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Chapter Text

Siren’s Song was the new café that she hadn’t gotten around to testing, but Robin couldn’t stop talking about how delectable the pastries were. She’s also mentioned a redheaded barista, but Chrissy wasn’t one to push.

“Chrissy you just have to try the vanilla scone. Or the chocolate croissant. They make them fresh each morning and you’ll just die from them.”

Chrissy hums along to her friends babbling. Robin made sure that there was never more than a few moments of silence between them. Not that she was complaining, Chrissy could barely string three words together before her 6:30 pilates class. The fact that Robin could recite her entire lesson plan just proves that she’s cut out for teaching and Chrissy is, well, Chrissy isn’t sure what she’s cut out for yet but that’s what college is all about right?

The taller girl basically adopted her during freshman year when Chrissy assumed she looked like a deer in headlights. Robin’s bubbly attitude was the breath of fresh air that Chrissy needed after leaving her stuck-in-the-past small town. The weight of her mother’s rules also left for when she’s home during the holidays.

“Oh darn. It’s the other one today.” She hears Robin huff and gives her friend a slight shove. “Other what?” She yawns as they walk into the café. She blinks at the line that’s already forming. People really need their caffeine fix at 6 in the morning. She guesses.

“Not a what, but a who.” Robin stands behind a very impatient looking man that alternates between tapping his foot and looking at his watch. Chrissy squints at the handwritten chalkboard with the daily specials. She really should wear her contacts or better yet, actually remember to bring her glasses.

“Steve usually works on Wednesdays and he’s just your type. You’d love him.” Chrissy nods and tries to see who is working this morning instead. “Do you know who it is?”

“Hmm? Oh, it’s just Eddie. I actually can’t believe he’s up this early to be honest.” Chrissy has no idea who this Eddie was, but the line was moving faster now so she supposed he must be quick.

“How often are you in here Robin?” The girl smiles and shrugs causing her bobbed hair to bounce up and down. “Only like three or four times.” Chrissy nods, “This week? And you already have the staff schedules memorized?”

“A day.”

Chrissy frowns, “You do not come in here that often for coffee do you?”

The other girls’ blue eyes twinkle. “Not only for the coffee.” She snorts and the impatient man gives her a pointed look before groaning at his watch again.

It seems that Eddie isn’t the only one working as another boy in a baseball cap rushes around to what she believes to be an expresso machine. The foot tapping man orders in a curt voice, “coffee, black, hot.” And he doesn’t finish handing the five dollar bill before the cup is on the counter. “Wow. Quick service.” She mumbles.

Robin leans forward on the counter to get a closer view of the chalkboard. Chrissy can now make out the specials that all seem like a heart attack in a cup to her. Does no one drink regular tea anymore?

“Why are you pretending that you aren’t going to order a Red Eye and muffin, Buckley?” A low voice comments and Chrissy finally takes a look at the barista. Another blink of her eyes because all she can see is black.

Black, curly hair that looks just as long as hers (and softer, but only because she didn’t use conditioner last night), black jeans with a black shirt with some type of creature on it. Does this place not have a dress code?  Her eyes trace the ink swirling up and down his arms and she wonders what they mean. If he has more.

“Steve con you into working a morning shift?” Robin jokes and the guy, Eddie, groans before tapping his fingers along the counter. Chrissy counts at least six silver rings on each hand. “ I unfortunately owe Harrington a shift or two. He’ll be in later if you wanna gossip some more abut your tragic love lives.”

“Not as tragic as yours Munson from what Steve tells me.” The boy in the back turns his laugh into a cough when Eddie knocks his hat off.

Chrissy’s eyes widen at the statement and she finally get a good look at him. Stifling a squeak, she moves an inch closer behind Robin in hopes that her friend will hide her from view. Her mind goes blank because he just might be the prettiest boy she’s ever seen. Now that she’s closer, Chrissy notes that his hair is more unruly than curly, but he seems to make it work. Deep set eyes trimmed with long lashes that are always unfairly given to boys. They’re so thick they make it seem that he’s wearing eyeliner.

Utterly unfair.

His dark brown eyes turn to her as he lifts a brow and asks, “And for you?” His lips pout in the o and all Chrissy can think is that they look just as soft as his hair.

Swallowing hard she mumbles, “The same” and points to Robin. Eddie nods before turning to walk towards the pastry shelf.

Robin grabs her arm and whispers in her ear, “You don’t like expresso. What was that?”

Chrissy shakes her head as she does’t trust her voice with Eddie returning with what looks like two blueberry muffins. Her stomach pangs and while they look amazing, her granola bar and mother’s voice hang heavy around her.

The boy, with his cap on again, places two cups down before rushing off to clean some sticky substance on the other side of the bar.

Chrissy keeps her eyes turned down and makes Robin pay as to not get lost further in Eddie’s eyes.

She can never step foot in this establishment ever again.

“Hello? Earth to Chrissy?” A green scrunchie engulfs her vision and she raises her head to see the concerned look of her friend. “Sorry. Still tired.” She waves off as they move to the side bar so that Robin can mix exactly two teaspoons of milk into her coffee.

Chrissy shakes her head,  “Do you even taste it?” The other girl shrugs, “It’s more to cool it off quicker. Want me to have yours too?”

Chrissy looks down at her own pipping hot liquid and curls her lip. People drink this everyday so it must not be terrible. Blowing a few times in hopes that the drink won’t burn her tongue she has a tentative swallow. The strong bitter taste fills her mouth and she crinkles her nose.

Moving past Robin to where some sugar packets are she struggles to swallow and not gag.

“I can’t believe you have more than one of these every day. It’s horrid.” Chrissy mixes what must be at least fifteen Equal packets before she can have another sip without cringing.

“Want me to make you something sweeter?” A deep voice calls and she looks to find Eddie drying a tumbler. He tilts his head to the now just barely tolerable coffee.

“Oh! No that’s okay, I like it.” She smiles and hopes that her face isn’t red because why is he starting at her like that. A slight quirk of his lips. “Really? You always drown your coffee in sugar? Or the one that Henderson made just sucks?”

She hears a faint, “Hey!” from the backroom and bites her tongue to stop herself from smiling.

“You’d make it better then?”  Eddie flashes a bright smile, “Mines best you’ll ever have.” Chrissy can feel her cheeks warming and it has little to due with the steam from her cup.

“Save the Munson Special for next time.” Robin scoffs and tugs Chrissy away before she can answer.

She can feel the questions during the walk to the studio and Chrissy groans. “Say it already Rob.”

The taller girl positively brims as she opens her mouth to ask about a million questions. “What was that back there? You never drink any coffee thing! Not even the decaf my mom brings and now, all of a sudden, you’re practically drooling at the mention of getting some custom made beverage?”

“I wasn’t drooling-“

Robin waves her off and continues, “I didn’t know that you liked the whole metal look, Chris.” She tries to open her mouth again, but to no avail, “Now don’t get me wrong, Eddie isn’t terrible to look at.” A shrug, “If you like that type, I guess.” She groans, “And when he’s not ruining his face with the what comes out of his mouth that is.” Robin finishes off her Red Eye and throws the cup in the nearest trash. “You should hear him in our Music Theory. God I need to bring my headphones for that.”

Chrissy blinks, “So he’s just like you? Nonstop chatter?”

The brunette gapes for a moment, “I guess you’re right. But!” Chrissy throws her still full cup away and wipes her clammy hands on her leggings. She’ll pay for lunch and call it even.

“But?” She hopes Robin won’t talk during pilates it’s the only time she can somewhat relax her brain.

“Well, it’s just that you usually date blondes or guy that don’t look so-“

“Mean and scary?” She tries because Eddie certainly does fit that quota.

Robin rolls her eyes, “I was going to say like a Mötley Crüe reject, but sure” she air quotes, “Mean and scary.” A click of her tongue, “He does have absolute tragic music taste so that fits.”

Chrissy interest continues to be piqued, but she doesn’t want to seem over eager, especially with the knowing look Robin keeps giving her as they settle into class. She adjusts her reformer to match her height. “Hmm, was the the band on his shirt?” Robin purses her lips and Chrissy knows that she’s going to be in trouble for the rest of the day if not week with her teasing.

“No, I think that was some loser rock band. Judas Priest or whatever.” She leans forward to stretch, “Why? Wanna have something to talk about next time you stop in?”

Chrissy’s blush deepens and before she can deny that she’s going to make another visit, the instructor raises the music, “Let start on our backs; feet in pilates v.”

Chrissy walks past Siren’s Song at least three times that day in-between classes. If she peaks through the glass to try and catch a glimpse of dark curls, well, you didn’t see her.

Biting her lip, she steps in after a group of teen girls carrying what looks more like a milkshake than anything coffee related, but what does she know.

