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In moments like these, you often liked to daydream about what it’d be like to be an only child. Tapping your fingers against the steering wheel, you bounced your leg impatiently.
“Don’t forget to, you know, pick me up this time,” Dustin said as he climbed out the car.
“I didn’t forget!” You hissed. You’d been an hour late to picking him up from the movies a month ago and he’d been clinging onto his indignation ever since. “Besides, most of the time when people get free rides they say, gee, I don’t know – thanks?”
“Thanks,” he made a face. “But seriously, 7PM, okay? Don’t get lost.”
“I’ll stab you in your sleep,” you said, glaring at him.
Mike, having a great sense of survival, tugged Dustin towards the school doors. “Dude, your sister is going to smother you one day.”
Glancing at the time again, you sighed. 7:27PM. Your mom had all but threatened you both if you weren’t back by dinner. If you didn’t find him soon, you were going to have to break almost every traffic law to make it by then.
“That’s it!” You turned your car off and put in park. Locking the door behind you, you stomped into the nearest entrance. You had a faint memory of the classrooms used for clubs after school and made your way there. After a few wrong guesses, you finally heard a faint cheering.
Kicking the door open, you relished in the way everyone in the room jumped when the door slammed. “Henderson,” you growled, hands on your hips.
Instantly, everyone surrounding him took three steps away from him. Your brother squeaked, his eyes darting to the clock to your left.
“Shit,” he said.
“Did you, by any chance, for get how to tell time?” You asked, eyes narrowing. “Or the fact that we’ve got plans that’ll end in a shitty weekend for both of us if you don’t hurry the hell up?”
His eyes widened and he scrambled for his bag.
“Uh, who is this?” A guy hiding behind Mike asked Dustin quietly. “Who is she?”
“My ride,” Dustin grumbled, taking too long.
“Dustybun, you have thirty seconds or I’m going to wring your neck. Wheeler, hustle or you’re walking home,” you snapped at a guilty looking Mike. He immediately packed twice as fast, already stepping towards you. You knew you liked him for a reason.
“Dude, is that your girlfriend?” Another guy asked, his eyes watching you. “She’s hot.”
“She’s right here and can hear you, weirdo,” you said, gagging at the implication.
Dustin, however, looked scandalized. “That’s my sister Gareth.”
“Dustybun,” the guy from earlier snorted and Dustin glared at him.
“Hey,” you kicked the table and everyone at it jumped. “You don’t get to make fun of my brother - only I can make fun of the twerp.”
“Thanks,” Dustin muttered under his breath.
“Thanks,” you mimicked him in a high-pitched voice. He shot you a glare and you tapped your foot.
“Can you give me a ride home?” Erica asked, also packed and by your side. You swung an arm around her shoulders. “Sure. Where’s Lucas?”
“Sinclair is lost the dark side,” the man you hadn’t seen, sitting on a throne of all things, finally spoke up. You glanced at him and blinked. You recognized him instantly. A flash of shitty tequila, a Princess Peach costume, and frantic hands crossed your mind.
“Munson?” You said, narrowing your eyes.
“The one and only,” he bowed dramatically. “Pleasure to see you again, princess.” Your eyes, however, snapped to Dustin.
“You’re hanging out afterschool with Eddie Munson?” You hissed.
“You hung out with Steve when he was still a shithead so really, are you one to judge?” Dustin countered. Your comeback died on your tongue because- well, he was right. Conceding, you ignored his triumphant grin and turned back to Eddie.
“You know, a lesser man would complain about a wounded ego,” Eddie said, grinning, his eyes raking over you.
“There’s nothing wrong with you,” you said, giving him a blatant appreciative once over, but crossing your arms. Eddie smirked, eating it up. You knew what he did as a side business. “Do not sell my brother drugs.”
“Oh my God,” Dustin muttered.
“I am not in the habit of selling to freshman,” he quipped back. “It does seem like the lady doth protest too much. I do remember giving away a good amount to a different Henderson.”
