Work Text:
════════════════════════════════════
It was a calm summer Saturday morning. As usual, Steve stopped by Dustin’s place, ready to spend the day together. Everything was normal, just like always, and after having a lot of fun in the Arcade Palace they decided to grab something to eat at the Starcourt Mall food court.
What Steve didn’t expect was to run into Billy Hargrove there.
After being possessed by the Mind Flayer, it took a long time for Billy to pull himself back together. He even went to see a therapist a few times. And… it actually helped. A lot. Steve knows because Billy mentioned that to him while apologising for his behaviour at Byers’ house. And after that apology, they became something. Not friends. Not exactly. Just… not enemies anymore.
And then everything started moving like an avalanche, and Steve didn’t even realise how it happened. One moment they were at some random party, drinking beer and chatting, and a few hours later Steve is lying in his own bed, all worn out, watching Billy get dressed, mumbling something about his dad and weeknight curfews.
And it didn’t end with just one time. Once Billy stopped being a threat, Steve was finally able to see him for what he really was - an incredibly attractive guy. And little by little, he started falling for him.
By now, it’s been six months since their first time. Six perfect months, filled with incredible sex. Of course, they didn’t make their relationship public. No one knew that Steve wasn’t exactly straight. Even Robin didn’t know. She wouldn’t have let it go until she found out who exactly was Steve’s bisexual awakening. And Steve had no idea how ready Billy was to share anything about his sexual orientation with other people. Trustworthy people, yes, but still…
They always met in secret. They never even called each other - only made plans when Billy casually stopped by Family Video for another tape, or when they crossed paths at the Wheelers’ while driving the kids home. Billy usually picked up Max only. Steve took everyone else.
A casual hello, a quick handshake, a few harmless words slipped in - time, place. And then they’re in bed again, breathing hard after another round of something way too good to be casual. Most of the time it’s at Steve’s, since his parents are almost never home. But sometimes - just in the car, somewhere out in the woods. It felt like another life. Parallel universe.
And of course, spending his usual Saturday with Dustin, Steve never expected to run into Billy. What he expected even less was for Billy to lift a hand, wave at him, and motion for him to come over.
“Is that Max’s brother?” Dustin immediately raises his brows in a surprise. “Why is he waving at you? What does he want?”
Watching Dustin tense up slightly, Steve tenses too. He really doesn’t want the kid asking too many questions about him and Billy. Especially after that one careless moment at the party - when he and Billy were already a little drunk, a little lightheaded, and it all ended with a mutual handjob in one of the free rooms. And Steve had been so uncontrollably loud, screaming Billy’s name during his orgasm, that Dustin, walking past in the hallway, recognised his voice and knocked on the door, asking if everything was okay. And when they finally stepped out of the room together, thinking Dustin had already left, it turned out he was still there - waiting right outside the door, worried. Steve doesn’t even remember what they told him back then, but ever since, they’ve been a lot more careful.
“Probably something about the return date on a rented movie. He is a Family Video customer. Go get us some burgers and Coke, I’ll be right back”
He handed Dustin some cash and walked over to Billy. Billy waited for him calmly, not showing any hint of impatience or annoyance. But the moment Steve got closer, Billy’s signature cocky grin spread across his face. It was loud enough around them that Billy didn’t bother lowering his voice much.
“So,” he drawls, eyes flicking over Steve, “how you doing, princess? Miss me?”
Of course he missed him. The last time they’d seen each other was a whole week ago, and Steve had already been driving himself crazy, wondering if Billy was getting tired of all this.
“We shouldn’t be talking in public,” Steve says quietly, staring down at the floor, not daring to look at him. “What do you want?”
Billy leans in closer and murmurs right against his ear,
“You. Obviously”
Steve feels like he’s been doused in boiling water. It’s bad enough that lately he can’t seem to hold himself together around Billy - can’t stop losing his mind over him. Over his body, his scent, the way he talks. Every time Billy is near, Steve gets butterflies in his stomach, his skin turns hypersensitive, like it’s begging to be touched.
”Okay. When?”
“Do you wanna come over tonight? My parents are out of town, it’s just me and Max and I am pretty sure she'll ask for a sleepover at El’s. She always does when they’re not around. So… it’ll be just us. And I could finally have you in my bed, princess”
Steve blushes. He always does when Billy calls him names like that. He should probably get mad, but he can’t. Because Billy’s voice goes softer when he says princess - softer in a way that almost sounds like tenderness. Something warm spreads through Steve when he hears it.
