#and when Steve is ready to apologize with flowers he is dragged away by dustin

[steviesbicrisis]

Give me Eddie and Steve who get together between season 1 & 2 (Nancy doesn’t get back together with Steve so Steve has plenty of time for ✨self discovery✨) and when Max arrives she sees them constantly fight/bicker/bitch each other around and she’s like “wow your adult lame friends really hate each other” meanwhile the rest of the party groans/rolls their eyes because they recognize the signs and having older friends is cool until they disappear to make out and you can’t leave because they’re your ride home.

[bigdumbbambieyes]

after their first big argument as a couple, Steve’s first instinct is to drive to the flower shop on Main Street and pick up some roses.

as always, he practices his apology to himself during the entire drive to Cherry Lane, unsure as to why he’s always the one apologizing when he tries to be a good boyfriend (but somehow always fucks it up).

Billy isn’t home, though. the Camaro is gone from its usual spot and Steve even checks around the back to make sure, and yup, no one is home.

so, he heads to the arcade, where he can see Max, Lucas, and Dustin all chatting-arguing outside as they count their quarters, but Billy isn’t there, either. he’s long gone, probably.

he drives out to the quarry, thinking he’d find his boyfriend there alone, smoking and listening to music, but it’s quiet with no one around.

after driving around Hawkins and not spotting the familiar blue car anywhere, he figures Billy doesn’t want to be found, so he gives up and heads back home.

where he sees the Camaro, backed up in the driveway, with a pissed off Billy leaning against the hood.

“Finally decided to grace me with your presence, King Steve?” Billy sneers around the cigarette he brings to his mouth, taking a drag of it as Steve shuts his car door and looks at him with a twisting mouth.

he wants to tell Billy to shut up about the King Steve shit, but he has an apology to make first, so he takes a deep breath and goes to stand in front of the blond.

he wants to tell Billy to shut up about the King Steve shit, but he has an apology to make first, so he takes a deep breath and goes to stand in front of the blond.

Billy blows smoke out of his nostrils, looking like a dragon ready to go in for the kill, so Steve holds the flowers up between them and watches those blue eyes settle on red petals.

the flowers are smacked out of his hand within half a second, dropping to the ground and Steve stands there like an idiot for another second, his empty hand hovering between them.

until he curls his lip and furrows his brows, yells, “What the hell is your—”

“—the fuck are you giving me flowers for?!” Billy yells back, flicking his cigarette away as he pushes himself off the car and then they’re in each other’s spaces, neither unwilling to back down, staring angrily at each other.

it’s tense. Steve doesn’t feel scared, not when he’s angry like this, because he was ready to fucking apologize so they could move on from this, but then Billy had to be Billy about it and—

there’s a small shift in Billy’s expression, like when spring melts the ice on Lover’s Lake and it cracks. Steve can see the softness underneath Billy’s icy gaze and he feels his jaw unclench.

his hovering hand moves, brushing the back of his fingers down Billy’s forearm, slowly and carefully, like he doesn’t want to spook him.

Billy glances down, takes a moment or two before he mumbles something under his breath that sounds like ‘I’m sorry’ and Steve blinks in surprise.

“What?” he mumbles back clumsily, thinking he hadn’t heard right.

“I said I’m fucking sorry, okay? Jesus.” Billy huffs with a scrunched nose, that anger back like a fire stoked, those stormy eyes once again looking to Steve’s. they’re like a crashing ocean of waves, of raw emotion, and Steve feels unprepared in his little dinghy.

yet, he weathers the storm. he wants to see the clear skies that lay behind it.

“Billy,” he murmurs and grabs his boyfriend’s hand, letting his gaze soften and angry expression melt away, “Why are you apologizing?”

he feels Billy squeeze his hand gently and watches him shift his weight between his feet, always planting them, always bracing for impact. Steve never wants to give him a reason to, but he knows Billy has issues.

just like he does. which is why he bought the stupid flowers in the first place.

but now Billy’s looking at him with confusion and maybe disbelief, like he can’t believe what he’s just heard, and shakes his head. Steve can’t help the way his eye catches on that little blond curl on Billy’s forehead, bouncing lightly with the movement.

“I’m apologizing,” Billy says slowly, not to be patronizing, but like he’s trying to keep himself calm (and that’s new and welcome and something they’ve talked about), “Because I hurt you, Stevie. I…I was being an asshole last night, I overreacted, said shit I knew would hurt you because I was hurting, and…that’s just not fair, right?” he squints his eyes a little, face pinching in thought.

and Steve nods, slowly, because he’s not used to this. everything is always his fault, he’s the bad boyfriend, he’s the one that can’t express his emotions right and would rather just sweep every conflict with his partner under the rug to keep that false sense of stability. if he doesn’t rock the boat, they’ll keep loving him. that’s how it works.

but, not with Billy, no.

Billy wants conflict. craves it, because all he knows is chaos and Steve’s come to recognize that. it’s what happened last night, when he made a dumb joke that landed wrong and he’d immediately apologized but Billy had bit back even harder - harder than he should’ve. it had left Steve alone in his bedroom, hurt and confused as Billy stormed out.

and Steve had been ready to apologize for Billy’s actions to Billy. like an idiot.

“So,” Billy sniffs, wiping at his nose and looking around, down at the ground until he spots the flowers. he bends down, hand still in Steve’s, and grabs the bouquet and hands them back, right against Steve’s chest where a multitude of emotions are swirling and Billy looks him straight in the eye and says, “I’ll do better.”

it’s a promise. a lifelong one, if Steve plays his cards right.

“…thanks,” he whispers, his free hand going up to grab the stems of the cellophane-wrapped roses, because he doesn’t know what to say other than that. he’s never not been to blame before.

but here’s Billy, trying to weather the same storm as him, unaware of his power over the rain and thunder and wind. but he’s trying.

“So,” Billy clears his throat gently, “We okay?”

it makes Steve melt, how soft Billy’s voice is when he asks that, and he gives a nod with a small smile. in an equally soft voice, he requests, “Kiss?”

Billy doesn’t even hesitate; their lips meet quickly yet gently, an ounce of warmth found within the chilly late autumn air. Steve presses into the kiss, closes his eyes to savour it, gripping Billy’s hand in his and feeling a rose’s thorn against his palm in the other. if he was a poet he’d say that was maybe symbolic.

he pulls away and smiles as Billy chases his lips, chuckles almost into his boyfriend’s mouth as he pushes the roses against Billy’s chest, “C’mon, let’s go inside.”

everything is light again, easy. this is resolution, not blissful ignorance. and it’s as sweet as cinnamon. it fills him with sunshine, just like Billy’s smile does.

it makes the conflict worth it. to know that they will fight and make up and promise to be better for each other, every time.

