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“Don’t panic,” Steve said, hand tight on your shoulder.
You were a fucking idiot.
“Shit, shit, shit,” you mumbled, trying not to hyperventilate. Black dots were dancing in your vision, taunting you.
“She’s doing a great job at not panicking,” Robin hissed at Steve with a look.
Steve rounded you towards the backroom, trying to get you to take deep breaths. “It’s not my fault! She’s the one that said it!”
“Oh God,” you whimpered, sitting onto a plastic chair and tucking your head between your knees.
“Shut up dingus! You’re not helping!” The sound of Robin smacking Steve echoed with your ragged breaths.
“Okay, it’s not that bad,” Steve said, his knees swimming into your line of sight as he squatted in front of you. His warm hand at your back helped you breathe a little easier. “He knows you work here; I don’t know why the fuck he’d come by.”
“Because he’s an asshole,” Robin muttered and grunted when it sounded like Steve shoved her. “What? It’s true. What kind of guy comes by to his ex-girlfriend’s job after a year of avoiding her like the plague, with another girl on his arm? An asshole, that’s who.”
“I know, but be sensitive,” Steve hissed.
“I wasted three years on that cheating asshole,” you said, sitting up to look at their sympathetic faces. “Three years.”
Steve put his hand on your knee and frowned. “I did tell you I hated him.”
“Jesus, dingus, move,” Robin said, shoving him and sitting at your feet. “Look. He’s an idiot and he was trying to get a rise out of you.”
“Which I fell for!” You shrieked, panic licking at your feet. God you were an absolute moron. “What am I going to do? He knows I’m lying, that’s why he invited me to the fucking thing!”
“He invited you because he’s a pompous idiot,” she said, “listen, we can go with you but we just need to find you a date. There has to be someone he doesn’t know.”
“I’m having a Halloween party tomorrow,” Aaron said, patronizing gaze on yours. The brunette next to him giggled, her arm tangled in his.
“We’re going as Top Gun characters,” she said, snapping her gum. Of course they were. He never went anywhere without his aviators. “Why don’t you come?”
“Uh-”
“Yeah,” Aaron said, his stupid smug smile taunting you. “There will be tons of people who come alone, don’t worry about it.”
Embarrassment simmered in your blood. Of course, he assumed you were still single. Why else wouldn’t you be? Poor little you, finding your boyfriend making out with the head cheerleader in the woods. Of course, he expected you to be heartbroken over him. The prick.
“I have a date,” you said, your pride hurling the words out your mouth before your logic could stop them. “So, yeah thanks.”
Aaron’s smile disappeared and the brunette giggled. “Great! Bring him along. It’s at Aaron’s house.”
“Great,” you said, bravado already leaving you.
Aaron narrowed his eyes and smiled that same superior smile from your memories. The one that usually came with a sharp jab after. “Can’t wait to meet him.”
The bell went off in rapid succession. Robin rolling her eyes but you and Steve stood quickly. “Do you think he’d come back?” You asked, knowing you looked panicked and not wanting him to see it. Losing face is what got you into this mess.
“He wouldn’t,” Steve said. The three of you exchanged looks and ran to the swinging door. Peaking out slowly, you felt your heart in your throat as your eyes swept across the store.
“Uh, what the hell are you guys doing?” A voice said to your left.
Screaming, you jolted up and smacked your head into Robin’s chin. With twin groans of pain, you stepped out into the front and rubbed at your head. “Sorry Robin,” you said, reaching for her arm.
An amused snort brought your eyes back to Eddie, who had a few tapes in his hands and watched his gaze drag down your body.
After you’d helped clear his name last spring break, and life returned to normal, you still wouldn’t necessarily call Eddie a friend. An acquaintance? Well, he was someone you liked bickering with – his over-the-top reactions always pulling a reluctant laugh from you. Besides, there really wasn’t a way to go through what you’d all fought without coming out the other side with some type of bond.
You ran into him from time to time – at game nights in Wheeler’s basement, at the group movie outings once a month, even once on campus. He’d told you he was taking a few classes while he worked at the record store downtown.
“Do I even want to know?” Eddie asked, resting his chin on his palm.
The sarcastic quip was on the tip of your tongue when Robin’s arm snatched yours. “What about Eddie?” She asked, expression elated.
“What about me?” Eddie asked, leaning forward.
Steve straightened, whirling around to the two of you. “I mean, it’s not a bad idea.”
