Bad Day

Bad Day

+18 ONLY

@/kareybear asked : Could you possibly do something for Lee when he had a bad day at work and he comes home all stressed. He takes it out on his girl and makes her cry and go to bed all sad. Would he apologize🥲?

Word Count : 1.4k

Warnings : verbal abuse, alcohol consumption, explicit language, angst but also fluff

Notes : Repost from old blog

———

When Lee drove home from work, all he couldn’t think about was all the bullshit he had endured in the past 10 hours. One thing after another, nothing was working out in his favor. He couldn’t seem to catch a break. Deputies making mistakes he had to fix. There was a fight in the jail, which involved a ridiculous amount of paperwork. The stress of the upcoming election had yet to cease. All he could think about was a strong glass of whiskey to settle his nerves.

When he pulled up to his house, he saw red. His girl was standing outside by the mailbox chatting and laughing with the neighbor. The middle aged man was fit from his landscaping business and had the woman fawning over his charming smile. All the housewives wanted their garden refurbished by Lee’s neighbor. Nothing bad was ever said about the man. And right now, that only pissed him off further.

The fucker was making his girl laugh. He watched the rear view mirror in a rage as she placed a hand on his arm as they joked. Lee’s knuckles whitened as he gripped the steering wheel. Unable to watch anymore, he climbed out of the cruiser and slammed the door loudly behind him. This got their attention.

She whipped around and saw Lee, immediately smiling and waving at him. Lee glared as he watched her turn back to their neighbor and continue the conversation. Steam shot from his ears. The audacity this woman had. She was supposed to be waiting for him, greeting him with a kiss and hug after his long day. Instead she was fucking around the goddamn neighbor.

Seething, Lee stormed into their house and slammed the door shut, making the window panels rattle. He went straight to his stash in the kitchen and poured himself a nice helping of the amber liquid. His gulped it down, ignoring the searing burn it left in his throat. It was a satisfying feeling when it was paired with his anger.

Pouring himself another glass, he realized that the smell of dinner was absent from the room. With narrowed eyes, he scanned the counter tops, the oven and even the microwave for any sign that dinner was almost ready. With a huff, Lee opened the fridge. Nothing looked different from this morning. He growled under his breath as he shut the fridge and stalked back to the liquor. After finishing the shot, the front door opened and closed.

“Honey,” came his girl’s sweet voice, followed by her footsteps.

Y/N appeared in the doorway with a smile, “There you are. I thought you were gonna come say hi to Jay. How was work?”

Lee scoffed and muttered under his breath, “Got nothin’ to say to that fucker.” He poured himself another glass.

A frown tugged at her lips, her gaze flickering to the glass of whiskey. Shit.

“Is somethin’ wrong, honey?” Y/N tried to keep her voice light.

“Why the fuck dinner ain’t ready, huh?” He whipped his head around to glare at her.

Y/N blinked in surprise, “Um, I- I thought—“

“I bust my ass to bring money home, to make sure there’s food on the table. And you can’t even do that. Instead you’re just fuckin’ around while I work to support us,” Lee’s voice grew louder with each sentence. He took a gulp of his drink, but didn’t finish it this time. He hissed at the burn, but wished it burned more.

“Lee, did something happen?” Y/N’s voice wavered, trying not to take his words personally, “Why are you upset?”

“Because I come home after riskin’ my life to keep you and this goddamn town safe, to see you humpin’ the neighbor’s leg! And you can’t even get dinner on the fuckin’ table on time! For all the fuckin’ bullshit I have to deal with, that’s the least you could fuckin’ do!”

Tears welled in her eyes as her bottom quivered, “I made us reservations at that new restaurant in Meade. I- I thought we could get dressed up and... have a date night.”

Her voice was small, thick with emotion. Lee’s chest suddenly felt tight and he closed his eyes. The rage from work, the jealous fit and frustration after getting home, and now the humiliation on his part... it was overwhelming and his rage now directed at himself. On impulse, Lee chucked his glass against the wall, shards shattering across the titled floor.

Y/N gasped, nearly jumping out of her skin. Her eyes flashed to him. His fists at his sides were shaking, his shoulders tense as he glared at the mess he made. She didn’t realize the tears now flowed freely down her cheeks. She didn’t know what to do. So she fled to their bedroom and locked the door behind her.

Lee her footsteps and looked back, only to see that he was alone in the kitchen. His jaw clenched as he tried to blink the tears away. Don’t cry. Don’t fuckin’ cry.

He let out a shaky breath and braced his hands on the countertop. He fucked up. He let his anger get the best of him. Now, the alcohol was beginning to coarse through his veins. He really fucked up.

He smoked several cigarettes and ate couple pieces of deli meat until he had simmered his anger. He was embarrassed, if anything. Y/N had done something nice for them, for him. If he had waited and not gotten in a tizzy, their date night would have fixed his entire day. It would have made everything worth it. Instead, he ruined it with anger issues.

Lee sniffled as he nursed on a cup of coffee that was leftover in the pot from this morning. He was drunk, but the coffee was mellowing it out, along with the deli meat. He stumbled on his feet but made sure he cleaned up all of the glass, even crawling on hands and knees to make sure his girl’s delicate feet wouldn’t get cut.

It was almost their bedtime by the time Lee got the courage to confront her. Y/N heard his drunken steps down the hall before he knocked on the door.

“Y/N,” his slurred voice was muffled behind the wood. The doorknob jiggled as he attempted to open it, “Y/N, baby. Let me in.”

Y/N rolled over on their bed to look at his shadow under the small crack under the door. Her eyes and nose were puffy from crying. She nibbled on the inside of her check nervously.

“Baby, I’m sorry,” he voice came again and her heart flipped.

Lee rested his head on the door, “I fucked up.” He hiccuped, “I ruined your surprise. I ruined your dinner plans. ‘Cause Im’a dick. M’sorry, baby. Please...”

Suddenly the door opened and he almost fell before catching himself on the doorframe. He frowned when he saw her pink eyes and felt another wave a guilt wash over him.

“Baby,” he breathed, immediately reaching for her.

Her bottom lip quivered as he cusped her face with both hands, taking an unsteady step forward. He had been crying too. She placed her hand over his and tried to keep herself from crying again.

“M’ so sorry,” he said again, resting his forehead against hers, “‘M so sorry. I didn’t mean it. ‘M sorry, baby.”

Y/N wrapped her arms around around him and buried her face in his chest. His arms swallowed her frame and let his tears run down his face.

“I don’t deserve you,” he said against her hair, “So sweet to me. Always my good girl. I’m so sorry.”

“Just wanted to do somethin’ for us,” Y/N whimpered against his shirt, now wrinkled.

“I know, and I ruined it. ‘M gonna make it up to you, baby. I’m so sorry.”

“Thank you,” she said softly, feeling relief wash over her, “Let’s go to bed, okay?”

He shook his head, “I ordered pizza. You- You haven’t eaten. And I really want pizza.”

A giggle escaped her lips and pulled away from him, “That sounds good.”

“I’ll feed you in bed, okay?” His lopsided smile made her heart swell.

“In bed?” She giggled again, “You don’t care about the crumbs?”

“Hm, too drunk to care tonight,” he smiled and kissed her, tender and slow, “‘M gonna take you out. Gonna get dressed up, show off my beautiful girl. I’ll make it right.”

Y/N smiled and kissed him again, “I love you, Lee.”

“I love you, baby.”

What's Lee and y/n's favourite sexual things and positions to do? 😈😈😈

+18 ONLY

Missionary is their favorite. I know, vanilla. But he loves watching her face contort in pleasure, because of him. He loves eye contact. He’s able to move her legs where he wants them, around his hips or thrown over his shoulders, or spread wide. He loves laying her down and taking her apart. He’s able to grab her chest, he’s able to grab her ass, or restrain her arms if he wants to. He can touch her everywhere and he’s able to see her reaction when doing so. It’s the perfect position for him to do whatever he wants to her.

Their second is doggy. He loves grabbing her ass and spanking it. He loves how deep he can go. He loves being able to watch his cock going in and out of her, one of his favorite things. He’s also able to restrain her this way, but not as easily. He loves hearing their skin slapping as he fucks her this way. He likes to reach down her back and bury his fingers in her hair, and pull. It’s animalistic in this position, often rough and fast paced.

Lee loves teasing her and getting her worked up before he fucks her. Sometimes they’re so desperate, foreplay isn’t required or there isn’t time to, but Lee loves foreplay. He loves dragging out the experience, taking his time. He likes having her a withering mess before he pushes his cock inside her. And that first push in, utter bliss.

He’s almost always in control. He knows what he likes, but he is open to experimentation. Y/N likes giving up control now, not having to worry as she knows Lee will take care of her, that she’s safe with him. She can let go of the reigns of her life and let him steer. It’s a cathartic experience for her. But this doesn’t mean she doesn’t want to take control now and then. When she goes down on him, she’s in control of his pleasure. She’s able to bring him to his knees and she takes pride in that.

