Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

It had been early that summer when Rose and her mother Dawn moved in with the Harrington family.

Following a recent divorce, Steve's father had found solace in the presence of Dawn when he took business trips down to Chicago. And so the following summer, the mother and daughter were moved into the home, Brady Bunch-esque.

It was odd, the two kids noted, moving in with another college-aged kid.

Of course, neither of these two could afford moving out in this economy, and going into their second year at college was rough as well.

The whole reason Dawn readily agreed to move was the fact that Rose just happened to be attending college of Indiana University, not too far away, this way she could commute.

Rose wasn't excited. The only reason she even decided to go to college in Indiana was that she knew her mother was seeing a guy there, and it was her cheapest option.

But completely uprooting her life for random people and moving away from her friends during an extremely hard transitional period in her life wasn't exactly exciting.

She realized quickly that people assume just because you’ve turned eighteen, you suddenly know everything about being an adult and are capable of enduring almost everything.

But that wasn't the truth, and it wasn't realistic at all. In all truth, the move was hard. Sure, her friends back home were packing at the same time to head off to their dorms, but they got to come back to Chicago on their winter breaks; Rose couldn't.

But what was easier for her mother became what was easier for them, but it was safe to say Steve and Rose simply experienced each other's presence, never getting especially close.

It felt almost perverse when they would have family dinners; something just wasn’t right.

But they became acclimated to each other, and Rose even found herself hanging out with Steve’s friends.

It wasn’t until she was working a shift at the arcade that she ran into him.

He walked into the arcade with such a sound that he didn’t have to speak.

People looked, a few huffed, but the denim-clad man looked unfazed.

There was a certain air of confidence in his swagger that told Rose it was fake.

They eyes he’d make at women within the arcade charmed them in seconds.

She couldn’t blame them as she had caught a glimpse of the man’s ass.

He finally made his way up to the desk, leaning towards her, toothpick dangling from his mouth.

Rose didn’t falter, her face still even as he spoke, “What’s a pretty thing like you doing in a place like this?” He said, Californian accent notable.

“You talk to all the girls like this.”

“Only save my words for girls like you, ones that surprise me.”

“Oh no,” Rose began, “it wasn’t a question, I’ve heard about you, Billy.” She said pointedly. Steve had told her vague stories about Billy, telling her to be cautious, though she didnt really know why. She was always taught to be wary when dealing with a lit match.

His face contorted into one of confusion, anger flashing across his face quickly before returning to his false bravado.

Where others saw perfection or a threat, Rose saw a challenge. One she was excited for.

“What does that mean?” He asked suavely, still leaning on the counter.

Rose watched as a family came in, ushering Billy to move along.

She had a job to do, and she wasn't gonna let a random douche bag distract her.

She was leaving this job soon anyway.

She had only gotten the job to help her through her first semester of college.

And god did she hate it.

Every day, it seemed like kids found ways to make every game sticky. She didnt even know how that was possible. They only sold concessions like pretzels and a Coke, so somehow they were constantly spilling Coke on pinball machines, and she had to clean them.

Usually, she found summers going by fast back home; it was definitely because of her friends.

When she was back in Chicago, summers were an unending time of laughing until her ribs hurt, staying up till 1 in the morning, and sleepovers with her three closest friends.

They had all met at different times in Rose's life, but she was able to bring them all together to form one super friend group that she hated being so far away from.

Because she didn't have her goofballs to pass the time, the summer felt like an eternity in this new place.

And for the first time, she found herself praying for school to start.

It was Rose's first day of school, and Steve was determined to show her around successfully.

“We can have dinner together whenever in the dining hall, oh! And French intermediate with Professor Patootie.”

“Patootie?” Rose questioned with a smile as their pace quickened to beat the morning rush of College students.

“Her real last name is Fitzpatrick.”

Before Rose could even laugh, a revving of an engine startled her out of her thoughts.

It was so loud she almost had to cover her ears.

“Fucking Hargrove…” Steve muttered as he watched Billy stepped out the car.

She had remembered this car at the arcade, and a younger ginger girl hopped out of the car before taking off on her skateboard.

“Out here by 5!” The blonde shouted loudly, “I'm not waiting for your shit ass to get back here!”

“Fuck you, Billy!”

“Talk to me like that, and you can skate home!”

Rose was staring, jaw a bit agape as she watched the denim on denim mess walk onto middle campus.

She wasn't surprised he wasn't staying on campus, she had overheard his younger sister talking at the arcade about money struggles.

“You stay away from Billy,” Steve said quickly and quietly as they resumed their walk into the school.

“Why?” The shorter questioned honestly.

“It doesn't matter, just trust me. He’s bad news.” Steve said before turning and walking quicker than before.

“I have class with Professor Click. See you later.”

She felt it was a weird tone shift from once before, suddenly needed to know more.

“Hello princess… where are you off to?” She realized she had bumped into Billy as she stepped back.

“Leave me alone.” She said, taking Steve's advice before turning and going to class.

“You dropped your schedule!” She heard the Californian yell.

Embarrassed, she turned around and grabbed it out of his hands.

“Looks like we have creative writing and French intermediate together, see you then!” He laughed as she turned and walked away furiously.

The next few weeks went as follows: Rose would enjoy Intro to film alone, then be berated with Billy for a class, lunch with Steve, and then a class where she was both berated by Billy with the added pressure of tension rising from Steve's anger.

Weeks went by of this terrible cycle until one day she confronted Billy in their writing class.

They had been asked to pair up with another person, and they would be made to choose a fantasy novel to read together.

So, when Billy sauntered up to her, jokingly asking her to be his partner, she only giggled before agreeing and telling Professor Finch.

Billy was shocked, but Rose kept her cool demeanor as the two found a spot in the library to sit. They had been sent there to pick out a book.

“What suddenly made you change your mind?” Billy said, manspreading at the table they shared.

Rose sighed before standing up to look for books.

“My mind isn't changed at all, I just want to know why the fuck you’re bothering me.”

He paused, looking her up and down, failing to answer the question.

“Tell me.” She pressured, cornering him in the back of a row of shelves.

“Easy tiger.” He said condescendingly, still not taking her seriously.

That was when she dropped a large book onto the tip of his booted toes.

“Fuck!” he grumbled, grabbing at his foot.

Rose only pressed him further, almost pinning him to the wall, “I asked a fucking question.”

