cheerleader | (no subject)

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[When she went to Eddie Munson in the woods outside the school to try and get drugs off of him, it was her final attempt to try and stop what was happening to her. She hadn't been expecting to have quite the conversation they had, and maybe she went back home that day with a crush on him. It gets her thinking about the possibilities outside of Jason and the way he's with her because it feels like he wants to own her. When she slips into Eddie's van after the basketball game, she wonders if the butterflies in her stomach are caused by being aware of her new little crush, or if it's because she's about to do drugs for the first time.

Of course, as her luck has it, he's not actually able to get her anything. The chaos that's unfolded in Chrissy's mind finally comes full circle, and he returns to the living room with drugs in hand, only to see her floating. In her mind, Chrissy is facing down the monster that killed her. She's terrified, trapped in her own head. There's no escape, she realizes. And she thinks that this i it. This is how she's going to die.

She remembers calling out to Eddie before the lights flickered. Remembers calling out to him again right after they did. But as she screams for him again, it dawns on her that he's not able to hear her. The terror turns to pure panic as the monster finds her, advancing on her with words that are meant to be a reassurance. Don't be scared, he tells her. It will be over soon.

Tears stream down her face and all she can do is scream. She thinks of Eddie in the clearing in the woods, the way he had smiled and laughed. How he had literally forced himself to fall back off the picnic table just to make her laugh. In those final seconds, she wishes she had been brave enough to do something more than just smile and laugh. She wishes she had done one thing worth living for in her short life.

Out in reality, her eyes are whited over as her body trembles. Tears slip free from her eyes, but they're completely vacant. She's accepted her death, too afraid to do anything but shake and sob in fear.]

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[ The last time Eddie talked to Chrissy Cunningham before today was during the talent show when he was in seventh grade. She's nothing like what he expected - first off, that she'd be asking him for weed, let alone something stronger.

Whatever he gives her, it's not going to be much. The last thing he needs is to be responsible for the most popular girl in school ODing and dying, and she's already a nervous little thing. He drives the van extra carefully and everything!

But reality, as it would seem, decides to play them an even worse hand. There's almost no sound but his own breathing when he returns to the living room, staring in horror as Chrissy floats toward the ceiling, eyes rolled back, tears streaming down her face. But even when he finally finds his voice, no matter how hard he screams, it's like she's not even there.

He nearly gags at the sound of Chrissy's forearm snapping, and it hangs at a sickening angle as she rises higher and higher from the floor. Eddie doesn't know why he does it, but he has to do something-- so he grabs onto her other arm and drags her back down, fighting a force he can't see. And then he does something even more stupid - he kisses her.

He doesn't want to think about why he does it, because if it doesn't work, he's going to regret it for the rest of his life. She's so soft and delicate, and Eddie doesn't know how to save her but he wants to believe that he can. If she wakes up, she can hate him forever for doing it, she can punch him out and get her boyfriend to do the same, whatever. As long as she wakes up. ]

Come on, Chrissy, please --

[Her arm snaps in her dream, and Chrissy screams in terror and pain. She knows without a doubt that her other arm is next, and she feels a sense of dread run so hot through her that she thinks she might be sick. Before there's a chance for anything else to happen to her though, it's almost as if she feels something against her lips.

It's warm and soft, and she gasps as an electric sensation courses through her. It's enough to jolt her mind back into focus, and for a split second to the side she can see an opening. Eddie's viewable there through that crack in this hellscape, and Chrissy doesn't hesitate.

She doesn't waste time. Doesn't linger. Chrissy clutches her broken arm as close as possible to her body and she makes a run for it. Cheerleading has at least mad her agile and athletic enough to be swift on her feet, and she practically tumbles her way through the tear in reality. All she knows is that if Eddie is there, that's where she wants to be.

The hope she clung hold of earlier that night, the same optimism that told her Eddie Munson is worth having a crush on, is what gets her through to the other side. It's the press of his lips against hers that gets her to a place where she can see reality, but it's Chrissy that makes the choice to desperately leap toward him.

