#platonic eddie munson x reader
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dwobbitfromtheshire ¡ 2 years ago
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Imagine: You're Eddie's best friend, and you develop a crush on his uncle, but Eddie thinks that you have a crush on him. (Don't worry, it's purely one-sided. I mean, we've all been there, right? Or is it just me who has a little crush on Wayne?)
You aren't sure how it happened or even why it happened. All of a sudden you started spending more time around him because of your friendship with Eddie. It was so wrong, you knew it, but you couldn't help yourself. You just hoped that Eddie wouldn't hate you. You had to tell him though, he had become your best friend since he joined the party after what happened over spring break and you couldn't keep the truth from him. He always seemed to know when you were lying anyways.
"What's with that face?" Eddie asked. "Was the song really that bad?"
"What? No, it was really good. Who was the song for?" You asked with a grin.
"Who says the song was for anyone?" Eddie asked with a blush.
"Your face for one," you replied.
They were hanging out in his room at the Munson house as Eddie had wanted to borrow your ear for a song he had written. He's had this house for months now but for some reason he still looked out of place and uncomfortable. Maybe it was because he was still getting used to the fact that he was no longer living in a trailer or maybe because it was given to him by the same people responsible for the Upside Down. You wondered if he searches the room for bugs every night before he goes to bed.
"How about we deal with the fact that there's something bothering you? Come on, Teddy!" Eddie exclaimed.
You rolled your eyes at the nickname. He thought it was cute to call you that since his name was Eddie. He had wanted your names to rhyme, but since your names were nowhere close to rhyming, he decided to give you a new one.
"That's not my name!" You said in a sing song voice.
"Don't avoid the question!" He exclaimed, copying your tone.
"Okay! Fine, I'll tell you!" You exclaimed as he put his guitar away and got comfortable on the bed, his legs swinging in the air. "You have to promise not to hate me, okay?"
"Dude, I would never hate you! Not for anything. If you're telling me you murdered somebody then just me where we are going to bury the body," Eddie replied and paused. "You didn't, did you? Because if you did, I am totally throwing you under the bus. I am not getting set up for that shit again."
"Eddie, I didn't fucking kill anyone. Jesus," you said and muttered under your breath. "I have feelings. . ."
"Oooh! You have a crush! Come on, tell Daddy everything!" Eddie exclaimed.
"Ew, never call yourself that again!" You exclaimed and sighed heavily. "I just don't know how this happened!"
"Relax, youngling, this happens to everyone. You are not the exception," Eddie said grinning.
"Stop loving this," you glared at him.
"In the history of our friendship, you have never mentioned being interested in anyone," he replied.
"It's just that I know nothing will ever happen with this person and it came so suddenly, so unexpectedly that I was afraid you wouldn't want to be friends with me anymore if you knew."
"Why wouldn't I want to be friends with you anymore?" He asked.
"Because it's someone you know very well," you replied, biting your lip.
"Oh. OH! Oh, no!"
"Yeah."
"Oh, sweetheart, I would never hate you or stop being friends with you for that. I am very flattered and also, very gay. Also, I'm dating Steve. Ugh, he's going to hate me for telling you without him," Eddie said. "Shit, this is awkward. I am sorry, did I lead you on? What did I do? Is it the daddy thing? It's the daddy thing."
"OH, would would you just stop?!" You exclaimed. "I know you're gay. I have since the night you got really drunk and wrote an entire song about Steve’s ass. I mean, I knew you had a crush on him but I didn't know you were dating him. Anyways, the crush isn't on you."
"Oh," he said, sounding a little disappointed and then he scowled. "Is it Steve? Because he's mine, you can't have him. I don't share my food and I don't share my boyfriends. Well, okay, I love you a lot. So, I guess for you I'll share him. You can have him one week out of the month but the rest of the time is mine, okay?"
"Oh, for the love of - it's not Steve either, Edward!" You yelled at him.
"Okay. . .who is it?" Eddie asked, confused now.
You screamed into his pillow and then sat up.
"Your uncle has very pretty eyes!" You blurted.
"My - my uncle?!" Eddie exclaimed, choking on his saliva and then he burst into laughter.
"This isn't funny, Eddie!" You groaned into your hands.
"It's a very funny! You want to be my aunt! You want to give me little blue eyed flannel wearing cousins!" Eddie exclaimed. "You want to share a last name with my uncle!"
"I am never telling you anything ever again," you sighed and rolled your eyes.
"Oh my God, imagine a little tiny trucker hat and a little tiny coffee mug. Of course, as the cousin of your fat little baby I would have to make its own tiny guitar. Maybe write baby's first guitar on the body," Eddie said with a gasp.
"I am NOT having a baby with your uncle," you said, blushing.
"You don't entirely hate the idea, though," Eddie said tilting his head at her and the pursed his lips. "I'm gonna tell him."
"Eddie Munson, you will NOT!" You yelled at him.
The sound of the front door opened, and heavy footsteps could be heard from the hallway. You slapped a hand over his mouth, your eyes wide, and Eddie then proceeded to lick your hand. You yelped and pulled your hand back, glaring. You heard voices coming from the kitchen, and they got closer to Eddie's closed bedroom door. . . There came a knock.
"Eddie, I found your boy wandering around outside, is Teddy also staying for dinner? The more the merrier," Wayne's voice floated from the door and Eddie grinned.
"UNCLE WAYNE! TEDDY WANTS TO HAVE YOUR BABIES!"
"GODDAMNIT, EDDIE, I HATE YOU."
THUMP.
"Good lord," Wayne sighed.
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ddejavvu ¡ 2 years ago
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I feel like little!eddie is so clingy. He is such a crybaby but for good reason, he’s had a pretty bad past. He’ll well up with tears just saying “no no” smally over and over whenever you start to leave the room hes in. He always reaches out for you with grabby hands, and those shiny eyes and wobbly lip and you can’t help but scoop him back up onto your hip, and give him all the cuddles he demands. Because the happy way he just giggles when you let him come with you (on your long trek to the kitchen) just lights up your heart
Send me your headcanons!
aw little eddie sounds like a sweet kid :') he probably really likes listening to your heartbeat!! it makes him feel safe and he wraps himself up in a blanket and snoozes against your chest while you work or watch a movie or play on your phone or whatever!! he's very easygoing as long as he gets his hugs - and yes omg the giggles :')) i nanny for a little boy who has really curly brown hair and it always makes me think of eddie's!! next time i hear his giggle i'm gonna think of little eddie aw
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jadeylovesmarvelxo ¡ 8 months ago
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Part one
Previously; You heard Eddie say that you weren't his type, you're devastated and decide to distance yourself, Eddie notices this and realises how much he misses you...and how much he likes you 💞
Part two warnings, Eddie making a fool of himself, the boy has a serious crush. Mutual pining, idiots to lovers.
💞💌
Now that Eddie has noticed you, it's like he can't stop. He looks out for you in the hallways, secretly hoping that you'll talk to him like you used to.
"Dude, would you go and speak to her instead of gawking at her like an idiot" Gareth snaps, Eddie throws him a dark look and looks away from you.
You're chatting to Robin animatedly and you're just mesmerising. You never opened up like that around Eddie, he's worried he's unknowingly made you nervous around him.
Gareth mentioned about the crush you had on him, was that still the case? He's frustrated because he wants to talk to you, but he feels flustered and unsure what to say.
A rarity for him according to the rest of Hellfire. Assholes. They were right though, he could run his mouth about Jason and his band of buttheads, talk for hours about D&D and heavy metal.
But how is he feeling right now around you? Well this was different. He could be shy if he was attracted to someone but he always knew what to say, even if it was some inane babbling.
Around you though he drew a blank, babbled and blushed much to the rest of the gang's amusement. Fuck they would never let their fierce dungeon master forget that you turned him to absolute mush.
If he could have one proper conversation with you before the week is out then he would be a happy man.
Seeing you being so open around Steve doesn't help either, envy claws at his insides and he feels irrationality jealous of Steve Harrington.
Gareth takes pity on Eddie's failing to talk to you and mentions about the drawings you had done for Hellfire.
"She's really good dude, maybe you could start the conversation with that" this perks Eddie up and he decides to just go for it and speak to you.
He walks over to you as you're chatting to Robin as Eddie approaches you peer up at him and smile. "Oh hi Eddie"
"Uh, hi sweetheart, Gareth says you had some drawings for Hellfire. Would you like to show me them. If you want?" He asks you. Crosses his fingers behind his back.
To his delight you agree. "Sure, I was meant to show you a little while back but uh I was busy, I'd love to show you" he gestures to you to follow him and the two of you head to the drama room where Hellfire is hosted.
Carefully you lay out your drawings on the table, you feel like your whole body is buzzing with nerves as he leans over you to take a look. His fingers caress over the drawings and he lets out a soft gasp of surprise.
Your drawings are amazing and he tells you and you beam at him, pleased that he likes them. Eddie pauses as he shifts one of the pictures away and his eyes widen, "Is that me?" he takes in the photo and you move it away mortified.
The drawing was of Eddie as the Dungeon Master but exaggerated with certain D&D elements and bats that represented one of his tattoos.
"That's an incredible drawing sweetheart" you duck your head to avoid his gaze, that familiar shyness you feel around him, coming back tenfold.
"Thanks" you murmur and you swear your heart might beat out of its chest when he moves closer to you, his breath almost tickles your neck.
"Can I keep this?" He asks and you nod feeling delighted that he likes it so much. You're still confused why he's talking to you so intently and with interest now but you put it out of your mind.
Maybe the two of you could at least be friends? It might help you finally get over him. It wasn't a foolproof plan and you could end up falling even more for him but it was worth a shot.
...
To your surprise Eddie comes over to chat to you all week at school and in Family Video, sometimes you feel like he's making excuses just to talk to you. "Someone's got a crush" Robin teases and Steve doesn't look happy as you help Robin unpack new stock.
"Took him long enough to realise it" you shake your head and ignore the butterflies in your stomach at the thought of Eddie liking you. It couldn't be true though could it?
"He doesn't, he's just interested in my drawings" you explain and you feel the brief hope you had slipping away.
"Yeah...that's totally why he's staring at you like a lovesick puppy, your drawings" Robin subtly nods over to Eddie who nearly knocks several videos over when you catch his eye. There's a sweet goofy grin on his face and a pink tingle to his cheeks.
You had never seen Eddie blush before, he was usually so confident, the blush was endearing. Wait why was he blushing? Surely it couldn't be because of you could it?
No don't be silly. He likes Megan, you're not his type. "He doesn't have a crush on me" you shake your head refusing to believe it.
Robin brightens then gently nudges you to the front of the counter. "Well, he's coming this way, so..." You smile as Eddie walks over to you and is quiet for a few seconds before he blurts out the question he's been dying to speak to you in private.
Curious at what he's going to say, you decide to take your break a little early since the store is quiet for now, you follow him outside and can't help notice how jittery he is. Why was he nervous? Did you make him nervous? The thought was a tiny bit thrilling.
Eddie seems to be struggling with what to say, you wait patiently as he takes a deep breath then it all comes out in a mumbled rush.
"Sorry, what was that Eddie?" you move closer to him, confused at what he's saying, it was all jumbled and quiet. He flushes a little bit then steels himself instantly looking determined.
"Gareth said you had a crush on me and I'm wondering if that's still true?" He blurts out and you freeze. Ah shit.
"Does it matter? You don't like me that way, I'm not your type" you wince at the sadness that colours your tone.
"You're wrong" his voice turns impossibly soft and you stare at him puzzled. You heard him say that you weren't his type.
"I heard what you said to Gareth and you were hoping Megan noticed you" you point out to him, he blushes and nods, not denying it.
"Yeah I was a dumbass, when you weren't around I missed you like crazy and realised how much I really do like you and I'm not interested in Megan, not anymore" Unbelievable, you shake your head torn between amusement and being completely stunned.
"You sure do take your time Eddie Munson" you eventually reply to him and he gives you a heartmelting smile and on an impulse you kiss his cheek, then at that moment Steve yells that your break is almost done. Great, just great.
Picking up your bag, you wave goodbye to Eddie and rush to get back inside, Eddie touches his cheek where you kissed it and a big smile breaks across his face. He's dazed and happy for a few seconds, then he comes to. "Hey, princess. Will you let me take you on a date sometime?" He yells over to you.
You peer up at Eddie through your lashes, "Sure...definitely sometime" you smile at him then turn away, try to control the fact you want to squeal out loud. You're trying to act cool and nonchalant.
Eddie who has no compunction about expressing how he feels practically struts his way back to his van. You stifle a giggle and know the sometime date will be soon, very soon.
❤️🫶
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i-am-true-believer ¡ 1 year ago
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To the fanfiction readers, the late night scrollers, the ones who are trying to escape, to find a moment of peace, to find comfort or a safe place to land.
You're safe here. You are safe, you are loved and you are important. The world needs you and my dear sweet one, I promise you it will get better. Maybe not today or tomorrow but it will get better. People love you and are here for you.
You are valid, you are enough. I promise you that you are enough.
So take a deep breath and relax a little for me. I hope you find the fan art or the fanfiction you need. I hope you find comfort and safety here. I hope you know you're favorite character is waiting for you, they adore you and are so excited to see you.
You can do this sweet one. Life is tough but so are you. Your comfort character believes in you and so do I, the random girl on Tumblr who knows it gets better, because it did for her.
❤️💛True Believer 💛❤️
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huntingingoodwill ¡ 1 year ago
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honey, honey (s.h.)
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masterlist
pairing: family video! steve harrington x f! music store! reader
desc: after eddie drags steve into the music store across from family video, steve finds himself with a huge crush on the girl who works there, a crush that turns him into a mumbling, blushing mess. they bond over steve's love for abba (well, he doesn't love abba. but for her, he might!) ( also reader calls steve steven it's all very that 70s show jackie and hyde <3 )
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“Stevie has a crush!” Eddie sang, voice doused in a sickly sweet lilt. The declaration rang through Family Video, announcing Steve’s infatuation to the dwindling midday crowd. 
“I do not.” Steve hissed, the burn that began to blossom in his cheeks contradicting his words. 
“You totally do.” Robin called out, her voice flat and matter-of-fact in between the clacking of tapes as she restocked the shelves.
Eddie arched his dark brows in a smug look, boots knocking against the counter as he sat atop it, swinging his legs. Steve frowned, drumming his fingers against the cash register. 
Steve’s eyes, the brown hues of his irises honeyed in the sunlight, wandered toward the window. He looked toward the music store adjacent to Family Video, eyes cruising past the crush of band posters plastered against the glass to search for you. 
You seemed to glow, and he envied the sunlight that touched your skin. He watched you tinker with a cassette tape behind the counter, winding the unspooled mass of tape with a pencil. He felt the dip of longing in his stomach. 
Suddenly, you turned toward his direction, and it took everything within him not to duck behind the counter and hide. 
Instead, he turned back toward the store in an attempt to act like he wasn’t looking, only to be met with the unamused countenance of a customer who had been trying and failing to catch his attention. 
“Cup or cone?” Steve blurted, eyes widening as he realised his mistake. “Sorry,” he mumbled, taking the tape from the disgruntled customer’s hand, “Force of habit.” he explained. 
Eddie and Robin dissolved into laughter as soon as the door closed behind the customer. 
“Admit it! You’re, like, totally obsessed.” Robin snorted. 
He was a little obsessed. 
He hadn’t even taken notice of you before Eddie had dragged him into the record store the week before. Now, you were all that was on his mind. 
He was reluctant to give up his lunch break to help Eddie scour the store for a record he didn’t even care about. But as soon as he saw you, it all changed. His brash protests against Eddie dragging him into the store diminished, and he became completely quiet, lingering behind Eddie as a debilitating shyness seemed to rip the ability of speech from his voice, reducing him into a blushing mess. 
“Hurry, Munson,” you had tapped your finger against the corkboard that was tacked up against the wall. A polaroid of Eddie, his tongue sticking out in defiance, was posted beneath a crudely scribbled “BANNED 4 LIFE” sign. “My boss will kill me if he finds out I let you in here again.” 
“I got caught using the five finger discount a few too many times.” Eddie paired his explanation to Steve with a completely unapologetic grin. “This is Steve, by the way. Works over at Family Video.” Eddie jutted his chin toward Steve. “And Steve, this is… well, you can read.” 