You flushed, pointedly ignoring Dustin’s gape. “I hang out with Steve,” you reminded him, “you really think we braided each other’s hair at his parties?”
Dustin rolled his eyes. “Remind me to give him shit over this tomorrow.”
“Gladly,” you grinned, glancing back at Eddie. His eyes bore into yours and you shot him a smile. “Bye Eddie.”
Without another word, you turned on your heel and stomped out the doors. “Anyone not in the car by the time I start it can walk home!”
“Nice to see you again Henderson,” Eddie called out. You lifted a hand in the air and fought the urge to glance back.
“Dude, stop checking out my sister!”
“I’m taking lunch,” Robin said, climbing off the stool behind the counter and ducking under it. “You want me to get you anything?”
“I will worship the ground you walk on if you bring me back a milkshake,” you begged, widening your eyes. “Pretty please?”
Robin rolled her eyes. “Just because you’re cute,” she joked, snatching her wallet from behind the counter. “Steve should be in soon, you’re close to freedom.”
You groaned. “I forget how mindless this place gets Mondays,” you slumped over again, cheek against the cool counter. “Don’t leave me here alone for too long.”
“Alright keep your pants on, I’ll be back soon!” Robin said, ducking out the store.
Almost five minutes later you hear the door open and you perk up. The sight of a smirking Eddie Munson was not what you’d expected, you wilted and greeted him.
“Don’t look so disappointed to see me,” Eddie joked, eyes burning into you.
“Well, Robin is bringing me a chocolate milkshake, you’re here to annoy me,” you said around a smile, “so she clearly wins.” He glanced through the movies closest to the counter and glanced at you.
“I could both annoy you and get you a milkshake if you wanted,” Eddie said, coming closer, “tomorrow night?”
You blinked at him before smiling slowly. “Oh, you’ve gotta try harder than that,” you said, leaning your chin onto your palm.
“Really?” His eyebrows rose, a teasing glint in his eyes. “I don’t remember it being that hard when we made out under the bleachers at the Halloween dance.”
Biting back a grin, you were wondering how long it’d take him to bring that up. You’d gone with a recently single Steve, as Princess Peach and Mario, and when he’d started moping over Nancy, you’d found someone who had snuck in some tequila and gotten drunk.
You danced with a few of your other friends for five minutes and had lost Steve. You’d eventually found him buying a joint off of Eddie. He looked out so of place with his leather jacket and Hellfire t-shirt beneath the bleachers. He’d flashed you a stupidly attractive smile, a quip about your costume, and you’d thrown caution to the wind.
“You’re cute,” you shrugged nonchalantly, “why resist something you want?”
At that Eddie’s ears flushed red. You grinned, glad to have flustered him, but jumped when he hopped onto the counter next to you. “I don’t remember you being interested in anything after that night,” he said, tone a little less teasing.
“Well, Munson, when you make out with a guy and he doesn’t call, reach out, or look at you after, you get the point,” you shrugged. “I’m not everyone’s type.”
Eddie snapped his gaze down to you. “I didn’t know…you wanted me to reach out.”
“It’s fine,” you smiled, and it was. Eddie was cute but you didn’t really know him and when the upside down became a problem again a few days later – you’d had more serious things to worry about. To say that you’d forgotten was being generous, you’d truly erased the foggy incident from your memory until it resurfaced last week after seeing him again. “When you offer up more and the guy all but runs, you get the picture.”
You laughed a little as Eddie froze. You honestly had no hard feelings, but riling up Munson was too fun to pass up.
“I-I didn’t run,” he said, getting his footing back. “I returned you to Harrington, sold some more, and went home.”
“Your loss,” you teased, bumping your shoulder with his elbow to show him you were kidding.
Instead of the regular teasing glint, you turned up and saw that Eddie looked deep in thought. “You almost fell over when you tried to - you were drunk,” he admitted after a beat, “I could tell.”
