Work Text:
my dingus 🍦
I’m outside of your house
As Robin Buckley gets into the BMW, she says, “You sound like a stalker when you text me like that.”
Steve Harrington, wearing his sunglasses and their work uniform, just smiles and shrugs, “Good morning to you too. Not my fault if someone misinterprets my well-intentioned words,” He pulls out of her driveway and heads in the direction of Hawkins High.
Robin scoffs, “Yeah, okay, dingus,” She pulls down the sun visor mirror and looks at her face, then groans, “Ugh, my mascara is so shit!”
“Hey, no it’s not,” Steve frowns, glancing at her eyes quickly before returning his focus to the road, “You look as pretty as ever to me, Robs.”
She waggles her finger in his direction, digging in her bag with the other hand, “Thanks, but not helpful. I can’t pull up to school with uneven eyes!” Robin pulls out her mascara and a wipe, getting to work fixing her makeup.
She hears her best friend scoff, “As if you’ve ever cared about that before. We all know what this is about: Vickie!”
At the sound of her crush’s name, Robin’s hand jolts, getting mascara on her cheek.
She tosses her head back in simultaneous frustration and embarrassment at being called out, “No, it isn’t!” Her voice has a tinge of a whine, which makes her flush even more.
Steve continues, “I know you’re trying to play the long game, or whatever, but I think you just have to go for it!” He glances at her, amused as she almost slides off the seat if it weren’t for the seatbelt holding her up.
“Oh, yeah? Why’s that?” Robin crosses her arms, sitting up more properly when Steve nudges her.
“We have confirmation that she likes girls,” He says, “I told you I heard her talking about that gay movie—”
“Yeah, and I’ll believe you when you can tell me what the so-called ‘gay movie’ is!” She argues.
“Okay, just cause I know jackshit about movies doesn’t mean I have bad hearing,” Steve retorts, “I know she said something like — like… Annabeth… no, Annabelle kissing another girl!”
“Still too vague for me. Besides, straight girls can like lesbian movies.”
“Well, fine. Then why don’t you just ask her?”
Robin wipes off the black mark on her cheek, and sighs, “Babe, you can’t just ask someone what their sexuality is.” She tries again on fixing her mascara.
“Well, I know that,” Steve says, bitchy like he often is, despite his reputation with the kids’ moms, “But I think you’re close enough friends with Vickie to, just, ask! Like, she knows you’re a lesbian, so you could probably play it off if she doesn’t react well. Maybe say you wanted to have a…a sappho gathering, or something!”
Robin feels herself softening at Steve’s earnestness in helping her, and says, “It’s sapphic, not sappho, dingus. Sappho is the Greek poet,” She checks over her finished makeup again, satisfied, “That’s not a bad idea, except do you really think my awkward ass can pull that off? I’ll probably end up saying something really rude, and then I’ll have to apologize, which will make things uncomfortable and—”
“Robs!” Steve exclaims, snapping her out of her ramble. He pauses, considering her words, then concedes, “Yeah, good point. You are the worst liar I’ve met in my life,” He gives her a mischievous look, “And that includes Henderson.”
She immediately protests, absolutely offended, “Dustin?! There’s no way I’m a worse liar than Dustin! His voice reaches a whole different octave when he’s lying!”
Steve just grins in response, to which Robin rolls her eyes. They continue bickering the rest of the ride to Hawkins High, and she waves goodbye as he drops her off.
Hopefully he doesn’t die of boredom at work without her there.
——
my dingus 🍦
Robs I’m bored
wow what a surprise lol
▶️Photo
[Image description: A 0.5 selfie of Steve from the forehead down. He’s looking up at the camera and pouting.]
how do you look good at every angle
0.5 pics are supposed to make you ugly
fuck you 😩
Aww thanks Robs
🙄
▶️ Photo
[Image description: A copy of The Song of Achilles open on a desk. A notebook underneath it, with Robin’s hand holding a pencil in the center of the picture.]
we’re working on our book reports
Oooh
Has the presentation order been decided yet?
no 🥀
hopefully i go on the first day and get it over with
I’ll pray for you
Holy shit
Hot guy came into the store and he has a pride pin
Okay wait let me turn on the charm
let’s see if it works better on guys lol
I’m back
AND I GOT HIS INSTA
omfg what
He actually graduated from Hawkins High like three years before me
He’s back for a family visit
in sept? the semester just started
Idk
Anyways he said he’d be interested in some stress release
Yes he said those exact words
he’s lucky that you’re horny
cause that’s like the worst line i’ve ever heard
and i witnessed all your boyfailure moments at scoops
Why am I catching strays 😭
you always do with me honey
okay send me the insta
i have to investigate for your safety
Thanks 🥺
@tony_carver23
A CARVER?!
there’s a gay carver???
holy shit it’s jason’s older brother
oh babe…
Okay I know Jason and their family are known to be assholes
But this is just a hookup
i cannot in good conscience let you be associated with a carver in any way beyond basketball
but i know you’re pent up
I mean I don’t HAVE to have sex 😭
I can control myself
yeah ik but i want my best friend happy
so you need that physical intimacy i cannot provide
okay how about this
i lock in and finish my book report today & tmr
and we can go to a gay bar this weekend and ill wingman for you
I love you
You can invite Vickie!
harrington don’t push it
Yes sir 🫡
i’m gonna lock in now
love you too
💗
💗
——
The air has a bit of a chill, typical of a November day. Steve and Robin are sitting side-by-side at a picnic table in the park, enjoying their respective popsicles. The freeze from her cherry popsicle makes Robin’s already cold body even colder, but that’s tempered by Steve’s warmth, as she rests her head on his shoulder. The peacefulness of their environment is a sharp contrast to the turmoil inside of her. The turmoil caused by… fuck. Just the thought has her mood darkening.
