Chapter Text
Chrissy Cunningham never thought of herself as the jealous type.
When she had been with Jason, she felt nothing when she watched other girls flirt with him. Nothing even when she’d occasionally catch him flirting back. She knew that she probably should have felt something but she never could bring herself to care all that much.
Back then she had thought it was just normal for guys like Jason to get attention and give attention back. At least, that’s what her mother had told her the one time Chrissy mentioned Jason’s wandering eye and flirtations.
Ultimately, Chrissy wasn't really fazed by the girl's who wanted a piece of Jason. It made her think she just simply wasn’t the jealous type.
She was wrong. So wrong.
Because now Jason wasn’t her boyfriend anymore and she’s currently raging with this very ugly feeling as she watched some girl outright flirt with Eddie Munson — her actual boyfriend! — right after the Corroded Coffin show at the Hideout.
And the night had been going so well. It was a great show. A really great show. Corroded Coffin was starting to gain some popularity. Sure, the crowd was still relatively small but it was definitely more than the regular five drunks that frequent the little dive bar Eddie had told her about that day in the woods.
It was a special night. She even dressed up a bit for Eddie. She wore Eddie’s favorite Metallica t-shirt and her best pair of jeans (which Eddie always claimed were his favorite), and her brand new pair of L.A. Gear white high top sneakers with pink laces. She kept her makeup rather simple; a light pink eyeshadow with a sparkly glimmer, some blush and a clear lip gloss. Her hair was up in a half ponytail and curled to her liking.
She kinda stuck out in a crowd like this but she enjoyed dressing nice for her boyfriend.
She was coming over to congratulate Eddie and the rest of the band on a great show before she was stopped in her tracks. They worked hard to get more people to come and see them and there were definitely some out of townees here, too. Definitely people who were into their kind of music.
Just like this girl who was flirting with her boyfriend. With her purple dyed hair, her cool tattoos adorning her bare arms, her dark eye makeup with heavy eyeliner, and her styled Metallica t-shirt and ripped jeans.
She was the metalhead dream girl!
Who now had the audacity to lean in close and laugh at something Eddie said, grabbing onto his arm like she knew him or something.
And upon closer inspection, Chrissy realized that Eddie seemed to actually know this girl. Because he’s smiling at her. With that smile he reserved for people he’s close with. The smile that met his eyes with a hint of fondness. A smile she had seen directed at her so many times.
That made her pause.
Was this girl someone Eddie cared for? She wouldn’t really know. Their relationship was relatively new and she didn’t quite know much about his dating history. She had never seen him with a girlfriend in school but he very well could’ve had one outside of school at some point. She never asked even after they started dating. Despite her crush on him since freshman year, she never had the guts to ask him before they started dating either and there were already enough nasty rumors going on about him that she wouldn’t have known what to believe.
But this girl was definitely familiar with Eddie based off of the way they’re so comfortably talking to each other.
The blazing jealousy simmered into something else as her insecurities suddenly hit her like a tidal wave. This metalhead dream girl was definitely the type of girl Chrissy imagined Eddie would be into even though he has admitted to having a crush on her since middle school. But that mean voice in the back of her head wouldn't allow her to consider that fact.
Was this girl an ex? Was she looking to get back together with Eddie? Would Eddie want to get back together with her? Maybe their break up had been a ‘right person, wrong time’ kind of thing. Maybe now is the right time… her internal voice mocked her.
Chrissy’s thoughts were running rampant.
She felt woozy all of a sudden. She could feel her fight or flight response being triggered. The very thought of losing Eddie was making her panic.
Eddie and the girl hadn’t even noticed her yet. She had a decision to make. She could either let her fears get the best of her and run away from this entire ordeal or she could march right over there and let that girl know that Eddie Munson was spoken for.
She literally had her foot lifted to walk right over there but then the girl started rubbing her hand up and down Eddie’s arm and Chrissy felt her heart plummet into her stomach.
