Chapter 1: Roommates?
Chapter Text
Stevie hadn't been able to stop her intrusive thoughts, ever since she found out about Billie's abusive dad. Though she still hadn't forgiven Billie for any of the awful shit she'd done, she was slowly improving. A different person than the newbie that appeared in Hawkins over two years ago. She'd slowly repaired the bond with Max, healing from the wounds of MindFlayer and the battle at star-court. Nobody ever asked questions about her life, nobody ever asked questions about her family, anyone who tried always received hostility. They took it as a lesson to never press the matter. But being a social outcast herself, Stevie was used to seeing people at their worst, seeing things from a different perspective. She knew Billie had fallen from grace herself, she had her own battles with personal demons. Seeing the state that Billie came into school, she'd seen it enough times but it never clicked. She just believed that she just got into fights, she was already abrasive and rubbed people the wrong way, she could only assume given how little she knew about the blonde. In the past she avoided Billie like the plague, everyone did, she just knew how to get under people's skin. But that didn't make Stevie heartless, she wasn't above helping her rival. But then she'd seen enough to be burned into her mind, she'd seen Billie put up walls and push people away to protect herself. She'd seen her lash out at people who got too involved in her business. It was like an angry dog warding off people it perceived to be a threat, not knowing who to trust and seeing everyone as a danger. How many wounds Billie had come to school with, how many times she'd seen purple marks all over Billie's skin? Limping down the hallway like a wounded dog and growling at anyone who got too nosy.
Neil could have killed her, he clearly didn't care for Billie's wellbeing of safety, he didn't acknowledge his role as a parents just an authority figure. So long as he had control over her life. What kind of father laid his hands on his daughter like that? Stevie knew a thing or two about shitty dads. Billie walked it off like it was nothing, she still came into school as if she just had scrapes, as if she didn't need medical attention or a doctor. She never asked for help, she never let anyone close and she never reached out. She handled it all herself, she lied, made excuses and made sure nobody got invested. Worrying Stevie of the longterm trauma and damages, she had no idea of the extent of the abuse, how long it had been ongoing. But it couldn't continue, yeah Billie may not want her help or even be deserving of it. But like hell she was going to ignore someone who was clearly suffering and struggling. The Mind Flayer had sought out Billie for a reason and now she knew why. She didn't have a stable home life, she didn't have people who cared about her. She yearned for the mother who abandoned her, she yearned for her lost childhood, she mourned the innocence ripped from her. But she resented her father and the nuclear family he dragged her into. How she could still be so calm and collected? How could she so easily switch off her emotions and go from charming and flirtatious, to unstable, angry and volatile the next? Or if she had just given up hope of someone ever noticing.
But Stevie knew the truth, she knew all too well about shitty parents, she knew all too well about wearing a mask to hide the pain. She'd cut off her friends when she realised they were a bad influence and just shitty people. She no longer related to the person she used to be. More than that she stopped kissing up to her parents and stopped trying fit into their ideal daughter image. Parents were supposed to love and nurture you, they were supposed to be your mentors, they were supposed to raise you into a person, a human being. They were supposed to show you kindness, they were supposed to be someone you could turn to, someone you could share your problems with. Support you through every hurdle, reassure you when you messed up, make you understand the difficulties of life and prepare you for it. Love you unconditionally, give you guidance. But Billie's father hated and abused her at every chance he got, making her feel small and insignificant. He broke her down and smashed her dreams, he turned her into a punching bag. He showed no remorse nor guilt for any of his actions, while Stevie's flat out neglected her.
"Head in the clouds again Harrington" Billie teased. She was always spacing out these days, rarely paying attention to anyone or anything. She either hyper focused on something or she didn't pay attention at all. Here they were nearly high school seniors and both of their lives were a mess, something they had in common for once.
Stevie blushed, pouting irritably at Billie, she hated how well she got under her skin. That cheshire cat grin like the cat who got the cream, she screamed trouble but oddly instead of being scared, it excited Stevie. Her reckless, unfiltered approach to life and devil may care attitude, Stevie wished she could be that carefree. But sadly her life was too complicated, She had too much responsibility and too many people to consider. "And so what?" she huffed, it was nice to get out of her own head sometimes.
Billie chuckled, wow the claws were out today, she hadn't seen Stevie this moody in a while "Ooo, spicy today aren't we?" she teased. Something was gnawing away at Stevie, but she wasn't hiding it very well despite her brewing. She wondered if she poked enough she would get the answers she wanted. She loved it when Stevie got an attitude, it was adorable, when she puffed up her chest, snapped at her and argued. Stevie had fire in her, she had fight, even if she didn't show it often.
Stevie frowned, the knowledge of what Billie endured, of what she tolerated, of all she'd grown up with under the abuse of Neil, his toxic authority. How could she laugh it off?How could she still smile? How could she put on a mask and act normal? There were days Stevie couldn't get out of bed, where while everyone else was sleeping she was sat up with a baseball bat under her bed watching the shadows. That she had stopped trying to reach out to her parents knowing they would never return her calls or texts. Stevie struggled to even make it through the day sometimes, wondering what was left for her in Hawkins once she was going to college. She didn't know how Billie was able to lead this double life, act like she wasn't being abused? Act like the world didn't turn its back on her and owed her an apology. How could she keep acting like it was no big deal, like what Neil was doing wasn't a crime? How had Max said nothing about this? He'd never come forward and never even implied what was happening. She and Billy needed to talk, now. She wasn't going to let her avoid questions or try to run away. It would just eat away at her. She would just keep thinking of Billie, alone, curled up on her bed and licking her wounds. She wouldn't be able to focus whatsoever today, she knew her brain would just be polluted with invasive thoughts about Billie's family. Trying to make it through another mundane class she never interacted with and pretended to care about. Thinking about her father, thinking about her loneliness and Billie's silent screams for help. Thinking about Billie's innocent adolescence and the child she used to be before she became the shell of a person she was now, angry and bitter. She was exhausted and she was stressed, why pretend to come up with an excuse? Billie would see right through it anyway. Fuck it, when was the last time she improved her grades anyway? "Wanna skip class?" she asked, she'd always been a diligent student her entire life, even when she messed around in class. It was one of the things her parents praised her for in the past. Now to get back at them she was skipping, maybe that would get her dad's attention.
Billie smirked, now this was unexpected for Stevie Harrington of all people, now this was a glimpse of the girl she had heard so much about. Were they going to smoke around the bleachers? Maybe have a sneaky session in an abandoned area? Just what did Stevie had in mind? It intrigued her. "Ooo, Princess Stevie playing truant" she teased, her eyes gleaming with mischief.
Stevie scoffed, it did't take a genius to figure out Billie's mind was in the gutter, she knew all about her hookups and achievements. No, this was a sincere gesture of needing privacy to talk. But if the suggestion got Billie's attention, so be it "It's not like I pay attention anyway" she muttered.
Stevie's brown eyes gazed into the distance, darker from exhaustion and stress, brushing her soft brown hair from her face, fastening it into a messy up-do. She used to love styling her hair and these days she was lucky to have the energy to be bothered at all. Who was she trying to impress? She wasn't in a relationship and she was lucky to even be able to get a date. Robin had an easier job getting dates than she did. Billie sat nearby, keeping a distance but close enough to be friendly, but she could feel her eyes on her as she messed with her hair. Admiring the outline of her neck, her jawline. She had to admit it had been a while since anyone watched her with such hunger, it felt nice.
"You ever think about moving out?" Stevie asked, while fastening the hairband. She wasn't forced to be trapped living with Neil, she didn't have to stay if she didn't want to. There was always an out, there was always another option. No matter how messy or scary the premise seemed. She was old enough to be able to have her own place, there were plenty of houses or flats she could consider in Hawkins. Thinking of Billie walking back to that damn house, trapped in a cage with her abusive father, it made Stevie's skin crawl.
The weight hit Billie like a tonne of bricks, Stevie had been pretty sneaky getting her out here. Now it all made sense why she wanted to skip class and be alone. What had been plaguing her mind and distracting her so much. She hated the idea of someone pitying her, someone demeaning her. Billie shifted, not a day went by when she didn't daydream about her freedom, finally leaving that house and slamming the door in Neil's face. Finally shoving it in his face that she survived, she was worth something and she was never coming back. "All the damn time, but rent ain't cheap and I'm not leaving Max on his own. I'll wait till college, that's my ticket out". She didn't have the funds to afford a place on her own, she was getting into college on a damn scholarship for crying out loud. She wasn't going to leave her stepbrother to become the next abuse victim. But that still left her trapped under Neil's thumb until then, at his mercy.
Stevie shifted, she could see the pain and longing in Billie's eyes and understood her need to protect Max. But it came at the price of her own safety, her own sanity. Surely she had someone she could confide in? "No friends you can ask?" Steve pressed, surely someone would let her crash on their couch.
Billie frowned, everyone in this damn town was too fake and while acting hospitable would immediately close their doors on her at the scent of trouble. They had their own image and reputation to uphold. She had nobody to turn to, she knew all too well the reality of people's nature "Nope" she replied, emphasising on the P. Like hell she could ask Tommy, he would never be able to understand, Carol was too proud. She was stuck on her own and it had always been that way.
Stevie shifted, she'd been meaning to ask about roommates, consider maybe renting out the house just for some income but her parents would never allow it. The house was always too big for her, too grand, it was a palace not a home, always made to be pristine for her parents. They loved keeping up the image of the Harrington name, living lavishly with secret affairs all while keeping up the nuclear family image. She had a part time job at home video to keep her busy these days, it also gave her a small social life too. She'd at least managed to keep her savings account her parents made, and she was making her own money. So if she ever needed it, she would be to able to access the money. She'd managed to bribe her mother for a credit card under her own name, though she had been hesitant her mother was at least more reasonable than her father. Though she had a lot of saving to do, she at least had her own money, it would save her ass when college came around. Her parents blessedly hadn't kicked her out yet, their small symbol of kindness in their eyes. Trying to say in their own way they weren't heartless. She had a huge house and her only friend was Robin, the latter didn't stay over often but when she did she always brought it up. She might as well take the leap even if she refused. "Y'know, I'm an only child, I know I'm more infamous for house parties I used to host. But my house is pretty much a hotel, I wouldn't mind the company" she offered.
Billie halted, her blue eyes widening as her body froze rigid, the silence hung in the air, the echo of the school in the distance. Looking at Stevie in shock, as if she was waiting for it to be a bad joke. Stevie just stared back at her solemnly, no smirk, no smile, no wicked gleam in her eyes, merely sincerity and seriousness. Was Stevie being serious?Stevie was asking her to move in as a roommate? She of all people had a luxurious home and reputation, didn't she worry what Billie could do for her image? "Are you serious?" she asked, her tone hesitant.
Stevie shrugged, she didn't have a new low she could even stoop to. She had stopped caring about her reputation a long time ago. She cared little for the opinions of other people and their gossip "I"m a babysitter who works at home video, I'm not much fun these days but I'm not a heartless bitch". She worked in customer service, she worked in a job that had decent but still crappy pay, she made moderate income and she was studying for a nursing degree. Who was she to judge Billie? Who was she to turn her away? So long as Billie helped around the house, as long as she formed an income of her own, as long as she didn't take advantage of her kindness. She didn't mind in the least, hell it might make her life more entertaining.
Billie softened, of all the people to offer her such generosity, of all people to offer the olive branch, she didn't expect it to be her rival. She'd had it out for Stevie the moment she came here, harassing her, baiting her. Taking her position as Queen bee, harassing her at basketball. Then after her fall from grace, post their fight at the Byers house, after Billie became a lifeguard and then a mechanic. Stevie had put her grudge behind her and was offering her a place to stay. She was at her lowest and was still being a decent person "Wow Harrington that's...thank you" she mumbled.
"I'll help you move in, just help out around the house is all. I'll help you fix your finances too" Stevie mumbled, she knew Billie had a job as a mechanic but had nowhere to put it. She could sort out a bank account, any payments her mother had made for child benefits. Any legal lawsuit she took against Neil would also apply as income towards Billie. But she wasn't going to tolerate Billie lazing around, drinking and half-assing. She could could at least help around the house and help with chores. I mean if they were living together they would need to get into a routine.
Billie softened, her body language relaxing, this was the way out she had always hoped for, this was the olive branch she longed for. She'd always believed that she would remain shackled in Hawkins no matter what, that she would be forced to make her own way in the world. Nobody would save her, nobody would care. Stevie wasn't making a joke, she was being genuine, she knew all too well about shitty parents. She knew Stevie had an abrasive and complicated relationship with her parents and Billie didn't push the matter, she wouldn't have asked otherwise. She was making a genuine gesture, she wanted to save Billie because she knew nobody else would, that people would ignore it regardless of whether or not they knew about the abuse. She wanted to help her, she wanted to give her a way out even if Billie rejected it. But Billie wasn't heartless, she was a bitch and she was unhinged, but she still had some heart left. She wouldn't abandon the only semi decent people in her nuclear family. Despite their fucked up dynamic they had shown Billie kindness in their own way. She wanted to keep an eye on Max, he was a pain in the ass but he was a good kid, her stepbrother. He didn't deserve to endure what she did as soon as she stopped being Neil's punching bag and scapegoat. Susan wasn't all bad, she was just bullied, emotionally abused and intimidated. But she couldn't stay in that damn house anymore, it would drive her insane, she wouldn't be walking on eggshells anymore, she could breathe easier. She knew it would tear her apart inside and she would just become rotten to the core. She wanted to become someone, she wanted to prove Neil wrong just so she could rub it in his face after years of calling her an eyesore, ungrateful and a waste of space. To actually attempt to figure her shit out and feel like a person again. "Thanks Harrington" she smiled.
Stevie rummaged in her school bag, her old leather book bag which one was part of her rich girl image and now what made her look like as Robin called it "Sexy tutor" vibes. She honestly didn't think if she met her old self she could even stand to be in the same room as them. It was a lot more worn now and less well taken care of, but Hopper often offered beeswax and other stuff from his collection to help keep her belongings well cared for. He'd always been a paternal figure to her. She found her secret stash of cigarettes she had stolen from her mum, she'd always known where she hid them, ever since she was a child. Grabbing her lighter as she placed the cigarette in her mouth, cupping it protectively as she lit the cigarette, before handing it to Billie. The familiar scent of smoke filling her senses, both of them should be in class right now, listening to a middle aged or geriatric teacher who needed to retire preach on about a subject she couldn't care less about. But right now she couldn't think of a single good reason, nor a single fuck why she should be there, all she could think about was Billie.
Billie gratefully took the cigarette and took a puff, feeling her anxiety and anger melt away as nicotine filled her senses. She'd found a variety of ways to find an outlet to escape her life. Sex, hookups with strangers, drinking, smoking and occasional recreational drug use. It just helped her escape for a brief period. But this sort of calm, this sort of peace, trusting another person and feeling safe with them, it was an alien feeling indeed. Aside from her mum, she couldn't remember the last person who made her feel so safe.
"Is your dad home now?" Stevie asked, if they were going to do this she needed to be smart. She needed to know how far away Mr Hargrove was, what hours he was working and whether they would expect him home. She didn't want to risk Billie being hurt, getting her into trouble and possibly being to blame. She had made a decision and she was pulling through with it, she offered Billie to become her roommate and she meant it. She didn't want to waste any more time that Billie didn't have.
Billie chuckled, puffing smoke like a dragon, she'd become a professional at memorising their schedules. When Neil would be pulling a late shift, when he'd be coming home, when to expect his presence. When she could breathe easier and when to be on red alert. She knew Susan wouldn't be making dinner tonight but there would be leftovers in the fridge to eat. "Nah, he's at work, Max is at school like a good little chick. Susan picked up a job" Billie mumbled.
Stevie hummed, getting a second cigarette before lighting it, so there would be nobody to interrupt. Neil couldn't interfere, she wouldn't have to kick his ass as much as she wanted to. She knew Billie had a lot of belongings, she had all her stuff locked in that house and she wasn't going to abandon it. That car meant the world to her and she was taking it with her. Whatever Billie needed and wanted, she would collect as much as she could to keep at Stevie's. Getting to her feet as she grabbed her bag "Right, we better get started" she stated, their window of opportunity would soon close. The nasty surprise in store for Neil when he found out Billie was gone and what was about to fall upon his shoulders. She couldn't help the wicked glee forming in her stomach.
Billie stared at her in confusion, what was she on about? This was making no sense to her and she couldn't get a read on Stevie. Asking her to become her roommate, talking about her fucked up childhood, and now they were suddenly what? Going back to class like it meant nothing? Why would she ask about Neil and Susan? Why would she even bring it up? Unless...
Stevie turned to her, her face hardened and impatience dwelling beneath the surface "We both have cars, your family isn't home. We can pack your stuff up, get out of there and we can take it to my place" she explained. They needed to get there as fast as possible, the teachers could write her up for all she cared. She'd had worse arguments with her parents for less. She had a mission and she knew that Billie had belongings locked in that house. They could worry about redecorating her new room later, so long as nothing was left behind and Billie was safe. Max would never rat her out and he would know where Billie had gone. Billie would have finally escaped and she would have her own life.
Billie was in awe, this girl was really suggesting a mission, like vigilantes, sneaking into Neil's house to collect her stuff and get out. He would be none the wiser, he wouldn't know anything until he got home when he found the house oddly quiet and all her stuff gone. He wouldn't be able to control her anymore, he wouldn't be able to abuse her or make her feel small and insignificant ever again. Pretty much the middle finger to him, calling him out on his bluff. He'd always baited Billie saying she would never have the guts to actually run away. But she was terrified of being caught in the act and being put under more pressure. What if he came home? What if he threatened her? Accused her of breaking in? Sneaking someone in? He lorded over the house and made all the rules, you so much as breathed the wrong way or showed attitude? Doghouse. What if the neighbours gossiped? What if they said something to Susan or Neil? Called his work? Anything to give them away? Fear lining her blood, she felt sick to her stomach, was the world spinning?
Stevie must have sensed her anxiety, immediately calming her nerves and comforting her. "I'm close to Chief Hopper, he owes me a favour. I'll file a report about Neil but we will need some evidence from you, anything you're comfortable giving. You'll need to testify, if he shows up I have my bat in my car. We just need to be quick" Stevie reassured her. Jim had helped her redemption, helped her become better and put her head straight. He always checked in, he understood her trauma and he tried to mentor her. He knew her parents sucked but he asked her what she wanted to do with her life. What she wanted to become. Stevie loved those kids more than anything, they meant the world to her. Max could keep them distracted, he'd find a way to keep Susan off the scent.
Billie stared, Stevie had some interesting connections, wondering what kind of life she picked up once she fell from the popular crowd. She sneaked around, she marched to the beat of her own drum. She had made friends of her own but she never seemed to spend time with many of her classmates. Now she was scheming how to sneak into her dad's house, take all of Billie's stuff and get the fuck out of there without being caught. "Damn Harrington, you're prepared" she smirked.
Stevie rolled her eyes, though a swell of pride filled her chest "You're my roommate Hargrove, I don't cut corners. Now c'mon we got a window of opportunity" she warned. Billie may have been an asshole, she might have been a bitch, but she didn't deserve to suffer at her dad's abuse. Billie never got to choose her life, she was forced to live and adapt, until she mirrored her father. The sooner they got her stuff and escaped, the less time they would have to worry about being caught. If they wanted to avoid her dad, they needed to move fast.
Billie hummed, getting to her feet and following the brunette, carrying her cigarette and bag in her hand. She wasn't going to argue with her decision, it was the smartest thing she had heard in ages. She could see the rage bubbling beneath the surface of Stevie's skin, the anger projected towards Neil. She knew Stevie was keeping it together to be the voice of reason, when all she wanted to do was beat the shit out of him. But she had to admit, she really wanted to see Stevie beat the shit out of Neil with a baseball bat. Knowing he would be helpless, underestimating what Stevie was capable of, seeing him on his knees thanks to a teenage girl.
