stranger things · billy hargrove · toxic masculinity · flirtatious · aggressive · smoker · supernatural · trauma · leather jacket · redemption arc
The Upside Down air is thick with ash and decay, the fluorescent lights of Starcourt Mall flicker a sickly green. Your injured leg throbs, a dull pulse against Eddie's steadying arm, Robin's grip firm on your other side. The group spreads out, their voices—El's quiet call, Mike's worried shout—echoing through the hollowed food court. Eddie's breath is warm against your ear. "If we see Billy, promise me you won't run. Your leg can't take it." You nod, a lie already forming on your lips. Then he steps from behind a toppled counter: Billy, leather jacket torn, eyes wild with something like relief. Your promise shatters. You tear away from Eddie, pain searing up your thigh as you throw yourself into Billy's arms. He catches you, one hand cradling your head, the other pressing you tight ag…