Hello! It's been awhile. So, I wanted to have something up earlier today, but that clearly didn't happen. While this certainly isn't my best - or favorite - chapter I've written in this story, it's a little filler to help get me back into this particular fic. It's got angst (not between the lovebirds) and cute little supportive Steronica moments. The next chapter will pick up right where I've left off here. And, as I'm also editing this story I'm sure I'll return to this chapter at a later date and add more! I'm trying to tie up some loose ends with the in-between plots so that I can finally get to season three.
Alright, I hope you enjoy! And happy Stranger Thing's Day!
Perched on the hood of Steve's Beemer, I watch as my classmates begin to file out of school. With Mr. Lewis out with the flu, there was no point in sitting in class with a substitute who doesn't know what the fuck they're talking about. I'd rather freeze my ass off out here than listen to an old bat drone on and on about the old days. Besides, Robin was kind enough to promise to sign me in. All it took was a bag of Swedish Fish to sweeten the deal. Literally.
Steve offered to skip with me, the two of us just calling it an early day. He's been so good about staying in class and studying. As much as it pained me, I declined his offer. It was worth it, though, to see him running outside with a megawatt smile on his face.
"B+! Babe, I got a B+!" Steve shouts, and I shriek with glee as I leap off of his car and run to his arms.
"Oh my God!" I scream, laughing as he spins me. "That's amazing! I'm so proud of you." I whisper, pressing my lips to his cheek. Steve grins and tilts my head back to kiss me, snorting as I moan. "Keep biting my lip, and the school's gonna get a show." I murmur.
Steve pulls back, rubbing his thumb along my left cheekbone. "Then let's go somewhere private - after we drop the knucklehead off."
"Oh, shut up. Sometimes I think you love Dustin more than me." I teasingly pout. It turns into a real pout when my boyfriend nods in complete seriousness. "Seriously?"
"He's a good kid."
"I'm your girlfriend!"
"He's the one who helped me study for the science test!"
"Oh, I get it. Because he taught you stupid biology - and you got your highest grade yet - you love him more?"
"When you put it that way," Steve hums, "yes. Absolutely."
"See if I kiss you again." I grumble, storming away from Steve and hopping back onto the Beemer's hood. My boyfriend smirks as he follows me, and I grunt when he turns and plops himself between my open legs. My back pressed to the windshield, I find a more comfortable position before eventually playing with his hair. Steve hums happily, head tilting back so he can smile up at me.
"I love you."
"I love you too, baby." I press our lips together - a little awkwardly, seeing as how his face is upside down - then go back to playing with his hair. "I'm also very, very proud of you. I think you deserve a reward."
"Mmm. Shit. We can't tonight, remember?" My eyes widen, and I groan.
"Oh. Fuck. Right." I nod. "We're meeting them at eight, right? Enzo's?"
Steve hums out a yes, completely exhausted. "At least it's not at home. Less of a chance of my dad making a scene. He'll be too busy making sure mom doesn't drink all the wine they have to offer."
I go back to playing with his hair, pressing kisses to the top of his head. "No matter what happens, at least we'll be in it together, right? What's meeting the parents compared to fighting a bunch of demon dogs from a parallel universe?" I joke, but it falls a little flat.
As if he can read my mind - which he probably can - Steve snorts. "Yeah. I sorta wish we were fighting the Upside Down, too."
"We've got this." I smile at him, and Steve sits up. Scooting forward, he pulls me with him so I'm wrapped around his back, knees bent at either side of his hips. With my hands splayed over his chest, I let him nose along at my cheek.
"Mhm. Me and you."
You know that feeling of dread you get right before a big test? Sweaty palms, a pit in your stomach, psychosomatic nausea?
The anxiety that comes with the thought of meeting Steve's parents is much worse. It only increases when I get a good look at them. John and Kathleen are dressed beyond their best. Everyone else in Enzo's might as well be wearing rags. My confidence shaken, I fix the skirt of my violet dress.
"Hey, stop." Steve whispers in my ear, leading us to stand behind a couple waiting to be seated. "You look beautiful. You're perfect."
"Far from it." I snort.
Steve laughs. "You know what I mean." I hum, and he puts a finger under my chin so I'm looking directly into his warm eyes. "You're amazing. Whatever my parents say or do, I'll be by your side. We're in this together."
"Together." I exhale and nod.
"Good evening. A table for two?" The hostess asks, and we break apart.
Steve flashes her his most charming smile. "We're actually meeting my parents here. John Harrington should be the name on the reservation."
