Work Text:
A grunt of pain escaped the metal head as his head was yanked back. It felt as if the man was trying to tear his hair from his scalp. The terrified teen was yanked to his feet and tugged back roughly. His back hit the brick wall behind him and he sunk down to the floor. His once bright Disney like eyes flickered as he readjusted his vision. He stared up at the two large men before him and swallowed. All he was doing was trying to walk back home. "Why are you doing this?" his voice cracked as he stared up at them. "The law might not be able to do shit to you but it doesn't mean we can't" a rough hand reached forward, grabbing the collar of his t-shirt up.
That explained it. This assault. He was cleared of all charges. The deaths caused by the same thing that caused the earthquake. "Look at this ugly fucking scar" one of the men grabbed Eddie's face, digging his nails in and forced it to the side. The Demobat bite on his jaw line was forcibly displayed to the other man. "Get this from when you were worshipping the fucking devil, kid?" he spat in Eddie's face and then let go. For a brief moment Eddie was hopeful they were stepping away; a quick blow to the scar was enough to tell him this was just the beginning. Eddie barely had time to react as he was knocked to the floor.
His teeth scratched the inside of his cheek, sending a copper taste into his mouth. He lifted his head from the floor and swallowed the sickly mess as he pushed himself up to his knees quickly. A second act came just as quick as his brown locks were grabbed and a knee collided with his nose. Eddie was knocked back against the wall, strands of hair sticking between the man's fingers as he let go. He didn't even need to look at his reflection as he felt a trickle from his nose. Blood dripped over his top lip and down to his chin. "I-I'm not.." he closed his eyes, blinking back tears as he wiped his nose. "I'm not a Satanist-" he didn't get to finish as he was slapped around the face.
"We heard what that Carver kid said!" the hand reached out grabbing Eddie's bangs and forced him to look up. "Using your little pact with the devil to kill McKinney-Hey, look me in the fucking eye!" he yelled and earned a flinch from Eddie. Eddie was hesitant, fearful of the men and looked up, swallowing the metallic mess in his mouth. "I didn't even touch McKinney... Fuck, I ran away! I ran away because death fucking scares me!" Eddie broke into a yell. "I didn't do anything! I didn't do-" he was cut off once more as he was smacked around the face again. The man let go of Eddie's face and stepped back. Eddie lowered his head and pulled his knees to his chest.
"I wonder how far these scars go" those words made Eddie flinch. "Please, this is enough, you've done enough" he shook his head, digging his fingers into his legs. "No one is going to be satisfied until you're dead" those words sent a cold chill down Eddie's spine. "Afraid? You should be" the men began to laugh. Those hands grabbed a hold of his wrists and pulled the teenager to his feet. "Let go of me!" Eddie yelled, spitting droplets of blood on to the men in front of him. He was shoved back into the arms of the man behind him. Those arms wrapped around his waist. "Feel that same fear as those kids? Those innocent people?" the man hissed in his ear.
One arm moved, letting go of his waist and grinned the back of his jacket. "Wait, wait..." Eddie's eyes widened and for once he froze. "No!" he yelled out and tried to pull himself free, black combat boots kicking against the man's legs. "Let me go!" he screamed as loud as he could with hope someone would hear him and come running to his aid. The hoodie was tugged harshly from his body and he was shoved forward. He let out a yell of pain as his arm was yanked from the sleeve. The man standing front of him grabbed his arms and slammed his back against the wall, pinning his wrists there. With the hoodie thrown to the floor the other man stepped forward and gripped the metal head's chin.
"Stop, please..." Eddie whimpered and closed his eyes. The man chuckled to themselves as they looked over the scars on his neck. "You didn't stop for those classmates of yours" fingers snaked into the collar of his shirt. It took a moment for Eddie to register what was happening as he heard the tear of fabric. The cold air hit his body quickly. He could barely even squeak out a simple "What?" as the shirt was torn completely from his body. "Please, no more!" he begged, trying to pull his body free. He watched his precious Megadeth t-shirt, shredded and thrown to the floor. "Fucking disgusting!" those words stung Eddie's already breaking heart. Why did everyone think he was a monster?