There’s such a sultry heat in the other girl’s eyes, looking at her boyfriend like a piece of meat. She wanted him and she wanted him bad. Chrissy knew because that look has mirrored her own many times as she’s looked upon Eddie Munson.
She suddenly felt sick.
She turned on her heel and ran for the exit.
Chrissy burst out of the building, gasping for fresh air. Jealousy was such an ugly feeling. It’s a disgusting cocktail of jealousy and her insecurities swirling around like a tidal wave in her belly, which she clutched onto, feeling so very dizzy. She thought she may actually feel bile rising up her throat.
She couldn't get the image of that girl eye fucking her boyfriend out of her head. That cool girl with the purple hair, piercings, and tattoos who probably liked the same music and bands as Eddie. Probably liked the same books as Eddie, too. Hell, she probably read the Hobbit a million times and could quote his favorite parts.
She's probably everything Eddie wants. She despaired in her mind.
She was going to lose Eddie and she's spiraling at the very thought of it.
Pressing her hand on the side of the building to keep herself steady, she took a deep breath of air. Then another. And another.
It felt like an eternity but her head finally cleared.
It was strange how one got those moments of clarity in a split second.
Because Chrissy paused, taking a good look at her surroundings, her eyes scanned the almost full parking lot and then they landed on her reflection in the glass window of the bar. She looked like a scared little girl. It dawned on her just how stupid she was being right now.
“What the hell am I doing?” She fumed at herself before turning right around and pulling open the door to the bar with a force she didn’t know she had in her.
She walked back into the Hideout with a purpose. She spotted Eddie and the girl in the same spot. Eddie seemed to have put some distance between them now and he’s looking around as if trying to find someone. It made her heart roar in her chest happily when she realized it’s her he’s looking for.
She settled her shoulders and arranged her features to disguise the nausea churning in her belly to something that resembled confidence as she walked over to them. She’s not the greatest with confrontation but in this moment, she’s steadfast.
——————————
Eddie Munson was on a high.
He and the rest of Corroded Coffin just put on a killer set in front of a pretty decent crowd at the Hideout. One of those audience members being his gorgeous girlfriend, Chrissy Cunningham. The Chrissy Cunningham. The Queen of Hawkins High. The cheer captain. The most beautiful girl he’s ever seen. His dream girl.
He still has no idea how the hell he managed to convince her to be into him, let alone date him but he felt like the luckiest bastard on the planet.
Things were finally starting to look up. He and Chrissy were graduating soon. The band was very slowly but surely starting to gain some traction. He wouldn’t say they have a fan base yet but people were starting to notice them. He’s even started to make more money without having to deal drugs as often by working at the Hideout on the weekends. And the drama of Chrissy breaking up with Jason Carver and dating him was starting to finally die down.
Everything just felt good and right. He felt rejuvenated. He felt on top of the goddamn world! There was of course that cynical part of him that whispered in the back of his head how this was all too good to be true. That it was all bound to blow up in his face sooner or later. But he elected to ignore that nagging annoying voice tonight.
“Holy shit, man! That was an epic show!” Jeff exclaimed, clapping Eddie on the back shaking him right out of his thoughts.
Gareth and Zack came barreling over to them as well. All of them were buzzing with excitement and adrenaline.
“Dude, that was so awesome!” Gareth chimed, practically jumping on top of them. “Did you see how the crowd was reacting to us? They were so into it!”
Zack nodded enthusiastically in agreement and Eddie laughed. “Relax, guys. There’s only like twenty people in here.” He said, but his voice was dripping with enthusiasm and he couldn’t help how fucking proud he was of how far Corroded Coffin had come from just a few months ago.
Going from five drunks– who he was sure came with the building at this point– to twenty people filling up this little dive bar in such a short amount of time. And it’s all because they put in the damn work. With the help of Chrissy. Who went with them to other towns to hand out flyers of their show and talked people up about their band.
A swell of pride soared through him and he couldn’t believe this was actually his life. But he’s so damn happy. Happier than he’s ever been.
