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myeuphoricmindset · 6 months

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Haunted by you — Eddie Munson

↳ chapter seven

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Summary | Eddie Munson's ghost is haunting the house recently occupied by Daisy Morgan. Having been deceased for years, Eddie becomes visible only to her. As she adjusts to sharing her living space with an otherworldly presence, their relationship develops into a compelling yet forbidden romance between the living and the dead. But, how could that ever truly work?

Warnings/tags | UPDATED: This chapter contains childhood abuse, drug use, mention of loss of parental rights, car accident and a damaged mother/daughter relationship. If you would like to skip Daisy's snippet of her backstory then skip ahead to the first page break. Full warnings here.

Word count | 4.2k

★

Small trembling hands clutch the steering wheel, Daisy’s wide-eyed gaze striving to find the road ahead. A sudden, forceful blow to the back of her head jolted her into action.

“What are you waiting for?”

Daisy hastily turned her attention to her mother in the passenger seat, who was busy lighting a pipe and inhaling. It was a disturbingly routine sight, one Daisy had grown accustomed to over the years. By the age of three, she had been taught to fetch the pipe and a lighter. Fetch like a dog, for that was how she was treated, or perhaps even worse.

Shifting the gear into drive, Daisy wedged her leg beneath her to gain a better view of the road. The street lights barely lit the way home, but she’s driven this route more than she can count. It still made her nervous, not because she was only eight and didn’t have a driver’s license, but because of her mother.

“I’m going to make you walk home next time you do that shit.” Grace spit.

Daisy knew she wouldn’t. Her mother relied on her to drive, especially when securing her latest drug fix. It wasn’t until Daisy grew older that she overheard a social worker mentioning how Grace had taken her to her drug dealer’s house, forcing her to wait in a room filled with strangers and users while her mother obtained drugs. At a young age, she didn’t grasp the concept of a “dealer,” but she understood the discomfort she felt in that house. She knew that it was a bad place.

“You little slut, always batting your eyes at him,” Grace groaned in irritation.

Daisy didn’t comprehend. She made every effort to avoid eye contact with the man Grace associated with at that house. Her eyes were always downcast, and she did her utmost to remain invisible. It wasn’t her fault that he would gaze at her and attempt to engage in conversation while Grace used the bathroom. Her mother insisted it was her fault, that Daisy was trying to steal her man, sabotaging her connections.

Young Daisy held back her tears as her mother hurled hateful words at her while she drove. It was all too easy to believe the cruel words coming from the person she was born to love. It must be true, she would tell herself when she was alone. Maybe she was worthless and stupid.

Grace pinched her ear as she drove. “Do you even listen to me, girl?”

“Yes, mama,” Daisy replied, her voice trembling as she struggled to stay within the white lines on the road.

She twisted her ear in anger and Daisy held back her whimpering. She quietly exhaled as her mother removed her hand from her ear, a surge of relief washing over her.

“Open your mouth.”

Daisy wished she could keep her mouth sealed, but she remembered what happened when she resisted. So she obediently opened her mouth, and the pill landed on her tongue. Her grip on the steering wheel tightened as she sensed her mother’s watchful eyes, and she swallowed.

Daisy regretted not speaking up to tell her mom it was too soon. The pill was always given after they passed Woodland Street, yet this time, they were still miles away. The sleeping pill usually would take effect just as they arrived home, a way for Grace to avoid dealing with her for the night so she could focus on her art.

It was too soon. Too soon. Daisy repeated that in her head, tuning out her mother’s rambling as she concentrated on the road. But the world outside began to blur, and Daisy felt her eyelids grow heavy. Keeping them open became increasingly challenging, and it didn’t take long before she fell into exhaustion.

Daisy couldn't recall the car colliding with the tree or her body being ejected from the vehicle, skidding across the unforgiving asphalt. Her memories consisted only of the moments in the hospital where the police and social workers posed questions. She remembered her mother’s shouts down the hallway, declaring she never wanted Daisy anyway when informed she would be taken away. Her physical injuries mended, but the wounds to Daisy’s heart and soul remained forever unhealed.

★

The sterile white walls, the incessant beeping of machines, and the sight of doctors in their white coats served as haunting reminders of her past, sending a shiver down her spine. It had been three long days since her admission, and the prospect of going home today filled her with gratitude. Her concussion had cleared, and only six stitches on her forehead bore witness to the ordeal.

Sloan, with a warm smile, placed clean clothes at the end of the hospital bed.

“How’s the house?” Daisy asked.

How was Eddie? That’s what she really wanted to know. Did she see him? Of course not. Daisy was just so eager to see him. It’s all she’s been thinking about. Late last night, she had dialed the house’s number, hoping for Eddie to pick up, but it only rang and rang, each ring amplifying her anxiety.

Sloan reassured her, saying, “It’s clean, don’t worry.”

Oddly, that stirred conflicting emotions within Daisy. Perhaps a part of her craved proof that what had occurred on her birthday was real, not just her accident but what happened before it. She had no recollection of the fall into the pool. The last memory etched in her mind was telling Eddie to leave, a decision that had burdened her with regret since her awakening. She longed to see him, to apologize, to hear his voice.

Daisy’s body ached, and she felt the soreness acutely as she dressed. Sloan stood close, ready to assist if necessary. Having someone there, offering support when needed, was a comforting presence, and Sloan was always the person Daisy could count on. She was well aware of Daisy’s unease about hospitals due to her past, and Sloan ensured they could leave as soon as she was cleared.

Sloan even kept visitors at bay, aside from one person who Daisy welcomed. Steve had visited the previous day, apologizing and shouldering the blame for leaving her in the garden. Daisy had firmly asserted that it wasn’t his fault. He did nothing wrong. He was so kind and caring, and it made Daisy feel a little guilty about what happened. As if she had any control in it.

They had spent nearly half the day together talking. Despite their shared dance and kiss, it became clear that their connection was better suited to friendship. However, Daisy occasionally caught herself gazing at his lips and hands, promptly averting her eyes, thoughts consumed by Eddie.

Daisy expressed her gratitude to the nurse who wished her well upon departure. “Thank you so much; I really appreciate your help.”

Arm in arm, Sloan and Daisy strolled slowly through the hospital corridors. This time, she wasn’t leaving with a stranger bearing paperwork and sympathetic eyes but with someone she knew. Someone that was family.

“Love you,” Daisy murmured softly to Sloan, her way of saying thank you, and Sloan understood.

“I love you too,” Sloan replied, giving Daisy a gentle squeeze, mindful of her healing process. “How about we grab a pizza on the way home?”

Sloan’s words almost faded into the background as Daisy’s gaze fixated on someone standing at the nurses’ station. His name initially eluded her, but his curly hair and infectious smile were unmistakable.

“What’s wrong?” Sloan asked.

Daisy realized they had come to a halt in the middle of the hallway. Her attention remained fixed on the man who seemed captivated by a nurse behind the desk. He handed her a bag of food, making it apparent that she was his girlfriend or wife, visiting her at work. Daisy’s mind raced as she struggled to recall his name and why he seemed significant. Then, his name tag caught her eye: Dustin Henderson.

Daisy almost gasped but managed to contain it. “No, everything is fine.”

She tried to maintain her composure as they continued walking, but she couldn’t help glancing at Dustin. He knew Eddie, and he might know about Eddie’s past or what had happened to him. The image of their hellfire photograph remained in the forefront of her thoughts as she debated whether to approach him or go home.

Her eyes dropped to his name tag, not from the hospital, but bearing the name “Nexus Labcorp.”

“Do you know him?” Sloan asked, noticing Daisy’s fixation.

Daisy shifted her focus to her shoes, her voice faltering. “Uh, no. I thought maybe I did, but no.”

With that, Daisy and Sloan exited the hospital and made their way toward Sloan’s car. The sun’s warmth felt comforting on Daisy’s chilled skin, and the fresh air filled her lungs, rekindling a sense of life that had eluded her in the past three days.

She made a silent promise to herself, Tomorrow. Tomorrow, she will drive to Nexus and seek out Dustin. The questions about Eddie were gnawing at her, and the unresolved uncertainty couldn’t continue.

★

Daisy’s heart raced with nervous anticipation as Sloan steered them toward the house. Her thoughts swirled with questions. Could Eddie sense her presence? Did he know she was home? Her gaze swept over the property, searching every window for a glimpse of him, but there was no sign.As they entered the house, an oppressive silence surrounded them, even Sloan’s breathing was a faint whisper.

Suddenly, there he was – Eddie, emerging from the kitchen, and his surprise mirrored Daisy’s own shock. They stood still, locked in a silent exchange, while Sloan set the bags down and spoke, her words lost in the background noise. Daisy wanted to run and jump in his arms, but she knew that was not possible. Never would be.