Steve hadn’t stopped thinking of your name since, the fading, scratched letters that were etched onto your employee badge now engrained onto his mind. He hadn’t stopped thinking of the way you smiled at him, even when he couldn’t find the courage to say a proper hello. He hadn’t stopped thinking of the way you laughed, even as you chased Eddie out from behind the counter when he tried to switch out the record you were playing for one of his own favourites. 
“You’re going over there.” Now, Eddie leapt off the counter, snapping Steve out of the memory he was indulging in, boots thudding against linoleum as his ring-clad hands grasped onto Steve’s shoulders, dragging him toward the door. 
“What? Wait, no, Rob? Rob?!” Steve’s sneakers squeaked in protest as he attempted to dig them into the floor, Eddie mustering a surprising strength as he shoved him out the door. 
“Good luck, Harrington.” Robin’s indifferent voice was punctuated by the ring of the bell hanging over the door as it swung shut.
“Eddie, lay off! I’m not going in there.” Steve exclaimed, shrugging Eddie off of him just as the latter was about to shove him through the door to the music store. The low hum of the music playing within the store buzzed in Steve’s ears, the song pounding to the rhythm of his anxious heartbeat. 
Eddie’s flat, open palm met Steve’s cheek, the cold sting of his rings biting the side of Steve’s jaw. 
“Snap out of it!” Eddie exclaimed, hands latching onto the broad expanse of Steve’s shoulders as he shook him. 
“Dude.” Steve said, kneading the freckled skin of his cheek, the dull buzz of the slap already subsiding. 
“Okay. Sorry. Too much.” Eddie conceded, giving Steve a light tap on the cheek. “But come on. You’re Steve Harrington. Certified loverboy-” 
“Don’t call me that.” 
“Certified.” Eddie emphasised, jabbing a thick finger into the hardness of Steve’s sternum. “Turn on the charm. You like her? Get in there and talk to her! You can do this!” Eddie grit his teeth, a veil of determination falling over his expression. 
“I… can do this.” Steve said, voice faltering with uncertainty. 
“Let me hear you say it. You can do this!” 
“I can do this!” Steve exclaimed, the blaze of determination flaring in his chest. He turned to open the door, pausing for a moment before turning back to Eddie. “How do I look? My hair okay?” 
“Beautiful.” Eddie grinned. “Go get her, champ!” He called out, flinging the door open and shoving him into the store before he could change his mind. 
Steve stumbled through the door, the resolve he had just moments ago draining out of his body as soon as he saw you. 
He summoned all the strength in his body to will himself to approach the first shelf he saw, immediately flicking through the records in order to appear occupied. Like he knew what he was doing, and that his heart was not going to leap out of his throat at any moment. 
Having rushed toward the closest possible shelf, he was in the “A” section, hands roving over ABBA records over and over again for an unreasonably long time as he stole the occasional glance at you. His eyes tilted upward once more, trying to catch another look at you, but he realised you weren’t in his line of sight anymore. 
“Can I help you with anything?” Your voice, a lilting, lovely thing, made him nearly jump out of his skin. You were standing beside him, the proximity making him heady. 
“Um, I was just checking you out- I mean, I want you to check me out, I mean-” He tried to steady his breath, hoping it’d control his faltering tongue. “Can you please help me check this out?” His fingers plucked at whatever record was closest to him, handing it to you. 
“ABBA!” You amiled, gazing upon the glossy cover. “You like ‘em?” 
“Love ‘em.” A nervous laugh bubbled from his lips. “Who doesn’t?” 
He knew nothing about ABBA. Now he’d have to actually listen to them. 
“You’re Steven, right? Eddie’s friend.” The buttons of the register clicked as your fingers tapped against them, ringing him up. 
You remembered his name. He didn’t even bother to correct you, to tell you that his parents were the only people who ever called him Steven, and that was only when they were pissed at him. None of that mattered. You remembered his name.
“Yeah.” He mumbled, hardly able to form the syllable through the aching smile that began to grow on his face. 
“I should head over to Family Video sometime. Maybe you could give me a recommendation.” You smiled, handing the record over to him. “See you ‘round, Steven.” 
He practically floated out of the store. 
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“Thanks, come again.” Steve muttered to the customer, sliding her receipt over the counter. 
His eyes wandered toward the window again, something he found himself doing more often than ever, hoping to get a glimpse of you. It was embarrassing, how often he did that, how he practically almost died when you caught his eye and waved at him. 
His fingers skimmed the countertop absent-mindedly as he gazed out the window, the kick of his heartbeat quickening in pace as he saw you walk out onto the sidewalk, arms crossed as your eyes followed the delivery van that cruised up to your storefront. The deliveryman placed two weighty new crates of records onto the concrete with a dull thud as you signed the clipboard he handed you. 
Your shoulders heaved as you sighed, bending down and attempting to lug the heavy crates into the store. 
Ever the gentleman, Steve was out of Family Video in a flash, ditching all responsibility to head out and help you.
“You need help?” He called out, not even waiting for a response before striding up to the crates, the muscles of his tan arms taut as he lifted them for you. 
“Thank you so much. The other guy on shift was supposed to help, but he just had to have a smoke break.” You said, rolling your eyes. 
You held the door open for him, and he placed the crates on the countertop with a thump. 
“Thanks, Steven.” You smiled, and it was enough to root him into place. He was lost in a daze, dizzy with the idea that that smile of yours was for him. He felt gooey inside, like he was due to melt right there, reduced to a puddle on the floor of the music store. 
You glanced toward Family Video, and he missed your smile as soon as the edges of your lips downturned. 
“I think you have to get back there.” You said. 
He followed your gaze, watching as a line of confused customers line up at Family Video, waiting for assistance.
“Shit.” He gathered his composure, rushing toward the door. 
“Oh! Wait!” You reached into your pocket, producing a cassette tape, the shrinkwrap taut around its shiny exterior. 
“I kept this for you. You like ABBA, right? It’s new. Latest cassette shipment.” You grinned, handing him the tape. 
He ran his thumb over it, heart pounding in his chest. He was lost for words, the ability to speak having completely left him as his cheeks tinged pink, heat burning in his collar. 
“It’s on the house. Just don’t tell my boss, alright?” You smiled. 
He was in so much trouble.
If he wasn’t in love with you before, he was now.
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skyfallslayer ¡ 9 months ago
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Should We Stay or Should We Go? || Masterlist
-A ST Rewrite Feat. Steve Harrington x Henderson!OFC-
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Main Masterlist || OC Fan Art || Spotify Playlist
🎲Summary: On the night of November 6th, 1983, Stephanie Henderson decided to take her little brother’s friend, Will, back home. However… they never arrive. Now, Dustin, Mike and Lucas, and soon the exception of the girl’s ex-best friend, Steve, must band together to find out what happened. Meanwhile, Steph and Will must fight for their survival in this nightmarish version of Hawkins, Indiana.
🎲Pairings: Will x Platonic!OFC; Dustin x Sister!OC; Slow burn! Steve x Henderson!OFC (Ex-bestfriends to Lovers); Slow burn! Byler
🎲Rating: Teen-Mature
🎲Warnings: At the beginning of each chapter.
🎲Word Count: 73,122 (So far)
🎲Start Date: 3/6/24
🎲 End Date: N/A
🎲 A/N: No Idea what possessed me to write this, but i saw everyone else doing something similar and I said to myself... "Hey, why not?". This can be read as reader-insert if like since OC's hair/eye color will only be mention here and there.
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|| INDEX ||
Season One:
Prologue: The Pinky Promise
Chapter 1: The Vanishing of Will Byers & Stephanie Henderson
Chapter 2: The Weirdo On Maple Street
Chapter 3: Holly, Jolly Shotgun
Chapter 4: The Bodies
Chapter 5: The Flea & The Acrobat - Part 2
Chapter 6: The Monster
Chapter 7: The Bathtub & The Sacrifice
Chapter 8: The Upside Down
Epilogue 1: The End? The Beginning?
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-Taglist is Open-
@ladygrey03 @poppet05 @tooearlyforthis @lovesfics @lordzzz
@mirkwoodshewolf @sadbitchfangirl @olivewisp
@emsownuniverse @unspecifiedvisitor @smaryamsstuff @kitty49646 @jinxeee @bookkeeperlove @prozacgooble @goth-baby98 @aainr @luca-random-stuff @catradorapotter @bailees-post @dearabby1990
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sheisjoeschateau ¡ 9 months ago
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“Oh, so do WE love Steve…” | Part VIII
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⋆⁺₊⋆ ☾⋆⁺₊⋆ SERIES MASTERLIST ⋆⁺₊⋆ ☾⋆⁺₊⋆
Steve Harrington x Bauman!fem!reader enemies to lovers, heavy angst, hurt/comfort, upside down mayhem, S2-S4, post S4 universe hot-take, end-of-the-world / dystopian setting, ugly fights turned smut (...but with hella plot). 18+
CHAPTER VII WARNINGS/NOTES: t.w.'s - strong language, more angst, mentions of death, injuries, Max in a coma, fearful tears, shared sadness, end-of-the-world terror talk, tough conversations and brutal honesty, jealousy and regrets. 18+
AUTHOR'S NOTE: Not a super action packed chapter, but we unpack a lot in this one. Sh*t gets addressed that needs to be addressed. Dr. Owens delivers some hard news. Robin to the rescue, big time, for her platonic soulmate with a capital P. Platonic Stobin in full swing. Eddie still has no chill, but is the zany friend that everyone needed. Eddie & Robin bonding. Argyle becomes a therapist. Nancy faces some hard truth. Jonathan faces harder truth. Jopper being the ever-observant grandparents. Murray being Murray. Steve and Bauman Squared are more in love than ever. And the kids? Little legends.
ANOTHER LONG ONE. AGAIN: PROOFREAD UNTIL MY EYES BLED. IF THERE ARE STILL TYPOS, SORRY BOUT IT. 18+
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“Dislocated the shoulder, but no break.  Popping it back into place isn’t going to be a picnic, but it’s way better than a break.  So we’re off to a great start.  Let’s take a look at your ribs now…”
Dr. Owens had you seated on the edge of the bed in Joyce and Hopper’s room downstairs.  Murray, Steve and Robin all stood nearby, alongside them.  They all watched anxiously.
Argyle and Eddie were on kid/teen duty.  They made sure to keep them out of the room, which they managed to convince them of by going upstairs to sit with Max and read to her out loud. 
You hissed as Dr. Owens made contact with your ribcage, and he frowned.  “Possible fracture there.  Good news is, if they were broken, you’d be on the ground in pure misery.  They might even just be really badly bruised.”
You sighed.  “I’m good with that.
Murray felt both relieved and frustrated at the same time.  God, he hated doctors.  Especially ones who served as double agents for the government.  But Dr. Owen’s had more than proven himself to be trustworthy, so your uncle was putting up with him.  For your sake, especially.  You were basically the only kid he was ever gonna have.
“Best bet is to rest, ice them regularly and let them heal for about six weeks.”
You frowned.  “Not so good with that.”
“Welp, you’re gonna have to be,” your uncle told you.  Steve and Hopper nodded.  You huffed, and Steve was selfishly grateful to know that you would have no choice but to stay home and out of danger. 
“Alright, let’s check that heartbeat, shall we?” Dr. Owens asked with a smile.  He took out his stethoscope, placing the instrument inside of his ears and blowing hot air onto the cold circle that would be placed over your heart.  You brought the collar of your shirt down so that he could place it on your chest, and he listened closely while you waited. 
Dr. Owens' smile slowly faded, and a prominent crease began to form between his brows.  Robin clocked it, along with Steve.  Hopper tried not to react, but Joyce’s fidgeting definitely gave it away.
“W-what’s wrong?” Joyce asked, unable to help herself.
Dr. Owens just held up a finger, politely gesturing for them to wait.  You furrowed your brow, suddenly aware of the fact that something seemed to be the matter.
Steve swallowed, unblinking.  What now…
Murray was not happy at the tension in the air, looking over at Joyce anxiously. 
Dr. Owens eventually cleared his throat, pulling the stethoscope out of his ears with a deep inhale.  He looks at you kindly, eyes solemn.  You stare back, questioning. 
“Well, umm…it’s normal.  Not surprising, given the electric shock, but uh…your heartbeat’s not at its normal steady rhythm.”
Robin heard Steve suck in a breath, placing a hand on his forearm as they all looked at Dr. Owens. 
“Cardiac arrhythmias is normal in these cases,” he tells you. “A heart arrhythmia occurs when the electrical signals that tell the heart to beat don't work properly. The heart may beat too fast or too slow. Or the pattern of the heartbeat may be inconsistent.  A heart arrhythmia may feel like a fluttering, pounding or racing heartbeat. Some heart arrhythmias cases are harmless.  Most, in fact.”
“Well, what about this one?” your uncle asked, voice grave. 
Dr. Owens sighed.  “Too soon to tell,” he said apologetically.  “But it’s important that it remains monitored.”
“What do we do.” …Steve’s question sounded more like a statement, laced with worry and dangerously voice low. 
Dr. Owens looked at him sympathetically.  “I can get a prescription that will help.  An antiarrhythmic medication.  No surgery is needed unless it’s severe.  It might not be.”
“How can you tell?” Joyce asked, worriedly.  “I mean – what are the signs that we need to look for?”
“Fainting, chest pain, dizziness.”  Then, to you, “If you feel like the heart is fluttering, or leaping inside of your chest, definitely make note of it.  Scale it, 1-10, how bad it is.  Be honest with yourself.  Don’t tell yourself you’re more fine than not, and vice-versa.  Don’t let it panic you, but just…stay alert.”
Steve wanted to pull every single one of his perfect hairs out.  How the hell was that supposed to help?  What happens if you wound up passed out on the floor, dead before they would get you proper help?
“Yeah, but what if — w-what if —”
That's all that Steve could mutter.  Robin squeezed his forearm tighter, masking her own fear as she gnawed at her bottom lip relentlessly.  Murray stared at Dr. Owens, visibly upset.  Hopper looked pale, along with Joyce.
“How fast can you get us that medication?” Hopper asked, like a protective papa.
“I’ll get it to you tonight.  Maybe tomorrow morning,” Dr. Owens promised.  “I can bring as much as you may need.  Meantime, I’ll leave the stethoscope so that you can monitor the heartbeat.  Here, let me show you what to look for.”
Dr. Owens instructed Steve and Murray on how to monitor your heartbeat, and you ached as you watched Steve look consumed with dread as he did his best to keep it together and not freak out.  Hopper and Joyce took notes, too.  Everyone listened to your heartbeat, Steve most of all.
You took his hand.  “Remember, it’s still there,” you murmured to him softly.  He nodded, knowing you were right but still not content with the reality of things.  Robin gave you a sympathetic smile, grateful for you and your courage.
Then, you looked at Dr. Owens with gratitude.  “Thank you.  For being here, and…helping out.  I know you’re putting yourself on the line.”
Dr. Owens gave you a deeply appreciative look, along with Hopper.  He wrung his hands.  “Appreciate that, kiddo.  Truly.” 
Everyone went over the plans that would go into effect, given the mandate taking place in just a few short days.  Hopper mentioned that it might be best for Dr. Owens to seek shelter with them, if things went south for him — given his compromised identity as an accomplice to them vs. the government.  The doctor couldn’t argue that, saying he would think about it.  Steve and Robin mentioned to him that Eddie needed looking over as well, which he said he’d do before he left.
While the adults talked, Steve and Robin walked with you out the bedroom door.  You looked outside the living room windows, hating the thick cloud of infected air that had only gotten worse — seemingly overnight.  It was dense, congested with alternate dimension disease. 
“Seriously, hate that I can’t even get some damn fresh air,” you sighed.
“Last thing you need is bad air in your lungs,” Steve told you, his fingers reaching to massage the crown of your head.  You sighed, knowing that he was right. 
The kids heard you all walking out of the room, Mike and Lucas peeking their heads around the doorway leading into Max’s room upstairs.  They made for the stairs, followed by Dustin, Will and El, rushing towards you all.  Eddie and Argyle shouted after them, but they quickly rushed over to you. 
They swarmed you all with questions.  Is your shoulder broken?  What about your ribs?  Are you hungry?
