Chapter Text
"Yeah, I've already got the next client's order"
Billy's eyes looked around the room with a blur. He winced, hands gripping at the bloody chains that held his wrists.
"Client wants a natural red headed female"
The broken boy's heart jumped.
-*-
Billy's eyes snapped open as an alarm clock beeped. "Hm, fuck..." he slurred, burying his face into the warm chest in front of him. "Say the snow blocked the car" he mumbled, unwilling to let go of the soft body in his arms.
"I got work, baby" Eddie rubbed Billy's back already agitated by continuous beeping. The brunette couldn't help but chuckle as his lover groaned in protest. "No, no, I have to get up and you need to get up" he pressed a kiss into the blonde curls and pushed himself up.
Billy grunted, letting his arms flop into the bed. "Why?" He mumbled and dragged his body over to the now absent side of the bed. "Tell them you're scared of The Abductor and won't leave" he tugged the striped blue quilt over his head, curling up into a ball of sleepy.
"I can't" Eddie sighed softly and pressed his hands down on the lump. "You'll come see me for lunch, right?" He asked, brushing his hair behind his pierced ear. "Stevie said he's offering a shit ton of ice cream now you apologised to Sinclair" he slumped over the lump as he slapped his hand on top of the noisy alarm finally quieting the beeps.
"That was surprisingly hard to do" Billy pushed his head through the quilt and sighed softly. A shiver ran through him as he thought of the influence that was held above his head.
"I know but you've done it!" Eddie pushed himself up from the bed and walked towards the dresser. It was cluttered with hair product and numerous accessories and a very over filled Mötley Crüe ashtray. "Another sign that bastard has no grip on you anymore, right?"
Billy sighed and turned over on his back, staring up at the Metallica banner that hung above their bed. Eddie was right. His anger had lessened greatly over the past two years. He had managed to create a brotherly relationship with a few of the younger friends in the circle. "Rotting where he belongs" he closed his eyes and nodded. Neil was sentenced for a surprising five years in prison and a nearly ten thousand dollar fine. The court erupted into applause when it was announced he would be on the sex offender's register for life. "I'm not like him, right?" He asked, propping himself up on his elbows.
Eddie threw his head back and forth then braced himself on the dresser as he shook his head from side to side. "You're doing something he didnt do and that is admitting guilt" he moved his hands underneath his hair then paused. "I should've put a top on first..." he sighed.
"Oh" Billy blinked. "Put on the glamorous Duff outfit" he gestured to the wardrobe. "Won't mess up your hair and you'll look pretty" he pushed himself up properly, leaning his back against the bee's headboard.
"I swear Duffy's obsession with that band is contagious" Eddie shook his head and stepped away from the dresser. "First he's bouncing around like the strawberry is the next Jesus and now its creeping on to you"
"I mean it's not that bad" the blonde shrugged, crossing his legs. His breath caught when he realised his hands were shaking. "Shit" he hissed under his breath and gripped at his thighs. His mouth was quickly feeling dry. One thing that he hated about his Anxiety was how his panic had lately hit him at random. There were a few discussions previously at the hospital that Billy would feel out of place while adjusting to his new life, his new routine. The smaller bouts were a mild inconvenience at this point. And more embarrassing than Billy would like to admit. "Hey, Ed-"
Eddie adjusted the silver studded belt as it hung off his hip. "Yeah?" He hummed, looking at the ribbon that hung loosely underneath the white shirt collar. He straightened out the velvet rose vest and double checked the chain on his black jeans and the second belt. He bent forward slightly, looking into the dresser mirror and touched underneath his Bambi eyes. "Should I ask Duffy if I can borrow his eye pencil?" He questioned, glancing over his shoulder.
Billy's heart fluttered and he wasted no time as he yanked the quilt back and quickly climbed out of bed. "Definitely, yes" he nodded, wrapping his arms around Eddie's lithe waist. "Please, wear this outfit more often, little rockstar" he pressed a kiss on to his lover's clothed shoulder. "I wanna eat you up" he spoke in a low voice and trailed the kisses down Eddie's arm, taking his hand in his and lifting it to press a kiss on to the back of his hand.
Eddie chuckled softly, looking at the sun-kissed man's reflection longingly in the mirror. "Later tonight maybe?" He turned in Billy's arms, pressing his hands against his bare chest. "I still need to get ready"
"Ugh" Billy threw his head back then leaned it forward, resting it against Eddie's. "Anything against a very brief make out session?" He asked, brushing his lips against Eddie's. "Maybe a few little neck kiss-"
"Eddie! Don't ferget yer meds!"
The two sighed. "Never mind, later it is" Eddie pressed a kiss against Billy's freckled cheek. "Lunch time, right?"
-*-
"You're late!" A London accent rang through the music store. Jumping from the step ladder, Duffy landed on one leg and wobbled then leaned his elbow on one of the steps. "Why... Why do you look like Duff McKagen and Eddie Van Halen morphed together in a great big fuckin' glam rock album explosion?" He asked, raising a brow.
Eddie scoffed walking past the Londoner. "Why do you look like a white washed Slash wannabe?" He flicked Duffy's brow as he passed him and stopped at the staff room door. "Billy got me to wear it! Can I borrow your pencil?" He asked.
Duffy ruffled his frizzy hair and then glanced at his reflection in the store's window. "Hmm, not a wannabe, my 'air is way fuckin' longa'!" He pointed out the length as his hair reached mid back. As he flicked the thick strands he paused, eyes catching on to the multiple missing persons posters next to a few adverts. He stepped off the ladder and walked closer, scarred fingers brushing against a black and white photograph of Gareth. He lowered his hand and looked at Heather Holloway's poster. Soon his dark eyes moved over to the final poster of Robin Buckley. There was something haunting about all three posters.
