Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Eddie’s voice carried around the room brimming with an eerie almost foreboding tone.

“The feather-covered sarcophagus opens, revealing a skeletal corpse surrounded by fine gold and silver jewelry. It is wearing a set of jet-black studded leather armor bearing a series of runic engravings and carvings and trimmed with black feathers. What do you wish to do Henderson?”

“We should do an investigation Che-“ you start to say only to get cut off by Dustin.

“I go over to the tomb and start to remove the armor” Dustin’s voice shouts over yours causing Eddie to snap his eyes really quickly to his girlfriend before looking down and flipping through pages of notes.

They had already been playing for three hours and after finally defeating the beholder, the party was exhausted of hit points but elated from their win. The group had decided that gathering the loot from the tomb before resting would be the best idea since the game would end at rest. You and Dustin both had your figures standing next to the sarcophagus as Eddie narrated.

Eddie’s eyes move rapidly in between Dustin and you as he sit in silence for a moment. Eventually he looks down at his notes and it’s obvious he’s thinking a mile a minute but the only words that come out are “make a saving throw”

“W-What?” Dusting squeaks while y/n roles her eyes.

“Oh my god Dustin I swear to god if this hits me… I only have 32 hit points left!” You shout at him reaching for you lucky dice.

He ignores you and quickly rolls.

“Nice! Natural 20 babyyy!” Dustin shouts, giving Mike a fist bump. The joy from his high roll isn’t shared though as Eddie glared at him before looking over to you face falling blank.

“Sweetheart I’m gonna need you to make a dexterity saving roll.”

“This is why I said to do an investigation check Dustin! If I survived a beholder just to get knocked out by some dumb trap I’ll kill both of you!” You shout as you angrily grab your dice and begin your roll.

You were anxious, you took a real beating from the beholder and only had 32 HP left, a heavy blow could completely knock you out. Finally letting your hand open, the d20 go, it rolls across the table to land right in front of Eddie.

Your eyes move from your dice to his dark brown eyes looking for reassurance.

He winces looking back at you.

You had rolled a natural one.

“Well…shit.”

* Five Months Prior*

You were panting as you finally made it to the only local game shop in Hawkins. You had ran straight there after your shift at the Palace Arcade had ended. The new Dungeons and Dragons issue came out today and you needed to get your hands on it. 

DnD definitely wasn’t a popular interest that most girls your age had but honestly you didn’t give two shits about that. You never really gave much thought about ever fitting in because to be honest it wouldn’t matter anyway. You were a military brat and your parents moved around a lot so you never had the chance to settle down and make friends, let alone worry if you were going to fit in. 

That’s kind of why you were so into DnD, in the game you could be anyone you want, create roots and a home and characters that you can relate to. So despite everything In your life being out of your hands; even if you didn’t stay in one place for very long, in DnD you could live your life the way you wanted. All the moving did make it hard to actually play the game though. Finding a party alone was difficult but finding a party that would let you, some new girl, join was ever harder. You took what you could get though and if you couldn’t play in your location you would at least be able to read up and build your character more. 

You had just moved to Hawkins about a month ago with your mom while your dad stayed at a military base two hours away. School hadn’t started yet so you didn’t know if there were any DnD clubs but you did know that there was a local store that sold dice sets and players handbooks. 

You finally found the issue you were waiting for and went to grab it but when you reached out your hand landed on top of another much larger, ring adorned hand. You gasp and pull your hand back quickly.

“I am SO sorry” you quickly apologize, and without looking at whoever the hand belonged to you take a few steps back. You found it better to apologize first especially when you were alone in a new place. In your experience most people in rural towns like this have treated you less than kind before. 

“Woah Woah! It’s alright sweetheart. You want this?” The hand reaches out holding the magazine you both reached for. You finally look up to see a young man wearing a vest with pins and patches for various metal bands. His head was adorned with shaggy brown hair with a bandana tied around it. He made a sideways grin. 

