014

Gravel crunches beneath the tires as Steve pulls the car onto a bumpy road near Lovers Lake. Carefully, he follows it for a few moments before eventually reaching a clearing, surrounded by a few trees. You glance through the dirty windshield ahead of you as the big heart shaped lake comes to sight in the dark of this Saturday night, its calm surface reflecting the moonlight and the flickering glow of a big bonfire happening right at its shore. "Okay, ladies, we're here", Steve mumbles while steering his car to a row of parked cars.

You can already hear the thump of a bassline mixing with bursts of laughter and the occasional squeal of people. After the engines turn off, you step out, the cold October air biting at your exposed skin. A shiver runs through you as you quickly slide your leather jacket on and shoot an encouraging smirk at your friends. Robin and Vicky just climbed out of the backseat, Robin clutches her jacket tightly while Vicky looks around with wide eyes. “Wow,” she murmurs, a small smile creeping across her face, "I've never been to one of these Lake parties before". “Told you it’d be worth it,” you say, nudging Robin and sharing a winning smirk with her. Steve puts on a jacket and locks his car, before joining you. The four of you walk toward the bonfire, passing groups of people already deep into their drinks and conversations. A couple is making out against the side of a car, oblivious to the world around them. Near the shore, a cluster of half-dressed daredevils are shrieking as they splash into the lake, steam rising from their bodies as they rush back to towels and blankets. You raise your brows, already freezing just by watching them. Steve whistles low under his breath. "Skinny dipping in this weather? That’s commitment.” You laugh and glance at him, "Or stupidity".

Bonfire flames are crackling and spitting sparks into the night. With every step, you feel its warmth growing and warming you up. The air smells like all different kinds of smoke - fire, cigarettes and weed. Groups of people are gathered around it, sitting in  lawn chairs and on blankets they brought, some passing around bottles or joints, others playing drinking games. You watch someone spinning an empty bottle in the dirt, and the circle erupts into cheers as it lands on a guy who immediately leans in to kiss a girl he probably barely knows. You raise a brow and chuckle lightly. Looks like fun. Your glance wanders further, and you spot Robin walking ahead of you and secretly glancing at Vicky, who’s still taking everything in with an amused expression. Their eyes meet shortly, and Robin's cheeks immediately turn pink. Oh, Robs. You continue following your friends around the fire, slowly scanning the people to see who's around and patting down your pockets to find your cigarettes. Slowly, you flick one between your lips. The smell of weed tickles your nose again, heavier this time and your head immediately turns to see who's smoking it. Just a random guy and his friends. You sigh, light your cigarette and lift your gaze, only to see Robin and Vickie flopping down on a picnic blanket close to the fire, and Steve quickly sneaking over to an unattended cooler to grab a few drinks for you. Robin happily smiles at you and pats the blanket next to her, inviting you to join them. You slowly blow out some smoke, take one last look through the crowd around you and eventually sit down next to her, feeling the warmth of the fire on your face. "Here", Steve hands you another beer and heavily flops down next to you. You thank him, take a big sip and smoke your cigarette in peace while watching the people around you. "Looking for someone?", Robin suddenly mumbles close to you, and you wince lightly. "Mh? Oh, no, I'm just... watching those idiots freezing to death". You both chuckle lightly. "Thanks for forcing us to come here", she then whispers only for you to hear, "This is already way better, I think Vickie really likes it". You both glance over to Vickie, who's looking around with sparkling eyes and a small smile on her lips, still totally taken by the scenes around her. "Why didn't you tell me you wanted to go to that party because of her?", you ask with a low voice, using the opportunity of Vickie not paying attention to your conversation. She sighs and shrugs, "I don't know, I just- didn't. Was it that obvious?". You chuckle again, take a drag and blow out some smoke out of your nostrils. "Oh, absolutely obvious". Robin sighs again and laughs softly, "Guess you know me too well". You hum and throw a tiny smirk at her, "Yeah, you're an open book to me, Robs". Robin leans a little closer, "Just as you are to me, Sam, and that's why I'm pretty sure you are looking for someone, right?". Slowly, you just shake your head and tab away some ashes from your cigarette. "I don't". You feel her eyes wandering over your side profile. "I don't", you repeat slightly annoyed, "Stop staring into my soul, Robs". Your best friend snorts quietly and throws another short look at Vickie, who just clinked her can with Steve's and laughs at some stupid joke he just told her. You follow her eyes. "Is she...". "Into girls?", Robin finishes your question, "God, I really hope she is. But I don't know yet, and this isn't a question you just pop". "Well, all I know is she definitely likes you, Robs. You got this, just be yourself". "Really? My self?". After taking your last drag and flicking the butt into the fire, you give her a warm glance. "Yes. Your true, awkward and lovely self"

The night carried on, the party grew wilder as the hours went by. More people jumped into the freezing lake, their drunken courage outweighing any concern for hypothermia. Someone just dragged out a guitar and starts strumming a half-remembered song, causing you to pull a painful face at the wrong and crooked accords he's playing and the group around him to chime in with off-key but enthusiastic singing. Robin and Vicky  wandered closer to the fire and joined a group that's playing some variation of Never Have I Ever. You can’t hear what they’re saying, but the way Vicky leans into Robin and laughs at something she says makes your chest warm. “Looks like that’s going well,” Steve suddenly remarks next to you, munching on a bag of chips. “Yeah,” you agree softly before leaning your head back to empty your cup of cheap whiskey a guy from your chemistry class drunkenly passed you. Robin looks so happy. Her eyes sparkle as she glances over to you, standing a little further away. "Sam, Steve!", she suddenly shouts, "Come, join us!" You suppress a laugh at the annoyed look that immediately grows on Steve's face. "I hate that game", he mumbles. "Yeah", you laugh, "Me, too. As if I want those random people to know of my sexual escapades". Steve clears his throat, trying to add as casual as possible, "Yeah, me too". "But I'm drunk anyways", you continue, "And right now, I really don't care". You give Robin a sign you'll be there in a second. "But I really have to pee before we start, and I need another drink, of course. I'll be back"You turn on your heels, aiming for the trees close to the parked cars and suddenly feeling the whiskey you just had fogging up your brain. All the drinks of tonight finally pay off, and you're slowly starting to feel pretty tipsy - with a very full bladder.

Laughter and music grow muffled with each step into the shadows of the trees. You glance over your shoulder to make sure no one’s paying attention before crunching further down a narrow path littered with dry leaves. The light from the fire flickers faintly through the gaps in the trees, but it’s just enough for you to find a secluded spot, carefully navigating around stray branches and roots.  Finally, you find a spot that feels hidden enough. You glance around once more to make sure you’re alone before squatting down behind a wide oak tree.

