#mutual crushes

[hairmetal666]

Eddie's at a party, lunch box in tow, and he's making a fucking killing.

He sets up shop in the crowded kitchen, but that doesn't stop him from spotting King Steve in the living room. Harrington's face is still fucked up from the fight with Hargrove, and he's tipping a cup almost vertically into his mouth. He's not too surprised when--the next time he spots the jock--he has a can of beer in each fist.

More customers flood up to him, and he can't help but be a little grateful for the distraction. Harrington is one unrequited crush he just can't kick.

Lunch box cleaned out, Eddie heads outside for a smoke. He's fishing his cigarettes out of his jacket pocket when he hears a snuffling sort of shuffle that sends his heart racing.

He edges forward, just enough to make out the heap of a person half-heartedly sitting up against the house. A person in fitted blue jeans, tight polo, and Member's Only jacket; swoop of chestnut hair catching in the flash of fire from Eddie's Zippo.

"Harrington?"

The guy startles, stability wavering, eyes blinking too much. "Munson?"

"You alright, man?" He asks, though he can already tell that Steve is most definitely not.

Steve shrugs. "Why do you care?" It's not mean, sounds genuinely curious.

Eddie gets it. He has no reason on earth to show concern about King Steve. In answer, he taps his boot against Steve's sneaker, giving him a small smile. "Not sure. But I'm here, so..."

"Just needed some air. Clear my head."

"How much have you had to drink?" Eddie asks.

"One or two,"

"Dozen?"

Steve laughs. "You're funny. Has anyone ever told you that?"

"I've heard," Eddie says, can't help but laugh a little too. "Wanna talk about what's going on?"

Eddie thinks that'll be a "no," but then: "Nancy dumped me."

"Yeah, big news."

"Ugh, people are talking about it?" Steve whines. It's really cute and Eddie hates himself for noticing. Hates himself more when Steve loses his balance, tips onto Eddie's shoulder, and Eddie doesn't tip him back.

Eddie can tell that Steve isn't fully with him anymore. He's a little afraid to leave the guy alone, so Eddie talks about the latest Hellfire campaign. Sober Steve Harrington probably has no idea what dnd is, but the drunk version is kind of a rapt audience.

He's just explaining about owlbears when Steve's voice, soft and sad, says "I just want someone to love me, you know?"

The admission renders Eddie speechless for a second, his chest fucking aching for the jock. He says "Oh, Stevie," knows he sounds too sad, is sure of it when Steve's nose wrinkles (it's cute; it's so fucking cute. Eddie hates himself for noticing).

Before he can backtrack, Steve slumps over, body going limp as he passes out. "Jesus H Christ," Eddie barks.

With a heavy sigh, and way too much fondness, Eddie stands. "Let's get you home, sweetheart."

He gathers Harrington up in his arms--dude is heavy--and carries him around to his van.

---

Steve wakes up, head throbbing and tongue fuzzy, with no idea how he got home and into bed. Can't really recall anything after he stumbled outside, aside from talking to Eddie Munson. But maybe that was a dream? Either way, he's home, not really any worse for wear. It's enough to let him forget all about it; what's one drunken party in a life full of them?

That Wednesday, he opens his locker after the final bell, and a Hershey bar falls out. He picks it up, flipping it over to see a note on the foil wrapping, "thought you might need something sweet to cheer you up." It's not signed, and Steve slips it into his backpack, knowing he's got a silly smile on his handsome face.

The little gifts continue to show up once or twice a week. Candy, plastic vending machine toys, sketches of the school grounds, caricatures of classmates and teachers. Sometimes they even come with a note in handwriting he doesn't recognize.

Along with the little treats, he starts seeing Eddie Munson kind of everywhere. And it's not like Steve hadn't seen him before--guy was hard to miss--but he was never around this often. Wasn't around this often and he and Steve had never shared a smile, a quick bob of the head, a quiet hello.

It isn't long before they're talking. Nothing much, nothing serious. Complaining about teachers, about classmates; sharing weekend plans. Only now Steve can't pretend to not notice the way Eddie dimples up when he smiles, the subtle muscles that bunch under the sleeves of his Hellfire Club shirt, the long litheness of his legs. Steve knows he's attracted to other guys, it's just that he didn't realize he'd be attracted to Eddie.

The gifts keep coming. Once, he opens his locker to find a plastic ring fashioned into a golden crown and a note that says, "made me think of you, Stevie." There's something about the "Stevie" that catches deep in his brain, but he can't make it connect to anything.

A few months later, Steve opens his locker and pulls out a drawing. This one--it's of him. He's gazing out into space in a way that managers to be dreamy and wistful. The Steve in the drawing is lovely, and it makes something clench deep in his gut, that someone sees him like this.

Steve tries to be more aware of the people in his surroundings, to figure out who his admirer is. He's not very good at it, even as more sketches of him--all depicting him as a gorgeous, ethereal thing he definitely isn't--show up in his locker. Especially when, so often these days, the person he sees the most is Eddie.

---

The presents in his locker continue into April, and would probably last until the end of the school year, but Steve's got a migraine starting. He keeps aspirin in his locker, gets a hall pass out of English to get some.

When he reaches his locker, though, someone is already there, with the door open. Someone in ripped black jeans, heavy black boots, a black leather jacket, and patch covered denim vest.

"Munson?" He asks. His heart beats so hard it reverberates in his ears, making it hard to hear.

Eddie jumps back, hands fluttering, face flushing bright red. "Ste--Harrington! I--uh--," he's backing up, his hands held out from his body, like he's pushing Steve away even though they aren't touching.

"Were you--?" Steve tries to ask, but the words won't quite come. There's familiar warmth low in his stomach, a twisting that has nothing to do with his impending migraine.

"I wasn't doing anything, I swear," Eddie says. He's breathing hard, eyes too bright, and Steve thinks he might be about to cry, but then the metalhead is turning away, starting to run.

"Eddie, wait!" Steve calls, chasing after him without much thought. "Please!"

Eddie doesn't stop until after they've crashed out one of the side exits, are alone outside.

"It was you? Leaving the--?"

Eddie nods, presses his hands to his eyes. "Sorry, I'm sorry, Harrington. I just--"

"Don't be sorry," Steve begs. "It's been--I liked it."

"Even now that you know they're coming from the freak?" Eddie spits. He still hides his face behind his hands.

"It's sort of been the best part of my year, if I'm being honest."

Only now does the metalhead remove his hands, blink back at Steve, dark eyes wide with shock. "Really?"

"Yeah. It made me feel-- important, I guess? Like, maybe someone saw me as something more than King Steve."

Eddie smiles now, looks down at the pavement. "I just didn't want you to think that you weren't--" he stops then, presses his mouth tight.

"Didn't want me to think what?"

"That you weren't loved, Stevie."

The statement hangs between them, Eddie's face pinking again, as the words wrap their way around Steve's heart. Loved. That he's loved. It clenches at every part of him, and he surrounds himself with the truth of it, what all those little presents were saying without words.

"Eddie, I--" he's overwhelmed by the gesture, the meaning, the reciprocal buzz in his chest, because Eddie Munson, Eddie Munson, loves him, and this fact is turning Steve's world on it's head in the best way.

"I'm sorry, Steve, really. Please don't hate me, or--or--"

"It means so much to me," Steve says, his voice a little broken. He reaches a hand out, slow, telegraphing the movement. "Can I?" He whispers.

Eddie nods, and Steve strokes the skin of his face with his thumb. "Thank you."

The metalhead nods, leaning into Steve's touch, they shift close, until their foreheads meet, until they share the same air. They stand that way for a while, long enough that they hear the bell ringing, and only then does Steve break their quiet. "Eds?"

"Yeah, Stevie?"

"You wanna hangout some time?"

Eddie laughs. "Yeah. I really, really do, sweetheart."

[leasstories]

Opposites attract

Eddie Munson x bookworm!reader (GN but at some point reader wears a skirt)

WC: ≈ 6K

Trigger Warning : SA, mention of grief

"YN YLN, thank you so much for coming to my office. I'd like you to tutor Mr Munson. He's been a Senior for 3 years now and I think he could benefit from tutoring by our brightest student." Says the headmaster.

