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nothing2-c · 2 months ago

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I’m Convinced that as you wish is one of the things that keeps me believing in love

as a single child of divorce in her __s.

Hii!! I love your As You Wish series sm, and I was wondering if you could write about Eddie and reader's wedding because I feel like that would be so insanely cute (not that everything you write isn't insanely cute). Anyways, that's all I have to ask, have a great day!

omg hey!! I love your AYW series SO MUCH and all my friends and family can vouch for the fact that I am sat and ready every AYW Wednesday because I love your writing so much! Anyways, I was wondering if you could write about eddie and reader's wedding? we have the bachelor party and the honeymoon but i'm so curious about how you imagine the actual wedding would be? That’s all I have to say here, byeee<3

What about a sweet little callback to reader watching The Princess Bride and Eddie saying as you wish? Like in wedding vows or something 👀

thinking about AYW!Older!Eddie and reader’s first dance at their wedding being to Uptown Girl but it’s a slow dance version that Eddie sang and recorded just for the wedding 😿

I have been thinking about this story for so long! Thank you to everyone who requested and wanted to see this day too. I apologize if there are any errors in this because I I basically purged this onto paper lol. I hope you all enjoy ❤️

There are two covers of songs mentioned in this and here are links to hear how they sound! I’ve actually started making an AYW playlist! We’ll see how that goes lol

Nothing Else Matters / Uptown Girl

Words: 15.7k

[As You Wish masterlist]

“Dude, your face is going to start hurting.”

Dustin watches Eddie from where he’s leaning next to the cracked window. The five men are in the small room that’s reserved for the groom and his groomsmen. The February breeze cools down the otherwise warm and small area. There’s one chair in the corner and Steve is currently perched on it, leaving the others to become wallflowers against the periwinkle paint. Lucas stands near the door, head cocked to the side as she watches Eddie excitedly pace on the opposite end of the space. Gareth is crouching near the mirror that the groom keeps checking his hair in from time to time.

“I’ve never seen him smile so much,” the former Corroded Coffin drummer says.

Eddie ignores his friends, even as all four pairs of eyes burn through his tux; their words mean nothing to him. All he can think about is you. How you’re somewhere in the same building as him, in your wedding dress, just minutes away from marrying him. He wonders if you’re as excited as he is–though he doesn’t think that’s physically possible. What kind of dress did you pick? It doesn’t matter, he knows you look perfect. He keeps picturing you walking down the aisle toward him and it’s impossible to keep the goofy smile off his face. At least there aren’t any cameras trained on him to capture this particular look.

“You two aren’t married, you don’t get it,” Steve says.

“Um.” Gareth looks at Steve and narrows his eyes. “I’ve been married for years.”

Both Lucas and Dustin snicker.

“Oh,” Steve says. “Well, I wasn’t at your wedding.”

The doorknob turns and Ryan and Luke stroll in. Ryan’s eyes are a little red, but his little brother has full-on tear tracks running down his cheeks.

“Hey.” Eddie’s at their sides in a heartbeat. “What is it?”

Luke shakes his head, a smile almost as big as his father’s on his face. Ryan also looks happy despite the evidence of past crying.

“She looks so pretty,” Luke says.

Eddie’s shoulders sag in relief and his heart thuds against his ribcage.

“So pretty that you cried?” Eddie asks, using his thumb to wipe off the nine-year-old’s cheek.

“Oh yeah,” Luke answers. “You’re going to cry, too.”

“We all knew that,” Dustin says, making the rest of the guys chuckle.

“Okay, you’re definitely not married,” Steve says, raising his eyebrows at his younger friend.

Ryan tilts his head as he inspects his father, and Eddie catches the look out of the corner of his eye.

“What?” he asks his oldest.

“You’re like…lighter.” Ryan shakes his head, not happy with the words he’s chosen. “I don’t know how to explain it.”

“He’s so happy!” Luke provides.

“Yeah.” Ryan nods his head. “So happy you look different. But in a good way.”

“I look okay?” Eddie asks, reaching up to smooth out his hair for the hundredth time in the last hour.

“You look really good,” Luke says. Though no new tears form in his eyes, the little boy’s voice is thick with emotion. He had no idea this day would be so much–he was just expecting the fun from the party later.

Ryan tugs on the lapels of his dad’s coat before giving the man a thumbs up. Instinctively, Eddie goes to ruffle the eleven-year-old’s hair but at the last moment remembers it’s gelled down nicely already.

“You guys all ready to go?” Eddie asks.

“Just need our stuff,” Luke says, gesturing to the cardboard box in the corner.

Gareth is the closest one, so he slides it towards the boys. Luke opens it and pulls out Ryan’s prop first. It’s a small wooden box, hand-painted by both boys, you, and Eddie. You’d had a family craft night about a week ago where each of you got to paint one side of the box any way that you’d like. Luke painted a big sun and a blue sky on his side, and Ryan had painted stick figures of the four of you, each slightly altered to look more like yourselves. You had painted two large red hearts with one singular black arrow going through both of them, and Eddie painted two large golden rings intertwined with both of your initials in them.

Ryan takes the box from his brother and opens it. Two silver rings gleam up at him from the inside, as well as two pink carnations. Next, Luke pulls out a large Ziploc bag and shakes it enthusiastically.

“I’m ready to load up!” he says.

Eddie chuckles and kisses Luke’s head before there’s a knock on the door. The venue coordinator pops her head in and gives all the men a smile. She’s a small elderly lady that reminds Eddie of Queen Elizabeth for some reason. He has to keep reminding himself that her name is Janet and not to accidentally refer to her with the monarch’s name instead.

“Are we ready?” she asks.

“Very,” Eddie answers.

“Alright.” She smiles at the boys and smooths down the rosy skirt she’s wearing. “Time to come with me, boys.”

Luke throws his arms around his dad, which is almost enough to get Eddie choked up.

“See you in a few minutes!” Luke says, giving his father an extra tight squeeze.

“I can’t wait to see your little performance, pal.” Eddie grins and presses a kiss to the side of the nine-year-old’s head.

“Eh, I know I’m just the warmup act.” Luke steps back from Eddie and sketches an overdramatic bow. “I cannot compare to the beautiful princess!”

“Nah, you’re the troll under the bridge,” Ryan teases good-naturedly as he tugs his brother towards the door. “Bye, Dad.”

“I love you guys,” Eddie calls after them.

“Love you too!” Come twin replies as the door closes behind them.

The moment the boys left your dressing area to go find their dad, honest to goodness butterflies started spiraling around in your stomach. It’s impossible not to smile to yourself in the full-length mirror. The A-line gown conforms to your body perfectly; accentuating every curve and stretch of your body. The sweetheart neckline and short lace sleeves show off just enough decolletage for the silver necklace hanging around your neck to shine. The two intwined hearts with an emerald in the middle that Eddie had given you seemed the obvious choice to wear today. As a surprise, Nancy bought you emerald stud earrings to match it. They gleam in the light when you inspect them in the mirror.

“Max, can you hand me the veil?” Gin asks.

“Yeah, here you go. Alright, I’m going to head out to the holding space to meet the boys when they’re done with Eddie. Not that I don’t trust them not to get into mischief back there on their own, but…well, I don’t.”

You giggle and nod to Max as she opens the dressing room door and slips out. She crosses paths with your mom as she steps into the room. In the mirror you can see tears flooding her eyes as Gin situates your veil just right in your pristine hair.

“Aw, Mom,” you say with a chuckle.

“Are we surprised she’s crying?” Gin asks you with a snort.

“Not at all,” you reply.

“You look so beautiful, sweetheart,” your mom says.

“Thanks,” Gin replies before you can open your mouth.

Your mother tuts and you playfully swat at your older sister.

“Thank you, Mom.”

“Are we just about ready?” your mom asks. “I’m not trying to rush you, I promise, it’s just that I saw the two most adorable little boys out there and I’m ready to have them officially be my grandsons.”

Hearing those words from your mother adds another layer of emotion to your already giddy state. Your family is joining Eddie’s family. You and Eddie are joining. You are going to be a Munson now and for the rest of your life.

Giving yourself one more look over in the mirror, you nod to yourself, then turn to look at your bridesmaids. The deep purple gowns look stunning on them, despite the across the board differences in coloring and body shape. They flatter your friends and sister so well that it starts another round of tears pressing behind your eyes. Determined to push these ones away, you shake your head and take a step towards your mom.

“I think we’re ready.”

Your mother nods and reaches for the doorknob. As she pulls it open, it reveals you in all your bridal glory to your dad, who is standing on the other side. A softness grows on his face that you’ve never seen before.

“My baby girl,” he says, his right hand coming to smack down over his heart. “All grown up.”

“Daaad,” you whine, but beam at the praise, nonetheless.

“You look perfect, honey.”

“Thanks, Dad.”

You loop your arm through his and your mom walks on your other side. The three bridesmaids trail along behind you, the sound of several pairs of heels clicking along the hardwood floors with the absence of a rhythm.

“She’s here!”

Luke’s voice carries across the sparsely furnished holding space. You grin and wave at the boys once they’re in your line of sight.

“Ready to rock and roll, little Munsons?” you ask.

Ryan gestures to the box in his hand and nods, while Luke pats his bulging pants pockets with an almost maniacal smile on his face.

“Everything is all set in there.” Janet slips in from the main room and gently closes the large double doors behind her. “We’re ready to go whenever you are.”

Max scoops up the large brown wicker basket that is carrying the bouquets for you and each bridesmaid. She hands Nancy, Jess, and Gin their bouquets of white roses and violets. When she gets to you, Max hands you the red roses and baby’s breath, her face full of pure joy and pride.

“Ryan?” Janet smiles kindly at the older boy. “Are you ready to escort the mother of the bride to her seat?”

Your soon-to-be-son nods and adjusts his posture so he’s standing up taller. He hands the wooden box to Luke for the moment and walks over to your mother. Though he is much shorter than the older woman, he offers him her arm all the same.

Before she loops her arm through his, your mom pulls you in for a hug.

“Congratulations, my beautiful daughter. I love you so much.”

“I love you, too.” These goddamn emotions are driving you wild and you haven’t even laid eyes on Eddie yet. You know you’re screwed and it’s inevitable that you will cry—it’d just be nice to push it off for as long as possible because there’s a good chance it won’t stop once it starts.

Janet holds the door open, and you watch Ryan and your mom walk through. That’s my mom with my son. It’s not the first time the boys have seen your parents, but watching Ryan and your mom walk towards the aisle, arm in arm with one another? It’s an utterly serene feeling, all the puzzle pieces in your life slotting together perfectly. And so far, they’re creating a beautiful picture.

“Alright,” Janet says, coming back over towards you. “I believe that Max will be the first bridesmaid out, yes?”

“Yes,” you affirm just as the aforementioned woman steps up to take her spot at the front of the line. “Then Nancy.”

Nancy gives your shoulder a playful nudge as she passes by you to take her place behind Max. You smile and fight the urge to tug on one of her immaculately styled curls.

Next up is Gin, then Jess, the maid of honor, capping off the bridesmaids. Ryan pops through the door just in time to join his brother at the end of the line. Ryan will go first, then Luke. And after that? Every eye will be on you as your father walks you down the aisle. The thought is nerve wracking honestly, but you’ve been assured by many people that once you see Eddie, it’ll be like no one else is in the room. It’s not hard for you to believe either since that is something that happens on a daily basis when you see him anyway.

As you and your father move into position, you notice both Luke and Ryan watching you.

“What’s up, bubs?” you ask, looking up to meet their eyes as you settle into your place.

“Nothing,” Luke says with a smile and a shake of his head. “Just excited.”

“Me too.” You lower your bouquet and gently boop it against the tip of Luke’s nose.

Ryan doesn’t speak, but the look on his face says it all. He’s happy. He’s not afraid to be happy, either. Joy can run rampant now that this little family is becoming official.

