Gift_Ringw1n9

♡ HELLOOOOO, omg so in honor of me hitting almost 150 followers (wtf thank you guys!!), here is my masterlist of fanfics/oneshots I've written and sneak peek of the titles of my upcoming ones.

(And this post will update regularly everytime i post something new!)

◇ STRANGER THINGS

- Steve Harrington

> It finally hits

> untitled (it was my first post I didn’t have any ideas for a title okey)

> The Preferred Munson

> His New Chaotic Life

> Love, Apparently

> Four Eyes, Don't Care

> Partners in Baby-sitting (coming soon)

> I Promise, I will - Part 2 of "The Preferred Munson" (coming soon)

> More to come..

- Dustin Henderson

> I Love Nerds

> Like Him

> Love The New Look

> Fits Perfectly

> This Is Our Year

> You're Safe Now, My Love

> And Your Friend, Steve

> God I Wish

> Place Name And Backstory Stuff

> More to Love

> Sugar Coated

> Let Me Worry

> Real Lover or Pretenders

> Successful Mission

> A Matter of Inches

> Believe What You See

> I Still Get Jealous

> Always Been A Fool For You

> Oh I'll Never Stop

> Shoulder Sparks

> Interwined, In Every World

> I'm A Loser, Baby

> You get me, and I get you

> That’s The Way I Love You

> I Only Have Eyes For You

> Accidental or Intentional

> More to come..

- Mike Wheeler

> Reaching For You

> More to come

- Eddie Munson

> Ghost Boy

> Anyone But You

> I Don’t Want To Be A Homewrecker

> more to come..

-Jonathan Byers

> Definitely Not About You

> Wait— Me?

> Open Arms, Always

> more to come

-Lucas Sincalair

> Right Infront Of Us

> I Miss You, I'm Sorry

-Will Byers

> Open Arms, Always

> Runs In The Family

-Max Mayfield

> not yet.. coming soon

- Robin Buckley

> Never Too Late Or Too Early

-Nancy Wheeler

> not yet.. coming soon

-El/Jane Hopper

> That’s Your Name

> My Dirty Little Secret

> More to come

OTHER FANDOMS (COMING SOON)

♧ Marvel

- Peter Parker

> Count On Me

> Fight or Flight

-Bruce Banner

> The Cure

☆ DC

♡ Avatar

♤ Percy Jackson

◇ Umbrella Academy

CELEBRITIES

♡ Stranger things cast

Gaten Matarazzo

> What a surprise

> Those Eyes

◇ Marvel Cast

♧ Percy Jackson Cast

♤ Others

All coming soon.. (waiting for requests)

◇ That's it!! Thank you for all the love ive received from these fanfic and this page <33

Pairings: Bruce Banner × Gn!reader (could be platonic or romantic)

Summary: When you find Bruce Banner alone in his lab after one of his darkest nights, the truth behind his exhaustion finally comes to light. As Bruce struggles with his belief that he is nothing more than the monster everyone fears, you refuse to let him face it alone anymore.

Themes&warnings: Angst, hurt/comfort, soft and emotional intimacy, self-worth and identity, su1cidal ideation, non graphic su1cide attempt, depression, discussion of d3ath, comfort (ish) ending. Also based on that one scene from the Avengers (2012)

Words: 1.9k

Masterlist

The first thing you notice when you arrive is how quiet it is.

The whole place is too quiet.

That is unusual for Bruce's room- or anywhere bruce is. Usually, there is life behind the walls-the faint hum of monitors, the rustle of turning pages, metal clinking, or Bruce muttering equations under his breath like they might answer back if he is just patient enough.

He's always still awake. Still working. Still trying to outrun his own thoughts with science.

Tonight, there is only silence.

And the silence feels wrong. Heavy. Like the air itself is holding its breath.

You let out a shaky inhale as you walk toward his makeshift lab. "Bruce?" you call softly, pushing the door open. No answer.

The lights are dimmed, casting long shadows across scattered papers and half-finished experiments. A chair sits slightly out of place, knocked back too quickly. Your stomach tightens.

Silance. "Bruce?"

You take another step forward, and that's when you see him.

Bruce sits alone near one of his worktables, shoulders curled inward, hands trembling where they rest against his knees. Everything about him is rigid, unnaturally still, like a man who has already decided on something he cannot undo.

Your voice comes out smaller than you expect. "...Bruce?"

He startles a bit, shoulders moving slightly. But he still didn't turn toward you yet.

You move closer, slow and careful, and your gaze drops briefly to the floor-just enough to understand what almost happened.

The lab smells faintly metallic and stale, like the air hasn't moved in hours. Broken glass from a shattered beaker glints in the corner. A single monitor flickers, throwing uneven, sickly blue light across his face and body.

And on the floor-three small lead rounds.

Tiny. Silent.

Far too small for the weight they carry.

All of them looks completely misshapen, the lead flattened and crushed, as if it had been bitten in half by something with impossible force.

Your breath catches. You know exactly what that bullet is. You know exactly where it just was.

"Hey," you say, your voice breaking despite your effort to stay calm. You move slowly, like approaching a frightened animal. "Bruce... it's me."

His head jerks slightly at your voice. Confusion flickers across his dark eyes, followed quickly by something much worse-raw, suffocating shame.

"You shouldn't be here," he murmurs hoarsely, his grip tightening on his knees. Your eyes flickered to the way a few green veins coming up and down his arms.

Yet, you ignore the warning in his voice and keep moving until you are standing just a few feet away, careful not to step on the metallic debris scattered like spent shell casings on the concrete floor.

"I'm exactly where I should be," you counter, your voice steadier now, though your heart is hammering violently against your ribs.

Bruce flinches at your closeness. He pulls his hands off his knees and quickly tucks them into his armpits, crossing his arms tightly as if trying to fold himself into nothingness. His new position covering the exact reason he did what he just happened in the very room.

He won't even look at you. His eyes are locked onto a harmless stack of papers on the edge of the desk.

"You need to leave," he says, his voice losing its hoarseness, replacing it with a forced, brittle flatness. "I'm just... doing some late-night clean-up. I dropped a glass. The noise probably startled you. Go back to sleep."

"Bruce, don't do this," you say, taking one more step forward. "Look at the room. Look at you. You're shaking."

He let out a shaky breath and looked down at his feet, still not bothering to meet your gaze.

"Besides, I wasn't sleeping. I just got here, Bruce," you said softly.

Bruce closes his eyes for a moment. It looks less like exhaustion and more like surrender.

Bruce's jaw tightened. His fingers curled against his palms before relaxing again, as if he were fighting the urge to do something—anything—other than stand there. The broken pieces scattered across the floor seemed louder in the quiet, impossible to ignore. He knew you could see them. Knew you could see him. And it made him feel worse.

His shoulders stiffened under the weight of your concern. Then he finally decided to let it out. Or so you thought.

"I'm tired," he snaps, though the anger lacks any real venom. It is purely defensive. He finally looks up, his bloodshot eyes wide, pleading with you to just accept the lie and walk away. "I'm just exhausted. The equations aren't balancing, and I got frustrated. I knocked some things over. That's all. It's just a bad night."

You didn’t buy it of course. Years of knowing the guy, you know when he's not saying the truth.

Yet, you don't say a word.

Instead, you slowly drop your gaze down to the floor, right between the two of you, looking pointedly at the crushed, misshapen piece of lead resting by his boot.

Bruce tracks your line of sight. When he sees what you are looking at, the fight drains out of him in a single, ragged gasp. He looks as though he might throw up. The lie dies in his throat, leaving behind a silence so thick it makes your chest ache.

"Bruce..." your voice is a whisper now. "Please."

He closes his eyes tightly, a single tear cutting a clean path through the grime and sweat on his cheek. A tremor runs through his entire frame, starting in his shoulders and rolling down his spine.

"I was low," he confesses, the words spilling out in a broken, breathless rush, as if keeping them inside was physically burning him. "I didn't see an end to it. The noise, the constant... the constant fear of losing control. I just wanted it to stop. So I... I put a bullet in my mouth."

Hearing him say it aloud makes the room feel freezing cold. The raw reality of his words crashes over you, making your own breath hitch.

"And the other guy?" Bruce lets out a hollow, bitter laugh that cuts right through you. He opens his eyes, staring down at the crushed lead with utter defeat. "He fucking spat it out."

He covers his face with his trembling hands, his shoulders finally shaking as the walls he built up all night completely collapse. The monstrous strength that terrifies the world is nowhere to be found; there is only a tired, brilliant doctor who wanted the nightmare to end, trapped in a body that won't let him leave.

You bridge the remaining distance between you, sinking to your knees in front of his chair. Gently, deliberately, you reach out and pull his hands away from his face, forcing him to look at you.

"He spat it out because we need you," you say fiercely, your grip warm and grounding against his ice-cold skin.

His bloodshot eyes lifted to yours, his lips trembling as he let out a hollow laugh. "Yeah?" he scoffed. "Then why did Fury build this room?"

Your brow furrowed. "What?"

Bruce gestured weakly toward the reinforced walls surrounding him. "This entire lab. The blast doors. The containment systems. The reinforced steel."

Another bitter laugh escaped him. "You think that was for me? They didn't bring me onto this flying fortress because they trusted me. They brought me here because they were afraid of what would happen if they couldn't stop him." His voice cracked.

"They call me when they need a scientist. They build a cage when they remember what I am."

The words hung heavily in the air. You glanced around the room. The thick walls. The heavy doors. The countless safeguards hidden behind panels and reinforced structures.

He wasn't entirely wrong.

Nick Fury had planned for every possibility. Including Bruce losing control. But that didn't mean Bruce was unwanted.

"Bruce," you said quietly, tightening your grip on his hands. "Fury built this room because he's paranoid enough to have backup plans for backup plans."

Bruce's eyes flickered to yours. "That's what he does. He prepared for the Hulk because pretending the risk doesn't exist would be irresponsible."

You shook your head. "But he still brought you here."