In his trailer, she awakens with a sharp gasp, a shuddering breath filling her lungs. Her eyes return to normal, though the tears and her sobs don't subside. And she crashes back down to Earth, landing right in his arms. All she can do at first is cling to him and cry. That was a lot. But she thinks maybe they can get through this together.]

I'm sorry! [She's finally able to choke out two words. She's so, so sorry for pulling him into this.]

Chrissy - oh my god, Chrissy --

[ Eddie catches her in his arms and doesn't let go, holding her close as she cries against his chest. He wonders if she can feel the rapid thud of his heartbeat, so scared he feels like he could throw up. But she's alive, she's talking to him. And she's not hovering three feet off his carpet. But what had gone on in the five minutes he'd been rooting through his dresser drawers? ]

Shh, hey, hey - don't be sorry, okay? I just wanna know what the hell just happened. And if you don't know - that's okay! Okay?

[ With a cautious hand, he pats her back, afraid to hurt her with what happened to her arm. Oh, god, her arm. Eddie's stomach feels like it's twisting in knots, his hands shaking. But he's trying to play it cool because no matter how scared he feels, he's not the one hurting here. ]

We gotta get you to the hospital, your arm - I-I can call an ambulance, or I can drive, whatever you want. Just tell me what you need.

[ He almost sounds like he could cry, too, but he clears his throat to try and stop it. ]

I'm so sorry. I shouldn't have left you alone.

[She's shaking so badly that she can barely speak. All she knows is that she probably shouldn't be alive. But she is, and she's also currently in shock. Her mangled arm is in intense pain, but her mind is blocking her from the worst of it. His voice registers with her, but it's hard to make sense out of what he's said.

The urge to protect the both of them is strong though. His suggestion that they go is met with a nod, Chrissy glancing down at her injured arm before she sobs once again. Oh god, this is bad. This isn't just a simple break. She's had those before in cheerleading. Even with as numb as she currently feels, with as much shock she's going through, she recognizes that.]

Drive me. [Her voice trembles and breaks, and she reaches for his hand with her good one.]

We can't stay here. It's not safe.

[If nothing else, she can protect him. Fear that the monster that attacked her in her own mind may actually show up in reality and hurt Eddie too is what drives her to try hurrying to the front door and out of the trailer to his van.

It doesn't register with her that this might possibly be the worst possible thing to ask him to do. That she's leading him into trouble instead of saving him. He's right, she knows that much. She needs to go to a hospital. And if anyone is going to take her, she only trusts him right now. After the way he's just saved her, he makes her feel safe.]

There's something out there that's chasing me. He wants to kill me, and I don't know why! I think he almost just did.

[Her explanation is rushed and done in between tears. But he deserves to know, even if she's not in the right place mentally to give full details.]

[ Eddie's never seen anyone this hurt or this scared before, and it breaks his heart to see her like this. She'd been so freaked out when they first met up, but he thought she was just nervous. Turns out she had more to be nervous about than he'd ever imagined.

Her hand reaches for his, and he swallows at the lump in his throat before squeezing her hand. Gently. Just enough that she knows he's not going anywhere without her right now. ]

Not safe? Here, lean on me if you need to.

[ No matter what explanation she can give, Eddie's got to get her to a hospital, so they make their way to the door. It's hard for him to even look at her arm, and for the first time he wishes he'd actually gone for first aid training or something. Something that'd help her right now.

He knows what he saw - her eyes white, her body lifting from the ground - and the resistance he'd felt when he tried to pull her down. None of it makes sense, but whatever it is, it's real. ]

Chasing you? There wasn't anything there, you were just...

[ Eddie shakes his head, opening the passenger door to his van so he can help her climb inside. He even does up her seatbelt. Letting out a shaky sigh, he meets her eyes. ]

Floating there. In the air. Like you were possessed. No matter what I did, you wouldn't respond, so I...