“There he is,” Billy hums playfully, tugging at Steve’s belt while his smile morphs into something a little less innocent, “Let me make it up to you, hm?”

as if Steve would ever say ‘no’ to that.

[fandom-imagination-ss]

Author note: hey!! Sorry it took.so long! Between Christmas and a nasty cold I got (and honestly having massive writers block on how too end this lol) it's been a long year already Haha

Warning: none

Rating: PG 13

Bad writing / did I proof read : No sorry lol

The biggest problems with small towns . Everyone knew everyone’s business, for example when Nancy and Jonathan got together the entire school started talking about it. And by the next day the entire town knew! It surprised you. Not them getting together you saw their attraction for each other a mile away. But Steve’s reaction shocked you.

Mr. Popular turned mushy. All cause of Nancy! It stunned you seeing Steve heartbroken over Nancy. You never were close with Steve. Especially since you werent popular or pretty so Steve left you alone.

That all changed the moment you stumbled upon monster or “Demodogs “ as they called it. You screamed, cried in fear and spent the night in terror running around ans seeing your cousin Dustin and his friends. Basically being bad asses with a girl who can move things with her mind! It was a Night too remember. But it did lead you too become friends with Steve something you never imagined. Or did anyone else could imagine.

A lot of things happened after that., learning about the fucked up things that was your town, Elle dying too protect the town. What stunned everyone was your bubbling relationship with Steve Harrington! The hottest guy you ever met. Once getting over your annoyance of great hair Harrington. You both ended up falling madly in love.

The summer hit and Everything changed.

First week of summer you discovered you were pregnant. With Steve's baby.

At first you thought he was happy. Steve acted like he was blissfully happy. Unknown too you how terrified he was. Begging Steve too be with you too tell your parents. He agreed but ended up not showing up. A common problem lately. He was flakey. The one time you needed Steve he wasn’t their. Thankfully your grandpa decided on the spot too take you in, he was being more helpful then your boyfriend and all you could think about was if your dad was right that Steve was a good for nothing who would abandon you and the baby the second he could. And unfortunately Steve wasn’t helping his case by not showing up or calling you back.

You would call him and he would call back. Two days later. He has cancelled every plan you set up. Saying it was “work" so far . Grandpa is the best support you had. And it was driving you crazy!

Today you had enough! You decide after puking for the third time and it’s only ten am! You had enough with Harringtons behavior So you left and headed too the new mall. You knew Steve worked today. Robin has been complaining about how moody Steve has been lately.

Getting too the mall. You headed straight too Scoops Ahoy too see Dustin your cousin pushing Steve into the back. Arriving too your destination seeing Robin calling out too Steve. He jumped out plastering a big smile on his face. All the anger disappeared seeing his pearly white. Seeing the boy you love standing there it made you burst into tears. Steve dashed toward you gripping your face tightly. “hey baby whats wrong? Are you okay?”

You just cried harder pushing Steve away. You ran away. Steve chased after you. You beeline too the women’s bathroom. Knowing Steve couldn’t follow you. However you didn’t expect Steve too barge in after you.

���baby what’s wrong? Is it the baby?”

You whipped your cheeks fast turning too Steve. “No! It’s you Steve! Your ignoring me! Flaking out! Your being a dick!”

Steve stepped forward. Looking at you, “its complicated y/n! This-this wasn’t the plan! You weren’t suppose too have my baby for another ten years! When I wasn’t working in a shitty job that makes me dressed like a fucking sailor!”

“Oh I’m Sorry! Well maybe If you didn’t sneak me out of my house and we didn’t go on top of that ridiculous stupid Hill! We wouldn’t of slept together under the moonlight! And I wouldn’t be pregnant! I had plans too! But we can’t change the fact it happened!! This is happening Steve! “

“HOW AM I SUPPOSED TO SUPPORT YOU AND THE BABY! I MAKE THREE FUCKING DOLLARS A HOUR!”

Steve kicked the garage can hard making it move across the bathroom. It made you Yelp . Steve instantly apologize. Taking a deep breath in.

“it’s humiliating Y/N… god this whole thing.. sucks.!”

Looking at this Steve reminded you of Steve from high school before Nancy. The Steve who was Mr. cool and a dick.. the Steve who you hated! Who wouldn't say anything but let his dick friends mock you as you walked passed. The Steve who was a dick!!

“Who said you were in this alone Harrington?”

That caught him by surprise. You haven’t called him “Harrington” since English when he was trying too charm his way too get the answers from you about a book he was supposed too read. Tears streamed down your face as you snapped. “if your so embarrassed about having a baby with me! Forget it! I don’t need you involved Harrington!”

You ran passed him this time Steve let you run away mainly because he felt like you just kicked him right in the heart. After work Steve went too your house. With Rose’s. Too only see Dustin coming out of the house.

“Y/N isn’t here man. My aunt kicked her out.”

The moment Dustin said it. Steve remember you mentioned that too him he groaned rubbing his face. “ shit-where does your grandpa live?”

Dustin offered too take Steve. They drove too a large house seeing Dustin and your grandfather sitting on the porch. With some ice cold lemonade. He spotted the flowers and Knew Steve was Steve.

“Y/N isn’t here- some curly hair fellow took her too the movies"

Steve cursed knowing who would do that. Billy! He bolted back into his car as Dustin followed. They hurried too the Mall. Searching for you and Billy. With No luck.

For a week nothing. You just disappeared. The police figured you ran off. Dustin tried distracting Steve with decoding a Russian secret message. When they figured out the message. And stumbled into the Russian base, too be captured.

You were sitting in a chair unchained, thanks to your grandparents you knew a Tad bit of Russian enough too say you were pregnant. Some of the guards treated you better then others. It was your ears that got you in this mess! You went too the movies with Nancy and Jonathan. You heard the Russians talking about a secret base and you ended up following them. Mainly because you couldn't believe what you heard! "Secret base" could easily mean "scoops ahoy!"Your Russian was Rusty.. apparently not that rusty since you got captured.

A week passed, of being in the room and being questioned over and over. When the doors opened you jumped high too see two similar faces Robin and Steve were thrown into the room. Steve’s eyes grew large seeing you. Steve scrambled over too you hugging you tightly. You hugged him back tightly digging your head into his shoulder as you both started crying. Steve pulling back cupping your face tightly as he quickly touched down too your stomach touching it softly . “ Are you and the baby okay?”

Nodding your head fast he reached over squeezing you tightly. ‘God. I thought you ran off!”

Steve pulled you into a hard kiss. Before wrapping his arms around you again. Holding him tightly you rested your head on his shoulder soaking in his scent you never thought you would see him again. “I went too the movies with-"

“Billy I know he’s MIA everyone thought you ran off with him.” Robin spoke up you forgot she was in the room as you shook your head. “with Billy? No! I went with Nancy and Jonathan! I overheard some Russians talking about a secret base so I followed them.”

