-4 years later-

Light seeped into the hotel room and that caused Nicole to stir. She let out a yawn and felt something or rather someone beneath her. A soft smile came across her face as she was on top of her husband's chest. Nicole smiled and kissed his sculpted chest softly. Eddie opened his eyes slowly and stretched. He smiled when he saw Nicole and ran his fingers in her dyed black hair.

"Morning gorgeous"

Nicole glanced down lovingly at her husband and managed to smile. He had gotten more handsome with the slight muscles on his chest and slightly longer hair. She was thankful to be waking up with him and that they were together still.

"Hm…are you sure you have the right person? My bed hair is pretty murder. What a show last night huh babe?" she mused while stroking his chest.

Eddie chuckled and recalled last night's show with the pyrotechnics, harnesses that the two of them wore to shred their guitars while airborne, and the roaring crowd chanting for them and singing along to their hits. He was still amazed they were a major hit and that people loved them, a far cry from their time in Hawkins High.

"Yea don't I know it. It was great though, you were awesome like always. People love you, they truly love you." Eddie complimented and hugged Nicole

Nicole kissed his forehead lightly. She was a rarity in heavy metal and she had to win over the crowds at first. Thanks to the band sticking by her; she was able to have her shot and she was on covers on tons of music magazines with her husband.

"Oh but they love you too, so much. You killed your big solo at the end of the show, still makes my spine shiver with delight."

Eddie knew his skills rocked and he was going to be up there with the greats, which made him proud.

"Well we do pull out all the way with everyone's hard work. I'm glad our band worked out, don't know it we would have without you." Eddie reminisce

Nicole nodded and laid beside him as he put an arm around her. They had gotten extremely lucky when they were bar hopping and performing across the U.S. The manager they found loved their sound and the dynamic of the band, especially between Eddie and Nicole. Currently the band was on their third tour for their latest album Arisen Fates and the album itself was on its way to go platinum.

"Yeah…guess we have huh. Never thought we would on our third tour and signing the songs we create to others…wow what a rush." she expressed with a warm smile.

"Yes, you changed a lot. I was surprised your uncle and your sister were okay with you putting off college for this. I mean uncle I get but your sister was always a bit overprotective especially after what happened" Eddie said

"Well I told her to give me a few years and if nothing panned out, we would both be in college…we just keep getting lucky don't we?" she smirked and kissed his cheek before getting up to get dressed.

"Yea we are going to see her later along with Robin and Dustin too. Gave them prime tickets and clearings. How you think she will feel about your new tattoo?" Eddie asked, staring at his love with serene eyes as he watched her getting dressed and staring at all the tatties she'd received.

Nicole's skin told her story and he enjoyed it all the same. Her first was of course the angel wings on her wrists to honor her parents. Next was the plague doctor with a potion in one and and a baby bird on its shoulder, so ethereal and majestic. A lovely raven was on her shoulder blade but the chest piece still blew all those away. It wasn't the tattoo he had designed with the puppet strings and his hands but it was still a bad ass tattoo. He loved her new chest piece, a huge bat across her chest. There were some designs on it from the red and lightning background, lace on the bottom wings and an upside down moon over the head. It was very detailed but it was difficult for Nicole to get it too. He could still recall the pained cries when Nicole was getting it but she wanted to symbolize her experiences in the Upside Down in some way.

Nicole chuckled a bit as she looked at her tattoo, trailing the skeletal body and the red jewel in its feet.

"Probably the same about the plague doctor on my arm and the raven on my shoulder blade, they may find it off putting at first but say it suits me. I do love the new ones you got, especially the Hellfire angel you drew back at Rick's on your shoulder blade." she expressed.

"Yes well I figure we should have tattoos that have meaning to us, and it is awesome. I know it will be awhile before you get another tattoo but you will always be stunning."Eddie complimented as he got up himself to get dressed.

They had a busy day which he liked but he also missed those casual days when they can just laze around in bed at times; price of fame.

Nicole got dressed in a studded black leather jacket, a shirt with a severed bat head from their second album, red leather pants and black steel toed boots. She watched Eddie change into a lovely graphic shirt with a coffin and bats flying out from their debut album, black leather pants, a leather jacket and some spiked boots. They ordered room service and munched on bacon, fries, toast, and omelets. She glanced lovingly at Eddie, munching on her fries and was brought back to their early parts of their relationship and Venca hell hideout at Rick's.

