Nera

Dustin truly loved his girlfriend, Y/N. But god she grated his nerves like he was a fucking block of cheese. The nicknames were like sandpaper against his ears, but her laugh after saying them was like adding a fresh coat of paint on top.

“Well hello there, Dusting.” He hears his gorgeous girlfriend say behind him, he sighs and turns around, standing in the lounge of the WSQK.

Y/N was smiling and before Dustin could complain her lips were on his. “That's not fair.” He whines.

“What's not fair, shelf Dust?” She giggles, grabbing his hand.

Dustin practically pouts. “You can't call me that and then kiss me. I can't complain when you do that.”

“You can, you just won't because I’m amazing, Dusting.” Y/N grins, sitting on the couch, letting her huffy boyfriend lay down, head in her lap.

“You're evil. Worse than an interdimensional creature.” Dustin murmurs into her thigh, eyes closing.

Y/N scoffs. “Hey! I am not!” She frowns.

“You are.” Dustin smiles, teasing.

Y/N smiles. “Well, an interdimensional creature didn't take your virginity, Dust Bunny.”

Dustin turns pink, the tips of his ears matching the flush on his face. “You suck.”

“You know I do.” Y/N giggles, hand in Dustin's hair.

“Shut up!” Dustin whines, “Not what I meant. Pervert.”

Y/N laughs and kisses his forehead. “You love me for it though.”

Dustin huffs and finally opens his eyes. “I don't love you.” He murmurs, grinning.

Y/N frowns and gets up, leaving Dustin's head to hit the couch, she crosses her arms and walks away. Dustin immediately gets up.

“Honey, I was kidding! You know I love you!” He backtracks, following behind her.

Y/N stops, “You're no better than Dust under my shoe.” She smiles, and Dustin finally realizes she was kidding, he groans.

“Oh c’mon!” Dustin groans and starts walking away, “You're mean. And awful.” He flops back down, Y/N follows, giggling.

“I love you too, Dust Bunny.” She hums as she lays on top of him. The pair fall asleep together, safe and happy with each other.

Steve and Robin come back from their break, pausing at the sight. Steve smiles slightly, happy for Dustin. Robin looks at him. “The last bird to leave your nest, huh?” She teases.

“I still got the Byers kid.” Steve states, sipping his drink before Robin shakes her head, he raises a brow.

“That one's mine, Harrington.” Robin holds up her finger. The two bicker before hearing a groan.

“Can you two argue like divorced parents fighting for custody somewhere else?” Dustis complains.

The two roll their eyes but ultimately wander off, still arguing. Y/N stirs, lifting her head and looking around before ultimately deciding nothing was wrong and laying her head back down, tucked into her boyfriend's chest. “Love you.” She murmurs.

“Love you too, honey.” Dustin smiles, rubbing her back and Dustin couldn't be happier. God he loved this girl.

Dustin was good at biology, physics, science in general. He, however, struggled in English. He already knew the language, why did he need to take up an entire period for it? Well, if he was honest with himself, he would say he didn't hate the class, he just hated this girl.

Y/N.

She seemed to love English and she was good at writing and she liked Shakespeare, for some reason. Dustin found it confusing. But Y/N was sharp tongued and clearly gave no shits about what people thought about her. Including Dustin. Why should she care? He was some science nerd. She was the popular one. She had way more friends than Dustin, one of the freaks.

Dustin found her annoying, she was a know-it-all. And he totally was not a hypocrite.

Y/N struggled with science yet excelled, and Dustin struggled with English yet excelled in science. So of course it made sense to the teachers and principals to pair the two together to tutor each other. Killing two birds with one stone, eh?

The pair did not, in fact, think it was a good idea, to them it was a terrible idea. Purely because they hated each other, they tried to refuse the idea but they had the same classes, so it only made sense. Begrudgingly, they agreed.

At lunch, Dustin sat with his friends, complaining about his ‘problem’. “It's so stupid. There are plenty of other tutors. One that isn't her.” Dustin said, mouth full.

“Dude, you mean Y/N? Like the popular one?” Mike said, looking at Dustin.

“Yeah. I have to go to her house tonight to help her study.” Dustin groaned as if he just remembered he had to.

“Y/N is like, hot, Dustin. Why the hell are you complaining about hanging out with her?” Lucas said, only to feel a punch to his arm from the girl, his girlfriend, Max, beside him. “I just mean like, she's popular, man.”

Dustin rolled his eyes. “Thanks, that really changed my view on her. She is just a know-it-all.”

“Like you?” Will snorted.

“I am not a know-it-all, I am just good at everything.” Dustin said, self assured.

“Except English. Which is why you're getting tutored by a total ten out of ten.” Mike grinned.

Dustin rolled his eyes and glanced at Y/N, who looked at the same time and sent him a glare. He rolled his eyes and went back to eating. He was overjoyed to help her. Clearly.

Meanwhile, Y/N was having a slightly similar conversation. “I have to tutor and get tutored by Dustin Henderson.”

Her friends made faces, one of them speaking up. “The freak?”

Y/N nodded. “Unfortunately.”

Her friend beside her grinned. “Are you over that crush you had on him in middle school?”

Y/N turns pink. “I did not!” She huffs, trying to convince them and herself.

Truth be told, Y/N did have a crush on him. But, for whatever reason, Dustin hated her. She didn't know why he hated her, she didn't even talk to him.

To Dustin it was obvious, she was popular and annoying.

After a long day at school, they met at her locker, Dustin huffs. “How are we getting there?”

“My car.” Y/N smiles smugly.

“I’ll walk, thank you.” Dustin smiles sarcastically before Y/N groans.

“You can drive.” She relents and passes him her keys.

After a quiet, and careful, car ride, they pull into the driveway of Y/N’s house. She opens the door and slips off her shoes.

“Is that you, Y/N?” She calls as she walks into the main area. “Oh! This is the Henderson boy, right?” She grins.

Y/N feels the flush crawl up her chest. “Uh yeah. We're tutoring each other.” She scratches her neck.

“Oh? ‘Tutoring’?” Y/N’s mom grins, wiggling her brows, clearly loving the opportunity to tease her daughter. “That's an excuse I used too.”

