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panickinganakin · 2 months

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stepping stones to hell ch. 14 (ronance fic)

hello! all previous chapters of this fic can be found here!

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NANCY’S P.O.V.

When Nancy woke up the next morning, she was still curled against Robin with her head on her chest. She breathed in deeply, the smell of Robin’s body wash overwhelming her senses. She couldn’t believe how brave she had been last night by crawling up next to her. The wine had definitely helped but Robin hadn’t pushed her away. Maybe it was time to be more brave.

She pulled herself away from Robin slowly. Robin twitched before opening her eyes, taking in her whereabouts. She blinked a few times before turning to find Nancy, “Good morning,” her voice was rough and Nancy could feel her heartbeat quicken.

“Morning,” she said, giving a lopsided smile. “You’re cute when you sleep.”

Robin blinked before shaking her head, “Only when asleep?”

Nancy laughed lightly, crawling out of the blanket fort to stand stretch. “No. I think you’re cute all the time.”

Robin was silent which made Nancy feel a little nervous. Over the past few weeks she had developed feelings for Robin. It was undeniable. Sometimes she felt like those feelings were returned but maybe she was always reading the room incorrectly. Just because Robin liked women didn’t mean she liked Nancy.

She finally crawled out from the fort to look up Nancy, “Do you mean that?” She asked quietly.

It was Nancy’s turn to blink in confusion before she gave a slow nod. “Yes,” she whispered back.

The two looked at one another for a long moment, Robin deciding to stand up. She took a step towards Nancy, the air becoming tensely charged. She thought maybe she was reaching for her hand before a knock sounded at the door. The both of them must have been holding their breath because the exhale was audible as Robin bit out a soft curse, turning for the door.

Nancy could feel her cheeks on fire as she turned, going straight to the bathroom to grab her toothbrush. What was that? She thought as she let the water run hot before running the bristles underneath the stream. There was no way Robin didn’t not like her, right?

She could hear Robin carrying on a conversation from

the door, “We’re actually gonna be leaving in like an hour if you don’t mind coming back then?” Nancy couldn’t hear what the other person said but she heard Robin thanking them before shutting the door.

Nancy felt nervous now, as if there was some sort of pressure on them to continue what was going to happen. She had to try to act normal. When she was done brushing her teeth and washing her face she found Robin sitting on the bed in already changed clothes. “Hey,” she said quickly standing. “That was house keeping. I just need to brush my teeth and I’ll be ready.”

“‘Course,” Nancy smiled anxiously, walking past Robin to her bag, digging out her outfit for the day. Nashville in the fall was usually a bit cool so she opted for a pair of jeans, her dino t-shirt that Robin had loved and then a flannel. That way if today it was on the warmer side she’d be fine. She grabbed her brush and sat down on the bed, reaching for the phone book on the nightstand. Maybe flipping through yellow pages would give her an idea of where to go first.

She had just finished combing through her hair before Robin joined her back at the bed. “I love that flannel,” she said with a big smile.

Nancy wanted to let out a breath, the nervous energy seemed to have left Robin which meant Nancy could do the same. “Thanks! I stole it from Mike, actually.”

“Even better.”

Robin held her hand to help Nancy up who grabbed onto her without a second thought. “So, what do we do first?”

“Okay, so, I looked through the yellow pages and there’s a record store on broadway and then a few thrift stores close to it. I ripped the map from the phone book. Do you think the hotel is going to be mad?” She asked Robin sheepishly.

Robin blinked before letting out a laugh, “Nancy Wheeler you’re a criminal.” She took the map from Nancy’s hand, examining it carefully. “If they get mad we’ll just buy them a new one. Ready?” She asked with a grin.

The two plowed their way through plates of waffles, bacon and eggs before calling for a taxi. Nancy had to admit free breakfast was probably the best part of staying at a place like this but god she felt like she was gonna pop. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen someone eat so much bacon,” Robin joked.

Nancy offered an eye roll, “I told you, it’s my favorite out of breakfast meats. Admittedly I prefer turkey bacon but,” she trailed off. Opening the taxi door before sliding out.

They had decided on calling for a cab instead of driving the rental because the two of them both agreed they probably would have a difficult time driving in a place they were only slightly familiar with. So after studying the map together in the backseat of the car they decided they would start with the record store then work their way up to the thrift stores. Luckily they were all within a mile of each other so they could walk once dropped off.