A low instrumental song is playing throughout as Chrissy looks the café. Many patrons are talking in low-voices and the atmosphere is very different than it was that morning.

She walks to the front of the counter to find a pale, freckled girl with her hair cut short. The girl smiles wide as Chrissy approaches. “Hi! Do you know what you’d like?” Chrissy smiles back and sees Vicki written on a makeshift name tag. A spark of recognition lights up the back of Chrissy’s mind.

“Hi, just a small chamomile tea please.” Vicki nods and heads over to place a teabag in a to-go cup. Chrissy sighs as she tries to look towards the backroom. “Looking for someone?” Vicki asks placing the hot beverage down.

Chrissy flushes and shakes her head. “Oh, no. I just, um, well.” She laughs and reaches for her wallet. “How much?”

The redhead smirks. “1.50. Are you one of Steve’s many admirers?” Another awkward laugh as Chrissy hands over two dollar bills.

“No, I only know him from Robin.” Something flashes in Vicki’s eyes at the mention and Chrissy marks that for later. “Plus I wasn’t looking for anyone.”

A click of her tongue and damn she’s a terrible liar.

“Hmm,” Vicki counts her change and nods, “So Eddie then.” Chrissy chokes on her first sip and blinks wildly. “What? No, I swear!” She waves her free hand around, “I only came for tea.”

Vicki’s blue eyes soften. “So you say.” Not willing to make more of a fool of herself, Chrissy makes to leave. “He typically does works nights.” Vicki shrugs and walks to clear up a table. “He’ll probably be in tomorrow around seven.”

Chrissy pauses before turning back around. “Thanks for the tea.” Vicki waves goodbye as she walks out of the glass doors.

She makes sure to finish her tea before returning to her apartment as to not have Robin tease her more mercilessly than she already has. The brunette had stuck post-its all over her door with Eddie and Chrissy sitting in a tree. K-I-S-S-I-N-G like they were in grade school. It was so ridiculous that even their neighbor Nancy, a typically very serious and intimidating girl, laughed.

Her roommate does not seem to be back from her last class, so praise whatever high power is looking out for her. When Chrissy turns on her bedroom light she immediately goes to lay facedown in her bed.

A sigh as she closes her eyes and thinks that she might need to stay up late to finish her European history paper tomorrow after all.   

Chapter Text

Eddie Munson did not believe in fate or destiny or anything else of the sort. He wasn’t religious and was taught at a young age that “luck” wasn’t for people like him.

“Dangerous thing,” his father had told him, “you find yourself a believer and you almost have something close to hope.” Eddie wasn’t sure he should still be listening to his fugitive sperm donor, but at twenty-three he really didn’t have much else going for him.

Sure he left that dead end small town of his for the Big City. (Indianapolis wasn’t New York or LA, but it would have to do.) He managed to secure a semi-respectable job at a decent enough café ( the pay was fine and the owner never came in so he could smoke all he wanted). Eddie even surprised himself by going to college (part-time, but still.)

In the grand scheme of things, his life was looking up. But there was that nagging voice that sounded like his old man in the back of his head. Munson men don’t have good things handed to them. So forgive him if he seemed a skeptical when after the weekly staff meeting, Vicki told him that he had an admirer.

Eddie was still half-asleep and whoever decided that people needed to be up before 8AM was seriously damaged. He was going to kill Harrington if he ever pulled this shit again (read next Thursday).

Vickie, with a straw cap on her head, had a big smile when she said it too. Like it was a revelation.

Huge News: Eddie Munson Can Score?

But no, he didn’t need any help in that category thank you very much. Despite what Buckley and Harrington gossip about him, a college campus was full of coeds (and occasionally professors) that he had no problem bringing back to his crap apartment.

What struck him as odd was the look in Vickie’s eye when she brought it up. Like it was a godsend for him to be noticed by a patron of the café.

With a yawn he asked, “Why is this amazing?” She giggled, “Robin told me to keep a look out.”

Eddie rolled his eyes at that, “Buckley wants to play matchmaker for me now? Do I really seem that pathetic?”

A snort from Steve and Eddie shot him a look, “Don’t you start Mr. All the Ladies Love Me. Yet you break up with a new girl every other month.”

Steve crossed his arms, “At least they want to be with me for more than a night.” Eddie shrugged, “Just not a long-haul guy.”

He was.

Or could be. Wanted to be. 

Maybe if some girl actually gave him the time of day and not just the usual Saturday Night Special of Oh can I borrow a cig? You have something stronger? Sure lets go back to your place.

He knew that his style was a tad unconventional, even in a more liberal city, with the rips in his jeans, rings on his fingers and hair that should definitely be maintained a bit better, but that didn’t mean that he was a full blown Satanist (screw his high school PTA. Dungeons&Dragons is enriching for the mind.)

Vickie frowned, “She doesn’t seem like a hookup girl. Kinda shy.”

“And you said she was interested in Munson? You sure this chick isn’t more my speed.” Vickie elbowed Steve. “She’s not a car.” A huff, “Plus, Robin told me that she was all doe-eyes and scatterbrained after she left yesterday morning.”

That sparked something in Eddie. “Yesterday morning?”

“Uh-huh.”

“She was with Buckley?”

“Uh-huh.”

Eddie swallowed, “Blue eyes and blondish-reddish hair?”

Vickie smirked, “I’d say its more of a strawberry blonde, but yes.”

He paused and weighed what he next said carefully. “I think I might remember her. But it was a super busy morning shift and little Henderson kept making a mess.”

A small yelp at the mention of his name and Dustin yelled from the other side of the room, “I made a mess because you couldn’t stop flirting with her.”

Steve and Vickie share a look that has Eddie hating them. He looks at the wall instead of their smug faces. They should paint it green or something.

“So I did tell her that you’re working tonight.” Eddie shrugged, “Yeah? So what?”

This made the redhead groan. “Robin said you’d be like this! Just be nice. Chrissy seems like a sweet girl.”

Chrissy. Chrissy. Chrissy.

A bell. A chime. A birdsong.

A pretty girl with a pretty name.

Eddie licked his lips. “I can be nice.”

Chrissy was brushing her hair for the fifth time that evening. She cursed as she looked in the mirror and saw a flush already rising on her cheeks.  Ridiculous! You’re going to pilates and then to write at the café. That’s it!

That was what she had been telling herself for the entire day. She “slept in” and missed her usual 6:30 pilates class in preparation to take the night class tonight. Robin had seen through her instantly and only teased her slightly when they met up for lunch. Chrissy made sure to bring her just about finished paper as proof, but that seemed to only encourage Robin more.

The brunette held a knowing smile on her lips as she ate her sandwich, “You know you can tell me if you have a crush.”

Chrissy bristled and drank her water. “A crush? Am I ten?” A bite of her own meal. “I just need to finish my paper and the library gets too quiet for me and you’re too loud.”

Robin stuck her tongue out. “I can’t help it that I need to practice with the stupid French horn.” Chrissy relaxed. “I love how you sound, but I do need to finish my paper.”

Robin rolled her eyes. “Yeah yeah. Don’t worry I put in a good word with Vickie and I’m sure she put in one with Munson.”

That got her attention.

“What of you mean you spoke to Vickie?”

A wave of her hand as if this was of no concern to Chrissy. “She’ll make sure that he’s well-behaved.” A pause. “I think.”

Chrissy groaned and put her head in her hands. This was not her plan. “Robin! He’s going to think I’m, like, a stalker or a complete weirdo now.”

A scoff, “As if. You can do a million times better than Eddie Munson.” A click of her tongue and sly smile, “I thought you didn’t have a crush.”

Chrissy had thrown her napkins at the laughing girl.

Looking at herself now, however, it was clear that Chrissy did if fact have a crush. A tragic thing because how dare her stupid heart do this. After one meeting. Not even a full ten minute conversation.

This was all his fault anyway. Chrissy groaned as she started to braid her hair instead. How dare he smile at her and look at her with those stupid brown eyes and wear rings that would make anyone else look gauche.

Chrissy sighed and rubbed at her temples. This was a bad idea. She needed to watch him interact with other people so that it was clear he was only being nice to her yesterday. That she wasn’t special when he offered to make her another drink. That he was just doing his job.

With another frustrated sigh, Chrissy took her bag and left the apartment. Maybe her pilates class would knock some sense into her.

She really tried not to stop in Siren’s Song. Truly, Chrissy Cunningham had talked herself out of it in-between the pilates ten and the end stretch, which was to say during the entire class all she could think about was working up the nerve to order another caffeine heart attack in a cup.

Mumbling to herself, Chrissy walked into the café and set her bag down at one of the available little alcoves. Placing a hand to her chest in order to steady her heart, she inhales for four seconds before exhaling for six seconds. A trick her high school guidance counselor had taught her to calm her nerves. Bet you never thought it would be used to order a damn coffee, huh Ms. Kelley?