Steve rubbed his face hearing how reckless you were. He couldn’t help but snap “what the hell Y/N! Your pregnant !!! you cant be doing stuff like this!”

You wanted too snap at him . But his tears rolling down his face. Stopped you. Hearing a banging you all jumped ass Steve leaped in front ready too attack anyone who enters. Non of you expected it too be your kid cousin. You never been more happier too see Dustin in your life! Following your cousin and he’s best friend kid sister you couldn’t help but smile at their bickering it reminded you of you and Steve in the beginning of your relationship. Getting up too the top of the mall. You noticed someone with a ice cream cone. A chocolate ice cream with sprinkles. You stopped in your tracks as everyone ran off. You walked too the ice cream scoop. Steve turned around looking around for you. Catching you walking into the scoop Ahoy he bolted too you grabbing your arm.

“Baby what you doing?”

Looking at Steve you rubbed your stomach. “I’m hungry and I need a ice cream cone .”

Hero rubbed his face. Steve snapped. “We have Russians after us! I’ll get you a ice cream cone later!” Steve dragged you out. Catching up with the group. A wave of anger rushed over you. It wasn’t a simple craving. You could substitute a normal craving. This was a Need. People needed oxygen, water too survive. In your mind you were convinced you wouldn’t survive without a chocolate ice cream cone. It was all Steve fault! He denied you your ice cream cone.

“Steve.”

Getting into a movie theater too hide he turned looked worried .”yea babe?”

“Later.. when were safe and not in Danger I need you too do something for me.”

“Anything! Baby whatever you need”

You dig your nails into his lap as you spoke calmly. “get me a chocolate ice cream cone with sprinkles!”

“Ow! Okay! OKAY! OW BABE THAT HURTS!”

You freed his leg grabbing his hand again reaching over kissing his cheek.

[harringtonandbuckley]

we need to talk

steve x henderson!bi!reader

request: can u do steve x henderson!bi!reader please :)) something where they are already together and she wants to come out as bi to him but she’s scared he’ll freak out and have some angst but a happy ending? thank u! i love ur writing

a/n: this definitely didn’t come out how i wanted to. hope i did it somewhat justice.

You stared at the clock intently. It was 4:34 in the early evening and you were expecting Steve to show up anytime soon. You had called him moments before and told that you two ‘needed to talk.’ So maybe those weren’t the best words to say for a Friday confessional.

The two of you were doing great. Your relationship was thriving and you were somehow happier than you had been in a long time, as was Steve. But through all of that happiness harvested in your being, you still had an overwhelming sense of dread.

You and Steve had gotten together shortly after him and Nancy had broken up. That was also coicidentally around the same period that you were figuring yourself out a little bit. For the longest time, you would watch the two of them walk down the school’s hallways together, and it dawned on you that you had felt a longing for one of them. And you didn’t exactly know which one. And you didn’t exactly care which one. 

That school year, you had come to terms with the fact that you were bisexual. You didn’t feel the need to really tell anyone besides your mom, who, for the record, took it better than you could have ever imagined. You kind-of-sort-of told your little brother, Dustin, but he was too hellbent on the fact that you said you were dating Steve. Otherwise, he took it well. Now, you felt like maybe you should tell your boyfriend. 

That day, you did what you thought would be best: you called Steve and told him that ‘you guys needed to talk.’ Maybe those weren’t your best choice of words, but it definitely insured the fact that he would be coming over.

Unbeknownst to you, Steve was doing much more than getting ready to come over to your house. After your phone call, he raced to his car and flew to a flower shop. He was almost certain that he didn’t do anything wrong, but he wanted to be prepared just in case. Steve didn’t know how to pick out flowers very well, so he grabbed a bouquet of red roses, thinking those were the most romantic option.

So he paid, hopped in his car, and sped to your house, practicing an apology speech along the way.

It was 4:42 when knocking got you out of your trance. You dragged yourself to the door and opened it gently. There stood Steve, smiling and holding the flowers against his chest. “Surprise!”

You laughed as he handed them to you and motioned for him to come in. He obliged and slipped his shoes off at the door. “You know you still don’t have to do that, right?”

“Yeah, yeah, yeah. It’s called respect Y/N.”

“Mhm.”

“So,” Steve said abruptly. “is everything okay?”

“I mean, maybe not.” You sat down on your couch and patted the spot next to you. Steve walked awkwardly to you and sat down.

“I just want to say something,” Steve announced, throwing you off guard. “I want to, um, apologize to you. I respect if you want to break up with me but I completely disagree with that because I really like you and I don’t want to never see you again and—”

“Break up?” You gasped and crossed your arms over your chest. “You thought I called you here to break up?”

“Well usually when you say ‘we have to talk’ that means breaking up.” Steve threw his arms in the air and frowned.

“No, no. I most certainly don’t want to break up.”

“Oh thank god.” Steve chuckled uncomfortably and grabbed your hand in his. “Tell me, Y/N. What could possibly be worse then breaking up. Because honestly, that’s like number one on the bad things scale.”

You stared at him blankly and cast your eyes to the ground. “Hey, you can tell me anything, you know. You don’t have to be scared to.”

“I know,” you muttered and quickly wiped the tears that were springing to your eyes. Steve’s facial expression turned concerned and he leveled his eyes with yours. “It’s just, well, I dunno. You’ll probably want to break up after this.”

“Nothing can possibly make me want to do that. I mean, jesus, I got to your house in under ten minutes and I even stopped at the flower store on the way.”

You let out a laugh and shook your head. “Please at least promise me that you’ll hear me out?”

“I promise.”

You took a deep breath and began. “It took me a while to kind of understand and come to terms with, so I figured I should tell you considering you’re my boyfriend and all that. I’m happy with who I am and who I’ve turned out to be so far in life,” you paused and looked at him. He nodded his head and encouraged you to go on. “I think, no actually, I know for a fact that you’re hot. No doubt about it.”

“Thank you.”

“Steve.”

“Right. Carry on.”

“You’re hot. But also, to me, girls are pretty hot, too. You’re the first person I’m saying this to besides my parents which is pretty strange to say the least. But, here it goes. I’m bisexual.”

Steve slowly blinked and looked at you. He stood up paced back and forth for a few moments. You fiddled with your hands. “Were you just gonna keep that from me? What makes you think that’s cool to just hide something like that?”

“Steve I—” You were crying at this point and Steve’s eyes widened. You were at a loss for words. He walked to you quickly and kneeled on the ground in front of you.

“Hey, hey,” he said, attempting to grab your attention. “Please don’t think I’m mad, I’m not mad.”

You sniffled. “No?”

