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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[ 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.

[She really can't believe that worked. Her laughter starts off soft and unsure, but quickly bubbles forward into something more animated.]

I can't believe she bought it! Eddie, you're a genius.

[Her good hand lightly hits at his leg, as she tries to get her giggles under control. She's supposed to be playing the part of a cranky smoker, after all.

Meanwhile, down on the first floor of Hawkins Memorial, a small group has met up and is currently in the elevator on their way up to Chrissy's room. The current lieutenant of police, the Cunninghams, and Jason Carver are all ready to see Chrissy and question her about Eddie Munson's involvement in her injury. The break is so severe and in so many locations, there's no way it was damaged in a natural way. The doctor had taken a look at the xrays and insisted that each break was done by hand. Jason insisted that it had to be Eddie, only someone as satanic as he was would have a reason to hurt someone like Chrissy.

The problem here is that they assume only Chrissy is sweet enough not to tell on the guy that hurt her. Laura Cunningham insists she's afraid of Eddie Munson. That her daughter would never be friends with someone like him. Jason's bragging about giving Munson his first taste of what's to come, and the entire elevator listens to the teenage boy like he's some kind of hero that's actually trying to protect an innocent girl.

They have no idea that said girl is in an elevator with the boy she very much trusts and likes, and they're going down as everyone that wants to tear them apart is going up.

When the elevator dings and the doors open, Chrissy's heart starts to race. They're so close to the front doors. She can almost taste the freedom. Eddie seems to be able to pick up on her mounting anxiety, because he hurries her out right through them without saying a single word. They both spy the police cars parked out front, and Chrissy knows that they're on borrowed time. It's only minutes before they realize she's missing. ]

Eddie, we have to get to your place and get whatever you need. Fast. I don't think we'll have much time.

[Any thought of clothes or things that she might need don't matter now. It's Eddie that she's trying to protect here. She knows Jason will kill him if he gets his hands on Eddie a second time. And if he doesn't, the rest of the town might. He seems to pick up on that, and hurries her to his van and gets her inside. The wheelchair is forgotten as he backs out of the parking spot and drives as fast as he can without raising further suspicion.

This time when they drive, her hand reaches over to rest atop his that's on the stick shift. With her right arm broken, she's left with her non-dominant hand. That's pretty disappointing, but at least that hand is good for holding his in situations like this.]

You know, I think I actually could go for a cigarette right now.

[With her legs bouncing, and her fingers idly playing with his as they hold hands, it's pretty obvious that she's nervous. Maybe a cigarette would help.]

Hey, don't give me too much credit. We're not out of the woods yet.

[ Eddie's trying not to panic. He really is. But as soon as they roll out of the front doors and are faced with the sight of police cars - multiple - plus a couple of luxury cars he can only assume are the Cunninghams' or Jason's. If they get caught, he's done for. They're all convinced he's the one who hurt her, and even if he can get out of that the cops would only need to take one look at his room to make drug charges, too. Bye bye, future. So he'd better bring the drugs, too.

He helps Chrissy into the van as quickly as he can, fastening her seatbelt and running to the driver's side. He doesn't run for just about anything, but this? He'd run all the way home if he had to.

At least the cops are apparently all here, so they shouldn't catch him speeding.

Eddie exhales a nervous, shaky laugh as Chrissy puts her hand on his, once again trying to focus on the road but having a hell of a time. ]

Yeah? You ever even smoke a cigarette before?

[ He'd grab his cigarette case from his jacket pocket if his hands weren't both in use, but if Chrissy isn't experienced with that, there's no way he's getting her to start now. Eddie glances over at her, a smirk tugging at the corners of his mouth. ]

It's kinda funny. First time I smoked a cigarette, I stole one from my dad. I just wanted to know what it was like. He came home to me puking all over the carpet. You think I would've learned, huh?

[ Chrissy doesn't need to know his dad kicked his ass after that little stunt. There's no time for that right now, and he doesn't need to be pitied. Roger Munson's gonna rot in jail and Eddie? Eddie's not ready to join him there. So he speeds his way to the trailer park, gravel spraying everywhere as he hits the turnoff a little too quickly.

He slows down to pull up to the trailer, hoping the noise won't be enough to wake Wayne up on their way in. The guy's seen him do some ridiculous stuff, but bringing in a girl in a hospital gown, grabbing all his shit and leaving? Might be a little suspicious. ]

Okay, so, here's what we're gonna do. My uncle's gonna be in there sleeping on the couch, but this isn't my first time sneaking past him. We're gonna be quick and we're gonna be quiet. We're gonna get some stuff from my room and then we're gonna go somewhere safe.