You straighten up quickly afterward, brushing off your hands on your jeans and sighing as you start heading back toward the warmth of the fire. But just as you step back onto the path, the faint sound of someone else approaching makes you freeze. You squint into the shadows and a familiar figure steps into view, grinning smugly while looking at you with blue eyes. “Fancy meeting you here,” Billy drawls, his voice low and teasing. "Fucking hell, Billy", you hiss, "What're you doing here, creeping on me while I pee? And don't fucking sneak up on me like that, you fucking scared me". Billy's grin widens as he leans against a tree, his leather jacket creaking softly with the motion. His blue eyes glint in the faint moonlight as he watches you with that infuriatingly smug expression. "Relax, baby," he murmurs, the corners of his mouth twitching, "But I gotta say, you look pretty damn cute when you're pissed off"You roll your eyes. You had no idea he was at that party as well. He probably just arrived and saw you walking away. "You're unbelievable," you mutter, trying to step around him, but he blocks you."Come on", he mumbles, leaning in just enough that you can feel the heat radiating off him, "I'm not here to piss you off. Just making sure you don’t get lost in the dark." You step back, raising an eyebrow, looking him up and down. "Oh, you’re my knight in shining armor now? Not really your style, Billy." He chuckles, taking a step closer, his eyes never leaving yours. "I’m whatever you need me to be," he murmurs, his lips curling into a smug smirk. "Just tell me what you want, and I’ll make it happen." The scent of his after-shave hits you as he leans closer. His smell and the way he looks at you react with the booze in your system, making you unable to just leave him behind and go back to your friends.

You lock your eyes with his, feeling the growing tension between you. "Is that so?" you ask lowly, slowly letting your finger slide up to his chest, "You think you can handle me, baby?" His big hand slides up to your waist as he pulls you in just enough that you feel the full force of his body against yours, luring a small gasp from you. Slowly, he lowers his lips down to yours. "Oh, I know I can", he whispers darkly, his breath tickling your lips and sending a wave of arousal down your body. Fuck. "You do?", you tease softly with your lips only inches away from his, locking your fingers with his shirt. Billy just hums, his hand presses against your lower back as he suddenly slams his lips down on yours, kissing you hungrily. You immediately give in, forgetting about your friends waiting for you and letting yourself glide deeper into his arms. All you feel are his hands on your back, wandering down to your ass to squeeze it roughly and his lips on yours, sucking and kissing you passionately. Your tipsy body reacts to him, his touch, his kiss and his familiar scent. You're turned on already, still tasting the last whiskey he had on his lips while wrapping your arms around his neck and stepping on your toes to kiss him even deeper. Billy grunts darkly and grabs your ass tighter, his strong arms pressed to your sides. "Let me show you how great I am at handling you", he murmurs darkly, before slapping your ass lightly and grabbing your hand to pull you with him. You giggle drunkenly while letting him lead you through a few rows of trees and back to the parked cars, including his blue Camaro.

As soon as you arrive at his car, Billy's hands are around you again, pulling you back against his chest to kiss you again. You sigh softly and open your lips for his tongue to glide in, only to feel him suddenly grabbing your waist and placing you right on top of the cold hood, luring a small squeak from you and chuckling darkly. Your legs wrap around him, arms move back around his neck to hold on to him while your kiss deepens again. Slowly, you let your hand slide down his heavily breathing chest. Billy shudders lightly under your touch. Your lips curl into a dirty smirk, you cheekily bite into his bottom lip while casually sliding your hand right on the hard bulge in his jeans. A groan escapes his throat as you press the palm of your hand against his erection, his hands grab your ass to pull your whole body further against him. "Like what you're feeling down there?"."Uh-huh", you grin before kissing him again, now gliding your second hand down as well to quickly unbuckle his leather belt and open his jeans. "Oh, fuck", he hisses the second your - unfortunately a little cold - hand slides right into his boxers and your fingers wrap around his dick. Feeling him hard and ready makes your insides tingle in excitement. To tease him a little, you slowly start to rub your thumb over his tip. Billy groans daringly, his fingers dig through your jeans and into the flesh of your ass. His lips leave your mouth,  panting louder from your touch and finding their way down to your neck to hungrily suck on your skin. Softly, you moan right into his ear while pressing your boobs against him, feeling his dick twitching in your hand the second he hears your lustful sound. Seeing how easily you're turning him on makes you even hornier. "I want you", you whisper into his ear, causing him to leave your neck and glance right at you, smirking smugly. "Right here?". You chuckle and gaze over your shoulder. A group of people walks by in the distance, heading for a car parked across the clearing. "I'm not that adventurous tonight". Billy grins at you, slides his hand into his pocket and pulls out his car key, suggestively wiggling his brows. You smirk back at him and jump down from your seat to follow him around the car, where he quickly unlocks the passenger door. With his jeans already open and his loose belt dangling down at his sides, he falls into the passenger seat and grabs down to recline the seat all the way back. Then, he shoots you a wry smirk and pats his lap for you to take a seat. You amusedly roll your eyes, take off your jacket as you throw another short look around and climb right on top of him, your knees pressed to his sides and your lips falling back down on his. Billy blindly reaches for the door to pull it close, slaps your ass and groans softly while starting to press his rock hard boner right against your lower abdomen. You desperately tug on the buttons of his shirt to open it and free his shaved chest, drawing goosebumps on his warm skin the second you glide your fingers over it. Your hair falls in his face, his cold hands wander under your shirt to right into your bra, where your nipples immediately stand up from the sudden cold and his touch. With his thumb rubbing one of them, he lures a desperate moan from you and grins into your kiss. "We have to get you out of these jeans", he growls, "Right now", with his other hand already opening your jeans button and zipper. He's right. Your aching for him to finally be inside you and release your body from that sweet pain between your legs. You sit back up, panting softly, climb down from his lap and over onto his driver's seat where you hectically push your boots from your feet and slide your jeans down your legs, before carelessly throwing them into the footwell of his car. Billy sits back up as well, checking out your naked legs while opening his glove box to get a condom. Is there any place this man is not prepared to fuck at? My god, he is such a cliché womanizer. You watch him leaning back again and sliding his jeans and boxers down just a little to let his dick pop out. With ease, he opens the condom wrapper and quickly slides it on, his eyes pinned to your face, lust burning in his eyes. "Come here, baby", he mumbles as he reaches over to help you back on his lap, "I need to feel you on my dick". You press your knees against his sides and steady yourself, still wearing a black thong that's just pulled to the side as you finally lower yourself right on his rock hard erection. Both of you can't help but let out a satisfied groan. You take him all the way in, moaning at the feeling of your walls wrapping around his length. "Fuck, I love your pussy, baby", Billy groans underneath you as your hips start working their magic. You're grinding on him, panting and moaning softly with your hand pressed to his bare chest to stabilize yourself. Your nails dig into his skin, his fingers found their way back into your bra to stimulate your sensitive knob while his other hand holds onto your ass. Your hips find your perfect rhythm, your gasping lips fall back on his while your heavy breaths and lustful sounds fill the insides of his car. "Oh, god, yes", you whimper when feeling him pushing his hips up, thrusting his dick even deeper into your core with every bounce you're making. Your wetness rubs everywhere on him, lips desperately bite and suck on each other as you ride him harder, bringing both of you closer to your climaxes with every move of your hips. Your legs start to burn from this uncomfortable position, but you're so locked in this quickie, you don't even notice. All you feel is his cock pounding into you, your wet mouths on each other, gasping, cussing and moaning each other's names and his hands on your body. "I'm close already", he presses through clenched teeth. You daringly bite into his bottom lip, panting "I'm not done with you, Hargrove". His lips curl into a smirk, he pulls away from your kiss and grunts deeply, "That's fucking hot", while focusing on not cumming yet. You grin while watching him frowning in concentration, now breathlessly starting to grind on him again. "Oh, dear God", Billy groans once more, visibly suffering underneath you when feeling your hips picking up the pace again. He inhales sharply, his eyes open again, watching you with that hungry glance you're so into. Then, you feel his hand leaving your boob and sliding down your belly, right between your legs. "Let me help you with that", he mumbles, immediately finding your clitoris with his thumb. His extra stimulation really does the thing, and the sharp gasp of you that immediately follows his touch draws a proud smirk back on his lips. "Come on, baby, I want to see you cum", he pants raspy while rubbing your clit, sending waves and waves of satisfaction through your body and bringing you just as close to the edge. "Oh my god, yes", you cry out, finally feeling that familiar tingle right under his thumb starts slowly starting to spread. "Shit", Billy growls deeply when feeling your pussy tightening around his dick until it finally releases in a pulsating climax. His blue eyes are pinned to your crumbling face, taking in every second of your orgasm as your gasping and moaning sounds take over and your legs start to shake against his sides. He's trying his best, but the sight of you on top of him, cumming so hard you're crawling your nails into his chest, mixed with the sound of you whimpering his name is pushing him over the edge. He joins you basically immediately, finally allowing himself to cum just as hard as you just did and filling up the condom with his hot load. Your sweaty body collapses on his, your sexes both still twitching lightly in each other. Your head leans on his sweaty chest, you can hear his fast heartbeat right under your ear while trying to catch your breath. "You're amazing", Billy whispers breathlessly, and you lift your head to look at him. "Thanks, you're also quite... average", you joke, making him chuckle raspy and playfully poking your side. "Watch that pretty mouth of yours". "Never", you grin at him and sit up, only for his hand to press against your back and pull you back down on him, pressing his lips on yours for a kiss. "I guess I have to watch it, then", he whispers, before kissing you once more. "I don't need anyone watching me, or my mouth, Billy", you whisper back, before sitting back up again and climbing on the driver's seat to grab your jeans and shoes while glaring through the fogged up windows to see if anyone saw you. The clearing seems to be empty, so you open the driver's door and step back out into the cold night air, taking in a deep breath while sliding your jacket back on. Billy follows your lead and climbs out of his seat. While zipping up his jeans and with his shirt still unbuttoned, showing off the marks your nails left on his skin, he walks around the car. You can't help but watch him coming closer. He just looks... great, honestly. A little sweaty, showing off his white teeth while flashing you a wide grin, his mullet messy from what you just did. You lean against the hood of his car again and answer his smirk while opening your pack of Marlboro to slide a cigarette between your curled lips. Billy steps closer, lifting himself a cigarette and holding his burning lighter under the end of yours to light it as well. You take a few quick puffs and watch him blowing some smoke up into the night air. "So... now that we fucked in my car - wanna grab a drink together?", he mumbles jokingly, his eyes cheekily shining at you. You roll your eyes and chuckle at his stupid joke. "My friends are waiting for me to play a stupid drinking game, so... if you wanna join, feel free to do so". "Are you asking me to meet your friends? Already?". "Oh my god", you laugh and step away from his car, "You're awful". "Yeah", he laughs and follows you heading back to the bonfire, "But you're into it, aren't you". "Dream on, Hargrove", you amusedly scoff over your shoulder, "I'm just using you for your body". "Fine for me"

