#billy ‘i’m cool excellent things’ hargrove

[ickypuppi3]

[worth-the-chaos]

Adventures in Babysitting - Steve Harrington x female!reader - Chapter 3

Chapter Summary: Billy is still hitting on you, Steve’s still mad, and Dustin’s still a pain in the ass to babysit. When he tells you and Steve that there’s a massive problem of upside down proportions, the two of you have no choice but to drop everything to help the boy, reprising your roles as badasses who eradicate the supernatural in Hawkins.

Content Warning: swearing, upside down shit, billy being an ass, stancy, anxiety and tense moments, fluff, protective!steve

Word Count: 7.0k

Author’s Note: Still a slow burn but Steve and the reader’s relationship is slowly starting to develop in this part! More of this chapter also represents Steve’s perspective on things, which was really fun to write. I also got to write more interaction with Dustin, which more is obviously yet to come, but I hope you guys enjoy!

Series Masterlist | Part 2 | Next Part

***

While your conversation last night had helped him calm down a bit about Nancy’s comments about their relationship, Steve was still trying really damn hard to keep his cool about it. After all the years of being an asshole and putting himself first, he knew he didn’t deserve for things to go his way. But it was his senior year. He had hoped at least something could go according to plan, but shit seemed like it just kept finding new ways to hit the fan.

This turned out to be especially true when he was in his P.E. class, playing basketball against the same ass who wouldn’t leave you alone at Tina’s last night. Gym was the one class he didn’t usually have to worry about, his athleticism allowing it to be a distraction from his other responsibilities. In other words, it was a piece of cake. Besides, outside of study hall, it was the only class he was taking that you were also in. He would be lying if he said that it didn’t give him a bit of an ego boost to know that you were always there to watch him show off with whatever sport they played. He happened to excel at all of them.

That was until this asshole Billy showed up. Steve was pretty sure Billy was still mad about the way he interfered in his futile attempt to seduce you last night, and it was showing on the court with the way Billy was shoving at Steve every chance he got.

“Alright, alright, King Steve everyone,” Billy taunted, laughing as he dribbled the ball, “I like it, playing tough today.”

“Do you ever stop talking, man? Come on,” Steve rolled his eyes. He was just about done with this dude’s shit.

“What? You afraid that coach is gonna bench you now that I’m here? Huh?” Billy asked, getting closer and closer to Steve. He shoved into Steve, causing the boy to take a hard fall, hitting the ground pretty hard, before Billy tossed the ball effortlessly into the hoop.

You rolled your eyes from the bleachers. Boys are so fucking stupid. You were glad coach didn’t care what the girls were doing during class, more focused on the extra practice that his team was getting in; the one time sexism paid off. Most of the time you just brought homework to work on, using the class as an additional study period.

You saw Billy grab Steve’s hand to help him up, saying something to him you couldn’t quite hear, before shoving him back down to the floor.

“Alright, let’s take five everyone! Go get water, stretch, whatever, just be back in here otherwise I’m marking you absent,” your coach yelled out the empty threat, and you hopped off the bleachers and made your way over to Steve.

“So, today doesn’t really seem like your day,” you teased, offering your hand to help Steve up. He gladly took it, happy that at least through all the (as Nancy would word it) bullshit, you were still there, something he couldn’t say for his girlfriend at the moment. He shoved the thought down.

“Evidently not. You know, that Billy Hargrove kid is a real pain in my ass,” Steve fumed, “I mean first he shows up driving like a mad man in the goddamn parking lot, and now he won’t stop fucking shoving me. Like hello? Is that not a fucking foul?! And don’t get me fucking started on him coming on to you at Tina’s last night and refusing to leave you the hell alone until I had to get involved. What if I wasn’t there? What would he have done to you? I swear if he talks to you one more—“

You cut him off, “woah, woah, woah, Steve. You need to calm down. He’s just an ass, it’s not worth your time. Plus, you know I can handle my own and he’s left me alone since then, so I’m sure it’s all going to be fine. Don’t worry about me.”

“That’s what you don’t get, y/n. I’m always worried about you,” he sounded exasperated and his tone was angry, but you knew it was misdirected. You tried not to flush at the sentiment. You knew that he cared but sometimes it still surprised you considering a year ago you were largely blissfully unaware of each other’s existence.

You decided it was best to give him a few moments to calm down. “I swear it’s all going to be fine,” you promised as you headed back to the bleachers. As you turned around, you suddenly realized that Nancy was there, gripping her purse strap as she made eye contact with you. She smiled a half smile and waved, and you wondered how much of last night she really remembered. You waved back as you took your seat.

She motioned for Steve to follow her outside and he hesitantly obliged, clearly not super excited about the conversation they were about to have. As soon as he cleared the doorway, you noticed a presence to your left turning to be met with the face of Billy Hargrove. You felt your heart stop in your chest. Even though you told Steve you could handle things on your own, it was a lot easier said than done.

“What do you want?” You demanded, facing forward to avoid giving him the satisfaction of your full attention.

“I just feel like we got off on the wrong foot is all,” he said, and you could hear the fake charm dripping from his lips like poison. You knew there were girls here that would fall for this shit, but you certainly weren’t one of them.

“I don’t know, I’m pretty partial to abiding by the first impression you set and I’m not feeling so generous as to give you a do over.”

He chuckled, “you’re feisty. I like that, you know.”

“I don’t give a rat’s ass what you do or do not like. Now if you could kindly leave me the fuck alone, I think your dumbass game is starting back up,” you nodded towards the court and the boys who had started to pass the ball again.

“You’ll see. You’re gonna give me a second chance, just wait,” he predicted as he hopped down the bleachers to join his classmates. Once he hit the court, Steve made his way back into the gym and you were thankful for the timing. The last thing you needed was these boys trying to kill each other. Steve looked a little bit defeated and you couldn’t help but wonder what Nancy had said.

Gym went on per usual for the last fifteen minutes of class: girls largely sitting in the bleachers, boys trying to show off for them, until the two groups finally parted ways to change and clean up in their respective locker rooms before the bell rang in ten minutes. You waved at Steve as you made your way out of the gym, and he offered a half-hearted one in return.

Steve’s conversation with Nancy had gone just about as bad as he thought it would. Of course she didn’t remember the shit she said last night; that would be too convenient. Steve was still hung up on the fact that she couldn’t even tell him that she loved him. Was it all just a lie?

Steve headed over to the showers and undressed, hoping that the hot water could wash away some of the anger he was feeling. He had a tendency to be hot headed at times, but he was trying to turn over a new leaf. He was trying to be better, and he wasn’t going to let his temper get the best of him.

He watched as Billy made his way over to him, picking the shower to his right as turned the water on, “don’t sweat it Harrington. Today’s just not your day, man.”

Perfect, this was just perfect. Steve ignored him, continuing to run shampoo through his hair.

“More like not your week,” Tommy H added as he stepped up beside the two boys, “you and the princess break up and she immediately runs off with the freak’s brother.”

“Bullshit. I just talked to her.”

“Oh shit, you don’t know,” Tommy smiled, happy to have found more shit to throw at Steve today. “Jonathan and the princess ran off after your little conversation. She got in his beat up old car in the parking lot and it looks like they’re ditching the rest of the day. But that must just be a coincidence, right?”

Tommy laughed as he turned the water off and walked away.

“Don’t take it too hard, man,” Billy spoke up, “a pretty boy like you has got nothing to worry about. Plenty of bitches in the sea.”

Steve continued to ignore him, not having the time or energy for his shit, when Billy reached over to turn off the shower, leaving Steve soap covered and angry. He patted Steve on the back before walking away, adding “I’ll make sure to leave you some. Not y/n though. I’ve got my eye on her.”

Steve glared at him before aggressively turning the water back on. He hadn’t known about Nancy and Jonathan running off together, and frankly right now he didn’t’ care. He had always gotten weird vibes from their relationship. Hell, if he was being honest, they were probably the same vibes that Nancy got from his relationship with you. He didn’t really have time to think about all of that though, instead fuming over Billy’s persistent obsession with you.

Billy had only been here for a few fucking days and he was already causing problems Steve didn’t need. He could put up with the snide comments and taunts, but the second he came for you again, Steve’s patience would be out the window.

What a hell of a senior year.

***

It was a Saturday afternoon. Normally you didn’t babysit on Saturdays because Mrs. Henderson was off work, but she had called you the night before, saying she needed you. It was kind of hard to tell what she was saying because she seemed very upset, her emotion leaking into her voice and making her extremely difficult to understand. Something about her…cat being missing? Either way, you were headed toward the Henderson household, frustrated that you’d lost one of your only free days of the week, but you needed the extra cash, so here you were.

Before you could even make it up the porch steps to knock so that Dustin could let you in, he was flying out the door, bumping into you and knocking you off balance in the process.

“Code red! I repeat this is a code red!” He yelled into his headset as he darted past you, heading to grab his bike from the front lawn. You rolled your eyes and pivoted.

“Dude, what the hell?” You were ready to yell at him, to lecture him to be more careful, but he was mounting his bike and pedaling down the street before you could even conjure up the words. “Where the fuck do you think you’re going? You can’t just leave!”

“Y/n, I’m sorry! It’s an emergency! My mom’s bike is in the garage and I’m headed to the Wheelers’, but I have to go, now! Please don’t kill me!” He yelled over his shoulder as he got farther and farther away from you.

“I don’t know how to…ride a bike,” you started off yelling before going back to a normal speaking volume as you sighed, realizing your shouting was futile. With no other options, you thanked the universe that you had worn your tennis shoes today, and took off sprinting towards the Wheelers’.

Simultaneously, Steve was headed to the same location. He’d stopped to pick up a bouquet of roses for Nancy on the way, feeling the need to sort things out with her before it was too late. He wasn’t ready to give up on them just yet and he hoped that the gift would work like a bit of a peace offering to reset the balance and make everything okay again.

He parked his BMW in front of her house, rehearsing what he would say when she answered the door as he got out of his car.

“Listen, I’ve been thinking, I love you, I’m sorry….I’m sorry? What the hell am I sorry for?” He muttered as he made his way towards the front door.

“Steve! Are those for Mr. or Mrs. Wheeler?” It was the Henderson kid. Steve didn’t have the time for this, looking at the boy in annoyance.

“No?” He replied, confused at the boy’s line of questioning.

“Good,” Dustin replied as he grabbed the flowers and made his way towards Steve’s parked car. A rose fell from the bouquet in the process and Steve leaned down to pick it up before following the child.

“Hey! What the hell?”

“Nancy isn’t home.”

“Where is she?”

“Doesn’t matter,” Dustin started, “we have bigger problems than your love life.” He opened the passenger door. “Do you still have that bat?”

“Bat? What bat?” Steve asked. Why the hell is this kid getting in my damn car?

“The one with the nails?” Dustin clarified, throwing his hands up in a way that irritated Steve. Of course that was the bat the kid was talking about. How could he possibly have not known that considering the fact that it had been sitting in the trunk of another vehicle for a full calendar year, untouched?

“Why?”

“I’ll explain it on the way,” Dustin replied as he sat down. Steve was a bit thrown off by how immediate this had to be, not really in the mood to chauffeur the Henderson boy around. He felt anxiety creep up in his chest as he thought back to the last time he had to use the bat in question.

“Now?” Steve clarified as he jogged towards his car.

“Now!” Dustin confirmed as he slammed the car door shut. Steve quickly slid into the driver’s seat, starting the car and putting it in gear. He was about ready to pull away when hands slammed against his window, causing him and Dustin to scream out, alarmed by the sudden noise.

There you were, huffing and puffing from your impromptu run through the neighborhood. The anger on your face was glaringly apparent, neither boy recalling a time that you’d looked that mad before. And Dustin especially had done enough to make you pretty damn mad. You yanked the car door open and collapsed in the backseat of the BMW.

“What the hell y/n? You scared the absolute shit out of me! I could’ve run you over or something! Where the hell’d you even come from? Why are you even here?” Steve turned around to yell at you. You glared up at him with fire in your eyes, continuing to pant as you aggressively pushed a strand of hair aside that had fallen out of your ponytail and into your face.

“Do you want to tell him or should I?” You growled as your gaze shifted to the Henderson boy, who was attempting to shrink into nothing in the front seat.

“I-I told you that you could take the bike?” He squeaked out, clearly afraid of your wrath. You were usually so calm all of the time, so the rage permeating through the car was borderline terrifying.

“I don’t know how to ride a goddamn bike!” You screamed as you squeezed your eyes shut. It was embarrassing, but you were too frustrated right now to focus on that.

“That….well, that was an oversight on my part,” Dustin replied.

“Wait, she’s fucking babysitting you and you took off on a bike and left her behind? What the fuck dude?” Steve interjected, angry on your behalf.

“Yeah, I could have walked you to the damn Wheelers’ house! Leaving me like that was way out of line, asshole.”

“It is an emergency!” Dustin attempted to defend himself, “I’m sorry I left you by yourself to walk—“

“Run.” You corrected.

“—to run after me. But I’m not going to apologize for leaving because some crazy ass shit is going on and I need help. Big time.”

Looking at the boy it was clear that something was very wrong. Normally he was pretty happy go lucky, but now he was pretty damn stoic. Your anger slowly faded as you thought to what the boy could possibly have meant by the code red earlier.

“It…it-it’s not…it’s not what I think it is, is it?” You whispered, unable to really get the words out.

“It’s probably exactly what you think it is,” Dustin pinched the bridge of his nose. Despite the fact that the boy had left you behind, you could understand his reasoning. This Upside Down shit was not something to be taken lightly, and you were glad you and Steve were here now to help him so he didn’t have to figure it out on his own.

Before either of you responded, Steve put the car in gear for a second time, pulling away from the Wheeler residence. You guys were already losing light and Steve’s house wasn’t super close, meaning that time was of the essence.

“So…it’s the demogorgon,” Steve finally spoke up, saying what you had been unable to earlier.

“Well, not exactly,” Dustin started, “on Halloween, I found this…thing in my trashcan, really small you know—non threatening and the like—and I did some research and thought it was a pollywog—“

“A polly-what?” Steve interjected.

“A pollywog. Kind of like a tadpole, but that’s not important. Anyway, I kept it and I named it D’Artagnan, Dart for short, because I thought I had discovered a new species. Turns out I wasn’t entirely wrong because it molted last night and it’s definitely a precursor to a full blown demogorgon.”

“Shit,” you whispered and your right hand instinctively went to grasp your upper left arm, shielding your wounds from your previous encounter with the beast.

“How big did you say this thing was again?” Steve asked, not entirely convinced that this was as large a threat as Dustin was making it out to be.

“It started out like this,” he held his hands close together, “and now it’s like this,” he added as he spaced them significantly farther apart. You shuddered; if Dustin wasn’t exaggerating, this thing was now closer to the size of a small dog. It had only been a few days since he found the thing, how long did you guys have until it was the hulking nine-foot monster that had attacked you last year?

“Dude, it’s probably just some little lizard, man,” Steve began trying to brush the boy off.

“It’s not a lizard!”

“How do you know it’s not just some lizard?” Steve shot back, annoyed at the fact that this could potentially be a false alarm. Throughout Dustin’s explanation Steve kept looking at you in the rearview mirror and he could tell you were starting to get worked up over the potential of another supernatural threat.

“How do I know it’s not some lizard? Because his face opened up and he ate my cat,” Dustin deadpanned, bothered by the fact that Steve wasn’t believing him. This answer seemed to be acceptable as Steve dropped the subject, nodding, not really sure what he could say.

“Wait, Mews is dead?” You asked, your heart dropping a bit. You loved that cat; she was such a good study buddy when you were killing time at the Henderson household. Dustin just nodded quietly from the front seat.

None of you really knew what to say, so you sat in silence as Steve drove the rest of the way to his house. You all needed time to process this; time that you didn’t have. As he pulled up, you paused to take in the sight of the Harrington household. It was huge, an elaborate display of wealth that almost made you sick to your stomach. He unlocked the trunk of another vehicle, most likely an extra one that was used on occasion, pulling out the bat that he had used to save your life last year.

“Alright. Let’s do this,” Steve sounded confident, not allowing his voice to waver in the slightest. You all went to pile back into the BMW, Dustin heading for the passenger seat again when Steve grabbed him by his collar, stopping the boy in his tracks. “Nice try, pipsqueak. You’re in back.”

You chuckled as Steve opened the door for you. You spent the ride back to Dustin’s focusing on what potential horror may lie ahead of you. At least it’s smaller this time, you kept telling yourself. If you could take on a monster several feet taller than you last year, you could kick the puppy sized equivalent easy, right?

Dustin took you around the back of his house to the cellar. Despite the fact that it was locked shut, you still approached it with caution, not entirely sure of what the monster inside of it was capable of. The three of you stared at the closed doors, not really sure what you were waiting for.

“I don’t hear shit,” Steve finally spoke up, referring to the silence coming from the cellar below. If there was one thing that you knew from your supernatural encounter last year, it was that this thing was far from quiet. Sometimes you would wake up in a cold sweat, the memory of the low growl, the chattering, the screeching, coming back to you in your most vulnerable state.

“He’s in there,” Dustin promised. Steve began to hit the metal doors with the bat, still not entirely convinced. When there was no response, Steve turned to the boy.

“Alright, listen kid, I swear if this is just some Halloween prank, you’re dead,” Steve looked him dead in the eye. He knew from Halloween night how much this still affected you and if he was being honest, the experience still took a toll on him as well, so if this punk kid thought he was going to prank the two of you by forcing you to relive the most terrifying experience of your lives, he had another thing coming.

“Woah, woah, woah, how about we calm the fuck down? I get paid to babysit this damn kid, and I’ll be damned if I let you touch a hair on his head,” you got between the two boys, glaring up at Steve. Even though he had changed, you didn’t trust that his hot headedness wouldn’t return in a momentary lapse of judgment. Steve thought you looked entirely too maternal, and it made his heart skip, but he put his hands up and rolled his eyes. You turned toward Dustin.

“That being said. If this is a prank, I’m going to be pissed the fuck off,” you shot the boy a warning glance before adding, “now, do you have a key for this thing?”

Dustin tossed you the keys, but Steve intercepted them before you could catch them. He unlocked the doors, pulling them open to reveal a very dark and uninviting looking cellar. It was the kind of darkness you would have been afraid of as a child, worrying that the shadows housed imaginary monsters. However, this time you weren’t a kid and those monsters were far from imaginary. You and Steve pointed your flashlights down there, illuminating the cellar floor to display the nothingness. It was almost more unnerving than if the monster had just been there…almost.

“He must be farther down there…I’ll stay up here in case he tries to escape,” Dustin was quick to add, being so kind as to volunteer to stay far from the potential danger. You and Steve stared at him in disbelief. The nerve of this kid.

“You’ve gotta be fucking kidding, dude. It’s your problem, and you’re gonna be an absolute wimp about it after we’ve spent our afternoons chauffeuring you around town?” Steve fumed, about done with Dustin’s shit.

“I’m still in middle school! You guys are at least a modicum closer to being adults than I am, so it only makes sense that—“

You cut him off, swiftly grabbing the nail bat from Steve’s grasp. “You both are a bunch of cowards,” you sighed as you started making your way down the stairs. Behind you, you could hear the sounds of arguing between the two of them, each one shaming the other that they had let you, a woman, go down there alone.

“What the hell man? You’re really gonna let her go down there by herself? Not cool”

“She wouldn’t have gone in the first place if you hadn’t immediately wimped out.”

“I’m in eighth grade! You’re a fucking senior! You go down there! Man up!”

Chivalry is dead, you thought as you pulled the string to turn on the overhead light.

Your heart stopped when you saw the slick pile of shedded skin sitting in the middle of the cellar. This thing was bigger now. You felt the anxiety creep up in your chest and you swallowed the lump in your throat as you readjusted your grip on the bat, struggling to grasp it as your hands trembled. That’s when you noticed the gaping hole in the side of the cellar. You cautiously approached it, realizing it was tunneled out farther than the light from your flashlight could reach. The thought of what was lurking in that hole made you shudder.

Meanwhile, the boys finished their futile argument, not realizing you had completely disappeared into the cellar, now out of view. Steve and Dustin, stared at each other, wide eyed and panicking, realizing how gravely they had messed up.

“Y/n?” Dustin yelled hesitantly down the steps.

Upon hearing no response, Steve’s heart rate picked up and he spoke up as well, “y/n, what’s going on down there?”

Suddenly, you popped around the corner without warning, causing the boys to jump. “Get down here,” your tone was serious and the boys swiftly made their way down the cellar stairs, finally joining you as they should have done in the first place. You picked up the molted skin of Dustin’s discovery, showing it to the boys.

“Oh shit,” Dustin whispered, but when you pointed out the gaping hole in the cellar, he repeated it more emphatically, “Oh shit!”

“Yeah, ‘oh shit’ is right. We need to find it,” you turned to look at the boys. You wouldn’t let it roam Hawkins again. You wouldn’t let another Will get taken or another Barb get killed.

“It’s too dark out to do anything about it tonight,” Steve reminded you. There was no safe way for you to catch this thing. You had no game plan, no supplies, nothing.

“Steve,” you begged, looking up at him through your lashes. Even though you knew he was right, it made you nauseous to think about leaving this for tomorrow. You didn’t know how you would sleep tonight knowing that that monster was unaccounted for.

“Y/n, I’m sorry, but we just can’t. You know that. Think about how awful it was last time and we knew where the damn thing was and had a whole ass warning system for when it showed up. We can’t just walk out into the woods in total darkness expecting to find it and come out unscathed. We just can’t,” Steve replied, looking at you with sympathy. He didn’t want to leave this for tomorrow either, but you were just going to have to settle for that. There wasn’t another option.

You took a deep breath and nodded. Dustin turned to head back up out of the cellar, exiting the main room, out of sight as he bounded up the stairs happy to be out of there. When you turned to follow, you felt a gentle hand on the small of your back. You turned to face Steve and he moved his hand to your upper arm, placing his other hand at the nape of your neck. You looked him in the eye and swallowed the lump in your throat. This was the most sincere you had ever seen him.

“Hey, everything is gonna be okay. I’m gonna make sure of it, I promise,” Steve said quietly. You breathed in deeply and nodded, trying to trust him even though all of this was wildly out of your control. He let go of you reaching his hand between you, pinky extended, just like it had been in the library.

You felt a pang in your chest. That was how your lives should be; just two dumb high school students studying, thinking about what colleges you were going to go to, making stupid promises about parties that were more fun in theory than they were in actuality. Not whatever this was. But nonetheless you took his pinky in yours and you hoped with all your might that he’d be able to keep his promise; that everything would be okay.

“Hello? Are you guys coming? Did the demogorgon come back and eat the two of you alive?” Dustin’s voice rang out, sounding annoyed as it echoed in the open cellar.

“Not funny!” You shouted back, the moment between you and Steve fizzling out, as you dropped each other’s pinkies, making your way out of the cellar. You shut the heavy metal doors, triple checking that they were locked before standing to draw up a game plan with the boys.

