Andy began to regret offering to help with serving Thanksgiving meals almost as soon as she arrived at the community center. While she had expected to work, a lot, there was no way of predicting just how sad it would make her.
She had served meals to those people before, but it hit her particularly hard on what was supposed to be a joyful holiday, spent with loved ones, in the comfort of one's own home. Seeing so many people have none of that, and most trying to somehow stay positive despite it, was heartbreaking in a way she wasn't prepared for.
Steve and Robin were pretty much the only reason why she has been able to keep her emotions at bay and just do her damn job. Had it not been for Steve's comments and Robin's reactions to them, the day would have gone a lot differently.
It was a busy day, but by the time the clock struck 5 PM, they were free to go, the Betty Crockers of Hawkins ready to take over after feeding their own families. Not wanting to spend a second too long in the sights of their judgmental eyes, Andy floored it the second they arrived; she ended up having to wait for Robin and Steve in the BMW.
"Oh come on!" Steve whined loudly as soon as he approached his car. "You know I hate it when you smoke in the car!" he complained, and if he was just standing a foot closer to her, Andy would have tried to lean through the rolled-down window and blow smoke in his face.
"And I hate it when you smoke in the house, but you do it regardless!" she yelled after him as he walked around to get in the driver's seat, while Robin was already getting in the back.
"You don't even live at home anymore!" Steve slammed the door close.
"Legally, I very much do," Andy reminded him. "Besides, the window's open, don't get your panties in a twist. It's still warm enough to drive with them down."
"Yeah, today," Steve continued, ever the drama queen. "But December is days away and if you think I'll be driving you around town with my windows rolled down, I have news-"
As he had already started the car, Andy had a fairly easy way of shutting him out; without a single word, she turned the volume almost all the way up, drowning out Steve's voice with music - one of her mixtapes, because there's no way Steve would be experimental enough to include 'You Give Love a Bad Name' on one of his. Ever the designated mixtape maker, it was Andy who was usually in charge of the music and she loved it, especially when it gave her a chance to effectively shut up her brother.
"This isn't over!" Steve warned her in a yell, but he didn't make a move to lower the volume.
"It sounds like it is!" Robin pipped up from the back, making Andy giggle and Steve glare.
Moments like these, when the two of them ganged up on Steve and teased the living shit out of him, were worth living for. The world might change, and it might get close to going to shit, but they will still be there, trying to save it and sticking with each other. Although Andy could, and likely would, end up going on a lengthy rant as to why the concept of Thanksgiving is fundamentally wrong and probably shouldn't even be celebrated in any capacity, it was impossible not to latch onto the good, more commercial effects of it. The spirit of remembering just what you're thankful for was difficult to dodge, and despite annoying Steve alongside Robin, she couldn't help but think how she wouldn't be able to cope without them.
The drive to the Hopper-Byers household was a rather long one, as they've permanently relocated to Hopper's old cabin. It's in the middle of nowhere, much like Eddie's place, but Andy knew that's the exact reason they like it. After Hopper's return was explained with some crappy lie about him being in witness protection and having to fake his own death, the man wanted as much peace as he could be given. Andy had long suspected that the only reason he got back to work as a policeman was just that he wouldn't be locked up in said cabin with three teenagers, 24/7. Other than for work or school, none of them really bothered too much with the town. Much like Eddie, they were wrong, too. Being surrounded by so many wannabe recluses even made Andy see the many benefits that lifestyle brought.
It'll happen one day. One day, she will leave Hawkins and find other woods to settle in.
The drive was long but fun, as Steve was very wound up - Andy suspected that it had to do with the evening he was about to spend with Nancy and Jonathan, together, but she didn't rub salt on that particular wound. She did, however, in a tag team with Robin, spend most of the drive teasing him about other things. He fought back, too, though not as harsh.
It lasted all the way up to the Hopper-Byers front door and only stopped once they realized that nobody would be able to hear the doorbell because of the loud music. It made all of them laugh, as they had trouble imagining Hopper playing Died in Your Arms that loud, by his own free will. That was El's doing, one thousand percent.