“Mom!” Y/N shrieks, “It's just tutoring!”

Y/N quickly led Dustin away before sitting at her desk. “Sorry about her.” She says quietly.

“It's fine. Physics or Bio first?” Dustin asked, sitting beside her as he unzipped his bag. Y/N watched his hands before focusing.

“Why are we starting with science? Our English poem thing is due Wednesday.” Y/N huffed, trying to reason.

“English is boring.” Dustin tried to argue, setting his books down.

“Science is boring. English is not boring. It's easy.” Y/N argued back. The two bickering before Dustin relented, it did make more sense for them to do English first, since their Bio test was next week and their Physics assignment was on Friday.

“Okay, so pick a subject or something to write your poem about.” Y/N starts, grabbing her notebook. Dustin rolls his eyes.

“D&D.” He crosses his arms. Y/N shrugs and helps him write his poem.

“That doesn't work, bard doesn't rhyme with cool.” Y/N smiles slightly as Dustin groans.

“This is dumb. Who cares about rhymes?” Dustin all but pouted.

“Shakesspeare.” Y/N snorts and Dustin reluctantly grins.

“Oh whatever. Where art thou shits to give, more like it.” He mutters, Y/N laughs.

“That's so dumb.” She says, hand on her stomach. Dustin smiles and takes off his hat to scratch his head, setting it beside him, Y/N looks at his soft curls, wondering how they would feel if she ran her hands through them.

“Okay, focus! We need to get this done so I can do mine.” Y/N says, mock seriously, and a little flustered.

They actually end up finishing Dustin's poem, and they start talking. Dustin watches her lips and Y/N blushes when she notices.

“Do it.” She whispers

“Do what?” He asks, voice quiet.

“Kiss me.” She replies, leaning closer.

Dustin nods and leans in, kissing her softly. Y/N kisses him back, hand going to his hair. Their mouths move in sync, hands exploring each other's bodies as Y/N leads them to her bed before Dustin pulls away, glancing at the time. “Shit.” He mumbles.

Y/N frowns, “What?”

Dustin sighs. “D&D is starting at seven. It's six forty. I gotta go.” He walks over to her desk, packing up his stuff. Y/N watches him. “Call me?”

“I will. See you at school tomorrow.” He hurriedly leaves.

Y/N frowns as she watches him go, shoulders dropped. She walks to her desk and notices Dustin's hat still there, she shoves it into her bag.

When the next day came, she walked up to Dustin, who was with his friends that Y/N recognized, just couldn't name. “Hey, Dustin.” She smiles.

Only to be met with a scowl.

“What?” He snaps. Y/N steps back.

“The hell is your problem, jack ass?” She scoffs.

“I don't know why you're talking to me.” Dustin replied.

Y/N looks at him, shocked and pissed. She shoves his hat hard into his chest. “Screw you, Henderson.” She storms away.

Dustin rolled his eyes and turned to his friends, who looked surprised. “What?” He frowns.

“Why is Y/N mad at you?” Mike asked.

“How should I know? She's a bitch.” Dustin says as he grabs his book for Bio, feeling a little bad for how he treated her.

Just as quickly as tutoring started, it ended. Y/N was confused and angry. They made out. Why did he still hate her? She avoided him like the plague, him and his freak friends.

So when Thursday comes and Dustin smiles at the compliments and takes credit for the poem that she wrote for him. He didn't even touch the paper!

“That was beautiful, Henderson.” The teacher praised before grabbing her clipboard. “Last but not least, Y/N.” She calls.

Y/N stands up with her paper and looked over the classroom and at her friends and classmates before looking at Dustin. She takes a deep breath, looking down at her paper, opening her mouth,

I hate the way you talk to me. And the way you cut your hair. I hate the way you drive my car. I hate it when you stare. I hate your big dumb combat boots. And the way you read my mind. I hate you so much it makes me sick. And even makes me rhyme. I hate the way you're always right. I hate it when you lie. I hate it when you make me laugh. Even worse when you make me cry. I hate it when you're not around. And the fact you didn't call. But mostly…I hate the way I don't hate you. Not even close. Not even a little bit.” Y/N takes a deep breath again. “Not even at all.”

Y/N quickly goes back to her seat, crumpling the paper. Dustin sits there, his mouth agape. He tries to look at her but she keeps her head down.

He felt like such an asshole right now.

He tried to find you after class, and after school. But you kept walking, ignoring him. Dustin was desperate to apologize, he even went to her house.

Dustin greeted her mom and went to your room. Opening the door, not bothering to knock. “Y/N?” He says softly.

Y/N, startled, looks at him. “What are you doing here, freak?” She stands up from her desk.

“I-I’m sorry. I was an ass. I think I thought I hated you. Maybe because you're smarter than me, maybe because you're too much like me. And you're popular. You're pretty. Why would you kiss me? Unless you were doing it out of some sick joke?” Dustin rambles as he moves closer.

Y/N gasps softly and stares at him. “I like you, you idiot.”

Dustin laughs slightly. “I get that now..”

Y/N doesn't waste another second and kisses him, closing her bedroom door and pushing him against it.

Dustin eagerly pulls her closer. “I liked your poem.”

“Be quiet, Henderson, for once. Y/N says against his lips.

“Yes, ma’am.” He grins and kisses her back.

Everyone knew the Wheelers, at least the two girls in high school. Nancy, the good girl, the one who stays out of trouble and could do no wrong. Then there was her younger sister, by a year, Y/N. She was weird, for lack of a better word. She was the kid who made friends with bugs and would chase Nancy around with them.

They both were beautiful girls. Just very different girls.

Nancy liked guys like Steve Harrington, the King.

Y/N liked guys like Johnathan Byers, the loser.

When Nancy started going out with Steve, Y/N was less than enthusiastic. She never told Nancy, but Steve and his dumb friends used to make fun of her, before Steve set his eyes on Nancy. But they left her alone now, she was fine with that. She still hated them, however.

There was a knock at the front door, Y/N stayed in bed until she heard her mom's voice calling her down to answer it. She groans but gets up and walks downstairs, walking to the door, looking out and seeing Johnathan, Will in front of him. “Right, Mike was hosting D&D tonight.”, Y/N thought.