His expression wavered.

"He could've tracked you from a distance. Monitored you. Kept you as far away from this as possible." Your voice softened. "Instead, when the world was facing something no one understood, you were the person he called."

This time, Bruce looked away.

"You don't build safeguards because someone is worthless," you continued. "You build them because the stakes are high."

For a long moment, neither of you spoke. Then Bruce's shoulders sagged.

And as for you, something in your chest cracked. Every night you'd seen the broken equipment, the exhaustion, the frustration. But now, sitting in front of him and hearing the defeat in his voice, you finally understood.

This wasn't about the lab.

It wasn't about the equations.

It wasn't even about the Hulk.

Bruce genuinely believed the world would be better off without him. Without the monster he thinks is within him.

The realization hit like a punch. Your eyes burned.

"God, Bruce..." you whispered, smiling tightly.

His jaw tightened as he turned to you again. He sees you swallowing hard, trying not to let your voice break.

"No." You let out.

You shifted closer, forcing him to meet your eyes once more. "No, you don't get to do that."

Confusion flickered across his face.

"You don't get to reduce yourself to the worst thing that's ever happened to you."

Your fingers tightened around his.

"You don't get to sit here and tell me that all anyone sees is a monster." Your breath trembled.

"Because that's not what I see."

Bruce froze. Heart thumbing fast.

"And maybe Fury planned for the Hulk," you said, tears finally gathering in your eyes, "but he also trusted you enough to put the fate of the world in your hands."

You paused, letting a few breath slip- letting Bruce take it all in slowly.

Then your voice cracked. "And I need you."

The words escaped before you could stop them.

Bruce just stared at you.

You huffed out a shaky laugh, blinking rapidly as tears threatened to spill. "God, Do you have any idea how frustrating you are?" you whispered.

For the first time that night, something other than misery flickered across his face.

"You are not just the monster, Bruce." Your hand rose to cup his cheek hesitantly.

"You're the man who spends every second of every day holding the door shut."

Your thumb brushed away the moisture gathered beneath his eye.

"You're the man who keeps fighting even when you're exhausted."

Another tear slipped down your cheek. "And I'm not letting you face it alone anymore."

The fight drained out of him all at once. His breathing grew uneven as he searched your face for fear, disgust—anything that would confirm the terrible things he believed about himself.

He found none.

Only grief.

Only concern.

Only someone who had stayed.

A long, broken breath escaped him. Then he leaned forward, resting his forehead heavily against your shoulder. The weight of it nearly shattered your heart. Without hesitation, you wrapped your arms around him.

And for the first time that night, Bruce Banner stopped trying to hold everything together.

He may not found the cure he has been searching for, but he found a temporary one.

And it has always been infront him.

Notes: finally posted a fix heyy!! Hope you like this one. It's also based on my edit on tiktok (something I also forgot to tell you guys.. hehe yes I have an editing acc)

Okay okay, before I post any fics. I would like to post something else

Bylers. If you want to know a byler variant where they are canon..

I present to you..

Byler in Miraculous Ladybug!!!

Nathaniel is literally a writer and Marc is literally a painter/artist so. ITS SO PERFECT.

i know you've said you've being busy with school and i get it but you haven't posted anything about yourself in soo long (it's just a month but it feels like years ok)

come home the kids miss you

HELLO MY DARLINGS,, IM BACCKKK

Hey everyone, I'm deeply sorry for not updating you guys on why haven’t I been posting :(

So I have lots of school work, I am the vice president in my school so I get pretty busy, and bcs of that my body has not been adjusting it properly. I got sick like twice a week (it annoys me but oh well).

So.. yeah, I've been resting a lot recently. I am so so soooo sorry for the inactivity.

Good news is, I WILL BE POSTING SOONNN. I promise I will feed you guysss. And for those of you who have been requesting, I will try my best to fulfill that request but if there is some possibilities that I couldn’t I'm sorry. But I WILL give you guys new fics!!!

I will be posting more Stranger things fics, marvel fics, DC fics (and I've actually been thinking on making TUA and ATLA fics too, what do you guys think??)

Soo stay tuned my lovelies and once again. I am deeply sorry. ❤️‍🩹❤️‍🩹

See you soon!!!!

GOD IT HAS BEEN TERRIBLE.

I have so many fanfic drafts that I can't seem to finish rn bcs school and life and everythinggg.

But I PROMISE you guys I will be posting soon enough okay? (At least I'll try)

AND THANK YOU FOR ASKING THIS BABES💖

and I'll see you guys in my next fic (I hope)

Okay.. so we all know Platonic!Madwheeler Scoops Ahoy!AU, right? That is one of the populer AU's from this ST fandom tbh

Well I have been obsessed with it recently and I found this cute fanmade funko, LOOK!!

Idk who made this but if someone does— please tell me so I can give proper credits!!

Anddd we all know The wonder twins as Surfer boy worker righttt (I love the byler and elmax headcanons from that ughh)

So.. let's add more of the Party to the summer job, eh?

So, What if!! Henclair (platonic or wtv you like) as Family Video Workers!! AAHHH

so I decided to put my brain and my apps to good use and made both of those funko pops my own. That's why I put Madwheeler Scoops Ahoy funko at the start.

I present to you, Wonder twins!Surfer boy pizza workers and Henclair!Family Video workers 😋😋

(Idk if anyone had made this but oh well)

Prob gonna make a fic about this😋, but I am already making a Family Video Worker Dustin x reader fic though

Pairings: Dustin Henderson × Fem!reader (collage!AU)

Summary: Where a perfect date turns into a conversation thet you've never thought would come out sooner with your boyfriend. And it was all because a missed understanding.

Themes&warnings: Collage!AU, fluff, pure fluff i think, mentions of accidental pregnancy (I guess), idiots in love, established relationship, mentions of responsibilities (oh wow), use of pet names.

wc: 2.3k

Masterlist

It was a normal date with you and your boyfriend. Your monthly tradition ever since college life started stealing most of your time. It was always just the two of you, whether it meant ordering Chinese food and hanging out in his dorm or wandering aimlessly around campus with nowhere particular to be.

And for today, you decided on milkshakes.

You dipped your straw into your drink while Dustin sat across from you, staring with unmistakable fondness. You didn’t mind. Dustin Henderson had always looked at you like that, like you were the most interesting thing in any room, even when you weren’t paying attention.

You hummed softly as the sweetness filled your taste buds. “Dusty, you have to try mine.”

Dustin blinked out of his daze and nodded quickly. You slid your milkshake toward him, and the moment he took a sip, his eyes widened.

“Wait— what is this?” he asked, pulling back slightly. “I mean… it’s good, but you always order vanilla.”

You shrugged, already stealing a sip from his usual chocolate milkshake. “I don’t know. I just didn’t feel like it today.”

Dustin tilted his head. “You didn’t feel like it?”

You smiled, that specific smile that made his heart trip over itself, and he immediately decided not to question it further. He traded the milkshakes back, fingers brushing yours briefly across the table.

A few minutes passed filled with easy conversation and lingering touches. Then suddenly, your expression changed. Your eyes widened, panic flashing across your face.

“Dustin…” you said slowly.

He straightened instantly. “What? What’s wrong, love?”

You looked down at the table, then back up at him. “I’m late.”

Silence. Absolute silence.

You took a slow sip of your milkshake while Dustin froze completely, his mouth hovering awkwardly around his straw, eyes wide.

“What…?” he breathed.

Late?

His brain immediately spiraled with questions that he tries to find the answers to by himself.

Late late? That late? Like— late..

That would explain the sudden milkshake craving. The new flavor. The mood swings you've been having.

A thousand thoughts crashed into each other at once. College had barely started yet, neither of you had graduated. He’d need to find a better job— a real job. Not just collage things.

Maybe he could even ask Steve if he needed an assistant couch or something. Then, maybe could move in together. He’d make it work, he'd take care of everything.

He would absolutely make it work. He wanted to take responsibility— he would love to.

Wait—

Had you guys even— Oh god.

“Dustin?”

He snapped back to reality, blinking rapidly as he found you staring at him with confusion.

“You okay?” you asked. “I’ve been calling you for like… two minutes.”

He laughed nervously, spinning his straw between his fingers. “Just, uh… thinking.” He cleared his throat and forced a smile. “What were you saying, my love?”

You frowned slightly, then you groaned. “I was so prepared for it last month but then I just ignored it, and now I'm late! God I hate myself.”

His shoulders tensed again. “Uh.. I think you need to be a little more spasific, darling..”

You furrowed your eyebrows at his face, he looked nervous and tensed. “What? I told you about this last week,” you said. “I told you to remind me if I forgot so I could check first.”

He panicked instantly. “H-how should I know?! I

thought you handled it last month!”

You scoffed, sliding your milkshake aside. “What are you talking about, Dusty? You knew the schedule!”

He groaned, covering his face with both hands. “I do! Which is why I don’t know how I forgot that you’re late for this—” You opened your mouth, but he rushed on, eyes locking onto yours, serious and determined despite the panic. “But it’s okay. We can work this out. I— we can handle this.”

You blinked slowly. “…Wow. And here I thought I was being dramatic. All this just because of the release of my favorite band’s new album stocking at the record store. And the discount of course. ”

Now, this time he blinked. And then silance filled between you again.

Dustin blinked. And then silence filled the space between you again. But this time, his entire body visibly deflated as realization washed over him.

“..oh.” A breathy laugh escaped him, one hand flying to his chest.

You squinted. “Why are you laughing? I’m seriously late to buy the new album. The sale was supposed to be—” you checked your watch and gasped, “—one hour ago! It probably ran out by now.”

Dustin stared at you for another second before suddenly grabbing his milkshake and chugging the rest of it in one go.

Your eyes widened. “Dustin?! What..”

He set the empty glass down with determination, blinking rapidly as if forcing his brain to reset from whatever internal crisis he had just survived.

“Why are we still sitting here?” he exclaimed, quickly tidying the table. “Let’s go get it. And if we can’t— I will personally find a way to get one for you.”

