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angellesword · 10 months ago

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BAGGAGE | JJK (14)

Summary: Drowning in debt and blood, Jeon Jungkook knows he's better off alone, lest he brings people down with him.

But one drunken night changes everything.

In a blink of an eye, Jungkook found himself drowning not only in debt and blood, but also in dirty diapers and judgmental stares from you, a.k.a his long-lost love and the guardian of the son he didn't even know existed.

Genre and warnings: best friends to lovers, co-parenting, idiots in love, slow burn—really slow burn, mutual pining, angst, fluff, implied smut, kissing, minor character death, slight getting back together, cursing, blood, stabbing, loan sharks, OC cusses excessively so watch out, hurt/comfort, implied/referenced gang rape/non-con, non-graphic rape/non-con, non-consensual drug use, sexual violence, physical violence, vomiting, food poisoning.

Pairing: dad! Jungkook x adoptive mom!Reader

Word Count: 8k

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⚠️‼️WARNING!!! TRIGGERING SCENES AHEAD. READ AT YOUR OWN RISK. PLEASE MIND THE WARNINGS ABOVE!!! ⚠️‼️

*****

Jungkook woke up feeling wet kisses splaying on his face. He begrudgingly opened his eyes, neck stiff because of his unforgivable sleeping position across your bedroom door.

"Mornin' Kookie~,"

"Hmm?" Jungkook blinked. His brain had yet to catch up on what was happening, but his blurry eyes could already make out the tiny figure of his son.

He saw Soobin waving his little hand and smiling down at him.

"Soobin?" Jungkook blinked. Soobin beamed at him in response, prompting Jungkook's sleepiness to be washed away. He unconsciously wrapped his arms around Soobin's body to pull him closer.

"Kookie, hello!"

Jungkook winced when his son embraced his neck and tried to climb over his shoulders. It's true that children had the energy of Olympians. Jungkook wasn't able to protest when Soobin decisively climbed his shoulder, using it as a foundation to reach for the doorknob.

Soobin didn't hesitate. With a twist, the door flew open.

Shit.

Jungkook was caught off guard. He was leaning on the closed door, so he and Soobin fell sideways when it opened. Thankfully, he immediately caught his son and protected his head from colliding on the tiled floor.

Jungkook breathed a sigh of relief. That was close. Hell would break loose if you saw even a small bruise on Soobin's skin.

"What's wrong with you two?" Your voice sent shivers down Jungkook's spine. Speak of the person, and they shall appear. His decelerating heartbeat spiked up again at the sound of your pissed-off voice.

Jungkook was forced to flick his gaze on you. He was surprised to see you on the ground.

You appeared to just have been woken up, too. You scratched the back of your head and yawned.

"Did you sleep on the floor near the door?" Jungkook couldn't help but ask. He sat up and helped Soobin get on his feet, wanting to check if his son got injured. But before Jungkook could do so, Soobin was already jumping into your arms.

"Ma!" Soobin pulled at your neck, visibly making you cringe. It solidified Jungkook's conjecture that you also dozed off on the floor.

However, you vehemently denied it.

"Soobin, no hugging for now. Your Mama got a stiff neck from sleeping against the door."

"I did not sleep here!" You growled at Jungkook as you fought a yawn. This was in contrast to how softly you whispered to Soobin to lay low with the hugs.

Jungkook dramatically gasped, acting all scandalized. "It's not good to lie in front of your kid, you know~."

For some reason, Jungkook was in a good mood. You, sleeping on the floor and against the door, hinted that you weren’t as unaffected by what had happened a few hours before. You probably listened to Jungkook's speech with your ears against the door.

Perhaps you went as far as almost opening the door for Jungkook—this was dangerous wishful thinking, though. Jungkook had to force himself to shake the thought away. There was another way to see if you intended to allow him to stay.

Call him selfish, but Jungkook wanted to test that theory. He licked his lower lips, eyes ogling at you, who was unconsciously mumbling that your neck only hurt because you cracked it the wrong way.

"I know how to relieve stiffed necks." Jungkook started before trailing off. He couldn't stop himself from staring at your neck.

Jungkook forced himself to clear his throat.

"Do you want me to massage your neck?"

The thought of physical contact would make you recoil if you were disgusted by an ex-convict. Jungkook's hands were clammy. It was his idea to test the waters with you, but it didn't mean he wasn't nervous. He had only developed the habit of smiling, joking, and thinking about sexual stuff when things were making him anxious. It was his coping mechanism.

A few seconds had passed now. Jungkook was half expecting you to reject him, already content with the thought of feeling your neck pulse.

At least you were alive, Jungkook thought. You were alive and near him. This should beenough. You also hadn't explicitly told him to go, so he could—

"Alright."

Jungkook's train of thought paused at that. He didn't know if he ever whipped his head so fast it felt like it almost snapped.

He didn't care. Jungkook had to look at you and confirm if he heard you right:

He did.

"You can massage my neck later." You carried your son and stood up. You unconsciously purred when Soobin kissed your cheeks and requested omurice for breakfast.

You looked pointedly at Jungkook. "You heard your kid. He wants to eat. Chop, chop, Kook."

You didn't wait for a response and just went straight out of the bedroom and to the kitchen.

Jungkook breathed out, suddenly feeling hollow. But in a good way. The anxiousness filling his heart was emptied.

He smiled to himself. Omurice sounded good for breakfast.

***

The neck massage was scheduled another time even though your neck was stiff now. Blame it on your phone, which had been ringing nonstop.

"It's the team." You rolled your eyes, though one could see that you weren’t annoyed. It was more of a fond gesture.

It was lunchtime now. Your breakfast went well. You and Jungkook dropped Soobin off at the daycare. The kid's schedule was packed since it was the school's foundation day. Jungkook didn't want to leave Soobin alone, but the teacher advised that kids Soobin's age should learn how to adjust and be more independent.

You had no choice but to drag Jungkook away from the school premises. You had other things to do, anyway. Your beeping phone was one of your agenda.

"The team's calling to know if you've accepted our job offer."

Jungkook stopped licking his ice cream in a cone, head twisting to look at you to see any sign of mirth.

You were dead serious. You furrowed your brows at Jungkook. "What."

"Nothing," Jungkook bit his ice cream until his teeth ached. "I just thought you've retracted the offer."

"Why would I do that." You frowned and offered Jungkook a tissue. What a disgusting asshole. His hands were covered with melted ice cream.

Jungkook took the tissue to cover the sight of his trembling lips. He wanted to throw the ice cream as he couldn't bear the cold. However, he didn't have the heart to waste food. He was constantly reminded of what he had to endure as kids threw ice cream at him while wearing the clown costume.

Those days felt like a lifetime ago, yet Jungkook was still here. It didn't change the fact that he felt like shit.

"You read the paper I handed you," it wasn't a question. Jungkook knew you knew of his past now. There was no way you would stay still after knowing that the person who babysat your son used to be in prison.

Frankly, even until now, Jungkook was waiting for you to drop the news to him—that he would have to leave sooner or later. You showed mercy earlier, but who's to say you wouldn't change your mind?

"I didn't." You surprised Jungkook by this admission. You squared your shoulders and snatched the ice cream cone from your best friend. You threw it in the trash can. Jungkook was about to protest, but you shushed him.

"You look stupid trying to finish that ice cream. You should have thrown it away if you didn't want it." It was Soobin's dessert in the first place. The kid handed it to Jungkook earlier before you left. Soobin thought his father wouldn't miss him so much if he had ice cream with him. "And wipe your goddamn mouth and shut it, will you? Don't look too surprised that I didn't read the paper. I told you I was shocked and needed time, but you didn't exactly give me time to process shit with your cheesy line last night."

"I'm sorry." Jungkook's cheeks heat up. He dodged your gaze, but it didn't take long for him to look at you again. You were scoffing at him.

"Now you're actin' all shy? I'm telling you now, bastard. If what you said last night was shit, I swear I will fucking—"

"It's true." Jungkook cut you off. "I mean it."

It was only then that Jungkook noticed your frozen body. Your shoulders sagged in relief upon hearing Jungkook's confirmation.

"Good." You held your head high, "Because I'd rather hear the truth from you than that paper. Do you still want to have dinner with me?"

"Lunch." Jungkook looked at the wristwatch you had gifted him. You had time before Soobin got off school. "Let's have lunch. In our usual place."

Jungkook realized he didn't want to bare his heart out in a fancy restaurant where people acted all stiff and fancy. He wanted to be in a safe and familiar environment where he knew there would be no judgment on whatever he did. No one would eavesdrop as everyone was busy in their own world.

It's the ADA. Jungkook hadn't been here in years. Many things had changed, but sadly, the one thing Jungkook hated the most remained.

Natsume--the fortuneteller who sang his prediction, was still in business. Jungkook met Natsume's teasing gaze. He started playing his guitar, ready to piss off the brunet. Luckily, you had come prepared. You immediately pulled Jungkook inside the ADA restaurant.

"I warned you earlier that Natsume still sings. You said you don't mind." You gave Jungkook a warning look. "Don't fight him. We didn't go here for that. You have a responsibility to me."

Jungkook clicked his tongue and wriggled out of your iron grip. He sighed, "Fine."

You chose a table far from the window. You couldn't have Jungkook distracted because of Natsume. Thankfully, Jungkook didn't talk about the fortuneteller anymore. He looked deep in thought. Jungkook wasn't sure where to start. The paper he gave you last night was the summary of his criminal case. Jungkook envisioned you reading that paper and bombarding him with questions.

The thing was, you were feeling generous to him. You didn't immediately go straight to questioning, opting to order food first. You didn't have to ask Jungkook. You knew he liked crab spring rolls. They were perfect with a bottle of soju.

You almost ordered the alcohol but stopped when you remembered Jungkook didn't drink anymore.

"Let's not drink. Soobin is fussy when he smells alcohol." You thanked the server after he placed your order. What you said to Jungkook was an excuse and the truth. Your son would scrunch up his nose whenever he got a whiff of your favorite wine. Jungkook knew of your intention. He smiled nonetheless.

"You're a good mom," Jungkook said sincerely, and with a quick snap, he broke the chopsticks apart to start eating the complimentary edamame. It felt nostalgic to eat this, giving Jungkook the illusion that you two were high school students whose only worry was how to earn money.

Your lives were way more complicated than that now. You could never go back. You had Soobin and other things to consider when making decisions.

You weren’t sure whether to nod or shake your head. You settled with a subtle cough.