You stumble back toward the bonfire, Billy trailing close behind, smoking his cigarette and casually looking around. Your cheeks feel hot and flushed - part booze, part the lingering aftermath of what just happened in his car. You can still feel his hands on you, the press of his body, the taste of his mouth on your swollen lips.

As you get closer, Robin’s voice cuts through the night. “Finally! Thought you fell into a ditch or got abducted or something, but turns out you just met... a friend” She’s sitting cross-legged on the ground next to Steve, who’s leaned back against a log, a red cup dangling from his fingers. "Oh, great", he comments ironically, "Look what the cat dragged in". Vickie sits beside her, eyes twinkling with curiosity as she hides a smile behind her cup. “Relax, Robin,” you say smoothly, plopping down and leaning against an empty log across from them, "I wasn't gone that long", purposely ignoring Steve's comment on who you brought with you. You don’t look at Billy as he sits beside you, far too casually, his smirk infuriatingly smug. He’s stretched out like he owns the place, his arm draped across the back of the log, so close that his knuckles brush your shoulder. “Long enough,” Robin mumbles under her breath, and her gaze shortly flickers to Billy. Steve raises an eyebrow, his gaze flicking between the two of you. “Right. Took you long enough,” he mutters, “So you're joining the game? Never have I ever?"You reach for a random cooler and grab two beers, passing one on to Billy and leaning back against the log, your legs pulled up to your chest. “Yeah,” you eventually say, “So, where are we at?”. Your eyes wander through the group sitting around you, part friends, part people you know from school, part strangers. "Never have I ever hooked up in a car", Robin answers, shooting her friend a dramatic look. “And apparently, Steve is a dirtbag.”. Oh, come on. Seriously? “Hey", Steve protests, "Stop shaming me, it was romantic, okay?". Robin snorts. “Romantic? In the backseat of a Beemer?”The group erupts into laughter, but you have frozen mid-sip, your beer hovering near your lips. You feel Billy shift beside you, his knee knocking lightly against yours. You don’t dare look at him. “Wait.” One of the guys across the fire, someone you vaguely recognize from school, squints at you, his eyes flicking between you and Billy. “Never have I ever hooked up in a car, and you two show up late together?" Your heart skips, but you keep your face neutral, a smirk tugging at the corner of your mouth as you tilt your head to look at him. “And?” you challenge coolly, arching a brow. Billy snorts quietly, obviously amused by your direct response. The guy shrugs, looking uncomfortable by the way you stare right back at him. “Just saying. Seems... suspicious.” All eyes shift to you and Billy now. Robin narrows her eyes, Vickie bites back a grin, and Steve looks half curious, half deeply concerned. You can practically feel Billy’s satisfaction radiating off him. He’s loving this. In your peripheral vision, you see him leaning in a little closer, his voice low enough that only you can hear, but you know everyone sees it. “You gonna take a sip, or you need me to remind you?” he murmurs, his lips brushing your ear just enough to send a shiver through you. You snap your head toward him. “Don’t push it,” you mutter, though your lips curve into a smile you can’t fight. He just grins back at you while settling back into his spot like he owns the damn world. God, I hate his confidence. You roll your eyes and turn your head again, only to see the group’s still watching, waiting. So, you shrug, lifting your beer and taking a long, deliberate sip. A ripple of laughter and shocked whispers follows, Steve letting out an exaggerated groan as he slaps a hand over his face. "Please, not him", he groans a little too loud, and you frown your brows. “Relax, Harrington,” Billy laughs next to you, his voice smug as he takes a sip of his own drink to show he's also guilty before adding, “She’s got good taste.” Robin snorts. “Debatable.” You roll your eyes, leaning forward as you shoot everyone a glance. "Relax. No one said it was him who I fucked in a car, okay? I had a very exciting life before moving to this shit hole of a town, and believe me, you’d never keep up", you state, taking a slow sip of your beer and meeting Steve’s incredulous look with a raised brow. The group erupts into laughter, some of them whooping loudly.“Oh my God,” Robin snorts from laughter, “She’s unbothered. I love it.”Steve mutters something under his breath, clearly not buying it, but he doesn’t push. Instead, he crosses his arms, giving Billy a pointed glare before looking back at you. “Fine. I’m just saying, if it was him, you’d have questionable taste.” Billy, who’s been lounging next to you with a smug grin, finally pipes up. “You know, Harrington, you spend a lot of time thinking about what she’s doing with me. Jealous much?”Steve groans dramatically, tipping his head back. “You wish, Hargrove.” Billy shrugs, looking far too pleased with himself. “I don’t have to wish, man.” You nearly choke on your drink, turning your head to glare at him. “Billy,” you hiss sharply. The guy lives to stir the pot, and he’s enjoying every second of it. Robin, meanwhile, looks between the three of you, her eyes sparkling with glee. “This is better than cable,” she announces, grabbing her cup. “Someone else go. I’m just here for the drama.” Vickie, who's been watching quietly, chimes in, trying to ease the tension. “Never have I ever… skinny dipped.” You’re grateful for the change of subject, though as you raise your bottle to take a sip, you feel Billy’s gaze settle on you again. He's curious. You both simultaneously lift your beers to take another sip, just like almost every one else of the group you're playing with. Thank God, you're not center of attention again. You feel him leaning closer once more, his fingers secretly touching your back as he moves his lips to your ear. "Skinny dipping, mh? Trying to make me imagine something or is it just a happy accident?". Your eyes dart through the group sitting around you, they're all busy with chatting about the times they've been naked in this particular lake you're sitting at. No one seems to be paying attention to the two of you. Billy's lips are still close to your ear, curled in a flirty smirk. His breath tickles your earlobe, and his fingers start to caress your back. "Well, is it working?". A warm chuckle rolls over his lips, his hand slides over your back and around it, before grabbing your shoulder to pull your upper body against him. "Trust me, you have no idea how well it worked", he mumbles into your ear, sending shivers down your spine. Usually, you would stop him right here since you're surrounded by dozens of people and the rumors about Billy and you dating are already annoying enough, but you're drunk and he just... makes you feel good. So, you let him pull you close and slide his arm around your shoulder, giggling softly at what he just whispered in your ear and throwing a flirty look at him. Blue eyes shine back at you, dropping down to your lips for just a second before looking right back into yours again. "It's working so well already and we haven't even answered the spicy questions yet", you mumble back, smirking lightly and biting on your bottom lip. Billy’s smirk widens, his thumb brushing lightly over your shoulder as he leans in even closer. “Baby, if you think it’s working now… you have no idea what’s coming next.” His voice is low, sending heat through your body as his gaze flickers between your lips and your eyes. He pulls you just a little tighter against him, his breath warm against your skin. "I can't wait to see how much more you can handle," he murmurs, his voice laced with anticipation, making your heart race. The alcohol buzzes in your veins, but the only thing you can focus on is the heat radiating between the two of you. You chuckle softly, feeling bold and carefree, leaning in to brush your lips against his ear. "I can't wait for you to find that out".

