Billy turned to look at his stepsister as he pulled up into the drive of the Wheeler's house. He could see she was still shaking, despite the bleeding from her nose finally having stopped. She had stayed in the car when he went to Lucas' house, staying silent the whole time. She was quiet. Too quiet. He didn't want her to go back to being like she used to.
"Krys, we're here" Billy announced, placing his hand on her arm, hating how she jumped at his touch.
It wasn't long ago that she had told him he was just like his father. Did she really believe that? Was she scared of him now?
"Sorry" She mumbled, running a hand through her hair, seeing how he had backed away from her.
"What's wrong?" Billy couldn't help but ask, as Krystal turned to him with a disbelieving look.
"What's wrong?! Your dad just beat you to a pulp, Billy! If I hadn't tried to stop him…" Krystal trailed off, not wanting to finish the sentence.
"I won't let him hurt you again," Billy told her, as she shook her head.
"That's not what I'm upset about. I knew he hurt you, I think everyone in Hawkins knows that, but I didn't realise he was like…" Krystal cut herself off, once again.
"Like?" Billy frowned.
"Like my foster parents. The last time they beat me…I ended up in intensive care. One of my lungs collapsed" Krystal sighed, as Billy's eyes widened.
"You never said it was that bad" Billy gaped, horror in his eyes.
"I didn't think you would care. No one in Hawkins did. Why should you have been any different?" Krystal pointed out.
Billy looked away from her with a guilty expression, remembering how much of a dick he had been to her when she came to California. He had a vivid memory of driving her into town to pick up her pain medication and how irritated he had been by her shaky breathing. He had left her outside the pharmacist, telling her to find her own damn way home. Maybe he was even worse than his father, Billy thought to himself.
"I didn't realise I was just running from one abusive household to another" Krystal scoffed.
"I'll be turning eighteen next year. We can leave whether Neil likes it or not-" Billy exclaimed but was cut off by Krystal.
"We?" She questioned, surprised.
"You, me and Max. She may be a little shit, but no one deserves to be left with a man like him" Billy replied.
"What about me? Am I a little shit too?" Krystal inquired, with an amused smile.
"You're not so bad" Billy shrugged, with a sniff.
"Sweet talking me will get you nowhere, Hargrove" Krystal teased, making Billy chuckle lightly.
"I think we saw tonight exactly how far it can get me" Billy smirked, as Krystal blushed furiously.
"Billy, you know what happened tonight…and yesterday…and the night before…well, none of it can ever happen again, okay? It's not worth the risk" Krystal explained.
"Really?" Billy retorted.
"Really. You can't kiss me again" Krystal insisted.
"Oh, like you've been an innocent bystander in all of this?" Billy scoffed.
"I'm just saying it's been you who've kissed me every time" Krystal mumbled, smugly.
"Are you challenging me, Mayfield?" Billy grinned.
"What?" Krystal questioned.
"I'll have you begging me to kiss you by the end of the night. You just wait" Billy told her, wiggling his eyebrows mischievously.
Without another word, he exited the car, leaving Krystal speechless. She watched as he sauntered over to the Wheeler house, pressing the doorbell and leaning against the wall.
"Well, that went well" Krystal murmured.
Her attention was brought back to the scene in front of her as the door was ripped open by Mrs Wheeler…wearing nothing more than a skimpy robe that was almost off her shoulders. She could see how Billy leaned closer and didn't need to see his face to know he was giving her his trademark grin. Krystal frowned as she Mrs Wheeler giggle like a schoolgirl, even going as far to twirl her hair around a finger. Was she seriously flirting with someone the same age as her daughter?
"Hell no, this is not happening" Krystal grumbled, watching as Billy held out a hand for Mrs Wheeler to shake.
Krystal stormed out of the car, marching over to the pair who were now holding hands. Mrs Wheeler didn't even seem to notice Krystal approaching, far too engrossed with the teenage boy in front of her.
"You must be here for Nancy?" Mrs Wheeler inquired, as Billy shook his head.
"Nancy? No, no, not my type…" Billy trailed off, turning to see Krystal stand beside him.
"We're looking for my little sister Max" Krystal announced, as Mrs Wheeler finally became aware of her presence.