He looked at his friends, his band, his people. He’s not the most sentimental guy but he’s genuinely proud of each of them. This group of misfits. Of freaks. They were making it! This sure wasn’t the Garden but it’s a start and in this moment Eddie truly believed that they could actually make it there someday.
His eyes scanned the small crowd looking for Chrissy. He saw her by the bar, finishing off her Shirley Temple, smiling and waving at him. He grinned wide at her and waved back.
He clapped the boys on the backs. “Alright, losers! Let’s start breaking this all down so we can get a drink and head home. I’m gonna go check on Chrissy and then I’ll come help.”
All three guys rolled their eyes. “Yeah, suuuuure you will.” Jeff said, giving Eddie a knowing look.
He plastered on an offended expression and slapped a hand to his heart dramatically. “What’s that supposed to mean? I always help!”
“Not when Chrissy’s around.” Gareth complained, crossing his arms over his chest. “You always get all Gaga and distracted.”
Eddie smirked. “Yeah well, when you three losers get a hot girlfriend like me then you’ll understand!” He laughed as they all grumbled their displeasure before he turned around and practically jumped off the stage.
He’s about to head in the direction he saw Chrissy when someone suddenly stepped in front of him and he nearly collided into them.
“Hey, watch where— oh. Uhhh, hey, Jess.”
There stood before him Jessica L. His ex-girlfriend. Actually, ‘ex-girlfriend’ isn’t the correct way to describe their past relationship. More like his ex-hook up and occasional client. But that had ended two years ago and he’s a bit confused as to why he’s looking at her now after one of his shows but he still gave her a lopsided smile nonetheless. He's still on his happiness high! “Long time no see.”
“Hey, Eddie!” Jess greeted him, a smile spread wide across her face. “Saw one of your flyers about the show tonight. Thought I’d come by and see how you’re doing.”
Eddie crossed his arms over his chest and smirked knowingly. “And?”
Jess laughed, flicking her hair over her shoulder and giving him a sly look. “Aaaaaand I thought maybe you could hook me up with something.”
Tilting his head, Eddie mentally went through the inventory he had stashed in his van. It’s not much but he's pretty sure he has stuff that Jess liked. “Um, wasn’t really looking to sell tonight but yeah, I’ve got some stuff. Just gotta go to my van to get it.” He gestured his thumb towards the back exit where his van was parked.
“Oh, you don’t have to get it now.” She coyly tucked some of her hair behind her ear. “I thought we could… catch up for a bit.”
Eddie blinked. He’d much rather be getting to Chrissy right now and he felt his skin itch with anticipation. But he couldn’t really deny a sale right now when he needed to be saving as much as he could so he and Chrissy could get out of this shit town by the time they graduated.
“Uhh, yeah. I’ve got a few minutes.” He said, resolving to keep the conversation short and sweet so he could get to Chrissy.
🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸
The start of their conversation was a bit awkward, but Eddie played off his mood pretty well. Things with Jess were bound to be awkward. Things between them had become strained and weird in the end. He had been tired of just hooking up and getting high. Ultimately, he wanted something more than just a fling and Jess was more interested in using him as a distraction than wanting something serious. Back then, he was more than happy to eat it up because he hadn’t been used to someone being that into him.
It wasn’t that hard for him to get over her and their ‘friendship’ had dissolved into a strictly dealer/customer relationship. Regardless, he wasn’t going to let their weird situation get in the way of a sale.
But now Jess was laying it on thick. He hadn't noticed at first. The conversation was pretty mellow. They talked about some recent albums they’ve listened to. She diligently listened to him when he talked about Corroded Coffin’s stuff and she even asked him some follow up questions which she’d never really done before. She never really cared all that much for his band in the past. But music had always been a safe enough topic for them considering they had almost exactly the same taste.
Without him realizing it, they fell back into their old way of bantering. Sometimes Eddie could be a little oblivious to the obvious. Sometimes he wasn’t always paying attention to the details.
