Chapter VII:

Wayward Son

Joyce

When Joyce and Hopper had arrived back at the house, the kids were in front of the house. Mike had been standing over an unconscious Steve and Max was trying to comfort her stepbrother who was writhing on the ground and crying out in pain. Joyce had jumped out of the car and ran up to Will, checking him over and asking him, "Will, are you okay? What happened?" Hopper had been looking over Jane as well when Will, Lucas, and Mike all chimed in at once. They had been talking so fast and at the same time, making it impossible to understand what they were saying.

Hopper had interrupted them, "One at a time!" You," he pointed to Mike, "What happened?" "So we were just hanging out and there was a snake in the house, Steve took it outside and then these kids showed up! They were like Eleven, they had powers. One made Steve pass out and another started breaking Billy's bones. With her mind! One of them didn't have a power and the other was able to astral project or something, she wasn't actually here. And then… this white van came and they jumped in and left. Well the one girl just disappeared."

Hopper had simply nodded before rushing back towards the truck. "Jim, wh – " "Watch after the kids, I'm going to try to chase them down." Hopper had taken off and left Joyce standing in her front yard with two injured teenagers to take care of. She hadn't wanted to leave any of the kids behind, so she reluctantly agreed to Max driving Steve and Billy to the hospital. Joyce had figured Steve would be fine once he regained consciousness but thought that perhaps he would like to be there with Billy. With all of the kids' help, especially Jane and her abilities, they had been able to get both Steve and Billy into the Camaro.

When Hopper had returned, he told Joyce that there was no sign of the van or of the children like Jane. Hopper tried to get every single detail from all of the kids but he hounded Jane especially hard. He had asked, "Do you think Brenner is behind it?" Joyce had been confused, "Dr. Brenner? I thought he was dead." Jane spoke before Hopper had the chance, "There is something that I have to tell you, all of you." Up until this point, Jane had not told anyone about Kali so she proceeded to explain all that had happened when she left last fall. This information included how she had learned that Brenner was still alive.

"So it is safe to assume Brenner was behind today's incident?" Hopper had asked after she finished. "Probably," Jane had sighed. Instead of Hopper taking Jane back out to the cabin, he had decided to stay with Joyce. With Brenner aware that Jane was here in Hawkins, Hopper figured that no more harm could be done with them staying in town. It also allowed Hopper to be able to protect Joyce and Will more effectively. After they had finished discussing everything and sent Mike and Lucas home, Hopper was dispatched over his police radio to see to an altercation at the hospital.

Joyce had learned later, after Hopper returned to the house well after midnight, that Billy's father had beaten up Steve. Hopper had arrested Neil Hargrove but the hospital also held Steve responsible and after a night's stay, he was not allowed to return. Joyce had convinced Hopper to pick up Steve and have him stay at her house until he was completely recovered. He had told everyone what had happened but Joyce could tell that he was leaving something out. Once she had a moment alone with Steve, she asked what it was.

He told Joyce that he wasn't sure if Neil actually knew but that he had said something about Steve having sex with Billy. They talked it over together and Joyce had tried to convince him that Neil was probably just saying it as an insult without actually believing Steve or Billy were gay. Though she had thought there was a possibility that Neil did know, Joyce explained to Steve that it was probably a very small chance. Steve attempted to hide his worry for Billy from everyone else apart from Joyce.

She shared a mutual friend with Susan Hargrove, Lisa Moore, who was letting Susan and Max stay with her. The day after Steve had started staying with Joyce, she gave Lisa a call and asked after Billy. Though Susan hadn't visited the hospital yet, she had contacted the hospital and checked in on Billy. When Joyce had told Steve that Billy was doing great and would be released soon, he smiled and let out a sigh of relief. The next day, Billy had called the house. While Steve spoke to him, Hopper had questioned Joyce, "What is that about?" "What?" "Steve and Hargrove."

