{maximumoverdrive}

Steve : Oh baby, you sound like you need a hug.

Billy : NO!

He'd watched Steve toss back shot after shot after his girl had left the party, clearly trying to suppress whatever emotion he was feeling, and Billy knew better than to approach him, and yet...

Knowing better doesn't always mean doing better, does it? Especially when he's drunk.

He blames it on that when he fists the front of the pretty boy's shirt and Steve falls forward with the smallest little tug, his eyelids so heavy as their gazes meet, his lips parted just enough that Billy needs to kiss him.

But, he doesn't. Not yet.

Instead, he offers to take Steve home, and to his surprise, Steve accepts.

He doesn't live far. They climb into Billy's car and Steve's scrunching his nose at the heavy scent of cigarettes and cologne and the loud music that's suddenly playing. He looks so cute, Billy wants to eat him.

But, he doesn't. Instead, he smirks and drives just fast enough to make Steve nervous.

When they arrive to what might be the biggest house in Hawkins, it looks like no one is home. He watches Steve stumble out of the car and laughs at him, gets out and circles the car to help him up from the driveway as Steve whines and brushes the dirt from his palms, leaning all of his weight against Billy as they make their way to the front door.

It's a real nice place, Billy thinks, as he helps Steve up to his room. He guy's room has the ugliest wallpaper he's ever seen, though and he's about to say that but Steve’s heavy-limbed, so drunk, and Billy’s no better at this point, so when Steve’s knees suddenly give out and he’s kneeling at Billy’s feet, his flushed cheek pressed to the front of Billy’s jeans with his big doe eyes staring up at him, Billy's too slow to stop it.

He leans back against the bedroom door and hears it click shut with the motion, tucking his chin and staring down at the pretty boy at his feet. Steve's mumbling something under his breath, sighing heavily as he rubs his cheekbone along the denim, and Billy feels his cock stir.

There's a moment of silence, where Billy's staring down at Steve's thick hair and Steve's stopped mumbling so he can tilt his chin up and look at him again, their gazes once again locked.

That whole thing about not doing better echos in the back of his mind as he lifts his hand from his side and presses his thumb against the line of Steve’s lips, tugging his lower lip down, wondering if Steve will push off of him and tell him to get out but no, instead he feels his stomach flip when Steve’s tongue presses against the pad of his thumb, drawing it into his mouth quietly, their gaze never breaking.

He feels Steve give the smallest little suck and Billy fucking moans.

It’s like looking at the sun. Or the flash of a camera. Maybe even the sunlight rippling off of the lake.

Either way, he can’t find the words to describe exactly how Billy makes him feel.

The flash of anger in those blue eyes, the way his canines show when he smiles just big enough, the freckles on his nose bunching together as he scrunches his face in disgust, the way his tongue runs over his teeth, the way his laugh sounds in Steve’s car, the sleepy murmur of his voice in Steve’s ear late at night, the heaviness of his limbs as they’re thrown across Steve’s body.

It’s like he’s drowning when Billy’s around.

Which is ironic, he supposes, as he thinks of those red swim shorts that come out from June to August.

And yet, when he’s gasping for air when Billy’s kissing him, he doesn’t want to be helped, or saved, or anything.

He holds his breath and closes his eyes, feels the tightness of his chest as Billy pecks at his lips and holds him close, mumbling something dirty-sweet into his ear as he grabs Steve’s ass, like he always does.

His chest has been tight and full for so long, he’s used to being short of breath, but he’s breathless when he hears Billy mumble something new.

“I think,” the blond whispers into his ear, so low that Steve can barely hear him over the buzz of nothing, “I love you.”

He feels like his ribcage is cracked, suddenly. His eyes are wide and his heart is beating quick, not fast.

Billy pulls back just enough to look him in the eye, a vulnerability there that’s poorly hidden under his usual bravado as he huffs, “And you better love me, too, or I’ll beat your ass.”

He laughs. He can’t help it. It’s startled out of him, his eyes are wet as he grins and shakes his head in amused disbelief, which makes Billy eye him.

“I love you, too,” Steve whispers, pulling the blond close.

(there's a lot and it's in no particular order)

Baby Steps by Thei

A baby. He’s holding a baby. There’s a baby in Billy’s hand, and Billy – seventeen years old – is suddenly a father.

lamp-bright rind by nagdabbit

Billy spies on his cute neighbor, his cute neighbor doesn't know how to cook. Luckily, Billy can do something about that.

and i swear (we were infinite)

(A Vietnam War AU.)