"I try to be. It wasn't easy at first..." You trailed off and shook your head. "Anyway, there were lots of challenges. You're doing better than me. Soobin warmed up to you fast."

Soobin liked Jang Min and Lee Sung, though it took him some time to get used to meeting up with them. But with Jungkook, things were different. You wondered if it had something to do with their biological relationship.

Jungkook couldn't use that fully as an excuse. He thanked the server for bringing in their food before answering you. "I told you before, didn't I? I've experienced handling kids."

You briefly remembered that as you felt your neck turning crimson. Jungkook had a phase where he was obsessed with getting you pregnant. You never really got the chance to know where Jungkook's fetish started. It was his cue to tell you how things started.

With a warm meal before you two, Jungkook told you how he messed up his life.

Nine Years Ago, 2014:

The thought of dropping out of university had been on Jungkook's mind for a long time, though he never gave it much thought.

That was until Jimin asked Jungkook to accompany him in social work. Jungkook didn't get it at first. Jimin was his promising senior who talked money as Francis, his business-minded boyfriend, greatly influenced him.

Jimin recently graduated college, but he was still in touch with Jungkook. As his hubae, Jungkook looked up to his Jimin-hyung. The latter usually talked about improving life, and that was all Jungkook wanted.

He longed to give you a life where you wouldn't have to struggle. You could pursue whatever studies you wanted without having to think about money.

Money talked, so Jungkook didn't understand why Jimin wasted his time entertaining illegal immigrants. It was on the outskirts of Incheon. These foreigners lived underground with their families. Jimin and some other kindhearted people visited them to feed them and offer them some minor work to get them through one day's meal.

Jungkook frowned at this. Jimin was just starting a small business. He often asked for help from the immigrants to run his business. Jungkook thought Jimin was better off with other people who were far more competent than these illegal settlers.

Jungkook didn't even want to be here. Jimin urged him, saying that if Jungkook really wanted to be business partners with him, he had to first see the kind of work Jimin was doing.

Jungkook didn't think interacting with these immigrants would convince him, but his perspective changed when a kid clung to his leg.

The kid was very small and obviously malnourished. He didn't seem to understand the danger his body was in. A carefree smile decorated his lips.

"Hyung, thank you." The kid's teeth were black and yellow. In normal circumstances, Jungkook would subtly kick the child or say something to make him go away.

But something in this child's smile softened Jungkook's heart for some reason.

"You and the other hyung there help my mom earn money!" The kid pointed at Jimin, who was busy talking to a woman. Jungkook figured that the woman was probably this kid's mother.

"We haven't eaten in days. I thought we'd have to get beaten up first."

"What?" Jungkook was taken aback. He was sometimes mean, but he didn't go around hurting people. What did this kid mean when he mentioned getting beaten up...?

The kid showed his bruised arms; he didn't have to explain for Jungkook to understand what was happening:

The kids and the people living underground were exploited.

Jungkook clenched his jaw. The memory of younger you working in a bar lit up in his head, making him clench his hands into fists.

The indignation that abruptly clogged his veins was too much to bear, acting like a big block stopping his heart from beating.

His vision doubled. It was too much. These kids had gone through so much at a young age.

Just like you.

"I'm sorry." Jungkook dropped to his knees to look at the kid in the eyes. It was not fair. This kid was still smiling despite life being cruel to him. He didn't understand why the innocent had to suffer when far worse people were walking this planet.

"Why?" The kid caressed Jungkook's hand on his cheek. "You saved us! We want to thank you!"

After the kid said this, the other children went up to hug Jungkook. They kept calling him hyung to offer their thank you. Jungkook couldn't accept their gratitude, knowing that this was Jimin's work.

Their pleasant smile should be directed to Jimin and not him. However, when Jungkook looked at his friend, Jimin stood there, offering him a small smile and encouraging him to appreciate this moment.

Jungkook's heart throbbed painfully in his chest, and when he cast his gaze back at the kids, the pain he felt subsided, and it was quickly replaced with pride.

Jungkook smiled with only one thought in mind: I will make these kids proud.

Present, 2023:

You always knew Jungkook was closed off. He was not the type of person who would share personal experiences like this. When Jungkook told you before that he would drop out of college, you thought he was making a mistake—that he was blinded by money and pride. You never knew Jungkook's catalyst to venturing with Jimin was those kids.

The children made Jungkook want to do better, but it was also them who became his downfall.

Six Years Ago, 2017:

Things had already escalated, so Jungkook was forced to retreat to a corner, his back pressed on a cold wall with no way of stepping back.

He fucked up.

He fucked up so badly with business the same way he fucked up with you when he slept with your Jisoo-unnie.

There was no room for regret after that night. Not when he didn't have time to process things. Jungkook had to rush Jisoo to the hospital when they woke up naked on the couch.

Jisoo couldn't breathe. She was vomiting blood. The doctors said it was anxiety and her sickness acting up. Jisoo was advised not to do strenuous activity. Their tacit agreement to relieve their agony was more harmful than helpful.

Jisoo was in a daze. Looking at her made Jungkook's stomach cramp. The silence was suffocating him, too. Jungkook knew how to butter her up regarding business, but outside you, their pain, and Bighit, Jungkook and Jisoo didn't have much in common.

They were strangers who loved the same person and shared similar problems. What happened last night changed it for the worse.

Jungkook couldn't handle it anymore. He spoke.

"I'm gonna tell her."

The braid of promise from last night was combed just like that. Jisoo slowly turned her head to Jungkook, her eyes dead, and her lips were parted slightly.

Jisoo didn't say anything. She simply cupped her stomach before gently lying in bed. She turned her back to Jungkook, sick of his face already. She got what she wanted.

Jungkook sighed. He stayed in Jisoo-unnie's room for hours until he got the signal from the nurse that Jisoo could go home.

Jisoo didn't want to go home. There was no going back now. Not for Jungkook, though. He had problems he had to face, so he went home.

His home no longer felt safe after what he and Jisoo did. Jungkook couldn't bring himself to sleep, the panic and grief catching up to him every time he closed his eyes.

He avoided you like the plague, thinking that things were better off when he was alone. After all, you wouldn't understand what he was going through.

You hadn't met those immigrant kids. You didn't know what Jungkook and Jimin were fighting for. Most importantly, you didn't know what it felt like to be on top and to suddenly fall from grace.

Jungkook could almost taste it: the venom in your voice when he told you his business with Jimin had failed. He could imagine the ‘I told you so’ look painting your eyes. He could also imagine you telling him he should have just stuck to university.

Jungkook didn't really want to see you. He didn't want to see and hear about yourdisappointment in him.

But Jungkook ended up hearing it—only that with a different reason. Jungkook wasn't expecting you to show up at Bighit’s board meeting. He underestimated your capability to get what you wanted. It never occurred to him that you would buy Ango's share just so you could legally attend the meeting.

It was ridiculous. At that moment, Jungkook thought you had come to rub salt in his wound. Why else would you show up there? There was no reason for you to buy a losing share. Jungkook knew you. You would never bet your money on something risky. You didn't even want to invest in the Bighit in the first place. You only did so to appease Jungkook after your previous fight from before.

When you showed up at the meeting, Jungkook made himself think that you had bad intentions, so he hurt you first. He told you he slept with your Jisoo-unnie just because he didn't want to hear you talk shit about Bighit’s downfall.

He thought his belief was warranted because when things truly started going down, you were nowhere to be found.

It was all good at first. Jungkook thought it was better this way. Because more than anything, and despite Jungkook being fucked in the head for betraying you, Jungkook wanted you safe and worry-free. This was why he and Jisoo sought solace in each other's body. They didn't want to involve you in a mess.

In their own fucked up way, Jungkook and Jisoo loved you.

Jungkook never heard from you again after confessing his betrayal. He tried to reach you, but the case of Bighit was beyond saving. Jungkook, along with Jimin, was facing the consequences:

"When will Mushitaro arrive, Jimin-hyung?" Jungkook's skin felt itchy. The unforgiving cold wall rubbed his body, only proving to him that their current predicament was truly pitiful. He and Jimin were both grown men forced to be cramped into a small jail cell. It smelt rotten here.

Jimin couldn't do anything to appease his friend, though. He scratched his skin and was also getting agitated by the overall atmosphere of the place. "I'm not sure, Jungkook-ssi."

Three hours had passed since the police officers arrested Jimin and Jungkook. They were two different people, but Jimin said they would be having a joint lawyer. Mushitaro, their chosen representative, had yet to arrive after Jimin contacted him earlier. The law enforcers refused to let them call again.

Jungkook was antsy and feeling aggrieved. Though Mushitaro was representing him too, he still had the right to call someone—you. It was unfortunate that the officers were treating him like shit. Jungkook couldn't complain. This wasn't like the last time the police invited them over. They had an arrest warrant now, leaving him and Jimin no choice but to have their hands cuffed. It had been a few days since their last board meeting. Their other board members flew out of the country, but it didn't matter. Almost all of Bighit’s operations were handled by Jungkook and Jimin. They couldn't escape liability even if they wanted to.

This was made clear a few hours later when Mushitaro finally arrived. The lawyer knew what he was doing. Jungkook and Jimin were transferred into a much bigger room, and they were given a cup of cold water to cool down.

Jungkook normally kept his cool. He was a manipulator at best. Surely, he had thought of a way to get out of this mess. Unfortunately, the laws were difficult to circumvent as Bighit’s operation extended to illegal immigrants.

"Piercing the what?" You interrupted Jungkook's storytelling when you didn't understand the legal terms. Jungkook was at the part where he was repeating what Mushitaro had told him years ago.

Jungkook took a bite of his crab spring rolls as he responded to you, "Piercing the corporate veil."

You struggled to listen to him. Jungkook explained that companies usually had limited liability, meaning that their obligations couldn't be passed down to their board directors and stockholders. In short, if the assets of the company reached zero in value but still had some liabilities, the creditors couldn't run after stockholders like him and Jisoo.

However, with the piercing of the corporate veil, the general rule would not apply. Jungkook and Jimin were going to prison.

"The probability of Jimin-hyung and I being convicted at that time was high. That's how piercing the corporate veil works. We are both board members who oversee the operations of Bighit. We can't argue that we don't know what's happening in our company when our signatures are mostly needed in our transactions."

Jimin's boyfriend, Francis Fitzgerald, was also a board member of Bighit. Francis was a certified public accountant, so naturally, he dealt with the company's financial statements. Unbeknownst to Jungkook and the others, Francis used the company's money for his own gain and concealed the fact that the Bighit was incurring debt.