Billy looked to the gap between where they were in the maze of books and the others looking for books.

As if to end this compromising position, he blurted out, “I started this as a thing to piss off Harrington, but as the days went on, the more I realized I was falling in love with you.”

It was quick and jarring. Rose stepped back. Letting Billy regain some dignity.

She could tell her lack of reaction was bothering him. It was as if he was growling angrily as his hackles rose.

Before he could lose his cool, she let a soft smile break on her face as she tossed him the new book she was holding.

“Interview with a Vampire. Go tell Professor Finch it's our pick.” He let a smile cross his face as he turned away to do exactly what he asked.

When she arrived back home, she b-lined for her phone.

“No, Velma, you’re never gonna guess what happened!”

She made three calls that night, much to Steve's dismay, as he wanted to use the phone too, but she needed her friends to know what was going on in her life.

“I kind of hate him, like, after everything you told me, I think he’s an asshole…” Her friend Elsie said into the receiver.

“No, but that's just how he is; he’s actually really funny,” Rose said quietly, trying not to let Steve hear.

“Okay… I don’t agree, but whatever you want.”

“Ugh, you’re just like Steve.” She grumbled before hanging up the phone.

Chapter Text

School became easier after Billy's confession; she was beginning to like this newfound allyship.

The next few days, she could sense that Steve felt a shift.

Though Billy would still taunt him mercilessly in both speaking English and sometimes speaking French, Steve could tell something had changed between Rose and Billy.

She artfully and easily dodged his questions whenever it was brought up and only had study nights for their book club on the same nights Steve was out driving around some kids he knew. (Rose never asked.)

So they got closer and closer until one night, Rose had been sitting in her room, reading Interview with a Vampire while listening to The Monkees she had on cassette.

One of her favorites on the track was words. She had learned how to tape her favorite songs all onto one cassette. This seemingly useless hunk of plastic was a holy grail to her. She bought this specific cassette all the way back in Memphis on a road trip, Graceland to be more specific.

She knew the minute she picked it up when she was 14 that Elvis was with her, that he now blessed this cassette.

It was only when she taped over the lyrics that once were the king of rock at 18 that she realized Elvis was never truly there.

It was only when the cassette needed to be flipped on its B side that she heard a tapping coming from her window.

She carefully walked to her window, where she was met with Billy, covered in bruises, at the bottom of her window.

Quickly, she scrambled to open it, letting Billy climb up.

His face was dark and brooding. Not that it wasn't always doing that, this time it was different. Different from even the angry looks he often sported. It was one of hurt.

“You’re face, Billy.” She said, trying to reach out.

“Don't.” He flinched, instead reaching for his lighter and smoke.

The girl only sighed before sitting on her bed, but not before flipping the cassette. If Billy wouldn't talk, at least she could stop the silent.

Suddenly, the door into summer began to sing out, and Billy's head immediately perked.

“Billy Hargrove! You love the Monkees!” She squealed with quite delight.

For the first time, Rose Delta saw Billy Hargrove's lips curl into a smile.

And though those lips were cracked and bloody, she wanted to kiss them.

For the first time ever, she wanted to hold his hard face and comfort it tenderly.

“Fuck off, no I dont.” He said, looking back down. Deeply inhaling the smoke.

Rose only got up making her way into the bathroom, running a washcloth under warm water.

When she stepped back into the room, he was stoftly tapping his foot while whispering the words to the song.

He watched as she approached him, finally closing his eyes as her hand grabbed gently at his chin.

He flinched each time she ran the cloth over his cuts. He took the cigarette out of his mouth as she continued to clean.

“You gonna tell me how you got these?” Her register was low as her touch got lighter.

“My dad.” He said quickly, like he was in a confessional.

When he saw her face stay straight, not shocked or filled with pity, he continued his story.

“Started when my mom left, only got angrier as the years went by.” His voice dared to waver, but he kept it in line.”

“He started hitting me even more now that he remarried. Sometimes its light but most times im bloody and bruised.” He grumbled, lightly pushing away at the cloth, returning his cigarette to his mouth.

She only sighed, before snatching it out from his lips, putting it out on her insceanse tray.

“Enough with the cancer sticks, they’ll kill you.” She laughed, and he smiled back.

This occurrence became more and more common.

Billy would come in bent and bruised in many ways and leave patched up.

It wasn't until a few nights before fall break that he fell asleep as she softly combed her fingers through his hair.

He was surprised when he woke up under the covers, light fluttering in, when he noticed Rose sitting at her vanity, doing her makeup.

She caught his eyes in the mirror when she smiled, “You’re up! It's only 10, so you’re dad won't be wondering where you are.” She had remembered what he said about his father's schedules.

“Oh, and I slept on the couch last night. I thought it’d be weird if I slept next to you without your knowledge.”

The gesture was so sweet that Billy felt another smile tug on his cheeks.

“Thanks, Rose… I owe you one.” He said coyley, slipping on his boots and making his way to the window for his swift escape.

“Next time, stay for breakfast.”

The next time he spent the night, they shared a bed, holding eachother throughout the night.

It wasn't purposeful, and when Billy woke up, he shifted slightly.

Rose woke up with a beautiful smile, only looking at the boy.

“Sleep well?” He asked.

“As well as I could.”

“ROSE!” She heard a shout from downstairs.

“Billy, you’ve got to go!” She panicked, shoving him out of the bed.

“I’ll be down in a minute!” She shouted back.

“You’re gonna miss Sunday cartoons!” He shouted back as Billy snorted and Rose shushed him.

“Harrington is such a dork.” Billy smiled, addressing Steve without malice for the first time ever.

“Get out!” She stifled a laugh as she opened her own door before running down to meet Steve. She thought this routine they had started was wonderful.

The next time Billy climbed into her home, she was the one broken for a change.

She was sitting in her bed, crying, not ever noticing his figure.

“Rose?”

She startled, quickly wiping the tears from her eyes.

“Sorry, I should've expected.” She gestured to the boy's frame.

“What happened?” He asked, cool boy facade disappearing before her eyes.

The wind picked up as it was finally fall break, and a storm was coming.

Billy quickly rushed to close the window before slipping off his boots.

He learned quickly to change from his usual denim and button-up to a comfortable sweat pant and a hoodie. So when he crawled into bed, she felt at ease.

