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#kitchen chimney design
houseoptimizer · 1 year
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Faber 60 cm 1200 m³/hr Auto-Clean curved glass Kitchen Chimney (HOOD VENICE FL SC AC BK 60), Filterless technology, Touch & Gesture Control, Black)
Price: (as of – Details) Chimney makes your kitchen oil and smoke free. Auto clean helps in getting rid of oil particles itself with one touch. It prevents oil and grease particles which affect the suction power of chimney. As oil is store in the oil collector which increase the life span and also reduces to clean the filters frequently. Size: 60 cm(2-4 burner stove for wall mounted chimneys) |…
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vintagehomecollection · 9 months
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This caption is *chef's kiss
One of the primary human needs is warmth, and at some point in human history, fire was discovered as an important ingredient for food preparation. Since then, inventors have concocted various methods to bring raw food and fire together to produce the desired menu. Eventually it was learned that an actual flame was not necessary - heat was. And so in our own century we have seen the old-fashioned woodstove and the gas range replaced by electric stoves and microwave appliances, both of which cook a meal without a flame. Even in this kitchen where a love of the past is so meticulously expressed, the "fireless" ovens have found a niche.
Beyond The Kitchen: A Dreamer’s Guide, 1985
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arc-hus · 10 months
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Underhill, Matinecock, USA - Bates Masi
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scoutingthetrooper · 1 year
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dbphantom · 1 year
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I figured it out
You haven't done shit
I figured it out
#Ignore the chimney. Please.#Originally was just going to put Lewis's room above the garage but I figured it either has skylights or a seperate attic room so that's#definitely Lawrence and Laura's room [the parents' room]#In my layout for the cartoon I had the kitchen on the other side so the garage door was in the kitchen. I make a lot of reference to this#I am going to go back and fix them I swear... Lol#Also I put Lenny's room on the first floor in the back there bc the garden is basically his#I figure he works with plants he likes that sort of thing#I think Lenny is the black sheep of the family in that he hates going out into the ocean and would rather stay on land#Which you know >w> might come into play later#Luke's room is basically a second guest room since he is a history professor at the college in the next town over#But they still keep it furnished and stuff in case he happens to stop by. Which he never does but still#I know the girls houses don't match the og show's designs (except mostly Rikki's) but like... We have 0 idea what his house looks like#This is the best we got! I'm using it!!#We saw Charlotte's house which is so weird to me. Not because I dislike her. I love Charlotte. But because Lewis has been here since s1#We've seen Zane's and Miriam's houses. But specifically we never see Lewis's. It is weird to me#It's just like Bella. How tf do we see Will's boat shed but not Bella's house????#It just feels off to me. Bella is already an underdeveloped character. Seeing her room even once wouldve really helped establish who she is#Maybe that was the point. They didn't even know who she was meant to be outside the plot :/#Like she could've left some stuff in moving boxes and we could've been like 'she doesn't expect to stay here long no point in unpacking'#She could have photos of all the different places she's been but none of any friends or herself smiling. Just landscapes.#Cutting back to Cleo's room where she has all her photos of her friends framed and stuff#But no! We just see Will's stupid boat shed instead#Smh#Okay I'm sorry I'm not gonna rant abt how they did Bella a huge disservice this time I'm sorry I will NOT#Cruddy rambles
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varshasaini · 3 months
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Do you need a chimney for a gas furnace?
Yes, typically, a gas furnace does not require a chimney like a traditional wood-burning fireplace or stove. Gas furnaces are designed to vent combustion gases safely out of the home through a flue pipe or vent pipe, which is usually routed through a wall or the roof.
The venting system for a gas furnace serves to remove byproducts of combustion, such as carbon monoxide and other harmful gases, from the living space. This ensures the safety of occupants by preventing the buildup of potentially dangerous gases indoors.
In some cases, a gas furnace may be installed with a direct venting system, which draws in outside air for combustion and expels exhaust gases directly to the outdoors through a dedicated vent pipe. This type of system eliminates the need for a traditional chimney altogether.
However, it's crucial to follow local building codes and manufacturer's recommendations when installing a gas furnace to ensure proper venting and compliance with safety standards. Additionally, regular maintenance and inspection of the venting system are essential to ensure continued safe operation of the gas furnace.
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glenindia22 · 10 months
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Buy Glen Designer chimney online at Best Price
Wide range of best designer kitchen chimneys in India at affordable prices available exclusively at Glen. These chimneys make your kitchen free from smoke and odor. Crafted with futuristic designs, Glen wall mounted chimneys comes in 60/75/90cm sizes, different styles & powerful suction capacity so that you can cook in a smoke free kitchen. Shop chimney for kitchen at Glen and avail great discounts, free delivery & Lifetime warranty.
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glenappliances22 · 11 months
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Which chimney is best for Indian kitchens?
If you are looking for a chimney for your kitchen, here are a few tips that will help you find the most suitable model for your kitchen.Glen designed a chimney for kitchens of every size & shape. With our kitchen chimney models, you don’t have to worry about about the cooking smells. Glen Designer chimney come equipped with powerful extraction suction systems that free the cooking area from both smoke and odor.
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kuche7 · 11 months
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Types Of Chimneys In A Modular Kitchen | What Are The Benefits Of Kitchen Chimneys?
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The food tastes best when it is prepared with passion and pleasure. A tranquil atmosphere within the modular kitchen inspires that kind of passion in a person. One must be able to work in the kitchen without facing many challenges.
What are the factors that may suffocate this love for preparing good food?
Cooking as a process involves the conjuring of fumes, oil particles, spices, and different types of smells. Intense smoke inside the kitchen can lead to symptoms like coughing, choking, watering eyes, and running nose. And it is impossible to stop the emission of these irritants when specific additives such as mustard, jeera, chile, or oil are used. Imagine trying to cook a tasty pulao while coughing every three minutes or smelling spicy stuff that triggers a runny nose or a burning feeling. If one does not enjoy the cooking process, it is reflected in their food because it may lack particular ingredients or look shabby.
What if you could enjoy the aroma of a pulao without worrying about these irritants?
That is what a kitchen chimney contributes to and is a necessity in every modular kitchen.
Please go through this article to learn more about kitchen chimneys and their importance in modular kitchens.
What is a kitchen chimney?
How does an electric chimney work?
What are the benefits of kitchen chimneys?
What are the different types of kitchen chimneys for Indian kitchens?
What are the prominent kitchen chimney brands?
Chimneys or exhaust fans, which is a better option?
1. What is a kitchen chimney?
A kitchen chimney is a ventilation structure or appliance installed above the countertop. It works on the principle that hot air is denser than cold air. The movement of air goes up when the temperature increases. One must have seen the traditional chimneys built directly over the fireplace, where the smoke passes through the duct and leaves the house
The kitchen chimney sucks in the hot air, which contains smoke, fumes, and oil particles, all released during the cooking process. The smooth air movement through the chimney is supported by the fact that the kitchen air is warmer than the outside air.