“Alright, how about I pick you both up around 10:00 tomorrow morning?” Steve asked, looking between you and Dustin.

“That works. Dustin, your mom’s home, right? Her car was in the driveway, yeah?” You asked, making sure that Dustin wasn’t alone.

“Yep, everything should be fine here. Well, other than the whole Dart-ate-my-cat thing but yeah, I’m good. Your babysitting services are no longer needed for the evening.”

You walked him to the front door and thanked Mrs. Henderson as she paid you for watching him on a weekend. You could tell the poor woman was still distraught about her cat, and you couldn’t help but feel a pang in your chest. You and Steve made your way back over to his car and he opened the passenger door for you once again. He started driving towards your subdivision when you spoke up.”

“Steve, stop.”

He was getting flashbacks to Halloween, when the discussion of Barb had been too much for you to handle. “Woah, y/n is everything okay?” He asked, placing a gentle hand on your shoulder.

“I just…I-I don’t want to be alone,” you stammered, “my parents work nights and I just have a bad feeling about all of this, and I’m not quite ready to be by myself. Can you just give me a minute to calm down a little?”

You looked up at Steve innocently, your facial features twisted with worry. It was a look that could break him. He remembered his promise to you; that everything would be okay. He decided that this is where that promise started. He didn’t say anything as he turned down a side street with a cul-de-sac, making his way back to the top of the street before turning in the opposite direction of your house.

“Steve, what are you doing?”

“You can stay at mine tonight. My parents aren’t home this weekend anyway so it’ll be fine,” he assured you.

“Are you sure? I really don’t want to intrude,” you asked quietly, hoping that he didn’t change his mind.

“‘Don’t want to intrude’ my ass. The first time you came to my house you practically almost knocked down my door!” Steve laughed.

“Hey! It was an emergency! What was I supposed to do? Clearly I had exhausted all other resources by that point. The Henderson kid is a problem, you can blame him,” you defended yourself, giggling as you recalled the first time you sought Steve out.

“Nah, I’ll just thank him instead. It turned out to be a really good thing for me, you know?” He smiled at you. He was right; Dustin being a hellish child to babysit ended up turning out pretty damn good…aside from all of the paranormal, supernatural bullshit you were both knee deep in.

But that didn’t matter right now, as Steve turned on the radio, the two of you singing out of key to the latest hits as he drove off towards his house.

***

Sure, it was dark out, but it wasn’t too late yet, so Steve took you out back by the pool. You couldn’t imagine living in a place like this. In theory it would be awesome, but then you thought about how often his parents were gone, not to mention how hard they were on him, and you decided that you were better off in your small but loving home.

“So, yeah, this is the pool. I would say we could go for a swim, but it’s a little too cold for that,” Steve chuckled.

“Not too cold to sit out here, though,” you smiled as you took a seat on one of the lounge chairs.

“Be careful, you might get a sunburn,” Steve joked as he took a seat in the chair next to you. He thought about how the two of you had gotten to this point. Before you had knocked on his door that fateful day last fall, he had noticed you around school, but mostly just enough to know that you were a bit of a loner and you made good grades. Hell, he had almost reached out to you once or twice when his parents were on his ass about his poor performance in his classes, but he had always scoffed and rolled his eyes. Because how could he, King Steve, ever reach out to you?

He wished he had. He wondered how different things would have been. If he would have fallen in love with Nancy or if he would’ve been spared the heartache. He’d never know but he couldn’t help but contemplate how different your relationship would have been if you hadn’t been brought together by trauma. Maybe she wouldn’t have even wanted to speak to me, he reasoned.

“You know, if you told me a year ago that I would be hanging out one on one with Steve Harrington at his house, I would’ve called you crazy,” you had gotten up, moving to sit by the side of the pool, kicking your legs back and forth in the cold water.

“I was just thinking about that actually,” Steve admitted, “do you ever wonder how different it would be if we met before all this shit happened?”

“I mean, to be honest, not really. I think we both had some growing to do before we were ever going to get along. Last year kind of forced us to grow up a little faster than we really needed to. Maybe that’s a bad thing, but right now it seems pretty good to me,” you looked at him with sincerity. You meant every word of it.

“What do you mean both of us? I was the one that was an ass, you were perfect all on your own beforehand.”

You flushed with the praise, “no, seriously, I had some growing up to do too. Back then I thought I had you all figured out. I was confident that you were just some asshole jock, and I wouldn’t have guessed you had the capacity to change. I kind of stuck to myself, and I didn’t have a lot of friends, so I guess in a way, I was a bit jealous of you. People just gravitate towards you; I blend in so much I might as well not even be there.”

“Well, if it makes you feel any better, Billy sure is noticing you,” Steve muttered, and you couldn’t contain your laughter. You wish he’d stop being so focused on that, but you knew how protective he tended to be, so it made sense that it would still be on his mind after how Billy had treated you on Halloween.

“Yeah, that definitely doesn’t make me feel better; actually quite the contrary,” you chuckled, “you know, on paper you both should get along.”

“That’s so not true.”

“Think about it! You’re both athletic, flirt too much for your own good, have pretty good hair, popular beyond my wildest imagination, and you guys are both chick magnets. Forgive me for seeing some similarities,” you smirked. You knew it would set him off, which is exactly why you said it. If you were being completely honest, his frustration was a bit amusing at times.

“Yeah, but he’s like a complete asshole! I would never have just grabbed you like he did at that party. That was not fucking cool. Like yeah, of course he’d want to talk to you, look at you, but couldn’t he have just introduced himself and struck up a damn conversation instead of immediately getting handsy and shit? Like fuck!”

“What do you mean of course he’d want to talk to me?” You asked, baffled. You hadn’t really dated at all because no one was really interested in the weird alt girl who, despite all stereotypes, was killing herself to make good grades.

“I hate to break it to you, but you’re pretty. And you’re not like every other bitch. You’re different and you stand out because of it. In a good way. Now stop being self deprecating and get inside, we’re going to have to wake up at the ass crack of dawn so we can pick up your damn kid,” he offered you a hand to help you up from the ground, which you gladly took, trying and failing not to flush at the compliment.

He led you upstairs after giving you a tour of the main level. “Here is the guest room, you can sleep in here tonight. Wait here a second,” he added as he darted across the hall, disappearing into what you assumed to be his room. You took in the sight of the guest bedroom. It was perfectly set up, and though it was pristine and tastefully decorated, something about it felt cold and lonely; impersonal.

Before you could think about it too much, Steve returned with a stack of clothes in his hands. “You can wear these. I-I assumed you didn’t want to sleep in jeans. It’s just, um, it’s just a pair of my sweatpants and a t-shirt, but I can take them back if you’d rather just you know, keep those on,” he said as he gestured to you and your outfit. You chuckled as you took the stack of clothes from him.

“Thanks, Steve. I really appreciate it,” you smiled up at him through your lashes.

She’s gonna be the death of me, Steve thought, as he felt his cheeks heat up from your gratitude. “Yeah, yeah, yeah, no problem. Um, well…I’m right across the hall if you need anything. Sleep well, y/n,” he smiled at you.

“Sleep well, Harrington,” you replied, entering the guest bedroom. Once Steve was no longer with you, you felt all of your fear and anxiety invade your consciousness again. You swiftly changed and looked at yourself in the full length mirror hung on the wall. I could get used to this, you thought, feeling butterflies in your stomach from the fact that you were in Steve’s clothes. It all felt too domestic. You were beginning to blur the line between friends and something more, and the thought made you a little nauseous. You weren’t sure you were ready for that.

But as you laid in the big bed in the very empty and lonely guest room, fear crept up in your chest, and you decided that none of that mattered as you quietly crossed the hall, knocking softly on Steve’s door. He answered almost immediately, a concerned look across his face.

“Is something wrong?” He quickly asked, his hands hovering around your frame as he scanned you up and down to make sure nothing was amiss.

“I-I just…I still think I’m not quite ready to be by myself,” your voice was small and you looked down at the floor, embarrassed. You felt weak and wished that you were strong enough to face this without needing someone to lean on. But that’s what friends were for.

“Of course! Yeah, um I can sleep on the floor and you can take my bed, I have an extra pillow in the—“

You cut him off, “Steve! You are not going to sleep on the floor.”

“Uh, yeah I am?”

“Over my dead body,” you shot back, “I’ll sleep on the floor.”

“You’re a guest!”

“Yeah, a guest that’s being difficult!”

“Y/n,” he warned.

“The way I see it we’re either both sleeping on the floor or we’re both sleeping in the bed, so take your pick Harrington,” you replied, pinching the bridge of your nose. Nothing could be easy with this boy.

“I sleep on the left side,” he sighed as he flopped onto the bed. You flopped down next to him, and you both turned to face away from each other. You felt your heart rate slow as the fear dissipated from your body, your shoulders finally being able to relax. Steve made you feel safe, and you wouldn’t trade that for anything else.

If only you knew that Steve felt the same way about you, and that you were the only one keeping his panic at bay. There was so much uncertainty in his life right now; Nancy, college, demogorgon-upside-down bullshit. Everything felt like it was going to shit, but you were the one thing that was going right.

You were the only constant he had right now.

As the two of you drifted off to sleep, it was the first time in a long time that either of you felt truly at peace. As the night went on, the distance between you began to disappear, as you slowly shifted towards each other, your legs tangled together under Steve’s soft sheets. Tomorrow would likely bring more pain, uncertainty, and problems, but right now that didn’t matter. All that mattered was the two of you, in Steve’s bedroom, sleeping so soundly that for a moment things seemed right with the world.

***

a/n: Thanks so much for reading! Please let me know what you think! Also, if you feel so inclined as to reblog, I would not be mad ;)

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All you have to be is here - Part 1 - Billy Hargrove

Synopsis: Billy has fucked up and has to do 60 days of community service at a home for troubled kids and youth. Working with the kids there makes him learn a lot about himself. Also there’s a girl there his age who’s smile is phenomenal and who is way too nice to him. 

I guess I should mention there’s a lot of angst in this. Talk of substance abuse later on, physical abuse, emotional abuse. All that kind of gnarly real life stuff. It deals with kids and teens struggling with a a shitty family life so be aware of that. 

Part 1 of ?

[additional note: I am German. Sometimes I get the tense wrong or make mistakes. I am useless when it comes to punctuation. Go easy on me, please. Also It’s 2:30 am here so I’ll make a header image later after I’ve slept a little. K thanks.]

I never really ever felt so adored before Never really ever felt this type of vulnerable Don't have to hide, don't have to fear All you have to be is here Never really ever felt so adored before And I said I wanna feel like this forever Even if forever's just for now We're on fire, let us burn As the outside world, it turns We are here and alive In our corner of time Forevermore

There’s a thing about waiting rooms, Billy thinks, where they try to make them look alive by putting everything up on the walls they can find. All the bullshit abstract paintings and clocks in weird shapes and bright color. It doesn’t change the fact that it’s a waiting room though, and people here aren’t happy. 

The walls are the offest white Billy has ever seen and the sad thing is he’s fairly sure they deliberately chose this color. He can hear the ticking of the clock shaped like a daisy flower, hammering through the silence. 

Everything here seems too much. The walls are too off-white. The clock is too loud. The paintings too bright. There’s people on the brochures and flyers that are so neatly placed on the table in the middle of the room. Those people stare at him with their shiny colgate smiles that are just a tiny bit too wide to be reassuring and end up looking more creepy than anything.

He really has to give it to them, they tried it here. Tried to make the place feel less sterile and more homely and warm. The seats in the waiting room are cushioned and comfortable and there’s music playing faintly in the background.

And yet this is still a waiting room and no one wants to be here.

A cough sounds from his right, followed by another one. It’s the 12th cough in the matter of 5 minutes. He’s counted. The man next to him looks about Neil’s age and he’s built like a tank. And he looks positively miserable. 

In the corner of the room sits a girl who seems to be a little older than Billy. She has bright red hair pulled up in a crazy bun and she’s nervously fumbling around with a hair tie. Twirling it around a finger then twirling it back. Tangle, untangle, tangle, untangle. 

“ Billy ? “ 

He looks up at the voice and his heart sinks all the way down to his stomach. I am not sick. I am not sick. I am not sick and I don’t need to be here.

But the facts are that he is here, he has to be. And waiting for him in the doorway of the waiting room is a doctor. A therapist. Dr. Ryland Kapelsky.

Who the fuck calls their kid Ryland ? 

He’s got a thick bushy mustache and glasses that look two sizes too big for his tiny head. Everything about him seems far too comical. This has to be a caricature come to life, straight off the pages of a sunday newspaper.

This man, Billy is painfully aware, knows more about him than he wants him to know. He’s most definitely read his file. He surely knows this therapy session is court ordered.

And still, caricature man holds no judgement in his eyes. 

“ Billy ? “ he asks again, now looking straight at Billy as if his deep brown eyes might look right into Billy’s soul, “ that’s you, right ? “ .

Billy nods and gets up “ yeah that’s me “.

Dr. Kapelsky has a firm handshake and Billy think that this guy is not one to bullshit. Which is quite tragic because bullshitting is something Billy absolutely excels in. 

“ Nice to meet you, if you’d please follow me to my office “.

His voice is stern but not mean or angry. He seems professional enough which is a bit surprising compared to his comical look.

As they move down the hallway, more off-white walls left and right, Billy glances at the various plaques and certificates proudly displayed.

He wonders if there’s one for winning the caricature look-alike contest. Suppressing a chuckle he follows the man into a spacious office and sits down in yet another cushioned chair by a big oakwood desk. 

Dr. Kapelsky closes the door before joining Billy by the desk. He sizes him up, tries to figure him out by just initial impression. Billy can tell. He’s probably trying to come up with a way to approach the situation, to get him to open up and spill all his deep and dark secrets and emotions. 

Billy can see it all happening and yet all he can concentrate on, is the taxidermy racoon on the shelf in the corner of the room. Why the fuck did this comic-figure-looking guy have a taxidermy racoon in his office ? 

“ So, Billy. Let us start with introductions. I am Dr. Ryland Kapelsky but you can call me Dr. K. It’s what most of my younger patients do.” 

Billy hates this, not the guy but the attitude. He’s not going to win him over by pretending to be cool and down with the kids. He’s not a kid. 

He’s not a patient either. Because he is not sick. 

“ a’right. “ 

“ And you are ? “ 

“ Billy Hargrove, you know this. You’ve read the file. “ 

“ I did, indeed. “ 

“ So you know this is court ordered. I’m not here because I want to be or need this is any way. I have to be here or I’m going to juvie. That’s the only reason. Sorry to disappoint but we’re not gonna end up making daisy chains and talking about our feelings. “ 

“ I understand that you don’t want to be here “ Dr. K. says and slides the too-big glasses down his nose “, no one really does. I need you to understand though, that this is a chance for you more so than a punishment. “ 

That’s easy for him to say, Billy thinks, he’s the one getting a big ass paycheck.

“ I see you’ve also been assigned 60 days of community service. Is that correct ? “ 

“ Yes, sir. “ 

“ I was asked to suggest an institution I find suitable for you to work those days. One that I think will benefit you. “ 

“ Wait wait wait. What ? I thought I was gonna pick up trash at the side of the highway “.

“ Billy, “ Dr. K says and does that thing adults do where they look at you and sigh and pretend to care “ this is supposed to help you. It’s a chance. Picking up trash is not gonna do anything now, is it ? I want you to take something from this. “ 

Oh he has taken something from it. Don’t punch rich kids whose parents have the funds to get a good lawyer and press charges. No matter how deserving those rich kids are of a fist in their face.

“ Alright then, what’s the verdict, doc ? Where you gonna send me off to ? “ 

“ Well. There’s a place in Huckley, it’s a tiny town about a 30 minute drive from Hawkins. It’s called the Huckley home from troubled children and youth. There’s kids and teenagers from troubled homes who struggle in life. They’re all a bit younger than you. Most of them come from abusive homes. “ 

“ What are you saying, sir ? I’m not a troubled youth. I don’t need to attend some looney institute, bad enough I have to sit through this shit here.“ 

He doesn’t like this man insinuating stuff about Billy’s home life. He doesn’t know shit. No matter how many plaques and trophies and certificates. This man doesn’t know the first thing about Billy’s family. His home. 

“ Oh no you’re supposed to work there. Help out in activities. Attend the group session and listen to the kids. Also, and I mean no offence, Billy. I only judge by what I am familiar with. By what I’ve learned over the years. I see your father was asked to accompany you to today’s appointment. He’s not here. “ 

“ I’m almost 18 my dad doesn’t need to be here. “ 

Truth is, Neil wouldn’t have come no matter what age Billy is. 8 or 18 it doesn’t make a difference. Neil laughed at him when the letter came. Then gave him a black eye to go with. His taunting words are still ringing through Billy’s ears. 

“ Yes but we usually like the parents to be there. To asses the situation and to — “ 

“ Well he’s not here so can we drop it ? “ 

“ Sure. “ 

Billy can see him scribbling something into his notebook. Probably another assumption. It’s ridiculous, really. The fact that he has to sit here and let a complete stranger make up a story of what he thinks is going on in Billy’s life.

“ Look doc, I don’t need you to figure me out or anything like that. It’s bullshit anyway. All I need is for you to sign my notes every session for the next 8 weeks so the court knows I’ve been here and that’s about it, okay ? You get paid either way so it shouldn’t matter. “ 

“ This is my job, Billy. It always matters.”

“ Well this time it don’t. Now tell me about that troubled youth center thing so I can get that over and done with.” 

- XXX -

The Huckley home from troubled children and youth stands at the end of a cul-de-sac with a little lake and a whole god damn forest behind it. There’s two other houses down the street but they’re all about 10 minute walk away from the big red brick building.

He takes one last puff from his cigarette before stomping it out on the floor and walking up the gravel driveway towards the big oak door.

There’s gold ornaments on the door handles and up and down the sides. He wonders if this is one of those fancy looney bins that rich parents send their kids to when they don’t wanna deal with them or can’t bother to bring them on their trip to Aspen.

The inside looks nothing like Billy has expected it to look. There’s wide big walkways and windows that let the sunlight stream through the halls. Every wall is plastered with drawings and macaroni picture frames and certificates that all hold little shiny star stickers. 

It reminds him a little of his elementary school back home in California. His mom used to be a teacher there and even before he was old enough to visit the school himself, sometimes she took him with her to sit by her desk while she taught the kids a new letter or help her put the shiny stars onto an especially well done assignment. 

But his mom is gone now and sticker stars don’t mean shit in the real world. He wonders if they ever really did. If so, he’d like to know when they stopped mattering.

“ Can I help you ? “ a voice speaks up from his right. There’s a girl there and she doesn’t seem to be much older than him. She’s wearing a white shirt that proudly displays the letters HHTCY. Ah great, uniforms. 

She’s cute though, he has to admit that much.

“ Hi. I’m Billy. Billy Hargrove. I’m here for — uh community service “.

“ Oh! Oh yeah just let me — let me see if I can find someone to … “ she doesn’t finish the sentence, just hurries back towards the way she’s just come from.

Billy uses this time to look around the halls a little more. The certificates all seem to have been rewarded for different things. Exceptional Storyteller. Hide & Seek champion. Queen of hopscotch.

He wonders what certificate he’d get. Biggest disappointment ? Lousiest life ? Best hair ? Probably all of them. 

“ Sooo, seems like Janet was supposed to show you around but she’s had a family emergency so she’s not here aaand that means I’ll show you around since literally anyone else is currently busy. “ the girl appears again, her mouth spitting out words a mile a minute. 

“ I’m (Y/N) “ .

“ Billy. “ 

“ Hi, welcome to —” 

“ Look sweetheart, I don’t need to whole spiel, okay ? I’m here on court order so just tell me where to go and what to do and let’s get this over with. “ 

She looks defeated for a moment which makes Billy feel a little bad about his harsh tone but really, the quicker he’s started the quicker he gets to leave. Once this is over he’s not gonna see this girl ever again, so who cares ? 

“ Oh, alright. Well here’s a schedule that Janet made and a floorplan. I need to show you around before you get to actually do anything but I am scheduled to sit in on a group talk so I’m afraid you’ll have to come with me. Now look, I get you don’t want to be here. Honestly I don’t give a shit about that. But these people, these kids, they are here because we care and because they need someone to care. Don’t be a dick in there. Don’t ruin this for them. If you do, I’m gonna kick your ass into the next dimension. Is that clear ? “ 

Billy is stunned. He doesn’t know who this girl is but it’s not the same one that he’s interacted with just minutes before. This one isn’t timid or sweet. She’s spunky and feisty and interesting and — kinda hot.

“ Whatever you say, ma’am” 

“ Yeah, whatever I say. Now let’s go !” 

Damn. What the hell has he gotten himself into here.

- XXX -

The room that the group talk is held in is big and airy with light colored walls and even more paintings. It’s not at all as small and cramped and sad as he had imagined it. 

There’s a bunch of people here, about 6 or 7 kids who range from what Billy assumes can’t be much older than 6, to people who look to be around his age. Then there’s (Y/N) and a woman that had introduced herself to Billy as Dr. White, though all the kids seem to refer to her by her first name, Lydia. 

Some of the kids are smiling, radiating with energy and joy while others hardly speak up and mostly keep their eyes focused on the floor. Though even those kids are always attentive, Billy notices. Always listening. Still a valid and active part of this conversation even when they don’t even speak a single word.

This whole talk is so different from what he expected it to be. There’s no pressure. No one is forced to do an emotional strip and lay bare all of their darkest secrets and innermost feelings. it’s mostly the kids talking about their day. The good and the bad. Things that scared them and things that gave them hope. Lydia seems genuinely interested in what they have to say too. (Y/N), Billy notices as his eyes keep drifting towards her, hold a warm smile on her face the entire time. And it’s not fake or overdone. It seems so genuine, so honest. He wonders if anyone has ever smiled at him like this.

“ Abby, you haven’t said anything yet. How was your day ? “ Lydia asks, looking at the girl across from her in the circle of chairs. Abby must be around 7 or 8 years old. She’s small and has a big mop of blond hair on her head. Her sweater seems a few sizes too big, she’s practically drowning in it. Billy isn’t sure he really wants to know her story. If she’s here, he’s sure it’s not a happy one.

“ It was — alright. Grandma and Grandpa came to visit. They took me to get ice cream, mom wasn’t here though. Not this time. They said next time she’d come. Maybe I get to see her for my birthday. “ she says the words with a sprinkle of hope, one Billy knows too well. A hope he has tried to hold onto for so many times in his own life. One that’s but a mere illusion. It’s a trick. It’s not real.

He hopes this little girl never has to find out about that. He hopes, sincerely hopes, that she gets to keep this hope in her heart for as long as humanly possible. Because losing it comes with pain and suffering and heartbreak. And this little girl doesn't deserve that. 

“ So how would you rate your day from 1 to 10 ? “ Lydia asks. 

“ Like a 7 maybe ? “ 

“ Are you asking me ? “ Lydia smiles at Abby.

“ A solid 7 “.

