"He's not gonna call just because you sit around all day next to the phone," Steve snarked, flicking me lightly in the head as he passed.

I jumped at the contact, slapping his hands away. I had been reading by the phone out of sheer coincidence. Today, and yesterday, and a week ago. It was New Year's eve, now. Steve had stiffened his hair rigidly, a jean jacket with studs and patches adorning his outfit. He looked perfectly prepared for the party, which I was very willing to skip on. Not because I was waiting for Eddie to call, but because I was tired of parties- maybe for good. Billy would definitely be there, and that was more than enough to keep me away. I peaked up at Steve, who was humming some dumb top 100s song, while he danced at himself in the mirror. Billy would be there, and Steve would be there. Drunk. I frowned.

The phone's shrill ring echoed throughout the house, and I gasped. I fumbled, pulling it from the receiver and pressing it up to my ear firmly. Steve rolled his eyes as he combed through his quiff.

"Harrington residence," I bit my lip.

"Hey, gorgeous," A familiar, mischievous voice called over the phone.

I felt like a wave of warmth washed over me. I grinned, tilting my expression away from Steve's distasteful eyes. "Oh, hey, Eddie."

"Sorry it took so long to call," He sounded genuinely annoyed. "Part of your number rubbed off when I slipped off the roof, so I had to call around to get it."

My brows rose. He'd called other people to get my number? "Why didn't you just stop over?"

He scoffed. "After last time? Aren't your parents still in port?"

"No, actually," I shrugged, though he couldn't see the action. "They left two days ago. It was supposed to be some kind of gift- stopping by to see us for Christmas."

"How thoughtful." He chuckled. "Hey, so, I know you're trying to right all your wrongs and shit, but are you gonna be at Jason's party tonight?"

My heart fluttered. "Um, actually, I was planning to stay home."

"Ah, shame." He replied. "Gareth was gonna drag me along, and I thought it was your kind of scene."

I glanced at Steve, who was flexing subtly in the mirror. "I mean- Steve's going, so I suppose I should keep an eye on him."

"Oh, I'd say that's probably a good idea." Eddie agreed, sounding mock serious. "Can you leave him long enough to drive himself there?"

Steve was now bobbing his head from side to side, slipping a signature pair of sunglasses on. "Unsure."

"Shame, it'd be cool to pick you up on the way." He hummed.

"Well, I mean-" Steve caught my eye, going stiff and trying to act coolly. "I suppose he can manage for the drive."

"Fantastic." He urged. "I'll be there in 20?"

"Cool," I nodded, jumping from my seat. "Uh, see you."

"Later, Lana." He finished.

The line clicked. I almost flung myself from the chair. Steve was crossing his arms towards me, still recovering from earlier. He nodded towards the phone, and I swept passed him.

"Eddie?" He guessed.

"Yep," I said simply.

"Of course it is." He mumbled in distaste. "So, where are you off to all giddy?"

"Out." I shrugged happily. "I'll see you soon."

"Whatever." He waved his hands up into the air, giving up.

I rummaged through my closet, tossing clothes around rapidly as I prepared. At some point I heard Steve's engine rev. I had tried on several outfits by the time Eddie had arrived, and five minutes later, too. Eventually I gave up, drenching myself in pink and deciding to go casual. My makeup was neon, but not too neon. My brunette hair was frizzed, half up half down with a pink scrunchie to keep it in place. I stumbled down the stairs, jumping the last three to save time. I locked the door up quick then turned to the van, striding to it with butterflies in my chest.

Eddie slid across the hood haphazardly, beating me to my door. He swung it open, ushering me in with a bow. "My lady,"

"Your lady?" I repeated teasingly. "I'm not your lady."

"No?" He gave me a sad, puppy dog look. "Not even like, a little bit my lady?"

"I'm my own lady." I tucked myself into the seat, beet red and heart hammering. I clicked my seat-belt in. "We're friends. Barely. And not even that if we don't get going."

He leaned against the door. "You're my favorite lady so far, so in that way, you're mine."

I flushed. "Get it the damn car, Eddie."

"I love when you take control," He rushed, maneuvering to the driver's seat.

Buckling himself in, he noted the ring on my thumb with a smirk. I tucked my hand into my lap, gazing out the window.