You slowly grab the issue he was holding out and clutch it to your chest as you can’t help but stare at the young man. He was fairly good looking but what caught you the most off guard was how kind his eyes seemed. You were obviously getting lost in thought while staring at him in silence which brought an ever so slight blush to the boys ears. 

He looked away and cleared his throat while rubbing the back of his neck. 

“So you play?” He asked nudging you out of your trance which immediately embarrassed you. You flushed pink and swallowed hard before responding. 

“I would like to. It’s hard to find a party when you’re always the new girl.” You grumbled as you watched him grab another issue for himself. 

“New girl huh?” He looked back with a smirk before reaching back out with his hand. You hesitate before grabbing it giving it a shy shake as his grip tightened slightly. 

“Well new girl you could always join Hellfire. I’m their DM so what I say goes. We meet in the drama room at Hawkins high.” He points to his shirt that you can now see reads Hellfire Club with a red devil and some other doodles . Eddie seemed slightly nervous when asking though, his eyes looking anywhere than at you. 

“Hellfire?? Isn’t that just…perpetuating the stigma that DnD is satanic?” You question while putting one hand on your hip. You already had the hardest time convincing your mother that you weren’t sleeping with the devil and sacrificing baby’s or whatnot. 

“Hey it keeps out the undesirables and makes it safe for lost sheep like you.” He shrugs and then shoots you a wink. 

You roll your eyes but can’t help the smile gracing your lips. “Well I don’t know about lost sheep or whatever but maybe I’ll  see you around …?” You drifted off not knowing what to call him. 

“Eddie! Eddie Munson, hopefully your new Dungeon Master.” He starts to back away again tucking the DnD magazine into his vest. “see you around new girl.”

“Y/N!” You call after him as he turns, stooping him for the moment. He looks back over his shoulder at you a smile growing on his face with an eyebrow raised. 

“My names y/n.” You finish as he send another wink at you before leaving. 

Maybe….maybe you won’t have to be alone this time. 

*back to the present*

The table fell silent, all eyes going from you to their dungeon master who let his bangs fall in front of his eyes. The entire group sat on the edge of their seats waiting to see what Eddie was going to say. 

You waited with baited breath, knee bouncing up and down while you watched your boyfriend take a deep breath before narrating what happened next. 

“A deep rumbling from below can be felt before dark shadows creep up out of the sarcophagus! Dustin, you notice quickly and back away, just out of the smokes reach.” He moves Dustin’s figure back before looking up at him anger clearly showing on his face. 

“Eddie…?” You ask as he takes a little to long glaring daggers at poor Dustin who is visibly sweating at this point. You know how serious Eddie takes DnD hell you are just as into as he is. You spend most of your time after school everyday just talking through campaign ideas or finding new items or monsters to include in the next session. You spent hours together looking over different DnD magazines. It’s how you met, how you grew closer, how you fell in love. 

He also knows how important it is to you. He was there as you spent hours researching new spells and actions for your character development. He listened to every detail about your character without ever interrupting or growing bored. He knew how important this character was to you, to the whole party really. You had been playing for a little under five months together. You all felt really attached to each character they felt like extensions of yourselves. 

So when Eddie finally looked up, his face grim, eyes somewhat misty, you took a breath. You held his gaze watching him clench his teeth, your hands flying to your mouth. 

The shadows go through you knocking the breath out of you. You take 56 points of necrotic damage.” He spits out through clenched teeth. 

“No…no way!” “Wait wait what happened!” “Oh no no”

Each member now shouting over each other scrambling for their handbooks. 

You don’t even notice though as tears fill your eyes. He holds your gaze, neither of you looking away as the party scrambles around you. 

“Wh..what can we do??” Mike asks Eddie, waiting for some kind of response. 

After not getting one Dustin asks a little louder “DM?! What does that MEAN??”

Eddie finally looks away from you and to the rest of the party. He was the dungeon master after all the show must go on. 

“Y/C/N falls back, the breath leaving her body in one final woosh. Her body grows cold…the light leaving her eyes.” He slowly reaches and puts your figure on its side. 

