Archive of Our Own

Kings

This week had felt like absolute hell. Yea sure that is a dramatic statement considering all you had been through with the upside down, but in normal life this week was absolute shit. You failed a huge test even though you thought you had prepared enough. You just drew a blank on some of the answers once the test was in front of you. You ran out of gas on your way to work, sure you knew you were low, but decided to put it to chance and fate failed you yet again. This in turn got you a lecture from both your mom and boss about responsibility. Then your car wouldn’t start at all the next day, so you had to call Steve and beg him for a ride to class. You had the car towed to the local mechanic who saw a young female and of course hiked all the prices up. Talking about doo dads and thingamajigs that needed to be replaced. You still hadn’t given the go ahead to do the work, telling him you needed your boyfriend to approve 1st in the hope he would lower the pricing. Reality was you were going to have to beg Steve or maybe Eddie to go with you and try to talk them down, because the “boyfriend” didn’t exist. Now that you were in college you were desperately trying to save to get a place of your own by campus. Every time you felt like you were getting close something happened to set you back. It was one thing after another all week, and you were just over it all. You wanted to curl into your bed with snacks and watch a romantic comedy and pretend this week never happened.
However, it was Saturday night, that meant a party at Steve Harrington’s house. You really didn’t feel like going this time, not wanting the black cloud that was your week and your mood to ruin everyone’s time. Robin refused to allow you to back out. “Quit wallowing, I know it’s been a hell of a week, but that is all the more reason for you to get out and let loose. You know we can stay at Steve’s so we can drink, and we won’t have to worry about driving home. It’s perfect. Plus, I need you to keep me from making a fool of myself with Vicki,” Robin said desperately trying to convince you. Knowing your best friend needed you to help keep her verbal vomit at bay you relented and got dressed, “You are so lucky I love you, Rob.” She clapped her hands excited that you finally caved. You did love your rag tag group of friends. Unlikely people thrown together thanks to the upside down. They were the best thing to come out of all that trauma. You all had been through a lot together over the past few years. Now with Vecna defeated you were all starting to slowly rebuild your lives. There was a silent comfort in just being around each other. It was a warm summer night, and you knew inevitably you would all end up hanging out on the deck by the pool. Deciding not to put much effort in you chose an old tank top and jean shorts and left your hair to hang loose on your shoulders. You made the decision that tonight was going to change the tide even if it meant you had to get blackout drunk to make it happen.
When you got there Steve had most things set up. You had thought it would be the usual huge crowd of random Hawkins High Students and Alumni. Fortunately, Steve decided to make the evening a bit more intimate than the usual insanity. That made you feel a little better knowing it would be the core group tonight and maybe a couple of their guests, but no one that you really didn’t already know. He had set up everything outside to make clean up easier. There was a fold up table by the pool with red solo cups prepped for beer pong and another one with various bottles of liquor and mixers (Undoubtedly taken from his dad’s liquor cabinet) and a cooler with beers on the side. He also had music playing softly on the outside speakers. You went straight to the bar, to begin disconnecting from your week. Quickly pouring a shot of tequila for you and Robin. Steve had already started a game of beer pong. It was him and Heidi against Nancy and Jonathan. Eddie, Jeff and Gareth were huddled together on the other side of the pool, probably smoking a joint. Vicki was sitting in one of loungers by herself. You nagged Robin to go talk to her. Problem was Robin who normally suffers from verbal vomit sat down said hi and then got silent letting her nerves get the better of her. Being the good friend and wing woman that you were you went over and brought them both a beer and a shot. You could tell Vicki looked overall uncomfortable and Robin definitely needed the liquid courage. Of course, you were going to take one with them. Once you finished you walked away hoping that would break the ice and took the empty shot glasses with you. As you made it back to the bar Eddie was grabbing an Old Style out of the cooler. He looked up immediately noticing you had three shot glasses in your hand, “Whoa princess you might want to pace yourself. The night is still young.” You laughed and replied, “They aren’t all mine, but I am working on a good buzz, you should totally take a shot with me.” He got that cocky smirk that always roped you in and nodded for you to pour it. “What are we drinking to princess,” he inquired. “Letting go of all the fucking obstacles and setbacks, even if it means I have to get black out drunk to do it,” you replied. Raising your glasses in a toast and then knocking it back quickly. Eddie was just about to say something when Robin ran up cutting him off, “This is so awkward we need to do something that makes us interact. I am the absolute worst at this.” Eddie’s eyes got wide wondering what Robin was talking about. Even though he had become part of the group there were still some secrets he didn’t know. However, you knew, and you were there to help your friend. “I have an idea, just give me a few minutes to get it set up,” you replied.