The car ride was actually pretty fun. He serenaded me to music he'd recommended, tapping on the steering wheel in time. I watched him, shaking my head, but grinning at his antics. I was finding myself becoming more and more attuned to his outlandish behavior- his animated way. He pointed at me, Take My Breath Away by Berlin playing, every word mouthed in time. His voice was actually pleasant. Despite all of this, his obvious flirting couldn't be skirted anymore. I turned the radio down a bit, ignoring his groans of protest.

"Eddie, I don't want to give you the wrong impression." I voiced my concern.

"The wrong impression?" He glanced sidelong, then back at the road.

I shrugged. "I don't want to disappoint you. I'm fine with being friends, but-"

"Not more. I get you." He shrugs. "And I'm fine with being friends. But I will woo you. And I already told you, I like you."

"Yeah," I blinked, awkwardly.

"You okay with that?" He asked, peaking over carefully.

"I mean, I don't get it." I confessed. "I treat you like shit for years, and you like me? You're just okay with me not returning your feelings? What- I just- it doesn't make sense."

"It's simple." Eddie divulges slowly. "You're out of my league. Big time, no way, gonezo. You're gorgeous, clearly. You know it, everyone knows it, I'm not immune to it. I was pretty sure you were hiding a good personality under there too, and you didn't fail to impress."

"...so?" I don't get it.

"Listen, sweetheart. You not returning my feelings- fine, I expected it. I'm not into the whole social status mind game thing, so honestly, it's probably better that you don't. But am I gonna try, because I'm a sap, and you're absolutely incredible and I hope there's a possibility? For sure. But even if not- being friends- that's a win."

"But I was a dickhead to you." I enunciate, not understanding.

"So is everyone." Eddie laughs, though it seems sad. "But I've liked you. For a long time. So. Fuck it."

I stitch my fingers. "I'm sorry. That I treated you like that. I didn't know."

"I know you're sorry. Don't gotta say it over and over." He smiled, parking. "It's fine. You're not that bad, Harrington."

I don't think I'll ever understand. I just feel guilty. He hops out and opens my door, and I take his hand when he offers it now, climbing down with a plop. I note Steve's car some down the road. I take a deep breath, realizing I was showing up- with Eddie. Would anyone notice? This was the first time I was out since the fight with Billy, of course they would notice. As we approach the front door I just try to breathe. Eddie bumps my hip with his own, and I give him a small smile. It disappears soon after.

"Eddie, what about Billy?" I whisper, voice becoming weak.

He turned intense, hand coming to rest on my shoulder carefully. "If Billy becomes a problem, I got you. Plus, your brother's in there, right?"

I nod. Then I twist the door open, before I can overthink the situation any harder. And directly in the center of the room, one girl attached to each arm, my brother is already causing a scene. I press a hand to my face, trying to massage away the instant headache.

"Oh yeah, he's definitely here." Eddie nudges me in amusement, and I turn to the kitchen to escape. Maybe tonight I'd actually drink.

I run into Jason as soon as I get there- this being his house and all. "Jason! Hey,"

Jason was the basketball king of my year- Steve and Billy were top spot, but as soon as they left, Jason was the big guy in school. He was clad in green and gold as always- much like Eddie's Hellfire shirt, he practically lived in the outfit. He tipped his drink at me.

"Harrington. Gonna control your brother tonight?" He grinned, flicking his head towards Steve.

Eddie slowly comes up the rear, crossing his arms at my side. Jason's expression goes blank at once.

I try to mediate, looking between the two as I coax out the right words to reply. "He can handle himself, I'm not his keeper or anything, yeah?"

"Right." Jason responds simply, eyes not leaving Eddie.

"So, uh, where's the booze?" Eddie shouts over the music.

Jason rolls his eyes, jabbing a thumb behind him at the cooler on the ground. Eddie nudges me with his elbow, then darts away. I move to follow, giving Jason a quick, courteous smile. He catches me by my elbow.

"Really?" He only asks, eyes unimpressed.

"Really what?" I play dumb.

Jason releases me, crossing his arms. "Just because you're Steve's sister doesn't give you immunity to freak. The guy's bad news."