"Of course, I'll do what I can. When will the tutoring take place?" You ask

"You and Mr Munson can choose when, I'd like you to tutor him at least twice a week." The headmaster answers.

You nod and then politely salute the headmaster before heading out. On  your way, you cross path with Eddie who is probably heading to the headmaster, you smile at him. He seems surprised but give you a huge smile back.

You head to the cafeteria and sit on your own as everyday. You unpack your lunch and take your book out of your bag. You start reading while eating. You are so much into the story that you don't see Eddie sitting across from you. You notice him after a few minutes and hear him say. "Earth to YN"

You raise your head and put your book down before saying "Oh sorry. What brings you here?"

"To be honest, the principal" Eddie answers.

"Oh !” You say, your mouth forming an “o” shape “you want to talk about the tutoring. Listen I won't do your homework for you, I am willing to help you, not work for you." You say with much assurance.

"Wow, YN YLN I don't recognize you" says Eddie giggling before continuing "No I want you to tutor me for real. This year, I'm gonna graduate. This is my year, I can feel it. '86 baby." He says in a very theatrical way.

You smile at his goodwill and motivation.

"So when will our tutoring take place?" Eddie asks, grinning

"I'm free on Tuesday and Friday nights and on the week-ends" you answer

"'Kay, well Friday won't be possible because I play with my band but Tuesday and Saturday sounds good to me."

"You are in a band?" You ask intrigued

"Don't you remember, junior high ? You wrote a beautiful poem and I played with my band..."

"Corroded coffin!" You cut Eddie off

"Corroded coffin" he confirms

"This band still exists?" You ask intrigued

"Yeah, we're playing at the Hideout on Friday's. We have a huge crowd... composed of five drunk middle aged men" Eddie giggles before continuing "you should come see us once"

"If tutoring works well I'll think about it" you say in order to motivate Eddie for tutoring.

"It will" Eddie says motivated

"Where will I tutor you?" You ask

"DnD room on Tuesdays and my secret spot or my trailer on Saturdays?" Eddie asks

"Works for me, you just have to tell me where exactly is your secret spot" You answer

"Meet me on the parking lot on Saturday. And tomorrow we'll meet in my Hellfire room" Eddie says

"See you tomorrow!" You say

"See ya Sweetheart" Eddie answers

You blush at the nickname and feel all flustered. You're thinking : 'He called ME Sweetheart.'

You've always found Eddie attractive but to be honest he scared you a bit. But after this encounter, you noticed that Eddie was nothing like you imagined, he is funny and sweet and for the first year ever he really seems motivated to graduate.

Tuesday, 5pm,

You're waiting for Eddie inside the Hellfire room, you look at the posters from the previous campaigns. DnD really makes you think of your fantasy books. You read with attention all of the campaigns pinned on the wall when a voice pulls you from your thoughts.

"What are you doing here?" It is Gareth, one of the Hellfire club members who always hangs out with Eddie.

"I'm waiting for Eddie, I was supposed to meet him here." You answer

Gareth looks at you shocked "You YN YLN are going to buy from Eddie?!"

You see Eddie arrive behind Gareth, he stops and say "No idiot, YN is tutoring me"

Gareth turns around and look at Eddie confused "Tutoring you?"

"Tutoring me." Eddie repeats before adding "Told y'a, this year is my year and I'm gonna graduate."

Gareth smiles at you and then at Eddie "Cool" he answers before adding "I'm letting you work" he then gets out of the room looking back multiple times.

"Sorry about that" Eddie says rubbing his neck.

"It's fine" you answer smiling before asking "What do we start with? Maths?"

"As you wish Sweetheart" Eddie answers. Again, you blush at the nickname.

Eddie takes a all used up notebook with "Math" written in the cover. You go to flip the pages when Eddie stops you

"Sorry sweetheart, there is no math in there, just drawings and ideas for DnD campaigns." He explains.

'Tutoring him won't be easy' you think.

"But I'm willing to work and make this tutoring work" he adds after seeing your panicked expression.

You take your math notebook out, it is the opposite of Eddie's : all clean and full of notes. You open it to your last lesson and hand it to Eddie before saying "Okay, we're gonna start by you reading and re-writing the lesson and then I'll explain it to you" you say, full of confidence. Eddie smiles at seing you like this, confident. Usually you look really self-conscious, lonely and shy, seeing you tutoring is a real changement, you are confident in what you're doing and that makes Eddie happy.

"What ?" You say when you see Eddie staring at you

"You're just... different from what I had imagined" he says

"In a good or bad way?" You ask shyly, a bit afraid by the answer

"In a very good way" Eddie says while taking his pencil case in his bag "I thought you'd be less talkative, more shy"

"I thought you'd be different too" you add

"Mean and scary?" Eddie asks

You get up from your chair to go read Eddie's previous campaigns "Mean and scary" you repeat in a hush tone.

Eddie starts writing the lesson in his notebook while you read Eddie's previous campaigns. They are really well written which is surprising coming from Eddie, he has a true potential, reading how he wrote his campaigns, seeing all of his imagination made you believe in him. While reading the campaigns you can hear Eddie sigh, getting up and sitting back down all over again.

"You don't seem to be focused" you say with a joking tone

"First of all I don't understand what I'm writing, second of all, I don't see the point of maths, of school to be honest." Eddie answers honestly but also frustrated.

You reach for his hand because he can't stop fidgeting, before saying "Hey, it's okay, you can do it".

He smiles at you but doesn't seems convinced so you add "I can explain the lesson to you now, if you want"

"Sure"

You start explaining the lesson to him but he still doesn't seem 100% focused so you stop and gently ask "What is on your mind ?"

"Everything except maths" he answers while looking in your eyes

You blush when you notice.

After several hours of you trying to explain and Eddie being un-focused every five minutes, you call it a night.

"Want me to drop you off at yours ?" Eddie asks

"Sure" you answer.

You head to Eddie's van, he open the passenger seat for you before saying Your chariot awaits" while gesturing for you to climb on the passenger seat.

You give him the directions to your home, once you are about 2 minutes away from your home he stops the car before saying "Do you want me to drop you off here so the neighbors don't ask too many question on why the 'Freak' is bringing back home the 'Brain of Hawkins'"

You wince at the nickname "Eddie, I'm not ashamed of being brought back home by you, besides, for me you're not a Freak." You take your stuff and open the door, once you're out of the car and add "But apparently to you I'm only "the Brain" or the "bookworm" of Hawkins High" you slam the car door and run towards your house, tears in your eyes. You can hear Eddie get out of the car, following you and screaming apologizes, but you can't look back, he hurt you bad.

Eddie's POV:

Once you slammed the door shut, Eddie gets out of the car. Once out he sees you running and that's when he understands he messed things up. He didn't mean it like that, you're more than "The Brain" as he said. To him, you're a beautiful, smart and kind person. Eddie really likes you. Eddie cares about you, he even maybe have a crush on you. That's why he decided to run after you and scream "YN, I'm so sorry, I didn't mean it like that, please wait YN" he stops running after a minute, out of breath. He hears the door to your house shut and mumbles "shit shit shit". Eddie goes back to his car and drives back home, thinking about how to make it up to you. He thought about buying you his favorite book, the only book he ever read in its entirety, but he was afraid you'd take it as an insult too. Instead he wrote you a letter.

Your POV:

You get in the house, you live alone since last year, when your dad passed away. Your mom is the total opposite of you, she is a model and always has to travel, that's why you live alone. You run upstairs, in your room and slams the door shut. You lay down and take a pillow, you squeeze it, close to your chest and start crying. You wonder why Eddie said that, you wonder what he really thinks of you. Are you really just a bookworm? Usually you don't care about being called like this, but from Eddie, it hurts. You thought he'd never do that to you, you thought he'd understand what it's like to be an outcast. But it also hurt beyond that, you like him, you really like him. You end up crying yourself to sleep.

The next morning, you wake up late, when you see 7:20 on the alarm clock you mutter "shit shit shit!"

