#stranger thi

[aghateblueanne]

Do you know I dream you?

[go-bonkers-go-foolish]

steve harrington has maybe the best character arc ever written for television, he went from asshole dudebro to father of the year to the lesbian ally we all deserve

[withoutmonsters]

My Body Yearns (and Turns for A Sleep that Won’t Ever Come)

tags: Harringrove, post s2, pre-s3. pre-slash, implied/referenced child abuse, underlying internalized homophobia, pining!fic.

link to ao3

There was a monster out tonight. And not just any monster, Steve thought, eyes scanning over the snow-coated shapes of trees looming in the night, it’s the kind of monster that will kill me if I stop. 

The words were peculiarly clear in Steve’s mess of a brain, warring between the sheer panic of a late-night attack, and the calm exhaustion of giving up and dying. He <em>knew</em> they were gone; had gone back to the lab like everyone else at one point just to see the wall that used to be the gate.  

But that never stopped the feeling like something was <em>watching</em> him, and he was sick to death of the twisty-turny <em>squirrelly</em> feeling itching at the back of his head most nights. Patrolling was the only thing that kept it at bay, for short periods of time, so he’s out here, and he’s looking for monsters, and he hoped to god that if he found one, he might actually be smart enough to kill it.  

He was expecting demodogs, but what he found was Billy. Shaking and shivering and looking half-dead.  

Steve cursed, jumping out of his car, taking in Billy’s split lip and wavering form.  

Billy slurred through his chattering teeth, “Stevie? What the fuck?”

Steve wanted to ask that very same thing. “Jesus, man, you’re frozen! What are you <em>doing</em> out here?”

Billy sneered like he was a professional at it. “What’s it to you, pretty boy?”

Steve gritted his teeth, trying not to let out a very incredulous scream. A particularly icy gust rushed over them, and Billy shivered violently. Steve thought that he could actually see his body temperature falling. Billy wasn’t exactly dressed for the weather—just his denim jacket over a thick shirt.  

“Alright,” Steve said. “That’s it. Get in the car.”

Billy raised his eyebrows. <em>“Why</em> should I?”

“Because you’ll freeze to death if you don’t,” Steve snapped. “In the car, Hargrove.”

Billy raised his chin, like he was going to protest—because <em>of course</em> he was—but Steve didn’t let him, crowding uncomfortably close, laying his warm hand on Billy’s frigid cheek. It felt like ice. Billy flinched, drawing back slightly. Steve moved closer, breath ghosting over Billy’s lips, trying not to notice the green-blue of his eyes, how he imagined that they were the exact color of the ocean on a sunny day.  

“Get in the car,” he whispered, not nicely.  

Billy got in the car.  

When they got back to Steve’s place, it was apparent that there was more wrong with Billy than just near-frostbite. He moved with an odd sort of shuffling stumble, ginger and soft. Steve frowned at him.  

Billy raised a belligerent eyebrow. “So, Harrington? You got me alone.”

It was obviously supposed to be a dig couched in flirty words. That was Billy’s main modus operandi when it came to Steve—flirtatious come-ons said so aggressively that they sounded like insults.  

“You need to dry off,” Steve said, “I’ll get you something warm to wear.”  

“I’m not taking my clothes off,” Billy snapped.  

“Yes, you are,” Steve stepped closer, feeling like he was looming over Billy. There was something that seemed small about him. Vulnerable.  

Steve wasn’t usually one to initiate space-sharing. No, that was Billy’s role in their relationship—hip-checks in the hall and grinding during gym. But Steve was just really done with Billy’s bullshit tonight.  

“I’m not letting you freeze to death in my house, Hargrove.” He tugged at the hem of Billy’s shirt. It was soft and worn and thick under his fingertips. “Off.”

He didn’t wait for Billy to comply, instead turning and marching up the stairs. When he got back downstairs, sweats and a thick comfy sweater in hand, Billy was shirtless in his living room, looking like he was about to murder somebody. A distant part of Steve’s brain noticed his expression and was alarmed, but Steve pushed it aside. He liked not being afraid of Billy, if only for a little while.  

There was a stark bruise forming over Billy’s solar plexus, looking fist-shaped. Another on his stomach, bigger and meaner.  

Billy’s face twisted when he noticed Steve looking.  

“What happened?”

“None of your <em>fucking</em> business, Harrington,” Billy snarled, pushing right up in Steve’s face. And just like that, their normal dynamics were restored.  

“It looks like it hurts,” Steve said, quieter than he meant to be.  

“It doesn’t,” Billy snapped.  

