Work Text:
It’s been 2 and a half weeks since the incident at the mall. The government made everyone believe that the incident was caused by a fire and the Russians. El was still recovering from not only the loss of her father, Hopper, but of her powers. Joyce is in the process of gaining custody of El after Hop’s passing, as well as preparing for all of them to move away from Hawkins.
Max is distraught over the potential move of El, but mostly because of the fact that while her mum finally saw the monster Neil truly was and left him, she didn’t even acknowledge her own actions of standing by and intentionally blind herself to the brutality Neil inflicted on his own son. What makes her even more mad is that her mum didn’t understand why Max wanted to go to the funeral that Hawkins was throwing for those that died during the night of the mall. She didn’t even understand why Max wanted to go when she said she wanted to go for Billy. Not even then did she herself offer to go to pay respects to her fallen stepson. While Lucas understood Max’s reasoning for wanting to go, he himself respectfully declined going, but he hugged her hard and told her that he was sorry that Billy wasn’t around anymore and he didn’t deserve what happened to him.
Standing in front of Billy’s grave, unable to see him one last time, the only memory of him being his apologetic face, covered in blood after holding off the mindflayer from going after them, and the life slowly seeping from his eyes. She shivered, reliving the moment his warmth turned cold under her grasp as she begged him to stay with her. The words “William Hargrove” blurring as her vision filled with tears. The humm of the priest reciting scripture itches her ears, at a lull she politely asks for the priest to leave, stating that she is thankful for the prayers but that neither herself or Billy were ever really religious and that she’d like some time alone to process his passing. He nods politely and expresses condolences as he leaves.
Some time has passed when she hears footsteps approaching and stopping beside her, she lets the tears fall when a gentle hand comes down on her shoulders. She appreciated the silent comfort El provided. El had told her everything she saw about Billy when she looked into his memories.
El hugged Max, both condolences and an apology conveyed by it. Max understood, and she was grateful that she came even if it was brief, her effort and her respect for Max’s fallen step-brother was welcome. After El departed, Max sat down on the ground, the skateboard that Billy bought her to replace the one he broke lay beside her. She stayed by his grave long after the other families left their deceased loved ones, she stayed until the sky started turning orange as the sun started to set. She sighed deeply and heavily as she knew she had to head home before her mum worried even more. She stood up slowly and lay her hand over Billy’s name on the tombstone, “I’m going to miss you Billy, I’m sorry we didn’t have a chance to get to know each other better. Had I known what I do now, and if you were still here, I’d have loved to be a proper sister to you and call you brother. I’m sorry the only time I acknowledged myself as your sister you couldn’t get to experience and hear it. I hope you’re happy and at peace now Billy. You’re free from him now…. thank you for fighting back, you saved us by giving us all time… I’ll miss you, Billy. I’m so sorry. Good bye.”
She walked away from his grave, not getting on her skateboard, wanting to immerse herself in the ambiance, the orange sky made her think of the sunsets in California, reminded her of the days Billy would surf all day until the sun set. He was happy on the waves, and now she knew why. She also now knew why it was to be kept secret from Neil, before their parents married and were just dating, he was kinder - still a bit cocky and defensive but he was nicer- they were made to interact together while their parents did their own thing, Billy always said to tell their parents they went to the arcade and skated, which is technically what Max did do, but while Max did those, Billy went off to the beach and surfed with his friends. When the sky turned orange she would already be on the boardwalk by the shore practising on her skateboard by the time Billy walked out of the ocean and up to her, he’d be smiling and tell her to wait for him while he dried off, and then he’d go sombre once in the car.
When she reached the gate of the cemetery she sat down on the pavement, her words echoing in her ears, “I’m sorry.”
