AN: Just a general warning, sexual content is present in this chapter.
Make sure to let me know what you think and to check out my new story, Cruel Summer 3
"Shut up, don't make me laugh!" Andy giggled through her words, trying to escape the ticklish feeling of Eddie's kisses on her neck. The moment he realized that she was ticklish, it was as good as Andy signing her death sentence. He took full advantage of that, kissing her and laughing while doing so, while Andy struggled like hell to unlock her apartment.
"We're not in a rush though, are we?" he joked, taking the opportunity to nip on her neck.
"I don't know about you, but I am in a rush," Andy replied, only half-joking. They had all the time in the world, the time she very much intended to enjoy, but now that they were there, just seconds away from the privacy of her place and even more specifically, of her bedroom, the last thing she wanted to do was wait.
For the past few months, ever since she started approaching Eddie, she never thought it would ever lead to this. At first, in secret, she was trying to be a friend. Then, in open, she was just trying to be his friend. By the time she had realized that she wanted something more, she was too busy worrying about him not wanting to same. And by the time she had finally realized that her feelings were returned, she was too shocked to even ponder them ever doing anything other than kissing. Not even that - simple pecking was as far as her mind went. But when he pressed her against that pole under the bleachers, Andy knew that she was jumping in head first and that as long as he was on board, she isn't planning on stopping anytime soon. That made her both nervous and very impatient.
Finally, despite Eddie's distractions, she managed to open the door, and as soon as they are over the threshold, she slams it shut, locking it. Eddie doesn't give her a chance to do much else, resuming his attack on her neck while she tried to navigate both of them through the dark hallway, all the while trying to feel up the wall in search of a light switch. They get to the door of her bedroom before she finds one, but as soon as they are through that door, she reluctantly steps away from him. Eddie complained, complaints that Andy ignored. That time, she did find the switch, only to sigh in relief when she realized that her room wasn't nearly as messy as she imagined it to be.
Andy made a point of not looking at Eddie as she finally got rid of her heels, as she didn't want him to distract her. She saw how hot and messy he was after a brief makeout under the bleachers - she knew her heart wouldn't handle the sight of him then, after much more kissing and even more groping. Not until her feet were firmly on the ground did she dare to look at him.
She cursed. Somehow, by some miracle or magic power, he looked even hotter. His hair was comically messy but his lips were red and wet, proof of her earlier attacks. And his eyes - good god, his eyes made her want to die then and there. Wider and shinier than usual, they held entire galaxies in them, even in the simple, dimmed light of her bedroom. The fact that he had them glued to her, looking over her, over and over again, focusing on a new part of her body whenever he did so, didn't help at all. He was devouring her with his eyes just as much as she was doing the same to him. They were both moments away from exploding.
"Get over here."
Eddie could only utter that, and even those words were a struggle.
Andy all but ran towards him, the two toppling over and onto her bed. He turned them around so that he was above her, not giving her a chance to say a single word before he was kissing her again.
His kisses were pure and utter magic, the perfect blend of gentle but passionate, in a way that showed her just how much he wanted her, with every bite, lick, and kiss he gave her. It was news to Andy, to know just how much so little could awaken in her. No matter what he gave her, she wanted more, and she didn't hesitate to ask.
By the time she helped him take off his shirt, barely parting their lips in the process, Andy had realized that they really were going to go all the way that night. And while she had absolutely no problem with that, a dark cloud was hanging above her and it urged her to stop.
"Eddie, wait a second," she kept her voice gentle, not wanting to worry him.
"Is everything okay?" he immediately asked, pulling back enough to give her room to breathe. So much for not worrying him, Andy realized.
"Yeah, yeah, we're good," Andy is quick to reassure him. "It's just… We're getting to this part a little faster than I thought we would. Don't worry," she rushed the moment he opened his mouth to say something. "I don't have a problem with that. It's just, when it comes to sex… I have a feeling that I need to give you a heads-up," she admitted.
Eddie listened carefully, his face showing no reaction. "Are you a virgin?"
Andy almost laughed. Hell, she wished she could laugh. She could only hope that she didn't look completely and totally sad in reaction to his question. "I'm not. That's the heads-up part," she elaborated, pausing for a deep breath before continuing. "I don't talk about LA, you know that. But you should probably know that my coping mechanisms weren't exactly healthy. At the time, I didn't think anything of it, but now, it's started to haunt me a bit. I'm bearing it all here, not just literally," Andy attempted to joke, but she was the only one laughing. Eddie was carefully listening to every word, and she could only appreciate him more for the attention and attentiveness he was giving her. "My track record isn't exactly squeaky clean. I wouldn't say that I have spent months jumping from bed to bed, but… I wasn't too far from it, either."
