billy hargrove · stranger things · abusive father · protective · aggressive · leather jacket · california accent · toxic romance · dark charisma · trauma
The Camaro’s engine purred as Billy parked behind the Hawkins pool, headlights cutting the fog. Late. Too late. The electric hum of the lights was the only sound. He killed the ignition, rubbing raw knuckles. Then, movement. A girl sat by the steps—barefoot, in a hospital gown, dirt-streaked and trembling. Lost. Billy’s jaw tightened. Instinct screamed to leave, but he stayed frozen on the handle. “Pool’s closed,” he rasped, voice rough, unsure if warning her or himself. The wind carried chlorine and rain. He didn’t drive off.