Chapter Text
When Billy first woke up, he didn’t feel anything at all.
He was vaguely aware that he was laying on the floor, but the events that led him to that position hadn’t quite made their way back into his hazy mind yet. He relished it for a moment. For those few seconds, nothing mattered but the rise and fall of his chest, and the coolness of the floor seeping in through his clothes.
When the first aches of pain snake their way into his body, so do the memories of the night. A familiar anger slowly rears its ugly head in the pit of Billy’s stomach as flashes of the previous events flick through his head like a slideshow of just how gone to shit the night was. The memory of Max stabbing him with the syringe was burned into the forefront of his mind out of all the others.
In all of the ways the night could have gone, he never would have dreamed that stupid little Maxine slamming a nail bat down between his legs would have been the outcome. He feels his fingers twitch as he recalls how she had stood over him so assuredly. How she had demanded he leave her and her friends alone, and in his debilitated drugged-out state, all he could do was agree. He would never admit out loud how she had seemed so like Neil in that moment, towering over him with an assured promise of pain.
Whatever.
That little bitch was going to pay for that display as soon as he had enough of his senses to stand.
The outrage was quickly smothered almost as soon as it began by the sinking realization that he had no idea how much time had passed since then. Something deep inside told him it had been a lot.
Dad’s gonna kill me.
Billy feels his heart flutter in his chest at the thought. He realizes that he’s going to have to try and explain to his dad what happened here tonight. The whole story was unbelievable, and there was no way his muddled mind could make up a different one on the fly, especially since Max would never back him up on it. No way this night ended without Billy on the receiving end of Neil’s fists.
Suddenly, he hears the stomp of shoes approaching his direction, shaking the floor he’s laying on. Billy stays deathly still, barely breathing. Whoever is approaching him definitely isn’t a thirteen year old. His heart stutters at the thought that maybe Neil had found him already, prepared to deal out punishment to his disappointment of a son. He flinches as he feels a boot toe him in the ribs.
“Rise and shine Hargrove.” A gruff voice rings out. Billy can’t place who it belongs to, he just knows that it at least doesn't belong to his father. He can tell from the sound of it, however, that the owner isn’t happy.
Billy hesitantly cracks his eyes open and the ceiling of the Byers’ house slowly comes into focus, funnily enough, now free of the creepy vine drawings. He distantly wonders if it was just a rage induced hallucination on his part. He can hear other voices clamoring in the background, echoing through the house from what sounds like the kitchen. He shifts his eyes to the man looming over him, arms crossed over his chest. He’s big, with a thick brown mustache and a deep set scowl on his face. The disdain in his eyes bears a harrowing similarity to his father’s. In fact, almost everything about him reminds Billy of his father, except for one thing. The glinting gold badge on his left breast pocket.
Shit.
Chief Hopper.
Hopper lets out a deep sigh from his nose, his mouth set in a line as he clenches his jaw.
“You’ve sure caused a real mess here tonight son, and now thanks to you, I’m the one who has to clean it up.” Hopper says with a sharp edge to his voice that echoes throughout the living room.
Billy pulls on bravado he doesn't feel in an attempt to cover how intimidated he is by Hopper. He pulls his lip up into a sneer as he struggles to raise himself on his forearms.
“I didn’t do a damn thing wrong.” Billy grits out breathlessly, the movement sapping more of his strength than he was willing to admit.
It’s the wrong thing to say.
Billy watches the chief’s face morph for one horrifying second before his hands are fisted into the collar of Billy’s shirt and he’s dragged up off the floor like he weighs nothing. The chief shoves him roughly into the wall and Billy gasps as the impact rattles the picture frames and his already scattered senses. Pain blossoms from the back of Billy’s head where it connected with the wall, and all false bravado deflates from him as he stares up at Hopper, eyes wide with shock. It’s an ugly similarity to how his father pushed him up against his shelf at the start of the night.
To how he shoved and manhandled Sinclair.
The chief gives him a rough shake and Billy grabs his wrists where they’re tangled in his shirt to steady himself. He squeezes his eyes shut, blocking out his swimming vision, the jostling from Hopper making the world tilt sideways.
“Let’s make one thing clear,” Hopper spits out as he grabs Billy’s chin and tilts it up, forcing Billy to look at him. “The only reason I’m not hauling your sorry ass to jail right now is because Steve decided not to press charges. You keep it up though, you keep running that big mouth of yours, and I’ll take you in anyway for breaking and entering.”
Billy shrinks back as far as he can go against the wall and tries to turn his head against the iron grip Hopper has on his face, unable to face the onslaught of the man’s fury, because this is becoming too similar, too dangerous. He knows what happens when men lose their temper. Hopper just grips tighter, to the point of hurting, and forces Billy to turn back to him. Billy relents and looks Hopper in the eyes, knowing that the quickest way out of this is to just do what he wants. Be respectful and quiet and obedient. Be all the things his father keeps trying to beat into him but he just can’t seem to get. He can’t help the panicked little breaths that escape him, or the way his body trembles under Hopper's rough hands.