You gasp again finally letting a tear slip out. You know it’s just a game. You know it’s not real but still you were so into it. So invested. You and Eddie made this character together. If you’re dead you can’t participate in his amazing campaign anymore. You can’t help the party out or cast an kickass  spell shocking your boyfriend. You won’t get to see the sparkle in his eyes whenever you beat a particularly tough monster he cooked up. 

You look back at Eddie, you can see how stiff he is. How his fists are balled up on the table. He loves this game just as much as you do. He loves YOU just as much as you him. 

The silence is broken by a whisper. 

“Dude you just got the DM’s girlfriend killed. We are so boned.” 

Chapter Text

You almost dreaded going to lunch today. It was Friday and Friday meant campaign night which would normally have you buzzing with excitement. The whole table would be talking about tonight’s session but there was a slight problem this time around.

You had died.

Well your character did at least, and the session had already run so late that Eddie had no choice but to end it there. Dustin and You both protested obviously, him out of guilt and you out of the need to know what happened. The rest of the party though had complained, Lucas, Gareth, and Jeff both saying it was already midnight and they needed to head home.

“C’mon just another 20 minutes guys I can fix this!” Dustin pleads while flipping through his handbook. The others start to slowly pack their stuff up. Eddie remains silent, still glaring at poor Dustin. You knew he would simmer down, he loved that little nerd like a little brother, even if he wouldn’t admit to it. 

“No way it’s been five hours man! I have basketball practice in the morning.” Lucas was already heading towards the door. Dustin looked up at everyone packing and leaving and let out a sigh before turning to both you and Eddie. 

You knew you couldn’t ask them to stay later so you just sighed and packed up your supplies. Eddie started packing up too but kept stealing glances at you.

Dustin too, you could tell he felt so bad about what happened. He tried to apologize at least ten times, each time though you would say it was ok. Eventually he had to leave too with Mike.  He sent one more worried look as you waved good bye before walking out leaving just you and Eddie.

With the two of you alone you set your stuff back down and heaved a heavy sigh.

“Babe…sweetheart. I’m so sorry-” Eddie began knowing how upset you were at ending the session there.

“It’s ok Eds it’s late I understand.” You cut him off finally looking up at him.

“No! No y/n I’m sorry I let the trap go off. I know how important your character is…I know how much time you’ve spent… we’ve spent on this campaign! I’m dungeon master damn it I could have cheated the system. Could have lied about the damage roll. I could have just forgotten about the damn trap all together.” He rambled growing more upset with each word. He ran his fingers through his hair before pushing both palms into his eyes.

“That little shit Dustin just had to trigger it while you were in range. I had planned for you to avoid it…your dex is so high I though the hit wouldn’t land.” He kept going voice becoming strained near the end. You could tell he was starting to freak out so you stepped closer bringing your hands to his waist to get his attention.

“Eds hey! Eddie calm down. It’s just-“ you started trying to calm the growing anxiety you could see building in your boyfriend. 

 “Do NOT say it’s just a game! I know we both feel the same way about this!!” He cut you off voice rising, panic setting in.

“Ouch! You wound me Munson! I would never say it’s just a game.” You grip your heart in mock horror.

“ I was going to say it’s just one session. We still have a whole session to work things out. Sinclair is a cleric right?? We can see if he has revivify prepared or raise dead. Even with the -4 modifier his level is high. There are still options babe.” You put your arms back around his waist reassuring him with a smile. Sure you were upset in the moment but giving the play through some thought, this definitely wasn’t the end of your character. 

“Besides, I would never forgive you if you cheated! How could our magnificent DM even suggest that?! I would never want to ruin any part of what you have planned for a campaign! EVER!” You move your hands to his cheeks and squeeze. You put on an overly dramatic pout and glare at him. 

He stares at you, panic subsiding only to be replaced with adoration. He loves how into the game you are, he loves how you can think things through logically, he loves how you can talk him down after he gets worked up. Most of all he just loves you.

“I love you; you know?”

