I hope you enjoy this [edited] chapter! As always, I only own my OC.

In The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood, Howard Pyle wrote, "So passed the seasons then, so they pass now, and so they will pass in time to come, while we come and go like leaves of the tree that fall and are soon forgotten." Yeah, at first glance it's a simple, pretty line. It allows for Pyle to introduce a linear jump in his narrative.

But to me? In the months that have passed since November 1983, it means everything. Because every word written is absolutely correct. The seasons did pass, and the closer we got to spring, the less anyone in Hawkins talked about Barb, until finally it was March and the last of her "Missing" posters were taken down. Hopper - hands tied by Hawkins Lab but also unwilling to figure out a way around the government contract - consider it a cold case. I still did my best to help the Hollands, but in the end there was only so much information I could give without putting them at risk. It hasn't stopped me from continuing to join them for dinner as often as I can. I make sure they know they aren't the only ones who remember their daughter. Nancy has done the same, but each visit leaves us more and more emotionally drained. But what's a little more trauma, compared to reminding two people who lost it all that they aren't alone.

Nancy picked up the slack when I left Hawkins for the entirety of June. Every summer since he was nine, Dustin has gone to Camp Know Where. While it's predominantly all about science, they still have your run-of-the mill summer camp activities. I was hired as a Junior Camp Counselor, having known the faculty for years thanks to my nerd brother - said with love. And while I was initially afraid of still being too close to the woods, somehow it was easier at Camp Know Where. In fact, for a whole month I didn't have any episodes. I could sleep, I could eat a little more than I do at home. And most importantly, I was able to make sure Dustin was safe.

But the peace only lasted a month. With hugs and numbers exchanged, mom brought us back to Hawkins, and it was like nothing had changed. Lights still flickered for me. Vines reached out of dark corners. I kept on losing my mind but suffering in silence. I never said I was fine. That would only lead to questions and forced confession of fear. Instead I would shrug, and say things weren't worse. After a while, most just started to accept it. Or pretended to, at least. We've all gotten good at pretending. At rolling with the bullshit. Of trying to get us all to move on. But that's easier said than done, and some of us have scars inside that won't ever let us forget what happened.

For example, the Harrington house. Steve ditching his title and his asshole friends left a bit of a hole in his social life, which is where we come in. Nancy, Jonathan, and me. His girlfriend, and his former rivals. We spent a lot of time together, more than Jonathan and I honestly wanted to when you take into consideration we'd be forcing ourselves to watch the people we like, be happy together. Still, nothing brings pseudo-siblings closer like mutual unrequited crushes. And Steve's very much become my best friend. I'm honestly just happy I get to have him in my life.

The only problem? Any time I think of setting foot in Steve's home, my whole body locks in on itself and refuses to move. And then I get angry at myself, angry at them for constantly wondering if I'll be coming over. For telling me I should face my fears. I want to, I want to so badly. But screw them if they think I'll be spending any time in a place where my nightmare began. How could they possibly think I'd ever be okay going over there? Forget it. Not happening, ever. Usually, I get cold. But now I've started to run hot. There's a goddamn dragon inside me, ready to spit fire and burn Hawkins to the ground. I used to hide it behind cool smiles at school, until I got tired of pretending I wasn't different. It's something my friends try to ignore, like I'm still the damn Ice Queen.

It's not fair to say they were all constantly asking. It only took me saying "no" once for Steve to let it go, to squeeze my shoulder in understanding. It's really Nancy and Jonathan who took the longest to get it through their heads that I can be stubborn, too. And I get it - I'm like a sister to them, they want to help.

It's not just Steve's house that gives me the shivers. No, I was in for quite a surprise when we got back from Camp Know Where and my mom asked me to take Dustin to the public pool.

I was running on a high from a nightmare-free month. Dustin already had his bathing suit on and was waiting for me in the living room, trying to get my mom to fork over extra money. But my hands shook as I pulled on my bikini, and for the first time since I left Hawkins I was itching for a smoke. But I sucked it up. The public pool is crowded. It isn't like the one at Steve's. I would be alright.

Only I wouldn't be. The closer we got to our destination, the more tense I grew, until finally I was pulling up a block away from the convention of screaming kids, unable to breathe and feeling hands getting ripped from my own. All I could see were vines, all I could hear were screeching monsters and a screaming friend gone too soon. Until finally something grabbed onto me, holding me in place.

Dustin had thrown himself over the console of the Falcon to wrap his arms around me. My palms were raw, bloody crescent marks adding to the soreness. Both of us were shaking, but my little brother was more focused on calming my breaths. Finally, when it stopped feeling like I was drowning in white debris, I escaped his hold. He just stared at me, concern etched into his eyes, and asked me to take him to the arcade instead. And when we got home way later than the pool closed, and I pushed past my frazzled mother to hide in my room, Dustin told her what had happened.

That was the last time Claudia Henderson asked me to go to the pool.

Still, my fears of Steve's house and pools didn't stop me from spending time with my friends. Steve and I went on morning runs all summer. But with school back in session and Steve doing his best to get into college, our tradition has shifted to weekend jogs instead. Nancy and I still take lessons together. Craig's constantly impressed with how talented of a shooter she is, just like I am. The girl's a serious badass. As for me, well, if my aim with a bow was great before, picturing the bulls-eye of every target as Brenner or the Demogorgon has made me excellent. Lethal. Dangerous. I know there's a mad glint in my eye every time I let an arrow fly, but it's never enough to truly get rid of how scared I am. Especially when I have to stop and center myself when the lights inevitably flash and the world around me is Upside Down.

Jonathan and I are even closer than before, which is saying something. Having come back to my job at Hunting & Camping and Jonathan working at the record store, we always take our lunch breaks together. And if I'm not babysitting and he isn't spending time with our friends or Will, were watching a movie for the hundredth time at the Hawk, or renting something from Family Video. I've even started trying to be more approachable in one-on-one situations; my physics partner and I hang out after school. Okay, we mainly just study, but still - it's progress.

Most of the people who know what went down last year don't even talk about it. Hopper only mentions it when he's taking me to see Dr. Owens. Nancy and Steve are too wrapped up in each other, and Jonathan pretty much considers the Upside Down a taboo conversation. Dustin's acting like it never happened and Lucas is worried about the government listening in - which, that's fair. They would.

I only have two people I can talk to about this, only two people I can be honest with. Will and Mike.

Will and I share the trauma of the Upside Down. And though our experiences were different, there's an understanding between us that no one else will ever get. We survived. We hid. Vines haunt our dreams, sometimes we have to scrub ourselves a little rougher in the shower because it feels like we have the Upside Down on us. The closer we get to the anniversary of what happened, the worse it's been. We hide it, though, as best we can. Just not from each other.

Mike and I have gotten closer, thanks to my summer babysitting him and Holly, when Nancy and Steve went on their dates and his older sister just couldn't. His blanket fort for El is still up, a memorial for the girl we lost. I'd put Holly to bed, first, with a song and a book. Then Mike and I would toast a whole package of Eggos and sit in his basement, under the fort. I think I'm the only one who knows he's tried to call El everyday since she disappeared. And I'm not going to tell him to stop.

Telling lies and keeping secrets aren't my only tradition. I came up with a new one, after my cast came off and the vines that felt so real attacked me in my bathroom on Christmas Eve. I turn off my lamp and I carefully open my window so I can crawl through and hoist myself up. With my ass on the roof and my bow and arrows at the ready, I ignore sleep for as long as I can and just stare out at the woods I still refuse to enter, ready to protect my family from a long-dead monster.

