strangergrove

[strangergrove]

How about 16 AND 62?

This turned out longer and somehow simultaneously sillier and more serious than I expected.

16 - stop touching my butt

62 - “This is the dumbest shit we've ever done.” “This was your idea.”

---

Billy sat crouched behind a bush, scowling and putting a finger to his lips as a twig snapped beneath Steve’s foot. The brunette cringed and mouthed ‘sorry.’ Billy rolled his eyes and turned back toward their target. The sun was starting to set and Billy was starting to worry their plan was going to fall apart.

“You sure he’ll be leaving? It’s almost seven.”

“Yeah, yeah,” Steve whispered. “He’s not the most punctual, but he wouldn’t bail on Joyce like that.”

“And El?”

“At Mike’s.” Steve crept a little closer. “What’s up with you? I’ve never seen you this anxious about… anything, really.”

Billy shook his head. “Nothing. I’m fine. Just getting impatient.”

Just as the words left Billy’s mouth, the lights in the cabin began to flip off one at a time. A minute later, Hopper stepped out of the front door, looking surprisingly dapper.

Billy flashed Steve a smirk. “Hop cleans up pretty well.”

“Gross. Shut up. He’ll hear you.”

Hopper’s Jeep roared to life and Jim Croce began crooning out of the stereo, quickly joined by Hopper’s own rendition. A minute later, the purr of the engine, along with Croce, faded into the distance as Hopper tore down the back roads.

“At least someone’s in a good mood,” Steve remarked as Billy slung a bag over his shoulder and the two made their way toward the cabin.

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“I don’t know, you’ve been a bit of a bitch lately. More than usual, I mean.”

Billy turned and cocked an eyebrow at Steve. “Is that right?” Steve nodded. “Well, sucks to be you, I guess. I plan on being a bitch all night.”

Steve could have sworn he saw the crook of Billy’s mouth twist into a smile as the boy turned back around.

A loud rattling skipped off into the evening as Billy fought with the doorknob. Neither of them should have been surprised the door was locked.

Steve snorted. “You’re lucky no one else lives out here.”

“Okay, smartass. Do you know how to pick a lock?”

“Well…” Steve’s face scrunched up. “Not exactly.”

“Thought so. Maybe you can stop critiquing me and go check the windows or something.”

“Fine,” Steve mumbled, heading off. “Bitch.”

“I heard that, asshole.”

After a few minutes, Steve came back around to find Billy sitting on the steps. “No luck. Y’know, Hop didn’t really strike me as the type to lock his windows.” Steve had expected at least a small chuckle for that. Instead, Billy sighed, and Steve was taken aback by how heavy it was. “You sure you’re okay?”

Billy shrugged and didn’t respond. After all the practices, the fights and makeups, the late night apologies, the begrudging hangouts while watching the kids, Steve had learned how to listen even when Billy wasn’t talking, which happened from time to time. The way Billy’s shoulder sagged was like a cry to Steve. The boy always had so much fight in him, so much tension in his muscles, that when all of that went away, Billy looked hollowed out, defeated.

“Something happen at home?” It was something they never really spoke about, but Steve had heard about it through Billy’s body language, and through Max.

Billy laughed and it sounded just as hollow as he looked. “Something’s always happening at home. But no. It’s just…” He rested his chin on his fist and looked over at Steve. “I know our lives are vastly different but… I understand her, in a way. El, I mean. I think I know some of the pain she felt growing up in that place.”

Steve didn’t know how to respond to that. There was a heaviness in the air he wasn’t used to. His parents had never spoken about anything of importance around him. It had always been on the periphery. He’d grown up without ever really learning how to hold a silence that heavy without feeling the need to break it. So it was with a hesitance somewhat foreign to him that Steve placed a hand on Billy’s shoulder and simply sat with him.

After a while, Billy finally spoke again. “Do you know what we did for my birthday after my mom left?” When Steve shook his head, Billy continued. “Nothing. Not once. Not even after Max and Susan came around. Well, not until this year.” There was a hint of a smile at the corners of his mouth. “This year Max asked for a ride out of town, to some record store. And she asked me for a recommendation..” Now the smile was obvious, and there was a lightness to his voice. “She specified ‘something she hasn’t already heard me listen to a million times.’ So I suggested something I knew I’d like but hadn’t been able to buy yet. That little rat bought it and gave it to me when we got back in the car.” He sniffed. “First birthday present I’ve gotten since I was a kid.”