Glancing over at the counter she spots the same young boy from the morning before. Trying not to be disappointed, Chrissy walks up because she might as well order something and finish the last paragraph for her paper.

She smiles kindly at the young boy, now sans cap, and watches as he blinks, opens his mouth once, twice, and then blinks again. Chrissy tilts her head and laughs. “Can I order something?”

The boy nods rapidly causing his brown hair to flop around, “Sure, totally! Just, um, you’re Chrissy? Friends with Robin? Came in yesterday?”

She feels her face get hot because did Robin give Vickie a picture of her to hang up in the break room?

“Um, yeah?”

The boy, grins so wide that it takes up his entire face. “Awesome. Just wait one second.” Chrissy bites her lip as she watches him run to the backroom. How utterly embarrassing. She’ll never tell Robin anything ever again.

She hears a faint clanking of something dropping and a light yelp. “Why are you waking me up Henderson? The night shift is the slowest.”

Her eyes widen at the sound of his voice and Chrissy wonders if it’s too late to run out and pretend that she never stepped foot in this coffee shop.

“Yeah yeah, you need your beauty sleep or whatever.” The boy, Henderson?, says, “But I need your help with this customer.”

Chrissy’s heart beats faster and there’s no amount of breathing techniques that are going to help her now because walking up to the counter dressed once again in all black is Eddie Munson. Her eyes catch the silver of his rings and some chains that hang around his jeans and damn it she should’ve check on her hair after pilates because what if her braid is all messed up and she looks completely disastrous?

“What can I do ya for?” Eddie yawns before actually seeing her and Chrissy bites her lip. “Hi.” She says softly and Eddie coughs his next yawn. “Hey, hi! Oh.”

He gives the younger boy a look and she wonders what unspoken conversation happens because brunette snorts before waving goodbye. “I’m Dustin by the way. Good to see you Chrissy!” She only raises her hand up halfway before Dustin vanishes to the backroom.

“Ignore him.” Eddie speaks and she looks at him again. His brown eyes look even darker in the low lighting of the café. “You needed me?”

Chrissy swallows because it’s obvious, she’s obvious and she has the worst ideas and Robin is the worst friend to ever exist. “I, um, I have a paper?” She points to her bag in the back and hopes her smile isn’t too awkward. Eddie blinks at her and God she’s awful at this. “A, um, drink to keep me up?”

That sparks something in Eddie’s eyes before he leans closer to her making Chrissy hold her breath. “Keeping me on my word are you? Something sweet, yeah?” His tone is soft as if telling her a secret.

Not trusting her voice, she nods. When he turns away to get a clear glass she just about grips the counter’s edge.

“Do you like chocolate?” Eddie asks and she coughs. “What?”

Eddie smiles and turns back to her, “Chocolate. Do you like it?”

Chrissy’s mind flashes to her sweet sixteen birthday where her mother decided her cake would be a fruit tower. Nature’s sugar, dear.

“Yes. I do.”

Eddie grins and she sees the faintest of pink as the tip of his tongue sticks out. “Have a seat and I’ll bring it to you.”

Chrissy nods and makes her way back to the alcove. She takes a moment to center herself by people watching. A group of young boys are gathered around some game board and speak in frantic, hushed tones. She notices Dustin pointing at a paper that one of the darker haired boys hold and shakes his head dramatically. Chrissy giggles before spotting a bespectacled girl chewing on the end of her pencil before writing quickly and then chewing again. 

Chrissy sighs and makes a show of taking out her own notebook and pen to what she hopes looks like her writing something.

The Fall of Constantinople was such an easy topic and if Chrissy was honest, she could’ve had this paper done last week, but then what excuse would she have used to sit here tonight? Biting her lip, she writes whatever comes to mind and doesn’t notice Eddie walk up to her. He places the glass mug down and sits in the armchair across from her.

Chrissy looks up at the movement and squeaks. “Oh!” Eddie chuckles and she watches he rests one leg over the arm of the chair. Her hand twitches at the sound of one of his chains brushing against the wood.

“Maybe you don’t need the caffeine boost after all.” He gestures to her notebook and she hugs it close; a bit self-conscious. 

“I’ll still try!” She licks her lips and looks down at the steaming drink. A layer of foam rests atop the dark brown liquid and she’s reminded of Eddie’s eyes once more. Chrissy brings the mug to her lips and tries very hard not to show what effect him watching her does.

She takes a sip and then another letting the now somewhat cool liquid fill her mouth. There’s that slight bitterness, but the taste of something sweet is noticeable as well. When she opens her eyes, Eddie is resting his chin in one hand.

“Well? Is it the best you’ve ever had?” Chrissy huffs and gently places the mug down. “It’s sweeter that’s for sure.” She licks her lips and it takes all her willpower to not stiffen at the way Eddie traces the movement.

“Hmm. So you’re saying I need to up my game?”

She laughs, “I’ve offended you.” Eddie shrugs and waves his hand. “Gonna take a lot more than that to offend me, Sweetheart.”

Chrissy presses her lips together at the pet name. Deciding to take another sip she finds that it does get better. “What’d you make me?”

Eddie rolls his shoulder back and she wonders if he’ll fall asleep siting in that chair. “A mocha latte. Nothing crazy.”

She smiles softly, “Will I be up all night now?” Eddie huffs a laugh, “Bouncing off the walls.”   

A light laugh and she can feel the air buzz around her. She looks over and just finds Eddie smiling. “What?” He shakes his head, “Nothing. What are you working on?”

Her shoulders sag, “Ugh, just some boring European paper. I don’t even like history that much.”

Eddie shrugs, “How many times can you write about war.” Chrissy nods, “Exactly! Like, why can we all get along?”

Eddie snorts, “Peace and Love and all that jazz?” Chrissy blushes, “Well, that’s the idea, but I’m not going to stat handing out flower crowns or something.”

The boy rolls his neck and she glances at his shirt. A different one than yesterday but similar vibe. She points, “What’s that?”

Eddie flicks his eyes down, “Black Sabbath. You know ‘em?” Her face must say it because Eddie laughs, “No, I don’t think they’d be your kind of thing.”

That statement annoys her because she can like unusual things. Crossing her arms, Chrissy sticks out her chin. “Oh? And you just know me so well.”

Eddie runs his tongue across his teeth. “Bet you listen to Billy Joel.”

She shakes her head. “Nope. I like The Smiths.”

That has Eddie laughing and a few patrons turn in their direction. Chrissy leans forward. “What’s so funny?” Eddie leans closer towards her. “You like sad songs. Seem like a pop princess to me.”

She furrows her brow. “I like different things! I listen to Wham! and Billy Idol.” She says that proudly. Her mother looked like she ate a lemon every time Chrissy played Flesh for Fantasy. It made her love it more.

Eddie nods sagely, “Perhaps I can sway you to liking the harder stuff.” She purses her lips, “Is that another one of your promises?”

Chrissy watches as something flashes behind Eddie’s eyes; deepening their brown to an almost black. She shivers and sits back in her own chair.

A cough and Eddie matches her pose. They sit in a comfortable silence and Chrissy is unsure of what to say or do.

“Um. Eddie?” The boy sits up a bit straighter as if confused that she knew his name. “How much?” Chrissy points to the now half-finished drink.

Eddie shakes his head, “Free of charge.” Before leaning forward and whispering, “Just don’t tell my boss.” He smiles and she finds herself matching it. “Thank you.”

The dark-haired boy chuckles and then slaps his hands against his thighs. “Guess I should let you get back to work, but,” Chrissy waits and Eddie laughs again, “Can I make you something else?”

Chrissy looks at her mug again and sputters, “But-“

Eddie holds his hand out to stop her. “I feel like I need to impress you somehow. The red eye was not your drink and while the mocha was more in the right direction, ah” He rubs the back of his neck and the movement reveals more dark ink on his shoulder. Chrissy’s throat constricts.

“Do you only work nights?” She hears herself asking. Eddie blinks, “Mostly, but I’m scheduled Sunday morning this week.”

Chrissy nods, “I don’t know if I can trust anyone else to make me something I’d like.”

It’s the closest thing to flirting that she’s said and by Eddie’s cheeky look he knows it too. “Till then, hmm?” Eddie holds out his hand and Chrissy raises hers thinking they’d shake like this was some business deal.

Instead, Eddie gently flips her hand over and presses a kiss. “Enjoy the rest of your drink Chrissy.” Wide-eyed, Chrissy watches as Eddie walks back to the counter humming something she does’t recognize.

As she tries to sleep that night, Chrissy can still feel the warmth of Eddie’s lips on her hand. Her heart races for a reason that has little to do with the late night caffeine.

