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Dustin was not a fan of being left out of things, especially things that involved his favourite people- Eddie Munson and Steve Herrington. These guys were his best friends and even though they were older than him, he had always felt included with them. Except for when it came to one thing, smoking weed. It was no secret Eddie was a stoner, but it did surprise Dustin a little when he found out Steve had been frequenting Eddie’s trailer to smoke together. The younger boy had begged the two older ones to let him join them. Did Dustin really want to get high? No, not really but if Eddie and Steve were doing it, he wanted in. He figured if he had asked the older boys they would say no but it couldn't hurt to ask could it?
The group was wrapping up a D&D campaign in Mike’s basement when Dustin felt brave enough to ask. He had heard Eddie and Steve talking about hanging out at Eddie's after the game, so he made the assumption they would be smoking.
“STEVE, can I come to Eddie's with you?”
“No chance Henderson, it is already dangerously close to your bedtime and I think Eddie and I deserve a break from you.”
“But Steeeve It’s Friday, I don’t have school tomorrow. Why can’t I just come this once?”
“As much as I enjoy your company Henderson, Steve is right we need a little break from babysitting. Sometimes we need to hang out without children.”
“UGH, Eddie I know you and Steve are just going to go back to your trailer, put on some dumb movie, and get high. I won’t even bother you, I can get high too!”
This sent Steve off immediately. NO WAY was his little Dustin smoking weed, he’s just a kid. Maybe someday under the EXTREME supervision of Steve and Eddie, he could have ONE PUFF, but that day was nowhere in sight.
“Dustin Henderson! Don’t you dare even think about it, you absolutely will not be smoking anything and if I find out you do, oh heaven help you Henderson you’ll wish Vecna got to you before I did. I mean are you crazy man? You’re like four years old how could you even be thinking about getting high? ABSOLUTELY NOT, I WILL NOT HEAR OF IT DUSTIN, NO. One minute you’re taking one puff at a party then suddenly you’re a crack addict! NO. DUSTIN NO, NO, NO.”
Steve’s motherly rant made Eddie smile and chuckle because it was pretty cute the way Harrington protected the kids, especially Dustin. And it was pretty funny that Steve was saying all this when he in fact was going to Eddie’s to get high and probably give Eddie head while he’s there too. Eddie would of course return the favour.
Steve saw Eddie’s laugh and promptly went off on him too
“What’s so funny Munson? Do you really want to test me on this? If I find out you gave Henderson or any one of the kids weed I will come after you, and it will not be pretty.”
“Cool yourself, Harrington, you know I would never negatively influence these wonderful young people. Brutally murder their D&D character? Absolutely. But I would never get them high. Also, If memory serves me, you’re always the one coming before me, Stevie, not after.” Eddie saw Steve blush at this remark, as he winked at him and hoped to god none of the kids would understand his innuendo.
“But guysss we are literally fifteen. I bet you weren't much older than that when you started smoking Eddie.” Thankfully Dustin brushed passed Eddie’s comment and went right back to the main topic of discussion.
“Come on dude, let it go. You know Steve would never let us smoke, and Eddie is going to listen to him. Unfortunately, Argyle and Johnathan say the same thing, trust me Mike and I have tried.” Will added.
“WHAT? I can not believe this Byers, Wheeler you should be ashamed! Ashamed I tell you! Where have my little babies gone? Why are you all trying to do such unholy things? Thank god Johnathan and Argyle had enough sense to say no, I mean who knows what could have happened? I can't breathe right now, oh my god.”
“Oh come ON Steve it really isn't that big of a deal, it’s just weed. Plus we never even got to smoke any.”
“Oh you watch it, Wheeler, I have half a mind to go up those stairs and tell Karen what you just said.”
“Come on Stevie, let’s go before you put these poor kids in time out or something. Clearly, you need to calm down as soon as possible.”
“SEE you’re literally going to get high with Eddie as soon as you leave here, why am I such a bad guy for wanting to join?”
“What Eddie and I do when we are not with you children is none of your business. We are adults and we do not have to explain ourselves to you.”
“Oh, I bet you and Eddie get up to lots of stuff when we children arent around.” Max teased.
Eddie was holding back laughter as best he could, and Steve had gone beet red.
“Don’t forget boys, I live in the same trailer park, plus Robbin and I talk all the time.”
“Oh my god, Mayfield! Stop talking right now or I swear to god I- I will-
“What Steve, what are you going to do? Go faster? Like Eddie seems to always want you to do to?”
“OK MAX I THINK THAT IS QUITE ENOUGH, Steve and I really should be going now,” Eddie said quickly.
Eddie grabbed the blushing Steve by the arm and started to drag him towards the stairs. As they went Dustin yelled “THIS IS NOT OVER!” and Will said “Damn now I kinda want to hangout with Steve and Eddie..”
Mike flushed at Wills comment, and it did not go unheard by Eddie who replied from halfway up the staris, “I HEARD THAT BYERS! You can forget it, but I LOVE AND SUPPORT YOU BUDDY!” Now Steve was laughing.
The two could not get out of that basement fast enough, these kids really were going to kill them. Vecna had nothing on a bunch of annoying teens.
