I don't have a hope in hell - PART 1
Eddie Munson AU: Set in late 1990s, in a big corporate office. Eddie in the basement, Reader in a cubicle on the top floor. NO gang, or Vecna/upside down. Both reader and Eddie are around 27/28 years old and living in Chicago.
Use of y/n, from the reader's perspective, but also Eddie’s at times.
Warnings: long burn, mentions of death and abuse, swearing, drugs, a little angst and some very light smut
Authors NOTE: feedback is really appreciated! This ones a bit different but I really liked the scenario. Eddie out in the big wide world, not a failure - finally getting the happy ending he deserves Â
You had just moved from Indianapolis to your company’s head office in Chicago. It was a huge change to be sure, but as soon as you rode away from the airport, down the highway in a taxi cab, you knew it felt right.
It was freezing, and the air was thick with fog, but the buildings were beautiful and you eagerly took in the sites of the murky river and the loud shuddering of the overhead trains as they passed. This was home now. Beautiful, yet terrifying, but home all the same.
The previous few weeks had been torture. Excitement mixed with anxiety, the stress of selling everything to start fresh in a new city – the feeling of stepping into a whole new life weighing heavy.
When the transfer had been presented to you, you had initially asked for some time to consider the offer. It was a good opportunity to be sure, but your life had been in indi. When you had told your long term partner Derrick about it he was less than thrilled. What is there to think about? he snapped in response. That one comment sealed the trajectory of your future, the last one in a long line of snarky remarks you had endured for as long as you could remember.
He was sweet once, attentive, he would surprise you and scoot you under his arm anywhere you went, to protect you and show the world you belonged together. But that was a long time ago and you had been unhappy and in denial for too many months to count. Derrick had slipped into putting in little effort, and had begun expecting you to mother him and to wait around for his calls. You couldn’t even remember the last time you had gone on a date, or a time where he had really tried to pleasure you, taking the time to explore your body and respond to its ebbs and flows.
Deep down, the resentment had been building and the lack of support of even the idea of a move to follow your career stung. That was the final nail in the coffin.
There isn’t anything to think about… for you. you replied, looking straight into his eyes. It’s over Derrick. I’m done and I’m going.
After that, things kind of kicked into frantic motion – making arrangements for the move and saying all the goodbyes seemed to whizz past you. Sitting in your window seat on the plane, you wondered when it would finally hit you. You even half expected the grief over the relationship and the painful goodbyes to family and friends to bubble over after take off. It never came. Instead, the anxiety settled somewhat, and a feeling of giddy excitement and nervous energy penetrated your being.
You smoothed down your pencil skirt over the tops of your thighs as you waited in the lobby. Glancing at your watch every few minutes, you scolded yourself for being so fidgety. It’s the same company, you know this shit, you’ve got this… you reminded yourself, repeating it over and over like a mantra in your head as you waited for your new boss to meet you. Finally, she arrived, with a swish of a polyester power suit and the clacking of stilettos on the tiled floors.
“You must be y/n” she inserted, thrusting her hand out with barely a hint of a smile.
“Yes, so good to meet you”
“I’m Natasha” she replied before adding, “They said you were coming. It’s frantic here, you know, so no time to waste”
With that she turned on her heel and started off towards the elevator, leaving you slightly stunned before hurrying to catch up.
This woman is all business. Don’t piss her off. You thought to yourself as you watched her tap her foot impatiently while intermittently re-pressing the up button every now and again as if that would hurry the elevator.
After a few awkward minutes inside the elevator, it went *ding and Natasha launched herself out before the doors even had a chance to fully open. She was walking with purpose and seemingly expecting you to follow. As she made her way through the rows of cubicles she pointed to different desk clumps.
“That’s finance. Accounting is on the fifth floor.”
