Is this a date?
July 28 1986
Silver, silver, red or silver, silver, blue? Eden held the two bracelets in her hand and ran her thumb over the small shiny beads.
She usually didn’t like wearing colorful jewelry, only black or silver. But she really liked these ones, and being away from home always made her want to buy things she usually wouldn't. Only four more days in Hawkins, the time had passed way too fast. But her parents would kill her if she didn't come back home the day she promised.
She put both of the bracelets on the counter and payed. Stepping out of the store she wondered what she should do with the bracelets, she definitely didn’t want to wear them both. She walked to her car and tossed the bracelets into the cup holder. Singing along to Body Electric she started driving. Suzie went on some lake picnic with Dustin, and Eden didn't feel like going back to the motel. She drove around with no clear destination for a while and suddenly realized she was lost. Why did all the streets in Hawkins look so similar, and how on earth could one get lost in such a small town? Trying to decide whether she should turn left or right Eden suddenly spotted a big sign with Family Video written on it. That sounded familiar. Oh, wasn't that where Robin and Steve worked? If one of them was working today they could help her figure out where she was.
Pulling into the parking lot Eden found herself hoping that Robin would be there. Maybe she could ask her when she got off work, then Eden wouldn't have to spend another night alone at the motel, Suzie would sleep over at Dustin's anyway. Just when she was about to get out of the car she had an idea and grabbed the two bracelets she bought earlier.
"No, Steve, I have eyes, and even if I know nothing about relationships I can see that it's definitely more than friend-ish, the way he looks-", Eden just heard Robin cutting herself off when she pushed the door open. She felt relieved to see the two there. "Hey guys", she said smiling. Robins eyes got all wide and shiny and she waved enthusiastically. Eden seemed to be the only customer.
"Eden!" Steve turned to her, "I have a question." Eden was a little confused but told him to go ahead. "Soo, hypothetically, if someone has a friend, and they spend a lot of time together, they're not automatically in love, right?"
Just when Eden wanted to answer Robin started hitting Steve's shoulder.
"No no no, you got it wrong. There are two friends, and they spend every free minute together, and also they cuddle, and dance-"
"Robin! Shut up."
"Shhh, not done. And even around other friends they are basically glued together, and omg the way they look at one another, and they almost kissed, like twice-"
"ROBIN!" Steve was deep red.
Eden couldn’t help but be amused. Those two were really one of a kind, and the way Robin kept gesturing with her hands was kinda cute, Eden had to admit. The two now looked at her expectantly. She knew she had to give them an answer, but she kept wondering who they could -oh.
She stepped closer to the counter and tried to look serious. "Yes." she paused, "I do think you and Eddie would be a sweet couple."
It was great seeing both of their jaws drop at the same time. So she had been right.
While panic set into Steve’s eyes Robin started giggling. “I told you, I TOLD YOU!”, she affectionately punched Steve’s shoulder. Eden could see that Steve was thinking way too much right now. “How?”, was all he could ask her.
Eden had to make a decision that very moment. She could pretend like that was just a lucky guess. However, lucky guessing gay lovebirds wasn’t a very reasonable explanation. The second option was to expose herself a bit. Maybe, just a little. She just correctly figured out Steve’s gay crush, and if her feeling about Robin was right…
“Impeccable gaydar.” Eden had chosen the latter option. She leaned onto the counter and looked directly into Robin’s eyes. Oh, this could be fun. A blush spread under Robin’s freckles and she looked around the room a little panicked. Eden seemed to have been right about Robin too. She had to hold herself back from laughing a little. This Hawkins place was much queerer than she had anticipated.
••••••
“The fuck’s a gaydar?” Steve looked so confused. God, not now. “Ask Eddie. I’m- uh- break! Need a snack.” It was surprising that Robin’s wobbly legs carried her to the small break room without collapsing. She was hot, was the a/c off? Robin got a bottle of water from the fridge and plopped down onto the little sofa. She wanted to scream. First of all, who, who, falls for some random girl so fast and so hard. That wasn’t normal, it couldn’t be. And secondly, how could it be so hard to just talk, have a normal small conversation, without awkwardly running off.