He quietly mumbles while placing his forehead to yours.

“Hehe oh I know!”

You can’t help but grin as you pull his face down towards yours.

“And I love you. I’ll love you from beyond the grave and everything Munson.” You whisper the last part in a goofy haunting tone, lips just barely brushing his as you shut your eyes.

Eddie laughs and then closes the distance not even bothering to respond. The kiss is slow, chaste almost, you can feel his lips pull into a smile.

When you break apart, he wraps an arm around you giving you a squeeze before grabbing the rest of his stuff.

“Well one things for sure…. I’m gonna torment that little brat next round!” He lets out an exaggerated cackle while sending you a wink.

You slap his arm lightly “hey leave poor Dustin alone I thought he was going to cry earlier with those death glares you were sending him!”

You laugh while grabbing your bag with your free hand.

“So?! He literally killed you y/n! And YOU cried!” Eddie points out while holding the door for you out into the parking lot.

“Hey! It was one tear!” You shot back while holding back a laugh.

“Still, no one makes my baby cry.” He grumbled to which you actually let out a laugh.

“Technically you are just as guilty mister!” You poked him in the chest while walking backwards.

“Hey!” He shouts, smile plastered on his face as he rushes forward to grab you around the waist. You squeal as he lifts you into the air and gives you a spin around. Your shriek turning into a fit of giggles as he brings you back down to plant a quick kiss before grabbing your hand and walking home. 

You smile remembering the walk home that night but are brought out of your thoughts as you see your boyfriend up on the lunch table spreading his famous mockery of the average student.

You spot Dustin and Mike sit down just as Eddie was in the middle of dramatically reading aloud from a newspaper which warned of the dangers of D&D, and when he finished the article, he jumped on the table in order to give a speech about forced conformity. You arrived at the table just as he was finishing up his tirade about being labeled a freak.

“Y/N! Sweetheart! You agree right?” He asked grabbing your hand as the two of you sit back down. “Every word Eds” you smile while using your other hand to open the soda can you brought.

He plays with your fingers while the two of you happily chat. You’re talking about tonight’s session when Dustin and Mike interrupt.

“A-actually about tonight- “

★彡

“Can you BELIEVE THEM?” Eddie rages as you follow him out to the parking lot.

“Postpone the session? not come tonight? After literally KILLING you last session?!? What because Sinclair is too busy conforming to the stereotypical jock?? Bullshit pure bullshit.” He seethed while pacing back and forth.

“Eddie…” you warn as you see him work himself up. 

“What? You can’t tell me you’re ok with that!?”  He spins to face you while you just cross your arms over your chest.

“Obviously not babe. I just think before getting too pissed off we wait and see who they bring tonight.” You point out.

“Yeah, but Sinclair is the cleric! How are you supposed to be revived if there’s no cleric?! Or paladin. Or someone with enough AC??” He stresses which just makes you smile.

“Eddie that’s the least of our worries if my guesses are correct. I’ve been reading up and I’m almost positive that I know what crazy boss fight you have planned this round.” You smirk while giving him a nose boop stunning the poor boy.

“I-impossible!” He shouts in mock surprise. “No one can know of my plans!” He shouts as he rushes you wrapping his arms around your middle and lifting you.

“We will just have to see I suppose! But seriously stop picking on Dustin! I forgive him and you have to be impartial as DM or it’s no fun!!” You giggle while resting your hands on his shoulders. He’s still lifting you so you’re looking down at his pouting lips and his scrunched brow.

“No promises y/n …. He needs at least a little torment” he whines as you bring your lips to his.

“Fine fine…. you are the best dungeon master I’ve ever had so I have no choice but to trust you.” You roll your eyes and giggle as he sets you back down.

“Henderson better deliver sweetheart, or I’ll roast him.” He grins while you just sigh the two of you heading back into the building to set up the session.

You anxiously wait for the rest of the party to show up, your knee bouncing up and down. You kept glancing over at Eddie as he poured over his notes preparing for tonight’s session. You watch as he places each figure down on the map right where they were last week. His hand hesitates on your figure though a frown forming on his lips. 

