The Ballad of Eddie Munson

Intrusive Thoughts

Eddie held himself against the building and waited for the sound of the car to be in the distance. He peaked around the corner to make sure they were gone and went back into the video store.

He ducked as a VHS Tape flew at his head and hit the doors. "Are you crazy? The last thing we need is some meathead kicking our asses for covering for that shit."

Robin tossed the bathroom key at Eddie, "Go wash your hands. And wash the key when you're done."

Eddie walked passed her, face blushed as the adrenaline wore off.

She leaned over and whispered, "That was kinda hot, though."

Steve glared at Robin, "Don't encourage him. He's gonna get himself killed."

Eddie placed the key on the counter.

Steve looked up, "So Lissa Bradley? How'd that happen."

"Higgins is making her tutor me."

"Oooh, teacher and student," Robin giggled.

Steve questioned Eddie, "So, you guys are fooling around while she's dating one of the biggest jocks at Hawkins? Smart. You really do need a tutor."

"No, man. They're not dating, like not boyfriend and girlfriend. Just a date. She said he's boring." Eddie put his elbows on the counter.

"Wait," Robin chimed in, "so what you made you go and do something like that?"

Eddie rubbed his face, "Dude, I don't know. I think she's been flirting with me."

Steve's brows scrunched, "You think?"

"Yeah, well she's mean, but it's like a hot mean."

Steve nodded. "Yeah, I get that."

"And I don't know, there's something about her, like she gets me but she doesn't want to. And I keep teasing her even when I don't want to."

Steve pinched Eddie's cheek, "Awww, does someone have a crush?"

Eddie looked up without flinching, "Jealous, Harrington?" He winked.

"Whatever."

Eddie stood and straightened his jacket. "It'd make custody of Dustin easier."

Robin choked "DUSTIN'S DADS."

Steve looked between them, "I need new friends."

—

Later that night, Eddie stepped into the empty trailer, thankful for his Uncle's 2nd shift schedule giving him freedom and solitude.

He removed his shoes and jeans and grabbed his knock-off Walkman. He turned up the volume and grabbed his guitar. He fell back onto his bed and strummed along to Iron Maiden lightly. A vision of Lissa's pink, parted lips and begging eyes flashed in his mind and he missed a cord. He could almost feel her grip on his arm. Oh man, Eddie, what are you doing? He put his guitar back on his wall and pushed his headphones down around his neck. He paced, talking to himself, "If she let me do that... She wants me, right? I'm not crazy." He shook his head, his self doubt invading his thoughts, "Monday's going to be so awkward. She's going to get someone to cover for her." He fell back onto his bed, staring at the ceiling. "Did I even give her the chance to say No? Oh man, Eddie. Don't be scum." I'll just give her space and then apologize Monday. Yeah, apologies are good.

—

Lissa tossed and turned, her memory refusing to let her sleep. She kicked her legs in discomfort and tossed the bed sheets to the side. She took a deep breath feeling the cold breeze through her window. The incessant scratching of the bush against her window made her grind her teeth. She twisted her long tee in her hand as flashes of this afternoon forced themselves to the forefront of her mind. Her thighs pressing against Eddie's hand as his fingers reached inside of her. She let out a frustrated groan and faced the window. She conjured the image of him climbing through her window. Her hand slipped beneath her underwear, feeling what Eddie felt only a few short hours ago. Lissa pictured him with her; her breathing quickened with the pace of her fingers. His low, soft voice in her head "Let me help you out." Her muscles tightened as she finally got her relief. She stretched before pulling the sheets back over her. Lissa closed her eyes. Ooh, okay, I feel better. Maybe now I can get this freak out of my head.

—