Chapter Text
Steve thought that he could get some peace after their tiring battle with the Mind Flayer. He thought that things would go back to the usual or even better. But the odds weren’t in his favor after the whole incident. He was back to being alone, girlfriend-less and feeling utterly defeated while nursing a bust up face all thanks to Billy Hargrove. Thankfully enough, his parents weren’t around to question his appearance.
That night, Mrs. Henderson had called him to ask if he could drive Dustin to the Snow Ball. Steve knew their lack of automobile so he agreed to it. Somehow, it made him feel excited to get out of his house and see a familiar face. He wondered what Dustin would look like for tonight’s event. Steve couldn’t help but be a little happy as he start his Beamer on and drove to the Henderson’s house.
After everything that happened to him, Steve tried to be positive about most things. Even if eating and merely laying around were painful for him, he’d always contradict himself that it could be worse. As he pulled up in front of Dustin’s house, he got a tugging feeling in his gut. He was actually nervous about tonight. All the while he stayed at home, his mind was flooded with thoughts about the night Billy Hargrove came to the Byer’s residence unannounced. He could remember what it felt like to be hero and at the same time to be a loser. He paled in comparison to Billy. Of course he got himself beat up but that was all for a good cause. He didn’t want Billy going near and hurting the kids, especially on his watch.
“Hey. “ Dustin smiled. He helped himself in the passenger seat.
“Whoa look at you. “ Steve beams. “So handsome! “
“Oh my god, Steve don’t. I had enough of the doting tone for one night okay? Mom wouldn’t stop calling me handsome, now you too? “ Dustin snorts.
“Hey, can’t I be proud of my little man? Bet you’ll drive those girls crazy later. “ Steve snickers.
They drove off with the usual banter. Steven couldn’t feel any better than spending quality time with the kid. He was such a gem and he noticed it too late.
There were a few kids lingering outside the gym doors, probably nervous just like Dustin. At the sight of middle school gym, Dustin looks at Steve for assurance.
“Hey, you look amazing okay? Your hair is amazing.” Steve pats him on the shoulder.
“Thanks Steve. “ Dustin does his signature growl and Steve’s smile falters. He shakes his head at it.
“Don’t do that. “
“Okay. “
“Go! Go have fun. “ Steve urges Dustin to get out of his car with a grin.
“Okay. “ this time Dustin gives him a genuine smile that makes Steve’s heart swell a bit.
Not a moment too soon, Dustin makes his way inside. Steve catches a glance of Nancy serving punch to the kids. He wished he was in there too but ever since the events that took place the past few days, they have agreed to keep each other some space. Besides, Steve and Nancy had unofficially ended things with one another. He knew that Nancy’s feelings had shifted to someone else and Steve couldn’t bring himself to say it out loud. At the back of his mind, he deserved it.
Even the stinging on his face, yeah he deserved that too.
He drives to the parking lot and stays there, probably wait for the Dustin to emerge from the gym’s front doors in a few hours. He didn’t have anything to do that night anyways. No plans to execute and no friends to hang out with. The only high school friend he had left were both volunteering in the dance. He would have volunteered too if not for the bruises Billy Hargrove left on his face. His jaw still pained him but it wasn’t as bad as the first three days in bed rest. Everything ached. His body screamed murder after all the adrenaline had ran out. In those three days, he stayed in his all too big house alone. He wasn’t even sure anymore if it was a blessing or a curse to be in a big house. Just like Dustin, he was an only child which meant he spent most of his time alone. Steve wished for someone to talk to at least. Everyone was too busy being with someone else.
Billy stood outside the middle school gym doors, watching as Max grouped with the nerds. It only occurred to him that Max never really smiled around his presence and seeing her smile with the other kids made him realize what a huge asshole he was. Not that he can help it though. It was his brand even back in California. He was known as the resident bad boy and he was quite proud holding that title. But here in Hawkins, there was the title King which was reserved to none other than Steve Harrington. Ever since Billy stepped in this small town, he wanted that title for himself. But with each passing day he stayed, he realized that it was a stupid title that Steve can keep. Title or not, he still got the bitches he wanted.
As he made his way back to the middle school parking lot to retrieve his car, he notices a maroon Beamer parked at the darkest part of the lot and he knew who owned that Beamer. Only one person owned that kind of crap.
