Story [Stranger Things] Through These Tangled Threads of Light - UDC X

Week 7

Characters: Steve/Billy
Notes: This is another plot bunny I've had for a while that I haven't been able to do anything with. I was stuck on this set so I crammed parts of the bunny in there and this is the result. I can't tell anymore if it's good, bad, just plain stupid, entertaining, or whatever, but it's done. Concrit is always welcome!

Just to be on the safe side, content warning for implied/referenced child abuse and homophobia.

The plot bunny was originally inspired by a line from the Springsteen song Devil's Arcade, specifically "You sleep and dream of your buddies Charlie and Jim/And wake with a thick desert dust on your skin". The song is a haunting, beautiful narrative about living with trauma (the characters in the song are a solider emotionally and physically wounded in war and their spouse), and it's very close to my heart on both a personal and fandom level. Please give it a listen!

As always, if you choose to read, thank you and I hope you enjoy!

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31. Obstruct

The door slams into the wall.

For a second he's paralyzed by sleep and terror.

He manages to sit up before Neil reaches him, reaches them. Manages to stagger to his feet and block Neil's attack. His hands grasp his father's as he throws all his weight into holding him back. Pushing him back, away from Steve.

Neil snarls, a savage inhuman sound, and his hands aren't hands anymore, they're serrated tentacles puncturing flesh.

Billy grits his teeth against the pain until it's too much. His screams mingle with the monster's and he shoves, once more, as his vision blurs.

32. Infuse

There's a hiss in his ears, like static on a radio. The static slowly forms into words, but they're distant, far away.

"Billy. Billy. Baby. It's okay, you're okay. You had a nightmare, okay."

He wasn't aware of being on his feet, but now that the adrenaline's wearing off he realizes he's standing next to their bed. He's shaking.

Steve stands near him.

"It's okay," he repeats. "You're safe."

Billy draws in a short, sharp breath and exhales just as quickly.

"Steve?" he says, and it's a quiet, confused sound.

A small smile plays on Steve's lips. "Yeah, it's me."

33. Obtain

A full, peaceful night's sleep doesn't come easy to either of them anymore.

So now they have a routine.

They make hot chocolate and take it to the living room. Steve wraps the heavy throw blanket around both of them and they find an old sitcom rerun.

Billy tries to concentrate on the mug in his hands, the sweet taste of hot chocolate, the sound of canned laughter and corny jokes, the warmth of the blanket and Steve beside him.

He reminds himself that the monster is gone, and the gate is closed, and Neil doesn't know where they live.

34. Immerse

He sets the empty mug on the coffee table, as wired as if he'd just drunk a gallon of coffee. Every nerve and muscle buzzes with nervous energy.

What he wants, right now, is to burn some of that energy. To be reminded that he's alive, and safe.

Steve's more than willing to help. Billy lets him take over, surrenders to his lips and hands and love.

Once, he'd caught a wave bigger than any he'd ever ridden. He wasn't afraid, even when it closed over his head. He trusted the water.

Now, he trusts Steve won't let him drown.

35. Dissipate

Steve groans. "I don't think I can move."

"No reason to," Billy mumbles without lifting his head from Steve's chest.

"We should try and get some sleep," Steve says. He half-sits up, jostling Billy, and squints at the clock on the VCR. "Or we could just drink a couple pots of coffee."

An apology sits on the tip of Billy's tongue. But he knows Steve will only kiss him and say don't apologize, baby, it's not your fault. Just the way he does when it's Steve who wakes up screaming. It won't be the last time.

He closes his eyes.

 

Love the friendship feels in Splash. Flutter!! Hopper and baby Sara just. Too sweet for words. And Crackle... s'mores for the win. Gooey marshmallows, graham crackers and best of all, chocolate.

 

Love that Springsteen song and how Steve is caring for Billy with the chocolate and coffee

 

@WarmNyota_SweetAyesha It's totally my headcanon that Mike and El would name a daughter after Sara, and Hopper would be the most doting grandpa and spoil her absolutely rotten. Thank you so much for reading and I'm so happy you enjoyed that set!

@earlybird-obi-wan It really is a beautiful, touching song so I'm so glad you liked it! I'm glad you liked Steve taking care of Billy, too. Thank you so much for reading and for your wonderful comments!

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Week 8

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Characters: Steve/Billy; Robin & OCs mentioned
Timeframe: Late 1990s
Notes: Totally 100% AU with my headcanon of Robin living in France.

I was really stuck on this set, but I finally came up with these thanks once again to music (not Springsteen this week! I was shocked too! ).

This set was inspired by Rock You Like A Hurricane by The Scorpions and Blinding Lights by The Weeknd.

The italicized line of dialogue in #40, Depth, is a lyric from "Rock You Like A Hurricane". I also used timeanddate's Time Zone Converter for the time difference between Paris and Los Angeles.