“What isn’t a bad idea?”
Eddie? Eddie Munson? He’d laugh at you. There’s no way Eddie would deign to take you to the party.
“No, absolutely not,” you said, crossing your arms. “Why can’t you do it?”
Steve shot you a flat look. “I’m sorry, did you think he’d believe it was a date from our interaction literally twenty minutes ago? We’ve known each other since we were literal newborns.”
You groaned, in denial. Everyone knew you and Steve were more platonic than him and Robin. Shit, you had more chemistry with metal pole. “What about one of your friends?”
“Who else does Steve know? Me? Teenagers?” Robin snorted and ignored Steve’s injured look. “Don’t look at me like that it’s the truth. Eddie’s not a bad idea.”
“Am I invisible?”
The three of you continued to ignore him. “Would Aaron buy it?” You asked, wringing your hands. Eddie was going to laugh you out the door if you asked. Besides, you knew he hated high school parties. “I’m going to be sick. He’s going to poke at the story until it falls apart – in front of everyone. Fuck.” You could see it now, unravelling in the middle of his stupid living room.
“Of course, he’ll buy it, he has like two functioning brain cells,” Robin said, “I don’t know what you saw in him.”
“Right?” Steve said, putting his arms on his hips.
Throwing your hands up you fought the urge to slap them both. “We’ve been over this!”
“The party is tomorrow, what other choice do we have?”
“Why do I feel kind of offended?” Eddie asked, hopping onto the counter.
Robin snickered and Steve rolled his eyes. Catching your anxious gaze, Eddie’s amused smile softened into something more sincere. “What’s up buttercup? I’m always down for another adventure. Eddie the Brave is at your service fair maiden.” You dutifully ignored how his upturned lips caused your stomach to flip.
Steve shot you a look that you knew said ‘see!’
Flinging your vest off and throwing it into Steve’s face, you hopped over the counter. “I have a proposition for you.”
Eddie joined you and quirked one of his brows. “That’s a new one,” he said, his face draining of color. “Is it – is this another Vecna thing?”
The four of your shuddered and you shook your head. “It’s worse,” you said, groaning and massaging your temples. “Can we go to your van?”
Wary, Eddie nodded and pointed to the tapes. “I’m coming back for those!” You shoved the front door open and all but ran over to Eddie’s car.
Jumping into the back, you sprawled into a beanbag chair and groaned. How had you gotten into this mess?
“Alright buttercup,” Eddie said, knocking his shoe against yours. “What’s up?”
You just needed to rip it off like a band-aid.
“How would you like to pretend to be madly in love with me for one night?” You asked, watching as Eddie’s head whipped around to yours. There was a beat of silence before a familiar mischievous glint grew in his eyes.
“Pretend?” He said, surprising you with a wink. “Sweetheart, who says I’m not?”
Your heart slammed against your ribcage and you hated him for it. “Don’t be an asshole, please? I’ll pay you?”
Eddie’s nose wrinkled and something like offense flittered across his face. “You’re better than that.”
“No, I am that desperate,” you sighed. “I’ve got like a hundred bucks!”
“Ah, is that why you’re slumming it with me?” He kicked up his feet onto the box in front of him and shot you a knowing gaze. “Did you ask the whole town population before me?”
Watching him for a beat, you saw a flash of honesty under his sarcasm and felt the need to be truthful. “No, you’re the first person I asked.”
At that, Eddie blinked at you. “Why?”
“Aside from the fact that you walked in at the right time? You’re trustworthy,” you said, shrugging. “I trust you not to make too much fun of me for it or I don’t know, hold it against me.”
As if you’d smacked him over the head with a bat, Eddie froze – expression stunned.
“You don’t have to pay me,” he said eventually, “I’m not that gross.”
Hopes lifting, you straightened, hands wringing in your lap and you stared at him. “Are you sure?”
“Actually, I’ll take a batch of those chocolate chip cookies you made once like four years ago at a bake sale.”
Floored, you turned to crane your neck up at him. “You remember them?” You hadn’t even really talked to Eddie four years ago.
“Buttercup, when you eat the best cookie that you’ve ever had in your life – you don’t forget it.”
Beaming, and feeling so, so relieved, you threw your arms around Eddie’s neck. “Thank you, Munson. Seriously. I owe you one.” His body was firm against yours, warmth sinking into your skin and leaving behind that fluttery feeling.
