You Give Love a Bad Name (EddiexReader)

Panic, Confessions and Tears

    We started hanging out after school. I tutored him and prayed he would do better on his exams. Surprisingly, he did. He read the books he was assigned and completed the extra material I lent him. He asked me if he had any problems understanding and I would also teach him pronunciation. While he learned to speak a new language, I learned to battle in other worlds. He would often organize what we call 'one-shots' with his friends and Dustin so I could practice. And just like he said, I turned out to be pretty good at it.

One day, during lunch time, he wouldn't stop yelling my name as I walked by. I tried to ignore it as much as I could. I had always kept my head low. I knew I had weird interest... and people can be mean. I looked at him, pleading he would just approach me silently. He saw my expression and his smile faded. I kept walking towards the hallway, while heads with confused expressions turned my way. My breathing became heavy. I heard quick footsteps approach me from behind. I sped up exiting the cafeteria and turning left to leave it behind. Suddenly, I felt a hand grab my shoulder from behind and stopped on my tracks. I looked at it and, just as I thought, it had rings on it. My body turned to face Eddie with a concerned look on his face.

"Y/N... are you- are you okay?"

"I'm fine. I'm sorry. I- uh... I rather explain later."

"Are you sure? Did I do something wrong?" He asked.

"No, no, you didn't do anything wrong. I'll catch you later." I said as I left.

During the rest of the day, I tried to avoid everyone I knew. I went from classroom to classroom as quick and silently as I could. But, at one point, I was unsuccessful. Dusting approached me directly in the hall.

"Y/N, what did you do to Eddie?" He said more confused than angry.

"What do you mean?"

"He's acting all weird after I saw you two talking at lunch. What did you say?"

"Nothing. Literally nothing." Holy shit. What did I do to him? "I can't do this right now. I'll talk to him. Thank you for telling me, Dustin." I said as I entered my next class.

At the end of the day, I went into the woods again. I was where Eddie and met most of the time. I arrived at the abandoned picnic table spot, but I didn't see him there. I waited to see if he would show up. My thoughts started to get louder with worry. I entered one of those trances where you stop blinking and all you can hear and see are your thoughts. Suddenly, I heard the crunching of leaves and glanced up. I saw Eddie walking towards me.

"Sorry. Did I scare you?" He asked with a soft smile.

"No, not at all." I said after taking a deep breath.

"So, are you going to tell me what happened earlier?"

"Yeah, um... I panicked. I just... I don't really enjoy people looking at me that much and, in that moment, I felt like I couldn't breathe." I said as I fidgeted with my fingernails. "I'm sorry I reacted that way. I really am. I swear it wasn't you. I've been having a lot going on lately and... I think I overreacted."

"Looks like you have a lot to deal with most of the time." He chuckled lightly. "I just kind of thought that you were embarrassed to be seen hanging around with me. I mean, I get it. I'm known as 'The Freak'." He said as he took a seat on the picnic table.

"Oh, no! It's not that! I really like hanging out with you. I do!" I blushed a little. "The thing is that I've always kept a low profile. Half our generation doesn't know my name. And I guess I was okay with it. I mean, I could enjoy whatever kind of music I liked or whatever game I wanted to play. People can be pretty mean and... I'm not like you. I'm not strong enough to handle it."

"Y/N, you can do whatever you want and enjoy whatever the hell you like. You can share it with others or not. We're friends, or at least that's what I think. I got your back. I swear, if someone says something remotely offensive to you, I'll kick their ass." He said as he softly took my hand.

"I really appreciate that. Thank you." I said trying not to cry. Eddie had gained a big part of my trust. Maybe it was also time I shared something else with him. Besides, I had tried to keep it together for too long. I guess in that moment, the dam I had been building cracked. "Hey, um, Eddie? Remember the time you asked me about living with Dustin? I think I'm ready to share that with you."

"Are you sure? I mean, only if you feel comfortable."

"I'm sure." I squeezed his hand lightly. "I started living with the Hendersons because my parents... they passed during the mall fire."

My eyes filled with tears while a weak and forced smile formed on my lips. I looked at him. His expression was soft, even though his eyes were wide, and his body tensed. I looked at the table, a little ashamed about the pitiful expression he was giving me.

"I didn't say anything because it is so painful." A tear rolled down my cheek. "I couldn't bare it. I was in pieces. Then, Dustin and his mom took me in. He made everything easier. I was Dustin's friend. He had been teaching me how to play and well... Now I'm here."

Eddie stood up and approached my side of the table. He sat down next to me and put his arm around me as I started sobbing. I buried my face in his chest and he wrapped me in a warm hug. Maybe he didn't know what to say. Maybe he knew exactly what to do. One way or another, that was perfect. He let me cry into his arms as he rubbed by back gently. He smelled lightly like leather. Finally, after a few minutes, I broke the hug.

"I'm sorry about wetting your shirt." I wiped my eyes with my sleeve.

"Don't worry about it. It's a privilege to have an angel's tears on my shirt." He looked into my eyes. "Hey, how about we start hanging out more. I mean, since you're not embarrassed of me or anything."

"You're an idiot, Munson." I chuckled.