bambi

— as Steve Harrington’s little sister, the minute he left high school, you were crowned immediately. Jocks fall at your feet, but they never make you blush like the two time senior Eddie ‘the freak’ Munson can.

please note: reader is 18, eddie is 20, so both adults

· · ─ ·✶· ─ · ·

You always sleep the best at Eddie’s. It’s too big— too quiet at your parents. You’ll never admit it, but Eddie’s trailer is cosy, and the soft sounds of Wayne in the kitchen getting ready for work, his quiet snores into your neck. Last night was no different. Cheer coincides with his Dungeon and Dragons sessions on a Friday, and so makes some stupid excuse about selling extra weed to his friends, and waits for you in the back lot. Your excuse for Steve is that you always stay at Chrissy’s on Friday nights. Thank god he graduated last year. Eddie always lets you smoke for free in his room every time, sat between his legs and resting your head lazily on his chest. You got giggly at first, unable to focus on the movie Eddie put on and playing with his rings on his hands.

“You like my rings, hm?” Eddie mumbles as he finishes the blunt, crushing it onto his bedside table. You continue letting your manicured pink nails twist over them, eyes all syrupy. Eddie kisses the back of your head, reminding you he’s there to be kissed, and you crawl around to rest your knees beside his lap, face all flushed.

You can’t help yourself, being high and horny all at once as you press hurried kisses against his lips. He responds happily, hands going for your waist and squeezing.

“Yeah?” He speaks against your lips, and you nod quickly, pushing down to grind onto his lap, lip gloss smushed all over your lips and chin.

It’s been like this for three months now, since you had met at a party. Unfortunately the best sex of your eighteen years was in the back of his van, and you couldn’t give that up. Among other things.

The sunlight is cutting through Eddie’s broken curtains, soft cicadas buzz as you shuffle. Eddie’s arms tighten around your waist, both of your legs wrapped up in his. You blink awake, yawning and turning you face him. When it’s quiet like this, you notice his long eyelashes resting on his cheeks, face half smushed in the pillow. It makes your stomach twist.

“Time is’it—,” Eddie mumbles and moves closer, clearly not bothered about the time as he nuzzles into your chest.

“You just woke up and it’s straight for my tits?” You muse and he nods, kissing down the valley of them sleepily.

“Have to wish my girls good morning,” he speaks, and it makes you flush profusely, “Good morning ladies.” He kisses both of them chastely. “I thoroughly enjoyed you both last night. Ten out of ten experience, would do again—,”

“— Eddie,” you giggle bashfully, and kisses all up your chest until he kisses your lips. Usually you’d push him off because of morning breath, but today you don’t seem to mind as he licks into your mouth. You just find a moment to look up, at his bedside clock and your eyes widen as you read the time. 7:30. “Get off—,” you shriek, and Eddie just hums out questioningly hands moving to cover your ass for a moment. “Eddie— it’s— we have school in half an hour.”

“School?” Eddie perks up, hair a mess, curls wild, “Oh, school, can’t miss that!” He muses and tries to lead you in again under him. You slap his chest once and he huffs and rolls over. “You don’t have to be on time every day, by the way.”

“I can’t lose my credits for college,” you hiss and stand, trying to find your bra, while shoving on your shorts. Eddie watches amused, sat back against his headboard. You look around, under his laundry pile, on his desk, until you turn to see him examining it in his hands. You snatch it off and clip it on. “Get up!”

“What? Why me?” Eddie huffs but stretches anyway, cracking his back. “I’m beat, you did one in me last night.” You flush, ignoring that swell in your stomach as you put on your sweater.

You notice he’s bare, and you croak out his name chucking his jeans and underwear at him. Garfield print. Eddie blinks, accepting them and sliding them on roughly. You attempt to half do your make up with the wash bag you always have, and Eddie just watches as he pulls on his shirt.

“Wayne’s probably up,” he speaks, a bit nervous sounding now. He fiddles with his chain as he attaches it to his jeans. “Is that okay?”

Right. This was a secret to everyone. Family included.

“Um, whatever,” you shrug, finishing applying your lip gloss and brushing your hair. Eddie breathes out, and points to the door before leaving the room. You assume it’s to speak to Wayne. Wayne wouldn’t tell anyone, right? He seems like the type of parental figure to trust.

Eddie is already shoving cornflakes into his mouth as you shyly leave his room, catching eyes with Wayne who’s say on his recliner. Eddie is talking about something or the other to Wayne, but you just flush and push on your Jean jacket that was hung near the door.

“Eddie drivin’ you?” Wayne gruffs, sipping his coffee.

“He— he is. Yeah,” you squeak, and Eddie huffs loudly, wiping his lips.

“What do you take me for, old man?” Eddie speaks dramatically, shoving on his leather jacket and drinking the last of his coffee. Wayne chuckles quietly and focuses on the tv again. “Do’you want something to eat? I think we have these— puddings—,”

“—all good,” you manage, smiling awkwardly, and he nods, saluting to Wayne before leading you out the door. It’s weird, it’s all a bit domestic. You fix your skirt as Eddie opens the passenger door for you, before circling around to the driver’s seat. You’re quiet before you speak. “Your uncle he— he won’t tell anyone that—,”

Eddie blinks, eyes cutting to you before driving.

“My uncle’s cool, don’t sweat.” He speaks, a bit distant before nodding along to the music. (He still plays metal, but it’s quieter per your request.)

“Okay,” you whisper, hands settling in your lap as you look over your manicure. You and Eddie can sit in silence, it’s never awkward. Unfortunately for you, it’s always been awkward on the lackluster dates you go on with the guys on the basketball team.

Eddie looks at you again before pulling into the back lot at school. His face twists a bit before killing the engine.

“I uh— I have a gig Friday after the next— so I can’t meet you after practice,” he speaks, slowly. You nod, shrugging. “The hideout finally gave us a Friday slot.”

“Oh,” you try not to show the disappointment on your face, you do have that Harrington brattiness that always shows.

Eddie’s eyes narrow as he reads your expression before speaking again.

“You could come? If you want? I can get you into the Hideout, I know the guy at the door,” he rambles, cheeks a bit pink. “They also give me free shit— I could probably get Tanya to make you a fruity cocktail.”

He sounds so hopeful, the most hopeful you’ve see him. It hurts your stomach to reply.

“I think my brother’s taking me to the movies,” you lie, but it’s good enough because Eddie’s face falls slightly but waves it off.

“Don’t worry, sweetheart, was just an offer.” He nods, and you frown slightly before picking up your bag.

“Thank you for driving me,” you manage, then move over to kiss the side of his mouth. Eddie sighs out and rubs a hand over your arm as you break away.

“See you around,” he speaks as you leave the van, jogging ahead to catch up with Chrissy and the girls.

“Did Steve drive you? I didn’t see him,” Katie links her arm around yours, and you roll your eyes.

“He dropped me a few blocks away,” you lie, shrugging, “He was late for work.”

It seems to settle with your group okay, but Chrissy has a narrowed eye at you from your left. You ignore her, and start talking about the recent cosmo issue, diverting their attention.

Eddie would never call himself a Prince Charming, but the second a note falls from your locker as you open it reading, ‘meet me in the janitor closet’ a blush blooms over your cheeks.

· · ─ ·✶· ─ · ·

“Eddie—,” you can barely get a word in before he’s already on your neck, desperate for surface area coverage in the five minutes you have. It’s Tuesday, both your second periods overlap, so it’s enough time to slip away for a moment. It’s all planned very meticulously.

“Missed you all day,” he mumbles and pulls your vest strap down slightly, grounding his hips up to meet yours. Albeit messy, it still makes your knees melt.

You can’t help but giggle as he hugs you closer, greedy for any contact.

“How about we bunk third period?” Eddie suggests, looking up to you as he takes a breath. Flustered, you blink and tighten your leg around his hip. “We could smoke behind the bleachers?”

God, you did want that. Especially today since the prom planning has been stressing you out.

“I— can’t. I have my prom committee meeting in ten minutes,” you speak weakly, frowning. Eddie huffs out a sigh and straightens up.

“I forgot you’re organising that— stupid event,” Eddie mutters, moreso annoyed it’s taking your time together away. “You can’t miss one meeting?”

“It’s not stupid,” you argue, frown deepening and pushing back so he’s forced to let go. Eddie’s face goes from irritated to a falter, looking over your expression. “I’m excited for prom.”

“Of course you are,” Eddie mutters, which turns your frown into a scowl. Eddie notices, and tries to recover. “No— sweetheart, I’m just saying, it’s not my crowd, that’s why—,”

“— I’ve been planning prom for months,” you speak, crossing your arms after pulling up your vest strap. “I’ve put a ton of work into it.”

Eddie sighs, rubbing his eyes before pausing and leaning his head back onto the wall.

“It’s not stupid,” he corrects himself, and you thaw only slightly, eyes narrowed. You almost don’t believe him. He gently tucks a strand of your mussed up hair behind your ear, before kissing your jaw. “M sorry, baby. I’m sorry for offending your little forced conformity event—,”

“—shut up,” you breathe out, a small smile on your face as he pouts into your neck, letting out sad noises as he noses up to your lips.

“You’re so hot when you’re mad,” he confesses, smiling and you slap his chest, before accepting his affection, prom comment put aside for a moment.

“And now I see why you purposely wind me up, idiot,” you retort, but a smile stays plastered on your face. Through the darkness of the closet, you can still see his doe eyes intense as he looks over your face.

“Okay, no more winding you up for today,” he nods, “Five minutes?” Eddie doesn’t wait for your answer, just pulls you back for a kiss.

You’re late the prom meeting, but you go in happy with a pretty blush over your cheeks.

· · ─ ·✶· ─ · ·

At parties, it’s less easy for you and Eddie to spend time with each other.

Steve drops you off, stern on calling him in the morning.

“I’ll be at work, just call the video store’s phone— Robin might answer but I’ll—,”

“I’ve stayed at Stacey’s a ton of times,” you cut in, rolling your eyes as you fix your lip gloss in the car mirror. Steve huffs and runs a hand through his hair, looking exasperated before nodding.

“Okay, have fun,” Steve leans over and pats your shoulder before you push his bmw door open. “I’ll be at home, okay? Helen cancelled on me.”

“Oh, another cancelled date?” You tease and he sighs rubbing his eyes.

“Get out, go on,” Steve retorts but smiles along with it, and watches you run up to the house.

Hearing him pull away, you go into the house and immediately find Chrissy, stood with Stacey and the girls.

“Hi!” You hum cheerfully and they greet you like always with a little squeal. You try to listen to their conversations, something about a new dress at the gap. You can’t stop cutting your eyes around the house, desperate to see Eddie somewhere. In the corner selling, sat on the low couch sipping a beer.

You opt for some punch, scooping out some and watching the door.

Eddie arrives a little later.

You’re already three punches in, the room spinning slightly as you recognise his mop of hair in the corner of the room, handing over a baggie to some jock. You blink, mind set on walking over and kissing him all over, but remember where you are. Eddie notices, because he always does even in a crowded room. Your eyes cut away before tapping Chrissy.

“M— just gonna use the bathroom,” you manage and Chrissy nods, frowning.

“Feeling okay?” Chrissy asks, eyebrows furrowed. You nod, reassuring ing and gives Eddie one last, follow me, glare and haphazardly walk up to one of Stacey’s many bathrooms.

Eddie’s close behind, because as soon as you reach the door he’s pushing open for you. Eddie doesn’t get a chance to breathe before you pounce on him.

“Okay—,” he mumbles against your lips, smiling, “Lemme get a look at you, Princess, c’mon,” Eddie tries, managing an awkward laugh as you kiss his neck. Eddie’s probably a bit stronger than you, so he manages to control your wrists, gently and guide your face up. He frowns, searching your expression.

“D’you not wanna fuck?” You squeak, blinking up at him. Eddie’s face cracks slightly and sighs out, hands holding your shoulders.

“You’re wasted,” he notes, looking over you. The red punch stain on your white dress. “How much have you had?”

“It’s a party,” you snap, albeit messily, “Drinking’s part of it.” You insist on taking your dress up she has access, and he immediately stops you.

“Maybe we should go,” Eddie sighs, rubbing his forehead and pushing your dress down. “Not while you’re drunk, lovely,” he chides quietly, and embarrassment churns up inside of you. You step back, sniffing and rubbing your eyes, makeup smudging.

“We can’t leave together,” you remind him, attempting to fix your face in the mirror, stumbling beside him to get a closer look.

“Trust me, I know that,” he mumbles, picking at the rip on his jeans. “No one will notice anyway, everyone’s hammered. We can head straight for my van.”

“No,” you shake your head, the idea of everyone finding out tonight making your head hurt. “M gonna stay, we haven’t even played spin the bottle yet.”

“Right,” Eddie lets out a sharp laugh, crossing his arms, curls wild as he shakes his head. “Couldn’t miss that, kissing other guys, sure you can’t wait to perform that little charade.”

That pulls you out of your blinking at the mirror, and you look to him. Eddie looks guilty sure, but he has pride.

“All I’m saying is— just come with me, we can watch a movie—,”

“I like parties,” you say louder, defensive, “I like my friends, I like playing party games— I like prom, I like my little charade— it’s not even, not a charade,” you spit back, harshly stepping back. Your head is just white noise; cheeks red.

Eddie sighs, eyebrows up as he takes in your words. As if he doesn’t believe it.

“Those friends of yours, that you like,” Eddie carries on, and he’s never been this mad at you, ever. It upsets you. A lot. “Make my life hell, just because I’m different to them—,”

“— I don’t— I don’t agree with them—,”

“—right, you don’t agree.” Eddie huffs out, anger making him pace. “Those jocks you wanna play that stupid party game with? They beat me to a pulp, hurt my friends— and you’re happy to go out there with them? Play buddy buddy?”

You try to interrupt, tears staining your cheeks.

“Whose side are you on?” Eddie’s words are quiet now, head down as he tries for the door, but you hold his arms, desperately.

“Yours, Eddie, yours—,”

“Only when you’re in my bed though, right?” Eddie’s words cut you deep, and it makes you recoil. A touch of guilt passes through his eyes, but he turns the bathroom door.

It’s all a blur, you remember.

Eddie opens the door, Jason is on the other side, Chrissy by his side. It’s all bodies and movement, Jason dragging Eddie out to hit the wall. A crowd forms in the hallway, and you try to push Jason away.

“What are you doing with Harrington? Probably making a move on her—,” Jason sneers, nasty as he shoves Eddie back against the wall into a neck lock. Eddie struggles, but always tries to fight back. You protest, but Chrissy reaches for you, the girls pulling you away. “Creep.”

“No—,”

“—hey, it’s okay,” Chrissy is speaking, but you’re not listening as you try to pull away from the girls holding you back. “He’s being taken care of now—,”

Your stomach churns. Eddie is being held down and kicked by jocks, the small hallway loud and oppressive. You can’t see past it, but Eddie’s noises of pain make you sob even harder.

“We have to go,” Stacey speaks, eyes wide. “Cops are outside— come on!”

Alcohol making you even more weaker, attempts to move through the crowd to Eddie fail and tears soak your dress.

· · ─ ·✶· ─ · ·

Everyone leaves.

Eddie is taken by the cops, Jason with him and it’s silence as you use Stacey’s phone to ring Steve to come and pick you up. The girls are sat in the living room, watching Risky Business.

Steve picks up on the second ring.

“Hi, it’s me,” you speak quietly, voice croaking. The sound of Eddie’s pain can’t stop ringing in your head.

“Hey— I thought you were staying at Stacey’s?” Steve responds, and the voice of your brother makes you relax slightly, eyes welling up.

“Can you come get me?”

“I’m on my way,” Steve replies straight away. “Ten minutes tops.”

The girls all look up, sad.

“You’re leaving? I prepared hot cocoa— I has a nail pedi set we can use—,” Stacey pouts, she pouts, as if the past few hours didn’t even happen. Chrissy is quiet, staring at the television.

“I just want to go,” you speak, and pull your jacket on, a small nod before leaving the room to the door. You only wait five minutes, then see Steve’s beemer pull up.

You practically run as Steve gets out the car, and collapse into your brother’s embrace. Steve sighs, rubbing your head.

“Okay— let’s get home okay? I can order some pizza.” Steve assures, letting you hang on for how long you want, before opening the passenger door.

Steve lets you sit in silence for the ride, sending you can’t speak much yet. Similar happened when Nancy broke it off with Steve a couple years ago. You knew he needed a moment.

At the house, it’s empty. Your parents haven’t been back for a few weeks, Steve mainly taking care of you: that’s just how it is now.

“Go up, change and pizza will be here when you get down, alright?” Steve scruffs your head and you manage a smile, slowly walking up the stairs to shower and change into something comfortable.

Steve waits until you’re both full with pizza before he asks about it.

“What happened?”

Your eyes well up again, pulling your knees you your chin. Sniffing, you speak.

“When did you realise all that— high school popularity was bullshit?”

Steve mulls over your questions and sighs, sitting back against the couch, eyes on the floor before looking at you.

“It means nothing,” he speaks, swallowing. “All that popularity? It doesn’t last. It just takes away,” Steve falters, probably at the memory of Nancy. “That worship doesn’t fill a hole you think you need to be fixed okay? I like it— the attention. It felt great but—,” Steve pauses, eyes gentle. “It ruins everything else that matters in your life, take it from me.”

You think about Steve before and after last year. How much happier he is now.

“I felt like— bad. Like I needed to carry it on after you graduated. I don’t think I like it, at all,” you confess, whispering. You then sniff, eyes wet. “I messed up.”

“You messed up?” Steve probes carefully, hand rubbing your back. Eddie’s face flashes through your mind and you think, fuck it. Now or never.

“I’ve been dating, someone for months who—,” you swallow, “He’s the opposite of all of that, hates all the high school rules— I’m surprised he even likes me. Or— liked, I guess,”

Steve nods slowly.

“And because I cared too much about what everyone thought of me, I let him get hurt.”

Steve is quiet for a moment before speaking up.

“It’s Eddie, isn’t it.”

Your eyes widen, and you sit up, alert. How did Steve know? You both hid it impressively well?

“Yeah, well, turns out you guys aren’t as discreet as you think, I saw him sneak out of the window at 7am.”

You groan, rubbing your eyes and Steve then cracks a laugh.

“I’m not gonna, kill him or whatever,” Steve hums, “I spoke to him, actually.”

“You— Steve—,”

“Turns out he’s a good guy, plays dungeons and dragons with Dustin so,” the shock on your face is unmovable. “Stands up for him.”

“Yeah,” you whisper, face falling as you frown. “Stands up for all his friends.” Your voice is small, tiny. Steve sighs loudly and pats your back.

“Take this as my blessing, he’s good for you. You’ve been happier, recently.” Steve speaks in that tone that reminds you of when your mother used to be kind and loving. When you were both toddlers. “Loving someone without all that— popularity is way better than losing them, hear me?”

You nod, wiping your cheeks, and lean into your brother’s side. He hugs you, kissing your head.

“I recon he’ll come around.”

You think for a moment before looking at Steve, eyes wide.

“Can you drop me somewhere Friday?”

· · ─ ·✶· ─ · ·

“Do not accept any drinks,” Steve begins as he kills the engine, the Hideout’s noise blaring as you look up at it. “No talking to any guy except Eddie, find him immediately, okay?”

“Yes, Steve. It’s fine,” you sigh out, checking your makeup in the mirror for a moment. “I have the house number. You’re the first I call.”

“Correct,” Steve nods and drums on the wheel. “Please stay safe alright? I’m one call away.”

“I know,” you smile, grateful. Steve sighs and nods. It took a lot of convincing to let Steve drive you here, so you weren’t going to waste it. “I’ll call.”

You feel nerves creep in as he drives away and you head for the door. Luckily the security let you in, probably seeing you with Steve and deciding not to fuck with a Harrington. You smile sweetly and step in, the music loud. Heading for the bar, you order a coke to wait. Eddie is nowhere to be seen, so you decide to wait by the bar, which has a good view of the stage.

He’s performing, his band setting up the stage, a few cans being chucked on. You nearly jump hearing an amp crackle, settling against the bar top seeing his band trudge on stage: they all look so happy. In their element. Eddie is front and centre, red guitar you’ve seen hung on his wall glistening in the lights as he cracks out a note, the noise making the room vibrate.

“My name is Eddie, and this is Corroded Coffin,” Eddie speaks, loud and confident. The man you loved to see talk about dungeons and dragons enthusiastically— the man who you could spend hours listening to. They instantly start into a song, loud and thrashing as they move about. It’s magnetic; seeing Eddie so passionately performing. Sweat marking his clothes as he jumps about.

It’s making you hot, to be more precise. Cheeks red as you try to down your coke to calm yourself down.

During a slower ballad, Eddie stands still as he sings. His eyes drift over the crowd. Better, you can see the bruise on his eye from the party. It makes you swallow, shame rippling throughout your body. Eddie catches your eye. He carries on singing, but keeps his gaze on you. He has a small surprised expression, but then his shoulders drop as he smiles finishing off the song.

That’s got to be good, right?

After they finish, you wait at the same place he saw you, begging to any god up there he’ll come over. Come over and kiss you, make you blush and it’ll all be perfect again. You peel the Coke label off fully, sighing out as you realise he isn’t coming. It’s been ten minutes now and the hideout isn’t big at all.

“You came,” his words make you whip around, seeing Eddie leaning against the bar, arms crossed. Bruise and all he still looks beautiful.

“I— yeah,” you speak with a shake to it, “You’re amazing up there.” You can’t help but let out, and reassuringly, he smiles.

“It’s loud, right? Let’s go outside,” Eddie suggests, and his hand gently guides you by your lower back to the smoking area. He should be mad at you. Mad at how cowardly you are for never sticking up for him, but he’s still caring for you in a place you’ve never been.

The cool air calms your cheeks, and he takes you in, eyes drifting.

“You’ve not been at school,” you start. Eddie nods shrugging.

“Got suspended,” he hums, “Jason did too though, so, result I guess,” he laughs, deep and warm like he always did. Your hand drifts over the scar on his forehead over his eyebrow, bruise littered around it. Eddie relaxes more. “Wayne fixed me up, no need to worry.”

“I’m so sorry,” you croak, eyes wetting, “God I— you got hurt and I— it was all my fault—,”

“—hey, sweetheart,” his voice is a gentle and it makes you let out a sound, you missed it so much. “It’s alright. I’m not blaming you for those asshole’s behaviour okay?”

“But I— should have just to hell with this stupid popularity bullshit,” your voice is wet as you carry on, “It’s all bullshit— I’ve missed you so much and I— can’t believe I wanted that over this.”

Eddie’s eyes widen but soften.

“I shouldn’t have said those things,” Eddie admits, shaking his head. “I was being a dick, all the crap I told you in the bathroom—,”

Your mind goes back. His words did hurt. Accusing you of using him for sex.

“I was just— angry. Upset, that I couldn’t have you fully. I guess I’m a selfish bastard, really.”

His words make your insides warm, like a flame was ignited deep in you. You want to be his, wholly.

“You have me, all of it. I’ll walk around at school with you— I’m tired of keeping it a secret.” You speak confidently, sniffing. “I think— i know I’m in love, and I don’t want to waste it.”

Eddie falters and gathers you up, making you squeal as he lifts you.

“My sweetheart,” he hums into your hair before dropping you gently, wrapping arms around your back. “I love you too.”

You smile, so wide it makes your cheeks hurt.

“You willingly came to a metal bar for me, I might propose.” Eddie’s words make you flush, “But I’ve got to make it up to you now, baby. Your brother gave me a stern talking to.”

“Oh, yeah, why didn’t you guys tell me you met?” You ask, stroking his chest absentmindedly. Eddie hums and shrugs.

“After his big brother talk, he told me he was a lot similar to me— sneaking in windows and that—,” you laugh and he smiles like he could listen to you laugh all day. “He told me to keep the magic up— give you some thrill.”

You roll your eyes and huff, and Eddie’s cheeky smile shines.

“Steve also told me he’ll break my whole body if I do anything to hurt you so, get comfortable, I’m here for the long run.”

Under the streetlight, Eddie’s eyes sparkle in a way you’ve never seen.

“I think I won him over though, Dustin’s helped with that—,”

“—can you stop rambling about my brother and take me home?” You cut him off, and Eddie blinks, cheeks reddening before nodding.

“Yes ma’am,” he responds before kissing you deeply, picking you up and walking you over to his van.

· · ─ ·✶· ─ · ·

It’s nice to be back at his trailer.

Clothes come off slowly, Eddie making sure to travel his hands over every part of your body.

“Missed you so much,” he mumbles into your left breast, hands squeezing your waist as you let out a pitched whine. “My hand wasn’t as good as the real thing.”

You can’t even reply to his dorky words as he slips his hand down where he knows well, still rubbing the parts that make you bloom.

“M glad you didn’t play spin the bottle,” he speaks as he lets one finger enter, his rings cold against you but making the experience all the better. Your leg wraps around his hips, hands clenching his biceps as your eyes flutter. “I got so— so worked up about you kissing those jock duds— cus y’know the only person who can see you like this? I am— my sweetheart— my baby,” Eddie’s rambling, but he’s three fingers deep and you need him now.

“Please Eddie— want you now. M ready,” you croak, hand reaching to palm his erection. Eddie lets a whimper out, swiping a condom off the desk next to his bed. “Eddie.”

“M’ here, sweetheart,” Eddie mumbles against your neck as he slips it on, hands pressing to raise your legs up to meet your sides. “Aright?”

You nod properly, letting out a moan as he enters finally. It’s been so long, and Eddie’s pace picks up a little, his eyes watching you writhe under him. He lets out a moan himself, the sounds in the room are lewd but you don’t care, arms around his neck as he presses a kiss against your lips. His pelvis is dragging perfectly against your spot, making you tighten around him.

“God— Jesus H Christ—,” he cursed, head dropping to your neck, sucking lightly, “Are you close?”

“Make me— make me come,” you manage, eyes closed as your nails drag over his pale back, his pace fastening as he drifts a hand quickly down to rub onto you, making you let out a strangled scream. It’s white before you come back to it, Eddie pulling out gently. You lay, completely satisfied as you feel him clean you up like he always did.

“Okay?” He hums and you nod, wrapping your arms around his neck. Eddie kisses your sweaty chest once. “Are you staying here?”

“Of course,” you nod, and he relaxed, letting you hug into him, eventhough he must feel like a furnace.

You wouldn’t trade this for any popularity in the world.

Eddie doesn’t let go. Not now, not forever.

· · ─ ·✶· ─ · ·

a/n; this was cringe but I love it! I’m a sucker for tropes and love confessions like it’s the end of the world.

thank you for this, inspiring part three 🤍. https://www.tumblr.com/aqtdeco/822968509257629696/bad-case-of-loving-you-pt-iii-sh

part I, part II

— Steve takes you, Piper and Whiskey on an east coast road trip, and has an important question he wants to ask. As always, life has other plans.

ﮩ٨ـﮩﮩ٨ـ♡ﮩ٨ـﮩﮩ٨ـ

Piper is not an early riser. You know this, and you’ve told this to Steve a million times.

“It’s not even that early, bug!” Steve placates, crouching down to Piper’s bed, giving her his best puppy eyes that he knows works on both his girls. “I will carry you all the way to the car, you won’t even notice.”

Piper dramatically whimpers, rubbing her eyes and clinging to her duvet. She loves living here, so parting from her bed is always her worst nightmare.

You prepare the last of the bags and pack some food for Whiskey, making sure to over pack on the dog poo bags (just in case). Miraculously, Steve has managed to get Piper to agree to getting up, clearly at the terms that he carries her.

“We have enough of those bags, baby.” Steve smiles as he walks into the foyer, Piper glued sleepily to his shoulder. You shake your head and shove a few more in Whiskey’s dog bag. Whiskey sits by the door, already raring for the outside.

