An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works
Steve and Dustin pulled into the school about ten minutes later, Dustin was trying to explain to Steve that science camp was a fun and cool experience, and of course that Steve should sign up to be a counselor. It wasn't very much pay, but Dustin tried hard to sell the job so Steve agreed to think about it-like that would ever happen-.
“Oh, and it's your turn to drive us to the arcade after school. Nancy and Johnathan have make-out plans.” Dustin yelled back over his shoulder as he ran off toward his side of the school.
“What?! I never agreed to that!” Steve yelled back but was drowned out by the sound of Billy Hargrove's Camaro.
Groaning Steve looked back toward the sound and as much as he hated the guy that had kicked the snot out of him back in november, even he had to admit it was a nice car. Crossing his arms over his chest Steve leaned against the back of his BMW as Billy made a big display of pulling into the empty parking space next to Steve’s car.
Billy kicked his door open and turned to face Steve with a frown. “You waiting around for me Harrington?”
Rolling his eyes Steve waited till Max got out of the car before he stood upright. “Arcade?”
“Yup, see you after school.”
“Don't let them take all day again, I will leave you little assholes to walk.”
“Wow, that's even more pathetic, and kinda creepy. What the hell are you doing carting my brat of a sister around town Harrington?”
Ignoring the question Steve and Max started to walk away. “You haven't left us yet, and you’ve been using that threat forever.”
“Whatever Mayfield, just be on time for fucks sake.” Steve shook his head as they split and went their own way.
Hearing the sounds of Billy catching up to him Steve sighed, just as he was about to turn around Billy shoved him into the brick wall. Somehow Steve managed to get his hands up before his face could connect, he turned and opened his mouth to speak when Billy grabbed his shirt lifting him up so Steve was on his toes.
“You better fucking answer me when I ask you about Max, just because she pulled some bullshit and got me to lay off her dosent me I won't beat YOU into the fucking dirt again.” Billy growled quietly, pressing up impossibly close to Steve.
It took a moment for Steve to process what was going on, fear stunning him into silence as a crowd of people started to stare at the squabble. Taking more effort than he thought it would, Steve managed to shove Billy out of his personal space, his heart pounding, adrenaline pumping so hard it made Steve’s jaw clench and his hands shake.
“I don't owe you shit.” Steve’s voice came out tight and he cringed at the sound.
It wasn't a surprise when Hargrove took a swing, Steve ducked under it, taking a side step away from the wall so he wouldn't be trapped if Billy attacked again. Coming back up Steve took a shot, his fist just barely grazed Hargrove’s chin. It was a mistake to come at him from the side and Steve cursed himself for it. Billy used his elbow to hit Steve straight in the mouth, it was an obvious next move and Steve couldn't even be mad when his bottom lip split open, dripping blood down his chin.
Reeling away gave Billy the opening he needed, bringing his leg up, Hargrove kicked Steve’s hip causing him to stumble over and fall on his back. A mixture of fear and an overwhelming amount of adrenaline made Steve’s vision go white around the edges, it was an all too familiar sight, seeing Billy crawl on top of his hips pinning Steve down.
The first fist started to come down and Steve prepared himself for it, clenching his hand into a fist he held it at his collarbone and used his folded arm to catch Billy’s forearm, Steve rolled using momentum and his back leg to topple Hargrove over and end up on top.
Shock showed in Billy’s face -and probably Steve’s too-, Steve sat up, Billy’s body tensed bracing for impact, his thighs squeezing Steve’s hips as he jerked his arms up to guard his face. It made Steve hesitate, some strange feeling curling in his gut. A teacher broke through the crowd pulling Steve’s attention. The teacher’s face -who Steve recognized as the wrestling coach- flashed with anger, as he marched over toward the pair.
“Harrington get offa Hargrove, you two look like a couple of faggots. If you wanna roll around with each other join the wrestling team!” The coach grabbed Steve pulling him up before leaning down to help Billy up.
“You two-” The sound of a scream cut him off.
The coach groaned as the scream stopped and another came. “Get to class, all of you! Get the hell outta here. I better not catch you two fighting on school grounds again.”
Both boys looked at each other, Billy was seething with anger, his white button up shirt was stained with blood, a few drops on his stomach from Steve hovering over him, and a smear across his chest from when Steve had flipped them. Steve smiled, thinking about the way Billy’s face had turned down with fear or surprise, it was such a strange sensation, Steve wiped his mouth with the back of his sweater before walking away.
