BAD BOY GONE GOOD - A STRANGER THINGS BILLY+FEMALE OC MIXED FANFIC

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Thank you to all those who faved, read, reviewed, and supported me to continue. Without you this fic wouldn't still be going. I appreciate it. :D

I do not own Stranger Things, Billy, or any original character from the show. This fic is purely for entertainment and is making no money and is completely free. The Duffer Brothers own everything and a big thank you to them for inspiring this. :D

Enjoy.

-BAD BOY GONE GOOD-

RULES FOR DATING MY DAUGHTER

(STEVE'S POOL PARTY PART 2)

NOTE: This is a rather long part of the story so I may need to break up the pool party chapter into a 3 or 4 parter. Sorry there is just so much going on. We shall see. :D

Summary:

Mandy's father is none too thrilled about the Hargrove boy taking his daughter out on a "date" to the pool party. It's really pushing his boundaries based on the talks he has had with Mandy in the past about things like this. Mandy is worried about Billy having to sit down and have a talk with her father. She fully knows what's coming next...

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She came over and sat down on the couch with them. Calvin was in her mother's lap and was still snoozing fast asleep. Her family looked so perfect and happy like that. It was a perfect snapshot moment even without her in it.

She wondered if Billy ever had something like this with his family. The night of the shared 'welcome to the neighborhood' dinner at her place between the two families answered her question bitterly and with sad finality.

Judging by how he didn't get along so well with Max whenever she saw the two of them interact in the school parking lot, and how his father Neil treated him while Susan remained silent about it, she doubted that very much.

It made her want to sometimes kidnap him and Max and have them bask in love and support from her family in place of the one falling apart attempting to masquarade as one across the street. It couldn't be easy and it definitely explained a lot of his anger and how he would close himself off to people.

A sliver of sadness stabbed her in the heart when unwanted memories of her own tried to resurface. She shut them out resisting her trembling lip and put on a smile for her family snuggling into her father who hugged her close. Now the portrait was complete.

"Who was that at the door?" Her father asked already probing. She sighed expecting this.

"Was that the Hagrove boy?" He had a grim expression on his face. He met him the night of the dinner and noticed him making bedroom eyes at his daughter last night during their movie night.

"He's so very charming and handsome. He really seems to like you, Mandy. Are you going to be attending Prom with him perhaps?"

Her mother said turning a little pink when her father turned at this disturbing news. Just the idea of Billy taking Mandy to Prom was sending him through the proverbial roof imagining it.

Katherine shrugged forgetting how overprotective her husband was of Mandy and tried to give him a look to not worry about it.

Oh, god. Billy was getting to her mother, too. Was there ANYONE he could not charm the pants off of?

Her mother was just smiling waving it off as nothing but a passing comment. She leaned in and kissed her husband to let him know he was the only man for her and he grinned. Mandy smiled. They were so adorable together. She just loved her family so much. She saw the same thing in them that she saw in Steve and Nancy.

Mandy was sure her mom didn't mean anything by it. She was loyal to her father and would never step out on him or break their home. Not for anyone and least of all for a guy like Billy who was a mere teenager in high school. Hopefully Karen Wheeler felt the same. Mandy shuddered.

He did look much older for his age so she could imagine things could get weird fast between him and an infatuated older woman. The thought of it was gross and she shut that thought train down at the station before it could even begin to board.

By the way her mom looked when she turned to address Mandy after answering the door she could guess at what kind of thoughts were running through her mother's head when staring at an impressive looking guy like Billy Hargrove standing before her. He apparently had this way with all females young and old so it wasn't surprising at all. She bet he could even make Mrs Bannister blush.

However, to be fair she couldn't blame her mother for having that reaction. Billy was a charmer and Mandy herself was a victim of it too although she hated to admit it.

He had evidently smooth talked her mother into accepting him as an evening caller to her daughter with ease. Her father would have swiftly shut the door in his face being very rude. Mandy chuckled at that thought almost wishing it had happened so she could see the look on his face when it did.

"Yeah, dad, same guy from last night. He's also the one that came to our dinner party with his family, remember? I know him from school. We're in first period English class together."

Mandy sighed already seeing her father shift uncomfortably in his spot on the couch, his itchy trigger finger as he looked over the fireplace to his prized possession. A hunting rifle that was a gift from Chief Jim Hopper. They were close friends almost like brothers. Every time this stuff came up that rifle was the center talking piece.

He was already gearing up and getting ready to lay down the law. He called it the 'rules for dating his daughter' and even had the paper posted up on the fridge with his favorite magnet. He cleared his throat and spoke his mind doing exactly what Mandy knew he would do and say.

"I would very much like to speak to this young man, Mandy. BEFORE you go anywhere with him tonight. I'm guessing he is the one taking you to the pool party? I thought your friends were picking you up?"