Before Dustin had just been mostly kidding about the weed, but now? He was making it his life mission to get high, with or without Steve and Eddie. Maybe if he did it on his own once they would see he could handle it and would let him smoke with them.
Over the weekend Dustin began his search for weed, which unfortunately was proving quite difficult. Most people bought either from Eddie, or Rick directly, but Eddie was a no go and Rick was still in jail. When all hope had seemingly been lost, there was a light at the end of a tunnel. Or more accurately, a small baggie on the floor of Argyle’s van. The kids had convinced Argyle and Jonathan to drive them to the arcade on Sunday, and it seemed as though the universe was on Dustin’s side. He was sitting on the floor of the van, minding his own business and he noticed a bag underneath his leg. After some discrete inspection, he realized he had hit the jackpot! Right here underneath his thigh was a slightly crushed, but still smokable joint in a plastic bag. Before anyone noticed he quickly reached to grab it and stuff it into his pocket for safe keeping.
Dustin had been in possession of the joint for about a week at this point, and he was itching to try it but he had to wait for just the right time. Tonight would be the perfect opportunity for him to finally smoke it. It was Saturday night which meant his mom was playing cards with the neighbour, and he didn't have to worry about school the next day. He has collected everything he needed for a successful ‘high time'(- the only thing he could think to call it-). The joint was still in the bag, carefully hidden in his sock drawer, a lighter stashed in his closet, and a variety of snacks in his kitchen. As soon as he was sure his mom was gone, he went to it.
Dustin would be lying if he said he was totally not nervous, but he knew he had to do this. To prove to himself, as well as Steve and Eddie that he was old enough to smoke weed. He opened his bedroom window to help let out smoke, and collected his lighter and joint. It took him a minute to finally work up the nerve to light up, but once he did there was no turning back- he was going to smoke this thing.
At first, he thought maybe it was bad weed or something, maybe he had left it too long, could weed expire? God he wished Eddie were here to lend his expertise. It took him a few tries to figure out how to actually inhale the smoke, but once he did, it was quickly apparent that the weed was in fact not expired- it was working perfectly fine, maybe a little too well. After a long coughing fit, Dustin realized he was starting to get high, like for real. He put the joint out, and just sat there on his bed for a few minutes, letting himself feel the effects. His throat was sore, his eyes were heavy and his brain felt like mush, it was a good feeling- he could totally understand why Johnothan and Argyle did this so much. Everything was great- until it wasnt.
The feel-good part of the high came and went all too quickly for Dustin, and the paranoia replaced it in no time. This was when Dustin realized how scared he was that his mom was going to come home, and catch him and he would be in SO much trouble. Then he was convinced that the guy walking by outside knew exactly what he had done and was going to call the police. Speaking of police, there was a siren outside and this made Dustin just about break down. He really didn't want to end up in jail like Rick. Why did he have to be so stupid and smoke that stupid thing? In an attempt to calm himself down, Dustin lay on his bed and tried to breathe slowly, this only made it all worse. There was no way he was going to make it out of this without being in the most trouble he had ever been in. Usually, trouble didn't bother Dustin, but right now it sounded like the worst possible thing.
Unfortunately, it was not long before memories of the upside-down had crept into his mind, and he could not take this anymore- he needed help. No matter what, he could not shake the feeling that something was coming for him, and was terrified, ready to cry his eyes out as he reached for the phone.
Over at Eddie’s trailer Steve and Eddie were making out on his couch, with some long forgotten movie playing in the background. Steve had his hands in Eddie’s hair, while Eddie’s hand was pressed to Steve’s crotch. Steve started to grind his hips on Eddie’s hand, desperate to get more pressure on his dick. As Steve moaned against Eddie’s lips, hands went up his shirt and began caressing his body. Nothing in the world could make Eddie leave his place pressed up against Steve, running his hands underneath his shirt, and making him make the cutest little sounds. Nothing that is- except Dustin Henderson.
Eddie was just about to unzip Steve’s jeans as the phone rang from the kitchen. This made Eddie pause, but the desperate look in Steve’s eyes made it an easy decision to ignore the phone. However, the phone did not stop ringing. When they thought whoever was calling had given up, it started ringing yet again. Steve reluctantly pulled away from Eddie’s touch and pressed their foreheads together.
“Babe, just go answer the damn phone.”
“Ugh but Stevie, I have something way more important to do right now.”
“Just get it overwith Ed’s, I can’t suck your dick with the phone rining.”
Eddie jumped off the couch to answer the phone.
“Whoever you are, call back later!”
Just before Eddie was going to hang up the phone, he heard something that sounded too much like crying to ignore.
“Hello? Is someone there?”
“EDDIE, HI it’s- it’s Dustin. I’m sorry to bother you but, can you please come to get me?”
“Henderson? Where are you? Are you crying what’s wrong?!”
“I’m at my house Eddie, but please I did something stupid and you’re the only one who can help me. Please Hurry Eddie, I need you to help me” Dustn said tearfully.
Eddie was now in full panic mode and almost ripped the phone off the wall in a panic.
