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It was actually pretty easy to convince his parents to let him bring a friend along for his summer trip abroad, considering they were the ones who were supposed to go with Steve in the first place. But, as is the norm, there was a change of plans at the last minute. There was just too much work to be done and Steve parents were back to travelling for his dad’s work. Steve was invited this time, which they usually never do, but he saves them to effort of looking after their only son and only subtly guilted them into letting him go abroad as planned. They even prompted Steve to bring a friend so he wouldn’t be so lonely, all expenses paid, of course. It might have been the nicest thing his parents have done for him in years.
Steve thinks they might still be feeling guilty for getting him a job at Starcourt, only for it to be the sight of tragedy. Steve wasn’t going to let them think otherwise, especially when it afforded him such luxuries.
While Steve was disappointed at first, it lasted only a moment until Steve remembered the opportunity he was finally given, a summer abroad with Billy. Now, the tricky part is getting said boyfriend to go along with it.
Billy had spent upwards of nine months in a government facility being treated for a whole host of problems after surviving both his possession and being stabbed through the fucking chest by a giant monster. Steve had spent any and all time he had sitting by Billy’s bedside when he wasn’t working or sleeping.
Steve was a mess after Starcourt, he knew it and so did anyone who so much as looked at him. It wasn’t just about being tortured by Russians, which is what most of the Party had assumed, it was what he couldn’t tell them. That his not-boyfriend, because Billy didn’t do serious relationships, had nearly died and Steve couldn’t talk about it with anyone. He wasn’t about to out Billy like that, not when the other boy couldn’t so much as open his eyes for the first few weeks.
So, Steve stayed by his side. He would bring Max along when he could, who was just as big a mess as he was but so thankful that her brother was alive. Steve thinks Max caught on before anyone else, she probably knew Billy best, after all. She would give Steve these looks, sad and pitying, the type people also gave her all the time. Steve didn’t talk about, but never turned away from her comfort.
It was two months into Billy’s treatment when he was finally about to talk to them. Steve had let everyone go first, stood in the back of the room, and watched as Max and Billy had a heartfelt and tear-filled reunion. Billy couldn’t help but cry, Steve saw, even though he tried so hard not to. Then it was the Party, and Billy didn’t hide how bewildered he was when a bunch of young teens raddled on about all things Upside Down. At least they had the decency to avoid talking too much about the Mind Flayer, watching Billy flinch and shift uncomfortably whenever it was mentioned.
Then Joyce, who provided all the maternal support Billy could handle. At first, Billy had looked awkward at her attempts, but Joyce broke through his rough exterior with patience and kindness. She said she would keep checking up on him and make sure he was being well taken care of. Billy didn’t say it at the time, but Steve could see that he was appreciative.
Last was Hopper, who didn’t stay long. Just giving Billy the run down about how he would also be around and to call him if he needed anything. Billy looked the most anxious with Hopper and Steve understood why, knowing what a man of the Chief’s position and power did to Billy’s nerves. Steve thinks Hopper caught on too, making his visit short.
Then it was finally Steve’s turn. Who Billy would take confused glances at, like he was wondering why Steve even bothered to be there at all. Steve had taken that to mean that Billy didn’t want Steve around, so he resigned himself to say his piece and never bother Billy again.
He walked to close to Billy’s bed and fought the urge to take the boy’s hand into his own, because even if they were alone now, they didn’t do these kinds of things before either. For all Steve knew, he was just an easy hook up for Billy for the summer.
“How’re you doing, pretty boy?” Billy asked, Steve thought he might be trying for a grin, but it came out as a grimace. Billy was still in pain, it would take a long time before he could so much as breathe without wincing.
“Better than you, I suppose,” Steve said with a small smile, even though his heart was breaking.
He let the silence stretch on, not knowing how to start a conversation of what they were to each other without sounding like an ass. Billy beat him to it though.
“You don’t need to be here,” he said with a long-suffering sigh. “I’d get it if you- y’know.”
Steve didn’t know, he didn’t know if this was Billy’s way of letting him down easy or, just maybe-
“Do you want me to go?” Steve asked, making no move to leave the room.
Billy looked to him, searching. Opening and closing his mouth, looking more nervous than Steve had ever seen him when they were together. And Steve thought that they weren’t so different with their feelings than he initially thought.