While a submissive position, sitting between his thighs, she feels on top of the world. She feels honored to be there, to give him pleasure. She loves to worship his body. She loves to be pliable to his desires, especially in this position. She loves the feeling of his hands caressing or holding her face as she goes down on him, his fingers tugging at her hair after massaging her scalp, his hips jerking from the pleasure. She loves making a mess, letting him in deep in her throat, hallowing cheeks. Lee often cums too early when she does this, paired with playing with his sac.

Another position she likes when she wants to be in control is riding him. She’s able to move her hips, deciding how fast or agonizingly slow she wants to go. She loves being able to touch his chest and stomach this way, or wrap her arms around his neck and hold him tight. She can stare into his blue eyes and see the pleasure she gives him. But this position never usually lasts very long, before Lee is consumed with pleasure and has to lay her down and fuck her himself.

A newly discovered kink of theirs is voyeurism. They don’t realize it’s a kink until later on in life, but they love the rush when out in public. The thought of getting caught paired with the sexual pleasure is overwhelming in the best way. It’s an adrenaline rush, especially since Lee is an authority figure. As time goes on, they become more purposeful about having sex in public and really like to test their limits. The more risky it is, the more fun they have.

They love sex games. They love having fun when they have sex. They aren’t afraid to laugh. They aren’t afraid to have fun. They like the lighthearted sexcapade now and then.

Hope you enjoyed a look into their sexual life! ❤️

Gone with the Sin

other Eddie Munson Hanahaki Disease AU fics: Cherry Blossom Colored Kisses Tears in the Rain

prompt: he loves another, and your fate is sealed.

pairing: Eddie Munson x female!reader

show: stranger things

note: Eddie's 19, readers 18+, Chrissy's 17-18 years old. also, 400 points to your Hogwarts House if you can tell me the band that sings the title song without cheating. AGAIN - not responsible for your therapy bills!

second note: there is an intensional shift at the end, where i got from "you" to "her". i hope it makes more sense when you read it.

word count: 8.9k

warnings: Hanahaki Disease AU, cursing, character death, angst - again, ANGST!!! this gets gritty and dark and detailed, people - proceed with caution and maturity. NO SHAME in skipping this if you cannot handle it!! AGAIN - character death!! this gets sad. ✅ no spoilers 🔪 please note there are a thousand ways to write Hanahaki Disease, and this is just my variation. yes, i did research, and yes, i tired my best.

🔞 none of the following content is appropriate for minors 🔞

Spring has sprung in Hawkins, Indiana, and with the approaching warm weather came the thunderstorms. It felt appropriate that the harsh winds and piercing bullets of rain ruined all of Mother Nature's hard work; storm in your heart mimicking the storm outside. It ripped fresh leaves from trees, pretty petals from newly sprouted stems, and sent animals to seek shelter; for unattended trash cans to blow over and children to be rushed inside.

You stood on your front porch, glancing up and down the barren street to find it empty. Your fingers worked together in nervous knots as something sick crept up your throat; winds whipping away the sounds of your struggling breath, and spraying the blood that was coughed out pathetically.

Tears ruined mascara down your cheeks, blood dribbling down your chin, and still, no headlights flashed onto your street. Never had you felt so terrible or sick, never had you felt so stupid; turning for your front door and staggering into your home only to let your eyes scan across the clock hanging in the foyer.

8:50 pm

He promised to pick you up at 6:30, and now you knew, he wasn't coming due to simple, excused forgetfulness. He just wasn't coming. Your hands shot out to catch your body when your coughing became gut-wrenching, doubling over as your lungs tried in vain to pull air in while expelling whatever clogged them upon exhale. No such luck, and black dots started to dance in your vision; the storm masking the sounds of your body falling into your mother's end table; sending picture frames, a book, and lamp shattering to the floor.

Broken bits of glass represented the state of your being and the ends of your floor-length dress scattered the shards as high-heeled feet tried to stumble towards the staircase.

If you could get upstairs, you'd be fine...

But energy was harder to come by, rational thought swept away with the raging storm, and oxygen was no longer available to you - forcing your legs to give up at the base of the staircase and careen your bare skin into the glass shards. You didn't register the pain because the worst of it was concentrated in your chest and heart, hands reaching out to drag your body up the first three steps.

Before you could pull yourself up to the fourth, your ears rang with a piercing whine and your eye lids fluttered heavily as lead weighed your limbs down. Your manicured hand reached up in the hope of grasping anything, never finding purchase, and thumping limply down with your cheek pressed to the carpet. Blood splatter painted the floor beside you before drooling in a puddle from your opened mouth.

You swear you saw his face in that moment, but your mind wasn't trustworthy - larger, darker spots clouding any sight.

• 4 WEEKS EARLIER •

"So, is Johnny Boy flying in for prom?" you asked Nancy, forking a bit of homemade chicken salad to your mouth. The cafeteria was loud with the usual bustle of kids, most of the seniors clamoring to talk prom details; the dance only weeks away.

Nancy Wheeler, probably your oldest standing friend, blushed under the make-up she'd already applied, "Yes. He's renting a tux and everything."

Robin chuckled with you, asking, "He's renting a tux?"

"He doesn't exactly own one," she defended her California-dwelling boyfriend. "And I'm just relieved he's actually coming that I don't care what he wears."

"Well, it's a big deal... I guess," Robin rolled her eyes to you.

"He buy a plane ticket yet?" You asked the girl across the table instead.

"He bought one last night," she blushed harder, still feeling like a giddy school girl with a silly crush at the thought of her boyfriend. However, you wondered if it was just because she was excited to get laid but hey! If she was happy, who cares! You and Robin both cooed obnoxiously, poking fun at the Wheeler girl as she became flustered and waved us off. But she couldn't dodge the half-eaten baby carrot Robin shot at her, scolding, "You're both children!"

Your shoulders shrugged dramatically, "We're fun."

"Unhinged, is more like it."

You and Robin shared a look before nodding dramatically. You assured Nancy with another shrug, "We can live with that."

She scoffed, "Whatever. Well, look, what about you two?"

"What about us?" Robin asked, glancing at you in feigned confusion.

"Who are you guys going with?"

"To what?" You asked dumbly.

She glared, "Prom! God! You're both so annoying, you know that, right?"

You couldn't fight off the taunting chuckle, "We're messing with you, Nance. We know what you're talking about, but we're not going."

"You're not?" Nancy squeaked.

"Nah, it's not - "

"I'm going."

"You are!?" You gasped at the girl beside you. "You're flaking on me? On the night we're supposed to finally watch Scarface? You traitor..."

"Well," she flushed slightly, "I just... I-I brought it up - you know, the whole prom thing - to Vickie, and she was receptive to all of it, and-and-and next thing I know, right, because she's, like, looking at me with these beautiful wide eyes that I just end up blurting it all out, and we know me, I'm not exactly quiet, or subtle, and I-I might've, like, spit on her face a little because I was so nervous and my mouth was sweating because I was doing that thing that I do when I ramble, but it was okay because she, like, totally laughed, and then, BOOM!" Her hands clapped together, "She nodded and, like, then she-she-she's saying yes!" Robin yelped, eyes wide to look between us. "To prom! With me!"

"She said yes?" You grinned, feeling genuine elation for your friend.

"She said yes - to me!"

"Well, that's not hard to believe, sweet cheeks, I mean, who could say no to that faaaaace?" Your hand reached out to pinch her cheeks, puckering her lips; making her swat away at you with a small giggle.

"Yeah, seriously, Robin," Nancy smiled, sending you a look; mother hen letting her eyes tell you to settle down. "That's really great news! We're so happy for you - that's so amazing. You guys are gonna have so much fun!" Her eyes shifted to you, and her voice dimmed, "And since Robin's going with Vickie, maybe Steve could take you?"

Your eyes rolled, "Oof, babe, pawning me off on Harrington as a pity date? No thank you - I'll happily stay home, order in, watch my movies. My parents are supposed to be gone the week of prom, so, I'll have the house to myself to smoke."

"Well, that doesn't sound totally sad."

"Bitch, you were literally going to do the same with me until you accidentally asked Vickie out to the prom."

Robin shrugged, "Yeah, but now I'm going and you're gonna be all alone? While the rest of us are partying? C'mon, that's no fun. You don't even need a date, who cares about all that - why don't we all just, like, go together, or something? Right? People do that, go in groups? I-I mean, not that it matters if it's a thing to do or not, 'cause who cares - okay - so, let's just do it, you know?"

"I'm flattered, really," you pouted at the two girls. "I mean, it's not everyday I'm offered to third wheel on two different dates at the same time. It's an honor to just be nominated, really."

Nancy rolled her eyes and tossed the half-eaten carrot at you.

However, that wasn't the last time prom was brought up that day. Usually you did all you could to avoid the "sappy, teenage stupid shit" but it followed you around the halls, into the lunch room, bathrooms, to your locker, and inside the classrooms.