"Rock You Like A Hurricane" is canonically Billy's song, and just an awesome 80s rock song on its own. And while I don't listen to much modern music I just discovered The Weeknd and I am obsessed with "Blinding Lights" (which has a line about being "blinded by the lights" so I guess there is still a Springsteen connection ). It gives me big Harringrove feels, because I adore this trash ship and a lot of music makes me think of them, but it's also just good (and has an 80s vibe, which is probably why I like it ). All that rambling is to say, please go and check out these awesome songs!

And if you choose to read, thank you and I hope you enjoy.

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36. Squall

Robin had to meet Lara at the gallery, some urgent matter about the upcoming exhibition, and he'd told her not to worry, he'd be fine on his own.

He walks the crowded streets, hearing snatches of conversation in accents and languages he can't even begin to place, trying to guess what the French words on signs and menus and labels mean.

When he stops at a supermarket, it takes him a second to realize the song playing on the speakers overhead is in English.

It takes him another second to realize he recognizes it, and when he does, he smiles.

37. Tide

He remembered his mom explaining tides. High tide and low tide, the water rising and falling in rhythm with the moon. He didn't understand how the moon could make the water climb up the beach. It was so far away, up in the sky.

He learned about gravity in science class, but it wasn't until years later, after she left, that he began to understand how forces and bodies could act on each other no matter how far apart they were.

Now he looks to the east and wonders if, almost six thousand miles away, Steve's thinking about him too.

38. Surf

Excited shouting and laughter as the kids arrive for their Saturday lesson brings his attention back to the beach.

There's a new one this week, a chubby little boy with sunscreen streaks on his face and a strap around his head so his glasses won't fall into the water. He's even paler than Max.

With Alison and Santiago's assistance, he goes over paddling, standing, and falling. He shuts down the whispers and snickering at Glasses' clumsy attempts to follow directions. And when Glasses manages to stand up for two seconds, wobbling until he falls, he leads the class in cheering.

39. Current

7:40 p.m.

He puts the plate away and hangs up the dish towel. With only one person cooking and eating, there wasn't much to do. At least it killed a few minutes.

7:55 p.m.

He cracks open a beer, picks at the label, and tries not to stare at the phone.

7:57 p.m.

Steve said he'd call but it's expecting a lot, for him to get up at 5 am just to talk on the phone. He's not a morning person. He's probably exhausted from hanging out with Robin and her girlfriend. He won't call.

7:59 p.m.

The phone rings.

40. Depth

Billy tells Steve about the nerdy new kid, how proud he was of him. Steve tells him the kid has a great teacher.

"Yeah?" Billy says.

"The best. Hey, guess what? I heard a song in a store earlier, made me think of you."

"Yeah? What song?"

"Rock You Like A Hurricane... Here I am, rock you like a hurricane..."

When he trails off, Billy says, "I love you."

Steve pictures him at their table, his summer freckles and laugh lines, a smile on his face.

"I love you."

He's sure Billy can hear the smile in his voice too.

 

6000 km apart but thinking about Billy and hearing those beautiful songs. A perfect set
Years ago I was in Paris and heard in a McDonalds a famous pianoconcert by Mozart

 

@earlybird-obi-wan That's a lovely story about your trip to Paris and hearing the Mozart music, thank you for sharing! It's so beautiful how music can create memories and bonds to places and people, no matter how long ago or how far away they may be.

And thank you as always for reading and leaving such wonderful comments. It truly means a lot to me. Thank you.

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Week 9

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Characters: 41. Susan; 42. Steve; 43. Steve/Billy; 44, 45. Steve/Billy, OCs
Notes: Me, an introverted aroace who doesn't want kids of her own and thinks there is not enough recognition of platonic love and friendship in our society IRL: I'm gonna ship my OTP so hard and write ALL the weddings and kids and happy families and smut!

This set went through a few different variations and ended up a hot mess but my main goal is just to finish this damn challenge because I want to actually follow through on things. So here we are. Concrit is always welcome.

Just in case, I'm putting a content warning for implied/referenced child abuse in #41, Per Se. That one, and #42, are also the only drabbles that contain anything even remotely close to canon, everything else is purely 100% AU.

Also I don't have a song to go with this week's set, so if you really want a soundtrack for these drabbles take the dumbest, sappiest, cheesiest song you can find and play that I guess.

If you choose to read, thank you and I hope you enjoy!

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41. Per Se

It's just her and the kids at breakfast. Neil went in early for overtime.

She says a cheerful good morning. Max mumbles a reply through a yawn, and Billy scowls at his cereal. There's a bruise under his eye that wasn't there before dinner yesterday.

It's not her place to question her husband's parenting. She wouldn't appreciate him interfering with Max's upbringing, and he's told her his son is a handful, that he needs discipline.

So she doesn't say anything.

But when she's grocery shopping later she adds a golden cake mix, both Max and Billy's favorite, to her cart.

42. Ad Hoc

Steve slides his fingers under the knot of his tie. He's tempted to rip it off and throw it in his dad's face, to tell everybody the truth. How he preaches about family values when for years he's cheated on his wife and forgotten about his son.

If Nancy was here he'd tell his dad to shove it, and take her hand, and they'd leave this behind for good.