Eddie approached her, his eyes wide with emotion. “Dais,” he uttered her name with a sigh of relief.

A tear rolled down Daisy’s cheek, and she couldn’t quite understand why she was overcome with such intense emotion. Well, that wasn’t entirely true. She knew. It was all she could think about. Her feelings for him, the unfairness of the situation, how she’d asked him to leave when all she wanted was for him to stay, and how she had nearly lost her life without the chance to say goodbye.

“Are you okay?” Sloan’s voice broke the spell Daisy was under.

“Sorry, I’m just feeling a little…” She trailed off, a shrug and a shake of her head finishing her sentence. “It looks nice here, thank you for cleaning up.”

“Your head,” Eddie said with concern, brushing his finger over her stitches, a cold sensation sending shivers through her. She missed that touch, his familiar presence. “How are you? How badly are you hurt?”

Sloan wrapped her arm around Daisy before she could try to respond to Eddie. “Let me help you upstairs before I grab my bags.”

Daisy turned her gaze to Sloan. “Oh, are you staying?”

“Of course. I want to be here while you heal.”

“Tell her that I’ll take care of you,” Eddie added.

Daisy forced herself to focus on Sloan, striving to appear as normal as possible. All she wanted was to be alone with Eddie. Politely, Daisy insisted to Sloan that she was fine and suggested she head home. Sloan, however, refused to leave and guided her upstairs.

Eddie and Daisy’s eyes met as she climbed the stairs. He smiled softly at her, but then something changed. Eddie’s smile faded, and he called out, “Daisy, wait.”

Daisy halted, her gaze locked on the empty living room. Eddie had vanished within the blink of an eye, and a sense of unease washed over her. She longed to call out his name, but Sloan gently urged her onward.

Something was amiss. Daisy knew it because Eddie remained absent throughout the evening. After Sloan left the room, Daisy called for him, but he never appeared. She ventured out of the room in search of him, but he was nowhere to be found. Why was he disappearing when she needed him most? Her desperation turned to hurt. Where was he?

The drained pool mirrored her emptiness. Daisy perched at its edge as the sun set, but it felt all wrong without him. Perhaps he was in the garden, so she made her way to where they shared their first kiss.

“Eddie!” Daisy called out in a hushed whisper, not wanting to alarm Sloan. If she kept shouting, Sloan might think she was losing her mind and send her back to the hospital.

But she might think that regardless because when Sloan found Daisy, she was sitting on a stone bench and her face was wet with tears. Eddie wasn’t here and she’s never felt so alone.

“Oh, Daisy, what’s wrong?”

Sloan sat next to her and wrapped her arms around her. It was comforting to be held when she was feeling this way, but all she could think about was how it would feel to be held by Eddie.

“I’m tired. Can you help me to bed?”

And Sloan did. No more questions were asked, and Daisy was thankful for that. She figured Sloan would assume she was right and healing was very exhausting.

As Sloan shut the door and the room was engulfed with darkness, Daisy whispered Eddie’s name once more. It came out broken and desperate. She glanced in the mirror hoping to see him and he would sit on the bed to begin telling a story. But he didn’t show.

★

Daisy woke up with puffy eyes, still weighed down by exhaustion. Careful not to wake Sloan, she descended the stairs, leaving a note, and drove away from the house before the landscapers even began their morning routine.

With no sign of Eddie throughout the night and morning, Daisy felt an urgency to seek answers. Gathering information on where the lab was didn’t take her long, and before nine a.m., she found herself in the parking lot of Nexus Labcorp, hoping to find Dustin.

A brunette at the front desk greeted her with a warm smile. “Please, take a seat, and I’ll page him.”

The waiting room was colder than the outside, and Daisy was grateful for her sweatshirt. It didn’t take long before the curly-haired Dustin emerged, wearing a confused yet welcoming expression.

“Uh, hi. I’m Dustin. How can I help you?”

Daisy stood, extending her hand. “Hi, I’m Daisy.”

“Daisy? Nice to meet you. I don’t think we had an appointment scheduled today. Sorry for any confusion.”

“No, we didn’t. Um, sorry, this is kind of strange for me to show up here, and you don’t even know me, but is there a way we can talk?” Daisy hoped they could discuss somewhere more private than the waiting room.

“I don’t think I have much time; I’ve got a pretty packed schedule today. Can I ask what this is about?”

Daisy hesitated, unsure how to proceed. Would it alarm him if she mentioned Eddie’s name? Were they close enough for him to know anything? Could this be a wasted effort? The questions weighed heavily on her. It was worth the risk.

“It’s about Eddie Munson.”

Dustin’s face immediately shifted. His brows furrowed, and he glanced around the room before stepping aside and gesturing to a nearby door. “Come on back.”

They walked down a long hallway and entered an office near the back. Daisy didn’t know Dustin’s role at the company, but the numerous awards on the shelf behind his desk indicated his importance.

“Did you know Eddie?” Dustin asked as they took their seats.

How should she respond? Yes, but no? Not really. She knew Eddie better than most, yet not really at all. She was the only one who truly saw him—the only person in his life beyond death.

“Yes, we go way back.”

Go way back? She felt as foolish as she sounded.

“I guess he kept you private because he always talked about the pretty ladies he was dating,” Dustin said with a laugh.

Talked. Was. Did. All past tense. Daisy knew Eddie was gone, but it still hurt. She wanted to find out about his death, any unfinished business, and the reasons he might have left. Maybe he was trying to figure things out himself. Daisy didn’t know what she would do with the information, but she couldn’t stand the unknown.

“Well, I’m assuming you were both close. I’ve heard about you a few times.”

A lie. She rarely heard about people in his life, but she knew they were connected through his hellfire club, and that was enough to maintain the conversation.

“Did you? Well, yeah. I was more of an annoying little brother to him, but he always stuck around. Made sure I was doing okay. You know, showing up for the club and whatnot,” Dustin said with a smile, reminiscing about Eddie.

“Hellfire?” Daisy asked.

“That’s right. His pride and joy, aside from his music.”

Daisy smiled, eager to delve into the questions, but she wasn’t sure how to broach the subject. Should she ask how Eddie died, if anyone had issues with him, or if there were any loose ends? All the questions felt wrong, and she struggled to find the right words.

“Have you visited him?” Dustin asked, interrupting her thoughts.

“Visited him?”

Does he have a gravesite? Daisy wondered. Maybe that’s where he was. Was he buried in Hawkins? The idea of his name on a tombstone made her feel queasy. His body was buried six feet under, while his soul was trapped in her house.

Dustin took a sip of his coffee. “Yeah, I think visiting hours have finally opened back up.”

“Uh, no, I haven’t. Maybe you could remind me which cemetery he’s at. That’s actually why I came here. I didn’t find out about his passing until after I moved out of town, and I’d love to visit him.”

Dustin stared at her blankly, slowly tilting his head. “Cemetery? Who told you he died?”

Daisy realized she’d said the wrong thing by the look in his eyes. Panic surged as she tried to figure out how to fix it. Before she could fully grasp the magnitude of her error, she blurted out the first name that came to mind – a name from the photo with Eddie, someone she knew Eddie and Dustin both had connections with.

“Gareth.”

Dustin chuckled, and Daisy jumped. Luckily, he didn’t notice, but he cleared his throat, trying to regain his composure. “I’m sorry, that was rude of me to laugh. But Gareth is an idiot sometimes. He probably meant it as a sick joke or maybe he’s that out of it, but he’s wrong. Eddie isn’t dead.”

Eddie isn’t dead. Daisy’s head spun, unable to process the idea. How was that possible? A million questions bubbled up, and her breath got caught in her throat.

“Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to make you upset.”

Daisy stood up, clutching the chair for support. She swallowed, trying to muster some strength. “He’s n-not dead?” she asked again, seeking another confirmation.

Dustin stood, unsure whether to pat her back or give her space. He clearly felt uncomfortable and anxious. “No, he’s not.”

“Where is he?”

Dustin looked down and took a deep breath. “Oakridge Neurological Institute.”

“Neurological? Why is he there?”

Dustin sat down, glancing up at Daisy. “He’s not dead, Daisy. But he’s not really alive either.”

Daisy grew impatient, needing more answers as her chest grew heavy with concern. “What does that mean?”

“He’s in a coma. Has been for the past seven years.”

Daisy slumped back in her chair, feeling overwhelmed. She desperately wanted to crawl into a hole and process this information. Was this good or bad? It made sense, but it didn’t. She felt hope that she could see him and touch him, but that hope dwindled as she realized he hadn’t moved on because he was still partially alive. Daisy didn’t know how to feel about that.

