#sofiiel cryptid!fic

[sofiiel]

Demo!Eddie being a smol guy

As written in my Cryptid!Eddie x Reader fic and his blankie...or the way I imagine it. It's just the most basic old blanket and he loves it.

[sofiiel]

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐀𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐲: 𝐌𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭

🍂 ����𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐒: 1 -> 2 -> 3 -> 4 -> 5 -> 6 -> 7 -> 8 ->

Synopsis:

You will be drawn into the truths of urban legends in Hawkins when you find a rather strange fellow lurking in the alley behind your shop. Eddie can't accept what he has become, but if he wants to keep the people he cares about safe ~ he will have to learn to try.

CWs + Tropes:

🍂 Angst. Subconscious self-harm (Eddie centric). Eddie is a broken little guy for a while. mentions of reader being lifted -> but cryptid Eddie is like 7+ feet with inhuman abilities, he's got you. Eventual smut. 🍂 Fluff. Friends to lovers (?). Pinning Eddie. Demo! Eddie. Cryptid! Eddie. Semi-cannon.

[sofiiel]

Cryptid!Eddie x Reader | PART EIGHT

⇠ Part 1 | Part 7 | Next ⇢

Warnings: Cute. Weredemo fighting. Reunions. | Word Count: 4537

You awake to the loud purring of Toad. She nestles well into the tightly packed cave of uncomfortable people around her. You and Eddie's shared body heat keeping the chill from the open window away.

Your eyes struggled to open, and your arm was full of dull prickles. It lay caught pinned where Eddie's arm wrapped around you. His leg curled to hug your body.

"When did this happen?" You thought. He'd curled himself around you, sure, but you weren't this covered before. Eddie had managed to wrap himself around you like a turtle shell.

Eddie's head resting on top of yours gave you very little ability to look about.

"Eddie wake up, I can't feel my arm." You call to him. You move your shoulders in hopes of shaking him awake.

"Mmh you said five minutes." He mumbled groggily in reply.

"Eddie, it's the next morning and your monster kicked in. We also had a visitor and ... You need to wake up."

Eddie's eyes fluttered open, "What?" He asked, sitting up quickly. The movement shook Toad out of her peace, and she fled her cozy cave with a mrowl of annoyance.

"Did I," Eddie examined you, looking for cuts or bites.

"Relax, I wasn't on the menu this time. In fact, you protected us." You stated. Turning to look up, you are met with mix-matched eyes.

"Your eyes, is that.... that's not a good sign, is it?" You question.

Eddie bit his lip his words rushing, "What's wrong with them? Don't end it there, what's happening?" He pushed.

Reaching up, you let your fingertips gently brush the corner of the milky eye. "It's still that haunting white." You said, drawing your hand away. "Do you feel different at all?"

"I am hungry, I guess?" Eddie rested a hand on his gut, "stomachs got that burn in it that just feels like acid."

At his words, you sprung up from the sofa, "we didn't feed you your mea-"

You both gasped. The opposite side of the room came rushing towards you, propelled forward as the fabric of your PJs snagged on Eddie's toe talons.

Reaching out his hands, Eddie caught you, arms hugging your middle as he drew you back. His light laughter filled the room, breath tickling the back of your neck.

"Your clumsiness is contagious." you exhaled.

Eddie sniggered, "You can't blame it on me."

"It was your toes that did it." you shot.

Eddie gave them a wiggle, "They wanted five minutes." He teased.

With a little roll of your eyes, you tried to fight your smile, brushing his arms away from you. "Listen, I'll go down to the shop and get you something that will hopefully fix the strange eye thing. In the meantime, you've got first dibs on the bathroom. It's a big day for you today." You offered.

Eddie frowned slightly but nodded. "Yeah, the nerves didn't kick back in at all." he murmured.

You pressed your finger into his cheek, "Ow." Eddie winced in a dry complaint.

"He seems like a cool guy. You don't have anything to worry about." you assured him before heading towards the lift and down to the shop.

Eddie paced around the shop, if he wasn't wringing his hands or tail he was knotting his hair around his claw.

Looking up at the clock, you bit your lip, Dustin was late bringing Wayne. At this rate, it seemed Eddie might burst.

Finally stopping in his tracks, He tossed you big concerned eyes that made the rest of his face shrink.

"Relax, Dustin probably just had to do a little explaining to convince him to come. After all, it's still early, He may have been asleep or something. He works late, right?" You tried to sound calm, but it came out as a ramble.

Eddie continued to look at you unconvinced, "You're nervous too." he said quickly.

"I am not, you're making me nervous with all those circles you're walking," You stated just as quickly. Reaching for the plate before you on the counter, you snatched up a cookie and held it out.

"Want one?" you asked.

Eddie cracked a smile and headed to you.

The door chimed and Dustin poked his head inside. "Is he ready?" He asked.

Eddie instantly paled.

"He is -

"Not" Eddie cut you off. His hand crushed the cookie he'd just taken.

Looking at him, you try and offer a calm smile. "Eddie, it's going to be fine."

He bit his lip.

"Alright then, Wayne?" Dustin called, opening the door a little further.

You round the counter and stand behind Eddie, quietly resting a hand on his arm. His body exhaled as he took a step back towards you.

When Wayne entered the shop, Dustin quickly closed and locked the door. Turning hesitantly, as if afraid to see the reaction of the little family.

The longer the silence continued, the heavier it got. The brewing coffee pot, the gentle crackle of the fire, the swishing of Eddie's tail against the shop floor, it all seemed so loud.

You could hear the breathing of all in the room.

"Please say something." Eddie requested weakly, his eyes lowering to the ground as he bowed his head.

"I knew you'd make it home."

Eddie's head snapped up, hearing Wayne's strained voice, and he was brought into an embrace that made him feel the smallest he'd ever been.

Gently tucking his claws into Wayne's coat, Eddie hid his face down into his Uncle's shoulder.

"Oh," you breathed quietly.

You weren't expecting the rush of emotion that filled the room and sank deep into your bones. Across the room, Dustin rubbed the bottom of his palm to the corner of his eyes.

"I'm um...gonna go put on some soup, it's actually kind of cold out." you spoke quickly, fleeing to the kitchen to a safe place to wipe your own eyes.

"You're far too easy to get invested in you know that." You thought to Eddie while pulling out the ingredients from the fridge and rubbing your eyes.

Wayne pulled away from Eddie and looked him over, cracking a playful smile. "And here I was sure you'd stop growing" He chuckled.

Eddie peered down at him, "I did a bit more than just get taller, Wayne." He said.

"Don't matter none to me. I'm just glad you're home, son." Wayne's voice faltered and Eddie's eyes filled with water once more.

"See, told you, didn't care." Dustin said.

"You're ruining the moment, Henderson," Eddie shot, his smile betraying the glare on his face.

Eddie then jolted slightly, looking over his shoulder. "Where'd nutty go?" he asked.

"____ announced off to make soup." Dustin said.

"I was distracted." Eddie muttered, "I was also promised they'd stay." he sulked.

"Just went to the kitchen, man." Dustin laughed.

Wayne looked towards the kitchen, behind the counter, and then to his nephew. Glancing back at his uncle, Eddie spotted the amused twinkle in his eyes.

"Why...why're you looking at me like that?" He questioned cautiously.

Wayne lifted his brows and folded his arms across his chest. "No real reason, I guess." He hummed. "Go see what's cookin'" Wayne nodded toward the kitchen.

Eddie's brow knitted in confusion, but he did as Wayne said, making his way back, taking care not to knock things off the counter.

Standing near the sink to wash your hands after clearing your eyes for the third time, you sniffled. Scolding yourself for the sudden overflow of sentimentality.

"It's just something about it all that reminds me of you." You sighed, your brother's face coming to mind.

"Are you? Are you crying?" Eddie asked, his wide eyes blinking rapidly.

"I - awww," He teased with a grin.

Turning to him with a narrowed gaze, you scowled, "I was cutting onions for the soup. My eyes burn." you explained.

It wasn't a complete lie, but onions hadn't actually bothered you in years.

Eddie still held a satisfied smirk on his face, "Uh huh, that's the worst and most overused excuse in the history of ever." He said, walking closer.

He followed you as he went to the pot on the stove, and watched as you gave it a stir.

"You know, silence says a whole lot?" He asked, smile growing.

"If you don't stop, I'm not giving you any soup." you uttered.

"Yeah, you will." Eddie sang, leaning onto your shoulder.

"So far you made cookies and coffee and started the fireplace for this reunion." He pointed out.

Bopping his forehead against your temple, Eddie laughed lightly, "I've grown on you." he said.

"Yep, like fungus."

"I was thinking more like a blush."

"Want to be upgraded to an ivy rash?" you shot back.

Eddie simply grinned.

"That soup's done, stop hiding." He said, taking up the pot in his hands.

"Wait don't!"

But it was too late, the whole thing crashed to the kitchen floor, both of you leaping to void the scalding broth.

"Um..." Eddie hummed, "Sorry? I thought I had it."

You snorted as a rush of laughter bubbled up from your core. Eddie drew his head back in surprise and slowly smiled before laughing himself.

"What happened!" Dustin cried out, rushing into the kitchen with Wayne at his heels.

"I um...tried to help." said Eddie.

Wayne sighed, relieved that it was something so simple, and more so that the two of you seemed to be laughing about it.

"I'll call for a pizza," he said.

"It'll be on me." You offered.

Noon was giving way to what would be a vivid sunset. You were watching Eddie, Wayne, and Dustin get caught up and mow through the two pizzas when a knock came to the door.

Getting up, you wiped your hands on the napkin before answering it.

"Whoa...what, why are you all dressed up like Rambo?" You asked, looking over, Lucas, Robin, and Steve.

"How else are you supposed to dress for this?" Lucas asked.

"More importantly, why aren't you dressed?" asked Steve, pointing his finger in a line from your head to your toes, "You can't go monster hunting in that."

Looking down at yourself, you then gawk at him. "There's a dress code?" you questioned, stepping aside to let the trio in.

"Seriously, you can't move too great in that," Steve warned once more.

"Noted, but I think I'll be ok." You reply locking up.

"So you wanna tell me what's all this about Monster huntin?" Wayne asked turning an arched brow to Eddie.

Eddie's mouth went to form words but they curled up in his throat and refused to leave.

"W-we were just - you know..." When they came they were nothing but stammers.

"There's another one like Eddie. Wayne." Dustin said, clearing the air.

"There, like a bandaid," said Robin.

"Actually there are two, possibly more at this rate." You muttered.

"Two?" Lucas asked.

"More?" Steve echoed. "like how many more?"

"I don't know, but we had a visitor last night." You confessed.

"That's a lot more than just a bandaid." Eddie said, trying to gauge Wayne's reaction.

"A visitor?" Robin questioned.

"I woke up to- never mind. The short, woke up and Eddie was having an episode, a new smaller monster climbed through the door but," Your words quiet down and your brow knitted in confusion.

"It never actually attacked, either Eddie scared it away or it didn't come to fight." you said.

When all eyes turned to Eddie he let out a nervous chuckle, "sorry I still don't remember a whole lot after those things happen." He confessed.

With a sigh, Eddie added, "Not that it should surprise anyone."

"So what? These things are gravitating to him?" Steve asked.

"They could be," Dustin replied nodding his head to one side, "would make finding them easier."

You shove yourself out of your seat, "Where are you going?" Eddie questioned.

"To change apparently, and then to find more snacks. We got a while before the hunt begins." you called headed for the lift.

The time had arrived and the streets of Hawkins had become still. Most everyone was settled in bed to prepare for the new day. Eddie took to the skies to travel, it would be safer than skulking the streets to the woods.

You stood between Robin and Wayne as the group waited for Eddie to land. Hands gripped around a cast iron pan.

Wayne wasn't supposed to be there, but no one was going to attempt to make him go home. He had that look on his face.

"So, repeat the plan," Eddie said as his feet touched the ground.

"We split into two groups. If they're tracing Eddie the best places to start would be near the quarry and the cornfield," said Dustin.

He held out a map of Hawkins, two dots drawn in red marker indicated the last two places Eddie could remember revisiting before.

"Everybody knows to be careful, walkies for emergency contact otherwise," Steve pulled out a small black device, "we have these."

Robin passed around a few more pagers, two to each group.

You take the little electronic in your hands, puzzled. "You just...had extras?" You questioned.

"My dad ran a beeper empire for two years before selling it off." Steve explained dryly.

"Well only two of us know what to be looking for, I should go with one group and Eddie should go with the other." You said.

"What?" Eddie asked, "No." he shook his head and frowned. "I'm not being left alone with anybody in case I flip a switch or something."

His words came out fast as he pointed at you with his claw, "You're the only one here who's ever snapped me out of it."

"Can't be that hard-"

"Uh, hello? We don't know that." He jumped in.

You sighed, "Still can't be that hard. These are your friends, Wayne's your uncle. I doubt they'll be in danger from you."

"I think Eddie's right, I'd rather not risk being his midnight snack," Lucas said.

"Me neither, no offense but...." Robin chimed in quickly.

"None taken."

"I'll Go with Eddie. Dustin and ____ can come with us." Wayne spoke up.

"I'm, okay with that." Dustin shrugged, "those who know how to deal with Eddie go with Eddie."

"Sounds great, promises he won't stick anything sharp to my neck again," Steve murmured.

"Wait we're not over this? It was self-defense," said Eddie.

"I know I was only-"

A piercing screech stretched over the skies of Hawkins. A metallic and almost rusty whine.

You share apprehensive glances.

"We should just head out. We'll take the quarry, you can take the fields." Robin peeped trying to clear the fear out of her throat.

Steve sighed and gave his bat a twirl "I thought we were done with this."

Dustin offered a hint of a smile, "Feels like old times right? We've even got a our certified newbie." he said pointing over his shoulder at you.

It would have been a site to see, two grown adults cowering behind an old man with a riffle as they pushed through acres of cornfields. More so when one was pushing eight feet or more, winged, clawed, and tailed.

"Why are you behind Wayne?" Dustin asked.

"Why are you behind Wayne?" Eddie shot back.

"I don't think it's out here it would have shown itself by now," you whispered.

"Great, awesome, perfect - can we go now?" Eddie asked he rested his palm on his gut, "Before I get hungry again." he murmured.

Another shivered chirp wailed across the night, from behind you.

Eddie lumbered quickly through Dustin and Wayne, running around you to stand between three walls of people.

"What are you doing?" Dustin asked him. "You're the heavy!"

You find yourself frozen in place, Eyes scanning the area around you. Wayne seemed oddly calm as he lifted his rifle and took aim.

Eddie's wide eyes watched as Dustin shined the flashlight about.

"Yeah, right....I'm the heavy..." Eddie muttered, slinking from behind you cautiously.

The fields shifted, "Wait" you whispered, watching the stalks sway and part.

"It's coming."

The four of you huddle together, eyes glued to the shifting field. claws scrapped against the dirt as the creature drew closer. Moving around you as if circling.

You and the others turn carefully to follow the creature's direction.

"Why hasn't it come out yet?" You ask.

"Maybe it's afraid of Eddie." Dustin suggested.

"If it's the one we ran into out here before, not a chance - that thing, I had my ass handed to me." Eddie murmured.

"And Eddie isn't in his trance....when he feels it's a threat he's not himself." You explained.

Releasing a breath you move past Dustin and Wayne, eyes watching the moving figure in the corn.

"Yeah, hello? What do you think you're doing?" Eddie asked in a whisper, using his tail to tug you back as you tried to move ahead of him.

"You're instincts are telling you it's not a threat." You tell him.

"Um no I'm pretty freaked out-"

"But your monster half isn't. You're eyes haven't changed and your talking." You pressed.

"And?" Eddie asked.

"And the last creature didn't hurt us. Maybe...I don't know Maybe you've accepted it? Look, I'm just trying to piece things together." you tried to reason.

"Got a point, If it meant harm it wouldn't have circled this long, and if it was intimidated, woulda left already," Wayne murmured.

"Reminds me of when you own a bunch of dogs and the new one is timid 'bout joining the group," Wayne added

Dustin raised a brow "So you're saying it's what asking for permission?" he asked.

