Chapter 1: another non stop will it ever end
Notes:
chapter title from one direction's 'clouds' from the album four
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thanks for reading, I hope you like it
Chapter Text
“Dustin! Please, wake up.”
No one has ever seen Erica Sinclair like this before, instead of her normal sarcastic expression her face showed fear and panic.
“DUSTIN! Don’t leave me. You promised!” She yelled under tears looking up to her secret boyfriend who was hovering in the air, his eyes rolled back. She looked around and spotted his bag. Erica grabbed the walkie-talkie and started talking.
“Whoever hears this come to the school, please it’s an emergency. I repeat it’s an emergency. It’s about Dustin.” Now the only thing she could do was praying, that at least one of Dustin’s friends heard her. She and Dustin were at a secret date picnicking at the school as it was easy to get there for both of them without being suspicious because neither their families nor their friends knew about their relationship, and they wanted to keep it like this for a while.
“I thought he was gone. That he couldn’t possess any of us. I need you, Dustin. Be strong. I know you are.” The young girl sobbed while searching for a Walkman so she could play his favorite song to help him getting out of Vecna’s curse. In the background she could hear the voice of her older brother Lucas, who was one of Dustin’s best friends and one year older than Erica herself.
“Erica? What happened?” Lucas’s voice cut through her thoughts. “I don’t know, all I know is that Dustin is hovering in the air with his eyes rolled in the back just come as soon as possible.” She yelled at her brother.
Something was falling on the other side and then there was no one. Erica assumed that Lucas just got his ass on his bike and started driving towards the school.
She hoped that he would be here soon. Until then she continued searching a Walkman and watching her beloved.
She found the Walkman and put on “Master of Puppets” which Dustin said would save him from Vecna despite the memories of losing Eddie.
The scared girl played it and hoped for the best.
---
“Dustin Henderson. What a pleasure to finally meet you again.”
He heard an unknown voice saying. He wasn’t stupid, he knew he was put under Vecna’s curse, but hearing Vecna made this more real. Made the danger more real seeing as Vecna wasn’t supposed to be able to contact one of them again.
Dustin was scared like any other under the curse would have been.
Dustin was scared but unlike others he didn’t fear for his own safety. He put the others in front of himself like he always did.
Dustin was scared Vecna would come for his friends when he already came for him. He thought about the words he just heard.
“What do you mean again?”
Dustin was smart, he was always the one to figure things out, so he just knew something was off about this situation. He somehow knew Vecna was telling the truth even though he has no memory of ever meeting him before. Dustin wasn’t looking at Vecna, he just couldn’t. Something was pulling him away from it. “Of course, he would have had your memory blocked. He was always bending the truth how he wanted it.”
Dustin was smart enough to know he shouldn’t trust Vecna and still he couldn’t keep himself from listening. For the first time since Dustin was stuck here, he faced him. “So, if apparently someone, whoever that might be, blocked my memories, wouldn’t you be able to return them?”
Dustin was trying, he was trying so hard not to fall for a lie, but he always has felt like some part of him was missing, like memories were missing. Especially after El had told them about Project N.I.N.A. and how she regained some memories. Ever since then he has asked himself if the same has happened to him. Dustin looked directly in what you could call Vecna’s eyes, when he heard the intro of ‘Master of Puppets’ playing. He didn’t let himself get distracted by it though, he just faced Vecna.
“I can my smart child and I will.” Dustin saw in his eyes that he wasn’t lying and somehow, he felt connected to Vecna, and he could see a soft smile appearing on the monsters’ face. In this moment Dustin wasn’t talking to Vecna but Henry.
Henry took Dustin’s hand and he let him, preparing himself for memories with ‘Master of Puppets’ still playing in the background.
---
“Dustin!”
Lucas yelled when he reached for his sister hugging her to calm both of them down. He couldn’t lose another loved one, not after what happened to Max. With panic written all over his face and tears in his eyes he turned to his sister
“Erica, what happened? I thought he’s not able to contact one of us. That’s what El said.” Lucas felt like he was having a panic attack he couldn’t lose Dustin, his best friend. “Lucas, I don’t know. We were talking and suddenly he started flying and his eyes were rolled back. I couldn’t look at him, Lucas, never have I been more terrified in my life. I already put his favorite song on, but it isn’t helping.” Erica cried in her brothers’ arms. Like him she was flooded with panic and scared of losing Dustin.
“We have to call El, she might be able to help him." Like she tried with Max. As soon as he spoke his thought aloud, he found himself grabbing the Walkie-Talkie and yelling for El, but he couldn’t seem to reach her. Erica tried to calm her down by telling herself that she wouldn’t be a help for her boyfriend if she was only freaking out. The siblings found themselves heavily breathing and a fading hope.
---
Dustin felt overwhelmed when the light of memories hit him.It was like a train with all those moments was driving past him with an abnormal speed.Then his world seems to fade, everything became black.
“Dad! Can you teach me more of my powers?” A young Dustin asked.
“Do you want to impress 011?” his father chuckled.
“She is like my sister; I don’t need to impress her. I’m actually keen on learning how to control those powers. And I don’t accidentally want to hurt someone.” Small Dustin’s voice broke at the end of the sentence. His father looked at him with teary eyes. “Yeah. I’m helping you. I don’t want anything happen to you like I had to face in my childhood.” The second sentence was barely audible and small Dustin hasn’t heard it.
Present Dustin did hear it though.
