Chapter Text
Dustin Henderson is a lot of things.
Dustin Henderson is a brother, and a son. And a damn good one, at that.
Dustin Henderson is a nerd, who likes D&D and loves Lord of the Rings and Star Wars. He’s incredibly smart, according to not only his peers but his grades, colleges eagerly sending him letters saying how they would love to have him.
He’s kind of an asshole, he thinks. Years of relentless bullying made him harder, making it difficult to let people inside and know him personally. Making it difficult for others to read him. But he’s kind to the people who matter. That’s what Wayne taught him.
But, most importantly, Dustin Henderson is a singer. Dustin Henderson belts and bellows like it’s one of the last things he’ll do, harmonizing with Mike’s strong, warm voice. Dustin loves to sing, and has since he was about 10 years old. And not to toot his own horn, he likes to think he’s pretty damn good.
He started singing when his Mom married Wayne Munson, and Eddie was introduced into his life. Eddie Munson was 4 years older than him, and he taught Dustin everything he knows. How to harmonize, how to mix melodies, how to scream, how firmly he needs to place his fingers on guitar strings, where to put his fingers. Eddie Munson-Henderson is his best friend and step brother mixed into one being.
Pulled out of his thoughts as Mike slams his locker door shut, he sighs internally. Dustin Henderson is a singer, but he does not do show tunes. Of any kind. Years of living with Eddie has permanently turned them into an irritating grate on his ears drums.
“-And Max and Lucas are doing it! They’re doing stage management and lighting, which I dread because Max just likes to boss me around, and even Will is doing it! He’s working on set pieces! Come on, man. I don’t want to be in this musical by myself with my ex girlfriend.” Mike emphasizes the last word, practically begging at this point.
Dustin twists the ring around his finger as he stares into the distance, considering. Mike wants him to sign up for Phantom of The Opera, some musical the theatre department is doing. It’s about some guy in a mask? Dustin wasn’t listening.
“What’s in it for me?” Dustin questions, shifting his eyes to look at Mike. He looks nervous, tugging slightly at his collar and shuffling his feet. Mike scoffs at his question before placing a hand on his hip. He’s been spending too much time with Will again.
“I don’t know?! Something to put on your college application, a funny story to tell your kids someday? Just- please Dustin, think about it? Signups end in a week.” Mike says before he rubs a hand over his face.
Dustin nods slowly as he stops twisting his ring. He spots a familiar group of people behind Mike’s shoulder.
Lucas has his arms around both Max and Will, pulling them in slightly as he says something Dustin can’t hear. He watches as they throw their heads back in a laugh, Will clapping his hand against Lucas’ chest. Jane is walking beside them, a soft smile framing her pretty face.
Dustin’s mouth dries as he looks at Jane. Her hair is down today, long pretty curls cascading down her back like a waterfall. Her pink strip is framing her face in a way that makes Dustin regret ever telling her to dye it, and her lips look soft and glossy. She’s wearing a dress, long and spaghetti strapped, with a soft looking sweater under. She has Mary-Jane’s covering her pink socks.
Dustin ducks his face down to hide the incoming grin and flush from his face. He’s so pathetic.
“-ustin? Dude, are you even listening to me right now?” Mike says before he looks behind his shoulder. A grin spreads across his face as he shouts out a “Hey, guys!”, and waves them over. Dread spreads quickly through Dustin.
Things were… awkward, between Jane and Mike. Things ended pretty badly between them, and it almost lead to the end of the Party altogether. It’s better now, kind of. They’re all on speaking terms, at least.
Max is smirking at Dustin, and he has to look away from her. She knows, because of course she does. Max Mayfield knows everything.
“Hello, Dustin.” A soft, feminine voice fills his ears. He looks up to make eye contact with Jane. Her eyes are dusted lightly with shimmery glitter and a sharp black line angling upwards frame her dark eyes. His heart stutters as he swallows nervously. “Hi, Jane.” He mumbles, surprised that his voice doesn’t shake. “Hey man! What’s up?” Lucas says as he claps in the back of the neck, tugging him into the side of his strong body.
Dustin laughs slightly as he attempts to push Lucas away.
