Return & Redemption

Part 11

I opened the door and was surprised to see not only Nancy and Steve but also his friend Robin.

"We have to make this quick. Mike and the kids are home alone," Nancy said while letting herself in. Robin nodded at me, going in after her. Before Steve could follow, I stepped outside swiftly, closing the door behind me. He looked shocked when I took his hand in mine and put a palm on his cheek.

"Whoa," Steve mumbled as I pulled him into a hug. "You okay?"

"It's been a long day," I said into his hair. He nodded, running his fingers through my locks and rubbing my back soothingly.

"I got you, don't worry," he promised sweetly.

I pulled back, keeping my arms around his shoulders. "Thank you. I know we never really talked about whatever the hell we're actually doing, but—"

"And we don't need to. We got a lot going on right now, so I get it. It's not exactly the best time to define our relationship," he chuckles.

I stared at him, dropping my arms. "Relationship?"

"Or lack thereof," he added quickly. "I understand, okay? It's no problem."

We had been hanging out (and hooking up) for the past week or so that I had been in Hawkins and if I was being honest, it was nice. He was funny and sweet; a caring person, to say the least. He always held my hand when we went around town, grasping it even more intensely when someone he knew waved at him as they walked by. I usually immediately pulled my hand away, but there were obviously sometimes that I just wasn't fast enough, and people would eye our clasped palms. Either way, it was nice having someone to hang out with.

I smiled at Steve, realizing that I was lucky to be able to spend time with him. I unlocked the door behind me, Steve in tow. He followed me closely until we entered the dining room to find a red-eyed Max, Billy sitting statue-like, and Robin and Nancy who were standing directly across from Billy, eyeing him obviously.

Steve stopped a little further away probably due to his hesitations concerning Billy, but I moved closer to the chair. I took Billy's hand and adjusted the bandages that were already slipping off his knuckles.

"We need to talk," Nancy said from behind me and I swiveled around to face them. Steve looked at me confusedly, but he averted his gaze when I held his eye.

"Yeah," I agreed, gently dropping Billy's hand. He took the hint immediately.

"Where should I wait?" he whispered. I pointed upstairs towards the guestroom that I had been occupying for the past seven days.

"What the hell are you doing?" Nancy demanded as soon as Billy was out of earshot.

"Listen, I know that he used to be crazy and all—"

"No, you don't know!" Nancy hissed. "He was evil!"

"Nancy," Max began. "I know it seems weird. But Billy...he saved me, just a little bit ago. And not just me, but Sanya too. It's insane and there's no explanation for it, but I really think Billy's changed."

I nodded in agreement. "Max would know better than any of us! She's his sister."

"We can't trust him," Steve shook his head.

"Well you don't have to. Just trust me because I trust him. I mean, I must. Because...Billy and Max are staying here," I added quietly.

"What?" Robin questioned.

"Yeah. Billy got kicked out and...I don't feel comfortable with Max there alone," I shrugged, looking over at her.

Max had literal tears in her eyes. She choked up and muttered a 'thank you'.

"Okay, then you're not staying here alone," Steve stated.

It was my turn to be confused.

"Steve Harrington is going to room with the new 'keg king'?" Robin asked dubiously.

"Hey!" he pointed at her. "That'll always be my title. And I meant we could all stay for a night or two. What are your thoughts, Sanya?"

I sighed, agreeing.

"Then it's settled. Sleepover tonight?" Steve smirked playfully.