“I’m sorry. If I’d known–”

Billy shook his head. “Nah. We’ve never been close enough for gifts.” He laughed. “Maybe someday. But nah, don’t feel bad for that.” He cleared his throat. “Anyway, my point was… I know El gets presents. I know Hop and the boys probably all have some awesome shit planned for her. And I’m happy. I just… I want to make her birthday special. And also annoy Hop, ‘cause that’s my new favourite hobby.” Billy grinned and Steve couldn’t help but imitate it.

“She’ll love it. I know she will. So let’s figure out how the fuck to get inside.”

Billy shrugged. “Don’t know how without breaking a window. And that’s not really my style.” Steve gave him a suspicious look. “Anymore. Okay, look, I was a different guy in Cali. Maybe it’s not so bad I was forced to move to this shithole town.”

With a nod that was far too enthusiastic, Steve said, “I’ve got an idea.”

“Stop touching my butt.”

“Damnit, Harrington, how else do you expect me to lift your giant ass up?”

Steve looked down at Billy. “Is this you finally admitting I’m taller than you?”

“Shut up and climb.”

Billy boosted Steve, by the ass, until the boy was able to place his feet on Billy’s shoulders. With a stretch, Steve’s fingers found purchase on the edge of the roof, and he began to pull himself up, assisted by Billy pushing up on Steve’s feet.

“Alright, now give me your hand.” Steve laid on his stomach and reached down for Billy, who quickly began to pull himself up. Steve grunted. “Holy shit, you’re heavy as Hell.”

“Yeah, muscle is heavy, you twink.”

Steve pulled Billy up the rest of the way. “I have no idea what that means or how to feel about it.”

Billy laughed. “I promise it’s not bad. And you’ll learn someday.” He winked.

Steve’s face immediately turned red. “Ew. Or… Whatever. What’s… What was that about?”

“Wow, you get flustered fast.”

“Shut up and go.”

Billy tilted his head, inspecting the piece of plywood boarding up the broken window above the bump-out they were standing on. “Guessing a tree branch took it out during the storm we had a couple weeks ago.”

“Okay, but can you get it off or not?”

Billy held up the crowbar they’d scavenged from the shed. “Eventually.”

After several frustrating minutes, Billy managed to pry the plywood free – mostly by breaking the corners where it was secured to the window frame.

“Sorry, Hop,” Billy mumbled as he set the plywood to the side and dropped down through the window with a grunt. “C’mon Harrington, it’s getting late.”

Steve stuck his head in through the window. “I think you got this. I’ll just drop the bag down.”

“Oh Hell no. If we get caught, we get caught together.”

“Okay, but you owe me.” He swung the bag around and dropped it into Billy’s waiting hands.” This is the dumbest shit we’ve ever done,” Steve grumbled as he lowered himself over the edge.

“This was your idea, dumbass.”

“Well, usually my ideas are great.”

Impatient at how long it was taking Steve to let go of the ledge, Billy walked over and grabbed Steve’s hips with a vice-like grip. “You can let go now.”

Steve did so, and Billy slowed his descent. “Oh. Um… Thank you.”

Billy grinned. “Any time. Now, let’s go. Who knows how long that date’s gonna last.”

They spent the better part of the next hour swapping out the contents of their bag. As Steve hauled the bag back to the Camaro, Billy did his best to nail the plywood back to the window frame, using a handful of random nails he’d found in the shed. By the time they’d packed up and made it a half mile down the road, Hopper was on his way back, singing with even more verve than before.

Billy smiled and glanced over at Steve with a bit of a twinkle in his eye. “You hungry?”

Hopper was in a good mood the next morning. Well, afternoon. He’d had a lovely night out with Joyce, and she’d actually liked his shirt this time, said it was cutting edge. He’d stayed up late, waiting for the call when El was ready to be picked up. They’d both had a late night and slept in.

“Happy birthday, kiddo,” he said, ruffling El’s hair as she came out of her bedroom. “You have a good night at the Wheelers’?”

El cocked her head and squinted. “Mike talks during movies. A lot.”

Hopper chuckled. “That doesn’t surprise me. Hey, kid, I’m sorry we missed breakfast. I think you ate the last of the Eggos yesterday anyway. But I did buy some new TV dinners that looked like they could be good.” He shrugged. “We could give those a try for lunch.” El scrunched her nose but shrugged. “If we hate it, I’ll order us a pizza. How’s that?” He was answered with a smile.

Hopper pulled a couple TV dinners out of the freezer. His brow furrowed when he noticed the packaging had already been opened. When he asked El if she’d opened them, she shook her head. Confused, Hop pulled the tray out to find it stuffed with Eggos.