Without much of a choice, they went for the knob and walked in one by one. The cabin had no hallway, so they walked right into the middle of the mess - or, party, depending on who was asked. Hopper was sitting down and smoking, staring at the carpet below. Joyce was standing beside him, laughing, Nancy and Jonathan were in front of the fireplace, while Max, Lucas, Dustin, Erica and Will were lined up on a couch like sardines, watching the scene in front of them - and what a scene it was. El was trying to dance with Mike - trying being the keyword. He was smiling, very clearly pretending that he didn't want to dance, but anyone with eyes would easily be able to tell how he couldn't look away from her, beaming with love.
Or teenage hormones. Andy didn't know and was too scared to ask.
It was an odd choice for a love song, though, but Andy could see the benefits of it being a slow dance song. Definitely not a slow dance she'd want to dance in front of her Dad though - Hopper's lack of will to live was somewhat identical to what she imagined her father's reaction would be. The joys of young love were never quite understood by him.
"Come on, join us!" El yelled towards them.
"No way in hell," Steve laughed, beelining towards Joyce, probably to thank her for organizing the whole thing. Robin wasted no time in heading towards the couch where the younger teens were lined up, but Andy wanted to stay and observe Hop's misery a while longer. She still remembered that one time he caught her and Jared making out in his car and drove her back home. Although he didn't rat her out to her parents, Hop gave her a lecture, similar to the one she recently heard when he was dropping her off at Eddie's, and even the memory of it made her blush and want to dig a hole for herself to crawl in. It was nice to see him getting a taste of his own medicine, if she was being honest.
She walked over to Nancy and Jonathan, greeting them both with a pat on the back before nodding towards Hopper. "He's in hell, isn't he?" she laughed.
"I honestly think he'd rather be in the Russian prison again," Jonathan mumbled under his breath, just loud enough for Nancy and Andy to hear him.
"Jonathan!" Nancy gasped and smacked him on the head, but was smiling. "He might hear you."
"He should hear me - do you know how many times he warned me to be safe with you?"
"Um, he did the same to me," Andy pipped up. "I think he sees it as his civil cop duty shit, and not a dad one. Either way, awkward as all hell. He should suffer a little."
"Speaking of being safe," Nancy raised her eyebrows at her, before frowning in confusion. "And honestly, about suffering, too - I don't think you're gonna be too happy with this but-"
"Get to the point Nance!" Andy hissed, hating the way she went on a tangent when she obviously had something important to tell her.
"Too late, Nance," Jonathan mumbles, confusing Andy even further. She watched as Nancy's shoulders slacked and how she pouted, looking away from Andy.
The very next second, Andy knew why, because none other than Eddie fucking Munson walked into the living room. Wearing a Thin Lizzy shirt and jeans, he had his hair down and a bottle of beer in one hand. It was momentarily jarring, seeing him so unexpectedly, and in such a random setting - he was just in their kitchen, doing god knows what.
Eddie noticed their arrival immediately, and seconds later, they made eye contact. Despite her shock, Andy managed to muster a smile. He returned it, only to look away the very next moment. For that, Andy was glad, because it gave her a chance to panic.
"What the hell?!" she hissed at Nancy, and Jonathan too, by extension.
"I didn't invite him," Nancy immediately pipped up. Andy knew that from the get-go. There was no way Nancy would corner her like this, but someone did, whether or not they were aware of it or not. "He was already here when I showed up with your pies. I think Dustin invited him or something. Joyce and Hop knew he was coming."
"I had no clue," Jonathan reassured her before she even had a chance to ask. "Not even sure why we should be panicking. Or why he shouldn't be here."
"It's a long story, and I don't wanna share it sober and with Hopper here watching us like a hawk, there's no way I'll get my hands onto anything. How the hell can he drink?!"
"He is 21," Nancy reminded her, not needing an explanation as to who Andy was referring to. "I tried to warn you."
"Not fast enough," she managed to reply before Joyce approached them, going in for a hug. "Hey, Joyce! Happy Thanksgiving. Thanks for inviting us!" Andy let the hug swallow her while looking over Joyce's shoulder to see Steve and Eddie chatting casually. The two have become best buddies since working together, and Andy wondered if Steve was behind Eddie's invite. It would explain why he wasn't fighting back when she was jabbing him on the ride there, but Steve has his boundaries - he wouldn't corner her like this, no more than Nancy would. It was likely Dustin, just like the older Wheeler had suggested.