Music begins playing, and though it’s soft through the solid oak double doors, you can still make out the instrumental cover of Metallica’s Nothing Else Matters that you and Eddie chose to begin the ceremony with. Eddie is very lucky he was able to find this particular rendition of the song because when he first mentioned having Nothing Else Matters played before the ceremony, you were ready to shove the spoon cradling milk and Cheerios in your hand down his throat. But this version is beautiful and now, hearing it play out there, you know it was absolutely the right call. It just adds another personal touch to your wedding. Neither you nor Eddie wanted some stiff, formal affair. This wedding is meant to reflect the two of you; both as individuals and as a couple. A simple, sweet, loving ceremony with friends and family.

“Ready, ladies?” Janet asks, not waiting for a response. “Max, you’re up.”

This is it. The wedding is officially starting. The groaning of the large double doors opening makes your stomach feel as if it’s about to make an escape from your body. Max steps forward and the sound of her heels as she walks down the aisle sets your body on fire. This is happening. It’s finally here.

“All good, pumpkin?” your dad asks softly.

“Yeah,” you breathe out with a rush of air. “I’m so excited.”

Luke turns around and gives you a mischievous smile.

“Don’t worry,” he says quietly, “if you get nervous just imagine everyone in their underwear!”

You giggle and gently bop the top of his head with your bouquet.

Next, you see Nancy disappear as she takes her turn down the aisle. Did she really wait the twenty seconds Janet instructed for between bridesmaids? Of course she did, you tell yourself. It just seems like time is trying to skip ahead, wanting to jump to the part where it’s your turn to walk down the aisle, your elegant shoes walking over the white runner. At the same time though, it feels like it will be an eternity until your turn finally arrives. How is time contradicting itself right before your very eyes?

It’s Gin’s turn now. Hold twenty seconds, now Jess. But the doors close before the boys can make their grand entrance. In true Munson fashion, they have to wait for the right musical cue.

Nothing Really Matters fades out, leaving silence for a few beats before Slash’s iconic opening guitar riff of Sweet Child O’ Mine plays overhead.

Your eyes fall on the boys and their excitement and eagerness to get going warms your heart. There is no way anyone could possibly ever have the coolest, funniest, most loving stepsons like you do.

“Ready?” you ask them.

“Yeah!” Luke cheers.

“Go ahead, my little Lord of the Rings.” You blow a kiss to the first boy up.

Ryan nods before giving a smile to Janet to let her know it’s okay to open the doors again.

A different vibe permeates the air now that the music has switched from instrumental to pure rock. It’s lighter, calmer, and more relaxed. All the things that those three Munson men make you feel on a daily basis.

Ryan takes a deep breath and takes his first step forward right as Axl Rose comes in with the lyrics. But to you, everything fades into the background except your boys. The back of Ryan’s head bobs down the aisle and you’re already looking forward to watching the video recording of the wedding so you can see how this looks from the front. Your oldest smiles at some people seated on either side of the aisle but mostly keeps a steady pace as he makes his way towards the altar. The eleven-year-old has never been much for the spotlight, so he’s probably relieved when he and the wooden box make it to the front of the room.

Now, on the flip side of that coin, Luke thrives as the center of attention.

“Have fun, Lord of the Petals!” You give him a wink.

He looks over his shoulder and throws a wink at you in return before he starts to walk—no, strut—down the aisle. Luke makes it about a quarter down the aisle before he stops and jumps up and down in time with the drum, his hands making little rock and roll signs as he does. When he lands, his legs are spread shoulder length apart. He whips his head to the right—where the groom’s side is seated—and his eyes find Mia Harrington in the crowd. Since both of her parents are part of the wedding party, Mia is seated with her siblings and her Aunt Holly and Uncle Mike. When the almost five-year-old sees that Luke’s attention is on her, her cheeks turn as pink as the tulle dress she’s wearing.

Luke smiles and points to her and juts his hip out in the same direction his arm is raised. The heel of his black Oxford taps along with the beat of the song as he slowly lets his arm fall back down to his side. A few people in the audience chuckle at Luke’s adorable performance. But you know they haven’t seen anything yet.

As the song winds up towards his cue, Luke slips his hands inside his pockets and takes one small step forward.

Sweet love of mine

Luke’s hands come flying out of his pockets, red rose petals flying into the air just as the guitar solo fills the room. They rain down like confetti on those guests closest to the aisle, the white runner beneath his feet, and on Luke himself.

The laughter grows as Luke steps forward, making his way up the aisle as he gathers more supplies from his pockets, and spins around on one foot, letting more petals ricochet into the air in a spiral. Luke looks up at Eddie standing at the altar and gives him a big grin. The grin grows even larger when he sees the happiness and laughter on his father’s face as well.

Where do we go?

Where do we go now?

Where do we go?

As the outro of the song rolls in, Luke fills up on petals once more and tosses them in indiscriminate directions at every “where do we go?” that Guns N’ Roses sing.

It turns out he proportioned the petals well, because when he comes to the end of the aisle, Luke has just enough left to sprinkle them up to the altar.

Before the song ends, Ryan opens the lid of the wooden box in his hands and Luke plucks out two whole pink carnations. With a smile, he smells each of them. Then, he proceeds a few steps back to the aisle to present one of the flowers to your mother. She kisses his cheek in thanks, then Luke skips across the aisle and hands the other flower to Wayne. His grandpa chuckles and happily accepts it from Luke before tucking it into the front pocket of his suit jacket. It gives the black material a pop of color.

As the final notes of the song play, Ryan and Luke stand together just in front of the altar and bow. The crowd gives them an enthusiastic round of applause, and there are even a few whistles and cheers. The two share a laugh before heading over to stand in their designated spots next to Lucas.

The doors at the back remain open this time but there is another music change. The opening notes of Here Comes the Bride begin to play and suddenly your skin feels like it’s vibrating. The time has come to play your part in this show. But what better of an opening act could you have asked for with those adorable boys?

“Ready?” your dad asks softly.

It’s one of the easiest questions you’ve ever answered.

“Yes.”

Together, you walk towards the main room and pause in the open doorway. Both sides of the guests rise from their seats and it’s surreal to think they’re all standing because you walked into the room. Every eye is on you as you begin walking again, and you take a quick chance to look around at the family and friends gathered here, because you know they’ll all become invisible to you the moment you see Eddie waiting up there for you.

You take a deep breath before you allow yourself to look up at the altar. And there he stands. Beautiful as ever but seeing him in a tux really takes your breath away. Thank God you took that deep one just a moment ago or you fear you’d be flat out on the runner. His hair is tucked into a bun at the base of his neck and shorter pieces frame his face in the way that you simply adore. And there are tears in his eyes.

Until you saw the water welling up in those dark brown eyes, you were overstimulated enough by the excitement of the moment to not think about crying yourself. But now the two of you match, tears building as you watch one another, then both chuckling softly as you realize you’re both crying.

As you and your father approach the altar, Eddie steps forward to receive you from him. Your dad kisses your cheek, then transfers your hand from his own into Eddie’s.

The moment your skin touches his everything feels right. The madness, the excitement, the hubbub of the whole day has led to this serene moment. Your hand is where it belongs forevermore: in Eddie’s.

“You look beautiful,” Eddie whispers loud enough for only you to hear as you take your spots at the altar, in front of the officiate. Jess takes your bouquet from you so you can properly hold your betrothed’s hands.

“Thank you.” You feel your face heat up regardless of how many times Eddie has told you that over the years. It’s different now that you’re in your wedding gown. Every item you put together for this look, every moment of time spent on it, was in the hopes that Eddie would think it looks good on you. Of course, deep down you know that you could have worn a garbage bag, and he would’ve thought you looked nice, but you happen to agree with him when it comes to your wedding look. You do look beautiful.

The officiant steps towards the two of you, and you mostly look at him and offer a smile out of politeness. All of your attention yearns to be on Eddie. How heart-stoppingly handsome he looks in his tuxedo. The bow tie around his collar somehow looks both out of place on your metalhead fiancé, and also utterly swoon worthy. Your already rapid heart rate speeds up when you take in the details of his hair up close. It’s tied back at the nape of his neck, not in a ponytail, but in a bun, the way he knows drives you crazy. It must be written plain as day on your face that you’re checking him out because Eddie gives you a wink and tries to keep his smile from contorting into a satisfied smirk. Who can blame you though? You know you’re the luckiest woman in the world to be standing up here with him.

“Welcome,” the officiant begins, “and welcome to the family, friends, and loved ones of our beautiful couple. We are here to witness and celebrate this joyous union. Marriage is a bond built on love, trust, and mutual respect, and today, these two stand before us to declare their commitment to one another. As they exchange their vows, they invite us to share in their joy and to support them in the journey ahead.”

You hear what the man is saying, but your brain is doing its damndest to train your focus on Eddie. He holds your hands in his and lets his thumbs gently brush over your knuckles. When his right thumb passes over where your engagement ring usually sits, both of you notice the lack thereof. It feels wrong not to be wearing it, but you know it’s only until Eddie slips another ring on your finger. Then the two will live together on your hand for the rest of time.

“If anyone here has just cause why these two should not be joined in marriage, speak now or forever hold your peace.”

Silence follows the officiant’s words. You knew it would, but something about watching any wedding movie ever has planted the dreaded “what if” in the back of your mind. But there’s no one in attendance who thinks you and Eddie are less than perfect for each other.

Just as he opens his mouth to continue, a small but audible whisper is heard from one small voice behind Eddie.

“Wow, they really do say that.”

A handful of adults close enough to hear Luke’s words—including both you and Eddie—chuckle softly. From what you can see past Eddie, it looks like Ryan tugs his little brother backwards a step or two to be closer to him. Big brother has no trouble keeping Luke in line right now.

“Let’s move on to the vows,” the officiant continues. “I believe these two have written their own that they’d like to share. Ladies first?”

You nod and glance over at the officiant who nods encouragingly at you. Talking in front of a lot of people who are all focused on you is a bit overwhelming if you’re not used to it. But Eddie gently squeezes your hands and when you look back at him, his eyes say everything. These vows aren’t for the people watching. They’re not for anyone else but each other.

A large inhale fills your lungs, and you let it out slowly. You give Eddie a nod in thanks. All that matters in this moment is Eddie and the words you promise to uphold in your marriage.

“Eddie, the first time I ever saw you is still so clear in my mind. You opened the front door, and I quite literally forgot how to breathe for a moment. I’ve never been someone who has believed in love at first sight. But when I saw you, I knew you held the future of my heart in your hands; you could break it or fill it with more joy than it’s ever known. And as time went on, there were ups and downs, bumps, and hurdles, but there was never a second when you didn’t still hold my heart. Every milestone, big or small, is etched not only in my brain, but in my soul. Little things that you may not have even noticed at the time, like the first time I made you laugh? I remember it so vividly because I felt euphoric. Our moments and memories together are part of who I am. I couldn’t have asked for a better partner to spend the rest of my life with. And I will spend every single day of that life being there for you in whatever way you need me. For you and the boys. My family—my whole world. My heart is still in your hands. You’ve filled it with so much love and happiness that I don’t know how any more is going to fit inside. I know it will, though. Because we still have a lifetime ahead of us to add to it.”

Eddie’s chocolate eyes are swimming in unshed tears. A watery smile plays on his lips, and he swallows thickly. His hands squeeze yours just as a tear spills from his right eye. You have to sniffle yourself just to keep your tears at bay.

The warmth and love that Eddie gazes at you with on any given day will never cease to amaze you. But the absolute adoration in his eyes right now makes you feel more cherished than you thought possible.

“That was beautiful.” The officiant commends you. “Edward? Your vows?”

Your fiancé nods and clears his throat. So much emotion has washed over him in just the past few minutes that he feels the need to shake it off or there’s no way in hell he’ll be able to get through his own vows.