“ That’s good then. “ 

They’ve done this with all the kids that had wanted to share something, ask them to rate their day. Billy’s days are usually 4s sometimes when it’s a real good day their climb up to become a 6. Then there’s days, those when Neil is home, that are no better than a 2. Those ones come with at least a bruised cheek or a bloody nose and at worst with a broken rib. 

“ So, I guess that’s it for today. Thank you guys for sharing your stories with us. Those of you to stay, please go get some lunch. Those that go home, I’ll see you next monday and I hope your week becomes a solid 10. “ 

Something in the way Lydia speaks, makes Billy feel a little more at easy. She has a softness to her words, like they’re made of cotton. His mom used to talk like that to her students. All gentle and kind and wonderful. 

“ Hey you “ a hand waves up and down in front of Billy’s face “ let’s grab lunch then let me show you around. “ 

It takes a moment for Billy’s eyes to fully focus on the person in front of him, only to be met with (Y/N) who’s wearing a huge scowl on her face. 

“ Huh ? “ 

“ I said let’s go eat. Oh and uh — thanks for not fucking this up. “ 

He doesn’t think behaving like a decent human being deserves any kind of thanks, he appreciates it anyway.

- XXX -

“ … and this is my office. Well technically it’s Janet’s office but she mostly does our paperwork and accounting and so she does that from home most of the time aaaand that means I get to use the office while she’s not here. Even though I’m only volunteering and I’m not supposed to have an office actually but uh —  “ 

“ You talk a lot, don’t you ? “ Billy asks as a smirk pulls up the corner of his lip. 

“ I’ve heard people say that, yeah. You on the other hand talk very little “ (Y/N) says before sitting down on the big oak desk. 

“ Yeah well I don’t got nothing to say to you, babe. “ 

“ Ah man, you gotta stop with those pet names. “ 

“ Huh, and why’s that ? Does it make you nervous ? “ there it is, the smooth suave Hargrove charm that his mother always said was gonna cause her sleepless night and gray hair. He always scoffed at that, now he wishes he could see her with gray hair. Older and — alive. 

“ Pretty much everything makes me nervous really but no, it’s just unprofessional. “ 

“ You’re a volunteer and I am here on court’s order. We’re hardly professionals. “ 

He can see a small smile threatening to cross her face, it’s so subtle he almost misses it. Almost. 

“ What’s the deal with Abby ? “

“ huh ? “

“ The little girl. “ 

Something about this girl reminded Billy so much of himself when he was younger. Her whole demeanor was so familiar like he was looking into some kind of distorted mirror that allowed him to look into the past. He just had to know what her story was, even if it meant to feel the all too familiar pain. 

“ I can’t tell you any specifics but well, her mom has — issues and her dad is not in the picture. She used to stay with her grandparents but they are getting older and feel like they can’t provide her with all the things she needs at this moment. So she stays here with us. “ 

“ Do all the kids ? “ 

“ Nah. Some of them stay here permanently. Some temporary. Some just come around certain days of the week. It really depends on their individual situation. We provide them with what they need even if it’s just a place to stay and some open ears. “ 

Billy wonders if things would’ve turned out different for him had he had someone who cared. Who was willing to listen. To his sadness and his anger and all the pent or emotions he had to keep inside for the longest fucking time.

“ Well good for them. “ 

“ Yeah. I hope it makes a difference. “ 

Billy smiles at her. He hopes it seems genuine, because it is.

“ Oh I’m sure it does. “ 

- XXX -

Billy is exhausted once he arrives home. (Y/N) took him around the entire building doing several different chores and tasks to make sure he got acquaintanced with everything that needed to be done. From tidying up the community lounge rooms to helping prepare food to paperwork. She made sure he saw and did it all at least once. And my god, this girl was thorough.

As he steps through the door, he can hear the scrapping of cutlery against the porcelain plates. They’re all sitting around the kitchen table like a perfect little family. Neil, Susan and Max. A sight for sore eyes, if he’s ever seen one. There’s no room for Billy on this table. There never really was.

Neil’s eye shoot up as his son enters the kitchen, a snarl makes its way onto his lips and the gross mustache twitches disgustingly. God, Billy can’t even put into words how much he detests his father.

“ Look who returned home. The prodigal son. My boy. Tell us Billy, how was community service ? Did you work real hard ? Did you make them proud ? “ 

The teasing is hardly hidden in his words. It’s ugly and taunting and Billy is sure those words are gonna ghost through his head for much much longer. If Neil could just shut up for once. Just once.

“ It was alright. Can I go to bed now ? “ 

“ Alright ? What kind of answer is that ? “ Neil snarls, taking another sip from his can of bud light. Susan and Max avert their eyes down towards their plates, nervously pushing their food across the tableware. 

“ What do you want me to say, dad ? That is was good? It wasn’t, it was fucking exhausting ! That I’m sorry ? Well I’m not. The dude had it coming. I did a shit thing and now I’m suffering the consequences, what the fuck else do you want me to do ? “ 

He knows, as those words leave his lips, that he’s fucked up. Before he can even register what happens, a loud smash echoes through the room before. Then Billy feels the smooth surface of the fridge pressed against his back and Neil holds him by the face in a grip so tight, Billy is sure there’ll be bruises tomorrow. 

“ Is that a way to talk to your father ? I give you everything you ungrateful little shit and this is how you thank me ? Grow up, Billy ! Start taking some god damn responsibility “ 

Smack. 

He’s used to it by now. It stings a little less each time. He hates that it does. He hates that he gets used to this. From his dad of all people. The one who should be sheltering him from bad is the one bringing it upon him.

“ Do you hear me ? “ 

“ Yes sir ! “ 

Another smack. This time he can feel his lip split open. He’s used to that one too.

“ Excuse me ? What was that ? A little louder please. “ 

“ Yes, Sir !” 

When Neil lets him go and sits back on the kitchen table, Billy carefully steps over the broken plate and hurries towards his room. The rage in his system says “slam the door” but he knows that would make things worse. So much worse. 

Though he can’t help himself but punch the wall. Once. Twice. Three times. He loses count at some point but gets pulled back into reality when he notices a red sheen covering his knuckles. 

As if a split lip wasn’t shitty enough he had to add bleeding knuckles and a bruised fist to it. Great. 

The rage feels all consuming. Like it’s taking over everything and swallowing him whole. He needs to get out. Needs to get away for a moment. Out of this house where misery lives and anger seems to inhabit every corner, every wall. If he doesn’t get out now he’ll explode.

So he opens the window, quiet as a mouse, like he’s done so many times before and rushes towards the camaro. If Neil notices he’s gone, that’s something he’ll have to deal with later. It doesn’t matter right now. All that matter now is getting away. As far away as possible.

- XXX -

There’s a perpetual red glow in this 24h convenience store. It comes from the neon signs in the window that advertise hot dogs and cream soda. Billy thinks it gives the place a realy creepy vibe. 

He fumbles around the freezer before taking out a popsicle package and holding it to his swollen knuckles. It’s soothing sure, but it’s uncomfortable holding that stupid box to his hand.

“ Have you never seen a movie before ? You gotta use frozen peas, man “ 

Recognizing the voice immediately, Billy turns to see (Y/N) stood next to him, a white grocery basket hanging from her arm as she holds out a packet of peas to him. 

“ They properly take the shape of your hand. Works way better, trust me ! “ 

“ Oh yeah “ Billy replies, taking the peas from her hand and holding it to his injured. Goddamn she’s right. “ You some kind of secret nurse or something ? “ 

“ Not really but that’s common sense. “ 

“ Not something I can pride myself with apparently. “ 

And when she laughs at that, it’s like for a second his knuckles don’t hurt and he forgets about the dried blood on his lips.

“ Man, you just got ordered community service for punching someone. Thought you’d have learned. “ 

“ You should see the other guy “ Billy jokes. But really, it’s not funny. Not even close.

“ Yeah ? Big guy ? “ 

“ Huge. Made of drywall “ 

“ Huh. Did you win at least ? “

“ Ya betcha, baby. I always win “ and if only that was the truth.

“ Come on Rocky, lemme get some stuff to fix you up. “ 

It’s a few minutes later that Billy sits in the bed of her pick-up with (Y/N) standing between his legs, dabbing alcohol onto his lip and knuckles. If this wasn’t such a ridiculous situation it could even be a little romantic. With her so close to — certain regions of his body. Fucking hell Billy, get it together !

“ So uh — do you wanna talk about what happened ? “ 

“ Not really. “ 

“ You sure I could — “ 

“ Look (Y/N) I don’t have the best life at home, okay ? But that’s all you need to know. I’m not one of your kids that spill their heart and emotions out to you I just needed to get away from home, is that alright with you ?  

“ That’s perfectly fine “.

He can almost feel how genuine her words are. She doesn’t judge or pry. And he is eternally grateful for that. 

“ Why are you here so late anyway ? “ 

“ Had to get some groceries. We’re gonna pretend I didn’t just come here because I had a huge craving for ice cream, okay ? “ 

He scoffs. This girl is ridiculous. And something about that makes her incredibly charming.

“ So, I assume you don’t wanna go home tonight ? “ 

He doesn’t. If Neil has discovered him gone, he can’t show up home again tonight. Not under any circumstances.

“ Not really, no. “ 

“ I have a pretty comfortable couch. It’s big enough for you and it comes with an extra fluffy cuddle companion. “ 

“ What does that mean ? “ 

“ I have a cat. His name is Luke Skywhiskers and he’s fat and orange and very clingy. So if you don’t mind that — “ she shrugs her shoulders in a way that shouldn’t be nearly as cute as it is. 

Billy isn’t particularly fond of cats, then again he’s never really had a lot to do with any cats. Never being allowed to have any pet because they’re “dirty” and “cost a shit ton of money” according to Neil, Billy was never given the chance to really bond with an animal.

But then again, everything was better than going home.

“ Sounds alright. “ 

“ Okay, cool. “ 

“ Thank you, (Y/N). “ 

“ It’s no problem. Just follow my car and I’ll see you at my place then “ (Y/N) says, pats his chest and gets into her car.

As Billy get into the Camaro and  slumps down in the seat he wonders how his night managed to end like this. Bloodied and bruised and one the way to spend the night at a complete strangers house. 

A stranger who’s shown him more kindness in the last 24 hours than his dad did in the last almsot 18 years. 

Maybe tonight wasn’t so bad after all. Maybe it was a solid 5. 

[missroserose]

We’ll Become Who We Meant To Be

Donation prompt #1.  For @ihni​.

“I think that we all do heroic things; but hero is not a noun, it’s a verb.”  --Robert Downey, Jr.

*

“Good morning,” Joyce Byers said with some irony.

She was sitting at the table in the darkened kitchen, lit only by the hood lamp over the aging stove and the bright cherry of her cigarette.  Steve glanced at the clock over the range; it was past one AM.  He avoided looking at the freezer, even though he knew the corpse of the demo-dog was gone; he’d buried it himself, yesterday.

“Sorry,” he said, felt a little like he was intruding on a private moment.  “I couldn’t sleep.”

Joyce smiled, looking for a moment like an old priestess, careworn but welcoming.  “That makes two of us.  Come on, sit down.”

Steve sat, gingerly—Joyce looked so tired, the perennial circles under her eyes even darker than usual.  Not that his own mug was any great work of art, in its current condition.  

As if sensing his thoughts, Joyce asked, “How’s your face?”

He gave an embarrassed sort of half-shrug.  The truth was, it hurt like a bitch.  “Nothing broken.  It’ll heal.”  A pause, as he scrambled for something to say.  “How’s Will?”

She gave a wry half-smile to match his shrug.  “He’ll heal, at least.”  A pause, as she took a drag on the cigarette, held it in for a moment, blew it out.  “Or he won’t.  But he’s a tough kid.  Tougher than people give him credit for.”

Steve thought of the sight that met him when he checked on the kids a minute ago, sleeping preteens draped over each other like puppies sharing warmth.  “He has good friends.”

“Better than yours were?”  Her question prodded at a less physical sort of bruise, and Steve winced.  Joyce shook her head in a vague apology.  “I’m sorry.  I don’t mean to pry.  But you seem awfully lonely.  The kids are great, but…”

Steve understood what she meant.  “I guess.  All my friends were...assholes, really.  They were assholes because I was an asshole.  Then...I fell in love with Nance, and she wanted...someone better.  Someone decent.”  The words started out hesitant, but soon began daisy-chaining together, one after the next, a magician’s scarf pulled from a sleeve.  “And for a little while I thought,  I could do it.  I can be that for her.  So I dumped my asshole friends.  I gave up on being the cool guy, tried to be a decent guy instead.  Tried to be the hero she needed.  And now—”  

He didn’t have to finish the story; they both knew how it turned out.  Joyce simply looked at him, the cherry brightening as she took another drag.

Steve shrugged again, suddenly bashful.  “I was just fooling myself, anyway.  I’ve never been that type.  I think—”  His voice cracked a little, but Joyce pretended not to notice, for which Steve found himself decidedly grateful.  “Honestly, I think she was right to dump me.”

The words sat between them, heavy pebbles polished to a high sheen by their constant tumbling in Steve’s mind.

After a moment, Joyce reached into her pocket and handed over the pack of cigarettes.

“Do you want to be a hero?”   

*

Behind the mall, standing just upwind of the dumpsters and sweating in the humid June afternoon, Steve doesn’t feel like a hero.

He feels…ordinary.  An ordinary wage slave, working an ordinary gig in a mall that, despite what the ads on TV would have you believe, is about as ordinary as you can get.  Dozens of them, all across Middle America.

He finds the thought—the anonymity—oddly comforting.

Which doesn’t make the job itself suck any less.  He lingers for a moment, working up the courage to cross the parking lot in his ridiculous sailor uniform.  There’s just enough wind to ruffle through his hair, dry the sweat that somehow always accumulates there despite the mall’s air-conditioning.  Taking the trash out is possibly the least glamorous part of an unglamorous job, but Steve appreciates precisely one thing about it—it means his shift is over, which means he can finally ditch the stupid fucking hat.  

He takes a couple of breaths, savoring the warm soupy air after hours spent in refrigerated, fluorescent-lit hell.  He fingers the pack of cigarettes in his pocket, debating whether to light one.  He knows Dustin would get on his back about it—haven’t you seen the news?  Those things will give you cancer, Steven!—but he’d like to see Dustin do this job without something to help him keep his cool—

“Boy, we’ve talked about this.  You know good and well what happens when you mouth off in front of your sister like that.  You want her to learn your disrespectful habits?”

The words only half-register in Steve’s distracted state, the anger in them leaving more of an impression than the actual meaning.  It’s the response that catches his ear—he knows that obstinate baritone.  “Are we talking about the same Maxine?  She doesn’t need my help to be smart.  She just keeps it bottled up around you and Susan.”  

That voice doesn’t sound like Steve’s ever heard it.  It’s…whiny, almost.  Petulant, with an undercurrent of something he can’t quite place, something that’s wrong in it the way demodogs were wrong in the junkyard.  Something that doesn’t fit.

“Then perhaps you should learn from her example.”  The voices are coming from round the corner, where (Steve knows, because it’s an excellent spot for a smoke break) two protrusions along the mall’s side make a convenient alcove.

Steve knows he shouldn’t be eavesdropping, but he tiptoes a little closer anyway, careful to keep out of sight.  

“Sure, if you want me to act like a little bitch, I’ll start studying right the hell up—”

Punches, Steve has had reason to discover, sound nothing at all like they do in the movies.  The noise is somewhere between a slap and a thud—the tangible thwack of skin hitting skin, the darker, more visceral thump of the bones beneath colliding with barely a thin cushion of meat between them.  Steve’s gut clenches, and without realizing he’d made the decision, he finds himself rounding the corner.  ”Hey!  What’re you—“

He hasn’t seen Billy Hargrove since graduation—since before then, really; Hargrove hadn’t bothered to show up to the ceremony, and Steve, who had endured what felt like hours of smiling and shaking his father’s friends’ hands, had found himself a little envious.  Now he stands against the wall, posture defiant despite the fingers gathered in the collar of his t-shirt.  His eyes meet Steve’s, widen, something of that same wrongness in them.  “Harrington?” he says, his voice rough as if the word had been dragged out via fishhook—then his gaze drops, perhaps in preparation for the fist that’s pulled back, ready to strike again.

Steve follows that fist along its arm back to its owner.  He doesn’t recognize the man, and there’s not much resemblance—broader build, haircut that might’ve once been military, square jaw.  But the sudden hollow sensation in Steve’s stomach, as the man’s intense blue-eyed gaze turns on him, is horribly familiar.

This has to be Billy’s father.

It’s not his business.  This is clearly a family affair.  It’s not on him to interrupt.  He should turn around and pretend he didn’t see anything.  It’s not his place.  He shouldn’t get involved.  People will be angry at him if he tries to step in.  He’s wearing a fucking sailor suit, for god’s sake—

Billy’s lip is bleeding.

And Billy’s father—is smiling.

The smile has an edge to it, a glitter like the fresh-cut edge of rusted rebar.  It reminds Steve of his own joyless grin, captured in that stupid commercial for everyone in Hawkins to see in between reruns of M*A*S*H—and Steve’s hit with a terrible sense of deja vu, waits for the man to throw his head back.  Hears Billy’s wild laughter in his head.  I’ve been waiting to meet this King Steve everyone’s been talking about—

But he doesn’t laugh, only lets go of Billy’s collar, turns.  Straightens.  “Ahh.  You must be the Harrington boy.”  He takes a step towards Steve.  “I’ve heard a bit about you.  Seems you got a couple good hits in on Billy here last fall before he laid you out.”

Despite the casual tone, despite the sweltering heat, Steve can feel the words trickle down his spine, icy trails left as they pool cold in his gut.  He wants to bluster, he wants to cower, he wants to run; he can’t move, doesn’t even know how his voice will sound when he opens his mouth.  “I’m sorry—”

The man waves a hand, the same hand that had been pulled back in a fist just moments ago.  “No, no.  No need to be sorry.  Boys will be boys, and my son—” here he glances back at Billy, who’s staring resolutely at the asphalt—“has an attitude problem.”  He runs a hand through his hair, adjusts his collar.  “In any case, I should be getting back to the family.  I’ll let the two of you work things out.”  A hand comes down on Steve’s shoulder, somehow far heavier than it should be.  “And Billy?”

Steve doesn’t miss the way Billy flinches when the man says his name.  “Yes?”

“Don’t be too long.  I expect to see you in an hour for the movie.”

They stand for a moment after the man leaves, minutes or hours or days.  The hair on the back of Steve’s neck eventually lays back down.  Billy still refuses to meet Steve’s eyes.

Finally, Billy speaks.  “Go on then.”  He doesn’t look up.  His voice sounds more normal, just…tired.  Defeated.  “You heard him.  Take a swing.”

Steve blinks.  And, for a moment…

…but that, as Dustin would say, is the Dark Side talking.  And didn’t the green guy with the big ears have something to say about that?  Forever will it dominate your destiny…

“I’m sorry,” he says instead.

Billy finally looks up again, and as those blue eyes meet his, all thoughts of Star Wars are immediately gone from Steve’s head.  If there’s one thing Billy shares with his father, it’s that ability to project danger.

“Don’t be sorry,” Billy spits.  “Just punch me and get it over with.  We both know you want to.”

“And have you lay me out again?”  Steve scoffs.  “Thanks, but no thanks.”

“I won’t.”  Billy lifts his chin a little.  “I can take my licks.  I’m not a pussy.”

And Steve…is tempted.  Curls his fingers into a fist as he imagines the deeply satisfying slap-thud of landing a punch on Billy’s jaw.  Payback for days spent with a swollen face, weeks of watching his supposed friends drift away, months of frustration at the constant snubs and taunts and put-downs.

It’d be a good thing, in the end, says a voice in Steve’s head.  A preemptive strike.  Show the enemy your strength, deter them from attacking in the future and causing greater damage.  Heroic, even—

Do you want to be a hero?

Steve takes a breath.  Uncurls his fingers.

“It’s not right,” he says.  “Doesn’t matter if it’s him or me.  You don’t deserve that shit.”

Billy’s eyes flash at that, and he pushes off from the wall.  Gets up in Steve’s face.  “Don’t tell me what I fucking deserve, Harrington.  You don’t know shit about me.”  He jabs a finger in Steve’s chest.  “You don’t know what I’m like.  What I’m capable of.  Don’t you ever fucking pity me—”

Steve holds up his hands, steps back.  Is about to turn on his heel.  Serves him right for trying to be a decent human being to this asshole—

Billy’s hand is shaking.

He glances at Billy again.  Really looks him in the face.  In his eyes.  And something there causes a fluttering hollow, deep in his stomach.  An alien feeling. 

Carefully, exaggeratedly, he looks down, then up.  “Do I look like I’m in a position to pity anyone?”

He watches as Billy’s gaze rakes over his outfit.  Watches his expression turn from angry, to vulnerable, to confounded.  “...the fuck are you wearing?”

Slowly, Steve reaches into his pocket.  Pulls out the cigarettes.

“Tell you what,” he says, keeping his voice casual.  Taps out a cigarette, holds it out to Billy, a peace offering in a white cylinder.  “I’ll tell you if you tell me what your father was so pissed about.”  

“Like he needs a fuckin’ reason,” Billy mutters, but he takes the cigarette between his lips, reaches into his own pocket for a lighter.  “I’m disrespectful, is all.  A bad seed.  Anyone can tell.”  Flicks it, once, twice, but his hands are shaking too hard to get a proper catch on the wick.

“Here, let me,” Steve says on instinct, reaches up to help.  

He only means to take the lighter from Billy, but his fingers brush Billy’s hand, and he nearly jumps at the sensation.  Skin on skin, tingling, almost electric.

Billy goes still.  Steve flicks his eyes back up to Billy’s face, half afraid he’s having some kind of fit, but he’s breathing—rapid and shallow, blue eyes fixed on the lighter, on the place where their hands touch.  Those eyes raise to meet his—not quite a question.

Not quite a denial, either.

Delicately, Steve wraps his hands around Billy’s.  He flicks the wheel on the lighter, holds Billy’s hand steady as he guides it to the cigarette.  The space between them is so quiet, Steve can hear the paper shrivel beneath the heat.

Belatedly, Billy sucks in air, lights the cig properly.  Steve snaps the lighter shut, withdraws his hands.  Waits for the awkward moment to pass, for Billy to step away.

He doesn’t.  Billy pockets the lighter.  Looks up at Steve again.   And there’s something…not wrong in this eyes, this time, but different.  Clearer, like a window that’s been cleaned of grime.

“It was Max.”  The words are mumbled around the cigarette, barely more than a bitter whisper.  He takes a drag, turns his head to the side to blow it out.  “Little bitch was pocketing a lipstick.  Neil was already in a mood, was about to round the corner and see her.  So I—I said some shit.”  He shrugs, looks down at the bloodstained cigarette between his fingers.  “I don’t remember what.  Doesn’t really matter.  It got his attention.”