“I’ve heard all about the shit you’ve pulled. All within a week of moving here. One thing I can’t stand is a punk up to no good, but one thing I hate is a bully. Let me get this straight with you, it ends tonight. You’re gonna leave these kids alone, you’re gonna stop picking on Steve, and if you even look at your sister the wrong way, I’ll know about it, and there will be hell to pay.”
Hopper says it all in a low threatening growl that has Billy stiffening up in terror. The anger that fueled him as he entered the house was long gone, leaving him with nothing but the cold fear that pushed him into his raging attack in the first place. The words from Hopper were more than a warning, they were a promise of what was to come if he didn’t obey.
Anyone could see that Hopper had been pushed well past his limit already, but Billy never did know when to quit. It's the same reason he can’t seem to go a week without a new bruise from his father. The same reason he still called his Mom long after the number had been disconnected.
Billy furrows his brow, “She’s not my-”
“Nah-ah! This is the part where you listen.” Hopper shouts, taking the hand from his chin and using it to point an accusing finger in his face. “Fortunately for you, I’ve had it up to here with this bullshit tonight. I'm taking you and your sister home and letting your parents know how you beat one of your classmates to a pulp and scared the hell out of some kids. They can deal with you how they see fit.”
Billy can only stare up at Hopper in horror, mouth slightly agape as the man watches him with a sort of smug satisfaction at his reaction. Cold tendrils of dread creep down his spine as the reality of the situation sets in. His father was already livid when he left, the slap just a precursor of what was to come when he made it back with Max. But to show up with her hours after the fact, and with the Chief of Police as an escort, was a grave offense that made Billy lightheaded with the knowledge of what Neil would do to him now.
But that’s what the chief wants isn’t it? For someone to teach him a lesson, to put him in his place. Hopper can’t know what kind of man Neil Hargrove really is behind closed doors, but Billy can guarantee he would willingly turn his head to the violence if he knew, if his speech was anything to go by. Because Billy is just a sorry sack of shit who deserves what’s coming to him and everyone knows it. There’s something wrong with him, deep inside. His dad’s spent the last 16 years trying to beat it out of him. Billy spent the same amount of time trying to fix it, to be better, to be what his dad wants him to be, but it was never good enough, he never did anything right. He was constantly balancing on a tightrope and the line kept getting cut. If he could figure it out he’d fix it. He would. Didn't they all know that? What’s wrong with him? What is wrong with him?
He hears movement to his left and Billy is snapped out of his thoughts as he turns his head towards it. He sees Max standing a few feet away from him. The other kids are behind her, peeking out from the kitchen, apparently drawn out by Hopper laying into Billy. Hopper follows his gaze, and his eyes zero in on Max, standing there with a solemn look on her face. He nods to her and hooks his hand under Billy’s arm.
“Let’s go.”
He strides towards the door, dragging Billy roughly with him while he struggles to catch his footing, unprepared for the sudden movement from the wall. Hopper opens the front door with a bang, and Billy catches sight of his Camaro parked haphazardly in the driveway, the blue paint looking almost black in the enveloping darkness of the night. He doesn't remember parking it that badly, but then again things are still a little hazy and he came roaring down the road itching for a fight.
“Wait! W-what about my car?” Billy stutters out as he’s dragged down the steps, Hopper's unforgiving hand clamped on his bicep the only thing keeping him from falling.
The Chief doesn't even look up, “You can pick it up from the station tomorrow.” The firm tone of his voice leaves no room for argument.
Billy presses his lips together and hangs his head in defeat, letting Hopper drag him to the car without a fight. Max trails behind them as they walk to the car, quieter than he’s ever heard her be.
Hopper strides to the passenger door and pulls it open, shoving Billy in harshly. Billy is just barely able to catch himself on the console before Hopper slams the door closed after him, walking around to the driver's side. Max gets in the back, buckling in and looking out the window, looking almost bored. It makes Billy feel uneasy how unbothered she is by everything. Then again, she’s not the one who’s going to be beaten within an inch of her life when she gets home, he thinks bitterly. It must be easy to act like he doesn't exist and that nothings wrong when she’s never the one to face any consequences.
Hopper opens the driver's door and gets in, fixing Billy with a glare.
“Buckle up.” He says lowly.
Billy hurries to do what he says, the anger radiating off of Hopper making him feel antsy and on edge. He struggles to get the buckle to click into place, his hands shaky after being manhandled by Hopper, and the drugs still coursing through his system aren’t making it any easier.