"Permission not granted go away!" Eddie called out.

"Hey wait! It might be good to have it on our side!" Dustin called out.

You try to pry Eddie's tail away from your torso, but as the movement in the corn comes to a stop, Eddie's grip on you tightens.

"Why'd it stop? Where'd it go?" He asked quietly.

"You told it to go away." Dustin said flatly. "Now we probably lost a good party member."

Eddie's grip tightened more, enough to hurt. You glance up at him and exhale.

"Oh no..."

pitched growls rumbled from deep within Eddie's throat as his eyes capped over in white.

"That's not good is it?" Dustin asked.

"No," you whispered as Eddie positioned himself to guard the group.

"Not at all, it's got to be the big one again," you added.

The night air fills with a chorus of screeches, leaving you and the others muted and rooted in place.

The corn began to shift once more, only this time, you were cornered, movement from your flank and movement straight ahead.

"Holy shit, we're screwed," Dustin whispered.

"If they're on us that means they aren't on the others, They had to have heard that sound, maybe we can hold out here until they come?" You ponder out loud.

Eddie's talons dig at the ground as he focuses on the large creature exiting the corn.

"Well, I'll be damned." Wayne exhaled, his eyes wide as he watched it.

Its floral chapped maw opened wide as it roared, the sound grating on the ears and terrifying all at once.

Eddie's tail uncurled from around you as he once again tried to back you, Dustin, and Wayne away from the threat.

it might have worked the night before in your apartment but this time, there was another problem.

From behind you, the second creature peeped his head out from the corn. It was easily dwarfed by both Eddie and the second creature.

With a small chirp, it creped out of the corn, its body curled in and it moved with pacing fearful steps.

It resembled Eddie more than the second creature, looking more human than monster. A curtain of blond hair covering its face.

It's arms were thin and frail, it's hands sporting smaller talons.

"oh.my.god...it's - is that?" Dustin stammered.

"Do you know this one?" You asked quickly.

Watching the creature pace about uncomfortably took away your fear of it. Its main concern seemed to be the second creature who was busy sizing up Eddie, trying its best to intimidate him.

"It looks like Chrissy Cunningham," said Dustin.

"That girl died," Wayne said.

"Maybe she didn't...we thought Eddie was gone too." Dustin stated.

"She does have the same look doesn't she. Maybe the big one is older - maybe?" You asked.

"Could be, but if that's Chrissy and Eddie is Eddie..." Dustin turned to face the stare down. "Who is that?" He asked focusing on the large creature.

Eddie moved away from the group as the large creature started to circle him.

Wayne lifted his rifle and took aim, clicking back the hammer. His nephew might have been more than able to defend himself in this state, but he wasn't going to give the creature a chance at hurting him.

With cautious steps you inched towards the little creature, "Chrissy?" you called out.

With a shivered chirp her head swung in your direction.

speaking softly, you make a gesture towards Eddie and Dustin, "H-hey...are these...friends of yours?" You asked her.

Her head lifted a bit and tilted as she moved closer, close enough to touch.

Reaching out your hand, you move to shift the hair out of her face, when Eddie and the second creature came crashing between the group.

Growls, snarling whinnies, and snapping echoed in your ears.

having been knocked to the ground you roll out the way.

Wayne fires several rounds into the second creature.

"Get him, Eddie!" Dustin cheered.

Before fully registering what is happening around you, you find yourself being dragged away, the corn closing off your view of the fight.

"Wait? What?" You try to hold off from panicking, looking up your view is obscured by locks of blonde hair.

"Where are you taking me?" you asked her.

Chrissy seemed to struggle to drag you a long, her movements were clumsy, worse than Eddie's had been.

"____!" You hear Wayne shout in the distance, followed by a string of curses from Dustin.

"I'm ok!" You try to call back, but you doubt they could hear you if Eddie and the creature were still fighting.

It wasn't easy for her but Chrissy had successfully pulled you out of the cornfield and into the tree line. There you sat and waited, staring at each other.

"She doesn't have a tail either." You thought, trying to learn as much as you could from her. As the one from last night was, Chrissy too was smaller in stature.

"So was the one form last night female too, or just...newly transformed?" You thought.

"Why'd you drag me out here?" You ask her.

Chrissy only turned her head back to where the fight was taking place.

"____! duck!" Lucas' voice called out.

hopping to your feet you hold out your arms to calm Lucas, "Hold on! She's friendly! Dustin says her name is-"

"Chrissy?" Lucas questioned lowering his weapon.

You exhaled, "Um...yeah. So you know her too." and then it dawned on you as you recounted the story you'd been told by Eddie and his bandmates.

"Oh...oh - that Chrissy!" you gasped.

Lucas gawked at her, "I don't understand, how has this happened to them? Eddie was bitten....Chrissy wasn't" He wondered outloud.

"Well if we could get her to talk, she could tell us herself." You said.

Though while looking at her it was clear, whatever it was that triggered instinct, as with Eddie, had taken over completely.

Meanwhile

Wayne fired another shot, blasting Eddie's combatant in the leg while the two lanky creatures continued to tussle about in the corn.

"Dustin!" Steve's voice called out as he and Robin stumbled out of the stalks.

"Oh, snap..." Robin exhaled.

"Move!" Steve shouted, shoving her out of the way as Eddie managed to push the creature off of him, hurdling it towards the two.

Dustin grimaced, "I told you! Kick his ass! Offense, Eddie, not defense - offense!" He shouted.

Dustin's arms dropped to his side, "Why isn't he fighting for real? He could have that thing down by now." Steve murmured, as he and Robin joined Dustin.

Dustin shrugged his shoulders, "I don't know."

"Or fly away, he's got a wing advantage here, the other Demo-thing doesn't." Robin chimed in.

"Don't know." Dustin repeated.

"It's like," Dustin paused as he watched the bigger creature ram it's shoulder into Eddie, knocking him over. Eddie's body curled  his tail acting as a barrier between him and it.

"It's like he doesn't want to fight it?" Dustin questioned.

"I'm pretty sure I've seen this on National Geographic, it's just a power struggle. That large thing is in Eddie's head, He does want to fight it, he just doesn't think he can win" Robin explained.

"You kids should go on and look for ____, Been gone to long there's no telling where the other one took them." Wayne called out, firing another shot towards Eddie's opponent, who seemed unfazed.

"It took ____?" Steve questioned. "It didn't run this way...It went-"

Dustin's eyes grew wide "You saw another one." he nearly exclaimed.

"Yeah, smaller than Eddie and this thing." said Steve.

"Should we do something about them?" Robin asked watching the fight as the two monsters continued the odd test of strength and place.

"They're fine," Dustin answered quickly, "You saw another one? Did it have hair?" He asked Steve.

"Hair? what - No. This one looked like any other Demodog. Maybe a little larger than normal but nothing like Batman and Goliath over there." said Steve.

"Maybe it was the one ____ said Eddie fought off last night." Dustin murmured.

"How are there so many of them left?" Robin asked, her eyes looked between the two men, "The gate is closed. We all saw it shut, permanently. We fought like hell to do it."

"Maybe some of Vecna's monsters got left behind. Maybe they, I dunno did that weird thing, were a piece falls off and becomes another one." Steve tried to reason.

Dustin spoke carefully, "That could in theory work for regular monsters from the upside down. But that doesn't explain Eddie and Chrissy." 

"Chrissy?" Steve and Robin ask in unison.

"It's why I asked about the hair." said Dustin.

Steve mouth opened as if to speak and then closed again as he rested his nailbat on his shoulder.

"Chrissy ran off with ____, who claimed to be ok but-"

"But they're now stuck with another monster who may or may not be the same person they used to be." Robin jumped in.

Dustin gave a nod, "But I don't think Chrissy woul-"

The small group scattered to make room as Eddie lept to avoid the large Demo's attack. Kicking up dirt and uprooting corn stalks Eddie slid to a stop. He huffed and puffed as he stood on stakey legs.

"I just brought him those," Steve muttered as he looked over the tears in Eddie's clothing, blood tricking from claw marks in his skin.

"Maybe we should do something, He looks beat." Steve added, lifting his bat.

In doing so he drew the attention of the second creature. It's large head turned towards Steve and without eye it seemed to watch him.

"Why is it looking at you like that?" Dustin asked quietly.

"I know? Why would I know?" Steve replied.

"Maybe it remembers you?" Robin whispered.

"Eddie man you need to fight! We don't have time for this!" Dustin urged. "Wayne's nearly out of bullets, ____ and Chrissy are gone, and - and -" Dustin stopped shouting as he looked around.

"Where's Lucas?" He asked.

"He went...." Steve looked in the direction they'd come from, "oh no."

"Oh no?" Dustin leaned forward.

"He said he heard something, Lucas is smart - I didn't think he'd go looking if we ere still running." Steve groaned.

Dustin flapped his arms once in frustration, "Great, awesome. perfect."

"Eddie we're in a tough spot here...could you just -"

A pitched scream lifted above the corn and shortly after a shrilled wailing bellow followed after. Mice scattered about, fleeing the sound as they weaved around the groups legs.

Eddie lifted his head, turning sharply towards the sound before taking to the skies. His opponent made chase, snapping at Eddie's tail and narrowly missing. It watched as Eddie rose into the air before racing after him on foot.

"What was that?" Robin asked.

Wayne quickly checked his rounds before tossing his riffle to Dustin.

"Here, I'll slow you down. But you outta follow them." said Wayne.

"But what about you?" Robin asked him.

"I don't think them things are concerned with any of us at the moment." said Wayne.

"Right, then we'll meet you back at ____'s shop." said Steve as he parted the corn stalks and ushered Robin and Dustin through.

⇠ Part 1 | Part 7 | Next ⇢

Taglist: @eddiesgirlforever @cherrycolas-things @fan-girl-97

A\N: It's been a long time ~ If you are no longer interested in this fic, no hard feelings, I can remove you from the taglist if you'd like ❤. Some usernames have changed ~ I'm sorry I couldn't find some folks. Also at some point I will give this fic a proper title.

[sofiiel]

Cryptid!Eddie x Reader | PART TWO

⇠Part 1 | Next⇢

A/n: I will title these and create a masterlist at some point. The tag #sofiiel cryptid!fic will help track or block this series.

Warnings: Slight Angst. Comfort. Cuteness. Fluff. Mentions of Alcohol.

You wake with a sigh, you always did have such vivid dreams.

Rubbing the sleep away from your eyes, you slip out of bed to start your morning routine. Even with the infamy your father left you with, it did draw in many customers for your grand opening.

"Which means, today might be another busy day." you exhaled.

Drawing your robe closed you round your divider and as with every morning...

"Mrooow"

Toad greets you in her lazy graveled mew. You turn to wish her good morning, and your mouth falls open.

You blink and rub your eyes before looking again.

"Nope, still there." you think.

Your gaze is caught by the lanky friend Toad was curled above like a pillow.

"So it wasn't just a dream. You weren't just a dream." you murmur.

Exhaling, you shake your head. "Oh, this might have been a bad idea." your mind lulls. But as you watch Eddie curled up, buried in his blankets and hugging his pillow, you find it hard to regret your decision.

You're taken back to the look in his eyes the night before. You'd known the feeling within them very well.

"He needed somebody. He still needs, somebody." you say to yourself. But beyond that, over there in such a state with Toad hovering over him almost protectively.

Well, you'd seen scarier.

You laugh silently to yourself as Eddie's head moves beneath the blankets, mashing his face into the pillow.

"Who knows how long it's been since he's gotten a good rest." you find your self thinking.

"We'll let him sleep, Toady." you tell your cat in a whisper. She blinked at you long and slow, but flicked you an annoyed swish of her tail. It was as if she were telling you, "shhh, my new kitty is sleeping."

You gesture to zip your lips and give Toad a thumbs up as you make your way back to your trundle. It was time to grab your clothes and get dressed.

Stepping out from the bathroom, you poured yourself your favorite morning beverage and sipped it quietly. Going over a mental checklist in hopes maybe today you'd remain more organized.

"I've been putting a lot of the organizing on the new employees lately." You mentally scold yourself. "That's not very nice of a new boss."

From the pile of blankets on the sofa came a soft murmur and soon frantic breathing.

You carefully lower your mug away from your lips, eyes studying your new roommate. His body twitched, and another grumble came from him.

"I didn't-" Eddie murmured, his voice pleading.

Following after came a series of agonized whimpers that cause your breath to lump in your throat.

Before you knew it, your body had willed itself over to his side, mug abandoned on the small kitchen counter.

"I'm....sorry, I'm-" he uttered softly.

"Hey," you call to him, but he doesn't stir, body trembling under the bedding.

Taking a breath, you gently nestle your hand on his back, lightly rubbing a circle between his shoulder blades. A trick your grandmother used to do when you were very small.

"Shhh," you hushed. "They're only dreams, even the bad ones." you pause in your circle as Eddie flinched.

"Even the worst ones, the memories. You're sleeping, and they can't hurt you." you continued to whisper.

The murmurs stopped, and his breathing was still frantic. You kneel beside him on the floor with a soft sigh. Rubbing his back, "Think of something nice, a pleasant thought." you quietly encourage him.

You're not sure if he can hear you through his dreaming. Looking to Toad she curled herself up into a tight ball and lay down her head on him.

"The bright colors of the autumn leaves, the way they crunch beneath your feet and skitter in the wind." you hum.

"The smell of spices and cider, a good book with music softly playing as you lose yourself in a land so far away."

Eddie's breathing calmed, a noise not unlike a purr rumbling from beneath the blankets.

"Are you there now with that book, I wonder?" you ask, a smile finding its way to your face. You tilt your head and get to your feet, satisfied with his gentle, calm snores.

"I wonder what you're reading there." you ponder, turning back to the kitchen to finish your drink and breakfast before work.

You scrawl a note for Eddie should he wake, and leave for your shop below.

The air of the bakery carried the heavy scent of all of autumn's baked wonders. The alluring fragrance of roasted coffee beans, of freshly melted caramel, seeping into the wood and through the door cracks.

You tied on your apron and put on your game face when the front door chimed.

"Good morning ____!" Called the chipper smile of your first hire. His dark young eyes that held the calm of an old soul. In his arms, he carried a half empty box of flyers.

"Good morning, Lucas." you greet him.

"Bursting through the door after him huffing and puffing was an unruly windblown head of honey colored hair. "I'm on time! I made it!" she panted.

"Robin!" you gasped, brows knitting. "What happened to you?"

Lucas set his flyers down on the checkout counter, and turned his attention to Robin. She desperately tried to smooth down her hair.

"Steve's back in town because, reasons, and he got a flat in my tire. I had to have it changed, and then Vickie needed a ride to campus and I got stuck behind two school buses and-"

You and Lucas nod absently with wide eyes as Robins frenzied ranting.

"And then some jerk in the loudest car on this earth, cut me off. So i flipped him the bird, and then he slowed down more. And-"

"And you've had a very rough morning." you finish for her.

Robin simply sighed in frustration. "Yes." she said.

"Well apron up! We may be having a busy day again." you advised.

Upstairs, Eddie's eyes fluttered open, peering into the dark of his cave of blankets. For a moment his memory was hazy and then in a burst of energy he flung free of his cave.

Toad released a displeased howl and leaped onto the back of the sofa. Her eyes narrowing at her new kitty, scolding him.

Eddie's wild bedhead fell around his face as he turned his head left and right.

The room was empty.

He left the sofa and rushed as quietly as his taloned feet would allow, grasping the edges of the divider he knocked against it. "Um ____?" he asked shyly.

No one answered, "are you sleeping?" he asked.

The silence remained, and Eddie's pulse quickened.

"Are you there?" he questioned, hands shaking as he gripped the side edge of the divider. Lightly biting his lip, Eddie peeked around the divider.

A relieved sigh flowing from his chest at the sight of the empty ruffled bedding. Turning around, Eddie's eyes fell on the open bathroom door, and an uneasiness found its way into his stomach yet again.

"Not here. Where did you go?" he asked.

It was hard to ignore the tiny voice inside that wanted him to believe you'd left to report finding a creature in the night. That'd you'd come to your senses and fled.