“Better safe than sorry,” you remind Steve, and he hums fondly before leaning in to kiss your temple as he picks up the dog bag, the final bag to add to the mobile home for the next two weeks. Steve finally manages to snag time off from the hospital, so he obviously planned a big east coast road trip for you all.

“Baby—, don’t make that face,” Steve whispers into Piper’s ear as he walks her to the front of the Winnebago. You smile fondly as she only nuzzles into his neck sleepily. “It’s gonna be so fun, I’m gonna let you have all the pancakes from all the diners..”

You don’t hear the rest as you get into your seat, hearing muffled raspberry blows as he secures her into her car seat behind you. Whiskey hops next to you, setting into the secured dog bed beside Piper’s seat. Piper manages to settle, sat in her seat almost already closing her eyes.

“I say we head to Charleston first,” Steve announces as he twists the key, starting up the vehicle. “See all those movie sets you like.”

Your stomach flutters and you nod, head back against the seat.

“Sounds amazing,” you tell him and he smiles back, hand patting your thigh pulling away from his driveway.

The drive there is the longest, with you periodically falling asleep, Piper perking up by midday and singing to the radio. Whiskey is well behaved as he always is, happy to receives babbles from Piper as she pats his furry head.

Charleston is beautiful in its own way. Piper’s a fan of walking over the cobbled streets, hand tightly held in yours as Steve takes photos on his camera. The port has a beautiful seafood restaurant you all eat at, and Piper is mysteriously okay with the fish despite how much of a picky eater she is.

“Did you pack swim stuff for you and Piper?” Steve asks as he finishes off his food, “I was thinking we could hit Myrtle Beach tomorrow.”

You nod, wiping Piper’s cheeks.

“When my mom would take us to this— country club every summer,” it doesn’t surprise you hearing this from Steve, you’ve been privy to his upbringing for a while. He’s very open about it all, and you were pleasantly surprised he had no hint of attitude that usually comes with guys who grew up wealthy. “I would leave at night, go to Myrtle and watch the sun set.”

You smile as you absentmindedly fix Piper’s bib.

“Oh, so you can show us around,” you hum and Steve preens slightly, then smiles down at Piper.

“Yummy?” He asks her, and Piper nods up at Steve.

“Yummy,” Piper agrees, and you want to cry because of how cute she is, you’ve been getting that feeling a lot recently. Steve has the same fond, look of pure love on his face.

The check is paid, and Steve suggests a walk along the coastline to help Piper get a little more sleepy. Whiskey trots sleepily beside you both, and you take out your camera to snap a photo of Piper asleep, head on Steve’s shoulder. Steve smiles, head leaning to hers as he sways her on his arm.

The Winnebago is quiet as you both prepare for bed. Piper was down a while ago, snoring softly in her bunk, curtain across with fairy lights hung. Whiskey sleeps on his dog bed by the closed door, and you stretch out on the double mattress over the front two seats. Steve pulls the curtain over, and crawls in beside you, letting out a quiet breath as he pulls you in immediately.

“First location was a success?” He murmurs into your hair, kissing it before looking down at you snug in his arm. You hum before looking up at him, nodding. He responds by squeezing you tighter, and all the worries you had about this trip unravel and disappear. “Piper stuffing her face with fish today, who would’ve thought.”

“Hm,” you agree and sleepily nuzzle into his armpit, breathing deep. “Thank you.”

“Why’re you thanking me, silly?” Steve asks a bit incredulous and you shake your head fond.

“I never thought Piper would ever call someone dad again,” you swallow, eyes on his chest for a moment. His curls that lie on his bronze chest always tickle your cheek, but you wouldn’t trade it for the world. “I’m just so happy Doctor Yates retired, I guess.”

Steve smiles and takes it upon himself to gently take you by the armpit, moving so you’re face to face. Steve’s eyes glaze over, probably from tiredness for driving long hours, but don’t move from yours for even a second. You can make out the soft startings of facial hair in the low light, his newly grown moustache that he thinks is ‘rad’.

“Nah,” Steve speak hoarsely, “I’d rather not thank that old fart for retiring,” you laugh, a little loud but it makes Steve grin even more. He kisses the side of your mouth gently, hand moving to rest on your waist. “I think we were always supposed to meet, and I—,” Steve stutters, a rare moment as he blinks. “I hope Piper calls me dad for a very, very long time.” His gaze seems to be calculating your reaction, and you think he’s silly, because why wouldn’t you want Piper to call him dad for the rest of time.

“What’s the matter?” You ask, shuffling impossibly closer.

“Nothing, nothing,” Steve assures, but you know him inside out. All his tells that he’s got a slight bit of unease in his gaze. “Just that… I’ve been waiting to get my hands on you all day—!”

Steve makes you giggle as he nuzzles into your neck, mixing blowing raspberries and pressing lovely kisses. Your jaw aches as you try to keep your laughing to a minimum, cautious not to wake Piper.

“Hm, gimme some sugar, honey,” Steve mumbles into your chest, “S’ what the doctor ordered—,”

You laugh even louder, and you let his warm hands wander despite you both having to wake up early tomorrow for the drive.

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It’s hot in South Carolina.

Piper is already complaining as you dress her, a nice set from Steve’s parents. Floral pants and blouse, paired with some pink jelly sandals. Steve curses after he notices Whiskey attempting to pee on the side of the open door to the Winnebago, and he haphazardly picks up the large dog. Whiskey gruffs in response, and the commotion only makes it harder for you to put on Piper’s shoes.

“If you don’t put these on, you won’t be able to walk next to Whiskey,” you reason with the baby, and Piper just wiggles more.

“Too hot, mommy, is’ too hot,” Piper whines back to your face, her cheeks matching your reddened face and neck. Why are you so hot? I mean, it’s boiling here, but you never get overheated like this. Piper then kicks as you successfully tie up the shoe, accidentally smacking the jelly sandalled foot into your nose.

“Oh—,” you shout, not meaning to be loud but there’s a splitting pain in the middle of your nose now. Steve has come back from wrestling a playful Whiskey, alerted from the sound of your pain, as he always is. “Piper, why’d you do that?” You sigh out and wince, rubbing your eyes for a moment. Steve, though he is on holiday, never stops being a doctor, which sometimes infuriates you. Especially in moments like these.

“Sweetheart, let me take a look,” Steve starts and slips the other shoe onto Piper’s foot, annoying you even more. Parenting seemed to come so easy to him. “Here, sit—,”

“Jesus, I’m fine,” you snap, rubbing your nose and stepping out into the heat, needing air at least. Steve doesn’t accept that, because how can he not make sure nothing is broken?

“Honey, she just kicked you in the face. Let me get an ice pack, and some water.” Steve speaks, and sometimes when he gets like this, no one is allowed to argue. Steve moves to grab your wrist, and you shake your head, eyes wide as you notice Piper has gotten down and is heading away.

“Steve you—,” you don’t mean for it to come out harshly, “Stop it— why weren’t you watching her?”

Steve blanks for a moment, before looking over to see Piper a good few meters, not very far, but far enough. As you step to jog and catch her, he stops you, and is stepping over quickly to pick her up.

“Daddy, no, want to go there,” Piper shouts and points to a nearby ice cream truck near the car park. Steve secures her and walks back, “Daddy.”

“Sweet pea, you can’t just run off okay? You wait for us. Wait for your mom or me,” you don’t hear the end of it as you walk back into the Winnebago, wanting some peace. Your nose still throbs, but the mirror tells you there’s no bruise. You sit, sighing out and petting Whiskey who has opted to rest his head on your knee. “Hey— are we ready to head—,”

“No Steve, I’m not.” You manage, frowning. “Clearly.”

“Okay,” Steve swallows, clearly trying to hold something in, “I just, had a schedule for today? We need to hit this brunch spot now, I have a reservation.”

“My nose is burning, I’m not ready.” You repeat, eyes incredulous at him. Steve then blinks, adjusting Piper who has a tight frown on her face from your tone.

“You— told me you were fine, I can look at it now.” Steve starts to move, and you stop him.

“Steve, can you for a moment just stop? I need five minutes. By myself— I don’t need you to doctor me every moment of the day.” You regret the words, because his face falters.

“You’re hurt,” Steve then speaks curt, moving to slide his sunglasses to his hair, cheeks sweaty. “I can solve the problem,”

“I don’t need you to.”

Steve sighs out, before swaying Piper in his arms, noticing her worried expression. He kisses her red cheek and puts on a smile.

“Let’s go check out that ice cream truck,” Steve tells Piper who obviously smiles at that, “How’s that sound bub?”

“Ice cream,” she nods happily, hugging his neck, and he lets her, despite how hot it is. He doesn’t spare you a look before he leaves, and you know you’ve upset him. Whiskey whines pitifully at your knee.

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You don’t tell Steve you threw up before joining them. Steve has an uneasy smile as you approach, and you already want to curse yourself for overreacting so much. The diner he picked for lunch is lovely, a small but cosy one off the coast. As you wait to be seated, you lean forward behind him and mumble against his back.

“I’m sorry,” with a kiss on his flannel clad shoulder. Steve huff out a smile and leans his head back to shake his head.

“Okay mommy?” Piper wonders in his arms and to him smiling weakly.

“Mommy’s okay, she’s just a bit dramatic,” you reply, kissing her pudgy cheek, then Steve’s. Steve watches fondly as she giggles and copies you, placing a huge messy kiss on your nose. The waitress interrupts you both and directs you to a table by the window. Whiskey hops up on the booth seat, snug next to you.

“What we feeling Pip? Pancakes? Waffles— burger…” Steve trails off and shows Piper the menu. Piper can barely read it but she finds it all the worth looking at. You don’t really feel hungry at all after throwing up.

“Waffle,” Piper speaks up at Steve and he nods, noting it in his head. Piper focuses on the crayons and scribbling over the paper menu.

“What are you fancying, honey?” Steve asks you, looking up. You look over the menu, but nothing seems to look appealing. “I know you love diner food.”

“I don’t…” you trail off, mouth twisting, “Maybe I’ll just have some fries.”

Steve furrows his eyebrows, putting the menu down. His expression deepens.

“Honey, they have your favourite— Nutella pancakes, how about that?” Steve offers and you sip some table water.

“Just messy fries will do me.” You assure, and Steve’s eyes narrow. When he orders, he gets the Nutella pancakes. Probably because he knows you’ll want a bite anyway. Steve watches you as you pet Whiskey absentmindedly.

“Did you sleep okay?” Steve asks suddenly, eyes narrowed. “I didn’t feel you move around a lot.”

“I slept fine,” you nod, sighing fondly. “Im sorry for being such a downer— I know you’re excited for the beach.”

“I’m only excited to spend it with you guys.” Steve assures and reaches over, thumb drifting over your hand. “It’s special, but you’ll complete it.”

“You already have me, and the little princess,” you joke, but a flush still forms over your cheeks, “No need for the charm.”

“Oh, get ready for buckets of charm all trip,” Steve winks, blowing a kiss. Piper has gotten bored of colouring, and looking up at Steve.

“Kiss kiss,” Piper pouts, and Steve laughs, blowing one for her too. “Daddy,” she speaks giggling loudly, as if Steve’s the silliest man on the planet.

You forget about your sick feeling for a while. Absolutely stealing half of Steve’s pancakes.

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Steve is antsy as you all walk to the beach. You’re a bit off his “special schedule” he’s insisted on. Only by 15 minutes due to the nose run in this morning.

“Can we stop here?” You ask, breath falling short, Piper whining in your arms, itching to get onto the sand.

“Honey I— there’s a much better spot up there,” Steve stresses, a bit erratic, looking around. You swallow, mouth all dry.

“The sand looks perfectly fine here—,” before you can speak more, your ears feel like they’re filled with cotton. You blink, letting Piper onto the sand next to Whiskey. Steve notices, and is there to catch you when you inevitably faint. It all goes black.

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“Have to be quiet, Pip.” Steve chides, and you hear Piper’s muffed confused whimpers, along with periodic beeping. Eventually you come to, and wake up in a hospital bed.

Right.

Steve clocks you’re awake immediately.

“Honey,” he breathes out, reaching across to take your hand, smiling. “Hey.”

“What— what happened?” You ask, blinking drowsily. Piper gets on the bed, immediately wrapping herself around you laying her head flat on your stomach.

“You fainted on the beach,” Steve explains, “I should have known, I was going a mile a minute and didn’t even consider how hot it was.”

“Oh,” you speak, a bit distant. “I threw up this morning.”

“You—,” Steve sits up, eyes wide. “Baby, why didn’t you say anything?” Steve frowns, tight but his hand squeezes yours again.

“You’re my boyfriend, not my doctor.” You smile small, blinking sleepily. Steve bites his lip, looking to the ground then up again.

“The reason this whole— schedule thing—,”

The doctor knocks at this moment, and Steve sighs out, rubbing his forehead and sitting back. He keeps his hand in yours, and momentarily you wonder what he was going to say.

“Results came back,” the doctor smiles, “We took your blood while you were going in and out,” she explains, and pulls up a chair next to you.

Steve sits a bit rigid, almost wanting to jump in and speak.

“You’re okay,” the doctor nods, “Nothing to worry about, just regular fainting which happens in the heat.” She pointedly looks at Steve for a moment before smiling. “Just another thing.”

You sit up, confused. If it was all okay, what was the problem?

“Congratulations.” The doctor grins, and passes over a sheet of results. You blearily blink to look at the paper, a bit confused at all the medical jargon. Steve obviously understood and his eyes widen, sat in shock.

“Are you serious?” Steve then stands, abruptly. The doctor nods, amused at his stance.

“Can someone please clue me in on my own test results—,”

“— you’re pregnant.” The doctor finishes for you, “Only 3 weeks, explains that throwing up you told us.”

You can’t move. You look up to Steve who is frozen, eyes glazed over.

“I’ll leave you two to talk.”

As the doctor leaves, Piper sits up and looks between you two, very confused.

“Mommy, whats matter?”

You swallow, an incredulous laugh falling from your mouth as you hug her closer. Steve is finally back from the dead, and sits on the edge of the bed, moving to stroke your cheeks.

“How did I not know?” He murmurs, but a smile spreads across his cheeks. “God— I’m a terrible doctor—,”

“Doctor of children,” you remind him, eyes wet now as you let out a sniffy laugh. “And father of two now.”

“Three if you count Whiskey,” he adds, smiling wide and kissing all over your face. “Pips gonna be a big sister.” Piper perks up, arm now around Steve’s bicep comfortably.

“Mommy has a baby in her?” Piper asks and you nod, smiling messily. Piper looks down at where she’s sat, and widens her eyes before scrambling up to your chest. “Mustnt squish it—,”

Steve laughs heartedly, full of love for his girls.

“The little nugget had to ruin my plans huh,” he speaks as he adjusts Piper so she’s more in his lap, away from hurting you. You furrow your eyebrows, head tilting. Steve smiles at your confusion. “That annoying schedule that you hated? Eventually led us to under the pier, had it all decked out with fairy lights and everything.”

“Oh,” you frown, sad. “I ruined your plans.”

“S’fine,” he waves off, and reaches for his pocket. “I can do it here just fine.”

You watch as he brings out a small black box, and your heart stops again for the umpteenth time today. Piper watches as he opens it, a beautiful silver band with a tiny pearl nestled in the middle.

“I can’t believe I’m asking you this in a hospital,” Steve begins, but carries on despite his shaking hands. “I want that Winnebago trip every year, I want Piper and the little nugget calling me dad forever, and I want the privilege of seeing your face every day, for the rest of my life.”

You can’t speak, just mouth opening and closing, eyes positively wet now.

“Can we do forever?”

You nod, very quickly and sniff, trying to wipe the snot that had left your nose. Steve hums and takes out the ring to slide it on your finger, bringing it to kiss gently.

“Oh, you were going to ask me under the pier—,”

“Here is much quieter,” he corrects and you splutter a laugh, wiping your eyes and leaning up to kiss his lips messily. “And on brand.”

You can’t stop kissing his face, Piper joining in as she always does.

You wouldn’t mind spending every Summer in boiling hot South Carolina, knowing it’s going to be with Steve every time.

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a/n: steve wanting to overly use his expertise to feel useful is my hc very him!

I apologise how late this is. Recently my grandfather passed, and so that definitely slowed my writing and motivation. Getting back into it now🤍

I would love some au ideas! Send some over in my requests.

part I

— a year into your relationship, Piper gets sick, and you realise you don’t have to do it all by yourself anymore.

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At two in the morning, Piper wakes you up with a cough that sounds like something you haven’t heard before. She’s snuggled up next to you in bed, 3 days into a nasty bug that she caught, insistent on staying beside you at all times.

“Let it out,” you chide, sitting up as least groggily as you can and pat her back as she lets out a wet, mucus filled cough, eyes wet. It bites at the back of your brain, as Piper struggles to breathe through it, and you look over her with hands that shake.

“Mommy,” is all she lets out, barely, as she finishes the cough and starts to cry. It’s all bunged up sobs, knowing your neighbour downstairs will have something to say about it tomorrow morning.

“Okay,” you let her rest against your chest, and make the rash decision to take her to urgent care. Something just felt off with that cough, and neither you or her will get any sleep tonight. You gently pick her up, and pat her back as she clings to your sleep shirt, noticeably Steve’s oversized Boston one he keeps leaving. “Wait here for me, bub. Can you do that?”

Piper seems to grizzle, but sits back on the couch, closing her eyes again. You nearly slip as you rush to pull on some sweats, pulling your hair into something, and spraying on some perfume before getting back to your baby. She’s lying on the couch, sniffling. Car keys, wallet, some fruit snacks for Piper, and then you barely remember a coat for her. Shoving them all in your pocket, you crouch to pull on her coat over her weak arms, wincing at her protest.

“I know, I know,” you manage, and zip it up, picking her up again and letting her lay all over your chest and shoulder. You make it to the car, and Piper sleeps on her way to the hospital, snotty snores filling the car. You can’t help but bite your lip as you drive, it’s just a normal cold, you assure yourself, nothing terrible. That cough that sounded like she was going to chuck up this weeks food was nothing. Piper easily lifts into your arms at the hospital, no fuss as she’s happy to be snuggly with mom again. You rush, not run into the urgent care building, and Piper in her own amazing timing coughs as you reach the reception.

“Hi, my daughter she— she’s been sick for the past week, but every-time she coughs— she can’t breathe,” you try to explain without your voice failing, adjusting Piper, who has her face buried into the Boston logo. The reception lady nods and asks for your insurance number, before gesturing to the waiting area. Piper’s head stays stubbornly on your chest, her slow breaths interrupted by a couple sneezes.

You manage to get a slot, and the doctor prescribes her some antibiotics, and you get out eventually by 6am. Piper is absolutely overtired as you head out, your eyes blinking awake ready for the drive home. Before you can get your keys out, a hand touches your shoulder, its familiar, and you turn around, breath knocked out of you as Steve stands there, seemingly having just got to work.

“Did you have an appointment? It’s early,” Steve asks, and leans forward to kiss your cheek with a smile. “Hello little miss,” Steve coos down to Piper, and just like that, all the tension has left your body hearing his smooth voice. Piper brightens up as much as she possibly can being sick, and brings her hands up for a hug. Steve frowns, pushing Piper’s hair out of her face gently. “She looks sick,”

Steve, ever the smart doctor obviously picked up on it, and your plan was really to not burden him with dealing with this.

“She is,” you reply, voice a bit distant, “I— she jut coughed in the night and I guess I got paranoid, but she’s okay. Antibiotics,” you wave off, and sniff yourself, feeling a headache coming on. Steve notices, because he always does. He frowns deeper, a hand rubbing your arm.

“Why didn’t you call me?” He speaks a bit quieter, but holds your gaze as Piper plays with his lanyard. You swallow, noticing now you’re in his shirt too.

“It’s— not fair to wake you up at god knows when, having to do your job for us—,”

“—I would have just been there, honey.” The nickname always comes so naturally to him, and it sounds like you want to kiss all over his face every time. “Not as a doctor, maybe a little,” he corrects himself, but tilts his head, “But as a boyfriend, I know it must have been scary.”

You swallow, sighing out and rubbing your eyes, guilty.

“I can do things independently,” you regret it after you say it, but you’re so tired, embarrassed, and your head feels like it weighs a ton. Steve’s hazel eyes dim a bit, mouth open before closing it again.

“I know,” he speaks carefully, and looks at his watch. “I have work, I’ll see you soon?”

“Of course,” you try to mend what you’ve said, which wasn’t technically a bad thing per se, but Steve has never forced himself to do anything. Never oversteps and always checks if you need help. Steve nods, taking a breath before stepping back. He waves to Piper who smiles all sleepy. You watch as he steps back and walks into the hospital. Before you put Piper in her seat, you kiss her head and warily watch after Steve.

The drive homes feels long, as you go over in your brain again and again, how Steve’s expression fell. You go through the motions, coming home and getting into bed with Piper again, that you don’t even notice falling asleep.

It’s blurry when you wake up, chest heavy as you try and sit up. You search the bed for Piper, but wince as the headache worsens every move you make. You check the bedside clock: eight pm. You slept all day?

“Piper?” You croak, blinking slowly and sitting up. Lo and behold Piper makes a sound from the edge of the bed, stained in vomit. “Oh— god—,” you curse, sitting up and immediately taking her to the bathroom, and run a bath. “Okay, okay, lovely, I’m so sorry.” Your hands shake as Piper uncomfortably whimpers. You can’t do this, your head feels like it’s crumbling by the minute, even the sound of the bath running irritates it. Deciding finally, you call Steve.

He always answers immediately.

“Hey honey, I just got out of work,” Steve speaks, “I know we got off the wrong foot today—?”

“—Steve, could you. Please come over? And use the spare key,” you speak hoarsely into the phone, watching as Piper coughs again. “Please,”

“On my way,” he replies, “Is it Piper?”

“Yeah— I— yes,” you crumble, shoulders shaking as you turn off the bath.

“Don’t panic, breathe alright? I’m out the door.” His voice does do something to calm you as you put down the phone, and focus on bathing Piper properly. You start to cough, and Piper seems to whimper at her mom suffering.

“I’m okay,” you assure her, reaching for her fluffy towel. “Back to bed?”

Piper all but nods as you help her out of the bath. You try not to think about how bad of a mom you’ve been, sleeping while your daughter threw up over herself. You carry her into the bedroom, just hugging her in her towel, rubbing her back, whispering apologies and kisses onto her hair.

You don’t even hear Steve come in, but feel it as Piper’s weight is lifted off your lap.

“Still feeling rough sweetheart?” Steve asks Piper, always treating her like a little lady, Piper nods and snuggles into his chest. You let out a breath, relaxing and rubbing your face. “Get back into bed, I’ll dress her,” you start to protest, but he waves you off and sternly gestures to the bed. Eventually you wave the white flag and shuffle back under the covers with a cough, watching Steve take Piper into her room.

You go in and out of sleep, drowsy enough to sleep another three hours. You wake up to Steve sat up on the headboard, stirring a mug of tea with an excellent concentration.

“Steve?” You mumble, blinking dazedly as turning to face him. Steve smiles gently and puts the mug down over onto your side table.

“Peppermint,” he nods to the mug and raises his hand to lift over your cheek. “How are you feeling?”

“Where’s Piper?” You start, and Steve fondly shakes his head.

“She’s asleep in her bed,” he explains, “I think mom needed some rest.”

“Oh.”

Steve had looked after her and got her to sleep in her own bed, meanwhile seemingly looking after you. A warm feeling blooms in your stomach as you look up at him. He’s got his thin glasses on, his hair looking floppier than usual.

“I’m sorry,” you murmur, “For earlier, I don’t— I don’t mean to make you upset. I was overtired,”

“Honey, don’t stress, alright?” Steve frowns and assists you into lying on his chest, wrapping your arm around his middle as you sniffle. “I know you like to be independent, and I’ll always let you.”

“Yes, but—,”

“— and I’ll look after you when you want me to, if that’s okay?” You nod to his words, breathing in his faint scent through his chest. “Little princess got you sick?” You all but nod, eyes shut.

“Don’t wanna get you sick,” you mumble into his stomach, hiding your face, insecurity bubbling at the surface. “M’ all gross,”

“Get me sick,” Steve croons, smiling and wrapping his arms around you, pulling your leg over his waist. “Get me sick, baby,”

You laugh, as much as your throat allows, then push your head into his neck, basking in his Steve smell. After a comfortable silence of Steve’s hands rubbing up and down your back, you speak after a while with a sniff.

“I fell asleep,” you speak quietly, unable to look at him, “While Piper was throwing up— god knows what could have happened—,”

“—it’s okay, baby, really—,”

“—I left her on her own—,”

Steve wasn’t having it, looking down and lifting your head gently by your cheek.

“You already do so much for her,” he speaks softly, caramel eyes all goey, “Sometimes it gets too much, and that’s what I’m here for.” He watches your unsure expression, “She’s alright. Mistakes happen, and Piper’s okay.”

Piper is okay, more than, after being tucked in by her second favourite person Steve.

“Which leads me to what I’ve been wanting to ask you,” Steve then speaks, “Listen, my house is quiet with just me and Whiskey, he gets tired of only seeing me.”

Your breath falters as you watch his nervous ramble.

“I have a room for Piper, a big room. And I’d love for you both to move in,” Steve’s eyes are rapidly looking over your expression, finding any frowns, “Get you out of this lease, y’know— with all the mould in this apartment,”

Steve looked really nervous, just like before he asked you on your first date. You smile, shuffling up to be level with him.

“We’d love to,” you breathe out, nose all blocked, but huge smile on your face. Steve mirror’s your smile and huffs.

“I need to kiss you or I might pass away,” Steve speaks dramatically, holding your cheeks. “C’mon baby, get me sick,” he repeats and you huff at his words, smiling and letting him kiss all over your face.

Living with Steve is, simply put, light. Steve shoulders problems that you don’t even consider now, making sure Piper eats her five a day, letting you have a bath while he entertains her. Whiskey was overjoyed to have two more people to play with, the golden retriever taking a huge liking to Piper, often with his head on her lap as she pats his fur gently.

Every morning, you wake up pressed into Steve. His chest, his armpit, his arm. This time it’s his chest just under his chin. Your hand wraps around his soft belly as you wake up, eyes clearly as his alarm goes off. Time for life. For Steve and you to go to work, and drop Piper off at daycare. Steve shuffles and turns it off, using that arm to them wrap around your back, rubbing softly.

“I didn’t go too hard last night?” Steve then asks sleepily, eyes casting over odd hickey he’d given you.

Oh, and the regular sex was definitely a plus.

You look up, a tired head shake and a small laugh. “Never,” you assure and lean up, kissing over his lightly stubbed jaw, ending at his lips. “Just right,”

“Good morning, honey,” he yawns and smiles against your lips, then pressing a deeper kiss. You really don’t have the time. Piper will be toddling into the room any moment with Whiskey sharply behind her. The soft morning light over your back can only last so long. Steve persists, pulling you over to sit on his lap, gazing up at you with his eyes dragging over your naked body. “This view never gets old.”

“Shut up,” you flush, smiling down at him, guiding his hands up to your shoulders. He absentmindedly travels them down, hungry as they reach your chest. “We don’t have time,”

“We don’t?” Steve wonders, making you shudder as he massages your breasts heartedly, sitting up so your chests meet. “Could just slip right in, y’know? I’m stealthy, like a ninja,” he shrugs and you respond beautifully to his hips bucking up, erection plain and obvious under your heat.

“Hm, I know how stealthy you can be, Doctor,” you hum and kiss the mole on his left cheek before pulling back. “But I’d rather go longer than five minutes.”

Steve groans, before nodding painfully.

