Chapter Text
Lukewarm beer slid down your throat at an excruciatingly slow rate. Down on one knee, you held back a choking cough as you chugged down the beverage. Surrounding you blared the cheers of fellow thespians, all sloshed themselves. Losing a game, you were now forced to finish the beer that was thrust in your hand. When the last drop was drunk, you stood up. Punching your chest, you let out a long burp. The group that had been cheering you on had turned their applause to groans at the grotesque action.
Sheepishly, you smiled, feeling somewhat accomplished, yet nauseous.
When the crowd dispersed, you waltzed up to your best friends. Proud smile beaming on your face as you made your way to them.
“You seem quite chipper for a loser.” Parker said with a smirk, crossing his arms over his chest.
“Meh, can’t be a sore loser. You taught me that.” You lovingly punched him in the arm.
“If you just answered the question you wouldn’t have had to drink.” Chance sighed at your antics.
“If I had answered the question, I would have been utterly embarrassed.” You said quietly.
“It’s not that embarrassing.” Chance said.
“Among these guys?” You waved around the room of theatre technicians and actors. “It absolutely is embarrassing. Practically everyone here has gotten laid.”
“Everyone except you…” Parker said nonchalantly, sipping on his drink.
“Gee, thanks.” You muttered.
Only your friends knew of that fact. While most likely wouldn’t care that you were still a virgin, your theatre group certainly would. Gossip is gossip, and they sure loved to eat up any rumor that came their way. You did your best to avoid them, but got caught up in the raucous after party. Leaving you vulnerable to a question that seemed very pointed by Volt.
His stark blue eyes practically crackling with excitement as he asked you the simple question.
“When did you lose your virginity, and who was it with?” A sly smirk creeped up on his face as he read your nervous expression.
You didn’t respond, instead taking the out. Chugging a beer so you didn’t have to answer the question. Thankfully, it seemed that most people believed you were too embarrassed to reveal who the person was, not the fact that you had never slept with anyone. Though you had a feeling you weren’t fooling Volt.
When you chose to drink, he left you with a knowing smirk.
“We’ll find out eventually.” He said as if he already knew the truth.
Brushing past you, the white haired man and his partner in crime, Eddie, headed downstairs to the basement. Over his shoulder, Eddie locked his steely gaze with yours. Something swirling in those grey irises had you shivering.
The man was an enigma to you. Barely revealing anything about himself despite having to work with each other constantly. He spent the show training you on the light board and electrician work. The two of you staying at your community theater late into the night during your light hang and focusing.
Eddie was a couple years older than you, and his experience showed through his expertise. Already having worked on major productions, he decided to occasionally come back to his hometown theater. Something about giving back to the community that taught him everything he knew.
During your time together on this latest production, you managed to catch a glimpse at the softer parts of the rough edged man. He did his damndest to keep that hardened shell cloaked over himself, but somehow, you found the cracks. Sometimes it seemed as though he didn’t mind that you had been able to see those parts of him.
You couldn’t help but be drawn to Eddie. Something about that “air of mystery” had you wanting more.
So when he gave you that look, the one filled with an intensity you had grown used to, you had to follow. It called to you, as if begging for you to dive in and discover everything that he was.
You watched as the two disappeared down the stairs, feeling that tug toward them. Parker and Chance had switched the conversation to something they were currently nerding about. Gaze flitting between the stairs and your friends, you decided to go for the former.
“I’m gonna grab a drink and head downstairs.” You told them.
The two gave you a questioning glance, eyeing the stairs themselves. You didn’t give them a chance to speak. Instead, you headed to the kitchen to grab another beer, then made your way downstairs.
Acting like puppies, your friends clung to you. Deciding to follow you to the basement, the two gave each other a slightly concerned look.
When you entered the space, you spotted Eddie sitting in a leather arm chair. Lounging on a loveseat adjacent to him was Volt. Sitting on the ground was Hector and Jerry. The two playing a card game of some sort.
Letting out a sigh, you appreciated the sudden quiet of the space. The thrumming of the party upstairs just a dull thud coming from above.
“Ah! Joining the cool crowd, I see!” Volt perked up as he heard you come down the stairs.
“Yup!” You nodded, walking toward the group.
“And you brought stragglers.” Eddie added.