And the one person you never expected to, asked you, "You goin' to prom?"

Your head lulled to glare over at your best friend since 6th grade, Edward 'the Freak' Munson. "Oh, my God. C'mon, not you too." Your eyes glared at the ceiling, hands pointing dramatically, "Gimme a break, man!"

"What?" he shrugged innocently. "Can't I ask a simple question? Jeez, didn't know you were so touchy, babe."

"You seriously want to talk about prom? You? Who literally made himself throw up but pretending to throw up so hard when I started talking about the Snow Ball when we were in 8th grade?" Your eyes rolled, neck cracked, and you slumped further into your chair.

Class was about to begin, students filtering in to take their seats.

"Well, yeah, you see, typically when someone asks a question, they want an answer, so, sure," he chuckled, mimicking your position and making you smile lightly, "let's talk about prom, princess. So? You going?"

"Nope."

"Why not? Thought all girls dreamed of going to prom and all that frilly shit."

"Not I, Mr. Munson. Haven't you learned by now?"

He mocked, "I know, I know, you're not like other girls."

"Exactly, so, no, I don't care about prom. Spend money on a hair style that'll hold for only 3 hours if I'm lucky, get my nails done before I pick them off from how annoying they are - and then what? Spend over $100 on a dress I'll only wear for a single night? I promise, there's better things to spend my money on." He nodded slowly, you changing the subject, "Speaking of spending money on better things, are you carrying?"

"When aren't I, princess?" he snorted lightly.

The last class of the day passed slowly for you two, but before long (and to your pleasure), you were free to rush out of the room with the sounds of the last bell; stop at both your lockers, load up your bags that Eddie hoisted up his shoulder, and make a beeline for Eddie's van. Tuesdays were only for you and Eddie since you had other obligations on other weekdays, and he had Hellfire on Friday's; so, you both were quick to get in the front seats.

"All right," he cleared his throat, pulling out the black, buckled pail he used for drug deals and flipped the lid, "how can I serve you this time, pretty girl?"

"An ounce, please."

He shot you a cautious look before chuckling dryly, "Celebrating something?"

You slapped the agreed upon cash to his hand and snatched the baggie of green from him, "Possibly."

"Wanna tell me?"

"Wanna celebrate with me?"

"Only if you answer a question for me."

"Depends on the question, but... Proceed with caution and ask me."

"Go to prom with me?"

You glared, jaw clenching, "No."

"What?" he whined, "C'mon, why not?"

Because I've been uselessly and helplessly in love with you since we were kids and I don't want your pity date, you thought sadly.

"Because it's literally stupid and a waste of time, energy, and money. Besides, I thought you didn't want to go - you've never gone before. What happened to all that bullshit about it being a 'conforming brainwash to distract us from the manipulative realities of life after graduation'?"

"Okay, yes, fine, sure, okay, whatever, you got it - I said that," he sighed, rolling his eyes lightly. "But I also might've already bought two tickets, and they're nonrefundable..."

Confusion swirled in your mind, pinning him with a softer look, "Why would you buy two tickets?"

Because I wanted Chrissy Cunningham to say yes and figured she would if I showed her the two tickets - for me and her. Show her I was serious about this, about us, Eddie thought to himself.

Instead of voicing the truth, he lied, "Well, one for you, and one for me, pretty girl, see, that's how two tickets are usually split between two people. Maybe - it's possible - I could've wanted to spend the last night of high school with my best friend. C'mon, please?" He pouted lightly. "Bet we both clean up real nice."

You felt suspicious, "Why would you...?"

"C'mon, doll, don't we both deserve a bit of a break?" he smiled lightly. "Just you, me, a few joints, and really bad music. We can hang for 10 minutes and leave if it's really as bad as we thought. Hmm? Is that an okay deal?"

"If I say yes, will you shut up and drive us home already?"

He grinned, "Yep."

"Fine."

"Fine what, pretty girl?"

You glared, huffing through your nose before relenting, "All right - fine, Eddie. Fine, I will..." Your eyes rolled, "I'll go to prom with you."

Eddie grinned and leaned over, letting his arm hook around your neck and yank you closer to press his lips to your cheek in rapid kisses. You whined lightly and pushed him back, trying to fight down the warmth spreading in your chest from his actions.

Nobody knew you like he did, making you feel safe and vulnerable with only him. High school was a weird time for you and you didn't really get many dates, maybe being in part why you and Eddie were so close. Time spent together meant a lot of walls were dismantled brick by brick and it was hard not to fall in love with someone like him; with his soft hands, kind words, charismatic attitude...

Sure, the drug dealing was a bit... Less than ideal, but still! Eddie was Eddie and you've loved him for what felt like eternity.

You returned home on cloud nine and while it made your heart sing with glory over being asked to the senior prom with your long-time-crush-slash-best-friend, for the strangest reason, that night, you started coughing. It was a wet, rattling cough that made you think you had a flu, a cough growing in intensity that made you double at the waist and stumble towards your bathroom. You coughed more as you filled a plastic cup with tap water, choking as you tried to clear your throat by gulping down whatever was stuck. It worked for a few moments, cup drained as you lowered it before the violent attack began again.

This time, it drove you to your knees; hacking until you spit something from your tongue. Amongst the foam of your saliva, were bits of torn-up peach-pink petals. Your eyes glared at the odd sight before you figured it was too late to go to a doctor - how the hell would I even explain this one? At least last time, it all made sense what was wrong and how the doctors were gonna fix everything.

You rationalized it in your head that you would "go to the Emergency Room" if this persisted, which was an outright LIE because you had this developmental phobia of hospitals. It wasn't something you liked to discuss but long story short, when you were younger, you had a near-fatal medical emergency that resulted in a 6-part surgery, 109-day hospital stay - curating your fear.

Every appointment thereafter only solidified this fear. And your parents understood the trauma you experienced, never pushing you into anymore appointments because you agreed to a yearly examine that would confirm you were still out of danger.

So, when the next week rolled around and you were huffing fucking flower petals from your mouth and lungs, you kept your mouth shut... Unless to pick petals out - then, obviously, your mouth was open. However, that whole week, you felt... Run down. Disconnected. Confused. Scared. And pretty pissed off - the coughing was toe-curling painful and you weren't a fan of it interrupting your day.

Nancy and Robin noticed, and the Wheeler girl brought you cough-drops to suck on.

And that whole week, Eddie was distracted. He caught himself staring off in the cafeteria, eyes glued on Chrissy Cunningham's figure. You'd noticed the heart eyes he made and rolled your own, nudging him, "C'mon, man, knock it off and quit staring before Jason kicks your ass again."

He scoffs and crosses his arms, "I'm not staring."

"Oh, yeah? And I'm the Queen of Sheba," you retorted. "I could get you a pair of binoculars if that makes it easier," you teased, ignoring the way your heart now thumped with unease. Discomfort... Pain. "Maybe you can even crawl up the tree in her yard, watch her in her bedroom. Fucking creeper, stop staring at her, Jesus Christ!"

Eddie's then laughing at you, "You're literally an idiot."

"And you're staring at a girl who's boyfriend looks for reasons to pick on you," you retaliated with an unimpressed stare. "C'mon, Eddie, be practical."

"Be practical?"

"She's with Jason - has been since, what? Freshman year?" You sighed, arms crossing in the hope of relieving the pressure in your chest but found it was only getting harder to breath. "Staring at her is gonna get your shit rocked, and I'm not cleaning you up again."

"You're right," he sighed, shaking his head as his arms slowly crossed over your chest. "Hey, uh... Did you want to match at prom?"

"Match?" you repeated, laughing after you realized it was his poor attempt at changing the subject. "Wh-What? Like wear the same color and all that goofy shit?"

"Well, yeah, that goofy shit, c'mon, we gotta do it up all the way, baby," he smiled at you. "C'mon, you look so beautiful in red."

"Oh, I look good in it? Has nothing to do with the fact it's your favorite color?"

He grinned now, "Nothing at all."

You sighed and leaned back in your chair, admitting, "I'm going dress shopping with Nance and Robin this weekend."

"You are? Look at you!" He cooed, "Being all girly and shit! I'm proud of you!"

"Don't push me, there's still plenty of time for me to back out of this date," you warned, trying not to let your heart drop too low when his smile lessened upon hearing the word 'date'.

That weekend, you did go dress shopping but you didn't buy that pretty red number - you chose this pale silvery color that made your skin nearly twinkle. Robin had gushed over how good you looked, and Nancy refused to let you leave the store without it. You three went to a few other stores and you decided on a pair of shining red heels; Nancy buying a pretty lilac dress with silver heels, and Robin chose a sultry blue color, with white heels.

2 weeks before prom, you were starting to feel the pressure but not like everyone else as your peers ran around like headless chickens. All around school, girls complained about needing to "lose weight" or "buy a whole new dress" because "the original color was atrocious" or even how their boyfriends "made a reservation at Antonio's - as if I'd ever eat there!"

