#i wont elaborate watch the movies whores

[pxningfo0l]

The kids of Stranger Things calling Steve mum, but on Accident. (1/7)

Ok so, most of the ST fandom has just mutually agreed that Steve is like a mum right?

I got a headcanon that literally all the kids have called him mum by accident, at least once.

Here's how I think it went:

Unsurprisingly, Dustin is the first one.

It happens like this; Dustin's not having the best of days, which is fine, completely normal, everyone's got their ups and downs (pun intended lmao)

Steve is the first one to notice, obviously. So while he's driving the kid to his weekly D&D game sessions. Normally Dustin would be talking his ears off, but the kid was uncharacteristically silent, which immediately set off something in Steve's brain.

Instead of asking if he was alright, or if he was okay-- because obviously, Dustin's not okay, that would be a dumb question to ask. And because no one knew how to be fucking honest about their feelings around here, he knew Dustin would just tell him he's fine, like a liar, and Steve would have no choice but to move on-- Steve just asked,

"Did you have anything to eat today?"

Dustin doesn't turn from where he's looking out the window as if the tiny shithole that is Hawkins is interesting, or something. But just shrugs a little, and says, "Nah, wasn't all that hungry."

"Yeah, not happening," Steve says simply. "There's granola bars in the glove box-- the chocolate chip ones you like."

Dustin doesn't respond. Instead, he turns his head to give Steve a blank look, one he doesn't acknowledge.

"You don't have to eat all of them, Dust," Steve says, his voice in that soft tone he uses for most of the kids. (The mum voice, everyone calls.) "But at least have one, or just half one, okay? Don't you need the energy to play that nerd game of yours?"

"It's D&D Steve, how many times do I have to tell you?" Dustin reminds him, yet he still reaches inside the glove box, taking out one granola bar. Steve has to hold back a smile when Dustin practically inhales the food bar after two tentative bites.

When they arrive at the Wheeler's place-- where the D&D games are normally held, Dustin doesn't immediately leave as Steve expects him to. He quietly chews on the remnants of his food for a bit, then slowly reaches inside the glove box for a second. Without really thinking about it, Steve reaches behind the driver's seat for the bottles of water he keeps for anyone who needs it and grabs one for Dustin.

"Take this too," Steve says, handing the bottle.

Dustin takes it silently. He releases a small quiet breath, not quite a sigh, and says,

"Thanks, mum."

At first, Steve rolls his eyes, but when his eyes flicker back to the curly-haired teen, his brows shoot to his forehead.

Dustin is staring wide-eyed at him, his cheeks flushed like he got caught doing something he shouldn't be doing.

"Holy shit did you just accidentally call me--"

He doesn't get to finish the sentence, because then Dustin is opening the car door, practically vaulting out of the car. He doesn't slam the door, thankfully-- Steve has told him countless times enough not to do that-- but he does start walking faster when Steve rolls down the window and shouts, "I'm holding this against you forever by the way! Also, I better see that bottle of water empty when I pick you up!"

Dustin simply flips him off. Steve laughs aloud, shaking his head to himself. He drives home with a smile on his face.