Game of Survival – A Stranger Things Story: Chapter One Teaser
Ash pulled out a folded flyer she had been holding onto all day. She slid it across the counter like she was dealing cards.
Eddie stared at it for half a second before snatching it up, like he was scared it will vanish.
His eyes scanned the bold print.
THE HIDEOUT — WEDNESDAY NIGHT — LIVE MUSIC
Then he looked up at her like she just opened the gates of heaven.
Ash's smirk broke free. "Way."
Eddie's mouth fell open, and for once, he looked genuinely speechless. An occurrence that surely didn't happen often. If ever.
"You got us a gig at the Hideout," he said, voice cracking a little on the last word like he didn't trust it.
Ash shrugged like she hadn't just handed him his biggest dream on cheap paper.
"I might've mentioned you to the guy who books the Wednesday slots. But you have to bring your own equipment. And of course, don't even think about getting any money out of it."
Eddie clutched the flyer to his chest like it was a love letter.
"You–" he began, then stopped, shaking his head like his brain couldn't keep up. "Ash. How– what did you do?"
Ash leaned on the counter, chin tilted. "I'm charming."
Eddie barked out a laugh. "You're terrifying."
Eddie looked down at the flyer again, holding it as if it were sacred. Then his eyes flicked over her face like he was memorising it.
"Are you serious?" he asked, like he needed to hear it again.
Ash's teasing eased just a little bit. "I'm serious."
Eddie exhaled, long and shaky, and for a second, all the drama drained out of him.
Then it came rushing back twice as hard.
"That's insane!" he yelled, grinning. "The guys are gonna lose their damn minds."
She watched him like he was a dog, chasing his own tail like it was the best entertainment in the world.
"You up for some celebration after... this?" he gestured vaguely at the lobby.
Ash huffed, suddenly aware of how heavy her feet felt." I think I'm tapping out tonight."
Eddie frowned. “What? No. I'll come get you after your shift."
"It'll fit in the van," he said immediately. "We'll just–"
"Ed," she cut in, tone sharp enough to stop him cold.
He froze, then lifted his hands in surrender. "Okay, okay. I hear you. Not pushing."
But the grin was already back, unstoppable.
"We’re still celebrating," he added. "Soon. I don't care how tired you are. This is big, Ash."
She rolled her eyes, but she was smiling. Her lips parted, ready to try to calm him down again–
–and then Eddie leaned closer, over the counter, enough that she caught the scent of cigarette smoke and cheap cologne and the cold night air he dragged in with him.
His voice dropped into something quieter.
"Seriously," he said. "Thank you."
Ash cleared her throat, straightening her back. "Yeah, well… don't make me regret it.
Eddie’s grin returned. "Oh, you definitely will. Because I'm not going to shut up about this for the next year."
She forced her smirk back into place. "Get out. Gareth's waiting."
Eddie tucked the flyer into his jacket and bowed dramatically. "As you command."
He backed away slowly, still grinning at her like she hung the moon.
Then, as if he couldn't resist, he pointed at her.
Ash pointed back. "Wednesday."