"Oh that. I guess they're friends." Hopper appeared perplexed, "It is the same kid that beat up Steve, right?" Joyce nodded, "Well, you know how boys are. They tend to work things out with their fists instead of their words." Hopper raised an eyebrow but shrugged and slightly changed the topic, "Neil Hargrove is a real piece of work. I'm wondering if the apple doesn't fall far from the tree." "You know, Neil reminds me of someone. Billy too." His eyes darkened and he crossed his arms but didn't take the bait. Joyce copied him and stared him down with an omniscient gaze.

"Fine, I'll humor you. Who do they remind you of?" Hopper asked mockingly, already knowing the answer. "Don't give me that crap. You know that I am talking about your father and you." Hopper rolled his eyes, "Just because we have assholes for fathers doesn't mean we share any other similarities." "Hmm, let's see: you were an angry, troubled teenager, constantly got into fights, and your father was abusive," Joyce ticked off the comparisons on her fingers. "So? It still doesn't mean anything." Joyce sighed, "Maybe not, but give the kid a chance. If Steve likes him, he can't be all that bad." He snorted, "I don't know about that. Steve did fuck up the other day, who's to say that this isn't another mistake."

Joyce stared at Hopper with disappointment in her eyes before remarking, "You cannot blame him, Jim. If he could have done anything, you know he would have." He frowned and paused for a moment before adding, "No, I know it's not his fault. It's just easier to blame someone, especially someone other than myself." "Jim, honey, you are not to blame either," Joyce reassured him before hugging him tightly. "I – if I had just…" Hopper mumbled into Joyce's hair. "Shh… don't you worry about it. No one was seriously hurt and nothing would have prevented him from finding her." He pulled Joyce away, "No, I could have stopped it. As soon as I found out he was alive, I should have found him and made sure there was no way he could come after Jane. Even if that meant…"

"Jim, do you hear yourself? Do you think you'd really be able to kill Brenner?" Hopper shrugged, "Sure, why not? I've killed men – people, innocent people – so it shouldn't be too difficult for me to kill someone who actually deserves it. Brenner is a monster and the only thing that will stop him from trying to find Jane is if he is dead." "Hop, that may be true but that doesn't mean you have to kill him." Hopper shook his head, "If I don't kill him, then nobody else will. I have to do it, not just for Jane, for you and Will too. Brenner is a threat to all of us now." Joyce knew she would not be able to talk him out of it, no matter how crazy or dangerous the idea was.

Steve

After he got off the phone with Billy, Steve was smiling from ear to ear. He didn't care that it hurt, he was just happy to know Billy was okay and thinking about him. Will passed him in the hallway and asked, "Why are you smiling like that?" "Oh no reason really, just in a great mood." Will nodded but there was a look of confusion on his features as he continued to walk towards the kitchen. Steve was going to tell Joyce about his plans to go back home tomorrow but stopped short at the door when he heard his name. It was Joyce, "If Steve likes him, he can't be all that bad." He smiled, figuring that Joyce was talking up Billy. Then he heard Hopper scoff and reply, "I don't know about that. Steve did fuck up the other day, who's to say that this isn't another mistake."

Steve had heard enough and locked himself in Will's bedroom. He had been so happy a moment ago yet all sense of elatement had since evaporated. Steve flopped down on the bed. He was a little angry that Hopper had said something so negative. However, the thing that was bothering Steve the most was that deep down he had been thinking exactly what Hopper had said. He believed he had messed up, despite the fact that no one was hurt. Steve thought that he should have been more aware and noticed the super freaks but he had been too distracted by Billy. He also was concerned that Hopper could be right about him making a mistake with Billy. Steve wanted to trust Billy but he still wasn't sure if he could.

