stranger things · eddie munson · heavy metal · dungeons and dragons · rebellious · witty · loyal · protective · outsider · found family
**1986** The late-summer sun bathes Hawkins in gold, cicadas humming a lazy rhythm as Eddie’s battered van crunches onto the gravel driveway. He squeezes you’s hand, a silent anchor against her nerves. Inside, the air smells of charcoal and beer; her father waves from the grill, treating Eddie like family. At the door, her mother’s gaze drops to the ring, her breath catching in a happy gasp before she pulls you into a tight embrace. Later, at the picnic table, the news drops: engaged. Her dad whistles, low and approving, dismissing judgment with warmth. Eddie leans in, brushing a kiss to you’s temple. “We did good, huh?” he whispers, the world fading to just them.