#Henderson! Reader

[moonkake-143]

𝐄𝐝𝐝𝐢𝐞'𝐬 𝐋𝐚𝐛𝐲𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐡 | Into the Labyrinth

Goblin King!Eddie X AFAB/Fem!Henderson Reader

Edited By the lovey: Jen

Contents: Slow Burn, One sided pining from Eddie turned mutual, love at first sight, fluff, angst, no use of y/n

Summery: Your time starts now and your first challenge awaits.

Chapter 2/? {wc: 5.7k}

Masterlist

Part 1  Part 2

The walk felt long and arduous, especially with the sun beating down on you as hard as it did. How odd it was that you were just under the cover of darkness back home— it had been cold and stormy, but here the sun was high up in the sky, with clouds only partly covering the land. Below you, the grassy hill felt as if it went on forever, and for a beat, you thought it did— a sick trick already at the start, but one thing remained a constant in your mind.

        Find Dustin and get out of there.

        You thought those words over and over like a mantra, or hell, even a prayer, pushing yourself forward despite the burning sun. Despite the clock that timed you from the top of that damn hill. Despite the handsome, curly-haired man who brought you here in the first place.

        Cursing him, you shook your head and continued your trek, finally reaching the bottom of the hill and landing on a dirt road. The surrounding fields were barren, and crops rotted in tipped-over barrels. The area was devoid of life, and as the smell of charcoal invaded your nostrils, you scrunched your nose in disgust, picking up the pace. With sunken thatch roofs, the houses were charred, and when you came closer, you noticed arrows stuck in the rotting wood. You noticed the claw marks that scarred the doors and the rust-colored stains that marred the sides of the cottages. There had been some sort of struggle; a carnage that had been long forgotten, but there were no bodies in sight— as if they had just up and vanished.

       Just what happened here?

        As you walked, the ash-stricken houses began to converge the closer you walked towards the forest, as if a village was waiting deep inside. A growing uneasiness followed you until you finally stopped in front of a signpost, realizing that the dirt road forked into two paths— one that went into the forest, and another that continued towards abandoned farmland. Both signs were illegible, written in a language that resembled the scribbles of a two year-old. But even if you could translate them, the wooden signs were so damaged, rotting and falling apart, that you struggled to decide which way to go.

        Without warning, a gust of wind swept through you, and you shivered, rubbing your arms to combat the sudden chill. Now you really wished you had a jacket, rather than just a tank top. However, you noticed that the wind whisked a trail of leaves into the woods.

        If that wasn't a sign, then you didn't know what was.

        Taking a deep breath, you followed them down the path.

        Time seemed to stand still as you walked through the damp forest, but then again, time felt a lot different here. The trees provided a much-needed cover from the burning sun, casting gloomy shadows. It seemed to be a logging camp, with a scattering of wooden cabins that looked in better shape then the ones outside, but were still unsettling to walk past. You found more arrows, with rusty axes embedded in the trunks of trees, but nature seemed to overtake them. Grass and daisies grew in the gaps between abandoned machinery, covering the pieces in moss. More houses seemed to go deeper into the forest, all seemingly abandoned and overgrown.

        As you walked, the humidity caused your hair to frizz up and covered your entire body in an uncomfortable layer of sweat. You let out a huff and wiped the condensation from your brow, your legs aching.

        How long had you been walking for? Was this all for nothing? Had you gone the wrong way? Was there no labyrinth at all? Questions swirled around your mind as your chest swelled, your breath shortening. The heat was not helping— it felt suffocating, as if the entire forest was a damp sauna. What was it with this sudden change in weather?

       With a ragged breath, you finally stopped walking, and your vision blurred with tears. Anxiety gnawed at your very core, your body tensing and trembling as you buried your face in your hands, taking deep breaths. Slowly, you tried to steady yourself, your head aching and pulse pounding. As the pain in your chest subsided, you lowered your palms from your eyes, slowly opening them.

        In front of you wasn't the dirt path, but a large gate— one that hadn’t been there before. It was tall and deeply ornate, with a stone arch and iron bars that were curled into what looked like bats. Moss and vines twisted along the cobblestone pillars on either side, but what caught your eye was the wide, seemingly endless wall that encompassed the labyrinth. You slowly walked up to it, grabbing onto the iron bars and pulling— but the gate was locked.

        "Come on, I've come this far…” you sighed.

        "Halt! Who goes there?”

        Jumping in surprise, you spun and frantically looked for the source of the voice, bringing your arms up in a defensive position— albeit a rather weak one.

        "Who’s there?!” you called out.

        The disembodied voice seemed to chuckle at your attempt at intimidation.

        "I should be asking you that! What brings a human to my neck of the woods?”

        The voice sounded feminine and held a jolly lilt of humor, one that eased your stance slightly. Looking around, you kept your fists up, stepping forward. Maybe those karate classes from elementary school would kick in if something did happen.

        Then as swift as the wind, someone from the top of the gate dropped behind you.

       "Boo!”

        Yelping, you tripped and landed on your bottom, stirring up dust that caused you to cough.

        Curse your lack of instincts and balance. Those classes did nothing to prepare you.

        When the dust settled, you found a pair of striking blue-green eyes staring you down. You let out a gasp, quickly scooting backwards in a feeble attempt to crabwalk away from her. She was sun-kissed, as if she spent her life outside, with freckles dotted across her nose— or was it dirt? You couldn't tell, but she was studying you like a specimen, her eyebrows married in concentration at the possibility of you being a threat. But then she relaxed and flashed a sharp-toothed smile, her teeth both blinding and scary.

        "So it is you! The girl Eddie’s always on about!”

        "Wh-What?”

        "Oh, sorry for startling you— here, lemme help you up.”

        She grabbed your forearm, hoisting you up as if you weighed nothing, and you winced as her sharp claws lightly grazed your skin. Her dirty-blonde hair was chopped just above her shoulders, her eyes crinkling under her wide grin. How could she smile even more?

        "Who are you?”

        "Oh right, I’m Robin! I watch over this gaudy-looking gate!”

        Robin stepped back from you, and it was then that you fully took her in. She wore a similar outfit to Eddie's, dressed in a poet shirt and tight trousers, with gloves fit for an archer. Slung over her back was a longbow and a quiver of arrows, and a dagger was sheathed to her hip. Gold piercings adorned her ears, which were long and pointed— something you had only ever read about in fantasy novels.

        "You’re an elf…?”

        "Oh hells no! A goblin, actually! Never seen a goblin before? We're nothing like those posh pricks!"

        "No, I've never seen a real goblin before..."

        "And it's been a while since I've seen a human! They're quite rare around here.”

        Shaking your head, you stared at her in awe. Goblins always were depicted as small, evil green things, but Robin— she looked human. It made you wonder what elves really looked like.

        "I know, I am quite stunning, but I'm afraid I'm taken!"

        You realized you were staring for longer than was socially acceptable, and your face turned bright red as you broke your stare.

        "You're really the girl he's always talking about, huh? I can see why he likes you.” The relaxed tone disappeared from her voice, her previous expression returning as she studied you. The goblin woman then began to circle you like a vulture, sizing you up and scanning you from head to toe.

        "What? Why are you doing that? Robin, right? Please, can you let me inside?”

        "Woah, one question at a time. Start with the most important one.”

        "Can you please let me inside?”

        "I can, but that’s not the right question.”

        "What? What do you mean not the right question?”

        "You ask a lot of questions, huh?”

        Robin finally stopped in front of you and stared, a smile slowly appearing on her face. She was quiet, letting you stew in your own mind.

        What was she talking about? You said please, was that not enough?

        You turned your back to her, opening your arms and lifting them to the sky.

        "Open Sesame? Abracadabra?”

        Robin burst into a fit of laughter, her own face turning red as she clutched her abdomen, her shoulders shaking. You dropped your arms in embarrassment, cheeks flushing as you wracked your brain for what could have been the answer— why wouldn't she open the gate?

        Oh wait.

        "...Will you please open the gate?”

        "Now that’s more like it!”

        Robin turned and pushed vines aside to reveal a wooden lever, pulling it down. The mechanisms began to churn, the cranking of the gears becoming louder as you walked closer. Anxiety quickly settled into a permanent place in your stomach.

        "How bad is it?”

        "The truth? Terrifying. Are you really going in there?” Robin watched you with curious, worried eyes.

        "I have to…for my brother.”

        "You mean the brother you wished away? How admirable. But here’s your official warning: a mere human like you may not make it out alive. The labyrinth is no game to take lightly— you might forget which way is which, fall into a pit of spikes, or encounter a monster thirsty for blood— you'll never know what you might find.”

        Staring wide-eyed at the open gate, you turned to her.

        "There are monsters in here? You're not messing with me?“

        "Afraid not, but here— you might need this.”

        Robin unclipped her dagger, quick to wrap the belt around your waist.

        "Promise we’ll be friends if you make it out alive?”

        "When I make it out…”

        "That's the spirit! Now go get 'em! Don’t die!" Robin’s smile was blinding as she pushed you towards the entrance. "Good luck, and don’t take anything at face value!”

        You swallowed the lump in your throat as you stared at the stone walls, which seemed to beckon you inside. Taking a breath, you crossed under the gate, which quickly fell shut behind you with a loud bang. You jumped, turning to see the goblin woman waving from the other side.

        Letting out a surprised huff, you faced ahead once more.

        "Alright, I gotta find Dustin," you thought. "I've only got thirteen hours— how am I even going to track that? Robin mentioned monsters...at least she gave me this…"

        Pulling the dagger from its place on your belt, you examined it. It was a simple thing wrapped in leather, with a slightly curved blade. Embedded in the hilt was a red stone, possibly a ruby. You held it out and slashed at the air, imagining your target as someone with curly hair and brown doe eyes. Once satisfied with yourself, you sheathed it away and continued your journey.

        You walked slowly, taking in your surroundings and keeping a watchful eye out for any traps. Brown roots covered the stone walls and spilled onto the path in thick chunks. You carefully maneuvered around them, but the passage seemed to go on forever, and you slowly went from a walk to a jog, and from a jog to a sprint, running down the path with no end in sight.

        Your careless running finally caught up to you when you tripped over a thick, gnarled root, toppling over and tumbling to the ground. Knees digging into dirt, you huffed as you looked up, and from the corner of your eye, you saw it.

        The labyrinth was moving.

        By the looks of it, it changed ever-so slightly— nothing the careless eye could catch so quickly. The walls shifted in what looked to be a wave of magic, pulsating as if they were alive, and the root you had just tripped over slowly disappeared, rescinding into the stone crevices behind you. Was the labyrinth alive after all? Or was this Eddie’s doing?

        You punched the ground in frustration as the pain in your knees became a dull ache. Groaning, you sat up against the wall, your face red not just from exhaustion, but the anger that bubbled to the surface.

        "You can’t be serious!" you screamed at the bright blue sky, hoping someone— anyone— would listen. "What the actual fuck am I supposed to do? Hey, Eddie! Yeah, I have a feeling you can hear me, you prick! What the fuck!? You didn't say it fucking moves! Or that there were monsters in here!”

        You were met with dead silence as you leaned your head against the stone wall, catching your breath and closing your eyes.

        "Alright, this is fine, just breathe. This is like one of those DND campaigns. Yeah, okay, maybe none of this is even real. Did I finally lose it? What if Dustin is dead? Oh god, I wouldn’t be able to live with myself— what if I'm dead too?! What if mom finds me on the side of the road?!” Your ramblings carried through the silence of the labyrinth, hands trembling as you raked your fingers through your hair in anxious panic.

        Tears threatened to escape your eyes, and you tried to will them away, but had to shove your palms against your eyes to force them to hide. You wouldn’t cry, not over this, not over hypothetical scenarios. Dustin was alive— he had to be. You remembered his bubbly laugh. You remembered how curious he always was, often getting into trouble. You remembered how he tucked his head of curls under your chin when you watched movies together. Then you thought about how scared he must be without you there, in the dark and surrounded by terrifying monsters who could eat him if they wanted to. You tucked your knees close to your chest, hiccups erupting from your body as the tears you tried so hard to fight back flowed from your eyes.

        "Are you alright, dear?”

        You jumped at the sudden voice. It was a gentle thing, feminine and holding a motherly lilt that pulled you out of your internal dread. You searched for the source of it, eyes teary.

        "Would you like a spot of tea? I believe I have some leaves perfect for brewing.”

        The source of the voice finally revealed itself to you, hanging from a vine on the wall. Rubbing the tear stains from your cheeks, you leaned towards the creature. A spotted mushroom sat on its head, and delicate, glistening fairy wings sprouted from its back. You shook your head at the question.

        “What troubles you, my dear?”

        The fairy was small but seemed wise with age, with pointed ears that stuck out from her dark brown curls. Her skin was golden, as if the sun blessed her, and she wore a dress made of leaves. Her voice was warm and inviting, but her golden eyes looked you over with sorrow and worry— a mother's gaze, no doubt.

        "It’s this maze! It moves without warning! How am I supposed to get through it in thirteen hours?! Dustin is probably scared to death and it's all my fault!”

        "Oh dear, our king hasn’t properly warned you of the labyrinth, has he? Well, I can tell you with certainty that the brother you shed tears for is safely tucked away in his manor. Our king is kind and always watches over us, including little ol’ me. But in this place, things are not what you expect— for example, take that wall in front of you. It is no ordinary wall.”

        The fairy's wings gently fluttered as she lifted herself towards the wall. Placing a small hand against it, she seemed to keep floating forward.

        Slowly calming your tears, you picked yourself off the ground and approached the wall. Hand outstretched, you expected yourself to stop short, only you stumbled forward.

        "So it’s an illusion...” You walked further and were finally able to place your hand against the cobble, where you saw paths on either side. The fairy slowly settled onto your shoulder, her wings limply hanging downward.

        "I’m sorry, dear— my wings don’t quite flutter how they used to. Can you set me down near that mushroom there? Thank you.”

        "No, I should be thanking you. I needed your help.” You crouched and held your palm towards your shoulder. The fairy hopped onto it, and you set her on the dirt.

        "Oh dearie, it was nothing. Now go, he’s waiting for you!”

        "Thank you again.”

        The fairy gave you a warm smile before waving you away, her hands sparkling as you straightened up. There were two paths to choose from, both looking nearly identical. You looked to the right first, which was lined with spotted mushrooms, and then to the left, where flowers grew from stone walls. Your feet moved towards the left path, distracted by the flowers, but you stopped. 

        "Maybe the flowers are a trap. Their smell is so overwhelmingly sweet, it's giving me a headache— I can't go that way.”  You shook your head and swiftly turned to the right, following the mushrooms down the path.

        You walked and walked for what felt like hours, the pulsating walls shifting from gray cobblestone to green hedges, the changes taking place in your peripheral vision. When you looked over your shoulder, you noticed that shrubbery covered the opening you came through. You pulled the dagger from its sheath and carved an arrow into the ground, marking your path. Keeping the knife out, you trekked through the hedge maze, and when you reached a dead end, you sighed and turned back— only for the arrow mark to be missing.

        "What the hell? This is such a sick joke— I swear it was right here! Ugh!” You stomped, and the stone tile beneath your foot clicked. Your breath stalled short as your eyes darted around, but you saw nothing. You heard the sudden rustle of leaves, and turned to find that the dead end had opened into an archway. It could have been some sort of trap, but you were desperate, and hurried through the opening.

        The passage slowly opened to a courtyard surrounded by round hedge walls, and you froze as fear took hold of you. Between two pillars, you found a mysterious creature sleeping. It was blocking something— a door.

        "This has to be the way. Of course it wouldn’t be so easy. I need to find a way around this thing— whatever it is."

        You surveyed the creature from a distance, still frozen in fear and awe. Curled like a sleeping housecat, it resembled a golden lion with feathered wings. How were you going to get around it? Your sweaty fingers gripped the hilt of the dagger Robin had given you. It wasn’t much, but you took comfort in having something to defend yourself with. You inched forward, trying to find a way around the beast.

        The animal stirred and you froze immediately, sweat beading on your temple as you defensively held the knife in front of you. The creature then growled and twisted, stretching out in its sleep. A crystal ball rested under its paw, suddenly lighting up, and an all-too-familiar voice shouted through it.

        "Chrissy, wake up!”

        The creature hummed and swiped at the ball, which rolled its way towards you. Maybe this was your chance for contact— to see if your brother was alright.

        You quickly sheathed the dagger and dropped down to hoist the crystal ball into your hands, backing away from the creature. Larger than the one previously offered to you, the orb reflected a man with shaggy curls. You glared at his image, but Eddie's attention was elsewhere as he shouted at someone, his voice muffled by all the noise around him. In the background, you heard the sounds of goblins yelling and knocking each other over as something metal loudly clattered to the floor.

        "Eddie, the kid is causing too much trouble! He nearly decapitated little Mike with a sword just now! You watch him, I need a break!” 

        "Stevie you can't leave now! He likes you!"

        "Not my problem! And stop calling me that!

        The unknown man huffed in annoyance before walking off and Eddie rolled his eyes before he let out a heavy sigh. 

        "Some one else was watching over Dustin? And he was around a sword?!"

        Eddie's pointed ears twitched at a high-pitched scream and he groaned, before turning his head to face you.

        "How many times do I—? Oh hello, Miss Henderson.” His eyes widened, not expecting to see you on the other end of the crystal.

        "Where is he?” Your voice was low and angry as you quickly hid behind a pillar, but he seemed distracted.

        "Where’s who? Hey!" The ball jostled as it was ripped from his hands. "Get back here!” He started chasing after the thief, and when he seemed close, you heard childish laughter.

        "Dustin, is that you!?” Your eyes brimmed with tears as you clutched the ball close, a relieved sigh escaping— none of your fears had come true. 

        The laughter became louder as your brother’s gummy grin took center stage, his blue eyes crinkled with glee as he ran, the crystal shaking in his hands.

        "Dustin! Dustin! Are you okay?!” Your voice shook as you tried to get his attention, lowering it as the sleeping creature stirred. He laughed and joyously called your name.

        "I okay, no worry!”

        "Are you sure? You're not hurt? Where are you?” Your questions came out quick, but he giggled, his curls bouncing as he ran.

        "I at Eddie's house! I like it here and I like Eddie! He play with me and I still eat my veggies, like you say! But Eddie don’t eat.”

        "I’m coming to get you, okay? I'll be there soon. Then we’re gonna go home and eat all the ice cream you want. If the goblins do anything bad, then you hit them real hard and run away.”

        "Yay!" The boy cheered, but his running slowed, his eyes droopy and tired. "Pinky promise...?”

        "Pinky promise…I…I love you.”

        "Love you…” he yawned.

        Suddenly he was scooped up, laughing sleepily— something you didn’t think you would miss so much.

        "I’ll take that back now, you little rascal— time for bed.”

        The image shook once again as Eddie plucked the crystal ball from Dustin's grip, holding it out to show the two of them. Dustin dug his face into his shoulder and clung to his neck, legs wrapped around his torso. The man’s eyes were gentle as he shifted his attention from the boy to you, and with a soft voice, he stared you down.

        "You have eleven hours— I'll see you soon.”

        Red smoke filled the crystal, and when it cleared, he was gone.

        "What was all that about? No, forget him, Dustin is okay. He's been eating and now he's going to sleep. See me soon? When I see Eddie, I’m gonna—"

        You set the large crystal ball on the ground and turned to the now very-much-awake creature— one that was half-human, dressed in a white and gold toga. Her ocean blue eyes were piercing, her golden hair perfectly framing her soft face.

        "It seems you caught me napping— you must be the famous Henderson girl I hear so much about.” The creature's voice was soft and tired, her eyes staring you down as you stood away from her.

        How did all of these creatures know you?

        You kept still, your heart furiously beating in your ears. You were sure she could hear it too.

        "That knife at your hip— I hope you weren't planning on using it on me. Otherwise, you might have been my lunch.” she grinned nonchalantly.

        You quickly shook your head— a lie.

        "Come closer, don't be shy. I’m Chrissy and I promise I won’t eat you— there are things here that are far worse than me. Now for your test!”

        You slowly began to approach her, noticing three large locks on the door behind her.

        "Test? What kind of test?”

        "It’s really easy, just answer some riddles and unlock the door behind me to continue towards the city. Easy-peasy!”

        "Wait, riddles? You're a sphinx?” You wracked your head for the story, remembering the creature from a book of Greek mythology you read for history class.

        "Well no, I’m a goblin. We come in all shapes and sizes." Chrissy was a large creature, but she began to shrink, her lion legs shifting into human ones. Her toga reached her ankles, and her bare feet seemed to have been dipped in gold. Her blonde hair fell just past her shoulders as she yawned, arms stretching out above her head.

        You watched in awe and she smiled brightly, giving you jazz hands. The golden bangles around her wrists clanked when she did so.

        "Alright then, I have three riddles for you. If you can’t solve them, then unfortunately, you'll be...misplaced.”

        "Wait, misplaced? Where to?”

        "Typically you’d be placed anywhere in the labyrinth, but in this case, I was told to send you back to the beginning.”

        Your eyes widened and she laughed, her jewelry jingling as she approached you.

        "So, are you ready or not? You don’t have that much time…”

        Taking a deep breath, you nodded. Hopefully all those Dungeons and Dragons sessions would pay off.

        "I’m ready…I think.”

        She clasped her hands together in prayer and her blue eyes gently closed. When she opened them a few seconds later, they glowed a bright gold. You flinched at the unexpected change, but tried to relax. This was your first true test.

        "Your first riddle is this: if given one, you’ll have many or none at all.” Her voice echoed throughout the landing, shaking the hedge walls.

        You steadied yourself and delved deep into your mind, stewing in the question. You had to think carefully; if you gave the wrong answer, you would have to start all over again. And if you did, there most likely wouldn't be a kind fairy creature to help you. What would you even choose to say? There were so many choices.

        Wait.

        Taking a deep breath, you shakily gave your first answer.

        "A choice…?”

        Chrissy smiled, and a lock from behind her fell to the floor.

        "That is correct— your destiny is shaped by the choices you make on your journey through life. Many choices can alter your path, whether they lead you to ruin, or lead you to glory. Choices give the power to challenge your fate. Now your second riddle is this: some are cherished, some are hated, and even if lost, they remain with you.”

        You stared at her, taking in her words, imprinting them into your mind. It could be people— maybe it was. But how are lost people still with you? In your heart?

        Suddenly you thought of your father, the day he left Hawkins ingrained into your memory. Your mother was pregnant with Dustin at the time— you remembered her crying after work, still in her scrubs. You remembered the day she came home with your brother in a carrier and how she cried for weeks after. You remembered seeing her less often. You remembered waking up to feed Dustin when your mother worked night shifts. You remembered not having a Sweet 16th after he was born. You remembered helping to pay for his racecar bed. You remembered getting him to say your name for the first time. It was his first word. You remembered raising him, and you remembered loving him so much. But you remembered the sleepless nights before tests. You remembered missing school to watch over him when he was sick. You remembered crying when he wouldn’t stop. You remembered having to swallow back the tears when your mother was there. The memories were a cocktail of pain, loss, and happiness.

        You remembered…

        "Is the answer memories?”

        Another of the locks fell to the ground, causing it to shake.

        "Correct— memories are powerful. They may hold a person's love or hate, their joy and their grief, and some may choose to block them out. The memories you hold dear will always be imprinted into your heart, even as years pass. Our memories shape us, and you are now stronger because of them. Keep those memories close, for even if they hurt, they are a part of who you are. Now, your last riddle is this: they arrive every night, whether invited or not. They can be seen, but not heard or touched. If one falls, they all keep moving.”

        You absorbed her words into your mind— you needed to get this right, or you would be doomed to reset this death trap. Tapping your foot, you tried to wrap your head around the riddle. You looked up at the sky above you, falling into a distant memory.

        "Whas in da sky?”

        "Those are stars, Dustin. You can only see them clearly out here.”

        "Why?”

        "Because it's dark here.”

        "The dark is scawy...”

        "It can be, but the stars will always keep you safe.”

        "How?”

        "Well, you see that up there? That’s the North Star— when it comes out, you make a wish on it. And guess what? If you follow it, it can take you home.”

        You sat on the driveway with Dustin in your lap, staring up into the starry sky. There had been a blackout, and your mother was still working at the hospital. The sudden darkness had scared the boy, and you tried to calm his cries by bringing him outside.

        "It can?”

        "Yeah, and do you wanna know the coolest thing?”

        "Wha?”

        "Sometimes stars fall from the sky. They say bye-bye to their mommies and they go on their own adventure. They fly by and spread their magic dust to make you happy.”

        "Really? They not scawed?”

        "Maybe, but it’s okay to be scared. Their mommies are always watching.”

        "And sisters?”

        "Yeah buddy, their sisters watch them too.”

        Dustin leaned against you, staring up at the sky with awe in his bright blue eyes. The stars, despite the blackout, kept on moving.

        "Is Mommy still working?”

        "Yeah, the hospital needs a lot of help, so she’s staying late.”

        "I sleep with you?”

        He looked up at you with pleading puppy-dog eyes, and how could you say no to that? You sighed and gently nodded.

        "Yeah, you can sleep in my room 'til Mom gets back.”

        He cheered and leaned against you, his eyes starting to close, and for a second, you thought a comet shot through the sky.

        You wished things were different.

        "Stars— the answer is stars.” Your voice came out shaky and unsure, and you held your breath until finally, after what felt like years, the final lock clicked open and fell to the ground with a heavy thud.

        "Correct— for centuries, the stars have guided the lost, and today, their memory guides you forward. Whenever you feel lost in your heart, unsure of how to navigate the darkness within, then look to the night sky. Follow the stars and allow them to guide you, just as they guided others long ago. Just as the stars keep moving, so will you. Congratulations— you have passed the test and may continue on your journey.”

        You held your breath, your eyes wide with shock. Your heart raced as you stood still, as if one wrong move would send you back to the start of the labyrinth. But your anxiety melted into joy when you realized that you had done it— you had passed the first test. You let out a shaky breath, your trembling hands quickly rubbing away the joyous tears that poured down your cheeks. Breaking into a smile, you turned to the orb, pointing at it with a determined fire in your eyes.

        "See that, Eddie?! Fuck you, I did it! Bring it on!”

        Chrissy smiled and tried to hide her laugh. She closed her glowing eyes, and when she blinked them open, she was herself again.

        "Do watch out for traps, won’t you? I would like to see you at the banquet.”

        "Banquet?”

        "Yes, I would like to see you there alive and well. We have a celebration coming up and would love to have you there.”

        You stared at her with confusion etching your features— as if you would voluntarily spend another second in this godforsaken place.

        Chrissy stepped aside as the door swung open, exposing a topiary of a lion on the other side of the passage. You turned to her as she stretched and yawned, her form shifting back to her more animal-like appearance. Swallowing a lump in your throat, you were finally able to voice your concern.

        "Are the next trials harder?”

        "Well, everything has its difficulties and everything has its solutions. You’ll be fine, just keep looking ahead.”

        "Alright, thank you!”

        You took a deep breath, and with a newfound excitement, you passed through the doorway, your eyes trained on the topiary ahead. You looked back at Chrissy, who seemed to settle into sleep, and with a wide smile, you began to run. Your shoes pounded against the flagstone floor as you hurried through the passage.

        But then the flagstone was gone, there was no ground, and your eyes widened as you fell down a gaping abyss. You clawed at the edge of the stone, but it was too late. Your heart raced as you helplessly flailed your arms, the darkness swallowing the scream you let out as you plummeted into the unknown. Was this the your fate all along? Had you made the wrong choice? Gone the wrong way? Were you going to die?

       "I should have looked where I was stepping."

        You fell down, down into the abyss, and the darkness consumed you.

A/N: Thank you so much for reading! I know it took almost a year to get here but it's here! I'm a full time college student and coming up with original puzzles for this was no easy feat I'll tell you what. I promise I haven't given up yet! Don't forget to reblog, like and comment it really helps! (gosh I sound like a Youtuber lol) But anyways thank you again for reading and back to the writing cave I go!

Taglist: (If you want to be placed on it comment under here)

@fan-girl-97 @sh0wthyself @maxstecc @mirkwoodshewolf @bellalillyrose @under-the-clouds @bllshtbel @ali-r3n @darknesseddiem @ladyjbrekker @mewchiili

[clarii]

Off Limits

Summary: Before Eddie Munson even officially met Dustin’s sister, Dustin warned him to stay far away from her, knowing she was exactly Eddie’s type. But when fate pairs them together as chemistry partners, Eddie can’t help but fall for her — and she starts falling too. One night, when she finally confesses her feelings, Eddie rejects her, torn between his growing feelings and his loyalty to Dustin.