"Goes by Maxine" Billy added, as Krystal had to resist the urge to roll her eyes.
God, he was such an asshole. Why did that make her like him even more?
"Krsytal…wow, I haven't seen you since…well all that nasty business with your father" Mrs Wheeler announced, recognising the girl quickly.
"You mean my father getting shot in the head?" Krystal retorted, raising an eyebrow.
Billy looked at Mrs Wheeler's uncomfortable expression, and the way she almost shrank into herself. Oh yeah, Krystal was definitely his type. Mrs Wheeler cleared her throat awkwardly, as her eyes flitted between the pair, obviously trying to figure out how the two were connected.
"And you two are…?" Mrs Wheeler trailed off, seeing how close the pair were standing to each other.
"His dad is screwing my mom. Can we come in?" Krystal informed her, leaving Mrs Wheeler too dumbfounded to reply, as she stepped out of the way for them to enter.
"Maxine has been missing all day and to be honest with you, I've been worried sick, you know" Billy began, as Krystal pushed past Mrs Wheeler to step inside the house.
"Oh" Mrs Wheeler mumbled emphatically, her attention solely on Billy.
"I thought she was at Lucas', but Mrs Sinclair said your house is the designated hangout so…here I am" Billy smirked, his voice low, as he leaned closer to Mrs Wheeler.
Krystal grimaced as she saw Mrs Wheeler lick her lips, fully under Billy's seductive spell. She hated to admit it, but she was jealous. Painfully jealous.
"So! Where's your son?" Krystal exclaimed, making Mrs Wheeler jump from her loud voice.
"Oh, uh…I'm not sure" Mrs Wheeler stuttered, not being able to bring her eyes away from Billy's attractive face.
"You don't know where your son is?" Krystal scoffed, finally getting the older woman's attention.
"Um, I think he said something about going to Will's" Mrs Wheeler suggested, as Krystal's eyes widened.
"Will Byers?" Krystal questioned.
"Their driveway is pretty dark at this time of night. So drive slowly" Mrs Wheeler warned Billy, as she handed him a note with the Byer's address on it.
"Don't worry…I always take things slow" Billy smirked as he brought a cookie to his mouth and bit into it seductively.
"And when you see Mike tell him to come home already, alright?" Mrs Wheeler requested.
"You're a real lifesaver, you know that?" Billy told her, watching as the older woman flushed.
"Anytime" Mrs Wheeler giggled, as Krystal thought she was going to throw up.
"You should come to visit us more often Krystal…maybe bring your stepbrother" Mrs Wheeler stated, a moment later.
"Well I would Karen. But you see Billy's not really a people person. He's uh…a nervous farter" Krystal retorted, watching as Mrs Wheeler's shocked expression.
"Ha. Isn't she a scream?" Billy exclaimed sarcastically, as he brought his arm around Krystal's shoulder.
"Oh…very funny. Siblings, huh?" Mrs Wheeler laughed.
"Who'd have them?" Billy replied, pulling her to him tightly, his fingertips trailing over her collarbone lightly.
"We won't take up anymore of your time, Karen. Your husband must be wondering where you've got to" Krystal announced, as everyone noticed her venomous tone.
The pair made a hasty exit after that, having gotten what they needed. Billy heard the front door click behind them softly, as they walked back towards his car, his arm still slung around Krystal's shoulder. It was kind of nice, he realised, surprised.
"What the hell was that all about?" Krystal questioned, as they stood beside the car.
"What was what?" Billy grinned, innocently.
"You flirting with that menopausal…hag" Krystal stated, shrugging his arm off her.
"Hag? Wow, you're more jealous than I thought" Billy smirked, as he opened his car door, and stepped inside.
"Jealous?! Jealous of some middle-aged suburban housewife? As if!" Krystal exclaimed, watching as Billy's expression grew smugger as he closed the car door.
"She's got to be the hottest housewife I've ever seen" Billy pointed out, as Krystal joined him in the car.
"She's old enough to be your mother" Krystal insisted.
"Meaning she's probably very experienced" Billy went on, seeing how Krystal was practically seething.
"Well, why don't you go back in and fuck her, then? Enjoy your STD" Krystal grumbled, as Billy couldn't help but laugh.
