Author's Note: I hope finding out Hannah's name in the third installment of this series doesn't feel like too much of a slow burn. This is my first time writing a story of this length in years. I am still trying to find my sea legs and figure out what pacing/storytelling I would like to tell with this story. I have a rough framework I suspect will develop as we become better acquainted with these characters.

To everyone who has started this journey with me thus far: thank you. I hope I manage to do Eddie justice. Even with the short time he was on our screens, I know he captivated all of us. Branching off and into an alternate universe with new characters is a little daunting with such an established series. I will do my best to provide you with an intriguing story. I do apologize in advance if it feels like I am taking too long with flushing the story out.

Without further ado, let's get into Chapter Three.

Chapter Three: Hungry Like the Wolf

Conversing with the guys at the coffee shop felt extremely dull now that Eddie had plans for his evening. Although she had seen him in his normal attire, he wanted to impress at dinner. Her foreboding words felt like a promise. If he messed this up, he struck out with her entirely. How he felt in regard to Hannah was difficult to describe. With some pondering, he considered it was similar to a yoyo or slinky returning back to its resting state: it was automatic. He just hoped he wouldn't get tangled, or fall down a flight of stairs (metaphorically, of course) in the process. What could he wear that would be appropriate for a dinner with a woman? Times like these he wished Steve Harrington was closer; although, he was only a phone call away.

Just about an hour later, he excused himself from his campaign meeting with the guys. Never before had he been the first to leave one of their get togethers. As the DM, he usually stuck around until the very end to answer any questions. Their conversations about the directions their lives were going into were generally very interesting. Each of them were going different paths. Brian, for example, was going to school to be an accountant. Edward, who was another D&D player in the group, was the same age as Eddie. He graduated three years prior and was a math teacher.

Upon returning home, Daniel greeted his roommate. "How did your breakfast meeting go? Did you find someone suitable for this game of yours?" Daniel didn't play D&D, but as one of Eddie's first friends in Boston, he did his best to be supportive.

As much as he felt the grin forming on his face, Eddie did his best to keep it at bay. "It was that girl from the club last week. She's…I don't know…" he trailed off, looking at the carpeted floor of their living room. "…There is something about her that I can't describe."

"Well, she is the first girl you have mentioned since Chrissy. I know you never talk about her to me, but sometimes you say her name in your sleep. Walls are thin," Daniel gestured around the apparent. "I assume she was important to you."

Chrissy long deceased did sometimes appear in his dreams. They may have won the war, but they lost that battle. She was kind and didn't deserve to die. He wished frequently that there would have been something he could have done to turn back the hands of time to help her. Vecna loved his clock and time being up, so why weren't they able to reverse it?

"Yeah...she was something," he murmured, uncomfortably. "I have to meet this girl…Hannah…for dinner. And I don't know what I'm doing."

Giving an approving nod, Daniel smiled at his friend. "Good for you getting yourself out there. It has just been you and all of us guys for awhile. It might be good for you to get to know someone else. I'll be going out tonight myself if you end up wanting to bring her back…" Good roommate etiquette included making yourself scarce if your roommate wanted the space exclusively.

"Thanks, man," Eddie smiled and went to the kitchen where they kept the phone. The kitchen was small, with coordinating yellow flooring and paint on the walls. He wanted to consult Steve Harrington, as he had considered before. This was too important for him to mess up. Initially, the pair were nearly rivals being two important, brotherly figures to Dustin. Eventually, however, they formed their own friendship. Like many of the rest of the crew, they became more like family, like brothers.

It only took two rings before the line was picked up and the familiar voice greeted him on the other line. "Hey, it's Steve."

"Hey, man. It's Eddie. I hate to admit this, it really kills me, but I need some of your copyrighted Steve Harrington dating advice."

A surprised chuckle was the initial response to his request before Steve continued. "You? You're finally getting out there, Munson? I didn't think you had it in you." He paused, as if giving silent approval. "What do you need?"

Ashamed to admit how poor his track record had been with Hannah, Eddie rested his forehead against the nearby wall and sighed. "Man, I've struck out with this girl, well, nearly, twice. I don't know why she decided she wanted to have dinner with me. I want to look like I put some effort in. She said this is my chance. We're going to an Italian restaurant tonight."

"Wear a button up shirt with a jean jacket. Still look like you, but dress yourself up a little. Remember who you are. You kicked Vecna's ass! We wouldn't have been able to do it. You stood up to Vecna, but you're worried about some girl?"

Eddie couldn't help but smile as Steve provided the confidence boost he so desperately was hoping for. It was all true. He had been more courageous back home than he thought was possible. "You haven't seen her, or anyone like her. I promise. Even with the girls you know, she's something special."

