Chapter 6: A little party never Killed Nobody

"Are you sure this is the best way to do things?" Nancy asked as she watched me pack.

"Yeah, I would just tell Tony if I were you," Steve chimed in. I could tell he also wanted a piece of the action.

"As much as I would like to," I muttered, trying not to flinch at the idea of Tony and my other brothers hurting Billy. Why did I still need to defend him? Even in my mind? "I would rather just run away from my problems thank you,"

"Because that is going to end well," Nancy muttered.

I shot her a look. That was a bit hypocritical coming from Nancy, but true none the less.

"Trust me, Billy doesn't care enough," I said as I grabbed stage makeup and headed to the door. "Now lets bolt before he decides to come three hours early."

"Okay…" They both raised an eyebrow at me, but quite frankly, it was tiresome that I had to justify myself.

When we got to Steve's house, Nancy locked me in the guest room. "Get changed." She grinned. I could tell she was trying to make me feel better, despite disagreeing with my methods. I could also tell she was trying hard to push her own emotions back.

I grinned as and reached for a pair of black mesh leggings and a crimson unitard. The neckline was plunging with off the shoulder sleeves; I paired them with velvet heels and a black belt. Once I finished my hair, I added the horns and mask. "What do you think?"

Nancy shot me a pained expression, her eyes flicking to my shoulder. "Gene… I don't want to be rude… but if you wear that he… he will still be able to tell who you are…"

"What" I fake gasped. "you mean my one in a lifetime, alien bitemark makes me easy to spot?" I turned to her and grinned. "Who would have thought?"

"Okay, smarty," She said. "What do you plan to do."

"Hand me the makeup bag,"

I could only do this kind of look once in a while, and honestly, I wasn't as shy about it anymore. However, I would not let Billy Hargrove find me tonight. I patted my stage makeup on my shoulder, and soon the scar was completely erased from my skin.

"Wow…" Nancy looked at me. "This might… actually work." She opened the door and called for Steve.

"Whoa. Cuz" He sputtered a breath. "I am not even sure it's you,"

I was about to say something, but the harsh tone of the phone cut me off. Steve walked forward and grabbed it. "Hello?" there was a pause, and he looked at me. "Aunt Tess…"

My eyes widened, and I looked at the clock. It was seven. Did Billy really come for me? Panicked, I grabbed the picture of Tony and his Fiancé from the desk.

"No… Gene isn't here. Why?" There was a pause as I showed him the photo; he got the message. "He is." Steve's head snapped up to me. I gave him a look, and he mouthed something. Billy. "Oh… I am sure she told him, Aunt Tess. Genie is with Denise," Another pause. "Yeah, she wasn't feeling great, so she thought t be a good idea to help Denise with wedding stuff." Denise and I had a standing agreement that we would cover for each other, so I didn't mind the lie. I wouldn't mind telling my mom where I was, but I knew Billy was near. "Yeah yeah, you have a good night too, Aunt Tess."

He hung up and looked at me. "Teamwork, baby."

"Equals Dreamwork," I said as I double high fived him.

"Alright, let's get you guys ready."

"Yeah, let's get ready." Nancy agreed.

When we got to the part, things were in full swing. I waved Them off before I went into the crowd. It was long before Jonathan found me.

"If Steve hadn't told me you were here, I wouldn't have recognized you," He grinned. "You look great,"

I lazily put my arms around his neck and smiled. "Yeah, I wanted to enjoy myself without someone driving me crazy."

Just as the dance continued, Jonathan kept his distance. And my eyes danced across the room. Looking for him, Billy.

That's when the chanting started. Billy's name became louder than the music I pressed against the wall next to the door as he led into the house. My mouth was dry as I saw his tanned wet body. The alcohol was getting to me faster than I realized. I felt a little dominant, knowing I was able to watch him while he was unaware for once. He started to head in the crowd until his eyes fell on a couple across the room. I followed his gaze to see Steve Glaring back at Billy. It did not take a genius to know that this meant trouble. I began to step through the crowd so I could get a full view of Steve. By the time I got there, Billy and him were eye to eye.

