Finally, a new chapter! Yay!
Alright, we're post-baby news. Our girl, Dusty-bun, and Claudia are still processing everything a month later. Because it's the eighties and extenuating circumstances, our happy couple has the okay to fly off to NYC for their Valentine's getaway! This chapter is all Steve's POV. The next chapter is a doozy, and we'll be back to seeing the world through Veronica's eyes.
As always, I only own my OC.
3rd Person POV (Steve's)...
Steve's seen a lot these past few years. From fleshing-eating monsters to tunnels filled with psychotic vines, he'd thought he was prepared for anything. Hell, he could even handle Veronica's frostiness back when she was the Ice Queen of Hawkins. It'd actually been fun trying to get a rise out of her - occasionally being able to. Well, not fun. Maybe the right word is "relieved." He was just glad that he hadn't actually lost her - he'd even seen her smiling around Nancy, Barb, and Jonathon.
So yeah, he thought he was ready for anything the universe had to throw at him. What a joke.
He lost her. Veronica. Not physically, she's still there. But she's not present. It's not like when she was the Ice Queen, or even when they were younger. She was frozen. No smiles, no quips. She just went through her daily motions, her brother a constant angry version of himself while their mom buried herself in her job. God, Dustin was so mad that he even refused to celebrate his birthday, the news still too fresh in his mind. Which made sense, considering it came only five days earlier.
Oh, and the kicker? Robert Henderson never called to wish his son a "Happy Birthday." If there ever was a time to murder someone with his bat, Steve seriously considered driving to Plainfield and introducing the cheating asshole to his trustee weapon.
Steve remembers everything about the morning he sped over to Hopper's cabin, the Chief having called him just as he was getting ready to go to the Hendersons' house. He thought she was hurt, that something had happened to her or her family. Was it the Mind Flayer? Was he back?
"My dad's having another kid." Veronica had said, eyes far away and face lacking any and all emotion. Even her eyes were empty. Between Steve, Jonathan, and Nancy no one knew what to do. He drove her to every one of her amped-up therapy appointments, he made sure she took her meds, but he couldn't get her to smile. None of their friends could. With the kids trying to keep Dustin calm, everyone was spread thin.
A little under a month had passed, and by the time they were two weeks away from Valentine's Day Steve had sat Veronica down. Before he could even suggest canceling their plans, she shot him down. It wasn't the most convincing argument she'd ever given, but Steve figured a change of scenery would do her good.
It'd been easier than he thought to tell her mom about their potential trip. Claudia Henderson - the guilt on her face raw but the sadness in her eyes especially overwhelming - took one look at her blank daughter and angry son before making up her mind.
"I know it's last minute. We wanted to talk to you about it earlier, but -"
Claudia had shaken her head at him. "No. It's fine. Take her." Get her to smile, went unsaid. "I'll take Dusty on a trip, too. I think we can all use a break." He watched with a sad smile as she pulled him into a hug. "You driving or flying?"
"Flying."
"You'll call at the airport in Indianapolis? And when you land in New York?"
"And every morning and night from the hotel." Steve promised. "I'll keep her safe."
Claudia smiled and cupped his cheek. "I know. I trust you." She thanked him before moving over to her kids, wrapping her arms around Veronica. The blonde stayed still, but her shoulders softened - just barely, though. It was progress, though. "I'll call you out of school on Wednesday, if you want to spend more time in New York?" Veronica didn't respond, and Claudia blinked tearfully over at Steve before giving her attention to Dustin.
While their flight wasn't until late afternoon, Steve and Veronica had skipped school. They spent the morning finishing some last minute packing. Then they went to Sally's, Marcia only smirking at the fact they were obviously skipping class. The last place Steve took his girl to was the woods, for an extra long - and quiet - walk. Throughout this month, it was where Veronica had softened the most - aside from in his arms. She'd never flown before, and he knew without asking that she was nervous. It'd loosened her up enough that by the time they were boarding the plane, his girl had sent him her biggest smile yet.
