solace | eddie munson x reader [y/n]

005

       The cafeteria was overwhelming to take in as you stood near its entrance. You normally took your lunch to some quiet corner in the school, so the idea of maneuvering through the bustling tables made you sick with anxiety. The area was one you avoided for good reason. Of course, you were only in here now because you had to be.

It was Wednesday and you had been urged by Robin to check on Mike and Dustin, since Steve was getting antsy after learning they were part of Eddie's gang. It scared you to think of talking to the metalhead in front of everyone, especially his friends; all of your interactions so far had been in moments with just the two of you. Thinking about it made you feel like throwing up. Just get it over with, you reminded yourself.

     Beginning your approach, your eyes fixed on Eddie at the head of the table. He was talking in the animated way he does, putting his whole body into it and working his face expressively. Mike and Dustin sat to his left, and opposite them were his friends. All were laughing, losing their minds at whatever crazy story he was spouting. You were a table away when he noticed your presence, pursing as he closed his lips around a fading laugh.

"(y/l/n)!" Eddie exclaimed, rising to his feet. "What a nice surprise."

Heat stung your cheeks and brushed a red hue across. Any sort of attention paid to you, specifically in a crowd or busy room, made you wish to shrink into oblivion. The eyes were on you, making you squirm knowing they were taking in your appearance. You thought it might help to focus on Eddie since he seemed to put you at ease. When Mike and Dustin turned to see you, they said their greetings.

"Hey, guys. Staying out of trouble I hope," you replied back to them, patting a hand on the top of each freshman's head.

"You know Henderson and Wheeler?" Eddie cut in. He stood close to you, both hovering above the young boys seated at the lunch table.

A nod gave the answer, as did Dustin when he happily told him, "Yeah, (y/n) used to hang out with Mike's sister and drive us around."

Eddie hummed a reply, scanning your face before continuing. "Well, you already know two of my little sheep. Allow me to introduce Jeff and Gareth, the other half of Hellfire and Corroded Coffin."

The guys greeted you with a head nod and small wave.

"Nice to meet you guys, but ah...what's Corroded Coffin?" you wondered. Eddie was about to speak when Dustin started.

"It's Eddie's band! He's the lead singer and guitarist, Jeff plays bass, and Gareth's on drums. Totally metal, am I right?" Dustin looked so proud to boast about his friend. You moved your eyes to the lanky male in front of you. He was watching with a slanted smirk.

"Totally," you agreed. A satisfied smile sat on your lips as you two looked at each other. It felt like a swim in the other's eyes, wading in the depth and vastness. The anxiety you felt when entering the lunchroom dissolved. In Eddie's gaze, all surroundings melted away. He was no longer a crush you admired from afar; you were friends and in some unexplainable way, he helped you forget the pain. Even just for a little. You hoped that he felt the same way.