Boys complained, "I have to rent a tux in this God-awful blue color," or the ever present, "what the fuck is a corsage?" and the occasional, "what's wrong with Antonio's - they've got the best burgers, man!"

You listened mutely, worrying something was wrong with you because you didn't feel that overwhelming panic they did. Instead, your breathing got worse and your skin started to dull as life was virtually sucked out of you, prom seeming so fucking stupid - and yet, it was keeping you going. You hated to admit it, but your feelings for Eddie were finally coming to a head and you were debating if this "date" meant something more, or if it was just your stupid girly heart wanting something impractical.

That was the week your symptoms changed; the same week Eddie was seen speaking in low voices to Chrissy Cunningham at her locker when everyone else was in class. When nobody else was in the hall to see their close proximity, to see their whispers and longing looks.

Nobody else in the hall except you - but you were on a mission.

You didn't say anything to them because you were rushing to the bathroom, skidding to your knees on the dirty floors in front of a toilet as blood was being heaved out of your mouth. "No! God, no, please, God, holy shit!" You gargled through pain, spitting, retching, and sobbing as you were being shredded from the inside.

But God didn't have business in the girl's dirty bathroom of Hawkins High School, and apparently, he didn't have business with you.

Inside the toilet bowl were short sticks of floral blooms and leafy greens, but no matter how hard you looked, you couldn't identify the flower floating at the top. As disgusting as it was, you reached in and fished the bloody plants from the water, turned to the sinks, and rinsed them off; lifting your gaze slowly and hating the reflection that stared back at you.

Deep, bruising bags lined in rings around your eyes; iris' dull; skin tired and dry to the touch; hair brittle and lacking any health or shine. Your fingers were bonier, collarbones sticking out from under your shirt, and you began to wonder when the last time you could stomach a full meal was. You looked like a ghost, a stranger in the reflection; someone who looked like they'd sell their left kidney for a guaranteed hour-long nap.

Shaking your head and adverting your eyes, the flowers were rinsed of blood clots but it didn't do anything to answer your questions as the only identifying factor was the four-petal pinwheel. You jumped in fright when the door opened, turning wide, fearful eyes to look at Chrissy slowing her stride. She blinked a few times before worry etched across her face, "Oh, my God. A-Are you okay?"

"What?"

She pointed to her lips, "You're bleeding."

Your eyes cut back to the mirror and widened to see the blood smears, reaching for a few paper towels to hastily wipe at your face. Your nose sniffled sharply, "Yeah, Chris, all good, thanks."

"You don't look good," her brows were crinkled and eyes wide with worry. "Do you need the nurse? Or, um... I don't know, someone to talk to?"

"What I need, you can't give me," you whispered, shaking your head before using a dry paper towel to wrap up the small brown stick. "Excuse me," you rushed, pushing past her and running down the hall, shoving out of the school doors, and bolting for your car.

In your driver's seat, you opened the paper towel and got a look at the meat caught between thick thorns that didn't wash off down the drain, and fought off an anxiety attack.

Every day that week, you went to different plant nurseries, botanical shops, hardware stores - anywhere you thought someone could identify the flowers you were coughing out. You knew now you couldn't go to a hospital, it was futile; but the stems were morphing and it was becoming increasingly painful. Plus, if you were coughing out flowers, why wouldn't you go to someone who knew plants?

Well, the only thing you were able to do was identify the flower. Something called The Crown of Thorns - a durable, drought-tolerant flower with a range of colors, but all with a range of thorns in size and consistency.

However, on that Friday, luck turned around and you had hopped a few towns over to check out an old botanical shop. The wooden shop was lathered in books and plants, the smell of leather circulating around you as your eyes took in the antique decor. You prayed this was the shop to be in for something as strange as puking flowers - and you were right. The aging shopkeep listened to your hushed words, explaining your symptoms, before frowning deeply and turning silently to a bookshelf. She reached up and pulled a little blue book down before opening the passage, sticking a bookmark in, and handing it to you.

The old woman wished you luck and pushed you out of her door, never once accepting the money you tried to hand her. You laid in bed for the weekend, reading the entire book front to back; drops of blood saturating the thin, old yellowed pages.

The waste bin at home was soon stuffed to the brim with broken stems, loose petals, and bloody tissues. Your mother didn't notice the change in you because she was so focused on her up-coming business trip, your father choosing to go with her as a make-shift vacation to Chicago. In fact, you barely saw them in that week, leading you to seek solitude with a backpack full of magazines Nancy had shoved into your arms earlier.

She told you to have a hair and glam look picked out by prom because you, Robin, and she were going to get ready together. You tried to save blood from dripping onto the pages but the nose bleeds snuck up on you; discoloring the glossy images under your fingers. Tears often blurred the images as you could do nothing but cry through the harrowing pain, not knowing that Jason Carver was screaming at Chrissy Cunningham... And the cheerleader was calling Eddie Munson, in tears, asking him to talk.

You didn't know he agreed easily and was sneaking over to her house, being extra quiet because of her mother as he came in through her window; while you bruised your knees from the force you hit them when thicker blooms were being regurgitated through globs of thick blood clots. Shredded bits of your throat still stuck in the thorns.

The week of prom, you had resorted to taking liquid Benadryl just to sleep. It was doing enough of the trick, and you were sleeping 3-4 hours a night; but you woke up each morning, on your side, a large puddle of blood staining your bed sheets. But hey, at least it was PROM WEEK!

Right?

Banners lined the school.

Energy of the student body was higher than ever before, gossip echoing down the hall and in your ears.

Yet, you were just tired. Being in a constant state of pain took every ounce of energy you had and the Benadryl could only help so much before your coughs woke you, forcing you to hack out flowers. Your eyes burned with exhaustion, Eddie seemingly taking slight pity and letting your head rest on his shoulder during classes you shared. He even did your classwork, the sweetheart.

When you woke to the last bell dismissing everyone for the weekend, you were sluggishly lifting off of Eddie to pack away your backpack. "Hey," the boy beside you spoke quietly, "you feeling okay?"

"Yeah."

"Don't lie to me, you look exhausted."

"Great observation, Eds," you muttered. "I'm just not sleeping well."

"Are you sure?"

"Yeah, I'm sure. Now, hey, um, I'm gonna get a ride home with Nancy, okay? We're getting our nails done."

Eddie's lips stretched in a bright grin as we stood from our desks and his hands took my backpack wordlessly to hike up his shoulder. "You're gonna get your nails done?"

"Um... Y-Yeah?"

"That's really cool, doll," he assured, nudging your arm gently. "Do you need money? I can give you some - "

"No, God no," you refused, shaking your head rapidly. "Um, yeah, you know, I asked Daddy and he gave me enough to treat Nancy too, so, I'm good."

He chuckled, "The pros of being a Daddy's Girl, huh?"

"Watch your mouth, Munson," you warned.

His hands rose, "All right, hey, I'm kidding, it's a good thing. Well, if I'm not driving you home, guess I'll just... See you tomorrow?"

You gulped as you approached your locker, rocking on your toes as you dialed your combo. "Right, yeah, sure... I'll uh... I don't know," you breathed, shaking your head slightly. "Nancy and Robin want to get ready together."

"Cool," he smiled, "I'll pick you up at Wheeler's, okay? 6:30 sound cool?"

"Yeah, totally cool," you nodded.

Eddie smiled and leaned in, one hand holding your cheek as his lips kissed your other. "Perfect," he breathed against your skin, pulling back to smile at you. "Just remember, it's only me, okay? We're gonna have a good time - no need to be nervous - 'cause we're gonna be together. Right?"

"Right," you nodded in agreement, his hand falling away as he straightened up. You looked to your feet, and Eddie's eyes jutted up to catch Chrissy as her locker - watching the two of you intently. When she caught Eddie's gaze, the cheerleader blushed and turned away. "So, I'll just - yeah, okay. See you tomorrow."

"I'll be the one in red," he joked, handing over your schoolbag. "Bye, pretty girl."

After you stuffed everything you didn't need in your locker, you pulled out whatever you did need, slammed it shut, and rushed for the front of the school. "Hey," Robin beamed when she saw you, linking arms instantly. "Nancy's at her car."

"Great..."

"C'mon, lighten up!" Robin jostled your arm but frowned when she looked at you. "Dude, your nose."

Your hand shot into your pocket and pulled out a trusted tissue, using it to mop up the red liquid, "Sorry, yeah, just... I don't know, dry air or something."

"You're sure?"

"Yeah, sure, all good. Um, hey, have you ever gotten your nails done?"

"Me? No - couldn't afford it."

"Well, Daddy gave me money, so... I could pay?"

"You'd do that?" Robin breathed.

"Of course," you assured. "C'mon, you know he gave me more than I need, and Nance already worked this into her budget. Please? I don't wanna be the only one sitting there like 'what the fuck is happening?'"