So I'm a little skinnier, now, from all the stress and the lowered appetite and lack of sleep. Not enough that anyone's been concerned I'll just keel over, but I've had to tighten my belts at least two notches on a bloat-free day. Hey, it happens. Sometimes we're a little more bloated, sometimes we aren't. Our bodies are weird.

That was literally the only takeaway I got from biology class.

I still smoke, but I've managed to cut down to only a couple of cigarettes a week. I've taken to flicking my zippo instead, gone back to squeezing my hands so tightly that my nails bite my palms, leaving crescent indents.

At school, people still steer clear of me. But it's obvious to everyone that I'm different. A little more unhinged. Even Carol and Tommy have stopped trying to antagonize me. Instead, the still happy-couple leave me be. The halls still part like the red sea, but I'm no longer a silent blizzard. Again, I'm not sure I'm a blizzard at all. It's a different kind of angry, more physically violent. I've lost track of how many times my friends have had to keep me from going after any of the bullying dicks roaming the halls of Hawkins High. They've started looking at me like they don't know who I am anymore. But isn't that what they wanted? Things to move on and change? Isn't that what life's about?

October 15, 1984

I tap my fingers on the empty shopping cart as I wait to check out, my items already on the belt. With mom working late the past few days she hasn't had the chance to go grocery shopping. I'd already gotten out of school early to see Doc Owens, so I figured I might as well do it for her. Dustin certainly wasn't, but hey, what are first born children for?

Martha nods at me, a little irritated by the old woman counting her pennies and nickels to give the check-out lady the exact change. "I'm sure I have enough!" The woman promises, still picking through her purse. Martha sighs, but the lady doesn't seem to hear it because she simply makes a gleeful noise and hands over everything, barely remembering her receipt as she walks off.

"I swear, you're the reason we have to keep restocking the Eggos." Martha snorts at me, and I laugh as she packs up all the scanned items, leaving me with three heavy bags.

"Okay, rude, I only got four today!" I playfully bite at her, and she rolls her eyes kindly.

"Mhmm, okay. $52.83 is your total."

"Man, my mom owes me." I grumble, handing Martha the bills and accepting the change and receipt. "I'm so not ready to have to do this on my own."

Martha grins as I load up my cart. "Yeah, you've still got a while before you need to worry about being an adult. Enjoy your teenage years, kid. You don't get them back."

"Ain't that the truth." I mutter, then wave goodbye to the check-out woman and make my way to Big Buy's exit. I leave the cart by its friends and carefully kick a door open, the bags definitely leaving marks on my arm under my flight jacket.

I grumble as I walk to my car, only to bump into someone and nearly fall over. Two large hands grab me, but I'm so grateful for the save I don't shove them off immediately. Besides, they don't feel threatening. "Shit! Sorry. Sorry." I apologize.

"It's okay. Totally my fault." I snort at the smooth male voice, and start to look up.

"Yeah, well, I'm low to the ground. Difficult to see." Green eyes meet blue, and I'm swept into an ocean. The rest of the guy isn't bad to look at, either. He's got dark blonde curls styled into a mullet, golden skin, and blonde peach fuzz stubble. He's got a jean jacket on and a red shirt that's only buttoned from his navel to the hem, revealing very toned abs. Seriously, most of the guys at my school wished they had them.

"I've met shorter." He finally says, and I bite the inside of my lip when I realize he's been checking me out just as hard. "None that look like you, though."

And hey, this isn't my first time flirting. I've had boyfriends. I'm no virgin. Hell, I even went on more dates than I can count the past few months, all in an effort to move on from Steve. So this new guy won't be throwing me off. No matter how much I like his eyes.

Seriously, they're like an ocean. I've never seen one in person before. I guess this is close enough.

"Does that line usually work?" I ask, eyes roving over him again as he removes his hands while I shift the grocery bags down. "Actually, I guess a guy like you just needs to flash those pretty pearls and he gets whatever he wants."

"Usually." The teen does just that, giving me a killer smile. "Is it working on you?"

"Walk me to my car and I'll tell you."

"Alright, Cherie Currie." He gestures to the Runaways pin on the left side of my jacket, as if I don't know who he's talking about.

I shake my head "Whoops, no. I'm more of a Joan Jett fan. Bad Reputation's kind of my anthem."

"Not the worst song you could pick." He sasses, and holds out his hands. "Here. I've got them."

"Thanks…"

"Billy. Billy Hargrove." He introduces himself with a cocky smile, and I roll my eyes before smirking back.

"I'm Veronica Henderson."

"Nice to meet you."

"You, too." I hand him the bags and we walk over to the Falcon, a Camaro parked right next to it. It's got a California license plate, and suddenly Billy's whole look makes sense. "Let me guess. This is yours?" I ask, pointing to the blue car.

He grins at me. "Well, well, well. Beautiful and smart."

"It's a gift. I'm truly blessed, California."

He grins at the new nickname. "No. Hawkins is blessed, because of you."

I roll my eyes and scoff to hide my blush, then take out my keys to open the trunk. Billy doesn't even grunt as he puts the bags in, doesn't shake out his arms to get the blood flowing or roll his shoulders back. I close the trunk and lean against it, arms crossed. "Thanks for the assist, Billy. Don't you have your own shopping to do?"

"Ah, ah, ah. Not so fast, Veronica." He drawls, stepping forward as if I'm prey. "I did you a favor. I think you owe me something." I'm not prey, though. And I won't be intimidated or made to submit. Not by a teenage boy, no matter how attractive he is.

I straighten my back and strut closer to him so we're barely two inches apart. "Hmm. I suppose - seeing as how you're new in town - I can give you a few pointers…" I trail off, biting my lips so they're even plumper and smirking inwardly when ocean eyes flick down to them. "But I'm busy, so you should probably just check out a map." I wink and turn fast enough that the end of my ponytail nearly clips him on the cheek, and laugh when Billy lets out a mixture of a frustrated groan and an amused moan.

"Damn, baby girl. You've got some fire. But it's a little hard to feel burned when you're wearing a cotton candy dress."

I stop and turn, the skirt of my bright blue dress swishing just above my knees. "What, you a fan of cotton candy?"

"What can I say? I like sweet things. And you are definitely a treat." He flirts, my stomach fluttering - fucking traitor.

"Well, I'm not as sweet as I seem."

Billy smiles, but it's not the charming one from earlier. This one's more real. "Only where it counts."

"And where does it count?" I ask, leaning against the door of my car. Billy steps closer, nearly caging me in but also leaving enough room that I'm not crowded.

"When it comes to getting the attention of the new kid. You've got all of me, baby girl."

I roll my eyes and smirk. "Promises, promises. Besides, we don't even know each other."

"I know your name is Veronica and you're probably my age, which means you should be in school. But you aren't, and judging by how relaxed you are, you got permission from your parents to skip. Lucky duck."

I slow clap. "Wow, you nearly got all of that right."

"Where did I go wrong?"

"I didn't skip. I got out early on good behavior. My mom gave me permission and everything." He seems to get what I'm trying to say, and his face becomes serious.

"Daddy dearest is a bit of an ass?"

