years ago

Text

This was the fucking cutest fic I swear to god, the way he smiled at us from the stage and sought us out in the crowd had my heart aching for him— and god Everywhere would sound so frigging good with a metal twist I can just imagine Eddie perfecting the right tempo and sound of it with like a rasp to his voice.

And then after he was so adorable and like insecure about it because I can imagine how many times he practised it to be perfect for us?

“I know!” He said, putting a hand up to his forehead. “Was I horrible?”

This little bit was so cute he just wants reassurance ahhh🥺😭

Eddie jerked back and shot you an offended look. “You cannot be spreading lies about me like that. I have a reputation as the town freak to uphold you know.”

And omg I loved this little bit too. His banter with reader was just adorable and I loved the dynamic. I find it really difficult to find Eddie fics where I actually like the way reader is written but I love them in this one, like every little bit of insecurities, that we wouldn’t be enough I felt it😭 and just knowing Eddie basically feels the same with us and that he’s just doing his best to reassure us and tell us that he loves us? Ugh.

This was so so good!!!💕

Firsts: Jealousy & Gigs

AO3 link || Part 5 of 12 (each chapter is a standalone)

<< First Song || The First Time >>

Pairing: Eddie Munson x Female Henderson!Reader

wc: 9.2K (I-...I don't know how this happened tbh. I'm not even sorry.)

warnings: insecurity, jealousy, some implied sexual content in this one kids, because lol it’s Eddie so when is it ever not? TW: negative language in reference to a woman, it's only one line and we move on quickly.

Lengthy A/N at the end*

November 1987

Your entire body felt like it was on fire as Eddie’s hand slipped under your shirt. He pulled you closer to him, his teeth nipping your skin at edge of your t-shirt. You bit back a groan and tightened your hold on him, his cotton t-shirt scrunching into your grip.

“When you invited me to watch you practice, oh,” you sounded breathless, your voice getting high pitched as his hand inched its way to your chest. “I didn’t know it was code for making out in Gareth’s garage.”

“It wasn’t,” he said between sloppy kisses, “I do have rehearsal.”

“Then why am I here?”

You watched the curve of his smile tilt up higher. “Because I know it turns you on to watch me play,” he said into your ear, huffing a laugh when he noticed your shiver.

“Well, that’s just cruel then,” you teased back, leaning away in his lap.

“Feel free to get back at me.” Eddie’s eyebrows waggled at you, his eyes lighting up. You smiled, happy to see some of his recent stress dissipate. Reaching out to touch his hair, you watched him start to talk about the upcoming gig.

You’d been to many of them over the last year. At this point, you were practically an expert in helping the guys load their equipment into Eddie’s van. They had steadily been gaining a following, you were quick to remind everyone it was because they’d grown popular on your campus, and were starting to play at bars where you needed to purchase tickets. They were finally being paid – which was huge for them. They weren’t selling out, yet, but the crowds were a decent size. It was exciting that there was even anything considering a crowd at all. However, because of midterms, you hadn’t been able to go to any of the bigger gigs yet.

Eddie was talking about the stage at this bar, a first for them, and how the speakers were some of the newer technologies they’d worked with. His eyes lit up as he spoke, his brows disappearing into his hair and his tone was passionate. You loved watching him talk about his music, he looked so enthusiastic and excited. “We’re switching up the set this time,” he said, the hand on your back drawing small circles into your skin. “Jeff wants to make sure we’ve got it down before Friday.”

“I’m sure you’ll get it right,” you said, meaning it. At his answering smile, you couldn’t help but lean down to bite softly at his neck -- loving the goosebumps that you left in your wake.

“Aw, Eddie, come on,” Jeff groaned, walking up to the garage. “I just ate guys.”

You grinned, winking at him and feeling Eddie’s palm keeping you in his lap. “Hi guys,” you said, waving to the rest of the band.

“Henderson,” Gareth greeted, bumping your fist as he made his way to the drums.

“Wait, I thought you were inside?” You said, looking around.

“He went to pick up Jeff and Liam,” Eddie said, his hands inching their way down your waist. You smacked his hand and he groaned. “You guys have impeccable timing.”

Jeff snorted, setting up his guitar and mic stand. “You would think that after two years you’d both be a little more subtle.”

Eddie’s mouth curved upwards, pride flashing across his eyes, and his expression turned mischievous. “You would think so,” Eddie said, eyes turning towards you. He leaned in, smile twisting, “yet I still find myself always ravenous. Your spell is still intact, princess.”

You bit back a laugh and squeezed his shoulders underneath your hands. “Should you, you know?” You asked, smacking another one of his wandering hands.

“Continue to feel up my girlfriend?” He asked, eyes hopeful.

You sighed. “Go set up Munson,” you said, climbing off him and settling onto the sofa comfortably.

Eddie pouted but at your narrowed eyed look, joined the guys in setting up. You pulled out your notebook and hummed along to the first cover they started to play. Tapping your pen along to the beat, you found your eyes darting over to Eddie. He hadn’t been entirely wrong when he said you loved watching him play.

He always did background vocals and lead guitar but there was something about the way he played that made you want to pull him into a dark corner. It didn’t help that usually they were all keyed up after a performance, energy bouncing off the walls, and Eddie was always more than happy to disappear off with you.

Your eyes made their way back to him and you smiled when you saw him already looking. He winked, a stupid smug look in his eyes and you pointedly returned your focus to your notebook.

After a few songs, the guys took a break. You watched Gareth pull Eddie aside, ducking his head close and quietly talking about something.

Closing your book, you raised a brow when Eddie sauntered over to you. “Princess, love of my life, owner of my heart,” he said, bowing, and dropping into the empty seat to your left.

“Munson,” you said, suspicious, dropping your legs into his lap. His hand automatically reached out for you, his hands running up your calves.

“So, we need you to go,” he said.

“What?” You blinked, not expecting that.

Eddie winced. “We need to practice in private, you know, band stuff.”

“And the open-aired garage is private?” You asked, glancing back to Gareth – who was pointedly not looking at you.