“Nothing man, let me go!” Dustin says as he pushes harder against Lucas’s side, laughing outwardly as the other attempts to snatch his hat. Dustin ducks out of the way of his hand before he notices Jane staring at them.
He flushes instantly as he shoves Lucas off. Her doe eyes are watching, a fond expression on her face. He can hear a light bell-like sound as Jane lets out a snicker. She covers her mouth slightly as she shakes her head with undoubted affection.
Lucas is staring at him before shifting his eyes at Jane, before looking back at him. A look of realization dawns on his face. He opens his mouth to say something before he’s being interrupted by Max.
“Dustin! Have you signed up yet?” She asks from Will’s side, the other in a private conversation with Mike. Dustin sighs outwardly through his nose.
“No. No, I have not. And I don’t plan to. So, stop asking. Mike’s been on my ass about it all morning.” Dustin grumbles out as he reaches inside his locker to grab his books. Max rolls her eyes as Lucas lets out a loud groan. Dustin looks at Max and hopes his eyes say thanks for not letting your boyfriend tell every student in Hawkins High how I am embarrassing about Jane Hopper-Byers.
She nods slightly before complaining loudly about Dustin not having signed up yet. Loud enough to draw Mike and Will out of this conversation because Will starts pestering him too.
Dustin groans before a sound pulls his attention away.
“Why not? It would be fun, wouldn’t it? We’re all doing something for it anyway, right? And I would be very sad to exclude you.” Jane says slowly, a soft pout beginning to form on her round lips.
Dustin longs to cup her jaw with his hands to press a kiss against those lips, but he can’t. She isn’t his, and doesn’t that kill him a little inside.
Dustin stutters briefly as Lucas cuts in. “Yeah man! It would be so much fun. it would be just like band practice!” Lucas replies excitedly, shaking his shoulder.
“Please, Dustin? It is our senior year. It would be so much fun to sing alongside you.” Jane replies softly, a smile blooming on her lips. Dustin can’t help it as he stares briefly at her lips. “I- okay. I’ll think about it. Emphasis on the word think.” He says. He hears a chorus of shouts and excited voices as he shakes his head and laughs under his breath.
His breath hitches softly as Jane wraps her arms around his neck tightly. “This will be so much fun!” Jane whispers excitedly into his ear. Dustin smiles as he wraps his arms softly around Jane’s waist as he hugs her back.
He notices the rest staring, face flushing as he squeezes her once, twice more before letting her go. Jane has an excited smile framing her face, her dimples showing. Dustin feels rung out as that smile shines brightly in his face. God, he’s so fucked.
He notices Will staring at him curiously as the bell rings.
Dustin clears his throat as he grasps the arm straps of his backpack. Right. “Well, I guess this is where we disperse. See you guys at lunch?” He hears murmured agreements behind his back as he begins his trek to class.
He realizes he’s not alone when he hears Max and Lucas’s voices trailing behind him.
“Man, you’re hopeless. What was that?” Max wraps her arm around his shoulders. Dustin flushes instantly as he begins to sputter. “I have to agree with Max, dude. I’ve never seen you act like that before.” Lucas says as he jogs up to them. “Guys. It’s nothing! Jane looked… pretty today! And I might’ve just noticed.” Dustin mutters under his breath, not wanting to be interrogated further.
“That’s a lie. Jane and Mike broke up over the summer, and you’ve been acting like this way before then. How long exactly have you liked her?” Max questions as she nudges him playfully.
“I don’t know! One day, we were all just hanging out and suddenly all I could think about is Jane’s hair and how nice she is. Did I mention how absolutely stunning she is? I mean, oh my god-“ As Dustin begins to ramble, he notices his warm cheeks and he stops himself abruptly.
“I don’t know. Probably middle school? Maybe freshman year? Who knows.” Dustin mumbles as his class comes into view. “Middle school?!” “Freshman year?! Dustin, Mike and Jane dated for like two years!” Lucas sputters out confusedly. Dustin nods his head as he speeds up. “Yup! See you guys at lunch!” Dustin shouts over his shoulder as he walks into his least favorite class of the day.