She knew why he was harder and angrier towards her when they moved. She was right in saying he was the reason they moved. But He was also justified in implying she was the reason they moved. They moved because of Billy, yes that’s true, but they only moved for Billy because She told on him. At the time she didn’t know what her actions would cause, she thought it was okay and would just be a small announcement, like when she told her mum that she had a boyfriend. But she didn’t know Neil, and so when she announced that she saw Billy holding hands and kissing a boy she didn’t expect Neil to send her and her mum home. After that night Neil would still hang out with her mum but she was no longer invited to hang out with Billy, instead her mum had to tell her to go over to a friend's house. At the time she was thrilled to hang out with her friends, having declined in the last because she had to hang out with Billy. But the next time they all were together again, Billy was mean and aggressive towards her, and after that he was a womanizing douchebag.
Now she knows better. And while it may be too late, she is sorry for inadvertently ruining Billy’s life and making it harder for him.
— - —
2 and a half weeks since the night at mall.
He remembers a girl speaking to him, showing him his memory of his mother. He remembers anger towards an entity and fighting against something strong, he remembers pain in his chest and his sides. He remembers falling and Max’s tear stained face calling out to him, he remembers apologising to her, he remembers feeling sorry for everything he had done to her and her friends…. He doesn’t remember if he got to convey that sentiment before everything faded to black… but what he does remember is waking up in a lab and the government informing him that he died briefly and has been asleep for 2 weeks. They informed him about everything that transpired, the secret lab in Hawkins, the gate, the entity being something called the mindflayer and that he was possessed by it, he managed to fight it(which he now remembers is thanks to that girl who showed him his memories) and had passed out from blood loss after it took chunks out of him. The government managed to patch him up, detecting a faint pulse, but he had been in a rejuvenating sleep until recently. They informed him about what the public are aware of regarding the whole incident, and that due to him being unresponsive his family believe him dead. When given the option to inform them of his recovery, Billy decided against it, they informed him that they will provide him monetary compensation for the inconvenience, and additional pay for confidentiality. After signing the NDA’s and other documents, he was given a new identity, and informed that the city of Hawkins will be holding a wake for him and other deceased members from the night of the mall.
2 days later after being released from the government’s care, Billy had already found an apartment in a nearby city, and applied for a job at their local coffee shop.
The day of the wake, Billy works a half day at the coffee shop, being shown the ropes and gets ready to watch from a distance who will attend the wake.
He parks his new black Camaro off at the back gate of the cemetery, and walks into the forest to where he hears priests giving sermons for the departed. He stops by a tree hidden in their shadows as he sees groups of people gathered at graves, and he stops when he sees a small lone figure. His heart clenches as he watches Max stand teary eyed by (no doubt) his grave alone, he doesn’t expect his father to show, and is honestly quite grateful he isn’t there, but he had hoped Susan would come to at least offer support to Max. He aches to go over and comfort her, but he knows he can’t.
He asked the government if he could inform those in the know, and those he wants, of his recovery, they accepted but that since he has chosen to adopt a new identity and had waited until after his wake, that those he wishes to inform must only address him as his new identity and that his old identity-Billy- stay dead.
So for now he watches sadly as Max slowly sinks down on the ground and lays her hand on the raised grass, where his coffin is buried. He sits in the patchy land under the tree, imagining himself beside Max, laying a hand on her shoulders in comfort. He watches over her until the sun starts to set. He sees her deep shaky breaths as she raises and watches her reach out, careful not to step on the raised grass, and gently caress his tombstone, he hears her words, erupting a gasp out himself, happiness at hearing her voice again, and sadness at the pain and longing in her words. When she apologises, he quietly thumps his head on the tree bark and whispers, “Don’t be, I’m the one who’s sorry.” Because he knows what she’s apologising for, and he knows she didn’t mean any harm, he was just too angry at Neil and himself that he directed it all onto her and her friends, and she didn’t deserve that, none of them did. As he watches her leave with her skateboard, he smiles at her retreating form and wishes her all the best. “And I’ll miss you, lil sis.”
He softly chuckles to himself, still sitting in the grass, resting in the tree as he quietly comments, “nobody came besides Max…. Man, what a shame.” The sky is turning purple as the night is creeping out. He stands and walks through the forest back to his car. He makes sure there’s no one he knows outside, seeing a lonely old custodian, he politely nods to him and enters his car. He switches the radio on as he starts his car and drives off, a Billy Idol song is playing but he can’t really tell what, his mind is still stuck on what happened.
