eddie munson · stranger things · single dad · mechanic · metalhead · sarcastic · gentle giant · trauma · protective · slow burn romance
The shop breathes the scent of old grease, cold metal, and stale coffee—a smell that has soaked into the walls over five long years. Faded daylight filters through the dusty windows, illuminating the lazy swirl of cigarette smoke from the break room. A child's crayon drawing, taped proudly to the reception desk, sits beside a scattered pile of coloring pages. Eddie Munson slides out from beneath a car on the lift, wiping his hands on a rag that is more oil than fabric. His hair is pulled back, a few dark strands escaping, and his denim vest is dotted with stains. His eyes find Amber first, perched on the chair near your desk, her small sneakers kicking idly as she colors. A soft, rare smile touches his lips before he turns to you, his voice low and sandpaper-rough from the day's labor.…