There was a knock at the door, "Steve, are you in there?" It was Dustin. He was in a terrible mood but if anyone could cheer him up, it was Dustin. He slowly got up and opened the door. Dustin nearly ran him over and quickly closed the door behind him, "We need to talk." "About?" "Robin, obviously." Steve rolled his eyes, "Oh." Dustin had already told Steve all about their "date" at The Palace. "She called me! And… she wants to hang out again." Steve smiled, he was happy for Dustin, "That's awesome, man!" "Yeah, she wants me to meet her after she gets off work tomorrow and 'grab something to eat' with her. Does that sound like a real date?"

Steve squeezed Dustin's shoulder and beamed at him, "Yeah, man. You've got yourself a real date. And it really says something that she called and asked you." "What do you mean? What does it say?" Steve chuckled, "It means she likes you." Dustin grinned from ear to ear, "I was hoping that's what it meant. I have a little teeny tiny favor to ask though." "What?" "It would be more than a little embarrassing to have my mom pick us up, I love her, but you know how she can be a tad overbearing. Also I feel like it would be ungentlemanly – is that a word? – to make her ride her bike."

"Get to the point already Dustin," Steve sighed. "Could you be our driver for the night?" He hesitated for a moment, just to see Dustin squirm, "Yeah, of course. It's not like I have anything else to do." "Thanks, I knew I could count on you," he paused for a second before asking, "So Steve have you had any luck with the ladies lately?" Steve laughed, "No, not exactly." Dustin was his friend and he wanted to tell him but exclude the obvious details, "If I tell you something, you promise to keep it a secret?" He quickly nodded. "I do like someone and they like me but… I can't tell you who it is."

"I'm a little confused here, Steve. What exactly am I keeping secret if you don't say who it is?" Steve laughed nervously, "You're right, I guess it's not that big of a deal that I like someone. I just don't want everyone to know. Especially, not Nancy." "Oh, okay. I gotcha Steve," Dustin nodded in understanding. "So what time does Robin get off work?" Steve asked to steer the conversation away from Billy. "She said she gets off at 5pm so you should probably pick me up at 4:40, no later." Steve softly chuckled, "Okay, then. 4:40pm, on the dot."

After Dustin had left, Steve eventually felt brave enough to venture out of Will's room. He approached Joyce and told her, "I really appreciate everything you've done Joyce, it means a lot. I can honestly say that I wish you were my mother. With that said, I think it's time I go back home." "Oh Steve, you can stay here as long as you like. You still look pretty rough and need some time to mend." "No, no I'll be okay. I've occupied your couch for too long already and I've missed my own bed. I'm going to leave in the morning but thank you so much for everything, Joyce."

Steve managed to avoid Hopper the remainder of the evening, he wasn't sure if he'd be able to look him in the eyes without feeling ashamed. He left after they all had breakfast together, quickly saying goodbye and grabbing his duffel bag. When he made it home, Steve flopped on the couch and let out a huge sigh. It was as though he could finally breathe again. In his home, with no one around, Steve could be himself and no longer had to conceal his secrets. He thought of Billy and laughed when he reminisced about what had occurred on the couch he was currently sat upon. Steve ran his hands over the couch and leaned towards one of the seat cushions before deeply breathing in its aroma. It smelled divine, it smelled of Billy.

Steve stretched out on the couch and stuck one hand down the front of his basketball shorts. He rested his hand on his cock, contemplating if he should masturbate or not. Deciding against it, Steve rolled onto his side and fell asleep. He woke up a couple hours later to the sound of his rumbling stomach. He checked his watch for the time, it was a little after 2. He got up and made himself a peanut butter sandwich with stale bread. Steve told himself that he would finally go to the Big Buy tomorrow and pick up some groceries. He still had plenty of time to kill so he listened to some music before giving Samantha a call.

He hadn't spoke to her since the 4th of July party. He called her house and as was typical, Samantha answered. "Hi Samantha, it's Steve." "Hey loser, why am I just now hearing from you?" "You know, you could have tried to call me." "I did! I called your house a bazillion times." "Oh, I thought you knew I was at the Byers." "No, why were you there?" Steve went on to tell her about the altercation with Neil Hargrove and how Joyce had basically forced him to stay with her the past few days. He desperately wanted to tell her all about Billy, but he thought it should be discussed in person. After talking to her for a while, he checked the time.

