Days were running short. Rosie felt the time pressing, like a weight inside her mind. Before she knew what was happening, it was May, and Eddie's birthday was on top of her. She wasn't particularly good at remembering dates or occasions, but this one was important. She needed to be sure he had a good time.

Thankfully, the boys from Corroded Coffin were with her, and Warren let her know that his parents would be out of town that weekend, so the house was theirs. Dustin and his friends were invited, of course, and Rosie made a mental note to keep an eye on them throughout the night.

Turned out, she didn't have to watch them alone. Nancy came right on time with Mike, Steve finally introduced her to Robin and her girlfriend. Jonathan brought Will, and Lucas' mom brought him and Max.

"You can't come!" Lucas grumbled out the door. "This is for teenagers, not little kids!"

"I'm thirteen and a half!" His little sister shot back.

"It's a grown-up party!"

"Because you're so grown up."

"Erica!" He implored: "Rosie, can you please tell her!"

Rosie pushed him inside and turned to talk to the girl. "Erica, right?"

"Right."

"How would you feel about watching your brother making out with Max the entire night?"

"That's fucking gross!" Erica exclaimed, ignoring her mother's gasp. "Why would you say that!"

"Because that's what teenagers - older teenagers - do. They just make out all the time."

"I'm here for Eddie. I'll just avoid them."

"Well. That's the thing. I'm Eddie's girlfriend."

"You are?"

"Yeah. And I plan on making out with him, too. It's part of his birthday present."

Erica gagged. "You have seen Eddie, right?"

"Definitely."

"Ok, I get your point." She held up a bag. "Tell him it's from me."

"Awh." Rosie was reluctant to take it. "Wait here, I'll go get him."

"Oh wow. It's like a whole galaxy." Eddie rolled the set of dice around in his hand. They were black, with a glittery purple and blue swirl.

"Maybe now you'll actually get decent rolls." Erica quipped. "Never did defeat my sorceress."

"Now I have a chance. Hug?"

Her face scrunched up. "Ugh. I suppose it's your birthday."

"She's adorable." Rosie commented as Erica retreated, trying to 'brush Eddie's stink off' on the way to the car.

"Of course you like her."

"Stay cute and aim for the jugular."

Eddie kissed her. Erica was too young to notice, but his eyes were already red. He'd be staring at those dice all night. Rosie turned to watch the car pull away, not missing Erica gaping in horror at their embrace.

Presents went around. Mostly booze and illegal substances from the older guests. Dustin and his friends had bundled together a goody bag of t-shirts, bandanas, patches and other accessories that Eddie had a ball going through. Hopper dropped Eleven off later into the night, and she gave him a 'lamp that her dad said he would like'. They then used the lamp together with some of the substances to enhance their experience.

Robin had brought some movies for them to watch, so they mostly sat through and munched through Warren's entire pantry. Eddie made Rosie sit across his lap, hugging her to him all the way through A Nightmare on Elm Street. They sobered up slightly, then Eddie cracked open a can during the closing credits.

"Wait." She put her hand over it. "I haven't given you my present."

Eddie's eyes darted around. "Now?"

Rosie ruffled his hair. "Not that!"

She went to her bag and pulled out a card. Eddie eyed her suspiciously as he tore the envelope.

"If this is more money…"

"It's not."

"Holy shit!"

"Better than money?"

"Oh my god! Babe!" He smooched her merrily. Some of the others looked away.

"What is it?" Paulie was trying to peer into the card.

"Maiden tickets for next month!"

"Indianapolis."

Paulie threw his hands up. "You can go!"

Eddie bounced. "I can goooo!"

Garret tugged his jacket. "I'll ask the motel."

"NO!" Rosie blurted. Then collected herself. "No need, I mean. I have a hotel arranged."

Eddie raised his eyebrows. "A hotel?"

"Nothing fancy. I just wanted it to be special."

"It will be."

They shared a long look. Rosie went to get some wine from the kitchen, but Warren followed her out.

"Good stuff's in the basement. Here."

Rosie followed him down. Turned out Warren's dad had made their basement into a den. Lacquered wood and brown leather seats all around. He had a good-sized bar under the stairs, along with a wine cabinet. Warren picked a bottle and poured for both of them.

"Thanks."

"Eddie told us. About you leaving."

"I know." She took a big gulp. Warren topped her off. "I asked him to."

"I just wanted you to know…that Hawkins is always here. If things don't work out in Boston, we'll be happy to see you back."

"Thanks, Warren. That means a lot." Rosie replied. "And I'm sorry I never really got to be your wingman….wing-woman?"

He tapped his glass. "I'll come visit you out east. Bet there's better pickings there than this shithole."

"I'll hold you to that."

"No doubt."

"Can I ask you a favour?"

"Shoot."

"Eddie…I know he's not dumb -"

"Beg to differ."

"Shut up. But just make sure he takes care of himself, ok?"

Warren stood straight. "He's not going with you?"

"Uh. No." Rosie blinked. "Did he say something different."

"He didn't mention…" He folded his arms. "I just assumed he was going with you."

"No." She looked into her glass.

"Why not? Are you guys…okay?"

"We're great. Really great. He just isn't ready to leave yet."

"Bullshit!" Warren argued. "He's been ready to leave since tenth grade!"

Rosie shook her head forlornly. "It's what he said."

"I'll talk to him."

"Warren -"

"I will. There's no way he wants to stay here. He shouldn't stay here. He'd just be even more miserable, after you're gone."

"You don't have to."

"I do. Someone has to slap some sense into that thick head."

Rosie stood up to hug him. "You're a good friend, Warren. I'll miss you."