He almost choked that sentence out as if he were nervous about letting some strange guy take her anywhere in a strange car to a place he did not have the contact information to yet. His voice was gruff and her mother put her hand on Rick's shoulder trying to help him relax as she could sense what was coming.

She didn't want him to be upset or make a show of it while also simultaneously scaring away a potential boy in Mandy's life and ruining the night for her. She also didn't want him to wake up Calvin with his sharp tone.

"Honey, remember what we talked about? He's a sweet boy. Very well dressed. Clean and very handsome too. My little girl has great taste and he seems a very honorable young man."

Oh, wow. Was she talking about the same Billy Hargrove as Mandy knew?

Mandy wanted to die laughing and croak right there in the living room over that statement. Her mother obviously DID NOT know Billy as well as she thought she did. Her father was closer to the truth than she was without even knowing it.

That last part, calling him handsome, upset her father greatly and he grumbled with his mustache twitching. If Billy was handsome according to Katherine then he by default he was handsome to Mandy, despite the logic fail on that one. It was obviously making him connect some very uneasy dots in his mind. Riding alone with him in his car? Going to a party with him? Having him bring her home? He clearly did not like the idea.

Her mother rolled her eyes and sighed seeing Rick's struggle to accept that their daughter actually had a date with a boy for the very first time.

"Dad... please. Calm down. I promised you I would be careful and hang out only with my female friends, right? I also told you that you could always have "the talk" with a potential date. But when I said it to you I had told you the only boy I would ever bring in this house for you to meet would be 'THE ONE'. Trust me Dad, Billy Hargrove is NOT 'THE ONE'. It's not like that at all. So it's kind of unfair."

She said defensively sitting in between her parents on the couch leaning back into it and putting her arms over her chest. In the time it took her to speak with Billy, they had most likely been pre discussing it in between trying to spy on the two of them and listen in.

Her father thought about this for a bit mulling it over in his head. But he was resolute and determined to speak with him making his rules clear regardless.

"I still need to have a... heart to heart with this Hargrove boy before he takes you anywhere." Mandy hugged her dad leaning her head on his shoulder giving in knowing it was pointless to argue.

"Yes, daddy." She said giving in looking up at him sweetly but he wasn't going to let her sweet talk her way out of this one or butter him up. It was an iron clad rule he had stated ever since her parents had 'the talk' with her once she had matured into a young woman and got her first cycle.

That was a horrible night. They were awkward and unsure of how to talk to her about it and her mother, being the ever helpful nurse that she was, even brought out female diagrams, pictures, and charts. Mandy had sunk down into her chair thoroughly grossed out while her father looked at the ceiling during most of it likewise not wanting to look at the visuals. It had horrified her but she had to sit through it and listen.

She loved her parents but sometimes they could go a bit overboard, especially her father. The last boy that had taken interest in her in Hawkins Middle School never bothered to show up to her house because he had a reputation around town to all the other guys of being very protective of his only daughter. And owning the rifle couldn't have made it any better either. Mandy's mother had often scolded Rick for driving off any boy who would attempt to take her out on dates but her father always had the final say.

"When he comes to pick you up bring him inside and I will talk with him. This is not open for debate."

Her mother sighed and Mandy nodded hoping this wouldn't go the way she pictured it to in her head, but most likely it would. Perhaps her dad would scare Billy straight into being more respectful after all and do most of the work for her. So something good COULD come out of this 'heart to heart'. It would still be super embarrassing despite her father's good intentions and she could not quite figure out why she even cared so much.

This was NOT a date. He was NOT her boyfriend. And she would rather jump off of Saddler's Quarry than give herself to a guy like Hargrove. The memory of him stating he would be getting his kiss from her eventually had resurfaced and it made her burn up inside. Her stomach slightly twisted with panic and another feeling she could not quite name. Would he actually do it? Or was he just messing with her again?

Still she would have to go through the motions to satisfy her father before setting foot in that beautiful and fast car of his with an equally beautiful and fast boy like Billy driving it.

She had only hoped her dad, being the mechanic he was, wouldn't have a heart attack seeing that Billy drove such a dangerous vehicle as the Camaro RS that often ripped and roared through the neighborhood. But she had a feeling he already knew the one and would be setting strict rules on that as well. Oh, Billy was going to just LOVE her father laying down even more lines for him not to cross.

"You promised me dad. You said you would be gentle." She stated as she looked up at her dad with a mix of emotions all tumbling inside of her.

Defending Billy? Fearing him? Feeling wanted by him? Loathing him? Wanting her dad to scare him straight and yet take it easy on him? She couldn't figure herself out today.

"Oh... I will be as gentle as I possibly can, sweetheart. But I will get my point across. He better listen or I'm flat out saying no."

Mandy closed her eyes and sighed but agreed and went upstairs to get ready. She had to pick an outfit that her father would approve of no doubt. That would be the tricky part. To look nice without looking tempting like a juicy worm on a hook for big fish like Billy or making her father demand she run back upstairs and change into something "more proper".