In the past three months four people had gone missing. Tommy, an old school friend of Steve turned up, face down in Lover's lake with a rope burn around his neck. Police forbid anymore information being released. An unidentified torso and foot would appear on the side of the road not far from Lovers Lake two weeks later. Jane Doe's only form of identification was an appendix removal surgical scar and a single freckle on her left breast. No one had come forward and eventually she was dubbed The Lovers Doe.
"Has anything at all been said about Rob?"
Duffy flinched and smacked his hand over Gareth's poster with a loud gasp. "Don't sneak up on me like that, ya' twat!" He forced out, turning around and shooting a glare at the older man. He let out a shaky breath and pushed his hair back. "Heard fuck all" he shrugged walking away from the missing posters. "Honestly wonderin' if she's gonna end up like... well, like Gary" he gestured to the bouncy haired man's poster. "Harrington is on edge, man, haven't seen him bite his nails so much before" he walked back to the step ladder and nudged the lock.
Eddie held on to his elbows as he stared at Robin's poster. His eyed wondered over to Gareth's. He sighed and turned away. "I don't blame him" he walked over to the counter and sat down on the stool. "Anderson and Jeff acted the same way, fidgeting and all that shit" he rapped his fingers on the counter surface. He pressed his lips together feeling anxiety jump on the back of his neck. "Gareth said he wanted to jump on to a bus a while back and I know I shouldn't but.." he licked his lips. "It leaves me some hope he'll turn up soon, alive and well" he nodded.
Duffy sucked in a breath then walked over to the counter. "Eddie, love, I hate to tell you this but I don' think he'll be well once ya' done throttlin' it out of him" he took Eddie's calloused hands in his own as if he were comforting a widow. His face didn't stay serious for long as it scrunched up struggling to hold back his giggles.
Eddie shook his head and pulled his hands away, a laugh escaping him too. "You got me there, Rose, you got me there-" he paused, noticing the t-shirt the senior student was wearing. "We're not selling those until next week you sneaky little shit" Eddie tugged on the Appetite for Destruction t-shirt.
Duffy swatted at the former dealer's hand. "Couldn't help myself! I had to 'borrow' one" he lifted his hands and signed air quotes as he stepped away from the counter. "Besides Miss Cunningham is a kind little bird, she won't mind!" He adjusted his unzipped hoodie.
Eddie leaned his chin on his palm as he watched the younger man enthuse. His eyes flickered to the door then back to Duffy. "Zip it up! Zip it up!" He hissed as he spotted the familiar strawberry blonde walking in the prettiest baby blue pea coat and neat brown snow boots with olive green socks peeking at the top.
Chrissy stepped through the door, rubbing her bare hands together. "It's colder than yesterday! Whew!" A shiver ran through her petite frame as the heat of the store hit her full blast. "Morning, Rose, Eddie" she flashed her smile with her little crooked tooth poking at her glossed lip.
The two spoke in unison as they greeted her. Duffy adjusted his jacket once it was properly zipped up and turned around. "Didja' hear they found that Lovers Doe's foot today?" He asked, trying to catch Chrissy off guard.
Chrissy scrunched up her face as she began to unbutton her coat, walking past the two. "Why would you start off a conversation with that?" She questioned, nudging the staff room door open with her elbow.
"Probably 'cause Cherry isn't here to do it to" Eddie replied, spinning himself around on the stool. Despite being twenty-two the nerdy metal head remained as goofy as he was back in high school. He set his hands down on the counter as he looked at the short teenager with his lips pressed together.
Duffy fiddled with his lip ring and raised a brow. "Wot?"
"Ya' know, it's a wonder you and Cherry are best friends in the first place" Eddie clasped his fingers together.
Duffy and Cherry were both opposites. Cherry was smaller than Duffy, a ball of anxiety and insecurity to the point he could be seen clinging to Duffy's arm. Even their appearance was opposite; shirt deep red hair and stormy eyes Cherry looked about as threatening as a sleeping field mouse in a Tulip. Duffy was loud, gave a cursing sailor a run for their money when it came to the f-bomb and had been dubbed 'Metal Face' by his peers for the few facial piercings he had. Often joined at the hip they had become known as the twins.
"What can I say? I'm pullin' a you!" Duffy shrugged, straightening his back as Chrissy left the staff room. "Miss Cunningham, ya' didn't answer my question" he ran his fingers through his hair and winced as the strands became caught on his rings. Copying Eddie no doubt.
Chrissy grimaced at Duffy and shook her head. "Eh, that's... that's not really a question I want to answer this early" she sighed. "But no, no I didn't" she adjusted her skirt and stepped behind the counter, leaning down to pick up a clipboard. "Let's... try to keep a positive attitude today! It's November and the Christmas season is coming so... let's decorate?"
Eddie nodded, smiling. "We'll make it look so pretty that Rose's tomato would have a Christmas meltdown" he pushed himself up from the stool. Duffy's quick remark turned into white noise as Eddie stood up properly. A sudden feeling jumped in his chest and left him feeling uncomfortable. An impending sense of doom.
"-Die? Earth to Eddie!" Chrissy waved a hand in front of the wide eyed brunette's face. "Are you ok?" She asked with concern.
Eddie blinked. He looked at Chrissy's worried expression then Duffy's tilted head and raised pierced brow. He nodded, putting a hand on his chest. "Yeah I just... got a weird feeling" he mumbled, glancing briefly at Robin's poster. His throat seemed to dry up as the weight grew. Bad news was coming soon.