Pairings: Eddie Munson x Reader, Dustin & Eddie friendship, Dustin & Reader sibling relationship

Warnings: Angst, Fluff, rejection, hurt/comfort, protective sibling, pining, happy ending

“Hey, listen—”

Dustin caught Eddie just as he was packing up after Hellfire one night, voice unusually serious.

Eddie raised a brow. “You okay, Henderson? You look like you’re about to give me some sort of intervention.”

Dustin sighed, crossing his arms. “Look, I just… need you to promise me something.”

Eddie smirked. “Sure. Anything. Except giving up metal, or D&D, or my throne as your fearless leader.”

Dustin glared. “I’m serious, dude.” He took a breath. “It’s about my sister.”

That made Eddie straighten slightly, his smirk faltering.

“Yeah?”

“She’s off-limits.”

Eddie blinked. “What?”

Dustin’s face hardened. “I know your type, Munson. She is your type. And I don’t want you messing with her. Like… ever. Got it?”

Eddie scoffed, holding his hands up defensively. “Dude, I haven’t even met her. Chill. I’m not gonna—”

“I mean it.”

There was a rare protective edge to Dustin’s voice that made Eddie nod slowly, the teasing smile dropping.

“Yeah… okay, man. I get it. No funny business. Scouts honor.”

And he meant it.

But then came chemistry class.

It was almost comical how quickly the universe turned on him.

When Mrs. O’Donnell paired him with you for the semester-long chemistry project, Eddie had nearly choked on his gum when you introduced yourself with that soft, shy smile.

“Oh. You’re Henderson’s sister?”

You laughed. “Yeah. Unfortunately.”

And then he was screwed.

You were gorgeous — but that wasn’t the problem. The problem was how easy it was to talk to you. How you rolled your eyes at his bad jokes but laughed anyway. How you didn’t flinch when he rambled about D&D while sketching dragons on his notebook instead of paying attention.

And the flirting? Yeah. That just… happened.

Small touches when passing beakers. Sitting a little too close during study sessions. Him calling you sweetheart and you calling him out for it, but never actually minding.

It was perfect.

Until it wasn’t.

————-

The tipping point was a quiet Wednesday night.

Eddie was sitting cross-legged on your bedroom floor, guitar pick between his teeth as he scribbled down notes for the chemistry report.

You, meanwhile, weren’t even pretending to focus.

You were too busy watching him — the way his curls fell over his face, the way he bit his lip when he concentrated.

It had been building for weeks.

The crush. The stolen glances. The feeling that maybe… just maybe… he felt it too.

And you couldn’t hold it in anymore.

“Eddie?”

He looked up, oblivious as ever, still chewing on his pick. “Yeah?”

You exhaled.

“I… I like you. Like, really like you. And I was wondering if… you’d ever consider, maybe, I don’t know… dating me?”

Silence.

Eddie froze, the pick dropping from his lips.

For a moment, he just stared, like he hadn’t heard you right.

Then —

“Wait, what?”

You flushed. “You heard me, Munson. Do you… feel the same? Or… did I totally misread this?”

His mouth opened. Then shut.

Because, God, he did feel the same. He felt everything.

But he also heard Dustin’s voice in his head, loud and clear.

“She’s off-limits.”

Eddie’s heart shattered.

He forced a strained laugh, running a hand through his curls.

“Y/N… you’re great. You really are. But… I don’t think that’s a good idea.”

Your face fell.

“Oh.”

The smile dropped from your lips, embarrassment crashing over you like a tidal wave.

You had been so sure.

“I… I thought—”

Eddie cut you off, voice almost desperate.

“No, it’s not you. I swear. You’re amazing. I just—”

You nodded stiffly, swallowing hard.

“It’s fine. We can just… finish the project another day. I’m not feeling well.”

“Wait, sweetheart—”

But you were already closing the door behind him.

And he felt like the biggest idiot on the planet.

—————

The next day was brutal.

You didn’t speak to him. Didn’t even look at him in chemistry class.

No stolen glances. No quiet jokes.

Just silence.

And it killed him.

—————-

At lunch, Dustin was the first to say something.

“You good, man? You look like you’ve been hit by a bus.”

Eddie blinked up from where he’d been pushing his food around his tray.

“Yeah… I’m fine.”

Dustin snorted. “You’re so not fine.”

A pause. Then Dustin frowned, glancing between Eddie and where you sat, equally miserable, across the cafeteria.

“Okay, what happened? You and my sister look like someone just kicked your puppies.”

Eddie hesitated.

Then he sighed, dropping his head into his hands.

“I messed up, man. She… she told me she liked me. And I said no.”

Dustin blinked. “Wait, what? But… you like her too. It’s so obvious—”

Eddie groaned. “I know! But you told me she was off-limits, dude! You literally made me promise!”

Dustin paled.

“Oh. Oh, crap.”

“Yeah. Crap.” Eddie stared at the table, voice quieter. “She’s the only girl I’ve ever felt like this about. And I just crushed her because I didn’t wanna lose you as a friend.”

Silence.

Dustin opened his mouth. Then closed it.

Then—

“Dude. I was being an idiot. I thought you’d mess around and break her heart or something, but… you care about her. And she clearly cares about you too.”

Eddie blinked. “You’re not mad?”

Dustin shook his head. “I’m mad you didn’t talk to me sooner. Go fix it, Munson.”

——-

That night, Eddie showed up on your doorstep.

You opened it, blinking in surprise.

“Eddie? What are you—”

He cut you off, words tumbling out.

“I’m so sorry. I didn’t say no because I don’t care. I said no because I do care. And because I was scared. Your brother told me to stay away before we even met, and I didn’t wanna lose him as a friend. But pushing you away hurt worse. I like you, Y/N. So much.”

You stared, heart pounding.

“Then why didn’t you just tell me?”

Eddie winced. “I’m an idiot?”

You gave a watery laugh.

And when he hesitantly reached for your hand — fingers brushing, warm and gentle — you didn’t pull away.

“I’m still mad at you.”

“I deserve that.”

“But… I like you too.”

His whole face lit up.

And when he kissed you, slow and soft, everything finally felt right.

The End.

[stevesgother]

Chalkboard Hearts - S.H

Pairing - KindergartenTeacher!Steve Harrington x Fem!Mom!Reader

WC - 4.3k

Contains - strangers to friends to lovers, slowburn, so much fluff, teacher!steve and mom!reader. No descriptions are given of reader or abbey, other than that abbey has curly hair, steve and reader are the same age (about 24-25), set early-mid 90's

AN - i don’t write for kids often so i hope this reads well and is realistic. i don’t have a clear end for this series in mind, so i’m gonna keep writing it for as long as y’all want it :) feel free to send requests for blurbs for this AU if you so wish and as always, thank you - emma

“Moooooom,”

You hear a tiny voice whisper in your ear. Most mornings started this way, if not all of them. Whoever said getting children out of bed in the morning was difficult had clearly never met Abbey. Every day you peeled your tired eyes open to see the miniature version of them staring back at you, the only difference being they were much wider, and lacking the distinct fog of leftover sleep.

Today her hair was sticking up in all different directions; frizzy curls here and tangled knots there. Your daughter takes after you in many ways, one being that she’s an active sleeper and it shows when she wakes up. Her bed was always disheveled; embroidered blankets strewn across her bedroom floor and little red lines indented in her cheeks where they had been smushed against her pillow.

“Mornin’ Ab,” you say, voice gravelly with disuse. “Have you made your bed yet?” you eye her suspiciously.

You know she hasn’t and she confirms as much when she spins on her heel and dashes for her room down the hall. Truthfully, you couldn’t care less if her bed was made or not, it was merely a guise to buy you a few extra minutes of peace and quiet each morning.

︵୨୧︵

When she doesn’t reappear, you assume she’s gotten distracted and decide to make your way downstairs to scrounge for something to eat. You never ate breakfast before you had Abbey; either for lack of time or because the smell of food so early in the morning made you nauseous. Eating three meals a day was just one bullet point on the long, running list of changes in your routine since becoming a mother.

Two bowls of Frosted Flakes were set out on the table after deciding there was no time for anything more nutritious.

“Abbey!” You call, “Breakfast!” 

You hear the sounds of sniffling and small feet padding on hardwood as she enters the kitchen– pouting. You try not to gape at the utter monstrosity of an outfit she's put on. She whines, “I don’t know what I want to wear!”

You sense a meltdown coming already, on today of all days. Pre-school was easy, as Abbey was a fairly agreeable kid. Or at least she used to be. Lately it felt like you had to battle her about anything and everything. 

“You look so beautiful, Ab!” you reassure her, attempting to deescalate the impending tantrum. She has on pink corduroy pants and a frilly forest green blouse. For accessories she’s sporting a chunky plastic necklace that definitely came with a dress-up kit, along with a tutu. You have no idea where the tutu came from.

Eventually she decides not to fight you, at least not on her outfit. However, as she climbs into the kitchen chair, she scowls down at the soggy cereal in front of her and asks in the most darling tone she can muster,

“Can I have Scooby fruit snacks instead?”

“How about I pack some in your lunchbox today and you can eat them at snack time?” you try to barter.

Sneaking a glance at the clock, it mocks you with its unforgiving hands– you’re going to be late and your daughter will have skipped supposedly the most important meal of the day. Some mother you are.

“But I want them right now!” Her petite fists bang against the wooden table and she’s a heap of dramatics wriggling in her chair.

“Hey, what did we talk about? Yelling is not nice, even when we’re frustrated. Right?” She acknowledges you with a teary nod along with more crying and petulant moaning that can be heard as you run to the bathroom and grab a hairbrush with two bows. When you return, she’s still moping over her breakfast, but taking bites nonetheless. A win is a win.

You begin detangling the mess of knots and snarls at the back of her head. “Ouch, Mommy!” she cries when you try to comb through a particularly tangled section.

You place one of your hands over the crown of her head like a claw in a poor attempt at keeping her from squirming, “The more you move the longer it takes, sweetheart,” 

“Hmph.” she pouts, folding her arms over her chest. When all is said and done, your daughter has her hair parted and tied into two high pigtails, secured with little pink bows, and you’re rushing her out of the front door with haste.

︵୨୧︵

In all the hubbub, you realize you’ve barely gotten yourself ready. Reaching over to buckle Abbey into her carseat, she asks,

“When can I sit up front with you?”

“When you’re this many,” You hold out both your hands to display all ten fingers.

She mimics you with her own smaller fingers, “Ten?”

“That’s right!” You smack a kiss on the crown of her head as you pull back, she smells like her strawberry scented shampoo.

“Watch your feetsies,” you warn and she tucks her legs unnecessarily far into her chest as you close the door. 

The ride is filled with the usual nonsensical ramblings of a five-year-old. She beams back at you through the rearview mirror, eyes sparkling and nodding fervently when you ask if she’s excited to make some new friends today. Your social butterfly, the complete antithesis of you. 

The elementary school is only a few miles from your home, and before you know it you’re circling a crowded parking lot and preparing to drop your only child off for her first day of kindergarten. The rush of emotions you feel are indecipherable, something like a mix of somberness, excitement, relief, and anxiety.

As you walk towards the front of the building, you’re surrounded by dozens of kids aged five through twelve greeting their teachers and saying ‘Hello’ to friends they haven’t seen all summer. The teachers are holding laminated signs that indicate their name and what grade they teach; thank God for that. Abbey’s little fist squeezes around your index finger and you can tell she’s becoming nervous, despite her previous unbridled anticipation.

“Hey, it’s okay,” You assure, “Look, I think that’s your teacher right there,” you point towards a tall, brunette man standing near the double doors.

A shy smile tugs at the corners of her lips when she sees the teacher in question. He’s dressed in a striped button-down shirt and khakis, with a lanyard dangling from his front pocket; the typical teacher attire.The sign he’s holding reads, ‘Mr. Harrington’ and just below that, ‘Kindergarten’ with a little cartoon apple printed next to his name. He looks young compared to the rest of the staff, closer to your own age. This must be his first year teaching.

As you approach him, Abbey treks in front, eager to meet him. Her backpack is adorned with sparkly butterflies and it covers nearly her entire torso; bumping the backs of her knees with every step she takes.

The man crouches down to her level and greets her, “Hey there,” he offers a warm smile, “what’s your name?”

“Abbey,” she says timidly, twiddling her fingers and flashing a toothy grin at him. She doesn’t bother with her last name, honestly you’re not positive that she even knows it.

“Well, it’s very nice to meet you, Abbey,” he holds a gentle hand out for her to shake and she does so hesitantly, “My name’s Mr. Harrington, and I’m going to be your teacher this year. How does that sound?” The way he’s so patient and attentive with her stirs something within you that you haven’t felt in years, but he’s a teacher, for goodness sake. He looks up then, locking eyes with you and rising back to his full height.

This time, it’s your turn to shake his hand. “I’m Steve.”  He flashes you a smile directly out of a Colgate ad and you hope you’re not blushing as much as you feel like you are.

You must look nervous because he immediately assures you that Abbey’s in good hands this year. “We’re having an open house tonight, I hope to see you both there,”

You glance at your daughter, “What’d you think, Ab? That sound fun?”

“Yes!” She squeals and almost falls over from the weight of her backpack.

“Okay then,” With that, you crouch down to give Abbey one final hug. It’s clear that she’s itching to go socialize with the other kids, so you try not to delay her with your sappiness.

“Be good today, okay?” you give her a tight squeeze and a smacking kiss on her little cheek, “I’ll be back to get you at two-forty-five.”

“What will the clock say?” She asks inquisitively. Her favorite question.

“It’ll say ‘two-four-five’,” She nods in understanding, “But I bet you’ll be having so much fun that you won’t even remember to look.”

She’s already on her way to the door when she calls, “Love you, mommy!” and blows you a kiss with her lips puckered. You blow her one back and fight the tears threatening to surface. When did she get so big?

A pang of insecurity settles in your chest when you chance a look around and see all the children accompanied by two parents. You begin the walk back to your sedan before the thought has a chance to fester.

︵୨୧︵

Six hours goes by alarmingly fast when it’s spent running around your house in a frenzy, trying to catch up on all the cleaning you aren’t able to do when there’s a rampant five-year-old on the loose, making a brand new mess where you just cleaned an old one.

Before you can even register the time has passed, it's two o’clock and you need to pick Abbey up in a mere forty five minutes. Looking around your house, you feel satisfied with the progress you were able to make on tidying and call it a day.

This time, you decide to try and appear more presentable before visiting the school, and firmly remind yourself that it has nothing to do with how flustered your daughter’s kindergarten teacher makes you. By the time you’re dressed and have pulled your hair up into a halfway decent top knot; it’s time to go.

︵୨୧︵

The line for pickup wraps around the front of the building, aided by crossing guards and supervised by a few teachers. Twenty minutes into waiting, you regret not having gotten here a little sooner. ‘Tomorrow’ you think. Soon, you catch sight of two little pigtails bobbing up and down as your Abbey skips over to you, grinning ear to ear while Steve watches from the doors she just exited.

“Mommy!” she shouts as she bounds towards you. You place the car in park and run around to greet her.

“Hi, Bug!” you exclaim as you bend at the waist to pick her up. She gives you a tight squeeze around the neck, and you catch a split second of Steve’s gaze over her shoulder before he’s disappearing back inside the school

Plopping her as gently as possible into her carseat and fastening the straps over her chest, her mouth is already moving a mile a minute– absolutely ecstatic to tell you all about the activities she got up to while you were gone.

“What is ‘open house’ ?” she asks, kicking her feet like she can’t possibly contain all the excitement inside her little body.

“It’s just a chance for all the mommies and daddies to meet your teachers,” you explain, “And you get to show me around your new school, fun right?”

Her face lights up like a christmas tree at the prospect, “Are we gonna go?!”

“Yes, but first we have to eat dinner. What sounds good?”

Without missing a beat, she yells a little too loudly, “McDonalds!”

You want to say yes, of course you do, but your shifts at the ER barely cover the minimum of your living expenses. Your resolve begins to crumble, however, when she looks at you with those saucer-round eyes, and her bottom lip juts out in the most precious pout. Who knew she could be so harmlessly manipulative?

“I don’t know, Ab. I think we have some chicken nuggets in the freezer at home, though,” you say, with an air of hopefulness that she might accept the compromise.

“Not the same,” she whines, “Please, Mommy! I’ll be extra extra good please–”

And with that, it’s over.

“Okay! Okay, fine,” you feign annoyance through a smile, “We’ll stop on the way home,”

You can still hear her squeals of excitement when you close the door and walk around to the driver's seat.

︵୨୧︵

Abbey dresses a little more cohesively for the open house than she did this morning. This time she’s clad in a thrifted pair of overalls overtop a little purple blouse. She leads you, hand in hand, inside the school like she knows exactly where she’s going– despite only having spent six hours here.

Steve’s classroom looks exactly how you’d expect. The walls are a light, mint green and it’s as if a character from Sesame Street threw up all over it. Abbey leads you to a reading nook in the corner of the room, surrounded by books and complete with several bean bag chairs, and proclaims this is her favorite spot. She shows you where her desk is– right in the very front of the classroom– and on it, a laminated sticker with her first and last name sits neatly near the top. The walls are lined with colorful letters in alphabetical order, accompanied with numbers just underneath them.

“Abbey!” you hear a familiar voice call, “I’m glad you and your mom could make it!” turning to you then, “I’m actually not sure I ever caught your name,” he chuckles awkwardly, clearly embarrassed by the fact that he doesn’t know it yet.

“Oh, it’s–” and before you get the chance to tell him, Abbey pipes up and tells him your first and last name with a confidence that she certainly didn’t have when it came to her own introduction this morning. You’re relieved that she feels so comfortable around him already.

He repeats your name back to you and holds out his hand for you to shake, “It’s nice to meet you,” You pay no mind to the way your heart beats a little faster in its cage at the sound of your name on his lips. His palm is surprisingly soft when you grasp it in your own.

“It’s nice to meet you too,” you grant him a polite smile, “Abbey could not stop talking about you on the way home,” you pinch her side, teasing, and she giggles in that contagious way that kids do.

“Is that so?” he feigns surprise when he looks at her.

“Nooo!” her giggles amplify as she becomes increasingly bashful.

He crouches down to meet her at eye-level, exactly like he did this morning, “Well, that’s a shame, because I think you might be one of my favorite students,”

Now, she’s a heap of laughter and has a blush spreading from the apple of her cheeks to the tips of her ears. You can’t help but feel enamored by how great he is with children, silently wondering if he comes from a big family, or if he has a child of his own.

“Did you introduce your mom to Nibbles?” he asks her when her laughing mostly subsides.

She gasps like she can’t believe she would’ve forgotten such a thing, then she hauls you by the arm over to a tiny cage on a table, presumably for an even tinier animal.

“Mommy, look! This is Nibbles,” She’s peering between the metal bars of the enclosure and encouraging you to do the same, when you lean in closer you see a small, tan gerbil sleeping in a little nest of bedding.

“He’s our friend and he helps us learn, so we have to be very careful with him,” she tells you with a sudden seriousness that's amusing to see displayed on such a young face. It’s obvious she’s parroting Steve.

You turn to see Steve observing from a few feet behind you, both hands shoved in his pockets, “I didn’t think teachers actually had class pets,” you breathe a huff of laughter.

“Oh, yeah,” he chuckles with you, “I brought him from home, actually. Figured he could use some socialization. With dozens of children.” he informs you sarcastically. God, he’s funny too.

“Wouldn’t have pegged you to be a hamster guy,” you tease.

“He’s a gerbil, first of all,”

“Right, sorry, my bad,” you smirk.

“No time for a dog, I guess,” he shrugs, “thought I could use the company,” he’s clearly still bantering, but there’s an underlying melancholy in his tone that you can’t quite place. Before you can think about it for longer than a second, an impatient five-year-old is tugging on your arm and begging to show you the library.

“Okay, alright,” you laugh, “better get to it, the library awaits,” you shoot him an apologetic look for having cut the conversation short. You feel less guilty, however, when you see more parents and children start to funnel into the classroom, busying him in yours and Abbey’s absence.

“See ya, “ he waves. 

“Bye, Mr. Harrington!” Abbey yells, already halfway down the hall. 

︵୨୧︵

In the library you have to shush Abbey several times, much to her dismay.

“We use our inside voices in the library, Ab,” you remind her for the fifth time. She frowns but it’s temporary when she spots her favorite section: the picture books. Abbey is ahead of a kindergarten reading level now, and it's one of her favorite hobbies, but you can still never go wrong with a good picture book.

You’re about to follow her when you hear someone call your name. 

You turn, “Stephanie?” you ask, puzzled.

“Oh my gosh! It’s been forever!” an old friend from your shared high school, Stephanie, pulls you into an unreciprocated bear hug. Squeezing and swaying back and forth for an awkward amount of time.

“Hey,” you draw out the last syllable and try to paint your voice with a nostalgic excitement, “How have you been?” you ask, even though you’re sure you’d rather be shot than continue this conversation.

You don’t know if you could really call Stephanie a ‘friend’, or if you ever could. The only reason she even knew your name being the shared, piranha-esq social circle you both ran in years ago. She reminded you of your past– who you used to be– someone who you’re not particularly proud of.

“Oh, I've been just fine!” She gestures wildly with manicured nails. Her lips are overlined and her hair is still damaged from bleaching and too many perms. Evidently, not a lot has changed. You ponder if she’s still the mean girl she always was underneath all that makeup, or if at some point in your adolescence she decided to mature.

“Todd and I just bought a house over on Maplewood, are you familiar?”

“Oh, no, not really– my daughter and I live across town,” You don’t like how ashamed you feel, “I’ve heard it’s beautiful over there, though,” you attempt to smile but it doesn’t reach your eyes.

“That was your daughter?” She’s trying not to sound taken aback and failing, “With–?”

“Yes,” Your teeth grit ever so slightly. You hate that she won’t say his name, as if speaking it into existence would somehow break you. Like you’re fragile.

“I was terribly sorry to hear about what happened, Hon,” Her sudden sympathetic tone irritates you, whether it’s genuine or not. You don’t need pity, especially not from Stephanie Nettles.

“It’s okay, Steph, really,” losing patience by the second, nothing about it was okay. “It was a long time ago, Abbey and I are doing fine,” you assure her.

“Oh,” she fawns as she presses her bony hands against her chest above her heart, “Can I meet her? Would you mind?" Her tone is saccharine sweet. You figure it can’t hurt, but when you turn around to retrieve Abbey, she’s not where you left her. The spot on the rug that she was previously occupying is empty and her book is abandoned on the floor.

“Abbey?!” Calling a little too loudly for the setting you’re in but you can’t bring yourself to care. You search row after row, it’s not a big library, and after every shelf you’re expecting her to be there– browsing novels and you’ll feel silly for overreacting.

But that doesn’t happen, and you realize with mild panic that she definitely left the library; somehow without you noticing. You suppose this is the safest place for her to go missing, but the thought doesn’t soothe you for long as you still have no idea where your daughter could be.

Stephanie is staring at you with concern, but still making no effort to help you locate Abbey. You don’t speak and neither does she as you rush out of the room and begin to pace the halls, still calling out for her. You check the bathrooms by the gym, a couple of empty classrooms that aren’t locked– she’s not there either.

When you’ve checked every available room and potential hiding spot in the near vicinity and still see no trace of her, that’s when the real dread sets in. What if she’d wandered outside and been taken? Or worse, there had been an accident and she’s hurt? She could be miles from here by now, she could be–

“I think this might belong to you,” a mellow voice rings out.

Steve and Abbey walk leisurely towards you, hand in hand. A complete contrast to the frazzled mess of anxiety you are right now. You hurl yourself in their direction and wrap Abbey up in a hug, lifting her off her feet.

“Oh my God, Abbey,” normally you’d be fuming at her for wandering off like that when you know that she knows better, but you can’t feel anything other than relief in the moment.

“Found her on the swings,” Steve continues, “Isn’t that right?”

Your relief does eventually morph to frustration, “You know better, Abbey Jane. Don’t stray off like that again. Do you understand?”

She succumbs to her guilt and you can tell her short-lived freedom has lost its novelty. “I’m sorry, mommy,” her little eyes well with tears. “The other kids were going to the swings, I wanted to go,” she pouts.

“We could’ve gone, baby, but you have to ask first, okay?”

Her meek response is muffled in the crook of your neck, “Okay,”

She’s still sniffling into your shoulder when you remember Steve is there, and your surroundings come back into focus.

“Thank you for finding her, Steve–”

“--His name is Mr. Harrington, mom,” she corrects like she can’t believe you’d embarrass her like that by calling her teacher the wrong name.

“--Mr. Harrington,” you stifle a laugh for your daughter's sake, sending him a knowing look.

He returns the expression, “Anytime,” he smiles, sweet . “Think that's enough scaring your mom for today, huh?”

Instead of acknowledging with words, she simply nods her head, eyes glued to the floor, ashamed.

“I think someones getting sleepy, might be time to head home,” you drag a gentle hand down her back soothingly.

“Will you carry me?” she asks too adorably to say no, despite her being ever-so-slightly too big for it. Grunting as you pick her up, you say, “Thanks, again,”

“No need,” he ruffles Abbey’s head lightly as you pass, “See you tomorrow, right?”

“See you,” her eyelids are heavy already. You make your way back to the car slowly but surely, arms growing more numb with every step.

︵୨୧︵

Abbey manages to bargain a bath out of you and four books before bedtime instead of the usual two. How you ever say no to her, you’re not sure. By the time you finally tuck her in, it's well past nine o’clock.

“Did you have a good day today?” You ask as you bend down to kiss her forehead.

“Yes, Mr. Harrington is my favorite teacher,” she proclaims drowsily.

“He’s your only teacher, Ab,” You snicker.

“But he’s still my favorite,” she replies in the same cadence one would say ‘Duh’.

“Well, I guess you’ll have to go to sleep super fast tonight so you can see him sooner, right?”

You can practically see the lightbulb turn on above her head like she’s just had a groundbreaking revelation and nods fervently. You tuck her in tight on both sides, and give her a kiss on each of her cheeks and once more to her forehead for good measure.

“Love you, Abbey girl,” you tell her on your way out, “Goodnight,”

“Goodnight, mommy,” she says wearily from underneath her princess bedsheets.

The door closes with a soft click and you make your way to the living room. You never had the chance to ask Stephanie what she was doing at the school– from what you knew, she didn’t have any children. Perhaps she was a teacher. It didn’t matter as long as you didn’t have to interact with her again.

As you lounged on your old sectional, you couldn't help your mind wandering back to thoughts of Steve. You wanted to know more about him. Where he came from, what made him want to work with kids, why he needed a gerbil to keep him company. Distantly, you imagined what he was like outside of an elementary school setting. You hoped one day you’d find out.

He was Abbey’s teacher, sure, but what was the harm in a little crush?

taglist - @soulxiez

divider credit to @/strangergraphics

[cream-your-pants]

Busted

Summary: Dustin walks in on his sister engaging in what? with ..... Steve Harrington?

Pairing: Steve Harrington x Henderson!Reader (Dustin's big sister)

Setting: Hawkins, 1986

Content Warning: descriptions of sex

A/N: I haven't written in a few years- that's a lie. I haven't posted my writing in a few years. Please send in requests because I am so bad at finishing my ideas. Also, I would love some feedback on my writing and how I can improve!

You barely had time to close your bedroom door before Steve had you against it.

His mouth crashed into yours, hungry and warm, hands finding your waist as if he’d been starved for days. Maybe he had, the last time you managed a proper hookup was over a week ago, and judging by the low growl rumbling from his chest, he was just as desperate as you were.

“You have no idea how long I’ve been thinking about this,” he muttered between kisses, fingertips slipping under the hem of your tank top. “I’ve been walking around hard all goddamn day.”

“You could’ve come over earlier,” you whispered, tugging him toward your bed.

He followed with zero hesitation, lips trailing from your mouth down your neck, teeth grazing your pulse. “Not with your little brother constantly breathing down my neck. Had to wait until Dustin cleared the premises.”

You laughed, but it quickly turned into a gasp when he palmed your breast through your tank top. You weren’t wearing a bra, and he groaned when he realized it, brushing his thumb over your nipple slowly.

“Fuck, I missed these,” he whispered, mouth replacing his hand, sucking your nipple through your tank top into the heat of his mouth while his fingers worked the other. You arched into him, tangling your fingers in his hair.

Clothes came off in layers his shirt, your shorts, your top, his jeans and then you were on your back, legs parted, and he was between them, kissing down your stomach with purpose.