What she really wanted to say was that she slept with one too many men - except, she didn't want to say it. Saying so would mean that she was judging herself and at the end of the day, she wasn't. Andy regretted not knowing better, and not looking for help and escapism in a healthier way, but she stood by the decisions she'd made, even if they were mistakes. And while she wouldn't want Eddie to judge her for it, she had full hope that he wouldn't. All that said, it felt right to tell him the truth. One day, maybe, she would go into detail, but at that moment, she just wanted to get it out of the way without killing his erection.
"Andy, I don't know if guys usually care about that," after a brief silence, Eddie finally spoke up with a frown. His voice was gentle, but Andy could tell that he was very much baffled by the conversation they were having. "I just… I don't care," he shrugged, chuckling briefly. "I am with you now and that's pretty much the only thing in the world that matters to me."
Damn him, damn him and his words and his kind heart and his neverending understanding.
"Why am I not surprised after all?" she beamed up at him.
"I don't know," he shrugged casually. "You should have known better, though. You're a grown-ass woman, who happens to be very charming and hot as hell. I would have been taken aback if you told me you were a virgin. Not negatively, though. I wouldn't care about that either. Yeah, I could sit here and say that I would make it special, gentle, and beautiful, but you don't need to be a virgin to make our first time just that. I don't care, Andy. As long as you're mine now, nothing else matters."
God, she was his. He had no idea just how much.
"I am," Andy admitted, smiling up at him. "As long as it goes both ways, I am."
"I'm pretty sure I was fucking whipped for you the moment you nearly smacked me to death with that oar."
Andy burst into laughter, something she didn't think she'd end up doing in a moment like that. "Are you shitting me? You had the hots for me even back then?"
"Fuck yeah," Eddie laughed loudly, looking at her like she was insane. "Are you kidding me? You marched in in your jeans and leather jacket, ready to kick ass and cursing up a storm, and nearly killed me for trying to defend myself against your brother! Of course it was hot!"
"In my defense, you tried to attack my brother, not defend yourself from him."
"Can we not talk about your brother when I'm lying on top of you with my dick hard?" Eddie asked, making her laugh again. "I can think of a bunch of more fun, more productive things that we could do in our present predicament. Yeah?"
"Yeah?" she fought back, grinning wickedly. "What exactly are those things?"
The sight of him above her, breathing heavily with his Adam's apple bobbing and his eyes widening, was going to be her cause of death. "Should I say it, or show it?"
"Oh, definitely show it," Andy laughed in response. "Words are good and all, but-"
He shut her up with a kiss, one that he didn't bother breaking as he searched for the zipper of her dress. Andy gave him a hint, turning to the side - goosebumps covered her entire body at the sound of her dress being unzipped.
Andy happily, and very gladly, let him take the lead.
He was on top, smothering her in kisses as he took off piece by piece of her clothing, ignoring her complaints of it not being fair as he only removed his shirt. He ignored her complaints, focusing on touching, caressing, and kissing every single part of her that he uncovered, making Andy melt away into oblivion and pleasure. He was in no rush, completely ignoring hers, and she knew it was something she will appreciate once the deed is done and they bask in the afterglow. She wanted him, then and there, immediately, as fast as possible, but she also knew that the longer she waited, the more she will enjoy it.
Eddie only felt his desire grow at every sound that escaped her lips. He was so used to chasing pleasure in situations like these, he almost found it amusing how much he wanted to provide. He would never classify himself as a selfish lover, as he always did his very best to make sure everyone he's ever been with left his bed, or van, pleased, but never before did he want someone to moan, to whine, and scream as bad as he wanted to hear Andy. More than that - he wanted to be the one to make her do it, as often as he possibly could, as often as she would let him.
Impatient, Andy wiggled from underneath him, making them switch positions. Sitting above him, Andy allowed herself to stop for a moment, to stop and savor it. It was one of those moments when even looking at him was painful. He was so, so beautiful, in a way that made her want to stare at him for hours, in complete awe. He was always beautiful, but there was something about what desire did to his features, and the notion that she was the cause behind it - it somehow made Eddie even more beautiful. It was overwhelming.