-*-
"Ahoy- Oh, it's just you, guys..." Steve sighed as he turned around, face falling into a scowl.
Dustin stood with his hands on his hips, Eddie folded his arms, Billy paused on chewing his toothpick, Duffy glared as he still fiddled with his lip ring, Cherry visibly stiffened and Chrissy smiled warmly sending a little wave to the bothered 'Sailor'. "Nice to see you too, Steve!" Dustin tilted his hat and then folded his arms. "Harsh"
"Sorry! I just... this place is so... empty of any sarcastic life without Rob" Steve sighed, leaning his hands on the counter. "Take a seat and I'll bring your orders over shortly... where is Carver?" That name still left a bitter taste on Steve's tongue even if the man did apologise for his behaviour and had grown up he still thought of what happened when he spied the scar on the bridge of Eddie's nose.
Chrissy shrugged. Her worry could easily be seen but she wouldn't admit it. "I'm assuming he slept in or... something" she didn't want to think of the possibility that he had gone missing next. "It is his day off" she smiled, pushing the nagging anxiety aside. "I'm sure he'll turn up soon"
Eddie moved his pinky finger, brushing it against Billy's. He made a very quiet noise when Billy linked their pinky fingers together. He turned his head and tilted his head as he leaned into Billy's ear. "Can we go take a quick cigarette break?" He asked, a tremble in his voice. "Its that feeling again"
Billy nodded, moving the tooth pick to the other side of his mouth. "While you guys get settled me and Eds are gonna go have a smoke" he announced, letting go of Eddie's pinky.
"Don't stay out there too long, its fuckin' freezing" Duffy replied, leaning his elbow on top of Cherry's head.
"He's right, we've hit the coldest week so far" Cherry nodded. "Even if I've been feeling pretty cold" he added, nudging Duffy's arm from atop his head. "I'll send Duffy after you if you're not back by the time the ice cream is here"
"Duly noted!" Eddie replied ignoring the tiny sigh. "C'mon" he tugged on Billy's brown leather bomber jacket, dragging him away from the group.
The two walked in silence for a moment, waiting until they were far enough from Scoops Ahoy before either said a word. "What's this-" "That feeling-" they paused with Eddie cracking a smile and Billy running his tongue over his teeth as he tried to hold back a laugh. "You first, little rockstar, tell me this feeling"
Eddie sucked in a breath. "Its that feeling of doom! Something bad is coming.." he let the breath escape and folded his arms, nails scratching against the leather. "I was getting up to decorate the store and... it was like something heavy, like a weighted blanket had been dropped over my shoulders" he stopped just by the doors, looking at the gentle snow fall. He turned to Billy, button eyes locking with ocean ones. "What if it's about Robin?" He asked.
Billy pressed his hand against the door and pulled the toothpick from his lips. "I... I can't tell you" he shook his head. "Is it still there? The... weight?" He pushed the door open, stepping aside to let Eddie step out first.
Eddie shuddered as the cold hit his gaunt cheeks. He nodded walking out into the chilly November air. "Hasn't gotten any lighter" he replied, thinking of Steve. The weight seemed to burn his shoulders as he lowered his head. "I... oh, thanks" he mumbled as cigarette was held out to him. He wrapped his lips around it taking it from Billy's fingers. "I'm worried about what we're gonna hear soon"
Billy sighed and put his cigarette between his lips. He turned his head, pressing the tips of the cancerous sticks together. He flipped open the silver lighter. "I'm sure its nothing but anxiety" he mumbled. "Maybe she's fine-"
"Don't bullshit me, William, we both know she's gone!" Eddie snapped pulling away. He sucked in a breath, his trembling fingers gripping the cigarette. "Its like Tommy's body or The Lovers Doe, there's only a matter of time until she's found... like Gareth's too..." he mumbled softly, leaning his back against the wall. "Or Heather's... shit, this fucker is hitting too close to home" he groaned with frustration and worry.
Billy stared for a moment as he was unable to find the words. "I know, I'm sorry" he apologised and leaned against the wall beside Eddie. He sighed, leaning his head against the wall and stared at the cigarette for a moment as he thought about Steve. "Shit" he pinched the bridge of his nose. "Steve is gonna be destroyed"
"I know" Eddie watched as the cigarette smoke escaped his lips, disappearing into the crisp air. "At least he'll have a body to bury" the words were bitter. The authorities had yet to find Gareth's body. As much as Eddie hoped the grumpy drummer would appear a part of him knew he was likely the third or fourth victim to this serial killer. "Dustin or Nance will take care of him though" he nodded.
Billy lowered his hand and brushed his pinky finger against Eddie's as a way to comfort him without bringing unfortunate attention. The silence weighed as heavy as the sense of doom.
The door burst open with Duffy stumbling through. His head whipped around till it landed on the two secret lovers. "Guys!" His eyes for once were wide like a terrified fawn. "It's Robin" he painted, hands gripping the door till they began to white. "It's Robin!" He repeated louder.
-*-
The rest of the day seemed to pass into a blur. Duffy couldn't get the screams out of anguish out of his head. The way Steve, a man he saw as strong collapsing into sobs, clinging to Dustin as the unfortunate news reached him. "Damn it" Duffy sighed, lowering his head as he shook it. "Has anyone said how it happened?" He asked as his mind buzzed with answers. "Fuck this" he mumbled.