“Executives offices are on fourth. Sales are on third. Customer service is on second and IT is in the basement. Any questions?” She asked, stopping suddenly and turning on her heel to face you before adding “this is you”
“Great, thanks” you replied, casting your eyes over the tiny cubicle. Granted it was bigger than your old one and you actually had a computer this time. It looked fine, a sterile little home for you to make yours. However, you couldn’t help but curse yourself internally for how bad you were with technology. Fuck you thought dryly. Sink or swim.
When you glanced back to Natasha and saw that she was looking at you, with a slight look of annoyance. “Ok. Good luck” she muttered, before walking away without a second glance.
You looked around before putting your bag down and unpacking your personal stationary and mug, before turning your attention to the computer. Sighing you pressed the on button and waited. Nothing happened. Just as you were about to try it again. The face of an excited young woman appeared over the cubicle divider, giving you a little fright.
“HI” she said excitedly
Before you had finished responding she had already circled the felt wall and was invading the small space.
“So you are the newbie” she gushed “I’m Leah. It's soooo good to meet you! I’ve been here 4 months and I was just dying for someone to sit next to! I'm so happy you’re here” she was almost bouncing on the balls of her feet as she spoke. You realized you must have looked stunned and tried composing your face into a friendly one before responding.
“Im y/n. Good to meet you too. Guess we are clump buddies now”
She beamed at that. “Oh. my. god. It’s going to be so much fun!  Are you from Chicago?!”
“Um no actuallyy… I just moved here from Indianapolis”
“Wow, that’s so cool. How are you finding it? I’ll have to show you all the best spots. I’ve lived here all my life so I can take you around”
“Wow thanks” you replied, smiling softly. “But first, can you show me how to turn this thing on,” you asked dryly, pointing a finger towards to foreign computer-like object.
She giggled and swiftly reached across to press the on button. When nothing stirred she furrowed her brow and tapped a few keys with intent. Still nothing. She even popped under the desk to check it was plugged in. Looking at you perplexed, she said “hmmm that’s weird, sorry I couldn’t help. You’ll have to call tech support. But first, let’s get you a coffee!”
You felt relief as you abandoned the non-responsive computer to blindly follow her to a small tea room. You poured yourselves coffees and shared in some inane chit-chat, while Leah introduced you to every passerby. It helped. While it was a bit overwhelming, Leah was helping you feel a little more at ease in the new surroundings.
After a few minutes, you made your way back to your desks. Once sitting facing the computer head-on and alone in the cubicle, you wondered how one would even find the number for tech support. Just as you were about to pop your head over to ask Leah, Natasha slammed a pile of papers on the desk.
“I need these reports done by the end of the day, understood?” she barked before stomping away, not waiting for a response.
Saved by the bitch. you thought, almost relieved to see the hefty pile. It would most likely fill the rest of the day, so you wouldn’t get around to dealing with the stupid computer. Perfect.
Trudging to your desk early on Tuesday morning, you knew you would have to face the broken computer. It wasn’t that you didn’t know how to use a computer, it was just a bit of a weakness of yours. Technology seemed to always fail at your touch.
With relief, you noticed that the number for IT was handwritten in tiny characters against one of the speed dial buttons. Quickly you pressed it, holding the receiver up to your ear and waiting for the dial tone.
“Hello” a bleary sounding voice answered
“Hi, um, my computer isn’t turning on and I don’t know why” you blurted out
“Woah slow down. Who am I talking to here?”
You paused, taken aback “I’m y/n” you replied.
“Good morning y/n. I’m Eddie” he replied, “now what seems to be the problem?”
With this, a slight whisper of frustration rose in your chest. Whoever this Eddie was on the other side of the line was a little annoying.
“I started yesterday, and the stupid computer won’t turn on” you state dryly
“Well not if you talk about her like that” he replied sarcastically
You rolled your eyes at that.
“Well, can you help me or not?” You reply curtly.
“I can. But you have to say the magic word”
You scoffed in response. Who was this guy? And why was he so infuriating? You would play along, for now.
“Please kind sir, can you do your job and come help me with my computer” you replied, in a sickening sweet sarcastic tone.
