Chapter Text
“D and D: The Devil’s Game” This was only one of the many newspapers spreading negative propaganda on the game known as Dungeons and Dragons. After a rejection to join tonight’s game from Lucas, Mike and Dustin approach Eddie with uncertainty. After a small lecture from said DND leader, he tells them to go find “little lost sheepies.” And so they went. However, since there were so many of these critical articles, it was no wonder nobody accepted the offer to join tonight’s game.
In their quest to find an available fill-in, Dustin comes across one Steve Harrington. Naturally, Steve outright rejects the suggestion because of his planned date saying, “What, to hang out with you and Eddie “the freak” Munson?” However, after an excessive amount of bribing and promises to pay him back from Dustin, Steve reluctantly agrees.
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Arriving at the highschool, Steve is feeling an unfathomable amount of regret as to why he would ever agree to this. He groans, rubbing his face with his hands.
“Excited, Harrington?” playfully questions Eddie, walking up to join Steve on his trip to the game.
“In your dreams, Munson,” Steve responds, rolling his eyes.
“Who knew “King Steve” of Hawkins High was a secret nerd in disguise?” says Eddie as he leans in, laughing.
The two arrive at their game and are greeted by Dustin.
“Steve, Eddie—guys, they’re here!”
What the hell took you so long? I thought we’d be two players short,” Dustin says whilst throwing up his arms in exasperation as he turns and nods toward the table.
The two just stare blankly.
“We’re only one minute la-“
“You coming or not!?” he continues as he walks away.
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At first, Steve is extremely lost and clueless as to what the hell he’s supposed to be doing, but, thanks to Eddie's advice, he eventually adapts and is soon taking part in the game.
However, when everyone is panicking over the battle between Vecna, Steve decides to just pick up the dice and roll. He had a good feeling about this, as nonsensical as it may be.
When he arrives at the table, Eddie quietly observes him, taking in his determination and decides against making any protest.
Picking up the dice, though, Steve is met with an outrage.
The others turn away from their huddle and simultaneously yell in distress, “WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING!?”
“Taking a leap of faith,” Steve nonchalantly states and rolls.
Time seems to go by in slow motion. Everyone watches in apprehension until the dice finally lands on a 20.
The room is silent for a brief moment, so silent you could hear a pin drop. That is until Eddie opens his arms out in a greeting sort of way, and says with a short laugh and disbelieving smile, “Welcome to Hellfire, Harrington.”
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As Steve walks out to his car, Dustin runs to catch up to him.
“Dude, you were insane back there, and I don’t know how you managed it, but you were absolutely amazing!” he says in excitement.
“I'm gonna be real with you, Henderson, I don’t know either,” he laughs and gets into his car.
Steve drives away, wearing a face of confusion as he gains a strange feeling from reminiscing on his strange first meeting earlier that day with Eddie “the freak” Munson.
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Close to dozing off from boredom since Robin had been in the back for the past 30 minutes doing god knows what, Steve barely registered the bell signaling the door opening until he was met with the face of none other than Eddie Munson. It was a strange coincidence, seeing as he had gotten off the phone with Dustin not too long ago.
“Well, well, well. If it isn’t Steve Harrington working a minimum wage job, mixing with people outside of high school parties,” Eddie greets sarcastically with a sharp edge to his tone.
“Yeah, well, Munson, I’ve gotta do something for work since I actually graduated,” Steve responds with a smirk.
Eddie rolls his eyes and continues as if he hadn’t even responded at all,”So, King Steve, are there any movies in this store that are at least half-way decent?”
“Not unless you’re into chick-flicks.”
“Well thank you for your wonderful help,” Eddie responds sarcastically as he begins to walk away.
Steve pauses as he remembers his plans for later that evening.
“Wait.”
Eddie turns back, waiting.
“Henderson invited me to your little Hellfire club game later today, so I kind of need a favor…” he says with a reluctant look.
Eddie raises his eyebrows, momentarily stunned into silence.
“You, Steve Harrington, are going to a Dungeons and Dragons campaign?” he asks with a disbelieving smile.
“….Yes. So, I need to know the basics of how this game works.”
“Fine then, Harrington, but remember: you owe me,” Eddie concludes.
Steve looks back exasperated, already regretting every single one of his life decisions leading up to this moment.
For the next hour or so, Eddie explains to Steve the basics of Dungeons and Dragons.
Mid-explanation, Robin walks in and looks on, shocked. In the end, she decides to say nothing and proceeds with her work tasks as if nothing is happening behind her.
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As Steve pulls into his driveway, he continues to try and figure out how he ended up being involved with a group full of the biggest nerds and outcasts in town.
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Meanwhile, Eddie Munson is faced with a strange, new perception he’s gained for one of the most popular students Hawkins High has ever had. It’s confusing for him as he has had very few interactions with Steve, and in the past all of them had involved his jock friends picking on Eddie for their own amusement. Because he now shares an interest with him, though, he is already seeing the beginnings of a friendship coming to light.