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bmodiwrites · 1 year

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Eddie sits stoically outside his gate at the airport. His flight's been delayed three times now and there's no sign of that status changing. He curses his manager for the billionth time that day - Eddie wanted to drive from the start. Now, he's stuck in an airport surrounded by unhappy people, impatient workers, and a teenaged boy that keeps staring at him.

It's understandable, the stare. Eddie has his customary airport garb on; he's so recognizable no matter what he does, it's pointless to try and hide. Instead, he wears a beanie pulled over his curls so they're not so prominent, while big framed glasses sit on his nose to obscure the odd color of his eyes. After years of avoiding fans, Eddie knows it's all about blending in, not standing out. Though he's doing a good job of exactly that, some people are more persistent than others.

The young boy stares at him with an intensity that's kind of unsettling. Eddie knows that the kid knows who he is, there's no use trying to ignore that any longer. For some odd reason, Eddie's music is starting to become popular with the new aged teens. Despite not understanding what his heavy rock music does for a youngster not raised in the age of metal, he's trying to get behind a different fanbase starting to flock towards his creations. Maybe it's the timeless look Eddie's never allowed to be taken from him that draws in all the new fans. Whatever the reason, Eddie's now being recognized by high school kids all over the place.

Trying to avoid any sort of confrontation, Eddie gets up from his seat to check the flight's status on the departures board. It's bittersweet to see that nothing has changed. Sucking in a breath, Eddie heads back to where he was - except, the kid from before is sitting a couple chairs down from him instead of across the way. There's a brief second where Eddie thinks about ignoring the kid and moving on all together. Something stops him and he moves to sit down, instead.

It takes all of ten minutes for the boy to lean over and say "you're Eddie Munson, right?" It's whispered and done in such a conspiratorial tone that Eddie can't help but laugh. His previous thoughts about grunting out an answering affirmative and signing a quick autograph fly from his head. Suddenly, the cure for boredom is right in front of him.

In answer to the kids question, Eddie brings a finger to his lips in a 'shh' motion and winks. The flush of redness that overtakes the teen's cheeks is worth the extra ten minutes he's going to have to take out of his day to answer what are more than likely going to be inane questions. He's surprised then, when the kid starts talking about himself, instead.

"I'm trying to make it to my Uncle's place for the holidays. My parents, they decided they didn't want me around anymore and he's the only family I have." There's a pause just long enough for the kid to take a breath before he continues. "I've never not been with my family for New Year's." His tone is wistful and sad, familiar to Eddie in such a visceral way that he ditches his attitude and actually listens. His story sounds like Eddie's before Wayne took him under his wing. He understands this kid more than the boy will ever know.

"Home is where you create it, kid. You'll come to see that the family you make is exactly what you've always needed. The right people will come into your life. Just give it some time." Eddie wishes someone told him that all those years ago. The journey to the peace he now feels was a long one, one that took a lot of grit and determination to make it through.

Eddie thinks that might be the end of it, but the kid eventually speaks up again. "Where's home for you? The internet doesn't have much information on Corroded Coffins' coveted lead singer." That gets a snort out of Eddie which makes his young friend smile wide. It's a nice enough look that Eddie throws caution to the wind and answers honestly. There's a reason his personal life is so hard to keep track of but this kid is more than likely not a threat.

"That's a complicated question. I spend more time on the road than I do in any permanent place." It's enough of his current reality to answer the kid's question, but it's not the entirety of it. The piece of his life he always leaves out makes his chest ache like it has been for the past fifteen years. The world isn't ready for a truth like that.

Though, Eddie's never met someone like the teenager looking at him so curiously. There's a knowing gleam in his eye that makes him think of Dustin sitting at the D&D table. He's about to get hit with something profound that Eddie's got know idea how to handle.

"Kind of a cop out answer, don't you think? I'm not some fancy reporter - who am I going to tell?" There's an edge to the kid's voice now, one that makes Eddie think he's been brushed off a time or two too many.

With a sigh, Eddie turns more fully to the kid, dropping his voice so it's clear it's important that only the two of them hear what he's about to say. "Home isn't a place for me. There's a person in my life that acts as an anchor, no matter where I am. He's - " Eddie falters for a second and quickly corrects himself "they're usually here with me but our best friend just had her second baby. I wouldn't be so worried about getting anywhere with such impatience usually, but home is calling."