"Is she with you?" I heard Billy say.

"No," Steve growled. "You made sure she wouldn't show up tonight,"

Billy was quiet, "Is she with Byers?"

"Take a look to your left," Steve got into Billy's face. "He is here,"

"She isn't at her brother's, where is she?"

"Ricky might know," Steve smiled. "They have been hanging out for a while,"

Billy did not like the joke. "I already found Ricky,"

Steve looked over to me for a second, then stared back. I knew he was telling me to leave, but I wasn't going to.

"Then, why are you worried?" Steve shot back. "It's not like you actually care,"

Billy walked forward with dangerous intentions. I watched enough.

"BILLY," I called.

His back straightened in surprise, and Billy turned towards my voice.

I knew Billy recognized me because, for a moment, he froze. Our eyes were locked, and my knees were weak. He knew who he was staring at, and he took me in. His eyes softened as he stared at me, and there was a peace about us. Yet I knew that would change, so I had to get out of his line of sight. I took a step that only seemed to snap Billy back into reality. His face shifted to flat out angry scowl.

"Genie," He said as Billy strode towards me. "You better get over here."

"No," I folded my arms and took a step back, making sure not to show any weakness. "I am going to go get another drink. And you can leave me alone," I turned away to only have Billy catch my hand.

"If you do not come with me, I will carry you," He said.

"Do it," I responded, stepping up to challenge him. "I scream in your ear until its bleeding."

He threw his cigarette down. "You forget," He said as he bent down. "We are in a party… Everyone is going to know I am not attacking you."

"Billy," I gasped as he carried me out of the party. He stormed out of the house. My face was so close to his, while my body was pressed against his bare chest. I saw Steve follow us out but waved him off. Might as well get this over with now.

Billy took me to a tree and put me down. I was glaring at him until I realized he would frown back. Billy's blue eyes had a power of me that I did not want to give him right now. "Where were you tonight" He slid a thumb under my chin. Forcing me to stare at him.

"At a friend," I folded my arms and glared at him. "Honestly, I was doing you a favor."

"You weren't." He hissed. I leaned against the back of the tree. "I was worried. I thought you walked here."

"Bullshit,"

"Bullshit?"

"Yeah, Bullshit," I emphasized. "You were just looking for a cover, did your dad need to see me as proof of life?"

"You are so dramatic," Billy exasperated.

"Maybe, but at least people know where I stand," I muttered.

Billy rolled his eyes but didn't say anything. "Now I am going to go enjoy the part-"

Billy tightened his hold under my chin. It didn't hurt, but it was evident he wasn't letting me go. "We aren't done talking."

"What else is there to talk about?"

"Carol," Billy stated. "Look… she caught me this morning, she saw us at the diner." He began. "She said there was a rumor you and I were dating and how that couldn't be true because you told her you hated me."

I looked at him with disinterest. It was clear he was trying to make me feel bad. "So what you feel I wouldn't hate you after everything you did?"

"I thought it was getting better." Billy's eyes softened with an almost hurt expression.

"Well," I sighed. "If you must know, I said that after you were an ass at the restaurant," I paused. "I didn't think that now… well… I didn't"

"Do you really hate me?"

I bit my cheek. "I shouldn't have said it… but I did and … whatever" I was getting angry. "What does it even matter if I hate you? Billy, you spend most of your time acting like I don't exist. Why care?"

Billy was done with the conversation at my question, and turned to walk away, but I grabbed his hand to stop Billy. He froze, keeping his back to me. "Answer me for once," I said.

"Billy!" Someone yelled from inside the house. "Come over here, we got someone who wants to play beer pong,"

He sighed. "We shouldn't be talking about this here,"

I rolled my eyes. "Sure, fine. Enjoy your beer pong,"

I went to pull my hand from his, but he held it tight. "Do not go home without me." Billy plead. "I mean it, we will talk then." He squeezed my hand and let me go.

