Archive of Our Own

Chapter Text

Ringing. That’s all Robin Buckley could hear after the gate vanished. Just seconds ago the roaring sound of wind ripping trees from their roots, debris wrecking through buildings as if they were made of brittle bones had ended all too quickly for her brain to comprehend anything.

What just happened? Where was El? S-she couldn’t just be gone? Her mind was racing frantically trying to come up with any answers but sadly there were none. Well, none that she wanted to hear. 

The months and years of fighting against things she could barely explain had all just come to a sudden halt. After rescuing the children, climbing down from the other world and narrowly making it back to earth just in time for the military to catch them. Just in time for Eleven to slip behind the gate and disappear in the aftermath of the bomb her boyfriend created. Leaving everyone baring witness in utter shock.

Robin snapped back to her senses when she hears Nancy Wheeler screaming. “Let go of him! Mike!” The young woman yelled as she fought against the soldiers to get to her little brother. “Michael! Get your dumb hands off of me! Stop! Let him GO!” 

Her feet were moving before she even registered she was racing towards Nancy but before Robin could reach her, Steve Harrington grabbed her arm to hold her back.

“What the-Steve?” She looked at him confused as he pulled her to him. “Don’t. I’ll go,” Steve said looking paler than she’d ever seen him. They had lost a lot people over the years but this loss was already taking its toll. But before he could move, they were both stopped by soldiers. 

Mike Wheeler had finally wrestled himself away from the soldiers who also stood dumbfounded by what had just happened. 

Robin watched as they released Nancy to go comfort Mike. He stood in front of the public library in utter shock. Tears were casually flowing down his face. Nancy reached him and grabbed for his arm. The moment he felt her touch, Mike turned around and damn near crumbled into her arms as they fell slowly to the ground. Once so small she could carry him with ease, but now he was almost a foot taller than her and still she cradled him. Rocking back and forth, trying her best to soothe the pain that no words could fix.

“She’s gone. Nance, she’s gone.” He cried. “What do we do? I can’t lose her again. We have to get her back. Nancy, please.” Mike choked out as he sobbed; clinging to his sister like he might get sucked into the gate that was no longer there.

Nancy tried her best to calm him down— Shh, Mikey. It’s okay. It’s going to be okay—even though she could barely hold in her own tears. They were soon joined by Holly Wheeler who was also visibly weeping.

“I’m so sorry.” The little girl whispered as hugged her brother. Nancy clung to her siblings so tightly, determined to never let them go again.

Robin couldn’t watch anymore as she turned to cry in Steve’s arms who, too, was now silently crying. 

Eleven was dead and there was no backup plan to fix it. They had run their last campaign and succeeded but it still felt like they lost.

****

After a few moments, everyone was gathered up and taken to the local hospital. Still under the military surveillance, those that weren’t injured were immediately interrogated. Like them, the military couldn’t believe that El had just died. 

When Nancy came out of her interrogation room having told them nothing, she was ordered to wait with the others in a makeshift waiting area they had set up outside the hospital. A sterile dark green military tent with basic folding chairs. They had made everyone strip for their medical examination but hadn’t given them back their clothes yet. Something about them needing to be tested. Another vague statement that only made Nancy more frustrated about their situation.

Sitting to the far right of the entrance sat Robin with her elbows firmly planted on her knees and her face resting in her hands. She had been released first and was waiting impatiently for anyone else to join her. Thankfully, she only had to wait twenty minutes for this to happen.

The hospital gown Nancy was wearing looked more like a dress compared to the one Robin had on. Of course when it was her turn to change, all they had left were larges. She hated how much smaller it made her appear. The flimsy hem was hanging well past her knees while Robin’s stopped mid thigh.
That’s the first thing Nancy noticed when she was begrudgingly escorted into the tent. A blue and yellow bruise was forming on her left thigh. Even though the mind flayer was gone, she'd love one more shot at it for hurting her friend.

All the other children were still inside being tested while everyone else was being examined or interrogated. The area was basically empty except for the two soldiers stationed near the entrance and Robin. Nancy was so relieved to see the slightly taller girl. Once released she almost ran to her. 

“Hey, are you okay?” Robin asked concerned as she popped up to greet her. As they drew closer, Nancy instinctively reached out for the lighter haired girl. She relished in the hug that Robin immediately pulled her into.

Their height difference was never more apparent than when she was wrapped up in her arms. “Yeah, I’m fine.” She sighed against Robin’s chest. “Those bastards took my guns.” Nancy whined as she leaned back a little to stare up at Robin. Nancy looked more pitiful and annoyed than she’d ever seen her.

Robin scowled in the soldiers direction.
“I know. They took all my stuff, too. They better give us our shit back. Those walkie talkies weren’t cheap and that jacket was vintage.” Robin mutters pointedly as a few soldiers pass by the tent. 

Both girls sat down but stayed close. Talking briefly about what they were interrogated about, both being proud that neither of them gave up anything. Not that they knew anymore than the military about what happened to Eleven. 

Somehow Robin had ended up with her arm around Nancy’s shoulder. This caused the other girl to cuddle close to her with their knees slightly touching. Neither felt awkward in this position. Although, when Robin felt a shiver against her side, she instinctively pulled Nancy closer. 

“I think my adrenaline high just crashed.” Nancy stated, trying her best to explain away the sudden shiver. It was definitely cold out since it was November but the tent was mostly warm due to a small heater near the front. And the fact that Robin was definitely keeping her from feeling the chill threatening to come inside. 

“It’s been a rough couple of days. I think we’re all just in shock or something.” Robin replied. The smaller girl only nodded in agreement. 

“Where’s Vickie?” Nancy finally asked after a few minutes of silence. “I didn’t see her with the others.”

Nancy had noticed how close the two girls were. She had caught them holding hands and glancing at each other in more than a friend way more than once. Robin had made it very clear that her and Steve weren’t an item but it didn’t occurred to her that boys were not an option at all. That was until she saw her with Vickie. The smaller girl did her best to squash the hint of jealousy that was pooling in her stomach at thought of them being together. Nancy legit didn’t have time to ponder whatever that was when a mutilated super villain was hell bent on having their worlds collide. But now that was over. 

The silent implication of the question had Robin slightly squirming in her chair.

Did Nancy know? Steve wouldn’t have told her. Or Will…She thought before she realizing she was taking too long to answer.

“Uh, her parents came and picked her up. She truly didn’t know anything so they let her go.” She said with a bit of sadness.

Robin knew all of this was too much for Vickie but she had hoped once it was all over, they’d finally get that dinner date. After everything that happened in the past few years; hearing her whisper that she couldn’t be with her anymore was almost as mind blowing as fighting Vecna. She thought she would be more upset about it but after everything that happened in the last few hours, her breakup felt like a cakewalk. Plus, she couldn’t help the happiness of having Nancy so close.

The taller girl felt oddly protective over the oldest Wheeler sibling. Even though Nancy had proven over a dozen times that she could take care of herself; it still didn’t dim her urge to take care of her. Especially after all that she’s been through. It was so hard watching her take on that massive mind flayer by herself. The whole scene had Robin feeling a plethora of emotions. Absolute terror hit her first. Robin couldn’t imagine doing something like herself but witnessing Nancy do it left her surprisingly in awe. The tiny young woman snuggled in her arms right now was a certified bad ass.

Before she could stop herself, Robin gazed down and said with such admiration, ”You were amazing tonight, you know that?”

Nancy only gave a small smile. She was grateful for the compliment but she honestly didn’t feel amazing.

In fact, she felt devastated. Defeating Vecna and destroying the Upside Down was always their goal but losing Eleven was never ever apart of their plans. Just the thought of her brought fresh tears to her eyes.

Ugh, why can’t she stop crying? She thought as delicate tears silently fell. 

Again Robin pulled her closer, this time wrapping both arms around her as Nancy embraced her in a tighter hug. “It’s okay.” Her own voice breaking.

“I miss her already, too.” 
 
The rest of the gang trickled into by the ones and twos. Everyone looked haggard and mournful. After a few hours, they let them go to everyone’s surprise. Hopper and Nancy had both been super on edge assuming they would be arrested for their crimes of killing several soldiers but the military never pursued anything.

It was actually over.

****

A few days later the majority of the party plus the babysitters and adults showed up at the Wheelers to discuss Eleven’s funeral. Will, Joyce and Johnathon Byers were determined to make it a beautiful service. Brief but yet sentimental.

Mike, sullen and still in denial, wanted to come up with a plan to find her but everyone agreed—mostly the adults —that she was gone. That it was in everyone’s best interest that the military continued to think she disappeared with the gate. But Mike couldn’t see past his grief. After shattering a glass in anger, he retreated to the basement, the boys; Dustin Henderson, Will and Lucas Sinclair quickly followed.

“He just needs some time.” Will said solemnly before he closed the door behind him.

Nancy, who had gotten up to chase him, was pulled down by Robin. “Don’t leave me alone with all these old people.” The taller girl whispered in her ear as she plopped back down beside her on the couch.

“The party can handle their dungeon master.” 

Nancy sighed, “You’re right, I’m sure the boys can talk some sense into him.” Nancy mumbled as she glances towards the basement. She had been so worried about Mike. He wasn’t taking El’s death well at all. Barely eating or sleeping. None of them were honestly but they knew they couldn’t pretend like nothing had happened. They had to keep living no matter how hard that felt in the moment. 