“Don’t call me that,” he warns playfully, giving your behind a light slap and lifting you off, standing up and stretching. He slips on his clean underwear he left out, along with his pyjama bottoms. “I’ll go see the little princess, mom gets the shower.”

As you shower, you can hear Steve downstairs talking to Piper like he always does, and Whiskey’s taps of his nails on the wooden floor. You managed to find a job at a local bookstore, which was close to daycare.

As you finish getting ready, you step down the stairs and Piper’s around you legs on an instant.

“Good morning lovely girl,” you coo, picking her up with a huff and kissing over her face. As you walk her to the kitchen, Steve is feeding Whiskey some scraps of pancake, speaking absentmindedly to the dog. It really is a sight you’ll never believe, soft, shirtless Steve feeding his dog. “Oh, pancakes? Lucky girl,” you speak to Piper, and she sits on your lap as you move her plate over to you. She’s getting big now, but never too big to not sit in your lap. Steve wipes his hands, sparing Whiskey and ruffle to his head before leaning down to kiss you once, then Piper, who just babbles a giggle. Steve takes now as the best time to get ready himself.

“We’re so lucky,” you speak to Piper as she shoves pancake in her mouth, “Aren’t we?”

Piper seems to nod in response, leaning back and chewing a cut up strawberry. She doesn’t understand your words, but you know she’ll remember the feeling of being so looked after in a house full of love.

“Okay, I have to set off now and get to the hospital earlier,” Steve starts as he appears, dressed in his doctor attire. He slides on his blazer and looks down at Piper’s unhappy frown. “What’s up hm?”

Piper makes a noise.

“Daddy, go?” Piper asks, she does this every morning.

Steve melts and kneels down beside you both, so he’s eye level with her and you.

“Yeah, but I’m picking you up later, how’s that sound?” Piper thinks about his response. Steve kisses her cheek noisily and then turns his attention to you. “Have a good day, honey,”

“Thank you,” you speak as you lean forward and kiss him, adjusting his glasses. “See you later.”

Steve debates just giving up his job then and there, but alas his patients need him. He stands, straightening his pant legs and scuffling whiskey’s neck.

“Bye big guy,” he speaks to Whiskey, and slings on his bag, picking up his keys. Steve leaves, and hearing his car drive away, you sit back and faintly smile watching Piper drop a strawberry down for Whiskey. It hits his face but the dog doesn’t care.

It’s a morning you wouldn’t trade for the world.

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a/n: overwhelming support for my doctor Steve piece and for that I am so immensely grateful. I love the little community on here, you’re all so dear to me 🫶

Remember my request box is open!

— your job takes you places you’d never even consider on a normal day. Including a firefighter strip charity benefit. Insistent on being there for research purposes only, a certain tattooed, curled haired man clad in red suspenders lights up your neglected heart.

˚ˋঌ˖

Being a writer for the love and relationships section of the New York Print, it always surprised friends and family you were, struggling in that department. You could write acclaimed pieces on the state of dating in modern times, how women can stay independent while accepting love from a partner, but none of your own advice seemed to translate to your real life. Work was your love, and your life so having a boyfriend wasn’t a priority.

For your next piece, your boss assigned you to visit the annual New York Fire Department’s charity fundraiser. Deciding on: ‘Are Firemen the way to Kickstart Your Heart?’, you opt for some flared jeans and a brown lace top, paired with your best red boots. You can’t go alone to this god forsaken event, so you invite your roommate, who seems delighted to be tagging along.

“I’ve heard the guys are hot, hot,” Lauren gushes as you both push through the bar doors, the floor already sticky on your boots. “Maybe you’ll finally find your mr right on stage?” You laugh at Lauren’s dramatics, ever the romantic herself, and shove her playfully. You find your seat, close to the stage, a table reserved for you especially.

The fire department bar is steaming with people, a row of judges, including some small political figures and local celebrities. The wall is decorated with a mix of framed photos of the department through the years, and quirky wall art. A low old rock tune played in the back, while people sat and prepared for the show. You take out your trusted notebook, ready for inspiration to spark. Lauren snorts.

“At least try to enjoy it, y’know?” You hear Lauren as she slides a Corona over. “C’mon,” she sees your hesitation to the beer, knowing you usually are against drinking on the job. “I know you want to..” Lauren trails off, and she knows you so well, because you end up huffing and taking a swig.

“Only one,” you assure, “Maybe it’ll spark some creativity,” you let out a sigh, leaning back against the chair.

“And now… May I present, the boys of the New York Fire Department!”

You almost jump as the comm announces that, watching the lights go down and a spotlight pans to the stage. I’m your Man by Wham busts out of the speakers, and the first man walks out, just in his black heavy duty cargos, and red suspenders going over his body. You swallow, watching as the man seems to have a natural affinity to modelling, making his way to the front of the stage and posing. He’s got golden skin, moles dotted around his body like a constellation, brown hair on his chest and stomach. Lauren is practically vibrating next to you, cheering the guy with the floppy hair on. Okay. You guess you can see the appeal to men in uniform. A few more come out, all very diverse and chiselled, but all hold an air of humility about them.

“I’m gonna use the bathroom—,” you begin, but Lauren pushes you back down, shaking her head.

“No way,” Lauren’s head juts to the stage, “This one’s your type,”

Before you can roll your eyes, tell her you wouldn’t go for these men, you catch sigh of the last guy moving on the stage. He’s more lanky than the others being the tallest, but he’s got a considerable amount of muscle framing his chest and biceps, long curls framing his face, falling effortlessly. His chest and arms are adorn with tattoos, some skulls, bats on his arm that you can make out. He struts, doing the whole routine but his smile and eyes give the impression he’s making sure he’s perfecting all the moves. Taking a charity fundraiser seriously, which is unfortunately immensely charming.

“Wanna jot that down?” Lauren teases and you huff, blinking before sitting back and sipping your beer bottle, watching the guy stand with the rest of his crew. “Shut up,” you helplessly reply, drawing random circles on your notebook. So far, nothing. Just a head full of this stupidly attractive fireman.

The boys leave the stage, to which the girls are then taking turns to do the same thing. Your mind can’t get his curls out of it, wondering if he saw you in the dark crowd. By God’s will you will not crush on an immensely unattainable man, you repeat in your head as you finish your beer.

Lauren then lets out a gasp that nearly sends you off your stool.

“Look! Look— they’re all at the bar now! Let’s go and talk to them,” Lauren stands, and you widen your eyes, pulling her down again.

“No way,”

“Why not?” Lauren pouts, “That Steve guy— I swear he winked at me—,”

“—business only, remember?” You hiss, and gather your jacket to sling it on, ready to leave.

“This would be up close and personal research, hello!” Lauren speaks like it’s obvious, turning to make eyes with the Steve guy, and turns back to you. “We can introduce you and that tattooed one you were drooling about—,”

“Lauren,” you speak, cutting in quick, “I have an early start tomorrow—,”

“Okay— alright,” Lauren sighs and smiles, “But we are so coming here again.” You nod to placate her, and Lauren happily follows you out to the uber.

You go to bed that night eyes on your ceiling, unable to get that tattooed firefighter, and absolutely no notes for your article.

˚ˋঌ˖

You’re late.

That’s one thing you know as you tumble out your door, pushing on your jacket as you nearly trip shoving on your ballet pumps properly. You don’t even make it down your steps before you drop your phone down them, watching it tumble into the grass plot beside them, the only way to get to it guarded by metal bars.

“Shit,” you mumble, huffing and moving down the steps to stand in front of the bars, and leaning forward, head between two to get the phone lodged at the bottom of the plot. Successful, you grab your phone and make moves to stand, but something stops you. More-so, your head, is lodged between two bars.

Don’t panic, and most importantly don’t cry, which is always a response you hate about yourself when you get slightly stressed. You try pushing your head back, manoeuvring a way out, but the old metal bars make your head splinter out in pain. Great, already late for work and you’ve managed to lodge yourself into the metal fence not even a metre away from your apartment.

You can’t call Lauren, she’s already at work, the street is quiet this time of morning, most people purposely ignoring your predicament. You sniff, feeing embarrassment pool in your stomach, and ring all you can think of, 911.

“911 receiving, what service do you need?” The receiver speak, quick.

“Oh I’m— I guess I— I don’t know?” You manage, and curse quietly, phone on speaker in front of you. “I’m uh— stuck? My head is stuck in between metal bars.”

The receiver seems unfazed thankfully for your embarrassment, and hums.

“We’ll send for the fire brigade, what’s your address?”

“126 Palmer’s Street,” you speak, closing your eyes, hearing a group of teenagers walking past and laughing.

“Hang tight,” the receiver speaks and finishes the call. Hang tight. Funny.

It’s a long ten minutes of reshuffling, bending your back in a way you hope won’t make it hurt as you fall asleep that night, before a red patrol truck stops behind you. You can’t see who comes out, but the sound of heavy boots on the pavement make you guess it’s the person from the fire department.

“Morning, miss,” a voice starts, but a smirk is obvious in the way he slowly steps around. You do you bed to crane your head to see him, and you nearly faint, eyes blinking. “Hey— hey, sorry, you’re all good. Don’t move too much, okay?”

You can’t believe your misfortune. The firefighter that came to rescue you from getting your head lodged into two metal bars, was the tattooed, curly haired guy from the charity strip. Lauren’s going to have a field day with this.

“I— my phone dropped so I—,” you speak pathetically, eyes on the floor, watering, “This is so embarrassing,”

“Hey,” curly hair soothes, his voice smooth as honey, “Nothing to stress about, okay? That’s the last thing we need,”

You make a sound, and you almost hear him smiling.

“Okay,” he instructs, “Do you mind if I touch you? Just to assess you,” all you can do is nod, and you feel his ringed hands reach the side of your head where they’re stuck, gently tracing. “Right,” he mumbles to himself, “I have some olive oil, should do the trick.”

“Olive oil?” You blurt, “I just washed my hair.”

“You’ve got bigger fish to fry, sweetheart,” he chuckles lightly, and begins to take out the olive oil, slip on some surgical gloves and crouch next to you. He smells, unfortunately to you, amazing, and it almost makes you forget about your head stuck and ass directly out. “I remember you,”

“What?”

He lathers the oil over the side of your head, gently rubbing and continues conversationally.

“I remember you,” he repeats, “The other night? At the fundraiser, had this tiny notebook.” The man lets the olive oil set, before moving his hands to the side of your head. “I’m just going to slowly wedge your head out, let me know if it hurts?”

You nod, and he begins to wedge your head slowly, some relief comes in the form of skin being released from the cold metal, and you sigh out.

“Thought I’d made enough eye contact but, I will say I do love to grovel for a woman,” the guy carries on, and you swallow, vision blurred as he continues to help your head out. “What did you rate my performance?”

Before you can reply, your head pops out, and he catches it softly with his other hand, holding gently. You’re still crouched, and he’s looking up, smiling, like he’s been smiling the entirety,

“Oh um— I don’t. It was good, yeah.” You stumble, and he shrugs, humbly before standing. The man takes off the gloves, and you take a proper look as he stands. Large black boots, black cargos and a black compressed shirt that outlines his body, tattoos all up his arms, and curls that have been pulled into a messy bun. He was as gorgeous as you remember.

“Thank god,” he breathes out, smiling, “You were the one judge I was trying to impress.”

You stop, brushing your clothes off to look a bit more presentable, and his words paint a pretty blush over your cheeks.

“I wasn’t a judge,” you correct, a small smile, and he tilts his head shrugging. “I wasn’t— sorry, I don’t remember your name,” you speak a bit flustered, head a bit light from the removal.

He seems to notice and looks over you carefully, before carrying on.

“Eddie,” he informs and passes you a wipe to clean the olive oil from the sides of your head. Your hair is so very messed up, and you give up trying to fix it. You tell him your name, before looking down at the drips of oil on your blouse, and grimacing. “Still as beautiful as the other night,” he says quickly, and you flush, looking up at the sky before looking to him again. He has one red suspended hanging while the other sits tightly over his shoulder, curls catching the morning sun.

He looks back at his truck before looking back again, and he looks slightly awkward now.

“Uh— if I’m reading this wrong, say the word, and I’ll back off.”

“What? No! No—,” you widen your eyes, cheeks still pink, “I just— haven’t done this in a while, I’m rusty.”

Eddie smiles and takes out a pen, taking your hand and jotting his number down on your arm. You expect Eddie’s movements to be rough, but he’s gentle, thumb secure on your palm as he writes the last digit.

“Good thing I came with the oil then, huh?” Eddie speak, squeezing your hand lightly before pulling back and checking his watch. “Duty calls,”

“Yeah,” you speak breathless, a bit spaced out watching him push up his fallen suspender. He steps back to his truck, waving.

“I hope the next time we meet doesn’t involve metal bars,” he calls and sends a lazy smile before getting into his truck.

Your article is a hit.

The lights in the bar are low, classic rock songs humming as you and Lauren walk in together, eager to celebrate your new article. Lauren beelines for Steve as you both get to the group, meanwhile you feel familiar, strong arms wrap around your middle, tattoos complimenting the red slip dress you opted for.

“Congratulations, sweetheart,” Eddie hums into your ear, and smiles before leaning down to kiss the side of your mouth. Leaning back, you move to reciprocate but Lauren pulls you to take a celebratory shot. Eddie smiles at you like you hung the moon as you take it like a champ, only wincing for a moment. Eddie’s hand returns to your waist, slinking next to you as he sips on his beer. You listen to Lauren talking about her new job with the group, absentmindedly leaning into Eddie’s chest. It’s been six months and you still can’t believe you managed to pull a firefighter with olive oil in your hair.

The night winds down, most bar patrons gone except for you and Eddie tucked into a small booth at the back. Your legs lay over his cargos, secure as one arm wraps around your back and his other hand drifts warmly over you thigh.

“I wanted to ask you something?” He speaks carefully, his thumb rubbing small circles. You nod, shifting closer. Eddie takes a breath before speaking. “I know it’s been six months and I— to be honest I’ve not been in a relationship for this long in my life,” he manages a small deprecating huff. You just smile, tilting your head and waiting for him. “I want you to meet my uncle— my old man. He’d love an extra body to cook for thanksgiving, and I know you said you don’t speak to your family anymore—,”

“— I’d love to,” you cut in, smiling widely, and it makes his cheeks warm up. “I’d love to meet the man who raised you, thank him,”

Eddie huffs out and nuzzles his head into your neck.

“Stop that,” he warns, a small bubble of heat starts in your stomach as his hand moves to rest on your hip, bringing your leg over more onto his lap.

“Or what?”

“Or I’ll kiss you so much you’ll probably get sick of me,” he speaks softly, smiling cheekily as your hand drifts over his chest, over his heart.

“Never,” you shake your head, and he presses a kiss to your lips, before bringing your head in closer and deepening it. You let out a sound as he uses his thumb to open your mouth by your chin, the kiss sickly sweet in the back of an empty fire department bar.

Once you pull away, Eddie pats your thigh.

“Okay ma’am,” he speaks in his usual work voice, “Home time for you, gonna have to escort you out.”

˚ˋঌ˖

a/n: bit of a short one :)

Head was full to much of Eddie in red suspenders so I had to let it out.

Working on part two for the doctor Steve series !

—You think it’s going to be the same annual check up for your daughter, Piper. The same blunt doctor that scares her every time. Luckily, the new paediatrician Doctor Harrington has taken his place.

part II

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“Baby, please, work with mommy here,” you plead, as you attempt to take off Piper’s seatbelt. She’s an expert at making a fuss, maybe she got that from you now you think about it. Piper has managed to mess up her plaits already, making angry noises as she shakes her head and kicks her little legs. “The nurses always give you stickers. You like stickers,”

Your bartering doesn’t change the fixed frown on the three year old’s face.

“Scary,” Piper lets out, cheeks red as she stays put. This was the same tantrum every annual check up. Screaming bloody murder even before entering the hospital, and maximising the volume as you approached Doctor Yates’ office. Yates was, a scary man, to her credit. His office was dark, bleak, matching his demeanour. You get it, being a paediatrician just be difficult, but to warrant being generally nasty to his patients you didn’t understand.

“I know he’s scary,” you placate, “Mommy finds him real scary too,” as you speak, you rub her arms through her cardigan. “If you come with mommy, I’ll get you some Reece’s okay?”

Reece’s Peanut Butter cups were her favourite, again something she got from you having ate a lot during your pregnancy. Piper seems to quieten hearing ‘Reece’s’ and blinks up at you.

“Promise,” you nod, pushing the hazel hair that had trapped over her nose to behind her ear. Piper mulls it over, before holding her arms around expectantly. You sigh out smiling, unplugging her seatbelt she had finally let go of and picking her up. She was getting older, and the feeling of you not being able to pick up your baby anymore made your stomach curl. Hazel nuzzles into your shoulder as you lock the car, and make your way into the hospital.

The paediatric ward knew you at this point, the nurses at reception checking you in immediately and nodding to the waiting area. Piper was already getting restless, her small Mary Janes digging into your thigh as you sit. Piper knew what was coming. Face to face with Doctor Yates, her nightmare. You focus her attention on your nail varnish, a colourful green you opted for. She was entertained enough, playing with your fingers. You loved her so much.

You barely hear the nurse before looking up, seeing her coo down at Piper. You smile like you always do, happy to see Piper interacting with the kind nurse you always saw here.

“Follow me,” the nurse, Linda nods smiling and you stand, adjusting Piper and following her down the hall. Linda pauses before stopping outside a door, notably not Doctor Yates’. “Unfortunately, Doctor Yates retired after his many years,” Linda throws you a small smile, “Head paediatrician has been handed over to Doctor Harrington, he’s just inside,”

Linda nods to the door labelled ‘Dr. Harrington’ adorned with stickers. It makes you smile as you adjust Piper again, walking in as the door is opened for you by Linda. Linda pokes Piper’s nose before she leaves, and you turn to face the desk seeing Piper’s new doctor.

Much younger than Yates, close to your age by the looks of it. Golden skin paired with deep brown eyes under his glasses, and gloriously placed hair that hit the sun perfectly. He looks up from his notes, and smiles widely.

“Hi!” He speaks warmly, standing up and gesturing to the exam chair next to his desk. “It’s lovely to meet you, I just started here, so forgive me if I’m a bit all over the place.”

You can really form a sentence, wordlessly nodding and sitting on the chair with Piper in your lap. She’s positively beaming up at him, blinking.

“Hello little miss… Piper,” it’s clearly memorised from her notes he took care to read before. “I don’t like Doctor Harrington, so call me Steve.”

Piper giggles, loud and repeats it.

“Steeb,” Piper claps, and Steve gives her a smile like she’s just hung the moon. Steve sits on his wheely chair and slides over, abandoning the desk. He smells great, your brain thinks before you curse it.

“Close enough,” Steve shrugs and puts on his blue examination gloves, tying them together on his lap. “This is mom, yeah?”

“Yeah, yes,” you splutter, nodding and he looks over Piper once before speaking again.

“Before I start, any concerns you have? Anything different about her you’ve seen?” Steve asks as he reaches for his stethoscope around his neck.

“Nothing”, you shrug, watching him put the buds in his ears and prepare. He nods, and gives Piper a smile.

“I’m gonna put this on now, it’s pretty cold but I’ve heard it’s ticklish,” Steve is talking to Piper almost diplomatically, “Copy me,”

Steve somehow has her under a trance, because she doesn’t push into you like she did with Yates, rejecting the stethoscope, she leans into it. As Steve places it on the top of her back, he animatedly breathes in and out along with her.

“Sounds all good to me,” Steve nods as he releases the stethoscope, putting it back around his neck. As he gets out the temperature reader, he shakes out. “Okay Piper, big task for me, stick your tongue out— all silly— perfect,”

You fondly smile down at your daughter, who was making a cute noise while she stuck her tongue out. Steve uses it to his advantage, holding the reader under her tongue for a few seconds before reading it.

“You said you just started here?” You attempt to start a conversation, and he nods, writing her temperature on her notes.

“I did,” he smiles, “I used to live here in Hawkins as a kid, so I jumped at the opportunity to come back and work here.”

Huh. You hadn’t seen him around before, but then again you moved here when Piper was born.

“You wanted to come back?”

Steve shrugs, “Yeah, I went to Seattle for med school, loved it, but I did miss the small town of it all,” Steve speaks while he gets out a device to check Piper’s ears, and concentrates on making faces at her while he does. He does the other ear, writes the note down and gestures to the wall. “Okay, time to measure how tall you’ve gotten.”

You help Piper down, and she insists on grabbing his hand instead of yours, following him to the height and weight stand. Steve entertains it all, being terrifically gentle with her as he measures her height. Not only was her new doctor blindingly handsome, he was also disgustingly charming.

You don’t even notice you’re staring as Piper tugs your leg. You distract yourself by picking her up again, and Steve smiles before writing down the measurements. He sits back down on the stool on wheels, crossing his arms.

“She’s growing healthily, no concerns as far as I can tell, how is she with talking?” Steve asks and detaches the small toy on his stethoscope to give to Piper.

“Doctor Yates always said she was behind on communication,” you speak sheepish, stroking over her mousy hair, “But she can say a whole lot. Repeats things I say too,” you find yourself defending your baby, who was a little behind from the other moms at the single mom group you had joined at the church. Steve’s expression doesn’t change, maybe only grows sweeter. His eyes are a deep hazel you notice, the morning sun doing wonders for them.

“She’s a lovely girl, don’t worry about how ‘behind’ she is,” Steve advises, sitting back, “It’s not a linear process.”

He’s so, so kind, and you remind yourself to get a reality check. No way he’d go for someone like you, he’s just doing his job.

“And dressed so well, by the way,” Steve comments, tapping one of her little Mary janes. “Mommy has good taste, doesn’t she?”

You flush as Piper seems to agree, hugging into you and giggling at Steve’s tap on her shoe. That wasn’t flirting, was it? Steve’s eyes linger on you before he moves to his desk and writes down a few more things. You take the time to look around. His exam office is bright, paintings of animals on the walls with a stuffed animal pile on a couch, even some story books in the corner.

“Okay,” Steve claps, “Piper’s vitals all look great, no signs of any infections,” you visibly relax, holding Piper a bit closer as she reaches out for Steve again. He smiles and picks up a box on his desk. “For you, brave girl, whatever sticker your heart desires,”

Piper is considering this with great intent, her eyebrows concentrating like yours do when you’re budgeting for the week. She grabs a turtle sticker.

“Excellent choice,” Steve comments and holds the box out to you then, blinking you out of your trance, “Does mom want a sticker?”

Something as simple as your kid’s hot doctor offering you a sticker is making you flush, and you curse the gods for giving you sensitive cheeks. Piper is looking up at you, expectantly and it makes you melt.

“Thanks,” you manage and pull out a puppy sticker, why not? Steve’s smile softens as he puts the box back and takes off his gloves, binning them quickly. “C’mon Piper, let’s go,” you coo and she shakes her head, persisting and putting a heartbreaking frown on her face. “I thought you hated hospitals lovely,” you ask her, and she lets out an unhappy sound.

Steve was watching the whole thing, unable not to.

“I’m sorry, we’ll get out of your hair,” you wave off, but Steve stops you to say, “It’s alright, last appointment of the day.”

You manage to get Piper on your hip, but she wriggles with her hands out to him.

“Steeby,” Piper speaks, and thankfully Steve isn’t bothered, stepping closer and crouching.

“Oh, steeby? That’s my name now?” He muses, taking the sticker and pulling the end off, looking up at you as if to ask, is this okay? You nod, and he smiles gently sticking the turtle onto her cardigan. Piper preens and smiles, her little teeth showing and all.

“Say bye bye,” you kiss her hair, and look up at Steve, who looks conflicted for a moment before taking a deep breath.

“Uh— are you free Friday night?” His question makes you flush, and he carries on, “The ward is hosting a party, if you can call it that. Run by the charity that funds it. I’d be great for you both to come, I mean, if you want to.” Steve is rambling now, pushing his glasses up, a difference to his confident Doctor mode he had minutes ago.

“I’m free,” you breathe out, smiling small and adjusting Piper on your hip, god she was getting big now. “Yeah, that’d be nice,”

Steve looks like he’s just recovered from destabilising a bomb, and sighs out smiling.

“Okay, cool, cool,” he nods, a hand through his golden brown hair, that flops over anyway, “Starts at 5, but feel free to pop in whenever— whichever time you wish.”

“5,” you confirm, before watching Piper snuggle into your shoulder. “See you Friday,”

The ride home, you can’t stop thinking about the doctor. His charming smile, the moles that sit close on his cheek, his gentleness towards Piper. Safe to say it had been a while, Piper’s father was the last, and that had been even before she was born. He abandoned you pretty quick, swapping his life for a big house and tech company in LA. Shiny new girlfriend at that. Was Steve flirting? You couldn’t tell anymore, or really believe any guy would choose to flirt with you. You squeeze the steering wheel, letting the voice of Stevie Nicks calm you down, now thinking. You have nothing to wear to this party.

ﮩ٨ـﮩﮩ٨ـ♡ﮩ٨ـﮩﮩ٨ـ.

You feel stupid. Going to goodwill just to buy a new floral dress for the occasion, with buttons shaping your chest and the hem stopping mid thigh. You haven’t worn something like this since before you were pregnant, and you keep pushing the hem down as you walk up to the hospital following the signs for the fundraiser, Piper adorn in a new dress for herself (she was clinging onto one at the thrift store you couldn’t resist). As you turn the corner into the reception, you see it’s been decked out with tables set with party food, balloons, kids and parents dotted around talking. You stand awkward for a bit, attempting to push down your hair the wind made quick work of. Before you can push your dress down again, there’s a warm hand on your arm. Looking up, you’re happy to see Steve dressed in a casual Boston t shirt and jeans, and was his cologne more noticeable?

“Hey!” He greets, smile reaching his cheeks. Piper brightens up at him, holding her little arms out. “Hey to you, too,” Steve pokes her belly and she giggles, “How are you both?”

“Good,” you supply, adjusting her again, and Piper is dead set on wanting to be in Steve’s arms instead. “I’m sorry,”

“No, no, it’s okay,” Steve waves off, and steps closer, wriggling his fingers in front of her, “If it’s okay with you?”

Albeit flustered, you nod, and hand her over gently. Steve handles her with upmost care, swaying her. He looks like it’s light work, like Piper weighs nothing.

“Are you guys hungry? We have a few bits over here—,” Steve gestures to the table as he guides you to it, “Does Piper like brownies?”

“Oh, she likes anything sweet,” you shrug and watches as he picks up a small brownie, putting it in her hand. “A doctor giving a brownie to a kid?”

Steve laughs, and wipes her cheek as Piper devours the brownie. She got her appetite from you as well.

“As a doctor, I like to prescribe a treat every so often, what life’s all about.” Steve explains as he watches Piper chew happily, before patting her back. “Are you hungry?”

The food looked good. Obviously home baked by the staff.

“No— no I’m okay. Best save it for the kids,” I wave off, and Steve seems suspicious but doesn’t question it. He then looks up to the door, seeing people he recognises. “If you need to go, that’s fine—,”

“Come on Piper, let’s go meet my friends huh?” Steve coos and sends you a cock of his head to his friends, making you blink but follow him regardless. Steve waits for you to catch up, a hand drifting to meet your waist for a moment.

It was friendly, totally you repeat to yourself as you follow face probably as red as a tomato.

Steve’s work friends are an interesting bunch.

Steve greets them all animatedly, and Piper brightens up at the new faces.

“Steve won’t shut up about you!” The excited sandy blonde blurts as you approach, and you blink, taking in her buzzy attitude. She’s got an infectious smile, freckles lighting up her cheek. Steve sends her a sheepish glare, swaying Piper.