"So I've been told, repetitively," I grouch, maneuvering away. "I get it, I get it- find some new material, would ya? I stop spreading gossip for a few weeks and you all go stale-"

I've escaped Jason's unimpressed vicinity by the time I finish my spiel, meeting back up with Eddie. He's tucked a couple drinks into the inside pockets of his jacket, and hands me one, too.

"So, how do you party?" I shout, barely hearing myself next to the speaker.

He shrugs. "Get in, get booze, get out. I wanna find Gareth, though-"

And find him, he does. Right as the words leave his mouth he recognizes someone across the room- his expression lighting up. He charges them, almost tackling the guy into the wall. Who I assume is Gareth laughs, taking up a stance to push right back. They wrestle a bit in the crowded room as I cautiously push closer, and by the time I've gotten close, Eddie draws back, breathless.

"Oh, Lana- in case you couldn't tell, this is Gareth." He introduces, shadowboxing through the words. Gareth weakly maneuvers his hits, eyes latched onto me like they've been glued.

"Lana-" I go to introduce, offering a hand, but he cuts me off.

"Harrington." He nods coldly. "I know who you are."

"Right." My mouth forms an awkward, drawn out line, cheeks puffing up. I was not hot in this crowd. "Well, good to meet you."

"Sure." He shrugs, turning away.

Eddie gives me a sympathetic look, grabbing his friend by the shoulder and telling him something in his ear- and I've never craved being nosy so bad. Gareth meets my eye, then looks down to my hands, and I cover up the ring. My cheeks tingle, and I pull it off, tucking it into my pocket. He leans in to respond to Eddie, and I feel overwhelmed. My reputation was crumbling before me. I pushed from the wall I'd taken to leaning on.

"Hey, this is great, but I'm gonna go to the bathroom." I give a lame finger gun, slipping away before Eddie can have much say.

It's all so soon. And I wasn't even sure what I wanted yet. There's a few faces I recognize, giving them a friendly glance as I pass by. I make my way back towards the front door, finding Steve propped up, attempting a keg stand. The sight is gruesome, frankly. He already seems to be too many drinks in. I wander by, shaking my head and making a mental note to return on the way back. I shut the door firmly, muting the outside world for a few minutes.

Could Eddie and I be just friends? Was I bothered by the flirting? What was he even telling his buddy? What did I want from this? I pulled the ring from my pocket, slipping it onto my thumb. I gave it a gentle spin, closing my eyes. My chest was warm, my cheeks were flushed, my heart was fluttering. I felt excited. I liked him. But was that enough? Was it enough to change my whole world?

My world had changed when Steve picked me up in that car, even if I hadn't decided I wanted it to. I had no say.

I needed to let go of my old point of view. Hell, Steve was still holding on. He was clambering, desperately. But we weren't normal high-school kids anymore. We'd been through some shit. No one else would understand. But what I needed least was to be around judgmental assholes who thought Eddie Munson was the scariest thing in Hawkins. Maybe- maybe Eddie and I had a chance after all. Maybe I needed to let go.

I sipped some water from the sink, then splashed it onto my face. Deep breath in, big breath out. Take charge. I swung the door open, pushing through the crowd to get back to Eddie. But I didn't have to get far.

Steve was still the center of attention, but this time, it was due to the fact he was shouting aggressively across the room. Billy was practically laughing at the drunken onslaught. Holding Steve back, to my complete and utter surprise, was Eddie. I squeezed through, shoving other teenagers out of the way with some effort. They'd packed in pretty tightly to watch the show.

"Steve!" I shouted, wedging myself in front of him. His eyes were lidded, and he was swaying. It had only taken him about 40 minutes to get completely wasted. I ignored Billy's catcalling that had begun. "Steve, if you can't handle yourself it's time to pack it up."

"Yeah, pretty boy," Billy grinned, "Listen to your sissy, limp it off."

Steve moved to take another step forward, but Eddie was managing his left arm with all his might. I only then registered his fearful frown, and gave him an apologetic look. He was stuck in our bullshit.

"I'm fine, La, lemme kick his ass," He slurred, yanking his arm. Eddie held tight.

"Please, man- lay off the booze," Eddie grouched.

"Kick my ass?" Billy hollered, and the crowd erupted into scattered, nervous laughter. "Little King Stevey- I've already kicked your ass."