Electric chimneys are used in modular kitchens.
2. How does an electric chimney work?
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An electrical chimney of a modular kitchen is divided into two parts; exhaust hood and air column.
The exhaust hood is installed above the gas, and the air column connects the hood to the external surroundings.
The hood of the chimney contains a trap mesh that captures the steam and smoke generated during the cooking process.
Smoke and steam, trapped in the mesh, are pushed toward the filter.
Chimneys contain a primary filter made with different materials, including an extra carbon mesh for ductless chimneys.
This filter traps the oil molecules, greasy particles, and smoke.
A rotating motor fan inside the exhaust, present right before the air duct starts, push the air into the duct.
This process forces the hot air into the higher column for ventilation.
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A person can comfortably cook inside the kitchen as it keeps the air clean by sucking in all the smoke, steam, oil particles, greasiness, and spicy exhaust.
Bacteria and fungi grow uncontrollably when the kitchen atmosphere or surface is filled with heat, steam, food stains, and other types of dirt. Kitchen chimneys help control the growth of harmful micro-organisms by keeping the kitchen air and surface clean and cool.
The inclusion of a kitchen chimney is not just about cleanliness or aesthetic appeal, it is about saving lives.
It reduces the carbon monoxide level inside the kitchen.
Kitchen chimneys protect kitchen walls and tiles. Materials like tiles, marble, and granite become coated with grime due to smoke and oil particles in the air. They can also deteriorate over time. Stainless steel, as raw material, resists damage due to stains, steam, and heat. But it is always better to include facilities that can reduce the maintenance requirements. In that way, a kitchen chimney is a crucial component of a low-maintenance kitchen.
Installing an electric kitchen chimney will enhance the overall appearance. Kitchen chimneys' door panels are chosen based on the design and colour of the walls and other appliances.
4. What are the different types of kitchen chimneys for Indian kitchens?
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2. Built-in - It is a type of kitchen chimney integrated against the wall, fitted inside the cabinetry according to its design to conceal some of the unsightly portions.
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3. Island - As suggested in its name, an island chimney is built right above the kitchen island, hanging from the ceiling, with ducts and pipes required to exhaust smoke and fumes. An island chimney is recommended for an open kitchen with a stove platform away from the wall.
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4. Downdraft - It is a type of chimney built into the kitchen countertop. It is brought out of the countertop with the simple push of a button. Downdraft chimneys have regulatory mechanisms that help in controlling fan speed.
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5. Telescopic - A telescopic chimney is a flat design almost invisible as it blends in seamlessly with the ceiling or cabinets. It leaves more space for dado accessories.
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5. What are the prominent kitchen chimney brands?
Siemens
Gaggenau
Bosch
Faber
Kaf
Elica
Glen
Also read: The Ultimate Guide to Indian Kitchen Sizes | Kitchen Ergonomics
6. Chimneys or exhaust fans, which is a better option?
Chimneys and exhaust fans work on the same principle of increasing ventilation inside the kitchen by removing heat and unpleasant odours. Exhaust fans remove heat and odours through their vents. Whereas chimneys, with the help of suction and motors, absorb excessive heat, unwanted smell, and grease.
However, the chimney is a better option for those kitchen spaces with very little ventilation, like in the cases of small apartments.
Do you need assistance in choosing the right kitchen chimney?
You can choose a suitable kitchen chimney design based on your kitchen’s area, height, layout, cabinet designs, and ventilation availability. Chimneys are installed directly over the cooktop. When it comes to island kitchens, an island chimney is built right above the cooktop, on the ceiling. Built-in chimneys are recommended for L-shaped or U-shaped kitchens if the homeowner wants to keep the chimney components concealed. Otherwise, wall-mounted chimneys are recommended.
Visit Kuche7's experience center and get all your concerns addressed. Kuche7 has been in the comprehensive Stainless Steel Interior Solutions business for years. The company has collaborated with various companies, like Kaff, Faber, Bosch, etc., to offer a variety of appliances and accessories.
Experts at Kuche7 can suggest a suitable kitchen chimney design based on your kitchen layout. You may book a visit to a Kuche7 experience centre near you to experience the modular kitchen first hand and appliances like kitchen chimneys.
Backed by a design philosophy rooted in strong moral codes, Kuche7 has embellished thousands of homes across India. As a company, Kuche7 focuses on customers' vision and transforms their ideas into reality with the help of talented designers, technology, and years of industry expertise.
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runnerallen · 1 year
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Rooftop - Contemporary Deck
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shutupandsim · 1 year
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Poolhouse - Transitional Pool
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louiseweird · 1 year
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Kitchen in Austin
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sketchshelter · 1 year
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Kansas City Traditional Kitchen
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arc-hus · 4 months
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Social Housing in Sa Pobla, Majorca - RIPOLLTIZON
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I don't get this 1977 villa in Annivitti, Manziana Italy (part of Rome). The design is just weird. 5bds, 3ba, €470K / $503K. I know, there will those of you who "unironically love it," but at least admit it's weird. Calling it "The Transformer House."
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In the huge main room, the fireplace and conversation pit are central and you can see the mezzanine, clear up to the glass rooftop.
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That's some fireplace. It looks like you burn logs and stuff on that flat surface and it goes straight up the flue.
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Also, sliding doors all around the room open to the yard.
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Since it is a mid-century modern home, the kitchen features original cabinetry.
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The tower you see on the exterior is for the stairs.
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At the top of the stairs, there's the fireplace chimney and I don't know if the little ladder is decorative or if it has a purpose.
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Looking down from the mezzanine.
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The bedrooms are weird, but meant to be flexible spaces. Those protrusions on the sides of the house are the bedrooms. This one has a wooden platform for the mattress, and a built-in closet.
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You can put mattresses on the tiers, too.
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Then, at the top is a glass window so you can see down to the property.
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This bath is pretty spacious.
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The bedrooms offer different options. This one has an air mattress on the floor.
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In this one, the mattress is on one of the tiers.
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This bath features colorful MCM tile.
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Stairs leading to the basement.
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Rec room with a fireplace. I don't know what the triangular thing is.
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The basement has glass sky lights along the ceiling. The description says "tavern," so it mean mean the bar on the left.
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I don't know what this structure is.
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Some sort of pyramid outside. Looks like you can go in there?
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It appears to be the top of this roof.
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Bedroom protruding out the side of the house.
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Looks like there's a lot of nice property, approx. 2.47 acres, but according to the description the house needs to be refurbished.