“No,” he smiled sweetly and cupped your face in his hands, wiping away your tears. “I’m glad you told me, and I’m sorry you felt like you couldn’t. I know I was a jackass for a long time, but I’ve genuinely gotten better.”

“I know.”

“Can I ask why you didn’t want to tell me?”

You shrugged and bowed your head. “I just didn’t think you would be cool with it. Not a lot of people are these days.”

“I’ll always support you, Y/N. I mean, maybe not if you kill someone or something. But other than that, I will. This, this is nothing. I love you. Regardless of anything. I. Love. You.” He kissed your forehead and sat down on the couch, bringing you close to him. You rested your head on his shoulder and smiled.

“Thank you, Steve.”

“For what?”

“For listening.”

“My favourite part was when you told me I was hot.”

You leaned back and slapped his arm playfully, causing him to laugh. “You’re gonna get it now.”

“Oh yeah?”

“Yeah.” Steve smirked and grabbed at your sides, tickling you. You two rolled around before falling onto the carpet below. You both groaned but didn’t move.

“Y/N?”

“Yeah?”

Before Steve could speak, the front door slammed open causing you both to jump into a sitting position. In walked Dustin, duffel bag in hand.

“I thought you were staying at Mike’s.” You questioned, watching him watch you and Steve.

“Not any more, shithead.” Dustin scowled at Steve and walked into the kitchen. You looked at your boyfriend and he shrugged. Steve and Dustin were best friends when you weren’t around. When you were, Dustin always went into psycho-brother mode.

Dustin walked back into the room and threw a wet paper towel at Steve’s face, shouting in celebration when it hit him.

“Dustin, what the hell?” You yelled, grabbing it and throwing it back.

“For my sake, for everyone’s sake, get a goddamn room. You could be with literally anyone else. And you pick Steve. I would rather you date some random girl or something. Anyone would be better than that asshat.” Dustin spit off and walked away.

You and Steve stared at each other, mouths wide open. Dustin peeked his head back around the corner and cleared his throat. “Steve, we still on for the arcade in the morning?”

“Uh, yeah?”

“Okay good. Make sure to have change because they don’t like having cash on hand.” Steve nodded frantically.

“Side note,” Dustin looked at both of you up and down. “you two are okay together. You’ll never hear me say it again but it looked like you guys were having a moment when I walked in so I needed to ruin it. Happy for you Y/N, I really am.”

You smiled and shooed him away, your attention back on Steve. “Love you, Steve.”

“I love you, too.” Steve beamed and kissed you gently.

Nothing could bring you down.

[corroded-cofffin]

Finding Out, I’ve Got The Guts To Say Anything ||

Prompt: Maybe, I’m Just Crazy

Pairing: Steve x Reader

Set in season 2

You’re friends with Nancy and go over to her house to figure out what the hell is going on lately (fighting with Steve at the party, avoiding her friends besides Jonathon, and general weirdness) As you’re leaving Steve pulls up with flowers and you invite yourself along when Dustin shows up asking for Steve’s help with something.

((Sorry for the description I just wrote it so long ago I vaguely remember what its about also its kind of long))

Being friends with Nancy was difficult sometimes. Like the times she’d disappear with no damn explanation. You were about to get in your car to leave Nancy’s house almost exactly the same time as Steve Harrington pulled up. Her boyfriend. Or maybe her ex, you didn’t know what was going on with the two lately. You paused at your car door, and watched him. You were curious.

You eyed the flowers in his hand, he must not have seen you because he began speaking. “I love you, I’m sorry...what am I sorry for?” You stifle a smile.

“Looking for Nance?” You asked and he jerked his head towards you, a small blush started to creep onto his face.

“Uh, yeah. I was going to try and apologize for the...fight.” He seemed unsure about his wording.

“Well, she isn’t home. I have no idea where that girl got to.” He instantly deflated. You walked closer to him. “I was about to come to your house and check if she was with you.”

“Well she obviously isn’t and you’re her closest friend so who is she…” He trailed off as the pieces seemed to click in his brain.

Suddenly Dustin rode up on his bike. “Is Mike here?” He asked the two teens. You shrugged.

“Not sure.” Steve answered.

“Wow you guys are so much help. Thanks.” He said sarcastically.

“These kids are little shits, I swear.” You said watching Dustin approach the house.

“Yeah I don’t know much about that. Well, I’m going to head home.” You nodded in agreement, but before you two could part ways Dustin approached.

“Steve, do you still have that bat? With nails?” Steve sputtered, not forming any words, “Well do you?” Dustin asked impatiently.

“Uh, yeah.” He answered.

You were instantly intrigued and horrified.

“Why do you have a bat with nails?” You asked, “And why do you want a bat with nails?” You directed the second question towards Dustin.

“It’s a long story.” They said in unison.

“And I don’t have time. Let's go.” Dustin motioned towards Steve and started getting in his car.

“Uh, I feel like I need a little context here.” You said to Steve.

“It’s not something that can be explained so quickly.”

“Well I’ll tag along.” You said and he looked conflicted. What the hell was going on? Nancy goes missing for days at a time and now there’s bats with nails and children who need it.

“I don’t know if you can.” You lifted your eyebrows.

“Can?”

Dustin rolled down the window, “We don’t have all day Harrington!”

Steve rolled his eyes but headed to his car. “I’m going to follow you!” You shouted, not giving him an option.

You quickly got in the car and followed him to the Henderson’s. “You shouldn’t be involved in this.” Steve said to you when you got out of the car.

“We don't have time.” Dustin said dragging Steve by the sleeve to his cellar.

You were more curious now, and followed them to the cellar.

Dustin began explaining the thing that ate his cat. You started thinking this kid had an overactive imagination. You watched Steve advance into the cellar. He was quiet and you felt the urge to follow him in. Dustin grabbed your sleeve this time. “At least take a weapon.” He handed you a shovel. 

“Okay…” You said and began advancing down the stairs. Steve was looking at...some kind of animals shedding.

“What the fuck?” You whispered.

“Whatever was here is gone!” He shouted up to Dustin. Dustin came down the stairs and you three searched the cellar. You three had found the escape route rather fast.

“Okay. I believe something...strange was here, but some kind of animal.” Steve and Dustin shared a look at your comment.

“What animal that size sheds skin?” Dustin motioned towards the shedding.

“It's...not that big.” But you were struggling to think of one that size that would shed. To be fair, you didn’t know that much about animals who shed skin anyway.

The guys formulated a plan while you struggled to keep up. You were denying everything in your brain. It had to be a new species of something? You didn’t really know about all that kind of stuff.

“Are you going to keep following us?” Dustin asked as they headed to the train tracks.

“Yes. I’m seriously concerned for your safety.” And extremely intrigued, you hated to admit.