"But why are you affected by it? Isn't it solely that son of a bitch Francis' fault?" You questioned. Jungkook's chest heaved as he repeated to you what Mushitaro had said. This whole thing was still painful to talk about, but:

Generally, Jungkook and Jimin were not liable since corporations like Bighit, weren't similar to partnerships where the board members had a fiduciary relationship. Jungkook might not be the one who orchestrated the fraud, but he concealed it after finding out the truth.

You scoffed at this. But in Jungkook's defense, he and Jimin only concealed the fraud because they were trying to protect their employees.

Bighit was a business process outsourcing organization. The people they hired to take calls and be in the customer service department were the same illegal immigrants underground. Jungkook and Jimin wanted to give these people a chance at living, so they helped fake their documents and hire them.

They were good at their jobs. Jungkook never hesitated to give them a profit share and higher benefits, especially for their retirement fund. Fitzgerald embezzled the money that was supposed to be for the employees. Even their legal reserves that weren't allowed to be used or to be distributed were gone.

Jimin signed documents and trusted the auditors Fitzgerald hired. Meanwhile, Jungkook blindly followed where Jimin was going. He was getting billions of money in the beginning, so he didn't mind. What more could he ask for, knowing that their employees and their families were basically worshipping Jungkook?

When things started going downhill, Jungkook was caught off guard. He was imprisoned with Jimin, and all his assets had been frozen. Mushitaro did his best to defend them, but this was a case that enraged the public. He also couldn't milk enough money from his clients so in the end, he did the bare minimum just to have the case closed.

It was difficult. Mushitaro was being harassed by Bighit’s employees too. Most of them were deported, while the other went into hiding. They threatened the lawyer to pass their messages to his clients, saying that they wished Jungkook and Jimin to both rot in hell and that they made their lives worse. They were doing okay underground, but now they couldn't even spend time with their deported family members, and they were hiding much stricter under the police's noses.

The employees said they wanted their backpay and promised retirement funds. Once, Jungkook was visited by someone in prison. The police officer said his visitor went by your name, so Jungkook cleaned himself up for the first time in days and immediately went to see you.

But you were nowhere to be seen. Jungkook came face to face with a Bighit employee instead. No one knew how the immigrant managed to bring a knife with him, but he did. He was raging when he slashed Jungkook's eyes with a knife.

The officers were quick to seize the immigrant while some of the guards went to attend to Jungkook. He was obviously shocked. He covered his eye, feeling the blood trickling down his hand. He heard loudly how the immigrant cursed and told him to die.

That was the beginning of Jungkook covering his eye with a bandage and the hell he'd face in prison.

"Wait." You grabbed your best friend's hand to get him to stop talking. It was all in the past now, yet you couldn't seem to take it. You also had too many questions.

"Y-You went to jail after I flew to France? Where..." You stuttered a breath and trailed off, feeling your heart clench tightly in your chest. Your ramen had gone cold now. You didn't have the stomach to eat it. All you could think about while looking at your spicy red broth was the blood cascading down Jungkook's eye from before.

Regret poked at the pit of your stomach. You wanted to vomit, but you couldn't. This wasn't about you. It was about Jungkook. You bit your lip and forced yourself to ask, "Where was Jisoo-unnie...? She....she didn't help you?"

Didn't she tell you I was gone? Despite leaving and not wanting to deal with bullshit, you made sure to leave traces so that Jungkook and Jisoo would know where you went off to. Sue you for being a hypocrite, but you were desperate then. You wanted your best friend and sister to see you thriving in spite of their absences in your life. You were pretty sure Jisoo managed to find your address in France because of the clues you left.

You hated your sister, but at the same time, you craved her validation and longed to see the pain in her eyes as you hurt her back.

Why didn't Jisoo tell the convicted Jungkook about your whereabouts?

"Jisoo-noona and I never talked to each other again after...." Jungkook didn't complete his statement, yet you understood it. After we betrayed you. Their last proper conversation was when Jungkook told you that he slept with Jisoo.

They didn't exactly talk at the hospital when Jungkook brought Jisoo there. However, Jisoo showed up at Jungkook's door a few days after you left. She brought a bottle of wine and soju.

Jungkook resolutely refused the offer, almost slamming the door in the older woman's face.

"I can't, Jisoo-noona," he held the doorknob tightly. "I'm not going to drink anymore." Not after what happened. Not after we fucked up. Not in this lifetime.

Jisoo understood what he meant, though she still deflated. Her pain was too much. Her body felt like deteriorating. Her chest was hollow. She begged, "We're not going to do something stupid, Jungkook. I'm just lonely. My little girl isn't answering any of my phone calls."

She had the audacity to get sad after what she had done, but Jisoo was just human, after all. She couldn't take the separation from her sister. She missed you despite everything. Talking to Jungkook gave Jisoo the illusion that you were still within reach.

Jungkook couldn't deny it, either. He missed his best friend, too, but he knew he messed up. He had a lot on his plate right now and couldn't be bothered to carry more burden and guilt by hanging out with Jisoo.

Besides, Jungkook knew his free days were numbered. He couldn't keep involving your sister in this mess, so days after his arrest and that immigrant slashing his eye, Jungkook wrote to Jisoo. He told her not to visit or associate with him as many of Bighit’s employees were indignant with him and would lash out at anyone close to him. Jungkook also told her to extend the same explanation to you.

Jungkook wrote to you every day, yet he didn't get any response. He assumed you really didn't want anything to do with him anymore. It was both a relief and a shame.

Despite everything, Jungkook continued writing to you. It wasn't to get you to visit him or anything. His days in prison became slightly bearable every time he let out his emotions through his letters.

The messages were mostly nonsensical—at least, this was how it started. Jungkook would reminisce about your moments together, tell you about his life in prison--how he was coping with his Jimin-hyung there, and how much he missed you.

Jungkook thought it wasn't that bad until he started receiving letters from people underground. The immigrants were still feeling resentful toward him and Jimin. They detailed how worst their lives had become after being deported. Those who were hiding in South Korea managed to hide their identity, but the blame and pressure were palpable in their letters.

Even the kid who clung to Jungkook’s legs before sent him an alarming message:

My mother hanged herself. I alone now. Blame you giving false hope. You break me. The letter was written childishly. The kid forced himself to write in Korean despite knowing too little about the language. Jungkook took the letter to heart. He couldn’t sleep nor eat. And it wasn’t like there was something to fill his stomach with.

New prisoners were treated like garbage. Jungkook spent his days two cells away from Jimin. He got away from the immigrants wanting to hurt him, but the people in prison were much worse.

“You stink,” Jungkook’s cellmate spat on his face. He hadn’t eaten in two days, his mouth smelling like rotten fish and acid. Jungkook managed to get a small cup of miso soup by massaging the kitchen head’s feet for two hours. Unfortunately, Jimin didn’t know how to navigate a life in prison. He was too righteous, igniting the anger of most prisoners. He wasn’t given any ration, so Jungkook set aside his hunger and gave Jimin-hyung the soup.

“Pardon me, boss.” Jungkook didn’t wipe the spit on his cheek and just bowed his head obediently. “I’ll stay in the corner, but you can call me any time you need something. I will do anything for you.”

It was the lowest of the low, but Jungkook had to swallow his pride. This person he called boss had a lot of food stash. He was quite popular in this place. Many prisoners tried to curry favor with him. Thankfully, it wasn’t hard to please him. People like him got an ego boost whenever they thought they were being worshipped. True enough, he clicked his tongue and threw a KitKat bar to Jungkook.

“Eat that for now. Come sit with me at the table during lunchtime. Ya gotta eat, your breath will kill me.”

“Thank you, boss.” Jungkook ate half of the chocolate and saved the other half for Jimin. The boss shook his head disapprovingly. He thought Jungkook was stupid. He used the little money he had to buy papers so he could write a letter for someone outside the prison, and yet. The boss shook his head one more time, and yet he never received a response.

“I didn’t receive any of your letters.” You interrupted the storytelling again. “Where did you send them? How…” How stupid are you to think I could ever bear to see you suffer? Do you really think it would take me more than two letters to respond to you? But you didn’t say any of this. It would break Jungkook’s heart more. You changed your question, “What did you write to me?”

Jungkook didn’t have any appetite anymore, either. But reminiscing his life in prison made him want to stuff all the food before him in his mouth.

“I was told you got my letters.”

Life in prison started to get better when Jungkook started buttering up Fukuchi—the boss, though he had to face some initiation at first.

Jungkook couldn’t refute anything. He was tired of deep diving in the sea of the prison’s garbage truck just to get him and Jimin something to eat. Jimin joined his food-searching quest, but he wasn’t much of a help.

“You’re making this harder for me, Jiminnie-hyung ~ Can you just sit there and watch out for the prison guard, hmm~?” Jungkook maintained his sweet tone in spite of his exhaustion. He had to remind himself that Jimin-hyung was hurt; hence, he couldn’t move fast. His cellmates had beaten him up again. They said they didn’t like the way Jimin looked when they admitted to using his toothbrush to clean the floor. His cellmate's exact words were, “You should be thankful we’re cleaning our space with your damn toothbrush. Aren’t you acting all pure and shit? Your saliva is our holy water. Save us, Saint Jiminnie.”

The precious nickname Jungkook made up for Jimin was now tainted. They laughed and kicked Jimin when the latter told the officer what his cellmates did to his toothbrush.

Jungkook couldn’t bring himself to tell Jimin to just let it go. But at the same time, he felt like Jimin-hyung should have known better than to fight those idiotic cellmates of his. He was both frustrated and empathetic toward his friend. All he could do for Jimin was search for some food on his behalf.

Thankfully, Jimin listened and watched out for guards as Jungkook swam in the sea of garbage. He found a half-eaten pudding and handed it to Jimin.

“It’s expired,” Jimin said. They weren’t in the position to be picky, so Jungkook only beamed at him.

“I haven’t met anyone who died because of expired food. Come on, Jiminnie-hyung.~ That would do.” Jimin was on the verge of passing out. His face was pale, and his lips were chapped. He needed to eat something. With a few more coaxing from Jungkook, Jimin finally swallowed the expired pudding.

He felt a little better for a while, but Jungkook had terrible luck—his words were jinxed a few hours later. Someone from Jimin’s cell banged the gate, calling the officer’s attention to report Jimin’s state.

“Heyo! Anybody there? The blond lad right here is dyin'. We don’t want his rotten corpse in here. Help!”