Dustin is not the last one at the lunch table today. He’s sweating steadily because even though it’s 2025, Hawkins High still hasn’t gotten their AC unit fixed. He swears as he stubs his toe on the table’s leg as he sits down beside Lucas and Max.
He’s not listening to their conversation, simply enjoying the provided background noise as he eats his disgusting chicken sandwich. He looks up to see Jane, Mike, and Will approaching their table with their matching lunches.
“Okay! So, band practice.” Mike says as he plops his tray down before settling in a chair. Will sits next to him and Jane takes the other seat beside Mike. She smiles warmly at Dustin before beginning to pick at her plate.
Dustin smiles back awkwardly before focusing back on what Mike is saying. “I think my mom is getting tired of listening to Lucas smack his drums and Dustin whining so… Jane! What about you?” Mike says, as he turns to look at her. A sour, bitter feeling explodes in Dustin’s chest as he watches Mike look at her with the softest, fondest look he could muster.
It’s no secret that Mike still harbors feelings for Jane, but Jane either doesn’t notice, or she doesn’t care. Dustin flexes his fingers under the table as he watches the exchange. Jane is saying something he can’t hear, blood rushing in his ears, and her earrings make a soft jingling sound as she nods her head.
Dustin watches her carefully. Her jaw is made sharper by makeup, and the sunlight catches her soft-looking hair beautifully. Her hazel eyes shine in the light, and Dustin has to pull his eyes away before she catches him staring. She looks so good in the sun. She looks stunning.
“-So tonight? At let’s say… 5? Would that work with everyone’s schedule?” Mike asks as he draws his attention back to the rest of the group. Noises ring in his ears as Dustin grunts in agreement, looking down at his tray.
He chews through his next bite of dry chicken before he catches Jane’s eye. She’s looking at him, more gazing than staring. He throws a private smile her way and his heart nearly bursts out of his chest when a blush flushes Jane’s skin.
Thump thump thump. Dustin’s heart is beating so fast he’s surprised Lucas and Max can’t hear it. The conversation going on around them is quiet as they make private eye contact. Jane lets a shy smile grace her lips as she pops a grape into her mouth, twirling her strand of pink hair around her pointer finger.
Is she… flirting? Is this flirting? Dustin’s thoughts run a mile a minute. He knows what flirting is, of course, but this is different. This feels like… teasing? Almost? Like Jane is doing whatever she’s doing to get a reaction out of him.
Dustin is pulled out of his thoughts as Lucas snaps his fingers in front of Dustin’s face.
“Earth to Dustin. Hello? Did you comprehend anything we just said, or were you too busy staring at Jane?” Lucas teases lightly. Dustin laughs out startledly before he coughs, choking on his own spit. Jane is giggling behind her hand, and he feels the sole of her shoe lay gently on top of his own.
“No. Yes, I mean- Yes I heard you guys. Tonight, at 5 pm, at the Hopper-Byers. Got it.” Dustin stutters out. Is she playing footsie with him?
Mike and Will share a look before they continue the conversation. The rest of lunch goes well, Mike and Max bickering about everything and nothing, and then Jane is knocking her leg against his softly. He blushes and stutters, but he manages to get through lunch with little to no error.
They get up to throw their trash away when Jane asks if they can walk to their last class together. Dustin is slightly shocked as he responds, and then Jane is following behind him closely as they make their way through the hallways.
There’s a comfortable silence that flows between them. The soft scent of her perfume fills his senses, and he holds his breath slightly. The soft tap tap tap of Jane’s platformed shoe plays repeatedly in Dustin’s head.
“Are you excited? About tonight?” Jane asks softly as she walks beside Dustin. Dustin nods before he begins to ramble about his bass and how one of the strings are broken so he’ll have to fix it before, and how Eddie actually told him he might get him a better one for his birthday and-
“You’re cute, you know? When you talk about things you like.” Jane says quietly. She has a smile spread across her freshly glossed lips, and Dustin’s heart stutters.
“Oh! I- uh- Thank you? I guess.” Dustin stumbled out his words, rubbing the back of his neck with his hand. Jane hums softly as she watches him. Dustin swallows before turning his head.