Hopper sighs loudly and reaches over, snatching the buckle from Billy and clicking it into place. Billy flinches back when Hopper reaches over, half expecting to be hit for taking too long. Hopper had already made it abundantly clear he wasn't afraid to use force, and Billy is anticipating the moment he finally reaches the end of his control. Surprisingly though, Hopper pulls back without a word, unphased by Billy’s panicked reaction and not even sparing him a second glance.
Billy lets out a breath he didn’t know he was holding. He struggles to slow his pounding heart as Hopper starts the car and pulls out of the driveway, heading inevitably towards Cherry Lane.
Billy shrinks down in the seat, staring intently at his lap. His shoulders are tense as dread pools in his stomach. They drive down the road, the passing scenery letting him know they’re getting closer and closer to his house, where Neil will no doubt be waiting for him. He’s helpless to stop what’s coming to him when he gets home.
When the road sign for his street flashes into view from Hopper’s headlights, Billy feels his stomach sink with terror. It felt like they’d just started driving a minute ago and they were already here.
He can’t do this.
He’s not ready.
God, why did his life always have to turn to shit, why was it always him taking the blame? He would give anything to just have something go right. To have one night where he didn’t go to sleep dreading having to wake up tomorrow.
But it never did help anything to hope, not when the next day brought its own struggles that destroyed any dream of the future. This was Billy’s life, and it would always be his life, there was no escaping it. Just like there was no escaping his father. Not tonight, not ever.
They pull up by the curb and Max unbuckles almost immediately, hand on the door and pushing it open as soon as Hopper stops. Billy leans back into the seat, his body tense and heart beating a frantic rhythm against his ribs. The porch light is still on, meaning Neil is up waiting for him. His eyes are glued to the front door, but he can feel Hopper's vision boring into him from the driver's seat.
“Please don’t make me do this.” Billy whispers, he hates how pitiful his voice sounds. How easily he’s broken down into something small and submissive. He knows it won’t make any difference, but he can’t stop himself from pleading, for hoping for some kind of different outcome.
“Sorry kid, you lost any kind of favors I might’ve done for you. Get out of the car.” Hopper orders as he shuts off the engine.
He’s still furious, Billy doesn't have to guess to understand that fact. His stupid little plea has no effect on the man, he's as resolved as ever. He shouldn’t have said anything, should’ve just accepted his fate.
The sting of rejection mingles with the fear in his stomach as he unbuckles his seat belt with shaking hands. Hopper gets out of the car with him, coming around and gripping his arm once again as they walk to the front door where Max is waiting for them.
Billy pulls against the man’s grip as much as he’s able, positioning himself slightly behind Hopper as he knocks on the door. He doesn't want to be the first thing Neil sees when he opens the door.
It isn’t long before he hears frantic footsteps. The door is thrown open by Susan, her panicked face coming into view. She immediately grabs Max and pulls her into a bone crushing hug.
“Neil, they’re here!” Susan exclaims over her shoulder as she cuddles Max close.
It makes Billy sick, seeing how worried Susan is over Max. Acting like the world can start spinning again now that her precious daughter is safe and sound in her arms once again. Would his father ever be that happy to see him? Has he ever been?
His Dad stalks into the doorway, footsteps slow and methodical. He sidesteps Susan and Max and stops in front of Billy and the Chief. His intense gaze lands directly on Billy. An achy, almost electric feeling races its way down Billy’s arms as he’s pinned under his father’s gaze. He’ll never get used to being looked at like that.
Susan has no doubtedly spent the last several hours in hysterics because her daughter was missing; wondering where she was, if she was safe, pacing up and down the living room wringing her hands. Billy knows his dad has spent that same time growing angrier with each passing hour at Billy’s failed appearance. Did it ever cross his mind that Billy might have gotten into trouble? That there might’ve been a time that he was unsafe? Did he ever get worried about Billy not showing up after the first few hours? No. That much is clear by the look he’s giving him right now. Like he’s something that Neil wishes he could scrape off of him.
I’m your kid, aren’t you at least a little relieved that I’m ok?
He’s not. He doesn't care. There’s no room for that in the cold fury of his gaze. All he cares about right now is that Billy has once again failed to meet his expectations. Beside Neil, Max has wrapped her arms around her mother just as tight. He can visibly see her relax in Susan’s arms.
Did Susan worry about him too?
The thought is sudden, and he doesn't quite know where it came from. A heavy weight settles in his chest. Susan has no reason to worry about him. Max is back home, who cares what happens to Billy as long as Max is fine. She hasn’t even looked at him once. Just like she pretends his dad doesn't beat him bloody, she can pretend like he’s not here. Stop the problem right at the source.
A cold breeze whips around the house and slips through his still unbuttoned shirt. His breath has started to puff in front of him as he breathes slowly out of slightly parted lips. Billy can almost pretend that’s why he’s shaking. He knows there’s a wounded look on his face, but he can’t find it within himself to put on a mask of indifference.
