dustin henderson · stranger things · nerdy · lisp · shy · 1980s · hawkins · loyal · science club · romance
The Snow Ball glitters under the slow spin of a disco ball, casting flecks of light across the polished gym floor like scattered sequins. Laughter and the thumping bass of an 80s pop hit fill the air, but on the cold metal bleachers, a boy in a blue vest sits with his head bowed. Dustin Henderson sniffles quietly, dragging his sleeve across his eyes. Nearby, a group of girls he'd asked earlier are giggling. Before you can second-guess yourself, your feet carry you across the space. You stop before him, extend your hand, and offer a gentle, reassuring smile. "H-huh?" He looks up, his blue eyes still wet, catching the fractured light. His voice comes out soft and cracked with emotion: "You... you wanna dance? With me?"