If her dad had it his way she would be wrapped up in even more layers than she already put herself into and then have chains and locks all over her to keep it on or super glue her clothing to her.

She laughed at the thought as she brushed her long raven letting it free fall feathery soft and straight over her neck and shoulders. She didn't mind if it got wet in the pool, that is, if she did decide to get in and swim.

Mandy looked at herself in the mirror with her off the shoulder black top on and the matching black skirt that made it look like a one piece dress.

Noticing she was filling it out nicely she couldn't help but feel a little pretty in it. She was developing and was, according to father, very beautiful indeed. Beautiful enough for him to kill someone over her if a boy ever hurt her or dishonor her. Mandy frowned. Despite him wanting her to, she couldn't stay his little girl forever.

Her mother often told her how gorgeous she was and behind her father's back she would often encourage her to dress more mature wearing nicer things to compliment her looks. Mandy just never really wanted to dress in any other fashion that was comfortable for her.

But no matter what she wore, Billy always hounded her and still stared, regardless, almost as if he had X-ray vision and could see past it all. Tucker did the same although he was much more discreet about it.

Before she put her tights and dress shoes on she gave a quick phone call to Nikki but no one answered. She figured she would see her at the party anyway so she could explain it to her when she arrived there.

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Billy was true to his agreement and showed up exactly a half an hour later. She heard the knock at the door and had been sitting in the kitchen discussing things with her dad.

Her mom had went to bed telling Rick not to get too crazy or overbearing and he had sent her to bed half promising that he wouldn't and that he had everything under control.

Mandy jumped up from her seat and timidly made her way to the front door, her father's steely gaze on her waiting like a lion ready to pounce. She shook her head and nervously opened the door.

Billy was dressed up to the nines in one of his favorite outfit. He had on his black leather jacket and a red button up shirt that had at least three buttons undone. He had combed his hair and was looking great. Another reason her father would no doubt lose his cool if Billy didn't mind his manners and listen respectfully.

"Well, hello. You look amazing, rabbit. Although I think I still prefer the pajamas you had on earlier."

He teased her and she stepped aside letting him enter their home. Billy looked around and whistled as he admired the nice set up.

"Billy..." she whispered getting his attention. He looked at her and leaned in to hear her better while grinning.

"Whatever happens. Whatever he says. Just nod and say yes. Behave. Don't try to be slick or cocky. He won't stand for it. If you want to take me out tonight you will do as he says. Understand?"

His grin turned to confusion and he looked at her questioningly and was about to mouth the word 'what?' when as soon as he came inside the his eyes went immediately to her father sitting in the living room. He looked him up and down and all over and gave a grunt. His arms were folded and he looked very angry.

Mandy almost relished in the fearful serious look that was on Billy's face at seeing her father again, only this time looking strict and mean, not kind and interested like he did the night of the dinner and their first meeting.

"So... the infamous Billy Hargrove. Welcome back to MY home, son. Come have a seat right over here." He patted the couch cushion for Billy to sit and he looked back nervously at Mandy while walking slowly over there to do as he was told.

Mandy choked up a bit as she sensed the oncoming barrage of her fathers intimidation that was sure to follow soon. She closed the door and then took a seat in the chair across from the couch and living room table where Billy and her dad were sitting.

She folded her hands neatly over her lap but fidgeted a bit. There was a big nervous tension in the air despite this being routine. She knew what he would say and do next. But she was still nervous as she sat quietly and watched giving her father the floor. He would not let her leave this house until he made things painfully clear to Billy.

"Thank you, Sir. I am honored to be welcomed back into your home."

Billy gave his best 'PG parents love me' charming smile and moved professionally like he was going to shake her father's hand. Her dad looked at his hands but didn't make a move to return the gesture.

Billy's smile half faltered and he sat very still. He was trying to be charming but met his match in her father. Finally someone he could not pull the wool over or manipulate. He swallowed hard noting her father's hard stare. He was looking tense but trying to hide it as best as he could. He made himself as comfortable as he could too but being near a strict parent, although nothing new to him, was clearly getting to him.

He sat forward in a proper position and during the entire conversation he met her father's eyes and kept them there respectfully. He didn't dare pull his wandering eyes thing with Mandy in her father's presence. Mandy wanted to laugh but pinched her lips tight and covered her mouth to supress it. He looked so very afraid and down to earth in this moment.

"All pleasantries aside, I am sure you know why I have asked to talk to you before you take my daughter out with you tonight."

Her dad was getting right to the point. Mandy sighed and then asked Billy if he wanted something to drink which he politely consented to and said yes.

Her father felt like his spotlight was taken momentarily so he shot her a look. Mandy shot her father a look back before going into the kitchen to get a glass of water with ice for him.