“What the Hell?” He pulled out the other one to find the same. “Did you do this?”

El came over to see what he was talking about and her face immediately lit up when she saw the Eggos.

“I’ll take that as a ‘no.’”

Hop spent the next few minutes pulling out every box of food in the fridge and freezer, to find them all full of Eggos. A flare of annoyance and frustration hit him, but it was quickly soothed by the look of absolute delight on El’s face as she went to pop a few Eggos in the toaster.

“There’s a note,” she said, handing Hop a piece of paper he hadn’t noticed sitting on the toaster.

We’ll bring your food back tonight. Just wanted El to start her birthday with a smile.

P.S. Also maybe wanted to annoy you a little.

P.P.S. Sorry about the plywood.

[strangergrove]

16, 17, 19, 36 😁😁 they do line up for a story. Funny? Yes, funny!!

Please 🙏❤️

I no longer remember how long I used to make these, so I'm sorry if this is short. Still feeling a bit rusty.

16 - stop touching my butt

17 - you may be pretty, but you're not that pretty

19 - you do know it's rude to stare, right?

36 - accidental touching in the shower after basketball

It wasn't unusual for Steve to stay late after practice, standing with his face under the shower head, imagining the hot water washing his problems away. He wasn't excited to go home. It would probably be cold and empty when he got back. So, when he heard the shower next to him turn on, he let out a frustrated sigh and took a step back to see who had so rudely interrupted his quiet time.

“The Hell are you doing, Billy?”

Billy looked up, confused. “Showering?”

Steve gestured around the locker room. “There's no one else here.”

“So?”

Steve let out an exasperated sigh. “What are you doing here so late? And why did you pick the shower next to mine when literally all the other ones are open?”

“Chill, man. I decided to stay late and get some practice on my own. And the water in this area is already hot, so…” He shrugged. “Don't gotta wait as long.”

“That's not…” Steve huffed and shook his head. It wasn't worth it. This was his time to relax and unwind and he wasn't going to let Billy fucking Hargrove ruin it.

Steve closed his eyes and stepped back under the shower head. At least Billy was being quiet. He could still relax and–

“Stop touching my butt.”

There was no way Steve heard that right. He stepped back again and looked at Billy. “Excuse me?”

“Stop. Touching. My. Fucking. Ass. Harrington.”

“No one's touching your ass, you weirdo. Not like anyone wants to touch that fl–”

Steve was going to say ‘flat ass’ but he had just realized that ass was, in fact, not flat. It was possibly the nicest ass he'd ever seen. Well, his own not included.

“You do know it's rude to stare, right?”

Steve looked up to find a smirk on that stupid, smug little face. “I'm not–”

“Whatever, just don't do it again.” With that, Billy turned and resumed his shower, so Steve did the same.

What in the Hell was going on? Steve hadn't touched him. He didn't want to grab Billy's ass… Did he? Well… Okay, sure he'd thought about it before… Okay, he'd thought about it a lot, but…

After another few minutes Steve finally shut the water off. He wasn't ready to go home but his quiet time was already ruined. He turned to grab his towel from the hook on the wall and–

Oh no. He'd walked right into Billy's back. Full contact. Billy whipped his head around and grinned.

“Sorry. That wasn't– I wasn't trying to…”

“Never seen you so flustered, Harrington,” Billy said, turning and draping his towel around his neck. “I was joking before. I don't… Mind if you stare.” For possibly the first time ever, his smug look had faltered for a moment and a blush crept over his cheeks.

“Look, you may be pretty, but you're not that pretty.” Well that was a lie. And it was clear on the other boy's face that it had been a terrible one.

“Sure.” Billy gave him a little wink. “Whatever helps you sleep at night.” Billy brushed past him, toward the lockers. After pulling on his frankly unnecessarily tight jeans, he looked back at Steve, still standing in the shower, staring, and said, “You know where to find me if you come to your senses.” He never took his eyes off Steve as he pulled his shirt on.

“Wha– No I don't.”

Billy smirked again, grabbed his bag, and headed toward the door. “So that's a 'yes?’” he called over his shoulder.

“A ‘yes’ to what?” With no reply, Steve simply heard the locker room door shut. “A ‘YES’ TO WHAT?! BILLY!”

And with that, Steve scrambled to get dressed and chase after that stupid, egotistical, dumb, gorgeous, smug, fucking–

[strangergrove]

Omg your harringrove art is amazing ❤️ how have i not seen it before 💖

Aw that's sweet, thank you!

[strangergrove]

61. "Maybe this is one promise you shouldn't have kept."

