Steven watched Veronica as she slept. She had woken up at three in the morning, and after his interrogation with her she had fallen back asleep quickly. Steven brushed a loose strand of hair out of her face, and smiled as she mumbled and curled into a small ball. He kissed her forehead, and was about to lay next to her when there was a loud banging on his door.

“It better not be short of murder.” he growled, stalking over to the door and nearly wrenching it open. “What?”

Jimmy stood in the doorway, looking exhausted. He looked at his little brother, and nearly passed out. Steven had stripped down to his boxers, his usual sleeping wear, and his hair was a mess from Veronica playing with it. Said younger brother snarled at Jimmy.

“You have thirty seconds before I slam this door in your face and hopefully break your nose.” Jimmy knew he wasn’t kidding. When Steven didn’t get his sleep, he was very, very cranky. “What the hell do you freaking want?”

Jimmy walked into Steven’s apartment. “We need to have a talk.”

“In the morning.”

“Now.” Jimmy closed the door, and motioned for Steven to sit.

Steven raised an eyebrow, but sat. He figured that he would humor his brother for about ten minutes, then he would throw him out of the window if need be. “What the hell is so fucking important that it can’t wait until morning?” he snapped.

“Veronica.” Jimmy said simply, crossing his arms. Steven blinked.

“She’s sleeping. You really want to wake her up? Be my guest.” he motioned to his bedroom. “Isn’t it easier for her to just stay here? It’s Friday - I’ll bring her home later.”

“No, not that. I want to know what the hell is going on between you two!” Jimmy glared at him. “I saw you in autopsy earlier tonight! What the hell was with all that blood!”

Steven sat, completely motionless. “What’s going on between the two of us is none of your business.” he replied coolly. “And I don’t know what you’re talking about. There was no blood.”

“Don’t lie to me, Stevey!” Jimmy started pacing, not bothering to keep his voice down. “And that doesn’t matter right now! Mom and Dad sent you to be normal - girls like Veronica are just trouble!”

“And what type of girl am I, exactly?” Jimmy froze and spun around. Veronica stood in the bedroom doorway, groggily rubbing one of her eyes. She yawned, and glared sleepily at Jimmy. “Well? What kind of girl am I?”

“A goth.” Jimmy said. “Your kind is dangerous, and no good! Stevey is a good, normal boy - he just needs to get away from people like you!”

“You sound like Mom.” Steven snarled. He stood up, and pointed to the door. “Now get out before you insult my girlfriend further!”

Jimmy whirled on his brother. “Girlfriend?! You told me -”

“That it was none of your business.” Steven crossed his arms, knuckles going white from clutching his biceps so tightly. “Now get out.”

“You can’t date a coworker!” Jimmy protested weakly.

Steven stalked over to the door, slamming it open. “When are you going to realize that I’m not a little kid anymore?” he asked furiously. “I’m an adult, in case you haven’t noticed. You and Mom and Dad can’t tell me what I can and cannot do. I’m not normal, so get over that little bit of yours. Do you really think that by sending me to a brainwashing camp, you’re making me better?! You think that because I’m not like you that means that there’s something wrong with me?! Get out!” he roared.

Jimmy looked at his little brother with shock. “How can you talk to me like this?” he asked sorrowfully. “I’m your older brother - you should respect me! Wait until I talk to Mom and Dad, then you‘ll be sorry.”

“Oh, wow, I’m so afraid of Mom and Dad.” Steven said sarcastically. “Now get out, before I make you!” his eyes quickly flashed red, and Jimmy took a startled step backwards.

“If I were you, I’d do as he says.” Veronica warned.

“Don’t think your sister won’t hear about this!” Jimmy warned her.

“Like I care.” Veronica shook her head.

Jimmy glared at them both, and left Steven’s apartment in an angry huff. Steven slammed the door after him, ignoring the shouts of annoyance from his neighbors. He stared at the door, before kicking it and turning back to Veronica.

“I’m sorry.” he apologized. “My brother means well, but he-”

Veronica crossed the room, and put a finger to his lips. “Don’t apologize for him. It’s not your fault.” she laid her head on his shoulder. “Now can we please go to bed? I’m tired, and I can actually sleep in tomorrow. You may be nocturnal, but I’m not.”

Steven smiled tiredly, and picked Veronica up bridal-style. “Alright, then, off to bed with you.”

“Do you need a snack?” Veronica asked, almost hopefully. Steven chuckled, carrying her into his bedroom. He put her on the bed, and she crawled under the covers. Her head peeked out at him, and he laughed, climbing in next to her.

“No, I’m fine.” he assured her. “Be careful, you may become addicted to being my own personal water bottle.”

“I can deal with that.” Veronica snuggled up to him, yawning.

“Aren’t you the one that said you aren’t nocturnal?” Steven asked, wrapping his arms around her.

Veronica stuck her tongue out at him. “Oh, shut up.”

Steven chuckled, and held Veronica to his chest. “Why don’t you so we can both sleep?” When she didn’t answer him, he looked down, and tried not to laugh when he saw that she was already asleep. He kissed the top of her head, and fell asleep holding her.