Stranger things | Reader insert | Season -2

19

The Gate - 4

"So, um, did you maybe want to dance?"

Y/N POV:

I watched with a warm smile as Y/S/N carefully applied the finishing touches to El's makeup. She stepped back, admiring her handiwork. "There, you look absolutely stunning, El."

El stared at her reflection, eyes wide with wonder. The soft green of the dress brought out the warmth in her complexion, and the subtle smoky eye makeup made her hazel eyes shine brighter than ever. "I... I look beautiful," she breathed, a small smile tugging at her lips.

I grinned, giving her hand a gentle squeeze. "You always look beautiful, El. But this look is extra special."

Y/S/N nodded in agreement as she moved to stand behind me, beginning to carefully apply my makeup. "You two are going to have all the boys at the Snowball drooling," she teased, earning a playful eye roll from me.

Once she had finished, Y/S/N grinned and grabbed both our hands, tugging us to our feet. "Alright, let's get downstairs. I'm sure Dad and Hopper are dying to see you all dolled up."

The three of us made our way downstairs, the clicking of our heels against the hardwood echoing in the hallway. As we reached the bottom, Mom and Dad both let out audible gasps.

Mom's eyes glistened with happy tears. "Oh, my girls..." she murmured, wrapping Y/S/N and I in a tight hug. She then turned to El, pulling her into the embrace as well. "And you, sweetheart. You look beautiful."

El stiffened for a moment, clearly unused to such open affection. But soon, she melted into the hug, her own eyes shining with unshed tears. "Thank you," she whispered, her voice thick with emotion.

Dad had his phone out, already snapping photos left and right. "My girls," he murmured, his voice laced with pride. "You've grown up so much."

Hopper stepped into the room then, a gruff chuckle escaping his lips. "Well, don't you all clean up nice." He ruffled El's carefully styled hair, earning him a playful glare from Y/S/N.

"Hey, watch the 'do, Hop!" she scolded, though her lips were quirked in a fond smile.

Hopper raised his hands in surrender, a proud grin on his face. "Sorry, sorry. You girls look great, really."

As we made our way to the school, Mom and Dad fawned over us the entire time. Hopper chuckled, shaking his head fondly. "Bunch of saps, the lot of you," he teased, though his own smile betrayed his true emotions.

I felt a thrill of excitement course through me as I linked my arm with El's. "You ready for this, El?" I asked, giving her hand a gentle squeeze.

El nodded, her eyes shining with anticipation. "I'm ready."

The trio of us made our way into the Snowball, eyes wide with excitement and wonder. This was our night to shine, to be normal kids enjoying a school dance. As we stepped onto the dance floor, hand in hand, I spotted Mike nervously making his way towards El, a shy smile on his face. I gave El's hand an encouraging squeeze before stepping back, content to watch my friends have their moment.

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Arlo approach, his expression slightly apprehensive. "Hey, Y/N," he said, his cheeks flushed. "You, uh, you look really beautiful tonight."

I felt warmth spread across my face at his compliment. "Thanks, Arlo. You don't look too bad yourself." I gave him a warm smile, taking in his smart suit and slightly tousled hair. He looked incredibly handsome.

Arlo rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly. "So, um, did you maybe want to dance?"

"I'd love to," I replied, my heart fluttering with anticipation.

Gently taking my hand in his, Arlo led me out onto the dance floor. We swayed together to the slow rhythm of the music, my head resting against his chest. I could feel the steady beat of his heart, the rise and fall of his breath. Being this close to him felt so right, so natural.

As the song drew to a close, Arlo pulled back slightly, his eyes locking with mine. I felt myself getting lost in their warm depths, my breath catching in my throat. Slowly, hesitantly, he leaned in closer, giving me ample time to pull away if I wanted to.

But I didn't want to.

Closing the distance between us, our lips met in a soft, tender kiss. It was sweet and unhurried, filled with all the love and affection we felt for each other. When we finally parted, our foreheads rested together, twin smiles on our faces.

"Y/N..." Arlo breathed, his thumb stroking my cheek. "I've wanted to do that for so long."

I giggled softly, feeling lighter than air. "Me too," I admitted shyly.

He beamed at me. "I really like you, Y/N. So much."

"Arlo, I really like you too. A lot." I said as we both blushed and danced.

El is back, and I was able to tell Arlo how I feel. Everyone ended up with the person they truly love. It's a happy ending, isn't it?

Maybe not.

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