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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[ 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?

[He's so hard on himself, she realizes. Eddie has turned his life upside down to protect and take care of her, and he's criticizing himself because he hadn't grabbed something when they were in a rush. Her expression softens a little, thumb pressing against his lips a little more firmly. It's time for him to stop stressing out over little things right now.]

I didn't have any dreams at all. I felt safe, with you being that close.

[She pauses, her thumb slipping away so she can lean in to kiss him instead. They have to be more careful now, because she's pretty sure he has to be sore.]

And don't worry about food, okay? I'm used to being hungry. I'm more worried about you.

[Which is why she very reluctantly pulls herself off of him, stretching her arms up above her head. Somewhere in the middle of their sleeping, his way too big shirt has half fallen off of her. One shoulder is bare, the black fabric hanging down low on her arm. Chrissy doesn't move to pull it up, instead standing and shuffling her way along through Reefer Rick's place.

There's all kinds of cabinets and things for her to look through to try and find something.]

[ Eddie lets out a sigh of relief. At least there's that. Ever since they left the hospital he's been scared that he's not enough to keep her safe, and while he's still not convinced that'll last, at least she slept. A good, long, peaceful sleep.

He smiles into the kiss, but it doesn't last. Seeing her almost falling out of his t-shirt is one hell of a distraction, and he's gonna have to get a better look at her in the light - but surprisingly, that's not the main thing on his mind as he stands to follow her into the next room. ]

Uh - no no no. I don't care if you're used to being hungry, you have to eat something. We've been out here for a long time and you're gonna need energy to heal up.

[ People at school would gossip about Chrissy from time to time - about how rarely she ate lunch, or how shaky she was sometimes. It wasn't his business. So what if a cheerleader didn't want to eat? Sounded about par for the course to him at the time.

Knowing what he knows now - even just from the remarks Chrissy's made here and there about her mother - it's a little different. He sighs, leaning against the doorway to the small kitchen. ]

We'll find something to eat and then after I'll roll you that joint I promised you. Sound like a deal?

[Chrissy knows better than to take up space in a conversation about what she can or can't eat. She's been conditioned to shrink back and relent, whether it's her mom yelling at her to not eat something or Jason practically forcing fries down her throat because he wants to look like a cute couple sharing something together. When Eddie speaks up, she glances back over at him with wide eyes. And she gives a quick nod, though her unease melts away as he makes his deal with her.]

I'm holding you to that, [She lightly teases, glad that there's not an argument looming over them. The kitchen is too tiny for any anger or tension, and she finds herself humming Duran Duran as she crouches down to peek in the low cabinets. It's while she's enjoying her rendition of Hungry Like the Wolf that she spots something that makes her gasp out in surprise.]

Eddie, look!

[She pulls out a can of Spaghettios. Obviously it's not ideal, but it's something. And right now, she thinks he needs any little tiny sliver of hope he can hold onto. She's smiling in satisfaction as she tosses it over to him.]

There's a couple more cans. I think we'll be okay for a day or two.

Oh trust me, I need it just as much as you do. It'll happen.

[ It's taking a lot of restraint to find food first and smoke later. Eddie's opening through the higher cupboards, most of which only contain glassware and dishes. Still, it's not all bad. After all, Chrissy's humming to herself and as it turns out he's apparently okay with any song he doesn't like if it's coming from her. Sheesh. He's got it bad for her, huh?

She calls to him and Eddie snaps out of his trance. He's never been so happy to see a can of Spaghettios in his entire life and he's not even stoned yet. ]

Perfect. That's perfect. Here, uh... Lemme see if there's a can opener.

[ Eddie has to open a few drawers before he finally finds one, but then it's easy enough to put about half the can in a bowl for her. The other half he'll just eat out of the can. He finds the cutlery drawer and pulls out a couple of spoons, and voila. Dinner is served. ]

Well... Bon appetit. Maybe someday I can take you on a better dinner date.

[She's pretty sure the last time she was allowed to have anything like this, she was five. Actually, she can still kind of remember the way it tastes, just from the smell of it alone. He's given her a lot, far more than she'd allow herself to have. And she almost tells him to pass over the can so she can add more to his share. But she thinks that won't go over well with him.

So she smiles and takes the spoon from him, before leading the way back over to the bed so they can sit and eat comfortably. She takes small bites and cautious swallows, only managing to eat about half of what he's given her in the end. What's left is passed over to him, with a pathetic look on her face that says she doesn't want to eat anymore.]

You know, this is kind of like a dinner date.

[She breaks the silence and points out what may not be obvious to him. Chrissy doesn't need expensive meals or a night out on the town to make a moment feel special. All she really ever wants is to know the person with her cares about her. And Eddie wouldn't be here with her if he didn't care at least a little.]