Steve snorted, shoving the clothes into his hands. “I’ll get something for it while you change.”  

He darted to the upstairs bathroom, taking his time a bit so that Billy would have some privacy to shuck his snow-soaked clothes. When he returned, Billy was looking a bit like a drowned rat, wet hair limp from the moisture outside, snowflakes nearly all melted and ruining any volume he might’ve achieved. His jeans were in a heap by his feet, sweats tugged over his hips, bunching because they were slightly too long. His expression twisted in a deep scowl; he was still shirtless.  

Steve popped open the tin of balm in his hands. He had gotten it after his fight with Billy, finding that it helped with soreness and swelling. He dipped two fingers in, scooping up some, and then reached out, smearing the balm over the bruises. Billy flinched. His skin was, a little surprisingly, hot like a furnace under Steve’s fingertips. Steve rubbed it in, trying to ignore the fact that Billy had <em>crazy</em> muscle definition. Steve stepped back, wordlessly recapping the tin. A muscle popped in Billy’s jaw as he gritted his teeth, but he didn’t say anything. He just pulled Steve’s sweater over his head. It was thick knit fabric, worked in a cable pattern, ordered from Ireland. It was one of Steve’s coziest and warmest sweaters. It leant Billy a strangely homey vibe, like he was getting ready to settle in for the night after a long day of doing—something. Steve cut himself off, trying not to think about how, even in shapeless sweats, Billy still looked like a model.  

“Fire’s in the den,” Steve murmured, voice thick.  

Billy sneered. “You keep a fire going when you’re not home?”

“It’s gas, asshat,” Steve snapped, storming ahead and flipping the key to get the fire started. It blazed to life with a <em>whoosh.</em>  

He heard shuffling behind and saw Billy still doing that ginger-walk into the room, eyes darting everywhere. He immediately looked at the fire, and—reluctantly, Steve saw—went over to it. But it was clear real damn fast that no matter how much Billy didn’t like needing anything, he needed warmth. His skin, still cold, was gaining a slight flush from the fire. Billy sunk down in front of it, looking oddly young. Steve supposed it was his feet—they were bare, tucked under him as he kneeled. It made him look about five years old and gave Steve the strange urge to go get him a mug of hot chocolate with marshmallows and whip cream.  

Steve didn’t, instead sitting in one of the chairs and leaning his head into his palm. He was irrevocably tired, as he always was, and the warm fire combined with the fact that he wasn’t alone was enough to push him—unwillingly, teeth-gnashingly—into slumber.  

When he woke up, Billy was gone.  

[thehelleniclunarwitch]

Dark Desire [Chapter Two]

Billy Hargrove x Reader x Steve Harrington

Warning: Language

THANK YOU TO MY BOO @blu-eyed-devil​ FOR MAKING ME THE BANNER! I LOVE IT!!

I still don’t know about this, but enjoy!

Dark Desire 01

Tagged: @justgrits​  @fandomfaery​  @billysgodcomplex​  @asheseiler​

                                      xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Billy, Steve, and Max sat across from the principal. He stared back at the trio in confusion. 

“You want to enroll Maxine here?” Principal Clark asked. 

“Max,” Steve and Max said in unison. 

“Yes, is that a problem?” Billy asked. 

“Um, well, no, I just remember the two of you went to private school outside of town,” Principal Clark said. 

“Steve and I weren’t happy there. We want Max to have a little more freedom with public school,” Billy explained. 

“Right, so Max is um, your guys’ daughter?” Principal Clark asked. 

Billy and Steve both smirked, crossed a leg over the other, and then folded their hands in their laps. Max only rolled her eyes. She hated it when they did stuff in unison. It was weird. 

“Max is my younger sister. We are her legal guardians,” Billy explained. 

“Okay, well we distributed schedules yesterday, but once we get Max into the system we can mail our her schedule before the start of the year,” Principal Clark said. 

“Any chance we can pick it up here? We’re staying over at the Marriott in a penthouse. We’re house shopping this weekend,” Steve asked. 

“Of course. We can give you a call when it’s ready,” Principal Clark replied. 

“Great,” Billy beamed. 

“Steve, why don’t you give Max a small tour while I keep Billy occupied with paperwork,” Principal Clark suggested. 

Steve could tell by the look on the older man’s face he wanted to talk to Billy alone. Steve nodded and then signaled for Max to join him. They left the office and out into the hallway. 

“Did you ever go here?” Max asked. 