Vickie Dunne has a boyfriend.
After weeks and weeks of Steve’s sincere yet ridiculous suggestions, Robin got fed up with it all and simply asked Vickie if she’s single at yesterday’s band rehearsal. And to Robin’s — and Steve’s when she told him later — shock, her crush said she had a boyfriend. A boyfriend!
Of course, that doesn’t mean that she’s straight. It’s not all gay or straight, black or white, like Robin’s parents think. Sexuality is a spectrum! Steve is somewhere under the bisexual umbrella, and he’s still figuring it out. Vickie could be like him! Or she could be in a beard relationship, except she looked really happy talking about her tall, blond, boyfriend, so unless she’s a really good actress—
But that’s just speculation, and more importantly, Robin isn’t a homewrecker. So this crush has got to go.
Easier said than done.
Robin sucks on the popsicle forlornly, zoning out with her eyes on the dried leaves in the grass. She feels Steve move a bit, before an arm wraps around her shoulders and tugs her further into him, his furnace-like body warm against her.
“Popsicle for your thoughts?” Steve asks, as dorky as ever. He holds up his blue popsicle, clearly trying to make her laugh.
And damn him, cause it works. Robin giggles a bit at his ridiculousness, enjoying his warmth a bit longer before sitting up, out of the cocoon under his arm, and swapping their popsicles.
“Just lamenting the tragic canon event of every lesbian’s life,” She says, licking the blue popsicle. Neither of them are particularly saliva conscious. Robin continues, rolling her eyes, “Except now I’ve experienced it twice: crushing on a straight girl.”
Steve bites into the red popsicle, chewing casually and somehow unaffected by the brain freeze that must be occurring. He seems to be in a contemplative state, clearly trying to comfort her, yet not knowing how. Which is fair, since he’s never been in such a position.
He thought he was straight his whole life, before he met Robin last summer. And what straight girl would reject King Steve ‘the Hair’ Harrington? Now that he’s exploring his sexuality, it’s only been through hookups and hypotheticals, as Steve hasn’t been into anyone since Nancy cheated on him.
Robin’s mood will get even darker if she dwells on Nancy Wheeler.
Steve then speaks up, distracting her as he says, “This really sucks.”
Robin snorts, “Yeah, you think?”
“I can’t even roast Vickie like I did with Tammy,” He sighs, “I’m sorry, Robbie. I know how much you like her.”
“Yeah…” Robin bites into the popsicle, now relishing the coldness on her tongue.
Steve looks at her, “But you know I’ll always be here, right?”
She looks back at him, in his blue scarf that matches her red one, and his famous hair ruffled by the wind. He’s looking at her with concern and so much love.
Robin says softly, “Of course.”
“Whatever happens in the future, whether you move on from Vickie, or fall even deeper. Or some bonkers shit like you start crushing on Nance,” Steve and Robin both laugh at that idea, “I’ll always be with you.”
“Same here,” is all Robin can say, getting choked up.
Her best friend pulls her closer and kisses her forehead. They finish the popsicles, both their tongues now dyed purple, and head towards the swings. Robin sits on a swing and makes Steve push her so high, it feels like she’s flying.
——
ROBIN’S MOVIE WATCHLIST FOR STEVE #1 (there are multiple lists?? - s) (yes you need them dingus - r)
children of parasite(i grew up on this - r)the hidden fortress(i grew up on this x2 - r)- the apartment (i grew up on this x3 - r) (jesus christ how many movies did you grow up on - s)
but i’m a cheerleader(i really loved this one!! good rec rob - s) (thanks queen - r)rocky horror picture show(queer history for my baby queer - r) (thanks for educating me ig - s)the princess bride- bottoms (modern queer masterpiece, especially for loser lesbians in high school - r) (oh so you can relate? - s) (fuck you - r)
pirates of the caribbean 1(everyone is so hot ?? - s) (i love when you bi panic - r)amélie- the holiday (christmas romcom for your hopeless romantic ass - r) (omg - s)
STUFF STEVE WANTS TO DO WITH ROBIN (so a bucket list - r) (oh i guess so - s)
go to a gay bar(how was that guy btw - r) (he knew how to handle it if you know what i mean - s)- binge watch a show (what show? - r) (idk i’m taking recs from the kids - s)
- go to a pride parade (i can’t wait for when we leave this shit town - r)
try pottery(let’s make it a competition - s) (blind leading the blind - r)bike together- go to a concert (sabrina carpenter or chappell roan maybe? - s) (you’re gonna fight on ticketmaster, not me - r)
- play it takes two
hiking!(over my dead body - r) (bet - s)paint each other’s nails(red and blue - r)- teach robin to drive (i don’t think it’s legal for you to teach me? - r) (idc i will - s)
- !!!LIVE TOGETHER!!!
- volunteer somewhere together?
spa day(best grad gift EVER!! - r)- go on vacation together (FRANCE PLS - r)
- get matching tattoos? (i’ll think about it - r)
- double date (if either of us date at all - r) (hey now i believe in us - s)
——
When Robin can’t fall asleep at night, 90% of the time it’s because of her overthinking.
Steve says she’s hyper when she’s comfortable with people, like there’s so much energy in her brain that it has to be released somehow. Usually in the form of rambling and hand movements that she tends to suppress in public. Robin doesn’t really like to be perceived, after all.
But it’s true that when she’s truly comfortable being herself, like with Steve or the kids or Vickie, it can turn into an overthinking mess spewing out of her mouth. Her thoughts can sometimes be even worse.
Like right now.