Way too soon Steve came knocking. “Robin?”He softly opened the door, “There’s uh, well, Eden asked when your break would be over, said she had something for you.”
Robins heart began beating faster again. She swallowed and took a deep breath.
Eden was still the only customer, and she was now sitting on the counter, reading one of the magazines they had laying there. When Robin announced that she was back Eden jumped off the counter. She took something out of her pocket, but Robin couldn’t see what it was. Then Eden held out both of her hands, closed to fists. “Which one do you want?” Robin was too focused on the rings Eden was wearing. Silver, some chunky, but most of them with intricate designs and little gemstones. “Which one?” Eden asked again. Oh, right. Robin pointed to one of the fists in front of her.
Eden revealed a bracelet with silver and red beads. “Oh, that’s cute.” Robin said. Eden dropped the content of her other hand onto the counter, a same bracelet but with blue beads. “Your hand, m’laday?” Robin felt her face get hot, she stretched out her hand. Eden’s fingers brushed softly against Robins wrist and she shuddered a little.
Robin started playing with the bracelet, partly to try and calm herself down and partly so she didn’t have to make eye contact with Eden.
“Soo…”, Eden began, “Since this is a movie rental shop, would you like to give me a recommendation?” Robin was extremely relieved that Eden didn’t mention her running off earlier at all.
Twenty minutes later Robin had recommended a variety of movies, she desperately wanted to include something Eden would like. Eden chose three different ones and when Robin started checking out the movies Eden suddenly asked her: “Would you like to watch any of those with me? For example today evening?” Robin froze. She wanted to say yes, but no words came out of her mouth. Eden looked a bit unsure. “You don’t have to, it’s just, my little sister monster is gonna be at Dustin’s and the motel is a bit… lonely.” She smiled.
Robin still couldn’t answer, but luckily Steve popped up to save her. “Most definitely she would like that, right Robin?” That finally snapped Robin out of her frozen awkwardness.
“Yes, yes absolutely. Do you want me to bring snacks?” I don’t know if I’ll have time to go buy some tho, depends on when you want me to come over. When do you want me to come over? Oh, and where’s the motel? If it’s far outside of town Steve will have to drive me there, I can’t drive, you know, I’ve always been too scared to learn.” Robin started fiddling with the bracelet once more.
“Oh, I can come pick you up.” Eden smiled. “If you give me your address and instructions on how to get there, I’ll come over at… say seven?” Robins’ insides felt bubblier by the second. She felt herself nodding. Was this a date? No, for sure not, just friends hanging out. Not even friends, acquaintances. Just because the cute girl is likely maybe definitely gay doesn’t mean this is a date. Robin looked at Steve. No way she could talk right now “I’ll write down how to get there.” He said chuckling.
••••••
At half past six Robin had a bag full of snacks ready by the door. She was on the phone with Steve and nearly loosing her mind. “I want to chop off all of my hair, I really don’t know how it can look so stupid and also, we need to go shopping, I have nothing to wear.” Steve had offered to come over and help her prepare but Robin had told him she was old enough to get ready for her not-date alone. But apparently, she wasn’t. “Okay, how about you wear your short brown sweatpants. They are comfy and, objectively, make your ass look good.” “STEVE.EW. And what shirt?” There were at least a dozen t-shirts scattered on the floor of Robins room, the bathroom and in front of the hallway mirror. “Uuuhg, the black tank top maybe? And then bring a light jacket?” “Okay one minute.” Robin put on the discussed outfit and after staring into the mirror for a bit ran back to the phone.
“Steve?”
“Jup, still here”, he answered chewing something.
“Are you eating?”
“No?” he said, chewing more.
“I feel like you’re lying to me, but I don’t have time to discuss this now.” Robin sighed. “I feel like I look like shit, which makes me feel like shit overall, and I’m scared I’ll say something stupid and then she’ll hate me, before she can even start liking me. What if I accidentally do something like kiss her and then she’s weirded out because, like, maybe she’s not a lesbian after all, and even if she is that doesn’t mean she’ll like me. Maybe I should just tell her I’m sick and- “
“Robin, hey, slow down.” Steve finally interrupted her.
“I’m scared, Steve.” Robin admitted quietly.