“It will be ok Eds! Really even if they don’t find anyone who can cast revivify, I know you have something cooked up for them to get me back.” You try to reassure your boyfriend as he finally places you figure prone on its side next to the sarcophagus.

Eddie bites his lip before giving you a reassuring grin. “You bet sweetheart” 

Before you could reply the doors burst open and in walk Dustin, Mike, and…a literal child.

Before you could even introduce yourself, Eddie is talking over you. 

“Absolutely not.”

“You asked for a sub, and we delivered” Dustin shot back glancing over to you with a nervous smile.

“This is hellfire club not babysitting club!” you could tell this agitated him, you saw the slight tensing of his neck. 

“I’m eleven you long haired freak” before you could talk him down the girl with an American flag tied around her steps up with a quick reply. You had to hold in an outright laugh, failing as you let out a slight snicker causing Eddie’s eyes to snap over to you before going right back to the girl. 

“The child speaks…what’s your name child?” When she answers with the name Erica Sinclair your eyes widen. You had heard of this girl, mostly through Lucas complaining about her but still you knew she was sharp. 

“So, this is Sinclair’s infamous sister…what’s your class and level? Level one dwarf?” You watch as Eddie tries to intimidate the small girl, if it was any other person, you would have stepped in, but you knew Eddie. You knew this was a test to see if she really was one of his lost sheep or whatever he liked to call you guys. 

“My name is lady Apple Jack and I’m a chaotic-good half-elf rouge, level 14 and I will sneak behind any monster you throw my way and stab them in the back with my poison-soaked kukri and I’ll smile as I watch them die a slow agonizing death.” She snaps back making you actually laugh out loud this time.

“Oh my god I love her. Baby oh my gods she perfect!” You bounce in your seat shooting a wide grin over to the confident little sass master. 

“But you forget babe…she is no cleric.  Nor a paladin.” He reminds you and the room goes silent for a second, you all had almost forgotten how the last session ended. 

Almost

“Yeah, I heard about that shit Dustin pulled last game too and I will have you know that I have quite a few artifacts and items in my bag of holding that only a level 14 thief rouge would have.” Erica boasts smugly, never once breaking eye contact with Eddie. 

A second passes, you all are holding your breath.

A grin spreads across Eddie’s face as he reaches a handout.

“Welcome to Hellfire!”

Chapter Text

*THEN*

It was the fourth time you were meeting for Hellfire. Everyone so far had been really welcoming of you despite you being the new girl. You weren’t sure if it was because they all were genuinely just nice or if it was because their “leader” had threatened them into being nice. Either way you were thankful.

This was the first time you could remember feeling a genuine sense of acceptance from your peers. You had become so accustomed to being the outcast, the new girl, the freak.

He never made you feel like a freak.

He always greeted you with a huge smile and sparkling eyes every-time you walked into the drama room.

He offered to walk you home after every session even though it was just up the road and he had his own vehicle.

You couldn’t help feeling yourself become more and more enraptured with the young man. What went from an anxious first meeting to a welcome friendship had quickly been turning into a deeper more meaningful feeling for Eddie Munson.

It honestly wasn’t that surprising, he was good looking and charismatic. What really captured your heart was what had drawn you to him in the first place. 

It was his kindness.

The same kindness you saw in his eyes the first time you met.

Your admiration of the fun loving dungeon master has been building by the moment until the point where tonight you had planned to ask him on a date.

You were nervous through the entire session and you’re pretty sure Eddie could tell. If you weren’t positive before you definitely were when he decided to speak up on your walk home.

“So you hiding some big dark secret? Am I going to have to bribe it out of you?” Eddie starts with a light tone hands shoved deep in his pockets.

“W-what? No!” Your face starts to grow warmer as you absentmindedly hope it was too dark for him to notice.

“Well that’s a lie. You messed up your modifiers like four times tonight.” He called your bluff immediately, turning and walking backwards moving his hands to his hips.

