stever-things

[stever-things]

How could I ever forget you? Chapter 12

Sebastian Sallow/Professor Sallow × f!MC / reader

Slow burn/fluff/angst, aged up characters 18-mid 20s

Somehow it had taken until your final day at Hogwarts to finally show Sebastian how you felt, and by then it was too late. Years pass and your distance grows stronger, despite your many efforts for him. A surprise encounter at a new job could change things forever. Finding each other once again at the very place you first met, Hogwarts.

Chapter 1: "I guess this is it"

Chapter 2: "Oh how I missed you"

Chapter 3: "Goodbye, Sebastian"

Chapter 4: " think it's time you move on"

Chapter 5: "Professor Sallow?"

Chapter 6: "Welcome Home"

Chapter 7: "You're my good luck charm"

Chapter 8: "I'm more of a butterfly person"

Chapter 9: “What have you become?”

Chapter 10: “I have something for you”

Chapter 11: “Curious”

Chapter 12: “I can never stay away from you”

"Are you sure you're okay, MC? You're really not acting like yourself."

"I'm fine, Garreth. Really."

You were not fine. You were probably the furthest thing from it. But that didn't stop you from lying in the faces of everyone at Hogwarts, everyone but Sebastian that is. You thought that perhaps you'd been a bit too honest with him, that maybe things would be easier if you'd just let him erase that kiss from your recent memory. He was all you could think about, the shadow of that night consumed your every thought. So here you were again, strolling around the Hogwarts valley with your favourite distraction.

"If you need something, anything at all, you know I'm here. Would be best if that something is a potion though."

Garreth was truly trying his absolute best to cheer you up, and his efforts did not go unnoticed. However there was simply nothing in the world that could heal this particular wound, not a potion, not Garreth, and especially not Sebastian.

"Thank you Garreth, I promise I'm okay. Just under the weather is all," you lied.

You soon approached the wooden bridge leading back into the school, prompting the both of you to part ways. As you turned to Garreth, a warm touch gripped your waist, pulling into a tight hug. Your arms found themselves wrapped around Garreth's neck, head buried into his shoulders. It was nice, you needed it.

Pulling away, you stepped backwards onto the bridge, a little blush warming your cheeks.

"Duty calls," you smiled.

"Have a good day, Professor," Garreth smiled back.

~~~

You sat comfortably in your office, minutes away from the end of last period. You had not received a single knock at the door this particular day, until now that this.

"Come in!" You called.

The door slowly crept open, it was Robin. You were instantly filled with dread. The poor sweet girl always knew exactly how to ruin your day, despite never intending too, of course.

"Robin," you sighed. "I really hope you don't have any bad news for me, I've had quite the few days and I don't think I could handle it."

Robin stepped back behind the door. "Oh, sorry-"

"No- Robin! I'm sorry I didn't mean to snap like that. I'm just not feeling well, come in, please. You always have wonderful things to say."

"No, it's that... I do have bad news today," she stepped back into the room.

"I can handle it," you smiled.

Robin took a deep breath, looking rather distraught.

"Professor Sallow, he-" she stuttered.

Panic became you, your heart racing and stomach turning. He what?

"He's leaving!"

"Oh."

"He told us in class today, this may be the last time he teaches us. He's my favourite teacher MC, do you know what's going on?"

"I'm sorry Robin. I don't"

~~~

The longer you lingered on the thought of Sebastian leaving, the more your heart ached. You truly had no idea how to feel. What he did that night was unforgivable. But that didn't change that he was born to teach, it was literally in his blood. You'd assumed you were of course the reason he'd decide to step down, you had threatened him after all. It seemed the torment must have been getting under his skin all long. It was all so.... confusing. You knew he can't have gotten caught for what he had tried to do to you, or he'd be gone already. You'd watched his life go by through struggle and pain to get to this point, teaching was his destiny, you couldn't let him throw it away. Especially not because of you. You had to change his mind.

You grabbed the parchment he had enchanted and scribbled a note across the paper.

