*"This isn't just an empty promise like every other time." He lifted his one hand up, placing it on her chin to make her look at him. Then he placed it on her cheek wiping some of the tears away with his thumb. "I mean it, this time I'm staying."*

Even though he always said this to her, something was different. It was different this time because she knew it was true. She knew he meant it, that he was staying. It made her cry even more. But they were tears of happiness. Was everything in her life that she had been working so hard for, finally coming together. Could she get her job, her son and now Eddie too? Maybe she didn't have to chase her dreams any longer. 

"Why are you crying sweetheart?" 

"It's just, this, is real right?" She stumbled on her words, nervous that it was all just a dream. Scared she would wake up all alone, and he would be long gone again. He chuckled, pulling her in for another passionate kiss, pulling away after a couple seconds. 

"Was that real enough for ya?" 

"I don't know, maybe try again." Wiping her tears away she leaned in, closing the gap between them once again. This time neither of them pulled away. 

Eddie lifted his one and placed it on her cheek before he moved it to the back of her neck. His other hand played with the hem of her shirt, slowly travelling up underneath it. Y/n realised what was happening and stopped his hand before things escalated.

"Eddie, Caleb is next door." 

"Then we'll have to be extra quiet." He answered, a smirk appearing on his face. "I'm not letting anything ruin this moment."

"Aren't you romantic." She joked, putting her arms around his neck. He then crouched down quickly so he could lift her up and wrap her legs around his waist as he walked over to the bed. Carefully laying her down, he climbed on top of her, giving her a hand to remove his shirt.

"God, I've missed you sweetheart."

——

"Five more minutes pleaseee?" Eddie begged, his arms wrapped firmly around her waist as he nuzzled his head in her hair. She responded with a groan, rolling over to face him. He lifted his head, grinning at her. 

"Caleb's gonna be home from his sleepover anytime now." Y/n complained, attempting to get up. Instead, she was pulled down beside him, back into his arms. Remaining silent, he admired her face, every single part of it. To him, she was most the beautiful person ever. How did it take so long for him to realise that, and to stay with her. 

Thinking back at it now, leaving her in the first place was a mistake. He's the most happiest around her. When he's able to touch her, hold her and kiss her. He had his fun, travelling the world with his friends, free from responsibility and now it was time to be here for the two most important people in his life. This was what he wanted. And it's what he got.

It had been about a year since he decided to show up again. This time he told the truth, he didn't leave. Sometimes it was still hard since he'd missed out on so many things, but their bond was slowly being mended. He was making up for all the missed birthdays, Y/n's job promotions, Caleb's a good grades. Everything.

"Ok now we really have to get up." Y/n said, ending his train of thoughts. She was probably right, he was lucky enough to get five more minutes. Without sparing another second, she escaped his grip causing him to sigh. 

Sitting up, she got off the bed, walking to their closet to find some clothes. While she searched for something, Eddie lay there eying her up and down. Y/n could feel his gaze wondering all over her. 

"Get your ass up now and stop gawking!" She yelled, immediately getting him up and out from under the covers. 

"I'm up, I'm up!" He threw his hands up in surrender, rushing to grab himself some clothes. Afterwards they both went downstairs. 

Y/n started to make something to eat in case Caleb was also hungry when he got back. Eddie then came up behind her, resting his head on her shoulder while looking at the side of her face. 

God even after these years, he was still the same old adorable, childish Eddie. Yet he still managed to make her nervous, just by saying her name. But she wasn't complaining. She tried to ignore him since she was concentrated on getting something ready for brunch. 

Disappointed with her reaction, he moved some of her hair to the side. He then began to trail kisses all along her neck, down to her shoulder blade, then back up. 

"You're so needy."

"Only for you sweetheart." 

"So cheesy." She joked, dropping everything in her hands, spinning around to face him. "But it's cute."

Placing a hand on his chest, she went in for a kiss which he returned. Sometimes he was just irresistible, no matter how much she tried to refrain from kissing him. Sadly, they were soon interrupted by a loud knock on the door. Y/n hesitantly pulled away, giving him one last peck on the cheek before heading to the door. Once she opened it, there was Caleb standing with everything in his hands.

"Hey sweetheart, how was the sleepover?"

"Hey you never call me that!" Eddie commented, walking out the kitchen. 

"It was great!" He answered, giving her a hug then his dad afterwards. 

"Hey kid." He said, ruffling Caleb's hair while crouching down so he was shorter than him. "Wanna watch something with me while mommy makes breakfast?"

Caleb nodded, dropping his bag in the hallway so that Eddie could pick him up. He then walked into the living room, putting him down on the couch. 

"You need any help in there sweetheart?" 

"Nope I can handle it." Y/n replied, giving him a loving smile. Eddie then sat down beside Caleb, gently pulling him closer so he could put his arm around his shoulder. They then started flicking through channels, searching for something to watch. 

Y/n stood in the kitchen admiring their bond. Everything was perfect right now, she hoped that this would last forever. It was all she needed. Caleb, her job, a nice house and now Eddie. All because this time he really was staying.