The man laughed, taunted and insulted the numerous scars that decorated his body. "Jesus, he's only got one fucking tit!" Eddie felt his cheeks burn and he looked away from the men. "Cut it off for your precious Hell daddy?" the man reached forward and grabbed a hold of the bullet belt. "Wait! What are you doing?! Stop it! Stop!" Eddie yelled as loud as he could and tried to kick his legs free, twisting his hips. "What? Ashamed of the sick shit you did?!" the belt buckle snapped and his jeans were yanked down his legs to reveal the rest of the scars. Eddie lowered his head in defeat, the tears now falling from his eyes and dripping on to the floor and the stained combat boots.
The men finally let of his arms and Eddie sunk to the floor. The blood dripped down his neck to his chest, decorating the scars. For a moment it nearly reminded him of when he was struggling against the Demobats. How he nearly gave up until he heard your screams; it reminded him of a battle cry when you began to fire your weapon at the beastly creatures. The tears dripped off the tip of his nose as he tilted his head to the side. He remembered watching Dustin limp towards him, crying and yelling at him for being an idiot. His thoughts were interrupted as he felt cold liquid poured over his head. It stunk of alcohol. The now empty beer bottle was thrown at the wall by his head. Eddie shielded his face from the shards.
He didn't move as he heard the footsteps begin to fade. Finally the broken warrior began to tremble and the silent cry began to turn into a sob. His shoulders shook as he buried his face in his hands. "I'm sorry" he whimpered. "I'm sorry, I'm sorry..." he hugged his knees to his chest, burying his face in them as he began to cry. His throat burned and his face stung. He felt as if his legs would buckle from underneath him once he began to move them. Slowly he pushed himself up to the floor, gripping his jeans he stood up. "I'm sorry" he whispered to the thin air. "I'm really sorry" he took a step and lifted his head, looking around the floor for the torn t-shirt.
Eddie moved slowly then abruptly dropped to his knees in front of his shirt. He reached out with a trembling hand and picked it up. He remembered being gifted this. One of the few times he had actually hugged his uncle when he was taken in by him. He lowered his head, holding it to his face as he cried. Wayne wouldn't be home for hours, he couldn't tell the sheep and he was still too terrified to speak with Nancy, Robin or Steve. He was too afraid to even come and find you.
-*-
Eddie stood in front of the mirror. He swallowed, eyes looking over the slowly drying blood on his face. "Eddie?" that was your voice. "Eddie, you home?" the door to the trailer opened. Eddie flinched and tugged the hoodie tighter around him. He stayed silent and cupped a free hand over his mouth. In his mind he begged for you to go away, leave him be. He didn't want you to see him like this. He could practically hear his heart beating against his rib cage. "Eddie?" your voice sounded closer and you walked towards his bedroom door. "Eds, have you been sleeping this whole time-" you opened the door and looked into the room.