Chapter Text

“Someone has a crush.” Steve cooed as Eddie tasted how the hazelnut syrup mixed with the dark roast. He grimaced. Still too bitter, maybe if he used a more mild blend? “I don’t have a crush. Don’t you need to check on the ice machine or sweep or do literally anything besides be near me.”

Steve laughed and shook his head. He grabbed a towel and a spray bottle before heading toward the tables. They still had about fifteen minutes before opening and Eddie was no closer to creating a drink that Chrissy might like. Hell, he wasn’t sure that she was even coming in this morning. Although, the eager look in her blue eyes the other night told him yes.

He wouldn’t hold his breath. Hope’s not in our dictionary boy.

“You’re the one who changed shifts with Henderson. You never work mornings unless you’re forced and I can count on one hand how many Sunday mornings you’ve worked since starting.” Steve laughed and Eddie wanted to throw something at his smug face. He waves a hand around nonchalantly, “Dusty-boy’s lady was in town from Montana or something. Least I could do for the kid.”

A snort, “Suzie’s from Utah, but okay if that’s the story you’re sticking with and how you making, like, a million different drinks has nothing to do with a cute blonde.”

Eddie huffs air and turns on another expresso machine. “Don’t be jealous.” Another snort and Steve walks to unlock the front door, “Jealous? I’ll have you know that I have a study date today.”

Eddie lifts a brow, “Oh? Not with that stuck up brunette?” He watches as Steve frowns and mumbles something under his breath. “Who Nancy? Oh, no we’re just old high school friends.” An awkward shrug that told Eddie everything and nothing. “I’m going out with Kali. I’m sure I mentioned her.”

He curses as one of the cup overfills and Eddie has to race to clean up the spilt coffee. “Sorry Casanova, there’s just so many birds that you fly through.”

Harrington drags a hand through his already mussed hair and sighs, “The ladies do love me.” That earns him a real laugh, but before Eddie can say anything else a bleary-eyed paramedic walks in. “Steve, darling, a triple expresso please.” He watches as the other boy flirts and fills the thermos.

Eddie scratches the back of his neck and wished he knew what candy Chrissy liked. Then he could create some sort of drink based on that.

Eddie looks at his watch as he cleans yet another glass. Why do they allow people to use real mugs and glasses if they stayed in the café? All it did was create more work for him to do. A disgruntled sound leaves his mouth as he reads 10:42 as if that made any difference at all to him. He still had another four hours in this stupid morning shift that he didn’t know why he took from Henderson.

An act of love. The curly-haired boy said when Eddie offered. He regretted offering because every time he glanced out of the corner of his eye to see who walked through the door it wasn’t Chrissy. Stifling a curse, he heads to the backroom. “I’m taking a break.” He mumbles as he passes Steve.

“If you fall asleep I’m not waking you up if she comes in.”

Eddie doesn’t give in to the bait and heads directly for the lumpy couch. He’s slept on worse and besides, he wasn’t waiting for Chrissy. No, he’s completely normal about her actually. If she comes in she comes in and if she doesn’t, well, his father is rotting in the state penitentiary and can’t say I told you so.

Eddie presses his palms against his eyes. Was he really that obvious? He could take Buckley’s teasing in their music theory class because he gave just as good as he got with her. One word about a certain red-head and the tall girl’s mouth had open and closed like a fish.

Robin had said that it sent her up the wall that Chrissy had been playing her Smiths album over and over, but Eddie wasn’t sure if that was a good thing yet. A sigh as he checks his watch once more. The red numbers flash 10:55 and he squeezes his eyes shut again.

“Hey Buckley.” He hears muffled from the door and tenses. “And a very good morning to you CHRISSY.”

Harrington that asshole. Eddie gritted his teeth and rolled off the couch to yell that he wasn’t funny at all when he saw her.

Hair held high on the top of her head with a green scrunchie that matched her outfit. A similar skin tight thing to the one she wore the other night. Eddie swallowed hard and dug his nails into his palms. Steve caught his eye and smirked. The bastard.

Chrissy’s gaze followed Steve’s and he watched as her eyes widened at the sight of him. A small wave that he mirrored as he moved closer to the counter. Eddie wanted to punch that stupid smirk off Harrington’s face. “Don’t have a crush huh?” Steve whispered as he walked to take the next groups order.

Robin pursed her lips and her eyes sparkled with that same look as Steve’s. “I’ll get us a table Chris.” Chrissy nodded at the girl and then they were alone.

“Hi.” Chrissy whispered and Eddie leaned slightly over the counter. To hear her better of course. Although the faint smell of her vanilla lotion was nice too.

“Hey.” He was going for suave, but it might’ve come out more hoarse and Chrissy giggles. She points to his chest. “Which one’s that?”

Eddie looks down forgetting what shirt he picked up from his “clean” pile (he does laundry okay? Just putting it away took more effort than it’s worth.) “Ah, that would be the Prince of Darkness himself.”

Chrissy blanches slightly, “The devil?”

He licked his lips at her flustered look, “Not quite. Remember Black Sabbath?”  Chrissy’s eyes sparkle and she nods, he laughs. “Ozzy Osbourne was the lead singer for them. This was one of his solo tours back in ’84.” Eddie rubs the now faded image. “A wild night even if he didn’t eat a bat at this one.”

The look on Chrissy’s face is enough for him to remember what she actually come for. A drink, not his terrible concert memories.

Clearing his throat, Eddie asks, “Do you have a favorite candy? Anything I can go off of to make something more to your taste?” Chrissy hums and taps a finger against her lips. He wonders if they’d be as soft as they look.

“My grandmother always had Werther’s in her pocketbook.” A laugh and Eddie swears she sounds just like a bell. “My brother and I would sneak them when she wasn’t looking and then when we left her house she would give us more from the candy jar,” Another laugh, and it brightens her face that it feels as though he is looking at the sunrise. He wants her to always be smiling.

“So, caramel? I think I can work with that.” He winks and relishes at the light flush growing across her cheeks. “I’ll bring it to you.” Chrissy bites her bottom lip before walking towards Buckley and fuck Steve maybe he did have a crush after all.

Robin is manically writing something down on a napkin when Chrissy sits down. The brunette barely lifts her head up acknowledge her. “Munson ask you out yet?” She asks after a moment and Chrissy squeaks out a “What? Why would he-“

Robin’s eyes fill with mirth as Eddie comes over with her drink. An iced whatever-it-was with, was that whipped cream? Robin crosses her arms and mock pouts, “No special drink for me?”

Eddie coos and pats her head, “Awe, sorry we ran out of the chatterbox blend.” Robin sneers and punches Eddies arm. “Jesus Buckley, I’ll have Harrington bring you an extra muffin.”

That seems to placate the girl and Eddie rubs where he was hit before turning back to her. “Let me know how you like the macchiato.”

Chrissy eyes the drink and wonders if she’ll enjoy it. A fleeting thought that if she does like this one, would Eddie stop making her new ones? Shaking her head clear of the ridiculous notion, she takes the straw in her mouth. A blink and she swallows another mouthful of the icy concoction. The caramel is in full swing and while it does hide the bitterness more, it’s the aftertaste that gets to her.

Swirling the whipped cream so it melts, Chrissy frowns. “It’s not poison is it?” Robin asks and she shakes her head. “No, I just.” A sigh as she looks over at the counter. Eddie and Steve seem to be arguing about something while a still hung over frat boy sways side to side.

Chrissy looks at Robin and smiles, “Will I disappoint him if I say that it still too bitter? He tries so hard.” The freckled girl wrinkles her nose, “If this is trying hard to you Chris, then you need to raise your standards.” A wave of her hand, “Maybe coffee just isn’t your thing. Have Munson made you one of your teas.”

Chrissy takes another sip of the macchiato. Her mouth filling with the sugary sweetness of the caramel. “Tea is so boring though. I want to be a cool coffee girl that listens to cool music and has an air of mystery.” Robin snorts and gives her an oh really? look. “Munson is already infatuated with you. I’m sure he has like ten different dates planned out and your wedding song is going to be some loser metal one that will make everyone cover their ears.”

Chrissy blushes and lowers her voice, “He does not Robin. That’s so absurd, honestly, we’ve had like two conversation and they’ve both been in this shop.”

“So then you ask him out Chrissy. Feminism or whatever and you’ll see that he’s a weirdo and you can stop taking a half hour doing your makeup before pilates.” She bristles at the statement and looks at Robin’s exasperated face.

A frown, “Am I being annoying?” She gestures around the café, “This whole thing, is it too much?”