Instead he straightens his tie and runs a hand through his hair. Puts on a smile and rejoins the party, falling back into the lies of devoted sons and happy families.

43. Vice Versa

It should be him lying in a hospital bed hooked up to IVs and monitors again.

Not Steve. Not his pretty boy, the boy he'd loved for almost fifty years. The boy he'd grown up with and spent his life with.

The boy he wanted to spend every day of the rest of his life with.

The doctors said it wasn't a severe heart attack, that there wasn't much damage, that he'd make a full recovery.

He knows Steve's tough. Knows he's made it through worse.

Still, he doesn't fully believe it until Steve wakes up and squeezes his hand.

44. De Facto

Orli's history is distilled down into Hargroves and Harringtons and unnamed maternal grandparents; a leaf with a heart that says "Mommy", and pictures of Steve beaming while he helps her wave and Billy laughing while he holds her on the beach.

Billy traces the letters that spell out his mother's name, and feels Steve's hand on his back.

"We should do our own with her," Steve says. "You know, with Aunt Max and Aunt El and Uncle Lucas and Uncle Dustin, and Uncle Mike..."

"The whole family?"

"Yeah." Steve moves so he's got his arm around Billy. "The whole family."

45. Et Cetera

"You got the bottles? And formula?"

"Yes," Billy says, again. "I got it all."

They're leaving to spend Thanksgiving with Max and Lucas. It's their first visit since they adopted George, and Max said the girls were excited to meet their newest baby cousin.

"And - " Steve pauses, pretends to think, and glances in the rearview mirror to where Orli and George are strapped in their car seats, " - we've got the kids, right?"

Orli giggles.

Billy reaches over the seat to squeeze her foot. "I think so."

"Okay." Steve grins as he starts the car and shifts into reverse. "Let's go!"

 

Aww, I really like the idea that they all are still so close this far in the timeline -- they went through a lot, even in a happier universe, and it's nice to see them have a more peaceful life.

 

great to see Steve and Billy getting a nice family after their upbringing

 

@Kahara Oh, I know it's stupid and unrealistic and they are fictional characters but I don't care, they all deserve a happy peaceful life! Thank you so much for reading and commenting!

@earlybird-obi-wan The boys getting a family and all the love they deserve is one of my favorite things to write, so I'm so happy you enjoyed that! Thank you so much for reading and for your lovely comments.

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Week 10

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Characters: 46. Billy & Neil; 47, 48. Steve/Billy; 49. Hopper/Joyce; 50. Nancy & Barb
Notes: My usual AU trash and as always I'm not entirely happy with these but I don't have time or energy to keep working on them. Concrit welcome!

Content warning for implied/referenced child abuse in #46, "Tetchy".

"Prudent" and "Daring" are based off a ficlet I started to write a while ago and gave up on. It's very OOC and I can't do proper justice to the idea, but the original ficlet was inspired by real life Springsteen concerts. As Bruce says (in Human Touch), "We're all riders on this train".

The italicized dialogue in "Daring" is from Born To Run.

If you choose to read, thank you and I hope you enjoy!

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46. Tetchy

Billy knows when his dad's had a bad day.

He'll come home from work slamming doors and swearing. He'll open a beer, or two or three, before dinner.

Billy knows to be quiet, to stay out of his way, to say yes sir and no sir if his dad speaks to him.

It's not always enough.

Billy knows not to complain, not to scream, not to cry until he's alone in his room, huddled on his bed with his knees pulled up to his chest and his arms wrapped around his legs.

For him, every day is a bad day.

47. Prudent

"The hell kind of question is that?"

Steve just asked him on a date.

He should know better. He's used to dating girls but he's not stupid. He knows things are different with Billy, that they have to be discreet.

"Not here," Steve says quickly. "I know we can't, here. There's a concert in Chicago, I thought we could go, and stay overnight and everything."

Being alone with Steve in a big city, far enough from Hawkins to be anonymous, changes things.

"What concert?"

"It's a surprise." Steve smiles, hopeful. "Trust me?"

Billy shrugs, fighting his own smile. "I guess."

48. Daring

The concert's Springsteen.

It's better than Billy expected. He knows some of the songs, and the energy in the stadium puts everyone in a good mood.

Then, at the end of a song, it happens.

Two men kissing onstage for the world to see.

He turns to Steve. It's the first time they kiss in public.

Nobody stops them. The crowd keeps dancing and singing, and the band keeps playing.

He keeps his hand in Steve's, and when Springsteen sings we're gonna get to that place where we really wanna go and we'll walk in the sun, he believes it.

49. Ornery

"Stop it."

Hopper feigns innocence. "Stop what?"

She flips another page. "You've been checking the clock all night. The movie didn't even start until 7. They won't be home for another couple of hours. They're fine."

"Yeah? You sure, Joyce? So sure you made it through, what, three pages?"

"One chapter."

"Oh, one whole chapter. Because they're fine."

Joyce turns back to her book, then sets it on the coffee table.

"Come here, you ornery bastard," she says, and pulls him into a kiss.