[ Breaking eye contact, Eddie closes the door to the van before circling around to the driver's side, climbing in and starting the engine. Instead of finishing his thought, he hits the gas so they can swerve out of the trailer park, his heart racing. The important thing right now is to get her help. ]

[The shock doesn't keep her from feeling a wave of nausea at the fact that Eddie insists he hadn't seen anything. Knowing everything is inside of her head only makes it worse somehow. Maybe her mom is right, and she deserves to be punished for not being perfect. But no matter how much she starves herself, no matter how bony she gets because she throws up what little she does eat, it's never going to be good enough.

Laura Cunningham will never accept that she has a broken daughter. And Chrissy is going straight to the hospital, where the doctors and nurses will tell everyone she's crazy.

Thankfully, Eddie provides her with a distraction. He's driving like a bat out of hell, but she pays that little attention. Instead, her eyes are on him, brow furrowing.]

You kissed me.

[Her mangled arm is really starting to throb in pain, but she tries to ignore it in favor of reaching up to touch at her lips with her good hand. She thinks she can still taste him, actually. The taste of cigarettes mixed with something a little more bitter, but there's an edge of sweetness there to him too. though maybe that's her strawberry lip gloss.

He kissed her, and she realizes that's what she felt when she was lost in her own mind.]

I could feel it. You kissed me, and I saw you. I knew I had to get to you, that you were safe. So I jumped toward you, and then I woke up.

[If she's angry or upset about him kissing her, she doesn't sound like it. There's a pause though, as she realizes how fast he's driving.]

Should we be going this fast?

[ Eddie would kill for a smoke right now. Doesn't matter what kind, anything to soothe his frayed nerves. His hands grip the steering wheel tighter as Chrissy finally speaks again, and all he can do is try to force himself to keep his eyes on the road and not look at her. ]

I'm really sorry. I-I-I don't know what came over me, I just - I was so scared. I freaked out.

[ If she never forgives him, hey. At least she's here to make that choice. He can live with that. For now, he feels his face heat up as Chrissy continues to speak. They barely know each other. Could kissing Chrissy really have saved her?

Eddie clenches his jaw, trying to think of what to say when Chrissy questions their current speed. He sighs and eases off the gas, slows them down to something much closer to the speed limit. ]

You're right. Just freaking out again. I figured the faster we get there, the faster you can be in less pain.

[ He finally glances over to look at her and it's impossible to not want to hold her when she looks this terrified. Even if he could, Eddie doubts it's what she wants or needs right now. ]

So it was like you were dreaming? What else did you see?

Eddie...

[Chrissy's voice cracks as she tries to politely warn him that maybe now isn't the best time. But he's slowed down the car and is trying to soothe her. Even when he unintentionally causes her to stay focused on the trauma she's just gone through.]

My arm is really hurting.

[So it's probably not all that bad if he recklessly speeds. The hospital isn't exactly close to the trailer park, they've still got a drive ahead of them. Which means they have nothing but time. She really wants a hug, but he can't exactly pull over and give her one. Eventually the pain is going to register a lot stronger, and she'll be left in hysterics.]

I've broken it before, in cheerleading. This hurts so much worse.

[Her breathing is labored, and she makes soft whimpers like a wounded animal. But she's proud of herself for holding it together, and realizes the time spent driving might as well be used to give him information.]

I was in your trailer. Then I was somewhere else. I've been seeing things for weeks. Spiders and...a clock that kept chiming. I think it was counting down. I've been hearing things too, my mom's voice reminding me how fat I am.

[A shaky exhale is released, as she moves her injured arm. The sight of it makes her lower lip tremble, and she whimpers once again. She needs to keep talking.]

But tonight there was a monster, I guess? I've never seen anything as scary as he was. He's been in my nightmares a lot. That's why I needed you to give me something. I haven't been sleeping because I've been afraid to.

[She's been drowning in fear, and feels isolated and alone because of it. Or felt that way, anyway, until she connected with Eddie. Now she feels less alone, but guilty for getting him involved. She didn't feel like she could reach out to Jason or anyone else. Just Eddie Munson, who's now stuck trying to take care of her.]

God -- I'm so sorry, Chrissy. I'm gonna try and make this quick, okay? We'll be there in five minutes. If you gotta cry, or scream, or anything - just do it, it's okay. I got this.