You chuckled. “Dusty, that’s sweet, but… what is wrong with you right now?”

He paused mid-motion, tilting his head at you, brows furrowed. “What do you mean? I’m just as bummed as you are that you might miss the album.”

You reached across the table and grabbed his hand, instantly softening his expression. “Baby,” you said gently, smiling. “I love you, but you just had a full emotional crisis in your head a few minutes ago. Spill.”

“That is irrelevant now,” he said quickly, squeezing your hand before gently letting go. He grabbed both your jackets and stood up. “Do you want the album or not, babe?”

You laughed, standing as well. “You’re avoiding the question.”

“I am prioritizing,” he corrected, already guiding you toward the exit with a hand on your back.

“The album first. I don't want to keep my baby waiting for it.” He smirked, to which you responded by rolling your eyes teasingly.

Outside, the evening air hit your face as he hurried toward his car with surprising urgency.

“Dustin,” you called, half laughing as you followed, “you’re acting like this is life or death.”

He opened the passenger door for you dramatically. “Limited editions are life or death. You’ve said that yourself.”

You slid into the seat, still watching him suspiciously as he rounded the car. Once he started the engine, you studied his expression— the slight furrow in his brows, the tiny beads of sweat caught in his curls near his forehead, the way his foot tapped rapidly against the floor as if he were trying to burn nervous energy away.

He was definitely thinking about something.

You’d seen this before. The exact same look when he was stressing about college applications, when he thought about the future too hard, when his brain ran ten years ahead without warning.

How did you recognize it so easily?

Well… he wasn’t the only one in the relationship who was completely obsessed with the other.

A few minutes passed on the road before realization finally clicked into place for you. The wording. The panic. His sudden determination to “handle things.”

Oh. Oh, wow.

So you leaned toward him, trying— and failing to hide your growing smirk. “You thought I was pregnant, didn’t you?”

His back straightened instantly, hands tightening around the steering wheel. “Wh— why would you think I thought that?!”

You gasped dramatically, leaning back to your seat. “You did!”

“I did not!” he said too quickly.

“You absolutely did, Dusty. I can see it with my own eyes.”

He scoffed glancing at you. “What do you mean you can see it?”

You just chuckled. “I know you, Dustin Henderson.”

Silence past between you two. You still glancing to him teasing eyes, and him still avoiding your eyes.

“I was simply considering multiple possibilities,” he defended after the silance, eyes glued firmly to the road.

Dustin kept his eyes firmly on the road, jaw set in that stubborn way he always had when he knew he’d been caught but refused to fully admit it.

You watched him for another few seconds, your teasing smile slowly softening. “Multiple possibilities,” you repeated lightly. “One of which involved you mentally planning our entire future in the span of thirty seconds.”

He huffed. “That is an exaggeration.”

“You do that thing,” you continued, ignoring him, “where your eyebrows do the stress wrinkle and you start tapping your foot like you’re solving world hunger.”

His foot immediately stopped tapping. “…Traitor,” he muttered under his breath.

You laughed quietly, but the sound faded as you leaned your head back against the seat. The teasing energy lingered for a moment before settling into something calmer. Warmer.

The hum of the engine filled the space between you. After a minute, you spoke again—softer this time.

“Did it scare you?”

You watched his expression carefully. Dustin Henderson, who could talk endlessly about science, movies, campaigns, theories— suddenly looked like he was choosing every word before it existed.

“You don’t have to answer if it’s weird,” you added quickly. “I just— you sounded like you’d thought about it before.”

Dustin hesitated.

The question clearly caught him off guard. His grip on the steering wheel loosened slightly, thumbs rubbing along the leather as he considered his answer.

“…Yeah,” he admitted finally. “A little.”

You turned toward him, surprised by how honest he sounded.

He exhaled slowly. “Not because of you. Or— not because it would be bad.” He glanced at you quickly before looking back at the road. “Just… because it’s big. We just started college. I barely know what I’m doing half the time.”

You smiled faintly. “You pretend like you do.”

“I commit to the bit,” he corrected automatically, then sighed. “But my brain just— went there. Jobs, apartments, diapers— which, by the way, are apparently very expensive. I don’t even know how much they cost, but I suddenly felt like I should.”

You laughed under your breath, imagining him panic-researching parenting budgets.

“But,” he continued more quietly, “the weird part is… after the panic? I wasn’t running away from the idea.”

That made you sit up a little straighter.

He swallowed, voice gentler now. “I was thinking about how I’d make it work. How we’d make it work.”

The car slowed at a red light, bathing both of you in warm evening glow.

“I just kept thinking,” he added, almost shyly, “if it ever happened… I’d want to do it right. For you.”

Your chest tightened.

“For us,” he corrected quickly. “I mean— obviously us. Not just— you know—” He groaned at himself. “Wow, I am really bad at emotional speeches while driving.”

He chuckled while his eyes turn back to the road, hands moving with the steering wheel. You then reached over, resting your hand on his arm. He immediately relaxed under your touch.

There was another pause between you two before Dustin broke it. “Okay, don’t laugh.. but—”

You chuckled slightly. “I won’t laugh.”

He squinted suspiciously. “You always say that.”

“I’m serious.”

Another pause— then he spoke, quieter than usual, eyes sti settled on the road.

“I think about having a place that feels… steady,” he said. “Not huge or perfect. Just somewhere people want to come back to. Movie nights. Messy kitchen. Probably too many board games.”

You smiled softly but stayed silent, letting him continue. Your hands on his arms let go and settled between you two instead.

“And maybe kids someday,” he added, voice careful, like testing the words. “Not soon. Definitely not soon. But… eventually.” He rubbed the back of his neck with one of his hands. “I guess I always imagined being the kind of dad who actually shows up, be there for his kids and family. You know?”

The honesty in his tone made your chest ache a little. Knowing his past, the absent of his dad. You smiled sadly.

“You’d be a good one,” you said quietly.

The words slipped out before you could overthink them. Dustin blinked, clearly not expecting that. His ears turned pink. He turns to you quickly, “You think so?”

“I know so,” you said. “You already take care of everyone. You overthink because you care too much. You’d probably read, like, ten parenting books before the baby even existed.”

“Only ten?” he said weakly.

You smiled.

Silence followed again, but it wasn’t awkward this time. It felt… steady.

After a moment, he spoke carefully. “Do you ever think about it?”

You watched the passing streetlights through the window. “Not now-now,” you admitted. “I still want to finish school. Figure out who I am outside of assignments and deadlines.”

“Same,” he said immediately.

“But someday?” you continued. “Yeah. I think about it.”

His breath hitched slightly.

You turned back toward him. “A little apartment. Messy kitchen. Probably a kid who inherits your curiosity and my music taste.”

“My curiosity is elite,” he said automatically.

“And chaotic,” you added.

“That too.”

The light turned red, his hands relaxed more on the wheel and his head turned to you. “…I never really pictured that stuff before you,” he confessed. “Like, future-future things. It always felt abstract. But with you it feels… possible. Real.”

Your fingers slid to cover his over the wheel. When the road cleared and the lights turned green, Neither of you rushed to pull away.

“I’m not in a hurry,” you said gently. “But I like that it’s something we could grow into.”

Dustin nodded, a small smile forming—the kind that wasn’t nervous or teasing, just sincere. “Yeah,” he said. “Me too.”

Then, after a beat, his usual spark returned. “…Still glad we are not having that conversation because of a pregnancy scare, though.”

You burst out laughing. “You were already naming the baby, weren’t you?”

“I had options,” he defended. “Gender-neutral options. Very progressive.”

“Oh my god.”

He grinned, tension finally gone, and squeezed your hand once before focusing back on the road.

“First mission,” he declared, energy returning. “Secure the limited-edition album.”

“And second mission?” you asked.

He glanced at you, softer again. “…Keep building the future slowly. No panic required.”

You smiled, settling into your seat as the car carried both of you forward—toward the record store, toward college chaos, and toward a future that suddenly didn’t feel so far away anymore.

HELLO MY BABIES, I AM SO SORRY FOR BEING INACTIVE RN.

I've explained so many times that I'm busy, and I am trying to juggle lots of things in life rn. But I will PROMISE you that soon enough, I'll be posting.

I still have many requests that I need to fill and many ideas to pour so, STAY TUNED.

Once again, I am so so sorry babess.

Kay byee

Especially Luffy or Zoro cause like GODDAMN they look good. Iñaki played luffy so well and HIS EYES WHAT THE HELL, the way he looked at people with those puppy dog eyes like.. don't put me in a room with him.

LOOK AT THAT.

AND THIS

okay so now we NEED fem!reader’s dnd character to come out of the portal next and Dustin’s like “woahhhhhhh two readers 😛😛”

AND SHE THINKS DUSTINS HER FINACE AND LATCHES ONTO HIM I THINK THATS SO FUNNY

please do we see the vision 🙏

PLEASE I WOULD CRY IF YOU DID THIS

tysmmmmm

Hehe this is so cute I FORGOT I HAD THIS IN MY DRAFTS FJDJD SO SORRY

Part two of Intertwined, in every universe

Pairings: Dustin henderson x fem!reader, Bard!Dustin Henderson x fem!Alchemist!Reader

Summary: Just as you and Dustin finally confess the feelings you’ve hidden for years, another portal opens — bringing a different version of you. Confident and shaped by a life you never lived, her arrival turns relief into chaos, forcing you both to face who you are, who you could have been, and what makes your connection truly yours.

Themes&warnings: Friends to lovers / new relationship adjustment, romantic tension and awkward situations, multiverse displacement and existential themes.

Wc: 4.3k

Masterlist

The peace didn't last long. It only lasted one hour. One hour for you to catch your breath—stealing a few more quiet kisses with Dustin in that side room, his hands steady on your waist like he was afraid you'd portal away. One hour for you to sit back with the others while Steve had taken Bard Dustin elsewhere just to have a little more peace because he was singing too much.