During dinner, her dad brought up the topic she always dreads hearing her parents talk about: LGBTQ+ rights.
Although they’re in the 2020s, they still live in a small town in Indiana. Naturally, this reflects in her parents and their opinions. Her dad thinks that gay people can do what they want as long as they stop ‘shoving it in everyone’s face’ — Robin rolls her eyes at this, because no one is shoving anything. Queer people are simply not hiding as much — meanwhile, her mom is supportive of same-sex marriage, but believes in the misconception that gay people ‘choose’ to be gay. She also has this expectation of Robin, as her only daughter, to be this specific type of woman; An outspoken, smart woman, who wears dresses and high heels and will marry a man.
Needless to say, neither of them would be particularly happy if they find out Robin is a lesbian.
Now Robin is lying awake at 2 AM, her thoughts whirring inside her like a hamster on a running wheel. It’s guilt, fear, and uncertainty keeping the sleep out of her eyes, as she contemplates her inevitable coming out and how her parents might react. She needs to say these things out loud. That’s how she best processes her problems, by speaking them into existence and preferably having someone who can listen and make them real.
She calls Steve.
He picks up immediately.
“Robs? Are you okay?”
Robin lets out a heavy breath at the sound of his voice. Even though she now has the chance to ramble it all away, she suddenly is at a loss of words.
Steve’s breathing gets more audible as he presumably brings his phone closer to his face, “Can’t sleep?” He asks knowingly.
She manages to whisper a yes.
“Yeah, me neither.”
Robin knows Steve has frequent nightmares about a plethora of his own issues, such as the mall earthquake or his neglectful parents, to name a few. She also knows that one of the kids — usually Dustin or Max — often have an emergency, or a needed moment of comfort from their group’s big brother. It’s incredibly heartwarming, but also means that his sleep schedule is less than ideal for a full-time worker. But on nights like this, where Robin feels alone and helpless to her pessimistic reality, she’s glad her best friend is awake with her.
After a few moments of companionable silence, Robin finds herself ready to speak, “It’s just my parents and their NIMBY homophobic ways,” She lets out a quiet laugh, remembering when she explained that term to Steve.
‘Not In My Backyard’ homophobic. That means they’re fine with it, as long as it’s not someone close to them. There’s no one closer than a daughter, Robin thinks bitterly.
“Robin…” Steve says softly, but Robin’s ramble has begun.
“They were talking about it at dinner and the amount of misconceptions they have of us, it’s just insane. The way the media portrays queer people to those less knowledgeable causes so much damage. And I know, okay, I know, that they love me. They wouldn’t kick me out for this. But it’ll change how they see me, permanently. It’s already so fucking hard arguing with my mom every time she wants me to wear a dress — and oh my god I’m already dreading the fight we’ll have over my grad outfit. So I can’t imagine how much harder it’ll be to tell them that I like girls! And I’m going to have to, eventually, because even if I never have a girlfriend, I don’t know if I can keep hiding this part of me from them. But I’m so scared, Steve, of what they’ll say when I do, and—” She cuts herself off with a sob, tears having welled up during her rant.
Robin wipes off her tears with her hand, taking gasping breaths that she tries to quiet, all too aware of her parents asleep in their bedroom across the house. She can hear Steve’s shaky breaths over the phone, and knows that that means he’s started crying too. He’s always been an empathetic crier, she thinks fondly.
“...I really want to hug you right now,” Steve whispers with a smile in his voice.
It makes Robin smile, too. Because they both know that there’s no comforting words that Steve can say that’ll assuage her worries. There are no guarantees, and a cynic like Robin Buckley is certainly aware of that. All she needs is someone here, listening and accepting every part of her. And that’s always been him.
“Y’know how you’re the first person I’ve ever come out to?” She says, once her tears have slowed. At Steve’s noise of acknowledgment, Robin continues, “I don’t think I ever told you how freeing it was. Like a weight off my chest. Obviously, the circumstances that led to that situation weren’t the best—” They both let out pained chuckles at that, remembering the accident that led to them being trapped together in a washroom, “But, I don’t know… you were so understanding, so good with it, I felt like I was flying,” She whispers at the end.
She hears Steve sniffle, and smiles again, “After we survived that, I remembered that feeling. So I added the lesbian-coloured hearts on my Insta bio, I came out to the kids and my band friends, because I didn’t realize how heavy it was to hide a part of myself until I shared it with you,” Fuck, now Robin’s getting emotional again.
“I-I’m so happy that you trusted me,” Steve says with a watery voice, “I’m so happy that you felt that… euphoria. You deserve every bit of it, Robbie.” Robin soaks that in with closed eyes, making sure every part of her hears it, so that she can eventually believe it.
“I’m gonna be a little vulnerable here too,” He clears his throat, “Meeting you, properly, not just as another face in the crowd of high schoolers I used to look down upon — it helped me discover more about myself. I never even thought that I could be queer until you came around. And you were so patient with me. Explaining to me that straight guys don’t typically find their teammates so attractive that they…” Steve pauses at that, and Robin snorts quietly at the silent implication, “M-My point is that you freed me, Robs.”
Okay, Robin can’t take it anymore. Her tears are back, but she’s also laughing disbelievingly at her life. Finding a friend like this, where they’re having late night phone calls of vulnerability, admitting to each other how much they’ve been changed by their friendship? It’s something in a movie. A one-in-a-million.
Steve laughs with her, because a core part of this relationship is that they laugh together, no matter the context.
“Fuck, we need to move on or we’ll be crying all night,” Robin exclaims, as quiet as she can, rubbing her eyes with fisted hands.
Steve hums, “Well, we can re-celebrate our acceptance letters.”