“Stay quiet for me, alright?” he said, voice dark and low. “We’ve been lucky so far. Don’t want to push it.”

You nodded breathlessly, but the moment his tongue flicked over your clit, you nearly moaned out loud.

He smirked against you. “Tried to warn you, sweetheart.”

He took his time. Steve always did. He knew how to touch you, how to taste you, slow strokes of his tongue, fingers curling inside you with just the right rhythm. Your hands gripped the sheets, thighs trembling around his head as the pressure built.

“You’re so wet,” he murmured, licking his fingers clean before going back to work. “You always get like this for me.”

You came with a strangled whimper, hips lifting off the bed, one hand over your mouth to muffle the cry. Steve didn’t stop until you were shivering.

Then he was climbing over you, kissing you deeply, letting you taste yourself on his lips. You tugged at his boxers, and he kicked them off, hissing when his cock brushed against your thigh.

“You ready for me?” he asked, stroking himself slowly.

“God, yes,” you breathed, pulling him in.

He pushed inside you with a groan, head dropping to your shoulder. “Jesus. Every single time, you drive me fucking crazy.”

You were soaked, and he slid in deep, filling you perfectly. He moved slow at first, setting a rhythm that made your eyes roll back, each thrust grazing that spot inside you that made your toes curl.

The bed creaked softly, your breaths syncing, heat building again. His hands tangled with yours above your head, holding you down gently, his mouth dragging over your collarbone.

“Look at me,” he whispered, snapping his hips harder. “Wanna see your face when I fuck you like this.”

You obeyed your eyes glassy, lips parted, so full of him you could hardly think.

“I love you,” he said, like it was a secret just for you. “God, I fucking love you.”

Your heart stuttered, and your body clenched around him.

You were just about to fall over the edge—

When the door swung open.

“Hey have you seen my—”

Time stopped.

Steve froze inside you.

You whipped your head toward the door, gasping.

And there stood Dustin.

Eyes wide.

Mouth open.

His backpack slipping off one shoulder.

The silence only lasted half a second.

“OH MY GOD WHAT THE ACTUAL FUCK?!” Dustin screamed.

Steve shot upright in a panic, instinctively grabbing the sheet and yanking it over both your bodies, Steve still very much inside you, scrambling to block you from view.

“DUDE! DUDE! WHY ARE YOU NAKED? WHY IS YOUR WHOLE ASS OUT?!”

“Dustin! Get out!” you shouted, completely mortified.

“I JUST SAW STEVE HARRINGTON’S BARE ASS!” Dustin shouted, voice breaking in horror. “OH MY GOD I NEED TO GO TO CHURCH—I NEED TO BE BAPTIZED.”

Steve was still frozen like a deer in headlights, one hand gripping the sheet, the other trying to reach for the pillow behind him to maybe shield his very exposed back end.

“Okay, okay, just relax, just step out and let us—”

“DON’T YOU DARE TELL ME TO RELAX, STEVE! YOUR ASS WAS IN MY LINE OF SIGHT. I CAN’T UNSEE THAT.”

You buried your face in Steve’s chest with a groan, "Dustin! Get out!,"

“I’M GONNA HAVE FLASHBACKS,” Dustin yelled, stumbling back into the hallway. “Like legit PTSD. I’m gonna be in biology class and just randomly remember Steve Harrington raw-dogging my sister and scream.”

“Dustin, stop talking!” you shrieked.

“I’M CALLING LUCAS. I NEED TO TALK TO SOMEONE WHO HASN’T SEEN STEVE’S ASS.”

The door slammed shut.

A long, stunned silence followed.

Steve slowly turned to you, still holding the sheet around your body like his life depended on it.

“…Well,” he said, deadpan. “So much for staying under the radar.”

You stared up at him. “Did he really say ‘raw-dogging’?”

Steve groaned. “I think we broke your brother.”

You both laid back, tangled and ruined, trying to pretend this wasn’t the most traumatic moment of your entire lives.

Then Steve muttered, “Still kinda horny though.”

You slapped his arm. “Steve!”

[lady-ashfade]

⛓️ “Since When?”

Steve harrington x male!reader[Henderson reader! Dustin’s older brother][goth/punk reader? Kinda more 90s style but Shh]

Since when did you start coloring your hair?

Steve couldn’t believe his eyes, or, couldn’t stop them from staring you down. Dustin was busy getting his shit together while you, bathroom door wide open, leaned over the counter table putting dye into the strands of hair.

Your shirt stopped right at your hips, your chain belts and dark low pants showed off the black ink on your lower back… since when did he like that style?

And since when did Dustin’s brother get so hot?

“Can you stop staring at my brother? Oh Jesus-” Dustin hit him with his heave bag and caught sight of you.

“Close the door!” He yelled at you, making you finally turn their way. First you turned with a glare that hit dustin, cold and annoyed then at him- Steve was terrified. And enjoying it.

Slamming the door shut after flipping dustin off, and him returning the gesture, Steve could finally think straight.

“When did he start coloring his hair? And was that a tattoo-”

“Don’t start with me.” Dustin groaned and walked out of the house with Steve on his trails.

[ashwhowrites]

I love your fics. I love the way you portray Eddie, it feels like he was plucked straight from the show. I was hoping you could do an angsty request if you’re up for it. Reader is Dustin’s sister and she’s the one to introduce him to Eddie, her boyfriend, wherein Dustin becomes Eddie’s bestie. And the two unintentionally leave Reader behind as they bond and constantly leave Reader out which mega sucks. Both boys make it up to Reader in their own way. Thank you so much!

Oh thank you 🥹 I'm very honored you love the way I write Eddie. I hope this is what you wanted and you enjoy it!!

Sister's boyfriend

"HE'S HERE!" Y/N yelled, Dustin, jumping as she ran down the hall. Dustin slipped out of his room, looking down the hallway as she fixed her hair in the mirror.

Tonight Y/N was bringing her boyfriend to dinner, and it would be the first time Dustin was meeting him. He wasn't interested but Y/N told him it would be rude to ignore their guest.

Y/N took a deep breath and opened the door, Eddie stood with a smile.

"Hi, baby," he greeted, leaning in and leaving a slow and soft kiss on Y/N's lips. She felt her face heat up as she kissed him back. She loved kissing Eddie; he was always soft and took her breath away.

Dustin coughed from behind, making the couple pull away. Y/N looked over her shoulder with a glare.

"Mom had an appointment but I made dinner for us three. Eddie, this is my little brother Dustin. Dustin, this is Eddie," Y/N said with a dreamy smile on her face.

Eddie stepped into the house, chain clicking as his heavy boots hit the floor. He reached out his hand, fingers covered in rings, and wrists covered in bracelets.

Dustin smiled and shook his hand.

~

"So, Eddie. You're in a band?" Dustin asked, cutting his chicken as he shoved a piece into his mouth. "Wh-gs- th-fqt-like?"

Y/N gave Dustin a slight kick under the table as he talked with his mouthful.

"It's amazing. I get to play with my boys, write music I like and helps with the girls," Eddie winked towards Y/N. She rolled her eyes but a smile was clear across her face.

"What do you like to do in your free time?" Dustin asked, pushing his plate to the side.

Eddie gave a sly look over to Y/N but she already was shaking her head. She knew exactly what dumb sex joke he was about to make.

"Well, I'm a dungeon master so I spent most time with campaigns," Eddie explained.

"WAIT!" Dustin yelled, excitedly. He sat up straight, "you play Dungeons and Dragons?"

~~~

Ever since that dinner, Dustin took a huge liking to Eddie. At first, Y/N adored how much Eddie and Dustin got along. Dustin asked to join some dates and Y/N didn't have the heart to say no. So, she let him tag along. There weren't any problems, but that didn't last long.

She felt dumb for being upset about it but Dustin and Eddie were becoming too close. It was getting to the point where she was being pushed aside. It was her boyfriend but yet she was stuck as the third wheel.

~

"So, I was thinking we should check out the festival this weekend? Has games, music and food. We could camp and have some fun in the tent," Eddie whispered, leaning down to whisper in Y/N's ear. His lips softly kissed her neck.

She melted as his kiss warmed her skin. "I'd love it," she turned her head to press her lips against his. But the moment was quick to be interrupted.

"Eddie!" Dustin called as he ran through the house. He welcomed himself into her bedroom, causing the couple to separate. Eddie sat up on the bed with a smile.

"What's up, kid?"

"New video game! Living room in five minutes!" He said and ran back out.

"Sick!" Eddie said, jumping up from the bed but Y/N grabbed his hand.

"Hold on, what about me?" Y/N asked.

"Come watch us, you know you're my good luck charm," Eddie smiled. Y/N shrugged and followed him out.

She quickly learned she wasn't any sort of charm to Eddie. He and Dustin were screaming and banging on the controllers. They were so lost in their game that they barely acknowledged she was there.

"It's getting a little late, Eddie do you want to maybe head to my room to watch a movie?" She asked, looking at the clock. She sighed as she realized the boys had been playing for five hours.

"Yeah, babe. Be right there, after this round," he said but his eyes stayed on the screen. She stood up and accepted his answer.

"Dustin, remember to get to bed for school."

Dustin gave a thumbs up in her direction but didn't look away.

Y/N walked to her room and stripped down into her pajamas. She set up a movie and climbed into bed. She waited for Eddie before she started the movie, entertaining herself.

She lost track of time as she felt herself falling asleep. She jerked awake when she felt a body sliding up next to hers.

"Hm?" She mumbled, opening her eyes. Eddie was lying next to her, his eyes closed as he prepared to sleep. She looked at the nightstand, the clock showing she had been asleep for two hours.

She frowned and rolled over.

~

"Alright, Dustin, are you ready to go?" Y/N asked. It was Sunday morning and she brought Dustin to the arcade every week and she never missed it.

Dustin came out of his room with all his quarters. Before he said anything, there was a knock on the door. She went to open it but Dustin beat her to it.

He opened the door and Y/N was surprised to see Eddie on the other side.

"Eddie? Hi!" She greeted, "I'm sorry I can't do anything right now; I'm taking Dustin to the arcade for our Sunday Funday." Y/N smiled as she placed her hands on Dustin's shoulders.

"Oh actually...," Dustin started

"Dustin asked me to take him," Eddie said, "I promise to take good care of him."

Y/N looked down at Dustin but he shrugged her hands off and excitedly ran to Eddie's van.

"See you soon," Eddie said, placing a quick kiss on her lips and then heading to his van. "I'M GOING TO BEAT YOU AT EVERY GAME!"

Y/N watched as the two got in the van and disappeared down the road, her stomach falling.

~

Y/N listened to the phone ring as she waited for Eddie to pick up. Her foot tapped as the phone continued to ring until it went to the machine. She sighed and slammed down the phone.

"Mom, I'll be back," Y/N said as she walked out of the house. She drove herself over to Eddie's, rolling her eyes as she saw his van parked up front. She got out of the car and knocked on his door.

At first, no one answered. So she began to bang on the door, repeatedly. She was getting fed up with Eddie's lack of acknowledgment of their relationship. He was supposed to pick her up an hour ago for a date and she feared this was her last straw with being forgotten.

Finally, the door swung open and the annoyed look on Eddie's face vanished. "Hey baby!"

"Don't hey baby me! You were supposed to pick me up for our date," she glared, crossing her arms. "An hour ago."

Eddie's smile dropped as he was quick to spurt out apologies. "Shit, I'm sorry. I got so tied up in a campaign idea and I totally lost track of time."

"Well, are you ready now? We can still go," she sighed, wanting to make the best of their evening.

"Um, it's just we are so close to finishing..." He said as he began to trail off.

"We?"

"EDDIE!" Dustin called

Y/N rolled her eyes. She truly shouldn't be surprised anymore.

"Forget it," she spat, turning around.

"Hey, woah!" Eddie said as he followed her. She was stomping her way to her car. "I'm sorry I forgot."

She turned around, fire in her eyes. "Yeah, you did forget. But I shouldn't be surprised. You clearly don't have time for a girlfriend so call me when you do."

Eddie was stunned as she turned around, quickly grabbing her arm. "Wait, are you breaking up with me? It was truly a mistake! I'll go clean up and we'll go right now. Please, let's just talk."

"There isn't ever time to talk with you, Eddie. It's the band, then the campaign boys, then Dustin. Where the hell do I fit in? Nowhere! You've ditched me countless times for my brother. I don't care if I sound stupid or jealous, but I'm hurt." She explained, trying her best to keep her emotions back.

"I'm sorry, I didn't know. What can I do?" He asked, stepping forward. He frowned as she stepped back.

"That's the problem, you didn't know. And now, I don't know what to do either. Figure it out and maybe we'll talk." She said as she got in her car. Eddie watched as she reversed and raced out of the trailer park.

~

Y/N spent the remaining time of the day in her room crying, instead of being out with her boyfriend. Something she's done a few too many times now. She didn't feel any better calling off their relationship but she couldn't handle being pushed aside like nothing.

She heard Dustin get home a few minutes after her but she refused to come out of her room. She ignored his knocks on the door and his soft pleas for her to open the door.

She couldn't tell if she was being childish, but she was hurt because of them. The only two people in the world she had a relationship with became best friends and left her. She was more hurt than they never included her. And she wondered if Eddie even noticed their relationship was falling apart.

~~~

The next few days were silent. Dustin wasn't sure what to say, and not like he had the chance. He frowned as his sister slumped around the house, hiding away in her room. She hasn't talked to either boy and both were spiraling on what to do.

As Sunday rolled around, Dustin stood outside her door. He knocked softly, "Y/N? It's Sunday. Do you want to go to the arcade?"

"Take Eddie," she said. Dustin sighed, at least she spoke this time but he felt his heart drop at the sadness in her voice.

"I'd really like for us to go, I miss you," he spoke to the door. She sighed on the other side. Part of her didn't want to upset him but the other part believed he deserved to be hurt after what they did.

"Maybe next week, bud."

Dustin sighed but let her be, calling up Eddie.