Interrupting their beer pong game and earning a pout from Heidi, you quickly asked Steve for a couple of sheets of paper and a deck of cards. You put a cup in the center of the glass umbrella table while you waited for the items you requested. Steve was back in a flash and gave you 2 sheets of paper and a sharpie and you began to write out the rules of the game, because as everyone started drinking, they would inevitably forget. The rules were as follows:
Kings Cup
Ace: Waterfall- Everyone drinks starting with the person who picked up the card and going around the table you can’t stop drinking until the 1st person does or you take a shot.
2: Pick someone to take 2 drinks
3: The person who picked up the card takes 2 drinks
4: Whores- Ladies drink
5: Bust a jive- the person that drew the card does a dance move and everyone has to replicate it, if you mess up then you have to drink
6: Dicks- Guys drink
7: Heaven- Reach up to the sky last person to reach up has to take a shot from the person who drew the card without using hands
8: Mate- pick someone to take a shot with
9: Bust a rhyme- The person who picked up the card says a word and each person has to pick a new word that rhymes with it as they go around the table. If you can’t think of a word you drink
10: Categories- Pick a category and everyone has to name something from that category. Ex. Cars (Mustang) if you can’t think of a word then you drink
Jack: Never have I ever- The person who picked up the card says something they have never done. If you have then you drink
Queen: Question Master- They choose someone to ask a question and they have to answer honestly. If someone knows they lied, they are called out and have to take a shot.
King: Pour/Dare- Each person who gets this card gets to pour into the center cup and chose someone to complete a dare. The last person to draw a King has to drink the cup in the middle.
“So, what’s the plan,” Steve and Robin questioned in unison. “This is a drinking game, and it will make everyone interact. It will be a fun way to break the awkwardness and include everyone, plus with a few of the cards there are opportunities to get answers without being obvious” you replied. Steve and Robin looked over the rules and nodded seeing the potential here. When you finished the 1st sheet Steve taped it to the wall. The 2nd sheet was laid on the table for all to look at. As you put the card in a circle around the center cup. Steve directed everyone to refresh their drinks and take a seat.
Once everyone was seated you started to explain the rules of the game. Some started to protest seeing it as a recipe for disaster. Nancy looked at you with wide eyes thinking this wasn’t a good idea. “How about instead of prescribed fun we just all hang out, listen to music and talk,” she said trying to coax you into changing plans. “Look everyone was split up into their respective comfort groups, this is a fun way for everyone to get to know each other better, just humor me Nance,” you countered. Although you understood her hesitation with both Steve and Jonathan there. Plus, Jonathan was already a few drinks in after his unsuccessful round of beer pong with Steve and high as a kite.
“Alright everyone we are all friends here so don’t be shy. Let’s have some fun and let loose,” Steve encouraged before sitting down and grabbing the 1st card showing his support. He pulled a 2 and immediately looked at you and told you to drink. You shook your head knowing he was taking the easy route, but you obliged and took the two sips of your rum and coke. Next to him was Heidi (his flavor of the week), you weren’t sure if she had enough brain cells to understand the game even with the rules sitting right in front of her. You were right, Steve had to guide her to pick up a card and she drew a 3, so Steve told her to take 2 sips. She did it quickly and giggled, making you wonder if Steve made the drink strong or if she was putting on an act. Next to her was Vicki and she drew an Ace and immediately started the waterfall. Vicki then Robin, you, then Nancy, then Jonathan, then Eddie, then Jeff, then Gareth, then Steve and Heidi. However, Vicki was still drinking and all you could think was this is escalating way quicker than you anticipated. Eddie is the 1st one to stop. Steve busted out laughing and told him to take a shot. He tried to argue he was set up for failure because he ran out of beer, but Steve poured him a shot and he gave up and took it. Robin leaned to Vicki and commended her on how long she drank. Getting huge smile in return as she said, “I’ve played this before, so I have a little advantage. The trick is to take small slow sips” Steve tells everyone to take a minute and refresh their drinks before the next card is pulled so no one can cry about a punishment while he looks dead at Eddie. Eddie surprisingly didn’t give him a smart remark back.