His clothed arms wrapped around her quickly, as if in habit, caringly.

“What's wrong?” he repeated softly.

“Sorry… I just get these bouts of panic. They get so bad sometimes I can't breathe.” She was speaking quickly, and he hoped that with time, she would slow down, focus on her breathing.

“Sometimes, it lasts for months, and I can't eat and throw up every morning.”

For the first time, Billy felt secure in their equality. She knew his deepest issues and now he knew hers.

“You’re safe," he said.

It was the next week when the tone shifted once more.

On a rare occasion, they both were alright that night. Billy had come over to avoid Neil, and privately, he liked seeing her.

This time, they were both on the bed reading as the Monkees played softly in the back. That was when it happened.

Billy had put down his book and caught Rose staring. It was different then most girls who looked at him.

Rose wasn't staring in awe or adoration; she was staring in reclamation.

When Billy's lip pulled into a grin, she went in for the kill, kissing him feverishly.

He obliged, reaching a hand up. Rose only shooed it away before grabbing Billy's neck with a sensual grip.

The two fell back onto the bed and proceeded to do you know what.

They drifted comfortably into a sleep, and when Rose's 7 AM alarm went off, they both, for the first time in years, woke up rested.

“I feel gross,” Rose said, standing up, only in her rose colored night slip.

“I’m sorry, did I do anything-” Before Billy could start his worry spiral, Rose cut him off.

“No, sweaty gross, I'm gonna shower.” She slipped her dress off before walking into the bathroom.

Billy only watched in awe before hearing the shower turn on.

“Are you joining or what?” She laughed, and Billy felt like he was in a dream.

He carefully made his way into the shower, where he could only make out the silhouette of her body.

It was a figure made for the Greeks to sculpt.

He smiled as he pulled back the curtain, stepping into the small, hot, wet space.

“I know you probably use a three-in-one, but hand me the clear one.”

“You don’t really think I use three-in-one on my hair.” He scoffed before sudsing hers.

The two laughed and joked as they got clean, but their jokes were cut off as Steve entered the bathroom.

“Sorry, Rose, I just wanted to see if you, Oh!” He shouted, shocked, closing the door.

“I’m so sorry I saw nothing but- wait…” The boy paused before opening the door once more to see the silhouette of a man.

“Hello Harrington,” Billy said smoothly as Steve slammed the door shut once again.

Rose's face was filled with dread while Billy began laughing manically before Rose shut off the water.

She stepped out quickly.

“Guess we should lock it next time, huh?” He remarked, still giggling uncontrollably.

She scoffed before picking up a towel and chucking it at him.

Chapter Text

It was only when Billy awkwardly made his way out of the house, winking at Steve before he drove off in his Camaro, that Steve broke the silence.

“I don't like you seeing him.”

“Why?”

“I just don't!”

“Well, you’re not my fucking dad.”

“I don't give a fuck, you’ll be sorry if you don't listen.”

“Oh, go fuck yourself.” She yelled before storming out of the house.

Steve only sighed.

Rose ran to where her bike was lying in the front yard and rode off as quickly as she could.

Sometimes, riding her bike was the only thing that helped. Whether she was sad, giddy, or even in the midst of a panic attack, she could always count on the steady rhythm of her feet pumping the pedals to calm her down.

She rode to a nearby park and did the only thing she had enjoyed doing recently: she read.

It was only a few days later when Billy's car revved outside the Harrington house. Steve was stewing on the couch as Rose made her way down to the front door.

“You can't still be pissy with me because I'm seeing Billy.”

Steve didn't answer.

“Real mature. And I’ll have you know, Billy's changed. Like, really changed.”

This caught Steve's attention as he didn't know what to believe.

“If you just stopped being self-pitying and talked to him, you’d know.”

She reached for the door, but Steve spoke up.

“He treats you good?”

“Yes Steve, he does.” She said softly, a smile easing it way onto her face. She felt a certain gratitude to Steve being so caring.

“Then I guess I'm okay with it.” He joked, and Rose finally laughed.

“Thanks for that.” She opened the door finally only giving one look back at Steve who smiled kindly.

When she ran down the steps Billy was standing outside the car, waiting by the passengers side.

As Rose went to open the door, he did for her, “After you m’lady.”

Rose giggled at Billy’s strangely convincing British accent.

As he began to drive, Rose looked off into the sunset before consciously picking up on the feeling of warmth that flooded her.

Complete and utter gratitude for all the people in her life in this moment.

The dates only got more and more frequent, and Billy spent more and more time around the house.

It had become a safe haven.

One particular evening, Billy had come over with the promise of an empty house and as he opened the door he was happily greeted with Rose pulling him inside and pinning him against the door.
His hand darted to her hair as she bit his lower lip and began kissing down to his neck, biting lightly.

Billy knew it would leave a mark.

He moaned at the thought of that.

As if spurred in by the sound, Rose's hand grabbed his chin in just the way he liked.

He was pulled back into the whirlwind that was Rose. And she sure was one rose with thorns.

She dragged him quickly and quietly into her own room, closing the door with her foot.

“You sound good when you whine.” She laughed, forcefully pushing Billy onto her bed.

He turned his head, face burning.

He felt himself harden under his tight jeans, throbbing.

Her knee skillfully found its place in between his thighs as thoughtlessly as if second nature. He rolled his hip into her thigh, whining.

She smiled down on him like a predator and its prey.

“God, I love it when you make noise.” Billy’s face flushed. Part of the fun came from the fact that Billy knew it was wrong, taboo.

Letting her take control, letting her take what was hers, he lived on it.

She was the first woman he could truly love. And god knows he’s had the worst relationship with mothers.

“Can’t make too much noise,” Billy said, voice low and gravelly, “might get caught.”

“By who? The neighbors.” She laughed before diving in for another kiss.

His breath was smoky, just the way she liked it.

“You taste good.” She whispered into his mouth, pressing her knee harder against the denim-clad crotch.

A hand snaked its way into his hair, gripping and tugging lightly.

Another moan escaped his throat as his hips thrusted against the firiction.

Their escapade was cut short as the door slammed open. Turns out, Billy was right to worry about the noise. Steve laid eyes on the sight before him. Rose was on top of Billy, one arm in his hair and his hips pressing feverishly against her thigh.

He gasped slightly before turning around awkwardly.