“I did not! It..it was like three times.” You grumbled crossing your arms over your chest.

“Nope you can’t fool with dungeon master ma’am. It was four so, spill what’s got you so distracted hmm??” He moves his face closer to yours cause you to take a giant step back.

“N-nothing!!! I just .. I was just ..” you stuttered panic slowly creeping up. Eddie immediately drops his goofy tone and smile.

“Hey. Hey it’s ok. If you don’t want to tell me or talk about it. It’s ok. I was just messing around. It’s alright.” He tries to reassure you noticing the panic that had started to form.

This just made your face grow even more red. You were in front of your house now, it was now or never.

“I wantedtoaskyououtonadate!” You rush out before covering your face in your hands.

A moment passes.

Another moment.

You peak through your fingers to see Eddie staring dumbfounded at you. His face a beautiful shade of crimson all the way up to the tips of his ears.

“E-excuse me?” He squeaks out.

“Never-mind forget it. It was stupid I’ll see you on Monday!” You immediately swivel and start marching towards your house. Tears forming in the corners of your eyes.

You were so dumb, he only knew you for a month, he only was nice to you because you were the new girl who liked DnD. He was just being a good friend.

As you fabricated reason after reason for his supposed rejection Eddie rushes forward.

“WAIT!” Her grabs your hand careful not to grip too tightly.

You freeze, refusing to turn around.

“Wait please. I just …I wasn’t sure this was real.” He spoke softly as if not to startle you more.

“I had only dreamt about this moment for like a month straight.” He chuckled trying to ease your tension.

“W-we only just met a month ago.” You protest weakly while turning to look at the man that made your heart beat fast and your palms sweaty.

“Yeah well I was smitten as soon as our hands met on that DnD issue. You absolutely captured my heart right then and there babe.” He smirked trying to put on his best smooth talker face.

It completely failed, he was just as red and nervous as you were.

It was then that you realized how stupid you were being. What were you even afraid of? Being shunned, picked on, rejected and made fun of?

Eddie would never treat you like you were less than. He would never make you feel ashamed.

“S-so did you want to maybe go on a date then?” You asked voice quivering slightly but overall the panic subsided.

“How do you like concerts?? See, Corroded Coffin is playing at the hide out tomorrow. I can give you an all exclusive backstage tour.” He grins while holding both of your hands in his.

You pull him down to your level, his eyes sparkling and ears growing more red. You place a quick soft kiss to his lips before whispering against them.

“I would really really like that.”

★彡

*NOW*

“All right nerds let’s fix your mess”

Erica immediately plops down next to you opening her binder. Which you notice is impressively detailed and packed full of notes and number sheets.

You snicker at the shocked looks the older Hellfire members have plastered on their faces.

“Before we start I just want to say I’m truly excited to have another member with an actual brain around here” you quip while shooting the younger kids a wink.

“Yeah well us girls have to show the boys how to do anything am i right?? Now let’s save your ass” Erica also sends a smile in your direction.

“Enough chit chat let’s save the DM’s girlfriend before he brutally murders all of us in horrific and terrible ways.” Mike grumbles while Gareth and Dustin follow in pulling their character sheets and dice out.

Eddie had set out the map and placed the party’s figures in their correct spaces. His hand lingered on the prone figure that was yours, placed on its side next to a drawn out sarcophagus.

Looking up at him as he sat back in his throne your eyes meet for a brief moment. You try your best to appear reassuring. He schools his features before pulling his hands up to his mouth.

“Last we saw, our dear heroes in a panic as their loving Y/C fell to the ground lifeless. Now how do you wish to proceed?” You loved watching Eddie switch from loving boyfriend to all powerful Dungeon Master. It always brought a smile to your face seeing how seriously he takes his role, knowing that you were free to act out and play without the constant worry of being judged or laughed at.

It was truly amazing how Eddie could create a safe space for all those who wish to just be unequivocally nerdy without the prying eyes of those who would judge them. It was one of the main reasons you loved him so.

