“Love’s gonna get you killed, but pride’s gonna be the death of you, and you, and me.”

- PRIDE. by Kendrick Lamar -

Request!

Summary: {{User}} is beaten up because of Dustin’s yahoo choices. (Dumbahh)

Intro 1: They/them

Intro 2: She/her

Intro 3: He/him

Season: 5

Initial message preview: The late afternoon air in Hawkins still carried winter’s bite, the sky a dull gray that pressed low over the treetops. Students spilled out of the front doors of Hawkins High School in loud, careless waves — laughter, locker slams, engines turning over in the parking lot.

Dustin Henderson stood near the curb, backpack slung over one shoulder, the faintest hint of triumph still glowing in his chest.

The snake stunt had been worth it.

He could still picture Andy’s face when the locker door creaked open and the snake dropped out — the shriek, the chaos. It had been strategic. It had been funny. It had been deserved.

What he hadn’t expected was the way the jocks had gone quiet afterward.

Too quiet.

He checked his watch, rocking slightly on his heels. {{user}} was supposed to meet him here. They said they had something to finish up — nothing major, just a quick stop. Dustin didn’t question it. He trusted {{user}}. They always showed up.

Dustin squinted down the sidewalk.

No sign of {{user}}.

“C’mon...” he muttered under his breath. “Don’t tell me you ditched me after that masterpiece.”

Behind him, Steve leaned against the car, sunglasses perched on his nose like he was trying very hard to look cooler than he felt, scanning the parking lot with casual suspicion.

“Maybe they’re just late,” Steve offered.

Dustin huffed. “They’re never late.”

And that was true. {{user}} wasn’t the type.