He was going to need it after Rick got done with him. Her dad had a way of making people's mouths go dry and feel suffocated due to the intensity of his no nonsense talks.

"Yes, Sir." She recalled him using that term often with his father Neil. Something that had been programmed into him she guessed.

Billy nodded as Mandy left the living room trying not to follow her with his eyes. Mandy was looking so hot tonight he would let her father choke and pummel him if it meant he got to take her out with him. He noted how good she looked in her black lacy dress that went just above her knees. She had knee high stockings on and dress shoes that matched the dress.

Her makeup was minimal but really accented her features. He wouldn't let on to it but he had found himself breathless at how nice she looked when she answered the door. He wouldn't dare look at her with lust in his eyes with her stern father in the same room so he kept it in check.

"Good. Now there's only a few things you need to know. A few simple rules to follow when taking my daughter with you." Billy sat listening to every word, hanging on them seriously.

"One, you respect her at all times. I would go so far as to say you know that 'NO' means 'NO' and sometimes it even means 'HELL NO'."

He looked at him with sharp eyes and Billy nodded not breaking eye contact with him.

"Two. My daughter is to be home at a reasonable hour. That means 9:30 to 10:00 PM. This is NON negotiable."

Billy agreed as Mandy walked back in and handed him a tall glass. He looked away form her father only to thank her for the drink. He was so nervous he didn't even attempt to take a drink he just held it in his hands that were slightly trembling giving him away.

Mandy kind of laughed to herself at how serious he was being while he was glared at by her dad. It was kinda funny and cute to see him so unlike his usual charming flirtatious self. He sat perfectly still and had his full attention on her father once more.

"Three. If I get ONE complaint. Just ONE from her upon her return. Well... do me a favor, Hargrove."

Mandy braced herself knowing what was next.

"Take a look over the fireplace right there for me. Would you do that for me?"

Dad was really letting him have it. Mandy shifted nervously in her seat trying not to sigh or roll her eyes.

Billy's big blue doe eyes followed her father's gaze to the hunting rifle that rested there.

"See that? That's Mr Buck Killer. I haven't used him in a long time, kid. Mostly on bucks when hunting. It would be a shame to have to use it for something... else entirely."

Billy winced at being called kid but he swallowed back the humiliation and bit his tongue looking at the rifle and then back to her dad.

"Don't... DO NOT give me a reason to. I have a big back yard. I'm a respectable man around here, all the townspeople love me. I've never been in trouble with the law and I've never done time. Don't give me cause to change that. Chief Hopper is like a brother to me, and if he knows how much I love my little girl, and he does, and I do, I doubt he would do much to me if I took care of a little... problem. In fact, he might just help me do it. We're both dads who adore our children so we understand these things."

Billy swallowed hard and nodded in complete understanding. He couldn't take his eyes off the rifle to save his life if he wanted to.

"Yes, Sir. I understand, Mr Hawkins. One hundred percent." Billy said flatly then looked back to her dad.

Her father's face went from a scowl of intimidation to immediately softening up with a huge grin. His sparkle in his eyes told Billy he was not one to be messed with and neither was Mandy. He almost looked half cocked and insane. Billy appeared honest to God terrified for a split moment.

"Good. Keep that understanding. Respect my daughter. Bring her home at a reasonable hour, unscathed, and like she was before she left here with you."

He was counting on his fingers all the things they went over and Billy was watching as he tabbed each finger to drive his point home.

"And then we won't have a problem. Sound good?"

Billy nodded without saying a word, frozen stiff and looking so small and helpless.

"If you have a fast car, and I know you do because I've seen that Camaro Rally Sport around town and how you have driven in it, drive safely with my daughter inside it. I won't hesitate to phone the station and report a drunk driver or out of control teen. Kapeesh?"

He nodded and finally took a sip of the drink she brought him trying to hold the glass steady and not shake as he drank it. He set the glass down on a coaster and sat still like a soldier waiting to be dismissed.

"Glad we see eye to eye, son."

Billy turned to Mandy who was practically chugging her own water in the glass nervously and when he mentioned the big back yard and a cover up of hiding a body with Chief Jim Hopper she had nearly spit her water out choking on it. Billy did not miss her reaction and looked to her as if to say something but her dad snapped his fingers to bring his attention back to him.

"One more thing. Keep your eyes above her collar bone, especially when in my presence, or I might be tempted to injure yours. Alright. Have a great time together." He grinned pleased with himself.

Turning to Mandy he motioned for her to come give him a big hug and she did while smiling gently.

"Mandy, be smart and be safe. Come home to me in one piece or Hawkin's population count will be down by one point." He said that while glaring back at Billy.

Billy grimaced wincing slightly and waited to be dismissed. He tried to keep his smile and his cool but it was clear that her father's little talk had unnerved him a great deal. She had never before seen him so terrified although he hid it well.

