The night air was cool against Daphne's flushed cheeks as she stood on the street, watching Steve's car disappear into the darkness. Her legs felt like jelly, and her head was pounding with the unmistakable throb of too much alcohol.

She swayed slightly, trying to gather her thoughts, but everything was a blur. Just as she thought she might collapse, she felt a steadying hand on her shoulder.

"Daph, you're not drinking anymore tonight, is that clear?" Tina's voice cut through the fog in Daphne's mind, stern but laced with concern. "Apparently you can't handle that much alcohol, you have never been drunk like this before."

Daphne blinked at her, trying to focus. "Did you... did you find him?"

Tina sighed, nodding. "Yeah, I found him. Let's get you out of here."

Daphne's voice slurred as she stubbornly muttered, "I want him."

Tina rolled her eyes but kept her arm around Daphne, guiding her back toward the house. "Yeah, yeah, I know. Just follow me, okay?"

They made their way back inside, the noise and heat of the party enveloping them once more. Tina led Daphne upstairs, where Billy was leaning casually against the doorway, a cigarette dangling from his lips. His eyes flicked to Daphne as they approached, a smirk playing on his lips.

"Hey, Billy," Tina called, trying to keep her voice steady despite her irritation at the situation. "Can you help me? She can't drive—she's too drunk. Can you bring her home?"

Billy chuckled, taking the cigarette from his mouth and flicking it to the side. "Sure, just help me get her in the car."

Daphne looked up at him through bleary eyes, her lips curling into a dreamy smile. "You're so hot... did anybody tell you that?"

Billy's smirk widened as he chuckled softly. "Yes, princess, all the time. Now let's get you home, okay?"

"But I want to stay here!" Daphne protested, her words barely coherent as she tried to cling to the party atmosphere.

Tina shook her head firmly. "Daph, go home, please. I don't want you to feel sick, okay?"

Daphne pouted, but eventually, she relented. "Fine..."

With Tina's help, Billy got Daphne into his Camaro. She slumped into the passenger seat, her head resting against the cool window as the car roared to life.

Tina waved goodbye from the porch, a look of relief on her face as she watched them drive away.

The night was quiet, the only sound they could hear was the hum of the engine and the occasional sigh from Daphne as she fought to keep her eyes open. Billy glanced over at her, amusement dancing in his eyes.

"So, why'd you want me so badly tonight, huh?" he asked, his tone teasing but with a hint of curiosity.

Daphne turned her head slowly to look at him, her eyelids heavy but her gaze intense. "Because... because you're the first guy who's ever really challenged me. Everyone else just... lets me lead, they don't... they don't push back, you know?"

Billy raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Yeah? You like a challenge, huh?"

Daphne nodded slowly, her words coming out in a soft, slurred drawl. "Yeah... I do. No one's ever... taken the time to try and conquer me. But you... you didn't just let me have my way. You pushed back, made me... made me feel like I had to work for it. And that... that made me want you more."

Billy's smirk softened slightly, something akin to admiration flickering in his eyes. "So, you're saying you like me 'cause I didn't make it easy?"

"Yeah..." Daphne murmured, her head lolling against the window as she struggled to keep her thoughts straight. "You're not like the others. You're... real. You don't pretend."

Billy was quiet for a moment, processing her words. He wasn't used to people seeing through his tough exterior, especially not in Hawkins. "Maybe you're more perceptive than I gave you credit for," he said finally, his voice softer than usual.

Daphne closed her eyes, feeling the warmth of the car and the steady rhythm of the road lulling her into a state of drowsy contentment. "You're the first guy... who made me feel like I had to prove something... like I had to be better. And I like that. I like that a lot."

Billy glanced over at her, surprised by how candid she was being. He wasn't used to hearing things like this, especially from someone like Daphne, who always seemed so confident and in control. "You're a tough one to crack, huh?" he asked, half-joking but also genuinely curious.

Daphne smiled faintly, her eyes still closed. "Maybe... but you did it."

The rest of the drive was quiet, with Daphne slowly drifting off into a light sleep. When they arrived at the Byers' house, Billy carefully helped Daphne out of the car, trying to be as quiet as possible to avoid waking her family.