"Monsters don't have friends, and in real life, nobody cares about them. They are simply exterminated." it said to him.

Eddie quietly returned to the worn blanket that'd been offered to him the night before. Sitting crisscross on the sofa, he wrapped himself in it like a hug.

Toad watched as her kitty sulked and hopped down from her perch, up onto the coffee table. She sat like a bookend, perfectly placed, a single paw on the corner of a sheet of line paper.

"Mrow" she mewed.

Eddie's eyes wandered cautiously to the cat. She was friendly enough last night, but he'd rather not risk getting scratched. Lest she changed her mind.

Toad's tail swished around, more wildly, the longer Eddie took to do as she said.

"Mroow." she mewed deeper, sniffing at the sheet of paper.

Eddie's eyes landed on it, spotting the handwriting, he dared to lean forward and reach for it. Long fingers, hesitating a moment before the cat.

Toad huffed quietly, leaving the coffee table with a flick of her tail. She didn't have time for this now, her stomach was currently telling her it was time for break fast.

With a graceful leap, Toad ran across the room, to the cracked window and slipped outside. She felt like fresh poultry this morning.

Eddie shook his head at the odd cat and reached out to take the paper.

"Gone to work, make yourself at home." he read out loud.

"Fridge is full, big remote is for tv, little one is for stereo." his eyes scanned your writing.

"Beer under sink, you look like a beer guy."

A small smile ticked onto Eddie's face as he turned to look at the kitchen. Getting up, Eddie investigated under the sink, and there it was, a six-pack ring with four left.

His eyes sparkled. "Oh, I like you, you little nut." he murmured. Reaching for them.

Taking his claw, Eddie carefully punctured the side of the can and guzzled from the hole.

It was warm, but god, it had been so long since he'd had one. It tasted like gold on his tongue.

He opened the fridge and quickly raided it, stooping down to fit, and filling his winded arms with various packed leftovers. His tail swishing happily behind him.

With another busy day halfway over, you are exhausted. It wasn't all honeysuckle and roses, however. Lucas ran out at least two packs of rambunctious teens trying to get a glimpse of the "Alien Hellgate Madman's" daughter.

The rumors were starting to get ridiculous. But that's what happens when a former WMD officer for the FBI has a very public meltdown. Let alone when it causes damage to private government property, a property shrouded in enough taboo to fill the Mississippi.

"I think you two should be ok while I'm gone. I want to go and get the rest of these flyers out." Lucas said as he collected the box into his arms.

"You should really take a chance to sit down, we've all be on our feet all day." You advise him.

Robin chuckles, "Lucas as enough energy to run a marathon. He'll be fine."

Lucas simply smiled and headed out the door.

"Me, on the other hand, my dogs are barking like a litter of chihuahua puppies and this cup of cocoa is calling my name." Robin said.

She took a seat in the small love seat near the fireplace and curled up with her cocoa and a backpack. "I'm just going to get caught up on some notes for that term paper." she said.

Watching Robin sip her cocoa, you had to wonder, "Should I check on Eddie?"

He'd been left to himself for hours now. While yes, Toad was a shrewd lady of the house while you were away, she did take her morning and afternoon strolls faithfully.

"He didn't seem to like being alone." you recall the moment his hand flew out to stop you from leaving.

Turning your head, you peer at the fresh batch of cocoa simmering over the fire. "Robin, I'm going to go upstairs. I need to check on something." you call to her absently.

"Sure, say hello to little miss priss for me." she replied.

You reached into a lower cabinet and took out a thermos, filling it with the thick, frothy cocoa.

"Will do!" you say, heading for the lift.

Entering your studio, you close the door quickly behind you. It was only Robin downstairs, but the fear of someone seeing or finding Eddie was quietly gnawing in the back of your mind.

"Just checking in, I thought you might like some-"

Your words taper into silence at the scene before you.

"Homemade..."

Clutching the thermos, you walked slowly to stand before the coffee table. Peering at the blanket cocoon with the tail wrapped around it.

He lay curled in a tight little ball, only his face and tail showing, along with a sing claw from his back foot.

Empty Tupperware in a neat stack on the table, and two empty beer cans.

Eddie was knocked out, fast asleep.

A smile sprung to your face as you fought the urge to laugh. As peaceful as he looked, it brought to mind, "you probably haven't felt this comfortable in a long time."

Exhaling, you set the thermos on the coffee table and started to collect the Tupperware. "The cocoa can wait," you say to yourself before washing up the dishes.

With another sheet of paper, you leave a not to let Eddie know the cocoa is for him and that you'd checked on him.

Leaving it where you left the last you turned to leave.

Eddie's groggy voice, slowed your steps, "You don't have to go."

Turning around, you see he's sat up, rubbing his eyes with the bend of his wrist. "I'm up." he said.

"You should probably rest, seems like you need it." you tell him.

Eddie flashed an abashed smile, "I'd rather not...sleep." he confessed, fiddling with the fabric of the blanket.

Turning around, you go to him. Sitting nearby of the floor.

"Why not?" You ask him.

Eddie's eyes wandered away from you, "you know." he murmured.

You gave a tilt of your head.

Eddie twisted the fabric some more, his lips sucked in. "I was reading The Princess Bride."

He'd uttered the words so fast and low you'd almost missed them. Eddie seemed to curl into himself while avoid your gaze. Bashful eyes, wandering about the room, finally stole a side glance at you.

"Hm, you did hear me then." you hum.

"You don't have to be shy. I used to have nightmares all the time." you tell him. You disarm his embarrassment with a gentle smile, and it draws his attention to you.

"My grandma taught me that trick."

Eddie looked down at his claws. "I'm sorry i cleared out your fridge." he confessed.

You laughed loudly, "It's better than everything going to waste."

He peered up at you with brows raised high, a loud question mark on his face.

"Why're you doing this?" He asked carefully. "Not that I'm not...you know, grateful." Eddie spoke in a rushed murmur.

"Because last night you told m e you needed somebody." You sighed with a shrug. "Not with your mouth," you added with a wave of your hand. You tapped the corner of your eye. "But with these."

Eddie blinked a few times before a laughed fell softly from his lips. "I never expected to stumble upon a wise sage in the dark." he said to himself quietly.

You shrug, "oh trust me, I'm about as wise as you are scary." you teased.

Eddie smirked briefly, "now you're just humoring me." he said.

Folding your arms across your chest, you protest,"You were frightening for all of five minutes."

Eddie slowly smiled. "I'm not scary?" he asked.

"Have you seen the way you have to hunch down just to walk through doors? Or to stop your head from knocking against the ceiling?" You asked him.

With a nod towards the thermos, you got to your feet. "Drink your cocoa before it gets cold. It's the house specialty. Nice and frothy." you said.

A proud smile crossed your face, "it has marshmallows in it, homemade too, my grandmother's recipe." you boast.

On your way to the door, you stopped. Glancing back over your shoulder. Eddie fumbled about with his claws, attempting to twist the lid off.

"After all this time, you still aren't used to yourself?" You wonder, watching him.

From the corner of his eye, Eddie spots you watching and flashes a sheepish smile. You retreat back and open the thermos for him.

"Just this once." you sighed.

"We're going to get you used to...how you are. Then, we'll find out how to reunite you with your family." You said.

Eddie froze, "I-"

"No buts." you cut in.

"If they love you, they'd rather you like this, than no you at all. It's how love works, right? Ask yourself, would you care if this happened to them? Would you want them to stay away?" you reason with him.

Eddie shook his head, "of course not."

"It works both ways." you hum.

He watched you return to the door, "so do I call you Yoda or Gandalf?" he asked you.

"Call me either, and I might put you out." you chuckled into your playful warning as you head out the door.

The way went on fast, before you knew it, it was closing time, and you'd bid your goodbyes to Robin and Lucas. The shop was now still, with only the crackling of the weakening fire.

Closing up the curtain you exhaled, the day went strangely smooth for hiding a monster upstairs.

Though you were relatively sure he'd slept most of the day away.

"What else did he have to do, really?" you thought.

Your gaze shifted to the lift, it'd been about fifteen minutes that your employees had been gone. "I could use the help with clean up..." you thought.

Grasping the broom, you lifted it high, banging the stick to the ceiling.

A loud thud came crashing from above. You cringed at the sound.

Shortly after, the lift moved up away from the ground floor.

When it returned, Eddie's head peeked out from the doors.

"Everyone's gone," you assure him.

"What was all that noise?" you asked.

"You scaring the shit out of me." Eddie muttered, trudging out from the lift.

"Your tail!" you called out as the doors started to close.

Eddie quickly flicked it away and shrugged. "It's used to getting caught."

"You're very used to misfortune, aren't you?" you exhaled.

"My life's one giant curse, so why'd you-"

Eddie swallowed his words as the front door chimed loudly. You drew in a frantic breath, and it got caught in your chest. Your arms and legs prickling with the same panic that flashed in Eddie's eyes like police lights.

"Sorry, ____! I think I left my house key-"

You'd two moved faster than your brains could register. Eddie diving behind the counter as you struck a casual pose behind the cash register. Strumming your fingers against the buttons.

"O-oh, right, um..." your words failed you as you watched Lucas peer around the tables.

"There, right here, Dustin's visiting Susie over the fall. I would be locked out without this." he chuckled.

You try your best to laugh as well. "Got to be more careful, Lucas." you warn.

"That goes for you too, Jesus. That was close." you think to yourself.

"Well goodnight! See you tomorrow!" Lucas called with a wave, exiting the shop again.

You bid him goodbye and lingered in the silence after he left. You glance down at Eddie, whose still sprawled out on the floor.

Minutes tick by, and you finally give him the signal to stand up.

"You keep the floor really clean." he commented.

The door chimed again, and this time there was no time to hide.

"Holy shit, what is that!" Lucas shouted, his keys falling to the floor.

Eddie, tripping over his feet, stooped down behind you, hands gripping the string of your apron.

"Shhh! Lucas! It's fine. J-just close the door! Hurry!" You hiss in a ruffled hush.

Lucas did as he was told, but his eyes were large as she desperately scanned the room for a weapon.

"No, it's not fine. You don't know what you have behind you! That thing comes from a very bad place! Look, I can't explain but - you need to move away!" He warned.

You took a step back, "Lucas. He's friendly, I swear."

"They can be, but they don't stay that way. Trust me. My roommate Dustin tried to keep one, and it ate his cat!" Lucas shouted.

"Wait....you-you know what Eddie is?" - "hold up.... Henderson tried to keep one of the nasty things?"

You and Eddie voiced your questions at once.

"E-eddie?" Lucas stammered.

Eddie peered from around your body, and you tried to stand firm as a barrier. He gave Lucas a wave.

"Um, hey Sinclair..." Eddie murmured.

"You two know each other?" the disbelief dripped from your words as you looked between them.

Lucas however stood too amazed to speak.

"Right, next time, listen more carefully to the rumors about the city you plan on moving to." you sigh to yourself.

⇠Part 1 | Next⇢

[sofiiel]

Cryptid!Eddie x Reader | PART THREE

⇠Part 1 | Part 2 | Next⇢

Warnings: Some angst. Accidental/habitual self-harm.

Your head was reeling as you set cups of warm cocoa and a plate of cookies at the table. Making one more round to check the windows, specifically the boarded one.

"You've been around all this time?" Lucas asked Eddie.

You could hear both the scowl and relief in his voice. Everything seemed clear for the moment. No trouble making teens lurking outside, and the window was fully covered.

Eddie sat looking down at his claws as he let Lucas lecture him. You quietly took a seat at the table yourself.

"And you didn't reach out to, anybody?" Lucas' question was strangled. He watched Eddie fiddle with his claws, anything to not look up at him.

"Dustin took it hard, he blamed himself for years. Wayne got sick when you didn't come back. Dustin's mom took care of him, and he's fine now but-"

"I...saw all of that, Lucas." Eddie murmured, his words rushing. For a moment, you could see something painful flicker across his darkened eyes.

"Then why didn't you say something!" Lucas shouted. "We could have helped you, this is what we do!"

You jolted, you'd never heard the boy raise his voice in the short week you'd known him.

"This is different! Look at me, man!" Eddie's voice cracked as the shout shook free, his claws briefly digging into his own skin.

You watched the little trails of blood leak from the shallow wounds while he sunk into his seat. A small frown folded between your lips.

Eddie's eyes flicked to his fresh scratches, and then over to you, quickly cross his arms as if to hide what he'd done. His head hung down once more.

Lucas fell silent and released a sigh. "We would have helped you."

Eddie continued to hang his head.

You'd never felt so awkward in your life as you sat still as stone. Your eyes shifting between the two while the somber tension hovered.

"You came to ____." Lucas said.

Eddie shook his head, "no, ____ came to me and lead me here. I was just tired of being alone." he muttered.

"If it helps, that was going to be our next project, after getting him to open things and not fall over himself. I was going to sit him down, and we'd figure out how to best to approach his friends and family." You spoke quickly.

Anything to stop the round about in their conversation and to feel less like a piece of the furniture.

"I mean...." Lucas words faded into another sigh as he stood up, "I'm calling Dustin." he stated firmly.

"Don't!" Eddie called hopping out of his chair to follow Lucas a little too fast, he tumbled to the floor, tripping over his own tail.

"Damn it!" Eddie cursed.

"If you call Dustin, he'll call everyone!" He shouted.

"Yeah, that's the point." Lucas replied, reaching for the phone handing behind the counter.

"Whoa, whoa, whoa, hold on! Everyone? How many is everyone? My shop is already an oddity, I can't have a crowd in here after dark, people will come looking thinking the maniac's kid finally snapped!" you nearly yelped.

"See!" said Eddie, "put the phone down, Lucas."

You hide your face in your hands, maybe you bit off a little more than you wanted to chew. Even if you could, in fact, chew it.

"At the risk of being fired, kind of too late to worry about that when you've got the monster version of who's become a Hawkins urban legend." Lucas reasoned back.

You bit your tongue as you shared a glance with Eddie. Neither of you wanting to vocally admit he had a point.

Releasing your tongue, you sighed, "Look," burying your face back into your hands.

Lucas paused in his dialing and looked at you with hesitation.

"I'll close up early tomorrow. Lucas can gather these everyones, and we'll all meet upstairs in my studio. Alright?" You offer, muffled between your fingers.

Dropping your hands, you squared your shoulders. That was your employee and this was your shop. You'd calm the mess, for now.

"It also gives both of you time to wrap your heads around what's happening. Besides, I don't know the guy, but what you don't want to do is spring this on a man who's recovering from falling ill. You'll need to tell him gently." you rubbed your temples.

"Not in a frenzied emotional mess." you tried to gauge their reactions, but both were silent.

"I guess that's fair enough." Lucas caved first.

"I'm sorry." Eddie uttered, curling his hand into a fist, he held it out and Lucas returned the gesture with a fist bump.

"Just make it right. Tomorrow. Dustin's out of town, a lot of us are, but for whose left." Lucas stated.

Eddie gave a firm nod. "Yeah, see you tomorrow then."

"Goodnight Lucas." You called, walking him to the door.

This time you made sure to lock it and lock it tight.

Eddie sat on the sofa, eyes glued to the TV, but barely processing what was on. He stabbed his fork into the bowl of leftovers and ate, mind stuck on what could happen the next day.

"No, that won't work..." you grumbled, flinging items out of the old trunk at the foot of your bed.

Eddie jumped slightly as the Crypt Keeper cackled, and a shirt flew over the divider, plopping near the coffee table.

"Are you not going to eat?" He called to you.

"I will! Shortly just-" another shirt flung over the divider.

"Aha!" you called, popping out of the trunk, a long black sheet in your hands. "Used this to decorate last Halloween, it might be long enough, I just need scissors." you muttered.

Wandering around the divider, you made your way to the kitchen.

Eddie watched curiously, "don't tell me you actually are nuts." he said.

"Maybe a little, you'll thank me later." you spoke quickly.

Setting down his bowl, Eddie got to his feet and went to you. Peering down over your shoulder as he watched you snip a large hole into a chunk of black fabric.

"There," you cheered, whirling around to face him. Eddie quickly stepped back and eyed the sheet up and down.