The woman tenses, and clears her throat. "Oh, yes. If you'll follow me, please." Steve and I stare at each other, already understanding it's going to be tenser than we'd imagined. We hurry after her, Steve's hand on my lower back as he steers us towards the table. The hostess is quick to flee as John and Kathleen Harrington stand up.
"Finally. Your mother was starting to get worried. Weren't you, dear?" John asks. The look he gives his wife is complete indifference mixed somehow with overwhelming disappointment. It doesn't take much to notice Kathleen's flushed cheeks and dewy eyes.
"Oh, yes. Steven." My boyfriend inhales before leaning forward to accept two air kisses. Kathleen gives me the same treatment, the alcohol on her breath making my nose twitch. "And you must be Verona - Veronica, I'm sorry."
"It's alright. It's very nice to meet you, Mrs. Harrington. And you, Mr. Harrington." I hold out my hand, and Steve's dad takes it. He has a firm grasp, but it's nothing I can't go up against. I've faced worse than overly-judgmental business men.
I've got this. Steve and I have got this.
Mr. Harrington seems to appreciate my gesture. At the very least, he's moderately impressed by my strength. "Hmm. That was quite the handshake. I assume you learned it from your father?" There's meanness in his already cruel brown eyes.
Swallowing every curse I want to hurl, I smile. "Yes. I did. He believes it's one of the most important things to learn."
"Smart man. A good man, too. We shared most of the same classes." John pauses to reluctantly pull out the chair for his inebriated wife. He pushes her in as Steve does the same for me. My boyfriend kisses my knuckles quickly before sitting next to me, opening his menu. I do the same, my napkin on my lap. As a waiter fills our glasses I meet John's gaze, waiting for him to say something. "So, Veronica?"
"Yes, Mr. Harrington?" I ask, sitting up straighter.
"Please. Call me John."
"Of course, John." I amend.
John leans back smugly, briefly glancing at Steve. "What's a pretty girl doing with my son?"
"John!" Kathleen scolds her husband, giggling drunkenly and nervously. "Our Steven is quite the catch."
John laughs, waving her off. "I was only messing around."
Yeah, I don't believe him. Neither does a tense Steve.
Trying my best to make sure it doesn't sound as fake as Nicole's nose, I laugh as well. "Thank you for the compliment, John. I wonder the same thing sometimes, too." I look up at Steve, winking and taking his hand. "But in all seriousness, you raised a wonderful young man. I'm lucky someone as amazing as Steve loves me." Steve's eyes get a little wet, and I look over at John.
He clears his throat, glancing around the restaurant. Hawkins is a nosey town, so it's no surprise a few nearby diners are eavesdropping. "I'm glad to hear that." I smile, slowly slipping back into the Ice Queen.
"Good evening. I am Antonio, I'll be your server this evening." We all look up at the waiter, and John's body relaxes. "Can I start you off with anything?"
"Yes. We'll get an order of caesar salad and calamari for the table." John quickly ordered. "That's all."
"Of course. I'll give you a chance to look over the rest of the menu." Antonio was quick to leave, and I'd recognized his posture enough after seeing the waitresses at Sally's dealing with difficult customers. Hopefully he'll only spit in John's food.
Steve turns our joined hands over, squeezing lightly. I squeeze back, smiling up at my boyfriend. "What a lovely dress." Kathleen comments, getting my attention. She has a glass of red wine in her hand, and the liquid sloshes as she sits up. "Where did you get it?"
"Oh, I -"
Before I can answer, John interrupts me. "Please. That's not your shade or style, Kathleen." He pauses, then glances at my dress. "Hm. It must have cost your mother a pretty penny. I suppose she makes enough as a secretary?"
I bite the inside of my cheek, Steve tensing next to me. "Bookkeeper. She's a bookkeeper. I paid for this myself, though. I work part time."
"Really?" John sits up, suddenly interested. "For how long?"
"A couple of years, now. We weren't struggling, but it's definitely helped my mom. Right now I have enough saved for the first two years of college."
"That's very admirable." John concedes. "I've been telling Steven that a job will do him good for awhile now. Think you can help me convince him?" John winks.
"Yes." My free hand closes into a tight fist on my lap. I barely wince as my nails cut into my palm. "I'm not sure you'd like working at Hunting & Camping." I joke. Steve laughs.
"That's Mark place, right?" John asks.
"Yes, it is." I answer, sending John another smile. "It's doing really well. We broke our sale record this past Black Friday."
"How often do you work?" John side-eyes his wife, who's refilling her glass of wine.