“We need to practice a new song,” he said, looking pleased at his own excuse.

“I’ve heard all your new songs,” you reminded him. He’d asked you to look over them the second he’d finished writing them.

“It’s a cover,” Jeff interjected.

“Then I’ve probably heard it too.”

“Princess,” Eddie sighed, “just do me a solid and go please?”

“You made me drive all the way over to this side of town to sit through your rehearsal. Now, about five songs in, you want me to scram?”

Eddie avoided your stare and sighed. “Please?”

You knew Eddie like the back of your hand and something was off. It couldn’t be anything too serious, so you wouldn’t push. That did not mean you were going to let him off easily.

“It’ll cost you,” you said crossing your arms.

His eyes flashed, interested, and he nodded. “Name your price.” You knew his mind was going into the metaphorical dark corner by the way his eyes strayed down to your cleavage but you had something else in mind.

“Halloween party at Harrington’s.”

Eddie dropped his head back and groaned loudly. Gareth raised his brows. “Ballsy Henderson.”

“It’s why he likes me,” you said, reaching across the table and kissing him soundly. You leaned into ear. “If you go with me, in costumes, I promise to finish what we started almost three years ago under those bleachers.”

Eddie’s expression turned heated and you watched the beam of his smile. He licked his bottom lip and you waited as he contemplated it. “As if I could say no to you, warrior princess,” he said, sighing.

“You love it,” you answered, kissing him again. Eddie wrapped his arm around your neck, keeping you place. Letting yourself have the moment, you leaned into his touch. Biting lightly down on his lip, he stiffened before almost bending you over onto the table in retaliation.

“For the love of – keep in your pants guys!” Jeff said, a crumpled piece of paper bouncing off your leg. You stepped back, catching your breath, laughing at Gareth and Liam’s wrinkled noses and waved.

“Alright, alright, I’m off!” You turned to Eddie. “I love you, see you later?” You’d never get tired of seeing Eddie’s eyes light up. His entire face brightened, as if he couldn’t help it, and he beamed.

Eddie surged forward, kissing your cheek. “I love you too,” he said, squeezing your hand. “I’ll pick you up for dinner?”

“Sure,” you said, walking out the garage and out to your car. You tried to stall, wanting to see what they were up to. When Gareth came out to glare at you, you laughed, flipping him off and starting towards your house.

///////

“Have I mentioned how I excited I am?” You said, bouncing in your seat – partly from excitement and partly due to the fact that it was the end of fall and you were definitely not dressed appropriately. You’d ransacked Robin’s closet and in combination with your own wardrobe, you’d come up with what you had both deemed as an appropriate rocker outfit for the night.

You still weren’t too sure about it, but by the way Eddie’s eyes had lit up when he picked you up, you knew it had been a success. Despite your new boots, or your new jewelry, Eddie’s attention had predictably gone to your short skirt.

Eddie laughed, warming you further. “You have, princess. Have I mentioned how much I like what you’re wearing?” His hand came down to your bare thigh and you smacked it away before it could climb up higher. Grumbling, he shook his adorned hand like the drama queen he was.

“There are children present,” you said warningly, eyes going to the rest of the band riding in the back.

“We’re used to it!” Gareth laughed. “I think Eddie only has two brain cells, one for music and one for you.”

“That’s not assuring!” You called back. “You’re more than just a pretty face, sweetheart.”

Eddie snorted at your tone and you grinned. “You fell for my looks, don’t deny it.”

“Who’s denying?” You laughed when he shot you a look. “Hey, but seriously, I’m sorry this is the first one I’ve come to.”

“And I’ve told you, I understand. I saw your midterm review, it scared even me,” he said, glancing at you. “The guys are kind of pissed though.”

“Sorry guys!” You called out.

“We’re still mad!” Jeff said, pretending to turn away from you. You grinned and turned back to the front.

“So, when can I see your set list?” You asked, used to being the one who helped organize their set and paperwork for gigs. At the answering silence, you frowned. “Okay, that wasn’t suspicious at all.”

“I’ve got it Henderson,” Liam said, his head popping out between you and Eddie. “Don’t worry, we want you to enjoy your first real show.”

Eddie nodded - his excited energy contagious. “I want you to sit back and watch for once, enjoy the show. Your boyfriend’s an actual musician now,” he said, pride seeping into the words.

“You were always a musician,” you said, smiling when he shot you a grateful look.

“Well, I’m a paid one now,” he said, laughing when the guys cheered from the back.

“Yeah, it’s also kind of messed up to make your girlfriend work during a gig anyway,” Jeff added, snorting when Eddie shot him a death glare.

“I offered,” you reminded him, squeezing his knee.

He huffed, turning into the back alley of the place and parking the van.

“I’ll go make sure they’re ready so we can unpack,” you said, unbuckling your seatbelt. The guys all hopped out the back, talking about possibly switching to a different key and how much they were being paid. You moved to follow them when Eddie’s hand stopped you.

“No good luck kiss?” He asked.

You smirked. “Aren’t those given right before you perform?”

“Apologies your highness, I wasn’t aware there were formalities to follow,” he bowed his head, eyes twinkling.

With a big dramatic sigh, you leaned down and kissed him. His tongue came out to lick your bottom lip and you resisted the urge to nip at him. “You’re going to be late,” you warned him, kissing the base of his neck.

“I can live with that,” he mumbled, hand sliding up your skirt.

“You guys! Seriously!?” Liam exclaimed.

Eddie grumbled and you laughed. “We’re coming!” You glanced down at Eddie and immediately went to wipe your lipstick stain off his lips. He licked your index finger, eyes flashing and you shook your head. “You’re going to get us in trouble.”

“Since when did you get scared off by a little trouble?” He teased.

“Gareth is scary when he’s mad,” you whispered, smiling and reaching to wipe the mark on his neck. Eddie leaned away from your hand and you pointed to the faintly visible red smudge. “You’ve got some on your neck.”

“Leave it,” he said, eyes darkening. “I want it on me when I’m up there.”

You felt a current light up the air between you and you closed your eyes. “Eddie Munson.”