"Just that they confirmed she's... another victim" Eddie seemed reluctant to let the news hit him. He had been holding in his tears but his hands continued to shake. "We have to go back soon before Chrissy gets overwhelmed with all the rowdy Christmas shoppers" he wanted to make a joke, maybe goof off to earn a smile from Duffy but he was just about holding himself together.
"Yeah..." Duffy nodded and pulled his cigarette from his teeth. He lifted his hand, tugging his fingerless glove to expose the back of his hand.
"Hey, no! Don't!" Eddie raised his voice and turned to grab Duffy's wrist but he reacted far too late. "Shit... the tomato is gonna kill you for that"
Duffy twisted the cigarette on his skin, stubbing it out. He let out a satisfied sigh and dropped it on to the floor quickly crushing it with his boot. "He can damn well try but them tiny arms ain't reaching mah neck" he folded his arms.
"You remind me of Billy sometimes, Duffy" Eddie dropped his cigarette on the floor and dug his heel down on to it. "Terrifying" he pushed himself from the wall. "Hey" he put a hand on the senior student's shoulder. "Look at me"
Reluctantly Duffy lifted his head, shooting Eddie a glare. "Wot?"
"I don't want you or Cherry doing your little quests for a while, ok? Especially over by Lovers Lake" Eddie spoke firmly, squeezing Duffy's shoulder. "I'm serious, Rose, whoever is doing this is picking at the town non discriminatory, right? We've lost two people already and I'd rather not loose anymore" he let go of Duffy's shoulder.
Duffy smacked his hand over his shoulder, rubbing it slightly. "I... I will, alrigh'? Hope ya' tellin' the others the same... Jason needs to start waking his ass up to stick with Chrissy because I am not fitting a second passenger on my Harley" he shook his head. "And she does not seem like the type to sit on a bike" he mumbled softly, pushing the door to the mall open.
Eddie chuckled at the thought of Chrissy on a motorbike. The hairs on the back of his neck stood up before he could even set foot indoors. He whipped his head, looking at the road behind him.
A black van slowly rolled past. The windows were heavily tinted with the figure driving barely visible. Something eerie seemed to seep from the steel walls as it past. Eddie could've sworn that whoever was sat in front seat was looking in his direction. Hunting.
The brunette was unable to relax until the van disappeared out of sight. He shuddered then shook his shoulders as he stepped inside. "Creepy... shit"
"Oi, mate, you good?" Duffy snapped Eddie from his thoughts. "I was chattin' loudly to myself in there, what's up?" a brief flash of annoyance could be seen jumping over Duffy's freckles. His expression then softened as be noticed the alert in Eddie's eyes. "It's... its gettin' tuh ya'?" He asked.
Eddie could only nod as he started walking. "That's probably it... I'm getting shaken up" he mumbled, tilting his head forward and rubbing his temples. "Any one of us could be next and we don't know who" he dropped his arms to his side. Part of his bangs seemed to have stiffen, flicking up from how stressed he felt. "Plus... Robin... she was so nice and... she was gonna ask that girl out before she went missing, dude! Now she never got the chance... I... fuck" he had to blink back his tears. He was expecting the emotion to hit him later but not so soon. The worry, the fear he felt for Gareth had built up his emotions. It was like a jar he sealed shut was now beginning to crack.
Duffy remained quiet and just lifted his hand and lightly smacked it against Eddie's shoulder. "Don't cry please 'cause if you start cryin' I will start cryin' then Chrissy will see us both bawlin' our eyes out and she will start cryin' again" he snorted, lips tugging into a small smirk when he saw Eddie beginning to smile a little. "Brave faces, we got like six more hours!" He pushed the door open to the music store, flinching when the bell let out a loud ring.
Chrissy looked up from the counter. "Oh good! Duffy can be process this for me? I need to call home it's an emergency!" She set down a half filled bag of records and several tapes.
"Sure, my lovely, I got ya' covered!" Duffy nodded, unzipping his leather jacket as he walked over to the counter. "Hang this for me, man" he threw the item of clothing towards Eddie who squeaked and caught it with one hand.
Eddie glared at Duffy then sighed, adjusting the jacket in his hand so his finger was hooked at the collar. "Everything ok, Chrissy?" He asked walking into the staff room behind the petite woman.
The staff room was fairly decent. A small corner had a microwave, mini fridge, sink with a vending machine next to it. There was a light blue L couch in the corner with a small shelf of books and magazines next to it. The small radio was busted and only played one station which was oddly enough in French. The TV in the corner of the ceiling seemed to work just fine besides the occasional satellite adjustment needed. In the further right corner was a door to the storage room.
Chrissy walked to the couch and set herself down, picking up the phone. "Jason's work called me, they're short staffed but Jason wouldn't pick up the phone" she explained as she quickly tapped in her home phone number. She held the phone to her ear, twisting the chord around her finger. "I don't know if it's because of what happened to Robin or something but everything just feels off" she tapped her heel against the floor as anxiety slowly began to take over. "I'm worried"
Eddie stared for a moment, unmoving. His mind seemed to run back to when Jason and Eddie realised they could get along. Just months after graduation Jason was gradually beginning to get used to Eddie's presence as he began working alongside Chrissy. They'd still continue to clash now and then but there were a few moments of peace.
Chrissy sighed and pulled the phone from her ear. "No answer" she mumbled, placing the phone back. She leaned her elbows on her thighs as she stared at the phone. "I don't understand" she mumbled softly. "He's slept in before but not like this" she pushed her bangs back and let out a sigh.
