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“You’re coming to the show tonight, right?”
Eddie’s question throws you off; you’ve been to all of his band’s gigs since your friendship started back in high school. He’s never asked you this before, he knew you’d be there each week. Why would today be any different?
“Of course, Eds. I haven’t missed one yet, why’d you ask?”
He avoids eye contact and fidgets with the rings on his fingers. “Oh, no reason. Just wanted to double-check.”
Weird. Something seemed off with him all day; he was quieter than usual and was more fidgety, constantly bouncing his leg, picking his nails, and adjusting his jewelry. Almost like he was anxious about something, but what?
“Anyway. I’ll see you tonight.” Before you can say anything, he’s quickly walking to his car.
You wrack your brain during your drive home trying to figure out what’s off about your friend. Maybe something happened with the band and he’s worried about the performance, or maybe he didn’t get much sleep. Whatever it was, it wasn’t important enough to tell you, so it can’t be too bad. You and Eddie don’t keep secrets from each other, it was something you really appreciated about your friendship. It felt relieving to have everything out in the open.
——————————————
Once inside the venue, you made your way to the front like always. Eddie loved seeing you front and center, singing and dancing your heart out, and you loved seeing him shine on stage. He’s such a natural performer, playing the guitar like it’s as easy as breathing. One day he’d be touring around the world, and you’d be there to cheer him on along the way.
Steve and Robin joined you just before the band started; they joined you whenever they didn’t have work.
“I’m glad you guys could make it! I know Eddie loves when you guys can come out.”
“Well, we couldn't miss out tonight,” Robin grins like she knows something you don't.
“Robin! Shut up,” Steve hisses, confirming she does know something, as does he.
“What aren't you telling me?”
Of course the music starts before either of them can answer. Maybe it has something to do with how Eddie was acting today, but you can't figure out what could possibly be any different about the show. They start with the same song as usual, continuing into their usual set. It's not until the last song that something different happens.
Eddie swaps places with the lead singer, putting him front and center of the stage, right in front of you. “Tonight, I wanted to switch things up a bit. First, I want to thank everyone for coming out, whether it’s your first or tenth show. Second, I want to dedicate the last song to someone special,” his eyes meet yours before he continues. “She’s my number one fan, my best friend, and my muse. I’m forever grateful to have her in my life. This one's for her.”
You recognize the song from the first note and freeze. Everything makes sense: why Eddie was off all day, why he was double-checking you’d be there, and what Robin and Steve were hiding. He was dedicating a song to you, but not just any song…
It’s your favorite love song.
When you first met Eddie, music was one of the first conversation topics. The two of you went back and forth sharing favorite artists, playing songs for each other, and writing down recommendations the other one shared. When you mentioned this song, you expected him to laugh or make fun of you. A metalhead listening to love songs? Not likely, at least for him. You definitely didn’t expect him to remember it’s your favorite and learn how to play it for you.
His eyes never leave yours and it feels like you’re the only people in the room. You’ve never heard his singing voice unless you count when he breaks out into song in a goofy voice, but hearing him really sing sent a chill down your spine. The only word to describe him right now is angelic: how the stage light creates a halo atop his head, the sound of his voice, how he’s looking at you with deep intensity.
Once the song ends, his eyes scan the cheering crowd and he breaks into a grin. Robin and Steve nudge you, both of them suggestively raising their eyebrows. You needed to talk to Eddie now, but he’s busy packing the gear back up.
“How long have you two known about this?” You ask them.
“Just today. Unless you’re talking about his feelings for you, then the answer is a while,” Robin answers.
“F-feelings? What are you talking about?”
“You can’t be serious,” Steve laughs. “He not only dedicated a love song to you, but he said you’re his muse.”
“Or maybe he did it as a friendly gesture,” you argue. “He knows I like that song, that’s why he picked it. No other reason.”
“I’ve never seen someone so deep in denial,” Robin says.
Maybe you are, but you could still be right. The song choice was just a coincidence; there was no hidden meaning because you and Eddie didn’t hide things from each other.
Right?
As if Steve could see the gears turning in your head, he says, “Just go talk to him.”
You spot him carrying his guitar case backstage and run to catch up. “Eds!” When he turns around you can’t tell if he’s nervous or happy to see you. “Can we talk?”
“Yeah, but let’s go somewhere more private.”
He leads you through the back exit of the venue and he hopes you can’t see how shaky his hands are. After leaning his case against the wall, he puts his hands in the pocket of his jeans and takes a deep breath. Both of you are too scared to talk first, but you figure you should go first after he potentially just confessed his feelings for you very publicly.
“That was the nicest thing anyone’s ever done for me. The fact that you remembered my love for that song, learned how to play it, and then dedicate it to me makes me almost speechless. I’ll always be your number one fan, Eds.”
If this was a movie, it would be the part where the two main characters finally kiss and confess their love for each other. You’re trying really hard not to do both right now, not until you know how he feels.
“I remember everything about you.” The confession fills your stomach with butterflies. “Look, I know we don’t hide anything from each other, but…there’s something I haven’t been telling you. I hope the song did it for me.” He searches your face for confirmation you understand what he’s saying without him actually saying it.
“I want to hear you say it.”
“I like you, as more than a friend. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you, I just didn’t know how and I was scared.”
“Don’t be sorry. I like you too, Eds. We were both keeping a secret from each other.”
Relief floods through you both knowing there are no more secrets and that your feelings are reciprocated. Eddie takes a step closer and cups your cheek, the metal from his rings is cold against your skin.
“Can I?”
“Yes, please,” you whisper.
His lips gently press against yours, slow and soft, and it’s everything you dreamt of and more. This is your movie moment, and although it’s incredibly cliche, you’re too happy to care. You pull Eddie closer to deepen the kiss and you feel him smile against your lips; he can’t believe this is happening, can’t believe he got the girl of his dreams.
He can’t stop the “wow” from slipping out when you pull away. His cheeks flush when he realizes how awkward it sounds, but when you say it back in agreement, he laughs and feels relief.
“Should we break the news to Steve and Robin?” You ask.
“Yeah, I want to brag about my girlfriend. That is…if you want to be my girlfriend.”
“Of course I do.”
“Good,” he smiles and takes your hand.
Deep down, you know dating “the freak” of Hawkins is going to come with a lot of judgment. People are going to question your relationship, wondering why you’re with him, or think he somehow forced you into it. You’ll get stares while out in public together and hear whispers when you walk past people. You love Eddie too much to care though, and you’ve wanted this for so long that nothing can ruin it.