She can get like that. Fixated on odd things that make others want to stop being around her. Her mother tried to guide her into liking more appropriate things like needlework or piano, but she loved learning about spiders. She would tell her brother, John, all about which spiders were venomous and which were actually safe to be a pet. That lasted all of one weekend when he brought a wolf spider into the house and their mother had screamed so loud Chrissy thought the police might be called. The look Laura Cunningham had given her was enough for Chrissy to hid all her spider books in the back of her closet and never speak on them again.

Her high school boyfriend, Jason, had said something along the lines of “That’s a bit creepy for a girl to know, huh Chris?” When she spouted that some male spiders want to be eaten after mating during one of their dates. She never brought up anything arachnid related again.

Maybe her fascination with Eddie was this. She should quell it before he becomes too engrained within her psyche. 

Robin’s face softens as she grabbed Chrissy’s hand. “Ignore me. I just haven’t eaten yet.” She stands and yells, “Where’s that muffin, coffee boy?” Steve look offended and Eddie points to her glass. She lifts it up and shrugs. He bangs a fist to his chest in a mockery of being shot and she giggles.

“Still think he doesn’t like you?” Robin mumbles and Chrissy fails to stop her smile from growing.

Chrissy manages to drink about half of her macchiato which she decides is a victory and heads over to the counter to return the glass. Eddie is grumbling while cleaning yet another sticky substance. “Is it always this messy?” She asks and he scoffs before meeting her gaze. “You don’t know the half of it, sweetness.” She bites her tongue at the pet name and hands him the glass.

“Please let me pay for this one.” Eddie shakes his head and the tips of their fingers brush slightly. “What kind of gentleman would I be if I had you pay for a drink you didn’t like?” Chrissy starts to argue and he waves her off.

“The caramel still not sweet enough?” He dumps the rest of the glass into a sink and scratches the back of his neck. Chrissy adverts her eyes to not seem like she’s ogling the way the muscles in his arm and chest flex at the motion. “I liked the caramel.” She mumbles and rubs her hand along the counter. It’s cool and surprisingly not sticky.

“Maybe I’d have better success if I knew more about you.”

Chrissy’s head lifts up and she blinks. “Oh?”

Eddie shrugs and the corner of his lips lift in a half smile. “Yeah. All great artists need to know the material right?” She narrows her eyes and teases, “Baristas are artists now?”

Eddie leans forward, “I’m not one to brag,” a scoff from Steve and Eddie kicks his shin. Chrissy giggles, “What do you want to know about me?”

Eddie smiles as he rests his chin in his hands. Their faces a breath away and she can smell either the gum or mint that he must’ve been chewing. “Everything.”

The honestly in his voice shocks her and he senses it because he stands straighter. “I’ll, uh, settle for your last name.”

She finds her throat dry and swallows, “Cunningham. Chrissy Cunningham.” Eddie bows and she finds it charming the way he acts around her. “A pleasure, my lady.”

She curtsies, “The honor is mine, good sir.”

Eddie chuckles, “And would the lady be so included to join me for the evening?” Chrissy’s smile widens. “A date?”

He taps his fingers against the counter. “If you’d be so inclined.” Her heart just about bursts as she takes Eddie’s hand in her own. “I would!” Chrissy whines at the eagerness in her voice and lowers it, “I mean, yes. I’d like that very much.”

Forgetting that she still held Eddie’s hand in her own Chrissy makes to remove it; Eddie tightens his grip just enough to brush a light kiss to her knuckles. They burn even after her hand is safe by her side and she can feel the flush rise on her cheeks. “Me too, Cunningham.”

Their evening date turns out to be an afternoon one instead which Chrissy doesn’t mind one bit. Robin is relentless in her teasing and says, “I’m only looking out for you! If you come back tonight married I’m going to point and laugh because that is the most typical Eddie Munson thing to do on a first date.”

Chrissy scowls as she messed up her mascara again. “We’re not getting married! Don’t be ridiculous Robin. He just wants to know me better. We’ll probably watch a movie or something.”

Her friend sits on the edge of Chrissy’s bed and hums, “Oh yeah. Know you better.”

Chrissy bites her lip and looks at her reflection. Her checks seem to be permanently stained pink and she hopes that it doesn’t clash with her blue eyeshadow to terribly. She settled for soft waves instead of her ponytail and her most relaxed light sweater. A frown. Was the skirt too much?

“Chis?” Robin hugs a stuffed Tweety Bird to her chest. “If you plan on staying over please call first okay? I don’t want to wrangle Ms. Nancy Wheeler, PI from across the hall and put out an APB on you at two in the morning.”

Chrissy shrieks, “Robin!” The brunette nods sagely, “Okay, fine. Just use protection. Who knows what diseases Munson’s apartment has created.”

Another embarrassed shriek and Chrissy tackles the taller girl on her bed. Both laughing so loud that the nearly miss the knocking at their front door. A shared look and Chrissy jumps up. Hand to her chest to steady her breathing and a final look in the mirror.

Robin smirks, “Just a warning though,” Chrissy groans and she receives a laugh, “If he says I know a place. He’s talking about his apartment.” She crosses her arms, “Steve uses it all the time and Munson is nothing if not cut from the same dingus cloth.” A real smile then, “Have fun.”

Chrissy waves goodbye and ignores her brain trying to come up with the images of what Eddie’s apartment might look like.

It turns out that she had nothing to worry about because Eddie’s idea of a first date was taking her to a record store. A cute, hole-in-the-wall place that seconded as an old bookshop. He smiled cheekily at her obvious shock. “What? Did Buckley say that I would take you to an open field and sacrifice you or something?” He held the door for her to walk in first. The musty smell of books filled her nose and she relaxes. “Or something.”

Eddie huffs, “I didn’t want to spoil anything, but that’s our second date.” She turns to look at him and shakes her head, “You’re crazy.” Eddie pouts and she tugs his hand to get him to follow her. “You didn’t say no, Cunningham. So I’m playing the ritual as we speak.”

She laughs and shakes her head. “Let see how this date goes before you order the alter.” She can feel Eddie’s breath on the back of her neck and it takes all her willpower to not shiver when he whispers in her ear. “How do you know I don’t already have one?”

“Oh look!”, She drags them to the nearest album. “Blondie. She’s kinda hardcore right?” Eddie smiles kindly, “Sure sure. If you like pop rock.” Chrissy crosses her arms over chest, “Okay Mr. Music Elitist.”

“Elitist? Me?”

She taps her foot, “Who should I be listening to then?”

Eddie clicks his tongue as he searches around the store. His eyes widen as he finds something of note. “Ah! Here, you’ll like them.” Eddie takes her hand just as causally as she did and it brings a soft smile to her lips. It’s easy, comfortable. She likes how their hands fit together. 

They come to a more secluded section of the store and Eddie lifts an album with a four guys surrounding a skeleton. She raises a brow, “W. A. S. P? Like the bug?” The pain in Eddie’s face is almost comical.

He opens the record and places it on one of the players before handing her the headphones. “Yes and no.” He set up the vinyl and looks at her. “I’ll start you off slow before getting going hard and heavy, okay?”  The double meaning is not lost on her and Chrissy bites her lip so hard she thinks that she can taste blood.

The first song that plays is much slower than she expects. Although she doesn’t listen to the song much, choosing to watch Eddie was he nods his head along and mouths the words. Left hand holding the headphone as the fingers on his other seems to follow the guitar and she wonders if he knows how to play. He fits the rocker vibe.

Eddie looks at her expectantly as the song ends. She blinks, “Oh! Nice yeah.” He tilts his head observing her. “Okay maybe you are ready for the harder stuff.” A teasing smile as he move the  needle to whatever song he deems worthy. Her eyes widen as this song is faster than the other one. Eddie smiles wide at the look she makes and as she listens to the lyrics she can only think of her how her mother would show up in her door red-faced if she played this in the God-Fearing Cunningham household.

Eddie’s closes his eyes and his nose wrinkles slightly as he matches the beat of the drums. Chrissy decided then and there to take a step towards him and presses her lips against his. Eddie’s lips are warm if slightly chapped. Its a quick and chaste thing, but still her heart pounds louder in her ears than the drums.

He eyes open slow as if in a dream. He blinks once, twice before pulling her flush against his chest. Tilting her chin up he envelops her lips with his own. Their softness takes her by surprise, but not as much as the swipe of his tongue. She parts her lips from the sensation and Eddie deepens the kiss. Chrissy’s hands find the bottom of his shirt as Eddie’s thumb moves down her throat. She moans at the brush of his tongue on the roof of her mouth and she swears she can feel him smirk against her. So rude.

Two can play at that game, so she moves one of her hands under his shirt and runs it down his stomach, nails lightly scratching his bare skin. She nips at his bottom lip and enjoys how Eddie’s exhale is strained by the contact. He breaks away first and side eyes her.