“My princess,” Eddie starts, the nickname causing you to beam, “you are very literally a dream come true. I could live to be older than all the elves in Middle-Earth and still not be able to figure out what I’ve done to deserve you. You’ve seen me at my worst, but you never balked or made me feel less than. If anything, you held my hand tighter in those moments. I promise to never let go of your hand either. I promise to spend every day trying to make you feel as loved and safe as you make me feel. Do you remember the first day we met? Well, you mentioned it in your vows, but I already had that line written in so we’re just gonna go with it.” You giggle as a few laughs ring out from the seats as well. “You played the board game Trouble with me and the boys. Luke started to get upset because he couldn’t move, and you calmed him down with a natural ease I’ve never seen in anyone else. And Ryan talked about school, and you hung on his every word, truly enthralled in what he had to say. Ryan won the game that day. He got all four of his little pieces into the home spots. Today, I won, because you are the fourth piece officially taking your spot in our home. You make all of us better. You make it your mission to show me and the boys how much you love us each and every day.” Eddie pauses, collecting himself for a moment before continuing. “There were so many things I lost hope for in my life. But you have proved me wrong at every turn. You are my proof that there is hope because you are my hope. Getting to call you my wife is the greatest honor. You deserve the world, and I promise to spend the rest of my life loving you exactly as you wish.”

When he finishes speaking, you go to remove your left hand from his to wipe away a tear falling down your cheek, but Eddie beats you to it. Gently, he brushes the tear away with his thumb and retakes your hand in his own.

“It’s time for the rings,” the officiant says. He looks down towards the boys and smiles. “I believe we have a ring bearer—oh no, excuse me, we have a Lord of the Rings.”

A small murmur of laughter comes from the crowd.

Ryan walks around Lucas to stand before you and Eddie. He lifts the lid of the wooden box and gently lifts the rings from their small cushion inside. He first hands you Eddie’s wedding ring, then hands his father yours. You blow the eleven-year-old a kiss and Eddie throws him a wink before he goes back to take his spot next to his little brother.

“The wedding ring is a symbol of love, unity, and the promises you make today. As you place these rings on each other’s hands, may they remind you always of the commitment you share. Edward, let’s start with you. Do you take this woman to be your lawfully wedded wife, to love, honor, and stand beside her for all your days?”

“I do.”

Eddie’s enthusiasm with the two words was the opposite of hesitation. He was chomping at the bit for the officiant to finish so he could proclaim his declaration of love.

“Now repeat after me,” the officiant says. “With this ring, I thee wed. I give you my love and my promise, now and forever.”

“With this ring,” Eddie repeats, slipping the white gold band past the manicured nail on your ring finger, “I thee wed. I give you my love and my promise, now and forever.” He settles the ring securely at the base of your finger.

Tears trickle from your eyes as you watch him slip the ring onto your hand. You’re so mesmerized by the tiny diamonds that litter the band and how they catch the light that you almost don’t realize it’s your turn to present Eddie with his own ring.

The officiant gives you a kind, understanding smile before continuing.

“Do you take this man to be your lawfully wedded husband, to love, honor, and stand beside him for all your days?”

“I do.”

Right next to saying “yes” to Eddie’s proposal, this was the easiest question you’ve ever answered.

“Repeat after me. With this ring, I thee wed. I give you my love and my promise, now and forever.”

Your hand gently tremors with excitement as you lift Eddie’s matching band to his left ring finger.

“With this ring, I thee wed.” You look up at Eddie’s face and find him watching you with the most lovestruck expression on his face. It makes your pulse flutter. “I give you my love and my promise, now and forever.”

“By the power vested in me by the state of Indiana, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride!”

The words have barely finished coming out of the officiant’s mouth when Eddie gently cups the sides of your face and presses his lips against yours. Your hands go forward and land on Eddie’s waist as you kiss him back with fervor. In your periphery you’re aware of the giddy applause surrounding you, but nothing is as important as your husband’s mouth on yours right now. Your husband’s. It has such a lovely ring to it.

It seems like seconds or hours later that the two of you finally pull apart. Time has stopped and you are the only two who exist. The bubble only pops when the officiant speaks again.

“It is my honor to present Mr. and Mrs. Edward Munson.”

“Mrs. Munson,” Eddie repeats, low enough for only you to hear.

“My husband,” you reply in kind.

The cheering around you only grows in ferocity and volume. Eddie laces the fingers of his left hand with the fingers of your right and together you turn to face the crowd. The first thing you notice as your eyes scan the people is that Wayne is crying. Thick tears roll down his cheeks, but he looks the happiest you have ever seen him. Your mother is also crying, though you expected that one. Little Tiffany Sinclair sits next to the four Harrington children, and they all clap their small hands together, Mia bouncing up and down in excitement. Friends, family, co-workers, all gathered here to share in this momentous occasion. It’s a bit overwhelming to look out and see all this support. All this love.

The Wedding March begins to play and that’s your and Eddie’s cue to head back down the aisle. Your feet feel like they’re gliding through clouds as you take your first steps off the altar. Eddie’s hand is snugly in yours and Jess hands you back your bouquet before you get too far down the aisle without it. You shoot her a grateful glance, then turn back to the filled seats, grinning at people as you pass them.

You don’t look behind you, but you remember from the rehearsal yesterday how the rest of the bridal party will exit behind you. First, Steve and Jess will walk out together, as the best man and maid of honor. Then, Ryan and Luke will make their way back up the aisle. After them, Gin and Dustin. Nancy and Gareth will follow them, and then Max and Lucas will bring up the rear.

Once you and Eddie reach the atrium and have a moment to yourselves, you turn to face each other and find you have matching expressions of giddiness and excitement radiating from you in waves.

“Oh my God,” you say.

“We’re married,” Eddie says.

The two of you share a euphoric laugh as you lean in to kiss each other again.

Steve and Jess walk in as your lips are still attached, but that doesn’t stop the respective best friends from whooping and hollering their congratulations at you. The moment your lips are no longer touching Eddie’s, you’re being pulled in for hugs by both of them.

“You did it!” Jess cheers.

“It was beautiful, guys,” Steve adds.

“Incoming, incoming!”

You’d know that little voice anywhere. As soon as they’re past the threshold into the atrium, both boys come running at you at full speed. Their dress shoes squeak against the floor as they hurry towards you with faces full of glee.

Luke makes it to you first and practically leaps into Eddie’s arms. Ryan’s there a heartbeat later, immediately throwing his arms around your middle and squeezing you tighter than any corset ever could.

“You’re married!” Ryan cheers.

“We’re married!” Eddie echoes.

Luke wriggles out of his father’s grip and jumps up and down in front of both of you, excitement more intense than any amount of sugar could cause. Ryan goes to hug his dad next, who gently cups the back of the boy’s head and leans down to press a few kisses against his gelled hair.

“You’re our stepmom!” Luke pumps his fists into the air as he starts to jump around in a circle.

“You’re my sons!” Saying those words aloud brings a fresh wave of tears. Unable to express your love and happiness any other way, you bend down and gather both boys into your arms. They cling to you as you wrap them up in the warmest of embraces.

“I love you,” Ryan says softly.

“Me too,” Luke adds. “I love you too.”

“I love you both so unbelievably much,” you tell them. “I promise I’m going to be the best stepmom I can.”

“You already have been,” Ryan says.

The rest of the bridal party crowds into the atrium and you and Eddie are pulled into countless more hugs. It’s a flash of violet dresses and black tuxes as everyone mingles to embrace one another.

Gin pulls you into a hug so tight that it makes you ponder if she’s ever hugged you like this before.

“I am so proud of you,” your sister says. “And so, so happy for you.”

“Thank you.” You pull back and look at one another. Laughter bubbles up in the space between you and she pulls you in for another hug. Gin’s wedding to her husband Owen was much more low-key, only at a local courthouse. So, this is the first time you two sisters get to have this experience with each other.

Wayne bustles into the atrium, a grin splitting his face in half like you’ve never seen before. The older man goes to give you a hug first, which Eddie acts like is a capital offense.

“I’m so happy for you, kiddo,” Wayne says, gently resting his hands on your shoulder. “Both of you.”

Eddie steps in to hug his uncle and it’s enough to spill any remaining tears down your face.

“I’m so proud of you, boy,” Wayne says, smacking Eddie on the shoulder with one hand and wiping his face with the other. “You got yourself a good one. Ed. More than a good one. A great one.”

Heat rises to your cheeks. Eddie’s only response Is a smile that says he already knows that.

“Grandpa!” The two boys get their hands on Wayne, and he is brought into the fray of people, leaving you and your sister with one another.

“My baby!”

You turn to see your parents coming towards you and your mom immediately envelops both you and Gin into a hug. It’s almost impossible to breathe with the way your mom practically pressed your face against her shoulder.

“Darling, don’t kill the girls on such a special day,” your father says, coming up behind your mother.

“I think she’s trying to put us back in the womb,” Gin mumbles from wherever face is squished against the side of your mom’s neck.

“Are we ready for pictures?” The photographer slowly approaches the group, not wanting to interrupt or intrude.

“Yes,” you say, taking the excuse to pull out of your mother’s arms. “We were thinking of taking some back inside.”

It takes a little over an hour to get all the desired pictures taken. Some up by the altar, some in the middle of the aisle, and even some down by the pond tucked into the back corner of the property. There are so many combinations of friends and family members that it feels like you had a smile plastered on your face for ages. Luke decided he was a little model and kept coming up with poses for everyone to do. The most heartwarming, though, is that each boy wants a picture with you individually. Yeah, one with Ryan and you and Eddie, and then the same for Luke. But they both want a one-on-one photo with you. It’s almost enough to make you cry, but then Luke stubs his toe and says, “dang flabbit,” causing you to laugh instead. You’re also pretty sure the photographer got a shot of him just as he squeezed his eyes shut in pain. It’s going to be an interesting wedding album, that’s for sure.

Your favorite pictures to take are the ones of just you and Eddie, though. Pictures where you’re gazing into one another’s eyes, while holding hands, while you’re wrapped up in Eddie’s arms, while he kisses you so deeply that the world spins around you. A particular shot of his hands on your hips from behind and you turning your head to look at him, booming smiles on both your faces is one you already know you want blown up to hang in the living room.

Once all the photos are finished and most of the guests have cleared out to head to the reception, it’s time for you, your families, and wedding party to follow in kind.

Two long black stretch limos wait at the curb, a uniformed driver standing ready to open the back door for its passengers. Both your parents and Wayne insisted on driving over to the reception themselves, so these limos are just for you and the wedding party.

“Come on, you two.” You hold your bouquet in one hand and reach for Luke’s with the other. Eddie rests his hands on Ryan’s shoulders and gently ushers him along to the first limo.

“We’re riding with you guys?” Ryan asks.

“Of course,” Eddie says.

“We’re one big happy family now,” you add.

The driver opens the back door as your bridal party is ushered into the limo behind yours. Luke pops his head inside first and looks back at the rest of you with a slack jaw.

“There are lights on the ceiling in here!”

“What?” Ryan shoos his brother fully inside so he can take a look for himself. “Whoa!”

After the boys are exploring the interior, Eddie offers you his hand so he can assist you into the limo. Truth be told, it would probably have been easier to do it on your own but you’re not about to turn down your husband’s lovely gesture. Eddie makes sure that all of your dress comes in behind you before he slides in as well. The driver closes the door behind him, and you watch the boys look around in awe.

Luke reaches up and runs his fingers along the lights bordering the interior ceiling. Ryan looks over at the bar that Eddie is sitting across from. Small hands run down the bar as Ryan’s eyes take in every glass that sits in wait. When it gets to the end of the bar, he sees two bottles.

“What’s this?” he asks.

“Ah,” Eddie hums as he leans forward to pick up both bottles. “These are for our celebration.”

Ryan sits down next to his father as the limo begins to drive down the street. He carefully takes one of the bottles and inspects its label.

“Sparkling grape juice?”

“For you and your brother,” you say.

“And champagne for us adults,” Eddie adds.

“C’mere, Luke.” You pat the seat next to you and Luke crawls along the floor until he comes to the back bench that’s facing forward. He pulls himself up into the seat and Ryan takes the seat catty cornered from him on the bench that’s facing the bar.

Eddie grabs four glasses from the bar and hands them out to everyone. He then takes a seat next to Ryan and pops open the bottle of sparkling grape juice.