“One at a time, kiddos,” Robin warned. 
“No broken bones,” Steve told them, “But possible fracture.  Ribcage.  So no bear hugs, no tackling, no…rough-housing.”
Mike cocked an eyebrow at him.  “Speak for yourself.”
Lucas smacked him.
“Thank you, Wheeler,” Steve said wryly.  Mike smirked.
“Also, we gotta keep watch over Bauman’s heartbeat,” Robin pointed out. 
El looked worried.  “How come?”
You gave her an assuring head rub before carefully pulling her in for a hug.  “Just a bit of an irregular heartbeat.  You know.  Given the shock and astral-planing and all.”
El held you tight, cautious of your ribs.  
“…guess this means no coffee then, huh?” you asked, depressed at the mere thought. Caffeine was no longer your friend.
“That is correct,” Steve told you with a light kiss pressed to your head, then El’s.  “Alright, kitchen everyone.  Breakfast.  Let’s go.”
“Bauman, we need to pop your shoulder back in place,” Dr. Owens hollered after you, and you dreaded the pain that awaited you.
Eddie made it downstairs with Argyle.  “I’ll fix up a feast, big boy,” he told Harrington, giving him a quick couple pats on the shoulder.  Then he squeezed your cheek.  “Keep that heartbeat in rhythm, sweetheart.  I’ll make you a sweet mixtape for inspiration.”
You chuckled deeply, appreciating his sense of humor deeply.  Even Steve did, shaking his head and grateful for the cooking assistance.  “Don’t kill my toaster, Munson.”
Steve walked back into the bedroom with you, holding your hand while you had your shoulder popped back into place.  It was gnarly.  Plenty of pain medication followed that, one that took your heartbeat into account.  It was bound to knock you out at some point, so Steve and Robin made sure to get you back into the kitchen for some food before you’d need to head back upstairs and knock out asleep.
Hopper and Joyce helped out by adding some pancakes, sausage and eggs to Eddie’s cereal bar.  Murray was already day-drinking.  Dr. Owens stayed behind to join you all, at the invitation of the adults.  Currently, he was going over notes that Hopper had given him in a seat next to Murray.
Argyle saw Jonathan round the corner – looking glum.  “Yooo, bro-cha-cho.  Purple palm tree delight?”
Jonathan blinked, slowly brought out of his trance.  He looked tired, head hung low.  Honestly, he looked like shit.  “Oh, uhh…maybe later.  Yeah.”  He gave Argyle a sad smile before sulking off towards the front door while pulling a bandana over his mouth and nose — leaving the house.
“YO, GIMME SOME.”  Eddie spoke with a mouthful of fruit loops.  “Air’s shit anyway.  Why not fry my lungs s’more?”
“Fry it with what?” El asked innocently.
Eddie swallowed the sweet cereal awkwardly.  “...candy.”
Steve rolled his eyes as he poured everyone a glass of juice, and Robin held back a snort with all the strength that she could muster while divvying out plates.
“Really lame, gross candy,” Hopper threw back over his shoulder while flipping pancakes.  He eyed Munson with a protective dad look on his eyes.
“The weird peanut butter smelling kind,” Murray added, reading a newspaper and gritting at the taste of his straight vodka.
“Thank you, Murray,” Joyce reprimanded him.
You were seated next to El and Mike, not allowed to help given your sharp shoulder pain and the medication beginning to sink in.  Steve placed your food in front of you, along with the kids’. 
“Fresh pot of coffee going on,” Hopper announced while cooking.
You sighed, turning to Steve.  “Baby, do you —”
You stopped, catching yourself.  But so did everyone else.  Too late now.
“...have…decaf…?”
Steve’s heart swelled, his cheeks flushing. 
Lucas and Dustin made eye contact, trying not to laugh or get giddy.  Mike and El did, too, along with Will.  All the kids were in on it now — thanks to last night’s impromptu sleepover in Max’s room, unbeknownst to the rest of the household.  The OG party knew the secret, but they also agreed (thanks to Dustin’s firm warning about Murray’s rampage last night) not to press either you or Steve about it yet.  Big emphasis on yet.
Robin poured syrup in slow motion, and Eddie bit back a shit-eating grin.  Argyle looked unfazed, though, dishing up a plate of food. 
Hopper was grinning down at the pancakes he was serving up, back turned to everyone still.  Joyce unabashedly looked like a very happy mama, as Murray’s eyes peeked over the newspaper gleefully.
“Yeah, baby, I do,” Steve said, shooting you a wink and moving to go get some.  You blushed at Steve’s returning the pet name.  Steve walked towards the large pantry, passing Nancy — who you saw was now standing in the doorway, having heard it too.  She looked tired, similarly to Jonathan.  You gave her a soft smile, which she reluctantly returned. 
Walking towards you, she asked in the smallest of voices —
“How're you feeling?...”
You could tell that something was wrong, wanting to ask but also not.  “Shoulder’s screaming, but not broken thankfully.  Just out of the socket, Dr. Owens’ popped it back into place.  I’ll be alright.  Thanks, Nance.”
She gave you a relieved, tight-lipped smile.  You gave her as soft a look as you could, and Mike chimed in to break the tension.
“Nancy, I swear, Jonathan’s gonna turn into a palm tree if he keeps blazing it up,” he snorts, the joke very ill-timed.  But Dustin’s chuckling, along with Lucas’s, keeps him in a state of oblivion.  Something flickers in Nancy's eyes, and to your surprise she chuckles too — humorlessly.  Darkly.
“Yeah.  You can say that again.”
…so she agrees with her brother’s joke?  Nancy moved to dish herself up a plate, expression bitter and her movements aggressive.   You felt bad and you didn’t even know why.
Mike definitely looked confused, along with his friends.  Will looked concerned, along with Joyce.  Mother and son made eye contact.
Steve returned, ready to make a pot of fresh decaf.  He brought an extra coffee pot with him.  Rich kid perks.
“Morning, Nance,” he acknowledged her, moving to make the coffee. 
Her heart seized, voice tight.  “Hey.”
Hopper made uncomfortable eye contact with Murray, who buried himself deeper into his chair with the newspaper.  He did not account for this sort of awkwardness when going on a rant last night… Hopper shot him a high-raised eyebrow while flipping another pancake.
Steve heated up the pot of decaf, taking a plate that Joyce dished up for him and moving to sit next to you.  Mike made room for him, not even questioning it.  That made Nancy scoop more than enough eggs onto her plate than necessary. 
Hopper clocked it.  “You, uhh…need some cheese, or…?” 
Joyce gave Hopper a disapproving look, old married couple behavior in full swing.  Nancy looked down at her plate, embarrassed.  “Oh…n-no, I’m —”
Nancy awkwardly moved to sit down at the table next to Dustin.  Robin gulped, knowing what this was all about.  Finally, everyone was seated at the table – aside from Steve, who stood to pour you a cup of hot decaf coffee before bringing it over to you.  You sipped it, eyes becoming hooded with exhaustion as the pain medication set in.  Steve scooted his chair closer so that you could lean on him if needed.  Nancy had to peel her eyes away, staring down at her food — playing with it, unable to stomach eating it now.
She couldn’t even be mad.  How could she?  What right did she have to be mad?  And who would she even be mad at?  You?  Steve?  Jonathan?
Herself.  She was mad at herself.
That’s what she realized last night, when she and Jonathan didn’t get a wink of sleep in their room.  They’d stayed up, hashing it out once and for all.  It was a hurricane of sadness, harsh truth and reality – all at once.  Words that had been left unsaid.  Feelings that had never been expressed.  Regrets, empty promises and words of disappointment.  All aired out like dirty laundry.  He had asked how long she’d been falling for Steve again, which she had countered by asking him how long he had been planning to dump her while he was in California.  Jonathan had been stunned into silence, asking how the hell she knew that and if she had spoken to Argyle.  Nancy’s eyes, filled with tears, had stared at him with the look of utmost betrayal.  “It was a hunch.  Until right now.”
Neither of them got closure that night.  Nearly 5 hours of back and forth, and it got them nowhere.  They went to bed angry.  Sad, heartbroken and lost.  But sleep didn’t find either of them.  Instead, they both stared in opposite directions — backs turned to one another in a shared bed.  The morning had re-ignited the argument whenever they heard Dr. Owens arriving, because when Jonathan had moved to get up, Nancy asked him bitterly: “need to go hide your stash?”  That started back up all sorts of hissed, whispered arguing.
“Nancy, where’d Jonathan go?” Joyce’s question, soft and a bit worried, rattled Nancy’s thoughts.
“He just…wanted to get some fresh air.”
Everyone was silent.  Dr. Owen’s looked up from his files.  “It’s really bad out there.  He really shouldn’t be breathing any of that in.”
Nancy grit her teeth, fork scraping across her plate and making Robin cringe at the jarring sound.  
Mike snorted as he ate more pancakes.  “His lungs are already in rough condition as it is.  Probably doesn’t even matter.”
Nancy narrowed her eyes down at her plate of toyed breakfast food, nauseas.  She nodded her head bitterly, speaking through gritted teeth: “Agreed.  What’s it matter?  Likely irreparable anyway.”
No one missed the double meaning behind that as she rose to stand and dump her plate into the trash.  She quickly made her way out of the room, knowing the damage was already done but not having it in her to care.  Nancy couldn’t get away fast enough.
Eddie looked so uncomfortable but also sympathetic.  He knew this was a result of last night, along with Robin.  They shared a quiet, concerned glance.  Mike and the kids were just confused.  What was her deal?
Steve’s brow was furrowed, along with yours — however, you were already feeling the medicine kick in so everything was starting to feel fuzzy.  Your fingers were wrapped around the hot cup of decaf, warming them.  You were wearing a few rings that Eddie had gifted you while in the upside down, and as Steve focused on them now he realized just how hot you looked wearing them.  He took in your slightly hooded eyes, moving to stand.  “Wanna go lie down?”
You nodded, excusing yourself and thanking Dr. Owens again.  He told you that he’d make sure to get the medication later today, then to Eddie — “Hey Munson, let’s go check on how those stitches are holding up, yeah?”
Eddie gulped.  He hated needles and doctor tools.
Robin smirked.  “Let’s go show him my handywork.”  They all moved off to the living room, followed by Hopper.
Joyce looked perplexed still, unsettled by Nancy’s exit.  She turned to Will, speaking softly, “Did Jonathan tell you anything?  Is something wrong?”
But Will shook his head, shrugging, just as confused and concerned.  “Nothing,” he whispered back. “I was gonna ask you that.”
The eldest and youngest Byers looked pensive, thinking.  Wondering.  Worrying.
Mike’s face was quizzical. “What do you mean?  Why would anything be wrong with them?”
An incredulous scoff from behind the newspaper made everyone turn in Murray’s direction.   The grouchy man just sipped on his morning cup of poison, minding his business — even though he stuck his nose in everybody else’s.  
Joyce’s eyes narrowed at the front page of the Hawkins Press.  Of course…
“Hey, Mur?”
Murray cringed at Joyce’s sugary sweet, all-knowing tone… Hesitantly, he lowered the paper by just barely an inch.  He internally winced at the motherly eyes that bore into his soul from the table.
“Wanna go help me start clearing out the basement?”
Oh my god, Joyce Byers is going to murder me in Steve Harrington’s basement.  
That’s all Murray thought while he set down his newspaper, swigged the last of his drink and followed her downstairs.  He began to mentally write his eulogy.
Hopper grunted, setting his fork down.  “Ahhh, geez,” he huffed, standing up to follow them.
The kids all eyed each other, left alone at the table — no adults or older teens in sight.  What the hell just happened?
***
Steve got you upstairs safely, tucking you into bed and making sure you had water at your bedside table along with a walkie so that you could signal for him if you needed anything.  It made you chuckle. 
“What?” he asked you, quizzically. 
You shook your head.  “Still wondering why you’re considered the mom?”
Steve shot you a wry look, no heat in his eyes.  You were already beginning to doze off, the better pain meds doing their thing – thanks to Dr. Owens. 
With a little shake of his head and fighting a smirk, Steve crouched to kiss your forehead, then your neck.
“Careful, Harrington,” you murmured sleepily.  “Don’t wan’g’my heart rate up.”
“Shush, I’m keeping it steady,” his lips murmured into your jaw.  You hummed in approval, feeling yourself beginning to drift off as his breathing tickled your neck.  Steve whispered that he loved you, and you faintly whispered it back as you fell asleep. 
Unable to contain himself, Steve placed his ear to your chest for a moment — listening to your heartbeat.  He frowned to himself, hearing the sporadic beat.  Thump.  Th-thump, thump.  Thump thump.  His throat started to burn, along with his eyes.  But your fingers gently scratching his head, ceasing as you finally fell asleep, kept his emotions at bay.
Steve reluctantly pulled himself a way, pressing a lingering kiss to your hand before making his way out of your bedroom door.
He jogged downstairs to meet with the adults again, checking on Eddie as he was finishing up with Dr. Owens.  The older man smiled at Steve.
“I gotta say, Harrington.  Your friend’s a natural caretaker.  Could be a nurse one day.”
Robin gave a smug grin.  “See?  I’m not just a band nerd.  Turns out, I’m a real geek.  A medical one, at that.”
Steve smirked back at her.  “Yeah well, hope you like blood and needles and guts.”
“Psh.  After the shit we’ve seen?” Robin scoffed.  “Think I can handle it.” 
“Touché,” Steve nodded.
“Speak for yourself,” Eddie grumbled.  “I never wanna see my own blood ever again.  I feel like a voodoo doll.  Vecna can suck my whole hairy ass.”
“Thaaaank you, Munson,” Robin cringed.  “Love that visual.”
“He can honestly suck mine, too.”
Dr. Owens muttering that was ten times more disturbing than Eddie.  The three teens were awkwardly quiet, aside from Eddie finally chuckling out of pity.  The older man didn’t even notice as he packed up his belongings.
“Alrighty then,” Dr. Owens said politely.  “Best be off.   I’ll be back tonight with the prescription for your lady.”
Steve blushed slightly at that, giving the doc a thankful nod.  
“Keep an eye on her,” Dr. Owen’s said kindly.  “She’ll be alright.  She’s a tough one.  Murray’s got one helluva soldier for a niece.”
“She’s bad to the bone,” Eddie reveled.
“Made of steel,” Steve agreed, fondly and voice soft.  But he nibbled at his lip, mind elsewhere.  He was still worried, and the doctor could tell.
“Just make sure she stays horizontal and lets those ribs heal.  That’ll do her heart some good.  And don’t fret.  I’ve seen way worse.”
Dr. Owens’ gave a firm pat and squeeze to Steve’s shoulder, hoping it would give him plenty of assurance. Steve gave him a quick, tight-lipped grin, pretending it helped.  Robin looked at her best friend worriedly. 
With that, Dr. Owen’s made his way out.  Hopper met him at the doorway, walking out with him.
“STEVE, WHERE’S THE PUDDING?”
Dustin’s sudden shouts from the kitchen made everyone jump.
“Jesus H. Christ —” Eddie hissed, clutching his heart.
“Henderson,” Steve exhaled, raking a hand through his hair as he turned to march towards the kitchen.  “I swear to god.”
“Lemme handle it,” Eddie huffs.  “Yo, BUTT MUNCH.  WE JUST HAD BREAKFAST.”
Stepdad of the year.
Steve would normally wave off the offered help, being the assigned mother of the group.  But even as the kids all made noise with Eddie, he found himself just…letting him take care of it.  He needed a break.  Needed to think.
“Steve, Joyce is asking where the keys to the basement breaker are,” Erica was asking him as she rounded the corner.
Steve blinked, nodding and wrapping his head around the request.  But Robin stepped in, sensing his internal overwhelm.
“I’ll get them,” she told Erica, shooting a quick look at Steve.  “Kitchen drawer, yeah?”
He nodded, sighing with relief.  Robin made her way there with Erica, and Steve took that as a chance at escape.  He could feel his chest tightening, breathing constricting a bit.  Yikes, he needed some air.  But that wasn’t an option either.  Best bet was the nearest empty room.  Max’s room was closer than his.  Steve quickly bound the stairs, pinching his nose and slipping into the room quietly — needing a moment, just a moment.