“Uh, hi. Just dropping off Will.” Johnathan said awkwardly, scratching his neck. “Yeah, come in.” She smiles slightly, letting the boys in. Nancy comes down the stairs, and Y/N watches as Johnathans eyes immediately shift to her. Of course. “I’ll show Will downstairs. I have to bring them snacks anyway.” Y/N says quietly before walking to the kitchen and grabbing four sodas and two bags of chips.

Y/N smiles at Will as she leads him downstairs. “He doesn't like her, y’know?” Will said, clearly sensing the awkwardness. “It's fine, Will.” She smiles and he takes his seat, Y/N places the snacks down. “Just shout if you boys need anything.” She said, going back upstairs.

She hears Nancy and Johnathan talking and she doesn't spare them a glance as she goes back to her room. She closes her door and sits on her bed. “Of course he liked Nancy! She was the perfect person! Smart, pretty, nice! How could you be so stupid?” Y/N thought as she grabbed her pillow, screaming into it. She got up and sat down at her desk, seeing a spider crawling from under her desk.

Y/N smiles slightly, “Hi, little guy.” She murmurs and gently scoops it up, standing up to go downstairs. She still hears Nancy and Johnathan talking as she walks downstairs, heading straight for the door. “Eek! What the hell, Y/N?! Kill it!” Nancy shrieked, backing up. Y/N scowled at her, “No! He’s not poisonous! He's just a bug, Nance.” Y/N defended as she stepped outside, putting the tiny spider in the grass. “Be free, little guy.” She murmured.

Nancy rolled her eyes. “It can't hear you, you know that right?” Nancy shivered at the thought of it. “So? Doesn't mean I shouldn't be nice.” Y/N said quietly before retreating back to her room upstairs. Johnathan had just watched in awe of that whole situation. To everyone, it was nothing but a bug. To her, it was something that had a tiny heartbeat, and a tiny life.

“I-I uhm should get going. I’ll pick up Will in a few hours.” Johnathan said before walking to his car. He was still in awe of that girl. A Wheeler, no less, being sympathetic for an insect? Wheeler and sympathy never went together in the same sentence.

Y/N looked out her window and watched as Johnathan drove away, her shoulders slumped. Nancy barging in her room made her jump. “Ever heard of knocking?” Y/N huffs, crossing her arms, confused by Nancy’s grin. “Johnathan is totally in love with you!” Nancy squealed. “Oh my god, really?” Y/N said sarcastically. “Just leave me alone, Nancy.”

“I’m serious!” Nancy laughed, not helping her case. Y/N rolled her eyes and pushed Nancy out of her room. “Ha-ha.” Y/N slams her door and locks it this time, sitting in bed. She lets out a long sigh and lays down, her head hitting pillows. She closes her eyes and when she opens her eyes, Johnathans there. “Hey..” He says quietly. Y/N jolts up. “What are you doing here?” Y/N looks shocked, moving back against her pillows. “I just wanted to say..Y/N I’m so in love with you..” He says as he approaches her, Y/N’s jaw drops. “I love you too..” She replies quietly.

“Yeah? Do you?” Johnathan grins as he crawls on her bed, crawling over her. Y/N puts her hands on his chest as his hands toy with the waist band of her pants. “Show me, baby. Show me how much you love me.” He leans down, kissing her neck, his hand finally slipping into her pants, Y/N gasps, looking at him with wide eyes. “O-Okay.” She nods, biting her lip as Johnathan rolls her over..

…Onto the floor.

Y/N jolts awake, flushed as she looks around. She stands up, face red. “Oh my god..” She looks in the mirror, face red. “Did I just have a dream about Johnathan? A se-”. A loud knock interrupts her thoughts. “Y/N, hurry up! Steve said he would drive us to school!” Y/N gets dressed quickly, grabbing her bag, she runs downstairs and gets a bit of cash from her dad and opens the door, freezing at the sight of Johnathan. “Hey, Will stayed the night so I was just gonna drive him and Mike uh… do you need a ride?”

Y/N considered her options, get a drive from Steve, the guy who used to kill bugs in front of her on purpose, and Nancy flirt and kiss the whole time. Or get a ride with Johnathan, the guy she has the biggest crush on and the guy she just had a sex-ish dream about. “Uh sure.” Y/N smiled awkwardly, she waved Nancy off and Johnathan unlocked his car, the two of them getting in to stay warm and wait for the boys. “I think it's cool how you care so much about bugs..” Johnathan said quietly to fill the silence. “They didn't do anything wrong.” She shrugs, smiling slightly.

“Yeah, but they have too many legs.” Johnathan said, smiling now. Y/N laughed and Johnathan thought he could die happy right then and there. Unfortunately, their moment was broken by Will and Mike climbing in the car. Y/N looks at Johnathan, “I sometimes dream of a world where people don't kill bugs or animals for sport or fun..” She said quietly, Mike groaned. “Yeah, well, dreams don't come true.” He buckled his seatbelt and Y/N’s shoulders dropped a little as Johnathan started the car.

The drive was silent apart from Mike and Will talking about their campaign. But once they were dropped off, it was completely silent. “I don't think it was stupid.” Johnathan said as he drove the short distance to the high school. “You don't?” Y/N asked, shy. “No.” He smiled before getting out of the car. “I can drive you home too, if you want?” Johnathan asked, smiling. “If you don't mind.” Y/N replied while they walked inside.

“Not at all, Wheeler.” Johnathan grinned, teasing. “Then thank you, Byers.” Y/N smiled, teasing right back. They go their respective ways and don't see each other until after school. Johnathan waited at his car before he saw Y/N come out, he smiled. “Your chariot awaits. That was weird.” He cringed as he opened her door, closing it after she was in, he walked around to the drivers said and climbed in. “Mike and Will are going to my house, my mom picked them up.” Johnathan said. Y/N nodded and the drive was silent, it was definitely awkward.