That’s right! She and Steve were both accepted to the same college in Boston, with Robin studying linguistics, because she loves languages, and Steve in education to become a teacher. Steve was worried he’d be rejected due to his average high school grades and gap year, but Robin always knew he’d make it. Now, they can share a first-year dorm, and can spend every day together. That sounds co-dependent as shit, but Robin is in an emotional state from loving her best friend, so who can blame her?
“I’m so goddamn proud of us.”
“Me too.”
“Say the actual words, dingus.”
“I’m so goddamn proud of us! Happy?”
“No, you could say it with more energy. What, do you not mean it?”
“Of course I do. Fuck you, man.”
“Ew, no!”
That night, Steve and Robin fall asleep to the sound of each other’s breathing.
——
REMIND EACH OTHER OF THESE THINGS (FALL TERM EDITION) (to keep us responsible :D - s) (teamwork makes the dreamwork or whatever jocks say - r) (jocks don’t say that - s)
steve’s therapy sessions ~ biweekly on tuesdays @ 3 PM
robin’s marching band rehearsals ~ weekly on thursdays @ 6:30 PM
steve’s swim practices ~ weekly on wednesdays @ 4:30 PM
grocery shopping (team event) ~ weekly on saturday mornings
bathroom cleaning (alternate) ~ monthly, first week of the month
*steve’s first swim meet ~ sept 29 @ 1 PM
*robin’s first marching band performance ~ oct 5 @ 2:30 PM
**ROBIN’S MIDTERMS ~ oct 13, 15, 16, 21, 30
**STEVE’S MIDTERMS ~ oct 14, 15, 20, 28
final exams dates released ~ nov 1
visit hawkins (team event) ~ nov 25
*robin’s road test ~ nov 28 @ 11 AM
CHRISTMAS BREAK ~ dec 21
——
When Robin wakes up to the shuffling noise of Steve tossing and turning in his bed, she assumes he must be having trouble falling asleep. After eight months of dorming together, they’ve gotten used to each other’s habits, like Steve getting up at the ass crack of dawn for a run or Robin ignoring her closet space to instead make a nest of both their clothes in her bed.
She turns from her side to her back, waiting for sleep to take her again, when she hears a noise, similar to whimpering. Robin immediately gets out of bed, tip-toeing over to Steve’s half of the room to see him thrashing on his bed, a distraught look on his sleeping face.
He’s having a nightmare.
Robin reacts instantly, crouching down beside the bed and reaching out a hand to gently stroke through Steve’s hair. This has happened a few times over the months, and she’s learned how best to wake him up. She whispers calming sentences, like I’m here and you’re safe, continuing this mantra as he slowly comes to consciousness.
“Rob’n?” He slurs, the panic still present in his eyes but his body too sleep-ridden to be fully alert. Robin’s hand is still stroking his hair, massaging his scalp, and he begins relaxing once he realizes the situation.
Steve groans and Robin smiles softly, leaning forward to press her forehead against his cheek, both relieved. After almost a minute of comfortable silence, Steve’s breathing has slowed back down, and Robin can feel sleep wanting to overtake her again. But first, she has to take care of her best friend.
“Wanna talk about it?” She murmurs, loud in the quiet of the night.
Steve rubs a hand over his face, “Just the usual abandonment issues,” He lets out a bitter laugh, “Everyone leaving me…”
Robin frowns, hating how normal this has become. Despite coming from a rich family and growing up in a mansion, Steve’s childhood couldn’t have been more lonely. With neglectful parents always on vacation, he learned to take care of himself, but internalized those feelings of rejection. It was made even worse when the Harringtons couldn’t care less that Steve had gotten into college. Their only reaction was providing him access to his trust fund and making plans to sell the Hawkins house when Steve revealed he’d be moving to Boston with Robin. And that was the first time they’d even spoken to their only son in a year! They’re practically estranged.
One of the first things Robin did when they came to school and Steve had access to all that money, was nag him into getting therapy. Of course, she probably needs therapy too, from the homophobic parents to the traumatic disaster that led to her first coming out. Steve’s already been nagging her back, saying he’ll pay for it, but she’s not worried about herself right now. Steve is her priority.
No matter how much Robin wants to give words of wisdom to heal all his insecurities instantly, she’s not a magician. She also isn’t a therapist, and she knows Steve is going to talk about this nightmare at his next session. So right now, all she can do is be here. Like he always is for her.
“I’ll always be with you,” She says, an echo of their past.
Steve turns to face her, beaming with his pretty brown eyes, and beckons her onto his bed. As is tradition at this point, whenever one of them has a hard night, they cuddle together on the twin-sized bed. This time, Robin spoons Steve, and she buries her face in his disheveled hair. Their breathing syncs up at some point, making them both giggle like idiots. Then, Steve speaks up with a whisper.
“I think I’m gonna cut my parents off, for real.”
She sucks air in, shocked. Robin has told him in the past to just delete their numbers and unburden himself, but she’s never pushed it, because she knows how final it feels. To cut them off officially.
Steve keeps going, “I know we barely speak already, but you’re right when you said it’s just a burden for me at this point. My therapist is supportive of the choice, too. I just… I keep waiting for a phone call that’s never coming, and it’s been trapping me in a bad cycle. So… I’m gonna do it.” She sees him wipe at his eyes, his hand wet when it goes back to holding hers.
“I’m proud of you,” She says into his hair. He squeezes her hand in a silent thank you.
Just as Robin is about to close her eyes to fall back asleep, Steve suddenly lets out a snicker, and at her questioning noise, he says, “We’re really not beating the co-dependent allegations.”
Robin groans dramatically at this, “Mike’s just mad that neither Jane or Will like him right now.”
“That’s harsh.”
“But true.”