If Snow Loves the Trees and Fields by nervoussis

El thinks about it for a minute. Then; "Boys can be stupid sometimes." "Yeah," Billy says miserably, like. That's the understatement of the century. He and Steve. Together and separate. So dumb. "But they are only stupid because they don't know how to talk about the warm stuff in their bellies, they are worried that if they let the warm things free, they will die out in the cold." El continues in that soft, soothing way of hers. "Maybe your Steve does not love this Nancy person in the same way that he loves you. Maybe he loves--" Billy can't handle this. "He doesn't love me." Max takes the phone away. "Do you really believe that or are you scared of what it might mean to you if he does?"

cherry pie by brawls, ToAStranger

Billy Hargrove lives for summer. Endless sunshine, heavily chlorinated pools, roaming ice cream trucks, and unencumbered freedom? There’s nothing better. Even being stuck in Hawkins can’t ruin the summer for him. He eats it up, devouring every day whole.

i'll be his and he'll be mine

Steve had wanted their honeymoon to be as silly and sickeningly romantic as it could get, but unfortunately, the two-week all-inclusive luxury romance package isn’t refundable. Steve could definitely use a breather and he's not about to throw five thousand dollars down the drain like that, so of course he's going to go. He's just not sure why he invited Billy to come along.

Softer Round the Edges by NotEvenCloseToStraight

Four weeks after Starcourt, Steve buries his broken heart in a box alongside a pile of blurry Polaroids, love letters from a secret relationship and the keys to a wrecked, blue Camaro. Four years later, Steve's car breaks down in the middle of nowhere California. The mechanic at the closest shop has blue eyes and blond hair… and a name tag that says Billy Hargrove.

Negative Harmony by E_D_osbourne

Billy only needs one thing in life, and that's knowing Max is safe. Neil stays off his back, Susan can quit compulsively cleaning the house out of stress, and Billy can sleep at night knowing Max is in his nest, safe and sound. He doesn't expect to start to feel that same need extend towards her little pack of runts. And he certainly doesn't expect to have to fight Steve Harrington over it. OR: Secret omega Billy has a soft spots for shitheads.

Back in Business by transcryptidone

Growing up, Steve always knew he wanted to be a dad. As a teenager, he aspired to a camper van with six little nuggets. A whole family together for a full family vacation, no sudden phone calls or business emergencies. Now he's working long days, raking in cash, and divorced. Facing the prospect of starting all over and fueled by the worry that it's too late to have what he's always dreamed of, Steve decides to make use of a high-end surrogacy service, one that offers a mate experience.

Taking Notes by Thei

Billy and Steve switch bodies.

break (like waves) by residual

‘We’re good together,’ Harrington says to the darkness above. Not a question. Matter of fact. He turns to Billy, a smile sweet enough to make Billy want to do something reckless. Something stupid. ‘I’m telling you, heartbreaker. We’re gonna be unstoppable.’ Billy wants to ask. If he means tomorrow. If he means just for the game. Wants to ask if he means forever. He’s never wanted anyone to mean forever before.

don't you try me now by whenyouwishuponastar

In which Steve writes for Purdue’s monthly newsletter and, in his final year, gains a relentless troll in the comments section. Robin tells him not to feed the troll, but that’s impossible—this guy is dead meat and it’s so on.

blood in my eyes by whenyouwishuponastar

In which Steve Harrington grows up watching ink tell a story on his skin. It’s far from a nice story, but Steve can only watch, hope and wait. After Billy Hargrove strolls into Hawkins High, Steve knows the pain and heartache are worth it. But Billy Hargrove hasn’t ever had a nice story.

for want of a nail by sepulchralsmile

Instead of getting there in October, Billy Hargrove rolls into town at the end of November; complete with a broken arm, a head full of stitches, and some newly-refreshed fear of his father. There he meets Steve Harrington: the preppy dreamboat who seems content with hating Billy's guts on sight and is determined to ignore him for the rest of the year. Billy's never been easily ignored, though, and Steve is about to really learn what happens when an unstoppable force meets an immovable object. or, another season 2 AU that occupies my mind rent-free

When The Sun Saw The Moon by Memessavedme

When a Blood Moon appears over Hawkins on the 4th of August 1985 Steve doesn’t think much of it, that is until he wakes to the sound of his parents downstairs, Christmas decorations throughout his home and a calendar telling him today is in fact the 23rd of December 1984… No matter how he got there, he decides he has to stop the 4th of July from ever happening but to do so he has to befriend none other than Billy Hargrove to stop him from falling victim to the Mindflayer. Except, is the summer of ‘85 inevitable or can he save Hawkins from it’s impending future?