"Call me weird, but I sometimes miss munching on toaster waffles and pop tarts." Nicole expressed, taking Eddie's hand as she chewed her food.

" We can pick some up today after we finish with everything before our show. I kinda miss the simplicity too.. Guys rag on me for that since we are famous, but I love the little things." Eddie said, kissing Nicole's cheek.

Jeff and Gareth were still in the band and the four of them were going strong. They were more into the standard rock star lifestyle with the drinking, girls, and the drugs. Meanwhile Eddie and Nicole were a bit tamer than what the tabloids tended to write about them. Both were happily married together and only had eyes for the other.

"I know, guess that's why we're grounded and the band's so well. We don't get into the stuff that will get us in trouble; especially with other men and women. I still can't believe women even try to throw their panties your way…gross." she said, crinkling her nose in disgust.

Eddie chuckled since…yeah he was a stud but he didn't want another woman; the one he had risked her very life and how many of those women could say or would do the same. Guy fans knew to not try for Nicole but the ones that did knew they had no shot. Still he found their attempts like the ladies humorous and futile.

"Well I can't blame them. I am handsome as hell, but none of them stand a chance against you."

"I know, they could only dream about getting with you, meanwhile I have the rings to prove that I am with you."

Nicole glanced at the three rings on her fingers; the one Eddie gave at the hospital after the demobats, a chrome and silver engagement ring with a simple diamond, a simple gold band from their wedding day a couple months ago.

" It feels weird at times doesn't it?" Eddie asked looking at his own wedding ring amidst his usual collection.

"Weird how?" Nicole asked, tilting her head in confusement.

He chuckled but softened his face since honestly he wished for this life more than anything and he was dumbstruck that it came true; right down to a bombshell yet caring wife.

"I was worried I would be stuck in that tiny shit town where people thought I was a cult leader who will inevitably end up like my old man in jail and a deadbeat. Part of me worried I would be like my old man and that I would fail…scared me even." Eddie mused but smiled looking at his wife.

"Yet here I am on my third tour with my band, married to gorgeous angel with equal love for rock and metal, among other benefits and we kick serious butt with our shows."Eddie mused with a smirk

Nicole nodded in agreement and glanced at the handsome face of her husband. Though he was rugged in his looks and really was beyond his time in high school, he grew up fine and charming, stroking his stubbled face warmly.

"It's all still amazing huh…almost makes me feel like we're going to wake up to something miserable any moment…but alas this is our life; our amazing, wonderful life."

While they were finishing up their breakfast they heard Gareth pounding on their door and yelling,

"Eddie! Get yours and Nicole's asses ready! I know you love your wife but you can't fuck her all morning! We have a signing to do man and we can't keep the fans waiting!"

" Stop spying on us you pervert! We will be out in 5 minutes, chill!" Eddie shouted back.

Nicole giggled a bit while Eddie rolled his eyes in annoyance.

"Gareth needs to get himself a girl."

"More like he needs to stop having one night stands with fans and try to find someone to challenge him in other ways than sex. I mean he went from being a shy and withdrawn person in D&D and a virigin to this sex fiend with easy woman throwing themselves at him. Just hope he finds someone to temper the wild streak. It's not all about girls in the rock star living." Nicole mused, sipping on her coffee.

" Well at least he isn't not like that ex member of yours.. Crystal or whatever that bitch's name was. She drank her ass off and fucked everyone she could. At least Gareth puts in effort and doesn't show up wasted to rehearsals"Eddie mused.

"If that starts happening then it's a problem. Least we keep him and Jeff in check. Now unless we want Gareth to storm into our room and chant for us to come out, we have to get going." Nicole chuckled as she gathered their dishes.

The pair met up with Jeff and Gareth outside their room and headed into the car that was waiting outside for them. Fans were outside cheering for them and bodyguards needed to keep them at bay. Nicole smiled softly as they got into the car and kissed Eddie's cheek. The car drove them to a music store where they all got seated at the back of the store.

"Never gets old does it guys?" Nicole asked as she got her pen ready.

"Nope, still going good and still feeling the excitement." Jeff said with a happy grin.

Gareth chuckled as he noticed all the women that were gathered to meet them, giving them a playful grin..

