This Year is My Year

Knight In Shining Armor

I woke, wrapped in Eddie's arms, foggy from the night before. I smiled and pushed myself closer into his chest, his breath warm on my neck.

Then I remembered the fight.

It was the first real fight that Eddie and I had, which was inevitable, I guess, but still hurtful. I remembered his face, full of venom and jealousy, as he accused me of favoring Steve.

I couldn't believe Steve hit him. It was so cowardly, waiting for Eddie to be distracted.

I rolled out of Eddie's arms, my chest tight and emotion rising in my throat. Why had he been so possessive? And jealous? Nervous Eddie I loved, but this version? I wasn't sure.

I brushed my teeth, and splashed water on my face. When I went back out to my room, Eddie was stirring, rubbing his eyes awake.

"Morning," he said shyly, trying to gauge my mood. I got on the bed, sitting with my legs crossed, watching him.

"You probably feel terrible," I observed as he leaned his head back in pain from his hangover. He nodded and put his hand on my thigh, wanting to ground himself. I didn't return his touch and he opened his eyes, looking at me sadly.

"You're still mad."

I shrugged, looking at my hands.

"I'm just hurt," I replied. "You were so mean last night, Eddie. I didn't recognize you."

He sat up, pulling me into his lap and wrapping me in his arms. I leaned my face into the crook of his neck, trying not to cry.

"I'm so sorry, Y/N. I was just jealous," he explained. "And that's not your fault, and I shouldn't have taken it out on you. I'm sorry, I'm so sorry."

He started kissing my face, trying to will my sadness away. I kissed him on the bruise that was forming on his jaw, sensitive from Steve's punch, and pulled back, looking at him in the eyes.

"You can't do that again, Eddie," I warned. "I don't like the fist fighting or the yelling at me or you wanting to kill Steve."

He nodded, agreeing. I smiled weakly and kissed him. He pulled me tight, pressing my body as close to him as possible. His frenzy started again, kissing my neck, running his hands all over my body. I gave into him, wanting his touch.

He wrapped my legs around his waist, digging his fingers into the sides of my thighs. I gasped as he moved to his favorite spot on my neck, biting it. He smiled into my collarbone when I scratched his back, wanting him to come back to my lips.

He flipped me onto my back, tracing his hands along my sides, kissing me deeply. He pressed his hips into mine, groaning when I kissed his ear. He pulled back suddenly, his face flushed, seeming like he wanted to ask something. I looked back, playing with his hair.

"Do you—"

Eddie was cut off by a knock at the door. I sighed, and Eddie rolled off me, dramatically whining. I went to my door and opened it, my baby brother standing there, looking concerned.

"What's up, buddy?"

"Steve's here, and he says he wants to talk to you and Eddie."

My stomach dropped, and I turned to Eddie, who looked surprised.

"He wants to talk to me, too?" Eddie was confused. Dustin nodded, and we followed him to the living room.

Steve was standing in the living room, his face bruised from the night before. He looked embarrassed. Eddie snaked his arm around my waist, an intentionally possessive move. I crossed my arms, uncomfortable.

"Hey, Steve," I greeted him, softly.

~~~

I glared at Steve, secretly proud of the black eye I had given him. I gripped Y/N tighter to me, knowing that she would not be happy with my possessiveness. I didn't care in that moment.

"Hey, guys," Steve was sad, looking at the two of us in our pajamas, still warm from sleeping close to one another. I nodded in greeting, waiting for someone to speak.

"What did you want to talk about, Steve?" Y/N asked, breaking the tension.

"I, um," Steve looked at his hands. "I wanted to say I'm sorry. To the both of you."

He looked me in the eyes, pained. I softened a bit, but then remembered his venom from last night. I pulled Y/N closer.

"I'm really sorry. I think it's obvious that I have some of my own things to work through," he rubbed his neck, looking at the floor. "And I'm just sorry. And I really miss my friend, and I hate that I made you or Eddie feel badly, or anything like that. I'm sorry."

Y/N left my grasp and I watched her go to hug her friend. I was ashamed of myself when a wave of jealousy rose in my chest.

"Thank you, Steve. I appreciate it," she said it sweetly, smiling at him. He smiled back and looked to me. I kept my hard gaze. He walked over to me, putting his hand out.

I really am sorry, Eddie. I know I have a lot to make up to you."

I looked at his hand – I didn't want to take it. I looked to Y/N, who watched nervously. I took his hand.

"Thanks, Harrington."

He sighed, relieved. He looked between the two of us and smiled anxiously.

"I'll let you guys get back to it, then."

He started walking out the door and I called to him.

"Harrington – Buckley is coming to my trailer with Y/N and I to watch movies tonight. You should come."

Steve was shocked, and nodded, saying thanks. He walked out the door and I felt Y/N throw her arms around her neck. I looked at her, and she was grinning widely, making my stomach flip flop.

"My knight in shining armor," she leaned in to kiss me and I grinned into her mouth.

I liked that better than freak.