Next to her, the doe eyed metal head wipes his mouth from devouring a slice of pizza and smiles easily over at you.

“I can vouch for that,” he supplies, finding Steve’s expression absolutely hilarious. Steve huffs and sends you an apologetic smile. “Hi little lady,” the man hums as he waves to Piper, “Steve won’t shut up about you either,”

Piper is always a delight around people, and it always makes your heart warm up. She giggles and holds her hand out to touch his dark curls, Steve all the while holding her out securely. It’s all very domestic, and watching Steve handle her with so much care sends your stomach flying.

“This is Robin and Eddie,” Steve fills in your confusion, as he detaches her from making a knot into Eddie’s hair.

“Hi,” you manage, smiling politely.

Eddie make a knowing face at Steve, and he just sends him a small smile back. You hope it’s a good knowing look.

“Y’know— I think me and Robin wanna show the little lady the playing blocks,” Eddie announces, and Robin looks confused for a moment. Eddie widens his eyes at her, not discreet at all. You slip out a giggle as Robin gasps.

“Oh! Yes, we do,” Robin nods vigorously, “We are so excited to show Piper the blocks, and we must go now—,”

“— oh, guys,” Steve sighs out, rubbing his forehead, and Piper holds her hands out to climb onto Eddie’s hip. Eddie bounces her and she lets out one of her loud giggles, which assures you she’s in safe hands.

“Steve should show you the hospital garden,” Robin says loudly, managing a wink at Steve that isn’t conspicuous in any way, and you flush, smiling up at Steve, who is looking at Robin exasperated. “Goodbye,”

They both hurriedly rush off, leaving you and Steve standing together. Steve visibly swallows and nods.

“Uh— would you come? To the gardens with me, I mean,” he clears his throat, cheeks a lovely shade of pink you haven’t seen on him yet.

“I’d love to,” you reply and he nods, sighing out with relief before directing you to the door, out to the hospital reception.

The hospital garden is freshly green from the rainy winter, and now shining in the sunlight. Steve gestures to a bench, right near a rose bush covered in an awning. Steve’s knee bounces for a moment before opening his mouth, then closing it again. Having a child, you can ready nerve pretty well, so you start.

“Piper is quite fond of you,” you begin, smiling up at him, catching the two moles that dot his cheek. “Kept babbling about Steeby this, Steeby that on the way home,”

A soft, sweet smile spreads over his face, and he tilts his head.

“And her mom?”

“Her mom?” You blink, playing with your rings before looking up at his unwavering, honeyed expression.

“Is her mom fond of me too?”

You take a second, before letting yourself smile, blush wholly.

“Her mom… do you want her to be?” You ask, bravery making its way through your anxieties that he’ll just reject you, let you off easily and kindly. Steve’s smile somehow gets warmer.

“I may be a doctor, but I’m not incredibly smooth,” Steve explains slowly, “I would love for Piper’s mom to be fond of me,” he carries on, eyes tracing over your face, “and come to dinner with me Friday?”

Your heart flutters in your chest, cheeks pink, looking down and lifting your finger to run over his hand. It’s quiet in the garden, only the sound of birds filter over as Steve connects your hands together over his knee.

You breathe out, looking up and smiling.

“I think she’d say yes,” you speak, and he sighs out.

“Thank god,” Steve mumbles, sitting closer and reaching in his pocket to pick out a small brownie wrapped in tissue. “Dunno what I would have done with this brownie in my pocket—,”

He got you a brownie. Knowing you’d wanted one, seeing your eyes glaze over the snacks but saying no. You’ve not been that daring in your 24 years of life, but you decide to lean up and kiss him, hand on his cheek. Steve’s eyes widen before reciprocating, his arm wrapping around your shoulders near the bench, pushing you into him. Your legs knock together, it’s all a bit awkward and crowded, but the way his lips weave against yours, you can’t bring yourself to care. Steve presses some kisses against the side of your mouth, before pulling away, eyes all goey and relaxed.

“Gonna need a minute,” Steve weakly speaks, and you laugh, forehead resting on his shoulder.

“Was it true?”

“Hm?” Steve mumbles as he rubs your other arm, your head comfortably on his shoulder.

“What Robin said,” you speak soft, unable to hide your smile.

“Unfortunately it is,” Steve confesses, “Don’t mention that—,” Steve squeezes you, “Tryna’ impress Piper’s mom here.”

You laugh, and you look up, meeting his gaze.

“Piper’s mom isn’t that cool,” you shake your head, voice hoarse. True. Steve tuts, a hand stroking your cheek.

“Oh she absolutely is.”

ﮩ٨ـﮩﮩ٨ـ♡ﮩ٨ـﮩﮩ٨ـ

a/n: I would love to write a bit more of a intimate/ romantic part two :)

part I

— You push your feelings aside for Eddie, for the sake of his family, for his daughter. Fate doesn’t seem to care as something draws you right back into each other.

𝜗𝜚

Working as a pre-school teacher is delightful. The kids are lovely, all so excited and bright, work never feels like work. There’s hard days, when one kid is being particularly difficult, but it’s always resolved with a sticker and a story. You always protested the idea of ever being a mother, but slowly, Hawkins pre-school is changing your mind. The need to use is fading, surely, you barely think about it.

Tilly Munson is unfortunately a sweetheart, much like her father, she’s so careful, gentle and curious. Her little facial expressions when she’s concentrating, or looking at something interesting always sparks something inside of you, that you have to shove down to the deepest parts of you. He ignores you like the plague, picking up Matilda and not sparing a glance to you, no matter how much Tilly waves you goodbye with a cheerful smile. She sits close to you during story time, always eager to see you after the weekend.

You wonder about Eddie’s wife? Girlfriend? He rarely ever picked up Tilly with her, Tilly didn’t really mention her a lot, but it wasn’t your job to pry, you remind yourself.

It’s been a long Friday, the kids are particularly rowdy today, a headache forming in the back of your head. You don’t let it ruin the day, for the children’s sake. As you watch the kids get picked up, Tilly is glued to your side with a nervous look on her face. In your knowledge of teaching youngsters, something’s wrong. You crouch, tilting your head as you assess how she looks. She’s a little pale, and chewing her bottom lip.

“How’re you feeling Tilly?” You coo quietly, looking up for any sign of Eddie. He must be running a bit late. “Your daddy will be here soon.”

The mention of Eddie seems to sadden her even more, little frown widening.

“Icky,” she speaks, scrunching up her face.

“Icky?” You repeat, trying to understand what she means. Before you can suggest something, Tilly lets out a cry as she throws up onto your long skirt, you freeze for a moment, then spring into action, rubbing her back. “Okay, okay honey,” you placate, wiping her cheeks and lips softly with your sleeve, throw up be damned. “I’m gonna get you to the bathroom and we’re gonna call daddy.”

You scoop the whimpering girl up onto your hip, and as you move to the bathroom in the hall, you ask your TA where the nurse is.

“Oh she— she went home for the day,” the teen TA stammers, eyes wide at your expression, handing over a small sand bucket.

“She went home?” You snap a bit too loud, and curse quietly as Tilly throws up into the sand bucket you had put in her hands. Tilly is crying now; and Eddie still hasn’t arrived. Quick thinking, you decide to take her to the hospital yourself.

You send Eddie a text, the first time you’ve used his number since he rejected you.

(3:45) Hey, Tilly has been throwing up all pick up. Im taking her to the ER.

The drive is probably promising you five speeding tickets as you rush to the ER. Tilly is laying in the backseat, shaking as she calls out for her daddy, and it breaks your heart.

“Hi— I, she’s been throwing up for about an hour or two,” you ramble to the bored looking reception woman, rocking Tilly on your hip, skirt stained and probably smelling like acid and food. The reception lady grimaces for a moment before nodding, noting her name down and gesturing to the waiting area. Tilly shivers in your arms, clinging to your shirt for dear life, small whimpers against your chest.

Eddie hasn’t responded. You take it he has read the message and is on his way.

It turns out, Tilly has a bad stomach bug. The doctor assures it’ll pass in a few days, with the medicine they’re prescribing.

“Where is she? Where’s my daughter—,” you hear from the waiting room, and you instantly recognise the timbre of Eddie’s voice, and open the door to call out to him. Eddie turns erratically, sighing out as he scuffles over. He has one black latex glove on, his hair up in a messy bun making his curls fall out by the minute. “Oh, bug,” Eddie breathes out as he picks up Tilly, who instantly snuggles into his chest, whimpers calming. The wdoctor nods quietly and smiles.

“I’ll leave her with mom and dad,”

Before you can correct the doctor, she leaves and quietly shuts the door on her way out. You rub your eyes, looking over to the pair. Eddie is kissing her small curls repeatedly, not looking up at you.

“It’s a stomach bug,” you explain, fiddling with your rings to do something, “She prescribed her some medicine, said it’ll pass in a few days.”

Eddie finally looks up, tattooed hand over Tilly’s forehead comfortingly, the other wrapped around her small body. He hasn’t noticed the black latex glove yet, and it makes you wonder where he came from.

“I— thank you,” Eddie manages, breathing out like it’s difficult for him, “For it all—, I was caught up with a client at work, had a bad reaction to the ink,”

“The ink?” You trail off, tilting your head.

“I own a tattoo parlour,” Eddie fills in, and you nod. So he got even hotter, if that is even possible. Eddie shrugs off the latex glove a bit sheepish; the most sheepish you’ve seen him.

“I hope I wasn’t overstepping bringing her here I just— she was throwing up a lot, I didn’t want to risk it.” You continue, realising now how weird it might look for you, her teacher to be doing this. Eddie waves it off immediately, and you relax slightly.

“No, no— thank you, really. I’d be concerned if you didn’t,” Eddie nods, kissing Tilly’s head, who is now sleepily tugging at his guitar pick necklace. Eddie then notices the stains all over your skirt and shirt, eyes wide. “Shit— I’m sorry, that’s a ton of stains.”

You only seem to remember those now.

“Oh! It’s fine,” you splutter, “No worries, I’ll get some stain remover on them, all good—,”

“It’s definitely not in your pay check to have kids throw up on your clothes, I’ll pay for dry cleaning,” Eddie states, shaking his head. “I’m sorry for how late I was, you probably want to get home.”

“I would’ve spent it thinking about her anyway,” you offer, arms crossed a bit awkward now. Eddie is as attractive as he was 4 months ago, unfortunately for you.

He walks you out of the ER with Tilly asleep on his shoulder, arms wrapped around his neck as she snores softly into his chest. There’s a bit of an awkward pause as he stops at your car, watching you stifle for your keys. Eddie is insistent on waiting, an expression on his face you can’t quite read.

“Uh— here, finally,” you laugh out, croaked as you unlock your car. Eddie nods and steps back.

“Thank you, again,” Eddie repeats, patting his daughter’s back, “Even after, y’know— all of it—,”

“— it’s no bother,” you wave off, not wanting to open that can of worms. “I hope she gets better.”

Eddie nods and steps back again, watching you get into your car. He starts off to his truck as you turn the key to start the car, it failing a couple times. You try again. Nothing. It only takes a second before you realise your gas is at zero. You curse out, head back against the seat. You jump as there’s a knock on the window, Eddie stood there assessing the car.

“Out of gas?” He speaks, a bit louder so you hear. Embarrassed, you nod and he motions up with a nod. “I can take you,”

“Oh— no. No worries—,” you manage out, flushed, but Eddie’s expression doesn’t seem to be having it.

“—let me take you, rosy.” Eddie snaps, and you almost feel angry, don’t call me that. Before you can feel anger bubbling up, he’s opening the car door for you. Eddie gestures to his parked a few steps away, a sleeping Matilda cosy with a blanket tucked over her. It’s silent as you get into the passenger, Eddie jogging over to his side to get in and start up the engine. “You can come with us, I can get those stains out for you,”

“Eddie,” you stress as he pulls out of the lot, “as I said it’s fine,” your voice dies as he shakes his head, hand drumming the wheel.

“And as I said, I’ll get that stain out for you,” Eddie supplies, shrugging like it’s already decided. You sigh out softly, head against the window. This is so embarrassing, you think. Having to be looked after by the guy who rejected you. It’s silence in the car, it seems Eddie saves his metal music for when a sleeping girl isn’t in the car. You find yourself looking at the houses as they filter past, wondering if he’s got a girlfriend at home. The feeling you helped cheat makes your stomach curl, especially when there’s a young girl involved.

“I’m sorry,” he starts, and you furrow your eyebrows, looking over. Eddie doesn’t look at you, eyes on the road as he turns, and lets out a hoarse sigh. “For how I handled, all of this,”

“You’ve done more than enough for me today—,”

“—not about today,” he gently cuts into your words, and you feel your chest rabbit. “That text, not having a conversation about it all. I like to pride myself in being a gentleman, and I feel I wasn’t, so for that I’m sorry.”

You can’t find the words to speak, a bit stunned. He is older, so you don’t doubt his emotional intelligence but hearing these words come out of a man’s mouth is definitely a surprise. Eddie takes your quietness as a message to go on.

“Tilly is— everything to me,” Eddie carries on, and you can feel it, the second rejection, so you cut him off before he can speak.

“—I get it. It’s the best for your— family— Tilly’s mom—,”

Eddie almost harshly breaks as you say that, and you brace yourself.

“Tilly’s mom?”

“Yeah I mean, I don’t— ever want to come in between—,”

Eddie laughs. He laughs and it makes you blink, mouth a stunned open as you watch him laugh.

“What’s so funny?”

“No it’s just—,” Eddie quietens his laugh, smiling over at you. “Tilly’s mom isn’t in the picture. Not anymore, not for a long time.”

“Oh,” you speak, a bit embarrassed sitting back against the seat, cheeks flushed. Eddie sighs and shakes his head, pulling into a small bungalow, assumedly his house. As Eddie kills the engine, he turns. You see him properly now, all in his handsome glory, frazzled hair be damned.

“Let me wash those clothes.”

Eddie’s home is lovely, old movie posters framed with two bedrooms and a homey living area. He puts Tilly to sleep while you change into some of his clothes, selfishly you hope he forgets about washing your clothes, and lets you have these forever. They smell like him. Cedar and smoke.

“She’s out like a light,” he comments as he steps into the living room to you, washing machine humming in the background. He stretches, glorious muscles uncovered, reminding you of that night. “Do you want a drink? Are you hungry?”

“It’s alright— really.” He waves off as he pads to open the fridge getting out two beer bottles. He opens them clean with his rings, you visibly swallow watching him walk over and plop next to you. He settles, sipping his bottle. It’s quiet, not awkward but Eddie speaks again to fill it.

“How’s the new job? Teaching?”

“It’s great,” you smile and nod, truthful. “Amazing, I was so nervous, I mean, as you know,” you fluster but his gaze doesn’t waver, just warms.

“Tilly’s always mentioning you,” Eddie speak, leaning back, one arm around the back of the couch behind you. You don’t even notice slipping close so your thighs touch. “Adores her ‘Miss’ at school,” Eddie speaks a bit disappointed. “I tried to uh, forget you for the sake of things,”

That makes your face fall before you can control it, but you clear your throat.

“I get it,” as you speak Eddie’s expression moves to more slightly angry, “It’s fine. I’m not offended about you not wanting this— I can get attached to one night—,”

“— no, no,” Eddie speaks hoarse, sadly pushing his hand through his hair. “It’s— i don’t think you understand I wanted you too— want you.”

His words make you swallow, eyes blinking at him, face flushed. Eddie’s leg was now pressed against yours, his jeans rough against your bare leg thanks to borrowing his black shorts.

“I haven’t stopped thinking about that night,” Eddie speaks honestly, brown eyes syrupy as his hand behind your head lifts through your hair.

“Me too,” you confess, leaning against his ringed hand, your subconsciously reaching for his knee. You don’t know who initiated it, but soon enough you were both kissing again.

It felt better than last time.

Eddie was as gentle as you remember, pulling you onto his lap like you weigh nothing, hands filling the dips of your hips. You kiss like you need it to breathe, arms around his neck, letting him take the lead. There’s a delicious friction between you and his lap, already working you up as quick as he did last time.

“M— rosy,” he mumbles onto your lips, ringed hands moving to your cheeks to press one last chaste kiss on your lips before pulling back slightly. “You gotta breathe, okay?”

You nod, dazedly, and smiling easily. He taps your chin affectionately, arms around your body now.

“I’m gonna do this properly,” he explains slowly, eyes tracing your lips. “Take you out, treat you real nice,”

Your cheeks flush, watching him.

“I dunno how I let you go the first time.” Eddie confesses, hoarse. You tilt your head, stroking his nape. Eddie then swallows. “Me and Tilly come as a pair, she— she’s my world. If we’re gonna do this—“,

“— Tilly is one of the most wonderful girls I’ve met,” you assure, settling in his lap properly, “I’d be honoured to be in both of your lives. If you’ll have me.”

Eddie can’t stop smiling, kissing all over your face and dropping you both onto the couch. You squeak, cheeks hurting from how hard you’re smiling as he kisses your chest once.

“Okay,” Eddie decides, “I’ll have you.”

𝜗𝜚

a/n: I don’t really like this; work has been hell recently so I’ve lost time to write :(

I hope you enjoy it anyway, and I’ll be getting to writing much more as it’s a lovely distraction!

— your plan for moving to a new town wasn’t to sleep with a guy you met at a dingy bar the night before your new teaching job, especially when that guy turns out to be the father of one of your students.

part II

warnings: mentions of rehab/ past drug addiction but very little spoken about it! Sexual content too.

𝜗𝜚

The low hum of a Springsteen song echoes, along with the conversations that litter the bar. You push your glass around in circles, watching the condensation on the sticky bar top. The beer tastes stale, it’s what you get really for ordering the cheapest draft. Before your mind can drift to how much it’s going to set you back if you order another, a voice interrupts that train of thought.

“Is this seat taken?” You blink, looking up to the side, the man has already sat down, flicking his cigarette butt into the ashtray. His curls cover a lot of his face, but his hands are weathered, adorn with rings and tattoos up his arms. You uselessly shake your head, swallowing as he waves to the bartender, who seems to know his order. You try not to stare, but cut your eyes up from your drink every so often, catching a glimpse of his face. You really shouldn’t, attempt to flirt especially considering your situation so you just sit back, cursing yourself for not wearing something a bit nicer. The man shakes his curls out, sipping back his beer.

“I can feel your eyes on me,” he muses, gruffly clears his throat and turns his head to look at you, and of course, this man is handsome. Looks like the metal guys you had on your walls growing up. “Kinda rude not to say anything.”

“Oh I—,” you begin, mouth opening and closing. “Sorry. Sorry—, I’m new to town.” You manage, letting out an awkward giggle as you shuffle on the cracked vinyl stool. He tilts his head, smile still on, if not wider.

“What’s that got to do with it?”

“With— what?”

“With you staring at me?”

You flush an embarrassing colour, you’re sure, and you huff out slightly. His face relaxes and stops you before you can speak.

“‘M just teasing, no harm rosy,” he nods down at your drink, “You need another?”

“I uh— just saving money, so I wasn’t gunna—?” You speak and it comes out in a question, and that’s all it takes for him to wave to the bartender and another beer is in front of you. Bottle kind, better than that cheap draught. Your mouth speaks before you can think, “Rosy?”

“Your cheeks,” he explains, shrugging. “Thought it was a fitting name.” You stay quiet cheeks probably still pink, fiddling with the bottle’s label.

He sips his bottle and looks over again.

“You said you’re new to town?” He speak, and you nod. “Thought so, would’a seen you before.”

The guy is definitely flirting, and you being a lightweight, and a bit lonely takes the reins.

“Why’s that?”

“‘Pretty thing like you doesn’t frequent a bar like this,” he responds, and it makes your tummy flip as his eyes cast over you and back up to your own. You fiddle with the beer glass for a moment, trying to scramble your brain for a flirty comment.

“You think I’m pretty?” It comes out before you think, and you hope he doesn’t cringe. He smiles crooked.

“Rosiest cheeks I’ve seen, and I’ve seen a whole lot.” He speaks smooth, and you think that’s a confirmation. “What are you doing here all alone?”

“Well— new in town? As of yesterday so, not much company,” you explain sheepish, and he nods.

“No boyfriend too, I take it.” Eddie saying it like he’s confirming a fact, drinking some of his beer. So this is going somewhere.

“Correct,” you smile, god you haven’t got laid in ages, and you pray it’s not obvious.

“This works out perfect then,” Eddie breathes out, deep and pulls your stool in with one hand, closer to his, already signalling the bartender. “Eddie.”

You speak your name but it comes out in a croak, and that seems to amuse Eddie.

Five beers in and you’re already tipsy, laughing at any joke Eddie is saying, he’s ridiculously charming. Your dress hiking up as your thigh meets the side of his, his hand lights taps your exposed leg as he talks.

“Looking tired, rosy, d’you wanna wrap this up?” Eddie questions, face turned to examine you properly. The alcohol hasn’t seemed to affect him it seems like, maintaining a smooth expression.

“m not tired,” You reply, and masterfully hide a hiccup. You will not embarrass yourself in front of this hot older guy. “I’m okay, beer just makes me a bit— relaxed,” He doesn’t look like he believes it, and you know you’re a terrible liar, the way you hide a yawn. “Maybe we— can wrap this up together?”

You brace for rejection, but Eddie’s hand taps your leg twice and nods, signalling for you to stand up. That makes you smile a bit too happily, standing up and enjoying holding his rough hand as he leads you out to his van. The drive is quiet, save for some Rolling Stones on the radio. You suddenly feel shy, a bit flushed this was really happening. Getting laid by your dream older man to de stress about your first day at your new job was fine, wasn’t it?

You both barely enter your small apartment before you’re on each other. Eddie’s hands feel addictive, squeezing all the right places, like he’s known your body for years.

“Do you not—,” you breathe out between sloppy kisses, arms around his neck. “What something to— to drink?” Your attempt doesn’t see to reach his ears as he kisses down your jaw and neck, his hands pushing your dress up. He shakes his head and looking up from his position between your buttons on your chest.

“I’m good with this,” he speaks husk, into your chest, and it echoes through you. “Is that okay?”

“Very okay,” you speak fast, blinking down at him as he nods at the confirmation, and the breath is knocked out of you as he picks you up, your bare panties against his belt. Now you wished you’d picked a more, flattering pair than just plain blue cotton. Eddie finds your room (it’s a ridiculously small apartment) and lays you down, hands hungry as they search for your buttons. As your dress flows open, your simple black bra revealed. His eyes rove over you, hand tracing the piece of material. You hope he doesn’t feel your heart thumping, feel that you don’t just want this touch for one night. He looks up, kissing lightly on your sternum and moving up to push your hair behind your ear.

“You’re so beautiful,” he says earnestly, and it makes your stomach flip, you flush, chest down and he smiles. “Rosy here too,” he comments and looks down at your chest. You let yourself smile, properly, insecurities be damned. “Can I make you feel good, sweetheart?”

You nod, breath stilling as his hand reaches the embarrassingly large damp patch on your panties. He watches your face carefully, as he rubs experimentally, as if he’s mapping out something. His gaze makes you flustered, but the pleasure you feel makes your eyes flutter shut and grip his biceps.

“Feels— feels good,” you confirm hoarsely, and he hums lowly, pressing harder and circling over the fabric. “You— have too many clothes on,” you manage a weak laugh and he smiles fondly, kissing you once, deeply before pulling his shirt off. He has scars littered over his chest and stomach, bite marks it seems. Maybe he was attacked by a dog in the past? Your hands lift gently over his chest, eyes intense. You reach for his belt and he tuts, taking your wrist gently and placing it above your head. His breath is hot onto your cheek as he whispers against it.

“Gotta warm her up first hm?” Eddie mumbles and pushes your panties down. It’s been a while admittedly, and insecurity doesn’t have time to take over as he explores, only using one for now, but keeping his thumb stroking on your wrist. Men have never really prioritised this for you, you always felt like a burden, having to brace yourself for pain. Eddie touches you like he knows his way around already, lips against your neck as he goes up to two.

Two then three.

His fingers are, larger than you thought and they’re touching all the right places. You remember to actually, make him feel good as you attach your lips to his jaw. His neck tattoo is so hot, you think as you nip it. That earns a hoarse groan from Eddie, making him work his hand faster.

“Oh—,” you breathe out, high pitched, forehead against his shoulder. He nods, humming.

“Easy does it,” Eddie’s voice echoes, it’s the only thing you hear as you find a release you haven’t found in years. Eddie slowly withdraws his hand and watches you seemingly slow your breath. He brings his fingers up to his plush mouth, it’s lewd, but god does it turn you on. He smiles and you can’t resist bringing his face for a kiss, wrapping your legs around his waist.

“Can we—,” you start, between kisses, “Half your clothes are still on.”

“That they are, rosy,” he laughs against your lips lowly, his curls tickle your cheeks as he sits up on his haunches, moving to the side of the bed to take off his jeans. He crawls up, you don’t remember seeing his boxers come off but you’re not complaining. “What’s best for you, baby?”

“Just want you to— here, I’m on the pill,” you explain, voice croaked as you pull him down by his shoulders. He cracks a wide smile, pressing kisses onto your cheek and jaw as he lifts your legs up over his waist. His hand fit, feel right on your thighs, and you want them there forever. Suddenly, you remember he hasn’t got off once, so you sit up a bit, trying to stop him. “I can blow you?”

Eddie pauses and looks a bit incredulous at you, before tilting his head.

“While the sound of you blowing me is like music to my ears,” Eddie begins, moving your knees up to your chest, making your tummy flip, feeling him slide up against you. He’s considerably larger than any man you’ve ever had, but you’re not surprised he’s well endowed. “I’ve been thinking about this all night.”

With him above you like this, his tattoos glowing in the moonlight, scars making him even more sexy, you thank your lucky stars as he pushes in. There’s a bit of resistance there, but he slowly strokes your waist, his kisses calming the nerves you feel.

“Shit— so good, sweetheart,” he mumbles into your neck, moving properly now. You let out a whine, arms around his back as he groans. “So good for me,”

His words touch something inside you haven’t felt, ever. Being wanted, needed. Looked after.

You’re not sure how long you both go at it, but your brain feels dazed— comfortable as Eddie seems to notice you had already come again, and he had not long after. Eddie gently pulls out and cleans you with a flannel he finds, your eyes blinking.

“Sorry— let me,” you speak fuzzy, and he tsks quickly before pulling you up by your armpits to lay properly. You feel compelled to do as he wishes, fixing your duvet up over you.

Eddie watches you, ringed hand gently lifting over your hair. You blink, his eyes something from a fairytale.

“D’you wanna stay?” You ask, and his face contorts into a weak frown, but smiles quickly.

“If you’ll have me.” Eddie speaks softly, “But I have to leave early morning.”

You yawn, opening the duvet.

“My first day at my new job, so me too.” You respond, and he settles in next to you with a huff. Its tired glances to each other before he speaks.

“Are you nervous?” Eddie asks absentminded, hands rubbing up and down your arm. You sigh out, shuffling closer.

“I was— I am. I just— had a rough time before this. I’m glad to start new,” you speak, memories of your time at rehab flashing in quick bursts. Eddie hums lowly.

After a silence, Eddie begins with a wary tone.

“Sweetheart, how old do you think I am?” Eddie’s voice has a hint of insecurity, but still in that gruff tone. He watches you carefully as you look over his face.

“35?” You guess, he has youthful features for sure, not too many wrinkles on him. He smiles, almost wistful. Eddie then brings a hand to push hair behind your ear.

“Close,” he speaks, “38. That a problem?”

“I’m 25, Eddie. I’m not a kid—,” you argue, and he huffs out, “Not a problem,” you assure, moving closer and kissing his jaw.

Eddie looks conflicted, and that look makes you second guess for a second, before he kisses you soft on the lips again.