Steve filled you in on the whole story while dropping bits of meat on the tracks.

“You’re delusional.” You laughed. 

“I wish.” He responded.

“It doesn’t matter. She’ll see soon enough.” The two began talking about girls and you zoned out.

You didn’t care to hear the details that Steve would provide or about the crush of a middle schooler.

When you arrive at the dump two other middle schoolers showed up and you were perplexed. If this whole monster thing is true, why are there a bunch of children fighting them?

And Steve?

“So do you do this a lot?” You asked Steve.

“First time with a bunch of kids and also only the second time.” He answered.

“Steve, I’m not saying I believe you, but if what you said was true...should I be scared?” His eyes seemed far away for a moment.

“Yeah.” He answered, “But I wouldn’t show fear in front of these kids. They’ll eat you alive.” He smiled and you managed a small laugh.

He headed off and you continued what you were doing.

You guys were camping out in a broken down bus and you asked yourself what you were doing there (not for the first time) and noticed Dustin looked upset about Lucas and the other kid.

That must have been his crush. You felt bad for him. “You good?” You asked and he nodded, but said nothing. You didn’t exactly know how to comfort him so you headed over to Steve, which wasn’t far considering you all were in a bus.

“So, you and Nancy like...broke up?” You didn’t know what to say to Steve.

“Wouldn’t you know?”

“Not really. Nancy and I are friends, but she hasn’t really been close with anyone since Barb. She only tells me surface things.” You said leaning back against the bus.

“Well I think we are. We know she isn’t at home or with either of us so she’s probably with-”

“Jonathan.” You finished for him and he nodded.

He sighed, “It’s not like I don’t trust her, but I know they have feelings for each other and I’m pretty sure we aren’t together anymore.”

“I’m sorry Steve. You’re a good guy.” You said, and he shook his head.

“No I’m not.” before you could respond things went crazy.

And you saw...it, whatever it was, then you saw multiple...its.

“What the fuck?”

In the end you all were in the bus waiting for one to attack through the roof, more like Steve was ready. You had no weapon, and wished you carried that dumb shovel with you.

But soon they were leaving, all running in the direction of that lab.

“What happened?” You asked, “Are they running away?”

“Looks like they’re running to something.” Dustin said.

“Home.” Lucas answered.

“Fuck.” Your hands were shaking. Steve grabbed them.

“Hey look at me.” You refused, “Look at me.” He repeated and brought yourself to do it. “It’s okay. Everything is okay.”

“What the fuck is going on? You guys are crazy.” You asked, almost verging on hysteria.

“You want to go home?” He asked and you swallowed hard.

“I can’t leave you and three children to do this. If anything happened…” You trailed off.

“Well then get it together.” He said and finally let go of your hands.

“Yeah okay.” You said. You all headed to the lab, on foot. Your hands were still a little shaky, but you shoved them in your pockets and ignored them.

Lucas and Dustin got in an argument, which you stayed out of. The affairs of children are none of your business.

They seemed to be fighting over Dart? Who was the...monster thing. They also fought over the other kid with them, the girl, Max.

“This is all very intriguing but I think we should get going.” You said and they glared.

“She’s right.” Steve said, and their glare turned to him.

Finally it softened as they agreed. When you got to the lab there was a couple outside. “Nancy?” Steve said and she returned his surprised with her own, “Steve?” 

“Hi, I’m here too.” You said waving at your friend.

She walked away from Steve and gave you a hug. “What are you doing here? What are you two doing together?” She asked.

“We were both going to your house to look for you...or apologize to you. You can guess which one I am, and then I got dragged into this mess.”

“Dragged into? You invited yourself.” Steve said and you rolled your eyes.

“Okay who wouldn’t want to know what a teenage boy and a middle schooler were going to do with a bat that has nails in it? What if it was dangerous?”

“That is not why you followed.” You two were about to start bickering, when you were interrupted.

“You guys? More important things going on?” Dustin said gesturing towards the lab.

You nodded, “Fine.”

After a whole debacle at the lab and at the Byers, where you learned more about this than you ever wanted to know. Demogorgons, Demodogs, Mind Flayers, the Upside Down, some kid with powers named Eleven? - your head was spinning, you and Steve were left in charge of the children. You were still trying to get a grasp on everything and everyone involved.

Nancy was with Jonathan, which was...not unexpected, but still weird to you. “So we sit, take care of these kids, and what?” You asked Steve.

“That’s it. We let them do what they need to do.” He answered. You nodded, you weren’t sure you wanted to do more, but you felt like you had to do something at the same time.

Mike definitely felt you had to do something. He was practically yelling at Steve. It would be highly irresponsible to take children out to fight monsters...but you had been doing it all day anyway.

Steve managed to get the kids to calm down, but they weren’t happy about it.

You joined him and Dustin in the kitchen as they shoved a Demodog into Joyce Byers’ fridge. That was not gonna be fun for her. Dustin joined the rest of his friends.

“This has been something.” You said.

“I think every year is going to get weirder.” He replied.

“I hope not. This was crazy enough.” He laughed.

“You weren’t here for the last time, but yeah this is crazier.”

You two were quiet for a while. “So, this is gonna sound weird, but I was totally eavesdropping on you and Nancy.” He looked amused, but said nothing. “I don’t think you were a bad boyfriend...like, sure at first you were a shit for what you did, but you really flipped around and changed who you were. You also apologized and tried to make up for your behavior. You were a good boyfriend.” You finally finished.

He was blushing. “Thanks.” He looked away.

You held in a laugh not wanting to embarrass him further.

“Well, she wasn’t happy with me or in love with me. The fact that I didn’t notice makes me a shitty boyfriend.” You frowned. No one could have known.

“It’s not like she was wearing a shirt that said ‘I don’t love Steve Harrington’ on it. How would you have known? I didn’t know. I mean...I kinda assumed she had a little thing for Jonathan but not that it was anything past mild interest. You know?”

Steve was frowning now. “I think I knew. All along.”

You exhaled loudly. You felt bad for him but you wanted Nancy to be happy too. “I know you love her, but if you always knew then it should be a little easier letting go.”

“Should it? I mean I’m babysitting a bunch of kids, and I sent her off with him and it still feels pretty bad.”

“Pretty bad but not devastating?”

He stared at the counter and was quiet. You were about to say something else when you heard a car, and loud music blasting. Yours and Steve’s head swung toward the door.

Max came in, “Its my brother. He can’t know I’m here!”

“Stay away from the windows.” He said to the kids. You started following him out the door. “What are you doing?” He asked.

“Having your back.” You answered.

“Stay with the kids.” He said and you glared.

“Kids stay away from the windows.” You repeated, and he sent you a look.

“You aren’t dropping this are you?” You shook your head and he relented.