Billie couldn't fucking believe her luck, she'd spent her days dreaming, fantasising, imagining about getting the hell out of there. Counting down the days until she was legal and Neil couldn't control her life anymore. Whatever karma, whatever luck, whatever deity had been looking down on her, she had finally been given a break. She couldn't believe they were doing this, she couldn't believe Stevie had convinced her to do this. They had managed to contact Hopper as soon as they reached Billy's place, Stevie promising to give him all the details at her place, but only expressing how serious it was. Implying all the crimes Neil had committed, all the bruises and injuries she'd seen on Billie in school and more. Hopper took notes on Billie's case, the abuse, all of it, files and files on Neil's antics. It seemed that despite his attempts at discretion, he wasn't as sneaky as he believed. People had made noise complaints in the past, seeing Billie staggering in, hearing shouting and more. They had seen Billie driving away at odd hours, coming home drunk, limping out of the house and trying to hide wounds. They'd seen the marks on Billie, Neil threatening her and intimidating her, as well as Susan shying away from neighbours questions. None of the neighbours liked Neil one bit, they all called him miserable, aggressive and a bully. Susan was afraid of Neil, of him turning on her, trying to protect her biological child. As well as doing her best to support her stepdaughter whom showed hostility towards her. She would come forward to defend Billie about the abuse allegations, she would turn her back on Neil in a heartbeat to find her ticket out and put him behind bars.
Billie could get a restraining order against him, she would be able to finally get her just dessert's against Neil. She would be able to take the misery of her childhood and rub it in his damn face, for being a shitty parent. But then the main one was the piece of evidence Neil used to rub in her face, which she could now shove in his. Billie still being seventeen until her birthday, she was still legally classed as a minor by the law, another upper hand. Given this had been ongoing before his divorce of Billie's mother and remarriage to Susan, it was classed as child abuse. Given how long Neil had been trying to cover it up and the fact that Max and Susan were observers and witnesses, they could testify against him. Showing their fear of him and finally conveying their hatred of him. Neil would lose his job and worse, he would finally be humiliated for his actions and shown what a bastard he was. He'd become a social pariah around Hawkins, he would he shamed everywhere he went for his actions. He would become hot gossip he couldn't get away from. Max would happily come forward to protect his stepsister.
Billie unlocked the front door hastily, she always left the key under the plant pot, the same one, she'd memorised it. For all Neil loved to drag her for her failures and flaws, he forgot she was the top of her class, good grades and an avid reader. Thanks to him she'd become intuitive, perceptive and sneaky. Nights of sneaking in enough times, walking past Neil's bedroom as he snored and she climbed into bed. Carefully opening the door to let Stevie in to collect her stuff, the baseball bat strapped to her back. Billie turned to Stevie, holding her finger to her lips, not wanting the neighbours to start a commotion. She just wanted to get in and out as fast as they were able. "Alright, my rooms the last one on the left, opposite the bathroom at the end of the hallway" Billie informed her.
Stevie nodded, hurrying up the stairs with boxes and bin bags, anything that they could carry. They had parked the cars as close as they could with the boots open. Skipping school and helping Billie sneak into her house to escape, this was the most excitement she'd had in a while. She spent her time trying to convince people to rent videos, babysitting the kids or bored off her face. But now she was actually having an adventure of sorts. Eventually finding Billie's room, both surprised and content with what she saw in front of her. It was so aesthetically Billie, if it wasn't for the situation she would have loved to stay and admire it. She'd always imagined what kind of person Billie was behind closed doors, now she knew. Walls lined with posters of female rock stars, a variety that were insanely popular or some she had never heard of. Album covers, a vinyl player cosied up on a desk, fairy lights, a lamp and more.
But she couldn't get distracted, she couldn't stand and gawk, there would be time to appreciate this at a different time. Right now she had a mission to complete "Right, let's do this, we can put the fragile stuff in individually, anything else, bin bags" Stevie pressed. Clothes, bedding, accessories, whatever wasn't fragile could be tossed in bags and put in the boot. They didn't have time to think they needed to make sure nothing was left. They had a time limit, they may have already attracted attention. She didn't want anything of value being left behind and Billie knew the outlay of this room better than she did.
Billie nodded, entering the room and stuffing the bags like a mad woman, refusing to leave a thing behind. Anything that reminded her of her mother, all her clothes, her jackets, her boots, her makeup, all of it. She felt elated to finally be stripping this room, to finally know she had a ride waiting for her outside. She was finally getting out, she was finally closing this miserable chapter of her life for good. Her head felt light, like the air left the room, the walls weren't closing around her but they felt like they were finally crumbling. This felt like a dream, was this real? After years of solitude, misery, the gnawing beneath her skin. The poison bubbling within her, the resentment, needing someone to direct her anger towards. Was she finally leaving? Years and years of hiding away in this room, avoiding Neil like he was a living beast? Slamming the door behind her for some brief escape and peace of mind. Wishing her mum would come back for her, wishing she knew why she left her behind instead of taking her with her. Leaving her behind at the wrath of the father who resented her for being too much like the wife he destroyed.
Stevie carefully picked up her vinyl player to put in the boot of her car, watching the street for onlookers or movement. Leaving Billie with her thoughts, she could only imagine what was going through her head right now. Lifting it from a table and leaving the room.
Stevie inspected the empty room, it had been stripped bare, not even the bed had sheets anymore. They had really done a number on Billie's room, with how much had been inside you would have never guessed how cramped it was. Taking everything she owned and loading into their cars, you'd think it was never lived in, that Billie spent a year of her life in this place. Nothing of Billie's was left behind, no trace of evidence she was ever part of their family dynamic, just a letter for Max on his pillow. Saying goodbye to this chapter of her life, closing a door of it and leaving it behind.
"Well, both our cars are packed up, now it's just calling Hopper at my house" Stevie reflected, they had managed to get it done faster than she expected. They had really worked well together as a team. Billie stared at the room, it felt so much smaller, now she realised it was. Her father really showed his hatred of her by spoiling Max with the biggest room and tossing her in the this shit-hole. How had she been crammed into such a space? With all of her belongings? He treated her like she was a spoiled brat but then favoured her stepbrother while she was the punching bag. She was finally saying goodbye, casting aside this memory like the nightmare it was, never looking back. Once she was in college she wouldn't even have to think about it. She was almost scared to pinch herself, that this would all come crumbling down and it was too good to be true. It didn't feel real, none of it did. Neil would wash his hands of her, but she knew Max would be the most hurt, he loved her dearly. Max idolised her, looked up to her, yes she was a bitch but he loved her anyway. God knows what poison Neil would put into his head to turn him against her. But she had made this choice and she wasn't going to look back.
Stevie turned to her in concern, she could see Billie was hesitating, standing there like a lost child waiting to be found. She almost looked like she wanted to cry. Her brain probably filled with memories she didn't want to think about but filled her head anyway. "You doing ok?" she asked.
Billie nodded, wiping her eyes quickly as she blinked back tears, she wouldn't cry here. She felt sick looking at this room now, it had been her cage for so long "Lets get the fuck out of here Harrington" she snapped. She turned on her heels and stormed towards the front door, her blood boiling. She would breathe easier once they were gone, she would feel safer the further away they got. Stevie nodded, not arguing and closing the door behind them, she knew that scary look in Billie's eye and didn't question it.
Billie drove behind Stevie quietly, following her on the drive to her house, her eyes focused on the rear of Stevie's car. Every time she checked her rearview mirror, the house got further and further away. Gripping the wheel as her mind ran a mile an hour, the weight of the reality hitting her like a brick wall. Her hands were shaking, her head was spinning, her heart was racing. She found she wanted to start laughing, the shock was finally wearing off, she felt tears of relief, anger, shock and happiness filling her all at once. After seventeen years of living under Neil's thumb, she was out. She could throw all of his shitty parenting and abuse in the bin. Glad she wasn't driving with Stevie, she couldn't bear for the latter to see her in this state. She would panic and she would ask too many questions that Billie couldn't face right now. Biting her red lips, her teeth sinking into soft flesh, her mascara and kohl eyes streaming as hot tears spilled down her cheeks. She didn't think it would be that easy, her entire life packed into both her car and Stevie's. She'd even managed to find her old album of pictures of her mum, all her books and more. She could say goodbye, run away and never look back like her mother did. She could finally have her own life, she could make her own choices and more. If only she could tell her now that she got out, tell her she freed herself and she finally got a second chance. She laughed in shock at the thought, adrenaline coursing through her blood.
she got out
She was finally out, she was finally legal to independence, Neil had no claim over her life anymore. No more walking on eggshells, no more of Neil's abuse, his gaslighting and yelling. He wouldn't darken her doorway anymore, she never had to see his face ever again. No more verbal abuse, blame and accusations, no more demands, no more threats and no more demanding her to put her life on hold for Max. No more threats, no more insults, no more demeaning comments or lies. No more wounds, no more wondering where the scars came from, no more trying to remember fragments of fights with Neil that polluted her brain. No more survival mode, no more listening to footsteps and controlling her tone. No one holding her car keys hostage, being able to drive off into the sunset whenever she wished. Able to leave this sleepy little town for good and get her life back together. No more threats and injuries, no more counting the litter of bruises and more across her skin. No more patching herself up in a poor attempt to hide the severity of Neil's abuse. No more stares from strangers who whispered about her injuries when she went to the chemist for medical advice. No more pain, no more emptiness, no more crying into her pillow and trying not to wince and cry harder at the pain. No more covering it up with makeup or less revealing clothing.
No more running out in her car all night and sleeping in the back seat, no more late night drives to deal with her emotions, wanting some form of escape before her inevitable return. No more anger, no more hurt and no more loneliness, no more isolation. No more hiding this secret that she couldn't bear any longer, Stevie knew, Hopper would know, Max already knew. The more people she could tell the safer she would be, the more protection she had. She could finally heal, she could finally reflect on the abuse Neil had inflicted and think of all the baggage she had accumulated. She owed apologies and debts to a lot of people. She'd hurt a lot of people and she had no justification for a lot of them, just explanations. She was sure that Lucy Sinclair girl was still scared of her, she needed to apologise to her especially, given Max was so sweet on her. Maybe act like a fucking person again, maybe she could learn to be comfortable around people without heckles. She could learn to breathe, she could learn to trust people. Knowing that not everyone in the world was a piece of shit like her father.
Stevie fucking Harrington saved her ass, the previously snobby little rich girl who loved to brag about her daddy's money. The popular girl who was on the swim team. The girl who Nate Wheeler cheated on, the girl who slept with a baseball bat under her pillow. The girl who was now resident babysitter to Max and his friends. She had saved her ass when she had nobody to turn to, she was the last option she had for someone to spew her secrets to. She didn't even know if they were now considered friends, what this made them. Their dynamic and relationship had changed, but she didn't know how to label it. She could have ignored her, let her suffer, been petty, she could have brushed it off and pretended it never happened. She could have made jokes at her expense, blackmailed her, used this secret against Billie. But she didn't, she chose to help her, she chose to use her connections to protect Billie and help her escape. She was going to keep this a secret and come up with excuses. A brief moment of skipping classes led to this, smoking on the bleachers outside led to this covert mission. She owed Stevie big time. How the hell was she supposed to make this up to her?
Stevie had finally hung up the phone with Hopper after hours of explaining it all, the abuse, that Billie was now her roommate, that she skipped school. She didn't care for her parent's judgement, they'd been demeaning her since she was small. The backlash she would inevitably get from them was expected. But Hopper was the closest thing to a healthy paternal figure that Stevie had, he actually cared about her. He'd had his own demons and he didn't judge her for any of it. He knew Stevie would never do anything reckless without a reason for it, so she started explaining Max and more. Everything that she knew about Billie and what she had shared with her. About the allegations and everything, the tiny room that she was crammed into, pouring out everything she knew about Billie and what she was comfortable sharing. The more evidence that they had against Neil, the more he would suffer for it and the worse the punishment.
Hopper had cursed, sounded worried and promised to drop by when they were comfortable. She already knew from the tone of his voice, rage was bubbling beneath the surface, being a father himself. Neil would be praying for mercy once Hopper was done with him, being the police chief had its perks. He checked in, asked questions and didn't even scold Stevie for skipping school. He knew Stevie was struggling lately, the premise of college lingering on her mind and conflicted of her future. Saying he'd call with a white lie, saying one of Stevie's friends was having family issues and needed support. They'd buy it, he knew a thing or two about being a rebel. She'd never been more grateful to Hopper.
She entered the room where Billie had made herself comfortable, her hands were still shaking from nerves. The adrenaline had worn off but the shock was still lingering. She couldn't believe they had pulled this off without being caught. "Sorry about that, just wanted to cover all bases" Stevie apologised entering the room. She didn't want any mess to unravel when this got heavy, the backlash from Neil and more would hit them where it hurt. But Hopper would fight their case and he'd made sure Neil paid dearly.
Billie had sank into one of the sofa's, hadn't moved since, her eyes quietly roaming the room and taking it all in. She looked so small, so uncomfortable, like she was expecting something to go wrong. She wondered when the last time was that Billie actually relaxed her body language around another person. She just made herself comfortable, let herself relax, knowing that Stevie wasn't going to hurt her or get mad at her. The adrenaline wearing off and leaving her exhausted, the fight or flight mode had worn off. Her body slowly accepting and recognising there were no threats, there was no was slowly sinking in that she was safe, that she wouldn't have to watch her back anymore.
"The spare room is up the stairs, along the hall from me. So if you need me for anything we're kind of neighbours..." Stevie laughed. It would be a weird feeling knowing she wasn't the only person in the house anymore. Billie would be able to hear her singing in the shower, playing music and more. Billie seemed like a very private person who liked her own company, unless she was offered something by another person. She never attended parties unless asked, she never bothered to interact with other people. But she got the feeling that Billie would crash soon, sleeping all the events of the day off.
Billie wanted to smile at that, of all the people to be across the hall from, Stevie wasn't the worst. Hell she hadn't masturbated in peace for a while, knowing her stepbrother and Neil were across the hall, didn't leave much privacy. But she didn't see Stevie being all that bothered by it. Wondering how thick the walls were. To be honest she was rather curious and intrigued by what Stevie did in her personal life. Seeing a different side to the brunette than how everyone perceived her. Stevie wasn't overcrowding her, kept her distance but made sure she was comfortable, settling in. She appreciated that.
"You have your own on suite bathroom, bed everything you need. I'll help get your stuff out from our cars but...take your time to unpack or whatever. You know where to find me" Stevie smiled. They wouldn't need to buy shampoo or any products for a while, even when they weren't home her parents mass bought a bunch in case of guests or surprise visits. Meaning Stevie always had so much to go through, and now Billie could make use too. They loved to keep up the appeal of being rich but never actually had company round all that often.
Billie's eyes widened, her mouth slack jaw, this didn't feel real. She had taken up the opportunity of a lifetime, nobody would believe she was roommates with a girl like this. How the other half lived was truly an eye opener to how different their lives were. When Stevie said big she didn't think she meant hotel room big, it was so spacious, it almost felt like a damn one room flat. She wasn't crowded, she wasn't cramped, she could actually breathe and she could walk to the window instead of it being beside her bed. She could unpack her whole life more spaciously in this room. Stevie wasn't joking about there being room, about it being too big for the likes of her alone. She lived in house this big alone? She didn't have to pay rent or upkeep anything? Her parents let her stay here for free? Even after cutting her off?
God
In a house this big she had to be bored off her tits, never able to host parties, never able to change anything or personalise it. But knowing where everything was kept and how to sneak it. She could imagine Stevie getting into all kinds of mischief during her popular girl days. But then it would also become incredibly lonely, being an only child with no siblings, absent parents to never talk to. Most likely raised by a nanny instead of parents. People only wanting to be friends with her due to her parent's money. A house this empty and only your own company and thoughts? God, no wonder she wanted to get into nursing college so badly.
Stevie helped place the last box down on the floor carefully, this room had always been the guest room. But now it was Billie's to rent for as long as she needed. It would be nice to actually feel lived in. The room would look much better once Billie was done redecorating, less like a hospital room and more like a teenagers space. They could even get new sheets she would like. "I'll get you a spare key made so you aren't locked out, for emergencies and whatnot. You already know where I work with Robin. So...yeah, home sweet home" Stevie hummed. Billie would need access to the house, but it would need time to be done. Cutting it, having the copy and then paying for it all. Robin didn't have a spare key but then she and Robin were always together. So she practically lived here half the time.
Billie couldn't fucking believe her luck, she was really rubbing it in Neil's face now. He had always baited her that moving out would mean she was homeless, sleeping in her car or someone's couch. If only she could see the look on his face if he saw where she was staying now. She had gotten the best roommate gig she could have asked for, Stevie was the easiest person to adapt to being around. Neil was finally going to be held accountable for the pain and suffering he'd inflicted upon her, she got away from that place and she was alive. She was roommates with her old rival Stevie, not something she ever saw happening but her life had been nothing but chaos. This felt like a dream come true.
"If you wanna shower, my mum always keeps it stocked for guests. I'll be in my room or around if you need me" Stevie reassured her, closing the door behind her. Wash the blood, sweat, dirt and more off of her skin and enjoy the scent of expensive products. She could use the hot water as long as she wanted, she didn't need to share. Her parents would inevitably ask about the bill increase but she would cross that bridge when it came down to it.
Billie stood in the silence, admiring the bed, the shine of it all, the fancy bathroom, the wardrobe, chest of drawers and more. All the accessories, all of the wealth. The smell of the freshness, clean sheets, unused belongings, a bed not slept in. No sound, only the occasional creak and reminder that Stevie was here. But no Tv on loud downstairs, none of Neil's drunk ranting and no chaos. Knowing she wouldn't have to worry about Neil coming home, knowing he would never be able to find her. She could dress how she wanted, do what she wanted, eat as much as she wanted. No walking on eggshells, no having to get up early in order to avoid him. No punishments, no yelling, just peace of mind. She slowly approached the bed, leaping onto the soft sheets with a giddy leap.
Collapsing onto marshmallow soft mattress, bouncing and springing back under her weight. She felt a sense of childish glee filling her, the way she felt when she was small and her mum used to take her down to the coast. That sense of excitement of something new and unexpected. She felt like a small child, wanting to jump on the bed, to bounce on the mattress until she couldn't stop laughing. She almost wanted to kick her feet, she couldn't believe this was real. She would sleep like a fucking baby on this bed, nobody to enter her room as they pleased, nobody would barge in. She could sleep in as much as she wanted, laze around for hours and listen to her music as loud as she wanted. I mean Stevie had a pool for crying out loud, she would be taking full advantage as soon as it got warmer.
Knowing she was in the same house as Stevie, these sheets would get dirty really fast. She'd spent many lonely nights fantasising about Stevie Harrington, wondering what she'd be like in bed. Roommates with her longterm crush, being able to admire her up close and personal. Fuck she needed to thank the gay gods for this blessing. For giving her a room next door to the rich pretty girl who happened to be her classmate. She was now a pent up horny lesbian living with her chaotic, mum friend, bisexual rich girl classmate. She could tease and flirt with Stevie as much as she wanted just to see how flustered she could make her. This was going to be fun.
"STEVIE! Billie's gone! She's gone!" Max panicked down the phone. Her posters, her vinyls, her music, her sheets. All of her belongings were stripped, like someone had robbed her. It was as if she never existed, all of her things were gone. He tried to close his eyes and hope it all reappeared but it didn't, causing him to panic. Then he remembered she was absent from school, her car was gone. Now thinking she sneaked out of school to run away.
Stevie sighed, she knew Max would be the earliest one home, he always checked in with Billie. He would find her room empty and immediately panic. Thank god he called her first instead of his mum or stepdad, that would have turned ugly very fast. The kid had a heart of gold and he was the sweetest of the group. From any outside observation it would appear that Billie Hargrove had run away, without any explanation. So far only Billie, herself and Hopper knew about the plan. But she didn't need Max exerting himself or freaking out "Max, it's ok, you don't need to freak out she's fine" Stevie soothed.
"Neil always threatened to kick her out or make her leave. She has nowhere to go! What if she went back to Cali? What if she left us behind? She wouldn't leave without telling us" Max panicked, his tone filled with anxiety, on the verge of tears. Neil hated Billie, he loved attacking her and treating her like shit. Blaming her for everything and expecting her to follow Max around like a guard dog. What if Billie had enough, what if she packed her belongings and abandoned him because of Neil? She would have at least said something to Max, he thought their relationship was repairing.
