#munsons

Giselle aka JoJo aka monster, the daughter of Joe & Steve, Eddie’s niece/princess was talking to her daddy Steve after school. She mentioned a new kid, how no one was talking to em. During lunch she was eating with her friends when she noticed he was sitting alone and looked sad.

“You know how you always say to never let someone eat sad or alone. So I said we can invite him to eat with us, you know what Tiffany said daddy..” As Steve unpacked dinner, multi-tasking.

“Oh, what did Tiffy say baby?” Harrington already having an idea, he’s had “concerns” with Tiffany and her family for some time now.

“Daddy she said no! Said I can’t invite him.”

“Oh that Tiffany.”

“So I got up and ate my lunch with him. We played on the play set after.”

“That’s my girl, good for you JoJo.” Steve was supportive of his daughter, knowing the pressures all too well, especially at her young age. Being half Munson and Harrington.

“Does, your friend have a name?”

This is where Eddie walked in, mid sentence of; sat and had lunch with him and played the rest of the day.

“His name’s Baron, he’s a nice boy.”

Eddie immediately panicked, were they talking about.. boys? What the- she’s too young! No! Not his Arwen, instead of making his presence known, finding out the entire story he runs out the door. Makes up this whole imaginary scenario in his head as he goes looking for his twin.

Finds him outback putting together a swing set that was being added to the play set outback.

“Dude! Is that a swing set?”

“Yeah man, finding out it’s a bitch to put together! Come help.”

Eddie assisted as best he could, both twins lost at some of the confusing instructions.

“Why didn’t you pay someone to put this together.”

“Because.. I can do it, plus.. Steve talked me into thinking I could.”

Eddie laughed at the idea, jesus. Was his brother ever madly in-love, to find your soulmate in high school, to be that lucky.

“Screw-it! I’m calling someone to put it together.” Joe stood, pulling his phone out.

“You staying for dinner?”

“That’s what I came out here to talk to you about?” Joe threw Eddie a look, tucking his phone back into his pocket, he picks up his tools.

“Oh yeah? What about dinner?” Eddie kept looking around anxiously, which the twin picked up on.

“Dude, what the hell is wrong with you?”

“I walked in on our kiddo talking about some-boy she met at school.”

“So, what! She has friends, no biggie.”

“No Joe! This sounded.. different, sounded like- she liked the kid. As more than a friend?”

“She’s 6 Ed!”

“We were 6 and picking up girls in school remember!” Eddie reminded his brother. Joe offering a puzzled look merely laughed it off.

“It’s harmless Ed, remember when we wo…” then it clicks, he remembers holding hands, cheek pecks. Their first kiss was.. oh shit! This age! Dropping his tools, he finally reacts the way Eddie needed him too. Two dingus twins… to make it worse, two MUNSON dingus twins!

“What do we do? She can’t.. fall for this kid..No! Absolutely Not! She’s a Munson, she.. oh shit! She’s a Munson!” Joe began pulling at his hair, pacing.

“I think we should scope this kid out, get a feel for em when he doesn’t know he’s being watched.”

“Then what? Threaten a 6 year old?”

“I mean…”

“Ed! No!”

“So..you’re fine with your only daughter, first born, our monster having a … boy-friend.”

“Of course not! Are you shitting me! Ok.. ok, I’m-in. So, what’s the plan?”

So-here we are, two dinguses playing The Hardy Boys. Joe’s phone rings, not looking to see who it is, he picks up. Too focused on spying.

“Yeah..”

“Babe?” Shiiiiiiit he mouthed, setting the binoculars down, as if Steve could see him he slinks into the driver seat. Eddie taking advantage grabs them and takes over watch.

“Hey babe, what’s-up.”

“Where are you?”

“Came to.. scout a location for.. possible-“ looking over at Eddie who offers no damn help.

“Future location of that thing we’ve talked about remember. So, what’s up my angel. Did you-need something? Or did you just need to hear my voice?”

Steve laughed, which had Joe melting further into his seat. The face he made was that of yuck in love, Eddie made gagging sounds.

“Just called to see how you were, they said you left a while ago. You ok? What-location did we talk about? I don’t.. wait, is this for the dance studio?”

“Yeah! That! Sure! Dance studio!”

“Joe..”

“Yes angel..”

“We never discussed a dance studio.”

“What? You tricked me? Why-would you? I’m hurt that you’d.. the audacity..”

“Any-who, I called because I was going to pick up JoJo and her new friend from school, then bring them home. I spoke with their mother. Arranged a dinner, she seems taken by him.”

Joe almost had a heart attack, how could, Steve be onboard with their daughter having a boy-friend. Felt betrayed, thought they saw eye to eye on this. Such a Harrington move.