I put my own hands up, trying to get Steve to look at me. "You've gotta get a hold of yourself."

"Wouldn't be the first time a little girl had to protect you," Billy taunted, making his way closer.

I gulped. I was pushed to the side instantly, Eddie practically having to catch me from slamming onto the cold hardwood floor. I didn't have time to thank him, scrambling up as I watched the scene unfold. Steve swung first, Billy easily drawing back. Steve raised his fisted hands in preparation, Billy grinning tauntingly. This time Eddie was dragging me back as I attempted to get in the middle of it.

"He's gonna get destroyed," I rush, trying to yank free.

"Maybe it'll do him some good!" Eddie shouted in exasperation.

"Not if he's too drunk to remember it!" I returned, watching Steve swing and miss again.

Billy stretched his arms, preparing a clear blow. Eddie looked conflicted, back and forth between me and Billy.

"Fucking bullshit!" He groaned, jumping between them. "I'm not into all this fighting and drama-"

Billy scoffed. "Again, bro? She's got you wrapped around her little finger, huh?"

Eddie glared back. "He's drunk off his ass. Let him walk it off."

"You're not even getting any, why are you so whipped?" Billy whispers, though it's loud enough for the crowd to gather.

Eddie's eyes twitched, and he flicked his palms up, laughing with the crowd around him. "It's funny- yeah, really-"

Then he launched a sucker punch straight at Billy's face. But Billy swerved it. The crowd was loving it, meanwhile I was watching in horror. I made a weak fist, looking down at it momentarily. I would do nothing to the beefed-up oaf. I ran track, I didn't have any arm strength. Billy launched a hook, Eddie barely avoiding it. But surprisingly, Steve- behind him- got a clear shot in while Eddie had ducked down. Billy's head whipperd to the side. That wouldn't go over lightly.

I wedged myself in while Billy was still preparing his counter. "Hey, hey."

Billy rolled his eyes, grinning. His teeth were lightly glossed with red, indicating Steve had torn something internally. The blood was light, but it still made me antsy. I swallowed hard, then dragged my hands up to rest on Billy's chest. His focus fell onto me immediately, hot breath puffing from his nose.

"Listen, we've had a rough night." I flinch at his look. "Okay, year."

He grips my hands, maneuvering them to lightly press back and forth across his chest. It takes everything in me to keep my expression mutual.

"Let's just forget it, yeah?" I bat my lashes, hoping I'm coming off alluring enough.

"You really think I can't see through you?" He smirks down at me, continuing to control my hands. He grabs my wrists sharply, then, and I'm caught- trapped.

"You know how I feel." I snip, brow furrowing in pain. "I know we're on the same page. But let them be- and maybe I'll... give in, a little bit."

He tilts his head, breathing hard at the idea. It would have been enough to make me gag, had I not been in this exact position.

"You and I both know- you don't care how I feel about you." I whisper, tucking my face closer to his ear.

The crowd partially disperses in discomfort, but most of them are watching, quietly- like this is their favorite soap. Billy drags my hands down, to his lower abdomen. Steve's drunken rage is nonstop behind me, slinging insults at anyone near. The sight is clearly too much for him to handle. I can only assume Eddie is holding him back- but I can imagine this must be killing him too. I lick my lips, and Billy gets closer.

"You know, Harrington, maybe I'll take you up on that." He hints lustfully.

His eyes close as he leans in, in slow motion. Though my wrists are still tightly trapped, I decide this is my only chance. Track and field, that's my specialty anyway. I wrench my leg back, then slam my knee straight into his groin. Though it's more contact then I've ever wanted with Billy Hargrove's groin, the crowd goes wild. Among them is Eddie, laughing incredulously, looking at me with unparalleled endearment.

Billy doubles over, cuss words hissing out like snake venom. I launch backwards, hands now free, dragging my brother and whatever-the-hell-Eddie-was-to-me with me. The crowd parted easily for our escape, and halfway through Steve stopped, bending over to vomit directly on Jason's welcome mat. Eddie tucked his arm under Steve's, and I copied him on the opposite side, basically dragging Steve down the driveway.