“Now don’t drink it until we have a toast,” Eddie tells the boys as he fills their glasses. He grabs the champagne bottle next and unwraps the foil around the top. “Alright, let’s see if I can get this cork out.”

The three of you watch Eddie as he takes the cage off of the cork and angles the bottle away from everyone. He gives the cork a little twist and it jumps out with a satisfying pop.

“Yay!” you cheer as you and the boys applaud.

Eddie grins as he pours the first glass and hands it to you. He pours his own before setting the champagne bottle down in an ice bucket on the bar across from him. He lifts his glass in the air and the rest of you follow.

“To the newly official Munson family!” Eddie toasts. “I love the three of you more than anything in the entire world. I can’t wait to see what kind of adventures and trouble we all get into together.”

“Hear, hear!” You echo as everyone clinks their glasses together.

The bubbles tickle Luke’s nose as he takes a sip, and he laughs into the glass.

“This is good,” Ryan says before taking a second sip.

“So is this.” Eddie raises his eyebrows in pleasant surprise as he looks down into his glass.

“Only the best for us Munsons, right?” you ask.

“Yeah!” Luke cheers.

He holds his glass up again and everyone clinks together for a second time.

The limo approaches the reception hall and both boys flock to the window, hands leaving behind smudged fingerprints as the two stare in awe at the large building. Your reception is being held at an old barn that’s been renovated into a banquet hall on the far edge of Hawkins. It’s a tall, sturdy building, the outside painted white with beautiful strings of light hung up all around the perimeter. The parking lot is decently full, with familiar cars like the Wheeler’s already there.

“Whoa,” Luke says, eyes taking in every inch of the rustic location.

“It’s huge,” Ryan says.

“Wait until you see the chandelier inside,” Eddie tells them. “It’s gigantic because it has to light up such a big space.”

Instead of pulling up to the front of the building, the limo goes around to the side, the second one following behind, to allow you all to walk into a side entrance.

The boys hop out and Eddie helps you out of the limo, helping to straighten the skirts of your dress out. You can’t help but press a quick kiss to his lips before you head inside.

There’s a spacious room set into the side of the building that you four and the whole bridal party fall into. Your parents and Wayne join you there. Though you had your own champagne (and grape juice) toast in the limo, the staff at the banquet hall has provided another bottle of champagne for you to have a toast with the whole wedding party.

“To the Munsons!” Steve cheers.

There are hoots and hollers of agreement before everyone, sans the children, drains their glasses.

You all get to relax there for a little over twenty minutes while the rest of the guests filter inside and find their seats. The staff are on top of everything as well. They make sure you are all comfortable in your holding room while also getting any last-minute details finished out in the hall.

“How long are we gonna be here?” Luke whines. He stretches across the laps of Max and Lucas where they sit on a couch. Max tickles the little boy on the side of his ribs and he curls in on himself with a laugh.

“Not too much more, bud,” Eddie tells him. “Then they’re going to announce us all when we walk into the party area.”

“What do you mean?” Ryan asks.

Eddie crouches down next to his oldest son and straightens his adorable bow tie.

“The DJ out there has a microphone and he’s going to call two names at a time. Like, he’ll call Aunt Max and Uncle Lucas’s names and then they’ll walk in together.”

“Because we’re all special!” Luke declares. “We’re in the party!”

Dustin looks over at Lucas and one side of his mouth quirks up in a smile.

“Weren’t we, like, their age when we started our party?” he asks.

“Shi—uh, shoot. We’re old.” Lucas sighs and wipes his hand down his face.

“I know what you were gonna say,” Luke tells his uncle, giving him a devious smirk.

“Nuh uh,” Lucas playfully whines, taking his turn to tickle Luke. The boy squeals and unsuccessfully tries to roll off the adults’ laps.

The door opens and the event coordinator pops his head inside.

“We’re ready whenever you all are,” he says.

“I think we’re ready,” Eddie says, looking to you for confirmation.

You nod and step forward to take his hand.

“Let’s get this show on the road.”

Those who were sitting stand up and Ryan gently tugs on Eddie’s hand.

“Do we line up again?” he asks.

“Yep,” his dad tells him. “You and Luke are going to be right before the beautiful bride again. And me.”

“The gorgeous groom,” you gush, slipping your arms around his waist. Eddie grins and leans in to press his mouth against yours.

“Ugh,” Luke groans, already over all the public displays of affection today. “Come on, come on.”

The speakers crackle to life in the banquet hall, catching the attention of the guests mingling with one another at their respective tables. The DJ taps the microphone, testing it before he speaks.

“Hello, everyone!” he says. “My name is Jake, and I will be your emcee for the evening. We are all here to celebrate a very happy day. How about we get the stars of the show in here, huh?”

The applause from the guests can be heard on the other side of the door leading into the hall, where you and the entire wedding party stand. There are loose lines leading up to the door, nothing strict like before the ceremony, since this is a much more relaxed atmosphere. Plus, everyone knows their name will be called when their turn is up.

The first announced into the reception are your parents, followed by Wayne. You and Eddie stand at the back of the group, hand in hand as you watch some of your favorite people be announced into the room.

“Now, please welcome Max Mayfield-Sinclair and Lucas Sinclair!”

Luke pretends to usher the couple through the door when their names are called. Lucas smiles and tugs on a curl that’s gone rogue on the nine-year-old’s head before he heads through the door with his wife.

“Nancy Harrington and Dustin Henderson!”

The boys become rambunctious, waiting their turns as Gin and Gareth are announced next.

“Us now?” Luke asks.

“After us, you little goblin,” Steve teases, gesturing to Jess, who loops her arm through Steve’s.

“Next we have the maid of honor, Jess Oldford, and the best man, Steve Harrington!”

Ryan and Luke take their spots right in front of the door, Ryan bouncing on the balls of his feet and Luke rubbing his hands together in anticipation. You and Eddie share a look of amusement as the four of you await hearing their names.

“I’ve been told these next two don’t want their names announced,” the DJ teases, as Eddie had secretly instructed him to.

“No! Yes, we do!” Luke shouts from behind the door.

You bury your face into Eddie’s neck to muffle your giggles while the laughter from the guests outside rings out loud and clear.

“Oh, okay, I must’ve had that mixed up,” Jake says, amusement leaking into his tone. “These are very special guests; that must be it!”

The two Munson brothers look at one another and nod their agreement.

“Please welcome the Lord of the Rings, Ryan Munson, and Lord of the Petals, Luke Munson!”

Ryan pushes the door open, and you lean forward to watch the boys bound into the banquet hall to loud applause. Luke is clearly basking in it while his older brother shyly takes it all in. The bridesmaids are lined up on the right side and the groomsmen across from them on the left. The boys make their way down the middle and Steve shows them where they should stand at the end of the line, one next to him and one next to Jess. There’s a small squabble about who gets to stand on the side with the men and who with the women, but eventually Ryan stands next to his Uncle Steve while Luke stands next to your best friend.

“And now…” Jake plays audio of a drum roll. “Please welcome, for the very first time, Mr. and Mrs. Edward Munson!”

The grin on your face could not possibly be bigger as you walk out into your wedding reception on Eddie’s arm. The guests cheer as you walk down the aisle of your wedding party. You make sure to take in every moment of this, not wanting to forget a single detail once this day is over.

Once you and Eddie are in the middle of the floor, you take the time to admire the gorgeous space you find yourself in. A number of round tables with white satin tablecloths surround the area that is considered the dance floor, and there is a long head table straight ahead, where the entire wedding party will sit. The large crystal chandelier illuminates the open space in gentle but sufficient light. Beautiful bouquets of white, pink, and purple flowers linger by the walls, enhancing the already romantic setting. The cherry on top is the crowd full of elegantly dressed loved ones, all gathered to celebrate your and Eddie’s love.

“If we could please have the beautiful couple on the dance floor for their first dance,” Jake says.

The wedding party all step to the edges of the roomy area, surrendering the spotlight to solely you and your new husband.

Eddie’s right hand takes your left and brings it to his lips to press a soft kiss to your knuckles. You almost melt in front of everyone, a breath away from becoming a puddle of white chiffon and lace. Eddie keeps your hand securely in his and rests his other hand on the small of your back. Your free hand rests on Eddie’s shoulder as he delicately uses his hand on your back to bring your body closer to his. There’s hardly enough room for a piece of paper between the two of you when he stops—not that you’re complaining one bit.

The gentle strum of an acoustic guitar floods from the speakers, a few notes playing before the slowed down lyrics begin.

Uptown girl

She’s been living in her uptown world

I bet she’s never had a backstreet guy

I bet her momma never told her way

There was never a doubt that this song would be what your first dance is to. This acoustic cover brought you to tears the first time you discovered it, immediately telling Eddie that this is the one. There are also tears in your eyes now as you and Eddie slowly sway from side to side.

“I love you,” Eddie whispers.

“I love you more,” you say before sniffling in an attempt to keep the tears from falling.

“Oh, you want to start this now, huh?” Eddie teases, grinning at you as he leans forward to rest his forehead against yours.

“I’m your wife now,” you remind him. “You have to let me win.”

His laugh makes you feel light-headed, the immense joy that surrounds the two of you intoxicating.

“I’m pretty sure I’m the winner,” he replies. “You know, because you’re my wife now.”

“Your wife,” you repeat.

“My wife.”

Eddie steps back, removing his hand from your back so he can spin you around. He watches you twirl, admiring every little detail of you. Not just the dress and jewelry that you have on for the wedding, but the natural details of you that he adores every single day. The sight of your smaller, delicate hand in his. How the light makes your hair shine brighter than any star in the night sky. The way your smile makes him desperate to keep you happy for the rest of your life.

When he takes you back into his arms, he leans in towards your left hand and presses his lips gently against your wedding band. You tilt your head as you gaze at his handsome face. It feels like he becomes more beautiful every single day.

“Will the wedding party please join?” the DJ asks.

You don’t even notice at first, everyone dancing around you. Your everything is consumed by the man in front of you and the thought that you are legally and officially joined for eternity. A cooing “aww” from some guests is what gets your attention and you look at the couples dancing around you.

Max and Lucas are the closest couple to you, but when you look just beyond them you see what everyone finds so adorable.

Ryan has his hands on Natalie Harrington’s waist, his face beet red. Natalie’s hands are on Ryan’s shoulders as they sway from side to side. Right next to them Luke dances with Mia Harrington. Well, you’re not sure if it can really be considered dancing. The five-year-old girl has her arms wrapped tightly against Luke’s middle and her head rests against his chest. Her eyes are closed there’s a beaming smile on her face. Luke looks slightly less enthused, but more uncomfortable with the dancing portion than Mia. The nine-year-old arguably has the best coordination out of the Munson men but his awkward steps from side to side surely aren’t proof of that.

“They’re so cute,” you say to Eddie.

“Here I thought Ryan was over his crush on Natalie,” he responds with a chuckle.

“I think he’d be red no matter who he was dancing with,” you say. “But he might have a little bit of that crush left. But look at Mia! She’s in heaven.”

The small redhead looks as happy as if this was her wedding.

“Oh, what is it with these Munson boys and Harrington girls?” Eddie jokes.

“Steve might have a red face for a different reason,” you say with a giggle.

“All the more reason to encourage it!”

You laugh and lean up to kiss your husband.

The song fades out and the guests clap as the couples finish their dancing.

“That was beautiful,” Jake says. “And we’re going to keep that love going. We have two more special dances in store. If Ryan Munson could join his new step-mom on the dance floor?”

The wedding party, Eddie included, make their way over to the head table as Ryan walks towards where you stand on the middle of the dance floor. He has a bashful grin on his face, and you open your arms to him. The tears that had previously been kept at bay spring back to your eyes as Ryan grips you around the waist and squeezes tightly.

You’d known right off the bat that you wanted to have a poignant dance with each of the boys after you and Eddie had your first dance. Both of them happily agreed to it and you’re so proud to share these dances with them.