Steve feels something sour turn over in his gut.  “Does he hit her too?”

A flare in Billy’s eyes, the usual defiance reappearing; for a moment Steve is convinced he’s gone too far.  Steels himself for more venomous words, maybe for a punch.  

Then Billy’s eyes brighten again, and—a tear slides down his cheek.  

“Not yet.”  A trembling hand to his lips, another drag on the cigarette.  “Not ever, so long as I’m around.”  

Their gaze has gotten a little too intimate.  Steve sucks in a breath, moves to the side, takes a few steps over to the wall.  Leans with his back against it, pulls out a cigarette for himself.  Billy joins him, and they smoke together for a moment, in silence.

Steve’s emotions are a jumble.  Surprise, that Billy would care so much.  Anger, that this would be the choice that defines anyone’s life.  Fear, for Billy and for Max.  And something else, something he can’t quite define, but that fills his chest with sweet-scented air.

Awe, maybe.

“Some people would call that heroic,” he finally says.

Billy gives a sort of half-smile, though it’s more bitter than sad.  “Yeah, well.  We’re family.  We’re all we’ve got.”

Steve shakes his head.  “Not true.”  He bumps his shoulder, lightly, against Billy’s.  “You’ve got me too.”  He laughs, then, just as bitter.  “For what that’s worth.  No college.  No apartment.  Three bucks an hour scooping ice cream.  No future.”  He makes a sad little jazz-hands motion.  “Ta daaa.  King Steve, at your service.”

Billy turns, takes a moment to savor the sight of Steve in his uniform.  “Could be worse,” he says.

“Oh?  How, exactly, could it be worse?”

A little of the old cockiness comes back into his stance, as he shoots Steve a wink.  “You look fuckin’ adorable in that suit.”

*

“Do you want to be a hero?”

Steve had smoked his cigarette halfway down by the time he answered.  “Doesn’t everyone?  Fight evil?  Save the day?  Get the girl?  All the movie stuff?”

It was Joyce’s turn to shrug as she tapped her butt out in the ashtray.  “I guess it depends on what you mean by ‘hero’.  Some people want all of that.  Some people prefer things…quieter.  They want to have friends, and a life, and maybe someone to love.  But put those people in danger, put the people they love in danger…and they’ll do anything to save them.  Face down a monster.  Spread a rumor.  Take a beating from a bully.”  She pauses, looks at his face meaningfully.  “Does that make them less heroic?”

Steve hadn’t known that blushing could hurt.  “I dunno.  Maybe those people could’ve done more.  Maybe…what they did wasn’t enough, in the end.”

To his surprise, Joyce sat back in her chair, thought it over.  “Maybe they’re not heroes, then.”  She nodded, as if she’d come to some conclusion, and smiled at Steve.  “Maybe they’re just decent people.”

*

“There is only one heroism in the world:  to see the world as it is, and to love it.”  --Romain Rolland

help me raise money to fight MS!

[forever-rogue]

137 and 142 for billy bby pls?💖

137. “Truth is, I just wanted an excuse to hold your hand.”  & 142. “You should talk to her.” - “And have her hear me? No thank you.”

»»————-　♡　————-««

"You should talk to her," Max tugged on Billy's sleeve, trying to snap him back into reality. He had been waiting to pick her up after school, but hadn't noticed that Max had come up several minutes before. But he had been distracted, very distracted by your presence across the parking lot.

You were picking up your little brother from school, mildly aware that there were a pair of eyes on your form. You'd looked up briefly and noticed that it was Billy watching you, which had made your cheeks heat up. But you weren't about to give him the satisfaction of making eye contact.

Instead, you pretended you hadn't even noticed him. Resident bad boy Billy Hargrove didn't need to know that you had a little crush on him. Or a big one. You definitely weren't going to admit that to anyone - you'd be in your grave before that.

"And have her here me? No thank you," he snorted, finally tearing his eyes away from you. Max just laughed and her head before patting his arm gently.

"You obviously like her," she sighed dramatically, "I thought you were so tough and scary, but you can't even talk to a girl? Maybe you're not so tough after all."

"Max, you better not tell anyone," he sounded almost desperate, his blue eyes wild as she just shook her at him, "she's just some silly girl. No one important."

"That's what you're telling yourself now," she raised an eyebrow and gave him a knowing smirk before getting his car, "I bet you'll be asking her out before the end of the year!"

"Maxine!"

»»————-　♡　————-««

"A-are you sure we have to do this?" the huge haunted house in front of you suddenly seemed to loom and present a very foreboding presence. You weren't sure how you let your friends convince you to go, but here you were. Scared and annoyed at your inability to say no.

"Come on, Y/N," Steve nudged your arm gently, "it'll be fun. Nothing in there is real, and nothing bad will happen."

"Easy for you to say," you rolled your eyes although you appreciated his attempt at trying to make you feel better. But everyone had paired up together...which left you by yourself. It was a very harrowing reminder that you were the only single one in the group, "you've got a girlfriend to hold hands with. I've got myself to bring up the rear."

"I've got two hands," he offered, holding them up as if to prove his point. You just scoffed at as the line moved you got closer and closer to the door, "you can hold one!"

"Absolutely not," you insisted, shaking your head at the idea, "I'd rather go alone and pee my pants."

"Suit yourself," Steve shrugged and turned his attention back to the rest of your group. You kept to the back and tried to psych yourself up mentally, almost jumping out of your skin when you felt a hand on your shoulder, "Jesus Christ!"

"Sorry," you froze when the familiar voice reached your ears. Turning on your heels, you came face to face with none other than Billy. Your mouth dropped open and you were suddenly lost for words, "Y/N? I-I didn't mean to scare you."

"Billy," you finally managed to get choke out his name, "what are you doing here?"

"It's almost Halloween, it is that weird that I'm going to the haunted house?" he tilted his head and he waited for an answer, a little smirk playing on his features, "I took Max, but she ran off to find her little friends."

"Oh, right of course," you scratched the back of your neck awkwardly, unsure if you should turn your attention back to your friends or keep talking to him. Your brain suggested your friends, but your heart leaned towards Billy, "what happened to the kids?"

"Apparently I'm not cool enough for them," he laughed lightly, shrugging his shoulders, "so I figured what better thing to do at the fall carnival than check out haunted house."

"I'm not sure that's such a good idea personally," you shuddered a little bit as a bunch of screams sounded off in the house. Instinctively you leaned towards Billy, leaving very little between your bodies, "oops....sorry Billy."

"It's fine," he said quietly, definitely not minding how close you were to him. He could practically feel the heat radiating off of your body, "are you alright? You seem a little jumpy."

"I'm not exactly a big fan of haunted houses," you admitted sheepishly, "the gang all wanted to go and I didn't want to be the only one not going. I know that sounds super lame..."

"It's not lame," he insisted, his voice getting more quiet, "it is a little funny though, I'm not going to lie."

"Billy!" you couldn't help but laugh at him, "don't be a jerk! Some of us actually get scared sometimes."

"Would it make you feel better if I went in with you?" he volunteered and you were about to tell him no, refusing to spend time with him and accidentally admit that you liked him. But the line lurched forward again and that quickly changed your tune, so you just nodded in response, "it won't be too bad. I swear."

"Thank you," you breathed out quickly, absentmindedly reaching for his hand, "if I break your hand I'm sorry in advance. I'll try and control myself."

"Don't worry, I've got you," he promised, lacing his fingers through yours. It was unnecessary, you realized, but not unwelcome. You were surprised by how perfectly his hand felt in yours, "c-can I tell you something?"

"I'm pretty sure, given our current situation, and the fact that you're doing me a favor, you can tell me anything," you mused as he let out a nervous chuckle. It was nice sound, you decided, and one you'd rarely heard before.

"Truth is, I just wanted an excuse to hold your hand," you were almost positive you could see a light flush of color enter his cheeks under the pale moonlight, "I just never knew h-how to come and ask you out or whatever."

"M-me?" was the only thing out of your mouth as he nodded. Your suspicions had been right - Billy did have an eye for you.

"Max has been trying to give me pointers on how to talk to you..." he studied his feel intently and your stomach felt like it was going to burst with butterflies, "this was one of her suggestions."

"I suppose its excellent timing," you admitted, "I'm nervous as hell, and your presence both helps and makes me nervous. I think you can figure out why..."

"Why? Oh...OH?" his eyes grew wide with excitement as he realized what you were hinting, "really?"

"Really," you gave in with a small smile, taking another step and finding yourself at the front of the line. You grew nervous suddenly, "how about we go in and do this, and you can ask me out properly afterwards. Sound good?"

"Excellent," he agreed, "come on, let me take the lead. I'll protect you."

[needsomehargrovelovin]

FallingForYou

A/N: Hiii, this is my first fic with Steve rather than Billy and I am now taking requests for fics for Nancy, Steve, Billy, Robin, and Johnathan. Also every fic I make is named after a song so this one is names after FallingForYou by the 1975. Enjoy 🖤

Steve Harrington x Reader

Warnings: ooc Steve, ooc Billy

————————————————————-

I had been friends with Steve since I could remember. We grew up next door to each other and used to make mud pies together when we were little. Him and I had been inseparable until the time we turned fifteen. Around Softmore year Steve decided he would try out for the baseball team at school and he ended up being their star pitcher, after he made the baseball team he decided he would also join the basketball team, he excelled at that as well. Steve had always been cool and handsome but once he joined the sports team he had popularity coming out his ears. He had always promised me that we would still hang out and that I would always be his best friend but you know how it goes; it starts off with “Hey Y/N, I don’t think I’ll be able to make it to the movie tonight practice is running late, let’s reschedule!” Then its “I’d love to hang out but Tommy H wanted to check out this party, I’d invite you but I know parties aren’t your thing.” And eventually there were no more calls, no more notes, and no more stops by my locker. I was fine though, I had anticipated it. We still waved at each other in the halls, I still went to all his games, and he still came to all my art galleries but we didn’t really know what was happening in each others lives. Around junior year after Nancy cheated on him with Johnathan Byers and Billy Hargrove replaced him as the king of Hawkings High Steve appeared at my bedroom window, him and I talked all night that night. He had started talking to me about how Tommy and Carol pushed him to start dating Nancy, how he didn’t like her at first and that he grew to love her, how he thought that was the reason her cheating hurt him so much. He told me before he got with Nancy that he had hoped that him and I would have gotten together but things had changed and he wished they didn’t. After that night things shifted between us completely and there were no longer friendly smiles in the halls and little waves at the end of the day. Steve and Billy had become good friends and ruled Hawkings High side by side and the best friend I had once known was completely gone. I think of that night on the roof often and feel as if it was Steve saying goodbye to the person he once was and to say goodbye the who Steve used to be he had to say goodbye to be as well. I would see this new version of Steve hit on every girl, race cars with Billy, get shitfaced at every party, and come to school severely hung over. It was heartbreaking watching someone I was so close with destory himself in the name of a good time. After we graduated from Hawkings I left immediately for college and haven’t heard from Steve since.

It had been a year since I had been home, I was excited for summer, I was excited to see my family, I was just excited to have a break from college. My excitement grew as I saw the “Welcome to Hawkings” sign, in about 5 minutes I would be pulling into my driveway. I pulled my 65 Impala in front of my house and my parents were waiting for me outside arms open wide. I ran over and threw myself into my moms warm embrace.

“You’re blonde now!” My mom exclaimed as she tilted my head to the sun.

“Yeah! I did it my first week of college, I decided since I was in a new setting I needed a new and improved me. Do you like it?”

“I love it, you’re beautiful no matter what.” My mom smiled.

“Y/n, I figured you haven’t had fun all school year so I’ll take your bags inside and I want you to go check out the new mall.” My dad smiled, he pulled put $20 for me and urged me to go. I gleefully accepted and took off.

I got out of my car and looked up at the building in awe, Hawkings had been talking about building a new mall for ages and nobody thought it would come true. I locked my car and went inside I went to several shops buying little things here and there and after a while landed in a small ice cream shop called Scoops Ahoy.

“Ahoy— Oh my god!” Robin exclaimed, she ran out from behind the counter and threw her arms around me in excitement. “You’re blonde! It looks so good! I can’t believe you’re home I missed you so much!”

“I’m glad you like it! And I can’t believe we have a mall now, and I can’t believe you work in the mall.” It was nice catching up with Robin, she and I got pretty close after Steve bailed on me.

“What flavor ice cream do you want?” She asked “You can pick any and it will be on the house.” She insisted.

“I guess I’ll take mint chocolate chip?” I said with a smile. She scooped me a cup and I sat down at the table closest to her so we could still engage in conversation while she worked.

“Oh boy, here comes king asshole looking for his little boyfriend.” Robin scoffed. Bily came swaggering in with Tommy H at tow.

“Sailor, could you do we a favor and go fetch Harrington for me?” Billy smirked. Robin rolled her eyes and went into the back room. My heart jumped into my throat as Steve walked out.

“Here’s your little bitch boy.” Robin smirked back. I snorted and all three boys whipped their head in my direction.

“Y/N?” Steve asked.

“Hey Harrington.” I half smiled.

“Damn, you looked different.” Tommy H commented.

“What he means to say is that you look stunning.” Billy blew me a kiss. I cringed at the thought of Billy Hargrove.

“Yeah, you do look stunning. Did you change your hair?” Steve asked, he appeared mesmerized at the sight of me.

“Uh yeah, I changed it my first week at Columbia.”

“You have to tell me all about New York.” Robin smiled at me.

“Well princess, I was coming to tell Harrington about Tina’s party tonight. You should stop in, after all you’ve been gone all this time.” Billy winked. He had a point, I should do something fun my first night back.

“Can Robin come?” I asked the blonde.

“Of course princess.” The blonde handed you two invitations and you smirked at Robin.

“You’re going, I’m your best friend, its my first night back, we’re going and we’re going to have fun.” I demanded.

“Its true what they say about blondes “ she laughed.

I left the mall around 7:00 right as Robin got off work, we made our way back to my house so we could get ready for the party. Robin didn’t dress up too much, she joked that she was going for a stereotypical lesbian look and I laughed. I had on a tight black dress and red heels, my blonde hair was teased to perfection and I had a red bandanna wrapped around my head. We arrived at the party around 8:30, Master of Puppets blared down the street. Robin and I walked in and were automatically handed spiked raspberry punch. Heather noticed me and started talking about how much she loved my hair and her and Robin asked me about New York.

“New York is something else, Manhattan is filled with boutiques and cafes. Central Park during the fall is like a fairytale. And the art museums are mesmerizing.” Sometime during the conversation Tina, Tammy, and Nancy joined us.

“Did you meet any cute guys?” Tina asked.

“New York men all look like perfect sculptures.” I laughed.

“Do you like any of them?” Tammy inquired.

“There was this guy in my statistic named Aaron.” I said casually.

“Yeah?” Robin urged me to continue.

“He’s twenty years old and he and I dated for a little bit. He looks really similar to Matt Dillon and he’a going for Mechanical engineering.”

“Well where is Mr. Handsome?” Nancy asked.

“We got into a fight before I left to come home. He said if I walked out the door we were done.” I took a sip of my punch. Our conversation was halted when a huge crash sounded outside. Billy and Steve both got too drunk and apparently decided to make a slip n slide to which Steve slipped a little too much and ended up knocking over the grill. I ran over to help him, his whole face was covered in blood. I pulled him up to his feet and dragged hos drunken body to the restroom. He sat down on the toilet seat and I started tending to his wounds.

“I’ve missed you Y/N.” He said in slurs.

“I’ve missed you too Steve.” I gave a small smile.

“No you haven’t, I was I was a jerk to you. You probably hate me.” He stuttered.

“No Steve, you’re my partner in crime, I could never hate you.” I said looking deep into his earthy brown eyes. He caught my arm and pinned me to the wall quickly crashing his lips onto mine.

I pulled back looking at him in shock and confusion and he quickly averted eye contact.

“I should’ve never bailed on you! I only did it because I was scared!” Steve started yelling hysterically.

“Hey, hey, calm down. Scared of what Steve?” I asked in a gentle tone.

“Scared of you!” He yelled once more. He sat down on the closed toilet seat and threw his head in his hands.

“Why would you be scared of me?” I was hurt.

“Because you went from being this girl who I would mud wrestle with to this beautiful, smart, courageous person and I got scared of the fact that I was in love with you.” He said embarrassed. “Correction, am in love with.”

“Steve I-“

“I know you don’t feel the same way it’s fine it’s whatever.” He threw his arms up in defeat.

“If you would let me fucking talk Harrington!” I cupped his face so he would look at me. “I’ve been in love with you for years, Steve.”

“You have?” His face lit up.

“Of course I have! I’ve continuously fallen in love with you over the years, I never said anything because I didn’t want to lose my best friend.” I smiled.

“That night on your roof I wanted to kiss you so bad, I was so scared that if I did you would’ve thrown me off that roof.” He let out a soft chuckle. He stood up and kissed me again, this is all I had wanted since I was seven years old and it was finally happening. “Would it be okay if I took you out on an official date tomorrow?” He asked.

“If you remember this moment then sure.” I laughed.

And he did remember that moment. He arrived at my house the next day at 5:30 sharp for our first official date. We weren’t going out as ‘Steve Harrington and Y/N Y/L/N best friends for eternity.’ We were going out as ‘Steve Harrington and Y/N Y/L/N long lost lovers who finally reunited.’ There was something about that that was hauntingly beautiful.

We didn’t worry about what would happen when Autumn came and I was back in New York because we knew we still had the summer, and we knew the love we had made any distance possible.

*Two years Later*

Christmas music softly played from my radio in my dorm. I was laying in my bed wrapped in Steve’s warm embrace. He was slightly humming Jingle Bell Rock.

“Asking you to move here was the best decision I ever made.” I said softly.

“You want to know the best decision I ever made?” He asked.

“Whats that baby?” I asked making eye contact with the love of my life.

“Falling for you.” He smiled.

“I didn’t know you could decide that.” I teased.

“You definitely can.” He said before tickling me.

He stopped and he smiled and he placed a small passionate kiss on my lips.

“I love you, Y/n.”

“I love you too, Steve.”

[thephantomofthe-internet]

Homeward Bound: Chapter 8

Steve Harrington x Henderson!Reader, Billy Hargrove x Henderson!Reader

Chapter 1 | Chapter 2 | Chapter 3 | Chapter 4 | Chapter 5 | Chapter 6 | Chapter 7 | Chapter 8 | Chapter 9 | Chapter 10 | Chapter 11 | Chapter 12 | Chapter 13

Chapter Summary: Going from Hargrove to Harrington can give a girl whiplash, or at least it should.

Words: 3,213

Warnings: Swearing, slight smut referenced oops, death mention

Permanent Tag: @hotstuffhargrove @denimjacketkisses @hargrovesgoldilocks @casaharrington @lilmissperfectlyimperfect @hipsmcgee

Series Tag: @moonstruckhargrove @kurt-nightcrawler @baebee35 @thoughstofaredhead @supernatural-pants @bby-becca @fear-the-reaper115

You awoke to the sun burning your eyes. Your neck was sore and locked up, your back aching. As you sat up, it took you a minute to remember where you were. This wasn’t your bed, nor was it your room, but your things were everywhere.

You were at Billy’s. And you’d slept with him.

And you hated yourself for it. You shouldn’t have done it, he loved you for Christ’s sake, and you used him.

And the worst part was it wasn’t even good. It was terrible, god awful, embarrassingly bad. You were certain that your memory of him being a god in bed was just the memory of an inexperienced teenager, because this was not good by any means. You’d never felt more ignored by the person on top of your in your life-you were a complete afterthought in the whole event. You swore you’d never been further from an orgasm in your entire life. That would’ve been shitty but if it hadn’t lasted forever; that was the one thing your memory had correct, he lasted long. Too bad that’s all he had going for him.

You crept out of bed; Billy was still snoring next to your place in bed, and slowly gathered your things off the floor. You made sure to not miss a piece of yourself, pulling back on your skirt and blouse, your bra was still around your waist when you awoke. You pulled on your underwear and tiptoed out of his bedroom.

Your shoes and purse were still by the door and you grabbed them, slipping out the front door before he could even stir.

You knew well enough that you looked awful-signs of sex were all over you. You were more than glad that the hickeys weren’t on your neck, only your chest and collarbones. Your body was desperately sore, though it was only because you’d tried and failed to share a twin bed.

As you made your way out of the apartment, you wondered how you were going to spin this into a good lie. Your mother was going to kill you, god that felt so immature to you. You weren’t supposed to be out with boys, unless the boy was Dustin, and you certainly weren’t supposed to be spending the night with them. And you’d been gone all night, how the hell were you supposed to cover for yourself. Steve had to have told your mother where you were going, he always had to have the moral high ground over you.

The honk of a car horn startled you out of your thoughts, though you chose not to turn around to see who it was. You didn’t want nor need to see whoever thought it was a good idea to honk to get a lady’s attention.

“Henderson!” the driver cried and you let out a small sigh and a tired laugh, turning to smile at the driver.

Steve Harrington was behind you and his timing was excellent.

“You need a ride?” he asked, slowing the car as he got closer to you. You nodded, pulling open the door and hopping in quickly. Steve chuckled, watching you straighten out and slump down, defeated.

“Have fun last night?” he asked with a smirk.

You groaned “No…well yeah, and then no. Ugh, it was not a good choice.” You admitted glumly. “And now I’m gonna get grounded, god I feel like I’m sixteen or something…”

“Relax, your mom’s not gonna do shit to you.” Steve replied easily. You scowled at him, rolling your eyes.

“Have you met my mother?” you asked sarcastically.

“Yes, and I know lying to her solves most problems, which I already did. As far as she knows, you were at Jenny Stein’s. And since she lives in the same complex as your Mr. Hargrove, I think it’ll work out fine.” Steve said with a shrug.

“You lied to my mom for me?” you asked, wide eyed.

“Yeah, yeah I did.” He replied.

“Thank you…” you said. You had no idea what else, it shocked you. He wasn’t supposed to be protecting you, that wasn’t his role anymore. But he was, and while it should’ve annoyed you, it warmed your heart.

“Don’t worry about it, you hungry?” he said “Cause I haven’t eaten yet and I’m starving.”

“Yeah, yeah I can eat.” You said, ignore the way your stomach growled at the very mention of food. Steve drove off towards what was once a crime scene, the diner formerly owned by Benny Hammond, the first outside victim anyone had ever heard of.

The place lived in a strange place in your mind; filled with both happiness and second hand grief. It lived there because you didn’t know Benny, you never would, but you spent hours in the place he died. Benny’s had been bought by a third party chain and soon became a fifties themed diner-complete with waitresses on roller skates. It had lost its down-home sheen and became an outside force. People protested the change but nothing could be done and suddenly it was someplace without feeling; a cold, sterile environment wrapped in pastels and kitsch. It felt fake and yet real, you spent nearly every afternoon there, planning schemes but also drinking shakes and relaxing, planning school dances or weekend trips. You went on dates there, saw hearts break and explode with love. You both loved and hated that diner.