You put on a shirt and a skirt and head out of your house. You practically run to school as you have no car. Once you arrive, you see Eddie put something in your locker, it looks like a note. You wait for him to leave before heading to your locker. Once he left, you open your locker and see a small note all folded in your locker, on the back of it Eddie wrote 'Read it please'. You take your stuff, put the note in your pocket in order to read it in between this class and your next class. As you are the last one to arrive in class, the only desk left is next to Eddie, in the back of the class. You sit down and see Eddie smiling at you. 'What should I do? Smile back? If I smile back he'll think I forgot what happened yesterday which is not the case, but if I don't I'll seem rude' and you keep overthinking for a few minutes until you feel Eddie gently hitting your shoulder. You raise your head and see the teacher looking at you, surprised that you didn't answer to the question.

"Sorry" you say "May I go to the toilets?"

The teacher look at you concerned before answering "Yes, yes of course. Do you need someone to come with you? Are you alright?"

Eddie also looks at you with concern but his eyes soften when you answer "No, I can go all alone, I'm okay"

You get up from your chair and go to the bathroom. You lock yourself in the toilet and take Eddie's note from your pocket. You unfold it and read it. It says :

I'm so sorry for yesterday, I didn't mean what I said, what I meant was that I don't want you to be in trouble because you hang out with me. I really like the person you are and it wasn't in my intention to hurt your feelings. I know I can't take back what I said but I hope you can forgive me. If you're willing to talk about it, meet me at the bench in the forest during lunch break. Hope to see ya

Eddie M.

You sob at Eddie's words, yes he hurt you bad but at least he didn't mean it, this brings you joy and you're willing to talk things through. You go back to class but spend the hour un-focused, thinking about Eddie, what he said yesterday, what he wrote in the letter.

For the first time ever in your life, you're un-focused all morning long. Once the lunch bell rings, you hurry to the forest. You know this conversation with Eddie won't be the most pleasant one, but you need it. You need it if you want to build a friendship (or more), you need it if you want tutoring to go well.

You arrive to the forest and sit on the bench, you take your comfort book out and start reading it to appease your nerves. You're so much into the story that you jump when you feel someone sit next to you. You start to say "Hi” when you realize it isn't Eddie.

"What is the bookworm of Hawkins High doing all alone in the forest, furthermore where drug deals take place?" Says Jason while looking at your skirt. You didn't notice it but you put on one of your mom's miniskirt.

"First of all get your eyes off of her." You hear Eddie say from behind. His eyes are far from the soft eyes he has with you.

"The pariah defends another pariah" Jason says, chuckling while getting up.

You see that Eddie's about to take him by the collar so you get up and take his hand, in order to calm him. It works until Jason speaks again.

"What was the bet ? Deflower Hawkins high very own solitary and boring bookworm?"

This time, it is too much for Eddie, he let go off your hand and take Jason by the collar. "Never, ever again talk about YN like that" Eddie says, angry.

Jason laugh, unimpressed by Eddie's sudden change of behavior. You go to Eddie and put your hand on his shoulder, you can sense he is tensed. "Eddie, please, let him go. He doesn't worth it" you say.

Eddie releases Jason after two minutes of thinking. Jason leaves, hands on his pockets.

You and Eddie sit on the bench, in silence. You can see Eddie is still tensed and pissed off by your encounter with Jason, probably by what he said. It warmed your heart to see Eddie take your defense, even though you were scared, not of him, but for him. Nobody ever won a fight against Jason.

"I'm sorry if I scared you" Eddie says

You smile and put your hand on his.

"Thank you, for defending me" you say

"I couldn't stand him talk shit about you like this. And when I called you 'The Brain of Hawkins High' I didn't mean it like it was all you were. It is not. You're a beautiful, strong and kind person YN." Eddie says, smiling while he compliments you.

"I'm not ashamed of you, I'm not afraid of people picking up on me because I'm your friend" you say

"So we are friends?" Eddie says with a grin

You become really self-conscious of what you said, maybe he doesn't see you as a friend, maybe he only sees you as the smart person who is tutoring him.

"Sorry, forget what I said, it was dumb of me, we only have been talking for 2 days and... I'm sorry Eddie, it's just..." Eddie cuts your rambling.

"I want to be your friend" he says, putting a reassuring hand on your shoulder.  You smile.

Eddie lights up a joint before saying. "I have a gift for you, but please don't take it the wrong way and before you say anything let me explain why I chose to offer you this"

"Okay..." you say, a bit of worry in your voice.

Eddie rummages through his bag before handing you a book, it is all used up but you don't mind. You look at the title, it says 'The Hobbit'

"I saw you reading through my campaigns and you seemed to like it... so I decided to give you a book from my favorite saga. It is all used up because it was my copy, there are even funny annotations I wrote... I hope you'll like it. Tolkien's books are the only ones I managed to finish" he says with a chuckle at the end.

You're tearing up at the small attention and manage to say "I'll read it as fast as possible so you can have it back as soon as possible"

"No, no Sweetheart, this is a gift" he answers

"But it is your favorite book, I know what it is to have a favorite book... I don't want you to miss it" you answer

"If I miss it too much I'll buy it again, don't worry" he answers, shrugging.

"But-" Eddie cuts you off

"No buts, I want you to have it" Eddie says

"Then thank you" you say with a smile

You get up and go hug Eddie, you can't see it but Eddie blushes while hugging you back.

Then, the both of you head to class. You have math and decide to sit next to Eddie. While you seat you tell him.

"If you need help, don't hesitate to ask me"

"Thank you" he whispers back.

Eddie spends the whole class un-focused and you can see it. Sometimes, you try to draw his focus back to the class, but it doesn't really work because 5 minutes later he is un-focused again. Sometimes, you can spot him glance at you, but you pretend you never saw it, Eddie and you will never be more than friend, right?

The bell rings and you go to your locker, you take your stuff, close your locker and head out of the school when you feel arms around your shoulders, you turn to the person and see it is Jason. You know he is taking interest on you just to piss Eddie off, besides, you've never liked the guy, he and his friends have been harassing you since middle-school.

Jason takes your hand forcefully and leads you to a janitor closet. You're shaking, understanding what he wants to do. His words from earlier 'Deflower Hawkins high very own solitary and boring bookworm' run through your head. Jason's hands goes under your miniskirt and he starts putting his hands under your panties. "Dirty mind, that's what you wanted. Look at how you are dressed" he says. You're shaking hard. Behind the closed door you can hear Eddie's voice, close to the janitor closet, that's when you decided to scream and bang at the door.

Eddie's POV:

After class, he went to the bathroom. He wanted to spend time with you but when he got out, you were nowhere to be seen.

He spotted Gareth and Jeff and went to them. They were talking about DnD and how they can win the current campaign.

Eddie stayed silent the whole time which is totally unusual for him. His friends look at him, concerned.

Gareth is the first one to speak "Is everything okay Eddie?"

"Sorry man, I was thinking about... nothing" Eddie can't tell his friends about you, he would sound stupidly cheesy which is the opposite of who he is. He was never one to be interested in being in a romantic relationship before. Of course he happened to fuck with people sometimes, but he never thought about anyone the way he thinks about you. He doesn't only wants to have sex with you, he wants to get to know you, to make you smile and laugh. He wants to take things slow. He wants to take you out on dates.

"You're falling hard man" Jeff says

"What?" Eddie says. They approach the janitor closet and right before any of the guys could answer, they hear a scream and banging at the door. Eddie would recognize this voice at any time. His heart starts racing at the thought of you in danger and he runs to the door and open it. When he opens  the door, he finds Jason pinning you to the wall, his hands under you skirt. Tears are falling down your cheeks.

Eddie doesn't think twice before taking Jason by the shirt and throwing him to the ground. He wants to make him pay, he is about to hit Jason when his eyes land on you.

Your POV:

Jason had his hands under your panties, when you feel him being pulled away from you, you don't even bother to put your skirt back in place, you slide down the wall, your knees close to your chest and your head on your knees as you sob. You don't even know what's happening around you, you just sob. At some point you feel arms wrap around you and flinch. The pair of arms leave from around you and you keep sobbing. Eddie looks at you, clueless of what to do. Eddie motions to Jeff and Gareth to leave them alone. He kneels next to you and tries to find the right words before speaking.

