𝐌𝐄𝐒𝐒 𝐌𝐄 𝐔𝐏, ronance ¹

𝟏𝟕. 𝗦𝗣𝗔𝗥𝗞𝗦 𝗦𝗧𝗥𝗘𝗘𝗧

Two months had passed since Robin, Nancy, Callahan, and Powell broke The Sentinel story, and life had gradually returned to a semblance of normalcy for them.

Callahan and Powell returned to dealing with missing gnomes and bird nests, their constant bickering filling the empty air of Hawkins Police Department.

The scars of Nancy and Robin's ordeal had begun to fade, replaced by a renewed purpose and a shared determination to leave Hawkins behind.

As they packed up the last of their belongings in Nancy's apartment, the air was tinged with a bittersweet nostalgia.

It was here, amidst the faded walls and worn floorboards, that they had given each other their hearts.

"Can you believe we're actually leaving this place?" Robin asked, folding a jumper with exaggerated care.

Nancy passed behind her, pressing a quick kiss to Robin's temple, "Hawkins has been great, but California sounds a bit less 'cultish,' don't you think?"

Robin laughed, "I must admit, though, I'll miss Lisa Wilkes telling me to be quiet in the corridors."

Nancy smiled and leaned against the wall, watching Robin struggle with a particular box.

"God, Nance, how many books do you need?" Robin asked, adjusting the box in her hands. She leaned back awkwardly against the weight of it, her voice now muffled by the cardboard, "Maybe hire some movers next time?"

"Where's the fun in that?" Nancy asked, pushing herself off the wall and taking the other end of the box. Her fingers brushed Robin's, and they carried down the last box together.

As Nancy climbed into the driver's seat, Robin closed the back of the van. The road before them stretched like a path of endless possibilities, twisting and turning like a mystery of its own.

Hours passed, and as they crossed the border into California, Robin smiled, pointing up at the sky, "Look at that, Nance. Sunshine and palm trees!"

Nancy glanced over at her, "It's lovely," she said softly. She smiled to herself, knowing she wasn't talking about the sunshine or palm trees.

Sparks Street came fast, and as they pulled up outside their destination, they stared out the window, taking in their new home. With its pale blue walls, front porch, and white trim, it was timeless.

It was theirs.

The sun hung low in the sky as they dragged the boxes inside, the air felt alive with excitement and anticipation.

"What do you think about putting the sofa over here?" Robin asked, standing in a corner of the sitting room with her arms stretched out dramatically.

Nancy surveyed the space thoughtfully, a playful smirk on her lips, "I don't know... it might clash with the curtains," she teased.

Robin feigned offence, her hand placed dramatically over her heart, "Well, I never claimed to be an interior designer," she huffed, though the twinkle in her eye betrayed her amusement.

Nancy laughed, shaking her head fondly as she moved to join Robin by the window, carrying a box of cassettes and records in her arms.

As they continued to unpack, the mountains loomed over the garden, and the scent of the ocean carried on the breeze through their door, propped open by one of Robin's plants.

They set up the bedroom, sofa, and table, put the toaster in the cupboard, and brought in the barstools for the island.

"Alright, for the finishing touch," Robin said dramatically, dragging her plant from the door and closing it with a soft click.

Nancy stood up from the sofa and walked toward her, hooking an arm around Robin's waist. She reached into her pocket and pulled out two brass keys.

Nancy tossed her head to get the curls out of her face, then held out her hand, "Guess you need a key, then."

Robin smiled, looking down at the small key in Nancy's palm, "Master has given Robin a key!"

"Oh, my God, you're an idiot," Nancy laughed, dropping the key in Robin's hand.

Nancy angled herself, walking Robin back against the door. As Robin slipped the key into her pocket, déjà vu swept through the house, and Robin smiled, "This what I think it is?"

Nancy shrugged, "Just enjoying the quiet between storms."

Robin rolled her eyes playfully, pressing a kiss to Nancy's lips. Collectively, the blush on their cheeks was crimson.

"I need to ask you something," Robin said quietly, her voice muffled by a peppering of kisses.

"And what's that?" Nancy asked, pulling away slightly to look at her fully.

"I can't offer you much, I know that, but I love you, and I hope to God that's enough," Robin answered softly, eyes downcast and hands playing anxiously with the hem of Nancy's shirt.

Nancy pulled away, lifting her chin and smiling at her, "I don't need anything except you, love."

Robin returned the smile, and before her mind could spiral and the voices in her head could stop her, the words came out, "Marry me."

The world seemed to stand still for a moment as Nancy processed Robin's words. All she could manage was, "What?"

"Will you marry me, Nancy Wheeler?" Robin asked, her mind racing and eyes looking everywhere but Nancy's.

Nancy put a hand on Robin's cheek so she had to look at her.

Her response came out as an emotionally-choked whisper the first time, but as she nodded repeatedly, her voice grew stronger as she got her words back, "Yes! A thousand times, yes!"

Robin smiled, relief washing over her. Nancy kissed her as if it was the first time, but Robin pulled away quickly.

"Shit, I forgot!" Robin shook her head, reached into her pocket, and pulled out a small, circular band. She held it out for Nancy to take, her hand shaking slightly.

Nancy's breath hitched as she glanced at it, her fingers hesitating as she picked up the silver circle. She flipped it over, silently praying that this was real.

"It's beautiful, Robin!" Nancy gushed, kissing her feverishly and sending a fire of blush over Robin's face, "Thank you!"

"I used all my Scoops money to buy it before we left Hawkins," Robin said sheepishly, "There's something on the inside if you want to read it."

Nancy held the ring to the fading sunlight to read the script.

You and me, always.