Steve was the first to move, slowly moving his hand up to telegraph his intentions to Billy, and softly grasped Billy’s scared hand. So light, so not to hurt him and to give Billy an out in case Steve was totally misreading the situation.
But he held on, flipping his hand over to hold Steve’s hand in his own, holding on tight despite the discomfort it must have been causing him. Billy looked close to tears when he asked Steve to stay. His voice choked up and oh so quiet. Steve hoped he would never have to see Billy this scared of Steve’s reaction ever again.
“Of course, I’ll stay,” Steve whispered back, not trusting his own voice. Steve actually was crying but he was smiling too, letting Billy know just how much he wanted to hear those words. They shared the most gentle kiss the two had ever had with each other.
Steve tried to come every day after that and let Billy know when he couldn’t, could barely stand the look on his face when he said he would be away for a single day. It wasn’t often.
It took nine months for Billy to finally be released and Steve wanted him to take him home with him, but things were never that simple.
Billy was released to his father, the one Steve knew wouldn’t look after his son. And for two months, all the pair had gotten were deep but quick kisses, in-between Billy’s appointments that Steve would drive him to. Steve hated to see Billy wither under his father. To see what Billy had reclaimed in that hospital bed, his wit, his shine, his life, get once again taken away.
So, Steve wasn’t going to take no for an answer, driving to Cherry Lane with his suitcase already packed, and taking long strides up to the front door. He knew Neil wouldn’t be home, Steve waited until the bastard went off to work for the day to enact his plan.
He already approved Billy taking a trip with his physician over the phone, they know Steve enough from all the times he’s accompanied Billy, and even thought it would be a good idea for him to get away from Hawkins for a bit to aid in his healing process. Steve couldn’t agree more.
All Billy has to do is say yes.
“No.”
“Oh, come on, Billy!” Steve pleads. He knew it wasn’t going to be easy, but Billy is just being stubborn at this point.
“I can’t just leave Max for the whole summer, Steve.” They’ve been talking around this point for the last twenty minutes.
“It won’t be the whole summer, just a month. And she’ll have the other kids to watch out for her, and Hopper.” Steve’s not letting Billy out of this. He understands Billy’s worries, but he has no doubt that the others can manage for a month. El would most definitely kill Neil if given the provocation, not that he’s going to tell Billy that, not that the other boy doesn’t already know.
“Well, what if I just don’t want to go?” Billy fires back, thinking he’s making some kind of point. Well, Steve has news for him.
“Then I just won’t go either,” Steve responds, because it’s just that simple. “I want to spend the summer with you Billy, even if it’s in Hawkins.”
Billy’s resolve starts to crumble at that, Steve sees his shoulders sag and his face relax into something more open and vulnerable. Steve approaches him, looping his arms around his waist and resting his head on Billy’s shoulder. No one else is home and they’re in Billy’s room. Curtains drawn and door closed. It’s just Steve and Billy. He rubs the blonde’s back in soothing circles.
Finally, Billy sighs deep. “Where are we going?”
“Spain!” Steve hugs tighter and dramatically kisses Billy’s cheek, who’s gaping at the declaration.
“Spain?” Steve just laughs at Billy’s incredulous tone, already moving to find a suitcase and start packing for him.
“Yep,” he says, not stopping in pulling out clothes. What they don’t bring Steve can just buy for him. He’s been itching to spoil Billy the way he deserves.
“Wait, now?” Billy still hasn’t moved.
“Yep! Come on, I already told everyone we’re leaving today. Plane leaves in a few hours.”
-
Steve learns that Billy has never been on a plane before. He lived in California his entire life and drove all the way to Hawkins. Never even set foot inside an airport except for baggage claim for visiting relatives when he was a kid. It’s equal parts hilarious and adorable to watch Billy’s face light up at all the mundane things that Steve had gotten used to after travelling with his parents. He finds he can actually enjoy the walking and the waiting when Billy is by his side.
Steve imagines Billy will get his fill of the airplane experience after spending sixteen hours travelling. They’ll have a layover in JFK in New York for a couple hours after a two-hour flight, then they’ll be landing in Madrid and wait another hour before their final flight to Ibiza.
When Steve informs Billy of their itinerary for the day, he expects a complaint about how long it’s going to take to get to their destination, especially for a guy who hates being still for more than a couple hours. But Billy just takes it all in with a gleam in his eye and asks if they can get souvenirs on their stops. And Steve, being putty in his hands, assures Billy that they’ll get whatever he wants.