Steve grins down at her, watching as she napped with her head on his shoulder. A nonstop flight, they were almost done with their two-hour trip. They'd spent the first twenty minutes in the air nibbling on their snacks and taking sips of their drinks. Soon enough Veronica had yawned, and moments later she was knocked out.
Steve sighs, running his hand over her hair as he kisses her head. That was another thing that's happened this month. She hasn't been sleeping. It isn't nightmares, she just can't seem to close her eyes for longer than a few hours a night. She's gotten a little thinner, her face haunted. She hasn't looked like this since the year after Barb's death.
Veronica mumbles, turning her head to blink up at him. She frowns. "I fell asleep. You gave me the window seat, and I fell asleep."
Steve shakes his head, bending down to kiss her. "Babe, it's okay. You're the only view I need." Her lips twitch up, and Steve grins. "Glad to know I've still got it."
Veronica hums and moves off of him to stretch. He plays with her curls as she turns to blink out the window, smiling when she gasps. "Holy shit." She whispers, quiet enough that the mother and child sitting in front of them don't hear. "It's beautiful."
Steve grins and kisses her shoulder.
He holds her as the plane shakes, starting its descent. She curls into him and traces a finger down from his neck to his chest, and back up again. He kisses the scar on her temple and holds her tight as the plane lands, gliding down the runway. The flight attendant gives her announcement, Steve making sure to listen carefully.
Once they're in the gate, Steve stands and takes Veronica's hand. His arm wraps around her shoulders as they walk through the airport and down to baggage claim, each of them carrying a smaller bag. He smiles down at Veronica as she starts to bounce a little, her body loosening up as they wait for their suitcases. He steps away from her long enough to grab their luggage before his hand finds hers again. She sticks to his side like glue while he calls Claudia, quietly talking to her mother before hanging up.
"Ready to get your first whiff of New York City air?" Steve asks, laughing when she tugs him outside. She stares around unblinking, then glances up at him.
"We're not in Kansas anymore."
"We were never in - oh. Wizard of Oz."
Her nose wrinkles and her eyes sparkle. He hums as she kisses him, grinning when she tugs on his lip. "I really love you." She whispers, and he memorizes everything about the way she said it.
He smiles when she lets out a small yawn, nuzzling into his arm. "Hotel time, huh?"
"Mhm. Where are we staying? Was it expensive? Because I don't mind -"
"You already handled the show and covered all of our plane tickets."
"But -"
"Nope. Uh-uh. Just think of our room as a gift from my dad. It's his money." He just didn't know it. Steve was given a thick wad of cash everytime his parents left - sometimes they even had someone drop more money off if they were gone longer. Hey, Steve may not be the sharpest tool in the shed, but he knew how to budget. And now that he's eighteen, open his own account.
Veronica nods. "Okay."
They're ushered down the cab line and climb into their taxi, bags stored safely in the trunk. Their driver talks. A lot. Sometimes to them, sometimes at his radio. Steve pays more attention to his girl, who's cutely gaping out the window at the New York City skyline. The sun's starting to set, painting the sky in purple and yellow. "This is amazing." She whispers, and he kisses the back of her head.
After a bit of traffic, their driver stops in front of the Milford Plaza Hotel. Steve pays him and gets out, rushing around the cab to open Veronica's door. They thank the doorman as he lets them in, and Steve grins at the awe on Veronica's face as she looks around the lobby. He slowly brings her up to the desk, exchanging small talk with the woman on the other side as he shows his ID - Veronica is quick to whip out her fake.
"And what are you two lovebirds doing in New York City? Honeymoon?" She asks, and Steve grins as Veronica blushes.
"No. Wham! concert." His girlfriend quickly explains.
"Oh, how fun! You must be a big fan." The clerk cheerfully responds.
Veronica nods, and Steve nearly laughs at the pain in her eyes at the woman's assumption. "The biggest." Her lie slips out of gritted teeth.