Her dad finally reached out to shake his hand and they nodded with a silent look that spoke volumes of a mutual understanding. Mandy said goodnight to her dad kissing his cheek and followed Billy outside to his car. He was walking rather fast to it. She shook her head giggling softly.

As soon as they were out of earshot and halfway to Billy's car he let out a HUGE slow sigh and didn't even dare to light up a cigarette. She doubted he could with how his hands were trembling.

"Your old man... he's... well..." He cleared his throat. He was trying to resume his badass facade but doing a poor job of it. Rick had really done a number on his thought process.

"Well, he really loves you. Is he... always this pleasant when you go out on dates with guys?"

"I don't date. This isn't a date. Remember that Billy."

Mandy said softly and Billy turned to her in shock before opening the car door on the passenger side for her. He had ignored that last bit but was caught up on the revelation that Mandy never went out with someone before like she was with him tonight. Even if she didn't regard it as an official date.

Her father's stern look was permanently fixed into his brain at that moment which would explain why he wasn't being his usually smooth self with her for the time being.

"Are you serious?" He finally asked before unlocking the Camaro passenger side door and opening it for her.

"I really don't. I never have. I just... I never wanted to."

She looked flustered and he gave a small grin as if he didn't really believe her. She nodded in all seriousness to him and he looked slightly shocked. A girl as pretty as Mandy and she had never before gone on a date? Ever? He motioned towards her house as if to ask if it was because of her dad and how he acted with him.

"No. Not because of him. I just never wanted to. No one had really ever interested me or made me feel like they were worth my time. I just didn't want a relationship. I DON'T, I mean." She caught herself on that one.

Billy finally regained his charm back recovering slightly and smirked at her. He was looking at her long shapely legs with her tights as she climbed in but when he looked back at the house and into the living room window he caught her father's form staring out from it looking right at him.

Rick made the 'I'm watching you' symbol with his hand and Billy froze in place for a moment before running over to his side of the car and getting the courage to climb into the driver's seat. Closing the door fast he started the engine as quietly as he could.

When he did manage to get it going he slowly drove down the street keeping to the speed limit for once and recalling to mind the rifle above the fireplace and her father's rules for taking Mandy out. He was silent for most of the ride.

"Are you... okay, Billy?" Mandy asked with a hint of concern in her voice.

"Yeah. I'm good. I have all the rules for tonight burned forever in my mind. No worries."

He stared ahead and Mandy felt a pang of guilt. She didn't want him to be a robot the whole night. She wanted him to still be himself and have fun but just do it in a respectful way when it came to her.

She nervously placed her hand on his leg as if to comfort him and hoped he wouldn't read into it the wrong way. Billy turned to her for a few seconds and then looked at her hand then back into her eyes before returning his concentration to the road.

"Really. I'm okay, rabbit. I've dealt with worse."

He looked as if a painful memory had resurfaced in his mind and she frowned but took her hand off his leg and returned it to her lap.

If he couldn't open up to her anymore or be playful, which she kind of was missing at the moment, then she would never forgive her father. She knew he did it for her own best interest and safety but he really had a way with Billy the likes of which she had never seen.

He was so wild and untamable that to see him be so tense and quiet was very strange to her. However, once he put on some tunes as they cruised to Steve's place, she smiled feeling him relax a little bit more and become his natural self. As long as he didn't cross any lines she would be perfectly fine with him being around her.

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They pulled up at Steve's place after traveling the back roads of what some kids at Hawkins Middle School referred to as 'Mirkwood'. It was named after a mythological forest from a J.R.R. Tolkien book known as "The Hobbit" which was a habitation for elves, one notably named Legolas, her favorite elf in the series. It was very dark with many trees making a thick forest surrounding both sides of the road and was lined thickly with straight and twisted trees. It looked very ominous in the fading light as the sun set behind them while traveling.

Mandy enjoyed the smooth feel of the tight turns Billy's Camaro made and how graceful and fast it was. He didn't speed too much but just enough to get them there before the sun fully set. It took maybe a half an hour at most.

It was now close to 7:00 PM and Mandy had hoped perhaps her father would have recieved a call from Nikki and her other two friends and explained that she already had a ride there because she had forgotten to call her and let her know before leaving.

She had been so caught up in dealing with the tense situation between Billy and her father that she spaced out and had forgot all about Nikki who was supposed to originally come get her with Alex riding along.

She could hear the music blaring from the backyard where the party was most likely taking place near the pool. Mandy was always envious of Steve's house and the fact that he had his own pool he could go swimming in any time he wanted.

She had only been over there once or twice before for a dinner with the Harrington's along with Nancy and Nikki. It was a very nice house and she expected no less given the status of Steve's parents wealth and their chosen professions. But it was almost like a museum in there. Super clean, lots of breakable decorations, but cold and empty devoid of the usual warm family vibe.