[ Eddie swallows hard. He's scared shitless, and he could really use a cigarette, too. Maybe his hands would be shaking less - he wonders if Chrissy can tell. ]

And if we make it that far, I promise I will roll you the most perfect joint you could ever dream of.

[She doesn't have to be holding his hand to know that his are shaking. Hers are too, just out of sheer nerves. If this goes wrong and they mess up along the way, it's Eddie that will pay the price.]

We'll make it.

[Trying to smile for him feels hard, but she manages a slight grin. Because she does have faith that they'll make it wherever they want as long as they stick together. They've already snuck out of the hospital, now all they have to do is sneak in somewhere else.]

Quick and quiet, then we'll head somewhere else. Easy!

[She's so good at faking cheerfulness and optimism that she can do it now, wanting so desperately to reassure him and get him to stop shaking the way he is. More guilt fills her at the realization that she's likely ruined his life. So very many things can go wrong here, but she's going to stick by his side and they'll figure it out. No matter what happens, Chrissy is determined to keep him out of trouble.

Her hand seeks out his once again, giving it a reassuring squeeze. And he quietly leads her up into the trailer, where he guides her in silently making her way past his uncle. He doesn't know that she's had to live most of her life silently participating while screaming on the inside, or that she's conditioned to make herself as small and unnoticeable as possible. Sure, everyone notices that she's pretty because she's popular. But no one really notices her in a way that suggests they know or care about her.

After all, she's been struggling for a while now, and no one has noticed she's been struggling. No one's reached out. Not even Jason picked up that she's been drowning. But Eddie finally knows, and he's doing so much to help her. The least she can do is put her skills at being small and quiet into good use.

When they make it to his room though, they spare each other a meaningful glance. This isn't the time for having a conversation though, and they both move into action. He'll need to grab things and find bags or a box to put them in. And she...well, she stands there awkwardly in her hospital gown, barefoot and acutely aware of the fact the back of the gown is wide open.

Awkward.

She idly bounces her feet against the carpet, restlessly looking around as she silently moves through his room. While she wants to see the bits and pieces of things that make up details about Eddie, she doesn't want to be nosy and pry. It might test his patience if she stumbles on the wrong thing, like when she did the one time Jason brought her up to his room to fool around.

Not that this is the same case, she thinks. Eddie isn't trying to get her in bed. She's not even sure he sees her like that.

She steps on a magazine on the floor and moves to pick it up. Heavy Metal...has an interesting cover. She's left blushing as she really takes in the sight of it, but the second she realizes he notices, she drops the magazine and holds up her hand in almost a defensive pleading pose.

Eddie isn't Jason, though. His temper doesn't seem to run red hot and violent. So much for that just being how guys are, she thinks, recalling what Jason and his friends have told her in the past.]

I'm sorry! [And she really does look apologetic, especially at the fact she's just used a raised whisper to talk.] I shouldn't be looking around your room. I just...I need something to wear. I can't stay in this.

[ Eddie's probably half the reason Wayne sleeps like the dead - he's not a quiet person in general, but neither is his taste in music. And if Eddie's gonna get up in time to make it to class even sort of on time, he's gonna rock the fuck out to try and wake himself up. It's easy enough to lead Chrissy to his bedroom without waking Wayne, but Eddie's been so worried about everything else that he's neglected to think twice about whether he wants to bring her in here.

His bedroom is his sanctuary: Wayne doesn't go in, so Eddie can do whatever he wants. It's also a chaotic mess. Dog-eared magazines and half-finished assignments litter the floor, and he's pretty sure any chivalry points he might have earned with Chrissy are null and void at this point. Still, he tries not to linger too close to her, give her her privacy as much as he can.

First things first: Eddie grabs the lunchbox he keeps his drugs in and sets it near the door. Can't forget that. There's a duffel bag that he unzips and sets on his bed, but when he turns his head Chrissy is staring at the cover of one of his many issues of Heavy Metal - this one's got a particularly curvaceous alien fighting an equally evocative android woman. She drops it immediately. ]

Oh my god. Chrissy - I'm sorry. It's usually not this messy. Look, there's some really cool sci-fi stories in these, and... Forget it. Clothes. Right.