"Hey, hey it's okay sweetheart, you're safe now" Eddie reassuringly tells you, careful of not getting too close to you but not staying too far either.

You manage to say in between sobs "He... he touched me"

Eddie's anger is building up but he stays as calm as he can for you.

"Shhh, it's okay now, you're okay" he says, he is tempted to take you in his arms and hug you, but he remembers that right now you are traumatized and it would be a pretty bad idea. He sees how your miniskirt is pulled up, so he approaches you before saying "can I?"

You start shaking but nod 'yes'. Eddie pulls your miniskirt back and hand you his hand. "I'm gonna bring you back home sweets" he adds.

You're still shaking hard and sobbing. Your eyes are red from all the crying. You take Eddie's hand before managing to say with a very shaky voice "I... I don't want to be alone".

Eddie doesn't have to think twice before saying "Then I'll come home with you, if your parents allow me"

"I live alone" you say while Eddie leads you to the school's exit.

You're still shaking a lot and Eddie can feel it, that's why he helps you climb in his van. He is lost, he doesn't know how to react in this kind of situation, and seeing you suffering is pure torture for him. The drive is spent in silence, only your cried, muffled by your hand, can be heard. You don't even notice you arrived home, you zoned out until two strong arms picked you up "I'm sorry Sweets, if you want I can let you walk" Eddie says when he sees you shaking even more when you are in his arms.

"No... don't drop me please" you say shaky but also needy. Even though it is contradictory you both fear and need Eddie's physical touch.

He unlocks the door and open it, he then sets you on the couch. You burry your face in the couch, ashamed.

"I'm gonna run you a bath" Eddie says before remembering he has never been there and doesn't even know where is the bathroom. "Where is the bathroom?"

"First door on the first floor" you manage to mumble.

Eddie's POV:

He climbs upstairs and start running a bath for you. He puts a bubble bath he found in your bathroom inside and sits next to the bathtub while the water is filling up. He needs to think. He really doesn't know what he is supposed to do to help you but he can't stand to see you like this, broken, suffering. He rubs his face with his hands in frustration. He promises himself that he'll do his best to make you feel better. And that's when a thought crosses his mind. He feels guilty. It is his fault if Jason went after you. Jason probably made a bet with his friends, a bet to deflower you before Eddie. Eddie wonders what he should do. Should he stop seeing you outside of tutoring? Wouldn't that be safer for you? Why does everyone around him either leave or gets hurt? Is he a bad person?

The bathtub was all filled and Eddie stops the water and goes back downstairs

Your POV:

When Eddie left guilt took over you. You are convinced it is your fault. If you hadn't hurried up that much this morning, you wouldn't have accidentally put on your mom's miniskirt and nothing would have happened to you. You also curse your mom for having so revealing clothes, other people's mom wouldn't have this in their dresser. As Jason said, you felt dirty, you disgusted yourself. You did feel dirty, you needed every inch of Jason off of you. Your face is even more buried on the couch as shame and guilt swallow you whole. You keep crying and shaking even more. After some time, you feel a gentle hand on your shoulder, you don't want to turn around, you don't want Eddie to see you like this. About that, what is he thinking of you? Are you a slut to him? Do you disgust him as much as you disgust yourself? After a few minutes, Eddie rubs your arm in order to remind you of his presence, a way to tell you that he is here both physically and emotionally. You turn around to face him and before you can think about it, words slip out of your mouth "I'm disgusting" you say.

Eddie looks at you with compassion in his eyes before cupping your face "Hey darling, it is not your fault. The blame is on Jason, you did nothing wrong"

You start crying even more while saying "He said I was a dirty girl"

Eddie approaches you, carefully, and open his arms as an invitation for you to hug him if you want to, which you do. You hide your face in the crook of his neck and soak up his shirt with your tears. After a few minutes, Eddie says "I'm gonna pick you up and bring you to the bathroom before the bath gets too cold." He picks you up and climb the stairs with you in his arms. He then put you down, sitting you on the sink, he kisses your forehead before heading out. He stays in front of the bathroom.

You undress, look at your body in the mirror, disgusted by what you see, but at the same time you can't take your eyes off of your body. After agonizing minutes, you climb in the bath You scrub your body so roughly that you draw blood. You couldn't care less, you need to get Jason's touch off of you. You keep scrubbing hard on your body for long minutes, until you hear Eddie's voice behind the door "Is everything okay"

You manage to say yes after trying to calm down your breath and sobs, which is not really successful.

Eddie's POV:

He can hear you scrub at your body, and it hurts him, you are probably hurting yourself. You feel dirty and Eddie wants to take this feeling off of you. After a few long, agonizing minute of hearing you probably hurt yourself, Eddie decided to ask if you are okay to which you answer 'yes' but he doesn't believe you one second. He can hear your difficulty to breathe and your sobs. He wonders what he can do more when an idea pops in his head. He's gonna make you dinner. Eddie is really not a good cook, every time he cooks, it either ends up burnt or it doesn't turn out as it should have but he wants to try, for you, to make you feel better. He tells himself that if what he is going to cook turns out bad he'll order pizza.

Eddie goes to the kitchen and opens the cupboards as well as the fridge, to find that there is nothing to make a proper dinner, which worries him. Do you even eat a proper diner at least once a day? Why isn't there anything in the fridge? Aren't your parents taking care of you? While wondering the last question he remembers that you told him that you were living alone. He felt a surge of anger at life, at your parents for letting you leave here alone, and promise to himself that he'll be taking care of you from now on. Eddie finally decided to dial the pizza place number. He orders 2 medium pizza.

After you spent around 20 minutes in the bathroom, you finally get out and Eddie finally sigh in relief, even though he can see the red of your skin, on your bare arms, he refrains from making any comment about it, instead he motions for you to sit on the couch before saying.

"I ordered pizza"

Your POV:

You are really moved by the gesture, but after everything that happened earlier, you disgust yourself so much that you aren't hungry.

"Thank you Eddie, it means a lot, you didn't have to" you say sincerely before continuing "but I'm really not hungry"

"You must eat Sweets" he says apologetically "promise me to at least try and eat something" he says, smiling at you.

Some minutes later, you hear ringing at your door and Eddie goes to open the door, he pays the pizza and comes back with 2 medium pizza, he put them on the coffee table in front of the sofa and sits back down next to you, keeping a bit of distance between you two which you are grateful for. How can a man be so understanding? Why did he stay? Does he really care about me that much? You wonder. Eddie pulls you out of your thoughts by speaking.

"Sweetheart, please eat at least one slice" he says gently while handing you a slice.

You nod and take the slice, still shaking a bit. You bring the slice to your mouth and eat a small bite.

After a few minutes, Eddie breaks the silence again.

"I'm sorry for asking but... how can your parents let you home all alone?"

You turn to Eddie, surprised but also destabilized by his question, you take a deep breath before saying

"My mom is a model, her career was always more important than family, besides... I was... an accident" you answer

Eddie feels so much anger towards your mom, but he doesn't say anything, you don't need to hear that from him now.

He braces himself before asking "What about your dad?"

"He passed away a few month ago, in a car accident, it was my fault" you say with teary eyes.

"I'm sorry I brought that up, we can stop talking about it, but I need you to know that I'm sure it isn't your fault"

"It is, I fell asleep in the school library and he got worried so he went to pick me up, and on the way to high school he..."

Eddie opens his arms in case you want a hug which you gladly accept. You stay like this for a little while and end up falling asleep in his arms.

Eddie's POV:

Eddie looks at you, sleeping in his arms. He wonders why life has been so unfair to you, letting you all alone. But you're not alone anymore, he is here. And he'll be whatever you want him to be : boyfriend (which would be his absolute dream), friend, best friend. He promised himself that he'll be whatever you need because god he loves you, he is even in love with you. And his love grows stronger with every passing hours.