Everyone basically who didn't know Steve's home life viewed him as Mr Popular who didn't have a care in the world. But to those who did know him intimately he was labeled as the 'poor little rich kid' who's parents were never home and barely made time for him. Still, he took it in stride and kept his head up high, opting to be upbeat and a glass half full optomistic sort of guy. He was fun and spontaneous and had a great sense of humor when he wasn't being a bully. That part of him had died down much since hooking up with Nancy.

Steve's smile, sometimes like Billy, hid years of pain. His bullying last year was an outlet for it. He had turned over an amazing new leaf once Nancy entered into his life and had started to rethink how he treated people. He had even bonded with some of the kids known as 'the party' from Hawkins Middle School that was right across the street from Hawkins high school.

Nancy Wheeler's little brother Mike Wheeler being a part of that group, she often wondered how Steve's frienship with them even got started. It was so unlike him considering the group of kids were nerds like her and he was so popular. She had never met any of 'the party' in person other than Mike through his sister Nancy during sleepovers, but she knew they were all very close. Just like how Mandy, Nikki, Tucker, and Alex were.

Billy parked the Camaro in an open spot on a very wide driveway. The big grey mansion like house was surrounded with thick trees and other than the music it was very peaceful and isolated.

Cars lined the road that headed all the way to the house but he got lucky to find one so close to where Steve had his BMW parked. Stepping out with his long legs clad in denim tight jeans and his black leather boots, Billy walked over to Mandy's side and opened the door for her. How long was he going to maintain this gentleman charade?

They were no where near her dad now and she wasn't a snitch so she wouldn't complain to him regardless if Billy slipped slightly from the agreement he made. But true to his word he stopped being so snarky with her and was actually being civil to her. Well, until he would be by the pool where he had to put on a show for Tommy, Carol, and all the other popular crowd. At that point she figured she would just seperate from him and gravitate to her own circle of friends allowing him his freedom to be him while she tended to more important things.

"Billy, I don't want you to feel like you have to be stiched to my hip all night. Just so you know. You're free to do whatever, I really don't care."

He looked at her as if this had caught him off guard. Had he been thinking he had to chaperone her and stay by her side the entire night? She knew her father could be intimidating but she had no idea he would take it so seriously.

When she clarified this to him, she didn't mean to make it sound so rough and angsty when she said it.

Lowering his sunglasses and peeking over the tops of them at her he went back to his usual self. She figured it was his split personality, a character he had developed to mask how he truly felt inside, but who was she to judge? She had her own secrets and ways of dealing with sadness and insecurities.

He paused to look at her from his side of the car like he wanted to say something. But he decided not to and turned to head toward the gate that would lead to the back yard and the pool.

She noticed he didn't have any swim trunks on so she guessed he wouldn't be swimming as much as he would be drinking and smoking. .

"That's not going to be a problem, princess. My part of the deal is still ongoing until I drop you off tonight. I gave my word and I plan to keep it. Don't try to keep up. Remember that their are degrees of separation between you and I, with or without you and your father's rules."

He began walking faster ahead of her on those strong legs making large strides. She frowned and glared at the back of his head.

Yup, same old Billy. Whatever.

She walked behind him but not too close. She was already going to get hell from Nikki for not calling her to tell her about this change in plans and she had to prepare for that. The onslought of questions and jabs from possibly anyone and Tucker hating her was about to begin. This was going to be a FUN night. So she had to get her game face on.

"That's fine with me. I could care less. We had a deal so consider it done." She shot back at him and he grunted at her not bothering to turn around or further the conversation.

How he could go from being charming, to being nervous, to being an asshole at the drop of a hat was beyond her. He was very complicated and she was frustrated with his mood swings and his hot and cold attitude towards her.

Still, she decided to bite her tongue and not bother to confront him. Why did she care anyway? He got what he wanted and she was upholding her end of the bargain so she bet he could care less if she pissed off for the rest of the night.

Walking up the driveway she waited a few minutes before entering the gate figuring he would not want them to be seen entering together. But Nikki and her close friends would already know anyway she had gotten a ride with him. She would just have to beg them to keep their mouths shut about it not wanting any more trouble.

As soon as she walked in the gate, she spotted Nikki lounging by the pool. She was talking to Nancy and Steve on their own pool chair cuddling together. Nikki was all decked out in a cute two piece and cute sunglasses pushed up onto her forehead. She practically screamed and lept out of her chair when she saw Mandy approaching. Mandy laughed and braced herself for the tackle hug that was her signature greeting. It nearly knocked her over.

Steve took one look at Billy almost looking like he was angry but something held him back from saying anything and he was chill. Nancy put her hand on his arm in a silent way of begging him not to start anything and to just leave it be. Most likely she knew he was coming from Tina or Nikki talking about it to her and was trying to keep the peace.