“Get some sleep, rosy.”

“I’ll get some sleep, if you give me your number,” you comment, smiling and he huffs out a laugh, shaking his head.

“All fucked out and you’ve still got cheek— I’ll have to try harder next time.” Eddie muses, and his words already get you half worked up. He picks up your phone and types in his number for you with aid of you unlocking it. “Okay. Bed time now?”

“Bed time.” You nod, settling into his strong chest, squeezing into him. He kisses your head, and for a moment, you think life in Hawkins isn’t going to suck as you thought.

Your 6am alarm blares, and the sunlight pierces through your shitty curtain, bright as heaven. You groan, sitting up, and rubbing the sleep out of your eyes forcefully. You realise there should be a man in bed— but Eddie is nowhere to be seen. Just an empty spot.

I look around, stretching. Luckily there’s no hangover, just that great feeling after good sex. You yawn as you get out of bed, seeing Eddie’s number on the beside table, roughly written in a rush on a post it note. You only take 5 seconds before putting it into your phone and texting him.

(6:06) hope you got home ok

(6:07) had a really good time last night ❤️

Was the red heart too much? You had sent it now, so you just lock your phone and begin to get ready, opting for a modest sundress to start off your pre-school job. You try to not keep looking at your phone— if he’s messaged you back or not, but you can’t help putting it on vibrate just in case. As you eat breakfast, you think “fuck it”, and open your phone to text again.

Have a good day!

Sorry I’m just nervous for today lol.

Quarter texting for a guy wasn’t something you did since college, but Eddie’s smell lingered in the apartment, woody, homey. He gave his number, so surely that meant he wanted to see you again?

It’s nearly 7:30, school starts at 8, so you hop on the bus just as it’s pulling in, listening to some heavy metal to calm you. Most would think it’s an odd choice, but it was always your favourite type to drown out any bad emotions. Drown out any bad cravings especially.

You prep the classroom, bright colours and rainbows plastered around. You put name tags for all your students, last one Matilda Munson— with a note that said she preferably only likes to be called Tilly. You shrug and rub out ‘Matilda’ and replace it with ‘Tilly’. Last of the tasks are done, and soon enough the bell rings and the sound of children echo outside. Breathe. You tell yourself, you trained for this. You stand at the door, smiling politely to parents who are saying their goodbyes to the children, their little bodies clinging to hug them. You remember that time of your life, so easily running away from your mom as she dropped you off. You smile down at each child as they walk in, running over to their tables.

As you smile and greet every child who seems happy with you, you overhear a soft whimpering with a gentle parent’s voice. Every other child has sat down now, all chatting happily with each other. You step down the class door steps moving over to see if you can aid the parent in any way. You crouch before you can see the parent, seeing a curly haired girl’s whose face is buried into her father’s black jean clad legs.

“Hi,” you speak, smiling softly, “I’m your new teacher. I know it’s pretty scary, but I’m scared too. We can be brave together.” You offer, and she seems to like it, one eye looking over at you curiously. “You’ll see your dad at the end—,”

You look up, and your breath is almost knocked out of you. The incredibly hot older guy you hooked up with last night, who gave you the best night of your life, is standing there with his daughter clinging to his legs. His daughter who is your new student. You feel sick, god, was he married? He still has no ring, but not all families marry that early with a child— or at all. You blink, and he seems to have recognised you too now, closing his eyes with a small sigh as if he didn’t need this.

Fuck you, you think, you didn’t need this either.

You opt to talking to the girl instead.

“What’s your name honey?” You speak, tilting your head. She pulls her head away from her father with her arms tight on his legs still.

“Tilly,” she speaks. Right, Tilly Munson you remember. So that was his last name, Munson.

“Tilly,” you repeat with a coo, fighting past your stomach crawling sensation and smiling the best you can. “What a lovely name,” you clock her big over sized t shirt; a Metallica one. “How did you know what was my favourite band?”

Tilly flashes a small smile, releasing her dad and shyly bowing her head. She’s adorable.

“She’s shy,” Eddie gruffly speaks, eyes anywhere but you, on his daughter, protectively. So different to how he was with you, like you were a stranger. I mean, that’s what you are right? Both strangers.

“Now I know I have a Metallica fan, I’m feeling much better,” you speak slowly to Tilly, and she lets out a bigger smile. “You can sit near me for the day how’s that? It’s not as scary as it looks, I promise.”

Tilly warms up to the idea, looking at her dad once before nodding. Eddie leans down and kisses her head as you stand, murmuring something into her head. Tilly nods and steps forward to you, holding your dress. Eddie can’t even look at you, eyes awkwardly blinking.

“I’ll take care of her,” you speak, a bit forceful as he nods, clearing his throat and stepping back. Tilly waves goodbye to him, and you take her hand into the classroom.

Great, your first potential friend slash guy you could date was the father of a student of yours, and it looked like he was allergic to being near you. You don’t look back as you sit Tilly on a small desk near yours, winking once at her before standing in front of the class. 6 hours to forget about whatever that was.

You find, during the day that Tilly is a wonderful little girl. She’s so smart and gentle, on the quiet side but has a lovely smile. Which is worse because you think about how you could be possibly pulling this family apart. What would Eddie’s wife or— Tilly’s mother think? The final activity of the day is a story book before they leave. Tilly is staring up at you, eyes full, much like Eddie’s and it breaks your heart.

As you watch the kids run out back to their parents, Tilly stays by you, clinging onto your dress as she waits for her father. As Eddie arrives he takes a look at the scene of his daughter glued to your side, and his face twists. You notice, and it makes your heart crack in two. Tilly smiles up at you sweetly before running over to her dad, who picks her up and kisses all over her face. You try not to stare, because unfortunately, he looks incredibly hot being a dad too.

You begin to step back, and Tilly shouts out your name and waves, her little hand making you melt into a smile. You wave back, and Eddie’s face stays on his daughter, before meeting your eyes, almost apologetic as they walk away.

Those cold eyes weren’t the same as the warm ones that called you rosy last night, your stomach curling as you sit at your desk, staring at the wood. Times like these you have that hunger— that urge again. You take a deep breath, counting to 10 slowly. Your phone buzzing interrupts you, and you pick it up fast. It’s from Eddie.

(3:15) its for the best we forget it happened.

(3:20) all things considered.

The messages make your eyes burn, blinking. You will not cry over this, you repeat in your head, you will not let a rejection sting this much. Your embarrassing string of messages before look even worse now above his rejection. You lean back against the chair, rubbing your eyes and breathing out slowly, before swallowing down the emotions threatening to bubble up.

You can do this. Get through a whole year of ignoring his presence as his daughter runs into your classroom.

His whiskey smooth voice repeats in your ears: rosy rosy rosy rosy.

𝜗𝜚

a/n: im sorry this is so late, my job has been taking over my life recently!

this was longer than I anticipated and will write a part 2!

— Fresh out of prison, Eddie is intent on keeping his head down, complete his parole and get the hell out of Hawkins. Having to trade his guitar for a shovel in the Hawkins Community Patch Programme, he’s expecting a long four years. Everything changes when he meets the girl with dirt stained knees, rosy cheeks, and relentless optimism.

A/N: no warnings, reader has an unspecified chronic illness

·•—–٠✤٠—–•·

Eddie’s bones crack as he wakes up that morning. This make-shift trailer he’s been put in is a far cry from a hotel suite, but it’s much better than the hard steel of his prison cell bed. It’s a mattress, and a thin duvet, which Eddie is immensely grateful for and curses this stupid group’s start time at 9am. He sits up, stretching as he runs his hands through his shorter curls. He felt like a ghost now. Though his long curls were a pain in the ass to take care of, he missed them. He missed them when they took their time to buzz it off on his first day at the slammer.

“Never cut these for anyone, baby,” his mom would say to him at 5 years old, as she gently weaved through the messy, dark curls. “You got curls just’ like your mama.”

Eddie stands, moving to his dresser and opting for a simple vest, already feeling the Hawkins heat through the window, and throwing on some black jeans. No groceries, great, he notes as he looks in the cupboards, those fuckers couldn’t spare him a bowl of cornflakes to energise him for this stupid community project he was forced into?

Breathe, he reminds himself. He survived high school, he can survive four years of pretending to do some gardening.

The community centre was built in the middle of the trailers, all roads leading to. Christ, he was already sweating, grateful this building had som fans going, sitting himself right in front of one. No one really glanced his way, all here for some shameful reason themselves, sat chatting amongst themselves. Eddie recognises a few people he’s seen at Rick’s before, some older women, and a younger boy who looks like he wants to be anywhere else.

Eddie nearly falls asleep before the noise of the project leader snaps his head up.

“Happy Monday!” Debbie, the community offer speaks, smiling at the group sat in chairs around her. “And to those new here,” she sets her eyes on Eddie, and well Eddie hates it, “Welcome to The Hawkins Community Patch! Today we’ll be focusing on reworking the wildflower patch near the benches, to foster new opportunities for insects to pollinate.”

Pollinate rings a bell, science class in high school with Mr Clarke going on about photosynthesis. He looks around, already spotting the free food and coffee table and making plans to head there first.

“Me and my team will be around to help at any point, and don’t hesitate to call us over,” Debbie claps happily once and they all stand, prompting Eddie to do the same. He heads for the sandwich table first, stuffing a ham and mustard one into his mouth, while pouring himself a coffee. He notices the younger boy come up next to him, who shoves some cookies into his pocket.

“So uh—, is this like, hard? Or is it pretty simple?” Eddie tries to make conversation, gesturing to the others getting out gardening gloves from the boxes provided. The younger boy looks up, huffing out an amused sound as he walks off. Don’t engage with the youth again, Eddie makes a note to himself.

Let’s just say Eddie’s glad his friends from Corroded aren’t here to taunt him about being on his hands and knees, fingers in the dirt attempting to arrange these flowers he’s been given, a mixture of daisies, bluebells, and these tiny purple ones. He huffs, sweat uncomfortably sat on his neck as he pushes around the dirt, shoving the flowers in where he can.

“I have some more flowers for you! Have some of these beautiful cornflowers,” the voice makes him jump, blinking as he almost tumbles to the side. He watches as a bunch of flowers are placed in front of his poor excuse of a garden. He looks up, sitting on his haunches and finding the source of the voice.

Eddie’s not a religious man, by any means, but he thinks he’s experiencing the second coming of Christ as you kneel next to him, white dress bunched up as your knees hit the grass, sun shining behind your head like some halo.

“Bees love cornflowers, because they’re so rich in nectar— and pollen most importantly,” you hum as you smile over at him, pulling your gloves on. “They’re also bright blue so, that helps!”

Eddie can just watch as you spurt out these facts, distracted by your voice, hands— hair. Face, really. You furrow your eyebrows down at his patch.

“Oh, I can see you dove right in!” You speak, looking over the flowers, “But unfortunately half of the flowers are covered in dirt, the insects won’t get to them.” Eddie snaps out of his daze, before coughing and nodding sheepish.

“Yeah I’m— not too great at the whole green thumb thing,” he explains, rubbing his arm tattoo a bit restless. Your smile never fades.

“That’s okay! Here let me help,” you offer and start to carefully reveal some of the flowers out from the dirt, letting them spring up and reorganising the dirt around their roots. “When putting new flowers in—,” you explain carefully as you empty the cornflowers out of their pots, holding the roots, “—have to remember not to destroy the roots, they’re the most important part of the flower, getting all that water from the ground and helping them grow.”

Eddie watches wordlessly, his mouth agape as you plant the cornflowers gracefully. How can you gracefully plant flowers, Eddie thinks to himself.

“Stop me if I’m rambling, I have a habit of just word vomiting when I’ve started something,” you let out a giggle, and sitting back mirroring his stance. “Do you want to try?”

Eddie blinks and nods, swallowing as he picks up another bunch of cornflowers, trying to mimic your movements. You watch, and he tries his best. God, Eddie hasn’t tried this hard since he started learning guitar.

“Perfect!” You smile, and Eddie finds it in him to let out a grunt-cough, leaning back. “What’s your name? You’re new to the neighbourhood right?”

New to the neighbourhood, funny, more like forced into the neighbourhood, Eddie thinks.

“Yeah, got put in yesterday.” Eddie nods, voice a bit scratchy. Eddie watches your sunshine smile burn brighter.

“Fun, I always like the new ones they don’t find me annoying just yet,” you joke, and Eddie snorts before crossing his arms.

“You saying you’re annoying?” Eddie tilts his head, and you shrug, moving to rearrange some of the flowers again.

“A lot of the members of the community think I could talk for America— Sean always says I’m too talkative for my own good,” you explain, somewhat rambling as you finish up the plot of flowers. “Ah— so beautiful! And look— we’ve already got a visitor, great work!” You speak happily as a bumble bee flies over, sitting onto one of the cornflowers.

“Huh,” Eddie takes his eyes of off you for a moment before squinting to see the bee perched on the flowers. “That was all you.”

You pick his hand up, your gloved fingers gently shaving off some dirt that had gotten on his.

“No gloves, I like it,” you happily speak as you get off the dirt for him, “Rules say we have to wear gloves, but getting stuck in with the dirt is supposed to have restorative benefits.”

Eddie doesn’t really believe that, but he can’t focus or even be bothered to question it as your hands meet his.

“Happy planting!” You smile and stand, brushing the dirt off your white dress which, Eddie is confused you chose a white dress but is happy to stare at it any way. Eddie just watches as you walk away, going to attend to an older guy who can’t get his gloves on.

Eddie slaps himself mentally, eyes back onto the ground. He can’t risk ruining his parole— god forbid have to spend more time in this place because he can’t keep it in his pants. He’ll just have to ignore you.

·•—–٠✤٠—–•·

Today’s project is planting in the vegetable patch. Eddie isn’t thrilled to be staring at a bunch of wilted and messy tomato plants, unsure of what he can do to fix them. He begins to clear the dead plants, that’s easy enough.

That familiar waft of lavender filters past him, and he can’t help but look behind quickly to see you walking around the group, looking out for anyone who needs help. He grunts under his breath as he continues to take out the dead tomato plants.

“Looking great over here, Eddie!” He jumps at your voice, nearly tumbling off his haunches. You appear, today in a floral yellow dress, stained as usual.

“You make the habit of scaring the shit out of people?” Eddie remarks, looking down as you sit next to him, smiling. Eddie wipes his forehead, feeling the damp sweat, and it was only two in the afternoon. Three more hours of this shit.

“No, I mean— I don’t mean to,” you hum as you look over his plot. “Good progress!”

Eddie doesn’t meant to flush like that, but he does.

“Uh— thanks, I guess,” Eddie manages, wiping his hands on his jeans and looking over at you. “How long have you worked here?”

“Coming up to 3 years now,” you reply, playing with the frills on your dress, “I love it. It’s like I’m not coming to work at all.” Eddie believes it, because the smile on your face could create sun rays.

“I’ve never seen someone enjoy work that much,” Eddie snorts, smiling over to you, and you all but giggle lightly in response.

“I’m grateful for every day here,” you nod, and look over the patch, the sun shining happily over it, “People always here, someone always to talk to.”

Eddie thinks about your comments, thinking how you of all people would suffer from being lonely. You were practically welcoming in a person, every part of you. Him thinking you were beautiful was beside the point.

“I’m sure everyone appreciates you, making the effort and all,” Eddie speaks, gesturing to the group deep in gardening. Your face lights up, and Eddie wants to keep that expression on you forever. “No one really wants to bother with us, when we get spat back out into society and all,”

You smile, brushing some dirt off of Eddie’s jean clad knee.

“Not no one,” you affirm, smiling happily before moving to help plant some tomato plants, where Eddie had cleared the dead ones. Eddie shoves that mushy feeling inside, and carries on removing the dead plants, not before a buzzing insect flies by and stings his arm.

“Ah— shit.” Eddie winces, standing quickly looking over the sting. A huge bulbous red mark over his bat tattoo, great. You stand, eyes wide.

“Oh— let me help you,” you take his hand and lead him to the community building, Eddie isn’t sure it’s your hand or the sting making him light headed, either way he’s not complaining. “Take a seat,” you gesture to a plastic chair near a table, and he sits, arm on the table, looking at his sting.

“You really don’t have to—,” he tries, but you hush him and sit on the table, your thighs dangerously close to his spread legs. You place his arm over your lap, and Eddie blinks as you press ice into the sting.

“Looks like a wasp sting,” you hum as you gently pat the ice into his skin, listening to his winces and being more careful. “They like to nest on the trees by the creek.”

Eddie can’t speak, just flexes his hand, his palm over your thigh. The view of your concentration is lovely, from this angle he thinks, he can see all your sun soaked freckles, and hair falling over your cheeks.

“The creek?” Is all he can muster, covering his stammer with a grunt. You nod, peeking once at the sting before continuing to blot it with ice.

“It’s just out the back of the trees by the pumpkin patch,” you explain, “It’s real nice around this time of year, to swim in,” he’s watching you explain, somehow sat closer than before. Eddie Munson, he tells himself, what happened to laying low? “Just a whole lot of nasty wasps, but wasps do pollinate so they aren’t all bad.”

“Taking their side, I’m wounded, sweetheart,” Eddie muses, and you look down at him, letting out a giggle that Eddie thinks he would hear at the gates of Heaven.

“I’ll go and tell them off myself, if that makes you feel better,” you offer, smiling. You take off the ice, taking out some anti-sting cream from the first aid kit. You then, bravely look up. “Like I said— the creek is real nice. I’m going swimming tomorrow evening, if you wanted to join. I know it’s your day off.” Your words come out shy, and Eddie can’t believe his ears for a moment, so he lags, before sitting upright.

“That— sounds nice, actually,” Eddie replies, and sees your shoulders relax seemingly at his words.

“Sweet,” you sigh out, smiling as you finish preparing the cream over his sting. “Let that settle, and apply another round before bedtime.”

Eddie is reluctant to release his arm from your lap, and you hop down from the table.

“See you tomorrow, evening.” You whisper the last part, as you walk back out to the group.

Eddie isn’t sure how much he can lay low for.

·•—–٠✤٠—–•·

He sees you sitting on the wooden docks over at the creek, hand in the water as you stare down at the ripples. Upon the crunch of his shoes you look behind, and a huge smile blooms over your face.

“Hi!” You wave happily, standing as he trudges over. “How’s the sting doing?”

Eddie had almost forgot about the sting to be quite honest, head full of your stupid smile.

“Oh, I’m okay,” Eddie holds out his arm, “It’s not as swollen, just itchy.” You nod, pleased with that, and gesture to the dock to where you were sitting. Sitting side by side, feet in the water, Eddie’s mind quiets for the first time, in a very long time. Just the sound of cicadas and the water rippling against the dock.

“Do you like it here?” You ask, looking to the side to face him. You have this small white slip sundress on, and Eddie thinks about how the rest of your wardrobe must look like.

“I was— partial at first,” Eddie treads carefully, watching your expression, “I have the tendency to— complain a lot? I hated that I was stuck here forced touch the dirt,” he lets out an awkward laugh at your frown, “No I— not anymore. I don’t hate it, I mean.”

Eddie sees you smile again.

“I’m prone to just wallowing. And I should just be grateful y’know? I was stuck in a prison cell for four years, I’m lucky to be here.” Eddie sighs, rubbing his eyes, “I’m glad I have a roof over my head, and I’ll be closer to seeing my uncle again, maybe my friends if they haven’t all abandoned Hawkins.”

“You and your uncle were close?”

“He practically raised me,” Eddie explains, eyes on the calm creek. “My dad went to prison quite early— mom died when I was six.”

You frown at that, hand moving to cover his that was rested on the dock.

“It was a long time ago,” Eddie trails off, and laughs self deprecatingly, “Guess I ended up like my dad after all.”

There’s a silence before you squeeze his hand.

“I’m sure your Uncle can’t wait to see you now you’re out,” you speak, smiling, “And your friends?”

Eddie smiles a bit distant, shrugging.

“They’ve probably all moved on— I had this group I’d play dungeons and dragons with, all little shits they were. Probably out at college by now,”

“People are closer than you think,” you shrug, tracing his hand tattoos slowly. “It’s only four years.”

“Wouldn’t expect them to stick around for someone like me,” Eddie mumbles, chucking a twig out onto the creek, the noise quiet in the large landscape. You frown, tapping his hand, before catching his gaze.

“You’re so mean about yourself, y’know that?” You huff out, and Eddie smiles amused, leaning back on his other hand, shoulders back. “I’m serious! You’re so kind, Eddie. You always speak to me when I’m annoying all of you in the hot sun— and you always listen to me—,”

“—that’s like, bare minimum,” Eddie scoffs lightly, but can’t take off the smile that’s plastered on his face because of you.

“It’s rare around here!” You argue, laughing as he rolls his eyes. In a moment, Eddie barely catches it but you wince, staring back at the creek, and perking up again, and jumping forward into the water. Eddie blinks, letting out a sound of— something. Should he go in and save you? You’re smiling, happily floating in water. “We came to swim, right?”

“I uh—,” Eddie looks around, the sun setting. In a hot summer evening, the water sounds real nice. You throw him a pout, head just out of the water and Eddie curses himself for being tempted, before hopping in, a loud splash following. You smile wider, as he attempts to shake his hair free of water.

Eddie isn’t sure how the time is passing so fast, the sun nearly down and darkness filtering over the creek. He can’t stop staring at your hair dripping over your chest, your dress, wet and pressed to your body peeking as the water ends and the air starts. You shiver slightly, shoulder touching his as you turn to face him.

Eddie pushes through his wall he’s put up in his head, and move a finger to push the wet strand of hair from your forehead. You swallow, smiling small as your hands steady on his shoulders. Eddie can’t see anything else, just that rosy blush on your cheeks you always get, as he can’t resist playing with your soaked dress sleeves. He can’t hear his vow to lay low— his promises to himself to resist his urges for you, but they’re deep now, deep roots that are getting more intricate by the minute.

“I hate when you’re so mean about yourself, I just wish you’d see how I see you,” you whisper, blink and you’d miss it. He swallows, faltering as you step closer, your chests together, heat growing.

No one’s ever said that to Eddie, and it makes his heart shudder.

“Can I kiss you?” Before you can say yes, you push both of your lips together, Eddie fondly smiles at the cute squeak you make, focusing on your top lip, then your bottom. Eddie’s wet hands wrap around your waist under the shallow water, pulling you closer, which has you tilting your head to deepen the kiss. Eddie’s mind reels suddenly, from the daze he blinks, tightening his hold. What happened to laying low? Not messing this up? He had one chance to not screw up his life again— getting involved with the staff at his parole sentence seemed like screwing it up, Eddie Munson style. You don’t notice his reluctance, and it kills him as you hum happily, kissing his top lip and giggling as spit runs down your chin.

“I— one sec,” Eddie breathes out, and makes some space between you. He watches your face fall, confused. Your bright, happy face has now twisted into something he never wants to see on you. “Listen, I don’t think— this is a great idea?”

Eddie sounds pathetic, it coming out as a weak question while he still has his hands on your waist. You swallow, frowning, hands a bit shakey as you step back.

“Why not?” You’ve got this relentless optimism that Eddie loves, and he’s expertly crushing it.

“I— I just joined here. I don’t want to get you fired or anything, is this even allowed?” Eddie rambles now, and you step away, the water cold, air making you shiver as you ease out back onto the dock, face crumpled. Eddie is quick to follow after you, his eyes anywhere but your wet figure as you slip your shoes on. “Look at me, please.”

You look up, shoulders shaking as you wrap your arms around yourself.

“I thought you— wanted that.” You speak weakly, sad frown tightly woven onto your cheeks, eyes glazed. Eddie’s pit in his stomach deepens as he gets another look.

“I— sweetheart,” Eddie breathes, trying to form words. God, he hasn’t been this nervous since the middle school talent show. He can’t form words, and you nod, wiping your cheeks.

“I get it.” You speak, taking off to walk back into the trees, Eddie standing like a fool, unmoving. As you go back into the patch, Eddie shouts out a curse, throwing his shoe onto the wood of the dock. He wishes he could speak to Wayne right now, he was always so wise. Knew when to do the right thing, unlike Eddie who couldn’t even form words after he rejected a girl he asked to kiss. Rejected the lovely girl that looked at him like a person again.

·•—–٠✤٠—–•·

The pain meds aren’t working as well this time. You make the effort to get out of bed and take them, eventhough your body feels like it’s on fire. Shuffling back to your bed, you plop back into the covers, eyes glazed with tears that seem to just fall without permission, shutting your eyes trying to drain this ache.

You’d come to Hawkins for a new start. Finally earned enough to move out of home, after years of feeling like a dead weight in your parents home. Making them take days off work to deal with you and your flare ups. Your mom protested, obviously, making sure your head was screwed on. What happens when I’m not there and you need to throw up? What happens when you can’t move to eat? This job was perfect, free accommodation for helping ex-convicts garden. Selfishly, you liked not being a centre of attention. Just a member of staff there to help, not defined by this thing that had boxed you since you were a teenager. No one knew you, no one to make comments about how well you deal with it— no one to frown with pity when you couldn’t show up to plans. You practiced gratitude, grateful to have a roof over your head, a bed to lie in while this splintering pain persisted.

Eddie was unexpected. Your joyful manner usually scared off the members of the community, but he always listened. Always nodded as you explained something to him eventhough he had a grunt hidden in the back of his throat. He was kind. You knew you’d been too forward kissing him, though your head had convinced you he felt it too. You heard him ask to kiss you, or was it just you scrambling onto anything that he reciprocated your feelings? He probably thought you were too much, too much— too much space being taken up.

The door interrupts your thoughts. You had told Debbie you were taking a sick day— she knew about your issues so she always insisted to still pay you regardless. She wouldn’t be knocking by now— end of the day. You let out a whimper, another sharp pain blooming as you shut your eyes, the sound of the door ringing.

“You didn’t lock the door—,” a voice starts, and embarassingly for you of course it’s Eddie, trudging through the trailer. You can’t find it in yourself to move, your head further pushed into the pillow. “—sweetheart?”

Eddie’s voice is like honey, a balm to the throat.

“I’m not— just sick.” You lie, and he sits on the bed, hesitant. He looks you over, palm to your head.

“You don’t feel sick,” Eddie comments, watching as you pull the duvet over your head. “I wanted to talk to you— about yesterday. But Debbie said you called in sick— and I know you have no family here.”

Eddie’s words make you peek out of the duvet, to see his gentle expression. You can’t find it in yourself to care about how embarrassed you are from the other evening.

“But I get the sense you don’t want to be having any serious talks right now, I get it.” Eddie murmurs, “Can I get you anything?”

You want to tell him to leave. Go away with his stupid voice and gentleness— but you’ve been in too much pain to get up for some water.

“I just— water please.” You manage, and he nods, moving out of your bedroom to fill up a glass. He’s back quickly, a shy smile as he sits again, urging you to sit up and sip. He’s holding your chin, in the haze of all the pain you can feel him softly help you take small sips.

“What’s the matter?” Eddie asks quietly, putting the glass on your bedside table. You sniff, sitting back against the pillows, knees to your chin.

“It’s a nuisance, and I don’t wanna bother you with it. I deal with it—,” you explain, voice scratchy. “I’m not sick— kind of. But it’s just something that’s always there.” Eddie has these eyes that make you want to just melt, spill your guts and let him take care of you. “I very quickly become a burden, to friends, to people close to me, because of it, and I, you don’t need any more problems—,”

“—what I said? About how I’ve just joined— that nothing should. Happen—,” Eddie speaks, voice quiet that soothes your running brain. “For once in my life, I’ve realised I have no problems. You’ve made me feel like I can have peace again and I—,” Eddie lets out a laugh, hand playing with the duvet corner. “Didn’t have peace for a while. But I have it— and it’s with you.”

You can’t form words to reply right now, blinking over at him.