“I know, but how about you put on some lip gloss, wear the bracelet she got you and enjoy the evening, hm? I know you also like the movies she rented, and I’m sure you bought a ton of yummy snacks. Maybe it’s a date, maybe not. But you can enjoy the movie, snacks and nice girl, no matter what the motives or consequences of the evening are, right?”
“I guess.” Robin felt a little calmed down. “But for the record; this is much harder for me than it would be for you. And also, for the record as well, this is stressful, and I don’t like it.”
“Okay.” Robin could hear Steve smiling. “Listen, uhm, Eddie is coming over in a few minutes and I’m sure you have makeup to do, soo…”
“Ouch. Fuck you Steve Harrington, leaving me in my crisis.” Robin didn’t really feel hurt. “I love you ,dingus, don’t get pregnant.”, she added.
“ROBI- “ she quickly hung up the phone.
••••••
Usually, Eden arrived at places at least a few minutes late. But if she was right about Robin that woman would have a nervous breakdown if Eden wasn’t there on time. And maybe she also didn’t really want to wait to see Robin again. She pulled into the driveway of the house with the address that was written on the back of her Family Video receipt. Just when Eden contemplated going up to the door and knocking Robin burst out of the door. Eden smiled and waved to her. Robin smiled wide and waved back, then her face fell, and she ran back to the house. That girl really seemed to have an issue with running off. But a few seconds later she reemerged carrying a heavy looking bag.
“You know it’s just gonna be the two of us, right?” Eden asked amused when Robin sat in the passenger seat. “What?” Robin looked confused. “The snacks. It looks like you’re planning to feed a whole army.” “Oh, yeah.” Robin blushed a little. “I uh, just wanted to, you know, make sure there was something you’d like.” “Naww”, that was sweet, Eden thought while maneuvering the car back onto the road.
Eden had been glad to find a motel that wasn’t too pricey but still nice enough. Her parents had given her a little money for the trip, mainly to feed Suzie, but Edens job paid her more than her parents knew and she used some of her savings to make sure the stay would be comfortable. The rooms were quite big for motel standards, and each had a little tv and a big window. As soon as the two girls entered the room Robin started dumping the snacks on the bed. Eden just stood there and looked at her. Robin started organizing the various packets into little piles. “Okay, so, we have salty here, then there’s sweet and chewy and these ones are sweet but hard.” Eden couldn’t stop her smile growing while Robin continued to divide the piles into smaller categories until almost everything had its own category.
Maybe when the movie had started Eden had tried to pay attention to it. But now she caught herself looking at Robins hands instead again and again. She was wearing the bracelet Eden had gotten her. And for some strange reason Robin didn’t just eat marshmallows, but instead she tore off the tiniest bits and ate those.
Eden was a little worried that Robin might not be having a good time because she seemed really tense. “Are you okay?” Eden decided to ask. “What?” Robins head snapped to look at her. Eden felt a little like she shouldn’t have asked. Eden rarely ever felt shy but right now… It’s not every day she invited cute girls she only just met over for movies.
“You just seem a little tense.” She explained.
“Oh, I, uhm,” Robin looked away and started fiddling with the bracelet. “I’m just, uhh. I don’t really know what I’m supposed to do? And this is like new? And a bit weird? For me?” she sounded very unsure, and Eden felt a bit responsible for making her uncomfortable.
“I’m sorry, is there something I did?” It was now Edens turn to feel unsure. She had thought watching a movie together would be casual enough to be interpreted as a date or just being friendly. And maybe Eden had wanted Robin to think of this as a date, but now she realized that was probably a bit rushed.
“No, not really, I just…”, Robin took a deep breath, “I like clarity. Usually. Uhm, so this is, well I don’t know what this is, and that’s a bit stressful. I feel like after what happened in Family Video today - I think I can…”
Eden knew what was coming and patiently folded her hands in her lap.
“I like girls.” Robin finally said, releasing a breath. “And when you said that about Steve and Eddie so casually, and then invited me I kinda assumed that, well, you… and… Is this a date?”
“If you’d like it to be…” Eden felt herself smiling and couldn’t stop it.
“That is not really a clear answer.” Robin chuckled dryly. Oh, so clarity as in crystal clear. Eden carefully reached out to take one of Robins hands, light enough so that the other girl could pull away if she wanted to.
