Chapter Text
Haven, Maine
January 1994
For nearly half a decade, Robin Buckley and Nancy Wheeler were close friends, their bond formed in mutual trust, admiration, and Demogorgon blood. Then, suddenly and all at once (although each and every friend or family member had a story saying otherwise,) the two fell in love and, after about 3 years of dating, had secretly married in a secluded area near their hometown's Lover's Lake.
They had elected to start their honeymoon at a lodge recommended to them by the Hoppers, who stayed there after their wedding in ‘89, before heading on a weeks long journey through Europe. Unfortunately, the timing couldn't be worse. A cold wave was coming in, one that would cover the Midwest, Northeast, and Canada in a thick blanket of snow and ice.
The announcement of said phenomenon blaired over the radio as the newlyweds were 10 minutes out from their destination. While both realized they would probably be safer at their home in Boston, they also understood that heading that way instead would put them on dangerous roads after sundown, so they continued onward.
The lodge, now more of a resort, was structured inside a gently formed valley, with the welcome center and a series of motel-like apartments being located at the floor and cabins across various plateaus all the way to the head.
After Nancy checked in, the Buckleys parked and began the journey up the winding and difficult, yet well maintained and (by-and-large) safe path towards their cabin.
The snow was already heavy on the ground and piled above her shins, but Robin trudged along dutifully behind her wife, who seemed to be shrugging it off like it was nothing, despite her short stature and heavy luggage.
“Heya, Nance… I need a minute,” she panted, bending over to rub her knee, “the old war wound is acting up.”
Nancy turned around and slid her scarf below her chin, revealing an upturned nose and bright pink cheeks, as well as a long scar that ran from her upper lip to her forehead. A scar which had taken her right eye.
“I’m giving you 3, but we have to get to our cabin soon. We can’t be out much longer.”
“Would it just be easier if you carried me, Mrs. Buckley?”
Nancy playfully rolled her eyes.
“I mean… I might make better time.”
“Hey! I’m not that slow, I’m just-“
Before she could finish, a gust of wind whipped against the two, leaving them as though they no longer had a trace of heat in their bodies.
"Whataya know, it's suddenly feeling better," Robin's voice had a tinge of nervousness as she spoke, "Cabin No. 2, here we come!"
They arrived just as the sun, who's burnt orange setting hues were quickly being consumed by dark storm clouds, was touching the top of the distant peaks. In addition to what streaks of natural light were left, a lamppost just outside the cabin gave off a warm yellow glow that made Nancy feel as though they were about to run into Mr. Tumnus.
In an almost enchanted state, she pulled down her scarf again, inhaled, and released a cloud of condensation toward the lamp.
"Listen, my love," Robin chimed, stirring her wife from her daze, "I'm super stoked you're having a moment but, uh, I need to pee really bad and I'd really like to use the option that doesn't involve getting a Sub-Zero blast to my cooch, so can I get the key?"
"Oh, uh, yeah. Yeah, sure. Sorry."
"You don't need to be, I get it," she said, momentarily moving closer, "It's beautiful out here. Just don't freeze your lips off... I happen to like those."
With a quick peck, she grabbed the key and ran for the door, leaving Nancy with an extra shade of pink on her face and a smile at the corners of her mouth. For some time longer, she just lingered, watching the snow finding places to settle, some of which were in the curly crevasses of her chestnut hair.