The night went on, filled with laughter, drunken confessions in rounds and rounds of drinking games, and loads of empty beer bottles that got scattered around the fire. It's late, way past midnight. Your friends just left, and by the time the three of them stumbled off to Steve’s car, Robin was suggestively wiggling her brows in your direction while Steve muttered something under his breath about questionable choices. Vickie, who you really started to like throughout that night, gave you a quick, knowing smile and waved you goodbye. "You sure you got her?", Steve eventually asked over his shoulder as he walked away, obviously not liking the fact you decided to stay at the fire for a little longer instead of going home with them. Billy, who is still sitting next to you with his back leaned against the log and one arm draped lazily over your shoulders, just waved him away. "Don’t worry, Harrington", he called out casually, "I’ll make sure she gets home safe". Robin just wiggled her brows again, threw one last knowing glance at you and smirked widely, "Oh, I’m sure you will", before she followed Vickie's lead, who was trailing off already. You just rolled your eyes at their drunk, childish behavior and leaned back into Billy's arm to finish your smoke. Steve’s annoyed groan was the last sound you heard before they finally vanished into the dark to get back to his car, leaving you and Billy alone with a few of his rowdy, drunk friends.

Within a few minutes of watching them, you're sure you don't like them. They're idiots. Douchebags. Wannabe-womanizers. And you're more than glad Billy's still at your side, chatting and joking with them while finishing his drink and not realizing how one of his guys checks you out and makes you feel quite uncomfortable. You slowly raise your brows when catching him staring at your boobs again. Ugh, creep. So, you decide you're done for tonight. Slowly, you lean further into Billy's arm, your hand falls on his thigh as you raise your lips to his ear to whisper those two magical words. "Let's go". Mid-sentence he stops, lifts his cup to empty it in one go, throws the cup away and pats your shoulder as a sign to stand up. You chuckle, flick your cigarette butt into the burned down bonfire and get up on your feet. Only to see his friends getting up as well and stumbling over to Billy, expecting their ride home since they got here in his car. But he just shrugs, lighting a cigarette and looking wholly unbothered with his arm wrapping back around you. “Not my problem", he mumbles, exhaling smoke into the cool night air, "You’ve got legs - use ’em. I got better things to do tonight". Four pairs of drunken eyes glare at you, and you feel your mouth twitching lightly. You quickly turn your head away to hide the small laugh you can't keep in after seeing their faces, feeling a little flattered he's leaving his friends to walk all the way home just because of you. As he should. Of course, they all start to protest, but all of that falls on deaf ears. Billy just shrugs again, grabs your waist and pulls you with him, leaving them behind at the dying down fire and heading back to his car to finally get you home.

Two minutes and a passionate kiss later, Billy’s car tears out of the clearing in the woods, the headlights slicing through the darkness as he takes the bumpy road a little too fast. The uneven ground jostles you both, the car bouncing and groaning with every dip and ridge, which is not stopping him from casually steering just with his left hand, so his right one stays firmly planted on your thigh. "Careful", you state, gripping the door for balance as the car sways, "You’re gonna wreck us before we even make it to the town again". Billy just chuckles raspy, "Relax, baby. I’ve got it under control". "You’re drunk,” you remind him, now feeling his hand slowly wandering up your thigh. "Not too drunk" he counters, teasingly squeezing your leg and steering around a big tree. His eyes flick to you for a split second, "And I’d never wreck with you in the car. Trust me". The bumps even out as you finally reach the country road leading back to Hawkins. A white halfmoon casts a pale glow over the empty asphalt ahead of you, and for a moment... it’s almost peaceful - until Billy presses down on the gas. The car surges forward, wind rushing through the cracked window as he glances over at you with a grin. The sudden speed pushes you back into your seat, you huff lightly. "What’s the matter?", you hear him ask cheekily, "Don’t like a little thrill?" You scoff and glance over at him, "You're such a show-off, you know that, right?" The cheeky look in his eyes makes you blush a little. "Only for you", he replies smoothly, causing you to roll your eyes and laugh softly.