"He was. He's a work in progress. Most of us are." I comment, eyes raking over my companion. "I should go. But it was nice meeting you, Billy. I'll see you at school. You are in school, right?"

"Yeah. Junior."

"Me, too."

"And I don't know, baby girl. I bet I'll see you before that. I think you find me interesting." He smoothly guesses, backing up a bit as I open the door of my car and get in, turning on the engine and lowering the window. Before I can respond, i picks up and the carnal look on Billy's face - like the cat who got the cream - morphs into another genuine smile. "No way. You listen to Scorpions?"

"Mhm. 'Sails of Charon' is actually my favorite of theirs. But this one's a classic."

"You've got that right. This one's my - what did you call it? My anthem." I look up at where Billy leans against the open door, arms crossed. Yeah, I can see that. He's definitely a hurricane, the way he just blew into my life.

"I can respect that."

"What else do you listen to?"

"Why so curious?"

"I don't know. Maybe I was expecting Hawkins teens to just listen to pop." He grunts, looking around in disdain. I look around as well, disgusted by Hawkins for a whole different reason. "Sorry. Shouldn't be so rude about the place you're from."

I snort. "Please. I'm surprised the sign doesn't say 'Welcome to Hawkins. You're in Hell.'"

"Oof. Rough talk, baby girl."

"It's the honest to God truth." I smile up at him. "I like AC/DC. And Kiss. The Beatles, Rolling Stones."

"So good music."

"Nope. The best music. I love rock and roll."

"Joan Jett strikes again, huh?"

"Mhm."

Billy grins, eyes shining. "Well, since you owe me one for the little favor I did for you, want to meet up somewhere tonight and talk music?"

I tilt my head, really looking at him. He's all suave, sure. But his lip is twitching a little, nervous. I find what I'm looking for. "No." He blinks at me, as if he's never been rejected.

"Fine, I'll -"

"Pick me up tonight, at 7. On the dot. 153 Cornwallis Street." I reach into my door to grab a loose paper and a pen, writing my number down and handing it to the other teen, who takes it with a rising smile. "If you can't make it, let me know."

"Alright."

"Good. It's a date." I start to close my door as he leans off it. "And when I say 'it's date', I mean it's a date."

"Okay. I'll see you at 7, Veronica." My name rolls off his tongue and I smirk back up at him.

"On the dot, Billy." With that I'm closing my door and shifting gears, driving away from Hawkins' newest teen.

I sigh as I sweep the blush across my cheeks, light enough that I don't look like a clown. With faint purple eyeshadow to really bring out my green eyes, mascara to thicken my lashes, and just a touch of eyeliner I'm almost done with my face. All I really had to do was tweeze a few wild brow hairs, proud I've gone the Brooke Shields route with my eyebrows - full and thick. A swipe of pink lipgloss later and I'm left frowning at my curls. What the hell am I going to do about my hair?

I groan in frustration, irritated at myself for getting so worked up about my appearance. It's just a date with a guy I don't even really know. It's just a fun thing, an experiment but also not. And he's getting me all nervous and fluttery. That's not fair! I bet I'm just a good time for him, too. One of many notches on his belt, the first in Hawkins.

Whatever. He wants fun? I'll show him fun.

I purse my lips and get a fine-toothed comb, teasing my roots to build up even more volume. A few puffs of hairspray later and my curls look good and messy.

Now, onto the fun part. Clothes.

I huff and leave the bathroom, daring the Upside Down to show up. God, what if I get an episode when I'm on my date?

My house is thankfully empty, my brother at the Wheelers' and my mom still at work. I panic a bit when I check my alarm clock and see it's 6:30. Shit.

I stare at my open closet and bite at the skin around my thumb, really considering my options. For nearly the tenth time tonight, I consider calling Nancy. But I know how that conversation will play out.

"'Oh, that's so great, Vera? Is he in our class? Oh, he's a stranger you met when you were grocery shopping? Hmm. Are you sure this is a good idea? We need you to be safe.' Please." I huff to myself, my voice filling my bedroom. Steve's not an option. At all. Oh, and forget about Jonathan. "'Before you go out, I'm coming over. I need to make sure you're gonna be okay. And hey, you'll probably notice at some point, but I will be following you.'" Personally, I think my impression of him is spot on, and while both their voices have a point, I'm not here for it. I've got the advantage. Hawkins is my home. People know me here. The Chief of Police is like a father to me.

I nearly run my hands through my hair before I catch myself in the act, unwilling to turn my curls into a poof. There's admittedly not much to do in Hawkins, Indiana. And not much to really dress up for. I purse my lips and rifle through my clothes, handing halting on the green dress I wore for Thanksgiving. I sigh and run my hand over the lace, closing my eyes to stop the tears.

Moving on. I'm moving on. This is my chance to really move on.

I huff a bit, finally settling on a nice pair of jeans - skin tight, practically painted on. I find a cropped green tube top, and paired with my silver belt and vicious closed-toe red heels, I'm sure to look totally bad.

I grin and pull on my lucky panties and jeans, vainly spinning to check out my reflection. My tube top is thick enough that going braless is an option, but I still slip on a beige cardigan so I don't look like I'm easy. Still, girls just wanna have fun, you know?

I go over to my desk and look through my jewelry, finally deciding on a white lace choker and a few simple silver chains. I stick four "diamond" studs from Claire's on my left and right earlobes. Having three piercings on my right, I stick a small gold hoop in the first one, completing the look. Random rings are shoved on my fingers, and I look down at the arrow on my right thumb. Should I take it off? Should I leave it on?

With a sigh and quick wiggle I pluck it off, quickly hiding the ring away in my desk drawer before I can change my mind. It doesn't feel right, but change is never easy.

I slip on a simple, thick silver band and slide my feet into my heels, four inches taller than before. With recently-practiced ease I strut out of my room, quickly reentering the bathroom to reapply my gloss and slip it into my small purse. I write a quick note for whoever gets home first, simply saying studying with Robin. I stick it to the fridge under mom's "VOTE MONDALE" magnet.

A quick check of the clock on the wall tells me it's exactly 6:58. Jesus Christ, like Billy's actually going to be exactly on time. If he even comes at all.

I watch as the second-hand on the clock moves. Just as it hits 6:59, a car roars into my driveway, headlights glaring through my window and Rock You Like A Hurricane blasting through the walls of my home. I let out an incredulous laugh and rush over to the coat rack to tug on my flight jacket, the long strap of my purse resting on my right shoulder. The car's engine shuts off, the light fades, and the music stops abruptly. Seconds later the doorbell rings. I count down from ten, opening the door just after I finish mouthing "one."

Billy Hargrove stands on the other side, dimples on display and ocean eyes shining. His mullet falls in smooth ringlets, and his red shirt's been replaced with a white-button down. Unlike at the grocery store, it's closed at the sternum so only part of his smooth tan chest is revealed. His denim jacket's been replaced with a brown leather one, his jeans are tight, and his leather boots shine. The dangling dagger on his ear shines in the porch light. "It's 7 o'clock on the dot, baby girl. I pass the first test?" He asks, eyes raking over me.

Ignoring the butterflies fluttering a storm in my belly, I purse my lips and raise a brow. "Yeah. But don't get cocky."

"I don't know, I think you'd like me cocky."

I make a small noise of indifference, eyes flicking noticeably down to his crotch before meeting his gaze once more. "We'll see."