"Of course you'll get an invite, sweetheart," Joyce cooed at her. That woman turned motherly at the very sight of any of Jonathan or Will's friends. It didn't matter that Andy was fairly taller than her and old enough to live alone - to Joyce, she was just another kid to take care of. "Come on, let me get you guys food before El drags you to the impromptu dancefloor."
"Oh, there will be no dancing for me," Andy awkwardly laughed as she let Joyce drag her to the kitchen. They passed Eddie and Steve, but no one said a word, and by the time they were in the kitchen, Robin and Steve were on their tail. Exchanging looks, but no words as Joyce could clearly hear them, the three realized pretty quickly that no one had a fucking clue that Eddie would be there. Luckily for Andy, Joyce was more than ready to keep them all occupied, as she loaded up turkey and way too many side dishes onto their plates.
From where Andy sat, she had Eddie in her line of sight, which meant that she made it a point to look down at the table as much as she possibly could. It wasn't difficult, with Joyce sitting with them and offering them mashed potatoes, or sweet mashed potatoes if that's what they preferred, only to remember that she had also made some cranberry sauce that would go just well with everything. Steve and Robin were the ones doing most of the talking, as Andy was riding the small wave of panic.
She needed to get her shit together - and she would, she knew that. But the main problem was, why the hell wasn't she keeping her shit together in the first place? Why, why the hell, had something as simple as Eddie being there, caused such a reaction? Surprised or not, she shouldn't have gone into a state of mild panic.
Andy didn't take into consideration that the conversation she shared with Nancy not that long ago would be in the forefront of her brain the next time she saw Eddie. At the time, letting it all out seemed like a good idea and it sure as hell wasn't. There will be so much to unpack - all the hows and whys, and how to fix them. But she couldn't do it then, not when everyone was around. All that she could do at that point is to focus on being chill, relaxed, and a champion in pretending that nothing's gone amiss.
"You guys work too much," Joyce looked around the table; Andy's mind was away for the start of the conversation, but it was easy to catch the drift. Like just about anyone, Joyce was worried about them. "I understand the thought behind it, I really do, but your life can't just be getting Hawkins back in order."
"God forbid Hawkins ever becoming the main point of our lives," Andy mumbled; the look Steve had given her told her that it's better to shut up or simply stuff her mouth with mash.
"Oh come on Andrea, you know what I mean," Joyce leaned over in her chair to nudge Andy with her elbow. "You guys need to live a little! Have fun - when's the last time you did something just for fun?"
Not that long ago, when she got high with Eddie, but she couldn't say that, could she?
"Mrs. Byers, you're right - but you also worry too much," Steve spoke to her gently, in the charming way only he could. He had all the charisma that Andy lacked - Steve could talk his way through any kind of bullshit. And parents adored him. Andy realized, ironically, that the only parents he wasn't able to charm were their own. "We've got plenty of time to have fun, we have movie nights once a week, at least."
Movie nights spiked with beer and weed, but again, he couldn't say that, could he?
"And also, it's not as boring as it might seem," Robin pipped up, remembering a second too late that her mouth is full; they all chuckled as she paused to chew. "We're all together so much, and that's always fun. Especially when Andy and I get to annoy Steve."
"You don't need special occasions to do that, don't you?" Steve looked at her with the most beaming, dishonest smile Andy had ever seen him muster. "You were so charming on the way here, I nearly left the car in the middle of the road and walked here."
"See Joyce? We're doing a-okay," Andy laughed. Joyce joined in, but the worry on the woman's face was very much still there. It was just one of those things - no matter what any of them say or do, she will worry. Like a momma bear with her cubs, Joyce's instincts will keep on taking over. It'd be stupid of Andy to complain, and Steve too, for that matter, seeing as their own mother simply couldn't care less. "How did the pies go?" Andy asked, both to change the subject and because she was genuinely curious.
"Oh, they are so good," Joyce sounded both happy and relieved. Once they started talking about food, it was easy to follow it, as the table in front of them was crowded with so many delicious dishes. They need to do these potlucks more often, Andy decided, promising to herself that the next time they have one, she would also do the actual baking.