'Sebastian, we need to talk'

~~~

A couple of days went by and nothing. Your note still remained etched into the parchment, unanswered. You had not seen a single sight of him, not once. Could he have left already? Or was he wandering the halls under a disillusionment charm in order to avoid you? You truly wouldn't put it past him.

That was until you stepped onto the grand staircase that night, looking up to see Sebastian standing a floor above you.

"Sebastian," you called up, grabbing his attention. He turned to you, meeting your eyes before turning away and continuing his way up the stairs. So this was to be a chase?

You picked up the pace, practically running after him. It seemed the school had your back, as the stairs came to a halt, not allowing Sebastian to climb any further. He darted across to the seventh floor, going in whatever direction he could in an attempt to get away from you.

"Sebastian, stop!" You called out, now only a few metres behind him.

"What do you want from me? You told me to leave you alone, remember?" He replied, pacing through the hallway ahead of you.

"You- you can't-"

Suddenly Sebastian stopped in his tracks, staring up at the wall in front of him. You stumbled behind, setting your gaze on what had put a stop to his racing.

A door, revealing itself in the brickwork.

The room of requirement.

The two of you gave each other a quick look, as you now stood beside each other gazing up at the door. Without a second thought, Sebastian stepped forward, entering the room. You swiftly followed, far too curious to ignore what could be waiting for you inside.

As you entered, you faced a large mirror, a mirror you recognised right away. The Mirror Of Erised. The last time you had come to find it here you were only a sixth year, and you were rather curious to know if you'd be faced with the same reflection as before.

You stood beside Sebastian, both staring deeply into the hazy glass. The image reflected to you was nothing but what stood beside you in the room, Sebastian, just as he was.

Suddenly you watched as Sebastian's hand moved closer, gently taking ahold of yours. Your eyes darted to the real Sebastian, as a light tickle rushed against your fingers, all but an illusion. As Sebastian remained with his hands by his sides.

Quickly Sebastian flinched, moving his arm away and grabbing his own palm, staring at you in complete bewilderment.

Did he feel a gentle touch across his fingers too? Could it be possible ... he sees exactly what you do?

"MC... What is this?" He asked, turning his gaze back into the reflection. A single tear gently fell from his eye as his stepped closer, holding up his fingers up to the glass.

"What the hell is this?" His shaky voice whimpered, unable to hold back the need to cry.

"Sebastian, do you... see me in there?" You whispered.

"No I don't, I-" he stuttered, choking on his words. Immediately he turned around, darting straight back out of the room.

You ran after him, as he continued going higher into the castle, before reaching the astronomy tower.

"You can't run from me forever!" You called up to him from the wooden steps. Dragging yourself up further and further, panting through the elements.

You finally reached him, at the very top. He stood there, his hands on his knees. Teary eyed and gasping for breath. It was absolutely freezing up there. The cold wind rushed through the night sky, blowing Sebastian's hair in every direction, and sending ripples through his cotton shirt.

"She broke up with me. Is that what you want to hear?!" He cried out to you, turning away and leaning over the balcony edge.

Perhaps it was Ostara he saw in the mirror all along.

"No, I-" you shouted over the wind, slowly approaching him. "I wanted to tell you that you can't leave the school. You're an amazing Professor Sebastian, please don't give up. Not because of me."

"I'm not leaving permanently, even if I wanted too, I can't," he took a breath. "Oh MC, you do not understand the trouble I'm in."

"Then let me understand."

"I can't- I.. don't want to put you in danger I..... I'm an evil selfish bastard MC. You're better off staying away from me. Everybody is."

Your throat began to swell, your body limp, you couldn't hold back anymore. You were battered, bruised, exhausted. You had to tell him, you had to tell him with everything you had.

"I can never stay away from you, Sebastian," you choked. "I know you know that."

"I thought you... feared me. I've been trying to turn it around. I understand why, you've seen me... and then the night we kissed I- I'm-"

"What are you talking about? How could you ever think-" you stepped forward.

"The Boggart, MC. I haven't stopped thinking about it. I'm such a monster you-"

"I'm not afraid of you Sebastian," you reached out your arm to him. "I'm afraid of.... not being your happiness anymore."

Sebastian stepped back, smiling through the floods of tears. He raised his wand to the stars above, breathing so heavily the moonlight rhythmically glistened across his chest.

"Expecto Patronum," he cried into the night, a bright light glowing from the top of the entire castle. In an instant, hundreds of glowing blue moths appeared in an explosion of magic, fluttering around the tower like stardust.

You smiled so much at the sight that you could only cry harder, never feeling emotions with such intensity ever before. Everything in this moment was simply indescribable. Too good to be true, even.

"Sebastian," you whispered.

"There is never a world where you are not my happiness, MC," his voice soothed. He towered over you, gently caressing your cheek, analysing every inch of the face he adored so much.

His eyes met the ground again, as he turned away. "But," he paused, the tone of his voice rinsed with pain. "This is all so much bigger than the both of us." He backed away from you, looking back out onto the moonlit mountains.

"Why do you keep talking like this? I-" you were cut off, by the wing of an owl swooping in. Starling.

She dropped an envelope in your hands and glided back into the darkness. You peered down at the letter in your clasp.

Sebastian's letter. Natty must have finally sent it back.

Sebastian's eyes widened, realising what you now possessed.  Your finger gently ran across the seal, ripping apart what had been kept shut for years,

"MC, wait! I can explain-"

You unfolded the parchment, finally revealing that long unanswered question.

Would you forgive me, if this was all for Anne?

"What do you mean, all for Anne?"  You asked, a million thoughts racing through your head.

"I never meant for it to go this far MC, it was supposed to be so simple. I never wanted any of this, I never wanted to hurt you."

The two of you stared at each other, utterly broken. Nothing made sense, absolutely nothing. How was any of this for Anne?

"I... I made an unbreakable vow," he muttered.

"To Ostara?"

"No, to her father."

"A vow to marry her?"

"No-" he took a breath. "He's a dark dark wizard, I should never have meddled with this... I made a vow to find something for him, something hidden in Hogwarts. Something that belonged to Salazar Slytherin."

"Why...why in Merlin's name would you do that?"

"To save my sister."

It all came flooding back to you in an instant. Everything Ominis had said, about her father being a healer, about him losing the plot. Ostara's father dabbled in dark healing magic, the kind of magic Sebastian believed was enough to cure Anne.

"Does, does Ominis know about this? Have you been using him as a pawn in your little game?! Just like Ostara?" You were angry now, the fact Sebastian was willing to meddle with people's lives like this infuriated you. All the years of torment, and it was all to try and cure Anne?

"No." He said raising his voice. "This was all his idea. He introduced me to Ostara, so I could get to her father. All I wanted to do was woo her, not marry her. But that man, he was persistent... He wouldn't even talk to me unless I proved my devotion to her. That's why I'm here MC, that's why I fell off my broom, that's why I'm at Hogwarts."