62. "This is the dumbest shit we've ever done." "This was your idea."

63. "I think we should go our separate ways." "Well that's a bit dramatic."

64. "How 'bout you, me, and that guy?" "Who even is that?"

65. "I already lost you once. Don't make me go through that again."

66. D&D session

67. Roadtrip

68. Taking a(n) ______ contest too seriously

(insert your choice)

69. Open mic night

70. The end of days

Harringrove Prompts List

Send me an ask with the number(s) you want and I'll write something! You can pick more than one, but please keep it reasonable. I'm only one person. Haha. You can also add if you want a certain mood (angsty, funny, fluffy, etc.) otherwise I might go in a different direction than you were wanting. Also, if you want to add specifics to any prompts.

"Get up. I'm not done."

"You're the worst person I've ever met."

"I fucking hate you." "Please don't say that."

"Do you really mean that or are you just trying to get in my pants?"

"Well it worked, didn't it?"

"Do you even know how to act like a normal person?"

"You're a fucking idiot if you think I don't love you."

"Okay, can we both just agree that that was sexy?"

"Either you can fight me or you can fuck me... Or both. I'll accept both."

"I love you." "That's the dumbest shit you've ever said."

"You seriously call that a kiss?"

"Hey, I'm not the one who thought it would be fun to switch uniforms."

"Does it hurt?"

"All I wanted from you was a chance."

"I can't lose you. I just can't."

"Stop touching my butt."

"You may be pretty, but you're not that pretty."

"Jesus, as much as I like waking up to that face of yours... This is just creepy."

"You do know it's rude to stare, right?"

"How the fuck do you keep getting in my house?"

"Is this really your idea of fun?"

"That wasn't meant for you."

"Come near me again and I'll kiss the shit outta you." "Don't you mean 'kick?'" "No."

"If I was attracted to you, I would have kissed you." "You did. Like ten seconds ago."

"Does this mean-" "No." "But-" "No."

"Can you please be serious for one minute? I'm trying to ask you out."

"Why are you in my bed?"

"Okay, just because I said I loved you one time does not mean we're a thing."

"I wasn't asking you out! I was challenging you to a fight!"

Surprising the other at work

Drunken first kiss

Angry love confession

Fighting turns into kissing

Monster hunting

Babysitting

Accidental touching in the shower after basketball

Set up on a blind date

Competing at games at the fair

Stranded with a broken-down car

Caught sneaking in through a window

Spin the bottle at a party

Truth or dare

Comfort after a fight

Workout buddies

Sharing after-school detention

Accidentally spilling food on the other at lunch

Asked to dance at prom

Caught trying on each other's clothes

First date

Secret admirer

[strangergrove]

How do we feel about bringing back the ol' Harringrove prompt request list? Or perhaps a new one?

[strangergrove]

Echoes of Myself

Inspired by @hoegrove's time travel!AU

Summary:

Billy Hargrove finds an alternate version of himself stumbling around Hawkins, a version of himself that was never abandoned by his mother.

Excerpt:

Night was well on its way to morning, but neither of the boys had yet tried to sleep. Billy, the older one, lay on a blanket on the floor, while the other sat on the bed, knees tucked up under his chin.

"I don't get it," he said, breaking the silence for the first time in an hour. He looked down at his older self splayed out on the floor. "Why do you live with him? Where's Mom?"

There was a sharp exhale, almost like a laugh, that came from the boy on the floor. "She took off a long time ago. Left me behind. With him."

Young Billy shook his head. "No. She wouldn't do that."

Billy raised his eyebrows, his face twisting with anger. "No? Then where the fuck is she?" He huffed and rolled over, making it clear the conversation was over. He didn't like thinking about his mother. What happy memories he had left of her had been tainted by the Mind Flayer, sickly little after images imprinted on them, the kind he didn't know how to get rid of, wasn't sure he could get rid of. And now here was this other him, head clearly full of love and light and blonde hair, blue eyes, a radiant smile. Head full of things Billy had spent his life clinging desperately to, wondering why it was he didn't deserve them.

[strangergrove]

Y'know, I'm honestly so tired of seeing metalheads (especially ones with traumatic childhoods/shit home lives) being killed or turned into villains. Or both.

Is it too much to ask for a metalhead who's a big (gay) nerdy rat boy who actually gets to heal from his trauma and make amends and learn how to function like a human being?

AND BE FUCKING HAPPY FOR ONCE

Maybe I'm just upset because I'm a metalhead with a traumatic childhood and shit home life who's been treated like a freak and an animal and I'd just like to be happy for once.