“Yes, beloved?”

“Behave.”

“Where’s the fun in that?” He smirked, smacking your ass before hopping out the car. You inhaled deeply and shook your head. He was going to be the death of you one day.

///////

“Henderson!”

You whirled towards the voice and smiled when you saw a waving Angelina. “Here she is!” Sienna said, hugging you when you sat down.

“I’m so glad you guys could come! They’re a little nervous,” you said, glancing around in awe at the crowded bar.

“I’m glad we made it! Carlos and Farrah said they were coming by later. They went to the first two at the other bar and said that it was great! I was worried we wouldn’t get tickets,” Angelina said, leaning into Sienna’s touch. “The guy at the front said they were full tonight.”

Holy shit.

“I’m so excited for them,” you said, giddy. “This attention happened so fast and I haven’t been able to come to one so it’s new for me! I’m usually watching from a nearly empty bar or from a booth.” You watched as a group of girls pushed their way to the front of the stage, their fluffed hair trembling as they jumped in excitement. The guys had ushered you out, knowing that your friends were going to be saving you a seat.

“You haven’t been to one recently?” Sienna asked, leaning in to hear you over the noise.

“She’s been stuck in Hanson’s midterms,” Angelina explained, having been there to help you cram as much as you could this past week.

Sienna winced. “His exams are brutal,” she said, smiling in sympathy, “but you made it! That deserves a round of drinks!”

You were about to tell her not to bother but Eddie’s words rang through your head.

I want you to sit back and watch for once, enjoy the show. Your boyfriend’s an actual musician now.

“Yeah, fuck it, why not? Shots!” You exclaimed.

Angelina’s brows raised but her smile was teasing. “Oh no, party Henderson has entered the bar.”

“Damn right!” Sienna cheered. “First round is on me!”

You watched as Angelina kissed Sienna before she disappeared towards the bar in the back.

“So,” you said, nudging her, “how’s the first month been?”

“Amazing,” Angelina said, head dropping into her hands. “I hate that I’m sort of waiting for the other shoe to drop but it’s been so, so great.”

You laughed at your friend, her smile and wide gaze on her girlfriend. “It’s the honeymoon period, there’s no other shoe to drop now! Just enjoy it.”

Angelina laughed. “That’s easy for you to say, it’s been years and you’re both still in the honeymoon phase?”

You sputtered, not expecting her teasing. “I-well, no,” you coughed, “our anniversary was two months ago.”

Angelina rolled her eyes and snorted. “Oh, right, sorry for the inaccuracy. It’s not at all like he looks at you like you hung the moon.”

Your skin felt warm and you tried not to pick at your nails, knowing Angelina would just tease you further.

“She looks at you like that too you know,” you said, bumping her shoulder softly. Angelina glanced back at the bar where Sienna was making her way back carefully.

“I’m just worried I’m not enough; you know?” Angelina sighed. “She’s pre-law and is doing all this exciting stuff. What if I’m too boring?”

Your heart went out to her. Angelina had liked Sienna for a while – since freshman year – and you knew that her introversion was a sore spot for her; at least when in comparison to Sienna’s outgoing personality.

“You’re not boring,” you insisted, “being an introvert and being boring are two different things. I’m an introvert!”

Angelina shot you a look and you smacked her shoulder. “I’m kidding!” She huffed. “You’re the cool girl with her cool metalhead boyfriend. How are you boring?”

You rolled your eyes. “No pity parties tonight! You’re amazing and if she doesn’t see that then you deserve better. Even though, I know for a fact that you could turn into a hermit and she’d still like you.”

“Thanks,” she said, bumping your shoulder with her own, leaning her head onto it.

“Jeez, the guy wasn’t joking – almost everyone from school is here,” Sienna said, huffing as she sat back down. “What are you guys talking about?”

“Nothing,” Angelina said quickly, shooting you a look, hand reaching for the clear liquid. “Let’s toast – to Corroded Coffin!”

“To kicking midterms week’s ass!” Sienna shouted.

You laughed, throwing the burning liquid down and slamming into the wooden table. You winced as it went down, anything but smooth, and watched as the lights dimmed throughout the bar. The stage lights lit up and your boys started with their popular opening cover.

Back in black

I hit the sack

I've been too long, I'm glad to be back

Sienna grinned, standing up in her chair, waving her hands in the air. A few other followed her lead, screaming along with the lyrics. You were awed, is this what you had missed? People singing along with them? Holy shit, this was amazing!

They played an original song next, most of the girls at the front singing along with the lyrics and you felt your eyes water.

“Are you okay?” Angelina asked, having to all but shout near your ear. You nodded, feeling silly, and fanned your face.

“This is what they wanted, what they were chasing, you know?” You said. You knew it wasn’t a large crowd, it wasn’t an official venue, it wasn’t even hundreds of dollars that they were getting paid but – people knew their original songs. People had paid to get in and listen. There were couples and girls and people dancing along to their performance. “They deserve it.”

“It’ll get bigger from here,” Angelina said, teasing. “I’ll need to start bringing tissues with me.”

You rolled your eyes and shoved her. You heard the familiar notes of KISS come through the speakers and watched Eddie flip his hair back, the faintest red lip stain still visible on his neck. You grinned.

Tonight, I want to give it all to you

In the darkness, there's so much I want to do

He’d started playing the cover at the beginning and everyone said it was good luck. You, however, knew he was just being a sap. Still, you climbed onto your chair alongside Sienna and watched as you caught his eye. Grinning, he harmonized into the mic, winking when it was his turn for the guitar solo.

“We’re only a few minutes late and Henderson and Jones are already drunk and on chairs?” A voice called out.

You glanced down to see a smiling Farrah, one of your classmates, and her boyfriend Carlos. “They sound amazing!” She shouted over the music.

“I love this song!” Sienna said, wiggling too much for the precarious balance you knew she had. Angelina reached out to steady the chair, her other hand on yours.

You cheered as the song ended, collapsing back into your chair, a little out of breath.

“Someone’s excited,” Carlos said, giving you a half-hug hello.