But sometimes his eyes and his brain would align correctly and he could see things clearly. And he saw it now. He saw the way Jess was looking at him like she’s hungry, the way she twirled her hair around her pointer finger coyly, the way she giggled at something stupid he said, the way she spoke to him suddenly sounded way too flirty to his ears.
A nasty feeling grew in the pit of his stomach.
His eyes searched the crowd for Chrissy but it’s so busy tonight and she’s so short, he couldn’t spot her strawberry blonde hair. But usually she’d be at the stage by now with a big kiss and hug ready for him.
His heart thundered loudly in his ears. Where is she? He thought desperately.
Jess cleared her throat, bringing his attention back to her. Her eyes are half-lidded and she’s twirling her hair around her finger again. “Y’know, there’s something different about you, Eddie. You looked so great up there.”
He smiled awkwardly, hooking his thumbs in his belt loops. “Heh, yeah? Um, thanks. I mean, I definitely think we’re being noticed more. Word of mouth and all that.”
She inched closer to him and he attempted to shift away but the wall next to the stage was right up against his back. It almost felt like she was boxing him in. Jess touched his arm, sliding her palm up his bicep and he froze. His lips pressed together, forming a thin line when her fingertips danced along his arm, tracing over his Wyvern tattoo.
“Woah. Your arms got a little bigger.” She complimented. “Did you get a new tattoo?”
Eddie blinked a couple of times, snapping himself out of his frozen state and he grabbed her wrist gently, pulling her hand away from him. “Uhh, let’s not do that, Jess.”
She frowned at him. “Why? What’s wrong?”
He frowned back at her. “I have a girlfriend.”
“Oh.” She responded simply. Then she asked, “Is it serious or…?”
Eddie made a face and scoffed, “Yes, it’s serious. That’s such a fuckin’ weird thing to ask, Jess.”
She put her hands up in defense. “Well, you never seemed like the serious type.”
His brows knit together in pure annoyance. He never seemed like the serious type? Coming from her, that was rich.
“That’s what I liked about you so much.” She continued and his frustration was gnawing at him.
This was exactly why things ended between them two years ago; she never listened to him and she always wanted something out of him, whether it be some free weed or some thrills in the back of his van. She never actually wanted him. She didn’t even know him or care to know him.
“Wow, Jess. Haven’t changed a bit, have you?” He asked, shaking his head and crossing his arms over his chest.
She tilted her head in confusion. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
“Do you even remember the last conversation we had that didn’t involve me selling you drugs?” He inquired and she blinked at him, dumbfounded. Is she fucking kidding? “I told you I didn’t want to hook up with you anymore. I told you I was looking for something more serious. Then you told me you didn’t want anything serious and that was the end of that. Any of that ringing a bell?”
Jess was silent for a moment before she responded, “Oh… Eddie, that was like two years ago. I don’t remember the conversation clearly. I was probably high and didn’t think you were being serious.”
God, he was going to lose it.
“Jesus Christ.” He muttered, swiveling his head looking for Chrissy again. He needed to get away from this… this whole dumb conversation.
He sidestepped to squeeze around Jess. He wanted to put as much distance between him and her as fast as he could.
But he didn’t get so much as a foot or two away before an arm wrapping around his waist stopped him in his tracks. He smelled her strawberries and cream perfume before he even saw her. He tilted his head to see his girlfriend at his side, smiling up at him.
“Chrissy.” He breathed, the very sight of her actually leaving him breathless with relief and adoration. She’s so pretty. With her sparkly pink eyeshadow, her half done up hair. But especially pretty because she was wearing his Metallica t-shirt and that pair of jeans he loves so much on her.
It still completely floored him that she wears certain things just to please him. He’s never asked it of her. She just did it because she liked to.
“Hi, baby.” She said, bringing him back to reality, standing on her tiptoes and pressing a kiss to his lips.