El walked out of the hallway restroom, right after Steve had closed the door.  She made for the stairs, heading down to find Hopper.  When he walked back inside from his chat with Dr. Owens, the two of them made for the basement — telling the kids to follow, while Robin told Lucas she would handle replenishing Max’s feeding tube upstairs.  She knew how to, since Dr. Owens had given strict intrusions to not only the adults but also to her.  She, along with you and Steve, knew how to handle it thoroughly.  Robin found herself oddly keen on helping people with the medical stuff.  It gave her a newfound sense of purpose.  She headed upstairs, pep in her step — who knows?  Maybe she’d found her calling, she wondered to herself.
She opened Max’s door, freezing when she found Steve on the other side of it.  Her heart sank.
Her best friend stood leaning against the wall to the right of the door frame — facing Max’s bed.  His face was scrunched, pained.  
“Steve…” Robin murmured, heartbroken.  She quickly shut the door, locking it and placing a hand on his shoulder.  The sight of a tear-track on his face, glistening in the gloomy natural light of the room, made her frown.
Steve looked at her for all of a millisecond, feeling caught but unable to stop now.  His emotions were definitely catching up with him, and Robin wasn’t surprised — given just how long he’d been keeping shit in.  She’d known for a while now: Steve Harrington needed a good, long fucking cry.  She watched him pinch the bridge of his nose, his pretty face crumpling even more and shoulders shaking as he bit down on his lip hard. 
“Steve, hey, it’s just me,” she whispered kindly, hugging and rubbing his shoulders while resting her chin there.  He kept as much noise trapped inside of his throat as possible, mainly just letting it all come out through a quiet flow of steady tears as he stood tensely.  He gratefully clasped onto one of Robin’s hands — with the one hand he wasn’t holding to the bridge of his nose with, willing the tears to stop.
“You’re really overdue for this,” Robin nudged him gently, squishing her cheek deeper into the curve of his shoulder.  “Seriously, I’ve been wondering when the hell you were gonna let it all out…”
Steve coughed on what seemed to be half a laugh, half a sob.  He was frustrated with himself.  With everything.  Your heart is failing you now and maybe forever.  Max is still in a coma.  His loved ones are all in danger.  His kids can’t catch a break.  His parents left.  Hawkins is basically dead.  And the upside down just gets closer, no matter how many gates they’ve closed over the last 3 years.
SO YEAH.  Robin was right.  Steve needed to fucking cry.
She stood there with him for a little while, letting her presence comfort him and not pushing.  Steve really did hit the jackpot with her in the best friend department.
“Sometimes, I wonder if she’s still there.”
Steve’s voice was thick, low and vibrating the room.  Robin knew who he meant, following his gaze.  Max.
Robin hummed.  “Trust me.  That little firecracker is very much alive and can’t wait to tear into all of us with her redheaded temper and sarcastic wit.”
If Robin had been looking at him, she would have seen the corner of Steve’s lips quirk up briefly in amusement.  She was right, of course.
“Think she knows?” Robin asks softly, still leaning onto Steve.  “About…anything?”
She felt Steve take a deep breath, exhaling deeply as he rubbed his face.  “M’not sure,” he murmurs, thoughts grim.  “Honestly, I hope not.  That’d mean she’s still trapped in there.  Somewhere dark.  Vile, and awful.”
Robin shuddered at that, hating the thought.  She decided to ask something different.  Lighter.
“Think she knew you were head over heels for a girl you swore you couldn’t stand?”  She turned her head on Harrington’s shoulder so that she was looking up at him with teasing eyes and a wiggling brow.  “Vowed to hate, forever and always, cross your heart and hope to die?”
Steve shook his head, beginning to grin.  He looked at Max the whole time while doing so, imagining his little sister/daughter figure giving him hell for falling for you but completely loving it.  Because while he knew that Max loved him — that little shit loved the hell out of you.
Steve’s frown suddenly returned, face crumpling all over again.  It broke Robin’s heart as she watched fresh tears fill his eyes, which he trapped from falling by quickly scrunching his eyes shut again and digging the heels of his palms into them.  It made Robin want to bawl.  But she held it together for Steve’s sake, lifting her head to turn and hug him tight.  She shushed him softly, desperate to calm him.  Comfort him, assure him.
Steve sunk his teeth into his bottom lip, forbidding his cries to make noise.  He couldn’t.  Not right now.  He could scream into a pillow later.  Right now, he just let Robin hold him until he got it together again.
Eventually, Steve pulled back — swiping at his eyes and nose, sniffing hard.  Robin looked at him sadly, rubbing his arms and letting him steady his breathing.
“Jesus, Robin, a heart arrhythmia…”
Robin had a feeling that was what was weighing heavily on Steve’s mind.  You, and your newly failing heart.  It made her upset, too.  Deeply upset.  It worried her sick.  But she couldn’t let Steve sense that.  Not right now.  She needed to be there for him — and by extension, you.
“We’re gonna steady it, Steve,” Robin promised, voice low but fierce.
Steve shuddered a sigh, eyes downcast and mind racing as he carded his fingers through his hair.  “It’s the end of the fucking world and all our heart rates are already on edge as it is —”
“So we keep her here,” Robin interrupted, gently.  “Out of harm’s way, as best we can.  We don’t let her put herself in a position to freak out.”  She paused, thinking.  “Yknow, come to think of it, Bauman’s probably the coolest outta all of us big kids.  Pretty sure that chick has freaked out the least.”
Steve rolled his eyes fondly.  Oh, you.  “Yeah, because she’s a fucking sociopath like her uncle.”
Robin genuinely laughed at that, unable to help it.  Steve smiled, too.  But a few tears met the smile and the breathy laugh he let out.  Robin thumbed them away sweetly.
“She’s great,” Robin told him.  “Really great.  Stupid great.  Maybe my favorite lady I’ve had the pleasure of meeting.  Aside from Vicki.”
Steve sniffed.  “You tryna steal my girl?”
Robin cocked an eyebrow, happy to hear him teasing.  Good, it’s working.  “Oh, so she is your girl now, huh?  Exclusive, off-limits?”
Steve bit back a big, bashful smile — looking at her almost shyly and nudging her foot with his shoe.  He turned to look at Max, nodding in her direction.
“Think she’d approve?”
Robin looked at the sleeping girl, too.  She smiled sadly.  “Depends.  Of you two as a pair?  Yeah.  You’re mom and dad.  As far as she’s concerned, neither one of you has anyone else out there deserving of you both.  So I’d assume she feels you guys deserve each other more than anyone else deserves either of ya.”
Steve actually smiled at that, eyes sparkling as he looked at Max.  He took a minute to take in her still form, thinking back to when he first met her with the kids.  She was a badass.  You’d have thought she’d been fighting monsters all her life.  She actually took better to the whole upside down shit than he had, whenever he went over to Jonathan Byers’ house to apologize then got roped into all the madness.  He had to give it to her: Max was hardcore.
“I really need this shithead to wake up,” Steve chuckled humorlessly.
Robin did, too, squeezing his arm as she shook her head at Max’s sleeping face hooked up to a breathing tube.  “When she does…it’ll be a helluva reunion.”
Steve liked that.  When.
“And whennn your girl gets her strength back,” Robin continued, “along with her ribs back in tact, you know…given you, Byers and Munson took her to pound town…”
Steve made a face.  “Gross.  Don’t say that, no.”
“Damn, Harrington, get your head outta the gutter,” Robin popped her hip into Steve’s side.  “Even when I’m being serious, talking about resuscitation — not sex…you’re still jealous…at a hypothetical.”
Steve gave her a wry look, but then placed his cheek on top of her head as he looked at Max.
“As I was saying…” Robin murmured, a smile in her voice.  “When your girl is back up to speed, she will give you all the heart attacks to make up for it.  You won’t be able to stand her guts but you’ll be so in love with her it won’t matter.  And then Max will wake up…give you two shit for it…then be a mess of joy because the two babysitters turned enemies have suddenly become lovers.”  Robin paused, smiling to herself.  “And I’ll be the happiest, proudest, most sappy-go-lucky best friend in the world.”
Steve breathed a sigh at that, content.  It brought him peace in this moment — the idea of you, perfectly fine and all in one piece.  The idea of his kid waking up, her memory still intact along with her sarcasm and quick wit.  The idea of his best friend being so happy to see him so happy.
He threw an arm around her, and the two best friends just stood there for another several moments to revel in the quiet of it all — allowing themselves to dream.  Allowing themselves to believe.
***
Meanwhile, Eddie definitely did not feel guilty for having eaten the last 3 puddings that Henderson had selfishly stashed for himself.  Little bro’s just gonna have to cope, he thought to himself as he jogged up the stairs.  
He almost broke into song, Master of Puppets rambling on inside his head -- but stopped himself when he heard voices.  Tense voices. 
Eddie’s pace came to a slow, and he became not only more aware of his steps — but the voices, too.  Where they were coming from…to whom they belonged…
"So he was then. He was going to break up with me."
"Listen, I...I realllllllly don't wanna...speak outta term here..."
Only one guy under this roof talked that slowly, and only one lady under this roof spoke with that crisply.
Argyle and Nancy.
"Look, just -- tell me exactly what he said."
"That is what he said, man, I swear..."
Eddie could hear Nancy huffing exasperatedly. For a rich family, Steve's parents' house had some really cheap, thin doors...
He crept closer, still standing a few paces down. Just in case he needed to bolt, should someone catch him listening in -- or in case one of the two speaking on the other side of the door barged out of the room. Eddie listened, his senses on high alert and his curiosity burning.
"Then he was going to break up with me -- God, I knew it. I just knew it!"
Wait, Eddie thought. Jonathan was going to break up with her...? And Argyle knew...? But then...wait, then how did Nancy...?
"Look, Nancy," Argyle was sighing, sounding pretty worried despite his usual lackadaisical tone. "He didn't want to, alright? I'm a bro. I know when a brother's down bad, he was just freaking himself out, you know -- because of where you wanna go to college...where he wants to go to college..."
"Oh, that is so NOT an excuse."
"Which is whyyy I told him to talk to you --"
"Then why didn't he. Huh? Why didn't he??"
Eddie gulped. He could hear the genuine hurt and betrayal in Nancy's voice. Sheez, Byers was in for one helluva fight...
"Honestly, I'm asking myself that too, Nancy," Argyle was huffing this out, matching her energy. Even he sounded exasperated with his best bro. "But I'm also remembering that...like...that creepy Vecna dude kinda threw off everybody's groove. I mean -- I came to pick them up from the house and it was all getting shot up and stuff, liiiike...shit kinda hit the fan...you know...?"
"That's...still, that's not..."
"Annnnd you guys were all caught up in the shit going down back in Hawkins, man...you know? Chrissy, and...that coworker of yours, annnnd...that other random dude who hung out with... shiiiit, what was his name...? Jake...?"
"Jason," Nancy muttered lowly.
"That guy."
"Look -- Argyle." Nancy huffed again, flustered at life but regaining her edge. "Upside down stuff aside, Jonathan still took the time to talk this out with you. Not me, you. For weeks."
There was an awkward pause before Argyle spoke.
"...yeah, that's pretty bad..."
"He could have called. He could have written me. He could've, he could've, he could've. But he didn't."
"Why didn't you tell him that?"
"...what?"
Oh shit, Eddie gulped.
"Whenever we all got back here," Argyle explained. "Back in Hawkins. Why didn't you confront him about it?"
Another awkward silence.
"...I..." Nancy stumbled.
"Why didn't you go up to him, call his ass out, and call him out for not talking to you?" Argyle was suddenly sounding pretty sure of himself. It was out now character for him. Oddly? It suited him.
"I...I..."
Meanwhile, Nancy was uncharacteristically not sounding sure of herself.
Argyle gained speed.
"Think about it! You say you knew something was off...you say he was giving you mixed signals...you say he got back and suddenly acted like everything was fine, but that you sensed things still were not fine...so then why let it go? Why not tell him yourself? You're a loud woman."
"Whoa, what?" Nancy stuttered.
"You are!!! That's a compliment! You're loud and proud. You wear the damn pants. You have a gun collection. You don't hold back, even if you don't say fully what it is that you mean. Your poker face is shit."
"Argyle...!"
"You've been avoiding it too, Nancy," Argyle cut her off.
At this point, Eddie was frozen as he listened. Damn. When did Argyle become a therapist?
Clearly, Nancy was asking herself the same thing. Because it was quiet. Severely quiet.
Eddie started tracing shapes into the carpet with his mind while he stared at the ground, waiting to hear more dialogue. But it was crickets.
Finally, he heard Argyle sighing deeply. "Maybe if you both just...I dunno, man...listened to each other. Like...heard one another. You both just keep using whatever it is that you ask each other to like...one up each other...and it doesn't get either of you anywhere, man... Just hear each other out."
A tap on Eddie's shoulder made him flinch back, nearly jumping out of his skin. He whipped around to see Robin, staring at him with wide eyes. She held a finger to her lips.
Eddie couldn't believe that he managed to keep the scream trapped inside of him. He sagged with relief, heart pounding and silently pantomiming strangling her. Don't scare me like that. Her head bobbed back and forth as he shook her by the shoulders, and together they realized that they were both in on the secret:
Nancy and Jonathan are not alright.
Together, they softly crept down the hallway into Steve's bedroom. As Robin closed the door, Eddie whirled around to speak in a hissed whisper.
"Holy shit, what the fuck, this is like a soap opera --"
"Shhhhh," Robin hissed back, swatting at him to keep quiet.
"I'm literally whispering."
"And spitting."
"Sorry."
They continued whispering through gritted teeth, relieved to have each other to confide in. Eddie and Robin were beginning to feel like the zany aunt and uncle of the group who knew too much about everything going on around the house. It bonded them for sure. They knew about you and Steve, which also became a topic of whispered conversation right now as they sat cross-legged on the floor of Steve's bedroom.
"Sorry, but can we talk about how off we were trying to push Wheeler back on Harrington?" Eddie's eyebrows were raised practically to the top of his hairline.
Robin scoffed at themselves, shaking her head. "I'll say..."
"It was right there under our noses and we just..." Eddie moved his hand in a straight line, "...breeeeezed onnnnn past it."
"Yeah, but honestly?" Robin whispered eagerly. "I thought Bauman hit a sore spot that could never be repaired. Steve seriously was in love with Nancy. Like, really in love."
Eddie chuckled lowly, shaking his head. "Trust me. I said the same thing. To his face directly, while we were in the upside down. Told him that what Wheeler did -- diving into the lake after him -- was the most unambiguous sign of true love I'd ever seen in my life." He paused, thinking. "But what I failed to realize was that...it was Bauman who freaking lunged for him first on the boat. And the way he clung to her hand, despite also looking mad at her for doing that --"
Eddie was reliving the memory, realizing something. Robin was, too.
"He was mad that she put her life on the line," Robin nodded along, slowly stitching together his thoughts.
"But it was just so fast," Eddie pointed out as he agreed. "Literally, one moment Harrington's back to the surface, getting ready to hop back on the boat. Next, he's being tugged down by that -- that thing... And Bauman just -- lunged for him. And he grabbed her hand, but the look he shot her?... It was so...conflicted..."
Robbin nodded, swallowing hard. "Like he grabbed her hand back gratefully, but also hated what she'd just done to herself by putting her life on the line."
"Which is whyyyy," Eddie continued, figuring it all out. "Whenever she got dragged underneath with him, and the two of them went at it -- bickering like crazy when we all got down there with 'em and fought off the bats...he was so mad at her. And she was mad that he was mad."
Robin scoffed a laugh, pace palming. "And all we saw was Nancy diving in after him --"
"After Bauman already beat her to it," Eddie muffled into his palms. “Duuuuude, they’re so in love. Been love. Unambiguously in love.”
"We are idiots," Robin giggled, face palming.
"Not as big as they are, though," Eddie corrected, snorting. They both snickered like big kids into their hands, trying to keep quiet.
Eddie finally sighed, thinking fondly. "Those two are actually stupid fucking adorable."
Robin smiled wistfully. "Yeah. Yeah, they are." She bit her lip, thinking. "Honestly, I've...I've never seen Steve this torn up."
She told Eddie how worried she was for her best friend. How worried she was for you. How desperately she wished that all of this would go away. How she prayed that Max would wake up, and that Vecna would choke on his own guts and that the upside down would cease to exist.
