~**Hawkins, Indiana--1984**~

Steve peered over the candy aisle at the gas station, peering at the back of Juliet's head as he cautiously moved through the store. The cashier just stared at him incredulously. Even some of the customers stared. Juliet felt the hairs on her neck bristle, and she peered around curiously, raising a brow as the cashier quickly adverted his gaze.

Juliet slowly peered back at the small selection of Twizzlers on the shelf before someone grasped her waist tightly. Without uttering a sound, Juliet whirled around, grasped her assailant by the arms and swung her knee upwards, catching Steve in the groin.

"Dammit, Steve!" Juliet snapped as he hunched over, cupping himself tenderly, coughing and groaning. "You can't just sneak up on people! What the hell is your problem?!"

Steve just groaned, willing his eyes to uncross from the pain radiating up his body. Juliet shook her head and snatched a pack of Twizzlers off of the shelf and stomped past Steve. "You're just gonna leave me?" Steve groaned, stumbling to catch up to Juliet. His cheeks were flushed, and tears were brimming his eyes.

"Yeah, I only came here for candy." Juliet retorted irritably as she handed the cashier some change. "You're the freak who tried to sneak up on me."

Steve rubbed at his belly to try and massage the nausea away. "Just tryin' to tell you Happy Birthday," Steve murmured. "Y'know, with a surprise."

Juliet rolled her eyes and stormed out of the gas station while she ripped open her pack of Twizzlers. "Yeah, my birthday is in four days, shithead." She reminded him. "You're a couple days too early."

Steve just groaned and leaned against the bed of her truck. "Figured Jonathan lied."

Juliet gave a loud laugh. "What'd you expect? Now that King Steve is being nice, everyone's gearin' up to mess with your ass." Steve leaned back up, hands propping on his hips as he took in a deep breath. "Feel better?" Juliet asked, chewing on her candy as if she did nothing wrong. Which was completely true.

"Yeah, I'm good-- totally my fault. Should've known you'd retort with violence." Steve retorted, waving his hand in response.

"You act like all I do is kick the shit out of people." Juliet commented.

Steve stared at her blankly. "You beat up a guy at the grocery store for telling Dustin he looked freaky with his teeth just now growing in." Steve retorted casually.

"Okay, but he deserved it." Juliet retorted.

"Then there was Randy for asking you to hurry up in gym cause he wanted on the weights--"

"Again, deserved."

"Then there was Tommy--"

"It's Tommy." Juliet shrugged.

Steve stared at her again before shrugging. "Okay, yeah, good point. But my point is that you usually resort to violence." Steve explained.

Juliet rolled her eyes, face crawling with heat. "Whatever. Most people deserve it for being shitheads." Juliet hummed. "So what, were you looking for snacks or something for Nancy?" Juliet asked, shifting the conversation.

"Nance and I are having movie night, so yeah, mostly. But then I saw an opportunity to scare the crap out of you, then paid for it." Steve mentioned, grimace returning.

Juliet snorted. "I'm sure Nancy will forgive your stupidity." Juliet mentioned impishly. "I'm gonna get out of here, go get your snacks while the embarrassing scene of you cupping your groin is momentarily forgotten."

Steve glanced back at the gas station, eyes peering at the cashier still smiling to himself. "I think I'll go to the grocery store instead." Steve murmured.

Juliet smirked broadly. "Have fun with that. See you, Harrington." Juliet chirped as she swung into the driver's seat of her car. Steve leaned against his car, staring after her with a smile. He popped the car door open before peering back at the gas station-- the cashier was now laughing with a coworker and cupping his groin, over playing how Steve had acted. He grumbled in embarrassment before slipping into his car and driving off.

~*****~

Dustin peered up at Juliet pleadingly. "No, Dustin--" She snapped for the fifth time.

"Please! I'll pay you back!" Dustin cried.

"With what money? You don't have a job!" Juliet exclaimed. "I need this cash for gas!"

"It's just five dollars, please, if I don't have quarters, I won't be able to play games at the arcade!" Dustin cried dramatically.

"And I said--"

"I'll do your chores for a week!" Dustin exclaimed loudly.

Juliet pursed her lips, angling her head upwards as she stared down at Dustin. "Seven measly days for five bucks?" Juliet asked haughtily. "I'll make it fifty cents a day. Ten days of doing my chores, Dust. No more, no less." Juliet offered.

Dustin peered at her for a long time, chewing his lip. "Son of a bitch--" Dustin sighed. "Fine, deal." He spat in his hand and stuck it out.

"Ew, gross, I'm not doing a spit swear!" Juliet exclaimed in offence.

"Then the deals off!" Dustin retorted.

Juliet grimaced and quickly shook his hand, gagging loudly at the spit smearing on her palm. She wiped it over his shoulder and grasped her wallet to tug out five dollars. "I don't want you pestering me for any more money. Make it last." Juliet snapped as Dustin snatched it and ran.

"Thanks, Julie! Love you!" Dustin cried.

"Yeah, yeah, love you too, kiddo," Juliet rolled her eyes as she sat back on her bed, kicking her legs up on the soft comforter.