You even made me dinner.

[Okay, he may not count opening a can of spaghettios and eating them cold as making dinner. But it's close enough that it counts. And she chooses to be optimistic about this whole thing. Now that the immediate concern of being discovered and Eddie being taken away feels less likely thanks to rest and the fact that it's quiet here at Rick's, Chrissy can relax enough to be hopeful.]

Well - the bad news is I can't cook, so this is about as good as it gets. But the good news is our second date can't possibly be worse.

[ Half a can of cold Spaghettios isn't a meal, but they need to make it last, so they have to be careful with how quickly they go through their little stash. Chrissy, however, doesn't even want to eat that much. Eddie could eat the whole thing and then some, and she seems keen to give it away - but he doesn't want to take it.

He shakes his head, nudges her leg with his knee. ]

Just leave it - you'll probably want more after you've smoked. Trust me.

[ Eddie scrapes the last of his share from the empty can and sets it and Chrissy's bowl aside, then gets up to grab the lunchbox he keeps his weed in so he can fulfill his promise to her. He sits cross-legged on the floor and lays everything out, cracking his knuckles before he gets to work. ]

You said you've never smoked before, right? Full disclosure - your lungs are not gonna be happy with you. You'll forget all about that part once it really hits, though.

[ He may or may not be trying to show off his joint-rolling skills, though he's not sure Chrissy has much point of comparison. ]

You, uh... Wanna pick a tape out and we can listen to it while we smoke?

[ Should they be making a lot of noise or drawing attention to the house? No. But nobody all the way out here's gonna hear a little Iron Maiden on Rick's shitty tape deck. ]

[She starts off by laying on her stomach in the bed, propping her elbows up on the bed and her chin in her hands. Her legs curl upward, kicking lightly as she watches him work. But he suggests her picking out a tape, and she finds herself surprisingly eager to do that. It's with a nod that she rolls over and slides out of bed, his shirt once again slipping down of her shoulders in the process.

His tapes are in his duffel, and she goes right to it to rifle through what's inside. Her fingers curl around a particular cassette, one that matches the shirt she's wearing. Iron Maiden is carefully put into the tape deck she finds, and she makes sure to rewind before pressing play. She makes a soft gasp as music that's definitely not the kind she normally listens to plays, and she finds herself tapping her feet to the beat. Which of course turns to her hips moving, until she winds up bobbing her head and dancing her way over to join him.

She sits on the floor, curling her legs in close to her chest. Her feet still tap and move in time to the music, but as she curls in around herself, chin resting on her knees, she watches him roll the joints with rapt attention. It doesn't take much for Eddie to impress her. She's so taken by him that anything he does is amazing to her.

But there's something about watching him use his fingers and hands right now that puts a flush on her cheeks and a smile on her face. Despite the broken arm and the fact she's in a shirt that's way too big on her, she actually looks content.]

How long have you been doing this?

[Rolling joints, she means. But she guesses he might take it to mean smoking or selling. She wouldn't mind hearing the answer to all of them.]

[ Admittedly, Eddie finds it very difficult to focus when Chrissy's around, especially in that stupid oversized shirt. The thing's been sitting in a drawer for months because he kept forgetting about it, and he's never been so thankful to have forgotten anything. It's perfect on her - the complete antithesis of what she'd normally wear, but she looks so relaxed and comfortable. And just because she's short doesn't mean her legs aren't incredible.

He smiles to himself and returns to his work until he hears the opening riffs to Invaders start to play through the speakers of the tape deck. Almost immediately, he starts to nod his head in time to the beat, looking up to watch Chrissy bounce and dance until she's back by his side. It's like every minute she needs to outdo herself and melt his heart just a little more. ]

Mm... Since I was fourteen or so? Started smoking a lot more when I started selling, n' that's been about two or three years.

[ Eddie lifts the joint so he can lick the edge of the rolling paper, glancing over at her for just a moment before focusing on the joint once more. Maybe he's trying to put ideas in her head, maybe he isn't. He seals it and pulls a pen out from the lunchbox to pack the end of it down a little, then holds it out in his hand with a flourish. ]

Ta da. Now if you're gonna take it with you somewhere, that's when you twist off the end, but we're stayin' put. You're not gonna have the same tolerance as me, so... We should probably start slow.

[ A small smile curls over his lips again. ]

Or I can shotgun it to you. Might be a little less harsh.