He’s always imagined what things would be like when he died. And when Neil would beat him he always dreamed that night about the dying. Sometimes falling asleep hoping he’d die in his sleep, putting both Neil and himself out of their misery. Neil wouldn’t have to deal with his disappointment of a son and he wouldn’t have to deal with living a fake life, getting into fights, drinking until he’s numb and smoking too much until he can’t breathe.
He sometimes dreamed of dancing on his own grave, happy that his sham of a life is finally over with and he can be free. Free of the abuse, the disappointment, the life he created and free of disappointing Max and his mum… well, he can now say he’s been to his own funeral, and to no one's surprise, no one came besides Max. He knows it’s alright, no one’s to blame but himself… we’ll, maybe Neil is a bit to blame, but he could have directed his anger to something else besides others who could have helped. Like Steve… he shakes his head and focuses back on the road, he’s nearing his apartment.
He parks and enters the barely furnished flat. He’s got more than enough money from the government to last him 2 decades being a bum, but he’s not going to do that, he’s going to do the things he’s always wanted to do but couldn’t. Gone is William “Billy” Hargrove, now, approved by the government, he is Liam Harvey, and he’s going to live this new life fresh and to his fullest.
— - —
A month into his new life he’s now fully furnished his apartment, he’s got a new hairstyle, gone is the mullet, now he dons a short but fun haircut and has dyed it a little darker. He’s got a full handle on his job as a barista at his coffee shop, and he’s now the sound manager for the coffee shop when they host their weekly open mic night every Thursday. Honestly, he’s been itching to try and go up there himself, but still hasn’t decided if he’s satisfied with his third verse. It doesn’t help that this past Thursday, the manager informed him that an actual record agent stopped by to check on the talent's performance. That was 2 days ago, the manager told him, after conversing with the agent, that he’d be returning this coming Thursday.
After his shift, Billy drives back to Hawkins cemetery, the few times he’s visited he’s spotted Max again, that was 2 weeks ago, today she’s here again, by his grave with a lit candle. She’s growing up, her hair longer, and her face thinner, having shed the baby fat. He’s surprised to see the Sinclair kid come up, she doesn’t seem surprised when he places an arm around her, she just leans into him. He’s even more surprised when the kid (he’s forgetting his name, he thinks it starts with an L) places a white lily and a hyacinth by her candle. She smiles gratefully and rests her head on his shoulder. They stay that way for a minute until he rubs her arms and gently tells her that it’s getting late. She nods in acceptance and strokes a hand on the “Billy” engraving. The kid doesn’t interrupt or bring attention to her actions, instead he watches as Sinclair nods at his tombstone and regards it until Max walks besides him and takes his hand; they walk away together out of the cemetery in peaceful silence.
Shocked by what transpired he doesn’t notice another figure walking up, he’s brought to attention when a voice cuts through the silence.
“I respect and love you, and so I’m here for you, Steve, but I do want to remind you that we’ve got to go in 8 minutes if we’re going to be at the Byers house on time.” Henderson says gently.
Billy watches transfixed as he sees Steve, the Henderson kid and a girl stand by his grave. His heart clenches at the closeness between Steve and the girl.
“We know, dingus. Show some respect, man. We’ll make it to dinner on time. Just give him time.” The girl reprimands. She lays a white rose by the flowers Sinclair left, and then places a hand on Steve’s shoulder and gives it a small squeeze before she steps back to stand by the kid. The kid takes off his hat as he stands somberly with the girl.
Billy looks to Steve, realizing he hasn’t said or done anything yet. His eyes widen when he sees Steve has a full bouquet in his hands. The bouquet consists of hyacinths, white lilies and white roses. Steve doesn’t place it down, he doesn’t do anything for a while. Billy’s glad he’s not the only one concerned about Steve, he notices the worried glances Henderson shoots Steve. His breath hitches when Steve reaches his free hand out and his fingers graze the “Billy” on the tombstone before letting his hand fall. Steve then places the bouquet on the ground besides the others. He doesn’t say anything, he just watches the grave for a few minutes in silence, Billy wonders if maybe he is saying something but is keeping it in his head. After a while Steve looks up at the sky, Billy looks up too and sees a few stars shining in the darkness, he quickly looks back down to Steve in time to see him sigh and look back at his companions before silently walking towards them, they follow and walk with him back out the cemetery.