"Usually three to four weekdays, and the weekend."
"Wow. Does your schedule interfere with school at all? I'd imagine it's difficult for you to study and get your homework done. Not that you're to blame, it's impressive someone in your standing has done so well in the workforce."
"Your caesar salad and calamari." Antonio interrupts, setting the large platters in the center of the table. "Do you still need time, or are you ready to order."
"Oh, um -" I look down at my menu, suddenly realizing I hadn't had the chance to look at it.
"My wife will have shrimp puttanesca, and I will have the carbonara. Steven?" John snaps at his son. "I'm sure Anthony has other tables to serve."
Steve flushes with embarrassment and anger. "Yes, sir." He glances at me. "You ready?"
Smiling up at Antonio, I hand him my menu. "I'll go with the mushroom gnocchi. Thanks, Antonio."
"Spaghetti and meatballs for me, It's a classic." Steve grins, handing our server his menu as well. "Thank you, Antonio."
"Of course. Any refreshments for the table?"
"More water for my wife. I'm alright." John is quick to answer.
"My girl and I'll have a limonata each. Is that okay?" Steve asks, glancing my way. I grin back, nodding.
"Perfect."
Antonio jots it all down, and with a small parting he walks away. John scoffs and shakes his head. "There's a lesson to learn with that one, kids. That's why you get a college education." Steve flinches at his dad's disappointed glare. My fist refuses to relax. "Steven tells me you're quite the little archer. Do you have any plans for that in your future? I'm not sure there's much money in that."
"Oh." I pause. "Hmm. I hadn't really considered competing until last year. Maybe I will, but honestly I've always wanted to go to college. As for your earlier question, I do my homework in school and during breaks at work. My job's only made me more aware of the need for discipline. I take my academics very seriously."
"Hmm. I believe the last girl did as well. She didn't have much luck with him, I'm afraid." John smirks. "Nancy, right? Have your paths ever crossed?"
Steve flinches, and I squeeze his hand. "Of course. She's one of my closest friends."
"How interesting."
"Steven, dear, tell your father the good news!" Kathleen interrupts, ignoring her freshly refilled water for her glass of wine.
"I got a B+ on my biology test."
"That's not an A." Is all John says, and our table slips into silence. Our dinner is a temporary reprieve from the immense awkwardness, and it gives me time to check on Steve. My ankle twined with his by the time our dessert arrives, I smile as he feeds me the last bite of our shared tiramisu.
"Thanks, Steve."
"Anything for you, Roni."
John snorts. "Ah, I remember those days. Young love. Enjoy it while it lasts." The man bitterly jokes. He's nursing his second large glass of bourbon, not quite-tipsy but definitely not sober. "Right, dear?"
Kathleen only grunts, angrily drinking her water.
"Yes. And then the next thing you know they're taking you for granted. And you think the only thing that will save your family is having a child. Of course, your husband will go after anything in a short skirt and tight blouse, so maybe he has more than the one son!"
Kathleen's voice steadily rises, and John looks around warily. Steve just grabs his cup of water and inhales sharply. "Kathy, dear -"
"Oh, shut up, John! I know all about that whore in North Carolina!"
"Sir, I have your check -" Kathleen and Antonio spoke at once. Steve's shoulders shook, and I did my best to hide my incredulous laughter.
"Thank you, Anthony. Excellent service." Our waiter awkwardly stood by our table, all of us watching as John Harrington dropped two $100 bills carelessly on the check. "Kathleen, up. You're drunk and making a scene. Steven, I shall see you at home. Veronica, it was lovely to meet you. I hope we can do this again."
"Me, too. Goodnight, John, Kathleen. Thank you." I quickly shake Mr. Harrington's hand, just as strong as before. Then the adults are walking away, John dragging his wife.
Steve sighs and pats my thigh. "Well, that was a disaster. Sorry, Antonio." Steve stands, offering me his hand. I happily accept it, then look at our server.
"Everything was wonderful. Thanks, Antonio."
"You two are welcome back anytime." He assures us, quickly glancing out the door. Steve grins.
"Thanks, man. Have a nice night." Steve wraps an arm around my shoulders as we leave Enzo's behind. Getting in the car, my boyfriend groans. I run a hand through his hair, grunting as he suddenly tugs my face forward so our lips meet. He kisses me into my seat, and with graceful hands buckles me in.
"Steve?" I pant, moaning as he bites under my jaw before shifting back behind the wheel. "Baby?"
"Tonight was a disaster." He passionately declares, driving away from Enzo's. "My parents were, I mean. Which - honestly - I totally should've seen coming. But you were fucking awesome, Princess. No one's talked to my dad like that, ever."
