Chapter Text
Steve raised his beer. “To nothing ever keeping us apart.” I saw a tear fall from Jonathan’s eye. Wouldn’t surprise me if he had a little crush on Steve to be honest. I stood up and smiled at Steve.
“Including overbearing significant others.” I added, tilting my bottle to his. I stopped. Since when had I thought of Vickie as overbearing?
*
“God, Robin.” Vickie was pacing up and down my small living room, “That was scary. Are you okay?” I once again assured her I was fine. Vickie sighed and grabbed my face, turning it this way and that, checking for cuts. I slapped her hand away and stood up.
“Jesus Christ Vic. I said I was fine.” I yelled. Since when did I yell? Vickie stepped back, mouth open.
“Sorry,” she said, “I just want to make sure you’re okay Robin.”
“I’m fine. Sorry.” I sat back down with a sigh. “I shouldn't've yelled.” Vickie sat next to me and put her hand on my leg.
“It’d be okay if you weren’t you know. It was a stressful situation for all of us.”
“Pretty stressful for you wasn’t it. Sat in the squawk the entire time.” Vickie’s jaw dropped again, affronted.
“What’s that supposed to mean?” she said, sounding hurt.
“I was down, or up, in wherever the hell that place was, trying to make sure I didn’t die and that my friends didn’t die. Meanwhile you were sat nice and safe, with Max, eating some cereal.”
“Well excuse me for doing my job as a nurse and looking after someone who couldn’t move their muscles.”
“Were you looking after Max though? Thank God that it was El and Kali who took her and not goddam Vecna. Thank fucking God.”
“Do you not think I considered that?” Vickie yelled. “Do you not think I was scared for my life thinking Max had died on my watch. God, you’re selfish Robin. Think of someone but yourself for once.” I stopped. Selfish? I’m not selfish.
“Yea well maybe Nancy was right about you.” I said, quietly.
“Nancy. Of course you bring up Nancy. Do you have a crush on her or something?”
“What no. Of course not.”
“Really?” Because all it is with you now is Nancy this, Nancy that. And now? Nancy’s saying you should break up with me? Well it looks like you’re not gonna have to take her advice. I’m done, Robin. Done.” With that, she stormed out my flat, slamming the door behind her.
*
“And what, she just walked out?” Steve said, pulling off his cap. He’d just started a new job as a baseball coach and seemed to be doing pretty good at it.
“Yeah.” I said, knowing that vacant look must be on my face. Steve told me that’s what happens whenever I’m sad. I sniffled and felt a tear trickle down my cheek.
“Hey. Robin? You okay?” Steve said crouching in front of me as more tears fell from my eyes. “Hey. It’s gonna be okay. Come here.” He pulled me into a hug.
*
“Yea well what’d you expect?” Nancy said after reloading her gun. She fired again at a tin can sat on a wall a few feet away. It struck its mark, as always, striking a hole through the can as it clattered to the ground. “I mean all the crazy shit she saw and all the crazy shit you told her wouldn’t surprise me that she went running. And wasn’t she kind of a bitch to you as well.” Nancy reloaded her gun and fired again. Another tin can clattered to the ground.
“I don’t think so.” I said, feeling my brow furrow, “I don’t think she was a bitch.”
“She thought you were a druggie, Robin. And she broke up with you because she thought you liked me. That’s just childish. Have you told Steve and the others yet?”
“Steve yeah but I’m getting around to the others.”
*
“Well she’s a bitch!” Jonathan yelled, shooting up and slapping his thighs, to the surprise of both Will and I. I hadn’t thought Jonathan was a swearer. Jonathan seemed to notice our looks. “Sorry.” He muttered, looking down. “Sorry, Robin. That is terrible. I’m very sorry.” I gave him an appreciative smile and he exited the room, whether due to awkwardness or sensing that I wanted to speak to Will I couldn’t tell.
“Are you okay?” Will asked, his sympathetic eyes looking as though he was about to cry. I should’ve guessed that me and Vickie breaking up would be hard on him too. We were basically the kid’s gay awakening.
“Yeah. Yeah. I’ll be okay.” I said, putting confidence into my voice for him. “These things happen.” I pulled him into a hug. “I’m sure we’ll make up.
We did not make up.