He let out a low chuckle before responding “where are you”
“Level six, towards the back and by the window that looks out on the river”
He hung up. Leaving you with the sound of the dial tone. You pulled the receiver away and frowned at it before putting it back on the hook. What was that all about? You thought bitterly.
You busied yourself with some paperwork and tried to push the feeling of annoyance down.
After waiting for what seemed like an age, you heard the familiar *ding of the elevator and glanced up towards it, the felt wall blocking your view.
The faint jingling of a chain made its way towards your cubicle and before you had a chance to finish turning towards the corridor, a large presence invaded the entrance, with a ringed hand placed on the edge of the felt wall on either side. You stood quickly, taking in the figure before you. He had long, dark and unruly curly hair that shagged around his face. He was wearing a plain black T-shirt and jeans, with a chain hanging off his hip, and there seemed to be a cloud of the familiar smell of smoke and cinnamon lingering around him.
“Y/n?” He asked, breaking the silence.
“Ah yep” you replied before turning to face the offending computer “that’s the one”
He pushed past you, plonking himself in the swivel chair with a flourish, before fiddling with the buttons and cords.
“Come on baby,” he said with a coo “tell me what’s wrong”
He was talking to the computer. What a Weirdo you thought to yourself.
Almost as if he had heard that he quickly jutted his head under the desk to look at the power cords. He was mumbling something about circuit boards as he re-emerged.
“I’ll need to go and get a part” he stated once back standing, pushing his hair out of his face.
“Okk…. How long is this gonna take?” You asked, trying to suppress your frustrations.
As he looked at you straight in the face, you noticed the slight scruff on his chin, and his dark eyes. You must have been staring because after a moment he broke the silence. “Shouldn’t take long. She’s missing a surge protector. I’ll be right back” he answered finally, as he strode out of the cubicle and began to make his way down the corridor. You watched him go and yelled out “thanks?” To the back of his head as he walked away. A few people from the surrounding desk glared at you so you quickly sat back down in the chair. Thankful for the felt walls to hide the embarrassed flush of your cheeks.
You wondered when this Eddie character would return, as you buried your head in the new stack of reports Natasha had left for you in the in-tray. It’s gonna be a long day. You thought to yourself as you took a final swig of coffee and stared at the empty mug.
After a few hours, Eddie returned, with the same flurry as before, swinging his body into the cubicle and holding up a white box with cords jutting out of it.
“Here we are girl” he adulated towards the dead computer “I’m gonna make it all better”
You shuffled out of the way so he could get back under the desk.
After a few minutes of silence, he emerged with a smirk. “All better” he announced as he jumped to his feet and pressed the on button. The computer whirred and came to life with a dramatic sound, like a piano chord. He nodded and then moved quickly to exit the cubicle. He stood expectantly at the entrance looking at you, waiting for something
“No worries. Just doing my job” he replied, laying on the sarcasm as he repeated what you had said to him over the phone. Your cheeks flushed in response and stumbled over your thoughts for a suitable reply, but before you could he was gone again. Striding back to the elevators without so much as a second look.
The rest of the week went by without a hitch. It wasn’t exactly exciting work, but it was manageable, and the money was good. Not having any friends in Chicago meant the nights were a little long and lonely. Watching tv with a beer in hand helped fill the outs before bed and still the thoughts of home. But nevertheless, when Leah asked you to join some coworkers for a drink at quitting time on Friday, you nearly jumped at the chance.
The bar around the block was pretty basic, it was dark and had pool tables and cheap drinks. Perfect. You thought as you took a seat at the table with the others.
It was nice, and the conversation flowed casually with your new coworkers. People joked about the hard-ass Natasha and asked about your hometown as they sipped on beers and laughed. You were having fun and were a little tipsy.
When you strode back to the bar for another one, you noticed a dark figure sitting at the end, choofing on the dregs of a cigarette. It was Eddie. He looked different somehow, edgier, clad in a huge leather jacket that matched his huge combat boots. You hadn’t noticed them before. He glanced in your direction before turning back to his beer.
