heaven-sent | b.h.

04.

Billy eyes the Ford LTD sitting in the school parking lot hungrily, shrugging on his denim jacket and adjusting the collar. When he flashes a harsh scowl, he's not sure if it's directed towards Byers' run down piece of shit, the blisteringly cold morning, or the fact that his nose still isn't accustomed to the smell of cow shit from the nearby fields.

His pocket knife weighs heavily in is palm, and he throws it up in the air with a smoothness that he wishes someone had seen as he struts towards the Ford. The first bell, muffled from this distance, rings inside the school, and the last of the loiterers disappear from the parking lot all at once. Only Billy remains, crouching by the driver's side door so that he isn't caught by any teachers on the lookout for truants.

Without wasting any time, he uses his pen-knife to unlock the car door, letting out a proud. "A-ha!" when he's successful. Looking around to make sure that he isn't being watched, he crawls into the car, searching the front and back seats with frantic hands. His tongue sticks out in concentration as he opens the glove box, rummaging again until he finds the cold, heavy metal lens and the camera that's attached to it.

"There we go," he mutters, examining the camera and the brown neck strap. IF LOST, RETURN TO FRANCES HOPPER is written in black ink on the inside of the leather in block capitals, along with a phone number beneath it. Billy grins, shoving the camera in his backpack quickly before sliding out of the car again.  As he slams the door and turns around, he comes to a halt.

Jonathan Byers is striding towards him with his scrawny little legs, his mouth pressed into a thin line and his tired eyes glimmering with a hint of anger. "What the hell are you doing in my car?"

"Relax, Byers," Billy taunts, holding his hands up in mock surrender. "A little birdy told me you had something that didn't belong to you in there. I'm just making sure it's returned."

"What are you talking about?" Jonathan asks, opening the car door again to see if Billy has left any evidence of his break in.

Billy pulls the top of the camera from his bag, shaking it lightly with a smirk. "Hopper's camera. I was doin' you a favour."

Jonathan's eyes narrow. "She's my girlfriend. I can return it to her myself."

"Wouldn't be so sure a' that, buddy." He pats Jonathan on the chest, the force causing him to fall ungracefully against the car. "She isn't too happy you took Harrington's girl home last night."

Billy can't help but find satisfaction in the way that Jonathan pales, tightening his grip on his backpack nervously. "Well, maybe that's a conversation that Frannie and I can have when I give back her camera."

"Nah," Billy winces dramatically. "Not a good idea, buddy. You know how chicks can be. Better to let her cool off first."

"And since when did you become an expert in my girlfriend's needs?" Jonathan hits back, pushing Billy in the chest and attempting to grab the camera. Billy holds it in the air, taking advantage of his taller stature. "C'mon, just give me the damn camera."

"Or what?" Billy challenges, his blue eyes bright with mischief. "Ya gonna hit me, Byers?"

"What the hell is your problem, man?"

"I don't have a problem," he grins, licking his lips as though satisfied with himself. "I'm just helpin' you out; saving you the earful she'd be givin' you otherwise."

When Jonathan's fingers get too close to the camera, Billy throws him into the car with a bang, pressing his forearm to the other boy's neck roughly.

"Don't worry, Byers. I'll make sure it gets to her safe and sound. You just focus on your other chick. Nancy, right?"

"You're a dick," Jonathan retorts, pushing Billy away.