Eddie nodded, eyes solemn as he gnawed on his cheek. "I wish I could've known Chrissy better."
Robin's brows pinched together. She could see the genuine remorse -- maybe even regret -- in Eddie's eyes. Had there been...feelings there...?
"Wish that I'd..." Eddie mumbled, eyes on the ground searching for the words. "That I'd just...I don't know. Tried to notice, or care about something other than living in my own world all the time."
Robin gave his hand a squeeze, shooting him a synaptic tight-lipped smile. Eddie squeezed her hand back, gratefully.
"You're doing that now," Robin reminded him softly. "Chrissy sees that."
Eddie looked at her, his eyes going glassy. He looked like a sweet puppy when he got emotional. Robin noted just how wholesome that was as she placed her other hand on top of theirs.
"We seriously need to kill this son of a bitch," Eddie whispered, angered anguish briefly flashing in his dark eyes.
Robin nodded fiercely. "We will."
They took a few moments to just be in silence, letting it all land.
A light knock at the door broke through the tranquility of the silence, concluding the tender moment. Eddie and Robin looked at Steve's bedroom door, taking a second before Robin rose to answer it. Eddie figured that was best, given she is the platonic soulmate of the room's owner.
Neither of them were sure what to expect exactly, as far as who was on the other side of the door. Robin half expected it to be Steve himself. Eddie's expectations looked a lot like one of the kids.
So when they saw Jonathan standing on the other side, that made them all go stiff.
He still looked awful. Eyes rimmed red from exhaustion, a little bloodshot. His hair was messy, not sure how to sit on his head. These days, Jonathan looked haggard. While he was never the pretty-boy type, Jonathan was always good looking in a moody, brooding sort of way. The unconventionally attractive type. Lately? He just looked worn down, tired and a little bit like a bum. Definitely not the type of guy you would expect Nancy Wheeler to be going steady with, given how polished and precise she is. Opposites attract, but at this rate the two of them were becoming contrasts of one another.
"Hey," Jonathan said softly, timidly. He looked caught, but so did Robin and Eddie as he looked at both of them.
"Hey," they awkwardly repeated.
After a long, awkward, pregnant pause, Jonathan finally cleared his throat and gave his legs a little pat -- as if that might help break the tension.
"Is uhh, is Steve here?"
Robin shook her head. "No, he's with Bauman. I told him to go take a nap, since Dr. Owens got her so early and I know he's not sleeping."
Jonathan's eyes softened, looking sympathetic and giving her a light nod. He scratched his neck. Eddie clocked some weird sort of guilty glint in his eye. Like something was really on his mind and he needed to get it off his chest. There was almost an anxious twitch to him.
Eddie began to realize that he knew what this was about. About why Jonathan was looking for Steve, and why he looked so glum. So anxious.
Because Eddie was there that day. When you fell. When you died. When Jonathan tried to step in and bring you back, before Steve was finally able to step in. Eddie was there, watching it all happen. He watched Steve fall apart, fraying at the seams. He watched Jonathan exhaust himself with the attempted CPR. He watched how it completely exerted him, no doubt thanks to the lack of decent nutrition and lung damage that was due to the purple palm tree delight. That had to have to have set Jonathan's lungs on fire, as he desperately tried pumping air back into your lungs. Eddie had watched Jonathan lean back, only for Steve to verbally tear into him.
DON'T YOU DARE FUCKING STOP.
IT'S NOT WORKING, IT'S TOO LATE.
NONE OF US GAVE UP ON YOUR BROTHER. FUCK YOU, BYERS. FUCK YOU.
The storm of words between Harrington and Byers was no doubt long overdue. That was evident with every single word that Steve spat at Jonathan, and every word that Jonathan bitterly wept. Both men had shrieked at each other, shrill and angry and hurt.
Eddie had watched as they both went at it, Steve lashing out and Jonathan feebly fighting back. He might not have been close with them in high school. He might have run in completely different circles than them. He might not have known anything about the two of them, or what sort of crucial role they played in each other's lives, or how the upside down not only existed but also forced them to merge worlds. But fast forward to yesterday, when you were dead at everyone's feet and no one knew if they would save you -- Eddie saw 3 years of unspoken words go flying between Steve and Jonathan. He watched it all unfold, ugly and loud and anguished.
Because while Steve might have found some sort of silent (albeit avoidant) peace that he inwardly had made with Jonathan Byers, his bitterness was still there. Festering, festering, festering...never truly unloading itself whenever he projected onto you.
Because you hadn't taken Nancy away. Jonathan had.
Maybe that's partly why Steve got so livid with Jonathan. Because he could now. Now that you were gone, or so they'd thought, he had no choice but to scream at Jonathan. To finally let him have it.
FUCK YOU BYERS. FUCK YOU.
Steve had screamed that in Jonathan's face, voice wrecked from angry tears and shrieks of pure fear. It was fucking personal.
And Jonathan had taken it. Like he deserved it. Because maybe a part of him did. Maybe, just maybe, a big part of him did. Not because he wasn't a decent guy. Hell no, Byers was a great dude. He had just...lost his way. And that was fine. But really, he wasn't as present as usual -- given his more frequently ~high~ state, and his newfound friendship with Argyle. That wasn't a bad thing. It just...changed things.
Eddie had watched Byers go from the super observant, introverted wallflower to a nonchalant, low-key absent-minded, slightly lazy guy. Not nearly as driven as before. Not that he was ever this super academic, wildly driven type to begin with. Still, there had been something more to Byers prior to now. Something alive. Lately? Byers looked like he was simply surviving. Doing just a bit more than the bare minimum to get by.
Meanwhile, Steve had grown exponentially. He'd gone from being an entitled, snobbish rich kid who made C's and D's to a street-smart hero who knew how to protect and care for both kids and his friends, along with being trusted by the adults involved in all of these terrifying circumstances. He wasn't the teacher's pet growing up, but he certainly was the favorite now. He was Steve Harrington: bad boy turned supermom/superboy. He wasn't quite superman. He'd lost the girl, because Lois Lane had chosen Bruce Wayne over him. But along the way, he'd unexpectedly fallen for Gotham City's badass princess who floated under the radar until she found her way into the circle of Hawkins Heroes -- the upside down underdogs. Steve was strong, he was loyal and he was true.
So that afternoon next to the electric fence, those two men were having a 3-year standoff without even truly acknowledging it. It was bound to blow up in their faces at some point. And you had been the catalyst.
Eddie took all of that in by looking at Jonathan Byers as he stood in Steve Harrington's doorway, looking into the eyes of the former jock's best friend and his new unexpected friend of a metalhead.
"When he's up...I need to speak with him."
Jonathan's voice shook a bit, nervously. But he made eye contact with both Robin and Eddie. His eyes were sincere, remorseful and eager. "Please."
***
:) thank u all for reading. thoughts on this chapter? guesses as to what might go down? TAGLIST: @xprloki @erastourvip  @get0ut0fmyr00m @Eddiemuns0nl0ver @marrowfrog00  @poppet05 @wiltedflowersundertowers  Originalthingparadise Pleuviors pumpkinonice Ihaveproblemsihaveproblems Brinleighsstuff Definitelynotherr sucker-4-angst notlilyyyy
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magicalmysteries777 ¡ 9 months ago
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"You're clueless, you know that?" - Reader x Eddie Munson & Reader x Steve Harrington (fake)
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Summary: You agree to accompany Steve to Enzo's for Valentine's Day with only one shared goal in mind - to make Eddie so jealous he has no choice but to have the one conversation he's being avoiding.
Pairings: F!Reader x Steve Harrington & F!Reader x Eddie Munson.
Chapter: 1 of 1.
W/C: 2314.
A/N: Happy Valentines Day, besties! This trope paired with Steve and Eddie has had me in a chokehold for a while now and I'm so happy that the lil ADHD gremlin in my brain has finally let me write the damn thing. <3
This one-shot can also be found on AO3 here.
“You really think that’ll work? Pretending to go on a date with you?” you asked, leaning against the counter at Family Video.
“It better work. Personally, I’m sick of hearing you pine over him. He’s had a thing for you ever since you joined Hellfire but he’s completely clueless when it comes to all the hints you’ve dropped,” Robin chimed in without looking up from the ‘returns’ pile of videotapes she was sorting through.
Clueless didn’t even begin to cut it.
You’d known about Eddie’s crush on you for months now, ever since Dustin slipped up and spilled the beans at lunch one day. The poor kid made you swear on your own life that you wouldn’t tell Eddie you knew.
True to your word, you kept the secret and began dropping hints instead. Eddie couldn’t read the room to save his life.
Any time you caught him staring, he’d break eye contact before you could smile back at him. Any time your hands accidentally touched, he’d move his hand away and play it off if you didn’t keep your hand perfectly still.
“I think it’s perfect,” Steve smiled. “There’s nothing like a bit of jealously to make you realise what you want.”
“I dunno,” you mumbled, chewing your cheek while you weighed up your options.
“When he sees you all dolled up, thinking it’s for me, the dots will connect. Trust me.”
“Fine, I’ll find out when he’s working.”
-
Steve’s plan had been in the back of your mind the whole time you’d been sitting around the table with your fellow Hellfire members. It was a long game of highs and lows all night. Despite the distraction, you’d manage to come out of the battle victorious with a mere five health points left. The party, albeit a little bruised and battered, was one step closer to defeating Myrkul and Eddie was in a good mood.
It took the usual fifteen minutes to pack up Eddie’s maps, dice, tokens, and other various game pieces before you climbed into the passenger side of his van. “Sorry for the mess,” Eddie apologised.
“You say that every week and yet you never clean it.”
“I do, it just gets messy again,” he smirked.
You were halfway home when you glanced over at Eddie. His hair was frizzy, sticking up in places from all the near misses in battle where he’d had his hands running through it. The rings on his left hand were glowing gently from the reflection of his lit cigarette as he used it to control the steering wheel. His right hand was methodically fiddling with the busted cassette player that he’d been meaning to fix for months. As always when Eddie was concentrating, his tongue was sticking out and resting against his top lip.
“Got it!” he exclaimed as Rainbow in the Dark started blasting from the speaker, a huge grin spread across his face.
“When are you going to buy a new one?” you chuckled, prodding at the battered box.
“Stop touching it,” he slapped your hand away. “It’ll start crackling again. I’ve picked up some overtime next weekend, I’m hoping the gents will be tipping big to impress their dates.”
“No Valentine’s plan with anyone special then?”
“Nope, just work. Doubt there’s anyone out there who would want to spend their Valentine’s Day with the ‘Freak of Hawkins’ anyway.”
“You’d be surprised, some people like their men a little freaky.”
“What about you? Any plans?” he asked, the change in tone rather subtle.
For a moment, you weren’t sure if you were going to go through with the plan. Steve’s words echoed through your mind listed the pros and cons. ‘Trust me.’
“Yeah, I’ve got a date at Enzo's. At least I don’t have to worry about it going bad now if you’re working, you can come over and scare him off for me.”
“That’s great. Wow, a date. Um, yeah, I’ll fend him off for you if things go pear-shaped. Do I, uh, know the guy?” he stuttered.
“I don’t want to jinx it,” you answered, remembering Robin's claims that a little bit of mystery would be the key to the whole plan working.
“Of course,” Eddie agreed, a sarcastically dumb look plastered on his face. You couldn’t help but notice that this was exactly how he used to act when Dustin mentioned Steve. “Would you look at that? Here we are. Once again, dropped off in one piece, as requested.”
“You okay, Ed?” you ask, one eyebrow raised.
“Yep. Fine. Tired,” he mumbled through an unconvincing yawn. “Long game. I’m gonna go and, uh, get some sleep. Night.”
-
“And he said it exactly like that?” Steve asked.
“Yes, Steve, how many times do I have to go through it? He basically kicked me out of the van,” you answered.
“It’s definitely working.”
“Are you sure?”
“One hundred percent. Wait until he finds out it’s me, he’s gonna freak.”
“He might not react at all. Believe it or not, he is professional at work.”
“Bet on it?”
“Shut up.”
-
Eddie had been an asshole all week.
Jeff and Gareth got the worst of it. You, however, had been getting the silent treatment. It was Thursday lunchtime when Eddie finally acknowledged you again.
“So, what are your plans this weekend?” Dustin asked Mike.
“Movies with El then dinner, you?”
“Arcade with Will. What about you, Eddie?”
“Work and band, why?”
“It’s called small talk,” Dustin answered. “What is with you this week?”
“Nothing, I’m fine,” he snapped.
“Tell your face that, man,” added Jeff.
“Lay off it. Why don’t you ask her what she’s doing this weekend instead and leave me alone?” Eddie prompted, gesturing in your direction. He did not stick around to hear the answer, walking away dramatically.
“Well, what are you doing?” asked Dustin.
“I’ve got a date,” you answered quickly and quietly, sinking into your seat as a sense of guilt began to creep up on you.
“You what?!” asked Gareth.
“I said I’ve got a date.”
“Yeah, I heard you. The fuck do you mean you’ve got a date? With who?”
“Does it matter?” you ask asked.
“Evidently it does. I’ve been taking the brunt of his crap all week and you’re telling me it’s because you’re going on a date?”
“How was I supposed to know he’d react like this?” you quickly try to defend yourself.
“Are you blind?” Jeff asks.
“No, but he is. I’ve dropped hints. Lots of them. If he doesn’t want to acknowledge it then that’s on him.”
-
“Wow,” smiled Steve, looking you up and down. He took your hand, albeit rather dramatically, and began leading you to the car.
“Save it for the restaurant, you dingus. Does this look okay then?” you ask.
“The dress alone might kill him, never mind the heels and hair.”
Ten minutes later, Steve parked up outside Enzo's.
“When we get in there, sit with your back to the bar. You’re about to get the full Harrington charm, okay?” he asked.
“Got it.”
“Hi there, table for two under Harrington,” Steve told the hostess.
“Follow me.”
“Here we are,” the hostess said as she gestured to a small table. “Here are your menus, the waiter will be over to take your order shortly.”
“Thank you,” you replied, taking the seat that Steve had pulled out for you.
“So,” you began.
“So,” Steve replied with a grin.
“I’m not going to lie, Steve, I feel really awkward.”
“I can tell,” he responded. “Relax. We’re just two friends, dressed up, and having a nice meal. Loosen up a little and have fun, or this isn’t going to work.”
You tried to relax, really, you did. But you couldn’t help shake the feeling that Eddie was burning holes into the back of your head with his staring.
“Welcome to Enzo's, my name is Ruben and I’ll be your server this evening. Any drinks to start?”
“Sparkling water for me, and…” Steve prompted.
“Lemonade, please.”
“Awesome, I’ll get that put in at the bar for you. Any starters today?”
“Do you-” Steve began, turning his attention back to you.
“More of a dessert person,” you answer.
“Me too,” smiled Ruben. “What mains would you like?”
“Lasagne for me, please,” answered Steve.
“Chicken Alfredo, please.”
“Awesome. I’ll get all that put in for you, enjoy your evening.”
“Thank you, ‘preciate that,” Steve told him before he left the table.
After a couple of minutes of the usual “how was work?” and “how was school?” small talk, Steve’s gaze quickly shot behind you as he sat up a little bit straighter.
“Here’s your lemonade,” Eddie announced, placing the glass down in front of you.
“Thanks, Eddie. How’s your shift?” you asked with a smile.
“So-so. Started going downhill about twenty minutes ago,” he answered.
“Nothing worse than a shitty Friday shift,” Steve chimed in.
“Evening rush,” Eddie responded, unwilling to meet Steve’s gaze. “Everything okay over here?”
“Great, thank you,” you respond.
“Harrington,” Eddie muttered, placing Steve’s water in front of him with a little bit more force than he did the lemonade, before heading back to the bar.
“He won’t even look at me, this is working even better than I thought,” Steve chuckled.
-
One hour and one chicken alfredo later, Ruben returned.
“Well you two are looking cosy over here,” he told you. Steve had been giving you cues on how to sit and when to laugh all evening. “How about that dessert? I highly recommend the ‘brownie and ice cream for two.’ Chef special tonight.”
“Sounds perfect,” answered Steve.
“Alrighty, that’ll be about ten to fifteen minutes. Any more drinks?”