"Has he stopped by his parents house? Mrs. Carver hasn't been well" Eddie hung up Duffy's jacket and quickly moved to take off his own. He didn't want to reveal his own concern; that Jason had gone missing. "Call and ask"
Chrissy's eyes brightened and squinted as she smiled. "That's definitely it!" She clapped her hands together. A nagging in her chest told her otherwise as she picked up the phone again. "She's been better but the cold is not good for her bones" she shook her head, dialling in the number for Jason's parents. Neither of them had to wait long for answer.
Eddie sat himself down next to her, watching with a slightly tense expression. He was beginning to struggle hiding how he really felt.
"Mr. Carver! It's Chrissy!" Chrissy exclaimed. "Is Jason there?" She asked, giving a thumbs up to Eddie. Silence. Her face fell as did her hand. "He's... he's not? I see" silence once more. "No its just... he didn't meet up for lunch today and then his work called saying they couldn't get a hold of him either" she was shaking now as one of her greatest fears seemed to be coming to life. She lifted her hand, waving it, ushering Eddie from the room.
Eddie nodded and stood up, giving Chrissy's shoulder a quick reassuring squeeze. He walked away, nudging the staff room door open.
Duffy lifted his head up "Hey" he glanced back at the few customers then Eddie. "'S goin' on?" He asked in a low voice.
Eddie walked over to the counter, watching as people flipped through records to tapes looking for their tunes. A few had turned to the wall, eyeing up posters and t-shirts. "Jason's gone M.I.A" he replied quietly, tugging one of the stools over as he sat himself down. "Work called because they could not find him and his parents have no clue where he is either" he could feel the intensity from Duffy raise as he spoke.
"Shit... I hate that moron but not 'nough for this" the shorter man whispered, tapping his pen on the clipboard. "I'll give Cherry a ring afta' she's finished 'cause she is not goin' home alone tonight" he mumbled, looking at the missing posters. Robin's poster had since been removed leaving an empty space and now it looked as if it was going to be quickly filled again.
-*-
The house felt empty. Steve laid on his back, legs laying on the couch while he remained the floor, hands on his stomach. His eyes were pink while his kids were puffy. Red speckled across his cheeks as he stared up at the ceiling.
Nancy was in a similar position and had thanked herself for deciding to wear trousers today instead of a skirt. Her hair fanned out around her face. "Steve" she whispered.
Steve was quiet for a moment. He swallowed and let out a hallow sigh. "Yeah?" He croaked, voice sore from his screams and wailing.
"Do you want to order pizza?" She asked, tilting her head to the side looking at the mourning man with pity. She nudged his shoulder after no response. "I'll buy" she offered.
Steve sighed again. "Ok, I'll try" his voice was lifeless. "My head hurts" his crying had been continuous for hours. It was expected when you had lost your best friend to a murderer who was still walking free. "I... I miss my other half" that was what Robin was to Steve. A soul mate. They were not lovers but they completed each other more than any girlfriend could complete them.
Nancy unhooked her legs from the couch and pushed herself up. "I know" she sat still for a moment then lifted a hand cupping Steve's cheek. "I know" she repeated and pulled her hand away. "Your nuggets will be here soon" she tried to lighten the mood a bit. "Why don't you get changed? Shower? I'll set up some blankets on the couch and I bet Dustin brought Top Gun with him" she held her breath until Steve nodded in agreement. "I'll get you some water"
Steve slowly turned his body, a wince escaping him as the dull pain thudded against his skull. His body felt heavy and he was trembling rather violently. He wondered if he was going to collapse. "Can you just..." he swallowed, rubbing his throat as kneeled. "Leave the water on the sink?" He asked, planning on laying for a bit to try and cloud up his mind. He would rather feel nothing than anything in this moment.
-*-
Duffy leaned on the truck door, watching as Chrissy unlocked the front door. "That man better be 'avin' the best damn nap of his fuckin' life" he mumbled. A part of him felt angry at Jason. Leaving his friend to worry about him all day especially after they just lost someone.
"He's gone" Cherry was jittery. "One of us is next, I swear one of us is next and we are fucked!" He was gripping the steering wheel hard, staring at the now open front door. He could barely hear the radio playing as his mind was buzzed with anxiety.
Duffy glanced back at his beloved Harley, secured to the truck bed. He'd kill for some wind therapy right now but he liked his head on his shoulders. "Fuck me" he sighed, turning back to the house.
"Missing woman Robin Cecilia Buckley was found today..."
Duffy dropped abruptly to his seat and turned up the radio quickly, eyes wide as he heard Robin's name.
The twins leaned close, shoulder to shoulder as they stared at the radio with wide, curious eyes.
"...In the forest surrounding Lovers Lake. Buckley has been confirmed to be a victim of The Lovers Abductor. The roads and forest have been blocked off while an investigation expands in the hope of finding Heather Holloway, Gareth Roberts and The Lovers Doe nearby. Reports have confirmed Buckley's cause of death was caused by asphyxiation due to a snake..."
"Did she jus' say a fuckin' snake?!" Duffy exclaimed and leaned back in his seat. "A snake..." he breathed, hands dropping into his lap.
"Oh, p-poor Robin!" Cherry stuttered, cupping his hands over his mouth. He blinked back burning tears as he sunk in his seat. "This is horrible!" He shook his head, lowering his head into his hands.
"He's not here!"
The twins let out a loud yell in surprise. Chrissy jumped and covered her mouth. "I'm so sorry!" she stepped forward putting a hand on Duffy's. "He's not here..." she repeated.
"He's not?" Duffy put his other hand on top of Chrissy's. "Didja' check for his car?" He asked, beginning to wonder just where Jason had gone. "Maybe he went out drivin' and his car dropped dead in the snow" he suggested.
