i call to him and he will come

     “I taught myself, actually. I mean. My brother taught me how to fight but everything to do with throwin’? Yeah, I taught myself…”           He’s closer now and Claire isn’t sure how to respond or react. Her breath catches in her throat and for a moment she can only stand, slack-jawed.       Her wit catches up quickly.           “Maybe minus the whole… death thing. Never killed a living person a day in my life. Plan to keep it that way…”

       Yeah, he’s heard about Neil. Max’s step dad, good ‘ol asshole that Steve’s had to swear up and down not instigate. He’s even thought about bringing Byers as back up. Maybe he can get Billy here on it, heh, now that’s an image. 

Stupid thoughts aside. 

       He gets the message and nods, shoving the comics in his coat not giving a damn if he bends them. Hey, five bucks meant the comics got to Max not that he guards them with his life. Steve quickly ups the pace to follow Billy but cools it once he’s on his heels. 

       “Her name is Miss Crabshaw case you forgot.” need to get their stories straight, “We’re on the Atomic Structure, chapter seventeen. Was sick last week and you’re my last resort in getting them.” all of it pulled right out his ass, he’s a bit hushed as he passes through the front door. 

fuck he really wants a smoke right now. but he did promise max he’d try to quit at least. and he’d rather die than break that promise.

the boys don’t even step five feet into the house before neil speaks, “ billy. you didn’t tell me you were having friends over. ” billy fights the urge to roll his eyes then responds, “ steve just came for the chem notes. ” he knew it was just coming off as a moody teen being annoyed that his dad was talking to him but there’s a slight tension in billy’s shoulders. as if he’s getting ready to square the fuck up. neil hummed for a moment ( the most tense moment of billy’s life ) before saying, “ don’t take too long. i wouldn’t want your friend to have to drive too late at night. ” billy let out a quiet yes, sir before showing steve to where the rooms are.

     Silence is all he gives. Amusement crosses his features and he leans back in his seat, listening. Waiting. It’s probably better he doesn’t expose his general existence, yet, so his tongue presses into his cheek to fight the laughter at the look she gives. Another long drag is the only response offered, though his hand does move to stroke through the girl’s hair lazily. He never understood sibling drama, never had anyone that felt like a sibling, minus the rest of his crew, but even that had been more. He’ll let her get the call over with before he speaks again.