[Chrissy's never smoked before. She's generally pretty naive when it comes to anything related to drugs, apart from the fact that you can get high off of them and they can be expensive. So she watches Eddie with such great fascination, like it's a secret to something important. She guesses that because it's a part of what he likes and does, it is important to her. But oh, she catches his eye when he presses his tongue against the joint. And she blushes deeply, even as she has a smitten smile on her face.

There's a soft laugh as she lifts her head to meekly take the joint from his hand, so she can carefully look it over. It's really an artform, she thinks, to be able to roll something this well. The thought of actually smoking it is exciting to her, but she's afraid of coughing or making herself look like an idiot. It's while he's suggesting something she hasn't heard of before that she's in the middle of sniffing the joint, the smell both bitter and intriguing. She pauses in what she's doing, looking back up at him.

Whatever he's suggesting doesn't really matter to her. She wants to try it just because he's coming up with the idea. Chrissy hands the joint back over to him, nodding eagerly.]

Let's try it that way, then.

[She makes sure to say it like she knows what she's talking about. The last thing she wants is to look like the sheltered and naive girl she knows she is. Her innocence is something that Jason always valued about her. Chrissy is done staying sweet for the sake of the people around her. It's time to start living.]

Just...you'll tell me what to do, right?

[ Chrissy's looking at the joint like she's never seen one before in her life, and that very may well be true. It's not like he doesn't sell to the popular kids, far from it, but she's different - clearly sheltered by her overbearing mom and her psycho boyfriend, wide-eyed and excited. Eddie can't help but chuckle as she gives it a sniff, watching her expression.

He does feel a little bad. Corruption of the innocent, all that stuff - he'd hate to make her into a burnout like him, on his third shot at graduation because he doesn't give enough of a shit anymore. But she's also blushing and smiling at him and this whole thing started with her wanting to buy drugs off him, didn't it? At least she won't be alone during her first time.

Placing the joint between his lips, Eddie flicks open his lighter and offers her another smile. ]

Of course. It's easy. When I lean in, open your mouth and breathe in. Okay?

[ With a flick of his thumb, a flame comes to life, and Eddie leans in to light the end of the joint. The pungent smell only gets stronger, but he's more than used to it. He takes a deep pull from it then leans back to blow the smoke toward the ceiling, coughing a little.

Then, he takes another hit, only this time he leans forward to bring his lips to Chrissy's, gently exhaling smoke into her mouth.

This'll either be the hottest thing he's ever done or a complete and utter disaster. Fingers crossed. ]

[This is the most erotic thing she's ever gotten to be a part of. Chrissy's absolutely taken with the way his lips feel in close to hers, the contact not kissing but close enough that she's instantly left reeling. The way he takes such great care to exhale smoke into her mouth makes her weak in the knees. She has to reach out to gently grab hold of his arm with her good hand to steady herself.

Her lips are parted as he exhales, and she takes in the smoke he so sweetly offers her. Chrissy breathes it in, eyes fluttering closed as she basks in the feeling of it slowly becoming one with her. It's definitely not what she expected it to feel like, and by some miracle, she manages not to cough. There's not a burning sensation in her lungs though, as much as there is a general pleasant warmth and a weight that tells her she's breathed in something good.

As she slowly exhales, they share the same breath, smoke mingling between them. her eyes open, looking up at him. And though there's the temptation to smile, Chrissy calmly meets his eyes. She looks completely serene, even as she closes the minimal distance between them with a slow and tender kiss.]

Wow. [She breathes out the word as the kiss ends, her lips brushing against his as she speaks. That wow is for both the whole concept of shotgunning, as well as how good that kiss was.]

Can we do that again? Please?

[ Y'know what? Eddie isn't going to feel bad about doing this. Not when Chrissy's leaning into him so sweetly, taking hold of his arm. They've been through so much together, this is the least they deserve. A small piece of rest and relaxation while they can get it.

He's also wanted to kiss her again and again since she first initiated one before they went to sleep - which also just goes to show just how exhausted they'd both been. Even though he's pretty sure making out with her would be a stupid idea right now, considering how fucking busted his face is, when their eyes meet it's all he wants in the world. Chrissy closes the short gap between them to kiss him properly and Eddie can't help but smile against her mouth, just as sweet a rush as any drug on the market. ]

Yeah, wow. [ No sarcasm, for once. Not a shred. ] We abso-fuckin'-lutely can.

[ So Eddie takes another hit off the joint, a bigger one this time. This time when he exhales, the hand not holding it rests on her knee, circling it with his thumb. When he finally pulls away, he grins, his high already starting to hit - so hers must be intense. ]

How you feelin'? Metal?

[There's a soft cough as he pulls away, her eyes opening to look up at him once again. There's a glassy, almost distant look there. Something that's at peace and content with the world. Absolutely nothing else matters to her right now, except for his hand against her knee and the fact that he's close to her.]