You two went out, and waited for Billy to get out of the car. He smiled widely and you held in an eyeroll. He’s as fake as they get.

“Harrington is that you?” He yelled.

“Yeah it’s me, don’t cream your pants,” Steve said in a bored tone.

You shot him a quick glance, did he just think of that shit? And turned your attention back to Billy.

“Ah and Nancy’s little friend?” He said walking up to you two.

“Nancy’s little friend? You don’t even know my name?” You were offended. Steve shot you a look that clearly said, ‘shut up’.

“Sorry babe, haven’t bothered to learn it yet.”

“Yet you wanna know every little aspect of Steve’s life.” You raised an eyebrow and Steve shot you another look. You couldn’t help yourself.

“Hm, I don’t have time to deal with you. I’m looking for my sister.”

“She isn’t here.” Steve answered.

“A little birdie told me she was.”

“Well they were wrong.” Steve responded, quickly.

You heard a shuffle and turned to look at the window.

“What the fuck was that then?” He asked shoving you and Steve aside.

“Hey fuckface!” You yelled as he made his way inside.

He turned and smirked at you. “Any other time and I would deal with you.” He turned and his eyes landed on Lucas. He started heading towards him, “Sinclair? Thought I told you to stay away from him.” You and Steve rushed to the kids. You got to Lucas first and shoved him behind you.

“Back the fuck up.” You said to him and he laughed in your face.

“Or what sweetheart? You big and bad?” He smirked again and you were pissed.

“You’re literal garbage.” You said, and before he said some other smart ass remark you drew your fist back and slammed it into his nose as hard as you could.

Your fist fucking hurt but it was worth it to see blood dripping out of his nose. Unfortunately it wasn’t strong enough to hurt him that much.

“You’re gonna regret that.”

Steve stepped in between the two of you. “I don’t think so.” He said and Billy wasted no time turning his rage on him.

The two began to fight and Steve got a few good hits in, but so did Billy. Billy slammed a plate over Steve's head and that’s where you had to step in. As he advanced on Steve you slammed your boot into his back as hard as you could. He made an ‘oof’ sound and turned around.

“You really want someone to teach you a lesson don’t you?”

“Try me, bitch.” You said, all venom.

He went to swing on you and you barely dodged. Fuck, that was kind of scary. As you were about to swing on him again Steve intervened.

“Hey asshole.” He said and he looked rough.

“Steve, it’s okay.” You said, fully prepared to fight this dude.

Adrenaline might get you through.

He got a couple more good hits on him before Billy took him down. You were about to run in again and start fucking him up, but Max drugged him.

You stood shocked for a moment, but when you saw she had it you ran over to Steve. You cradled his head in your lap.

“Why-why would you try and fight him?” He asked barely even conscious.

“Steve look at you right now. He wouldn’t have stopped and...maybe I’m just crazy.” You smiled and he laughed, which he looked like he instantly regretted. “Don’t laugh. Just...rest okay?”

He passed out on your lap.

You looked back up at the kids and a now passed out Billy.

“How long do you think he’ll be out?” Max asked you and you shrugged.

“He really fought that drug. We should get out of here.” You said, but had no idea where to go.

“We should help the others.” Mike said and you sighed.

Yeah, you supposed you should. So you agreed to drive the kids, and help them. Steve woke up while you were still on the way and began freaking out. The kids attempted to calm him down and he asked for you.

“I’m driving. Sorry, Steve, it just seemed like the most logical thing to do.” You responded, and he was bitching all through Mike’s directions.

You stopped and everyone got out. “This is crazy.” Steve said and you nodded.

“Look, there’s two of us. We can watch the kids, and if anything goes wrong I’ll sacrifice you so we can get out.” You joked, and he fought a smile.

“Are we doing this?”

“Yeah...it is crazy.” You repeated his words.

He was quiet for a moment as the kids got ready to head underground. He grabbed his baseball bat and a bandana. “Maybe I’m just crazy.” He said and you laughed, loudly.

It wasn’t particularly funny, but with emotions running high, and everything that was going on it seemed hilarious.

“If you two are done flirting, we need to get going.”

“Flirting?” “What are you talking about?” You and Steve spoke in unison shooting Dustin a dirty look.

He rolled his eyes and you guys headed down.

In the end you all got out, even though for a minute you were sure Steve wouldn’t. That scared you more than you wanted to admit.

You guys went back to Byers’. Billy was gone. Everyone was hugging and saying goodbye. You hardly knew these people you realized. Besides Mike and Nancy.

“You guys make a good team.” Nancy said to you and Steve.

“Yeah we actually do.” You replied and glanced up at Steve.

“I guess.” He said with a smile.

“Shut up asshole.” You said with finality and walked off with Nancy.

“So, I know we just got done like saving a kid, and probably like the whole world or something dramatic, but what is going on with you and the Byers kid?”

She was blushing. “Nothing.”

“You lie a lot Nancy.” You said and she scoffed.

“I do not. I don’t know what's going on we...kissed and...stuff.”

“Nasty girl!” You said with a smile and she shot you a dirty look. “Sorry, well, let's talk more later I’m exhausted and need a shower.” She agreed and you two hugged.

You were about to ask Hopper for a ride when Steve approached you. “Hey, I’m getting a ride to my car. Want me to take you home? Feels only right we end this adventure together.” He said and you smiled.

“Sounds good, Harrington.”

You guys quickly got in the car and he began driving. You reflected on everything that had happened. You were so fucking exhausted and somehow you became friends with Steve?

“Hey,” he startled you out of your thoughts.

“Yeah?”

“I’m glad I ran into you at Nancy’s. Today would have been a little more difficult without you.”

“I barely did anything. You still got your ass beat by Billy and you almost didn’t get out-” He cut you off.

“Yeah, thanks for reminding me about the ass beating.” A hand drifted up to his face, as he touched an eyebrow he winced, “but you did make a difference and I’m kind of scared of you now.” He said and you laughed. “No really you looked like you were going to murder him.”

“I was.” You replied with a laugh.

“Yeah, I couldn’t risk that though. Anyway, it was cool. You’re cool.” You smiled at him.

“You are too.”

He pulled up to your house and you glanced at the house then looked to him. “Thanks for the ride.”

“No problem.”

You swallowed. “This is probably going to sound weird...are we friends now?”

He laughed. “Yeah, we are, and for the record you are crazy.”

You laughed. “See you.” He said the same to you and didn’t drive off until you were inside.

Inside was hell. You had two worried parents waiting for you.

You and Steve started hanging out a lot more, and Nancy started opening up more to you. Most everything was getting back to normal, and you couldn’t be happier. No more demodogs or mind flayers.