Your jaw dropped as you stared at him in shock. "Eddie, what the Hell happened to you?" you asked in disbelief. Eddie kept his hand over his mouth and he looked away from you. "Please, just go away" his voice was muffled and he stepped away, turning his back to you. "Eddie, Eddie, what happened to you?" you asked, walking over. You lifted your arm rather quickly and Eddie flinched, shielding his head. "Whoa, hey, hey..." you spoke softly, lowering your hands. "It's ok, I'm not going to hurt you" you slowly lifted your hand and touched his shoulder. He flinched but made no move to shove you away. "Just-"
Eddie exploded and yanked himself away from you. "Just fuck off!" he yelled, voice scratching. "Just. Fuck. Off!" he stepped away, glaring at you. Your eyes widened as you stared at the damage. "Jesus Christ..." you whispered, looking over the damage. "Eddie, who did this to you? Let me help you!" you stepped forward to grab his shoulders but he smacked your hands away. "I said fuck off!" he cursed at you. He was trembling violently. "Eddie..." you whispered. "Fuck off! Fuck off! Fuck off!" he yelled out, backing away till he felt the wall behind him. "No, I'm not leaving you, Eddie! Let me help and tell me what happened! Me and Steve-"
A yell of frustration sounded. Eddie grabbed the torn Megadeth t-shirt and threw it at you. "Just stop it!" he yelled at you. The tears was flowing. He wanted you to hug him, tell him everything was going to be ok but he didn't want you to get close. Not with how the world seemed to be throwing brick after brick at him. "I'm not as fragile as you think I am! I can take care of myself!" his voice cracked and he slowly sunk down. "Eddie..." you looked at the torn t-shirt and then at the metal head. "Eddie, look at me-" you stepped forward. "I don't need your protection!" he yelled once more. You stared at him in utter shock at how violently he was acting towards you.
Eddie lowered his head and sunk down to the floor. He couldn't hold back his tears, his sobs. "I'm not going to leave" you spoke calmly and put the ratty fabric down. "I'm not leaving you like this, ok? I didn't leave you to die by the Demobats and I'm not leaving you now" you walked over and slowly knelt down. "Why bother staying?" Eddie asked. "Why?" he looked up at you with bloodshot eyes. A bruise was forming on his cheek. "Eddie, you're my best friend, I'm never going to leave you" you moved the crusted bangs from his eyes, looking into them. The lights were on but no one was home. "Please, don't say that" Eddie whispered. "Everyone leaves"
"But not me" you replied, smiling warmingly. "Please, let me help you" you reached down, gently taking his hand in yours. "I'll get the shower running, fix up your face, order pizza and drink hot chocolate and maybe even smoke a bit, hm?" you rubbed your thumb over the back of his hand. Eddie swallowed and gave you a small nod. "Fine" he whispered, finally allowing his guard to drop. You nodded and let go of his hand, slowly standing up. "Get those clothes off and I'll start up the shower, get the med kit" you stepped away from him, leaving Eddie on the floor. You walked out into the hallway and looked towards your discarded backpack. For a moment you debated on contacting Dustin.
You stepped into the small bathroom and turned on the shower, adjusting it till it was warm and stepped away. A million thoughts were running around your mind at once; you were struggling to contain your emotions even as you clenched your fists. Who even dared to put their hands on Eddie like this? You couldn't imagine what he even went through. All that blood. "Uh, hey, big guy" Eddie's voice sounded from behind you. You turned, breaking from your thought and looked down at Eddie. He was standing in just his boxers. His legs even looked sticky and had some drops of blood. Just what exactly happened to him? "Sorry, sorry" you stepped aside and out of the bathroom.
You stepped out into the hallway and walked over to the area you last saw the medkit. Again you began to wonder if you should inform the others or wait. You glanced at the phone and bit your bottom lip. Should you call Wayne? Maybe not. He would leave his work abruptly for his precious nephew. You grabbed the medkit and walked back to the bathroom, forcing a grin on your face. "I got it!" you smiled, standing in the door way. Eddie was silent, hugging his legs to his chest as he sat underneath the shower flow. Your smile faded and you sighed. "Eds?" you couldn't even find the words to comfort him. You set the medkit down on the closed toilet and knelt down in front of the shower as you tugged your jacket off.