You sat back, waiting, you wouldn’t be able to participate until someone brought you back anyway. Your hand found Eddie’s under the table giving it a light squeeze. His immediately gripped yours back, running a thumb in slow gently circles over your knuckles. You were pulled out of your daze by Erica.

“I sneak up behind the sarcophagus and cast hunters mark on Dustin who is closest to me. As I do this I call out from the shadows “looks like you have quite the problem…I can fix it. For a price.” And then I grab my kukri and grip it at my side while still staying shadowed ending my turn.”

“Wait. A price?! That’s not what you said on the way over Erica!” Mike loudly whispers through clenched teeth.

You laughed at that, Erica was smart to ask for some form of payment. If whatever she brought was powerful enough to resurrect you without a cleric then it was nearly priceless.

“Fine take whatever you want! Hell Take me instead you bitch!” Dustin speaks over Mike’s complaints before looking over to Eddie. “I move to stand in front of y/c/n.”

Your eyes shoot over to Dustin, protest on your lips but you stop as Eddie squeezes your hand. His face is completely emotionless as he moves Dustin’s figure but his hand continues to rub circles on the back of yours under the table.

“Interesting, my god may take you up on that.” Erica flips through her playbook before looking back up at Eddie. “I step forward out of the shadows holding the Rod Of resurrection.”

Immediately Eddie and about half the party shoot to their feet all talking over each other.

“What!?” “How did you even get that?!” “That’s a legendary item how the hell-“

You are whooping and raising your fists, “WOOO LADY APPLE JACK!”

Eddie takes a moment to school his features or at least tries to, “sweetheart you’re dead still, no talking.” He chastises you but you notice his lips firming a smile despite his best efforts.

“Heh sorry DM” you apologize while sitting back down, knee bouncing.

“Well Henderson offers his life for y/c/n’s and a new player joins the fray. Dustin make a persuasion check and Erica a intelligence check.”

You hold your breath as you watch the two younger kids roll. Dustin passing with a solid 19 but Erica had rolled a 2, you anxiously wrung your hands before placing them over your mouth. 

“Ok Lady Apple Jack it seems your god doesn’t answer your call to see if Dustin’s offer pleases her but the desperation the young Druid has moves you. Do you wish to ask for another form of payment?” Eddie asks trying to give her another option without breaking the role of DM. You hadn’t noticed before but beads of sweat were forming on his forehead cause his bangs to slightly stick. He was nervous, that realization instantly warms you. You stare at him, hands placed firmly on the table holding his weight as he stands over the map focused completely on Erica and Dustin. Man you loved this doofus.

“Turns our my god doesn’t want your crusty ass Druid boy. How much gold do you have on you??” Erica quips while looking at her nails.

“Uhhh …uhhh….2,570” Dustin frantically flips through his notes before blurting out.

“Fine. I toss the rod over to Dustin” Erica rolls her eyes, that rod is worth SOOO much more that that. You almost interrupt again before Erica shoots you a look and the protest dies on your lips. That kid is one scary little eleven year old.

“Make a dex check.” Eddie turns to Dustin eyes shining with mischief.

“Shit fuck you couldn’t just hand it to me?!” Dustin complains while rolling, slightly worried since the last roll he made was devastatingly low.

He holds his breath, the dice lands on a natural 20 and you along with the rest of the party all let out an obnoxious sigh.

“Nice catch could you imagine if you didn’t grab that haha your pal would be deader than dead.”

“Shut up Lady Apple Jack.” Mike grumbled.

“Ok Henderson. The rod has 5 charges. While you hold it, you can use an action to cast one of the following spells from it: heal or resurrection. Jeff your up.” Eddie glances over to Jeff who digs through his dice pouch.

“While they are doing that I’m going to gather as many healing potions as possible for y/n when she wakes up.”

“Ok, Gareth?” Eddie turns his head to the other older member. Shoulders taught hands still clenched on the table top.

“I am going to hold my turn to see if the kids fucks this up.” He sneers while putting his arms over his chest. You kick him under the table earning you a yelp.