Robin held the door open to Vinyl Destination letting Nancy pass through first. She thanked her then looked around. “Holy shit,” Nancy muttered. This place was huge.

“Oh my god, they probably have like everything here,” Robin whipped her head back and forth in disbelief.

“Almost any cassette, record or CD you could name!” A friendly male voice greeted them. Nancy looked at him and smiled, his eyes squinted as he looked over Robin.

He studied her for a moment as if he was trying to see if he knew her or not. He was wearing baggy dark jeans and a ripped Danzig shirt. “Oh shit,” he finally said softly. “You’re,” he started but Robin stuck her hand out for a handshake to interrupt him.

“Robin Buckley, hi.”

“I was at your show last night!” He said excitedly.

Robin gave a genuine smile, “Thank you! We love Nashville.”

Nancy noticed the we and wondered if she meant the band or her because either way she was sure the statement was true. “Oh god, the show was incredible. It’s so crazy you’re here. Take a look around and if you need any help just give a shout.”

They walked toward the right side of the store where a sign hung indicating the records. “You’re so popular, Robs,” Nancy giggled, poking her side.

Robin’s face turned red. Knowing she could make her blush made Nancy’s stomach flutter. How different things were for them now. She knew from the moment they started the interview she was attracted to Robin in a way she must have missed when they were in school. Well, maybe that wasn’t true. She had noticed how beautiful and goofy and kind Robin was all those years ago. However, that time in their life was plagued with awful things she had never had time to think much about Robin. Of course Nancy had known for a long time she liked women and men. She liked anyone and everyone, really. There was no label to her attraction. She didn’t have a preference for anything except personality. She had always wanted to be with someone fun. Though she had thrived on organization and schedules most of her life, Nancy really wanted adventure now. She had learned a lot after graduating and attending college. She had learned a lot when she and the people she loved almost died. Life was too short to not be spontaneous or enjoy things. And dammit, Nancy enjoyed Robin.

“Nance? You okay? You look a thousand miles away,” Robin said softly, brushing her fingers against Nancy’s wrist.

She looked at where she had been touched, as if she could still feel her there. Warmth buzzed along her arm and she looked back at Robin, “I’m okay. You’re just,” she paused, searching for the words to say. Life is too short for lies, be honest. She urged herself. “You’re just incredible. Like really really great. There’s just so much I didn’t see before because I was sooo,” as she searched for a word Robin jumped in.

“Preoccupied with secretly saving the world and everyone we care about?”

Nancy laughed lightly, “Yes that. You’re just, beautiful, Robin. Inside and out. Like physically beautiful, stunning of course but just, remarkable.”

Robin’s cheeks flushed pink and she shook her head, “If I didn’t know better, Nancy Wheeler, I would think you’re trying to woo me.”

Nancy stood in front of a large bin of records labeled ‘Rock A-F’. She flicked through the vinyls mindlessly, trying to look as if she was actually absorbing whatever labels were on the square packing at her fingers. “Maybe I am, Robin Buckley. Is it working?” She looked back up at her. Her eyes were wide and she stayed silent for a long moment. Maybe Nancy was crazy. Maybe Robin didn’t like her at all and all this tension she had felt was imagined.

Robin finally nodded her head slowly, “Yeah, I would say it’s working very well.”

Nancy looked down, unable to hide her blush. She started back over at the first record but Robin took her free hand, lacing their fingers together. Her lungs froze. Holy shit. It’s happening. It’s happening? Is it.. happening?

She squeezed Robin’s hand gently, unsure if she should say something but she thought at the very least she should give some sort of indicator that this was okay. This is exactly what she had been wanting.

They browsed the store hand in hand, until they both had found so many things they could no longer just hold it in one hand. Robin had found a ton of cassettes including one of Corroded Coffin’s first demo. “Wouldn’t you have one of these?” Nancy raised an eyebrow, turning the plastic case over to read the back. These were songs they had been playing in Gareth’s garage before Robin had even joined them then went on later to record with Robin. “Holy shit, nineteen eighty-seven, what a year.”

Robin nodded in agreement, “I definitely have one of those somewhere. It’s kind of embarrassing really. I had barely been drumming for a year when we did that demo so I know for sure I sound like shit.”

“No you didn’t! I loved this demo actually,” Nancy defended Robin against herself and held the tape close. She did own this demo. And unlike Robin, she knew exactly where it was.