Dustin continued, “Honestly, he should have been taken off life support a long time ago. I never thought I’d say that, but it’s painful for everyone to see him wasting away. He would have hated that. But his uncle can’t let him go. It’s sad.”

Daisy was deeply pained, struggling to hold back her tears. “How did it happen?”

“Did Gareth tell you it was a car accident? Because that’s true. Eddie would be pissed to know he totaled his van.”

She sat there, taking in the information and softly asked for the address. Dustin wrote it down and handed it over.

“I’m sorry you had to find out this way. The grief is hard to bear. He’s not dead, but he’s gone, and because the situation is unique, you can’t seem to find a good place to hold the pain. You can’t grieve and move on. I’ve been stuck in this limbo of sadness since I was fifteen.”

“I’m sorry too,” Daisy said sincerely. Her pain deepened by the shared sorrow.

Daisy apologized for taking up his time and thanked him for providing the answers she was searching for. He was polite as he shook her hand and walked her to the door. Daisy clutched the piece of paper with the address on it. If Eddie wasn’t going to come to her then she was going to go to him.

★

Daisy took a deep breath as she stood in the elevator with one of the staff members. The woman informed her that Eddie’s room was just down the hall as they stepped out into a bright, welcoming hallway. It felt different from a regular hospital, more long-term, a place for people who had nowhere else to go, where families couldn’t bear to let go. Daisy appreciated that someone cared so much about Eddie that they couldn’t release him, yet there was a profound sadness that surrounded the thought.

Taking another deep breath, Daisy tried to distract herself from crying by digging her nails into her palms. Eddie was right behind the door. Her heart raced as the attendant opened the door for her to walk in and then left her standing in the room, alone with Eddie.

She focused on Eddie’s feet at the end of the bed, tucked under the blankets, too afraid to look up. Slowly, she moved closer to him and found his hand, not touching it, but just looking at it. She was used to not being able to touch him, but now she could.

The beeping of the machines filled the room, providing a sense of focus, much like when she was a child in the hospital, alone and frightened. A reminder to breathe. Beep, breathe. Beep, breathe.

Finally, she lifted her gaze to find Eddie lying in the bed. The sight of the tubes connected to him and seeing him alive sent a rush of overwhelming emotions through her and she was unable to hold back her tears.

With immediate tenderness, Daisy took hold of his hand and whispered his name.

He was real. He was here.

He looked the same, so very beautiful. He had more facial hair and she thought about how she would tease him about that later. Telling him how he needs a woman’s touch within his care since his uncle had other things to worry about. Would she meet his uncle? Would she thank him for being able to have this moment with Eddie or would she tell him that this is the reason Eddie is stuck? Daisy pushed the thoughts aside and took a seat.

“You’re warm,” she said as she pulled her chair closer to his bedside and tightened her grip on his hand. “Softer hands than I imagined, softer than Steve’s,” she added with a soft laugh.

Eddie lay there motionless, a painful sight of being able to see him alive yet not truly there. Daisy brushed the curls from his face and ran her fingers through his hair.

“Where are you?” Come back to me, she thought, then brought his hand to her face, kissed it, and pressed his hand against her cheek, closing her eyes.

“Eddie, please.”

Just as she was lost in her emotions, the door creaked open, making Daisy jump at the sound. She turned her tear-filled eyes to see a beautiful blonde woman entering the room.

“Oh, hi,” the woman said, clearly taken aback by Daisy’s presence.

An uncomfortable atmosphere settled over the room as Daisy clung to Eddie's hand, her eyes still brimming with tears. It must have been an unusual and unsettling scene for a stranger. There was an uncanny familiarity in the woman's demeanor as she entered the room, suggesting she might have been here before.

Daisy stood up, wiping her face. “Hi. Sorry, I didn’t know anyone else was here. I’m Daisy.”

The blonde woman appeared somewhat concerned or maybe confused as she extended her hand to shake Daisy’s. Her eyes flicked to Daisy’s forehead where the stitches were on display. God, she was a mess.

“I’m Chrissy.”

As Daisy raised her hand to shake Chrissy’s, she froze upon noticing the stunning diamond ring on Chrissy’s left hand as she brushed back her hair.

Daisy’s stomach sank.

★ chapter eight coming soon ★

Fanart is currently being made for this series. I'm so excited to share.

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#eddie munson #eddie munson fanfic #eddie munson fic #eddie munson x original character #sad Eddie Munson #Eddie Munson fanfic series #ghost Eddie munson

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steddie-luvr · 1 year

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just some angst and heartbreak that i was thinking of,,,

steve’s brain is throwing him for a loop (his dad has a cement hold on him from when he was little) and has been for months, telling himself that he’s not good enough/doesn’t deserve to love somebody, that no one can love him, that his dad would kill him if he found out he was dating the town freak, let alone a boy, that eddie will find someone to give him the care and love he deserves, that it won’t come from someone who has battles within himself everyday because why would his brain lie to him?

steve knocking on eddie’s trailer door and saying in the most care-free, condescending, heart-breaking tone of voice ever that he’s breaking up with him & that he doesn’t love him anymore.

that couldn’t be further from the damn truth; he was pacing in his room before he came over and running his hands furiously through his hair, wondering how he’d be able to say something so detrimental and make it sound real.

eddie thinks steve is joking at first. he gives a chuckle and rolls his eyes, but his brows furrow and his face drops when steve doesn’t laugh.

“you are joking, right? because i don’t think i can handle it if you weren’t”

steve stays silent and leans against the threshold of eddie’s front door with his arms crossed in front of his chest.

he doesn’t say anything and just looks down at his feet.

eddie’s brain is going a million miles a minute. he turns around and starts pacing the living room. his biggest fear is coming true, the person he loves being done with him, over him. like he’s a christmas present that hit it’s two-week mark. throwing him away like they’ve gotten their use out of him.

“so that’s it, huh? you’ve just fallen out of love with me, is that it?”

steve stays silent.

“because i don’t believe that for a second.” eddie’s voice breaks at the last word. “if it’s me, i’m sorry. i’m so sorry. i’ll fix whatever i did wrong. i can’t lose you, steve.” eddie’s begging, pleading. he’s hysterical.

steve just closes his eyes tightly, not being able to look at the man who’s heart he just shattered.

eddie raises his arms and places his hands on top of his head, face twisting up in such heartbreak. “no. no, don’t do this to me.” he fucking whispers. so pathetically, so broken.

steve opens his eyes, wet with tears.

“i know. i’m sorry.” he’s straight faced, barely looks at him for longer than a second.

“please, steve. i know you still love me. you do. lie to me. do something. you can’t do this to me.” eddie steps closer to him, tips of shoes touching tips of shoes.

steve steps back. eddie’s heart shatters into even smaller pieces than before.

he readjusts himself and pulls out his wallet. he opens it and pulls out the very first Polaroid they took together after they started dating two and a half years ago.

“here, i don’t want it. keep it” he hands it to eddie and shows no emotion, like he’d rather be somewhere else, like he was forced to be here almost. the facade must be working because eddie doesn’t see how he’s two damn seconds away from crumbling to the ground and hugging the other man’s jean-covered legs.

eddie just looks at him. stares at him disbelief because how the fuck is this real life right now?

eddie softly grabs the picture from steve’s fingers.

“i don’t… steve, please. i don’t- c’mon man. please.” his words are wet, his throat is thick, the tears won’t stop streaming.

steve just shakes his head twice.

“you, uh… take care of yourself. i’ll… i’ll see you around.” he turns around and walks down the two damn steps of eddie’s trailer.

walks away with eddie’s heart in his back pocket.

eddie’s still in shock. he blindly watches as steve pulls out of the dirt patch in front of his trailer, and drives off quickly.

it isn’t until he hears himself close the front door that he processes what just happened. he turns around slowly and leans against the door, eventually sliding down it. he just starts screaming. screaming as loud as he can. screams just like that day in the upside down, thinking that that was finally the end.

wishes it was so that he didn’t have to deal with this.

he wraps his arms around himself and just screams and cries and wails. so many thoughts run through his head.

he falls asleep against the door, his arms wrapped around himself, legs tugged up under his chin, tear stained cheeks, his broken heart walking around in steve’s back pocket.

#jay speaks #sfw steddie #sfw #steve harrington x eddie munson #steddie angst #sad eddie munson #sad eddie #sad steve harrington #sad steve #st4 #au steddie #steddie au #breakup #stranger things season 4

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mixsethaddams · 1 year

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Christmas is difficult for me for reasons which are many and varied. I’m feeling very sad and very overwhelmed with it, so here’s a sad little steddie ficlet that I wrote to channel all of it productively. Enjoy.