Star Stuff by justaluckybug

“Yes,” says Robin seriously. “Your love life is a 90s rom-com train wreck because You’ve Got Mail is my girlfriend’s favorite movie, and I’m God.” “I knew it,” says Steve. Steve’s falling in love with an anonymous astrology account, which would be the worst of his problems, if it weren’t for his girlfriend, who’s probably (definitely) cheating on him; his useless best friend, who is Not Helping; and Billy Hargrove, who hasn’t done anything wrong, specifically, but whose stupid hair and stupid face make everything gross and terrible all the time.

despite the loss that set me free by HowCleverOfYou

Steve gets trapped in the Upside Down. Three months later, some things have changed.

How Much Clearer Can I Be by toomanysharks

OR Five Times Billy Tries to Woo Steve Using Different Love Languages and One Time He Finally Uses His Words. Featuring everyone aged up so they can all be working in an office together, for no good reason other than 'I wanted to.'

High Horse (I Ain't Gonna Fence You In) by yllwhornet

Steve : I wasn't saying anything.

Steve: So I should plant... my feet?

(there's a lot and it's in no particular order)

Baby Steps by Thei

A baby. He’s holding a baby. There’s a baby in Billy’s hand, and Billy – seventeen years old – is suddenly a father.

lamp-bright rind by nagdabbit

Billy spies on his cute neighbor, his cute neighbor doesn't know how to cook. Luckily, Billy can do something about that.

and i swear (we were infinite)

(A Vietnam War AU.)

If Snow Loves the Trees and Fields by nervoussis

El thinks about it for a minute. Then; "Boys can be stupid sometimes." "Yeah," Billy says miserably, like. That's the understatement of the century. He and Steve. Together and separate. So dumb. "But they are only stupid because they don't know how to talk about the warm stuff in their bellies, they are worried that if they let the warm things free, they will die out in the cold." El continues in that soft, soothing way of hers. "Maybe your Steve does not love this Nancy person in the same way that he loves you. Maybe he loves--" Billy can't handle this. "He doesn't love me." Max takes the phone away. "Do you really believe that or are you scared of what it might mean to you if he does?"

cherry pie by brawls, ToAStranger

Billy Hargrove lives for summer. Endless sunshine, heavily chlorinated pools, roaming ice cream trucks, and unencumbered freedom? There’s nothing better. Even being stuck in Hawkins can’t ruin the summer for him. He eats it up, devouring every day whole.

i'll be his and he'll be mine

Steve had wanted their honeymoon to be as silly and sickeningly romantic as it could get, but unfortunately, the two-week all-inclusive luxury romance package isn’t refundable. Steve could definitely use a breather and he's not about to throw five thousand dollars down the drain like that, so of course he's going to go. He's just not sure why he invited Billy to come along.

Softer Round the Edges by NotEvenCloseToStraight

Four weeks after Starcourt, Steve buries his broken heart in a box alongside a pile of blurry Polaroids, love letters from a secret relationship and the keys to a wrecked, blue Camaro. Four years later, Steve's car breaks down in the middle of nowhere California. The mechanic at the closest shop has blue eyes and blond hair… and a name tag that says Billy Hargrove.

Negative Harmony by E_D_osbourne

Billy only needs one thing in life, and that's knowing Max is safe. Neil stays off his back, Susan can quit compulsively cleaning the house out of stress, and Billy can sleep at night knowing Max is in his nest, safe and sound. He doesn't expect to start to feel that same need extend towards her little pack of runts. And he certainly doesn't expect to have to fight Steve Harrington over it. OR: Secret omega Billy has a soft spots for shitheads.

Back in Business by transcryptidone

Growing up, Steve always knew he wanted to be a dad. As a teenager, he aspired to a camper van with six little nuggets. A whole family together for a full family vacation, no sudden phone calls or business emergencies. Now he's working long days, raking in cash, and divorced. Facing the prospect of starting all over and fueled by the worry that it's too late to have what he's always dreamed of, Steve decides to make use of a high-end surrogacy service, one that offers a mate experience.

Taking Notes by Thei

Billy and Steve switch bodies.

break (like waves) by residual

‘We’re good together,’ Harrington says to the darkness above. Not a question. Matter of fact. He turns to Billy, a smile sweet enough to make Billy want to do something reckless. Something stupid. ‘I’m telling you, heartbreaker. We’re gonna be unstoppable.’ Billy wants to ask. If he means tomorrow. If he means just for the game. Wants to ask if he means forever. He’s never wanted anyone to mean forever before.

don't you try me now by whenyouwishuponastar

In which Steve writes for Purdue’s monthly newsletter and, in his final year, gains a relentless troll in the comments section. Robin tells him not to feed the troll, but that’s impossible—this guy is dead meat and it’s so on.