Cautious, but secure, arms came around your waist and pulled you into his lap more comfortably. His head came down to your shoulder and he hooked his chin over it. “It’s nothing. That’s what friends are for right?”
“Sorry,” you said after a second too long, scrambling off of him. “I’m just – today’s been exhausting.”
“I get it,” Eddie said, his expression unreadable. “What’s happening tomorrow tonight?”
Explaining how your ex-boyfriend had come in with his new girlfriend and invited you to his party, Eddie’s expression twisted. “I never liked that asshole,” he said, unashamed.
Rubbing your eye, you sighed. “Yeah, join the club apparently.”
“It’s a little cliché, isn’t it?” Eddie asked, sitting back. “The student body president and the quarterback?”
“Yeah, it is,” you said, “trust me, I’ve learned my lesson.”
“Hey,” he said, his warm hand coming up to a patch of bare skin on your wrist. Why did it feel like he was branding you? “I used to have a shaved head. We all make mistakes.”
At that, you burst out laughing. He had a small smile as he watched you and you shook your head. “I liked you with your buzzed head, you were nice to me then.”
Indignation took over his expression and you hid your grin behind your hand. “I’ve always been nice to you!”
“Nah, you got too cool for the rest of us once you were a sophomore. Remember that time in middle school, we were partners for some art project and you came over my house?”
Eddie quieted; his eyes were unfocused like he was reliving the memory. “Your mom had pictures of you and your sister on the wall,” he said, nodding. “I biked over from my house and your mom almost killed me. She said she would’ve given me a ride.”
You laughed. “I was so embarrassed,” you said, rubbing your knuckles.
“Why?” Eddie smiled. “I thought your family was cool.”
What? Your family? Your nervous mom and too comfortable dad? Your little sister had hovered, asking him a million questions about his bike and leather jacket. Honestly, you thought he’d been annoyed. “Yeah?”
“Yeah.”
Grinning, you ducked your head and fiddled with the zipper of your bag. “Thanks.”
The air between you both shifted and you glanced up at him. His stupid big eyes were taking you in and looked ready to say something when a loud slam to the back door startled you.
Steve stood with his eyes narrowed at you both. “Keith is passing by in a few, said he needs something.”
You nodded, standing and hopping out the back of the van. “I’ll be right in.” Steve shot you a look and you shot him one back as he tossed Eddie the tapes he’d been holding a few minutes ago.
“Thanks Harrington,” Eddie said. Steve nodded and brought a hand up as he walked back into the store.
“I’ll pick you up tomorrow?” Eddie asked you.
“Yeah,” you said, smiling, “eight?”
“It’s a date,” he said, grinning as you blinked, flustered. “I mean, you are my girlfriend, right?”
“Right,” you said, unsteadily. Without second guessing yourself, you surged to grab his hand. “Seriously, thanks Eddie.”
His hypnotic eyes softened even further and as you almost tripped over your feet at the sight. You really needed to get a grip on yourself.
“It’s fine, you look fine, this is fine,” you recited to yourself, again, for the third time that night. You were almost sure your anxiety had started to somewhat bleed into your nonchalance. The white-knuckled grip on your steering wheel helped confirm that for you.
Parking down the street, you hopped out your car and took a deep breath. “It’s going to be fine,” you hissed at your reflection, willing yourself to calm down.
At such short notice – and the fact that you were sure Eddie wasn’t going to dress up – you and Robin had settled on Joan Jett. All you’d really needed was to borrow your mother’s old leather jacket, and dress in black. Robin had artfully applied your eyeliner and black eyeshadow. Steve had supplied a blown-up guitar that did complete your look but also looked hilarious. If you weren’t two seconds from tossing your cookies, you would have chuckled at it slung over your shoulder. Flattening your shirt and straightening the jacket, you did have to admit, you did feel a little badass.
“Buttercup?” A familiar voice called out behind you.
Whirling around, you saw Eddie – dressed as he normally was – and you almost crumbled in relief. You knew he wouldn’t leave you hanging but, it was nice to see him.
Eddie’s Adam’s apple bobbed as he took in your hastily put together costume. Eyes darting all over your body, you tried not to squirm. You didn’t think you’d ever heard Eddie be this quiet – even in the Upside Down as you both beat those demobats away from Dustin. Feeling self-conscious, you started second guessing Robin’s encouragement.