This kiss felt… different. Chrissy was always so sweet and almost shy with her kisses when they were in public. This one feels more firm as she grabbed his shirt with her free hand to pull him closer to her. It’s not a full blown make-out or anything, but it’s a bit heavy. A bit… possessive.
When she pulled away from him, he nearly chased after her mouth wanting more because that was… that was so hot. They’ve been dating for about four months now and she never kissed him like that. Not in front of other people, at least.
Her eyes on him seemed to be a darker shade than usual, resembling an ocean storm. There’s something there he couldn’t quite pinpoint before her gaze settled on Jess. “Oh… who’s your friend?”
After that kiss, Eddie actually forgot Jess was even there. He cleared his throat, looking over to the other girl who looked utterly floored. “This is… uhhhhh… um…” Shit. He actually forgot her name for a minute. That kiss was fucking mind-blowing.
“Jess. My name is Jess.” She said, clearly irritated.
“Heh. Yeah. Jess. This is Jess.” He gestured towards her, wrapping his other arm around Chrissy’s shoulder and tucking her close to his side. “She’s an old friend.”
Turning his gaze back onto Chrissy, he could see her giving Jess a deliberate once-over. There’s a kind smile on her face, but Eddie could see that thing he can’t pinpoint in her eyes again. She reached up to grab his hand that was dangling from her shoulder and she intertwined their fingers together while her other arm tightened around his waist.
“Jess.” She tested the name out before her smile widened and that sweetness was still there in her tone, but he heard a certain edge to it too. It surprised him. He never heard that tone come out of her before. “It’s so nice to meet you. I’m Chrissy. I’m Eddie’s girlfriend.”
She said ‘girlfriend’ with purpose. Eddie heard that clearly and his brain was starting to connect the dots. A heat formed in the pit of his stomach and his skin began to tingle.
“You’re Eddie’s girlfriend?” Jess asked, clearly surprised and judgmental. It made Eddie feel sick as his eyes darted between his girlfriend and his ex-hook up.
Chrissy’s eyes narrowed, her all too sweet smile tightening. “Yes. I’m his girlfriend.” She responded firmly, a slight quiver in her voice at the end. She was nervous. She’s not the confrontational type and on the few occasions he saw where she had to be, it took a lot out of her. A part of Eddie wanted to drag her away from this situation, hold her close and protect her. But he didn’t. He wanted to see what she does next because she looked so brave right now. “Is that surprising?”
“Well, yeah.” Jess said, blunt and lacking a filter as always. “You’re not Eddie’s type. And he doesn’t seem like your type either.”
There’s a moment of silence and Eddie saw a swirl of emotions in Chrissy’s eyes indicating that what Jess just said affected her. There’s a sadness and panic in them, and he felt her grip loosen on his side. He instantly wanted to fix this. To tell Jess she was wrong, to leave and go home and do everything in his power to make Chrissy laugh and feel better.
He opened his mouth to say something but Chrissy beat him to it.
“No offense, Jess,” Chrissy said her name in such a calculated way as she leaned in, resting the side of her head onto Eddie’s chest, never once taking her eyes off the other girl, “But you don’t know me or what my type is. And from the looks of it; you don’t know Eddie or what he likes either.”
Jess went silent, clearly shocked by Chrissy’s comeback. And so was Eddie. She’s defended their relationship plenty of times so he’s not so much surprised by her words but more by the venom behind them. In all the years he’s known Chrissy Cunningham, he’s never heard her speak to someone with such disdain before.
It was getting him all hot and bothered.
Watching Chrissy get all possessive and protective of him was turning him on so much. He needed to get them out of here ASAP before he did way more than make out with her in public.
“Well, Jess, it was soooo good seeing you again but I’ve gotta get my girl a drink and then we’re outta here.” He pressed a kiss to Chrissy’s head. “Sorry, looks like I can’t sell to you tonight. But pretty sure Rick’s home at this hour. You should try him. See ya!” He waved over his shoulder as he steered him and Chrissy out of there.
Reefer Rick was currently in jail but Jess didn’t need to know that.