“Are you an actual siren, Cunningham?” He rubs his thumb on her bottom lip and she opens her mouth just wide enough to taste the salt of his skin. Eddie’s breath shakes as his eye darken to a dangerous and temping black. “I take that as a yes.” They stay transfixed together for another moment before a loud thud breaks them apart.

Chrissy straightens her sweater and skirt while Eddie coughs and rolls his shoulders a few times. “Yup. If I didn’t already have this in my collection I’d be buying it to commemorate this very moment.”

Chrissy laughs and offers, “I’ll take it.” Eddie lifts a brow, “Backie Lawless will be thrilled that he converted you.” She shoves him and purses her lips, “But in return you have to get one of The Smiths' albums.”

Eddie pouts his lips and rolls his eyes. “Really?”

Chrissy sticks her tongue out. “Yes. If you listen to them more than once, you’ll realize that my taste is superior.” Eddie runs his tongue across this teeth and concedes, “If the lady so demands.”

She huffs proudly and takes his hand again, “I do demand. And you’ll follow through on those demands.” The tips of her ears redden as she hears Eddie mumble, “Just say the word and I’m on my knees.”

She sways Eddie into buying two albums and was all smiles when they walked out of the record store. “You know you’re a con artist right?” 

She mock balked, “Who me?” Eddie snorted and twirled her in a circle, “Yeah, little miss I’ll bat my lashes and wobble my lip just so.” He imitates what might be her voice.

She rolls her eyes. “It worked didn’t it? Now you have The Queen is Dead and their first album. You’re halfway to owning all their records.” She hops over a puddle. “Plus the store was having a buy one get one. Losing money if you didn’t get two.”

She hears Eddie scoff, “Then why didn’t you get another record.” She turns with her hands behind her back, “Because I already own all of them.” She winks coyly and Eddie shakes his head.

“Alright, but next time I’m buying you Metallica.”  Chrissy licks her lips, “Next time?” A hopeful fluttering grows inside her.

Eddie takes a step closer and rubs the end of her hair between two fingers. “I mean. If you want.” She hums, “Okay.”

Eddie exhales slow and she can see an emotion in his eyes that’s deeper and scarier than desire. “You wanna go someplace?” He asks. Chrissy tilts her head, “Where?”

A gleam of mischief, “I know a place, c’mon.” He takes her hand and perhaps Chrissy will need to call Robin after all.

Chapter Text

She’s not nervous, well, she is but not because of Eddie. He’s been a perfectly fine gentleman during this entire date. No, she’s nervous because of her own thoughts. Her own needs and desires that might stray past what a good, Christian girl would do.

Not that she’s been that version of herself in a long time.

Chrissy shakes her head clear of her mother’s chastising look and meets Eddie’s smile. He holds his hand out for her and she interlaces her own. Turns out this “place” was just an old abandoned building that she hopes doesn’t have any termites or mold.

Chrissy’s smile drops and she nods. “Wow. Yeah, never been to, uh, hmm.” She watches as Eddie’s face turns into a more comical smile. In the fading sun his eyes give a more haunted look.

She swallows hard, “You’re not going to really sacrifice me are you?” A nervous laugh and Eddie’s brows knit. “What? No. Look.” He points to a small side door. There’s a sign that reads The Hideout. At least that’s what she thinks it says, the e and o are very faded.

Chrissy bites her lip; unimpressed. “What am I looking at?” Eddie pouts and she swears that he looks like a puppy. He knocks on the door and she jumps behind him when it opens. A large puff of smoke fills the small room and Chrissy waves it away.

“What’re you doing here Munson? Not Tuesday.” A gruff voice states and Eddie shrugs before tapping the man’s arm. “Just wanna hang tonight Benny. No harm in that yeah?” The man, who Chrissy assumes is Benny, glances over at her. He snorts and shakes his head before turning around. “The bar isn’t free. I don’t care that it’s you or that you’ve brought a date.” Chrissy blushes and grips Eddie’s hand tighter when he offers it to her again.

The thick fog of smoke does not clear as they walk inside and she coughs. Eddie gives her an apologetic look. “It’ll get better. Should’ve warned you.” She manages a smile and blinks at the now bright lights. Loud music fills her ears and she sniffles a gasp at the sheer size of the place.

The room is filled with people dancing, a stage and a bar. Her brows lift as tugs at the end of Eddie’s jacket. “A club?” He brings her to the bar and signals the redhead behind the counter. The girl narrows her eyes at Eddie and he grimaces. “Forgot that Red was working tonight. You wanna order us something?”

Chrissy bites her lip and looks down at her shoes. “I know the same amount about alcohol as I do coffee.” Eddie laughs openly at this and rubs her arms. “Okay, okay. I’ll handle it.”

He waves at the girl again and her scowl deepens as she walks over. “Why are you here?”

Chrissy bristles at the coldness in her voice, but Eddie doesn’t seem bothered. “Maxine, please can we have two beers?” He checks in with her and Chrissy nods. Beer isn’t her favorite, but she’ll deal.

“Don’t call me Maxine.” The redhead eyes Chrissy before saying, “Is this loser holding you hostage, Malibu Barbie? I can call Benny to beat him up for you?” Chrissy’s eyes widen as Eddie shouts his protests. Not-Maxine holds her hand to him. “Shut up. I hear enough of your voice on Tuesdays.”

Chrissy’s mouth is agape, but she recovers quickly. “No, I’m his, um, we’re on a date?”

The girl crosses her arms and looks between the two of them. “Uh-huh. My condolences. I’ll be back with your beers.”  The girl walks away and Eddie groans before siting down on a stool. “Forgive Mad Max over there. She and her boyfriend broke up again and she’s making it everyone’s problem.” He rubs his temples, “She’s a good kid.” A quirk of his lips,” Usually.”

Chrissy hums and takes a seat next to him. Ignoring the way the cushion sticks to the skin on her thighs. “So, how do you know this place?”

Eddie taps along the counter and smiles. “I play here on Tuesday.” She tilts her head and points to the stage. “Like in a band?” Eddie nods proudly. “Corroded Coffin.” His fingers wiggle up and down the air in front of him, “I play guitar.” 

She laughs and nods. “Of course you’re in a band.”

Max slides a beer over to Eddie and in front of her a glass of something sparkling and pink. Chrissy wrinkles her nose, “Um?”

Max snorts, “You don’t seem like a beer girl. It’s a bubblegum cosmo.” A small smile and Chrissy finds it changes the girls face entirely. “You’re all sugar and spice and everything nice.” Chrissy matches the small and takes a small sip. It’s sweet. She finds she likes it much better than beer. “Thank you.”

Max nods and sends another glare towards Eddie. “If you get sick of him, just call me over.” Chrissy laughs and agrees.

Eddie frowns as he sips his beer. “I can be sugar and spice too.” Chrissy coos and pats his leg. “Sips and snails and puppy dog tails for you.”

It’s surprisingly relaxing in the club. Chrissy’s never been a big “party” girl. Not even in high school, but maybe it wasn’t so bad if she was with Eddie. He talks about his band and how he was the one that got them the standing gig. We bring in a crowd of about five drunks, but gotta start somewhere!

She leans into him as he speaks. To hear better! But there’s no excuse for why she rests her hand on his thigh, or why she laughs a bit too loud at his jokes and twirls a stray curl around her finger. She’s not so naive in this odd courting ritual to notice Eddie’s eyes flicker down to her lips each time she took a sip of the sugary sweet liquid.

Chrissy feels warm from the cosmo and the air is thick around her when Eddie asks her to dance. She laughs easily and nods, shakily getting off her stool. She wobbles right into Eddie’s arms. He smells of smoke and the beer and she finds herself going placid against his chest.

“A bit of a lightweight, huh?” He teases and Chrissy frowns. She can handle her alcohol just fine thank you very much. She’s about to tell him so when she yawns. Eddie laughs and places a few bills on the counter. “Maybe I ought to get you home. Buckley will kill me if something happens.”

Chrissy frowns and tugs on the edge of his jacket. “No. M’fine.” She sways while she stands and Eddie raises a brow. “Okay sure. We’ll just take the party elsewhere yeah?” She nods and taps his chest grateful that he’s recognized her handle on things. “Great! You know another place?” Her head isn’t that fuzzy yet, but the stale smell in The Hideout is starting to get to her.

Eddie grimaces when she bumps into a couple dancing. She smiles apologetically and pats the girls’ arms. “I love your shirt! Wait, don’t I know you?” Chrissy squints, “Nancy right? We live across from each other! Didn’t think to see you here.”

Her face brightens and she turns to Eddie, “Nancy is my neighbor. She’s, like, super smart and very quiet which I like.” A pause and Chrissy frowns before speaking to the brunette again, “You must hate living across from me and Robin!” A gasp, “Oh! Do we keep you up? Robin is always playing her musical instruments and I have my turntable stereo.” Her lip wobbles slightly, “Don’t hate us please!”