“Someone’s looking amazing,” Farrah interjected, eyeing your skirt, “like they’re going to get laid.”

Feeling your skin heat up, you glared at her and Angelina laughed. “Oh please, save it for people who don’t know you two.”

“Seriously, you look so cute!” Farrah said. “Where’d you get those shoes?”

“With Robin at the mall earlier today,” you lifted a leg out from under the table and grinned. “They cost a little too much but hey, every once in a while, is okay right?”

Carlos snorted. “You’re talking to the wrong person.”

Farrah rolled her eyes. “I needed those earrings babe!”

You laughed, remembering Farrah’s affinity for jewelry. They both started to bicker while you tried to hail a waitress. “Anyone want some food to soak up the vodka?”

“Ugh, please,” Sienna groaned, rattling off a few appetizers. You went to the bar for another round of drinks and avoided wandering hands expertly.

You couldn’t help but be in awe at the fact that they were playing at a place that needed security! A few months ago, you’d been trying to get them a reoccurring slot on Thursdays for free. You had been their security, always shutting down any hecklers.

Laughing with your friends, singing along to the music, and a lot more rounds later, you felt the energy surge again. Checking the time, you were amazed to realize it’d been a few hours.

“Hey everyone,” Eddie’s voice echoed in the bar. Sienna and Angelina whistled loudly, piercing through the cheering. Carlos and Farrah joined them, cheering and jumping up and down. Eddie managed to flick his eyes towards your rambunctious table and grinned. “I hope you don’t mind me taking the lead on this one.”

The crowd cheered louder and you shook your head, smiling. What was he doing? Eddie never sang lead.

“We’ve never covered this song before and it’s a little out of our range but, it reminds me of my favorite person. So, this one’s for her,” he said, stepping back and adjusting the strap on his guitar.

“Oooh,” your friends teased, bumping your shoulder and elbowing your sides. You rolled your eyes and smacked their hands away. Eddie smiled in your direction, his grin blinding. You felt a few eyes whirl around to stare at your table but you barely noticed.

“One, two, three,” Gareth said and with the first notes, you felt your heart leap out of your chest.

He wouldn’t – he wouldn’t have.

“Can you hear me calling, out your name?” he sang, closing his eyes, bopping his head to the beat. “You know that I'm falling, and I don't know what to say.”

“Son of a bitch,” you mumbled, fighting the urge to swoon.

“Isn’t this your song?” Angelina asked, laughing when Sienna starting drunkenly singing loudly along.

It was. The beat was a little faster, his voice giving it an edge, but that was it. That’s what he wanted to practice on without you yesterday you realized. The stupid butterflies in your stomach fluttered around like they were on a rollercoaster.

“Oh, I,” Eddie opened his eyes as he dragged out the word, his gaze in your direction. “I want to be with you everywhere.”

“Yeah,” you breathed, you couldn’t move your eyes off of him. “It is.”

Eddie winked, the smooth bastard knew what he was doing to you, coming back up to the mic. “Something's happening, happening to me. My friends say I'm acting peculiarly.” He grinned, almost as if unable to stop himself. Your hand went up to your heart and you felt like you could explode with love for him. He pointed at you, his guitar slipping. “You better make it soon, before you break my heart.”

“Holy shit,” Sienna said, shaking her head, “Munson’s got game.”

You grinned, shaking your head. Standing, you balanced yourself on the table and watched him lose himself in the song. He looked at home up there, as the lead singer. His voice wasn’t as big or flashy as Jeff’s but it was beautiful. He took a step back to focus on his guitar, his eyes coming up to you again. You didn’t know if he could see you clearly from this far away but, you felt the room around you disappear and your heart was dancing along to the beat.

“I wanna be with you everywhere.”

As the song finished and Gareth started the new chorus to the song they always saved for last, you watched Eddie return to his original spot.

“Well, if you don’t marry him I will,” Angelina said, shrugging, “because even I can admit that was cute as hell.”

“You never sing me anything,” Farrah said, turning to Carlos who was clapping. He laughed, tugging her into his arms and eyed you all.

“Baby, if I sung, you’d leave me so quick I wouldn’t have time to be heartbroken,” he joked.

You all laughed. “That’s true,” Farrah said, sipping on her beer.

As the last song ended, the whole room seemed to erupt into cheers. You clapped and watched them wave a bit before disappearing out through the side door. The decent sized crowd by the stage dispersed, people spreading out in every direction. You stood, waiting for one of them to come through the door.

“Hey,” the familiar security guy from earlier called out to you, scaring you a little.

“Hi?” You said, unsure, glancing at the door for Eddie.

“Sorry,” he smiled at you. “Tell your boys that we can help them pack up in an hour, they’re the van parked around back, right?”

“Yes,” you straightened, thinking of how much easier that would be, “that would be amazing, thank you!”

“No problem, they sounded great. You didn’t hear this from me but, I’m pretty sure they can become regulars here if they gain enough momentum,” he leaned in, “in a few weeks, renegotiate the pay and call the manager’s bluff. I can tell he liked them too.”

You reached out to bump his fist. “Thanks man, I appreciate it.”

“Sure. I’ll come find you backstage in a few, okay?”

Wild hair caught your eye and you smiled when you realized Eddie had come out with Gareth. They were speaking to a group of girls, all of them dressed in leather jackets and ripped jeans. Two of them waved, and you watched him as Eddie grinned, a silly, wide grin that you wanted to memorize and carry with you everywhere. You went to walk towards him when you saw the last girl lean in and put her hand on his forearm.

Frozen, you watched him throw his head back and laugh. A genuine, silly, stomach fluttering laugh. A weird, sharp feeling sucker punched you in the chest and you suddenly wanted to pull her by her perfectly permed hair.

“Whoa, who the fuck is that?” Angelina said, coming up next to you, a new beer in her hand.

“I don’t know,” you mumbled, feeling your shoulders tense.

“Hey, wait, no,” she huffed, “that’s probably just some fan. A few of them hung around them at the last show I went to also.”