Gauging his reaction to your friends, you spotted a tick in his jaw. The muscle on his face slightly tightening into a grimace. Spotting your staring, he let the expression fall. Though his eyes now bore into you. Again, you found yourself shivering under his gaze. An action he caught. Making sure you noticed that he noticed, Eddie smirked and let out an amused huff. As if nonverbally informing you of his observation.
“We’re part of the tech crew too.” Chance muttered, locking eyes with Eddie.
“I’m aware. I just thought Bradley was more of a party person. You know, liking games n’ all.” Eddie lazily waved his hand toward your trio.
“Oh Edison,” Volt chided his friend with his full name, making Eddie grimace. “We can play games down here as well! I mean look at those two!” He motioned to Hector and Jerry.
“U-us? What about us?” Jerry stuttered out nervously. He wasn’t one for parties, but didn’t want to be left out. So he always joined the after show parties regardless.
“Why don’t we all play a game?” Volt stood up, eyeing the entire group downstairs. “Have some more fun with pleasant company.” He smirked.
Something about his demeanor had sweat prickling on your forehead. The look in his eyes had you thinking one word. Plotting. His gaze flicked from you to Eddie. If it affected him, Eddie didn’t let it show. Expression as cool as a cucumber.
“What game are we talkin’?” Parker asked.
“Hmm…” Volt tapped his chin as if in thought, though it was clear he knew what he wanted. “What about Fuck, Marry, Kill?” His blue gaze glanced over to Eddie, who sinked into the chair.
Eddie’s jaw tensed again, his eyes finding yours once more. Brows furrowed, he shot a glare to Volt.
“Isn’t that pretty childish?” Eddie asked gruffly.
“What better fun than to relish in the days of our youth?” Volt asked in a teasing voice.
“Um!” Jerry raised his hand, looking as flustered as ever.
“Yes, Jerry?” Volt asked, flipping some of his hair over his shoulder.
“How do you play?” Jerry asked timidly.
“Three people are chosen for you, and you have to say who you would fuck, marry, or kill.”
“That seems a bit mean.” Jerry said.
“I’m glad you volunteered to go first then!” Volt clapped his hands, then motioned for your trio to join the rest of the group in the seating area.
“Me first?!” Jerry audibly gulped, gazing over all of you.
Slowly you crept your way to the loveseat. Sitting in the middle, your friends joined you by your sides. The cushions sinking in along with your bodies.
Watching Volt, you could tell he was up to something. He often was. The man lived for stirring the pot, it was certainly one of his vices. How he ended up close with someone like Eddie, you had no idea. Didn’t mean you weren’t curious though.
“Alright, let’s see…” Volt looked over your small group. “Hector, Penelope, and…” He smirked. “Eddie.”
The named man let out an amused huff, shaking his head. Dark hair flopped around his face.
“Oh. Uh, um…” Jerry’s gaze flitted around as he attempted to decide. “Fuck Penelope?” His eyes landed on you for reassurance.
You nodded, motioning your hand for him to continue.
“Uh, I’d marry Hector.”
“You would?” The other man asked, wide-eyed with surprise.
“Y-yeah. I mean with these choices…” Jerry muttered.
“So you’d kill me, then?” Eddie asked with an amused smirk.
“S-sorry! I just-.” Eddie cut off Jerry’s stuttering.
“You’re fine. It’s just a game. No hard feelings.”
“Okay, that’s good.” Jerry let out a sigh of relief.
“It’s your turn to ask someone now.” Volt told Jerry.
“Oh! Alright.” Looking over your group, Jerry decided to pick Volt.
“Chance…” Jerry’s gaze moved around the room. “Eddie, and…” Then he said your name.
Quirking a brow, Volt studied your face. For now, you managed to keep on a poker face. However, that could easily change based on his words.
“Easy enough. You,” Volt pointed at you, “I would fuck. Marry Eddie. Sorry Chance, but you’re dead.”
You shared a glance with Eddie. Your cheeks were heated red.
“My turn to choose!” Volt said with a smirk. “Parker! Sophia, Chance, and Jerry?”
“Now that’s just cruel.” Parker said, though he was smiling. Equally enjoying the game.
“Fuck Jerry, marry Chance, kill Sophia.”
“Wait don’t you and Sophia-.”