(GA, hurt/no comfort, 527 words)

////

“It could have been great, you know,”

Steve nodded as Eddie rubbed a thumb the back of his hand.

“I know,”

Their hands fit together almost perfectly as they held each other’s in the space between them. Almost. Wasn’t that just the problem?

They were almost perfect for each other, except Steve wanted to stay in Hawkins and Eddie wanted to leave. They were almost perfect for each other, except Steve wanted kids and Eddie didn’t. They were almost perfect for each other, except Steve was ready to settle down and Eddie wanted to live life for a while longer. They were almost perfect for each other, except they weren’t.

Eddie leaned in and placed a chaste kiss on Steve’s lips. Closed mouths, the barest bit of pressure. Eddie held Steve’s jaw carefully as he pulled back and looked into his eyes. Just to keep him there, just for another second. The soft white lights of the christmas tree in the window behind him framed him like angel.

Steve let go of Eddie’s hand and took a step backwards. He had never expected that their time together would be so short. They had planned a whole lifetime together, years and years of loving each other, and glossing over the important details while they whispered about it in the dead of night. Steve wished he had have insisted they talk more about those details at the time, because when they crept back up over time it became obvious that they would cause problems. Maybe if they had have realised sooner rather than later that they were doomed it would have hurt less.

Eddie put his hands into his pockets and looked at his feet. He wasn’t trying to hide the tears streaking down his face or the strained sniffles between quiet sobs. He thought his life with Steve would be the only one he’d ever know. This wasn’t what he wanted, but too many long nights of discussions made it clear that it wasn’t something either of them could compromise on either. It wouldn’t be fair and it would only build resentment. The idea of growing to hate each other was too much to bear.

“I love you, Eds. Always will,”

“I love you too, Stevie. Don’t ever forget it,”

“Will you write to me, after you go?”

“Will you write back?”

They offered each other a small smile. Eddie wouldn’t write, and Steve wouldn’t reply even if he did. They both knew it. It would be too tempting to run back to each other and fall into a blissful state of ignorance once more. It was too painful to even think about having to do this again. Neither of them could risk this kind of heartbreak again.

“It would have been so great,” repeated Eddie, his voice wobbling.

“I know,” agreed Steve in cracked whisper.

Eddie turned and walked back to his van. Steve watched him go, biting his tongue to avoid calling his name and stopping him from leaving. He watched through tears as he drove away and disappeared from the end of the street.

This wasn’t for the best, but it was the right thing. Steve knew it and Eddie knew it, even if the cracks in their hearts never quite healed.

#steddie #steve harrington #eddie munson #eddie stranger things #steve x eddie #steve stranger things #steve and eddie #st fanfic #stranger things #steddie fic #steddie ficlet #sad steve harrington #sad eddie munson #sad steddie #seth writes

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munsonshire · 1 year

Text

Sad Eddie Munson Headcanons

Started smoking at a very young age as a coping mechanism

He started listening to metal music because it helped drown the sound of his parents fighting, which was extremely common when he was a child

He was neglected as a child

Probably suffered some kind of abuse from his father/mother and that was the main reason that he moved to Wayne's For a long time, he felt like a burden to Wayne and tried to run away from his place, but Wayne always managed to convince him to come back

His buzzed hair probably comes from him having it long and his father thinking that it was girly for him to have it so long so he forced him to shave it

Cares for the kids, especially Dustin cuz he knows how it feels to be alone and neglected and he doesn't want that to happen to them too

Masterlist

#eddie munson #sad eddie munson #eddie my beloved #eddie munson headcanons #stranger things headcanons #stranger things #sad #mvltixvariant #eddie stranger things #eddie

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kennahjune · 3 months

Text

ALRIGHT BUT

I’ve been having flustered Steve thoughts.

The Party has NEVER seen Steve flustered. Steve’s always the one flirting and no one ever flirts back anymore so Steve’s never actually flustered.

But then Eddie Munson comes slithering along and he flirts with everyone just cause he can but nobody’s flustered by his attempts because he’s not trying to actually fluster them.

But for some reason he really flusters Steve.

Eddie uses this to his advantage and actually puts forth effort when he flirts with Steve.

Steve is flustered, bashful, embarrassed. He’s twirling his hair and giggling and he does this thing where he taps his fingernails on his front teeth when he gets distracted.

The Party was NEVER seen Steve like this.

Not even Nancy when they were dating.

Steve has described what he was like when he was flustered to them, calling himself stupid and saying he acted like an idiot to try and get them to just lay off.

All anyone sees is an absolute sweetheart.

Steve blushes really bright, starting with his ears and it just travels down from there. And also he’s really bad at hiding his smiles and he smiles so BIG when Eddie flirts with him. Like you can see every tooth and his eyes crinkle so much they basically close and his nose scrunches up.

And Eddie fucking THRIVES in it.

Because NO ONE else gets Steve like that.

Eddie’s witnessed Steve flirting with the girls of Hawkins. Has seen them all flirt back with varying degrees of bluntness.

None of them have gotten Steve nearly half as flustered as Eddie has.

UNTIL.

Eddie has Steve come over to the trailer to hang out. Steve by some turn of events ends up cooking and making grilled cheese and tomato soup.

Wayne comes home right as Steve is playing everything and Steve is DISTRAUGHT. Like “no Wayne it’s alright, really. I can make you some to it’s ok I like cooking you’re really doing me a favor.”

So Steve makes Wayne a grilled cheese to and refuses to let Eddie eat until they can eat together.

So they’re all sitting and then they start eating. And obviously it was a damn good grilled cheese— Eddie knew Steve could cook but good GOD.

And then Wayne puts his grilled cheese down, looks between Steve and Eddie, and tells Eddie “If you don’t marry ‘im I’m adoptin ‘im.”

And Steve BEAMS.

It’s that same smile he gets when Eddie flirts with him and Eddie is only somewhat livid.

Cause he totally gets the rush of having Wayne compliment you for the first time. He’s just such an honest man.

And it goes from there that the only people who can fluster Steve are Eddie and Wayne (Eddie romantically and Wayne platonic-fatherly).

They both go out of their way to compliment him constantly just to see him smile like that :)))

Aaahhhhh this makes me so happy!!!!

#steve harrington headcanon #stranger things #eddie munson #steve harrington #the party #wayne munson #steddie #steddie thoughts #steddie idea #steve harrington is a sweetheart #steve harrington gets flustered easily #but only when it’s the munson men #wayne munson adopting steve harrington #the party goes through a phase where they all continuously compliment him and flirt with him #just to try and fluster him #the closest anyone gets is mike #cause mike doesn’t compliment people often but when he does he’s surprisingly genuine #the most he gets is a blush at the top of steve’s cheeks #eddie is very proud of the smiles he produces from steve #but he’s kinda sad no one can see what steve looks like when things get less… pg #but that’s strictly for eddie #might make a part two to this with a different version #I’ve run out of things to tag

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marriedtobigfoot · 8 months

Text

Steve ends up heartbroken, lonely and depressed after season 2. Nancy called him bullshit, even after he ditched all his old friends for her. Billy Hargrove took his spot at the top of the food chain. He can have it, Steve doesn't really want it anymore. But Steve does want to find some sort of connection. Someone to have in his life who isn't an 11 year old kid he barely knows. He tries to go on a date one night, take a nice-seeming girl to a party. He wants to find connection, to kill the loneliness that's been building for months, but just as he's feeling kind of good about things, his date ditches him.

So. He decides to drink his feelings. He gets majorly fucked up, and ends up laying on the ground in the backyard, contemplating how much life seems to hate him.

Only to literally get tripped over by Eddie Munson, who was at this party selling pot and is very confused as to why Steve Harrington is alone on the ground with a bottle of vodka clenched in one hand.

Eddie ends up chatting a little with Steve, nothing substantial, but enough to know that Steve is very very drunk, and also very very sad.

He asks if Steve wants to go back to the party, and Steve staunchly refuses. He doesn't want to be around a bunch of annoyingly happy people.

He asks if Steve needs a ride home, and Steve just kind of shrugs. His parents just left for another trip, so home is kind of depressing right now too. But he doesn't exactly have any other friends he can stay with so. Home it'll have to be.

Only Eddie can *tell* he doesn't really want to go home, though he has no idea why Steve wouldn't want to return to his veritable mansion after a shitty night. The reason doesn't matter much. He offers to let Steve crash at his place. Steve can take the couch, or hell he can stay in Eddie's room if he doesn't mind sharing, that way he wouldn't risk being woken up when Wayne comes home that morning.

And well, Steve agrees. Can't think of any reason not too. Munson has been nice so far, he's got a good easy-going energy that Steve likes. Why not stay the night.