Stevie rubbed her eyes, in the moment she had been acting on impulse and pilot mode. Anxiety and anger taking the wheel, focusing on sneaking in and getting the hell out. Trying to avoid Neil and get Billie somewhere safe, she never considered how this would look to Max when he came home. Now that things were calmer, she could see from his perspective how worrying this would be. Coming home to an empty room with no stepsister and no explanation. It was like something from a true crime report. She tried to be as calm as possible "Max, have you been into your room yet?" Stevie asked.
Max sniffed, Stevie's heart broke at the premise of him crying, scared of what happened to his stepsister. He was all alone in his house with no answers, no understanding and freaking the hell out. She wanted to wrap him into her arms and comfort him. Max sniffled, she heard rustling meaning he was wiping his eyes "N... No, I went to get a snack and realised how quiet it was. Billie's car was gone and when I checked her room it was empty".
"Still talking to Hopper?" Billie asked, fuck she needed that nap and shower. She had slept for hours before waking up and finding her face covered in drool and her head so groggy from sleep. She hadn't slept that well in who knows how long. The exhaustion and survival mode wearing off, crashing hard and sleeping like a log. She then took a deserving hot shower, taking as long as she wanted and changing her clothes. Changing from her usual button-down attire to a casual rock band Tee and jeans, something Neil would have belittled her for. Her hair still damp from the shower, no makeup and freckles on display, she wasn't wearing a bra either.
Stevie nearly had a nosebleed, she looked fucking adorable. The previous work as a lifeguard and working out had done wonders for her physique, she wanted to lick the droplets off her skin. But she looked so genuinely adorable in her casual clothes, like a teenager. She could smell the shampoo and body wash lingering on her, god she smelled good. She would need to get used to this, but god damn it she was down bad for Billie "I... no, it's Max" she explained.
Billie softened, reaching out her hand for the phone, she could tell Stevie was going mother hen mode trying to calm him down. But he needed to hear her voice to know Stevie was telling the truth. She felt like an asshole for hiding this from him, but if Neil knew she would have never gotten away. This whole plan was impromptu and done in the moment. She was still getting used to being a roommate, it had only been a few hours since her escape. Stevie handed it to her, to which Billie spoke into the receiver, "Hey shit-bird, enough waterworks, I'm still in Hawkins" she sighed wearily. Max was such a crybaby, but he just had a big heart. He didn't trust people easily and he was very attached to her.
"Billie?! Where did you go? Where's all your stuff? You're with Stevie?! What is going on?" he argued impatiently, still crying. So she was with Stevie, was she at her house or at somewhere in town? How long had she been gone? When had she left? Why hadn't she said anything?
Bilie winced at his yelling down the phone but tolerated it. He was naturally freaking out to find her missing with no explanation. "There's a letter on your pillow, telling you Stevie's address and her personal phone number, private. So if you need me call her house. I... I couldn't stay shit-bird. I need a job, and I can't get into college if Neil is breathing down my neck. He would have killed me before I even graduated. I gotta grow up sometime and I can't live under his thumb forever. At least you know where to find me" she soothed. The only person who could contact her was him, but they needed to be careful in case Neil got sneaky. She needed to fix her life and she couldn't stay, she had to make a selfish decision for herself.
There was the scamper and immediate quickened sound of running into a bedroom, Max slamming closed his door and grabbing the letter on his pillow. The line going silent as he read. The brief rustling of paper and Max reading, she could imagine his face hardened as he focused. His cheeks flushed and puffy from crying, before he spoke up. "You're... you're roommates with Stevie, you're going to pick up a job as a mechanic, and... you're finally going to apply for English lit at a university in Cali?" he asked. He knew Billie loved books and she loved cars, the two most important things in her life. But he never thought she would ever actually do it.
Billie placed her hand on her hip, the further away she got from her old life the better she would heal. Going to college would do her some good. She'd had her life restricted and restrained by Neil for eighteen damn years. Now she had her freedom and she was damn well taking advantage. She could earn some money by working with cars and learn some stuff, if she worked in English lit she could pick up loads of career choices. "You know there's nothing here for me shitbird, nothing but you and Stevie. I have some shit to figure out and fix my life. But... you know how to contact me now" Billie explained. She needed to learn how to be a person, she needed to learn how to heal the wounds in her heart. How to forgive herself, but also forgive her mum for leaving her behind.
There was a silent rustling before Max responded again huffily "I'm still mad at you". He knew she had her reasons and he didn't blame her for leaving the way she had. If Neil had been there it would have turned to hell really fast. Sneaking in while he was at work was the best idea. But he was angry at her for leaving without saying goodbye.
Billie smirked, there was the attitude "Uh-huh". If Max knew then Neil would be able to read him like a damn book and Susan would have coaxed it out of him. The less Max knew the less he could fake it. He wouldn't be able to lie and he would be telling the truth. Leaving them all in the dark meant Neil would turn on someone else but he couldn't blame anyone. Billie had made the choice herself.
"Neil is going to be really mad when he finds out you left" Max mumbled. He'd try and hunt her down, call the police, demand answers, while also be glad he was rid of her. He'd care more about the gossip than her wellbeing. Not many neighbours had seen her sneak out with Stevie, but they would still have gossip. Mostly he'd feel humiliated that Billie called out his bluff that she would never run away.
Billie shifted, she could cross that bridge later, but Max wasn't going to suffer the wrath of Neil. She'd endured it for eighteen years, ever since her mum left him. Now that he'd lost both his past punching bags he'd look for someone else to blame. He already belittled and gaslit Susan with emotional abuse, he'd probably try to turn on her too. He may even start to demean and bully Max. "Listen shit-bird, go and stay at a friend's, Byers, Sinclair, Wheeler, I don't care. Just pack up and get the hell out, just call Susan and let her know" she warned. If he was at a friend's house, he could lie about the letter and pretend he didn't know anything about it.
She heard Max start moving around his room, drawers and more moving as he began packing an overnight bag. Working quickly so he could sneak out and head on his skateboard to Sinclair's place. Neither Susan nor Neil knew about them dating yet and she was relieved, that would be a can of worms to open. Soon Max spoke up shakily "Billie..." Max mumbled.
She could hear the fear and hesitation in his voice, for once he actually sounded his age, like a scared little kid. They needed to have a private talk when the air had cleared "Still here" she sighed.
"I'm glad you moved in with Stevie, she's nice" Max smiled, a hint of mischief in his tone. He knew that Billie was a lesbian, everyone knew she liked girls. And her newest interest had been Stevie, she'd been obsessed with her since they moved to Hawkins. But Stevie had been the one to save her and give her sanctuary. Stevie would protect her, she would help her heal and she would take care of her. They would keep each other company too.
Billie blushed, she knew Max knew all too well about her obvious and rather embarrassing crush on Stevie. She could already imagine the knowing smirk on his face right now, she would need to bribe him to stay quiet. But of all the people to know of her sexuality and crush on Stevie, she knew Max wouldn't tell a soul. When he wanted to be tight lipped, he was a damn lockbox. She sighed, saying her goodbyes and hanging up "Sorry bout that, he's naturally anxious and moody. He'll go def con one if anything seems off" she apologised.
Stevie smiled, for all she was moody and often distanced herself, Billie was a good sister. She did have a soft side for particular people when she trusted them enough. But years of abuse and abandonment had turned her into something ugly. She had a lot of unpacking of damage to do "He's a sweet kid, he clearly loves you in his own way" Stevie teased. She could imagine Max being the clingiest of all towards Billie, but instead of complaining she would silently tolerate it. However, she hadn't missed the urgency of Billie's tone when she told him to go and stay at a friend's house. Like she knew something she couldn't say aloud. "You told him to stay at a friend's because of Neil right?" she asked.
Billie nodded, she felt sick at the idea of Neil turning on Max "He's already going to be nuclear rage mode when he finds out I'm gone, he'll look for someone as an outlet. I won't let him turn on Max". He'd trash the house, look for someone to blame, neurotically question how much Billie took aside from her own belongings. He'd try and look for answers and see if he could track her down. Assuming she would be drunk, in jail, at a house party, hooking up with someone, sleeping in her car. Instead of realising she was still in Hawins, safe with her new roommate.
Stevie softened, despite her colder and hostile exterior, Billie did love Max in her own way. Billie had been out for ages, as soon as she was left in peace she collapsed onto the bed and passed out. She only knew Billie woke up when she heard the shower going, hearing her rummaging through her belongings. That much anxiety and adrenaline would knock her out like a light, she wondered how many times Billie had crashed like that in the past. "Good nap?" Stevie asked.
Billie smirked, the bed was like a damn cloud, compared to the broken piece of shit at the old house. She was looking forward to redecorating her new room, giving it a personal flair. But she was indebted to Stevie for her kindness, it really did mean the world to her "Like a fucking baby" she winked. But she couldn't resist wanting to get under Stevie's skin, just to see how far she could go before Stevie got embarrassed. "But y'know if your bed gets empty, I can keep you company" she winked.She would be a far better lay than Nathan Wheeler or Tommy Hagan, she'd make her forget her own name and make sure her legs turned numb.
Stevie blushed, she knew this was going to be the norm from now on
Chapter 2: Trapped
Summary:
Stevie has a panic attack at school due to her parents pressure. Billie finds her and helps her through the attack, calming her down
Chapter Text
Stevie sat curled up in a stall, hugging her knees, not caring if the door was closed, the window to the toilets open to let the smoke out. She wasn't the first student in Hawkins to skip class and she wouldn't be the last, the whole teenage rebellion thing. She'd long since lowered her expectations of this town ever since she learned about the upside down and saw her ex friends for what they were. There were downsides to such a small community, no privacy. She could never escape them, somehow they always crossed paths or caught glimpses of each other in public. She wasn't naive to the gossip that seemed to follow her everywhere. Everyone would be in class, she was once again skipping briefly in order to hide from her shame and judgement of classmates. She wouldn't be able to focus, she would be in a foul mood and she would merely get agitated at the teacher for pestering her. So here she sat, secluded, peaceful and avoiding all human contact while she could, a cigarette hung loosely between her fingers, the smoke curling into the air. She'd always had this pristine image of the queen bee, the cool girl, the popular girl. Now she had fallen from grace, was seen as a hot mess and mocked by her peers for her embarrassing social position. A sense of numbness filled her, she felt like absolute shit, replaying the memories of earlier, the dreaded phone call she loathed. She wondered what it would take to earn some self respect, her dad had laid into her worse than usual.
"We raised you to have the perfect career, perfect grades, a flourishing social clique and making something of yourself. You've thrown it all away Stephanie, to become a babysitter. We expected more from you" her father scolded bitterly. She got the best education, for a period of her childhood she even got private tutors, but somehow even then she was too thick. But she put in the effort and soon it reflected on her grades. But what she lacked in classes she made up for in her social circle. But now she didn't even have that.
Stevie rolled her eyes, scoffing at his accusations, her performance in education wasn't anything to do with her intellect, she merely had her strengths and weaknesses. But her father always seemed to make it her fault, no matter the situation. He never raised her, neither of them did, the nanny was the one who raised her. She was always watching them fight, watching them argue, watching her parents pit her against the other. Reminding her she ruined their marriage and always would be to blame. She never wanted to work in the business her father did and she didn't want to become a trophy wife. She just wanted to earn her own way in the world, become someone she was proud of. God forbid she didn't want people to kiss her ass because she paid them off or blackmailed them. She wanted respect because she had earned it. None of her friends actuality gave a fuck about her, they just cared about her wealth and the benefits. They all just used her for her parent's money and the sex they imagined having with her. It was only after having become a social outcast she realised who her true friends were, what it was like for someone to actually care about you. She found a mutual loner and loser in Robin, Robin was more of a friend to her than Carol or Tommy ever were. He too was a queer student, he'd been in love with too many of his classmates to count, falling for the straight boys and the ones who always broke his heart.
"What happened to college? You were going to become something great, someone of meaning" Her mother chimed in.
Stevie bit back a laugh, because of course they assumed she would never get into college, that she wasn't studying her ass off. That she wasn't focusing all her time and energy into getting into med school. Robin had been helping her focus, making sure she ate, memorised and worked her ass off. He believed in her and knew what she was capable of. He knew how much this meant to her and kept pushing her to achieve. Her parents would never believe that their daughter of all people could become a medical professional of any kind. But then they were never home, they never actually invested themselves in her life whatsoever.
"Gods Stephanie, you could have been married by now
, we could have found you the ideal husband" Her father berated "I know so many ideal men" .
Stevie growled, they never stopped insulting and judging her for dating Nathan Wheeler, even before he cheated. He was never good enough for their ideals, their image. Now that she was perpetually single, no dates, no popularity, no interest in forcing herself to date some asshole. She had become a spinster, they believed she would never meet anyone and never marry someone. Instead of allowing her to make her own choices and meet people on her terms, they would rather take her to their clients homes, their business associates and match her up with one of their single sons. Despite her closeted bisexuality and ever growing attraction to Billie Hargrove, she didn't want to become a trophy wife.
"Such a waste of potential, I can't believe I wasted my figure on you" Stevie's mother jeered, her words slurred drunkenly.
Stevie felt a stab in her chest, her mother was an alcoholic and a narcissist, ever ranting about her image, her past. Her mother always had to be the most important person in the room, she hated being overshadowed and she hated being embarrassed. She always had to be involved in gossip of any kind. Despite the fact that her husband was a serial cheater, a corrupt businessman, a gaslighter and a narcissist. He was always fucking his secretary, staying in a loveless marriage and making it his wife and daughter's problem. Instead of moving out, leaving her husband, trying to be a decent parent, her mother just worsened her behaviour.
"I expected better from you Stephanie" her father mocked
Stevie huffed in frustration, her eyes stinging with fresh tears, she would never understand what she did to deserve such shitty parents. They acted like she was in debt to them for even existing, like she had any choice in that decision. She was so sick of her father breathing down her neck like he knew what was best for her. Dictating her life choices like he was the man of the house, projecting his ideals and wishes onto her, the perfect daughter she could never hope to be. Little did they know she got her own ways of revenge on them, using her father's good liquor. The small subtle changes she made in her life that she knew would enrage her parents. She knew they only let her stay at the house because she had nowhere else to go, their other form of control over her life.
She would love to see their reaction when they found out she had a roommate living in one of the spare rooms. A loud rebellious rock lover, who owned a muscle car, who wore revealing clothes, cussed and loved to get into trouble. Knowing the neighbours would be whispering to no end about Billie taking up residence, what her parents would have to face during their inevitable visit. Just to humiliate their image, just to get under their skin knowing they couldn't kick Billie out. She paid rent, she made her own income and she was free to do what she wanted.
She was so fed up and frustrated, nothing she ever did was good enough for them anymore, she was tired of jumping through hoops for them. A narcissistic father who couldn't accept the fact that she would never be anything like him. And a drunken, bitter, miserable mother who instead of divorcing projected her insecurities and resentment onto her daughter. She loathed both of them, particularly her father for failing her as a parental figure, they never showed her the love or nurture she genuinely deserved. She always had to prove or earn their affections and approval. He never taught her any life lessons or even cared about her, all the things a father should be he failed at. When she needed him most he acted like a bully, now he judged her life choices when she finally found her own confidence and meaning. Making her feel insignificant, the swimming she had taken, the classes she focused on to earn their approval never made her happy. She didn't miss it and she never would. The kids she babysat idolised her like some form of heroine from their comics, they adored her. Max looked at her like she hung the moon, Dustin was her little shadow, El was warming up to her and more. She didn't like to pick favourites but those were her favourites. She had worked hard for her achievements, she had worked hard to make something of herself. Once she got into medical school, she could become a Paediatrician, maybe that would earn them some approval. Her parents could boast about their medical professional daughter, whether she became a nurse or a doctor. She could work with kids and she could actually focus on a career that made her happy, not to please her parents though shoving that in their face would be satisfying as hell. She would have mountains of debt but she would figure things out in the longterm. No, she was doing this for herself and nobody else, she had no interest in involving herself with a man her dad chose for her.
Her mother, who was once youthful, optimistic, energetic and devoted, now had become bitter, pessimistic, deflated and resentful. She never made any active changes to better her life or improve her outlook on life. Her husband had multiple affairs behind her back with younger women, but she refused to give up the money and status that came with the Harrington name. Instead of leaving him, instead of getting revenge by sleeping with someone else, she just despised her husband. She resented Stevie for doing what she never could, making her own decisions, resenting Stevie for her youth, her passion and her disrespect towards them both. Stevie wanted a life that made her happy, she recognised her flaws and failures which improved growth. She was a better parental figure to the kids than her own parents.
Ungrateful, that was their favourite word to use against her, always insulting her for the mistakes she made.
"You couldn't even hold onto that Wheeler boy, he was below your belt anyway" her mother mocked. She knew her parents despised Nate for being a blue collar middle class member of society. She remembered how passive aggressive and judgemental they had been when Stevie brought him home for dinner, a decision she deeply regretted. Lacking their wealth, status and name, how Stevie could have chosen anyone better. They always made it clear they disapproved of Nate, even before he cheated. "I never should have had kids, I should have tied my tubes as soon as I met your father" her mother muttered bitterly, another reminder that Stevie had heard since she was young, how her pregnancy ruined her life. Any chances of Stevie actually having any siblings were ripped from her, but then there was less sibling rivalry to worry about. As soon as Stevie was born she got a hysterectomy, giving the Harrington line an heir but removing herself from any further offspring. Mrs Harrington never wanted kids but she did it to appease her husband, merely following traditions expected of her. She resented that her husband always chased after childless women, women half her age. "Wasting your life on those kids, instead of finding a real job" Mrs Harrington scoffed. "I expected so much more from you Stephanie, you're a shame to the family name" her mother spat.
Her mother had never approved of Nate, their mutual hatred of him was the only thing they agreed on these days. She had made many mistakes in her life, so many she wanted to forget, only her mother loved to remind her of that mistake any chance she got. A working class civilian who had a brain, but he was a nobody to them, even before he cheated on her with Jodie Byers she hated him, but now they just had more vices to use against her. Her mother resented Stevie for being the chain that kept her tied to Stevie's father. Ageing and miserable, unable to take back her life, thinking of the lost years she wasted on a man who took her for granted. She wanted her daughter to be a show horse she could rub in his face and parade around, bragging of her success.
They never praised her successes, they never boosted her confidence, they never reassured her. They never tried to support or nurture her, they just acted like she was a bother and an eyesore. Stevie wondered what it would be like to having loving nurturing parental figures that had healthy relationships with their parents. Their words hurt, piercing into her like a knife, cruel jabs again and again, ripping away at her self confidence. Everything hurt, her heart, her soul, her body, her mind, she felt sick, her skin was crawling, her stomach was in knots. She felt herself trembling with pure anxiety, she could hear her heartbeat in her ears. The intrusive voices piercing her mind, she was never good enough for them and she never would be. They would forever wish they had a different child, a daughter who fit their ideals. All the choices she had made were because of them, all so she could earn their approval and hope they would be proud of her. Hoping they would have something to discuss.
She needed to take up babysitting and becoming a lifeguard at Hawkins pool because she needed an income after they cut her off. They were the only options she could make, she had no grades good enough for something higher paid and she didn't have that much experience. She was still a student and waiting to graduate, not many employer's wanted to hire students, which made things difficult. Then she took up a job at home video because she needed a job that wasn't just seasonal. She could come in for regular hours when she wasn't at school, she could be around familiar faces and people her age. Robin didn't judge her for her past mistakes, knowing she wasn't the same bitch she used be. She needed to pay the bills and feed herself, she needed to save up for college. She needed to prepare herself for adulthood, her life outside of Hawkins would be very different. She was still studying to be a nurse, she was still studying her career goals, even her teachers were impressed by her focus. This was the same rich girl queen bee who used to skip class, miss popular, threw house parties and was known for sleeping with half the guys in her class. She'd actually started to involve herself in her studies, the girl with no friends, who actually learned some responsibility.
She wanted to attend a university that was further away, somewhere out of their vicinity. Her parents would never get to involve themselves in her life, dictate her choices, who she involved herself with. She could get another part time job while she was at university, students were hired all the time. She was excited for the endless possibility and potential her college life would bring. All the memories she would make when she left Hawkins behind her. Maybe she could have some hookups while she was there, men, women; who cared? Just a blur of faces she could experiment with and keep her bed warm. She could have better experiences than Nate Wheeler, the many people she'd hooked up with during her popular years. People who would have no idea who the hell she even was, just a complete stranger. She was still figuring out the conflicts of her bisexuality, but college was for experimenting after all. It was supposed to be messy, complicated and eventful. Who she would spend her life with, who her next relationship would be.
