Roomies {Harringrove}

Day Thirteen

"I had fun, yesterday."

"Mhmm. So did I, Steve."

"Most fun of my life like... Ever..."

"That's great Steve."

"I think you look really hot when you're in the kitchen. Telling me what to do and stuff... Taking charge. It's like... It's just... Yeah. Mhmm."

"Umm... Thanks, Steve?"

"I wish every day was like this. Can't we just... Live here? And just... Stay? No scientists, no Doctor Owens, no parents. Just you. And me. And the kitchen. Always the kitchen, you look so hot in the kitchen. Have I told you how hot you look when you're working?"

"Too many times, Steve."

Steve stared down at Billy, brushing away his curls. They'd gotten drunk to celebrate being alone after they'd finished baking their incredible cookie cake. It was the best of both worlds, honestly and Billy could see why Steve was a fan. It did gross him out when Steve added some jam on some pieces of syrup on the others, making something deathly sweet even sweeter. He'd have to remember to make them both something healthy when they woke up.

He dabbed Billy's face with the washcloth again. His body didn't feel like it was fire anymore and the colour had gone down but it did still hurt a bit and fortunately or unfortunately, Steve had noticed and demanded he stay still while he helped.

He loved how they were positioned right then. He loved being able to stare at Steve and feeling Steve stare at him. Drunk Steve was a lot of fun a lot of trouble too but unlike the real Steve, he wasn't inclined to letting his nerves get the best of him. Thinking about Steve's offer, he could only sigh.

"Well... Wouldn't mind being permanent roommies, honestly. But how about Max?"

"Max can totally move in. All the kids can! That way Eleven and the Byers won't have to move, either! Ooh I should call and tell them to come live with us-"

"Steve, baby, no." Between Billy's grip on his arm and the pet name, he relaxed instantly, not planning to go anywhere if he was being treated like this. After a soft hum, he got back to playing with Billy's hair, putting down the washcloth and forgetting all about it as the enticing curls grabbed his full attention.

Billy smiled, enjoying the moment. But for only a moment. Things came rushing back before he cotld help it. He was suddenly thinking about his mother, then about how he didn't deserve her, then his father, then about how he deserved pain. It didn't take too long for the Mind Flayer to come to view in his head and he froze up, looking up when Steve gently poked his nose.

"What's wrong, Billy?"

"Nothing. Nothing. Just... Don't stop?" He croaked softly. Steve nodded quickly with a giggle, giving him a look as if it was ridiculous to suggest he could pull his hands away in the first place.

"Kay kay. On one condition? Read that book to me."

"What book?"

"The one from before, silly! Romeo and Julie! Star-crossed lovers, doomed to die!" His eyes were wide with excitement and Billy chuckled softly.

"I don't think that's something to be giddy about, bud."

"Well normally, no but you're reading it to me." Billy was about to refuse but Steve was already set upon the idea. He left the couch, not even noticing he'd dropped Billy's head rather abruptly and rushed to the kitchen table. It was still right there, untouched and waiting to be opened. He returned to the couch, not registering Billy's grumbling in his excitement and plopped his head down on Billy's lap this time, switching their previous positions. "Okay. Now... Go!"