Jungkook jolted awake at that. He desperately stuck his head on his cell gate, hoping to see Jimin-hyung. His action was for nought, so he helped bang the gate to get the officers’ attention, too. Fortunately, the guards appeared and were able to bring Jimin to the hospital. Jungkook would never forget the image of his friend curled into a ball while clenching his stomach. He was vomiting as he got food poisoning from eating the expired pudding.

It was a blessing in disguise, though. Jimin was able to eat slightly better food at the hospital. Jungkook swore he would never let his friend suffer again. His choice led to some drastic consequences, but he couldn’t care less:

He sought Fukuchi’s protection for his and Jimin’s sake. The initiation was hell. To Jungkook’s horror, even the correctional officers licked Fukuchi’s bottom. Everyone turned into a slave when money and power were involved. They did not bat an eyelash when Jungkook ran around the prison hallway. A group of prisoners chased after him while the others stayed locked up in their cells, watching menacingly through the crack of the gated cell how moronically Jungkook ran.

Jungkook was in the shower room. He slipped and fell because of the wet tiles marred by mold. The prisoners caught up to him. They dragged Jungkook’s already fragile body to the ground.

"Don't make trouble." Someone pressed Jungkook’s face to the floor until he couldn't breathe properly, and then he felt that person grabbing his hand, his fingertips caressing Jungkook's wrist. "It'll hurt more if you resist."

The brunet felt the syringe sinking deep into his skin. It hurt at first— but soon, it only tickled. His heart started beating so loudly that he thought it would burst inside his ribcage. His vision was doubling, too, but the euphoria pumping through his veins made him lose his inhibitions. Every emotion was amplified. Jungkook giggled when someone took off his pants, spreading his legs wide until he felt a police baton sinking deep into his hole.

Jungkook screeched. There was blood everywhere, yet the prisoners did not stop. He lost count of how many times the syringe corrupted his bloodstream. Every hole of his body (his ears, nose, mouth, and even eyes) was coated with the sticky liquid coming from those men.

His body was painted with nasty teeth marks. The shades of blue, purple, and green were such a sore in the eyes that Jungkook had to cover his body with bandages even after months of the attack. It fucked him so badly, but he could only swallow his grievances for his and Jimin’s sake.

At least now, they were not treated like trash. They had full meals now, and Fukuchi grew more satisfied with Jungkook’s mind. One day, Fukuchi introduced him to someone outside the prison.

“Lee Sung.” The outsider offered his hand for a shake. Jungkook was forced to accept the greeting. Lee Sung was a sadist at heart, though. A blade was hidden in his palm. It slashed Jungkook’s skin when they shook hands.

“You look alive. Aren’t you using the dead apple?” Lee Sung let go of the brunet’s hand, acting as if he hadn’t just caused Jungkook’s hand to trickle down with blood.

Jungkook was unfazed. He gently wiped his bloodied hand in his pants. He lied through his teeth, “Well, someone has to be sober for this, don’t you think, Lee Sung-ssi~? We can’t all be Snow White.”

‘Dead Apple’ was the drug injected into Jungkook on the day of his initiation. The effect of the drug was unapparelled, bringing the user into a different universe because of the ‘high’ feeling. It was called Dead Apple because the users would often lose consciousness or act like hypnotized zombies who would do your bidding as long as you hit something inside of them. For example, Jungkook saw Jimin through rose-colored glasses, so one of the prisoners who injected him with Dead Apple pretended to be Jimin and Jungkook, under the effect of the drug, fell into this pretense and didn’t question whatever those men did to him. It was only after some hours after the assault did he come back to his senses.

Coming to his senses didn’t necessarily mean he would forget the assault. He remembered it all too well, and nothing—not even the unadulterated euphoria would convince Jungkook to try it again. He associated that drug with his loss of freedom and more hatred for his already wretched body. One could call him a hypocrite because despite knowing the deadly effect of Dead Apple, it did not stop him from letting other people have access to it.

Life, especially in prison, was not like a fairytale. The initiation he had to be part of Decay of Angels—Fukuchi’s group, wasn’t enough to prove he was worthy. Jungkook had to strategize to keep Fukuchi’s business prospering. He was in charge of thinking of ways to supply the other inmates with drugs while making sure the higher-ups would not suspect a thing. Some officers were part of this scheme, but not all of them could turn a blind eye. Truthfully, Jungkook had been devising plans to get the officers already in this plan to keep supporting them.

Fukuchi soon realized how essential Jungkook was to this whole ordeal, so from being a chess piece, Jungkook was promoted to king. He had the privilege now to meet members of Decay of Angels who were not in prison.

Lee Sung was present at this meeting. He was tasked to get a feel of the king in prison. One look and Lee Sung already knew Jungkook was dangerous. Lee Sung had to find a way to break him.

“And how does staying sober benefit the Decay of Angel, Jungkook-ah?”

Jungkook tilted his head as he raised his hand to show his five fingers, “Five percent.”

Lee Sung was quick to snort at the number. Fukuchi came to the rescue, “Lee Sung, I know it sounds insignificant, but do note that Jungkook-ssi right here has been in this game for only a few days.” He also explained that the officer who had been eyeing the Decay of Angels had been transferred to another jurisdiction, all thanks to Jungkook’s effort.

Now, the drug dealing in Incheon was much more free.

Lee Sung finally looked pleased because of this. He jutted his chin out, “Very well, then, Jungkook-ah.~ Just tell me what prize you want, I can give it to you.~”

Jungkook jumped into the offer at once. He wrote a name on a piece of paper and handed it to Lee Sung. The latter laughed, thinking that Jungkook wanted someone killed. That could easily be arranged, but the brunet was enigmatic. Lee Sung never would have thought that someone could be this stupidly sweet.

“Consider it done,” Lee Sung stood up and saluted. Sometime later, Jungkook received a letter from Gogol. It contained printed photos of a kid smiling while holding hands with his adopted parents.

Choi Yeonjun. Did you like his new name, Jungkook-ah? The bottom of the letter said.

Jungkook breathed a sigh of relief. The kid who clung to his leg was okay now. Jungkook couldn’t stop with just this, though. Every time he did something for the benefit of the Decay of Angels, he would ask Lee Sung to grant him the favor of helping the previous employees of Bighit. Unfortunately, his efforts were not enough. He slowly incurred a lot of debt to Lee Sung. The latter said it wasn’t his money. It was his boss who lent Jungkook the money.

The death threats toward him and Jimin lessened, too. Of course, this didn’t go unnoticed by Jimin. He confronted Jungkook about it, knowing well that his friend was behind this. Jungkook had always been one step ahead of everything. Sadly, he was not one to make rational choices.

It was easy for Jimin to figure it all out. Jungkook would sometimes joke that Jimin could see the future, therefore giving him the ability of flawless. “Your conjecture has always been flawless, Jiminnie-hyung~!” Jungkook used to tell him.

It wasn’t any different now. Jungkook was being treated like a God in prison these days. He had the privilege to sit beside Fukuchi, and Jimin was not blind not to see the rampant spread of Dead Apple. In fact, one of his cellmates offered him to try the drug. Jimin firmly refused. He easily connected the dots, and when his conjecture had truly become ‘flawless,’ he then confronted Jungkook.

“This is dangerous, Jungkook. You have to stop.” Jimin was not one to resort to violence, but he couldn’t help but grab the younger man’s shirt and slam him against the wall. “You are dealing with illegal drugs, for Pete’s sake. Aren’t you afraid? You only have a few months in your sentence. Don’t make a decision that would harm you.”

I’m doing this for you. Jungkook wanted to shake Jimin. I’m doing this for the people who used to believe in us. I can’t abandon them. You said they’re important to you. I just want to make you happy, Jimin-hyung.

However, vulnerability and truth didn’t sit well with Jungkook. He wriggled out of Jimin’s grasp. “Just trust me, Jiminnie-hyung.”

Jungkook was in too deep. He needed to pay his debts to Lee Sung’s boss, save some money for himself, and start all over again. Their sentence was only reduced because the Decay of Angels paid some of his dues. They were billions of yen as their case impacted the Korean economy.

Jungkook wanted to reclaim his life and maybe…maybe see you again.

You still hadn’t responded to any of Jungkook’s letters, but he didn’t plan on giving up. He tripled the letter he sent, hoping that you would find it annoying and finally reply to him. He would take anything from you, even if it was just pure hatred.

Everything would be okay in no time. He would be out in prison with Jimin soon, so he smiled at his friend, thinking that Jimin understood him.

Except that he didn’t.

Jungkook had no one else to blame—

Only himself.

He should have known Jimin wouldn’t keep his mouth shut. He wouldn’t blindly trust Jungkook when the well-being of other people was involved. It didn’t matter if they were prisoners. Jimin wouldn’t want these people to harm themselves more.

Jimin was righteous. He couldn’t just watch Jungkook destroy himself and the others, so he did what he thought was right: he told a police officer about the drug scheme in prison.

What a joke.

Did he really think he could make a difference? The police officer nodded along with Jimin, even escorting him to where he could report such a crime.

Jimin sighed in relief. He thought he could sleep well that night, but he couldn’t.

Jimin wasn’t escorted to report the crime. He was stuck in the giant walk-in freezer in the prison’s kitchen.

At five twenty-four in the morning, Park Jimin was found dead.

********

A/N: Hello. It's been almost a month since I last updated. I hope you still remember this fic ~~

I know this chapter is upsetting. :(( I'm sorry, there might...? be more to come.

Also, a little update: life is being a total bitch to me. I have a hard time adjusting at work, and would sometimes use the little free time I have to just cry. It was a public holiday in my country last Friday and this coming Monday, but being in accounting means having no break. I still need to work :// My health is being compromised lately as I am working the night shift. It's super stressful because almost everyone around me keeps saying that I am losing too much weight. I KNOW it already :((( anyway, I'm rambling. Please tell me your thoughts about this chapter.

If you feel like dropping this fic, please do so! But please be kind in the comment or don't tell me at all.

Thank you ~~ See you next time! (Hopefully soon, but damn it's quarter close next month, so I will probably be busy waahhh)

Got more suggestions about the tag/warnings? Feel free to tell me. The goal here is to be more mindful.