“The same again, please,” you answer.
A couple of minutes later, Steve gave another instruction.
“Rest your left arm on the table.”
“What?”
“Now.”
Steve let out a sudden laugh and adjusted himself in his seat. He placed his arm on the table, his fingertips slightly brushing against your own.
A loud crashing noise from behind you had heads rolling to see what was going on. Every pair of eyes in the restaurant landed on Eddie.
“Sorry folks,” he announced. Eddie quickly began picking up the larger shards of glass whilst another bartender brought over cloths and a broom.
“Hook, line, and sinker,” Steve whispered, loud enough for only you to hear.
-
You really were getting the full Harrington charm, as promised. Steve had been feeding you brownie on and off for ten minutes, his glancing over to Eddie quickly now and again.
“It’s almost time,” Steve whispered.
“Time for what?”
“The grand finale.”
Steve leaned in slightly and wiped the side of your mouth gently with his thumb. “Ice cream,” he smirked.
“Is that really necessary?”
“One hundred percent. On my cue, you’re going to excuse yourself to go to the bathroom,” he began.
“But-”
“If this whole fake date has gone to plan, which by the way has been lovely, then I do believe Munson won’t let you make it that far. Go now.”
As instructed, you excused yourself from the table and made your way towards the bathroom. Just as you got to the door you felt a hand close softly around your wrist.
“Hey, can we talk?” Eddie asked.
“Everything okay?”
“No, actually, it’s not,” he answered. Eddie glanced around before pulling you through a door labelled ‘staff only’.
“Eddie, wha-”
“You can’t date Steve.”
“I can date whoever I like Eddie,” you respond.
“Why him?” he asked, his hand still wrapped lightly around your wrist.
“Why not?”
“Because,” he began, pausing in thought. “Because he’s… he’s got a reputation. Surely you’ve heard all the rumours?”
“And we both know him well enough to know he’s not that person anymore,” you answer, your gaze locking with Eddie’s who, surprisingly, held it.
“You just can’t, please,” he pleaded.
“Give me a good enough reason as to why I shouldn’t go back out there and I won’t.”
Eddie stayed silent for a few moments, his big, brown eyes locked on yours. The small staff room became stuffy all of a sudden, the air so thick it felt like you could barely breathe. You held your ground, waiting for him to speak, but he didn’t. You stared back at Eddie, your eyes pleading with him to just say something. Anything.
You broke your gaze from Eddie’s and turned towards the door, ready to give up and go home. Eddie’s grip on your wrist tightened and he pulled you back towards him, using his free hand to cup your face as his lips met yours.
You weren’t sure how long you’d been there, Eddie kissing you, but it felt like forever. The tension in the air vanished, leaving you with a cozy feeling deep in your stomach, where the butterflies used to live. 
“You can do better than him. You deserve better than him. You deserve someone who knows that you take extra sugar in your coffee when you’re studying. Someone who knows that you’re a completely evil genius in the best way possible when it comes to D&D. Someone who knows you’d rather be in bed with a book at-” he glanced at his watch, “nine o’clock at night. Someone who apparently isn’t very good at making the first move.”
“You’re clueless, you know that?”
“I am?”
“Yeah,” you replied, leaning in to kiss him again.
If it wasn’t for Ruben who knows how long you would have stood there, entwined together, lost in the moment.
“Hey man, you heading home?” Eddie asked casually, placing a little distance between the two of you.
“I was, but turns out I’m staying late. Guy with the hair on table twelve tipped me a hundred bucks to finish your bar shift and fetch a fresh brownie out. Said you ‘owe him one’ and you can ‘square it up later’. Brownie will be out in five. Enjoy.”
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thornsnvultures ¡ 1 year ago
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steve and robin helping with the baby eddie didn't mean to leave you with.
you feel guilty that they're taking time between community college classes (robin) and nights after working all day (steve), but they won't hear it. they didn't know eddie long but he was still their friend. he saved them, saved all of them. that and steve can never say no to that baby's squishy little face.
"it's good practice," he says, shaking a bottle of formula and smiling. you imagine six or seven little steve's running around and hand him the baby.
robin doesn't know what the hell she's doing either but the way her leg bounces when she's doing her assigned reading is surprisingly good at calming a gassy baby. she doesn't mind being heralded as The Burp Queen as long as you keep paying her in home cooked meals.
your parents kicked you out when they found out. called the baby "devil spawn born in sin". they would've loved eddie's dramatic flair if their own wasn't so steeped in hatred.
wayne took you in when he found out you had no place to go. the government had him set up in a cozy little apartment in Indianapolis. nothing huge or fancy, but you had your own space and wayne was living a retired life he'd never thought he'd get to have. he's always itching to do something to feel useful. it's perfect if not for the lingering sadness. the empty feeling like your home's not really a home.
sometimes when she cries at night you lay there and cry with her. she knows something's missing too. you don't know how you'll tell her when the time comes. for now you soothe her and kiss her curly little head and hope it soothes your ache too.
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forays-into-fiction ¡ 2 years ago
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My Little Eddie Teddy
Not sure if there’s really an audience for this one, fix-it fic kind of I guess and probably a very unpopular pairing, but I want to explore more of a family dynamic with this rather than anything explicit/romantic. The Munson boys just need a bit more love and care in their lives, ok… cause my heart breaks for them… but let me break them some more first lol. I debated doing this as an OC but ultimately decided against it. All hurt no comfort, well maybe a little bit of comfort at the end.
Nephew!Eddie & Aunt!Reader, Wayne Munson x Reader. No smut/explicit content in this one, just grief and trauma and heartbreak.
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captain-tch ¡ 3 months ago
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Outsiders (Eddie Munson x LesbianReader)
You panic when your best friend kisses you, finally leading you to tell your truth
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You didn't know how you ended up in this situation. You never thought that when you would come to visit your best friend of three years, Carrie VHS in your hands and walkman attached at the hip that you would end up here. You thought the pair of you would watch the movie, get high and laugh at all the scenes that were meant to make you scream. You thought you would end up lying on his bed as you always did, hanging off it upside down as you rambled about anything and everything. You thought you would get the munchies and end up ordering a pizza. 
You thought it would just be another Friday night with your best friend. But you were wrong. So, so wrong, the realisation rushing towards you as his lips found yours. 
Eddie Munson, your best friend, was kissing you. 
You were frozen in place. Your arms remained firmly at your sides, his hand cupping your cheek. Your heart hammered in your chest and all you could think was how you could escape this situation. The trailer only had one exit and all you could smell was him - once a comfort, now the cause of your anxiety. 
You wanted to command your lips to move. You wished you wanted to smile into the kiss and wrap your arms around him. You wished you wanted to feel your nerves come alive at his simplest touch, yet all you felt was the curl of dread festering in your gut. You were counting the seconds until he detached himself, unable to bring yourself to sever that connection. 
He was your best friend, you never wanted to break his heart.
He pulled away, a sheepish grin adorning his lips. All you could think was how wrong it felt, how strange it was to know how he tasted of smoke and the pizza the pair of you inhaled earlier, back when everything was normal and he was just your best friend. 
"You have no idea how long I've waited to do that." He huffed a small laugh. You couldn't register his words, mind occupied by the fact his hand was still cupping your cheek, the calluses on his fingers grazing your skin. 
"Y/N?" 
Your chest was getting tighter. The one safe haven you had was now shattered. All you could do was overthink the small moments - the times you leaned your head on his shoulder tiredly, falling victim to sleep clouding your judgement, the times you whispered secrets in his ear, unaware of how your breath on his skin made him go wild, the times you stole the cigarette from his lips, taking a deep puff yourself because you were far too lazy to light your own. 
Your mind reeled. You felt yourself struggling to breathe. His touch once soothing your racing mind felt like acid and it burned. 
You pulled your head out of his grasp. You slowly sat up, unconsciously turning your body away from his. 
A deep frown was etched into Eddie's brows. He reached forward, his hand ghosting your shoulder before he pulled it back to his side. You prayed he would comfort you; you wished he didn't go near you again. 
"Y/N?" You felt the mattress shift beneath you, footsteps getting closer. Immediately you dropped your gaze, staring intently at his battered trainers. "Are you okay?" 
You merely nodded, trying to suppress the lump in your throat. You heard him sigh. 
A sudden urge to flee consumed you. You needed to escape, to breathe the fresh air, to give yourself time to wrap your head around what happened. You were ashamed to admit you wanted to run away from the situation, to never speak of it again and go back to the way things had been twenty minutes ago when you were oblivious to how he felt. 
"I just remembered... My mom." You stood up suddenly, rushing to the door. Eddie danced out of the way, his hand rubbing his face as he watched you retreat, his voice calling out when your hand landed on the door latch. 
"Do you need a ride?" You shook your head. You saw how his face fell even further, his voice timid as he treaded carefully. "Are... are we okay?"
You plastered a smile on your face, pushing down the negative emotions. "Sure! I'll see you on Monday." 
You bolted out of the door, pace quickening until you reached the edge of the trailer park. You couldn't contain the tightness in your chest anymore, collapsing to your knees in the prickly grass. Your breaths left you in ragged huffs as you felt as if the whole world was collapsing around you. 
How long had you not seen it? How long had he been secretly pining, devoting himself to every word and action of yours? How long had his adoration you mistaken as a close friendship go unnoticed? 
Before you could comprehend what was happening, you slammed your hand into the grass, pounding the ground and releasing animalistic grunts. There was no going back from this. 
You tried to think of a way you could explain your reaction without hurting him, but without exposing yourself. It got harder to breathe as you realised - there was no way you could explain what happened. No matter what web of lies you spun, you couldn't protect the both of you. 
The area around you suddenly lit up. Instinctively you lifted a hand to protect yourself from the bright headlights, ducking your head and praying the stranger couldn't see the puffiness of your eyes. 
A loud slam echoed the silence around you. Quick footfalls approached you, the very cause of your conflict crouching down in front of you. 
"Do you seriously think I'd let you walk home in the dark?" 
You dropped your hands, looking at him from the top of your lids. He was sending you a gentle, but sorrowful smile. He didn't pry into why you were sitting crouched on the floor, or why you had grass stains on your hands, or why your eyes were red raw. 
You looked at the hand he was offering out, taking a beat to respond. It was like he could read your mind, dropping his hand and standing upright. 
"Look, please just let me drive you home. I couldn't live with myself if something happened." He placed his hand on his chest dutifully. "I've got no ulterior motives, scouts honour." 
A small snort slipped past your lips unsuspectingly. It surprised even yourself. "You were a scout?"
"Don't tell anyone, I have a reputation to protect." 
The pair of you shared an amused look, and for a moment it felt like nothing ever happened. The reality hit you quickly and the atmosphere rapidly returned. Sensing the change in mood, Eddie jumped back in. 
"We don't have to talk. Just let me take you home." 
A surge of relief coursed through you. After everything that happened, he was still your friend. You were terrified the rejection would have ripped you apart.  
You nodded, pulling yourself to your feet. You barely noticed how Eddie's lips parted into an o, almost as if he was surprised you took him up on the offer. Just as he always did, he opened the passenger door for you, waiting until you had strapped yourself in before shutting it softly. He was behind the wheel in an instant, turning the key into the ignition. The loud blare of Dio assaulted your ears. He panicked, quickly turning down the volume. 
The drive carried on in silence. The only noise you could hear was the constant whirring of your thoughts - he was your best friend, he deserved to know. You wanted to tell him, you knew he would accept you. Except a niggle of doubt was in the back of your mind, worry taking root. 
The car pulled to a stop. You’d arrived at your house. You knew this was where you needed to get out, yet you couldn’t move. Eddie waited for you to leave, watching you subconsciously grip tightly onto the seat belt. If you held on any tighter, you would rip it from the car itself. 
"We need to talk." You whispered, eyes trained on the floor. 
He waited for you to carry on, gaze fixed on you intently. You swallowed thickly  trying to push down the fear that was trying to suffocate you. The weight on your shoulders was threatening to buckle you, to keep the secret locked tight forever but you were done with hiding. 
"You're my best friend Eddie, a brother. I love you." You sucked in a deep breath, fighting against the film covering your eyes. "I can never love you the way you want me to." 
It was almost like you could hear him deflate. You heard as he slumped against the leather seat, and you could picture him gnawing at his bottom lip like he always did during difficult conversations. 
"Okay." He breathed out. 
"It's not because of you, it's me. You are perfect, and I wish I could love you like that," your breath hitched in your throat. You recalled all the times you prayed to be different, to change, to abolish the abnormality from your body. You remembered all the times you told yourself that girls can find other girls attractive, lying to yourself as your gaze fixated on happy straight couples who could express their love openly, wondering what if. In all the scenario's you'd pictured, where your hand was holding another, you never saw the hands of a man. You saw the hand of a woman. And no matter how hard you tried to shift that image in your mind, to force a man in its place, you never could. Because you knew you could never love a man the way you ache to love a woman. 
But god you were fucking tired. You were tired of engaging in gossip about love and boys, tired of shoving your true self further and further down until you were nothing but a shell. You were exhausted from panicking when a girl met your eyes, terrified they could sense you were looking a beat too long. The mere thought of pretending anymore left you drained. 
“You just can’t love the freak.” Eddie muttered. His words drove a knife through your heart, and before you knew it you were spinning towards him, grabbing his hands in your own. 
“I love how you stay true to yourself, even if you get called a freak for it. I’m actually kind of envious.” You swallowed the lump in your throat. As much as your heart pounded in your chest, fear striking your every nerve, you felt the weight on your shoulders lighten slightly as the words started to tumble out. “The reason I can’t love you like that…”
You sucked in a deep breath. You took a moment to savour your friendship, thinking back on all of the memories you shared together. Mocking the basketball team. Starting food fights in the cafeteria. Nights spent at the Hideout, where he snuck you drinks with his fake ID. Simply sitting besides each other, him planning his D&D campaigns and you reading. You remembered all of the good, praying that there would still be more to come. 
You fumbled to find the words, brain short circuiting. Doubts started to plague your mind, and before you could let the anxiety overwhelm you, you blurted out the first thing that came to mind. “You have a penis.” 
Eddie’s brows lifted comically. He stared at you blankly, the words processing. You saw the moment it dawned on him, his mouth opening in an o shape. You dropped your gaze away from him, preparing yourself for what was to come. You steeled yourself for the hurtful words, you tense your muscles in case you needed to run away. You waited for an onslaught of hatred, only to be greeted with silence. 
“Please say something.” 
“I’m just thinking of all of the times I made you feel like an outsider.” Eddie wiped a hand across his face. “All of those stupid comments about boyfriends, me kissing you… It must have made you feel, well, like a freak.” 
“Eddie, it’s okay -” He cut you off abruptly. 
“No, it’s really not. You must have felt so alone. I’m so, so sorry.” 
Eddie’s words brought a film of tears to your eyes. You did nothing to hold them back, letting them run freely down your cheeks. 
“Have you told anyone else?” You shook your head. “Thank you, for telling me.”
A small bubble of laughter bloomed in your chest. You were just so relieved. He was still your best friend, and you had a lighter burden to carry. This time the words were more thought out as they tumbled out of your mouth. 
“I’m gay.” You didn’t realise the pressure it eased off your chest to say the words aloud for the first time. You looked at Eddie, a shy smile adorning your face. His lips curled up, his features matching yours. He didn’t think of you any differently. The only thing that would change in your dynamic is when talking about your love life, Eddie would use the pronoun she instead of him.
It would take some time before things felt normal again. Eddie needed time to process his feelings, you needed time to become more comfortable within yourself. It didn’t happen overnight, but one day, you formed your own new normal. There were still movie nights and food fights and getting high, except now you would speak more freely about the hot girls in the horror movies and Eddie would ask for serious advice about dating women.
You knew the pair of you didn’t fit the mould. A self proclaimed freak and a lesbian were sitting on the edges of society. But you didn’t care, because the moment you proclaimed to your best friend that you were a lesbian you tasted freedom for the first time in a long time.
stranger things masterlist
a/n just wanna say as a baby gay who has only been out for less than a year, writing fics about characters coming out has been so healing. i want everyone to know my blog is lgbtq+ friendly and my inbox is always open if you ever need to talk
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jadeylovesmarvelxo ¡ 7 months ago
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Part two to my mean Eddie X popular reader fic.
