At their movie nights, it has become almost tradition for Robin to burst in a few minutes late, arms laden with enough junk food to feed a group three times their size. Today, her haul includes six bags of chips, two cartons of ice cream, four two-liter soda bottles, and a selection of five different candies. She dumps it all on the counter as she shuffles into the Byers' living room.
"Worry not," she says dramatically to the three kids already waiting for her on the couch, "I have arrived! And I come bearing snacks!" The kids give a cheer, equally excited to see Robin and the mountain of junk food she brings.
"Thanks Robin," Will smiles at her as she takes her seat between him and El on the couch. To his other side is Mike, their hands linked between them. Things are still new and tentative, but they're good. God, they're good. Will has never been so happy in his life, and, judging by the size of his smile, neither has Mike.
"So, are we ready to get this party started?" asks Robin, like she didn't get here literally one minute ago.
"Waiting for one more," says El.
"Oh yeah?" she says, raising her eyebrows. "And who might that be?" But she doesn't have to wonder for long, because the 'who' happens to be walking through the door at that very moment.
"Uh, hey everyone!" says Max as she walks in.
"Ah, a new recruit!" says Robin, making the younger girl blush. "Welcome to gay movie night!"
"Thanks," mutters Max, growing redder still. She takes her place beside El on the couch.
"Of course," continues Robin, "The more gays the merrier, that's what I always say."
"Hush, Robin," chastises Will, knowing what it's like to be a victim of her good-natured teasing.
"Alright, alright," she submits, putting her hands in the air. Now she offers the two younger girls a warm, genuine smile. "Really, we're glad you're here."
"Thanks," nods Max. "So, uh, what are we watching?"
"Well there's some debate about that, actually," Mike answers. "See, Will here is advocating for a John Hughes movie, while I've been trying to convince him that Hughes movies are probably among the straightest films in existence and have no place whatsoever in a gay movie club."
"Okay, well first of all, you're wrong. Second of all, I don't see you suggesting anything better," challenges Will.
"I already suggested one! Top Gun is-"
"Not in any way, shape, or form a queer film?" offers Will. "I agree."
"Excuse me?" Mike puts a hand on his chest like he's offended. "That is the gayest movie I have ever seen. Did you not see the beach ball scene?"
"Oh I saw it," says Will, suddenly distracted by the memory. "Okay but one homoerotic volleyball scene does not a queer film make."
"Is it always like this?" Max whispers to El as the boys bicker.
"Yes," she answers. "It sometimes takes longer to pick the movie than it does to watch it." Meanwhile, the boys are still arguing whether John Hughes movies or 80's action movies are gayer.
"Okay, okay," says Robin as finally steps in. "Well, the lesbians have the majority here, so I think we're gonna veto the one with all the sweaty men and literally not a single woman." The girls nod in agreement and Mike pouts. "So Will, which Hughes movie are we watching?"
"Glad you asked, Robin," says Will as he goes to get the tape. "You see, I feel like there are considerable queer themes in The Breakfast Club , and-" There's a groan from the rest of the movie club members.
"We just watched that, dude!"
"Okay, two weeks ago is not 'just' and besides-"
"Is that the one with the library and the crying?" asks Eleven.
"Okay, other stuff happens besides crying in a library-" argues Will.
"Debatable," Mike cuts in. "And there's nothing gay about it, really."
"Well, admittedly Allison and Claire are in love," interjects Robin.
"Sure," says Will, happy to have someone on his side. "Plus Andrew is a little... not straight. But anyway, my point is that the themes of identity, conformity, stereotyping, and being an outsider all relate to-" He's interrupted by Robin, who is pretending to snore loudly. He hurls a cushion at her indignantly, which incites a full scale pillow fight.
As he is slapped with pillows from all sides, giggling wildly and shielding his face, Will can't help but think to himself how happy he is. He never thought he'd have this, but here he is, with his friends and his boy friend (Will is a little bit in love with that word), talking and laughing with them without having to hide a single thing. And he's so goddamn happy.
Eventually, the pillow war ends in a draw and the others reluctantly agree to watch The Breakfast Club , yet again. They sigh in defeat as he puts in the tape, but he can see the smiles they try to keep from their faces. They love this movie as much as he does. Besides, the movie they watch doesn't even matter. What matters is that they're all squeezed onto the same couch, passing around popcorn and yelling at the screen. What matters is that they're here, together.
Will settles into the couch, taking Mike's hand in his as the opening credits start to play.
Hey, hey, hey, hey
Ooh-ooh, ooh-woh
Won't you come see about me ?
Will starts singing along and to his surprise, there are soon four other voices joining his. They're loud and they're off-key, but he'll be damned if it's not the most beautiful thing he's ever heard in his life.
YOU ARE READING
it's my feeling we'll win in the end
FanfictionDustin has Steve to go to for advice, and Will has Robin. (Basically Robin being a lesbian aunt/gay yoda for Will as he comes to terms with his identity and his love for Mike.)