She didn't want her parents stitching her up with some jackass, they had no idea what her type was, the sort of people she was attracted to. They'd neglected her all her life, she wasn't going to appease them by marrying someone of their choice. Hell marriage was way off for her, she wasn't even sure if she even wanted to. But when she met her person, her life would be much happier than theirs. Like hell she would end up like them, becoming an adulterous drunk while her husband eyeballed other women. Their bitter arguments over their resentment of one another, screaming matches of the other's infidelity and flaws. Constant paranoia, distrust and jealousy of one another. They hated one another but refused to divorce. Never thinking of how their actions would effect Stevie, how miserable her life was because of them.
She heard footsteps but she ignored them, before they approached the stall she was hiding in. She had a feeling a teacher would be stalking the hallways, checking for students skipping class. Trying to find delinquents to take to the office to rip into, chiding them for their misbehaviour. Suddenly a familiar voice spoke up, breaking her train of thought "Woah, good girl Stevie skipping class again, a regular truant. What is the world coming to?" Billie teased in amusement.
Stevie panicked, of all the people to see her like this why did it have to be her roommate? Why was it when she was at her lowest? It was always Billie that crossed her path? But then she had seen Billie at her worst too. She supposed they were just drawn to one another in that sense. But she still felt that sense of shame, that guilt. She flinched, flicking her cigarette quietly, just fucking great, her parents laid into her and now Billie saw her at her worst. Just once she wanted for her and Billy to have a conversation when their lives weren't falling apart. "Not in the mood Hargrove" she pressed.
Billie blinked, she had been living as Stevie's roommate for over a few weeks now. She knew when Stevie was having a bad day, when she was hiding something, all of her habits and her favourite types of food. She knew her routine and all of her hobbies, it was just something you picked up pretty quickly. But she knew why Stevie was so fed up, why she was in such a foul mood. She'd overheard the very venomous and loud phone conversation this morning, where Stevie's parents dragged her. She couldn't imagine growing up with two narcissists who used their own daughter against the other. Neglecting and gaslighting her all her life.
Stevie looked like shit, she had to be the worst she had seen her in a long time. She wanted to scoop her up into her arms and cuddle her, helping chase away her sadness and resentment. She knew all these familiar behaviours, the isolation, the loneliness, the repressed emotions and sense of discouragement. She had smeared runny makeup, mascara tracks down her cheeks from crying, unable to hide or hold back the tears. Emotionally exhausted, burned out, frustrated, conflicted. Her hand holding the cigarette was trembling, gripping it like a vice between her fingers. She was being curt and she was still crying, she was putting up walls and distancing herself from others. She was like a scared animal keeping herself from threats, warding off danger. Something was definitely wrong with her, her anxiety was raging at its worst.
Billie relented, she knew all too well how it felt to be this low. To be alone with your thoughts, feeling trapped, she sighed, sitting down nearby, not crowding her but still being present. She didn't plan on being anywhere, now that Neil wasn't riding her ass she didn't have to be prudent about classes. She was still an ace in her classes and always studying at home when she had the time. Nodding at the cigarette in Stevie's hand, she knew all too well how good a cigarette felt when you were stressed "You got any more of those?" she asked. Stevie blinked in confusion, before rummaging in her pocket to hand Billie one, of all the things she expected to be asked. Billie pulled a lighter from her pocket, cupping her hands over it before taking a long puff. Breathing out the smoke like an ethereal dragon, she even made smoking look cool. Staring at Stevie with curious but knowing blue eyes, silently expecting her to share her story. She had nothing but time, she knew a thing or two about making mistakes and shitty family dynamics. She looked so defeated and pathetic, her parents had really gotten to her, they'd gotten under her skin. She could only imagine the cruel words they had used against her to get her into this state "So, mummy or daddy dearest?" she asked patiently.
Stevie rolled her eyes, laughing bitterly, somehow Billie's perception was stronger than it looked "Both" she mumbled. She was born with the worst parents anyone could ask for. Nobody knew the reality of their nuclear family behind the appearances and image they fought so hard to uphold.
Billie chuckled, she could insult shitty parents for days, she knew all about abusive parents. She'd said enough insults to Neil's face as a retaliation when he would beat her senseless. But the same venom they returned, the same coldness, it was a different feeling. The same people who were supposed to protect you, became your worst enemy. She'd endured one for eighteen years before she moved into Stevie's home, nothing Stevie told her would surprise her. "Ooo, do tell princess" she smirked.
Stevie knew Billie was no bullshitter, she may have a reputation as a bitch. She knew people's dirty secrets, she knew how to charm them, she knew how to play people like puppets. She knew how to wear masks to protect herself. What did she have to lose? Who else did she have to share this with? Stevie shifted, there was so much she needed to say, she couldn't find the right words to express it. The storm of emotions flooding through her, the rage, the confusion, the bitterness, the sadness and the regret. How sick she was of the poison, how sick she was of the hatred and underlying tension. How she was always walking on eggshells around her parents. How much she resented her parents for failing her. "My dad doesn't approve of me being a babysitter, but surprise, surprise he never approves of anything. Despite him cutting me off and having no other form of income, how else am I supposed to fucking live?! He's trying to set me up with the son of one of his numerous slimy colleagues, no matter how many times I reject the offers. He just see's me as a disappointment" she trailed off.
Billie had always been a feminist, her mother had ensured that with the influence she had over her life before she escaped Neil. Watching him inflict the misery he did onto her mother, which he then projected onto Billie herself. She vowed to herself she would never let another man treat her that way, she would stand up to Neil no matter what. Now she was finally free of him and she would never stop fighting. Billie watched Stevie, here it was the raging 80's, loud music, bright colours and a different cultural aspect, a new youth hub of self expression and media. All sorts of films were being released, so many different bands and fashion senses. She could imagine this decade being historical for so many varied reasons. But Stevie's parents were still living like the 1940s, they didn't like her being rebellious, independent, free spirited. Treating Stevie like she was cattle to be sold off to someone. They hated her gaining independence and refusing to follow their rules like an obedient little girl. She'd love to see their faces when they realised how corrupted Stevie had become "Guess we both have daddy issues" she teased.
Stevie laughed stiffly, she had both, two sets of parents who never gave her the love she yearned for. The kids had become her family, they always checked and always loved her company. Even Joyce had become the maternal figure she never had. They filled the void that her parents had left behind, they gave her the love she knew she deserved. "My mum never thought Nate was any good for me" she mumbled. But then when would any man be enough for her parents?
Billie smirked in amusement, rolling her eyes "The only time I'll ever agree with your mother" she snorted. She would be wracking her brain for years to find the answer to why they were ever an item. Why a cheating asshole like Nathan would ever risk losing Stevie?
Stevie reflected upon her family life, all the worst memories and glimpses into the reality of her parent's lives. "My dad is having an affair with his secretary half his age, my mum has too much pride to divorce him and settle for money. So she just drowns her sorrows in booze and keeps up appearances. But she resents me for wasting her life and trapping her with my dad. Because god forbid I'm the one at fault, I'm the embarrassment, her biggest regret" Stevie spat. He'd seen her father with girls, acting like their sugar daddy, he didn't have to guess what was going on. Alluring them with his influence and position, destroying his marriage just because he could. His wife resented him because he kept her chained to him instead of admitting he no longer loved her. Stevie saw how they wasted their lives staying together, she never wanted to end up like that.
Billie growled, despite her own mummy issues of the mother that abandoned her to save her own life. She was so trapped in the miserable life shacked to Neil, being used as his personal punching and shielding her daughter. Before she couldn't cope anymore, sneaking out into the night and saving her life. Leaving Billie at his mercy, leaving her daughter behind and Billie never saw her again. But despite all this, somehow Stevie's mother was far worse. She scoffed bitterly "So instead of leeching off daddy dearest for money, blackmailing his ass for infidelity. She got a shotgun wedding when she realised she had a bun in the oven, and instead of counselling she drowns her sorrows in booze. And all because her hubby is balls deep in his jailbait secretary" Billie berated. She could use her position and power against him, throw it back in her face. She could manipulate him into cutting off all his side pieces, or using it to her advantage. But instead she stayed silent and bitter.
Stevie smirked, taking a long drag of her cigarette, flicking the ash with her fingers "Welcome to my life" she huffed. She had no idea why her parents had a child when they couldn't even love themselves or each other. She'd given up on any hope of having a normal healthy relationship with her parents.
Billie gawked at her, as if she couldn't believe what she was hearing, a flicker of sympathy formed on her face. Even the most seemingly perfect people had the worst secrets behind closed doors. Stevie's deteriorating mental health and other issues, the upside down and her parent's unhealthy dynamic. It would all be effecting Stevie in the worst possible ways. "Jesus Stevie, no wonder you have anxiety. Sexually repressed and stuck with two narcissistic parents who need a divorce. I'm not corrupting you, I'm enabling you" Billie teased. Her becoming Stevie's roommate was beneficial for them both, helping them both heal.
Stevie shrugged, she had no reason to lie, she had no reason to keep secrets. Billie could see right through her, they were too alike "I don't have to bullshit you" she retorted
Billie peered at her hands, the chipped nails, the tense body language, her shaking hands, she could see all the signs and she knew exactly what was happening. Attracting unwanted attention would only make Stevie worse, she hid herself away in here she couldn't be found. She wanted to be alone. "You're trembling" she nodded, she knew an anxiety attack when she saw one. She could take Stevie for a drive, get her some comfort food, let her take a hot bath. Let her curl up in her bed under blankets in a dark room, whatever made her feel safer and more relaxed. Stevie shifted, huddling closer into herself, she had barely noticed, her body was surging with anxiety. It was like some messed up high caused by her body being on red alert. "You want get out of here? Study at home? We can call in sick at the office" she asked. She knew Stevie wouldn't be able to focus and Billie would just spend all day worrying about her. Neither of them would be any use at school today.
Stevie nodded, relief filling her at the idea of being back home in her room. She would at least be able to focus and actually hand in some work that way, she could pour over books at home and have some peace of mind. She hated being here, she hated forcing herself to attend when she felt at her lowest. She couldn't face school, the teachers, her classmates, any of it. Their eyes filled with judgement, as if their thought, voices and assumptions kept jabbing her with sharp arrows. She could never escape them, they followed her everywhere. She felt sick with nerves, like she was going to puke, her head was a mess and her thoughts were a maze. She knew who had caused it, she knew who was responsible. Just one more complaint they could make, not that she would care. Fuck her parents, they caused this, they made her like this.
Stevie curled up in the passenger seat of Billie's car, making herself as small as possible, her eyes staring out of the window. Like when a child is sulking and wants a form of distraction. Billie had explained to the staff about Stevie's anxiety, some personal issues and her lack of focus. Seeing the state Stevie was in they were very understanding. Stevie promised to study at home to which they had suggested occasional home schooling when Stevie felt her worst. Meaning her teachers would get off her back about her skipping classes, meaning she could work at home and just hand it in. Then she could continue to attend her part time job without ever involving herself in the high school drama.
"How ya feeling princess? Finally got a verdict you can agree on" Billie grinned. Stevie mumbled quietly, she was too exhausted to speak anymore, she just wanted to sit in silence. The anxiety attack and crying had taken it out of her, now she just felt numb and sleepy. Billie whistled "That bad huh? Looks like comfort food is a must and you are having a hot shower when we get home" she stated.
"Not a child..." Stevie mumbled
Billie gave her a knowing look, sensing she was deflecting "No, you're just a teenager at her wits end, forced into boxes by her control freak parents. Your teachers can see that, so they agreed to let you study at home, homeschool. You're a senior anyway. Your future isn't worth your sanity" she scolded.
Stevie softened, Billie had a point. She never knew why she had never considered asking her teachers sooner, still studying but avoiding her old classmates."Thanks.... for getting it" she mumbled.
Billie sighed, tapping her fingers on the wheel of her car "I've had shitty days too Harrington, had them regularly before you made me your roommate" she reflected. Stevie softened, she couldn't stop the small smile forming on her lips at those words.
Chapter 3: Just this once
Summary:
During a wash day, Billie relents and lets Stevie borrow one of her shirts when she has nothing else to wear. However, she can't handle how sexy Stevie looks in her clothes, like she's claimed Stevie somehow.
Chapter Text
We all want to see our crush wearing our clothes
Stevie rummaged around her belongings in frustration, a sense of irritation brewing within her. She had never been a fan of adult responsibility, mostly due to her parent's neglect and expectations of her. Reminding her of how she had been expected to grow up way too fast. But having a roommate, having a friend, having company made it easier, meaning it felt less like a chore. Today of all days had to be wash day and she wanted it over and done with, knowing she had twice as much clothes to go through now that she had a roommate. She still couldn't believe she didn't have to tolerate her own company anymore. She didn't have to endure the anxiety, trauma and depression by herself anymore. She had someone who cared, someone to keep an eye on her. Someone who understood her pain and loneliness.
Billie had helped more around the house than she expected, something she probably developed thanks to her abusive father. Not that Billie didn't help but she had a backlog to go through and it seemed to be mountainous. Atop that on account of the endless washing, she had nothing to wear but Pyjama's, not even a pair of shorts to wear which wasn't helping. She had never been more self aware of her exposure, of her lack of clothes and sloppiness. She thought she had more of her shit together, the lack of adult responsibility just made her feel worse. "God damn it" she muttered. She hadn't realised of how much of a mess she was until she started living with another person.
Billie strolled past, carrying another basket of clothes to take to the washing machine "What's got your panties in a twist princess?" Billie asked in amusement. The way she had become so accurate at reading Stevie's moods despite only being roommates for such a short period. But then Stevie balanced so much on her own was impressive. She was a part time babysitter, worked a part time job at the video rental and was studying to get into nursing college. Stevie put way too much pressure on herself, no wonder she had anxiety.
Stevie huffed, though she appreciated Billie's jokes, she really wasn't in the mood today. She had no clean shirts, she had no suitable clothes, it was embarrassing. She probably looked like a sulking child "It's wash day and I've got jack shit I can wear" she huffed. They could be at this all day, it would take them hours to finally get through it all. She wasn't going to wander about the house naked or in her underwear, she had some sense of dignity, what if one of the kids dropped by surprisingly? How would she explain that? All of her comfy clothes were in the wash, which made it even worse, they wouldn't be dry for hours either. This was a perfect example of how her parents would shame her for being irresponsible. They didn't even send a maid to help her out, they expected her to do it all herself. They expected Stevie to be able to run a home by herself, even when she was stretching herself thin. She hadn't even had time to shower today, she was snacking through the day to keep herself going. She hadn't stopped once.
Billie hummed, she knew Stevie was just stressed, she was lashing out because she needed to direct her anger somewhere. She knew that feeling all too well, back when she still lived with Neil. Just being able to do basic household chores or even breathe was a crime, if she wasn't the hardworking, domestic and obedient bitch he wanted her to be. Hoping to intimidate and abuse her into obeying him. Getting ahold of washing detergent was even harder, given he was a cheapskate and Susan couldn't always go to the shop. So she had to learn to sneak around and take care of herself to get Neil off her back, so she had to sneak coins and go to the local laundromat. At least now she could regularly get access to a washer whenever she wanted. Stevie never minded what she did so long as she helped out around the house. She'd managed to find one of her comfy blouses, tying a knot around her stomach to form a crop-top, wearing a pair of her Lacey panties and her necklace hung between her breasts. She never would have been able to walk around like this at home without being called a slut by her own father. She was able to breathe and slowly love herself again, to have fun and just be a teenager. She owed Stevie, she didn't think she would ever be able to repay the debt she owed. At least this much was something she could pay back for now.
Stevie never complained, she never asked for much and she was always tentative around Billie when it came to favours. She placed down the basket, leaving the room to return to her room briefly. Her bare feet across the wooden floor, delicate on her feet despite her tall stature and strength. Stevie heard her rummaging around, humming to herself, wondering just what she was up to. Eventually Billie reappeared with a cheeky smile, similar to the one she always wore back when they first met, tossing a band shirt at Stevie. Stevie blinked in surprise, before checking the front, a Led Zeppelin shirt. She had heard of the band but she hadn't listened to enough of their music. But Billie had slowly been educating her on good music. So maybe she would hear one of their albums playing in the house.
"Temporary until you can get a clean shirt, but I want it back Stevie" she warned, it was her prized possession. It was official band merch from when she sneaked out to a gig and got a beating from Neil.
Stevie blinked, surprise forming on her face, blushing at the gesture before she slipped on the shirt, the smell of Billie's perfume filling her nose. At least it beat walking around in her bra and panties all day. As she changed her shirt, Billie caught a glimpse of her silky skin and lacy panties, the curve of her back, her shoulders, Stevie's soft curves and stomach. Thinking of how Nathan Wheeler had been stupid enough to cheat on her, how he chose Jodie Byers over Stevie. She'd seen the looks Stevie got in public, from both men and women, why wouldn't they stare? But she got to see her up close and personal. She smirked, burning the image into her brain.
Stevie pulled it over her head, the shirt ending above her hips, still flashing her legs and curves. Oblivious to the fact that Billie was staring at her like a full course meal, reaching up to fasten her hair into a messy bun with a hairband around her wrist. The way her eyes hungrily roamed her skin, thinking of all the ways she wanted to fuck Stevie, all the ways she wanted to make her beg. She caught Billie's eyes, blushing shyly "Thanks, I'll give it back" she mumbled.
Billie continued to stare at Stevie hungrily, suddenly she wanted wash day to be everyday. She wanted to burn the vision of Stevie into her memories, into the core of her very being. Stevie had always been cute, she noticed that from the moment she stepped foot into Hawkins. Wondering how the hell a guy like Nate Wheeler got Stevie Harrington. She could admit despite being queer that Nate Wheeler was easy on the eyes. He was studious, he was a golden child and he was likeable. But he was also manipulative, dishonest, sneaky and a cheat. He didn't love Stevie, he was just dating her to hide the fact that he liked Jodie Byers. He drunkenly dumped Steven at a party humiliating her and admitting he never loved her. As soon as they broke up he got with Jodie Byers, leaving Stevie heartbroken. Stevie later befriended Robin Byers, a mutual outcast, member of his band, a closeted gay and brief crush of Stevie's. They bonded and he became like the brother she never had. Even briefly Nate had assumed they were dating, which led to Stevie being on good terms with the likes of Eddie Munson. Billie had to admit, she had been briefly jealous of Robin until she found out too.
She would make Stevie forget all about Nate, forget she ever dated that loser, making her happier than he ever had. Those long legs, the flash of lacy blank panties, her subtle abs formed from years of swim training. As well as the small labour formed from working at video rental. Stevie had always been too good for Nate Wheeler, anyone could tell you that. The hem ended at her mid hips, her average but full breasts, freckles covering her skin. This sight would make anyone with a brain fall to their knees and thank whatever higher power they could think of. Stevie may have been the rich girl next door, but she was so much more than that, but it was a bonus that she was cute.
She looked so cute Billie could eat her up, thinking about all the sweet noises she could coax out of Stevie, pinning her to the couch, holding her hips down. Her legs wrapped around her back and shoulders, eating her out while she was wearing her shirt, her panties hanging around her ankle. She knew how sexually repressed and frustrated Stevie was, back when she was Queen Bee she could have anyone she wanted. But she chose to stay with Nate for reasons Billie would never understand. Then after her downfall from being Queen bee she was shamed and ridiculed. God knows she could fuck Stevie better than anyone else had.
Stevie's flushed cheeks, she could feel her skin tingling as Billie watched her, she saw Billie staring, that wolfish smile and hungry gaze. She'd heard about the rumours of hookups around their school like wildfire. It had been a long time since anyone looked at her that way, since anyone had approached her. Feeling the blood rush to her cheeks "What?" she asked staring. Her anxiety spiking the longer Billie stared at her, repressing the intrusive thought of her anxiety.
Billie folded her arms, her breasts squeezing in her blouse "Well, don't be in a hurry to give it back" she teased. She knew it was in good hands for now and Stevie would take care of it. To be honest she just liked having this small claim over Stevie, wearing her clothes. She'd love to dress Stevie up and show her off, reminding everyone of what they couldn't have.