"I'm sorry" Eddie whispered, avoiding eye contact. "You didn't do anything, Eddie" you replied, opening up the tin. "Wash off the blood, dude, you might get infected if you don't" you chuckled, trying to lighten the mood just enough to help Eddie relaxed. Eddie nodded and lowered his legs as he tilted his head back, wiping away the crusted blood. The water was warm enough to help wash it away. You stared for a moment, watching the murky coloured water run down the drain. "They didn't..." you started but didn't know how to word it. "They didn't like... do anything to you after they... stripped you?" you asked. Eddie shook his head. "No, they just wanted to make fun of the bites"
Eddie felt numb. "They tore my Megadeth t-shirt" he tilted his head forward once all of the blood had disappeared from his face. You sighed softly and reached forward, putting your hand in Eddie's damp hair. It certainly smelt better now the alcohol had been washed out. "I'm sorry this happened to you Eddie" you whispered softly. "I wish I could've been there to help you" you pulled your hand back. For a moment Eddie lifted his hands as he wanted to put it back. It was comforting. "I'm glad you weren't there" he replied, looking up at you. "They would've hurt you too" his eyes seemed lifeless. You adjusted the shower head tilting it so it was now spraying his back.
"Let's clean up that cut, yeah?" you picked up one of the smaller towels and reached forward, dabbing Eddie's nose clean. He winced and closed his eyes tightly. "You're ok, you're ok" you whispered and pulled it away. "Well, nothing feels broken, were they wearing rings? Think that might be why you got a cut here" you examined the cut closely. "I think so, I remember one of them... one of them had a wedding band" he opened his eyes looking up at you. "Can't believe sick fucks like that are married and yet here we are, good guys, single as fuck" you rolled your eyes, picking up a few thin white band aids. "Hey" Eddie spoke up.
"Yeah?" you looked over the cut once more. "Why didn't you leave?" he asked. Silence fell between you two. You swallowed as you struggled to find an answer. You wanted to be truthful but you couldn't. "I... don't worry too much on that for now" you adjusted the band aid and pressed it over the small cut. "Alright?" you put your hand on his shoulder and looked him in the eye. Eddie stared back at you. Butterflies seemed to awaken in Eddie's stomach. He looked away and so did you. "Right, finish up here and I'll... I'll go order the pizza!" you stood up and stepped away from the shower. Eddie nodded and looked back at you watching you leave. He wanted to grab your wrist and stop you.
-*-
Eddie tugged the blanket tighter over his shoulders as he leaned back on the couch. "Yeah, thanks, man" you spoke as you took the pizzas from the delivery man. You nudged the door to a close with your foot and turned to Eddie who was staring off into space. "Hey, you ok?" you asked walking over. You set the pizzas down on the coffee table as Eddie slowly broke from his trance. "Yeah, I think" he whispered. He looked down at his hand, looking over the half smoked cigarette. "I... I wish I had money to just leave here" he looked up at you. You pursed your lips and nodded with understanding. "I feel the same honestly" you sat yourself down next to Eddie.
"About earlier" you started, flipping open one of the boxes. "What?" Eddie sighed and looked away from you. "I just wanted to ask, why did you try and push me to leave?" you questioned. You didn't make a grab for the pizza. Eddie didn't look at you. "Eddie, you know you can tell me anything" you started and lifted a hand to lightly touch his shoulder. Eddie didn't respond as he bought the cigarette to his lips. "I just... I don't want you of all people to be mixed up in my drama" Eddie shook his head and let out a shaky breath, blowing smoke into the air. "I'm sorry, ok?" he apologised. "Eds, don't apologise" you squeezed his shoulder lightly.
"I have to-" Eddie's head snapped to face you but he stopped speaking. "Eddie, you don't have to apologise" you shook your head and moved your hand to the back of his neck. Eddie pursed his lips together then glanced down. That hand was comforting. "Don't shut me out, alright? You're my best friend and I would do anything for you" you grazed your thumb lightly underneath his ear. Eddie was unable to stop himself as his words seemed to vomit out to him. "I love you, ok?" he was unable to stop it in time. He clasped his hand over his mouth then turned away, stubbing his cigarette out into the ashtray. "Hey, Eddie-" Eddie stood up, blanket falling off of his shoulders. "Eddie!"
