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An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works
Eddie and Chrissy, one of the sole survivors of Vecna's terrible attack in Hawkins, will have to accept their traumas and fight them. Recalling what happened in the Upside Down, new uncertainty emerges in their relationship, demanding they confront their past as they try to start anew after the terrifying ordeal.
"If you want some, come get some, pretty boy," Billy teases, his footwork synchronised to the beat of Survivor's Eye of the Tiger. Anticipation is in the air, each working punch a testament to Billy's relentless pursuit of perfection.
"You talk too much, for a loudmouth yourself," Steve remarked, narrowly avoiding a left jab. Boxing is Billy and Steve's favourite pastime, and the ring is their haven after a long day at work. As such, Billy relies on defence strategies in the veins of kickboxing, while Steve relies on his agility and the technical finesse he gained from his Muay Thai lessons.
Their conversation is interspersed between rounds, and a camaraderie rises from the furnace of their competition. Billy and Steve fostered a deeper connection for boxing, as they pushed to improve themselves, and their resiliency towards life's obstacles. Out of a sudden, Steve got distracted from Billy's jab and got hit by Billy's right hook. "Lights out, pretty boy!" Billy yells. Steve falls to the floor, the impact of the fall echoing through the ring. After taking a moment to busk in his victory, Billy walks over and seemingly offers his hand for Steve, a sign to help him up.
As their hands clasped, Billy whispered, "I told you to plant your feet." after noticing that Steve had regained composure from the blow. Instead of lifting him up, Billy puts Steve's hand and walks off. "What was that for?" Steve remarked, unsure of Billy's gesture.
"In life, it's all about getting up by yourself after getting knocked down. While it's good to have friends, there are some things you have to do on your own, and that is today's lesson." "Oh." Steve quipped, trying to soak in the lesson that was taught to him. It eventually dawned on him—the essence of boxing isn't just about winning, but the lessons learnt from defeat and rising up from them. Steve gets up and pants towards Billy. "Good fight," he extends a hand towards Billy. "Looks like you got a fire in you, huh," Billy smiles, acknowledging the handshake. "No matter what, you'll always be King Steve to me."
An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works
Chapters: 1/? Fandom: Stranger Things (TV 2016) Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Billy Hargrove/Steve Harrington, Billy Hargrove & Maxine "Max" Mayfield, Billy Hargrove & Steve Harrington Characters: Billy Hargrove, Neil Hargrove, Steve Harrington, Maxine "Max" Mayfield Additional Tags: Emotional/Psychological Abuse, Trauma, Billy Hargrove Lives, Billy Hargrove Deserves Better, Abusive Neil Hargrove, Bad Parent Neil Hargrove, Sibling Bonding, Flashbacks Summary:
An aspiring Billy finally finds his calling in music. However, his father quickly derails his plans, wanting Billy to lead a practical and stable life as a doctor. Billy's lover, Steve, coaxes him to follow his dreams as he battles with his personal demons.
Source: archiveofourown.org PS: This is a rough one to write, but I am glad I finally finished the chapter after months of procrastinating!
WIP Wednesday Game
Thank you @kallisto-k for tagging!
Rules: List up to 5 WIP file names and include a snippet you've written in the last 7 days. For each ask you receive, write and share 3 new sentences for that WIP. If you can't share the WIP, write an additional 3 sentences for a WIP that you can share.
File names:
Teardrops on My Guitar
The Idea of Home
607
Snippet of Teardrops on My Guitar:
“You could’ve asked nicely,” Nancy interrupted. “And we would have given you the keys. Well…”
Jonathan’s eyes narrowed slightly as he turned his back to Nancy. Subtle as it is, she caught wind of the gesture and stopped talking. The engine roared as he closed the distance next to Billy’s blue Camaro.
Ahead of him, Billy’s car took a swerve as he avoided the bread truck. The horror hits Jonathan as he is shocked at what is ahead. “Oh shit!” He grasped. “To the left!”
Steve remained calm. His sweaty hands gripped the steering wheel as he swerved to avoid the gigantic vehicle. Ignoring the truck’s honking, Steve’s eyes were still locked on the blue Camaro ahead.
“Sorry, guys,” Steve sighed. “That was a close shave.”
“It’s fine,” Nancy dismisses his apology. “I know your intentions are good, and you’re just trying to get Billy.” She draws her two fingers across her throat. “Even if we didn’t make it, we’d still be together.”
“Humourous as always,” Jonathan laughs. The thought of avoiding a close death somewhat shocks yet amuses him at the same time. “Well, I learnt that from you and Steve,” Nancy retorts. The engine roars as Steve swerves through the chaotic city streets, dodging the honking cars and pedestrians diving out of the way.
Steve could spot the despair in Billy’s erratic driving–he knew his friend was traumatised. “Billy, please,” Steve thought to himself as he planted his feet firmly on the accelerator. No matter what it takes, Steve is determined to get his friend back.
tagging: @destroya2005 @1lostsoul0fishbowl @watermeezer @iwasateenagevirginiawoolf @spaceofentropy @camaro-and-smokes
The last day of 1989
Billy wakes up after a long night of drinking and reminiscing about his newfound friendships. He glances at the black book on his table and Steve, who is asleep on the couch.
Billy begins to flip the pages of the journal Steve bought for him and readies to hold his pen.
Writing has become Billy's refuge, and he has learned to open up, especially when things get tough.
As much as Lucas, Mike and Will empathise with Billy's plight, he can't help but feel sorry for himself, thinking of the skirmish he almost had with Lucas when they first met.
However, as of now, all is good. Lucas often asks Max about Billy and sometimes joins him for swims, which Billy often uses to cope with his daily stress.
It was through that year that Billy slowly saw a change in himself. He is no longer the person who tries to put on a tough front, even when things aren't going well.