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eddies-house · 6 months
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Ch. 1 | Ch. 2 | Ch. 3 | Ch. 4 | Ch. 5 | Ch. 6 | Ch. 7 | Ch. 8 | Ch. 9 | Ch. 10 | Ch. 11 | Ch. 12 | Ch. 13 | Ch. 14 |
Smoke Signals
Chapter Eleven - Hoedown
W/C: 8K
Eddie x Fem reader - Grumpy!Bartender!Eddie x Shy!Reader
"Got love-struck, went straight to my head."
"Slut!" - T.S.
A/N: it's been a while...
Masterlist
Prev | Next
The air smells of cinnamon and caramel corn, arguably the smell of Fall though if anyone were to ask you, you’d say Fall smelled of spice and smoke from the chimneys of your neighbors.  The caramel corn was a tad overpowering, a huge batch being stirred back in the kitchen, courtesy of Donnie’s secret recipe.  Her loving husband, Nathan was doing the heavy lifting, clearing the room so that the center allowed for a dance floor despite Eddie’s protests.  Tables covered with checkered tablecloths along with chairs were set around the edges of the room and the boys had lugged in the hay bales that were stacked out back and set them where you and Donnie had instructed around the bar, the theme of the night coming together before your eyes.
Nancy was gently tossing the apples into one of the barrels in preparation for apple bobbing while Robin was organizing the table that had been designated for the pie eating contest, ensuring that they had all the pies queued up, ready to be devoured for the prize of free drinks the rest of the night.  It wasn’t very logical, filling someone up with pie only for them to be rewarded with endless drinks and most definitely puke everything up, but you weren’t going to strike down the idea after Nathan insisted it would draw people in, that “they’d pay to see that kind of shit”.  
Finishing off a quick makeshift arrangement of sunflowers and filler leaves in a mason jar, you set it among one of the tables proudly.  It was simple but it did the job.  Satisfied with your work, you continue placing the remaining flowers on each table.  Nancy had assisted in putting them together, doing her part as you both sat at the bar earlier in the afternoon, chatting and giggling, squealing even, whenever you made a joke about Steve falling asleep again the second they got him in the door the previous morning at Eddie’s house.
It took a village, some would say, to get the man settled in his drunken haze.  Steve had been babbling about how he could walk, meanwhile he would nearly crumble into himself the second anyone let go, his head going falling back and limbs going limp.  Nancy insisted that you didn’t need to assist any further, that you should go get some sleep, but you didn’t want the night to end yet, you didn’t want to go home.
“Sunflowers.”  Eddie mutters, his eyes glued to the arrangements.  He stops what he’s doing, apparently searching for something behind the bar.  There’s a twinkle in his eyes and the softest smile on his lips, lights creating a glow around him that leaves you in awe.
“Yeah, do they look okay?” 
Suddenly, it was so easy to be insecure, even in the presence of a man who proved time and time again that you didn’t need to be.  The people pleaser lurking within you had been awakened once again and it was targeting your downfall, plotting your demise.  If there’s even a hint of displeasure in Eddie’s face, it would surely feed on it, ripping you apart bit by bit, declaring that nothing you ever did would be good enough for anyone ever again.  
He’s lost in thought again, eyes glazed over with some kind of appreciation as he taps his ringed knuckles against the bar.  He almost resembles a kid in a candy store yet you nearly take it as pity, that vengeful little monster within you ready to pounce on its prey and feast on you for the remainder of the night.  
“Yeah.”  He exhales.  “Yeah, they’re perfect.”  It’s said in a whisper, as if he had only wanted you to hear him although no one else was close enough to hear.
“Are you sure?”  You ask, hands placed atop the bar as you lean closer to him, worry etched into your features. “Cause I can–”
“They’re perfect.”  He affirms, louder this time.  His gaze finds yours, huge chocolate buttons so filled with such adoration you become overwhelmed, palms turning clammy.  The monster inside of you has been smothered for the time being.
“Yeah, yeah, the flowers are gorgeous, where do you want this?”  Steve interrupts, carrying in another hay bale, gesturing to it with a nod of his head.
Before you can scan the room and provide him an answer, Nancy is pushing behind him, guiding him away as she instructs him where to set it before sending you a knowing glance.  
Knowing what exactly, you weren’t sure.  
Sparkly plastic jewels adorn the hatband of the once standard black cowboy hat.  You’d catered it exactly to Eddie’s style, opting to only glue tiny silver jewels and graciously leaving out the little tassels you had so desperately wanted to add on.  Then you decided, too flashy.  This way, he could remain in all black and still have a little wow factor.  He was the owner after all, he needed to make a statement.
What really made it scream “Eddie” though, was the bandana adorned in skulls and crossbones wrapped around the hatband just under the jewels.  It was certain to gain his approval, being ‘metal enough’ and all, as he would say.  You’d worked on it for hours before tonight, meticulously placing each jewel and criticizing your own work countless times.  It hadn’t been easy sneaking one his bandanas away from him either although you were able to snag it from his back pocket one night and he still hasn’t seemed to notice.  That, or he just hasn’t said anything.
“As promised, I have your final accessory.”  You state proudly, standing in front of the desk of the tiny office, Eddie raising a curious brow at you from his seat.
You hold the hat behind your back, almost too giddy to continue hiding it from him but refraining from showing it to him a second too soon.  He had changed his clothes since you’d last seen him about an hour ago after finishing up the final touches for Hoedown Night.  By that point everyone was running around like chickens with their heads cut off.  Now it was the calm before the storm, before patrons were let into the bar, before anyone could determine whether or not tonight would be successful or not, whether or not enough people would even show up.
From what you could see, Eddie wore his signature black jeans but rather than a regular black shirt or a faded band shirt, he wore a black button up that was slightly wrinkled and creased where it had obviously been folded previously.  He had it tucked into his jeans just right and though the creases should ruin the look, it only elevates it.
“Yeah?”  
His hesitation almost worries you although the slight purse of his lips and a raise of his brow indicate that he was more curious than anything.  A darling expression that could’ve gotten him anything he wanted should he ask.
“Mhm.”  Biting your lip in instant insecurity, you debate trashing the hat completely.  
He’s going to hate it.
It’s ugly.
He’s going to laugh.
“Wait…”  He interrupts your bombarding thoughts. 
Oh god.
“Don’t tell me you got me a hat–”
“I didn’t!”  You chirp, a lie clearly detected as you shut your eyes tight, the corners crinkling.  
“You did.”  
Opening your eyes only means being faced with the utter humiliation you’d brought upon yourself.  Why would you decorate a hat just for him?  You didn’t offer such courtesy to anyone else, he was going to think you were even weirder than you’d already lead on.  What started out as a nice gesture has suddenly turned into some kind of stalkerish behavior, your mind blurring the reality of the actual situation.
Except when you chance a peek, a nosy squint, all you can determine is that he was wearing a shit-eating grin.  Not the kind that was warning you that in seconds he would be poking fun at your little surprise.  But if not that kind then you were clueless as to what to expect.  No one sports a shit-eating grin without some kind of humor behind it, some kind of motive.