You were speechless. You tried to reach for what to say, but no words came out. You just looked at him, standing there, hopeless in the wind.

"I didn't want to drag you into this, MC. It's been difficult to try and keep you, Anne and Ostara safe. But... Anne is my priority. I know what I'm doing is wrong, I know it's hurting people. If I was hurting anybody else I wouldn't care, but you... it is torture to know I'm hurting you. You've made this difficult for me, MC. You really have."

"It was Anne you saw in the mirror, wasn't it?"

The pain in Sebastian's eyes was hard to bare.

"It was. She looked so different, so well. I have to see her like that again, even if it kills me....and it might."

"What do you mean?" Your eyes widened, filling up with tears.

"I made an unbreakable vow, MC. If I don't go through with this, all of this-" he stared deeply into your eyes.

"- I'll die."

[stever-things]

Mine | Sebastian Sallow x Reader

A/N: In honor of Speak Now (Taylor’s Version) dropping, here’s a fic inspired by one of my personal favorites on the album: “Mine”.

Warnings: Fluff, little angst, mutual pining

You were in college, working part-time, waiting tables

There were many words one could think of to describe Sebastian Sallow. His friends would call him dedicated, his enemies unrelenting, and his family loyal to a fault. But your feelings for him were completely different than the feelings Anne and Ominis had about him. You were hopelessly in love with him.

Left a small town, never looked back

After the events in Feldcroft, Sebastian took up a job in Hogsmeade over the summer and started renting out a room above one of the shops. No matter how much he longed to return to his home back in the small hamlet, he couldn’t bring himself to go back to an empty house.

I was a flight risk, with a fear of fallin'

You felt awful for him—he had lost his parents, uncle, and now, it seemed as though he had lost Anne and Ominis, too. So you did your best to visit him every Saturday in Hogsmeade, joining him for a butterbeer by the river just outside of town.

Wondering why we bother with love, if it never lasts

Neither of you would ever admit it—and if one of you did, it was Sebastian with one of his typical coy comments about enjoying spending time with you—but Saturdays were the best parts of your weeks. Despite the denial the two of you found yourselves in, you were both head over heels for each other.

I say, "Can you believe it?"

It was one of those Saturdays and you and Sebastian were nursing butterbeers beside the river.

“Can you believe we’ll be sixth years, Sebastian?” You asked, taking a sip of the drink in your hand.

He smiled, shaking his head, “I find it harder to believe that we’ve only known each other for a year.”

The moment, I can see it

“I felt like I’ve known you forever,” you admitted.

Yes, yes, I can see it now

“Funnily enough, I feel the same way…” he said dreamily, his eyes meeting yours.

The soft summer breeze picked up a bit, causing you to cross your arms to fight off the bit of cold you felt crawling up your skin.

Do you remember, we were sittin', there by the water?

What happened next would forever be engrained in your brain. He shuffled closer to you, his arm wrapping around your body. As awkward as it was in the moment, it felt natural in a way. Like his arm was made to be resting on your shoulders.

You put your arm around me for the first time

The two of you had never been this close—not on purpose, at least.

Your breath caught in your throat, heat rising to your cheeks. You had dreamt about this day since the night he took the fall for you in the library.

You made a rebel of a careless man's careful daughter

Turning your head to face him, his brown eyes met yours. You were love drunk at the sight of him: his wandering eyes, freckled face, sweet smile. You couldn’t stayed like that forever.

You are the best thing, that's ever been mine

That was when the pieces of the puzzles clicked. The two of you leaned in, your lips meeting one another’s. It was a sweet kiss, one right out of a fairy tale your grandmother had read to you as a little girl. But it was real.

Flash forward, and we're takin' on the world together

Needless to say, you spent the rest of the summer frequenting Hogsmeade every spare chance you got. Even a minute with him was a minute we’ll spent.

And there's a drawer of my things at your place

The two of you would spend hours talking every night, whether it was by the river, in The Three Broomsticks, or up at his place.

One night, while searching for his Gobstones set, you came across a drawer filled with things you had given him. Every letter, every drawing you had done while bored in arithmacy, and your house scarf you had tied around his neck when he had gotten a cold and refused to bundle up.

You learn my secrets and you figure out why I'm guarded

You shut the drawer, a smile on your face. You didn’t mention anything to him out of fear he’d be embarrassed. So, you let him keep his secret. But secrets weren’t easily kept between the two of you.

One night, after taking a shortcut to Hogsmeade past the graveyard, your eyes narrowed in on Professor Fig’s tombstone. Memories immediately flooded through your mind, your heart breaking all over again.

You found comfort in Sebastian’s arms that night, tears streaming down your eyes on his couch as he listened to you pour your heart out. What started with Professor Fig turned into you finally opening up about your parents. They weren’t exactly thrilled at the idea of their daughter being a witch.

You say we'll never make my parents' mistakes

“Y/N, it’s not your fault. Not everyone is cut out for a life in our world. What matters is that we learn from their mistakes and try not to repeat them.”

You feel for him even harder after that, falling asleep in his embrace without a second thought.

And we got bills to pay

When the school year started back up again, you worried that what you and Sebastian had shared over the summer would come to an end. But that fear never came to fruition.

The two of you continued your relationship throughout the entire year. Despite Ominis’s worries that you’d enable him, it was quite the opposite. You grounded him—and he challenged you to be more open with your feelings.

We got nothin' figured out

You took the school by storm with Sebastian by your side—winning nearly every Crossed Wands match, excelling in your studies, and of course getting up to trouble with he and Ominis.

When it was hard to take

Not everything was perfect, though. Anne’s infrequent letters sent Sebastian for a spin whenever one was delivered. He’d experience grief and hope all at the same time, hoping that his sister would come around eventually.

This is what I thought about

By the time the summer before your seventh year rolled around, you were curled up by the river with Sebastian, his head in your lap as you ran your hands through his hair, each of you enthralled in a book.

Do you remember, we were sittin' there, by the water?

But you could hardly focus on the text in front of you. Memories of last summer flooded back into your mind. The two of you were in the same place where it first started.

You put your arm around me, for the first time

“Sebastian?”

“Yes?” He replied, looking up from his book.

“I love you.”

“I know,” He teased, going back to his book.

Flustered, you rolled your eyes,

He chuckled, “Y/N?”

You looked down at him, biting the insides of your cheeks.

“I love you, too.”

You made a rebel of a careless man's careful daughter

“Tell me something I don’t know, Sallow.”

“How can I when you’re such a know it all?” He smirked, lifting his head off your lap, his lips inches away from you.

You are the best thing, that's ever been mine

Leaning in, he expected your lips to meet his—but the only thing he was met with his face in the river.

A laugh escaped your lips as he stood up, completely soaked.

Unamused, a wicked smile spread across his lips. That’s when it sunk it and you started shuffling back on your feet, shaking your head.