Billy felt his face flush a deep color, but not in a pleasurable way.

Like an instinct, he leapt to his feet, racing towards Harrington. He pushed the other man against the wall, breathing down his neck.

“You won’t ever tell someone what you saw,” Billy said angrily.

Steve only laughed, “Man I don’t care what freaky shit you do.”

Billy’s fists uncleanched and he lowered the brunette, backing off.

He scoffed, backing away from the man.

When he turned, he realized Rose hadn’t left the room. She was waiting. like always.

And like always, Billy followed her orders obediently.

As much fun as their frequent dates were, as the semester was reaching an end and midterms were approaching, they needed more time alone.

They also found their schedules conflicting more and more often. Last-minute cancellations and both of them being late to dates were a common theme, so when Billy knocked on the door and got no answer, he knew she was probably still out.

Billy let himself inside the home, sliding his boots off carefully. Though Rose wasn’t home yet, he hears Hall and Oates coming from the bathroom; he knew who was home.

“Harrington!”

The singing stopped, and out walked Steve the hair Harrington.

“Hargrove.” He paused in front of the door hands on his hips, “Rose is not here.”

“I can tell dipshit.” He said, still entering the house.

“So whattada ya want with me.”

“Nothing, I thought I could just wait.”

“Yeah, sure, whatever.”

Billy watched as Steve went back to the bathroom, the music no longer returning.

He took a seat on the sofa in the front room. He always thought it was odd that their kitchen was in the front room as well.

Billy looked down at his socked feet. Awkwardly twiddling his toes. It felt like ten minutes had gone by before Steve entered the front room.

“You don’t have to sit here by yourself like an idiot.”

Billy only answered with a grunt, steadying on his feet before following Steve to what he presumed was his room.

“Your room’s a shit storm.” Billy laughed before finding a clean patch to sit down on.

“fuck off, man.” Steve smiled, kicking a sock to the sides.

Billy noticed how his back arched when he would pick something up from the floor. His spine would only poke out at the bulb of the bone.

Fuck.

“I honestly don't think Rose’ll be home until tomorrow.”

Billy's blood went cold; he was banking on this being his place to sleep for the night. His dad had been extra pissed the last few days, and Billy knew today would be a boiling point.

“She’s visiting her friends, Elsie Velma, and Star back in Chicago.”

“Fuck…” Billy grumbled.

“She forgot to tell you?” Steve asked knowingly.

Billy nodded as he went to put his shoes back on.

“It's already dark out. Why don't you just spend the night?”

“Thanks, man.”

Billy couldn't help but smile at Steve earnestly as the brunette took Billy's face as an answer, leaving to get a sleeping bag.

Steve finally sat down next to Billy, “Pick a CD, I have a shit ton.”

“Oh, Harrington, I don’t know you were such a richy rich.” Billy laughed, absentmindedly crossing his legs.

“Not rich, well, not as rich as Tommy Hagen or anything. Plus, since Rose and her mom moved in, it’s gotten a lot more cramped.”

“Ah.”

Billy scooted to where the CDs were lined up. He looked at the selection of Pop records, Hall & Oates, Wham, and a lot of AC/DC, which surprised him. He chose the latter.

“God, I love this album,” Billy said as he inserted the disk into the CD player.

Let There Be Rock was one of Billy’s favorites. His hair bounced around wildly as he listened to the music.

This was the first time Steve really saw him let his guard down, especially in a non-wounded way.

They sat for what felt like and hour Billy contemplating which clothes he would sleep in and which he wouldn't.

As if reading his mind, Steve made his way to his closet, picking out sweats and a t-shirt for Billy to wear.

It was that moment when Billy realized Steve was stripping down to only his boxers.

The way the underwear clung to his hips made Billy's mouth fall open softly.

He then felt a familiar heat pool in his abdomen. One he wasn't expecting.

“Thanks.” He said, quickly snatching the clothes and making his way into the bathroom.

His growing erection mortified him.

Feverishly, he splashed cold water onto his face.

“You’re not attracted to him.” He growled into the reflection.

Painful memories of Neil calling him a fag began to pop up in his mind, and he willed his arousal to go away.

The memories did the trick, along with the cold water.

Carefully, he slid off his jeans and slipped on the sweats Steve gave, along with the shirt.

“You okay? You ran into the bathroom so quick.”

“Had to shit,” Billy said, choosing to deal with the embarrassment of that statement over the truth.

Billy went to go into the sleeping bag when Steve stopped him.

“Take the bed,” Steve said.

Though it was an offer, Billy knew that tone. It was a command in disguise.

Billy tentatively listened as he let himself climb into Steve Harrington's bed. He was overwhelmed with the smell of Steve.

His room, Billy observed, was different.

Not only was the color different, but the ceiling fan and the structure of the overall room.

Before he knew it, he had drifted to a comfortable and warm dream.

It was only when the sun was shining that he woke up to the feeling of arms around his waist.

He smiled as he hugged them back. Rose must have gotten home early.

But when he squeezed, he felt the arms were much bigger than his girlfriend's.

“What the fuck!” Billy shouted, standing up quickly, startling a sleeping Steve.

How had he ended up on the floor of Steve's room? Why was Steve holding him?

“You slid off my bed in the middle of the night!” Steve interjected, sitting up quickly.

“And you were having these night terrors.”

Billy cursed himself. He knew he was prone to night terrors, Rose had told him before. He should’ve expected this.

“And you wouldn't stop shaking until I pulled you into a hug.”

This sentence shocked Billy as he felt his face begin to warm.

“I get having night terrors, man, there's no shame in that,” Steve said kindly, seemingly unfazed.

Billy was like a wild animal trying to regain its composure; he stayed silent.

“Seriously, one time my night terrors were so bad, I sleepwalked into Rose’s room and forced her to play games with me until I fell asleep on her rug.” Steve shared in earnest.

The anecdote helped calm Billy’s nerves and soften his heart.

“Thanks, man,” Billy responded.

“Don't worry about it.”

The boys got dressed and ate cereal together as if nothing had happened, but Billy’s mind couldn't stop thinking about it. Steve's hips, Steve's arms, Steve's stomach pressing against his back.

He looked down to suppress the blush he knew was spreading across his cheeks.

“Steve, are you home?” Billy heard a voice shout as the front door opened, revealing Rose rolling in a suitcase.