He guided Chrissy in the opposite direction of the bar and she looked up at him imploringly. He said he was getting her a drink, but he couldn’t do that right now. He couldn’t be around other people right now. He just needed Chrissy.
So, he was leading them to the back exit in such a hurry he nearly tripped over his own feet a few times.
He opened the back door and led Chrissy out of it. He looked back and saw the guys were nearly finished breaking down the stage and he almost felt bad for making them do all the work. Again.
But he had other things he needed to tend to. Mainly his beautiful, stunning, incredibly sexy jealous girlfriend.
———————————
Chrissy took a deep breath of fresh air after Eddie ushered her outside.
Her nerves were completely shot. Confronting Jess head on was exhausting. But also, somehow exhilarating. And also a little embarrassing. She couldn’t believe she actually did that!
She turned to Eddie, about to ask him why he brought them outside but then suddenly he’s kissing her and all thoughts left her mind. The only thing she can focus on are his soft warm lips against her own. Her hands flew to the front of his shirt, bunching up the material in her fists as he ushered her backwards towards his van which was only a few feet away. Her back hit the side of it and his body crowded hers.
The kiss didn’t last long enough in Chrissy’s opinion because Eddie soon pulled away, resting his forehead against hers.
“Jesus Christ, Chrissy.” He breathed out a laugh and she couldn’t help but chase his mouth for another kiss.
He felt so good. His body pressed up against hers, trapping her against his van. He was so warm and also damp with sweat. She could taste the salt of it against his mouth and she loved it. He’s said how gross it was before but she loved how sweaty and hot he was after a show. It’s just this weird primal thing she has… that was exclusive only to Eddie because in general she’s not all that fond of sweat.
She bit down gently on his bottom lip and he laughed again. She pulled away looking a little dazed and confused.
“What?” She mewled.
“Oh nothiiiing.” He sing-songed with a sly little grin on his face. “You’re just really cute when you’re all possessive of me.”
Her cheeks turned pink. “Eddie…”
He leaned in and pressed his mouth against her throat. “And super fucking hot when you get all jealous when another girl flirts with me.” He breathed against her skin.
That ugly feeling reared its ugly head again when she remembered the way Jess touched Eddie. Her Eddie.
Chrissy whimpered softly when Eddie pressed a wet kiss against the column of her throat. “I… I… wasn— ohhh.” She moaned when his lips traveled upwards and mouthed at that sensitive spot behind her ear. Her eyes fluttered and her body arched, grinding against him causing his own low moan. “I wasn’t… I wasn’t jealous.” She denied, half heartedly because she’s too distracted.
Eddie outright laughed and nuzzled his face into her neck. “Suuuuuuuuure you weren’t, Cunningham.” He teased. “Totally didn’t look like you were about to bite me just to mark your territory.”
That embarrassing feeling squeezed at her insides once again and she squirmed against him. “That… That doesn’t bother you?” She asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
Eddie leaned back slowly to look at her. His head tilted to the side, an expression of utter confusion on his face. He looked so much like a puppy. He was so adorable. Chrissy wanted to kiss him again.
“Why would that bother me?” He asked her seriously.
She blushed. “Well… I guess… it didn’t make you uncomfortable that I was… possessive?”
He blinked at her. “Chrissy… you’re my girlfriend. You're allowed to be a little possessive of me.”
“You don’t think that’s an ugly trait?”
He made a sound that’s a mix between shock and bemusement. “An ugly trait? Chrissy, what the hell?”
She grimaced. “… my mom told me jealousy is a very ugly trait in a girl.”
Eddie’s eyes darkened in indignation. He hated her mom. He’s made that abundantly clear even before they started dating. She understood; she and Laura Cunningham weren’t on the best of terms lately and she’s sure their relationship would become even more strained once she moved out this summer. But her mother’s influence was a struggle to escape. She was working on it, but she could hear that woman’s voice in the back of her head sometimes; judging and berating her.
“Chrissy… your mom is a grade A bitch and you don’t need to listen to a word she says.” He seethed.