Suddenly, Eddie understands why the kid looks so damn sad - why, after knowing that Eddie didn't really want to talk, he persisted, anyway. The look that crosses over that innocent little face says it all. Eddie's slip up in mentioning the one that calls him home bridges a gap he doesn't even know is there until he's on the other side of the divide standing next to some strange yet familiar soul. The boy looks close to tears, though they appear to the happiest kind one could cry.

"It gets better, kid. I promise you that." The words are out of Eddie's mouth before he can stop them, but that doesn't really matter. The look of hope that crosses over his face is more than enough for Eddie. He knows he's in the clear with this fan, his secrets are safe. For once, Eddie's glad to be right where he is, sharing something about himself with a random stranger.

Especially when the kid says "I can't wait to have that," in this dreamy tone Eddie hasn't heard since he was a teen himself. It's invigorating and enough of an eye opener that Eddie jumps out of his seat.

Digging into his bag, Eddie finds one of his personal business cards, holds it out to the kid with a grin. "If you need a reminder you're not alone. It was good to meet you - " Eddie stops then, waiting for the kid to fill in the blank.

"I'm Xander, Xander Cole. It was nice to meet you, Eddie Munson." Xander blushes and drops his head to take in a breath. "Thank you. For what you said."

Nodding casually, like he didn't just change someone's life, Eddie beams one last smile over at him. "Good luck, Xander. I've got to get home now."

Eddie doesn't wait to see the way Xander's brightens or the knowing grin that starts to overtake his young face. The kid will never understand just what he's done for Eddie, how he's helped him, too. There's a special sort of joy that comes from knowing the little things in life, like having empathy and being a good person, still matter. Xander's got a life full of challenges ahead of him but Eddie's confident the kid is smart enough to figure himself out. After all, he set Eddie straight.

It's a long haul of a drive that feels like a thousand miles by the time Eddie's pulling into Robin's driveway. Virginia is a gorgeous place that Eddie's never taken the time to appreciate. Driving through it gave him the chance to take in the thick foliage draped in picturesque snow. There's nothing like the glint of sunrise off a blanket of freshly fallen powder. Eddie's already writing lyrics about it in the back of his head.

He's impatient to get out of the car, though, so Eddie doesn't worry about his luggage or the presents he's got with him, or even the day old clothes that are still covering his body. Shaky hands slam the car into park and he's out of his seat before it's probably safe to be. The keys are still in the ignition, he's so impatient.

The warmth of familiarity and comfort engulf Eddie the moment he steps inside. There's a bit of noise in the house, though it's still pretty early in the morning. He tries to be quiet as he walks further into the house but Eddie's Eddie - a klutz through and through. His elbow bangs against the banister as he treads through the foyer. It's enough of a commotion to halt the movement in the kitchen before what seems like a stampede comes barreling towards him.

Eddie's breath catches when he sees Steve standing there, looking right back at him. They stare for a moment, both caught up on the feeling of finally coming home. Always the first one to lose patience, Eddie narrows the space down between them until Steve's in his arms. The hug they share is fierce and firm, much like the intensity and stability of the relationship they've been building for years upon years. Xander reminded him that family is what's important, that home, no matter the person, or place, is worth the hassle of an unscheduled trip.

As they break apart, Steve presses a kiss to the tip of his nose, making the both of them smile. "You're here earlier than we expected. Robin said you wouldn't make it before the ball dropped." Steve kisses Eddie again, lingering in his space. "Glad you decided to prove her wrong."

"That's my main mission in life, sweetheart," Eddie says, reaching up to brush some stray hair from Steve's forehead. There's a chuckle and then a soft hand on Eddie's cheek guiding him back to look directly in Steve's eyes.

"Welcome home, Eddie."

Grinning, Eddie whispers "there's no place like you, Stevie" before finally leaning in and kissing Steve's lips.

It really is good to be home.

click for part two here

#steddie #stranger things #happy new year #ficlets #bobbie writes #eddie munson #steddie ficlet #steddie au #steddie fics #holiday shit #there's no place like you

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