“Yeah, yeah, uh, Billy’s here too.”

“Yeah, uh, remember the time you told me to meet you yesterday? You ran a little late.” Billy said, standing up from his spot at the table, taking her bags from her.

Oh, Billy, you’re here!” She threw her arms around his neck as he wrapped loosely around her waist.

“Been here for a whole night.” He replied, still frustrated.

“I am such a ditz. How about I make it up to you and treat us to a dinner date tonight?” She smiled at him.

This softened Billy's anger as he agreed.

He found himself going back home to make himself presentable for the evening out.

It was weird, the role reversal. Instead of taking the Camaro, Rose showed up in her beat-up Chevy Chevette.

“Move it or lose it!” She shouted playfully as he shrugged on his coat, quickly walking to the car.

“You gonna tell me where we’re going?” He asked absentmindedly lighting a cig in the car.

“Enzos!” She shouted happily, letting him smoke without anger for the first time in what felt like forever.

Billy watched as the setting sun gleamed on her smiling face.

She looked beautiful.

Though Billy questioned many things, he never questioned the beauty he found in his Rose.

He felt guilt in his stomach, though he didnt know why; it almost felt premature, as if his body knew something he didn't.

When the two were seated in the dim restaurant, Billy began to fidget.

Even though he had saved money by working at the pool over the summer, he didn't exactly have Enzos money.

He averted his gaze from Rose, only focusing nervously on the menu as he scanned for the cheapest option.

“And you don't need to worry about money, I'm paying,” Rose said, and when Billy looked up expecting to find a pitying face, he was surprised to see that Rose’s eyes weren't on his at all; in fact, she was smiling to herself as she read the menu.

Billy learned a long time ago not to argue with Rose, so he let himself accept the offer without any guilt.

Chapter Text

As the weeks followed their dining excursion, Billy noticed that he had been running into Steve more often. 

Whether it was out and about, at the Harrington home, or even just when picking Rose up. 

He didnt exactly mind this, but when it happened for the third time that week, Steve finally said something. 

“Wanna go out?” 

Billy scoffed, clearly taken aback by the question.

“Well, Steve, I'm flattered but-”

“I didn't mean it like that.” Steve said, rolling his eyes, “Just like, let's go get lunch tomorrow or something.” 

He sounded almost sheepish to ask. 

“Yeah, sounds good. You picking me up, Harrington?” Billy teased, tipping down his sunglasses to look Steve in the eyes. 

“Yeah, at noon. Be ready.” Steve said, shooting finger guns at him before retreating back into his home.

The next day, Billy woke to the approaching winter breezes he felt, forgetting to close his window last night. 

He was grateful to see it was only 10:23 when he had been awoken, still enough time to get ready for Steve's arrival.

Embarrassingly, he found himself caring more about his appearance now than at any time he was going out with Rose. 

He felt shame creep up his spine as he came to this realization, but forced that down as he continued on with his morning routine. 

When he heard Steve's car honk, he was wrapping a scarf around his neck. 

He didnt do good with the cold, not that anyone should have expected him to. He had spent most of his life in Cali before being dragged to Hawkins. 

That was one of the most important commonalities between him and Rose; they both were taken from somewhere they would prefer to be. It didnt matter that the circumstances were different; they understood each other and the homesickness that follows. 

“Dude.” Steve laughed as Billy got into the car.

“No, don't fucking start, Mr. Midwest! ‘It's not that cold out!’ asshole.” Billy grumbled, unwrapping himself from his cold-weather cocoon. 

“Fine, fine…” Steve said, only smiling as he drove them to a small town diner called Connie's. 

Billy had eaten there before; in fact, it was one of his favorite places to go, as it was affordable and just his style.

Sometimes, some of the real oldies who came in would smoke inside and Billy saluted them for that.

“I love this place.” Billy confided as the two sat down in a booth. 

Before Steve could respond, the two were interrupted by a higher voice. 

“Oh my god, I don't believe it!” It was Tammy Thompson.

Both men greeted her awkwardly. 

“I can’t believe Billy and Steve, out together!” She was beaming.

Steve only smiled awkwardly, nodding his head. This made Billy snort. 

“God, no one at Hawkins High would ever believe this…” 

Billy now started to feel awkward, like Tammy fucking Tomphson of all people could sense something he didnt want her to. 

“Well, it was nice to see you, Tammy,” Steve said politely. 

“Is this why you ditched me after our four dates, you had eyes for Billy?” 

The two men went cold, though, they didnt know why. There was no real truth to Tammy's statement. 

“I'm kidding!” She laughed boisterously. 

Billy found it aggravating.

He grit his teeth as he smiled at the girl.

“Well, I have to go. Nice running into you.” She said with a pop of her gum before leaving and getting into a car with what seemed to be her boyfriend. 

The two boys sat awkwardly before Steve broke the silence with his terrible Tammy Thompson impersonation, singing Total Eclipse of the Heart.

Billy began to cackle, only stopping when the waitress came by to take there order.

And so, their friendship only grew as each encounter happened. It was nice, the awkwardness from Billy's accidental sleepover seemed to drip away, that was, until Billy knocked on their door, as Rose had invited him over.

He listened as loud music was coming from the home. He was confused; maybe Steve was listening to the stereo, and no one could hear his knock, so he knocked louder. Still no answer. 

“Hello?” He shouted, pounding even harder. 

That was when Rose opened the door, guitar slung over her shoulder. 

“Fuck Billy! What time is it?” She asked, frazzled. 

Billy was met with three other pairs of eyes, all in her living room for what looked to be rehearsal. 

“It's 5.” He said aggravated ar her lack of planning. 

“Umh, okay, we just need to finish up, so why don't you go hang out in Steve's room?” She said half haphazardly, dragging Billy inside and closing the door, in a clear hurry to get back to her band.

“I'm not four, this isn't a fucking playdate.” He mumbled as he walked into Steve's room. 

“I know, she keeps me sequestered like a child during rehearsals, too,” Steve replied, sitting on his bed.

“You don't even get to watch?” 

“Fuck no!” Steve laughed as Billy sat next to him.

“What a bummer,” Billy said, comfortably finding his position on the bed as the guitar picked up once more. 

He couldn't help but look at the way Steve looked. He was slightly tussled and a little tired, not in any fancy clothes, only in pajamas; he looked good.