[ Eddie's gone completely red from the neck up, all the way to the tips of his ears. That embarrassment only grows as he spots the condoms and overflowing ashtray on his bedside table, but he needs to focus. Opening a drawer, he scans through piles of black t-shirts, first grabbing an Iron Maiden one that's about three or four sizes too big for Eddie, let alone Chrissy. The idea of her even being in a Maiden t-shirt - his t-shirt! - makes his chest ache. ]

I was gonna make this one into a back patch but I kept forgetting. Um - it'll be nice and long on you. I dunno if I really have pants that'd fit you.

[ He hands her the t-shirt and immediately goes back to the dresser, biting his bottom lip as he opens another drawer. Not an easy task for a guy who wears jeans all year round. ]

So I have... Boxers. They're clean, I swear on my life! But they've got the elastic waist, right? So... I think they might be comfy?

[ The ones he's holding out to her are a dark grey plaid pattern, and he's no less red than he was before. ]

I-I won't look if you wanna change, but I can leave. Sorry, this is - this is all a fucking mess.

[His apology really isn't necessary. Chrissy knows that guys like this kind of stuff. And really, the only thing embarrassing about it is the thoughts that she's left with as she stares over at him. His blush only makes her turn bright red in return, and it grows distinctly darker as she follows his gaze and takes notice of a pack of condoms sitting right next to the ashtray on his bedside table.]

It's okay.

[She reassures him, knowing the words sound breathy and distracted and like maybe she's not okay at all. But of course she is, because he's trying his best to take care of her. And here she is, flushed with warmth and embarrassment, wishing he'd throw her on his bed and have his way with her. Chrissy's 100% positive that makes her a terrible person.

Needless to say, the distraction of his clothes being handed over to her is appreciated. She holds both the boxers and his shirt in one hand, trying to shuffle them as she thinks about how she's going to get her hospital gown off and these on. ]

No, don't go. [She hurriedly insists, shaking her head.] I don't want you to go.

[Oh god, she has to actually verbalize this next part, and she doesn't know if she can do it. Not when she's staring at his lips, and oh my god —

How is it possible that she's blushing more?]

I need you to help me get dressed.

[There's an attempt to move her broken arm that currently has a cast on it, but she winces in pain as soon as she does. It doesn't matter to her if his room's a mess, or what he has laying around. All Chrissy cares about is that he stays close, and the fact that he's doing everything in his power to help her. Getting dressed so they can move on and save his skin is more important than anything else.]

Still, I... Usually try to clean up a bit if I have guests. I just don't have a lot of those.

[ The condoms on the bedside table don't really help his case, there. The worst part is they're only there because he just bought them and forgot to put them away. As much as he'd like to be the playboy rock god he dreams of being, he still lives in Hawkins. Limited options. He's never really done relationships so much as hookups, and most of those take place elsewhere. Hence why there's another box of them in the backpack he keeps in the van (among other things). Gotta stay prepared.

Not that it's going to matter much if they don't hurry up and get out of here. They're both red in the face, and Chrissy's right - there's no way she can get dressed by herself like this. So he gently takes the clothes back from her, and with a deep breath, he kneels down on the floor to hold the boxers out for her. ]

Here, just -- step into these, okay? You can lean on me if you need.

[ Once Chrissy steps into the legs, Eddie averts his gaze to pull them up to her hips. They're baggy, but they're better than nothing. Next up is the t-shirt, so he stands again, steps behind her to untie the back of the hospital gown. It's a far, far cry from the way he'd like to undress anyone, her least of all, but she needs his help. It's not the time to think with his dick, even if he feels his heart race when he slips the gown off her shoulders.

He bunches the shirt up so it's easier for her to get her head and arms through and moves to hold it out in front of her, catching a glance of her mostly-bare torso before turning his head away. ]

I know it's not really your style, but hey. Maybe I'll make a Maiden fan out of you yet.

[Everything about this screams awkward. Or rather, that it should be awkward. But it doesn't feel that way, though the air grows thick with tension. Chrissy appreciates that he's being a gentleman. That, and he's being really efficient. They don't have long here. But she wants him to look at her. She wants to see the look on his face when he sees her body.

And she wants to feel his hands and mouth all over her body. Not to mention —

Oh my god, she's going to hell.

She's injured enough that he's having to help her step into boxers as she leans up against him for support, and he's helping her get off her hospital gown, and all she can do is blast horny thoughts at him. The fact they manage to get his shirt on her at all without her leaning in to kiss him is a miracle.

Her heart is hammering in her chest, entire body flushed. The shirt is definitely huge on her, but it fits like a dress. There's a moment where she gives a little spin to show off the look to him, but it feels like it has to be cut short so he can finish packing. There's still the matter of shoes to tend to, but that can come later. What matters is she's covered.]