Ryan’s hand holds yours and he rests his other hand on your waist, while yours sits on his shoulder. He looks up at you and you give into the urge to press a kiss to his forehead as the music starts.

I hope you never lose your sense of wonder

You get your fill to eat but always keep that hunger

May you never take one single breath for granted

God forbid love ever leave you empty-handed

Together, you sway back and forth, simply smiling at one another.

“I’m so happy,” Ryan says.

“Me too, sweetie. I love you so much.”

Ryan glances to his left and lets out a small giggle.

“I think Daddy’s crying.”

You look over, and sure enough, Eddie’s wiping at his eyes. He’s doing his best to hide it, but you know his every little tell by now.

“So mushy,” you tease to the little boy.

He leans in and rests his head against your body which fills your heart with warmth that could rival the sun. Neither of you talks for the rest of the song but it’s perfect. Just dancing with your oldest boy now that you can officially claim him as yours. Even if you’ve been doing it long before now, something about sharing the last name makes it seem so much more real.

After the song ends, Ryan stands up on his tippy toes and you lean down enough so he can press a kiss to your cheek. You give him a big hug before he heads over to the table Eddie is at.

“That was great, guys,” Jake says. “Last but not least, can Luke Munson come to the dance floor?”

Typical for his usual energetic self, Luke skips onto the dance floor and over to you. He puts one hand on his stomach and bows at the waist. You curtsy in return, enjoying the royal feel he’s adding.

“May I have this dance?” Luke asks, holding out his hand.

“Of course you may.”

You place your hand in his smaller one and he gives yours a squeeze. He steps in closer to you, back straight, and wraps his other arm around you as much as his short child limbs will let him. The music begins and instead of swaying from side to side like his brother did, Luke takes actual steps from right to left. You’re not sure if it’s supposed to be an approximation of the steps in a waltz, but it’s adorable regardless.

If you're lost you can look and you will find me

Time after time

If you fall, I will catch you, I'll be waiting

Time after time

If you're lost, you can look and you will find me

Time after time

If you fall, I will catch you, I will be waiting

Time after time

Luke starts to hum along and his curls bob along in time with his steps.

“You look so handsome.”

He smiles so wide you can see the missing molar that fell out a few weeks ago.

“Not so much as you are pretty!”

The sentence might make his English teacher cringe, but the compliment warms your face.

“Do you know how much I love you?” you ask.

“Mhmm,” he hums in response. “Yes. Because you never forget to tell me. And that’s one of my favorite things about you. You wanna make sure I never forget it.”

Luke is the one to finally make a rogue tear fall down your cheek while you dance.

“You’re right. I need you to know it.”

“I love how much you love us. Me and Ryan and Daddy.”

“And I love how much you all love me.”

The song ends and Luke bows to you again, which you answer with another curtsy.

Now that your solo dances are finished you assume you’ll get the chance to get off the dance floor. No one warned you beforehand though that almost everyone will want to dance with the bride. Eddie is also brought back onto the floor, your sister the first one who insists on dancing with him.

Flashes go off as the photographer snaps shot after shot of everyone enjoying themselves. You’re so glad you’ll get to relive this day over and over again with the photos and video.

Wayne catches you for a dance and you’re not sure you’ve ever seen the older man so emotional. For another song, you dance with Steve while Eddie dances with Nancy. The thought that the three of them have a decades old friendship and now you’re included in that inner circle? It adds another layer of emotion to the heart of everything on this day.

More upbeat songs play one after the other and you watch on in amusement as the kids gather together to make their own form of a mosh pit. Eddie comes up behind you and wraps his arms around you.

“Think they’ll do this if I put Master of Puppets on?”

You chuckle and lean back against his sturdy frame.

Finally, it’s time for dinner to be served. The kids are having so much fun on the floor that it takes some convincing to get them all to sit for the meal. Unsurprisingly, most of them inhale their food—especially Luke.

As the waiter takes away your plate and you wipe your mouth off with a napkin, a knife tings against a glass from the other side of your husband. Steve sets his champagne down and clears his throat.

“I’m so excited to hear his toast,” you lean over to whisper to Eddie.

“I’m not sure if I should be scared or not,” he whispers back.

“Probably,” you reply with a shrug.

“Uh, good evening, everyone,” Steve begins. “My name is Steve and I’m the best man. I know a lot of times in these types of speeches there are mentions of cute or sweet things that the couple have done together that show that they’re made for one another. I started to think about some of those stories but then I realized there are just way too many instances of these two being all cute together. I mean, I thought I was a hopeless romantic deep down, but I think I was put to shame by Eddie here. I went to high school with Eddie, so we’ve known each other about twenty years now. And other than the four years my wife and I moved to Boston for her undergrad, we’ve lived within five miles of one another. Eddie and I have seen each other in our best moments and our worst moments. But throughout all of that, all of those years, I never saw the look in Eddie’s eye that he has when it comes to his beautiful new bride. It’s such a uniquely expressive look that I struggled to put a word to it. So, I started to think about words that can describe Eddie in general. Now, as he can tell you, I do often come up with some choice words to call him, but I was looking to be nice this time. I thought back to high school, and I was brought back to the days when he was in Hellfire club, which all the other groomsmen here were in as well. I could never understand the fascination of these fantasy creatures and the battles that are won with dice. There were many a conversation when things were dumbed down for me to grasp what these so called ‘campaigns’ were about. Eventually, I understood how much magic played a part of it. And then that word hit me. Magic. Enchanting. Bewitching. That’s the look in Eddie’s eye whenever it comes to his girl. It doesn’t matter if he’s talking about her, talking to her, or even just thinking about her. There’s this unmistakable glint of magic that lights up his whole face. All you have to do is look at him when she’s around. There is no story I could tell you that would convince you these two are meant to be more than the look in Eddie’s eyes will. It’s plain as day right there. And when she looks back at him? Well, if you didn’t believe in soulmates before, it’s enough to make a believer out of you.” Steve lifts his glass of champagne and turns towards you and Eddie. “I am so happy that you two found each other in this upside-down world. But there’s not a doubt in my mind that it was supposed to be this way. We were always meant to be here in this moment, at your beautiful wedding. I love you both. I look forward to seeing what the future has in store. Because with you guys? I know it’s going to be magical. Cheers.”

The guests clink their champagne flutes against one another’s, the twinkling sound echoing around the open space. As soon as you take a sip and set down your own glass, you push your seat back and stand up. You maneuver around Eddie's chair as he goes to stand as well and pull Steve into a hug.

“That was lovely, Steve,” you tell him. “Thank you.”

He smiles and presses a kiss to your cheek.

“And every word was true,” he tells you.

You gently cup his face in your hands, much like you sometimes do to the boys, and give him one last grateful smile before stepping out of the way.

“That was a great speech, man.” Eddie pulls his best man in for a hug. “Thank you. I know you’ll be back to calling me those choice words tomorrow.”

“Yeah, I took the day off,” Steve says, waving a dismissive hand as if it’s nothing. “I figured I could give you one day. Since it’s your wedding and all.”

“How generous.” Eddie rolls his eyes and retakes his seat. You take yours as well and Jess takes a deep breath from the other side of you.

“Guess I’m up then,” she says softly.

With a smile, you grab her hand that’s closest to you and give it a small squeeze.

“You’ve got this.”

The smile she gives you in return isn’t as confident as you would’ve liked it to be, but you’ll take what you can get right now. She inhales one large breath through her mouth and slowly releases it through her nose. Her tight brown curls bobble as she nods to herself. She rises to her feet and grabs her champagne flute. Using the side of her fork, she gently taps the glass, just as Steve did to get everyone’s attention.

Once everyone is looking in her direction, she sets the items down and anxiously rubs her hands down the side of her purple gown. Her gaze is on the table in front of her but you hear her take one more deep breath, then she looks up and smiles back at the crowd.

“Um, hi. I’m Jess and I have the privilege of being this lovely bride’s maid of honor. I have also had the privilege of having a first row seat to see this love story play out. It’s been quite an amazing saga in many ways, but by far the best, is that not only did this lucky young lady find the man of her dreams, but she also found the family that was, let’s face it, tailor made for her. I heard story after story about the Munsons in the beginning and I always thought…she had to be exaggerating. I have a gaggle of nieces and nephews and there was no way I could reconcile that there were two little boys who were as well-behaved and as fun as they were made out to be. Oh, was I proven wrong when I met them! Not only are Ryan and Luke as well-mannered and amusing as I was told, but they are also so intelligent, so kind and caring, and love with their entire hearts. And it’s easy to understand why once you get to know Eddie. He carries all the same qualities that he’s imparted in his sons, and he treats my best friend like the queen that she is.” Jess pauses and lets out a small chuckle. “I actually remember the first time I met Eddie. It didn’t start off under the best of circumstances, but it only took me a matter of minutes to see what was so obvious between these two. In fact, after Eddie left, I said, ‘I don’t normally tell you what to do, but if you don’t marry this man, I will.’” Jess turns and gives you a wink. “You made the right choice, my friend. I hope that the future holds only the best for you two. Well, you four, actually. May your lives be filled with the happiness and joy that you so willingly give to others. Have fun today and don’t forget to stop and breathe. This is such a beautiful wedding, and I am so honored to be a part of it. I love you guys. To the Munsons.”

Jess raises her glass and the rest of the guests echo, “To the Munsons!”

Before you even swallow your sip of champagne, you stand up and pull your best friend into a crushing hug.

“I love you too,” you tell her. “Thank you. That was so sweet.”

“Anything for you,” Jess says as she hugs you back.

Eddie is next to pull her into a hug.

“Did you really say that the day we met?” he asks her, looking between the two of you.

“She did,” you tell him with a laugh.

“Well, then thank you,” Eddie says to her.

“You’re very welcome.”

Now that both the best man and the maid of honor have given their toasts, you expect that the speeches are done for the evening. But Jake, the DJ, grabs the microphone and makes an announcement that surprises you.

“Both great speeches, weren’t they?” he says. “We’ve got one more. Well…two? No, one speech, two speakers. Ryan? Luke? You guys wants a microphone?”

Your eyes widen as you whip your head around to look at the boys at the end of the table. Ryan nods in response to Jake’s question and walks over to the DJ booth to collect a mic. When you turn to look at Eddie, he looks just as shocked as you are.

“Did you know?” you ask him anyway.

“No idea.” He shakes his head, a grin blooming on his face.

Instead of coming back over to the table with the microphone, Ryan stands in front of the large sound system and nods for Luke to come over and join him. Your youngest runs over and skids to a halt at his brother’s side.

“Uh, hi,” Ryan starts. His cheeks are already cherry red, and he’s only said two words. He doesn’t even need to express any sweet sentiments—the fact that he’s willing to talk in front of people says it all already. “I’m Ryan.”

“And I’m Luke!” Luke leans over and speaks into the mic. Even the kid who is the life of the party looks nervous. You can hardly blame them; they know a lot of people who are here, but not all of them. This is scary territory for such young boys.

“We wanted to say something for our Daddy and new stepmom,” Ryan says.

Luke gently tugs Ryan’s hands so the microphone is closer to his mouth. “She only got the last name Munson today, but she has loved us like we’re hers since, like…ever.” The crowd lets out a small chuckle as Ryan moves the mic again.

“We weren’t really sure what people say at weddings cause the only ones we’ve been too we were too little to pay attention,” Ryan explains. “But our grandpa said that sometimes people tell stories and Luke and I thought of a story we could tell.” This time, he properly hands the microphone to his little brother.

“So, um,” Luke begins, “a long time ago, me and Ryan came up with an idea to try and make them fall in love. Them.” Luke points to the two of you sitting at the center of the head table. You already have tears leaking from your eyes and Eddie isn’t far behind. “They took us to Chuck E. Cheese, which is the best! It’s got games and prizes.”

Ryan takes the mic back, sensing his brother is about to go off topic.