"What am I supposed to do with that?" He asked.

"Wear it, you see, with this hole it can go over your head and cover you up." you explained.

Eddie jumped again as you shove the sheet into his winged arms and rush to a linen cabinet. You pulled out a towel and a rag before returning to him.

Eddie's eyes were wide when you plopped the towels on top of the sheet in his arms. "Now into the bathroom and drop those torn clothes outside. I'll put them in the wash." you offered.

Eddie gawked at you as his mouth fell open, revealing his fangs.

His voice took on an odd pitch,"B-but, I...I can't walk around in a sheet." he stammered.

"It's just until the clothes you had on come out the dryer." You said with a shrug.

"B-but..."

"You don't have to, I just thought it'd be nice if you weren't tracking all outdoors onto the carpet." you hummed.

"I..." Eddie suddenly looked mortified. "Are you saying I-"

"I found you in a dumpster. Now, unless you operate like an Oz witch and can't touch water, I bet a nice hot bath would feel pretty great right now." you sing.

Eddie blinked several times and looked down at his arms and legs. "Will I even fit?" he asked.

You placed your hands on your hips, "yeah, that might be a problem." you muttered. "You could just take a shower."

"Or wash up, either way, it'll help your ankle heal better." you reasoned. You stole a glance at the cuts on his chest, "among other things." you whisper.

"I should go find the bandages."

Eddie watched you wander off yet again. He wasn't sure just how you managed to find places to disappear to in such a little studio.

He looked down at the objects in his arms and shrugged, walking off to the bathroom.

His head quickly popped back out the door. "You aren't going anywhere, are you?" he asked.

"If anything downstairs maybe, but no." you spoke carefully. Walking to the sofa, you sat down next to Toad and pet her. "See." you said.

Eddie nodded and slunk back into the bathroom.

"Why are you so afraid of being left alone?" You thought.

Eddie would have laughed at himself as he scrunched up into the bubble bath. But with so much on his mind, the sound refused to leave his vocal cords.

His tail brushed the bathroom floors as it dangled out of the tub.

He hugged his knees to his chest and tried to focus on the warmth of the water and the scent of ____'s soap he borrowed.

Outside the bathroom, Eddie could hear the distant sounds of laundry being done. His shoulders relaxed.

"All your life you told yourself people suck, and you'd be fine without them." he thought to himself.

"And then when you have to live without them, you become so afraid that the one you can come in contact with will be just as afraid as the others."

He touched his chest carefully, another set of scratches to add to the collection.

"Attacking yourself won't look good." He sighed quietly.

Tilting his head back, Eddie peered up at the popcorn ceiling, his eyes narrowing.

A burst of uncontained laughter roared from outside the bathroom. Eddie sat up with a jolt, his tail flopping back into the bath water, splashing bubbles onto him in a wave.

He spit soapy water out of his mouth and glanced at the door. He could still hear what could only be described as tickled giggling.

A smile found its way onto his face, like lighting a candle in a dark room. Eddie shook his head. "Little nut." he muttered, taking his rag and washing up.

You'd finally calmed down your laughter, turning away from the Crypt Keeper. "He's gonna be convinced I'm insane." you told yourself.

"But it's a funny show....in context." you said, turning to Toad.

Her expression silently judging you as she gave a half mrow and went to her water bowl.

You got to work putting a sheet on the sofa, turning it as best you could into more of a bed.

"He might be here for a while." you thought.

The bathroom door clicked open, and closed slowly. Turning around, you smiled and bit back the urge to laugh all over again. Eddie rubbed his arm, eyes refusing to look away from the ground as he stood there in his new toga.

"Good it worked out." You nodded with satisfaction, plucking up your small sewing kit.

"I'll just close up the sides." you said.

Eddie made his way over to you, with an involuntary flick of his tail a picture was knocked off the wall.

He cringed and lightly bit his finger, "uh...my bad."

"It's fine, the carpet saved it." you dismissed. Meeting him halfway while threading your needle.

Eddie raised his arms up in a stiff motion, the awkwardness he was feeling oozed into the air, an invisible figurative smog.

"You know I used to have a brother? He's why I know how to sew." You rambled.

"Did he teach you?" Eddie asked.

"Not exactly, he just was built a little different. So his clothing often needed alterations to fit comfortably." you started to weave the thread to close the seam down the right side of his body.

With a contemplative pause, you sighed, "His name was Elias. He was born with Proteus syndrome."

"Ugh, with what now?" asked Eddie.

"You know the elephant man?"

"Oh....um..."

"It wasn't anywhere near that severe of a case. But that's it." You explained.

Eddie watched you carefully, "well, that makes something make more sense..." he murmured.

"Anyway, don't you feel better now?" you asked, trying to lift the mood which seemed to dampen.

Eddie rubbed the back of his neck, "yeah, actually, I forgot how nice a hot bath felt." he confessed.

Silence fell between the two of you again as you got to work on the left side of his toga.

"You know he's not mad at you, not really. It sounded like a lot of hurt and many other things. But you can see in his eyes that -"

"Anger wasn't one of them? Yeah, I saw that too." Eddie jumped in.

He exhaled, "that makes it worse. The kid should be mad at me. I want him to be mad at me. They should be." Eddie licked his bottom lip.

"And there I said no more running." he whispered.

"Hiding technically." you said.

"What?"

"Technically, it was hiding. Not running, not if you were skulking about spying on them to make sure everyone was ok." you reasoned.

"I wasn't-" he stopped himself, "ok, maybe a little. But you don't have to say it like that." Eddie sulked.

You caught a glimpse of the halfhearted pout on his face. His bottom lip poked out. "Look, it's natural. Anyone would have wanted to hide. I want to hide when I get a massive bump on my face, or when I walk out of the bathroom and forget to zip up my fly." you laughed.

"People have hidden away for lesser reasons." you added.

"Yeah, I guess." he muttered.

You replaced your sewing kit with a baggy full of bandaids and antibacterial cream. Leaving the upper left side of his toga seam open for the moment.

"This stuff shouldn't sting too bad." You reassured him, dabbing a bit of the cream onto a cotton ball, and going to treat his cuts.

Eddie stood stiffly, allowing you to, as if afraid to move with you so close.

His skin reveal lots of small knicks that had long healed. "That's a mean habit, I hope it's not all voluntary." you whispered.

"I...n-not always." Eddie stammered.

"You don't have to stand like the tin man. I've owned cats all my life, a little scratch isn't going to kill me. Just so you know." you snickered.

Had you been a little less focused, you might have noticed the embarrassment on his face. He had to wonder if he was so easy to read.

Something warm and rough wrapped around your ankle as you placed the tawny colored bandages over the cuts. It slowly coiled and tightened gently.

Looking down at your leg, you did your best to ignore the tiny gesture, as it seemed Eddie was unaware he'd even done it.

The tip of his tail waves back and forth through the air next to your calf at a calm pace.

"It's like the first time Toad laid on her back near me." you thought with an inward chuckle.

"There, all done, If you go sit down on the sofa, I can re-wrap your ankle." you said.

As Eddie stepped away, he came to notice what his tail had done. In his rush to right the wrong, he stumbled over his own talons.

"Shit," he yelped.

Reaching out for him, you hooked your arms under his shoulders and leaned back. Pulling him backwards to stop his fall.

"It's like having permanently untied shoelaces!" you gasped.

"Twenty. Four. Seven." Eddie growled in frustration.

"Sorry about the-"

You and Eddie look at each other, his eyes search for his tail only to find it's wrapped around your torso, in order to help stop his fall.

Try as you might, the laughter tumbled out anyway.

"Mroooow!" Toad chirped loudly, her tail flickering about in frustration. She couldn't look away for five minutes without her two wards getting themselves into minor trouble. She didn't get paid enough treats for this.

The two of you looked at her, and instinctually paused like two misbehaved children.

"Ugh...he started it." you tell her.

Toad however didn't seem any less displeased.

Honestly, blaming the new kitty like that.

"is your cat always this bossy?" Eddie whispered to you.

"See that's the thing, She owns me." you laughed.

With Eddie patched up and all the good shows gone off the TV you excused yourself off to bed.

"Sorry to leave you up like this." You said, feet shuffling across the room to the kitchen in your slippers.

Eddie shrugged, "I'm pretty nocturnal." he said simply.

"I gathered that, you slept all day. Though, I was sure it was just because my sofa is comfy."

"I mean...a little of both." he replied.

You yawned, and poured your glass of water. "Well again, make yourself at home, roomie. I sleep like a rock." you said, heading back for your divider.

"R-" Eddie stopped his question and cracked a bewildered smile.

"Thanks." he said.

You give him a tired wave, "oh you know, just trying to earn my wings." you yawned again. "Goodnight."

"Night." Eddie called back, unsure eyes, watching as Toad curled up on the back of the sofa. He still expected to get scratched.

Laying in bed, you closed your eyes, fighting off sleep long enough to contemplate the many way tomorrow would go. You could only hope things worked out well for Eddie.

"It seems like he's been through enough, and he could use the support of his friends." you thought.

⇠Part 1 | Part 2 | Next⇢

[sofiiel]

Cryptid!Eddie x Reader | PART FIVE

⇠Part 1 | Part 4 | Next⇢

Warnings: A little bit of lite angst. Fluff. Shenanigans.

Down in the shop, you opened the door to greet Lucas, who stood nervously before a small group.

"Wait, Robin?" You questioned.

She shrugged and tried to smile.

"You know we're not open today, you didn't have to come in." You said.

She cleared her throat, "Um I'm here with them, actually, so...um." she stammered.

Your mouth opened to reply, but only a breath of air followed after. Instead, you stepped to the side.

"Of course, um you know take the lift just there, He's in the studio waiting. Hope no one's allergic to cats." You spoke, closing the door behind them.

You couldn't fight the feeling out of place. "Make yourselves at home there are, refreshments and-"

"____? What happened to your shoulder?" asked Lucas.

"What?" you questioned in surprise.

You followed his pointed finger and found your wrappings were peeking through your collar. Your hand rested on your shoulder as you frowned slightly.

"I am sure it will be a topic on the table today. Please just go upstairs. I think he'll be happy to see some friendly faces. He's a little nervous." you tried your best to divert the topic.

"Let's not start this on a sour note. Or freak them out, they're all a little spooked as it is." you thought, looking the odd group over.

"Did Eddie..." Robin's question faded as you offered a strained smile.

"Please just head up. It's perfectly safe. I'm just going to make a few drinks in the kitchen. It's cold this morning." You said to her.

"Everyone ok with Cocoa? Cider, Tea and Coffee is also on the table." you offered.

"I'll take a cider if that's fine." spoke a man with feathery hair.

"Whoa, wait, we're putting in orders like we're here for breakfast now?" Asked the tall brunette. A light scowl on his face.

Robin wacked his arm quickly with the back of her hand, "Shut up, ____ offered, it would be rude not to." she said in a hushed hiss.

"Coffee for me please, black and no sugar." said the man next to him, sporting a Mayhem Tee.

"Alright, I'll be up soon." you answered, stepping away from the lift and heading for the Kitchen.

"Six is a lot of people, and Lucas said some were out of town? No wonder he was upset to know Eddie didn't reach out to anyone." you mind fussed while making the orders.

Up the lifted, you entered your studio with drink carries atop of a wooden tray. Being careful to enter quietly, as you'd been more than a few minutes and were sure Eddie and his friends would be deep into explanations.

Opening the door, you slipped inside, pushing it back closed with your foot.

Looking up, you were met with a stiff scene.

Eddie stood near your divider, stone still as he held his tail in his hands, wringing it. His gaze was cast away from the stunned group of friends.

No one had seated themselves, and the snacks were left untouched. The room left so silent you could hear the agitated swishing of Toad's tail.

"That's not ideal." you thought, letting your eyes drift between them.

Clearing your throat, you walked between them and set the tray next to the snacks on the coffee table.

"Sorry if I interrupted anything." you said.

"We haven't exactly gotten started." Eddie murmured.

"Dude, you're - you've got-" The brunette fumbled his words, gesturing towards Eddie with his hands. "Lots of new things and you're humongous!" his voice pitched.

"Steve!" Robin scolded.

"He is kind of humongous...." Lucas admitted trying to hold in a smile.

"DUDE!" the man sporting a hellfire shirt cheered, rushing towards Eddie with a grin. The Cider man and Mayhem man followed after him. All three mobbing Eddie into a fearless hug.

"What the fuck, man!"

"Where have you been?"

"What witch did you piss off?"

The trio mobbed him with various questions and Eddie was left baffled, mouth opening and closing like a fish. He looked over his three playful attackers and continued to fail at forming words.

Then, like a fountain overflowing, laughter boiled up from his chest and he returned their hug. Enfolding them in his wings.

You exhaled in relief, "that's better." you thought.

Picking up a platter of cookies, you held it out to those left, and each took one.

The mood eased into something more comfortable as everyone listened to the excited exchange happening on the floor of your living room.

After a long round of introductions, and welcome homes, the real conversation began. Perching yourself further away from the group, you listened in.

"So you don't remember anything? Not how you got back here, or what caused this change?" Lucas asked.

"No, not in the slightest. I barely remember speaking with Dustin before everything went dark. I um...." Eddie began to fidget, taking a glance over his shoulder to where you sat.

Arching a brow, you gestured for him to continue. This was quickly becoming a theme anytime he began to speak of his current experiences. Looking for a nudge to go on.

"I woke up, and I was," Eddie exhaled his face twisting, "I was st-standing over some homeless guy, and He was... I had," he tried explaining with his hands, but the group still appeared lost.

"Smashed him?" Jeff guessed.

"Tickled the guy?" questioned Grant.

Steve's head snapped to grant direction, "tickled?" he asked.

Grant shrugged, "would be disturbing, wouldn't it?"

Eddie's words flowed slowly, "No, I ate the guy."

The room fell silent.

Eddie shook his head, "I probably was planning on eating ____ last night when they found me. If it hadn't been for them and the other monster. I don't know... If I'm tired, the need to feed is weaker." he explained.

Casting his eyes up to his friends, his gaze pled with them. "It why I didn't reach out to anyone. I didn't want to put any of you at risk. Not when things were seeming to be back to normal." said Eddie.

"Normal?" Gareth questioned, the word tumbling out sharp and hoarse.

"Dude, there's no normal without you." said Jeff, as the three band members glanced at each other in agreement.

Eddie bit his lip and attempted to fight off the water in his eyes through a smile.

"How'd you end up...you know, here? With the Hellgate Madman's kid?" Steve asked.

"Steve!" Robin scolded, "I swear, if you get me fired-"

"You won't be fired, Robin. I'm used to it." you sighed, "It was all over the news."

"That's you?" Jeff asked.

You simply nodded your head and munched on a cookie.

Eddie's expression was dry as he muttered, "Can we not with that nickname? Please?"

Steve and Robin glanced at each other with brows raised.

"Anyway, I was following Wayne. I'd been tailing him in the evenings before he headed off to work ever since he recovered." Eddie said. He crossed his arms and grimaced, "He should have retired by now."

"The old guy, spent most of his retirement fun on private detectives...to look for you. Lawyers to get you pardoned once everything was over." Grant stated carefully.

Though, his gentle delivery didn't stop the distress on Eddie's face.

"Shit." Eddie whispered, his claws digging into his arms.

You picked up a cheese square from your paper plate and tossed it. Eddie jumped slightly when it bounced off the back of his head and released his claws from his skin.

"Wayne came here to pick up lunch on the way to his shift, I felt the urge to feed, and I was desperate to stop it, so I hoped in the dumpster and well...got found." Eddie confessed.

All eye fell on you. You sat up straighter under the pressure of the many stares.

"You just let him in?" Lucas asked.

"Look like, well-" Robin started.

"Yeah, I thought ____ was nuts too." Eddie murmured.

"I thought he was a dog, I didn't see him at first. Then he spoke to me, and I thought it was some homeless man. I offered him something warm and - It wasn't until after that I saw him." You explained.

The memory of the night vividly repeating in your head. The look in his eyes. Hopeful and frightened beyond belief.

"Evil things don't look that scared." you spoke quietly.

