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When Steve Harrington, his boss's son, started spending time with Billy, Neil thought he had it made. He thought he could charm the boy, get him to put in a good word, even get him a promotion.
But even after months, the boy was still fakely polite to him. As if he didn't care for Neil at all.
At first, Neil thought that Billy had told him everything, but a few interrogations later proved Billy didn't say shit.
No matter what he said, Steve always had thinly veiled disgust in his eyes.
It didn't surprise him to see Steve's car in this driveway. It was a common thing these days. He had come home for lunch, vaguely hoping to catch his son off-guard.
But as he walked in, all he saw was Steve and some long haired punk making out. The punk had a grip on Steve's hair, moving him how he wanted.
"You assholes better not be making out again!" Billy's voice rang and Neil quickly hid, watching as Billy walked into the living room.
"Well damn, Hargrove, what's got you pissy?" The punk asked, pulling away from Steve.
"He's just mad because Maddie is gone for the week."
"You leave my girlfriend out of this, Harrington!"
Steve cackled and leaned against the punk, beaming. Neil didn't even know he had a girlfriend.
"You see how he treats me, Eds? He's so mean."
"Don't worry baby, I'll protect you."
Billy sat on the couch scowling. "You two are disgusting."
"Billy, I’ve literally caught you and Mads in MY throne. You can't say shit."
Neil backed out of the house, rage burning in him. How dare his son bring that faggot into his home?!
He quickly drove back to his office building, gripping his wheel. He needed to do something. He could deal with Billy later, but Harrington had to go.
As he pulled into the parking lot, he stared at the Harrington name in the building before scowling, quickly leaving his car. He wondered what Richard Harrington would do if he found out his son was a faggot.
It was far too easy to make his way to his Boss's office. Hell, the man invited him in with a polite smile.
"Mr. Hargrove! What can I do for you?" Richard sat back in his chair, watching Neil in a way that made him feel judged.
"I'm sorry, Mr. Harrington. It's just… it's about your son."
At this, Richard sat up, eyes sharp. "What about Steven?"
Neil almost felt giddy. "I… do you know the company your son is keeping? Or what he's doing? I thought you'd like to know… but I caught him kissing-"
"Another boy?" Richard's voice was cold. "Let me guess. That long haired punk from the trailer park?"
"I don't know where he's from but he did have long hair-"
Richard held up his hand, scowling and Neil had to fight himself not to grin before dread started to sink in as he realized the hateful look Richard had wasn't for his son, it was for him.
"So, you decided the best course of action was to what? Out him to his father?" Richard snarled as he stood up. "You thought that what? I'd be like you and beat the fuck out of my son?"
Neil stumbled back. "I don't-"
"Please, everyone likes to say how stupid my son is, when he's actually more observant than people give him credit for. Did you think no one would notice the bruises? Did you think no one would care?!" Richard slammed his fist onto his desk.
Neil grabbed the doorknob only to find it locked.
"And you expect me to be the same. You expected me to beat my child just because what? He found a boy who loves him more than anything? Who treats him like he deserves the world? So what if my son has a boyfriend?!" Richard stalked over to Neil, glaring. "Here's what you're going to do. You're going to go back to your desk and you're going to forget what you saw. If anyone finds out, I'll assume it's you who leaked it, and I'll have you banned from every location we work with."
"You can't do this!"
"I can. And I will. And you won't be laying a hand on your son again. Steve WILL tell me, and I'll have my lawyers on your ass. You can try to move, but they will track you down." Richard grinned hatefully as he leaned into Neil's space. "The moment that boy turns 18, he's already got a house and job waiting for him. And don't think you can take it out on Maxine either. I will know. Now get out of my office before I demote you."
Neil heard the lock click before the door opened, Stacy, Richard's secretary, standing off to the side, smiling.
Neil stumbled out, looking at Richard who just grinned. He quickly made his way back to his desk but could still hear Richard.
"Stacy, be a dear and order my wife and yourself a proper lunch, and can you place a to-go order at that dinner Steve likes, for dinner that is. Add two extra, for Billy and Eddie."
"Of course, Rich. I'll let Patricia I'll be spending lunch with her."
"That's my girl."
And with that, the door closed. All Neil could do was sink into his chair, shaking. This had never happened before. It's never… he fucked up, and it was Steve's fault.
______________
Steve cackled at the dinner table as he told the story of how Eddie got his head caught in a fence that day, Richard chuckling as Patricia snickered.
"Seriously, how did you think that was a good idea?" Billy piped in, smirking at the embarrassed look Eddie held.
"It was a cute puppy! I just wanted to see him better!" Eddie defended.
"Well I can understand that… Rich… dear…"
"No! Absolutely not. Do you remember the last time we had a dog? My suit, Patricia! My suit!"
"It was only a little tear-"
"Half the pants leg was gone!" Richard looked heartbroken over the fact his favorite suit had been torn.
Steve shook his head as he leaned on Eddie, the other wrapping his arm around his waist.
"You okay, baby?" Eddie whispered and all Steve did was nod.
"Just a bit tired." He smiled at Eddie as he watched his parents playfully bicker before turning to Billy.
The younger was more relaxed than ever and all Steve could do was smile as he settled in against Eddie, relishing the kiss he felt on his head.
This… this was his family.