[ He definitely doesn't, and he's going to need to smoke himself into a stupor to try and get any sleep tonight. Assuming he doesn't crash the van and end up in the hospital with her. Focus. That's the name of the game right now. At least there's almost no traffic.

Eddie swallows hard as he listens to her speak of the horrors she's seen and heard, and as crazy as it all sounds, how can he doubt her? He's stone cold sober and even if he weren't - girls don't just levitate and break their own arms. He can't help but shiver, the hair on the back of his neck standing on end as he grips the steering wheel even tighter.

At least the talking seems to help distract from her arm, maybe? They stop at a red light and he finally opens his mouth again. ]

What, is he like, Freddy Krueger or something?

[ He pauses after he says it, then shakes his head, looking over at her again - the streaks of makeup running down her cheeks, her red-rimmed eyes. Getting nightmares from a movie couldn't explain away any of this and he's only making himself sound doubtful. The last thing he wants is for her to feel alone here, and he has a sinking suspicion she's been feeling alone a lot longer than he knows. ]

I don't know what's going on, Chrissy. Or - if kissing you really helped you come back. But I believe you. One hundred percent. Okay?

[ He has to force a smile, and he'd pat her on the shoulder if he wasn't so afraid to hurt her. Instead, he hits the gas again, reluctantly returning his eyes to the road. ]

We're almost there. You're tough as nails, you know that?

[She really appreciates him trying to make her feel better. If this was Jason, he'd be angry at her for daring to get hurt and making him have to interrupt his night to help her out. He might even be yelling right now, because there's no way he'd believe her.

Eddie does believe her though. She reached out, and he grabbed her by the hand. And he's not letting her deal with this alone. Chrissy tries to smile, but it comes out more of a grimace.]

I'm pretty... [What's the word he's used before?] Pretty metal, right?

[Her voice is tense, tight with her attempt to hide the pain she's in from him. It's not that she doesn't trust him with it, but she doesn't want to freak him out more than he already is. It's easier to try and get him to smile, so he doesn't worry about her.

Chrissy is used to making people not worry. Her mother yelled at her enough when she was little that she learned quickly to make herself as small as possible to not be noticed, and in the chance that she is, always find a way to make other people smile so they don't notice what she's actually feeling or thinking. There isn't the same desire to do that with Eddie, but there's still guilt that he's worried about her at all.

He's given her permission though, so she leans over to rest her head against the window. And she lets herself cry a little more openly, shaking as she tries to restrain her sobs.]

How much further?

[ As much as Eddie doesn't want her to feel the need to lighten the mood, the remark catches him off guard. He can't help the goofy little laugh he lets out, smiling for just a moment. ]

Chrissy, you're like, the most metal person I've ever met in my life. Seriously.

[ He bites down on his bottom lip as he makes another turn, trying to slow down a little so Chrissy isn't thrown around too much. It's not exactly the smoothest ride on the road, so to speak. It's good for hauling their gear to shows and for sitting in the back with a friend and a joint, but that's about it. Not exactly ambulance material or even the kind of car he's sure Chrissy's used to, but he's trying his damnedest.

Every little sniffle and sob breaks his heart. Trying to ignore it is impossible, even with his eyes focused solely on the road. Someone as sweet as her shouldn't have to suffer like this - it's cruel. If some kind of - monster - is after Chrissy, why her? ]

Almost there. Two minutes tops. You're killin' it. You're super metal.

[ Hawkins Memorial Hospital doesn't hold good memories, but what hospital does? Eddie parks the van right outside the EMERGENCY sign, then looks to Chrissy as he unbuckles her seatbelt, her face bathed in the red light. ]

I've got you -- you can lean on me if you need. And uh - I can stay as long as you want me to, okay?

[ He doubts her parents will want him around once they arrive, but at least until then. No way is Eddie leaving her alone in there right now. ]

[She may be super metal, but she's still scared right now. After going through something deeply traumatic like that, she's currently terrified of everything that isn't Eddie. With as convinced as she is that he saved her, it's not likely she's going to let him out of her sight anytime soon.