And sitting there now, in your old booth from years past, you felt both at home and in a strange land. You’d been on your first date with Steve in that same booth, sharing a shake and wondering how your lives had gotten to this point. Now, you sat as strangers, sipping coffee, unsure of your places in each other’s worlds. Silence was the wall in between you. You intended to remove the first brick; you’d built the wall after all.

“He said he loved me.” You said simply, swallowing a mouthful of warm coffee, slightly too sweet for your liking.

“He did?” Steve asked, clearing his throat. He was obviously holding back a laugh, trying to be polite to you, but it wasn’t working; his face fully gave him away.

“He did.” You replied, chuckling softly.

“How did you respond?” Steve asked, leaning closer to you, elbows on the table, dangerously close to knocking the salt over

“I nearly jumped out the window!” you cried, earning a boisterous laugh from Steve, who fell back against the white vinyl booth. The whole thing was as silly as it felt, which was reassuring. But it was also nice to laugh about it-when it happened, you wanted to die, but now you were okay. You didn’t have to love him, and you sure as hell didn’t, but it was good to know that the whole thing was as stupid sounding as it felt.

“Jesus Christ and you still slept with him?” he asked, dumbfounded, shaking his head with a wide smile.

“Apparently! I guess I pitied him or something…” you sighed, rolling your eyes at your own stupidity.

“Was it…sorry, no I shouldn’t ask that.” He replied, stumbling over the question he gave up on. Your roller-inclined waitress, Katherine, placed your plates in front of you, refilling the coffee cups and skating off before you could even thank her.

“No, it’s cool.” You shrugged “It was awful. Absolutely terrible, it was like sleeping with a virgin except it lasted for like two and a half hours.”

“Wait seriously?” he asked, dropping his fork. This was a new side of Billy Steve never got to see-the side where he wasn’t the king. Even long after high school, he still ruled over their peers. Sure, now he ran Miller’s Bar like he owned the place and made the young parents of Hawkins feel bad for starting their families early. But he was still admired, still wanted and lusted after. Steve hadn’t had a date in months but Billy was out every weekend from what he heard. On major drinking holidays, he’d been called to take down a couple of Billy’s altercations but nothing really ever became of them-nobody pressed charges and every generally forgot, leaving him with the paperwork.

“Really!” you cried, giggling “I swear, the guy I lost my virginity to was better, at least it was shorter.”

“Was I? I mean…never mind.” Steve started, immediately giving up on the sentence again. He was blushing now, his eyes downturned to his eggs, suddenly small in his seat.

“You were better, don’t worry.” You said easily, shrugging softly as you took a bite of the giant pile of pancakes. Steve perked up just a little, a small smile spreading across his face. He looked more confident, at ease with himself again. You were glad to be of a little help to his self-esteem, even if you weren’t necessarily ready to be having these conversations again.

“Well good…not that I asked, but you know…good to know.” He said, his voice smoother. He was trying to play it cool now, finding his groove again, although he seemed to be stumbling just a bit. You found it oddly endearing, like an elementary schooler trying to imitate their cool older brother instead of an adult.

“Oh totally…totally completely, you’d never ask me that…” you replied, shaking your head as a small smile slipped onto your lips. It was hard not to laugh; he looked so serious, you could almost take him seriously if you didn’t know him. As he puffed out his chest, doing a silent imitation of Billy, you lost it. He just looked so silly; a false attempt at masculinity and suaveness, like a marionette instead of a real boy.

“Good and, ya know girl…I still love ya…” he added, trying his best to mock the Californian’s accent, slightly marred by Indiana’s tone.

You snorted loudly, coffee nearly coming out of your nose, making you choke just for a second as you shook your head, holding up your palm in the universal sign of ‘stop, wait I got one’.

“No no it’s like this.” You puffed your chest, widening your stance to make yourself as big as possible. You jutted out your jaw and pulled your best open mouth smirk, eyeing him like a piece of meat, which immediately made Steve cower away, watching you almost mystified. You ran your tongue over your upper teeth and lip, nodding at him. “You know I just…I love you, pretty girl…” you crooned, your voice not quite low enough to reach his tone and not quite skilled enough to imitate his accent, turning the words into a strange mix of choices that broke Steve’s resolve immediately.

“What was that…” he cried, his voice hoarse and breathless. You merely grinning, shrugging easily. “How do you move like him and sound nothing like him at the same time?” he guffawed.

“I’m not good at accents!” you said with a laugh, only making Steve laugh harder. The whole scene felt homey, like a warm blankets on a cold winter’s night. It was one of those moments you wished you could sink into like a warm bath, but time was physical and you had to move on, taking a sip of coffee and watching Steve come down from his giggle fit.

You finished breakfast in relative silence, although it was comfortable one. The kind you had with your father before he got his divorce and ran off with his mistress, back when you were young and naïve of the ways the world can ruin a person. It was strange to find yourself comparing Steve to your father, especially because you hated your father.

You hated him for abandoning you and Dustin. You hated him for not paying child support. You hated him for marrying Marnie and forcing you to play bridesmaid while Dustin was none the wiser. You hated him for moving on with his life while your mother struggled to find her footing again. You hated him for taking away the music in your life and forcing you to find it again on your own.

But Steve…well he wasn’t your father. Not by a long shot. Your mother swore that once he had a sense of humour and a heart, but you never really got to see it. But this breakfast with him, you felt as though you slipped back into your childhood in Chicago.

Your feet dangled off the floor as you sat on the edge of your big wooden kitchen chair, trying to keep your freshly cleaned and absolute favourite pink shirt, the one with the big crocheted butterfly on the front, clear of cereal bites and spilled milk as you took too big bites of sugary breakfast cereal. Across the table, your father sat in his equally clean and pressed black suit, the jacket hanging off the chair like clockwork. He was reading the newspaper, the ink turner the tips of his fingers black, and drinking black coffee from the boring, plain white mug he used every morning like clockwork. You made him a mug for father’s day, covered in bright splotches of colour and squiggly doodles that vaguely mimicked smiley faces, hearts, and stars. He used it once, and then it became a holder for pens and pencils on his desk. You didn’t mind, you were just happy he appreciated it, that he even used it at all.

Your mother was frazzled upstairs. Dustin had just been born, he was hardly alive and yet he insisted on making his presence known by screaming. He’d been in and out of the hospital since he was born. Your father wasn’t pleased about it, you’d heard them fight, but when you looked at your baby brother, he seemed fine to you. He didn’t have collar bones, fair, but you thought it was cool. And besides, his big eyes made up for it. You thought he was beautiful. Your father disagreed.

On mornings like this, you had to make your own breakfast, which meant whatever the sugariest cereal you had in stock was with too much milk because the jug was too heavy for you to lift and your father was never really watching to make sure you could handle it. You ate at the table in as close to silence as a five year old could muster, which meant you hummed to yourself and muttered whatever thoughts you had to yourself, and your father read in silence. It was nice though-your father worked long hours and you hardly saw him because of it. Those brief moments at the table before he left for work gave you simple moments with him, the tangible kind you could taste and smell and hear and feel when you recalled them.

You heard your mother let out a sharp cry, a word you knew you weren’t supposed to use and mommies weren’t supposed to say. “Cliff!” she cried from upstairs “I think he’s sick, I think we have to go back to the hospital!”

Your father looked up from his paper for the first time that morning, calling back “I’m sure he’s fine, Claudia! He’s just acting like a baby!” and then, he looked to you. He hadn’t looked at you all morning. And he smiled, he rolled his eyes. This was an intimate moment, a brief beat where your sentiments were aligned and he treated you like his equal. He believed that you two had the same feelings on the situation happening just above you. And you complied; you shrugged with a giggle, a secret shared between you two. For the first time in your life, you and your father were aligned, comrades in battle instead of trailing daughter to distant, aloof father. That little look you shared was a moment you held onto for the rest of your life, until he sent you back to Hawkins without a second look.

You wondered if that was who Steve could become. You could almost see it-if life led him done the same path it led Hopper, you could see him becoming jaded and cynical and distant. But then there was something in him, an eternal sense of hope, which kept him away from that path. He didn’t believe that the world was inherently good, he knew that there was evil always lurking around the corner, but he still believed in some sense of good and truth in the world, something you couldn’t fully get on board with anymore. You wondered if he had a cynical bone in his body. You guessed not.

“You ready to face the wrath of your mom?” Steve asked, drawing you out of your thoughts, an ease to his whole demeanour that felt unearned. You wished he was still nervous around you instead of so cool and collected.

“Eh, I guess…as long she actually believes I was at Jenny’s I should be fine. If not…well I would really appreciate if you were a poll bearer at my funeral.” You replied.

“Oh yeah? Who else should I ask?” he asked with a grin, pulling out his wallet to pay for breakfast before you could even ask for separate checks.

“Well Dusty, obviously, then get Lucas and Mike, I don’t really think Will can do the heavy lifting, not that Mike really could either…maybe get Marvin Rubio to do it, he’ll cry his way through it but he’s stronger than Mike and should be able to help hold my ass up, as long as he’s got a strong support around him to lift I won’t end up on the floor.” You said decidedly.

“What should we do about lover boy then?” he asked “I’m sure he’d want to carry you down the river.”

“Don’t let him touch me, and don’t let him make a speech! My mother will kill my ghost and I wanna haunt some people.” You replied.

“Duly noted, now let’s get out of here before Callahan puts an APB out on my location.” Steve said and you nodded, getting up from the plastic seat, your thighs sticking to the material slightly. Going home sounded both good and bad to you now; good, because you could finally change and wash the sins off your body, but bad because you have to finally deal with your mother. And the negatively were vastly outweighing the positives. Still, there was nowhere else for you to go, so you gritted your teeth and climbed back into Steve’s car.

The drive was short, much to your chagrin, and you were home before you could find your strength again. Unlike before, Steve wasn’t parking, so you quickly gathered your things.

“Thanks, for picking me up…and for breakfast, it was nice.” You said awkwardly, slinging your purse over your shoulder. He nodded and you climbed out quick, set to begin the dreaded ascent up your driveway.

Steve rolled down his window, calling after you “Hey! Before you try to make other plans, you wanna hang out with me and Dustin tonight? I’m sure the kid would love having you around.” He asked.

You nodded “Sure! Sounds good!” you replied with a grin, waving as he drove up before rushing up the steps. It was still early, maybe she was still asleep.

The door burst open. “Y/N!”  

You were so dead.

[callunavulgari]

TOP 25 FICS OF 2018

1. A Cornstalk Fiddle by @notbecauseofvictories | Devil Went Down To Georgia | The Devil/Johnny | 17k

Where Johnny goes, the Devil follows; where Johnny goes, the Devil is already there.

Heather Says: So. I never thought that my favorite fic of the entire year would be a fic written about a song - and one that I don’t even particularly like - but here I am. I read this fic the same night that I finally broke down and watched Moonlight, and ended up listening to Moonlight’s End Credits and Hello Stranger by Barbara Lewis on repeat while I finished that first chapter on my back porch. This is that perfectly atmospheric fic that you’ll find maybe once every ten years and could probably sustain you on its memory for just as long.

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Heather Says: This story blew my entire mind. It was lovely, and tragic, and hilarious, and everything that a good novel should be. The parts of this fic that map out the unseen lives of Imelda, Hector, and Ernesto, that hidden backstory that a movie can only hint about, were exquisite to the point that I was afraid getting to the point where, well, they die, would be a letdown. It really wasn’t. If anything, the story managed to get richer as it went along, until suddenly you’re in a room sobbing into a pillow at four in the morning and have to be awake in four hours. No regrets.

3. Under the Covers by @toast-ranger-to-a-stranger | Stranger Things | Billy/Steve | 87k

Steve is (maybe) a little bit still in love with Nancy Wheeler and (maybe) trying to figure himself out-- between the night terrors and the babysitting and the general weirdness that is Hawkins, Indiana-- before he graduates.

Billy Hargrove fits in there somewhere (probably).

Heather Says: Under the Covers was the first Harringrove fic that actually kicked me over the edge from ‘eh this ship looks like it would have good hate sex’ and into full-fledged believer. It’s an intricately crafted look into the world of Billy Hargrove and Steve Harrington post-season two and it is absolutely glorious.

4. Bloody Ruin by esama | Castlevania | Alucard/Trevor | 37k

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Heather Says: Written before season two came out, this was one of those fics that I clicked on because the pairing interested me and I wanted to see how it worked. It did not disappoint, and even after I delved through the tag on ao3 after I marathoned season two, this is still my favorite.

5. a road less traveled and a life less led by Azzandra | Dishonored | Billie & The Outsider | 9k

She took him out of the Void, as promised. And then she kept him, she supposed.

Heather Says: You know all that fanart that started cropping up after Death of the Outsider came out? The ones where Billie and the Outsider crept around Dunwall or Karnaca stealing fish and safes and graffiti-ing buildings? The ones with that found family vibe? Yeah. This fic scratches the same itch that all that art did.

6. But I’m Not There Yet by sarahyyy | Yuri On Ice | Yuri/Otabek | 71k

“Are you not going to read the article?” she asks, flopping onto his bed. “Look who ranked second, just after Phichit Chulanont.”

Otabek reluctantly scrolls down, and oh. #2 - Yuri Plisetsky

In the embedded Instagram photo just under that subheading, a very grumpy Yuri is cuddling a very grumpy-looking cat. The caption reads: I found the cat version of me at the shelter today. #iknowisaidnomorecats #canyoublameme

Heather Says: And here, in the stupid cute category we have teenagers navigating love through social media. What’s more, there’s a companion fic.

7. flowers start to bloom in every different hue by orphan-account | Coraline | Coraline/Wybourn | 1k

Coraline grows up, gets a tattoo, and falls in love. In that order.

Heather Says: I read this fic on a slow day at work, often in quick bursts while I was waiting for the kitchen to finish my table’s food. It’s short. It’s sweet. It’s perfect. And honestly? It’s everything that I was looking for when I ventured into the Coraline tag on ao3 because I was curious.

8. Victory Conditions by @astolat | Transformers | Megatron/Optimus Prime | 37k

“Do you want me to tell you a story?” Megatron said mockingly. “You won’t like it, Prime. It’s not a very nice one.”

Heather Says: Fun fact, I’m not even in this fandom. I haven’t touched the Transformers fandom since the first movie came out in 2007 and I spent a very confusing week shipping a boy and his car. But Astolat has literally never lead me wrong, and I was having one of those bored days where nothing quite itches the right spot, so I sat down on the couch and spent two hours reading this. Worth it.

  9. just in it for the game by grim_lupine | Thor | Thor/Loki | 6k

“It's excellent rehabilitation for my image,” Loki says, widening his eyes. “They love you, and because of that they'll trust me. You wouldn't ruin this for me, would you?”

Thor glares at him.

Loki’s mouth twitches. “Also, it's the funniest thing that's ever happened to me.”

Heather Says: The Thor/Loki bug never really bit me until after Ragnorak came out. I mean, sure, I read it and it was good, but hella’s Frostiron fics basically destroyed me for any other Loki pairing. HOWEVER. Ragnorak happened and screwed that all the way up. Also, you know, this fic is absolutely lovely and was just what the doctor ordered.

10. so this guy walks into a bar by MasterOfAllImagination | Pacific Rim | Newt/Hermann | 2.5k

“Bourbon,” Hermann says, hooking his cane on the edge of the bar and sliding by degrees onto a stool.

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“Please.” Does he look like the kind of man who enjoys having his nostrils fumigated by undiluted whiskey? “On the rocks.”

Heather Says: I coped with Pacific Rim 2 by reading a couple AUs and a couple very, very long fics full of tragedy and math. Weirdly, the AU of a chance meeting in a bar was the one that stuck.

11. cherry pie by @brawlite & @toast-ranger-to-a-stranger | Stranger Things | Billy/Steve | 133k

Billy Hargrove lives for summer. Endless sunshine, heavily chlorinated pools, roaming ice cream trucks, and unencumbered freedom? There’s nothing better.

Even being stuck in Hawkins can’t ruin the summer for him. He eats it up, devouring every day whole.

Heather Says: Yeah, okay, but this is the fic that made summer worth it. Highly recommend reading at the pool or with your feet hanging off the back porch. Every piece of this fic was dripping in summertime nostalgia. It was fan-freaking-tastic.

12. the ghost and the good queen val by Wildehack (tyleet) | Thor | Thor/Valkyrie/Loki | 27k

“What,” she says, her heart racing, “was that.”

“What was what?” Korg asks, frowning up at her. “You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”

Valkyrie squints suspiciously at the ship.

“Oh my god,” Korg says. “You did! You saw a ghost!”

Heather Says: So, remember how I coped with Pacific Rim 2 with copious AUs? This is how I coped with Infinity War.

13. For Better or Worse by DragonBandit  | The Bright Sessions | Mark/Damien | 22k

All Damien ever wanted was someone who wanted him. All Damien deserves is to die alone, stripped bare of any of the comforts or affections of humanity, a title he willingly shed.

Mark Bryant seems to be the Universe's compromise.

Wherein Damien and Mark are soulmates, and this changes enough.

Heather Says: I think I’ve read this one three or four time this year? It’s 22k of well-written fic for a fandom that has a max of like 100 fics all with lengths that tend to vary between a couple hundred words to 2 or 3k, max. This fic is the one that really catapulted me into the fandom. 

14. in waves by @lymricks | Stranger Things | Billy/Steve | 38k

It’s March and it’s too cold for Billy to be shirtless and wearing shorts, but he hadn’t noticed until Harrington appeared and made him hold still. Harrington can’t seem to stop looking at the bruises. “What’s it to you if I miss a little school, Harrington?” Billy asks. He feels goosebumps rising on his skin.

“I don’t know,” Harrington snaps back, looking uncomfortable. He shifts his weight from one foot to the other. Plant your feet, Billy wants to scream at him. I’m going to bowl you over.

Heather Says: And here we have the first fic that wasn’t written by either @toast-ranger-to-a-stranger or @brawlite that made me realize that this fandom was gonna be a good one. So fantastic.

15. the cure by aquaexplicit | The Flash | Cisco/Harry | 43k

“I guess I don’t really get what you need to fix? Harrison Wells is a hot, rich genius that pays you to make cool stuff with his daughter and is totally into you. If you guys boning is the biggest problem you have, I think this officially qualifies as your best relationship ever.”

When Barry puts it like that, everything sounds so simple and not at all as angst ridden as Cisco has been suffering the past few months.

Cisco hangs up on him.

Heather Says: I remember a couple years ago, I fell absolutely head over heels for this one Sterek fic where Derek had twin toddlers and Stiles was the hired babysitter. So I think there’s something about dad + babysitter fics that get me, even if this one in particular the ‘baby’ in question is a fifteen year old genius. Still. Dad + babysitter. I don’t even know, but apparently it works for me.

16. pull out the insides by SpineAndSpite | The Bright Sessions | Mark/Damien | 3k

“Stop,” Damien says again, more insistent this time.

“I’m not doing it on purpose.” Mark's heart pounds in his ears and he sees Damien’s hands shaking. God. They shouldn’t have started talking about sex. Shouldn’t have filled in the colors and shadows to this pencil outline of a sketch forming between them. They shouldn’t have given it a name.

Heather Says: This year seems to have had a theme when it comes to fics that I’ve liked and it seems to boil down to: people who are bad for each other have sex and catch feelings. Mark/Damien is not the healthiest ship. But it also hurts in this stupidly tragic way and hell if I didn’t fall head over heels for it.

17. tell me, get my shit together by paperclipbitch | Star Wars | Han/Lando | 5k

“I thought we were actively avoiding each other after the Trandosha Shitshow,” Han says.

“We’re actively avoiding each other after the Iridonia Shitshow,” Lando corrects him, “the Trandosha Shitshow is That Which We Do Not Speak Of.”

Heather Says: So, guess what I did in the two to three hours after seeing Solo? If you guessed: ‘combed through ao3 until you ran out of fic’ ding ding ding, you are 100% correct. This one was very, very good, which makes sense, because paperclipbitch has some good shit.

18. chases, escapes, true love, miracles by pepperfield | The Flash | Cisco/Harry 55k

Just because the timeline has been restored, doesn't mean things are back to normal. Cisco's got 99 problems, and Harry Wells is approximately 38 of them.

In which Cisco makes a bunch of plans, fails most of them, narrowly avoids being disintegrated, receives a hug or two, finds his groove, and gets his man. More or less in that order.

Heather Says: This one was long and wibbly wobbly, because it was basically what season 3 should have been. But it was also really great, and had some super quality Harrisco interactions.

19. Your Pretty Little Heart by Ever-so-reylo | Star Wars | Reylo | 64k

Modern day AU in which Ben is an Alpha, Rey is an Omega, and they are way better at having sex than at communicating with each other.

Heather Says: Speaking of people who are probably a little bit bad for each other... This particular fic was new to me, not because of the um, extensive sexual content, but because I’m usually not a fan of A/B/O. But this one was extremely good, enough that I actually liked it for a/b/o aspect rather than in spite of it.

20. Draconia by perceived_nobility | The Bright Sessions | Mark/Damien | 4k

"So I was driving. One ex wife and one ex husband later, stopping at the same fucking gas stations you and I stopped at."

Heather Says: This fic actually prompted a 3 hour long conversation on the ‘adult’ Mark/Damien discord where we basically outlined an entire fic that I never got around to writing where Damien is raising a child, has a farm, and runs into Mark ten years down the ride. One day, I might write it, because vaguely domestic, meet-again-ten-years-down-the-road fics always bowl me right the fuck over and just. There needs to be more fic like this one in the world. But until then, the world can marvel at the beauty that is this one.

21. Artifice by buttpatrol | Wolf 359 | Hera/Eiffel | 23k

A story told in parts about colour palettes, identity, robot uprisings, sensational trials, space, and messy love.

Heather Says: As I’ve recently finished relistening to Wolf 359 I have a fresh appreciation for this fic, which is one of the only longer fics on ao3 that just grips you by the heart and squeezes the same way that the series does. It might have been written before the end of the series, but it’s honestly just as perfect.

22. (shoot the lights out, hide) till its bright out by lipgallagher | Stranger Things | Billy/Steve | 93k

The most dangerous thing walking around Hawkins goes by the name Billy Hargrove.

And he fucking knows it.

Heather Says: I’m kind of cheating here, because this is a series rather than a single fic, but I’m not picking just one part. I read the first four or so parts of this fic when I was visiting my family in South Carolina and spent the next few days wandering around the place half-in Steve Harrington’s headspace. It was an incredibly surreal experience, which lead to a pretty strong combination of mania, depression, and an indescribable craving for ice cream. So like, maybe don’t read this fic if you’re in a bad head space? But also it’s very good and features one of the most fucked up and intriguing Steve’s that I’ve seen yet.