Moments later, Billy pulls up outside your apartment complex, parking haphazardly with his usual reckless charm. He cuts the engine, turning to you with a look that makes your heart flutter. "Told you I’d get you home safe", he says, his voice low, almost teasing.  You arch your brow, "Safe is debatable" and smirk as you unbuckle your seatbelt". His upper body leans closer, his hand sliding from your thigh to your waist when the scent of his after-shave hits you once more. "Guess I’ll just have to make it up to you upstairs", he mumbles darkly, the promise in his voice sending a thrill through you. Within a second, you’re both out of the car. You barely make it inside before he’s on you, pinning you against the wall of the staircase. His lips crash into yours, hot and demanding, while his hands grip your hips like he can’t get enough. You feel his hot body pressing against yours, a deep hum comes from his lungs as your arms wrap around his neck.“Shh,” you whisper with a soft chuckle your lips brushing against his as you push him back slightly, "My neighbor's are asleep. And Lauren probably too". Billy smirks, his blue eyes gleaming in the dim light. "Then I guess we’ll just have to be really quiet, won't we". His lips trail down your neck, and a soft gasp escapes before you can stop it when his teeth gently sink into your skin. "Like you know how to do that", you murmur, your hands threading through his hair as he pulls you closer. Ice blue eyes glance down on you, filled with lust for you. "You're right", he whispers, before pressing another kiss on your lips, "All I know is how to make you scream". Dear God. You sigh lustfully and grab his shirt to tug him up the stairs toward your apartment. His hands never leave your body, he grabs you on every level, slides them under your shirt and slams his lips on yours again, making you giggle and moan softly. At the top floor, you fumble with your keys at the door, your movements clumsy as he kisses along your jaw, his teeth grazing just enough to make you gasp, making your body feel as if it's vibrating.

When the door finally swings open, you both tumble inside, the air between you electric. A dark apartment welcomes you back. You stop for a second to listen for any signs of Lauren. Nothing. Just the hum of the refrigerator and the sound of Billy’s breathing, heavy and impatient against your neck. Both of you kick away your boots, your leather jackets carelessly fall to the ground as your two bodies move through the space, tangled with each other and filling the room with your lustful sounds while trying to get to the bedroom. Your back hits the edge of the kitchen counter, and a sharp gasp escapes your lips as his hands slide under your shirt. "Shh", you whisper breathlessly, your fingers tangling in his hair. "Lauren -" "She’s not here", he pants, his voice rough and low against your neck. His teeth nibble your skin, and you shiver. "Even if she was, I don’t care". You bite back a moan, your head tipping back as he presses hot kisses along your collarbone. His hands grip your waist, lifting you onto the counter with an ease that makes your breath hitch. The cool surface presses against your ass, his hips between your legs as they wrap around him to pull him close. You grab the front of his shirt, pulling him into another passionate kiss while fumbling with the buttons. His grinning lips suck on yours as he helps you taking off his shirt, throws it behind him and grabs the rim of your top to pull it over your head. His skin feels warm under your fingers. Your lips separate, both breathlessly panting already as you lift your arms for your top to slide over your head and join his shirt on the kitchen floor. It feels like the room's spinning around you every time you close your eyes. Billy's wet lips find their way back down to your neck, his fingers run up your back to unlock your black bra the same second yours wander down his naked torso to unbuckle his belt for the second time today. His hard dick bulges his jeans, pressing against your hand as you open his zipper. "God, you make me so hard, Sam", he grunts against your skin, finally opening your bra and sliding it down your shoulders. "Oh, fuck", you moan passionately when feeling his lips wrap around your hard nipple, pressing your bare back against the kitchen tiles behind you and his hips between your legs. "I don't think we make it to the bedroom", Billy pants, his hand now on your breast and his mouth falling back on yours, kissing you wildly and making you even more hotter for him. "I want you", you whisper close to his lips, grabbing his erection through his jeans and luring another pleasured groan from him. "Your wish is m-"

Light floods the dark room.

You gasp loudly, every muscle in your body freezes in sudden shock. Billy turns sharply, his body still wedged between your legs, his naked arms wrapped around your hips as he stares to his right. You wake up from your trance and follow his gaze, expecting a sleepy roommate to stand in the doorway and needing a second to realize it's not Lauren that just caught you, it's... Eddie?

He stands there, barefoot and shirtless, wearing nothing but a pair of black boxers. His wild hair is even messier than usual, and his dark eyes are wide as they take in the scene before him - Billy Hargrove, half-dressed and standing between your legs, and you, topless, flushed, and breathless on the counter, staring back at him. It takes him a few seconds until he's finally able to open his mouth and let out what's on his mind.

“What the fuck?”

His voice is laced with shock, confusion and something even darker. He stares at you both, eyes flicking between you and Billy, his expression unreadable but dripping with disgust as he watches you perplexed pressing your hands on your tits to hide your nudity. You’re frozen, torn between the need to hide, to explain, and the sharp, cold reality of the situation.This is the worst.

“Wh- What the hell are you doing here?"

You realize it's your own voice you just heard, strange and high-pitched, filled with confusion and panic. Billy’s posture is still tense, his hand tight on your waist as if to stake his claim, as if to make sure Eddie knows exactly who you’re with. But Eddie doesn’t seem to care about that. He steps forward, his voice dripping with sarcasm."Funny", he laughs dryly, the bitter sound hitting you right in the chest, "I was gonna ask you the same question, but it's pretty clear what you're doing here. Very classy, by the way" he mumbles, his eyes running over your exposed skin with a bitter, sharp edge. “Really classy. This... with him” His voice tightens as he emphasizes the last part. You feel the sting of his words, a mixture of anger and embarrassment rushing through you, but you don’t back down. His eyes drop again to your exposed skin, and you feel a jolt of anger and embarrassment flare up inside you.Billy, noticing Eddie’s gaze lingering, quickly grabs his shirt off the floor and hands it to you. You accept it gratefully, pressing it to your chest. His hand is tightening around your waist, you can see the frustration flicker in his eyes as he moves to shield you from Eddie's line of sight. "Watch it, Munson", he growls, his voice low and daring, "Don't fucking talk to her like that. She lives here. It’s not your business what she does in her kitchen or who she does it with. Got it?" Eddie’s expression darkens, his fists clenching at his sides. He looks like he wants to say something, but his words come out more bitter than anything else. "“What? You’re gonna protect her now, Hargrove?”, he sneers, his eyes narrowing. “She’s classy, huh? Sleeping with a guy who fucks anything that moves.”

His words hit hard, and you can’t help but feel the sharp edge of them sink deep. But the anger surging through you isn’t just for yourself - it’s for Billy too. You know he’s not just some "anything that moves" type of guy, but Eddie’s words still sting, and you can see the way it’s affecting Billy. He's fuming as he leans forward again, not backing down. “I don’t give a shit what you think, Munson,” he eventually snaps, his voice growing sharper. “Fuck off and get back to wherever you just came from".

Lauren. He came from her room. Oh, god.

Your eyes dart over to Eddie, who doesn’t even flinch. His eyes flick over to you again, and for a moment, you can see something else in his gaze. He looks hurt. Then, the words he just said to you sink in and you open your mouth to eventually fire back, but the sound of a creaking door interrupts you. You freeze, heart thudding in your chest. Billy and Eddie both turn toward the hall behind him, where a bedroom door opens and a sleepy figure steps out.