They approach Jane’s classroom quicker than he would’ve liked. He likes her comfortable silences and the smell of her strawberry perfume. She turns to Dustin as they stop outside the door.
“Thank you for walking me to class. I will see you after school, okay?” Jane says as she squeezes his hand softly. He gulps nervously as he looks down at their hands before softly squeezing her hand back. It’s marginally smaller than his own, and her palm is soft.
She gives him a private smile before heading inside, sitting beside another girl with dyed black hair. They engage in a conversation Dustin can’t hear, and he turns on his heel to walk to his own class.
The loud sounds of conversation fill Dustin’s ears as he walks out of Hawkins High’s front doors, making a quick haste to his car. It’s nothing special, a hand-me-down from Eddie, but it’s big. He keeps his equipment in it sometimes. He pauses as he sees a familiar face waiting for him. He feels a grin spread across his face as his pace quickens, almost running into Steve’s side.
Steve is grinning manically at him as he laughs, holding his arms out. Steve is Eddie’s long-term boyfriend, and Dustin’s other best friend. He doesn’t see Steve and Eddie often, considering they live in Indianapolis and have jobs that require long hours. They have matching tattoos; lightsabers from Star Wars. Dustin had to beg Steve to get it with him, as soon as he had turned 18.
“Hey, Dusty-bun!” He calls as Dustin crashes into him, knocking him back into the side of the van. He presses a brief kiss on the crown of Dustin’s head as he brushes his fingers through his curls. Dustin snarls a bit at the nickname, something he hasn’t been able to drop since he was twelve, but he squeezes Steve harshly around the waist anyway.
“Stephen! What are you doing here?! Where’s my brother?” Dustin questions excitedly, looking around for any sign of the dark-haired, lanky metal-head.
“He’s at home. We were around town, so we decided to pop in. How about I take you home? We can come get your van back later, okay?” Steve says. Dustin nods enthusiastically as Steve and him begin to walk over to Steve’s BMW. He closes the door as Steve starts the car.
Some pop song Dustin doesn’t know fills the air around them as Steve exits the parking lot. There’s a comfortable silence in the air before Steve breaks it, turning the music down slightly. He clears his throat before he starts. “So. I do have a question to ask you.” Steve says, fingers gripping the wheel and suddenly sounding nervous.
Dustin is confused, so he gestures for Steve to continue. “Okay. So, I know me and Eddie have only been dating for three years, but I- I bought a ring. And I’ve already talked to Claudia and Wayne, and they gave me their full support but- you mean a lot to him, Dustin. Eddie practically worships the ground you walk on, and your opinion is important to not only him, but to me. So, Dustin Henderson-Munson, do I have your permission to ask your brother to marry me?”
Steve gets it all out in one breath, before he turns his head to look at Dustin. He’s fidgety, his voice shaking and he begins to tap his thumbs against the wheel. Tears suddenly well in his eyes and he inhales sharply.
Steve is asking Eddie to marry him? Dustin will get to be a best man and have a brother-in-law? Steve is asking Dustin for his permission?
Dustin inhales shakily before exhaling, rubbing his eyes. “Yeah. Yeah, man. That’s excellent! When are you going to do it?”
And then Steve is off again, telling him of his plan of a fancy dinner before a romantic walk in the park before he pops the question. He thinks he might do it before they leave town again. Dustin nods and responds when needed, mostly looking out the window so Steve doesn’t see the tears brimming his eyes.
They pull into the driveway and Dustin practically sprints out of the car. He can hear Steve laughing behind him. He opens the front door before whipping his head into the living room. He hears the door close as he makes eye contact with Wayne. “Where is he?!” He almost shouts as his step dad huffs out a laugh.
“He’s in his old bedroom. Try not to shake the whole house with your running, okay?” Wayne says amusedly. He makes eye contact with Steve as the older man shakes his head. Dustin nods before taking down the hallway.
He pauses outside the open door before making his way inside slowly.