Steve hums in response, then Robin adds, “The allegations are kinda true, too.”
He turns to face her, their noses only a couple of inches apart with how small the bed is. At Steve’s raised eyebrow, Robin flushes and looks away, but soon decides fuck it, late night vulnerability is a staple of their friendship.
“I-I mean,” She coughs awkwardly, “Sometimes I just reflect on my life and I think… I don’t really need anyone else when I have you.” Robin meets Steve’s eyes, heart open and fragile.
And her trust in him could never be doubted, because of course, Steve takes her heart in his hands carefully, as he brushes a strand of her hair behind her ear and cups her jaw.
Steve smiles, and oh boy, it’s time for Robin’s weekly cry session, because he says, “I know I’m a huge hopeless romantic, and everyone teases me for it all the time, but honestly, Robs… Even if I end up with no romance, no romcom story of my life, I’ll still be the happiest man on Earth. Because I have you,” He boops her nose, and she giggles through the tears, “My soulmate.”
“Fuck romcoms, we’re the greatest love story in history,” Robin snorts, pushing herself into Steve’s arms for a full embrace.
They wake up the next morning with matching bedheads, sore backs, and intertwined hands.
——
ROBIN’S MOVIE WATCHLIST FOR STEVE #4 (i’m kinda regretting not giving each a theme - r) (no the chaos is so you i love it - s)
- 12 angry men (this title sounds like a horror movie for you - s) (lmao true - r)
revenge(badass woman - r)wicked- wicked: for good (last song will make you cry, it reminds me of us - r) (i’m already tearing up at the thought - s)
- companion
- everything everywhere all at once (you’re gonna sob. mommy issues x mental health issues over here - r) (IM SCARED??? - s)
legally blondejennifer’s body(mmm megan fox - r) (agreed - s)la la land
——
“Get in loser, we’re going shopping,” Steve calls out from his BMW.
The students passing by on the sidewalk turn to look at him, but he continues grinning broadly as Robin gives a quick goodbye to her friend, Ivy, and scrambling into the passenger seat of the car. She glares at Steve as he pulls away from the sidewalk and looks around like nothing is amiss, like he didn’t just quote Mean Girls in front of twenty-five people.
“What?” He asks innocently after a few more seconds of Robin’s stare burning into the side of his face.
She huffs and crosses her arms, “I’m on day two of my period, dingus, don’t test me.”
Steve winces at this, “Noted.” A pause, then more seriously, “Pad supply still good?”
“Yep,” Robin lets herself smile at him and his concern, before poking his cheek to get him relaxed again.
It works, as Steve smacks her hand away like he would an annoying fly, exclaiming, “Robin, I’m driving!”
She just cackles at his pouting face, before turning up the radio to drown out his lecture about road safety. As if Robin didn’t pass her road test almost two years ago! Once a babysitter, always a babysitter.
It’s a sunny September afternoon, the beginning of their third year in college, and they’re both done with their classes for today. Robin texted Steve half an hour ago, asking if they could take a trip to the mall, in which they’ll stare at things they want but will never get. A good shared hobby, Robin likes to think.
After a minute of listening to the current song on the radio, she glances at Steve and notices the slightly distracted look in his eye. The average person wouldn’t have noticed, but Robin prides herself on being particularly well-versed in all things Steve Harrington-related. So this means…
She slaps the radio off, startling Steve, and points at him like a jilted girlfriend, “Something happened today! What aren’t you saying?!”
“What are you talking about!” Steve shouts back.
“Did you fuck up a social interaction? Did someone try to flirt with you?!” Robin interrogates. When he simply purses his lips together, she pleads, “We still have at least ten minutes of driving, I’m gonna beg you the whole way if you don’t spill! Pleeease?” She clasps her hands together.
“Okay, fine, jeez!” Steve groans at Robin’s cheer.
Another pause.
Just as Robin’s about to start her most obnoxious begging routine, Steve practically vomits out, “I was on my way out of my morning lecture, and when I turned a corner I knocked right into this guy. He was holding a bunch of sheet music and everything fell, like, everywhere. It was so goddamn embarrassing, and everyone was staring at my shitshow. I helped him pick everything up and then practically flew out of there after apologizing. I had to hide in a washroom stall for ten minutes because after the adrenaline wore off, my cheek hurt like a bitch. It’s probably gonna be bruised.” He almost gasps for breath after delivering a truly Robin-like rant.
And yet.
“That is really embarrassing,” Robin says slowly, “But it wouldn’t have affected you for this long. What detail are you hiding?” She narrows her eyes at him.
“Jesus Christ, you’re so persistent,” Steve sounds annoyed, but he’s smiling.
That’s when Robin notices the pink flush to his cheeks.
She gasps, “You found that guy hot!” When his cheeks get even pinker, she knows she hit the mark.
“...Yeah,” He reluctantly admits, then adds, “He kinda laughed at me and… it was really cute.”
Robin’s shriek must’ve been heard all the way in Hawkins.
Good thing that Steve is a great driver, because despite jumping in his seat at her reaction, the car stays steady. He also immediately scolds her, surely about to lecture her again about not scaring the driver, but Robin can only focus on the fact that this is the first time in a while that Steve’s shown more interest in someone beyond thinking they’re hot for a hookup. He’s been focusing on himself, which she is beyond proud of him for. But Robin’s been missing the opportunity to meddle in Steve’s love life, and she knows he’s been missing dating, even though he hasn't voiced this yet.
“So,” Robin interrupts Steve’s lecture, “What’s the plan?”
“What plan?”
“To bag a date with that guy!”
Steve splutters, “There is no date that is going to happen!”
Robin rolls her eyes, “Don’t lie to me, Steven, I know you’re interested in him for more than a fling!”