He winks and extends his hand. I take it, comforted by how rough it is - just like mine. "Come on. We've got some music to discuss."

I snort and reach over to flick off the lights, stepping out and locking the door. I walk down the steps confidently, Billy dropping my hand to wrap a strong arm around my waist. He leads me to his Camaro and opens the passenger door. "Ooh. I'm impressed, good looking. Guess chivalry still exists."

"Oh, baby girl, don't insult me like that." He teases, but carefully closes the door. Moments later he's sitting behind the wheel, engine on. He quickly reaches over to lower the volume on his radio, the last few chords of Scorpions muted. With the Camaro started and his right arm slung behind the passenger seat, he backs out of the driveway. "Where are we going?"

"Well, unfortunately for you, bad boy, you're not in California anymore. There's not much going on here. But I know a good place if you're hungry."

"Baby girl, I'm always hungry." He smiles at me, tongue smoothly licking at his bottom lip. I mirror him, but flick at my top lip instead. He makes a noise of interest.

"I meant for food."

"Your call, Veronica." He tells me, arm still slung behind my neck. "Where's this place?"

"Downtown. Near Melvald's. Need directions?"

"No. I mapped out this place pretty well over the weekend."

"What is it with guys and asking for directions?" I sass, and he grins.

"We like to look good in front of attractive girls."

"Hmm. Good to know."

"Is it working?" He asks, driving away from my house and thankfully in the right direction.

I bite my lip and rest my hand onto his right thigh. He smirks as he looks ahead. "Possibly. And if you keep passing all my tests, you may end up with some dessert."

He throws a cocky grin my way and keeps driving towards Downtown. "So. If I were to ask you how you feel about Metallica -"

"I'd tell you they're pretty good, but they're no Judas Priest."

"Oof. That hits me right here." He pouts, moving his right arm off of my seat and instead pressing his hand to his chest. I trail my left hand up his thigh to lace my fingers with his right, sending him a pout.

"I'm sorry, California. Did I fail the test?"

"I don't think you could ever fail, looking like that." He winks at me, then lifts our hands to kiss my knuckles. "It still hurt, though."

"Poor baby. But, 'no remorse, no repent'." I sing, laughing when he throws me an impressed look.

"No Remorse? Good pick, baby girl."

"I figured singing some Metallica would get me out of the dog house."

"I'm a little in love." I snort again, and he looks directly at me as we creep up to a stop sign. "'You came along and captured me, now I'm a prisoner of your eyes'." He sings. I pause and bite my lip.

"Prisoner of Your Eyes. Interesting pick." I comment. Billy smirks and leans in towards my face, at the last second shifting so he kisses the corner of my lips. He sits back and keeps driving, our hands still held together.

"What can I say? Yours are pretty great." I smile as we make a turn onto Mulberry Street, striving straight down as we enter Downtown Hawkins.

"Yours are too, you know."

"Aw, these pretty blues?" He briefly bats his eyelashes at me, and I remove my hand to tap at his jaw so he refocuses on the road. He does, but Billy also uses his free hand to lead mine up to his lips, kissing my fingertips before he lets them go. He hums as we pass Melvald's. "We close?"

"Mhm. Look for a diner with a big old sign. It's called Sally's Place."

"Original."

I pout. "Well, you know us small towns. We like our little spots with names that get straight to the point."

"That's for damn sure, Jett." He pulls into a parking spot in front of the diner and shuts off his engine. Billy turns to look at me as I unbuckle my seatbelt. "Ready?"

"Oh, good looking. Are you?" I shoot back, and reach over to open my door. He winks and gets out first, slamming his door shut before opening mine. He tugs a little harder than necessary so I crash into his firm chest, my arms up and over his shoulders. With one hand he closes the door behind me and pulls me even closer, bending down to lightly press his lips to my neck.

"C'mon, baby girl." He steps away and wraps an arm around my waist, hand slipping into the back pocket of my jeans furthest from him. I do the same and he laughs, and I lead him to Sally's Place.

Marcia is working tonight, and as usual the diner's calm and well-lit. She pops her gum at me. "Well don't you look pretty, Veronica. And who's this?" The mother of two asks, her eyes taking in Billy like he's the damn sun. Might as well be.

"Billy Hargrove." He introduces himself, reaching out his free hand to shake hers. "Her date."

"Well ain't you a lucky boy. You've snagged a good one." Marcia tells him, then winks at me all motherly. "Go on and grab a booth. I'll come by with the menus." She walks away from us, still chewing her gum, and I pull Billy towards the booth closest to the jukebox. I pull off my flight jacket and tuck it under my arm, my date doing the same with his leather jacket. I sit down first, expecting him to sit across from me. Instead he slides in after, arm wrapped around my shoulders and jacket tossed onto the empty bench across from us.

"You know, this place isn't completely terrible looking." Billy comments, looking around. "I was expecting a little run down hole-in-the wall."

I snort. "Sorry to disappoint."

"I take it you're a regular?"

I nod, smiling as I shrug. "They have the best strawberry milkshakes."

"Have you tried them anywhere else?" He asks, but not rudely. "Have you even left Hawkins?"

I scoff in mock offense. "Who do you take me for, some small-town bumpkin? I've been places."

"Mhm? Where?" Billy's grin grows.

"Indianapolis and Carmel."

"Those are still in Indiana."

"Yeah, but you only asked if I'd left Hawkins. Indianapolis and Carmel totally count."

He actually laughs, and kisses my temple. "Alright, alright, my mistake."

"What about you? Did you ever leave California before moving here?" I ask as Marcia drops off a menu and two waters before walking away, winking at both of us this time.

"A couple of times. My mom took me to see her family in New Mexico, when I was younger. And I've been to Arizona and Utah." He tells me, but I notice how his eyes dim a bit at the mention of his mom. I take a sip of water, then set my glass down to reach my hand up and cup his chin, tapping it slightly.

"At least you've gone out of state." He snorts, his face adopting its usually cocky grin.

"I'm sure you will, too. Girl like you deserves to be seen by the rest of the world."

"That another line that usually works?" I ask, plucking up the menu even though I've got it memorized. He chuckles and peers over to join me analyzing it.

"Yeah."

"Did you really mean it, this time?" I ask him carefully, pursing my lips as though I'm actually thinking about what I want to order.

"I did. Cross my heart." There's a brief pause, but it isn't uncomfortable. "So, how're the burgers here?"

"The best in town, now that Benny is… well. Dead." I wince a bit at the finality of my tone, then turn my head a bit to look up at my date. "Last year was a little strange."

He makes an understanding noise. "Hmm. Well, I guess I've got to order one. With some fries." His lips twitch as he looks down at me. "You one of those girls who orders salads instead of real food?"

"Salads are good. But no. I know when to let loose." I wink at him, and he smirks, squeezing me into him.

"I bet you do."

"I usually order the onion rings and the club sandwich." I tell him. "With -"

"A strawberry milkshake." He finishes for me. "You're so cute." I roll my eyes and shove my body into his, laughing when he slides a bit but then playfully bumps me back.

Marcia chooses that moment to come back to us, pen clicked on and a Cheshire grin on her face. "Aren't you two adorable? Honey, he's better for you than those other lugs I've seen you walking around with."

"Thanks, Marcia." I roll my eyes at her, and she waves me off.

"Oh, shut it. After the year you had, you deserve some fun. So, what can I get you?" I briefly close my eyes at just how gossipy people in Hawkins can be, before looking up at her with an innocent smile.