"But she's just a girl at the end of the day. And you're Eddie freaking Munson. Show her how lucky she is to be in your presence. Oh, and try to brush that hair of yours. You are doing that right?"

At that remark, he couldn't help but roll his eyes. Yes, Steve was helpful, be he could also be insufferable. "Yes, I brushed my hair. Gotta go. You're not the one I need to impress tonight. Bye."

Hours later…

By train, the restaurant was only fifteen minutes away, but Eddie wasn't willing to risk missing this date. Was it even a date? They were just supposed to discuss her D&D character, right? If anything, this was more of a meeting like he would have with the guys. Still wanting to impress, he arrived promptly at 4:30pm. It was a fairly mild evening weather-wise, so he didn't mind waiting outside for her to arrive. He sat down on a bench just outside the entrance to the restaurant, preparing to wait as long as it took.

4:45pm rolled around and he saw those familiar locks of hair as the sun made them shine. Twice in one day she had been early, he was glad he didn't allow himself to run even a few minutes later. One thing was for certain: this girl knew what she was doing. Contrasting the red dress she adorned the first time they met, she wore a little black dress this time. As though an automatic reaction, he gathered his bottom lip in his top teeth and bit down. One day he hoped to discern what made her so special.

"Look at you," she commented with a mega-watt smile. "Actually early. I had suspected you would admit defeat and come late, or not at all."

"Milady," he stood up from his perch then immediately – and dramatically – bowed at her. "I, your Dungeon Master, would never be late for such a momentous occasion. Shall we embark on this journey of dinner?"

Based on the pleased expression on her face, he assumed he had passed a test, or impressed her in some way. Perhaps the conversation with Steve was more beneficial than he had expected.

Doing her best at a Victorian British accent, which really wasn't that good, after all, she responded. "Why, yes, kind sir. Let us embark on this quest of ours." She moved towards the entrance which he politely opened for her. With a glance over her shoulder, she smirked at him. "I do hope it will not prove to be too treacherous for us."

He smiled broadly at the brunette beauty as they entered the restaurant. The interior had a cozy, welcoming atmosphere while still appearing elegant. This certainly was the setting for many dates and special occasions. It screamed affordable and approachable, but still remarkable. A host dressed in a white button down, black suit vest, and bow tie led the pair to their table. They were sat at a two-person table with a lit tealight candle sat in a glass votive in the center. The host pulled Hannah's seat out and in for her once she took her seat. A wine menu was placed in Eddie's hands, as well as two menus placed in front of either of them.

Once the host walked away from the table, he sheepishly handed her the wine menu. "I can't say this is my wheelhouse. I'm not much of a wine drinker myself. Just a cold beer usually does it for me."

"Is that a challenge for me to impress you with a fine bottle then? Or would you prefer to stick with what you usually would indulge in?" Blue eyes twinkled in the dimly lit restaurant as she gazed questioningly at him.

Was this some sort of test? Much of their waltz felt as though it was candy-coated with a challenge, or a test. "I'll make you a deal," he began, opening his menu for dramatic effect. "You decide on the wine and I'll decide on which appetizer we share." It seemed fair enough and required trust from both parties.

With an approving nod, the young woman opened up the wine menu and began scanning the pages. Stealing a glance or two, Eddie felt intimidated by how many pages of wine there were. There were at least 3 8x10 pages, printed front to back, with various wines.

Wine and appetizers ordered, the pair sunk comfortably in their respective seats ready to begin the rest of their…dinner?

Eddie took a sip from the complimentary water, then decided to shift the conversation from food and beverage. "So, tell me more about your character. What's her name? What does she do wherever she's from?"

Lightly scoffing, she looked almost disapprovingly. "You meet me for dinner, but want to know about my character? What about learning about me first? I, after all, am your company for the evening."

Realizing she was correct and he had made a misstep, Eddie smiled comfortably. This was a strike out he had been concerned about and he had been doing so well. You're Eddie Munson, you got this, he thought to himself.

"Maybe I was gauging how personal you wanted to make this evening. Now I know. Tell me about you. I don't know your last name, or age. Brian told me you took a Psychology course with Annie. And I know you occasionally visit Silverball."

Were they playing chess, checkers, or an entirely different game? He couldn't tell.

"My name is Hannah Swanson. I'm twenty-two. And yes, I took a Psychology class because I'm in school to become a therapist. Human behaviors are very interesting, you know. You can really dissect people and get under their skin if you know what you're doing."

A different game, entirely, he decided then.

"Is that what you're doing with me? Am I an experiment?"

Hannah bit down on her plump, lacquered bottom lip and chuckled. "Is that what you want to be? A case study? A patient of mine? I'm not yet qualified to undertake that responsibility. No, you are none of the above. I do find great joy in making you squirm. My understanding of human psychology does help me in social situations. I was under the impression that you were simply enjoying being around me. Or was that an incorrect assumption?"