“Well,” He starts, clearly about to say some nonsense, “That’s impossible, since we barely spoke to each other before I left.”
Robin just stares at him.
Steve stares at the road ahead.
Finally, he cracks, “Okay, it’s true that I do want to try dating again, but it’s not like I can get a date with him! I don’t know anything about him, just what he looks like!”
“And that he’s probably in a music course,” Robin adds, “But thanks for finally admitting that you want to date,” She grins smugly, “Also, it’s totally possible for you to find him again. Just keep a look out after the lecture next week!”
Then, out of nowhere, Steve asks, “What about you?”
“What about me?”
“You think I didn’t notice how you were looking at Nance when we saw her last month?”
Robin feels completely caught.
She stutters out, “I-I don’t know what you’re talking about,” She starts picking at her nails in anxiety.
“Robs…”
“I literally hate her, dingus, there’s no way I have a crush on her!” Robin protests. Besides, even if she did, Nancy is Steve’s ex-girlfriend. That is like, rule number one of best friend code! Never date each other’s ex.
“If you’re worried I’d be mad, or something, because Nance is my ex, you don’t have to worry,” Steve says, because he can somehow read her mind, “And I know you don’t hate her anymore, she apologized to me and I forgave her!”
Robin mutters, “I can hold a grudge for you…”
Steve gives her a fond look, reaching out a hand to stop her from picking at her nails. Then, he gives her a pat on the head. She whacks him, but they’re both smiling now.
“Well, when you wanna stop denying it, I’ll be here,” He says lightly, before changing the topic, “Is your phonology prof still having tech issues?”
Robin immediately complains, “Oh my god, yes! He spends at least ten minutes of class just figuring out how to use a projector! He said he’s been teaching here for over twenty years, so you’d think he’d be competent by now. But I guess when you’re as old as a fossil, change is hard.”
Steve cackles as she rants.
——
my dingus soulmate 🍦
HOW WAS YOUR MIDTERM???
RLLY GOOD!
I THINK I COOKED
OF COURSE YOU DID
YOU’RE A GENIUS
okay let’s stop yelling it’s hurting my eyes lol
i’m all out of brain cells rn
Oof I bet
It’s okay come home quickly
I have ice cream ready for you :)
And a movie!
fuck i love you
what movie?
I was thinking something feel good
So little miss sunshine?
perfect
i’ve trained you well
Thank you, master 🙇
omg you dick
you distracted me!!!
HOW WAS YOUR DATE?!?
ASKDJSFKJ
You don’t want the rundown in person?
no fuck that
i’m impatient
this is your first date in FOREVER
tell me NOW
And the kids say I’m the bossy one…
STEVEN.
Okok
He’s so fucking romantic
Like, pulling my chair out for me and shit
omg
He literally kissed my hand and brought me flowers ??
Who DOES THAT
sheesh eddie munson has moves
i’m impressed
i feel like you were doing that with girls in high school?
you’re getting a taste of your own medicine lol
music majors have game i’m tellingg you!
Robs you’re not a music major
eddie said i’m an honorary one!!
don’t take this from me
AND KEEP GOING
Yknow how he calls me Stevie
yes it’s so cute
He kept calling me shit like
‘My lady’ or ‘my liege’ during the date
akjsdhkajh
omg this nerd
RIGHT
He’s such a nerd but it’s so cute
Also the petnames make me feel oddly good??
you guys are too cute
We kissed when he dropped me off
AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
and how was it?
He’s such a good kisser dude
Like I wasn’t expecting much
Since he said he doesn’t have much experience
But Jesus Christ
ig he’s a natural LOL
i’m so happy for you 🥺
Ty Robbie
I’m trying not to get my hopes up
But I like him so much
no i have my hopes up too
i knew there was smth special happening when you ran into each other AGAIN
that’s a crazy coincidence
Yeah that was crazy 😭😭
A whole month later too
I thought I’d never see him again
speaking of last month
yk when you mentioned
the possibility of me liking nancy?
Yes 👀
put those eyes away ma’am
i fear
that i may like her
like that
Finally you admit it
HEY
I was getting tired dude
Everytime we visit her at Emerson or vice versa
You get so flustered
STOP TEASING ME
this is a big moment!!
🤐
thank you
ik you said you don’t mind even though she’s your ex?
but it feels like you should??
Because of the taboo of dating your friend’s ex?
YES
Idk I think we’re a different case
Like, usually ppl don’t stay friends with their ex either
But me and Nance are good
So I really don’t care
In fact, I think you two would be a great match
if you’re sure
I am!!
And Eddie likes to tell me how that type of stuff is making us conform
To what society thinks is best etc
wow
already learning philosophies
he’s got you whipped
THIS IS NOT ABOUT ME ANYMORE
Now that you’re out of denial, what’s your game plan?
she’s come out as bisexual
so i don’t have to worry about that part
So now you have to figure out how to ask her on a date!!
this is new territory
fuck mee
oh time to get off the bus
We’ll brainstorm in person!!
Proud of you 💗
💗
——
“Welcome to our humble abode!” Robin exclaims, opening the door to her apartment to Ivy Huang.
When Ivy found out their college had an LGBTQ+ community program where queer first-years get matched with an upper year mentor, they were elated. An automatic queer friend, within their first month of school? It’s perfect, especially since Ivy only recently came out as a nonbinary lesbian. They barely know anything about queer culture, and it seems the program coordinators did a perfect job matching them with Robin. Because not only is Robin a fellow lesbian, but she also knows everything.