They pulled into her drive way, she noticed that there were no cars. She sighed before looking at Johnathan. “Thank you.” She gets out and starts to walk to the door before stopping. She turns to his car and he notices immediately, rolling the window down. “Do you want to come in..?” Y/N asked hesitantly. “Yeah, sure.” Johnathan said, almost eagerly. He gets out and then walks into her house before going to her room.

Y/N looks at him as they sit, the door closed. “S-So uh, do you wanna talk about something? Nancy?” She asked, looking at her lap. “Why would I wanna talk about Nancy?” Johnathan chuckled, confused. “You like her, don't you?” Y/N tilts her head, frowning. “What? You think I like Nancy?” He asked, almost amused. “God no, I mean, no offence, she's your sister, but she is not my type.” He looks at her. Y/N nodded, thinking. “If I had to pick any of the Wheelers, it would be you..” Johnathan admitted, smiling bashfully

“What?” Y/N looks up, face red. “Really?” Johnathan nodded and moved closer to her. “You're nice, you pay attention and you care about things people wouldn't even think twice about.” He looks at her, nervous. “I like you..” Y/N says, looking at him. “I like you too.” He smiles. “I have since Will and Mike met.” Johnathan scratched the back of his neck, about to continue but Y/N kissed him, quickly pulling away, eyes wide. “Sorry! I should've asked. Consent is very important-” Johnathan gently shushes her rambling before kissing her.

Their hands explored each other, lips moving in sync. Johnathan’s hands went under her shirt and Y/N gasped. “I’ve dreamt about this..” She whispers, Johnathan laughs. “I guess dreams do come true, huh?” Y/N rolled her eyes, kissing him again until she heard the window open, she gasped and looked over to see Steve Harrington climb in. “Stealthy, like a ninja. Told- you are not Nancy.” Steve looked between the two. “Wrong window, asshat!” Y/N huffed. “Yeah, I see that. I’m gonna just use the door.” He walked towards the door.

“Didn't mean to interrupt you two. You have much bigger problems than me, right now.” Steve grinned and winked before leaving her room, leaving both of them red. “Locking your window seems like a good idea, hm?” Johnathan joked. “Yeah, to avoid wild Harringtons.” Y/N said before getting up and closing her window. “He was right about one thing.” Johnathan grinned as he stood up and pressed against her from behind.

“We have a much bigger problem.”

Dustin was always grateful for his friends, the party and Steve, he probably wouldn't be alive if they weren't around. But he had a favourite.

Y/N.

She was someone who could make the sun shine on the rainiest days. She was so kind, sweet and genuine, and effortlessly beautiful. Things Dustin was not, but they attracted each other like a moth to a flame. Y/N handled so much for Dustin, his missed school work, teachers who were wondering why he was missing time, hell, even his mom when she was curious where her son was.

Y/N even helped with Andy and his little pack of douche bags. She stuck up for him since the third grade, against dumb bullies who teased him about his teeth and jerks who made him do his arm thing because he didn't have collarbones. She probably kicked more bullies in the crotch then Dustin fought Demogorgons.

And Dustin was proud as hell. He loved that somehow he got to be friends with her. It wasn't some sick prank, it was his life, and he wouldn't trade it for anything. They were so close that they both shared their first kiss together after the Snow Ball, after she teased him about his hair for a solid 15 minutes.

Then, in high school, they joined Hellfire together. They were completely inseparable. Y/N was aware of the Upside Down, but typically stayed back so that she could keep an eye on the regular world and warn Dustin if anything happened.

The time she went with Dustin, Eddie was there too. The three distracted the Demo-bats, until there were too many and they attacked Eddie. Y/N had never seen Dustin so heartbroken, she had to drag him away from Eddie, telling him that there were too many and they had to get out.

Even 18 months later, Dustin still wasn't the same. He still wore his Hellfire shirt, despite the party telling him he was basically putting a target on his back.

The party was standing at Dustin's locker, Y/N closes hers and walks over to them. “Dustin..” She says softly. “You're not helping yourself by wearing that.” She motions to his shirt as he closes his locker.

“I don't care, okay? If it bothers them, then so what?” Dustin replied. “Aw, is your little girlfriend trying to stick up for you again?” Andy's voice rings out as he approaches, his friends behind him. “She's not my girlfriend, jackass.” Dustin says, making a face at Andy. “Yeah, she's way out of your league.” Andy laughed as he grabbed Y/N’s chin before she slapped it away. “Don't touch me, asshole.” Y/N huffed, Andy only grinned wider. “Snarky, huh? Someone on their period?” Andy says in mock sympathy before turning to Dustin. “I thought I told you what would happen if you wore that shirt again, freak.”

“You did, and I didn't care.” Dustin said, crossing his arms. Andy grabs the collar and slams him into the locker. “You should've.” He grins before ripping the shirt. Y/N pushed him off. “Fuck off, Andy!” She glares at him, Andy grunts and goes to push you back but stops. “You just wait, bitch.” He sneered before walking away.

Y/N turned to Dustin, her shoulders relaxing. “You okay?” She asks quietly, he just nods and walks out of the school. Y/N frowns and turns to the rest of the party. “He's been such an ass..” Lucas shrugs. “Grief, I guess.” Y/N nods. “I’m gonna go with him.” The party bids goodbyes to her before she jogs to catch up with him.

They bike silently to Eddie's grave, only to find it graffitied with the words “freak” and “murderer”. Dustin throws his bag down. “I’m sick of this shit!” He screamed. “Dustin…that's how people saw him.. it sucks, I know.” Y/N said, keeping her voice calm. “That's bullshit. They didn't even know him!” Dustin grabbed his bike, leaving his bag behind. “Where are you doing?” Y/N frowned, confused, as she thought he was going to clean it off. “There's a crawl tonight. Don't bother coming.” He mumbled and got on his bike, peddling away.

Y/N sighs and rubs her forehead, she opens his bag and grabs the spray and cloth. “Sorry, Eddie..” She sighs before hearing the crunch of leaves behind her, she jumps and grabs the spray. She looks around and when she sees nothing, she shrugs it off and goes back to cleaning the grave.