“Yeah, yeah. I get a piece of that sweet ass, so I don’t need to prefer to fuck her.” Parker said as if that statement made sense. “Plus Jerry’s a cutie.” He gave a wave to the other man who blushed profusely.
“My turn!” Parker twiddled his fingers menacingly, eyes searching for his target. “Hector! My man! Chance, Eddie, and Volt.”
Letting out a long breath, Hector straightened himself out. It didn’t take him long to come to his conclusion.
“Fuck Volt, marry Chance, and kill Eddie.”
“Pfft damn! Just right on out with it!” Volt chuckled at Eddie’s glower toward him.
“I’ll choose Chance.” Hector said. “Um, Parker, Jerry, and…” Hector said your name.
A flush creeped up both you and Parker’s cheeks. You wondered what he would say. One of you had to at least be on the two person roster.
“Uh, um…” Chance was sweating. This wasn’t an admittance of feelings, just a game… only a game. “I’d fuck Parker.” He paused, watching Parker’s face turn a shade darker. “Marry…” He said your name, making you blush as well. “And, sorry Jer, kill Jerry.” Jerry wore a disappointed pout, but shook it off.
“You’d fuck Parker?” Volt asked, surprised.
“You must not know Parker well if you’re asking that. He’s kind of a freak.” Chance chuckled, elbowing his friend in the ribs. Then he grew a bit serious.
“Eddie’s turn.” Chance said, his gaze flitting between you and the other man. As if he could feel whatever was going on between you two. “Them,” he pointed at you, “Volt, and me.” Bold, you thought.
“Hmmm…” Eddie leaned forward, elbows on his knees. Steely gaze locked onto your own. “Fuck them,” he said referring to you, “marry Chance, and kill Volt.” Volt let out an offended gasp. “Volt’s been pissing me off a bit, and Chance would make a good husband.” He winked at Chance, making him blush.
He didn’t acknowledge what he had said about you. All he gave you was that dark look, this time you knew what you saw in those irises. Hunger . The realization had you gulping. Eddie caught the bob in your throat, licking his lips as if was anticipating something more.
“Your turn.” He said lowly, almost like a growl.
Eyeing the friends at your side, he smirked. You felt the both of them stiffen up.
“Parker, Chance, and me.” He trailed his finger over your friends, then pointed to himself.
Nodding, you let out a long breath. One you hadn’t realized you had been holding.
Eyes moving between your friends, you felt yourself begin to sweat. It’s just a game, right?
Then there was Eddie, piercing eyes searching yours. Begging for you to answer, even though he knew you were about to lie.
“C’mon. You already know the answer to that.” You chuckled awkwardly.
“No we don’t!” Parker insisted. Bouncing in his seat, he eagerly awaited your response.
Not expecting that response, you sighed.
“Fine.” You muttered. “Fuck Parker, marry Chance, and kill…” Your eyes looked into Eddie’s, as if you were attempting to challenge him.
“Me.” He finished for you, gaze still locked with yours.
“Right.” You didn’t waver
Both of you waited for the other to turn away. Seeing who would truly win this battle of wills.
In the end, it was Eddie that turned away. Sitting up, he stretched out his arms with a yawn. His gaze landed on you again.
“I’m going out for a smoke, you’re free to join me.” He spoke to everyone, but he looked directly at you. An invite… But would you take it?
“Sounds good! Eddie, but I’ll stay here.” Volt said.
“Cool, I’ll be out on the deck.” Eddie walked away with a wave.
“Mind if we join in on that card game?” Parker spoke up, asking Hector and Jerry.
“Why of course, the more the merrier!” Hector said, opening up space for Parker and Chance to join.
Standing up, you gazed at the direction that Eddie had left. That draw once again was tugging at you, so you would follow.
“Um, I need to go to the bathroom. Where’s the closest one?” You asked the group.
“Turn right, it’s the first door on the left in the hall.” Hector motioned to the area.
Perfect. It was in the direction Eddie just left.
“I might be a bit, that beer got me pretty nauseous.” You told your friends.
Chance eyed you suspiciously, but Parker was none-the-wiser.
“Need someone to hold your hair back?” Chance asked.
“Nah, I’ll be good!” You gave him a nervous thumbs up.
“Okay…” His dark gaze pierced through you. He knew you were bullshitting him.
