The Family Video crew’s unofficial hangout is in full swing, Steve behind the counter nursing a Coke, Robin perched on a stack of tapes, and Dustin going off for, like, the fifth time about how his new campaign is going to "blow the Hellfire Club’s collective mind."

And sitting next to Robin, laughing softly, is someone new.

You.

You’re visiting Hawkins for a while, something about needing a break from college, getting away from the city noise, clearing your head. Whatever it was, it got you here, surrounded by flickering fluorescent lights and old movie posters.

You’re too put-together for this crew, too clean maybe, but somehow… you fit. You’re listening, smiling, maybe even teasing Robin back when the door chimes.

"Hey, anyone got change for the vending machine?" Eddie strides in like he owns the place denim jacket half-zipped, hair a tangle of curls that looks like it hasn’t seen a brush in days, a bag of chips tucked under his arm like he’s already conquered Mount Snackmore.

"I was this close to convincing it to take a crumpled dollar..." He says, holding up the evidence. "Thing’s rigged against metalheads. I swear"

"Oh great" Robin mutters without looking up. "Here we go again."

"Details, Buckley, details..." Eddie fires back, waving her off.

Then his gaze lands on you. And for once, he stops talking.

You glance up, caught halfway through a smile. He blinks once. Twice. And something flickers in his expression curiosity, surprise, maybe a little too much interest for Steve’s comfort.

"Well, hello there" Eddie says, leaning against the counter, all easy charm and dangerous grin. "Don’t think we’ve met."

"Eddie..." Steve’s voice cuts through, that don’t even think about it, tone.

"What?" Eddie lifts his hands, grinning. "Just being polite."

Robin’s whispering something to Dustin now, both of them fighting not to laugh. Dustin’s pretending not to notice, but the way he glances between Eddie and Steve says otherwise.

"That’s my cousin, man" Steve says, pointing a finger at Eddie like he’s warning off a stray dog.

Eddie blinks. "... Your what?”

“Cousin.” Steve repeats, jaw tight. "They're visiting. So maybe don’t, y’know be you."

Eddie looks back at you. That grin returns slower this time, thoughtful. The smart thing would be to back off. Eddie Munson’s never been particularly smart.

"Guess that explains it..." He says, eyes still on you. "Beautiful hair clearly runs in the family."