TW: mentions of rape

unedited

Bill was laying on the couch finishing up a sketch in his book trying to forget about the events of last night when he heard a knock at the door.

"C-coming!"

He rolled off the couch and walked over to the door. He slowly turned the handle and opened the door. Standing there was Audra with a bright smile.

"Hi," she said sweetly "Wh-what d-d-do you w-w-want?"
"I want to talk."
"I d-don't."
"Please let me in."

Bill paused for a moment before giving in.

"Fine."

Bill stepped aside and let her in. He shut the door and hid his shaking hands in his jumper pockets.

"I'm sorry for the other night."

No you're not, he thought.

"I was drunk and I wasn't thinking ri-"
"Th-thats no e-e-excuse. I t-t-told you t-to stop," he held back tears as he wasn't used to confrontation, "and y-you d-d-didn't. I h-h-had drank m-m-more than you did and you kn-kn-knew that and y-you used it f-f-for your own ad-advantage."

Bill just kept asking himself what Mike would do in this situation which seemed to help with his confidence knowing Mike would say the same things.

"Bill, I...I'm sorry like I said I was drunk and I-"
"No, Audra. It's over. We're over," he managed without stuttering, "now get out of my house."

Bill was about to walk over and open the door, but Audra grabbed his wrist and had another look he didn't recognise wash over her, except this time, he figured it out quicker. Anger.

"No one is going to love you like me, Bill."
"Wh-what?"
"No one will love you like me."

Audra placed a hand on his cheek and Bill tried to move away from her touch, but she snaked her hand around to the back of his head and gripped his hair.

"Audra, y-you're h-h-hurt-"
"This is about Mike isn't it?"
"Wh-what? Mike?"
She tugged harder on his hair, "he told you to do this."
"N-no he d-d-didn't!"
"It's so obvious he's jealous of us, Bill. That scumbag told you to end it with me didn't he? I've seen the way you look at him...no way, you're cheating on me with Mike."
"Don't talk about Mike like that!" He yelled pushing her off of him.
"What the fuck, Bill!"
"What the fuck, me?" No, what the fuck is you taking advantage of me and expecting me to be okay with it! It doesn't matter that we were both drunk, you used me!"

Bill was shocked at himself. He didn't stutter. Not once. Audra seemed shocked too, but she walked forwards again and replaced her hand on his cheek.

"I didn't use you, I love you."
"No you don't."

Audra slapped him. He staggered backwards and brought his hand up to his cheek.

"Au-Audra..."

Before Audra could answer, Bill's front door opened. Sharon was standing there clutching a brown paper bag filled with groceries. Bill was upset, it was obvious and she noticed straight away, but Audra had a fake sweet smile plastered to her face.

"Is everything okay in here?"
"Yeah, Audra w-w-was just l-leaving."
"See you at school on Monday," she kissed his cheek.

Bill forced a smile and a satisfied Audra left with an evil smirk, unseen by both Sharon and Bill.

"You okay, Bill?"
"'M f-fine," he mumbled as he turned and ran up the stairs.

He wanted nothing more than to be in his arms. All he wanted was to feel Mike's arms wrapped around him, almost as if it was his safe place, the place where he found the most comfort, but he didn't go see him. He didn't want Mike to worry.

"Morning, Mikey," Bill smiled on Monday as he climbed into the car.
"Morning, Billy. We picking up Audra?"

Bill tensed at her name, but managed to hide his discomfort. It wasn't quick enough and Mike noticed.

"N-no."
"Did something happen between you two?"
"No, w-w-we're fine," he lied, "h-h-her dad has th-the day off and i-i-is bringing her."

Mike knew it was a lie, but he decided not to push.

Bill was thankful Audra was only in his social studies class so he didn't see her in any lessons. At lunch he sat with the losers instead of waiting for Audra to get out of whatever class she had. He was talking to them, smiling, laughing and joking when she came up behind Bill. He immediately sunk back down into himself when he heard her voice.

"Hey," she smiled.

Richie didn't greet her with a joke like he usually did. He just glared at her. Eddie glared too and Bill guessed that Richie had told him. He wasn't upset about it, in fact he was glad Richie had so that more people knew she was bad news. Audra sat next to Bill and he moved away slightly. She laced their hands and rested her head on his shoulder. He tensed completely. Everyone kept talking as if nothing had happened, Audra even joined in the conversation. Every time she moved he flinched as if she was threatening to hit him. Mike immediately picked up on how uncomfortable he was and was trying to come up with an excuse to get Bill away. The boy he loved may be shy, but he'd always been brave. He'd always been able to tell someone when he was feeling discomfort and Mike had started noticing him begging with his eyes. He couldn't bare to watch them any longer.

"Bill, can I talk to you for a second? It's about the farm."
"S-sure."
Bill hesitated before kissing Audras forehead then followed Mike the out cafeteria. Once they were out, Mike just kept walking.

"What's up w-with the f-farm?"
"Nothing. I could just tell you were uncomfortable and wanted to leave."

Bill stopped in the middle of the hallway and wrapped his arms around Mike. Mike smiled softly at him before embracing him back.

"Thank you."
"I'd do anything for you, Bill and that's a promise."
"Th-thank you, Mikey. I love you," he said softly.

Mike knew he meant to platonically and it hurt, but he still loved Bill with his whole heart.

"I love you too."

Mike rested his head on on top of Bills and turned his head to face the table to notice Audra staring at the pair. Mike smiled, she scoffed and turned away.

"If anything happened, you can tell me."
"Nothing h-happened."
"Promise?"
Bill hesitated, "p-promise."