Chrissy leans up against him, the pain almost making her dizzy now. The walk inside doesn't take that long, and Eddie is quick to demand help for her. She's a little awestruck by how fierce he is with his insistence that she's seen, actually. And maybe the nurses are too, because one comes over to take a look. The second they see her arm, they're ushering them both back to a room.

Chrissy can see the concerned looks at her, and the way they look at Eddie. She doesn't get the best grades at school, but she's smart enough to be wary. It's after asking Eddie to come with them for a minute while the Doctor looks her over that Chrissy very nearly panics. Instead she reaches out for Eddie with her good hand, and begs him to stay.

The nurses exchange worried looks, but let them be for now. She and Eddie trade quiet conversation until the Doctor comes in, and the hour that follows Chrissy is left screaming and crying in pain as her arm is examined and set. She's admitted shortly after, the Doctor explaining she needs to stay for a few days for observation. With a complex break like hers, infection can easily set in. When they're questioned about how her arm was broken, neither she or Eddie have an answer.

They're thankfully left alone after that, Chrissy relaxing as the painkillers kick in. Eddie's sitting in the chair beside her bed, holding her good hand. He's playing with her fingers, a gesture that puts a tired smile on her face.]

Beat that for a first date.

[She jokes, though this was far from a date. It's too tempting to want to make him smile and laugh in return, even though she can tell he's worried.]

[ He doesn't know what confidence comes over him, but as soon as they walk in those doors, Eddie's all business. There's no way he's going to let Chrissy sit in the ER waiting without at least getting looked at, not with the way her arm looks. And it works - they barely have to wait before they try to whisk Chrissy away without him.

It still surprises him when she begs him to stay, but he wouldn't dream of saying no. So Eddie sticks by her side, holds her hand in his through it all. There are a few times when the doctor's setting her arm that he has to look away, will the tears back into his eyes. She doesn't need to see that he's scared too. It won't help.

By the time they've finished and Chrissy's allowed to just rest, Eddie feels like all the energy's been sucked out of his body. The adrenaline that'd been coursing through him is all gone, but even so, he's not leaving her alone here.

Her hand's so soft. Small. Not covered in callouses and rings like his. It's almost distracting. Besides all the horrific shit - his thoughts keep drifting to her family. Shouldn't they be here by now? The last time he was in the hospital Wayne had to argue his way out of a speeding ticket. ]

Sheesh, if I would've known it was a date I would've brushed my hair and worn my good jeans. My bad.

[ Eddie chuckles and squeezes her hand, and as though he'd been tempting fate just by doing it, Chrissy's mother finally shows up. There's a brief moment before she explodes into theatrics where her mother stares at their hands touching, then at Eddie. Disgust, contempt, annoyance. Withdrawing his hand makes his heart sink, but even when Chrissy tries to protest, there's no convincing her that he should be here.

My daughter needs to rest. You're not helping. ]

I'll come visit you as soon as I can. I promise.

[ Eddie's practically pushed out of the room, and his mind is racing with so many thoughts as he walks out of the hospital that he doesn't notice that Jason Carver is waiting for him in the parking lot.

Jason doesn't leave him be until he's questioned - and pulverized - Eddie thoroughly. He doesn't have the strength to fight him on a good day, let alone after everything that's happened tonight. With a swollen eye, a bloodied nose and a split lip, the drive home is slow and painfully silent. ]

[Chrissy is playing with the rings on his finger when her mom barges into the room like a storm. She's a force of nature that sucks up all the air in the room, and her daughter shrinks down inside herself, making herself seem as small and still as possible in bed. Of course, that's up until her mother goes off on Eddie, screeching at him about how her injury is all his fault.

It's not like she's going to let anyone talk about Eddie that way. So maybe she gets worked up, crying and raising her voice, and in turn her mother takes it out on Eddie. She really doesn't want him to go, she's terrified of what might happen when he leaves. He's the one person who kind of gets what's happening to her. And now she's been left alone with the one person who will never accept that something is wrong with her.