"Low... ow!" Cherry winced, lifting his now stinging ankle after receiving a quick kick from Duffy.
"Its still there" Chrissy nodded. "Oh this is awful..." she whispered. "Can you guys come in with me please? I'm scared" her voice was shaking as well as her hands. She pulled her hand away from Duffy.
Duffy glanced at Cherry then nodded. "Yeah sure" as much as he wanted to return to the safety of his trailer now wasn't the time.
The ol' Creel house. Duffy once asked out of curiosity why this haunting monstrosity? Chrissy had explained she felt a strange connection to it somehow; as if in another universe it made a large impact in her life. While it creeped a majority of people out including Jason, the strawberry blonde was heavily in love with it. Duffy and Eddie often wished she wasn't. At least the inside looked like a castle.
Cherry was jittery, shaking like his heart was trying to escape his body. "I-I need to sit down for a moment" he whispered, sitting as stiff as a statue on a deep red couch.
"I'll help with tha' coffee" Duffy offered, deciding to give Cherry a moment to breathe. Knowing him he would eventually curse and startle the cherry tomato further. He followed Chrissy to the kitchen only to pause in the doorway as a sense of impending doom suddenly hit his chest. He paused as he stepped in and smacked a glove hand over his chest when shock ran through his chest.
"Rose?" Chrissy stared for a moment, holding on to the handle of the cupboard. "Are you ok?" She let go of the handle and walked over, setting a hand on Duffy's shoulder.
Duffy swallowed and slowly nodded. "Yeah... I... Jesus, that hit hard" he chuckled, trying to laugh the strange sensation away. "I could use that coffee" he mumbled, walking into the kitchen and nudging Chrissy's delicate hand from his shoulder. "Ya' know... this isn't the first time someone scared the absolute fuck outta me tuh-day"
Chrissy chuckled, resuming her brief task of taking the coffee cups out from the cupboard. Somehow Duffy's words were nostalgic. "Oh, really? What happened before?" She asked, setting them down. A light conversation was something she needed. She needed to do her best to remain calm on the phone when it came to reporting her fiance missing.
"Oh I was checkin' out the... the advert for the display next month!" Duffy nodded, standing in front of the coffee machine, watching as it began to steam.
"The one you and Cherry are working on?" Chrissy asked, aware of the twins odd talent when it came to explosions. When the twins were freshmen they scared her half to death.
"Yeah! And I was thinking about the show, obviousleh" Duffy leaned his hand on the counter, smiling faintly. "Then Jesus Christ, we need to buy that fuckin' nerd a bell! Mah soul... she left my body" he chuckled.
Chrissy covered her mouth as she giggled along too. "We should buy him some bells for Christmas" she nodded in agreement. "He scared me like that once back in high school" she leaned her hands on the counter with her lower back as she looked at the group graduation photograph. Eddie had encouraged her to do the Devil symbol commonly used in metal and surprisingly Jason had also joined in. "I was buying some grass-"
"Wot?" Duffy's confusion was loud and abrupt. "You, Chrissy Cunningham, good Christian girl of Hawkins, bought green off o' Eddie back when he used to be a dealer?" He asked, unable to hide his confusion and shock.
"I knooow!" Chrissy practically sung. "I was stressed and someone said marijuana could help me so I went for it" she smiled, tilting her head slightly. "I was watching these little squirrels on the tree and I thought it was cute and I was so distracted" she sighed, thinking back to that day. "Suddenly Eddie grabbed my shoulder! Not hard but I still kinda screamed at him!" She burst into a fit of giggles.
After the laughter faded, silence fell between them. Chrissy was the first to break it.
"How do you know you... you like the same gender?" She asked with curiosity raising. "Out of curiosity, of course"
Duffy raised a brow and tilted his head to the side. "That is quite the subject change, Miss Cunningham!" He pressed his lips together in a thin line and lifted his hand to fiddle with the double helix. "When ya' attracted to 'em to be blunt, why?"
"No reason" Chrissy straightened herself as the coffee finally finished. "You take cream and sugar right?" She asked, walking away from the counter.
Duffy nodded. "Yeah, yep! I wish I could say black like my soul bot I am a tad on tha' sweeter side" he picked up the coffee pot and began to pour into the mugs. "Hopefully Cherry won't complain much... he's a bit of an iced coffee lad"
"I don't think I've ever seen him drink anything warm" Chrissy set the sugar and creamer down by the mugs. She sighed, lowering her head and looked into her mug. "I have to call soon..." she whispered, opening the drawer and picking out three tea spoons.
Duffy's hand hovered over the spoon as Chrissy spoke. "Do... do ya' want me to be with ya'? Fer moral support" he scrunched his nose and nudged his septum ring, wondering he had said the moral part correctly. English was a hard language and despite it being his first language he could barely understand it.
Chrissy simply shook her head as a tear dropped into her coffee.
-*-
"Well, he's asleep right now"
Eddie twisted the phone chord around his fingers. "You got work tomorrow still?" He asked, leaning back with his against Billy's chest. He rested his arms on the blonde's thighs, free hand dropping on to his knee.
"Yeah... I might call in sick because I don't want to leave him alone, Eddie, he's destroyed over this"
"I think we all are honestly" Eddie shrugged. "I cried a bit in the car, I saw Dustin struggling to hold it together when I walked past the video store... Jesus Christ, I've not felt this numb in a while" he sighed, closing his eyes. "Me and Billy have tomorrow off and Henderson is definitely calling in sick so why not take care of him in shifts?" He suggested. He tilted his head back against Billy's shoulder.
