The Break (An Eddie Munson Story)

Chapter 24: Late Arrival (+6K Views!)

A/N: So...how are you all doing? To the regular readers, welcome back! To those who have joined recently, welcome! Are you enjoying the story so far? Any constructive criticism I should know about before we continue on with the latest instalment?

I'm honestly so shocked that this book has managed to reach 6K so quickly! Thank you for your continued support, comments and votes. It is truly heartwarming to see The Break thrive in a way I never thought possible.

*****

Home had never looked so inviting, the thought in weary relief, as he pulled up outside the trailer and turned off the ignition. Aside from the flicker of the television, the rest of the trailer was encased in darkness. Eddie wondered what you were watching without him. The idea of collapsing on the sofa and pulling you into his arms, as he fought the urge to sleep was the only driving force that propelled his to fumble for his keys and unlock the door, and not collapse in a heap on the muddy ground. "Honey, I'm home." he called out in greeting to you, heart warming at the sight of seeing you, wrapped up like ET in the comforter from his bed,

You peaked out at him from beneath the cozy material, a smile lighting up your features. Eddie could not remember that last time someone had been excited for his arrival home, especially so late. If his Uncle had been home, he would have rightfully had words with Eddie for being so tardy and making him worry but instead, you were already on your feet and crossing the space between you. "Hey, you're back! How was Hellfire?" your arms snaked around his waist, as you pulled him into a much needed hug.

The brunet resisted the urge to slump against you. "Full of perilous journeys and damsels in distress." he chuckled, nuzzling your neck. You were so warm, compared to the chilled air outside. Already he could feel your body heat chasing away the cold that had settled upon his persons.

Ignoring Eddie's whine of disapproval, you eventually broke away from the embrace, knowing he needed to rest, not stand idle in the middle of the room, while he was clearly dead on his feet. "Come on, sit yourself down on the couch. I'll go and heat up some mac and cheese for you to eat, you must be starving." you left him to make himself comfortable, as you made quick work of popping the container of food in the microwave.

At the mention of food he perked up. You were correct, he was ravenous, having last eaten the sandwiches you kindly provided at lunch. "Since when do we have mac and cheese? I thought we were on a diet of cereal, with a side of cereal?" the brunet asked, as he reclined back on the sofa, already feeling the tension leaving his body, as the cushions supported his aching form. The bruises on his side, screamed for attention but he would have to tend to those when you were asleep, so as not to concern you further.

"I went over to Max's place after school. We ended up making too much pasta. She let me bring home a portion for you." the microwave finished with a ping, interrupting your explanation. You carefully extracted the hot dish and placed it on the counter top, abandoning it momentarily to retrieve a bowl to dispense the contents into. "It was good to finally clear the air between us. You'll be pleased to know, I even got my homework done while I was there." you said with a grin.

"No way, look at you go! I should stay late at Hellfire more often." he was so undeniably proud of you. Not only were you making amends with people but you were also starting to get your life on track. If you continued making this much progress, Hawkins would be but a distant memory in no time.

"Do you want a drink?"

"What would you say if I asked for a beer?" he tried his luck, wondering if his signature grin would be enough to persuade you.

"School night."

He chuckled in response. Well, it was worth a shot. "In that case, I'll just have a water."

Carrying everything in on a small tray, you were quick to dismiss him from standing, as he had risen to make his way over to the kitchen table. "You can eat in front of the TV, you've had a long day." just by the look of repose upon his features, you knew Eddie was grateful for not having to leave his spot on the sofa quite so soon. "Mind yourself it's hot." you cautioned, as you handed him the bowl and placed the glass and tray on the coffee table, which had seen better days. It was covered in scratch marks, burns and other unidentifiable stains.

"I'll be honest, I did worry a little bit when it got dark and you weren't home." you eventually murmured over the quietened resonations that reverberated from the television set. "Like, it's not that I need to know your exact location at all times." you quickly added. "It's just," there was a pause, as you wondered how best to tell him. "you barely got any rest last night and then you had school and Hellfire. I was a little worried you'd fallen asleep behind the wheel or something."

Eddie's stomach churned at your words, the remaining mac and cheese no longer looking quite as appetising to him anymore. He hated the idea of you sat at home worrying, while he was delayed for reasons he wanted to explain to you but was simply too exhausted to reiterate in that moment. Plus, he had promised to keep things a secret for now and while he knew you would not tell another soul, he did not want you to have yet another worry on your mind. He hated not being able to speak to you freely but it was just better this way...or so he tried to convince himself. "I'm sorry I made you worry, sweetheart. We ended up overrunning and-"

"It's okay, I promise. I'm just glad you're home in one piece." you interrupted his apology with a shake of your head, knowing that it was also partly your own anxieties about the things that went bump in the night, that fuelled your worry.

"Next time it happens, I'll get someone to call the Mayfield's to get a message to you."

"I don't want you to feel like I'm being clingy. It was just given the circumstances, I was just a bit concerned about your wellbeing."

"You never need to worry about me thinking that, sweetheart. I really appreciate you looking out for me. I'm not used to having someone waiting up for me, wondering where I am, you know? I'll be more mindful next time." Eddie's smile was reassuring, as he placed a hand to your thigh and rubbed soothing circles into the material of your clothing.

Resting your head upon his shoulder, you thread your arm through him, which allowed him to continue eating one-handed. The cool material of his leather jacket felt soothing to your flushed skin. "You work so hard, Eds. You deserve to be taken care of. I'm sorry I wasn't around to wait up for you or fix you terrible mac and cheese more."

"You're here now and that's what matters." he placed a chaste kiss to your temple, "I'm gonna take care of us both. Minnesota, here we come, remember?"