“Aliens on mars could tell,” you said, sighing.
At that, he smiled. “I may be a freak and a drug dealer but I’m not someone who takes advantage of drunk girls,” he said, sincerity evident. “Especially not ones that run with Harrington and Wheeler. Not ones who didn’t look at me twice when they were sober.”
You blinked, caught completely off guard. You hadn’t thought twice about the fact that you’d been trashed. Eddie was hot, you knew he’d found you somewhat attractive, and thought you could’ve had some fun. Clearly, he’d thought about it more than you had. You hadn’t purposefully ignored him after – you were just too worried about keeping the kids alive and dodging Billy.
“I had a lot going on at the time,” you started.
Eddie held up a hand. “I get it.”
Suddenly, it was important to you that he know you hadn’t ignored him because you were embarrassed. You? Of all people – you almost laughed. Steve and Nancy had always been the popular ones – you were just the childhood friend that tagged along. Tommy and Carol had made it painfully clear that you weren’t wanted – no matter how many times Steve or Nancy defended you.
You reached out and put your hand over his. His eyes darted back to yours and you swallowed, a little nervous. “I didn’t ignore you on purpose, I swear. I’m not – I don’t buy into the whole popularity bullshit. I was never one of those people who gave a shit about stuff like that. You’ve met my brother, right? He’s one of my best friends and frankly, I think he’s cool.” You glared at him. “Don’t ever tell him I told you that.”
The corner of his mouth lifted and you moved your hand from his.
“So…”
You shrugged. “So, it really was just bad timing.”
“Huh,” Eddie said, hopping down from counter to stand beside you. He stepped close enough that his scent muddled your brain but not close enough to touch you. “Why do I have a feeling we’d get along really well?”
“I’m pretty sure it’s called sexual tension, Munson,” you pointed out, smiling. “We don’t even know each other. What if it’s just superficial?”
“That’s what the date is for princess. Besides, I know what noises you make when I bite right there,” he said, finger skimming over your neck, grinning when you reflexively tilted your head back to give him more access. “That’s got to count for something, right?”
Was it hot in here suddenly? You swallowed, not wanting to be on uneven playing field.
“From my fuzzy memory,” you reached up and tangled your fingers into his long hair, giving it a short, firm, tug, “you seemed to like that.” Eddie’s eyes flashed when you tugged a second time, his hands coming up to your hips reflexively.
“Clearly, my sunny personality would’ve won you over in a second,” he teased, his fingertips dancing across your back.
“I think it’s the tattoos,” you said, eyes trailing down his neck and down to his arms. Eddie puffed up a little at that and you bit back a laugh. “So, what’s that you said about milkshakes?”
Before you could answer, the door slammed open and you heard the familiar sound of bickering. Robin froze, her hand holding a milkshake and the other a sub. She darted her eyes around the store and to the non-existent space between you both. You take a step back, flushing, and immediately caught the flash of hurt that crossed Eddie’s face. He quickly schooled his expression and leaned casually against the counter, like he belonged there.
“Buckley,” he greeted.
“Munson,” she replied, her confused gaze coming to you.
You opened your mouth to explain when Steve finally came stumbling in behind her. “Dude, you almost spilled- whoa, Munson?”
Eddie’s hands clenched and he shot Steve a smirk. “Harrington. Don’t look so happy to see me.”
“What’s he doing here?” Steve asked, looking at you. “Behind the counter?”
You didn’t know what to say for a moment, trying to think of the right words, when you saw Eddie’s shoulders tense.
“Henderson here was helping me find a movie I was looking for,” Eddie said, covering for you. He glanced back at you and you frowned, hating how the teasing, charismatic parts of him hid behind the persona. You shot Robin a look and she nodded, tugging on Steve’s arm.
“We’ll uh, just be – in the back,” she said. Before they could completely disappear though, you fisted Eddie’s collar and dragged him down to your height.