“And so, we thought of a way to get them to hold hands. Luke is littler so he still had to hold hands in the parking lot then. Maybe I did too, I don’t remember. But we said Luke was gonna do this plan. He asked–”

“I asked both of them to hold my hands!” Luke says, hijacking the story. “And we got closer to the doors and Ryan went to open them. When he did that, I tugged on both their hands and put hers in his. Then I ran ahead so they were behind me holding hands!”

“They walked in that way while I held the door open for everyone,” Ryan says, taking back to mic. Luke leans in to speak again.

“I don’t know if that’s when they fell in love, but I do know they love each other now! Because of me and Ryan? Maybe!”

“So, yeah, that’s the story,” Ryan says, taking a deep breath. “And we’re so happy to have a stepmom. ‘Specially one that loves us so much and is so good at helping me with my homework.” “She’s so smart!” Luke adds, making you laugh through your tears.

“And our daddy is so happy with her. We never seen him this happy before. It makes us even happier.”

That’s when Eddie’s tears officially start. He sniffles and quickly wipes them away before wrapping his arm around your shoulders.

“So, yeah,” Ryan says, clearly not knowing how to end this. Luke takes the microphone from him, having one more thing to add.

“Yeah! We love you two so much. And we’re really happy you got married today.”

Luke holds the mic down by his side and nods his head once, signaling he’s done. The guests and everyone at the head table start to cheer. You even see some of the banquet hall staff applauding their speech. Luke bends down in a bow and tugs Ryan down with him to do the same. You carefully wipe your face, being cautious not to smear any makeup, while Luke hands the microphone back to Jake.

“Thank you, Ryan and Luke!” Jake says.

Eddie takes your hand in his and rises from his seat and you follow his lead. You both walk around the table and open your arms as the boys come bounding back in your direction. Luke runs into Eddie’s arms and Ryan runs into yours.

“That was perfect, guys,” Eddie says as he squeezes Luke.

“Thank you so much. We love you so, so, so much.” You kiss Ryan’s head before you and Eddie swap boys to embrace.

“Can we dance again?” Luke asks.

“Sure,” Eddie tells him with a chuckle.

There’s a tap on Luke’s shoulder and he spins around to see Nancy smiling down at him.

“May I have this dance?” she asks, extending her hand.

“Yes!” Luke slaps his hand into hers and tugs her onto the dance floor.

Jake starts up with the music again and it brings a rush of kids back to the dance floor. In your peripheral vision you see Steve approaching Max and you turn to watch the interaction. He offers her his hand, and though she rolls her eyes and pretends to be annoyed, there’s a smile on her face as she puts her hand in his and they head to the floor.

“Oh my God, Max is dancing with Steve,” Eddie says, having seen it as well. “I gotta get her to dance with me now.”

“Will you two ever not be competing with one another?” you ask.

“Nope.” Eddie grins and presses a kiss to your cheek. “You married into this competition, babe.”

“Well, I see another redhead who doesn’t have a dance partner,” you say, gesturing to Mia in the middle of the dance floor, more spinning in a circle rather than dancing.

“Oh, no,” Eddie playfully gasps. “I can’t have my favorite five-year-old dancing by herself!”

Your husband quickly walks onto the floor and scoops Mia up from behind. She squeals in surprise and Eddie laughs as he spins her around in his arms. Once she realizes who has her, Mia’s face splits into a grin and she squeezes Eddie around the neck. You chuckle as you watch the two of them, your hands gently going to rest on your stomach as you tilt your head. Everyone on the dance floor is full of smiles and laughter and it warms your heart.

“M’lady,” you hear from behind you. You turn and see Dustin with one arm tucked behind his back and the other reaching towards you. “May I have the honor of dancing with you.”

“Absolutely, Lord Henderson,” you reply. The nickname makes him smile as the two of you join everyone else on the dance floor.

After Dustin, Lucas pulls you in for a dance, and then you’re hounded by the Corroded Coffin guys until Eddie shoos them away and tells them to kick rocks. You laugh as your husband pulls you into his arms. The song ends and out of the corner of your eye you see Max sitting down.

“Looks like someone is free,” you tell Eddie, nodding in her direction.

Eddie cradles your face in his hands and presses a slow, steamy kiss to your lips.

“You really are the best wife ever.”

The combination of the kiss and his words warms your cheeks.

“For setting you up to dance with someone else?” you joke, trying to dispel the heat from your face. “Don’t get used to it.”

“I would never,” he vows, putting a hand over his heart. He gives you a wink before darting off to even the score with his best friend.

After Eddie finishes his dance with Max, Dustin grabs her for one as well. You’ve never seen Max look so exasperated and content at the same time. But you decide enough is enough once the current song ends. You walk up to Max and slip your hand in hers.

“I’m tired of these men hogging you,” you tell her. “Dance with me?”

“Finally,” Max says, her free hand thrown out to the side with exaggeration. “A desirable dance partner!”

Jess, Nancy, El, and Robin join you and Max for the next song and it’s a thrill to be surrounded by girlfriends and get to act as wild and free as the children are.

After a few more songs, the music fades out and Jake’s voice reverberates out of the speakers.

“Alright! Looks like everyone is having a great time out there. How about we play a little game? How does that sound?”

There are cheers as you watch two of the staff members each grab a chair and situate them in the middle of the dance floor. They’re set back-to-back and you meet Eddie’s eye a few feet away as you realize what time it is.

“We’re going to play The Shoe Game!” Jake announces. “For those of you who don’t know, The Shoe Game is where the bride and groom sit back-to-back, having one of their own shoes in one hand, and their partner’s shoe in the other. Then I’ll ask a series of questions like, ‘who is more dramatic when they’re sick?’ and they’ll each raise the shoe of whoever it is. And since they’re back-to-back, they aren’t able to see one another’s answers. Although, it’s usually pretty easy to tell by how the crowd responds. Are we ready?”

Eddie comes to take your hand and lead you over to the chairs in the middle. He kneels down in front of you and unbuckles your white strappy heels. You breathe a sigh of relief as he pulls each piece of confining footwear off. He hands one of your shoes to you and keeps one in his own hand before he stands up and kicks his own black dress shoes off. He then hands you one of those while keeping the other for himself.

“Daddy is the more dramatic one when he’s sick,” you hear Luke say to Wayne as Eddie takes the seat at your back.

“I heard that,” Eddie quips.

“He’s right,” you say with a giggle. Eddie reaches back and playfully swats at you.

“Okay, let’s get started,” Jake says. “First one: who is the better cook?”

Instantly, both you and Eddie raise up the white strappy shoes.

“Oh, that’s so easy!” you hear Ryan say.

“Ah, seemed to be no hesitation there,” Jake says. “Next, who is more likely to grow old and continue playing pranks?”

Almost as quickly as you’d both lifted your shoe last time, you both lift Eddie’s. The guests chuckle as well as Jake.

“Yeah, kind of saw that one coming,” the DJ says.

“He’s already old!” Luke says from Wayne’s lap. You burst into laughter, bending in half in your seat. Wayne claps his hand over Luke’s mouth, but there’s no use now. The rest of the guests laugh as well, but Eddie just shakes his head while looking at his youngest son.

“Hush up,” he calls out. “No one asked you.”

Luke’s boisterous laugh echoes out as he pulls his grandfather’s hand off his face.

“Oh, okay, this one might be a little more controversial,” Jake says. “Who has the better taste in music?”

It’s the third time that neither you nor Eddie have any hesitation, except this time you both proudly raise your own shoes in the air.

“Put your shoe down,” Eddie says without looking behind him.

“No way,” you counter.

“Interesting!” Jake calls. “Huh, alright. Maybe we should get the boys to be the tie breakers here. Who might the bride and groom’s favorite artists be?”

“Metallica for me,” Eddie says. He wrinkles up his nose as he speaks your preference. “Billy Joel for her.”

“Okay, boys,” Jake says, looking over towards your sons. “Metallica or Billy Joel?”

“Metallica!” Luke shouts the same time that Ryan yells, “Billy Joel!”

“Ah,” Jake hums. “I guess we’re just going to have to call this one a tie. Moving on. Who is the most stubborn when arguing?”

Again, you and Eddie lift each other’s shoes in the air.

The crowd laughs and Jake shakes his head.

“You know,” he says, “I’m not even going to try to settle this one. The speed with which they put their hands up says it all. Alright, next one. Who said, ‘I love you’ first?”

Both of you raise Eddie’s shoe, matching dopey grins on your faces.

“Who made the first move?”

You lift each other’s shoes in the air, but Eddie looks behind him and scoffs.

“It was you!” he says.

“It was not,” you argue.

Eddie clears his throat and tilts his head to the side in impatience.

“Babe. You climbed into my lap.”

“Oh,” you say, remembering that moment with crystal clarity. “I did.” You shrug and switch from Eddie’s shoe to your own.

“Thank you.”

“Who is most likely to stay up too late either playing guitar or reading a book?”

Two of your shoes go up.

“Who is more likely to randomly start a deep conversation at midnight?”

Two of Eddie’s shoes go up.

“Who is most likely to cave when the kids ask for a pet?”

Eddie holds your shoe up straight away while you shyly lift yours into the air.

“Don’t get any ideas,” Eddie says, raising his eyebrows at the boys.

“Okay, final question,” Jake says and clears his throat. “Who is more excited about having more kids?”

You both lift black dress shoes high into the air. That’s absolutely no secret between the two of you with Mr. Breeding Kink sitting behind you.

The guests clap, talking amongst themselves as the game ends. Eddie helps put your shoes back on and pulls you to your feet. Somewhere a glass clinks at a table and Eddie takes the cue, tugging your body against his and lowering his mouth to yours.

You’re unsure how long your lost in Eddie’s lips before you hear someone mention cake. Next thing you know, you and Eddie are standing in front of your three-tiered wedding cake, and he picks up the large knife. He settles the blade over the bottom level of dessert and waits for you to put your hand on top of his. Together, you slice the first piece of cake and serve it onto a plate.

“Smoosh it in his face!” Luke yells.

Eddie narrows his eyes at you, but you subtly shake your head to tell him that you’re not going to. Your husband goes first, pinching a piece of cake between his thumb and forefinger and feeds it to you. The decision to let your tongue flick against the tip of his fingers proves successful as a low groan rumbles out of him.

“Evil,” Eddie whispers as you pick up a small chunk of cake.

You shrug innocently before holding your fingers up to his lips. He opens them and you feed him the piece. Luke huffs somewhere behind you, disappointed this all went so calmly.

Cake is cut for the rest of the guests and Luke tries to pull his own face smooshing prank. He grabs a small bit of his cake in his hands and tip toes (what he thinks is) quietly up behind his dad. Your husband looks over at you and you share an amused glance before Eddie strikes, snatching Luke up by his waist and wrangling the cake out of his messy hands. Luke laughs as he lays like a ragdoll over Eddie’s lap and the older man happily pops the piece of Luke’s cake into his mouth.

“Darn it!” Luke says through his laughter.

“Better luck next time, sticky fingers,” Eddie says, shoving his son back up to his feet.

After the cake is thoroughly enjoyed, it’s time for you to throw the bouquet. You approach the middle of the dance floor, eyes scanning the single women who are coming to try and catch it. There’s a handful of them but Jess looks especially motivated. You turn your back to them and listen to Jake count backwards from three. Shouting erupts behind you as soon as the flowers soar above your head. There’s cheering as you turn around to see who caught it. Holly Wheeler stands in the middle of the group of ladies, a bright smile on her face as she lifts the white and red arrangement in the air. You catch the smile on Jess’s face and get the sneaking suspicion that your best friend let the pretty blonde win on purpose.

The only thing left for the rest of the time is more dancing. Even without a clock visible, it’s obvious that the night is coming to a close as the kids get more tired, and you even see Steve sitting at a table with a sleeping Mia’s head resting on his shoulder.

“Always the babysitter,” you hear him say.

“Excuse me?” You arch an eyebrow at him.

Steve laughs and shrugs his free shoulder. “Fair.”

