Things To Hide In The Dark. (Harringrove)

Chapter Four.

Billy leaned against the doorframe of Steve's house, waiting for the tall boy to answer the door. Max stood next to him, jittering in excitement. He was glad the brat could work off some of this energy she had. He figured that Lucas kid would be there, and Billy wasn't a big Lucas fan. How could he like someone who was trying to date his sister? He had to protect the only thing he cared about.

Finally the door opened, but it was the Eleven girl. She smiled at them and her and Max squealed off towards the kitchen and out to the pool. He thought for a second to thank the girl for helping him, but thought better of it. Besides he didn't have time before they dragged themselves away.

Billy made his way through the house, looking for the pretty boy he longed to see. He stepped into the kitchen and looked out the sliding glass door. He found the boy in a lawn chair beside the pool. The only thing covering his beautiful pale skin were the navy blue swim trunks he was wearing.

Billy went into the bathroom off from the kitchen, and changed into his red trunks. He left his shirt on, not wanting to answer questions or receive any looks. Trying to fix his hair in the mirror and noticed his bottom lip. It had been split straight up the middle. He looked even uglier. What was he doing? Steve wouldn't want him.

He shook the thoughts away and stepped out of the bathroom. He placed his boots and jeans on the chair by the door and stepped out onto the deck. Billy looked out at the brats spashing in the water. They were having fun. Then he saw Lucas. He'd keep an eye on that kid.

His eyes flicked over to the tall boy in the lawn chair. His eyes already having been on him. He hadn't noticed before, but Steve's friend was with him. The girl he'd worked with at the ice cream place. He couldn't remember her name.

"Hargrove! Didn't expect you to accept the invitation." Steve smiled, pushing his sunglasses up into his hair.

"Wouldn't miss it pretty boy. Who's your friend?" He was cautious of her. Was she Steve's girlfriend? A fuck buddy? He wasn't sure.

"Hi I'm Robin. I'm Steve's friend from work." She waved nervously. He nodded and flashed his signature smile, Steve blushed, she did not.

This confused him. Was he not attractive to her? Girls usually threw themselves at his feet, why was she different?

"It's nice to meet you Robin. Billy." He returned, attempting to be polite when he really wanted to ask her if she'd be a cock block.

Billy took the lawn chair next to steve. He leaned back and folded his arms behind his head. His body ached, but the stretch almost felt good. Like his muscles hadn't been used in years.

He listened to Steve and his friend talk about getting jobs at the video store in town. Excited to start next week after the manager filed all the proper paperwork. He smiled. They were only friends. There wasn't any sexual tension between these two at all.

Billy was relieved at this. His smile widened as he looked up at the cloudless blue sky. Birds chirped and kids splashed. He took in the vibrant colors of the landscape. Everything seemed to be more beautiful when he was near Steve. It was strange. He'd only really gotten to know the boy yesterday, and he already liked him so much.

Robin, not long after, took her leave. She had something to do for her mother, and it was important. Billy wasn't glad to see her go, she was a nice girl, but he had plans today. She would've been a hindrance to that.

Once she disappeared into the house Billy looked over at Steve, who was already looking at him too. Billy let that wide smirk spread across this lips, but not far enough to make it bleed again. Steve's eyes flickered to the cut on Billy's lip. He frowned at it, and looked up to meet Billy's duller eyes. They had been bright before he'd looked at Billy that way. He didn't want Steve to pity him.