The small Dustin was happily jumping into his father’s arms and hugged him. The father pulled his son closer and whispered into his ear
“No matter what Dr. Brenner or Papa how we call him, or any other person will tell you: I love you. I love you so much my little genius, my prince. You are my world; I will do anything for you. Then on the father’s wrist only visible for a watcher a tattoo was revealed. 001.
Chapter 2: put a little love on me
Notes:
chapter title from niall horan's 'put a little love on me' from the album heartbreak weather
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hope you like it <3
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starting the story i posted two chapters, I'll probably update every wednesday, at leats I will try
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sending love <3
Chapter Text
Dustin was heavily breathing when he left the memory and was facing Vecna again. He was overwhelmed by what he just has witnessed. He almost couldn’t believe it but deep in he knew that all of the memories of him being born and raised in lab as child from 001 and basically growing up with 011 as his sister were true. He knew it because with remembering them he felt his powers.
Dustin lost all the words he could possibly say. Cryingly he followed his inner instincts to run into his father’s arms and cling to him like he was saving him from drowning. After all Dustin managed to get out one singular word that brought a lot of feelings in this shared mind. “Dad.”
His voice was weak and barely audible, and he buried his head into his fathers, the enemy’s chest. In the background you could hear the outro of ‘Master of Puppets’ which was fading into the sound of the wind.
---
Dustin was still hoovered in the air when the song ended. Both siblings looked at each other and then up to where their friend was.
“Why isn’t this working tell me why. I know that this is the right song. I know it we talked about it.” Erica was yelling in the night. She looked up and saw a tear running down her boyfriend’s cheek.
“Lucas! He’s alive. See the tear!” A tear so small and unimportant brought back the hope into the Sinclair siblings.
“Lucas, Erica! What happened?” The heard a voice through the Walkie-Talkie. “El” They both said looking at each other. Lucas grabbed the device. “El! Thank God, you have to help us. Vecna somehow cursed Dustin and nothing is helping. Please save him.” He plead and hoped the girl on the other side could do something. “Where are you? We’re coming!” Said another scared voice. “Steve! We’re at the high school. Hurry up!” Lucas yelled before the connection broke.
A few moments later the siblings heard a car and then people running to their location. Steve, El, Mike and Will came for their friends. “What happened?” Mike asked while they were looking at Dustin.
“That’s the problem. We don’t know.” Erica said with a serious voice.
---
“Dustin.” Dustin saw in his eyes, and he knew he found his father in the monster that terrorized his friend for the past years. He pushed his father away.
“This can’t be happening.” He said knowing that this absolutely could.
“But… But if you are my father then why did you brought so much pain about me and those who are close?” Dustin cried out. He couldn’t describe what he felt. It all made sense in his mind. He realized that he shared a lot of things with his ‘father.’
“I’m sorry my prince. I just wanted to come back to you.” That nickname gave Dustin a weird feeling of comfort and disgust.
“Why did you abandon me in the first place then?” “I wanted to get you and Eleven out of that prison, you both being close to me I wanted to keep you safe.” Dustin couldn’t believe what his father was saying. “What about the massacre at Hawkins Lab? What was that?” Dustin cried out; he needed answers. “That was collateral damage.” His father shrugged. “What? Did you call all those unnecessary deaths a collateral damage? You saying Max was a collateral damage? And Eddie?” “Yeah. All to fulfill my goal of seeing you again.” Dustin was disgusted.
Dustin? Can you hear me? He suddenly heard a familiar voice. “Max?!” he yelled. “Our blood connection. The only way I’ve been able to contact you. She’s using it to escape my mind. My prince, don’t take her away. I won’t be able to come back to you if you do.”
Don’t listen to him Dustin. Please take me. “Don’t listen to her prince, help me, your father.”
Both voices begged him to help. Dustin took a deep breath reaching for his powers he was able to control even after this long time and pushed his father away. He pushed himself out of the mind taking Max’ soul inside his mind. He fell and landed perfectly on the ground, eyes closed hearing his friends screaming for him.
---
“Dustin!” Erica yelled again for her lover.
“Somethings happening, he closed his eyes.” Mama Steve was looking at his children with a glance of hope in his eyes. The small group stood up facing their friend who now had his eyes closed. It felt like the wind hit them when Dustin suddenly fell.
The next seconds were a mix between worried and scared screams as well as worried looks.
Dustin landed perfectly on the ground as if he was some kind of superhero. The group rushed to him. When Dustin opened his eyes, he looked like he was about to cry.
Steve offered him a hug and Dustin clung into Steve’s arms. He was breathing heavily into his shirt and Steve – like the Mama he is – tried to calm his son down by stroking his back. The others saw Steve’s look and took a step back to sit down, staying quiet.
“Hey, it’s alright, I’m here.” Steve was being extremely calm given the shock they all just had. Dustin just clung into Steve’s shirt trying to control his breathing. He was thankful that Steve and the others didn’t ask questions and that Steve calmed him down.
In Steve arms that’s where he felt safe.
Here he felt cared for and loved.
Chapter 3: anywhere you go, I'll be
Summary:
"I’m doing anything for you. I’d burn the world, humanity as bad as it is for you. For us to build a new world, bent it as we like. Dustin, everything that I’m doing, I’m doing for you."
Notes:
....
I have no excuse for being late. Due to my whole knee thing I genuinely forgot about this until I was reminded with an email saying I have a comment.