"I'll have the club sandwich and onion rings. California over here wants a burger and fries."

Billy smirks at me. "Taking charge? I like that."

"She's a tough one." Marcia laughs. "How'd you like the burger, sugar?"

"Medium rare, Marcia." Billy flashes his killer smile and she blushes a bit, her pen scratching at her pad. "And we'll take a large strawberry milkshake. Two straws."

Marcia flicks her eyes over to mine, grinning. "Alright, lovebirds. It'll all come out real soon." Her shoes click on the linoleum floor as she walks away. Billy and I look at each other.

"Wouldn't have thought a guy like you would ever want to share a strawberry milkshake." I finally comment.

Billy's smile is more sincere, less arrogant. "There's a first time for everything." His voice is also softer than I've heard so far, and the butterflies are back full force. "Now, what's this about you walking around with other guys?" He asks, but his tone isn't serious. It's light and joking, so I grin cheekily at him.

"What? I had a life before we met."

Billy shakes his head, laughing a little. "I said it before, and I'll say it again. I like your fire, baby girl."

A giant strawberry milkshake is gently placed in front of us, and I look up to smile at Marcia. "Thanks."

"Mhmm. Of course, honey." She sets down two straws and struts away, but her shoulders are shaking like she's laughing.

Billy removes his arm so he can open the straws, sticking them both in and throwing me a cocky grin. "Alright. Just so you know, if this isn't the best milkshake I've ever had, you're paying."

I snort and roll my eyes. "Not looking like this, I won't. Besides, me telling the rest of the girls in Hawkins that you don't pay on the first date will definitely lower your chances of getting any."

"Who said anything about other girls, Veronica?" He asks me, eyebrow raised in amusement. I roll my eyes and lean forward to suck throw my straw, peering up at him and widening my eyes even more. He shifts his weight, eyes unblinking. "Oh, that's a dangerous move, baby girl."

I swallow and bat my eyelashes with practiced ease, then lick my lips. "I don't know what you're talking about." He smirks and leans forward, taking a sip from his own straw. He swallows and stares at me blankly. "Well, what's the verdict?" I ask, arms crossed.

"This is… the best milkshake I've ever had, baby girl."

I grin up at him and take another sip. "Guess I got lucky."

"Oh, you're definitely getting lucky." I snort. "Why strawberry, though?"

"Chocolate can be too much, sometimes. It's still good, but it's heavy. Vanilla's good, but it's boring. Strawberry is just… I've always just thought it was superior."

"And it has nothing to do with it being a fruit? The healthier option?"

"Oh, bad boy, I hate to break it to you but there's nothing healthy about a strawberry milkshake." He laughs and takes another sip, then looks at me.

"So, tell me a little bit about Veronica Henderson. What makes her tick?" Billy asks, eyeing me with interest.

I bite my lip, thinking. Finally, I settle on something to say. Nothing too revealing, just a simple fact. "At school, the kids call me 'the Ice Queen of Hawkins'."

"You? 'Ice Queen'." He smirks, and snorts. "You're too fiery for that shit."

"I didn't used to be. Then some dark shit went down, things changed. You ever feel so angry you could punch the whole damn world?"

Billy snorts. "Yeah. Every Tuesday and Thursday." He tilts his head, just watching me. "What happened?"

I look up at him, not realizing I'd briefly glanced away. "I might as well tell you, since everyone else will probably be clamoring to spill the beans at school. Nothing to do in a town like Hawkins but gossip." He straightens up, arm tighter around my shoulders. "You know small towns and their gossip. Or you will." He nods at me, eyes serious and face void of a smirk. "Last year, I was walking with my friend to her car, after leaving a dumb-as-shit party. God, it wasn't even worth going to." I snort, but it lacks amusement. "We… I guess we stumbled across something we weren't supposed to, or whatever, because the next thing I know I'm waking up in some dark, damp room, alone. I managed to get out, and it was like a goddamn labyrinth. Uh, a maze."

"Yeah, I know what a labyrinth is." He haughtily responds. My lips twitch and I send him an apologetic smile.

"Look, I don't know what they teach you in California." I tuck some curls behind my ear. "Well, I couldn't find my friend. I did see some guards coming down the hall towards me, so I decided to run. Like a fucking coward. Ended up lost in the woods for four days, until a couple of my friends found me." I look away. "We never found her, though. Just more trouble. No one's seen her in a year."

"What was her name?" Billy asks, and I look up at him.

"Barbara. But we called her Barb."

"I'm sorry." He says, but where I expect to find pity I just see sympathy. "You didn't have to -"

"I'd rather you heard it from me, then the mouth-breathers at school. They like to embellish it. Add their own flair." I shake my head. "Sorry. That was probably a downer. We can just ask for them to wrap our food, and you can drop the broken girl off at -"

"We're all a little broken." Billy tells me, frowning with his ocean eyes a storm. "You went through some bad shit and came out alive. That's pretty fucking cool, baby girl." I smile softly at him, and he leans over to kiss my cheek. "Besides, you're not the only one with a sad story." I nod, and the sound of plates being set down on our table breaks the moment. I smile up at Marcia, who frowns a bit when she sees my eyes are wet. It morphs into a comforting smile when she also notices the way Billy's holding me.

"You two kids enjoy." She says before walking away. I reach over to tear into my onion ring, Billy literally grabbing a handful of fries and shoving them into his mouth. He winks at me, and I laugh at the way his cheeks are puffing out.

"Classy, Hargrove."

He swallows and reaches over to take a sip from our milkshake. "Always, Henderson."

We dig into our meals, and in between bites talk about ourselves:

"I used to surf, probably everyday when I was younger. My dad also made me play baseball, but I always preferred basketball. My friends and I once spent seven hours on the court."

"My dad would take me camping. I haven't actually been in the woods here for a year, but I was a junior camp counselor at my brother's camp this past summer. It was easier walking through the forest there."

"My mom was a bit of a hippie. Disco queen, too. My dad was an army vet from 'Nam."

"My dad, too. He was in the Air Force, though. He enlisted. Well, my pops made him."

"That's his jacket? The one you have?"

"Mhm. Birthday gift."

"When's your birthday?"

"Why, already thinking about a present?"

"I have a present for you, right here."

"Promises, promises. November 24, 1967. You?"

"Aw, you missed mine, Queen V. March 29, 1967. Making me older and wiser."

"Older. Not sure about wise. You like Metallica."

By the time Marcia comes by to collect Billy's money, we've broken into loud laughs, leaning against each other. A plate that once held a slice of cherry pie is empty of all but a few crumbs, some melted vanilla ice cream, and cherry syrup.

"Keep the change, sweetheart." Billy tells Marcia, sending her a wink and a charming smile. Marcia giggles like a damn school girl.

"Oh, you flirt. The women of Hawkins are gonna eat you up."

"I don't need them, I think I've got a good one right here." Billy grins at me and I slap his chest, rolling my eyes when Marcia swoons.

"Alright lovebirds. Y'all enjoy your night."

"Laying it on a bit thick there, huh bad boy?" I ask, grabbing my jacket. A hand tugs me out and I fall into Billy's chest. My date wraps an arm around my waist and leans down to kiss my jugular.

"Mm. You smell good."

"Good enough to eat?" I pose, wiggling my eyebrows. He gives me a charmed look and kisses my forehead before whisking me out the diner, throwing Marcia one last wink.