“Henderson?” Eddie asked, unsure, eyes darting to a frozen Robin and Steve.
“Shut up and kiss me,” you said, crashing your lips to his. Without a second of hesitance, Eddie surged forward, backing you up until you smacked into the counter. His hand snaked to your back, pulling you impossibly close and the other came up to your neck. You came up for air, flushed, and already slightly addicted to the happy noises he made while nosing at your neck.
You were both snapped out of the moment when a low whistle echoed through the empty store. Robin was smirking, pulling a disbelieving Steve into the back room. “We’ll just…let you two have a moment.”
Eddie was bright red and you leaned away, already missing his warmth. “Who’s embarrassed of who now?”
“Who said anything about being embarrassed?” He asked, bending down for another, shorter, kiss. He leaned his forehead against yours and licked his bottom lip. “Why did that feel a little purposeful?”
You grinned and reached out to kiss his jaw, smiling wider when he shivered. “So, I don’t hear any bullshit about being part of the popular crowd or one of them. I do what I want, when I want, and with who I want.”
Eddie was smirking but you could see the relief and amusement in his eyes. “Noted.”
“Good,” you said. Your stomach fluttered and you clenched your hand around the hem of his shirt. He smirked, the little shit, and pressed a soft kiss to your cheek. “See you tomorrow?”
“Tonight,” you said, “I’m off in two hours.”
“Someone’s eager,” he teased, his fingers dancing along the hem of your shirt.
You flushed and took a step back, needing clean non-Eddie scented air to clear your head. “I seem to suddenly remember I have plans…”
Eddie rolled his eyes. “See you in two hours princess,” he stepped back into your personal space, lips skimming across your ear. “Oh, and just in case you haven’t already noticed – you’re definitely my type.” He squeezed your hand one last time and sauntered out. You watched him hop into his car, wave, and pull out the parking lot. You pressed a hand to your chest, willing your heart to slow.
“Holy shit,” Robin said, peaking her head out from the back door. “Does Eddie Munson have game?”
“No way,” Steve grumbled, his head popping out above hers. “There’s no way that just happened.”
You shrugged. “I don’t know what you want me to tell you.”
“I knew they’d make a cute couple,” Robin yelped suddenly, eyes bright.
“What?” You exclaimed.
“I saw him basically carry you out from under the bleachers at the Halloween party last year,” Robin said, handing you your milkshake. “I was ready to stomp over and beat the shit out of him, thinking he’d dragged you there but-”
“-you saw him?” Steve yelled.
“You hadn’t deigned to talk to me yet Dingus,” Robin said, nodding towards you, “she talked to me every day in class.”
You shot Steve a superior look and he rolled his eyes. “How many times do I have to say sorry!”
Ignoring him, Robin continued. “But then, you threw yourself at him. He kissed you back for a little, but ushered you back over to your table. He made sure someone had seen you before disappearing.”
“I can’t believe you didn’t say anything,” you said, a little touched.
“It wasn’t my place. Besides, we were friends,” she shrugged. “I saw him staring at you sometimes, at lunch. I think he’d be loud and climbed the tables so he’d finally get you to look back at him.”
You felt your face redden and chewed on your bottom lip. “I was little overwhelmed with-”
“-the mall exploding, Russian soldiers torturing us, and everything else?”
Tapping your nose, you sipped your milkshake. “We’re going on a date.”
“You’re going on a date?” Steve exclaimed dramatically, almost dropping a few tapes. “With Eddie Munson?”
“Oh my God, get over yourself,” you huffed, “he’s sweet.”
Robin nodded. “After what I just saw, even I was hot and bothered.” Steve grumbled and rolled his eyes.
“Just be safe,” he said.
“She’s been friends with you since you were toddlers, if you haven’t corrupted her yet I doubt Eddie will,” Robin quipped, wagging her eyebrows at you.
You laughed at Robin fanning herself and shook your head. What was your life?