So here Dustin lovers enjoy this one
I try update Sundays for now, its a much better day then wednesday---
chapter title from 'you could start a cult' by Niall Horan (go listen to his new album its amazing)
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
“Dustin? How are you?” El asked with a calm voice.
“I’m better. I guess so at least.” Dustin responded.
His voice still unsteady. The group was sitting in the car now on the way to Steve’s home after he called out a sleepover because no one wanted to leave the others. Dustin was relieved too. He had his own room there, after he was sleeping more often there than at his mom’s home. Especially now he was grateful because he wasn’t sure what to think of his mother. Dustin is sure that she knew about everything, she was working in the lab as a nurse, that’s why he was born there. She was also the nurse who basically raised Eleven, so the two of them grew up together as siblings. Dustin wanted to be mad at his mother. And he was. Sleeping at Steve’s – again- was a way to avoid his mother.
Don’t think about it too much Dustin. I can feel it.
There Max was again. It was an unused but not unwelcomed feeling for Dustin to have someone in the back of his mind. It brought a kind of comfort because he wasn’t alone.
You are never alone, Dustin. We are all here for you. No one of us would ever think of abandoning you dude. We all love you.
Dustin smiled. Thank God for Max being in his head and comforting him. He saw Steve catching his smile and returning a soft sad smile.
Course I’d be here dude. And I know what you did for Lucas the last weeks I was gone. I’m just returning the favor.
Dustin could feel Max smiling. The car drive was silent other than El’s question. Everyone was trying to understand or to cope with what happened.
---
Dustin placed himself in the couch of Steve’s living room. Steve made him a hot chocolate and Dustin knew they would want to talk about what just happened. How he got out and how Vecna was able to curse him in the first place. Dustin also knew that he didn’t want to talk about the fact that Vecna was his father.
You don’t have to tell them right now, Dustin. You should take your time.
‘Thanks Max. I- This is just too much for me right now.’
I know. I can feel it. But, Dustin, I believe in you. You can do this.
Dustin sniffed, sending a thankful feeling to Max.
“Hey, kid, do you want to talk about it now or should we wait until tomorrow?” Steve joined the group in the living room.
“Tomorrow, I guess. But you don’t need to worry about him cursing one of you.” Because he could only curse me because I’m his blood. Dustin added in his head.
“I thought so. Everyone, try to sleep and we’ll see what we do tomorrow.” Steve said, the sleeping spaces in the living room for everyone already prepared. Given the situation Steve and Dustin also slept here with the others, no one really wanted to be alone.
Don’t worry, Dustin, I’m here with you.
Feeling the comfort of being surrounded by his friends and loved ones Dustin drifted to sleep peacefully along with the others.
---
Dustin knew where he was as soon as he opened his eyes from the dream he was having. Could it be called a dream if it was just his memories flashing in front of his eyes?
“Hello Dad. What do you want from me again?” This time Dustin wasn’t scared. He knew – he could feel – that his father wouldn’t - couldn’t – hurt him. Which is probably the only good he sees right now in being his son.
“Now don’t be so harsh to be my prince. Could you blame a father for wanting to see his son?”
Dustin was smart enough to know his father tried to manipulate him. But after all Dustin was just a kid who needed a father, so he lets him for the time being.
“Well, why didn’t you come to me before you attacked my friends?” Dustin wasn’t scared but he had tears in his eyes.
“Because I only gained my memories of you again after Eleven banished me in the other realm, the exact same way I lost them in the first place. I knew I had a son the whole time, I just didn’t know who. I knew I wanted to come back for him.”
When Dustin saw in his eyes, he couldn’t see the monster that terrorized them. He could see Henry, a loving father. That’s what actually terrified him.
“I-If you had known before, would have done all this? Would you have taken my best friend Will?” Dustin was crying a bit.
“I took Will, because I thought he was you.” Henry stated, still having the loving dad tone in his voice.
“What?”
“He’s a special kid, you know. He got powers, I trained him but when he turned against me, I had to take the memories away from him. I realized shortly after he arrived, he wasn’t my son but that didn’t keep me from helping him. You know it was him who designed the Upside Down the way it was. Time stands still in it. He wanted it to be like home, like Hawkins. That’s why it looks the way it was on November 6, 1983.”
In his head Dustin put every information he has together. It was like a puzzle coming together, everything finally making sense. “But why did you use Will afterwards as the spy?” Dustin couldn’t help but tearing up.
“Because I wanted to follow my main goal. Finding you. I thought if I could come back to that realm, then maybe I’d find you. I already told you; I’m doing anything for you. I’d burn the world, humanity as bad as it is for you. For us to build a new world, bent it as we like. Dustin, everything that I’m doing, I’m doing for you.”
Henry held his hand at his son’s face. Even though Dustin didn’t necessarily want it, he didn’t do anything against it. Against his better knowledge, he gave himself in the touch, needing his father to care for him.
“I’m proud of how you became, my prince. You’re so much like me.”
He opened his arms for his son to come to him and hug him. Surprising himself, Dustin went into the arms of his father, finding a weird form of comfort in there. Dustin hated himself for it. He hated that he cared for his father, hell that he even loved his father. A tear ran down his face falling to the ground.
Notes:
I'm actually amazed how you seem to like the weird stuff my brain makes in the middle of the night when I want to sleep
and honestly I'm becoming attached to dad!vecna, I love to write the soft side of an evil guy
also mother steve is coming into action and tbh you can't convince me that dustin doesnt has a room at steve's home
I live for max and dustin friendship
also don't worry our loved freaky boi is gonna be alive, I just need more backstory before I can add him to the story
Chapter 4: hold me close but at a distance
Summary:
No matter what others might tell you, remember. Remember that I love you.