~

They didn't go to the arcade, instead they tried to brainstorm what they needed to do to make it up to her.

~~~

Eddie gave her some distance, but after a week of all his calls being unanswered, he was ready to take matters into his own hands. He knew Dustin was still struggling with her and Eddie felt at fault for all of it. He got caught up with Dustin and ruined two relationships at once.

Eddie gripped the flowers in his hands tightly, completely nervous as he walked up to her front door. He hadn't seen her in a week, and he wasn't embarrassed to admit how fucking much he missed her.

Not to his surprise, Dustin opened the door. "Bedroom."

Eddie nodded and walked down the hall, giving Dustin one last nervous look.

Dustin gave him a thumbs-up before he headed outside to give them privacy. Not like he planned to race to the other side of the house to listen near her window.

"Baby?" Eddie asked, his pointer and middle knuckles knocking against the door. "I know I upset you and I want to fully apologize. Can we talk?"

Shockingly, the door opened; she left it open a crack and walked over to her bed. Eddie allowed himself in and softly closed the door.

"These are for you," Eddie mumbled, handing over the flowers. She eyed the few broken stems, trying to hide a smile. He noticed, itching the back of his neck as he blushed. "A little nervous. I think I held them too hard."

"Thank you," she whispered, setting the flowers on her bedside as she looked up at him.

Eddie walked over to her and dropped to his knees. He clapped his hands together, dramatically.

"You told me how you felt and I took everything into consideration. No surprise that you were right. I haven't been paying attention to our attention and it's unfair. I never want you to feel like you mean less to me than anyone in my life. I know I did a shitty job showing you, but you are my favorite person in the world. Being with you has added so much to my life and I won't give up until I fix this. I know we haven't said it yet, but," he let out a deep breath, "I love you, and I promise I mean it."

She felt her heart race at his words. She knew the distance was torture for both of them and it was clear he took the time to take accountability. And well, she knew she loved him too.

"Promise not to shut me out again?" She asked, crossing her arms as she looked down at him.

"Promise!" He said, putting out his pinky. She smiled and hooked his pinky, leaning in to whisper.

"I love you too,"

Eddie smiled like he won the lottery. Unhooking their fingers as he tackled her against her bed. Pressing kisses all around her face.

"Thank you, thank you, thank you," he mumbled against her skin.

"I better go talk to Dustin," Y/N sighed, slightly shoving Eddie aside.

"What? Why? It's my time!" Eddie whined

Y/N laughed walking towards her door, looking over her shoulder. "Hurts doesn't it?" She smirked.

Eddie flipped her off, her laugh echoing down the hallway as she searched for Dustin.

The boys were dumb, but they were hers.

[unamused-boss]

Lipstick Stains

Billy Hargrove x Harrington FemReader

Summary: There has been some new gossip floating through Hawkins High. The gossip being that Billy has a lipstick stain that just so happens to match a certain girl's iconic shade.

....................................................................

You were a Harrington. You had a certain standing that you had to keep cause of the expectations of your parents. One of those expectations were not making out with Billy Hargrove in his car in the back of the school parking lot during lunch. But your parents were never home so you didn't really give a damn.

"Billy we have to go back into the school at some point." You said releasing your lips from his. As you tried to pull back he pulled you in for another quick kiss.

"Oh come on, we don't have to." He smirked to you.

"Listen Mr. Bad Boy, I know you don't like school but I have a test." You said to him. He gave you a small pout at your response to which you just laughed at him. "You also messed up my lipstick." You said as you flipped the visor down to use the mirror to reapply your dark red lipstick.

"That's not the only thing I can mess up." He joked. You just gave him the look, he knew the look. It didn't need a name.

"Well Hargrove I have to get going." You brought yourself close to kiss his neck then up to the apple of his freckled cheeks. You collected you things to go back into the school before the bell. Before you shut the door you look back at Billy to see the two kiss marks that you left on him. You just smiled at him.

"Love ya, see you later." You said then shut the door to go to the school.

Billy continued with his day like usual. Thinking that nothing would go out of the ordinary. He knew he was hot shit so people were staring at him as perusal but he didn't know what they were staring at. In each class he had stares his way, to which he had to tell some off for looking too long.

"Nice job man." Tommy Hagan laughed as he patted his back. Billy was just confused about what he was talking about but he continued as nothing was wrong. The bell rang through the halls to signal that the school day was over. Billy made his way to the doors top the parking lot to leave when he saw a certain Steve Harrington staring him down from his locker.

"You got a problem Harrington?" He asked.

"Yeah, not with you though." Steve replied slamming his locker shut to go find a certain sister of his. Billy didn't know that, he was just confused and thought nothing of it. He finally was able to make it to his Camaro to wait for Max. Students around him were still looking at him. Some girls looking in distaste, not at him but at the kiss marks on his cheeks. Some guys were just laugh in congrats to him. Billy just wanted to get the hell out and get Max home so he can go see his girlfriend. Billy looked over to see a certain red head making her way over to his car.

"Get in shit-bird, I got places to be." He said as he got in the drivers seat while Max got in the passenger seat. She just stared at him, more than she would usually. Which is not at all. Billy glanced at her a few times.

"What?" He asked annoyed with her staring.

"What's on your face?" She asked. Billy was confused until he thought back to lunch. He grabbed his sun visor to look himself in the mirror to see the two kiss marks on him. Just as he thought, one on his cheek and the other on his neck. He just laughed what he was looking at.

"Well that explains a Lot." He sighed starting his car to drive away.

Later that day Billy was able to make it to the Harrington house hold. Instead of parking down the street, he parked in the driveway. Instead of climbing through the window of his girlfriends bedroom, he simply knocked the front door of her house. Which, unfortunately, the other Harrington answered. He and Steve just stared at one another for a moment.

"Hargrove."

"Harrington."

"What are you doing here?"

"I think you know why exactly I'm here, or you don't."

"I do know why you're here." Steve stated sternly.

"Then tell me, why am I here?" Billy gabbed at him with a smirk playing on his face.

"Can you guys stop having a dick measuring contest for once." Your voice was heard in a very much over it tone. "Get out of here Steve."

"But-" You stopped him from continuing.

"Eh, I don't wanna hear any more then I already have. You're being a Buttface." You sassed at him. "Now I would like to talk to my boyfriend."

Steve just rolled his eyes and sighed. Walking away from his enemy and his sister in the same door way. You turn your head back to Billy with a grin on your face.

"So what are you doing here, handsome."

"Well, I am here to see my girlfriend that I have to have a small chat about." His voice going a slight octave lower. Something that you loved.

"And what do you have to chat about?" You stilled teased at him.

"Well I made out with this gorgeous woman at lunch, and after I thought my day would go by like usual. But I had people staring at me all day. I didn't know why until I looked into the mirror to find that the exact pretty girl I was kissing left some marks on me." He explained to you. "Now I am at said pretty girls house to get a reason why she did that."

"Well I think she just wanted to have a bit of fun with you, if you ask me."

"Well as much as I love that, I think I would love to have some fun with her right now."

"Well you'er gonna have to wait on that, handsome." You said." Big Bro ain't to happy with me, I've been getting an ear full for the past hour."

"I can wait." He reassured. "I will always wait for you, gorgeous." You just smiled at him and dragged him into your house.

"Is he staying long?" Steve's distant voice was heard.

"Shut up Steve." You yelled out to him. "Like I said, ear full all day."

You and Billy just laughed at the situation. But at least you both can enjoy each others company in the end.

...................................................................

I hope y'all enjoyed this. Sorry if it is short. I know I haven't been to active, writing wise, lately. I'm trying to get through school right now.

I will try to get more out for Boots and Trumpets, and Practically Magic later.

Thank you for reading.

[stevie-petey]

episode nine: the piggyback

“It’s always been you,” Steve whispers, lips pressed above your brow. “The six kids. The family I’ve always wanted. Traveling the countryside. My dream, it’s always had you in it.” You laugh, breathless and in love. “I know, honey.” Sickly sweet warmth cascades through you. Your lips find Steve’s, you kiss the smile off his face. He lets you. “I’ve always known it was going to be the two of us.”

Summary: operation save hawkins is a go. youre eagle one, steve is currently doing that, eddie is youd be lying if you said you havent thought about it, nancy is it happened once in a dream, robin is if you had to pick a girl, and dustin is eagle two. what could possibly go wrong ? spoiler alert: everything. literally everything goes wrong. might as well break a few promises while youre at it. for the plot. but at least its over, right? .... right?

Rating: general, some swearing, violence

Warnings: fem!reader, use of y/n, cursing, weapons, blood, death and gore, injuries, lowkey suicidal thoughts

Words: 8.5k (we broke tradition where the last chapter is the longest but tbh this is probs for the best)

Before you swing in: oh my god this is the end. i am. very very emotional rn. this story is my baby and i dont know what im going to do now that its done. i cant even write an in between chapter because we still dont have season 5 content :((( im gonna miss writing this story, and i will absolutely go crazy waiting for season 5 so i can write again. these next few months will be ROUGH but !!!! thank you guys so so so much for reading. all your comments/reblogs/kudos/likes have meant the world to me. im truly the luckiest girl ever :') for now, and for the final time... enjoy !

–

It’s pitch black outside. All around you is darkness. The sun is long gone, its golden warmth no longer present, retreating into the treeline as if afraid of what the night will bring. 

You’re afraid, too.

Everyone stands around Nancy. The group is quiet as you await whatever she has to say. When she turns to face you, her voice is leveled, calm, but her hands shake. 

She’s afraid, too.

“Okay,” Nancy exhales deeply. “I wanna run through it one more time.” She looks at Robin, prompting her to recite everything back. “Phase one?”

“We meet Erica at the playground.” Robin responds. “She’ll signal Max and Lucas when we’re ready.”

“Phase two.”

You step forward. “Max and I will bait Vecna. When he goes after one of us, he’ll go into his trance. If he chooses Max, we’ll go onto phase three together.”

“And…” Nancy swallows, looking away. “And if he chooses you?”

It’s Steve who steps forward this time. He stands tall, brave, but his voice shakes. “Then I’ll stay with her, walkman ready, while you and Robin go on your own.”

You grab his hand, squeezing it. He squeezes back. 

“Speaking of phase three.” Dustin clears his throat, weary eyes never leaving you. “Me and Eddie wil draw the bats away.”

“Carefully,” you look pointedly at your brother. “Right?”

He rolls his eyes at you while Nancy continues speaking. “Okay, phase four.”

“We head into Vecna’s newly bat-free lair and…” Robin holds up a molotov cocktail. The liquid sloshes around. The scent of gasoline still stings your nose from when you helped her pour it into the bottles earlier. “Flambe.” 

“Nobody moves onto the next phase until we’ve all copied. Nobody deviates from the plan, no matter what.” Nancy reiterates, looking around the RV. Her eyes linger on you, cautious, almost doubtful. She trusts you. She knows she trusts you. But she also knows your heart and the lengths you’ll go to save others. 

Nancy has always admired your selflessness, but she’s also always seen it as your greatest strength and weakness. A coin, two sides. Now, tonight, she has to hope that you’ll follow the plan. Even if it means leaving Max behind if she’s the one Vecna chooses.

Your eyes harden when you realize what Nancy is thinking. Without saying anything, you nod at her. The jut of your chin tells her that you’ll be fine. That she needs to trust you. 

Eddie’s trailer is only a few yards away, but the walk to it feels like decades. Steve guides and Nancy is close behind him. You stay back, walking beside Dustin. Your shoulders brush. His presence grounds you, reassures you that you will make it through the night. 

Dustin, sensing your fear, reaches for your hand. He extends his warmth to you, silently promising you that he will always be here. There isn’t anything left to say.

Steve opens Eddie’s door, turning the lights on and tossing his backpack to the ground. He eyes the rope that connects the trailer to the Upside Down, getting ready for the part of the plan that you honestly really hate.

“Be careful, please.” You urge him, uncomfortable that he has to be the first one to return to the hell that is the Upside Down. It makes sense, he’s the only one able to climb the rope up, but still. You’ve had shit luck these last few days.

“I’m always careful, angel.” Steve winks at you, rolling his sleeves up. “Here goes nothing.”

He climbs up quickly, years of being an athlete being put to use. Everyone watches anxiously. However, when Steve crosses through the gate and lands with a cheesy flip, you and Robin share a disgusted look. 

“What, does he want us to applaud?” She scoffs.

You shake your head. “Sometimes I think he has an imaginary audience in his head.”

“Do you think they ever boo him?” “Not like we do.”

Nancy covers her mouth, muffling her laugh, and Robin snorts. You smile at the two of them, momentarily forgetting what’s to come.

“Alright,” Steve shouts up, tossing down Eddie’s old mattress. “Let’s go.”

You take a deep breath, steadying your nerves. Wiping your hands on your jeans, you place them on the rope and prepare for the inevitable torture that this will be. You’re pretty sure you’re bleeding again. 

“A little help?” You ask the others, motioning towards your injured leg and shoulder. “Sorta out of commission.”

Eddie grips your waist while Robin and Nancy gently hike your legs up. Together the three of them are able to carry you almost all the way up. Breathing through your nose, you grit your teeth and climb the rest of the way, wincing every few seconds. The pain is unbearable.

You really hope you don’t sound as pathetic as you look.

When you land on the mattress, small, black dots litter your vision. “I think I’m gonna throw up.”

Steve is already bending down, helping you up with ease. “And ruin Munson’s tidy home?”

Woozy from pain, you bat Steve away and wait for the others to join. Nancy comes next, then Robin, then Eddie and Dustin. Weapons get tossed down. Bodies land on the mattress with finalizing thuds. 

Outside, it’s just as cold as you remember it. Eddie and Dustin stay in front of the trailer. This is as far as they’re going. They aren’t leaving.

Roughly you pull at your brother. His body lands against yours, but the kiss your press to his forehead is gentle. You haven’t done this since he was a kid. Dustin flings his arms around you, nearly knocking all the air from your lungs. He squeezes you tight, as terrified as you are, and you feel tears in your eyes.

“We’ll come home,” your whisper is hoarse, rough and desperate. You bury your face in his mess of curls and kiss his head again. “The house won’t be empty.”

Dustin sniffles, too weak to hide his tears. “I love you.”

“I love you, too.” Your throat burns. How can you possibly leave him? 

Vision blurry with tears, Eddie manages to catch your attention as you cling onto your brother. The teen nods, lifting his pinky in the air to wave it at you, reminding you of his promise to you. He’ll protect Dustin. He swore it.

Reluctantly, you pull away from Dustin and wipe your face. “Please don’t die. Who knows what Mews’ ghost would do to you?” Dustin laughs wetly, wiping his own face as well. The thought of your childhood cat haunting his grave is enough to lessen the sting of letting you go. 

“If things here start to go south, I mean, at all, you abort.” Steve breaks the remorseful silence. He doesn’t want anyone getting hurt. He doesn’t want you losing anyone else. “Draw the attention of the bats, keep ‘em busy for a minute or two. We’ll take care of Vecna. Don’t try to be a hero or anything.”

His tone is harsh, but you know Steve means well. You also don’t want Dustin and Eddie anywhere near danger. As long as they stick to the plan, they’ll be fine. They have the quickest escape route and the most amount of protection.

“What Steve is trying to say is that you two better climb back through the gate the moment anything bad happens.” You look at the two boys. They stare at you, grim faced. “I mean it, okay? Go through the gate, don’t try anything else.”

“We’re the decoys, we get it.” Dustin rolls his eyes. “Don’t worry. You and Steve can be the heroes.”

“Look at us,” Eddie nudges your brother’s shoulder. “We’re not heroes.”

Your stomach twists. You hate how Dustin views his and Eddie’s position. They aren’t just decoys, they’re heroes in your eyes. They’re facing an army of bats all on their own, but you don’t dare say this out loud, afraid to encourage them. 

“Just…” your mouth is dry. “Just be safe, alright?”

“We will.” Eddie swallows. Then he pauses, his gaze darkens slightly. Looking back at you, he breathes out, “And make him pay.”

You and Steve look at each other. So much of Eddie’s life has been ruined by Vecna. Even if you all make it out of here alive, killing Vecna, there’s no guarantee that Hawkins will accept him back into the town. You understand the anger that resides within Eddie. The desire to kill the very thing that has destroyed everything he loves. 

You bite your lip. You’ve never made a promise you haven’t been able to keep. But this time you’re facing something bigger than anything you could’ve ever imagined. All this time you’ve tried convincing yourself that you’ll win. That everything will work out.

But you remember last summer. 

The mall. The fire and the deaths. Hopper. Billy. The power Vecna seems to hold, his claws that have sunk into you and Max. His threat to Nancy. The danger that Hawkins is in, up above where your mother sleeps peacefully. Unaware of what you’re sacrificing for her.

This is more than anything you’ve ever dealt with before. But a promise built on an unsteady foundation is all you can give Eddie. 

“Well will,” you echo his earlier promise.

Eddie smiles at you. The one you’ve grown to like, even find charming. Slanted and mischievous. The glint in his eyes never dimmed, even after everything. Through it all, he remained kind.

This is how you’ll always remember him.

– 

The further you walk away from Eddie and Dustin, the harder you have to force yourself to keep going. Your body is heavy, the weight slowing you down, pleading with you to go back. None of this feels right.

Steve’s hand on the small of your back is the only thing keeping your heart from collapsing. Robin’s smile helps, too. 

“You’d think this place gets less creepy the second time around.” She says, stepping over a root. “But I’m still pretty damn creeped out.”

“It isn’t the most pleasant place.” You agree. 

Robin steps over another root, looking back at you as she does so. “At least I’m here to protect you, Y/N. Pretty brave, don’t you think?” “Hey,” Steve warns. “Watch it.”

You knock your shoulder against his and smile apologetically at Robin. “Like always, I think you’re the bravest.”

She smiles proudly, throwing her fist in the air in excitement. However, after stepping over a root for what feels like the tenth time, her heart starts to pound. Looking around, all the trees suddenly look the same. Have you been here before?

“Not to alarm anyone, but I swear we’ve seen this tree before.”

“That’s impossible.” Nancy dimisses.

You agree. “We’re in the woods. All we’re going to see are trees.”

Robin tries to calm herself down, but ultimately fails. There are so many components to the plan, so many ways it can go wrong. “I mean, that would suck, right? Veca destroys the world because we got lost in the woods.”

“We aren’t lost–” You try to reason with her, but Robin is already running away in a panic. You scream at her, terrified of losing her. “Robin!”

“I’ll be back!”

You start to stumble after her. “Why does everyone want to separate?” You huff out, nearly tripping. “There’s safety in numbers! Come back!”

Nancy, seeing your fear for your friend and horrible coordination skills, steps in front of you. “I’ll go after her. You stay here with Steve.”

And then she’s gone, disappearing into the mass of branches alongside Robin. 

“They’ll be fine,” Steve reassures you, grabbing your hand. “They’re tough, even if Robin may lose her mind sometimes when she’s distressed.”

“I think we’re all slowly losing our minds.” You laugh, bitter.

Steve tightens his hand around yours. The two of you walk in silence for a while. The thunder above you serves as a reminder of where you are. The darkness is a threat. But you’re here, together. That’s all that Steve cares about in the end.

“Did you really mean what you said? Back at the cemetery?” He asks, clearing his throat in unease. The question has been on his mind ever since he heard your pleas for Vecna to take you instead of Max. 

He thinks of how adamant you’ve been to protect her. How you’re only here with him right now because Max wouldn’t let you blindly walk towards your death. 

The question strikes deep guilt within you, yet an exhaustion follows. You’re ashamed of how desperately you pleaded to die. Steve and Dustin had to hear you beg for your death. Lucas, too. 

You’re ashamed. Yet you wouldn’t take it back.

“I did.” You finally say. “I wanted him to take me.”

Steve already knew you’d say this. He’d been expecting anger to follow, to be furious with you for sacrificing yourself knowing he’d be left to pick up the pieces. 

But seeing the way you set your jaw and stare ahead, seeing the resolve that masks your face, the acceptance of your decisions, Steve can’t bring himself to be angry. Not at you. 

This is who you are.

“I won’t let anything happen to you.” Steve promises you again. He will always promise this to you. Over and over again, he will die saying these words to you. “I-I can’t lose you. I refuse to lose you.”

Your eyes remain downcast. 

“I know that this is how you love,” he grabs your jacket, begging you to look at him. “I know that I can’t let you lose the ones you love. Dustin, Max, Robin, Lucas, or El or Mike or Nancy. Hell, even Jonathan. I won’t let you lose them, but I won’t lose you, either.”

He understands, then. The selflessness within you and its selfish ways. Yet he doesn’t shy away or hiss at its venom. Steve opens his hands and allows the selfishness to stay there, warming it with his skin. 

You kiss him. Surprising both him and you, yet you melt together. Steve circles his arms around your waist, pulls you flush against him, and in the cynicism that surrounds you, there is still love. 

“Thank you,” you breathe against his lips. He’s wonderful. He loves you wholly, without any faults. Your kindness and its destructive ways; he accepts it all. “Thank you for understanding.”

And this, you believe, is the most selfless act a person can do. Steve’s understanding of why you need to do this, to sacrifice your life for Max’s, even if it means he risks losing you. 

“I should be the one thanking you,” Steve kisses you again, softer this time. Slower. 

You pull back, confused. “Why?” He pulls you in again. “I mean, I don’t know if you know this, but I was a pretty huge asshole back then.” You laugh softly, and Steve knows he’s exactly where he’s meant to be. “You saw this good in me that I didn’t know existed. Right off the bat you saw through me, expecting more from me than anyone else ever did. I wouldn’t be who I am now without you. ”

“Steve…”

“And I’m sorry for thinking you didn’t see a future with me.” He continues, unable to stop now. This is everything he’s wanted to tell you ever since you allowed him into your life. “I know it’s stupid now, apologizing for our fight a week ago after the hell we’ve been through since then, but…”

He can’t believe he almost let something as small as a misalignment of where you’ll be a year from now jeopardize what you have. There is a string that attaches Steve to you, it brought you to him and tied your heart to his. 

“I meant what I said, Y/N.” Steve’s forehead presses against yours. “I’d wait forever if it means I can have forever with you.”

His eyes shine down at you, brown and warm. The honey you fell in love with when he pretended not to know your name, all to get you to laugh. 

“When your head went under the water, that night at Lover’s Lake, I thought you were dead.” Your voice shakes, remembering the fear that choked you. “For those thirty seconds, I thought you were dead, and it almost killed me.”

It was then that you realized how truly you can’t lose Steve. You’ve always known this, but to have his soul ripped from yours so suddenly, so permanently, there are no words to express the agony that poisoned you. 

Losing him would be the one thing you’d never recover from.  

“I don’t ever want to live through those thirty seconds again,” you’re crying. Steve is, too. He wipes a tear that falls, strokes your cheek, and you can’t bear the thought of a world without his touch. “I want forever with you, too. We’ll figure it out, but I’m not losing you. You have to be in my life, in whatever capacity. Whether you’re in a small, cramped apartment with me in New York or in Hawkins, waiting for me to come home.”

Your breath hitches. To think that a childish argument almost separated him from you. 

“As long as we come home to one another, it doesn’t matter.” 

Steve is quiet after you’ve said all this, and for a moment you’re scared you’ve said too much. Revealed too much of yourself, convinced him he’s gotten it all wrong, but then he cradles your face. His hands are soft, tender, the weight of them familiar against your skin. 

He kisses your forehead, and you exhale the last of your uncertainty. All that is left within your lungs is love. 

“It’s always been you,” Steve whispers, lips pressed above your brow. “The six kids. The family I’ve always wanted. Traveling the countryside. My dream, it’s always had you in it.”

You laugh, breathless and in love. “I know, honey.” Sickly sweet warmth cascades through you. Your lips find Steve’s, you kiss the smile off his face. He lets you. “I’ve always known it was going to be the two of us.”

Steve smiles, wide and bashful, and you know that this is where you’re meant to be, too.

“Hey, guys!” Robin breaks through the treeline, running back with Nancy right behind her. “Awesome news!”

“We aren’t lost.” Nancy cuts to the chase. “We think the Creel house is up ahead.”

“Well, what are we waiting for?” You step out of Steve’s arms, though your hand remains intertwined with his. “Let’s go face imminent doom.”

Nancy huffs out a laugh and Robin winces, though Steve squeezes your hand and is the first one to start walking. Together, the five of you descend deeper into the woods.

Unsurprisingly, the Creel house is even more terrifying in the Upside Down. Bats surround it, their screeches stinging your ears. Lightning flashes a deep, blood red and the thunder that follows causes your heart to drop.

You stand at the crest of the hill. There’s a light below you, its glow pure in the abandoned park where it resides. The same park that you told Erica to hide in as she waited for Max and Lucas to take their place. The light flashes.

It’s time for phase two.

– 

“Max is moving into phase two: distracting Vecna. Y/N, get ready.” Erica’s voice carries into the Upside Down.

Nancy, Robin, and Steve all turn to you. Grief and longing taint their faces. Your walkman hangs from Steve’s hand. He grips it tightly. Tension coats the air, nearly suffocating you; you can’t run anymore. 

No one says anything as you carefully lower yourself to the ground. It’s cold beneath you. Hard, unforgiving. You cross your legs, ignoring the deep ache of your wounds as you do so. You close your eyes. The storm is coming. 

“Take the bait, you son of a bitch.” You hear Nancy whisper. 

You or Max.

Take me, you silently beg. Take. Me. 

Silence settles over the group. Everyone waits with bated breath. No one knows who Vecna will choose. 

Steve stands nervously behind you, his hand on your walkman at all times. 

Just take me. Kill me instead of her. If you’ve watched me for so long, then just get it over with. Don’t make this easy, don’t be such a fucking coward.

The words echo in your head. Taunting Vecna, hoping their malice will be what saves Max. That he’ll choose you in the end, give you what you want. You’ll do whatever, say whatever you need, if it means Max will come home. 

Something pricks your skin. An uncomfortable, electric sensation coats your entire body. 

Vecna. 

For a moment you think he’s listened. You can feel his presence, the weight of him shadows in your mind. He’s here, he’s spared you mercy after prolonged cruelty. He’s chosen you and Max will survive. Her blue eyes will remain bright, her body alive.

Then it all comes crashing down.

“He chose Max. I repeat, he chose Max.” Erica says, voice cutting through the delusions you allowed yourself to get lost in.

Your ears are ringing. Somewhere in your body there is still oxygen that has not escaped you, but you cannot find it. He chose her. 

Robin radios Dustin and Eddie, you think she’s instructing them to move onto phase three, but her words are jumbled in your mind and you can’t hear anything besides the screaming in your head. 

He chose her.

“Y/N,” someone roughly grabs your shoulder. “Y/N, look at me.”

Nancy. She’s in front of you, kneeled down. She grabs your arms, her grip vicious. Her mouth moves. She’s saying something, the way her chest heaves makes you think she’s yelling.

Is she yelling at you?

“Y/N!” The ringing doesn’t subside, but you manage to look at Nancy. “We need to go!”

She’s right. You need to leave. There isn’t time to remember how to breathe. You know this. Somewhere in the distance there’s music. Guitar rifts through the wind, Eddie’s melody enrages the bats that swarm the Creel house. They’re gone in seconds, flying towards the sound, and you need to stick to the plan. 

Your head moves shakily, managing a small nod, and Nancy yanks you up with Steve’s help. She looks at Robin, and suddenly her and Steve grab your arms and force you to walk alongside Nancy. They aren’t aggressive as they do so, nor are they cruel. But you can’t afford to shut down. Not now.

Max won’t survive if you do. There’s no time to hesitate. No turning back.

You hope she finds the light.

Lightning flashes all around you, illuminating the Creel house as you stand before it. Steve opens the door first. The vines that cover the ground writhe at the disturbance. He shines his flashlight, his heart drops when he realizes just how infested the house is.

“Shit,” he breathes out. The floor is virtually impossible to walk across. “That’s not good.”

Then, because he has no other option, Steve starts jumping to any safe spot he can land on. He looks ridiculous as he does so, but for once you aren’t focused on that. Instead, you stare down at your injured leg and wince.

“Great,” your thigh is currently more blood than flesh. Jumping on it is quite literally the last thing you should be doing. “This is gonna hurt.”

“At least you have good balance?” Robin offers, though she doesn’t believe what she’s saying either. 

Nancy grabs your hand, then Robin’s. She looks at the two of you and smiles, trying her best to look reassuring. “It’s okay. You guys got this.”

The first jump hurts, setting the remaining nerves in your upper thigh on fire, but you can’t afford to scream or collapse. You have to remind yourself that the vines are interconnected. One wrong step, one miscalculated fall, and they’ll wrap viciously around you. 

It’s a slow, tedious process trying to get to the attic. The stairs are the hardest part. The vines twist with every step, slithering across the walls. Steve does his best to help you, offering you his hand for support, but you both hold your breath every time your foot slips. 

When you make it to the attic door, everyone readies their weapons. In one hand are your knives, in the other a molotov cocktail. Steve spins you around, digging into the backpack for an ax while Nancy grabs her gun. 

Your foot lifts, about to step forward, before the ground beneath you shakes violently. The entire house trembles, and Steve barely has enough time to catch everyone as all of you struggle not to fall. 

“Are you fucking kidding me?” You sneer, holding desperately onto Steve. This is all some sick, cruel joke. A poorly timed rupture in your rapture.

But then the house stills. Everything is quiet. You, Nancy, Steve, and Robin stare at one another, panting. Nobody moves. There’s a clarity in the air, a false sense of security. 

That’s when the first vine latches onto Robin. 

It folds around her ankle before tearing her away from you. She screams, so do you, and her body is thrown against the wall as more vines encase her limbs. They move fast, snake like, and everything unravels after that. 

“Steve! Y/N!” She screeches, terrified. “Nancy!” 

You’re at her side in a second, stabbing at the vines. Your knuckles are white as you grip your knives, your biceps strain. You aren’t letting them take Robin from you. “Hold on!”

Your teeth grit together in exertion, sawing as fast as you can. Steve and Nancy are on the other side, throwing their axes as hard furiously into the vines. But nothing works, they’re too thick, and you don’t realize that one of the vines has wrapped around your arm until it’s too late.

“Y/N!” Steve screams when your body gets lifted into the air. You try to fight it, to pry your arm away, but your legs give out and soon a second vine wraps around your other arm. Then a third, a fourth and a fifth. 

In seconds you’re pressed against the wall. 

“Steve!” Screams are ripped from your throat, you try to call out, to beg for your life, but the more you move, the tighter the vines constrict.

Steve calls after you, ramming into the wall as he tries to cut you loose. “I got you! I–”

The ax he’s holding gets yanked back by a vine. He’s launched into the air, body landing harshly next to yours several feet up the wall. He screams again, but his voice dies when a vine cuts off his breathing and chokes him.

Another vine coils around your throat and suddenly you can’t breathe. Your airway constricts. Sobbing, you try to reach out to Steve. You’re inches apart, his fingers are so close to yours that you can feel their warmth, but you can’t reach him

All you want to do is hold him. 

Nancy falls to the ground, the last victim. She gets thrown to the opposite wall, it all happens so fast that she doesn’t even have time to scream. 

Your vision blurs. You close your eyes.

This is how you’ll die. 

Far away from your home. No one will find your body down here. Dustin will come looking for you and he’ll face the same fate. He will die trying to find you. Vecna will destroy everything you’ve ever loved.

Your lungs burn, fighting for breath that they cannot get. Blood rushes to your head. You take your last breath. The sound of it echoes in your ears. 

Everything goes black. 

Your mother will be worried about you. 

I’m sorry.

– 

There’s a body beneath yours. 

It groans, gasping for air, but your vision is dark and you can’t see anything. Pain erupts in your wrist. You try to move it, but the sting makes you nauseous. 

There’s coughing all around you, but you’re too weak to suck the air back in. Everyone cowers for breath. The vines rescind, unwrapping themselves from your skin. There’s a body beneath you, and a gentle hand cups your cheek, you know it’s Steve.

“Breathe, angel.” His voice cracks, wounded. It hurts to speak, but he needs you to breathe. “Y/N, you have to breathe.”

Everything is numb. Your lungs are empty; you can’t remember how to fill them. Steve coaxes your lips open, blows air in your face, does whatever he can think of to get you to breathe, before finally, miraculously, you inhale sharply and begin coughing. 

“Are you alright?” Steve asks you softly, rubbing your back as you cough. “It’s okay. Take your time.”

Your throat is raw. It takes everything within you to speak, but you want to. You need to. There’s only one thing you want to say. “We have to make him pay.”

The anger is back, and Steve’s jaw sets. Vecna has hurt you. He’s hurt everyone you love. He’s chosen Max for his final death and your fury threatens to devour the sanity you have left. You’re tired of his shitty mind games.

It’s like what you promised Eddie: you have to make Vecna pay for what he’s done to you all.

“I don’t believe in a higher power,” Robin rasps, breaking you from your thoughts. “Or divine intervention. But that was a miracle.”

Nancy cocks her gun, already walking towards the attic door. “Then we better not waste it.”

“Phase four.” Steve says, steadying himself against you. 

“Flambe.” Robin finishes. 

You flick your knives out. “Let’s finish this.”

– 

Vecna’s body hangs in the attic, thick, gruesome vines attach him to every crevice. He’s unmoving, eyes closed, and seeing his body up close makes you want to gag. He’s a terrible, vile creature. 

But Dustin had been right: Vecna is in the same trance-like state that El goes into when she uses her powers. 

Without being told to, Robin sets down her bag. All the molotov cocktails are inside. Everyone grabs one, silent. Almost as if you’re all too afraid to break the spell he’s under. You only get one shot at this. 

Steve has the lighter. You hold the first cocktail up, and he looks at you, eyes shining. He asks you if you’re ready, if this is what you really want, and you nod. At your signal, Steve throws the cocktail into the air.

The bottle shatters against Vecna’s body. The flames engulf him, the impact of the blast so powerful that it knocks you and everyone else back. There’s an awful scream as Vecna’s vines begin to snap from the sudden heat.

Your screams mix with his, throwing another cocktail with every ounce of strength you have left in you. You’re bruised and bloodied and exhausted, but you think of Max. You think of Billy and Hopper. Eddie and how his life will never be the same again. You think of Chrissy, Patrick and Fred. All the innocent lives that have been lost for a cause that you despise. 

This is for them. For Hawkins. For your home.

The last of the vines die withering away, and Vecna’s body falls to the ground. He stands, body on fire, and stalks towards you. His eyes are only on you. 

Robin lights the final cocktail and the force of it sends Vecna stumbling back. It’s enough to break through his chest, and he’s weak. Weaker than you’ve ever seen him. 

“Shoot him, Nancy!” You cry, ready for this all to end. 

And she does.

The first blast pierces Vecna’s skin. The second, third, and fourth diminish him to ruined pieces. With every shot, Nancy steps forward, drawing him out, and you’re right behind her. Vecna releases a deep, furious roar. The sound of it sinks into your bones, but you no longer fear him. 

He isn’t worth your fear. 

Nancy raises her gun again. She deals the final blow, sending Vecna through the old, rotted wood of the house into the dark night. He falls, screaming, before everything is quiet. 

The roar of the fire that surrounds you is the only sound. You all stand in the attic, numb. None of it feels real. All that’s left of Vecna is a hole in the house, his body far below, sprawled on the concrete outside. 

“Did we…?” You’re afraid to jinx it, to somehow bring him back. But this has to be it. There isn’t any other way for this to end.

Nancy doesn’t say anything. Instead, she turns around, running back down the stairs. No one has to ask why she does this; you all know. There has to be a body. There must be tangible proof that you’ve won.

Everyone runs outside.

Vecna’s body is gone. 

The only indication that he’d been there is an outline of flames that molt the grass below it. But there is no body.

“No,” you run down the steps, kicking through the grass as you look around. You’re frantic, sprawling on the ground as if you’ll find him buried beneath the ash. “No, where is he?”

You killed him. He was on fire. Nancy put more than five bullets in him. He fell from the attic, a height that alone should’ve killed him. Where the fuck is he? You did everything right. Followed every step of the goddamn plan.

“This doesn’t make any sense.” Something is wrong, you just don’t know what. Steve and the others join you. They’re quiet, fearing what you’re refusing to even consider. Four deaths. That had been all Vecna needed. But you killed him. “None of this makes sense, unless… Unless he–”

No. 

A bell chimes. 

The sound sends you to the ground. Your knees give out, collapsing under the weight of it all. “No!” Your scream is loud, guttural. Tearing from your chest as it tears out your vocal chords. There’s blood in your mouth and you want it to choke you. 

It’s Max. 

He got her. He killed her. 

All of a sudden there are arms around you. Someone carries you back up the stairs, back into the house that has taken everything from you. Steve holds you to his chest as he, Nancy, and Robin stare at the grandfather clock before them. 

It’s alive.

“Four chimes,” Nancy’s voice can barely be heard above your crying. “Max…”

The realization settles upon all of you. You’re in hysterics, no one can calm you down. You’re crying so hard that you can’t breathe, but you don’t want to breathe anymore. 

Grief pours from you in cruel, bitter waves. All you do is cry, barely even registering the earthquake that follows your devastating loss. 

Steve has to set down your crying figure in order to stabilize Robin and Nancy. You curl into yourself on the ground, making yourself as small as possible. There is too much. It’s all too much. Your head digs into the floor beneath you, cutting you, and your tears mix with the blood. 

Over and over again the clock chimes. Like laughter. His laughter. 

He won. 

Steve holds onto the stairs as the earthquake worsens. He has to crawl over to you; you’re rocking back and forth on the ground, your cries heard even above the cracking of the earth. His hand wraps around your weeping body and he won’t let you go. Steve tries to shield you from fallen debris, the world is falling apart, but you don’t move.

You don’t care anymore. 

It’s always your fault in the end. You lose everyone eventually; you get them killed. You can never save them. You will never be able to save them.

She’s gone. 

Max is gone. 

– 

The days pass. You’ll come to remember them in fragments. 

Returning to Eddie’s trailer and finding Dustin crying over his dead body. Prying him away, your tears mixing with your brother’s when you have to tell him that something has happened to Max.

Finding Hawkins in flames. Seeing the deep gashes in the town you grew up in. Stumbling to the Creel house, racing side by side with the ambulances for everyone within the once quiet town, and collapsing again when you find no one there. 

Going home. Your mother’s arms breaking you. 

Steve. How he never left your side throughout it all. Holding Dustin’s hand, unable to stop crying. 

Visiting Max in the hospital the day after. The stench of sterilizer and surgical tools. Seeing her lifeless body still alive. The countless other bodies in the building that died due to your failure. 

When the news broadcasters announce Hawkins to be cursed. The burden that you can’t tell them that they’re right. The guilt seeing your baby brother’s limp. Another scar he will carry with him forever. 

All the hurt in the town. The pain. 

The collapse of your home; they’re calling it an earthquake. 

It all comes to you in flashes. 

Hawkins high school gets converted into a donation center for everyone dishoused. Visiting it is your idea. You can’t bear the thought of spending any more time inside your home knowing there are hundreds of others who no longer have a place to call home. 

“Anything else?” You place your old comics into one of the boxes you’re donating. 

Dustin shakes his head. “That’s the last of it.”

He hasn’t left your side in days. He still keeps your walkman on him, though neither of you know if it’s important anymore. Dustin is afraid that you’ll never put the headphones on again, even if it could save your life. 

You tape the boxes up, carefully writing down their contents on one of the flaps. Your fingers are scabbed. Your wrist is stiff, locking up if you move it too suddenly. 

Books.

Bedding. 

Clothing.

Anything you can offer, you’d give it all to Hawkins if you could.

Steve picks you up. He helps you put the boxes in the back of his car, gentle with you as always. “You guys ready?”