#jungkook fluff #jungkook angst #jungkook x reader #ficswithluv #jungkook x you #jungkook x y/n #jungkook x oc #Implied/Referenced Rape/Non-con #tw drugs

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mugloversonly · 3 months ago

Text

Saved Yourself

Summary: Eddie went to a club to get out of his comfort level a little… it didn't go well. Steve finds him and finds out just what happened to the metalhead. This one is kinda heavy cw: attempted rape, violence, referenced rape

AO3

Eddie’s known for a while that he was bisexual. He even had a few trysts in Hawkins. After spring break, he didn’t hookup in Hawkins anymore. Not from a lack of options mind you. It’s surprising how many people are interested in sleeping with an alleged serial killer. Especially when the real killer was sitting behind bars. If it wasn’t for his D&D sheepies and their weird band of teenage friends, he’d be on the hook for it. It really weirded him out.

He’d been to gay clubs before, but never by himself. He should have asked Robin to come with him, but he knew she was going out with Chrissy and Steve tonight (he was invited, but he needed to do this). She would have joined is the thing. After everything, the two of them had become as close as two people who already had platonic soulmates could get. But he needed to be brave and do something on his own for once.

He got to the front and flashed his ID, with his birthday last week, he finally didn’t have to use a fake.

He stepped through the door and was bombarded with lights, sounds, and smells he had never experienced. A huge smile broke across his face. He found his people.

He makes his way to the bar, and as he’s waiting for the bartender, a man sits on the stool next to him. He turned and smiled at the man. “Hey cutie,” he said. “Don’t think I’ve seen you here before” he grinned. Eddie tried not to roll his eyes. Classic pick up line.

“You haven’t. This is my first time here”. Eddie confirmed as the bartender made his way over. He ordered a beer, tilted it in thanks before taking a sip. He glanced around, and saw the packed dance floor. He wasn’t much of a dancer but, for tonight? He was pushing himself out of his comfort zone. “What’s your name?” He asked.

“Jaime.”

“I’m Eddie. Wanna dance?” He tried for a flirtatious smile. It seemed to work as Jaime stood and grabbed his elbow to pull him onto the dance floor. He immediately grabbed onto Eddie’s hands and pulled him close. “I’m just here to dance.” He made sure to be stern.

“That’s okay, baby. I love to dance.” Jaime winked. Eddie glanced around, saw the way everyone was moving and did his best to replicate it. He must’ve been doing something right because by the next song, another man was cutting in.

“Mind if I cut in?” He asked. Jaime looked reluctant but Eddie was here for a fun night.

“Sure!” Eddie exclaimed, shifting around to dance with the new guy, Daniel, he found out. Daniel, had his hands on Eddie’s hips, swaying them side to side. Eddie’s hands wrapped around his shoulders and pressed in close. The heady mix of alcohol and old cigarettes, rushed to his head.

He was right where he wanted to be; he’d found nirvana.

At the end of the song, another man cut in to dance. This one grasped Eddie from behind and thrust his hips against his ass. Eddie took the hint and ground back against him. He put his hands on the shoulders behind him, threw his head back and closed his eyes. He kind of liked the feeling of not knowing who was behind him. The music moved through him and he felt electric. He didn’t get this one’s name, but he found it added to the electricity.

By the time he took a break to get a drink, he had a few more dance partners. He stopped counting after ten. He settled up to the bar and ordered a beer but when he tried to pay, the bartender said someone already covered it, pointing to a pretty blond man at the end of the bar. He should protest, but if he learned anything from his dad, it was to never look a free drink in the mouth. He lifted his beer towards the man before taking a long sip.

The blond man came over and slid into the bar stool next to him. “The name is David, I saw you dancing. You looked incredible, can I take you for a spin?” He asked with a wink. Eddie did his best not to recoil in disgust. Nonetheless, he nodded and drank his whole beer in one go.

He was having an amazing time. David kept complimenting him, telling him how pretty he was. He’d never had someone call him pretty before and it happened so many times tonight that he lost count. Another man stepped up behind him.

“Hey Gorgeous, I’m James. Can I join you two?” Eddie giggled as the guy introduced himself. “Your ass is perfect, baby” he whispered in his ear as he squeezed his ass. He tensed a bit before relaxing again. Just like he had been doing all night, Eddie let James know he was only there to dance.

Suddenly, he found himself with David pulling him chest to chest, and James pushing his hips against Eddie’s ass. He threw one arm over David’s shoulders and another behind him to touch James’.

Eddie had never felt so desired. And it wasn’t because of his reputation. It was the way he looked. Not people who wanted to pay for drugs in a different way, or sleep with an alleged killer. Just men looking for a good and fun time, and finding Eddie. The rush made his head swirl. The two men told him how beautiful and radiant he looked. It felt like they were competing for his affection. He felt powerful. Dare say, loved.

________________

The night was going amazingly. He had danced with so many men, and even a number of women. Their hands were all over him. In his hair, on his chest, squeezing his ass and even a few bold hands lightly grazing over his cock-which he could do without; but, it was so quick he didn’t think much of it. He was sweaty, and parched, but was elated for the most part.

Eddie made his way to the bar again and grabbed a water this time. He did have to drive home after all. Instead of staying at the bar, he found an empty booth and slid in. He breathed a sigh of relief when no one approached him immediately. He was having an amazing time, but he was starting to get tired.

His respite was short lived; however, when someone he never thought he’d see here waltzed up, smirking at him. “Tommy Hagan?!” Eddie exclaimed, doing his best to keep his fear in check. He knew Tommy was in the closet after the last few encounters they had, but he didn’t think he’d ever have to see him again after he left for college.

“Eddie Munson. Long time no see.” Tommy said, a predatory grin on his face. “Mind if I have a seat?” Eddie shrugged, trying to appear nonchalant.

“Free country man.” Tommy slid into the booth, not exactly crowding Eddie, but not exactly giving him space either. He moved his hand towards him, just a bit. An open invitation that he ignored.

“You looked so beautiful out there Eddie.” Tommy said quietly. “I loved watching you move.” A predatory leer gracing his face. He wasn’t sure what his face was doing, but as Tommy’s eyes hardened, Eddie had a pretty good idea. “No, it’s true. You know I always thought you were pretty, even in high school. It’s why I was so angry at you all the time. I’d only been into girls, and then suddenly this guy turns my head.” He snorted. He knew he was Tommy’s gay awakening, but to be reminded of it here? Priceless. “If I’m assuming correctly, you’re here to meet someone. Well, I’m someone. Let me take you home.”

“Thanks, but I’m not interested in doing anything but dance tonight.”

Tommy smirked. “With the way you were grinding on me, I would have thought you’d be eager for it”. An icy feeling ran up Eddie’s spine. It must have been the man he didn’t see. His face paled and he was suddenly nauseous. Before he could respond, David slid into the booth opposite him.

“So darling, think about my offer?” He completely ignored Tommy in favor of propositioning him. How was he to reject two guys without the other thinking he was accepting?

“I’m flattered,” he was interrupted by both Jaime and James coming up to the booth too. Shit. Now there were four guys. He told them all(well minus Tommy) that he just wanted to dance. He guessed they would take a hint, but they must have assumed he was playing hard to get. “Uh, I think I want to dance some more.” He nudged Tommy so he could slide out. On his way past, Tommy groped his ass, and he suppressed a shudder. He abandoned his drink and slipped back into the crowd.

Hopefully that told the guys that he wasn’t interested. A glance behind him, told him otherwise. He ducked into a shadow on the dance floor, and did his best to blend into it. The four men seemed to be working together to find him, but they weren’t successful.

Just when he was taking a breath, he found himself face to face with Daniel, who was eyeing him with hunger. He squeaked, drawing the attention of the other four. Backed into a corner, he did his best to seem smaller. Looking around, there was no clear escape route.

“Come on Eddie,” Jaime said. “You danced with all of us. Which one of us to you like?” He didn’t know what would happen if he were to choose.

“I like all of you.” He said holding his hands up in surrender. Tommy growled in frustration.

“Which one of us do you like more?” Tommy asked. Panicked Eddie pushed himself further into the corner.

“I don’t know! I don’t know!” He shouted. The group started shouting at each other. Pushing each other and yelling, all trying to get closer to Eddie.

He wanted to feel desirable, but this was a whole other level. He didn’t exactly hate it. He could admit that to himself. Finding out that people would fight over him, just because he was cute and funny, well, that did something for his ego. As flattered as he was, he still paled at the thought that they were going to literally fight over him.

Thankfully, in all the commotion, there was an opening he could slip through. He decided he had enough fun and made his way to the exit.

He pushed his way outside and walked towards the alley behind the bar. He cursed his past self for parking a few blocks away and that the alley was the only route to his van. Behind him, he heard the voices of the men from earlier. Doing the only thing he could think of, he took off like a shot.

Unfortunately, he wasn’t as fast as usual since he was worn out from the dancing. They caught up to him and surrounded him again. They closed ranks making sure there was no way he could slip past again. “shit,” he murmured to himself.

“You’re a fucking tease, you know that?” Daniel spit, the others nodding their agreement.

“I told you I only wanted to dance” Eddie insisted.

“A pretty thing like you?” Jaime sneered. “Never only wants to dance.” Jaime calling him pretty suddenly didn’t sound so nice.

“Since you couldn’t choose,” James said. “We’ll choose for you.” He stalked forward.

“Boys,” Tommy smirked. “We can share. Take turns. Don’t worry, he won’t fight back. He never fights.” Eddie’s eyes widened as he looked around at the men. They were looking at him like he was a piece of meat. And not in a fun way. “Who should go first?” Tommy smirked. The look in his eyes sent terror through Eddie. He’d had that same look when he and Billy bought from him together. Nothing good came from that look. Bile rose in his throat as Tommy spoke again. “I wonder if we can make him cry. He’s pretty when he cries”.

There was some debate going on but Eddie tuned it out. He was doing his best not to hyperventilate as he looked down the alley for help. There was no one around that he could see. He was shit out of luck.

“Looks like, since I danced with you first, I go first.” Jaime stepped forward and grabbed him by the wrist. He yanked his hand, but he held strong.

“Let me go!” Eddie yelled, hoping his screaming would make the men back off. He didn’t see where the blow came from, but his face burst in pain and he was spun around and pinned against the wall of the bar, his arm twisted up behind him, making him gasp in pain.

Someone pushed his face against the brick, and another attempted to kick his legs apart. He was really panicking now. Five on one was never a fair fight, but add into it his fear of what would happen if he stopped fighting... Eddie thrashed around. He screamed, and kicked, and threw his body back against his attackers. Nothing was working. It was easy to hold one person down, especially if you outnumbered them.

They all fought back, smacking his face, slamming his head into the brick, a hand found its way around his neck, tightening hard.