[strangergrove]

I may be a Leo, but the sun and I are not on speaking terms and I would like it to go straight to jail.

[strangergrove]

(Just a warning, this is post s3 and Billy hasn't come back (yet?) so it's the aftermath, Harringrove style. Gonna be sad, so don't read it if you're not up for that. Was in my feels, apparently.)

---

Hanging off the back of the desk chair, covered almost completely by Steve's letter jacket, was a maroon shirt. It would have looked to the outside world that it had been forgotten, or perhaps lost, beneath a jacket no one had seen Steve wear in a long time. Not since the winter before Starcourt burned down, to be exact. Not that anyone had noticed.

The shirt wasn't lost, wasn't forgotten. Steve knew exactly where it was. He'd reached to put on that jacket many times the winter after the mall fire, but he'd stopped himself every time. He didn't want to see the delicate pattern adorning the shirt. He didn't want to see the snaps running down the front and think of how some of them had probably never even been used. He didn't want to know if the faintest wisp of cologne still clung to the threads. He didn't want to think of all the memories he and Billy had hidden away from everyone, too afraid of the wrath that would come down upon their heads.

So the shirt stayed, hanging off the back of a chair Steve had not sat in for over a year, nestled beneath a jacket he had resigned himself never to wear again, neatly ignored in a way he'd probably learned from his parents. It probably would have stayed that way for years. Steve would move out and take everything with him, except the chair, except the jacket. Except the shirt. He would leave it behind for his parents to deal with, knowing another ten years down the road he would hate himself for letting it go, for not having the strength to touch a goddamn shirt.

Except, Steve wasn't the only one who had loved and lost a particular boy, one with blonde curls and eyes blue enough to rival the ocean. Max had lost him too. From the sound of it, there was nothing left of Billy in that house. Neil had seen to that.

So it was, on a very bleak day just before March gave way into April, that Steve finally pulled on his letter jacket again. Not that had anyone noticed. He made his way through the early morning fog, winding between dewy headstones, until he arrived at one he had not been able to bring himself to visit in a very long time.

There was a flash of brilliant red hair as Max turned to look up at him. Her eyes were bright and icy in the same way Billy's used to get when he was about to cry. They danced quickly away from Steve's gaze before landing on the swath of maroon in his hand. He could tell from the way her brow furrowed and her lip quivered that Max recognized it.

Steve wanted to tell her that he hated Neil for throwing away all of Billy's things, for raiding her room for his son's clothes and tapes he knew she must have taken before they'd gotten swept away into a box bound for a landfill. Steve wanted to apologize for holding onto something of Billy's for so long and not even looking at it once in all that time when she didn't have a single thing left of him.

But all Steve could manage in that moment was to press the shirt into Max's shaking hands and kiss the top of her head. After several minutes passed in silence, he finally spoke.

"He loved you, y'know. And he hated himself for never telling you. Said something like... It wasn't fair to put that on someone when they were still waiting for an apology. And I don't know what he said in Star-" Steve cleared his throat. "If Starcourt counted, or... Well, he loved you. I just needed you to know that. Even if it doesn't change anything." Steve turned to leave, looking back over his shoulder long enough to add, "And Max? It's okay if it doesn't change anything. You don't have to change how you feel about him just because... he's..." Steve couldn't say it. "He'd understand."

[strangergrove]

Am I the only one who's bummed Samantha (pictured below, the girl Jonathan talks to at the Halloween party, who's dressed as Siouxsie Sioux) never showed up again? They were just like, "check out this girl. She's pretty cool. But we'll never mention her again. Okaybye."

I'm just saying, maybe Robin should date her...

[strangergrove]

Ooo, been a long time since I've been tagged. Thanks @lovebillyhargrove!

1. Do they get together before the mindflayer possessed Billy or after shit goes down (or maybe during 😲)?

I've written fics for every variation (kinda?) I'm not sure I have a favourite, but I usually lean toward before. The one I'm finishing up right now is kind of during/immediately after.

2. Who kisses who first?

While I think neither of them is shy about going for what they want, I think Billy would be more comfortable being the first to go for it in this situation because I've always hc'd this being Steve's first queer relationship.

3. Where do they have their first sex? (Location) (HJs and BJs count)

First place for non-penetrative sex? If they hook up circa s2, I'd honestly say the locker room after everyone else leaves. As for anal and hooking up post s2... Probably the Camaro, otherwise Steve's house when his parents are inevitably out of town.

