Sink or Swim [Billy Hargrove x Gender Neutral!reader]

Chapter Three

Summary: Having a nice view of the handsome blond while working at the Hawkins pool was good enough, but when circumstances lead you to an encounter with Billy and then a chance to become friends, perhaps even more, you can't stay away. Maybe Billy Hargrove isn't such an asshole after all. [Canon with a variation]

Warnings: None for this chapter! Swearing, I guess? ha.

Word Count: 3.1k

Author's Notes: Alright, y'all! This is where you'll start to see some variation from canon. :D I hope you're ready! There's lots more fluff and awkward flirting coming your way. I kinda love it! I hope you will too! Please let me know your thoughts, my lovelies! <3

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The next day, you were finally getting a breather from customers when you looked out to see Heather climbing down from the lifeguard tower. You rolled your eyes, well aware of what came next. The line of lounge chairs to the left of the tower was occupied by middle-aged women with young children swimming, but their focus was instead on the locker room door. The women primped and adjusted their posture just before Billy walked out the door and into the sunshine.

Gross.

Not Billy. The women. Billy wore his usual red swim trunks but today he also had on a white tank top with the Hawkins Pool logo plastered on his chest. He slipped his usual sunglasses on as he stubbed a cigarette out on the red brick wall before heading for his post.

"Afternoon, ladies," you heard him say over the screaming and splashing of children.

"Hi, Billy," the women answered in unison.

You resisted the urge to gag outwardly.

A few customers arrived then and you were back at work.

Hours later, the pool was closed and you were wrapping up the last of your responsibilities for the evening. As usual, music was blasting. Billy had a spray bottle and rag in hand, wiping down the lounge chairs. It had to be done at least once a week because all the sunscreen, sweat, and chlorine would leave stains over time. Yuck.

Intent on taking out the garbage, you walked out the side door but spotted Billy lying in one of the now-clean lounge chairs. Abandoning your task, you walked toward him and commandeered the chair next to Billy, laying down while still in your apron and visor. His head turned at the sound, offering you a half-smile before he turned back to staring into the distance.

The silence stretched out comfortably as you listened to the music, the lapping water, and wind rustling through the nearby trees.

"Not swimming tonight?" you finally asked. The best opener you could come up with after wracking your brain.

"Nah."

You nodded, listening as a new song was announced by the DJ on the radio. You knew the song but the artist escaped you. The chorus came up and you decided to make an ass of yourself, singing along with exaggerated head bopping and hand gestures.

"She's just a devil woman,

With evil on her mind.

Beware the devil woman

She's gonna get you..."

Billy smiled with amusement, choosing to join in. You both sang the lyrics you knew and did ridiculous moves without leaving your lounge chairs. As the last chords rang out, you both laughed while meeting eyes.

You couldn't let a good moment last, though.

"Speaking of 'devil women'...how's Mrs. Wheeler and her coven?" you asked, raising your eyebrows at Billy.