blood in my eyes by whenyouwishuponastar

In which Steve Harrington grows up watching ink tell a story on his skin. It’s far from a nice story, but Steve can only watch, hope and wait. After Billy Hargrove strolls into Hawkins High, Steve knows the pain and heartache are worth it. But Billy Hargrove hasn’t ever had a nice story.

for want of a nail by sepulchralsmile

Instead of getting there in October, Billy Hargrove rolls into town at the end of November; complete with a broken arm, a head full of stitches, and some newly-refreshed fear of his father. There he meets Steve Harrington: the preppy dreamboat who seems content with hating Billy's guts on sight and is determined to ignore him for the rest of the year. Billy's never been easily ignored, though, and Steve is about to really learn what happens when an unstoppable force meets an immovable object. or, another season 2 AU that occupies my mind rent-free

When The Sun Saw The Moon by Memessavedme

When a Blood Moon appears over Hawkins on the 4th of August 1985 Steve doesn’t think much of it, that is until he wakes to the sound of his parents downstairs, Christmas decorations throughout his home and a calendar telling him today is in fact the 23rd of December 1984… No matter how he got there, he decides he has to stop the 4th of July from ever happening but to do so he has to befriend none other than Billy Hargrove to stop him from falling victim to the Mindflayer. Except, is the summer of ‘85 inevitable or can he save Hawkins from it’s impending future?

Star Stuff by justaluckybug

“Yes,” says Robin seriously. “Your love life is a 90s rom-com train wreck because You’ve Got Mail is my girlfriend’s favorite movie, and I’m God.” “I knew it,” says Steve. Steve’s falling in love with an anonymous astrology account, which would be the worst of his problems, if it weren’t for his girlfriend, who’s probably (definitely) cheating on him; his useless best friend, who is Not Helping; and Billy Hargrove, who hasn’t done anything wrong, specifically, but whose stupid hair and stupid face make everything gross and terrible all the time.

despite the loss that set me free by HowCleverOfYou

Steve gets trapped in the Upside Down. Three months later, some things have changed.

How Much Clearer Can I Be by toomanysharks

OR Five Times Billy Tries to Woo Steve Using Different Love Languages and One Time He Finally Uses His Words. Featuring everyone aged up so they can all be working in an office together, for no good reason other than 'I wanted to.'

High Horse (I Ain't Gonna Fence You In) by yllwhornet

Who's in the mood for summer?? I AM!!! Thank you so much for this fun prompt @thecryptidpagan I had an absolute blast with this!!! =D I hope you like it!!! ♡♡♡♡ (logoless, censored inspiration (better Tumblr? :'3) and prompt under the cut!)

I've been thinking about that comment regarding their scars and that they don't have many. I made these sketches quite some time ago to review where they've been bitten and scratched. Ofc, there's more below the pants, but I can't share that here 😩

“Pretty boy, I think I’m gonna be keeping this vest.”

Thank you for 100 followers! Here’s a piece in celebration, featuring Steve in the everlast crop top & billy in the family video outfit! If you could not tell Im not the best at drawing Steve yet but.... I think he still works. BUT you get beefy billy (I love drawing him on the meatier side I s2g it makes me happy)

Anyways, other socials as per usual are all DearDMVZ (Twitter, insta, AO3) & art/writing requests are open!

The other versions:

~

steve being one of those weird rare human beings that don't really like movies all that much so every time they're on a movie date he enters in this kind of hibernative state that starts with a biiiiig yawn and then turns into a tired uhm combined with a wide arm-stretch and the next thing the boys know is that he's lifted up the armrest of both sides and his head's slipping onto billy's lap and his legs are comfortably stretched all along tommy's thighs and then he's sleepily grunting something loosely translatable as 'yoUboThtouCHme' so they both sigh, snort a 'ok you're cute you asshole' kind of laugh and then billy's hands are carding through his hair, nails lightly scratching, and one tommy's is wandering up the sensitive skin of his heel, his calf, the other tugging his polo up to find a way into the warmth of his belly, rubbing circles on the skin and— steve's snoring in no time, so loud and violent sometimes that the whole audience jumps and they both burst into uncontrollable laugh, finding each other's mouth right afterwards, sharing a kiss and a 'god he's such a dumbass' only half attending to the movie themselves, happy and pretty much in love with their sleeping beauty of a boyfriend and—

needless to say, steve doesn't pay for a single movie ticket ever again like, 'c'mon, i don't even watch the movie, i just go so you two have something to cuddle up to!' but! he stays awake through eeeeevery single tom cruise movie, endlessly bitching about how he doesn't understand how nobody else can see the 'clear resemblance!'.