The living room gang was getting louder by the second, and when Andy dared to look over Robin's shoulder, she could see why - the kids were playing cards and they were out for blood. She could see Eddie sitting on the floor with them, and it was so easy to tell that he hasn't been around them when playing cards before. Mayfield? She would bite if needed. It could be one of, if not the, reasons why Dustin had joined them in the kitchen, a look of pure panic written on his face as he sat down between Andy and Steve.
"Kid, you okay?" Andy asked, unable to ignore how pale he had gotten.
"Max is losing," he told her in a hushed tone. "I don't think it'll end well."
"Does Munson know what he's in for?" Andy wondered, also keeping her voice a whisper.
"Nope."
"It was nice knowing him," Andy joked, smiling at the snickering kid next to her. Quickly, she gave a glance around the table - Steve had his mouth full and was completely focused on the plate in front of him, while Robin and Joyce were in the middle of a conversation. She won't get a better chance than this. "It was nice of you to invite him," she commented, making a point of reaching for more turkey to seem busy.
"It wasn't me, but it sure is nice to have him around," Dustin replied and Andy almost dropped the fork she held in her hand. "He seems to be having fun and everyone likes having him around, I think."
There was no suspicion in his words, and he turned to Steve a second later, asking him something about cars that Andy couldn't even understand. And she was left to ponder who the fuck was behind Eddie's presence if it wasn't Dustin. There wasn't anyone else she could suspect, and she had already asked too many people. It didn't matter at that point - he was there, it won't change, and if someone else suspected her? No use crying over spilled milk. No harm, no foul and if she continues to play it off, she should be good.
The noise from the living room was only growing louder, and one by one, they finished their food and went to join in on the fun. Andy was the last one left, and feeling bad for all the cooking Joyce had to do, combined with all the dishes she will probably have to wash, she started clearing up the table. Joyce would likely tackle her to the ground and make her stop, but she was too preoccupied trying to stop a fight between Max and Mike, judging from the sounds that were reaching the kitchen.
"You need any help?"
She was not as startled as she should have been, but at that point, she had already gotten used to being scared by his sudden entrances. Of course it was him; of course he was there.
"Not really, but you can always dry the dishes if you wanna help out," she managed a smile over her shoulder. Andy didn't want him to think she didn't want him around, but she also wanted to give him an out if he was suggesting help only to be polite.
It seemed that no matter what she thought or wanted to do, she somehow always ended up throwing the ball over to his side of the court. Tell him she brought him food sometimes? No, he'll figure it out when he does. Suggest spending time with him? Sure, but only once he offers, first. All of their recent communication was based solely on her having an idea and hoping he would take a hint.
"Well yeah, it looks like there will be blood in there, so I'll gladly dry the dishes," he sounded amused but also quite concerned at the very same time.
"Oh, there will be blood," Andy laughed, the laughter dying down a bit when he took his spot right next to her. Where he found a clean rag to dry them off, she couldn't tell, as she stared down at the soapy water filling the sink with a purpose; she would have stared at the Sun itself if it had meant avoiding eye contact. "They always get like that whenever we gather - the more people there are, the messier it gets. Joyce and Hop must have had a death wish when they decided this get-together was a good idea," she joked.
"It is crazy, I'll give you that," he chuckled. "Way too many people for one house."
"I'm glad you could join, though," she admitted, deciding that saying it wouldn't be saying too much. "If you keep on showing up when they hurdle us up like this, you'll see that it can be very fun, too. Once all the bloodshed stop, that is."
"Honestly, I didn't think it would be a good idea," he confessed, and from the corner of her eye, she could see him shaking his head. "I thought it was the worst idea ever. But I'm glad I'm here. It's crazy but… fun? I guess? So far?" he added in confusion.
Well, at that point, she was as inconspicuous as possible. "Did Max invite you?" she named the next most likely suspect in her brain, hoping he wouldn't call her out.
"Nah, it was Hopper," he answered and the plate in Andy's hand slipped; she managed to catch it before it could fall into the sink, spraying them both with water. "Easy there Harrington, let's try not to break their fine china," Eddie joked.
"I'm so fucking clumsy," she sighed, annoyed at herself. "Anyway, I hope you know a bunch of people are happy that you've joined us."