Sebastian leapt out of the river, tackling you onto the grass, water sealing through your clothes. He shook his head, sending water droplets all over you.

Do you remember all the city lights on the water?

You couldn’t help but laugh, “Sebastian!”

“You may have started it, love, but I intend to finish it!”

You saw me start to believe, for the first time

This is what love was. The unexpected. Your heart fluttered at the sight of him. You were completely and utterly in love with him.

You made a rebel of a careless man's careful daughter

The more you spent time with Sebastian, the less you thought about what your parents would think. For the first time in a while, you were happy.

You are the best thing, that's ever been mine

Seventh year rolled around and went by faster than you expected. Sebastian was by your side through it all, but a sinking feeling in your stomach started telling you it wouldn’t last. That you would go your separate ways after school.

Oh, oh, oh, oh

The inevitable fight did happen, though. Sebastian had neglected to tell you about an offer extended to him from the Ministry—expressing their wishes to see him in the auror training program during the summer.

You had found the letter waiting for him to get home one night, thinking it was the one that you had sent to him the other day. Instinctively, you had gone to put it in the drawer he kept with all your other letters—but when you scanned over it, you realized it wasn’t from you, but the ministry.

The program would start on Monday—in four days.

And I remember that fight, two-thirty a.m.

When Sebastian got home that night, he found you sitting with the letter in your hands, tears streaming down your face.

“Were you planning on telling me or just keeping this to yourself?”

'Cause everything was slipping right out of our hands

“Y/N…I haven’t decided what I’m going to do yet. That’s just one offer…”

“Sebastian, we’ve been dating for two years. During those two years, the only thing I’ve asked is for you to be honest with me. Maybe I’m overstepping and should just put a smile on my face and be happy for you—but I love you too much to just be happy about you leaving so soon without telling me,” you explained, “I just…I need some space…”

I ran out, crying, and you followed me out into the street

You found yourself back where it had all started: at the river. Your knees curled up to your chest, you watched as the water flowed downstream. Blinking back tears, you hurried your face in your sweater.

Braced myself for the goodbye,

Hearing the set of footsteps you knew all too well, you braced yourself for your whole world to come crashing down.

'Cause that's all I've ever known

All good things must come to an end, you reminded yourself.

Then, you took me by surprise

But what happened took you by surprise. When you looked over, you saw Sebastian on one knee beside you, a small box with a ring nestled inside in his hand.

You said, "I'll never leave you alone"

“You never have to worry about being alone ever again, love.”

You said, "I remember how we felt, sitting by the water.

“I figured it was only right to ask you to marry me where it all began”

And every time I look at you, it's like the first time.

“I never thought it’d be possible, but I fall in love with you more and more everyday.”

I fell in love with a careless man's careful daughter.

“I’m hopelessly in love with you, Y/N.”

She is the best thing that's ever been mine."

“You truly are the best thing that’s ever happened to me,” he said, beginning to tear up, “And I would love nothing more than to spend the rest of my life with you.”

You made a rebel of a careless man's careful daughter

Lurching forward, your lips met his in a passionate kiss, only pulling away to say, “Sebastian, I’d love nothing more than to be yours forever.”

You are the best thing, that's ever been mine

He slid the ring on your finger, “You’re the best thing that’s ever been mine, love.”

Do you believe it?

“I’m sorry I overreacted with the whole ministry thing… I should’ve talked to you about it first…”

“There’s a reason I never brought it up,” he explained, earning a confused look from his fiancé, “I turned it down—because I was extended an offer from Professor Weasley to take over as the Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher in the fall. That’s what I wanted to speak with you about tonight.”

We're gonna make it now

Realization settled over your face, “Sebastian, they offered me the charms position. That means—“

“Neither of us are going anywhere, Y/N.”

And I can see it

You pressed a brief kiss to his lips once again, admiring the ring on your finger.

“What do you say we celebrate over a butterbeer by the river?”

“I’d say thats a great idea.”

Leaning into him once more, his arm wrapped around you and, once again, it felt like the first time.

[stever-things]

twitter is ok sometimes. every jonathan hater needs to step back ✋🏻

[stever-things]

Stranger Things Masterlist

You Were His Hero (Steve x Munson!reader)

After losing your adoptive brother to the demobats, Steve comforts you and makes sure you know how special you were to Eddie

Memories (Billy x Reader)

When Billy moves to Indiana, you make him promise to keep in touch. When you get the news that he passed, all you're left with his memories.

The Biggest Asshole in Indiana (Billy x Wheeler!Reader) One Two Three

(Series) As the kids designated driver, you've been around the block a few times. But never have you met someone as memorable as Billy Hargrove.

Coming soon!

Coming soon!

Coming soon!

Coming soon!

[stever-things]

You Were His Hero

A/N: A little Steve for y'all ❤️❤️❤️

Pairing: Steve Harrington x Munson!reader (P.O.C. friendly as Wayne married the reader's mother, who already had her before entering the relationship)

Warnings: Mentions of death, crying, mentions of drugs

You sat frozen in the driver's seat of Steve's beat up car, tears rolling down your cheeks, your arms limp by your sides.

Parked in the Hawkins High parking lot, he kept his hands on the wheel, gripping the leather as if letting go would mean losing control.

Taking deep breaths, you tried to calm your nerves. But it was impossible. You couldn't. It hurt too much.

Steve turned to face you, his eyes bloodshot and glossy, "He meant a lot to you, didn't he?"

Your lip quivered and you nodded.

Eddie. Eddie "the freak Munson". He was perfectly imperfect and most importantly: he was yours.

When your father, Wayne, had taken him in, you couldn't control yourself. You had always begged for a sibling, but when your mom left, you knew it wouldn't happen. So when Wayne took his nephew in, you couldn't have been happier.

He raised the two of you like siblings, despite neither of you truly being his. He had adopted you when he married your mother, and taken Eddie in when he was at his lowest.

But now Wayne was broken. He was devastated, spending his days holed up in his room, laying in bed and wishing that his pain would go away. But it wouldn't. Because Eddie was gone.

And no matter how much you tried to fix the pain, you couldn't.

Coming back to Hawkins, your goal was to get your, for lack of better terms, brother, off of drugs and graduated from high school. But he refused your help, spending his time dealing and playing D&D.

So you made the stay a little longer, picking up a summer job and renting out a small place a block away.

But all that did was push Eddie farther away. He didn't come to you like he used to. When Chrissy died, he didn't ask you for help. He ran.

So now, sitting in Steve's car, trying to stay calm even when it hurt, you wish Eddie had known how much you loved him.

Steve looked down, removing one hand from the steering wheel and resting his elbow on the center console, "He loved you, Y/N. You were his biggest fan and he knew that."

You let out a shaky breath and he continued, "Look, I'm not going to pretend to know about your life, but Eddie wasn't the quiet type. You and Wayne were his family in every way that msttered. And I'm sorry that he's... That he... I'm sorry he didn't get to tell you himself."