"I do wonder at times if maybe we would have a bit more fans if you two didn't get hitched. You broke a lot of hearts Eddie." Gareth commented.

Eddie shoved the back of his head playfully and scoffed. He knew Nicole was his love and not marrying her would be the dumbest thing. Plus it should be about the music and not how hot everyone in the band was.

"Hey don't go hating on our love. As for fans, there's literally a line going for 4 blocks at least so it's not just for sex appeal. It's not bad that we got married. " Eddie expressed.

"Plus think of it this way, with Eddie off the market it means you two will have more opportunities. After all, people should love the bassist and the drummer too. We need you both after all." Nicole spoke warmly as the store opened up.

"She got a point, Gareth, no need to hate on their marriage because now that they're publicly off market we will get more chances with beautiful ladies." Jeff said with a smirk. That made Gareth nod as he worked on signing the first customer's cd.

Nicole was used to the fans coming up and asking for loving things on their albums. It was second nature to make small talk, get photos taken, and to even inspire and empower others. The guys respected her (those who didn't were thrown out by their bodyguard) and the women seemed to adore her presence in heavy metal. It amazed her just how far she came and from setbacks too. While they were signing, people were also in the store to shop for records and cassettes. Someone did catch Nicole's eye and she motioned the woman to Eddie as she stood out from their fanbase.

"I think she's lost or doesn't know we're in today, just check out this one."

Eddie nodded and looked at the woman looking around. She did not really fit in with the heavy metal look. She had chestnut brown hair and had a country style look to her with a belted dress, cowboy boots, and a denim jacket. She did have nice eyes and a demure look to her. Something about her seemed familiar. When the band got a break, Eddie excused himself from the table and approached her.

"Can I help you find something?"

She jumped a bit and looked up at Eddie. Something about him seemed familiar too but she couldn't quite place it.

"Not at all, no but it's rather packed today. I just came in to get some records for some inspiration." she told him.

" Oh well that's terrific. If you need anything specific let me know. If you don't mind my saying you don't seem like a metal fan much, this isn't meant as judgment I promise" Eddie expressed.

The woman nodded but shared,

"Truth be told, I left that scene…it doesn't fit with what I want anymore and there was so much drama that I got sick of it. I'm better off in this direction and hopefully I can move on and forget my past."

" I see that it's good that you got away from the drama." Eddie said he wasn't sure what to say to the woman to be honest. Actually, the drama part sounded familiar but he couldn't really place it.

Nicole got up to see the person Eddie was talking to and she seemed very familiar. The hair, the eyes…wait a moment, she had to know this woman. She looked a bit closer and questioned,

"You didn't happen to be in a metal band were you?"

"Yea I was but I quit, so much shit I didn't want to deal with, plus they weren't even real metal fans' ' she expressed studying the metal women.

She looked familiar, gorgeous, a bit dark and edgy but eyes were soft so was her expression.

It dawned on Nicole and she asked,

"They didn't happen to be the Jersey Sirens were they?"

"Yea actually they were. How do you… wait Nicole? The Nicole they replaced me with?"

Erin she thought and Nicole softened up a bit more. Hearing that she quit was a relief since all of those women were bitches to her and to Erin so it was fitting that they lost another singer. Erin looked so different and clearly wasn't in the heavy metal scene but she wasn't going to judge her for the change.

"Yeah, that Nicole…well that Nicole was Nicole Lowell…it's Nicole Munson as of a few months ago."

Erin nodded sweetly and looked at her and Eddie softly. She looked at their rings and was glad Nicole was in a better place. The Sirens would have a spell seeing Nicole like this and they really fucked up.

" You look good. Um congrats on getting married. I mean I remember us running into each other back when you were in that small town. Heather even tried to manipulate you into returning again and boy she was in shit mood for days after you refused." Erin explained

Nicole recalled that night; it was a very good night she thought with a small smirk.

"So…are they still trying to make it big, Heather and the others?" Nicole questioned.

A part of her still wondered and a very small part was curious.

" No. They split up two years back. Christina was drinking to much and fucking every guy she could find.. No shocker there. Jennifer wanted to find a new addition but no one wanted to deal with them. I heard they got blacklisted from some places due to fighting and causing some disturbances. I got sick of them comparing me to you and being in a toxic environment so I quit. Turns out that was the best decision. I don't know where others are truthful and don't care either. You shouldn't either since you're clearly better off too." Erin admitted.