“Ok Dustin, listen to me alright? I am on my way right now! I will be there in a few minutes, buddy I need you to calm down, it will all be ok I promise.
Eddie heard sniffing on the other end and a weak “Please don’t tell Steve” before he set of to save Henderson.
In his panicked state Eddie almost forgot Steve until he heard “What’s wrong?!” From the couch as he ran to open the door.
“Steve- I-I dont know. I just know Dustin called me crying and he needs me to go pick him up at his house right now. I’m sorry, I just gotta go right now!”
“WHAT?! Something is wrong with Dustin? Well, I’m coming with you ,are you crazy? He needs me!”
“Steve... He doesn't even want you to know about his, he said specifically. I think the poor guy is embarrassed. I can handle this, but I need to get out of here, now.”
This made Steve’s heart sink. Dustin needed help but did not want him there? Why had he chosen Eddie over him? Was his little baby Dustin ok?
Steve just shook his head and agreed to stay here, but if anything was out of Eddie’s control to call him immediately,
Eddie kissed Steve quickly and said Don’t worry sweetheart, you know I’ll protect our little Dusty Bun at all costs.” Before running to his van and speeding to Dustin’s house.
Once he arrived at Dustin’s he didnt even bother knocking, he went righ through the door and searched for Dustin. He could hear crying coming from the boy's bedroom and ran to him. Eddie found poor Dustin lying in a ball on his bed, crying his eyes out.
Eddie walked over to the boy and gently placed a hand on his shoulder, and this caused him to jump up on his bed and look fearful. Once he realized it was Eddie, he didn't say anything and pulled Eddie into a tight, bone-crushing hug.
Hugging back and gently stroking Dustin’s hair, Eddie consoled the shaking boy.
‘“Hey buddy, what happened? Are you alright?”
“Eddie- I did something bad and it was horrible and I got so scared, I didn't know what else to do, so I called you.”
Eddie just so happened to glance over to the windowsill where a burned joint laid, and he immediately know what Dustin had done.
“Oh Henderson, you smoked weed and had a bad high didn't you?”
Dustin wiped his tears and looked at Eddie like a lost puppy. “Yes, Eddie I did, I smoked a god damn joint and I freaked out and I know you’re mad but please don't leave me here alone!”
Eddie was nowhere near mad at the boy, he just felt bad for not being able to protect him better. Eddie was all too familiar with similar experiences himself, especially after the upside-down. He shoud have known the kid wasn't going to listen and stay away from weed, what kid ever did?
“Hey, hey buddy it’s alright, I am not mad I’m just glad you called me. You’re ok now Dustin, I’ve got you.”
The two sat there in silence as Eddie cradled Dustin, and made him feel safe once again.
“Eddie, I feel tired I need to sleep now, can I sleep over at your place? I really don't want to be alone.”
Eddie sighed and stood up from the bed. “Come on then, Henderson let’s go.”
Dustin hugged Eddie once more before they left a note for Dustin’s mom, and set off back to Eddie’s trailer.
“Why did you do it, Dustin?” Eddie was hardly going to lecture the boy, but he needed him to know that this was not ok.
“I don’t know. I just thought if I could do it by myself just this once, you and Steve would let me do it with you guys. Then you’d want to spend more time with me.”
“Oh, Dusty, buddy we don’t smoke without you because we don't want to spend time with you. We don’t include you because we know you’re not old enough to smoke yet, we’re just looking out for you.”
“I know that now, Eddie but I just thought if I could prove to you guys I could handle it, you would see I am more mature than you think. But really I am just a dumb kid.”
“What you did was pretty dumn Dustin, buy you’re not just a dumb kid. You’re funny, loyal, and incredibly smart. You just made one bad decision, it doesnt make you dumb.”
As they pulled up to Eddie’s trailer, Dustin looked to him and said “Eddie?”
“Yeah, kid?”
“Steve’s here isn't he?”
“Yeah, buddy he is.”
Dustin just sighed and made his way to the front door, where he was met with Steve’s open arms.
“My baby Dustin are you ok?! Who hurt you, did Suzy break up with you? I never liked that girl- can’t trust a Mormon hacker, I tell ya.”
“No, Steve everything is fine, no one hurt me and Suzy and I did not break up. I just messed up and I need some sleep.”
Steve held Dustin even closer when he realized his cheeks were tearstained, looking at Eddie with sad eyes, until he breathed in, and got a good whiff of Dustin.
“Henderson?! Is that Weed I smell on you? Just what the hell have you been up to?!”
Eddie stepped in at the nick of time to save Dustin even more torture.
“Hey, Stevie leave it for now. The poor kid has had a rough night and just needs to sleep, feel free to lecture him in the morning.”
Having been on the receiving end of many of his dad’s lectures, Steve knew how shitty it felt, and knew it did nothing to actually help. So he decided to drop it, for now, instead focusing on making Dustin feel better.
The three had decided Dustin would sleep on a spare mattress in Eddie’s room, while Eddie and Steve took the bed. However, no one said anything when Dustin crawled into bed with Eddie and Steve a few minutes later and spent the night sleeping cozily between his two protectors.