80s Love • (Billy Hargrove) • Stranger Things

Nine

Hawkins, Indiana

November 1984

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Hawkins High School.

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Darian took a deep breath, forcing his legs to move. He felt like everyone was staring at him as if they knew. But he shook those thoughts out of his head. He didn't want Billy getting into his head. Darian made his way to his car when he spotted Billy and Kate leaning against a blue Camaro. Kate peered over at him, lifting an eyebrow in his direction. Her distraction caused Billy to turn and look in the direction she was looking in.

Billy and Darian's eyes meet. The blond suddenly smirks and he lifts an arm, wrapping it over Kate's shoulders. The action caused the brunette to blush in surprise. Darian swallows harshly, jealousy entering his system. Just then he spots Reefer Rick. He was a little surprised the senior came in at all. The male tended to skip.

But he's going to use this to his advantage. Rick is known to be chill and open, despite being straight. So if he becomes handsy, he wouldn't mind.

He ignores the burn of Billy's stare as he makes his way over to the metal head. Reefer lifts his head when he hears footsteps and he suddenly grins. "Wheeler!" Reefer exclaims, not afraid to show off his friendship with Mr. Perfect, despite both of their stereotypes.

"Reefer, hey, I was hoping to get a helping hand, I'm actually running low." Darian states, being as vague as possible. They were in school for Christ's sake. Reefer smirks, obviously he understands. "Hey man, anything for you, meet me at our spot." Reefer states, smirking, moving closer. It's not usually something he does with all his clients, but he loves Darian and considers him one of his closest friends.

"You are a lifesaver Reefer." Darian states, bringing a hand up and planting them on his shoulder, pulling him closer with a laugh. The male smelt a bit like sweat and weed but he couldn't care less. Reefer lifts an amused brow, not bothered by the attention. "What? Are we going to kiss Wheeler, what would your fangirls think?" Reefer asks playfully, tilting his head, offering a smirk, and showing off his sharpened teeth.

The two had grown up together, so their friendship was pretty close. Not as close as Jamie and Darian, but they consider each other brothers.

Darian was there when he sharpened his teeth, it was, like Reefer said, pretty fucking metal. "I mean, I'm down if you are." Darian teases "Look who's in a good mood." Reefer states

He was one to talk. "Oh really, what about you? Raging Rick?" Darian asks, smirking while Reefer rolls his eyes at the nickname. "Oh please." Reefer scoffs "What's up with you grumps, you don't have your usual dark clouds." Darian jokes

It was true, while he isn't the usual cruel metalhead, he wasn't the sunshine and rainbows prep everyone loves to mock, Reefer included. He was unusually happy. "Nothing pal, Just the usual jock drama." Reefer states, reaching into his pocket, and pulling out a cigarette. He brings it up to his lips and he lights it up.

Darian risks a glance at Billy, who is steaming in his spot. Kate looked annoyed, arms crossed over her chest, put out that his attention wasn't on her. Darian bites back a smirk of satisfaction. Seems like his plan was working. Darian turns his attention back to Reefer. "I would assume that would worsen your mood?" Darian asks

"Nah." Reefer scoffs "It's that blonde, isn't it? The cheerleader you've been ogling?" Darian asks, smirking. Reefer chuckles, nodding while inhaling his cigarette deeply. "Got me there pal." Reefer says

Darian chuckles. "Don't let her little boyfriend catch you, that never ends well with your scrawny ass." Darian teases, Reefer scoffs, slapping Darian's ass with affection. "You're one to talk, you're as thin as my forearm." Reefer mocks, offering the teen a hit of his cigarette. Darian rolls his eyes, grabbing the thin stick.

Before they can continue their conversation, they hear a loud screeching of tires. The two turn and watch as a blue Camaro races out of the school parking lot.

Checkmate, Billy.

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Hawkins Middle School.

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Will walked through a dark hall alone, the school was dark and empty. The only sound came from Will's shoes. Every step he made vibrated through the corridor. His heart pounded in his chest as he took in his surroundings. He needed to wake up. This isn't real, it couldn't be.

He thought back to Dustin's theory. That he had true sight, but this was too much. He didn't want to be here, to see this. The upside-down only got darker. With his fear increasing.

His eyes widened as a black fog passed through a hall and made its way towards him. He immediately turned and began to sprint away in fear, his shoes squeaking against the tiles floor. The halls seemed endless as he ran. The fog was right behind him, slowly swallowing the halls.

He panted as he slammed open the door to the outside. He finally made his way out of the school, the skies dark, lightning striking it. The air tasted poisonous. He kept running, trying to get as far as possible.

He slowly slowed down when he remembered Bob's voice. "Only this time, I didn't run." His voice whispers softly against his skull. A small comfort. "This time, I stood my ground."

Will swallows harshly, slowly turning around, eyes wide with fear. A spider-like creature towered over a stadium, screeching, and shaking the ground.

"I said, Go away! Go away!" Bob yells

"Go away!" Will breathed, his voice trembling as the creature slowly approached him, its arms moving like a tornado above the ground. His voice begins to grow louder.

"Go away!"

"Go away!"

"Go away! Go away!"

"Go away!"

The long black arm of the creature circled Will, its dark fog viciously seeping into his skin, into his mouth, and into his eyes. Will stood there, paralyzed with fear.

"Easy-peasy, right?" Bob asks

"Easy-peasy." Will answers back, eyes wide.

Will was still paralyzed in his place, not a single finger twitching as the monster invaded his senses.

"Just like that." Bob states, snapping his fingers.