Welcome To Hawkins

10

His nose is pressed against the nape of my neck, body still wrapped tightly around me with his arm around my waist just as we fell asleep. I feel an overwhelming sense of content. Even his soft snores don't bother me. Instead, I find them almost endearing.

Part of me wants to settle back in his arms and sleep longer; the other part is anxious to put a little distance between us. Friends didn't do-- do this. Sure we'd cuddled before but never had we gotten to the point where he held me as we slept. And as much as it was nice, it was-- I didn't want to make our relationship confusing. Because what if I felt something and he didn't--?

His lips brush against the back of my neck, mumbling a lazy "Morning" as he woke up. A thrill shoots through my body, igniting the warm feeling I'd begun to feel around Eddie.

I turn on my side to face him, an immediate mistake. His head is resting on his arm, brown eyes trying hard to stay open from sleep, and the stream of sunlight that's expanded across my room. He's adorable; how have I never noticed he's adorable?

"What time is it?" He asks.

My mouth feels dry. "Around Eight."

Eddie clears his throat, "Did I wake you?"

Shaking my head, I try not to notice how his hair frames his face on the pillow. "No, I just woke up."

We sit for a moment, staring at each other in the hazy morning sunlight. My heart's beating so fast-- so erratically, I'm nervous he can hear it.

"What are you thinking about?" His voice drops to a whisper.

I'm not about to tell him I'm thinking of how his lips felt against mine last time he kissed me.

"Nothing..." I turn my head to avoid those brown eyes.

His chuckle only worsens my embarrassment. Warm fingers seek out my hand, pulling me towards his face, "Nothing at all?"

Inches from his face, the memory of those lips on mine last night. How jealous he'd been, his kiss hard against my lips. Like he had something to prove. Both times he'd kiss me ended quickly, giving me a taste of what it would be like but never fully satisfying the curiosity I had since the first kiss. He was a good kisser; I just knew it.

And I could prove it if I wanted to. All I had to do was lean forward...

"You're thinking about something, (y/n). I can tell." A large grin covers his face. A little kiss wouldn't hurt anyone...

Before I can chicken out, I lean down to press my lips against his. Eddie freezes, and I'm filled with icy dread.

Pulling away, I fumble for an apology, "Oh my god, I'm so sorry--"

"It's just practice... for later..." Eddie pulls me back down by my arm to kiss me again. Our bodies mold together, Eddie's hands coming to rest on my lower back. Warmth rises in my chest as my lips part, allowing his tongue to slip in.

God, I'd never enjoyed kissing so much. His kisses were soft, demanding, and all-consuming. Running my fingers through his tangled, bed-worn hair elicits a moan from his throat. The unholy sort of moan that touches something primal within a person.

A knock at my bedroom door pulls me from the best kiss of my life.

"(y/n)?" Mom's voice comes through the door as she knocks again.

I glance at the door and back to Eddie. If I thought he was pretty when he was sleepy, he was a god after he'd been kissed. Face flushed pink; he blinks up at me.

"Yes?" I call back, moving to my side of the bed.

"Could the two of you head to the store and get ice? Deb called and said she needed some more ketchup too."

"Uh-- yes. Just give us twenty to get ready--"

"I need to shower," Eddie murmurs.

"Thirty minutes," I correct myself.

Mom agrees, and I listen to her pad away down the hall.

"Who's Deb?" Eddie tucks his arm back behind his head, looking pretty satisfied with himself.

"My aunt," I sigh, sliding off the bed to get dressed for the day.

Rifling through my dresser, I pull out an old Hawkins High t-shirt and a pair of worn jeans.

"Do you mind--?" I hold up the clothing.

Eddie's cheeks pinken, "No! I mean-- no, I do not..." He makes a show of averting his eyes.

Smiling, I turn away, pulling my sleep shirt off. The feel of Eddie's eyes lingers on my naked back, causing another thrill to shoot up my body.

"Are you going to shower?" I slowly pull the waistband of my shorts down my thighs, a small smile forming on my face.

"Uh-huh..." Eddie says, sounding hoarse.

My smile grows as I begin to pull my jeans up, still not hearing any sound indicating he's gotten out of the bed. Maybe this... attraction wasn't as one-sided as I thought...

I don't let that thought linger too long, not wanting to get my hopes up.

Turning, I smile sweetly, as if there hasn't been a tilt in our relationship, "Well-- I'm going to go make breakfast. Do you want anything in particular?"

Eddie looks at me like he's in a daze, language failing him for a second, "I-- sure. Whatever you want."

"Perfect." Grinning, I exit the bedroom.