“That’s why you stole my bandana isn’t it?”
The tension in your neck releases, muscles relaxing though you hadn’t even realized they were straining until now.  You should be tense and stressed at the soft accusation but it just further pushes you gently into familiar territory.  The teasing tenderness between two complicated individuals who only seem to understand each other.  
“I-”  You choke out a laugh.
“You did steal it!”  Eddie points an accusatory finger your way, that big stupid grin still adorning his face.
“You weren’t supposed to know!”  You defend.  “It’s a surprise!”
“You’re not a very good thief y’know.”  
It’s not unlike you to shy away from someone’s gaze but the way he saunters out from behind his desk and towers over you causes your eyes to catch the ugly gray carpet.  Large brown irises were only going to force your honesty to display itself across your face like a giant billboard advertisement; honesty that even you yourself hadn’t even taken the time to address.
“I don’t tend to steal.”  You mutter bashfully.
A disapproving click of his tongue is all you can make out without viewing his face.
“No.”  He says sarcastically, maybe with a dramatic eye roll although you’re not brave enough to glance up yet.  “A shy little thing like you?”
You can’t help the tug at the corner of your lips, his perception of you somehow becoming so endearing despite your years of self loathing solely based on your timid nature and mumbled sentences.  At the moment, being shy didn't seem to be such an…inconvenience.  It didn’t seem so unattractive and repelling and moreso drew him in, it wasn’t a luxury you were often offered.  “Shy little thing” would usually constitute as insulting but when it rolls off his tongue, all you can feel is accepted as you are.  It didn’t secretly say “you need to get out of your shell more”, it stated “I like you as is.”
“I’m sorry!”  You whine, arms dropping to your sides and in the process, you’d long forgotten about the very hat you set out to hide and planned a grand reveal for.
“Don’t apologize.”  He gingerly grabs the hat, studying it from what you can see out of the corner of your eye.
Then it hits you.  
“Hey!”  You snap your attention to his face, catching a smug smile from him as he twirls the hat in calloused hands.
On instinct, you attempt to snatch it out of his reach, failing miserably as he extends it upward in the air, almost like a school bully would.  Your hands continue swatting at the air as if it will grant you any success in retrieving it but to no avail.  Once dull embers erupt into passionate flames within his eyes, something you haven’t quite witnessed yet, a playful and energetic aura haloing him effortlessly, like it had always belonged there.
“Whoa there, squirt.”  He jokes, waving your greedy hands away.
“Just–just tell me you don’t like it so I can go fix it or–or something.”  You demand with a childish stomp of your foot.
His features fall, gaze shifting between you and the hat in thought.  You’re in crisis mode though you can’t stop thinking about how good he looks with his button down, the top few buttons undone and showing off a portion of his pale chest, faded tattoos peeking out. 
“What?”  He shakes his head in confusion.  “Don’t like it?”  
“Eddie, just hand me the–”
“I think it’s perfect.”  He decides, plopping the hat on top of his frizzy curls.
There’s that word again.
Perfect.
The Bourbon had never been so alive-at least not in the past few months you’d become acquainted with it; in fact the closest it had been to being this animated was on Wednesday bingo nights.  Dusty corners that had never been touched prior were now spotless and though no one else in their right mind would care to inspect such corners, you took pride in playing a part in sprucing up the aging building.  The twang of a banjo and the squeal of a fiddle backed up by a cowbell filled the room, played by none other than Knife’s Edge famous trio, The Scott Brothers, also known as Donnie and Nathan’s lovely sons who had been musically inclined from a very young age, the band forming back in elementary school as Donnie explained.  They specialized in family gatherings and local events, a rowdy bunch that kept the pulse of any party going.  
Now you were witnessing it in real time, local superstars riling up the crowd that had accumulated in their best country attire, flannels and cowboy boots galore.  The pie eating contest was just about to begin, a group of burly men accepting the first challenge, hopefully encouraging others to participate in the next round.  Robin perched herself atop one of the haybales with her handy timer, a straw hat tossed over her dirty blond hair and a pale blue denim long-sleeve tucked into her high-waisted blue jeans.  
Jett had been in better spirits than you’d recently seen him in, a win in your book.  With a dramatic show of the boysenberry pies balanced in his hands, he made a point to “accidentally” stumble and nearly let the desserts fall face first onto the hay covered floor but managed to save them and earn himself a cheer from the crowd before setting them in front of the contestants.  You were just content that he wasn’t pouting anymore.
“You gonna give it a try?”  
His voice pipes up next to you, hands resting atop his flashy belt buckle as he nods to the commotion.  He reminded you of an oversized toddler, his boots a size or two too large for his feet that had been trudging around all evening and his hat lopsided on flattened hair.
“What?”  You cross your arms in a self-soothing manner, the act of becoming the center of attention inducing nausea in the pit of your stomach, blood pressure most likely spiking at the mere idea.  “N-no, I’m okay.”
“C’mon, why not?”  Jett shrugs.  “Live a little, Bambi.”  He chuckles.
It should have been harmless, though the name fell from his mouth and all you could detect was something vengeful within his intention.  It was unknown what exactly happened between him and Eddie besides Jett coming off as jealous and the metalhead not taking well to the younger man’s attitude.  Other than that, there was no determining what stirred up the disagreement in the first place and it only created more confusion in your swirling mind, why Jett felt some kind of possession over you.
“That’s not my name.” 
You avoid his eyes, only gauging his reaction out of the very tiny window of sight in your peripheral.  The goal was to set a very clear boundary however the task was proving difficult, confrontation never being your strong suit.  A human doormat was usually the role you slouched into at the first indication of discomfort in any conflict.
His shoulders stiffen, head tilting in your direction as he ponders your response.  You could just about choke on your breath, the air getting lodged in your throat as you held onto it in anticipation.  You only wish you could scramble over to where Dustin had been cracking peanuts and shoveling them into his mouth like he was an addict.  You didn’t even like peanuts.
“Not your name?”  Jett questions with a scoff.  “You sure about that?” 
There’s no intimidation, only slight annoyance written across his face which was far better considering that you were expecting an outburst.  Jett was still a stranger in a sense, he didn’t put any effort into really getting to know you and yet he had this sense of entitlement about him.  He was only a few years younger and it only got you thinking, were you so blissfully ignorant just years ago?
“Mhm.”  You begin fidgeting with your fingernail.
“Alright.”  He shows you his hands in surrender, the sentiment only being drowned out by the way his face contorts into a cocky expression.  “What are you being so short with me for?”  He asks, a humorless grin on his face.