You knew you should at least say hello to the man who had helped you, or maybe invite him to join the rest of the coworker group but felt nervous approaching him. Once your beer arrived you took a large gulp and made your way towards him.
“Eddie right?” You asked once beside him
He didn’t look at you while he muttered a response. “Y/n. How are you doing this fine evening”
“Great!” You blurted out, which forced him to look at you with a little surprise in his eyes. You hoped he didn’t notice you were a little drunk.
“What brings you over to my corner of this fine establishment?” He asked, cocking one brow.
“I just wanted to say thanks” you replied, before adding “ffor your help, the other day”
“Like I said, sweetheart. Just going my job”
“I know, iits justt… its just. I’m shit with that stuff”
“Yeah. I swear they like hate me”
“They can smell your fear, you know. Like a dog”
You scoffed. “That’s good to know. I’ll keep that in mind next time I feel spooked around one.”
Edie glanced over your shoulder as you spoke, spying Leah’s concerned glance at them.
“I think your little friend there is concerned about your fraternising with one of the basement commoners”
“Whaaat?” You respond, shooting a glance over your shoulder. You saw Leah’s pleading face glare back and watched as her mouth spelled out what are you doing? Before turning back to Eddie confused.
“I guess you didn’t hear” he replied after a moment of pause.
You didn’t reply but furrowed your brow as a signal for him to explain.
“Pretty princesses for the sixth floor shouldn’t bother with the IT goblins,” he said dryly, averting his eyes so he was facing forward on his stool once more.
“I–I’m sure it’s not like that –“ he cut you off with a chuckle before replying “it’s cool darling, I was just on my way out anyways. Have a good one” he rolled off his seat, stood and made a beeline for the exit, weaving through people and leaving you stunned and staring at the now empty seat. What was that? You wondered, before making your way back to the waiting table of new friends.
Eddie pushed through the small crowd and made his way towards the door, pushing it open and stepping outside. He cursed the cold underneath his breath as he pulled the zipper of his leather jacket up gruffly. It didn’t do much, but with his fists dug into the pockets and arms pressed against his body, he knew he would be ok for a little while.
As he walked the couple of blocks towards Tony’s bar, he reflected on the whole interaction with y/n. He wondered why you had spoken to him at all. Usually, the office workers would barely look at him or say thank you when he fixed their computers.
That day had been particularly rough, when an asshole executive had essentially demanded he come and take a look at his computer, making sure it was clear he was far too busy and important to be dealing with any disruption. When Eddie started tinkering around with it he registered it was sluggish and probably riddled with viruses. For fucks sake. He thought to himself as he trawled through the code to find the source. When he discovered the culprit he nearly scoffed out loud. Bingo. He thought at the realisation that this jerk had an entire folder of porn stashed on the desktop.
That wasn’t the first time he had found something like that on someone’s computer, and it wouldn’t be the last. He had contemplated turning people like that in but always ended up deciding against it. Shit like that kept him employed and he knew better than to draw attention to himself more than necessary. What he didn’t appreciate was the way the guy insinuated that it was IT's fault his computer was messed up. Eddie bit his tongue, to stop himself from blurting out what he had found. Instead, he replied “careful what you download mate” and left the office abruptly. Dickhead. He cursed internally.
It was the same shit he had always copped. People had always looked down on him since he was a little kid in Indiana. His hometown of Hawkins quickly labelled him as a freak when he moved in with his uncle at eleven.
People always seemed to be watching him, like they were waiting for him to fuck up, and become just like his dad. High school was particularly bad, and repeating senior year three times did him no favours. It wasn’t surprising that people assumed he was a satanic freak that must have also been dumb. Still hurt to hear it though, and to have names thrown at him every day, meaning he always had to be on high alert for an impending beatdown.
Money was tight at home too, and he had started dealing to help out a bit. That didn’t help his reputation as trash either. But it was necessary. Survival ain’t always glamorous he would think to himself as he would sit out on the picnic bench in the woods, waiting for jock idiots to throw their money at him before fucking back off into the trees.