Max Mayfield, who was still stuck in her wheelchair, had managed to roll herself over to the basement door. Robin had almost gotten up to help her but then stopped after figuring out the redhead’s plan.

From her chair, Max lifted her right foot and with all her strength gave the door one good kick before yelling a frustrated, “Hey!” Less than 15 seconds later, the door swung open to reveal a remorseful looking Lucas.

“I’m sorry! My bad!” She greets him with a frown and her middle finger.

“I know, I know. I forgot your legs still don’t work yet.” He apologized as he scooped her up and took her down to the basement. The whole scene had Robin giggling to herself. She turned to look at Nancy to see if she saw it too to find her zoned out. 

A gentle squeeze of her hand brought Nancy back from her thoughts. She looked down and saw Robin’s hand interlaced with hers. “We’ll get through this, okay?” Robin reassured her. Nancy could only smile. She knew more than ever they have to lean on each other. 

***

Two weeks passed and El’s funeral day had arrived. The sun was shining high in the cemetery Jim Hopper had chose to have her legacy saved. They were all standing around a beautifully engraved head stone. 

Here Lies Jane Hopper

A Daughter 

A Sister and Best Friend 

A Hero 

Even though Robin stood next to Steve in his Black suit and sun glasses, she kept sneaking glances at Nancy who was standing next to her family. Mike’s left hand in hers with Holly clutching his arm on his right side. Robin was still overthinking about what happened the day before. 

She had stopped by the other girl’s house to see if she’d go shopping with her. Robin didn’t have anything she considered nice enough to wear to the funeral. 

Instead of shopping, once again Nancy had convinced her to wear a long black dress with a subtle v-neck that her mother owned. This time it didn’t feel so uncomfortable. Especially when Nancy had placed a dark purple and blue floral shawl around her shoulders. 

The darker haired girl absolutely loved dressing up Robin. Even though she adore her style of boy’s clothes and vintage items, putting her in more form fitting attire brought out the curves she liked to hide. On the days Robin dressed a little more feminine were one of the highlights of her day. Though she’d never admit it.

“This should keep you warm if it starts to get too cold.” Nancy almost whispered as she concentrated on tying up the loose ends of the shawl around Robins chest. Robin could only swallow and nod as she watched. Her fondness for the shorter young woman had only amplified over the last few weeks—well, years honestly. It didn’t help that she was freaking ovulating. Her body wanted a baby by any means necessary. It didn't care if was a man or a woman, although Robin would've preferred the latter. She use to joke with Steve that it made her feel like Wonder Woman but it also made her want to do unspeakable things to her.

Being this close to Nancy had her body feeling exactly the same way except worse. Much, much worse. 

Nancy’s fingers lightly brushed against soft skin as she finished tying the shawl. The sensation sent sweet tingles throughout Robin’s body; causing her to inhale as a slight blush lit up her chest and cheeks. They briefly made eye contact and it sent a shiver down Nancy’s spine. It instantly made the taller girl take a step back and look away.

"Uh, sorry." She mumbled with embarrassment. Nancy tried not to notice as she too turned to look for something, anything that would distract her from whatever just happened.

“I think I have, uh, a n-necklace or some, some earrings you could, uh, also use? Maybe a brochet? But you're not 65...” She stammered as she searched fervently top of her dresser for any jewelry Robin could wear. 

Robin nodded few times before she stuttered out, “Y-yes! Jewelry! That would be a nice touch. Uh, t-thanks for this.” She motioned to the dress. Before Nancy could reply, the other girl continued voicing her thoughts. Using her hands to emphasize her words. 

“I truly had nothing to wear. I-I mean, I do have stuff to wear. Just not fancy schmancy stuff. My family doesn’t really go to funerals much.” She started pacing. “Most of our relatives don’t live close or are already dead. I mean, passed away so I haven’t had a chance to get any dress clothes, not that I could afford them anyway.” She rambled.

An amused smile formed on Nancy’s face as she watched Robin continue to spiral in her bedroom. “Everything is so expensive nowadays. Reagan has really done a number on this economy. Reaganomics! Who knew!” She laughed sarcastically. 

Nancy snickerd into her hand. She tried to break the trance the other girl was in by saying her name but Robin was stuck. 

“Thrifting is great and all but you should see some of the stuff people donate!” She threw up her hands in annoyance. “It would be nice to find something that didn’t already have pit stains or smell like cat pee. Why can’t I-,” The taller girl would’ve likely continued her tangent if Nancy hadn’t stopped her in place by grabbing her shoulders.

“Robin!” Nancy shouted, trying her best to stifle her giggles as she brought the other girl back to reality. 

“Hey, hey, it’s okay.” Nancy smiled as she placed a hand on her face, gently using her thumb to stroke Robin’s cheek. Instinctively doing something her mother had done to her a thousand times to calm her down.

“I’m always happy to help you.” Nancy cooed. Robin sighed and melted effortlessly into her touch. She closed her eyes briefly and just breathed; using this small moment of clarity to calm her thoughts. Nancy smiled as she pulled her hand away—Robin almost whined at the loss of contact—but she didn’t stop touching her. Instead, she ran her fingers lightly down her arms, softly soothing her before she reached her hands.

She gave them a tight squeeze as she said, “You have nothing to be ashamed about.” Nancy knew Robin felt insecure about being poor but that never ever bothered her. She would gladly share her entire wardrobe with her if they didn’t have such vastly different styles. 

Robin smiled before saying, “Thank you.” Whether it was for the dress or stopping her over active brain; she didn’t care.

She caught Nancy's eyes before she changed her attention to their hands.

“I’ll, um, be sure to have everything dry cleaned before I give it back.” She rubbed her thumbs over Nancy’s hands before she let them go to turn and look at herself in the mirror. The dress wasn’t what she’d pick out for herself but she didn’t hate it.

Maybe I should start dressing more girly more often. She thought as she checked herself out. Her tomboy figure had finally developed a chest she could manage, hips and a plump little butt she couldn’t be mad at. 

The smaller girl watched her from behind, silently admiring how beautiful Robin had become over these last two years. They both didn’t look like high school girls anymore.

“Don’t worry about it.” She shrugged.

”You can keep it. I’m sure my mom won’t mind.” Because of the lock down,  Karen Wheeler had started to treat all the party members as if they were her own. Even adjacent members like Robin, Johnathon and Steve. She always let Nancy and her siblings know that their friends were more than welcome in her home. 

“Wow, thank you. You really are the best, you know that.” Robin beamed, eyeing her in the mirror. She could’ve sworn she saw Nancy blush but she turned away before Robin could study her any further.

After she changed back into her street clothes in the bathroom, Robin took the clothing bag Nancy had placed the dress in. “I’ll see you tomorrow.” She waved as she left. To her surprise, Nancy kind of wanted her stay. But she was gone her on bike before she could stop her. 

***

Almost two months went by before Nancy had a chance to be alone with Robin again. The holidays had come and gone with little fanfare, and now it was almost February. Nancy had been super busy caring for her parents and all their affairs. On top of dealing with the remodeling of her house, which was basically just fixing what Vecna's goon had destroyed.

While her father was still in the hospital, her mother was out and staying at the Sinclair's next door. Karen Wheeler was still in pretty bad shape and needed two more surgeries to manage her injuries. Nancy took care of her with help from Lucas’s mom. 

Sue Sinclair had made it her mission to help out however she could after she found out what happened at the hospital. Even though they couldn’t exactly explain what happened, they told her enough to know that her son wouldn’t be here if Karen hadn’t risk her life for him. So, of course she insisted on the other woman and Holly recovering in her home. Setting up the guest room upstairs for Karen, while Erica shared her room with Holly. 

Max was also staying there since if her mother wasn’t at work, she was at the bar getting wasted. Susan Hargrove had lost too much in a short amount of time and it broke her. She barely visited while her daughter was comatose and the disbelief of seeing her awake, only made her guilt worse. The night Lucas and his mom tried to take her home only ended with them putting Max right back in their car. Lucas and Charlie cleared out his office downstairs so she'd be able to get around easier with her wheelchair.  

Steve had offered up his place for the Byers Boys to stay and to Nancy’s dismay, included Mike. He was eager to host them since his parents were no longer home. The Harringtons had decided on a semi-permanent vacation, leaving their only child alone with their mini mansion. They even got him a new BMW to appease their absence. Right before Thanksgiving, his house had became their new hangout spot since the radio station was no longer needed.

The Wheeler house felt so empty. Nancy had barely stayed there in the three months since the gate had been destroyed. Choosing to crash on the Sinclair’s couch with Holly or one of the empty beds or chairs in her father’s hospital room. Ted Wheeler was still in a coma but at least his wounds had healed. When the Sinclair house got too noisy, she would go visit her father. He was the purest example of a neglectful parent but Nancy couldn’t deny that she loved him and hoped he’d get better soon. At least for her mom. 

She had become surprisingly close with Max. Since the younger girl had limited use of her limbs, she needed help doing almost everything. From dressing herself to going to the bathroom to eating. Everyone was helping her, even Holly and Erica Sinclair stepped up to brush her hair and do physical therapy exercises with her.

Most days she was positive about her situation. Happy to be alive and able to see and feel again. While on other days she got easily overwhelmed and frustrated. Like now as she tried without help to put on her favorite yellow long sleeve shirt. The redheaded girl had already gotten half of it on but was desperately struggling with the other half.