You nod weakly, and Steve kisses your forehead, careful of the cuts that litter it. He helps you into the car. Turns on your favorite songs. Tries to distract you from the wreckage that encases Hawkins as he drives; you keep your head down. You can’t look at any of it. 

Nancy is waiting in her driveway with Robin, a pile of their own boxes at their feet. They greet you kindly, warmly, with an air of fear that you’ll break, and you’re too tired to pretend. 

“I found some more of your old stuff in the attic,” Mrs. Wheeler walks out of the garage, smiling despite the circumstances. “I think it’s lovely you’re doing this, Y/N.”

“We all just want to help,” you politely respond, staying near Steve’s side. 

Nancy picks up one of the stuffed animals in the box and pouts, seeing her old favorite toy. You’re about to tease her, try to laugh, when a pizza delivery van speeds down the block. 

“Someone order a pizza?” Mrs. Wheeler asks.

“Not that I recall.” You mumble, confused as your eyes follow the car. Every business in Hawkins is shut down right now. It doesn’t make sense for there to be a pizza delivery.

It parks in front of the Wheeler’s, and when you see who steps out, you drop the box you’re holding and run towards them. 

Will and El throw themselves around you, hugging you tightly. Dustin joins, and holding them again, having them here with you, makes everything okay for a moment. Your kids are okay, they’re safe. 

“Are you okay?” El asks you, pulling away slightly. Her eyebrows knit in concern when she notices the cuts on your face and how red your eyes are. “Did he get you?”

Somehow you aren’t surprised that she knows about Vecna. 

“I’m okay, sweetie.” Her hair is buzzed. Already you miss the long strands she once had. You don’t know what she’s been through this last week, but you hope, more than anything, that she hasn’t lost her kindness. “I-I’m okay.”

Your voice catches at the end, and immediately El understands that something else happened.

“We were worried about you,” Will doesn’t let you go. “When El told us what was happening, Jonathan almost lost his mind.”

Jonathan.

Hearing his name makes you remember everything. Instinctively your eyes find him. They always do. Jonathan has Nancy in his arms, but when he senses your eyes on him, he looks up at you. He will always be able to find you. Your heart stops, looking into his once familiar brown eyes.

Jonathan rushes towards you, as he always does, and his arms around you feel like home. 

“Bug,” he breathes against your neck, holding onto you tighter than he ever has before.

You melt when the nickname drips from Jonathan’s lips. It’s been so long since someone has called you that. It’s been even longer since you’ve held Jonathan like this. 

“God, what happened to you?” His eyes roam your body, catching on your bandaged shoulder and thigh. The cuts on your cheek. You try to ease his concern, grabbing his hands, but Jonathan starts to ramble. “We-we tried to get back to Hawkins as soon as we could. The second El told me you were in danger I–”

He inhales shakily, presses his face deeper into your neck. “All I could do to stay sane was think of your voice. Of our last phone call.”

You bury your face into Jonathan’s messy hair. You’re crying, but for what, you don’t know. His scent is bittersweet. His arms are reminiscent of what was once. You’ve missed him, but nothing will ever be the same again.

“I need to see her.” El’s raised voice causes you to let go of Jonathan. She’s standing in front of Dustin, arms crossed, and you know he’s told her the truth. “Take me to Max.”

“What’s wrong with Max?” Mike slings an arm over your shoulders, putting all his body weight against you in greeting. “Miss me, Henderson?”

You move his arm down, forcing him into a hug. You want to remember these next few seconds. The remnants of his childhood before it comes crashing down on him. “I did, Wheeler.”

Mike hugs you back, but when he sees the distress on El’s face, he lets you go and walks towards her. “What? What’s going on?”

Dustin is the one who breaks the news. Shamefully, you know it should’ve been you, but you haven’t been able to say Max’s name in days. There’s too much guilt, remorse, resentment that it hadn’t been you. 

It’s a mess of tears and panic when Dustin tells them. Will covers his mouth, holding back tears, while El storms inside the pizza delivery van as Mike demands that Jonathan take him and everyone else to see Max. They don’t believe any of it. El told them that she saved Max. 

“Are you coming, Y/N?” Jonathan holds his keys up. Everyone else, including Nancy, are already inside. A boy your age, you think his name is Argyle, waves at you from the passenger seat. 

So much has changed. Unable to form the right words, you shake your head at Jonathan. Yet even after months apart, he understands your unspoken words. You can’t see Max again. Not yet. It’s too soon, too much for you to bear.

Seeing her limp body once was enough. 

“We’ll be back,” Jonathan hugs you one last time, pressing a kiss to your hairline as he lets you go. “I promise.”

Steve steps forward then, wrapping an arm around your waist as he stands next to you. The two teens lock eyes, Steve gives Jonathan a cool, steely look. He remembers what you’ve told him. He remembers Jonathan’s words to you before everything collapsed. 

Sensing his anger, you squeeze Steve’s arm. Not here, you beg him. Not now.

Exhaling slowly, Steve offers you his hand. You take it, allowing him to walk you back to his car as the others leave.

– 

The donation center is packed. There are so many people inside, sitting on makeshift cots and pinning missing posters of their loved ones to a bulletin board. Nurses tend to the injured. Mothers cradle their children. The sight makes you ache. All these people, displaced by what they believe to be an earthquake.

You set the boxes down at the main dropoff table, and though the kind employee praises you for how organized the boxes are, you can’t help feeling that you should be doing more. 

In the hundreds of injured and grieving people you’ve seen, you’ve only noticed a handful of workers. 

“Is there any way we can help?” You ask the woman, looking around with a frown.

“Truly anything.” Robin says. “We just… we want to help.”

The woman seems surprised, and you wonder how rare it is for kindness to still be in a town that has known nothing but turmoil these last few years. 

You and Steve get placed sorting clothing while Robin is assigned to the food station. Dustin passes out cups of water for everyone. It isn’t much, but the work is meaningful and it eases the tension in your chest. 

“So…” Steve folds a t-shirt. “Can I ask about Jonathan yet?”

Picking up tattered jeans, you place them in the trash pile. “Might as well.”

“How do we feel about his sudden arrival? I mean, the giant pizza statue on the van was a little dramatic for me.”

He’s trying to keep the conversation light, which you appreciate him for, but you also know that Steve is doing this because he’s worried about you. And, you know, he’s unnerved seeing Jonathan. There’s still a lot left unsaid between you. 

“It’s… a lot.” You admit, struggling to find the right words to convey how you feel. “I’m relieved he’s okay, and I really am happy to see him again, but I… I understand, you know. If you’re upset.”

Steve scrunches his face. “I’m not upset, just… I don’t know. Annoyed with the guy.”

“So you’re upset.”

“Okay, no–”

“Is that Vickie with Robin?” You unintentionally cut Steve off, too surprised by the fact that mere feet away from you is Robin and Vickie making sandwiches together. And they’re laughing. “Are they talking together?”

Steve whips his head around, disbelieving, but lets out a low whistle when he sees Robin making easy conversation with Vickie. “Well I’ll be damned. Who knew our girl had it in her?”

The Jonathan talk lays forgotten as you and Steve admire your friend. You share a secret smile, remembering your own first awkward, bantering conversations together. There is so much pain in this town, and yet you watch as love still blossoms within it.

Across the room, you see Dustin talking to an older man. They’re deep in discussion and you notice your brother’s shaking shoulders. He’s crying. The older man is, too. You narrow your eyes, unsure if you should approach, but when Dustin hands the man Eddie’s old guitar pick, you realize who it is. 

“I’ll be back.” You kiss Steve’s cheek, excusing yourself. 

He tries to ask where you’re going, but you’re already gone. Your brother needs you right now.

Walking over, you stand to the side and allow Dustin and Eddie’s uncle some privacy. While there are so many things you want to say to the man, like how kind his nephew had been, how brilliant his mind was and how you’ll never forget the smile that never left his face, this is for Dustin and Dustin only. 

Eddie was his dearest friend. There is no greater loss than that.

Whatever Mr. Munson tells Dustin will be good for him; it will be the closure you can’t give him yourself. 

An arm wraps around you. You lean into the touch, knowing who it is without even having to look. You rest your head on Steve’s shoulder, exhausted, but content with the warmth he offers you. The two of you keep an eye on Dustin, ready to catch him in case he falls. 

Eventually Mr. Munson leaves, and you take his place next to Dustin. The second you sit down, the boy cries into your shoulder. Tears soak your shirt and your brother’s frail body shakes. “I-I had to tell him that Eddie died a hero.”

“I know,” your head falls against his.

“They’ll never know what he did for this town.” Sobs wrack Dustin’s body. “It isn’t-it isn’t fair.”

You rub his back, brush his hair out of his face. “None of it is fair, Dust.”

He cries even harder and you try to shield him from the world with your body. You try to block out the grief, the bitterness that follows death. How empty it can leave you. An emptiness that can swallow a person whole. 

You won’t let it happen to Dustin. 

“We’re gonna get through this together, alright? You and me, just like it’s always been. I promise–” Your words catch in your throat, tears forming in your own eyes. There’s so much you want to promise your brother, to swear that will come true, but you’re just as hurt and lost as he is. 

“I promise,” you make the words come out. “That everything will be okay. We’ll-we’ll be together, heal and do whatever we can to make everything okay. I-I’ll never leave you, you hear me? I won’t leave you again.”

Though Dustin still cries, his breathing slows. 

“Together. We’ll face this together.” As you talk, you notice a crowd of people swarming by the windows. They’re looking at something, staring and gasping. Your voice grows weak, anxious that something bad is about to happen. “It’ll… it’ll all work out.”

Dustin notices the crowd, too. He looks to you for answers, but you’re silent. You don’t know what’s happening. There’s a murmur in the crowd, hushed, urgent. It sets your skin on edge. Even more people get up now, some are even running outside, and every nerve in your body is screaming at you to run. 

Suddenly the room darkens, as if a giant cloud has covered the sky. Your stomach twists, and you get up, following after the crowd. Bodies shove each other, people blindly walk through the haze of whispers and uncertainty. 

When you step outside, all you see is ash.

The ash falls like snowflakes, beautiful and pure. There’s a softness to it, something delicate in the ruin it leaves. Dustin knocks against you, staring up into the sky with the same dread that you feel. The crowd is murmuring with glee, whispering excitedly about what they believe to be snow; but they’re wrong.

You’ve always won in the end. 

You’ve come to believe this to be a fact. You once told Steve that you believed you used up all your luck. Saving Will, closing the gate over and over again. The penance was the deaths from this summer for the greedy way you abused luck.

Steve had reminded you that there was still good leftover in the bad. That there will always be softness in the destruction, a reason for hope. That you will always find a way out, that luck and love were two sides of the same coin.

You’ve always won in the end. 

Yet, lost in the swarm of people, you watch as the sky begins to fall and Hawkins descends into the Upside Down. 

You no longer believe it.

[END OF SEASON FOUR]

-

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⌑ thank you for reading ! feel free to like, comment, reblog, or send in an ask so we can chat <3

[leighbaye]

I AM ABSOLUTELY LOVING THE MIKE WHEELER X POPULAR GIRL READER LIKE NEHEHDNDHD

its so cute i exploded

We need more 🤌

(I ask respectfully 🙇‍♀️)

— A DREAM WITH A CHEERLEADER

written by mina leigh ୨ৎ , mike wheeler𝔁 f! reader | wc 1700

summary. mike wheeler, a shy and awkward member of the hellfire club, has been harboring a massive crush on you ever since he first saw you cheering at one of lucas’s basketball games. despite his insecurities, his friends max and dustin help him gather the courage to talk to you. with their advice and a bit of luck, mike might finally close the gap between his daydreams and reality.

labels. cheerleader reader, feminine reader, use of y/n, shy and awkward mike, hellfire mike, reader is into it though.

warnings. mild language, social anxiety, fluffy awkwardness.

‧₊˚ ୨୧ mina speaks. based on faye webster’s song “dream with a basketball player.” merry christmas those who celebrate & happy new year.

i saw you first during lucas’s game last month. you were standing at the edge of the court, wearing your cheer uniform, waving your pom-poms in sync with the rest of the team. but for me, you didn’t blend in — you stood out. the way you smiled, like it didn’t matter if your team was losing or winning, it hit me. i couldn’t look away.

since then, it’s been … bad.

❝dude, you have to stop staring,❞ dustin said during lunch one day, waving a fry in front of my face. i blinked, realizing i’d been watching you across the cafeteria again. ❝it’s borderline creepy at this point.❞

❝i’m not staring,❞ i muttered, looking down at my tray, heat rising to my face.

shit, max is here. why did she decide to sit with us today?

max, sitting next to him, rolled her eyes. ❝no, dustin’s right. you’ve been mooning over her for weeks, mike. either do something about it or stop whining.❞

❝just because i don’t sit with you everyday doesn’t mean i can’t see how obvious you are drooling over her.❞

❝i’m not whining,❞ i protested, but they both gave me a look. i groaned, slumping forward. ❝it’s not like she’d ever go for someone like me, okay? she’s …she’s perfect. and i’m just —❞

❝a nerd?❞ max supplied helpfully.

❝thanks,❞ i grumbled.

dustin leaned in, lowering his voice like he was about to deliver some top-secret intel. ❝listen, y/n’s cool. cooler than you, sure. but she’s not, like, untouchable. she talks to lucas all the time, right?❞

❝lucas is on the team.❞

❝exactly. so you already have a connection.❞

max smirked. ❝just go up to her and say, ❝hi, i’m mike, and i think you’re really pretty. want to hang out sometime?❞ see? easy.❞

❝not easy,❞ i muttered. ❝she’d laugh in my face.❞

❝or,❞ dustin said, ❝she might not. look, dude, the worst that can happen is she says no.❞

i didn’t want to admit it, but they were right.

it took another week — and a shit ton of convincing — but eventually, i agreed to let them help me.

max decided the best plan was to catch you after school when you weren’t surrounded by your cheer squad or basketball players. i was already regretting this.

we spotted you at your locker, stuffing books into your bag.

❝okay,❞ max whispered. ❝just walk up and say hi. be normal. don’t overthink it.❞

❝don’t overthink it,❞ i repeated under my breath. easy for her to say. my palms were sweaty, and my heart was pounding like i’d just run a mile.

i approached slowly, each step feeling heavier than the last.

❝uh, hey,❞ i blurted out when i reached you. smooth. real smooth.

you looked up, surprised but not annoyed. ❝oh, hey. mike, right?❞

you knew my name? that alone nearly made me short - circuit.

❝yeah, that’s me,❞ i said, my voice cracking slightly. i cleared my throat. ❝uh, i just … i wanted to say hi.❞

❝hi,❞ you said, smiling. ❝how’s it going?❞

❝good! great. i mean, yeah. you?❞

you laughed softly, and it was the nicest sound i’d ever heard. ❝i’m good. tired, though. practice was brutal today.❞

❝yeah, i bet,❞ i said, nodding like an idiot. then, before i could chicken out, i added, ❝so, uh, i was wondering if … maybe you’d want to hang out sometime? like, get a milkshake or something?❞

your eyebrows raised, and for a second, i thought i’d made a huge mistake. but then you smiled again, and it felt like the sun had come out.

❝sure, mike. that sounds fun.❞

❝really?❞

❝really,❞ you said, pulling a pen from your bag and scribbling your number on a scrap of paper. ❝call me, okay?❞

i nodded, speechless, as you handed me the paper and walked away.

later, dustin and max found me standing in the same spot, still holding the paper like it was a golden ticket.

❝you did it!❞ dustin cheered, clapping me on the back.

max smirked. ❝told you it wasn’t that hard.❞

maybe it wasn’t. but to me, it felt like a miracle.

© MINA LEIGH 2023 - 2024

[bigheadbrooke-9]

Giving up on it

⋅˚₊‧ 𐙚 ‧₊˚ ⋅

Eddie Munson x cheerleader!f reader

Summary: Y/N, a kind student, is dared by her friends to make Eddie Munson fall for her. Unbeknownst to them, she already hides her real feelings for him, and they share a quiet friendship outside of school. Now, she must choose between going along with their game or protecting Eddie—and her own heart.

Warnings - fluff JUST FLUFF

A/n : If you have any recommendations please feel free to let me know thank you.! ;)

Word count 1.4k

“Are you guys insane? I’m not doing that. Eddie hasn’t done anything to us—why would I?” I asked, crossing my arms as I glared at Jason and his goons lounging in his living room.

“Come on, Y/N, he can handle a little heartbreak. Don’t be a wuss,” Jason scoffed, lighting a cigarette.

I rolled my eyes, my patience wearing thin. “You couldn’t even handle it when I rejected you, Jason. What makes you think he can? And besides, what goes around comes back around. I’m not doing it.” I placed my drink down, ready to leave.

Jason leaned forward, his expression turning smug. “You know the rules. You refuse, and you’re off the cheer team. And we both know how much you love cheer.”

My stomach twisted. He wasn’t wrong—I adored cheer. It was one of the few things I excelled at, something I was genuinely passionate about. But was it worth hurting Eddie? Was it worth betraying the one person who actually made me feel like myself? No. Absolutely not.

I glanced at Chrissy, who sat beside Jason, looking deeply uncomfortable. She was the cheer captain, but everyone knew Jason pulled the strings. He could make her cut me from the team in an instant, and she wouldn’t fight back—she was too afraid of him. I felt a pang of sympathy for her.

I exhaled, then smiled lightly, shrugging. “Okay? You think that scares me? I’m the best on the team, and I have the loudest voice. Chrissy won’t find another like me. Cheer is everything to me—but not enough to make me do something so cruel.”

I grabbed my bag from the floor, adjusting my skirt as I stood. I glanced around the room one last time. These people weren’t my real friends. They thrived on cruelty, treating others like dirt just because they were different. I had no place among them.

As I reached the door, Jason sneered. “You’re doing all this for Eddie? That’s pathetic.”

His friends laughed, but I just smiled, turning to face them one last time. “Your girlfriend is scared of you and doesn’t even like you. Your so-called friends? They hang out with the very people you call ‘freaks’ behind your back. And you—cheating on Chrissy with half the cheer team, spreading lies about me when I rejected you? You think I’d rather be around you than Eddie? Please. I would choose him over you all any day.”

Silence.

Chrissy’s lips twitched into a small smile, as if she finally felt a sliver of freedom.

Satisfied, I nodded at her, turned on my heel, and stepped outside. As soon as I reached my car, I slammed my hands against the dashboard, frustration and relief hitting me all at once. I had just given up something I loved—but I knew, without a doubt, I had made the right choice.

I backed out of Jason’s driveway and headed straight for school. Eddie had a campaign tonight. I needed to see him.

જ⁀➴°⋆

I turned off the car engine, my fingers gripping the steering wheel as I checked the time—7:34 PM. The campaign should have ended at 7:30, which meant they would be coming out any moment now. My heart raced with anticipation.

Eddie Munson. He was one of my closest friends, one of the kindest people I knew. A true gentleman in ways no one ever gave him credit for. He never judged me, not even when I was still hanging around Jason and his crowd. As long as I stayed true to myself, he didn’t care who I was friends with. And I hadn’t changed—not for them.

The sound of the school’s front doors swinging open pulled me from my thoughts. Laughter and excited yelps filled the parking lot as Mike and Dustin ran out, practically tackling Eddie in a hug. I couldn’t help but smile at the sight. Eddie ruffled their hair, exchanging high fives before they all said their goodbyes, the younger boys heading off while Eddie turned toward his van, his head hanging slightly as if the exhaustion of the night had finally caught up with him.

Without thinking, I slipped out of my car and ran toward him. “Hey, Eds!” I called, reaching out to grab his shoulders.

He turned around, his face lighting up with that signature grin of his. “Hi, sweetheart. Haven’t seen you in a while—where’ve you been?”

I blinked, confused. “Eddie, we literally saw each other last week.”

He tilted his head, a small chuckle escaping his lips. “No, sweetheart. It’s been over three weeks.” His expression softened as he took my hand in his. “We barely talk like we used to.”

Guilt twisted in my chest. He wasn’t mad—I knew he wasn’t the type to hold things against me—but that didn’t make it any easier to hear. Between cheer practice, parties, and trying to keep up with school, I had lost track of time. I hadn’t meant to neglect him.

“Are you serious? Eddie, I’m so sorry,” I said, pulling him into a hug. His arms wrapped around my waist effortlessly, and I inhaled the familiar scent of coconut shampoo, a hint of cologne, and the faint trace of weed clinging to his jacket.

“I know you’ll always come back to me,” he murmured against my hair. “But the wait is excruciating, doll.” His embrace tightened, as if he was afraid I would slip away again.

I sighed, leaning into him before reluctantly pulling away. “I don’t think you’ll have to worry about that anymore.”

Eddie frowned. “What do you mean?”

I hesitated, chewing on the inside of my lip. “I’m getting kicked off the cheer team.”

His eyes widened. “What? Why? Is it because of Jason?” His voice rose slightly, concern laced in every word. I could see the guilt creeping onto his face, like he thought he was the reason for it.

I nodded, letting my hands fall against my thighs. “It had something to do with you… but it’s not your fault.”

Eddie’s smile completely faded. “Wait—I made you lose your spot? No, no. I know how much you love cheer.” He reached for my shoulders, his grip gentle yet firm, like he wanted to shake the truth out of me.

I shook my head quickly. “They dared me, Eddie. Jason and his goons—they wanted me to make you fall in love with me just so I could break your heart.” I let out a bitter laugh, rubbing my forehead. “And when I refused, they made it clear I’d be off the team.”

Eddie’s jaw clenched. “ They did that?! “

I swallowed hard, looking up at him. “I would never do that to you. Never. I knew what saying no would cost me, but I don’t care. Jason is an idiot, and you don’t deserve that—not from them, and especially not from me.”

Eddie was silent for a long moment, his gaze searching mine, as if trying to find any trace of doubt. But there wasn’t any. I meant every word.

He wasn’t just my friend. He was the only one who had ever truly mattered.

“Y/N… you didn’t have to do that,” Eddie murmured, his voice laced with disbelief as he reached for my hand again. His grip was soft. I squeezed his hand reassuringly. “Eddie, I’m not that kind of person. I could never hurt you like that—not for them, not for anything.” I took a deep breath, steadying my voice. “I love you. And if I had to make that choice again, I would. A hundred times over, without hesitation.”

Eddie’s expression shifted instantly, his lips curling into the brightest smile I had ever seen from him. Before I could say another word, he pulled me forward, closing the distance between us as his lips pressed against mine.

For a brief second, I froze, caught off guard by the suddenness of it. But then, everything else faded away—the tension, the frustration, the weight of everything that had led us here—and I melted into him completely.

I loved him. I had always loved him. And in that moment, I knew he loved me too.

જ⁀➴°⋆

Thank you all for the overwhelming support and feedback. I hope you all have great sleep and a good night.

Goodnight everyone 💜

[oneforthemunny]

surprise, surprise |eddie munson x reader|

prompt: eddie forgets your birthday. or maybe he doesn't.

my birthday is in a few days and i wanted to write a little birthday ficlet blurb :) no aus, just eddie.

contains: angst/fluff. birthday doom. kinda asshole eddie?? kinda asshole friends?? really fluffy sweet ending. language.

“So,” Heather leaned over, chin propped in her hands dramatically slumped over the counter. “What’re you doing this weekend?” 

“Nothing,” You hummed, fingers flicking through the crinkled bills. “Why? You know something fun going on?” 

“It’s your birthday.” Heather gawked playfully. “You’re not doing anything for your birthday?” 

You rolled your eyes lightly, pushing the cash drawer closed. “No.” You shook your head, voice tight. 

“Eddie isn’t taking you out?” Heather’s brows furrowed. “Or you’re not going home? Going out? Are you getting a cake?” 

Your heart sank, a familiar burn rising in your chest. You didn’t speak about your birthday much, not much of an occasion for celebration to you, more of one that was dreadful. Another year closer to death, you’d grumble cynically. Still, when Eddie hadn’t even acknowledged it, when your friends had all blown you off for other plans, a new kind of ache formed in your chest. The sting of being forgotten, of being unimportant and discarded- on your birthday. 

It left a bitter taste on your tongue, sardonic and painful when you spoke about your impending birthdate. “No,” You shook your head, chin ducked to your chest. You had never wanted a customer to come in so badly, save you from this painful conversation with your co-worker. “They’re all busy.” 

“Oh.” Heather quipped, face falling at your tone. 

“I mean, it’s my fault.” You added quickly- defensively. Why you were so defensive over the people who had discarded you so easily, you weren’t sure. “I should have planned something earlier, but… I dunno, I got busy and life got super hectic and it just slipped past me-” 

“-No,” Heather shook her head, curls unmoving with the abundance of Aquanet she used, still. “That’s really shitty of them, all of them. It’s your birthday.” 

You stayed silent, wiping the counter half heartedly, swallowing back the familiar burn in your throat that choked you. “I mean, if it was my girlfriend or my friend, I would be buggin’ about their birthday.” Heather shrugged. 

“Yeah, me too.” You muttered. Bouts of memories pouring back into your mind. How you’d planned a party for Eddie, baked him some stupid cake from scratch that was in the Lord of the Rings. You’d gone to countless second hand stores trying to find the ancient recipe, and it took you a day to perfect. Now, he couldn’t even be bothered to take you out? Get you a cheap store bought cake? 

“I’m sorry.” Heather muttered, a solemn, nearly guilty pout on her lips. “Well, you’re off tomorrow, right?” 

“Yeah.” 

“I get off at three. What if we go out? We can go to the bar- oh, there’s this new band playing in Franklin. Tommy could drive us.” Heather, ever the bubbly optimist, grinned, eyes shining with pride. It was endearing, made your heart squeeze with an ache you weren’t quite sure how to describe. 

“I’ll even get you a cupcake. A good one, from Nadia’s.” Heather added. 

“You don’t have to do that.” You shook your head lightly. You and Heather were work friends, hung out on the rare occasion after work to bitch about work, about the other coworkers, the pain-in-the-ass customers of the day over glasses of Pinot. Selfishly, it felt nice to have someone excited for your birthday. 

You hated that you wished it was Eddie, your own friends. 

“What’s your flavor, hm? Chocolate?” Heather pressed, brushing you off cheerily. 

“Don’t get me a cupcake. I’ll throw it up if we’re drinking. All the icing and liquor.” You snarled your nose playfully. 

“Fine. I’m buying you a drink then.” Heather nodded. She paused, nails drumming on the counter too. “And, I mean, if you want Eddie to come too, of course he’s invited.” Her eyes cut to yours carefully. “I didn’t know if you wanted him to come.” 

“I mean, I don’t know if he’d even be able to.” Your lips pursed, a cutting edge of annoyance in your tone. “He’s so busy.” 

Heather cringed, shooting you an apologetic look. “Yeah, that… I’m sorry, that sucks.” She mumbled. 

A stiff silence fell between the two of you over the whirr of the air conditioning blowing through the vents. “Since it’s so dead, why don’t you go early?” Heather suggested. “I can cover closing.” 

“Heather, Mel will be pissed-” 

“-Mel will be pissed if she has to pay both of us for standing around.” Heather gave you a pointed look. “And you came in before me. I got it.” 

“Are you sure?” You hesitated. “I don’t care to stay in case there’s a rush-” 

“-At seven?” Heather scoffed slightly. “Go. I’ve got it.” 

“Thank you.” You smiled softly. “I’ll see you tomorrow?” 

“Yeah. I’ll call you when I’m on my way, ‘kay?” Heather chirped. 

“See you then.” You waved, cringing at the sing-songy Happy birthday! Heather shouted at you. 

You pulled open your cubby, gathering your purse, your umbrella. You wrote your time on the clipboard, the phone taunting you on the hook next to it. Any other day, you’d call Eddie- call home or the shop, wherever he was, just to let him know you’d be home early. He’d always reply with a silly comment that had your cheeks rushing with heat, warmth swelling in your chest. 

Tonight, you decided against it. He was too busy, anyway. Too busy at the shop, with his friends, at band practice. You tried not to dwell on it, let your mind spiral and spin down a damning dark hole of what ifs. It consumed you anyways, on your drive home, the radio playing on a static filled station that you didn’t bother to change. Background noise drowned out by your own hammering heart. 

Eddie’s van was parked in the gravel of his driveway, leaving just enough space for you to slide in under the covering attached to the trailer. He always let you have that spot, closer to the door, protected from the elements- so considerate. 

It was hard to fathom that it was the same boy who had forgotten your birthday, brushed it off like it was just another day. 

Your throat tightened around the ever growing lump, hands tight from the white knuckled grip you had on the wheel when you turned the keys out of the ignition. The stairs squeaked under your weight, the screen door hissing with the familiar soft screech when you pulled it open. 

“No- Henderson, what the fuck is the matter with you?” Eddie huffed, his voice trailing in from the living room. 

You paused, hand catching the door as it fell, quieting it as it latched. The air was thick, warm with a sticky, sweet smell. Music playing in a low hum from Eddie’s beloved boom box he kept in the living room. 

“You said to hang it!” Dustin’s shrill tone cut through the air. 

“Yeah, hang it high- Jesus Christ, I shoulda just waited until Robin got off.” Eddie was hidden by the wall, but you could practically see him pinching his nose, hand running over his curly bangs. “Can you- Can you go see if we can ice the cake yet?” 

“Yeah, what do I do?” Dustin questioned, a silence falling between the two of them. Your lips curled, swallowing a giggle. “What? I’m not a master chef or something. You act like I should know this. There wasn’t a cake making class-” 

“-There was, you moron. Home Ec, which clearly, you failed.” Eddie huffed in annoyance. You froze at his heavy footsteps, voice carrying closer and closer.“Whatever, can you- just make it look nice in here? Put the rest of the streamers up and- shit!” Eddie flinched, jumping at the sight of you in the doorway. Wide eyed and still, like you’d been caught. 

“Baby,” Eddie’s breath startled. “Hey, uh, what are you- you said you didn’t get- you’re home already?” His voice lifted, carried high in a squeak of surprise. 

“Yeah, I got off early. I thought you were working late.” Your brows furrowed at the tear of plastic, leaning to look around the corner. “What are you doing-” 

“-Don’t look in there.” Eddie snapped, his hand falling on the doorframe, arm blocking your vision. You jumped, glaring at him with annoyance. “I thought you closed tonight?” 

“I thought you closed tonight.” You huffed, arms crossing over your chest. “Clearly that’s not true. What is this? Another campaign night?” You rolled your eyes, body burning with irritation, jaw wound tight with it. 

“What? N-No, I-I thought you wouldn’t be home until later, and I’d have more time-” Eddie rambled, side stepping to block your view behind him. 

“-Ed, I don’t care if that’s what it is.” Your shoulders deflated, a wave of painful exhaustion, disappointment falling over you. “I just wish you would’ve let me know before you invite all these people over to play your game, so I could-” A shimmering glimmer of multicolored sequins caught your eyes, shining in the yellowed light of the kitchen, iridescent hued droplets cast over the cabinets. There, draped over the chair in bright, glittering letters, a small sash that read Happy Birthday! in obnoxiously big letters. 

You paused, eyes scanning towards the cake, cooling on the rack next to the mixing bowl of icing, the icing spatula still in it. Paper mache streamers taped to the ceiling, hung in swooping bouts mixed with the shiny streamers and balloons all the way to the living room. Eddie had brought out the folding table from the crawl space, even put a plastic tablecloth from the store over it to hide the yellowing stains that would never fade. 

Dustin’s eyes met yours, wide and darting between you and Eddie, still holding the roll of streamers he’d yet to hang. “Uh, Happy Birthday?” Dustin shrugged. 

Eddie huffed, shaking his head at him. “Fuck, I-I’m sorry, it was supposed to be a surprise.” Eddie’s foot bounced with anxious adrenaline. “I thought you didn’t get off until eight, and-and I had it all planned, sweetheart, I really did. Steve’s getting the pizza, and everyone’s coming over at seven thirty-ish, and I- I was even going to have them park at Wayne’s in the back so you wouldn’t see.” 

Your chest felt deflated, void of any air, words, anything. Eddie chewed on his lip, hands twitching next to his jeans. “It was going to be this whole thing, fuck!” He huffed. “It was going to be a whole big thing, and…” 

Eddie’s heart leapt when your eyes finally met his. His fingers still drummed against the rough material of his jeans, veins filled with icy excitement, fear, anticipation? He wasn’t sure. 

“I’m sorry.” Eddie whispered, stepping to hover over you, voice dropping to a soft coo, hands sliding over your cheeks. “I’m- I wanted it to be a surprise.” 

You swallowed thickly. Eddie’s touch was soft, but it left you with a tingling burn when his thumb delicately traced your cheek bone. “You- This is for me?” You squeaked. 

Eddie’s lips curled in a half smile, brows creasing. “Well, yeah.” He said playfully. “Who else would it be for?” 

Your brain was deafeningly silent, stunned at every new detail you’d discover. “You said you were busy.” Was all you could muster out, blinking up at Eddie. “You said you had to work late.” 

“I might have fibbed a little.” Eddie tilted his head sillily. “Told a little lie so I could get this set up.” He nodded towards the living room, a balloon floating near the doorway. 

“I just really wanted to surprise you.” Eddie’s shoulders fell. “I was trying to outdo you. Tryna out do what you did for mine. I called all your friends- even Alexandra,” You rolled your eyes at the mention, she was Eddie’s least favorite friend of yours. 

“And I… I just wanted to surprise you.” Eddie blinked down at you. “Just wanted your day to be special.” 

Your day, the phrase wrapped around you, swirled through your veins like a warm hug, squeezing your heart. 

“I’m sorry, it… I didn’t think about work.” Eddie shook his head, running a hand over his forehead. “I didn’t even think about it, and I-” 

“-Eddie,” Your voice caught in your throat. 

Eddie tensed, cringing with expectant dread. He’d ruined it, blew it, the tears were coming and they were deserved. You’d done so well on his, surprised the hell out of him with the cake, decorated for his birthday campaign with lanterns and candles you’d thrifted. Gone all out for him, and he couldn’t even pull off a simple surprise party. 

“I’m sorry.” Eddie whispered, head pressing to yours. His eyes cut around the room, making sure a certain Henderson pest was lurking. 

“Sorry?” You repeated. “Eddie, I-I am surprised.” You choked out, looking around the room with gleaming eyes. 

Eddie paused. “You are?” 

You nodded. “Yeah, I thought you’d forgotten.” You admitted. “I thought everyone had forgotten.”  

Eddie’s brows pinched in a confused scowl. “You thought I’d forget?” He muttered. 

A watery laugh fell from your lips before you could stop it. “Yeah.” You admitted. “You were really convincing.” 

Eddie’s chest boasted playfully. “Oscar worthy?” 

“You’d sweep the competition.” You jested back, arms sliding over his forearms. His hands found home on the small of your waist, pulling you into him. 

“I didn’t forget your birthday.” Eddie said softly. “Just… for the record.” 

“I can see that.” You giggled. “Thank you. It’s-It’s really sweet.” 

“Yeah? I’m glad you like it.” Eddie’s hands rubbed down your spine. “It would look better but… Robin and Nancy didn’t get off until later, and it’s just me and Henderson.” 

“It looks great. Perfect.” Your cheek pressed to the soft cotton of his t-shirt. His nice shirt, Eddie always called it. Broke it out for special occasions. 

“Not perfect. Fucked up the main part.” Eddie grumbled. “I can call everyone, let them know that they can park out front since there’s no surprise anymore.” 

“No, don’t do that.” You shook your head lightly, chin propping against his chest to look up at him. “I’ll leave and come back, and you can still do it. I can pretend to be surprised.” 

Eddie’s lips curled, pulling back to look down at you. “You’re gonna pretend?” He tilted his head. 

“My turn to act.” You teased, brow lifting gently. “Give you some competition.” You poked his tummy playfully. 

Eddie grinned, pulling you back into him, lips sliding over yours in a soft kiss you savored. Melting into each other, fusing into a gooey puddle- it was corny, a cliche. One you’d roll your eyes at if it was anyone else. 

“Happy birthday.” Eddie muttered, lips brushing and tickling your own. 

“Thank you.” You whispered back, hands finding the base of his neck, pushing him back into you. Eddie’s hand fell against the wooden door frame, steadying himself in a rapidly heating makeout. 

“Uh,” Dustin’s voice interrupted the two of you, just as Eddie’s hands were sliding under your work blouse. “Yeah, I-I finished with the streamers.” 

Eddie glared at him, jaw ticking in annoyance when you pulled away. “I’m just going to grab my makeup bag, and I’ll go.” You whispered, cheeks flooding with heat. 

Eddie huffed, rolling his eyes at Dustin when you left. “What? What did I do?” Dustin threw his hands out. 

“Such a fuckin’ cock block, Henderson.” Eddie muttered, stomping into the kitchen. “Put the plates and shit out, will ya?” 

Your performance was Oscar worthy, Eddie decided later, when you stepped through the door of the now darkened trailer, gasping when the lights flickered on and everyone jumped out. You looked positively radiant, glowing with excitement at the small crowd of friends crammed into the doorway. Eddie kissed you, sloppier than he should have, especially in front of everyone, but he didn’t care. Overwhelmed with affection for you. 

He couldn’t tell if you were still pretending when he brought out the cake, the room singing in a harmonious tone to you, candles lit and glowing in the dim light. Eddie didn’t miss the way your eyes sparkled, fingers pressed to your lips at the now iced cake. When your fingers curled under his chin, sharing a fork-full of cake with him, kissing him after so quickly it left his head spinning. 

His birthday girl, it was your day. Eddie never thought he’d love a random day as much as he did. He had no idea how important that day would become when he’d first met you, how it would engrave itself in his mind forever. 

He was glad it did. Looking at you, giggling with your friends on the couch, then again, the next night, singing with Heather at the crowded bar- Eddie’s chest heart swelled. Proud that he’d surprised you, hopeful that he’d get to for the rest of his life. 

Next year, he’d do it right. Really pull off the party you deserved. He’d start saving now, planning too. He decided it that night, tucked between the sheets, your head still on his sweat soaked chest. He could still taste you on his tongue, lips numb from the time he’d spent between your legs. Lashes fluttering in sleep, curled into him, Eddie pulled you closer. He’d get it right next year, you deserved it. 

[achaoticeternal]

simplicity.

steve harrington x henderson! reader

drabble | 650 words fandom | stranger things category | fluff, mutual pining, gender-neutral terms

summary: another night passes in your typical routine of steve driving you home, but you don't want the drive to stop

Steve was being nice.

He was always nice.

Always made sure that you were safe.

It wasn't forced. In fact, the gestures were always surprisingly natural. He'd call just to say hello if he hadn't seen you in a couple of days, or if Robin or Dustin mentioned that you were feeling under the weather. If he knew you were home with Dustin, he'd make sure to pick up a cold cherry cola for you. He would offer to pick you up or drop you off because he knew you didn't have a license and hated biking around Hawkins. That's how you ended up here now.

Robin and Vickie had invited you to go see Top Gun with them. When you visited Family Video the next day to return some tapes, you mentioned going out with Robin to Steve. Which resulted in him admitting that he was also going and that he would pick you up an hour before the movie was set to start. With Steve, you never had to ask - it was his natural instinct to take care of his friends. To take care of you.

The movie was good - everyone in the quartet was laughing and generally enjoying themselves. But now on the car ride back to the Henderson residence, the laughter had died down, replaced with the purr of the engine and soft underscoring of the Tears for Fears cassette Steve put on.

It was simple... comfortable...

And it was only natural when Steve propped his arm on the center console, his pinky slightly outstretched. You couldn't explain it, but your body easily followed his cue. You leaned in closer, wrapping your pinky around his. Nothing needed to be said, because you both understood the silent language conveyed in each other's gaze and movements.

And as Steve begins to pull up to your familiar street, your heartbeat quickens. In a few short moments, you'll be back in your bedroom with Steve heading back to his house. Another night will have passed, another opportunity to finally say the unsaid words between the two of you. The hidden words between each phone call or the subtle remarks made by a single, longing glance.

Suddenly, your chest tightens, and the tension in the car rises. You have to say something. You need to say something.

As your mailbox and then your driveway come into view, it's time. Clearing your throat and taking a deep breath, you simply start talking.

"I just want to say that I appreciate you picking me up and taking me home," You glance over at him, seeing how his brown eyes cut over to you and back to the road.

He just nods, his pinky unconsciously tightening around yours, "Of course."

You nod before continuing, "It doesn't go unnoticed. I... I'm sure that between Dustin and me, we owe you more than a couple of bucks in gas money."

It's quiet for a moment as you finally arrive at your driveway. He pulls his hand away from yours, placing both hands on the steering wheel.

A beat later and he finally speaks up again, "Well, 'm sure you could repay me by letting me take you out on a date this weekend. How does a little mini golf over in Parker County sound?"

An easy smile spread across your face at his proposal, and you could only nod at first before muttering a quiet response, "I'd like that."

Then he flashes you a boyish grin that ramps up more butterflies than usual. His entire expression is soft. It's in this quiet moment with his car parked in your driveway that you recall every little step that led you here. Despite all the shit things that I happened in the past three yours, despite the craziness that has infected your lives, you can still bask in this moment of love and simplicity between two people in love.

