𝕕𝕒𝕞𝕒𝕘𝕖𝕕 𝕘𝕠𝕠𝕕𝕤: 𝕒 𝕓𝕚𝕝𝕝𝕪 𝕙𝕒𝕣𝕘𝕣𝕠𝕧𝕖 𝕗𝕒𝕟𝕗𝕚𝕔𝕥𝕚𝕠𝕟

𝔼𝕡𝕚𝕝𝕠𝕘𝕦𝕖: 𝕊𝕥𝕒𝕣𝕥 𝕆𝕧𝕖𝕣

Billy was admitted to the same hospital as Darcy, albeit on different floors. He hounded the nurses and the doctors taking care of him, asking about Darcy's whereabouts and her status, but no one would ever give him a definite reply, besides that if they were to disclose any details about Darcy, it would be 'breaking policy.' Screw policy.

Once he was discharged, Billy came by the hospital every day, hoping that the nurses would let him visit her, but they always said that Darcy was in 'critical condition,' and suggested that he return after a week or so.

He reluctantly resumed his lifeguarding duties at the pool to pass the time, but it seemed to crawl without a certain sharp-mouthed girl to make him smirk once in a while. Even the girls who visited the pool regularly began to reflect his own disinterest. Despite his boredom, Billy always made sure to do his job and save his salary.

The following week, Billy visited the hospital again, only to find that Darcy had been discharged. He immediately made the drive to her house, only for no one to answer the door. Each attempt to visit Darcy only served to stir his concern about her well-being. Maybe she left Hawkins. It might have been for the better, and Billy shouldn't care so much, but he didn't know what hurt worse: not knowing how she was doing or the fact that she never said goodbye.

Soon, summer break was over, and so was Billy's job as a lifeguard at the community pool. He saved enough for a road trip and rent for a couple of months at an apartment. He had applied for college and was accepted at a few community colleges, some in Indiana, some out of state. Billy had shown his father the acceptance letters and received a gruff approval, but school was the last thing on his mind. He planned to return to California instead and either find work as a mechanic or enlist for the Coast Guard, anything that would get him as far away from Hawkins as possible.

And so he packed up his things, allowing Neil, Susan, and Max to think he was leaving for college. He gave a brief farewell to Neil and Susan, counting down the seconds until he'd be on the road. When it was his turn to say goodbye to Max, he gave a few pats on her shoulder.

"Learn to drive soon. I won't be around as much to pick you up after skateboarding."

Max simply nodded, giving Billy a tight smile. She deserved better, a better life, a better stepbrother, a better everything. Before departing from her, Billy slipped a few bills from his salary into the pocket of Max's shorts. It wasn't much, but it was a start. He didn't care what she did with it, as long as she did whatever made her happy.

Finally, Billy climbed into his car and set out for the road. He passed by Hawkins' town square, passing the buildings and history he'd never given much thought to. Except for the bus station. There, sitting in front of the station, was Darcy, sitting on a bench by herself and reading a book with a backpack on her lap.

Billy pulled into the parking lot of the bus station before climbing out of his Camaro. He walked over to Darcy, shoving his hands into the pockets of his jeans. Even after a fight with a giant spider monster, she was still as beautiful as ever.

Billy stood in front of Darcy, clearing his throat. Darcy glanced up from her book, shielding her eyes from the sun.

"Hey." Billy mentally kicked himself for the simple greeting, but the words died on his lips as soon as she looked up at him.

Darcy smiled gently. "Hey, lifeguard. I wasn't running around the pool, I swear."

Billy couldn't help but chuckle. Still sharp-mouthed as ever. "Don't worry, I'll let it slide this time. How are you...?"

"I'm fine." Darcy sighed, setting her book down. "Just waiting."

Billy cocked a brow in curiosity. "For a bus? Where are you heading?"

Darcy fidgeted with the pages of her book. "Anywhere that isn't here. Anywhere where I can start over."

He couldn't blame her. After all, he was doing the same thing, which gave him an idea. He'd meant to drive to California alone, but maybe the trip didn't have to be so lonely.

Billy smirked, holding his hand out to Darcy. "The name's Billy. Do you have anywhere in mind where you want to start over?"

Darcy gave him a quizzical expression. "What are you doing?"

"You said you wanted to start over, so I'm helping you start."

Darcy frowned. "Why are you helping me after all the trouble I've caused?"

"It's simple. I like you."

She shook her head. "You don't even know who I am, not really. Hell, I don't even know who I am."

Billy glanced out at the 0, 1, and 3 that had appeared on Darcy's wrist back at the sauna. He knew there must be some story behind the numbers and Darcy's episodes, but he also knew it was a story that Darcy wasn't ready to tell yet, and he was fine with that. After all, there were stories he himself didn't want to tell.

"But I want to, and I want to help you make sure you'll remember."

Darcy's smile grew. She placed her book back in her backpack and held out her own hand for Billy to shake. "The name's Darcy. I'm looking to get away from here and start over."

Billy grinned, shaking Darcy's hand. "You and me both."

And so Billy and Darcy climbed into Billy's Camaro together, both of them damaged in ways they would eventually grow to accept, but looking forward to the good ahead. 

A/N: Congratulations! You've made it to the final chapter of "damaged goods". Thanks for sticking with me through the filler chapters and the inconsistent publishing schedule :)

This fanfiction was meant to be a love story between Billy and my OC, but just like any other Billy fan, I wanted to know what would happen if Billy got a second chance instead of sacrificing himself, which is why I wrote "damaged goods". 

Since this is somewhat of a love story, do you think Darcy and Billy will have a happy ending in California?

Thank you all so much for your support and stars, it means a lot that you've stuck with me and gave Billy a second chance. <3

See you in my next work,

gwenever_3