Deciding to avoid further confrontation, you turned to the direction Hector pointed toward. Making your way down the hall, you spotted a sliding glass door leading to a deck. Through the window, you saw Eddie leaning over the bar of the deck.
The click of the door made him aware of your presence.
“Was wondering what was holding you up…” He trailed, staring over the backyard.
“You were waiting for me?” You asked, even if you knew the answer.
“You’re better than that, try again.” He said, a mantra that had been repeated to you by the man during his time training you. This time, it had you shivering.
“You were waiting for me.” You acknowledged that truth.
“Been waiting.” He admitted softly, looking over his shoulder at you.
Patting the spot beside him, he invited you to lean over the bar as well. Taking the invite, you sidled up next to him. Both of you looked over the suburban neighborhood.
“You smoke?” Eddie broke the silence, pulling out a baggie and a grinder.
“Oh that kind of smoking…” You trailed, then nodded. “I do. Usually with Parker.”
“You wanna go grab him?” Eddie asked, though you knew it was a challenge.
“No.” You said it faster than you should, making Eddie quirk a brow at you.
“So…” He began, both of you knew where this was going. “What was your real answer?”
Your breath hitched. Even though you knew he knew, being confronted by it had you flustered.
“I couldn’t actually kill any of you, if that’s what you’re asking.” You didn’t look at him, trying to keep Eddie in your peripheral.
“But if you had to choose?” He asked, beginning to grind the weed.
“Like I said, I couldn’t kill any of you. Parker and Chance are my best friends.”
“And what am I?” Eddie hummed.
“Someone I like. I couldn’t kill you.”
He let out a huff of amusement.
“You really are trying to avoid answering properly.” Sucking on his teeth in thought, Eddie came up with an idea. “Gun to your head, what would you choose?” He pointed a finger gun to your forehead.
Reaching for his hand, you held it there.
“I’d let myself die.” You gave him a challenging stare.
“Mx. Martyr over here.” He chuckled, lowering his hand. “So be it. If you won’t kill me, what other role are you putting me in?”
“I’d fuck you.” You decided to be straight with him.
“Thought so.” He smirked, then pulled out some rolling papers.
You watched as he filled the paper with the grinded bud, then pinch it together. Lifting it up, he held out the edge to you.
“Lick it.” His voice was low, commanding. He was testing you.
Obliging, you stuck out your tongue. You locked your eyes as you did. Watching as he smirked at your compliance.
When you finished, he pressed the edge down, finishing the joint.
Flicking out a lighter, he brought the joint to his lips. As he lit the end, he took a few puffs, then a full drag. Slowly, he blew out the smoke into the night air.
“Want a hit?” He asked.
“Uh, sure.” You shrugged, reaching for the joint.
He held it out of your reach.
“Not like that.” He said, taking another drag. “Close your eyes and open your mouth.” Another command, one that you would also listen to.
Fluttering your eyes shut, you slightly parted your mouth. You could hear Eddie take another drag, then you felt the warmth of his body closing in on you. Slowly, his mouth moved to yours. Pressing his open mouth against your own, he released the smoke. Breathing in deeply, you took the shotgunned hit. Lips buzzing as they pressed against his. A kiss, but not really.
Blinking your eyes open slowly, you breathed out the smoke from the side of your mouth. When your gaze met Eddie’s, you found him staring at you. Pupils blown out, his breathing just slightly labored.
“Again.” He said breathily, pulling the joint to his lips.
A rough hand cupped your chin, bringing your face to his. Pressing his lips to your own once more, he released the smoke. Taking in a deep breath, you pulled back. This time you held in the smoke slightly longer before releasing it. It had been awhile since you had smoked. Your tolerance was down, and you could tell. A hazy buzz filling your mind as you stood there with Eddie.
Glancing at the deck door, Eddie was feeling very exposed all the sudden. Reaching for your arm, Eddie pulled you along with him. The deck wrapped around the corner of the house, hiding you from view of the glass door. Exactly where he wanted you to be.
“Concerned about prying eyes, Watts?” You questioned, cocking your head to the side with a knowing look.
“Yes. I am.” He wasn’t trying to hide any part of his intentions. Not when he finally had you.
This situation. This moment. Eddie had wanted for a long while.
Before you were set to work with him, you hadn’t crossed his radar. Despite his reservations, you were forced to join him during your latest theater production. The theater director had their eyes on you to become stage manager, so she wanted Eddie to train you as an electrician.