“Excuse me?”  Your voice is smaller than you’d hoped for it to be.  Realistically you had no bite to your bark and really, the most you had was a pathetic yelp if anything.  “I-I don’t…Jett you’re the one–”
“Did Munson go off and start rumors about me?”  He laughs though you’re certain he finds nothing funny.
Robin shifts her attention to the current conversation from her perch on the haybale a few feet over, confusion taking over her freckled face.  You can barely make out “what the fuck” on her stained red lips, cherry pie most definitely that she had snuck more than a taste test of.  Your eyes widen, communicating almost telepathically, a silent alarm.
“Why–I’m not understanding.”
“You can tell me.”
He’s no longer that sweet kid you’d met a few months ago, his words were like darts targeting you and you almost felt the need to squeeze your eyes shut so you could brace for the impact.  He was calm but not civil, venom spilling from every syllable.  And you’d never once been involved in the quarrel he created in his brain, it wasn’t fair.
“Tell you what!?”  You manage to snap, desperately attempting to stand your ground and not scamper away like a wounded puppy.
“Bambi...”  Jett singsongs condescendingly.
“Stop!”  With clenched fists at your sides, you huff out a frustrated breath, no longer tiptoeing timidly around him.  “Stop…stop calling me that.”  Your warning tone has his facade faltering slightly, worry pressing into the lines forming between his eyebrows.
Robin makes her move the second your chest begins to heave and she can’t quite tell if it’s from panic or anger although she wasn’t going to wait around to find out as she throws a friendly arm around you to steer you anywhere else Jett was not, insisting that she needed your opinion on something.  
Everything felt hot, your cheeks were scorched and your veins were burning with embarrassment and undeniable betrayal at the hands of someone who was practically a stranger berating you over nothing in public.  Reality settled back in the moment Robin sat you down at one of the vacant bar stools, her shaky hands resting atop your shoulders.  It was obvious the two of you had been riddled with anxiety.  
“I-um, I didn’t know what to do and you were just–you were giving me that look.  Y’know, that look.”  She begins to ramble, big blue eyes darting around the room as if searching for her own reasons.  “The kinda look that’s, like, screaming ‘help’.  Like, get me the fuck out of here but also I tend to read things wrong so now I’m thinking I just booted you out of a conversation…”  She glances across the room over at Jett and then back at you.  “Oh god, did I–did I interrupt something–”
“No!”  You blurt out, grabbing onto her wrists as a means to soothe her jumbled thoughts.  “No, no, you did good, Robin.  Promise.”  A reassuring nod lets her know you’re sincere, her demeanor immediately relaxing.  “I don’t know what that was, honestly.  All I know is that I kinda feel like a piece of meat?”  
Robin nods in agreement, some kind of panic settling back in her wide eyes which only further worries you.  She had known Jett long before you afterall, maybe she knew something she wasn’t letting on.
“What–uh, what was he saying?  I, um, I only caught some of it.”  She questions with a nervous swallow.
“It…it’s stupid.”  You whisper, gaze falling to the floor.
“Try me.”  Her confidence momentarily overtakes her anxiety.
It was ridiculous.  You felt ridiculous.  The act of explaining why you didn’t take well to another guy calling you a certain nickname was the epitome of stupidity.  And yet you spilled it all to Robin, voicing your distaste for the word falling from Jett’s lips while avoiding your mind screaming at you that only Eddie was allowed to use that name.  Something told you Robin could read minds solely based off of the smirk she began to display amidst your ranting.  You ignored it despite your face heating up and your palms becoming clammy at the mere thought of the doe-eyed man.
“Steve!”  Nancy barrels out from the kitchen doors in her stylish checkered sweater tucked into the bluest of blue jeans.  You wouldn’t know she was attempting a cowboy getup if it weren’t for her straw hat covering her perfectly permed curls.  “Steve!”  She grits, hot on the man’s trail.
Steve continues to nearly strut toward the crowd of people awaiting the bell to initiate the pie eating contest.  Confidence drips from him, a cocky smirk painted on his face and a toothpick tucked in between his teeth as he rests his hands on his hips.  Tassels hang from his tan jacket, a blue button down underneath and some insanely tight jeans fitting him in all the right places.  
“Steve!”  Nancy hisses again, gesturing down to her jeans, urging Steve to glance down as she widened her eyes at him.  
“Alright, chill out, Nance.”  He pays no mind to her, eyes scanning the room in wonder.
“Steve, your fly is down and your shirt is stuck in the zipper.”  
His brown eyes nearly fall out of his head, hands rushing to cover the area as he rushes back toward the kitchen.  You can’t help but snicker along with Robin, Nancy shaking her head at Steve’s negligence to his crotch.  
“Whoa!”  You hear a surprised Eddie, only eliciting more giggles from you and Robin.
“Steve, if you were happy to see me you could’ve just said so!  No need to pull your dick out!”  
Thankfully, no one else idled near the kitchen doors, unable to hear the sudden vulgar outburst.  Covering your mouth and attempting to get a hold of your laughter, you rest your head on Robin’s shoulder in defeat, your body shaking with giggles while she almost squeals.  Nancy attempts to shush you both although she can’t contain her own laughter, her hand pressed into your arm as she lowers her head.
“S-stop.”  She gasps for air.  “It’s, it’s not funny!  Stop, he’s gonna be so embarrassed.”  She finally gets out, the corners of her mouth almost appearing to be permanently upturned.
“What’s so funny?”
Steve stands behind Nancy with furrowed brows and cherry red cheeks, hands resting on his hips in his standard pose.  Offense lingers in his voice, the kind that bantering friends exhibit only spurring the three of you on.  
“Oh–oh c’mon!”  He throws his arms up, shaking his head in disappointment.  “You too?”  He looks at you with a hint of a smile.  “You already corrupted her into joining your little ‘mess with Steve’ club.”  A harsh finger jabs against Robin’s shoulder, sending her stumbling back.
“I tried to tell you!”  Nancy shoves his arm with a large grin.  “You didn’t listen!”
“Not cool, Harrington.”  Eddie emerges from the kitchen, the perfect image of a bandit in an old western with his all black getup.  “You ever take a girl out before trying to get to third base?”  He jokes, throwing an arm around Steve.
This was the first time this evening you’d seen him in his full outfit, hat and everything.  You weren’t usually into cowboys but he made it look good.  The hat was worn pridefully on top of his wild curls and he’d accessorized with his signature handcuff belt.  The one thing you couldn’t convince him to do was wear actual cowboy boots, the man instead insisting that he would only be wearing combat boots but you weren’t complaining, especially not now as you witnessed the final product.
“Shut up.”  Steve mumbles.
Eddie steals Steve’s hat with his free hand, ruffling his hair, no doubt messing it up in retaliation.  Steve swats at Eddie’s hand, shoving him off and grabbing his hat back with a fond smile pulling at his lips, his stubborn act disintegrating.
“Buy me a drink first.”  Eddie winks, only pulling more laughter from you.