For a moment there, she wondered if he'd ask if she was one of them. She looked up, wondering if her mind was playing tricks on her or if she really did see him open his mouth to speak, only to close it again. That one move, no matter what he bit his tongue for, was such an accurate representation of what she felt now, around him - wanting to say shit she thinks shouldn't be said. They're both acting like emotionally constipated children.
"Oh no!" Joyce's voice somehow managed to boom over the noise from the living room - they were caught red-handed. "No, no, no, no, get away from the sink and go have some fun!" she insisted, rushing over to squeeze between them and turn off the tap. "Go, let me take care of this. It's time to have fun with friends!"
They tried to convince her that helping out was no big deal, but she wasn't having it. They gave up, letting her literally push them out of the kitchen and into the living room, where both Max and Mike were sulking; the other kids were playing cards, the older teens were sitting close to the fire and Hop was where Andy last saw him; sitting alone on the couch. At least he was no longer sulking. And while Eddie went to continue his conversation with Steve, Andy found herself wanting to stay back, and she took a seat next to Hop.
"You having fun, kid?" he asked, offering what she could only describe as a fatherly smile.
"Yeah, it's always nice when we get together. It's also loud, too," she added, chuckling when he huffed at her comment. Living with three kids must have been a massive change for him, but having half the Hawkin's High in the living room was an upgrade. "Thanks for inviting him, by the way. It's nice to see him being included."
Of course, Hopper knew who she was talking about; it would have been a hard miss. "I figured you had a point about him being a part of all this. He might have joined later, but he's one of us. Not a fun group to be a part of though, is it?" he joked.
"I mean, it is now," Andy rolled her eyes. "I wouldn't say it was fun earlier this year."
"Or the handful of years before," Hopper added. "I'll spare you from listening to another version of the talk we already had, but I invited that kid here 'cause of you," he reminded her. As much as she didn't want to listen to this, even if he is not making it into another lecture, she couldn't have it in her to be pissed at him for meddling in things that really weren't any of his business. "Just be careful and be smart. That's all I have the right to ask of you."
Did he? After all the shit they've been through, Andy supposed that he did. "I'm always both, Chief. Wouldn't be here if I was anything less."
She didn't know if he agreed or not, but she did know that when he put his hand on her shoulder and squeezed, he was showing her what he couldn't quite with words. He, and Joyce too, for that matter, cared. Everyone in this room cared. And at that point, they had to have realized that they'll only ever have each other.
Andy didn't have it in her cards that she'd be brought to tears, but she got pretty darn close to it. That one simple gesture from Hop caught her completely off guard. Before she could actually have a chance to start crying out of nowhere, in front of everybody, she smiled at him and got up to join the kids in their game. Even bloodshed is better than tears.
They were at it for hours. Games, charades, music, and laughter - all of it, in overload. The only thing missing was a big mug of mulled wine in her hand, but she wasn't going to push her luck and risk underage drinking in front of the Chief of Police. Scattered around in smaller groups, the older girls ended up with Max, Erica and El, with Nancy teaching all of them how to master the usage of the permanently popular makeup trend - blue eyeshadow. Andy and Robin would pipe in with a few tips here and there, but Nance was the one leading the show, while Erica, Max and El were holding onto her every word, with El going as far as to take notes in a little purple notebook.
"Ladies, sorry to interrupt," Eddie approached them, his presence silencing Nancy. "Just wanted to be a perfect gentleman and say goodbye before leaving."
A chorus of goodbyes filled the air, and Andy smiled at the sight of them all smiling up at him from where they were gathered in a small circle on the floor. They have all warmed up to him, and vice versa. She joined them - in both goodbyes and smiles.
"Andy, could I steal you for a sec?"
If he was trying to be subtle, he shouldn't have asked her in front of five women. He kept his voice low, but he didn't whisper in her ear or anything secretive like that. Still, all five of them caught it, and it would have been impossible not to when Andy stood up and followed Eddie outside, confused but actively ignoring the speed her heart was beating at.
It was insanity. She was acting like a stupid teenager she had stopped being years ago.