“I thought we’d go to my place. Like always.”
“Yeah, but…” Billy tilts his head slightly. “I want to have some of your scent on my bedsheets, pretty boy. Been dreaming about it for months. So - tonight? Around seven-ish?”
”Yeah, sure” Steve nods, because how could he say no.
His eyes stay fixed on the floor, refusing to meet Billy’s gaze. Because if he looks, he won’t be able to stop himself from touching. And when Billy lightly taps his shoulder, like a casual goodbye, Steve flinches and bites down on his lip at the contact.
Аfter Billy leaves, Steve stands there for a couple more minutes, alone, breathing hard, trying to calm his shaken body. Just being around Billy is enough to make his head spin.
When Steve comes back to Dustin, the kid has already finished his burger and is sipping his Coke. Steve realises he’s not hungry anymore, so he just takes a couple of swallows of soda and says,
“Wanna go? Is there anywhere else you wanna stop?”
Dustin watches him for a suspiciously long moment, studying his face,
“You’re not gonna eat your cheeseburger? That’s your favourite. Double cheese, extra pickles, no onions. You were starving like five minutes ago. ”
“I’m not hungry anymore. So… where to next?”
Dustin can tell Steve wants to get out of here as fast as possible.
“I promised Mike you’d drop me off around three. We’re all getting together for a new D&D campaign today. Since it’s Saturday, his mom will probably let us stay up late”
“Great. Let’s go. I’ve still got a couple of things to take care of before tonight, too.”
“Ohhh, do you have a date or something?”
“Yeah. And I kinda need to get ready for it.”
════════════════════════════════════
Nothing out of the ordinary seems to be happening as they drive toward the Wheelers’ house. Steve keeps his eyes on the road and doesn’t even notice the moment he drifts off into his own thoughts. Dustin is talking about something with clear enthusiasm, but his voice sounds distant and unimportant. Steve is too busy replaying his encounter with Billy in his head.
Billy was acting today like he was flirting with him - teasing, trying to charm him, even though there was obviously no real need for it anymore. And in bed, Billy teases him too. Often. Deliberately. Pushing him until Steve has to beg.
Their sex is so incredible largely because of Billy - he’s a very attentive, dedicated lover. It’s just that… his attention is focused on bodies, not on emotions.
He never stays the night at Steve’s place, not even when they meet on weekends. They never cuddle. He gets up almost immediately after he comes and leaves, abandoning Steve alone with that ugly, hollow feeling - like he’s nothing more than a convenience. There probably aren’t that many gay guys in Hawkins for Billy to sleep with. So he settles for what he can get.
He probably expects Steve to leave his bed after sex tonight, too.
And Steve is drowning in him. He catches every look, every half-smile - even the teasing ones. Steve remembers how he used to admire Billy’s long, thick lashes while Billy drove them through the woods to Lover’s Lake - where they spent hours fucking in his Camaro.
He remembers from school that Billy is smart. Not academically smart or nerdy like Dustin, but smart in the way he can talk his way out of any situation, charm people, bend things in his favour, always get what he wants. Steve also knows that Billy is disciplined enough to build a body like that - it’s obvious it wasn’t something he was just born with.
That’s all Steve knows about him. Nothing more. They never really talk. They don’t share anything. Steve has no idea what Billy’s life looks like when they’re not together - what it’s like at home, what kind of atmosphere he lives in, what he dreams about, what keeps him up at night.
He wanted them to be more than just two guys hooking up because there was no one else in their tiny town who’s different in the same way. He wanted more. He wanted real relationships. Actual dates.
Of course, they couldn’t just sit across from each other at Enzo’s - the only fancy restaurant in Hawkins - nicely dressed, sharing a romantic candlelit dinner. But there were other ways.
They could go to Lover’s Lake again and just talk. Get to know each other. Stay there until sunrise, making out under the stars, pretending - just for a few hours - that they were something real.
Maybe there is something wrong with Steve. Why he can’t be like any other 19-year-old guy who just wants to party and hook up with anyone who is willing to climb into his bed? Why does he have to make everything so complicated? It’s supposed to be fun. Easy. Casual.
But Steve knows himself too well to keep pretending he can live like that. It is just not enough for him. Not anymore. Steve wants feelings. Real closeness. Openness. Vulnerability. And maybe it would be better to stop everything right now, before he reaches that breaking point where he’s so in love he’ll take anything Billy gives him, even the smallest scrap of affection.
Or maybe it is already too late?
