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• Contrary to popular belief, he doesn't get jealous when it comes to you.
• You come to realize this when you're out in the grocery store and get stopped by one of your former classmates, a guy you only half remember from Algebra.
• He's chatting up a storm, and Billy's frozen in place when he rounds the corner with some fruit in a plastic baggy from the produce section.
• He sees you trying to remain polite, and his heart clenches with an emotion he's not quite dealt with yet: feelings of inadequacy, of not being good enough for you. That he always has to be good to you because if he isn't, you'll find someone better.
• But then you meet his eyes and your polite smile turns into a full-on grin that brightens your entire face, and his heart slows down as he smiles back, because he knows you're not like that. He knows you love him, despite his self-deprecating, invasive thoughts.
• You bond over music. Countless evenings are spent with you in the passenger seat of the Camaro, content to just listen to Billy's music as he drives around town. Sometimes he'll drive to a little spot near the park and you two will fall asleep to the sound of metal/rock in the background. Cue Hopper knocking on the window with a flashlight and shooing you two back home.
• If you're into softer music, he'll enjoy listening to it the most in the mornings, when you two are still sleepy and seeking out the other's warmth underneath the blankets. He'll tell you to keep your tape player on at night, and if he doesn't hear it in the mornings, he'll reach over to the side table and hit the rewind button before burying his nose in the crook of your neck and falling back asleep.
• He loves seeing you interact with the kiddos. Steve is seen as the "dad" but you're seen as the fun, albeit cautious "auntie", and you're always planning get togethers and small, cozy parties at your place.
• When everyone falls asleep watching movies in your basement, Billy peers over and catches you smoothing Max's hair away from her face. She's got her head in your lap and his heart clenches, because of the contented smile you have on your face. He can't help but picture you with a different kid in your lap—his, and he tears up, but he shifts in his seat and startles you. He pretends he just woke up, rubbing his eyes and coming over to help you maneuver Max off of you, helping to out blankets over everyone before taking your hand and leading you upstairs to sleep.
• This kind of thing also leads to you cooking a lot for everyone, mostly breakfast. Once in a while, Nancy and Steve will bring over meals, and El loves helping you bake, especially when it's someone's birthday.
• Billy, however, is only allowed to watch you cook. The guy could burn water, but he enjoys seeing you in your element.
• Even though he used to go out of his way to make sure he looked good, a lot has changed since Vecna. He's more reserved, less confident—especially with the scar on his back and stomach, and so you make sure to pamper him once in a while. You'll sit behind him in the tub and run a damp rag over his shoulders, wash his hair for him and scratch his scalp. He'll let out a groan and relax into you, making you smile. He's fallen asleep with his head reclined on your shoulder, and you absolutely hate waking him when the water gets cold.
• If you prefer pants over dresses, he loves seeing you in your jeans. He likes seeing you go all shy when he asks if you go out of your way to match his outfits, but he'll press a kiss to your head and tell you he loves it.
• If you prefer dresses and skirts, he likes that, too, but for less chivalrous reasons. 😉 He thinks you're gorgeous in anything, though.
• Loves seeing you drive his car. You're the only one who's allowed, because he's seen how much of a careful driver you are.
• You've taught him a lot about himself, including the fact that he doesn't need to be so closed off, so mean, when he doesn't know how to express his feelings. That was how you went from acquaintances to friends. He felt he could trust you, and in turn, he taught you how to let go and have fun more often.
• When you come home from your job, he's usually busy working out, so he'll have you sit somewhere and tell him about your day. You don't understand why it's so interesting to him, but he likes hearing you talk about the funny things your co-workers said, or the regular customers you like chatting to, or hearing about the challenges you ended up fixing because you've been there the longest.
• He likes it when you include him in your hobbies. Other girls never did because, "why would you be interested in this?"
• He sees you (painting/drawing/crafting/video games, etc) one day and shoots curious questions your way. You indulge him and soon you have him hooked into doing it with you. If you like painting and drawing, the two of you will frequently end up with paint smeared all over you or charcoal marks on your arms from leaning on the sketch paper.
• Because he works at the pool, he's frequently likes sneaking you in at night and swimming alone together. You usually end up racing for a bit, but he let's you win because your laughter ringing out in the dark is the most beautiful thing to him.
• "So," he asks, trying to catch his breath as you both tread water. "What do you want?" You're confused so he clarifies as he swims closer to you, a hand latching onto your waist. "You won, baby."
• Your eyes twinkle as you wrap your arms around his neck. "I think a kiss will do."
• He chuckles and pulls you closer. "Just one?" You shake your head and meet his lips. The night ends with a make-out session, until you both get too cold and have to go home. You both drape towels over his leather seats so you don't ruin them.