Eddie carries you to your bed and put you under the covers before closing the bedroom door and heading downstairs. He throw away the pizza boxes and lay on the couch. After a long while of overthinking, he fall asleep.

—

A few hours later Eddie is woken up by screams, your horrified screams. He heads upstairs and open your bedroom door, to find you sweating asleep, probably having a nightmare. He sits on the edge of your bed and put your head on his laps, caressing your hair and whispering in your hear "shhh, it's okay, you're safe".

Your POV:

You were having a nightmare about what happened earlier with Jason, you were experiencing what happened there over again, until you suddenly opened your eyes, sweating, out of breath. It took you some time before realizing your head was on Eddie's laps. you clutched to his arm, shaking and he kept reassuring you, whispering words of reassurance in your hear and telling you that everything's fine and that you're safe. He doesn't let go of you and after long minutes of silence you manage to mutter a shaky "Sorry for waking you up"

"Hey, hey, hey don't be sorry Sweets, don't be sorry" he answered.

"C-can you stay here, for the rest of the night ?" you ask, making some room for him in the bed.

"Anything you want" he answered smiling. 

You put your head on Eddie's chest and fall back asleep, feeling safe. 

--

The next morning you wake up alone in your bed, you tell yourself that Eddie probably went back to his trailer, you're a bit disappointed he left but also scared to be alone. But then someone cursing is cutting you from your own thoughts, you carefully go downstairs, to find Eddie, in the kitchen, trying to make breakfast. You find him with burnt toast next to him and giggle.

"Oh ! you find this funny" he says grinning and chasing you around the house. You end up cornered by Eddie who throws you over his shoulder. He then gently puts you down on the kitchen countertop. You're really close and you're breathing heavely. You want him to kiss you. You both lock eyes together and in a split second, he's lips are on yours. They are really soft and warm. It is a soft, comfortable kiss, much wanted by both of you. You can't believe that you're kissing Eddie Munson, that's why you break from the kiss and ask him.

"What does this kiss mean to you?" 

"Yn, I really like you, God I probably even love you. Please believe me Sweetheart, I'll show you"

You put your hand on his chest before answering "I believe you Eddie... I think I love you too" you answer

"I know what just happened to you, and that's why we are gonna take thing slow. What about a date, we're going to the diner, tonight. Picking you up at 8pm?" Eddie asks

"Sounds perfect" you say before asking "does that mean we're dating"

"Of course we are ! Didn't we just confess our feelings to each others?" Eddie answered 

You smile and kiss him passionately as an answer. 

The most traumatic experience of your life, led you to the most beautiful thing that could happen, you found the love of your life.

[hellcheerficdatabase]

Hey Jealousy

Author: Deathinasmalltown

Rating/Warning: Teen and up audience

Chapter Count: 1/1

Description: The one with misunderstandings, and a jealous Chrissy who gets the guy, and a goth bestie.

Tags: Alternate Universe- no vecna, jealousy, jealous Chrissy, misunderstandings, mutual pining, mutual crushes, fluff, getting together, angst, Chrissy gets a friend and a boyfriend, Alternating POV, one-shot, status: completed

[starglimmersfw]

It's a Promise

Rating: Teen

Pairing: Noelle/Barbara

Summary: Barbara was not pleased when she found out Noelle was planning on working on her birthday and decided to do something about it.

Noelle had just finished adjusting the last plate when she heard the soft bells that could only mean Barbara had finally made it to their weekly tea break. She had a busy morning, running around Mondstadt on various errands for the Knights, and had been looking forward to spending time with her friend. Although if she was honest with herself, she would realize she’d been looking forward to this tea break as soon as their last one had ended. 

She turned to see Barbara’s bright smile and couldn’t help but smile in return. Barbara’s good cheer was infectious, and Noelle always managed to feel happier in her presence. That was just the effect she had on people as the Idol of Mondstadt.  

Barbara greeted her with a hug, and Noelle relaxed into the warmth of her embrace. Barbara looked at the spread in delight, “This looks so good, did you make all of this yourself? I hope you didn’t go to too much trouble?”

Noelle couldn’t help but flush at the praise, “oh this wasn’t any trouble, I thought it might be nice to have a proper lunch together.” It really wasn’t much, some tea, simple salads, with spicy vinaigrette for Barbara, radish and veggie soup, and Mondstadt grilled fish. 

“It looks scrumptious, thank you so much for doing this!” She squeezed Noelle’s hand before sitting down. “How has your week been, have the Knights been keeping you busy?”

“Well I suppose my days have been busy, what with all of the preparations for the Windblume Festival but it’s just part of being a good maid. It’s so important to the people of Mondstadt, I must make sure I do everything I can to make the festival a success.” She smiled and sipped some tea. “How have you been? You must have been busy as well getting ready for the festival?”

“Oh my goodness it has been non-stop over at the church! The sisters have been helping out of course but there’s just so much to do! Sister Rosaria hasn’t been around either, and while she can be so mean sometimes it would have been helpful to have the extra set of hands.” 

They ate in silence for a few minutes. As soon as Barbara took a bite of her salad, her eyes lit up, and she did a full body wiggle in her seat. “Spicy!” Her cheeks were flushed and she smiled as she chewed. Noelle watched her, waiting for her to swallow. 

“Did you make a spicy salad just for me?”

“Oh it’s a new recipe, I haven’t tried it before. Do you like it?”

“Like it? I love it! Salads can be so boring but it’s important to eat nutritious food and this makes it so much easier! This is delicious!” She continued to eat her salad, making small, happy noises as she did. Noelle smiled to herself, pleased that she could make her friend so happy with such a small change. 

They continued their lunch, catching up on the minutiae of their weeks and discussing plans for the festival. Noelle gazed at Barbara, entranced at the way her eyes shone with excitement about the upcoming events, her cheeks still pink from the spicy food, and felt a fluttering in her stomach. What was that? She was just happy her friend was so happy. And she looked so pretty when she was excited, it was totally normal to think that, everyone thinks Barbara is pretty. There’s nothing more to it…

“Noelle? Are you there?” Barbara waved her hand in front of her face. “You don’t usually get lost in thought like that, is everything okay?”

“I’m fine, just thinking about the festival and I guess I got carried away.” That was an understatement. “I’m so sorry for not paying attention, what were you saying?”

Barbara gave her a look. “Please don’t apologize, you’re my friend and I want to make sure you’re okay.” She squeezed Noelle’s hand before continuing, not noticing the flush dusting her friend’s cheeks, or the way Noelle flexed her fingers when she pulled her hand away. “Well first I was saying how good this soup is, how you manage to make nutritious food taste so yummy is a mystery but I’m glad you do!” She grinned. “But I was also asking what you were doing for your birthday, since it’s during the festival, do you have something special planned?”

Noelle looked away. She didn’t like to make a fuss over her birthday since it nearly always fell during the Windblume Festival, she often found herself working with the Knights or volunteering at an event. “Well I didn’t have anything planned, I was just going to work that day I suppose.” She trailed off at the intense stare Barbara was giving her.

“That is unacceptable! It’s your birthday, you should do something nice that day, just for you!” She dramatically held up a finger in front of Noelle’s lips. “Nuh-uh, I will not be taking no for an answer. I am sure the big, strong Knights of Favonius can manage without you for one day. In fact, I’ll make sure they do.” She had a determined glint in her eye. “I’ll be stopping by Jean’s office on my way back to the church. So, what would you like to do for your birthday?” Between Barbara’s determination and winning smile, Noelle knew she literally couldn’t say no at this point. 

“Well you see, I’ve always wanted to go on a picnic during the festival. It’s such a lovely time of year with all the flowers, and I thought it would be a nice way to spend some time with a friend. But I suppose that sounds silly.” She looked up to see Barbara giving her an exaggerated sad face.

She grasped Noelle’s hands with her own “Not at all! That sounds so wonderful and special of course you can have a picnic! Who would you like to go with, I can see if Amber and Lumine are available? And maybe even Albedo, Sucrose, and Bennett?”

“I don’t want to make a fuss, and they probably have other plans. I wouldn’t mind going with just one person, as long as they’re a good friend.” She looked down, her voice quiet. “Perhaps we could go together?”