You stood up and grabbed his wrist. Eddie tensed up and lifted his free arm to shield himself expecting you raise a fist for what he had just said. No painful blow came. "Eddie..." you spoke with that same comforting tone. "Eddie, I don't..." you had no idea how to word this. You tugged him towards you and forced yourself to ignore the flinch, the terror that was rising inside of Eddie. You wrapped your arms around him, leaving his arms loose to his sides so he could pull away from you if needed. "Eddie, its ok" you whispered, resting your chin on top of his head. "I'm not..." you were struggling to find the words and closed your eyes.
Eddie was struggling to find it in him to respond. You didn't hit him. You were holding him. "Eds, I-" you pulled back, putting your hands on his shoulders and shut your mouth. Eddie still stared at you in bewilderment, eyes wide, lips parted. You pushed your small fear aside and moved your hands up to his cheeks. Eddie winced and closed one eye as you touched the bruise. "Sorry, sorry" you chuckled lightly, moving that hand down to the side of the neck. "Do you...?" Eddie started but seemed at loss for words himself. You tilted your head as you leaned in. Eddie finally let his body relax as the two of you finally kissed.
It was tender, light, sweet. Eddie's lips were softer than you had expected; plush, smooth. Eddie's hands slowly lifted from his sides to your chest with one of his palms pressing against your quickly beating heart. He couldn't help but smile against your lips. You were just as nervous as he was. You didn't press for the kiss to go any deeper as you pulled back and leaned your forehead against Eddie's. You moved your hand from his neck to the one on top of your heart. "Do you see why I refused to leave now?" you asked, smiling. Eddie was hesitant to open his eyes as if he was terrified of the moment disappearing. "Yeah" he nodded.
-*-
Your legs were tangled together. Eddie's head was resting against your chest as he slept soundly. You had a hand in his unruly locks, stroking lightly at his scalp. You stared up at the TV, ignoring the sound as you focused on the soft breathing sounding from the metal head resting on your chest. You glanced down at him and readjusted the blanket, tugging it over his shoulders. He felt warm. You leaned your head back against the cushions and smiled, closing your eyes. Everything just felt right at this moment. Your eyes snapped open as you heard the door handle turn and you looked at the door with horror. Wayne was back. Did he know?
Wayne pushed the door open and let out a grunt as he dropped his bag. He lifted his head then froze once he realised you were staring at him with wide eyes. The silence was tense. Finally Wayne's face cracked and he nodded. "'Bout damn time" he scoffed and pushed the door to a close. You raised a brow in confusion. "Wh-What?" you questioned, quiet to avoid waking Eddie. "Me and your old man have been watching you two tip toe around each other for months, 'bout damn time you two got together" he nearly spoke in a normal tone but kept it in a whisper. "You... you knew? My dad knows?" you looked down at Eddie then back to Wayne till he disappeared from view.
"You think we wouldn't know about our own boys?" Wayne questioned as he filled a kettle with water. "Back in the army days if you could find homosexuals anywhere you'd find them in the army" he replied. You looked back down at Eddie and shrugged. Couldn't imagine someone like Eddie being in the army. Scrawny and you could practically hold his wrists between between your thumb and middle finger. "Oh" you finally spoke and sighed. You relaxed a little then raised a brow. "What do you mean about time?" you questioned. "Like I said we've been watching you two dance around each other for months" Wayne looked over his mug collection, questioning which mug to drink out of.
"Yeah?" you froze as Eddie moved a little in his sleep. He buried his face in your chest. You relaxed and let out a sigh, stroking his hair. "The stares, the light touches, was like watching a very long romance movie, even your friends seemed to get sick of it" this caused more questions. "They? Know?" you questioned. "Of course" Wayne nodded. "I'll say one thing though" the elder finally stepped into view. "You break that heart of his, boy and I will be breaking that skull of yours" he pointed at you. You stared with wide eyes and moved your free arm to put over Eddie. "Understood, sir" you squeaked, holding Eddie close.