Eddie could tell that she was lost in her thoughts. "Hey there, pretty girl," he whispered, mirroring her smile. His fingers gently traced her cheekbones, before pushing loose strands of hair behind her ear. "Is everything okay?" he checked, questioning the sudden change of tempo. Andy wasn't sure of what exactly she was feeling, but she knew that it was okay.
"More than," she admitted. "I… I really like you."
There had to have been a better word, but at that moment, Andy couldn't find it. Like was too weak, love was too strong - he just meant a lot to her, a lot more than she ever thought he could. Andy wanted him to know it, even if she couldn't find the right words. Like sounded pathetic, but with the emphasis of really, she hoped that it did the trick.
Eddie nodded, with a look of pure understanding. He nodded and he smiled, biting his lip as his eyes traveled across her face. "I get it. Cause I really like you, too."
Andy kissed him, not knowing what else to do. The only option was to give in, give in to him, fully, completely, and totally. There was not a realm, time, or parallel universe in which she could ever end up regretting it - regretting him. Knowing that, it was easy to finally let go of all the hindering thoughts and just give in.
Andy was gripping onto whatever was left of her sanity, and she was somewhat successful, only for Eddie to sneak his hand beneath her underwear, moving her onto the road to oblivion with just simple movements of his hand. He was slow with a purpose, enjoying every moment, and Andy followed his lead, calming herself with deep breaths. She put her impatience under control, instead choosing to focus on him, and not her pleasure.
He observed her reactions, never letting his eyes leave her. Being on the receiving end of his looks made the experience so much better, and Andy was oh so happy to get lost in his eyes, just as much as she had gotten lost in his touch.
Eddie didn't think of himself at all - the only way that Andy knew that he was as into what they were doing as she was, was his erection that was pressed against her thigh. When he refused to move in chase of his own pleasure, she was the one who gave it to him, reaching with her hand to palm him over his jeans. He might not have cared, but she did. And to her, it was always going to be equal.
Andy somewhat broke the moment, although never the kiss, to blindly search with one free hand through her nightstand. She struggled to find a condom, but as soon as she did, and as soon as she pressed the foil into the palm of Eddie's hand, the gears shifted.
If she could have spent hours touching his body, it wouldn't have been enough. She caressed his scars before kissing them gently, reassuring him in her own way that she didn't mind them whatsoever. They were a part of him, just like his tattoos. Having some battle scars, too, Andy knew how bothersome they could be and she wanted Eddie to know that when she wanted him, she wanted him whole, with every little detail that came with him.
Eddie worshiped her that night, both with his body and his words. Always the talker, he made sure that she knew at all times just how beautiful she was, just how good she felt, and just how much he was enjoying it. With slow movements, little to no control over his own reaction and all the lovely, filthy words that he whispered into her ear, Eddie made sure that Andy never, for as long as she lived, could forget that night.
She clung onto him for dear life, kissing whatever parts she could reach and digging her nails into his back, moaning without a care in the world with every movement of his body against hers. She had repeated his name more times than she could count, all while knowing that no matter how many times she'd said it, she'd want to say it more, more and louder, making sure to hammer in the point of how good he is, how good he feels and how she has never in her life felt as good as she did then.
Experienced, she was. But she lacked experience with moments like those. What Eddie and she shared that night was not something she was prepared for. With emotions, genuine emotions involved, everything was heightened, stronger. It meant more, and Andy knew quite clearly that never before had becoming one with someone felt that right.
Andy had to push back tears. Once the wave of pleasure calmed down, and her breathing slowed down, she could only listen to Eddie breathing against her neck, taking more time to recover than she did. At that moment, with his breath tickling her skin and his heart beating so hard against hers, Andy had to give a genuine effort to stop tears from spilling.
It just meant so much. So much more than she was prepared for. Relief and happiness were mixed with bothersome feelings of regret and genuine sadness. Sadness when realizing how much time they had wasted, and just how easy it would have been to not even get to that moment at all. They were so, so blind. Yes, she could, and she would, count her blessings and keep a hold of what she had, but it was impossible to escape the regret.
Eddie made her forget about it for a little, though. He clung to her, shameless and with all the strength that was left in his body. He kissed her, alongside her neck, her shoulders, her entire face, and more than anything else, her lips. He kissed her like he didn't need air, like kissing her was his one and only lifeline, something that he needed more than air.