Until someone grabs the back of her shirt and pulls her down. “Hey there.” Andy grins. Y/N reacts quickly and sprays him in the face, he lets go and backs off. “Stupid bitch!” He yells before his friends come up and they push her down, knocking the spray out of her hands. Andy rubs his eyes until he can open them. “We kinda figured that if we wanted to really ruin Dusty's day, there was one person that we could use.” He grins before pulling his arm back and punching her eye. Y/N screams and kicks until they let go and Andy punches her nose. Y/N curls up as they start kicking her.

Once they are done, they laugh as they walk off. Taking her bike too. Y/N uncurls and stands up, limping out of the graveyard. This was gonna be a long walk.

When Dustin got to the WSQK, everyone was waiting. Will frowned, “Hey, where's Y/N?” He asked, confused as they had asked her to come this time. “I told her to not bother.” Dustin replied, Hopper looks at him. “Kid, we told you this was an all hands on deck thing. Go walkie her or something.” Hop scolds, Dustin rolls his eyes and sits down, before realizing he didn't have his bag. “I can't.” He muttered, rubbing his eyes.

Mike groaned, “I’ll do it.” Mike grabs his walkie and finds the right channel. “Y/N? You there? We need you at the Squawk.” Mike asked, waiting for an answer. “Uh, yeah, I’m walking up the path now. I'll be there in like 10 seconds.” Y/N said, but something didn't sound right.

They hear the door open and they hear a shuffling. Dustin frowns and watches, waiting for her to come around the corner. When she does, the silence grows tense.

Her face was bloody and bruised. Blood stained her shirt.

Y/N smiles awkwardly, not liking the attention. “Bike crash.” She lied through her teeth. “You said you walked.” Dustin said quietly. “Anyways.” Y/N tried to deflect as she limped to sit down. “Jesus, kid, what the hell happened?” Steve asked as Robin grabbed the first aid kit. “People don't like when you stand up for your friend.” Y/N tried to laugh before clutching her stomach. “I haven't seen someone messed up this bad since-” Steve tried until Robin cut him off, “Johnathan beat your ass?” She looks at him, “Seriously, dude?”

“Andy did this?” Dustin asked, ignoring Steve and Robin, filled with rage and guilt. “Just drop it Dustin.” Y/N frowned, taking the tissue from Robin and holding it to her nose. “There's a bathroom by the break area, go clean up.” Robin said softly. Y/N nods and stands up and limps before Dustin gently grabs her arm and helps her.

She sits on the toilet as Dustin wets a tissue and wipes her face carefully. “I shouldn't have told you to stay behind..” He whispers and her hand snaps up. “This wasn't your fault, Dustin..” She replies, looking at him. “It feels like it.” He frowns, gently holding her cheek to clean off the now dried blood. “It wasn't, I pissed Andy off too.” Y/N assured, her eyes not leaving his. Dustin eventually pulled his gaze to her’s. “I’m sorry, honey..” He says quietly and pressed a kiss to her forehead, which shades her cheeks a pink hue.

“It's okay, kinda.” Y/N smiles and stands up, their faces close enough to feel the heat of their breath. “Can I..?” Dustin trails off but Y/N nods quickly and pulls him in, kissing him, ignoring the slight stick from her split lip.

Dustins pulls away, and pulls her into a hug. “I love you, Y/N, I have for a long time. Since you kicked Troy in the dick.” He smiles, Y/N laughs carefully, wincing. “I love you too, Dustin. Since you called me the coolest badass ever for kicking Troy.” She smiles and kisses him again. “Can I be your boyfriend?” Dustin asked quietly, Y/N grinned. “I guess, Henderson.” He smiled widely and kissed her again.

“We should go out before they get suspicious.” Dustin said hesitantly. “Fine, but you owe me later.” Y/N whispered before she opened the door and opened the door and limped out, Dustin right under her thumb.

Exactly where he wanted to be.

Dustin was coming home! He had spent the last four weeks at camp Know Where and was finally coming home to see his friends, Mike, Will, Max, El, Lucas and Y/N.

Well, Dustin and Y/N were sorta friends. They were a couple, many moons ago, but it was probably the best time of Dustin's life. Y/N could have been popular since middle school, she was funny and pretty and smart, but she liked Dustin enough to stay in his little group of weirdo's. They were never apart, it was almost shocking when he decided to go to camp and leave Hawkins for an entire month away from her.

Y/N was happy that Dustin got to go to his nerd camp, her boyfriend was going to be away for 4 weeks but a small price to pay for the experience for him. She knew Dustin wasn't the best at words, he was smart but didn't know how to really express what he was thinking.

Pulling away from the kiss, Dustin looked at her carefully. “I’m going to camp.” He said, Y/N smiled. “I know that, silly.” She smiled and went to kiss him again but he stopped her. “I’m going to be gone for a month. So uh, no more of this.” Dustin motioned between them. “I know, Dustin.” Y/N smiled, Dustin sighed in relief. “Good. We should go find the others.” He stood up and walked away, Y/N trailing behind.

To Dustin, that was a break up.

To Y/N, that meant no kissing until he was back.

So when he did get back, rambling about his “girlfriend”, Suzie, Y/N was confused and mad. How could he? She thought as she watched them walk up the hill to talk to this “girlfriend”. Y/N stayed behind, saying she was needed at home. She went to the mall and went to Scoops Ahoy, buying an ice cream and walking around.

She bumped into some girls from school, the popular girls. They complimented her outfit and how pretty she was and she ended up hanging out with them the rest of the day at the mall, finding she actually had more in common with them then the party.

When Dustin and his friends went to the mall to see Steve and go to the movies, they see her in the food court. Dustin frowns. “Why is Y/N with those-” Max cuts in. “Bitches?” She scoffs and walks past them into Scoops. Dustin was still confused, but let it go.

The party hadn't talked to Y/N since. They were all in high school now, and Y/N joined the cheer squad as soon as she could, and she fit right in. She quickly became friends with Chrissy Cunningham. They were best friends, despite the fact Chrissy was graduating that year.

Will and El, well Jane, were in California, Lucas was on the basketball team, so Y/N still talked to him a little bit, Max wasn't talking to any of them, sending glares at Y/N when she walked past the cheerleaders in the halls. Mike and Dustin were now part of a club. Hellfire club, for D&D. Eddie was their club manager or whatever they called him.