By the time they get to Eddie's, Steve is *slightly* more sober. Not much, but he's slurring his words a little less, and he can walk with only a little help.

Eddie grabs them each a little plate of leftovers, because he has no idea if Steve's eaten at all. It's quiet while they eat, Eddie doesn't push Steve to talk, and Steve isn't sure what to say. Eventually Eddie sets the plates aside and give Steve an easy grin.

"So, do you want the couch, or are you crashing with me?"

Steve thinks about it for a while. He hasn't shared a bed with a guy-friend since he was a kid, and he's heard rumors about Eddie, whispers in the hall about the way he looks at other guys. But...Steve can't really bring himself to care. He's tired, and he really doesn't want to be alone.

"I don't mind sharing."

Eddie sets them both up in his room, letting Steve choose which side of the bed he wants, and they both settle in. There's a respectable distance between the two of them, and Eddie says a quick goodnight to Steve, figures they won't talk and just go right to bed.

Except Steve isn't sober, and he really isn't in a good headspace, so he can't stop himself from blurting things out into the quiet of the dark room.

"Are you really gay?"

Eddie stiffens next to him, he can feel it, he can hear the way that the other boys breath cuts off and he seems to stop breathing all-together.

"It's okay if you are, I'm not going to be an asshole about it, I'm trying not to be that guy anymore. I guess I was just curious."

It's quiet for another beat before Eddie seems to loosen just a little. He starts breathing again at least.

"Yeah I uh- I am. Gay. And if that's weird the couch is still open, I can-"

"It's not weird."

"Okay."

Steve let's himself mull over this confirmation, and then his mouth starts moving again, without his permission.

"Is it lonely? Cause I mean, it's got to be hard to date in Hawkins. People here are shitty. Unless you've got like, a secret boyfriend or something."

"No...no secret boyfriend. It does get a little lonely sometimes. I'm lucky though, I've got my uncle, and my friends are pretty great. That's enough most days."

"What do you do when it's not enough?"

"Hmmm?"

"When your uncle and friends aren't enough, what do you do? To try and...make it better?"

Eddie is quiet again for a long stretch before he shrugs.

"I try to focus on something else. I'll play my guitar or work on a new campaign, read a book. Something to take my mind off it."

"Oh."

Now Steve is the one who seems tense, his jaw is tight and he's got his arms wrapped around himself. His next words come out as a whisper, but Eddie manages to catch them.

"I don't know how to do any of that."

He sounds almost choked, and Eddie is caught off guard. He's never seen Steve Harrington as anything other than solid, as happy. He's the king, after all. He's supposed to be all smiles and great hair. Only...Eddie's noticed that he hasn't hung out with his old friends lately, that he's eaten alone at lunch too many times to be anything other than strange.

"Steve...are you lonely?"

Eddie expects a denial, for Steve to laugh it off and tell Eddie that he's perfectly fine and fulfilled. Or maybe he expects a shrug, a non-answer. What he doesn't expect is the gut-wrenching sob that seems to tear past the other boys lips.

He doesn't expect to turn and see Steve Harrington's face, a scant foot from his, shining with tears.

He panics a little at the sight.

"Fuck- I'm so sorry-"

"Don't be." Steve tries to wipe his eyes, to hide the tremble in his voice. "Not your fault there's something wrong with me."

"What do you mean?"

"It's like I'm broken man, like nobody can stand to be around me. Tommy and Carol hate me now, Nancy- hell even my own parents hate being at home with me for more than a week. It's like I'm repellent or something. Couldn't even get a date to stick around for a whole night."

And Eddie's pretty sure *he* might start crying now. He'd never have expected this much from Steve, all that sadness to come pouring out. It wouldn't have happened if Steve was completely sober. Without thinking, he reaches out.

Eddie puts a hand on Steve's shoulder and waits to see if the touch gets rejected, but Steve seems to lean into him, so he lets his hand linger.

"This probably won't help, but I don't think you're repellent. And that's coming from somebody who your whole group used to torture. I don't know much about you, but I kind of liked having you around tonight."

"Yeah?"

"Yeah."

Steve gives him a tiny smile. His eyes are still wet with tears, and the smile doesn't come close to reaching them. He seems impossibly small here in Eddie's bed.

"I don't know man. I just wish-"

He cuts himself off, apparently deciding his words are too far, but Eddie urges him to keep talking.

"What do you wish Steve?"

"I just wish that... there was somebody out there I could have a future with. Somebody who actually loved me, you know?"

It might be the saddest thing Eddie's ever heard, and he blames that fact for what he does next.

He takes his hand off Steve's shoulders and instead hauls Steve closer to him, fitting the other boy against his chest and wrapping his arms around him. It's a move that might get him decked, but he doesn't think it will. And he'll be damned if he doesn't hug Steve right that second.

He doesn't get hit. Steve tenses for a second, but it's just that one instant before he's melting into the embrace.

Eddie feels more tears falling against his shirt, and he couldn't care less. He keeps Steve close, let's him cry into his chest, runs a hand through that famous mop of hair.

He isn't sure how long it takes for Steve to calm down, but eventually he does. His breathing evens out, and he shivers a little before speaking.

"Thanks man."

And Eddie takes another leap of faith.

"I could be that person, you know."

"What?"

"I mean. You know Im... not straight. It may not be exactly what you're wanting but. I think I could picture a future with you. If you want to, just for tonight...I could be that someone who loves you."

Steve looks at Eddie, like he's a puzzle that he needs to solve, before a other shiver seems to wrack his body.

"Just for tonight?"

It comes out as a whisper, but Eddie hears it all the same.

"Yeah. For tonight Steve."

"I think...I think I'd like that."

Eddie gives him the sweetest smile he can muster, and nods.

"Alright sweetheart."

Eddie isn't exactly sure what it means, to love Steve for the night. After all, Steve is straight. He figures it doesn't matter much though, it's only for a night.

He keeps a hold on Steve, let's him get comfortable tucked against Eddie, and he does what feels natural. He runs a hand up and down Steve's spine, traces shapes into the soft fabric of his shirt. He tangles their legs together, and in a moment of insane bravery he presses a kiss to the top of Steve's head.

He's met with a sigh, full of relief, and figures he's on the right track.

"Just close your eyes Stevie, I've got you."

"Can you tell me about it?"

"Hmmm?"

"The future. You said you could see one. Can you tell me?"

And he asks so carefully, he sounds almost afraid, Eddie can't say no to that.

"Do you want the fantasy future, or the realistic future?"

"The real one."

"Alright then. Well, if I'm not going to be a rich and famous rockstar...I'll probably graduate and get a job somewhere in town. A real job, maybe working on cars or something. I'm good with cars. You'd come over all the time, have dinners with me and with Wayne. You'd have to meet Wayne. And we'd have more nights like this, sleeping close."

Steve let's out a pleased sounding hum, and shifts his face so it's buried even closer in Eddie's neck. He can feel Steve's breath on him.

"We could save up money and get a little place together, somewhere outside Hawkins. I have to stay kind of close, for my uncle, but maybe Indy?"

Steve nods, mutters something about staying close 'just in case'. He sounds like he might fall asleep, so Eddie keeps going.

"We could get an apartment, nothing too fancy. We would get two rooms, so nobody gets suspicious, but we would share a bed most nights. I'd play with my band on weekends, just for fun, and you'd join some little local sports team. I'd make sure to schedule DND nights so that I never miss a single game, even though I don't understand a damn thing about sports. We would come home for holidays, but most of the time it would just be us. I'd take good care of you, make sure you never go more than a few hours without me telling you I love you. I'll show up wherever you're working just to give you a hug and a kiss, and make sure you don't forget it. And I'll annoy the hell out of, but you won't mind too much, because I'll make you happy too."

Eddie can think of more. He can think about so many things. How he could give Steve one of his rings, even if they couldn't legally get married, even if Steve would never want that. Just as another reminder that he's loved. They could take trips together and go out to parties where Steve will never have to worry about getting ditched. Eddie doesn't do things halfway, and he has a hell of an imagination. He could picture them growing old together, if he tried, if he let himself. But this is just for tonight, so he doesn't. Instead he runs a hand through Steve's hair again, and listens to his quiet breathing. He thinks he may have fallen asleep, but he's wrong.

"That sounds nice."

It comes out muffled, spoken into Eddie's neck, but he manages to make it out, and he let's the vibration of it sink into his skin.

*It's only for tonight.*

He has to remind himself, because Steve is just feeling lonely. He doesn't want that future with Eddie, he just wants to feel loved.

But even if it's just pretend, just to help Steve for a few hours, he's okay with that.

Steve may think he's broken, but Eddie thinks he would be easy to love for a long time. Loving him for one night is nothing. He doesn't even have to try.