Wherever we end up going, you'll have to play some of their songs for me.

[She'll adore Iron Maiden if it gets him closer to her. She'll listen to metal all day, learn all the lyrics, whatever it takes to impress him. The idea of that makes her tremble a little, and Chrissy moves into motion to try and finish getting ready while he packs what he needs to.

Finding an extra belt on his floor, she picks it up and shoves it in the duffel. That can help with the fit of her dress later. While he's focused on other things, she grabs a few of his scattered magazines, tucking them safely inside for reading later. And on second thought, she grabs the pack of condoms and puts them in too. It's not like they'll definitely be using them, but maybe at some point!

She hopes.

Blushing all over again with that thought, she decides to just sit and linger on the edge of his bed. When he eventually finishes up and comes over to zip up the bag, she reaches over to curl her fingers around his wrist.]

I know you've already said it's not my fault. But I'm sorry you have to do this because of me.

[She pauses, licking at her lips.]

I'm not sorry that we get to figure this out together, though. I really think it'll be okay in the end, Eddie. Just wait and see.

[ It's not like they've ever spent much time together, but Eddie's positive he's never seen Chrissy wearing black before. When she's not in her cheer getup she's always in pastels, soft colors and fabrics. Now she's twirling in his bedroom in his underwear and The Number of the Beast t-shirt, and maybe it's just all the adrenaline but he feels like his knees could give out. She's perfect, and she's also got a psycho boyfriend who wants him dead. So. ]

I've got this album in the van. I'll play it for you at Rick's house. Y'wanna guess what the guy on the shirt's name is?

[ It's Eddie.

He has to remind himself to hurry, because time is ticking and Hawkins isn't very big. The cops are probably like kids on Christmas Eve - local teen delinquent runs away with a little rich girl and they get to play heroes?

So he crams clothes and cassette tapes and some basics from the bathroom into the duffel bag, trying not to get too distracted just looking at Chrissy sitting on the edge of his bed. Were it under any other circumstance, Eddie thinks it'd make for a pretty incredible day. Alas.

He's just about stopped blushing when Chrissy grabs his wrist with her good hand. She's so soft and - fragile, almost, in a way that makes him want to hold her close. ]

Come on. I can't just not help you if I'm the only one who can, can I?

[ Her tongue darts out between her lips and Eddie recalls the sticky-sweet scent of her lip gloss. Fuck. He is so completely screwed and on top of it, he feels like a total creep. ]

I really, really hope you're right. Let's go.

[ They manage to slip out the front door unnoticed, and Eddie tosses the duffel bag into the back before helping Chrissy into the front seat. He doesn't even put his seatbelt on before hitting the gas. They need to get out of here now, and earlier would've been a lot better.

He takes the back road to get to Lovers' Lake, and there's no cops, not yet. Rick's place isn't that far from him (a real convenience, when the guy wasn't in jail) and Eddie has a spare key that he'd been meaning to give back to him when the whole arrest thing went down. Whoops.

There's enough tree coverage that the van isn't very noticeable from the road. It'd be better to ditch it somewhere further away, but Chrissy has a broken arm and no shoes. The truth is he's terrified. There's no way, in his mind, that this can work. In minutes - maybe hours if they're lucky, Eddie is convinced the police and Jason Carver are going to arrive with torches and pitchforks ready to burn him at the stake. But if he doesn't at least try, Chrissy's going to get hurt. So Eddie kills the ignition and turns to look at her, forcing a small smile. ]

So - full disclosure. I don't know what this place is gonna look like on the inside. My friend's been in jail for a bit, so... at least we should have it all to ourselves?

[The entire ride there, Chrissy is feeding off of his mounting anxiety. It in turn, makes her nervous, and her leg bounces the entire way there. It's starting to feel like maybe this was a bad idea, but they've gone this far and they can't turn back now. She thinks as they park that maybe they should hide the van better, but there's no time.

She's absolutely terrified when he turns off the car, worried that the police might show up before they can even get inside. Truthfully, she doesn't care if this place is a mess. Doesn't really care what it is, as long as she's with him. He's quickly become the most important person in her life, and hasn't had the time to stop and really think about that yet.

He hurries out of his door and grabs his things before coming to get her out. The trek to their hideout is rushed, Chrissy slipping a few times. Eddie has to shift his bag in order to reach out and grab her by the good hand to tug her along after him. It serves to keep her on her feet, and she murmurs a thank you as he nervously works to get them inside.