After their first meeting, where Ivy immediately clicked with their socially awkward yet snarky mentor, Robin has already shown them three must-watch gay movies, and shared her own experience coming out to her parents. Apparently, Robin’s parents were homophobic, but after she came out to them, they’ve been amenable to being educated and have since been much more accepting.
“It was definitely an uphill battle,” Robin said, “It took a lot of time, and arguments, and crying into my best friend’s shoulder, but they never once threatened to kick me out or disown me. They realized they love me more than whatever bullshit prejudices they had,” She had a proud look on her face, and Ivy could only feel their admiration for their mentor grow.
At one of their meetups a couple of months ago, they had a delicious lunch together, and then Robin got picked up by her roommate/best friend, Steve. Looking at Robin and Steve together, they make two very pretty best friends. According to Robin, Steve’s under the bisexual umbrella, although apparently he doesn’t fully identify as bisexual but is too lazy to figure it out. Anyways, she invited Ivy over for dinner, so that leads them to today, where Ivy steps into Robin’s apartment for the first time, looking around in astonishment.
The first word that comes to mind when looking at the apartment is cozy. With the countless pictures on the cabinets, the smell of a homemade meal, the large pride flag on the wall, and the colorful, full coat rack, the place is clearly lived-in and loved. As Robin calls for Steve, Ivy takes off their boots and winter coat, dragging their gaze across the framed pictures. There’s one of Steve carrying Robin piggyback, both grinning at the camera. There’s one of Steve and a curly-haired man holding an electric guitar, with Steve kissing the man on the cheek. Another of Robin and a curly-haired woman, who must be her girlfriend Nancy, embracing under a mistletoe. The largest picture also has the most amount of people in it: a group of high school teens with Steve and Robin in the middle, and it’s clearly candid, as they’re all either laughing or arguing.
“Hey, Ivy, nice to see you again!” Steve says, startling Ivy as he approaches them in his apron.
“Hi, thank you for having me,” Ivy replies, before taking an exaggerated sniff, “Have you been cooking? It smells delicious!”
Steve grins bashfully, “Aw, thanks! Yeah, dinner’s ready, you guys came just in time.”
Robin peeks out from the kitchen, adding, “He made lasagna. Ivy, this is gonna blow your mind.”
Ivy is even more excited now, because Robin has told them that Steve is an amazing chef, with an especially masterful lasagna. They try to help set up the table, but Steve tells Ivy to sit down and be a good guest, so they wait and watch as the absolutely delicious-looking lasagna is put on the dining table. Out of politeness, Ivy waits until their hosts are settled and have started eating before they grab their own fork.
The first bite is extraordinary. Ivy has never had such a good lasagna before. They tell Steve this, and he adorably covers his face with his hand, to which Robin laughs at him for. That’s when Ivy notices that they’re wearing matching bracelets, with Steve’s blue and Robin’s red. Friendship bracelets, perhaps. Ivy finds this immensely endearing, and even feels a bit envious, as they’ve never been close enough with someone to consider friendship bracelets.
“How long have you two known each other?” Ivy inquires, after a few minutes of enjoying each other’s presence and the food. Despite all of Robin’s stories about her best friend and his killer cooking skills, she hasn’t explicitly explained their history.
Comically, Steve and Robin immediately look at each other, then look back at Ivy simultaneously. Almost twinlike in their motions. Ivy tries not to laugh.
“We both went to the only high school in a small town, so we’ve been aware of each other for a long time,” Steve says, “But we only really became friends around… three and a half years ago?” He looks again at Robin for confirmation.
Robin snorts, “Dingus, I was aware of you throughout high school. You didn’t even know I existed!”
Steve looks sheepish, and Ivy tilts their head curiously, “What do you mean by that?”
“Steve here, was like the most popular guy at school,” Robin leans forward, almost like she’s revealing a secret, “A total jock douchebag. One of the bullies,” She whispers this last part cheekily, like it’s blasphemous.
And, it kinda is. Ivy can’t wrap their head around Steve, the kind and gentleman Steve, being a bully. Their jaw drops open in shock and snaps to look at said man, who looks embarrassed but not offended.
Robin continues, “Don’t worry, though! He learned to change his ways after dating Nancy and babysitting her little brother and his friends,” She nudges him and teases, “The love of a good woman.”
“Wow…” Ivy says, “That’s actually quite admirable, that you could change like that,” They smile at Steve, who looks appreciative. Then, Ivy realizes that Robin said the name Nancy, “Wait, isn’t Nancy your girlfriend, Robin?”
And that’s when Ivy learns that Robin is dating her best friend’s ex-girlfriend. That’s practically unheard of, as usually that would break a friendship. And yet, Steve seems completely happy for her, telling Ivy the story of how Robin accidentally confessed to Nancy at Thanksgiving dinner. As they finish their meal, Ivy learns how they became co-workers at their ice cream parlor summer job, then became close friends after the natural disaster that caused their workplace to collapse. In return, Ivy talks about their immigration from China as a young child, their difficulty making friends in school, and how they came to realize their identity.
After dinner, they bring out Monopoly, and Ivy finds themself enjoying the night much more than they expected. Despite being best friends for years, Steve and Robin easily include Ivy in their jokes, and throughout the game, Robin and Ivy even team-up against Steve and his properties. Ivy laughs more than they have in months, delighted by their easy affection and teasing.
Time passes quickly, and before they know it, it’s 11 PM. At this point, they’re all laying in some way across the floor or couch, with Steve taking sips from a glass of wine. Robin opted out in solidarity with Ivy, and has instead been fidgeting with a blanket draped across all three of them.
Ivy’s been spending the last five minutes contemplating if they should say goodnight and leave, in case their hosts are too awkward to tell them to go. They rarely have outings that go this late, so they’re unsure of what’s proper right now. Luckily, just as Ivy’s about to nervously ask, Steve speaks up.