Steve sighs. He doesn’t want to bring this up with Billy, because he knows exactly how it could go. There are only two possibilities.
The first - the good one - is that Billy will shut him up with a kiss, drown the conversation under warm hands and heated looks. And then, of course, with amazing sex.
The second - the worst one - is that Billy will laugh and say this is all bullshit for girls. That if Steve needs feelings, he can go find some whiny high school girl, fill out mood diaries with her and cry over Grease together.
And then they’ll stop being fuck-buddies.
Steve honestly doesn’t know which outcome would be better in the long run. Probably the second. At least then they’d both be honest about what they really want.
“Steve!!!” Dustin suddenly yells. “Are you listening to me at all???”
“What?” Steve shakes his head and briefly looks at the kid before returning his eyes to the road. “Yeah, yeah, sorry, I just… what were you talking about? Your new nerd game thingy? A campaign or something?”
“You’ve been weird lately,” Dustin says, frowning and pointedly ignoring Steve’s attempt to dodge the question. “What’s up with you? Is it your love life again? Is it Nancy? Because this is getting old already.”
“No, not Nancy. No. And it’s not about my love life.”
Because there is no love in my life, Steve thinks, a quiet sadness settling in his chest.
“Then why are you so distracted when I’m trying to tell you about my new summer science project?”
“I’m sorry, buddy, I just… It’s nothing, really. Just a bad day.”
“What exactly happened today that made it such a bad day? You’ve been with me since this morning! What did I do? Am I boring you, Steve?”
“No! No! I mean… I’m not exactly a huge fan of physics…”
“Shoking.”
“But it’s definitely not you, okay? I just have something on my mind. Something I can’t get out of my head.”
“Willing to share with the class?”
“No. It’s private.” Out of the corner of his eye, Steve sees Dustin grimace, clearly about to say something. “It’s not that I don’t trust you,” Steve adds quickly. “It’s just… something I need to figure out on my own.”
“Will you tell me after you figure it out?”
“Of course. And then you’ll get the chance to unleash all your sarcastic commentary about my mental abilities and my amazing talent for drawing conclusions.”
“Okay. Deal. But please stop zoning out when I’m talking to you. It’s annoying.”
“Okay, okay. So what did Mr. Clarke say about your project idea?”
Of course, Steve doesn’t really listen this time either. But he hums in agreement and nods in all the right places, and Dustin doesn’t look angry anymore.
Steve drops Dustin off at the Wheelers’ and says goodbye, reminding him that his babysitter–driver shift is officially over for today. Dustin thanks him for the day they spent together, but doesn’t hurry inside. He watches Steve closely as he gets back into the car and drives off.
Dustin doesn’t like what’s happening to Steve.
This clearly requires an immediate investigation.
════════════════════════════════════
Billy was already completely ready for Steve’s arrival. He’d taken a shower, splashed cologne on all the right places. He’s wearing his favourite wine-colored shirt - of course, unbuttoned almost down to his navel. And tight blue jeans. The same kind Steve wears. Billy likes having at least something in common with him.
He’d even changed the sheets on his bed, because he wanted to sleep on them for the rest of the week, let them smell like Steve.
It was one of his quiet fantasies: having him close at night, falling asleep with Billy wrapped around him like a big spoon, waking up together. Kissing Steve’s shoulder while he blinked sleepily, trying to focus on the alarm clock to figure out what time it was.
But Billy never lets himself have any of that. Because he knows that the second he allows even the smallest weakness - just a hint of hope - he won’t be able to crawl back out of it.
Steve will probably find himself a nice girl from a good family sooner or later. Because how long can Steve King Harrington really waste his precious time on someone like him?
No. Steve is the golden boy, the son of rich parents. He’s meant for a perfect life. The American dream.
That’s why Billy keeps his distance. He leaves things unfinished, unsaid, never quite giving Steve all of him, never letting the feeling fully settle or grow too deep.
Anything, as long as Steve doesn’t get tired of him too quickly.
Anything, as long as Steve’s interest lasts just a little longer.
Billy is pulled out of his thoughts by a knock at the door. Loud. Rude. Repeated several times. He figures it probably isn’t Steve, he hasn’t had time to piss him off yet. At least, not today.
So he pulls on his most feral expression and yanks the door open hard enough for it to slam against the wall.
“What the fuck?”
It really isn’t Steve standing on the other side of the door. It’s his little friend, Dustin.
It’s so unexpected that Billy blurts it out again, this time with even more force,
“What the fuck?”