Steve and Billy locked eyes for a moment, something almost secret passing between them, but Billy took his eyes off of him nodding slightly and Steve nodded in return. Soon after, ever faithful Carol and Tommy walked over to Billy handing him a beer. He had lit up a cigarette and decided to hang out with them and ignore Harrington most likely not wanting to start anything on his own turf as that would be unwise. Also he knew that part of their deal was that he wouldn't irritate Steve and to leave him be from now on.

Steve was barely tolerating his presence here as it was but Mandy found it odd that nothing in words were exchanged between them and how smoothly they had separated from one another. What the heck was going on? He had been super ticked off earlier at his job over Billy making fun of him and now all of a sudden everything was cool between them? What about the gym incident and Billy pushing him around on the court? Was Steve just letting it go? Or had Billy done what she asked and had apologized to Steve after all?

The pool was surrounded by stragglers of people drinking, laughing, some were in the water and some were out of it just socializing. The main hub appeared to be inside the house through a wide sliding glass door where a lot of people were dancing. Steve's house wasn't so empty or quiet anymore. If anyone broke anything in that house, she bet his parents would ground him forever or send him to a Military Boot Camp. RIP King Steve.

"Oh... my... gawwwwwd! Mandy!" Nikki gushed holding a tall glas with a drink in it and a little paper umbrella floating inside. She looked like a movie star.

She giggled and was admiring her cute black dress and her shoes. Mandy smiled and waved to Steve, Nancy, Tucker, and Alex. Tucker was sitting on a chair staring at the pool. He had noticed Billy walk in and then Mandy walk in shortly after. He looked upset but tried to smile at her to hide it. Mandy bit her lower lip and felt bad.

"Hey! Sorry I didn't call to let you know. I assume my father told you?"

Mandy walked over with Nikki to their social circle and sat down with them greeting Alex and Tucker more formally while apologizing to Steve for bringing Billy here. Steve shrugged it off and took a sip of his beer can and leaned into Nancy who had her arm around him.

"Naww... don't sweat it. It's cool. I just hope he sticks with Tommy and Carol. He knows not to start any crap while here and he's not bothering me so... it's all good. As long as he doesn't start anything then I'm not worried."

Steve ruffled his hand through his long silky hair with his face looking the opposite of what he said while continuing to act cool about it. It was clearly eating at him slightly but neither one of them escalated or jumped on each other. Billy ignored him and their crowd altogether sticking to what he knew and who he knew. He wouldn't leave Tommy or Carol's side.

Tommy and Carol recieved him all smiles making small talk with him already. He took the beer they gave him earlier and cracked it open instantly downing the first one quickly. He let out a loud burp and Mandy rolled her eyes. He would be drunk within minutes no doubt.

Nikki turned to Mandy bringing her out of staring at Billy and explained that she didn't speak to her father but called and got no answer so she just assumed Mandy simply wasn't coming. She was almost convinced Nikki didn't put two and two together about Billy showing up with his loud car and then Mandy walking in but it was hard to get anything past her.

"Did you arrive here with... Billy?" Nancy asked with an incredulous look on her face beating Nikki to the punch of what she looked like she had wanted to ask.

She was trying to whisper it so Billy and his group didn't hear. Mandy caught Billy looking over at her for one second while taking a drag off his cigarette and listening to Tommy go on and on about the basketball team and the coach's plans for practice. Their first big game was coming up soon.

Carol looked bored while she popped and chewed her gum but was happy to see Billy all the same. Mandy noticed Carol looking at her with a glare but she turned her eyes away eventually and didn't say anything. She just got this scowl on her face but replaced it with an evil smirk shortly after when Tommy whispered something in her ear. Most likely something about Mandy. Billy turned back to them pretending not to notice her standing there with her own friends as if she didn't exist.

"Ummm..." Mandy began but wasn't sure how to answer.

She looked at Tucker who was now at the edge of the pool with his legs hung over inside of it. He had taken off his shoes and socks and was letting his feet dangle in the water and only had his swim trunks on now. He must have slipped out of his clothes to enjoy the water while she was distracted. His body language suggested he was depressed and upset while overhearing what they were saying.

Others were taking advantage of the pool and splashing each other playing around. It was still plenty warm out tonight for a swim and she knew Nikki most likely would not let it rest unless she put on that damn bikini and went in the pool with her.

"No. Well... kinda. I mean.. I'm not WITH him with him. He just... gave me a lift is all. A mutually beneficial thing. We have an arrangement I guess but it's NOT a date or anything. Which is why he's staying away from me." She was talking fast trying so hard to get them to believe her.

She tried to make it sound less intimate than it actually was and to downplay it as much as she could. They could practically hear the defensive emotions dripping off of her and Nikki gave a small knowing grin. Billy had been looking over as if straining to listen intently. He glared at her. He was more than likely just making sure she wasn't telling them anything that made it sound like he was involved with her in something serious.