"You got a curfew I have to worry about, Veronica?" He asks me once we're in the car, a little breathless.

"You got until midnight to get me home, California, or I'm turning back into a midwest bumpkin."

Billy laughs and starts the car. "You got some place in mind with a little more privacy?" His eyes flick down to my lips, and mine do the same. I nod and lick at mine.

"Mhmm. Start the car, Billy. I'll tell you where to go."

We pull to a stop in the abandoned fairground parking lot, abandoned as usual. "No cops? Nice." Billy comments, shutting the engine off. I smirk and tilt my head over to him.

"Small town. Small budget. Small police department." I count off my fingers, and he laughs. "Guess it's different in California, huh?"

"Yeah. Security's a real bitch. Makes everything more exciting, though." He wiggles his eyebrows, and I raise one of my own while pulling off my jacket.

"Is that what you want, Billy? Some excitement?"

He licks his lips as I climb over the center console to straddle his hips, slowly pulling off my cardigan, tossing it into the back seat. Billy's eyes flick down from my face to my neck, down to my collarbone and chest. "You gonna make this fun, baby girl?"

"I'm already fun, California." I sass him, then tug him forward by his jacket and start peeling the leather from his body. There aren't many buttons for me to deal with, so seconds later I've got a full view of his abs thanks to the light pouring in from further down the lot. "Damn, California." I run my manicured nails down his golden skin, smirking when he bites his lip and shifts his hips up, up, and away.

Fuck.

Just as my hands creep down to his jeans, his left hand wraps around the back of my neck, over my hair, and tugs me closer so our lips are a breath apart. "You're playing a dangerous game, baby girl."

"But those are the best kind." I mock pout. He smirks and our lips meet. It's - there aren't any fireworks or any of that ridiculous shit - but it's hot. Really good. Our mouths move together, both of us fighting for dominance. There are teeth biting into lips, tugging at the skin. Tongues flick against each other. The car is filled with heavy breathing, but it isn't gross. It's better than I've had in awhile, and so different from anything I've ever imagined feeling from Steve Harrington, who's starting to fade from my brain as Billy's lips move away from mine and creep down my jaw. He bites into my neck and I throw my head back, moaning a bit and feeling his smirk from where he sucks.

It feels like I'm stuck in a competition, so I retaliate by leaning forward to scratch at his abs, biting at his throat and sucking at his collarbone. His lips detach from what's surely a hickey as he groans, bucking his jean-clad crotch into my own. I moan but keep sucking on a new spot, right behind his ear.

It works like a charm, and Billy's left hand falls from my neck to latch onto my hips, mirroring the right. "Jesus." He growls. Growls. I pull my head back from his neck to smirk down at him, only for my smug look to be wiped away when his hands creep up to trace over my tubetop. His eyes narrow and I nod. Billy hums and rolls the fabric down, arms squeezing my waist. My back arches, my head lolling with it as his lips peck down from my chin, to my neck, past my collarbone -

"Oh. Oh, fuck." I moan, letting myself get lost in Billy's attention.

By the time we've finished, Billy and I are resting in the backseat, my body laying on his, condom tossed out the window carelessly. He'd thrown his leather jacket over us, big enough to cover down past my ass. We catch our breath and he sits up a bit, fumbling for a cigarette. He offers the pack to me and I take one without hesitating, bringing it to my lips and letting him light it. I blow out the smoke with practiced ease, and he gives me an impressed look.

"Didn't really take you for a smoker, baby girl."

"Yeah, well, I'm an enigma." I mutter, exhaling slow as molasses. He joins me, his free arm wrapped around my back under the jacket as he strokes my skin.

"This definitely isn't what I pictured happening when I came to Hawkins."

"What? Lying in the back of your car with a girl all over you?" I scoff, and he rolls his eyes.

"No, Queen V. You, being the girl. I thought it'd just be some random chick with not much going for her brainwise." I tilt my head as he peers down at me. "Alright looking, not bad for where I'm stuck. But not what I'd want."

"Aw, that's practically a love declaration." I clutch at my heart, and he pinches my butt, making me yelp.

"Cute." I slap his shoulder. "And it's a little too early for that."

"Relax, Billy. I'm not a 'love at first sight' type of girl." I tap at his chest.

"Thank God."

I tilt my head back so I can look at him, a teasing grin spreading across my face. "There are a few at school who're like that, though. Need me to name a few so you know who not to get involved with?"

"Whoa, there. You cutting me loose already? Not a 'relationship girl', either?"

I shrug. "I am. Didn't want to assume anything, though. Fun is fun."

"Yeah, well I like your brand of fun." I smirk.

Billy tasks another drag from his cig, the two of us smoking out the still-foggy car. "Shit." I suddenly sit up.

"What's wrong?"

I check the time on my watch. "It's 11:40."

"Damn, we were at it for a while, huh?" Billy leers at me and I laugh.

"Sure were, Hargrove. Come on, get moving." I order, reaching around for my tubetop. His lips press against my shoulder blades as I try to pull it back onto my sweaty skin. He cackles when I swat at him, but eventually joins me in redressing.

As soon as our clothes are back on, we slide into the front seats and Billy pulls out of the lot, driving at breakneck speed towards my house. I know I should have my seat belt on, but with the wind blowing through my hair as it comes in through the open window, I can't help but want to feel free. I whoop through the breeze, laughing. Billy laughs with me, one hand on my thigh as the other drums against the wheel, his radio playing some Metallica.

He lowers the volume once we reach the first of the houses, slowing down only when we pull onto Cornwallis. He comes to a stop just outside my house, and I check my bruises in the mirror with a smirk.

A hand grabs my chin, turning my face so Billy can kiss me. It's rough, passionate, and so fucking hot. Squirming with want but knowing I need to get inside, I finally manage to pull away. "Thanks. For tonight. I needed it." I tell him, not a word of a lie.

He smiles at me and rolls his eyes fondly. "Yeah. It was fun."

"I guess I'll see you in school?"

"A week without your pretty face? No way. You'll see me tomorrow, baby girl."

I pause and blink. "Oh. I have archery until 5."

"Damn, you're a badass." He comments with a smirk. "Where is it? Your lesson?"

"The Shooting Range, by Hunting & Camping. Downtown."

"Alright. Then I'll pick you up."

"Alright." I smile and lean over, kissing him once more before opening the door. "See you tomorrow."

"It's a date."

I gently close the door and walk towards my house, turning to wave at him as he drives off like the Devil. With a sigh I finish my trek, unlocking my front door and gently closing it behind me.

For a few moments, I stand completely still. Then I'm hopping in place, head thrown back against the door as my hands find my mouth, hiding my squeals.

Four days have past since my date. They've been filled with hiding Billy from my friends and lying to my mom about who I'm hanging out with.

Man, 1983 Veronica Leigh Henderson would be so pissed at me.

Billy's great. Really. He's not Steve, which is obviously the point since I'm trying to move on, but I genuinely like hanging out with him. I like the butterflies he lets loose in my stomach, I like that he gets me loose and lets me feel things. He doesn't judge me for being angry or get upset if I snap too harshly. He's doing a damn good job of making me feel free to be the new me.