“Take a picture, it’ll last longer.” Steve laughed, but Billy didnt, he continued to stare at Steve's face, eyes landing on his slightly glistening lips.

Billy suddenly wondered if Steve used lip gloss. 

The rest of the world seemed to fade away as he listened to the song Rose and her friends were playing outside the room.

“How can I make you stay? Don't turn away!”

He felt a tug of guilt as he stared at Steve's face. He could feel Steve’s eyes dart down to his lips.

“I can still hear you saying!”

The guilt plus the rush he got from Steve being so close began to build up inside him.

“Those words!”

Billy had a surge of confidence and lingered towards Steve like a piece of meat to a lion.

“That never were true!”

He knew it was stupid, that Steve could use this as blackmail before this. 

But to Billy’s surprise, Steve kissed back, feverishly. It was messy, wild, and animalistic, and they seemed to slot together real nice.

“To help nobody but you!”

Their thighs were slotted perfectly, the friction only fueling this fire. 

“Words!”

Billy felt himself let out a soft moan watching as Steve smiled, his gin making Billy's eyes flutter shut as heat pooled even deeper in his stomach.

“With lies inside”

Steve's mouth traveled down Billy's neck like he loved. The softness promising no marks. A sentiment Billy found sweet and hot.

“But small enough to hide!”

Billy began grinding his hips into Steve's thigh faster as Steve's lips went lower.

“‘Till your playin’ was through!”

Before they could go any further, the door slammed open, and the boys separated quickly. Chests heaving, quickly readjusting their pants.

Steve was running his fingers through his hair. 

Rose bursted in, the two hadn't realized the playing had stopped. They were so wrapped up in each other that they hadn't even heard the band beginning to pack up.

“Hey, baby!” She smiled, running towards the blonde, engulfing him in a hug.

Billy was silently praying she couldn't feel his almost painful erection. 

Steve looked down, not yet standing himself.

“Sorry, practice ran a little long; everyone really wanted to perfect some things before our gig.”

“It’s fine, babe. Where do you want to go?” Billy asked, smoothing out his shirt nervously. 

Rose could tell something had happened while she was away; she knew her boyfriend was not being truthful.

“Were you guys fighting again?” Her face dropped, eyeing both boys closely.

“No, he just-“

“I tackled him…” Steve said loudly, almost too quickly.

Billy snorted, eyeing the brunette up. 

“Why would you do that!” She said angrily, pushing the blond away with force.

Steve was still playing with the hem of his shirt when she stormed out, Billy finally shouted to get her attention.

He noticed the lingering eyes of her bandmates on him. It made him painfully aware of his surroundings, killing whatever arousal he had and replacing it with mortification.

“We were just having fun!” he shouted, trying to end this moment as quickly as possible.

This seemed to stop her; she turned around, looking at the two.

“Thank god! I did not want to have to re-socialize you again.” She huffed out a laugh, “I thought you had at least moved on to be civil after you spent the night waiting for me.” 

Steve laughed, pointedly, a little to defensive. Rose eyed him suspiciously.

He rolled his eyes pushing past her quickly. 

Billy never thought of Steve as the jealous type. It was hot.

He waited as each of her bandmates left the house, apologizing for her outburst. 

They exchanged kind words and planned to rehearse again later that week.

Once they were gone, Billy pulled Rose into a kiss. 

Maybe it was because he wanted to, and maybe part of it was to ease his own guilt.

“What do you wanna do today?” 

“Let’s go out.” Rose replied quickly. Like a million times before, they hopped into his Camaro and let him speed.

He was white knuckling the wheel, something Rose had only seen after a perticularly rough night with his father.

“What really happened in there?” Rose said softly.

“Nothing.” He said angrily.

She only eyed him suspiciously, face still straight.

“Okay.” 

Billy could tell she was getting upset as he kept his eyes on the road, only picking up speed.

“Slow down, Billy.” 

He ignored her, knuckles tightening.

“Slow the fuck down.” She said again, darker than before.

Finally, he listened, pulling over on the side of the road near the forest. This place always icked him out.

“What the fuck is wrong?” 

And the crazy thing was, Billy didn’t even know. 

“Nothing babe. I just didn’t get enough sleep.” 

That answer seemed to suffice as she looked into his eyes and watched them soften.

Her hand found its way to his bicep as she gave it a supportive squeeze. He smiled before starting the car again and made his way back to the road.

Chapter Text

Time went on, and Billy's visits to the Harrington home increased. Though, only he and Steve knew the extent to which he was visiting.

There were times when Steve and Billy would be lying in bed next to each other, silence filling the room, only the sound of a record needing to be flipped. Steve would shift, anxiously looking at Billy, who only returned the feeling. 

They both were consumed with guilt.

Sure, the fact that they were hiding, going behind Rose’s back, was part of the fun. And neither of them was new to cheating on women.

The chances of getting caught only fueled their nights together, but Rose didnt deserve to be hurt. 

They both knew this. 

“This is wrong.” Steve said absentmindedly, staring up at his ceiling, sweat sticking to his skin as he turned to look at Billy, equally as sweaty and red.

“I know.” His mouth was dry, he meet Steve’s eyes.

“You should tell her…” Steve said even quieter.

“That's easy for you to say, Harrington,” Billy said angrily, sitting up in the bed.

“The guilt is eating me alive, Billy!” 

“Then why don't you tell her? You’re her brother.” Billy shot back, “You have just as much blame as I do.” 

Steve knew he was right. 

But despite this, their meetings continued.

And while Billy's visits to the home increased, so did Rose’s to the family video. 

You could say that Rose was very timely, had her routines, and was set in her ways.

That was why she only went to the family video on Wednesdays from 4 to 10 and Fridays from 9 to 5.

Not because that was when Robin Buckley worked. 

Now, Rose only knew of Robin because of Steve. They were apparently close friends, though Rose couldn't understand it. 

Robin was so cool, and Steve was himself; their friendship made no sense.

Rose couldn't understand why she was so pulled to Robin's aura, though she felt like it was something she couldn't ignore. 

She needed one female friend in Hawkins. 

“You sure do come in here a lot,” Robin said questioningly.

“I watch a lot of movies,” Rose responded, a smile creeping onto her face. 

Robin eyed her with suspicion before speaking, “You’re dating Billy Hargrove, right?” 