23. Until My Feet Bleed and My Heart Aches by Reiya | Yuri On Ice | Yuuri/Viktor | 197k

‘…Of all the rivalries in the world of sports over the years, perhaps none has become so legendary as that of Russian figure skater Viktor Nikiforov and his rival, Japanese Yuuri Katsuki…’

Heather Says: I actually read this one on the plane ride down to South Carolina, and kind of didn’t like it at first? I’m not sure if it was just the act of putting Yuuri and Victor into the position of rivals that made me uncomfortable or the goddamn delays that turned half a day of travelling into a full one, but eventually I was able to get into and enjoyed it quite a bit. I really like the rivals to lovers trope, so I’d been looking forward to this one a lot.

24. Traveling Far by @astolat | Game of Thrones | Jaime/Brienne | 24k

Three weeks into their delightful slog across Westeros, during yet another charming day of shitting in the woods, eating half-raw squirrel, and trudging his feet bloody, the single most dour and uninteresting woman Jaime had ever met in all of Westeros stopped in the middle of a field, drew a deep breath, and said, “When I was seven, my aunt came to visit with her son. My father told me that as the daughter of the house, it was my duty to show hospitality to my guests and to be gracious to them. I wanted to make him proud. So for three weeks, I let my cousin follow me around and talk to me about spiders.”

Heather Says: I’ve become very fond of astolat’s Jaime/Brienne fics, and I think this one is my favorite yet. Featuring Starks, found family, and a whole lot of walking.

25. lilies of the valley (cover me with kisses, make my garden grow) by diasterisms | Star Wars | Reylo | 8k

Every girl is entitled to the mistake. That one colossal fuck-up that permanently alters the terrain of who you are. You'll either learn from it or you won't, so might as well have the time of your life.

Heather Says: I just. I really like flower shop AUs, and the idea of a Kylo Ren who owns a sleek flower shop being menaced by a tiny gremlin in a leather jacket just. Kills me. It was really sweet and all kinds of wonderful.

[strangerstuffandthingsimagines]

Off to the Races (Billy Hargrove x Reader)

Warnings: Romantic themes, Risky driving, Corse  Language

Request: OOUUU dying for "drag race", Billy Hargrove x Reader with maybe some jealous Steve in there?? So basically an angsty drag race SO excited to see what u come up with omg!! Thank you so much :) (A/N, I hope you like this! thank you for supporting me!)

     The secret nightlife that took place in the grittier parts of the next town over had become an integral part of both your and Billy’s lives. The money was quick and easy. It was simple really; while Billy won the races, you were the elbow grease that went into making sure his car ran like a dream.

Billy wasn’t afraid to drive fast, nor was he fearful of the consequences if he were to crash; It dealt him a high not even drugs could induce. Every number that the speed meter past was like another hit of ecstasy.

Some had given the two of you the pet name Bonnie and Clyde; Notorious, untouchable and doomed from the start.

You sat on top of the Camaro’s trunk whilst Billy stood between your legs, both waiting for the current duelling pair to start their descent into chaos. Billy glowered at Ben McLaren from across the way, the black haired beauty leaned against his ‘72 Dodge Charger.

“He’s got winter tires on,” you whispered, running your hands along Billy’s chest as you nibbled on his earlobe.

“What does that mean for me, babe?” he asked, his eyes not leaving McLaren while you murmured in his ear.

“They lose traction in the heat. It's mid-July.” you could practically feel the grin spreading across his face. “He’s fucked during the burnout.”

You could only assume that Ben McLaren new little to nothing about cars. It was an underground culture of its own, to a rich kid like Ben, it was the cool kids club and he just had to be part of. Assuming that the bigger the tire, the better the car, he must have purposefully left them on.

“We gotta up the wager,” Billy said into your lips, his hands now on either side of your thighs, as he had turned to face you. “Make him think he’s gonna win.”

“Mmm, not so fast,” you warned, watching as his brows furrowed. “If he loses a big loss his first go, he won’t come back with his money. We gotta make him mad, make him want more.”

With a wicked grin as he ran his tongue along his teeth, completely enthralled by your cunningness.

   Like a hurricane, the blue Camaro demanded its attention as it sped along the back roads, neck in neck with Ben, as Billy taunted him.

The purr of engines roared beyond the forest line as they rounded the backroads, racing to beat the other. Leaning against one of the cargo boxes, you waited for Billy’s return. The cool breeze offered a nice change from the muggy summer night.

“y/n?” White heat flushed through your body at the sound of Steve Harrington's voice.

Pushing off from the wooden crate, you found yourself face to face with Steve; your Steve.

It was almost instant, the same hurt you had felt in your junior year, now creeping back into your chest. Steve had asked you out at the beginning of the year, looking back you should’ve realised he was only going to you to get to Nancy; you were naive then, maybe even willfully blind to the truth.

He’d walk you to and from classes, invited you to his table at lunch and even kissed you on the cheek when you agreed to bring Nancy over to his house the night Barb went missing. You could still feel the way your tears burned down your cheeks when Barb dispelled, and how quickly he had forgotten about you once he had Nancy on his arm.

“Steve?” you asked in disbelief, having no inkling as to why he would be in Port Linkin on a Friday night - the small town didn’t have the best reputation, though it made for the perfect location for drag races. “What are you doing here?”

Running a nervous hand through his hair, he offered an awkward wave before shoving his hands into his jean pockets.

“I overheard Billy Hargrove talking about bringing you here,” he admitted. “I just wanted to make sure you were okay.”

Quirking a brow, you gave him a confused look. “Make sure I was okay? Why wouldn’t I be?”

“You know...I mean come one, you know his reputation with girls.” Steve trailed off, inching closer.

“What do you mean reputation?” You pressed, folding your arms across your chest.

“You really want me to go into detail about all of his conquests?” Steve laughed, completely unaware that you and Billy had been an item for more than a few months. “I’m sure word got out to your school.”

After the distress of losing Barb and Nancy drifting away, you finally accepted the offer to West Lafayette’s engineering program. It was an all-girls school that focused on teaching girls the importance of pushing themselves and showing them they could excel in male-dominated fields. It was there that you became interested in the mechanics of cars.

“It couldn’t have been that many.” You sighed, hoping the familiar pair of headlights would zoom by in a blur. “I mean we started dating in late may.”

“You what?” Steve asked in complete disbelief.

“Billy is my boyfriend, Steve.” You informed. “I met him at my grandpa's garage. I’m here with him for the drag races - and not to sound like a bitch, but why do you give a shit about what I do?”

“Because I care about you? Because we were friends and then you just up and left.” He defended, his voice strained.

“I didn’t up and leave.” You said under your breath, now looking away. “I got an offer at West Lafayette for their engineering program, so I took it.”

Letting out a frustrated sigh, he looked for the words to say though, he knew there wasn’t anything he could say, that wouldn’t fall short of what he needed to express.

“y/n, he’s not a good guy. I’m just looking out for you,” he admitted, not comfortable leaving you alone in the dingy part of town.

“Why now?” you seethed, finally meeting his eyes with an anger you had been harbouring all this time. “Why? Answer me, Steve, because you really hurt me and you didn’t seem to notice.”

“Because Nancy looks at Jonathan Byers the way you looked at me, and I just...I realized I screwed up,” he confessed, a hopeful look in his eye that struggled to hide the regret he felt. “Just please, let me take you home. You shouldn’t be at a place like this.”

The growl of engines made both of you jump, your hair blowing with the flurry of motion as they zoomed by.

“I’m not going home with you Steve. I’m not going anywhere, not without Billy.” you choked, refusing to retract into the shy, meek person you had been then. “I’m sorry.”

High off of adrenaline and the win, Billy sprang toward you, leaving a furious Ben to kick at his car. Hooking his arm around your waist, he spun you around before placing a celebratory kiss on your lips. It wasn’t until his eyes landed on Steve that all nirvana had dispelled.

“The fuck you doing here, Harrington?” Billy asked with a confused look contorting his features.

He wasn’t aware of the history between either of you, in fact, he didn’t think you had much connection to Hawkins aside from your house, considering your high school had been an hour outside of town.

“Talking with an old friend.” He murmured, his eyes not leaving you. “I should get going, it was nice seeing you, y/n.”

Steve walked away in defeat feeling nothing but contrite as he had lost the girl yet again, except this time it was his own fault and he had no one else to blame but himself.

   Leaning out the car window, you let your hair blow viciously in the wind. Getting off on the sound of the Camaro drifting down the backroads, feeling as though you were on the cusp of pure nirvana.

Coiling his fingers around your wrist, Billy pulled you down from the window, glancing at you and the road before feverishly kissing you amidst the chaos. Dust kicked up from the road, as the smell of rubber burning beneath the tires. Letting out a howl, Billy continued on his rampage leaving you breathless against your headrest.

“I love you.” the words left your mouth though you hadn’t planned on saying so out loud.

His knuckles went white as his grip on the wheel tightened, his hair lashing about as he whipped around to look at you with wide eyes.

Your bottom lip fell open as you hadn’t anticipated the reaction he gave, a mixture of regret and hurt burning in your chest like exhaust fumes.

“You what?” he asked as he slammed on the breaks. Reaching his arm out to stop you from slamming forward, he remained fixed on your gaze. “Say that one more time, I don’t think I heard you right.”

Clasping your nails tightly to your palm, you searched his eyes for some sort of reaction other than shock. Swallowing roughly, you clenched the inside of your cheeks between your teeth. With an uneasy look in your eye, you brought your hands up to clutch onto his arm.

“I said...I said I love you,” you confirmed, lightly dragging your nails across his skin. “Is that okay?”

Dropping his arm to your lap, he slowly pulled it back.

“Of course. Fuck, it’s more than okay.” he nearly choked on his spit. “I should’ve said it first, I just...I didn’t know how.”

“You didn’t have to say it. I knew...in the ways you talked to me, you were gentle and always kind. You like that I know more about cars than you, and you never lose interest when I ramble about things that you don’t know much about.” the words becoming hard to leave your throat as you began to choke up. “You always make sure everyone’s listening when I talk, and you talk for me when I’m feeling nervous. You didn’t rush me into anything. Sorry, I don’t know why I’m getting so emotional.”

“I love you too,” he whispered gently, wiping away the wet spots that collected underneath your eyes. As you sucked in a sharp breath, you frantically tried to stop yourself from crying, although Billy’s lips touching yours managed to bring you ease. “Baby, please don’t cry. Not over me.”

“You don’t make me feel invisible,” you admitted, taking your bottom lip between your teeth as you looked up at him with tearful eyes. Pressing your fingertips into the buckle, you slowly let it release you from the seatbelts constraint.

It was a seamless dance as his hands wrapped around your back, helping you over the gears, while you worked on the buttons of his shirt with shaky hands; a product of your urgency to be close to him, to leave your fingerprints across his skin as a reminder of your love that no one could see, but Billy could feel it for days upon day afterward.His touch lit fires beneath your skin, leaving you flustered and craving more.

It was the first time that Billy felt alive without speeding down the pavement or crossing the finish line. He found his lust for life, and that was you.

Check out my prompts here if you want to request one!

[gracieheartspedro]

Stuck With Me (Steve Harrington x Reader) PART 1

HEY! So I guess I’m writing this series now. It’s gonna be great! I will try to update it as much as possible. It’s going to probably be about 4-5 parts. So, enjoy PART 1!

WORDS: 2455

WARNINGS: none?

I’M TAKING REQUESTS!! Ask me, private message, whatever. I write for all the stranger things cast (smut for the older people) and marvel. 

PART 2 He walked down the hall like a god. The girls fawned over him, giggling to each other as he strolled by. But instead of doing that, I looked him up and down and rolled my eyes. The word on the street (from what I learned from my only friend in this town so far), Billy Hargrove was bad news and I should stay very very far away.

So I stayed in my lane, grabbing a notebook and some pencils and headed to my first period. Luckily, that only friend, Jonathan Byers, was sitting in there with a girl who I could only assume was his girlfriend. She was standing in front of his desk, swinging his hands.

I met him two days before, when my uncle forced me to meet him and his younger brother, Will, and their mom Joyce. We ate dinner together and he and I bonded over music. He liked the Talking Heads and Pink Floyd which immediately won me over.

“Y/N Hopper has made her debut!” Jonathan says with a smile as I head in his direction. The small girl in front of him smiles genuinely, extending her hand. I drop my bag in the chair in front of them, and shake her hand.

“I’m Nancy Wheeler. Nice to meet you.”

“Wheeler? Are you Mike’s sister?” I question, thinking back to Jane’s boyfriend. Or crush. Or the guy she was obsessed with. Whatever he was, he was all she would talk about.

“I am. Guess Jane told you about him already?” Nancy giggles, twiddling her pencil in between her fingers. She was pretty, very pretty. Her hair short to her shoulders and curled slightly. Her shirt tight to her small frame, and of course, high waisted pants. An odd pick for Jonathan.

I laugh, “He’s a hot topic around the Hopper home.”

The teacher walks in as soon as the bell rang and everyone in the room started to get settled. That was until Billy Hargrove walks in with his small gang. I glance back at Jonathan who looks at Nancy, and we all in sync, roll our eyes. His tight blue jeans and grey shirt clinged to his frame like no other. I don’t know what it was about this boy, but he ignited a fire in me that I couldn’t control. His very appearance made me angry. So when he walks over to me and leans down to meet my eyes, I wanted to vomit on his shoes.

“You’re in my seat sweetheart.” He says smoothly, a curl dropping over his forehead. All his friends smacking their gum and raising hell, giggle behind him. I decide to play along. I glance at the back of the chair and around the desk, looking lost.

“Hm, I don’t see your name anywhere, so I think you’re just making shit up to get on my nerves.” I snap. I hear Nancy gasp a little, and everyone gets quiet. The teacher, at this point, doesn’t even care and is just waiting for someone to start throw fists.

Billy stands over me with a smirk, “Feisty little one. What’s your name?”

“Y/N Hopper.”

“You that Chief Hopper’s other love child?” He asks smartly. Everyone laughs.

“Nah, just his orphaned niece who is annoyed with you already. You should go sit down so I don’t have to smell your cheap Opium and cigarette smoke. It’s flooding my airways.”

I was usually this quick. Letting things slip from my lips was always something I had to be careful with. I didn’t need to be taken in and have my uncle tear me a new ass. Which had yet to happen. Yet.

Billy leaned down, our faces inches apart. I stare into his intense eyes, not flinching.

“You’re lucky you’re hot.”

With that he sat down in the back with his wolfpack, and I could settle my heart rate. No boy had ever called me hot to my face and I instantly felt gross.

Class started and ended quicker than I expected. I didn’t stand up until Jonathan and Nancy got up. Luckily we avoided the Hargrove Gang and exited the room. They both stopped with me at my locker, which is where I was picking up my math book.

“You really got him worked up…” Jonathan mumbled, before Nancy jumped in.

“And it was badass! If that banter continues, I will be excited for English every morning.”

I giggle, grabbing my belongings.

“Yeah, can’t wait to be harassed by him everyday now.” I turn away from my locker, leaving it propped open for a moment, as I adjust the strap on my bag.

Before I could say anything, Nancy and Jonathan turn quickly, their eyes widened by something behind me. I could fucking smell him.

The locker slammed shut and I turn to face him.

“You friends with those losers, baby girl?”

His face was so punchable in that moment, but instead I just pressed myself against the lockers. I pop up my tights-covered leg and cling onto my bag strap.

“Yeah, connected through family and friends.” I say, not making eye contact with him.

“Interesting.” Out of the corner of my eye, I watch him stare at me like meat, “You’re not like other girls at this school.”

“Fascinating.”

“I don’t think I’ve ever seen a girl wear a Ratt shirt with mini skirt to school before.” I looked down at my outfit, suddenly feeling self conscious. He wasn’t wrong, most of the girls in Hawkins wore jeans and sweaters or rarely, a crop top, and here I was, wearing a jean jacket with an outfit a city girl at a club would wear.

“Well, I’m glad I could excite you Hawkins boys for the day.” I mumble, pushing my hair to the side and out of my face. I adjust my stance so now I’m standing in front of him, my arms crossed.

“Oh yeah, I bet.” He licks his lips before leaning closer to my face, making me step back a little, “You should watch what you wear. My friends chase after girls like you.”

“Well they should watch where they’re running, because I’ll send them falling on their asses if they come within 10 feet of me.”

“There’s that se-”

“Is he bothering you?” A voice behind me asks. I glance back and see a boy with fluffy hair and soft eyes looking at me.

“Yeah, has been all day.” I mumble, turning back to Billy’s now emotionless face.

“Leave us alone, Harrington. We don’t need to repeat what happened last time we were at odds with each other.” Billy spats, inching closer to me, to get closer to the guy.

“Oh, when your younger sister kicked your ass and I ended up saving the day? Please, let’s repeat that in front of the whole school.” The boy said with an exhausted voice. Billy growled a little, his adam’s apple bobbing as he swallowed hard. His chest was close to my face, and I couldn’t lie, boy was toned.

The bell rang and I turned away as Billy made his way down the hall in the opposite direction. The boy still stood in front of me, smiling.

“Sorry, I’m Steve. Heard your Hopper’s niece and wanted to introduce myself.” He says, gesturing to walk beside him.

“Yeah, Hopper is quite well known ain’t he? I didn’t know he would be the hero of the town. He was always my embarrassing uncle who sent me $40 for my birthday.” I stutter a little, my palms getting sweaty. Cool it Y/N, he’s just a boy.

“I’m Y/N.”

“Nice to meet you. and yeah, he’s a pretty cool dude.”

“Uh, yeah, he is.” I mutter awkwardly as we arrive to my classroom.

“Oh sweet, we have the same class!” Steve says excitedly as we both walk into the small classroom. There were less than 10 people in the room all with dazed looks on their faces. I could tell half of them had hit one before class and they were all coming down from highs.

Steve pulled a seat close to his in the back and we chatted until the teacher started talking fractions and we knew we have to pay attention.

“I have an 85% in this class right now so I think it’s pretty easy. I don’t know how bad you are at math though.” Steve whispers, as the teacher, who looked like an old fat Rob Lowe, droned on and on about shit that had nothing to do with the lesson. Eventually, he shut up and let us work on random classwork.

“I am pretty bad at math, but excellent at English,” I explain, watching Steve scribble down numbers. I literally just wanted to watch him. He bit his lip, trying to think of ways to solve one problem and I casually glanced at him, trying not to weird him out.

“We should help each other then. I suck at English but decent at Math.”

“We can be a team!” I exclaim in a purposefully annoying voice, giggling as the rest of the class was quiet.

“I do have an essay due Friday, if you can help me after school?” He asked, looking up at me with his big brown eyes.

“You’ll have to come to my place because I have to be home for Jane. My uncle works until 8 tonight.”

He smiles, “Alright. I’ll give you a ride then.”

Hell yeah you are, Harrington.

-

The day flew by, which was good because I had constant anxiety I’d run into Billy and he’d say some weird shit to me and I’d feel like I would need to shower.

The dismissal bell rang and I headed to the parking lot. Steve said he’d be one of the last ones out because he had gym last period and he always got caught up, but I could wait outside for him and he’d find me.

Jonathan and Nancy came out holding hands, laughing at something. I smile and wave to them, and they walk in my direction.

“Hey, who’s taking you home?” Jonathan asks, pulling his keys out of his backpack.

“Uh, a friend I made today. He needed help with English an-”

“What’s his name?” Nancy asked a little too quickly.

“Steve.”

“Harrington?”

“That’d be me!” His appearance made me jump and I instantly wanted to curl up and die. He knew we were talking about him.

Jonathan instantly got awkward, dropping Nancy’s hand and balling up his hands. And well, Nancy got quiet.

“Am I missing something?” I whispered, so only they could hear me.

Steve cleared his throat, “Yeah, me and Nance used to date. But it’s cool, she’s with Johnny Boy and I am okay.” He places his hand on Jonathan’s shoulder, patting it. Jonathan did nothing to deflect the gesture, just stood there looking at the ground.

“St-”

“It’s okay, Nancy. It’s been months, we are fine.” Steve says politely, smiling down at her.

Please, put a bullet through me, God.

After that, Nancy and Jonathan waved us a goodbye and ran to their car. Most of the other students had already left their spaces, and we were the last to leave. Except for one blue Camaro that sat fairly close to Steve’s BMW. Outside of it, was the none and other, Billy Hargrove with a girl on his hip. She was basically sucking in all his cigarette smoke as he whispered things in her ear. He didn’t see me at first, but when he did he yelled.

“Little Miss Hopper off with the Former King Harrington! Have fun you two! Use protection!”

I wanted to puke, but that surge of confidence ran through my veins, once again.

“Bye Little Willy Billy! Think about my cute outfit during your awful rendezvous tonight!”

I quickly got in Steve’s car and slammed the door, gesturing him to hurry up. He threw his bag in the back and we peeled out of the parking lot.

“You got a lot of balls, Hopper.”

“Bigger than his.”

“Jesus.”

“Little Willy Billy was pretty good, admit it.” I giggle, turning to face Steve as he drove towards town. He laughed a little, before glancing towards me.

“It was, I give you that. It’s even better when you say it. Your accent is cute.”

Cute.

“Us New Yorkers have weird accents. We emphasize things more than you mid-westerners.”

“New York, huh? You near the city?”

“Oh yeah. Bout 15 minutes without traffic. Me and my friends used to go to clubs in the city and tear up the town. Real fun stuff.”

“Really?” His interest was cute.

“No.” I laugh, “I was bout 2 hours from the city and rarely went. My mom hated it.”

“You’re an asshole.”

“I am? It’s not like I don’t come from a long line of smart asses.”

Steve chuckled, “That’s very true.”

“You know me so well already.”

“A day with you is enough to get to know all of you.”

“Well,” I almost stop myself from saying it, but it slips, “Not all of me.”

His laugh was loud and he squinted his eyes when he smiled, “My goodness, I haven’t taken you on a date yet. We shouldn’t be talking about that yet.”

“I have no idea what you’re even talking about, Harrington.”

“Oo, nicknames now?”

“Yeah, you called me Hopper already I needed to call you by your last name, too.”

Steve looked confused, “I called you that?”

“Yeah, you did.”

“I didn’t even realize. It just slipped so easily.” He turned to look at me, a single piece of hair falling over his forehead.

I smile, getting closer to him. I push the piece of hair back, taking notice of two small freckles on his cheek. He is getting red, which only made me smile bigger. I turn around to his back seat to explore and calm his nerves a little. In the seat, I see a pair of Ray Bans.

“Rich boy!” I say grabbing them, nudging Steve’s side. I slip them on, before looking at myself in the mirror.

“My parents are rich, I’m not. And I got those for Christmas,” He watches me through the mirror, “And they look better on you!”

“It’s the outfit. I look like one of those girls in a Motley Crue music video.” I push myself up onto my leg and begin to pose a little, shrugging my jacket off and dancing to the hum of the song on the radio.

“A video girl in my car. I did not plan my Monday to be like this.”

“Well take it all in, Harrington. Your new friend is the hottest girl in Hawkins now!” I joke, tilting the frames down to meet his eyes.

“You’re not wrong.”