“Does it look stupid?” You hiked up the inflatable strap higher on your shoulder.
“No,” he said quickly, clearing his throat, “you look great.”
“Thanks,” you said, ducking your head and playing with the ends of your wig. “You look great too.”
Eddie’s brow rose. “I always look like this.”
Walking towards the front door - you glanced at him over your shoulder – and with confidence that you didn’t have, you winked, “I know.”
Laughing at his expression, you walked through the threshold and immediately bumped into Aaron.
Of course, you groaned internally.
“Look who finally arrived,” Aaron said, in a stupid looking green tracksuit. “Drinks are in the kitchen, music’s downstairs. Upstairs – I’m sure you remember.”
Fighting the need to gag, you took a step back and tilted your head up. “I don’t, but I’m sure we’ll manage. We can’t stand for long anyway. We’ve got plans after.”
“We?” Aaron said, glancing around you. “Seems like your mysterious boyfriend was busy tonight? What a coincidence.”
“Sorry sweetheart,” Eddie’s voice said right behind you, his arm came around your waist and settled on your lower stomach. A laugh threatened to bubble up at the sight of Aaron’s frozen expression. “I was parking.”
“Munson?” Aaron said, recovering his ability to speak. “You’re dating Munson?”
“Sorry, who are you?” Eddie asked, his lips coming to your cheekbone, as if by habit.
Aaron’s eyes tracked his movement, his eye twitching, and you tried to stay relaxed. “This is Aaron,” you said and almost smiled when you saw Eddie’s confused expression.
“You were at my last party, selling,” Aaron said dryly.
Eddie smiled wide and fake, shrugging. “I do a lot of parties bud,” he said, smacking his shoulder like it was a hilarious joke. “My girl said there would be booze?”
You’d never admit it to anyone – ever – but the sound of Eddie calling you his girl did something to your chest.
“Yeah,” Aaron said through gritted teeth. “Kitchen at the back.”
“Great! Come on let’s find some beer and a dark corner,” Eddie said, molten eyes on yours.
Nodding, since you seemed incapable of speech, you let Eddie lead you.
“Too much?” He asked quietly, his breath warm against your ear.
“That was perfect, thank you,” you said, relishing in Aaron’s stupid dumbfounded expression. A nervous laugh fell from your lips, your eyes glancing over his shoulder. “That asshole looked stunned. You’re amazing, Munson.”
“That’s what I’ve heard,” Eddie joked, grabbing two beer cans and pressing the colder one into your hands.
“Since I’m known for pushing my luck, how much would you hate me if we danced?” You asked, trying your best to avoid Aaron’s death glare from across the room.
Eddie winced, his shoulder dipping to avoid a drunken girl’s waving hand. “To this?” He groaned, dropping his head to the side. “Can we wait until the next song?”
Smirking, you’d forgotten how pretentious he was with his music tastes. As if hearing your internal teasing, he rolled his eyes.
“Come on, even you have to admit this song is shit,” he huffed, taking another small sip.
Shrugging a shoulder, you glanced back out towards the makeshift dancefloor. “What if the next one is worse?”
His face paled. “Worse than this?” You threw your head back and laughed, delighted in his misery.
“You’re hilarious, Munson,” you said, shaking your head, “if this is shit music, what’s good music?”
“The classics, obviously,” Eddie said.
Settling your hip against a counter in the kitchen, you avoided a grabby hand as someone reached for a bowl of chips next to you. “The classics, maestro? Like what? Iron Maiden?”
“You know,” Eddie said, tilting his head sideways, “that sounded a little bit like you were mocking me.”
Gasping dramatically, you clutched a hand to your chest and shook your head. “Me? I would never.”
Smirking, Eddie’s eyes glanced over your shoulder before snapping back to you. “Okay, not to freak you out but the quarterback looks like he’s trying to join us. Maybe it’s time for that dance?”
“Shit,” you hissed, trying not to nonchalantly look over your shoulder before Eddie’s hand stopped you.
“What are you doing? Don’t look, Jesus Christ,” Eddie said, tossing your full beers into the trash and pulling you onto the dancefloor.
You had to keep a tight grip on Eddie’s hand so you wouldn’t lose him in the wave of people who joined at the same time. He brought your hips close to his, Eddie’s chest pressed against your back and - for a reason you were trying not to examine too closely – your breath stuttered. Eddie’s breath fanned over your bare neck and you knew, you just knew, you weren’t going to survive this goddamn night. Mind racing, you tried to look natural when Madonna’s voice boomed through the speakers.