At that, all the fight left him. He let his body go slack and closed his eyes. If he couldn’t physically get away, he could at least mentally check out right? He’d done it before. The men laughed in victory as they moved in closer. “Limp like a rag doll” Tommy sneered. Eddie was so focused on blocking out what was around him, that he didn’t hear the sounds of footsteps coming towards them.

Suddenly, there were grunts of pain, and Eddie was falling to the ground. He landed harshly on his hands and knees, coughing and sputtering as he gulped in air. He blinked his eyes clear, and as the spots disappeared from his vision, he saw a man silhouetted, against the street lights. He had a magnificent swoop of hair, a gray members only jacket, and blue jeans that hugged his frame. In his hands, was a nail studded baseball bat that he was swinging with intent at Eddie’s attackers.

He couldn’t believe his eyes. This had to be a mistake right? Until he heard the man’s voice.

“You better get the fuck out of here assholes, before I make you.” He swung again. Steve.

Steve and Eddie had become unlikely friends. After the new freshman he adopted had spoken so highly of Steve Harrington, Eddie was convinced it was all an act. But after Jason Carver broke into his trailer and attacked his girlfriend, Chrissy Cunningham, as Eddie watched, he stopped thinking about reputations and rumors. He managed to knock him out before he did real damage, but that made him angrier.

In his desperation, Eddie picked Chrissy up and carried her to his car. He was going to take her to the hospital, but he knew how this looked. So he did the only thing he could think of, and drove to Steve Harrington’s.

By the time they had patched Chrissy up, agreed that the two of them should hide there, and pulled Eddie’s van into the garage, Chrissy and Eddie were heading fast towards platonic soulmate territory and Steve was becoming Eddie’s best guy friend. Even Carver killing other teens and pinning it on Eddie couldn’t damage it.

In fact, it was Steve who helped clear his name, along with the rest of the party.

So seeing Steve here, made him instantly feel safe, before he remembered where he was. Outside a gay bar. Shit.

His adrenaline was still quickening his blood, his heartbeat filled his ears. His vision blurred. He could vaguely hear Steve yelling again. All his attackers ran off as soon as Steve started swinging. All except one.

Tommy Hagan.

He didn’t seem to care that someone he knows saw him outside a gay bar, in fact he smirked. “Steve-O. Why are you defending this trash? I know the kind of guy Munson is and I know he’s beneath you. He’s used goods. Trust me.” He smirked. For once Tommy was right. Eddie was unworthy of Steve. Especially here in this alley. He was trash, horrible and dirty. Used up.

It’s his fault he’s even here. If he hadn’t come alone. If he told someone where he was, if he hadn’t danced. If he wasn’t such a...

“He’s such a fucking tease.” Came Tommy’s sneer, almost as if he pulled the thought right from his mind. “What, because he finally graduated, he’s too good from me now?” Eddie was filled with shame. His face heated and tears filled his eyes again. Unfortunately, he wasn’t able to hold them back. He did his best to keep them quiet but he wasn’t sure he was successful. Especially when Tommy laughed meanly “even if he wasn’t easy, he’s a fucking murderer”.

Eddie took gasping breaths. Even here, miles from home, he can’t escape. No matter that Carver had confessed, there were still those who thought he’d brainwashed him into killing the other teens and he staged his own injuries when he fought Jason to protect Max.

For reasons he couldn’t name, it hurt worse that Tommy thought that. He hated himself for caring what he thought. Hunched on the floor of the alley, he rolled himself into a ball, arms tight around his legs.

He vaguely heard Steve yelling and a short scuffle. When the fighting stopped, a figure made his way over. Through his sobbing panic, he couldn’t tell which of them it was. A hand reached out and he flinched back so violently, he slammed his shoulder into the brick wall. His panic increased tenfold when the hand didn’t stop. He let out a little whimper. “Don’t touch me” he pleaded, “not again.” His voice was rough as the words clawed from his throat. “Don’t hurt me”. White hot shame coursed through him as he begged. “Not again, please”. Fear was quickly overtaken by relief when the hand pulled back.

“Hey, hey. It’s me. It’s Steve.” A hushed voice reassured. Steve. With a shudder, he tried to regulate his breathing. Steve held his hand out, palm up, in invitation. Grateful to have a choice this time, he grabbed his hand. Steve took his hand and pulled it to his chest. “Follow my breaths.” He breathed in and out deliberately until Eddie’s breathing returned to normal. He pulled his hand back and wiped them over his face before wrapping them around himself.

Rocking back and forth, he dragged his hands up and down his arms in an attempt to self-soothe. “Thanks…for the breathing, and the rescue.” Eddie whispered. “Not to sound ungrateful, but how did you end up in this alley?” He couldn’t meet Steve’s eyes, not until he calmed down.

Steve cleared his throat. “The bar across the street is where the girls and I went tonight. I took a smoke break, when I saw someone practically sprint out of the club and people follow.” He took a shuddering breath. “I just reacted. Popped the trunk, grabbed the bat, and took off. It wasn’t until Tommy started talking shit that I even realized it was you.”

“Right place, right time.” They nodded in agreement. Wait…Steve is with the girls. Shit. “Listen, can you not tell the girls about this? I’m sober enough to drive, and I’d really like to go home and forget.” A frown graced Steve’s mouth.

“They wouldn’t judge you Eddie.”

“No,” he agreed. “I just can’t deal with their concern right now.” Eddie grabbed Steve’s hand again, holding tightly. Trying to get him to understand. He searched Eddie’s face and whatever he saw there convinced him. He sighed.

“Fine. I won’t tell them. But unless you plan to hide for the next week or so, they’ll see the evidence. So, you should be ready to tell them something” He gestured to the other man’s face. Eddie reached a hand up and felt something wet. He expected tears, but his hand was covered in blood. “Robin is going to go on a rampage, and knowing Chrissy? She’ll help.” He chuckled not noticing Eddie’s face pale.

The panic returns, his breathing speeds up, he turns to look at Steve, his frightened eyes reflected back to him. He felt the world tilt and he knew he was running out of time. He needed to tell him to call...he needed...

“Wayne” he manages to say before he promptly passes out.

____________

Eddie never had the luxury of waking slowly. His eyes burst open and he startled when he doesn’t recognize where he is. Remembering the last time this happened, he sat up and quickly threw off the scratchy blankets. Swinging his legs off the bed, he makes to stand up before someone was on him. He screamed and thrashed, pulling himself out of the arms around him. He made a break for the door, before he was being restrained again.

Still trying to fight his way out, a bustle of people ran through the door. He cried and begged to be let go, to not be hurt anymore, but they ignored him and stuck a needle in his arm. He screamed out for his Uncle Wayne to help him, but he was no where to be found. His body started to slump, whatever they injected him with causing him to feel drowsy. “Wayne,” he whispered helplessly. “Steve, help me”. Then he was unconscious again.

When he next woke up, it was quiet. He blinked slowly in the harsh light as he stretched his arms. Or tried to, but he was stopped. He looked down and his wrists were bound to the bed. Not again. Eddie thought as he thrashed against the binds. Whimpers fell from his lips as he struggled. A wrinkled hand grabbed his own. Instead of panic, this time he was filled with relief. “Wayne” he whispered, instantly calming. He saw his Uncle’s calm face come into view as he reached over and hit the call button.

“Hey kid.” Wayne said softly. Before he could respond, the door opened and a nurse came in. She checked his vitals and unbound his wrists.

“Sorry about these,” she said looking genuinely remorseful. “You woke up fighting a few times so we had to sedate you. The straps are a precaution.” Her eyes hardened as she explained. “I told them it was a bad idea to restrain you as that would probably cause you more panic, but hospital security never listens to us.” She shook her head in annoyance. “The doc will be in in a minute, but for now, close your eyes.” She left some cream for his wrists if he needed it, and placed something from the cafeteria on the tray in front of him. “Alright, open.” She whispered with a wink. He opened his eyes and found a bowl of vanilla ice cream. “The good stuff, that’s for the doctors and pregnant people.” His favorite. Eddie found himself smiling for the first time in hours. Maybe days. He had no idea how long he has been here. The nurse left with another apology for the restraints.

“I thought you promised no more hospital this year?” Wayne eyes shined with tears. Suddenly, Eddie went from relief at seeing his uncle to guilt for making him sit next to another hospital bed. There was no way he would be able to hold back his tears, so Eddie didn’t even try.

“I’m sorry, dad.” His eyes burning as the tears kept coming. “I didn’t mean for this to happen.” Wayne cursed under he breath before he nudged Eddie. He slid over and Wayne got into bed with him. He held him close like he did when Eddie first moved in. Shushing him gently and petting his hair, he spoke the mantra from his childhood, “nothing to apologize for. It’s okay, we’re okay.” Repeating it over and over until Eddie’s tears dried up.

“I know you didn’t mean it Ed. This isn’t your fault, you hear me?” Wayne pressed a kiss into his hair. “Not your fault” he said again, as if he knew Eddie hadn’t believed him. He nodded into his uncle’s chest. “Are you feeling up to some visitors?” Eddie shook his head, before nodding it, and then shaking it again. Wayne huffed. “Which is it?” Amusement clear in his tone. Eddie wasn’t sure if he could explain to his uncle that he only wanted to see one person. Nevertheless, he tried.

“Steve” was all that came out, but luckily his uncle knew what he needed.

“He’s been waiting in the lobby for you for two days now.” This caused Eddie to sit up.

“Two days?”

“Yeah son. It’s Monday.” He’d been at the club on Saturday. Wayne was missing work today and Steve was likely missing work too. His eyes prickled again with shame and self-loathing. If he hadn’t been so stupid and easy, none of this would have happened.

“They wouldn’t allow anyone but me in the room since you kept reacting aggressively when you woke up” Wayne rubbed his back soothingly, misinterpreting Eddie’s tears. He fell back into Wayne’s chest. Too exhausted to sit up. “I’ll go tell him he can come back”. Wayne goes to disentangle himself from his nephew, but he grabs his shirt and won’t let go. He let out a pitiful sound that broke Wayne’s heart. Sitting back on the bed, he gathered Eddie back in his arms. “Alright, alright. I’ll let one of the nurses know he can come back. Is that okay?” Eddie nodded. “He’s here with two those young ladies, Robin and Chrissy. He tried to tell ‘em to go home, but they’re as stubborn as him, if not more so.” He chuckled and Eddie weakly joined in.

As much as Robin and Steve were platonic soulmates, so were Eddie and Chrissy. She wouldn’t go anywhere once she knew he was here. And Robin would never leave Steve here alone. It warmed his heart to know he had such good friends. “Steve first.” He pressed the words into his uncle’s shirt.