Eddie ignores looks over to Mike and before he even asks mikes talking. “I am also going to move behind lady Apple jack to make sure she doesn’t run or trick us”

“Really wheeler??” Erica asks, hands on her hips a scowl on her face.

“What?! First rule I learned from Lucas is to NEVER trust you you sneaky little demon!”

Mike hisses out which makes Erica roll her eyes and you just chuckle.

“Enough! Dustin it’s back to you…” Eddie waits with baited breath.

“ I use the rod of course!” Dustin stands eyes locked with their imposing DM.

“Alright….” Eddie sits back down slowly. You watch as he marks a few notes down, rolls twice and knit his brows. You find yourself holding your breath for what feels like the hundredth time this night. Eddie won’t meet your gaze and instantly your stomach knots.

Your hands still rest over your mouth, knee bouncing, you stare at your boyfriend waiting.

“You feel a slight buzzing from the rod before it grows white hot in your hand. Your grip tightens as the rod begins to glow and a figure can be seen appearing over your fallen comrade.” Eddie narrates while looking at Dustin.

“Oh I don’t think so take me instead you Raven Bitch!” Dustin shouts at Eddie mirroring his words to Erica earlier. Maybe this god will take his offer.

“The figure straightens before turning to you. She silently moves forward drifting across the floor like a fog. She looks from you to the rod and then back to you. Make a persuasion roll.” Eddie’s tone is deathly serious, so different from his usual goofy nature and loving words you’re used to.

“Ok come onnnn! ….11?” Dustin pleaded and reluctantly speaks his voice going up an octave in trepidation.

Eddie stares, tension building.

The entire room is silent.

Waiting.

“The dark figure reaches forward, placing a hand on your shoulder. She nods and in that instant the rod in your hand shatters in a burst of radiance. You all shut your eyes from the light only to be met with an empty space where the goddess stood before.” Everyone was on the edge of their seats. Did it work?

Nobody dared to speak, waiting to see what Eddie had to say.

“Silence fell as the lights fade and the fog disappears.”

At this point your shaking, a few tears have already escaped. This moment decides if you can continue to be a part of the amazing campaign. It determines whether or not you will get the opportunity to surprise your boyfriend and party members with a particularly powerful attack. If you can join in on the final battle that Eddie had spent MONTHS planning. If you could help your friends defeat the big bad that you know Eddie had planned.

“A moment passes, then another.” Your face begins to fall and you move to cover your entire face. The sound of a dramatic gasp of air pulls your hands down.

“Breath fills y/c/n’s lungs as she begins to cough.” Eddie looks over to you, eyes slightly misty, smile on his face.

You and Dustin leap up shouting in joy! You fist bump before pulling the smaller curly haired boy into a giant bear hug.

“Your eyes open the members of your party coming into focus.” Narrates with a huge smile on his face as he watches you ruffle Dustin’s hair, tears streaming down your face.

“W-what happened? I feel so cold. Did we get anything??” You ask wiping the tears away, your voice wobbling.

“You fuckin DIED!” Mike shouts while Dustin releases you.

“so eloquently put Wheeler.” Erica speaks up and you couldn’t help rushing over and pulling her into a tight hug as well earning you a slight pat on the back. “Ok ok put the rogue down” she grumbles through clenched teeth.

“Thank you lady Apple jack. Now… What’s next??” You all turn to Eddie who has sit back down elbows resting on the table. Fingers met in a point in front of his mouth, a smirk just barely visible.

“You hear a chanting from outside the tomb…looking through the door you see a swarm of hooded figures chanting as the fill the room outside.” Eddie’s voice drops, telling the events with a deeper more foreboding tone sending chills down your spine.

“You all just manage to hear what they are chanting.” Eddie finally looks over to you. A moment passes between the two of you, as if all your feelings in the past weeks have bubbles over, the two of you just stare at each other. The moment is shattered by the words that Eddie hauntingly recites.

“Hail Lord Vecna” 

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