"And I know better than anyone that the outside doesn't always match the soul within." you turned your gaze away from the group and looked at Eddie.

"You had the same hopeful fear my brother used to carry with him everywhere."

You turned to the group, "so I let him in. Turns out, he's kind of a big ol' puppy." you snickered.

Eddie blushed, "Jesus." he muttered.

Robin got up and wandered to the kitchen counter, helping herself to some of the cheese and crackers.

"So...is there a way to get you back to normal?" She asked.

"Or a way to get y our memories back?" Robin added.

"Hell if I know." Eddie sighed. " I dream about things, they feel real like memories only. Only when I'm sleeping and they're nightmarish. I'd like them not to be memories..." he said.

You frowned, "Demons eating you alive from inside, if they feel real enough to have you speak in your sleep the way you did...the might be memories." You thought, focusing on Eddie.

He stole a glance your way and winced. "I don't know where the other one came from, but I'm glad it threw me around a bit. It's likely the only thing that stopped me."

"So you've got to be worn out at the end of every day, and need meat?" Lucas asked.

"That's easy enough, it's like when get got that meat to lure Dart." Steve said.

"Only a lot more, a whole lot more." Lucas murmured, eying Eddie carefully.

"I get large shipments in from a butcher in DC. Friend of my moms. I can help with keeping him fed before feeding time. Otherwise...he just needs to eat, right?" you asked, looking around.

"You've been on your own all this time, right? Finding food in general couldn't have been easy," you said to Eddie, "That had to make everything worse. Your body has been in survival mode for years. Getting regular meals every day will probably help things."

Eddie gave a nod, "____'s got a point." he said.

"When Dustin and Will and the others come back, we'll start trying to figure out where you might have crawled out from, where the other monster might have come from." Lucas said.

"Yeah, and I'll call Nance, If anyone can think of an idea about your memory, it's her." Steve chimed in.

"In the meantime, maybe it's best to focus on calming your...cravings. If we can curb those down into fewer episodes, things will be easier. And we can reunite you with Wayne without you worrying so much." you said.

Eddie nodded, "Yeah. That all sounds good but. Where do I go?" He asked.

You chuckled, "You said you were staying here. Although, I'm putting you to work as security and manual labor."

"I can work." Eddie said quickly.

Gareth held out the cookie platter, "um..." he lulled.

You laughed and tilted your head towards the stove, "in the oven is round two. They should be cooled off." you said.

It'd become rowdy in your little studio, Robin, Steve and Lucas shouted mercilessly at the game, while Eddie sat among his bandmates trying to take in waves of information and events he'd missed over the past few years.

You sat with Toad, giving her all the scratches she required to make up for the noise you'd brought into her castle.

"Oh!" grant gasped, it alerted the other two men who looked equally dumbfounded.

"Shit that right!" Gareth laughed.

Eddie looked between them wordlessly when Jeff hoped to his feet. He caught a set of keys that Grant tossed to him and bolted for the lift.

"Be right back, we brought you something!" Jeff called as the doors closed.

When Jeff returned and the lift doors opened, Eddie instantly rose to his feet. You watched as he took extra careful steps towards Jeff, his arms held out and eyes glued to the black case he carried.

"Hey! Out the way!" Steve shouted as Eddie's large frame blocked the play.

Eddies words fluttered forth in a whisper, "she still lives?" he asked.

Jeff lifted the case in his arms and opened it. Eddie's eyes shinned like headlights. You crane your neck, trying your best to catch a glimpse of what was inside.

Reaching out for the contents, Eddie stopped himself. A pitiful gaze fell on his claws. "I can't," He murmured.

You sighed and chucked a cheese square across the room, dotting the side of Eddie's head.

He closed his eyes in a muted chuckle.

"Remember what I said?" you asked him.

With a nod, Eddie turned to you, "I do, but this is different." he said.

You set Toad down, and she made her way to the cracked window. Joining Eddie and his bandmates, you peer into the case, marveling at the crimson crackled guitar inside.

"Oh, that's the one you mentioned..." you murmured, recalling his recounting of his experiences with 'Vecna' and the strange place.

You looked up at Eddie, who's eyes won't leave the instrument.

"It's not different, it'll be easy." you told him, your eyes falling on the guitar, the corner of your mouth curved up. "Once a guitarist, always a guitarist. You just need a reminder." You reasoned.

"Exactly, what they said. You already know what to do, man." Gareth chimed.

"Seriously guys, this is touching, but the game!" Robin called out, swiveling from side to side to see around them.

Grant took up the guitar and slipped its strap around Eddie, having to stand on his tiptoes even with Eddie bent over.

Eddie gazed down at his guitar and sucked in his lips, hands hovered in position but too afraid to touch it.

"I've got three more pieces of cheese." You warned him.

Eddie's fingers curled around the neck of the guitar. "I hate to break it to you. But there's no way I'm touching these strings without them snapping." he muttered.

A wild grin formed on Eddie's face, "But just holding her again feels so good." he said, looking at everyone almost blissfully.

Lucas tore his eyes away from the small patch of game he could see, "I might know a guy who I bet knows what we can use to make stronger strings." he said.

"Sinclair, you pull that off, and I'll owe you for life." Eddie stated.

"And, Nutty over there will give you free cookies." He added.

"Nutty?" You questioned.

Eddie stuck out his tongue, "It's not Yoda."

You threw all three pieces of cheese you'd kept in your hand.

Eddie stood crouched in front of the shop kitchen's many ovens. Watching the cookies you'd have delivered to Wayne as they baked.

The tip of his tail swished about happily, it'd been doing none stop since his friends arrived and fell into their casual norms.

"He'll like these, uncle Wayne used to love when miss Simmons next door would bake him things." Eddie said.

You busied yourself by chopping the apples for tomorrow's pie filling, trying to get a head start.

Eddie stood up and turned to join you, leaning onto the counter and resting his chin in his hand. "I thought chefs chopped fast." he teased.

"I'm tired." you said.

Glancing up at him, you asked, "why don't you wash those claws and put them to good use?"

He held up his hands and wiggled his fingers, claws clacking together. Turning, he walked to the sink and washed his hands.

Scooting over to make room, you rolled a few apples over for him.

Eddie studied the fruit for a moment.

"Take your time, there's no rush, this will be good practice for you-"

With a single swipe, there was a refreshing tear.

Your head snapped to look over, there the apple lay evenly cut. Your mouth fell open, and Eddie held his head high with pride as he repeated the swipe with the other apples given to him.

"How's that?" he smirked.

You shoved the remaining apple pile in front of him, causing him to laugh.

"Where are you going?" Eddie asked you, turning his neck to follow as you made your way to a set of hooks on the wall.

You plucked a black apron from the wall mount and returned to him.

"Stoop, please." you said.

Eddie did as you asked, allowing you to slip the apron around his neck before moving to tie it up behind his back.

"Congratulations, you are now the Lucky Pot's new Legumier." you said.

"What? In layman's please?" He asked.

"You chop up all fruits and veggies." you answered.

"Ah, can do." Eddie said with a salute.

"Night prep can keep you busy, hopefully." you said.

Eddie smirked, "do I get paid?" he asked.

You blinked a few times, "what a roof and free food not enough for you?"

He paled, "that's not what i- I didn't - I was just-" Eddie's panic died down as he glared playfully at the amused glint in your eyes.

"You're messing with me." he muttered.

"You panic so easily!" you laugh.

"Look, you're here now, and I never go back on my word. Your place is solidified until you can go back out into the world." you promise.

Eddie smiled and stuck out his long pinky, "you swear?" he asked.

Hooking your pinky around his, you nodded, "I swear."

"On Toad's honor?" Eddie grinned.

"On our high queen's honor, yes." you chuckled.

A worrying smell ruffled its way up your noses, your eyes widened in panic, "The cookies!" you yelped.

As you rushed to the oven, slipping on mitts, Eddie's tail flung out. He took hold of the oven handle and tugged the door down, allowing you quick access.

You swiftly grabbed the tray and set it atop the stove.

"You're quick with your tail." you exhaled.

Eddie rubbed the back of his neck, "I wish I could say I meant to do that. But," he shrugged and took his tail up in his hand, "this thing just does what it wants, it's like it has a second brain." he muttered.

"Well, thank you, Eddie's tail, for your assistance." you teased, "maybe I should hire it instead..."

"Nope, we're a package deal." said Eddie.

For a moment you're taken in by his smile, it was good to see. Maybe things would work out alright for him.

"Baby steps, that's all it takes." you thought, watching Eddie go back to chopping.

____ slept soundly, exhausted from the events of the last couple of days. Eddie fed and munched on leftovers from the gathering. Tossing cheese squares into his mouth and failing to catch them.

His mind buzzing about all the new possibilities. It'd been a long time since he'd felt the levels of hope he currently had nestled inside.

"Wayne somehow seems to know just what I need even when not trying." he thought, looking towards the room divider.

Eddie left Toad to sleep alone on the back of the sofa and, with a large jump, hooked his claws into the ceiling. He crawled across it until he'd made it passed the divider.

Siting up, he hung upside down from his feet, hair dangling as he peered at ____. Watching their steady breathing, buried within blankets.

A tingle crept down Eddie's spine.

"The blanket!" his mind screamed, Eddie looked towards the window. "I left it back at the quarry..." he whispered. Crawling across the ceiling, Eddie plopped down on the ground before the window.

He quietly opened it higher and crawled out into the night.

"It should still be there." He thought.

Tag list: @eddiesgirlforever @fan-girl-97 (← wasn't sure if you wanted me to reply or not! But yes, I've added you 😊😊) @obsessivelycraftygothfandomwitch

~ Just let me know, tag list is always open if anyone wishes to be added ❤

⇠Part 1 | Part 4 | Next⇢

[sofiiel]

Cryptid!Eddie x Reader | PART FOUR

⇠Part 1 | Part 3 | Next⇢

Warnings: Violence. Hurt/Comfort.

A/n: working on a masterlist as soon as I can think of a decent title. My proofreading skills are still atrocious.

Nature called and was calling swiftly, you scrambled from your bed and ran for the bathroom. Nearly tripping over a stray pile of blankets in the middle of the floor.

Happily relieved, you exit the bathroom.

"Wait...a pile of..."

Your eyes fell on the heaped blankets. All of them the ones you'd used for Eddie, all except one.

Your eyes scanned your studio, in the dark glow of the setting moon, it seemed empty.

"Eddie?" you called out. Though he would have been hard to miss.

"Maybe he's downstairs?" you reason with yourself before you worry., heading for the lift.

Though downstairs, as the doors opened, you were hit with the strong breeze pushing through the window curtains. Orange and auburn leaves dance about the bakery floor, more fluttering in by the second.

Your eye hone in on the gagged glass, the hole far bigger than what the brick damaged. It was specifically monster sized.

With eyes the size of saucers, you spend little time rushing back to the lift, going back for your coat. "I swear, if you've eaten Toad -" you utter under your breath.

Shinning the flashlight away from the map and onto your watch, you grimaced at the time.

"This is stupid, he's a giant, he's perfectly fine. Toady goes out on her own all the time, she probably wigged out the window and he probably..."

You exhaled and drew in a gulp of the crisp, chilled air, "burst through the rest of the glass of the shop window like a cartoon character for the hell of it."

No, it still didn't sound convincing to your core.

With a sigh, you steal a glance at the sky above, you wouldn't have long until sunrise.

Already at the edges of town, you shine your light into a thicket. "Eddie? You out there somewhere?" you whisper. It wasn't the first time you'd asked, but you were holding onto hope. After all, your next place to search wasn't one you loved the idea of.

An answer never came, and nothing shifted in the dark. Your teeth sink tentatively into your lip. "I should just go home and wait." you tell yourself.

Groaning her stamp your feet, "I can't."

You now had a long walk to the very edge of town, where the stalks of corn loomed like a pale forest all its own.

"It's taller than I thought it'd be." you murmured. Eyes glued to the corn field, a hand reaching to push aside a few stalks.

Across the gravel road, the fields shifted lightly, rustling. Your skin prickled, and a shiver shook your spin. You check the tree top to find them dancing in the breeze.

"Wind, stop freaking yourself out." you cold yourself. "Let's just get this over with. If he's not here, you go home." you sighed, venturing into the fields.

"Two rules, don't get lost or caught trespassing." you remind yourself, clicking on your light.

Moments after pushing through the thick sea of corn, you came upon trampled ground.

You moved along carefully, but the ground was oddly uneven, sinking every so slightly. Though there was no sign of mud.

Stalks were snapped and folded down and pressed deep into the earth.

Lost in your concentration, you are left unaware of the shifting of corn at your side. Carefully creeping behind you.

Deep into the fields now, you'd lost the trail.

"Damn it." you hiss. Dirt and dust kick up as you turn about, you try to retrace your steps, "just go back, you missed something."

A tin, piercing screech jolts your body, your head turns left and right as you hold your flashlight up as a weapon.

Though, after a beat, nothing happens. Your fight instinct is left disappointed, and you try to calm your racing heart.

"What was that-"

"arhowh!"

Looking down at your feet with mouth slack, you spot a bristled Toad.

She howled at you yet again, her thin patchy curls stood straight while she backed up against you. Her back arched high.

That was never a good sign, bending down, you scooped her into your arms and held her firmly. Your gaze drawn to the direction she faced her fury.

You slowly move backwards, trying to put distance between the two of you and whatever might have given her a fright.

"She isn't afraid of Eddie, so, what's out there? She hates dogs. A guard dog maybe?" your thoughts buzz in your brain.

Though they are muted swiftly but the solid wall at your back.

Your ears tingle at the low growl above you, the guttural rumble bellowed from deep within its core. You held tight to Toad, though she seemed oddly calm, while you cast your shaky gaze up to meet a family face with foreign eyes.

Eddie's eyes capped in white shimmered under the half moon like pearls in the sun. But he didn't acknowledge your presence, his gaze fixed on the disturbance in the corn ahead of you.

"What's going on with your-"

He released another deep growl that rose into a shrill bellow. Eddie's lips parted, and out from them bloomed a warped flower. Flaring to show rows of needled teeth.

You nearly crushed Toad to you, and while your fear spiked into a weight you should feel settle into your limbs, she was calm still.

Another bellow answered Eddie's roar. Whirling about on wobbling knees you gasp at the faceless creature, it sported twice as much muscle as Eddie while they matched in size.

"Oh," you gasp, sucking air into your terror crushed lungs. "My god."

You hit the dirt, flung to the side as Eddie bounded forward. He and the other monster, colliding with audible force.

Gurgled snarls and flapped snaps sounded in the night. Your eyes couldn't focus fast enough to follow the fight. Whimpers and growls broke between the odd hollow yowl.

"They look similar, why aren't they friends?" You thought, feeling the blood your teeth had drawn from your tongue.

"Because they're probably fighting over their food." said the little voice in the back of your head.

"But if that were true, he would have snatched me up and ran. It would be easier than a fight." you muttered, hugging Toad.

With a sound like screeching tires coming from his throat, Eddie is flung. You watch breathlessly as his large body flew over your head, landing into the fields with a dull thud. Dirt and broke stalks fly into the air.

"Eddie!" you called out, getting to your feet with your cat. Toad now digging her claws into your skin.

As you ran for Eddie, the second monster made chase.

"I can't bring this thing back to him if it's just gonna kick his ass!" you thought, changing your course into a new direction.

"Please go to the road!" you panted.

Though, as with how the night was going, you were faced with trees.

"fu-"

Beating and whooshing assaulted your ears. Wind kicked up dust and fallen foliage around you. A quick pain clamped into your shoulders, liquid seeping from around the talons hook into your flesh.

Your scream is strangled in your throat, knotted into silence as you find yourself torn from the ground below you. Rising higher into the air at concerning speeds.

Daring to look above you, you find Eddie, his haunting eyes snarling at the creature below you.

"That's right, It doesn't have your wings." you murmur.

But did this mean you were, in fact, food?

You winced at the tearing pain in your shoulders. Eddie growled one last time before rising further into the sky, taking you and Toad with him.

Holding to Toad firmly, you watched the long drop below you. Unable to decided which was worse, death by tree impalement or as a monster's meal.