The key doesn't work at first, simply due to shaky hands and fumbling, and as the key drops to the ground Chrissy is quick to pick it up and unlock the door for him. A kind smile tells him she doesn't mind, and the key is slipped into his hand as he ushers her inside. The sooner they're out of sight, the better.

And Eddie's right. This place is pretty dingy. But it's quiet and it's safe for now, so she thinks it's perfect. She follows his lead, trying to expel the nervous energy that she's feeling. But it only seems to grow heavier, matching the mood he's fallen into as well. They're both now wound tight, fear and nerves making them quiet. They're both bruised and beaten, exhausted from the pain and a lack of restful sleep the night before.

Everything's happening so much at once, and Chrissy just wants to hold him while they take a nap. But it's probably not going to be that easy to get him to agree to resting.]

Maybe we should lay down for a little while. It's a good idea to rest while we can.

[ To say Eddie's on edge is the understatement of the century. His hands are still trembling when he finally sets his bags down in the entryway, and he's constantly listening for the sounds of vehicles, sirens. But he's also completely exhausted, and while he knows he won't be able to fall asleep at least they can rest their bodies. ]

Lemme scope out the whole... bed situation. I'll be right back.

[ He does a lap around the house to peek into every room and finds one queen size mattress on the floor with a flat sheet draped over it. Really classy, Rick, but at least it's got pillows and looks clean. ]

There's just the one. So you know. Um - can I get you Tylenol or anything? I've got the real strong ones.

[ He helps her to the bedroom and onto one side of the mattress, then ducks back into the living room to dig through his portable pharmacy. Pain management for the both of them until he has the energy to roll a joint to share with her - assuming they're still here by then.

Returning with water and meds, he sits on the very edge of the opposite side of the mattress and holds a pair of pills out to her. He's still on high fucking alert, staring out of the small gaps in the blinds and listening carefully. Hopefully taking these will help him pass out for a little while, too, but his splitting headache could really use some relief. ]

You doing okay?

[ His voice wavers and cracks a little when he speaks. Eddie swears it's just because he's really tired. ]

Is it okay if I lay next to you?

[The fact that he even thinks to take care of her right now really means a lot to her. He's close to panic, that much is obvious. But he's still bringing her water and medicine, and cares about the fact that she's comfortable. Chrissy wishes that everyone else in Hawkins could see this side of him. The quiet, thoughtful side that had fear the same as anyone else. The gentleness he continues to show her is astounding, considering everyone at school thinks he worships the devil or something.

But like most all rumors, that couldn't be further from the truth. Eddie is a good guy. And she's lucky to have him.

By the time she takes the pills he's brought her and speaks up, Chrissy's already determined that he's hers. She's going to find a way to make this right for him. But then his voice is cracking and she feels emotion swell within her. God, he's so scared. She is too.

Chrissy shifts to lay down, rolling onto her side to face him. It's with a shaky hand that she reaches out to touch at his arm, trying to gently guide him to lay with her.]

Of course it's okay. [She answers, her own voice breaking a little.] I want you to be next to me.

[But he's also asked if she's okay, so she tries reassuring him while also being honest. He's busy laying down and situating himself, and the second he does she's scooting in close enough so that they're curled up close together.]

And I don't think either of us are okay, Eddie. I almost died. Everyone's blaming you for what happened to me, and Jason treated you like a punching bag last night. Now we're on the run together, and we can't let them find us. Because if they do...

[She loses it completely then, voice cracking as she gives in to her tears. She's felt like she was strong enough not to cry. That's apparently not the case, Chrissy pressing her face against his chest as her hands curl into the fabric of his shirt. Her small frame trembles with her sobs, and she lets out all the fear and stress she's currently feeling.

It's too hard to think about what they'll do to Eddie if they're found.]

[ Eddie slips out of his jacket before laying down beside Chrissy, trying to keep his breaths steady and calm, but he's neither of those things. She immediately curls in close to him and he feels his heart sink. Neither of them are the slightest bit okay, and it's impossible to say if they ever will be again.

Minding her broken arm as best he can, Eddie curls his arms around her and rests his nose and chin against the top of her head. It's not the first time he's seen Chrissy cry today, but this is the time that finally breaks him too.

He tries to swallow it down because he wants to be strong for her, but he can't. So he sobs as quietly as he can into her hair, holding her close to his chest. All Eddie wants to do is protect Chrissy from whatever it is that's pursuing her, and that's what's going to ruin his entire life forever. It's just not fucking fair. ]

What are we gonna do if it attacks you again? They're going to blame me. They're gonna kill me.