The most metal, babe.

[She doesn't even realize that she's called him babe, the little pet name just slipping out of her as she speaks in a breathy, dreamy voice. Drugs apparently do Chrissy Cunningham some good, because she looks completely relaxed. It's the first time in years she doesn't feel any stress at all.]

I want to kiss you again too.

[Apparently high Chrissy is honest Chrissy, because she doesn't even blush as she calmly informs him that she wants to kiss him. She's leaning in to close the distance between them, the tip of her nose brushing softly against his. A hand goes up to the back of his head, guiding their foreheads to press together.]

Is that okay?

[ Babe?

Eddie's no blushing virgin, far from it, but the more soft and romantic stuff is far from his area of expertise. Girls in Hawkins don't like him, boys in Hawkins don't like boys, and Eddie figures he's going to get out of this dump as soon as he can anyway, so what's the point of getting tied down?

Chrissy, though. She's something else. And he's not even convinced they can make it out of this town alive, yet, so it feels pointless to worry about things like commitment. Right?

All he knows is the pet name makes his stomach flutter, grinning back at her with his face flushed. ]

Well - you really are the most metal babe I've ever met. So.

[ It's a relief to see her calm, almost as calm as she'd been while she was asleep. In his eyes, that's a huge win.

And she wants to kiss him more. How could he possibly say no to that? He gently nudges her nose with his, ignoring his sore face as much as he can. ]

Oh - way more than okay. You... You can kiss me as much as you want.

[ Eddie sighs as Chrissy's hand rests in his hair, leaning in to kiss her - still chaste, at first. His hand crawls up from her knee to rest on her thigh, giving her leg a squeeze. ]

You want more? [ He coughs. ] Weed, I mean.

[He's hurt, and it registers with her that kissing might be painful for him. So she probably shouldn't chase his lips for another kiss, but she does. She pulls him into another series of drawn out kisses as her fingers tangle in his hair, giving a little tug every now and then to tip his head exactly how she needs him to.

But he has asked her something, and it would be rude not to answer. So she eventually breaks away, softly panting as her chest rapidly rises and falls. Her eyes are half-lidded as she looks to him, smiling as her hand slips free from his hair to move around to press lightly against his cheek instead. Her other hand goes up, brushing dark curls out of his face. Chrissy's struck in that moment just how pretty he is.

He's attractive, she knows that. Of course she thinks he's handsome. Or hot, whatever words you'd usually use for a guy. But he's pretty too, even with a bruised and busted face.]

Nah.

[Her answer is soft, voice still a little high breathy.]

I just want you.

[Her hands slip down from his face, one going to press over his hand that's on her thigh. She guides his touch a little higher upward, causing the fabric of his shirt that she's wearing to bunch as she presses his fingers up beneath it. It's essentially the most forward she's ever been, but she's completely relaxed while she's doing it. There's no shame, no worry that she's going to embarrass herself with him.]

[ Eddie can't help the quiet groans that escape him whenever Chrissy tugs at his hair, guiding him exactly where she wants him. A definite perk of growing his hair long, though he never expected it from her.

She pulls back and Eddie's struck by how comfortable and confident she looks as she strokes his cheek, his hair. It's foolish, but in this moment he's positive he'd do anything she asked. She's stunning, even moreso while wearing his shirt and sharing a joint with him. If this were under any other circumstances, he's pretty sure this is the best possible way they could spend their time together. And even given the circumstances, this is far, far better than he expected today to go.

A shiver goes down his spine when she speaks, her voice soft as she urges his hand up her bare thigh. His breath hitches in his throat, completely entranced by her.

He gets it. Weed can make him ridiculously horny sometimes, and maybe that's the effect she gets, too. That doesn't necessarily make it a good idea. But... God, he wants her too. So badly it aches. ]

Hey, Chrissy? You're sure about this, right?

[ His thumb traces a circle against her thigh, her skin so soft it gives him goosebumps. The joint has been abandoned at the edge of an ashtray, the flame slowly burning out. ]

What I mean is - we've been through some shit. And - if this is the stress and the painkillers and the weed talking, I don't wanna... I don't know, take advantage of that.

[ God, Munson, you're such a fucking buzzkill, he thinks to himself. Way to sound like you're rejecting her. ]

I - really fucking want you. I wanna make you feel good. I just don't want you to do anything you'd regret. So - tell me, if you change your mind. Okay?

[ With that, Eddie cups her face with his hand, pulling her into another kiss. His fingertips tease the bottom hem of the boxers she'd borrowed from him, and he has to shift his hips as he feels himself throb. ]

Fuck, Chrissy...