With nothing else to do, Billy made his way to Steve’s car, smirking as he got closer. There was something about Steve that compels him.
He was about to knock at the glass window when he noticed Steve sitting at the passenger seat in a fatal position. His back was on Billy and the blond had no idea what was going on but basing from his position, Steve didn’t look good. Was it a good time to mess with Harrington or should Billy just leave the guy alone?
Again, Billy liked messing with the guy for some reason.
Billy knocked hard on the glass window which got Steve jumping in his seat. The brunette turns around, squinting at his offender. With a sigh, Steve kicks the door open and wraps his arms around himself as he rounds his car to stand in front of Billy. Unlike Billy, Steve still sported a busted lip and a bruised cut on his temple. Billy felt bad for a moment but then remembered that it wasn’t the first time Steve received a beating like his. Tommy was just as noisy as his girlfriend Carol and soon enough, Billy practically knew Steve Harrington.
“What the hell do you want, Hargrove? “ Steve was clearly not in the mood.
“What’s got your panties in a knot? Just came to say hi. “ Billy smirked, waiting for a reaction. Steve just scoffed. This was dumb.
“Wow should I be grateful? “ Steve shakes his head, leaning against the door of his car to make himself comfortable. “Last time I checked, I’m the last person you want to see. “
“Yeah and no. I’ll be honest with you man. “ Billy stands in one foot, takes a cigarette from his jacket and lights it, placing the cancer stick between his lips as he stared at Steve hard. “You seemed cool. I thought you were cool. You got me curious. Who is this King Steve everyone’s been talking about? Hell, when I saw your hair I knew why. “ Billy laughs lowly. “You got the money, the car, kind of- “ Steve makes a noise at the back of his throat. “You got one of the gems. Nancy Wheeler was it? Yeah so I thought, let’s see what’s so great about this King Steve. I wanted to know what makes you tick. And guess what. “ Billy shakes his head in amusement, blowing smoke out his mouth rudely. “I saw it that night in the Byers‘ house. Where did that Steve go? Where has he been hiding all this time? I've only seen the disappointing Steve.“
Steve sighs, running his hands on his numbing face. Memories of that night came flooding back in his mind like a tidal wave. He had been trying to forget that night but it was futile for it what kept him up at night. He really didn’t like the feeling of being violent around the kids but Billy was a threat and Steve’s protective instincts just kicked in.
“You know what, Hargrove. “ Steve takes a step forward. Billy keeps his feet planted and raises his chin. “Whatever you’re trying to get at, it won’t work. You came too late to see me reign. If you want the title, be my guest. There are other things I worry about other than that shit. You wouldn’t understand what I’ve been through since he have your head up in your ass so can you please just drop it? “
Both teens stared at each other intensely. Blue meets brown. If they were in better circumstances, Steve would have thought how pretty Billy’s eyes were but all it reminded him was the fear of being beat again.
“I don’t care about the title, Harrington. I don’t want to be the top dog in this shitty town. When I see something I want, I get it. “ at this point, Billy was poking a finger rather hardly against Steve’s chest it actually stung. Steve just groaned in disgust.
“What the fuck do you even want from me? Having fun messing with me, is that it? “
“Maybe. “ Billy shrugs, blowing the last of his smoke on Steve’s face before stumping down on the remains of his cigarette. “Like I said, I get what I want. “
“Fuck off. “ Billy simply grins.
“You’re cute when you’re upset. “ Steve made gagging noises. Was this guy for real?
“For a moment there, you sounded like have a crush on me. “
Billy makes a face at this. Just the reaction Steve was waiting for.
“Fuck Harrington, I don’t swing that way. “
“Then stay the fuck away from me Hargrove. Stay away from my friends. So much as you lay a hand on them, you’ll pay. You don’t know the things I could do. You don’t know that things Nancy can do or what Jonathan can. If I were you, I’d keep a safe distance. “ with that, Steve opens the door of his car and ignites it to life, giving Billy one last glare before driving away.
Billy watched as he drove away, a flame suddenly pooling at the pit of his stomach. To him, that sounded like a challenge and Billy loved challenges. He liked winning and he knew he can win this one. Whatever it takes, he’d do everything to see the flame in Steve’s eyes once again.
There was just so much mystery surrounding Steve that attracts Billy.
He must uncover these for his own satisfaction and he had an idea how.