[ His sobbing only grows louder, and the humiliation Eddie feels for breaking down like this in front of her only makes him feel sicker. He's supposed to be here to protect her and instead he's completely falling apart at the seams. ]

I'm so sorry. I'm so fucking sorry, Chrissy.

[It doesn't bother her that he cries too. If anything, it makes her feel more secure knowing that he's impacted as much as she is. So she clings to him and takes comfort in the feeling of his arms around her, delights in the way that he's curled over her so protectively. They cry together, and time stretches out where it feels like it might be enough.

But then he has to go and ask those questions, and she only winds up sobbing harder. The guilt she's feeling is immense, almost all consuming. She knows that any promise she makes to him doesn't matter, because she's a teenage girl and everyone will look at him like he's corrupted her. The mental image of the things Jason and the rest of the town might do to him fill her mind, and she gives out a pathetic whimper as she presses her face more firmly against him.

The image of Eddie's lifeless body at the hands of Jason Carver won't go away.

Chrissy leans back just enough to speak, desperate for him to actually hear her. He needs to know this, it's so so important that he does.]

If it comes back and we can't stop it, you have to run, Eddie. Get the hell out of Hakwins.

[Her voice trembles, and the sobs continue to make her small frame shudder.]

B-But I trust you so much. I know you can keep it from getting me. You did before. And you can again. Maybe if we leave Hawkins together, it won't follow us.

[It's wishful thinking, but she desperately wants it to be true. She wants to be able to smile with Eddie, to have good things with him. Not lay in bed crying together because they both know what the people here will do to her if that thing in her head winds up killing her.]

We have to stick together. No matter what, okay?

[ Less than twenty-four hours have passed since they met in the woods and Chrissy Cunningham's completely flipped his world upside down. Eddie's not sure he's cried this hard since he was a little kid, and he's definitely never been this goddamn scared in his entire life. And still, the thought of leaving her is the worst part. Chrissy's already gotten a horrible injury, seen horrors she couldn't escape. If they get separated, it could kill her, too. ]

And go where? Your parents are gonna want to find you.

[ He chokes out another sob. They're both doomed either way, he just knows it. It's all happening so fast, and Eddie doesn't know what to do anymore. But Chrissy wants to be with him, and that part makes his heart ache. Sniffling, he gives her shoulder a gentle squeeze, nodding and blinking away more tears. ]

I'm with you no matter what. I promise. I'm just - so - fucking scared.

[ Everything hurts and Eddie's so fucking tired of it all. They still can't hear any sirens or cars pulling up to the house - it feels like a miracle, but he also isn't even a little bit convinced they're safe. The exhaustion is clear in his voice, and he shudders as he tries to steady it to speak. ]

I really wish we'd been friends a long time ago, Chrissy.

Me too.

[She can barely get the words out in a squeak, her voice breaking. She wishes they could have been friends back from middle school on. Maybe things would be different now if she had been Eddie's girl ever since that talent show. Maybe she'd be more confident, maybe she wouldn't let her mother berate her into starving herself and purging anything that she actually takes in. Maybe she wouldn't be trapped in an abusive relationship with a guy she has come to fear and hate, just because she's been told he's her only option after high school.

If she thought more of herself, if she knew she deserved better before now, then maybe this monster that's going after her wouldn't have found her. She'd have been surrounded by Eddie's love and adoration, and she's pretty sure that's enough to keep her safe from the entire world and everything in it.

Which is exactly why her me too means she's with him no matter what. No matter what ends up happening, she's not going to abandon him. But Jesus Christ, she's so scared. That terror is consuming her now, just the way it is him. She shifts a little, moving so her good arm can wrap around him in return.

No longer clinging to him, she tries to rub soothing circles against his back. Eventually her tears start to cease, her eyes burning and sore from all the crying. She's so drowsy then, the pain medication finally kicked in. He's right, it is strong stuff.

It's while she's sitting there, enjoying the numbness that she's been allowed to feel, that she realizes something. Holding him, trying to comfort him...

She wants to be able to do this for him for little things too. Like when he's had a long day at school, or maybe when his friends frustrate the hell out of him. She doesn't want it to just be for huge, scary things that can end their lives. Chrissy knows she has to try and be stronger, so it's not just him holding her up. They have to support one another so they both stay on their feet.

There's no uncertainty when she thinks that she loves him. How it's possible, she doesn't know. All she's aware of is that she feels a warmth within her when she thinks about a future with him in it. And because of that (or maybe it's also a little bit because of the pain meds), she breaks the silence between them.