Minors shoo. More angst and Eddie being a meanie.
💌
You ignored Eddie for the next few days, anytime he tried to get your attention you wouldn't let on that you noticed. His words still rang in your head and you couldn't ignore how badly they had hurt you.
If all you were to him was just sex then he could use his own hand to get his pleasures, or find some other girl who would fall for his charms. Though the thought of Eddie being with anyone else makes you feel physically sick.
After all the weeks you had been together you still didn't mean anything to him? Fuck you were so stupid to think that maybe just maybe Eddie would have feelings for you.
Steve has been your friend for a long time so when he notices your mood this morning while driving you and robin to school he did his best to cheer you up.
Fuck how could you not want a guy like Steve? He was sweet, kind and would treat you like a princess. Not like something he was ashamed of.
Was that what was wrong with Eddie? Was he ashamed of you because you were from the dark side and he was against everything you and your friends were?
Noticing your mood dip again, Steve pulls you into a hug and kisses your hair gently. "Whoever's making you sad is not worth it honey" you nod and feel your lip wobble but firmly decide that Eddie is not worth crying over again.
You kiss Steve on the cheek then head into school with Robin. She goes to chat with her friends in band practice so you're left alone. That's when Eddie approaches you, his brown eyes flashing with annoyance.
"That's who you've been ignoring me for? Steve?" He asks looking disgusted and you glare at him. He was not going to say shit about Steve right now.
"He's my friend asshole. I wish I was interested in him because he's kind and sweet to me. Unlike you" Eddie scowls and shakes his head.
"Why are you so pissy? We agreed this was just sex" your heart clenches and you find the courage to get the words out.
"Well I don't want just sex okay, I want more and you...you don't. So why are we even doing this, maybe we shouldn't" Something flickers in Eddie's eyes before the mask goes up completely.
"Fine by me princess" he doesn't even seem like he cares and it breaks your heart. "Fine" you whisper and then straighten up and walk away from him.
Walk away and don't look back, even if your heart is breaking.
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gravedigginbbydoll ¡ 1 year ago
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Hawkins University
The College Sweethearts Saga
~ The Munson Edition ~
Eddie Munson never thought he'd become so close to someone who is so atrocious at guitar and works as a professional snitch, but he can't help but find himself more and more intrigued by you.
→ cliches: friends to lovers, heavy use of nicknames instead of Y/N, we're all just struggling college kids, Music Tutor! Eddie, Resident Assistant! Reader, good girl x bad boy, instant connections, 'I don't trust most people but I trust you', 'are we friends or more?', and 'I can't believe you're such a slut that you have a special dtf drawer...'
→ warnings: strong language, bullying, mental health, eventual smut, minors dni
→ pairing: modern!college!eddie x college!fem!reader
chapters containing smut marked with +
Chapter 1: Eddie
Chapter 2: Bug
Chapter 3: Eddie
Chapter 4: Bug
Chapter 5: Eddie
Chapter 6: Bug
Chapter 7: Eddie
Chapter 8: Bug+
Chapter 9: Bug +
Chapter 10: Eddie
Epilogue: Bug
COMPLETED
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bingbongsupremacy ¡ 6 months ago
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Strangers
Accidentally posted this one first. Oh Well. I'm working on Notice Me.
Pairing: Steve Harrington x Reader
Summary: Steve from school is completely different than Steve in the back of his car at 12 in the morning. Why is it that he only talks to you when he wants something from you?
Warnings: asshole!steve, cursing, idk if there's anything else.
I tried to make this as non-specific as possible. If I happened to specify anything, please let me know and I'll fix it.
*Not Proof Read*
Based on Strangers by Kenya Grace.
♤♤♤♤♤♤
" I like being here with you. " Steve's voice is soft. He gently brushes a strand of my hair out of my face, his eyes staring into mine.
I smile at him. " I like being here with you too. "
His eyes shimmer in the glimmering moonlight. His lips curl into a smile, his teeth barely peeking through.
We don't say anything else. Instead we both stare up at the sky, enjoying each other's presence.
The air is cold but I don't mind. Steve's close body helps to keep me warm. It's moments like these I love. The world feels so safe and peaceful. No stress. No anxiety. Just us and the stars.
Steve gently draws circles onto the back of my hand. His touch is faint and tender but it leaves a patch of heat behind its path. He has that effect.
I wonder what he's thinking. When he looks at me, what does he see?
" I should get you home. Don't want you to break curfew. " Steve breaks the silence. He gently pulls my hand up to his lips before leaving a soft brief kiss on my knuckles. It's so light I can hardly tell he touched me.
Steve stands up but doesn't let go of my hand. Immediately, I miss his warmth and the smell of wood mixed with aftershave that always follows him.
Steve helps me stand up before finally letting go of my hand to pick up the blanket we were on. We make our way back to Steve's car, listening to the faint cricket noises as we step off of the field we're on.
When we get into his car Steve asks me about my day. He always checks in about my day on our way back to my house. It's sweet.
The night is over before I'd like it to be. Soon Steve is pulling onto my street and eventually stopping at the curb by my house.
It's about right now when I begin to wish the trip to my house was longer.
" Here we are. " Steve says while looking over at me. " I'll see you tomorrow? " His eyes are hopeful.
I smile. " Of course. Bye Stevie. " I open my door.
" Wait. " Steve calls, gently grabbing my arm. His other hand gently cups my cheek and brings me towards him. His eyes flicker down to my lips before making their way back up to my eyes. His breath is warm on my skin, the faint smell of peppermint lingering on his breath. He slowly leans down and his warm, soft lips meet mine.
His kiss sends shivers down my spine. Warm butterflies erupt in my stomach. I gently run my hand through Steve's already slightly messed up hair.
His lips feel desperate and hungry. His hand slides around to the back of my neck as he gently cups my head.
I want to stay like this forever.
Unfortunately, we can't. We both break away, breathless and flushed.
The cold air from my open door floods my heated skin.
A small smile breaks onto Steve's face. " Goodnight, baby. "
" Goodnight. "
Steve watches as I make my way into my house, ensuring I get inside safely. I lean against the closed front door with my ear against it. The sound of Steve's car fades away, muffled by the wood.
Until tomorrow.
♤♤♤♤♤
" Eddie stop scaring children. " I roll my eyes at the older boy who's mid lunge at a group of freshman.
His hands are up high, fingers spread out to look like claws. His lips are twisted into an exaggerated grin.
One of the underclassmen let's out a started yelp before dodging behind their friends. The group of freshmen moves away from us, curses and middle fingers flying towards Eddie who returns the gesture.
Eddie let's out a loud laugh as he rushes to catch up with me. " Somebody's gotta humble those fuckers. "
We stop at my locker. " What'd they even do? " I ask while spinning my combo into the lock.
Eddie leans against one of the lockers near mine. " They made fun of the club's shirt design. " He gestures to his chest where the design is currently located. " Dustin spent hours making this. That little shrimp put his heart and soul into this thing. How dare they shit on it. " Eddie's words are frustrated.
" I'm sorry, Ed. " I sigh sympathetically while setting my stuff inside my locker.
" I'm just hoping Dustin doesn't catch wind of what they're saying. " Eddie replies honestly. He crosses his arms over his chest, his eyes wandering to the boy who's chatting with his friends at the end of the hall. " Little dude's already having a tough enough time dealing with the outrageous amounts of homework they're piling on him, he doesn't need to be worrying about making a new design too. "
I've always admired how protective Eddie is over his friends, especially Dustin who he treats like a brother. He will always stand up for them, no matter how stupid it makes him look.
" There's Tweedledee and Tweedledumbass. " Eddie nods to someone behind me.
I look over to see Steve walking down the hall with his group of friends surrounding him. His laugh sends butterflies soaring around my stomach.
Tommy sticks his leg out partially, causing a passing boy to trip and nearly drop his books. This sends Tommy and Carol into a bout of laughter.
" What an ass. " Eddie mutters. " Carol and Steve are no better. "
" Eddie. " I sigh, a frown forming on my lips.
" What? They just stand there and let him do shit like that. They're bullies, just like him. They're shallow jerks who don't have enough brain cells to realize that other people in the world exist and not everything revolves around them. I mean, have you ever seen either of them stop Tommy or help someone he's fucked with? "
He has a point. While Steve might not be engaging in the bullying, he definitely doesn't do anything to stop it.
But he's not a horrible person. The Steve I know, the Steve who's with me almost every night, is kind and gentle. He's caring and smart. He's different.
" He's just complicated. " I defend the boy.
" Why are you defending him so much? " Eddie asks, his eyebrows furrowed in confusion.
Steve and his friends pass by and I manage to catch his eye. I send him a small smile.
Steve sends me a small nod, quickly returning to his conversation with Tommy.
I've given up on saying hello to him in the halls. The last time I tried he gave me a forced awkward smile and Tommy wouldn't stop questioning him on why he was talking to me.
It's just easier to not say anything and smile. He knows I'm saying hi.
" Fuck no. " Eddie blurts. " You're with him again. "
I turn my attention back to Eddie. " Ed-"
" What the fuck? He treats you like shit! Why the fuck would you get back together with Steve Harrington? " Eddie hisses. He's never been the biggest fan of Steve. Actually, he's one of his biggest haters. When he accidentally found out Steve and I were hanging out, he lectured me for an hour on why I shouldn't date someone like Steve.
Like I said, he's protective over his friends.
I slap a hand over Eddie's mouth, looking around the make sure no one's paying attention. " Shut the fuck up, Eddie! Someone could hear you! " I let go of his face and drag him towards one of the empty classrooms. I close the door behind us.
" What the fuck are you thinking? Steve of all people? "
Anger bubbles in my chest. He thinks he knows Steve. He doesn't. Steve isn't as bad as he thinks. " You don't know him like I do, Eddie! Stop pretending you to! He's sweet and kind and he gives a shit about me. "
Eddie scoffs. " He's trying to get in your pants. Why else would he be forcing you to keep your shit a secret? Really, think about it. Have you two ever actually gone out together? Have you been seen together? " Eddie's eyes are narrow with anger. " He is using you and you refuse to see it. He barely even acknowledges you in the halls. "
" I'm a big girl, Eddie. Look, I appreciate your concern but I am going to do what I want to do. This is my life and I know what I'm doing. I don't need you to protect me from this. "
Hurt flashes across Eddie's features. " You know what, fine. " He walks towards the door and grabs the handle. " I know deep down you know he's using you and you're just too afraid to admit it. Do what you want but don't say I didn't warn you when he breaks your heart. " With that Eddie leaves, not bothering to shut the door behind him. I watch as he disappears in the crowd of students.
A sinking feeling fills my stomach. Deep down I know he's right.
But if I admit that, then I have to end things with Steve and I don't know if I'm ready to do that.
♤♤♤♤♤♤
Steve has never taken me on a date in public. It's always a late night picnic in the park or a pool date at his house.
It didn't use go bug me. I was just happy to be with him. Happy to get to know the real Steve.
But ever since my conversation with Eddie a few days ago I've started to notice the things he pointed out.
Eddie's still mad at me. He's back to talking to me but it's superficial and short. Not like how it used to be.
The ride back to my house is quiet and honestly I'm thankful for that. I need to think.
Why does Steve only want to hang out after dark. Is he embarrassed of me? Why is he so open when we're alone but so distant when we're at school?
Steve pulls to a stop. " I'll see you tomorrow? " He asks like usual.
The moon lights up his face, casting a beautiful glow over his features. A loose strand of his now messy hair lays gently against his forehead. His eyes are big and bright.
He looks so good.
" Steve, " Am I really doing this? " I actually need to talk to you. "
Confusion flashes over his face. His smile fades slightly. He picks up my hand and gently begins to draw invisible shapes on my palm. " Sure. Is everything alright? "
Here we go.
" Actually no. "
Steve tenses.
" This has been bugging me for a little bit so I'd figure I'd ask. " I take a small deep breath. " Why are we doing this? "
Relief floods Steve's face and he let's out a small nervous chuckle. " What do you mean. I like you and you like me so naturally we hang out. "
I shake my head and pull my hand away from the boy. " That's not what I mean. Why are we doing this in secret? Why won't you say hi to me in the halls? "
Steve's smile fades. " What? " He obviously wasn't expecting this.
" Why do you treat me so differently at night than you do during the day? "
My heart is pounding. I'm afraid to hear his answer.
Steve sighs. " Because...Because I thought you liked hanging out at night. "
" I do, Steve. I really do. But the problem is you don't even acknowledge me at school? I'm confused what the fuck is going on between us. " Anger bubbles in my chest.
" It's just what we've always done. " I can tell Steve's beginning to get a frustrated.
" That's not good enough. "
" I don't know what the fuck you want me to say! "
" I want the truth, Steve! I just want the truth. " I answer honestly. " I'm confused about us and- "
" I'm embarrassed of you! " Steve blurts.
My heart drops. " What? "
Steve's eyes widen. " Fuck! I didn't mean to say it like that. "
" Then how did you mean to say it, Steve? "
" I-Look, I really like you, Y/N, but we don't...run in the same circles. " Steve states slowly.
" So? "
Steve lets out a sigh. " You...I hang out with people like Tommy and Carol. You don't. It just...if we went public it would...complicate things. "
I'm not good enough for him. He's basically saying I'm not popular enough for him. What the fuck.
" Because I'm not popular and you are. " I scoff, shaking my head. " You know, you act like a dick at school and some part of me thought that deep down there was no way you were actually like that. I was wrong. You're an asshole, you know that? I never realized you were so shallow. You are just like Tommy and Carol. "
Steve's eyes turn dark. " I am not like like Tommy. "
" You're right. You're not. You're worse. At least Tommy's upfront about being an asshole and isn't tricking people into thinking he actually gives a shit about them. "
I feel like crying. I'm so angry right now.
" What the fuck do you expect? You hang out with people like Eddie Munson and his little band of rejects! " I've never seen Steve this angry before. " This was a fucking mistake. We never should've started doing this. "
That hurt. His last sentence sends a blow to my heart, officially shattering it into pieces.
For a moment I'm silent, trying not to cry. Suddenly this car I've grown to love feels suffocating. Memories of our times in the back seat or on the hood watching the stars fill my mind. What was the fucking point of all of this for him?
" You know, Eddie may be a 'freak', but at least he doesn't give a fuck what other people think. He doesn't care if others see us together. His whole life isn't a popularity contest. " I whisper. " You're right Steve, this was a mistake. Don't talk to me again. Whatever the fuck this is ends now. " With that, get out of his car, not bothering to look back when I make it inside.
Unlike every other night, Steve's dropped me off, I don't wait by the door to listen to him drive away. Instead, I head upstairs debating whether to call the guy I know I can rely on.
He's mad at me though.
But he still cares.
" Hello? " Eddie's groggy voice mumbles through my telephone.
" Eddie. " I swallow harshly. " I'm sorry. " I try not to let the tightness in my throat prevent me from talking. " I should've listened to you. "
Eddie sighs, sounding more awake than he was moments ago. " What happened? "
" I ended it. You were right. He's embarrassed of me. He was fucking hiding me to protect his ego. "
" I'm sorry, kid. " Eddie's tone is sympathetic. " He's a dick. You deserve better than to be treated like that. You deserve someone who knows you're worth. Someone who's not afraid to be with you. You'll find that person someday. "
" I don't know, Ed. I miss him. " It feels so stupid it's only been a few minutes, but I do miss him. " But I'm also so fucking angry. He's so shallow. I'm so mad at myself for getting myself into this situation. "
" You fell in love. You can't choose who or when you fall in love. Unfortunately, you fell for the wrong guy. You'll get over this, kiddo. You just need to keep moving forward. "
I lay down on my bed, staring up at the poster on my ceiling. It's a poster Steve gave me on my birthday, one from one of my favorite bands.
I don't know where I'd be without Eddie. He's different than how other people expect him to be. He's always looking out for the people around him.
" Eddie? " I whisper after a moment of silence.
" Yeah? " He responds back, equally as quiet.
" Thank you. "
I might not have Steve anymore but I'll always have my friends, and that's the most important thing to me.