Robin laughed, "All right, fine, good point. All right, cool, you can totally treat me and spend your money on me."

"Good," you perked a brow with a smirk.

The rest of the afternoon was spent at the nail salon. It was a fucking experience - a weird fucking experience because you didn't like hospitals, or people touching your feet. Nancy assured you that it was okay, this was part of the process; holding your hand when you flinched and made the nail tech glare up at you.

Your toes were painted a bright cherry red, matching the red French tip you got on your fingernails. Nancy chose a classic French tip on both hands and feet, and Robin got classic, sleek, shining blue that matched her dress color perfectly. You had to admit, once you got over the whole 'someone touching your feet' thing, it was nice to feel pampered... It was nice to feel like a "real" girl.

You rejected Nancy's proposal of a sleepover because you couldn't handle explaining to her or Robin why there was a puddle of blood under your mouth. Why you were hacking violently at 2 am. Why your breathing became wet and ragged, why you needed to take a shot of Benadryl before bed.

The next day, all hell broke loose because you were 20 minutes late to Nancy's house, and she almost instantly pushed you into a shower when you made it there. You three ladies got a real groove on where Nancy did all of your make-up, Robin did hair, and you - well, you were just there for the thrill because this was 100% out of your realm of comfort.

And when 6 pm came around, you three were shimmying into your dresses; tying each other in; lacing heels on, and fixing any out-of-place strands of hair. Jewelry was latched, perfume sprayed, and last minute details worried over. You packed your clutch purses with whatever necessities you needed (yours literally nothing but tissues) before being declared ready.

All the parents took a plethora of photos, your parents having begged the Wheelers to take extras for them to have a copy. It was mildly embarrassing to take photos alone, but you knew Eddie was just running late because he was never on time. Right? That's all this was, Eddie lost track of time and he was gonna be here any minute.

"Um, hey," Jonathan checked his watch, "dance starts soon, we should head out."

Nancy turned her worried gaze to you - who instantly lifted your arms to wave her off, "All good, I'll wait for Eddie at my house. The idiot probably got high and lost track of time, or something."

"Are you sure?" she worried. "Just come with us - he can meet you there."

"No, it's cool, my house is on the way to the school," you again, waved her off. "I'm really sure, I forgot the necklace I wanted to wear at home anyways," you tried to laugh off, but the truth was, your chest was caving in. After some mild convincing from Robin and Nancy, you stuck to your guns that you could wait at home, and as your friends got in their rides, you asked Mrs. Wheeler that if a long-haired, van-driving metalhead showed up to tell him you were at your house.

She nodded and handed you the Polaroids for your parents, leaving you to pack up in your own car and make the short drive to your house as dark storm clouds were rolling into town. When 7:30 struck, so did the first crack of thunder.

And unknown to you, who waited uselessly on your front porch, Eddie was getting read to head out his door - with every intention of being on time - when suddenly, as he ripped it open, Chrissy Cunningham was revealed on the other side. Her fist was raised as if to knock, gasping and jumping nervously when Eddie opened the door. "Chrissy," he breathed in shock, eyes wide. "Um... W-What're you doing here?"

As you waited, Chrissy explained she and Jason had the biggest fight they've ever had - cursing, screaming, and the blonde boy storming away with both prom tickets in his suit pocket. You waited, and Chrissy told Eddie she felt safe with him, needed the comfort, and had changed her mind about going to prom with Eddie, and as she confessed her long-harbored feelings for the Dungeon Master, you wiped blood from your mouth as you waited.

He ended up inviting her inside in home, both sitting on his couch with his hands in hers as he listened - something Jason never did to her. He complimented her, finding her red dress outstandingly beautiful on her pale skin; finding the blush on her cheeks something he wanted to see more of. He became tongue-tied and confused when she admitted she had a fight with Jason because of him - because Jason accused her of having a "thing for the Freak!"

And they broke up because Jason was right, and Chrissy told him that. She broke up with Jason because she loved Eddie and wasn't afraid of her feelings anymore; rushing to his house in a long red dress before prom because she needed him to know.

Chrissy loves me, he thought impossibly; staring at the cheerleader with shock and awe because this was all he's ever wanted. And Eddie didn't often think he deserved the things he wanted.

Nothing else was on his mind except the pretty strawberry blonde, lifting his hand to gently caress her cheek as any rational thought evaporated when her lips parted to push a breath over his chin. When Eddie leaned in to kiss Chrissy for the first time, nothing else mattered because he had all he ever could've wanted right here, right now.

They showed up to prom at 8 pm; both wearing bright, gleaming smiles as their outfits were matched perfectly. He had given her a corsage, and she pinned a boutonnière to his rented tux jacket; hands laced together tightly as they arrived at the Hawkins High gym and warranted all of the attention.

Everyone stared because the sight of head cheerleader, Chrissy Cunningham, showing up at prom looking like a fucking princess with Eddie Munson - the Freak, who, admittedly, cleaned up very nice.

The prom was enchanting with fake billowing arrangements of loose vines, flowers, and candles. The lights were dimmed, and the music already off to a rocky start by Eddie's standards. However, the snack table was in full-swing, the punch bowl already spiked, and Eddie couldn't want anything more as he let his hands wrap around Chrissy's waist.

They swayed to a slow song, enraptured with one another.

He lost himself in the music; in the smell of her perfume and feel of her body pressed against his. She let him kiss her, muttered she loved him, then pushed her hand into his hair to gently twist strands around her fingers.

Eddie was in bliss.

He was so fucking happy.

Nothing could ruin this for him.

Until, "What the fuck are you doing, Munson!?"

He jumped and turned, seeing an enraged Robin Buckley glaring at him. "Robin?" he questioned dumbly, seeing Nancy Wheeler charging up to them. "Oh, um, hi Nancy - "

"What the fuck are you doing here!?" Robin demanded, eyes ablaze.

"Dancing...?" He looked nervously around, keeping an arm around Chrissy.

"We can see that - but why're you dancing with Chrissy?" Nancy snapped.

"What am I missing right now?" Eddie asked desperately, hating the way they looked at him now.

Robin snapped your name, and all color drained from Eddie's face. "She's waiting on you, you fucking dickhead!" Robin raged, Vickie stepping in to pull her date's arms back a little.

"She got all excited," Nancy sneered. "She didn't want to come to this, she was content to be alone and do her own thing. We were gonna convince her to come with us - but then you asked her. So why're you here? Huh? Why're you here with Chrissy when she's waiting on you?"

"She bought a dress, new heels, new make-up! Got her nails done, got dolled up, looks so fucking pretty! And for what!? For you to, what, Eddie?"

"I-I," his bottom lip trembled as tears filled his eyes, "oh, my God, I forgot. I forgot her."

"No shit!" Robin, Vickie, Jonathan, and Nancy all snapped; making Chrissy jump a little into Eddie's embrace.

"You've gotta go, man!" Jonathan encoruaged.

"And pray she forgives you!" Robin sneered. "'Cause I sure as hell wouldn't! What happened? Huh?" Eddie shook his head, sniffling. "Jesus Christ, you're pathetic - what happened, Chrissy shows you a little attention and you forget about the one girl who's only ever loved you unconditionally?"

"GO!" the teenagers raged in sync again.

"I'm sorry," He looked down to Chrissy, pulling away, "I-I have to go."

"Of course, go, go," she nodded, giving him a little push as Eddie turned and sprinted out of the gym.

He sprinted into the rain, away from the school.

Down streets.

Through puddles.

Around honking cars.

All the way to your house, finding only your car in the driveway and lights on in your house. Panic swelled when he caught sight of the opened front door, sprinting up the driveway; taking the porch stairs two at a time, and as he burst over the threshold, came to a skidding halt.

A blood curdling scream fell on deaf ears as Eddie registered the sight before him - begging your name like a desperate prayer and dropping to his knees beside you. He sobbed harder than ever before, pulling you into his lap as blood was smeared up and down your nose, cheeks, and chin; mingling with the rain water that dripped off him, and onto you.

"No, no, no, no! C'mon, pretty girl, c'mon, open your eyes, please, please," he whispered, caressing your cheek and seeing your eyes flutter. "That's it, baby, c'mon, come back to me. Please, wake up, I'm right here, I'm here, I've got you... I'm so sorry. Oh, my God, what's happening, baby, please, what's wrong? What's going on?" he sobbed, cradling you against his chest and watching as your arm weakly rose to point behind him. "What? What is it?" He sniffled, looking back to the floor and seeing the littering of glass, broken lamp, and then... An old, bloody blue book.