```

|| a/n: thank you for reading! just had this thought about steve and figured I would share some fluffy thought! i'd really like to get into writing more consistently again, so I'm gonna keep warming myself back up with these littles drabbles. feel free to send any thoughts my way!

[clarii]

Operation ‘Fix Eddie’s Screw-Up’

Summary: A year ago, Eddie Munson made a mistake he’s regretted ever since. When you walk into the video store where he works with Robin and Steve, old wounds resurface, and Eddie’s left grappling with the past. It doesn’t take long for Steve, Robin, and the kids to notice—and they decide to take matters into their own hands to fix things.

Pairing: Eddie Munson x Reader

Warnings: Angst, fluff

Author’s note: Good morning guys, I felt like Tumblr was lacking on some good old angst and fluff stories of him without any smut. This one is kinda long.

Eddie Munson’s job at Family Video wasn’t glamorous, but it was steady. After everything with the Upside Down, normalcy was a welcome relief. The place was rarely busy, which left plenty of time for him, Steve, and Robin to mess around behind the counter and argue over who was more tolerable to customers.

“Come on, Stevie,” Eddie said one slow Thursday afternoon, lazily spinning a VHS tape between his fingers. “Don’t act like you don’t love when middle-aged moms ask you to recommend a rom-com.”

“Better than you scaring them off with your metalhead charm,” Steve shot back.

Robin snorted from the counter. “Please, you’re both terrible. I’m the only one holding this place together.”

The three of them fell into easy banter, their laughter echoing through the empty store. Eddie had just started recounting a ridiculous D&D campaign he’d run when the bell above the door jingled.

“Welcome to Family Video!” Robin chirped without looking up from her inventory list.

Eddie, however, froze. His voice caught in his throat, his grip tightening on the tape in his hands. He didn’t need to turn around to know it was you. He’d recognize your presence anywhere.

A year. It had been a whole year since the last time he’d seen you—since the night he’d screwed everything up.

You didn’t even glance his way as you walked toward the shelves, your focus entirely on the rows of tapes. Your hair, your stance, the way you moved—it all hit him like a freight train, dragging memories to the surface that he’d tried so hard to bury.

“Uh, Eddie?” Steve nudged him, eyebrows raised. “You good, man?”

“Yeah,” Eddie mumbled, though his voice was tight. He forced himself to turn away, but he couldn’t stop glancing at you out of the corner of his eye.

When you finally approached the counter with your rental, you placed it down without a word.

Robin, picking up on the tension, stepped forward to help. “Oh, this one’s good! Classic rom-com—”

“Just the tape, please,” you said curtly, cutting her off. Your voice wasn’t sharp, but it wasn’t warm, either.

Eddie didn’t dare speak. He kept his hands busy with the register, avoiding eye contact. When you paid and took your receipt, you turned on your heel and left without so much as a glance back.

The bell jingled again as the door closed behind you.

Eddie’s eyes, however, stayed fixed on the door long after you were gone.

It didn’t take long for Steve and Robin to notice.

“Okay, spill,” Robin said, crossing her arms and leaning against the counter. “What was that?”

“Yeah, dude,” Steve added. “You looked like you’d seen a ghost.”

Eddie sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. He could feel their eyes boring into him, and he knew there was no getting out of this.

“That was her,” he said finally, his voice low.

“Her who?” Robin asked.

“The girl,” Eddie clarified. “The one I told you about. The one I…” He trailed off, the words catching in his throat.

“The one you majorly screwed over last year?” Robin guessed, her eyebrows shooting up.

Eddie winced. “Yeah, that one.”

Steve and Robin exchanged a look, and Eddie groaned.

“Don’t start, okay? I already know I’m an idiot. I’ve known for a year.”

Robin leaned forward, her expression curious. “Okay, but what exactly happened? You’ve never given us the full story.”

Eddie hesitated. It wasn’t something he liked to talk about, but he knew they weren’t going to let it go.

“She and I were… close,” he admitted. “Really close. She came to Hellfire sometimes, we’d hang out after school—she even helped me set up a few campaigns. But then, right before graduation, I panicked.”

“Panicked about what?” Steve asked, genuinely curious.

“About her,” Eddie said, his voice bitter. “She was everything I wasn’t. Smart, grounded, going places. And me? I was just the town freak. I thought if I pushed her away, it’d be easier for both of us. So I said some… things.”

Robin frowned. “Like what?”

“Like how I didn’t care about her the way she thought I did,” Eddie said quietly. “That she deserved better than some loser like me. It wasn’t true, but… I said it anyway.”

“Dude,” Steve muttered, shaking his head.

Eddie shrugged helplessly. “I thought I was doing the right thing, okay? But I messed everything up. She hasn’t spoken to me since, and I don’t blame her.”

Robin and Steve shared a look that could only be described as scheming.

“You know,” Robin said slowly, “this feels like the kind of thing we could fix.”

“Definitely,” Steve agreed. “I mean, it’s basically a rom-com setup. Guy screws up, realizes he’s an idiot, wins girl back with grand gesture.”

Eddie groaned. “No, no, no. Absolutely not. I don’t need you two meddling in my love life.”

“Too late,” Robin said with a grin. “Operation ‘Fix Eddie’s Screw-Up’ is officially a go.”

It didn’t take long for the rest of the gang to get involved.

When Dustin heard the story, he was immediately on board. “Eddie, you idiot,��� he said, smacking him on the shoulder. “You’ve been pining over her for a year and didn’t tell me? I could’ve fixed this ages ago!”

“I don’t need fixing,” Eddie muttered.

“Clearly, you do,” Max said, rolling her eyes. “You’re hopeless.”

Even Lucas, Mike, and Will had ideas, though most of them were wildly impractical. (“Write her a song,” Mike suggested. “Girls love that stuff.” “She’ll just think it’s cheesy,” Lucas argued.)

Through it all, Eddie tried to protest, but deep down, a part of him hoped they could pull it off.

The plan came together piece by piece, each member of the group contributing ideas that were somehow both chaotic and oddly brilliant.

“What about a mixtape?” Dustin suggested as he sprawled across Steve’s couch.

“A mixtape screams ‘80s romance,” Robin said, nodding. “But it needs to be personal. Like, songs that mean something to you and her.”

Eddie groaned, running a hand through his hair. “You guys don’t get it. She doesn’t even want to look at me, let alone listen to some cheesy mixtape.”

“Then don’t make it just about the tape,” Max said from her spot on the floor. “Make it part of something bigger.”

“And where’s this ‘bigger’ happening?” Steve asked, leaning against the wall with his arms crossed.

The group fell silent, all eyes turning to Eddie. He frowned, tapping his fingers against his knee. Then it hit him—an idea so crazy it might actually work.

“The Hawkins Carnival,” he said.

“What about it?” Dustin asked.

“They’re setting it up this weekend, right? She used to love going to that thing. We’d sneak off after school and blow all our money on funnel cakes and rides.” His voice softened as the memories flooded back. “Maybe… maybe I could meet her there.”

“Okay, but what’s the actual plan?” Robin pressed. “You can’t just show up and expect her to swoon over you.”

“Yeah,” Steve added. “You need a moment. Something big. Something unforgettable.”

Eddie thought for a moment, then smirked. “I’ve got just the thing.”

The days leading up to the carnival were a whirlwind of preparation. Dustin helped Eddie pick out songs for the mixtape, while Robin and Steve coached him on what to say.

“Apologize first,” Steve advised. “Don’t try to justify what you did—just own up to it.”

“And be sincere,” Robin added. “No sarcasm, no jokes. This isn’t the time for your usual deflection.”

Eddie rolled his eyes but took their advice to heart.

Meanwhile, the kids worked on the logistics of his grand gesture. Lucas and Max snuck into the carnival grounds to scope out the perfect location, while Will and Mike brainstormed backup plans in case things went south.

By the time Saturday rolled around, Eddie was a bundle of nerves. The mixtape was finished, his speech was rehearsed, and the stage was set. All that was left was for you to show up.

The Hawkins Carnival was alive with lights and laughter, the scent of fried food wafting through the air. Eddie stood near the Ferris wheel, his heart pounding as he scanned the crowd.

“You’ve got this,” Dustin said, clapping him on the shoulder. “Just stick to the plan.”

Eddie nodded, though his palms were sweating.

Then he saw you.

You were standing by the carousel, looking effortlessly beautiful in the glow of the carnival lights. The sight of you took his breath away, and for a moment, he almost lost his nerve. But then he remembered why he was here—why he’d spent the past year kicking himself for letting you go.

He squared his shoulders and approached you, his heart racing.

“Hey,” he said softly, his voice barely audible over the noise of the carnival.

You turned, your eyes widening in surprise. “Eddie?”

“Can we talk?” he asked, his voice pleading.

You hesitated, your expression guarded. But after a moment, you nodded. “Fine.”

Eddie led you to a quieter spot near the edge of the carnival, away from the crowds. He fumbled in his pocket and pulled out the mixtape, holding it out to you.

“What’s this?” you asked, eyeing it warily.

“It’s… an apology,” he said. “And a thank-you. And a promise to do better if you’ll let me.”

You stared at him, your fingers brushing the edge of the tape but not taking it. “Why now, Eddie? Why after all this time?”

“Because I’ve been an idiot,” he admitted. “I thought I was doing you a favor by pushing you away. I told myself you deserved better, but the truth is, I was scared. Scared of how much I cared about you. Scared of screwing it up.”

He took a deep breath, his hands trembling. “But I did screw it up. And I hate myself for that. I just… I needed you to know that I’m sorry. And that I never stopped…”

“Never stopped what?” you prompted, your voice soft.

“Never stopped loving you,” he said, the words tumbling out before he could stop them.

For a moment, there was only silence. Then you spoke, your voice barely above a whisper.

“You really hurt me, Eddie.”

“I know,” he said, his voice breaking. “And I’ll spend the rest of my life making it up to you if you’ll let me.”

You stared at him for what felt like an eternity, and Eddie braced himself for the worst. But then, slowly, you reached for the tape, your fingers curling around it.

“I’ll listen to it,” you said softly.

Eddie’s heart soared. “That’s all I’m asking.”

But the night wasn’t over yet.

As you turned to leave, the Ferris wheel lit up behind you, the carnival music swelling in the background. Eddie hesitated, then called out.

“Wait!”

You turned back, your brow furrowed.

“Will you ride the Ferris wheel with me?” he asked, his voice trembling. “One last time?”

Your lips curved into a small smile, and for the first time in a year, Eddie felt hope.

“Okay,” you said.

As the two of you climbed into the Ferris wheel carriage, the world below seemed to fade away. The lights, the noise, the crowds—it all disappeared, leaving just the two of you suspended in the night sky.

And as the Ferris wheel reached its peak, Eddie turned to you, his eyes searching yours.

“I meant what I said,” he whispered. “I love you. I never stopped.”

This time, you didn’t hesitate. You leaned in, closing the distance between you, and kissed him.

The world tilted, the stars spinning above, but Eddie didn’t care. For the first time in a year, everything felt right.

The Ferris wheel creaked softly as it came to a stop, grounding you and Eddie back in the bustle of the carnival. But neither of you moved to get out of the carriage right away. Instead, you stayed seated, your hands still intertwined, your heads leaning close together.

“You know,” you said, breaking the silence, “if you mess this up again, I’m never speaking to you.”

Eddie let out a breathless laugh, his thumb brushing against the back of your hand. “Fair enough. But I won’t. You’ve got my word.”

You tilted your head, studying him for a moment. His dark eyes, once filled with nervous energy, now held something softer. Something earnest. You gave his hand a small squeeze.

“I’ll hold you to that, Munson.”

The Ferris wheel operator coughed awkwardly from below, snapping you both out of the moment. “Uh, you getting out or planning to rent the thing for the night?”

Eddie grinned and hopped out, offering you his hand to help you down. The two of you wandered back into the glowing chaos of the carnival, your shoulders brushing with every step.

The next morning, the story of your reunion had spread faster than Eddie anticipated.

When he walked into Family Video for his shift, Steve was already smirking behind the counter, Robin perched on top of it with a knowing grin. Dustin, Mike, and Lucas had apparently stopped by, too, judging by the excited chatter echoing through the store.

“Look who’s finally not single!” Robin announced loudly as Eddie stepped inside.

Steve threw an arm around Eddie’s shoulders, ruffling his hair. “How does it feel, Romeo?”

“Like I should’ve kept my mouth shut about all this,” Eddie muttered, though he couldn’t keep the grin off his face.

“C’mon, man, don’t be shy,” Dustin said, grinning ear to ear. “We did help, after all. You should be thanking us.”

“Oh, thank you, wise sages of Hawkins,” Eddie said, bowing dramatically. “I couldn’t have done it without your meddling.”

Robin snorted. “Damn right.”

Later that week, you stopped by Family Video, much to the delight of the gang.

“Look who it is!” Robin sang as you walked in, nudging Eddie.

You shot her a mock glare before turning your attention to Eddie, who had abandoned all pretense of professionalism to lean against the counter with a wide grin.

“Hi,” you said, a little shyly.

“Hi,” he replied, his tone soft and warm.

Robin and Steve exchanged a glance, then bolted for the back room, dragging Dustin and the others with them.

“Hey, we weren’t done!” Dustin protested, but Robin slammed the door shut behind them, leaving you and Eddie alone.

Eddie leaned closer. “They mean well, but they’re the absolute worst, I swear.”

You laughed, shaking your head. “They’re not so bad. I think I owe them, actually.”

“For what?”

“For convincing me to give you another chance.”

Eddie’s smile faltered slightly. “Do I… deserve another chance?”

You reached across the counter, taking his hand. “You’re earning it. And so far, you’re doing a pretty good job.”

The weight that had been pressing on Eddie’s chest for a year seemed to lift entirely. He grinned, his fingers curling around yours.

“Well, then,” he said, his voice playful but sincere. “I guess I’d better keep it up, huh?”

You smirked. “You’d better.”

As you left the store, mixtape in hand, Eddie watched you go with a goofy grin on his face. Steve emerged from the back room just in time to catch him staring.

“Still gazing after her like a lovesick puppy?” Steve teased.

“Absolutely,” Eddie said without shame.

Robin grinned as she joined them. “Well, looks like Operation ‘Fix Eddie’s Screw-Up’ was a success.”

“Don’t ever call it that again,” Eddie groaned, though his smile didn’t waver.

And as the group broke into laughter, Eddie realized something: he wasn’t just grateful to have you back in his life. He was grateful for all of it—the chaos, the meddling, the friends who refused to let him give up on love.

Because this? This was a second chance he wasn’t going to waste.

The End.

[munsonson]

Untitled

Note(s): 18+ ONLY, Minors DNI, AFAB!Reader x Eddie Munson, SEX, Filthy Dialogue, Even Filthier Descriptive Lingo, Kind of Public Sex

"Pl-Please," you beg, your breasts heaving underneath you as he presses you harder into the shelf cluttered with cleaning supplies and filthy rags. Your hands find purchase on the shelf right underneath the first, occupied instead with storage bins and mop heads you accidentally knocked to the floor as the two of you moved in messy tandem. You let out a little squeak at a particularly harsh thrust that had you seeing stars.

He had your skirt bunched up against your lower back, clutched in his ringed fist as he bucked his hips furiously into yours, sure that the denim of his jeans he'd pulled down just below his cock were going to give your legs a searing burn, but you loved it. He had his face buried in your hair while his free hand gripped the shelf you were unwillingly resting your cheek on.

"God, so fucking wet," he snarls, almost in disgust, but you knew for a fact that wasn't true. He loved how wet you got for him, that you were practically swimming in your thin panties at just the thought of being bent over by him. "You hear that?" You do, the sickening squelch of his cock moving in and out of your abused hole the only other noise emitting from this damned janitor's closet aside from your quiet moans and his animalistic growls and grunts.

"So mad at you," Eddie sneers, and he's thrusting harder now if it were possible, his hips smacking into yours, so sure his balls were hitting your clit with every impact. "Why him, huh? Why'd you choose h-him? FUCK!"

You yelp as he grabs a fistful of your hair and drags your head back enough for him to suck dark, unforgiving marks into your throat. You knew now what had gotten him so worked up. In Biology, when called upon by your teacher, you'd selected a kid named Brian as your partner. He was top of the class, someone you were sure would help you get an A. You didn't think Eddie would take it in such a way but you were so glad he did.

"Eddieee, I...OOH!"

He'd taken his hand previously holding your skirt and instead began furiously rubbing little circles into your clit as he began to lose rhythm, getting too close to the end. Too soon. He didn't want this to end so soon, but how could he last in a pussy like yours? You felt so heavenly, he'd tell you. So tight and so warm and so fucking inviting. Any guy would kill to fuck your pussy but only he was allowed to, only Eddie, the freak of Hawkins.

"Fuck, fuck, hnnngh," he groans, emptying himself in you just as you climaxed from his fingers rubbing your clit. "You're gonna tell the teacher tomorrow you wanna switch partners."

"Maybe," you said instead, grinning at him, your throat already littered with purple marks. "Brian's gonna get me my A that I need to bring me my grade up. You barely attend the class as is."

"Teacher ain't got shit I'm interested in hearing." Eddie confesses, breathless as he pulls his pants back up over his hips, assisting you in pulling your panties back up your shaking thighs, giving your ass a sharp tap with his palm. "But if you want an A, I'll give you one. But come tomorrow, Brian's looking for someone else to partner up with. Or I'm not letting you cum."

And you knew he meant it.

[missmarveledsblog]

Dustin's got a sister? ( Eddie Munson x Henderson!Reader)

summary : friday where DND nothing would stop that except the discovery of Dustin Hendersons older sister of course which leds to eddie wondering if he was wrong about the whole love at first sight thing being crap .

warnings : fluffy fast burn , mutual pinning , eddie being a simp for sure . picture doesn't represent the reader it was just a fic cover i made

Friday meant one thing to Eddie munson and that was Hellfire night . The club were beginning what he could only describe as his best campaign yet ,the loud roars and cheer or cries filled the basement of Dustin Henderson since the older boys graduated it became the new spot . What Eddie didn't know was that the boys were not the only ones in the house as the music upstairs caused them to halt and look to the owner of said basement in confusion .

 " It's just my sister , ignore her" he shrugged, wanting to continue but the sudden excitement of Lucas and Mike only made the older boy more curious .

" sister since when do you have a sister" Eddie almost challenged. " since my mom and dad you know and then she was born" Dustin's head tilted knowing he'd mentioned her before .

"and She's smoking hot" Lucas blurted out for Mike Wheeler to nod eagerly in agreement.

" How come we've never seen her around?" Gareth asked .

" because she went to a different school and usually she was with her asshole boyfriend but they broke up also she hangs out with Steve and robin, she also busy with college stuff " Dustin looked around the table seeing all their confused faces.

" Wait, I've never seen her when I hang out with them" Eddie looked at the boy .

" that's because she was with her boyfriend ,I literally just said that" he rolled his eyes.

" hey dusty bun you down there .... Oh shit sorry i forgot you had company" all their eyes landed on the woman standing there hair wrapped in a towel and dressed in shorts and tank top .

" hey Y/N" Lucas waved dreamingly . 

" Hey Sinclair," she smiled . 

