It Takes Two to Survive

Chapter 21

Robin was happy. She was happy, she was surrounded by children, children that reminded her of home, and was finally back in Hawkins. She was happy.

So it didn't matter that her head was pounding, hundreds of thoughts and feelings pouring into her, more than she had ever experienced before, didn't it? But they were so loud, so painful, and she didn't know what to do. This wasn't just the thoughts of a crowd, they were deafening, directed Steve, focused on her, and she couldn't handle it. They weren't the underlying thoughts that everyone had, they were so strong, at the forefront of everyone's mind, like a jackhammer in her skull.

She couldn't stop hearing them. She couldn't escape it.

I was right! I was right! They came back, they finally came back!

We have to make sure that they get some food in them, who knows how long they have been driving?

How am I supposed to tell Steve that I'm happy he's back? I don't want to be weird, but he's like my brother. I can't...I don't want to lose him again. I can't lose anyone else.

Is she okay? We have to call her parents, they need to know that she's home. Does she want them to, though? Does she even have a good relationship with them? How in the world do I not know that? Robin's in the same grade as I am!

I need to talk to him. I need to make things right.

She tried to hide a wince as more feelings flooded her mind, feeling of happiness, worry, guilt, pure joy, and so, so much more.

She couldn't handle this anymore. She couldn't. Her chest tightened, tears burning in her eyes, and her hands itched to reach for her ears, to cover them, even though Robin knew that it wouldn't help.

Robin turned away as the group headed into the house, hand up to her nose, where she could feel hot blood dribbling down. She tried to breath through the pain, the overwhelming voices in her head, and get it together. She wasn't about to ruin this reunion with her powers, with her inability to take care of herself.

But, it wasn't long until she felt a soft but strong hand on her shoulder, and she looked up to see Steve. He gave her a gentle and understanding smile, handing her a tissue from his pocket discreetly, and then turned back to talk to Dustin, who was basically glued to his hip.

He watched her worriedly as they walked up the stairs, gesturing to his ear, and then his chest. She shook her head, confused, and he opened his mouth, only to be interrupted by the small person at his side.

"Steve? Steve, are you listening to me?" Dustin asked, clearly annoyed that Steve wasn't paying attention, and Steve chuckled, messing up the kid's hair affectionately.

"Of course I am. My question is, are you listening to me?"

"You're not even talking to me!"

Robin's breath hitched, realizing that the question wasn't meant for Dustin it was meant for her.

Are you listening to me?

It didn't make sense. She couldn't hear him, how would listening for him, for his voice among the chaos, even help?

Listen for me. He mouthed to her before stepping into the door, and her eyes widened, finally realizing what he had to have meant. She had to listen to his silence. Listen for the voice that she couldn't hear, listen for the gap that he made because he was the only one she couldn't read.

She took a deep breath, painting on a smile as she wiped her nose again, all the while searching for the gap, searching for the silence that Steve gave her, a silence that had scared her before but didn't anymore.