The final bell of the school day rings, and while our teacher talks we rush to pack our bags, only a few fully listening to him. Robin - my physics partner - joins me in ignoring Mr. Lewis, practically falling out of the room as our teacher reminds us "to study chapter three in all its entirety and complete the worksheet on gravity without directly quoting the text, Mr. Richards."

"I have never been more bored in my entire life." Robin complains, the taller girl throwing her head back.

I snort. "Oh, I have. Last year, English with Mr. Boushebel."

Robin nods, face serious. "Oh, Jesus. I thought I'd blocked him out."

"God, I wish." We lapse into a slightly awkward silence, until I smirk up at her. "I've got to go, but I'll see you on Monday. Have a good weekend, Buckley."

"Yeah, you too!" I stop to make sure I packed my pen, and when I look up I see Robin has also paused in her trek to her locker, watching Tammy Thompson walk by with Ian Michaels. There's a frown on her face, but before I can channel my inner "Nancy Wheeler" and investigate, the real one jumps in front of me. I startle a bit, then push at her shoulder.

"You suck, Wheeler!" I grumble, and she laughs.

"Yeah, yeah. Whatever, Henderson. How was class?"

"Mr. Lewis makes watching paint dry seem like an extreme sport." Nancy laughs some more, and Jonathan comes up to us. He throws his arms around me, tugging me into our usual brotherly hug.

"Aw. See, this is why you should have just tried for AP Chemistry." He tells me, and I roll my eyes as we part.

"No thanks. I'm a safety hazard." Jonathan snorts and the three of us walk to our lockers. Nancy and I were fortunate enough to be able to snag ones next to each other, Jonathan's a few rows down. He briefly leaves us to deal with his shit, and Nancy decides to poke at my neck.

"You look a little irritated, there."

I swipe her finger away and check on the spot in my compact, resting comfortably on my top shelf. "Fuck!" I whisper-shout, then carefully dab on a little bit of powder foundation, smiling when the red spot fades out of existence. "Bless you, Lancôme." I close my compact and slide it into my backpack, along with the books I'll need.

"Bad rash?" Nancy teases, and I roll my eyes.

"You know what it is."

"Yeah, well, maybe I want to hear you admit it?"

I narrow my eyes, then sigh. "Fine. I've got a hickey. Hickies. I've started seein' someone, Nance."

It's a bit harsh, but her prying is setting me off. She frowns. "Jesus, Vera."

I rub my forehead. "Sorry. Just… it's new. No one actually knows. Except you."

"Why?"

"Because it's no one's business." I mutter, then close my locker to lean back against it. "But it's good. So good." I wiggle my eyebrows.

"Gross." She wrinkles her nose, pushing at me a little.

I laugh, then wink. "Like, his hands, his damn body. Don't even get me started on his co-"

"Veronica!" She scolds me, and I grin. "What has gotten into you?"

"Don't you mean 'who's gotten into you'?"

"I'm sorry, what?!" Jonathan yelps from behind me, and I groan. There's nothing worse than an overprotective older brother.

"Nothing. Just talking about -"

"Oh, God, gross." Jonathan murmurs, shivering. "Jesus." Nancy laughs, the damn traitor, and I sigh. "Who is he?"

"You don't know him."

"But I will?" He asks, arms crossed and frown in place.

"Yeah, eventually. Honestly, Johnny, it's just some good old fashioned fun."

"What's fun?" Steve asks, coming out of nowhere to wrap his arms around Nancy. There's still a tug in my heart, but the memory of Billy's touch surrounds me enough to act as a distraction.

Before I can answer, Nancy does. "Her new boyfriend."

I roll my eyes. "We aren't a couple, Nance."

"Wait, what? Boyfriend? Do I know him?" Steve asks, straightening up to his full height to stare down at me. I shift my weight.

"No, you guys don't know him. He just moved into town. Jesus, it's not a big deal!" I groan.

Nancy shakes her head. "You look good, though. Happy."

"Well, I was happy until you three decided to start pulling on my dick!" I lewdly complain, waving innocently to a passing teacher. "Hi, Ms. Phillips."

Jonathan just scoffs, then nudges me in the side. "Okay, sorry. Excuse us for caring." I shove him back and laugh.

"Yeah, alright, Johnny."

I turn to look at the happy couple, throwing Steve a confused look as he stares at my hands before meeting my eyes, a sad look in his hazel orbs. "Hey. The three of us were thinking of going to Big Buy to pick up some snacks, then go to Nance's house. You coming?" He sends a pleading look my way, and Nancy's eyes grow big with excitement.

"C'mon, it's Friday! That means we can have a sleepover after!"

I look over my shoulder to see Jonathan begging with his eyes, clearly not wanting to be left alone with the girl he loves and her boyfriend. I give him an apologetic smile and shake my head, turning to address the couple. "I can't, sorry. I have a date."

Nancy bites her lip and nods. "Okay. Um, maybe tomorrow."

"I have to work. I'm pulling a double for Evan."

"Sunday?"

I shrug. "I have some homework to do, but if you don't mind me doing it, sure."

She gives me a smile and separates from Steve to pull me into a hug. "Alright. Go, have fun. I'll see you on Sunday."

"See you Sunday. Later Harrington." I stop at Jonathan and reach down to squeeze his left hand with my right. "Are you working tomorrow?"

"Mhm. Only during the day. Mom has a date with Bob."

I nod. "Okay. Meet at Sally's for lunch?"

"Sounds good, Ver." I let go of his hand and walk away in my heeled boots, the hall parting for me like the Red Sea.

3rd Person POV (Steve)...

Steve watches as the Ice Queen struts down the hall, barely giving her subjects a glance. Something changed in her - a lot changed in her - since November. She's angrier, more fire than she is ice. There've been more than a few times when she's lashed out at a bully, near violent before Nancy or Jonathan manage to tug her away. She's lost weight, but no one else seems to see it. Despite the makeup, Steve can tell she's exhausted. Hell, he sees the same thing when he looks in the mirror. The dreams have come back. He only ever remembers running towards the sound of Veronica's screams, then standing in his empty pool. He wakes up sweaty and scared out of his mind and stumbles to his window, sucking in fresh air until he remembers she came back, that Roni's alive.

But she isn't better. And no one's saying anything about it. Not to her. Sure, there were those days in the summer when he and Nancy would be sitting on his deck, Jonathan taking pictures of - thankfully - the woods. There'd been a fourth chair set out, unoccupied. And the three of them would talk about Veronica and how different she is, until they settled on letting it go, unless it got worse.

To Steve, Veronica becoming this ticking bomb, constantly on edge - doesn't she see that he knows she sometimes thinks she's in the Upside Down? - is worse. And they're all just letting her be like this. He knows it's hypocritical, since they're all acting like nothing happened last year, but this is something else. It scares him shitless, if he's being honest with himself.

The worst thing, though, Steve thinks, is that I've lost her.

Because his eyes aren't just trained on Veronica as she walks away, they're zeroing in on her right thumb. On what isn't there.

The ring is gone. His ring is gone.

He refuses to get into it, though. To go down that route, because fuck that. He turns to smile down at his girlfriend instead, into her very blue eyes, and his arms wrap around her tiny frame - delicate, but strong - and he pretends like nothing is wrong.

"C'mon. She's fine. You two ready to go?" He asks the two juniors, trying to ignore the way they look at each other before Nancy leans up to kiss his jaw, pink lips soft as always. He's happy to have her, to be with her, even if that little voice in the back of his head is telling him he's a coward.