As if an automatic response, Eddie quickly – perhaps too quickly – shook his head. "You're different from the other girls I've met here so far."

"Oh, you mean like the Cannibal lover at the club? That would be because I don't trip all over myself just because someone knows how to play an instrument. You're no Bon Jovi yet, are you?"

Yet. Use of the word made Eddie feel as though she saw potential in him. But why did it really matter what she thought? Like Steve said earlier in the day, she was just a girl.

Hannah took a sip of the burgundy liquid in her glass then leaned slightly over the table. "Your turn. What's your story, Mr. Guitar Playing, Dungeon Master, Leather Jacket Guy?"
Such a generalization of himself made him smile and blush ever so slightly. There was so much more to him she would probably never know. Allowing someone to know about what his life was like in Hawkins would be difficult. He didn't know if he would ever want someone to know that side of his life. Out here he felt like he could be a new and improved version of himself. No one knew his story and he wasn't sure if anyone ever needed to.

"Eddie Munson. 25. Besides all the glowering accolades you mentioned, I also attend Simmons University. I'm majoring n law currently. I want to help those who have been wrongly accused, or are unable to advocate themselves."

Hannah nodded, acknowledging his aspirations. "We will both be helping people then. You, more commonly with those involved in the justice system. And me, with those who need someone to talk to. You know," she gestured at him. "Like you. How often can you discuss the same old things before you want to find someone new to talk to?"

Soon enough all the food and a couple glasses of wine were devoured. The conversation continued like a ping pong game; each party serving the ball to the other. The pair spent the next hour or so getting to know each other while dancing around one another at every turn. As Eddie's comfort level grew around the brunette beauty, so did his confidence. He did still feel enamored and slightly intimidated by her, but he found himself enjoying her company overall.

Their waiter, much like the host, placed a menu in Eddie's hand. This one was for dessert. For a normal person, this was just a simple dessert menu. Anything off it would be delicious. Aware of his dinner companion, he knew she would be critiquing his decision. Eyes focused on her, he thought about what she had eaten so far this evening. What would be perfect for them to share, a bold gesture of romance, that they would both enjoy?

He settled on their homemade tiramisu. He could flirt by offering to feed her a spoonful. It was sweet and decadent and not too messy. It was perfect. When it arrived, the layers were perfect. It looked as though it had just the right amount of moisture from the espresso. He could understand now why the menu said it was award-winning. Before Hannah could even lift the small dessert spoon in front of her, Eddie took his own, with a little taste – almost a tease – of the dessert on it, and held it out near her lips. Hannah gazed pointedly at Eddie, a slight look of surprise gracing her features. She leaned forward slightly, capturing the spoon in her mouth, soon pulling away and leaving it clean.

Once she swallowed the small bite, her eyes widened. "That is delicious!" She exclaimed softly, only for him to hear. Returning the gesture, she scooped into the dessert delicately and offered the spoon in Eddie's direction. He, much like her, accepted the gesture and nodded in agreement with her. Decadent, sweet, and beautiful. Much like the woman sitting across from him at the table.

When the bill came, Hannah went into her clutch purse and began taking payment out for the bill. Without response, Eddie handed the waiter the full payment before she could even offer. She may have asked him to dinner, but he wanted to treat her.

She offered a genuine smile at him. "Thank you for dinner. It was delicious. And the company wasn't half bad."

Eddie realized then that the entire night they hadn't discussed the D&D game that would take place tomorrow. Not even once. They discussed what felt like everything else – even though they hadn't scratched the surface with one another.

Once they departed the restaurant in the cooler weather, he smiled down at her. "I'm really glad we both came out tonight. It was nice to talk to you without a wannabe Indiana Panic playing overhead."

She laughed and nodded in agreement. "It was a great night. I'll be thinking about that tiramisu tomorrow. I guess I'll be seeing you at the game tomorrow. Prepare to be impressed."

Hannah started walking away, but Eddie didn't want her to go. At least now yet. There was an opportunity he wanted to seize.

"Hey, Hannah, wait!"

Stopping in her tracks, she turned to look at him once again with an inquisitive look on her face.

"Well, the game starts at 5, tomorrow, right?" Eddie shifted his feet awkwardly, as though he felt unstable on his feet. Too much boldness in one night for him. "How about we meet for a late lunch/early dinner? We can meet at the Boston Common and maybe go to the deli nearby. We'll say three" He knew he had one last chance to show his feigned confidence. "And don't be late, or you're out."

Rather than answer yes, or no, Hannah simply responded, "I'm never late." She then turned on her heel and continued off into the darkness…