I walked to the punch bowl and grabbed a cup while Steve and Nancy fought. I needed to relax, so I went back to the dance floor and let the music take me.

I found myself in the middle of the party when Ricky handed me another drink.

"So… you Horny?" Ricky breathed.

"Slow down, buddy," I rolled my eyes. "Remember"

"Hey, if I can't make that joke, what the fuck are we doing," he joked.

I laughed as I drank some more. I let myself go to the music, even Ricky faded into the background.

I felt someone pull my hand when I looked up and smiled too see Billy. As he pulled me closer, I followed happily. Until I realized we were outside again.

"Hey," I slurred. "I was having fun."

"I could see that." He said softly. "You need some water," Billy held a glass in front of me.

"Come on, Curls," His voice was low. "This is my white flag."

I smirked and reached for the drink, laking a long sip, and the wind scraped across my skin. My body was hot; I knew what I needed.

"Okay," I said as I handed him back the glass and hiccupped. "I am going home…"

He nodded. "I figured… wait here, and I'll bring my car around."

"No, thanks," I rolled my eyes. "As fun as our game of emotional whiplash is, I don't need it,"

"How the hell do you plan on getting home then?" Billy replied.

"I put one foot in front of the other." I raised my hands in the a, or as I stumbled down the street, only to have Billy catch my waist.

"Gene," He retorted. "come to my car, seriously."

"No," I scoffed. "One glass of water does not make us best friends,"

"Curls, it is dark outside, you are drunk as hell and in heels." Tension furrowed in Billy's brow. "No way you can walk home like this,"

"Still not your problem," I hummed.

"Gene. I will pick you up," He growled.

"And, I will just scream." I raised my voice, "Party cheat only works if we are in a party asshole,"

"Well, then I will just follow you home in my car." He yelled. "That screaming thing only works once!"

"WELL I'LL JUST RUN THROUGH THE WOODS" I screamed "Good Fucking luck chasing me in your Camaro."

"FUCK" He screamed, shaking his hands in frustration. "What is your PROBLEM?"

"YOU BILLY HARGROVE," I screamed back before I turned on my heel, marching passed him.

As I walked, I heard boots stomping behind me. I turned to see Billy following me from a few yards behind. "Go away."

"No." He said. "I am walking you home. You can curse at me the whole time, but you aren't going home alone."

"You are so fucking irritating, you know that," I said as I stomped down the road.

"Probably only half as annoying as you,"

I let out a huff of air and folded my arms. Stupid, stupid, this was so stupid.

"You can't stay angry at me forever,"

"Watch me," I said as I stomped away.

"Come on you know I always get you to come around Curls,"

I froze for a moment and looked to Billy, the only thing I could think he was referring to was our childhood, but he had made it clear Billy had no memory or that. "We will see," I murmured.

We came to my bridge, and I began to walk the ledge like I always did—just this time with a little more alcohol than I was used too.

He gave me a look. "You need to step away from the ledge."

"Pfft," I said as I gripped the railing, "I am fine," I leaned back a bit, letting my heels hang. "My house isn't far from here, you can go now,"

"I told you that wasn't happening," Billy stepped closer with an outstretched hand, "Come on, I will help you over, you are too drunk to play dumb games."

"Know what would sober me up?" I gave a wicked smile. "Water,"

Billy's eyes widened "Do not do what I think you are about to do,"

I pursed my lips and leaned back further. "I kind of feel like a swim though,"

"Gene, seriously get off the ledge," Billy said,

I grinned. "Oh, poor choice of words," I pushed myself from the ledge. The fall was fast, and the water was cold. I forced myself to the service to see a very panicked Billy looking at me.

"Are you crazy?" He yelled. "Its dark out and your drunk, what if you jumped at the wrong spot."

"Oh, pshhhh," I said as I continued to tread water. "Do you know how many times I have done this? I am fine."