Eddie groaned in your ear, the sound reverberating straight to your gut, and you laughed. “I told you the next one was going to be worse.”
“Don’t remind me,” he sighed. “When are Buckley and Harrington getting here?”
Without overthinking it, you pulled his wrist up to your face and realized they were already late. “They should be here soon,” you said, smiling at the memory of your conversation with them, “I think they’re coming as some cartoon characters.”
“Buckley’s idea?”
“Probably.”
“I think the coast is clear, Buttercup,” Eddie said, his hair tickling your cheek as he turned to survey the room. “I think your quarterback crawled back to whatever gate he was birthed from.”
“Gate?”
Eddie snorted. “Yeah, like to the Upside Down,” he said, looking pleased with himself. Laughing so hard a few people turned to shoot you weird looks you had to let Eddie lead you off the dance floor.
“I know my joke wasn’t that funny but flattery will get you everywhere,” Eddie said, herding you towards a chair. “I’ll get us some soda, I’m gonna see if I can grab food. I’m fucking starving.”
“Check in the cabinets next to the stove,” you said, “that’s where Aaron hid his favorite things from his little brothers.”
Eddie’s brows rose and you shrugged. “Fuck him, right?”
“Insider information, right on,” he said, “you gonna be okay?”
“I’m not five Munson,” you said, grinning when he held up both his hands. “Alright, sorry Eagle One.” With a dramatic flourish, he made a beeline towards the kitchen.
“Pres?” Someone called from your left. “I thought that was you with Munson. It’s been a while.”
Shoulders tense, you turned and relaxed a little when you saw your old Chemistry partner. Amanda was dressed as a witch, her hat skewed a little but a friendly smile on her face.
“Hey, Amanda,” you smiled, faintly remembering that she’d gone to a local college. “How are you?”
“I’m good, school and work – same bullshit you know?” She said with a dry sigh that had you laughing. Her eyebrow quirked as she nodded towards the kitchen. “I’d ask how you’re doing but by the way Munson couldn’t take his eyes off of you, I’d say good.”
You laughed nervously, tugging on the ends of your wig. “Uh yeah we’re-”
“New?” She asked with a smile. “I like him a lot better than Touchdown Aaron.”
Rolling your eyes, Amanda laughed – her shoulders shaking. “I hated that nickname,” you admitted.
“It’s so pretentious, especially considering how much he likes it,” Amanda agreed. “Munson is a major step up. He’s cool.”
“Yeah,” you said, turning towards the kitchen, “he is.”
Amanda’s laughter had you turning back to her. “I always knew you had a thing for him.”
“What?” You sputtered, almost choking on your spit.
A warm hand came to your back and Eddie’s scent immediately enveloped you. “Hey, I brought you another,” he said, lips coming down to your ear, “just soda.”
“Thanks,” you said, watching Amanda’s knowing look. Without thinking too much about it, you rose on your toes and planted a kiss to his jaw. The scruff on his cheek scratched against your lips and you bit down on your cheek to keep from sighing.
To Eddie’s credit, he looked surprised for a moment before pulling you into his chest by your hip. He kept an arm around your waist loosely, sipping at his own drink. “Hey Johnson, haven’t seen you in a while.”
Amanda smiled. “College is out there kicking my ass,” she said.
“Tell me about it,” he huffed, both of them quickly talking about their upcoming term papers. The music trailed off into something a little slower and you swayed to the music, half-listening to their conversation.
Midway through his sentence, without breaking his stride, Eddie plucked a small bag of chips from his pocket. Handing them to you, you laughed and opened the party mix. Taking the first bite, you offered him the second. Without hesitating, he took it directly from your fingers. His chapped lips brushed your index finger, his tongue darting out to catch any crumbs from his lips.
What the fuck? You groaned, your stomach flipping. It was too hot by the dance floor; you needed a little space. Eddie’s scent and the beer on an empty stomach was getting to you. Handing him the bag, you motioned towards the bathroom. “I’ll be right back,” you shouted over the new loud song.
Amanda nodded and Eddie pulled you back in, kissing your temple before letting you go.
Walking through the crowd, you quickly made your way to the downstairs bathroom. Locking the door behind you, you took a deep breath. “Jesus Christ, get it together,” you said to yourself, hating the look in your own eyes.