Things eased up a little when poor Chrissy Cunningham went missing. The whole town looked frantically for her, scouring the woods for any trace that she had been there.
Eddie even found himself worrying about her, wondering if she was ok. She had always been nice to him in middle school and even when she started dating Jason – the actual bane of Eddie’s existence – she would still give him slight apologetic smiles when Jason would hurl abuse at Eddie. He had even dealed to her a couple of times, and she had been sweet and kind, treating him like a person and not a vending machine like the others did.
When her body washed up on the shore of Lovers Lake, whispers of blame spread through the community. Naturally, they looked at Eddie, the town freak. Surely Chrissy had fallen victim to his satanic cult. Members of the local congregation even petitioned to have Eddie arrested, but fortunately, Chief Hopper was smarter than that and had never wavered on his search for the real killer.
It was Jason. He had shot her one night after an argument and dumped her body in the lake. Sloppy. It hadn’t been the first time he had hurt her, and that night she had tried to get away. He killed her in cold blood and anger. While Eddie had never been one to believe in karma or fate, he couldn’t help but smile seeing Jason’s face plastered on the news. The footage of him, in handcuffs being carted into the police station, had been pure poetry for Eddie to watch. After years of abuse against him, the town would finally see who the real monster was. Where the real evil lay. Some of Jason’s ex-cronies even apologised to Eddie, saying they should never have gone along with Jason’s “Eddie the freak” bullshit. It didn’t dull the memories, and it didn’t take away the pain, and the sadness he felt for poor Chrissy, but it was something. Not justice – but a kind of relief.
Not long after graduation, Eddie moved to Indianapolis to attend computer college at night, working part-time in a local bar. It had been hard moving away from the hellfire boys, Wayne, and the band, but it was liberating to live without eyes on him all the time. Nobody there knew him or were waiting in the wings for him to fall on his face.
After that, he moved to Chicago and got a cushy tech support job at a big national company. It was mind-numbing, to say the least, but he earned enough to live and send money back to Wayne. That kind of financial freedom was something he had never known before. The feeling of security was more than enough to make it all worthwhile.
It still surprised him that he had made it to nearly 30, not in jail or living a life like Wayne’s, working the graveyard shift at some toxic plant. He never thought it was possible to have a stable and legitimate job, health care, and a roof over his head. It probably wouldn’t have been if he had stayed in Hawkins. Barely seeing his friends and family was a small price to pay for that kind of freedom.
Never one to sit still for too long, Eddie kept himself occupied but frequenting all of the music venues in Chicago, and embedding himself within the local scene. If someone had asked him if he liked going to raves back in his Hawkins days he would have laughed in their face. But now, he went to any kind of gig, just to feel the vibration of the music pulse through his body and quieten his mind for a while.
He had a few good friends and had even had a few girlfriends pop up from time to time, but nothing serious. Eventually, they would get tired of his aloofness and he would tire of the monotony, and would stop calling them back.
Tonight he was heading to meet his friend Arlo to see an up-and-coming post-punk band. They had a real gritty DIY sound that reminded Eddie of Corroded Coffin’s old rough and ready days at the hideout. When he arrived he breathed a sigh of relief, taking in the familiar smoke and sour smell of beer, already feeling much more at ease. His earlier interaction with you had rattled him and he was glad to be back in an environment he knew and where he didn’t have to think or speak. Here he could just soak in the sound, the warmth, and a few more beers.
As the heavy base rumbled up from the floor and through his body and into his chest, he tried to push the thoughts of you away. The pretty girl who was so out of reach, with a tight skirt, pinned-back hair, and sheer black stockings. As much as he tried to shoo away the thoughts, he couldn’t help but imagine how it would feel for him to hike up that skirt and rip open the stockings, pushing you up against the wall of that damn cubicle and having his way. God help me. He thought bitterly, trying desperately to refocus on the live show in front of him. I’m a goner.