Billy rested his head against the railing in exhaustion. "Wait there," He said before he crossed the bridge. I heard his movements as he came closer and closer to the water.

He took his jacket off and began to roll up his pant legs. "Come over, I'll pick you up so you won't cut your legs."

"You don't have to do this," I said as I swam to him. The water rippled down my body and back into the rimakingAs I stepped forward, Billy's eyes traveled all over my body. I pushed my hair back and wiped the mascara from under my eyes. "I know you would rather be doing keg stands and have-"

He smiled slightly and then looked to me. "Do you really think of me like that… do you really hate me?"

I rolled my eyes. "You give me every reason too,"

"But do you," he pressed.

"Of course not," I whispered. "Billy- I could never hate you… but I wish I could,"

"Why…" Billy searched my face.

"You can be so mean… and then so nice. Sometimes I wish I could hate you just as much as you hate me. That way, we are on a level playing field." I sighed. "What am I saying… I really am drunk-

He grabbed my hand and pulled me into his arms. "Do you really believe that?" Bill murmured. He cupped my jaw with on hand, keeping his thumb on my neck. "Do you really think I hate you?"

I looked at him, a breath caught in my throat. "I," I began as my hand ran up his chest. "I don't know anymore…"

He took a breath and cupped my face. "Listen to me, Gene, because I am only going to say this once. No matter what anyone says, no matter what, I even say… I will never hate you."

My mouth was dry. I couldn't form the words to express what I was feeling, mainly because I didn't know what I was feeling. "I believe you," Was all I could say.

He smiled and then looked at my shoulders. "Jesus" Was the scar that ugly? "You are freezing. Here" He moved away from me and grabbed his jacket. I took in his scent and smiled. "Feeling better now?"

To be honest, the alcohol made it, so I didn't feel cold at all. "I think I need a little more" I didn't know what I wanted until I did it. I wrapped my arms around Billy's bareback, nestling myself in his warm chest.

Billy held me so tightly that I was entirely engulfed in his body. All I could feel was his warmth, I could only smell him, and I could only hear his breath and heartbeat.

"Gene," He whispered. "I-"

I looked up at Billy, he was at a loss for words, but he looked at me with such a sadness. I reached up and cupped his face. "What's wrong…"

"Nothing" He pulled me again. "Let's stay here for a little more…"

I relaxed into his arms, but it wouldn't last. That's when I felt it. Cold quaking fear. Just like the night before. Billy could feel me change, and he pushed away. "What's wrong?"

I swallowed and looked around. "I thought I heard something…" I needed to leave the woods, I needed to get out of here. Something was here, something.

"Hey," He took my hand began to lead me up the bath back to the road. "Come on, Curls�� I think you need to go home."

I nodded and began to walk up the path. I heard the trees shift, but nothing would justify the fear that wanted me to run as fast as I could. "Billy," I said as I grabbed his hand. "My house… it 30 minutes away if we walk… can we take the car."

He gave me a stare. "Why not just go through the woods."

"I…" I looked at him. "Please."

Billy nodded before sweeping me up in his arms and carrying me off the bank. "What are you so scared of suddenly?"

I opened my mouth and closed it. Only one thing made me this scared.

It was dead.

"I smoked a bit." I lied.

"I hope you didn't smoke Tommy's shit" He swore as he set me down. Billy's hands lingered on my waist one more time before leaving me. "Come on, I will get you to the car."

I reached for his hand, and he took it firmly. My fear began to drift, and by the time we got to the car, it was gone.

"let's get you home."

"Yes… please," I kept shooting him looks the whole drive home. He would smile at me and brush my leg from time to time. I wanted more.

When we finally pulled up to my house, I stood at my doorstep with a grin.

"Well… not how I thought things would end," I said with a smile. "But, I am glad they did end this way."

"Me too… I didn't like you mad at me," Billy said.

I took a step closer. "So… I will see you tomorrow?"

He caressed my cheek. "Count on it Curls,"

I closed the door and found that I was still wearing his jacket.

It made me feel safe.