Looking up at Eddie, you watched him glance down at you. His eyes seemingly honed in on the blood soaking the fabric of your shirt. He licked his lips in the way a wolf licks its maw after a meal.

"E-eddie?" you stammered.

"It's um, thanks, that was an n-nice save back there bud!" your words chirp out. Maybe you could convince him, remind him you're a friend.

"The shop is the other way, though."

He snarled at you, and your mouth snapped shut.

"Ok, ok. shutting up." you whispered.

"Ah!" you land with pain searing through your shoulder, rocks lodging in a few of the deep, narrow tears.

Scooting away from Eddie as he crawled towards you on all fours. One of your arms cradled Toad while the other aided your escape. Your fingertips dip into freeze water.

Glancing over your shoulder, you take in the small pool of water. You gaze, following the cliff behind it upwards.

You gulped, far below the topside.

In your mind you could recall your map, "this might be the quarry." you thought.

"It would be a good place for a den of sorts."

You broke your thoughts, Eddie was much closer now. His shadow hovering above you, blotting out the light of the moon. He opened his mouth wide, revealing four sets of fangs.

It was only now you'd spotted the dried blood around his lips, crusting his cheeks.

"I'm not food! We, we're roommates! Um...sort of!" you cry out.

You can hear your heartbeat in your ears and feel it in your fingertips as you back away, water soaking into your pants. You'd crawl right into the water if you had to.

Glaring at Eddie, you stopped, "I helped you. Right?" you tried to reason with the wildness in his eyes. Once fixed on your wounds with a primal hunger, they flickered to look at your face.

"So you helped me. I am. Not. Food. Damn it!" your words flow out demandingly.

Eddie's uncanny movement with the tilt of his head was worrying. It was everything horror movies had taught.

But in his eyes, you did not see the same soul you'd seen when you'd first met him. He wasn't a part of himself at this moment. It was much like looking into a picture rather than the physical person.

"This isn't you." you breathed in realization.

"It's some, 'on the night of the full moon' or 'bloodlust' bullshit." you uttered, looking up at him.

Your eyes, however, get sucked in by the deep claw marks near his ribs. The monster had cut into old scar tissue from healed wounds. Without thought, you find yourself reaching forward.

Your fingertips graze the wound past the torn toga, tipping in thick blood, before you press your palm against them.

Eddie froze, the pearlescent cap over this eyes fading away slowly. He flinched, though not at the pain.

"____?" he questioned quietly. Voice hardly a whisper as it trembled.

He sat back, and examined his hands and feet, both coated in two types of blood.

Unable to find words, you focus on the water glistening in his eyes.

"I didn't-"

You shook your head, "no, but if we're honest, you might have." you answered.

Eddie backed away, "you should run." he warned, a hand clutching her stomach. "I didn't feed enough, it won't be long before things get bad again."

"Feed? Blood?" you questioned.

Eddie shook his head, hair falling into his face, unable to look you in the eye.

"No." his words held an ache of shame in them.

You give your dry lips a lick and try to speak steadily, "Take me home. I have meat at home. Raw in the shop freezer."

He continued to hang his head. "If you can still walk, you should-"

"You just fucked up my shoulders, I hauled my ass on foot out here to find you. You're taking me home." you fought. Words not of anger but fear, If you couldn't get him to come back - something in your gut told you he'd never be seen again.

"That look on Lucas' face when it was you. The way he talked about this friend Dustin and your uncle. They need you." you thought.

"You can fight whatever is happening. You can, you didn't feed the night before, right?" you said.

Eddie frowned, "I was exhausted, that's all." he said.

"And you're not now? You tussled with that, that thing. It threw you around like a pillowcase. You should be." You pressed.

Eddie dug his claws into the dirt, his body trembling.

"You don't want to be given up on. Because if you did, you'd be the one to leave."

With your words, he crawled towards you, pressing his forehead to your shoulder.

You finally released Toad, wrapping Eddie's head in your arms, and the act cause his tears to spill over, splashing against your shirt. His tail wrapping around you.

"This is why I hid." he croaked.

"It could have been Wayne, it could have been Dustin, the guys. And I'd-" Eddie rambled in a hoarse whisper. His words faded into a loud sob. "I didn't ask to be this way."

You batted your eyes to fight the salty sting, they were words you'd heard before. Words that cracked something inside at the memory of the sweetest smile you knew, filled with agony.

The memory of a goodbye you'd only recognized when it was too late.

"Eddie, take me back." you spoke quietly.

You stroked his hair comfortingly. "Lucas is coming in the morning and the sun will be up soon. If we go now, no one will see you on the way back." you reason.

Eddie pulled his head away and peered up at you.

His eye searched your face, were you serious? You meant it?

"I'm cold, and we need to do something about these wounds." you said.

He nodded slowly, and got to his feet, lifting his arms the wings beneath them flared and Eddie took to the sky.

You hugged Toad once again and awaited the pain to return to your shoulders. Though this time, Eddie's talon curled gently into them, leaving the skin unbroken.

He took to the sky with you, sharing the same care a gator might while carrying its young in its mouth.

"You were one thousand percent dinner." you thought to yourself at the stark change. Opting to look at the ground below you rather than focus on the terror you'd faced.

Up in your studio, Eddie watched you from a distance, quietly devouring the meat you'd taken out of the shop freezers. It wasn't what his body needed, but maybe it would be enough to help him fight the monster inside.

Toad excused herself long ago to lay on your bed as you patched Eddie and yourself up as best you could. You'd finished wrapping your shoulder and sighed.

Your nerves finally decided to relax.

Eddie finished the last of his meat and stared at his claws, he'd washed them clean as well as the talons of his feet. He couldn't shake the thought, "there's another one out there."

He'd thought the creatures of that place had been run off after the battle.

"But you weren't here for any of that, so you don't know for sure. Some might have survived. You did, didn't you..." he murmured to himself.

"What was that?" you asked him.

Eddie looked up in surprise, "I didn't you could hear me." he confessed.

Setting down your medical supplies, you went to him carefully, "wait, you're saying that the rumors about this town. They aren't just rumors?" you asked him.

Eddie stared at you with a level gaze, his expression leaving his face. "You've seen me. Is it hard to believe?" He asked back.

You sat at his feet from where he sat on the sofa. Looking at his face, into his eyes. Your own eyes narrow slightly, "What happened to you?" you asked him.

Eddie met your gaze, "I tried to be something I knew I wasn't and became everything they all thought I was." he said.

You exhaled, "what does that have to do with, with the bombs and chemical warfare?" you asked.

A large question mark took over Eddie's face. "T-that's not what happened." he said, anger taking over his features, "if that what's been said?" he asked.

"Yeah, the town was evacuated when the fallout floated into it and the military moved in to neutralize-"

Eddie growled, "No!" he shouted.

"Innocent people died because of, Venca! All that shit behind those gates. Someone should have made that public!" he raged.

"Wheeler wouldn't have let it slide....not without a reason..." he then whispered.

You blinked several times, "Vecna?" you asked carefully. "That sounds like a new flu."

"That would have been easier." Eddie muttered.

"So then, what really happened?"

"That would take all night," he sighed.

"Uh, I'm not sleeping after tonight anyway. I've got time, and I'm not going to be lost when 'everyone' shows up tomorrow." you pressed.

When the sun finally took to the sky, the studio was left in silence. Eddie was all too happy to let you stew on the story he'd told. It was clear in your eyes there was a lot to take in, and in his eyes you could see the recounting made him weary.

You watched the cream swirl into your drink, steam rising to caress your nose.

"Jesus...I suddenly regret not believing dad. If all this could be true, there's no telling what else in this world is." you thought.

"Are you alright?" Eddie called out to you, watching as you spaced out.

"I should be asking you the same thing. I'm not the one who went through a whole sci-fi saga in a handful of days, then for years ever after." you murmured.

Your brows knitted together. "What are we going to do about your, eh, hunting episodes?" you questioned.

Eddie shrugged, "Hell if I know. Last night I tried leaving as far away from town as I could. That's what I've done for years. But it's getting harder to stay lucid enough to manage that."

He then looked down at his claws, "If that thing hadn't showed up, I probably would have gone to the farms to find....someone." he confessed.

You shuddered, eyes falling on the worn necklace chain around his neck.

"Hey, can I see that?" you questioned, running your hand along your neck.

Eddie peered down at his chain, wordlessly he reached back and tried to unclasp it. It was a struggle, and there was no way it was happening on his own.

Under different circumstances, you would have laughed.

Going to him, you shifted his hair and offered to help.

"Maybe we should file those claws down a little, to make it easier for you to maneuver." you said.

"I tried," he sighed, "on trees, rocks, metal they're super tough."

Slipping the chain from around his neck you examined it, "it might work or at least give us a warning." you muttered.

Eddie watched you perplex as you wandered off behind your divider.

Once again, you dug into your trunk. A soft tinkle chiming from the bottom as you shifted its contents. "Come on, I hear you." you whispered, continuing to dig.

Finally, you felt the cool metal surface, your mind vividly imagining the silver little object.

Sitting back, you slipped the musical ball onto Eddie's necklace and held it up with a hint of a smile.

It jingled as you returned to him, holding it up.

"A bell?" he asked.

"Before you say it, I'm not nuts. This is a good idea for now, if you let me explain." you rushed.

Eddie remained silent.

"I used this bell when potty training Toad. She was feral when I adopted her and pissed indoors all the time. My brain is trained to wake up when I hear this thing." you explained.

"So when I try to leave in the night,"

"I can wake up and try to get you to calm down or try to get you something that will help your um...your midnight munchies." you said.

Eddie shifted his hair and leaned forward, "I'll try it." he said.

You smiled and quickly went to help him place the belled necklace back on.

When you were done, you stepped away and Eddie glanced up at you. "I owe you one," he said. "Or like forty."

Reaching out his hand, he stopped short of touching your shoulder, his claws twitched, and he drew his hand back.

You stopped him, letting your fingers take hold of his hand, you brought it to your shoulder and pressed his palm to it.

"You can only hurt me, hurt people, if you will it. You have to stop being afraid of yourself." you spoke with solid words. He could not look at you.

"You've seen what I can do."

"Yeah, I saw you stop." You pressed her palm closer.

"You have to trust yourself, you didn't hurt me on the way back here. You knew better than you did when whatever happened, happened."

Eddie gazed at the floor and you sighed heavily.

"Whatever is going on, no matter if you want it or not - and I know it has to feel so strange," you released his hand and stooped to meet his eyes.

"It's your body, It's the thing that houses who you are. You have the ability to decide how it moves, for now. It might feel alien to you, but you can tame that, work with that, learn how to make it feel more like you." you reasoned.

Eddie watched you intently, he flexed his fingers.

"It won't be easy, but you'll need to try. You don't want to give up. You want your life back, your friends. They're coming to see you, which means they want you back, too. Your biggest hurdle in that will be yourself."

Eddie blinked away the onslaught of tears that threatened to roll past his eyelashes. Chucking softly as he did so.

"Yoda, for sure." he laughed quietly.

You smiled and narrowed your eyes a bit, "I just got you back inside, you are already aiming to get put out?" you teased.

Eddie shook his head and looked up at you, something hopeful in the reflection of his eyes.

"I'd like to stay." he said, it fell from his mouth like prayer.

"Then don't call me Yoda." you hummed, turning to head for the kitchen.

"We're all going to need comfort food by the end of this reunion of a meet up." you added.

⇠Part 1 | Part 3 | Next⇢

[sofiiel]

Cryptid!Eddie x Reader | PART SIX

⇠ Part 1 | Part 5 | Next ⇢

Warnings: None that I can *think* of. Proofread from phone :') I'm still waiting on my new glasses, so I probably missed more than usual. I am sorry.

A/n: there will be a short for this chapter eventually explaining what happened when Eddie snuck out. Just for the POV change.

Eddie climbed back into the window and was greeted with the clearing of your throat and the unamused "Mrow" of Toad.

You clap your hands to turn the lights on in shock Eddie lost his footing falling flat onto the carpet, his blanket safely tucked under his arm.

You watched him lay there, eyes shut tight and face burning red.

"I heard your bell when you left, you know." You mutter flatly.

Getting up, you go over to him and cross your arms. "You can give me a heads-up if you're going out, just let me know ifs not because you've gone into 'munch crunch' mode." you sighed.

Eddie peeked up at you with one eye, "Noted, sorry. You were just sleeping so good." he said.

Sitting up and crossing his legs, Eddie looked down at the blanket in his lap. He petted it with satisfaction.

"I left this...." He said, fighting the smile on this face.

The air is pushed from your lungs as you glance down to find the old worm blanket. You are unable to fight your smile and exhale in defeat.

Eddie looked up at you with a sheepish grin.

"Your tail is hanging out the window still, by the way." you murmur, heading back to bed and clapping off the lights.

The next morning, you've got a pen lock between your teeth as you look over the many orders you've scrawled down on a note paper. It was the largest to-go order you'd received in your life.

Lucas came bouncing in through the door on his lunch break.

"I dropped off the goodie-basket at Wayne's." He said with a chuckle.

"Oh, how'd that go?" you asked.

He gave a shrug, "He didn't know what to make of it. I think he's assume it's still Dustin's mom."

You smiled a bit, "Wait til he finds out who's really having them sent." you said, glancing up towards the ceiling.

"Hey, ____ if you want to go check on things, I can cover for your lunch break now." Robin offered.

"Thanks, I'll be right back." you hummed, heading for the lift.

Eddie stood in the center of the living room, frowning at his flooded pants. Visibly sulking.

"They're a little short." You commented.

"A little? They might as well BE shorts..." He muttered.

With one leg, he lifted a foot and used its talons to scratch at his ankle.

"Stop that!" you called out.

"Huh? Oh!" Eddie gasped, placing his foot back on the floor.

He looked down at the torn bandages, "sorry, it itches like a bitch." he muttered.

You sighed, "I came to see how the clothes that Steve brought you fit and if you were hungry."

Eddie walked to his place on the sofa and threw his blanket over his head. Snatching up the remote and a jar of peanuts, Gareth brought him.

He held a contented smile, "I'm just fine." he said.

"Well, Jeff told me you like DnD, There's paper in the old trunk at the foot of my bed. You can get it out from there if you'd like." You mention.

Eddie's eyes sparkled, "Wait, why would I need paper?" he asked, but he could already feel the answer.

"For a campaign, I told them you could host one down in the shop. Providing all the curtains remain drawn and doors are locked."

Eddie beamed and opened his mouth, but you instantly pointed at him.

"If you call me-"

Eddie laughed, "I wasn't, I was going to say you're like a patron god. I'm just wondering when I'll need to hold up my half of the deal."

"Patron what?" you asked.

"It's a Dnd th- never mind. Just, thanks....again." He said.

"Mhmm, I've getting free labor out of it so," you teased, offering a few scratches to Toad before heading into your kitchen to make a lunch.

Eddie eyeballed you.

"I thought you weren't hungry?" you asked.

"You didn't say anything about sandwiches." he spoke quickly.

You held up the head of lettuce, "Alright, I'll make you one, but you have to chop this"

Eddie smirked a flexed his claws, "easy." he said, chest a little puffed.

You laughed softly at the amount of pride that dripped from his voice. "You cut a few apples, and you're king of the world?" you asked while Eddie washed hi hands.

He smiled down into the sink, of which his hands barely fit, "You don't know how long I've been useless for anything besides killing things." he said.

There was a moment when his voice fell quiet, Eddie watching the water run across his skin.

Unable to take the melancholy on his face, you gently bumped your shoulder into his side, causing Eddie to sway.

His eyes flickered to you, "Do you think I'll be able to pick up the guitar again. Like, honestly?" He asked, the question laced with a sort of fear.

"Music is important to you, isn't it?" You asked him.

Eddie gave a shaken smile, "You have no idea."

"Then, yes. I do. Something tell's me you're... ah, very headstrong." you tell him.

Eddie chuckled and took the lettuce from your hands, by stabbing a claw into it. "You mean hardheaded." he laughed.

"My way sounds more flattering. Don't you think?"