"I never want to leave," his voice cut through the silence. Andy had no idea if he meant that night, the moment when he was still inside her, their bodies glued together, or if he was just being theatrical, and meant in general. She had no idea what he talked about, but she was sure of something else.
"I never want you to."
They spoke with kisses for as long as they could, but Andy knew that she had to stop it at some point. With a heavy heart, she did so, smiling at the sight of him theatrically snuggling into her bed, fluffing up the pillow he decided will be his own.
Andy hadn't recognized the girl looking back at her in the mirror's reflection. The smile and blushing cheeks were as foreign as if she was looking at a complete stranger. It didn't worry her, though. If anything, it reassured her, not that she needed that kind of reassurance. She knew that Eddie meant a lot to her and that he was the sole cause of plenty of emotions that have been overtaking her lately. Still, it was nice to actually see the kind of effect he had on her. For a girl who had somewhat forgotten how to smile, it was truly nice to smile again.
Fully awake, she planned on spending the entire night kissing Eddie, making love to him, talking and laughing, and just being together. She held onto those plans, until she returned to the bedroom, only to find Eddie fast asleep.
If there ever was a doubt, Andy was sure that she was in love. Being in love was the only explanation that could justify her stupid, ridiculous feeling of giddiness at the sight of him sound asleep in her bed.
At least for once, the idea of falling in love didn't scare her. There were no troubles on her mind as she scooted under the covers, smiling when he hugged her. She wasn't sure if he was awake enough, or if he was clinging to her in his sleep - all she knew was that it felt good and that she truly wouldn't mind getting used to it.
Andy had a habit of waking up confused. In situations when she hadn't spent the night in her own bed, it would take her solid minutes to realize where she was, what she did, and what had happened. Even in her own bed, between her own four walls, it often took her a moment or two to remember what she did before sleep, what she had to do before getting ready for the day, and if there was something particularly memorable from the day before.
She didn't have that feeling that morning.
Andy knew exactly how her night went, what had happened, and who was glued to her side. She knew whose pecks she was feeling along her neck long before she opened her eyes. She kept them close for as long as she could, basking in the feeling of being appreciated, being wanted by Eddie. God, she hated waking up next to the men she spent her nights with, but with Eddie… she knew then and there, that waking up next to him might just be the best part of it all. And that was saying something, given just how amazing the sex was.
"I know you're awake," he chuckled into her ear, his voice stained with sleep. Andy smiled, eyes still closed, but she held onto him a little bit stronger. "Did you sleep well?"
"Better than I have in ages," she admitted. "You?"
"Me too," he confirmed. "You wore me out, Andy. I thought I could spend the whole night with you, in you, doing so, so many things to you…"
"And yet you were out like a light," Andy laughed, finally opening her eyes. If she thought that Eddie was at his most beautiful in the heights of passion, she was wrong. He was absolutely, positively at his most beautiful when he first woke up, his eyes still full of sleep but a goofy smile on his face, hair looking like a proper bird's nest, and lips full from all the kisses they shared. He was stupidly beautiful, it was borderline painful.
"We have time for a 'to be continued', don't we?" he asked, and although he was joking, Andy had a feeling that part of the question was serious. Much like her with him, he struggled with guessing what was happening in her mind.
"All the time of the world, as far as I'm concerned," she settled his doubts at once.
"That sounds pretty fucking awesome," he sighed wistfully, a small hint of a frown appearing on his face. Andy didn't like that, and she already started to think of ways to kiss it away. "Look, Andy… I'm not good with words."
"I'd beg to differ," she interrupted him immediately. "You telling me how you never want to leave was a pretty good use of words, in my opinion."
"I'm glad, but I stand by what I said - I'm not good with words," he insisted. "I like you, Andy. More than I've ever liked anyone, ever. Hell, more than I thought it was possible to like someone. I mean, yeah, I always thought you were super hot and definitely wouldn't have refused any offers you'd hypothetical throw my way," he emphasized his words in a way that made Andy laugh. She imagined a younger, louder Eddie losing his shit if she was to approach him and ask him out or something. God, how she wished that she'd done that. "But when you crashed into my life during spring break, and then helped me… and not leaving me to the wolves once it was over and done with… I didn't want anyone around me and you didn't listen and I'm so fucking glad you didn't. I'm… so shit with words, it's not even funny. But I want to be with you. And what I can't say, or I struggle to say, I want to show. I've pushed my luck with you, I know, and I might be pushing it again but fuck, I have to. I really, really, want to be with you. You matter that much. Even more than that much."