“Distract me.” She demanded, tears welling up in her eyes. “I was a vegetable for almost two years. I’ve missed so much gossip. Please tell me anything.”

The older girl pondered for a moment before saying, “Johnathon and I broke up. But you already know that. Umm… Remember that Jason kid that got messed up by a gate but everyone still thinks it was the devil? Well, a bunch kids made him a martyr and now there’s mini cult of Jason worshippers. Did you hear about that?” Nancy asked as she watched Max at the kitchen table. Her elbow was casually sitting on the table while her head rested in her hand.

Nancy was exhausted but she wanted to help. Max kept wanting to give up, mad that she couldn’t do such a simple task anymore. But Nancy kept encouraging her. Offering assistance when she thought the other girl needed it. 

This had been their routine for the last three weeks. Everyday, Max would practice with a different article of clothing and Nancy would assist her. She actually enjoyed their time together. The only girl in the Party had a wicked sense of humor, was super perceptive and shared her love of true crime novels.

Max groaned as she fought to lift her arm again, “Yeah, Lucas told me he got split but he left out that last part. That asshole totally deserved it but he doesn’t deserve a mini cult. Fucking idiots…” A look of disgust flashed across her face before it quickly changed to a sympathetic one. “Sorry about you and stoner boy though.” She half smiled as she failed again to get her other arm through the hole.

Nancy just shrugged nonchalantly as she yawned. She had felt such relief after breaking up with Johnathon but she had to admit she missed the partnership. Doing everything alone now sucked. Her ex-boyfriend wasn’t good at most things but he tried and that was one of the things she appreciated about him.

The older girl was about to ask Max if she wanted help when the redhead broke out with, “So, what’s up with you and Robin?” She smirked. Max had seen them hugging in the military tent months ago and had been observing how they acted around each other since then. Robin and Nancy had become her new favorite drama. 

Nancy just stared at her incredulously, almost too stunned to speak, before replying, “W-what do you mean?”

She took her elbow off the table and sat up in her chair. A shot of adrenaline hit her system, instantly making her feel anxious.

“There’s nothing going on between me and Robin.” Nancy said nervously.

Max just quirked an eyebrow.

"There's not!" She laughed, trying to play it off. Nancy feels herself getting hot and started reorganizing things on the table to give her hands something to do. Max just followed her movements with an amused smile.

“We’re just friends. I like boys– I mean, men.” Nancy emphasized by shaking a pepper shaker in Max’s direction then setting it back down. “I like men. Not that Robin doesn’t like men. I’m sure she probably does. Not that I’m saying she doesn’t. I’m just saying,” She paused, taking a breath to calm herself down since she was getting unbelievably flustered.

“We’re just friends. She's Steve friend. I'm his friend. We're all friends.” She says with determination as she picks up a random cup, takes it to the sink then comes back.

“Why? Did she say something to you?” She asked curiously, standing in front of Max with her arms crossed. Ever since that moment in her bedroom, she couldn’t stop thinking about Robin. The shorter girl definitely knew she found the other girl attractive but she didn’t want it to go further than that. Or did she... 

Max just studied her with half her forearm dangling out of the top. During her mini spiral, the other girl had figured out how to get most of her arm through.

“Nope but you just did.” The redhead grinned. Nancy huffed as she stomped off annoyed as Max started laughing at her. She then turned back around and yanked the sleeve up so Max’s arm slipped out.

“Oops, looks like you gotta start all over again.” Nancy said sarcastically, sticking her tongue out as she stormed upstairs for her mom’s room to check on her. 

Still laughing, “That was a bitch move and you know it!” Max yells as she again struggles to get her shirt on.

“Lucas… help?”

***

It was hard for Robin to believe that everything was over. The aftermath of everything had left her more depressed than she expected. Like everyone in their group, she mourned Eleven. Her death left a void that nothing could fill so they just worked around it. She grieved the person she once was. The excitable band geek that barely believed in conspiracy theories, now believed in them all. Well, except the people who believed in the flat earth theory. No, they were just dumb. It also didn't help that a month after breakup with Vickie, it finally hit her that it was over the second she saw the other girl come out of a burger joint with another boy; their arms happily linked together. Robin regretted not being honest with her but mostly that she couldn’t keep her promise. 

She was so grateful for Steve. Robin couldn't ask for a better platonic life mate than the handsome haired young man. On nights when she couldn’t sleep, she'd crash on the love seat in his room or they'd watch tv downstairs for hours, occasionally drinking to distract them from the unsettling flashbacks that plagued them both.

When the visions got really bad, Steve would smoke a joint with Johnathon in the game room. Confidently inhaling the sticky plant to quiet the scenarios his brain recreated or worse, make up new things for him to fear. Robin was convinced his night terrors were worst than hers even though she, too, woke up crying. But she never woke up screaming like Steve or Will did. More than once she had cradled his head in her lap, shushing his cries and proving to him that she was okay when he dreamed that the Russians or Vecna were hurting her or Dustin. 

Even though it wasn't her thing, she tolerated it for him plus she enjoyed the ridiculously dumb conversations that would spawn from their highs.

"How did they get a picture of them on the moon? Who took the pic? Were the aliens expecting them or...?" Steve pondered in the haze filled room.

"Dude, they probably were." Johnathon replied. 

Robin just glanced at them before returning her gaze back to the tv. "There's was a camera on the lander, idiots." 

The collective, "Ohhh." Made her laugh harder than it should've. 

When her parents picked her up from the hospital the night gate closed, they were insanely worried but she refused to tell them what happened. The best she could do was tell she was a lesbian. Her mother prayed for her soul, while her father was some what supportive. Thankfully, her mother came around once did some reading and learned about Ryan White. Robin didn’t know it but years later she'd be getting a call about that same boy for very unfortunate reasons. 

But what was driving her insane the most was the fact that she was still crushing hard on Nancy. That brief moment in Nancy’s room was the reason sleep didn't seem so bad even with the nightmares waiting to ruin her rest. Memories of them working together would morph into scenes of her confessing her true feelings only for her to wake up before Nancy could respond.

Robin honestly didn’t know what she would do if Nancy did accept her feelings. She was very much still keeping her sexuality under wraps from most the group save for Max and Lucas who knew about Vickie. The redhead had been so supportive when she found out that they had broken up and easily kept her secret. Nobody knew that she liked Nancy, although Max had smiled suspiciously at them when she caught them holding hands during a movie night.

The boys had been adamant about watching The Thing now they were old enough to see it. Scrunched together on the couch, Nancy hand instinctively reached for Robin’s hand during a jump scare. When their eyes met, both of their cheeks lit up but  another scary moment drew their attention away. Again they both tried to ignore it but it was getting extremely difficult for Robin to pretend that she wasn't falling head over heels with her other best friend. 

***

Nancy was happy that the military had finally moved out, even though there were still some stragglers. The fences were taken down and folks were allowed to return to what was left of their homes. But several soldiers were still stationed near the public library. Driving past there felt so eerie.

So much had changed in Hawkins since she got introduced to the upside down and the other world. Everyone was so oblivious to what happened. Why so many lives were lost. Why the military continued to lowkey watch them; you know, just in case a telekinetic teenage girl popped up again. It was all so overwhelming still. Constant nightmares plagued her sleep. She was so tired but yet restless. Making it even difficult was the lower back pain that had plagued her the past few days.

Nancy had been driving around aimlessly for an hour. She had doing that lately when she felt overwhelmed. Without even realizing it, Nancy had driven to Steve’s house. It was late in the evening. The sun having set hours ago. Her feet carried her to the door and she knocked before opening it; not waiting for a response. She rarely did nowadays. Johnathon, who had been coming down the stairs when he heard the knock, immediately greeted her. 

“Nance! Hey, how are you? Are you here for Mike?” He asked, giving her an awkward hug. They had barely spoken since their un-proposal. She loved Johnathon and they had been through so much together but she’d much rather him be her friend, which he was happy to be.

“I’m okay,” she started after stepping out of the hug. “And yeah, where is he?” Nancy said, kind of unsure of herself. 

“Him and Will are in the backyard. I can go get him for you?” He suggested, already taking sideways steps towards the kitchen. 

Nancy slightly patted his chest as she passed him to head towards the backyard.“No, it’s okay. I can find him myself.”

Dustin, Steve and Robin were in the kitchen making food when Nancy strode past them straight towards the backyard. It was like she was on autopilot.

“Nance?” Steve said in surprise which caused Robin to swing her head around comically fast from the stove in search of her.

“She’s here? Where?” Steve just pointed to the backyard and her eyes followed through the window to see Nancy heading towards Mike who was sitting fully clothed on the diving board.

Dangling his legs on both sides while lightly skimming the water with his toes. Mike looked disheveled. His hair had grown out again and was almost past his shoulders. The poor boy even had dark circles under both eyes and his face appeared thinner. Nancy thought he looked exactly how she felt.

Mike, who seemed even taller than the last time she had seen him, was watching Will swim and dive for the random toys he kept throwing into the pool. 

Will noticed her first. “Mike, look! It’s Nancy. Hey, Miss Rambo Wheeler.” He smirked as he threw a mini football her way. 

To her shock, she caught it. “Hey!” She shouted before tossing it back to him.

“Aren’t you cold, Mr. Sorcerer?” It was the middle of February and Nancy couldn’t even imagine going swimming right now. 

Will chuckled, “Nope. It’s kind of warm.”

“Yeah, because you pissed in it.” Mike teases.