Billy stays in the forest until he’s certain no one else is coming. He carefully walks out towards his grave and stands across the tombstone. He watches the light dance across the flowers and the stone, he admires their simplicity and their beauty. Lifts up Steve’s bouquet and sniffs it, smelling the roses, the lilies and a hint of Steve’s cologne. He smiles and places it back down. “Thanks pretty boy.”
There were moments in the past where he almost confessed to Steve, but they were bad circumstances, never the right time, so he didn’t dare speak them. In another life he wouldn’t have a fucked up soul, he would have been kind, he and Steve would have been friends… he would have tried to prove his love for Steve.
He walks back out from the forest and drives back to his apartment, his mind full of musings, he finishes his song. He dreams of fluffy brown hair, pale skin adorned with moles… and a sailor's uniform. He dreams of his hands in the fluffy hair, scraped knees and the little death, of having his lips and his tongue bitten as they kiss. He dreams of beautiful brown eyes, teary eyed, as they dance under the evening sky, illuminated by the moon and stars, laughing together in the cemetery.
— - —
It’s been 3 months since the incident at the mall. The Byers and El have left Hawkins, the rest of the gang are still adjusting to the absence of their friends, but they also have gotten closer to Dustin - whom they realised they've forgotten but have made amends with-, Steve and Robin.
Max likes Robin, she’s sassy and edgy and actually pretty cool. Robin introduced everyone to a new artist that recently released their very first single. While Max, Dustin and Steve enthusiastically enjoyed the song, the others were kind of flippant about it. Steve was pleasantly surprised when Max was comfortable enough with them to admit that when she first heard the song she was reminded of Billy, “how the singer sang about his death so flippantly and jokingly, it seemed like something he would do if he were alive and into writing music.”
Steve loved it too, every time they’d meet up he’d always be listening to the song. For him, his reason for loving the song was that he’d always imagine Billy when listening to it, alive, having survived, and enjoying this song with them after having forged a new bond with Max, and befriending everyone.
Robin surprised Max, Dustin and Steve with tickets to the artist’s first show(a debut amongst other artists) which would be held in the neighbouring city, where the artist was originally found, in a week’s time.
The day of the concert, Steve drove everyone to the city, they were excited to go to their first concert. Max and Dustin were excitedly chatting in the back seat while Robin gave her own input and opinions here and there. When they arrived at the venue the place was packed. Steve reminded the younger ones to stay close and that if they needed to go somewhere to let either himself or Robin know. Once they were admitted past the gates everyone gasped and “ooh”-ed. Steve and Robin met each other's gaze and mentally agreed that she takes care of Max while he takes care of Dustin.
The show started, signalled by the moving lights and a voice hyping up the crowd. They were pleased and moshed along with the others as the first few acts performed. Max and Robin squealing clued Steve in on who the next performance is going to be. Sure enough the lead singer if the current band addresses the crowd and asks to give a warm welcome to Liam Harvey as the band walks off and Liam’s band comes on to take their place at their respective instruments. The crowd around them (including Max and Robin) roar with screams of delight. The lights change from the white and yellows to an array of whites, purples, pinks and blue, painting the stage and crowd with their lights. Liam jogs onto the stage, his short brown hair spiked up and highlighted with the multicoloured stage lights, he’s big and adorned with a red shirt that’s overlayed by a leather jacket, paired with some black jeans. His blue eyes strike into Steve’s heart with a twinge of nostalgia, the blue vibrant as his eyes are smoked with black liner. As Liam addresses the crowd asking if they’re having fun and if they’re ready to rock out to his new song, Steve notices the shine of metal on Liam’s tongue, drawing more attention to his mouth, Steve looks around and remarks the other piercings Liam has; a gauge, helix and industrial. To Steve, he’s the epitome of rock and roll.
