Second Chances (ON HOLD)

Chapter Twelve

Billy couldn't help but smirk after he uttered those words. The words Steve Harrington had said to him the night he had been sent out to find Max. It seemed fitting that he used them now after all this time.

"B-but how?" Steve asked, trying to regain his composure.

"Wait, Billy Hargrove? I thought you d..." Eddie started but was cut off by the person in question.

"Yeah, everyone thought I'd died. Starcourt mall fire, right? Hell of a way to go." Billy said lazily, his gaze still on Steve. He was here for Eddie but after everything that had happened he wanted to apologise to Steve. Although now wasn't a good time, he thought to himself. 

"How are you here then? I watched you die, man." Steve said, also unable to look away from Billy. He was struggling to come to terms with the fact the man was standing right in front of him, alive.

"It's a long story, Harrington. We don't have time for that now. I'm here for Eddie." Billy replied, finally turning his attention to the metalhead. "Thrown anyone across the room lately?"

Steve turned to face Eddie, whose face was just about lit up by the moonlight and the flashlight that was still aimed on Billy. He could have sworn he saw the colour drain from Eddie's face.

"H-how do you know about t-that?" Eddie stuttered, unhappy to be reminded about what he had done to Steve.

"I've been watching you. Although Steve here already knew that didn't you, pretty boy?"

Eddie frowned and turned to face Steve, now shining the flashlight in his face. He watched as he flinched and put his hand up to protect his eyes. "You knew? Why the hell didn't you say anything?!"

"Jeez Eddie, lower the light! I wasn't sure, okay? I thought I was just imagining it!" Steve said as he shielded his eyes. "It's hard to know what's real and what isn't anymore!"

"Were you going to say anything?"

"I was, I just... I wasn't sure when or even how to tell you or Robin that I was potentially going out of my mind seeing a cloaked figure everywhere!" Steve replied, refusing to feel bad about not wanting to come across as mad for seeing things he wasn't sure were real.

Eddie stared at his friend, analysing his expression and body language. He had always thought Steve was emotionally and mentally tough, even after being through so much, but Eddie realised the man was far from it. He was strong because he had to be for his friends. That didn't change the fact Eddie was a little hurt about being kept in the dark though. "Nothing you could say would make me think you're going mad, Steve. There isn't a doubt in my mind Robin would be the first to tell you that if she were here as well."

Billy faught the urge to roll his eyes as the two men before him made what could only be described as gooey eyes at each other. He ignored the feeling of jealously that was bubbling deep within him. His was here for a reason, not to get sucked into his feelings. He could deal with those later.

"If you two don't mind we have things to discuss and not a lot of time to do so." He spoke calmly, crossing his arms and trying not to enjoy the surprised look on Steve's face at how formal he was being.

"Well then you need to start giving us answers, Hargrove!" Steve snapped, feeling uneasy with how calm Billy was.

"I can give you a very short rundown now but I need to get back soon."

"Back to where?" Eddie asked, trying to hide his annoyance. He aimed the flashlight back at Billy, slightly enjoying the fact he was blinded for a moment.

"My master, of course. He's been trying to reach you, has he not?" Billy replied calmly, raising an eyebrow after adjusting to the light.

"So he is alive?" Eddie paled, feeling nauseous at the thought.