At school, Y/N bumped shoulders purposely with Dustin in the halls, making a face and mumbling “Freak.”. Dustin frowned, still confused why she has a huge personality change all of a sudden. Mike told him to drop it since they needed another member for their campaign.

They both had their own bubbles.

Until hers popped. Chrissy had been killed, brutally. In Eddie Munson's trailer. Y/N heard that the Hellfire club was satanic but she didn't believe it until now. She was convinced Eddie had killed her, he was a freak. He probably got held back on purpose to target her.

Y/N tried to find Dustin after school, but his mom said he wasn't home. She went to the Hellfire room and didn't find anything but some papers. Y/N read it and saw something about a shed by the trailer park. She walked over there, still in her cheer outfit. She saw Steve's beamer and walked to the shed near it, hearing voices. Y/N grabbed a large stick from the ground and pushed into the shed.

The party's heads snapped to the door. Everyone seemed to be there. Steve, Robin, Nancy, Mike, Max, Lucas, and Dustin. There was one more person however. Eddie Munson. Y/N raised that stick. “What the hell is going on here?!” Dustin looked at her nervously. “We’re trying to hide Eddie.” He said quietly. “The freak murderer?” Y/N grumbled, stepping forward. “He didn't kill anyone!” Dustin defended. Eddie grinned sheepishly. “I know it looks like it, but I didn't.” He held his hands up.

“Tell that to Chrissy, oh, you can't because you killed her!” Y/N yelled as she went to hit him with the stick. “Hey, woah, woah!” Steve said as he and Robin held her back. “Keep it down.” Dustin whisper shouted. “Why should I?! You guys are trying to help Eddie get away!” Y/N yelled again, pushing Steve and Robin off her, dropping the stick reluctantly. “Do you kill anyone, or should I be worried that you only target cheerleaders?” Y/N glared at Eddie. “Y/N, he didn't kill anyone.” Steve said, looking at you carefully.

“Prove it.” She crossed her arms. Steve scratched the back of his neck. “I-I can't.” Y/N nodded, “Thought so. I’m going to the police.” She turned to walk away but Dustin grabbed her hand. “You can't do that. Eddie didn't kill her. We think it was something from the Upside down.” Dustin said, keeping his voice soft.

“Like what? The mind flayer? Or-Or a Demogorgon?” Y/N said sarcastically. “None of them do that.” Dustin nodded and Lucas spoke up. “We know, but it was too brutal to be human. Eddie said she started levitating.” Y/N laughed humorously. “Right, and whatever Eddie says goes, huh?” She yanked her hand away from Dustin. “Don't touch me or talk to me, freak.” Y/N spat. The party looked shocked.

“Whatever happens to Eddie, he deserves. What he did to Chrissy, it should've been him.” Y/N mumbled and picked up a rock and threw it at Eddie before leaving the shed and going home. She didn't really mean that, as much as she hated and was disgusted by Eddie because he killed Chrissy, she didn't believe anyone deserved death, besides interdimensional beings.

But as fate would have it, Eddie did die. Not as brutally as Chrissy, but still tragically. Now Dustin was walking around the school like an asshole. Mumbling things about her under his breath and bumping her shoulder hard. She was well loved in the school, she was kind and pretty. Dustin was the freak, Y/N was the princess. It was a tale as old as time. When the party pinpointed where Vecna would be, they needed to draw a guide map. Despite Will’s artistic ability, he didn't quite know how to make it. He was better at drawing fiction.

Everyone was at the WSQK, trying to convince Dustin to call Y/N. “Dude, we could end this once and for all. We just need the map. Call her.” Lucas groaned. Dustin shakes his head. “No way. She hates me. For some reason, no reason, actually.” Dustin said as he sits down, Steve rubs a hand over his face. “You cheated on her, in like 8th grade, and then hung out with the guy who allegedly killed her best friend.” Steve said, motioning with his hands.

“I did not cheat on her. I broke up with her before camp.” Dustin defended, squinting at Steve. “Does she know that?” Steve raises a brow, Dustin was silent for a beat before ignoring the question. “Fine. I’ll call her.” Dustin walks over to the phone and dials her number, putting the phone to his ear. Letting it ring.

“Hello?” Y/N said kindly, not aware that it was her ex-boyfriend calling. “Hey, Y/N, it's uh Dustin.” Dustin adjusts his hat. “What do you want, freak?” Y/N sneered, obviously not happy it was him. “We need your help. You're the only one who can draw a guide for us.” Dustin said calmly. Y/N laughed in disbelief. “Why should I help you?” Dustin groans. “Because unless you want to die, we need that map.” Y/N was silent for a minute. “Fine.” Before Dustin could say anything else she hung up.

20 minutes later, she was outside the WSQK. She walks in, looking around. “Hello?” Y/N calls out. She sees Dustin and crosses her arms. “Where's everyone else?” She asked. “Downstairs. We need to talk real quick.” Dustin said, motioning her to sit down on the couch. “About?” She said, clearly having a tone as she sat down. “Did you know I broke up with you?” He asked quietly. “You cheated on me with Sally.” Y/N replied, not amused. “Suzie, and no I didn't. I broke up with you before camp. When I said we couldn't do this anymore?” Dustin looked at her, trying to ring a bell. “You said that while we were kissing, dumbass.” Y/N scoffed, they both looked at each other when the realization hit them.

“Oh.” They said at the same time. “So you thought I meant no more kissing?” Dustin asked, piecing it together. “Yes! That's not how you break up with someone!” Y/N said, clearly in shock at his stupidity. “Yeah, I know that now!” He groaned. “I’m sorry.” He said quietly. “I’m sorry too.” Y/N whispered back.

Both of them finally noticed how close they were.

They leaned in and connected their lips, it wasn't rushed or heated. It was soft, apologetic. Dustin's hands find her waist and he pulls her into his lap, not breaking the kiss as Y/N’s fingers move to his hairs, running through the soft curls.