You walk up as Eddie is grabbing two beers this time “Hey princess this seems like a fun game, even though I am already losing,” he laughed. “Glad you like it. Hey while we have a minute can I ask you a favor,” you asked? He tilts his head and smiles, “Of course princess how can I be of service?” The fact that he always used a pet name instead of your actual name only added to your confusion when it came to him. He had a way of always making you feel special. He lit a cigarette waiting for your request. “So, uh my car broke down this week and I had it brought to a mechanic, but now I think they are taking advantage of me. I was wondering if you had some time in the next couple of days to go up there with me and see if you can get the price down or if all that work is really necessary? I am trying to save to get a place of my own and I really don’t need this big of a setback,” you replied rambling from nerves. You were hopeful he would say yes, because you knew he was good with cars, but also because you wanted that extra time with just him. Without hesitation he responded, “Of course princess we can go tomorrow morning. Depending on what it is I may be able to do it myself and save you a lot.” You were overjoyed at the added offer you thanked him and gave him a tight hug. Then of course Steve commanded everyone back to the table.
As everyone settled back in it was Robin’s turn. She drew a 4 which meant all the ladies had to take a drink. By this point your head was starting to swirl with intoxication. Between the pregame shots and letting Steve make your drink, the alcohol was catching up with you quickly. You might get your wish of being blackout drunk sooner than you anticipated. When you drew you got a 7 you quickly raised your hand, and everyone followed suit. Steve started laughing hysterically because Eddie was not paying attention too busy reprimanding Jeff and Gareth about something and that made him the last one to raise his hand. “Looks like you are doing another shot buddy, at least this one will be more fun,” Steve said filled with the joy of catching him off guard again. They had become close through everything, but there was still an underlying competition for attention between them. Your eyes went wide oh no your game was totally backfiring on you. Steve knew you weren’t going to be comfortable explaining that the shot had to be placed somewhere on your body and Eddie had to retrieve it without using his hands. So, he took the honor of breaking the news. You rolled your eyes at Steve as he poured the shot and handed it to you, he was taking way too much pleasure in this. There really was no good option, you had feelings for Eddie so any contact while intoxicated would rile you up. Eddie approached you and could see how nervous you were and immediately tried to put you at ease, “Place it in your cleavage sweetheart, there is enough there it should be easy enough to get without using my hands.” Everyone laughed at that, but you did as you were told because you couldn’t think of a better option. You leaned your head back, so he had a better angle. In his usual theatrical manner, he placed his hands behind his back and leaned down slowly trying to focus on the glass. As his mouth came down his lips brushed the tops of your breasts softly and a shot of electricity went to your core. You were enveloped in his scent vanilla and cigarettes, lord it felt like he was there forever. You found yourself both wanting the moment to end and be infinite all at the same time. Then suddenly he lifted his head back dumping the shot down his throat. That was way hotter than it should’ve been, but you were going to blame it on the alcohol and not the fact that you had an all-encompassing crush on him. Everyone clapped at the “show” and Eddie bowed reveling in the applause. You took your seat with your breath labored from the experience mixed with the alcohol.
Now it was Nancy’s turn she drew a 2 and decided to give Steve a taste of his own medicine. He smirked and took his sips without complaint. Next was Jonathan who drew a 3 and took his sips in stride. You were thankful for the break from the last couple of turns. Now it was Eddie’s turn he pulled an ace and began the waterfall again. He was determined to give someone the fate he had last time so he drank much slower this time. That person turned out to be you and Steve laughed again knowing you were quickly nearing your limit. Steve handed you the shot and you took it like a champ. Eddie mouthed I’m sorry to you. He looked like he genuinely felt bad, so you just smiled at him and shook your head. Next it was Jeff, and he drew a 6 so all the guys took a drink. Gareth drew a 3 and took his drinks. Before Steve took his turn, he declared a break. That way everyone could go to the bathroom, fill up drinks or smoke. You were just thankful for the reprieve.