"Shit! I have to go, I have to pick up Dustin and his date. We need to hang out though, call me later." "Okay, bye Steve!" "Bye!" He quickly changed into some patterned chino shorts and a solid colored button-up. It was over 90 degrees outside, so he left it unbuttoned. He was slightly self-conscious about being so exposed but disregarded the minor insecurity due to the extreme heat. He rushed outside and hopped in the Beemer before heading over to Dustin's house. He was waiting under the porch, "Steve! You are exactly 2 minutes and 23 seconds late!" "Shut up and get in the car!"

Steve managed to arrive at the Hawk just a minute later than the time Robin said she'd be off work. They didn't see her outside so they drove past the theater to find a parking spot. As they went past the alley where he and Jonathon had fought, Steve looked down it and noticed two people. He saw what appeared to be a guy pushing a girl against the wall. After staring for a couple seconds, Steve was able to make out that the girl was wearing a Hawk theater uniform. When he came to the realization that it may be Robin, he quickly performed a u-turn and headed back to the alley. "What are you doing?" Dustin asked but did not receive a response.

Robin

Ally, Robin's replacement, had arrived several minutes early for her shift. Instead of waiting for Dustin inside the theater, she had made the mistake of going outside for some fresh air. Robin had been leaning against the wall underneath the shade from the marquee when she saw Dan. He was a little way down the sidewalk, so she hoped he hadn't seen her yet. She had crossed the road and began walking with her back facing him. She had gone down an alley, figuring she could hide there until he was gone. Robin had seen several people pass the alley without looking down it and she assumed Dan would do the same.

He must have noticed her hair and uniform. After a couple of minutes, Robin had let out a sigh of relief only to have Dan interrupt her peace of mind. "Hey gorgeous. You know, I could pick you out of any crowd. Why are you hiding over here? You aren't hiding from me are you?" Robin's heart had been pounding, "I – ugh – no… I was just taking a break." "Oh, okay. Do you want a cigarette?" "No, I don't smoke." He had chuckled, softly but it was just as menacing, "Good because I don't have any cigarettes." He had moved so that they were barely touching before reaching for a strand of her hair. He had twirled and twisted it between his fingers like he always did. Suddenly, something had changed in his eyes.

Robin had a sinking feeling in the pit of her stomach but before she had been able to move away from Dan, he had lunged at her. He had her pinned against the rough brick wall, forcing his tongue down her throat. Each time she had been able to push him away, she had protested. "No!", "Stop!", "Get off of me!" she had demanded and also tried to scream but nothing had deterred Dan. His hand had found it's way up her shirt and the other hand was wedged in her ass. His crotch had been pressed against her and she had felt his growing erection. She didn't know when she had started crying but she had felt helpless and hopeless.

When Robin had seen the BMW pull into the alley, she knew immediately that it was Steve Harrington. She thought at first that she was just in a state of shock and she was imagining him coming to her rescue. It was only when Steve had pulled Dan off of her that she realized it wasn't a figment of her imagination. He threw Dan to the ground and yelled at him, "Don't ever fucking touch her again! Get up and apologize, you piece of shit!" Dan just laughed, "And what exactly will you do? Looks like you recently lost a fight, or should I say another fight? How many is that now? Three? Four?"

Steve grasped his collar with both hands and brought his face close, "As much as I want to hit your stupid face, I'll let the police take care of you. My friend Dustin should be back with help any minute now." Dan continued to cackle, "Do you have any idea who…" He was interrupted with the arrival of two large men and Dustin. "There he is, the one on the ground." One of the big guys helped Steve up and told him, "Don't worry, we will make sure he doesn't go anywhere until the police get here." Dan tried to jump up and make a run for it but the buff stranger had quick reflexes. He grabbed Dan by the arm and his friend grabbed the other.