That was all before chaos ripped back into the Squawk station.

Another tear cracked open in the center of the room once more. It started the same way: a sharp rip in the air, right in the middle of the main room where the group was still buzzing. Papers flew, Lucas yelped, and that unnatural glow pulsed brighter than before.

Mike jumped up. “Not again!”

You grabbed onto Dustin’s hand, him squeezing back. You grumbled, “Don’t tell me it’s actually happening again…”

But this time the portal was slow.

Frustrated, you suddenly stood, slipping your hand from Dustin’s grasp. “I think I’m just going to go for some air.”

Dustin’s eyes flicked up to you. “You okay?”

You nodded, caressing his shoulders. “I’m fine… I’m just going to the bathroom real quick.”

You gave him one last smile before leaving him with the others watching the portal slowly widen.

“I’m calling it right now— another us is going to fall out,” Jonathan said, blinking.

Robin scoffed. “My bet’s on Y/N.”

Nancy and Will nodded in agreement with Robin.

The glow stretched, humming low. Dustin shifted uneasily, eyes darting between the portal and the hallway where you'd vanished.

“This better not be another me,” he muttered. “One other me was enough.”

Lucas snorted from beside him, throwing an arm around Dustin’s shoulders. “Speak for yourself, man. That guy’s got style.”

The portal pulsed wider, edges flickering like frayed silk. Mike paced. “It’s taking forever. Last time it was instant puke-out.”

Meanwhile, down the hall, you stepped out of the bathroom with a quiet sigh.

“Okay,” you muttered to yourself. “Just breathe.”

Then suddenly— a scream blasted outside. It was loud, dramatic, and familiar. It was Dustin’s.

Your heart nearly jumped out of your chest. You rushed out of the station and toward the Squawk van where the scream came from. Your heart pounded in your ribs, terrified something had happened to him. You yanked the van door open as soon as you reached the van. Then you froze.

Inside, Steve sat in the driver’s seat, leaning back casually. Bard Dustin sat in the passenger seat, gripping the radio like it was a holy relic.

Music blasted through the speakers. Bard Dustin looked completely stunned.

“This box contains an orchestra,” he said in absolute awe.

You huffed out a breath at the scene and Steve looked at you. “Hey, he discovered the radio.”

Bard Dustin turned to Steve with a delighted laugh. “You mean to tell me,” he said breathlessly, “that minstrels sing from inside this enchanted carriage at the turn of a dial?”

You let out a long breath of relief. And stared at him. “…He screamed because of the radio?”

Bard Dustin laughed again before spotting you. “Oh! My st—” He stopped himself, clearing his throat quickly. “Apologies, force of habit.”

He nodded politely instead. “Hello, Ms. Y/n.”

You chuckled. “Hi, Dustin.”

Steve then raised his head. “To answe your question, yes he did screamed because of the radio. Practically lost his mind when the guitar solo started.”

“Okay… good,” you muttered. “For a second I thought something happened.”

Bard Dustin continued fiddling with the radio dial, laughing as new songs burst forth. Steve shrugged. “Yeah, well, I had to keep him occupied.”

You nodded, then remembered the chaos inside your eyes widened. “Wait—can we get him back inside?”

Steve frowned. “Why?”

“There’s another tear in the Squawk,” you said quickly. “It might mean Bard Dustin can get back home.”

Bard Dustin immediately turned toward you.

“There is a way for me to return?” he asked hopefully. “To my star?”

You smiled softly. “Yes. To your star.”

His entire face lit up. He jumped out of the van instantly, mandolin bouncing against his back. “Lead on!”

Back inside the station, chaos had already arrived. The portal released a final whoosh. And just like before, a figure tumbled through— it was a girl this time.

She crashed straight onto the floor with a loud thud, sliding across the tiles before groaning and rolling onto her side.

She rose slowly, shaking out a cloak heavy with embroidered runes, leather corset hugging her frame over practical trousers tucked into knee-high boots. Vials glinted at her belt, and a silver circlet tamed her wild waves—your waves, but sharper, battle-worn.

Eyes like yours scanned the room, fierce and calculating.

Dustin felt something twist unexpectedly in his chest. It was uncanny. The way her eyes sparkled was almost exactly like yours. The same warmth, the same curiosity, but there was something wilder in it. Like looking at a version of you that had lived through a hundred adventures.

His brain struggled to process it. She looked like you. But also… not. Still, he couldn’t deny the momentary flutter in his stomach as he looked at the girl.

The girl’s gaze swept across the room and then locked onto Dustin. Her whole demeanor shifted—softened, ignited. “Dustin!”

Before anyone could react, she surged to her feet and rushed forward. Lucas immediately stepped aside, lifting both hands in surrender.

“Not my moment,” he muttered.

Lucas unwrapped himself from Dustin and stepped away as the girl reached him in seconds.

She reached Dustin in seconds, wrapping her arms around him tightly, fingers tangling instinctively in his curls. “Oh, my bard,” she breathed, pulling him close. “The Veil Rift swallowed you—I thought I’d lost you!”

Dustin yelped, “Whoa—hey!” His voice cracked, face flushing hot as her warmth pressed in. His arms flailed for a second before awkwardly settling around her shoulders. Up close, she smelled faintly like herbs and leather and something earthy— like forests after rain.

Dustin’s face turned bright red. “Okay, wow,” he said nervously, his voice cracking slightly. “Uh—hi?”

She pulled back just enough to cup his face between her hands, scanning him quickly like she was checking he was real.

“You’re alive, my love,” she said with clear relief.

Dustin blinked, trying very hard to ignore the nickname. “…Last time I checked.”

So this is what Y/N felt an hour ago. Dustin thought

The others didn’t panic this time. They just looked exhausted. They were supposed to be planning how to stop Vecna tonight. Instead, they were dealing with their second multiverse visitor in one hour.

Robin rubbed her face at the scene.“I am too tired for this.”

Mike whispered, “We officially have two Y/Ns now. That’s just great.”

Lucas muttered, “So I was right, Dustin does have game in other universes.”

Nancy elbowed him.

Then the other you suddenly leaned forward and kissed Dustin directly on the lips. Several people yelped.

Dustin immediately jerked back, stumbling half a step. He laughed nervously. “Whoa—no. You— you can’t do that.”

Her eyebrows furrowed in confusion. Dustin hadn’t fully pulled away yet, his cheeks still red.

“Why not?” she asked quietly. “Wherefore does you behave as if we are not promised to one another?”

The room went silent.

Will slowly turned to Mike, who looked just as confused. “…Promised?”

Dustin’s brain short-circuited. He remembered your earlier chat with Bard Dustin—the whole “promised to each other under the trees” thing. But knowing it in theory and having another you kiss him? Two very different experiences.

His mouth opened. Closed. Opened again.

Then he finally lets out. “I—uh—well—technically—”

She stepped closer before he could finish, fingers brushing his cheek, soft and affectionate. “My poor bard,” she murmured. “The rift must have confused you.”

Dustin froze.

She slid her arms around him again, resting her head against his shoulder like it was the most natural thing. Dustin stood stiff as a board, face so red it almost matched Lucas’s jacket.

Lucas leaned toward Mike. “He’s gonna pass out.”

Mike whispered back, “I’m giving it thirty seconds.”

She traced small circles on Dustin’s back. After a few seconds of him awkwardly holding her waist, she pulled away— but stayed close.

“My love,” she murmured thoughtfully, cupping his cheeks. “Upon closer gaze… you lookest somewhat younger.”

Dustin glanced desperately at the others for help. No one helped. Lucas was openly grinning.

Mike looked like he was trying not to laugh. Will was enjoying the scene, but he is a little in his thoughts the others.. they try not to look.

Dustin chuckled awkwardly. “Uh… thank you?”

She tilted her head, studying him more closely. Her hands slid up to his hat, gently lifting it off his head and letting his curls fall free.

“This is a very unique bonnet, my love,” she said curiously. “What is it made of?”

Dustin stared at the girl was studying his hat, her fingers tracing the fabric. Dustin rubbed his neck. “It's.. polyester.”

Her eyes snapped to him, eyebrows rising. “What a curious word.”

Dustin shrugged. She handed the hat back, and he quickly shoved it on again.

Then she paused. Her gaze dropped to his hands. She gently took one of them, turning it over in her palm. Her expression changed instantly. Confusion. Then hurt.

Her eyes widened. “Why do you not have our promised band?”

Dustin blinked. “Our… what?”

“Our ring,” she said softly.

Her thumb brushed across his bare finger where a band should have been. “We forged them beneath the silver trees of Alderwyn,” she continued quietly. “You said no force in any realm would part us.”

Will leaned over to Mike again in shock. “…He’s

engaged in another universe.”

Mike whispered back, “I hate this for him.”

Dustin’s brain scrambled for an explanation.

“Okay—so— this is gonna sound crazy—”

She looked up at him with worried eyes. “Did the rift steal it?” she asked quickly. “Did you lose it in the Veil?”

Dustin hesitated. “…Not exactly?”

Her shoulders slowly sank. For the first time since arriving, the adventurous confidence in her expression cracked slightly.

“You do not remember,” she whispered.

Dustin immediately panicked. “No! I mean—maybe? Sort of? It’s complicated!”

She looked genuinely heartbroken now. Dustin groaned internally. Great. Fantastic. Now you’ve emotionally devastated a magical warrior version of your girlfriend.

He awkwardly patted her arm, gently. Trying to calm the situation. “Okay.. I think you need to sit down, yeah?”

The other you— Fantasy alchemist you— nodded. Dustin gently guiding her to sit down in the couch.

“I have just reunited with my love, and he does not even remember me..” Other you mumbled, staring at her hands.

It was silance for a moment before she looked up to scan the others. Her eyes landing to Mike, Will, and Lucas. “Oh! William, Sir Michael and Lucas.. I am so glad you are here.”

She stood up to them, “You do recognize me.. right?”

The three boys exchanged looks, then nodded awkwardly.

Fantasy You tilted her head towards Will.