She sighed, looking away from him briefly and saying lowly, “I… It felt weird.”
He does that adorable head tilt again. “What felt weird?”
“B-Being jealous.” She’s flustered just admitting it. “I never got jealous with Jason. Other girls flirted with him. He even flirted back. I never felt a thing about it.” She sighed, letting go of Eddie’s shirt to play with the ends of his hair. “But seeing that girl… seeing Jess flirt with you. Seeing her touch you and… and be so familiar with you. It made me feel… I don’t know, it made me feel crazy. I almost left. I actually walked out of the bar.”
“You did?” He asked, taking one of her hands playing with his hair and brought it to his mouth. He didn't kiss her fingers, he just held them to his lips. “But you came back inside?”
She nodded, understanding that he was urging her to continue. “Yeah… I was… I was trying to run away. At first. But…”
“But?” He prompted.
“B-But…” She trailed off when he turned her hand and pressed his mouth into her palm. He’s very distracting. “It… well, it seemed very silly to run away from that. You’re my boyfriend and that Jess girl needed to know that.”
He smiled against her palm. “You’re very brave.”
Chrissy rolled her eyes. “Oh please, Eddie.” She chided him. He was being ridiculous.
“I’m serious, Chrissy!” He leaned in closer again, resting his arm above her head on the van. “I swear, I’m not teasing!” He assured her again when she gave him a skeptical look. “I know you struggle with confrontation and I’m so fucking proud of you for pushing past your fears and staking your claim on your man!” He grinned at her impishly.
She blushed furiously. “Eddie… it’s not that big a deal.”
“Yes, it is! You’re my sweet, beautiful, brave girlfriend!” He exclaimed and Chrissy ducked her head, shying away from his praise. “Seriously, Chrissy… it is a big deal. All of your progress is a big deal to me.”
She scoffed. “Being insecure and jealous isn’t really progress.”
“Hey,” he spoke softly, dropping her hand and lifting her chin up with his knuckles. He looked down at her with concerned eyes. His beautiful brown hues that just absolutely melted her heart. “Don’t do that, angel. Don’t put yourself down for feeling normal human emotions. You’re not committing any sins or breaking any rules, Chrissy. You’re just being a person.”
Her eyes twinged with emotion. She couldn’t believe she was so blessed to have such a wonderful boyfriend who just… gets her. Who wouldn’t allow her to wallow in her own insecurities, but allowed her to feel them freely and didn’t make her feel guilty about them.
“Besides, I’m no better.” He continued and chuckled. “I’m actually probably worse than you.”
“What do you mean?”
Now Eddie blushed and Chrissy thought that pinkness on his cheeks was just so endearing.
“I mean… well, I actually really liked it.” His blush deepened and she’s so fascinated by the color change. “I mean, it’s fuckin’ nice being coveted by the girl of my dreams like that.”
Her heart leapt in her chest. “I’m the girl of your dreams?”
He groaned, pushing her back against the van again. “Chrisssssyyyyy,” he whined, “you already knew that!”
She giggled, nuzzling her face into the crook of his throat. “I know, but I still like hearing it.”
“You vixen.” He grumbled, burying his face into her hair.
They stood there like that for a while. Bodies pressed together, faces buried into each other. Just breathing each other in and ignoring the world around them. It was loving and peaceful.
That’s what Eddie did for her. He brought her calm and peace even when her insecurities were fighting to eat her alive. He was her calm after the storm.
She breathed him in one more time before finally pushing him away so she could look up at him. He’s gazing down at her with such adoring eyes, it made her insides dance in joy.
“There are some things I want to talk to you about. I have some questions. But I don’t want to here.”
He nodded, stepping away from her completely. “Yeah. Okay. Let’s go home.” He held his hand out to her.
Home. She loved that he considered the trailer her home as well. It has been her safe space these past couple of months when things got really bad with her mom.
Eddie was her safe space.
She smiled up at him and took his hand. He was her home.