“So will you let me take care of you?”

It’s hard, because it sounds like something you’ve feared someone saying to you. Become something they have to watch or baby sit— but the way Eddie’s staring at you makes you cave. You just nod wordlessly, and he hums.

“What do you want to do right now? That you would be doing if you weren’t in pain?” Eddie looks around as he speaks, and you can’t stop a smile that creeps over your face.

“I was reading— For the Love of Gardens,” you say shyly, and he’s there, picking up the book and sitting beside you against the head board.

Eddie reads to you, your head on his chest as he tells you about how to plant certain flowers, when some fruits best seasons are. You’re certain Eddie doesn’t know what he’s reading about, but he reads with a passion like he’s been gardening for years.

You’re getting sleepy, Eddie can tell because your head is limping down onto his stomach. He closes the book, and moves down to your level.

“Do kisses help with the pain?” You can’t help but giggle weakly at his stupid joke, as you wrap your arms around his neck, humming. “I’m great at that,” you smile up at him, your faces close like they were at the creek.

“You’ve seen me like this and you still want this?” You ask, a bit insecure, but you can’t help it. Eddie puffs out some air and pulls you in.

“I’ve seen you,” Eddie murmurs, raising his lips to kiss just below your ear, making you swallow and smile. “You’ve seen me.” Eddie kisses down your jaw, spurred on by the soft noise that came out of your throat. He reaches your chin, lips rough against it as he breathes onto yours, before pressing one where you need it, where you want it. Eddie’s hands splay over your back, letting the kiss melt deeper, feeling him turn over every stone inside you, opening parts of yourself you had hidden where no one could find.

Breathless, you both pull away and rest forehead to forehead. You’ve never been kissed like that, so full it makes your head spin. The pain is there, because it always is but the smile on your face is also there. Eddie moves the hair that had got onto your face, hands petting it back gently.

“I wanted to kiss you while you were tending my sting, y’know,” Eddie speaks, smiling as you giggle. “Never thought I’d find a girl talking to me about how important wasps are, incredibly hot and endearing.”

“Hot and endearing!” You squeak, cheeks heating up watching him kiss down your shoulder. He nods into your chest.

“I’m a changed man— you talking about nature is like dirty talk to me, oh baby— go on about how much bees love bright flowers—,”

Eddie holds you all night, hand rubbing over your back, and it’s all so warm. Everything’s not so lonely anymore, and Eddie’s so thankful he was terrible enough at gardening that first day. Terrible enough to get you to come over and help him.

·•—–٠✤٠—–•·

A/N: I hope you enjoy this, I’m still a bit convinced I’m bad at nsfw writing so I’m slowly working up to it.

Reader’s chronic illness isn’t specified to keep it open to everyone, the symptoms stated are what I have experienced having one myself <3

luckily, eddie and his princess have experience saving people from dragons.

part I, part II, part III

ㅤꨄ︎

“Oh, and it still fits!” You sigh out happily, as you properly tie Eddie’s red cape to the top of his armour. Eddie grumbles something, but is happy to have you fiddling so close to his neck. “I told you.”

Olivia Harrington of course, now she had gained a princess for an aunt, requested you for every one of her birthdays. Her sixth birthday had come by so fast, and you felt it was only fitting Eddie would return as a knight. Besides, you had fired your old knight. The day Eddie filled in when he met you.

“You get to wear all this light frilly fabric, and I have to lug ‘round this heavy armour,” Eddie huffs, and you smile fondly, fixing your dramatic boyfriend’s curls.

“Yes, but you look so handsome in it,” you placate, and he cracks his gruffness, hands drifting to your waist. It was a blue dress this time, adorn with butterflies. He hums and drifts his gaze happily over your face.

“I guess I can manage,” he muses and kisses the side of your mouth, “I’ll just think about that role play we always do after in costume—,”

“—okay, you horny miscreants, the party is starting in a few,” Steve cuts in, hands on his hips as he stares at you both in the guest room. With a flushed face you squeak and pull away from Eddie, fixing up your glitter on your cheeks. Eddie throws Steve a middle finger playfully.

“We’ll be down in a few,” Eddie salutes Steve and the father sighs out, nodding, adjusting the crown that his daughter had put on his head, hair knotted and all. “Ready, princess?” You nod, kissing his cheek and following him down the stairs into the living room.

The faces lighting up is always the best part, seeing the wonder only children can have. Eddie never really understood, but he did now, the feeling of simply making them happy.

“Oh what a wonderful bunch of royalty we have here!” You coo, voice changing slightly to your princess register. You crouch as they all run to crowd you, fast as their little feet can take them. Olivia is front and centre, smiling smug that her aunt was a princess. Eddie can barely focus, eyes on you and your charm, effortless and lovely. He smiles politely as some kids gaze up at him, waving, merely a prop in your well crafted job. He notices a smaller child, struggling to see you behind all the bodies. The little girl had a muppets shirt too big for her, a few holes in. He quietly steps around to tap her, and gesturing for her to stand by him. She timidly looks up, eyes a bit wet as she cheers up slightly at his offer, standing beside him and fiddling with the bottom of her big t shirt.

“Okay my lovelies,” you smile, standing with Olivia on your hip. “Time to make some crowns and tiaras, how does that sound?” They all squeal happily, following you over to the small table set up, with all the supplies. The small girl stays by Eddie’s side, a bit shy. As you hand out some of the cut outs and pens, you notice her attached to his leg. You smile up at Eddie knowingly before crouching. “Hello there,” she looks up, her wide eyes full of fear. “Would you like to sit with me and my knight? We have a spare seat for you right by us.”

The little girl seems to think about it, blinking timidly and nodding again. You smile sweetly, looking up at Eddie again.

“What’s your name?” You could hear the kids all shouting about sharing pens and whatnot, Olivia’s Harrington voice trilling as she babbles about the best colours, but you kept your eyes on the little girl shaking between you and Eddie.

“Freya,” she murmurs, quieter than a whisper, but you caught it.

“Lovely Freya,” you smile, before holding your hand out. “How about while I help the others, my knight can help you?”

Freya seems to agree, nodding and Eddie guides her to a place at the table. She seems timid in front of the other kids, but Eddie sees to have gotten to her. You trust him with her, and go to help any of the other kids, more so Olivia who was calling for you.

Eddie lays out a crown for her to colour.

“What colours are we thinking Fearless Freya?” Eddie speaks, sat in a heap of his armour that looks uncomfortable, but he keeps his gaze on the small girl next to him. She chews her lip, a bit conflicted, before reaching for a blue pen. “Oh, blue? Great choice, cuz I was gonna go with grey,”

Eddie’s delighted to hear a giggle from the five year old.

“Grey’s okay,” Freya responds, colouring the crown messily, but Eddie lets her none the less. She then looks up, a bit frightened. “Am I doin’ it wrong?” Eddie frowns at this, the five year old is concerned about doing something as small as colouring wrong.

“No, no, it looks perfect,” Eddie’s is quick to reply, before adding some dark blue himself. “It’s your crown, so it’s all your decision okay? No right way.”

Freya nods, taking in his words as she picks up a purple pen and draws some flowers. Eddie takes this time to really take in her behaviour. Scared of making wrong moves, shy in front of other kids. You’re watching, and him carefully helping the small girl colour has your heart set on fire. Eddie was so gentle, even if he couldn’t see it himself.

“Cake time,” you clap as they all finish their crowns, and Steve and his wife walk in slowly with the pink cake made especially. You stand by Eddie, watching the kids sing. Eddie’s hand rubs your lower back, smiling as his niece blows out the candles. Freya sits patiently, the last person to get cake. The kids all sit together eating, you had spoke to Olivia about sitting next to Freya who happily obliged, going on about her favourite muppet.

“She’s sweet,” you speak as you both sit on the couch, tucking into some cake yourselves. Eddie nods, wiping his lips.

“She is,” Eddie nods as he watches Freya quietly listen to the group of children. His smile the twitches. “How often do you get involved with kids at parties? Like— reporting for child abuse, stuff like that,”

“What? Have you seen bruises?” You whisper, turned to him now, searching his eyes. Eddie’s shakes his head quick.

“No, no I just— was just wondering. That part of the job must be hard,”

You pause, playing with the cake on your fork before looking up again.

“I haven’t in the past,” you say carefully, “But I always say I’d get involved if I saw any signs, or had sure suspicions. Sometimes kids are just, shy.”

Eddie thinks, and nods, mouth twisting as he watches Freya wrap up the rest of her cake and put it into her pocket. You follow his eye line and sigh, squeezing his hand.

“I know.” You only say, both of you meeting eyes warily, understanding passing quietly between you both.

ㅤꨄ︎

You help hand out party bags as children leave with their parents, hugging them as they leave. Olivia stays by your side, smiling so wide as they all say happy birthday. Freya is the last to leave, a woman dressed in office wear running in, and a name tag. Eddie is watching from the kitchen, a beer in his hand. Freya doesn’t run up to the women, they don’t look alike by much standards. She just hugs Olivia goodbye, taking her time, like she doesn’t want to leave.

“Olivia, go and hang with uncle Eddie okay?” You kiss Olivia’s head and she squeals over to Eddie, excited to play with his hair again. You crouch and smile down to Freya, who is playing with her shirt again. “This is for you,” you pass over the party bag, and she lights up. “Thank you for helping my knight today, colouring isn’t his strong suit,”

Freya smiles happily, and you look up at the lady, who seems disinterested. Freya takes the moment to push into your dress and hug you, eyes shut as she clings onto you. You blink, but wrap arms around her softly, stroking her mousy hair.

“Freya, time to go,” the woman sighs, rubbing her eyes. Freya lets go, and her sad face as she leaves makes your insides twist.

As you approach the adults clearing up, Eddie notices you and moves from Olivia’s hands messing with his hair to duck and kiss your cheek.

“Okay?” Eddie asks, eyes on you as he checks you over, holding Olivia to his chest. You nod, before smiling small and stroking Olivia’s hair.

ㅤꨄ︎

Later, Eddie is sat with Steve on the porch sipping some beers. You and Steve’s wife took the job of putting Olivia to bed, vowing a girls only spa night.

“Y’know that younger kid, the one with the muppets shirt,” Eddie begins, staring out at the garden. “Do you know anything about her parents?”

Steve thinks for a moment, sipping some beers and shrugs. “I think she goes between foster homes,” he explains, “I know it’s always staff picking her up from school events,” Eddie swallows, that gnawing feeling in his stomach. Steve assesses his best friend. “Why?”

“I dunno I just—,” Eddie sighs, rubbing the back of his neck. “Reminds me a lot of me when I was a kid, shy, always thinking I’m doing something wrong.”

Steve nods, frowning before replying. “She was really quiet, I’d only met her today.”

Eddie plays with the label of his beer bottle, picking it off the glass with a new intensity. Something had settled in his gut, and he didn’t like it.

“D’you have the number of the foster home she lives at?”

ㅤꨄ︎

In the guest room, you finish moisturising your arms as Eddie gets in from the shower. He dries his hair with a towel, dropping it onto the chair before sitting next to you on the bed.

“Thank you, for today,” you smile, crawling over to him and letting him engulf you close as you both collapse onto the bed. “I can pay you, by the way— for doing this—,”

Eddie cuts you off by kissing you. Absolutely not he means to say. You flush, settling on his chest. Eddie shuffles, unable to keep still.

“Something on your mind?” You whisper, voice soft as you look up, drawing patterns on his chest. Eddie bites his lips, humming out a sound.

“I got the number of where that kid— Freya lives, the foster home,” Eddie starts, and you sit up, eyebrows furrowed. “Steve told me at school parents never pick her up, always staff with name tags and shit, so she doesn’t have parents—,”

“— you don’t know that for sure, Eddie,” you say carefully, and he huffs, sitting up. “I’m pretty sure,”

“So, what then? Why did you get the number?” You tilt you head, trying to understand. “There’s layers here, and we need to properly think about reporting anything, for the best interest of the girl too—,”

“— no sweetheart I, not to report anything,” Eddie speaks, quiet. He takes a breath before taking your hand. “I know we said we’d think about kids at a future time, and it’s only been 3 years, but I just, feel this pull towards her,” Eddie’s voice is full, passionate. “I see so much of me in her, how scared I was at that age. Not having present parents, I mean I was lucky to not be in foster homes and with Wayne,”

“What are you suggesting?” You speak, measured as you try to understand properly, heart jackrabbiting.

“Baby, I saw how she was with you before she left, I know you feel that pull too.” Eddie explains, bringing his hands to cup your cheeks. “We could give this little girl a chance for a mom and dad, real, loving parents,”

You can’t speak, and you’re pretty sure you’re shaking too.

“I know me of all people suggesting this but I—,” Eddie rambles, “You have shown me I have capacity to be a father, and share it with someone I love.”

“Eddie are you— suggesting we adopt that little girl?” You speak soft, eyes wide. You don’t feel the tears forming on your own eyes as you search his face. “This is— real. We can’t take it back once we decide to do this.”

“I’ve been a coward for a lot of my life, but I don’t want to be one about this,” Eddie nods, rubbing your arms. You then blurt out a laugh, smiling wide, to which he breathes out and smiles, like a weight has been lifted. “Yeah?”

“Yeah,” you nod, rising up just to collapse onto him, kissing all over his face. “Feels right, this feels right,”

ㅤꨄ︎

It definitely feels right. It’s a long process sure, getting the spare room ready in the apartment, over 10 meetings with the foster agency who Eddie had to prove himself to, still haunted by his past. It doesn’t phase you both, loving Freya even more as you meet every week. The day you both pick up Freya, she runs into you both, clinging on for dear life as she smiles, the happiest you’ve seen her.

The first time Freya calls you mom is on a Friday morning, Eddie pulling on his overalls for work, and you stirring Freya’s oatmeal.

“Mommy—,” Freya calls from her seat and you freeze, eyes a bit wide. You collect yourself, moving over to her. “Can I have strawberries?”

“I— you,” you blink, eyes on the small girl as Eddie stands at the door, a huge smile on his face. “Of course baby, all the strawberries you want,” you speak as you cut up some, putting them into her oatmeal and kissing her head. Freya nods happily, chowing down on her breakfast unknowingly having changed your life forever.

The first time Freya calls Eddie Dad is while he’s out grocery shopping with her. He has her on his hip as he places the items you wrote into the cart.

“Where’s mom today?” Freya asks, playing with Eddie’s necklace. Eddie hums as he drops some pop tarts into the cart.

“Mom is off doing her princess things,” Eddie responds, swaying the small girl as he rechecks the list again. “She’ll be home when we get back,” he comments and kisses the side of her head.

“Don’ she need you there for that?” Freya gasps slightly, a bit shocked the knight isn’t there. Eddie chucked fond, hand rubbing her back, adorn with clothes with no holes in.

“Mommy can be a princess without me being a knight, I’m with you today,” Eddie explains, “Moms the superstar, I just stand there.”

“Daddy— just stands there,” Freya giggles loudly, hands on his chest. Blink and you miss it through the six year old’s amusement with Eddie just standing behind her mom while she works, but Eddie catches it. He turns his head, smile spreading across his face as he watches Freya giggle away in the middle of the grocery store.

“Oh, it’s funny that daddy just stands there huh?” Eddie coos, ticking Freya in his arms, making her shrill louder, smile painting her button cheeks, so, so happy.

Eddie is so, so happy.

Most nights, Freya falls asleep between you both, something like The Princess Bride is playing on the television, and you both have her wrapped up in a bundle of blankets. Eddie kisses your head once as he shuffles closer. His warm hands wrap around both of you, an envelope of love, a cocoon of safety and you’re happy to stay forever and ever.

ㅤꨄ︎

A/N: this idea sprung to me and it was such a cute thing to write! Eddie sensing a child in distress because he went through something similar as a child.

I hope you all enjoyed, as always my inbox is open.

—You’ve always been there, for as long as Eddie can remember, too soft, too warm for the cold trailer park you both grew up in.

A/N: sexual content in this!

○・*。●．。・*○・。●*．*｡

He first saw you when he was six. Eddie was walking back to his trailer with his mom, who had a bright smile on her cheeks no matter the day. Even when it was really stormy, and the clouds roared and thundered at nighttime, she sat humming happy into Eddie’s wild curls. She spotted you before he did, crouching down beside him and pointing to you sat on your nana’s trailer stair.

“Eddie baby, be a good boy and speak to the girl,” Elizabeth spoke, her warm hands rubbing his small arms. Eddie retreated back into her, eyes unsure. She hums like all mothers do. “Her nana’s very sick, and she gets lonely all by herself,” Eddie looks up at his mother’s eyes. “She needs a kid to play with,”

Eddie blinks, unsure. His six year old brain wracking to work you out, sat on your porch steps playing with your plaits. He sighs out and nods, leaving his mother’s arms a striding over.

“My mommy says you wanna play,” Eddie speaks, shuffling his boots on the grass. You look up, eyes wide. You look over to his mom, a warm figure stood at their trailer with a tilted head and sunshine smile. “So you can come play, if you want,”

You look back at your trailer, nana asleep on the couch again.

“I can play?” You speak timid, to which Eddie nods, offering a shrug. Upon his admission, you smile wide. Probably the most wide you’ve smiled in a long, long time. You both toddle over to Elizabeth, and she smiles, eyes sparkling like the beautiful actresses on the tapes your nana loves. She’s so pretty, you think. So lovely and pretty.

“My mama has biscuits for us,” Eddie speaks, confident now, showing off. He’s never had a friend so close to home. The kids at school call him names, but you look at him with wide eyes and a shy smile. Elizabeth follows you both in, his trailer is almost identical to yours, but it’s yellow you think. Yours is blue, always dark, but this trailer has mugs on the walls and soft music playing. “And she has songs we can hear,” Eddie rambles on settling on the floor where his figurines are. “I like to play fairytales, we can be whoever we want.”

You can’t speak, just take in his words, trying to understand. The kind woman brings you both some hot chocolate and these delicious looking cookies.

“What’s your name?” Eddie announces the question as he sets up his makeshift castle for the figurines, concentrating. “‘m names Eddie,”

“Eddie,” you repeat slowly, blinking. You watch as he sets up the pieces on the floor. As you tell him your name, he nods. The beautiful woman is sat on the couch, humming something as she watches behind a mug.

“We can play fairytales and then I can show you my favourite songs,” Eddie trails off, tongue poking out in concentration as he assembles to castle, hand drawn with marker onto cardboard pieces.

“Cool,” you sit up properly, playing with a figurine of an elf, holding it up. “Can I be this?”

“You can be the elf and I am the wizard, an we can save the kingdom from these ogres..”

Later, the beautiful woman who you learn goes by Elizabeth, guides you and Eddie into the main bedroom of trailer. A simple double bed with a messy set of drawers in the corner.

“Eddie, show your new friend those songs I played you,” she speaks, voice measured, slightly on edge. Eddie looks up, eyes wide. The sound of a car parking outside sounds, and a slam of a door. “Be a good boy and show her. I’ll be back soon,”

Eddie nods and Elizabeth pokes your nose in a way that makes you feel all happy inside. She closes the door, and Eddie sighs out taking you over to the record player. He carefully takes out a record, as if he is recreating something he was taught. The sound of shouting starts, a cold, hard voice sounding the trailer. Guitar and drums fill the space, taking your attention back.

“Is your mommy okay?” You ask, and Eddie focuses on the turning record.

“They do this every time he comes home,” Eddie speaks, sitting on the floor, and you quickly follow. “I just sit in here and listen.”

It’s a lot for two six year olds. World of adulthood raging through the walls as the Blues music pulses.

“We can listen together,” you respond, smiling, Eddie looking up and nodding quickly, a smile spreading to his face.

“Yeah,” he nods, eyes lit. “We can.”

○・*。●．。・*○・。●*．*｡

One day, the beautiful woman isn’t there at Eddie’s trailer. Eddie is crying into your lap, and you hold him as tight as a six year old can. Two men argue loudly in the other room.

“Do you want the songs on?” You ask quiet and Eddie sniffs, shaking his head, curls tickling your stomach. “Maybe we play the loud enough— your mama will come back and dance with us,”

“My mama isn’t coming back,” Eddie whispers, his small voice into your lap. “Wayne says she’s gone to Heaven, where she listens to songs all day long.”

“That sounds like fun,” you speak, and he lets out another whimper.

“She left me down here, I wish she took me with her, to listen to the songs all day long,” his words hurt you, deep. A feeling of deep sadness you didn’t quite understand yet as a six year old, imagining life without your best friend.

“Then who would I listen to the songs with?” You speak, voice high. Eddie shuffles and hugs you closer.

○・*。●．。・*○・。●*．*｡

School is difficult for you both. Eddie can’t protect you from the girls that giggle at you in the locker room, or from boys that tug at your plaits. He gets told off, a lot of the time because the twelve year old can’t help to shove the boys that slam your locker shut, or put slugs in the girl’s shoes.

“Can’t keep gettin’ in trouble cos of me,” you speak quietly as Eddie walks you both home, “I don’t want you in detention every break. We can’t play,”

“They deserve it,” Eddie insists, the boy crossing his arms. “They’re mean to you,”

You stay quiet, biting your bottom lip as you both approach his trailer. His father’s truck was there. Fear flashes over Eddie’s eyes like it always does when Al is home.

“Do you wanna come to mine? Nana’s asleep, we can hang out in my room—,”

A door is burst open, and Al Munson trudges out of the trailer, his brother Wayne behind him. As soon as Al spots Eddie, he grabs the boy’s collar.

“Had your teacher call me today,” his father’s voice booms, the noise always making you jump. “Says you been misbehavin’— didn’t raise you to be gettin’ caught,”

“For Christ’s sake Al—,” Wayne interupts, shoving Al back, making the man stumble. “Leave it, I’ll speak to ‘im,” Wayne gestures to us to get into the trailer, and you and Eddie run in. Eddie notes the empty glass bottle of whiskey. You frown and tug at Eddie’s sleeve.

“Your dad is angry at you because of me,” you speak quiet, guilt drowning your words. Eddie huffs and collapses onto the couch, angry.

“Don’t care,” Eddie shrugs, arms crossed. “Couldn’t give a shit what he says,”

“Eddie,” you widen your eyes at his use of words, still new to all these curse words used at school, or here in this trailer. Eddie smiles apologetically. Wayne sighs deeply as he steps in, boots hard on the carpet floor.

“You kids want some burgers?” Wayne claps and moves over to the freezer, pulling out some frozen burgers. Wayne always feeds you, is so kind. He always drops off things for you and your Nana. “And slugs, really boy? Frogs are a much better choice for those nasty kids,”

You both let out a harmony of giggles.

○・*。●．。・*○・。●*．*｡

It’s summer of you and Eddie’s thirteenth year that you get your period. You had learnt about it in health class, but all the girls had got theirs, proclaiming themselves as mature ladies. Sweat clings to your chest as you listen to Eddie imperfectly play some chords on the new guitar Wayne thrifted for him. He’s saying something, but your brain drifts, wincing at a pain that blooms in your lower stomach.

“Are you listenin’— what’s wrong?” Eddie looks over, to you sat up, arms around your belly.

“Nothing,” you snap, blinking before shuffling, “I should probably be heading—,” Embarrassment was flooding now, reddening your cheeks as you feel the puddle form under your lap. Eddie only frowns with his stupid puppy eyes, and crawls up.

“Not nothing,” Eddie points out, looking over you. “Are you sick?”

“I’m not sick— I just—,” you swallow, shuffling, but feeling the problem only get worse, the pain dull and present. “Eddie I— think I’ve started my period, and I’m really embarrassed, so lay off making fun of me and—,”

Eddie blinks, face understanding. He looks to you lap momentarily. The thirteen year old stands, determined.

“Should I get Wayne? He can help— we have pain killers somewhere,” Eddie reminded you of his mom, so caring. Even at such a young age, you didn’t understand it yet. You nod, cheeks red and eyes prickled with tears, sat timid on his bed. Eddie brings Wayne into the room, his uncle wearing a smile.

“Hey there little lady,” Wayne almost coos a tone you’ve never heard him speak, and gestures to Eddie to go to his drawer. Eddie follows his instructions and gets out some of his spare clothes. “Let’s get you comfortable, d’you wanna use our hot water for a shower?”

You shyly nod, eyes prickled with tears. Wayne helps you up and into the bathroom. “M sorry for the stain, Wayne—“

“—hush now,” Wayne huffs, helping you into the bathroom. “Have a shower, I’ll make us all some of my famous mac and cheese. Eddie’s a big boy, he can handle washing his own sheets.”

That evening, you and Eddie watch his VHS copy of The Evil Dead, your head on his shoulder as you both eat mac and cheese. Eddie’s buzzed hair tickles your forehead, but you don’t seem to mind.

○・*。●．。・*○・。●*．*｡

“But I wanna go!” You huff and cross your arms, watching Eddie shuffle around in his room. You had just turned 16, invited to your first ever party. Stacey Hemming was throwing one for her sweet 16th, the whole school going. “I’ve never been to a party, and my nana has someone to look after her tonight—,”

“— nothing good happens that those parties, believe me,” Eddie scoffs, finally finding his weed stash. “I’m just going to sell, I’ll be back earlier and we can go to the movies or something,”

Eddie knew you had never drunk, only a bit of his beer when you both were watching horror movies. He saw what drinking did to people, his dad. He wouldn’t wish that on you, someone of pure and too good.

“Please Eddie— please,” you try, shuffling towards him, eyes wide. He huffs as he stares down at you, unable to resist your sad, doe eyes.

“Okay fine. But you stay with me okay? No wandering off, and I mean it,” he boops your nose, finally smiling at the sight of your happy expression.

“Thank you, thank you, thank you,” you squeak and wrap your arms around his neck, face against his neck. Eddie froze, letting his hands wrap around your waist. “I promise I’ll be good,”

The party was loud, but you were so excited. Eddie stood by you while you got some punch, Eddie insisting on tasting it before to check it wasn’t too strong.

“Only one cup alright?” Eddie murmured in your ear, and you let out a scoff. Who was he to dictate everything you did just because you were younger?

“I can decide however many cups I want,” you snap, and Eddie recoils slightly, only to huff louder. “Go and sell— since that’s all you come here for.”

“I’m here to look after you—“

“—I’m capable of looking after myself— god,” you speak, exasperated, “I’m not a baby, I don’t need you hovering over me every five minutes,” Eddie’s face twitches, barely.

“Fine. I’m gonna do what I came to do, sell, do whatever,” Eddie huffs and walks off, wandering into the garden where he usually sells at these parties. You blink back some tears, before downing the punch and going for another.

You can’t tell when you went off the deep end, last thing you remember is taking that second cup of punch. You stumble onto a couch, sat awkwardly as you mumble nonsense. Head spinning, a voice brings you back.

“Yo— is that the weird girl from the trailer park? Friends with the freak—,”

“—such a waste man, I’d totally—,”

A body pulls you up, which you can smell is Eddie through your drunken haze. Eddie pushes past the jocks, and fresh air hits you.

“Okay, sweetheart, had a bit too much huh?” Eddie murmurs, his voice soothing. You mumble incoherently, something Eddie can’t work out. “Let’s get you back—,”

As Eddie tries to get you into the van, you throw up all over the grass. Eddie grimaces, using his sleeve to wipe your mouth, hushing your words.

“Sorry— m’ so sorry—,” you mumble, coughing. Eddie sighs and gets you into the van, miraculously. He isn’t known to be too athletic, and it surprises him.

“Stop saying sorry,” Eddie’s voice is stern, but has that buttery Munson softness glazed over it.