“William, can you fix this? Why does my love not remember me?”

For a moment, Will looked like someone had just handed him a math test written in another language.

He blinked at her. Then at Dustin. Then at the very concerned, very hopeful look on the warrior version of you.

“…Uh,” Will started carefully.

Dustin then cleared his throat, “Y/N.. that is not William that you know.”

Other you scoffed, turning to Dustin with a confused and hurt look. “Now you are speaking nonsense.”

Dustin then sighed. “Your love. Has he ever told you about other realms excisting?”

She paused. “…Aye,” she said slowly. “Infinite reflections of the same souls. You— he promised to me we are destined in every single one.”

Dustin's heart stutters slightly before nodding. “Yeah.. t-that.”

He gestured around the room. “This isn’t your world.”

The realization slowly dawned across her face. Her eyes moved around the room again. The strange lights. The modern furniture. The confused teenagers that some she recognize some she not.

Then back to Dustin. “…You are not my Dustin.?”

The room went very quiet. Dustin scratched the back of his neck. “Technically… I am. Just… not your version.”

Her expression cracked. The warrior confidence disappeared for a moment. “Oh.”

A minute later you pushed open the station door with Steve and Bard Dustin behind you. And the chaos inside was still unfolding. The other you was still standing close to Dustin, she was looking at him like her heart had just broken. And Dustin looked like he was trying to solve something, quickly.

The room went completely silent. Every head slowly turned toward the doorway. Dustin looked like someone had just unplugged his brain.

You stood there with Steve and Bard Dustin behind you, blinking at the scene in front of you.

Another you. Standing inches from Dustin. Holding his hand, him holding hers. And looking like she had just been told the worst news of her life.

Your eyes narrowed slightly. “…What did I miss?”

Lucas immediately stepped back two steps like he wanted absolutely nothing to do with the situation.

Mike rubbed his face.

Robin whispered, “Oh boy.”

Steve leaned slightly past you to look inside. “…Oh.”

Bard Dustin stepped in behind him—and immediately stopped as well. His eyes widened.

Because standing across the room was you.

But not you. Another you. His you.

She noticed the movement at the door too. Her head turned. Her eyes landed on you.

The two of you stared at each other.

Identical faces. Same eyes. Same posture. Just two completely different lives behind them.

As the four— two Dustins, two Y/Ns from different universes—stared at each other,

Jonathan groaned. “That’s it, guys—how about we go and come back after all of this is resolved?”

Jonathan and Nancy then dragged everyone else to the basement of the station to start planning ahead, leaving the four to sort out their problems.

Lucas, Mike, and Will complained slightly because they wanted to watch.

“Aw, man!” Lucas protested as Nancy shoved him toward the stairs.

“guys, they're our best friends..” Mike whined, craning his neck.

Will just sighed, “Can we at least leave the door cracked?”

Robin rolled her eyes, following. “Let them have their multiverse family reunion. We’ve got Vecna to kill.”

Steve lingered for a second, shooting Dustin a smirk. “Don’t screw this up, Henderson.”

Then he disappeared downstairs. The basement door slammed shut, leaving absolute silence behind.

Just you, Dustin, Bard Dustin, and Fantasy Y/N in the main room.

Dustin finally found his voice, still holding Fantasy Y/N’s hand like it was glued there. “Okay! Uh—hi? Other me? Other… us? This is… a lot.”

Fantasy Y/N tilted her head at her bard, then back at you then at the Dustin that is still holding her heand, her expression shifting from heartbreak to wary fascination. “There are.. two of my loves..”

Bard Dustin stepped forward, mandolin forgotten, his gaze soft on Fantasy Y/N but flicking to you with that familiar devotion. “My star.. it is me”

The other you let go of your Dustin’s hand before stepping forward to bard Dustin. “My love?”

Fantasy Y/N stared at Bard Dustin for a long moment. Then realization hit her face like a lightning strike.

Her eyes widened. “Dustin.”

Bard Dustin opened his arms slightly. “My star, my songbird, my muse..”

That was all the confirmation she needed. She rushed forward and threw her arms around him, nearly knocking the wind out of him as she hugged him tightly.

“You are here!” she breathed, laughing in relief. “The rift did not steal you after all!”

Bard Dustin held her just as tightly, laughing warmly. “I told you,” he said gently, brushing a hand over her hair. “No force in any realm could part us.”

The other you finally pulled back from Bard Dustin, still holding his face between her hands.

“You are unharmed?” she asked.

“Completely,” Bard Dustin assured her.

Then he gestured around the room, where you had stepped to your Dustin and stood by him.

“Though it seems the realm we have crossed into is… somewhat confusing.” He started, before his eyes lit up. “But i do have grown quite fond of it.”

Fantasy Y/N followed his gesture. Her gaze drifted toward you.

She paused. Really looked. Her gaze moved between the two Dustins. Then between the two versions of herself.

Her brows slowly lifted. “…Oh.”

You awkwardly pulled your hand up to wave, and your Dustin gave her a nod— stepping closer to you unconsiously.

She stepped closer, studying you curiously. “…You are me.”

You nodded once. “Apparently.”

She looked at your clothes. Your sneakers. Your hoodie. “…You dress like a traveling scholar.”

You chuckled awkwardly, glancing down. “Uh.. thanks.”

After sharing a smile, fantasy Y/n gasped, one hand flying to her mouth while the other rested against Bard Dustin’s chest.

“I have made a terrible mistake,” she whispered.

You blinked, glancing at Dustin. Who was having an internal crisis if you look closely. Looking between you and the other you.

She looked directly at Bard Dustin, mortified. “I thought the rift had stolen your memories of me,” she explained quickly.

“So when I saw him—” she gestured toward your Dustin who stiffened slightly. “—I believed my bard— you, my love— had simply forgotten our bond.”

Her shoulders sank. “…and I kissed with the wrong Dustin.”

Silence filled the station. Dustin coughed awkwardly. Your eyebrows raised, turning to Dustin who just looked at his shoes that somehow is now more interesting than the conversation.

You scoffed, crossing your arms. “You kissed her?”

Dustin shot you a desperate, wide-eyed look—half guilty, half pleading—like a puppy caught with two treats. “No- kinda? Listen— ”

Fantasy Y/N stepped forward immediately. “It was my mistake. I am deeply sorry.”

Dustin nodded quickly, making you exhale a breath thet you didn’t even know you were holding and then look back to your other selves.

You shrugged, “It’s fine, you were confused and scared but hey— you're back with him.”

Fantasy Y/n nodded but then groaned softly, covering her face. “I shall never recover from this humiliation.”

Bard Dustin laughed gently and pulled her hands away. “My star,” he said warmly, “you believed you had lost me. There is no shame in that. There is no shame in loving fiercely.”

She visibly relaxed, relief softening her features as she leaned into him for a brief moment. You unconsiously smiled at the moment, not knowing Dustin’s eyes on you— smiling softly and eyes warm.

The bard and fantasy/alchemist you turned to you and Dustin. “But he is your beloved here, yes?”

The question slightly took you both off guard, heart stuttering and hands slightly glazing eachother. Glancing at eachother with a slight smile.

You cleared your throat, “Well we—”

Dustin then said at the same time, “Yes.. something like that.”

She smiled warmly. “I am glad,” she said, squeezing Bard Dustin’s hand. “For he is the best man in any realm.”

A quiet settled over the room—not awkward, but electric with unspoken tension, the air humming like a storm about to break.

Fantasy Y/N stepped closer, her rune-etched cloak rustling, wild waves framing a battle-scarred mirror of your face. she said softly, voice weaving like forest magic, “You are not yet bound,” she observed gently. “But your souls lean toward one another.”

Bard Dustin laughed softly, “Let them be, my star. They are young, they will overcome this phase soon enough.”

He continued with a smirk towards you and Dustin. “Just like we used to be when we were young.”

Dustin's breath hitched, cheeks flaming under his hat as he squeezed your hand, curls bouncing with a nervous nod. “Thank you other me but.. we are together now. Like, officially.”

You nodded too, pulse racing, leaning into his side. “Yeah. Boyfriend and girlfriend. For real. Just a few hours ago.”

Fantasy Y/N’s eyes softened instantly, warmth replacing the lingering embarrassment from earlier. She clasped her hands together in delight. “Oh! Then this is a beginning.” She looked between the two of you with unmistakable approval. “The first dawn of a shared tale.”

Bard Dustin smiled. “I finished my quest then.”

Your Dustin blinked. “Wait—what quest?”

Bard Dustin rested the mandolin against his hip, expression thoughtful. “To ensure that love, once found, is not lost to fear.” His eyes flicked knowingly between you and Dustin. “It seems this realm required only a small nudge. And I did what I had to do.”

You felt heat crawl up your neck. “Okay, well you weirdly almost interrupted us.”

Fantasy Y/N laughed lightly under her breath. “He does meddles when hearts are involved.”

“No, I guide,” Bard Dustin corrected proudly.

“Medddled,” she repeated, glaring at him teasingly.

Your Dustin pointed between them. “See? Even she said meddled.”

Bard Dustin placed a dramatic hand over his chest. “History will remember me kindly.”

You snorted, squeezing Dustin’s hand unconsciously. He squeezed back immediately, thumb brushing over your knuckles like he was reassuring himself you were still there.

For a moment, the four of you simply stood together—two reflections of the same story at

different stages.

Fantasy Y/N studied you again, softer this time. Not comparing. Understanding. “You are happy,” she said gently.

You hesitated, then nodded. “Yeah. I am.”

Her gaze shifted to Dustin beside you, who straightened slightly under the attention. “And will you guard her well?”

Dustin blinked, caught off guard by the seriousness. “I—uh— I try.”

You squeezed his hand, making him turn to your face that is painted with a bright smile. “He already has.”

Bard Dustin chuckled warmly. “That is the truth. He does more than try. I recognize that look.” He tapped his temple. “The constant worry. The quiet devotion. The absolute certainty that she matters more than anything.”