“I did before I was transferred out,” Steve said. “Come on I’ll show you,”

Max trailed behind Steve. He took them down to the south wing of the school where the gym and weight rooms were. Steve pulled Max over to a glass case. He pointed to a massive trophy and picture. 

“I won the championship in basketball before leaving,” Steve said. 

Max leaned in and narrowed her eyes. Sure enough, she could see Steve in the background making a free throw shot. The trophy had the year of the championship carved into the plaque with Steve’s name listed as the MVP. 

The door to the weight room opened and four boys came stumbling out laughing. They fell quiet at the sight of Steve and Max standing there. The tallest teen gave Steve a weird look. 

“Steve Harrington?” He asked. 

“Yeah,” Steve said. 

“It’s me, Mike Wheeler, Nancy Wheeler’s younger brother,” Mike said. 

“Oh right, how’s it going? How’s your sister?” Steve asked. 

“We’re all good. Her and Jonathon just got married this summer,” Mike said. 

“Jonathon Byers?” Steve asked. 

“Yeah, high school sweethearts,” Will piped up. 

“Great, what are those two up to?” Steve asked. 

“They work at the paper. Nancy is a journalist and Jonathon is a photographer,” Will said. 

“Steve,” Dustin grinned. 

“Henderson, I barely recognized you,” Steve teased. 

Dustin laughed. 

“Who’s the chick?” Lucas asked. 

“Max Mayfield, my sister,” Steve said.

The boys looked at him in confusion. Before they could ask any questions Max stuck her hand out. 

“Nice to meet you,” Max said. 

The boys took turns shaking her hand and introducing themselves. 

“Aren’t you missing a person?” Steve asked. 

“El’s at Sara’s with Y/n,” Mike said.

Steve paled at the mention of Y/n’s name. 

“Are you going to see Y/n?” Lucas asked. 

All eyes were on him. Steve was saved by the sound of Billy’s voice calling out to them. 

“It was great seeing you guys again. Come on Max, Billy is looking for us,” Steve said. 

Max shot the boys a look. 

“We’re going to Palace Arcade after 5 tonight. You should meet us there. Ya know, if you want,” Lucas said. 

Max shot him a look. 

“She’ll be there,” Steve said with a wink before pulling Max away. 

The four teens watched Steve and Max walk down the long hallway and meet up with another guy standing at the end. Steve and Billy squished Max between the two of them before heading out. 

“Everything okay?” Steve asked once they were in the car. 

“Just peachy,” Billy grinned. 

Steve nodded. 

“Now, before we head off to our first house tour I say it’s time we get Steve his own car,” Billy said. 

Max’s eyes widened. She loved cars just as much as they did. “Yes!”

“Oh come on, Billy is this really necessary?” Steve asked. 

“Sure it is. We’re together a lot, but you still deserve to have the car of your dreams,” Billy said as he pulled onto a side street.

“Why do you bother even trying to argue with him? You know you never win,” Max said. 

Steve laughed and rolled his eyes. 

“Plus, I know you’ve had your eye on a pretty red Mustang,” Billy said. 

Steve sighed. “I guess it wouldn’t hurt to look,”

Billy and Max high fived. “That’s what I’m talking about!”

Steve shakes his head at the pair. 

“Doesn’t mean I’m going to buy anything,” Steve said. 

“That’s what they all say,” Max teased. 

Billy pulled into the parking lot and right up next to a red Mustang. Max swore she saw Steve start drooling all over the place. 

                                 xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

The fancy red Mustang pulled up in front of Sara’s Sunflowers. Steve sucked in a deep breath and then let it out slowly. Max had wanted to come with him for moral support but Steve insisted that he had to do this himself. Building up enough courage, Steve stepped out of his car and headed into the floral shop. 

The small shop smelled of flowers. It was an amazing smell. Steve had missed the freshness of what flowers could bring. The bell above his head dinged. He glanced around the small shop. It was neat and organized. The flowers all had homes and everything flowed so nicely. 

“I’ll be right with you!” A soft voice called out. 

Steve busied himself looking at the different displays around the register. He looked up as Y/n stepped out of the back. She was wearing a small smile. Her smile grew at the sight of Steve standing before. 

“Steve Harrington?” You asked. 

“The one and only,” Steve said. 

Y/n hurried around the counter to pull him in for a hug. 

“Wow it’s been such a long time,” You said. 

“I know, too long,” Steve smiled. 

“So what brings you back to Hawkins?” You asked him. 

“Well, I’ve actually just moved back home,” Steve told her. 

She tilted her head. “Really? I didn’t think you’d ever be back here,”

“Crazy, what life does, huh?” Steve asked. 