Notes:
I'm not even looking for apologies, I'm just bad at remembering to upload it even tho I have a couple of stuff pre-written and a reminder set. I hope you still want to read this and I won't promise a clean schedule I just update when I think and feel like it
---
chapter title from 'fire away' by Niall Horan (can you see that I love him and his music)
Chapter Text
Dustin’s body was in a vertical position, practically flying in the air, when Eleven woke up. She instantly began to worry.
How was it possible for Vecna to get Dustin? She took a closer look at him, he looked relaxed, completely calm except for on tear rolling down his face.
Eleven was thinking, should she wake up someone? Even then the question was who.
She looked next to her, seeing her ‘boyfriend’ Mike. No, she would not wake him. She wasn’t sure if they were still a couple after all what happened. She wasn’t even sure if she wanted them to be a couple. But that was not important right now.
She looked around in the room and her eyes landed on Steve. She should probably wake him up.
“Steve. Steve, wake up.”
Steve opened his eyes. “El, what’s up, what is wrong? Is Dustin okay?” He instantly entered mother mode.
El just silently pointed over to the spot where Dustin’s body was flying in the air. Steve seemed to panic.
“Don’t. Don’t wake up the others. I’m going to piggyback, it’s okay. I just need someone to look after me.”
“Okay, do you need a salt tub or anything?” Steve asked, knowing he shouldn’t argue with El right now. El shook her head and took a blind fold from the table, binding it around her head. She placed herself comfortable on the ground, collecting the strength she would need.
“I’m trying to keep you updated.” She told Steve, who thanked her, before sending her spirit in the void, trying to find Dustin.
After a while Steve asked her “Did you find him?”
It took a while before she said “What. He-He’s hugging 001?”
“WHAT NOW?” Steve shrieked, accidently waking up the others with that.
El took her blindfold off, couldn’t believe what she just saw.
“STEVE! Why are you yelling?” A grumpy Mike asked, hating that Steve woke them up.
“DUSTIN!” Someone shrieked realizing that he was still in the air.
“I hope it was an Illusion. We all know he creates some.” El said, voice unsteady.
“Why won’t you tell us what the actual fuck has happened for Steve to scream?” Lucas raised his voice. He like the others wanted answers.
To why the fuck Steve and El looked like they’ve seen a ghost.
To why the fuck Dustin was possessed by Vecna again.
“I saw Dustin hugging 001.”
El said quietly. There was a moment of shock and then a silence.
They weren’t sure if what they heard was real or not.
They just wanted to have their Dustin back.
They were planning now.
To save Dustin.
To defeat Vecna.
---
“Dustin. My prince. No matter what others might tell you, remember. Remember that I love you.”
Deep in his heart Dustin could feel that the spoken words were true. He just knew it.
“I love you too, Dad.” He mumbled, hating himself for voicing that out.
Dustin wasn’t scared of ‘the monster’, of Vecna hurting him. No. He was scared because he loved his father.
He realized, if they were to face him again, he couldn’t let his friends defeat his father. Even though said father deserved it. This was scaring him.
Don’t blame yourself for thinking this way, Dustin. It’s okay. After all he is you father.
It was still comforting to know that Max was in his mind. Dustin promised himself to try and bring Max back to her own body if this was finally over.
Thank you, Dustin. I appreciate this.
“Dad?” Dustin asked quietly.
“Yes, my prince?”
“You said time in the Upside Down stands still. So technically you could there for a long time and time passes different speed in our world?” Dustin broke the hug, looking in his father’s eyes, who nodded.
“So, if time is not relevant in the Upside Down could you technically return to it in a point of time that has already passed?”
“Where are you going with this, my prince?”
“I want to save my friend, Eddie. He was killed by the bats in the Upside Down.” Dustin mumbled.
“No, he wasn’t.”
“What? Yes, he was. He died in my arms. Are you saying that didn’t happen?”
“Well, yes, it happened, but it was not completely real. And to your question; I don’t think you can use the Upside Down to travel through time.”
“What do you mean it wasn’t real?” Dustin was almost crying again.
“Remember what I told you about your friend Will? That he basically created the Upside Down to how it is?” Henry asked his son.
“What has Will to do with any of this?” Dustin was confused by what his father told him.
“Will set the rules of the Upside Down. He set the rules and he was a small child, who was scared and wanted to return to his family. He said that no one should ever die while being in the Upside Down. It’s a rule that’ll always be there now. But he isn’t powerful enough to make everyone immortal who enters the Upside Down. It’ll look like they died. They will die and will be hurt, but they will return.”
Chapter 5: life for us is never over
Summary:
Of course, my prince, I understand that. I don’t expect you to turn against your friends. It would surprise me if you did to be honest. As long as you’re safe our bond is stable, and you can always visit me or the void if you want to. My existence is in no danger, I’m just not able to go back to your dimension, the Upside Down and the hell dimension I sort of created. I love you, my prince.
Notes:
...
hi *crawls out of the corner*
I'm here again....
but since I forget to update it longer I will spoil those who read this with two chapters today yayyythe title is as always from song but not from Niall this time
todays song is 'The Greatest' by Louis Tomlinson from the album 'Faith in the Future' (I recommend to listen to that one tooo, I was at the concert a few days ago and was amazinggg)
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Dustin was deep in thought. Thinking about what his father told him about Will.