You took a few minutes to touch up your make up and splash cold water onto your hands. After shooting yourself another look, as if that could control your fluttering stomach, you walked out the bathroom. Immediately smacking into something, you stumbled. A hand shot out to steady you and you rubbed your sore elbow.
“Shit, I’m sorry I wasn’t looking where I was…” your voice trailed off as a pair of familiar eyes smiled down at you.
“You’re good sweetheart,” Aaron said, hand still on your forearm. Your eyes widening at the sudden corner you found yourself in. “You look good.”
“I know,” you said, internally high-fiving yourself at your quick response. “What’s it to you?”
Aaron sighed. “Still mad, I see.”
Balling your hands into fists, you tried to move past him. “I’m not anything at you,” you said wincing when his hand came out to grab at your wrist. “You mean nothing to me.”
“Come on sweetheart, that can’t be true,” he whispered, “you forget how well I know you.”
“Knew me,” you hissed, trying to yank your arm out his grip.
Unfortunately, it was like trying to move a boulder. “Now why didn’t you ever dress like this when we were together?” He asked, getting close enough for his breath to fan across your temple. “You look hot.”
“Aaron let me go,” you demanded, pulling away from him.
“Not until you talk to me,” he said, his grip tightening to the point where you let out a small cry. Jesus, you’d forgotten how much he hated to lose.
Glancing up at him, eyes narrowed, you grit your teeth. “You didn’t seem to want to talk much right after you dumped me, so if you could do me the favor and get the fuck off of me – I’d appreciate it.” When he didn’t budge, you moved to stomp on his foot. “I need to get back to Eddie.”
At that, Aaron finally shifted. “That loser? That’s a nice downgrade you got there,” he sneered, his ugly underbelly coming out to light.
“Don’t talk about him like that,” you snapped, “he’s better than you in every way.”
Aaron’s eyes snapped to yours and you couldn’t help but take the cheap shot.
“In every. Single. Way,” you said, eyes darting to his pants, making sure he understood.
Anger flashed through his eyes and you slammed into the wall, grunting from the impact as he shoved you.
Ready to knee him in the balls, you’d barely gotten a step in before he was tossed to the ground. Blinking, surprised, you turned to see a furious looking Eddie.
“Are you okay?” He asked, hands flittering over you. Eddie’s fingers gently took the wrist you cradled to your chest and his eyes darkened.
Worried, you pulled Eddie’s hand into yours. “No, Eddie – it’s not worth it,” you wrapped yourself around his arm and he stilled.
“Don’t ever put your hands on her again,” Eddie said through clenched teeth. Aaron shot you both a withering glare before huffing.
“Whatever, she’s not worth it,” Aaron said before disappearing around a corner.
Eddie moved to follow and you clung to him tighter. “Eddie, don’t, come on – let’s go outside,” you said shoving him towards the French doors.
Aaron’s yard was a huge span of land that led out to the forest and you ignored the couples on the deck who seemed to be in their own worlds. You tightened your grip on Eddie’s hand and pulled him towards the oak tree by the fence that you knew still had the rope swing hanging from it.
You sighed, pinching your nose once you’d made it. “Eddie I-”
“I’m sorry,” Eddie said head thrown back as he sighed. “I overstepped. Not because he was hurting you, but I shouldn’t have shoved him. I was just so pissed-”
“Eddie,” you stopped him, hands on his shoulders, “I’m sorry.”
“Why the hell are you sorry?”
Frowning, you motioned to the house. “I’m the one who brought you into this mess!”
His eyes hardened and he gently took your hands in his. “Buttercup, that has nothing to do with it. I’d do anything for you,” he said, the words making you smile, “he pushed you into the wall, I saw you wince. I’d be shocked if you don’t have a bruise on your arm tomorrow.”
“He’s always…had a temper,” you admitted, glancing down at your tender wrist. “It’s never gotten out of hand, I swear.”
You knew he didn’t believe you because his eyes flashed.
“I can’t believe you went out with that asshole. You deserve so much better than him – I knew he was one of those fucking losers who think the world revolves around him…” You watched Eddie pace, his hands a flurry of movement as he ranted.
I’d do anything for you.
The words bounced around in your head, unable to let go of the sentiment.
