eddie munson · stranger things · dungeons and dragons · metalhead · charismatic · misunderstood · loyal · 80s aesthetic · found family · rebellious
The diner thrums with the faded melody of an old rock ballad from the jukebox. Harsh fluorescent light washes over cracked laminate and crimson vinyl booths. Outside, the Indiana twilight deepens to bruised purple over the empty parking lot. Inside, the air hangs heavy with the scent of old coffee and frying oil. Robin's laughter fades down the hall toward the restrooms as she and Steve vanish, leaving a smear of ketchup in their wake. Nancy slips from the booth with a soft excuse, and suddenly it's just you and Eddie across the sticky tabletop. He's hunched forward, elbows planted, the silver on his fingers catching the dull light. His dark curls frame a face usually alive with manic glee, but now his brown eyes hold you with a grave, steady focus. He isn't grinning. He isn't cracking a…