Dustin raced back in. "Can you give me a ride?"

Juliet gave a loud groan and tipped her head back again, cursing. "Language, sweetheart!" Mrs. Henderson chirped.

Juliet heaved a dramatic sigh.

~*****~

The next morning, Juliet was feeling energized. Today felt like a good day. Her truck started without any cursing, her coffee didn't burn her tongue, and Dustin didn't even complain about her driving when she dropped him off. Juliet dragged her bag from her truck and stretched upwards, sighing as a sense of peace washed over her.

Until a loud rumble echoed through the air, that is. A sense of unease burned at her neck but couldn't pinpoint as to why. Juliet's gaze drew to the new, fancy looking car pulling into the parking lot. Before it even slowed to a stop, a young girl around Dustin's age with flaming red hair hopped out and stormed away from the car.

Juliet's brows quirked as the driver stepped out, looking just as gorgeous as the car. She couldn't help but stare, eyes trailing up his body appreciatively. She could only assume it was a new student, because they certainly didn't make guys like him in Hawkins. He caught Juliet's eye and offered her a smirk, brilliant blue eyes raking up her figure before sending her a wink.

Juliet didn't like a lot of people. Nor did she do crushes. But damn, this guy was hot. Her eyes trailed after him, eyes unwillingly gliding down his back before they settled on his ass-- which looked absolutely stunning in those jeans. Juliet slapped at her face to stop herself from staring before trailing into the school as the day began to feel like one of those days where she was going to lose her temper.

Later that day, as she shoves her books into her locker to leave, she feels someone staring at her from behind. The hairs on her neck bristle before she whirls around, eyes blazing. She chokes on her breath silently as the new kid from earlier just smirks down at her. "Bad day?" He asks impishly, peering down at her, eyes trailing to the exposed skin of her midriff to the soft curve of her waistline.

"Trust me, if it was a bad day, I'd have torn you a new one," Juliet retorted almost meekly. "You're new, right?"

He smiled, and Juliet had to stifle a gag at the overwhelming smell of nicotine on his breath. She guessed things were too good to be true. "Name's Billy. What's yours, gorgeous?"

Juliet pursed her lips together tightly. "Juliet Henderson. You know, if you value your social life, you probably shouldn't talk to me. I've got a bit of a temper, and you don't want to associate with that."

Billy just smirked down at her. "I don't know. I like 'em feisty." Billy hummed, eyes still trained on the curve of her waist.

Against her best efforts, Juliet's face began to flush, her eyes fluttering lightly before she angled them away. "I have to go." Juliet quickly said, meek smile pulling at her lips as she trailed away from her locker. Billy just stared after her, eyes raking over her generous hips and legs, vaguely wondering if she sounded as pretty as she looked.

Steve and Nancy stood by Steve's car as they spoke to one another, their gazes lifting as they spot Juliet stalking out of the building. Steve stopped from calling out to her, eyes taking in how different she looked. He'd seen her earlier in class, but her eyes were cold and annoyed like usual. Now, they looked warm. The type of warmth he noticed in girls when they were flirting. Not to mention the flush covering her neck and cheeks, she looked flustered. Nancy stared up at Steve before turning her gaze back to Juliet, brows furrowing in confusion. "You good?" Nancy asked Steve.

"Y-Yeah--" Steve retorted. "Julie looks a little strange today."

Nancy peered back at Juliet as the girl fumbled with her keys. "Maybe she's having a bad day. Or she's got a crush on someone."

The thought made Steve's stomach clench, but he stuffed it down. "A boyfriend might make her relax," Steve hummed in thought. Nancy smiled at his comment.

"I don't know. I think I like the angry outbursts." Nancy mentioned. She trailed away from Steve when Juliet dropped her keys once again. "Hey, Julie," Nancy called out, beaming at the annoyed looking girl. Nancy took in her appearance and understood why Steve had been staring. She did look nervous. "You wanna come to Tina's party with us?"

Juliet scrunched up her nose. "That stupid party everyone was talking about?" Juliet asked. "Why would you want me, the explosive person with anger issues, to go to a party where people wanna have fun."

Nancy shrugs. "You might meet someone there," Nancy suggested. Juliet couldn't remember a time where she hesitated on a party invite. It's always been no. But now that she thought about it, she couldn't help but wonder if Billy was going. She swallowed lightly and blew out a soft breath.

"I'll think about it." Juliet murmured softly. Nancy gave an excited squeal before shoving a flyer into her hands. She peered down at it and grimaced. "Come and get sheet faced?" She asked. "That's stupid."

"Just promise you'll seriously think about it." Nancy urged.

Juliet sighed loudly and nodded. She watched as Nancy strode back to Steve's car, where, upon hearing what Juliet and Nancy spoke about, began beaming and rocking his head as if Juliet was the life of the party. Juliet rolled her eyes and hopped into her truck.

~*****~

The next day after Dustin got home, Dustin had told Juliet about someone nearly running him, Mike, and Lucas down on the road. "I don't care, Dustin! We're going driving around and you're gonna point out the bastard so I can kick the shit out him!"