“Shut up. No, I didn’t. I think Steve said it’s a heated pool. It feels really nice. Mike refuses to join me.” He splashes the other boy but swam away before Mike kicked a wave of water his way. 

The taller boy gave her a faint wave as Nancy walked over and sat next to him. “I think they’re almost done cooking in the house.” Nancy said as she eyed Will. Lifting her eyebrows and tilting her head towards the door. 

Taking the hint, Will made his way over to the stairs to get out of the pool. “I’ll go see if they need a hand.” He wrapped a towel around his shoulder and shuffled inside like a toddler needing to pee. 

They were silent for a moment until he bumped her with his shoulder and said, “Hey,”  

“Hey.” Nancy replied. “How are mom and dad?” He asks, turning his head to look at her. “They’re doing better. At least mom is. Her latest surgery went really well. Dad still hasn’t woken up. The doctors keep saying it could be any day now though.” She tried to reassure him, even though she having trouble believing it herself. 

Mike just nods. “That’s good. I hope he wakes up.” He replied, pausing for a moment before asking, his voice laced with worry, “How’s Holly?” Nancy had been keeping him updated on how their little sister was coping. Like Nancy, she was still having nightmares about Vecna and falling in through the upside down. The poor little girl would wake up screaming for her mother or sister. Holly was the reason why she rarely slept alone on the couch.

”She’s doing better.” She answered. “Fewer nightmares and she just got her full appetite back.” Mike hummed, “At least one of us doing okay.” Nancy nodded in agreement. She had been amazed at how resilient their sister was. Nancy almost envied her. 

There was another pause. The question Nancy wanted to ask was already hanging in the air.

“Mike…” Nancy started but he cut her off. 

“I know what you’re going to say and the answer is still no. I’m not ready yet.” Mike said pointedly. This was the 3rd time she had begged him to come home. “I feel like a piece of shit because I couldn’t stop El and you guys won’t help me find her.” He spat. 
 
“But…she’s dead, Mike.” Nancy says remorsefully. He glared at her before turning his gaze back to the pool.

“Mom and dad are here and they need you. Holly needs you. I need you.” She pleaded as he continued to stare at the water below him. 

Nancy just dropped her head. “Please? I can’t stand to be in that house by myself anymore. The remodel is almost done. They didn’t even touch your room.” Her voice was starting to break.

“Mikey…” she begs. 

Normally, the use of his nickname easily bent him to her will but this time he seemed immune. Mike touched her hand before whispering, “I’m sorry, Nance.” Then he unceremoniously slid off the board and into the pool, fully submerging himself before coming back up and wading in the water.

“Will was right,” he said with very little enthusiasm before spitting a stream of water in her direction. “It really is nice in here.”

Nancy just scoffed, “Fuck you, Michael.” She immediately got up and stormed off. She heard a faint, Nancy… but she didn’t look back.

Instead of going back through the house, she sprinted through the backyard to her car in the front. She got in and fumbled angrily to get her keys in the ignition. Before she could drive off, the passenger door opened and Robin immediately got in. 

“Nancy, what’s wrong? What’s the matter?” The taller girl begged urgently. She had never seem Nancy so upset. She watched as the other girl let out a frustrated yell as she violently shoke the steering wheel for ten seconds before slumping back into her seat; radiating nothing but defeat. 

“Oh, Nancy…” Robin whispered as she watched the shorter girl hang her head and sob. Angry tears just racing down her cheeks. Nancy turned to look at Robin but it only made her cry harder. Without thinking, the taller girl reached over and cupped her face, softly wiping tears away. Nancy leaned into her touch, savoring the contact.

“How can I help? Do you want me to take you home?” Robin asked. 

Nancy only nodded, slightly hiccuping as sobs racked her body. 

“Okay, hold on a second.” The lighter haired girl immediately got of the car to race around to the drivers side. When she got the door, she looked up to Steve waving at her from his doorstep.
“I’m going to take her home!” She yelled as she got back in the car. Nancy had already maneuvered herself over to the passenger side; leaning her small body against the doorframe. 

Robin did her best to adjust the seat but left the steering wheel alone. Before she took off, she turned on the radio, figuring Nancy wouldn’t want to talk but Robin couldn’t stand the silence. The remnants of Every Breath You Take by The Police was playing and Robin instantly groaned.

”Ugh, that song gives me the creeps.” She muttered, changing the radio to another station as she drove. Another familiar song filled the car,

If you're lost, you can look, and you will find me

Time after time
If you fall, I will catch you, I'll be waiting (I will be waiting)
Time after time

It was Time after Time by Cyndi Lauper and immediately Robin started humming along. 

After my picture fades
And darkness has turned to gray
Watching through windows
You're wondering if I'm okay
Secrets stolen from deep inside (deep inside)
And the drum beats out of time

As they continue to listen and Nancy starts humming along, too. Robin reaches out and puts a hand on her thigh, giving it comforting squeeze. They make it to her house right as Purple Rain starts but Robin cuts it off.

"Home sweet home." Robin says as she takes off her seat belt. 

Nancy looks up to her empty house and starts crying again. Robin tells her that it’s okay and that she’ll stay with her. She slowly walks her up the pathway. Once inside Robin takes in how cold the house feels.

Damn. I wouldn’t want stay here alone either.

She suggests Nancy take a shower while she makes them something to eat. The shorter girl, who had been silent this entire time, leans up and gives her a hug before heading upstairs straight to the bathroom.

Nancy couldn’t believe how she behaved tonight. She hadn’t had an outburst like that in a long while. She felt so ashamed, hurt and lonely. She stares at her tear stained face in the mirror before removing her clothes. Her body feels heavy. Taking off her clothes was more difficult than it should’ve been. The moment her pants and underwear hit the floor she sees the red stain in her underwear.

You’ve got to be kidding me. She growls to herself. It been almost three months since she’d had a period. The constant stress had delayed her cycle but never stopped it.

She had gained a little weight since staying at the Sinclair’s house. Mr. Sinclair was a surprisingly fantastic cook and actively asked the house, that was currently mostly women plus him and Lucas, what they wanted on the menu each week. Because of this, her cheeks had filled out some plus her arms and legs looked a little thicker but still toned. 

After stepping into the shower, Nancy just let the hot water cascaded down her body, falling between her breasts—that were definitely swollen now that she noticed— reveling in the relief it provided to the soreness in her joints and lower back.

No wonder it hurt so bad. She thought, assuming the pain had been from sleeping on the couch wrong.

Upon seeing the stain, that all too familiar ache started radiating in her belly. Nancy didn't hate her time of the month but she didn’t rejoice in it either. It truly did feel like an inconvenience to her. She washed her whole body then washed and conditioned her hair. Once she finished, she dried herself off, put in an OB tampon and lotioned her body. She honestly felt little better. 

During her shower, Robin had been fiddling around in the kitchen trying her best to find something edible. Thankfully, Nancy had gotten bread two days ago so that was still fresh. She finally settled on Peanut Butter and Grape Jelly sandwiches. Robin cut each sandwich into four squares. Right as she finished, Nancy walked into kitchen looking refreshed but a little solemn. She was wearing a plaid matching pajama top and bottoms. 

"I hope you like PB and J sandwiches. Your fridge was kind of lacking, well, basically anything." Robin quipped, setting the plate of food down in front of the shorter girl.

"Sorry about that.” Nancy said remorsefully. “I had to clean out the fridge since everything went bad while everyone was gone." She sits down in one of the counter stools. "I've been eating at the Sinclair's house so I haven’t had to go buy groceries. Even that bread is from their house. Mrs. Sue had an extra loaf and gave it to me." 

Robin pulled out the stool next to hers, half of her sandwich already gone and she was working on the last half when she sat down. 

"God bless, Mrs. Sinclair." Robin praised between bites. "And your mom too for having the essentials." Nancy just smiled. 

They ate in silence for a few minutes before Nancy restarted the conversation.

"Thank you for making us food." She held up her second square. "And, um," she started nervously. "I'm really, really sorry about earlier. All the crying and screaming and snot.” She tried to joke. “Apparently, my period decided to sneak up on me. You know me. Normally, I'm a lot more in control of my emotions. Tonight I-" But Robin cut her off. 

“Hey, I know hormones can be a bitch.” Robin joked. “I never use to think PMS was a real thing until I cried during an infomercial about those weird Russian stacking dolls and threatened a sales clerk for being out of my favorite ice cream.” This got a small chuckle out of Nancy. 

Robin rested her hand on her back and lightly rubbed it. “But that’s not the real reason you were so upset tonight.” Robin soothed. “You can tell me or not.” She put up her hands in mock surrender. “I know I can ramble with the best of them but I can listen, too.” She said sincerely.

Nancy sighs and shrinks herself even smaller in her seat. Robin didn’t pressure her, she just waited patiently until she was ready to speak. 

“It’s too much,” Nancy finally whispered. “I’m doing this all by myself. Helping my parents, taking care of Holly, watching the contractors, making sure the bills get paid,” she said a little louder, her voice heavy with grief.

“It’s too fucking much. I don’t even know if my dad is ever going to wake up. Or if my mom will ever live a normal life again. I’m barely sleeping. If it’s not my own horrible nightmares keeping me up, it’s Holly’s. Ugh, at least I know why my damn back has been hurting lately.” Nancy arched as she reached around to massage her lower back briefly before returning to a slumped position.

Robin grimaced in empathy. 