She grabs Nancy’s hands with her own and squeezes, “Come over one night! We can have a sleepover and talk about boys!” Chrissy giggles and then looks to the boy on Nancy’s right. He seems to want to be anywhere but this loud club. “Are you Nancy’s boyfriend? What’s your name?”

She feels a hand on her shoulder as Eddie tries to drag her away from the couple. “Let’s leave the catch up for another time, huh Cunningham?” She pouts but releases Nancy’s hand. The other girl has a small smile on her face. “I’d love a sleepover.” Chrissy beams as she waves goodbye.

Skipping next to Eddie while he keeps her away from the other patrons; she sings “I made a friend! Robin will be so proud of me.” Eddie nods along, “Uh-huh. Not drunk at all are you?” Chrissy sticks her tongue out. “I can drink you under the table! I was soo popular in high school. The head cheerleader and everything.”

Eddie hums and helps her into his van. She likes how she can sink into the worn leather seats. She closes her eyes more a moment and when she opens them again they’ve stopped in front of a grey building. “Where are we?” She yawns again and rubs her eyes before curses. Probably ruined my makeup.

Eddie sighs and taps at the steering wheel. The radio is turned low, but she can still make up the pounding of drums. “You fell asleep the second I started the car, so I drove around a bit.” He looks at her and she can tell that he’s choosing the next words carefully. “ I didn't know if you wanted to go home.”

Another rhythmic tap and she thinks that the tips of his ears are red, but it must be the light from the flicking streetlamp. “This is, uh, my complex.” Chrissy straightens and nods.

Eddie sputters, “I’m not asking, you must think that I, well, who wouldn’t but it’s not, I, um.” A long exhale and she smiles at his obvious embarrassment. Chrissy doesn’t mind though. “Make me something to wake me up?” She offers and lightly touches his hand. 

Eddie Munson’s apartment is exactly what she expected. A whirlwind of miscellaneous items around the room. Eddie physically blanches at the slight. “Um, sorry about the mess. Maid took off this week.”

She snorts and steps over what might be a pile of mail. Her eyes catch the variety of band posters that cover the walls. Her brow lifts at what looks like a map painted over a very old couch. “Where’s that?” She points and Eddie looks over his shoulder from what she assumes in the kitchen. “Oh! That’s Middle Earth. Painted it myself.” Some shuffling. “Took me over a month.” A laugh, “Don’t tell my landlord. The deposit wasn’t cheap.”

Chrissy purses her lips as she goes to get a closer look. “What’s Middle Earth?” She looks down at the couch and carefully moves a pile of hopefully clean shirts before kneeling. The cushion flattens under her weight. Chrissy traces Rivendell with her fingers. The script is immaculate. Better than even her mother’s. “You painted this? Even the words? No stencil?”

She hears pots bang together as Eddie curses. “Don’t sound so surprised! I’m good with my hands.”  She ignores her mind’s image of Eddie’s hands roaming on her body and asks. “Is this from a movie or something?”

She hears a pained gasp. “You don’t know the great works of Tolkien?” She turns to see Eddie with some dark substance on his cheek. She tilts her head and brushes her own, “You have something.” Eddie blinks and rubs at his face. Missing the mark completely.

She tilts her head and goes to wipe it off herself. “What a mess you are Eddie Munson.” Her thumb removes the powder and she keeps her hand on his cheek for a moment too long. Eddie turns to press his lips on the pad of thumb and she can feel the warmth of his mouth. She blinks and takes a step closer to remove the still too-far space when a loud mew breaks the spell.

Chrissy’s eyes find a swirling mass of black fur moving in-between their legs. She let’s out an excited shriek. “A kitten!” Eddie groans. “Don’e encourage him.” Chrissy squats and opens her palm for the black cat to sniff. One green eye watches her before licking at her fingers. “I didn’t know you had a cat!”

Eddie rubs the back of his neck. “Ruins my image. His name is Vecna and if you’re not careful he’ll paralyze you with his almighty stare.”

Chrissy makes a pspsps sound and Venca comes closer. She scoops up the cat and hugs it close to her chest. “He’s too cute I might just die. I’m paralyzed from that alone.” Eddie narrows his eyes at the now purring fluff. “He’s a wizard and trickster.” She watches amused as Eddie crosses his arms at his pet. “Stealing you away already.” He mumbles under his breath before heading back into the kitchen.

Chrissy presses a kiss atop the cats head. Venca wriggles out of her arms a moment later just as Eddie returns with a streaming mug and glass of water. “Hangover prevention for the lady.” She accepts graciously. The light smell of chocolate wafting from the mug.

She grins, “Hot chocolate? It’s nearly the middle of April.” Eddie shakes his head as he sits on the floor next to her her. Vecna nips at his fingers. “An elevated hot chocolate perhaps. It’s a cappuccino with cocoa powered.” A brisk laugh, “Well, half a packet of Swiss Miss but don’t tell anyone.”

Chrissy hides her smiles with the mug before blowing softly. “No marshmallows?” Eddie scoffs, “The Italians would kill me if I put marshmallows in a cappuccino.” His nails moves up and down Venca’s back and the cat arches into the movement. Chrissy takes a sip and wonders if she’s do the same under his hands.

The cappuccino is bold and she finds that she likes this drink the most so far. “You’re getting closer I think.” Eddie whoops and the sudden sound has Vecna scurrying away. Chrissy switches for the glass of water and finds the room too warm yet again. The numbers on Eddie’s watch blink 12:32 and she groans. “I need to call Robin.”

Eddie blinks out of whatever thought he was having and points to the wall behind him. “Phone’s on the other side.” She nods and hopes her roommate hasn’t called the police.

Robin, per usual, makes light of this very serious situation. A gasp before a teasing click of her tongue, “Is that Miss Chrissy Cunningham? My roommate unchaperoned with a boy?” Chrissy grits her teeth and hides behind the wall. “Robin.” She hisses and can practically see the freckled girl smirk. “Should I be expecting you tonight or can I go to bed now?”

Chrissy can feel her cheeks warm. She mumbles something and Robin laughs, “A bit louder Chris. I wanna write down the exact words to share with Steve tomorrow.” Chrissy’s hold on the phone tightens. “Don’t you dare! Girl code or whatever and you heard me perfectly fine.”

A soft hum, “Okay Munson is a ladykiller or whatever. Color me shocked. “ She groans and is never sharing anything with her friend ever again. “I spoke with Nancy Wheeler tonight.” A pause, “I might’ve scared her into having a sleepover with us.”

Something drops on the other side of the line. “The very mysterious Nancy was seen outside her apartment? And she agreed to hang out with you? Must be something Cunningham.” Chrissy purses her lips, “Hang out with us Rob.”

A yawn, “Yeah okay. Very exciting are you going to sleep with him? I was serious about protection. Don’t believe him if he says that it feels better and -“ Her face burning she shushes Robin. “God. I’m not telling you anything about tonight, so you’ll just have to wonder for the rest of your life.” She sticks out her tongue despite the fact that the brunette can’t see her.

A laugh, “Okay fine. I’m done and give my blessing or whatever.” The corners of her lips twitch into a smile. “Thanks. I’ll see you tomorrow.” A muffled, “If Munson releases you from his dungeon.” Before the line goes quiet.

Chrissy closes her eyes and rests her hand upon her heart to take five steadying breaths. Her eyes clear and determined as she rounds the corner to meet Eddie.

He was not freaking out like his middle school self would okay? He’s had girls- women, in his apartment before and he’s totally fine with just hanging out with Chrissy for the night. They can watch whatever movie he still hasn’t returned. Would she be into Videodrome? Probably not. The Dungenmaster? He grimaces, no, so Eddie would suffer through whatever nonsense was on the TV if it meant that he could keep Chrissy from thinking that he was some sex-obsessed freak who took her to his apartment to simply ravish her.

Eddie gnawed on the skin around his thumb. Did she think that? He hadn’t taken a girl out in a while, but she seemed to like the club fine and Chrissy was the one that had kissed him at the record store. No, she liked him; definitely.

Vickie’s words rang in his head that she’s not a hookup girl and Eddie nodded in agreement. He’ll be a gentleman and offer to drive her home once she’s done gossiping with Buckley. Hopefully Chrissy doesn’t say too much to his already growing pile of blackmail for the wonder twins to neg him with. Harrington had already left numerous voicemails about their date.

A light cough and he turns his head. Chrissy rests her shoulder in the doorway to the kitchen. The waves in her hair have lost their bounce and he doesn’t know enough about makeup, but can tell that whatever she had around her eyes was fading where she rubbed them.