Eddie’s chest puffed out, his arms crossed now, as he worked himself up into a frenzy. His eyes flashed and it made something within you snap. On impulse, you took two steps towards him and kissed him. At his complete lack of response, you immediately know it’s a mistake.
This entire night was a lie, not real life.
Mortified, with an apology ready, you back off. Eddie’s eyes flash again, reanimated, and you hear him mumble something incoherently before grabbing you by the neck and pulling you back to him.
Lips crashing, you scrambled for purchase on his jacket, wanting to climb him like a tree. He pushed you against the tree, the bark catching on your denim jacket. His hand was firm on your neck, keeping you close.
“Fuck,” he muttered, leaning just a fraction away for some air. “I’ve been wanting to do that since freshman year of high school.”
“What?” You asked dumbly, ears ringing.
Eddie smiled, a soft and small thing. His fingers danced across your cheekbone, like you were strings he could strum into a melody. “For someone so smart, you really have a knack of missing what’s right in front of you.”
Blinking, you watched him sigh and felt his arms wrap around you tighter.
“I like you, Buttercup, and I have for a while,” he said, nosing at your neck. His teeth scraped across the delicate skin by your collarbone and you couldn’t help but shiver. You felt his smile against your skin and felt a little embarrassed.
What? “Why didn’t you tell me?” You asked.
“You were with Captain Douchebag back there,” he snorted.
“I’ve been single for a year,” you reminded him.
Eddie shrugged. “You’re intimidating. A little scary,” he admitted. “When I cut the rope in the gate last year, you chucked your shoe down at my face and jumped through without blinking. I thought you’d cracked your leg in half.”
The familiar argument had your hackles rising. “Because you were being an idiot. What stupid ass self-sacrificing dumb move-”
“Please, tell me what you really think Buttercup.”
“Besides,” you said, ignoring his smirk, “I cry at like, most of the movies we watch. A cute picture of a puppy, or that time Dustin wrote me that nice card.”
Smiling fondly, Eddie’s lips brushed against your brow and you felt his exhale on your temple. “I know, it’s really fucking cute.”
Eddie liked you? He kissed you. Eddie Munson had kissed you back.
“You absolute shithead,” you said, watching uncertainty flash across Eddie’s face. “I thought that you thought I was annoying and just ignored my presence most of the time.”
“What? Why?”
“The last time we went to the theater! I came late and ended up sitting next to you. I accidentally knocked over my popcorn and you got up to go to the bathroom. When you came back you sat on the other side of the row by Robin!”
Eddie groaned, rubbing a hand down his face. “Yeah, um, you – you kneeled in front of me, with your eyes all worried as you picked up the popcorn.”
“I thought the butter was going to stain your bag!”
“Buttercup. You were kneeling. By my feet. Staring up at me with your fucking eyes and stumbling over your words.” He said slowly. “I know I might look Godlike but I’m a mere mortal and you’re an itch I couldn’t scratch.”
Oh.
“Yeah,” he said, ears turning pink. “I was two seconds from hauling you into the bathroom with me. It was easier to keep my hands to myself if I wasn’t always breathing in your stupid perfume.” His nose trailed along your neck and you squirmed, thighs tightening.
“I don’t – ah – wear perfume,” you said.
Eddie groaned, forehead dropping to your temple. “Of course, you don’t.”
Feeling a little bold, you reached for his hips and brought them closer to you. His breath hitched and eyes flew to yours.
“Buttercup?”
Licking your bottom lip, you brought your thumb up to his. “Why don’t we get the hell out of here?”
Eddie’s eyes darkened, his edges fraying a bit. “Weren’t we going to wait for Harrington and Buckley?”
“They’ll be fine without us,” you whispered, bringing his lips back down to yours. “I think we need to make up for lost time.”
Without another word, he gripped your hand and tugged you back into the house and towards the front door. Laughing at his sudden urgency, you let yourself be led.
“You seem to be in a rush,” you joked as he opened your door for you.
Eddie smiled at you with such fondness that you heart skipped. “Yeah, I gotta lock this down before you change your mind.” He leaned against the open door, fingers twitching like he was missing your touch.
Grabbing a fistful of his shirt, you dragged him closer and kissed him. “Not happening.”
“Remind me to thank the quarterback sometime,” Eddie said against your lips.
“What?”
Grinning, he leaned back. “For inviting you tonight. Best party ever.”
At that, you smiled. “Best party ever,” you agreed, laughing.