Dustin began pleading. "Please, please, please, don't do this! Mad Max is his sister, and I don't want her thinking I'm a snitch and getting her brother beat up!" Dustin exclaimed.

Juliet scrubbed at her hair angrily. "Just--" Juliet let out a growl. "If it happens again, you let me know. I will make him pay." Dustin nodded eagerly and held out his hands. Juliet rolled her eyes and set a five-dollar bill into them. "This is for drinks only if you get thirsty."

Dustin nodded eagerly and left Juliet to finish her outfit for the party.

Tina's house was lit up and music blared from the inside. There were a few people on the lawn, drunk or high, but when Juliet passed them, they all seemed to make a beeline away from her. She grimaced and headed into the house, anxiously looking for anyone familiar. She heard someone shouting about fuel in the kitchen before sticking near the stairs. Juliet's pulse picked up immediately when she noticed a familiar figure approaching her. "Well, well, Queen of Hawkins graces us with her presence." Billy chirps as he angles his gaze down at her. "Who're you dressed as?"

She peered down at her outfit, suddenly flustered. "Isn't it obvious? Ellen Ripley. Y'know, Sci-Fi badass who kicked the shit out of an alien hell bent on murdering her?" Juliet commented.

Billy snorted. "It's cute. You want a drink?"

Juliet immediately shook her head. "Yeah, no, I'm already uncomfortable enough. Alcohol might make it worse."

"It'll just loosen you up, sweetheart. I'm gettin' all these rumors that you're a total stick in the mud." Billy chirped as he led her to the kitchen.

"I told you I had anger issues." She retorted plainly, sniffing at the cup of punch he offered her. "This smells... disgusting." Shrugging her shoulders, Juliet took a small sip and grimaced harder. "Yeah, that's a no from me."

"It'll start tasting better." Billy reassured her, angling a smirk over her head at the group of boys in the distance chuckling under their breath. Against her better judgement, Juliet started drinking more. She brought up small conversation until the mention of his little sister came into play. "Max is such a pain," He comments when Juliet asks about her.

Even with the slight buzz going through Juliet's body, her head remained clear. "So, you just happen to drive carelessly with your sister around Hawkins?"

"What?" Billy asked, brows furrowed.

She set her cup down and tugged off the bandana around her head. "I mean, you nearly ran three boys over today in that stupidly loud car of yours."

"Yeah, so what, the little shits shouldn't be riding on the road anyway." Billy retorted.

Before Juliet could think otherwise, she cracked her fist against his face, sending him tumbling back and over the couch. "One of the little shits you nearly ran over was my brother, asshole!" She shouted, throwing her empty cup at Billy with a growl.

"What the hell is wrong with you!' Billy shouted at her.

"Oh, I'm the one with the problem?! You're the psychopath trying to run kids down!" Juliet shrieked. "I'm out of here. Take this as a warm welcome from the resident bitch, Hargrove!" Juliet shouted. She lifted up the punch bowl and dumped its contents down Billy's torso. "Drink up, psycho!" Despite the years of anger she put into the students of Hawkins, there was a small cacophony of cheers as she stalked out of the house. Or perhaps it was a cheer that she was leaving.

Just as Juliet stumbled to her truck, head swimming with the alcohol finally kicking in. "Julie, you made it pretty late--" Juliet heard Steve call. She stumbled to the side, brows furrowing in irritation. "You've been here a while, huh?" She grunted in response. She leaned against her truck door and peered lazily at Steve. "Did you drink a lot?"

Juliet shrugged. "Dunno... Forgot how much after I blew up on Hargrove and dumped the entire punch bowl on him." Steve's brows lifted in surprise. "It sucks, you know," Juliet hummed, returning to open her truck door. "He's kinda cute, and his breath stinks of cigarettes, but I totally thought he was cool."

Steve helped her into her truck and urged her to move over. "I'll drive. You just get some rest. I'll come for my car later, okay?" Steve hummed, starting the truck and pulling out onto the road. "So... you liked him."

Juliet grunted again, head leaning against the window. "Got a great ass." She murmured. "And his eyes were pretty... But he tried to run over Dustin and his friends--"

"I'm sorry-- what?" Steve exclaimed loudly.

Juliet chuckled lowly. "I showed him though, huh? Probably ruined the party for everyone else, as expected." Juliet muttered. "What about you? Did you and Nance have a fight? Is that why you're driving me home instead of having fun with her?"

Steve's hands clutched the steering wheel tightly. "She said I was bullshit, that we killed Barb... that... that she didn't love me." Steve murmured.

Juliet lolled her head over to peer at him, squinting. "You're not..." She murmured. Steve peered at her for a moment before turning back to the road. "You're a good friend... I know I don't say it enough, but you're a good friend... Not bullshit." Juliet hummed softly.

Steve chuckled despite the sting of Nancy's confession of not loving him. "Thanks. You're a good friend, too. Despite how many times you've hit me." Juliet chuckled deep in her throat before tumbling towards Steve, snoring loudly as she slept. Steve smiled and rubbed at her shoulder as her head rested against his thigh, slouching against the back of the seat, vaguely wondering if Juliet had fixed her radio to cover up the god-awful snoring escaping from her throat.