That's when you lost it, small sobs escaping from your lips, chest heaving.

Steve frowned, "I'm sorry... I'm sorry, I went too far... I'll drop you off at home. I know you'd probably rather be alone—"

You gasped for air, your left hand flying out to grab his right on the console, gripping it like it's all you had left. Because it was.

You didn't know exactly what happened in the Upside Down, but you had seen enough to know that whateever happened there wasn't good.

"He was a hero."

His voice broke as he said it and he squeezed your hand, "And you were his hero."

You leaned into Steve's arms, your hands gripping his collar, pulling him into you. It was awkward at first, being situated over the console, but you didn't care.

You needed to feel something, someone. And Steve was that guy.

Ever since you came back to Hawkins after your freshman year of college, he had made it clear that if you needed anything, he'd be there. He fixed the kitchen faucet in your cheap rental home, blew air into your tires, made sure you had a decent job in Hawkins.

Steve was a good guy. He may not always have been, but he was now. And he was showing you ever day.

As you cried into his shoulder, your head burried in his neck, his hand left the steering wheel. Because as long as he had you to look out for, he knew he'd be in control. He wouldn't let anyone hurt you again.

[stever-things]

18 | chapter two

summary: billy tried not to think about you but he failed miserably. and fuck you.

warnings: mentions of sex

listen to: hungry like the wolf- duran duran (playlist HERE)

word count: 1.5k

SERIES MASTERLIST + read the next chapter early on my KO-FI!!

Billy tried his best not to think about you. He didn’t even get your name and still when he closed his eyes the only thing he could see was you driving away on your bike. He enjoyed being rilled up and in this shitty town, no one had actually managed to make such an impression on Billy. 

He had tried to track you, although you had a good five minutes of advantage, he even drove close to Oakland street but he knew it would be way too creepy for him to actually look for the bike so he simply drove away, entering his room by his window (as if his Neil and Susan didn’t already know he had been out) and tried to sleep until it was time for him and Max to go to school. 

He couldn’t. 

His mind wandered back to your laugh and your words, You look like trouble, and he couldn’t help but smirk at the memories. 

Billy went back to school only three hours after he met you, with no sleep and no time to get back to business before the school year started again. When he finally parked, Tommy and Carol with the other part of the group were already waiting for him as Max mumbled a quick goodbye and shut the door. 

Billy sighed for a moment, he realized he had to get his head in the game, that he had to actually wear the mask of the King of fucking Hawkins, again. 

“We are planning a party,” Carol muttered as Billy left his car and put his sunglasses away. 

“Are you?” Billy asked uninterested as he glanced at Tina who was glaring at him as if she wanted to kill him. 

“It’s going to be insane,” Tommy muttered while the other boys cheer him on. “I have the house to myself next weekend, it’s going to be the last summer party,”

“Dress code bikinis?” Jason Craver muttered and everyone cheered on, except for Billy who glared at him. 

See, Jason Craver was the type of guy that lived in Oakland street too. He didn’t understand why his parents hadn’t sent him to the private school in a nearby town until he realized that his father owned a lot of houses in the area and when Carol told him that his father was planning on running for major, it all made sense. 

Billy was aware that Jason would’ve been the King of Hawkins after Harrington started to date Nancy Wheeler, but then Billy arrived; and although Jason spent much of his time brownnosing Billy, Billy knew there was resentment there. 

Jason laughed and then chuckled towards his girlfriend, Chrissy, “Right, babe?” while he kissed her on the cheek. She was younger than he was, Billy could tell that she felt uncomfortable but it seemed like Jason didn’t even know how to read her body language. 

“Let’s get going,” Billy finally muttered and the crowd followed him swiftly as he entered the school, everyone watching him again and whispering. 

“There’s a rumor that you slept with Nancy Wheeler’s mom,” Carol said as she got closer to Billy by his right side. “At the public pool, when you were working as a-”

“Yeah, I know what I did this summer, Carol,” Billy cut her off. 

It wasn’t true. Billy did flirt with Mrs. Wheeler though, but surely he wouldn’t go sleeping now with the moms of Hawkins, even though he had them in a spell. 

“You need to get a Queen Billy and fast,” Tommy said as he placed a hand on Billy’s shoulder, who quickly shook it off while they got to his locker before he was grabbing the only notebook he had for every subject. 

He hoped that his frown and glare would give Tommy and Carol a clue to stand down, but it seemed like they didn’t really get it. Instead, they leaned against the locker next to him as they waited for him. Billy truly wondered how Carol’s and Tommy’s lives were before him; if they pestered Harrington just the same because it seemed like they truly had nothing going for them.

“Jason and Chrissy got together like a month ago, and people are starting to talk about them being Prom royalty,” Carol muttered as she chewed gum loudly. 

“And I care because,” Billy sighed. 

“Because it’s the ultimate thing you can do as King of Hawkins, you deserve that,” Tommy intervened. 

The last words hit Billy, You deserve that. 

The only thing that Billy thought he deserved was his shitty life, he deserved his dad's punches, he deserved to be hated by every girl that had actually got to meet him and he deserved every bad thing that had happened to him. Billy was hollow and broken, how he could ever deserve something good? He had wandered through life getting knocked down at every turn and he expected it. 

Good things, actual good, bright, and shiny things didn’t happen to Billy. 

Billy was never meant to be shinny or good, and yet he was King. What damage could try to be prom King do to an already broken person?

Billy only sighed before he turned towards Tommy and Carol. “I already broke it off with Tina and I don’t really see anyone interesting enough for me too,” he stopped himself as Tommy wiggled his eyebrows. “Hang out with me,” he said before closing the locker and walking toward his class. 

“Oh, don’t worry,” Carol said and Billy turned to her. “There’s apparently a family in town, with daughters,”

Billy felt his heart dropping as his mind went back to the early morning hours. Could it be you? 

“What are the girls like?” Billy quickly asked Carol, who jumped at the urgency in his voice. 

“My mom spoke to their father, he works in the Major’s office and he goes to church with them,” Carol said. “One is younger, like your sister, but the other one is apparently a cheerleader.”

It couldn’t be you. 

He knew it couldn’t be you, because the girl with the short skirt and the Yamaha Vmax didn’t scream cheerleader to him. They were nice and polite and judgy and you didn’t seem like any of those things. You were confident and mysterious and even a bit smug which Billy was so attracted to. 

Maybe you were already in college and just passing by to visit your family. 

“What’s new, another cheerleader,” Billy intervened before they entered the classroom, and yet, he couldn’t help but feel disappointment painting his sky blue as he wondered if he would ever see you again. 