What? You both watched as she ripped a pink flyer off the wall and jotted down something before handing it to him.

“Or some skank who doesn’t realize he’s not interested,” Angelina scowled.

“Did he just take the paper?” You asked Angelina, hand squeezing her wrist. She winced but you barely noticed.

“Um, I can’t see from here,” she said, tone uncertain. “It doesn’t matter, she’s not the one he dedicated a song to. You are. You can’t possibly believe he’d care for a second.”

“Right,” you said faintly. An ugly, new, feeling reared its ugly head and you suddenly felt unsure.

“Hey, you’re his girlfriend and I doubt he knows other women exist,” Angelina said. “Look, he looks like he’s searching for you. Don’t let some random girl intimidate you. Go, go!”

With a push, you stumbled over to Eddie, eyes watching the girl saunter off as you got closer. Her hips swung and even you couldn’t take your eyes off her retreating figure. You whirled around to look at Eddie but he was focused on talking to Gareth. By the time you squeezed between the last table, he was standing there alone.

“Hey!” He beamed and you felt horrible for making this about you. How ego-centric could you be?

“Hey!” You forced yourself to smile and wrapped your arms around his waist. “That was amazing Eddie, you all sounded the best I’ve ever heard you!”

“Thank you, thank you,” he bowed dramatically and you felt the smallest bit of tension bleed out. “Did you like it?”

“The set? Of course!”

He rolled his eyes. “The song, our song. I had to alter it a bit to fit our style a little but…”

“It was perfect,” you said, shooting him a genuine smile. “I can’t believe you actually sang in front of so many people.”

“I know!” He said, putting a hand up to his forehead. “Was I horrible?”

“What?” You shouted, smacking his shoulder. “You were great! It was sweet. I’ve always told you that you sing well. You always pretend to be shy about it. No, of course not, I’m just a guitarist.”

“I don’t sound like that,” he said dryly, amusement simmering under the surface.

“I’m an amazing impressionist.”

“Sure, you are princess.”

You laughed, not able to keep up the pretense. “Where’s everyone else?”

“They’re saying hi to their friends that came out, which reminds me, was that Sienna I heard screaming?” He asked, looking over your shoulder.

“Yeah, come on, they wanted to say hi,” you said leading him back to your table.

They all accosted him the second you got close enough. You smiled at his pleased expression and watched him talk animatedly with the group. As you sat by him, your eyes drifted over to Angelina and startled when you saw her already staring back at you.

She shot you a knowing look and the sharp feeling in your stomach crawled back up your chest.

You glanced at his hands, neither hand carrying the slip of pink paper. Frowning, you barely felt the arm he tossed around your shoulders. Had he slipped it into his pocket? Had he thrown it out? Was it weird to ask? Ugh. You were happy, and so proud that his band was gaining the well-deserved attention but – you’d completely disregarded the fact that a lot of that attention would be female.

You trusted Eddie - with your life. You knew without a shred of a doubt that he’d never do anything to hurt you – not willingly. But… this was the first time you’d felt the furious stab of jealousy. He was clearly not single but you knew that wouldn’t stop other girls from staring or, clearly, offering their numbers.

Feeling unsteady and unsure you turned your head when Eddie ducked for a kiss. He frowned lightly, his eyes searching yours. Avoiding his look, you stepped out of his arms and pointed to the bathroom. He nodded and you felt his eyes on you as you made your way to the other side of the bar. Once inside a stall, you leaned against the door and rubbed a hand down your face.

You were being stupid. Eddie knew you weren’t like those girls – not cool like them. You didn’t smoke, you rarely took a drag from his joints, and you definitely didn’t own a leather jacket – not unless his counted. You glanced down at the outfit you’d been proud of earlier in the night and sighed. Did it look like you were trying too hard? Robin said that the skirt and silver chains looked pretty – sexy even. But…did it compare to the authenticity of the girls in the crowd?

Who cared anyways, you scowled at yourself.

Clearly you do, the voice inside your head whispered.

“Holy shit, they’re good,” a high-pitched voice said by the sinks. You smiled to yourself. Hell yeah they were!

“The drummer is cute,” a second voice said, “I gave him my number.”

You grinned. Imagining Gareth fist pumping at the fact.

“Forget the drummer, did you see the guitarist?”

“Yeah, he’s fucking hot,” the first girl agreed, “did you see that girl he sang to?”

“I thought it was cute!”

“Whatever, I hope she enjoyed her fifteen minutes of fame – there’s no way someone like him is staying with someone like her.”

You felt your hands clench into fists. Who the fuck did this girl think she was? Ready to kick the door down and throw hands, you froze when you heard their laughter.

“I mean, did you see what she was wearing?” They giggled and your bravado flushed itself down the toilet.

Fuck this. You weren’t afraid of bullies in high school and you’d be damned if you’d let yourself be intimidated now. You slammed the door open, relishing in their shocked expressions and bared your teeth in a semblance of a smile. “Glad you enjoyed the show girls,” you said, eyeing their leather jackets and studded belts. “Your mascara is running.”

The first girl huffed, whirling around in a flurry of limbs, rushing out the door. The second girl winced, looking mildly apologetic before rushing after her friend.

The second you were alone, you wilted. You glanced at your reflection, wincing at your stupid outfit now. Who were you trying to kid? Washing your hands, a little more aggressively than needed, you pointed at yourself in the mirror.

“Get it together Henderson,” you hissed.

///////

You did not get it together.

“Thank you so much for your help,” you said to Jake, the security guy from earlier, and waved as Eddie drove off.

“See you guys’ next week!”

“See you!” Gareth called out. Eddie waved, honking once before driving back down the street you’d arrived on.

“Well, that was a success,” Liam said, “I can’t believe we can play the next two weeks. We got paid guys, holy shit, we got paid!”

You smiled, trying to stay present in their celebration but slowly retreating into your mind. Soon, you were watching everyone stumble out the van at Gareth’s house.

“My feelings are hurt at the lack of invitation,” Eddie called out from his open window.

Gareth flipped him off, not looking back. Jeff rolled his eyes and pointed to the van. “At least wait until you’re home before jumping each other you animals.”