They'll always worry. But the kids are growing up, and together they'll learn to let go.

50. Jovial

"Barb!"

Barb waves as Nancy rushes to meet her. They wrap each other in a hug.

"It's so good to see you," Nancy says when she steps back. "How's Denver?"

"I love it." Barb smiles, her eyes bright behind her glasses. She tucks a strand of hair, grown out longer since the last time Nancy saw her, behind her ear. "I've got a great apartment, a great roommate, a great job...it's everything I hoped for."

"I'm so happy for you," Nancy says. "You deserve it."

She lifts Barb's suitcase and they chat easily as they head down to the subway.

 

They are great, inspired by Bruce Springsteen. Getting there and seeing all that. Great for Billy and Steve and also for Barb and Nancy

 

Wonderful! I love Billy's realization that he's in a place where it's safe to be himself. And I love to see Barb living her best life.

 

@earlybird-obi-wan Bruce and his music are for everyone and it's such a beautiful thing! Thank you as always for reading and for your wonderful comments. It means so much to me.

@UltramassiveUbersue I'm so glad you enjoyed those parts! Thank you so much for reading and commenting!

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Week 11

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Characters: 51. Billy & OC; 52. Billy/OC; 53, 54, 55. Steve/Billy
Notes: This set is super self-indulgent and references lots of fanon and Billy/Harringrove fandom tropes.

#51, "Heretofore", is a short version of a fic I was thinking of writing for Autumn Bingo, set in the same 'verse as one of my Kessel Run fics, Full of Grace. Both that fic and this drabble were partially inspired by Billy's necklace being a religious medallion of the Virgin Mary with baby Jesus.

#52, "Unbeknownst", was inspired by - well, canon. Canonically, the one time Billy is shown with a high school girl in S2, he seems annoyed and bored (to be fair, he's a complete ******* to pretty much everyone in S2 especially) and doesn't even look at her. Contrast that with every scene with Steve, where he won't leave him alone and can't stop looking at him.

#53, "Henceforth", is based off the fanon theory of Neil putting a lock on the outside of Billy's door. This is the one I'm least satisfied with in this set, and there's some context missing that I wasn't able to fit in, but I have very limited writing time/energy and I don't want to spend another week or more working on one drabble and fall even farther behind. So it is what it is.

#55, "Forevermore", uses the Harringrove 'height difference' trope that Steve is one inch taller than Billy. I think this one started with the actual actors' heights, and it became a fanon thing that Steve (and Max and El) would tease Billy mercilessly about being shorter.

Finally #54 & #55 are just the boys getting to live a long, happy, loving life together because they deserve it all.

If you choose to read, thank you and I hope you enjoy!

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51. Heretofore

This nurse is plump with graying hair, what he imagines a grandmother would look like. She checks him over, then takes a plastic bag from her pocket.

"Here, dear. I thought you'd want this back."

His hands are too sore and cut up to handle the bag, but she removes the objects with a kind smile.

It's his necklace. He'd assumed it was lost forever.

There's a card with it, script spelling out a prayer. Mary holds baby Jesus, just like his pendant.

He wants to tell her he doesn't believe in prayers and miracles.

He wants to thank her.

52. Unbeknownst

Cheryl's all lipstick and hairspray and perfume. Long legs and a tight denim skirt. She laughs too loud, leans in close, flips her hair back and keeps her hand on his arm.

She wants everyone at the party to see them together. She's got a big mouth, so anyone who doesn't already know will hear all about it at school on Monday.

That's why he brought her.

He knows what to say, how to show her a good time. And if he pictures lean muscles instead of soft curves, big brown eyes and sweat after basketball practice, she'll never know.

53. Henceforth

Billy's staring at the doorknob like he's trying to figure out how it works. "Can I...could we lock it?"

"Why?" Steve grins. "Robin's not gonna barge in on us, trust me."

"Never mind." Billy laughs, bright and brittle. "Where's the booze, pretty boy?"

The sudden shift makes Steve cross the room. "Hey. Talk to me."

"It's nothing."

"Billy."

By the time Billy tearfully confesses that he's never had a lock on the inside of his bedroom door, neither of them feel like celebrating.

Cuddled as close as they can get, Steve tells Billy, "You can lock it whenever you want."

54. Notwithstanding

"I can't do this."

They're sitting in the car with pamphlets and business cards and a folder full of information. He's terrified.

Steve stares out the windshield. He doesn't look at Billy when he says, "You said you wanted kids too."

He did. The idea of having a real family with Steve is something he very much wants. It's the reality he's not sure about.

"Why not?"

It's Billy's turn to look away.

"Because…”

His father. His past. Himself.

"I’m scared."

Steve puts an arm around him. They're both quiet.

"You're not him," Steve says finally. "You never will be."

55. Forevermore

Steve pulls Billy into an embrace.

"What do you say?" he says, trailing his lips along Billy's jaw. "You want to break the bed in?"

"Think we can actually still break the bed?" Billy purrs.