Nancy had a drawer at home that had a lot of her prized possessions. In the drawer was this very demo. There was also a pamphlet from the first film project El and Will did together. The school had a smaller film festival of sorts and Nancy had attended, keeping the paper. The first time Max had been credited for a game was in a magazine she had stuck in there as well. Lucas’ published theory he was working on, Dustin’s name in a school paper when he had won an award for his science project and Erica’s graduation invitation. The first calendar Jonathan had his photography printed in, literally everything that meant something to her was shoved in the drawer.

Nancy could never put into words what everyone in her life meant to her. She was so sentimental it was a bit exhausting at times but she felt like she had to keep a piece of everything.

She handed the cassette back to Robin and smiled, “You should give yourself more credit. You’re a badass.”

Robin gave a grateful smile and sighed, “Nancy Wheeler you really do flatter me.”

As they checked out up front the cashier asked Robins to sign a few CDs and vinyls which she did happily. After they left, they hit up three thrift stores in the area. It wasn’t until the third store they had managed to find some god awful t-shirts and some rather cute clothes.

“Oh, look at this!” Nancy pulled a dark burgundy skirt off its hanger. It was short and had a tattered slit on the left thigh. “This would look so good on you. With some fishnets and maybe like a garter,” she held the skirt to Robin who took it to inspect.

Nancy felt her cheeks heating at the thought of Robin wearing the outfit. Robin looked at Nancy then her own cheeks turned pink, “I think this would be perfect for a show or a photo shoot. I’ll try it on.”

“Oh, perfect!”

“Okay but since you found me a skirt you have to finish it off with a shirt. Then it’s only fair if I find you something to wear.”

Nancy tilted her head, trying to imagine in her head what shirt would pair well with the skirt then nodded. “Deal.” She immediately darted away, heading towards a rack of shirts.

Hmmm, she knew Robin had a ton of band t’s. However, she knew that nothing would look better than a cropped rock shirt with that skirt. As she was perusing the clothes, she came across a black shirt. In huge pink letters Joan Jett was stitched on it but in the way the AC/DC logo looked with a lighting bolt between the first and last name. The stitching sat higher on the shirt so if they were to cut it to make it cropped it would be perfect. Especially if Robin wore the fishnets high enough.

She made her way to dressing rooms, waiting patiently for Robin to return.

“Okay got it, come on,” Robin pushed on the dressing room door and pulled Nancy in with her. “You first,” she said, pushing a black dress at her. Nancy unfolded it and it in front of her.

The bottom half was solid black but the waist up was a sheer black material that showed red when adjusted under the light. “Ooooh, this is cute,” Nancy said even though she doubted she could pull something like this off. This was exactly the type of thing you expected to see someone like Robin in. Something badass, something sort of metal like the night she had went to see Corroded play.

She handed the dress back to Robin and started to pull her flannel and top off. Robin turned around but it didn’t do much good because she was looking at Nancy through the mirror. “Sorry,” she blurted, tipping her head down.

“It’s okay, I’ll probably need help with this thing anyway,” Nancy said shyly.

She slid the dress over her head and tried to reach the zip in the back but was unsuccessful. “Here,” Robin offered. She reached out to steady Nancy while pulling up on the zipper. Her hands felt warm through the material of the dress which left Nancy feeling cold when she pulled away.

Nancy turned to face Robin who’s lips twitched, “You look g-great. Imagine this with the dark lipstick you wore the night you watched us play. You could do your eyeliner the same way too, it would kill with this dress.”

“You remember the lipstick I wore?” Nancy raised an eyebrow curiously.

“I remember everything about you, Nancy.”

Nancy felt a heat spread through her as she stared at the woman in front of her. She knew that Robin wasn’t bluffing because she remembered everything about Robin too. Every moment that they had spent together so far.

Robin reached for the clothes Nancy had laid on the stool in the room. She slipped off her shirt, Nancy looked down quickly, not wanting to stare. After a few moments and the woosh of clothing, she looked up. “The shirt almost

covers the skirt,” Robin said with a frown.

“Yes, but,” Nancy said, turning Robin to face the mirror. She stood behind her, looking into the glass to meet Robin’s eyes, “I’m gonna cut it so it will look like this.” She reached for the hem of the shirt to fold it inward and as she did her fingers brushed against the curve of Robin’s waist.

Robin let out a small breathy noise, and it felt like electricity was running through Nancy’s fingers. God, was Nancy really this touch starved? Nancy opened her mouthy to apologize as she met Robin’s eyes in the

mirror once again. Her cheeks were red and it was traveling down her neck. “Robin, I’m so,” but before she could finish the sentence Robin turned around, placing her hands on Nancy’s cheeks.

