This Year is My Year

The First Element: An Adorable Couple

"Don't you have something tighter? Or shorter?"

I turned to Robin, confused. She was rummaging through my closet, tossing different things out into my room. She had insisted on coming to my house hours before we were set to leave, wanting to make sure our outfits were "just right".

"What's wrong with this?" I gestured at myself and my favorite sundress. Robin popped her head out, incredulous.

"What's wrong with it?" she was about to start a tirade; I could sense it. "Henderson, this is my big adventure, we are young and hot, and we need to take advantage of this brief window in time."

I rolled my eyes, going back to the mirror to finish my makeup, as she continued.

"So, you need to wear something tighter, and shorter, something that will make the Freak absolutely feral."

I turned, bemused.

"So, this is for Eddie?" She grinned her wicked grin before heading back into the closet.

"What's something that you've worn that Eddie just goes crazy over?" she called. I sat back, trying to think for a beat. "Y/N, did you hear me?"

"I did," I was thinking, "Eddie likes everything I wear. Or his jacket."

Robin made fake retching sounds from my closet, and I laughed, secretly thrilled at my realization. I shook my head and tried to change the subject.

"You know, Buckley, if I have to wear something tight and short, then I think you should, too."

"Absolutely not – why would I want Munson to go feral over me?" I belly-laughed, rolling my eyes at my ridiculous friend. She continued rummaging as I went to my stereo, starting the new Queen album. "One Vision" started playing and I started to hum along, swaying to the music.

"Holy SHIT, Y/N, how have I never seen this before?" I turned as she barreled back into my room, holding up a dress. My eyes widened.

"Absolutely not."

She bounded over to me, holding it to my body and turning me towards the mirror.

"More like absolutely yes."

The dress was from a short-lived job I had at a bar in Vegas while I was low on funds on the road. The owner of the bar (a short, balding man who had a penchant to lick his lips while he spoke) was insistent on all the girls wearing the same uniform – the men, of course, were able to get away with a black t-shirt and jeans. It fit all of Robin's sudden requirements for her big adventure: black, corseted, incredibly short, and incredibly tight.

"Robin, I can't tell you the number of times I got groped in this dress. I literally quit the job because of it."

This did not help my case – Robin's eyes glinted.

"The Freak's going to go absolutely feral."

---

Robin was yanking the zipper on the back of the dress, and I was wheezing.

"Suck in, Henderson – there is no way you aren't wearing this tonight."

"I'm – trying – Buckley," I said between tugs, running out of oxygen. The zipper finally gave, and Robin cheered.

"Alright, give us a spin, let's see how it looks!"

I felt woozy, but turned to Robin, smiling weakly. She beamed.

"Holy shit, Henderson. This dress is incredible."

I turned to the mirror, shocked by the visible curves on my body, the legs I typically never show off. I turned slightly, not totally hating the dress on myself.