“We all feel like we’re ready to vibrate out our skin,” Liam said, shaking his arms out. The guys always said that performing was a rush and coming down from it was always a trip. They usually crashed at Gareth’s after a gig. “We especially know how Eddie likes to channel that energy.”

Jeff pretended to gag and Eddie flipped them the bird. “Yeah, yeah, I’ll see you guys tomorrow!”

“Goodnight Hawkins!” Gareth shouted, holding up horns to his head. Liam and Jeff shoved each other; their jabs audible from down the street.

“His mom is going to kick his ass if the neighbors complain,” Eddie laughed.

You smiled and instantly knew by his look that he hadn’t bought it. You knew that he was driving back to his trailer, Wayne at the graveyard shift downtown.

“Did you see what she was wearing?”

Their laughing echoed in your head and you wanted to scream at the fact that you let it get under your skin.

“I’m just worried I’m not enough; you know?” Angelina sighed. “She’s pre-law and is doing all this exciting stuff. What if I’m too boring?”

Angelina’s voice joined their laughter and you winced. You didn’t think you’d be able to make it through the entire night pretending you were fine. You needed to process this new, ugly, feeling that felt like it was poisoning you from the inside.

“Henderson?”

“What?” You said, snapping your gaze up to him. You’d stopped at a red light a few blocks down.

“I said, did you have fun?” He asked softly, his eyes worried.

“I did, you guys were amazing,” you said, sounding like a broken record. Regardless of how you felt, that was true. They were good performers, amazing ones. This could be their shot and you didn’t want to ruin the night with your inner petty turmoil.

“Are you sure-”

“Can you take me home?” You asked him. You needed to process this new feeling in your own space. You felt like you couldn’t breathe in this van – you wanted to rip these stupid clothes off your body.

“I am going home,” he frowned, glancing at you.

“My home, please,” you said, clearing your throat.

Eddie turned to look at you and then seemed to realize he was driving.

“Was it the song? The attention?” He asked quietly.

“No, it wasn’t that at all, I swear,” you said, you felt horrible that he sounded so unsure but you didn’t know how to explain what you were feeling. That stupid pink slip was haunting you – your stupid clothes felt like a huge poser sign. If you admitted to it, you’d sound crazy.

Your house was much closer to Gareth’s and with the empty streets, you got there before you could blurt it out. He parked the van but before he could speak, you hopped out. The cold night air was sharp and burned as you gulped it down greedily. You only managed to get two steps towards your driveway before you felt his hand on your wrist.

“Sweetheart,” he said, softer this time, his eyes betraying his confusion. “Please, tell me what’s wrong.” He stepped into your arms, wrapping his own around you. He trailed a hand down your back and you heard him start to hum a familiar tune.

Oh, I want to be with you everywhere.

Standing in your front yard, in Eddie’s arms, a stupid amount of insecurity crumbled your last standing defense. You softened, your shoulders dropping and Eddie made a happy noise at the loss of tension. To your horror, you felt pressure build behind your eyes.

“I-I, it’s embarrassing,” you said. It was mortifying. How would you even explain it?

“Princess, you’ve seen me at what I’m sure are most of my low moments. Like, embarrassingly low to be in front of your girlfriend low.”

“It’s stupid!” Because God, it was so stupid. Who cared what those bitches thought?

“It’s probably not,” he urged.

You sighed, burrowing your face into his neck. “I was jealous.”

“What?” He leaned back a little. “Use your outside voice Henderson.”

“I was jealous.”

“That I was on stage?” He asked, looking incredulous. “You don’t play an instrument and no offense, I’m pretty sure you’re tone deaf.”

You laughed, the sound echoing in the night air and you realized how truly stupid you’d been. Eddie knew what you looked like, he knew what your interests were, shit – he’d always proven that he liked you because of that. He never failed to volunteer to sit and watch you study – Eddie, the one person who you knew hated sitting still for hours, much less in a library.

“Of the girl, Edward.”

Eddie wrinkled his nose at the use of his full name. “Which girl?”

“The one who was in that tiny top, leather jacket, stupidly beautiful, and long blonde hair?”

“Why?” He said, looking genuinely confused.

“Because she was hitting on you! She couldn’t take her goddamn eyes off of you and I was fine until she went up to you afterwards – she trailed her stupid hand down your arm and you laughed that stupidly sexy laugh and she noticed. I think I blacked out after that.”

Your confession hung in the air for a moment, Eddie blinking at you. Slowly, you watched the puzzle pieces come together for him. Realization dawned and he nodded. “Okay, that is stupid.”

“Eddie!”

“What?” He laughed, pulling you into his arms. “I didn’t even notice her until she came up to talk to us.”

“I saw her give you her number,” you mumbled, crossing your arms like an immature toddler. “You made her laugh.”

“Sweetheart, I make a lot of people laugh, mostly you,” he kissed your temple and shook his head. “Gareth took her number before I could toss it out. I don’t ever keep them – for what?”

“I know,” you said, and you did…now. “This was just…weird for me. I’ve seen girls notice you, obviously, but when she wrote her number down so confidently – I don’t know.”

Eddie shook his head. “I didn’t even look at it, princess. I love you, you know that right?”

“I do, I swear I do,” you said, not knowing how to word it, “I just spiraled a little too hard. When I went to the bathroom two girls in there were talking about what I was wearing and it got to me. I felt like I was back in high school and fucking Carol and Tommy were giving Steve shit for hanging out with me. Then the blonde looked so effortlessly cool like she’d just tossed it on. While I’d spent all day finding the perfect things with Robin. Then I realized that she looked more like someone you’d have things in common with and I don’t know! I felt so small.”

“Shit, princess, why didn’t you tell me? I thought you were mad at me,” he sighed. “You looked so miserable. If I knew – I would’ve reminded you!”

“Reminded me of what?”

“That I really, really don’t give a fuck about other girls,” he said, his eyes wide and sincere. “You’re like the sun and it’s an active choice to revolve around you.”