"I'd rather fuck you instead" Billy smirked, watching as Krystal blushed.
"Not going to happen" Krystal insisted.
"We'll see. The night is young" Billy smirked, as he started the car up.
"Just let me do the talking here, okay? I don't need you chatting up Joyce Byers. And if Max is here then…is that Steve?" Krystal gaped, as Billy drove up the Byer's driveway.
"Of course it is" Billy rolled his eyes, as he stopped the car and ripped his door open.
"Am I dreaming or is that you, Harrington?" Billy announced, a cigarette on his lips, as he got out of the car.
"Yeah, it's me. Don't cream your pants" Steve sighed, as Billy stripped off his leather jacket with a grin.
"You're flirting with him too now?" Krystal teased, as she exited the car.
"Whiny pretty boys are more your type" Billy suggested, as Steve approached them.
"Now you're calling him pretty? You've definitely got a crush" Krystal whispered in a teasing tone, seeing how riled up Billy was getting.
"What're you two doing here?" Steve questioned, stopping a metre in front of the pair.
"Looking for my stepsister. A little birdie told me she was here" Billy informed him.
"Huh, that's weird. She's not" Steve shrugged.
"Cut the shit, Steve. We know she's here" Krystal insisted, as she took a step forward.
"She needs to come with us. Now" Billy added.
From the closer proximity, Steve was able to see Krystal's red-rimmed eyes, as if she had been crying not long before and remnants of a bloody nose. His eyes widened, as he got a sinking feeling in his stomach.
"Did you hit her?" Steve inquired, as Krystal and Billy looked at him in disbelief.
"What the hell did you say to me?" Billy hissed, stepping into Steve's personal space, with a furious expression.
"Right, and he beat himself up afterwards too?" Krystal scoffed, making Steve frown.
Steve took a closer look at Billy and was able to see the bruises that had begun to bloom on his face, and the red mark covering his neck. He was guarding his left side, and even though he hid it well, Steve could tell he was in pain. He had beaten, badly.
"Well, can you blame me for thinking that? He did attack me at Halloween" Steve pointed out.
"And I'm just itching to do it again, Harrington" Billy warned, as Krystal placed a hand on his shoulder.
"We're taking Max. End of story" Krystal exclaimed.
"She doesn't want to go with you. Why do you think I came out here" Steve retorted, not missing the hurt that flashed across Krystal's face.
Before she could say anything else, Billy roughly tackled Steve and sent him flying onto his back. Billy was feeling reckless that night, anyone could see that.
"We weren't asking" Billy growled, as he sent his foot slamming against Steve's chest.
"That's enough!" Krystal announced, as she grabbed Billy's arm and began dragging him away.
"The little prick deserved it" Billy huffed, pulling away from her hold, as they marched towards the house.
"God, do you always have to take things too far?" Krystal complained as they stopped in front of the door.
"Yeah. Yeah, I do" Billy replied, as he ripped the front door open.
"Well, well, well. Lucas Sinclair. What a surprise" Billy exclaimed, as his eyes landed on the boy standing next to his stepsister.
Krystal followed him into the Byer's house, as Billy slammed the door behind him, causing a large bang which made the kids jump. She suddenly became worried about what Billy might do.
"I thought I told you to stay away from him, Max" Billy stated, coming to stop in front of the ginger girl.
"Billy, go away" Max retorted.
"Well, I would but my dad isn't going to let me in the door without you. So let's go" Billy insisted, as he grabbed Max's arm and began to drag her towards the door.
"Get off of her!" Lucas yelled, as he shoved Billy in the back, with a surprising amount of strength.
"Oh, you are so dead, Sinclair. You're dead" Billy hissed, balling his hands into fists.
Krystal could see Billy was coiled so tightly, it looked like he was about to explode. She had no idea what he was going to do. Not knowing what else to do, she grabbed his hand, which was practically shaking with rage, as he whipped his head around to look at her.
"He's not worth it, Billy. He's just a dumb kid" Krystal insisted, seeing the anger in his eyes.
Billy looked back to Lucas, the confidence that the boy had moments ago, was quickly fading. He looked scared. They all looked scared. Scared of him, Billy realised. Just like he had been of his dad hours ago. He looked back to Krystal, who's sad blue eyes bore into his own.
