Chapter XI:
Constellations
Brenner
Luke had promised his mother that he would be home by the following Friday, leaving the team with a little over a week to complete the planning and execution of retrieving 011. The last attempt was spontaneous and as a result, it had failed tremendously. Dr. Brenner knew that he should have been present, retrospectively, but at the time he had assumed that his team could handle it on their own. He had been incorrect and there was absolutely no room for any more mistakes.
He had put the unprepared plan into action when the team had been made aware that Joyce Byers and James Hopper were going out of town. With no adults present and 011 being the only worthy opponent, Dr. Brenner had been confident that his team would be successful. Even when 005 had reported that two older teenagers were present at the location, he thought his team could adapt. However, he had unfortunately underestimated 011's powers, which had exponentially grown during the year and a half after she had escaped.
Though it had been part of the plan, Brenner partially blamed 008 for the sudden increase in 011's strength. Her mission was to gain 011's trust and slowly pull her back into the project. Instead 008 had helped her learn how to control her abilities, making her more powerful than ever before. Brenner immediately removed 008 from her position in the field. Though she and her motley crew of ruffians had been very successful in eliminating most of those involved or who had knowledge of the Hawkins Project, Brenner decided it would be more advantageous if 008 returned to the laboratory. He had also wanted to keep a closer eye on her.
Rebellious by nature, she had not taken her reassignment gracefully. It had taken several months to track 008 down and even after she had been brought in, she remained insubordinate. After refusing to train with the other subjects, Brenner had placed 008 under solitary confinement. She was still under guard when the opportunity to retrieve 011 had presented itself. Due to his mistrust and 008's lack of training, Brenner did not inform her of the plan. Thankfully, she had a change of attitude and agreed to participate in preparation for their next attempt.
Though 008 was not the most powerful member of Brenner's team, her abilities still greatly surpassed his son Luke's. The strongest link among them was 013. He has extraordinary control over his ability of psionic inundation, inducing pain and causing neurocognitive deficit in his targets at will. The member with the most useful ability of bone manipulation is 007, but her mental instability presents significant problems. She killed not one but two subjects early on in the project.
The remaining member of the team, 005, has abilities on par with 008's and Luke's. She is able to astral project, to be present in two places at once. If she could render her astral body invisible, she would have made an excellent spy. Without possessing that specific facet of power, Brenner did not see her value initially. Instead of being observed at the facility, she remained in her own home. She was monitored from afar and was only recently brought into the lab.
All of the other subjects were observed in the laboratory apart from Luke. He was also unique in the same way as 011. Unlike the other subjects, the two of them were direct results of experimental testing of LSD on their mothers during pregnancy. After Luke's encounter with 011, he had bluntly asked his father, "Did you cheat on mom? Is 011 my sister?" "I –" "You know what, don't even try to deny it. I already know that she is. How could you do that to mom?" Brenner sighed, knowing the truth would be discovered eventually, so he obliged his son, "Your mother knew, not about 011, but about my indiscretion. Terry – she was a persistent woman and I regretfully gave in to temptation. Once. Your mother forgave me."
Luke shook his head. "Would she have forgiven you if she knew about 011?" "I don't know. I was afraid that she wouldn't, that's why I never told her." "Why didn't you tell me? Wouldn't you think that I would want to know if I had a sister out there? A sister who is like me?" Brenner scoffed. "I wouldn't say that you two are exactly comparable." He could see the rage boiling within his son. "Don't you ever get tired of calling me useless? You created me along with my ability, so the blame is on you not me."
"I never say that you are useless, that is not true. However, your power is just not on the same level as 011 and most of the other subjects. I am honest with you, not to hurt you but to help you son." It was Luke's turn to scoff. "Son? That's rich. I'm basically a glorified science experiment, 011 even more so. You never told her, did you?" "No, of course not, it could have compromised the results." Luke stood up and raised his voice, "She is just a lab rat to you, isn't she? Even though she is your daughter, you would dissect her in a heartbeat if it gave you answers. Do you even know her name?"
Brenner admitted to himself that it did take a moment to recall. "Her mother named her Jane, but technically she only exists as 011 because there is no birth certificate for Jane Ives." Luke stared at him resentfully. "Technically, that makes you a huge asshole." Cool and calm yet still menacing, Brenner told his son, "I will not tolerate this disrespect. You agreed to take part in the project and I expect you to do as you are asked without an attitude." Luke sighed. "How am I not supposed to have an attitude? Do you realize how difficult this has been for me?"
"Yes, I understand that the project – " Luke laughed, interrupting his father. "You know, as I've told you before, 'the project' is going to be the death of you. I'm not talking about the fucking project. I'm talking about lying to mom, pretending you are dead. I'm talking about 011 being my sister. The project is a cake walk in comparison." Brenner looked at Luke blankly. "It seems as though I have underestimated your ability to control your emotions. I'm not sure if you are ready for the next phase of the extraction mission."