“Henderson? Is Y/N here ye-” Steve stopped, groaning. “Just come downstairs. Now. Hormonal little assholes.” He grumbles as he walks back downstairs. Dustin and Y/N stand up, look at each other sheepishly before Dustin takes her hand and leads her downstairs. “We'll talk later, okay, sweetheart?” He says quietly, Y/N nods.

“Yeah, later.” She smiles before they finally go downstairs.

Dustin and Y/N, their names said in a pair, there was no Dustin without Y/N, it almost felt weird to say their names separately. They were glue, essentially. It was almost impossible to see one without the other. She had met him before he met Mike, Will and Lucas. She danced with him at the Snow Ball dance. Y/N was always there, she kissed his knees and elbows when they scraped from falling off his bike, helped him build prototypes out of popsicle sticks.

In return, Dustin was there for her. He learned how to braid hair, he played with her toys, despite the teasing he got from the party for being girly. He simply didn't care, he wanted to play with her.

In middle school, they did all the science clubs together and even helped Mr. Clarke at the science fair and won 1st. They were a pair, you needed one, you got the other too! Even when Y/N told him she didn't really understand or like science, he didn't freak out or get mad she lied, he felt bad. So they started expanding their interests.

When she first played D&D, she didn't get it that well, but she loved the dramatics. How Mike acted out everything like his life depended on it. That's when she decided to join the Drama club, and she fell in love. Dustin was so proud of her when she got the lead for their final middle school play. He helped her run though lines and clapped the loudest when they bowed.

When they finally told her about the Upside Down and El, she didn't believe them, said it was probably another campaign and they were trying to trick her. There's no such thing as monsters. Until one of her and Dustin's sleepovers, he told her with full honesty and she nearly passed out. She met El, and thought she was the coolest person ever, only second to Dustin. Then Max came along after El disappeared, she was happy to have another girl around.

Then came high school, Dustin found his little band of freaks and outcasts and she found hers. They were still close and Y/N went to every Hellfire Club meeting, and he went to her Drama club rehearsals, and stayed when she started learning to sew, to start making costumes. She liked his friends, they helped him fully embrace how weird he was, which wasn't a bad thing to her, but they didn't fit into the “norm”. But they didn't care this year, the stupid basketball players could shove it. Dustin and Y/N slowly turned into Dustin, Y/N and Eddie. Which, Y/N didn't mind, but she missed her and Dustin's hangouts. It also didn't help that Eddie immediately clocked their feelings. The ones they've been avoiding since 7th grade.

Dustin had told him multiple times that they were just friends. Eddie didn't believe that for a second. Well, to be fair, they cuddled and Y/N kissed his forehead like it was a day job. Hell, the whole party saw it. No one believed the “just friends” thing. Not even Robin, who was the slowest in the group, she wasn't dumb, it just took her a few extra seconds to figure things out!

Everything was great. Until it wasn't. Vecna had become a problem, taking people who had some sort of teenage issue and killing them. They all became aware, especially when he targeted Max. The fight was intense, they almost lost Steve and Max. Everything was fine. Then they lost Eddie, someone everyone but the party thought was a murderer and Dustin was broken into millions of pieces.

It was 18 months after that, and Y/N was still trying to pick up those pieces and put them back together with the glue they used to be. But they weren't the right pieces for the person he was now. They didn't fit like they used to. He was cold. Distant and mean. It sounded wrong in her head, Dustin wasn't mean. At least, he used to not be.

It was another day at school, but they weren't freshmen anymore. She stood at her locker, watching Dustin get picked on by Andy and his friends. She started to walk over, when she heard a loud rip, she saw his shirt rip and she rushed over. “What the fuck, Andy?!” She yelled, pushing him back. Andy laughed and grinned at you. “Look, the freak needs a girl to defend him. What a pussy.”

Dustin glared at Andy as he walked away and used his arm to nudge her aside. “Why would you do that? Now they think I’m a sissy.” He grumbled. Y/N looked at him shocked. “Are you serious? That's what you care about?” She said, starting to get mad as Will, Lucas and Mike came over. “She was just trying to help, man.” Lucas said, shrugging. Mike spoke up, “Yeah, you don't gotta be an ass.” Will nodded as he rubbed her shoulder.

“Yeah, well she made me look weak.” He sneered. Y/N rolled her eyes. “When have you ever cared what Andy and his dumbass friends think?” She crossed her arms. “I don't. But they already see me as a freak, they don't need more fuel to add to the fire that is making fun of me.” Dustin said, glancing at Y/N before she reached in her bag and threw one of his shirts at him. “Change and give me that.” She demanded, he reluctantly walked to the boys bathroom and changed and tossed the ripped Hellfire shirt at her.

She rolled her eyes and was about to say something snarky but he walked away. She groaned and looked at the other boys. “I’m starting to really dislike this version of him.” Mike scoffed, “Yeah, we are too.” Lucas nodded along, clearly agreeing. Will sighed, “He's angry, at Vecna, the Upside down. At everything. I don't think it's right that he's taking it out on us, but he's in that stage of grief.” Y/N’s shoulders dropped, “I know that..doesn't mean I like it.” She says quietly.

“Okay, as much as the topic of Dustin is interesting, we have to go. Nancy needs us at the WSQK.” Mike says, grabbing his bag. “When?” Lucas raised an eyebrow, not remembering any code or walkie calls. “I kinda live with her, dumbass.” Mike rolled his eyes, Will nodded. “She did say that..” He said quietly. “Don't ever agree with Mike, Will. For your own good.” Y/N said solemnly, Will smiled and Lucas grinned. Mike scoffed, “Whatever. Steve told Dustin earlier so he should meet us there.”

They got to the WSQK and Y/N looked for Dustin. Almost instinctively. She frowned and looked at Steve. “Where's Dustin?” Steve groaned, “He's not here yet? That kid’s been pissing me off lately. He's probably just late. Again.” He muttered. Y/N’s frown deepened but she brushed it off as they went over the plan.

Unfortunately, Dustin never showed. So, plans changed, Y/N went with Steve in the van since she helped Will and Dustin put it together. And since everything was going amazing today, the van broke down. It seemed like their luck was changing when a stranger pulled over on her way to a dance or date, one or the other, Y/N thinks.