"Mhmm. Let's go." She takes his hand in hers, and with Jonathan on her other side they walk through the crowded hall, and no one parts for King Steve.

Veronica's POV…

I let out a happy sigh as I sink into Billy's side, sated and exhausted. The sunset pours in from my open window, leaving everything in an orangey-gold glow. My mom's out of town for the weekend, and Dustin's at the Sinclairs' for a sleepover, meaning I've got the house to myself tonight.

Billy laughs and shifts in the bed, sitting up under the covers and pulling out a cigarette. I do the same, curling into his side as we light them up. "Damn. You do it better than the girls in Cali, and that's saying something."

I snort and smack at him. "'Cause every girl likes being compared to past conquests."

Billy just shrugs. "You aren't most girls."

"Yeah, I still don't like it." I tell him, narrowing my eyes.

"Shit, sorry." I raise an eyebrow. "No, seriously, I'm sorry. I just meant you're good."

"No, you think I'm the best."

"I know for a fact that those words did not leave my mouth."

"Well, you were thinking it, California." He smirks and kisses me briefly before sucking on a fading hickey. "Jackass."

"Beautiful." He tells me. "Sexy. Amazing. So damn hot." I roll my eyes but smile, pressing my lips to one of his own fading bruises. I lift my right hand to stroke his cheek, but he catches it before I can and brings my palm close to his ocean eyes. "What happened?"

"Last year." Is all I say. He nods and lowers my hand, then tilts my head so my right side is facing him.

"And this?" He touches the scar on my temple. I bite my lip.

"Also last year."

"And this?" Billy lowers his hand to my left forearm, where a thin scar rests. It's faded a lot over the years, but up close it's pretty noticeable.

"My second time hunting. I was using a knife, and my dad -"

"He did this?" Billy growls, fingers tightening against my scar, and I wince a bit. "Your dad?"

"No, no." I shake my head, but the grip doesn't loosen. "No. My dad was teaching me how to skin a rabbit. I held it wrong and accidentally cut myself. He got me to the hospital right away, and because I didn't cry once he bought me a banana split." I smile slightly at the memory. "Billy, you can let go. Billy?"

"You said your dad was 'a work in progress'." He merely comments, staring down at my forearm but letting go enough that his touch is gentle again. "What did you mean?"

I sigh and shift, putting out my barely-used cig. He does the same, blowing smoke away from my face before giving me his undivided attention.

"I had just turned twelve, a few weeks before. My dad bought me a new bow. Shiny, perfect. My brother had a playdate, and my old man was at work. So my mom decided to take me out, since it wasn't completely frozen here, yet, and the outdoor range was still open. I broke my record for bullseyes. Lucky number 13 went in, and my mom was just so… proud." I pause, and Billy sends me a confused smile. "She took me to get hot chocolate, then we decided to visit dad at his dealership. God, I was so excited to see him that I didn't even knock, I just burst into his office. And there he was, on the other side of the desk. Clothes on, but body drilling into his damn secretary, Allison. Of course, I didn't know what was going on. All I saw was my dad with another woman. My mom heard me scream and she came running in. God, it was horrible. She just crumpled into herself and dropped the hot chocolate. My dad jumped away from Allison and zipped back up, and all I saw was red. My mom grabbed me and rushed me out of the office."

"Veronica -"

"That wasn't it, though. It didn't end there. Both of them followed us out, like somehow their shit was our fault. My dad started spewing some bullshit about calling first while Allison gave me this smile like I meant something to her. My mom just kept sobbing and my dad kept trying to talk to her, and I just wanted it to end. So I took my shiny, perfect bow and slammed it into his car. Over, and over, and over again. By the time I stopped, glass was everywhere, the hood and sides had dents the size of Texas, and my bow was broken. I threw it at my dad and walked away, tugging my mom into the car." I shake my head and wipe away a few tears. "When dad came home, he tried to calmly explain himself, like that would solve anything. He told my mom he didn't love her anymore, that he'd been seeing Allison for a year and had fallen deep. It broke both of us, because I'd been 'daddy's little girl' up until then. He divorced her, moved just outside of Indianapolis to start his new life with his new wife. He just left."

"But you wear his flight jacket." Billy comments, though there isn't any confusion in his voice.

"But I wear his flight jacket." I repeat. "Because we both survived our own version of Hell. I'm afraid of being like him, you know? I don't want to hurt the people I care about." I look up at Billy. "I don't want to be my dad."

"Neither do I." He admits, and I tilt my head, sitting up more. "I… my dad… he's a dick, baby girl. The worst. The Devil." He opens his mouth, like he's gonna say more, but his eyes tell me enough.

"He hurts you."

"Yeah." He breathes out sharply through his nose. "Never enough to leave a big mark. But it's the words that hurt more." I nod, letting him talk. "He's always going on about 'respect and responsibility', which is such horseshit. The worst part isn't that, though. It's the times when he's calm and polite. You never know when it's coming. And I'm turning into him."

"Hey, don't say that -"

"No, it's true. But you help me. Even though we only just met, you do." He traces my right hand with his left and laces our fingers together. "I'm not going to hurt you, Veronica. I don't want to hurt you."

"You won't. I won't let you." I promise him. "But, your dad… why haven't you -"

"No one would believe me. No one ever does."

"Chief Hopper will!"

Billy sighs. "I'm turning 18 in a few months. There's no point. Anyway, I'm the only one he messes with. He won't touch my stepmom like that, or my stepsister. Not like..."

I bite my lip, and give him a careful look. "He hurt your mom?"

"Constantly. Until she walked out." And left her son with a monster.

I frown, but I don't want to tug on that string, so I go down the safer path. "Tell me about them? Your stepfamily? Mine's just the woman who had an affair with my dad but acts like she's innocent." I mutter pettily, and Billy grins.

"Sounds like a real bitch." He sighs. "Susan's this quiet thing. Frail, gentle. Needs a guy like Neil Hargrove to take care of her. Maxine's a little shit. We don't get along. The only reason why we moved from California in the first place was because she was still hanging out with her dad. We moved here for a new start." Billy scoffs. "I don't know why dad chose this place. I think he figured it was small enough that Maxine's dad would never find us."

"I'm sorry."

Billy shrugs and kisses my forehead. "Don't be. It's half on me, anyway. I was the one who told them. 'Course, I only snitched because Max spilled the beans about a girl I'd been messing around with. Guess I was late picking her up too many times." I wince, but bite my tongue. "Yeah, I know. It was a dick move. I just got so pissed, ya know?"

"Yeah." I kiss his bare shoulder. We lapse into a comfortable silence, and I curl into his chest as he slings an arm around my shoulders. My eyes close as he squeezes, his hold grounding me.

"Hey, Veronica?" I nod and open my eyes, leaning my head back to stare up at him. "I felt so alone, before I met you. Like I was the only broken person around." I sit up, and he continues. "It hasn't been long. But... I'd be a dumbass if I didn't tell you that I really do like you."

I pause, heart beating rapidly. "I do, too. Like you." I admit, ignoring the tiny pit growing in my belly.

Billy starts to smile, exhaling a shaky laugh. "So be mine. Be my girl, baby girl." He drawls out the nickname, and I grin.

"Only if you're mine, bad boy."

He smirks and tugs me so our lips are a breath apart. "I am. I'll be good with you."

"Promises, promises." I whisper, letting him pull me down into his riptide.