Steve is snapped out of his staring and realises he’s been gaping when Robin nudges him in her excitement as the drums and guitar starts thumping. As Liam sings his first verse, Steve is still stuck on his reminiscing about Billy, the blue eyes and his lyrics trigger the memory of the misunderstood teen. The verse evokes Steve to imagine the late Billy mad at the world, beaten by his father, smoking and drinking to cope, probably hating his life and wishing for the suffering to end.
As Liam goes onto his pre chorus and chorus, it hits all too close to home, but it brings a strange sense of comfort and closure seeing someone who resembles Billy, having fun and singing about how no one came to his funeral and how despite the absence of mourners, he’s still dancing and waiting for this special person to come.
Steve looks at his companions, Robin and Dustin are just enjoying the show, jumping around with the other concert goers, but Steve locks eyes with Max, she’s a bit misty eyed but her eyes shine with happiness and he’s warmed when she smiles knowingly and comfortingly at him. She has the same thoughts as Steve does, and this artist has given them both closure for a soul long gone. They both look back to the stage and enjoy the song.
Steve’s breath catches when he seemingly locks eyes with Liam as he sings the next verse, and Liam's ocean blue eyes bore into him as he sings the lyrics,
“I wanna tell you that I love you, but I just can't speak”
Liam winks at him before addressing the crowd in general as he continues the rest of the verse, and as the chorus repeats and Liam sings “what a shame, shame, shame.” The crowd all join together to sing along and harmonise “Oh~”s with the beat of the music.
As Steve sings along with the crowd, he manages yet again to lock eyes with Liam, this time Liam walks to stand in line with Steve, never breaking eye contact as he sings his bridge.
“I wanna prove my love before I leave” he sings longingly before his eyes darken with desire, slowly dropping low to a crouch.
“I wanna make you come and scrape my knees
Want you to bite my tongue until I bleed” ending the lyrics with a slow lick to his upper lip. Liam springs back up as he finishes the rest of the bridge, he jumps around getting the crowd going, not caring that he’s made Steve hot and bothered while surrounded by hoards of people.
Liam finishes his last chorus to end the show, he slides to his knees,
“Nobody came, what a shame, shame, shame, shame, shame.”
He finishes with a hang of his head and drops the microphone gently to the floor. The crowd roars enthusiastically, so loud that Steve can’t hear what Liam says as he departs from the stage.
Steve has everyone go to the bathroom before they have to drive all the way back to Hawkins. As Steve waits for everyone to finish, he sees a nearby sign indicating a garden. As he opens the door he’s awed by the beautiful fountains and florals that adorn the garden, illuminated by artistically placed lights and fairy lights. He walks around a few fountains admiring their decor when he smells a whiff of cigarette smoke nearby. He pauses his steps, realising that the smoke is coming from the other side of the fountain. He can’t really make out any details from the dark figure behind the rushing water.
“Sorry for interrupting. The door was unlocked so I assumed it was open for the public.”
“I don’t mind.” The figure replies.
Steve stands frozen, recognizing the voice. He snaps out of his trance and walks around the fountain to get closer to the guy.
“Uhm… sorry..” is all Steve can manage to say, his vision confirming that his companion is indeed Liam Harvey.
“I really enjoyed your show.” Steve manages to say, and immediately mentally cringes for doing so.
Liam chuckles as he blows out some more smoke.
“Thanks, glad you enjoyed it.” He says, gaze staring into Steve’s.
Steve keeps their gazes locked, wishing the beautiful blue eyes belonged to the person he yearns for. He swallows heavily before speaking,
“I know I’m probably just another person among a hoard of others, probably saying the exact same thing, but I just want you to know that what I say is something genuine and from the heart.” He looks up to see Liam giving him his full attention.