As the reception comes to an end, you say goodbye to all your guests who have stayed this late into the evening. Finally, Wayne approaches the two of you with exhausted little Munsons in front of him. Their grandfather is taking them back to the house and staying with them tonight while you and Eddie have a nice bridal suite awaiting you at a local hotel. You’ll meet up with the three guys tomorrow for breakfast before you and Eddie catch your plane to begin your honeymoon.

“Alright,” Eddie says, pulling Ryan in for a hug. “Be good for Grandpa, okay?”

“Always am,” Ryan answers through a yawn.

“Maybe I should be telling you that, then.” Eddie hugs Luke next and the little boy doesn’t even have the energy to argue. He just grunts as he hugs his dad and then you. You press kisses to both of their heads before giving Wayne a hug.

“It was beautiful, guys,” he says. “I’m so happy for y’all.”

“Thank you.” You kiss his cheek. “We love you.”

“Love you, too. See ya in the morning.”

Now all that’s left to do is join your husband for a quick limo ride to your hotel where you’ll both summon a whole new surge of energy. Eddie loops your arm through his as the two of you walk out of the banquet hall. You’re contently quiet, taking in the cold night air before slipping inside the warm vehicle. As soon as the door is closed behind you, Eddie pulls you into his lap and cups your cheeks in his large hands. He presses kiss after kiss to your lips.

“Did you have fun, wife?” he asks once he’s satisfied.

“I had an amazing time, husband,” you reply.

He gazes adoringly at you and gently runs his thumb along your cheekbone. The limo starts to pull away from the renovated barn, two words painted onto the back window of the limo for anyone behind you to see.

Just Married.

#hopeless romantic #romance #as you wish #ayw #eddie munson #eddie munson x reader #romantic novel #does this qualify as a favorite book?#great writing #hope #forever single #child of divorce #hopelesscore #i want to be loved #love

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nothing2-c · 3 months ago

Text

Candygram

Summary: It's Valentine's day and you shoot your shot with Eddie by sending him a Candygram.

Tags: Eddie Munson x Reader, fluff, sfw

4.8k Words Master List

“Just do it.” Robin said, following your line of sight to the booth in the corner of the Hawkins cafeteria. It was a simple table with a red cloth thrown over it and a handmade banner that read ‘CANDYGRAMS $1’ and was decorated with tacky hearts.

Every time you glanced over at the booth, your heart would start pounding and your stomach would twist in knots. You had never considered yourself to be shy before, when you first moved to Hawkins a few years ago, Robin had joked that you didn’t need a welcome wagon because you had thrown yourself into band and had introduced yourself to everyone with ease.

You had masked your anxiety over being the new kid with an overinflated sense of confidence and it had worked out really well for you until you caught feelings for the freak who sat next to you in remedial science.

“I think... I would rather chug formaldehyde.” you said slowly, staring so hard at the offensively pink and red booth that Robin was sure it was going to catch flames.

“Either go up there and buy a candygram or I’m going to do it for you.” Robin said. “If I have to hear you waffle about this for one more day I’m gonna rip my hair out.”

“But if I send him one, then he might actually acknowledge me and realize I might have something resembling a feeling for him, and that’s just not really cool, you know? Goes against my chill and mysterious personality.” you said, leaning back on your chair with a cocky grin.

“Last night I saw you and Steve cry over Bambi.” Robin deadpans.

“Okay, so we were drunk and also shut up.” you snorted, rubbing your face.

“How are you going to know if there’s anything there if you don’t even take the chance?” Robin scolds. “Come one, I’ve seen the way you look at him. I’m surprised the whole school doesn’t know-”

“Again, cool and mysterious personality.” you tried again.

“Plus I know he’s just as weird as you.” Robin continued, ignoring you. “I mean, last week I saw him get Jason Carver to back off one of the freshmen by pretending to exercise a demon out of him!”

You stared at Robin for a beat before thunking your head on the lunch table. “I’m going to marry him. Holy shit, he actually tried to expel the demon lurking in Carver?” You were laughing at the thought.

During your first senior year and his second, Eddie Munson had caught your eye when you had the same lunch period. He was loud and energetic and so fucking weird you couldn’t help but to be drawn to him. Had your parents not forced you to stick with band, you would have considered joining Hellfire. Unfortunately even with this last go-round as a super senior, they still made you stick with it despite your senioritis reaching terminal levels.

You never had a good opportunity to talk to him, and the more time passed the harder it became to justify just randomly approaching him. This semester you finally had your opportunity when you’d been put in the same class and sitting next to each other no less. Still, the most you’d been able to say was “yeah, sure” when he’d asked you for a pencil once.

Four weeks sitting next to Eddie, and you had barely spoken to him while noticing every little thing about him. He read a lot in class when he could get away with it, and doodled in his notebooks constantly, especially dice and dragons seemed to be the biggest theme. His school notebook wasn’t nearly as filled in as his Hellfire notebook, and he was always fidgeting in class. He also didn’t talk much, and at least once a week he’d end up falling asleep in class with his head in his hand.

“There’s not gonna be a wedding if you can’t even talk to the guy.” Robin said. “He’s not even scary! Dustin comes in to talk to Steve all the time about Hellfire. He’s just a dork.”

“I know and that’s the problem.” your voice was a strangled laugh mixed with a groan.

“You showed up the first day of band and introduced yourself to everyone, even if they weren’t in your section. What is the hold up with you talking to Eddie?” Robin pried.

“Because back then, it didn’t matter.” You looked over at Robin, poking at your mystery meat. “When I first got here it didn’t matter if anyone liked me or not. I was only supposed to be in this school for a few months and then graduate. Then I didn’t. I could handle it if someone didn’t like me. None of you were really supposed to matter to me. No offense.”

Thankfully, Robin didn’t seem offended. “You were just making nice with the inmates until parole.” she joked and you nodded.

“Yup, and then when I realized that I was going to have to actually have a full other year of school, that meant that I was going to have to care if I was ever gonna graduate.” You continued. “Luckily you saw through all my bullshit bravado and started dragging me to movie nights with you and Steve.”

“Yeah yeah, we love friendship. So what does any of this have to do with Eddie?” Robin said, not needing you to explain the backstory that she had been present for.

“It means that with Mr. Munson, I unfortunately, care so fucking much what he thinks of me.” you relented. “He’s the biggest freak in school, and the dorkiest loser, and if I try and talk to him and he’s not interested in talking back I won’t be able to take it. Robin, I will simply lay down and be dead for the rest of my life.”

“That’s not how that works, you can’t be dead for the rest of your life.” She shook her head, her brows furrowed. “Because if you’re dead then... you’re not alive”

“Schrodinger's corpse then. Alive and dead at the same time.”

“Look, just send him the stupid candygram. The worst he can do is say no.” She stood up from the table and grabbed your hand. “Let’s go.”

And that’s how you ended up at the booth, jotting down Eddie’s name on a piece of paper and shoving a few quarters in the till with Robin looking smug. “I doubt he’s ever gotten one anyway, if anything he should be thrilled that someone wanted to send him one.”

“If this kills me, Steve’s in charge of the music at my funeral.” you sighed.

---

Candygrams were being handed out and delivered through the week. You weren’t paying attention to what period they were supposed to be handed out, and so when two students in obnoxious heart shirts and fake wings burst into your science class with Eddie right next to you, you were about ready to throw yourself out a window.

No one was surprised when Janet and Charlie were tossed a few candygrams, but everyone’s head whipped around when the red heart shaped lollipop and card was set on Eddie Munson’s desk. Eddie himself seemed more surprised than anyone.

He had the lollipop in his mouth before he even opened the note attached and you were seconds away from bolting out the door. With any luck, maybe he didn’t know your name even after weeks of sitting next to each other.

“Who’s it from, freak?” asked Patrick, the basketball jock who sat a few rows ahead. That earned a few snickers from the class.

“It’s from your mom.” Eddie said without missing a beat and taking out the lollipop. “Tell her I say thanks.”

More laughter from the class as Patrick stood up as if ready to fight, but the teacher quickly told him to sit down.

Shit, this wasn’t supposed to happen. You felt a bit guilty that your candygram had kicked up a fuss, but at least Eddie didn’t out you as the person who sent it to him. In fact he wasn’t looking over at you at all.

You watched him out of the corner of your eye as he flipped the card around, as if looking for something. All that was written was his name and “YOU’RE SWEET!” written in cheesy font and his name scribbled in your handwriting.

And nothing else.

You didn’t know if you should laugh or cry at your stupidity. You’d been so jumbled and nervous that you’d forgotten to sign the damn thing. Robin was gonna have a field day with this one.

Eddie kept fidgeting with the card through the rest of class, twisting it and bending it until it was as crumpled and torn as your heart felt. He shoved it in his pocket and didn’t even glance at you as the bell rang and he stood up and tossed the eaten lollipop stick in the trash.

It’s not personal. You told yourself. He has no idea who sent it to him.

That’s when you had a horrible idea, so stupid it might actually work.

---

“Explain how this is going to work again?” Robin asked. “You’re going to keep sending him lollipops this week until he notices you?”

“Sort of.” you said, buying another candygram. “I’ll just send him a few joke ones as a feeler and if he responds positively I’ll come clean. If not, I keep my dignity. It’s a win-win.”

“Since when do you care about your dignity?” Robin sorted.

“Since I caught feelings for the least dignified guy in school, I guess.” You knew it was stupid, you knew it was ridiculous, but you already messed up once so you might as well lean into it. You scribbled his name down, this time signing it with a satisfied giggle. “This is so dumb.”

Oh, but it was so worth it. You had bought it before school started, guaranteeing that it’d be delivered the same day, handing over a crisp dollar to Nancy Wheeler who had volunteered for the booth. If Eddie had been surprised the first time, he looked almost shocked now.

Eddie, sorry I forgot to sign the first one! This card said, once again not giving away any sign of who it was actually from. You saw his eye sparkle in amusement as he ate his lollipop, and this time the card was read over a few times before being carefully tucked into his dungeon master notebook.

By the third day, the novelty of Eddie Munson getting candygrams had worn off with the rest of your class, but Eddie’s grin only grew wider each time.

“Anything for me, Cupid?” Eddie asked as the student council members walked back in to hand out more lollipops.

He whooped as another one was dropped on his desk and he snatched up the card quickly and you had to cover your face and bite your lip to stop yourself from giggling at his excitement.

Eddie, sorry I’m so bad at remembering to sign these things! I just get way too excited about sending them out that I lose focus. So anyway this card is actually from-

You had carefully spaced out your writing on the small rectangle of paper so that it left absolutely no room for you to sign your name. Eddie looked downright giddy as he read the note over and over. Seeing him so happy made your stomach burst into butterflies and even if he decided after this he wasn’t interested, this was enough. Knowing that he was smiling because of you was enough.

Someone said your name and you looked up, surprised to see one of the student council members standing next to you and handing you a candygram. Your eyebrows shot up as you took it with a thanks and opened up the card.

Who had sent one to you? You’d been so wrapped up in your little scheme you didn’t even consider that someone would try and send you one either.

A smile tugged at your lips as you saw your name and a small drawing of what looked like an egg in a nest as the sender. Robin, of course. Probably making fun of you for sending candygrams to Eddie without signing either.

You tucked the candygram in your own notebook safely and dared a glance over at Eddie again. You hadn’t expected for him to be looking back at you, and your heart jumped in your chest. He unwrapped his lollipop and lifted it slightly as if he was trying to toast. You held yours up as well to him, an off sense of camaraderie between two people who had their day temporarily disturbed for commercialized love.

Thursday came around, Valentine's day proper, but they’d be doing one last day of candygrams on Friday as well. This was a fundraiser after all, and capitalism trumps any semblance of real sincerity. Well, you said that but that wasn’t exactly going to stop you from continuing your little plan.

Today was the day you were going to pull out the big guns. You handed over a full $5 to have a carnation sent to Eddie, as well as a return to sender card to Robin for being a good friend.

“Shouldn’t he be the one sending you a flower?” Nancy asked, handing you the card to write on. You wondered how Nancy had time for all of the extracurricular activities she had going on, working with the student council and the school newspaper.