Robin had been sitting down with her knees tucked up to her chest. Dustin approached her, "Are you okay?" She tearfully nodded and he quietly sat down next to her. She looked at Steve and made eye contact before shyly looking away. He went over to his car and rummaged around for a bit before walking towards her with some napkins in hand. "I hope these are okay, sorry I don't have any tissues." Robin weakly smiled through her tears, "I – it's okay. Thank you, for everything." Steve gave her a slight nod before promising, "He's going to pay for what he did to you. He won't get away with it." She wanted to believe him but they didn't know anything about Dan.

The police arrived a few minutes later and were asking everyone questions. They asked Steve for Dan's name. He shrugged not knowing the answer but before he could speak, Dan yelled, "My name is Daniel Kline and my father is Roger Kline, who you might know as Mayor Kline." The two police officers gave each other concerned glances but they continued to ask their questions and eventually took Dan into custody. He swore as they put him in the police car, "You will lose your jobs over this, I'll be sure of it. My father will not be happy with how his son was treated. He will…" The door being slammed shut cut off the rest of Dan's words. After the police had left and Steve had thanked the two strangers for helping, Dustin turned to Robin. "Well, shit. That asshole is the Mayor's son?"

Though of course he didn't intend to make her upset, Dustin's words sent Robin into despair. She began sobbing uncontrollably and could tell that Dustin was unsure of how to react. Steve sat down on the other side of her, slowly put his arm around her shoulders, and asked, "Is this okay?" Robin leaned into him and wept into his chest. He wrapped his other arm around her and she put her arms around him. Robin wasn't aware of how much she needed a comforting human touch until Steve had offered it. After a little while, he softly told her, "Everything will be alright." She took a deep breath, "No, it won't."

Steve was speechless for a moment, "Though it will take time, I'm sure…" "No, no it's not… that, well just that. Dan's going to get away with it; he probably won't even get a slap on the wrist. Even if he does get charged with anything, his father will bail him out in a couple hours and tomorrow he will – actually, I'm not sure what he will do and that's why I'm so scared." Robin pulled away from Steve and hugged her knees. Steve stood up abruptly with a determined look in his eyes. "I'm going to talk to Hop – Chief Hopper, surely he can help keep that piece of shit in there for more than a couple hours."

He helped Robin up first and then Dustin, "We have to go now though, before Dan has a chance to call his father. Robin, is there anywhere safe I can take you?" She thought about it for a moment, of course she no longer had any friends so the only place she could go was home. She lived with her mother and her mother's boyfriend in a trailer, so fearing possible embarrassment she responded, "No, not really. Do you mind if I tag along?" Steve shook his head, "No, of course not." All three of them piled into Steve's BMW. After driving for a bit, Steve remarked, "When – if Dan gets out of jail, I will make sure that he won't come anywhere near you. I promise."

Normally, Robin would have been ecstatic that Steve had sworn to protect her but after what she had went through, there were no emotions left. She just felt numb. They pulled up to the police station and Steve told Robin and Dustin, "You two wait here." He ran inside the building and was in there for about 10 minutes before finally emerging again. Steve broke the silence in the car by informing them, "Hopper is going to do everything he can but he could only hold Dan there for two, maybe three days." Robin's mouth felt dry, so she simply nodded in response.

"He wants us to meet up at the Byers' house later to talk, if that's okay?" Steve asked Robin. "Yeah that's okay, are we going there now?" "Yeah, unless you want me to take you home first?" She quickly shook her head, "No, I was just wondering." Steve started up the car and pulled out of the parking lot. The car ride was filled with awkward silence, with no one being sure what to say to each other. Dustin hadn't spoke since he had said something about Dan's father. Robin hoped that he did not feel responsible for her becoming upset but she didn't have the energy to say something at the moment. When the Byers' house came into view, Robin sighed in relief.