“We need to talk!”
Dustin sounds very serious and focused. And he’s not alone - the whole gang is standing behind him, all frowns and tense expressions, even his little shitbird sister Max.
El is there too, the telekinesis girl, standing behind Dustin in a confident stance, arms crossed over her chest, feet planted wide apart. Next to her is the Wheeler boy, copying her pose. Billy remembers his last name because of his older sister, Nancy, the one who happens to be Steve’s ex and love-of-his-life, so… yeah. Hard to forget.
Sinclair is here as well, holding Max’s hand, looking focused and tense. And there’s that small Zombie-boy hanging back, pretending he’s not even here.
Okay. This is… interesting.
The silence stretches on a little too long before Billy finally asks, a faintly mocking laugh in his voice,
“Am I in trouble?”
A bunch of angry school kids is obviously not a real threat to him.
“Yes, you are!” Dustin jabs a finger into Billy’s open chest, all brave and serious. “I need you to stop doing that to Steve!”
Now Billy is confused.
He hasn’t done anything to Steve lately. Well, nothing except some very slow, hot, exhausting sex. But there’s no way Harrington is sharing his sex life with his baby friend, so Dustin must be talking about something else.
“Doing what? What are you talking about, little shit? What is this, an intervention or something?”
“You know exactly what I’m talking about!”
He honestly doesn’t. But it sounds like Dustin is trying to defend Steve from something. Which is weird, because Billy and Harrington were never that hostile to each other, even in high school. Sure, there was that unfortunate incident at the Byers’ place, but other than that it was mostly teasing and rivalry, not straight-up bullying. At least, that’s how Billy saw it.
“Either you tell me what you mean, or you can fuck right off.”
Billy folds his arms across his chest, watching Dustin huff and bristle with indignation.
“Oh, you don’t know? Okay… okay. I’ll tell you!” Dustin starts pacing back and forth across the porch, waving his arms as he talks. “We were having a totally great day today, me and Steve! He picked me up at ten, like always. We went to RadioShack and then to the Palace Arcade. He won me a ton of tickets! Eeeeeeeeverything was great! And then we went to get food at Starcourt Mall, and suddenly… he’s not in the mood. He doesn’t even want to eat his favourite burger! And you know what happened right before that?”
Dustin points at him.
“We met you. You!”
He jabs a finger into Billy’s chest again, making Billy flinch and grimace.
“How am I responsible for Harrington’s appetite?”
“You told him something! I saw you two talking. Did you threaten him?”
“No, I didn’t,” Billy says honestly. He’s a little impressed by Dustin’s energy and boldness.
“Then what the hell did you tell him?”
“That’s none of your business, kid. Get lost. I’m waiting for someone.”
And right at that moment, Steve’s BMW screeches into the driveway in front of the house.
The kids look confused. Billy, on the other hand, looks intrigued. He’s never been in a situation like this before, and he can’t wait to see how it plays out.
Maybe…
Maybe Steve’s friends will finally find out what really connects them.
If Steve wants them to, of course.
“What’s going on?” Steve asks as he gets out of his car, a little flustered. “What are you all doing here?”
“What are you doing here? You said you have a date tonight!” Dustin blurts out, his voice sharp with accusation.
Date.
Steve feels heat flood his cheeks. He would never want Billy to know he’d called their meeting a date. He doesn’t even dare look at him. But if he did, he would catch that small, satisfied smile, the way Billy’s mouth curls at the sound of that word.
Instead Steve plants his hands on his hips in his signature annoyed stance and looks down at Dustin.
“I’m sorry, officer, I didn’t share all my plans with you. Why the hell do you even care?”
“Okay, just… just shush! I’m in the middle of something here, alright?” He turns back to Billy. “Where were we?”
“You were trying to explain what the hell I did to your precious Steve,” Billy reminds him, looking more and more entertained.
“Right! So, after your little talk, he got all… grumpy and tense. He kept zoning out when I was talking. So if you’re bullying him again, I swear…”
Billy laughs, flicking his gaze over to Steve, who looks completely thrown and lost. And he decides to poke at him.
“So you’re all grumpy and tense now, huh?” he drawls. “And here I thought I was working my ass off to make you all relaxed and… satisfied, Harrington.”
“Shut up!” Steve’s eyes go wide as he snaps back at him, then turns to Dustin. “He’s not abusing me! He never did!”
“Yeah? Do you have amnesia? What about that time at the Byers’?”