Tomorrow Steve will wake up sober, and he'll thank Eddie for letting him stay over, and they won't talk about it. Eddie will drive Steve back to his car in silence, and they'll say their goodbyes. They may not talk ever again, they never had before.

But for tonight? Eddie Munson will love Steve Harrington, and Steve? He'll let himself be loved, let himself beleive it. And he'll love Eddie right back.

Just for one night.

And if Steve ever needs it again? Eddie will love him for another night. And Steve will give that love right back. He's got plenty to spare, after all. And there's far worse people he could share it with.

#steddie #stranger things #steve harrington #eddie munson #steve harrington whump #steve is sad #eddie helps #pre-season 4 #this takes place between seasons 2 and 3 #I wrote this in a fit of insanity while I was supposed to be working #hope yall like it

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sp0o0kylights · 1 year

Text

Part Two

Gareth Emerson had no clue what the hell Eddie was thinking.

There was “adopting lost sheep” as he called it, and “being the nest baby birds needed before they fly” for some of the other poor, mid-year transfers, and all of Hellfire was used to both these adoptees.

People showed up, always looking a little hesitant, always a little careful, and all of them were welcomed until they found their place in Hawkin’s High.

This though? This was neither of those things.

No, what Eddie had done was taken a wolf, or a--fucking tiger, that had gotten hurt fighting other fucking tigers, and decided to keep it as a pet.

Even if said pet was looking very pathetic, with a face full of bruises that apparently, Billy Hargrove caused.

That did not make sitting across from the fallen King and current senior, Steve Harrington, any easier.

Judging by the rest of Hellfire’s constant uneasy glances and uncomfortable, awkward joking, no one else was comfortable with it either.

Except of course, for Eddie.

“Dude can we like, talk for a minute?” Gareth asked, motioning at Jeff and Grant to distract Harrington. Not that it was hard, the jock was too busy staring at his pathetic packed lunch to notice much.

(The guy brought soup to school and was drinking it cold. What the fuck.)

“Ga~ary.” Eddie sing-songed, but it was in warning.

A warning very much ignored, as Gareth stood, and moved to tug Eddie up with him.

“Now, Eddie.” He said, his own tone a manic, if suppressed version of his own warning.

Gareth was not known for keeping his temper, but he also wasn’t keen on getting his ass kicked this early in the day if Harrington took offense.

And considering they had all finally caught a look at Hargrove, and the way he fucking stopped and turned on his heel the second he saw Harrington, there was no doubt in Gareth’s mind that Harrington could kick his ass.

Even in his current, beaten to shit state.

Eddie huffed a dramatic breath, making sure at least some of his hair moved with it, but stood nonetheless.

“I’ll return shortly, friends!” He called jovially, before letting himself be dragged backwards several feet.

Just fair enough away where they could still see the table, but not be heard.

Particularly not by any invading jocks.

“What were you thinking!?” Gareth started, hands crossed over his chest tightly. “You didn’t even talk to us first!”

“Garebear, look at him.” Eddie said, placing both hands on his friend's face, turning it to look at Steve’s hunched form.

“Those big, sad, puppy-dog eyes.” Eddie continued, leaning in to whisper in Gareth’s ear. “The pathetic way he slouches.”

Eddie leaned even closer, lips tickling Gareth’s ear and making the latter swat at him.

He dropped his hands to Gareth’s shoulders, shaking him lightly.

“His giant empty house we can use for Hellfire meetings.”

“Is that seriously why you dragged him over here?” Gareth demanded, a little louder than he’d meant too, if Eddie’s abruptly tight grip was anything to go by.

“Of course not.” Eddie scoffed. “Rumor has it the guy throws money around for his friends and if we play our cards right, we can be the receiving end of that gravy train.”

Eddie grinned theatrically while he said it, staring into Gareth’s eyes like his smile alone would convince him to play along.

It was the fakest thing Gareth had ever seen on his best friends face.

“Don’t bullshit me man.” He said quietly, eyes narrowed. “What’s the actual reason you decided to go against your own doctrine and adopt Steve Harrington, of all people?”

Eddie’s eyes flicked to Harrington and back. “There’s no other--”

“Eddie.” Gareth snapped, a flash of his temper breaking through. “You’re my best friend. Don’t fucking lie to me like that.”

“Has anyone told you you’ve been using the word ‘fuck’ a lot, Gare?” Eddie muttered, but it was more subdued, the playful mask falling from his face.

As a matter of fact, Ms. Click had called him out on it that very morning, but Gareth knew better than to admit that and derail this conversation.

“Edwin Dale Munson.” Gareth growled, enjoying the way Eddie flinched from his full, government name.

“Sssh!” Eddie dropped his hands from Gareth’s shoulder to wave them in his face. “Fine, fine, look. Rumor has it he got cheated on, blew up his friendship with Hateful Hagan and Cocky Carol, and then took a beating from Hargrove. All in the same like, week.”

Eddie tugged at his hair, the movement harsh.

“I found him walking home in the dark the other day. Said something was wrong with his car, but Gareth.” Eddie paused, gnawing on his lower lip, before he stopped close once again, voice barely above a whisper.

“I had to coax him in my car and when he got in he kept flinching.”

“Flinching.” Gareth repeated.

“Like I was gonna hit him or something.” Eddie explained. “Worse Harrington’s house was dark when I got home. I mentioned to Wayne it didn’t look like anybody lived there and he said he was surprised anyone did. He thought the Harrington’s moved.”

“Okay.” Gareth said, not quiet following this part of the conversation.

“He thought they moved because some coworker of his wife worked for them as a house keeper or some shit. Said they bought a place in Chicago. She helped them pack.”

Another look, but this time Gareth had picked up on what was happening.

The flinching.

Not going with his parents.

Staying in Hawkins, when Harrington had a chance to get the hell out.

It didn’t paint a pretty picture.

“Shit.” Gareth said finally.

Eddie nodded. “Exactly.”

Together, they turned to stare at Harrington, who had hunched further into himself now that Eddie was gone from the table.

“If he turns on us I’m blaming you.” Gareth grumbled finally, and tried not to let the smile that broke out on Eddie’s face effect him.

“Glad to hear you’re on board, Garebear.” Eddie said, patting his shoulder hard.

“You’re a fucking teddy bear, you know that right?” Gareth continued as they turned to walk back to the table.

“Shut your mouth.” Eddie fired back.

“I don't think I will. In fact, Harrington!” Gareth spoke the jock’s name loudly, making the dude jerk and spill some of his soup.

Bruised eyes looked up at him and Gareth fired a smug right into Harrington’s face. “Wouldn’t you agree that Eddie here is a giant teddy bear?”

“Don’t answer that.” Eddie cut in, as Harrington blinked slowly, a puzzled look overtaking his face. “Gareth here has a big imagination.”

“Let the man give his own opinions. I’m sure he has some!”

Steve looked between them.

“I think I’ll plead the fifth.” He decided on.

“Smart man.” Jeff muttered, causing the rest of the table to snicker.

For the first time since he sat down, Gareth witnessed a small smile appear on Harrington’s face.

#hellfire adopts Steve #i just love the idea of steve being hellfires mean girl his senior year #like you cant look me in the eyes and tell me Eddie Munson wouldnt be argueing with himself constantly about #Sad Boy Hours Steve #steve harrington #steddie #eddie munson #stranger things #0o0 fanfics #steve x eddie #pre relationship #i just wanna see them in school together dammit #gareth emerson #i love him so much

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myeuphoricmindset · 10 months

Text

Frozen in time

Paring I Eddie Munson × reader.

Summary | A year later and you continue to shift realities to see Eddie. But, this time you tell him he doesn’t exist. And admitting that out loud causes your heart to break.

Warnings/Tags | Sad AF. The reader shifts reality, yet as the writer I’ve yet to do that, so please forgive my lack of knowledge on how it works but I keep it vague in the hope you can enjoy this sad fic. I’m sorry I’m advanced.

Word count | 759.

Here's to one year of loving Eddie Munson and many more years of missing him.

•

Eddie stares at your hand resting beside his on the dock. He wonders how his hand can feel so real when it looks and moves just like yours. He can feel the wood beneath his fingertips. He can hear the water brush against the dock. He can see the moon casting a light on your face. It’s all so real, but he’s not. Suddenly, he is acutely aware of his body and the self-awareness causes him to feel uneasy.

Breaking free from his thoughts, you ask Eddie what he does when you’re not around. His voice trails off as he searches for an answer, realizing that his memories revolve solely around you. He musters the words, “I don't know…maybe I only exist when you’re around.”

