Disclaimer: I do not own Stranger Things. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.
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Christmas Day, 1985...
Robin Buckley wasn't particularly religious, and her family was 'too poor for Christmas', but this year was different. This time she had told her deepest secret to someone, and they hadn't rejected her for it. God, it was such a weight off of her shoulders, having someone to talk to about this stuff. She wouldn't have ever thought that person would be Steve Harrington, but stranger things had happened.
Literally, given that this year she had also found herself fighting for her life against a giant monster from another dimension. And the Russians. But somehow, she had survived all of that, giving her even more reason to celebrate. So, she purchased a giant Santa hat, an ugly Christmas sweater, and then filled up a sack full of sweets, before heading off to meet her new friend for a Christmas party.
Of course, this wasn't for herself and Steve. No, apparently Steve's home was a place of misery, much like her own. So she was heading to the Wheeler house, of all places. It was so weird that The Steve Harrington, the most popular guy in her school, was now so close with a bunch of kids. Kids she wanted to strangle half the time.
But, she was beginning to feel just as close to them, given that they were around the video store all the time, and she found herself having in-depth movie discussions with them. In fact, she was looking forward to seeing them, and the looks on their faces when one of them answered the door to greet her. But it wasn't them, or even The Steve Harrington.
No, the door was opened by The Nancy Wheeler. Fuck her life! And fuck Steve Harrington and all his little friends for putting her in this position. Because Robin knew she was a loser, and normally, she was okay with that. Especially now she had a real friend to confide in. But she had never felt more of a dork than in that moment.
Not even when in her full band uniform, making her way through the halls of the school. Hell, even when performing, at least then she was amongst her fellow geeks, not being judged by the prettiest girl in school. God, she was waiting for Nancy Wheeler to go all mean girl on her, and say something that would haunt her dreams for the rest of her life. But she didn't, and just stared back at her.
The two girls just stared awkwardly at each other for a few long seconds, and maybe even a full minute, and then Robin blurted out, "Erm, hi?"
"Hi." Nancy replied with a smile.
"I'm Robin." Robin introduced herself awkwardly, before lowering her voice as she added, "We, we met that night at Starcourt? You know, with the giant monster, the guys with guns, and... Everything?"
"I remember." Nancy said softly, lowering her gaze before offering, "You're Steve's friend."
"Right." Robin agreed, before quickly adding, "But just his friend."
"Sure." Nancy mumbled, clearly not believing that as she moved back, and offered, "Are you just going to stand out there in the cold? Or are you going to come in?"
"Thanks." Robin said dismissively, but even as she stepped in the door and Nancy closed it behind her, the redhead continued, "But I am, though. Just his friend. I, I know what people say about me. About us! About me and him being a couple, that is. But it's not true. We're just friends. He... he is just not my type, okay?"
"Okay." Nancy dismissed, trying to walk away without looking directly at Robin.
"It doesn't sound okay." Robin whined.
"Well it is!" Nancy snapped, finally turning around and looking at Robin directly.
They stood there for what felt like an eternity, in the worst silence ever. And on some level, Robin knew she could just run off in search of Steve, but what could she say? She was a glutton for punishment. And for some reason, it really mattered to her what Nancy Wheeler thought of her. She didn't want to admit it, but it was true. Just like she hated the idea of people thinking she was with Steve.
It was better than everyone knowing the truth, but it still really bothered her, and she didn't know why. It shouldn't matter, but it did. Which was why when Nancy spoke up again, even though it seemed like she was trying to be nice, it really upset Robin. Maybe even more than the insults she had been expecting.
Nancy sighed, and lowered her voice, but kept eye contact, "It's none of my business. I have Jonathan. I almost never get to see him anymore, and that sucks. But I have him, and I want Steve to be happy. I really do. And... and every time I see you together, you're laughing and smiling. How could I not want that for him? So, it's okay, really."
"Yeah, we get on. But he's like my brother." Robin insisted, "I swear. I just-"
"That's good to hear." Steve announced his presence, before drawing attention to his equally ugly Christmas sweater, "Hey Robin, you did it! Wow, now we totally match. The kids are going to love it."
"I lost a bet." Robin grumbled.
"Liar." Steve scoffed, before grinning, "So, you lovely ladies were talking about me?"
"No." Robin grumbled.
"Yes." Nancy countered about the same time, and then cautiously added, "I was just giving you guys my blessing... but apparently, you don't need it?"
"Oh, totally." Steve quickly agreed, before just as quickly trying to clarify, in case there was any confusion, "I am not Robin's type. Not at all. I mean, yeah, I thought we might have something at some point, but I blame Dustin. He's an idiot, and was just seeing something that wasn't there. But now, she's like my best friend. So it would be weird. Besides, I'm not looking for anything serious right now. I'm not. In fact, I'm trying to get Robin to ask someone out already. I mean, you never know until you try, right? But, she has like zero game, and babbles when she meet someone she likes. It's cute, but being nervous never got anyone the girl. Erm, boy. You know?"
"For the love of God, shut up!" Robin snapped, after nudging him just didn't work.
"Right..." Nancy said after a few more seconds of staring at her ex and his, friend? Then, deciding she could wait until later to figure out the conundrum that was Robin Buckley, a girl who continued insisting that Steve Harrington wasn't her type, and simply walked away, calling over her shoulder, "Well, like I said, it's none of my business. Now, come on, Santa Robin. The kids are waiting for you."