“Hey Ives,” He slurs, clearly a mix of tipsy and sleepy, “It’s really late, would you wanna stay over?”
Ivy freezes and glances at Robin, who meets their eyes and likely sees the panic, because she softly says, “No pressure if you’re uncomfortable. But I can give you my room for tonight, and we can all bus to campus tomorrow morning. We have unopened toothbrushes for you to use.”
Ivy finds their voice to ask, “Where would you sleep?”
Robin blinks, “With Steve.”
Ivy opens their mouth in a silent Oh, because of course, they’re evidently close enough to share a bed platonically. They think over the offer, then nod shyly, and Robin’s responding grin makes them feel warm.
“Wh’t they say?” Steve sleepily asks, and Robin shares a giggle with Ivy before brushing her hand through his hair.
“Ivy’s staying over.”
“Oh, yayyy!”
They giggle again at him, before slowly getting up and cleaning up the living room and dining table. Robin sends Steve to sleep, not budging at his protests, so mentor and mentee wash the dishes together, with Robin humming an unfamiliar tune.
“Hey, Robin?” Ivy quietly asks.
“Yeah?”
“Do you have… advice,” They say delicately, “On… finding your people?”
Robin is silent for a few seconds, putting down the plate she washed. Ivy nervously bites their lip.
“Can I ask where this is coming from?”
Ivy flushes a bit, “Well, I’ve told you and Steve how I struggled to make friends. Even now, I feel as though I only have distant friends. At least, no one that I talk to regularly, outside of school. I thought this was fine for me, especially since I’m an introvert, but after seeing you two together… and how you talk about those high schoolers that Steve babysat, I just… wonder.” They finish with a wince, because that was more vulnerable than they planned.
Robin’s voice is gentle as she says, “Y’know, I used to be in a similar position.” At Ivy’s surprised look, she laughs, “Before I had that first job with Steve. For most of high school, I was alone. Like, I had classmates I was friendly with, and who I would do homework with, but no one that I would really call a friend.”
“And… that changed when you met Steve?” Ivy asks.
Robin hums consideringly, “Yep. The earthquake did forcibly make us kinda trauma-bonded…” She sighs, then continues, “But, I think what really made us best friends is the effort. After we were saved, we could have easily distanced ourselves, and Steve could just be the guy I first came out to. Instead, we both put in the effort to call, hang out, and have some more emotional moments,” Robin winks at Ivy lightheartedly, making them smile.
She adds, “In that way, I think friendship is a lot like romantic relationships. It needs effort, care, and love. I’ve wondered too, what was the thing about Steve that made me put in more effort than I did with my fellow band kids? I think a big part of it was reciprocity. He made so much effort in return to show me he cared for me, and the first time I really saw that was when I came out. I just knew he was the one.” She snorts, “God, that makes it sound romantic. But it’s not, and that’s what makes it even better! We are capital P platonic, and it’s the longest relationship I freaking have,” Robin sniffs, “God, Ivy, you’re gonna make me cry.”
Ivy themself is tearing up a bit, so they only chortle, “You’re making me cry!”
Robin collects herself and says, “In answer to your question, because goddamn did I really ramble there, it’s a mix of luck and effort. You can’t purposely look for your people, or you’ll only tire yourself out. I think all you can do is be yourself, do what you love, and when you find someone you just click with, put in the effort to keep them, and notice the effort they put in for you,” She looks at Ivy reassuringly, “Trust me, you will find them. I mean, I feel like we click pretty well, right?”
Ivy nods, almost frantically.
“Seems like you’re already finding your people,” Robin raises a brow with a smile.
An hour later, Ivy is laying in Robin’s bed, the walls surrounding them covered in movie posters and photo strips. As sleep takes them, Ivy’s last thought is not one of envy, but hope, as they remember Steve, Robin, and their friendship built off of ice cream and love.
——
STUFF STEVE WANTS TO DO WITH ROBIN (so a bucket list - r) (oh i guess so - s) STUFF STEVE AND ROBIN WILL DO TOGETHER
go to a gay bar(how was that guy btw - r) (he knew how to handle it if you know what i mean - s)binge watch a show(what show? - r) (idk i’m taking recs from the kids - s)go to a pride parade(i can’t wait for when we leave this shit town - r)try pottery(let’s make it a competition - s) (blind leading the blind - r)bike togethergo to a concert(sabrina carpenter or chappell roan maybe? - s) (you’re gonna fight on ticketmaster, not me - r)- play it takes two (eddie says he wants to watch when we do this - s) (he’s gonna make fun of us non-gamers so much - r)
hiking!(over my dead body - r) (bet - s)paint each other’s nails(red and blue - r)teach robin to drive(i don’t think it’s legal for you to teach me? - r) (idc i will - s)!!!LIVE TOGETHER!!!volunteer somewhere together?spa day(best grad gift EVER!! - r)- go on vacation together (FRANCE PLS - r) (GREECE IS GOOD TOO - r)
- get matching tattoos? (i’ll think about it - r) (still thinking about it? - s) (yep - r)
double date(if either of us date at all - r) (hey now i believe in us - s)EXPLORE BOSTON(let’s make it a home! - s)camping trip(why do you keep doing this to me - r) (lol - s)- beach day
- teach robin to cook (specifically your family recipes - r)
- teach steve french (for when we go to france - r)
write letters to our future selvesthrow a dinner party(for thanksgiving - s)pull an all nighter(and we both passed our exams! - r) (goated duo over here - s)- go to disneyland
prank call dustinwine tasting(yum white wine - s)- see a psychic
- donate blood
- road trip (across the country? - r) (yes! - s)