The weight of your gaze intensifies the ache in his chest, as he grapples with the paradox of your presence while feeling his own absence. You exist and he doesn’t. How can he make sense of that when you're staring right at him, making him feel so alive?

“Do you think of me when we're not together?” He asks softly, feeling cracked open by his vulnerability. If he were to ask you what his lungs looked like, he'd swear you could simply peer down and tell him.

“All the time.”

That eases the ache and he smiles. The cool night breeze envelops both of you as Eddie tentatively lifts his hand, feeling the air flow through his fingers. However, a tremor runs through him, and you reach out to steady his hand with a gentle touch.

“Don’t get lost in it. Just stay with me.” You say.

Eddie tightens his grip on your hand, but his chest rises and falls quickly. He does not meet your eyes, because he is getting lost in it. The panic starts to set in. But then he feels your thumb brush gently over his hand. He hears his name on your lips, and it's as if you pulled him out of the hole he was falling into.

With his brown doe eyes fixed on yours, Eddie’s hand rises to touch your cheek. His fingers trace your face delicately, committing every curve and line to memory. He hesitates before asking, “Is this okay?”

You affirm with a single word, “Yes.”

Noticing a change in your expression and your attempt to control your breathing, Eddie’s thumb caresses your cheek as he asks, “What’s wrong?”

A small smile appears on your face before you admit, “I think about this all the time. You have no idea.”

Curious, Eddie asks, “Think about what?”

“You. And how your touch would feel…” Your voice trails off, cheeks flushing.

Eddie gently tilts your chin up. “How does it feel?”

Your eyes meet and he waits for your response, captivated by each of your breaths. But then, a tear falls from your eyes.

“Better than I could imagine, which is silly because this is all in my imagination,” you confess, your voice breaking as you look away.

Eddie wipes away your tears, his face filled with sorrow. “I’m sorry,” he murmurs.

Suddenly, you envelop Eddie in a tight hug, surprising him but easing his tension. He reciprocates, pulling you closer. Holding you tight.

“I miss you,” You whisper.

The words fall from your lips. Eddie is filled with confusion because he doesn’t know the pain you’ve endured because of his story. He doesn’t know how his fate ended, because this version of him lives on within your mind—suspended in time. You met him in the middle, where his story was still happy and he was filled with promise of it being his year.

He lets his unanswered question dissolve, softly assuring you, “I’m right here.”

And he is, yet he isn’t. Time has passed, and the world has moved on from him, unbeknownst to Eddie. So, you securely hold him in your heart and mind, ensuring his existence continues. He becomes a reminder that he’ll always be there for you when you need him. In some ways, his words do ring true, and you cling to those just as he clings to you.

“You know,” he starts, stroking your hair, “If I exist only because of you, then that’s a life worth living.”

The lake stills, the wind ceases, and just before Eddie can comprehend you're gone, he smiles. The world darkens, freezing him in an eternal moment.

Eddie Munson ceases to exist, residing only in the mind of a shifter, between the pages of the reader, and through the words of those who admire him.

Masterlist

#eddie munson #eddie munson fanfic #eddie munson sad fanfic #eddie munson sad #sad Eddie munson #stranger things Eddie munson #eddie munson x reader #eddie munson x you #eddie munson fic

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steddieas-shegoes · 1 month

Text

cw: discussion of past parental death due to overdose, mention of drug use

Steve stumbled upon the article when he was helping Robin collect articles for a project for her Industry Studies course.

He didn’t think much of reading about another small time musician getting caught up with the wrong crowd, and overdosing or getting in a drunk driving accident. It seemed like a pretty common theme. It was terrible, sad, horrible, but he’d seen about 30 stories like that in the last two days and he was kind of getting numb to it all.

Until he saw the name Munson.

Until a picture of a woman with long, curly hair and Eddie’s smile stared back at him next to a headline that read: “Kentucky Country Queen Dead at 27.”

He read the article with tears in his eyes.

Elizabeth “El” Munson, a hopeful country singer and guitarist, was found dead in her home by her six year old son, Edward. The boy reportedly tried calling his father at work with no luck before finally calling his uncle, Wayne Munson.

Toxicology reports show that she overdosed on multiple illegal substances. At this time, it is believed to have been accidental and no foul play is suspected.

It has now been made clear that Elizabeth was seeking a divorce from her husband, Al Munson, but had not been successful as lawyers were unable to locate him until her funeral. Their son has been put in the care of Wayne until further notice.

Robin found him 20 minutes later, staring at the page with swollen, red eyes. She took the paper, read the article, and put it back in the files wordlessly.

“I don’t think he wants us to know,” she finally said.

She was probably right.

But Steve had grown pretty close to Eddie over the last six months, had opened up to him about his parents, his fake friends, his concussions and nightmares. Eddie had started opening up to him, too.

He thought he had, anyway.

He told him about how his mom died when he was young and his dad was awful so he moved in with Wayne. He told him about how his dad appeared every couple years looking for money or a place to stay and Wayne always turned him away.

But he never really talked about his mom, always said he barely remembered her.

Did he know what happened?

——

Steve asked Wayne the next morning.

He’d come by to pick Eddie up for a day with the kids, but Eddie hadn’t set his alarm and was still asleep.

Perfect opportunity to find out more.

“So. Eddie’s mom.”

Wayne tensed over his plate of toast and scrambled eggs. He didn’t look up, just took another bite of food.

“Does he know how she died?”

“Do you?”

“Newspaper said overdose,” Steve tapped his fingers nervously against his thigh. “Says Eddie found her.”

“Trauma messes with your memory.”

It was final, a statement that left Steve with more questions, but a certainty that he’d get no answers.

“Yeah.” He gulped. “I’ve heard.”

——

Steve doesn’t bring it up to Eddie for a while.

He figured Wayne’s reaction said a lot about what Eddie knew or would be willing to share.

But they were a little high and alone and Eddie’s hand was warm in his and his filter was broken.

“I’m sorry you had to be the one to find your mom.”

The air around them was thick. The silence was deafening.

“Me too.”

Eddie’s voice was quiet, nothing like his usual playful tone.

Steve immediately wanted to put this conversation in reverse, pretend his curiosity didn’t matter.

“I’m sorry.”

Eddie moved closer to Steve, his arm a constant pressure against Steve’s. His head leaned against Steve’s shoulder.

“Wayne doesn’t know I know how she died. He doesn’t know I know my dad gave her bad drugs, convinced her all the up and coming musicians were doing a new strain of heroin. She’d kicked him out of the house,” Eddie’s breath caught. “She shouldn’t have let him come back that day. I heard them arguing before I left for school. She told him she was finding a manager and recording an album and that she was divorcing him. I didn’t know what that meant, but I knew it was bad.”

“Eds, you don’t have to tell me.”

“I know, Stevie. But you know everything else.” Eddie’s face turned until his nose and mouth were pressed against Steve’s arm. “I went to school. Didn’t think about it. Figured my dad would be gone when I got home and might come back in a few days once they cooled off. But when I got home, he was gone and my mom’s bedroom door was closed. And I opened it and there she was.”

Steve turned so he was face to face with Eddie, cupping his jaw and rubbing his thumb along his cheek in encouragement.

“I don’t even know why I tried calling the store first. I didn’t even know if he still worked there. But then I called Wayne and it’s like he just knew.” Eddie’s eyes closed for a moment. “Don’t think he’d ever gotten to our house so quick.”

“Did he know all this?”

“He knew enough. I stayed with him and then my dad gave up his rights. Lied to the counselor about what I knew so Wayne wouldn’t freak. Kept it up for a while,” Eddie let out a small exhale that slightly resembled a laugh. “I read the article about eight years ago. A kid in my class made a joke about me being an orphan because of the drug problem in America as if he even knew what that meant and I decided to see what the newspaper reported.”

“Do you play because of her?” Steve asked.

Eddie blinked back at him.

“I play for a lot of reasons. But I started because of her, yeah,” he whispers. “You’re the first person to ask me that instead of give me that look of pity.”

“I’m sad about how it happened, but giving you pity doesn’t change it. I’d rather hear how it changed you,” Steve whispered back.

They were close, legs intertwined, hands touching bare skin under shirts and on faces and necks.

“It changed everything for me. Wayne packed us up and moved us here as soon as he legally could. Probably for the best. Well,” Eddie gave a small smile. “Definitely for the best. Wouldn’t be here with you if he hadn’t.”

“Do you ever go back?” Steve did his best to ignore the fluttering in his stomach.

“Her birthday every year. She’s got a nice spot near her mom.” Eddie bit his lip. “It’s actually coming up in a couple weeks. Maybe you could come with me?”

“Me? Are you sure?”

Eddie nodded. “If it doesn’t weird you out that I talk to her. I like to give her updates on my life, Wayne’s life, music. Think she’d find it quite funny that I bring the guy I’ve had a crush on for two years.”

