POISON - Billy Hargrove

- Three -

Nothing good could come from a Friday before Halloween, and it didn't. The poor teachers of Hawkins' High didn't stand a chance against the party planning, hot-date securing, and general disarray that came with it all. A flood of students poured out the doors of the school, headed towards cars and buses.

"You have a ride to Tina's tomorrow?" Nancy asked Melanie, nudging at Steve's side. "Steve could come grab you."

"Yeah," Steve replied, copping an attitude. "Apparently Steve can come grab you."

"Would you?" Mel asked, smiling sheepishly, fluttering her lashes towards him.

"Jesus, fine," he ran a hand through his hair, groaning.

Melanie's brows furrowed, confused. Seeing this, Nancy giggled. "He's kidding, Mel," she assured the confused girl.

Steve shot her a smile and nodded, confirming that he had successfully tricked her.

As they continued towards Steve's car, Melanie looked towards the middle school, trying to find Dustin. He pushed through the doors, Mike and Will on his left, and Lucas on his right. The red head she had seen earlier came out the doors a few seconds after. She must be Billy's sister. Melanie watched the boys bicker as they headed in the direction of the Wheeler's.

In an instant, searing pain pulsed through Melanie's knee and she fell forward. A pair of large hands stuck out to grab her forearms, slowing her fall without stopping it completely.

"You sure do like it down there, huh babydoll? This is the second time today." He stood over her, a smirk plastered on his face and cigarette hanging from his lip. Billy goddamn Hargrove.

"Fucking hell," she muttered, rubbing her knee. Billy stood to her right, his car dead smack in front of her. "And cut the names."

While watching for Dustin, she must've wandered from Steve and Nancy.

"You know, you oughta face forward when you walk through a parking lot," he continued, pausing to take a drag from his cigarette, "darling." Billy exhaled slowly, letting the smoke from his cigarette come out with it.

Melanie rolled her eyes, standing slowly. She ignored his comment, extending her leg out to stretch it. She pushed a piece of hair behind her ear and looked at her knee through the pre-made rips in her jeans. It was obvious there would be a bruise, but nothing serious.

"Want a ride?" he asked. Billy's gaze was fixed on her. "Kid is late again, so she's skating home."

"You make your kid sister skate home alone?" Melanie asked, ignoring his stares and looking around for the red-head she had seen earlier. "She's right over there, she's not even late."

"If she isn't in the car, she's late," he huffed quickly, more smoke leaving his mouth as he spoke. "And she's not my sister."

Refusing to entertain him any longer, Melanie shook her head and began to walk away. Billy quickly grabbed her wrist. She halted, but remained turned away.

"Am I gonna see you at that party tomorrow," he asked lowly. He rubbed his thumb lightly back and forth over her wrist.

"I'll be there," she replied looking over her shoulder at him, "but you certainly will not be seeing me, Mr. Hargrove."

With a quick shake of her wrist, Billy's grip loosened and Melanie took off down the street. She knew he would continue staring and made sure to sway her hips slightly as she walked. She had no intention of going anywhere with it, but a little flirting never hurt anyone.

"Mr. fucking Hargrove?" Billy hummed to himself the cigarette bouncing with each word. The corner of his mouth lifted slowly as he watched her trot away. "Alright."