Stevie felt her cheeks burning, a shiver running down her spine, that tingle between her legs. The way Billie looked at her, turning her mouth dry, her palms clammy and her heart racing. She felt so exposed around Billie, making her stomach flutter. Like Billie could see through her, reading her mind, like she was suddenly naked. It was as if Billie was going to eat her up on the spot, but then she might just let her do that. Submitting herself to the flirtations of her painfully attractive roommate. She shyly edged past Billie, unable to make eye contact from embarrassment, hoping to distract herself by focusing on chores.
Billie smirked, she could read Stevie like a book, she was so adorable when she got flustered. It only made her want to tease the latter more, to get a reaction. She knew what she was thinking about, the dirty thoughts roaming around her mind. She was going to have fun teasing Stevie about this.
Chapter 4: Good vibes 🎼
Summary:
Billie catches Stevie on her day off at a Vinyl/music shop. She teases Stevie for her music choices but the two find something to debate and bond over
Chapter Text
Stevie ran her fingers across the many sealed Vinyl's, some used, some new and some freshly printed, all of their labels calling out to be bought. She was in her happy place, somewhere she would rarely bump into someone from high school. Somewhere she could be alone and just have time to herself. She never had anyone to speak of her hobbies with aside from Robin, she couldn't speak to Nate anymore. Not since he started his journalist job and was looking to attend college to take it further. She never had any friends her age to actually connect to, someone who actually cared. So many musicians, some her parents would have scoffed at, ridiculed or enjoyed. They were always so critical of her choices, like she was just the family disappointment in their eyes, nothing she did made them happy. But she was done pleasing them, kissing up to them, her parents like so many others preferred music from the 40's, nothing modern and up to date. Rebelling against the modern era, complaining at the disrespect and attitude of the current teenagers. She secretly revelled in the fact that she was one of those disrespectful teenagers who was finding her feet. That she was breaking away from her parent's expectations and becoming her own person. Hearing her parent's judgement of music they would never understand, while Stevie hid and protected her private stash of music. Music that if it ever saw the light of day when her parents were present, they would disown her all over again. Stuff she reserved for when they weren't around.
She knew the kids loved music, she had a hard time keeping up with what they listened to these days. Truth be told some of them had similar tastes and she had sung along with Max and El in the car more than once before. She loved acting as the older sister figure to them and blaring out the songs they would sing together. She didn't care how uncool she appeared to others by picking up a job as a babysitter on the side, atop video rental. She needed all the income she could make to save up for college and other funds. God knows her parents had cut her off but had agreed to still pay her college funds. But Stevie would need gas money, atop all the expenses that college would bring. She couldn't wait to be free of them, she couldn't wait for the next phase of her life and all the new music it would bring.
The Beatles, Madonna, Whitney Houston, Tears for fears, Billy Joel, Michael Jackson, George Michael, Duran Duran. Honestly if her parent's saw their music videos, especially the late showings or heard some of the lyrics. They would pass out or freak out about it. She'd heard so many playing in shops, at house parties and more. Modern upbeat stuff, the kind you couldn't help but dance to, something about their vocals, their tunes. She couldn't help but feel the energy, hitting something deep within her, making her feel alive. Swaying her hips to the beat, losing herself in the moment to the rhythm, she couldn't think of anything else but the music.
Madonna was the new girl on the block vibe who was just making fun loving music with secret dirty messages. The more she grew in popularity and music, everyone was hanging off her lyrics and eager to see what else she had to show. Duran Duran had catchy lyrics, raunchy lyrics and a beat that just made you want to dance. She'd overheard it at so many parties and loads of people sung them. It helped that loads of girls in her class enjoyed the same thing, so she didn't feel like a social outcast. Though she never got the hype about the endless Drabble of talking about how many band members or singers they found dreamy. Stevie had once been that naive girl, until Nate broke her heart and she grew up. After the upside down, all the horrors she had faced, all the monsters she had fought. She no longer connected to the idyllic life that teenagers had, the ever looming fate of her adulthood. Few things made her genuinely happy anymore, music was one of the few good things left.
Music was there when she needed it most, music was her way of cutting off from reality. Music was her way of disconnecting, of freeing herself and healing. Music was a celebration and she loved being part of it. Everyone had their favourite albums, songs and memories attached to music and she was no different. Her parent's obsession with image meant they would never allow themselves to ever truly enjoy music. Hindering themselves of new genres and new experiences.
Suddenly, Stevie spotted a familiar face, at first she thought she was dreaming, or maybe spacing out. One she had gotten used to living with for the past few months. The girl in her class whom she had once hated and been in a one sided rivalry with. It was so strange to reflect on their change in dynamic, going from hating each other, said girl nearly being killed by the mind-flayer. Her rival going into recovery in hospital, suffering PTSD, moving out of her home, becoming her roommate and changing for the better. It was like the anger she used to harbour dissipated, she somehow find peace.
Billie
She never expected to see her, I mean why wouldn't she? Billie liked music too. But then even though they had learned to cohabitate and put their past behind them. She knew there were many parts of her life Billie kept private for the sake of boundaries. Such as where she liked to spend her time and where she worked part time. But it was a public area, she expected Billie to prefer the smaller hotspots, that you had to be in the know to find. Atop the fact that Billie preferred to avoid people from high school as much as she did. She knew Billie had a love of music, she'd known that since their school days. But she did she own a walkman? A vinyl player? She'd only ever seen her play music in her car before, until she started living with her. She assumed Billie had just been using her parents one all this time. Knowing all the effort Billie put into music, some that were probably her mother's, imagining Billie sitting up for hours, recording her own mixtapes. "Hargrove?" she stammered.
Fuck why was she being so awkward? They weren't rivals anymore, they had made peace. They weren't exes and she wasn't avoiding her. Maybe it was because she was used to being alone. That she had made a habit out of being isolated and invisible to everyone else. She'd believed that she and Billie would have separate lives aside from sharing a house. But having that companionship, helping Billie heal and recover. Moving past their previous hostility and actually getting to know her felt good. Knowing she had once been in the same place.
Billie looked up, before an expression of amusement formed on her face "Well, well, Stevie. Trying to look for decent music?" she asked teasingly. She'd scanned through her parent's music collection and was aware of how abysmal it was. But Stevie had a secret music stash somewhere she kept hidden even from her parents. Though Billie had not yet managed to find it, she was curious of the kind of genre she was into. She knew Stevie had become a solitary creature these days, mostly due to her traumatic breakup and how her friends turned on her. Honestly she didn't blame Stevie for preferring her own company. It was just more comforting being alone sometimes.
Stevie blushed, just because she didn't listen to rock or metal didn't mean her music taste sucked. Even Nate had been surprised at the kind of music she actually liked. She was tired of people assuming things about her, assuming that she had no taste or she was boring. The last person she wanted to hear it from was Billie Hargrove of all people "My music taste is fine" she protested. She knew for a fact if Max was here he would rip into Billie for teasing Stevie. He got very protective over her. Max was someone who got Billie better than anyone, they had lived together long enough. He knew all about the abuse, he knew about Billie's trauma and anger. He loved her, he saw her as much as family as he did his mother Susan. However, they shared a hatred for Neil.
Billie rolled her eyes, Queen Stevie, she'd heard all the gossip about Stevie before they became roommates.She was both curious and amused by the sort of stuff she listened to in her free time. Billie snorted "More of that bubblegum pop?" she smirked. She knew that Stevie had secrets, she knew that Stevie hated being demeaned by anyone. So she kept up false facades to appease people, including her music. But then Stevie was such a girly girl, she'd heard all the stories of the stuff Stevie liked, even music. The sort of stuff her parents would approve of, the sort of thing all parents enjoyed. It was no shocker that people who didn't fit into social cliques were demonised by their peers. At least Munson had a more diverse music taste, she knew he learned to play the guitar by listening to Metallica. She had to admit aside from selling some decent weed, he also had great taste in music.
A flicker of rage filled Stevie, she felt like she was being patronised which she didn't appreciate. Even if Billie was no longer the antagonistic bitch she used to be, she still liked teasing Stevie. "More of your angry noise?" Stevie retorted, she'd overheard enough of it while Billie was her roommate. She'd come to get earbuds just to make sure she could block it out sometimes. She had to admit that Billie had some decent music tastes, but right now she was mad at her and she wasn't going to kiss up to her.
Billie looked impressed, she didn't expect a smart-ass quip like that from Stevie, she was intrigued to see what kind of music Stevie had to offer. There was no way she had been friends with Buckley for as long as she had and not had her music taste altered. During her breakup period and fall from grace, surely she had delved into other genres. She folded her arms, encouraging the challenge "Ok Harrington, compare and contrast, show me what you got". She wanted to see if she was all bark and no bite, if she truly could talk the talk. She had always wanted to get to know Stevie better and now she finally had the chance. Going past all the high school gossip and drama and actually seeing what Stevie was like in person.
Stevie grabbed a Vinyl, the 1967 Vinyl of Magical mystery tour by the Beatles "The Beatles, iconic. I am the walrus? Strawberry fields, Abbey road? Their music is incredible, inspiring, and the solo artist success of them post breakup?!" Stevie argued. Her parents didn't approve of the Beatles, calling them hippies and complaining about their drastic change in tone and image. But Stevie adored their creativity and message, they were so unique.
Billie nodded, ok Stevie was starting off strong with a good competitor, she never expected Stevie to have decent taste like that "Touché" she agreed. Even she had mourned over the death of John Lennon, the world had, it was still recent. She flipped through some records before she found a winner, holding up Joan Jett "Part of the iconic girl group the Runaways. Then became a successful solo artist, she's already an icon". She was revered for one of the current biggest female icons of rock, she was also a songwriter and guitarist, multitalented. A true queen of rock and roll leaving her mark in history for future generations. The disbandment of the Runaways had hurt everyone, but Joan had found her place in music as a solo artist.
Stevie smirked, she never expected Billie to be so knowledgable about music, or that she could have fun debating something. Here she was having a conversation like it was still high school but without the drama. Something she missed about her fall from grace was the social connections she lost, how isolated she became. She grabbed another Vinyl eagerly "Billy Joel, Piano man? Multitalented, he's perfect" Stevie countered, even her parents liked Billy Joel. His voice was iconic, his face was everywhere, he brought what was seen as a classic music instrument into his work.
Billie held up a Blondie album proudly "Wrote an anthem about a stalker's letter, female led singer, catchy tunes, no fucks given. Powerhouse". The sultry vocals of Debby Harry ranged from hypnotic to aggressive, she just knew how to draw people in. Girls loved her, men were conflicted about her. They started out in the 70s and just kept getting better and better. Depicted as new wave, but crossed over into multiple genres, everyone knew their songs, everyone knew their music.
Stevie hesitated, ok fuck that was another really good choice, ok, so Billie was really going hard with these, making Stevie really work to prove it. She took a deep breath to prepare herself, flicking through before she found another hit, desperate to grab another vinyl. Then she got her break, her winner, Whitney coming into view. There was no way that Billie could argue with this one. "Queen of pop, look at her. You cannot argue that she's amazing! She was only 18 when she came onto the music scene. She's already everywhere" Stevie protested. Even if it wasn't to her taste, she couldn't shame Whitney.
Billie relented, ouch, ok Stevie had really pulled a winner on that one. She never expected Stevie to pull that one on her, even if it wasn't her taste, nobody could deny Whitney had a genre, a song for everyone. She'd spent a quiet night listening to her songs when she was alone, missed her mother or Neil had ripped into her. She held up her hands in defeat "Ok Harrington I'll give you that one, even Metalhead's love Whitney" she agreed, her voice was ethereal. She had to admit, joking around with Stevie like this, an unplanned meeting. Being able to talk about their hobbies, actually have fun and feel like a teenager. It was nice. Neil had always berated her for her hobbies, her interests, her fashion and her music. Condemning her individuality and ridiculing her for being like her mother. But with Stevie she could joke around, be a teenager, actually talk about deep things. Overcoming her rage, healing and being forgiven, knowing she could be better. The last person she expected to show her mercy was Stevie. She'd already helped her mend her relationship with her stepbrother, helped her find a part time job and more. The same girl she had once teased and mocked for being a social outcast, had been the one to offer her an olive branch.
Stevie smiled, practically beaming at her win, she never thought she would one up Billie but she had. Finally someone could appreciate the respect for Whitney and she didn't have to kiss their ass. She had to admit if someone had once told her she and Billie could actually get along she would have laughed in their face in the past. But now she could see side to Billie she had a feeling the latter had been repressing for a long time.
Billie smirked, she had never seen this side of Stevie before, there was more to her. She always thought Stevie was the sort of girl who cared more about the stereotypical makeup, shopping life. The kind of girl who loved gossip and drama, the kind of girl who was obnoxiously annoying. But then be it her breakup, growing up or just being exposed to better music, Stevie had changed and so had her music taste "You really love music huh?". Rich girl with parental issues? Neglectful parents? A narcissistic father and an alcoholic gaslighting mother? Oh yeah that was a recipe for intense music taste.
Stevie sighed, at some point she just stopped caring about other people's opinions, what she wore, what music she liked, her hobbies, none of it mattered anymore. She'd listened to music she hated to make Nate happy, she endured bands she couldn't stand to make Carol happy. She'd become too many fake version of herself she just stopped trying to impress people. She listened to the stuff she always avoided, sampled bands that people hated or recommended. She'd discovered so much stuff she would have avoided in the past. Music was the only thing in her life these days that still helped her feel normal. "The only way I can rebel against my parents, or actually remind people I'm not a loser" she sighed. She'd changed her wardrobe, her career goals and her friends, all of it to make herself happy. Though her parents would approve of her chosen academic in college, she was doing it for herself not to make them happy.
Billy hummed, it wasn't the only way, if her parents knew she was hooking up with a rocker, a bad girl like Billie, they'd be losing their damn minds. I mean the only time she had thus far had sex with Stevie was in her fantasies but someday she would make it a reality. But she would love to see Stevie's parents faces when they caught up with everything that had occurred in their absence. Knowing their precious daughter was being fucked by a lesbian who had a muscle car. She leaned against the shelves in intrigue, watching Stevie curiously "I hear you used to party?" she asked. She wondered when the last time it was that Stevie had any fun, that someone had been kind to her. Invited her to a party, asked her out on a date or even shown her kindness. She knew how bitchy other girls could she, she was exposed to some rumours, gossip and harassment herself. But never to her face, she knew they were too cowardly for that. Carol would probably hold a grudge on Stevie until they were old and grey.
Stevie rolled her eyes, giving her an annoyed look "I'm not Queen Stevie anymore" she reminded her. She had thrown away that image a long time ago, she was glad to be rid of that past. She hated that people compared her to a version of herself that no longer existed. She didn't care about impressing people or lording about that her parents were rich. If people knew the truth of her parents, her lonely Homelife and issues they wouldn't be so desperate to see her past self. Carol was still an attention whore and drama queen, she still revelled in the gossip. God knows what she was doing for a job or even her choice of academics or college. She was expecting a fall from grace when she no longer found herself able to connect to others. When she entered the real world and got the surprise of her life.
Billie rolled her eyes, god she wasn't getting it was she? She wasn't talking about a house party, she wasn't talking about a club. Quite frankly she was happy to abandon her old high school circles and treat them like strangers. College would mean a new phase of her life, new social circles and relationships. "No, but we could order pizza, get drunk and dance to some good music" Billie teased. They could even ask around Stevie's friend Robin. Robin was one of the few people from Hawkins high she considered cool, he was unshamedly cool and he owned the fact that he didn't fit in.
Stevie just about gawked, she'd always imagined Billie at heavy metal bars, head banging to something intense. Imagining her at various rock concerts, giving the horns and screaming her voice raw. For her to listen to the sort of stuff Stevie liked just felt alien "You would dance to Billie Joel?" Stevie laughed.
Billie's blue eyes gleamed devilishly, she would take that as a challenge, she had seduced girls for far less. She'd seduced girls to all sorts of music, some she couldn't even remember. But she would love to see Stevie dancing and singing her heart out to music she really liked. Knowing she would fall in love with her all over again. "Baby get some drinks in me and I'll dance to anything" Billie smirked.
Stevie blushed, she felt like Billie was defiantly implying something here, she hated to admit how flustered and somewhat jealous she got of Billie's past escapades. Thinking of all the fun she had before she even came to Hawkins, before Stevie ever knew her. But she wanted to find out more, when was the last time she had a little fun? "So.... it's a date?" she asked.
Billie smiled enthusiastically, this was going to be a moment she wanted to remember "I'll get the pizza" Billie winked.
Chapter 5: Shut up and dance with me
Summary:
Stevie joins Robin at a house party, but ends up feeling bored, disinterested and reflecting on her life. But when Billie surprises her, she ends up finding a reason to have fun.
Chapter Text
Stevie stared around the cluttered room with a sense of boredom and impatience, wondering if this was even worth her time and she could sneak out unnoticed. Thinking of other ways to spend her evening that would feel less tedious. Though she usually avoided these places like the plague, Robin had pestered her insistently, begging her to keep her company at another party. I mean at least it was preparing her for the nightlife and house parties she didn't doubt would come with college life. It all seemed to blend together, the bad music, the crap alcohol, the room full of strangers or familiar faces, barely any food and someone hooking up in an undisclosed area. Ever since she graduated, ever since she was studying for college with a part time job, she hated reliving any of the memories of her past life. The fact that she was once seen as "the life of the party" purely for pulling pranks on people, supplying alcohol, hooking up with people and humiliating those below her. She was just a rich girl with connections who never faced consequences. She felt herself cringe at the memories, hating the person she once was and the people she had hurt. Knowing people she no longer associated with would be here, their judgemental gazes and usual taunts that always seemed to follow.
House parties were just sweaty, claustrophobic, anxiety trap, messes, rammed full of sweaty teenagers or young adults. She always found herself trying to hide in the quieter areas, occasionally sneak outside or see how long she could last without being seen until she left. While all of her classmates were the ones having fun or getting into mischief, abusing alcohol or hooking up in a random room. Now that she had separated from so many old connections, now that she'd matured and actually gained some responsibility, she couldn't even remember what she liked about these. There was no food, at least not any of semblance or actual filling food. Most of it was snacks, barely enough to line your stomach. And occasionally someone would order pizza, though not enough to feed the entire house. Sometimes people would drunkenly stagger out after a while and go to a nearby diner or restaurant and eat. The usual gossip and drama didn't interest her anymore, the usual relationship drama, cheating, hookups, new relationships. Petty squabbles, rivalries, complaining about teachers or rivalries. Honestly the conversations were no mind numbingly boring she wondered if any of her classmates actually had interests, hobbies or just enjoyed being overly invested in people's lives.
But Robin had begged her, so she had relented and decided to humour her friend at the cost of her social battery. She'd grabbed some clothes from her wardrobe that would be appropriate, at least something that would stop people from assuming she was boring. A short sleeved shirt with a pleated front and button-down, it was comfortable, not too baggy and she could tie the front in a knot, showing off her stomach. Her brown waves styled into a messy bun, her fringe and strands framing her face, wearing some light makeup. And a black leather mini skirt that ended at her lower thigh, matched with some lower leg length black boots. She had been tempted to just pull on some jeans and a Tee but she chose to try and look good tonight. As she casually sipped her drink, leaning against the wall and avoiding people all night, she had felt eyes on her as soon as she entered the room. It was a strange feeling, still knowing guys were attracted to her after her devastating breakup with Wheeler. She had become so detached from dating and romance she forgot what it felt like to be the object of someone's interest. The hungry gaze of horny guys looking to get laid, but she wasn't the least bit interested. If anything, she was just abusing the free food and booze.
"Well, well Harrington, didn't know you had that skirt hiding in your closet" a familiar voice teased. She had always thought Stevie was the girl next door type, the babysitter. But she had some sneaky treasures in her wardrobe she had been hiding. Why didn't she dress like this more often?
Stevie looked up, Billie had mentioned she would meet her at said party when she as done with work. Though Billie was no longer the party animal she used to be when she first moved to Hawkins, she still knew how to have fun and make a night entertaining. Acting as Stevie's guard dog so nobody heckled her all night, keeping her company while Robin hooked up with people. Knowing her, she'd already be chatting up her latest crush, trying to finally move on from her awkward ex crushes and finally meet someone. Once Robin had her eyes on someone, she was hard to convince otherwise. As her gaze fell upon Billie, she felt her heart flutter, her stomach tingle and the blood rush between her legs, Billie looked practically mouthwatering. She had never wanted to peel the clothes off another person more than she did right now.