"Well, I have your keys here. Your room number is 2630 on the penultimate floor. You'll have an excellent view of the city. The restaurant is open, but room service is of course available. Checkout on Sunday is 11:30 am. If you have any questions feel free to call the front desk. Enjoy your stay!" The woman - Judy - gestures for a bellhop around Steve's age to take them and their bags up to their room. The couple thanks the woman and happily walks towards the elevator.
Steve's practically bouncing out of his skin by the time Jerry the Bellhop takes them to their room. He opens the door and lets them in, putting down their luggage. Steve smiles as he hands the teen his tip, eyes on Veronica as she stares out the window. "Thank you, sir." The bellhop thanks.
"Steve's fine, man. I'm not that old yet." Steve corrects, mind flashing to every interaction he's remembered his dad having with hotel staff. Jerry grins and thanks him again, whistling as he rolls his cart down the hall and back into the elevator.
Steve peeks out of the room, watching the metal doors slide shut. "Veronica!" He whispers. She jumps and frowns over at him, confused.
"What?"
"Come here."
She rolls her eyes as she walks over, and Steve grins. "I swear, if you saw a bug you're taking care of it. I can't always - oh my God, Steven!"
Steve laughs as he lifts her up in a bridal carry, sticking out his foot to stop their door from closing. "Shh."
"What are you -" Steve's breath hitches as her green eyes sparkle with understanding. Her lips twitch up and she cups his cheek with her left hand. "You're such a romantic."
"You love it." Steve shoots back, and she bites her lip as she nods. He pushes open the door and crosses the threshold, spinning around as the door shuts behind them. Veronica giggles and wraps her arms around his neck.
"Yeah. I really, really do."
Steve bends down so their lips can meet, happily hoisting her up so the position's more comfortable. "Maybe we should've just said we're on our honeymoon. Think of the benefits." He murmurs against her lips.
"You know how I feel about lying." She lightly scolds him, and Steve's chest loosens.
"How about you call your mom, and I'll find the menu for room service." She nods and stumbles a little as he sets her down. Steve grins, trying not to show her what that does to his ego. He definitely fails to hide it, because Veronica slaps his arm before going over to the phone.
3rd Person POV (Steve's)...
"She sounds better." Claudia tells him, voice crackling on the other end. Steve watches the bathroom door. Veronica's on the other side, taking a shower. He smiles when he hears her humming off-key.
"Yeah. I mean, it's only been a few hours."
"Still. Thank you." Claudia huffs. "God, I'm a terrible mother."
"No way. Claudia, you're one of the best I know."
"Most moms would shun me for letting Veronica go out of state with her boyfriend. Thank goodness I've never been one for church. No offense, dear. I really do trust you. Both of you."
Steve shakes his head. "Claudia, you're not a terrible mother. Veronica and I would've cancelled our trip if you said no, that's how much you mean to both of us. Honestly, I wasn't even sure you'd let us go."
"Oh, I'd be a hypocrite if I didn't. My girlfriends and I once went on a two-week road trip the summer before junior year of high school. My parents were furious." Claudia laughs, then sighs. "I was hesitant, though. It's only been a year since she went missing."
"I'm not gonna let that happen again." Steve swears, glowering out the window.
"I know, Steve. Besides, she needs this trip." She huffs, then yawns. "Thank you for calling. I should go to bed. Dustin and I have an early flight tomorrow."
"How's he doing?"
"More excited than I thought he'd be. Still, I'm sure it's hard to be mad about Disneyland tickets."
Steve smiles and nods. "Happiest place on Earth."
"Mhm. Well, goodnight, Steve. Give my love to my dumpling."
"I will. Goodnight, Claudia. Have a safe flight tomorrow."
"Will do. Bye." Veronica's mother hangs up first and Steve puts down the phone. Someone knocks on the door and he stands.
"Room service."
"Coming!" He calls, then knocks on the bathroom door. "Babe, our food's here!"
"Okay!" Veronica calls back, the water still running. Steve smiles and lets in the server, who brings the rolling tray to the small table between the windows. He'd splurged on the room, going for a slightly bigger space. While nothing like the luxury his parents were experiencing, this is perfect.