Billy practically vibrates in his seat, Steve opting for business class for the first short flight. All the little things that Steve would normally pass by, like the service cart filled with juice and alcohol, totally enraptures Billy. It’s so cute and Steve is smitten all over again. Billy just scoffs and tries to play it cool when he catches Steve giving him an adoring look.
They get a New York keychain at their first layover and get some not terrible airport food. Billy says it’s too bad they can’t see the sights, though Steve doesn’t know what sights are in Queens. But Steve wants to take Billy to see the world, if every small thing can make him light up with a smile, it’d be worth it to drain every bit of Steve’s savings.
Steve makes sure they get plenty of snacks for their flight. They load up on all the staples, trail mix, gummy bears, and beef jerky. Steve plans to sleep the majority, but he doubts Billy will get a wink of sleep unless he burns himself out on their long journey.
Steve has found that, after the initial nervousness of takeoff, Billy loves to watch the ground get smaller and to soar through the clouds. Steve watches Billy just stare out of the window, poking Steve to excitedly show him the ocean as they pass over it, leaving the States behind.
Steve watches the tension leave Billy shoulders as they travel further and further from the everything that has hurt them. Steve had to assure Billy that Max will be able to call them at the villa and that Billy will be able to call and check up on her. He’s also expecting a call from Dustin and Robin at least once a week while they’re away.
Dustin, at first, had been so galled to find out that Steve had invited Billy Hargrove on a vacation overseas and not him. It took several minutes of pleading and puppy dog eyes before Dustin heard him out. He explained that his parents said to bring a friend, just one, and that Billy needed time away more than anyone else. To which Dustin begrudgingly agreed.
Robin just rolled her eyes and said to use protection. Which- is another bonus to getting away that Steve hopes to share with Billy.
They haven’t been able to have sex since Billy was first admitted, and they haven’t had a chance since he was discharged. Between Neil’s watchful eye and iron fisted rules for Billy to scarcely leave the house, under the excuse that Billy isn’t well enough, but Steve knows it’s just to lord his authority over his son. They haven’t been intimate except for quick kisses in the car when they know no one is looking.
Steve also thinks it might have something to do Billy’s sense of self. He’s hardly seen Billy without a shirt on or even a peak at his chest. Steve knows he’s self-conscious about the scars that must be covering over half his upper body. But Steve wants to see him anyway, to let Billy know he’s beautiful and these marks show that he’s alive.
Now, Steve didn’t tell Billy where exactly Ibiza is in Spain, wanting it to be a surprise. Billy just glared at him with no heat in his eyes and allowed Steve to keep it secret for the day. Until they were flying from Madrid and over the sea once again and Steve told the hopeful eyed Billy that they’ll be staying at a beach villa where they could go to the waves every day if Billy wanted.
“I don’t have a surfboard,” Billy says, awed when they finally make it to their final stop in Ibiza’s airport.
“You can rent one, I checked,” Steve says, and he can see it all click into place for Billy.
“You planned this,” Billy responds, taking in Steve’s smile like this isn’t something Steve would do for him. Steve’s about to shatter that misconception.
“You mean, I picked the sunniest, beachiest spot when my parents asked where I wanted to go, like I planned for my parents to bail like they always do, and made sure everyone would be okay while we’re gone? I don’t know, what do you think?” Steve’s playful with him, wraps him up in his arms. Billy goes stiff and his breath catches in fear. “It’s okay here, it’s Europe. Lot more affectionate than the States.”
Steve pulls Billy close, who lets him, and gets comfortably close to his ear to quietly say, “I asked Robin about the best place to go, for people like us.”
Billy pulls back and looks at Steve, there are unshed tears in his eyes, making them look like the ocean waves that Steve will see Billy riding, taking to it again after his long absence.
“Come on, lets get to the villa, I know you must be tired,” Steve takes Billy’s hand in his. It was morning here but the middle of the night back in Hawkins and Steve doesn’t think Billy slept the entire plane ride. He wants to lay Billy down in their bed and cuddle with him, soothe him to sleep and relax for the entire day. Steve can stock up on what they’ll need later, for right now, he wants Billy in his arms, safe and loved and exactly what he deserves.