"Sorry about that," Eddie grimaced the second she closed the front door behind them; he looked guiltily around them as she tightened her cardigan around her - it was 9 PM and late November Hawkins weather wasn't kind at night. "I couldn't find a better moment and just…"
"No, no, it's okay," she reassured him, giving him her best smile. She hated the sight of him being overwhelmed by nerves, as much as she felt the same. "What's up, though? Is everything okay?" she asked, her ugly habit of expecting the very worst, every damn time, bubbling up to the surface.
"Oh yeah, it's all cool, I didn't mean to worry you," he rushed the words out. "It's just that, the last time we hung out, I made a stupid joke and it's been annoying me ever since-"
"What joke are you talking about?"
"When I said that you can bring the weed and pastry," he explained, and it took her a moment or two to even remember the comment. "I was totally joking and I know you said that you got it, but we kind of didn't hang out since and I just thought… I don't know."
He looked properly dejected, like a kicked puppy with those huge eyes of his. It, somehow, simultaneously broke and melted her heart. "Eddie, I knew you were joking."
"I just wanted to make sure," he insisted and Andy nodded, recognizing that he wasn't about to drop this with ease. "We don't need that as an excuse to hang out. I actually think I'd really like it if we hang out without having weed or food as an excuse, 's all."
Oh was the only reaction Andy had in her, at the very roundabout way of him saying that he wouldn't really mind spending more time with her. It was… a nice surprise.
"I'd love that," she admitted, allowing a nervous chuckle to escape her as she too, found the ground below her incredibly interesting. "I saw it as a joke, though, so you don't have to worry about that. I would have stopped by but I was insanely busy with the library and I figured that you were working a lot too, with Steve and all…"
"I did. I am," he corrected himself with a laugh. "But I'd still make time, if you can."
"Sure I can. Consider it done, Munson," she announced, and before she could stop herself, she pointed two finger guns at him and immediately proceeded to regret her entire existence. He laughed, though, so she figured it wasn't that bad. "Happy Thanksgiving."
"Happy Thanksgiving Andy," he replied. "See you soon."
He did that thing again - opening and closing his mouth as if he wants to say something but stopping himself at the very last second. Unlike the last time, Andy didn't have the excuse of being distracted by the dishes; she could see his indecisiveness and he knew it, too.
She was about to let him out of his misery and ask something, or maybe even return to the house, when he took one step towards her. He immediately leaned back, as if his body was doing the same thing his mouth did just moments ago: stopping him at the very last second.
Andy couldn't even react in any shape or form when he decided to go through with it, and before she knew it, he was close. Close, as in very clearly invading her personal bubble. Close, as in she would have blushed if she had the time to do so. But before she could even register what was happening, he planted a quick kiss on her cheek. He was a solid foot away from her before she could even blink.
"Yeah. See you soon. Yeah," he was mumbling under his breath as he started walking away; Andy couldn't stop a laugh and when he heard it, Eddie turned in place. Maybe he was expecting her to be laughing at him? She didn't know, but she hoped that he wouldn't expect that from her. When he saw her smiling, a smile that made her cheeks hurt, he returned it.
Fuck, she could feel it. The physical reaction her body put her through because of something as simple as a smile was sign enough, and if she bothered to deny it still, the reaction she had then would blow her cover completely. But she admitted it already and was facing it head-on; she liked him. As simple as that. Andy was, without a doubt, into Eddie Munson.
Luckily for her and her sanity, Eddie didn't say anything at all; he just gave her a quick wave before getting into his van. How she missed it while driving up here, Andy had no clue, but she was glad her freakout hadn't started even before she got into the cabin.
Smiling like a fool, Andy took a few deep breaths once he drove off and before she got back into the cabin. Deciding she couldn't be calmer than she already was, she opened the door and went to join the girls. All five of whom were looking at her with knowing smiles.
Fuck. Andy belatedly realized that they were sitting by the window. And there was no doubt in her mind that at least one, if not all of them, had a peak at what happened outside.
"I don't want to hear it," she warned them as she marched towards them, plopping down into the same spot she was sitting in when Eddie pulled her away. Robin and Nancy both had cynical, we-knew-it smiles on their faces, Erica was not-so-subtly pretending to be gagging, Max was trying really hard not to burst into giggles and El was beaming. "I don't want to hear it!" she repeated, both in anger and desperation.
They exploded into a fit of giggles. It was too late, and Andy indeed had to hear it.