METANOIA | Eddie Munson

Papa, Part 8

3rd Person's POV

Eddie's small gesture towards Dustin only added to the already existing paranoia Valerie had been trying to keep under wraps.

But she wouldn't admit that to him.

So she stood there in silence, with her arms crossed, unwilling to look him in the eyes.

"I have the feeling you're about to break up with me," Eddie started speaking once he realised Valerie wasn't about to budge, "But you can't really do that, considering we aren't even dating."

That seemed to have finally gotten her attention, because she snapped her head towards his direction, a glare set upon her features. She wanted to tell him how he couldn't be more wrong, she also wanted to kiss that stupid grin off of his face.

She didn't do either.

"There she is." He smiled, as if he had her all figured out.

"What?"

"I've already told you, you look hot when you're mad at me Val." He leaned down until he she could feel the warmth of his breath against her ear, "So don't look at me like that, not when we're alone in this van together."

She sucked in a breath, but she wasn't about to falter so easy, "Is that why you've failed highschool twice, Munson? Got a thing for Mrs.Clark and her ear-piercing lectures at eight in the damn morning?"

That woman alone made her want to be a highschool dropout back in the day.

"What can I say?" He pulled back with a knowing smirk, "I like my women angry."

"Women?" The word came out as a natural reflex, and Valerie wanted nothing more than to take it back.

"Woman, actually. There's only ever been you." He tilted his head, all previous signs of playfulness gone.

There was that look again. Sincere. Like he fucking adored her. Like he wasn't sure if he'd get the chance to say it again, because time was fleeting.

She felt her stomach twist, the previous bit of anxiety starting to make a reappearance. Suddenly the confines of the vehicle seemed too small for just the two of them.

He recognised that look, he could see her retreating back into her shell again so he quickly looped his arms around her waist, "You said you wanted to talk, Val. Talk to me."

Truth be told, he was nervous as well. He was just better at hiding it than her.

They'd kissed three times now, she had even initiated one of them. But he couldn't help the sinking feeling that maybe she didn't mean it, maybe she wanted to take it back and just didn't know how.

"Nevermind." She rested her cheek against his chest and mumbled, "Forget it."

"You alright?" He raised one of his hands to slowly play with her hair, trying to get her to relax, "Are you sure you're ready to face Vecna or One or whatever the fuck- cause I'm just about ready to shit myself."

"God, stop talking like Steve." Came her muffled voice, which then let out a sigh, "It's why I'm here actually."

"You're here because of Steve?" Eddie pulled back with raised eyebrows.

"Deja vu, huh?" She let a smile finally relax her features.

"Did he send you here to kiss me?" He asked, a teasing smile forming on his face.

"Not exactly." She rested her chin against his chest, looking up at him through her lashes.

"Not the answer I was hoping for, but do tell." He trailed a finger along her jaw.