Second Chances (ON HOLD)

Chapter Fifteen

As Steve and Lucas got closer to the cabin, they were met with the sound of chatter. Steve had expected it to be quiet while they waited for Billy to arrive, but this was a nice change. They walked through the door and were immediately met with Dustins hysterical laugh. He was sat in the corner with the other young teens, and it appeared El had said something funny. Steve could tell by the pleased look on her face. He watched as Lucas gave him a nod before going to join his friends.

Steve looked around the room to see Hopper and Joyce in deep conversation with Nancy and Jonathan while Argyle, Eddie and Robin were in the kitchen. He held back a chuckle as he watched his best friend and his crush stand quietly, occassionally nodding at something the long-haired man said. It was obvious they were both uninterested. As soon as Robins eyes landed on him she pushed Eddie out of the way, ignoring his complaints, and rushed over to Steve. She nodded her head towards the door, signalling she wanted to talk in private. Before turning to go outside with her his eyes locked with Eddies and they exchanged a small smile.

"Really? Billy Hargrove showed affection?!" Dustin exclaimed, drawing everyones attention to the group in the corner. Lucas had obviously told them about the hospital.

Steve shook his head as Robin grabbed his arm and dragged him through the door. "Hey Buckley, careful! I bruise easily!"

Robin rolled her eyes at her friends dramatic statement but let his arm go as soon as they were a good distance from the cabin. "How did it go at the hospital?"

"Billy was there when we arrived. Obviously, Sinclair got defensive and tried squaring up to him," Steve recalled as he crossed his arms and leant against his car. "He told Billy that if he wanted to be trusted he had to leave right then and there."

"And of course Billy left, didn't he?"

"Of course. I really do believe he has changed, Robin. I hate to admit it but he has. He even gave Max a kiss on the forehead before he disappeared. The old Billy would have never done that!"

"He could have done it just to get you and Lucas to trust him though." Robin said, joining him up against the car.

"He could have but you didn't see the way he was looking at her, Rob."

"Steve, I said before I trust your judgement. I believe you!" She said, nudging his arm with her own. "There is something else we need to talk about though."

Steve groaned and ran his hands over his face. "Please don't say Nancy."

"Nancy didn't say a word to me in the van on the way here. She won't even look at me. Steve, it's obvious she still has feelings for you!"

"But she has Jonathan back! I don't want her." He said, throwing his head back and staring at still cloudy sky. He was careful not to open his mouth as he looked up, not wanting spores from the upside down in his mouth. He wished they would fuck off.

"I know that, dingus. But I don't like the tension!"

"Well what do you want me to do about it?" Steve asked, throwing his hands up in the air dramatically.

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Eddie watched his two friends through the kitchen window, curious about their topic of conversation. It had to be more interesting than Argyle telling him how pineapple was perfect on pizza. He liked the guy but he seemed to go on a little. As Eddie continued to tune Argyle out he tried to read Steve's lips and was frustrated when he could only make out one word. Or rather, a name.

He excused himself from the conversation, feeling bold and deciding to interrupt the private chat that was going on outside. As he walked through the cabin his eyes met with Nancy's big, deer caught in a headlight eyes. Not sure what to do he gave her an awkward nod before exiting the cabin.