" Hey wanna join," Mike asked.

" I can't tonight. I got a paper due on Monday, just came down to see if Dustin ate , but now the question expands , "Do you guys want pizza?" she smiled bright towards them, eddie could have sworn he had drool coming out of his mouth .

" yeah totally would eat pizza with you" Jeff chin resting in his hands . " Ok pepperoni would be a safe choice right" she looked, seeing them all nod . " ok i shall call when it's here " she ran up the stairs, cheeks heated suddenly aware of her attire and the eyes of the boys roaming her body . 

" How the hell is that your sister?" gareth asked, totally in awe .

 " Told you , smoking hot" Lucas beamed proudly.

" You asked her to join, why ?" Eddie almost whispered not ready for the answer in fair of his mind short circuiting even more that it was . " because she's the reason that we know how to play" Mike whispered back, sending the group of boys almost into a group of school girls fawning .

 " So you're telling me that the smoking hot goddess of a woman is a nerd like us" .

 " Can you all please stop calling my sister hot?" Dustin grimaced, suddenly regretting offering his basement for the Hellfire club . when the music changed and the familiar riffs flooded his ear drums . 

" Is that?... YOUR HOT SISTER LIKES METAL" Eddie almost roared across the table . 

" Is it too late to quit hellfire?" Dustin groaned.

It seemed the campaign was forgotten about after half an hour of questioning. Dustin Henderson was never more grateful for the pizza man's arrival but when she told them to come up he was almost trampled as his friends tried getting up the stairs .

" holy shit you guys must be hungry , no need to panic i got more than enough " she laughed seeing them pushing each other out of the way . 

" Totally starving" gareth smiled brightly.

" ok well plates are there and help yourself" she pointed to the counter .

" ladies first" Eddie smiled, arm outstretched . 

" Thank you" she moved, grabbing her plate and pizza before heading to the sofa. " I just stuck on halloween if you guys wanna join" she called eyes on the screen not seeing the pushing and shoving happening in the kitchen before eddie smiled victoriously beside her. " I love this movie" he winked . 

" I literally only started it so you all aren't missing much ... wait what about the campaign" her head tilted as they all sighed in content.

" Apparently due to hormones it's over" Dustin grumbled sitting on the other side of her . 

" Shit sorry that was my fault if I'm being too loud I can go to my room" she offered only for a chorus of no's and don't to fill the room . " you're fine, really we can do it another time apparently" Dustin smiled seeing the worry on her face. Before anyone else could say anything the doorbell went off making her run out to see who it was totally forgetting she invited steve and robin over.

" hey if you can find a place to sit" she led the two in.

" Hey guys," the three kids called.

"Hey Harrington man , nice to see you , how come you never mentioned the sweetheart of a sister Dustin had before" Eddie smiled yet glaring at his friend.

" because Dustin told me not to" he shrugged, heading off to the kitchen .

 "Do I embarrass you or something?" She turned to her brother.

" No just you were with that douche before and i didn't want him embarrassing me" he lied easily . 

" That's a good point," Robin nodded .

 " I hated that guy so much" Steve agreed eagerly as he handed Robin her plate as he sat beside Dustin .

 " Ok enough about my ex and let's watch the movie" she huffed, letting her damp nearly dry hair out of the towel . As soon as the lights went out all their attention went to the movie playing well mostly to the movie. Eddie's attention did try to stick to the screen but it often shifted to the girl sitting beside him. wondering how the hell he wasn't a puddle in the chair or if the beating of his heart was audible given how fast it was , was he sweating cause sure as hell felt like it . He watched the light of tv shine on her face, her relaxed state or... shit she grabbed his hand , why was he short circuiting over a girl grabbing his hand . 

" Sorry that part always make me jump" she whispered soft laugh spilling from her pillow plump lips , he could of sworn he saw a blush on her face but wasn't sure giving the limited light .

" if you need to grab it again feel free too" he whispered back smiling so wide showing off his dimples .

" thank you munson" now he was hoping more parts would make her jump . her hand in his throughout the movie it turned out his campaign wasn't the highlight of this Friday after all.

Once the movie ended Dustin hit the lights making them all groan at the sudden intrusive brightness . except the light snores filled out the room making them all turn to see the older henderson and eddie passed out cold her head on his shoulder and his hand holding hers .

 " Awhh that's so cute" Robin cooed, hiding her amusement.

" Damn it, I was gonna ask her out " Gareth growled, making everyone turn to the boy . " I said that out loud huh?" he stood rubbing the back of his neck .

 " Very loud," Steve snorted . "Come on i can drop you guys home" he stretched as the all looked at him wide eyed.

" Seriously "king"Steve Harrington is going to let us be seen with him" Jeff almost gasped out.

" yeah yeah dont cream your pants , come let them sleep" he ushered the gang of still shocked boys out the door. Only for Dustin to slam it shut behind them waking the two .

 "Where is everyone?" she asked, confused.

" yeah i remembered more people being here" Eddie rubbed his eyes . 

" Steve's dropping them home since you two were all cuddled up in sleepland" . 

"Shit i'll go clean up and head out before your mom comes home '' Eddie yawned and stretched ready to head back down to the basement . 

"Just stay, she's not home till Sunday," Dustin yelled, heading down to his own room . 

" If you want to, I mean we can watch another movie," she smiled nervously was he making her uncomfortable or was it something else.

" Yeah i could totally stay, I got some clothes in my van , let me grab them" he beamed with excitement.

" I'm going for a smoke so i'll come out with you" she grabbed her shoes and jacket pulling out the carton of cigarettes and lighter . 

" Lead the way princess" he opened the door letting her walk out first. The night's crisp air hitting them , she stood on the porch as he ran down grabbing the backpack out of his van given his original plan was to sleep at jeff's for the night so wayne could have a night's sleep in his room for once. When he looked back to see she was sitting on what he called the outdoor sofa to rile Dustin up, her eyes looking up at the sky lost in the stars above even then she was the most beautiful girl he'd ever seen . The slow exhale of smoke and she turned to smile at his approaching figure .

 " You cold, i can give you my jacket" he was already going to take it off pulling out his own cigarettes.

" no it's not too chilly tonight ,it actually a nice night" she mused moving so he could sit beside her.

"So Dustin mentioned you went to a different school. How come" he asked, wanting to know everything and anything about the woman sitting beside him . 

" You don't remember me huh?" she asked, confusing him completely.

" we actually went to the same school til i'd say middle school i changed schools because tommy hagan kinda made my life hell so my mom moved me to a different school since the principle wouldn't do anything about it , i was fat kid with curly ass hair , he called me sparky cause of this'' She shrugged the jacket showing the lightning bolt scar on her arm Making him remember completely who she was.

" shit yeah i remember, i also remember you punching him when he picked on other kids" he mused.

" another reason i had to move schools, the irony of letting myself being their victim and yet seeing ready when i seen them torment someone else " she snorted, tapping the ash of her cigarette . 

" Shit i would've never pictured you and Dustin to be siblings," he chuckled.

" Well back then my parents were still married and I wasn't always Henderson" She pointed out.

" Well that also checks out, still i've always thought that scar was metal , how you get it?" . 

"Wasn't struck by lightning sadly that would of been cooler no i burned it trying to make my own shield" she giggled. "

That's still metal in my books" he chuckled. 

" I guess your right I mean my mom didn't think so in the ER but hey it was good shield think it's still in the garage" throwing the cigarette away , sneaking a quick glance at the most adorable and probably hottest guy she ever met sitting beside her .

" you in college now or ? " he asked .

" yeah just an hour drive away, studying nursing what about you ? " she turned. Her eyes made him completely weak at the knee's .

" apprentice mechanic " she noticed how his smiled didn't quite reach his eyes when he said it .

" well if you ever get hurt on the job call me, I'll come nurse you back to heath " she nudging him playfully there it was a real smile on his pretty face.

" come on we head in or I'll be the nurse when you catch some flu or cold being out here " he stood holding his hand out to help her up .

" wanna was nightmare on elm Street" she asked.

" of course and if you get scared you can hold my hand " he winked as they walked into the house.

" I mean it is scary movie dare I say even terrifying you might get sick of me holding your hand" she teased heading to the other side of the room to grab the tape and a blanket .

" never would I do such a thing " he held his hand over his heart those damn dimples that made her heart skip a beat or the glint of the rings as he held his hand over his heart.

" could you put the movie in , I'll grab the snacks and some drinks " she scurried of the kitchen . Putting the movie on pause before he called to say he was putting some pyjamas on before it got started .

When he came in she had snacks pile on top of each other along with the soda . He could of sworn he caught her checking him out but brushing it off instantly.

" ready" she lifted the blanket up for him to join .

" born ready darling " he hit the lights as the second movie of the night started playing he suddenly felt the,warmth of her palm in his . " just incase I get to scared " she winked now he was one who was grateful for lack of lights cause he was sure he was beet red now.

" better safe the sorry " he whispered his voice almost cracking in the nervous manner of possibly the hottest most beautiful girl he'd met holding his hand ... his goddamned hand . the two say eyes locked on screen itching to look at the person at their side . She inched her way closer as the movie played when jumpscare came on she couldn't help bury her head In his chest . The smell of his cologne and cigarette filled her sense as she felt the vibrations of his laugh as he wrapped his arms around her.

"I'll keep you safe princess " she could feel the almost cocky grin in his words feeling her little plan worked .

" thank you eddie my hero " she cooed looking up through her lashes making his gulp audibly leaning up and a peck to his lips, he was sure to die in his spot . A victory smile she kept her head on his chest while his arm was wrapped around her , she could hear the now steady beating of his heart as he gotten comfortable in the new position his hand rubbing up and down her back . Wasn't long til the two got way to comfortable and feel asleep in each others arms to content to even care .

[mrsjellymunson]

Game Two: TWO PLAYER GAME

Part 2 of Damsels & Debauchery: The D&D Chronicles

Pairing: DM!Eddie Munson x fem!reader

WC: ~9.9k

Summary: You find out the result of Eddie’s dice roll, and you both make the most of every point…

CW: 🔞 SMUT, NSFW, MDNI! Lots of kissing, boob play, dry humping (brief), finger sucking (brief), hair pulling (subtle), oral & fingering (f rec), unprotected p in v (protection discussed), chair sex, aftercare, allusion to cream pie, the tiniest amount of angst between party members, mentions of food, mediator!Dustin Henderson, insightful!Erica Sinclair.

A/N: Many thanks to everyone who expressed so much love on the first part and convinced me to write more for these two - this is now a series, if you want to be on the taglist, or my general one, just ask, I’d love to have you on board 🌼 Also grateful thanks to two superfans @airen256 and @80s-addict who gave me some ideas for interactions with the kids, you guys rock!🤘

“Okay, Master. How about this? You roll, and the result is how many kisses you have to give me...”

Eddie’s never been so desperate to roll a 12 in his entire fucking life.

“Four? FOUR?! Goddammit!!”

Eddie’s high-pitched screech slices through the dense, charged atmosphere of the trailer. He’s clearly not thrilled with the result of his dice roll. 

And, if you’re completely honest, neither are you.

The heavy ambience returns, however, when he drops his voice to a much lower timbre, leans forward, and murmurs directly into your ear,

“I guess I’d better make them count then, huh?”

You feel the heat contained in his words, as well as in his breath fanning over the back of your neck. Goosebumps travel down your spine despite the warmth, and your core clenches gently around nothing.

Eddie’s strong hands come to your hips, and he kneads at the flesh as he considers in his Dungeon Master voice that’s only slightly laced with trepidation,

“Are you sure you want this, Princess?”

You nod rapidly, slightly jostling both of you, but it’s not enough for Eddie. He lightly rests his forehead against your shoulder blade as he continues,

“Need your words, sweetheart. I need you to tell me.”

You gasp as he places a gentle but firm open-mouthed bite to your covered shoulder, the damp heat of his breath passing easily through the thin fabric of your shirt. His grip tightens, and your breath hitches in your throat as you somehow manage to stammer,

“Yes, Eddie. I want this.”

Turning so you can speak to him over your shoulder, you add,

“I want you.”

He groans into your flesh before he lifts his head and his gaze meets yours. His palms slide up, slowly, like he’s still not sure he’s supposed to do this, over your shirt against the sides of your ribs until he’s cupping the undersides of your breasts. He pauses, still half-expecting you to push him off you, chastise him, maybe even get up and leave.

But you don’t. You’re a little surprised, but pleasantly, and your chest heaves with excitement combined with a little disbelief that this is actually happening.

Eddie lifts and squeezes, just a little. Your head lolls back onto his shoulder, and your eyes roll too as you revel in the sensation of him touching you. Finally. His hands feel just as good as you’d imagined they would, better even, because it’s actually real. You run yours up his strong, veiny forearms, brushing over bracelets of leather and chains and feeling the heat of his skin. Your thumbs graze the undersides of his wrists and you hear him let out a tiny, breathy gasp as you draw minute circles on the sensitive skin. But you don’t linger. You want more from him, and you need him to know it.

You gently push upwards, directing him to take more of your flesh in his hands. He acquiesces and moans as he places a wet kiss to that spot where your neck meets your shoulder, letting his teeth graze your skin as his hands roam your chest and his fingertips skim the peaks of your nipples. He closes his lips and begins to suck, and takes as much of your breasts into his hands as he can, palming and groping and moulding the flesh like it’s giving him life.

You slide your hands up and over his, feeling his knuckles and the pointed nubs of his rings against your palm. You imagine feeling this without any fabric barrier separating you, and the image makes you whimper. Eddie’s hips buck up at the sound, pressing his not-insignificant bulge into your ass, and as much as he wants to do this forever, he wants more of you too. 

You lose your grip on him as he slides his hands down again, past your waist and hips and over your thighs, squeezing them before he settles them around your waist and moves to twist you as he softly whispers, voice cracked and broken,

“Will you— Would you turn around?”

By way of an answer you go to stand, toppling a little on your wobbly legs and grabbing his hands for balance as you manoeuvre yourself to straddle his lap, facing him. You slowly lower yourself onto his thighs, your legs pushed apart as you settle across his knees.

It’s the first time you’ve been able to fully look at him since before any of this started, and you’re enraptured by the sight. His cheeks are flushed a pretty pink, and you can see the smattering of freckles that adorn his perfect, alabaster complexion. His dark, wavy bangs are a little mussed and fuzzy from where he’s been leaning against you, and his rosebud lips part as his gaze roves your form. They’re puffy and pink, and shiny with his spit from where he’s been mouthing at your neck. He looks up at you with what might be awe, and those beautiful, deep brown eyes, rimmed with the longest and darkest eyelashes you’ve ever seen on a boy, flick around your cheeks and your lips until they settle on your own. 

For a moment, neither of you move. You simply gaze at each other, taking in the other's features as if it’s for the first time. In a way it is - you’ve never had free rein to just… ogle each other before, previously always conscious of being caught. He looks to you like a sculpture, as if every curve and line of his face is exquisitely positioned and shaped to create the most aesthetically pleasing whole, and his molten chocolate irises glow in the sunlight cascading through the blinds. Entranced, you trace a fingertip across his eyebrow, his cheekbone, the faint crease at the corner of his mouth, the subtle stubble on his top lip, his Cupid’s bow. You swear you can feel the crackle of electricity where your skin meets his.

He inhales sharply as his hand flies up to grab yours, stilling your movements. You flush with worry, terrified you've done something wrong, but it’s quickly assuaged when Eddie opens his mouth a little more, and gently pushes your first two digits past his lips and onto his tongue. Your breath hitches as his lips close around it, and you feel light suction as the wet muscle caresses your finger. You can’t help but whimper, Eddie’s eyes still locked on yours as he slips his tongue between your fingers, and you feel a rush of his warm breath flow across the back of your hand as his lips part and he breathes deeply.

You close your eyes for the briefest of moments, enjoying how it heightens the sensations, but you can’t deny yourself Eddie’s gaze for long. You open your eyes, and one corner of your mouth kicks up ever so slightly as you pull your hand back and remove your fingers from his mouth. He watches you intently as you smile, turn your wrist so that your fingers are pointing towards you, and slip them past your lips and into your own mouth. You lick and suck, trying to garner everything of Eddie that he’s left. His taste is faint, but it’s there - cigarettes, coffee, and the merest hint of spearmint gum - and before you can stop it a low moan leaves your chest. But the merest hint of him isn’t enough, you want the full Eddie experience, to taste him in his entirety, to have his essence suffocate you, drown your senses. 

You plunge both hands into Eddie’s glorious locks, your fingertips running through the roots as his breath stutters and he trembles beneath you. You lean forwards, and your noses bump and your breaths mingle and fan over each other as you skim your lips against his with the lightest of touches. Speaking so quietly it’s almost inaudible, yet with so much power Eddie thinks he might actually die, you murmur,

“So, Master... Are you ready for kiss number one?”

Slack jawed and barely coherent, Eddie nods an assent, and as you move forwards an almost imperceptible amount Eddie tilts his chin up, the joint movements eliminating the space between you. Your first kiss is soft, tender. His pillowy lips press against yours with what feels like barely contained desperation, his breath uneven and shaky, and you wonder quite how much he’s holding back. It’s delicious. The scent of him is stronger at this proximity, and you inhale it like holy smoke. You immediately press back, feeling his lips move beneath yours. Your mind fills with images of pink silk, warm honey, fizzing wine and swirling glitter. No one’s touch has ever given you visuals before, and there’s a brief moment where you wonder whether there were hallucinogens in one of the snacks, but then Eddie jolts you back to reality by moving the tip of his tongue ever so gently against the seam of your lips. You can’t stand to wait any longer. Parting your lips and dropping your jaw, you immediately allow Eddie full access to your mouth. His tongue plunges in with a fervency you’ve never experienced, and he moans as yours slides over and around it.

His hands are on you again, stroking and squeezing at your waist and your hips, and you whimper into his mouth. Braver now, or perhaps just unable to resist, Eddie’s hands cup under your ass, his fingertips drifting dangerously close to your cunt, kneading the flesh and pulling your cheeks apart, causing you to let out a groan of your own. You almost break the kiss and drop your head back, but stop yourself, not wanting it to end. After all, you only have three left after this... Instead, you lean forward and kiss Eddie deeper, gripping his tresses and tugging gently at the roots, and he moans harder into your mouth.

Eventually you both need air, and you break apart, gasping. You gaze at Eddie’s flushed face, his pupils blown wide and his lips reddened and slick from the kiss. You swear the temperature in the trailer has risen a good five degrees, and without thinking you grab the hem of your shirt and lift it up and over your head, discarding the fabric somewhere in the room. Eddie's arms go slack at his sides and his eyes widen. His Adam’s apple bobs and he swallows, hard, as he’s presented with the sight of your tits at eye level, covered in nothing but the cutest bra you own (that you totally didn’t wear especially).

His eyebrows furrow and he breathes out a ‘haaaaah’, in a strangled half sigh, half moan. Your confidence soars as it becomes clear that he likes what he sees, and although you’re feeling both flattered and desired it does seem to have stunned Eddie into some sort of paralysis. You move your hands to his and position them over your boobs, encouraging him to hold them, squeeze them, make them his. He complies, groaning again as he massages your warm flesh in his palms. His calloused fingertips dip beneath the tops of the cups, and with sudden urgency he roughly pulls down the fabric, your tits bobbing free and your nipples peaking at both the rush of air and the intensity of his gaze. You slip the straps down off your arms and the cups fall away against your ribs, your soft flesh jiggling in front of his face. You look down to see he’s practically drooling, and there’s only the briefest beat before he’s manhandling you again, squeezing and kneading, pressing his nose against your sternum and burying his face between them. 

You feel an odd wet sensation in your cleavage and realise it’s Eddie’s tongue, probing and prodding and tasting your flesh. He hums loudly; it reverberates through your chest, and you moan in return. He laps and licks at your flesh, kissing and sucking through shuddering hums. Open-mouthed kisses and swipes of his tongue turn into gentle bites, sucks, and eventually combinations of both that you’re sure will leave marks, and you can’t bring yourself to care.

He turns his attention to your nipples now, reverently but firmly pinching and twisting them between his calloused fingertips, watching them harden further at his ministrations, jaw slack. You whimper above him, and his eyes dart up to your face, his gaze settling there as he drinks down every furrow of your brow and each little gasp and whine that he draws out of you. Smirking slightly, he slowly lolls out his tongue and watches your reaction as he licks a broad stripe over one bud, and you let out a sigh so sweet he wants to record it and play it again and again. You watch as he wraps his pretty, plush lips around your firmed nipple, sucking hard and quickly flicking his tongue over it, his fingers still gently pinching the other. It fires sparks throughout your entire body and stokes the flames between your legs. You let out a primeval sound that you’ve never heard yourself make before, and below you Eddie can’t help but break into a feral grin as his eyes turn dark and wild and he moves to do the same on the other side.

Your hips roll against his and suddenly you need more of him, so much more. You shift back just a little and slip your fingertips under the hem of his Hellfire tee, knuckles just grazing the warm skin of his abdomen as you pinch the thin fabric between your fingers, questioning,

“And yours?”

He smiles softly, hardly believing you’re asking him this, and he grabs the back of his collar, ripping his shirt off with the same fervour you did, neither of you watching where it lands. You can’t help but grin and bite your lip as you view his naked torso for the first time. It’s just like the rest of him, sculpted and exquisite - perfect-looking skin, marble-like contours, pretty pink nipples and the sweetest dusting of chest hair, decorated with beautifully contrasting charcoal ink. You lightly run your fingers over the spider and gruesome figure on his pec, allowing them to drift over his nipple, which immediately peaks under your touch as he shivers beneath you. Fuck, he’s beautiful.

Your hungry gazes devour every inch of each other, before flicking back to one another’s eyes. There’s a brief moment of stillness and eye contact, and you swear you’ve never before been this hungry for anything in your entire life. It’s like a pause before an avalanche; you know something big’s about to happen, and that there’s nothing either of you can do to stop it. You lurch forwards simultaneously and your chests crash together, your arms slide around, gripping and grasping and mussing each other's hair as your lips meet again in a wet, deep and passionate kiss. Eddie’s hands roam your back, his fingertips dragging down your spine and hot palms caressing you. Your breasts squash against his pecs, and the feeling of his skin against yours intensifies the kiss to the point where the only way to deepen it would be to climb inside of him.

You kiss for what feels like forever, leaving your lips swollen and tingling and a slight ache in your cheeks. Whilst it all feels fucking amazing (really fucking amazing), the throb between your legs is growing and begging for attention. Keeping your mouth attached to his you slide your hips up Eddie’s lap, easily finding the significant protuberance and pressing your centre against it. You moan long and low as you grind down on Eddie’s prominent bulge, the slick in your underwear still offering a pleasant glide, and Eddie joins you, the stuttered sound vibrating against your lips.

You roll your hips again and sparks leave your core and travel all the way up your spine. You’re certain you could cum like this, pushing Eddie’s covered length between your folds and rutting your clit against his swollen tip, and you wonder if he would want that too. But, abruptly, Eddie’s grasping your upper arms, pulling away from you and looking into your eyes, pleading. He speaks again, his voice now broken and low and it makes your insides liquify as he rushes out,

“Goddamnit, Princess, I wish I could make this more special, take my sweet time with you. I swear on the soul of James Hetfield I would love that so much. But right now, I just really, really want you.”

You weave your fingers deeper into his hair and bring your face so close to his that you can’t focus. Breaths mingling in the space between you, you breathily assent, peppering his nose, forehead, cheeks with wet kisses as you respond, softly but clearly,

“I want you too.”

You lean in for another passionate kiss, anticipating sliding your tongue deep into Eddie’s mouth again, imagining him humming with delight and approval and reciprocating, hard. But suddenly, you’re lifted from his lap. You’re momentarily confused as he encourages you to stand, moving you backwards until you’re braced against the table, your tits out and knees splayed apart over his.

Eddie pauses for a moment, taking in the scene. He’s been thinking about this for so, so long and now he can’t quite believe you’re here. Are you an angel? A dream? A hallucination? Did Wayne’s casserole go off again, or have erroneously foraged mushrooms in it?

Whatever option it turns out to be, Eddie doesn’t care, he’s all in. He drops off his chair, pushing it backwards as his knees connect with the trailer’s scratchy carpet, feeling the hot friction against his skin through the rips in his jeans but never caring about anything less in his entire life. All of his focus is entirely on you, on feeling you, touching you, tasting you.

He grabs the hem of your skirt and tucks it into its own waistband, getting it out of the way and revealing your thighs, belly and pretty, sheer panties to him (variations of which you definitely don’t wear every time you’re going to see Eddie). He sighs, gasping out a soft exhale as he runs  warm, calloused fingertips down over your soft belly to the top of your underwear. He’s vibrating with tension, yet so reverent, and you feel like a piece of art under the hands of its creator. His fingers drop lower, and his eyes flick up to yours as if asking permission. You don’t know whether you’re answering his unspoken question or simply begging as you breathily whisper,

“Please, touch me.”

Eddie doesn’t need telling twice. Both of his hands are splayed wide as they roam over your soft hips, your belly and the creases of your thighs. They feel strong, and a little rough, and it drives you close to insanity. One thick thumb swipes over the flimsy fabric again, and dips just low enough that you feel an exquisite hint of pressure where you need it most. You gasp loudly, following it with a moan as Eddie presses down slightly more, watching your expression as it morphs from surprise to pleasure.

“Oh, there we go, my sweet girl. That’s the spot, huh?”

All you can do is pant in response. It’s incredible, but it’s not enough. Eddie knows he’s teasing you, and he smirks from beneath his chestnut bangs as he hooks over the top of your panties and starts to drag them slowly down your body. He only gets them midway down your thighs before he can no longer resist, and you feel his round nose bump against your mound as he inhales deeply, releasing a long breath of satisfaction as he breathes in your scent for the first time. 

Your eyes widen - no one’s ever done that before - but the desperate, animalistic gesture is definitely doing it for you. His hands continue to work, dragging the sodden material down your legs, and he helps support you to lift each foot as he removes the flimsy garment. You don’t see him shove them hastily and desperately into his pocket, but even if you had you probably wouldn’t have cared.

He marvels at the sight of your core before him, bare and exposed, your knees spread and feet either side of his thighs, and you feel deep, warm breaths fanning over your most delicate areas. His position shifts as he lunges forwards, breathing out a soft, 

“Oh, sweetheart…” 

And then his face disappears between your thighs. You feel a breach of your folds as Eddie’s long tongue immediately probes for your hole, finding it easily and dipping the tip inside. His mouth is open wide, collecting your juices as they run down his muscular appendage, and he hums as your taste fills his senses, the strokes and vibrations sending shocks of pleasure through your entire body.

You moan and your legs buckle slightly, which only serves to open you up even more and allow Eddie deeper access. His hands grab you underneath your ass, preventing you from falling any lower, his grip strong as his tongue probes ever deeper and you grasp the edge of the table as his rounded nose bumps against your clit. You chance another look downwards, and from what little of Eddie’s face you can see, he seems to be enjoying himself. His eyes are closed and he looks blissed out. He may be fucking your pussy with his face, but he’s using his entire body. His whole head rolls rhythmically and his upper body moves forwards and backwards with each stroke of his tongue, his thighs tensing and releasing and his hands kneading at your ass.

You’ve gripped the edge of the table for stability, but it’s rickety, and the undue stress you’re placing on the aging piece of furniture is making it wobble and sway wildly. Dustin’s pencil pot ends up on its side, and Lucas’s notebook shifts causing his ball cap to slide to the floor, but you can barely hear the commotion above your own moans and the lewd sounds of Eddie’s mouth against your cunt.

For his part, Eddie’s in heaven. He’s suffused with your scent, your taste, and he can’t get enough, alternating between lapping his tongue around your folds, dragging it up and over your clit and then plunging it as far inside you as he can get. He prays to all the D&D gods that you’ll let him do this again, maybe even on a bed, let him eat you out for hours and hours until you’ve lost count of how many times he’s made you cum and his tongue sprains and he can’t talk. But right now he has only one thing on his mind - making you cum here and now on his face. And even if this is as far as you two ever go it’s a memory that’ll keep him in nirvana forever, and he knows it.

One of Eddie’s hands leaves your ass and his thick fingers dip between your legs, the tips of two of them slipping easily inside your slick hole from behind as they replace his tongue. You gasp at the sudden intrusion from an unusual angle, but it’s all so very welcome and he slides in easily, your abundant slick providing a frictionless glide. Your wide eyes and open mouth are a joy for Eddie to see as he beams up at you from his place between your thighs, his face shiny with your slick and a hunger behind his eyes.