Billy has finally learned to speak up with Steve's help. It is hard, but he is still trying. Sometimes, it is okay to ask for help—it has become a daily reminder that Billy is trying to grasp while not returning to his old ways of concealing his struggles. Billy glances at his watch, flips over the last blank page of his journal and begins journalling his thoughts. When he is done, Steve wakes up.
Although the journal is one of Billy's personal possessions, Steve respectfully and curiously inquired, "Mind if I take a look?"
"Sure," Billy smiled and looked at Steve. A warmth spreads through him as though welcoming Steve into his memories encapsulated in the journal.
Steve begins to flip the pages of Billy's journal. The journal was a canvas of the struggles and turmoil he faced within himself in moments when he tried to open himself to others or cope with his daily life.
In the midst of it all, there are light-hearted moments, such as the fishing trip he had last summer with Lucas, Max, Eddie and Chrissy. Laughter and gasps filled the room while Billy and Steve read the journal.
After reading the last page of Billy's journal, Steve sheds a tear with a genuine smile on his face. "Billy, this is beautiful. I'm proud of the person you've become, ever since when we first met."
Billy gives Steve a hug. It was the tightest, warmest, and longest hug Steve had ever felt. As they walked out of the house, beers in hand, they clinked their bottles as the clock struck midnight.
1990. The start of a new year.
"Here's many more with you," Steve smiled. "Never stop changing for yourself."
Billy nods. He gulps his beer, looking at the stars. As the fireworks filled the sky, Billy and Steve welcomed the year with a newfound joy and gratitude, hopeful of what the new year would bring for them.
1990
"I guess this is goodbye."
Quiet, alone in his thoughts, Billy stands with the only memory that is left in his hand—the key to his Chevrolet 1979 Z/28 Camaro. The smell of scrap metal.
Sight meets smell.
Billy's eyes wander over the scrapped car—well, the car has seen better days. And it unquestionably fulfils its purpose. Steve stands beside Billy, joining him in his reverie. Their thoughts entwined in unison, as they embraced the vessel of their journeys.
The rides of laughter and joy.
The shared laughter even on the coldest of mornings.
The late nights of driving and having takeaways.
All of that—encapsulated in the car's remnants.
The car also becomes a safe haven for Billy, as he sets out on long drives to escape the haunting echoes of his father's abuse, along the roads of solace and freedom. However, thankfully, it was long gone, as his father passed on five years ago. Throughout this time, Steve has also been there for Billy, standing by Billy in undoing the damage he has suffered at the hands of his violent father through therapy.
Still, a work in progress, if you will. But Billy is getting there.
Forgiveness. Not for his father, but for Billy, himself. Trading for peace of mind. That he experiences in his car.
As Billy and Steve stand over the car's remnants, they reflected on their evolved bond.
The laughter. The tears. The well-intentioned life lessons imparted to his sister, Max. Their first makeout session.
That car has seen it all for Billy and Steve.
These are the bittersweet memories Billy and Steve will remember for the rest of their lives. Perhaps, some things are meant to last a lifetime.
Sundays
It was a lazy Sunday morning, as Eddie and Chrissy nestled themselves comfortably in their trailer.
Nestled comfortably on the couch, Chrissy found herself drawn to the warmth radiating from Eddie's chest. She looks at him with a smile. "Is it ok if I just move a little closer?" Chrissy looks at Eddie, longingly at his weary face. "Not at all," Eddie smiled. Chrissy nestled closer, feeling the steady rhythm of his breath and the comforting beat of his heart. The static noise of the TV casts a gentle ambience which mirrors their deepening connection. In the arms of her angel, Chrissy's weariness slowly melts away, replaced with contentment and belonging.
Eddie gently runs his fingers through her hair, as he slowly falls into a deep slumber with Chrissy, joining her in a dream world of their own.
What the Living Do
The kitchen sink has been clogged for days. Billy has finally fixed the sink, much to his relief, as he places the wrench in his makeshift haversack that is his "toolbox". Life has thrown him a curveball—a whirlwind of work meetings, deadlines, and endless meetings with his long-lost buddies, Eddie, Chrissy, and Robin. Although Steve usually helps Billy with the house (he is Billy's roommate), this time round, he has gone on a business trip to Norway.
Billy sits with his box of memories for a short break, looking at the photograph of him, Max and Lucas. Well, Max and Lucas were married two years ago, embarking on the journey of starting a family. Although Max does visit Billy once in a while, life catches on to her as she is ensnarled between the demands of her career and the needs of her growing family.
Fortunately, Lucas is there for her, being the understanding husband he is to build rapport with Max.
As Billy looks through the photos, he spots a faded photograph of his mother, captured in a moment of pure joy, with him. It had been years since his mother had passed away, leaving him with an endless heartache as he heard her laughter echoing in his head. His mother is a regular topic that he confides in Steve during his sleepless nights, and Steve, ever willing, lent his ear with genuine empathy.
Tears welled up in Billy's eyes as he traced his fingers over the image. He longed to hear that laughter again, to share one more conversation with his mother, and hold her hand. The world is bustled with the living, each person with their losses, hopes and dreams. Billy closes his eyes, as his mind wonders: How do people carry on in the face of loss? He opens his eyes as he is gripped by deep cherishing of his own unkempt hair, chapped face, and WASP shirt. He gazes deeply in the mirror. I am living. I remember you. Billy knows the answer. The living goes on because they must. They find strength in their memories, the love that remains, and the understanding that life, despite its hardships, is a precious gift. He wipes away his tears, placing the photograph back in the small, sturdy and shiny metal box of photos. Billy made a silent promise to honour his mother's memory by embracing the gift of life, cherishing each moment, and finding the beauty in everything he does. (This is inspired by What the Living do by Marie Howe)