He’s alone, and the realization hurts.
“Officer.” Neil says in a resigned voice, addressing Hopper. Playing up the weary and disappointed father act.
“Chief.” Hopper corrects simply, the word itself carrying all the weight he intends.
His father flicks his gaze to Billy, meeting his eyes. It’s a small movement, and doesn't last more than a second. Billy swallows against the immediate lump forming in his throat, lowering his gaze to his feet. It’s over for him.
“To what do we owe this pleasure Chief?” Neil says as he crosses his arms over his chest.
“I’m afraid it’s not going to be much of a pleasure.” Hopper begins, his deep voice holding a serious implication. “Earlier tonight your daughter met up with a couple of her friends at Joyce Byers house, you may know her, she works at Melvalds?”
Hopper waits a moment for Neil to nod his affirmative before he continues on.
“They were playing a game of theirs, and you know how kids are, they lost track of time. Ms. Byers’ phone is broken and has been for some time, so that’s why there’s been a significant lack of communication about Max’s whereabouts and what she’s been up to. Rest assured, the kids were being looked after. Steve Harrington was there to babysit while Ms. Byers finished up her shift, so they were far from unattended.”
The Chief sighs and clicks his tongue. “Now as for this one,” He says as he drags Billy forward by the unrelenting grip he still has on his arm. “He burst into the house and proceeded to attack and threaten a thirteen year old by the name of Lucas Sinclair. I don’t know his motives for this and I don’t particularly care, I don’t take kindly to those types of things regardless of the reasons. Steve tried to get Billy away from Lucas, and he succeeded, but he and Billy got into a fight.” Hopper pauses for half a breath. “Billy beat Steve until he was unconscious.” He lets that statement hang in the air, watching Neil’s reaction to the information. He plays the part perfectly. Shock. Anger. Disappointment.
“Steve Harrington isn’t pressing charges, by some grace of God, and neither is Ms. Byers for having her house broken into. This is where my duties as the Chief of police end, but if I were you Mr. Hargrove,” Hopper leans forward seriously, his face bearing a grave look. “I’d get a handle on this kind of behavior before it gets out of hand, because next time, he might not be so lucky. As long as I’m Chief of police, I will not have this happening in my town.”
Neil turns a cold gaze to Billy. He feels himself shrink under its intensity, the roar of his heartbeat resounding in his ears. “Thank you Chief. You’re absolutely right, this kind of behavior is unacceptable, and you have my word it will not happen again. I think it’s about time I taught him a lesson.”
He’s almost smiling. Almost.
Hopper releases Billy’s arm at last, and Billy quickly steps away from him. The Chief tips his hat to Neil and Susan, who had turned her attention to Hopper as he started speaking. Hopper turns and walks down the steps, heading towards his car. Billy watches his retreating form helplessly as he stands trembling on the porch. He left out how he found him unconscious on the floor, and how he was stabbed by a needle and injected with God knows what.
It doesn't matter. His dad would never believe him if he told it even without the Chief conveniently leaving it out. Billy’s known from the moment he woke up on that damn floor how this night was ending.
He turns back to his sorry excuse of a family as Hopper gets in his car and drives away. It's quiet. Susan has turned her attention back to Max, who has since tucked under her arm. Max is looking at him with an unreadable expression on her face, though one thing is clear. She’s no longer afraid of him.
Susan steers Max back into the house by her shoulders, and after a second, Billy follows. Max keeps her back to him the whole time, Billy’s not her problem anymore, he’s nothing she needs to worry about. He stops by the living room as Susan leads Max back toward the bedrooms, speaking softly and soothingly to her as Max follows gladly.
Look at me. Please just look at me.
Billy can hear Neil close the door behind him, his looming presence hanging over Billy’s shoulder. The fear Billy feels is visceral. His limbs ache with it and his stomach twists itself into impossible shapes as he stands there waiting. All he can do is wait.
At the last second, just before Susan and Max disappear into Max’s room. Susan turns and meets his eyes at last.
The look on her face is his breaking point.
She looks at him with such pity it feels like a punch in the gut. But her mouth is pressed into a resolute thin line. She’s not going to do anything to stop what’s about to happen. He’s alone.
The door to Max’s room clicks closed with a finality that echoes throughout the house. The living room is charged with tension so thick it’s suffocating. Behind him, Billy can hear his dad slowly walk towards him. His mouth is dry like cotton, and he clenches his jaw shut tightly. He stands unmoving in the living room, staring down the hallway, his muscles wound so tightly he shivers with the unused energy. Bracing for the hit he knows is coming. The only sounds that can be heard is the quick stuttering of his breaths and his dad’s foreboding footsteps getting closer.
No one’s going to help him.
He’s alone.