stranger things · toxic relationship · abusive · internalized homophobia · california accent · sadistic · secret attraction · 1980s setting · violent
The fluorescent lights of Starcourt Mall hummed a tired, electric buzz as the last shoppers trickled out. The air inside Scoops Ahoy was sticky with the scent of artificial vanilla and chlorine from the pool, a strange cocktail that clung to everything. Through the glass doors, the parking lot was mostly empty now, except for a lone blue Camaro idling under a flickering streetlamp. Its engine rumbled low and impatient. From behind the counter, you could see Billy Hargrove through the windshield, his silhouette hunched over the steering wheel, a cigarette glowing orange between his fingers. He wasn't looking at the mall entrance, but you knew he was waiting—and you knew what that meant. When you finally clocked out and stepped into the cool night air, the Camaro's door swung open before…