“Dealing with Mike and his bullshit.” Selfish little asshole. She whispered under her breath.

“He acts like no one else misses El. As if no one else lost her.” Tears come again without her permission. “He’s supposed to be here helping me instead of vacationing at fucking Steve’s house. It feels so vacant here now. I hate it.”

Robin hands her napkin. Nancy blows her nose before continuing, “I thought when we finally killed that evil bastard, I-I’d feel little better. You know, some sense of peace or justice. Make all the people I killed worth it.” She said through tears. The taller girl only nodded.

“I thought, we did it, Barb. We got him. We got the son of a bitch and he can never come back. But then… El was standing behind the gate. And I-I tried to get to her, I promise you I did but I couldn’t get past the soldiers. I couldn’t-” Nancy was full on breaking down now. Robin, who was trying her best to hold in tears, ached for her.

Without thinking, she pulls the smaller girl towards her chest, holding her there for a few seconds before she picks her up and carries her bridal style over to the couch in the living room. She kicks off her shoes before she sets her down. She promptly takes off her jacket and tosses it on the lounge chair across from them.

Robin sits down next to Nancy who was visibly shaking from her cries. She leans back and then slides her legs behind the smaller girl then pulls her down in front of her. She eyes a folded blanket on the arm of the couch. Robin grabs it then unfolds it on top of them. The taller girl spoons her gently from behind. Nancy cries for another ten minutes as the other young woman just holds her. Whispering sweetly that she’ll be okay and to just let it all out.

At one point, the shorter girl strains to apologize through her tears but Robin hushes her. She gently strokes her cheek as she starts to hum, Time After Time.

Thankfully, Nancy finally stops crying. Her breathing evens out as listens to the other girl hum. Robin softly strokes her hair. Just when she thinks she’s falling asleep, Nancy softly whimpers. “Are you okay?” Robin asked worriedly. 

“Cramps. The first day is always the worst.” Nancy said as she grimaced through the pain. 

“Ugh, cramps are so stupid. I’m so sorry.” Robin soothed. Nancy could only nod. The pain was starting to become unbearable. 

“Can I get you anything? Drugs? Some water? A knife to carve out your uterus?” Robin quipped, trying to get the other girl to smile. 

Nancy lightly laughed before she reached for Robin’s hand. “Gimme your hand.” She ordered and Robin instantly gave her the left one. 

“I use to make Johnathon hold me like this when the cramps got really bad.” She said as she pulled Robin’s hand underneath her shirt and slightly under the waist band of her pajama pants. Robin’s breath hitches but she reminds herself that there’s nothing sexual about this.

“He use to rub my stomach until he fell back asleep or got bored.” She remembers.

Robin immediately understands and start rubbing light circles on the area her hand was. She added the slightest bit of pressure and Nancy hummed from the relief. “How does that feel?” Robin inquired, making sure to see any signs of discomfort. 

“No, this is perfect.” She hummed, folding herself further into the fetal position, effectively trapping Robin’s hand against her stomach. 

Robin says sweet things to her as she too starts falling asleep. And for the first time in months neither of them have any nightmares. When Nancy awakes in the morning, Robin is gone but she leaves a note saying she had to help her parents with something but she’ll see her later.

***
As the months go by, Nancy and Robin start hanging out more. Nancy continued her routines of staying on and off at the Sinclair’s plus her father’s hospital room. Taking care of her mother and helping Max recover. But at least twice a week, she’s sharing her bed or couch with Robin. They both agreed it was so they could sleep and nothing more.

They kept finding excuses to be near the other. Even during car rides with Steve and the Party. Before their sleepovers started, If all of them were piling into his car, Robin would immediately call shotgun. But now she actively volunteered Max for the seat so she could sit in the back next to Nancy. Steve notices but doesn’t say anything. Max does too but keeps her mouth shut since she’d rather sit in the front than be smushed in the back with the musty boys. Even her own boyfriend.

Nancy starts helping Robin with her job interviews and as payment, the taller girl lets Nancy play dress up with her body. Letting her pick out outfits for the fancier jobs Robin applies for. When Robin finally gets a job at a bookstore two weeks before May, Nancy is the first to know. The shorter girl immediately starts hanging around the store anytime she has a free moment and giving Robin rides after her shifts.

Some nights she takes Robin home but on others, Nancy takes her back to her house for their platonic sleepover. It was easy at first. Both of them would trade off spooning the other in their t-shirts and underwear. They would chat about their day until one of them would fall asleep and the other would follow.

At first Robin’s dreams were normal—well, normal for her. Dreams of her riding on a dragon through cotton candy clouds or one where the boys were throwing cheesecake at each other for no reason. But then Robin started having different dreams. Sexy dreams. Dreams of her and Nancy kissing and touching each other everywhere. Dreams of her between Nancy’s thighs, tasting her and letting her ride her face. Lately, she had been waking up in the middle of the night with her clit begging to be touched and the need to clean herself up.

Almost every morning for the past two weeks, after they’d have their sleepover, Robin would race home. The throbbing between her legs would become almost unbearable during that last leg to her house.

The moment she gets through the door,  she’d race to her room, lock herself in and turned on some music. After clumsily stripping off her pants, she would throw back her covers and climb into her bed.

Lying face down and resting her forehead against her pillow, Robin would get to work quick by rubbing her clit in fast circles; moaning obscenely into her pillow so no one could hear her. Her mind filled with images of Nancy. Using her other hand, she massaged and rubbed her breasts.  Whimpering softly with each twist and pull, imagining it was the shorter girl teasing her. When she was close to the edge, she’d slide two fingers into herself, pumping steadily as she ground her clit down on her palm. Robin moans as she cums, panting quietly as she slowly rides out her orgasm. 

She grabs a tissue from her nightstand and turns over as she wipes her fingers.

She sighs. What am I doing? I can’t keep doing this, she thought. But she would if it meant she could be with Nancy in any capacity. Even if it was just as her friend.

***

It was scorching out in Hawkins the day things changed between Robin and Nancy. They had end up in Steve’s backyard, specifically his pool now that it was cooled for the fast approaching summer. The Party had all gathered there as well.

Dustin, Lucas and Mike were taking turns seeing who could do the better backflip off the side into the water. Totally ignoring the diving board to prove they could do it without assistance. All the boys were wearing swim trunks except Dustin and Will who also had tank tops on. 

Even though Nancy and Mike hadn’t made up, they still remained cordial when the other was around. She was at one end of the pool while he was on the other. He looked a little better. More human and less walking dead. Nancy was relieved he was actually having fun instead of wallowing in his grief in one of Steve’s guest rooms. 

Max and Will were watching from the shallow end of the pool with mixed amusement. Since she still couldn’t walk, Lucas and Will took turns carrying her around the pool. The redhead was currently using Will as her personal sherpa since she was hanging off his back piggy back style. Her arms were resting on his shoulders while her legs were sitting comfortably in his hands. He was letting her have fun in the water without exerting too much energy; keeping her mostly in the shade so her skin wouldn’t get burned. 

“Be careful before one of you idiots end up cracking your skull on the edge. Last thing we need is you three getting any dumber. ” Max teased with concern after Dustin did a haphazard jump off the side, nearly missing the ledge of the pool.

“Got it, mom!” Mike replied before doing another flip off the side. Max just flipped him off.

“Lucas, I swear to god you better handle your friend.” The redhead glared at her boyfriend. Five months of living with a Black family were starting to rub off on her. 

“Alright, alright. Chill, guys.” Lucas said reluctantly, foregoing his jump and sliding back into the pool. 

“Oh, come on. It was just getting good!” Dustin laments before doing another ungraceful flip off the side. This jump ends up lightly splashing both Will and Max. 

“Hey! This area is a No Splash Zone.” Will yelled half heartedly and backs up. 

Even though she barely got hit, the redhead was still annoyed. “You’re such a brat, Dusty Buns. If you dicks get my hair wet I’m going to send Erica after you.” Max groans as she wipes the water off her face. Will backs them up even further.

Lucas immediately dunks Dustin in retaliation but the shorter boy got away by tickling Lucas on his side.

“Cheater!” The taller boy laughs. 

Steve, who was sunbathing on of the lounger, leaned up a little and lifted his sunglasses before saying, “Hey Dingus, watch yourself, okay? Don’t make me pull out my lifeguard whistle.” He said smugly as he laid back down. 

“Eat a dick, Harrington!” Dustin laughed, sending a huge splash of Steve’s way. 

“Ok, that’s it!” He shouted before ripping off his glasses and diving into the pool after Dustin. The heavier boy did his best to swim away, calling out shark as he retreated to the shallow end. But Steve caught him and immediately started playfully dunking him. 

Nancy giggled from her spot between Robins legs. They both had been sitting on the stairs just soaking in the sun and wading in the water. The shorter girl was stationed perfectly with her back against Robin’s stomach while her arms rested atop her thighs. Both were way too comfortable to move and completely enjoying the show before them. They had been lowkey scoring each flip between the two of them.

That was a solid five. No way, you're scoring too easily. Two girls joked between themselves, almost oblivious to others around them. 

This had become their new thing. Constantly cuddling and subtly flirting with each other when they were together. Sitting in each other’s laps whenever possible. Max had smiled at Nancy knowingly during dinner one night at Steve’s house. Even though there was an empty chair available, Robin was playfully sitting on the shorter girl as she conversed with the boys. Nancy mouthed to the redhead, we’re just friends.