You were hanging with Steve, Nancy, and Jonathan who had all become friends despite everything. Jonathan was still that awkward kid when he wanted to be but other than that you all were pretty close.

You guys were all at the drive in watching some horror movie. You and Steve were sitting on the hood of the car and Nancy and Jonathan were on top of the car. You and Steve talked shit through most of the movie, it wasn’t that good.

You got cold and realized you’d left your jacket at home. You were about to get into the car to attempt to stay warm when Steve offered his jacket to you. You accepted, and heard Nancy saying something to Jonathan, but couldn’t exactly make it out. It sounded like ‘I told you.’

When the movie ended Nancy hopped off the car and joined you and Steve. You two were still making fun of the ending of the movie while she listened. “It was just so over the top.” You said, and he nodded.

“Well you’re the expert in over the top.”

“Shut up!” You shoved him lightly and laughed.

“Hey I’ve seen you hit someone I know you can shove harder than that.”

“I don’t want to hurt you.” You said in a joking tone.

“You are crazy.” He said matter of factly. It was just a thing you guys said now. It made you two laugh.

You smiled at him, “So are you.”

Nancy coughed and you felt a little embarrassed, though you didn’t know why. You attempted to play it off, “What’s up Nance?”

“Can you go to the bathroom with me?” You nodded, hopped off the car, and told Steve you’d be right back.

When you got into the bathroom she turned on you so fast you were a little startled. “What’s going on with you and Steve?” She was genuinely curious.

You were confused. “Nothing?”

“Oh, come on! You guys have inside jokes, and he's giving you his jacket.”

“Thats stuff that friends do, Nance.”

“No, you seem to keep forgetting I dated him for a little bit. He’s flirting with you.” She said with a cross of her arms and a smirk.

“No. No way.” You replied quickly, not even thinking he would ever like you.

“Yes way. Do you like him?”

“Yeah. He’s a really good guy.” You didn’t miss a beat, which caused you to be embarrassed for the second time tonight. In the matter of about 5 to 10 minutes. “I mean like a good friend.” You added on.

“I can see right through you.” She said and you rolled your eyes. You two left the bathroom and began walking towards the snack bar.

You guys ordered and were waiting for the girl to return with your stuff when you decided to just let Nancy know.

“Yeah, I don’t know. It’s a recent thing. Like he was over the other day studying and I just looked up and smiled. It’s weird to think that you suddenly can just realize that you’ve been missing someone from your life for so long. He makes me happy. Makes thing better.” You felt hot, and knew your face was red.

Nancy was smiling. “That's so cute. I didn’t think you two liked each other that much.”

You finally got your stuff. “Yeah but I like him in my life. I’m not going to take that step if it means losing him.” She nodded and you two turned to leave.

And there he was. Standing in the doorway, mouth agape.

Fuck, you mentally cursed.

Nancy looked shocked, when she saw Jonathan she whispered a quiet, “sorry,” and left with him.

“So, uh, you just walked in, and didn’t hear a thing?” You asked hopefully.

“He’s been standing there for a while, kind weirding me out.” The counter chick said and you closed your eyes and willed this to not be happening.

You opened them and laughed a fake laugh, which he caught on to. “I’m sorry I couldn’t stop listening.” He said and you were dying to know what the hell was going through his mind.

“It’s, uh, fine?” You don’t think it was but more than anything you wanted this to be over.

“So...you think I complete your life?” He was smiling and you rolled your eyes.

“I did not say that.” You two began to walk out.

“Something like, you didn’t even know I was missing from it?”

“Steve, shut the hell up.” You said and he laughed.

“Maybe it was something like you were watching me study and were overcome with happiness.” He was clearly having fun and you turned to glare at him.

“You’re an ass-” He cut you off with a kiss. Your eyes widened in shock, but soon your emotions got the better of you.

You dropped your drink and your popcorn and wrapped your arms around him. You lost yourself in the kiss.

When he pulled away his eyes remained shut for a little while, which caused you to smile. “I wasn’t expecting that.” You said and he looked at the floor.

“I can see that.”

“You owe me new snacks.” You said and he smiled at you.

“Fine, but only if we can do that again.”

You pretended to think about it while he rolled his eyes. “See what I mean? Over the top.” You laughed and slapped at his arm.

“You’re an ass, Harrington.” 

“All yours though.” He said and you willed yourself not to blush.

You reached up and kissed his cheek. “So am I.” you replied and he smiled widely.

[aphroditestummyrolls]

For the prompt thing! @ihni , my BBY, here is the first of your prompts! This is 13 and 28! I hope you love them, tell me what you thiiiiink! ❤️

Every nerve in his body, it felt like, was alive with jitters. Billy wanted to punch someone, get in a fight, go for a run— anything to get rid of some of the intense energy building in his gut.

Fear. He couldn’t believe that of all the times to be driven through with fear, it would happen to him on the steps of the Byers house. It was a fucking stupid mistake to let Steve take him here. He was weak to agree in the first place.

“Hey, relax.” Steve said, soft and warm, taking his hand in his and squeezing “It’ll be an... adjustment. But once they know you like I do, they’ll love you like I do.”

The brunette looked so happy to have finally gotten Billy there— to his “family”— that he just couldn’t change his mind. He couldn’t let his Pretty Boy down.

Billy just nodded and tried a smile. Steve just smiled back, fidgeting nervously with Billy’s fingers in his hand and leaning in for one last kiss. It was a gentle press of lips on his, and Billy felt lighter and safer. He gripped the brunette’s hand tighter and melted into the kiss like there was no one on the other side of that door.

So it somehow managed to come as a surprise when that door was wrenched open, to Dustin fucking Henderson on the other side.

The cheeky smile the little shit had had at the sight of Steve dropped off his face in record time.

“No. Not you, anyone but you.” He said, going from shock, to disbelief, to rage. “What the fuck— the actual fuck— Steve, you can’t be serious!”

This was off to a great start, Billy thought. He tried to extricate his hand from the other boy’s then, but Steve only held him tighter.

The tension was palpable, but Steve just held up his free hand placatingly “Things are different now, kid. You gotta trust me on this.”

The swell of pride in his chest was almost too much to handle without grinning like a lovesick idiot. He would never say it out loud, but part of Billy had expected Steve to ditch him at the door. Part of him thought Steve would distance himself to cling to some semblance of heterosexuality, but if anything, it was the opposite. The brunette held his hand and led him into the small house, right past Henderson and all the other slack jawed twerps that had been alerted by Henderson’s loud cursing.

“Steve, who’s this?” A small woman came up to him, oven mitts on. She smiled with genuine warmth and Billy soaked that up like a flower looking up at the sun. Her eyes were sparkling like she knew who he was— at least, who he was to Steve— already.

