Billy's gone.
Ruby Buckley's world ended with him.
But Hawkins isn't done with her yet.
When strange deaths begin again, Ruby is pulled into the heart of the storm. Between shadowy nightmares, the town's newest outcast, and someone she was never s...
( songs for the chapter) alien blues // vundabar panic room // au/ ra
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Ruby caught herself smiling, that same restless smirk tugging at her lips before she could stop it.
What the hell was happening?
Was she actually flirting with Eddie Munson?
He seemed to notice, too. His grin had a teasing edge, but there was something uncertain underneath, like he wasn't sure if this was a game or something real.
"You know," he said, leaning back a little, eyes glinting, "for a second there, I thought you were about to volunteer to sub for Lucas. The boys told me you play D&D."
"Oh, God, no-״ Ruby blinked, startled. ״Well, I do play, but I can't tonight. I'm going to the championship game." She tucked a piece of hair behind her ear.
"Maybe they'll finally let Lucas play, he's been bench-surfing the whole season. And honestly, he's good. It drives me insane-" The words spilled out faster than her brain could catch them.
She suddenly stopped when she felt his hand land gently on her knee. Not in an inappropriate way. Just... steadying.
"Hey," Eddie said softly, "no need to work yourself up. I get it. I'm not disappointed." he smirked, "Well, maybe a little. Would've been one hell of an excuse to hang out again. But I get it. You've got a friend to cheer on."
Ruby's pulse jumped. She wasn't sure if it was the hand, or the tone.
"I would've, you know," she said quickly, almost defensive. "Played, I mean. I know I've had this, this stupid image, like I'm some spoiled 'queen' or whatever, but I actually love Dungeons & Dragons. I just don't...look the part, I guess."
Her voice cracked slightly. It annoyed her. "Anyway, I just need to be there for Lucas. Everyone else is busy. Mike, Dustin, Max, Will, El. Someone's gotta show up."
"I don't know half those names," Eddie admitted with a crooked grin, "but I know a good friend when I see one. You've got that kind of loyalty, sweetheart. It's... rare."
The way he said it made her stomach twist, warm and guilty at once. Billy's face flickered in her mind for a second: his laugh, the smell of smoke, the feeling of his hand brushing hers once in the dark. The way he had called her sweetheart.
She blinked it away.
Yet, underneath that, another echo.
Steve's voice from earlier that morning. The quiet look he gave her in the car when he thought she didn't notice.
She exhaled, forcing a smile. "Thanks, Munson."
He leaned back, nodding. "Go to the game. Have fun. We'll find another sub. And maybe..." He hesitated, rubbing the back of his neck, "maybe we can catch up after. Y'know. Swap campaign stories."