Tears stream down Chrissy's face as her mother's cutting criticisms dig into her before Eddie is even all the way out of the room. And when her mother tries to console her by letting her know that Jason's there and will take care of the Munson boy, the poor girl is absolutely beside herself. She wails and begs her mother to let her go after Eddie. The more hysterical she becomes, the more attention she draws. A nurse comes in and pumps a sedative into her IV line.

It's a matter of minutes before Chrissy is forced into a restless sleep. With as sedated as she is, she's absolutely trapped in her own mind. The nightmares are vivid and intense, Vecna toying with her throughout the night. At one point, when she's trapped in that awful dark place, she screams for Eddie until her lungs ache and bleed, like he'll actually be able to hear and save her.

But maybe it works, because when she eventually does wake up, groggy and out of sorts, she sees Eddie standing in the corner of the room.]

Eddie? [She's drowsy still, but tries to sit up so she can get out of bed to go over to him.] Is this a dream, or is it really happening?

[After being trapped in her nightmares for so long, it feels important to ask. she hasn't noticed the state of his face just yet.]

[ Eddie spends hours replaying what had happened over and over again in his head, pacing through his trailer. Being in his living room just seems wrong, and he gets chills every time he stands where Chrissy once stood. Is she going to be okay? What's going to happen when she finally falls asleep? What if the monster comes back to her?

Besides that, he can't stop thinking about Chrissy's mother, the viciousness of her words that only brought Chrissy to tears again after she'd finally calmed down a little. He could take the blow - it doesn't shock him that she'd loathe him, but that's her daughter, for Christ's sake. How could she see her in so much pain and only want to tear her to shreds?

And then there's Jason. Where does he even begin with that bastard? It's hard not to imagine their fight going differently, imagine a reality where Eddie'd had the strength and the guts to knock his stupid teeth out (or at least break his nose) with his rings. But he hadn't.

He doesn't fall asleep so much as he passes out, finally giving in to pain and exhaustion sometime in the wee hours of the morning. When he wakes, it's with a splitting headache, but he only waits until he can hear Wayne snoring in the living room before he gets dressed and heads back to the hospital. (He's positive he'll be back before Wayne wakes up, so he definitely won't miss the sunglasses Eddie grabs on his way out.)

It's a miracle they even let him in to see her, but the receptionist seems to take some small pity on him and his busted-up face. Even more miraculous is the fact that Jason and Chrissy's mother are no longer there, just Chrissy, who is only just starting to wake up. ]

Hey, Chrissy. I told you I'd be back, didn't I?

[ Hesitating, Eddie removes his sunglasses as he steps in to stand beside her bed, wincing at the bright fluorescent lighting of her hospital room. It's worth it to get a good look at her, though she hardly looks as rested as he'd hoped she'd be. He forces a smile that doesn't quite reach his eyes, hands twitching as he tries to decide if he should hold hers again. ]

Are you okay? I mean - all things considered?

[It's funny, she thinks, how having Eddie there instantly makes things feel better somehow. Her mind feels clearer, and there's some kind of hope that everything's going to be okay. Or at least there is until he moves in closer and takes off his sunglasses. Her breath catches as she looks up at him, horrified at the condition he's in. A memory plays through her mind then, her mother reassuring her that Jason is going to take care of "that Munson boy".

Jason beat the shit out of him. It's enough to make her want to go track him down and punch him right in the face. And maybe she would, if she wasn't absolutely terrified of Jason.

But he's not here right now. Eddie is. The worried look remains, as she reaches up with a shaky hand to press her fingertips gently against his cheek. He really took a beating last night. Because of her. That fact twists at her heart, and makes guilt creep up on her. He wouldn't want her to feel that way, she knows. But it's hard not to. Eddie forces a smile, and she mirrors one in return, and they're locked like that for a few moments. Just sadly smiling and looking into each other's eyes.

The moment eventually moves on, and Chrissy's touch drops away so she can reach out and take hold of his hand. The contact is enough to make her smile more warm and genuine.]

I had nightmares all night. I'm okay now that you're here, though.

[She pauses, giving his hand a gentle tug so he'll sit on the edge of her hospital bed with her.]

Did Jason do that to you, Eddie?