He called for a nurse to let his friends know he was awake. Not five minutes later, Steve practically threw the door off the hinges. Eddie startled so violently, he would have fallen off the bed if not for Wayne’s arms around him. He sent Steve a glare over Eddie’s head. Steve slid into the room much quieter.

“Sorry” he whispered. He looked at Eddie like he wanted to reach out but was afraid of hurting him. He gave him a tentative smile as he held his hand out, once again giving Eddie the choice to take it or not. Feeling seen, Eddie took his hand with a grateful smile. “How’re feeling Eds?” He kept that same hushed tone.

Eddie shrugged. He hadn’t taken the time to check himself over. “What happened?” Based on the look on Steve’s face, Eddie isn’t sure he wants to know.

“What all do you remember?” Steve asked. Thinking back, only one thing came rushing back; being cornered by Tommy Hagan.

“Tom...Tommy, he.” He felt Wayne’s arms tighten; Eddie’s sure he recognizes the name. He felt his airways close, the heart rate monitor picked up speed, as did his breathing. Steve took a step closer, but Wayne held his hand up to stop him. He wrapped his arms tighter around Eddie, being sure to leave his arms free so he wouldn’t feel trapped. He rocked them back and forth, and began singing the song that always worked to calm Eddie.

“Someday I wish upon a star, with clouds so far behind me” the familiar tune of Somewhere over the Rainbow coming back to him instantly though it’s been some time since he’s had to sing this for his nephew. His deep husky voice filled the room until it drowned out Eddie’s quieting sobs. Steve remembered how this helped the last time he was in the hospital and joined in softly.

When Eddie joined in, Wayne knew he was calming down. He reached a hand out to Steve and gently grasped it. The other hand was wrapped around Wayne’s arm, holding him close. “Thanks for rescuing me, Stevie.” He whispered. “If you hadn’t shown up when you did I don’t know...I mean I know what would have happened and I’m really glad that it didn’t.” He said wetly. It was obvious to everyone that he was trying not to cry again.

“Eddie, you said something in the alley.” Steve said morosely. He glanced at Wayne, unsure if he should ask in front of him. Before he could, there was a knock on the door. The doctor opened it a few seconds later. She was a short, older black woman, about Wayne’s age. Her long salt and pepper hair was pulled back into a braided bun.

“Hello Eddie. I’m DR. Kate. I need to check your vitals, do a quick exam, and ask you some questions. Is that okay?” He stiffened. He’s always hated Doctors. “Your Uncle told us you’d be more comfortable with a female doctor. Is that true or would you prefer a male?” She smiled at him kindly.

“He’s right.” Eddie said. “You can check me out.” He’d been wary of men since his father, which was why he pushed himself to go out last night. Or a few nights ago. Look at all the good that did him.

“Okay, I need everyone who isn’t family to step out please.” She said to the room, though it was obvious she was talking to Steve. Eddie’s heart picked up, the monitor going crazy. He grabbed Steve’s hand so tight his knuckles turned white.

“No, no. Don’t make him leave.” He cried out. His eyes welled with tears and he willed them not to fall. Seeing his reaction, DR. Kate pursed her lips.

“One moment.” She turned and walked out of the room without another word. The three men looked at each other the confusion clear on all of their faces. Dr. Kate came back with a sheet of paper she handed to Wayne. “Sorry Eddie. Since I haven’t done an exam on you yet, and you have a head injury, I can’t say if you are in good mental capacity to consent; however, if you Uncle signs this form, this young man can stay in the room.” Everyone turned to Wayne. The ball was in his court.

He looked at his nephew, then back to Steve. Steve has always been good to Eddie, not to mention he saved Eddie. With no hesitation, he signed the line, giving Steve permission. The doctor took the form and moved to Eddie’s side. “I’m going to need the two of you to step back from Eddie please.” She said with a warm smile towards Eddie. Wayne unwrapped himself from his nephew. Steve tried to take his hand away but, he was still white knuckling Steve’s hand. The boys made eye contact and Steve melted at the trust in Eddie’s eyes.

“Don’t worry Eds. I’ll be right over there next to your uncle, and I’ll come right back over if you ask. Doctor be damned.” He said not taking his eyes off him. “No offense Dr. Kate.” He said towards the doctor. She just laughed. That seemed to reassure Eddie that Dr. Kate could be trusted. He finally let go of Steve’s hand and allowed him to step back. Dr. Kate pulled out a flashlight and went through a few questions. Other than the few seconds the light was in his eyes, Eddie kept Steve in his sights. He always felt safer with Steve.

Steve never took his eyes off Eddie, making sure he knew he was there for him. Wayne looked between the boys who only had eyes for each other. He smiled to himself, but was a bit worried about the doc. If she noticed the boys, she didn’t say anything.

“You have a moderate concussion. Do you feel a bit foggy?” She asked. Eddie nodded. “I thought so. Don’t worry, that’s normal. The wound on your head needed ten stitches, there are a few scrapes that needed some cleaning, and your right shoulder is sprained. You have several bruises, but nothing too bad.” After she was done with her physical exam, she grabbed a stool and sat next to Eddie. “You were asleep due to blood loss from the head wound, plus the sedation we had to use when you woke up agitated.” She took a deep breath. “Eddie, can you tell me what happened?” She asked gently. Eddie shook his head. “You don’t remember what happened or you don’t want to talk about it?” She asked. The distinction was very important. Eddie couldn’t speak so he held up two fingers, indicating the second thing she said. “Okay Eddie.” She gently grabbed his hand. “Can you look at me please?” He made eye contact with her. She gestured to her coat and pulled open the collar. Inside was a small rainbow pin. Eddie relaxed a bit.

“Steve?” He called. Steve came over right away and Eddie grabbed his hand. “I was at The Hideaway, and I danced with some people. Afterwards, some men followed me outside and they tried to” he trailed off. Steve squeezed his hand and Eddie took a deep breath. “Tried to hurt me, I didn’t know what to do it was five on one. I tried to fight them, but I couldn’t. One of them grabbed me by the throat, the others laughed.” He stopped again. His eyes were far away like he was lost in the memories.

“Hey,” Steve said softly. “Stay here, Eddie.” Eddie nodded as his eyes cleared. He went on to explain to the doctor all that he could remember.

“I was scared.” He whispered. Unable to hold them back anymore, tears rolled down his face. “Terrified. I figured they’d kill me before they let me go. That’s when Steve showed up.” He took a harsh breath. “I was going to let them.” The shame swept through him again. Red hot and ice cold. He pulled his hand from Steve’s and buried his face in them. “I was going to let them just take...take what they wanted so they’d leave faster.” Sobs shook his body, loud and horrid. Dr. Kate set her hand gently on his arm. Despite the soft touch, Eddie still jumped about a foot. “If I hadn’t danced with them-” At that Dr. Kate shushed him.

“Hey, this is not your fault, sweetie. At all okay?” She reminded Eddie of Joyce. “You’re the victim here.” She reassured. Eddie’s lip wobbled before he launched himself into her arms. She held him, rubbing her hand up and down his back, and rocked slowly back and forth. “Shhh”she whispered as she did her best to soothe the boy. Eddie held on tight until his eyes dried. He didn’t move just yet.

“Thank you. No one’s ever said that to me before.” He said, muffled into her shoulder. She didn’t like the sound of that.

“Has something like this happened before Eddie?” She asked quietly so only he would hear. He stiffened in her arms, but still held tight. He made a noise in affirmation. She didn’t know what to say to that, so she asked a question instead. “Are you going to press charges?”

“I..don’t think so.” He admitted. He should, he knew he should, but the thought of going through all that when all he wanted to do was forget...no.

“If you choose to, I can help. But it is your choice.” She promised.

Normally, she wouldn’t stay with a patient this long, but Eddie wasn’t a typical patient. He may be 21, but he was still a child. A scared boy in need of comfort. She’d seen too many scared boys like him in her hospital and she’d be dammed if she’d abandon him when he needed her.

Finally he pulled back and thanked her shyly. Reassuring him that it was not a problem, she recommended he talk to a professional. “If you need help finding someone...safe” she said tapping her jacket. “I can give you a hand.” She gave his forehead a kiss before she left the room.

Eddie dropped his hands into his lap and fidgeted with his rings. Even though Dr. Kate was understanding, he still felt dirty. Like he was a used tissue. He felt the bed dip and saw Steve sitting on the edge. He held his hand palm side up on the bed, a silent invitation. One Eddie wasn’t ready to accept yet. Steve tried to catch his eye but he couldn’t meet them. “You can get the girls.” He said as he wrapped his arms around his torso.

Steve looked like he wanted to say something but thought better of it before he headed back to the lobby. Eddie watched him go then turned to his uncle.

Wayne saw the emptiness in his eyes and jumped up, immediately climbing back into the hospital bed with his nephew. Eddie curled up tight on Wayne’s lap, making himself as small as possible so he’d fit under his chin.

They stayed that way even as the door opened and Steve and the girls came in. Chrissy gasped and dashed towards the bed. With no hesitation, she climbed in with Eddie and Wayne laying her head on Eddie’s arm. “Hey Chris.” Eddie said as he pulled her into his side. “I’m alright.”

“What happened?” She asked. There was no point in asking if he was hurt, it was obvious.

When Eddie didn’t speak, she sat up. His eyes were closed, but the tears spilled out anyway. The sight made her own eyes tear up.

“Oh, Eds.” She whispered. He didn’t need to say anything. There was a throat cleared nearby and she glanced to the side to see that Robin and Steve came closer. She could tell Robin wanted to ask questions but she gave her a look and she backed off.

Robin put her hand on Eddie’s elbow and Steve held his other hand. Even though he was broken, Eddie was surrounded by love. He was so grateful. “Thank you.” He whispered.

__________

Eddie was discharged on Tuesday. Steve rarely left his side for more than a few minutes the entire time.

The longest was the hour talk he had with the hospital therapist. With everything he’d been through, she recommended he start going regularly. When he mentioned he lived in Hawkins, she grimaced and offered to be his therapist as long as he didn’t mind driving to Indy every few weeks. He agreed and they scheduled an appointment.

For the most part, Eddie was out of it, staring blankly at the wall. He forced himself to eat and talk when he was talked to, but he didn’t start conversations. As he was wheeled out to Wayne’s truck, he finally spoke up. “What about my van?” He asked. Steve agreed to drop Chrissy and Robin off at his van so they could bring it home. The plan was to meet back up at the trailer for lunch. Wayne insisted to thank his friends for being there for him.