“A few months ago my friends and I lost a few people, but one person in particular was always misunderstood when he was alive, and unknown to us, was abused and that made him mad at the world… He died trying to save us. He did save us. He gave us the time to overcome the danger and survive.” Steve sees Liam ponder over his words, sadness and happiness flicker over his features.
“Your song is something I believe he would have related to. He drank and smoked a lot, definitely was a ladies man. He was emotional in the sense that he would let his emotions drive him, if he was happy he would cheer and rave and if he was angry all hell would break loose.” Steve notes fondly, remembering the moments Billy was happy, and even a bit nostalgic about the fight at the Byers’. Looking back, Steve realises that Billy wasn’t angry- not fully- he was driven with fear. Fear of what his father would do to him if he came back home without Max.
“And knowing now about what he had to go through behind closed doors, he would wholeheartedly agree and relate with your song, dreaming about the day he wouldn’t have to suffer anymore…” Steve muses somberly. He looks to see Liam gazing at him with such raw emotion.
“To be honest, you remind me of him.” Steve smiles sadly. “It’s kind of uncanny. You look as if you two were related, or like you were a reincarnation of him. Your eyes mostly. You have the same ocean blue, sky blue eyes as he did.”
Liam swallows heavily before licking his lips a bit nervously.
“You really cared for him, didn’t you?”
“I realised it a bit late and I was too much of a coward, kind of in denial, and then I was too late.” Steve shrugs weakly, his regret weighing heavily on his heart. “I don’t think anything would have happened even if I was brave… I’m not sure if he uh… liked guys as well.”
“He would have been an idiot not to like you, pretty boy.” Liam says, voice thick with emotion.
“He used to call me that.” Steve remarks, a light chuckle at the fond memories.
Liam chuckles with a genuine smile as he eyes Steve.
“Don’t blame him. You are pretty.”
Steve blushes and ducks his head in hopes to conceal his blush from the singer who is way out of his league.
“As much as I would love to get to you know you more, you better head back before your friends start worry.” Liam suggests softly.
“Oh right. I guess i should. Thanks again, for talking with me when you had every right to turn me away.” Steve smiles gratefully.
“Anytime, pretty boy.” Liam says as he takes out a receipt and scribbles something onto it before handing it to Steve, “you can call me if you’d like. Anytime, about anything.”
Steve takes the piece of paper gently, awes by the gesture and trust. “Wow, thanks. I’ll keep this safe. I promise.”
“I know you will.” Liam replies brightly.
Steve starts to slowly back away, torn between going to find his friends and wanting to stay in the moment with Liam. Although, he’s also torn in his reasons for wanting to stay. He wants to know Liam but he also wants to stay because deep down he’s imagining this as a do-over with his lost chance with Billy.
He sighs deeply and gives one last smile and a small wave goodbye, before turning around to head back to the venue.
“It was nice seeing you, Steve.”
Steve freezes.
He turns back around and walks back to see Liam casually light another cigarette.
“How did you know my name?” Steve asks.
He sees Liam pause from taking a drag. He lowers the cigarette, eyes searching Steve’s face.
“You mentioned it when you were speaking.” Liam replies lightly.
“No,” Steve says slowly as he walks closer to stand in front of Liam. “I didn’t.”
“Lucky guess.” Liam says as he puts out the cigarette.
“Liam,” Steve says heavily, the name sounding wrong in his tongue, as his eyes search for confirmation. “How did you know my name?” Has asks again, an answer already in mind.
“Fuck…” Liam exhales heavily, “look, I didn’t want this to be this way, I was hoping for more time. A better situation once there was trust. This wasn’t the way I wanted you to find out, Harrington.” Liam finishes, rubbing a hand through his spiky short hair.
“Find out what?” Steve implores gently.
“When I woke up 2 and a half months ago, I didn’t quite believe it. I honestly thought that that was the end. No more pain and no more facades.” Liam starts, Steve leans against the nearest fountain, bracing himself for whatever Liam will reveal.