And Max immediately whispered back, “Sure, Jan.”

Robin, who had on a bikini top underneath her t-shirt and bikini bottoms, was running lazy fingers across Nancy arms. The shorter girl, who was also sporting a bikini but with no shirt, relished in the delicious tingles Robin’s finger tips were sending throughout her body. Her touch had become an addiction. 

Robin was in heaven. From the cool water to the music playing in the background to Nancy chilling in between her legs, she couldn’t have asked for a more perfect day. Even though she was content, the former DJ was casually stimming against Nancy’s skin. Tapping out songs, tickling and drawing little circles up and down her arms. Barely paying attention since she was watching the boys being stupid at the other end. Softly running her finger tips against her neck. Without even thinking, Nancy's head lulls forward as just Robin’s fingers ran up her neck into her scalp, gently scratching it; making the other girl involuntarily gasp from the pleasure it ignited. 

“You okay? She asks, pulling her hand out of her hair thinking she’d hurt her.

Nancy just nods before saying, “I, uh, just need to go to the bathroom.” She mumbles, almost out of breath.

“And would you look at that, we’re out of drinks, too! I’ll be right back.” She announces as she clumsily steps out of the pool. Robin just watches with concern and says okay.

Nancy hurried through the kitchen, almost slipping on the tile floors before reaching the bathroom in the hallway; running inside and unintentionally slamming the door shut.

What the fuck was that? She pants, staring at her flushed face in the mirror. That one little scratch sent that familiar shiver so strong throughout her body that it made her clit throb. She quietly whined as she gripped the counter for support, shifting her legs due to the uncomfortable wetness between her thighs that definitely wasn’t from the pool water. Nancy felt the strongest urge to touch herself, something she hadn’t done in forever but refrained. 

Nancy had never felt like this before. Even with Johnathon. Or Steve. Their touch didn’t set her skin on fire like Robin’s did. It was getting harder each day to ignore how much she liked her. How much she looked forward to her company. How she longed to ask if her and Vickie had been more than just friends or if Nancy was just imagining things. She sighed because even if it were true, Nancy was sure the taller girl didn’t feel the same way about her. We’re just friends. And even if she did, Nancy was scared to think of how that would turn out. 

“Get a grip, Nancy.” She said out loud. 

While she was inside, Robin was still sitting on the pool steps pretending she wasn't anxiously waiting. Glancing every few minutes towards the sliding glass door for Nancy.

Steve, who had been eyeing them all afternoon, finally got the courage to make his way over to her. Since Robin was so focused on the door, she barely noticed him getting closer.

“You having fun over here?” Steve asks, pulling her vision from the door. 

She turns her head to him then back towards the boys at the end of the pool. “Oh, yeah. Tons. You guys are providing quality entertainment.” Robin smirked, before giving him a thumbs up. 

“I mean we aim to please but I’m talking about you and Nancy.” He started jokingly but finished with a serious note.

“What’s going on between you two?”

Sensing a vibe change, Robin sat up a little straighter. “There’s nothing going on between me and Nancy. We’re just friends.” She said defensively. Even though it was getting harder to deny that she was totally falling in love with her but she’d worried about that later.

“Robin…” He sings. 

“Stephen…” She mocks. 

“Come on…” Steve asserts, putting his hands on his hips. “I know you.” He said in a hushed tone but doing his best to look supportive.

Robin rolls her eyes. “And?” 

“And? I can tell when you like someone and you totally like Nancy.” He emphasizes quietly by pointing in her last direction.

“Keep your damn voice down, douche.” Robin fired back, looking around to see if anyone heard him. “I don’t need your pervy fantasy becoming everyone’s new favorite rumor.” Robin hissed. 

“Then stop whatever it is you’re doing and just be her friend. She’s not like you.” Steve insisted gently, even though his words stung her a bit.

Looking to change the subject, she shot back with, “You keep this attitude up and I won’t get you an application for the new job I just got.” She said teasingly. This was their usual routine. One of them would get a job and then get the other hired. She had been meaning to get him an application but kept forgetting.  

Steve sighed before saying, “I’ve been meaning to talk to you about that…” he started, pinching the bridge of his nose. 

“Uh oh, this doesn’t sound good.” Robin said as she eyed him curiously.

“I applied to Ivy Tech and got in. I want to get my teaching degree.” He said with a hint of pride.

Robins stares at him in shock. Teaching degree? College? Why didn’t he tell me? She thought before she said it, trying her best to hide the hurt in her voice but failing horribly. 

“What the fuck? Why didn’t you tell me?” She questioned.

“I was planning to but you kept blowing me off for Nancy.” Steve replied with a hint of jealousy as he made his way to her through the water.

He was right. Robin had been actively choosing to spend every chance she got with the shorter girl but him insinuating that it was her fault angered her deeply. She stood up and stepped out of the pool before he could reach her. This drew the attention of everyone else in the water. 

“Oh, so we’re blaming her for why you’re a coward?” She yelled in the harshest tone. Robin angerily put on her navy blue jean shorts and then just slipped her feet into her shoes forgoing her socks.

“What?! No, of course not. Robin would you just come back here.” The young man pleaded.

Robin picks up her backpack. “No! Go fuck yourself, Steve.” She snapped before she stormed off.

Dustin casually rolls up on a mini surfboard next to Steve and gives him a goofy grin before saying, “You know, If I had a nickel for every time an angry woman stormed out of your backyard…” Steve silently warned him not to finish his sentence.

”I would have so many nickels and-“ Before he could finish, Steve dunked him again. 

Five minutes later, Nancy comes out with two blue slushie drinks in her hands. She had chastised Steve earlier for having a slushy machine in his house but soon didn’t care after she tried it. 

The dark haired girl instantly notices Robin’s absence.

She sets the drinks down near Will and Max. “Where did Robin go?” She asks while casually looking around the backyard for her.

“Steve pissed her off so she left.” Max said matter of factly. Will just nods. “Yeah, I’ve never seen her so mad before.”

“I didn’t piss her off-“ Steve whines before Dustin dunks him. “No, he did. Like, really bad.” He laughs as he fights with Steve in the water. 

“Great job, Harrington.” Nancy says sarcastically as she grabs her stuff and heads to her car. Before she gets in, she pulls on a blue T-shirt and some cotton shorts that stopped mid thigh, not wanting her exposed skin to touch the hot seat.

Steve came running out from the backyard.

“Wait, Nancy!” He shouted, trying to stop her but she was already in the car starting it up.

“I’ll see you later, Steve.” She said with annoyance as she drove off. 

Steve stood there confused. “Two nickels. He would have two.” He whispered to himself. 

***

Nancy doesn’t know exactly where Robin might be but she has a hunch and follows it to her house. She had only been there three times so far but never inside.The outside was nice, a typical 1980s mid western suburban home. Every time she was here, there was always two cats lying in the pathway heading towards the street.

When she arrives and gets out of her car, Robin’s mom, who was wearing a grocery apron, is heading out the front door.

“Hi, ma’am. My name is Nancy Wheeler. Is Robin home?” Nancy asks politely. 

“Oh, my gosh! It’s you! I’ve heard all about you.” Mrs. Buckley admonishes. “Yes, come on in. She’s in her room.” The older woman ushers her in. “I’m off to work. Her room is the last door at the end of the hall.” 

Nancy wanders casually through Robin's house before she makes it to her room. She knocks but doesn’t hear a reply. When she knocks again, she also opens it to find Robin on her bed with her headphones on and her eyes shut. Sounded like the music was set to highest volume.

She takes a moment to gaze around the room that has white Christmas lights on the ceiling and posters everywhere. Bowie, Janet Jackson, Madonna were just some of the ones immediately recognized. A small book shelf sat in the corner by a desk with an orange lava lamp. Robin’s queen sized bed, which took up most of the room even with it being pushed up against the wall, had a small window near the edge of it. 

The taller girl finally opens her eyes and sees Nancy in her room.

Robin slid off her headphones. "Holy shit! Nancy?" She exclaimed as she quickly sat up. "How did you get in here? Am I dreaming? Am I alive?” She gasps. “Did I die on the way home?" Robin rambles in confusion, touching her face and body to make sure she wasn’t a ghost. 

"Calm down. Your mom just let me in." The shorter girl laugh as she goes and sits on Robin’s bed.

“Oh… okay.” She finally whispers, still amazed that Nancy was in her room.

“Why did you leave Steve’s? What happened while I was gone?” Nancy asks before she starts looking around at the different pictures and self made art on the walls. She turns her attention back to Robin. Waiting patiently for her to answer.

The taller girl couldn’t decide if she should start with the first bit of her and Steve’s conversation. Or skip to the part about the him applying to college. The former made her palms sweat so she chose the latter. 

“He got into some stupid junior college. I went out of my way to get us another job and he already had other plans.” Robin laments. 

Nancy just listens. “The coward couldn’t even tell me about it until after he got in.”

The shorter girl ponders for a moment before saying, “Did you really think you and Steve would be working together for the rest of your lives?” She inquired curiously. 

Robin looked at her puzzled and a little defensive. “I don’t know. Maybe? My last four jobs have been with him if you include helping to save the world.”

Nancy nodded and replied, “We do.” 

“I always have the best time when we’re working together. Screw me for not wanting that to end. I have no idea what I want to do but at least I had that.” She sighs as she hangs her head.