[incognito-burri]

Loving Me is Like Loving War

[ part 1 ] - [ part 2 ] - [ part 3 ] - [ part 4 ]

Billy Hargrove x Reader

PART 5

A/N: I might regret this part later but oH WELL . Again, this turned out different than originally planned but I guess that’s the beauty of it. *cries* sorry.

Only three other people were inside the diner, all of which turned and stared at you and Billy when the bell rang as you entered the building. You were still blushing after feeling Billy so hard against you outside and couldn’t bring yourself to look up from your feet, but Billy scanned the room and found somewhere to sit; he placed his hand on your lower back guided you over to the table.

As you walked towards the small table for two in the far corner of the room your mind was frantically replaying what had just happened. You couldn’t believe that Billy Hargrove had actually just pressed his hard (and apparently rather large) dick against your hip and then proceeded to tell you that he wants you. Boys had never really been that interested in you, or so you thought, so the idea that you had that affect on Billy was a new and pretty odd concept for you.

You and Billy finally reached the table, where you were completely ready to slouch and hide your burning face behind a menu, when all of a sudden you felt Billy’s hand drop down to your bum. He gently squeezed it and you whipped round to look at him, your face an even darker shade of scarlet. He simply winked at you, licked his lips and then picked up one of the menus to find something to eat.

Jesus Christ, you thought, why am I here with him?

In that moment you wanted to slap him incredibly hard and just walk out, but you were also starting to feel pretty turned on...

Fuck, no! This is Billy. Billy Hargrove. Biggest dick in the school. Just stop.

You listened to yourself and sat down, picking up a menu to try and distract yourself.

“So, what are you thinking?” Billy said after a few moments.

“Uhh, that you’re an asshole?” You blurted out without thinking.

He chuckled and looked at the table momentarily, before looking back up at you with his piercing blue eyes: “Ahah, oh Y/N. C’mon now, don’t be so rude! I’m excellent company.” He winked at you again, reminding you of how desperate you were to feel him against you. By this point you were feeling flustered and decided that the best thing to do was to just spend a few minutes in the bathroom gathering your thoughts and pulling yourself together. You needed to be away from him for just a few minutes, to remind yourself of what a dick he was.

“Okay I really need to use the bathroom. I guess I’ll just have…” you paused and scanned the menu quickly, “Uhh, cheeseburger with fries. Order for me if I’m not back by the time the waitress comes over?”

“Yeah, sure.” He smirked.

With that, you hurried away to the bathroom.

-------

Once you actually got into the toilet you noticed you did actually need to piss and quickly grabbed a cubicle. Then, after washing your hands, you decided to just try and cool yourself down by leaving the cold tap running over your wrists for a few minutes. This was a trick you had learnt years ago before a drama performance when you were about 10. Mrs Lovelock, a crazy woman with wildly curly hair, had told you that if ever you felt nervous or flustered before a performance then you should put your wrists under some cold water and it would help cool you down.

I might not be about to perform, but I have never felt so fucking flustered in my life, you thought as your wrist began to go numb. But it was working, you were finally returning to a normal, healthy temperature.

Just as you were about to move away from the sink to dry your hands, you heard the door open and suddenly a pair of hands grabbed you by the waist and you could feel warm breath on your neck.

“I said I want you, baby girl, and I don’t think I can wait…” said a familiar, husky voice. You spun round to find Billy Hargrove only millimetres away. Your eyes met and you couldn’t help but smile slightly as you glanced down at his lips and then back up to meet his gaze; he saw this as encouragement and closed the gap between you, your lips colliding. Hard. You ran your cold, wet hands up his torso and placed them on the back of his neck, shocking him slightly and causing him to pull away for a moment. But before he could say or do anything, you pulled his head back towards you, longing to feel his lips moving against yours once more.

As your lips moved together, he lifted you up and placed you next to the sink, allowing you to wrap your legs around his body and pull him in even closer. You felt the edges of his mouth turn up as you did this and suddenly you felt his tongue flick past your lips, deepening the kiss. You then took one of your hands and lowered it down to his tight ass that you had been admiring earlier in the day and squeezed it hard, thinking that it was only fair after he did it to you at the table. His response to this seemed to be placing one of his hands on your chest, gently cupping and squeezing your boobs. Eventually, you had to pull away for air and his mouth moved down to your neck, leaving a trail of rough kisses along your jaw – he finally settled in one spot and began attacking your delicate skin, not pulling away until he knew he’d left his mark. Your eyes met and your lips connected once more.

You could’ve gone on like that quite happily for hours, but when his hand moved from your chest down to try and reach underneath your dress you froze.

What the fuck am I doing? You thought. Billy had set to work on leaving yet another mark on your pale skin and had one hand at the top of your inner thigh.

“What the fuck am I doing?” You said it out loud this time and Billy stopped to look at you.

“Well, little one, you’re currently having an excellent time in the girls’ bathroom with the one and only Billy Hargrove.” He whispered, before returning his mouth to your neck.

You couldn’t believe this. You hated Billy. He was a racist asshole that treated everyone like shit! He got into so many fights that he came into school pretty much everyday with new bruises and he was honestly the least likable person you knew. So how the fuck had you ended up with his hands basically in your pants.

“Stop…” you said, but he either didn’t here or chose to ignore you, “Billy, I said stop it! Get off me!” you said again, louder this time and pushing him away.

“What the fuck babe?” He said accusingly, wiping his mouth.

“I…I don’t want this…” you mumbled.

“Oh, little one… you know that’s not true. We both know how wet that pussy is right now, all because of me. You want me Y/N...” He said, taking a step towards you. He was right. You were incredibly wet right now, but you were not about to lose your virginity in the scabby old bathroom of some local diner.

You jumped down from the side. “Fuck you Billy, seriously. Just fuck you.”

“That’s the idea babe – fuck me.” He licked his lips and lunged towards you, pinning you against the sink as he tried to pull the bottom of your dress up, exposing you.

“Billy, no! Get off me!” You screamed. But he held you there and all you could think to do was lift your leg up and ram your knee into his crotch. Really fucking hard.

He immediately doubled over, grunting in pain, and you ran. You ran out the bathroom, past the people staring and out the glass door into the cold night air. You ran without thinking, tears now streaming down your face, for what felt like hours. It wasn’t until you felt like your feet might actually be about to fall off that you finally stopped to catch your breath. You looked around, worried you would see the headlights of Billy’s Camaro coming towards you, but there was nothing. It was then that you realised you had absolutely no idea where you were; you spun round, desperately trying to find something you knew, but all of this was unfamiliar. There was not a single thing in the area that you had ever seen before and you had no idea what to do, so you simply dropped to the floor, pulled your knees to your chest and cried. Cried like you never had before.

Fuck you, Billy Hargrove.

{ @thisisme-allofme-anditsyours @jinx-is-fire }

[strangerererthings]

peaches viii

Summary: What if Bob had an adopted daughter?  What happens now?

Pairing: Billy Hargrove x Reader

Disclaimer: I don’t own it, y’all.

Author’s Note: HOLY SHIT, THIS IS A LONG JOHN.  Also, thERE’S SO MANY OF YOU NOW?!  For those who don’t know me, I’m Hann.

Word Count: 3,060

part one/part two/part three/part four/part five/part six/part seven/part nine/part ten/part eleven/epilogue

You paced around your room, clothes thrown everywhere.  It was about a week later, and you had about ten minutes before Billy came to pick you up for your first official date.  El was sitting on your bed, giggling as she watched your panic.  “I have no idea what to wear.  Does my makeup look alright?”  You bent to look in your mirror.  “Is it too much?  Is it too little?”

Joyce and Hopper were sitting in the kitchen, talking over cups of coffee.  “She’s grown on you,” the older woman mused, taking a long sip.

Hopper blew out a long breath of air, nodding.  “Yeah.  Yeah, she has.”

“Billy Hargrove, though?  Really?”  It was clear that she didn’t quite approve of him, or that she was at best, skeptical.  She knew of his reputation.

He laughed, nodding as she glanced towards your room.  “He’s a good kid, actually.  Done some bad things, but he’s good.”  He then stood up, motioning towards the room.  The two of them could hear you and El talking.  “Do you know anything about getting her to stop panicking?”

Joyce smiled as she stood, walking to the doorway.  There was now even more clothes thrown across the bed, and you were currently gripping your hair as you stared down at them.  “Sweetie...”  She walked over, picking up a cream colored sweater.  “Here.  This is perfect.”  She then took off the red scarf around her neck, handing it to you.  “Go on, get changed.  He’ll be here any minute.”

The door shut and you quickly changed, coming out just as there was a knock on the door.  “Shit,” you shouted as you tripped over yourself.  You gave Hopper a sheepish grin as he gave you a pointed look.

“I’ll get it!”  You watched as El began to run for the door and you scrambled up, running after her.

You pulled her back just in time, throwing open the door to see Billy standing there with a bouquet of lilies in hand.  “Hi.”  You were out of breath, your chest heaving.  Your heart was racing at the sight of Billy standing there.  He had a white button up on, the top button undone, and tight blue jeans.

“Hi.”  The two of you stood there for a moment, basking in each other’s presence.  There was an electric energy between the two of you, keeping you from moving.

The two of you looked away as you heard Hopper coughing behind you.  He had his hands on his hips, doing his best to seem threatening even though Billy had been at the cabin everyday for the past week.  He pointed a Billy, his eyes narrowed.  “I want her home by 11:30, not a moment later.”

Billy put on a charming smile as he nodded.  “Eleven o’clock.  Got it.”

“Yeah, yeah.”  Hopper rolled his eyes, nudging you forward with a smirk.  “Have fun, you two.”  He shut the door behind you after you walked out, turning back to Joyce.  “When the hell did I get two daughters?”

She raised her eyebrows from where she was standing behind El, running her fingers through the little girl’s curls.  “Y/N’s your daughter now, huh?  What happened to just a few days?”

Hopper hummed as he walked over, pulling El into him.  “You and I both knew she was going to weasel her way into my heart.”  He looked down at El.  “Can’t get rid of her now, can we?”

Said girl shook her head rapidly, getting excited.  “Sister?”

He nodded, watching from the window as Billy opened the passenger door for you to get in.  “Sister.”

You felt incredibly nervous as you sat in the blue Camaro, running your hands on the cool leather.  “Where are you taking me?”

Billy was getting into the driver’s side, and he turned to you with a smirk.  “If I told you, it wouldn’t be a surprise, would it?”  He reached over, grabbing your hand and squeezing softly.  “Trust me, peaches.  I’m never gonna lead you wrong.”  You watched quietly as he pulled your hand to his lips like he had that night before, kissing your fingertips sweetly.

You frowned as you heard something... different in the radio than usual.  “Is this...  Is this Frank Sinatra?”  Your face split into a huge grin as you realized it was.  “What about your usual music?  Scorpion and all that?”

He chuckled, shaking his head.  “Tonight’s special.  You’re special.”

God.  You felt tingly all over as you sang along softly to the tape for the rest of the ride.  You frowned as you realized you were at the cliff that overlooked Hawkins.  “What are we doing here?”

“Come on, I’ll show you,” Billy promised, getting out and running around so he could open up the door for you.  He took your hand, leading you around the car so you could see what was on the edge of the cliff.  A full picnic had been set up.  There was a blanket spread out over the ground, a few feet from the edge.  A basket sat in the middle, with plates setting next to it.  There were flowers in a vase next to it.  You were quiet for so long, Billy started to get worried.  “Do you... Do you like it?”

You turned to look at him, smiling fondly.  “Oh, Billy.”  His face had gone pale, his baby blue eyes wide.  His hands were fidgeting in front of him.  “It’s perfect.”  Before you even realized what you were doing, you pulled him down to kiss him.  He froze, before slowly returning it.  It was soft, tender, and slow.  Everything a first kiss should be.  His hands gripped your face, pulling you as close to him as he could.  Like he didn’t want the kiss to end.

When you finally pulled away, you rested your forehead against his.  “What was that for?”  Billy’s voice was deep and raspy, sending shivers down your spine.

“You’re wonderful.”  The statement was so simple, yet so complex.  You knew what he had been through, what he was still working through.  You knew that he tended to treat people like shit as a defense mechanism, but you also knew that he really was working on it.  And, if anything, he had never treated you like you didn’t matter.  “You’re simply wonderful.”

Billy laughed, but it sounded choked up.  “I’ve never been told that before.”

You pulled him down to the blanket, crossing your legs.  “Well, you should be told all the time.  Because you are, you know.”

When you looked up at him again, he was simply staring at you.  The way he was looking at you sent a jolt through you, like you had been shocked awake.  It was like you were the only thing he could see in the entire universe.  He made you rethink everything you had ever known about him.

The date went smoothly as any date could.  There were some nerves, but it never felt awkward.  There were a few stolen kisses here and there, and whispered secrets about what the two of you wanted in the future.

“I want to get out of here.”  You shocked yourself when you said it.  You had spent so long pretending as though you were happy here for Bob that you had almost convinced yourself.  The two of you were lying on the blanket, looking up at the stars.

“Where would you go?”

That, you had to think about.  “Somewhere big...”  You felt his hand reach out for yours, his pink finger curling around yours tentatively.  “Somewhere where no one knows my name and I can be anybody I want to.  New York or Chicago.  Maybe Los Angelos.”

You reached your hand closer to his, intertwining your fingers.  “Can I come with you?”

“I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

He rolled onto his side so he was looking at you, and you followed suit, your noses almost touching.  His breath was warm against your skin.  “I tell people I don’t want kids, but it’s only because I’m terrified I’ll be a terrible father.”

Fuck.  You reached up to place your hand gently on his cheek, rubbing your thumb against his skin.  He leaned into your touch, closing his eyes.  “Billy, you would make an excellent father.  The best one in the entire universe.  I’m sure of it.”

“Really?”  His voice cracked slightly as he reached up to hold your wrist.

You nodded, leaning forward to kiss his lips softly.  “Really.”

He smiled weakly as he turned to kiss your palm.  “I want three kids.  Two boys and a girl.  A nice house--not too big and not too small.  Big enough that we have enough space, but small enough that it still feels like a home.”  It warmed your heart to listen to him and you tangled your legs slowly with his.  “I’d go to every game, recital, play, whatever.”  He paused, the silence heavy.  “I would make sure my kids knew they were loved.”

A tear fell down his cheek and you tenderly wiped it away.  “You’re going to have that one day.”

He nodded, smiling as he sat up, pulling you with him.  “Come on, peaches.  I have to get you back before curfew.”  You nodded, leaning against him as the two of you walked to the car.  “Did I succeed in impressing you?”

You giggled, nodding as you laced your fingers with his.  “This is the best date I’ve ever been on.”  You then hesitated.  “To be fair, it’s the only date I’ve ever been on.  But nonetheless, it was amazing.”

Billy stopped you right before you got into the car.  “Would it be presumptuous of me if I asked you to officially be my girlfriend?”  He was holding both of your hands in his, clearly anxious as he stared into your eyes.

You threw your arms around him, kissing him slowly.  “Yes.  Yes.  Oh, my God.  Yes.”  You continued to kiss him, pouting a bit when he pulled away.

“As much as I want to keep kissing you, I don’t want Hopper to kill me.”  Alright, you’d give him that.  You nodded, kissing him once more before getting into the passenger side, Billy shutting the door behind you.

You held Billy’s hand the entire ride home, the two of you whispering quietly to one another as you went.  A pang of disappointment hit you as you pulled up to the cabin.  “Come inside?” You murmured, leaning forward to brush your lips against his teasingly.

“Do you really think Hopper would be okay with that?”  Billy was smiling against your lips, though, his hand moving to wind through your hair.

“He said you’re welcome anytime.”  You pursed your lower lip as you leaned back, giving him your puppy eyes.  “Please?”

He groaned, rubbing his face with his hands as he leaned back.  “You know I can’t resist those eyes, baby.”

“I know,” you teased as you cheekily grinned.  When the two of you got out of the car, you immediately gravitated towards each other.  He tucked you against his side, kissing your hair as you walked.  You were surprised to find Joyce, Hopper, and El both sitting on the couch waiting for you when you two walked in.  “Hi.”

Hopper turned to look at the clock, raising his eyebrows as he saw it was 10:59 PM.  “Alright, Hargrove.  You’re not dying today.”  He clapped him on the back, nodding.  “Did you two have fun?”

You nodded as you looked up at Billy with shining eyes.  “It was amazing.”

The boy holding you just smiled down at you, kissing your forehead.  “I need to head home, alright, babe?  I’ll pick you up for school tomorrow, though.”  You nodded, giving him one last kiss before he left for the night.  

You ran to the window, watching until his Camaro had disappeared.  When you turned around to head to your room, the three people also in the room were watching you with smirks on their faces.  “What?  Stop looking at me like that,” you muttered defensively, wrapping your arms around yourself.

“’Babe?’  Kissing?”  El teased, giggling as she shook her head.  She was turning more and more into a normal kid every day.

Your cheeks went red as Hopper added onto her taunts.  “Amazing, huh?  You two didn’t have too much fun, right?  I’d hate to have to murder him.”

“No!  No, it wasn’t like that!  We just had a picnic on the cliff overlooking Hawkins.”  Your cheeks were flaming red by this point as you started to head to your room.  “Goodnight.”

“Goodnight, sweetheart,” Joyce called from where she had been hiding her laughter beside El.

The next day at school, Billy walked in holding your hand.  He could tell you were getting nervous about the stares, and simply pulled you closer against him so you were tucked firmly against him.  “My girl,” he murmured in your ear, pressing a kiss to your head.  He stood with you at your locker, giving you a slow, languid kiss before heading off to class.

When you were in your normal spot in the library, you didn’t even bother trying to focus on your book.  Instead you watched the game down below.  Anytime Billy made a basket, he’d turn back and wink at you, blowing kisses and licking his lips.  “Show off,” you mouthed at him, shaking your head in exasperation.  But it was endearing.  It made you feel important.

The stares and whispering didn’t stop, except during lunch.  You were walking to a table with your tray when you suddenly tripped, your food going all over you.  You landed on the floor with a yelp, groaning as you rolled over to see Carol smirking down at you.  “Oops,” she said innocently, twirling some spaghetti around her fork.  “Didn’t realize they let trash in here.”

Tears were rimming your eyes as you felt everyone’s stares.  You opened your mouth to say something but no sound came out.

“Carol!”

Shit.  Billy was storming over, clearly fuming.  You could almost see the steam pouring out of his ears.  He got right in her face, his chest heaving.  “Don’t you ever fucking touch her again, you hear me?  Don’t touch her, don’t look at her, hell--don’t even breathe the same air as her.”  Carol had now sunk into her seat, though she was glaring at him.

When she didn’t respond other than to roll her eyes, Billy moved to help you up, wrapping an arm around you as he led you out.  “Come on, peaches, let’s go.”  He took you down the hall, almost to the other side of the gym where the boys’ locker room was.  He checked to make sure no one was inside before leading you in.  “Are you okay, Y/N?” He whispered as he sat you down on one of the benches, looking you over.  Your top was covered in spaghetti and grape juice, but your jeans seemed to have survived.

“It’s nothing.  I’m fine.”  You sniffled as you looked down at your hands, which were rubbing together anxiously.  It was one of your nervous ticks, and you hated it.

Your new boyfriend shook his head, kissing your forehead.  “That was unacceptable.  If she wasn’t a girl, she’d have three less teeth right now.”

You reached up to touch his hand.  “Billy, really.  I’m okay.  It’s just a little bit of food.”

He nodded slowly, exhaling low as he paced a bit.  “Do you have any extra clothes?”

You shook your head no.

Billy then opened up his locker, grabbing his gym shirt.  You were about to refuse wearing his nasty, sweaty shirt when he pulled off the button down he was wearing, handing it to you.  “Here, wear this.”  You took it gingerly as your eyes caught on his chest, biting your lip.  “My eyes are up here, baby,” Billy purred, chuckling as he used a finger to tilt your chin up.

You blushed profusely, looking away.  “Sorry.”

“Don’t be,” he insisted as he pulled on his old gym shirt.  “Go on.  I’ll wait for you outside.”

You were a bit shocked that he left, not even hinting that he wanted to see you naked.  You took a painstakingly long amount of time to take off your sweater, making sure you didn’t get any food in your hair.  You then pulled on the button up.  After buttoning it all the way, you paused before unbuttoning it and simply tying it.

“Woah.”  You turned to see Billy standing in the doorway, having come back in.  “You look...  Fuck, you look good, Y/N.”  He slowly walked over to you, pulling you in closer by looping his fingers in the belt loops of your jeans.  “And you’re all mine.”

You looked down in embarrassment, biting your lip.  “It’s nothing.”

“No, it’s definitely something.  You should wear my clothes more.”  You rolled your eyes and were about to make a comeback when he stopped you, pulling out his leather jacket and throwing it over your shoulders.  “Now everyone will know that you’re my girl.”

“Like they couldn’t tell before?”

“Okay, smart ass, let’s go.”

When you got back to the cafeteria, people’s eyes were on you but now... now it felt good.  After a few seconds, you held your head up strong and walked with a confidence that definitely wasn’t real.

“That’s my baby.”  Billy’s hand found it’s way into your back pocket, squeezing teasingly just so he could make you squeak.  You glared up at him and he simply winked.

The two of you sat down with a few of Billy’s friends and you watched quietly before whispering into his ear.  “So, Hopper and I were talking...”

“Yeah?”  He was looking into your eyes like you were the only thing in the world that mattered at that very moment, causing butterflies to burst into life in your stomach.

“Would you want to spend Thanksgiving with us?  Or at least, that night?”  You held your breath as you waited for his reaction.

He then nodded slowly but surely, bursting into a grin.  “That sounds amazing.  I won’t be able to get there until late, though, probably.”

“That’s all right.  It’s going to be a bit late because all the kids are going to come and Joyce, too.”

Billy hummed, nodding as he pressed a kiss to your lips.  “I can’t wait.”

[crimsonandclover-kataclysm]

Chapter 3- Get yourself together, boy

Crimson and Clover- Read on Ao3

Chapter 3- Read on Ao3

February, 1985. Hawkins, Indiana

Jane was the first to notice the flicker.

Since having been adopted by Chief of Police, Jim Hopper, Jane became more acclimated to routine and structure. She actually felt comfortable enough to begin school in the second semester, as long as she worked with a tutor twice a week to make up for lost time. Learning was something she really enjoyed, and it felt good to her knowing that the more she studied, the more she’d be able to communicate and relate to the people around her. Mike would even help her study two more times per week, which she considered pretty close to tutoring. He seemed to understand how to phrase things in ways she would understand. She was a quick learner though, and in a few short weeks, she was reading and writing basic sentences, doing simple arithmetic, and even starting to recall a few dates from her history lessons.

It felt like after years of having nothing to hold on to, Jane had a family in Jim, her mom, and her aunt (who she and Hopper visited every weekend), she had a consistent schedule in school, and she had a small group of friends who had only just stopped accidentally calling her “El”. She preferred Jane- it connected her to an identity she had missed. Jane even worked her way to speaking terms with Max, who no longer paid much attention to Mike outside of the party. And all of this was happening under the guise of Hopper adopting a feral kid from Missouri. No one seemed to question what went on in Missouri.