"Can you get him in the van?" I panted, fishing the keys from Steve's pocket. I accidentally snagged a scrap of paper with someone's number, scowling and flinging it away. "No way am I leaving our car here- Billy'll destroy it."

"I'mfineguys," Steve slurred, pushing me away as I finally yanked the keys from his pocket.

"Harrington, you bitch-" Billy hissed, the front door slamming open. He slipped a little bit in the pile that Steve had left, Jason coming up the rear looking perturbed, to say the least. He seemed to be fretting over the mat.

"Right, I got him- go, go, go, go-" Eddie sprinted, Steve clumsily trotting alongside him. "You are so plastered, man- it's almost impressive,"

I wasted no time in sprinting to our car, and locked it as soon as my ass hit the seat. I let my eyes close for a second, trying to catch my breath. I jump up as Billy slams against my window, shouting obscenities as his hand repeatedly strikes the window pane. I rush to turn on the ignition, buckling myself in.

"You just wait till school starts again," Billy shouts, breath completely fogging my window. I honk my horn- long, loud. Finally he pushes back, kicking my tire, and I take the opportunity to speed away.

Eddie and I are pretty quiet while we lug Steve up to the house. I feel so many feelings- but mostly embarassed.

"Thank you," I break the silence. "Were you- did you have to drive after a few drinks?"

He waves me off. "Nothing I haven't had to do before. Crazy it's for you two, though."

I raise an eyebrow in response.

"I don't want to go home," Steve whines. When we've already walked him basically to the front door. We ignore him.

"You know, I probably would have been cheering alongside the others before," Eddie admits casually, trying to gauge my response. I only hang my head, lips pressed tightly together.

"But now- well, I know you two are actually kind of endearing." He shakes his own head in disbelief.

"Endearing?" I scoff, flicking my head at the drunk we were lugging. "This is pitiful. We're pitiful."

"Nah." Eddie shakes his head again. "You're kind of kick-ass. Pretty metal, honestly- the way you're ride or die."

"He'd do anything for me." I shrug. I toss him off, making to unlock the front door. He groans, pushing off the brick of the side of the house. "I'd do anything for him. It's just how we are."

"You guys are- kind of great." Eddie smiles honestly.

Steve pushes away from us, stumbling around the front room. I glance worriedly, but try to give Eddie my full attention.

"Look- are you good to get home? Do you want to spend the night?" I rush, peaking my head in to see that Steve has disappeared.

Eddie shakes his head, prying his jacket open. He has four bottles tucked in there, all still capped. "I only sipped one. Though, staying the night-"

I laugh, "No, no, you've said your piece. If you aren't drunk, I'll see you at school."

He laughs, too. "Or earlier. Maybe this weekend?"

"Maybe." I respond idly. "I- I gotta go. He's- somewhere-"

Eddie raises his hands up innocently, backing away. "I'll see you then."

I pause, making eye contact seriously. "Seriously, Eddie. Thank you."

Then I check my watch. Midnight had come and gone 18 minutes ago, but still- it was New Years. A momentary, fleeting though flutters through my head. This was the perfect excuse-and it wasn't like it was the first time. Plus, maybe it would help me get my feelings collected. I pushed off the wall beside our front door, trailing after his retreating form.

"Eddie, wait-" I breathed.

He turned, looking confused, and before he could say a word I leaned in, pressing my lips to his tightly. My heart leapt in my chest, and my hands twitched at my side, aching to hold him- pull him in. Instead, I pulled back as quickly as I'd pushed forward.

He looked awestruck, doe eyes large and bewildered.

"Because it's New Years. Happy New Years." I explained offhandedly, backing up.

His expression dimmed a little, but only slightly. His hand came up to drag through his long mane, and he shook his head. "Uh- Happy New Years, Lana."

"You too." I responded dumbly, tripping over the edge of the sidewalk. I decided to face the house the rest of the way, speeding away as quick as I could.

I slammed the door shut, pressing my back to it. My fingers came up to press on my lips, and I slid down the door, laughing breathlessly.

Shit.

This is by far the longest chapter I've written. I can't help myself. Hope you all still are enjoying, don't forget to shoot me some feedback on any little thing you'd like. Also, Take My Breath Away was released way later than the year this chapter was set in, but creative liberty. That is all 3