“Dad, can you show me Will’s memories? I know you have them here” Dustin looked pleadingly in his father’s eyes, knowing he would get want he wanted.
Henry took his own hand and hold it against his son head.
“I’m giving them to you. Do whatever you think is best with them. Maybe you should give them back to Will. The sensitive boy’s been already through too much.” Vecna sighed. “And I show you how to unlock 011’s memories. The times from the lab where you acted like siblings.” He smiled.
Dustin was unaware of the fact that his friends were forming a plan to defeat Vecna while he was currently training with him.
Dustin was keen on learning everything about his powers. He could still use a lot of the stuff he learnt during his childhood and was able to control everything very fast.
“Dad. Just because you’re helping me right now doesn’t mean I will help you returning, you know. I somehow love and need you, but I can’t risk the safety of my friends. I can’t and I won’t. But thanks for helping me. Thanks for telling me the truth.” Dustin faced his father, having a sad smile on his face.
“Of course, my prince, I understand that. I don’t expect you to turn against your friends. It would surprise me if you did to be honest. As long as you’re safe our bond is stable, and you can always visit me or the void if you want to. My existence is in no danger, I’m just not able to go back to your dimension, the Upside Down and the hell dimension I sort of created. I love you, my prince.”
Henry – Dustin was sure that every time he was with him, it wasn’t Vecna who faced him but Henry – had the same look on his face as his son.
“Thanks Dad. I hope that someday I can save and help you because you proved that it wouldn’t be a mistake. I have to go now. Goodbye.”
Dustin said while disappearing from the shared mind, his father looking lovely after him.
---
“Dustin! You’re back! Don’t scare us like this again! El woke me up because he took you again. I’m worried about you kid. How do you manage to escape his wrath this whole time? And why are you smiling?”
Steve bombarded Dustin motherlikely with questions who was smiling because Eddie was alive.
“Because he doesn’t want to kill me, we’re just talking. Also, I found the missing piece from our puzzle. Hi Nancy since when are you here?”
“Since this morning, the group already filled me, Jonathan, and Argyle in. And which puzzle do you mean?” Nancy asked, the others silently agreeing with her.
“The Upside Down puzzle!” Dustin exclaimed. “Why time stands still there since the day Will was taken. It’s because Will did in fact designed the Upside Down how he wanted it to be. And little Will wanted it to be like home but ever since then he basically never updated it, so it still looks like Hawkins did on November 6th, 1983.” Dustin told happily looking in confused faces.
“What?” several voices exclaimed.
“I can do that?”
“Did 001 told you that? Can you really believe him, Dustin?”
El was the most concerned, everybody looking at her after she spoke.
“Yes, and yes, I can. Even if I couldn’t, Will could tell you when I give him his memories back. Well not give back but unlock them in his mind if he wants me to.”
“You believe that monster that tried to kill us all? That killed Max?!” Lucas was getting angry.
Don’t listen to him. You know he’s wrong and doesn’t know better.
“Are you on his side? Is that why El saw you hugging him? We trusted you, Dustin. How could you trust him?”
Calm down, he’s not worth it. Save it.
“Lucas. Calm down. I’m pretty sure Dustin can explain it. I, for once, would love to get my memories back. We can discuss everything else after this.” Will tried to calm.
“I need air. Erica, we’re going home, now.” Lucas said, sounding annoyed. Erica didn’t want to, but she knew better than to fight Lucas. So, she followed him outside without another word.
Dustin took one of Will’s hands, holding it and doing the same his father did the first time he ‘possessed’ him.
Will was hit by a train of memories and after a while he opened his eyes, taking a deep breath.
“I’m not far off if I assume what I wished to happen, sort of happened there?” Will looked in Dustin’s eyes.
“Yeah. I have to go there now, get him. Do you want to join me?” Dustin replied to Will.
“I don’t think I’m ready to face it again. I’m sorry. Also, I kinda want to figure out how to like to use my powers? Especially after they’ve been dormant for so long.”
“That’s okay, I’m gonna be alright by myself.”
Another sad smile flashed from Dustin’s face before he went outside, took his bike, and biked to Munson trailer. Luckily for him Wayne was not here at the moment, so he went inside and went through the hole into the Upside Down.
He was looking around as he walked to where Eddie’s body should be laying. The bats didn’t even flow near him.
Remember he will be in a sort of coma. That’s what Vec- your father said.
‘Thanks Max. But I know. And I know how to wake him.’ Dustin smiled when he saw his friend laying on the ground.
He took all his strength to push Eddie in his body to wake him.
‘You know, I could push you back in your body, too. After this.’
That would mean the world to me, Dustin. Maybe I’ll be able to punch my boyfriend in the face for judging you to fast.
Max and Dustin shared a laughter before Eddie opened his eyes.
“Henderson? What happened? I thought I had my epic death and everything.”
Dustin laughed again, because of course he would with Eddie.
“Yes, you did. And I missed you, man.”
Dustin went and explained what went down and how Eddie was still alive, leaving out the discovery of his true heritage, not feeling ready to share this.
Notes:
and I like Lucas but foe the sake of this story and the plot I finally developed he has to be a bit bratty at some points
can you see I love dad!Vecna? if you don't let me tell you
I love him so much it makes me mad hahaha
Chapter 6: but I can feel you crying
Summary:
You are a kind human Dustin. You will always be a comfort place for people like me.
-
I don’t know what will happen now. I just want to hug Lucas.