It takes a minute for the words to sink in.

“Two years?” Steve’s lips curled up into a smile. “I hope I live up to expectations.”

“I think she’d like you. She’d definitely make fun of me for having a boyfriend who wears polos though.”

“Is that how you’d introduce me?”

“If you’re okay with it.” Eddie leaned his forehead against Steve’s. “I know we haven’t talked about what we-“

Steve pressed his lips to Eddie’s, nearly knocking their noses together painfully in the process.

After the initial shock, they both relaxed into the kiss.

“I’d love to go. As your boyfriend,” Steve said after pulling away for air. “What was her favorite flower?”

“Gardenias. Always wore perfume that smelled like it. Why?”

“Because I have to impress her, right?”

“You realize she’s not gonna actually see or hear you? She’s definitely dead.”

Steve snorted. “I know. But she can still have nice things. Maybe us bringing her nice things in death is a way to apologize for the not nice things she had in life.”

“You’re a pretty incredible boyfriend, sweetheart.” Eddie kissed the tip of his nose. “And you now know more than Wayne, so it’s time for a pinky promise.”

Steve giggled before holding up his pinky. “I swear I won’t tell Wayne anything.”

“And you’ll kiss me whenever I want…”

“That’s a guarantee.”

“And you’ll let me win at Go Fish…”

“Not a chance, Eds.”

Eddie laughed. “Worth a try.”

Steve curled his pinky against Eddie’s. “So do you think she’d like me?”

“Oh. Oh god. She’d love you. You’re exactly who she’d want for me,” Eddie rolled his eyes when Steve flipped his hair back confidently. “And she’d braid your hair every night while you gossiped and sipped tea.”

“And what would you do?”

“Probably just soak it in. Appreciate having her and you around. You’ll just have to gossip with Wayne.”

“Wayne doesn’t strike me as-“

“Oh, he’s got you fooled! He’s a worse gossip than the ladies at the hair salon. Just ask him about the mailbox at the end of the road sometime. Make sure you’ve got an hour to spare.”

“Really?” Steve’s eyes lit up. “Is he home now?”

Eddie pulled Steve forward until he was flush against his front. “No and I have much better plans than gossiping with my uncle.”

“Oh?” Steve’s brow raised.

“It involves my bed and handcuffs. You in?”

“Hopefully you’re in.”

“God, you’re ridiculous. C’mon, now I’m even harder from your stupid flirting,” Eddie sat up and tugged until Steve followed. “Can’t believe this is how my night’s going.”

“Believe it, baby.”

#steddie #steve harrington #eddie munson #wayne munson #picturing Eddie’s mom as someone similar musically to Wanda Jackson #she was big in her part of Kentucky #might’ve made it even if not for Eddie’s dad #cw: parent death #cw: mention of overdose #cw: mention of drug use #first kiss #getting together #angst with a happy ending #sorry for the sad part #they kissed about it at the end tho

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queenincrimson · 2 years

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→ "That's why we play!" ← EDDIE MUNSON | THE HELLFIRE CLUB [4.01]

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malacandrax · 2 years

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Going Home. [I drew the first version to be open ended, but here's a happier end.]

#stranger things s4 spoilers #stranger things #stranger things s4 #some people seemed to only see the sad option so I wanted to make a more obvious happy option #eddie munson #steve harrington #steddie #st4 #st4 spoilers #steddie fanart

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strangersteddierthings · 1 year

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Bad News First, Eddie

Part One 🦇 Part Two🦇Part Three🦇FInal Part

"Bad news first, Eddie," Steve sighs as he leans back on his heels, cleaner in one hand and a rag in the other. "They vandalized your headstone again. Good news, I beat Wayne out here so he won't be seeing it."

It's been over a year since they'd had to leave Eddie behind. He'd been cleared of the murders. That had been the easy part, since the Upside Down had exploded out into the Rightside Up. When Vecna started killing people it had been pretty easy for people to realize Eddie was just another victim.

Or so Steve had thought.

Eleven saved them all, the people of Hawkins knew the truth, yet Steve still found graffiti on Eddie's grave.

Eddie's grave is empty, because Eddie's body hadn't been recovered. Too much had happened, no time to mount an expedition to retrieve it, and the gates were closed. Another regret Steve lives with.

Like not taking Eddie's face between his hands and looking him dead in the eye when he told them not to be heroes.

Late at night, Steve sometimes imagines he did just that. Looked him dead in the eyes and said, "there is no shame in running, in living to see another day. Don't be a hero because I need you to be okay tomorrow."

Robin says it's not good for his mental health, these what-if scenarios, but so what?

Steve isn't sure what started it but coming out here to talk to Eddie seems to help him clear his thoughts. He always starts with the bad news, Eddie's voice in the back of his mind. Bad news first, always.

The first time Wayne had caught him out here, Wayne thought he was vandalizing. Had scared Steve half to death being yanked back violently by his upper arm. It didn't take Wayne long for his eyes to process that Steve wasn't holding paint.

"You know my boy?" Wayne always spoke in the present tense about Eddie.

"Not as well as I would have liked, sir," Steve swallowed thickly. It was the start of a friendship, of sorts. Wayne seemed happy to have someone to tell stories about Eddie to, and Steve was happy to learn about Eddie.

Months pass and Steve goes every week.

"Bad news. The new guitarist is mediocre at best. Good news. Corroded Coffin lives on and they finally got a new guitarist."

"Bad news. Robin will not shut up about Vickie. Good news. Robin got that date she wanted."

"Bad news. Wayne had an accident at the plant. Good news, he's okay. I think... this might be weird to you, but I've convinced him to move in, at least until he's healed fully so he's not alone. He's staying in the downstairs guest room. Not that you know where that is. You've never even been to my house... bad news, you've never been to my house. Good news, I really wish you had."

So it goes. Wayne Munson moves in and never moves out. Steve's parents call once, to ask if he wants the house. Steve says yes.

Shortly after, Robin takes a room upstairs. Says she gonna take a year off school before college. The Party moves their dnd games to Steve's giant dining room table. His house is always full but part of Steve feels empty.

"B-bad news," Steve forces the words out around the lump in his throat, "I found out too late. Good news, I'm bisexual. Bad news, good news? I don't know man, the news is I could have loved you. I think I do, but that's the you Wayne and the kids tell me about, so who is to say really."

So it goes.

"Bad news. They're seniors this year, Eds. Seniors! Robin going away to college was bad enough. I don't know if I'll even know how to function when they do. 'Cause they're gonna, you know? They're smart. Too smart to stay in this town," Steve is crying, can feel the tears falling, but doesn't stop them. "I know I should go, too. Somewhere else. Anywhere else. But I can't leave. Wayne's here. You're here. And if I go, who will look after either of you?"

"Bad news. College acceptance letters have come in. They're not even graduated yet. This should be good news, but, heh, friends don't lie."

"Bad news, Eds. I can't remember your voice. I didn't think.... I feel like I remember it but I can't hear it. I want to hear it. I-i need-" Steve doesn't know what he needs, doesn't know how to end that sentence so he just sobs, fingers burying themselves into the dirt of an empty grave.

Wayne gets a phone call one day and says he's gotta go back to Tennessee. Eddie's father -that rocks Steve because while he knows Wayne was Eddie's uncle, he never connected that a father was somewhere out there- Eddie's father, Wayne's younger brother, needs him.

Steve drives Wayne to the airport in Indianapolis. Wayne promises he'll return but Steve won't hold him to that. This is family, and as much as Steve pretends, he isn't Wayne's nephew. Isn't Wayne's family.

As Wayne disappears onto his flight, Steve is left hollow. There's no one left in Hawkins that needs him.

"Bad news, Eds. I think I'm a danger to myself. I keep having these thoughts... like how easy it would be to drive my car into the quarry. Or just slip into the pool and take a deep breath. I don't know who I am, or how to be me, without someone needing me."

Wayne calls and tells him he's coming home. Bringing a guest if that's ok. Steve says okay because he needs to meet the man who taught Eddie how to hot wire a car but not play catch. Also, he hopes to hear Eddie in his voice when they speak.

"Bad news, Eds. I'm too much of a coward to meet your old man. Afraid of what he'll sound like. Because I want him to sound like you so fucking bad it hurts. So instead of being home, I'm hiding here."

And then, a miracle happens.

"Well, I've some bad news for you, too, Stevie. I got my voice from my mom."

#steddie #steve harrington #eddie munson #wayne munson #ficlet #wrote this on my lunch break and thought i would share #angst with a happy ending #like I'm gonna let this end sad #might write Eddie's side of this sometime #not edited #my fic

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