“Then I woke up and the doctors confirmed what had happened to me. I didn’t know what to do after that, they gave me the option to return and inform relatives and the town, but I chose to remain dead. I didn’t want to go back to my old life, it was my opportunity to start fresh. Break free from my metaphorical chains.” He chuckles to himself. “After settling into the new town that the government chose and with their financial help, I decided to see how my funeral would go.”
Liam looks up at Steve as he prepares his next words, a hint of mischief in his eyes.
“I mean, you heard my song tonight, I was a bit surprised but truthfully there really was no one to blame when no one came besides my little sister. I stayed and watched her from afar as she sat by my grave until sunset when she had to leave. And I was hoping you would come visit. Even if just for a few seconds. But you never did.”
Steve gives a bit of a confused look, trying to piece the information together.
“But then I went back to visit my grave again 2 months ago. My little sister was there again but was picked up by her boyfriend, and after she left you came. You came with your little protege and the girl. You left me a bouquet of flowers. I loved them, by the way.” Liam says smiling brightly at Steve, warmth in his eyes.
“After leaving the grave I came back to this town and decided that night that I was going to live my new life to the fullest, do everything I always wanted to do but couldn’t. I also fully embraced this new identity. I was now Liam Harvey and my old life, my old self, was truly gone. Billy Hargrove was dead.”
Steve met Liam-Billy’s eyes. Billy was smiling sadly but his eyes had hope.
“But even though Billy Hargrove had died, I still couldn’t let go of 2 people from Billy’s past. Max, understandably, and you.”
Steve stood up and hugged Billy, his eyes filling with tears, his breathing becoming shaky with his silent sobs.
“It’s okay, Steve, I’m okay. I’m here.” Billy soothes, arms enveloping Steve in return, his hands rubbing soothing circles on Steve’s back.
“I’m sorry for not coming back and letting you and Max know. I’m sure she’ll give me hell for that later. But i'm happy you know now. I’ve missed you, pretty boy.”
Steve squeezes Billy tighter, scared he’ll let go and this will all have been a daydream. Reluctantly, Steve pulls back to look Billy in the eyes.
“I'm sorry, I just- well, I already told you my regrets.” Steve realizes, flushing with embarrassment.
“I know, the sentiment is mutual, by the way.” Billy laughs softly, tucking a strand of Steve’s hair back.
“What is?” Steve asks, oblivious.
Billy smiles. Same old Steve.
“I know my past actions haven’t been the best, but one of the reasons I was so focused on you is because I liked you. I saw you and immediately knew why they called you “king Steve” but you were down because of your relationship at the time and I was jealous. But I'm not missing my chance again, so I'm sorry if I make things awkward when you came here with your girlfriend but I just wanted to let you know that I love you, Steve. And I'm so happy to have been able to hug you and have a decent conversation where I didn’t have to act like such a douchebag.” Billy laughs.
“Robin’s not my girlfriend. And I thought I told you that I regretted not confessing or even befriending you before…” Steve’s mirth trails off, remembering the events at star court mall.
“Hey,” Billy “we’re okay. We defeated it, right?” Billy asks gently, when Steve nods his head in confirmation Billy smiles reassuringly at him. He lifts a hand to gently stroke Steve’s cheek.
“I may have missed my chance before, but knowing we’re okay and our feelings are reciprocated, I’m going all in.” Billy announces. He cradles Steve’s face in both his hands. “You have every right to stop me if I’m reading this wrong.” He informs before slowly, giving Steve plenty of time to stop him if he wants to, leaning in, closing the space between Steve and himself.
Steve smiles fondly at Billy, closing the distance himself and kisses Billy with all the desire he’s been withholding. Billy groans in delight as he brings steve closer, not wanting any more distance between them. Having Steve in his arms, he never wants to let him go.
Steve pulls back from their heavy make out session, a thought striking his mind and asks Billy, “Do you really have an std?”
Billy throws his head back and laughs.
“No, my std was more of a personal reference to my possession by the mindflayer… and I also figured, stds are rock and roll, right?” He smiles devilishly before going back in and kissing Steve deeply.
