Eddie was in his element. Steve watched him describe something animatedly, arms flailing and expression bright and endearing. Steve had to hold back a laugh as Eddie pounced, wrapping an arm around Dustin's neck to noogie him. He glanced up to meet Steve's eye, expression softening just slightly before he let Dustin go.

"The brave explorers barely defeat the horde of undead. Injured and exhausted, they continue down the dark path towards a faint light. They find themselves in a small clearing with a fire already lit at the centre. How do you proceed?"

Eddie stalked around the group, hands coming to rest on Mike's shoulders as he spoke. "Um, I cast a spell of enlightenment around the area."

"Hm, roll D20." Eddie leaned forward to look at the dice and nodded. "Fourteen... Alright, your Paladin senses no evil resting nearby but the wind carries an ominous whisper that he can't discern."

"Man, I'm bleeding out," Lucas complained. "Forget the whispers, let's just rest."

After a brief but decisive conversation settled it.

"In the dead of night, one of your bards leaves the safety of the firelight to relieve himself. The whispers grow louder but without any prior knowledge to defend himself, he falls victim to the darkness." Eddie swooned backwards dramatically and fell into Steve's lap. He huffed in surprise as he took Eddie's weight and quickly spread his legs to accommodate the new body. Eddie opened an eye to grin at him. "The party awakens to find one less amongst their number."

"Dude! You can't be serious?!"

Eddie played dead for a couple more seconds before swinging himself into a sitting position. He held up a finger to cut off Dustin's rant. "You were the ones who chose not to investigate the whispers. I was just the poor, unfortunate soul to fall victim to them. You should know better."

"You're always so dramatic," Gareth chuckled. "How many characters have you killed off now?"

"Too many to count. Point is, don't assume it's safe just because your Paladin rolled a fairly decent score." Eddie winked at Mike. "Sorry kid, it was good but not perfect."

"So what happened to our bard?"

"Oh, he found himself in the arms of a handsome stranger somewhere far away. Don't worry, he's very happy." There was a round of groans as Steve chuckled and kissed behind Eddie's ear. "Nah, he's banished to eternal darkness wandering the afterlife."

"Poor Samuel."

"And on that note, we shall convene again next week." Eddie jumped up and moved to close his books. "No complaining," He shot at the younger members. "We've got to drive you twerps home and I've still got homework."

"Gah, Eddie Munson forgoing D&D for homework?" Jeff asked in disgust, shooting Steve a grin. "You've corrupted him."

"I didn't do anything. I never did my homework either."

"And you're working at a video store, pretty boy," Eddie said casually but he patted Steve's cheek and smiled. "Don't worry, the vest is very becoming on you. Not the same as the cute sailor's outfit but it'll do."

"Could you two stop flirting for five minutes and take us home?" Mike deadpanned. "You've been dating for months!"

"Wheeler, one day you'll find someone who makes every day feel like the first day," Steve told him, noting the way Eddie's cheeks turned pink. "Until then, no more complaining about us dating or I'll leave you here."

"Yeah, right."

Okay, so Steve wouldn't abandon him to walk home. Still, it would be nice if they took his threats seriously for once.

They said goodbye to the others in the parking lot before getting into Steve's car. He allowed Eddie to choose the music, only complainingly slightly when Metallica blasted through the speakers. If he was honest, watching him and the kids headbang to the music was very endearing.

When they were finally alone, Eddie reached out to place a hand on Steve's thigh as he drove. "Thanks for coming tonight."

"Of course, I know you like it when I tag along."

Eddie grinned and leaned across the console to kiss his cheek. "I always thought King Steve would rather die than be caught at a Hellfire meeting."

"Good thing the king is dead then."

"So, you'll come next week?"

"Every week," Steve promised, catching sight of Eddie's pleased grin. "You're a great dungeon master."

"Aww, Stevie, you know how to make a guy blush."