4. Who says 💖 I love you 💖 first?

I honestly think Steve would be wary of being the first to say it because of the "bullshit" thing with Nancy. I think that hurt him pretty badly and he wouldn't be keen to open his heart up without fully believing Billy truly loved him.

5. Bottom!Steve or bottom!Billy?

Whichever fits the vibe I'm writing. I like the idea of top!Billy 'cause I just like me some tops hahaha. But I could see them both being vers.

6. Do they give gifts to each other?

I see Steve buying Billy things because he doesn't know how to make anything, and Billy making Steve things because he doesn't have money to buy anything. I also think they'd both be insecure about it, thinking the other one's way of gift-giving is superior, but in reality Billy loves the obscure, thoughtful gifts Steve finds and Steve loves the shit Billy makes him.

7. Where do they end up living? California, Chicago, Hawkins… idk. Alaska?? Any other location?

I usually write them moving to Cali but lately I've really been into the idea of them living in Minnesota. Granted, I'm extremely biased because that's where I'm from, but I like the idea of it. Steve gets to stay in the midwest and Billy still gets to surf, even though he'll be very cold doing so haha.

8. What are their future jobs?

In the 80s? I could see Steve being a coach of some sort. He loves sports and has taken a liking to looking after and teaching kids, so I think it would fit. I can't see him in any sort of job like what his dad does, and although I love the idea of him and Robin working together forever, I don't think they'd actually be interested in the same kinds of jobs. Billy I could see either being a mechanic or a lifeguard/swim instructor/surf instructor. He knows his way around a car and he loves his Camaro, but I think he'd be a mechanic moreso out of a financial need than a passion. Water is his passion.

9. Who’s a better cook?

At the time of the show, I think Steve would be awful because he's never had to cook in his life, and Billy wouldn't be great but he'd know how, because his dad made him help Susan sometimes, or cook for Max while they were out. However, I think Billy would get more into cooking healthy meals and Steve would maybe get into baking.

10. Steve Hargrove or Billy Harrington?

As much as I love the last name Hargrove, I have a very strong feeling Billy would jump at the chance to bury it forever. He wouldn't let that cursed name anywhere near Steve. So, Billy Harrington.

11. What’s Max’s reaction when she hears they’re together?

She would lovingly tease the absolute shit out of them, but she'd be so happy Billy found someone who loved him, especially since Steve's influence would calm the raging fire in Billy.

12. Describe in one sentence Hopper’s reaction when he hears the names Hargrove and Harrington mentioned together.

Just utterly distraught, thinking about the havoc they'll wreak.

13. Does Robin like Billy or does Robin hate Billy?

I'm thinking she doesn't meet him until after he and Steve are together, when he's less volatile and angry, and she adores the shit outta him. However, if she met him in school she'd have hated him at first.

14. What about Dustin?

It takes a while, but once Billy apologizes to Lucas and starts making up for everything, Dustin starts to like him.

15. Fave harringrove AU?

Fuck if I know 😂

16. Billy + Camaro =…?

That's his baby. His Camaro comes second only to Max and Steve.

[strangergrove]

You all are absolutely killing me with your glorious usernames. I just imagine having an awards show for them and...

Me, in all my ratboy hosting glory: And the award for That Is the Most Ridiculous and Amazing Username I've Ever Seen goes to........

[strangergrove]

Billy would definitely have a comment or two about Steve's chest hair...

[strangergrove]

Thinking about if Billy were to come back and have a real redemption arc... and how heartbreakingly beautiful Dacre would make it. He's one of the biggest reasons I love Billy so much. I don't mean because Dacre's pretty, but because he made Billy feel real in a way a lot of characters (in- and outside of Stranger Things) simply don't. I can feel that scared little boy there, peeking out from behind Billy's eyes, and it breaks my heart every time.

If the Duffers gave Billy a chance to heal and become a better person, Dacre would take that and turn it into something glorious. He was always the driving force behind Billy. Dacre wouldn't let Billy down. He just needs to be given the chance.

[strangergrove]

"Dear Billy, I don't know if you can even hear this-"

I can, Max. I can always hear you.

But as much as Billy tried, Max never heard his replies. The universe was cruel in that way, a truth Billy had been learning since he was a child. It seemed like every turn was just a fresh way for the universe to show that it hated him.

"-Your dad was... A total mess-"

Billy laughed in that sick, sharp, broken way that had become a signature of his, all full of blood and teeth and a sea so dark and cold nothing could survive in it.