The way Steve's looking at him, Billy doesn't feel like they've just moved into their new apartment at the retirement complex. He feels young and foolish and in love and other things.

Things that he'll never stop feeling for Steve.

Steve grins. "Let's try."

He leans down ever so slightly, closing the gap of that one inch he's always had on Billy, and kisses him.

 

Another wonderful set!

Honestly, Unbeknownst breaks my heart the most. In order to be what society permits, Billy has to degrade his own character by seeking out someone that he can use in order to pass and then lying to her in what are supposed to be their most intimate moments. I can't see how this could not affect his ability to get close to others or his confidence in his ability to be a parent.

 

Love how Billy got his necklace back and Steve comforting him and loving him

 

@UltramassiveUbersue & @earlybird-obi-wan I'm sorry I don't have enough spoons to do proper replies this week, but I do want to say that I've read your comments over a few times and I truly do appreciate them. Thank you both so much, and thank you to anyone else who's read these!

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Week 12

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Characters: #56. Max/Lucas; #57. Steve/Nancy, Barb; #58. Hopper/Joyce; #59. Steve/Billy; #60. Jonathan & Will
Notes: Wow this set was tough!

#59, "Flint", was the only one I actually had an idea for. It was inspired by the S2 basketball scenes and Hammer and the Anvil by Soraia. This is an awesome song, so please give it a listen!

Notes for the other drabbles are under the spoiler tag. You won't miss anything if you don't read them, it's basically just me rambling about headcanons. My brain's basically mush right now, so I can't really tell anymore if any of this makes sense.

Spoiler

#56, "Pebble", can either be read as canon somewhere between S2 and S4 or some post-S2 AU timeline where Max gets to just be happy with her boyfriend and her friends and her family.

#57, "Boulder", is a S1 AU.

#58, "Loam", is based off a headcanon/fic idea that I will never write that Hopper and Joyce take an epic RV road trip to California for Steve and Billy's wedding (because the boys' real parents suck/are dead by then, and Joyce and Hopper are everyone's honorary parents anyway), and their road trip continues up the coast to wine country afterwards.

#60, "Gravel", is just some sibling bonding a few years before S1. I love all the siblings so much but Jonathan and Will are just so - functional, I guess? Like they actually have a good, healthy sibling relationship in canon and it's just so refreshing to see.

If you choose to read, thank you and I hope you enjoy!

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56. Pebble

Max hits the ground with a thud.

Lucas rushes to her. "Are you okay?"

"Fine," she says through gritted teeth.

Cursing, she pushes herself up to a sitting position. Once she's on her feet she crouches to examine her board.

Lucas spots the pebble before she does.

"Here," he says, dropping it into her hand. Unable to hold back a grin, he adds, "Wouldn't want anyone else falling on their butt."

"Wow, you're so thoughtful."

He thinks she might throw it at his head, but she flings it into the yard, away from the sidewalk, as hard as she can.

57. Boulder

There's a present missing under the tree.

She and Barb always exchanged gifts, but not this year. Barb hasn't spoken to her, not since the time outside the cafeteria a few days after Steve's party.

Not since she made her choice clear.

"Hey," Steve says, "want to go upstairs?"

She remembers how she and Barb used to spend hours in her room upstairs, talking while Mike played with his friends and the adults had their own party.

Guilt and regret weigh on her like a boulder.

"Maybe later." She stands up abruptly. Tries to smile. "I need some more punch."

58. Loam

He's never been a wine drinker. He couldn't explain the difference between a Cabernet and a Zinfandel if he tried.

He'd listened to the guides at the wineries go on about loam soils, about grape varieties and regions and flavors, about uncorking techniques and presentation and other things he had no interest in.

But sitting with Joyce after dinner, sharing the wine they'd brought back, he almost thinks he can taste ocean air and laughter; El dancing with him at the reception; and Joyce's silvery waves peeking out from her sun hat, her smile as warm as the California sunsets.

59. Flint

Hargrove shoves him, hard. He doesn't go down, although he has to scramble to stay on his feet.

"The hell is wrong with you, man?" he snaps.

Hargrove laughs, and Steve turns to yell at him, again, right as Hargrove steps even closer, so close their faces are practically touching.

Steve feels the heat radiating off him. Between them.

He puts his hand flat on Hargrove's chest, over his necklace, and lets it rest there just for a second. Just long enough to see something flash through Hargrove's eyes.

He shoves, harder.

"Plant your feet," he says, and walks away.

60. Gravel

Will's bike skids on the gravel. For a split second he teeters between crashing and regaining his balance, before gravity pulls him down.

His knee's bleeding, and it stings so much he starts to cry.

"Will! You okay, buddy?"

His brother's kneeling next to him. He manages a nod through his sniffles.

"Come on." Jonathan holds out his hand. "Let's go inside and get you cleaned up, okay?"

"Okay."

The soap and water make his knee hurt even more. But once it's bandaged Jonathan helps him to the couch.

Leaning against his brother, with popsicles and cartoons, Will feels better.