“She might've placed me.” Steve said as he got in the van. Y/N raised her brow from the back, “Placed you?” Steve sighed like he was about to tell a painful story. “Dated her sister off and on in high school.” She nodded. “Before or after Nancy.” Steve looked at her like “Excuse me?” before answering quietly. “Before.” She smiled and snorted. “Whore.” She mutters under her breath. Steve looks gobsmacked before speaking. “I beg your pardon? I am not a whore. I might've slept with like half the girls in my year. And some in the year below me. Oh shit. I am a whore. Why did I never realize that? Do you think thats wh-” Y/N cut him off.

“Yep. It's why you haven't gotten a date since.” Y/N finished his sentence. “Not what I was gonna say.” Steve all but pouted. “Sure. Anyways, have you heard from Dustin? Like in the last few hours?” She asked, clearly worried. “No, but the kid’s probably fine. He's most likely doing nothing. Little prick. What are you doing back there?” Steve looked in the rearview mirror, realizing her hands were moving. “Something.” She mumbled. “Yeah? What? Is that-” There was a pounding on the window, Steve smiles sheepishly and gets out, helping the girl unlatch the jumper cables before climbing back in and starting the van, he looked out his window and he scoffed.

“You have got to be shitting me.” He gets out, and Y/N gets curious and climbs out too, freezing when she sees Dustin. Bloody and bruised. “What the hell?!” She screamed, nearly tripping over her feet as she ran over. “I crashed into a tree. I’m fine.” Dustin said, not even trying to sound believable. “Sure ya did. And the sky is purple.” Steve said, obviously being sarcastic. “It was Andy and his friends, wasn't it?” Y/N said softly, despite her earlier frustrations with the boy. “No. I said I fell off my bike.”

“You said you hit a tree.” Y/N frowned. Dustin rolled his eyes. “Whatever. I’m fine.” He tried to sound convincing. “Clearly not!” Steve jumped in. “Just let me help-” Y/N began but Dustin cut her off. “No. Your help got me into this mess.” He said, walking towards the van. “Are you blaming me?” Y/N was pissed now, furious he even hinted at that. “Well, you're the one who made me seem weak in front of them.” He said it like it was a fact. “Why have you been such a dick lately?!” She yelled. “I lost my best friend! And maybe if you hadn't suggested that he come with us, he would still be here!” Dustin snapped. Y/N froze. “You don't mean that..” Y/N said quietly. “Yeah. I do.” Dustin replied. Y/N reached in the van and threw something at him.

“Fuck you, Henderson. Don't talk to me.” Y/N storms off. Dustin shakes his head and looks at what she threw at him. It was his Hellfire shirt. Stitched back up, but now with a little heart sewn in. He looks at it, his heart dropped to his feet. “Oh shit.” He says quietly. Steve glares at. “Get in the van. Now.” Dustin looks up, “But-” Steve holds up a hand, “No. Let her cool off.” Dustin hesitates, but then climbs in the van.

It’s been 2 weeks.

2 weeks since any of them have seen Y/N. Dustin felt even shittier now. The party was on his ass about apologizing, but as bad as he feels, his stubbornness was stronger. He hasn't been away from her for longer than a day, let alone weeks since he went to camp.

“Just apologize, dude. We need all the help we can get.” Steve tried to reason as he drove them to the WSQK, Dustin shakes his head. “You are such an ass. You blamed her for Eddie's death, something that was not at all her fault. And like, she's been there for you since what? Kindergarten?” Steve started, looking at Dustin before looking back at the road. “She was there when you were alone at that dance, she was there for you when nobody else believed you about the Russians and all that stupid Upside Down shit. Like, even Robin knows you two like each other.” He said, matter of factly. Dustin scoffs out a laugh. “She's pretty and smart but she doesn't like me.” He rambles.

“You didn't deny it. You like her.” Steve grins as he stops the car. Dustin ignores him and goes to get out and freezes when he realizes they weren't at the WSQK. They were outside of Y/N’s house. “You're kidding.” Dustin glares at Steve, who just shakes his head. “No. Go apologize.” Dustin groans but gets out and slowly walks to the front door. He stands there for a few minutes before knocking softly.

Y/N opens the door and nearly slams it in his face. She frowns, “What do you want?” Dustin smiles sheepishly. “To say sorry..” He says quietly. It's silent for a beat. “Go on.” Y/N rolls her eyes. “I’m sorry. I was a dick and I shouldn't have said what I did. It was not your fault.” Dustin said, looking at her. “You hurt my feelings, Dustin.” She says, her shoulders hunched a little. “I know, and I’m sorry, sweetheart.” Dustin looks in her eyes. “God, I can't anymore. I like you. No, scratch that. I love you. The way you smile, the way you laugh, the way you don't let me get away with anything. You hold me accountable. I love how you act, and how you don't tease me about the things I like. I love you.” He takes a breath and keeps his eyes on her as hers widen.

“I love you too.” Y/N whispers, and Dustin almost faints. “Please don't lie.” Dustin whispers back. Y/N shakes her head. “I’m not. I’ve loved you since middle school. The way you showed me what you liked and you didn't get mad when I didn't like the same things.” Y/N says, her cheeks flushed. “Still doesn't make it hurt less.” Dustin steps inside. “I know. I’m really sorry. You don't have to forgive me now, take your time.” He gently touches her face. Y/N smiles slightly and pulls him in until he lips touch hers. Dustin melts immediately and kisses her.

It gets heated quickly, pent up feelings releasing finally, fueling the fire between them. Y/N pulls him upstairs to her room, laying on her bed as Dustin throws his backpack off. He climbs on top of her and kisses her, his hands slipping under her shirt. The moment for them, and only them.

His walkie crackles from his bag with Mike's voice. “Hey, did you and Y/N make up yet? We're planning the next crawl.” Dustin groans and gets up, unzipping his bag then grabbing his walkie. “We're busy.” He says into it before pushing the atena down.

Y/N giggles and pulls him back to her. “You're not forgiven yet, buddy.” Dustin kisses her jaw. “I’ll make it up to you, sweetheart. And don't call me buddy.”