His brother is standing in front of his bed, refolding clothes. His har is pulled into a messy bun, and some pieces at the back of his head are falling out slightly. His shoulders look strong, broad. The sight of his back makes his breath hitch in his throat. It’s something so mundane, so normal, but Dustin hasn’t seen Eddie in forever, so tears spring into his eyes again.
He sniffles harshly behind his brother’s back, and he lets them slip silently down his face as the other turns to look down at him.
Eddie grins comfortingly at him as he pulls the younger boy into his arms, resting his chin on the other’s head as he grasps him tightly. “Hi, Dusty.” Eddie mumbles above him.
Dustin weeps openly into his chest as he crushes Eddie against his smaller body. It’s been so long since he’s heard the low, comforting rumble of his brother’s voice. Eddie laughs slightly as he shushes him, swaying them from side to side. “I missed you too, kid.” Eddie says before pressing a kiss onto Dustin’s head.
Dustin sniffles disgustingly before he lets go of Eddie, rubbing his hand over his nose. Eddie grins at him before sticking his tongue out, making Dustin let out a wet laugh. “Hey, dude.” Dustin says shakingly.
“Dude?! Did you just call me dude!? Stephen, get in here! Dustin just called me dude after not seeing me for like a year!” Eddie begins to give him a noogie, and Dustin lets out loud bursts of laughter as he tries to escape his brother’s grasp. Warmth fills his chest. It’s so nice for his big brother to be home.
Steve chuckles as he walks into the room, a fond smile on his face. “Alright, alright. Break it up, Munson. Let the kid go.” Steve says as he makes his way over, grabbing Eddie’s arm. Eddie smiles at him before dropping Dustin. “Hey! I’m not a kid, I’m literally 18! An adult!” Dustin says loudly, dragging the attention back to him.
He pretends not to preen underneath it as he begins bickering with them both.
It’s hours later when he begins to get ready for band practice. He had an early dinner, courtesy of Steve, so now he’s making sure his new strings fit on his bass. He’s nervous, but he won’t let himself admit why. Definitely not because Jane will be there, watching them. Not just the Party, but him as well.
Eddie is sitting beside him on the bed as he watches Dustin. He’s fiddling with a fidget toy Dustin had on his bedside table before he asks.
“What’s up with you? You’re buzzing out of your skin, man.”
Dustin freezes before sighing. He feels the tension leave his shoulders as he looks up at Eddie.
“Let’s say I- I have a crush on this girl, right? Like, it’s pretty bad. I can’t stop thinking about her and my skin itches when she touches me and I just- our rehearsal is at her house tonight. And of course she’s going to be there, because it’s her house, but she’s going to be watching me and-“
Dustin rambles until he’s out of breath. He winces slightly before clearing his throat. “So. Yeah, I’m a little… buzzy I guess.” He says quietly, before looking back down at his bass.
He hears a hum behind him before the steady weight of his brother is pressed against his side. He exhales shakingly before he runs a hair through his hair, a habit he’s picked up from Steve.
“So, why don’t you ask her out? It’s Jane, right? I know it’s not Max because she’s dating Lucas, and unless you’re being transphobic, it’s definitely not Will-“ Eddie teases lightly, knowing about Dustin’s middle school crush on the other boy.
Dustin flushes before shaking his head firmly. “Dude! One, it was middle school and two, I would never insinuate that and you know that. But… Mike and Jane just broke up. They broke up in what? June? It’s been two months, Eddie. And I’ve felt this way for her for so so long and I’m scared of messing things up. Things are good now. Everyone is happy, nothing is awkward and no one is fighting.” Dustin says hurriedly. Eddie nods before gently taking Dustin’s bass from his hands.
He sets it on the floor before taking Dustin’s hands in his own. He makes sure Dustin is making eye contact with him before he starts.
“Dustin. No one is going to be mad at you for expressing how you feel, man. You’ve been friends with those bunch since before me or Wayne were around, and I know how much they care about you. Mike and Jane were miserable together, and she deserves someone to make her feel happy. Good about herself. And I know that’s exactly what you would do.”
Eddie says gently, slowly as he makes sure Dustin absorbs his words. Dustin sniffles a bit before nodding, squeezing Eddie’s hands a bit. Eddie smiles softly at him before letting go and disposing his bass back into his arms. He pulls the shorter boy into a quick hug.