Maybe singing Hey Jude is stupid. She's not really a singer. And she sounds even worse with how heavy and raspy her voice is after crying like that. There's still tears slowly streaking down her face as she sings to him, something quiet and soft. By the time she gets to the na na na's at the end, her voice cracks and she lets it die off there, lifting her head to look up at him.

He's so badly bruised and beaten right now, but he looks just as handsome to her now as he did yesterday in the woods. She's still with Jason, but her heart belongs to him. She'd pull it out of her chest and offer it up to Eddie on a platter just to show him she's willing to do it.

Her eyes hold his gaze for a moment that stretches out. When her lips graze against his, it's gentle. Less a kiss than a brush, letting him know that she chooses him. She's here, come what may.

Maybe he'll let himself rest if can pick up on that.]

[ Chrissy's arm curls around him to comfort him back, and Eddie wants to cry all over again. He's growing too tired to keep going, but his heartbeat is still thumping in his ears and he wishes they could be anywhere but Hawkins right now. It's crazy to think that isn't off the table - if they can stay here long enough to rest up and make a plan, maybe they really can escape.

And then, out of nowhere, her voice choked and wavering, she starts to sing.

Eddie doesn't even like The Beatles. Not even a little bit. It's one of the few things he and Wayne can agree on when it comes to music. But coming from Chrissy, he thinks it's one of the most beautiful things he's ever heard. Sad, but still hopeful. Just like her. She's always thinking of another possibility, another way they can make it out of here. If she hasn't given up yet, neither can he.

When her voice dies down and she looks up at him, all Eddie can do is stare back, one eye nearly swollen shut. Lying there in his t-shirt, red-faced and distraught, the last thing he expects Chrissy to do is to close the short distance between them and bring their lips together.

It's so brief and gentle that Eddie almost wonders if he's just imagining things in his exhaustion. But she's still looking back at him when she pulls away, and for a few moments, he's completely speechless. ]

Chrissy?

[ It's barely a whisper. ]

I know things are really fucked up right now and - emotions are high and I just - is that - what you want? From me?

[She's embarrassed when he asks that. Because she reads it as him trying to gently reject her. Her mind goes across why he'd want to. Obviously, there's Jason that she has to officially end things with. There's the fact she's weak enough to be some monster's victim in the first place. And even if she's never been mean to anyone, never once said an unkind word, she was part of a group that made his life a living hell.

Her head ducks as she frowns, her teeth working anxiously against her lower lip. It's hard to tell if he's trying to be kind and turn her down, or if he's really seeking clarification.

Chrissy decides to just hope it's the second.]

I really like you, Eddie. A lot. [Her head lifts as she looks back up at him, a cautious and guarded look on her face. If he breaks her heart here, it will be hard. But she can get through it.]

It's what I want, but...it's okay if you don't want it too.

[Because things are really fucked up, and their emotions are running on high. But she wanted to kiss him at several points back in his trailer and van. That feeling has only been amplified now.]

[ It takes a second for Eddie to realize he's given her the wrong impression, and he brushes her shoulder with his hand to try and soothe her. He doesn't often deal with the feelings side of this kind of thing, especially not this quickly. But Chrissy's special. Whatever they have between them, it's something Eddie's never felt for anybody, and they need each other.

Hearing it directly from her, though, explicitly - I really like you - it makes a broad smile push its way past the weariness in every part of his body. Eddie reaches forward to cup her cheek with his hand, brushing away the last remnants of her tears with his thumb. ]

I -- really like you too, Chrissy.

[ Eddie's gentle when he kisses her - partly because he's got a split lip, but mostly because that's what feels right. They both need a little gentleness right now, a little comfort. It's strange feeling such despair and euphoria and exhaustion all at once, but Eddie thinks he can stay awake just a little longer if it means he can kiss her again. ]

You're unreal.

[The kiss is achingly gentle, but it's exactly what they both need. It's perfect, something sweet and simple to ease her into a quiet stillness. He's just said that he likes her too, and she knows that doesn't fix anything outside this bed. But it changes everything between them, she thinks.]

Me? [It's identical to the way she had said it out at the picnic table in the woods, and she laughs right after saying it. ]

This is unreal.

[She gently corrects him, reaching out to gingerly press her fingertips against his cheek. Her touch has to be gentle to avoid hurting him, his bruised and busted face not needing her to make it worse. So when Chrissy kisses him one more time, it's with the same gentleness that he had shown. Of course, she can't just stop there. He's just said he really likes her. So she sprinkles soft kisses around his face. Over his eye that's swollen shut, over his busted nose, over each bruise.