“Very funny.”  Steve says blandly, eyes squinting.  “But I’ve actually got my eyes on that blonde over there.  And I’m gonna ask her to dance.”  He says matter of factly.
Eddie bows dramatically and gestures toward the dance floor, the center of the room covered in a healthy layer of hay.  As if he couldn’t put on more of a show, he removes his hat and places it over his chest.
“Your maiden awaits.”  
With a playful shove to Eddie’s chest, Steve makes his way across the room.  You can vaguely make out Dustin’s voice amongst the loud cowbell and shouting, excitement bubbling out of him as he cheers on the contestant he bet on.  A familiar tune begins to consume the room, each individual glancing to their peers in recognition.
Robin and Nancy begin to drift off into the center of the room, bouncing to the beat.  The smile on your face physically hurts but you aren't complaining, you couldn’t remember the last time you smiled so big and uncontrollably.  You couldn’t even remember the last time you’d connected so well with a group of people, if ever.
You were perfectly content, for once.  A social setting that would normally have you chewing your lips to shreds and nervously rubbing up and down your arms was actually proving to be…fun.  Observing from your stool, you didn’t even feel left out as you usually would under any other circumstances.  You can’t quite recall a reason for your anxiety laying so low though you suppose it has something to do with the acceptance everyone had granted you.  Nancy and Robin being so kind and taking you in right away, Steve and Dustin already treating you like a sibling amongst their little group.  You didn’t know what you did to deserve such treatment but it’s apparent you had done something right if for only once in your life.
Tearing your eyes away from the scene playing out before you, several pairs dancing about the room without a care in the world, your gaze catches an awkward Eddie leaning against the bar just inches away.  One of his curls twists around his finger, a nervous habit you’d picked up on.  The room erupts into a collective, tipsy, rendition of Take Me Home, Country Roads.  Loud clapping and hoots and hollers echo off the walls, and everyone sings.  
You knew Eddie has always been considered an outcast throughout his entire life based on what he’d shared with you but you never would have imagined him looking as bashful as he did now, a true wallflower just like yourself.  Though, while you were content in just observing, he seemed more uncomfortable, more lonely.  
Glancing back to the dance floor, Donnie sways to the music with her husband, lovingly holding onto each other in a drunken haze.  Every so often he jokingly spins her and dips her, something you’re finding yourself envious of but quickly swallow back the feeling.  Anyone in their right mind would want to be treated like the sun.
Dustin makes his way over to Nancy and Robin, Robin making a scene by initiating that one dumb lasso dance move and pulling him in, earning them several cheers which only created bigger smiles among their faces.  You’re sure you could just saunter over and fit right in.  But it didn’t feel right, leaving Eddie to be a wallflower on his own.  Especially since he didn’t seem too sure of himself, his teeth now chewing on his nail while his deep brown eyes surveyed the room.
“Wanna dance?”
It’s uncertain when exactly Steve made his way back over to you, it seemed like he had just appeared out of thin air but you could probably blame it on the fact that you were too enamored with the energy of the room.  His hand extends itself toward you, his shoulders shrugging as if to say ‘got anything better to do?’.  
“What happened to your blonde maiden?”  You ask, hoping Eddie would hear and maybe you’d earn at least a chuckle.
You didn’t, Eddie hadn’t even been listening, too busy in his head it would seem.  Steve shoves his free hand into his pocket, shaking his head in disappointment as he retires his hat from his sweaty head, abandoning it on top of the bar.
“I don’t wanna talk about it.”  He frowns.  “Just need my friends.”  A sincere smile tugs at his lips, his eyebrows knit together in that way that he almost looks worried though you know it’s his empathy coming through.
You nod, offering him a close mouthed smile as you hop off the stool and grab his hand, dragging him toward the crowd.  Taking both his hands in yours, you start to sway to the song, playfully singing to each other in an overdone country accent.  Steve assists you in spinning, getting more and more into the song with each passing second, his hair bouncing with every movement.
“I dunno how to dance.”  You giggle, accidentally stepping on his foot.
“That’s okay!”  He grins.  “I’m not sure I do either.”  
Amongst all the celebrating and the several toasts people are raising to each other, your eyes meet large round coffee colored irises, a certain sadness to them that was also diluted with a fond gaze.�� Over Steve’s shoulder, you watch Eddie, and he watches you.  The biggest smile causes your cheeks to ache, your teeth on full display just for him.  His shoulders shake with a laugh, a whiskey and coke now firmly grasped in his hand as he shyly looks down into the glass like it could give him some kind of advice.
As Steve leads you both in a circle of missteps and stumbling, he catches sight of what had made your face light up like a damn Christmas tree.  It goes on for another minute or so, stolen glances between two pining individuals.  He can see it, he knows it all too well.  He’s worn that same look before.  It’s too distinct to go unnoticed by him.  
He used to look at Nancy like that.
“Hey, I think I want a drink.”
Steve wastes no time in dragging you behind him toward the bar.  It takes you by surprise and in all honesty, you weren’t quite done dancing and at least would’ve liked to get to the end of the song before returning to your little stool of solitude.  Steve calls for Jett’s attention behind the bar, ordering himself a vodka cranberry much to your surprise.
“I’m actually feeling a little queasy.”  He grips his stomach, twisting his face in discomfort.  “Think you could take over for me, Ed?”  
Eddie nearly chokes on his drink, setting the glass down as he clears his throat repeatedly.  He points to himself with a questioning look, knowing damn well that Steve knew he couldn’t dance.  It was even more humiliating that he’d never danced with a girl before and Steve more than likely also knew that.  Steve responds with a nod, his brow cocked, a look of urgency crossing his features.
“Steve, are you sure–”  You attempt to chime in.
“Yes, go!  I’ll be fine.”  He shoos you toward the dancefloor, giving Eddie’s shoulder a rough push.
Eddie resembles a deer in headlights, ginormous eyes glued to you.  His feet were stuck to the ground and as you tugged on his arm, he didn’t budge.  
“C’mon!”  You encourage him with a smile.
His mouth opens but words don’t form, a protest on the very tip of his tongue unwilling to make its way into your ears.  He couldn’t say no to you but he also couldn’t dance.
“I don’t know how.”  He manages to rush out.
Gently, you take his hand in yours, his calloused skin cold against your warmth.  You haven’t had a sip of alcohol and yet your confidence was through the roof, only for him.  You intertwine your fingers with his, his chunky rings giving you a challenge but you succeed.  
“I don’t either.”  You assure him with a squeeze to his hand, tugging him even further onto the crowded dance floor, much to his dismay.
The song continues, people bouncing around and getting bubblier by the minute which only seemed to overwhelm Eddie as his hand began to sweat.  As a means to distract him, you pull his hat off of his head, his frizzy curls now exposed while you boldly fit the hat onto your head instead.  His eyes shine but he remains stiff, not entirely convinced that he could freely move about the crowd.