“Shut up,” you groaned, hiding your face in your hands.

“I’m serious!”

“When are you ever serious?” You huffed, peeking out from behind a finger.

Eddie smiled, shaking his head. “I can be serious sometimes, you know,” he pulled one of your hands down. “I, for one, think you look hot in this outfit. Okay? So, fuck those girls.”

Laughing quietly, you took a few steadying breaths as you leaned into him.

“I’m sorry,” you whispered.

“Don’t ever be sorry about feeling bad because people are rude,” he said, “you’re human – as much as I forget too, and it’s just shitty people being shitty.”

“I know, but I let it get to me,” you sighed.

After a beat, you heard him speak up again. “You do realize, Henderson, that men hit on you – in front of me – way more often?”

Sputtering, you leaned away from him. “What! Name one time-”

“-the usher at the movie theater-”

“-other than Carl!”

Eddie held out his hand and ticked his fingers. “The teacher’s assistant in your economics class, Keith, the rookie at your new job, Robin’s cousin that came to visit, my neighbor’s little brother-”

“Okay, okay! I get your point,” you exclaimed, “but I don’t ever notice!” As the words left your mouth, you winced.

Avoiding his triumphant stare, you went willingly to him as Eddie took your hands in his. He ducked his head to catch your gaze and smiled softly when you finally did. “Seriously,” he started, “I think is unhealthy how much brain capacity you take up there. I’m pretty sure it’s why I couldn’t seem to graduate.”

“Don’t blame me for that,” you muttered, fighting a smile.

“I would never look at anyone else when I’ve got you,” the knot in your stomach unraveled completely at the genuine look in his eyes. “I will always want to be by your side, for as long as you’ll let me. Okay? And if you ever forget for a second, I am happy to remind you.”

“I know, I know,” you dropped your forehead onto his shoulder, “I’m sorry for being a bitch. I ruined the whole night and it was going so nice-”

“You didn’t ruin anything,” he said sternly, so out of character for him that your voice trailed off. “Princess, you make any room a thousand times better by just being in it.”

“You’re just saying that,” you laughed lightly, pressing an apologetic kiss to his jaw. “I promise to work on not to be so insecure.”

“I told you, it’s not easy for me either sometimes but, we’ve got each other - right? You remind me all the time to talk about it, it’s your turn.”

Nodding, you squeezed his hands.

“Alright enough with this serious talk, come on you owe me,” he said, opening the car door and turning the radio on. He dug through a few cassettes and you watched him push one in. He raised the volume enough so that you could both hear from your driveway and you grinned.

“You don’t have to-”

“Ah, ah,” he said, putting up a hand. “You owe me.”

You grinned and reached for him. “Alright,” you said, letting him twirl you a little.

Can you hear me calling

Out your name?

You know that I'm falling

And I don't know what to say

Eddie brought his mouth down to your ear as you swayed together for a little. “I wanna be with you everywhere,” he sang quietly, kissing your temple.

“You know,” you said, “people never believe me when I tell them you’re romantic.”

Eddie jerked back and shot you an offended look. “You cannot be spreading lies about me like that. I have a reputation as the town freak to uphold you know.”

“Well, they’re not going to believe you now,” you said and rolled your eyes. “I hate when you call yourself that.”

“I know,” Eddie grinned, “I love that you call me out on it every time. Now stop interrupting my amazing dancing skills.”

“Yeah okay – oh my god!” You squealed as he dipped you dramatically and deeply. Clinging onto his arm, you both laughed as he brought you back up on your two feet.

“Don’t forget,” he said, leaning his forehead against yours. “I’m yours.”

“And I’m yours,” you smiled, feeling warm all over and not wanting this to end. “So, how about we go back home?”

“You are home,” Eddie smiled, shimmying his shoulders ridiculously, “or did my mad skills make you momentarily forget?”

“I meant your home,” you said, kissing him lightly, “where we can be alone.”

Eddie’s eyebrows disappeared into his hair. “What my princess wants, she gets,” he said, kissing you soundly one last time before leading you eagerly back to the van.

“Wait, my bag, Eddie!” You laughed as he threw you over his shoulder. “Oh my God, Eddie my neighbors are going to see!”

“Good,” he smacked your butt and you laughed louder.

“Eddie!”

“Henderson!” He placed you gently into the passenger seat and kissed the back of your hand. “Your carriage, your highness.”

You smiled, completely and utterly enamored with this nerd. He closed the door, ran back for your bag and hopped into the driver’s seat.

“Now, I know you have the hots for me and want to mark your territory – which please feel free at all times, whoever is present. Seriously, if you want to climb the stage next time, go ahead – but try and keep your hands to yourself until I get us home,” he said, winking at you. “I’ve got precious cargo.”

“Oh my God,” you rolled your eyes at his cheesiness.

“What?” He started the van and turned it around. “I was talking about my guitar – ow! I’m kidding!”

You scrunched your nose at him and he laughed.

//////

One day, one of you were going to get hurt from the number of times you both found yourselves running from his van to his room. You were almost sure you’d knocked over something on the kitchen counter as you were ripping Eddie’s shirt off. You felt boneless and you still felt a twitch in one of your thighs, your mind only now starting to come back from the ether.

“I don’t want to beat a dead horse,” Eddie started, still sounding a little breathless himself.

“That’s exactly what a girl wants to hear while lying naked in her boyfriend’s bed,” you joked.

“I know we settled everything earlier but, can I just say one last thing?”

You propped your head up on your elbow and turned to place a hand on his chest. “You have the floor Munson.”

He smiled, his hair sweaty and wild from your scramble into his room. His rings had gotten caught in your hair, you’d almost kneed him in the stomach, but you both managed to get where you needed to eventually.

“I like that we have different interests,” he said, his hand coming up to cover yours. “I like watching you photograph stuff; you’ve got this eye for things that I don’t ever notice. I love that you give a shit about school because one of us has to.”

You snorted.

“If you would’ve told me two years ago that this is where I’d end up, I would’ve laughed at you. I never thought you’d look at me again after the dance--”

“You know I was dealing with--”

“—the Upside Down, parasitic demon monsters, and general badassery?”