Luke immediately proclaimed, "I am ready, I swear. I do know how to control my emotions; it's just that I wanted to talk about them with my father. Is that too much to ask for?" Brenner sighed. "In regards to 011, I do not believe we should discuss anything beyond the strategy for her retrieval, especially not in front of the other subjects. However, I do understand how hard it must be for you to keep me a secret from your mother. We can talk about it but I think it is a conversation best reserved for when the mission is complete, so that you remain focused."
Luke nodded in agreement with his father and with a solemn tone replied, "Okay, I get it." Brenner was relieved that they could move past the awkward conversation for now. He and Luke rejoined the rest of the subjects in the living quarters of the underground lab. After Brenner had faked his death, he sought out private corporations who had previously approached him with interest in his research. With the private funding, a new laboratory was built after the government's lab was demolished. The lab was built in the same location as the old lab and in order to provide a cover for the construction, a mall was built over the site. To avoid running into any mall staff or customers, there is a hidden entrance to the lab outside of the mall's parameter deep within the woods.
One of the private contributors also happened to be the mayor of Hawkins, Roger Kline. Before his turn as the mayor, Kline was the proprietor of several profitable businesses in Hawkins and in surrounding towns. He was rich not only through his businesses but he was also born into money. Through his own finances and through his position as mayor, Kline commissioned the construction of the mall and unbeknownst to the public, the laboratory. Though there were larger contributors, Kline seemed to be the most interested. His one condition was that he must have access to the lab at all times. Brenner had begrudgingly agreed.
Just as Brenner was about to address his team, the subjects and his staff, the metal door slid open. Kline walked through and greeted them, "Hello everyone. Well, I might as well cut to the chase. I want to make sure we have an understanding of what will happen when the mall opens in two weeks." Brenner cleared his throat and explained, "I have talked to my team and –" "Let me stop you there. I want everyone to hear it straight from the horse's mouth. Once the mall opens, you are not in any circumstance allowed to leave during the day. You cannot risk being seen by anyone."
Brenner fought the urge to groan, but this was not the first time Kline infuriated him. Instead of voicing his discontent, Brenner stated, "Yes, that is what I have told them. Everyone has agreed to remain in the lab during daylight." Kline ignored him and addressed the room, "Okay, if you understand, please raise your hand." Everyone indulged Kline, who then turned to Brenner, "Dr. Brenner? Do you understand?" Brenner smiled at him, without humor. "Of course, I will not raise my hand though. I am not a child. Understand?"
Kline sneered and pulled him aside. "Okay, it is a little silly but I just want to make sure that absolutely everyone is clear, including you. I know that this is your project and all but let me remind you, that without me, this secret little lab of yours wouldn't exist. The mall is an excellent cover but it won't work if there are any misunderstandings." Brenner sighed. "Yes, I agree and I thank you for your financial support and providing the cover. However, I will not tolerate being talked down to."
The mayor grasped his shoulder. "I'm sorry doctor, I didn't realize. I respect you, I do, and I apologize if I have offended you." "No need for an apology. From now on though, please speak to me prior to speaking to my team." "Okay, we are both understood then." Kline turned to the others. "Well, that's all folks. Thank you for your cooperation. I wish you all a good evening." "Wait, before you go Mayor, I have a favor to ask." Once that nuisance of a man had exited the lab, 005 exclaimed, "He is really annoying." Luke and 008 laughed, with 008 declaring, "He's a total dickweed."
013 and 007 stared bewildered at 008, unfamiliar with the slang term. 013 asked, "Do you mean duckweed? And how can one be a plant? I don't understand the metaphor." 008 snickered and replied, "No, I meant dickweed. It's just a word for an obnoxious person." The two culturally ignorant subjects nodded in understanding. Brenner added, "It's also an inappropriate word." "Inappropriate?" 007 curiously questioned." Brenner sighed. "Meaning it should not be repeated." A sly smile spread across 007's face. Devious by nature, she took everything as a challenge. She was 16, but small for her age and lacked maturity.
"Dickweed. Dickweed, dickweed, dickweed." "Alright, I think that's –" The rest of the subjects, including Luke had chimed in, "Dickweed. Dickweed, dickweed, dickweed." "Enough!" Brenner bellowed. Though they had stopped the iteration of the word, a few giggles still escaped. "Sorry sir, but we all could use some fun around here every once in a while," Luke told his father. "Perhaps, but we still have a great deal of work ahead of us and we all need to remain focused. It is time for rest. Everyone to their beds, now," Brenner commanded.