Dustin’s face turned red again, and turn away to you, the floor suddenlyinteresting. “Okay, wow, we’re not psychoanalyzing me.”

“You are me,” Bard Dustin reminded.

“Still weird!”

Fantasy Y/N smiled at the exchange, then stepped closer to you. For a second, it felt like looking into a future shaped by different choices.

She reached out carefully. You mirrored the motion without thinking, your fingers meeting hers.

“It is strange,” she admitted softly. “To see the life I might have lived.”

You tilted your head. “Better or worse?”

She considered that seriously. “…Neither,” she decided. “Only different. And still full of love.”

Behind you, Dustin relaxed slightly at those words, shoulders lowering.

A faint hum suddenly filled the room again.

All four of you turned at once. The portal.

It shimmered brighter now, edges stabilizing instead of tearing. The violent flickering from before had softened into a steady glow.

Bard Dustin’s expression shifted immediately. “Ah.”

Fantasy Y/N followed his gaze, realization dawning. “…The path home. It is open.”

Your stomach dropped a little despite yourself. “Oh,” you said quietly.

Your Dustin looked between them. “So… this is it?”

The portal pulsed once, almost patiently.

Bard Dustin nodded. “Rifts rarely linger once balance is restored.”

Fantasy Y/N stepped closer to him, fingers intertwining with his. The earlier embarrassment was gone, replaced with calm certainty.

She turned back to you and Dustin. “I am glad we crossed paths,” she said sincerely. “Though briefly.”

You smiled. “Me too.”

She hesitated, then leaned closer to you, lowering her voice conspiratorially.

“Take care of him,” she whispered. “He loves loudly but fears quietly.”

You glanced at Dustin, who was currently pretending very hard not to listen while absolutely listening. “I know,” you whispered back.

Meanwhile, Bard Dustin approached his counterpart. The two Dustins stood face to face—same eyes, same nervous energy, just shaped by different worlds.

Bard Dustin extended his hand. Your Dustin stared at it for a second before shaking it.

“…So,” your Dustin said awkwardly, “Uh.. I will love her as much as you love your Y/n.”

Bard Dustin grinned. “You already do. You simply need time to grow and realize that you would die for her.”

Dustin blinked rapidly, clearly not prepared. “Okay,” he muttered. “That’s… yeah, uhm.. That's right.”

Bard Dustin leaned closer slightly. “And protect your hat. It is iconic.”

Dustin instinctively grabbed the brim. “Knew it. Thanm you.”

Fantasy Y/N laughed softly, already guiding her bard toward the portal. The glow bathed the room in gold.

Just before stepping through, she turned back one last time. “To love in every realm,” she said warmly.

Bard Dustin raised his hand in farewell. “May your story be long and filled with music.”

Then they stepped into the light together.

The portal folded inward with a soft rush of air no explosion, no chaos this time.

Just silence. The glow vanished.

And suddenly it was only you and Dustin again.

The station felt bigger without them. Quieter.

For a few seconds neither of you spoke.

Then Dustin exhaled sharply. “Okay. That was officially the weirdest hour of my life.”

You laughed softly. “Only the weirdest?”

“Top three at least.” He looked at you then—really looked, like he was comparing reality to everything he had just witnessed.

“…You’re staying, right?” he asked quietly. He doesn’t mean in the Squawk or in this world. He meant he wants you to be near him.

You stepped closer without answering, resting your forehead gently against his. “I’m not going anywhere.”

His shoulders finally relaxed completely. Relieved that you knew what he meant. “Good,” he murmured.

From downstairs, Lucas’s voice immediately shouted, “ARE THEY GONE? CAN WE COME BACK UP NOW?”

Mike followed, “Did anyone else kiss anyone else while we were gone?!”

Robin added, “I swear if there’s a third Y/n I’m leaving.”

You and Dustin both burst into laughter at the same time. He squeezed your hand again, grin soft and certain now.

“Yeah,” he said quietly, almost to himself. “I think everything’s finally back to normal.”

Right on cue, the lights flickered ominously overhead. A distant, familiar chime echoed through the station radio.

Both of you froze. You slowly looked at him.

He looked back at you.

“…Define normal,” you said.

Dustin groaned. “Vecna. Right. We still have Vecna.”

And just like that, peace ended again— but this time, you faced it together.

WILL BE POSTING ONE TODAY,

I apologize in advance because I haven’t been posting much. First, school has been overwhelming; second, I’ve had house chores to take care of; and third, I recently started editing again on TikTok.

BUT I WILL FEED YOU ALL DUSTIN LOVERS SOON ENOUGH OKAY BABESS

M'kay, see you guysss

FIGHT OR FLIGHT

Pairings: TASM!Peter Parker x Gn/fem!reader

Summary: It’s not every day you see your best friend since childhood covered in blood and hanging outside your bedroom window. So when Peter Parker stumbles into your room half-dead and confesses he’s the Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man, you’re forced to process a lifetime of secrets, fear, and feelings all in one night.

Themes&warnings: described injuries, blood, emotional distress, angst with comfort, curse words, childhood friends

Masterlist

wc: 3.1k (Yeah I got a lil carried away)

It was a peaceful night. Just you in the dim light of your room, and a book you had promised yourself to read one year ago that you were finally starting.

The night outside your window was also quiet. That is, until a small tap came from it—not the wind, but something heavier.

The tapping came again, making you frown. “What the hell?” you murmured to yourself.

Your eyes drifted toward the window, and your stomach dropped. There was a figure outside. You shot upright, heart slamming against your ribs as you scrambled toward the window. The figure wasn’t clear in the darkness, so you grabbed your lamp from the table and carried it with you.

As you got closer, you finally saw the figure clearly, a familiar fluffy hair and black hoodie you've always see since you were kids.

Your fear snapped into confusion. “…Peter?”

You fumbled with the window latch. As it screeched open, he practically fell inside, collapsing onto your rug with shallow breaths.

“Y/N…” he rasped.

“Oh my God— Peter!” You dropped to your knees beside him, hands hovering, afraid to touch. There was so much blood. It seeped from a gash across his forehead, staining his cheek red-black in the lamplight. His lip was split, one eye swelling shut, and his knuckles were raw meat, shredded like he had punched through concrete.

He groaned, trying to push himself up, but his arms buckled. “Y/N… shit, sorry… I—”

You didn’t give him time to finish. Your breath caught in your throat, and you hissed, “Peter, what the hell happened to you?!”

Peter groaned as you helped him lean back against your bedroom wall. “I… sorry, I probably woke you up.” He chuckled—a slow, dry chuckle.

“Shut up!” you snapped, panic sharpening your voice. “You’re literally bleeding everywhere, Pete!”

Your hands hovered helplessly over him, afraid to touch anything in case you made it worse. “Did someone attack you? Do I call the police? Or—or an ambulance—”

You huffed and start to stand up to grab your phone, fingers already shaking. “I'm calling 911. Now.”

“No!” His good hand shot out, grabbing your wrist. His grip was weak but desperate. Blood smeared onto your skin. “Can’t… they’ll ask questions. Please… don’t.”

He pulled your wrist, but the sudden movement made him groan in pain. The tone of his voice, the way he groaned, the way he looked so beat up—it made you freeze.

“Peter… what the fuck are you talking about?” Your voice cracked. “You’re scaring me.”

For a moment he didn’t say anything. And neither did you. You just went to sit infront of him again.

His chest rose and fell unevenly. Those stupid, warm brown eyes you had known since you were five flickered with something dangerously close to fear.

Your best friend since you were eight— the kid who had shared his peanut butter sandwiches on the playground and cried with you when your dog died. Peter Parker, who bailed on movie nights with lame excuses about having to “study,” now looked like he had been run over by a truck. And you didn’t know what to do.

“I didn’t know where else to go,” he said quietly, breaking the silence.

He hissed in pain as he tried to scoot closer to you. “I just… I need you to help me.”

Your heart twisted. But you couldn’t take it anymore. You felt like you were going to lose your mind. So you scoffed, but your throat was tight and tears prickled your eyes.

“Help you? You’re bleeding out, Peter! What the fuck happened? Did someone jump you? Was it a mugging?” Your voice cracked.

“No! Just…” He started, but his voice cut off with another groan.

“Of course you came here,” you said, mostly to yourself, rubbing your fingers over your face. “You always do.”

That was the rule, ever since you were kids.

Bad day? Go to each other.

Broken heart? Go to each other.

Homework?

Still each other.

But this— This was different.

You sighed and grabbed the first aid kit from your desk drawer with shaking hands. Peter watched your every movement, his breath heavy.

“Take off your hoodie,” you blurted once you sat in front of him again.

He whispered, “Y/N—”

You huffed, then snapped, “Peter Benjamin Parker, if you argue with me right now, I will actually lose my mind.”​

He sighed weakly. “Okay… okay.”

Giving in, he pulled the hoodie over his head slowly, wincing the entire time.

Your hands froze in place. Underneath it wasn’t just blood. There was bruises, scratches. And deep gashes across his ribs.

Your stomach lurched at the horrifying scene. You let out a breath. “Oh my God.”

He let out a low chuckle. “It’s just a little scratch.”

Your eyes shot up. “Scratch?” you inhaled a breath. “Peter Parker, this is not just a scratch.”

He lowered his head as you panicked and tried to find something in the first aid kit, mumbling curse words. Then you huffed out, “You know what? If you don't want an ambulance, I'm getting my mom then.”

He shook his head violently, wincing as fresh blood trickled from his temple. “No, no... I don’t want your mom to freak out. She'll call 911 and even worse, my aunt... Just please don't, Y/N. I... I can't explain right now. Just... water. Towels. Something for the pain.”

You froze, staring at him. This wasn't a bar fight or a skateboarding wipeout. This was bad. Life-or-death bad. But the plea in his eyes.. the same eyes that had sparkled when he won you that stuffed spider at the fair when you were twelve.

So it made you sigh. “Fine. But you owe me answers, Parker. All of them.”