Rose suddenly felt embarrassed, as if she had been caught for something she wasn't aware she was guilty of. 

She suddenly wished she wasn't dating Billy.

Rose quickly shook that thought away. 

It was just… Billy had been pulling away. 

Ever since the speeding incident, she could feel a shift. Something was wrong.

His shifty eye contact, the way he thought he could hide that he was hiding something, she just knew.

“Uh, yeah…”

“Yikes… my condolences,” Robin said genuinely, and to her surprise, Rose laughed. It was a real laugh.

After that day, things shifted. The two talked every time Rose came into the family video, and she made it a point to start inviting Robin over. 

And with every day the two spent together, the closer they got.

It was late when Steve had finally come back home from another late night of driving the kids home.

He was aware he was more of a babysitter than anything else in his life at this time.

He finally slipped off his jeans and sweater and instead put on his favorite pajama pants and a pair of sweats.

Only when he began to find himself under the covers did he hear a pebble start tapping his window. 

He sighed, tossing the blanket off himself as he made his way to look at the sight below with a smile before opening his window.

“Rapunzel Rapunzel let down your hair!” Billy quipped, arms wide open, cigarette dangling from his cracked lips.

“You’re an idiot!” He whisper-shouted down.

“I’m not hearing a no?” He laughed.

“The front door is unlocked, idiot. Just be quiet.” Steve said finall,y before closing his window, watching Billy make his way to the front door.

Steven only waited a few seconds before the booted figure entered his room.

His smirk was one Steve had seen many times before. Weather it was before all this and Billy was ready to pounce, or the small smiles he tried to hide when he first started coming around, or even now when it was clear his eyes were filled with lust.

“I found you, princess!” Billy said again, placing his cigarette in Steve’s ashtray he bought specifically for Billy.

“Ew, you freak, don’t call me that.” Steven laughed before the two pressed their mouths together feverishly.

Steve wrapped his arms around Billy’s waist in a way Billy would never let anyone do.

The two stumbled back before Steve fell back into a sitting position on the bed.

He grabbed at Billy’s thighs, his one hand found its way to his ass as he squeezed.

Billy huffed out a small whine.

It was then when they heard a voice.

“Steve.” 

It was Rose. She was standing, back sharp as a knife.

Billy quickly stumbled back, trying to smooth out his clothes.

“Un-fucking-believable.” She laughed, throwing her hands to her side before exiting the room.

“Rose, wait!” Steve shouted, following the girl out of the room.

“What the fuck do you want, Steve?” She spun around, facing him, as Billy slowly made his way behind him.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean for this to start, but it did!” Steve said, trying to save face.

“Thanks. That helps a lot!” She said with a laugh, “You know what. Fuck both of you, have your stupid fuck session, but I don’t want either of you to speak to me ever again.” She finished.

Billy stayed silent, which annoyed Steve slightly. What happened to them both being guilty?

She stomped her way down the stairs to the front door. Steve looked down before shouting, asking her where she was headed.

She only ignored him before slamming the door shut.

“Well… that could’ve gone worse,” Billy said, hands in his pockets with a sigh.

Steve only scoffed before throwing on a pair of dirty Chucks, running to find his sister.

Chapter Text

Robin was startled when a pounding on her window woke her up.

It felt like this was the first time in months that she had fallen asleep obnoxiously early, and of course, it had to be interrupted. 

But she was knocked awake when she saw the crying face of Rose.

She quickly opened the window, ushering the girl in.

“He fucking cheated on me.” She cried into Robin's arms.

“What?” Robin asked; she knew she shouldn't be shocked. It was Billy Hargrove, and being a douche bag was like his entire thing.

But the idea of cheating on someone as kind and funny as Rose was deeply upsetting to Robin. 

Men had it so fucking easy when it came to falling in love with girls, and yet they always fucked it up. If Robin had just one chance, she knew she’d never fail like men.

“I’m so fucking stupid, I should’ve known Billy was a piece of shit.” Rose cried, grip on Robin tightening.

“Hey, hey, breathe with me.” Robin tried to soothe, rubbing circles on Rose's back. 

“And I can’t even tell you who with because it feels wrong to say.” She cried, muffled into Robin's shoulder. 

“Of course, you can tell me.” 

“No, really, I cant. I mean, it's not really my business technically-” As she rambled on, Robin interrupted her, “It was your boyfriend who cheated, you’re allowed to talk about it-”

“You won't get it,” Rose said quietly.

Robin almost laughed, “I promise you, I will.”

“You can’t tell anyone,” Rose said, backing away from Robin's shoulder to look into her eyes.

“I won't,” Robin said quietly, looking into Rose's glimmering chocolate brown eyes.

“Promise me.” Rose stuck out her pinky, waiting for Robin to grab it with her own. 

“Promise.” She said, linking pinkies, selfishly wanting to take hold of the shorter woman's hand. 

Rose swallowed nervously before her eyes settled on her own lap.

“It was Steve.”

Robin's hand froze, pinkies still interlinked. 

Never in a million years did she think Steve would have any interest in men, especially not Billy.

From what she had heard, he was a complete violent asshole to him. 

“But you cant tell anyone because I don't want to out them-” Rose rambled, pulling away from the taller woman.

Robin couldn't help but smile, realizing the concern Rose had, and felt her heart warm weirdly to the situation.

“I would never. I mean, I like girls, so it's kinda part of the code not to tell.” Robin said, hoping to ease the other woman's nerves.

Rose stared back, shocked, before she began to smile.

“Is now a crazy time to say I think I might too.” 

Now Robin was shocked once again. 

“God, I didnt think I'd be confessing that tonight.” Rose laughed, wiping at her eyes.

“Something about how I began to feel around a girl versus how I felt about Billy began to make sense to me,” Rose explained, still trying to stop her crying. Robin listened intently. 

“She made me feel safe, I didnt feel like I needed to be someone else around her, I found myself lying in Billy's arms and suddenly wishing I was in hers.” 

The room felt warmer than it was before.

“And tonight, when I saw the two of them, I just thought ‘fuck it!’ Why am I forcing myself to be unhappy with a man who doesn't even care about me?” Rose finished. Voice stabilizing as she found her own conviction.

Robin liked seeing her like this, strong in her conviction; it felt like she was finally realizing who she was, and it made Robin's heart warm.

Robin felt her own face heat as she whispered her question, “Who is this girl?”