"Eddie, what's taking you-", Lauren mumbles sleepily, when lifting her gaze. Her eyes widen in shock as she stops in her tracks, clearly not expecting to find what she does. Dressed only in a too big band shirt and some underwear, she stares at you, Billy, and Eddie with a look of confusion. To your surprise, in the heat of this very moment, you do recognize the shirt she's wearing. It's Eddie's, he wore it earlier today, when you saw him at work.  "What the hell is going on here?" Her tired voice is soft, but her eyes narrow as she takes in the scene: you, still topless with a shirt pressed to your bare chest, Billy only half-dressed, and Eddie standing there, still barefoot and in his boxers. "And why the fuck is everyone in here half naked?" The room goes deathly quiet, the tension almost palpable. You can’t help but feel exposed, again. Lauren’s gaze flickers to Billy for a moment before her eyes go back to you, and you can see the shift in her expression the second she realizes. "Sam, were you fucking him in my kitchen?". Heat flushes up to your face as you stare at your roommate, stammering, "No, I- uhm... we- no. We didn't". "Yeah, because someone decided to crash the moment", Billy comments sarcastically, and you shoot him a daring glare. Eddie snorts dryly, "All I wanted was a fucking sip of water". "Yeah?", Billy snaps, "Then why didn't you just fucking got one and left us alone again, instead of staring at her tits like a fucking creep and shaming her? Huh?" Your roommate raises a brow. She looks at your flushed face before slowly turning to Eddie, who's standing next to her and clears his throat, avoiding her gaze. "O-kay, I'm definitely too tired for this", she sighs deeply and steps further into the room, "I don’t care who’s doing what with who, but this is my apartment" She glances at Eddie, then back at you and Billy, before her gaze softens just slightly. “I’m guessing you two are having some sort of… moment, but can you at least take it to your own damn room? We talked about this, Sam. Remember? After the bathroom-incident?” You sigh and nod. Billy chuckles at the memory and nods lightly, the tension in his shoulders loosening as he leans back. Eddie just scoffs.

This is the second you realize you've had enough. You pull the shirt Billy gave you tighter around your chest and jump down from the counter. "Okay, I'm done with this conversation now. Everyone, stop making such a big deal out of this, okay? Lauren, I'm sorry, okay? We're just drunk and didn't think about it. Guess I owe you now, feel free to fuck him...", you glare at Eddie and slowly let your eyes wander up and down his almost naked body to make him feel just as exposed as he did it to you, "...wherever it pleases you. I don't care". Your eyes dart up to his eyes. His words hurt you, and you want him to see. "And you", you continue, "I don't know what made you think you're in any position to talk to me like that, when you're at my home and clearly just hooked up with my roommate. Again. Classy, mh? How about you sweep your own doormat first, before fucking judging mine?". Something in his eyes changes. His lips move slightly as if he wants to say something, but he decides to just stay quiet instead. Your eyes lock with each other for a second. "Just leave me the fuck alone, Eddie. Leave us alone". And with your last words, you grab Billy's hand and pull him with you, passing by a speechless Eddie and a still very confused Lauren, who now yawns into her hand. "What a weird moment", she mumbles tiredly, before turning on her heels and slowly heading back to her room as well. "You coming?", she asks, when realizing Eddie hasn't left his spot. "Mh?", he asks, now realizing he's still staring at the empty hallway behind her, where Billy and you just closed your bedroom door behind you. "Uh, yeah, I'll be there in a second, I'm still... thirsty". "Okay", Lauren yawns again and softly closes her bedroom door, leaving Eddie by himself in your shared living room. Silence fills the air again, only interrupted by his voice as he eventually realizes what he just did. "Fuck"

The bedroom door clicks shut behind you. Your naked back leans against the cold wood as the adrenaline is fading now, leaving you raw and exposed, quite literally and emotionally. Billy, still topless, watches you carefully, his brow furrowed. He moves closer, his hands brushing against your bare arms as if testing the waters before fully wrapping them around you. His touch is warm and grounding, a welcomed contrast to the icy shock you felt under Eddie's gaze moments ago. "You okay?" he asks softly, his voice stripped of the usual bravado. You nod, but it’s not convincing, even to yourself. "I just… I don’t know. That was…" You trail off, shaking your head. Words seem inadequate to describe the whirlwind of emotions tangling inside you. Billy tilts his head, his piercing blue eyes narrowing as he studies your face. "Why the hell did it feel like Munson was jealous back there?", he suddenly asks. His tone is curious but edged with frustration. "I mean, the guy’s in your roommate’s bed, and yet… I don’t know. The way he was looking at you? The way he lost it?" He pauses, his lips pressing into a thin line. "What’s his deal?" He's right. You’ve been asking yourself the same thing ever since Eddie appeared in the kitchen. You sigh, and slide your arms into Billy’s shirt to put it on, while stepping away from the door. Billy’s question still hangs in the air, sharp and heavy, but you can’t bring yourself to tell him the truth. The memory of that kiss with Eddie flashes through your mind. Moments that feel worlds away now. The warmth of Eddie’s lips, how he looked at you, flirted and made you laugh that one night at his trailer. How it felt to be with him. It doesn’t feel right to tell Billy about it. There nothing to tell. So, you clear your throat, trying to steady your voice. "I don't know. He’s just… I don’t know. Maybe he’s just an asshole"Billy doesn’t look convinced, his brows furrowing deeper. "You’re telling me there’s nothing between you two? Not now, not before?" You shake your head, forcing yourself to meet his gaze. "No", you say simply, realizing how it feels like a lie, now that you say it out loud. What the fuck? It was just a kiss, that's it. Nothing special. Billy studies you for a long moment, his sharp blue eyes searching your face as if trying to pick apart your words. Finally, he sighs, running a hand through his hair. "Whatever", he mutters, though his tone is still tense. "I just don’t like the way he looked at you. Like he thought he had a right to say anything to you" You let out a breath you hadn’t realized you were holding, relief and guilt mixing in your chest. "I don’t care what he thinks", you say quietly, though a part of you knows that’s not entirely true. You watch him stepping closer, his hands finding your waist as he looks down at you. "Good", he mumbles, "Because it seemed like he got into your head with what he said about me. About us".

Us. Is there an... us?

You lean into him, feeling his lips pressing a kiss to your forehead. "Uh-uh", you mumble into his naked chest, his warm skin pressed against and his familiar scent surrounding you, "He didn't. I'm just... tired now, I guess". Billy's lips press another soft kiss on your hair and hums lightly, his big hands on your waist pulling you with him as he moves through your small bedroom, over to your bed. You chuckle lightly at him quickly getting rid of his jeans, before flopping down on your mattress and patting the space next to him. Following his lead, you take your jeans off as well, crawling into bed next to him with his shirt still on and in your underwear. Your head falls on his warm chest as his arm wraps around you and pulls you close. "But... do we, like, get back to that kitchen action someday? Because damn, that was hot", he mumbles above your head, causing you to chuckle again and nudge him lightly. "You're the worst, Billy". "Nah, I just protected your halfnaked ass like a topless knight - I'm definitely the good guy tonight". "Maybe you're right", you mumble in his arms as his other arm throws your blanket over both of your bodies, "But I'm more of a fan of that topless bad boy that wanted to fuck me right in my kitchen"Billy's chuckle causes his chest to move underneath your head. "So, we are going back to that", he whispers amusedly, "That's good to know". You smirk and close your eyes, ready to get some good hours of sleep after that troubling end of your night.