“He was possessed and you know it. And he apologised.”
“So? That doesn’t just erase it. And what about that party at Helen’s? I heard you screaming!”
“It’s not…” Steve’s ears burn. “I wasn’t… ugh. Dustin, come on! We’re not fighting. Can we please stop this?”
“If you’re not fighting and everything’s totally fine,” Dustin presses, “then why are you acting all weird around him?”
“Weird how?”
“I saw you two talking,” Dustin blurts out. “You were staring at the floor the whole time. Then you flinched when he touched your shoulder. And you came back all stressed, breathing heavy. Do you think I can’t tell when something’s wrong? Do you think I’m stupid?”
Billy laughs again.
If only this naïve little kid knew that Steve had just gotten a little worked up. That he’s just… sensitive like that.
Steve grows more and more irritated.
“Honestly? Yes, you are being incredibly stupid right now! So please, for God’s sake, Henderson, I am begging you… stop and get out of here. What is or isn’t going on between me and Billy is non of your business, understand?”
“Oh, but it is my business, dingus, because you are my best friend!”
“That doesn’t give you the right to mess with my personal life!” Steve snaps, his voice rising, pushed to the edge by the kid’s stubbornness.
“Personal life? Wait… personal?” Dustin’s voice slows, drops, the way it always does when he’s processing something big. “So, all that screaming and tension and… your date today…”
He starts pacing across the porch again, thoughts racing, until realisation hits him like a spotlight.
“Oh. My. God. Oh-my-god-oh-my-god-oh-my-god!” His head snaps from Steve to Billy and back again. “Are you two… Are you?”
Steve meets Billy’s eyes for just a second, as if silently asking whether he’s ready to confess and tell them everything - and Billy nods.
“Yes, genius,” Steve sighs, covering his face with his palm. “So… I’d really appreciate it if you stayed out of this, okay? All of you.”
The group doesn’t look impressed. Mike and Eleven are still standing defensively, arms crossed, brows furrowed. Will looks confused, but also relieved that there’s not about to be a fight. Max steps a little closer to Billy, studying his face for clues, while Lucas keeps hold of her hand, grounding her.
Billy is almost smiling. He’s completely at ease now, after not seeing a single grimace of disgust on the kids’ faces when they find out about them.
“You’ve got a hell of an army, King Steve,” he says lightly. “They’re so protective of their favourite babysitter, they’re ready to fight the Big Bad Wolf with their bare hands.”
“Shut up!” Steve snaps again. “Okay, that’s enough. All of you - go home! How did you even get here? You were supposed to be at Mike’s, playing your stupid game.”
“Jonathan’s waiting for us around the corner,” Will explains, gesturing toward the road.
“Oh, so Jonathan isn’t one of your guardians, Steve?” Billy teases.
“If you don’t shut up right now, I will…”
“What? Kiss me?” Billy smirks. “Come on, princess, don’t be shy. They already know about us. And you know I won’t stop talking until you…”
“So… do you love him?” Eleven cuts in, her voice firm as she looks Billy straight in the eye.
“El, please…” Steve’s breath catches. He’s not ready for this. Not like this. Not in front of everyone. “Can we just…”
“I do,” Billy says simply. Confident. Certain. “I really do.”
Steve freezes.
This can’t be happening. Can it? Maybe it’s a dream. More like a nightmare, considering everything that led up to this moment. But still… is it real? Is it possible that Billy… That he could…
Steve feels nauseous. And then he hears Billy’s voice again.
“I love you, pretty boy.”
Loud and clear.
Steve needs air. More air. But they’re already outside, and he has no idea where he’s supposed to get more of it. His chest feels tight, his pulse too fast. He looks at Billy and feels like he’s about to have a panic attack.
“You… but you’ve never… but we…”
He doesn’t even know what he’s trying to say. It’s just too unexpected.
Steve honestly thought this would be another heartbreak. Like Nancy. Because Billy Hargrove could never be sweet or tender or… loving. Even dreaming about it had felt unrealistic.
“Let me say it one more time, so you don’t think you imagined it,” Billy says confidentely. “I love you, Steve Harrington. And I mean it.”
It feels like a punch to the gut.
“I…” Steve swallows hard. “I…”
He can’t say anything. Instead, he steps closer and pulls Billy into a hug, pouring every emotion and all the unspoken things into it. His throat tightens; he can’t speak, only breathe hard and cling to Billy’s shoulders, fingers digging in like he’s afraid to let go.
