Teaching | Eddie Munson

The Mistletoe

"Does your boyfriend own a watch? We were supposed to leave ten minutes ago, and I'm freezing out here!" Max complained, shifting from foot to foot as the biting cold nipped at her exposed skin. She glared at the door of Munson's trailer, her impatience palpable.

"He's not my boyfriend." Victoria shot back, irritation flickering in her eyes. The look she directed at her sister was sharp, but it only elicited a laugh from Max.

"It's funny how that's the only part you're fixating on. Still in denial, I see." Max teased, a sly smile playing on her lips.

"I have nothing to be in denial about." Vic retorted, crossing her arms tightly against the chill as she redirected her gaze toward the same spot her sister was watching, her breath forming small clouds in the frosty air.

"My eyes witnessing you two making out in our kitchen have a different opinion on that." Max countered, her tone playful yet pointed, eyes glinting with mischief.

"We weren't making out, Max. How many times do I have to tell you?" Victoria hissed, tucking her hands deeper into the pockets of her jacket, as if seeking warmth from the very fabric.

"Yet." Max emphasized, her tone teasing. Victoria shot her a puzzled look. "You weren't making out yet. If I hadn't come home when I did, that poor countertop would be haunted by memories it could never forget."

"Have I ever told you you're annoying?" Victoria smirked, her annoyance softening into a playful challenge.

"Yeah, I stopped counting after the millionth time." Max shot back, her smile wide as she turned her gaze back toward Eddie's trailer just as the door swung open, revealing him stepping out into the crisp air.

As soon as they pulled into Steve's driveway, Victoria unbuckled her seatbelt as she prepared to hop out. But just as she reached for the door handle, she felt Eddie's warm hand clasp around hers, halting her movements.

"Vee, can you stay for a moment?"

Max, sitting in the front seat, shot them a knowing glance, a teasing smile spreading across her face. With a light laugh, she climbed out of Eddie's van, casually mentioning that she would meet them inside.

"Is something wrong?" Victoria's brow furrowed in concern, her heart racing slightly as she sensed the need for this private conversation.

"No, nothing is wrong." he assured her, his smile reassuring. He leaned down to rummage beneath his seat, pulling out a thin, square-shaped object wrapped in colorful paper. Victoria eyed the package suspiciously. "It's not Christmas yet, but I wanted to get you something." he explained, holding the gift out to her.

A wave of guilt washed over her as she exchanged the package for an apologetic look.

"Shit, Eddie. I don't have anything for you. I'm so sorry. I didn't know you—"

"You don't?" he interrupted with a playful laugh, shaking his head in mock disbelief. "Well, in that case, I'm taking it back." His teasing tone lightened the mood. "The best gift you can give me is liking what I got you. Come on, just open it."

With a hesitant smile, Victoria carefully peeled away the wrapping paper, revealing a Corroded Coffin T-shirt nestled inside. She looked between Eddie and the shirt in disbelief, a soft laugh escaping her lips as she recognized the thoughtfulness behind the gift.

"Do you like it?" Eddie asked, a hopeful glint in his eyes. "You said that if you had one, you would wear it to our concerts, so I thought—"

Before he could finish, Victoria leaned over from her seat and enveloped him in a warm hug. "It's perfect. Thank you." Her lips brushed against his cheek in a quick kiss, causing his face to light up with a radiant grin.