Notes:
as promised the next one follows today
reminder: cursive writing refers to max talking most of the time
title from 'Diana' by One Direction
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
“Dustin!”
Steve yelled after him. Wanting to know what the fuck was going on.
“Will, what is he talking about? Where is he going?” Steve entered once more his mother mode.
“Don’t worry. He’ll be fine.” Will smiled.
“What is going on here?” Mike yelled, standing in the middle of living room. He drew all eyes on him.
“Why are you smiling, Will, what did Dustin show you? Even better how was Dustin able to show you anything?”
Realization dropped to the groups face.
“He showed me I had powers and that a lot more stuff happened when I was in the Upside Down for the first time. But I don’t know how he knew that.” Will said slowly, progressing what just happened.
“Where is he running of to? How are you sure he isn’t in any danger?”
To an outstanding person it looked like Steve was worried for his little son the way he showed mimic. In a way deep in the hearts the group thought of Steve as their mom.
“Well, I don’t know the exact location, but he is on his way to the Upside Down.”
“AND YOU ARE SMILING BECAUSE OF THAT? WE NEED TO GO AFTER HIM”
Will felt like he was scolded by his mother.
“You know where he is. He’s going to the place where Eddie Munson died.”
The moment Steve heard that he packed the kids and went into the car. El, Mike and Will on the backseat and Robin next to him he drove to the trailer.
Nancy chose to stay with Jonathan and Argyle who looked after Lucas and Erica. The two of them were on their way to see Max.
---
“Dustin – my little hero.”
Eddie smiled while he was hugged by Dustin.
“As much as I appreciate your love, I’d love to get out of this shithole."
He is right you know. Besides Erica and Lucas arrived at my hospital bed and I would love to punch Lucas in his face.
Dustin laughed at that.
“Yeah, yeah, let’s get back. Oh, don’t worry about the bats, they stay away from us now.”
Together the two of them walked to the trailer standing in the middle of nowhere. Dustin looked through the gate to see Steve.
“Dude, don’t run away like that. You’re giving me quite the frights. What were you doing and thinking?” Steve said while holding his hand to help Dustin up.
“My, oh my, Harrington, leave the kid alone. Aren’t you happy to see me?”
Steve froze at the sound of that voice and almost dropped Dustin, who could save himself to the other side.
“Eddie? Eddie is that you? Don’t try to kid me man.”
Steve said, remembering the moments the two of them shared in this old trailer. From rough sex to comforting cuddles.
As soon as he spoke those words the man who, until now, was just alive in his memories stepped into the picture.
“I missed you too, Stevie.”
“Ho-How is this even real?”
“It is, trust me it is. Now I’d appreciate a hand to help me up."
Steve held his hand and when he felt Eddie touching him, he knew this was real. He pulled Eddie up and hugged him.
“I’m glad you’re back. I missed you.” He mumbled into the hug.
“I’m glad to be back.”
“Now if we please could go back to the important things? How is he alive? How did Dustin give Will his memories? Why did El see them hug?” Robin was rambling in pure panic.
Steve left the hug and looked at his son.
“That’s right, Robin. Want to tell us, Dustin?” he faced Dustin with a stern look.
“Not now. Later, I need to talk to Lucas.” Dustin mumbled and biked away.
“Dustin! Wait!” Steve yelled after him.
Dustin stopped his bike and looked back.
“What? Steve, please, let me do this. I promise I will explain all of this afterwards. Just please.”
Dustin pleaded looking at Steve who could do nothing but sigh.
“Meet me at my place this afternoon at latest. Then I want an explanation, alright?” Steve looked at Dustin who nodded.
“Thank you.”
I have to thank you too, Dustin. But you don’t need to hurry for my sake.
‘Yes, I have to. The longer you stay in mind the more your connection to your physical body weakens. I can’t have it to disappear, then I can’t get you in your body.’
Dustin looked worried as he biked towards the hospital.
What? What would happen if you can connect my body with my mind?
‘I figured some things out, Max. I’m not carrying your mind with me but your soul. If I don’t make it on time, you might not be able to have a physical form at all.’
Tears came rolling down Dustin’s cheek, but they were not his own.
‘Don’t cry Max, even if this scenario come to pass, I’ll find a way.’
He tried to smile for her.
Thank you. You are a kind human Dustin. You will always be a comfort place for people like me.
Dustin smiled.
‘Thank you, Max.’
---
Dustin reached the hospital and walked as fast as he could to Max’s room.
“What are you doing here?!” Lucas almost yelled at him upon entering, Erica tried to calm her brother.
“Calm down, Lucas, I’m sure he is here for a reason.” She looked at her brother with a look that said, let him, please.
“Please, Lucas, just let me through to Max before it is too late. I’ll explain later.”
Dustin pleaded, he could feel the connection between Max and her physical connection fading.
“Please, let me to her.” He basically begged Lucas who prevented him from seeing the girl.
“No. You will explain first.” Lucas stood firm.
“NO!” Dustin’s body, Max’s soul, was screaming as he felt the last bit of connection disappear.
Erica and Lucas looked at him first then at Max.
They both heard the young girl screaming but her body didn’t move.
On the contrary, the monitor started beeping and nurses entered the room, sending the three teens outside.
Dustin was frozen in place, felt guilty, while Lucas and Erica were scared.
What happened?
We lost the connection; I don’t know what will happen now. I just want to hug Lucas. Max’s soul cried out.
It was quiet outside the room while inside nurses were trying lots of methods.