But your mind keeps spinning.

The look in Eddie's face keeps popping up in your head, how he stared at you. How hurt he looked. Lauren, wearing his shirt. Billy, holding your waist, protecting you. Just as Eddie protected you earlier today, when your creepy customer wouldn't leave you alone at the record shop. It was like seeing a completely different version of him when he was arguing with Billy, how bitterly he glanced at you, his words filled with disgust. You can't stop your head from racing, from showing you memories of Eddie's face after he kissed you, seconds before you ran out of the library and - coincidentally - right into Billy's arms. The look in Eddie's eyes when he saw you two together, coming after you. The night before that kiss happened, when your car broke down and he took you to his home to help you out. His dark eyes, shining down at you, his lips curled into that typical smirk when he saw you in his clothes since yours were drenched from the rain. The little flirts you had, the laughter be brought you. And the heart flutter. Stop saying I hate you, Sam. I could never, you hear him in your head, mixing into the cold sound of what you just heard him saying next door. Sleeping with a guy that fucks anything that moves. Classy His dry laugh echoes through your mind, paired with that cold look of his eyes. He's jealous, Billy whispers somewhere in the back of your head. He's -

You rip your eyes open and stare up at your dark ceiling. Billy's sleeping for at least an hour already, lightly snoring next to you with his head buried in your pillow. You sigh and pinch the bridge of your nose, aching for some sleep but your mind keeps you awake. You're still too overwhelmed from what happened. It feels like all the booze you had in your system magically disappeared the second you got caught. The shock must've flushed it all out of your system, you feel as sober as can be. Maybe too sober. And dirty. You didn't even brush your teeth when going to bed with Billy, the smokey scent of that bonfire still lingers in your hair and the shirt you're wearing. So, you decide to get back up and try to clear your mind, instead of lying in the darkness of your room and listening to your spiraling mind. Carefully, you throw a checking glance at Billy while slowly rolling away from him to stand up. But he's deeply asleep, just grunting lightly and rolling further on his belly. You sneak through your room, quietly open your dresser and grab a fresh pair of underwear and an oversized Metallica-shirt you bought at a flea market years ago. Billy's snoring stops for a moment after you just closed the drawer again, and you carefully squint over your shoulder. Still asleep. You sigh in relief and quickly leave the room, quietly closing the door behind you and hurrying through the ajar bathroom door that's right across the hallway.

The bathroom is dimly lit by a single nightlight plugged into the wall, casting soft shadows across the small space. You close the door behind you and let out a quiet breath, leaning against the cool wood for a moment. The silence feels heavy, the muffled hum of the apartment pressing in around you. You strip out of your clothes and step into the shower, the warm spray of water hitting your skin and washing away the grime of the night. It feels good - cleansing, grounding. And you slowly feel your muscles relax a little. You close your eyes, tilting your head back under the stream as you try to let the chaos in your mind dissolve while reaching for your shampoo.

But it doesn’t. 

Eddie’s face, his words, his eyes - they linger, refusing to let go. You wash your hair and grab your shower gel, start to scrub your skin, as though you could wash the memories away with the lingering smoke and sweat.  He’s jealous. Billy’s words echo in your mind, unwanted but persistent. You shake your head, trying to drown them out with the sound of the water. No. Eddie isn’t jealous. He’s just a bitter, self-righteous jerk who can’t keep his opinions to himself. 

Right? 

You finish your shower quickly, shutting off the water and wrapping yourself in a towel. Steam clings to the air as you move to the mirror, wiping a hand across the foggy glass to see your reflection. Your hair is wet and tangled, your face bare and flushed. You stare at yourself, as though trying to find some answer in your own eyes. 

Why does it matter?

You shake your head, forcing yourself to focus. You pull on the clean clothes you brought, the fresh shirt falling comfortably over your body as you reach for your toothbrush to brush your teeth, the minty taste sharp and refreshing. Your eyes keep on staring at you right from the mirror. It doesn't matter, you think to yourself, Stop thinking about it, for fucks sake. With your mouth full of foam, you groan annoyedly. Annoyed by your own thoughts. As you rinse your mouth, you hear something - a faint creak from the hall. Your muscles tense instinctively, and you pause, listening. But no other sounds seem to be coming from outside the door. It's an old house. It creaks from time to time. You throw a last look into the damp mirror, feeling better, now that you at least cleared your body. Your mind, not yet. But you remembered the small stash of weed you still have somewhere in the living room. That'll surely help you relax.

You step out of the bathroom, the faint scent of your fruity shower gel lingering as you quietly make your way toward the living room to get your weed and maybe even smoke right there to not wake Billy. The apartment is silent, save for the occasional groan of the old floorboards under your bare feet. For a second, your eyes stay at the door to Lauren's bedroom. As you near the living room, the faint scent of smoke tickles your nose, and just when you're about to walk into the living space, the small glow of a cigarette ember catches your eye. You stop in your tracks. Seriously?

Eddie is sitting on the couch, slouched back, a cigarette dangling between his fingers. He put his clothes back on, you realize. A glass of whiskey sits on the table in front of him. Dark eyes are fixed on some point in the darkness, but as you take another step forward, they flick up to meet yours. For a moment, you just look at each other. You notice how they glance down to your shirt, and back up to your face. "Wow, barely recognized you with a shirt on", he mumbles while blowing out some smoke. Wow. You scoff, walk through the room and up to a small side table, open one of its drawers and grab your rolling tray, before heading to the kitchenette. You flick on a small light underneath the cupboard, dim light now illuminating your hands as you skillfully start to roll your joint. Eddie watches you as you move, his gaze heavy and unrelenting. You try your best to ignore him, focusing instead on grinding the weed, the rhythm of your hands almost soothing. The soft crinkle of paper and the subtle scent of the weed fill the air, mixing with the faint trace of his cigarette smoke.

"You're not even gonna talk to me?" he says after a moment, his voice low. You lift your head, glance at him briefly, your expression cold. "You want me to say something? Fuck off", you mutter, licking the edge of the paper and sealing the joint with precision. He sighs, leaning forward to stub out his cigarette in the ashtray on the table. "I shouldn’t have said that. I was - look, I’m sorry, alright?" You pause, your fingers hovering over the lighter. Sorry? Now he’s sorry? A bitter laugh escapes you as you light the joint, taking a long, slow drag before turning to face him, smoke curling from your lips.