Jane had been leaving her Thursday tutoring session after school when she saw it. Waving goodbye to Jeannie, she threw her backpack over her shoulder and headed toward the gym to meet Mike behind the school. As she made her way up the short flight of stairs, to her right was the wall she broke through nearly a year and a half before. She stopped to look at the repainted paw print when something in her stilled. The fluorescent lighting above flickering on and off. Her eyes shot up, and she took a few deep breaths to steady herself before adjusting the strap of her backpack on her shoulder. When the high schooler that helped out in the gym passed her with a quizzical look on her face, Jane shook her head, shot her a quick smile, and continued walking.

Billy could not stop thinking about Diana Miller. Since their all-too-brief encounter in front of his house, he had been thinking about her everywhere he went. Even at times he probably shouldn’t have been. Billy never entered a room without scanning to find the strongest person already standing in it. Now, he couldn’t help himself from scanning every room he entered for Diana. Di, they called her. He hadn’t gleaned too much from passing conversations with people about the girl, which was unfortunate because he had to be careful not to seem too interested… even though he was.

He knew she lived with her mom, and he would frequently see her outside of the middle school. One day, Max had revealed to him that she was a teaching assistant for the gym coach, and he began to notice her name on track and swimming trophies in the showcases outside of the high school gym. He also knew from classes that she was a good student who seemed to stay out of trouble. Though he saw her talking to nearly everyone in the school, he very rarely actually heard her say anything. She stood tall and proud though, which communicated enough, and he liked that she didn’t seem scared of him.

Most people were at the very least intimidated by Billy Hargrove, and he was not at all shy of the fact that he was the shiny new toy at Hawkins High School. Really, he milked it. And most people paid attention. The girls were drawn to his tight-fitting jeans like moth to a flame- that’s why he wore them, after all- and the boys needed an Alpha. Billy always could detect a leadership vacuum. Hell, he lived in one. However, with her volatile temperament toward him, he had something to contend with in Diana Miller, and he craved it.

Despite craving the challenge she posed, he also hated it. Since leaving California, he felt that he had nothing to look forward to. Hawkins was undoubtably boring- even all the residents said that “nothing happens in this town”. Sitting on the ground in Los Angeles was more interesting than anything that was available to do in Hawkins. So Billy was annoyed to his limits that there was something that actually made him like the shit town a little bit more. Diana Miller was that something.

At points, he had the inkling that Max might have been catching on. She was mentioning Di more in their car rides home from school, and he even heard her talking to Susan about how she had heard that the Miller girl was an excellent babysitter, and that Max really wanted Diana’s advice on her form in soccer. Which is why when Billy and Max were stuck behind Diana riding her bike on the road on their way to school one morning, Billy made a show about edging up on her and revving his engine. Upon hearing the car behind her, Di turned her head, saw Billy, and groaned. She was not about to let him act like a child, so she immediately slowed her pedaling, shifting toward the center of the lane. Knowing full well that there were cars coming the opposite way and that he would not be able to get around her. Billy's face reddened, and he let out a huff as he slammed his head against the seat. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Max’s lips stretch into a repressed smile, and when the road was clear, he gunned it past Diana, who threw her middle finger up in protest, making eye contact with both of them through his window. When she saw Max, she waved, which Max returned happily, but when they had passed, Billy saw through the rearview mirror that Diana had stuck her tongue out at him petulantly. “Jackass,” he muttered, wearing an expression that Max took as him being amused.

Although they shared multiple classes together, Billy had yet to acknowledge Diana at school. He had begun to watch her though. In the hallway, partway through class, walking to lunch. It was as if he had some form of tracker on her- he was always aware of where she was in relation to him. It pissed him off.

Basketball practice was a relief, however even that was about to end. He liked being able to just be physical for a cause. It was a language he spoke well. Especially when teamed up against Steve Harrington, who he had yet to forget about seeing with Diana. Billy didn’t hate Steve, Billy just hated what Steve represented. In fact, Billy rather liked Steve, appreciating the aloof nature that caused him to rise to the top of the gene cesspool of Hawkins. But Steve was small town, a big fish in a small pond. And Billy had to learn how to be a big fish in a big pond in Venice Beach, so Steve’s easy cool and big hair frustrated him. He usually took it out on Steve in practice by taunting and jeering, but he decided that today I’m just going to kick his ass. And he did. Billy didn’t hold back, and by the end of practice, Steve was a winded mess of deflated hair and unresolved aggression.

In the locker room after practice, Steve was visibly annoyed, and Billy challenged him with a smug smirk. Steve took the bait. “So, got your eyes on Di Miller, huh?” Billy’s eyes narrowed, and without responding, he headed into the shower area. Steve followed him in, not relenting. “You know, she’s definitely way above your standards. Finally shooting for something with more than a pulse?”

The hot water was running down his back, soothing the muscles from the aggressive practice, but that wasn’t the reason for Billy’s rising temperature. Choosing to take Steve’s jabs in stride, he shot him a shit-eating grin. “I know, right? Have you seen these girls though? Not much to choose from.”

Steve ignored him. “Pretty smart of you, getting your sister to ask Di for help after school for soccer tryouts. That was your idea, right?”

Di was helping Max prep for tryouts? Billy’s mind raced. He didn’t like that Steve knew that information and he didn’t, but he almost felt a small swell of pride for Max in her efforts. There was no way that he could let Steve have the last word - he had let Steve Harrington say damn well enough today already - so he settled for the low blow. “And how are things going between you and the princess again? Maybe I’ll go after her since you clearly weren’t enough to keep her satisfied.” Billy had won. Steve ground his teeth, and his hand formed a fist - as if he were contemplating punching Billy. But on second thought, with the still recent memory of the blunt pain of Billy’s rings hitting his face at the Byers’, Steve forced himself to relax and didn’t say another word as he left Billy standing under the steaming shower.

Billy was curious. Steve’s words about Max and Di still ricocheting in his head, he parked close to the gym doors of the middle school. Seeing the door was slightly propped open, he entered quietly, leaning against the wall with his arms folded over his chest. A smile crept over his face as he scanned the gym class- he wanted to be discreet, so he made sure to come before the end of the school day. He spotted her almost immediately, working with a group of girls on running drills across the width of the gym, counting himself lucky that there was a group of boys playing basketball between them. The second thing he noticed was that curly-headed kid Dustin tapping Sinclair on the arm, his jaw hanging low and eyes trained on Billy. Internally finding the humor in Lucas' mouthed "oh shit" at the sight of him. Lucas' eyes flickering between Billy and Max, Billy placed his finger against his lips in a silent show of secrecy. Lucas and Dustin both nodded frantically, signaling their friends to return to their game.

Di was leading passing drills, staggering three pairs across the gym to pass and receive the ball. He watched her coach them on technique with that same slight smile on his face. Her back was to him, and his eyes wandered over her figure. Dark hair tied up into a ponytail at the crown of her head. The sleeves of her sweatshirt pulled above her elbows, hands above her hips. Her feet planted in a wide second stance. His gaze lingered low- those leggings were doing her all kinds of favors.

Max was in the last pair, and although he was aware that she was at least a little athletic, he was impressed at her speed and coordination. Neither had noticed him yet, so he stayed where he was, even after the gym class had ended. When they switched to one on one shooting drills, he nearly had a heart attack watching Di demonstrate with the coach. They had changed orientation so that they were running length-wise down the gym, and Max had finally seen Billy. He wasn’t paying her any attention though- his focus was on the girl running straight toward him. The blue of her eyes caught against the blushed red of her cheeks, her body lean, strong, and fast as she dodged her coach. She halted at the free throw line, tucking her toe under the soccer ball and sending it flying toward Billy. Max watched his eyes widen as the ball made contact with his stomach, his breath releasing in a loud “oof!” and his arms wrapping around the ball. Max was grinning and was not at all worried about his reaction. Not that she had anything to worry about. Billy was too focused on Diana.

Diana beamed a cheeky smile at Billy, and despite the wind just returning to his lungs, he quirked his eyebrows and sent a smirk back, tossing the ball back into her arms. She turned around to head back to the girls, and his gaze shifted once again to those leggings. He had the thought that he should personally thank whoever made those leggings - purely for the effect they had on him. And it wasn’t just the leggings, it was all of Diana.

He could count on one hand the number of times he had experienced true regret, but he definitely was kicking himself now for not having noticed Diana Miller before. He had been missing out on her. Maybe that was a blessing in disguise though - because honestly, he’d never stop noticing her now. His body wouldn’t allow it. Although, he wasn’t sure that he trusted his body anymore considering its current reaction to her flushed cheeks, long legs, and blue eyes - a reaction that probably wasn’t too appropriate in a gym full of middle school girls. And in jeans as tight as his, he had to be especially careful. As soon as he could force himself to move, he ducked out of the gym doors and headed straight to his car to cool the hell down before Max got done.

Max charged through the gym door with the echo of a laugh on her face, smiling even wider when she saw Billy. Unclear as to whether or not she was actually looking at him, his eyebrows shot up in awe when she spoke excitedly, “Di could not stop smiling after you- how did you know to come? Do you li-” Catching herself from being too amicable as she saw the look of shock on his face, she slowed down her pace and allowed her expression to falter, assuming nonchalance. With a quick jerk of his head toward the car, Billy and Max both slammed the doors behind them. Billy hadn’t turned on the car yet. Billy’s focus locked onto Max, voice quiet, he spoke.

“You didn’t tell me you had shit after school,” the timbre of his voice calm and low. But not angry, Max noted. “Everyday?” Max thought on Billy's words- Was he thinking about coming to the gym again? Did he like Diana? Obviously, making an appearance in the gym showed some sort of curiosity from him; though she wondered how he found out about her asking Di for extra help. Then again, she wasn’t really all that surprised- sometimes Billy just knew things.

She considered briefly if he knew that Diana had an effect on him that Max liked: ruffling her hair rather than threatening her, smirking rather than scowling, and conversing rather than shouting. If Billy had known her intentions, would he have been playing into them so easily? Or did he even realize yet that he liked Diana? Questions raced through Max’s mind as she fixed her gaze on a small spot on the windshield, and she felt Billy’s resignation from her silence as he sighed, turning the keys in the ignition. “Whatever,” he mumbled. “You have shit form anyway.” Max turned to the passenger window with a small smirk on her face.

Aside from the dull pulse of Van Halen coursing through the speakers, the near silent atmosphere of the car annoyed Billy. He had questions for Max that he had no desire to ask (Discussing girls with Max? That was a can of worms that could be left unopened), and even so, he thought the answers might have been unwelcome. So he kept his mouth shut and kept driving. When they arrived at the house, he noted that his father’s car was not around and breathed a sigh of relief, not acknowledging Max as he beat her to the door, leaving the tension of the almost conversation in his car.

Storming through the house to his room, Billy passed Susan, Max’s mother. He didn’t pay her much attention except for a quick nod, but out of the corner of his eye, he could see her regarding him closely. Nothing inside of him wanted to stay to find out what that was about, so he hurried to the back of the house to the only place that felt like it was his. Billy’s room wasn’t much, and he was aware of that. He had minimal decor that included a small vanity fashioned from old crates and a mirror propped against the wall. Aside from a few risqué posters taped up deliberately, there wasn’t much evidence that a teenage boy occupied the room. Billy liked to keep what few things he had in his room put away. He hated clutter, which was fine because you had to have stuff to have clutter, and frankly, he didn’t have much at all. Just some cologne, a crumpled pack of cigarettes, and a few stray earrings sat on the vanity top to show that Billy really did live there. HIs bed was made with hard edges- the only warmth existed in the makeshift nightstand on the other side. More crates stacked with the open sides facing toward the bed revealing a load of books stuffed however they would go, and an excess even stacked on top.

A small knock resonated on his door as he shook off his denim jacket from his shoulders. Susan, slight in stature, peeked around the door frame. With Billy making no immediate protestations to her presence, she took advantage of the opportunity to slip into his room, taking a seat on the very corner of his bed. She perched carefully, almost like a small and timid bird, so delicately that he hoped she might just slip off of it. “Your father and I are going out Friday night,” she started as she looked up at Billy expectantly. She was only met with another brief nod as he rolled his lips between his teeth in frustration, anger brewing in his chest that he had to give up yet another night to watch Max. That bitch is perfectly capable of taking care of herself. She proved that at the Byers’, he thought bitterly. “But I was thinking,” Susan patted the spot on the bed next to her, motioning for him to sit. Without conscious effort, he obeyed, mentally kicking himself for being so compliant. “You’re a good boy, Billy.” If only she knew. “You’ve been doing so well at keeping an eye out for Maxine,” Susan was waffling, and Billy knew it. He didn’t like her motherly tone- she was absolutely not his mother- and he thought he should have interrupted, sent her out, been rude. But he wasn’t and he didn’t; he only looked away. Her hand tapped his face gently as she pulled him to look at her. She looked sincere. “You’re a good looking boy- you should go out. I remember being a kid, and everyone deserves some time to blow off steam. Enjoy yourself. I’ll ask that Miller girl down the road to watch Max.” Billy’s brow furrowed in confusion as he registered her meaning and what she was offering to him, but in the back of his mind, his father’s voice rang out sharply about responsibility and respect. “There’s no need for him to know. This can be our little secret.”

Diana Miller felt tired all the time. She had classes and work at school, training and work at the gym, and work and sleep at home. But occasionally, she had a moment where she could lay across her designated armchair in her living room and watch a minute of television, or if she wasn’t totally braindead, read a bit of a nice book. On this specific Tuesday afternoon, her water aerobics class had been canceled due to a conflicting community Bingo night, so she was sprawled across the plush cushions with Of Love and Shadows in hand, avoiding any other obligation. Sandra was pulling a personal training shift at the gym, so Di had fixed herself a nacho dinner out of some leftover sloppy joe meat and Ruffles chips and was balancing her plate on her stomach as she read intently. She was picking at some rogue sloppy joe meat that had fallen from a chip onto the heather gray material of her sweatpants when she jumped at the ringing of the doorbell, dropping her book as her hands went immediately to protect her food and catch her plate. Setting it on the seat cushion, she jogged over to the door, straightening out her t-shirt and grimacing at her reflection in the mirror.

Her gaze shifted down as she pulled the door open to reveal Max standing awkwardly with her hands behind her back and her bottom lip pulled beneath her teeth. Maybe it was just that she was Max’s teacher and felt a sort of maternal bond to her, but Di immediately straightened, looking around as an overprotective sister might. Max smiled, “Hey, Miller.”

Ushering Max inside her house, Di looked at the redhead warily, “Is everything okay?” Motioning for Max to take a seat on the couch, Di planted herself right beside her, sinking into the arm as she faced the girl who looked almost nervous across from her.

“Are you busy Friday night?” Di was eyeing her suspiciously as she posed the question rather bluntly. Max’s gaze shifted to the armchair with the nachos and she shuffled uncomfortably in the couch cushions. Glancing around the warm wood-trimmed living room and noticing the pictures of Di and who she could only presume was Mrs. Miller hung around the room with artistic pictures of various landscapes littered in between. Ceramic artifacts and whittled wood sculptures had been mounted on the walls causing the house to have an eclectic and exotic feel to it. Max wasn’t really surprised seeing all of the various souvenirs having heard a little from Diana about her travels with her mother. She was the only person in Hawkins who Max could talk to about California… who would understand why Max missed it like she did. Except for perhaps Billy, but Billy didn’t talk to Max about much.

Diana hadn’t answered, still scrutinizing Max, so Max continued, “It’s just, my mom and stepdad are going out and I was hoping you could come over and help me with soccer stuff again. I don’t know that I can stay after school anymore this week.” Diana thought to Billy and wondered if it was his fault that Max wouldn’t be returning, that protective nature taking over again as her fist clenched white at her side.

When she realized how irrational her anger was, she relaxed her hand and smiled softly at Max. “Friday night is perfect.” Max shot off the couch, engulfing her in a hug as Di let out a soft “oof” and a string of giggles at the force of it. As she realized how abrupt her gesture was, Max began to laugh as well, and she fell backward onto the seat cushions, splaying her arms out wide. Di cleared her throat before walking over to her armchair and offering Max a nacho.

“This is disgusting,” Max eyed the smothered Ruffles chip cautiously before stuffing it in her mouth.

Gyms stink- this was a fact that Diana was always privy to. However, she was taking special note having experienced full class loads of sweaty teenagers running laps around it. Something about the air that didn’t circulate properly combined with the multitudes of thirteen year olds that had not yet discovered the wonders of deodorant and anti-perspirant made for a winning combination that had Diana attempting to discreetly cover her nose with her wrist while also correcting sprint form.

“Dustin, straighten your back, please,” she called through the material of her blouse. He smiled a toothy grin and gave her a thumbs up before continuing his sprint, his somewhat aligned spine eventually crumpling into a hunch again, arms swinging erratically at his sides. Coach Hart was on the other side of the gym, barking similar instructions, and Diana noticed that she had propped the door to the outside open as a chance for the room to air out. Amused when students in their gym shorts and t-shirts would actively avoid running in front of the door, hugging themselves for warmth, she stifled a giggle as Hart made eye contact with her and fanned her hand in front of her face. Di was still mostly enjoying her time working with the eighth grade gym class, though she couldn’t admit to the smell being her favorite. However, she did have to drop a couple of her other obligations due to her school work beginning to falter. She hadn’t seen her friends outside of brief conversations in the hallways during school. No more late nights covering the lifeguard post at the community center, and she had to turn down a couple of weeknight babysitting gigs. Sandra had mentioned they were in a good spot financially though- that they should be able to afford the down payment on the Jeep come April- but that had meant less nights with Sandra as she had been pulling so many extra shifts. Diana had been so tired one morning that she almost fell asleep biking to school; she couldn’t imagine how her mother was doing it. Missy may have compared Di to Wonder Woman, but Diana could only view Sandra as a superhero.

As she saw the ginger hair pulled into a long ponytail resembling her own, Di’s focus shifted to Max and she smiled. The eighth grader picked up her pace as she passed, feigning kicking a soccer ball when she reached the corner. The gym classes had been fairly uneventful since Monday afternoon when Billy Hargrove made his appearance. In fact, Di had been expecting Steve to drop by Wednesday like usual, yet he was nowhere to be found. Diana tried to stay after with Dustin to find out why, but even he made a clean getaway straight after class. Although she enjoyed her chats with Steve, she wasn’t too broken up about not seeing him. Somehow her slight encounter with Billy Hargrove was a reasonable replacement, and though she couldn’t say why, the shock on his face when her aim had met its target and body caved around the soccer ball had been replaying in her mind for the past four days.

It was strange thinking of Billy- she didn’t particularly know him that well, and what she did know of him, she shouldn’t really like. But he had those stupid curls and that smirk that hit her like a blow to the stomach. Plus there was the matter of her spending an extended amount of time in his house in just a few short hours. She would have just enough time for a run and a shower after school to get there after 6 o’clock, and she hoped that would be the cure for whatever was going on inside her head. Maybe a little fresh air would help her clear her mind before facing the lion’s den.

Max let Diana in exactly at 6:45. She had made it very clear that Diana was not to come before then as to avoid Neil, so Di kept watch from her house until she was sure that there was no chance of her running into the adults. Walking into the Hargrove household, the first thing Diana noticed was the sparing use of furniture. Modestly decorated, only the basics were on display- a simply upholstered couch and a couple of chairs set around the walls of the room. The green mantle held a large jar of seashells, a lamp, and a vase of flowers with small framed photographs placed in between. Taking a step forward, Diana picked up one of the frames observing swimsuit-clad Billy and Max standing against what must have been the California shoreline, each holding their own surfboards and Billy’s arm strewn around Max’s shoulders. Max had been laughing, eyes set in squints that were focused on Billy, whose stark-white teeth were fully bared in a smile that seemed to break his whole face. It looked to be a nice memory.

The second thing Diana spotted was the exercise equipment positioned in careful right angles in the corner of the den closest to the living room. A grin crept across her face at the sight of the bench and barbell, twenty-five pound weights with ten pound ends on each side, and she was a little ashamed to admit that her interest was piqued with the thought of Billy benching that much. The television and stand sat diagonally in the corner, an open beer can on the ledge. Max cleared her throat, snapping Di out of her stupor, “Billy works out a lot.”

Diana’s eyes shot over to Max, and she smiled widely. “You know, we can totally use this stuff to train. Weights are just as important as cardio and drills.” She ran her fingertips over the bar- Diana spent most of her time around equipment but didn’t have any at home, and she was a little envious.

Shaking her head, Max spoke at a low volume, nodding her head towards the back of the house, “He doesn’t let anyone else touch it.” Diana had been so busy noticing all of the details of the house that she hadn’t heard the accompanying soundtrack. Following the bass line, she was able to gather that Billy Squier’s “The Stroke” was resonating from where Max had gestured, alerting her to Billy’s presence. She hadn’t realized that Billy would still be at the house, and a wave of something she couldn’t place washed over her. Nerves.

Max had already disappeared into what Diana presumed to be the kitchen when the music shut off and a door opened and closed immediately afterward. The boy in question walked through, shrugging a well-worn brown leather jacket over the shoulders of his powder blue button down (to be fair, calling it a button down was a bit generous considering Diana could see Billy’s torso all the way down the defined ridges of his abs). He stopped cold, seeing Diana Miller standing next to the only other area in the house that felt like it belonged to him. Eyes traveling over the length of her, he said a silent thank you that she was wearing those leggings again, a loose cable-knit sweater draped over her torso. As his gaze made its way back up to her face, he pulled his collar up flush against his neck, locking eyes with her for the first time that night. “Diana Miller,” he said smoothly, pulling his lips between his teeth. “Fancy seeing you here.”

Despite soft curls fanning his wow clean-shaven face and the sharp blue of his eyes punctuated by the combination of tan skin and pale blue fabric, Diana had no intention of letting Billy Hargrove know she was transfixed. “Someone has to take care of Max while you do… whatever it is you do.” He let out something in between a breath and a laugh, taking a step closer to her. She caught a whiff of him then. “God, Hargrove, cool it on the cologne. What did you do? Take a bath in it?”

“Thinking about me in the bath, huh?” Smugly, he ran his tongue over his teeth, pulling a pack of cigarettes from his pocket and extracting one. Lighter already in his hand, he held the cig between his lips, lighting it swiftly and tucking both packet and lighter away. How they fit in his jean pockets, Di had no idea.

Her reply came not a second after. “Yeah, drowning,” she scoffed. Apparently her feet were working of their own accord though because she found herself taking two steps closer to him. Blood rushed to her cheeks when a full, fiery smile worked its way over Billy’s face.

“Bathroom’s three doors down to the right if you need a cool down, Miller.” Maintaining eye contact, he took a long drag from the cigarette before pulling it from his lips and letting his head hang back as he exhaled. With a quirk of his eyebrow, he walked quickly out of the room, for a second hoping that his date might be wearing leggings too.