The hours and classes passed and Billy felt as if he was a zombie. Sitting down, listening, and never putting too much attention to the teacher, standing up and going to another class, repeat. The only thing he did until lunch break was think about you. He only thought about you, your smile, your hair, your eyes. He thought about who you were, already placing you in a big city as you rode your bike on open avenues with no one chasing behind you, maybe only him when he managed to get out of town. He wondered who you were and if you were lonely if you liked the same things as he did and how would you taste. 

In all of the hours, he didn’t think about anything else, he didn’t even dare to speak to anyone, he didn’t want to break the spell you put him on. 

Until Tommy spoke. 

“Billy, Billy,” Tommy shook him on the shoulder, hard as he pointed at the table where the cheerleaders sat at. He saw the usual girls that were smiling at him every time he walked through the runway that the tables made before he walked towards the parking lot to have his lunch there with his friends but there was someone new. “There she is, go!” Tommy said as he pushed him towards the table but Billy quickly frowned at Tommy before he turned back. 

Another one, Billy thought before he walked towards the table with a sigh. 

Her hair was placed in a neat ponytail, and she had a pair of long-short jeans and a button-up small black sweater over her, which let Billy and people have a small view of her mid-drift. He believed she looked good, at least from behind. 

Soon, Billy realized that the other cheerleaders started to whisper as he got closer, they were giggling and smiling and whispering things to each other. He didn’t manage to listen to them all, but he believed they were all about who he might pick up next, thinking who was the lucky girl. 

“So, heard there’s a new girl in town, Ladies,” Billy finally spoke and gave them all one of those wonderful and playful smiles that he knew girls loved.

“Yes, this is…” Chrissy started but the girl turned around and Billy felt as if his heart was in his throat. 

“Fuck me” Billy whispered with a mischievous smirk as his electric blue eyes, the ones you’d been thinking about the whole morning, locked with yours. 

“Fuck me,” you muttered as you watch him too. 

***

author's note: NO NO FUCK ME LIKE I CAN'T BELIEVE HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE LOVING THIS. the chapters will be longer but yes yes I'm flabergasted by all the support I've received over this new series. I really can't believe it and although I know these chapters are a bit short like I CAN'T WAIT to let you see what will come next it's going to be a wild ride. THANK YOU SO MUCH and as always lmk what you think of the chapter!!!

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taglist: @happypopcornprincess @hannahnikohl @thescarlettvvitch @nymphadora000 @phishyie @amethystx3 @jaziscool @vixionix @gloryekaterina @alicetweven @frogtits1 @meg11 @pillowjj @fan1237 @bucky-daddy-barnes @starloriha @make-me-imagine @piper570 @dedicated2viktor @zanmorgan @queenofshinigamis @literally-a-ferret @slutformaddyperez @milkiane @mysterygirl-14 @oli-leo-ska @tsukibaby1 @samwilsonlove

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please let me know if there's a problem with the tags or if I forgot someone.

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feedback is always welcomed!!

buy me a coffee or help me with my laptop? thank youu

[stever-things]

To add to the "Billy's girlfriend is pregnant" question - how would billy act and react to his GF giving birth? Would he be with her or wait outside or would he not even be in the hospital?

And what would his first reaction be like, holding his baby? Dark blonde hair like his with piercing blue eyes

I'm loving you guys indulging me on my headcanaons for Billy and these things damn-

He'd probably be doing something else when she goes into labour, not with her, and he'd get a call from someone (maybe Max at the hospital- Max loves his girlfriend and is excited to be an aunt- yes she will be the aunt, it doesn't matter if they're step-siblings) and he'd drop it to go to the hospital.

He'd be real nervous about it- doesn't know if he wants to actually be in the room when it's happening because that's very real and he's not sure he's ready for real. Not sure he will ever really be ready.

If you want him there he'll do it, begrudgingly. Fine you can hold his hand and squeeze the living fuck out of it, but he will mention how you're going to put him in the hospital with the way you're squeezing his hand. Max is there too.

When the little baby is born and he hears it crying- he's like "That's good right??" At least he recognizes that. And he thinks damn that's loud Jesus christ, babies are loud- but then he actually gets to look at them while the nurses are cleaning the baby up and when I tell you this man's heart stops... Bruh 🤚

This little thing, all flesh and chubby, scrunched up face- has his hair. Their head is full of more hair than he thought a baby could be born with (fun fact, I myself was born with A LOT of hair, my mom and aunt used to love doing stuff with it lmao) and it's the same colour as his own hair. That's his fucking hair.

He swears all babies are ugly when they're born- but this one? Not so bad.

Nurses ask if he wants to hold them and he hasn't even got time to say no or whatever he was going to say because they're already passing off this tiny thing to him and he's stiff as a board; how the fuck do you hold a baby? Something that fucking small, he's gonna break them, he's sure of it. Max helps him figure it out, "support the head stupid-" (Max is lucky he's having an internal mental Olympics contest with himself rn or he'd give her a piece of his mind).

When their eyes open, and they're blue, just like his, that's it. That's when it sinks in, really, truly, that this is his child. His baby. His son or daughter. They look like him in all ways; it's like a carbon copy baby of himself.

And he loves them immensely and immediately. A love he's never felt before it is so overwhelming and scary and he thinks, this is how a parent is supposed to feel for their child. He doesn't want anything to touch them, hurt them, and his fears of hurting them linger but he thinks how could he hurt them when he's holding them like this? Why didn't his father feel like this? What went wrong?

He's going to have struggles, he's going to need help, and he's not always going to be perfect. But he's going to be there for this little shit he helped create. He's not his dad, and he refuses to be.

[stever-things]

❤️❤️❤️

Stranger Things Reading List (Series/One-Shots)

I made my reading list for “will read” and “currently reading” ST fanfics here on Tumblr. All are beautifully written by its amazing writers. I will add more and will also update the reading list from time to time if there are new updates. Please visit their blog and check their works. Happy Reading and don’t forget to comment and reblog their works! You may also reblog this list to share this with everyone/mutuals.

Keep reading

[stever-things]

The Biggest Asshole in Indiana | Part 3 | Billy Hargrove x Reader

A/N: And the angst continues...

Warnings: Mentions of an affair, slight Steve x Reader, angst, fluff

Part One Part Two

It had been a few months since you had last spoken to Billy, so when you walked downstairs one night and found him on your doorstep flirting with your mother, you didn't know what to expect.

Standing frozen on the bottom of the staircase, it took him a moment to notice that you were there. But when he did, he couldn't look away.

Your mother turned to look back at you, but you were already up the stairs, slamming your door shut behind you.

Of all the people for Billy to flirt with, you didn't expect it to be your own mother. And you certainly didn't expect for her to flirt back.

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You didn't think about it much after that—or, at least, you tried not to. That was until you walked into your mom's room one night to let her know you were running out to the store.

And that's when you saw her all dressed up, her hair done to near perfection, her lipstick applied smoothly, and her dress ironed.

It was half past ten.