 

I love those. Real life can happen that way. falling and thoughts and tasting, slipping and sliding

 

Another great set this week! Oh, and don't worry about not having the time or energy to reply to my feedback. A "like" tells me you read it and found it useful.

I love that Steve is such a bad### that he can turn someone's attempt at bullying into (as the great Oscar Wilde put it) "a love that dare not speak its name". I mean, if that's not confidence, I don't know what is.

Jonathan is just the best big brother. He reminds me of when I wiped out on my bike and my big sister carried me all the way home.

I know you said you'll never write your epic Joyce and Hopper road trip fic, but that's no reason not to keep posting some highlights for us.

Dammit Lucas, don't make fun of your girlfriend! She's going to dump you for someone cooler if you keep this up! Seriously though, this is such a cute depiction of middle school romance.

As much as I feel sad for Nancy here, it's nice to know that it's possible for her and Barb to reconcile in time.

Looking forward to more!

 

I really wanted to do proper replies this week, but once again my brain's not having it, I'm sorry. Thank you to everyone who read and left such lovely comments, I really do appreciate it.

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Week 13

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Characters: 61, 62, 65. Steve/Billy; 63. Hopper; 64. El & OC
Notes: This set sucks and I can't pretend otherwise but my writing time and energy is so limited that I don't want to waste months working on a couple of drabbles that I still won't like anyway.

#63, "Another", is set sometime pre-S1 and just to be safe, content warning for implied/referenced PTSD, alcohol abuse, and mentions of canonical child character death (Sara). The rest are my usual AU trash. The song mentioned in #65, "Everything", is Rude Boy by Rihanna.

If you choose to take the time to read these anyway, thank you.

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61. Several

Billy gets home before Steve on Thursdays.

Dinner's almost ready by the time Steve comes in and greets him with a kiss.

As they eat they laugh and talk about their days, and what chores need to get caught up this weekend, and other mundane things.

They do the dishes, walk the dogs, and curl up in front of the TV. Billy keeps one arm around Steve and scratches Lemmy's head with his free hand, Cookie taking up the remainder of the couch.

They go to bed and kiss goodnight, and Billy can't wait to do it all again tomorrow.

62. Neither

Max scowls as she picks at her chipped nail polish. She couldn't appear more bored if she tried.

Listening to Neil and Susan discuss the menu like they've never been to a restaurant before, Billy feels the same.

He looks around Enzo's and sees a middle-aged couple stroll in, everything about them dripping wealth and elegance. He perks up when he realizes their son's trailing behind them, head down like he doesn't want to be seen.

He didn't know Steve's parents were in town.

Steve notices him. Billy hides a smile as he coyly looks away.

Dinner just got interesting.

63. Another

It's quiet out here.

Too quiet.

The peaceful silence beside the lake is broken by sounds that ring in his ears and fill his head until they're all he can hear.

Gunshots, explosions, screams. Sounds that no human should be capable of making, that no human should ever have to hear.

Coughing, wheezing, a whispered daddy. Shouting, beeping, the piercing shriek of a flatline. Sounds that no parent should ever have to hear.

When the noise becomes too much, when he can't listen anymore, he pulls a bottle off the shelf and drinks until he succumbs to darkness.

To silence.

64. Anything

She decides the summer before college, visiting California with Max, is the right time.

Billy takes her to his friend's shop. Amber greets her warmly. Doesn't ask where the numbers came from, what they mean or why she wants them concealed, just asks what she does want.

She can have anything. It's her choice.

"Something pretty," she says.

Amber sketches a design, shows her, refines it until she says an excited yes.

The needles scare her, but Amber chats with her. Makes her feel safe. Makes her feel like her own person.

She leaves with a butterfly on her wrist.

65. Everything

"I heard this song the other day."

Steve fumbles with his phone for a minute before a song starts. He watches Billy with a knowing grin.

As Billy listens to the first verse he gets why Steve's looking at him like that.

He flashes Steve a grin of his own. "Thinkin' about me, pretty boy?"

"Soon as I heard it," Steve says, then begins singing along.

He holds out his hands and Billy steps into his arms. Laughing, they dance to the bedroom.

Steve gazes at Billy and repeats the chorus, softly.

"...love me, love me."

"I do," Billy says.

 

Wait, where is the set that sucks? I really enjoyed these. These are all very effective mood pieces and character moments, and I like your straightforward writing style.

#64 is my favourite. I love how Elle is combining a rite of passage-- being old enough to get a tattoo-- with reclaiming herself from her trauma. She's not a number anymore, she's free! And a butterfly is a very sweet and sentimental image that is in keeping with someone her age.

Looking forward to your next set!

 

@UltramassiveUbersue Thank you for reading (and please don't feel obligated to keep reading or commenting!).

*

Week 14

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Characters: 66, 67. Steve/Billy; 68. Steve; 69. Max; 70. Max & Billy
Notes: Once again I'm just running with the first things that come to mind. The usual - these are just AU garbage that I can't quite get down the way I want and that I'm not really happy with but I'm really trying not to care and just finish this challenge.

#66, "Axis", is based on a fic I tried to write before and never got anywhere with.