And when she finally settles down beside him again, she's wearing a genuine smile on her face. It may be small, but it's there. And gosh, she's really tired now. Everything is feeling warm and hazy, and sleep is actually pretty appealing. Chrissy turns as she deeply yawns, so that her back is pressed against him.]

Thank you. [She mumbles, voice already slurring with drowsiness.] For not leaving me. [For staying with her when she was attacked in her own mind, for coming back to the hospital to see her. For staying with her now. He didn't have to do any of that. But he did, and she's so grateful.]

[ Smiling hurts but Eddie can't help it, not when Chrissy Cunningham's giggling and beaming at him despite what feels like every force in the world fighting against them. She's in his arms and it's exactly where she wants to be, even if it's under the worst possible circumstances. ]

Yeah, you. You're unreal.

[ His face flushes under her cautious touch, and he can't stop staring at her. It's hard to even believe this is happening, after everything they've been through in the last day. Eddie's positive he's never been kissed like this before, so delicate over his lips and his face. He doesn't know what he did to deserve her, but he does know there's no giving up from here.

If they have to run, they'll run. For now, the world outside is quiet - he can hear no sound of sirens or even vehicles going by, just the soft sound of Chrissy's breathing as she turns to face away from him. Eddie's never been a cuddler, but he can make an exception if it's for her, so he carefully circles her with his arms. They really should rest while they can, and he really wants to believe they're safe for now. ]

I'm not going anywhere without you. Not without a fight. I promise.

[ Her yawning is contagious. Eddie settles in behind her and presses a kiss to the top of her head before closing his eyes. All he hopes for is that when he wakes, Chrissy's still there in his arms and their world is still quiet for a little longer. ]

[The world outside doesn't matter to her anymore. She's pleasantly doped up on strong pain meds, and she's got Eddie's arms around her. Nothing else even registers with her. Her eyes flutter closed as her hand moves to grab hold of his arm. Chrissy falls asleep quickly after, finally succumbing to the emotional exhaustion.

For the first time in weeks, she sleeps soundly. There's no nightmares, no monster trying to torment her. There's just blissful sleep, without any tossing and turning. She stirs a few times, rolling over in her sleep. At some point she winds up curled into him, her head using his shoulder as a pillow.

By the time she starts to slowly wake up, she has no idea what time it is. All she knows is that she's half laying on top of Eddie, her ear pressed against the steady thrum of his heartbeat. Her head lifts as she blinks, and she definitely takes notice that it's dark out. Not just dark, but advanced darkness. It's late. They slept for a while.

She's not pressed to get up though. It's hard to even want to move. Their legs are tangled together, much like the rest of their limbs. Her arm is flopped over his body, while one of his arms encircles her. Carefully shifting so his arm won't slip free, she takes a moment to look at him. His poor face is so bruised and more swollen now, and she wishes there was more they could do. Her touch to his face is feather light, not wanting to wake him. But she explores him slowly, her fingertips ghosting along his cheekbone and jawline until she's able to softly graze her thumb over his lips.]

Eddie... [She whispers, trying to gently wake him up.] I think it's really late. Are you hungry?

[Did they even bring any food with them? She isn't sure.]

[ Eddie doesn't dream, but he does wake up a handful of times throughout the day. First there's panic when he remembers they're in hiding, then he tries to stay awake to listen for sounds outside for a few minutes. Each time, he's lulled back to sleep by the slow rhythm of Chrissy's breathing. She seems so peaceful like this, unafraid. Eddie hopes that means no nightmares.

It's truly surreal, holding her against him while they sleep. They barely know each other, and yet it feels like they're the only ones who know each other. No matter what happens to them, he thinks he'll always remember the strange beauty of it.

When Eddie wakes again he's lying on his back, groggy and sore. He blinks slowly, pressing a kiss to Chrissy's thumb as his eyes adjust to the dim moonlight. Well - he's got one good eye and a sliver of another. They're both going to need more painkillers soon. ]

Mm... Did we really sleep all day?

[ Her question is what really shakes him from sleep. How could he be so stupid? They can't just hide in here forever without any food. Eddie sits up a little, running his free hand through his hair. ]

Shit. I didn't bring anything. We're gonna have to cross our fingers that ol' Reefer Rick left us somethin' behind.

[ He sighs. ]

I'm really sorry, Chrissy. I wasn't thinking. Did you at least sleep okay? Was there... anything in your dreams?