Nancy reaches and lifts her chin up. “Hey, you are so much more than Hawkins. This isn’t the end of your journey. It’s just the start of it.” Nancy says adoringly as she continued. 

“You are by far one of the smartest people I know. In spite of all your setbacks. I see nothing but possibilities in your future.” She said convincingly. “Steve is meant to stay here and coach a basketball team that has five of his six little nuggets filling out the roster.” Nancy laughed. 

Surprising herself, Robin starts to tear up. “Stop, you’re just saying that.” 

The shorter girl holds up two fingers. “Scouts honor.” She replies.

“You were a Girl Scout?” Robin says surprised. 

Nancy just shrugs. “Well, kind of. I did it for about six months and then dropped out. When Mike joined, I helped him get all of those dumb badges instead of our dad.” Nancy confesses as she leaned on the bed with her left arm. 

“You’re so sweet.” Robin smiled at her, reaching over and putting a hand on top of Nancy’s. 

“Only to those who deserve it.” She snarked as she winked. 

Robin groans as she falls back dramatically on her bed. The movement caused her chest to jiggle uncomfortably, making her grab her breasts to stop them from moving. It hits her that she’s hormonal and stuck in mood swing jail.

“It should be illegal for boobs to hurt. I’m pretty sure my menses is about to start.” Robin said as she eyed Nancy, eagerly waiting her reaction.

The other girl shuddered. “You know I hate that word.” Nancy groaned as she poked Robin’s side making her giggle. 

She did her best to block her attack with her hands. “I know but I love how it grosses you out.” 

Nancy scrunched up her face in annoyance “Haha, whatever.” She kicked her shoes off before scooting up next to Robin who naturally adjusts so the other girl can cuddled close to her side. Instinctively moving so her left arm is around her. Nancy drapes her left across her stomach as she tangles their legs together. They both sigh as they relax in each other’s embrace. Like puzzle pieces finally connecting with its match.

Why did this feel so easy? Nancy thought. 

They laid like that for a few minutes before Robin turned to look at her. “I’m sorry for ditching you at Steve’s.” She says looking guilty. Nancy pats her stomach as she replies with, “Yeah, that was a pretty shitty move but I get it.” 

Robin turns to look back up at the ceiling.“Freaking hormones, man. I swear I black out every month.” Robin sighs in frustration. “You’d think after seven years of dealing with this damn thing, I’d remember the signs and act accordingly but no.” The taller girl rambled. 

Nancy just listened and smiled. She’d grown accustomed to Robin’s mini rants. She had learned to just let her ramble before it bubbled up inside her and came out at inappropriate times. 

“I got so upset for no reason. I shouldn’t have run out on Steve. He didn’t do anything wrong. I mean, he kind of did but he didn’t.” She exasperated.

“Well, there was a reason.” Nancy corrects. “I mean, he could’ve told you sooner. That would’ve saved us from some of the drama today.” Nancy suggests.

“Well…” Robin mumbles as she starts fidgeting with a piece of string that was loose on the quilt they were laying on. 

Nancy leans up on her elbow. “Well, what?” She questioned.

“According to him, he would’ve told me already if I hadn’t been hanging out with you. So this is technically your fault.” Robin teased. 

At this, the shorter girl fully sits up. “My fault?!” Nancy says with shocked amusement.

“Yes, you!” She emphasized by poking her in her chest. “You’re such a bad distraction, Nancy Wheeler.” Robin feigns innocence, even though she was actively trying to tickle her sides. 

Nancy laughed as she wrestled with Robins hands. “I’ll show you a distraction!”

Robin continues to rile her up. “I’m so glad the military took your guns away. You’re not as scary without them.” Robin taunted but realized her mistake too late.

A fire lit up in Nancy’s eyes and before she knew it, the smaller girl had somehow gotten her wrists pinned up above her head. Her eyes went wide as she looked up and then back at Nancy.

Oh my God, she’s so strong, Robin thought in fear but it also sent shot of arousal through her that made her clit pulse. She was shocked at the amount of strength Nancy’s tiny body possessed even though she shouldn’t be. It takes a lot of muscle to shoot properly and Nancy was literally their best shot. 

“How the-“ Robin mumbled as she fought against Nancy to get herself free but there was no use without using her whole body to get out of the smaller girl’s grasp.

“Who are you? Mighty Mouse?” Robin jokes trying to distract her but it doesn’t work. It only makes her stronger as she feels a tighter grip on her wrists. Nancy ends up straddling Robin’s left thigh, hovering slightly over it as she maneuvers herself into the best position possible to keep the taller girl’s arms above her. 

“Hey, we don’t discuss my stripper name during daylight hours.” Nancy quipped back. She was loving having control over the taller girl underneath her. Too many people underestimate her and she reveled in proving them wrong. 

Nancy continued to hold Robin in place despite her protests. The taller girl was starting to think that Eleven wasn’t the only one experimented on because the little person above her was giving bionic woman vibes. She knew she had poor upper body strength but damn. Robin gives in and tries to wiggle her body and use her core muscles to get up but Nancy ends up shifting her weight more forward to keep her down.

A soft moan filled the room as Nancy’s knee hits Robin’s sex, making the seam of her jeans dance perfectly against her clit. Even through her bikini, she could still feel it and it felt good. Too good.

Nancy freezes and loosens her grip on her wrists but doesn’t let go. The moan had sent that same shiver from earlier down her spine and she was afraid to move. 

But she notices that familiar blush make its way across Robin’s cheeks. 

“Robin?” She inquires, still confused about what just happened. 

Robin is also afraid to move since Nancy’s knee is still firmly planted between her thighs. The shorter girl just studies her face as she catches her eyes darting between them then back up to ceiling; panting slightly, trying her best to calm herself down. 

“I’m s-sorry, I-I,” The taller girl stuttered and pants. She felt completely overwhelmed now. The arousal plus the sight of Nancy still on top of her was making it way too hard to think. 

“Your knee…” Robin finally manages to choke out. Nancy starts to put things together, especially after she moves a little, causing Robin to moan again. The taller girl forgot how sensitive she gets before her period. It truly didn’t take much for her to get off but right now she was fighting for her life not to. 

Nancy tried to move back just little and she received another whimper for her efforts.

“Stop! Please don’t move. Just wait,” Robin softly begs as she endured more waves of involuntary pleasure.

The shorter girl stilled but now her own heat was rising. Nancy was actively looking between Robin’s lips and her pulse point on her neck. The thought of sucking on either was driving her crazy. 

Robin finally looks at Nancy’s face and notices that she’s staring at her lips. This whole situation felt so surreal.

Before she can say anything, the other girl finds the courage to say with such desire, “Can I-I mean, would it be okay if I–“ before Nancy could finish, Robin’s lips were on hers. The shorter girl pulls back for just a second before she’s hungrily kissing Robin again. Nancy breathed into each kiss, fascinated by how delicate and soft Robin’s lips were before she swipes her tongue against the taller girl’s bottom lip, wishing Robin would gift her a taste of her tongue and she hungrily obliges. Seconds later their kisses become more sexually charged.

Nancy finally released Robin’s hands so she could clutch her face, swiping a thumb across already swollen lips before they’re sucked and lightly bitten on. Each act earns her a gasp or hiss. With her hands free, Robin had immediately wrapped her arms around the shorter girl, pulling her closer. Caressing her back before moving to the front and massaging her breasts through her shirt. Neither was holding back their moans. 

Nancy gasps as Robin rubbed her nipples through her shirt. Both were desperate to taste and feel the other. It was intoxicating. Months of pent up sexual tension between them had finally boiled over. They both started moving together, softly rocking; thriving on the delicious friction they were creating together.

Nancy moaned into her mouth as she felt Robin’s hands, that had moved from her breasts, to squeezing her ass before traveling up her shirt and lightly scratching down her back. Causing her to inadvertently add more pressure between Robin’s thighs. Making the taller girl keen louder from the sensation and the delicious tension building up inside her. Robin didn’t know it but she was a lot closer to the edge than she thought. Nancy moves from her lips to her sensitive pulse point that had been taunting her and sucks. Robin’s thighs begin to shake. 

“Oh, shit.” She gasps. “I think I'm about to-” Robin whines in astonishment, feeling herself instinctively rocking harder and harder against Nancy’s thigh, searching for release.

Nancy shifts just a little and Robin cums. Hard. She moans softly against Nancy, her forehead resting on her shoulder; clutching onto the shorter girl like this was all a dream and she might disappear any second. She tries to breathe as shockwaves quake through every inch of her body, prolonging her already powerful orgasm. 

Nancy had watched in amazed curiosity as Robin came down. When she figured Robin was finished, she brought their foreheads together and just breathed with her. After minute or two goes by, Nancy is first to speak.

“Did you just have a-“ She starts to say before Robin cuts her off.

“An orgasm? Yeah, I did. I’m sorry.” She’s replied, voice laced with guilt.

“Don’t be.” Nancy whispers as she gently rubs her nose against Robin’s before kissing her lips. She looks into her breathtaking blue eyes and says, “That was the sexiest thing I’ve ever seen. I didn’t even know we could cum without touching each other.” The shorter girl beamed.

Robin just groans as she covers her face with her hands, causing Nancy to sit up a little but still on top of her.

“I knew dry-humping was a thing but I didn’t expect… this." She exclaimed. "I just came in my pants like a dude. This is so embarrassing. This is not how I wanted our first time making out to go.” Robin accidentally confesses. 