You needed to slow down and try to keep your wits about you. You had an idea as you went to the bar table you thought you could sneak and just put a mixer in your cup to slow your intoxication down, but Gareth caught you and put you on blast. Steve quickly came over and added way too much rum as punishment. You shot Gareth a nasty look, frickin snitch. When Steve walked back Heidi seemed a little pissed off and slapped his chest. Steve pulled her further away so they could talk. You decided to put your feet in the pool for a moment to try to sober up a bit. Although you were so wobbly you almost fell in, but just as you thought your fate was sealed you were saved. You felt strong arms wrap around your waist pulling you back and helping you sit down. Looking up you saw your knight in shining armor was Eddie. He released his comforting hold way too quickly for your liking. “Thanks for the rescue,” you said. He smiled and replied, “Anytime, I’m sorry again princess. I really didn’t mean for it to be you to have to take the shot.” He was always so sweet to you. You came to terms with your feelings for him when you thought he was going to die. The thought of losing him had wrecked you. You had spent so much time at the hospital while he was in his coma willing him to wake up. Your friends had encouraged you to tell him once he woke up, but you knew he was in a different league. He always seemed drawn to cheerleaders like Chrissy. I mean that was how he became a part of your group. He was way more experienced in every aspect of life; you had always heard the rumors that they didn’t just call him freak because he was different. Besides you assumed he kind of looked at you like a little sister to protect anyways, based on how he usually treated you. So, you made peace with that. Realizing you had gotten lost in thought and not answered him you quickly responded, “s’ no big deal there was no way for you to predict it, you weren’t actively trying to sabotage me like Steve and Gareth.” “Well, it looks like Harrington is getting his punishment for that right now. Heidi is pissed at how he is messing with you. I think she is a bit jealous if I am being honest,” he countered. You had no idea that he was trying to gauge what your actual relationship with Steve was in that moment. You laughed it off not realizing his motive because you knew that Steve definitely thought of you as a kid sister. You two had known each other since you were five. As you were about to respond Steve called everyone back to the table. Eddie took your hand helping you up and walked you over to your seat pulling it out for you. When you went to sit down you heard Heidi say, “no more or I promise I am leaving”. You saw Steve sigh and nod at her acknowledging her demand. Robin was sitting in her chair cackling. She loved seeing Steve frustrated.
Steve drew his card, and it was a 9. He said the word sweet, Heidi said beat, Vicki said street, but when it got to Robin her face was blank. She messed it up and now Steve was making her drink saying it was her karma, laughing hysterically at the pay back. Next was Heidi again she drew a 5 and quickly got up and did the sprinkler. Even though you almost fell you managed to replicate it. Jeff on the other hand literally fell and everyone broke out in sidesplitting laugher as Eddie and Gareth helped him back up. So, he got stuck with the shot. Vicki was next and she drew a Jack. It took her a minute to decide on her never have I ever, almost as if she was calculating the risk of what she wanted to say. When she said, “Never have I ever kissed a girl.” Nancy and your eyes became as wide as saucers. The boys minus Jeff drank, then Robin drank and then Vicki drank as well. At this point all of your mouths were agape. Steve broke the silence and said, “You know you are supposed to pick something you haven’t done so you don’t have to drink, right?” Vicki just shrugged and said maybe I wanted to drink. You elbowed Robin; she finally had her actual confirmation that there was potential there. She was so dumbfounded she forgot it was her turn. You tapped her and pointed at the cards, fearing Steve would make her drink for taking too long. She looked up and grabbed the card still a bit in shock. She drew an 8 and chose Vicki to take a shot with her. Your game really seemed to be helping them break the ice.