“Yeah,” you said, smiling at his description.

“I know,” he said, squeezing your hand, “but I guess what I’m trying to say is I know what you’re feeling okay? I know what people are thinking when they see us together. How can someone like her be with someone like him.”

“What?” You grunted when he shushed you.

“Your friends, our friends, they’re not like that – but at Hawkins High? Where they knew you and they saw me, Eddie the Freak? With the salutatorian of her year? The girl that threatened Jason Carver in the middle of the cafeteria for making fun of her brother? You have to know how it looked.”

“I don’t care about what those idiots said,” you crossed your arms. “They don’t know you. They don’t know us. You’re worth ten of them.”

Eddie smiled, eyes softening and his arm around you tightening. “I know that, now, but it took me a while to get over it. Especially considering how we, you know, started out.”

“You could’ve come up to me after that dance too Munson,” you reminded him.

He rolled his eyes and tickled your side. You squirmed, smacking his hands away. “We’re not having this argument again.”

“You brought it up!”

“To make a point!”

“Well, you made your point,” you huffed, dropping your head to his chest. “I was being stupid.”

“You were being human,” he said, rubbing a hand down your back. “It happens to the best of us, even royalty like you.”

“When did you get all mature?”

“When I left that shithole?”

You snorted. “I promise to try and draw the line with guys more clearly,” you said, thinking of Carl and his pushiness. “I don’t ever flirt back. I just feel bad cutting them off.”

“I know, that’s how I feel with the groupies,” he said, “it’s also kinda satisfying to know that people want what you have.”

“Eddie,” you admonished, bringing your palm up to your forehead.

“What? I said kinda, I also kinda wanna punch Carl in his stupidly handsome face every time he touches you.”

“We could go to the nicer theater across town?” You suggested. “He’s seen you with me. We’ve literally gone on dates there. We almost got kicked out last time.”

“There’s bound to an usher there that’ll notice you too, who wouldn’t? I’ll just make it clear to Carl that you’re taken,” Eddie said, leaning across you to bite down onto your neck and your entire body sung to attention.

“So, in conclusion,” you started, a little breathless, “we’re both surprised by our own jealousy and we’ll work on our insecurities? I didn’t even know I could get that jealous until I saw her stupid hand on you.”

“Yeah, what’s that you always say? We’ll grow together? It was never going to be a hundred percent smooth sailing,” he said, worrying a patch a skin between his teeth.

“Bumpy waters and all. I might need a few more reminders that you don’t feel like you’re settling for a boring old college girl when you become a famous rockstar,” you joked, “conforming to the man.”

Eddie snorted. “I’ll be happy to remind you,” he said, kissing the new bruise softly. “Besides, there are some things worth conforming for.”

You leaned away to shoot him a look. “Did you, Eddie Munson, really just say that?”

“What? It’s true.”

“Name one.”

“I’ll name a few! Song choices, driving laws-”

“- have you seen how you drive? -”

“Pets, marriage…” he trailed off softly.

You almost snapped your neck turning to look at him. His eyes were on your neck, his fingers dancing across your skin, like he didn’t just say that.

"That sounded pointed," you said casually.

"Did it?" He asked, exaggerated pensive look on his face. "Well, what do you think about that?"

"Your idea of subtly? Needs work."

Eddie groaned, leaning back against his headboard and you smiled. "I would say I hate it when you do that but that's a damn lie,” he groaned.

You sat up and climbed into his lap, smiling when you felt something hard against your thigh.

“You can’t blame me,” he said, shrugging when you shot him a look. “It’s you, it’ll never not be hot when it’s you.”

Ignoring his suggestive tone, you continued. "I think that I still have three semesters to go before I graduate. You just graduated and are still thinking about whether or not you want to take a few classes. You like your job at the record store, I like my job at the bookstore, but we're broke as hell. We still don’t have our own place yet." You ran a soothing hand down his chest, stopping right below his belly button. "I think that in a few years, if you ever decide you want to ask, my answer would be a very resounding yes."

Eddie popped his head up, surprised, and eyes brightening in a way you’d never seen before. Your heart tripped over itself. He must’ve been thinking of a way to bring it up if he was this happy about it.

"But I want you to know that I don't need a ring or paperwork to tell me that you're my forever," you said, "so if you wouldn't want to either, I'm okay too."

Eddie glanced at you for a moment, searching your face for something. Like a sunrise, his small smile turned into a grin which evolved into a delighted laugh. He rolled you, surprising you, so that he hovered above you.

"I'm guessing that means you'd like to conform to the idea of marriage to me," you laughed. “Is the ring a way of staking your visible claim?”

"Rings? Marriage? I was talking about getting a dog,” he said. You pinched his chest and he squeaked, dropping his weight onto you. You both groaned in pain at the impact.

"What did we say about using your words?" He said, rubbing his chest.

You rolled your eyes before wrapping your legs tightly around his waist, both of you jerking at the sudden pressure. With quick maneuver, you flipped him so you were on top.

"How about we use no words?" You suggested, hand dipping between you both and taking him in your grip. You smiled as his breath hitched.

"I have always said you're the smarts in this relationship," he said, his mouth going back to your neck.

“We’re both the smarts,” you insisted, giving him better access.

“Agree to disagree,” he mumbled, “come on, it’s my turn to be on top this time.”

You fought him for a moment, laughing when he successfully flipped you over.

“I love you, Munson,” you said, watching his eyes bright up like they always did.

“I love you too princess.”

A/N: so, I managed to smidge (and edit previous installments) the timeline so that the relationship and canon make a little more sense but since these don't necessarily go in chronological order, I'm just assigning a date at the beginning of every note so I don't mess up lol hope you guys like this one! I've been thinking of writing a version of DYFAB from Eddie's POV? Since someone suggested it and it's burrowed into my mind now. Would that be anything anyone wants to read? As always -- your lovely comments give me the validation I crave to keep going, thank you so much!

#fic recs #author recs #not mine #eddie munson

549 notes · View notes