Barbara squeezed her hands tight, her eyes shining. “I would love to have a birthday picnic with you! Name the place and time, and I’ll take care of it!”

- - -

Nervously fidgeting, Noelle looked around the edge of the bridge leading into Monstadt. She had never taken a day off like this so suddenly, but after lunch with Barbara, Jean had come to see her to personally approve the time off. She was so flustered, but she managed to thank Jean and promise to work extra hard the following days to make up for it. Jean smiled warmly at her and insisted she simply continue to do the outstanding work she’s known for, and remember to enjoy her birthday. 

“Noelle! I’m here!” She turned to see Barbara walking towards her, smiling but struggling a bit while carrying a picnic basket. 

Noelle jogged to meet her and grabbed the handle, “please allow me to carry it.” She easily took the basket with one hand, and gave Barbara a small smile. “If it’s okay with you that is.”

“Well I don’t want you to work on your birthday but it is a little heavy for me. You’re sure you don’t mind?” 

“Of course not! It’s my honor as a maid to assist people in need.” She stopped as Barbara put her hands on her hips and gave her a stern glare.

“I don’t want to hear anything about being a maid today. It’s your day off, my goodness it’s your birthday! Let’s leave all of that behind the city walls, okay?”

“Well if you insist. I can’t really say no to you anyway.” She looked away, hoping she wasn’t blushing too noticeably. 

Barbara giggled and flexed, her fist in the air, “well what I lack in physical strength I guess I make up for in willpower.” She smiled cheerily, and looked at Noelle as they walked towards Windrise. “Seriously though, I'm always so amazed by how strong you are! Like, flex your arm for me?” She looked at Noelle with big eyes, imploring her to play along. Noelle flexed her free arm and almost tripped as Barbara squealed in delight, her delicate hands gently squeezing her bicep. “Archons, you are SO strong, have you been working out even more than usual?” 

Noelle kept her eyes down, partially out of humility and partially to make sure she didn’t actually trip. “I’ve just been keeping up with my routine. It’s important to me to be strong so that I can help and protect the people who are important to me.” She chose her words carefully so Barbara wouldn’t chastise her for talking about work again. “I do worry sometimes that it’s not seen as, well, ladylike to be so strong. But-” before she could say another word, she felt the press of Barbara’s finger against her lips, and her stomach fluttered at the touch. 

“Not another word. I won’t have you speak poorly of yourself ever, but especially not on your birthday. Besides” she stopped, taking Noelle’s hand and squeezing it, “I like how strong you are.” The air shifted between them as Barbara continued to hold her hand. Suddenly Noelle’s throat felt dry and she swallowed hard, but before she could say anything Barbara pulled her along before letting go as she walked ahead. Noelle was glad she wasn’t looking at her, as she was sure her face must have been bright red. She took a few deep breaths before she caught up to Barbara, and side by side they walked to Windrise.

- - -

“It really is a perfect day for a picnic, this was such a good idea Noelle!” The sun was bright overhead, but in the shade it was just right, especially with the breeze carrying the scent of windwheel asters and spring. Barbara laid back on the picnic blanket, her arms and legs spread out, and let out a sigh. “I already feel more relaxed.”

Noelle smiled and sat down, her legs tucked to the side. “You know if you fall asleep we won’t be able to enjoy the food you brought.”

Barbara turned to her, giving her a sweet smile, “we can relax too. That’s part of the fun of a picnic you know. Come on, you can lay down for a few minutes and just take in your surroundings.” She patted the blanket next to her, and Noelle finally joined her. They laid there for a few minutes, the soft sounds of rushing water and wind in the leaves to fill the easy silence between them. 

“Barbara?”

“Hmm?”

“Thank you.”

“For what?” 

“Insisting that I take the day off. This is already more than I could have hoped for.” She opened her eyes and turned to see Barbara overcome with emotion, her eyes shining and her hands to her mouth. 

“Oh Noelle, I’m so glad. I wanted this day to be special for you.” She blinked a few times, and sat up. “But it won’t be special if we ignore this yummy food!” She opened the picnic basket and started taking out containers. “I can’t take credit for them, I’m still learning how to cook, but I picked these up at the Good Hunter, they were recommended by Sara so I know they’ll  be good!” 

She winked and started pointing to different dishes. “These are a new item, a crispy potato shrimp platter, she said it would be a tasty start to the meal! Then of course a satisfying salad to share, I know that’s your favorite. Plus some chicken and mushroom skewers! Let’s dig in!”

She took a plate and added a little bit of everything to it before passing it to Noelle and then helping herself. 

Noelle took a bit out of the crispy shrimp and let out a delighted noise. She turned to Barbara, holding her hand up to her mouth, “this is so delicious, you have to try it!” She took another bite, and swallowed before continuing. “I simply must ask Sara for the recipe.”

Barbara gave her a sly glance “Sara is notoriously stingy with her recipes. But if she made an exception for anyone I bet it would be you.”

“What are you talking about? I don’t think I’ve done anything to merit special treatment.”

“Well that barely wasn’t self deprecating so I’ll let it slide. But I see you talking to Sara about cooking all the time, I’m sure she’d be happy to hear your feedback. Plus how can anyone in Mondstadt say no to you? Everyone loves you!”

Before Noelle could respond she was distracted by a sudden noise. She looked in the direction it came from to see a group of hilichurls in the distance standing around someone crouched on the ground.

“Oh no! Someone needs assistance!” She dashed off before Barbara could say anything, claymore drawn. She charged into the group of hilichurls, and managed to fend them off quite well. But out of nowhere a Pyro hilichurl shooter appeared, and before she could activate her Breastplate shield, it managed to graze her shoulder with a flaming arrow. 

“Noelle!” Barbara ran over, catalyst floating and ready, raining down Hydro at the shooter, a fierce look in her eyes. 

Noelle planted her feet, “steady as stone!” A Geo shield appeared, protecting her beneath it’s golden glow. “Barbara, stay close to me!” Barbara nodded and moved until they were back to back, and called out “Let the show begin!” Noelle felt the weariness and pain begin to leave her with the gentle blue Hydro energy surrounding them. 

“Are you okay?” Noelle could hear the concern in her voice.

“I’m fine, let’s take care of these monsters.” 

“We can do this!” 

And they did. Barbara incapacitated the Pyro shooter with an onslaught of Hydro, while Noelle made quick work of the other hilichurls. She kept the monster at bay, but as she paused to take a breath, the Pyro shooter took advantage and began to aim. Barbara froze. 

“Oh no!”

Noelle had finished the last of her hilichurls when she heard Barbara cry out. Her heart caught in her chest and she ran towards her, “as a good knight should!” She took out the Pyro shooter in a blinding flash of Geo energy. 

She turned to Barbara, eyes full of worry. “I’m so sorry, are you hurt, is there anything I can do?” She sheathed her claymore and put her hands on Barbara’s shoulders, looking her over for any injuries. 

Barbara laughed gently and put her hand on Noelle’s arm. “I’m fine thanks to you.” Her eyes grew wide with reverence as she looked up to Noelle “you saved me.” She slowly rubbed her thumb over Noelle’s arm, the space between them feeling at once too close and not close enough. They locked eyes for a moment before Noelle cleared her throat and pulled away, “we should check on Allan and make sure he’s okay.”

Allan was sitting on the ground dazed, but uninjured. He profusely expressed his gratitude to both women, promising them he’ll be more careful and that if he ever needs anything while they’re in Springvale to just look for him. As he walked away, Barbara noticed Noelle’s small wince.

“Oh you were hit by an arrow, let me take a look!”

“It’s nothing, I’ll be fine.”

“I wasn’t asking. I am a healer Noelle. I may not be strong enough to protect you but I can still take care of you.” Her mouth set, her eyes steadfast and bright, she took Noelle by the hand on her uninjured side and brought her back to the blanket. She began to quickly undo the straps of Noelle’s pauldron, much to her surprise.

“What are you doing?” her voice was nervous, higher than usual. 