She looked up at you like a deer in headlights, "Y/N, baby, it's not—"

That's when it sunk in. If it was just a date with dad, who was passed out on the couch, she wouldn't have to explain herself. Except that it wasn't a date with dad. Which meant that she was going on a date with someone else. And that someone was...

"Unfucking believable." You spat, turning back towards the door.

"Watch your mouth, Y/N. I raised you better than that." She said, hands on her hips.

You shook your head, "Then who raised you to think it's okay to have an affair on your husband with a guy who you daughter went on a date with?"

Her lips parted, unsure of what to say.

"How close was I?"

She moved towards the door, "You're going to go back to bed, and not tell your father a word."

"If you don't go, I won't say a word," You said, "But if you step one foot out that door, I'm telling him everything."

"You wouldn't."

"Watch me."

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You had to tell someone. Anyone. But it couldn't be Nancy or Mike. It couldn't be Jonathan. So you went for someone unconventional. You drove to Scoops Ahoy the next day, right before closing.

Steve perked up when he saw you, "If it isn't Y/N Wheeler. What can I get for you?"

"Trust me, none of the ice cream you have there is strong enough for what I need."

He frowned, "Everything alright, Y/N?"

You shook your head, looking around to make sure the place was empty, "I caught my mom getting ready for a date."

"With your dad or..." He trailed off.

"With Billy Hargrove."

Steve's hands flew to his face, running through his hair, "God, Y/N, I'm sorry. That's... damn."

"I didn't know who else to tell," You began explaining, "I'm sorry to dump this all on you. I couldn't tell Nancy or... really anybody. But please, please, don't tell anyone."

"Your secrets safe with me." He said, moving around from behind the counter to right in front of you, stretching his arms out, "Bring it in."

You leaned into his embrace, wrapping your arms around his body.

From the storeroom, a voice called out, "It's safe with me, too!"

You and Steve sprung apart, looking back to see Robin peaking through from the cutout window, an awkward smile on her face, "Sorry, I was eavesdropping."

Nodding, you forced a smile on your face, "It's okay."

"You know what I think would make everything better right now?" Steve asked as Robin joined the two of you, holding an ice cream scoop.

Robin smiled, "Ice cream. We've got vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, cookies and cream—"

"Robin, it's time."

"Time for— Oh." She said, a look of surprise on her face, "One Xtreme coming right up."

Ten minutes later, you had a scoop of each flavor in front of you, three spoons sticking out of the pile of waffle cups.

For the first time in weeks, you felt a sense of peace wash over you.

[stever-things]

The Biggest Asshole in Indiana | Part 2 | Billy Hargrove x Reader

A/N: I'm thinking of making this a three parter with maybe an epilogue but I'm not sure yet. All I know is that this shit is gonna be angsty.

Warnings: Kissing, heartbreak, angst

Part One Part Three

Ever since you had met Billy, you couldn't stop thinking about him. When you were at stoplights in the intersection off of 3rd and Mabry by Hawkins High, in the middle of class, or even when you were trying to fall asleep at night.

Thoughts of him plagued you.

It didn't help that you were your brother's designated driver. I mean, it wasn't Nancy. She was occupied balancing the newspaper and her fizzling relationship with Steve.

Every Thursday during the summer, when the kids got together to go to the arcade, the movies, or whatever they had planned—you were the one picking them up.

And every time you pulled up at Max's house, Billy was outside on the porch, sunglasses resting on the bridge of his nose, smoking a cigarette.

Max would come running out of the house, letting the door slam shut behind her as she made her way to your car.

But this time was different. Before you could put your car in reverse, Billy was sauntering down the driveway, knocking on your window.

A sly smile spread on his face as you rolled it down, "You need something?"

"Dinner at eight."

You raised a brow, "Confident, are we?"

Mike stared between the two of you, his lips pressed tightly together.

But Max wasn't the silent type, shouting "Go away, Billy!" from the backseat.

"Zip it, Maxine," He snapped back, focusing his attention on you, "So what do you say? We can go to the diner by the school."

You shook your head, trying to conceal your flushed cheeks, "I'll think about it, Hargrove."

He stepped back from the car, hooking his fingers in his belt loops, a cocky look on his face, "See you then, Wheeler."

As you pulled out of the driveway, rolling your window back up, Mike turned towards you, "You're not seriously thinking about going to dinner with him, Y/N."

It was less of a question and more of a "You're crazy", but you just let out a sigh, "I'm a big girl, Mike. I can handle myself. I'm not even sure if I'm going yet."

Max crossed her arms in the backseat, "He's not a good guy, Y/N. He enjoys hurting people. He's only interested in one thing."

"You guys don't give me enough credit."

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The kids had decided to hang out at the mall today, so Steve offered to give them rides home. Which was lucky for you, because you were too busy crimping your hair, teasing it just enough to add some volume but not enough to make you look like you just stepped out of a hair ad.

Batting your eyelashes as you applied mascara, you almost didn't hear the knock at your door.

Mike twist the handle, pushing it open, looking you up and down, "You're joking, right?"

Rolling your eyes, you glanced back at him, "Leave me alone, Mike, I'm getting ready."

"You're going out with him!" He exclaimed, hands on his hips, "This isn't going to go well, Y/N. He's a... a... a womanizer!"

"It's one date."

His eyes widened, "Oh, so it's a date now?"

"Shut up, Mike." You groaned, rising from your chair and turning towards him.

"Mom and dad are going to kill you."

You crossed your arms, "Mom and dad don't care what I do."

"Dad will if he finds out what Billy does in his free time."

"Does he know what you and El do in your free time?"

Your brother shrunk back, "That's not fair."

Heading towards your door, you looked down at him, "Move, Mike."

And he did, no questions asked.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Standing outside the diner, you regretted not bringing a sweater or jacket to wear over your dress. It was a vibrant shade of pink, so vibrant that when the light hit it, you practically glowed.

So when Billy pulled up in his Camaro, you weren't surprised when he looked you up and down, a lopsided smile on his face, "I could see you from a mile away, Wheeler."

You nodded, "That was the whole point."

"You know, I wasn't sure you were going to show up."

Looking down at the ground, you agreed, "I could say the same about you."

"Well here I am. Shall we?"

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dinner went by like a blur. And surprisingly, Billy was the perfect gentleman. He pulled your chair out for you, paid for you meal, and asked questions about you and your life.

Leaving the restaurant, he slid an arm around your waist, his body pressed up against yours, "You know, I don't really want this night to end."

"Me neither."

"So what do you say we go somewhere else?"

You tilt your head up at him, "Like where?"

"I don't know—we could go see a movie."

A smile spread across your face, "Okay."

Opting to let him drive you over rather than take two separate cars, the drive over was quiet. That is, until he pulled into a parking spot at the back of the theater.

Turning towards you, he brushed the hair out of your face, gently tucking it behind your ear. Before you knew what he was doing, his lips were mere inches away from yours. So you leaned in, letting your mouths move against each other.