Billie had her usual messy blonde waves tied into a messy bun styled atop her head, framing her defined face and long neck. Wearing a black studded choker around her neck, her red lips looked hypnotic and intimidating under the party lights and darkened room. They looked so tempting, Stevie wanted to slam her lips into Billie's until the lipstick smeared. Kohl eyes and mascara making her blue ones even more piercing, her fingers adorned with rings, her black nails matching her outfit. Her black netted see-through top showing off her lacy black bra, no doubt she'd been ogled all night by every random dude at this party. Her delicious figure from years of workouts, swim training and more paid off, she forgot how well endowed Billie was compared to herself. Barely able to make out the scarring from the wounds the Mindflayer left, her figure shown off by the blue jeans hugging her lips and her usual brown boots. She looked like the image of a lead singer from a rock band, maybe the lead girl from a rom-com, honestly Billie was just a show stealer in every instance of the word. Billie was truly too hot for her own good.
Stevie blushed, her cheeks darkened, blessedly hidden under the lights, was it hot in here? Was it the alcohol getting to her? Or the sudden blush rushing to her face? "I... I need some air" she stammered,
Billie nodded at her mostly empty cup "Looks like you need a drink too" she smirked
Billie grabbed a bottle of beer from one the coolers, snapping the top off with a nearby opener, at least whoever was the host of the party god the good stuff. She hoped the bars near her chosen college were at least decent quality. She nodded at Stevie, she had never been able to accurately pinpoint just what kind of drinks she liked yet. Stevie was a wild card in that sense, unpredictable. "You want some actual booze or some of that sugary punch shit?" she asked.
Stevie couldn't stand the taste of punch and never had, remembering how it smelled on Nate's breath when he dumped her. "Beer" Stevie asked, someone always spiked the punch so she had learned her lesson, the beer she could trust. The one benefit of her parent's home was there was always something decent quality to drink. They kept such a large quantity, they would barely notice if any went missing. Billie handed her one, to which Stevie took a long drink, the familiar taste of beer hitting her tongue. Bitter, strong but a light buzz.
Billie tilted her head, ever since her breakup, she had never seen Stevie at any parties. Then when she started her jobs, she focused all her attention on them, atop the babysitting. It was like she stopped partying altogether. But suddenly, here she was, dolled up and making an appearance just to prove she was still capable of being sociable. "Didn't think you liked parties?" Billie asked curiously.
Stevie wilted, was it that obvious? She had always been the life of the party as Queen Stevie, always memorable, always praised. Then after her breakup, showing her face in public had been too much, too much gossip, the judgemental or pitiful looks from others. Once she cut off Carol and Tommy she never got invited to parties anymore. Then when she started babysitting and working part time she never had time for parties anymore. And while befriending Robin she was always involved in a different scene. The further she strayed away from this scene, the less she liked it "I don't" she admitted.
Billie raised an eyebrow, she could sense something was off with Stevie. It was like she put up walls to distance herself, the instant she sensed a threat. Anything that would trigger her anxiety she became vague. But she could see through her, that need to hide something. If she hated parties so much why come? Why force herself to be here? "So why come?" she asked.
Stevie shrugged, it was better than sitting alone with her own thoughts, bored off her face. The kids were getting older, starting high school, they had their own lives now. Stevie was looking into college, she was working and she had more time to kill or focus on. When there was less chance of people she knew being here, the less pressure on her anxiety "I was bored" she confessed.
Billie smirked, now that she was Stevie's roommate, the days of mundane boredom and loneliness were behind her, she'd show Stevie how to have fun. She planned on taking advantage of Stevie's beauty products, her skincare and more. Yes, she may not have been the girliest of teenagers but she occasionally enjoyed spa days. She would need to go through her wardrobe and see how she could improve and update it. She could help her make new friends and even find social clubs that would help her in college. "Well, I hope I can keep you entertained" she teased, she had to be the only worthy company at this party.
Stevie blushed, like she could even focus on anything else with Billie here, she was very distracting indeed. Trying to make it as subtle as possible that she was staring at her chest and figure. But somehow she could be herself with Billie, she could speak without a filter and know she wouldn't be judged.
Billie groaned, peering around the hallway and nearby room with disgust. This is why she had always snuck out to concerts and gone to alt bars in hidden areas or out of town. It was more her scene than this "I'd ask you to dance but the music here sucks" Billie scoffed. This was all the music that would be played on the radio or trending, nothing to do with rock, metal or anything controversial. Not a single person here had taste.
Stevie snorted in amusement, the music was depressingly bad, not even the strongest drink she could consume would make it any less terrible. But she didn't fancy embarrassing herself with her unpracticed dance moves. It had been so long did she even remember how? "I suck at dancing anyway" she protested.
Billie smirked, sensing Stevie's hesitation, all she needed was more liquor courage. But then if anyone even so much as tried to heckle her, Billie would immediately counterattack "I'll be the judge of that" she teased.
Stevie was shaking her hips to the rhythm, actually swaying, feeling the beat, having a good time, feeling the music. She on occasion sang along to the lyrics, even if she couldn't remember all the words, dancing, jumping around, carefree. She felt alive, she felt happier than she had in a long time, singing along to the lyrics and just enjoying the moment. Finally some good music was on, finally someone had taken over and put on decent tunes. Though there had been some complaints, the majority had all agreed, Billie had convinced the DJ to put own some good stuff. There was never any arguing with Billie, she always won a confrontation regardless of who it was. She had that don't fuck with me attitude that made people back down. Though some minor flirting but mostly intimidation, insulting them by saying she had seen funerals more lively, a few giggles had erupted but the majority agreed. She'd put on Donna summer and suddenly the room exploded with energy, even some rock anthems had been played and everyone was screaming the lyrics. What had been a mostly dull party was now full of people dancing.
Billie's eyes never once left Stevie, burning the image of her into her brain. She wondered when the last time Stevie actually let her hair down like this and had fun? She was aware of the stragglers nearby, circling like sharks in the water, watching Stevie. But she made sure to send death glares to assure they would back off. Watching Stevie closely, hungry, possessively, keeping her close, within arms reach. Her eyes roaming Stevie's body, the way the skirt hugged her hips, showed off her legs, the way her breasts peaked out of her shirt.
"I can't believe you intimidated the DJ" Stevie snorted, she never thought it would actually work too. Seems she wasn't the only person who hated the music.
Billie shrugged, the one responsibility every host and guest had was that the music had to be good. The fact that the party had been dead for so long proved that. "Their music taste sucked" she scoffed, the fact that the room was livelier already proved that.
Stevie bit back a laugh, she had to agree Billie was right, she just lacked the confidence to say it aloud. Though she felt bad for the poor guy, being humiliated like that in front of everyone? That would become a repressed memory "I wasn't that bad" Stevie argued.
Billie gave her a knowing look, there were just some songs people were sick of. They had become so popular you couldn't escape them to the extent they became grating. The last thing anyone wanted was for them to be played on a loop on full blast all night. "Tiffany's I think we're alone now? Overplayed to death" she groaned.
Stevie laughed, trying not to die of laughter but she had to agree, there was just so much better music to offer. She was glad she came out, she was glad she bumped into Billie. What had felt like the worst night of her life, the worst idea she ever had. Ended up being the most fun she had in a while. Dancing and drinking with her roommate at a strangers house, surrounded by classmates, making memories. God if her parents could see her now, they wouldn't recognise her. "If I ever have the ludicrous temptation to host another house party, you're helping" she joked.
Billie raised her eyebrow curiously, leaving her in charge of such a decision would be a risky one. But she would surely assure that it would be a night to remember "I'll hold you to that" she laughed.
Chapter 6: "I want to take a shower, you should probably join me. It'll save water"-Prompt
Summary:
Stevie wasn't staring at her roommate, she wasn't crushing embarrassingly hard on Billie. But she absolutely was
Chapter Text
Yeah so I had to rewrite this entire chapter after I lost it when my computer had a mandatory update and I forgot to save it to notes 😅
Seriously they need an option to save to drafts or something
So I still had the notes for the story, but now I have to rewrite it again
Stevie sighed irritably, a low groan of exhaustion and frustration emitting from her lips, feeling as though she was going to crash any second. Thinking of all the lies she had been told about adulthood, seeing it as this exciting and cool adventure. When the rose tinted glasses fell away, it all made sense. Seeing it for what it was, how much easier her life had been in the past, all she took for granted. How much longer was she going to be forced to endure this? Why did nobody ever prepare teenagers for the wake up call they would receive once they reached adulthood? She knew college would have its moments, but she could at least have fun and make some memories too. She would be able to think for herself and actually regain her social life. She ached in places she never thought humanely possible, her hair felt like a greasy mop, she wanted to peel off her own skin from how disgusting she felt. She was glad nobody could see her looking like this, hell her parents would just worsen her embarrassment and nit pick her. She'd fallen far from grace but she had just began to own the statement that she was a hot mess. The morning had gotten off to a rough start, making her worried for what the day had in store. She had no time to shower, bolting out of the front door and driving to work like a maniac, luckily Robin the ever reliable had remembered her coffee order and got something for her.
The entire day she had been dreaming of coming home, anticipating being able to have headspace and get away from customers. After another tediously long shift at work, a seemingly never-ending day, she was finally free to return to her sanctuary of home. Close the doors, shut out the world and ease the overstimulation she was feeling. She’d spent the day stacking shelves, rewinding tapes, handling cancellation fee’s and the occasional creep asking for her number in the store. Some prank calls, people inevitably asking about films that she repeatedly had to explain they didn't have in stock. When it was quiet, she and Robin would share their usual conversations to pass the time. That was when she wasn’t crying in the backroom for headspace, the harassment and idiocy she had to tolerate was enough to drive her insane. Robin had kept an eye on her all day and covered when needed, knowing how hard it was for Stevie. Even he had come close to beating the shit out of customers more than once. It was good to have friends who had your back.
As soon as her shift ended, she bolted for the staff room, clocked out and escaped. Mouthing thank you to Robin and not even stopping in case the boss asked her to work overtime or customers heckled her. Nothing was keeping her and like hell she was doing overtime. She couldn't run to her car fast enough, she slammed on the acceleration of her car, ripping out of the carpark like a madwoman. She drove home with her windows down, boom blasting her unwinding music and either screaming her lungs out to the music, or sitting in reflective silence and absorbing the music. It just felt good to get it all out sometimes, using music as a form of coping mechanism for when the world felt like it was too much.
The last time she did this, she endured the humiliating drunken breakup with Nate Wheeler at that halloween party. That night where she had believed they were having fun, dancing her heart out surrounded by her peers. Before she noticed Nate getting worse, more and more intoxicated. Before he disappeared on her, later learning that he no longer loved her. That he had in fact been hooking up with Jodie Byers. Where she found out he cheated on her with Jodie Byers, leaving her mortified and storming out of the party in tears. Driving home, nearly blinded by tears. She couldn't even look Nate in the eye the next morning, trailing around looking for her like a wounded Puppy. She slapped him, after he came to the school swim team looking for her. Confronting him on being an asshole. It pretty much circulated around school, the gossip of his infidelity, who he cheated on Stevie with and her fall from grace. Around the time that Billie first came to Hawkins. Screaming her lungs out to breakup songs.
She closed the front door behind her, relieved to finally be home, the loud shut of the door in the seemingly empty house. As lonely as it used to feel, she felt she could breathe without her parents around. Less like she was walking on eggshells the entire time. Back in the safe space sanctuary that was her home, within the privacy of the walls. Able to climb the steps leading to her bedroom.
These days she spent most of her time in that room, closing off the world when she wasn't working, or spending time with Robin. Her body ached, her muscles screaming, she wanted nothing more than to hide in her bedroom, collapsing on the softness of her bed. Sleeping for hours until she lost track of time, waking up in a fog, screaming and crying into her pillow to relieve stress. Wondering when the hell her life would stop being such a shit show, when the universe would end this joke. Everything seemed to pile up these days, suffocating her under the weight of responsibility. She couldn't remember the last time she had a moment to herself, when she had actually been able to let her hair down.
She was still studying to enter nursing college, after much indecision, conflict and debate, she had decided that this was the career for her. She knew her parents would be over the moon, thinking that she was changing her life and getting back on track. But she wasn't doing this for them, she was doing this for herself. She knew the life of being a healthcare worker would put strains on her, stretching her thin and overworking her. But the efforts would be worth it in the longterm. Paediatrics seemed like the best and natural choice to make. She loved the kids, she adored the party, she had been babysitting them all since they were eleven years old, she’d watched them grow up. She’d been a mother hen to them all, to learn nursing and focus her career on the care and wellbeing of children? What other choice was there?
She'd memorised so much already, reading books she never would have picked up in her freshman years of high school, actually learning. She was studying her ass off, taking notes and quizzing herself. Despite the accusations that she was a waste of space and a sponge, when she wasn’t babysitting the kids and working part time, she was studying. Even Hopper had commented on how hard she was working, she was more focused than he'd ever seen her. When Joyce or Karen needed her to keep an eye on the kids, due to their consistent history of getting into mischief. She would leave them to their devices of TV, board games, magazines or listening to music. She would be sat nearby at a desk or table, making sure they were within earshot, making sure she could see them. She'd become adapted to knowing when they were up to mischief and when the worry. She always took her trusty bat with her in case of trouble. She knew the kids would just want pizza or takeout, Stevie was no pro chef but she knew her way around a kitchen. Luckily Joyce would leave money for takeout or get enough food to ensure Stevie could cook. She took her job as a babysitter seriously, the welfare of the kids, that included their meals. That meant no sneaking out, as well as ensuring that dinner was taken care of.
Joyce appreciated her efforts and dedication to the kids, she knew how much pressure Stevie was under. How the breakup had hurt her, how negligent her parents had been. She empathised with Stevie, calling in to check on her, sending her pre-made meals when she didn’t have time to cook and acting as a support contact. Joyce was honestly the mother Stevie had always wanted, the person she wished she had growing up. Everything her own drunken, absent and gaslighting mother never was. Of all the people she would miss at Hawkins, Joyce was one of a few on her list. She wanted to leave Hawkins, leave the shadow of her parents home, she wanted to leave behind all the unpleasant memories. The lonely empty house that her parents left her in, the toxic ex friends who used her and turned their backs on her. The crappy high school that failed her, the horrors of the upside down, the lab. She would miss the kids, she would miss Joyce, she would miss her memories, but she could always make new ones. Still trying to figure out her future and expectation of herself, what she wanted and what would become of her, and living in her parent's home would never fix that.
While most of her ex classmates were getting married, going to concerts, getting married, having kids or already considered their careers. She was friendless, ever since her messy breakup with Nate, cutting off Tommy and Carol for their toxicity and habit of leeching her for money and popularity. She’d fallen from grace, fallen from her old social cliques into introversion and exile. She had no romantic prospects, she had no dating life here, she had nobody she could bond with. Making her own income after her parents cut her off, developing a newfound respect and responsibility for her finances, saving her own money and working part time. There was nothing left for her here, even she could sense that, luckily she would have Robin attending college with her too so she wouldn't be utterly alone.
Could her life get any worse?
It was embarrassing to admit what her life had become, how she had been forced to relearn so much after using her popularity and parent's money to make friends. She’d been out of the dating scene for so long, she didn’t know how to date. Just speaking to people was nerve wracking, word vomit and endless drabble spilled from her lips. Her social anxiety, mental health and nightmares made it hard for her to connect to other people her age. The depression from her breakup and lack of paternal role models, her friends abandoning her, no sense of community or contacts. The memories of the upside down and all the monsters she'd faced. How she found comfort in the people who could understand how she was feeling more than strangers could. She wasn’t up to date with the latest trends, she had no idea of what was hip or even popular anymore. She had nobody to impress so why bother? She didn’t follow fashion trends, she was nowhere near the level she was during her queen bee years in high school. As much as home video sucked, it was still far better than wearing an embarrassing sailor uniform and serving ice cream to a bunch of kids. But it was nonetheless stressful, only adding to the tension.
Back then she would wake up early, fix her hair, do a skin care and makeup routine, while choosing a wardrobe. She would drive to school, give her friends a ride and enjoy gossip in the car, slacking around school and causing trouble. She was going to parties, throwing the parties and earning the title of queen bee. These days she was sleeping in, suffering from insomnia, pulled on whatever she was comfortable with and cared little for the opinion of others. She had nobody to impress and she couldn't muster the energy to care anymore. The only person she carpools with was Robin, or giving the kids a ride to wherever they wanted to go. She was so detached and out of the circle of the current modern generation of adulthood, it was so lonely and awkward. Never feeling as if she fitted in.
She sighed, gripping the handle of a door, mentally praying that Billie was either at work, out or sleeping. Billie enjoyed her space when she needed it, very much like a cat, she came and went as she pleased. But always reminded Stevie of her presence and helped around the house. Billie was even better cook than Stevie, often leaving leftovers for her and making sure Stevie ate. As much as she appreciated Billie, she couldn’t handle socialising, she couldn’t face anyone, she just wanted to unwind. Stand under the hot rivulets of a shower, brushing her wet hair from her face, lathering expensive soap across her skin, washing the grease from her tangled mass crashing onto the soft familiarity that was her bed, and sleeping until she lost track of time. Pushing it open with a heavy sigh.
“Well, well knock much princess?” A familiar voice teased, their tone like honey, she was off in her own world again. She could practically sense the exhaustion and sadness radiating from her. She planned on poking questions later when Stevie wasn't so strung out. But she sensed that Stevie was already too overstimulated to talk about it, knowing when to give her space. So instead she opted for light teasing.
Stevie blinked, her stressed out and exhausted mind slowly being pulled back to reality. Small familiar objects forming in the background, the pieces clicking together. The sound of a shower running in the background, suddenly aware of the condensation filling the room, the change of temperature. A sense of panic filling her, she raised her eyes, her brown orbs widening as embarrassment and shock hit her all at once, her brain malfunctioning. She had forgotten she no longer lived alone, she forgot that she shared a house and facilities. Billie Hargrove her recently turned roommate, the rebel, ex bully, who abandoned her abusive home with her ex military psycho of a father, to become her recovering roommate. Slowly making amends to become a better person.
Billie had left the Hawkins pool, escaping the drooling creeps of leering fathers, petty mums and gross kids. Escaping the tight swimsuit, cleaning the pool and other tediously gross crap, finally doing something she loved. She had never been happy there, she only worked there to earn some cash and get Neil off her back about being a layabout. She handed in her resignation without hesitation and never looked back, looking for better work. Hopper called in some favours and helped find her a more suitable job, working as a mechanic at a local garage in Hawkins, working with cars, finally working with engines and machines, somewhere she was passionate about.
Correction, her life just got more complicated, that reminder of her identity crises. The reminder of her attraction to the female form, one she'd thought she'd repressed years ago. Atop her current conflict of her identity and sexuality. Her entire life she’d dated men, she’d had ex hookups and partners, and her long-term relationship with Nate. But remembered drunken kissing dares with Carol in their bedroom, remembering the softness of Carol’s lips. She had written it off and forgotten about it, knowing that Carol was obsessed with Tommy and it would never mean anything. But the more Carol persisted when drunk she had to put up her boundaries. Knowing it would invite Tommy into the equation and she didn't want that.
Chrissy Cunningham, the new queen bee and head cheerleader at Hawkins, a shared crush with local metalhead and drug dealer Eddie Munson. I mean who wouldn't obsess over her? The girl was damn near perfect and had a figure that had everyone staring. An angel with a halo of golden curls, baby blue eyes and a smile that could light up a room. Stevie had a crush on her for an embarrassingly long time, spending many nights teasing herself over the image of Chrissy in her cheerleader outfit. Jason of course had no idea that Stevie was perving over his girlfriend, hell there was a lot Jason had no idea about but that wasn't her place to tell him.