Once the subjects and most of the staff had retired, Brenner was left to his own devices in his office. He had analyzed different strategies for retrieving 011 over and over again. Brenner sat at his desk and yet again contemplated the possible actions and their potential outcomes. Sighing, he stood up and walked over to the safe in the corner. Putting in the combination, he opened the safe and examined its contents. Brenner had grown accustomed to letting others do the dirty work. However, if he wanted to successfully capture 011, Brenner had to be armed and ready. Absolutely nothing was going to get in his way.
Billy
The early morning sunlight poured through Steve's window, casting light and shadows over his sleeping form. With his arm flung over his head and his naked body exposed, Steve reminded Billy of that Girodet painting The Sleep of Endymion. Billy could not resist the temptation to touch him. He was drawn to the sun soaked skin and lightly stroked Steve's warm chest. Steve stirred but did not wake. Billy leaned closer and examined him, mapping out constellations in the numerous beauty marks that covered his body.
Billy found Virgo, Libra, and Cassiopeia just on Steve's torso. His gaze was on Steve's hips when Steve caught him. He gruffly inquired, "Were you watching me sleep?" Startled, Billy sat up and confessed, "Yeah, sorry." Steve softly chuckled and reached for him. "Come here, you creep." Smiling, Billy nestled next to Steve before they shared a tender kiss. They lay quiet for a moment, content in each other's arms. Seemingly out of nowhere, Steve let out a groan of vexation.
"Fuck. It was so nice to not remember that my parents will be home tonight." Billy nuzzled into Steve's neck, making him laugh. "That tickles! I think you need to shave." "I thought you liked the scruff, that it was sexy." Steve grinned. "I said that you think it is sexy. I never said it was." Billy playfully bit his neck and growled, "Liar." Steve laughed and then protested, "Hey! No, I never said it but that doesn't mean that I didn't think it. I love when you are giving me head and it brushes against my thighs. Gives me shivers, babe."
Billy took that as his cue. He slid one hand down Steve's warm chest and over his stomach until it reached the destination. He followed his hand with soft kisses and teasing nibbles, using his other hand to roughly thumb one of Steve's nipples. Billy hovered over his boyfriend's engorged cock, enjoying the view, before spreading his legs apart. "Like this, baby?" he asked as he brushed against Steve's thighs. A low and carnal moan escaped from Steve as Billy's mouth enveloped his cock. He sucked Steve's dick for a few minutes before stopping, not wanting Steve to finish yet. He climbed onto Steve, kissing him fervently. Billy then pulled away and whispered, "Tell me what you want."
Though the two of them equally enjoyed either, Steve slightly preferred receiving more than giving. "I want you inside me," Steve whispered. Billy stole another kiss, using a good amount of tongue, before pulling Steve up and towards him. Dissatisfied with their positioning, Billy grabbed a pillow and commanded him to raise up off the bed for a second. Shoving the pillow underneath Steve, Billy then grabbed the container of lube off the nightstand. He squeezed a liberal amount onto his fingers and nibbled on Steve's neck while he applied the lubricant.
Billy then sucked on Steve' sensitive nipples as he teased around Steve's hole before slowly inserting his index finger. Steve softly moaned as Billy inserted another finger and began using his other hand to stroke Steve's dick. Once Steve was ready, Billy eased himself inside. He then shifted so that Steve was on top and could control the level of penetration. Billy loved watching him ride his cock. Steve locked his arms around Billy, pulling him close and sweetly kissing him. He moved tantalizing slow but took the full length of Billy's cock.
They continued like that for some time until Billy couldn't take it any longer. He tightly grabbed onto Steve's hips and fucked Steve until they both came. Steve was first, spilling hot cum between their bodies. Soon thereafter, Billy met his own release inside of Steve. Spent, Billy collapsed onto the bed with his head on Steve's stomach. He could feel the rapid breaths that Steve was producing. He was nearly lulled to sleep until Steve nudged him. "Please don't fall back asleep. We have to get moving."
Billy groaned. "Can we just stay here forever?" "I wish we could but my parents would lose their shit." "Let them lose their shit. The bastards." Steve sighed and sputtered, "N – no, I'm not ready for that. Telling Dustin and Samantha was difficult but I at least like them. I hate my parents – well I definitely hate my dad. So it is terrifying even thinking about them finding out." "No, it's okay baby, I understand. I know that I'm not prepared to tell anyone else. You don't have to do anything until you are ready. And it's okay if you are never ready."
"I think I will eventually be ready, but it's definitely going to take time." "Well, I'm never telling my father, that's for sure. He beats the shit out of me just for thinking I'm gay, who knows what the fuck he'd do if he knew I was gay." He paused for a moment and then asked, "I have a question for you." Steve looked at him, with some slight concern. "What?" "Do you know if… you are gay or bisexual?" "Umm, I really don't know. I'm not entirely sure what it means to be either one."