You were next and you drew a 10 picking rock bands as a category and started with Black Sabbath. Nancy said Metallica, Jonathan however couldn’t think of one because he was too toasted and had to drink. Nancy could see Jonathan was at his limit and she was worrying about having to take care of him later. Nancy took her turn and got a King. She looked at you and decided to pay you back for the inevitable mess Jonathan would be later, so at first you took it in stride until she said what her dare was. I dare you to sit on Eddie’s lap until the end of the game. Your eyes went wide with the betrayal. She knew how you felt about him and that you were so drunk you would probably do something stupid. It also meant you would have to go again sooner rather than later so she hit you with the double whammy as she poured into the center cup. Eddie scooted back and patted his lap, “Come on princess your throne awaits.” He didn’t seem phased at all about the dare. You stumbled over to sit on Eddie’s lap never breaking the death stare on Nancy and you mouthed too far. She mouthed back I could’ve done worse and gave you a smirk. Et tu Brute was all you could think.
Jonathan took his turn and got a Queen. He looked at Robin and said, “Do you have a crush on someone at this table?” If looks could kill he would have been dead from the look you girls gave him. It wasn’t like him to out someone like that, but what you all didn’t know is he had become a bit insecure with how close Robin and Nancy had become. Trying to save her Steve said, “He asked a yes or no question, so you don’t have to give specifics.” She breathed a sigh of relief thanking him for the loophole he gave her. She responded with a simple yes. Eddie took his turn and drew a 6 so the guys all drank. You took your turn and drew a King and being the vindictive person you are, you dared Nancy to give Robin a kiss for 10 seconds. You knew it was pushing her boundaries enough to frustrate her but figured it wouldn’t get her in trouble with Jonathan. They both stood up and kissed. You also wanted to gage Vicki’s reaction to see if there really something was there. As you sat back trying to observe the reactions you absentmindedly started to grind down on Eddie’s lap. Vicki definitely seemed bothered by the kiss, meanwhile all the guys were thoroughly enjoying it with the exception of Jonathan. Eddie was able to mask his reaction to you thanks to the dare. You however seemed completely unaware of what you were doing. Jonathan stood up and said, “This game is bull shit.” He turned and stumbled into the house with Nancy following closely behind. “Don’t wait for us, keep playing,” she said as she closed the sliding door.
Jeff was next and he drew a Jack. He pondered his question and then said, “Never have I ever had sex.” Everyone but him and Robin drank, but for some reason all eyes were on you as you took a sip. Eddie was the one to speak up with a surprised tone, “Princess, really? When?” you looked at him coyly and slurred, “Guess you will have to draw a Queen to get that answer.” He didn’t like that and started to tickle you. “I am not going to break so you can stop now,” you shouted. He stopped tickling you but kept his arms resting around your waist. You leaned back against his chest because the sky was starting to spin. Gareth went and pulled a Queen. His eyes lit up and even though he knew there was a potential for punishment later, he was willing to risk it. Looking Eddie directly in the eyes Gareth said, “I know there is someone at this table you like, so tell everyone who it is.” Eddie’s mouth dropped open, what the hell was Gareth’s problem. You didn’t see Eddie’s reaction, but he glared at Gareth for putting him in that position. “Dude you are so going to pay, later. What if I decline the truth,” he questioned? You were focusing on not getting sick so when you didn’t answer Steve made up an option, “Well if you normally decline a truth then you have to do a dare, so I guess that is an option.” You felt Eddie breathe a sigh of relief, he was always better at doing the unthinkable then expressing his feelings. “Yeah, yeah I’ll take that option,” he responded quickly. Just as Gareth was about to give him a dare you jumped up running for the bathroom almost falling 3 times on your way inside.