“Don’t be silly, I help heal the knights all the time, I could take off someone’s armor in my sleep.” She realized the implications of what she said and turned bright red, “I mean, not that I would but I just, I know what I’m doing.” She carefully undid Noelle’s collar and her hands trembled as she started to slide the neckline down her shoulder. “I just need to move this out of the way to take a closer look, okay?”

“Oh well, yes, that’s okay. Just uh, take your time.” She couldn’t help the warm feeling in her stomach as Barbara pulled the fabric down her shoulder or the sharp gasp when she found the arrow injury. And in spite of the pain, she could feel goosebumps on her arms as Barbara’s fingers brushed her skin, their heads nearly touching. 

“It looks like the arrow only nicked you, but it also managed to burn you. But the good news is I can take care of this and have you feeling better in no time!” She smiled and winked to hide the worry in her eyes. Her Vision glowed as she held her hands over the wound, and Noelle sighed softly at the relief, her skin cooling and healing under Barbara’s focused efforts. 

A few minutes later, the skin was fresh and healed. Barbara pressed against the surrounding area a few times, asking Noelle to gauge the feeling, checking for any additional injury. 

“I feel good as new Barbara, thank you.” She turned to look at her, Barbara’s hand on her shoulder, their heads still close together. 

Barbara blushed, her usually energetic soft, “it was the least I could do. You had to rescue me.”

“Don’t be silly, it was my honor to come to your aid.”

“Of course it is, that’s your job.”

Noelle took her hand and held her gaze, her eyes soft “It was my honor as your friend. As someone who cares about you. I told you I want to protect the people I care about. That includes you.” Her face turned as red as the roses on her outfit and she could feel her stomach fluttering. 

Barbara returned her blush, “as someone you care about?”

The air between them was suddenly charged again, as the adrenaline wore off and shifted into a different kind of excitement. Noelle could feel her heart beating faster, pounding in her ears as she looked at Barbara, noticing how soft her lips were. They were still so close together. 

She leaned in, whispering as their lips touched “yes.” Softly, she kissed her friend and knew this is what she had wanted all along. Barbara made a startled noise and Noelle quickly pulled away, her eyes wide.

“I’m so sorry, I don’t know what came over me! That was terribly rude of me to take advantage of you like that.” She started to back away but didn’t make it far before Barbara grabbed her hand. “What-” she was cut off as Barbara returned the kiss, cupping her cheek with one hand, before pulling away and kissing her over and over. Startled but thrilled, Noelle clumsily, enthusiastically returned her affections. After a few minutes she pulled away and looked at Barbara, overjoyed to see the happiness in her eyes, her lips red and swollen. 

“I don’t know what to say.” She took Barbara’s hands in her own. “I’m just so happy right now.”

Barbara’s whole face lit up “really?”

“Yes. I think I’ve felt this way for some time, but I didn’t want to make you uncomfortable so I tried to ignore it. But it’s been getting harder to ignore and now,” she squeezed Barbara’s hands, “I don’t have to.”

Barbara took her hand and gently kissed her palm, “no you don’t. And I don’t either. I think I fell for you the first day we met. Do you remember it?” Noelle nodded and she continued “I wasn’t a deaconess yet, I was still in training. And I had stopped by the Knights headquarters to visit Jean for lunch, but she was outside running training drills with everyone. It was usually so boring to watch but that’s when I saw you.” Her expression became wistful. “Most of the knights were using swords, but you were one of the few with claymores, and you looked so strong and determined, I couldn’t stop watching you.” She sighed, smiling.

“The way you moved was just so impressive, and you’re so pretty, it was hard to look away.” She turned bright red “I even thought about what it would be like to be held by you, with your strong arms wrapped around me.” She covered her face with her hands. “I can’t believe I just told you that!” She whined, still hiding her face, but peeked through her fingers at the sound of metal against metal. Noelle had already taken off both gauntlets and was in the process of removing her other pauldron. 

“What are you-oh!” She let out a startled laugh as Noelle grabbed her by the waist, pulling her into her lap and holding her tight.

“Is it just like you imagined?” her voice was soft in Barbara’s ear. 

“It’s better” Barbara nuzzled into her neck, planting a soft kiss where her neck and shoulder met. 

“Oh!” 

“I’m sorry, was that not okay? Are you still hurt?”

“No, it felt wonderful. It was just unexpected.” Barbara smiled and pushed her down on the blanket.

“Well there’s more where that came from.” She began kissing Noelle, softly at first but then with more intensity. She cautiously ran her tongue against Noelle’s bottom lip and the noise she made in response made heat pool in her stomach. She opened her mouth more and they slid their tongues together, and she moaned softly at the sensation and how good, how right, it felt to be doing this with her. She felt Noelle wrap her arms around her waist before rolling and pulling Barbara on top of her. She let out a delighted cry before leaning down and continuing, Noelle’s lips soft and yielding against hers.

After a few minutes of making out, Barbara stopped and pulled away. Noelle looked confused until she saw the sweet smile on Barbara’s face. 

“Hey Noelle?”

“Yes?”

She leaned down and softly kissed her. “Happy Birthday.” She sat back up, still straddling Noelle’s lap.

Noelle blushed. “Thank you. I don’t think I could have asked for anything better than this.” She wrapped her hands around Barbara’s waist, who shivered under her touch. 

“I hate to stop but” she looked around and down at the food. “We are in a pretty public space and we still have some lunch to finish. I’m too excited to eat much more but I wouldn’t mind a bit more privacy. Just in case.” Her cheeks flushed again, and she looked away. 

“Privacy?” Noelle looked confused until the realization washed over her face. “Oh! I think that perhaps some privacy could be nice.” She smiled and lifted Barbara off of her lap before sitting up herself. 

“My quarters at the church are actually relatively secluded. I even have a private entrance! Well, it’s more of a safety precaution than a luxury, but I can’t imagine anyone I would feel safer with than you.”

Noelle took her hand and kissed it. “And I can’t imagine any I would rather spend today with than you.”

[chrissy-kaos]

@void3d-souls this probably won’t help you compose yourself very much... 😈🥵🤤

[malewifesband]

as big as the friend confession scene is i love this part best. laios is ofc still under the impression that kabru likes monster food and went thru this big effort to make something special for him and then kabru goes out of his way to be so warm and sweet, and frankly a bit flirtatious like i know he thinks that exit killed it

and hes kinda right bc laios cannot stop staring after him when he leaves and i cannot attribute all that to him being confused about what kabru meant by "dont forget me next time". like laios means it if he says something like "meeting you was the best part of this" those are not empty words even if hes under a false impression about kabru--i dont think its just that kabru shared his interest that has his attention either. i think its bc kabru really engaged with him. i dont think his opinion wouldve changed much if kabru said "nahhhh im good i wont eat a monster cool for you tho have fun" instead of saying he would try it

(and he really is trying the 'laugh at anything he says so he'll feel special' strat here huh.....)

and kabru despite being a stranger he helped get thru to shuro about falins resurrection

and he does it with a sensitivity and care that laios wishes he was capable of and he know it limits him as a leader

the thought laios keeps having about kabru isnt "wow he loves monsters too!" its "wow he is sooooo nice :3" which he is! at this stage he likes kabru bc he feels heard by him and kabru has qualities he knows he lacks but admires greatly and didnt make fun of him or call him weird for his interest in monsters

the way kabru acts and thinks about laios at this point feels allegorical to how people feel in new relationships. can i trust you? are you who you seem? if i tell you how ive been hurt, will you use this to hurt me or to protect me? i dont know yet, but i like you so far, so im going to show you the self that i think you'll like best. i want to impress you. i want you to trust me so maybe i can trust you

so much of dungeon meshi is about the way that we accidentally hurt our loved ones because we cant always understand them, or we dont know whats best for them when theyve been hurt in such complex ways, or because were too scared of being hurt again to tell them not to press into the bruise (see: chimera falin, falin giving up parts of her life to suit/protect marcille and laios bc she loves them, laios driving marcille deeper into the winged lions grip TWICE with his advice in the nightmares and again with the dungeon rabbits, everything chilchuck has ever done in his whole life, laios' father's everything also, and this is a labru post so ofc kabru lying about wanting to eat monsters to impress laios) i wouldnt be surprised if the allegory was intentional

anyways this part of their relationship budding into a toxic little flower theyll have to prune later is very cute to me and i really like reading it again knowing how they turn their relationship around later into one built on a mutual understanding and trust

[lilguiguinevere]

is this anything

[frogcroaks]

Haunted by thoughts of you

[hairmetal666]

They start kissing on stage as a joke.