"Well, to simplify it, do you want to exclusively fuck guys or do you want to fuck girls too?" Steve deeply sighed before telling Billy, "I want to exclusively be with you." Billy squeezed his boyfriend, "Aww, that's sweet but if we were no longer together, who would you date?" Steve played with Billy's curls. "If I said I was bisexual, would you not want to be with me?" "What? Of course not baby, I love you. It does not matter to me if you are gay or bisexual, I just think it is important for you to know so you can develop your identity."
"I guess I am bisexual. I was in love with Nancy and now I'm in love with you. If we were no longer together, I suppose I could date either a man or a woman. Honestly though, I can't imagine dating anyone but you." He grinned at the praise and the notion that he felt the same about Steve. "I can't imagine dating anyone else either. You are it for me, baby." Billy pulled himself up in the bed and kissed Steve. He moaned but then suddenly he held Billy away from him. "Stop! This is going to lead to us having sex again." "Is that a bad thing?"
Steve chuckled. "Normally, no. But today it is." He got out of bed and began to dress. "I have to finish cleaning the house. It has to be spotless." Billy stretched and groaned. "Ugh. Okay, but after we clean can we have sex?" "Babe, you are insatiable. Besides, that would be a little counterproductive. Don't you think?" Billy heartily laughed. "If I'm insatiable, you are absolutely ravenous. And though I do understand your point, would your parents really care that much about a messy bed?" He sighed and responded, "Unfortunately, yes."
While they cleaned up, Steve explained the abuse he had endured from his parents. Though they were not physically abusive like Neil, Billy learned that they were abusive in different ways. Steve told him, "Once, when I didn't eat all of my dinner, my father forbid me from eating for a week. Luckily, I was able to eat lunch at school or I may have died of starvation." Billy was in shock. "That's really fucked up. How old were you?" "I think I was 7 or 8. When I was younger, like 3, I had wet the bed and his punishment was to lock me in the bathroom every night. I can't even remember how long he made me sleep in there but it seemed like months."
"Wow, my dad never did anything like that to me. He just beat the shit out of me and verbally destroyed me." "Pssh. I think I got the better end of the deal babe. My parents never hit me other than the occasional spanking. Though, they did both say some awful, hurtful things." "My dad would constantly call me a faggot. He also said I was lazy, useless, and had no ambition." "Both my mom and dad would call me stupid, that I would never amount to anything. My father tried to convince me to drop out of school and start working for him when I was sixteen."
Billy scoffed. "Yeah, my dad said something similar. Told me to stop wasting time on school and start working full-time. He had said with all of the girls that I slept with, one of the 'whores' was going to wind up pregnant so I better get a head start on providing for a child." Steve shook his head. "Well, it seems like our fathers could be good friends." Billy dryly laughed. "Perhaps, if your father was a little less stuck up." "Yeah and besides, I don't think my dad has any real friends. Just colleagues."
Over the past few days, the two of them had discussed almost everything. The current conversation had transitioned to describing their different high school experiences. Steve was talking about his old friendships, specifically Tommy and Carol, when Billy suddenly recalled something he had forgot to ask Steve about. "Hey, so I heard that Jonathon beat you up, is that true?" "Well, I wouldn't say that but we were in a fight. I was winning for way longer than my fight with you."
Billy stroked Steve's cheek. "If that fucker ever touches you again, I'll kill him." Steve placed his hand over Billy's and smiled. "That's sweet babe, but unnecessary. He's definitely not worth it." Billy scoffed. "You know, that night at Laurie's 4th of July party, Jonathon said something that really pissed me off." Steve raised a brow and asked, "What?" "He said that he didn't care himself but because Nancy cared, he threatened me against anything happening to you." Steve rolled his eyes and commented, "Well, that's not surprising really. Things have always been tense ever since our fight."
"I don't like him and I don't trust him. He seems violent and unpredictable. I would know," Billy stated matter-of-factly. "Babe, come on. You are not like him at all." Billy grinned. "Yeah, I know. I'm not a boring weirdo. He probably fucks for shit. Poor Nance." As an unexpected response, Steve's jaw dropped. "You bastard, you've fantasized about Jonathon!" Nervous, Billy started to deny the accusation, "No, no – I mean I…" Steve interrupted, bursting into a fit of laughter. "You should have seen your face!"
After Billy recovered from his momentary embarrassment, he and Steve finished cleaning the Harrington residence. They saved Steve's bedroom for last and before making the bed they had one final romp. Breathless, Steve groaned, "That… was… not supposed to… happen." Billy grinned in response. "You agreed to it. 'As long as we make it quick' you said." "It was quick all right. Ugh, why do you have to be so goddamn persuasive?" Billy cupped his chin. "Baby, I just happen to know exactly what you want."