“Intermission,” Steve exclaimed, and Eddie jumped up to follow you inside. He could hear you getting sick, so he ran to get you a glass of water. He knocked softly as he entered the bathroom covering his eyes with one hand just in case, “Princess are you decent” he asked before he would lower his hand. You gurgled out a yes, and as he dropped his hand his heart broke at the sight. You looked so sad and helpless hugging the toilet bowl your head leaning on one side of the seat. “I think you mixed to many things sweeth…” but he couldn’t finish the sentence before you were retching again. He squatted down beside you pulling your hair back and softly caressing your back to give you comfort. He hated seeing you like this. When you finally stopped, he grabbed the glass of water and made you take a sip. Robin slid the door open wanting to make sure you were ok and the sight before her warmed her heart. Eddie squatted down rubbing your back comforting you while helping you drink the glass of water. It was probably the softest she had ever seen him, and, in that moment, she knew you were wrong he did like you. Robin asked him to go get you another glass of water so she could help you get cleaned up. Once he left the room Robin helped you to the sink and splashed cold water on your face. Then as she put toothpaste on your finger to rub around your mouth she said, “Guess this game is helping both of us after all.” You put some water in your mouth swishing and after you spit it out you said, “I know I said I wanted to forget my week, but I also didn’t want to make a fool of myself puking in front of him.” Robin shook her head how could you be so blind to what was right in front of you. “Do you think you can go back out there and finish the game, or do you want to lay down,” Robin asked? You quickly replied, “I’ll go out and play but no more shots.”
Everyone was already seated back at the table. Nancy was back minus Jonathan. You looked at her and apologized. She shook her head and said, “It’s alright he is laying down.” Eddie had put the glass of ice water on the table for you. Before you and Robin had a chance to say anything he said, “Y/N isn’t drinking anymore until she at least finishes this glass of water, ok Harrington!” Steve agreed wholeheartedly but wondered why Eddie singled him out. Eddie got up and took your hand and started to help you sit down but Gareth stopped you both in your tracks. “There is still the matter of the dare Eddie, you aren’t going to skate out of it just because she got sick.” Eddie shot him a look and scolded, “I don’t run from my challenges anymore, hit me with your best shot!” What Gareth said next immediately made you weak in the knees, “I want you to kiss Y/N tongue and all for 1 min.”
He didn’t say anything he just turned to face you. Now you found yourself looking at him deep in those chocolate eyes as he brought his hands to your face and dove his plush lips into yours like you had wanted him to 1000 times before. You were probably a little more zealous than he was expecting, because he seemed shocked when your arms wrapped around his waist. His tongue pushed on your lower lip to gain entry and you immediately opened allowing your tongues to dance a seductive dance as if they were made to be together. The heat between you overwhelming your senses you unconsciously pulled him closer. The need to feel every inch of him overwhelming you. You were both so lost in the moment and the lust that was beginning to take over that neither of you knew how long you had been kissing. Steve finally announced, “Ok times up, you fulfilled your dare.” You broke the kiss but leaned your forehead against Eddie’s for stability. Bad move because the glazed eye contact only increased the sexual tension that had been created. You were both breathless and you could feel his hard length against you. You slowly started break away, but he held you in place. “Give me a second princess,” he pleaded. Steve called another break having everyone fill up their drinks and such, but you just stayed there lost in his eyes while Eddie stroked your back. Both of you trying to gain your composure. You knew you needed to break the silence, but so much was running through your head. Did he enjoy it or did you misread his reaction? The physical one you knew was almost involuntary for men when friction was involved, but would he have wanted to go farther? You went with your gut and blurted out the first thing that came to mind. If it made things weird you could blame it on the alcohol later, “That was just wow, sorry I know you look at me like a kid sister, so it was probably a little awkward for you.” He just stared at you a moment almost like he was measuring his response. It seemed like he took forever and that only put you more on edge. “Is that really what you think princess,” He questioned? You nodded and looked away from him, feeling entirely too vulnerable in that moment. “You couldn’t be more wrong,” he responded as he placed a soft unprovoked kiss on your lips. When he broke the kiss he said, “Let’s go sit back down, when this game is over, we have a lot to discuss.” Your legs felt like jello as you walked back to the seat. Eddie held onto you to help you gain stability. When you sat back down Eddie wrapped his arms around you and leaned forward kissing your shoulder. Was this actually happening or are you passed out in the bathroom and this is just an alcohol induced fantasy?