He pulls back, making a show of licking his lips and humming, and you feel heat flush your cheeks. Nobody’s ever taken such delight in your taste before. Then, his eyes darkening, Eddie lolls out his long tongue, and you can’t help but whimper at the sight. It’s cut off by another gasp as he lunges back towards you and connects with your clit, licking his tongue across it with the flat before tickling the bundle of nerves with the very tip. It’s intense and exquisite and just so fucking right and you want him to do it forever and ever, until he changes his technique yet again and your legs almost give out beneath you.

He suctions his lips around your bud and starts flicking and suckling intently at your clit, making you tremble and whine, one hand flying to his head and grasping again at his soft tresses. You buck your hips forward and accidentally pull on a handful as you try to stabilise yourself, but Eddie doesn’t seem to mind, in fact, he seems to like it, moaning against your core and sending more shockwaves through your centre. His fingers move deeper, roving, searching, and curling just right to graze that special place inside you, and something hot and familiar ignites in your abdomen.

“Oh fuck, Eddie, I’m gonna—”

Eddie redoubles his efforts, sucking and swirling the tip of his tongue around and over your clit hard and rhythmically. His fingers continue to massage inside you, and his hums and groans get louder as he encourages your release. He wants to tell you how he can’t get enough of this, of your scent, your taste, of you, how good you’re being for him, how much he wants you to cum on his face and soak him. But more than that he wants you here, in his mouth, on his fingers, and tries to convey it all in grunts and growls and the strength of his other hand digging his digits into the plush flesh of your ass.

Your whole body begins to shake and you try to find better purchase on the tabletop, flailing and swiping a load of dice and one of Eddie’s manuals onto the floor. But nothing matters anymore as your vision goes white, your limbs lock and you stop breathing, and your head tips back as you grace the ceiling with a silent scream. Electricity sparks through your form as the only thing in your universe becomes the fusion between your cunt and Eddie’s face. Your body tremors as you experience the most intense climax you’ve ever had, and it lasts for what feels like an eternity.

Eventually your lungs stutter into function again, and you hear an ungodly noise emanating from your own chest. You could be embarrassed, but before it’s even fully left you, you hear a similar noise coming from Eddie, something primal and unbidden. He remains fixed to your core as he licks and sucks you through a series of jaw dropping aftershocks.

He only stops when you manage to slap an uncoordinated palm against his forehead, pushing him away. He pulls back, panting and breathing deep, his jaw slack as he inhales deep lungfuls of air. He looks up at you, his big doe eyes searching yours as you blink down at him and try to swallow. After what feels like an age you’re finally able to mumble, breathily,

“Best. Kiss. Ever.”

He chuckles and nods, curls bouncing as he says, putting on a gruff voice halfway through,

“Oh, fuck yeah. But that still only counts as one.”

You roll your eyes, aghast but somehow also entirely unsurprised at his ability to be a total dork in the midst of an erotic encounter. You can’t help but chuckle at the Lord of the Rings reference, and manage to reply,

“So that’s three, right?”

His grin is wide and dazzling as, still panting a little, he responds with the sexiest wink you’ve ever seen,

“Told you I’d make them count.”

He gently slips his fingers from your sopping core, and grunts as he rises to stand in front of you. His face and chin are slick and dripping with your juices, and he places his wet hand on your hip as the other traces the side of your face.

His smile is sweet and soft as he begins to back away from you, and you briefly mourn the loss until his legs hit his chair and he sits back down. He pats one denim-clad thigh as he asks, in a tone that’s somehow full of both concern and condescending desire,

“Are your legs okay, Princess? Come sit, sweetheart.”

You do, wobbling as you manoeuvre forwards to straddle his knees, taking a few moments to compose yourself, breathing deeply. You can see Eddie doing the same, the movement of his ribs under his soft skin making his muscles dance and his tattoos ripple. You roll your lips inwards in contemplation, briefly considering your next move. It’s not a hard decision. You reach forward with trembling arms and fumble with his belt buckle, and his gaze flits down to your hands and back up again, as if he can’t believe you’re actually doing this. Because he can’t. He’s absolutely certain that this is a dream, and that Wayne is going to wake him up any minute, banging a wooden spoon against a pan and yelling at him about how he's late for school. But it never happens, and as he licks his lips the sweet, musky taste of you invades him again, jolting him back to reality. Yep, he thinks, I definitely do have on my lap a whole-ass, motherfucking angel…

You give him a reassuring smile as you work the fastenings of his jeans open, releasing his turgid cock to tent inside his boxers. Your mouth waters at the sight, and you note the significant damp patch on the fabric near his tip. He really did like your third kiss… Your hands move of their own accord and you reach for him, grasping his (oh god, impressive) length through the thin fabric and wrapping your fingers around him, noting with trepidation and arousal that they barely meet.

He groans long and low, and you feel his thighs tense as he ineffectually bucks his hips against the weight of you atop them. You run your hand over him a couple of times, revelling in his heat and solidity, and push your still-trembling legs into motion until you're hovering over his thighs. You grapple haphazardly with his belt, jeans, boxers, you just want it all gone. You push at his clothes as much as you can until he takes over, clumsily pushing everything down over his knees.

His boxers catch on his cock and as it’s set free from its fabric confines it slaps up against his stomach, smearing glossy precum against his happy trail as it stands proud between you. He’s long, and probably the thickest you’ve seen, with a fat, swollen tip that’s flushed a pretty deep pink and is practically begging for attention. As you stare it kicks up, leaking again, magnificent, and you’ve never wanted to get anything, or anyone, in your mouth so badly before. You move to shift off of Eddie’s lap, intending to drop to your knees, but he stops you with a hand under your elbow.

“Princess, you don’t need to do this. Trust me when I say I really, really want you to. But we don’t have much time, and… okay, this isn’t romantic in the slightest, but I really need to be inside of you, like, right the fuck now.”

You nod quickly, and he’s abruptly pulling you onto his lap again. His naked thighs (those glorious thighs that started all of this) feel divine against yours, a perfect blend of solid, soft, warm and slightly fuzzy. Your smile turns into a salacious grin, and you reach between you to pump him again a couple of times. Before you can go any further, Eddie stops you once more with a hand on your forearm.

“Should I, uh, go get…”

He nods towards his bedroom, you presume to indicate getting a condom.

“You, um, you don’t need to, if you don’t want to. I’m on birth control for a health thing, and if you can promise you’re clean—”

He nods quickly, waves bouncing.

“I promise sweetheart, I promise…”

“Okay, then we can, y’know…”

You gesture vaguely between you, but Eddie gets your meaning.

“Are you— Are you fucking serious? Holy fuck, Princess. You’re gonna kill me, I swear.”

You shift forwards and rise up on your still-shaky legs, grasping his length with one hand and dragging the head of his cock through your folds, teasing your entrance and barely grazing your clit. You let loose a strangled whimper, and Eddie’s hips buck beneath you.

“Oh fuck, those noises you make… I don’t know if I can sto— Shit! You gotta tell me right now, are you sure you want this?”

You nod, so vehemently that you wobble both of you on the chair. Your brows pinch as you slide him through your folds and notch his tip at your hole.

“Uh-huh. I’m really fucking sure.”

The brightness of the grins you gift each other could rival the sun. Eddie can’t believe it, but you’re here, over him, ready to take him. Oh god, he thinks, this is really happening… I’m really fucking the girl of my dreams…

Eddie's jaw drops open and the grip on your hips gets stronger. He tries and fails to stop his hips from bucking again and it pushes him a little further inside you. Oh god, you think, this is really happening… I’m really fucking my gorgeous dungeon master…

You stabilise yourself by gripping onto his shoulders and drop slightly. As his fat tip slides fully into you he lets out another primal-sounding noise. It’s something between a groan, a grunt and a squeal, and it’s the sexiest sound you’ve ever heard. Your eyes lock as he aids you to move forwards and down, your brow furrowing as you slip down his length. Eddie sighs, loud, as you take the top half of him in one go. You pause, unbreathing, and Eddie searches your face for any sign of pain, or regret, or discomfort. You close your eyes, take a deep breath and pause for a moment, steadying yourself as you relax into the substantial stretch. You may have been prepping for this for the entire morning, but the stretch of your walls as he slides in deep still requires some acclimatisation.

Just as Eddie is about to ask you whether something’s wrong, your eyes open again, and he sees just how blown your pupils are. Your knees bend and his hips buck up, and it closes the gap between you and seats him fully inside you. You exhale conjoined moans of relief and arousal, both wide-eyed and slack-jawed. Eddie’s cheek ticks up in an incredulous half smile as your eyebrows raise, and almost immediately you’re rolling your hips on his lap, lifting off and pushing down and sliding him in and out of you with exquisite precision, lewd sounds and wet slaps of skin against skin filling the air. 

Eddie wants to tell how amazing you are, how good this feels, how he’s in heaven and never wants this to end, but his banter and eloquence entirely leaves him and all he can manage is a series of grunts followed by a spluttered,

“Fuuuuuck. Fuck, fuck, holy fuck!”

You’re no better, not managing to speak at all and just letting out a long moan as he’s repeatedly buried deep inside you, filling you like nothing or nobody has before. He effortlessly reaches that perfect spot inside of you, the one that no one else has ever cared to search for and that you can only reach with a toy, but Eddie seems drawn to it, connecting with it relentlessly like he was made to be within you.

You lunge forwards and grapple Eddie into another messy, wet and fervent kiss, so deep it’s like you can’t bear for there to be even a molecule's worth of space between you. It’s becoming almost more than you can bear, the desire to be one with all of him. You already had his mind, and now you’re having his body, but you want his heart and his soul as well, and the desire for you to climax together becomes overwhelming. 

You move faster, angling your hips so your clit rubs against the dark curls around his base, ignoring the tremors in your thighs and the burning in your muscles. With as much movement as he can manage, Eddie thrusts upwards with each roll, smacking your flesh together with lewd slaps as you both tremble and race towards your highs. He’s moaning constantly, hands roving wherever he can reach, feeling and mapping your body with a desperate urgency, like he needs to be in contact with every single inch of you right the fuck now. He keeps kissing you, mumbling gruffly against your shiny lips between wet, slick, open-mouthed kisses,

“Fuck, Princess, you feel so fucking good. So fucking good. You’re squeezing me so tight, are you— uh-hh— are you gonna—?”

You have no control over the pitch of your voice as you growl, practically shouting in his ear,

“Yes, Eddie. Yes!”

Surprising you, he snakes one hand down between your writhing bodies until he reaches your clit. The pad of his thumb circles and presses, and in an instant that’s it for you. Your rhythm starts to stumble and you lose control of your spine, inelegantly slumping over and moaning obscene sounds into his ear as another torturously intense orgasm crashes over you in a wave. You feel yourself clenching around him, and somewhere in the recesses of your partial consciousness you hope this feels as good for him as it does for you.

You get your answer as Eddie grasps at your lower back with his free hand, pulling you onto him, and he slams up into you once, twice more before stilling. You feel his cock pulse rhythmically as he empties into you, filling you with hot, seemingly-unending ropes of his cum as you twitch and spasm involuntarily on his lap.

There’s a long pause, a moment of peace and silence as you breathe into Eddie’s ear and he slowly runs his broad hands up and down your back and over the swell of your ass, breath cascading over your neck and shoulders. There’s no sound in the trailer save for a ringing in your ears, your heavy, mingled breaths, and the low hum of the refrigerator. 

Eddie’s the first to move as he kisses your neck, now clammy and sweaty, with gentle pecks before murmuring, 

“Are you okay? Was that… alright?”

You roll up just enough to be able to look him in the eyes.

“Fuck, I— I’ve never— That was more than alright.”

You chuckle lightly as your forehead drops to his, and as you rest there you feel the cooling dampness of your combined perspiration on your chest and torso. Just one more exquisite way in which you’ve melded together today.

You unclench your hands from where they buried themselves within his hair again, and gently scratch at his scalp. Full of endorphins, you blurt out something that you weren’t sure you were ready to admit.

“I’ve wanted to do that for a really, really long time…”

He chuffs a laugh into your neck as he mumbles against your skin, admitting in return,

“Seriously? Shit, so have I.”

He snorts, and strokes your head as he adds,

“I’m such an idiot. We could’ve been doing this for weeks if I’d only had the stones to ask you out.”

You giggle as you pull back to look at him and he grins widely, those gorgeous dimples popping in his cheeks. You don’t think you’ll ever get tired of seeing them.

“Hey, I could’ve asked you too. How about we say it was just a really, really long session of foreplay?”

You both break into a fit of giggles, and as you shift on Eddie’s lap you feel his softening cock begin to slide out of you. Your head flops backwards as you take another deep breath, and you languidly roll it around on your neck as your eyes fail to focus on anything in particular. Your eyes drift past the kitchen, and blink as they skim over the clock. You blink again, focussing, and your eyes flash wide as your brain slowly processes the symbols. With a start you realise the kids are going to be back soon, and the two of you really don’t have long to get dressed, clean up, and somehow make this place look like a gaming venue again, rather than the debauched sex palace it currently resembles.

“Shit, the time! Oh my god Eddie, we need to clean up!”

You look around you and grab his shirt from where it landed on the table, and Eddie hurriedly pulls it over his head. He helps you to stand, roughly pulling up his pants with one hand and supporting you on your wobbly legs as the two of you stumble towards the bathroom. Eddie tries unsuccessfully to hide the smug look on his face as he realises that him fucking you is the cause of your difficulty walking.

In the bathroom he sits you down and helps slip your arms back into your bra straps, gets you a warm cloth, and does what he can to adjust your hair. You stand and smooth your skirt, realising there’s something important missing, 

“Where are my…?”

You turn to see Eddie looking at you with a smirk, your panties dangling from one finger. You lunge forward to grab them, but he’s faster, balling them in his fist and clasping them to his chest (heart?) in a faux defensive move. You huff out what you hope is an annoyed sigh, but it comes out a bit too breathy and Eddie just finds you alluring all over again. 

“You know, under different circumstances I would probably ask if I could keep these, but seeing as we have a game to play this afternoon and I don’t want you to be uncomfortable, I guess…”

He proffers them to you, and you grab them with a smile you can’t suppress.

From outside you hear the distant noise of chattering teens and the quiet crunch of gravel. Both your eyes pop wide. You turn, intending to have a brief final check in the mirror, and are distracted by the reflection of your barely-covered boobs, now adorned with slowly darkening pink and purple marks. Whilst you’re loving the image, you can’t exactly greet the party like this.

“Eddie, where’s my shirt?!”

“Fuck!”

Eddie is still fastening his jeans as he stumbles around on gangly legs scanning the living room, looking for any sign of your top. He finds it draped over Mike’s backpack just before footsteps hit the porch, and rushes back to the bathroom to pass it to you before anyone enters. You pull it on over your head, almost wearing it backwards but noticing at the last second, and as you squint into the mirror to check your face you see Eddie in the reflection.

“Your hair!”

It’s a mess, even more wild and voluminous than usual. Eddie does what he can to flatten it, but quickly concedes it’s a lost cause. He’s in the doorway just about to leave when you realise evidence of your tryst is beginning to leak down your thigh. You beckon him over and quickly whisper into his ear to ask if he has a spare washcloth, not really wanting to go into much detail but making it clear what you need it for.

Eddie swallows audibly and looks you up and down, a slight smirk appearing at the corner of his mouth as he licks his top lip, his cock stirring in his jeans and a pink tinge coming back to the top of his cheeks, visibly affected by what you’re telling him. He presses his lips into yours once more as he passes between you and the bathtub, and retrieves a clean cloth from the cabinet. As he leaves again, he murmurs into your ear,

“Fuck, Princess. You’re amazing, you know that?”

He gives your hips a quick squeeze and briefly presses his crotch against you, his semi evident. You feel your cheeks heat a little, hoping the sensation will dissipate by the time you get back to the table. 

Positioning the washcloth into your underwear as best you can and taking a few breaths before exiting the bathroom, you carefully make your way out, saying hi to all the kids as they file in, babbling about whatever is important to teenagers and passing Eddie a greasy pizza box and half-full bottle of soda.

You spend a little bit of time in the kitchen, trying to mentally and physically regroup. You stand for far too long at the open fridge, making a show of choosing a cold soda when you’re actually attempting to quell the residual heat in your neck and face. Your head is still a little fuzzy, far away, and you briefly wonder whether that really just happened, until the burn in your thighs and the slick you can still feel between your legs lets you know that yes, it most definitely did. 

After everyone’s present, you head back to the table, sitting at a place next to Eddie after he pats it when he sees you coming, having batted everyone else away, a wry smile on his face. Someone has finally noticed the seating situation, and has dragged the floral, fur-topped laundry bin from the bathroom to use as an extra seat. It’s too low, a grumbling Dustin losing a die roll and ending up sitting on it, trying to raise himself a little with a precariously placed cushion. Eddie responds to his chuntering with,

“Suck it up, Henderson. It’ll be someone else’s turn next time.”

You pause, realising that this is essentially an assumption that you’ll join in with another campaign at his house. Your chest fills with warmth as you acknowledge the feeling of truly being an integral part of the group. One of the gang. One of them. You swallow back a collection of emotions as everyone gathers at the table, and the afternoon’s gaming begins.

Eddie seems happy and content, touching your thigh under the table when everyone’s distracted, and running his knuckles against your knee or your hand, just to keep you close. He keeps looking towards you, pupils practically heart-shaped if you so much as glance in his direction. Which you’re doing. A lot.

Nobody notices. Well, almost nobody…

Everyone has a great time, the game flowing well and containing a perfect balance of challenge, humour, terror and exasperation. It’s a testament to Eddie’s skills as a Dungeon Master, and as you watch him command the game and slip his voice and demeanour seamlessly between characters you feel yourself becoming even more bewitched. 

Having said that, you’ve noticed that he’s being somewhat less dastardly and devilish than is his wont. The kids spot that he’s a bit more lenient than usual, but pay it little mind, deciding to use it to their advantage and getting away with increasingly bold moves that they wouldn’t normally be able to slip past him.

Mike and Lucas try to take the lead at various stages of the game, using their deep-but-breaking voices to proffer their ideas more loudly than the rest. They’ve clearly physically developed faster than Will and Dustin, and although Dustin is whining and arguing you get the impression that Will’s somewhat quieter disposition means he’s now all too easily talked over. 

You muse that the two larger boys have certainly had more than their fair share of your home baked cookies too, and whilst you don’t mind too much, you make a mental note to bake a special batch for the other three to share next time. By the middle of the afternoon there’s only one left, and you casually lift the plate, offering it to Eddie with a cheeky,

“Care for the last cookie, Master?”

You even tag on a tiny wink, that you hope no one else sees, and Eddie’s cheeks flush that pretty pink again as he goes to reach for it, giving as good as he gets by adding an overly-polite,

“Why, thank you so much for your kind consideration, Princess.”

He moves his toned arm over to the plate, but his fingers stall, hovering a couple of inches shy of the sweet treat.

“You know what? Let’s make this a challenge. Everyone roll a D6, and I’ll roll a secret die behind my screen. Whoever gets the highest combined score wins the cookie, and gets a bonus healing spell to use later in the game however they wish.”

Everyone rolls, a few people groaning as they score 1s and 2s, Will rolling an acceptable 4. You only roll a 3, but you don’t mind, knowing you can create your own cookie stash whenever you want, though you can’t help rueing that you didn’t get that spell. Also, you have a sneaking suspicion this isn’t actually about dice scores…

Behind the screen, Eddie rolls and scribbles, rolls and scribbles, Will’s being the final toss. As you hear Eddie’s die land, you think you see the faintest microexpression of disappointment flicker across his face, but he recovers instantly, booming a joyful,

“Congratulations to Will The Wise! Enjoy the benefits of your Cookie Of Healing, my friend.”

Eddie waggles his brows at a grinning Will as you pass him the plate, the taller boys groaning as he takes it, and you share an eye roll with Erica at their antics. Looking back at Eddie, he wears a fond expression as he looks at the smaller boy, and you realise he’s definitely done this deliberately. You knew he was kind, but you can add generous to the growing list of qualities you’ve observed in him.

You thought you knew him, perhaps not all that well, but at least a little. But this afternoon has shown you that there are even more facets to this fascinating man than you could’ve imagined. He’s kind and generous (and not just as a lover, though you obviously appreciate that about him too, your face heating a little as you think of it). He always puts others before himself, and you wonder whether he’s had anyone take care of him like that. Saving his uncle Wayne, of course, whom you know he loves very much.

The game continues, and becomes especially and delightfully tense when you’re all fighting the guards around the final bad guy’s lair. Will has cause to use his Cookie of Healing, and there’s a moment where your character almost dies, but fortunately Eddie manifests a reason for your dice to be re-rolled, and you are miraculously saved. You notice that Mike is giving Eddie some hard looks for the next few minutes, but assume it’s because his character has accumulated quite a lot of damage.

A comfort break follows shortly afterwards, and Mike stalks towards Eddie as he fiddles with the stereo in the corner, putting on some Deep Purple at a low volume to mix up the energy in the room. Cornering Eddie, he hisses,

“What the hell was that?”

Frowning, Eddie plays the innocent as he asks,

“What?”

“You know what! Her character totally should’ve died back there, and you— you—”

Mike’s keeping his volume low, but his indignation is turning him red in the face. He clenches his fists as he whisper-shouts,

“You cheated, man! You never cheat! You always say the dice don’t lie! What’s going on..? You loooove giving her extra help, don’t you? Love it when she asks you stuff. Wait, is it because you like her? Is she your girlfriend now or something? This is so unfair, it’s favouritism, man!”

In an unusual display of intimidation, Eddie straightens up, puffs out his chest and looms over the younger boy despite them now being of similar height. His eyes are wide and piercing as he replies,

“Don’t you ever, ever say anything about her, okay? Not ever, you geddit?”

At that moment, Dustin appears. Ever the one to diffuse a tense situation, he murmurs,

“Hey, hey. What’s going on over here?”

Putting on a mocking tone, Mike spits, 

“Eddie’s favouring his girlfriend. He got to perv over her when she needed help with her dice, and now she’s getting preferential treatment. It sucks!”

“Eddie, is this true? Did you— Did you cheat?”

Eddie’s still incensed by Mike's behaviour, but he softens a little as he turns to Dustin. Sweet, caring, innocent Dustin. His shoulders slump and he huffs out a breath as he admits,

“Yeah, so, I guess I kinda did… fudge things a little back there… I’m sorry, okay? I really like her, and she spent so long building that character, and she was so into it that I…”

His posture slumps even further and a hand comes to rub at his face and the back of his neck as he realises,

“I guess I failed you guys. I’m sorry. I’m a shit DM, I should—”

Dustin interrupts.

“No, Eddie. It’s okay. I mean, it’s pretty obvious how much you like her. It has been for a while.”

Mike looks dumbfounded, completely oblivious to this apparently clear dynamic. Dustin continues,

“Look, we’ll let it slide, this time. But only this time, ‘kay? And we won’t say anything to the others about any of this if you don’t want them to know. Will we, Mike?”

He looks pointedly in the other boy’s direction, and Mike shuffles his feet as he mumbles,

“No, I guess not.”

The game resumes and all seems forgotten, although Eddie spots that Mike is now paying particular attention to what happens after every dice roll. The Party take worrying amounts of damage but ultimately achieve a resounding victory, and Eddie congratulates everyone on a good campaign.

As the boys pack up their gear you gather plates and glasses, taking them to the kitchen, and as you place them in the sink Erica corners you.

“So, Princess, tell me why you’ve been making eyes at that dork all afternoon. Are you tryna get on his good side or something? Use your feminine wiles or whatever?”

Surprised at her forthrightness, you stutter,

“What? No, I don’t— I’m not—”

She rolls her eyes. It’s so very Erica. And then she’s immediately back on the offensive.

“I saw how he let your character off with minimal damage when he should’ve legit vaporised your ass… What's going on, huh? Are you tryna fix the game?”

“I… I- uh.”

Erica doesn’t let up.

“Cmon girl, spit it out. Or I’ll tell everyone those delicious cookies of yours came out of a box!”

She spits the last word like it’s a mortal threat, and she’s pointing at your chest, although she’s thankfully not making contact. You reckon she’s got the strength of Bruce Lee in that one digit alone, even if it would manifest as sarcasm and piercing wit.

“Erica, I— I like him…”

Erica's eyes roll again, and she flings her arms skywards.

“I knew it! I fuckin’ knew it!”

She crosses her arms across her chest as she continues,

“Y’know, I genuinely don’t know if this is better or worse than just using him to get ahead in the game.”

She sighs, exasperated. Cocking her head to one side, she questions,

“Okay, you gotta tell me what you like about this loser.”

You immediately jump to Eddie’s defense.

“He’s not a loser, okay?”

“Go on, I’m listening. Be specific.”

“He’s got the most beautiful eyes…”

“Dude, they’re just brown. Like dirt.”

“I love his hair…”

She shakes her head.

“That hair is a mess! It looks like a bird's nest. Or a wet dog.”

“His tattoos are pretty cool.”

Her eyebrows practically ping off the top of her head.

“Those shit stick drawings? Those messy ass doodles? Jeez, there are some things I will never understand…”

She sucks her teeth, and you can’t help but defend him some more.

“And you know what? He’s clever, and kind, and the sweetest person you’ll ever meet. He’s creative, and generous, and funny, and sweet, and adorable. He always looks after you guys, and I think he’ll look after me too. And yeah, we might be just starting out, but if he’ll have me, I’m in it for the long haul.”

Folding her arms again, Erica looks you dead in the eye as she says, mockingly,

“Oh my, you’ve got it real bad for this nerd, dontcha?”

There’s a pause. Your expression mimics that of a lost puppy as your brows furrow ever so slightly and your bottom lip juts out. 

Oh god, what if you have ruined everything? Messed up the group, lost all of your new friends…?

Suddenly, Erica's expression softens, and she gives you a sardonic smirk.

“Well, I’m glad. I was a little worried that you were gonna fuck up our DM or something. But now I can see that you really like him, y’know, for him. And you’re not gonna mess him up. In fact, I think you’re good for each other.”

There’s another short, nervewracking pause, before she declares, with a grin,

“You know what I say? You’re alright, Princess.”

She wraps both of her arms around one of yours, squeezing tightly and guiding you, still a little stunned, back towards Eddie’s living room. You spot him glance up from the mess of manuals he’s gathering, and you both give each other syrupy smiles as your eyes connect. Erica diverts your attention once again as she says,

“Now, there is just one more thing…”

You glance down at her nervously.

“When in the hell do I get that cookie recipe?”

Eventually Mike and Will’s moms arrive, and everyone files out, books and pencils stuffed in bags and clasped in arms. Eddie lets the others exit first, and as you shuffle slowly towards the open doorway he grabs your elbow and pulls you towards him, out of sight. 

He presses his lips to yours in a messy, over enthusiastic smooch, sliding his tongue in momentarily and sucking on your lower lip as he withdraws.

“That’s a bonus one, right?”

A little taken aback, and still not quite stable from your earlier antics, you almost lose your balance and giggle as he wraps you in a tight embrace, kissing into your neck and growling quietly. You must admit you don’t want to leave.

You steal a few more pecked kisses before you hear car doors slamming, the realisation that your ride is waiting for you weighing heavily between you. Eddie hooks his pinkie with yours, keeping your hands out of sight as he reluctantly directs you to his open front door. He leans his shoulder against the frame and pouts a little, gazing at you through his bangs as he asks, as nonchalantly as he can manage (which, to your great delight, is adorably flustered and not very nonchalant at all), 

“Soooo, you gonna come back and play again soon?”

Thanks so much for reading! There’s gonna be more to this series, just ask if you want in on the taglist or my general one for everything 💜

Speaking of taglists, this is for you my lovelies: @joejoequinnquinn @jamdoughnutmagician @guiltyasquinn @madaboutmunson @airen256 @sunshinepeachx @the-unforgivenn @skrzydlak @comeonatmebruh @jamiecb66 @80s-addict @abellmunsonmovie @definitionwanderlust @sheneedsrocknroll92 @munson-blurbs @wonderlanddreamer @daisy-munson @maedesculpaeusoubi @kurdtbean @mediocredreams @in2tswft @micheledawn1975 @littlebebebunny @12thatsanumber @alastorssimp @the-baby-angel @eddie-is-a-god @wolfqueenxxx @losingmygrasponreality @richter-raccoon @1deverland @evileyeandthecattywhumps @3rd-conchord @bellalillyrose @katethetank @justalotoffanfiction @emxxblog @awkward00noodle