Too absorbed in each other’s warmth, they don’t notice or hear the door opening. It’s isn’t until Max and Dustin shout in unison, “What the Fuck!?” Do they jump apart. Kind of, Billy has an iron tight grip on Steve’s waist, Steve twists around to face his friends.
Robin is smiling evily at them while Dustin looks torn between awed at seeing Liam Harvey up close and embarrassed at catching Steve in a compromising situation. Max, though, is staring Billy down, her eyes revealing sorrow at the resemblance of her late step-brother.
Billy gently slides steve off his lap and places him besides him, not wanting steve too far apart. He squeezes Steve’s hand for comfort as he locks eyes with Max.
“Hi Maxine.” Billy says gently, eyes full of regret.
Max’s eyebrow twitches at that. Her eyes searching both Steve and Billy for answers.
“How-“ she manages to say before her voice breaks.
“You’re a smart girl, Maxine.” Billy says lightly, eyes imploring hers to figure it out. “I know that you know how. Deep down, you know.”
Max gasps softly, slowly approaching Billy, eyes surveying his new look.
Once she’s standing an arms length away, she sees his face up close, her thoughts are confirmed. She smiles shakily at Billy before punching him on the arm. Hard.
“Fuck!” Billy groans, releasing Steve’s hand to soothe pain in his other arm. “I deserved that.”
“Yes, you did!” Max cries, tears streaming down her cheeks. “I thought you had died!” She sobs as she throws her arms around Billy’s neck. Billy rubs her back soothingly, his eyes stinging with unshed tears.
“I attended your funeral.” She says, voice muffled as she mutters into his shoulder. “I kept visiting your grave as often as I could.”
“I know.” Billy sighs. “I was there. I saw you. I heard you.” He says, he hugs her tight. “You don’t have to apologize. I forgave you long time ago. You didn’t know at the time, it’s okay.”
“It’s not okay,” she says brokenly.
“Okay, it wasn’t, but I forgive you, max.” Billy conceded. “I’ve missed you.”
“I missed you too.” Max says as she pulls back to smile warmly at Billy.
“Wait… What’s going on?” Dustin asks confused.
“Yeah, uh, I’m also lost. I mean, I’m happy for you, go steve! But how does Max know him?” Robin asks gently, unsure if it’s a rude question or not.
“Dustin,” Max addresses, “it’s Billy.” She reveals, smiling softly.
Dustin’s mouth drops open in disbelief. He stalks closer to see Liam better. Seeing him up close he sees the resemblance.
“Shut your mouth, you’ll attract flies.” Billy teases gently.
Dustin snaps it shut.
“How?” He asks.
“The doctors helped me. Not sure if they were government doctors but the government was there too. Not sure of the specifics but they helped save me.” Billy replies.
Dustin nods at the answer before flashing his signature toothy grin.
“Glad to have you back!”
“Thanks.” Billy replies, returning the smile.
“Okay, not that this isn’t great and all, because it is. It’s fantastic! But we’ve got to get going before their parents get antsy and worried.” Robin reminds them.
Max gives one last hug to Billy, who promises to keep in touch. The three go ahead while Steve stays behind. Steve gives one last kiss to Billy before giving him a hug.
“We’ll keep in touch. Make sure you make time for us with your busy schedule. Stay safe Billy.” Steve says before pausing. “Is it alright if we call you Billy? Or do you want to be called Liam?”
“I don’t mind you and Max calling me Billy when we’re alone together but with other people present I am Liam. Billy Hargrove is dead, to the public and the government. I have adjusted well to my new identity as Liam, it helped that my new name is still worked off of my old name, William Hargrove. But you and Max can call me anything you guys are comfortable with, be it Billy or Liam.” Billy replies, leaning in to give a small kiss to Steve.
Steve nods in understanding and tells Billy he’d let Max know as well.
“I’ll see you later, pretty boy.” Billy bids goodbye as he lets Steve slip from his grasp to walk back to the others.
He may have his new life now, but he’s grateful for the few small reminders of his old life, especially with their new and improved relationship. At least this time maybe he won’t be dancing alone at his funeral, he’d be pleased to dance together with Steve into eternity.
END.