Billy nodded with approval. "If we're gonna suffer, Wheeler, may as well do it together"
"How have you grown as a person but somehow still remain to be snarky?"
Eddie snorted and lifted his head up trying to ignore the disgusted grimace on his lover's face. "I'm sorry, Bills, she's got a point" he giggled and put his hand over his mouth. "Besides that, Nance, are you doing ok?" He asked.
"I've done my cry and now I just feel... empty"
"Its been weird without her being attached to his hip, right? Somehow it feels even worse now" Eddie moved his hand over Billy's squeezing it to receive some comfort.
Billy leaned his head forward, pressing a soft kiss into Eddie's unkempt curls.
"Yeah, it is... it's like he lost his soul mate"
"Honestly, Nancy, I think he has" Billy spoke up, resting his chin on Eddie's head.
Eddie nodded with a sigh. "One can only hope that somehow he will make it through the darkness as all great heroes do" a coping mechanism. Acting as the Dungeon Master. "Anyway, Hopper managed to get a hold of Sinclair- what was that?"
"Doorbell! I better go, you remember when my shift starts, right?"
"Yeah, you're part of the afternoon staff, I know" Eddie sighed. "Tell Steve we're coming to be his pain in the ass tomorrow"
"I will, goodnight, boys"
Click. Eddie sighed, putting the phone down. "It is not looking good" he mumbled, rubbing his temple with annoyance. "I'm sick of all this, ya' know?" He leaned his head back and let out a soft hum as Billy began to lightly squeeze his shoulders. "When I'm done dealing with Reefer Rick let's get out of here"
"Where to?" Billy asked, moving his hands down to Eddie's chest. "I know a place in California we can be ourselves" he brushed his lips by Eddie's ear. Sun kissed hands began to slowly pop the buttons on Eddie's shirt.
"Your former coworker is missing, our friend is dead, we might be next and you're going to use sex to pretend everything is ok?" Eddie watched as his chest gradually began to become exposed to the room.
"Yeah" was all Billy had to say as he leaned forward to reach the last of the buttons.
"Fine by me, sweetheart" Eddie sat up and allowed the shirt to be tugged full off of his body.
Sometimes Eddie thought about their first time together. Back of the van, smoking away like they had no school tomorrow. He thought about how Billy held his wrists, pinning them to the ragged carpet of the van. "You're my bitch now" that gruff whisper was still fresh in his ear. The pleasure that ran around them as the needy blonde ground his hips up against Eddie's. He remembers questioning when the Vaseline became lubricant and not a product to care for his leather. He remembers how he fell in love with a genuine smile that was shown for just a moment. He learned later on just how safe Billy felt hiding away with Eddie.
Then Eddie began to recognise the abused child. The influence that was chaining him to a life of bitterness. There was good in that angry boy somewhere and he was determined to find it. He found it but at a cost.
Billy would throw himself on Eddie, grinding, stroking as if his life fed on the pleasure between them. The then dealer would find his heart breaking when spotting bruises like finger prints on the life guard's hips, the deeper ones that were at the top of his inner thigh. When questioned it was clear the blonde was at his limit. First his face twisted into anger then the tears began the more he cursed, using discriminatory language till Eddie's own eyes were filled with tears.
But he knew that pain and he stood there and took it till the teenager collapsed into a ball, pulling at his golden curls as he sobbed. "I don't want it" he'd cry. "He scares me, I'm scared, Eddie! I'm so fucking scared!" He'd scream. Later that night Eddie would ask Anderson to do him a favour with the freak quickly agreeing once he learned what it was.
Eddie recalled his surprise one night when Billy asked about 'making love'. How Eddie was his person and he felt safe. Eddie would take it slow, be gentle; he helped Billy forget. Most importantly to Billy is that Eddie listened.
Even now Eddie listened. "Just lay back and relax" Billy instructed, straddling Eddie's now bare thighs. He twisted the lid to the tub of near empty Vaseline.
"Topping today, California?" Eddie asked, holding a blunt between his fingers. His other hand adjusted the plectrum necklace then moved behind his head, adjusting himself in his slouched position.
Billy hummed in response. "I've destroyed you enough lately" he generously coated Eddie's stiff cock in the greasy lubricant. "And" he grinned. That perfect white tooth grin. "I like having you in me" he pushed himself up, shuffling forward on his knees.
Eddie's lips tugged into a smirk. He slipped the blunt between his lips and reached forward, steadying his cock for Billy. He took this moment to admire Billy, through the orange haze of the street lights peeking through the window. The TV flickering as Poltergeist played and Whitesnake playing quietly. The tan to Billy's skin almost seem to glow. Eddie could see those pretty moles, those few freckles. He even appreciated the few stretch marks that sat faintly on Billy's hips. "God, you're fucking beautiful" he breathed.
Billy bit his bottom lip, lowering himself on Eddie's stiff member. He closed his eyes, lips parting as he was slowly filled. "Hm, I needed this" he murmured. He pressed his hands on top of Eddie's thighs behind him, letting out a soft breath. A chuckle escaped his chest.
"What's so funny?" Eddie asked, lightly stroking his hand over the muscular thigh. He breathed smoke out through his nose.
"You're twitching" Billy leaned forward acting as if he was going to press in for a heated kiss. He snatched the blunt from the pale man's lips. "My turn, handsome" he sat back up, happily taking a deep puff as he ground his hips back.
Eddie let out a noise that was a mix of annoyance and pleasure from the movements. "What's it Duffy says? Cheeky?" He chuckled.