“Sorry, ‘die— m so—,”

“What did I say?” You shut up at his words, and he climbs into his seat, driving you both back to the trailer park. Eddie helps you into his trailer, directing you into the bathroom. “Okay, try and throw it all up for me alright? I’m gonna get you some fresh clothes—“

“—stay,” you mumble, coughing as you collapse against the toilet seat. Eddie sighs, crouching, and moving your hair out of your face. You still looked beautiful, spit and punch over your dress, you always did. He always thought you were the most beautiful girl in the world.

“I’m coming back,” Eddie promises as you turn to throw up. He moves quick in getting some water and some of his pyjamas with the least holes in. Gently, he wipes your mouth, changing you. You comply, a dazed smile on your face as he pushes a jumper over your head. “What’you smiling about sweetheart?”

“M— just, you’re m’ best friend, and I love you,” you speak, truthfully, wrapping arms around his neck. “Bestest friend in the entire world,”

Eddie hugs you back, kissing your sweaty neck once.

“Okay, bed time,” Eddie concluded, helping you into his room, tucking you in. You were completely pliant now, eyes shut happily against his pillow. Eddie sits next to you, hand over your cheek. “Sleep it off.”

“Are you staying?” Your voice is small, tiny even.

“‘Course I am, I always will,” Eddie hums, smiling down at your soft features. As you drift off, Eddie frowns. You’ve always been there, for as long as Eddie can remember, too soft, too warm for the cold trailer park you both grew up in.

How those stupid jocks at school spoke about you, he would do anything so they wouldn’t see the light of day for that. You’d chide him, though, say there’s always room for people to improve and change, even the jocks and cheerleaders. As he lays next to you, hand barely touching your back, he knows he can’t protect you forever, and that thought alone keeps him awake all night.

○・*。●．。・*○・。●*．*｡

It’s not surprising really, that you get asked out when you turn 18. Eddie thinks you’ve always been gorgeous, prettiest in Hawkins. Of course those airhead jocks are late to that party. Eddie can’t rid the scowl off of his face as you talk to hellfire about that stupid date you have tonight.

“Guys, Andy is different, he’s new, he only hangs out with the jocks because he plays sports,” you defend, sipping some water. They all don’t look convinced, but happy to see you smile. Gareth shoots Eddie a head tilt and a smile.

“Why the long face, is that, jealousy I smell?” Gareth teases, and Eddie flings a pretzel his way.

“No, nothing could compel me to be jealous of those meatheads,” Eddie drones, but he can’t meet your eyes, and can feel them saddening by the minute. “I’m just pissed you’re missing Hellfire tonight, it’s an important part of the campaign.”

“It’s one night, and I promise to make it up to you,” you pout, squeezing his arm. Eddie can’t be mad at you for long, and the second he sees your frown he caves. “I’ll bring you all some cookies next Friday,” That earns smiles from the table, and Eddie huffs out a noise.

“Do you have makeup on?” Eddie suddenly blurts, eyes scrutinising over your cheeks. You look so pretty, always so pretty.

“Oh um, yeah?” You speak, flustered. “I just thought— I dunno. Try it out for my date.”

“Doesn’t look like you,” Eddie lies easily, mastering an air of nonchalance that kills him inside. The makeup isn’t drastic, it just highlights your already beautiful features he thinks.

You turn to your food, face falling into a sad expression. Eddie can’t bring himself to speak anymore, that was supposed to disconnect him from his pit of jealousy, but it somehow made it worse.

Eddie got back from Hellfire late, just missing the rain. He waves off Wayne as he sets off for the night shift, switching the tv on and watching some random telemarketers talk about some new leg warmers as he lights up a joint. Peace, Eddie thinks. For about 5 seconds until his mind wanders to you, your lovely face, how lovely you probably look for that stupid, airhead who doesn’t know one thing about you. Doesn’t know how to make you smile, or how to make you laugh loudly. Eddie’s thoughts are interrupted, hearing a quiet knock at his trailer. He sits up, confused. He doesn’t remember a customer coming this late, or think his clientele would make the trouble in this rain. He trudges up, opening the door to see you standing shivering, arms around yourself. Your dress is ruined, hair soaked, and tears matting your eyelashes into clumps. Eddie almost pushes you in, slamming the door.

“Jesus, what are you doing here? I thought you were with— Andrew, Andy was it?” Eddie rambles as he tugs off your denim jacket, and switches on a heater for you to sit near.

“Yeah, Andy he—,” you sniff, unable not to let the tears fall wholly now. “Stood me up. Didn’t show up at the diner, and I don’t drive, so.”

“Shit, sweetheart, you should have called me on the pay phone.” Eddie shakes his head, rubbing your arms as he attempts to warm you up. “Let’s get you into a change of clothes,”

Eddie lets you change in the bathroom, pacing the living room. God, what a dud that Andy guy was. He could just imagine your sad face as you realised he wasn’t coming. Eddie was gonna murder that guy. You shuffle out shyly, and Eddie gestures to the couch.

“I made you some hot cocoa, I don’t make it as good as Wayne does but I tried,” Eddie mumbles sheepish, and you smile small, sitting on the couch. Eddie snuffs out his joint, hand moving to your back, rubbing to warm you up.

“I’m sorry I missed hellfire,” you speak quiet, embarrassed. “For a guy that didn’t even like me enough to show up.”

“Don’t sweat it,” Eddie speaks quick, shaking his head. He looks over your dejected expression.

“So stupid, I was gonna. Nevermind—,” you begin, but Eddie can’t help himself. He shuffles closer.

“It’s just me,” Eddie murmurs softly, a tone he only uses for you. Plus his guitar. You blink, sniffing and breathing out.

“Had this stupid plan to lose my virginity tonight, got all prepared and I—,” you laugh wetly, cheeks red, “— feel like an idiot. No guy is ever gonna like me enough to want to do that with me,”

Your words make Eddie’s heart crack in two. He can’t believe you can’t see what he’s seen for years.

“Any guy should be counting his lucky stars, to even be sat near you,” Eddie interrupts you before you can detest. “I know you don’t believe me, but trust me when I say, you’re one in a million, sweetheart,”

You blink, eyes unable to break away from his. After a small silence, Eddie speaks, voice murmuring that sweet tone he uses with you, and only you.

“You have this, cute nose twitch thing. That you do when you’re thinking really hard about something,” Eddie’s voice turns wistful, “That’s just one of the million beautiful things about you, I could go on, but we’d be here all night—,”

You lean forward and kiss him, a moment of bravery. He doesn’t stop you, just lets it happen. His mind is telling him stop, ward her away from his mess, but when you pull away, his hand moves to your cheek. Your eyes closed, not wanting to see any sign of rejection, and Eddie breathes heavily, forehead onto yours.

“Sweetheart—,”

“—please Eddie,” you murmur, hand clutching his shirt. “You’re the only guy I trust, with everything I have,” your words come out jumbled.

Eddie nods, breath shallow as he pulls you gently back into him, kissing down your jaw and neck. He can’t stop, your small sounding whimpers just egging him on, thinking what other noises he can pull out of you. You tug on your dress, and his hand moves to stop you, head cocking to gesture to his room.

He guides you in, a room you felt utmost safe in, since you were six. Eddie sits on the bed, pulling you to stand between his legs. His eyes don’t disconnect from yours as he guides you to take off his shirt. You swallow, you’ve seen him shirtless a hundred times over the years, but it’s different here, the moonlight shifting over his pale tattooed skin.

“Eddie, take off my dress,” you murmur, waiting patiently as his hands drift to the straps of the floral dress. He unzips the back, letting it fall. It’s dark in his room, but there’s a holy light coming from you, your figure like a prayer to him, what he’ll follow for the rest of his life. Eddie kisses down your neck, arms around your waist, letting you get a feel of his curls.

“You’re so beautiful, so lovely,” he mumbles, as he gives your breasts attention. It’s all a new feeling, and he knows that, a hand grounding you as it rubs your back. “It’s just me,” he repeats, watching as you let out another sound, a chorus of whines he wants to hear forever.

He has you laid on his bed, fingers light on your cotton underwear. You nod, and he pushes them down, taking is time to properly look at you.

“Eddie—,” you smile bashful, chest blooming with pink. Eddie’s got the biggest smile on his face as he traces where your thigh meets your fold.

“Just admiring, baby,” it’s the first time he’s used that, baby, and the feeling makes you preen. Eddie notices because he knows all your tells already, and kisses down your stomach. “M’ gonna get you ready, is that okay lovely?”

“That’s okay,” you breathe out, and arch as his mouth connects, just a mess of curls over your pelvis. The feeling is like nothing else, making you let out uncontrolled noises of pleasure as he uses both his mouth and fingers. “Oh— wow,” you can only breathe out, watching him. “I— Jesus Christ, Eddie—,” you whine, hand in his hair as he brings you to something you don’t quite understand, but it makes you feel as though you’ve wet yourself. You begin to sit up—

“—s’alright,” Eddie hums, kissing the side of your thigh once. “Not pee,” He can always read your mind, you curse and love him for it. “Something much better.” Eddie reaches for a condom, and rises to lean over you again, hand moving to stroke your cheek.

“You can say no, at any point alright?” Eddie speaks, “Hear me?”

You just nod. “I’m saying yes.”

Eddie nods back, breathing out as he slides the rubber on. You can’t help but think how experienced he is, this seems second nature to him. Eddie kisses your cheek, whispering in your ear.

“It’s just me, just Eddie,”

“Just Eddie,” you repeat, nodding as he breached finally, and you let out a squeak. “Hurts,”

“I can stop—,”

“No— don’t stop,” you whimper, clutching his biceps. He moves slow, careful.

“I know, I know,” Eddie hums into your cheek, hand securely on your thigh, getting you into a better position. It words, because you let out a sound Eddie can only think happens as someone enters the gates of Heaven. “That’s it, that’s the spot huh?”

“Feels good—,” you whisper, eyes shut as he continues. Eddie finds this moment to kiss you, and you oblige, a bit dazed so he takes control, kissing slowly to the rhythm you’ve both created. After a while, he begins to feel that tightness. “M’— Eddie—,”

“I know— I, shit,” Eddie groans, kissing your neck, jaw, wherever he can manage, “I’m close, together okay?” You nod, wrapping your arms around his neck as he moves slightly faster, bringing you both to your finish. Eddie slowly collapses onto the bed next to you, slinging you condom into the trash. You breathe slow, eyes blinking to see Eddie sat up and looking into his bedside table. It’s quiet, and you can’t find it in yourself to speak. “Let me clean you up.”

His hands are soft as he glides the tissue between your legs, taking care in wiping you clean. You still can’t find the words, just stare at his form as he takes care of you.

“Was it good for you?” You speak quiet, timidly as he bins the tissue. He turns, bringing the covers over you both.

“So good,” Eddie nods, bringing you to rest on his chest, warm, safe. “You’re an angel, always thought so.” His voice sends you to sleep, drifting off onto his pale chest, breathing to the beat of his heart.

○・*。●．。・*○・。●*．*｡

Eddie wakes up before you. As the sunlight hits your back, he sits up, rubbing his hands over his face. Panic settles, cursing himself as he gets up to push on some boxers and a shirt, he can hear Wayne get in from work. The noise doesn’t wake you up, but the sound of him hitting the dresser does as he pulls up some joggers. You mumble something, blinking awake.

“Eddie? S’so early—,”

“—Wayne is back, so.” He manages, unable to look at you. Unable to see what his greed has done, ruined it all between you. “We need to get up,”

You were so warm, now coldness settles in your belly as you reach for your underwear, hands shaking as you listen to him clean up the bedroom. Wayne trudges around in the kitchen, and Eddie throws you your dry dress from last night. You haphazardly catch it, pulling it on.

You stand, a slight ache makes you wince. Eddie doesn’t even wait for you as he leaves his room, speaking to Wayne. You can feel your heart jackrabbit, unable to even comprehend what’s going on. You slip on your converse, blinking away tears as you leave his room. Eddie is sat on the counter, leg bouncing as he sips coffee, staring at the table.

“Oh, hey there honey,” Wayne cheerfully speaks, always happy to see you. “Eddie didn’t tell me you slept over, m’ making pancakes, got a raise at the plant—,”

“— she was just leaving,” Eddie finishes for him, eyes on his mug as he sets it down. A fresh amount of tears line your eyes, hands shaking as you grab your jacket.

“Nana needs feeding, anyway,” you manage, voice clouded with wet tears as you leave their trailer. Static can’t escape your ears as you rush to your trailer. You feel dirty, most of all, ignoring your nana as she calls out from her chair, heading for the shower. She can’t hear you sob under the shower head, sat in the bath with your head in your knees.

Eddie can’t escape the sinking feeling all weekend. He can’t sleep, skips the Hideout on Saturday, lays in bed most of the weekend. A tries to smoke, high away the feelings of contempt for himself, but he can’t bring himself to stop thinking about your face, the tears he’d produced himself. He had one rule for himself, protect you from everything, and he couldn’t even protect you from himself. On Monday, you don’t show up and it eats at Eddie even more. Jeff asks him if he knows why, and Eddie has to shrug, the action scraping away at his heart.

On his way back from school, he stops at your trailer. He can’t lose you, not like this. He knocks heavily.

“Sweetheart? It’s me, open up alright? I need to know if you’re okay—,”

You open the door, eyes bloodshot. Eddie lets out a sound at seeing you.

“You just— you didn’t come to school today, I just thought—,”

“Nana had an episode,” you speak, voice devoid of your usual joy he loves so much. “Not everything is about you.”

“Oh, I—, yeah, it isn’t,” Eddie speaks, feeling even more like a piece of shit than he already did. He lamely drops his hands from reaching for you. “Can I come in?”

You just walk in, leaving the door open. He follows, and watches as you cross your arms, tired.

“What?”

Eddie’s hands jitter as he paces.

“I’m so sorry, sweetheart, for what I did, leaving it like that, I’m an asshole, that’s exactly why I shouldn’t have done what I did—, that night,”

“So you regret it.” You speak, eyes on his, angry. He’s never seen you angry since he met you.

“No! No I don’t—,” Eddie curses, “I’m fucking it up again, because that’s all I do, and you’re so good, too good actually, for this town, for me—,”

“You made me feel used,” you cut him off, sitting on your couch, eyes on the wall. “No one, not even Andy made me feel like that. You did, Eddie. The one person I thought cared the most about me.”

Eddie collapses to the floor, hands on your knees.

“I know, and I’m sorry, I didn’t— know how to process what happened, I’m no good, I’m not someone you want, someone you deserve,”

“You don’t get to decide that for me,” you speak, stern. “I’ve let you protect me all my life, and I’m not stupid,” you finally meet his eyes, “I chose you to do that with because I wanted to, and I should regret that choice because of how you shrugged me off but I—,” tears catch your words but you persist. “I don’t regret it, even though it seems like you do.”

“I don’t— Jesus. I could never—,” Eddie speaks, voice high. “That night was the best night of my life, I thought I was on cloud nine, because I’ve adored you since I saw you on your stupid porch, and my mom saw it too.” Eddie takes a breath, before continuing. “I panicked because I thought I wasn’t the guy you deserved. I have a whole lot of baggage.”

“Baggage that I’m a part of,” you cut him off, “I was there, with you through all of that. No amount of your baggage went through my head when I chose you that night.”

Eddie listens, and his head falls to rest on your knees. You stare down, sighing out, sniffing.

“I’m sorry,” Eddie whispers into your knee, kissing it as if he can’t help himself. “Will you begin to forgive me? I miss you so much.”

“I can forgive you,” your voice makes him look up, eyes wide. “If you stop telling me what I deserve, and let me decide that it’s you that I want, that’s I’ve always wanted.”

Eddie nods, kissing up your thigh, rising to collapse onto the couch over you and hug you tight. Warmth fills your stomach again, that warmth only Eddie can bring.

“My lovely— my sweetheart,” he mumbles into your neck, and you smile, finally. “Sunshine of life—,”

“— okay, that’s enough of that,” you giggle as he looks down at you, eyes full of adoration, all goey. “We’ll both be dead if we wake nana up.”

Eddie lets out an amused snort, hugging into you again.

“Never gonna let you go.” He vows, settling his weight as breathing you in.

“Promise?” You ask, still a bit on the fence. He brings his head up from your neck to face yours, hand stroking your cheek.

“Promise,” Eddie nods, and kisses your face all over.

Eddie always thought you were too good for this town, but could get used to the feeling that you wanted him. How it was always meant to be.

○・*。●．。・*○・。●*．*｡

Eddie learns about the walls his princess has built up, and you learn about his.

part I part II

You and Eddie were going steady. The past 8 months had been some of the best of Eddie’s life he thought, having you in his life very nearly had him believing in God. Whatever he had done in a past life, he thanked himself every morning, waking up to you snuggled against his chest in your pink duvet.

“Maybe I bake a pie? Does Wayne like pie?” You yawn, arm tightening over his pale tattooed stomach, wondering out loud. Eddie snorts.

“Wayne likes anything that’s put on his plate,” Eddie muses tiredly, yawning himself and kissing your forehead. He smiles lazily at your troubled expression, eyebrows knit into his chest. “Baby, do whatever you want, bake your favourite. No need to think so much about it.”

“I know I just—,” you huff quiet, eyes still a bit bleary from sleep. “Want him to like me— he’s a huge part of your life.” Eddie hums and squeezes you into his chest, impossibly close. He would engulf you if he could.

“You are and quite literally, a princess,” Eddie speaks, moving his hand to guide your face up to look up. You flush, bashful and he grins. “Wayne already loves you, bake that lemon tart you did the other week. Lemon is his favourite.” You nod, smiling happily and mentally noting down the ingredients to pick up after work. He yawns, kissing your head. “I’m starting a bit later today, how about I drop you off at the party?”

“Thank you,” you hum, looking up again from his chest, and Eddie pulls you up by your waist, snug on his lap and face near his. Eddie stares at you, his hands cradling your jaw. “What?”

“Oh— just admiring my beautiful—,” Eddie kisses your nose soft. “—gorgeous,” kiss on your cheek. “—lovely girlfriend,” Eddie finishes with kissing all over your face, and you squeak. You bring him in for a proper kiss, humming and settling your pale yellow panties onto his black boxers. Eddie groans, hands securing onto your waist, squeezing.

“I do—,” you start, but he barely lets you finish as he kisses down your neck, one hand gently guiding your hips. “Have to get that dress on, it’s that tricky one with the buttons—,” you speak breathless, a whine in the back of your throat as he meets your movements. Eddie mumbles against your lips, sounding an unimpressed grunt.

“Let’s both call in sick,” he conspires as his hands move under your panties, and you can’t help but smile. “Both too love sick, can’t leave the house— too contagious, so we have to heal in our love sickness all day,” Eddie speaks, and you giggle into his neck as his finger tips brush over your core.

“Careful,” you warn, and sit up, the covers now just below your waist. Eddie pouts, chocolate eyes all goey as he stares up at you. Eddie huffs, defeated and can’t help but stare at where you’re both met on his lap, a lewd sight that gets you flustered.

“Feeling like you want to save water this fine morning?” Eddie offers as some sort of treaty— to which you nod and he happily carries you into the bathroom.

As Eddie drives you, adorn in your lilac dress, he listens to you talk about the little girl you’re hosting for today.

“I love all the kids I host for but the tiny ones are the best, so sweet,” you gush, as you skilfully apply your eye makeup. Eddie tries his best to avoid potholes, but you don’t seem to mind the bumps in his van. “Makes me imagine having one or a few myself one day.”

Eddie’s blinks at that, focusing on the road. You hadn’t spoken about that type of future since the first date. Eddie was aware you were set on having kids at some point, whether he was is a different question.

“Are you okay?” You cut through his mind’s incessant overthinking and he coughs, pulling toward the house where the party was. He nods, killing the engine.

“I’m peachy, sweetheart,” he assures, and you narrow your eyes slightly, before taking out your hair rollers. Eddie can sense something to the silence, so he just gets it over with. “It’s just kinda early to be talking about kids so soon, right?”

His words make you slow on fixing your hair, face falling slightly. “Oh, I wasn’t— it was just a passing comment.”

Eddie curses quietly and nods, moving to squeeze your hand, noting the sad expression on your face.

“Oh, baby, I know, I don’t know why I just froze up like that,” Eddie rambles, and you listen carefully. “Ignore me alright? You said you’re getting the ingredients for dinner tonight after the party? Eddie’s change of subject is glaring, but you relax, and nod.

“We can go after you pick me up,” you gesture to your dress sheepish, “I did forget a change of clothes, so we can just share the embarrassment of walking through the store with me all dressed up—,”

“—no worries sugar,” Eddie smiles fondly at your rambling, and kisses your hand. “I’ll pick you up when the party finishes, and I’ll go into the store for us.” Your heart flutters, leaning over to kiss his cheek. A pink imprint from your lip gloss taints his cheek, to which he seems content on keeping there.

“Have a good shift Eddie,” you smile, and he kisses your hand and forearm quickly.

“Good luck with the little gremlins,” he grins, finally letting free of your arm and leaning over to open your side of the van open. “See you later.”

ㅤꨄ︎

The party went perfect like always, the little girl Sara loving the surprise of a princess attending. You hug both her parents as they walk you to the door.

“My boyfriend’s picking me up,” you assure, and Sara’s mother eyes the clouds in the sky.

“Alright,” she smiles warmly, and you nod as they shut the door. You take a seat on a nearby bench, waiting for Eddie. He would have finished work by now, on his way in no time.

You feel silly in your dress, but push through as you chew your lip waiting. He hasn’t arrived in 30 minutes, and the rainy clouds were forming over the houses. Soon enough, you were soaked. You decided on heading to the store, a 10 minute walk to at least get out of the rain. This lilac dress had been your favourite, one you spent a ton of time making, currently being ruined by the rain. At the store, you focus on picking up the ingredients for the tart, knowing Wayne was supposed to be coming over. You try not to cry, try to keep your eyes from prickling as you check out, holding the grocery bags close. You wait under the awning outside, the sky darkening. It was 6, and Wayne was due to be around the house at 7. You’d have no time to make dinner let alone the tart. You let out a small sound as you make way to the pay phone.

“Wayne?” You murmur into the phone wetly, shivering. There’s shuffling before his voice filters through.

“Darlin’? You alright?” Wayne gruffed, concern evident. “Changes to dinner tonight?”

“No, no. I mean probably,” your lip wobbles as you lean against the pay phone box. “Eddie hasn’t picked me up, and it’s pouring. It’s been a few hours—,”

“— gah, shit,” Wayne huffs, seemingly moving about. “Hang tight, where are you?”

“Parson’s grocery,” you whisper, unable to stop the tears. Something you just couldn’t hold in, your ex always had a habit of reminding you how much of a crybaby you were. Wayne hangs up.

Wayne is there within minutes.

“Oh, get in and warm up,” Wayne speaks, helping you into his truck. “That boy— does my head in when he does this,”

“When he does this?” You ask, sniffing as your hands shake pulling a tissue up to dry your cheeks. Wayne sighs, starting up his truck and turning the heater up.

“Off grid, doesn’t tell anybody what he’s doin’ or where he is,” Wayne starts, face into a frown. “Probably still at work, or with Ronnie,”

“He said he’d pick me up,” you reply, body shivering. “He’s never done this to me before,”

“You were a pleasant exception, darlin’,” Wayne explains, as he pulls up to your apartment building. As he kills the engine, he turns to you. “Eddie’s been a good boy recently, since he met you. Gets to work on time— never shuts up about you, how much of a good influence you are,”

You sniff again, blinking away tears. Wayne huffs and helps you out, and into the apartment. He insists you bath and warm up while he cooks some dinner he can magic up. After a short while, the apartment door clicks open. Wayne and Eddie exchange a few words, hushed but you could tell Wayne was angry from his tone.

“You left her in the rain, she was all soaked through, boy,” Wayne crosses his arms, looking Eddie down. Eddie’s hands shake as he scratches the back of his neck.

“Where is she? Where, I’ve gotta explain—,” he stops as he notices you shuffling in, adorn in his hoodie and baggy sweats, hair damp. Eddie’s face falls, rushing toward you, hands grasping at your arms, cheeks. “Oh, sugar,” Eddie’s voice is shaking. “Babylove, I’m sorry, it ran late at the shop, and the guys needed extra help—,”

“—my favourite dress was ruined,” you speak, voice quiet. “That my mom helped me make,”

Eddie’s face looks even more distraught and you almost cave. Wayne gets the message, pointing to the door and leaving quietly.

“Was it the children comment?” You speak almost too quick, eyes blinking and wet. “I didn’t mean to scare you— or make you think I was planning to trap you or—,” your ex’s voice rang in your head, too emotional, stop being clingy. “That’s something I want in the future and I— thought I’ve made it clear—,” Eddie could sense your panic, and realisation falls over his face. “I know it’s only been 8 months, and I can get attached—,”

“—baby,” Eddie interrupts, soft, and you sniff, looking I at his careful expression. He guides you down to the couch. You let him, too exhausted and tired to protest, enjoying his warmth. “Listen to me, hm?” You nod, chewing your bottom lip, and Eddie’s hand rests to rub your back comfortingly. “I’m so sorry,” he begins, voice clear. “I did stay at the shop late, but I went for a smoke at lovers lake,” his admission makes you swallow, eyes watering again. “I’m a fucking idiot, it’s a well known fact in Hawkins,” he lets out an embarrassed gruff. “The comment about children— it did scare me, not for what you think,”

You nod at his words, hearing him out.

“I freaked, because growing up I’d never had someone like you in my life, a couple guys and girls that were flings. You rocked me off my cold hearted axis that day you walked in that offensively pink princess dress,” Eddie smiles now, pulling you in closer. You let him rest your legs over his lap. “I freaked because I knew I loved you, and the love in my life is always taken away, mostly because I don’t deserve it—,”

“— I beg to—,”

“— just wait,” Eddie hums, kissing your wet cheek, and he carries on. “My father was someone I never want to turn into. Running away from people who care for me the most, taking no responsibility when it calls for it.” Eddie then swallows, hand moving to cup your cheek. “You’ve made me rethink fatherhood— all of it. And of course I’d be open to it with you.”

You blink, head tilted to rest in his warm hand, a smile forming on your face. “In many years.” You correct and giggle, making him smile stupidly fond.

“Regardless, I shouldn’t have left you out there and I’ll make it up to you for the rest of our lives,” Eddie speaks firm, kissing you on the cheek again. You smile, arms around his neck as you shuffle into his lap.

“I love you too, by the way,” you whisper, head nuzzling into his cheek. He happily pulls you in closer, and kisses all over your face.

“Princess m’ so sorry,” he mumbles into your hair, and you hum as he squeezes your waist. “What can I do to make it better?”

His request makes you sit back and look down at him, the man you’ve fallen in love with so fast.

“It’s alright,” you chide, kissing his lips once. His eyes light up slightly, eyes darting from your lips to your eyes. “I just— don’t want to appear too clingy, or too emotional and— I dunno, put you off?” you speak quiet, playing with his shirt collar. Eddie sighs, squeezing your waist again.

“Nothing you can do will scare me away, I assure you,” Eddie speaks slow, making sure you understand. “It’s amazing to me you even agreed to go to the hideout with me in the first place.”

You smile bashful, and Eddie grins and kisses all over your face.

“That smile, sweetheart,” Eddie murmurs almost dazed, “Can’t wait to see that every day for the rest of my life.”

ㅤꨄ︎

a/n:

I can’t put into words how much I’ve loved seeing the support from this little series. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart, I’ve always been afraid to post my writing on here, but you guys have made me feel so welcome.

Let me know if you want anymore, my request box is open too!

Eddie takes a princess to the hideout.

Part I

-

Eddie can’t concentrate. He was waiting in his van, knee shaking, fingers drumming the wheel. You had told him two minutes to get ready, and to meet him in his van. He shuts his eyes, leans against the van chair and breathes out.