"He met your dad, didn't he?" Nikki grinned and laughed. It wasn't fair how well she knew her and how her family was. She blushed giving away the answer not bothering to deny it.

"Why? What's in it for him?" Was all Steve asked in reply and she wasn't sure how to explain it while stumbling over her words whenever she tried.

"I guess... he figured that if I brought him here with me... then you would take it as he was a guest of mine and would let him stay and not make him leave."

Tucker snorted at this and clearly was not buying it. He was clamming up again. It was evident he still wasn't over their argument in her room and his jealousy of Billy was growing by the minute.

"But all he had to do was come with Tommy and Carol." Steve interjected. Even though he hated Billy with every bone in his body, he was still sort of friends with them and didn't want to piss them off either. So he was kind of forced to accept their newfound connection with Hargrove. Assholes of a feather flock together, he supposed.

She frowned but Nikki broke the awkward silence between them all and offered Mandy a drink. She politely declined and Nikki pouted.

Carol overheard and just HAD to comment.

"What's the matter, Aman-DUH? You a lightweight or somethin? Miss priss over here can't drink because daddy won't allow it?" Carol had glared at her and laughed making fun of her choice not to drink any alcohol. Tommy followed in line and Billy was silent not even commenting.

"No... it's not that. It's just... well." She stammered trying to find what to say to something like that and to someone like Carol, a girl known to rip people to shreds over their setbacks and single them out.

Tommy grinned while chugging his beer and looked at Mandy in a way that made her very uncomfortable, much like Billy only more intimidating and nasty. He was doing it right in front of his ex like the oh so classy guy he was. Mandy sighed and pursed her lips.

"If the freak doesn't want to drink then who cares? More for us." Tommy said still eyeing her up and down. She wanted to punch him right in his freckled face.

He smirked and looked to Billy for approval at his jab that he took at Mandy. Billy simply responded by taking a long drag on his cig and shrugged. He was keeping to their deal. He was not going to start shit with her or disrespect her. But he wasn't exactly stopping Carol and Tommy from ripping into her either.

Nancy sighed and Steve did his best not to say something but it was clear his agitation was raising slowly. Mandy was Steve's close friend just as Nancy, Nikki, Alex, and Tucker were but at the same time he was still friends with Tommy and Carol as the group of most popular kids. They had appearances to keep up despite how they truly felt about each other, even though everyone at the party didn't know why.

Mandy decided not to respond to their taunts and asked to go inside with Nikki to get a non alcoholic beverage and Steve said that was fine telling her where to go to find one. He was engrossed in spending time with Nancy who had clearly already proven her worth to Tommy and Carol at her first party the night Barb went missing, so they really had nothing negative to say in her direction if she drank or not.

Alex hugged Mandy and said he was going into the pool for a bit. Nikki remembered the bikini and gushed, forsaking her need of a drink, and instantly dragging Mandy into the house to change into it in the bathroom. She explained she would probably have to help with the impossible criss cross ties on the back of the top.

As she took her by the hand Mandy looked back at Tucker who was upset but Alex was trying to cheer him up by splashing at him in the pool and making goofy noises and faces. He smiled for a bit and laughed which made Mandy feel better. Alex was always so good at breaking tension and clowning around making others laugh.

She bet he knew about their fight because she told Nikki and Nikki had most likely told him. He most likely had asked her what was wrong with Tucker. He was trying his best to be the comic relief and defuse the mounting angst and tension.

Mandy couldn't help but glance at Billy before leaving the pool area with Nikki who for all intents and purposes was giving her the cold shoulder. She guessed he was being this way because of Tommy and Carol and their deal but he did look at her for a brief moment when she passed by. She barely caught the look from under his sunglasses but it was there unmistakable.

If his only way of respecting her was to ignore her that seemed rather extreme and deep down she didn't like it at all. She almost wished he would tease and mock or say something, anything, mean to her with the others because the uncomfortable space and silence between them was deafening even over the loud party music.

He looked torn between wanting to flirt with her and approach and not wanting his cool friends seeing him even socialize with the likes of her. It pissed her off that he treated HER like SHE was a stain on HIS reputation as if she wasn't good enough to be spoken to or even slightly acknowledged.

Nikki showed Mandy upstairs and as they went up she saw most of the other people at the party were indoors where the music was blasting and the food and drink was laid out. People were getting their snack on and Mandy felt her stomach grumble slightly.

She tried to delay the inevitable by asking Nikki if she could get a little bite to eat first but Nikki stopped to snatch up a cold soda can in a bucket of ice and some chips and dip on a plate for Mandy then continued to pull her up the stairs to one of the big bathrooms. With the size of the bathroom Mandy guessed it was the Master bathroom attached to Steve's parents room which was even larger than hers at home. Nikki shut the door behind them and locked it.

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