It happened so quickly Nancy could only stand frozen for a half second before she relaxed. Robin Buckley was kissing her. Their lips had met and it was so soft and sweet. Robin was so gentle as she held Nancy’s face in her hands that Nancy thought her heart would explode.

It was like a fairytale in the way it felt like an explosion. Now she knew she had been wrong to doubt the tension between. She hadn’t misread things at all. Robin did like her because Robin was kissing her. Robin was kissing her. She snapped from her stunned trance and wrapped her arms around Robin’s neck, pulling her down even closer while pushing up on her toes. Robin typically hovered over her but she needed her to be closer. She didn’t want this moment to end.

Nancy’s lips parted slightly, encouraging Robin to continue further. Robin pulled away long enough to scan Nancy’s face. It took only a second for her to see that Nancy did want this, want her.

Robin’s tongue slid across Nancy’s lips and Nancy felt like her chest would collapse, finally. Finally after weeks they were finally-

A loud knock came from the dressing room door. The two of them jumped apart so quickly Nancy hit her shin against the stool, “Fuck!” she whispered.

The knocking started again, “Only one person in the dressing room at a time! Hurry it up!”

Nancy heard whoever’s footsteps fading away before she finally looked at Robin. She was slumped against the wall, breathing hard. “Are you okay?” Nancy asked quietly.

“Who? Me? Oh! Yeah! Great, never better. Uhm, we should definitely get these outfits, they’re perfect.”

Nancy smiled sheepishly before changing back into her clothes she had started with and Robin did the same. They exited the room blushing and completely silent.

#stranger things #st4 #steddie #the fruity four #robin buckley #ronance #fruity four #stranger things fic #writing #nancy wheeler is literally gay #nancy wheeler #robin and nancy #nancy and robin #corroded coffin au #corroded coffin #steddie and ronance

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panickinganakin · 10 months

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stepping stones to hell ch. 8 (ronance fic)

hello!! you can find all previous chapters here!

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Painter’s Point was beautiful; even in the dark. Especially in the dark, Robin had thought.

The grass was so soft it almost felt fake. There were small yellow flowers throughout the field and taller yellow flowers that surrounded the pond. An old wooden dock sat to the right of the pond, “It’s rather fragile. I think it’s best if we lay out here,” Nancy said. She flung out the blanket and it glided down, landing perfectly on the ground.

The two sat down next to one another and Robin stared at the water. The moon was reflected in it but it looked huge and beautiful. “Everything is so clear out here,” Robin said as they both fell on their backs.

She stared up at the night sky; it was as if she could see every single star. Nancy held her hand up, pointing straight down below them, “Capricornus.”

Robin looked over and it took her a moment to locate the constellation. “I can’t believe how well you can see everything. What’s that one?” Robin gestured towards Nancy’s side above them.

“Ohhhh, that one is Cygnus. It’s one of my favorites. There’s Pegasus,” she turned on her side, motioning to the left of them.

Robin found which one Nancy meant and let out a soft breath, “Stars are so fucking beautiful.”

Nancy stayed propped on her side now looking at Robin, “I love coming out here to look at the sky. There’s something so calming about it. I usually come alone.”

“Thank you for sharing this with me,” Robin said, trying to hold eye contact with her.

Nancy sat up and opened one bottle of the wine then took a long drink. She passed it to Robin who turned it up. She wasn’t someone who drank a lot so she was surprised to find that it was sweet. “I don’t think I’ve ever had good wine before.”

“It’s one of the cheapest they sell at Walmart. The expensive shit is always so dry and bitter.”

“Noted,” Robin took another drink of the wine before passing it back to Nancy.

They sat in silence before Nancy looked out over the water. “Can we play a game?”

Robin raised an eyebrow, “Like?”

“Just ask each other questions. I feel like there’s so much of our lives we’ve missed out on. I just want to know you.” Nancy said quietly.

Robin knew that even the night sky couldn’t hide how red her cheeks had become. She nodded slowly, “Alright. I’ll go first, what’s your favorite color?”

Nancy smiled before she tilted her head in thought, “Peach. But not like a bright peach, like a soft peach. An almost pastel shade of peach.” Robin closed her eyes for a moment and could picture Nancy wearing a cardigan the color she had described. It paired well with her eyes and dark hair. It made sense that it was her favorite. Nancy interrupted Robin’s imagination with a question of her own, “Who’s your favorite band? Or artist?”