He thanks the server and tips him, seeing the man out. As soon as Steve locks the door, Veronica steps out of the bathroom. Wrapped in the fluffiest robe he's ever seen, he smiles at how comfy she looks.
Veronica blushes and hurries over to the table, snorting when Steve pulls out her chair. He presents it with as much flair as he can manage before they both dissolve into laughter. His grin doesn't fade, even as he digs into his own burger and fries. He pours them each a bottle of Cabernet - thank God he remembered to bring his fake, he wasn't nineteen yet - her ankle wrapping around his as they clink glasses.
While not as lively as before, Veronica is more relaxed than she's been the past month. She talks more, too, no longer leaving Steve to be the temporary designated chatterbox. Even her eyes were brighter, those amazing green orbs of hers outshining the lights of New York City.
As she digs into the slice of chocolate cake they ordered he leans back, watching her. "What are you looking at, baby?" She asks without glancing away from their dessert.
"You. You look so…"
"Tired? Beautiful? Exhaustingly beautiful?" She teases, but it's only barely light.
Steve shakes his head, lips quirking up. "Happy, babe. You look happy. Or at least, happier." She shrugs, and he takes her free hand. "And it's okay if it's not forever. I just missed your eyes."
"You see them all the time." Veronica points out, confused.
Steve only smiles, making sure she's not blinking away from him. "Not like they are now." She blushes, a small grin gracing her face, and Steve perks up even more. "And your smile. Did you know -"
"That you got hooked on my smile? Yeah. I remember. And my laugh." She glances away, and he squeezes her hand. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't be like this."
"Hey, no." Steve finds himself standing up and kneeling beside Veronica. She reluctantly looks down at him, and he takes both of her hands. "There's no rule book for what you're going through. Okay?" She nods, but he knows she doesn't believe him. With a sigh he stands, releasing her hands to hold her face. "You love me, right? All of me? The good and the bad?" Veronica blinks and Steve smiles, bending down to kiss her forehead. "It's the same for me. Alright?"
"Okay." She whispers. Steve smiles as she buries her face in his stomach, soothing her as he gently strokes her hair.
3rd Person POV (Steve's)...
"That was amazing! Babe, I love you so much!" Steve shouts, wrapping his arms around Veronica and twirling her around, her back to his chest. She laughs, barely heard over the crowd behind them exiting The Beacon. Half-a-block down, he releases his breathless girlfriend. Still giggling, she turns around and wraps her arms around his neck, letting Steve walk them backwards.
"Happy Valentine's Day, baby!" She coos, reaching up to kiss him. Only an idiot would reject it, and contrary to popular belief Steve's not an idiot, so he happily drags her into a deeper kiss. If it weren't for the couple in the alley they just passed definitely fucking, he'd call it indecent. "Sorry I didn't know any of the songs." Veronica pouts when they break apart.
Steve laughs and kisses her again, swallowing her moans. "I don't know how I'll ever forgive you."
"Get us a cab, and I'll get to work on that."
"Please don't get us arrested, Roni."
She pouts, again, then shivers and wraps herself around him. Steve inhales her gardenia perfume, nipping along her neck as he flagged down a cab.
One hell of an interesting ride later, he's tipping the driver extra and rushing Roni out of the car, through the lobby, and into the elevator. As soon as the doors close he braces her against the wall, wrapping one of her legs around his waist as their mouths fight for dominance. He smiles as she groans, head thrown back. His lips trail over the skin exposed by her lace corset. "Jesus Christ, how do you even breathe in this?" Steve asks with a little laugh, and Roni snorts.
"I don't. So help me out of it?" She asks, biting her lip and fluttering her lashes.
Steve groans at her wide green eyes. He cups her face and inhales shakily. "God, you're too damn gorgeous for your own good."
Just as his lips are finding hers, the door opens. Steve spares a quick glance down the empty hall, then ducks and throws Veronica over his shoulder. She muffles her laughs in his back, both doing their best to keep it down and keep their moment uninterrupted. It only takes Steve six tries to get into the room, and even less time to lock the door behind them and ferry his girlfriend over to the bed.
