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Nancy took a sip of her drink, coughing at the burning sensation. The current band who just played was mediocre at best, with the group singing another cover of a random song. Seriously, what happened to originality? Just then the host of the night went to the stage.
"Good evening, everyone! So next up is one of your favorites. Without further ado, please welcome H&B!"
Nancy and the rest of the people in the bar clapped, but Nancy stopped when she saw who it was. Steve Harrington. Oh, no. If he's here, then-
"So sorry I'm a bit late! I parked two blocks away and..."
Everything in the background faded as Nancy zeroed in to the speaker. Even five years from when they separated, she still looked the same.
"Anyway, let's start! For tonight, it's just gonna be a couple of covers - sorry for those who are expecting something new, I swear Steve and I are working on a new single- but we have several good ones. First up, Bizzare Love Triangle by Frente." Robin cleared her throat.
Every time I think of you/ I get shot right into a bolt of blue
It's no problem of mine/but it's a problem I find /living a life that I can't leave behind
Two songs, and then they took a break. Nancy finished her drink and was about to get out of the place, but she hesitated. Before she could make up her mind, Robin and Steve reappeared. Just then Nancy made eye contact with the blonde. She ducked her head, but it was too late.
"This next song is about someone I...I knew." Robin said, her voice suddenly shaking.
I dreamed a dream of times gone by/when hope was high/and life's worth living
Nancy couldn't stop the tears flowing down her face as she recognized the song. "I Dreamed A Dream" from Les Miserables.
Still I dream she'll come to me/and that we will live the years together
But there are dreams that cannot be/and there are storms we cannot weather
I had a dream my life would be/so different from this hell I'm living
So different now from what it seems/But now life has killed the dream I dreamed
Nancy stood up, desperate to get herself out of the bar and away from her. From Robin. It still hurt, after all these years.
"Nancy."
She flinched and turned around. Robin was standing before her, face unreadable. They stood in silence for a few moments, just looking at each other. Robin was wearing her worn out army jacket, partnered with black undershirt, grey denim jeans, and brown ankle boots.
"Hi." Nancy said, unsure of what to say. Robin's eyes flashed.
"That's it? Five years. Five f*cking years of radio silence, and 'hi' is the best you can come up with? Unbelievable." The taller woman scoffed. Nancy's anger flared up, and she glared at Robin.
"What do you expect me to say? Huh? You're in the wrong as much as I am."
Robin laughed. "I'm in the wrong? Really? Who's the one who went away all of a sudden? You did. Who's the one who didn't give a shit about how her friends might feel? You did. So tell me just how the f*ck am I in the wrong in this situation."
"Why didn't you reach out?" Nancy asked accusingly.
"Fine, you got me there. But how about you? Why haven't you?"
At that Nancy faltered. "I was... Scared, I guess."
"Really? I never pegged you as a coward. I guess I was wrong." Robin said, ignoring the look of hurt that flitted across Nancy's face. Robin turned away and walked towards her car without so much as a goodbye.
Time Jump, Nancy's Apartment
Nancy sniffed as she downed another glass of wine. She was about to pour herself a fourth when someone knocked on the door. Slightly stumbling, Nancy went to answer the door. She froze as she saw who it was.
"Robin." She said warily. "W-what brings you here?"
"Um, I kinda wanted to talk." Robin said, eyes down as she shuffled her feet.
"Sure, come on in." Nancy said. Robin joined the brunette on the dining room, pulling out a chair. She noticed the wine bottle and the glass,, and she raised an eyebrow. Nancy just shook her head.
"So... What do you want to talk about?" Nancy said after a few moments of awkward silence.
"Oh, right. I just want to say sorry for how I acted back at the bar."
"No, Rob. It should be me who's apologizing. We were both hurting, but it was completely wrong for me to vanish without saying goodbye. You, out of all people, deserve to know why."
"Why, then? Why did you have to leave?" Robin asked.
"It's just... It's too much. I can't stay in Hawkins or anywhere near it. The horrors we've faced, all the times I almost lost you.... I can't deal with another trauma."
Robin's heart broke as she saw Nancy's face. The terror, the guilt, the shame.
"Hey. Hey, look at me. It's OK. While it would have been better if you gave a heads-up, I understand now why you left. I forgive you. I'm sorry for calling you a coward."
Nancy slowly looked up. "So..."
Robin smiled softly. "Yes."
Just then Nancy threw herself at her, sobbing.
"I missed you." She whispered. "I missed you so much."
"Shh. I know, love. I know. But I'm here now. And I'm here to stay." Robin pulled back and, on a whim, kissed Nancy. It felt like coming home. Robin put her hands under Nancy's shirt, exploring everything that she can, every inch of her both foreign and familiar at the same time. They only separated to come up for air, both of them breathless.
"That was way overdue."
Robin laughed. "Yes, it is."