"Fuck you, and fuck your lame-ass sorry, Eddie. You went too fucking far. I don't know how many times I told you this already - nothing in my life is any of your business, you hear me? What makes you think you have a right to call me out like that, huh? Why do you even fucking care who I’m with?" Your voice is sharp, cracking with the emotions you’ve been holding back. Anger. Sadness. Hurt.His jaw tightens, and for a moment, he says nothing. His dark eyes search your face, the tension between you thickening with every passing second. "You don’t get it," he finally mumbles, running a hand through his hair."No, Eddie, I don’t get it," you snap, taking another drag. "I don't get you. You make me laugh, you ignore me, tell me you hate me, tell me you could never hate me. You help me out, leave me alone, make sure I'm okay, even fucking try to protect me, and then you do whatever this was, after hooking up with my roommate, again. Clearly, you're no better than I am. So, no, Eddie, I don't get it. And frankly, I’m sick of it. Sick of you. Sick of this" A dry laugh rolls over his lips. "You're sick of me? Fuck, Sam, I'm fucking sick of you, okay?". "Oh, you are?", you hiss back, "Then why the fuck can't you just leave me be, huh?" His eyes darken, you see how his jaw tenses even more as he stares at you across the room, his gaze burning into you. You stand it, fuming in anger but not backing down. He presses his lips onto each other, his fist clenches next to his leg, obviously holding back whatever is on his mind. But he won't say anything. He just stares at you, eyes filled with emotion. But you're sick of this shit. You wanna hear it. You finally want to know. Slowly, you lift your joint back up to your lips to take a puff. Sweet smoke leaves your lips as you lean forward, daringly glancing at him, your chest filled with anger. "Fucking say it, Eddie", you hiss, "Don’t hold back. Go on. You’re already so good at throwing shit in my face, so go ahead - just say it. Just fucking tell me what your problem is, so I can finally get some sleep"

Eddie’s eyes darken, narrowing in a way that makes you feel like he’s reading right through you. He just sits there, fists clenched at his sides, jaw tight, like he’s trying to hold himself together. The silence stretches between you, thick and suffocating. Your anger simmers, your body tense, and you feel your patience snapping, piece by piece. You take another drag from your joint, the smoke swirling around you as you watch him, daring him to finally say something. To break the goddamn silence.

Then, he speaks. Only two words. "It's you"

"Wow", you laugh sarcastically and shake your head, "Now that explains it all. Thanks"

Eddie's eyes flicker with a storm of emotions - anger, frustration, and something deeper, something rawer that he can’t seem to suppress no matter how hard he tries. He leans forward, his elbows resting on his knees, his gaze burning into yours as you stand there with the joint in your hand, smoke curling around your face like a shield. His lips open again, letting out another row of words that causes your heart to skip a beat. "I can't stand seeing him all over you". What?"You think this is easy for me?" he continues, not waiting for any response from you, his voice low but laced with an edge that cuts through the tension in the room. "You think I want to feel this way? Like I’m fucking losing my mind every time I see you with him?" You freeze, your heart skipping a beat at his words. But you quickly shove that feeling down, masking it with a glare. "What the hell are you talking about, Eddie?" He laughs bitterly, shaking his head as he runs a hand down his face. "God, you’re so fucking clueless. Do you have any idea what it’s like? Huh? Watching you with Billy? Knowing you’re going home with him while I... while I’m stuck here, pretending I don’t care?" His voice cracks slightly, and he stands up, the intensity of his presence filling the room as he takes a step toward you.

"Stop it", you snap, your voice trembling despite your best efforts. You take a step back, your back pressing against the edge of the kitchenette counter. "Stop saying that. What about Lauren?" His face contorts with regret, his hand gripping the back of his neck as he looks away for a moment. "Lauren… Jesus, that wasn’t supposed to mean anything. It doesn’t mean anything. Don’t you get it? I was just trying to forget you, alright? Trying to get you out of my fucking head, but you're everywhere, Sam. You're at my classes, my favorite bar, the record shop I used to go to every week. And now I find out you're roommates with the girl I'm just fucking to forget you! I've been trying so hard, but-" He stops himself, his fists clenching at his sides. "But what?" "Don't you see it?", he exclaims, "It won't fucking work! I can’t stop thinking about you. I can’t stop wanting you. And it’s driving me insane because you’re right there, but you’re not mine. You’re with him, and I-" He breaks off, his chest heaving as he stares at you, his confession hanging heavy in the air. "I can't stand it. No matter how hard I fucking try"

You’re stunned, your breath caught in your throat as his words sink in. Unable to move, to breath, just staring at him standing a few feet away from you, until you're finally regaining your ability to speak again, "I said, stop it, Eddie". "No", he mumbles, his voice softer now, but no less intense. "I mean every damn word, and you know it. You’re just too scared to admit you feel the same way" Your eyes snap back to his, anger flaring back to life. "Don’t you dare try to tell me how I feel, Eddie. You don’t know anything about me". You watch him coming closer. It takes only a few steps for him to close the space between you. His chest almost touches yours when he finally stops, his dark eyes above you, glancing down to you in the dim light of your kitchenette. "Yeah?" he says, stepping closer until he’s right in front of you, his dark eyes boring into yours, "You act like you don't want me. And yet here you are, letting me this close"

You open your mouth to argue, but the words die in your throat, and all that comes out is a soft, frustrated sound. He’s right. And that pisses you off more than anything."Fuck you, Eddie", you whisper, but the words lose their venom when you feel him coming even closer, closing the small gap between your heated bodies with one last step. "Yeah, keep saying that", he mutters. "Maybe you’ll start believing it"

Your heart is hammering, the tension between you so thick it feels suffocating. The words you want to say are stuck somewhere in your throat, but they’re not the ones that matter. It’s this - this fucking tension that has been building for weeks, months, all that time you’ve been running, both of you pretending like you didn’t feel it.

Eddie leans in, lifting his hand to your jaw, his lips just grazing yours, sending a shock through your body that makes your knees weak. He doesn’t kiss you - he doesn’t need to. His breath mingles with yours, his thumb grazing over your skin. His touch is almost gentle now. "I don’t know how to stop myself, Sam," he whispers, the words almost a confession, warm against your lips and vulnerable in a way you didn’t expect from him. "I tried... But I can't stop thinking about you, about how it feels when you're near him. It fucking drives me crazy."

You don't know what you're doing. Your body just reacts. Before you can process what he's said, before you can stop yourself, you reach for him. Your fingers grab the front of his shirt, pulling him toward you, the space between your faces disappearing as you crash your lips against his, hard and fast. It's messy, full of frustration, of everything unspoken between you two. It’s not a sweet kiss - it’s anger and desire all at once, the heat of it consuming you. Eddie pulls you closer, his hands gripping your hips, his kiss deepening with a kind of urgency you’ve never felt before. There’s no time for words now. All that matters is the heat between you, the way your bodies fit together like this was always meant to happen. His lips on yours, warm and soft. The taste of whiskey and smoke on your tongues. Your hands, desperately grabbing each other as you're collapsing into one another, gasping for air between your hungry, desperate kisses.

When you pull back, breathless and dizzy, Eddie’s forehead rests against yours, both of you panting. "I fucking hate seeing him with you, Sam" he mumbles again, his voice hoarse, like it’s a curse, like he can’t help it, "That's why I snapped. Every single time I saw you with him". You look at him, your chest rising and falling with every breath, your mind racing. He’s not just jealous - he’s desperate. And somehow, that makes everything feel more real. More terrifying.

"This doesn’t change anything,” you whisper, your voice trembling but firm.  "Yeah?" he replies, his voice low and rough, his eyes blazing as he looks at you, "Then why does it feel like everything just changed?"