“Joyce, this is Billy.” Steve smiled back. He was clearly relieved to see her, and Billy had never immediately trusted someone the way he trusted Joyce in that moment “He’s my boyfriend.”

“Billy, what the Hell?” Max cried, incredulous. Billy didn’t even spare her a glance.

“Don’t trust him, Mrs. B— he’s a fucking psycho!” the dark haired tall boy piped up. Steve whipped his head around to glare at the kid.

Over Joyce Byers’ shoulder, he could see the gawping faces of Princess Wheeler and Jonathan. A tall, gruff looking guy with a cigarette hanging from his lips was paused near the back door, taking him in.

Billy wanted so badly to just disappear. He wanted to look down at his boots until this was over and pretend he wasn’t a fucking spectacle. Steve stroked his knuckles with his thumb, jaw set stubbornly.

“Well, it’s nice to meet you, Billy.” Joyce touched his shoulder, sensing the tension. It was pretty much impossible not to, really. “Dinner’s just about ready— would you boys help me set the table?”

It got them away from the kids, at least, who let out a calamitous protest that grated on the remains of Billy’s patience.

“Hey, hey! Pipe down, relax—“ the man was saying, almost bored over the sound of all those little shitheads.

Lucas Sinclair called something called a “Party Meeting”, and they disappeared to Will’s room.

Joyce handed them forks and knives, plates, everything they would need, and left them to it while she and Jonathan finished up dinner prep.

“They’ll get used to it.” Steve said after setting out plates, setting his hand on the back of Billy’s neck as he folded a napkin so hard it tore.

“I’m fine, Harrington-“

“Really? Are you sure about that? You just give off the impression that you want to murder everyone you look at.” He chuckled, but Billy didn’t find it too fucking funny.

“Don’t say that too loud, Asshole— Henderson’ll call the fucking cops, or something.” He snapped, more harsh than he meant to be.

“And why would he do that?” The gruff man from earlier said, leaning in the threshold of the dining room.

Billy and Steve both took a couple steps back from each other. He strode up to Billy and extended a hand that the blonde was careful not to visibly flinch away from.

“Chief Jim Hopper, kid. You’re Billy?” He shook the offered hand. Steve had outed them to a cop, was he out of his goddamn mind?

Billy just gave a cocky half a smirk, hiding the alarm bells telling him to run like Hell away from this house and all the people in it that hated his guts.

“Billy Hargrove.” He nodded. Steve was chewing anxiously on his fingernails.

God, what a shitshow.

Sitting down to eat was a blessing and a curse. Clutching at Steve’s hand under the table, Billy took a slow bite of chicken and hated himself.

He actually wanted these people to like him, damnit. But, with all those kids watching him like he was a ticking bomb, Steve’s ex girlfriend sitting across from him, and the chief of the fucking police staring him down, Billy was starting to feel pretty hopeless.

Joyce was his one reprieve, asking “So Billy, you and Max are siblings?” and “Where in California are you from?”

He answered all the questions with as much charm as he could force while Steve fiddled with Billy’s hand under the table.

Max was looking at him, studying him all through dinner with the curly haired girl with the big eyes. Both of them were damn near looking right through him and he was acutely aware of how badly he needed a cigarette. If Max breathed a word of this to Neil, he’d fucking kill her, and he made sure to send her a glare that said that.

She just looked right back at him though, adding to the tension boiling over in the worn out dining room.

He finally escaped back to the front porch after they finished eating. Pacing and clenching his muscles, Billy took a long drag on his smoke and let himself revel in the relief of the hot burn in his lungs. He let the chilly spring evening nip at his skin, and tried to get himself together. He felt like he hadn’t properly breathed in the 2 hours since stepping into the Byers house.

When the door opened, he expected it to be Steve. But when he turned to look, there was a spark of anger igniting him all the way to his toes.

It was Henderson and his gaggle of brats.

“Well, if it isn’t the Fellowship of the fucking Ring.” He deadpanned, sucking down a lungful of smoke to tamp down his rage.

If any of them got the reference— which of course they would, look at those dweebs— they ignored him.

“What’s your angle with Steve?” Dustin said, trying to be tough.

“You’re asking me what my intentions are with your precious babysitter?” Billy replied, arching an eyebrow and blowing smoke in the little twerps face “What or who Steve Harrington does in his spare time is none of your business—“

“Just get out of here and leave him alone, you psycho!” That was the tall kid again.

“Who are you, again?” He sassed back, knowing full well that that must be Wheeler’s brother.

The kid just rolled his eyes at him “Fuck you, Hargrove!”

“Steve’s been through enough!” Sinclair cut in.

Throughout his berating from the Scooby Doo gang, Billy noticed something. Max was silent, looking almost embarrassed. Little Will Byers was staring at his shoes, and that curly little thing was still just staring at him. This was a pretty half assed intimidation tactic.

“Hey assholes!” The door opened again, flooding the step with a moat of yellow light. Steve was standing there with a dish towel over his shoulder, his lips pursed like he had smelled a rat. “What’re you doing?”

“Defending your honor!” Henderson shot back, as if it was obvious. “You’ve taken complete leave of your fucking senses!”

The brunette stepped out into the cool night “Taken leave of my— who even fucking says that, Dude?” He cried “Did it ever occur to you that maybe I’m happy?”

Happy. Steve was happy, Steve was defending Billy at the very house that he’d beaten him in. Something melted in Billy’s heart, and he finished off his smoke to hide the swell of emotions. He made Steve Harrington happy.

The whole train wreck of a night was suddenly worth every second.

Steve shooed the twerps back into the house “Go play Atari or something, leave Billy alone, Jesus Christ, guys...”

Billy grinned at the other boy, batting his eyelashes comically “Steve Harrington, you’re my hero. How will I ever repay you?”

Steve’s grin back was bright, and defeated the purpose of his eye roll “Yeah yeah— I can think of a couple ways.” His eyes sparkled, going a little dark even at the joking insinuation of sex, because Steve Harrington was an insatiable motherfucker.

“You guys are gross.”

Max was still standing there, hovering by the door.

“Then why are you listening, Maxine?” Billy replied, at the end of his rope.

“This is why you’ve been so nice lately, isn’t it?” She continued, not caring that she was ruining a moment “Apologizing to me and Lucas, driving me to the arcade.”

“Maybe.” He shrugged, taking hold of Steve’s fidgeting hand.

“If Neil catches you, he’ll make us move again.”

Billy rolled his eyes, not saying that if Neil found out this time, he’d skip the moving part and just beat Billy to death. He fucking wanted to, but instead he hissed out “Then I guess we shouldn’t tell him.”

Max nodded, like she was finally understanding something. She looked from their hands to their faces and back again.

“You’re still gross— but I’m happy for you, Billy.”

And maybe for that night, that was as good they were gonna get. That was fine with Billy.