Eddie was thankful for everyone, he was, but he hated himself for putting himself into the situation. He needed time to be alone. He just wasn’t sure what he’d have to say to Steve to get it.

He appreciates Steve. Really he does. But he doesn’t think he can tell Steve the truth.

Lunch was...to be frank Eddie didn’t’ remember much of lunch. The girls and Steve met them at the trailer, everyone laughed and joked and did their best to pretend like Eddie hadn’t just been in the hospital. It was harder than he expected to participate. He tried to play it off like he was just tired, but the drugs wore off and he remembered more of that night.

He hated himself for not being more aware of his surroundings, of just dancing with whoever without thinking. He hated himself more than anything that he went alone and didn’t tell anyone where he was...he was so lucky Steve was nearby. He wanted to thank him but he was so embarrassed and he didn’t want Steve’s pity.

By the time everyone was leaving, Eddie was exhausted. “Do you want me to stay the night Eds?” Chrissy asked. It was something they’d done before to help with the nightmares. He looked at her big eyes and wanted to say yes. He really did. But he shook his head anyway before waving goodbye to them all and locking himself in his room.

He lay awake that night, lost in the memories he’d rather forget.

____________

A week later, Eddie visited Steve at family video. It was the first time he’d left the house since the incident has he’d come to call it. It wasn’t unusual, visiting Steve, after everything with Carver and especially after the club...Eddie needed to feel safe and Steve was his safety.

“Do you want to come over tonight, we can watch one of the Star Wars.” Steve suggested as he restocked the shelves.

“Sure. But not the third one.” Eddie sighed. They watched it every time because…

“But that one has the teddy bears!” Steve and Eddie said together. Eddie more teasingly than Steve’s indignation. Steve laughed but before he could say anything else, the bell above the door rang.

“Be right with you!” Steve called. He quickly laid down the tapes in his hands and went to the front, with Eddie not far behind. But the person behind the counter made Eddie’s bones chill.

Billy Hargrove stood cockily with his hip popped against the counter. Eddie ducked behind the shelf nearest him, hoping he hadn’t been spotted.

“What can I get you, Hargrove?” Steve sighed. Billy sneered in distaste.

“Heard you were friends with Munson.” Eddie’s breath caught. Oh, god. Why was Billy asking about him?

“And if I am?” Steve answered, voice low. Billy just huffed a laugh.

“I heard he got into some trouble, just wanted to make sure he’s okay.” Billy laid the charm on thick. Eddie swallowed against the bile in his throat. That dick didn’t care about him, he must want something.

“He’s fine.” Steve reassured coldly, doing his level best not to glance in Eddie’s direction. Steve didn’t know exactly what was going on, but the fact that Eddie hid from the man, told him it was better to keep them apart.

“Well, tell him I’m looking for him. For old time’s sake.” Billy laughed as he exited the video store. Steve followed him to the door, locked it behind him, and flipped the open sign to closed.

“He’s gone, Eds.” Steve called as he calmly walked toward Eddie’s cowering form. “You’re safe.” Eddie sagged against the shelves, tucked his knees up to his chest, and sobbed into his knees.

“He’s never going to leave me alone, is he?” He whispered. Steve sat next to him and wrapped an arm around his shoulder.

“What’s he want from you, anyway?” Steve asked. Eddie sighed. He should really tell someone, and Steve was safe. He felt safe.

“You promise you won’t tell anyone?” Eddie plead.

“I promise.” Steve said. “Do you want to go to my house?” He offered. Eddie shook his head violently.

“It’s happened at your house.” He admitted. “I’ve never told anyone but Wayne this.”

“Take your time.” Steve said softly, his hand began rubbing soft circles into Eddie’s shoulder.

“Do you remember that night in the alley? When I said not again?” Eddie began. At Steve’s nod, he continued. “It started with Billy. It’s actually one of the reasons I stopped selling.”

“Wait, is this about you getting paid for sex?” Steve asked shocked. He’d heard the rumors, everyone had. But he didn’t really believe them. Eddie sobbed harshly as tears spilled freely down his cheeks.

“I didn’t want to.” Eddie whispered. “And not in the ‘oh god I have to do this to survive’ kind of way. But, in the…” He paused. Steve rubbed his back which helped him calm down. “I met Billy in the woods for a deal and asked me if I’d accept sex instead of money for weed. I said no. He asked if he could pay me for it instead. I said no again. But he didn’t like that.” His eyes glazed over, as he got lost in the memories.

“Eds?” Steve whispered pulling him back to the present. Eddie sighed.

“He grabbed me, held me against a tree. Took what he wanted. It hurt a lot, I bled some. Then he tucked $20 into my pocket and walked away. Left me there with my fucking pants down.” Eddie wiped his eyes and leaned his head back.

“I’m so sorry.” Steve whispered.

“I took the money. We needed it. I never said anything about it to anyone except Wayne. Didn’t bother going to the hospital, no one would’ve believed that I didn’t want it. I refused to sell to him for a while. But, he cornered me one day, told me if I didn’t give him what he wanted, he’d take it out on Gareth.” Eddie choked out. He turned to Steve and held tightly to his hands, imploring him to understand. “I couldn’t let Billy hurt him. So, I let him do whatever wanted to me. It wasn’t so bad, after a while. I learned how to just shut it all out. Pretend I was somewhere else.”

Steve sat horrified on Eddie’s behalf. He never should have gone through this, never should have been put in this position.

“Eddie…” Steve sighed. He didn’t know what to say.

“It got worse after he told Tommy.” Eddie whispered. “The two of them would come to deals together or separate but, they both...It was the prom after party at your house in ‘83. I didn’t want to go but, I needed the money. Tommy and Billy, locked me in the laundry room with them and...you know.” Eddie mumbled.

“Oh, god. Eddie. I’m so sorry.” Steve said emphatically. “If I had known, I would have put a stop to it.” Steve felt sick. He saw Eddie stumble out of the laundry room that night, looking broken and Steve thought maybe he just got too fucked up on his own supply. But now, knowing what he knew he wanted to break something.

“It’s not your fault Steve.” Eddie promised. “After they graduated, it was easier to avoid them. I stopped dealing, got a job at the mechanic’s so I would be harder to corner. Tommy and Billy moved away for school and I haven’t seen them since.” He shrugged even as he barely breathed. “I guess Billy’s back or he heard from Tommy what happened...I don’t know.” He curled up even tighter.

“Listen to me. I am not going to let anything happen to you again.” Steve said determinedly. “No one will lay a hand on you like that again.” Eddie stared hard at Steve’s face, looking for any hesitance but he didn’t see any. He saw something he couldn’t name, a fondness he’d seen on the other man’s face a few times.

“Promise?” Eddie asked.

“I promise.” Steve swore.

_____________

Steve made good on that promise not even a day later. Eddie, Chrissy, Robin, and Steve were spending the day at the trailer; with Eddie’s permission, Steve had filled the girls in on the club and the events that led to his rough time at the video store. Eddie would have been embarrassed but unfortunately it was a story the girls were all too familiar with.

Steve gazed at Eddie fondly as he talked with the girls. A movie played softly as they talked, doing there best to keep Eddie’s mind off everything, when a familiar Camero pulled up outside.

“I’ll take care of this.” Steve said as he stepped outside to stand guard on the Munson’s porch. The three people left inside peaked through the window to watch the confrontation.

“Is that you, Harrington?” Billy scoffed. Steve sighed and nodded.

“Yeah, it’s me. Don’t cream your pants.” Steve put his hands in his pockets calmly. Billy slammed the car door and Eddie flinched back from the window. His hands started shaking but he couldn’t stop.

“Munson home?” He asked.

“Why you asking?” Steve glared. Billy stepped up the porch steps until he was toe to toe with Steve.

“I just want to say hi.” He scoffed. Steve put two fingers against the other man’s chest and pushed lightly.

“He’s not home.” Steve said pointedly. Billy snorted and his eyes clicked to the window behind Steve’s head.

“I can see him in the window.” Steve swore under his breath.

“Just leave him alone.” Steve implored. Billy glared, reared a fist back, and slammed it into Steve’s nose knocking him back a few stumbling steps. He shouldered past and burst through the door.

Eddie gasped and back up a few steps until his back hit the wall. Chrissy and Robin stepped in front of him, but Billy was too strong for them to hold back and they fell to the floor.

“Leave me alone, Billy. I mean it.” Eddie spit out between gritted teeth. Billy smirked as he stalked forward. Before he could close in, Steve came up behind him in a tackle taking them both to the ground.

As they grappled, Eddie ran to his room and grabbed Steve’s nail bat. When he got back, Billy was straddling Steve, wailing on his face as the girls tried to pull him off. With a roar, Eddie swung the bat into Billy’s arm tearing into the muscle fiber. Billy screamed in a weird pleasure/pain and turned to glare at Eddie.

“Leave me alone!” He screamed again as he raised the bat. Steve rolled into Billy’s legs sending him to the ground again. Eddie swung the bat down between Billy’s legs and glared at the man.

“If I ever hear from you again, I’ll cut off your balls.” He growled. “Got it?” Billy sighed but Eddie lifted the bat and aimed it at his crotch. “Got it?!” He shouted.

“Got it.” Billy sighed. Steve watched Eddie in awe; the lights from the trailer shone behind him like a halo and he looked so strong and regal. It wasn’t the time, but Steve thought he looked beautiful.

“You better call your friend Tommy and tell him the same goes for him. Now get the fuck out of my trailer.” Eddie said as he stepped back, still holding a defensive position. Billy groaned but rolled to his feet and shuffled awkwardly out of the home, tail tucked between his legs.

Eddie didn’t relax until he heard the Camero pull away but even then, it was Steve pulling the bat from his grip that allowed him to crumble. Steve held him closely, keeping him safe.

“Did I just do that?” He asked in awe of himself.

“You did it, Eddie.” Steve whispered. Robin held him tightly on the other side.

“I just did that.” He laughed and started crying happily. The shame he felt at letting it happen before seemed to lift as he finally found the courage to stand up for himself.

“I doubt you’ll ever hear from either of them again.” Chrissy said as she too joined the hug.

“I’m free.” He sobbed.

“You’re free.” Steve whispered. Eddie held tightly to his arm.

“I’m safe.” He said as he laughed some more. “Thank you, Stevie. For keeping me safe.” He said to the man.

“You saved yourself.” Steve implored. Eddie smiled.

“I guess I did.”