“I guess so, but I’m happy you’re back,” You smiled at him. 

“There were a couple of reasons why I was stopping by to see you,” Steve said. 

“Besides to tell me that you’re back?” You asked. 

“Yeah, how easy would it be for you to order black roses and keep them on hand?” Steve asked. 

“I’ll need some time, but if they don’t sell there’s no use for me to keep them on hand,” You explained. 

“I understand that, but I promise you I’ll buy you out every week,” Steve said. 

“Then I will see what I can do,” You smiled. 

“Thanks,” Steve smiled in return. 

“What was the other thing?” You asked. 

“Hmm?” Steve hummed. 

“You said there were a few reasons why stopped by to see me,” You reminded him. 

“Oh right,” Steve hesitated. “Would you like to go to dinner with me tomorrow night?” 

“I have El tomorrow night, but I’m free Thursday night,” You countered. 

“Meet me at Enzos at 7,” Steve said. 

“Okay, I’ll be there,” You said. 

Steve leaned over the counter to press a soft kiss to your cheek. 

“It was really great seeing you, Y/n,” Steve said. 

“Yeah, I’ve missed you, best friend,” You said. 

Steve tossed you one last smile before walking out of the shop. Alone, El came out of the backroom grinning at you. 

“Wipe that grin off your face,” You sighed. 

“A date? How exciting!” El exclaimed. 

“Zip it,” You warned. 

El laughed. “Your secret is safe with me but I’m totally going to help pick out an outfit!” 

You sighed and then ruffled your hair. El watched you disappear into the back to start looking into black roses. El turned back towards the window and watched the sleek red Mustang pulled away. 

You had always talked to El about Steve. The two of you were so close. She knew about the plans the two of you had to run away together before Steve up and disappeared after high school. You never blamed Steve all you ever wanted was for him to be happy. 

El let out a dreamy sigh. She really hoped this worked out with Steve. She had been hoping and praying that some good would come to you. Ever since her mother’s death, El had leaned on you. The two of you were so close. 

“El?” You called out. 

“Yeah?” El said. 

“We just had an order come in for red and pink roses. Can you start working on it?” You asked. 

“I’m on it!” El exclaimed. 

El would have to make sure that she helped pick out the best outfit for your date tomorrow night. She wanted this to go well so you could finally have your prince and get your happy ending. 

You sat in front of your computer searching through your inventory looking for the best black roses. Even though you had a goal in mind to get the best roses all you could manage to think about was Steve and your date. You had missed him. He was your best friend. 

The two of you were going to run away together after he graduated. You could always go to school somewhere else. The two of you wanted a fresh start. Him away from his father and you out from underneath of your brother’s shadow. 

But when Steve left and didn’t take you with him, of course, you were heartbroken. You were never mad at him. You were upset that he said nothing to you, but left a little note for you instead. A note that you had held onto for all of these years. That note always did promise that one day he would be back for you. 

So you weren’t all that surprised when he had walked into your flower shop today. It was finally happening for you. Your prince had come. You just hadn’t realized the darkness that he had brought with him. 

[caughtinside-thememories]

“If teardrops could be bottled, there’d be swimming pools filled by models”

[hairringtonsteve]

headcannon

Billy acts like he’s all tough and hot shit, he is hot shit but still

when you two started hanging out, he would hang out in your room

he would sit his head in your lap while you raked your fingers and read whatever book grabbed your attention

sometimes he would fall asleep in your lap

and because he looked so peaceful, so you left him there and lean back and doze off

when you two started dating, he only came over more often 

so more cuddles

Billy would pop in through your open window and he crawled in to bed and pull you into him, burying his face in your hair

you would wake up trapped underneath his arm and pressed against his back

and if you tried to get up, he would pull you in closer and whine

“don’t move”

“Billy I need to go to the bathroom”

“come back after”

you always come back 

after sex was the best

 dressed in his shirt (with all of the buttons done)

he would pull you in, so you’re on him halfway

and then you two would fall asleep exhausted

he comes into your room while reading, just like before

“babe, can you just sleep with me?”

“not now Billy”

he pouts but falls asleep anyways, slinging his arm across your torso

while turning the page Billy rustles a bit

he picks up his head a bit and leans in to kiss you

but because you’re not at his level, he ends up kissing your ribs

but you love him and the cuddling anyway

and though its obvious and he’ll never admit it

he loves them too

@beardsplittler send this in and i am SHRIEKING i love it so much

[infimes]

Caleb McLaughlin photographed by Ricky Middlesworth and styled by Brett Alan Nelson for Schön! Magazine