"And the whole Nashville look?" Nicole questioned with intrigue.

"After I left I took some time to myself to heal and that's how I started writing my songs. My friend encouraged me to play at a bar once just to try out, turns out there was an agent and he liked my song. I ended up going the country route. Its nice to have a voice that people listen to. This is the real me and I'm happier for it." Erin said

Nicole smiled at the news. She never hated Erin and she was a victim of the Sirens like she was. It was good she got out and was doing her own thing. Maybe in the long distant future they could collaborate but right now it was best they went down their own music paths.

"Not sure if you're interested, but we can let you have a signed copy of our latest album. No charge, just in case you want to hear what I've been into lately."

Erin looked dumbfounded and raised an eyebrow.

"Really, you don't hate me? I mean I did replace you years ago, which was a mistake because clearly you are amazing, and honest to god metal fan." Erin asked surprised.

"I hated them, you were just a sad casualty of my pain back then. We were both the same and we're both better for leaving them in the ways we did. Besides, our bassist hasn't stopped looking at you since you walked in." she chuckled.

She motioned Erin to Jeff who knew he was caught and was trying to act all cool and give her a light smile. Nicole and Eddie brought Erin to their signing table and she glanced at Jeff with soft yet nervous eyes.

" Hi… um.. I love your music…Erin Harlow right?" Jeff said bashfully. Sure he was metal fan but he did know her music as well and she was gorgeous

Nicole raised an eyebrow.

"Yea that's me and r-really?"

"Since when do you listen to country music Jeff? I didn't even know you knew Erin aside from maybe that one night in Hawkins."

She really hoped Jeff wasn't trying to be like Garett and pull out false compliments out of his ass. It wasn't a good look and honest to god he was supposed to be the sensitive type.

"Uhm I love metal and rock, and I love our band, but I also like country music too. I heard your music on the radio a year ago and totally loved it. Can you sign my cassette please." Jeff asked and pulled out the cassette tape.

Nicole was honestly stunned and Erin blushed a bit but signed his cassette while he signed her album.

"Didn't see that happening did you Eddie?" she asked.

"Not at all, Jeff being a secret country fan too. But hey whatever, it's not big deal." Eddie chuckled

"Sure isn't but good on him if he and Erin want to see each other."

After the signing, they had an interview at a radio station, dinner, and then their concert. They were currently on tour with Def Leppard which was a dream to Nicole and they were frontlining tonight's show. It was amazing that they were at a point where they were a drawing act and not just a band before the big ones. Their agent was discussing with Metallica's agent for a chance for the bands to tour together when Corroded Coffin had a new album. Still Nicole was living up her dream with Eddie and things were great.

Nicole and Eddie were making out in their dress room and they heard a knock at the door. She pulled away and questioned,

"There's not supposed to be a VIP session now is there?"

"No, we had that after the performance didn't we?" Eddie asked her.

Nicole went to the door and when she opened it she was startled by a huge hug.

"Gah! What the…wait…Dustin!" Nicole exclaimed happily and hugged back.

"Hi Nicole, the crowd outside is so huge we had to shove our way through. "Dustin said with a smile.

Nicole missed Dustin but she was happy to see he was doing so well and carried on with Hellfire. This would be his last year but hopefully there will be more members in the club's future. All that mattered was that she was seeing the boy that saved her life with Eddie slowly becoming a grown man.

"Hope not since you have clearance to be able to get past them. But man look at you! All grown up, teeth in, hardly any baby fat left…you look so well doesn't he Eddie?"

Eddie smiled softly and pulled him for a hug.

"Hey Henderson, glad you made it. You got tall and wow…You changed, in a good way, how you been? How's the other dinguses?" Eddie asked.

"Hey that's my term Munson! Don't think you can just use it for yourself."

Robin entered the room and gave Nicole a hug. She pulled away and noticed the tattoo on her chest. Robin didn't look surprised and in fact smiled at it.

"Simone is going to freak Nicki! But this is so rad and like the reference even though the demobats were uglier." Robin commented.

"Speaking of my sister…she's here too right?"

" Do you think I would miss out on a chance to see my baby sister?" Simone said, coming in with a smile. She hugged Nicole tightly.

"I know you wouldn't. You come for every tour and I am so thankful for that. I've missed you." she murmured softly.

