“You’re bleeding,” Is the first thing you say when Billy ushers you out of the house and into his car. His hands are shaking, eyes watering and breathing sounding laboured.

“It’s nothing, shitbird. Get in the car,” He tells you, but it comes out with less bite than you know he intends.

You stare at him for a few moments as you climb into the passenger seat, sighing softly. “Was… Was it Neil?” You ask quietly. You don’t call him dad. You can’t even remember the last time either of you did.

“I said it’s nothing alright?!” Billy explodes suddenly, hand coming down to slam onto the dash of the Camaro. You flinch, but you’re also used to him lashing out.

“Why? You haven’t- we’ve been home all day. What was his reason?” You ignore his outburst and continue to question on.

Billy growls, sneering as he speeds off through the streets of Hawkins. “Because that little shit snuck out. And you know what Neil’s like. Respect and responsibility, right? Like it’s my fault Max-“ His voice breaks, betraying how affected he really is by his dad’s actions. “Whatever. We need to find Maxine and get the hell home. You hang out with Harrington and Wheeler, yeah? Know where she is?”

Your heart aches for your brother. He’s an asshole, sure. But you know what Neil has done to him. The suffering he’s endured for years and the pain he experiences day in day out.