The italicized dialogue ("Am I dreaming or is that you, Harrington?") in #67, "Contour", is taken from Season 2, Chapter 9: "The Gate".

#69, "Nadir", and #70, "Zenith" are based on a draft for yet another headcanon/AU I'll never write.

Again, this is not worth wasting your time reading but if you do read it anyway, thank you and I hope there's something enjoyable in there.

*

66. Axis

Billy knows something's up when he steps through the door.

Steve doesn't kiss him, just takes his hand, all eager, nervous energy.

"Come with me, okay? And, uh, close your eyes?"

"You gonna be naked when I open them?" Billy says, but he lets Steve lead him.

"Okay," Steve says. "You can look."

Billy opens his eyes. There's a map of the United States spread on the living room floor. A set of car keys covers Indiana and a Monopoly house perches on California.

His world shifts, again, at the confirmation that Steve wants this as much as he does.

67. Contour

Am I dreaming -

He's seen that face in his dreams since he was seventeen.

Seen it bruised and broken from his rage. Seen it annoyed and fierce, laughing and scared, a thousand memories and emotions held in those pretty brown eyes.

- or is that you, Harrington?

He knows how gentle those lips can be, trailing across his skin. How easily I love you comes from that mouth.

He remembers his words from all those years ago, when he was young and stupid. Sees Steve's face, pressed against the pillow next to his every night, and snuggles closer to Steve's warmth.

68. Meridian

The globe on the hallway table was fun to spin. He'd twirl it until his mom caught him. Don't touch, she'd say, you'll break it.

Sometimes he tried to find where his parents went, his index finger marking Washington, D.C., Japan, or England. When they told him they were taking him to Disney World for his tenth birthday, he excitedly traced the route to Florida.

*

"God, you're lucky," Jenny said. "I wish my parents would go away."

His parents were in Italy. They'd promised to take him, just like they'd promised the Disney World trip.

"Yep." He grinned. "It's great."

69. Nadir

Steve drives her to the impound lot, since she's not old enough to drive herself.

She's not sure what she's going to do, only knows she can't let her brother's car go to the junkyard.

Steve tells her she can keep it in his driveway if she needs to, until she figures something out. Her stepfather wouldn't want it taking up space, would sell it off for whatever he could get, so she's glad for his offer.

Once it's parked she shoves the keys in her pocket. She runs her hand over the dented, crumpled metal, and lets herself cry.

70. Zenith

The keys dangle from her fingers as she flashes a sassy smile.

"Here you go," she says. "Something old, new, borrowed, and blue!"

Billy laughs and takes them from her, then runs his hand over the door.

"You've taken really good care of it," he says.

She shrugs. "I've tried."

They're silent for a minute, then she says, "She'd better be clean when you bring her back."

He gives her a wicked look, and she knows what he's going to say, so she cuts him off with a shove. "Now get going."

"See you soon," he says, and hugs her.

 

I like this set-- nice little vignettes.

One thing I really enjoy about these drabbles is that it provides a use for scenes from a fic that isn't going anywhere. These are all lovely little snippets on their own, but I think I like Axis the most. I guess I like road trips?

By the way, I'm reading and commenting because it's fun! Even your stuff that you aren't particularly proud of is an enjoyable read. You've got a knack for mood-setting and character interactions, so I've always found something to like.

 

@UltramassiveUbersue Thank you for reading.

*

Week 15

*

Characters: Max & Billy; mentions of Steve, Lucas, OCs
Timeframe: Pre-S2 to 2004-ish
Notes: More AU ideas I will never write.

These are wildly OOC and don't really make sense out of context but nobody wants to read an essay about fics that will never exist and if I was capable of writing scenes to add the context I would actually have a fic.

The italicized dialogue in #71, "Hush-hush", is from Run to the Hills by Iron Maiden.

*

71. Hush-hush

Max heard the yelling last night, before she slid her headphones over her ears.

Billy puts on an Iron Maiden tape and lights a cigarette, acting as normal as he ever does.

She should too.

"You should tell someone."

"Tell them what?"

He looks over at her, as if daring her to say it out loud.

Suddenly she's scared. Of saying it. Of what he'd do if she said it.

"I'm not stupid," she says instead.

"You're a nosy damn bitch. Keep your mouth shut."

The music fills the silence between them.

"Run to the hills, run for your lives."

72. Topsy-turvy

She leafs through the comic once more and still can't focus on a single word. She lets it drop into her lap, tips her head back against the wall, and closes her eyes.

The phone rings.

Her first, absurd thought, is that it's Lucas calling, wanting to cheer her up, and she reaches for the receiver.

In the split-second before she says hello, her brain catches up. Her mom's working the overnight shift. And nothing good comes from a phone call at this hour.

"H-hello?"

There's static and rustling, then a faint Max?

She screams and almost drops the phone.

73. Fuddy-duddy

Billy's been quieter since he came home, but tonight he seems even more preoccupied.

Max glances at him as they walk. "How was your appointment?"