"I missed you too kiddo. I'm glad you're doing great, you look fabulous." Simone said with a warm smile

"Even with the new tattoo?" Robin chuckled.

"Wow just toss that out huh?" Nicole laughed. Simone saw a glimpse and shook her head. She didn't really like the tattoos but she wasn't going to be a mom about it. Nicole was an adult and what she did with her body was her choice.

"Really Nikki are you going to cover your whole body?" Simone asked shaking her head

"God no, this one hurt to get so I'm probably done for a while. Least I have the angel wings you love so much." Nicole shared, showing her the wings on her wrists.

Simone did love those and was glad she had gotten those first. She glanced at Eddie and she gave him a hug as well. They were family now after all and it felt nice having a brother in law.

" Nice to see you're still the same as ever. Hey Eddie. How's it feel being married to my sister?" Simone asked

" Terrific, she is an excellent wife, and fantastic bandmate."Eddie assured.

"I hope so or the band's going to be fucked." Nicole laughed, kissing his cheek.

The five of them settled on the couches and caught up on lost time.

"So I heard rumors that Nicole's pregnant…is she Eddie?" Dustin asked in excitement.

" Henderson, that's bullshit. If Nicole was pregnant her sister and I would be first to know, not the fans. It's a bit too hectic for us to think of having kiddos yet." Eddie explained,

"Yes and besides, we have one last good album left before I start popping out kids. I want to be sure we give the fans a very good album before I have children."

"Good to know so in two more years Simone and I will be aunts." Robin mused, kissing Simone's cheek.

Simone blushed but nodded.

" Better not be a sleazy cheap motel though that you conceive my niece or nephew." Simone teased

"Oh come on, it's not going to be like that." Nicole protested.

"Yeah Eddie's for sure going to make it special. It's just how he is and I know he's going to be great at it…at least I hope." Dustin defended.

"Dustin's right, when we conceive it will be in a nice place where we will hope to raise our future kid or kids." Eddie stated

"Kids since Nicki still wants five kids. Oh speaking of, Nancy and Steve are expecting their first kid." Robin shared.

"Wow so Harringtons may just get his dream of six kids. Are they financially stable?" Eddie asked.

"Nancy is working at a local news station and is getting pretty high up real quick. Meanwhile Steve is working on a novel and it's actually pretty good. He's getting signed to a publishing house and everything." Robin shared.

"Oh well sounds like they are doing well, you never answered my question Dustin hows the others?" Eddie asked

"Oh they are all doing really well. Hellfire is getting more popular partly to your band but also because it's just super fun. Will's a great DM and he's setting up a killer last campaign. Max and Lucas broke up again but I think they will get back. And I think Mike is going to propose to El soon."

" Wow why is that Max and Lucas end up having on and off thing, you think they would tie they knot already" Simone expressed

"They keep having stupid fights, mostly because Lucas is so thick" Dutin said

" Hey guys grab a front row view we need to get ready, but we will chat more after" Eddie expressed

Dustin, Robin, and Simone left to get their seats. Nicole smiled and rubbed Eddie's shoulders tenderly. He sighed dreamily as Nicole massaged his shoulders, loosening him up so he could give a kick ass concert.

"Another show tonight." she mused in a sultry tone.

"I look forward to it, my beautiful angel" Eddie whispered and kissed Nicole passionately.

She kissed back and slowly pulled away to glance at the man that changed her life forever. Nicole loved Eddie Munson with all her heart and was so happy with how her life was. Eddie stroked her stomach tenderly and he asked,

"You're not pregnant yet….right?"

Nicole laughed playfully and stroked Eddie's chest.

"Not yet no but someday we will have our little family and they are going to be the most wonderful kids, I'm sure of it."

Eddie chuckled and grinned.

"Are you sure? They will be Munsons after all."

"There are worse things and I think being a Munson is truly a wonderful thing. Now let's go before Gareth thinks he needs to come by and slam our door again."

Eddie nodded and left with Nicole at his side knowing they were going to rock on and give another show to remember. He didn't want to think of another life since this one was what he always dreamed of. Nicole and Eddie were committed and nothing was going to stop them from loving each other.

This story is almost coming to it's close. I am actually surprised on how far this story as come and that it garnered many fans. You are all truly awesome for the support this story was given and it was you that also made this story possible. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for it's finale and I am going to end it on a sweet loving note.