After a while a Doctor emerged of the room with a sad look on his face.
“I’m sorry. We lost her.” With a look to the nurses, he said “Time of Death 11.01 am.”
Lucas started crying and only managed to stand with the support of his little sister who was close to tears.
Dustin was just numb. He couldn’t feel a thing.
“I’m truly sorry, but I need a parent or legal guardian to sign some documents.” The doctor looked at the kids.
At this moment Dustin was relieved, that not only for him but also for Max Steve signed Documents to become a legal guardian since their mothers were not always capable of caring for their children.
“Steve Harrington. I’ll give you his number.”
Dustin said, still feeling numb.
The doctor left to call him and the three teens sunk to the ground.
And for the first time since he carried Max’s soul,
Dustin couldn’t feel her at all.
Notes:
I'm mean, I know, leaving you like this
also pls don't hate on Lucas for what he did, he just was worried for max and didn't understand what dustin was possibly doing
also max in the chapter summary - ngl writing her in dustin's mind was fun
max & dustin friendship is just amazing in general
Chapter 7: I’ll be by your side any time you’re needing me
Summary:
They often say being a parent gives you a new purpose, changes you. Ever since Steve was pulled into this mess and cared for the kids, he felt like he was finally being useful for something, like his life had a new purpose.
Notes:
happy new year everyone
I'm sorry for not uploading something but its been rough, been really stressed and stuff, and I'm only back with something very short, 748 words of comfort (which the teens very much need after last chapter)
anyways I hope I won't disappear for long after this but I can't and won't promise to much-
title from 'Walking in the Wind' by One Direction
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
“Dustin, Lucas, Erica!” Steve yelled running towards the teens. “I’m so sorry.” Being the Mama Bear he is, Steve pulled them all into a hug.
After a while, the teens barely calmed, a nurse emerged. “Is a Steve Harrington here?” Steve looks at the nurse.
“Yeah, I’m here. Do you need me to do something?” The look on the nurses’ face was unreadable, at least for Dustin who still tried to find Max inside of him.
“You are? May I ask for the relation between you and my patient?” Steve chuckled a bit. “I started by watching this bunch of kids, making sure they are safe and well I care for them. And since her mother hasn’t been feeling alright after some events, she asked me to take legal guardianship for her, to make sure she will always be cared for.” Steve explained, making sure to mention, that he cares and love his kids.
“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to question you, Mr. Harrington. It’s just that you seemed a bit -“”young? Yeah, I heard that before. No need to apologize.” Steve is too nice for the world, Dustin thought. He was really glad to have someone like Steve caring for him.
“I’m truly sorry for your loss.” She looked at Steve first, then at the crying Lucas, Erica trying to comfort her brother. Finally at Dustin who still felt numb, clinging to Steve like he is the only one who could save him from drowning. He is.
Dustin thought about their dynamic, trying to get his mind off the fact that Max is dead. Because of him. He couldn’t reunite her soul with her physical form in time. It was his responsibility to save her, that’s why he took her from Vec- no his father.
Then an idea came to his mind.
His father, of course.
He was way more experience with their powers.
Maybe he knows why he can’t feel Max anymore.
“Kids, I will be honest with you, I’m not asking you if you’re alright, because I know you don’t, know you can’t. She was close to all of us and there’s nothing I can say to get rid of this feeling. Just know, you are allowed to cry, to be vulnerable and if there’s anything you need me to do, do not hesitate to ask me.” Steve said facing the kids after returning with the nurse.
“Thank you, Steve. For being understanding.” Lucas manages to get out. “I want to go home.” is the next thing that emerges from Lucas’ cries.
“I’ll take you home and I’ll explain it to your parents.” Steve said and Lucas and Erica nodded thankfully.
“And you, Dustin?” Steve faced him and he realized he wanted nothing more than cry in Steve’s arms, where he felt the safest and most cared for.
“Home.” He looked at Steve with tears in his eyes.
And Steve knew, he always did.
---
Dustin stayed back in the car when Steve brought Lucas and Erica to their door, having a chat with their mother, explaining what was going on.
Dustin saw Mrs. Sinclair pulling her kids in a big hug and most likely thanking Steve.
After a while Steve returned, sitting down in the driver’s seat, facing Dustin next to him.
“Hey, I’m here for you kid.” He placed a hand on Dustin thigh as source of comfort and god Dustin was lucky, he thought, for having Steve.
“Thanks Mom.” Dustin mumbled, feeling so numb he didn’t even realize what he said.
Steve smiled, a tear falling down his face.
He was grateful for being a parent to those children.
They often say being a parent gives you a new purpose, changes you.
Ever since Steve was pulled into this mess and cared for the kids, he felt like he was finally being useful for something, like his life had a new purpose.
He loved the kids so dearly.
They arrived home and Steve looked over to Dustin, noticing he fell asleep.
Steve smiled to himself unbuckled both of their seatbelts, wrapping his arms around the teen and carried him inside.
Dustin was placed on his bed and Steve was about leaving his room and returning to the kitchen when he heard a quiet “Don’t leave me, Mom.”
So, he turned around and laid next to Dustin on the bed, cuddling with him.
Dustin was able to peacefully sleep for the first time for what felt ages, safe in the comfort of Steve’s arms.