"T-The book?" he asked you, seeing the faintest nod as your hand shook and gave up in strength. "No, no, no, no, hey, hey! No, baby, you've gotta stay with me, please," he sobbed, shaking you again as he tried to pull you in closer. "Just stay strong for a little while longer, oh, fuck - I'm so sorry! Please, don't give up, okay? I'm right here, please, I'm right here, I have you, please, baby, I-I don't understand what's wrong. Please, sweetheart, just tell me what's wrong! Don't leave me, please, I-I can't do this - I can't do this without you! NO! GOD - YOU CAN'T TAKE HER YET!" He screamed bloody murder over the sounds of the raging storm, watching your eyes flutter back into your skull and any energy in your body completely deflated.

"Y-You were - you pointed at the book, baby, why? Please! Why the book, please, stay with me, okay? Why the book? You're - shit, it's okay, you're gonna be okay, but you have to stay with me, please, please! Just tell me about the book, baby, please! Talk to me - please! Fuck!" He sniffled, trying to wake you but from the way your eyes remained unseeing, he knew you weren't with him anymore; the way your mouth was gently parted but not passing air, he knew you were gone. "Please, God, no," Eddie whimpered, a hand raising to pet his fingers down her soft cheek.

Eddie screamed until his throat went raw; never knowing that the inside of her throat still dripped blood into her stomach. Tears soaked down his cheeks, rocking her with him as snot bubbled at his nostrils, but he could only beg, "COME BACK! NO! I'M SORRY - COME BACK! Please! Please," his voice cracked, "I'm sorry, I'm so sorry, baby. I didn't mean - I'm so sorry. No, no, no, please, just - just come back! I'm sorry! Come back to me," his hand caressed her cheek, "please."

Nothing made sense and his head throbbed; looking around desperately as his mind couldn't fathom what he'd discovered - but his eyes could only scan over that fucking book she spent her last moments of life pointing at. Her skin was cooling, and there was no pulse at the point of her neck; Eddie's calloused hands shaking as he tried to still wake her up.

Then, he caught sight of something in her mouth, behind the ruby-red painted lips. As terrible and disgusting as it was, he gently pulled her stiff jaw down and used his pointer finger and thumb to reach in, pinch something soft, pulling it out. "Please, God, what is this!?" He sobbed, setting the small, thickly-thorned flower to the side of him as the feeling of her sticky blood was making him feel sick. "Please, please, please wake up," he still begged, shaking his head. "I'm so sorry," he sniffled, sopping wet hair dripping water over her still face. "I'm so sorry - I should've been here. I'm so sorry, I should've - I should've done something! FUCK!"

He sobbed as he set her down to rush for the phone, dial 911, and explain the situation. He returned to pull her body back into his lap; rocking like it was soothing someone - whether her, or him, he wasn't sure. But Eddie had to do something, so he tried CPR - but stopped when each compression of her chest sent a splatter of blood over her smooth skin.

Eddie went in the ambulance with her body, tattered book in his hand; using the other to hold her cooling hand even when the EMT's pronounced her dead on the scene.

This wasn't happening - this wasn't real.

Eddie waited for hours as an autopsy was performed - telling the morgue he wasn't leaving until he had answers, and planting himself on the sidewalk as he vapidly read the book she wanted him to take. The pages that answered all of his questions were dotted with dried drops of her blood; allowing Eddie to assume she was suffering for longer than he could've imagined. It's where Jonathan and Nancy found him when they were cruising through town, looking for any sign of their friends. When they arrived and sat beside him, softly asking Eddie what was wrong and what happened, he just pulled his knees in and sobbed loudly.

They waited with him.

16 hours after he found her, her parents were coming to a screeching halt in their car before bolting for the morgue's front doors. Eddie picked his head up, waiting; wondering; watching for any movement.

His hand fisted the book in a white-knuckle grip, the other wiping his eyes of stinging, guilty tears.

18 hours after he found her, her parents were shakily exiting the morgue with grim looks of acute distress. Her Daddy caught Eddie's eyes and after assisting his wife into the passenger seat, turned for the young man who his daughter loved more than anyone. Nancy and Jonathan shared a nervous look as Eddie couldn't stop crying, looking to her father through red eyes.

"I was told that... You found her?" Her Daddy whispered.

"I-I did," Eddie whispered.

He nodded, "She was still in her dress, all dolled up."

"Sh-She looked beautiful in that dress," Eddie sobbed, a hand slapping over his mouth.

"Docs know what happened," he nodded, clearing his throat. "Said there were Crowns of Thorns crowding in her lungs. Said it made it almost impossible to breath, said-said that the thorns were cutting her from the inside; said she was in a lot of pain from all that."

Eddie hated the idea of her suffering, opening the withered book to show her Daddy the folklore she'd discovered. Nancy and Jonathan shuffled down the sidewalk a little, watching as her father turned and dropped to the concrete beside Eddie; backs against the morgue building as he read the inked words through dried blood. Her father gingerly leafed through a few pages before sighing sadly, nodding in acceptance.

"I killed her," Eddie whispered. "I-I couldn't see that she was suffering, and... And I killed her."

"You didn't - "

"Didn't you read what I did?" Eddie snipped, sunken, haunted eyes staring at her father and begged him to understand. "Sh-She got sick because she loved me, and I couldn't love her back. She's gone - because of me."

"Unrequited love is never really anyone's fault," her father sighed, closing the book and handing it back to Eddie. "I just... I just hate my little girl suffered."

Eddie's heart shattered, nodding before whispering, "Me too. I didn't help her," Eddie wobbled. "I-I promised I'd always help her, I promised I'd always be there for her - an-and I wasn't." His eyes filled with tears as he admitted, "I forgot her, and went to prom with another girl - "

However, this made her father bristle, and he snapped, "Don't you say another word if you want us to keep our good opinion of you. Because if I find out that you're telling me that... That my little girl was waiting on you, and that she died alone, I'm going to lose it, Eddie. You hear me?" The younger man swallowed thickly and nodded. Her father nodded once, "Good."

Eddie had to remind himself that the man just lost his daughter, and his 180 attitude change was completely warranted. If Eddie were in her father's place, he was sure he wouldn't know what to do either except hate whoever was responsible.

"Could I ask you for a favor?" Eddie asked through his tears; Steve Harrington pulling up with his car loaded with Freshman, plus Robin, and Vickie - and yeah, even Chrissy - only to pause and watch the scene on the sidewalk.

"What is it, boy?"

Eddie reached up and pulled the necklace from around his neck, handing it over with a shaking hand, "Y-Your daughter got me this pick when I first told her I wanted to learn the guitar when were were kids. She, uh... She always knew how to make me feel supported, so, I just... I don't know," Eddie's voice cracked painfully and tears poured down his cheeks, "I just thought she should have it back... Just to... Have a little piece of us wherever she ends up."

Her father swallowed and shook his head, "I'm not burying my only child with a keepsake from the man who killed her." Eddie's eyes widened and his hand retracted, pulling the necklace into his chest as her father's red-rimmed eyes turned to him, "We'll tolerate you going to the funeral, we might let you read something, too. After that, make no mistake, we want nothing to do with you. She was..." Her father shook his head as the words stuck in his throat like flower petals had done to her's, "She was the best of us, and you ruined her. I hope you know that all she did was love you, and I hope the guilt sticks with you, kid. Because her mother and I will never know peace... You took that from us when you decided to take another girl to prom and forget about my innocent baby girl. Now, I get to identify her body and instead of picking out a graduation dress, I get to pick out a casket." The two men held eye contact for another minute, her father shaking his head, "Never thought it'd be you, boy, but... I've been disappointed by you before."

"I'm sorry," Eddie gasped through his emotion. "I'm so sorry, I feel terrible, please, please know that I'm so fucking sorry."

"Sorry don't bring the dead back. Sorry won't fix my girl, I can't ever get her back and you? You get to live a long, happy life... Love many girls... And my little girl? My only child? My ray of sunshine in this shitty, cursed town?" Her father scoffed, "She got a cruel and unusual punishment that made her suffer because you could never get your head outta your ass long enough to see how she felt. She didn't deserve that."

"She didn't," Eddie agreed brokenly. His guilt felt insurmountable, but increased tenfold to understand her parents blamed him - that was okay, because he blamed himself.

Her father stood to his feet and sniffled, nodding at Nancy Wheeler and Jonathan Byers (still in their prom clothes). Before he could walk away, Eddie's best friend's father nodded down at a defeated Eddie, leaving him with one last comment, "Now you're seeing clearly, and now, you'll only get to only see her from inside a coffin. Some best friend you are."

Eddie sobbed on the sidewalk for at least another hour, everyone surrounding him and passing the blood-splattered book around that explained her untimely end. Both your friends cracked with emotion; Steve leaning in to hold Robin as Nancy sobbed into Jonathan's shoulders, the kids with tears just silently falling down their cheeks.

However, despite knowing he deserved it, the others didn't blame him, and instead, tried to offer a small amount of comfort to the distressed metalhead who had held his dying best friend in his arms, in her final moments. He didn't know about her feelings, and she never voiced them openly - nobody could blame him for wanting to date. Nobody could blame him for not knowing his best friend harbored deep secrets.