[ Eddie winces as her fingers gently brush his cheek. It's not just the pain, but fear, too. Like if she touches him or he touches her, Mrs. Cunningham and Jason are going to materialize out of thin air to throw him out for another round of getting his ass kicked in the parking lot. He's worried enough about having to face him and his minions at school come Monday, let alone being caught by them on his own.

Still, when she holds his hand in hers, he can't will himself to let go. Especially not when it makes her smile. ]

I'm sorry. I wouldn't have left if they didn't make me. Though I probably shouldn't stay too long if I don't wanna end up in the hospital too.

[ He follows her lead and perches on the very edge of her bed, taking a deep breath. It's embarrassing that he couldn't defend himself or even just run, but he'd been caught completely off guard. Hell, even if he was prepared for it, he doubts he could take Jason in a fight. ]

Damn. How'd you guess? Hey, it's really not as bad as it looks, I promise.

I know what he's like when he's angry.

[It's a quiet admission, almost hesitant. But apparently she tells him everything now, without much thought behind it. Jason lashing out at Eddie isn't out of character for him. He's just been waiting for a reason to do it.]

And my mom told me last night that he was going to take care of you.

[Needless to say, that contributed to a lot of her restless sleep. She shifts in bed, moving to sit up. If Eddie says things aren't as bad as they look, she's skeptical. But she also has accidentally damaged Jason's fragile male pride enough to not be in any hurry to do it to Eddie. Not that Eddie reacts the same way Jason does at all, but...

Well, it takes time to come out of your shell when you've spent your entire life being forced into quiet conformity. Her fingers thread through his, and she marvels at the way his rings feel up against her. They're so big and bulky, but his touch is so gentle. ]

[ Eddie sits up a little bit straighter when Chrissy speaks, frowning at her despite the way it makes his head throb with pain. He can take a beating if he has to - a mom-approved one, no less - but none of this sits well with him. He knows what angry men are capable of, especially when they feel like they have authority over someone who loves them. The fact that he can't do anything about it only makes him feel sicker. ]

But - he's never hit you or anything, has he?

[ He's afraid to know the answer, so he looks away again, staring down at their intertwined hands. The difference between them is a bit surreal. What's that fairy tale? Beauty and the beast. Out of sheer nerves, he glances back toward the door again. The coast is still clear, but for how long? ]

Anyway, you don't have to worry about me, okay? You just gotta focus on feeling better. Were the nightmares... Were they like what happened last night?

[She's incredibly grateful when Eddie seems to not actually want to know about whether or not Jason's put his hands on her. Chrissy eagerly latches onto his other question, nodding as she bites the inside of her cheek.]

I was so upset after you left, they had to sedate me.

[It's said with embarrassment, because what a way to react, Chrissy. Her cheeks turn a little pink as she looks away, though her hand remains intertwined with his. The fact that he brings her such comfort and a sense of peace aren't lost on her, but she's reluctant to shoulder him with some kind of savior complex. She thinks he saved her last night. And whatever trauma they shared has bonded them together, that much is obvious. Is it really fair to saddle him with more now?

Chrissy isn't sure, but the words keep tumbling out of her mouth before she can stop them.]

I couldn't wake up from the nightmares. They were a lot like what happened last night. But the monster never found me. I could hear his voice, but he never showed up. I'm starting to think he's messing with me.

Jesus Christ. I wish I could've just stayed.

[ The hand not holding Chrissy's curls into a fist and Eddie's eyes sting a little. He almost wishes he'd kept the sunglasses on. It's not fair that she should have to suffer through this and not be able to even ask for help. Who do you even turn to for help with nightmare monsters?

He squeezes her hand again and sighs, keeping his eyes down. If he'd been able to help her come back out of that nightmare last night - to have something to grab onto, like she'd said - maybe he can do it again, but only if he's actually able to be with her when it happens. Fat fucking chance, given what he's up against. What's he supposed to say? Oh hey, Mrs. Cunningham, Jason. I just need to kiss Chrissy real quick to save her from the demon plaguing her mind and breaking her bones. Of course it's not my fault! Forget it. ]

I just don't understand. What the hell is it, and why is it after you? And... how do we stop it?