“So, tell me about her. I haven’t seen the rest of the rugrats in forever, what have you guys been up to?” Eddie asks as Dustin strums steadily at his strings, and he launches into a ramble of all the things Eddie has missed.
“Call me if you need a ride home!” Steve shouts out behind him as he walks up to the Hopper-Byers house. It’s a small, run-down shack of a place, but it’s nice. Homely.
“I got it, Steve! Love you, be careful driving home! I’ll text you.” Dustin shouts as he turns to wave Steve away. He takes a deep breath before knocking on the door.
He braces himself as Jonathan opens the door. He tenses slightly at the sight of the older man.
Jonathan waves at Steve before looking down at Dustin. He’s not much taller than Dustin, but he still has to look up at the man.
“Hey. They’re in the back, need anything?” Jonathan says as he moves his way into the kitchen. Dustin simply asks for a water before making his way into the backyard. He pauses at Jane’s door.
He can hear pop music playing softly through the door and a pretty, angelic voice singing along. He smiles as he listens through the door. Jane’s apart of the Soprano’s at school, which is apparently kind of important, and she has a lovely voice. Breathy in just the right way, and her high pitch runs made chills run down Dustin’s spine.
He gulps before he raises his hand to knock.
The music stops abruptly, and he can hear someone scrambling on the other side of the door.
He’s regretting his decision quickly, debating if he should just go outside before Jane rips her door open.
“Oh! Hi, Dustin.” She exhales, giving him a bright smile. Her makeup has been taken off, traces of her black mascara staining her lash line, and Dustin’s breath stutters because she looks stunning.
She has a pink sweater on, with flowy leggings that are covering her socks. Her hair has been tossed into a messy bun, and Dustin’s fingers ache to reach out and touch. Her lips are plump and pink, and Dustin has to pull his eyes away.
He clears his throat before he replies. “Hey, Jane. I just uh- wanted to say hi before rehearsal.” He says as he stares at the wall behind her. Her walls are paneled with posters and other pictures covering every inch. Her bed is nicely made, with purple sheets and a few stuffed plushies lining her bed. All the evidence of Mike Wheeler has been stripped entirely. It pleases him deeply, scaring him almost.
She hums softly before nodding. “That’s very sweet of you, Dustin. Would you like to come inside? Just for a second.” She says before reaching out to curl a delicate hand around his wrist, tugging slightly. He gulps before the door is shut behind him.
Her room is… cute. There’s pictures of the Party scattered about, some of her and Will, a few of her and Max and Lucas, but one sticks out to Dustin particularly.
There’s a framed photo on Jane’s bedside table.
It’s a photo of her and Dustin, at the Snowball dance in Middle school. His hair is styled up with his curls clearly drenched in hairspray and hair gel, courtesy of Steve “The Hair” Harrington. He’s giving the camera a gummy grin and shooting the camera finger guns, Jane beside him throwing her head back with laughter while copying his pose.
Dustin pauses briefly on this photo, his heart racing as he takes in the rest of Jane’s room. Her desk is also made, an assortment of books stacked neatly in the crevice meant for them and her fancy pens put in order by color.
There’s a candle burning, a soft pumpkin smell invading his nostrils, but there’s something else that Dustin can’t put his finger on. Something so exceptionally Jane that he almost becomes dizzy with it.
“So, this is my room! You’ve never been in here before, have you?” Jane asks as she moves around her room, reaching for trinkets to show Dustin. He smiles and nods at every one of them, and the statue of the pink unicorn Dustin got her when they were kids makes Dustin’s mouth go dry. He has the sudden urge to kiss her.
He needs to go. Like, now. Before he does something that will fuck everything up.
“I should probably go. I mean, not like go go, but to practice. Your room is… pretty. It’s cute.” Dustin corrects quickly, flushing. Jane lets out a soft giggle before she nods.
“Well, alright. Thank you for letting me show you my things, Dustin. It was very fun.” Jane says as she holds his hand lightly in hers. Dustin inhales sharply before nodding, squeezing her delicate fingers lightly.
