Things To Hide In The Dark. (Harringrove)

Chapter Eight.

Steve woke up from a restful sleep. For the first time in a very long time, he didn't have bad dreams. He didn't dream of fighting monsters, he dreamt of Billy. His rough hands, and nimble fingers. He blushed at his own thoughts.

He looked up to see a mass of blonde curls from his place on Billy's chest. Their legs tangled together, and Billy held Steve tightly. Steve couldn't believe this was happening. Waking up in Billy Hargrove's arms like this.

He looked up at Billy, pushing his hair from his eyes and seeing how peaceful his face looked as he slept. He was so adorable. Polar opposite of when he was awake. Billy fascinated Steve.

"How am I supposed to sleep when there's a pretty boy staring at me?" Billy mumbled sleepily. It startled Steve, but he recovered.

"I'm sorry." Steve's voice was barely a whisper.

"Don't apologize. Never for that." He told him. His blue eyes fluttered against the sunlight, and Steve moved to sit up, giving Billy some space.

He got out of bed and went over to his balcony. Opening the sliding glass door, he stepped out into the warm morning sun. He leaned on the rail of the balcony, and sighed. He felt okay. For the first time in forever, he felt like Steve.

It was only a few minutes before two strong arms wrapped around his waist from behind. He jumped slightly, but relaxed into Billy's arms. He leaned his head back on Billy's shoulder. The boy from California kissed his cheek.

"Why d'ya leave me pretty boy, took all the warmth with you." He sounded so groggy still, it made Steve smile.

"I'm sorry, just needed some fresh air." He told him, and Billy kissed his neck.

All too soon Billy's body pulled away and retreated back inside. He came back moments later with a lit cigarette between his lips. Steve blushed at how good he looked in the morning sun.

His hair looking golden in the sunlight. He sat in the chair on the small porch in nothing but his boxers. His skin was radiant, and he made the bad habit of smoking very attractive. He figured if big cigarette companies had Billy as a sponsor then everyone would buy.

"Like what you see? That's the second time I've caught you staring." Billy smirks, cigarette still in his lips.

"I'm sorry.."

"Come here." Billy gestures with his hand, and Steve obeyed.

He moves closer to Billy, standing in front of him. The stronger male pulls Steve into his lap, Steve's legs on either side of Billy's hips, and their chests pressed together. Steve blushes like crazy, not knowing what to do with his hands.

"Don't be so shy gorgeous." Billy brushed the back of his hand over Steve's blushing cheek, tinting the skin a deeper shade.

"Easier said than done." Steve admitted.

"It's okay. I think it's adorable." Billy took a drag off the end of the cigarette, putting it out on the brick wall beside them.

Steve took one of Billy's hands in his own, playing with his fingers. His nuckles are scarred, and Steve figured probably at least one of them was from the night at the Buyers house. He cringed thinking about it.

Billy knew exactly what Steve's slight recoil was for. He remembered everything about that night, and he hated it. He knew that when he was hitting Steve, he saw Neil. That's not an excuse, but it's true. It could've been anyone at that point honestly. He hated that it was Steve.

"I'm sorry beautiful." Billy's voice was clear, but the farthest thing from strong. "Just know that beating wasn't meant for you. It was a wrong place wrong time thing." He told him, not looking to meet those sad brown eyes.