The night before the first time, they're at an afterparty, pounding shots, and Eddie is reading aloud a piece that just came out in Rolling Stone. "'One of the most noteworthy parts of Munson and Harrington's unlikely pairing is their chemistry on stage. It's like these two men--one on his way to being the latest metal god, the other an indie rock wunderkind--are two parts of one musical whole. Their singing, their playing, even their bodies twine and flow with assuredness; where one goes, the other follows without question. They share a single brain-cell and that cell is music'."

Steve giggles, pours some more Grey Goose into the glass. "If they say that now, could you imagine what would happen if we, like, kissed on stage or something."

"What the fuck, Harrington?" Eddie splutters, having just thrown a drink back.

"I don't know, other bands do it!"

Eddie snorts. "I'm cutting you off." He reaches for the bottle and the suggestion is forgotten for wrestling over the liquor.

Steve barely remembers it in the morning. Doesn't think about it at all as he gets ready to go out on stage.

They're playing one of the instrumental breakdowns when it happens. They're leaning into each other, Eddie smiling over his shoulder at him, their eyes locked, bodies moving together. "You wanna?" Eddie mouths at him.

Steve nods before the question actually registers and by then Eddie's warm, soft mouth is against his and he just-- completely forgets what he's doing. His hands still on the guitar strings, and he melts a little, going completely boneless when Eddie grips the back of his head, pulls him deeper into the kiss. t's over almost as quickly as it started, Eddie pulling away and swirling to the mic to start the next verse.

The kiss sinks into Steve's bones, and that's before it becomes a regular feature of their performances. After that night, they're never at the same time during the show, all initiated by Eddie, all over before he can catch his breath; each one chaste and surrounded by people but somehow more intimate than any make out.

He and Eddie, they're friends, bandmates, collaborators. They've known each other since they first started out, forging an immediate connection with they stumbled upon each other hiding out in the garden at some industry bigwig's party. And as much as he loved his friend, never once in that time had Steve considered wanting Eddie.

But now, now he falls asleep with the ghost of Eddie on his lips, goes into each show with a thrum of anticipation, catches himself thinking how beautiful his friend is when he's all rumpled and disheveled from a night in the tour bus bunks.

They've always been easy with physical affection, but once the kissing starts they're constantly in each other's space, idly playing with hair, laying across laps, heads on shoulders, twisting together on the tour bus couch. Steve is ruined with every touch, every moment; he can't get enough.

The first time Eddie uses tongue destroys every last piece of Steve's composure. They've added a new song to the setlist, a remixed version of Eddie's hit "Prince Charming". It's hard, heavy, sexy, one of Steve's favorites. And in the middle of it, right in the middle, Eddie shoves him against a low platform, kisses him like he's trying to own him, tongues twining eager and wet and full of sinful promise. It's like that every show after, Eddie kissing him deep and thorough, like he's trying to lick up every drop of Steve.

He is, unquestionably, fucked. Unquestionably falling. Can't properly fathom how he'd gotten himself here, desperate for Eddie's kiss, as performative as it may be.

They're packing up equipment after a show. Eddie's hair is piled in a messy bun and Steve is trying not to blatantly stare at the curve of his neck, the stray curls against his pale skin. Eddie's gesturing at something, says, "Can you grab those cords, swee--Steve?" He hands them over without thought, notices that Eddie's face is shining red. He's called away to deal with packing the guitars, forgets all about it, but at their next show, Eddie doesn't kiss him.

They don't talk about it.

Eddie doesn't try to kiss him again.

A week after Eddie stops the kiss, they have a night off between shows. He needs to get out of his head, goes out with Robin. He gets back fairly early, but all the lights are off in the bus. It makes him panic in a way it shouldn't; they've always done their own things. Still, he rushes on board, flips on the lights, his absurd heart beating too hard.

Eddie is curled up on the couch, face pressed to the pillows and covered with his hands. The panic kicks up a notch.

"Eddie?" He steps closer, slowly reaching out to grip Eddie's shoulder.

He jerks upright, earbuds slipping free, phone sliding down his hip. "Steve?"

His face is wet, tears actively slipping free from his eyes as Steve watches.

"What happened? Are you hurt?" His hands flutter around Eddie's arms and face, searching for bruises or wounds.

"I'm fine, Harrington," he chokes out. "Though you were out with Robin?"

"Yeah, I was, but Chrissy called. You know how useless she gets. But that doesn't--you--you're crying. What's wrong?"

Eddie's smile is a wobbly little thing, refusing to stick on his face. "Oh, you know, the usual. Fell for the wrong guy."

Steve forces down the gut churning hurt at hearing that Eddie's in love with someone, intent on comforting his friend. He tries to slip his arm around Eddie's shoulders, but Eddie shrugs him off. It jostles Eddie's phone again, slipping it toward Steve and activating the screen. He has a split second where he's looking at the cover of his own first album, before Eddie's snatching it out of reach, scrambling up from the couch.

"I'm fine." He swipes his sleeve over his face. "It's nothing."

And Steve is putting it all together, the being in love and listening to Steve's music, the kissing and how it ended.--

"Eddie." He sounds all wrong, choked and garbled.

Eddie doesn't turn around, is stuffing his feet into his boots. "I'm--I gotta go clear my head."

He walks towards the door and Steve just--"I've been obsessed with you since the first kiss," he says. Eddie stops, hand curled against the door. "We've been friends all this time and I didn't--I never realized. And then we kissed and--it's all I've been able to think about."

Eddie turns then, facing him, expression unreadable."Steve, what are you--"

"I love you. I'm in love with you." It comes out fast, all jumbled, but he can't stand Eddie leaving, not now.

"You--?" Eddie blinks, bites his lip. "That's not possible."

Steve smiles, can't help it. "It is, though. Turns out, I can't get enough."

Their eyes lock; neither speaks. Steve's heart pounds so hard it might spring free of his chest. Eddie moves first, crosses the small distance between them to pull Steve into his arms.

It's not a kiss, but Steve buries his face against Eddie's neck, breathing him in, feeling the echo to the pound of his own heart. "How long?" Steve asks.

Eddie's soft laugh vibrates through him. "Since I saw you walking in that garden and thought, 'jesus christ, Prince Charming is real'."

Steve pulls away to stare at Eddie in disbelief. "But that's--your--the song?"

"They're kinda all about you, Stevie. But that one most of all." Eddie whispers. His eyes glisten.

"Fuck, Eddie." He doesn't mean to whine, but he's not in control of his voice anymore. "I'm sorry I didn't--" He shakes his head. "I'm all yours, Ed. Whatever you want."

Eddie's thumb catches against Steve's bottom lips, eyes transfixed on his mouth. "Everything, sweetheart. I want it all."

[rhapsoddity]

GO!!! HOME!!! SHERIFF!!!

(Part 6/6)

[sketchyjaycomics]

So my friend got me into tf2 about 3 weeks ago and one of my favorite things so far is sniperscout vs sniperspy. I have no idea if people fight over this, but why would they need to? When the funniest outcome is RIGHT there?

Like how is that not great? Just a dad and his son, having a crush on the same dude who pisses in jars.

[hellcheerficdatabase]

Tomorrowland

Author: mrstater

Rating/Warning: Teen and up audience

Chapter Count: 1/1

Description: Before they confront Vecna, Chrissy and Eddie make plans for the future.

Tags: Alternate universe- canon divergence, alternate universe- everyone lives and nobody dies, fluff, mutual crushes, talks of the future, Chrissy POV, one-shot, status: completed

[sakurm]

trying to figure out what i dislike about my art style is such a grueling journey and it only causes me great anguish but heres a shitty first year sashisu doodle that i did like 20 minutes before work