Billy snorted and held the blunt out to Eddie. "Do not bring that little shit's name into the bedroom" he held his middle finger up, thumb partly sticking out to the side. Finally he began to raise his hips but at a slow almost torturous pace.
It almost hypnotized Eddie as Billy moved. Watching his length disappear into that warm squishy hole. Eddie set the the half smoked blunt down in the ash tray and sat up probably, hands starting at Billy's knees then slowly moving up his thighs. "You were practically made for this" he purred, lips brushing against Billy's shoulder. "Being mine" he whispered against the sun-kissed skin.
Billy bit his bottom lip and lifted a hand up, fingers grazing against the back of Eddie's neck. They scratched lightly at the back of his scalp till his fingers were tangled in messy brown curls. "Ah, fuck" he breathed, rolling his hips back, trying to grind his sweet spot against his significant other's twitching length.
Eddie moved his lips up to Billy's neck, leaving open mouth kissed along it. He nipped over to his throat. Eddie let out a small growl and suddenly grabbed a hold of Billy's waist, pulling his head back. He moved his lips by Billy's ear. "Let me ram the tears out of you"
Billy moaned and then laughed, tilting his head to the side. "Fuck me, bone daddy" he bit his bottom lip, tugging at Eddie's hair. "Fuck me, pump me full, now"
Eddie didn't need to be told twice. He dug his nails into Billy's hips as he nudged him back and tugged his legs towards him. He watched as Billy let himself fall back against the bed, pretty boy curls glinting in the TV's light. "Fuck, you're a pretty boy, Billy" he grunted, pushing those smooth thighs back.
One of the few times in his life Billy felt vulnerable. Only during these moments he felt safe and protected. He trusts Eddie. His toes curled with pleasure as he felt the man press into him. There was no denying how intoxicating it felt to have Eddie inside of him. Billy's desperate noises began to ring out into the room.
Eddie pressed his hands into the mattress by Billy's head, closing his eyes as he picked up his thrusts, ramming into Billy to chase the sweet pleasure. He lowered his head by the blonde's shoulder. "F-fuck, you feel so good"
Billy grabbed Eddie's wrists at first, slowly they slid up his arms, touching the bend of his elbows then reaching his shoulders. He cupped the back of Eddie's head once it was lowered. A blue spread across Billy's freckles. "I love it, I love it, I love...ah!" His ocean eyes snapped open. "O-oh, fuck, I love you!" He exclaimed.
Eddie let out a breathless laugh and leaned into Billy's neck, nipping at the skin. "You are addicting" he murmured against his tan skin. He lifted a hand reaching between their bellies and took a hold of Billy's neglected cock. Pre was dripping and it was twitching from the slightest touch. He began to move his hand n time with the thrusts.
Billy couldn't hold back down, gasping at the sudden touch. The pleasure was quickly building up in his stomach. His legs were beginning to tremble as his thighs pressed against Eddie's hips. "Fuck, fuck yes..." he let go of Eddie, hands slamming down on to bed, gripping at the sheets. His eyes could barely focus as he finally came, his shoulders shaking.
Eddie barely caught up in time, slamming his lips roughly against Billy. He sunk his teeth into Billy's neck enough to cause a hiss of pain. He groaned, clawing at the sheets as he sheathed himself fully inside of the blonde, releasing. "Shit..." he breathed, leaning his head on his forearm. He sucked in a breath and quickly swallowed it as he pulled out, laying besides the now exhausted blonde.
Billy closed his eyes, letting his limbs fall limp against the bed. "F-fuck, ok..." he whispered, trying to catch his breath. "We really needed that, huh?" He asked, eyes flickering open.
Eddie pushed himself up and leaned on his elbow. "That helps far more than I'd like to admit" he pressed a kiss to Billy's cheek then to the corner of his lips. "Morning shower, maybe?" He asked and sat up. "I'll grab a rag for now" he glanced down at his soaked limp dick and grimaced. "Gross" he mumbled, climbing out of bed.
"I didn't put a condom on you, dumbass, you can stink all you want" Billy grunted as he turned over. "But I'm going to shower"
-*-
Billy let out a soft sigh as he stepped into the bedroom, towel wrapped tightly around his waist. "Hey-oh" he went quiet.
Eddie sat on the edge of the bed, phone once again in hand. He put his hand on the receiver and mouthed 'Chrissy'. "Ok and did they find anything?" He asked.
"Nothing! Not even footprints or even an eyelash! It's all from people we know!"
Billy climbed on to the bed and knelt behind Eddie. He slipped his legs by Eddie's and wrapped his arms around his waist, resting his chin on his lover's shoulder. He pressed an affectionate to Eddie's cheek.
"Shit, so does this mean...?" Eddie hated to suggest it but in his gutt he knew it was coming.
"Yes, they think he's another victim... he's in the age range and police said he's attractive and youthful? I guess on the youthful part... I'm scared, Eddie"
Eddie nodded and leaned his head back against Billy. "I understand" he mumbled. "We're all scared" he sighed. "Look, I don't want you to go out alone, alright? Call anyone of us to come get you, we'll do it!"
"I will... What am I going do, Eddie? I don't... gosh, this sounds mean but I don't wanna end up like Steve!"
Billy scrunched his face for a moment then nodded with understanding. The last thing anyone wanted was to be the grieving widow, to collapse and scream themselves hoarse as mental pain tore at their body. He couldn't imagine ever losing Eddie in such a way; he would die too.
"No one does, Chrissy" Eddie had no words of comfort. He questioned how likely it was that Jason was taken or if he just decided to get up and skip town. Deep down he knew the town skipping was not likely. "No one does" he repeated with a dry mouth and an empty tone.