"-don't think he could stand being here without you, so... He left-"

His laugh faltered and collapsed into a single half sob. His whole life he'd lived under the dark, roiling clouds that were Neil Hargrove. There had been no golden rays of love or tenderness, just those dark skies. There had been no version of his dad Billy could have mistaken for a loving father. So who was this Neil? Who was he to wait until his son was gone to finally decide he loved him?

"I play that moment back in my head all the time. Sometimes I imagine myself running to you, pulling you away... I imagine that if I had... That you would still be here..."

Oh, Max...

"And everything would be... Everything would be right again. I imagine that we... That we could have become friends. Good friends. Like... Like a real brother and sister-"

Fuck. Max... Max, I'm so sorry.

A scream rent his throat. He'd been given a chance to have a family again, to have someone who actually cared about him, and he'd been so blinded by his pain that instead of embracing her outstretched hand, he'd lashed out at her. He'd hurt her. And now she would never know that she was his real sister, that he had just been too stupid to see it.

Just let me talk to her!

"-I just... I stood there... And I watched-"

Max, don't you dare put this on yourself!

"-think maybe a part of me died that day, too-"

Billy felt tears slide down his cheeks as he watched Max wipe away her own. All he wanted was to hold her and tell her it was going to be okay, tell her she was the bravest person he knew, tell her she was the only thing that had kept him from sinking into the drowning deep.

"-I'm sorry. I'm so, so sorry, Billy-"

Max... Please, don't...

"Love, your shitty little sister, Max."

That broke him. Those six little words. He, in all his pain and anger, had cracked her carefully structured armor, and the universe had come in and shattered it completely. His little sister was broken and he'd do anything to fix her.

I'm coming, Max. One way or another, your brother's coming home.

[strangergrove]

Billy used to count the days since the last time he'd had his board in the water. It'd been some kind of sick game at the time, to see how miserable he could make himself, like somehow that would get back at his dad for dragging him away from the ocean to live in some hick town nobody's ever heard of. As if that wasn't entirely the point of them moving in the first place. To punish Billy. Looking back now, he thought maybe a part of him was in denial, was hoping they would move back soon.

The first thing Neil had done, after announcing to Billy and Max that they were moving, was go out back and break Billy's surfboard in half before setting it at the end of the driveway next to the trash. Billy still hasn't forgiven him for that. Probably never will.

It was the only time Billy had ever been happy he was too poor to have a quiver of boards. He wasn't sure what he would have done if he'd had to watch Neil bust one after another after another.

It was right about when school let out that first year that Billy finally accepted the fact it would be a very long time before he ever got on a surfboard again. So came the lifeguard job and the penny pinching. He was determined to have enough to move back home by next summer.

Then Starcourt happened. His whole world blew up in his face and it took everything he had to put just enough pieces back together to get by. But everything was different. Wrong. Broken in all the wrong places, bent at odd angles. And some pieces were missing altogether. Then the depression sunk its barbed teeth into him. And didn't let go. Even with his dad gone, his hopes of moving back home, of sinking his toes into the sand, of the taste of saltwater in his mouth... It all washed up like seafoam.

Abandoned.

If it hadn't been for Steve, Billy may never have gotten that fire back in his belly, those stars in his eyes.

You see, Steve knew how to get things. Well, no, that wasn't quite right. Steve knew people who knew how to get things. It had mostly come in handy at parties in the past, even when the two of them weren't exactly on speaking terms, but this time was different.

He'd come home one night, hauling a giant piece of foam through the door. Billy knew exactly what it was the moment he saw it.

"What am I going to do with a blank?" Billy asked, taking it from Steve.

"You're gonna shape it and..." He waved his hands vaguely. "Do whatever else."

Billy sighed. "I appreciate it, babe, but I don't see the point. The ocean's too far away."

"You don't need the ocean to surf, Bills." There was a spunky little glint in Steve's eye that Billy had not seen in a very long time. "You ever surfed a lake? And I'm not talking behind a boat, either."

Billy tried not to let his disappointment show, tried not to let it seep into his voice. "Baby... Lakes just don't have surfable waves."

Steve's smile soothed something jagged in Billy's soul. It washed over him in sandy waves, grinding down the sharp edges like seaglass.

"Trust me on this, okay?" Steve pressed a gentle kiss to Billy's lips. "It won't be the same as the ocean, but... I promise it'll be something."

Billy took a deep breath and nodded. He'd trust Steve no matter where it took him.

-

There was no bite of salt in the air, no burning sun on his skin, but there was the familiar feel of his board between his knees, the familiar lull of rocking waves, that same thrum in his chest as he found himself at the front of the small lineup, staring down an incoming wave for the first time in years.

