Things To Hide In The Dark. (Harringrove)

Chapter Nine.

Billy didn't know what to do. Steve knew. He never wanted that. He never wanted him worried for his safety. Billy didn't think he was worth the worry.

Steve was very worried. Billy, in this short time they'd gotten to know each other, had become Steve's world. He honestly wasn't sure what he'd would do if something happened to him. It would destroy Steve. He couldn't bare it.

They sat on the couch, Billy's arm around Steve's shoulder. They weren't really paying attention to the movie on the screen. Neither of them honestly remembered what it was anyway. They were too distracted by each other.

Steve dropped his head onto Billy's shoulder, and leaned closer to him. Billy smelled like soap and something earthy that Steve couldn't place. It was a wonderful smell, there wasn't anything like it in the world. It was his favorite smell.

Billy held Steve closer, his body pressed to Billy's side. Billy smirked at the shy boy in his arms, a pink tint  to Steve's ever-blushing cheeks. He'd die for him, no second thoughts. He would protect Steve with his life. He'd never be alone again.

He loved Steve. It was as simple as breathing with Steve. He needed the stability and Steve needed his firm guidance. Steve took care of him and he took care of Steve. He wanted so badly to tell him how he felt, but they'd agreed. No feelings, so He'd keep them to himself.

A knock on Steve's front door pulled them both out of their thoughts. Steve sighed and began to get up, but Billy stopped him. "I'll get it."  He kissed Steve's cheek and stood from the couch. He opened the door to see six snot nosed brats all looking at him with shocked faces.

"Billy, why are you here?" Max was the first to speak, pushing past him to get into the house followed by the rest of the kids.

"Hanging out with Steve, is that a crime?" He asked, typical smart assed toned shot towards the ginger.

"Nope, just super weird." She rolled her eyes. Looking at him knowingly, but made it brief.

Dustin crossed his arms over his chest, looking at the two older boys. His suspicions growing as he looked over the bruises on Steve's neck. He rolled his eyes and went to raid the fridge.

"Why are you naked?" Eleven came up to Billy, looking up into his blue eyes with wonder.

"Must be blind kid, I've got sweatpants on." He replied. Walking back to the couch and sitting next to Steve, but not as close as before. They both frowned. Nobody noticed.

"You do not have a shirt." She spoke clearly sitting on the living room floor next to Mike and Max.

"Don't want one." He replied looking at the TV across the room, hoping this weird conversation with this even stranger girl would end.

"Steve has a shirt." Mike spoke up.

"Billy never wears a shirt." Max piped in.

"I know." Will added. Everyone turned to him.

"What's that supposed to mean?" Lucas asked, looking at Will with wide eyes.

They all started talking over each other, until Dustin walked in with a bag of chips. He shook his head with disappointment and whistled so loud that everyone's head snapped towards him, silencing them instantly.

"Nobody's gonna mention how weird Steve and Billy have been?" Dustin offered. Then all those eyes snapped to them. Billy and Steve.

The older boys looked at each other. Billy was unaffected, but Steve looked scared. Billy winked so nobody could see, as an attempt to sooth Steve. Steve tried to calm down, putting on a fake face to look at the kids again.