You just shrugged at the question, not realizing how wide you were smiling or how obviously warm your cheeks were. To anyone with two eyes, you were glowing and to anyone with one eye, you were phosphorescent.

The disinterest that your classmates had from the last two rounds perked back up with a flower was delivered to Eddie that afternoon.

“For little old me?” Eddie said, batting his eyelashes at the delivery boy as he took the carnation. You giggled to yourself as he opened the card again.

Man, I’m bad at this aren’t I? Don’t worry, this time I’m writing very small so I have room to sign this card. Seeing you light up when these get delivered has made my whole week, and totally worth it. Anyway this is from-

To be fair, you had actually signed your name this time. However this time you had made an attempt to erase it with one of those erasers. The horrible stiff ones that only made big smudges and made the mistake worse and nearly tore through the paper. You had carefully looked at your smudged signature for a long time before deciding it was illegible enough to send.

Eddie faked a swoon in his seat, nearly toppling over onto the floor. “Come on!” he laughed, pushing himself back upright, smiling with his whole face. He looked over the note again, something clicking in his brain and you quickly looked down at the book you were currently pretending to read.

“It’s someone in here.” you heard him mutter to himself and your heart started pounding in your chest. You focused on your breathing to try and stop yourself from giggling and giving yourself away.

“Stop sending yourself stuff, Munson. It’s pathetic.” Patrick called out.

“If you wanted me to be your Valentine, sweetheart, all you had to do was ask nicely.” Eddie said, but he sounded distracted as his eyes scanned the room for any hint of who this mysterious person is. “And next time, I’m more than happy with just the lollipop, it’s saving me on smokes.”

You didn’t even notice the lollipop on your desk until class had started back up. Unfolding the card you smiled to yourself, seeing that it was from Robin again. This time the egg in the nest had a crack in it and seemed to be hatching. You’d ask her about it later.

Nothing said during the rest of class even registered with you, every word was in one ear and out the other. This had been a fun week sending Eddie all the lollipops and flowers but tomorrow was the last day to have something sent to him.

Were you going to sign your name? That’s the million dollar question. You had told Robin that you would if Eddie seemed interested, and he had made it clear he was enjoying the attention.

But would he still enjoy the attention if he learned it was from you? You two weren’t exactly friends, but not complete strangers either. He didn’t seem to dislike you, after all he’d raised a toast with you with your lollipops the other day.

Well, if you were gonna put yourself out there, you were gonna do it on your own terms.

“You’ve got to be kidding me.” Robin said that Friday morning as you dropped a handful of ones on the table for one last hurrah.

“Nope, I’ve committed.” you said, taking the small stack of cards and getting to work.

“I’m going to have you committed.” Robin shook her head. “I mean, this is actually insane, you know that right? There’s no reason to go through all this trouble, when you could just talk to him.”

“Oh, but where’s the fun in that, Buckley?” you asked, as you added one letter of your name to each of the cards. “Gotta make him work for it.”

“So you’re gonna give him a Valentine's themed word jumble as your big sign off?”

“Yup.” you confirmed, adding his name to each of the cards. He’d get them all in one go and then it’s up to him to unscramble your name and figure it out.

After that... well, the ball is in his court.

Besides, if he liked the lollipops enough that he’d reach for one instead of a cigarette then that’s good enough.

“You’re such a weirdo. You deserve each other.” Robin went on. “The Weirdo and the Freak. It’s like Beauty and the Beast except.. Not.”

“Robin, don’t you know three languages?” you snorted finishing up your stack and handing them over to be sent. “You are so much smarter than me, but this is where you lose words?”

“It’s Friday and I haven’t had coffee.” she pointed out. “Oh, thanks for sending me one by the way.”

“Yeah, of course. I mean you sent me one so I wasn’t gonna leave you hanging.” you nudged her playfully.

“I didn’t send you one.” Robin looked at you, confused.

“What?” You reached into your backpack and pulled out the notebook where you had placed the card and handed it to her. “But that’s a robin’s egg...?”

“It’s an egg, probably.” Robin agreed. “But I’m broke. I didn’t send any out.”

You stared at the card with new eyes. If she didn’t send it, then who did?

---

“Holy shit.” Eddie muttered as a bag of lollipops was dumped on his desk with no rhyme or reason, earning a round of laughter and snickers from the class. The teacher had long since given up on trying to keep the class’s attention when the Cupid’s showed up.

He sorted through the cards, a puzzled expression on his face as he looked at the different letters on the cards until he found one that had real words on it.

Figure it out, Sucker <3 Eddie’s face was a wonderful mixture of amusement, bewilderment, and mild offense.

One of the Cupid’s handed you another two lollipops as well. One was actually signed by one of your friends in band, and the other had another doodle of an egg. This time the egg was completely hatched and there was some sort of weird bird flying off.

Not a robin. You decided, trying to figure out what it was supposed to be.

You barely paid attention in class for the rest of the hour, your attention split between the three egg Valentines you received and the man next to you. Eddie had pulled out his Dungeon Master notebook to try and decode your message. You felt flattered that he was using his favored notebook to try and figure out your puzzle.

Eddie was sucking on one of the lollipops diligently as he scribbled down random letters. Now that you thought about it, you’d never seen him look so studious in class before. You wondered if this is what he looked like when he was working on his campaigns and your brain decided to give you a treat of a daydream where the two of you were sitting around in your room while he explained his campaign and how he’d love to have someone like you join Hellfire-

It was three minutes before the bell, and that meant just a few minutes until your last period and the weekend. With Valentine’s day falling in the middle of the week, most of your friends were going to be off doing things with their partners. Maybe you, Robin, and Steve- no wait, Steve actually got dates. Robin worked on the weekend.

Maybe Eddie- NOPE. Not going there, you were not about to get your hopes up for this.

You glanced over at him again, looking at his notebook to see if he was anywhere close to decoding your name. Eddie had the worst handwriting you’d ever seen and so you would be surprised if he could even figure out his own notes. Between unjumbling your letters, he had started doodling in the margins. You assumed that they were D&D monsters from the look of it, since none of them looked like actual animals except for the bats in the corner.

The only other thing you recognized was a dragon, drawn in a larger scale on the side of the page. It’s wings were expanded and it was flying off, and from this angle it looked like a weird...

It looked like some bird

Some sort of weird bird

Your head snapped back down to the card in front of you. This wasn’t a weird bird. It was a dragon. A dragon hatching from an egg. An egg that hatched a dragon. A dragon that was drawn with the same pose as the one in Eddie’s notebook. Eddie’s notebook had your dragon no wait, your card had his dragon-

Eddie Munson had sent you the cards.

Eddie had-

“Oh.” You said out loud. You were nearly fighting back hysterical laughter at this, and you pressed your hands against your face, with your shoulder shaking with repressed laughter.

Why the hell had Eddie sent you those cards? The two of you had barely spoken to each other!

You did the same damn thing, dipshit. You reminded yourself. In fact you had gone way harder than he had. But what did this MEAN?

The bell rang and everyone scrambled to get out of the classroom, and before you could say anything, Eddie was off and running out of the classroom at the speed of light.

What was that about?

Robin was right. If you were ever going to have a chance with him, you were going to suck it up and talk to him, even if it meant possibly embarrassing yourself. Plus, finding out why he sent you three candygrams was currently trumping any fear of rejection. Curiosity killed the cat, but at least he died satisfied. You’re pretty sure how that saying went at least.

You knew that Eddie had Hellfire today, it was Friday and he and all of his friends had been running around in their club shirts. With a deep breath you...realized you had no idea where the hell they actually met.

This whole thing could have been planned better, actually.

You started walking around the school blindly for any sign of the signature baseball tee that they all wore. If you found one of them, they were sure to lead you to Eddie. God, you felt like a stalker.

There. Long dark curls against a stark white shirt with black sleeves. Your heart leapt in your chest, and you had to make the choice now.

“E... Eddie! Wait up!” you called out, walking quickly towards him.

When he turned around to look at you, you felt the air disappear from your lungs. How was it possible for him to be so beautiful and why the fuck did no one in this school seem to notice?

Eddie pulled the lollipop he’d been sucking on out of his mouth, surprised to see you.

“Hey.” he said. “Uh... you sit next to me in class.”

He was either playing dumb, or you were about to make an ass of yourself. But, like Robin asked, since when do you care about dignity?

You reached into your bag and pulled out the candygrams that had been sent to you and holding them out.

To your relief he gave you a bashful smile. “Guess you caught me, huh?” he asked. “You solved my Valentine’s puzzle.”

“I have a pretty high intelligence when I apply myself.” you said, which only made him grin wide. “But I gotta say, Munson. I’m actually a little disappointed. I mean, sadistic and scary dungeon master of the Hellfire club, and this is the best puzzle you could come up with?”

He crossed his arms and took a step towards you. “Well, I don’t know you as well as I’d like.” he said, and your stomach erupted into butterflies. “Had to start somewhere.”

“I guess I had to be sneaky and pay attention to you to figure it out. You’re hard not to notice, you know.” you admitted, crossing your arms as well to mimic him.

“Being The Freak means I fail most stealth checks.” he shrugged.

“High charisma though.” you threw out there, hoping that line would land and to your delight it did.

“It’s the Munson Magic. I come by it naturally.” Eddie’s smile was so wide it was cheesy but shit, it was working on you.

“Not great intelligence though.” you smirked at him.

“Oh? And how do you figure that?” He looked a little offended now, and you saw his shoulder stiffen as if he was waiting for this to suddenly go south.

“Spell my name, Eddie.”

You could see the lightbulb go off in his mind and his eyes widened.

“You- wait, you were the one who kept sending me the cards?” Eddie looked nothing short of bewildered and ecstatic. You had a feeling that if things went well, you wouldn’t have to worry about ever knowing what he was thinking as he wore every emotion on his sleeve.

“Surprise?” you asked, playing with the strap of your backpack.

Eddie licked his lips, chasing the last of the flavor of the sucker he’d been eating. He looked at you, as if searching for something, and you cut in before he had the chance to find it.

“Do you want to hang out sometime?” you asked, a little louder than you meant to. “Like, just us.”

“Do you think you can handle a date with The Freak?” Eddie asked, standing a little straighter. “I’m sure you’ve heard the rumors, and I promise the worst of them are true.”

“Don’t threaten me with a good time, Eddie, I’ve always wanted to join Hellfire.” you smirked. “I’m sure there are worse things for a first date than sacrificing someone to Satan, or summoning demons, or joining a cult.”

“I’m a gentleman, I would never ask a lady to summon demons on the first date. That’s at least a third date activity.” Eddie held his hand to his heart and raised a hand as if making an oath.

Oh yeah, you were going to marry him. You were already picturing proposing to him and taking him away from this town.

“Then how about dinner at Benny’s?” you suggested. “Burgers and shakes on me and you can tell me more about Hellfire and dragons and I can give you a spelling lesson.”

Eddie ran his ringed fingers through his hair and you giggled as the rings got snagged and he struggled to untangle them.

“It’s.. a date then.” he said, but it came out as more of a question, as if he was asking if this was really happening.

“A date.” You agreed, handing him your number, having come prepared.

As you began to walk away, he called out after you.

“Wait! You said you wanted to check out Hellfire, right?” Eddie said and you turned to look at him. “I’m... I’m actually running a one shot tonight. Kind of beginner friendly enough. I don’t often do this in the middle of the semester but one of our usuals dropped out because he had a date so... we have an open seat at the table. If you think you can handle it.”

Your smile widened as you walked over to him. “I think I’ll take you up on that.”

Eddie offered his arm to you, as if he were a gentleman which you took eagerly.

“So... how do you actually spell your name?”

---

Dear Reader, I hope you have the easiest name to spell because that would make this fic at least 3% funnier. Also, I'm proud I got this done before Valentine's day because I never even finished my Halloween or Christmas fic. Be proud of me.

Please reblog if you enjoyed it <3

Tag List: @gagasbee, @ihaventgotaclue-really @tastefullyferal @anonymouskiwi @hellfiredarling

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