You don't have to be like your dad, Billy. You can be better.
Krystal still believed that was true. She was the only person who thought that, and he couldn't lose that. He let go of Max's arm, who instantly looked relieved if a little confused.
"Neil came home and realised that you had snuck out. We had to deal with the consequences" Krystal accused, as Max noted the bruises that were beginning to show on Billy's cheek.
"Shit…" Max trailed off, with a guilty expression.
"He's the one who hit you?" Steve questioned, as everyone turned to see him walking through the door.
"We don't need your pity, Harrington" Billy grimaced.
"I can't go with you" Max announced, as Krystal looked down at her, dumbfounded.
"Seriously, Max? I've been trying to not guilt trip you but you're making it really difficult right now" Krystal scoffed.
"I just…can't okay? It's too hard to explain" Max sighed.
"Explain what?" Krystal frowned.
Max opened her mouth to reply, when they suddenly heard a strange growling sound from outside. Everyone turned to the front door that Steve had left opened, as they heard the sound get nearer.
"Uh, what the hell is that?" Krystal inquired, feeling the hair on the back of her neck stand on end.
"Shit, they must have followed us from the junkyard" Steve mumbled.
"What followed you?" Billy asked, squinting as he saw a small creature not far away from the front door.
"Close it! Close it!" Dustin cried, as the creature suddenly sprinted forward.
Steve was the first to react, as he rushed forward to slam the door shut. However, the creature was pushing the door back against him before he could close it properly. Krystal ran forward to help him, watching in horror as the creature wrapped its teeth around Steve's leg. Her jaw dropped open as she saw its head was made of razor-sharp teeth. It was like a dog mixed with a venus fly trap, and it absolutely terrified her. She tried to push the door shut, but the creature pulled at Steve's leg harder, almost pulling him out of the door. Out of nowhere, Billy appeared with a crowbar and sent it slamming down onto the creature's head, which yelped in pain. Steve cried in relief as the creature let go of his leg and Billy was able to hit it once again. Krystal watched on as he sent the crowbar down onto the creature's head repeatedly, until it was nothing more than a gooey mess. It was surprisingly hot, she thought to herself. Once he was sure the creature was dead, he shut the door, and turned to Steve.
"You're welcome" He stated, still panting.
"That was awesome" Dustin mumbled, earning a glare from Lucas.
"What the fuck was that?!" Krystal yelled, starting to freak out.
"It's from the Upside Down" Steve informed her, clutching as his bleeding leg.
"Is that one of the things that killed Nancy's friend?" Krystal questioned.
"No…the thing that killed her was much bigger" Steve replied, as Krystal looked horrified.
"A Demogorgon" Dustin added.
"A what?" Billy frowned, in confusion.
"Demogorgon" Dustin repeated.
"Does he speak English?" Krystal asked Max.
"Wait, you know about the Upside Down?" Max gaped at her older sister.
"It's too hard to explain" Krystal repeated what Max had said only minutes ago.
Steve grimaced as he pulled his hand away from his ankle and saw the blood that was seeping out of the numerous holes in his skin. He was surprised when Billy gripped him by the shoulders and practically dragged him towards the couch, not uttering a word. Krystal quickly rushed into the kitchen, grabbing a towel and went to crouch in front of him, worry on her face. Steve hissed loudly as she pressed it against the wound, trying to stem the flow of blood.
"You alright, man? Steve!" Billy exclaimed, shaking the boy roughly when he noticed that Steve was slipping out of consciousness.
"Fuck, Steve! Hey, can you hear me?" Krystal cried, noticing how much Steve's leg was still bleeding.
"Is he gonna' be alright?" Lucas questioned, as the kids came to surround them.
"He needs to get to a hospital. Now" Krystal advised.
"But what about the Gate. El won't be able to close it if we don't distract the demodogs" Mike panicked, as the two older teens looked at him in confusion.
"Who the hell is El?" Krystal frowned.
"Eleven" Mike corrected himself, as Krystal's head snapped up to look at him.
"Eleven's here?" Krystal gasped, sharing a look with Billy.