Still, while his friends didn't, Eddie blamed himself.

Damn near the whole town went to her funeral.

Damn near everyone - except the boy who killed her; who chose to wait at the graveyard, wait until her casket was lowered, wait until everyone left, and wait until the dirt was pushed back into the hole she'd been lowered into before he approached. He did so slowly, hands in his prom suit pants pockets that now doubled as funeral attire; a bouquet of flowers silently laid on her grave.

Eddie dropped to his knees in the dirt; sobbing until his chest hurt, and then sobbing some more.

He begged her spirit to forgive him - despite knowing he never deserved it. Nothing made sense to him, and he hated how empty his life was without her. He agonized over the last few weeks the two of you had together, cursing himself for not noticing; and hating himself more for forgetting.

Every single Tuesday, Eddie visited her grave. Like when you two were in school, you hung out together on Tuesdays, and Eddie kept the tradition. He brought new flowers every other week, and started to keep a journal so he could easily update her about his life, as if there were only distance between them - and not transcending planes of the living and dead. He and Chrissy eventually got married, and never once did she try to interrupt his Tuesday plans because even after she were gone, Chrissy knew there was no replacing her as Eddie's best friend - not even Chrissy could fill that void.

Her parents eventually moved to Tennessee to live with other family, dropping off only a box of her things they figured Eddie would want, but he could never leave Hawkins. He couldn't - not when she were buried there. He couldn't - not when that's the town he met her in. He couldn't - not when this was both of your homes, and the only town you both ever knew. He couldn't - not when his guilt was preventing him from ever considering moving on.

Chrissy hated watching him suffer but there was nothing that could alleviate the stress and guilt Eddie felt. There was nothing to do but let him disappear to the graveyard every single Tuesday because it seemed to be the only thing that brought him the smallest sliver of comfort. He felt close to her on those Tuesdays, and nothing would deter him - not even that crazy wicked snow storm of '91.

He never left Hawkins because Eddie had forgotten you once, and it cost him everything - so, he promised to never forget you again.

•

i'm sorry

Chapter 42 is finally here

Thanksgiving

+18 ONLY

Pairing : Lee Bodecker x reader (Give In)

Warnings : fluff

Word Count : 2.4k

Notes : This is a repost of a snippet into the future! Here’s their first Thanksgiving together!

________________

“I’ll be home in time for dinner,” Lee pressed a lingering kiss to her temple as he leaned over her, gently stirring her awake from her deep sleep.

Y/N hummed as she rolled onto her back, her hands going to his face. Her heavy eyelids fluttered open, fighting the sleep, “Love you. Be safe,” her voice was thick and words slurred.

A smile spread across his face and kissed her lips, his smile widening as she moaned into him. When they parted, her hands slid down his neck and rested on his chest. He was already dressed in his uniform, his badge chilled to the touch.

Lee hated leaving, today of all days. But being the Sheriff, he had to show up to work on the holidays. Though, he’d make sure he was on time for dinner. He wouldn’t miss their plans for the world. It was important for the both of them.

This was the first Thanksgiving Y/N was having with the Sturgill’s in years. She hadn’t celebrated any holidays since her grandmother died. To share this with Lee was just as important. While she couldn’t spend the entire day with him, she was grateful that he’d make it in time for dinner.

“Be ready when I get home, okay?” He gave her another kiss.

She hummed as she gave a sleepy nod, “I will. Don’t be late.”

Lee chuckled, “I won’t.”

He gave her one last kiss, one that didn’t last long enough for either of them, and made he way out of the bedroom. She heard the jingle of his keys in the living room and then the shutting and locking of the front door. With a sigh, Y/N pushed herself out of bed. She couldn’t lounge around today. She had much to do.

Y/N was in charge of bringing a casserole for dinner. She couldn’t decide to bring a green bean casserole or a sweet potato one. She didn’t know if sweet or savory would be better, not knowing Margret Sturgill’s spread this year. Unable to make a decision, Y/N bought ingredients for both.

She started prepping the beans and potatoes, peeling and boiling. She made the creamy sauce for the green beans and the crunchy nut topping for the sweet potatoes. After popping them into the oven, she ironed Lee’s outfit for tonight, hanging it on the door when finished. After, she showered.

It was only noon by the time she finished and she realized she didn’t have anything else to do. Becoming antsy, she decided to swing by the station and surprise Lee with lunch. She quickly made him a sandwich, something that wasn’t too filling.

Taking Lee’s Cadillac, she drove up to the station. There was a skip in her step as she entered the building. Griggs was at the dispatch desk as usual and they only had one receptionist. The lobby was decorated for the holiday, honeycomb tissue paper turkeys, a cornucopia with fake pumpkins and gourds, and imitation leaves on garlands. She imagined the Sturgill’s home looked similar.

“Hey’a, Y/N,” Griggs greeted, tossing down his newspaper, “What you doin’ here?”

She raised the brown paper bag in her hand, “Here for Lee, as always.”

“He’s in his office,” he nodded down the hall.

“Thanks,” she nodded back and made her way past him down the hall.

She rapped her knuckles against the glass window of the door, staring at his name on the glass.

“Come in,” Lee’s gravelly voice was muffled behind the closed door.

Y/N opened it and stepped inside. Lee’s eyes widened in surprise and sat back in his chair.

“Honey, what you doin’ here? Is everything okay?” He stood up from his seat and walked over to her.

She smiled softly, “Nothin’s wrong. I just came by to give you some lunch. I know you wouldn’t eat if I didn’t.”

A lopsided smile spread across his face. She knew him too well. His hands went to her arms and pulled her close so he could kiss her, “So sweet to me, baby. Thank you.”

She kissed him back and handed him the brown bag, “It’s not much. But it’ll hold you over till dinner.”

“Thank you,” he said again, taking the bag and placing it on his desk, “Will you stay?”

Y/N shook her head, “I need to stop at the store.”

“What for? You went yesterday,” he noted, his brows knitting together.

“I think I’m gonna make a dessert too,” she shrugged, “I want to make sure there’s enough food to go around for my boys,” she rubbed her hands down his chest and over his belly with a smile.

Lee chuckled, “Definitely too good for me.” He kissed her forehead, “Thank you.”

“How’s work?”

He shrugged, “Paperwork today. Was able to get out of patrol duties.”

“Hm, good,” her smile widened, “That means you’ll be home on time, right?”

He nodded, “That’s right.”

“I’ll let you get to it then,” she gave him one last kiss before turning to the door, “I’ll see you at home, Sheriff.”

“See ya, darlin’,” he escorted her out, “Love you.”

“Love you,” she waved and made her way to the grocery store.

She decided on apple pie, figuring Margret would have pumpkin. She bought the apples and more flour for the crust. Once she got home, she followed her grandmother’s recipe. While it was in the oven, she got dressed and did her hair. Setting the pie out to cool, she places the casseroles in to stay warm and did her makeup, finishing just in time.

The cruiser pulled into the driveway and she head there door slam shut. Her heart flipped in her chest from excitement. He arrived exactly when he said he would. Opening and closing the front door, Lee hummed as the smells hit him. His stomach growled and he wet his lips.

“Honey, I’m home,” he called out.

He heard her heels on the wooden floor first. She appeared from the kitchen with a beautiful smile, all dolled up for him. His posture fell slack as his eyes trailed up and down her form. She was exquisite. She was perfect. Everything was perfect.

He closed the space between them, cupping her cheeks in his hands, “So beautiful, baby.” He placed a gentle kiss to her lips, not wanting to smear her lipstick, “You look amazing.”

Her smile widened as she held his wrists, leaning into him, “Thank you.”

He groaned as he kissed her again, “Let me change really quick.”

Y/N nodded, “Your suit is hanging on the bedroom door.”

“Thanks, baby,” he loosened his tie and made his way to the bedroom.

Fifteen minutes later, Lee came out dressed. His tie matched her dressed, something he didn’t miss. A grin was plastered to his face. This was the first Thanksgiving he got to spend with anyone since his mother and sister passed. He usually worked all major holidays because of it, not wanting to be home alone. Now, he has the perfect person to spend it with.

“You ready?” He asked.

Y/N nodded, grabbing the casseroles out of the oven, “Yeah, can you help me carry these out?”

“Of course,” he took one while she took the other, coming back for the pie. “This all smells amazing, honey. You really out did yourself.”

Her smile hurt her cheeks and tried to play it off, “You think so?”

“Oh yeah,” he nodded, placing everything in the back of the Cadillac, “I thought you were only gonna make one thing.”

“I couldn’t decide on what I wanted to make so made it all,” she smirked.

“You never fail to impress me,” he complimented as they both climbed into the car.

Her heart soared and she held his hand the entire drive to the Sturgill’s. When they arrived, Rob was on the porch smoking a cigarette with his dad, chatting.

“There they are,” Dink greeted with a smile, “You got food?”

