Roomies {Harringrove}

Weeks Later

Mornings were the best, now. Before, Billy would wake up with a massive headache from either drinking too much or being thrown around too much, along with aches and bruises to match that he'd have to cover up. Mornings with Steve were so much better. He was pretty sure he'd dreamed of having a life like this where he woke up entangled in someone. He couldn't believed he'd gotten this lucky. He didn't deserve to have gotten this lucky. It was even better now that they had their own place.

Figuring it out had been difficult at first. They'd stuck it out with the Byers a while as they were getting on their feet, looking for jobs to do. Max and El shared a room, Billy and Steve shared Jonathan's and the two brothers had to bunk together. But somehow, the system did work for a while till they had things figured things out enough to stay afloat on their own. They would find out later that Billy was getting paid incredibly substantial reimbursement for the torture the Hazmat hicks had put him through, thanks to the efforts of Doctor Owens, Alex and Maximus but right then, they had just enough to go out on their own.

Max seemed so happy there which was why, when they finally had enough stability with work that they could afford rent for the small apartment, Billy had asked her if she wanted to stick around there. For whatever reason, she wanted to go with him. He felt a stab of pride that she'd chosen him over a way better home but maybe it was a mistake? He'd asked her a couple of times if she was sure but he still didn't get why she'd chosen him. With those five, she'd have something that felt like a real family. Now that her mother was...

"Hey. No sad thoughts today. They aren't allowed."

"How'd you even-"

"Your eyebrows were all frowny. You looked like an upset little pug."

"I resent that. And you."

"Nah, you love me." I do. I really, really do. Billy cleared his throat and got out of bed, ignoring Steve's immediate whining.

"Come on. You've got work with your best friend and I've got to get to the diner soon."

"Tell me why you were frowny, first."

"I was not-"

"Pug face isn't a cute look, it makes me sad and you don't like seeing me sad, do you, Billy? I suggest you speak before I cry-"

"I had another nightmare. Okay?"

"Oh. About...?"

"The past. That's all you need to know." He'd rather not relive it by sharing any stupid details.

"I thought things were going well with therapy. Is Alex pushing you too hard? Is it Maximus? Goddamm Max, what is wrong with those men? And what do you mean by "that's all I need to know"?! I'm your boyfriend so no, that's definitely not all I need to know, not by a long shot."

He loved how dramatic his boyfriend was. They'd been together for over a month and the word still made him feel... Things. If the world were a bit different, maybe they could be more some day. He was so smitten over this oblivious protective little puppy. "I just don't wanna talk. I don't want you to worry anymore, okay? That's why I didn't want to say and don't want to keep on about this. Things are better but my brain is still fucked up regardless, dammit. That isn't going to magically go away. Fucking drop it."

"I never asked for it to, I just need you to communicate-"

"What are you two ladies bickering about this early in the morning?" They both moved apart on reflex, Steve flinching quietly because he hated that this was something they would always have to do. He loved touching Billy and he knew that Billy felt the same way too passionately. It just wasn't fair.