Rose smiled, and her eyes seemed ot glimmer. Robin thought she was the prettiest girl she had ever seen at that moment. 

“You, Robin. You.” 

Robin felt herself tear up, but before she could get sappy, she was overcome with the feeling of soft lips landing on hers. 

Her eyes fluttered shut as Rose kissed her softly, seeking reassurance and support.

Robin smiled into the kiss before pulling away gently, “I want to continue the kissing part when you’re not in emotional turmoil.” 

Rose nodded as Robin's arms tightened around her and they made themselves comfortable in Robin's bed.

“And I still need a play-by-play of what happened. Can't believe my Stevie is queer… he's all grown up!” She joked, pretending to be emotional. 

Rose had stayed at Robins for two days after that. Her parents were on some hippy retreat, and Rose didnt want to go home and Robin knew that.

But when she finally returned home in clothes that weren't her own, she was shocked to see Steve asleep on the couch. 

As she shut the door, he woke up startled. “Rose! Rose, thank god you're okay.” He ran, pulling her into a hug, which she rejected, shoving him off.

“I know you’re mad, and I understand, but Mom was so worried.” 

She ignored him, slamming the door to her room.

The next few weeks went like that. 

Steve was trying to talk to Rose while Rose avoided him at all costs.

“We have to talk about this eventually, please.” He pleaded one afternoon, back against her door. 

“Whoa!” He shouted almost constantly as the door was swung open, knocking him onto his back.

“Then talk.” She said, leaving the door open as if to tell Steve to hurry up and get inside.

“I never meant for any of this to happen; it just happened and spiraled.”

He waited for a response he never got.

“And we both were just so scared of getting caught, or maybe even scared of what we were.” 

“So you two are dating?” She asked, cutting off his rambling.

Steve snorted, “As if, he’d never let me call it that, and besides, he’s been ignoring me since-” 

Rose grunted before getting up from her bed and making her way to the phone as she dialed a familiar number.

“Hi, Billy, yes, it's me. No, yeah, would you shut up!” She said, tapping her slippered foot to the ground.

“Can anyone hear me but you? Okay, if you were willing to risk our relationship for Steve get your ass up and make sure you’ve got it for keeps.” 

When there was no answer, she continued, “You already risked it for him, why stop now, hold on to what you love.” 

And with that she hung up the phone.

“You’re welcome. Men can never communicate.” She said with disgust, before showing Steve her smile. 

He felt a smile spread over his own face as he felt himself breathe calmly for the first time in weeks.

Chapter Text

The stage lights gleamed as Rose rocked from side to side, nervously anticipating the cheers from the bar crowd. 

‘Rosey and The Riveters’ had finally booked their first real gig. A standalone.

They weren't opening for another band, or playing a junior prom; the people out there were here to see them. 

She smiled, cheeks almost hurting from excitement. 

She looked at her friends: Velma, on keys, Elsie on bass, and Star on drums. She was so excited to be able to share her dreams with her closest friends. 

Their small garage band started back in the eighth grade, back in Chicago, when the four friends all began playing together.

Music, as always, saved Rose.

Every time she had felt herself slipping away, lonely, isolated, or heartbroken and betrayed, she could always count on music to lift her up.

Her fingers would strum her guitar in a language clearer than any word. 

The guitar would tell you how she was feeling, and when she forgot who she was, the guitar would remind her. 

As the cheers died down, Rose began strumming her guitar, and the opening chords of ‘Words’ by the Monkees rang out.

Though the crowd of fans meant the world to her, there was only one set of eyes she wanted to impress. 

Robins.

Robin was front row, gleaning at Rose. 

Though she would blame it on the heat of the stage light, Rose felt herself blush. 

This was the happiest and most fulfilled she had ever felt. It was euphoric. 

Only a few faces away from the one she loved was Billy and Steve, both smiling up at her as she belted the chorus. 

She furrowed her brows and zeroed her eyes at the two.

Though she had eventually forgiven the two, she knew to keep them in their place. 

Letting them know, though, she forgave, she’ll never forget. 

It had been a rocky few months for the three of them. 

Billy getting used to seeing Rose without the need or even want to be hers. Instead knowing she knew about him and Steve. It was hard.

She was just as on edge around the two, still hurt, still upset. 

It was a month after she caught the two of them when she told Steve about her and Robin. 

“No fucking way!” He responded, sitting on her bedroom floor.

“I’m so happy for you!” He said, standing up and pulling Rose into an overbearing hug.

But as time went on, they settled into routines. 

She got used to Billy coming over, looking for Steve, heading to his room, and going to him for comfort instead of her. 

It was odd, but it started to make sense.

The best was when the four of them, Steve, Rose, Robin, and Billy, would go out together.

It was always a double date; they could truly go anywhere without the fear of someone finding out or assuming something about them because, from the outside, they looked like two unassuming hetero couples.

It stated to feel like it was the four of them against the world, and that was wonderful.

Her gaze on the two as she sang seemed to get her message across.

Their faces settled, and they inched apart just slightly.

It made her start to giggle through the rest of the verse. 

Had you told Rose two years ago when she was uprooted from her childhood home and re-planted in an odd little town called Hawkins, that shed be playing her music with her childhood best friends for a crowd of people who loved them including her girlfriend, brother, and ex boyfriend who she enjoys more as her brothers boyfriend, she’d have laughed in your face. 

“God, you were great!” Robin shouted, running up to Rose, engulfing her in a hug.

“Thank you, baby.” She responded softly enough that only Robin had heard. 

“You looked so good.” She responded in the same low register. 

Rose blushed, “I’m taking you on tour with me.”

“I’d gladly be a roady.”

“Rose! Fantastic work.” Steve shouted, emerging from the crowd with a beer in his hand. Rose couldn't help but laugh; he reminded her of a middle-aged dad. 

“Got to agree with Stevie on this one,” Billy said with a grin emerging behind the brunette, who flushed slightly at the nickname. 

Rose laughed again, feeling more joy than she had in years. 

“Where's the after party?” Robin asked with a smile.

“Roses!” The rest of the band shouted, descending into a fit of laughter.

Rose smiled to herself, in this moment, with the glimmer of the stage lights in her eyes, looking into the smoky crowd, Rose knew this was it. She was right where she wanted to be.

And she never thought where she wanted to be was Hawkins, Indiana.