Soon enough, Eddie found he actually enjoyed and appreciated your company. You were a good listener and a fast learner. The only issue you had was the fact you would never ask for help, even if you needed it.
The man catching you trying to move a light rack on your own, just so you didn’t have to bother him. He had stopped the cart with a strong arm, giving you a stern look that you had begun to grow used to.
“Need help?” He asked, already knowing the answer. He also knew you were too stubborn to admit it.
“Nope! I’m fine.” You grabbed the cart, but he wasn’t going to let you move it.
“You’re better than that, try again.” He crossed his arms. It was clear he was willing to wait till you adjusted your behavior.
“Hypocrite.” You muttered.
He raised a brow at you.
“You never ask for help.” You said pointedly.
“I don’t need it.” He said with a patronizing chuckle.
“Bullshit.” You said, crossing your own arms.
“I don’t.” He said, staring you down.
“Whatever.” You rolled your eyes. “Please, let me move the cart?” You grabbed it.
Eddie didn’t respond, only waited for you to change your words.
“Ugh, you’re the worst. Help me move the cart, please?”
“There you go.” He praised, also grabbing onto the cart.
Throughout the course of the show, you were pretty much tied to Eddie’s hip. Whether you were hanging lights, or at the board, both of you were always together.
The longer you worked with the man, the more you realized you had to be honest with yourself. Eddie was very attractive, and you were definitely developing a crush on him. Perhaps it was the gruff “take-no-shit” attitude, or maybe it was the fact that you had managed to get him to be soft on you sometimes. Occasionally he’d come to rehearsal with your favorite drink in hand. Warning that you couldn’t have it by the board, so you would chat and drink in the hallway. Sometimes you could even get him to crack a smile.
It wasn’t a crush for Eddie. No, it was something more. Outside of Volt, he hadn’t had much interest in people. Of course, you just had to waltz in and fuck that up. A passionate ball of energy so willing to listen and learn. Something he greatly appreciated, which was a problem. Most didn’t live up to Eddie’s standards. Which he preferred. Then there was you, superseding his expectations. Oh so pliant and willing, yet also a challenging force. Biting back at Eddie when he snapped first. Most weren’t so bold.
Now, you were alone on the deck with the man. That deep hunger had returned to his eyes. Yet again, you were feeling his draw pulling you in. Then you realized, he felt that same draw too. Both of you were closing in on each other. Ready to allow that shared hunger to consume you together. His little tests earlier, they were nothing compared to the crackling energy that surrounded you at this moment.
Eddie had you pressed against the wall, one strong arm beside your head. It was almost like he wanted to trap you in, but also give you an out. An out that you would not be taking, not when you were so fucking close.
Eyes dropping to your lips, Eddie licked his own. Pounding through his chest, he could feel his heart racing. A feeling he hadn’t experienced for a long time. One that had him lightheaded and wanting, the weed in his system only emphasizing this.
Leaning in slowly, Eddie watched you for any rejection. Catching your gaze, his heart jolted. No, you wanted this too. Just as much as him, if not more.
Just a few more inches in, he paused. Both of you waiting with bated breath. Yet another “out” he was trying to give you. Your gaze hardened, signalling your resolve. You WANTED this, wanted him. Taking the initiative, you pressed your lips to his.
Eddie’s eyes flew open at the suddenness of your actions. Feeling your persistence, his eyes fluttered shut. He pressed his lips against your own. Smoothly you shared light kisses, then you parted your lips. Slipping his tongue into your awaiting mouth, he groaned.
A taste he had practically been begging for gracing his tongue, he needed more. Tangling his tongue with yours, he let out another low groan. A whimper of your own escaped your mouth as he claimed you with his tongue.
Warm hands roamed over your body, landing on your hips. Eddie pulled himself flush against you, his kisses becoming more heated. More desperate.
When you pulled back for air, Eddie chased your lips. As you took in deep breaths, his lips trailed down your face and neck. Teeth lightly scraped against the sweet spot behind your ear, making you press up against his body with a whine. Shuddering at the sound, Eddie let out a groan. His teeth claimed your neck again, forcing more of those sounds out of you.
“Do you know how badly I’ve wanted this?” He growled against your skin.
