This Year is My Year

I Choose You

We had been dating for a month, and Y/N Henderson still made me as nervous as she did the first night I met her.

We settled into a routine, alternating days when one of us slept over at the other's house. Dustin laid claim to our Friday nights, when I would drive him home from Hellfire Club and he would pick a movie, the three of us watching together. She had gotten a job as a waitress at the local diner, and I tried to see her as often as I could when she worked. I'd arrive, lean over the counter for a kiss, and she would get me a free chocolate milkshake. I'd watch her greet customers, smiling my favorite smile and taking their orders.

She came to every Corroded Coffin show, and we would end the night at our spot by the lake, enjoying being away from the rest of the world. I loved having her there, showing her off to everyone, letting the world know that the princess chose the freak.

Robin became a staple in my life – showing up, unannounced, blabbering on about something or someone, and Y/N would always listen, offering advice when she asked. Robin still called me "freak", which I didn't mind, but Y/N hated.

"Oh, and you know, Steve just thinks that because she stopped the movie at some part, that that means she likes girls, but I think—" Robin continued, and I felt Y/N tense.

We were in her room, laying on the bed, Y/N wrapped in my arms and Robin sprawled across the foot of the bed. Robin stopped, realizing what she said.

"Shit, sorry, Y/N." Y/N shook her head, trying to prompt her to continue.

Steve and Y/N had not spoken since the first show she came to. I wasn't sure if it was from a lack of trying on either end, or if it was an intentional decision. I felt guilty for being the reason she didn't speak to one of her best friends. If I ever said that to her, she would vehemently disagree, but I knew the truth.

"Well, I just think that he's projecting, wanting it to be true because he wants me to be happy," Robin finished lamely. Y/N nodded.

"He's a good friend," I offered, and Robin turned to me, surprised. She smiled, appreciating the gesture. She sat up, patting Y/N's leg.

"In other news," she stood, smoothing her sweater, "Tomorrow night, my house. We are having a major blow out to celebrate finishing midterms."

Robin had been trying to get us to go to a party with her for weeks, and we had successfully avoided the invitations. Panic started to rise when I realized that if she was hosting the event, we had to go.

The routine and world that Y/N and had created with each other was so precious to me, and I worried that exposing it to the people from school would ruin it. And then I thought of Steve, who would relish the chance to get Y/N alone and away from me.

"We'll be there," Y/N answered cheerily, cementing our fate. My stomach dropped and I tried to smile at Robin.

"That's what I love to hear," Robin turned on her heel, "Later, lovebirds."

She closed the door shut, and Y/N immediately went to pull me in, trying to kiss me. I was distracted as she kissed my neck, running her hands along my body.

"Eddie, are you okay?"

Typically, after Robin left, I was the one that would pounce on her, kissing every part of her. I tried to smile, and nodded, kissing her softly.

"All good, dove," I tried to quell her concerns, but she pulled back.

"What's wrong?"

I pushed the hair out of her face. I felt silly, wanting to move past my nervousness for Robin's party.