"Bad with words, my ass," Andy let out a breathless chuckle.
"I hardly sound like Romeo," Eddie rolled his eyes.
"Romeo was full of shit, but that's a story for another time," Andy shook her head, not wanting to start a literary debate at a moment as special as this one. "Eddie, the only thing that kept me away from you this long was the… fucking paralyzing fear of finding something that would anchor me in place in this shithole of a town. If I have someone I care about, a reason to stay, it would link me to Hawkins and I hated the idea of that. It took me a bit too long to realize that it was too fucking late for that. I already cared. Words are something I don't think I struggle with, but with you, the right ones keep escaping me. And I find myself missing opportunities - so many of them, too. I don't want to do that. If you want me, as much as I want you, I don't give a single fuck about anything else."
"Are you like… sure?" Eddie grimaced.
"Eddie." Andy's glare could freeze water.
"Like, sure sure?" he asked again. Andy responded with an eye roll and a kiss.
"I am," she announced once she pulled away. "And if I have to spend this entire morning, this whole day, the next week and the one after that, and even the one after that and so on, and so on, to prove it to you, then that's exactly what I plan on doing."
"I don't get it," Eddie admitted through laughter. "I'm trying to, but I don't get it."
"You don't have to," Andy shrugged. "I know I do. And Eddie - you're an amazing guy. You… you have the biggest heart. Even before, even when we were stupid kids, and I admit that I didn't pay nearly enough attention… but even then, nothing about you was anything less than good. You're smart and impressive and holy shit are you hot," she allowed herself to sound somewhat frantic, simply because it was realistic. He was hot, and if she needs to be vocal about it, expressive too, she will be. "You kiss me like no one had kissed me before and you make me feel so stupidly safe, relaxed and-"
"Stop, stop, I'm already blushing," he interrupted her, giving her several quick pecks, before taking a deep breath and pulling back to look at her, the same way he did last night. "You are all of that in my eyes, too. Even more."
"Good," Andy theatrically nods. "Or else this would have been very awkward."
He said those words to her before, and it made her laugh. Mentally, she had put a pin in it, waiting for a time to use those same words on him, and the smile they shared confirmed that he remembered, too.
"So we're doing this?" he asked, and Andy nodded immediately. "All in, boyfriend girlfriend, lovey-dovey, the whole nine yards?"
"Sounds pretty good to me," Andy was grinning like a fool. Boyfriend was never a word she thought that she could attach to Eddie, and yet it couldn't have felt more right. "I do think though that we should keep it on the down low in public."
"What, not ready to be Mrs. Satanist?" he joked.
"Oh, I'm already that," Andy snorted in laughter, and the fact that she hadn't felt one bit ashamed of that spoke volumes about how comfortable she felt with Eddie. "I don't give a shit what they think. But I am keeping in mind that mine and Max's testimony was what officially set you free. I'd rather not cast doubt on one of those."
"I would," Eddie pouted. "I'd rather have them think I'm a killer than not kiss you whenever I feel like it. Fuck, they already think I'm a killer - are you sure about this?"
Andy laughed at his childlike persistence. "Yes, I am. We're in no rush - we have all the time in the world. We will have time to allow people to get used to it. And who the fuck knows - one day, you and I might end up somewhere else, and do whatever the fuck we want."
"I'll hold you to that," Eddie promised.
It was stupid. Completely ridiculous. They shared one night and a handful of kisses - planning a future was the single most idiotic thing they would have done.
Except, there was more. They shared a lot more. Hell, what they shared, only a handful of people have experienced in their lifetime. Their bond might have started in the worst way possible, but it was long and it ran deep. Memories that they shared were interwoven just like they were last night. Eddie had let Andy see parts of him no one else had and vice versa. They were more than what could be seen on the surface.
Maybe it was stupid. Maybe it ends with fire, and the two of them crashing and burning, bitter and never willing to trust anyone again. Just as easily as it could continue growing, to become even more special, even more meaningful than it already was.
If Andy didn't even regret her actual mistakes, she sure as hell won't end up regretting Eddie. And she knew that for sure - she felt it with every bone in her body and from the deepest corners of her heart.