"It does. You know, If you're right. When I finally take the stage again. I'll play you a song." said Eddie.

"Hold on, I don't even know if you're any good!" you teased.

Eddie froze, "We're the best." he shot without a second, missed.

You stuck out your tongue, "You'll have to prove it."

With ____ back downstairs at work, Eddie decided to see if he could find the paper in the trunk.

Though, he wasn't one hundred percent sure on how he was going to handle a pen.

"Face that battle when it gets here." he told himself, opening the trunk and diving in.

It was jammed packed full of random items.

"It's a wonder ____ can find anything in here." He muttered, diving in deeper. Betting that a paper was crumpled to hell and back.

If the objects inside hand't looked so well taken care of, he might have considered this something of a junk drawer.

Finally, Eddie could see the paper, surprisingly uncrumpled. But on top of it, rested a clay sculpture. It wasn't very good, in fact if it hadn't been for the smiling faces carved in, it would have been lost that if was two people.

Next to it, a ring of faded silver topped with a colorful stone.

Eddie tried to take just the paper, though the two strange object kept drawing his gaze. He felt like a magpie asked to ignore a glittering trinket.

Taking up the paper, Eddie went to close the trunk.

"Those little faces are looking at you." he muttered.

"____ said you could go in the trunk, can't be bad if I just take a closer look." Eddie thought, dropping the paper on the ground and digging back in.

Eddie slipped the ring onto his claw and wrapped his tail around the sculpture.

"Trust you more than my own hands." he said to his tail, before taking his paper and going back to the sofa.

Eddie settled down comfortably and turned over the Sculpture, taking care to hold it over his lap in case his hands decided to drop it.

Underneath the chipped green paint of the sculpture base, names were carved in. the worn jagged grooves spelling out "From Elias for ____."

"Your brother made this for you..." Eddie murmured to ____.

He suddenly felt as if he'd violated some sacred thing just by holding it within in claws.

Eddie examined the sculpture carefully, one of the figures looked as if the artist had no desire to shape it, while the other showed some effort.

He frowned, "He didn't care very much about himself, did he? But you did." Eddie thought.

From the corner of is eye, Eddie noticed the colorful stone in the ring slowly change color around his claw.

"Oh" two voices sighed in surprise.

Eddie glanced up quickly, hugging the sculpture to his body to ensure it wouldn't fall as he jumped.

Your eyes lingered on the stone, even from a distance you could spot the colors turning slowly, undecided in its emotions.

"You found Elias' sculpture." you said, going to join Eddie on the sofa.

He studied your reaction, "um...sorry if I wasn't supposed to, well, you know." Eddie said.

"No, it's fine, I have lots of them. Elias liked to making things." you shrugged.

Reaching out, you let your finger tap the stone on the ring.

"I don't think this works very well." Eddie stated, "though it's not exactly on my finger."

"It works, there's just no color to match what you're feeling." you explained, letting your eyes wander up to meet his.

"They don't have a color for when you're sad."

Eddie inhaled, his lips parting slightly, unable to admit or deny if he was or not. His eyes simply slipped back to the sculpture.

"If it's for either Elias or me, you shouldn't be. He did what would make him happy, and he left me his lifetime of mementos and memories." You managed with a smile.

Eddie looked at you, quiet, for a long time before his large hand plopped on top of your head. His claws curled down over your forehead, the tips visible as you peered upward.

A wide smirk spread across your face and your eyes narrowed, quite pleased, moving to look at Eddie.

"W-why are you looking at me like that?" He questioned.

"That level of smug is....terrifying." Eddie muttered.

"Do I tell him? Do I let him know?" you questioned yourself inwardly.

For the second time, he'd allowed himself to touch someone without pause or instant dread. Once with his bandmates and just now.

"It'd ruin it. If you say something, he will be aware of it." you tell yourself.

"No reason." you answered briskly.

Eddie tilted his head, "oh there's a reason, there has to be." He pushed.

It was hard not to grin, he'd never realize he was his own answer.

"Anyway, I came because we're out of receipt paper and I need to get to my trunk to get a fresh roll." you said.

Eddie's eyes narrowed his time, "Nice try, don't change the- hey wait!" He stood up to make chase as he got up, slipped out from under his hand and walked away.

Pausing in his steps, Eddie concentrated on setting down your brother's items with care, then scurrying off after you. Earning himself a lazy swipe from Toad's paw in passing.

The end of the day was welcomed with the relaxed company of Eddie's friends, gathered down in the shop. The settled into the chair surrounding the fire.

Eddie falling right into place as if he'd forgotten what he'd become, if only for a moment.

You returned with a tray full of warm drinks, setting them down and going to leave the little party to themselves.

Eddie watched you head for the front door, pulling on your coat and gathering your keys. He fought the urge to frown and failed.

"Where are you going?" he called out to you, peering around Jeff.

"I'm just leaving you guys to it," you said, pulling a small envelope out of your coat pocket. "I need to mail this out as well. I won't be long."

"You don't have to leave." Eddie spoke quickly.

Gareth, Jeff and Grant glanced at each other.

"Right? Come join us! This is your place." Jeff laughed.

You smiled as Gareth moved over to make room for you.

"Thanks, but really, I need to get this out. Otherwise, I'll forget." you said.

Eddie heaved a sulking sigh, "ok." he said, fidgeting with his fingers as he cast nervous eyes towards the guys.

"We'll stay until ____, gets back. Don't look so scared, man." Gareth teased.

Eddie's expression fell into an intense stare, "That thing is still out there." He warned you.

"Oh, I am well aware. But what are the odds it ventures this far into town?" You asked.

"I did." Eddie answered.

"You two are hardly the same, that thing had nothing human left about it." you reasoned.

"Maybe it did once, what you should say is-"

Your insistent smile cut Eddie's words off, "I'll keep an eye out." you said.

"I'll walk with them there." Grant offered.

"Not that I am any good against monsters, but I think ____ is right. You're worrying over nothing. I need to head home and check on the munchkin's anyway." He added.

"See, now it's two again one." You chimed. You flashed Grant a thankful smile as he took up his keys and jacket.

"This way you don't have to walk either." Grant said.

The boys bid their goodbyes to Grant and the two of you stepped out the door.

The car side was quiet, Grant was shier than you'd expected compared with how he acted around his friends.

But the music from the CD he'd popped in kept you well enough company, as did the streetlights.

"Thank you for what you're doing for Eddie." He finally spoke up.

"If we could have we would have taken him in but. I have kids, I hate to say it, but he'd scare them half to death." said Grant.

"Jeff and Gareth room together but the landlords, strict, wouldn't let them so much a keep a pet snake. Hiding Eddie would be hard." he continued with a sigh, "and Eddie's still too scared to show himself to Wayne..."

You gave a nod, "You don't have to thank me. I didn't have any friends here, or family. Eddie's a bit of a riot. It's less lonely. And Now I've got extra help around the shop after hours." You said.

"Well, I've only ever seen him let down his guard this much with Wayne." Grant chuckled

"You can feel pretty safe with anyone crazy enough to welcome the thing that goes bump in the night into their home."

"Yeah, he thinks you're nuts." Grant laughed.

"He makes that known as much as possible, I see."

"Eddie also is clearly impressed. You might be crazy, but that takes guts." said Grant.

"Well, a life knee-deep in a government family finally came in handy." you murmured, glancing down at the envelope in your lap.

"Sorry, what was that?" Grant asked.

"Oh, nothing," you hummed.

The car came to a stop before the delivery box outside the post office. You rolled down the window and slipped the envelope inside.

"Thanks for this." You said to Grant.

"Anytime."

By the time the guys left, they'd worn Eddie out. It'd been a long time since he'd had so much social interaction. You shook your head at him as he slept on the sofa, one legs dangling off, his blanket hooked into his elbow.

"Clonked right out in the middle of talking." you giggled inwardly.

Quietly, you try your best not to disturb him when you slip the blanket away. Shaking it open to cover him up.

While pulling the blanket over his shoulders, Eddie's eyes fluttered open. Clouded a milky white that sent shivers across your body.

"That's not good." you thought, afraid to move.

Eddie's gaze fixed not on you but through you. As you stood stunned, his tail snuck around your waist, drawing a cry out of you when it lifted your frame into the air.

"This shouldn't be possible!" you shouted, gripping his tail.

"Eddie wake up!"

Yet, he simply closed his eyes and turned over, snuggling into his pillow.

"No, Eddie! Damn it!" you shouted, ducking to keep your head from hitting the ceiling.

Toad's head swayed as she followed your movements, watching you bob about in the air. Her eyes large, unsure of what was going on. Were the two of you playing? Because it certainly did not look like fun.

"T-Toad, wake him up!" you called.

Eddie began to murmur and you fell silent.

"We're making it out...... together. I won't....not this time."

"A memory? Or a dream?" You mutter. Giving up the struggle, you hope that he will continue.

Though, you're left with the breeze through the window and the distant chirp of crickets.

Without warning, Eddie slung his tail. You fold your arms over your head to stop the impact of the ceiling.

"Wait!" Eddie called out.

"My thoughts exactly! Eddie, Wake up!" You shouted, being trashed about.

"You're home! Sleeping, safe and sound. Remember? Your band visited today!"

Slowly Eddie began to lower you, as you drop to the floor the room spun if only a little. Feeling as though you'd just stepped off a boat.

You propped yourself against the coffee table with a groan.

"Holy shit, how many muscles are in that tail?" you thought, watching as it curled around him.

Eddie'd finally settled back to sleep.

Getting up after taking time to recover, you retreat to your bed, pulling out a notebook. You pencil down the date, what you'd heard of his dream and his reactions to it.

"If I collect these for a few days, Eddie and the Others can try to piece together what happened to him." you reasoned with yourself.

"Though I will need to be more care from here on." you sighed, rubbing your neck. As if your shoulder pain wasn't enough.

A week went by faster than you would have thought. The morning routine unfolding as it had for the past several days. You woke up first, Eddie'd set the hot water kettle before nodding off and cocooning into his favorite worn blanket.

Which left you to throw together breakfast before the start of your day. You'd watch cartoons and then head down to work.

However, this morning as you flipped on the TV, you nearly spit out your morning beverage. Nearly, instead, the piping hot drink gulped down and scorched your throat.

"EDDIE!" you yelped, voice raspy, rushing towards the screen.

It was only a silhouette, but it was an unmistakable one.

Eddie turned over, his back facing the rest of the room, murmuring in his sleep, "I rolled a twelve...that's bullshit."

Your mouth fell open, the newscaster's voice sounding like static through your astonished ears. Your eyes following the shadow in the grainy video.

"Eddie, wake up! Right. Now."

He groaned and rolled over, rubbing the sleep from his eyes. "Where's the fire?" he asked through a yawn, his six fangs glinting in the sunlight through the window.

You point to the screen, stepping out of his way to give him a clear view.

"Look familiar?" you asked.

Eddie blinked, his eyes shifting between the shadow and the thing it carried in its talons.

"Is that-"

"Uh huh, you and your blankie." You said quickly, "you and your blankie! Eddie!"

"Do you have to call it that?" Eddie murmured, face flush.

"Also, no one will believe that, the video's all fuzzy. Besides, I thought it was late enough..." He muttered.

You turn to face the TV once more, biting lightly on your knuckle.

"Someone will. After all, somebody said the same thing about Big Foot, Mothman, Nessie, Chupacabras, Baba Yaga, aliens..." You counted on your fingers, "and people hunt for them in droves."

Eddie sat up slowly, his elbows resting on his thighs, "yeah, but Halloween is a month away. They'll chalk it up to some pranksters having fun." he reasoned.

You watched as the footage replayed over and over. The newscasters giggled amongst each other. But that did little for the sour feeling in your gut.

"Maybe..." you murmured.

"It took this long for someone to show it, right? It was probably hard for them to find a channel willing to." Eddie said.

Something scrapped across your shoulder, your body pushed forward slightly. Eddie chuckled, his eyes crinkling into an apologetic smile while he peered down at you.

"Sorry, um tripped." he admitted, looking down at his toes.

"Don't worry so much, we're being careful. If I've made it this long, I'm good." Eddie said.

"But you've relaxed. Yes, that's a good thing, but it means you're not on your toes as much." you thought, watching him reach into the linen cabinet and pull free a towel.

"I call first dibs." He whistled, closing the bathroom door behind him.

The shop door chimed and in strolled, what was becoming a familiar face.

"Hello, Mr.Munson. The usual?" You asked.

He offered you a small, tired smile as he nodded. "Am I still getting those baskets?" he questioned.

"Yep, I set it on the table near the fireplace. It rained this morning, seems it got colder. Warm yourself up a bit before heading into work." You offered.

"Hey, Wayne!" Lucas called happily, passing the man his sports paper.

From the counter, you lingered as observed Eddie's uncle. The poor man just seemed permanently exhausted.

"It's been a week, Eddie seems stable enough to be able to meet up with the man. I don't see the harm if it's early and not at night." You thought, making your way back to the kitchen.

"Then again, he works nights so, he'll be asleep in the morning...and Eddie likely will too. Go figure they'd both be nocturnal." you sighed.

"Still worrying over Wayne?" Robin asked.

"Eddie's got stories about Wayne for days. He'll be ruined if something happens to him, or he falls ill again before He gets the chance to see him face to face." you said.

"Ask Eddie if he's up to trying." Robin shrugged.

"I might have one of the guys bring it up to him. Honestly? I'm not entirely sure it's my place to push to hard. He's doing better now with all of you." You sighed.

"While that might be true. You and I both know he'd be over the moon if he could see his uncle face to face again." she said.

"Are you kidding, He'd be crying, Wayne'd be crying and all of us eavesdropping? We would be crying." Lucas spoke as he made his way through the kitchens.

"We have an order for that orange smoothie thing." he added.

"Oooh the Jack-o-lantern mango smoothie? I've got it, that's a fun one." Robin said, hurrying off towards the blinder.

"You just like showing off with the shaker!" Lucas called after her.

You shook your head, "I'm going to see how Mr. Wayne is doing." you said.

"You know I've seen some of everything the years I spent truckin" Wayne murmured with a shake of his head. He'd heard you draw nearer.

Tired or not, the old man was sharp.

"You were a trucker?" You asked him pulling up a chair.

"For ten years jus' about." he said with some pride. In his eyes, you could tell he had fun doing it. It was the same glint Eddie got when he mentioned anything he was particularly fond of.

Wayne held out his paper, showing a grayscale image of the footage shown on TV that morning.

"Nobody will believe it, he said. Pranksters, he said." you thought with a roll of your eyes.

"Folk shouldn't just laugh these things off. Halloween today s'based off a sacred holiday. All legends can't be false. The thing people forget about f tales is that there's always some truth in 'em." Wayne reasoned.

"But a winged, tailed man?" You questioned in a jittered chuckle.

Wayne fixed his gaze on you, and you knew you'd failed at being convincing.

"You believe in it." He said, turning back to the paper.

"Knew a guy, said he spotted a creature one night. He'd pulled over after nearly sixteen hours of drivin' none stop. In the pitch black, in the middle of nowhere. Sure, he wasn't the most honest man I'd ever known, but." Wayne's voice fell into a gravely, deep lull, and you found yourself leaning in like a child around the campfire.

"The fear that took over his face, six foot five giant of a man that he was, while he explained what it was he saw." Wayne nodded to you.

"A person's eyes can tell you everything. Some things you see, they dig in deep and they stay there. When he said he saw a seven-foot faceless critter, not man or beast. You could only believe 'im. If only for that look in his eyes."

You sat in silence, blinking several times.

"But this is Hawkins, and lord knows we got enough idiot kids bored enough to pull something like this." Wayne grunted, rolling up his paper.

You shook yourself away from the memory of the Monster you'd come in contact with in the cornfields.

Your eyes followed Wayne as he stood and collected his basket.

"You have a good one." He said leaving a tip on the side table.

Your mouth struggled to make words, fighting between blurting out that you knew where his nephew was, and that you did in fact believe the new story.

Wayne held open the door for the young lady who'd ordered the Jack-o-lantern mango smoothie, and you called to him just before he could step out the door himself.