I don't know.

[Her voice is so small, cracking as she feels completely week and useless. But his hand is in hers, and she clings hold of it tighter, before she leans in to rest her forehead up against him.]

It's really hard to fight an enemy you can't see. But he's there, and he's coming back for me. And I can't tell anyone but you about it because...

[She hesitates, not wanting to admit this next part out loud.]

Well, if I tell them what happened, they'll think I'm crazy! And they'll lock me away somewhere and never let me out.

[She remembers something her mother told her about the police coming to get a statement from her once she's awake. They could be popping in at any minute, she realizes. The reality of that makes her hold onto his hand even tighter.]

You know, they think you did it. [She pauses, lifting her head to look up at him.] Eddie, we have to get out of here. It's not safe to stay here.

[ Eddie feels like his insides are tying themselves in knots as she grips his hand tighter, leans against him. Less than twenty-four hours ago he was surprised Chrissy even remembered who he was, and now he's trying to wrap his head around the fact that she feels safer around him than her own family. Her own boyfriend. ]

You're not crazy, Chrissy. And -- we're going to figure a way out of this. A way to get him away from you.

[ How? He has no idea. Is he of any use to the cause? Possibly. Sort of? The thought that he might not be able to save her the next time keeps creeping back into his mind. What if Chrissy puts all this trust in him only for him to screw it up when she needs him the most? ]

Me? They think I could do that? [ He'd laugh if it weren't so terrifying. ]

Uh - we? Am I just supposed to walk out of here with you? I-I don't even know where we'd go. They'd obviously find us at my place. And you're still hurt, Chrissy.

[ Maybe they could stay in the van, but that's also an easy target. Not exactly easy to hide. Still, that doesn't mean she's going to be able to just waltz out of here unnoticed. He swallows at the lump in his throat, trying to think. ]

I might know a guy. But it's a definite maybe.

[The wheels in her head are slowly turning. The drugs are still slightly in her system, which make her a little sluggish. But she's trying. There's a strong flight instinct that's telling her she needs to run. That this isn't the time to try and fight. Eddie's life may depend on it, especially if both Jason and the police department show up here. He's hurt enough as it is, she couldn't stand it if something else happened to him because he's trying to help her.]

There's a wheelchair over there.

[Glancing over to it, she lets out a breath and starts to move out of bed. The time to act is now, she reminds herself. Her legs are wobbly, but she reaches out for him to help steady herself.]

Grab a blanket, okay? I'll wrap up to hide the hospital gown. And you can try wheeling me out of here. Maybe no one will notice.

[That's very wishful thinking, but Chrissy generally is an optimist when she's not being terrorized by a monster that's trying to kill her.]

[ Eddie's up on his feet as soon as Chrissy starts to move, offering her his arm to lean on as they make their way over to the wheelchair. They're both crazy if they think they can make it out of here that easily, but then again, these are pretty crazy circumstances. ]

Let's just hope we don't run into any more visitors for you.

[ He can maybe improvise something to tell the hospital staff, but anyone who actually knows Chrissy won't be so easily swayed. Once she's seated he yanks a blanket off of the bed, helping to wrap it around her shoulders before checking the door one more time. The hallway is relatively empty - all they need to do is make it to the elevator. ]

You ready?

[ Once she nods her approval, Eddie slips his sunglasses back on (amber-tinted aviators - definitely not his style) and gives her one more smile. Grabbing the handles of the wheelchair, he gives it a gentle push and begins their trek down the hallway. So far, so good. Either this floor isn't staffed very heavily or they've just got really good timing.

It's not until they make it to the elevator and Eddie hits the button that the woman at the reception desk looks up from her magazine and frowns at them. ]

Just taking the little lady for a smoke break. You wouldn't know it, but she gets real cranky without her nicotine fix. Don'tcha, Chris?

[ Eddie pats Chrissy's shoulder and grins at the receptionist, who rolls her eyes and returns to her magazine just as their elevator arrives. It takes all of his willpower not to start howling with laughter before the doors close and it begins to descend with them inside. ]

Holy shit. Okay. Step one - success.