Roomies {Harringrove}

Months Later

When Max got out of school, she was chatting with Lucas, his arm slung around her shoulder. The moment he saw Billy he quickly withdrew, eyes wide and stance awkward as he fucked right off. Billy resisted the urge to smirk but somehow Steve must have read his mind because he smacked him over the head immediately.

"Oww you jackass-"

"Billy! Steve! Thank God you morons made it early, I don't want to spend another minute in this place ever again!"

"Aww... Look at you, surviving your first year in highschool. Your babies are all growing up, Steeb." He ruffled her hair, ignoring the glare she sent his way.

"Oh, barf." His boyfriend replied with an eye roll. "Bite me, Billy."

"Maybe later, somewhere less public. Ahem... Anyway, Max, we've got a surprise for you. If you're up for it. Steve and I were thinking of renting out one of those huge rvs. I was thinking... We drive over to Cali? I think it'll be fun. We can see some sights on the way, too. I just..."

"Want to remember how it was? When things were normal?"

"Not quite normal but better? Before it all went completely to hell, I guess. It's just an idea, you know, don't go laughing at me-"

"No, no, I just... Never thought this was possible. You're a good brother. Like... A great one. It's the weirdest thing ever," she mumbled to herself with a laugh. She must have caught the look on Billy's face before he could hide it because with a big smile on her face, she smoothly added, "and I'm so lucky to have you."

"I'm lucky to have you. Both of you. Okay? Don't even dare call yourself lucky to have me, I'm a sack of shit."

"Must run in the family."

"We aren't even blood-related so shut the hell up with that bullshit."

"Do I look like I give a damn about genetics? You're my brother. And we're both sack of shits. Together, alright?"

"Mm. Together, kid."

"You two have the weirdest sibling bond."

"It's called shared trauma, baby cakes. That shit's stronger than blood could ever be."

"An unbreakable bond of the fucked up and mentally ill," his sister finished proudly. They fist bumped and turned to look at Steve with matching smirks. He just looked on, unsure of whether to be amused or concerned. Unable to decide, he turned away from both to say hi to Dustin. Billy looked at the rest with very little interest, sharing a slow, small nod with Eleven when they locked eyes. He gave Will a quick wave, the lanky boy returning it with a shy, surprised one. And then he set his sights on Max's... Other friend trying to make himself look invisible behind the boy whose mom he almost fucked.

"Hey, Mike? Mind scooting so I can talk to Lucas for a second?"

"Okay how do you know all my friends' names?"

"When I saw you hanging out with them, I had to get some Intel, obviously. To make sure they weren't in a cult or something, only person allowed to use you as sacrifice is me kid. Since we are family and all."

"Ha. Ha." The closer Lucas came, the more tense they both got. Max clearly tried to steer him away, making less-than-discrete hand gestures but the boy put on a bold face and kept advancing. Billy knew how freaking terrifying he must have been before so he couldn't blame either of them, he just needed to get something off his chest. "You're not allowed to kill him, Billy, don't let my praise go to waste or you're not allowed to use me for any offerings."

"Ouch. I'm not gonna do anything. I just wanna talk." He tried to smile but it definitely didn't work, just made Lucas confused. The boy once again reassured Max he would be okay and she walked to Eleven, both girls keeping their eyes fully trained on them. "Wow. Gotta love the attention I guess."