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thecreelhouse ¡ 7 days ago
Text
I’ll see you in my dreams
Eddie Munson x platonic!reader / Steve Harrington x platonic!reader (this is more Eddie centric though)
WC: 3K+
CW: canon character death, grief, hurt/little comfort, angst, some dark humor, mentions of the afterlife, and the like.
A/N: I started this a while ago to kinda cope with too many losses between last year and this one. I’m not fussing over editing this one, bc it was cathartic to just… get out. Sharing this for the few that were interested, but I get not everyone’s up for a sad fic these days. If you do decide to read this, thank you <3 Tell and show your friends you love them, as much as life allows you.
Title is from I’ll see you in my dreams - Bruce Springsteen (but the live version bc it makes me cry like a baby lmao)
—————
You got the call, while hundreds of miles from home.
It’s not like you knew— not really; this was the one time you weren’t home with whatever latest disaster unfolded in Hawkins. You didn’t know the danger that tried to swallow everyone whole.
You didn’t know someone you loved dearly wouldn’t make it back.
A somber tone weighs heavily on those five words: “Did you hear the news?”
In brighter circumstances, different context in a more pleasant timeline, that question could lead to something good, something worth celebrating.
Instead, those words landed on the opposite end of the emotional spectrum; even with lack of context, your heart dropped as they hit your ears.
Maybe to an outsider, that could’ve seemed like a drastic, overnight change, but deep down you knew that this had been building for much longer than one night.
You knew hearing those words on the other end of a line could send everything spiraling, no matter who broke the news, no matter who it involved, your heart would splinter apart. Nothing would ever be the same again.
Especially not after losing Eddie.
—————
A funeral— a traditional, open casket funeral— wasn’t possible, not when Eddie’s body lay rotting away in the Upside Down. Even if he was brought home, it’s not like Hawkins would welcome a funeral for who they saw to be a murderer; it’d be no celebration of his life, or mourning the good person he was, not with the entirety of Hawkins believing he was practically the devil himself.
Even so, you couldn’t make it home in time for the very hush-hush memorial service, only among close friends, and family, being only Wayne, of course.
Everyone in the party were grieving in their own ways, as people do when losing someone they love, but the loss of Eddie had a twisted spin on it. 
While your friends here saw him shortly before he was killed, before he gave up his life to try helping everyone else, you had no visual closure. That’d be unbearable, probably more-so than how you’re grieving.
Steve, Robin and Nancy saw him before they split ways with Eddie and Dustin; a plan set in motion to take out Vecna required the separation. Dustin might’ve been the one hit hardest, having to watch Eddie run off to do what he believed was right. The kid, who found one of his older brother figures, bleeding out on the ground once the bats were gone.
Dustin, too young to witness such horrors, too young to face such grief over Eddie, too young to lose his life over something no one could wrap their heads around.
Though not a competition in mourning, that kid had to have the worst grief of them all.  
You wondered if the kids on the other side of the country felt such strange, empty “closure” as you did. Though, Mike was the only one out of that group to have any connection with Eddie, being in Hellfire and all.
Then everyone else here, the kids, the older teens— one way or another, little or large, everyone had some kind of connection to Eddie. They all had faced the same living nightmare, even if on different levels, it was all in the same realm of suffering.
Steve, who called you to deliver the bad news, knew very little about Eddie before all of this. Once skeptical of Eddie— and honestly, a little jealous over the way Dustin looked up to him, feeling replaced— towards the end, had hoped if they all made it out alive, maybe the two could be friends. Maybe they weren’t so different after all.
That hope was long gone, now.
And you, what a strange plane of grief you existed on. You left to start life over elsewhere, reluctant to leave your friends, but in need of change. Being away for almost one year, away from your friends, made this loss harder to comprehend.
Eddie would never be home when you’d return. Your mind took that as a “see you soon”, not a “goodbye”; you’ll never see your best friend again, but the distance warped your thoughts into “this is temporary.”
Death is certain, death is final, and you were well aware of that. You often had to remind yourself, though, that he wasn’t just absent because of the miles between you two, but absent forever.
Maybe that’s nowhere near as heavy as the grief everyone else has carried, and will carry until the end of time, but it certainly didn’t make this any easier to cope with.
—————
The quarry seemed like a good, quiet place to cry it out, for some reason.
Lost in your thoughts, daylight slips away; you turn to Steve, who was watching you closely, like you were too fragile to be left alone.
“Hey… you don’t have to stay,” You kick at an empty beer can by your feet, unable to look him in the eye. 
You couldn’t look anyone in the eye since coming home.
“I want to.”
You sigh heavily, “Steve—“
“I mean it. We don’t have to talk, or anything.” His voice is gentle, calm, even through the moments it threatens to break. “I— I’m here for you. We all are. You know that, right?”
You nod, pulling your knees to your chest, staring out at the quarry’s water.
“M’here for you too.”
It comes and goes, fluxes and flows; grief is funny like that. Things you’d expect to weigh so heavily on your heart, don’t; instead, the tiniest details of loss engulf you in what feels like a bottomless lake of dread.
“He did this… really stupid thing, always shoving straw wrappers in my glovebox when we’d grab food somewhere.” You chuckled, already bracing yourself for the inevitable. “On the drive back here, I opened the glovebox for my lighter, and all of these— these fucking straw wrappers, all crumpled up in like… like some damn accordion—“ Laugh wavering by the threat of a sob tightening your throat, you shake your head. “Fucking goofball would say he folded them like that so they’d spring out like confetti. And the fucker was right.”
Steve laughs with you, but it’s somber, and before you realize you’re crumbling again, his arm winds around your shoulders, cradling you into his side. 
“I cried more over that than when you called me with the news.”
He keeps silent, because right now there are no words to bring comfort, not without forcing a positivity neither of you can or want to carry currently. Sometimes having someone to listen is a little more soothing than screaming into the void.
“I keep— I tried calling him. Took a few rings to realize it’d only be his uncle that’d answer. Can’t listen to the mixtapes he’s made me, ‘cause I can’t bring myself to hear his voice on them with his silly intros. But I tried calling him to hear his voice again anyway. My brain feels… broken.”
The sun is fully set now, with a pink-orange hue lingering in the sky, mismatched to your emotions.
“He never got to fucking graduate. This is so wrong. My best friend is—“ A sob slips out as the force of a bleak reality settles in all over again; it gets cozy, makes itself at home in the walls of your shattered heart, when you never invited it in.
Steve’s rubbing your back softly, signaling quietly to continue, if you need. That’s when the shattered debris of your heart crumble further; at this rate, there’ll be nothing left. 
Maybe it’s not so bad being heartless. It’s gotta be easier than feeling … this. 
A double edged sword is the human experience, with it’s cruel lesson of grief, whichever path you take. You could be cold, bitter, but lonely, by not allowing anyone in; it’d save you the heartache of losing anyone you love. But you could also love, and be loved, experience this nightmare of life together, rather than stumbling alone; final goodbyes and a hole in your heart are the price to pay.
Maybe, it’s worth living a life rich in love and community, even if the payoff is a grim one.
“I’ll never see him again. None of us will. I kept staring at the door, expecting he’d walk through the door now that I’m home… use the spare key like he always did, waltz right in like everything’s fine. He was the only friend I had that liked going to concerts, or skipping out on a good night’s sleep to take last minute road trips in that janky-ass van of his.
“Now all we have of him are blurry, out of focus pictures, and notes with his goddamned chicken scratch handwriting. Everything in that DnD notebook he kept, all the campaigns and drawings… all his music, his battle vests—“ You glance up at Steve, finally. “The vest he let you wear, you know how many fucking times he stabbed his thumb sewing those patches? I finally got him a thimble so he’d stop jabbing himself with those whip stitches… for what? Now he can’t even fucking use it.”
The tiniest of details of loss really are the culprit of heartbreak.
It pains Steve that this is just one of those things where he can’t protect his friends from the hurt. He can’t shield you or anyone else from the inevitable heartbreak and unpredictable mourning this has and will continue to bring.
“It kills me the two of you didn’t have more time to get to know each other. You’re both Dustin’s favorites, you were so much more alike than either of you realized.” Rubbing your eyes, you murmur, “You’re both my favorite people, too. And I- I should’ve been here, I never should’ve left—“
“No, we all wanted you to be happy, wherever you went. I’m sure Eddie would’ve kept pushing for you to follow your dreams if you tried to stay.” Steve rests his head on yours; the position is a little awkward, with how you hold one another, but it’s a closeness you need, all the same. “I would’ve, too.”
For a few moments, you sit on unspoken words that come to mind; maybe they’re too bold to speak aloud, but your mouth’s always one to be miles ahead from your thoughts.
“You’re not allowed to die before me.”
It’s almost a silly demand, one that makes him snort a little, pulling back with a confused expression.
“What?”
“I mean it. You, everyone, I can’t handle this right now, how the hell would I handle losing anyone else? I could never handle losing you.”
“I’d never be able to handle losing you, either.”
“Well, I said it first, so wait your fucking turn.”
You glare at Steve, bleary-eyed and appearing just as bad as you feel, falling into a stare-off with him. It doesn’t last long; the two of you burst into laughter, real laughter, over how damn ridiculous that exchange was.
“This— this is fucked up to even joke about.”
“Oh, like dark humor’s not up Eddie’s alley? Please.” Your grins, short-lived, fizzle out, leaving the two of you in heavy silence. You don’t mean to break it, especially with such a naive thought, but you do. “He’s really gone… isn’t he?”
Steve nods with a sniffle, not bothering to pull tissues out of his pocket anymore— if there’s any even left to begin with.
“Y’know… back when my parents were around more, my mom told me something kinda comforting when my grandma died.” With a deep breath, his stare falls to the ground beneath the two of you. “I don’t know if it’s true, but she said that people visit you in your dreams after they pass. Kinda like… like, they’re telling you they’re okay on the other side.”
“Did you see your grandma?”
“Yeah, that night, actually. Maybe it’s some weird, psychological thing, ‘cause that’s kinda what dreams are anyway. Just your subconscious trying to tell you shit.”
You lean back, brow quirked in skepticism. “Since when did you become a dream expert?”
He huffs a laugh, “I got desperate trying to cope with the nightmares. Anyway— point is, I think you’ll see Eddie again. Dustin already saw him in his dreams, said he thanked him for trying to help…” Steve hesitates for a second, finishing, “… and for not allowing him to die alone.”
That just feels like a sucker punch straight to the gut.
“What if it’s just a way to cope?” The brain does some fucked up shit when you’re neck deep in pain; you and the others in the group are all too familiar with that. 
“If it is, so what? You have to grieve, or it won’t get easier. And Eddie might’ve beat himself up for running away, but he wasn’t the kind of guy to leave without saying goodbye. Not to his friends, at least.”
—————
There’s a full moon tonight, with only its light guiding you through the woods, but you don’t feel unsafe. There’s no sense of threats, or danger. Just calm, like you’re supposed to be here. The clearing of the trees reveal Lovers’ Lake, with Eddie’s van parked right at the edge of the water.
Hope floods through you, overflows into unshed tears and a pace picking up, closing the distance. You round one of the open doors of the van, finding your best friend. He strums lazily along the strings of his guitar, worn notebook laying open, with his famous chicken-scratch penmanship, chaotically covering the pages.
Eddie glances up, warmly smiling at you.
“Hey, punk.”
It’s a voice your heart’s been both aching to hear again, and not ready for, not yet. The sight is even harder to take in, overwhelming as you race through emotions rapidly.
But it’s like nothing’s changed. Nothing is different, not for now, at least.
You greet him like you always have, “Hey, freak.” Climbing into the back of the van, muscle memory almost leads you to your usual spot, a mountain of pillows in the van; this isn’t a casual hang out, though, so you settle next to him, legs dangling over the bumper. “You’re really here.”
“Harrington was right, y’know. I had to say goodbye the way we’d both want.”
There’s a light mist that dances along the lake’s surface, blanketing the entirety of it, but it’s soothing to see. The stars above, brighter than you’ve ever seen in your entire life, shimmer and glitter above.
“Yeah, guess we’re not getting stoned though, huh?”
Eddie sets his guitar behind him, sighing heavily.
“Maybe later, way later, when you make it to this side someday.” He throws an arm around your shoulders, giving a squeeze. “It’s not so bad here… but it’s not like I wanted to be here so soon.”
“I’m sorry I didn’t really get to see you before— before—“ Even here, it’s far too painful to say aloud. “I should’ve been here with you, with everyone—“
“You can’t plan your life around death, sweetheart.”
“Yeah, but it’s— I know it sounds silly, but not seeing you… not being here before you l- left… my mind refuses to believe it. I’m never gonna see you again, and my stubborn brain keeps trying to convince itself you’re still here.”
“That’d be denial, I believe.” He tries coming off lighthearted, but it falls flat. “Y’know I’m always gonna be with you, right? All that corny shit, in your heart and stuff, among the stars— whatever you wanna believe, I’m there.” He pinches his thumb and forefinger together, scrunching his face up as he adds, “I’ll even be in the teeny, tiny, little straw wrappers I hid everywhere in your car.”
“Oh my god, there’s more?!” You laugh through your tears, but it fades out fast. “Well I’m a selfish prick and want you here, with all of us.”  Kicking at a pebble, you watch it break the lake’s glassy surface. “How the hell do I keep going without you?”
“I don’t have an answer, but you just… do. Just know it’s not easy for me, either.” Eddie sniffles, then chuckles, “It’s gonna be boring as hell waiting on this side for you guys.”
That finally tugs a hint of a laugh out of you; he squeezes your shoulders again, hand shaking against you. 
“I am okay, though. There’s no angry mob ready to burn me at the stake, and no injuries, no pain. No Upside-Down bullshit, like, at all. And, as a wandering soul in the afterlife, I get to watch all the concerts I want, for free. So there’s a perk at least.” He rolls his eyes with a reassuring smile. “Aside from that… you’re gonna be okay, too.”
Eddie pulls away, reaching in his vest pocket— out fly old, crumpled receipts, loose change, some safety pins and dice; it’s a soothing sight, to see nothing changes one’s character when they make it to the other side.
“Aha!” He pulls out necklace cord, with a guitar pick dangling at the end, showing signs of wear, tear, and love over time. Sliding it into your hand, he pushes your fingers to roll into a fist. “Want you to have this.”
“Wh— but your uncle—“
“Dustin gave him the good one,” He snorts, “but my best friend gets the one with history.”
“Is this gonna be like winning the lottery in a dream, only to wake up, still broke?”
Eddie only laughs harder, smile fond, glassy gaze, a sight you take in, hoping you never forget it after waking up. He tugs you back into a bear hug, grip trembling as you mirror the hug. 
“See you later, punk.” He whispers, voice wavering. “Live a good life for me, alright?”
“Wait, Eddie, don’t— I’m not ready to say goodbye yet!” The world around you dissipates into the mist floating in, taking Eddie with it. 
You jolt up with a gasp, eyes darting around the room for some sort of sign or proof that Eddie never left, that it was all just a bad dream.
But was it really a bad dream? All things considered, even if it’s just a coping mechanism, it gives some closure.
Closure. For your dead best friend.
Sobbing, you place your hands over your face, already anticipating the pounding headache this will give you. Something pokes into your cheek, interrupting your tears.
Unfurling your hand, Eddie’s guitar pick necklace lays in your palm, just as it did in your dream.
“No fucking way…”
Holding it up against the moonlight, sneaking between the blinds, it’s the well-loved pick, scratches, worn edges and all. The way it gleams against the moon’s glow, seeing it clearly, feeling it in your hands, it’s real. And you have no idea how it could’ve wound up here, in your hand, but here it is.
This necklace won’t ease your grief, nor will recollecting the dream with Eddie, but you have the closure you needed to begin properly grieving.
Flicking on the lamp on your nightstand, you reach in the drawer for your journal, scribbling down as much of the dream as you can recall, before it fades away as consciousness settles in.
Steve was right; as shitty as this entire situation is, Eddie is okay.
He may not be here, but he’s okay. And in time, you will be, too.
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dwobbitfromtheshire ¡ 5 months ago
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TOW Eddie and Steve date the same woman:
Robin: I wish I didn't have to go believe me. . .but unfortunately, I have to. By the way. . .what's the name of the girl you're both dating?
Eddie and Steve: [insert Name Here].
Eddie and Steve look at each other.
Robin: Byye! *runs out*
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