He lets go and exits her room, greedily taking in fresh air. He lets the door swing shut before making his way to the Byers shed.
He opens the door to the sound of loud conversation and Lucas clanging lazily on his drums.
“There you are! We’ve been waiting for you.” Max complains from her spot next to Lucas. He rolls his eyes before making his way next to Mike.
“Sorry. Jane wanted to show me something.”
There’s a silence that follows his statement.
“…What? Why are you all looking at me like that? Is there something on my face?” Dustin’s swipes his hand over his face.
“No, just the disgusting love-sick look in your eyes.” Max calls out.
Dustin gasps before he feels a blush form on his cheeks.
“Yeah, dude. I thought I was bad, but hoo boy. You got it bad, Henderson.” Lucas says after Max, wrapping his arm around the girl’s slim waist and not helping Dustin’s case at all.
Mike and Will are nodding, Mike looking down at his feet. Dustin feels guilt expand in his chest.
“Mike- look, man- I’m sorry, okay? I’m trying over here, and she keeps giving these little looks and holding my hand-“ Dustin rambles before Mike cuts him off. “Dude. I don’t care, I promise. The things I feel are… clearly not reciprocated. And, I messed up. It’s fine man. Seriously.” Mike looks up, something in his eyes that Dustin can’t quite place before giving him a small smile. Dustin doesn’t believe him, but he nods anyway.
“Can we get this started? I need to scream after Coach decided to make us do suicides.” Lucas says suddenly.
Everyone agrees before they start rehearsal.
As Dustin is sending Steve a text saying practice is over, Jane clears her throat.
He jolts backwards, nearly dropping his phone. “Jane! Hey, hey. What’s up?” Dustin stumbles out. She looks amused slightly, before biting her plush bottom lip.
“Oh. Um, well I was just wondering if you were free sometime this weekend? Or later this week, maybe? Perhaps we could go somewhere.” Jane suggests, smiling softly at him. Dustin’s heart stops beating in his chest
Is she asking him on a date?
His mouth goes dry as his mind stills. If it is a date, then shouldn’t he be asking her? And why now?! He’s pulled out of his thoughts by the girl in front of him.
“Or, we don’t have too! We could just, I don’t know, hang out in my room?” Jane mutters, an embarrassed flush making her face a nice shade of pink.
Dustin shakes his head quickly before responding. “No! No we can! That would be… cool! Yeah, we should totally do… that.” Dustin says hurriedly. “How about tomorrow? I’ll come pick you up and we can go see a movie or something. Around… 7?” Dustin says.
Jane’s smile is bright as she nods.
Dustin flushes before he tugs a curl around his finger, the same way he’s watched Eddie do a thousand times.
He steps outside as the hot air rushes over him. It’s thick, and humid, and he can feel sweat already beginning to bead at his forehead. Jane follows him as he waits for Steve to arrive.
They settle into quiet, comfortable chatter as they wait for Steve. They sit on the top step, and Jane’s hand is hovering close to his.
“Will you actually sign up for the musical? I know you may not enjoy it but… for me? Maybe?” Jane questions while looking up at Dustin with her wide doe eyes. She blinks slowly up at him through her long lashes. Dustin flinches slightly before sighing through his nose.
“I’ll… maybe. I said I would think about it, and that’s what I intend on doing.” Dustin says as they make direct eye contact. Jane smirks slightly before she slips her fingers through Dustin’s.
He inhales sharply before looking at their hands, back up at Jane.
Her smirk softens into a smile, squeezing his hand softy. His heart beat quickens as he slowly caresses her smaller hand with his thumb, looking away as he watches Steve pull into the driveway.
He gives her a soft smile before squeezing her hand once, twice before letting go. She frowns quickly before it transforms into a smile.
She’s walking inside as his entire world crumbles at his feet.
“Tomorrow is a date, by the way!”
Eleven is giggling as the door closes. Dustin’s heart is in his ass.
He stumbles to Steve’s car before practically falling into the passenger seat. “Rough practice?” Steve questions as he pulls out the driveway, heading to the high school so Dustin can get his van.
“I have a date with Jane Hopper-Byers.”