They took their time after that.
Hours later, Steve wakes to dawn breaking. He groans and covers his face, frustrated by the sun. After a few minutes, he mumbles and turns towards Veronica, frowning when he opens his eyes to an empty space. Steve feels around the bed, sitting up with a worried gasp. "Roni?"
"Hey." His head turns towards the soft greeting. The momentary relief fades when he realizes she's crying.
"Babe? What's wrong?" Steve hurries out of bed, taking a second to pull on his briefs before rushing over to Veronica. She sits on the windowsill, knees folded to her chest. He rubs her back, covered by the shirt he wore to the concert. She wipes her tears away with one of the maroon sleeves.
"I had a dream." Steve freezes. "Not about the Upside Down." He slumps in relief, before his body tenses at her next confession. "I wish it was."
"Roni -"
"It was Thanksgiving. I was wearing the green dress." Veronica explains. "And you were wearing your green sweater." She sinks back into his chest as he sits beside her. Steve's eyes don't waver from her shuddering form, his girlfriend staring out the window. "Dustin and mom were arguing about something." Veronica sniffs once more. "My dad was there. No Allison, and he had his wedding ring on. Mom, too. They were holding hands. They laughed, and they kissed." She sobs into her knees, and Steve can barely hear her. "Then I woke up."
"Oh, Roni." He mutters, turning her body towards his to envelope her in a hug. "Babe, I'm sorry."
"It was a really good dream."
"I know."
"I wish it was real."
Steve's heart breaks for his girl, and he holds her even tighter before rearranging her limbs. She makes a confused noise as he lifts her, carrying her back to the bed. Under the covers, he tugs her onto his chest. Veronica burrows her head into his neck, right hand absentmindedly stroking his chest hair as Steve hums and nuzzles into her blonde curls.
"I'm sorry." He balks at her apology. His head pulls back so he can meet her teary gaze. "You've been so patient, and I can't even get through a fun vacation with my boyfriend without turning into this."
Sensing her rising panic, Steve shushes her. "Whoa, whoa. Hey. You have nothing to apologize for."
"I've been a terrible girlfriend." Veronica sobs out, frantically wiping her face. "And an awful friend… the worst sister -"
"Veronica, I promise you can't be more wrong." Steve assures her, sitting up and turning so he can hover over her. "It's been a rough month. That's life, right? None of it means you're a bad sister, or friend. Needing to be taken care of because you're hurting isn't something to feel guilty about. All it means is that you've got people who want to help you, who care about you getting better instead of just ignoring the problem and expecting it to go away. Okay?" Veronica bites her lip, and Steve exhales. "You think you're a terrible girlfriend? Why?"
"I -"
"Because I'm sorry, but that's stupid. First of all, you took me to see Wham!, even with everything going on. Before that, you handled the bullshit with my parents like some kind of saint. You were patient when I struggled through that damn college essay." Steve lists, watching her carefully.
Veronica exhales shakily and licks her lips. "I keep asking myself what'll happen with the kid if dad walks out. Or, even worse…" She clears her throat. "What if dad sticks around? I don't actually want the kid to not have a dad, but what makes Allison or them special? Why weren't we enough, why wasn't I enough?"
Steve pulls her so they're both sitting on the bed, facing each other. He wipes away her tears and shifts closer, placing his hands on her thighs. "You know who I feel the most sorry for?" Veronica shakes her head. "Your dad." Steve hums, smiling softly. "He's missed out on how amazing you and Dustin are. I mean, shit. Look at you. You're beautiful. You're smart. You're stubborn. You're so damn strong."
"Am I enough?" Veronica whispers, and Steve can't help the laugh that escapes him.
He cups her face and smiles wide, falling all over for the girl with bright green eyes. "More than. If enough is Earth, you're the whole damn universe." Another sob rips from her chest, but it's accompanied by a smile. She launches herself onto him, and Steve holding on just as tight.
Dustin's Birthday: 01/21 (born 1971)