“Let's learn together.”  You speak softly, a stark contrast to the screeching fiddle being played loudly.
Without a second thought, your arms wrap around his shoulders, his whiskey coated breath fanning over your face.  It’s evident that he’s unsure what to do with his hands, his arms limply hanging at his sides.  Despite his anxious body language, his eyes give him away.  He’s nervous but he’s giddy.  Stars gleam and glimmer within his sweet and syrupy eyes, no longer sad pools of pity.
“Right here.”  You guide him, using one hand to bring his touch to your waist.  “Like that.”  You whisper, unsure if even he heard you.  “And like this.”  You guide his other hand before resting yours around his neck once again.
“Like this?”  He takes a shaky breath, a thumb swiping over your hip.
Humming in approval, you take the initiative to start swaying to the song, a temporary fear flashing in his eyes until he feels your fingers toying with the curls at the back of his head.  He cutely stumbles every other step, suddenly becoming the equivalent of a baby deer though you don’t mind and actually prefer it, the image forever being burned into your brain, another moment for the wall you’d created in the depths of your mind.  
You don’t know how, you don’t know when, but your hand lands on his chest-his bare chest where the buttons have been purposely undone as a small act of rebellion.  His skin is warm and soft there, your fingertips gracefully tracing over a tattoo, skimming over the guitar pick necklace he always wore.  As the chorus kicks back in, you peek up at him, finding heavy eyes staring right back at you in awe.  
You start shouting along: country roads, take me home, to the place I belong.  He remains silent, watching you like you hung the moon.  You’re smiling, you’re happy, and god dammit he never knew he could be perfectly happy just watching someone else be happy but here he was.  If he could personally give you the moon he would, he’s sure of it.  He’d find a way.
An old memory resurfaces, one that usually only made him tear up out of sorrow but now, the perspective was shifting.  In a simpler time, he is six years old, dancing on his mom’s feet to old Chicago Blues.  He is young and innocent, full of life.  He is naive and blissfully ignorant to the horrors of the world.  And then in harder times…in current times, he is a Munson, a vessel for satan.  A nearly bankrupt idiot who can’t keep up.  A fuck up.  But now…in this moment, he rekindles the same feeling he once felt with Momma, a sense of innocence that he hadn’t felt in years, innocence that had been snatched from him over and over.  A warmth spreads throughout him, one that he thought was laid to rest when Momma passed.  He was certain he had bid it goodbye forever. 
Until now.
You make him lovesick.  Utterly and purely lovesick.  No doctor could ever cure him.  Not that he’d even seek a cure.  It scares him but he’d willingly die of a fever if it meant you’d keep looking up at him like he was someone.  Like he was a man and not a menace.  His legacy could end there with you, the girl that intruded on his life and made his stubborn ass soft.  The shy girl who cries when she gets yelled at broke through Eddie Munson’s titanium walls and stole his heart.
You can feel him start to melt into you, his hands sliding around to the small of your back, his chest pressed into yours as he begins singing along, finally letting loose.  Glancing over his shoulder at the feeling of a pair of eyes on you, you smile when Steve stares fondly, offering you a thumbs up.  
The song ends though you yearn to continue holding onto him, afraid that letting go would mean losing the moment forever, your memory serving as the only souvenir.  Before painfully parting, you glance up at him again, your nose accidentally brushing against his.  The contact sends electricity racing through your body.  It doesn’t help that he’s smiling so softly, so endearingly, his eyelids heavy and lazy.  Even if it was a side effect of the whiskey, you still reveled in it.
“Sorry.”  He whispers though you almost miss it as you study the crinkles at the corner of his eyes.
“Don’t worry about it.”  You mumble, your voice now small.
The next song picks up, something slow and steady that had you both swaying without a second thought.  You wanted to burrow into his chest, press your cheek into the skin and listen to his heartbeat.  If only it were that simple.
“Thank you.”  He speaks up again.  “Y’know for…all this.”  
A puzzled expression takes over your features, pulling back slightly to ponder his words.  
“I-I just helped, Eddie.  You should be thanking everyone else.  They really pulled through for this place.”  You remind him.
“I know, I know.”  He suddenly seems insecure, his fingers grabbing at the material of your shirt ever so slightly.  “I just mean–you didn’t have to get involved in any of this bullshit, my bullshit.” 
“I mean…I kinda forced myself in didn’t I?”  
He recalls the first evening you came into The Bourbon, the night you bargained with him, practically forcing him to hire you.
“I’m turning you away because you don’t belong in a place like this.  Things can get rough and you’re…too dainty.”
God was he wrong.  You were resilient.  Tough.  A badass.
“I’m glad you did.”  His honesty surprises even him.  He wasn’t big on getting mushy, never being offered the space to do so since his mom had passed.  But he doesn’t regret speaking his truth.
“Yeah?”  
Your lips are so perfectly pouty it devastates him, eyes so full of adoration that he wants to fall to his knees and officially devote himself to you even if you wouldn’t have him.  
“Yeah–”
“Eddie!”  Dustin screeches, hurling toward Eddie and eventually crashing into his side, eliciting a grunt from the two of you.  “Sorry, sorry!”  He breathes heavily.  “Eddie, you’ve gotta see this.”  
For a split second your heart drops, afraid that maybe something bad happened but you quickly backtrack those thoughts when you analyze Dustin’s grin.  It was good news.  It was definitely good news.  
“Holy shit.”  Eddie mumbles in disbelief.
“Holy shit indeed.”  Dustin agrees.
You stare in awe at the piles of cash Dustin had counted in the back office, opting to act as The Bourbon’s temporary treasurer in the mission to save the place.  According to the boy, there was enough to cover costs for the next three months if Eddie played his cards right.  After that they hadn’t yet come up with a solution but it was something at the very least.  It was hope.
“You keep hosting events like this every month and you should be able to keep things going.”  Dustin advises, his mind quietly working out the logistics.
“Not only that.”  Steve chimes in, leaning against the doorway to the office, the three of you glancing back at him.  “What if I told you…that I know someone interested in investing?”
Your eyes catch Dustin’s then Eddie’s, an anxious fog overtaking the room.
“Who?”  Eddie gulps, clearly nervous.
Steve only smirks, the anticipation building with every passing second.  A flash of realization falls over Dustin’s face, his head shaking with a huge grin.  
“No.”  Dustin whispers.
“Yes.”  Steve nods.
“Holy shit.”  
“Do you mind letting me, the owner of said establishment that is being invested in, in on this big secret?”  Eddie grumbles, his eyes narrowed at Steve.
“What do you think about being business partners?”  Steve proposes, his eyes shining.
“W-what?”  Eddie asks, almost choking on air.