“Cupcake, do you think.. it’s wise to, have this.. boy over who we don’t know? I mean-what if he’s.. a menace.”

“He’s 6 Joe, plus.. JoJo asked. Plus it’s not Tiffany! So that’s an upside.”

Eddie could hear the whole conversation, gave his 2 cents. Whispered he’d invite Wayne and they’d come over and “handle it”.

“Umm.. ok well don’t forget you invited Wayne and Ed over for dinner.”

“I did? Must’ve-slipped my mind. Ok, see you later. Love you.”

“Love you too.. bye.” Hanging up quickly he dials Wayne, putting the call on speaker.

“Wayne, It’s us! We need you to come to dinner tonight, bring your shotgun, there’s-this boy that has the monster .. oh god I hate to say it, smitten.”

“Boy, have you lost your mind? Are ya sure? She’s 6, sure she’s a Munson-but she’s also a Harrington, got her head on right.”

“Wayne… I heard the whole conversation! This little-twerp is trying to corrupt our princess. We can’t have that! You in?” Eddie, adding his two cents.

“You spoke to Steve bout this .. theory of yours Joe? What’s he got to say bout all this?”

“Steve’s ok with it, said she’s.. taken to him.”

“Hmmm, doesn’t sound right to me. But I’ll be there for dinner to see my grand-baby and spend time with family and this.. young boy, whom-you two will NOT intimidate in any sorta way. We clear?”

“Yes sir..”

The two drove off, to clear their minds, deciding to hangout at Eddie’s. Playing music was always a stress-release for the brothers. Eddie on guitar while Joe beat the drums.

“We can’t let him .. have her falling in love, what-if.. He replaces us!”

“Ed.. do you think, maybe we’re overreaching?”

“I know what I heard Joe.” They stare at the clock for what seems like hours, till it hits 2:30p, school let out. They once more distract themselves by playing one of CC’s song, get themselves calm to drive back to Joes and meet this.. boy that dares attempt to take their precious monster from them.

The drive back is somber, the two twins even have a sob.

“Remember when she was born? How.. terrified we were! Steve took the reins, gave orders and..”

“Yeah, time flies doesn’t it.” Wiping away their tears, these two beautiful-idiots.

Back Home

Remaining in the car that was now in the driveway, both men sat for a second to re-group, then step out. Taking a deep breath they agree, bad guy-worse guy.

Both step inside with purpose, chest puffed out.

“Hi baby, how was your day?” Steve immediately noticing the twins demeanor he looks from one to the other, poking his tongue inside his cheek.

“Why’re you both.. acting strange?”

Eddie walks over behind Steve, hands behind his back, leaning into his ear.

“We know.. we know it all, you sided with the dark side. Your loyalty is questionable-how dare you call yourself a Munson.”

Steve flicks Eddie’s nose, redirecting his focus over towards his husband who’s failing at holding a stern gaze.

“Tell me he’s wrong baby, tell me you aren’t a part of this… remember your vows, pledged your undying allegiance and devotion. Loyalty Steven, does that mean nothing to you?”

“What is up with you two? Knock it off! Giselle is outside on the play set with her friend now yo…”

“WHAAAAAAAAT!” The twins shrill, fumbling over the other-making their way towards the back door. Steve beats them to it, blocks their entry. Waving his finger, brows furrowed. He’s putting his foot down on both Munsons, he’s married to one but technically inherited a man-child brother in law.

“ENOUGH! I-haven’t a clue what’s up with you both! It ends NOW! I mean it Joe, you go out there and you be the man I fell in love with or so help me… no… dessert!”

Joe’s lip quivers, hand slowly-dramatically clutching his chest. Terra-cotta eyes glossing over.

“You-wouldn’t ..”

“Hold strong brother! I’ll get you dessert if Steve denies you some.”

Without looking Joe’s hand reaches over to muffle his twins mouth, followed by a light slap over his gob.

“Sssssh… ok angel, we’ll-behave.” Instantly Steve smiles from ear to ear, head title, leans in pecking his husbands lips. Steve could get away with murder and he knows it, Eddie scoffs.

“And you.. this is your doing, I know it. Behave Edward or so help-me, Wayne will hear of this.”

“Oh, we’re so scared! You’ll go taddle to Wayne. Such a Harrington move.” Making spooky fingers, nudging Joe’s arm, who chuckles, shakes his head and adds.

“Babe-we’re grown ass men, using Wayne’s name doesn’t hold that same effect as it did when we were ki…”

“What was that Joseph Wayne Francis?” Eyes widen like spheres, the twins hold hands, lace fingers-coping mechanism. Each the other’s emotional support human. Wayne was sitting in the kitchen the entire time, quietly-listening. He stood up, slowly made his way up to Steve’s right.