Steve drew and he got a 2 and he looked at Robin and made her drink. That was the last straw for Heidi. “I don’t even know why you invited me, all you have done all night is mess with all the other girls,” she screamed as she got up stomping for the door. Steve jumped up following closely behind her, “You don’t understand it’s not like that, we have all been through a lot together.” With that the sliding door closed and all you could hear was muffled yelling. Nancy got up using the distraction to step away and check on Jonathan. Gareth and Jeff stood up Gareth looked worried as he said, “No hard feelings, right?” Eddie smirked and said, “that is still to be determined my friend.” Now Gareth looked infinitely more worried. Jeff tried to break the tension by asking everyone if they wanted to play quarters. Eddie declined letting them know you two needed to chat a bit. Robin and Vicki however were totally up for the game. As they started to set the table up for their game you and Eddie got up and decided to adjourn to the living room so you could talk in a more private setting. Eddie recognized you were still a bit unstable on your feet and put his arm around your waist as he slowly led you inside.
Once you were inside you plopped on the couch, and he sat down next to you. His hand came up and sweetly caressed your cheek. He didn’t know what to say honestly, all he knew was he had wanted you for a very long time. He still had fevered dreams of hearing your voice in the distance and although odd they comforted him. Gareth’s little stunt put him in the position to put up or shut up. He knew that was why Gareth did it. Gareth was tired of seeing him pine away for you, so he pushed his hand. You looked at him with eyes filled with an emotion he couldn’t quite place, which only made this more nerve wrecking. He decided that truth was a good way to start.
“This isn’t easy for me princess; it takes a lot for me to put myself out there. I hate feeling vulnerable. I assume you do too, so let’s just be honest with each other. Why did you think I looked at you like a little sister?” As he asked the question, he grabbed your hand mindlessly rubbing his thumb on the top of your hand.
“I don’t know you’ve always been protective of me like you are Dustin and the boys, so I just assumed…..”
Eddie cut you off because he wanted to explain, “I am protective of people I care about, especially after I failed Chrissy. I vowed to never let anyone I cared about get hurt again.”
“See that’s another reason you like girls like Chrissy and I am nothing like her. If I wasn’t friends with Steve, you wouldn’t have known I existed”
“Wrong again princess, I noticed you long before Chrissy and everything that happened. If anything, you and Harrington being friends made me more nervous. Why would you be interested in me when you were so close with King Steve?”
“Are you kidding me? 1st I’ve known Steve since I was 5, he is really like the older brother I never had. He picks on me just as much as I assume a sibling would too. You always drew my attention. I looked forward to your cafeteria theatrics. I went so far as to try to get Dustin to teach me about D&D after he joined Hellfire just to find a way to talk to you. I suck at it by the way. Then everything happened and you became a friend and the more I got to know you the more I liked you. When you were in your coma I realized how much you meant to me.”
“Well, it looks like what we have here is a failure to communicate properly and a tendency to self-sabotage. I was so shocked that you believed in me and supported me when the world went crazy. When I got out of the hospital and Hopper cleared my name, I was so grateful for the support you all gave me and in my head that had to be enough. Since graduation I look forward to these parties and movie nights just for the opportunity to spend a little time with you. If I am being honest, I am still jealous as hell of all the time Harrington gets with you.”
“I guess our insecurities got the better of us and it looks like we have a lot of time to make up for” with that being said you leaned in and gave him a soft reassuring kiss. As you broke apart, he smiled at you and said, “Princess you are going to be so sick of seeing this face.”
“That will never happen,” you replied as you cuddled into his chest. “So where does this leave us?”
“Princess, you have had my heart for quite some time now. You were a comfort to me in my darkest days. I think for now we actually take the time to see what this could be and get out of our heads if that works for you?”
“That sounds perfect, I am so glad we finally talked.”
“Me too princess, you may just saved Gareth’s character from a fate worse than death next campaign.”
You two continued to cuddle and enjoy the comfort of each other’s arms as everyone started to make their way inside. Robin and Gareth exclaimed almost in unison, “Finally!” As you shook your head at them you noticed Robin was holding Vicki’s hand and that made your heart sing. Your game had really helped you both. Steve on the other hand could still be heard out front yelling with Heidi. Oh well you win some you lose some. Tonight, did change the tide of your week and when you and Eddie head to the mechanic tomorrow you won’t be lying after all when you call him your boyfriend.