She thinks he's going to ignore her, but finally he says, "Owens wants me to keep seeing someone."

"Like, a shrink?"

He snorts. "Yeah. I told him no way. I don't need to talk about feelings and crap."

"What did he say to that?"

There's another silence, then Billy says, "He recommended some guy he knows." He takes a piece of paper from his pocket. "Gave me his card, in case I change my mind."

74. Wishy-washy

"I have to get ready, I have a date!"

"Me too." Billy grins and shuts the door.

She kicks it. "Hurry up!"

*

"Hey, Max."

"Hey." She nods at the lilies Steve's holding. "Flowers?"

Steve smiles. "Yeah, just a little something."

Max rolls her eyes - since when does her idiot brother like flowers - and looks for Lucas.

*

"Shouldn't you get going?" she says, rudely.

Billy's already got an arm around Steve's shoulders. "Shouldn't you?"

Max crosses her arms. "We're watching a movie."

"No, we are."

*

Squished between Lucas and Billy, stuffing chips in her mouth, Max can't wait to turn sixteen.

75. Pitter-patter

Samantha scampers ahead. Max catches her before she gets too far.

"Come here, Sammy. Come with Mommy."

She takes her youngest daughter into her arms and carries her across the nursery. Samantha squirms, eager to run and play after the long drive.

"Shh," Max says. "The baby's sleeping." She turns to her brother. "Hi."

Billy returns her greeting with a smile, then says, "Max, meet Orli."

He touches Orli's hand, as if he still can't believe she's real.

"She's beautiful." Max holds Samantha so she can see into the crib too and says, softly, "Say hi to your cousin, Sammy."

 

*

Week 16

*

Characters: Steve/Billy
Notes: This has just become a dumping ground for all the AU ideas and fics I'll never write, which are mostly repetitive, terribly OOC domestic fluff things with my favorite trash ship. Concrit always welcome!

If you choose to read anyway, thank you and I hope you'll find something to smile about.

*

76. Incendiary

"What's a pretty boy like you hiding back here for?"

Steve pulls on his cigarette. "Aren't you supposed to be working?"

"I am." Hargrove's got champagne. "Care for a drink?"

Steve takes the bottle, gulps some down before shoving it at Hargrove, never breaking eye contact.

"I know why you're out here." Hargrove takes the cigarette, smile turned knowing. "Country club princesses not doing it for you, huh, King Steve?"

Steve snatches the cigarette back. Takes another drag as he considers.

He blows a cloud into Hargrove's face.

"You think you can?"

Hargrove's gaze is intense. "I know I can."

77. Scruple

"You've really never done this before?"

"No."

Steve runs his hands along Billy's back, feeling the tension there, and tries not to laugh.

"Don't worry," he says. "We'll take it slow." He rubs another soothing hand down Billy's back, letting it settle at his waist. "Just relax."

"Gonna look like an idiot," Billy mutters.

"Please, just try, baby? For me?" Steve leans in to kiss his cheek and goes for the kill. "For El?"

"You bastard."

Steve grins.

Billy groans. "Alright." As they settle into position, he gives Steve a fierce glare. "But don't you even think about dipping me."

78. Careen

The boat's tipped to one side, exposing the hull.

There's hours before the tide rises, so Billy takes a minute to appreciate the view. Steve's got his shirt off while he works. He pauses to inspect a spot more closely, scratching at it before he continues painting the hull with confident strokes.

He learned how to do all the basic maintenance and repairs on their boat himself. Billy knows how, too, but sailing is Steve's thing. He's damn good at it.

Billy picks up a brush to help and they share a smile.

Steve's damn good at loving him, too.

79. Piquant

Neither Steve or Billy grew up with cozy family dinners and home cooking.

They discovered they liked cooking when they moved to California. They had their share of kitchen disasters. But Steve could take his time, reread the recipe as many times as he needed to, and experiment with his own additions. Billy didn't get hit if he dropped something or yelled at for wasting money.

Sometimes they'd try new recipes together, laughing and bantering as they selected fresh ingredients and prepared the meal.

Years later they made sure their kids grew up with cozy family dinners and home cooking.

80. Emphasis

The curtains are drawn. The room's quiet. A glass of water and a bottle of aspirin sit on the bedside table.

He pads out to the balcony. There's a spectacular view of the Honolulu sunset but Billy only looks up when he hears Steve. He sets his book down next to his phone.

"Feeling better?"

"Yeah." Steve scrubs a hand over his face and takes the chair beside Billy's. "Thanks."

Billy reaches over to clasp his hand. "Anytime."

It's not how Steve planned to start their honeymoon. But as they sit holding hands in the warm Hawaiian evening, it's enough.

 

I love how you write the friendship between Steve and Billy. Keep those coming They are are great read and very enjoyable too

 

Another awesome couple of sets!

"Wishy-Washy" is so much fun! I really feel for poor Max. I like that she and Billy are both too stubborn tnegotiate any other solution, so they have no choice but to double-date.

As for "Scruple", well... that was some masterful misdirection!

Eh, I can't think of much concrit other than, keep it up!