The two of you stayed like that awhile, kissing in his car all the while the center console got in the way.

But good things always come to an end. You should have known when he started shrugging his jean jacket off and sliding a hand up your dress.

Not wanting to break the kiss, you pushed his hand back down. But it was back mere seconds later, causing you to pull away from him.

Looking into his eyes, you could see the disappointment on his face.

Shaking your head, you sank back into your seat, your head in your hands, muttering, "God, I'm an idiot."

Billy chewed on his bottom lip, "You alright?"

You looked over at him, "They were right. You really do only want one thing."

"Y/N..." He trailed off, "I—Did you really expect something different from me?"

"Yeah, Billy. I did."

"I'm guessing you don't want to see a movie."

"There was never really a movie, was there?"

His silence answered your question.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Billy dropped you back off at the diner, where your beat up car was still sitting in the parking lot.

Thanking him for dinner, you pushed open the car door and unlocked your car without another word.

Not wanting to give him the pleasure of seeing you cry, you put your car in reverse, pulling away from the diner—and pulling away from Billy.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

When you got home that night, you parked the car and immediately went to your room, not uttering a word to your mom or siblings.

Falling onto your bed, you hugged your pillow close to your body, tears spilling out on the pillowcase.

Without saying a word, Mike came in the room, sitting down beside you and rubbing your back. He wasn't an ass about it, he just sat there and made sure you were okay. And that was more than you could have ever asked for.

[stever-things]

The Biggest Asshole in Indiana | Billy Hargrove x Reader

A/N: Not really sure where I was going with this, but I'd like to think it was true to Billy's character.

Warnings: None, just Billy being an asshole

Part Two Part Three

Driving up to Max's place, you weren't sure what to expect. From what you had heard from Mike and Nancy, she didn't exactly have an easy home life.

She had just moved to Hawkins from California, she was adjusting to life with a new stepdad, and her new stepbrother was the biggest asshole in Indiana.

So when you set your eyes on a... normal... looking house, you were taken aback to see the door being thrown open, a visibly annoyed ginger storming out. Trailing behind her, an even more annoyed boy sporting a dirty blonde mullet.

Mike sunk into his seat beside you, shaking his head. In the back of the car, Dustin was shoving Lucas down into the floorboard, desperately trying to get him out of sight.

"So," You said, your hand still on the steering wheel, "That's Max?"

Mike nodded, "Yep."

Your gaze shifted from her to the man screaming at her, his arms waving around frantically.

"And who's that?"

From the floorboard, Lucas spoke up, nudging Dustin off of him, "That would be Billy."

"The biggest asshole in Indiana?"

Mike slapped your hand, "Y/N! He's right over there, he could hear you."

You reached for the car door handle, "Mike, do me a favor?"

"Y/N—don't—" He begged, fear filling his eyes.

"Tell El I'm sorry we're late."

With that, you sprung out of the car, letting it slam closed behind you. Walking up the driveway, you called out to the arguing step siblings.

"Hey!" You shouted, your arms swinging by your side, "Is there a problem here?"

Max turned towards you, unclenching her fists, her expression softening.

Billy gave you the up and down, turning his body towards you, raising a brow, "What's it matter to you?"

You relaxed your shoulders, "I'm here to pick her up. She's going to the arcade with my brother."

His eyes wandered to your car, spotting your brother in the passengers seat.

"So you're Nancy's sister."

"And I'm Max's ride to the arcade. I'll have her home by six."

"Five thirty."

You squinted your eyes, "Six was the time her mom agreed with."

"Then six it is. Don't be late."

"Wasn't planning on it, Billy."

Turning on your heel, you saw that Max was already halfway to your car, snapping at Lucas to get up off the floorboard.

As you went to open your car door, Billy called out to you, "Hey, I didn't get your name!"

Looking back at him, a slight smile spread across your face, "It's Y/N."

With that, you opened your car door, slid into your seat, and started the car.

Feeling everyone's eyes on you, you cleared your throat, "Everybody ready?"

Mike glared at you, "What the hell was that?"

You ignored him, "Everybody ready for the arcade?"

[stever-things]

Memories | Billy Hargrove x Reader

Summary: For as long as you can remember, Billy Hargrove has been in your life. You don't have a single memory of life before him. And for the past year, you've had to make memories without him.

Warnings: Mentions of abuse, death

For as long as you can remember, Billy Hargrove has been in your life. You don't have a single memory of life before him. And for the past year, you've had to make memories without him.

Ever since he moved to Indiana, your contact with him has been scarce. Every once in a while, you'd get a phone call from him asking how you've been, and you'd ask about how he was doing—and he'd magically "have to go".

You knew things between him and his father were anything but good, and every night you dreamed of the day that he would be set free of him. You dreamed of a day where he would come back to California and sweep you off your feet. Neither were very likely to happen.

Until one night, when you were having a sleepover with one of your best friends, painting each others nails bright pinks and blues, your mom/dad/guardian knocked on your door.

"Honey, Billy's on the phone for you." They said, causing your eyes to widen.

Glancing down at your best friend, you broke out into a mad grin, your cheeks flushed as you ran out of the room, down the hallway, and to the phone in the living room.

Taking it off of hold, you held the phone to your ear, fingers messing with the cord, "Billy?"

"Hey." He said, nonchalantly.

Taking a deep breath, you tried to calm your nerves, "Hey, how've you been?"

That's when you heard it. A sniffle. Then a sob. Then radio silence.

You gave him a minute to collect himself before softening your voice, "Billy? What happened?"

He lowered his voice, "You know what happened."

Of course you knew what happened. Fucking Neil happened.

"How bad is it?"

"I'm bleeding. Just a little bit but I'm bleeding," He winced, "And I've got a nasty ass bruise starting on my head. I'm sore everywhere, Y/N. It hurts like a mother."

You pursed your lips, "I'm sorry, Billy. I know there's nothing I can do to make you feel better and that kills me. I wish I could do more."

"I miss you."

"I miss you, too."

"I miss California."

"California misses you, too."

You swear, just for a second, that you heard him laugh. And you smiled at the thought of bringing some sort of peace to him.

"I'm telling you, baby, as soon as I get enough money—I'm on my way home. To Cali. To you."

He never called you baby. Ever.

"Billy..." You trailed off, the first of many tears falling down your cheek, "Me and Cali will be waiting for you."

Silence.

"Hey, Y/N, I've gotta go. If my dad catches me on the phone, he'll kill me. But I wanted you to know that I love you. Damn, I love you."

"Billy," Your voice cracked, "I love—"

"Shit!" He exclaimed, "I've gotta go. Talk to you soon."

And the line went dead.

You were left in the living room, sitting on the arm of the couch, listening to the buzzing of the phone.

The next time you heard Billy's name was when your mom/dad/guardian sat you down in your room, took you by the hands and warned you to brace yourself before taking out a newspaper clipping.

You took it in your hands, reading "Obituaries" across the top. In small, bold letters, was the name "William Hargrove".

In that moment, you knew that you'd never make a memory with Billy for the rest of your life.