"You know her?" Mike inquired, as Krystal nodded.
"Uh guys, he really doesn't look good" Dustin stated, sitting next to Steve who was still unconscious.
"I think he's gone into shock" Krystal bit her lip.
"Right, time to go" Billy announced, as he grabbed Steve and pulled him up bridal style.
Krystal could barely contain her laughter at the sight, having never expected to see Billy holding the other boy so intimately.
"Don't even say it" Billy grumbled, knowing what Krystal was thinking.
"Steve?" Krystal questioned, when she saw the older boy stirring as he was wheeled down the bright corridor of the ER.
"Krystal? Hey. Have there always been three of you?" Steve queried, rubbing his eyes.
"You've lost a lot of blood. But you're gonna' be okay now. I promise" Krystal insisted, taking his hand in her own.
"I'm glad you're here" Steve smiled up at her, as he was wheeled into a small bay.
"Krys…I think we better go before the kids steal my car" Billy warned her, following the trolley a few moments later.
"I can't just leave him" Krystal stated.
"I'll be fine" Steve shook his head, as Krystal looked conflicted.
"Go. It's okay…You look after her" Steve insisted, as he placed Krystal's hand that was still touching his, towards Billy.
Billy seemed a little taken aback, as Krystal intertwined their fingers. Billy slowly nodded to Steve, before he began to pull her away. It felt like there was another meaning to the interaction that had just happened. Did Steve know something had happened between them? His thoughts were quickly distracted when he saw Max in the front seat of his car.
"That is not happening, Max! Out. Now!" Billy yelled, as he stormed over.
Max reluctantly got out of the driver's seat, her eyes settling on where Billy was still holding Krystal's hand. He quickly let go, not liking how Max's lips twitched into a smile when she saw their interlocked fingers.
"They think he'll be okay?" Dustin inquired, as Krystal nodded.
"Yeah. He might have to stay in hospital for a couple of days. But he'll be alright" Krystal announced, much to the relief of the kids.
"Good. Now we can go to the tunnels" Mike announced.
"What tunnels?" Billy frowned.
"There's tunnels that the Mindflayer has made all over Hawkins, that connect to the hub of all it's activity. If we can burn down the hub, we can distract them and give El enough time to close the gate" Mike explained.
"I have no idea what you just said but you lost me at burning shit" Krystal stated.
"If we don't close the gate tonight more people are gonna' die!" Lucas exclaimed.
"It's not our job, kid. And there's no way I'm dying in some dark stupid tunnel tonight" Billy insisted.
"How about dying right here, right now?" Dustin mumbled, as he pointed to something behind Billy.
Krystal felt her heart stop as she saw two demodogs approaching them, with low growls, as their sharp teeth glittered in the streetlight.
"Get in the car" Krystal whispered.
"What?" Max gulped; her eyes fixated on the creatures in front of them.
"All of you. Get in the car. Now" Krystal hissed, as she took a step back to quietly open the passenger door for them.
"What about you?" Max questioned, as Krystal wouldn't look at her.
"I guess you win the bet" Krystal said to Billy, who turned to her in confusion.
Before he could say anything else, she leaned forward and pressed a quick kiss to his lips. She let her forehead rest against his own for a moment, his eyes still closed. Suddenly, she pulled away and waved her arms towards the demodogs, a determined look in her eyes.
"Hey, you ugly shits! Come and get it!" Krystal exclaimed, as she went off sprinting away from the hospital.
"Krystal!" Billy called after her, as he saw the demodogs galloping towards her.
"Krys!" Billy screamed, his heart sinking as he saw them catching up with her.
Author's Notes: I hope you all enjoyed this chapter! We got some jealousy and action in this one. What's going to happen to Krystal in the next chapter, will Billy save her in time? Please leave a review:)
Runaway Fantasy Princess: Thank you for the review! Glad you enjoyed it:) They really do need to get away from Neil as soon as possible.
LoveFiction2019: Thank you for reviewing:) I hope you like this chapter too! Their parents really are the worst, aren't they?
Guest: Aw, thank you! Their banter is definitely one of my favourite things about writing this story.
teenwolfismylife101: Yay, so glad you're enjoying this story:) It's only going to get more intense from here!