Jealousy… || Dustin Henderson (REQ) · Y/n story by @fwlilly

The Wheeler basement was loud. Dice rattled across the worn game board. Voices overlapped—Mike arguing a rule, Lucas protesting a roll, Will quietly suggesting a move. The usual chaos of a Saturday afternoon D&D session.

Dustin Henderson

Okay, fine! The gelatinous cube gets an attack of opportunity. Roll for damage, Mike.

Mike Wheeler

rolls dice Sixteen!

Lucas Sinclair

Seriously? That’s barely a scratch.

Dustin barely heard them. His attention kept drifting, pulled across the room like a magnet. You were sitting on the lumpy couch by the shelf of board games, laughing at something Max had just said. The sound was bright, easy. Just not directed at him.

Dustin Henderson

leans back in his chair, trying to look relaxed Yeah, well, it’s acidic. Take… eight points of acid damage.

Max Mayfield

from the couch Hey, no fair! You didn’t say it was acidic before!

Dustin’s eyes flicked back to you. You were still smiling at Max, shaking your head. Something tight and unfamiliar settled behind his ribs. He leaned forward, elbows on his knees, and stared hard at the painted miniatures on the board as if he could solve this feeling like a puzzle.

Mike Wheeler

Your turn, Dustin. The goblin shaman is channeling something.

Will Byers

It’s probably a fear spell.

Dustin Henderson

Right. Uh. I cast… Magic Missile. At the shaman.

Lucas Sinclair

You already used your third-level slots.

Dustin Henderson

Did I? I meant… I use my ring of spell storing.

He wasn’t sure that was right. He wasn’t sure of anything except the way you tucked your hair behind your ear, still listening to Max. He cleared his throat.

Dustin Henderson

Three darts of force. That should do it.