Robin bit her lip, “That is a tough one. Elton John is one of my favorites and has always been an icon to me. I also love Prince and The Cranberries. Ugh, too hard to choose. I love them all for different reasons.”

“If you had to pick one?”

“Queen,” Robin finally decided. Nancy nodded her head in approval while Robin thought of her next question. “What’s your favorite movie?”

“Okay, so I think it’s because we literally just watched it but I really love Jurassic Park. However, it is fresh on my mind. Had you asked me hours ago before I had seen it,” she trailed off in thought. “Hmmm, I think I would have said Back to the Future two.”

Robin covered her heart with her hand, “Nancy Wheeler. Those are the words I’ve waited to hear my whole life.”

“I figured you would say something like that.” She smiled and Robin raised an eyebrow, “What? Don’t think I forgot Halloween of eighty-five. I had come to rent a movie and you were dressed like Marty McFly. You made Steve wear that ridiculous Doc costume.”

Robin fell into a fit of laughter. She hadn’t forgotten about that year but she did forget that Nancy had stopped by Family Video. “Oh man, Steve hated that wig. He was so pissed. I don’t think we’ve topped those costumes since.” She sighed before looking back at Nancy, “You would love my bedroom. I have a replica of Marty’s guitar from prom night.”

“You don’t!”

“I do! I really do. In fact, when I get back from tour, you are more than welcome to come see it.”

“Oh? So I can see something as precious as that but I’m not allowed to see your t-shirt collection?”

“Why do you think I said when I get back? I can’t show you tonight because then you’ll rob me and leave town before I’m even back.”

Nancy laughed as she grabbed the second bottle of wine. “I’m glad you feel you know me so well. Okay, my turn. Oh, got it. What’s your favorite book?”

“Oh that’s an easy one,” Robin started. “The Princess Bride.”

“Really? The Princess Bride?”

“What? Why do you look so shocked?” Robin stared at Nancy who looked to be in disbelief.

“I just would have expected like Stephen King or something?”

Robin did a double take of her, “Stephen what? No! No way. I cannot stomach horror. I’m a scaredy cat. Like the biggest ever.”

Nancy let out a joyous laugh, “What?!”

“What? What’s so surprising about that? Have you met me? I’m terrified of almost everything!”

“Okay, that’s fair. But, you don’t act like it.”

The two of them shared more wine before they laid back on the blanket again, staring at the stars again. “What do you mean?”

“Well, I’ve only ever seen you in one scary situation. You know, when we were younger. You always seemed so brave. When I look back I always picture you throwing that bottle while we literally stared death in the face.”

Robin chuckled softly, “Funny. I thought you pictured me as Marty McFly.”

Nancy laughed and brushed Robin’s arm, “Shut up.”

They laughed together, falling into a silence once again. Robin squeezed her eyes shut tight, trying to not think about what had happened that night in Hawkins all those years ago. “When did you know you liked girls?” Nancy asked.

“I thought it was my turn,” Robin offered, then sucked in a breath. “I don’t really remember, that’s how young I was. I know when I had my first real big crush was high school. I just never had an interest in men. I could never say that though, no matter how early I knew.”

The two turned their heads to look at each other. Robin could see something on Nancy’s face she had never realized before. She was wearing the same scared look that Robin herself had masked all those years ago. It was the same look she had given herself in the mirror when she questioned why she was different. “Nancy, I-'' she paused. She didn’t want to assume. What if it was just the alcohol? Robin didn’t feel drunk, she barely felt buzzed. However, maybe it had hit her harder than she realized. She didn’t want to make Nancy uncomfortable. They had just become friends, she didn’t want to scare her away.

“I’m really glad we’ve reconnected, Robin.” Her voice was barely a whisper.

So maybe the alcohol was clouding her judgment. Or maybe it was the hope deep down that someone like Nancy Wheeler could ever like someone like her. She felt crazy. Even though they had known each other for a long time they had only just rekindled a friendship. Robin didn’t like Nancy. She couldn’t, it was too soon. She was just feeling the wine, that was all.

Robin gave a half smile before turning to look back at the constellations above her, “Me too, Nance. Me too.”

#ronance #robin buckley #nancy wheeler #stranger things #ronance fic #st4 #robin and nancy #steddie confirmed #corroded coffin #robin buckley is a drummer #fruity four #the fruity four #steddie and ronance #stranger things fic #st fic #stepping stones

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