You didn’t give him an answer. Only a whimper as he nipped at you again.
“The amount of times I just wanted to take you in the booth.” He pressed a hungry kiss to your lips. “Fuck…” He trailed lowly, looking into your eyes.
“Y-you wanted that?” You asked him, surprised at the confession.
“Yes. You drive me fucking crazy.” He pushed his long hair back, taking in the sight of your flustered form. “I want more.” Lips pressed against yours deeply, his tongue sliding into your mouth.
One of his hands trailed down your side, then over your pants. Fingers trailing right over your clothed core.
“So. Much. More.” He growled against your lips, cupping your sex.
The feeling had you jolting. That was new… All of this was new. You had never experienced this kind of attention from anyone.
His hand began to trail to the top of your pants threatening to slip in. Eyes shooting open, you grabbed his wrist to stop him.
“W-wait!” You exclaimed, nerves filling you.
“Is everything okay?” He pulled his hand away, eyes softening.
“Um, I, uh…” Fuck, this was embarassing. “I haven’t done anything before!” You blurted out, cheeks burning red.
“You haven’t done anything?” Eddie questioned. That’s surprising.
“Y-yeah. I guess I’ve given a guy a blowjob before. B-but nothing done to me, at least.” You bit your lip, feeling very embarrassed.
“Oh. Wow.” Eddie ran a hand through his hair again, trying to register this new information. From how you carried yourself, he would never have guessed that about you.
“Sorry.” Mumbling, you looked down.
“Why are you sorry?” He asked.
“Well, I dunno. I’m sure you prefer more experienced people. Of which, I am not.” You rubbed the back of your neck.
“What makes you say that?” He asked, crossing his arms.
“I-I don’t know! You just seem like the kind of guy that knows what he’s doing and I’m definitely not that kind of person.” You stuttered out, unable to make eye contact with him.
“You’re making quite a lot of assumptions there.” Eddie was growing amused, a smirk now playing on his lips.
“You assumed I wasn’t a virgin.” You said pointedly.
“You got me there.” He raised his hands up in defeat. “So, what now?” He eyed you expectantly.
“To be honest, I don’t know.” You felt your heart rate pickup. Did you just ruin things?
Looking back at Eddie, you quickly realized that was not the case. His gaze had returned to being hungry.
Leaning back in, he pressed a deep kiss to your lips. Warm hands cupped your face, keeping you pressed against him. You let out a whine as his tongue trailed over yours softly.
From the other side of the wall, you heard the click of the sliding glass door. The sound of your name being called had your eyes shooting open. Immediately, you pushed Eddie off of you. He stumbled back, giving you a confused look.
“Sorry!” You hissed out.
Rounding the corner, Chance saw you and Eddie standing. Both of your breathing was labored and your clothes were messed up.
“Uh, hey.” Chance said, eyeing you and Eddie suspiciously.
“Hi.” You said.
“Parker and I are ready to head out. You still riding with us?” He looked at Eddie pointedly.
“Uh, yeah I am.” You rubbed your arm awkwardly, feeling caught.
“Cool. I’ll go grab the truck then.” Chance pointed behind him.
“Kay, I’m gonna say goodbye real quick.” You glanced at Eddie.
“Kay, don’t keep us waiting too long.” Chance said, then walked away.
Once he was back inside, you let out a sigh of relief.
“How come you don’t just fuck him? Or Parker?” Eddie asked.
“Uh, what?” You squeaked out.
“C’mon, you can’t tell me you don’t know that they want you.”
“How would you know that?” You asked, incredulously.
“Takes one to know one, I suppose.” He shrugged his shoulders.
“Whatever…” You shook your head. “Even if that was true, I couldn’t ruin our friendship like that.”
“Right.” Eddie watched you, attempting to read your demeanor.
“Yeah.” You sighed. “I’m, uh, I’m gonna go now.” You nodded to the door.
“Cool.” Eddie paused. “Before you go I meant to tell you, Mrs. Jones plans on making you the stage manager for Les Mis.”
That had you stopping in your tracks.
“Wait, are you serious?”
He nodded with a soft smile.
“Don’t tell her I told you.”
“Why did you tell me?” You asked, crossing your arms.
“Just wanted to let you know that we’ll be working together a lot more, that’s all.” He shrugged, then smiled at you. “I’m… pretty excited.”