Despite that Chrissy still looked like the angel in the glow of his kitchen lights.

Eddie swallows and makes to stand. “Late night for you, huh? We could watch something if you want or I can take you home? Sure Buckley’s worried sick.”

Chrissy rests her hand on his chest and plays with the guitar pic resting there. Eddie holds his breath as her blue eyes lock into his and for some odd reason he’s reminded of Paige who he hasn’t thought of in years. Chrissy has a similar look in her eyes and it makes his throat dry.

“Let’s watch some TV.” She says softly and he’s never one to deny a lady.

She’s seducing him. Chrissy Cunningham is seducing him, Eddie Munson and he’s not in the café daydreaming about her. They sit close, but a still respectful distance on his ratty couch. He turned the lights off and the glow of the TV illuminates their faces.

Chrissy keeps her eyes trained on whatever stupid show he put on (thank god for cable), but her shoulder is pressed up to his. He watches out of the corner of his eye as her fingers move from her neck to the bare skin of her knee. Occasionally she’ll glaze his arm and he has to try with all his might to not tense up. It’s ridiculous how chivalrous he’s acting when the girl next to him so clearly wants him to make a move. 

Chrissy sighs and leans closer to him. “Have you seen that movie?” She points to the TV and his eyes move away from her neck where he was just imaging replacing her fingers with his lips. “Huh? Uh no, don’t get out much.”

She turns to look at him and frowns. “It’s so good. A kind of odd guy gets the valedictorian to date him after graduation and you wouldn’t think they’d work together but,” She shifts so that her left leg is practically hooked over his. His hand twitches to squeeze it. “They turn out to be a perfect match!” She rests her hands on his arm and his eyes widen. “Plus he holds a boombox over his head after they fight and it’s just, ah” She smiles and shakes her head. “The best. You have to watch it.”

Eddie swallows hard, “Uh yeah for sure. Add it to my list.” Chrissy tilts her head and it’s not lost on him that this is a moment. So he leans forward and kisses her. Chrissy immediately opens her mouth and he’s more than grateful for the invitation. Cupping her jaw with one hand, he moves to lean her back on the couch. Not a terribly romantic spot, but Chrissy doesn’t seem to mind.

She teases his tongue with her own and separates her legs to fit his knee in between them. Eddie peppers kisses down her neck and nips at her collarbone. Chrissy gasps slightly and tangles her hand in his hair. “You can do move than kiss me you know.” She whispers in his ear and he just about looses it. He inhales her vanilla perfume, lotion, shampoo or whatever and groans. Chrissy wiggles against his knee and fuck okay he was one second away from the rational part of his brain turning off. “I wasn’t expecting anything you know.”

Chrissy removes her hands from his hair to pull him down to her lips again. She moans into his mouth before whispering, “I was.”

Eddie’s brain short circuits and whatever takes over is the cause of Chrissy’s shirt to be pushed up so he can see her bra (white with a pink bow). His mouth waters and he presses his lips down on one. Chrissy huffs at the contact and she continues to move against him. Keeping his mouth on her breast, he cups the other and squeezes before traveling down the flat plane of her stomach and mimics the circle movements she was making on her inner thighs. Her breath hitches each time his fingers get closer to her core. “Eddie.” She whines and he moves his mouth to her other breast.

“Yeah? You want something else?” Her eyes are heavy and she nods. He can feel her hands tighten against his shirt and smirks before shifting her bra to the side and taking her nipple into his mouth. A gasp from the contact and its then that he moves his fingers to rub against her panties. “Shit. You’re already this wet?” He exhales and Chrissy whines. “More.” She demands and jerks her hips upward.

Who is he but one that follows commands?

Reaching over the elastic of the fabric (pink he happily discovers) Eddie brushes against her slick and slips his middle finger in easily. “Chrissy, fuck, you really want this?.” Her jaw is locked and her the blue of her eyes have almost completely vanished. “Another.” She grits through her teeth and he adds his ring finger, curling them both up. He watches mesmerized as Chrissy’s head tilts back further leaning her neck exposed to him.

Eddie has a singular focus and attaches his lips to the hollow of her throat. Remembering to move his hand in rhythm with Chrissy’s hips. He shifts so his thumb can rub against her clit. Chrissy’s mouth hangs open in a silent scream and he can feel her inner muscles tighten. Eddie lifts his head and curls his fingers up before breathing in her ear, “Gunna come already? I can feel it you know.” He licks the shell of her ear and she mews. “Do it. Let go Chrissy.”

She just barely opens to her eyes and he watches her lips part to start to form a word. He presses slightly harder against her with his thumb and watches at Chrissy’s face breaks and she comes. “Eddie.” She moans and her voice is the only sound that fills his ears. He slowly removes his fingers and laughs, awestruck, at the welcome sight of her orgasm. Not thinking, or perhaps thinking with complete clarify, he puts both fingers in his mouth to clean them.

Eddie closes his eyes and groans. “Your taste. I might get addicted.” He hears her let out a strangled gaps and opens his eyes. Raising one brow he shrugs, “What? No one ever eat you out before Cunningham?”

The flush on her cheeks deepens down to her chest and he frowns. “Chrissy please tell me someone else has had the pleasure.” She shakes her head and Eddie feels a muscle in his jaw twitch. This goddess of a woman needs to have her pussy eaten and damn it if Eddie didn’t feel up for the task.

Rolling his neck, he makes to squat down on the floor to gain better access to Chrissy center. “Wait.” She says and Eddie pouts, “Do I have to?”

She presses her lips together to stop from laughing and points to his belt buckle. “Later. I need to feel you.” His heart pounds loud in his ears and he looks around for the small side table. “Oh right. Okay, yeah.”

He stumbles taking off his belt and jeans almost tripping over whatever junk he threw on the floor. Really need to clean this shit hole.

Opening the draw he take out a condom (man whore he thinks Buckley calls him, but whatever.)

When he turns around to face Chrissy again, she’s removed her top, bra and skirt. Leaving her just about bare. Eddie wishes she’d change her mind about getting eaten out because all he wants to do is drop to his knees and worship her. Chrissy smiles softly, “Do you need help?”

“Need an entire EMT team because I’m sure my heart’s about to stop, princess.” She giggles and watches hungrily as he rolls the latex over his throbbing cock. He hisses and jerks himself twice to get a bit of relief. His body feels like a compressed spring as he goes to rest his hands on either side of her face. Chrissy holds her arms to welcome him with another searing kiss and he sinks into her touches.

Her hands go to the bottom of his shirt and why does he still have that on? Sitting up, Eddie grabs the back of his collar and discard the faded tee on the floor with the rest of their clothing. Chrissy’s fingers trace the tattoos on his chest before working their way down. He can feel a tremble deep inside and shivers. “Will you tell me about them?” Her voice just above a whisper.

Eddie nods and presses a kiss to her forehead, “Tomorrow when I can remember more than just your name.” It’s his turn to remove her underwear and he knits his brows together, “Chrissy. If you wanna stop-“

An exacerbated groan and Chrissy wiggles out of the pink cloth herself. “I don’t want to stop.” He sends a silent prayer to whatever deity has blessed his tonight and locks his lips onto Chrissy’s again. He shifts the back of one of her knees under his arm to get a better position before lining the tip of his dick to her, dear God, still dripping center. She nibbles his bottom lip and he slips inside of her.

Their breaths mingle at the connection and it takes all of his willpower to not come then and there. He doesn’t know what it is about Chrissy that makes him feel like a virgin, but he’ll take it if it means she’s wrapping her legs around his waist and squeezing him just right.

“Fucking shit Chrissy. You feel so good.” He starting to rock his hips against her and can feel her nails dig into his back. “Like a dream. Better than any dream I could come up with. God you’re so warm and, ah.” She claws at his back and jerks her hips to match his pace.

He might as well be a virgin with how much longer he can hold on. Eddie grunt into her hair and Chrissy’s breathy moans fill his ears. This is the moment that he’ll think of on his death bed. That he had the too-good-for-him strawberry blonde whiting underneath him. Eddie moves his hand to where they connect and massages circles against her clit. His own dick begging for release, but he waits until Chrissy arches her back and lets out a wanton moan of his name before increasing the pace of his thrusts.

Feeling her come while being inside of her is its own heaven and Eddie says as much. “Love the feel of her wrapped around me, princess.” He grunts as Chrissy hums in pleasure, “Just,” thrust, “about”, thrust, “there.” He comes and it takes all his remaining strength to not collapse on top of the panting girl. Chrissy sighs and hugs him close to her anyway.

With sweat cooling on his forehead, Eddie manages to give Chrissy one last kiss before closing his eyes to sleep. His last conscious thought of Chrissy, breathing contently in his arms and that she wasn’t rushing to leave.