"Mr. Munson!"

He paused, looking over his shoulder.

Robin shot you a warning glance.

"right, not yet." you thought, swallowing back the urge to come clean.

"You be careful getting home for early in the morning. You're right about this time of year. You know." You said.

He smiled at you, "well shoot, didn't mean to scare you. You take care now." with that, Wayne stepped out the shop.

Exhaling, you looked to Robin.

"What was all that about?" She asked you.

"Haven't you seen the-"

"Where is he! Where is he, I'm gonna kill him for real!"

A voice boomed in a strained, choked up shout.

You jumped as the front door slammed.

"Dustin?" Lucas questioned, rushing out of the kitchen armed with a pan.

"Lucas!" Dustin called. "Where's the idiot! I demand to see him!" he shouted.

"Henderson?" You asked carefully.

Dustin turned to you, simmering down, his face slacking a little as he looked you over. Trying to figure out if he'd known you.

"You don't know them, that's ____." Robin explained.

Lucas rushed to the door, flipping the sign for "Open" to "Closed" before locking up.

"How was your visit with-"

"Shhh!" Dustin hushed, "don't change the subject. Where is he?" He asked again.

The Lift dinged, and the doors opened.

"Jesus, Dustin, they could hear you on Mars." Eddie spoke. His words carrying more confidence than they had been while revealing himself to the band.

"I think you've been rehearsing what this day would be like." You thought, watching over the scene.

"Eddie?" Dustin questioned quietly, arms falling to his side.

"Well, you listen well enough, haven't changed a bit - hairs a little longer." Eddie commented. Trying his best to crack a half smile.

Though, that smile vanished as the twenty something-year-old rushed forward like the freshman he once was and latched his arms around Eddie.

"You son of a bitch!" Dustin muffled face buried in the hug.

Eddie chuckled and returned the hug, batting away the water in his eyes. "You're still short, man." He teased.

"You son of a bitch..." Dustin repeated.

"Shut up or going to make me cry too, Henderson." Eddie warned.

"Um, it's kind of too late for that." Robin said.

Dustin stepped back, "You're...you're part demobat..." he exhaled, looking Eddie over.

"Tail and everything!" he nearly shouted.

"Be careful, that tail is dangerous." You jumped in.

Eddie blushed, "That was an accident, I was sleeping." He said in his own defense.

"You nearly flung ____ into the ceiling." said Lucas.

"Dustin, ____. ____, Dustin." Eddie introduced.

"So you're the one who found him?" Dustin asked you.

You simply nodded, "well that's currently in debate, I say it's like we ran into each other."

"Doesn't matter, you just stepped into a whole world of shit." Dustin said quickly.

"Wasn't expecting that reaction..." you thought.

"Has anyone told El?" Dustin asked.

Lucas and Robin simply shook their heads.

"Hopper?" Dustin tried again.

"He's on vacation with Joyce, Vow renewals and all that." said Lucas.

Dustin deflated, "So?" he lulled expectantly.

"We have us here, the band, Steve and... Mr. Clarke's working on guitar strings for Eddie." Robin replied.

"But he doesn't know they're for Eddie, or monster Eddie." Lucas added.

Dustin's dead pan stare said more than he could voice.

"Um, we might have Nancy and Erica soon." Lucas peeped.

"You're lucky I'm back early." Dustin sighed.

Taglist:

@bibieddiesgf @eddiesgirlforever @ilovetaquitosmmmm @cherrycolas-things @fan-girl-97 @obsessivelycraftygothfandomwitch

I think that was everybody who asked? I'm sorry if I missed you - shout at me, I'll fix it next chapter.

⇠ Part 1 | Part 5 | Next ⇢

[sofiiel]

Cryptid!Eddie x Reader | PART SEVEN

⇠ Part 1 | Part 6 | Next ⇢

Warnings: angst and fluff. not proof read.

Eddie shrank back, curled into a ball on the floor, wringing his tail. His eyes watching Dustin as he finished his rant.

You hugged your notebook to your chest. Giving him your notes on Eddie’s dreams, would be terrifying.

Dustin finally calmed. “You’re contacting Wayne tomorrow.” he said.

“But-”

Dustin’s eyes narrowed into a glare, “Tomorrow.”

Eddie fell silent, chewing on his lip. Wanting to give him a break, you venture to paint yourself as a target. Holding up your notebook.

However, your voice failed you as your throat dried up, “I’ve got notes on Eddie’s dream memories.” the sentence came forth horribly pitched.

Lucas burst into laughter, "what was that noise?" He asked.

"He's scary, ok, like an overzealous gym teacher." you peeped.

"Yeah, well, he gets it from Eddie." said Lucas.

You pointed over your shoulder, "This Eddie?" your brows raised high, "Human puppy monster?"

Eddie blushed as he stammered, "What?"

"Guys! Seriously!" Dustin called out, snapping. Once all eyes fell back onto him, he held out his hand. Without a word, you handed over your notes.

"Eddie's dreams have a high chance of being memories he's locked away. They may be what happened to him all this time he's been gone." Watching Dustin calm down as he focused on your writings seemed to calm the room and stood still your nerves enough to speak.

"____ says here that they must feel real?" Dustin asked Eddie.

Carefully rubbing the back of his neck, Eddie shrugged, "I don't know. I guess they do? I don't remember much about them when I wake up." He said.

Eddie stole a glance at you.

"But you remember enough, ____ wrote down that you don't like being alone afterward," Dustin said.

Eddie cleared his throat, "I ugh..." With a sigh, he simply nodded, "I don't, no. I can't remember what exactly happens in them, but I can remember how the dreams felt. Like complete shit." He confessed.

Robin cast her gaze on Lucas and Dustin, who both seemed to be sharing her thoughts.

Unsure of what thoughs thoughts were, you did know one thing, that look in their eyes was not a good sign.

"Why are you three looking like that?" You questioned carefully.

"That sounds a lot like Vecna's handy work." Robin whispered.

"Vecna is dead." Lucas spoke quickly. "Will and El killed him, we all saw it."

You dug up everything you could remember of the information Eddie and the others told you before. The madness of it made your head hurt.

"Why would he want me though?" Eddie asked. "If Vecna's seen me, he knows I'm useless. More than useless. I've got a bare minimum of control over this new fucked up body of mine." Eddie spat, his eyes narrowing.

"I think it's safe to say he's fucked me over all he can. There's nothing left he can do." he murmured.

"You're better than you were. Listen, you're not allowed to do that in this house." You spoke flatly.

"Do what?" Eddie asked.

"Turn your claws on yourself. I mean mental claws to, for the record."

Eddie fell silent, one of said claws started to twirl in his hair, while the carpet became fascinating to him.

You release a sigh and shake your head. "maybe I shouldn't have snapped at him like that." you thought. Just something about him turning on himself, made your stomach twist.

Dustin looked between the two of you and covered his face as he whispered "oh my god."

It left you confused, but he said nothing further.

"It does sound like him. Regardless of usefulness, Eddie, you might be the only demo he has left. If Vecna is out there, he's starting from square one all over again." Dustin explained.

Robin chuckled lightly, "Square 001."

"Meaning, he's not being picky." Dustin sighed.

"But Eddie's not the only one." you chimed in. You and Eddie looked at each other. "There's another one out there, bigger and honestly badder than Eddie. I know, we've both seen it."

"It handed me my ass out there, while we were fighting over whose dinner ____ was going to be." Eddie muttered.

"You tried to eat-" Dustin shook his head, "never mind, not important for now." He said.

"You fought this thing? Did it look half human like you or?"

Eddie shook his head, "No, it was more monster than I am. Its face was gone but," Eddie loved his hands about the top of his head, "it sort of had hair."

"What color?" Robin asked, looking between the two of you.

You frowned slightly, "I don't know, I didn't pay attention, I was trying not to become fast food."

"It was dark and my mind is always a little hazy when it takes over." Eddie said.

Robin, Dustin, and Lucas released long breaths of air as they seemed to deflate.

"Well, now what? We can't leave that thing out there." asked Lucas.

"Eddie meets up with Wayne, first," Dustin said, shooting Eddie a pointed glance.

"I didn't want to scare the old man!" Eddie barked.

"You couldn't be scary if you tried, plus it's Wayne, he's gonna know your face no matter what happens to it!" Dustin snapped right back.

"From there, we're going to look for it, It might be big, but we're used to demogorgons, right?" Dustin added.

"Speak for yourself. Eddie's my first cryptid encounter, regardless of what the news has said about my dad and our family." You muttered.

Dustin pointed at you, "Oh, you're Madman's kid!" he gasped as a smile formed across his face. "He was FBI or something, right? You'll be fine."

"He was, is the main part of that statement," Eddie said. "____ shouldn't go." the words tagged on quickly.

Dustin rubbed his temples, "this is going to be interesting."

Eddie sat curled underneath his worn blanket, focused on the steam rising from his mug of cocoa.

You'd finished paperwork and logs for the shop, stealing looks at him all the while. He'd hardly moved and you'd heated his cocoa at least three times already.

"Look, I'm sorry if I step out of line earlier. I didn't mean to tell you off." You said.

"I'm not mad why are you apologizing?" Eddie answered robotically.

"Because I'm trying to figure out why you're over there catatonically watching your drink get cold?" your statement came in the form of a question but it brought Eddie out of his daze.

He reached out and took the mug in his hands as best he could, lifting it to his lips.

Before he could take a sip, quiet words fluttered out of them, "What if I do scare him?"

You set down your pen and fold up your work book. "Your uncle, you mean?"

"Yeah. I mean, half of this town always thought I was bad news, but never Uncle Wayne. Looking like this...I wouldn't blame him. You know, the guy's got an old hunting rifle. He could blast me to kingdom come if he wanted to." Eddie rambled.

Exhaling, you abandoned your seat and replaced yourself at Eddie's side.

"From what I've heard from just about everyone so far? That's highly unlikely." You said.

Eddie took a sip of his cocoa, loudly, as if it could break the nonexistent silence.

"Families like that, the good kind, anyway. If a whole town wasn't fond of you, and he was still there. Your odds are good. It's a lie that you don't see the horror when you care about someone." You said, and for a moment Eddie looked up at you with concern.

"But the thing is, you care about them, so you don't care about the horror. Whatever form it takes, That person is your person. So you love the horror too." you looked at Eddie and shrugged.

"It's part of the package deal." you added.

"Yeah?" Eddie asked.

"I mean, look at your friends for example. The guys jumped you in a hug, towering lanky beast that you are." You laughed lightly.

Eddie cracked a smile and you could feel your body finally relax.

"Now imagine, this man's known you since you were just a blob causing some poor woman's body all sorts of grief."

Eddie laughed softly at your words and finally looked up at you.

"Thanks." He said.

"Anytime."

"But...you're going to be there, right?" he asked quickly.

"I work here, Eddie." you answered.

He glared at you in mild irritation, "Don't be a shit, you know what I mean."

Eddie was serious, but you still managed to laugh, "I do, but that face was worth it."

"I'll sit down with the two of you. He knows me now, it shouldn't be too awkward." You added.

Eddie nodded with satisfaction and continued to sip his cocoa, leaning against you, he made your head his pillow.

"What are you doing?" You asked him, your throat feeling as if it wanted to close up when his tail coiled around your legs.

His answer came naturally, "You're a good pillow."

While his answer was relatively calm, you could feel his heart race from where your shoulder was tucked at his chest.

Toad slipped gracefully through the cracked window, pleased to see, for once, all seemed calm. Peace was rare with the arrival of the new overgrown kitty.

"Maybe his nerves are still on edge." You told yourself. Your body relaxed, and you caved, "Fine, but only for a little while." you said.

"Ten minutes?" Eddie asked, curling up more.

"Five."

"Nine?"

"Three."

"Five it is." Eddie said, closing his eyes and drinking down the rest of his mug. Toad hopped up to join along in the cozy circle and snuggled on top of Eddie's lap.

You hadn't planned on falling asleep but woke up to being dragged across your living room floor.

"What's going on!" you choked, disoriented and alarmed to find-

"Why're we up here? Why are we on the ceiling?" you asked quickly.

It was an odd first question, but it was the first question to make its way out of your thoughts. Right past, "Why are you carrying me by the collar like a cub" or "Are you still you?"

Your pulse quickened, Eddie hadn't answered you, it may have been the fact that your shirt was in his mouth, or it could have been something worse.

"Please don't be having an episode." you thought, shutting your eyes.

light howling came from near the window. Toad stood with her back hunched, wide eyes fixed to the fluttering curtain while the window slowly lifted.

"You're kidding." you thought watching the large clawed hand slip through, followed by a void face and lightly matted patches of hair.

"it's not the same one," you whispered.

It was smaller than Eddie and tiny compared to the creature you'd faced in the cornfields. More than anything, it's movements were far more timid.

It heard you, looking around it pointed what would have been a nose towards the air, and it's face flared open.

You bit your tongue to stop a scream. Toad hissed and backed away.

"Those things eat cats." you thought, "run Toad!" you shouted.

The new monster snapped it's head up and roared from its face.

Eddie released a gurgled growl and dropped with you in tow. No longer handing from his mouth but caught in his arm. Tucked under his wing as he and the other creature snapped, growled, and bellowed at each other in warning.

"What's it doing here?" You muttered, "Are these things looking for you specifically?" you asked Eddie, not expecting a reply.

Holding out your hands you call for Toad and she is quick to rush back, leaping to safety.

"What do you want?" you tried talking to the new monster.

"If Eddie's still got some self left, maybe these things do too?" You questioned yourself.

Briefly, it turned its head to look at you.

Eddie took several steps back, guiding you away from the monster but backing the two of you toward the bathroom door.

The new monster made no effort to pursue. The way its body curled and back in tucked was one of a scared dog.

"Is it...afraid of you?" you asked, holding on to Eddie's arm.

Eddie opened his mouth wide and out bloomed the flower mouth. It made you cringe, but the shriek he emitted made your ears feel like bleeding.

Toad dug her claws into your arms as she hid her face in your shirt. The new monster leaped away and scampered towards the window. It paused there, hesitant to leave.

Eddie's chest puffed as he drew in a deep breath, gearing up for another warning. It was all the other monster needed, it left the way it came in.

The three of you remained frozen in place, waiting and watching for the monster to return.

The toothed flower retreated back between Eddie's lips and he let out an annoyed huff, his tail snaking around you he looked down, nudging the side of your head with his nose.

"I'm good." You said quickly, "Wait..."

Peering up into milky white eyes, it was more than clear Eddie had given way to the creature inside.

"But why is he not- I'm not being hunted?" You questioned.

Eddie took another look at the window, one last glance to make sure it was safe and before you knew it, you were being hauled around again. "this still shouldn't be possible." you muttered.

This time towards the sofa, plopped onto the cushion and encircled by Eddie's large body. His arm draping his wing across you as cover.

"This how baby birds feel?" You pondered halfway crushed under his body weight as you two barely fit on the sofa this way. Toad was silent in her squished misery.

"Eddie, it's safe now. snap out of it and let me up." You called to him calmly. Though you were ignored, Eddie was still looking at the window and his tail waved about uneasily.

"If it was out there it'd probably would have come back already." you tried to reason.

Eddie lowered his head, and curled around you tighter.

"no, no, no don't go to sleep yet!" you gasped.

"let me up!"

Your protest fell on deaf ears, Eddie became heavier and his breathing fell steady.

"Eddie wake up!" you called and were met with a soft snore.

"Great." you groaned.

A/n: sorry this is short, but I've left this hanging for so long. I'd rather kick out something short for now than nothing 🤦🏾‍♀️

Taglist:

@bibieddiesgf @eddiesgirlforever @ilovetaquitosmmmm @cherrycolas-things @fan-girl-97 @obsessivelycraftygothfandomwitch

⇠ Part 1 | Part 6 | Next ⇢

[sofiiel]

The fic I was simply calling Cryptid!Eddie x Reader, now has a name.

The Monster in the Alley

...because I got tired of trying to think of something better. I'm sorry.

Working on putting together the masterlist page and updating the existing chapters.

One question though -> Is the little flash too intrusive? Because I am willing to change the background animation.