“It’s okay, princess. You can say it later,” Billy murmurs, unable to resist the teasing edge, rubbing his back with a slow, steady palm. Then he glances at the kids. “So. Are we good here?”
They do look satisfied now.
Especially Dustin, watching Steve with a small, pleased smile.
“Yeah. We’re good,” Dustin says, nodding. “But if you hurt him in any way... ”
“Yeah, yeah, I know,” Billy cuts in. “I’ll face the wrath of your whole little Avengers squad.”
“Let’s go, guys!” Henderson orders, waving a hand as he turns his back on Billy. “We’ve still got a couple of hours for our campaign.”
In an oddly organised little crowd, the kids file off the yard, heading down the road toward Jonathan’s car.
“Even if you’re not sleeping at home, the curfew is still ten,” Billy yells after Max, watching her flip him off in response.
Then he turns his attention back to Steve, who’s still in his arms, nose tucked into the curve of his neck.
“You okay?”
Steve exhales and steps back.
“Can we go inside? I think I’ve had enough public attention for one day.”
Billy takes his hand, leads him inside, and closes the door behind them. Then he walks him straight to the couch in the living room. They sit far too close to each other, and Steve still can’t quite believe what just happened.
He clears his throat and asks quietly,
“So… since all the little shitheads know already… may I officially be your boyfriend?”
“Who did you think you were before that?” Billy asks.
“Well… I dunno. Sex buddy?”
Billy laughs. But Steve insists.
“I mean… we never talked about us. We never really talked at all. I don’t know anything about you.”
“That’s because you never asked, princess.”
“I didn’t know I could. I thought if I tried to get closer, you’d… you know. End this.”
“Why?”
“Because you’re… you. All macho and everything. And I’m just… entertainment. Just sex.”
“Steve, you’re way too good to be someone’s ‘just sex.’ Do you know that? Every time I’m with you, it feels like I won the biggest prize there is. I mean, come on. I’ve got King Steve in my bed. Why on earth would I ever want that to stop?”
“Well…” Steve shrugs. “Then why do you act so distant?”
“Honestly? I thought this was just some kind of experiment for you. Everyone knows you’re a romantic. A girls-only kind of guy.”
“So why didn’t you ask?”
“I was scared too, Steve,” Billy says quietly. “I was afraid you didn’t want anything serious. That you were just… waiting to find the right girl. The perfect family. The white picket fence. And I’d just be… something fun in the meantime. And I told myself I was okay with that. As long as I could have you.”
He exhales slowly.
“So I tried to keep what we have exciting. Make sure you never got bored. Make sure you always felt the heat - the rush, the peak of emotion, the peak of pleasure.”
“You’re incredibly stupid,” Steve says softly. “I want you. You, not your games, not just your amazing body. You.”
Billy frowns.
“I’m not sure you fully understand what you’re talking about.”
“I’ve already seen the worst and darkest parts of you. What else is there that you’re afraid to show me?”
Billy hears his father’s voice in his head and feels a sharp stab of shame, but he answers honestly anyway.
“Being weak,” he says quietly. “Being pathetic.”
“Well, welcome to the club. I’m no king, Billy. I’m a pathetic loser with a bunch of kids protecting me from the Big Bad Billy because they think I can’t handle you myself.”
“Perfect couple, then, huh?”
“I guess we are. Equally stupid, too. We could’ve had this conversation months ago.”
“Well, you should give Dustin extra credit next time you hang out. Maybe even buy him a present or something. If it weren’t for him, we’d still be stuck in all that mess.”
“Oh, no. No-no-no. The kid’s ego is already big enough. I don’t want to make it worse. Otherwise he’ll start scheduling monthly status meetings to check on us.”
“So… should we proceed with our date, then? You did call it a date.”
“I did. And since it’s our first one… how would you feel about not having sex tonight? Can we just… cuddle?”
“Sure, princess. Anything you want.”
They go into Billy’s bedroom, strip down to their underwear, and slip beneath the sheets. It’s the height of summer, the house warm and heavy with heat, but Steve still pulls Billy close, tucking his head against his chest and wrapping one arm - and one leg - around him.
They lie like that for a while, saying nothing, just breathing each other in, quietly savouring the simple, fragile closeness.
“Billy.” Steve lifts his face and looks Billy straight in the eyes. Into those blue, impossible eyes. “I love you too.”
Billy smiles, a soft, satisfied smile that looks almost unfamiliar on him. Because really… is there anything in this world more beautiful than Steve Harrington being in love with him?