Notes:
ngl i cried writing this, mother Steve has my heart and him comforting the kids, makes me cry so much
i hate myself for making them suffer so much :(as always I appreciate every reader, everyone who gives kudos, bookmarks or comments <3 very grateful for all of you who decide to read my stuff
sending love and hugs for a better 2024
Chapter 8: I'll hold you when things go wrong
Summary:
Listen to me. Nothing in the world could make me hate you. Not even your father.
Notes:
soo... my every once in a while became once in a year apparently...
anyways I'll update when I feel like it but yeah-
title from 'Dusk Till Dawn' by ZAYN ft. Sia
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Dustin woke up to Steve looking at him, still holding onto him. They both sat up in silence.
“Do you want to talk?” Steve asked carefully, not wanting to scare the young boy away.
“It’s my fault. I’m sorry.” Dustin mumbled and kept repeating those sentences.
“Hey, Dustin. It’s not your fault. Don’t blame yourself.” Steve tried to reassure him.
“You’re wrong. Everything. Everything that has happened with the Upside Down. It happened because of me.” Dustin let out a bit louder than intended, tears rolling down his face. “It’s all because of me.” He whispered into Steve’s chest. Hearing that Steve’s heart broke.
He wanted to say something, something to make Dustin feel better. Steve didn’t understand why the kid even blamed himself in the first place.
“Why? Why do you think that?” Steve asked carefully, while stroking his back to calm him. Dustin looked up to him.
“It-It’s because he’s my dad.” Dustin buried his head in Steve’s shoulder not wanting to look into his eyes. Steve kept stroking his back.
“Who is you dad, kiddo?” Steve asked calmy, not having put the puzzle pieces together yet.
“001.” Dustin mumbled into the shoulder, barely audible. To say Steve was shocked would be an understatement. But he didn’t react.
Dustin was prepared to be shoved away or even thrown out of the house but the only thing Steve did was keeping Dustin close in his arms, hugging and comforting him. They just sat there on the bed, quiet all around them, while Dustin clung to Steve.
“Do you hate me now?” Dustin whispered. He was scared of the answer that would follow. “I can leave.” Dustin was crying.
That pulled Steve out of the trance he was in since hearing that piece of information. “No.” He took his hand from Dustin’s back and cupped his cheeks.
“Listen to me. Nothing in the world could make me hate you. Not even your father.” Steve pulled him closer again to underline his sentence.
“Thank you.” Dustin mumbled under tears, having not expected this reaction. They sat there for a moment just finding comfort in the quiet.
Dustin being exhausted from everything fell asleep right then and there in comfort of Steve’s arms.
And Steve kept holding him, reassuring that he will always care for him. No matter what.
---
“Dustin? My prince? What happened why are you crying?” Is the next thing Dustin hears after the reassurance from Steve.
“Dad?” He looked up into his father’s eyes. And god, looking at him like that made him realize how much they have in common.
“I’m here, I’m here for you, my prince.” Henry smiled at him in a way that made Dustin forget about the villain that he – no Vecna – is.
“Max died.” Dustin led out. “She died because I failed. I thought I was strong enough to carry her soul home but I failed, Dad. I’m not worthy of my powers.” He cried. Henry took a moment to understand what his son was talking about.
“Listen to me, my prince. You’re worthy. You are intelligent and kind. No matter what others tell you, you are worthy. You are amazing.” Henry placed a kiss on his son’s forehead.
“But I failed, Dad. She’s dead because of me. I cannot feel her anymore.” As he watched his son breaking down, Henry’s heart broke for the first time.
You see his son is his greatest achievement, he says that himself. He’s so immensely proud of his son that he would do anything for him.
“She’s not completely gone. I can feel that, my prince.” And he felt it. But he knew that Max’s soul was now deep into his dimension, like all the lost souls. To find one soul there is like a needle in the haystack. Henry knew that it was most likely impossible to do. But he trusts that if there’s a way, his son will find her.
“What?” Dustin looked up to his father and for the first time since Max’s death, you could see a spark of hope in his eyes.
“There’s a place. They call it the Hall of Lost Souls. Every soul lost to time and space ends up there. Max will be there too. But I warn you, my prince, it’s a very difficult journey ahead. Harder than anything you faced before, including me. And the chance to find her is slim. But I trust you, my prince. If there is someone who can bring someone back from the Hall of Lost Souls, it’s you. You are stronger than you think you are, my prince.”
Dustin’s eyes filled up with hope. “Thank you, dad.” He said, wiping away his tears.
“I promise you, that I will try and help you on your journey. But the Hall of Lost Souls is a place where I cannot follow you.” Henry looked sad. He wanted to support his son on this dangerous quest. He wanted to make sure that he would be fine.
“Why?” Dustin asked, having hoped that accompanied by his father, his quest in finding Max would be easier.
“Because I currently don’t have a body. If I enter the hall now, my soul will be lost in there.” Henry said bitter.
“Then I’ll help you get you body back, Dad. I won’t be facing the Hall of Lost Souls without you.” Dustin said eagerly. “Please, Dad, I need you.” He begged.
“I love you, my prince. But it is not yet my time to return. And it is your time to rise and grow into the amazing man you are. This quest is one you have to do without me. Make a plan. Get your friends. If you’re done with your preparations, come back to me. Come back and I’ll sent you to the Hall of Lost Souls.”
Notes:
me? making a real plot? yeah its happening lmao
also can you tell that I absolutely love Dad!Vecna?
I'm really excited for season 5, I wonder how they will finish the show, do you have any ideas/hopes/wishes?
ahuman (Guest) on Chapter 2 Sun 26 Mar 2023 06:10AM UTC
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