“Okay.” Eden spoke softly. “I like girls too. I invited you spontaneously and didn’t think about whether it was date-wise or not. You are quite cute and if you’re okay with it, then this is a date.
Robin looked up and her eyes widened. Eden felt her cheeks growing warm and was glad the room was already quite dim.
••••••
“Y-yes, please” was all Robin managed to say to that, her heart beating furiously in her chest.
“Good.” Eden smiled warmly.
Robin didn’t know what to do so she just turned a little to continue watching the movie. Eden let go of her hand and Robin felt a little bit sad about the loss of contact. But seconds later Eden scooted a bit closer, and their thighs were touching now. There was no way Robin would be able to follow the movie. When a few minutes later Eden carefully placed her hand on Robins knee she shot up and turned to face the other girl again. Eden snapped her hand back immediately.
“Sorry, I won’t do that if you’re uncomfortable.” Eden did look very sorry, and that was not what Robin wanted.
“No, I just-.” God, this was so awkward, how could people just casually go on dates. “I’ve never been on a date before. This is Hawkins, and there is really not a chance for, well, me to get a date here. I don’t know what I should and should not do, and to be honest, you make me nervous.”
Eden looked almost hurt for a second and Robin was ready to apologize when she started smiling softly again.
“That’s okay. And just so you know you make me a bit nervous too.”
Robin hadn’t expected that answer, and she just nodded a little dumbly.
“Okay, so generally,” Eden started, “is it okay if I sit close to and touch you?” “Yes”, Robin answered, feeling her cheeks heat up.
Eden smiled and continued, “Usual date behavior would be that when I touch you, you touch me back, for example you could take my hand if you want and then we’d be holding hands.” Robins’ heartrate was staring to speed up again and god, this couldn’t be healthy. When she glanced at Eden she was pretty sure she was blushing as well.
“So far so clear” Robin answered, and her voice came out much croakier than she wanted it to.
By the end of the movie they really were holding hands. And not only that but Eden had moved her leg to cross over Robin’s and Robin had her head resting against Eden’s shoulder. Robin’s heart didn’t feel like she just ran a marathon anymore but instead there was a soft warmth deep in her chest.
It was shortly after midnight when Eden pulled up into the Buckley driveway again. They had watched another movie and then chatted and giggled and Robin felt like she was floating on clouds. She really fell for Eden terrifyingly fast and hard, and right now she didn’t want to think about how she would feel once Eden would leave again.
“Thank you for driving me home.” Robin smiled at Eden. “And like, the whole evening. It was really nice.” Robin could see Eden blush a little in the dim light coming from the porch lamp. “I liked it too.”, she said.
Just when Robin reached out to open the car door, Eden touched her arm. “You know, a lot of people end their dates with a kiss.”, she said softly, slowly leaning closer. “Do you think it would be alright if we did the same?”
Robin felt Eden’s hand move up to her shoulder and her heart started hammering again. When she nodded and whispered a “yes”, Eden’s hand moved up higher to softly cup Robins cheek. Robin closed her eyes and suddenly Eden’s lips were touching hers. She squealed in surprise and jumped back a little. When she looked at Eden, she saw a surprised and slightly scared look on her face.
“First kiss, sorry, can I try again?”
There was silence for a second and then the both of them started giggling. “Absolutely. Come here” Eden said and Robin leaned in again. This time she felt how incredibly soft Eden’s lips were and when Eden tilted her head a little and brought her hand back up to Robins cheek, Robins heart very nearly jumped out of her chest.
It was a soft, short kiss and when Robin softly pulled away to lean her forehead against Edens she felt like the luckiest girl in the world.
“Goodnight Robin”, Eden whispered.
“Goodnight”, Robin answered, eyes still closed.
Robin couldn’t stop smiling while quietly going up to her room and getting ready for bed. She felt like all of her insides were tickling and she had to pause brushing her teeth several times to do a little dance and shake the ticklyness out of her. Finally ready for bed she hugged her stuffed bunny tightly to her chest and squealed into her pillow. She couldn’t stop smiling and it took at least an hour of thinking about the kiss again and again until she finally fell asleep.