“Hi uncle! Didn’t see you there sir, how’re you? Need anything?”

“Nuff of that boys, I reckon I understand your concerns. Joe being a first time papa, an’ Ed, well-you mean no harm. From what she told me, he’s just a little friend. New in town, being shunned by little Tiffany. Your girl took it upon herself to do the right thing, welcome the kid.”

Joe lets out a laugh, turns his attention to his twin. Let’s go of his hand and begins to adjust his flannel.

“Is-that the conversation you heard, entirely if I’m not mistaken?”

“Umm-well, you see. When I walked in-Steve was.. so.. then, and she.. I-well I fucked up.” Dropping his head down, defeated, tail tucked between his legs.

“I appreciate you always looking out for the monster Ed, you’re truly an amazing uncky. I get why-you may have.. jumped the gun, didn’t help by adding me into the mix.”

Joe shifts his focus to Steve and Wayne, feeling sheepish. Nodding with his chin.

“We’ll behave-promise.” They all made their way outside, the time had come.

“Daddy! Uncky! You’re home! Missed you.” Giselle ran up hugging the two males, both kneeled to each of her side. She pecked their cheeks and giggled, they stood-each taking her hand. Dragging them towards the play set.

“Come meet my friend.”

“Ok monster.”

“Baron, meet my daddy and uncky.”

The little boy comes sliding down, knees all dirty-cheeks pink, hair frizzy and untamed. He walked slowly- both knowing they were sizing him up, Joe cleared his throat and immediately both eased up. Offering smiles and kindness.

“Hello Baron, nice to meet you. I’m ..”

“Mr Munson, hello sir. Giselle told me all about you, said you own almost all of Hawkins! Wow!”

“Pfft..” Eddie added, then the boys eyes darted towards him. Visibly giddy, fumbling about.

“I’m-a huge fan Mr Eddie Munson, can’t listen to your music. Dad said never, mom says not till I’m a teen-but still, a fan.”

“Kids got taste, sup little guy.”

“That’s my pop pop Wayne, he’s the bestest grandpa ever. Don’t tell my other grandpa.”

Wayne was kind, polite-gracious. Joe and Eddie could learn a thing or two from their uncle.

The rest of the evening Baron sat between the twins, asking question after question. Even blurted out it must be cool being a Munson, both twins laugh. How time has changed, Eddie plays an acoustic song for his fan, something G rated, while Joe helped clean up, Steve leaned into him.

“You know I’d never hold off on dessert right.”

“I know angel, I’m sorry I lied to you earlier.”

“Let you in on a secret, I saw you two. Was parked 3 spots down.”

“Huh-how did, hold on..” Steve offered a giggle, looking around, making sure no one hears his confession.

“You really think I trust this kid from the get go? Please Joseph, this is our daughter, my child! I needed to see for myself, so.. I took the day to get to know em, get a feel for em. He’s-a good kid, harmless. She’s a Munson alright, stubborn, loyal and caring for others even when they don’t show her the same..”

“Steve-my sneaky little minx.”

“Thank you-for looking out for our JoJo, Eddie too. I keep forgetting you two are.. three peas in a pod, adding JoJo. Wayne told me how hard it was growing up, you two had one another, I’m jealous. Wish I had that as a child. I get it baby, just-hold onto that energy for her teen years.”

“JESUS H CHRIST! Why would-you say that!”

Joe’s about to make his husband pay when all that’s heard is Eddie going on a tirade.

“How-DARE you bundle up Corroded Coffin and of all things-Radio Disney into a single category. BLASPHEMY I tell you!”

“Ed!”

“Did-you hear this? Whaaaa.. I-whoosh, I.. think I’m going to faint! Joe, catch me.” Splaying his palm over his forehead, The twin walks over, arms stretched out at the-ready. Eddie falls, Joe purposely slows his stride, allowing his twin to fall on his ass.

“Ouch! What gives…”

“Serves you right after the nonsense you put us through today.”

The evening ends happily ever after-ish. They await for Barons parents to arrive, Steve had given Baron’s mother their address. Two knocks are heard before Joe goes to open the door..

“What the fuuuuuuck!!”

“Joseph!” Steve stated in his high pitch, motherly-wife tone.

“Boy! You’re not too old to have that mouth washed out with soap!”

Voices are heard, raised-then Joe steps aside, luckily the kiddos were in JoJos room playing. In walks a beautiful strawberry blonde, followed by a familiar face. One that all the men in the living room had some form of issue/interaction with. Steve stands, mouth agape. Behind the female steps in a slicked blonde haired male, still in good shape, smug-arrogance to him still evident if not heightened by time passed. He flashed a million dollar smile, as he took in his surrounding as if dying, not bad Munson, you made something of yourself. Steve’s the first to speak.

“Carver?”