He nodded slowly and you pressed a small smile. “Can you move?” you asked.

He stirred in his sitting position. “I can try.” He grinned weakly.

You rolled your eyes and slipped his arm over your shoulder, helping drag him onto your bed, ignoring the blood soaking into your sheets.

Your eyes fell to the deep wound across his ribs. The edges were ragged. Like something sharp had clawed him. Which made no sense. So, you pushed the thought away.

“Hold still,” you then muttered, pouring antiseptic over the gash. It bubbled white-pink, and Peter yelled—a raw, animal sound that made you flinch. “Fuck! Warn a guy—”

“Sorry,” you whispered yelled. Then you grab a cotton pad to clean the wounds more. Silance taking over you two.

Your hands were trembling so badly it was hard to hold the cotton pad steady.

“You’re shaking,” he said softly.

“Well yeah, Captain Obvious!” you burst out. “My best friend just climbed through my window at midnight looking like he got mauled!”

He stayed silent, looking away from you.

You let out another shaky breath, the tears from your eyes letting go. Then you whisper. “God, Peter, this needs stitches. You're gonna get infected.”

“I'm sure you know what to do.” He let out. Of course you did. You were in a first aid club when you were kids, even had Peter as a practice patient. You didn’t expect to tend his wounds for real now.

You stood silent, tending his wounds, mumbling apologies anytime he winced.

Minutes stretched between you, the only sounds your ragged breaths and Peter's winces. You'd taped gauze over the worst of it— his ribs, his forehead, those mangled knuckles. But every swab felt like betrayal. How many times had he hidden like this? How many "late nights" were this?

After finishing treating his wounds, you didn't say a word. You just cleaned all the dirty cloths and cottons. Peter watched your every move with a silent storm in his eyes.

“Y/n.. I'm sorry.”

His voice filled your room. You paused but continued to clean. With a sigh, Peter slowly stood up behind you, steadying himself on the bedpost.

“Y/n..”

You stopped in your tracks, tears prickling in your eyes again.

“Thank you.. for helping me.”

The words cracked something open. You whipped around, voice breaking. "Thank you? Peter, you show up half-dead, beg me not to call for help, and that's all you say? What the hell is going on?"

He winced—not from pain this time, but guilt—rubbing his neck. "I... I can't keep it from you anymore. Sit down. Please."

You shook your head and continued, your voice trembling. “And what’s worse is you could have died, Peter. You’re lucky I know how to handle wounds, because if I didn’t I—”

You paused, choking on a sob. “God knows what could’ve happened to you, Peter.”

He stayed silent. But the guilt in his eyes said enough.

He watched you cry into your hands before you forced yourself to look back at him.

“I can’t lose you, Peter,” you whispered. “You’re all I have.”

That was it. Peter also broke. He grabbed your hand and pulled you into him, wrapping his arms around you despite the pain clearly running through his body. You let out a small gasp of surprise before slowly wrapping your own arms around him.

Your head rested against his chest. His rested against your shoulder. For a moment, neither of you spoke.

You just listened to each other’s uneven breathing and racing heartbeats slowly calm.

Finally, Peter broke the silence.

“I can’t lose you either,” he murmured quietly. “That’s why I never wanted you to get involved.”

You slowly pulled away, eyebrows furrowing. “Involved in what?”

He gently guided you back toward the bed, helping you sit down before sitting beside you.

He guides you to sit back in your bed, and you did, him sitting next to you. You studied his face. The bruises. The exhaustion.

The way his eyes held a storm of emotions.

His good hazel eye locked with yours as his bruised knuckles carefully wrapped around your uninjured hand. “Y/N… there’s something I have to tell you,” he said quietly. “Something I’ve been keeping from you since… forever.”

Your heart stutters, nerves and worry filling your body. “What is it?”

He inhaled deeply, closing his eyes for a moment before opening them again. Those familiar warm brown eyes met yours.

“I'm Spider-Man.”

The room spun. You blinked. The you let out a laugh, sharp and disbelieving. “What? That's not— haha Peter, that’s a funny joke.”

When Peter stayed serious, your lips turn into a thin line again.

“Peter?”

He tilted his head slightly, giving you a small, nervous smile.

“…Tell me you’re not Spider-Man.”

“I.. am Spider-Man.”

You stood up abruptly, pulling your hand from his and beginning to pace your room, a nervous habit.

“That’s.. i guess it makes sense.. you always had lame excuses and ditched stuff.”

Peter stood slowly, stopping a few feet away from you. “Yup,” he said, popping the p.

You then stopped pacing. “But still, you. Peter Parker. Who cried watching the notebook— is Spider-Man.”

Peter rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly. “Bringing that up is kinda unnecessary but yes, I am Spider-Man, Y/n.”

You looked up at him. “Prove it.”

“What?”

You scoffed, walking towards him. “Prove that you're Spider-Man, Parker.”

Peter sighed. His hand moved to the hem of his hoodie, pulling it up slightly. The fabric lifted, revealing the red and blue Spider-Man suit underneath. Your cheeks heated for a second before your eyes widened.

Your mouth fell open. Peter pointed down at the suit. But you crossed your arms stubbornly. “You could be… playing dress-up.”

Peter raised an eyebrow like he was asking if you were serious. Then he sighed.

A moment later, he flicked his wrist. A web shot across the room and stuck to your ceiling instantly.

You looked up. A gasp escaped you.

Your jaw dropped. “…what the fuck.”

“Yeah.”

You stared at the web. Then at him. Then at the suit. Then at the blood.

“…what the fuck.”

Peter shrugged slightly, a small smirk tugging at his mouth.

Then your brows furrowed again. “So I was right,” you whispered. “You could have died.”

Your voice cracked as the realization hit you again. Peter’s smirk disappeared instantly.

“You could have died tonight and I wouldn’t even know why.”

His expression softened. “Hey…”

But the panic was already pouring out of you.

“You fight criminals and monsters and whatever the hell else and you never told me?!”

Peter stepped closer immediately, placing his hands gently on your forearms. “I told you—I didn’t want you getting involved.”

“Well congratulations!” you snapped, gesturing at his injuries. “I’m involved now!”

Peter's grip tightened gently, his thumbs rubbing soothing circles on your skin. "Y/n, breathe. Please." His voice was steady, even through the pain etching his face. Up close, you could see the exhaustion in those hazel eyes—the weight of secrets he'd carried alone.

“I'm so sorry. I'm sorry I kept this from you for years.” He continued in a soothing voice.

You pulled slightly away, still breathing unevenly.

“Damn right you’re sorry. You lied to me. We promised to tell each other everything, Peter. That’s what best friends do.”

He flinched like you'd slapped him. “I know. God, I know.”

You shook your head, turning slightly away.

“Honestly? I think I’d accept this situation more if you confessed your love for me or something—not this whole Spider-Man thing.”

You didn’t see it, but something flickered in his eyes, and his breath stuttered.

Peter froze, his hands dropping from your arms. The room went deathly quiet, save for the rain pattering outside. Slowly, you turned back, catching the flush creeping up his neck despite the bruises.

Realizing what you said, chuckled awkwardly. “Sorry thar was kinda out of topic— ”

“Did you… mean that?” he asked quietly.

You frowned. “Mean what?”

He ran a shaky hand through his messy hair, pacing a step away before stopping again like he didn’t know what to do with himself. Then he looked at you. Really looked at you.

“When you said you’d accept it more if I confessed my love for you.”

Your stomach flipped.

“Shit,” you groaned, dragging your hands over your face. “Peter, no— yes. Just.. forget it. I’m literally running on panic right now—”

“No— hey, look at me.”

You slowly lowered your hands. Peter was staring at the floor now, jaw tense.

“I can’t forget that,” he admitted quietly.

Your heart started racing again—but for a very different reason. “Peter…”

He laughed nervously under his breath. “When I first got these… abilities, I wanted to tell you,” he said softly. “I really did.” He started, softly.

He paused.

“But when I started actually using them then seeing the risks, the things that could happen— like.. losing uncle Ben. I didn’t want to risk you. I couldn’t lose you.”

Your breath hitched as you let him continue.

“But tonight… when I almost died…” His voice softened even more. “All I could think about was you.”

Your chest tightened.

“Your face. Your laugh. The way you look at me.”

He stepped closer. “And it made me realize something.”

Tears welled—not panic, warmth. “God, Peter…”

He stepped closer, bruised hand cupping your cheek gently. “And tonight, when i almost died.. all i could think of is how you’d hate to see me like this— but i would hate to see you in danger. And.. that I haven’t told you the truth about everything yet.”

Your head was spinning but your hands moved instinctively, resting over his wrist.

“Peter Benjamin Parker,” you whispered softly.

“Yeah?”

“Are you confessing your love to me?”

He let out a small breath of laughter.

“I am. Yeah.”

His eyes softened. “I've loved you since forever. Since when we were kids.”

You stared at him. Then suddenly—

You laughed. A messy, exhausted, half-hysterical laugh.

Peter blinked. “Are… are you okay?”

“I don’t know!” you admitted. “My best friend just showed up bleeding through my window, told me he’s Spider-Man, and then confessed he’s been in love with me for years!”

Peter lowered his head. “Yeah when you list it out like that it sounds like a lot.”

You reached for his hand again, intertwining your fingers with his before gently pulling him back to sit on the bed.

“Peter…”

“Yeah?” he murmured.

You looked at him quietly for a long moment.

Then you spoke softly. “I think I’ve been in love with you since we were kids too.”

Peter's eyes widened, the bruises on his face momentarily forgotten as a tentative smile broke through the pain. “You... you have?”

You nodded, your thumb tracing careful circles over his injured knuckles. “All those movie nights. The late-night talks. The way you always knew when something was wrong.”

He leaned in slowly, his forehead resting gently against yours— close enough to feel his shaky breath colliding with yours. The dim lamplight cast soft shadows, making the moment feel suspended, like the world outside your window had paused.