Nancy quirks an eyebrow at her. “So you’ve been thinking this? Us? Making out and the what not?” 

Peaking through her hands, Robin just mumbles, “Yes.” But it’s muffled. 

She leans down close to her ear. “What was that? I need you be a little louder for me.” Nancy whispered seductively.

Robin’s breath hitched, “Yes.” But this time louder. 

Nancy leans back, “Good because I did, too.” She said honestly. 

Robin sits up as she says, “Really? You wanted to kiss me?” 

Nancy just rolled her eyes. “Yes, but don’t make me regret it.” She teased. Robin interlocked their hands and brought them to her lips. “I hope you never regret it." She whispered before giving her hands a bunch of tiny kisses. 

“I won’t.” She smiled as she leaned into kiss her again. 

Nancy shifted from being on top and removed her knee from in between Robin’s legs— who whimpered from the loss of contact— so could go back to cuddling on her side. Robin was lowkey spiraling from what had just happened. She truly couldn’t believe she just made out with Nancy Wheeler and accidentally came on her thigh.

If she thought her mind was racing, Nancy’s was on overdrive. She had just kissed her first girl and liked it. Fuck that, she loved it. The fact that she got her to cum during their very first interaction together thrilled her. 

“This is my fault, really.” Robin tried to explain.

“Hmm? How so?” Nancy asked, genuinely curious.

“I meant this wet mess I’m in. Normally, after we hangout…” she started but suddenly felt shy. Nancy just stared at her, waiting patiently for an answer.

She closed her eyes before admitting, “I touch myself....” 

Nancy sucked in a breath. “Oh, really? Why?” She pressed. Robin groaned because she was both terrified and slowly getting turned on again. 

“Because of you! Because of all of… this!” She motioned to her entire body.

“You are so gorgeous and it drives me insane. I love how much of a bad ass you are. How smart and funny you can be. And you’re sexy. Oh my god, you’re so sexy. Tonight alone will be fantastic material for my spank tank.” Robin rambled.

The other girl was listening intently, soaking up all the compliments until she got to “Spank Tank”. 

Nancy raised an eyebrow at her before asking, “What’s a spank tank?” 

Robin again covered face but this time only half of it. “It’s your mental filing cabinet that has all the sexy, freaky stuff you want saved for when, you know, you’re alone…” She was hoping that Nancy was getting the hint. 

“Oh! Oh.” She said as it finally clicked. “I don’t have one of those. I’ve never needed one.” 

Robin looks at her astonished. “Wow, you can just rub one out without thinking about anything? That’s amazing.” 

“I mean, I don’t really touch myself. I’ve never been into it. Until recently,” She blushed as she caught eye contact with Robin who looked at her surprised. 

“Ever since I started hanging out with you, I’ve been thinking about it. A lot actually. Like today.” She revealed.

“What happened today? Besides what happened five minutes ago.” Robin corrected as Nancy smirked at her. 

“I, uh, almost touched myself in the bathroom. I was so turned on. Whatever you did to me in the pool had me wetter than I’ve ever been.” Nancy blushed and shifted a little to appease the discomfort between her legs.

“Wait, what? I think my hearing is going out. I’m pretty sure you said I made you wet? Me?” Robin asked in shock. 

“Yeah, yeah. It surprised me, too.” Nancy tried to brush it off even though just the thought of earlier or even just five minutes ago made her vagina literally clench with need. 

Already turned on again and feeling brave, the taller girl figured now was no better time to ask.

“When was the last time you touched yourself?” She asked, trying hard to quell her own arousal again. 

Nancy’s voice hitched a little, before she replied, “Uh, probably a couple of years ago? I think. I was in the bath and I let the water just wash over me. I can’t even remember if I had an orgasm.” 

Robin was watching her with utter fascination. “You haven’t masturbated in years?” Robin couldn’t believe it. She literally touched herself almost every day. Some times twice a day now if she had good day with Nancy. She couldn’t imagine walking around that sexually frustrated.

”It wasn’t like I needed to,” She tried to explain. 

Robin nodded, “Yes, because you had Johnathon to do the sex with.” She quirked an eyebrow but Nancy just shrugged.

“Not really… If we weren’t fighting creatures from the Upside Down, we were living long distance or staying in my parents house. All of that didn’t really leave room for a lot of alone time.” 

The other girl just stared at her as things started to click in her head. “No wonder you were so trigger happy….” Robin remarks before Nancy smacks her arm.

“Leave me alone. I honestly didn’t know what I was missing. These past few months with you have made me realize I’m a lot more sexual than I thought I was.” Nancy admits.

Robin couldn’t deny how happy this made her feel. Cloud nine ain’t got nothing on her. “Would you be interested in trying it right now? With me? Touching yourself that is. ” The taller girl inquired. 

Nancy had never done anything like that before but in this moment, the ache between her legs was starting to hurt. She felt like if she didn’t cum soon she would explode. 

She simply nodded before she started pulling off her shorts while she was still on the bed. Nancy felt shy and extra vulnerable but she got up the courage to ask, “Can you do it with me? You know, just case I need an example.” She joked but was hoping Robin would say yes. 

“Of course, I can.” Robin smiled before she too started taking off her own shorts. 
They kept their bikini bottoms on, not wanting to be too exposed. 

Robin could tell Nancy was nervous. The confident young woman that had half straddled her a few moments ago was all but gone. She leaned over to her and softly cup her face before kissing her. “Do you want me to help you?” Robin whispered against her lips. 

Nancy moans, “Yes.” Robin kissed down her jawline to her neck, sucking hard enough for her to feel it but not enough to leave a mark.

“May I touch you? Robin asked as she played with the band on her bikini. The other girl just whimpered, “Please? Please touch me.” Nancy had never felt so needy before.

Robin leaned over and kissed her deeper. With slow fingers, she slid under the waistband and past a patch of loose curls. The moment she feels how slick Nancy is, she whimpers into her mouth before saying, “Was all of this because of me?”

Nancy could only moan and nod as Robin lightly stroked her clit between two fingers. “Oh my god,” she gasped when a little more pressure is applied. Her eyes were clamp shut. Robin was in total awe once again. The sight of Nancy moaning and at the mercy of her fingers was seriously doing something to her. Just like Nancy, she’d never been this turned on before. Her own need to come again was starting to distract her. 

“Gimme your hand.” Robin ordered. Nancy surprisingly obeyed.

“Touch yourself. Do it for me.” Robin whispered soothingly. Slowly but surely, Robin’s hand was joined by Nancy’s in her bikini. Robin took the opportunity and dipped lower, circling her entrance; waiting for the unspoken okay to go further. Nancy moan and slightly bucked her hips, praying that finger would go inside her. 

Feeling desperate, Nancy whined, “Please. Go inside me. I need–Ohhh, fuck…“ She gasps as a the single digit circling her entrance, finally plunges deep.

“Oh, god… Robin,” Nancy cried as she felt herself clenching around Robin’s finger before the tall girl started a steady in and out rhythm. 

“More,” She begged and Robin inserted a second finger causing Nancy to whimper from pure pleasure without shame. Robin felt a little rough patch inside Nancy and put pressure on it.

“Ohhh, that feels so good.” Nancy exclaimed. 

“You’re so beautiful,” Robin whispers against lips. The shorter just whimpers from the compliment. She was so close but she couldn’t get the rhythm right. “I can’t-Please! Help me.” Nancy begged.

Robin looked down at where her hand was and then whispered in her ear before licking it and tugging gently on her earlobe. “Try circles.” Nancy nodded and within seconds, her legs started to shake.

“Just like that, baby. Keep going. You’re almost there. Just let go…” Robin praised. 

“Oh, Robin…” Nancy gasped as she came much harder than she was ready for. Echos of the orgasm rippled through her, making her clench hard on Robin’s fingers that were slowly moving inside her. The release of the tension and rush of pleasure had Nancy overwhelmed with emotions. To her shock, she started crying. 

Robin takes her out hand out and reaches for a tissue by her bed. She cleaned off her fingers before pulling Nancy close. 

“Honey, what’s wrong? Did I hurt you?” Robin asked, worried that she had truly done something terrible to the other girl she loved so much. 

Nancy shook her head no. She reached up with both hands and kissed Robin so gently. “It was mind blowing, honestly. I’ve never cum like that before. In fact,” Nancy said with a bit of sadness. “I think that was my first time.” She admitted shyly.

The shorter girl started crying harder at the realization. It always felt okay when she was having sex with boys. She liked making them feel good but it hit her that they were never able to return the favor. Even when Johnathon tried to go down on her, she wouldn’t orgasm. She would get really close but he would lose the rhythm or get tired and stop. 

Robin just hugged her close, gently soothing her with words of encouragement. “It’s okay. There’s a first time for everything. I’m glad you finally get to experience what all us weirdos have been going on about.” She grabbed another tissue and gently wiped Nancy’s tears away. 

Nancy looked up at her with so adoration. “Thank you.” 

Robin swooned. “You’re welcome. It was truly my pleasure.” Smiled before rolling on top of Nancy and blowing a raspberry on her neck. Instantly she’s laughing and giggling and kissing Robin wherever she can. Again she rolls but this time off her and out of the bed.

“What the-“ Nancy looks up at her confused. 

“Wanna take a shower with me?” Robin asked eagerly, but was still trying her to hide how excited she was. 

Nancy just reached up her hand and said, “Lead the way.”