Stevie was still having an internal conflict of her sexuality and identity, coming to terms with the fact she wasn’t as straight as she previously believed. The years she had spent having hookups and having brief relationships, now her life was changing so drastically. Billie Hargrove sure as hell wasn’t helping, adding as another distraction and confusing experience. Those golden waves of hers, now bound up into a messy bun atop her head showing off her neck and back muscles. Her skin covered in grease, dirt and sweat from a days manual labour. Her clothes strewn all across the bathroom floor to be washed, her nails painted a shiny black. The familiar tattoo’s littered across her skin. That flat stomach, deliciously ample breasts and curves, it was no secret Billie worked out and her work at the mechanic had only improved that.
Stevie didn't know where to look, she had no words capable of describing what she was feeling. She felt like the luckiest woman alive to be seeing this in person, while also freaking the hell out. She knew Billie still had moments of vulnerability, moments where she closed off due to the traumatic memories. How it took her a long time to become comfortable in her own skin again. She still had the scar on her chest from the fight at star court, which she had started to own with pride. Briefly losing her figure as she was in recovery and allowing her body to heal from the ordeal. But working at the shop, meant she could conceal her wounds while also rebuilding muscle mass. Nobody had to know and nobody would ask questions.
Stevie swore, Billie could be wearing a plastic bin bag or ripped linen and she would still be the most attractive woman in the world. She was jealous of whatever genes her mother had passed onto her, because Neil hadn't. Billie had eyes all over her back when she moved to Hawkins, men lining up to be able to take her on a date or add her to a notch on their belt. God how she wanted to be in their place, now she finally was, the intrusive thoughts at the back of her mind, urging her to lick every inch of Billie’s golden skin.
Billie folded her arms, pushing her breasts up, unfairly making her even sexier, turning to face Stevie with a smug smile, like a wolf about to devour a lamb. She knew what she was doing, she was aware of her sex appeal and allure over Stevie and she had her wrapped around her finger. Her blue eyes gleaming with mischief, drinking Stevie in hungrily, her eyes roaming Stevie’s form. She wasn’t an idiot, she knew how repressed Stevie was and how badly she wanted her, she could eat Stevie up. Stevie had been into her from the moment she arrived in Hawkins, the tension between them both. Billie wanted to break her, take this perfect little doll and ruin her, give her a taste of the sinful pleasure. Have her begging, arching and melting underneath her tongue, treating her better than any other waste of a man in Hawkins had before. “Didn’t daddy teach you not to stare princess?” Billie teased.
Stevie blushed, pouting defensively, frustration filling her “Too busy fucking his secretary to parent me” she huffed. If Billie didn't want her to stare, she shouldn't have been so damn attractive. She was the most distracting thing in the room.
Billie smirked, sensing the defensiveness of Stevie's tone, the urge to hide something. She was trying to deny that she was turned on, that she was excited, that Billie got under her skin. Billie approached, swaying her hips seductively as she did so, feeling Stevie’s eyes on her. Closing the gap between her and Stevie. Billie tilted her head back delicately with her finger, directing Stevie's attention onto her. “So… are you going to close the door princess? Or are you going to come in and join me?” she asked. She wanted to run her hands across Stevie's skin, she wanted to caress every inch of her, memorise her body in her mind.
Stevie swallowed, screaming internally with panic and excitement, was this happening? Was this real? God how many times had she dreamed about this? It had been so long, what if she fucked up somehow? She licked her lips nervously, hesitation and excitement filling her all at once. “I mean… preserving water is encouraged” she stammered bravely. Shit why did she say that?
Billie cocked an eyebrow, she wondered when the last time Stevie had been flirted with, let alone seduced. I mean comparing it to the likes of Nate Wheeler, she could hardly blame her. Stevie like many Hawkins teens was heavily repressed, never taught that sexuality and desires were normal.
Stevie wasn’t complaining in the slightest, a tanned blonde goddess from California was asking to fuck her in the shower. She could only imagine the filthy things that Billie would say to her and the way she would make her sing. Billie was experienced, she was comfortable in her sexuality and she took what she wanted, she was in good hands. After the day she’d had, this was much needed, this would certainly make up for the rotten day she’d had. She wondered what her parents would say if they knew she was roommates with a rock loving lesbian, who worked as a mechanic and owned a muscle car. They already cared so much about their image, Stevie was about to blow it up in smoke.
Billie continued to undress, sliding off her jeans from her hips, sliding off her panties as she did so. Giving Stevie a show, teasing her of what was to come, what to expect. She knew how to tease anticipation, it made it even better in the long term. She knew how to allure her partners, get them hot under the collar, begging. Stevie’s eyes glued to her body like a woman starved, eager to pounce. “Close the door princess” Billie repeated, her tone sharpened, that was an order, not a suggestion.
Stevie shivered, she liked that tone that Billie had, the way her eyes were looking at her like a wild animal about to devour her. It was hard to believe someone so commanding, so in charge, so intimidating. Had been at the mercy of her father's abuse. But then she knew Billie had interests elsewhere, that she had her fingers in a few pies, that she had some kinky interests. She was full of surprises. Closing the bathroom door behind her without hesitation. Slowly stripping off her clothes, revealing soft flesh, freckles and curves, eager to be rid of them. Billie’s eyes watching her strip, her eyes drinking in Stevie, a smirk slowly forming on her lips, like the cat who got the cream. She knew she was imagining all the things she would do to her, burning this image of Stevie into her brain.
But then Stevie was no better, Billie was so tempting, constantly aware of her sexuality and influence and how to weaponise it. Yes, she was staring at Billie like a woman starved, as if she was in a desert and Billie was a water nymph. She wanted to lose herself in the sheets with Billie, the only guy she had ever dated was Nathan, hell the only person. He was never any good at sex and left her feeling frustrated and needy, she'd never had any sex to compare it to. For all the guys she had dated in high school, all of their bedroom endeavours had been boring.
But Billie wasn’t the first girl she had ever crushed on, she wasn’t the first girl to catch her eye. She'd found herself daydreaming, staring too long and becoming distracted by them. Always a lingering and familiar feeling, she just tried to hide it embarrassingly badly. Billie was just the first girl to make her act on her impulses, the first person to make her understand her attraction to women. But she wasn’t out of the closet yet, hell Hawkins wasn't the best place to be queer. Even as times were changing, many of the people here were still ignorant. She hadn’t told the party, even though she knew the kids would love her no matter what. It was no secret that Will was gay, everyone knew he was in love with Mike and had been for years. Everyone was super supportive of him. Like him, Stevie wasn't ready to come out, she wasn't ready to admit it yet. Joyce was already like a mother to her and would support her regardless, she'd fight anyone who would give Stevie a hard time. But her parents would disown her in a heartbeat, ruining the idyllic future they had envisioned for her.They already judged her current life choices, so if she implied she was queer, they would lose it.
No basic straight laced kiss ass boyfriend
No suburban house
No white picket fence
None of it
Stevie had no idea what the future had in store, but she knew it would involve Billie. She knew that her feelings for Billie were real, and her parents could never dissuade that. She was her own person, not their little doll to control.
Billie softened, she could practically hear the gears turning in Stevie’s head, something nagging her. She was thinking about her triggers again, all the daunting thoughts looming at the back of her mind. She knew that feeling all too well, that familiar glimmer of panic, knowing how to pull her back “You’re thinking too hard princess” Billie teased.
Stevie felt her cheeks burning, was it that obvious? Sometimes she wanted to shut her mind off and just breathe, but she was still having a hard time managing that. Billie just knew how to get under her skin, reading her like a book.
Billie closed the gap, trailing her fingers across Stevie’s skin, her fingers dancing along her hipbones as she kept eye contact. She knew exactly what Stevie needed and how to make it better. Make her forget all her troubles, make her forget all about work “Want me to help ease the tension?” She teased. She couldn't wait to taste Stevie, she couldn't wait to make her melt, she could relax herself on her tongue. She wanted to hear all the pretty noises Stevie was capable of making, make her forget the likes of Nate Wheeler and anyone else who had ever broken her heart.
Stevie felt herself growing dizzy, Billie's eyes burning into her skin, her blood rushing through her veins. Was she trembling? Was it the heat? Was it the steam? She hadn't felt this nervous around another person in a long time, she hadn't felt this excited in a long time either. The anticipation, the desire, the hunger, imagining herself sitting on Billie’s face, riding her tongue, losing herself to the sensations of sex. Easing her delicious frustration, those fingers working her in the shower, curling inside of her “I…” she stammered.
Billie cut her off, she needn't worry her pretty head over it, all she needed was for Stevie to let her take care of her. Finally give her body some attention, finally do what she had wanted to do ever since she met Stevie. Finally get a taste of the princess of Hawkins, knowing she could fuck her better than Nate “Shower, now” Billie coaxed.
Stevie shivered, yep if Billie kept using that voice she would kneel in front of her and beg. Billie could make her do anything she wanted, she was putty in her hands and she knew it. She obediently began to head in the direction of the shower, covering her breasts shyly. Stepping towards the cascade of hot water from the shower, releasing her messy brown hair from its updo, feeling it fall around her face. She could feel Billie’s eyes watching her, feeling herself growing wetter between her legs.
A hungry smirk on the latter's face, excited to finally touch her, finally get to turn her fantasies into a reality, knowing what was coming “Good girl” Billie cooed. Stevie would be lucky if she could still walk when she was finished.
Chapter 7: "Longing is a space between two souls that only love can fill"
Summary:
Billie knew she had liked girls all her life, much to the chagrin of her father. But Stevie was still figuring her shit out. Billie tries to be a supportive roommate.
Chapter Text
Wow I really dropped off the map with this fic, does anyone still read this?
Stevie had always thought she knew who she was, from a young age she was never taught to be anything different. Work hard, study hard, get a job, get married; she always thought her future would include a white picket fence, a hubby by her side and maybe a cute dog. Surrounded by smiling kids and her parents being proud of her. The wool was ripped from her eyes faster than she ever thought it would be, now she was spiralling and questioning her entire life. Struggling with anxiety disorder, trauma, nightmares and her prospective future looming over her head. She'd watched the shit show that was her parents marriage and wished for more. But Hawkins was slim pickings for prospective lovers.
She doubted anyone was desperate enough to even consider dating her anymore, she'd burned many bridges and she didn't regret any of them. Tommy Hagan was now with carol and they wanted nothing to do with her. Gone were the days of drunken kissing at a party and being fingered in a dark room. Carol hated her guts and was probably trying to figure out her own life. She couldn't make amends with her ex, and she wasn't desperate enough to ever consider getting back with him. She had thrown away any feelings she ever had. Nathan was now with Jude Byers and they were still going long distance after Byers moved away.
But now she was having a whole identity crises and didn't know what to think, all her life she had it drilled into her that being queer was wrong, sinful and something to be ashamed of. Being called queer and other slurs was normal in high school, but somehow lesbians were fun jerk off material. You had to fit in, follow the status quo but also make something of yourself? You could never win and you would always be something wrong and shameful. But she wasn't gay, she still liked men. I mean she was still interested in kissing them and sleeping with them, she'd hooked up with enough guys during her time as queen bee. Because why shouldn't she enjoy her sexuality and youth while it lasted?
When she dated Nate Wheeler she fell hard for him, she could have given him her life if that hadn't gone so wrong. He consumed her whole life and changed her, she finally met a boy she thought she could have a future with. But then he made it clear he no longer loved her and wanted another woman. Hell, she and carol had practiced kissing enough times at parties and sleepovers, throwing themselves at each other for fun. The memory of lipgloss and soft sighs. She was sure she gossiped to Tommy about it when they began dating, every now and again they would whisper and Tommy would leer at her. Like he knew something that he wouldn't tell anyone else, holding it over Stevie like blackmail. Knowing the secrets she shared with Carol were no longer secrets. She felt betrayed, knowing something that was just supposed to be fun memories had been warped into filthy fantasies for Tommy. Making it seem wrong and gross.
She remembered Chrissy Cunningham the blonde angel of a cheerleader, those blue eyes, that sweet smile and cute bubbly nature. Despite her popularity, she was one of the sweetest girls you could ever meet. Who wouldn't want to kiss a girl like that? She was probably the first girl crush she'd had that made her realise she wasn't as straight as she thought. She'd admired Chrissy from afar and watched her be all lovey dovey with Jason, the perfect couple.
Then Billie came to town and she knew it was over, pulling into the school in her 1979 Chevrolet. That white blouse and skinny jeans, she was trouble, the sort of thing she was supposed to avoid like a good girl. That tanned smooth skin and golden hair, how could she resist? Even Billie herself had smelled the tension between them. She had nobody to confide in, nobody she trusted, so she just internalised it. She couldn't tell a soul, not the kids, not her parents not even Hopper or Joyce, not even Nate. Hiding her feelings from everyone, hiding her crushes on two of the most popular girls in school. She felt like she was going mad, thoughts of them flooding her mind. Incessant dreams of two women, both blonde, touching her in ways she never considered. Feeling her stomach flutter when she was around them.
Locking herself in her room, pouring her heart out into her diary, crying and sulking to herself. Hiding who she was from everyone, sitting alone in her bedroom with her feelings, fantasising about two women she could never have. She knew she wasn't straight, girls who liked boys didn't lie awake in their bed questioning and fantasising about their female classmates. But then she wasn't gay either, she wasn't suddenly disinterested in men.
That was until she was able to learn about bisexuality, the attraction to both genders, the romantic and sexual interest in two or more genders. Robin had felt sorry for her and done some research, helping her process her feelings. The more she learned the better she felt, realising she wasn't broken after all. But even after she learned who she was, she felt more isolated than ever. She couldn't tell anyone but Robin. But nobody else would know how it felt to like girls, nobody but Billie.
Stevie took a shaky breath, her hands trembling like leaves, biting her lip as she knocked on Billie's door. Fuck, why was she making such a big deal of this? She'd saved Billie from an abusive hone life, they were old classmates. They weren't even strangers anymore. She knew Billie liked her personal space and privacy.
Before she could turn and run away with her tail between her legs, a voice spoke up "It's open" Billie called casually.
Stevie hesitated, entering the room with a shy expression "Yo" she mumbled. God why was she such a dork?
Billie raised her eyebrow, sat on her bed with her blonde waves in a messy bun. Wearing a pair of very Lacey underwear and one of her band shirts, Stevie didn't know where to look. Stevie nicks sultry smoky voice poured from her vinyl player on a medium volume. A book laid on Billie's bed, she'd obviously been relaxing. "It's your house Harrington, no need to be shy" Billie scoffed in amusement, she was acting like a stranger in her own home. But she appreciated the fact that she had the decency to knock, nobody had done that in a long time. Stevie respected her boundaries and space, she checked in but she didn't make her feel as if she was being suffocated.
Stevie swallowed, the longer she looked at Billie the more her mind began to whirl, those long tanned legs, golden curls and crimson lips. She entered the room, pinpointing for Billie's bed, before she placed herself on the floor, hugging her knees to her chin, gripping her legs like a lifeline. Why was she so awkward? She wasn't a virgin for fucks sake, not with her past. She was too shy to sit on the bed beside her, scared she would become distracted. Scared she would be tempted to touch her.
Billie watched her curiously but said nothing, Stevie was a completely different person when she was with the kids. But then Stevie hadn't had friends her own age for a long time. Her social skills were rusty.
Stevie allowed her eyes to wander, taking in what Billie had done with her space since moving in. She'd never seen such a vibrant display of chaotic energy but she loved it. She had more space to express herself, she'd bought new sheets more to her liking and style. She had put up all her band posters, she even had a few books and a shelf for her vinyls. Her room wasn't as messy as she expected it to be, it looked more lived in, more reflective of Billie.
Billie hummed, picking up a cigarette and lighting it, she remembered when Max used to hide in her room when he felt overwhelmed. She had a feeling this may be an intense conversation "You feeling ok princess?" she pressed. She wasn't a mind reader so she needed to coax Stevie into speaking.
Stevie swallowed, it was now or never, if she was ever going to get this off her chest, it had to be Billie. I mean who else would she share this with but her roommate of all people? They lived together now for fuck's sake. "I.. how...how did you know you liked girls?" she stammered. The silence hung in the air, the room felt like an echo. Fuck, now it was in the open and she couldn't take it back. She couldn't lie and she couldn't pretend anymore.
Billie blinked, raising an eyebrow, piecing everything together until she had a lightbulb moment. Ah, it seemed Stevie was either curious or having an existential crisis. She had to admit this was a curveball she couldn't avoid. It seemed she was having the queer talk with her old frenemy, she sighed, taking a drag of her cigarette. She didn't like reminiscing about her past much, too many scars for her liking. "My mum always knew, mum's are perceptive like that y'know. She supported me, loved me, kept it a secret until I was ready to talk about it. As soon as my dad got a whiff that I was a dyke, he loathed me for it" Billie reflected. Her mum was a flower child, loving, open minded and free spirited, her father was rigid, traditional, shitty and cruel. "...But I knew I was gay, the way I saw them compared to guys was just different. Girls were just so soft, pretty and smelled so good. Just hearing them laugh was enough to give me butterflies. Men were just loud, obnoxious and gross. They wouldn't know how to treat a woman" Billie stated.
Stevie peered at her curiously, men or women, Billie was spoiled for choice, she could seduce anyone she wanted. She'd heard gossip about Billie sleeping with half the school, whatever opportunity arose. But how much was true and how much was just gossip? "Have you ever... with a guy?" she questioned.
Bilie scoffed, a look of disgust appeared on her face "Fuck no, not even when I was wasted off my ass. I can mess with guys by getting under their skin and playing on their weaknesses. It's so easy to get what you want, you can pull their strings to your advantage. But not sex" she shuddered. She wasn't naive to the rumours about her, sleeping with teachers, being in gangs, sleeping with people's boyfriends and more. She'd been branded the school slut with no proof whatsoever. Every single party she had ever been to, so many men had ogled her and tried to get into bed with her. Billie had brushed off every single one but managed to get with so many girls, some even had boyfriends and their partners had no idea. The only thing she had used men for was freebies and their advantages. She had gotten free drinks and gotten out of detention and more using her sexuality to her advantage, but she'd never slept with one. Men made her skin crawl.
Stevie shifted, fiddling with the hem of her shirt, feeling braver. Billie knew she was attractive and she used it to her advantage, Stevie wasn't brave enough for that. Did she even have the confidence to get with a girl like that? "Can,... can you still like girls, even if...." she trailed off shyly "...even if all you've done is kiss one" Stevie asked. Did Carol even count?
Billie hummed, the events of sleepovers and house parties was no surprise to her. It was a brewing pot for sexual tension and recklessness. No restrictions and no parents meant teens went wild. She'd always suspected something with Stevie, her gaydar was rarely if ever wrong. But Stevie like most girls in Hawkins lacked decent sex ed and any education or experience. This was her insight into what sort of girl Stevie had been back when she was popular, she leaned closer "You wanna share princess?" she asked, whatever was on her mind it sounded juicy. Was she about to reveal her secret lesbian experience?
Stevie blushed, her cheeks flushed pink, how could she say no to her? She looked like the cat who got the cream? Hiding her face behind her brown hair. Oh fuck. How was she supposed to say this? How was she supposed to confide with her roommate about something so....personal? "I... Tommy, before he met Carol we....he was a shit lay but...we used to..." she trailed off, sensing Billie gawking at her "..It was just for fun, But I did kind of like him.... she babbled.
Billie smirked, this would explain why they had a stick up their ass about Stevie cutting off their friendship, they'd lost their plaything. I mean she couldn't do worse than those two "Lemme guess, you hooked up with them both". Neither of them could have her so they both sulked.
Stevie nodded, it happened so long ago she felt like a different person, back then it never meant anything. "Carol would sneak wine into the house, something from her mum's collection. It was cheap shit but I'd rather she supplied than my parents notice I'd stolen from their collection. We'd get tipsy and she wanted to try kissing, nothing more but....I liked it. She always wore cherry gloss, I wanted more" Stevie reminisced. Carol would gossip about shit that Stevie couldn't care less about, but she had smelled so good and Stevie just spent the night staring at her. When they were drunk enough she took her chance and ended up kissing Carol. The two of them waking up hungover and barely dressed, wondering what the fuck had even happened.
Billie whistled, wine drunk and feeling curious, it was how most baby queers discovered themselves. She could do worse than Carol. She knew a lot of queers back in California who would eat Stevie up in a heartbeat. "Damn Harrington, juggling two of them. Now that's some fucking tea" she teased. She'd often wondered what sort of flirting game Stevie even had back in her popular years.