"Shit, was I rude?"
Steve shakes his head. "No. But you didn't fold to his bullshit. You met him, word for word."
I groan. "Great. I mean, I knew he wouldn't like me, but now he probably hates me."
"Please. He'll never hate anyone more than he hates me." Steve scoffs. "Jesus, my family's a mess."
"I'm sorry baby." I frown, stroking his hair lovingly. "That joke your dad made? I want you to know I was serious. I'm lucky someone as amazing as you loves me."
Steve lifts my hand to kiss the inside of my wrist. "Thanks babe. I love you."
"Mmm. I love you too." I watch him drive, heart dropping to my stomach at the weariness on his face, the pain in his hazel eyes. My anger flares up at the thought of his parents. I hate to think it, but I wish they'd just leave him alone. Completely. They're awful people who don't deserve a son like Steve. He deserves a real family, not a mom and a dad who pick and choose when to be there for him - and even when they are there for him, it's never in a positive way. Especially not his dad.
Fuck John Harrington. If he can't see how wonderful Steve is, then it's his loss. Me? I'm gonna love this boy till the day I die.
I wave at Steve as he drives off, having been kissed within an inch of my life before he had to drive back home. As soon as his Beemer is out of sight I enter my house, locking the door behind me with a giggle.
"Mom, I'm home." I call. "It's early, I know, but his parents had a - mom?" I ask, finally noticing the dilemma. "Dustin? Oh my God, what happened?" I rush towards them and fall onto my knees, taking one of their hands into mine. They continue to stare off into space, catatonic. My worst fears are rushing through my head, and I glance around.
Is the Upside Down attacking again? Was it a demodog? No, no. I'd feel it. The gate's closed, El closed it. Oh God, El. Mike. Lucas. Will. Max. Jonathan? Is Nancy okay? Is Hop, is Joyce?
"D? Mom?" I ask again, scared tears making my vision blurry. "What happened?" Dustin shudders out a sob and runs off, his bedroom door slamming a moment later. I flinch at the noise before sitting next to my mom. Unsure of what to do, I gently pace my hand on her lap. "Mom?"
"Your father called." She finally says, and I shudder. Oh God.
"Is he okay? Is, uh, Allison?" I stammer out.
My mom stands up, looking as cold as I used to. "Your father called. Allison's pregnant. Five months pregnant." Then she disappears down the hall, the door slamming closed. It takes me all of five minutes to stand up and retreat to my own room. I pack what I need for the next day - clothes, shoes, my backpack - then grab my keys.
The drive feels faster than it should have. Or maybe I just drove faster than I should have. I don't care though, not right now. I just need to get to my destination. I need him. I-I need -
Duffle in hand I duck and dodge the terrain mapped out in my head. It's not an easy walk, or a calming walk. It just feels like the whole world is closing in on me. I can't stop, though. Not until I get where I need to go.
Stumbling up the porch, I bang on the door. "I-I'm sorry. I sho-should've called. It's me. Please let me in. Please." I sob out, slowly collapsing. The door swings forward and I'm tugged into a bear hug. "I'm sor-sorry. I-I didn't - I did-didn't kn-know where-where t-to go-go."
"Shh. Shh, kid. I've got you. I've got you, kid. What happened? Was it Harrington? Is you mom okay? Your brother?"
I sniffle, calming down. Hopper cradles the back of my head, his other arm bringing me in closer. "Th-they're fine. Bu-but my dad. He's - I mean Allison - pregnant. Five months." A door clicks open across from us, and seconds later El's small form is squeezing into the hug. Both Hoppers hold me as I sob, never once letting go.
As established in earlier chapters, I'm of the firm opinion Steve's parents kind of/a lot suck. John is his own clear bundle of awful. I am going to do something with Kathleen, though, especially since Steve seems close enough to her in season three to list her name as a reference. Anyway, Veronica had to meet them at some point. Unless I change my mind - which I doubt I will - Kathleen will get the help she needs.
As for Veronica's dad, Allison, and the baby bombshell? That's next chapter, amigos.
Also - whatever the blowout with/concerning her father entailed, Veronica was always going to run to Hopper. While Jonathan is her best friend in the whole wide world, she really needs a dad. As stated a handful of chapters ago, he stepped up to the plate in a big way when it came to her. He's continued to be there for her. I hope it doesn't feel forced. If it does, I'm sorry and will clean it up in due time, but the end product will always be the same - Hopdad's where it's at.