He turned and began paddling, feeling rust wash away from his bones until they were almost glittering. Popping up to his feet, he felt those ungodly heavy pieces of his soul break off. The wave was smaller than he was used to. Mushier. And maybe there was a time when he would have noticed, would have been irritated or disappointed, would have thought this wasn't good enough because it wasn't California, but that version of him had died a long time ago.

With each wave, he found himself challenged in a way he wasn't used to. Those freshwater waves had their own kind of spirit. They were rougher, less predictable, but still thrilling and soul-soothing.

In some ways, they were a lot like Billy.

He gave Steve a few lessons. The boy was better than Billy had expected him to be, something that really shouldn't have surprised him after knowing Steve for so long. Watching two of his favourite things combine almost made Billy's head spin. The only thing that could have made it better was if Max had joined them. But there would be time for that. Time for proper family outings.

Well... He hoped.

-

"How are you feeling?" Steve asked, draping an arm around Billy's shoulder as they snuggled on the beach.

"Incredible." Billy rested his head against Steve's.

It wasn't a lie. Billy did feel incredible. But it was more than that. It was like stars had been flung into a sky that had not seen light in so long that he'd forgotten what it looked like. He had a north star again. It wouldn't be easy. It would take time to slog his way out of the muck he'd sunken into. But he could finally find his way home again.

"Thank you for this," he whispered. "I needed it."

"I know you did." Steve's fingers danced across Billy's palm. "You know I'd do anything for you, right?"

Billy nodded. There was a light glinting somewhere in Steve's eyes and Billy realized his north star wasn't going to guide him back to California. That wasn't his home anymore.

Steve was.

[strangergrove]

I'd just like to put it out there that I, a gay rat boy, own aviators, a red shirt (both t-shirt and button-up) and brown leather jacket. I have also been looking for the perfect chambray shirt (I'm picky apparently) to complete my triple denim look. Also have that dangly eeeaariiinnng. Therefore, I can confirm both of these looks are very gay.

But also, that cropped Everlast top (Which I also have. Bahaha) with, presumably, little red swim trunks? Quite gay.

Should I be concerned with how many of Billy's outfits I own? Hm...

billy's gayest look was the red shirt brown leather jacket combo and aviators but go off ig -jazz

(let's be real, all of billy's outfits are the gayest outfit he owns lmao)

listen,, liSTe n,, how can i make u see this is the gayest anYONE has ever looked, ever, in the history of gaymanity,, i mean,, 

he is, very literally, very unironically, wearing denim. on denim. ON DENIM. if you havent been keeping count, that’s. denim times three. this boy woke up that morning and decided that one measly layer of denim would simply Not Do, two layers was close but still. not nealry nuff, but. thREE denim-related items of clothing?  put together? yEP that’s the choice he went with. paired it up w that simple white tee to create. yk. contrast, an’ all. added a lil splash of color w his pack of reds. topped it all off with one (1) dangly earring. to. yk. underline the Heterosexuality of it all. to quote. uh. Him, THAT’S HOW YOU DO IT

i mean. lookit Him. w his lil gay bag. his lil gay messenger bag. and his rat wig. and his first layer of denim peeking under the second layer. the only straight thing he’s got going on for him is the road straight to hell he’s on, and that’s that on gay rats.

hafta give it to you, tho, this look is. Extremely fuckin Gay, too, which comes as a surprise to absolutely no one, because. billy’s wearing it, therefore it must be Gay. i love imagining him rubbing his shiny new leather jacket against a wall or sth to make it look used and gritty and. uh. badass, or whatever. also new hc that these aviators are off-brand raybans and max is actively holding that over his head whenever she needs a favor and billy’s too gay and tired to do it. billy’ll be smoking outside the arcade w steve, five feet apart to pretend they weren’t sucking face in the back alley seven seconds ago (they sUCK at it. it’s a good thing max figured it out like. weeks ago) and billy’s refusing to give her more change for three more rounds of like. digdug or w/e, so max’ll be all ‘yk what i think, i think! steve would look grEAT w these *makes a grab for the aviators perched on top of billy’s head* why doncha let him try em on for a second, hUH biLLy’ which leads to an unplanned extended dig dug session courtesy of one Billy Hargrove. steve is Confused but doesnt question it, bc he gets to make hearteyes at billy over a flashing pinball machine. billy grumbles, and gives in about thirteen minutes later. lets steve play w his hair, but only after he’s made sure the aviators are safely stored away in his pocket. it’s the best not-a-date he’s ever had.