Stevie gripped her hands into fists, messing with the blanket beside her, she felt relieved to be talking about this, but also embarrassed to finally get it out in the open. Looking back it wasn't a big of a deal as she made it out to be. She'd been younger and horny, she wanted to experience what it was like. "I've never... I only ever slept with Nathan and Tommy. I mean if being fingered in a cupboard at a party in the dark counts as sex? But I've... had thoughts about girls, fantasies even..." Stevie stammered, her cheeks still pink.
Billie was listening intently, if it was that forgettable for Stevie it couldn't have been that enjoyable. Most men had no insight of the female body and how to even get them off properly. It was all too easy to get women hot and bothered.
She laughed nervously, remembering the day Billie came to Hawkins "...And then you came along and then..." she trailed off, picking her nails. Everyone had been ruffled by Billie's presence. Girls suddenly became very protective of their boyfriends, sending Billie glares when she walked down the hall. Some girls were suddenly very bicurious and teachers had a hard time handling her.
Billie could sense her rising anxiety, the fear in her voice, the last thing she wanted was Stevie having an anxiety attack and spiralling. She knew Stevie had a hard time with her mental health, and she'd been doing so well. She was being so brave finally getting this off her chest, coming out to yourself and others was never easy. Biphobia and homophobia was commonplace in Hawkins high, everyone loved to make fun of others. But insight and empathy of their actions was rare. "Woah, woah, princess breathe..." Billie soothed, god how long had she been bottling this up for?
She took a deep breath, ready to give Stevie a much needed pep talk "First off, Hawkwin's is a shit hole for sex ed, regardless of sexuality. But for queer kids growing up here, it isn't much fun" Billie soothed. Parents were traditional and sexually repressed themselves, they were too nervous to speak to their kids about their blossoming sexuality. Kids sneaked around and got their kicks in private. What with the rise of heavy metal, rock music and more, parents were panicking. She smiled teasingly, a mischievous look on her face, if she was corrupting Stevie she may as well go all out. They may as well make this fun, Billie didn't have that many female friends. "Now, tell me about those girl crushes of yours" she encouraged.
Stevie softened, Billie always knew exactly what to say, her lack of filter was either awkward or amusing as hell, taking a breath. "So Carol? Back in grade school, primary. I remember seeing her for the first time, she looked like Molly Ringwald in breakfast club and pretty in pink. I loved her red hair.." she confessed.
Billie nodded approvingly "Breakfast club, great choice" she complimented, it was a great film.
Stevie smiled, a dreamy look forming on her face, god how had she attended school with someone so perfect? It felt like a dream come true. Walking past her in the hallway, wondering if she would ever see her again. The smell of her perfume would linger for hours. "But... Chrissy Cunningham, Y'know Queen Bee of Hawkins?" she giggled. "I know Munson likes her too, who can blame him? It's just... that strawberry blonde hair? Those big blue eyes? I thought she looked like a princess".
Billie scoffed, for a closeted queer girl Stevie had taste. Even she could admit that Chrissy was a cute girl, angelic face and big blue eyes. She was a sweetheart and nobody had a bag thing to say about her.
Stevie nodded, confirming her crushes
Billie had no insult, no jokes to be made here, Stevie had surprisingly good taste in women, well minus carol. How the hell she hadn't gone mad keeping this to herself was a mystery. "Damn Harrington, you have perfect taste in women" she laughed, Molly Ringwald? Chrissy Cunningham? Two very cute women.
Stevie blushed, staring at the ground as she messed with her fingers, liking girls wasn't something her parents would ever approve of. She'd always tried to be a daughter they would be proud of, boast about. Trying her hardest to make herself appeal to them. Now she wondered why she had ever tried to earn their love in the first place. "My parents have no idea, Nate never knew, Carol never knew. I can't tell anyone about this, I was already ridiculed back in high school. Nobody but you and Robin know" she stammered. Her parents would send her to one of those conversion camps, that or they would throw her out. Carol would spread gossip and cut her off faster than a makeshift haircut. Staying secret had just been safer.
Billie softened, she knew that fear better than anyone, that self preservation that had allowed her to survive for so long. Hiding in plain sight was better than outing yourself and letting everyone know your biggest secret. Her father had known even without her saying and disowned her, now Stevie had found herself in the same boat. It was the loneliest feeling in the world, she reached out to pat Stevie's shoulder supportively "Hey now, you've told me and you trusted Buckley. That's two allies right there" she reassured her. If anyone tried to give her shit, she had no doubt the kids would let all hell run loose. Robin would immediately check on her and she would have to beat a few people.
Stevie nodded, softening. That's right, though she never expected she would ever be on good terms with the likes of Billie Hargrove.
Billie hummed, so Stevie went both ways, that was intriguing "So... you're bisexual?".
Stevie wilted "Not openly, I'm... I'm processing it for now. I could never tell anyone in high school, and word travels fast in small towns. I'm still figuring it all out" Stevie mumbled. Once she was in college, once she was out of this small town, she could figure herself out. She could finally find herself, she could finally kiss girls openly and meet all kinds of people. College would be her playground. She was sorting through a lot of internalised homophobia and biphobia, as well as the gossip amongst locals.
Billie took a deep drag and puffed, an exasperated expression on her face. She hated how nosy and gossipy everyone in this fucking town was. Backwoods hicks with no education or insight. The future was coming and they couldn't stop it. There was no privacy and the community had standards they expected everyone else to follow. Stevie owed nobody an explanation, she didn't have to be someone everyone liked, she was who she was. "Hey, you tell who you like, and the judgy assholes can fuck off. You don't owe anyone the explanation of being yourself" Billie stated.
Stevie softened and nodded, the future was a scary prospect but it wouldn't be all bad. The fact that she was slowly accepting herself in her own way was good. Though less graphic she did indeed agree with what Billie had said, fuck the judgy assholes "Thanks Billie".
Billie smiled, it looked like she would be scaring off competition more fervently in the future. Now that she would have competition once they attended college. Stevie would be eaten alive by all the prospective romantic potential "Well, looks like we both like Pussy, huh Stevie?" she joked. Stevie snorted, trying not to laugh.
Chapter 8: Taking a risk
Summary:
Stevie gets caught in a storm, her car is in the garage, and she can't think of how things could get any worse. Billie offers her a ride and some dry clothes. Things get steamy
Chapter Text
Stevie groaned bitterly, her hair clinging to her face like rats tails, her lips trembling and her teeth chattering. She could practically hear Henderson, Robin and more in her head chastising her about her stupid decisions. Why did life love throwing her curveballs when she least expected them? Taunting her that she would never be ready for looming adulthood. Hugging herself futilely. This had to be the worst day of her life. She really wished she had a hairband, something to get her hair out of her face. She was so glad that soon she'd be graduating and had started her exams for college. Making a step of leaving this all behind, getting out of her parent's shadow and actually making something of herself. Proving she wouldn't always be a disappointment in their eyes. Then this could all become a memory she could put behind her. She could kiss Hawkins and all its monsters goodbye.
She was soaked to the bone, even her underwear was drenched, she'd never thought damp material could be so uncomfortable. She felt her clothes sticking to her like a second skin, wet denim wasn't pleasant. This was not as sexy or fun as films made it out to be. Of all days her car had to be in repair, her dad being the stubborn tight fisted asshole that he was refused to fund the repairs. Saying she needed to be responsible for her own finances. She was convinced her father just enjoyed seeing her suffer, until she relented and began to kiss his ass again. Until she stopped rebelling and followed what he had in plan for her life. Hopper had felt bad and owed her a favour, he had a friend who worked in a local garage who would help her out. Knowing Stevie had enough on her plate, balancing herstudies, babysitting and more. While the kids were getting older, they would never stop needing her. He'd even offered to cover the costs.
So she was without a ride for a while, she had thought she'd be able to cope but life kept testing her. And public buses didn't go by her area. God, this day couldn't get any worse. She was fed up, cold, wet and miserable, she'd be less annoyed about walking home if the weather was more pleasant. Her legs ached, her limbs were stiff from the cold and she was sure her brain had gone numb. She just wanted to go home, she just wanted to be inside and hidden away where she would be cozy. The thought of a hot shower and dry clothes pushing her onwards, the steam, the warmth and the thought of fluffy pyjamas. She wondered if she was at risk of hypothermia, all the research she'd had to do for nursing school. It was strange how much she had begun to memorise and how much had become second nature to her.
Her make up was running, she looked like something out of a horror film. The vengeful ghost with a tearstained face that appeared in the mirror at the last moment. Her clothes had to be ruined, salvageable was a questionable outcome. She was the epitome of a drowned rat, the image of a loser. She was just glad nobody could see her in this moment of humiliation, she would never be able to leave the house again. She was already a social outcast she would just become a pariah. The roads remained blessedly empty, nobody to mock and jeer at her, she could be humiliated in peace. But she spoke too soon, the sound of tires on wet road, the low hum of an engine growing closer. She saw the lights coming up behind her, her shadow growing larger as yellow lights flooded behind her. Mentally cursing as she heard the sound of an engine growing ever closer, gripping her hands into balled fists. She imagined herself suddenly developing some form of superpower to get her out of this situation. A car pulling up beside her, a sense of panic and anger filling her. Was it someone from school looking to mock her? Was it someone local? Or just some creep offering a teenager a ride home? Oh god, this just couldn't get more embarrassing. Fuck her life.
"Stevie?" a familiar voice questioned in disbelief, she had thought she was imagining it but as she got closer she recognised her. What the actual fuck was she doing out in a storm like this? If she needed help why hadn't she called someone?
Stevie turned her head, relief and embarrassment flooding her "Billie?" she stammered. All of the rage she felt easing from her like the rain on her skin. How fortuitous that her roommate happened to drive by.
Billie frowned, her eyes narrowing as she acknowledged Stevie's current state. Suspicion and confusion filling her as she searched for answers "Where's your car? What the fuck are you doing out in a storm like this?" Billie questioned, surely she could cover the repairs. Her parents couldn't be that stingy. Stevie needed that car for work, for travelling, for school. It was the one good thing left in her life and Billie could appreciate that.
Stevie scoffed bitterly, brushing the wet hair from her face "Dad decided cutting me off wasn't punishment enough, so now I have to pay for my own repairs" she sighed. All because she refused to be an ass kisser and she wanted to go to nursing school. Her mother had stayed out of it, saying she couldn't go against her husband's wishes. But she did empathise that he was being far too harsh these days. She wondered if she would ever curry their favour again.
Billie growled, first chance she got to meet Mr Harrington, she was going to punch him square in the face. His obsession with making Stevie codependent on her parents, teaching her lessons by using cruel and unfair methods. It was like reliving Neil all over again through someone else. She looked so utterly pathetic it was laughable, Stevie could have gotten pneumonia if she hadn't shown up. She was shivering, soaked through and her lips and hands were turning blue "You want a ride?" she asked. Like she would be that big of a bitch to drive off and leave her to her own devices.
Stevie's face flooded with relief "Please"
Stevie bolted straight for the car, pulling the door open and slamming it shut behind her, soaked through, panting and filled with relief. Brushing the wet hair from her face, the sound of rain loud in her ears. Her clothes were sticking to her, see-through and dripping wet, she was still shivering from the cold. How long had she been walking? How long had it been raining? Time had slipped through her fingers, all she could focus on was getting home. She collapsed on the seat, exhausted from the adrenaline that had been keeping her going. Relieved to have shelter at last.
Any other time Billie would have appreciated the sensual display, the lesbian wet dream. Stevie in soaked clothing, her underwear very visible, like something out of a cheesy romance film. But concern was overriding any lustful desires she was feeling in that moment. Stevie was on the verge of getting seriously ill, how far had she been walking in this weather? "Jesus, you look like shit" she retorted.
Stevie rolled her eyes, giving Billie an annoyed side look "Take a picture why don't you?" she huffed. They lived together, she should be desensitised already. Whatever damage was done to the car due to her soaked state she would try and repair. She wasn't in the mood for Billie's snark or sarcasm, her tolerance was incredibly low.
Billie smirked, it seems Stevie still had some fire in her after all, taking a moment to appreciate the view. Stevie's shirt clinging to her frame, easily peeled off like fruit, revealing her breasts, Lacey bra and small flat stomach. Thinking of the body beneath it, the small and slender frame, sliding her clothes off and letting them fall to her Camaro floor. She'd had multiple fantasies about it before, fingering herself in her old bedroom. Of all the ways she could corrupt Stevie in the best way. She looked like a cat who had gotten the cream. "Nah, I already have the mental images" she teased.
Stevie felt her stomach twist, it hadn't been long since she'd come out to Billie, wondering how much their dynamic had changed. When she told Billie she was attracted to her, now she was sat in her car, in a very seductive manner. Did she want to date Billie? Did she want to be her girlfriend? Did she want to be her fuck-buddy? But more importantly did Billie want those things? God the rain must have frozen her brain, rubbing the bridge of her nose wearily "Thanks for stopping" she trailed off gratefully.
Billie shrugged, she was used to acting as a taxi for Max while they lived together. She'd had to hitchhike before, she knew how it felt to be lost, alone and in desperate need of a ride. She wasn't going to let Stevie fend for herself "Hey, I'm a bitch not heartless. Besides how the hell were you going to get home?" Billie reminded her. After all she had the keys and she wasn't going to break into Stevie's house, Billie was still waiting on a spare to be cut.
Stevie softened, it appeared this had been fate "I'd ask for a towel... but...." she trailed off. There was nothing to dry off with.
Billie shrugged, this car was her baby, it had been there for her when nobody else had. It had been her bed, her shelter, her everything. She took good care of it, maintained it herself, she knew what this car could handle. "I've slept in this car in worse states" Billie frowned, focusing so her mind wouldn't wander to the past. Rainwater was nothing compared to the worst nights. When she'd been in so much pain she had bitten her lip to muffle the sobs, when her car was the only sanctuary from Neil. Stevie sitting in her car soaked through was nothing compared to the bloody and bruised states she'd been in.
Stevie nodded, from the flicker on Billie's face she knew she was remembering her father. From the home she managed to escape from. She knew what kind of monster Billie's father was, she didn't need to press further. She was just grateful Billie stopped at all.
Rain hammered down like bullets on the windscreen, the wipers brushing fat droplets off the glass. The roads started to look like rivers, drains slowly getting full. Stevie glanced out of her window reflectively as she enjoyed the drive, it was funny how comforting rain could be from a different perspective. It was a stroke of luck that Billie showed up when she had, watching the darkened sky from the car window. She'd dried off a little, Billie had put the heater on which had helped soak up the water from her clothes. Rats tails dripping water off her in beads, her clothes still see through. But she was dryer than she was previously, her skin didn't have goosebumps anymore and colour had returned to her cheeks. She was so cosy she could fall asleep in the car.
Billie kept her gaze focused on the road ahead, peering at Stevie from the corner of her eye hungrily. How many guys wished they could be in her place right now? The rise and fall of her chest, her flushed cheeks, the outline of her bra through her shirt. Her small trembling hands, her damp skirt clinging to her legs, her shirt clinging to her like a second skin. How did Stevie always manage to be so utterly unfairly perfect? She had never believed in any religion, but she thanked whatever luck had sent that storm.
She hummed to herself, breaking the silence to cut through the rumbling storm "Feeling better princess?" she teased. Intensely cold weather and long exposure were a bad mix, especially for your health. She'd be checking in with Stevie through the night to ensure she didn't get a fever. Hell if they had to share a bed to absorb a fever she would do it.
Stevie snapped out of her daze, her doe brown eyes directed towards Billie's voice. She had to admit her brain was still hazy, her mind was exhausted. She was just enjoying watching the scenes go by like a brief distraction. She'd completely forgotten that she wasn't alone "A little, thanks again" she mumbled. The clothes she wore weren't made for rainstorms, she hadn't been prepared for this at all.
Billie smirked in amusement, she was so helpless, so sleepy, so cute. How could she resist when Stevie's brown eyes were so intense in the darkness? A dirty look filled her eye "I could warm you up" she teased, running her hands over Stevie's cool flesh. They could make the car nice and steamy, fog up the windows really good.
Stevie blushed, chills running across her skin as the thought flashed in her mind. She'd heard rumour of Billie's technique in the bedroom, Max had complained a few times about it. Thinking of all the girls who had been lucky enough for Billie to fuck them. Erotic images intruding into her head, Billie's fingers running across her body, peeling off her wet clothes. Pressing their bodies together, Billie looming over her in the backseat. Cupping her breasts, licking her pussy, making her squirm. Whispering taunting and dirty words in her ear, her blue eyes watching her. Driving her crazy. Stevie felt the car slow, deviating to the side of the road, turning off the main road to town. Signs to Hakwin's growing closer, but still so far away. Were her wet dreams about to come true?
Billie slowly pulled over, her hands still gripping the wheel, tapping it lightly with her fingers, turning on her hazard lights and indicators. The car soon coming to a complete halt. The rain still falling heavily, the sound like bullets on a car as rivulets of water poured down the glass, like a scene from a horror film or a romance. While she too was eager to get home and get behind closed doors, it was too dangerous to keep driving and Billie had more on her mind. They would just have to wait it out.
Stevie turned to face Billie in confusion, expecting answers, wishing Billie would just say something? She was cold and wet and she wanted to go home, what were they stopping for? Billie was the only one wearing dry clothes.
Billie lit a cigarette, slipping it into her mouth as she cupped her hands over the flame, she took a puff before breathing out heavily. Stevie would just have to get comfy and think of a way to pass the time, because they weren't going anywhere. "The rain is too heavy to keep going, I can barely see the road and the rain is swallowing the roads, I can't see shit and I'm not crashing my baby with you in the passenger seat". It wasn't worth it, they had enough fuel and maybe some blankets in the boot.
Stevie wanted to argue, yell at her to keep going and thought about sulking until Billie relented. But she was being rational, she was considering the consequences. Instead she nodded quietly in agreement, she wasn't eager to get into a collision herself. The rain would eventually stop they just needed to wait it out, there were worse things. Listening to the rain could be comforting, natures free radio. They could pass the time by talking maybe? Suddenly, she flinched, a sensation of being touched, her primal part of her brain warning her. She felt Billie's fingers tracing her thigh casually, dancing along her cool skin. She turned to face Billie, her brown eyes meeting icy blue, staring at the blonde like a deer in headlights. Just what was she planning to do?
"You still cold?" Billie asked, she certainly looked better, she was more responsive and cohesive. Her teeth had at least stopped chattering which was a good sign.
Stevie licked her lips, summoning what courage she had, nerves high as her brain processed what was happening. She never thought she would be stuck in a car with her roommate during a storm. Of all her plans this was not one of them. But she could at least reflect on the positives of the outcome, she was no longer turning blue with cold. But she was still chilly and she could feel exhaustion hitting her, the need for her bed becoming more gnawing. Thinking of her soft warm pillow and sheets. But she could feel the blood rushing to her face, between her legs, lust clouding sleep. Billie's touch was heating her core, tempting her with more sinful thoughts.
Billie tilted her head back, keeping eye contact, brushing one of her fingers across Stevie's lips, her eyes hungry and primal. She could help warm Stevie up, make her blood start pumping again. Make her shiver for all the right reasons instead. "Let me have a taste" she smirked, she knew how to wait out a storm. She wondered how many guys had groped Stevie in the back of their car, using it to their advantage. She'd make her forget any past kiss, any fumbling clueless boy who had ever tried to kiss her.
Stevie swallowed, was this really happening or had she passed out and started dreaming? Was Billie really trying to seduce her while she sat drenched in her car? But then when would she have a moment as erotic as this again? So utterly perfect and filled with adrenaline? Anyhow she didn't care, how could she resist those red lips? Leaning into Billie obediently, feeling the pull of her eyes. Billie smelled so good it wasn't fair, her senses being filled by her, musky, that cologne Stevie liked so much. The smell of old cigarettes and perfume. Those nails of hers painted black as usual, shining in the low light of the car like claws. Those red lips of hers and stunning blue eyes, drawing her in like a moth to flame. She wanted a taste of Billie so bad.
Fanfic_reader_1 on Chapter 2 Wed 03 Apr 2024 07:44AM UTC
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MangaBitch on Chapter 2 Wed 03 Apr 2024 11:24AM UTC
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Fanfic_reader_1 on Chapter 2 Wed 03 Apr 2024 11:57AM UTC
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