"I was so scared to ruin us," he whispered, voice rough from exhaustion and emotion. “But tonight... I can't hide anymore. Not from you.”

Your hand gently cupped the uninjured side of his face. “You didn’t ruin anything, Pete.”

Your thumb brushed softly across his cheekbone. “But don’t you dare lie to me anymore.”

Peter's gaze dropped to your lips, then back to your eyes, cleaning his throat he said. “I promise to tell you everything now. No more secrets”

You didn't pull away when he started to lean in, so he closed the gap, kissing you softly—hesitant at first, mindful of his split lip, but deepening as years of unspoken longing poured out. It tasted faintly of copper and antiseptic, but mostly of home, of finally being seen.

You pulled apart only when he winced slightly.

Both of you laughed quietly.

“This is still a lot for me,” you admitted.

He chuckled softly. “Sorry.”

“I literally found out two life-changing things tonight,” you said. “And I somehow kissed you in the same evening.”

Peter smiled tiredly. “Yeah… that sounds about right.”

He gently pulled you down beside him on the bed, one arm loosely wrapping around your waist.

“I know it’s a lot,” he murmured. “But… maybe we can just enjoy the moment for a bit.”

You rolled your eyes. But you didn’t pull away.

Instead, you carefully rested your head against his shoulder, your arms around his chest as gently as possible. As rain tapped the window, you curled into his side, the steady rise and fall of his chest lulling you both toward sleep. For the first time in years, the night felt truly peaceful. Not despite the chaos, but because of what it had finally revealed.

Pairings: Dustin Henderson x Fem!reader

Summary: While having one of your sweet dates with your boyfriend, you suddenly remember the girl he had in the past. But then he tells and show you how you're the only girl he wants in his life right now.

Themes&warnings: stargazing date, jealousy and reassurance, fluff, tiny insecurity from reader, teenage romance, Mild spice (kissing, make out, suggestive but nothing actually happens)

Masterlist

Wc: 1.5k

You couldn’t believe how quiet Hawkins is at night. Crickets hummed softly in the grass, the air warm but not suffocating, and the sky stretched endlessly above you— dark velvet scattered with stars. And for you and Dustin, this was one of the way for you to forget for a moment, about the Upside Down, vecna, and the loud Hawkins streets.

Tonight, you were up in a hill. Dustin had insisted this was the best stargazing spot within biking distance, and after twenty minutes of uphill complainin from you, it was worth it because you had to admit, he was right. A blanket was spread beneath you both, his backpack dumped nearby and half-unzipped, revealing snacks and a flashlight.

As you and Dustin lay on your backs, hands behind your heads, a thermos of hot cocoa sat between you, and above, the stars glittered like they'd been waiting just for this date.

His telescope sat proudly nearby, angled toward the sky like it was part of the date itself. But he didn’t use it, he prefer to point out the concelations by himself and explain it to you directly.

“Okay,” he said, pointing upward, excitement slipping into his voice. “See that bright one? That’s Vega. One of the brightest stars in the summer triangle.”

You smiled, following where he pointed. “Woah.”

“Yeah,” he whispered, glancing at you with a grin. “Woah.”

He kept explaining constellations, occasionally bumping your shoulder when he got excited. You laughed, listening, well.. mostly. Eventually turning your head to watch him instead of the sky. The way his eyes lit up when he talked about space was unfairly adorable.

It was perfect. You and your boyfriend beneath the starry sky.

That is until your mind wandered to something.

“Hey.. Dusty.” You called out, making him hum and turn his head to you. You hesitated before speaking. “You used to do this at camp, right?”

Dustin nodded immediately. Mind wondering to the view back then. “Yeah! 'Camp Know Where' had such amazing spots—”

“With Suzie,” you added quietly.

The words hung in the air longer than you meant them to.

Dustin pushed himself up onto his elbows, curls falling into his eyes. “What… what are you saying, my love?”

You stared back up at the sky, suddenly fascinated by a random cluster of stars. “You probably showed her all this too. Sneaking out of your cabins just to stargaze in the middle of the night together.”

He blinked, confused. “Well… yeah. I mean, we both liked astronomy and scien—”

Your chest tightened before you could stop it. “Right. Of course.”

Silance crept in again. More heavy this time. You sighed and sat up, hugging your knees to you chest. Dustin immediately followed, eyes tracking your every movement with concern.

You picked at the edge of the blanket before exhaling loudly and cleared your throat.

“Sorry.. that sounded weird.”

“No,” Dustin said gently, turning his seating position to face you more. “Hey. Look at me.”

You didn’t, you kept your gaze lowered. But then you heard Dustin lets out a breath.

He nudged your arm. “Please?” he pleaded.

The softness in his voice made you give in. You turned slightly toward him, though your eyes still avoided his. But it was enough for you to see his expression. It wasn’t annoyance, or confused. Just soft and concern.

“Are you… jealous?” he asked carefully.

Your face heated up instantly and you try to hide it with a scoff. “No.”

Then there was a pause. Dustin tilted his head, trying to catch your gaze, his puppy-dog eyes soft and hopeful. The moment you saw them, your resolve melted, and you let out a quiet sigh.

“…Maybe a little,” you admitted with a groan, covering your face. “I don’t know! You just sound really happy when you talk about camp and her and— it makes me feel like I’m just the replacement stargazing partner.”

Dustin sat up slightly, clearly alarmed. “What? No! That’s not— that’s not even remotely true.”

You peeked through your fingers.

“She liked astronomy,” he admitted, choosing his words carefully. “But this?” He gestured between you and him, the blanket, the snacks, the messy setup. “This is different.”

“How is it different?” you whispered.

He hesitated, then smiled shyly. The kind of smile he got when he was nervous but determined. “Because I’m trying really hard to impress you.”

Your eyes widened. “So you’re saying you need effort to date me but not Suzie?”

Dustin froze.

“What? No— no, that is not what I meant!” he said quickly, hands waving in panic. Then he place the hot cocoa between you somewhere else so there is more space for him to you. “Okay, wow, I phrased that terribly.”

Despite yourself, your lips twitched your eyes now to him.

He scooted closer, voice softer now. “I mean… I didn’t know what I was doing back then. Camp was easy. It was summer, everything felt temporary.” He rubbed the back of his neck. “But with you… I actually care about getting things right.”

“I packed your favorite candy,” he continued, pointing to the open bag. “And I biked up this stupid hill twice today to make sure it wasn’t muddy. And I spent like an hour deciding which constellations were the coolest ones to show you first.”

You blinked, letting out a disbelief scoff. “You did all that?”

“Yes,” he said, voice quieter now. “Because I like being here with you. Not because it reminds me of anyone else.”

The jealousy melted embarrassingly fast, replaced by warmth spreading through your chest.

“Oh,” you murmured, chest tightened, but this time warmly.

“Right, Oh. And— you’re not a replacement,” he said firmly. “You’re my favorite person to share this with. Ever.”

You smiled up at him, all the weird feelings you had fading. He smiled a little when you didn’t pull away and smile at him, so he moved closer.

“And for the record,” he added, nudging your knee with his, “you’re way cooler at stargazing.”

You snorted. “I literally just say 'it's cool' or 'woah' to everything you point out. Nothing more.”

He scooted closer to you, whispering “Exactly. I always love your enthusiasm. Ten out of ten.”

You laughed, shoulders relaxing as the tension faded. Without thinking, you leaned into him too, your shoulder and knees brushing his.

The night felt quiet again, shifting back to a peaceful one.

After glancing at your hands, then up at Dustin, you noticed how close his face was— only when his voice dropped to a whisper. “You okay now?”

Your eyes flicked to his lips for half a second too long before you breathed, “Yeah.”

Dustin noticed, of course. Because he too had been glancing at your lips the whole night. But he’d wanted to make the night special first.

You could hear your hearts beating in sync with the quiet night, breaths slowing. So, as Dustin’s confidence battled his nerves, he leaned closer and slow enough to give you time to pull away.

His hand moved to cup your jaw, and you didn’t lean away. You leaned in. Your hands found his neck, pulling him to you.

The kiss was soft and hesitant at first— warm and a little clumsy, both of you smiling into it. His hand caressed your jaw gently, the other hovering awkwardly before settling at your waist, light like he was afraid you’d vanish.

Your hands slid from his neck to his shirt, then curled into his jacket, tugging him closer. He made a small, surprised noise that turned into a quiet laugh against your lips.

Dustin pulled back, breathless, eyes shining. “Okay… as much as I like this, what about our snacks and hot cocoa?”

You rolled your eyes. “Just shut up and enjoy the moment, Henderson.”

Dustin let out a low chuckle, he knew better than to mess with you when you used his last name. Because not even a second later, you dragged your hips forward and swung a leg over, settling yourself in his lap, feet planted on either side of his thighs.

You smirked, but it turned into a yelp as he pulled your body flush against his, easing back onto the blanket with you on top. His hat tumbled off his head. Hands gripped your hips firmly, and he leaned up to capture your mouth again. You hummed sweetly, hands diving into his free curls, tugging just enough to make him groan softly.

The kiss deepened, playful turning hungry—his tongue brushing yours in a tentative sweep that had you arching closer. Stars wheeled overhead, forgotten, as his fingers traced lazy circles on your waist under your shirt, sending sparks through you. You rocked against him instinctively, earning a muffled laugh that vibrated against your lips.

“See?” he murmured between kisses, voice husky. “Best stargazing ever.”

You nipped his bottom lip in response, pulling a gasp from him. He pulled away slightly, forehead still pressed to yours. “Guess you want to see different stars tonight?”

This time, you pulled back with a gasp. But you couldn’t hide the smirk forming. “Dustin Clarence Henderson!”

He just shrugged and cupped your face, pulling you back in. You sighed, giving in once more, hands sliding up to his chest.

Minutes blurred in a haze of sweet, breathless kisses until you both broke apart, foreheads pressed together, giggling like kids. The night air cooled your flushed cheeks, but his arms stayed wrapped around you, holding you close as the stars kept shining above.