Daphne leaned heavily on him, her steps unsteady as they made their way to the front door.

Once inside, the house was dark and silent, the only sound the soft creak of the floorboards beneath their feet. Billy guided Daphne to her room, managing to keep her quiet enough that they didn't disturb anyone.

Billy pushed open the door to Daphne's room, and a rush of vibrant 80s energy hit him immediately. The room was a lively reflection of Daphne's teenage life, decked out in bold colors and eclectic tastes.

Posters covered the walls, featuring iconic figures from the era: Queen's flamboyant Freddie Mercury, Madonna in her prime, Michael Jackson's electrifying moves, Bon Jovi's rock star charisma, and a particularly eye-catching Scorpions poster that seemed to dominate the space with its electric energy.

A large closet stood against one wall, its doors ajar to reveal a treasure trove of trendy clothes: flashy jackets, high-waisted jeans, and colorful accessories.

A small vanity, adorned with an array of makeup products, added a touch of glamour, its mirror haloed by neon lights.

In the middle of the room, a bordeaux guitar leaned casually against a vintage drawer. On top of the drawer, a record player spun a vinyl, its gentle hum filling the room. Next to it, a neatly stacked collection of vinyl records hinted at Daphne's taste in music.

Scattered across the bed were Polaroids capturing moments with friends like Tina and Steve, and family photos, with a conspicuous absence of her father.

Billy's eyes widened as he took in the room's eclectic décor, particularly the Scorpions poster. His excitement was palpable. "Damn, princess, this room is amazing. You've got the Scorpions poster right there. I didn't think anyone else was into them as much as I am."

Daphne, lying on her bed and trying to steady herself, grinned at his enthusiasm. "Yeah, I'm a huge fan. I guess you could say I have a thing for the classics."

Billy walked further into the room, his eyes still fixed on the Scorpions poster. "You've got great taste. I've got to admit, this is pretty impressive. Most people don't go all out like this."

Daphne chuckled, swaying slightly as she propped herself up on one elbow. "I guess I just like to surround myself with things I love. It makes everything feel more... me."

Billy's gaze swept over the room, lingering on the vintage guitar and the vinyl collection. "You've got a killer setup here. I could definitely get used to this."

She laughed, her eyes twinkling mischievously. "Well, you might have to. There's more where that came from. But first, how about you help me get settled and maybe put on one of those records?"

Billy leaned against the doorframe with a grin. "Deal. But only if you promise to play me your favorite tracks. I've got a feeling your taste in music is as awesome as your room."

Daphne winked at him, her mood lightened by his genuine excitement. "Sounds like a plan. Just wait until you see what else I've got hidden in here."

As Billy moved further into the room, Daphne murmured, pleading him. "Stay with me tonight... please?"

Billy hesitated, a flicker of uncertainty crossing his face. But then he nodded, surprising even himself. "Alright. I'll stay."

Daphne smiled weakly, relieved. She collapsed onto her bed, and Billy followed, sitting on the edge as she curled up under the covers.

For a moment, he just sat there, unsure of what to do. But then Daphne reached out, grabbing his hand and pulling him closer.

"Just... lay down," she murmured, her voice drowsy. "I don't wanna be alone."

Billy sighed, but he complied, lying down next to her. Daphne snuggled up against him, her head resting on his chest. It was strange for Billy, being in bed with a girl and not doing anything more than just... lying there. But somehow, it felt right.

As the night wore on, Billy found himself relaxing, the warmth of Daphne beside him lulling him into a state of calm he wasn't used to. He stared up at the ceiling, his mind wandering as he listened to the soft sound of her breathing.

He could feel the steady rise and fall of her chest against his side, and for the first time in a long while, he felt something other than anger or frustration. He felt peaceful.

Daphne's hand tightened slightly on his shirt, and she mumbled something incoherent in her sleep. Billy glanced down at her, a small smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. "You're something else, you know that?" he whispered, knowing she couldn't hear him.

He stayed there, holding her close, as the night passed. For the first time, Billy Hargrove was happy that he wasn't doing anything, he felt different around that girl and that drove him crazy.

And, as sleep finally claimed him, he realized that maybe, just maybe, there was more to him than the tough, bad-boy persona he projected to the world.