Y/N smiled as her and Lee opened the backseat doors, “I brought food.”

Dink smacked his eldest son’s arm, “Go help ‘em.”

Rob took one last drag of his cigarette before he flicked the butt in the yard and went down the porch steps. He grabbed a casserole while Y/N grabbed the pie, Lee grabbing the other casserole and carried them inside. Dink held open the door for them, following them into the house.

“How are ya, Dink?” Lee playfully slapped the older man’s back.

“Ah, can’t complain,” he grumbled, “I mean, I could, but I won’t.”

Lee chuckled and Margret’s excited squeal filled their ears.

“Oh, you made it! I was afraid you would get held up at work,” she gave a kiss to Y/N’s cheek and hugged Lee, “Oh, Y/N, honey! You made all of this?”

“I did,” she chuckled, “I felt like one thing wasn’t enough.”

“You are so sweet,” Margret took the pie from her hands, “This is perfect. I also have a pumpkin pie.”

Lee placed the casserole on the counter next to the succotash and German cabbage. Other sides included were collard greens, roasted Brussels sprouts, and cranberry sauce and stuffing. For the main dish there was the option of brown sugar-glazed ham or a marinated turkey.

“Oh, my god,” Y/N stared bug eyed at the large spread, now even bigger with her dishes, “Mrs. Sturgill, this is amazing.”

“Been savin’ up this year!” She clasped her hands together, excitement sparkling in her eyes, “The boys helped me. That’s the only way I was able to make this happen in a timely manner. Gravy is still cookin’.”

“You did great,” Y/N reiterated, “Thank you for having us.”

Lee nodded, mouth watering, “Yes, thank you very much.”

“I made cider,” she pointed to the punch bowel by the cheese ball and ambrosia salad, “Dink talked me out of doin’ a pecan pie so I’m glad you brought an apple pie.”

Footsteps suddenly barreled up the basement steps and the door swung open.

“Aye-oh!” Dan announced himself, “Finally you’re here.”

Willie came up from behind him, “That means we can eat now.”

“Hey, guys,” Y/N smiled, “Where’s Roy?”

“Pickin’ up Hank,” Rob answered as he placed the casserole down, grabbing a celery stick and dipping it into the cheese ball, “Guess they’re cool now.”

“I’m glad he’s coming,” Margret spoke up, “He doesn’t have anyone to spend the holiday with. God bless him.”

Rob and Dan bit their tongue, for the sake of the holiday.

“Once he gets back, then we can eat,” Margret added, narrowing her eyes at Rob.

“I’m starvin’,” he defended himself.

“He’ll be back soon,” she batted her hand. She turned to Lee, “So, how do you usually spend Thanksgiving?”

Lee shrugged, “Work.”

“Every year?” Her brows puckered.

He nodded, “Didn’t have anyone to spend it with ‘til now.” His arm wrapped around Y/N, smiling down at her.

Y/N’s cheeks flushed as she smiled back at him. She knew what that was like. Growing up, her mother put on a show, making her perform to be the best daughter. She held her to an unachievable standard and Y/N was never able to enjoy the holiday. That was until she met Lee. She could be herself and truly enjoy spending time with her family.

“Well, I’m so glad you made it this year,” Margret smiled at them, “We’ll make this a tradition. You two are always welcome here.”

The front door open and closed and Dan rolled his eyes, “Finally.”

Roy and Hank Bell strolled into the kitchen, all eyes on them. Roy’s face grew hot and frowned, “What?”

Y/N waved to him, “Hey, Roy. Hi, Hank.”

Lee gave them a nodding welcome.

Roy swallowed hard, “Hey.”

Willie’s head whipped around to his mother, “Can we eat now?”

“Yes, we can eat now,” she sighed in defeat.

The brothers swarmed the counter top, snatching their plates from the stack. Their mother’s eyes widened, “Start a line! Don’t act like animals.”

Lee chuckled and made his way to the end of the line, pulling Y/N along with him. They both piled their plates full of food, trying every single dish. Once everyone got their preferred portions and sat at the table, hush fell over them.

Margret turned to her husband, “Shall you say grace?”

Dink grumbled, setting down his utensils he had just picked up, “Sure.”

Everyone bowed their heads in respect, most not truly praying.

“We are here to celebrate what we are thankful for. What am I thankful for? I’m thankful for this family… I am thankful for my good health, the wellbeing of those I love. I’m thankful for each and everyone of you’s sittin’ here today. I’m thankful to have my sons here with me, successful and thriving. Have my beautiful wife’s love. To have the best daughter. Thank you, God, for blessin’ me. Thank you, God, for blessin’ everyone at this table. And I’m thankful for this food my family slaved after today. Thank you, Lord. Amen.”

“Amen,” came scattered voices in unison.

Y/N blinked back tears and felt Lee squeeze her thigh. She looked up to him and he smiled at her, kissing her forehead.

“Dig in!” Margret beamed.

The food was as delicious as it looked. Everyone helped themselves to second servings. Y/N’s casseroles were a hit. When it came to dessert, Lee had a slice of each, wanting to try his girl’s baking. And it did not disappoint. He couldn’t wait to have Thanksgiving at their house for the first time. He wanted to eat all of her cookings.

They chatted amongst themselves, the conversation always lively until the men had to undo their belts. They settled their food with cigarettes outside. Y/N later joined the brothers in the basement to get high, while Lee entertained their parents.

It was late by the time they left. The food has their mind in a haze and they went home with plenty of leftovers. Lee and Y/N held hands the entire ride back.

“I had a great time today, Y/N,” Lee said as they changed out of their clothes.

A sleepy smile tugged at her lips, “I did too.”

They climbed into bed and Lee kissed her once she settled against him.

“You’ve made this day perfect,” he whispered against her lips, “I want this every year with you.”

“Me too,” she smiled against him.

Both of their bellies full of food, they relaxed in their bed, cuddled in each other’s arms.

Modern Lee Bodecker! Reader Valentine’s Day date!

Valentine’s Day

+18 ONLY

Pairing : modern!Lee Bodecker x reader

Word Count : 506

Warnings : explicit language, fluff, public groping

Notes : Thank you for sending this in! I had a lot of fun with it! Much love ❤️

________________

“I’m gonna beat your ass.”

“Oh, really?” Lee smirked, “‘Cause it looks like you’re strugglin’.”

“Better save room for dinner for the words you’ll be eating,” she quipped.

Sirens rang and the game announced the winner.

“Goddamnit,” Y/N slammed the plastic gun down, “I was so close!”

Lee threw his head back with a hearty laugh, “I warned ya, darlin’. No one can beat me at shootin’.”

Y/N grabbed his belt buckle and pulled him close, “And I warned you. I’m gonna beat your ass one of these days.”

Lee gripped her chin with his fingers as he tried to bite back a smile, “Over my dead body.”

“Sheriff, food’s ready,” the bartender called out over the loud noises of the game sound effects and children laughing.

Y/N patted his chest, “After I fuel myself with sustenance, we’re playin’ again. And I’m gonna win.”

“I’m paralyzed by a combination of fear and awe,” Lee said sarcastically.

As she turned away from him and headed back to their booth, Lee slapped her ass. She smacked his hand away as she tried not to grin, “Lee, children are present.”

Lee’s hands returned to the globes of her ass, “Don’t give a shit. This is an adult arcade.”

His hands remained low on her hips as they reached their booth and sat down. Their food was steaming hot and waiting for them. They cuddled in the seat as they ate their appetizer before moving onto their meals. Once their bellies were full, Y/N leaned back against his chest, her head resting on his shoulder.

“M’stuffed,” she grumbled.

Lee hummed as he kissed the crown of her head, “Still ready to beat my ass?”

She let out a deep sigh, “Yeah, I think so. Better prepare yourself.”

“Shootin’ or air hockey?”

Y/N pursed her lips, “I’m totally gonna beat your ass at air hockey.”

Lee chuckled, “Alright, let’s go. If I stay sittin’ any longer, I won’t wanna get up.”

Her hand rubbed over his belly as she batted her long lashes at him, “My sexy old man.”

“Alright,” he grumbled, sliding out of the booth, “Lemme get a beer first.”

“Get me one, too,” she stretched once she stood back up.

“There wine is half off,” he said, “Valentine’s Day special.”

“Oh, okay,” she beamed.

Lee went to the bar and added the drinks to their tab, returning with an amber bottle of beer and a clear glass of wine.

Y/N took a large gulp and smiled at him, “This is the best Valentine’s Day ever.”

“I’m glad you approve,” Lee smirked. He had surprised her by bringing her here to the adult arcade for a special night.

“I’m actually having fun,” she continued, “So much better than sitting at a quiet dinner and pretend that we’re boring adults.”

“We’re certainly not boring,” he agreed, leading her over to the air hockey table, “Now, prepare to lose. If I win, we’re doin’ that thing I like.”

“And if I win, we’re doin’ the thing I like,” she smirked.

“Deal.”