“Oh—! Sorry, the zip of my dress was being annoying, like she always is,” Eddie jumps at your voice as you get into the van, now dressed in a more relaxed sheer blouse and jeans. Sheer, Eddie notes like the disgusting pervert he is, and shakes his head blinking.

“No worries—,” Eddie then notes the box on your lap. “Let me put that in the back— you came here by yourself with all that?” Eddie takes the box and carefully puts it behind into the van as gracefully as he can.

“I got the bus,” you reply sheepishly, sighing. “My knight— well my old knight was supposed to pick me up,”

Eddie gets settled and starts the van up, the sound of Judas Priest blasting. He awkwardly turns it down, cheeks red. You smile politely, looking out the window as he pulls out of Steve’s driveway.

You look over to him, study his features. Big, brown doe eyes, and his teeth chewing his bottom lip.

“So uh— have you always lived in Hawkins? I don’t remember you from high school, and trust me I would— spent a good part of my teen years there—,” Eddie curses himself for over sharing a tad, not wanting to scare the cute girl in his passenger seat. “I mean— not a crazy amount. Not a concerning amount— I have a diploma—,”

“It’s alright,” you cut him off polite, smiling at his rambling. “No, I moved here recently. I graduated college, sick of hospitality in the city,” you explain, “Wanted to put that drama degree to use, become a hire princess for suburban kids,”

Eddie nods, taking in your words.

“The city?” Eddie murmurs as he looks over once, before stopping at a red light.

“Chicago,” you hum, answering his question. Eddie blows out a breath, eyebrows raised.

“I mean, you’re probably the first to prefer to be in this armpit of a town than Chicago, sweetheart,” Eddie speaks, and you giggle, leaning your head back against the worn seat, smiling over at him.

“It’s got charm, you know that?” You speak, and he doesn’t look like he believes you one second. Eddie smiles anyway, unable to scowl at your pretty face.

“Whatever you say,” he hums back, as he pulls into the hideout lot. Motorbikes planted outside, couple of bikers smoking, and loud metal music sounding from inside. Eddie kills the engine. “Okay, i completely get if you don’t feel like coming in, I can drive you home— I won’t be offended—“

“— why would I not want to come in?” You tilt your head, eyebrows furrowed.

“I mean it’s— it’s not,” Eddie fumbles over his words, gesturing to the bar with helpless hands. “Not really a scene I’d think you’d like,”

“I grew up in Chicago, Eddie,” you assure, hand moving to squeeze his forearm. Eddie thinks he’ll collapse in the seat, if that’s possible. “I can handle an edgy bar, and besides, my knight is here with me,” you tease, but Eddie thinks that might be the thing to kill him off for good.

Eddie guides you into the bar, the smell of smoke and beer littering the air, a shock to the senses for sure. You smile happily, following him to a part of the bar. Eddie whistles for the bartender, a man no older than 40, tattoos and piercings.

“Hey man, haven’t seen you around for a while,” the man smiles, and his eyes cut to you for a moment, kind. “What can I get you both?”

“Beer for me,” Eddie nods and looks expectantly at you, to which you agree. The bartender’s nods and prepares two bottles. Eddie’s hand goes to the bar, willing himself to get it together, work his usual charm.

“What do you do?” You ask, absentmindedly stepping closer, hip against the bar. One inch closer and Eddie’s hand would be on it. Eddie nods as he sips his bottle of beer.

“Mechanic, my uncle’s friend set me up after high school,” he explains, swallowing before looking down again. “Anything with a motor, send my way,”

“Was that what you always wanted to do?” You question polite, sipping some beer yourself.

Eddie squints and trails off. “Not particularly, but I— never really expected anything. I flunked senior year two times, barely scraped a diploma. I was just lucky I have friends in higher places,” Eddie winks, and shrugs, a little huff.

“Steve told me you’re in a band,” you speak, smiling excited.

“Oh, he did,” Eddie mumbles, a small smile, before humbly shrugging. “I am, we just play here and like— trailer weddings,” Eddie seems a bit embarrassed, but you smile even wider.

“Sick,” you speak, and Eddie wants to propose then and there. You then trace your manicured finger over his arm tattoo, bats. “These are cool,”

Eddie swallows, but he can work with this. He steps a bit closer. “They are? I have a ton,”

“Means I’ll have to see them sometime,” you hum, smiling beautifully under the dingy lighting. An angel, Eddie thinks, what had he done in the past to get you, staring up at him with that soft smile and pink cheeks?

“You always wanted to be a party princess?” Eddie speaks, sipping his beer again.

“I— didn’t really have a goal for my career, I know I just love playing pretend— when I was a kid. That’s how I went to drama school,” you explain softly, smiling. “Chicago is expensive, and I guess I wanted a break? From constantly telling people, oh, just saving money working as a waitress— not using my degree,” you ramble on, cheeks growing a bit hot. “So I started up my own business for this and— it worked,”

“It worked alright,” Eddie murmurs, stuck staring at your stupidly pretty face. “You’re a wonder with those kids, Olivia had a great time,”

“With the help of you,” you laugh, leaning back to sip your bottle, and resuming your place close to him. “Olivia loves you so much, you can tell. Adores her uncle,”

Eddie proudly smiles, eyes goey. “She’s stellar, only kid I tolerate.”

“You don’t want kids?” You ask, no accusation or judgement, just curious. “You’re amazing with them,”

Eddie has a stunned expression before chuckling awkwardly.

“I have— views on fatherhood I guess,” Eddie grimaces, remembering his childhood. The bottles thrown, bailing is own father out of jail. “I don’t know,”

You nod, smiling and looking over to the floor as the conversation dwindles down comfortably.

“How do you dance to this music?” You ask, grabbing his hands. Eddie argues almost instantly, but doesn’t let go.

“Oh no, sweetheart. Me and dance in the same sentence— besides this isn’t, really nice dancing I guess—,” you interrupt his rambling by dragging him to the floor. Odd drunks head banging. You push his hands to rest on your waist, under your sheer blouse that Eddie can’t take his eyes off of.

“Does this help?” You speak, tilting your head and smiling. He nods stiffly, but pulls closer. Your breath now in his space, your vanilla perfume still wafting around his head. A minute or two of moving about to the music, Eddie closes his eyes roughly, his forehead on yours. “What?”

“M just trying to behave,” Eddie mumbles, hand dangerously near where your jeans meet your waist.

“You’re such a gentleman, it really turns me on,” you admit, arms moving to wrap around his neck. Eddie splutters his words, head falling to your shoulder, groaning.

“Baby,” he murmurs defeated, “You’ll kill me on the spot.”

You giggle, moving his head up gently. His lips brush yours, and you swallow, your lip gloss wetting his lips before a loud bang interrupts you both. You squeak, and Eddie mutters a curse as I draws you close to tuck into his chest, looking over to see a fight had broken out. He gestures to the door and you nod, bashful now as he keeps you securely into his chest.

The walk out to his van is silent, but comfortable. The odd sound of breaking glass from the hideout. Eddie stops at his van.

“Listen I— this probably wasn’t the best place to take you, we can redo this, maybe I can take you to Enzo’s— this nice Italian, it’s overpriced as hell but—“ you stop his rambling by pulling his leather jacket collar, pushing your lips against each others. Eddie groans, gently probing your lips open with his thumb as his hand touches your face. You comply, opening your mouth free for him to explore, turn upside and out. You hum and lean back against his van, the cold metal on your back as he kisses down from your lips over your chin, and down your jaw.

“Eddie—,” you speak breathless, and he kisses gently over your cheeks, gently kissing everywhere his lips can reach. “Eddie, one second,” Eddie stills at that, blinking a bit in a daze. You smile, hands going for his cheeks.

“I don’t sleep with guys on a first date,” you speak, earnest. Eddie nods, breathing out, collecting himself. “Can you drive me home?” Eddie nods, kissing each of your cheeks as if he can’t help it. He holds the van door open for you, and your stomach erupts into happy butterflies watching him hurry to the driver side.

-

It’s quiet, at the door to your apartment. You shuffle to find your keys, Eddie still holding the box of costumes.

“Are you busy next Friday?” Eddie then speaks, and you flush, smiling.

“I have a party, but I’m free from 4,” you hum, nodding. He steps closer, a bit bashful.

“Can I see you again? I can cook us up a dinner at my place— or I can come here,” Eddie offers, and you take the box from him, pushing it onto your couch, returning with a sticky note and pen. You scribble your home phone, and stick it over his heart.

“For business purposes, my number if you ever feel like being my knight again,” you muse, fingertip grazing the spot on his heart. Eddie steps even closer, holding your wrist there carefully.

“It would be my pleasure to, any day, any night—,” Eddie tumbles a bit over his words, “And I’d do it for free too— no need to compensate, it’s actually really good practice for my dnd sessions—,” and you can’t help yourself, wrapping your arms around his neck and kissing him, wholly, full. He responds positively by wrapping his arms around your waist, encouraging you onto your toes. Eddie is all that consumes you, his curls in your hands, his tongue exploring every inch of your mouth— taking his time. Eddie’s hands stop at your jeans, his rings cold against your back as you finally break apart. You smile forehead falling to rest on his shoulder.

“D’you wanna stay? It’s late,” you mumble against his neck, smiling. Eddie pulls back, using his hands to gently lead your head back up.

“Are you sure, sweetheart?”

“Very sure,” you speak, hopeful expression casting over your tired eyes. Eddie then smiles wider and picks you up, arm under your knees and back, making you squeak as he shuts your apartment door. “I need to take all this makeup off,” you flush, smiling into his neck as he gently moves you into your bathroom, placing you on the sink counter with a gentleness he didn’t think he was capable of.

“This one?” He questions, like it was a normal routine, holding up a clear liquid that had “remover” on it. You nod wordlessly unable to hide the shy smile on your face as he dabs it carefully onto some face pads. He gently smooths it over your face, careful not to poke your eye out. “You seem experienced in this,” you speak, pointing it out.

Eddie shrugs, holding your jaw in his large hands as he removes your mascara. “Lot of taking face paint off of Olivia’s baby cheeks,” he speaks absentmindedly as he takes the last bit of smeared mascara that hid under your eyelashes.

“Thank you,” you murmur, the alcohol making you sleepy now, yawning. “I don’t know if I’m going to be any fun, it’s been a long day,” you trail off, cheeks a bit flushed as Eddie bins the cotton pads and hands settling on your thighs. Eddie smiles fondly, eyes watching your yawn.

“Sleeping is my second favourite past time, baby,” Eddie murmurs, poking your nose. Eddie then picks you up again, carrying you to your bedroom. You have a feeling about his first favourite, and it makes your cheeks heat up. Eddie gently places you on the bed.

“Can you stay?” You ask a bit shy, moving to take out your pyjamas. Eddie seems like a keen puppy as he unbelts himself.

“Easiest question, yes,” Eddie grins and in comfortable silence, both of you are ready for bed. You hold open the duvet for him, and he settles next to you. You lay over his chest, fingers tracing his tattoos on his chest. After a silence, Eddie murmurs against your hair. “I know we just met and I— really don’t want to fuck this up, I tend to fuck up a lot of things—,” you squeeze his arm looking up, soft moonlight casting over his features. “If you’ll let me, I’d like to treat you right.”

Your heart flutters, and even though you just met, and you just moved here, it feels right. There’s a compulsion in you deep inside to say yes.

“I’d love for you to treat me right,” you murmur softly, and lean up to kiss his lips gently, quiet.

you’re the hired princess for steve’s daughter’s birthday party, and eddie can’t take his eyes off you.

part II is up!

-

Eddie had always said he hated children, hate is a strong word, maybe mildly disliked. Vowed he’d never have any himself, no more Munson’s to poison the world. 5 years out of high school, a steady mechanic job he had somehow acquired, no children to ruin that. Maybe he hated kids, but he had a soft spot buried in his cold, dark heart for Steve’s little girl who calls him uncle.

Eddie sips his beer as he watches from the wall, little girls running around in their bright dresses. He should hate it here, but he couldn’t say no to sweet Olivia’s personal invitation she wrote for him to come. Steve’s partner is sat in a chair, hand on her 6 month belly. Safe to say Steve couldn’t wait to start a family. The doorbell chimes as Steve is sat with Robin having a tea party with Olivia and her friends. Steve looks over at Eddie.

“Man, could you get the door? I think it’s the—-,” Steve then mouths ‘special guest’ to which Eddie snorts and nods, saluting. He jogs inside the house and to the door, pulling it open, breath knocked out of him the minute he got a glimpse.

“Oh! Hi— you must be my fill in knight—,” you sigh out, smiling. Slightly red in the face but it looks like a natural, cute blush, he thinks. “He cancelled an hour ago, can you believe it?” You ramble as you place a box in his hands, he take it, blinking slightly and stepping aside wordlessly. Your tiara has tipped slightly, pale pink dress conjuring up all images in his mind he can’t escape. “I have all the costume in the box for you, Steve told me—“

That brings Eddie back from his momentary love spell you caused.

“Wait— what? Steve told you what?” Eddie speaks, watching your face as he follows you up the stairs.

“You’re Eddie, no?”

“I— that is he—“ Eddie fumbles with the box as you push into the guest room to lay your bag on the bed. Eddie clutches the box awkwardly as he watches you fix your curls. “How do you— know I’m Eddie?”

“Steve told me he can get a guy to fill in, for the knight role, said he had a mop of curls— metal looking—,” you speak absentmindedly, smiling happily as the tiara is fixed. Eddie doesn’t make a plan to move, eyes wide. “The costume should fit,” you smile, nodding to the box. Eddie can’t speak, can’t process, still distracted by your vanilla perfume wafting like he’s a cartoon attracted to a freshly baked pie.

“I— okay,” Eddie speaks, and shuffles into the guest bathroom. Eddie can’t believe his luck, Steve stitching him up like this. To make matters worse you’re possibly one of the most beautiful women he’s seen since The Princess Bride.

Eddie manages the knight costume on, arranging his curls again pathetically before pushing the door open. You’re stood applying some lip gloss, then turning to him.

“Oh it fits! Perfect,” you hum, standing to tie the red cape to the top of the costume. “My usual story is, you were a serving knight in my kingdom— a big dragon came and tried to burn the place down but,—“ you trail off, absentmindedly arranging his curls gently. Eddie thinks he might die, pop a boner, or just melt away into nothing. “We teamed up and saved the kingdom, married— blah blah,”

“Uh— didn’t want to go with the usual, saving Princess from a tower story?” Eddie attempts a joke, breath quiet as you mill it over.

“Hm, yeah, but I wanted to keep my stories feminist, especially for growing girls,” you smile, and Eddie thinks he might pass there on the spot. “Although you did save me today, thank you, by the way. Very chivalrous of you,”

“Oh uh—- yeah. Of course,” Eddie coughs, nodding. “Totally,”

“Cool,” you smile, the pink makeup shining under the sunlight through the window. “Showtime?”

*

When Eddie comes out to the garden behind you, Steve is already laughing behind his beer. The children have gathered to sit on the picnic blanket, staring wistfully at you, gliding over to them.

“Oh! What a lovely bunch of ladies and gentlemen!” You coo, voice soft. “It is a pleasure to meet you all, where is the birthday girl?”

Olivia shuffles up shyly, the toddler gripping her dress. You softly crouch, dress touching the floor. She smiles bright as you wish her happy birthday, and that’s always the best part of your job. Seeing the smiles on tiny faces.

Eddie is frozen behind you, posed a bit awkwardly. He avoids Steve’s gaze, for the sake of Olivia. A child asks about him, and you hum and stand, turning to take Eddie’s hand. Eddie can’t speak, blinking, before getting himself together. Olivia keeps looking at him with narrowed eyes, like she’s trying to solve a puzzle.

“This is my loyal knight,” you coo, nodding to Eddie, “Whom helped me defeat the evil dragon that tried to destroy my kingdom,”

A child pipes up.

“Are you in love?” The small toddler asks, eyes hopeful, as he stares up. “Like mommy’s and daddy’s are?”

“Oh, very in love,” you smile at his use of words, “Like mommys and daddys are— like all parents are,” Eddie’s not sure how to function, but is pulled by your hand to stand closer.

Olivia then giggles and toddles up to Eddie.

“Uncl’ Eds—“ she holds her hands up for him to pick her up, and he melts, like he always does for the little girl. You watch smiling softly, Eddie pulling Olivia up in his arms and sitting her on his hip.

“I am no uncle eds you speak of—“ Eddie plays the role perfectly, years of Dungeon Master training coming in handy. Olivia giggles loudly, patting his cheeks and hugging his neck. Eddie looks at you apologetic as he rocks the toddler, to which you just smile and continue to entertain the other kids.

“It’s time for some crafts, are we all ready for some crafts?”

*

You teach them how to make flower crowns, not catching Eddie staring at you— your glittery cheeks, soft lips, eyes that he’d go to war for. He tries to make one haphazardly with his clumsy hands.

“Do you need some help, my knight?” You giggle, Eddie blinking out of the trance you had him in. He smiles a bit embarrassed, a mangled flower crown sat in his lap. You crawl over, dress touching his lap, which sends his brain into a scramble. “Okay, so push the flower through— like this—,”

Eddie can’t concentrate, doesn’t have a bubbly what you’re explaining. The black flowers he chose weave through the crown, he blinks, armour clinking as he adjusts Olivia on his lap.

“Here,” you smile, finishing it for him, and placing it softly into his dark curls. His cheeks redden, as he adjusts it. Olivia claps.

“Uncle eds is so boot-iful!” Olivia giggles, and you smile, head tilted as you look over his features. Eddie huffs, tickling Olivia’s princess dress clad tummy.

“M not uncle eds, I’m a knight, remember?” Eddie coos, melting under the toddler’s attention like he always does. You hum.

“Seems like she loves her uncle Eds,” you speak, settling on the grass properly next to them. Eddie puffs out his chest slightly, letting her run off to play with her friends. He adjusts the armour slightly before nodding. “Thank you, by the way. For filling in, my knight he— pulls out quite a lot,” you trail off, a slight frown. Eddie wants to make sure you never frown again in your life.

“A cowardly knight if I’ve ever heard,” Eddie smiles over, hand resting on the grass behind you both, leaning back. “Ser Munson now at your service,” You smile warmly, cheeks heating up. Steve thinks then is the best moment to come over, Olivia over his shoulder, declaring it time to sing happy birthday.

-

As each child leaves with their parents, you give each of them a hug and some candy, something you do at every party. Eddie, standing with Steve crosses his arms.

“So you put me up to that today?” Eddie remarks, eyes not leaving you as you poke a child’s cheek softly. Steve chuckles lowly.

“What? You were the most experienced guy at this party— y’know with all that, nerd stuff you do on the weekend, that freaky roleplay—,”

“—it’s not, freaky— it’s. Never mind,” Eddie scoffs, then sighs out. “For Olivia of course, I’d do it any day, you know that.”

As all the guests leave, you pick up Olivia as she asks for it, ever the polite little girl. I walk her over to her father, and Eddie. Steve takes her carefully, kissing the toddler’s tired face. Steve gestures to inside the house quietly, before winking quite exaggerated at Eddie. You giggle, and move to fix his flower crown.

“You uh— going home now?” Eddie manages, cursing himself for the terrible line. Of course you were going home.

“I am, well, no plans i mean,” you smile, tilting your head. “Why?”

“Oh, no reason I just— wondered if— well I was stopping by the hideout on my way back, if you wanted to join me?” Eddie offers, holding his breath. Your face softened.

“I’d love to, let me just— de princess,” you giggle, gesturing to the outfit, to which Eddie shrugs, a bit more comfortable to use his normal charm.

“I don’t mind the princess get up,” Eddie shrugs, stepping closer, tattooed hand brushing over the sleeve.

“Let’s save it for the third date, at least,” you hum, moving down to squeeze his hand and move into the house.

There was a before you, and Steve Harrington hoped to God they’d never be an after you.

-

Soft sunlight filtered through the lace curtains, the quiet hum of the radio playing an old Carpenters song filling the air as you held Olivia on your hip. She had just been fed, enjoying being in her mother’s arms. You heard the door open and close in the distant, smiling as you put two plates of food down onto the table.

“Lasagne?” Steve murmurs as he shuffles in, bag on the floor. You turn, and Olivia positively lights up, hands out and ready for her daily cuddles from when Steve got home, like clockwork. Steve gasps and takes Olivia carefully, blowing raspberries all over her cardigan clad belly. “Daddy missed you too, Livvy.” Steve cooed and Olivia suddenly wasn’t so tired anymore, to your dismay. Steve then looks up, Olivia perched happily on his hip. “I always miss you too,”

You smile. Never immune to Steve’s charm even after 4 years of marriage, flushing. “Eat, before it gets cold. I know those children ware you out,”

Steve chuckles and doesn’t sit before pressing a sweet kiss to the side of your lips, and sitting. Olivia persists being in his lap while he eats, a regular occurrence when Steve returns from work. “One game away from getting them into the regional finals,” Steve explains, taking a bite of the food. You listen, like always, smiling at his passion for his little league games. “Little Bradley finally has a helmet that fits, I asked for one to be made— poor guy can’t see past two metres.”

You eat, chewing and nodding. “He’s got potential even without seeing half the pitch,” You reply, smiling.

Steve nods. “He asks about you, asks me when Mrs H is back,” you smile warmly at his words, missing being the school nurse. You were off on parental leave, not wanting to come back to work until Olivia had started school. Olivia gurgles, smiling up at her dad, and Steve melts like every time she looks at him. “Oh, don’t give me that look lovely livvy, gonna kill your old man’s measly heart,” Steve coos and lifts her again to rest on his hip, holding just under her bottom.

“She inherited your distracting eyes, mister,” you hum, smiling as Steve kisses Olivia’s cheeks, making her squeal in delight. Steve’s smile is wide as he makes noises to keep her at this happy state.

“Yeah, but she has your smile, and that’s my weakness, baby,” Steve comments, letting Olivia pat his cheeks.

You both eat happily, in comfortable silence save for Olivia’s happy noises.

-

While Steve showers, you hum quietly to Olivia as she dozes off in her crib. Her tiny hands slow, her small chest rising and falling. You brush strands of her curls from her forehead, smiling before switching on the baby monitor and heading for the bedroom. Steve has pyjama pants on, shirtless as he curses, trying to get the scar cream onto his lower flank, but missing. You sigh from the doorway, soft.

“Steve, let me,” you chide, but he huffs quietly. Lips into a frustrated pout. You take the cream from his hand, kissing his tan shoulder before spreading some over his scar that littered his lower stomach. It was healed, but needed the cream every so often as the scars were pretty deep. Steve had met you after it all, after the upside down, when you l moved from Chicago in search of a quiet, small town life. Being a nurse at Hawkins middle, you two gravitated toward each other. It felt refreshing for Steve to meet someone who knew the real him, not King Steve, someone he could start a new life with. Safe. Some days were difficult, Steve still had nightmares, saw. Vecna in the corners of his mind, eventhough it was all over. He had decked the house with a hidden gun and nail bat by the front door, which you insisted he move to the shed at the very least. As long as Steve had these scars, he had the fear you’d be taken away from him, you and Olivia.

“We have Dustin staying over Friday right?” You speak conversationally, as you spread the cream gently over the scars you got to know well. Well, not properly. Steve wasn’t allowed to say anything about his past, what he’d experienced to get these. “Maybe I could make that peach pie I baked for your mom— Steve?” Steve was checked out, eyes on the bed, tormented. “Steve,”

He blinked, before sighing and running a hand through his hair. “Sorry, sorry, baby— distracted,” he waves his hand absentminded. You knew better.

“If that ringing doesn’t stop you need to see a doctor,” you speak, capping the cream and placing hands to smooth out his brown locks. Steve can’t make eye contact, closing his eyes and sighing.

“It’s not the ringing— it’s fine,” his words are hard, measured. You pull back, swallowing before sighing yourself.

“I can’t help if I’m not even the slightest clued in, Steve,” you breathe out, arms crossed. “You just— go places. And suddenly I can’t get to you even-though you’re right here, in our home.”

“I told you it’s nothing you should worry about,” Steve says slowly, “Can we drop this?”

You huff, exasperated. “I’m your wife, Steve. We have a child, I’m not going to tell anyone whatever it is, or was— I just want to understand.”

“It’s not that— it’s not—“ Steve argues tired, shaking his head. “I can’t have you worrying about that,”

“About that— what is that?” You raise your voice, only slightly, voice threatening to break. “I understand you want to keep your past to yourself— I understood, but now when we, you have me for life, Steve. You have me, why can’t you just tell me? I have to just sit and wait while you dead bolt the doors every night, pace downstairs before joining your wife in bed—.” You croak, breaking now.

“I can’t have you worry about that, I just can’t, will you listen to me?” Steve’s voice picks up, snappy, harsh. “That’s final, I say you won’t, so you won’t,”

Quiet, silence as Steve’s heavy breaths fill the room. You step back, swallowing before moving to open the duvet.

“Honey, you have to believe me,” Steve’s voice is quiet again, apologetic as he kneels next to you. “If I tell you, I risk losing both you and Olivia— and I can’t. I have to protect you both.”

“How am I supposed to believe you when I have no idea what you’re protecting us from?” You speak, voice whispering. You then lay down, back to him. “Can you turn the lamp off?”

Steve doesn’t move for a while, before slowly switching off and getting comfortable on his side. You couldn’t sleep, were you being selfish? Wanting to know how he got those scars, why he can’t sleep without checking every door of the house. Finally drifting off a few hours later, your eyes blink open as the bed moved, Steve erratic as he wakes up shaking, eyes darting and body moving on alert. “Don’t touch her! Don’t touch her— you won’t take her, I’ll kill you—“

“Steve— Stevie—.” You sit up, hand gently on his shoulder as he thrashes. These were common. “It’s me, you’re home— safe.”

Steve blinks awake, sitting up. His cheeks are stained. Steve turns to you, eyes wide and devastatingly upset. You shuffle forward and wrap your arms around his head, his face into your chest.

“I’m here,” you speak softly, shallow. “Listen to my heartbeat, okay? Hear it? I’m here,” Steve closed his eyes against your chest, hands clutching your sleep shirt (his old Hawkins Hugh swim shirt).

“I’m sorry,” Steve mumbles messily, before sitting up again. “M sorry— baby,”

You shush him, moving to sit in his lap, stroking behind his ears. Before you speak, you kiss his cheek. “No apologies, that’s the rule right?”

“Right,” Steve agrees, voice quiet. He then sighs, rubbing your back. “I want to tell you, why this happens— you’re burdened with me, having all these problems with no explanation—“

“—Steve-“

He continues. “— but sharing it with you legitimately puts you in danger, and I— with my life I have to protect you, and protect Olivia.” Steve speaks, voice cracking. “You’re too good— too good to be burdened with that information.”

“I can’t pressure you to,” you speak softly, kissing his forehead. “And if you say it would put me and Olivia in danger, I believe you.” You close your eyes, his forehead on yours. “None of you is a burden to me, even the parts you hate the most.”

Steve relaxes, arms tightening around your waist. Pressing kisses down your jaw slowly, almost comforting himself with the feel of you, Steve’s voice is quiet.

“I thought you were my guardian angel, when I met you on the pitch that day— patching up little Bradley’s knee.” Steve murmurs, his warm smile now on his lips, the one you saw when he looked at you. “Most days I can’t believe you’re my wife.”

“Believe it,” you hum, catching his eyes, noses touching. “Present and future Mrs Harrington,”

Steve smiles and can’t help but kiss you, a feeling he’ll never tire from. It’s slow, the drag of his lips making you feel dizzy, still. Steve gently pushes you both down into bed, lazily kissing from your lips across your cheek. His hands smooth over you, sleep dress bunching at his fingertips. You let out a surprised squeak, and Steve kisses you for it.

Yeah, you definitely were his guardian angel.