“You know I’ve been working under my old man for however long now.  Well I finally have my own startup and I didn’t wanna tell you, didn’t wanna say anything until I actually had the money.”  Steve rambles.  “And y’know, I always thought about investing.  ‘S a great place.  Would be a shame to let it fall apart.”
“What–what the fuck.”  Is all Eddie can muster up in the moment.
“Also, I vote that we make Miss Bambi here the manager.”  Steve snaps his fingers before pointing your direction.  “Gotta trust the business in good hands and she’s definitely got a knack for running things efficiently.  And putting you in your place.”  He presses a finger into Eddie’s shoulder.
“I-I…”  You were speechless.
“If you’ll have us, of course.  Take some time to think about it.”  
Glancing at Eddie, you can see the information still being processed, the gears turning in his brain.  The state of shock leaves him blinking rapidly, unable to catch up to this moment in time.  One second he was fighting for this business, expecting the worst case scenario and the next he was being offered an investment by his best friend.
“I knew there was a reason we kept you around.”  Dustin makes his way toward the door, patting Steve on the back.
Steve playfully puts Dustin in a headlock, continuing on as if it were business as usual as the boy protests.
“So, how about it Munson?”  
“Steve, I swear to god!”  Dustin complains, making no progress in escaping the man’s hold.
“I dunno, depends.”  Eddie clicks his tongue, seeming to finally fall back into his body as he stands.  “I don’t like being told what to do.”  Eddie begins.  “And y’know I can’t have King Steve bossing me around, that won’t do…”  
“C’mon man, you know I know nothing about running a bar.”  Steve scoffs.  “I’m just the sugar daddy here.”  
“Steve!”  Dustin gags.
You can’t help but giggle, beaming at Eddie as he grins.  
“Alright then, we have a deal.”  Eddie extends his hand toward Steve, making it official with a handshake before hugging him, a brotherly exchange that warmed your heart.  In the midst of the hug, Dustin was released from Steve’s hold but somehow had gotten stuck in the middle of the embrace.
“I’m feeling the love and all but my neck is cramping.”  The boy whines.
“To The Bourbon!”  Eddie announces, standing proudly on top of the bar, tequila shot in hand as his closest friends raise their own shots in the air.  “Grandpa Roy, may he rest in peace, would fuckin’ hate this whole Hoedown but in his defense he was a better business man than me and I’m the one who ran it into the ground.”  Everyone laughs, smiling fondly.  “I also wanted to thank all of you.  If none of you cared this much we’d be fucked.”  He grins.  “In conclusion, you’re all stuck with Roy’s dickhead grandson for a long time to come, sorry.”  Eddie shrugs, throwing his shot back.
The night had been more than a success.  Customers had long gone home and there was still much to do in regards to cleanup but Eddie insisted that everyone call it a night, not without a celebratory shot though.  Cheers and whistles fill the room as everyone takes their mandatory shot.  Eddie hops off of the bar, earning himself several pats on the back as he insisted they give Steve the same praise.  He was glowing.
Nancy and Robin rushed over, each of them linking an arm with him as they congratulated him.  You’d never seen him so openly happy, so ecstatic.  His grin was permanent for the remainder of the night, his cheeks must have burned from never relaxing his face.
And when all was said and done, when it was time to go home, it was your turn to congratulate him.  You didn’t get much of a chance when the news first broke and now he was locking up the front as you waited patiently next to the bar.  Steve insisted on taking Robin and Nancy home in Eddie’s truck since they had a few too many drinks.  Dustin offered his assistance reluctantly after Steve sent him several expectant looks.  
The bar was empty, completely trashed from the night’s activities though Eddie told you not to touch a thing, it was already nearing 3:00 AM.  You just couldn’t help yourself, gathering glasses onto a tray and delivering them to the sink.  A round of dishes wouldn’t kill you while you waited.  At least this way you were occupied rather than just sitting around, waiting for him to lock up.
“What are you up to, trouble?”  Eddie makes his way behind the bar to replace the cap on a bottle before returning it to its shelf.  
“Trouble?”  You smile, suds building up along your arms.  Too much soap.  “If you deem washing glasses as troublesome you’re really gonna hate that I take an extra minute on my breaks.”
You can hear him scoff from behind you, glass clinking as he tidies up, going against his own wishes.
“You think I don’t know that?”  
“Thought you said no cleaning.”  You utter under your breath.
His presence sneaks up on you, his quick hand suddenly snatching up a wet glass, drying it with a fresh rag, repeating the process with each one you’d just cleaned.  Your nerves are on edge in the best way possible.  The big lights had been shut off, only dim lighting encompassing you, creating a mellow atmosphere.  
“Well some of us…”  Eddie pinches the back of your arm.  “...don’t listen, now do we?”
Something about the condescending nature of his words ignited a fire in between your legs.  You knew very well that it wasn’t his intention although it didn’t stop you from releasing a shaky exhale.  Goosebumps traveled up your spine, you were pathetic.
You hum in response, unable to trust your voice, the room becoming hot all too quickly.  His gaze was trained on you, a hint of concern creasing his forehead.  He was too handsome, his button down doing way too many favors for him.
“You okay?”  He asks, his voice smaller than before.
“Yeah, yeah.”  You manage to squeak out.  “Just tired.”  
Reaching over you, he shuts off the steaming water, tossing his rag onto the counter as he pulls you away by your arm.  You want to whimper at the simple touch, every ounce of your body on fire, embarrassingly so.
“Let’s get out of here.”  He sighs, clearly just as tired.  
Guiding you out the back, he makes it a point to grab his hat that you had put so much thought into.  Stepping outside, he locks the door while you admire the moonlight glazing over the parking lot.  Everything is so…quiet.  Snow flurries fall delicately from the sky, gracing your skin with tiny little ice crystals, intricate designs compacted into a singular art form now just melting with your body heat.  It’s cold but you won’t complain.  Not when Eddie is automatically draping his jacket over your shivering frame.
“Doors are locked, cash is locked up–”
“Eddie?”  You call for his attention, big brown eyes immediately seeking yours like you’d just sent out a smoke signal.
When you don’t say anything, worry begins to settle into his features, the opposite of what you had intended.  
“Yeah?”  He asks hesitantly.  “Did I forget to–”
The second your lips hover over his stubbly cheek he’s lost any and all thoughts.  It happens in slow motion yet it’s over before he knows it.  Your lips are so soft and delicate against his skin and he was finding himself wanting more, his selfish needs yearning to claw their way out of him.
“Congratulations.”  You whisper, your breath tickling him before disappearing all too soon.  
It lingers like a ghost, haunting him in the most breathtaking sense.  You make your way to your car and he feels it, the apparition of your lips against his cold cheek.  And he just knows.  You hold the power to screw him up forever.  You have his heart in your hands and god, he hopes you’re gentle with it.
~end~
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