The kids took Steve and carefully helped him into his car, their faces marked with concern and exhaustion.

Daphne stood on the doorstep, her gaze lingering on the vehicle as it pulled away. The weight of the night's chaos was evident in her tense posture.

Mike approached her, his face lined with worry. "You're not coming with us?"

Daphne shook her head, her voice subdued. "No, you have Steve to protect you. I need to clear my head and... be there when Billy wakes up. Just– don't get killed, okay?"

Max, from the driver's seat of the car, added, "We're not planning on doing that."

With a final nod, Daphne watched as the car disappeared down the road. She turned back to the house, her heart heavy with the decisions she had to make.

Inside, Billy was starting to regain consciousness. He looked around, his eyes struggling to focus. Daphne approached him cautiously, the pain of the night evident in her expression.

Billy groaned, sitting up and wincing from the ache in his body. "Daphne... what happened?"

Daphne took a deep breath, trying to steady her voice. "You don't remember? You came here looking for Max, you attacked Steve, and you were... out of control."

Billy's face grew pained. "I... I was trying to find Max. My father— He's been after me. He said if I didn't find her, he'd... he'd kill me."

Daphne's eyes widened with understanding. "So you were trying to protect her? Even if it meant hurting others?"

Billy nodded, his gaze pleading. "Yeah. I didn't have a choice. Neil's dangerous. He's not going to stop until he gets what he wants, and he would have taken me out if I failed."

Daphne sighed, her anger mixing with a surge of empathy. "Billy, you can't just come into our lives like this. You hurt Steve and scared everyone. I don't know how to just overlook that."

Billy looked down, his voice tinged with regret. "I know. I'm sorry. I was desperate. I thought if I could get Max back, I could make things right. I didn't mean to hurt anyone."

Daphne's voice softened, though still tinged with frustration. "But you can't keep doing this. There's more at stake here than just your problems. I have to deal with everything that's happening with my brother, not just your family issues."

Billy's eyes locked with hers, desperation evident. "Daphne, please. I'm trying to make things right. I need you with me. You make me a better person."

Daphne hesitated, her thoughts racing. "I don't know if I can just forgive everything that happened tonight. There's so much going on. I need to think about what's best not just for me... For everyone."

Billy reached out, his voice earnest. "I'm not asking you to forget. I'm asking you to stay with me. We can face everything together, but I need your help. I need you to stand by my side, to protect Max and everyone else."

Daphne took a deep breath, feeling the weight of the situation pressing on her. She looked at Billy, seeing the fear and determination in his eyes.

"Alright," she finally said, her voice steadying. "I'll help you. I'll be here. But you need to promise me, no more hurting people, no more mistakes."

Billy's face softened with a mixture of relief and gratitude. "I promise, Daphne. We'll do this together. We'll fight back against whatever comes our way."

Daphne nodded, her resolve firming. "Okay. We'll get through this. But remember, it has to be done right. We fight together, and we make sure no more harm comes to those we care about."

Billy nodded, and the two of them stood there, an uneasy alliance forming between them. The house was quiet again, but the storm outside was still brewing.

Daphne and Billy both knew that the coming days would test them in ways they could hardly imagine. For now, they had each other, and that would have to be enough as they faced the uncertain road ahead.

**********

A few days had passed since the chaos that had engulfed Hawkins. The tension that had once gripped the town was slowly dissipating.

Steve and the kids had managed to distract the demodogs and destroy the vines, while Joyce, Nancy, and Jonathan had successfully expelled the Mind Flayer from Will.

Eleven had sealed the gate once and for all, and the lab had packed up and left Hawkins for good. The town was beginning to heal.

Daphne and Billy were taking a well-deserved break, enjoying a quiet lunch at a small café. The weight of recent events was lifting, and they found comfort in each other's company.

Daphne was still grappling with the guilt of not revealing the full truth to Billy about the horrors they had faced, but she knew it was for his own safety.

"So, how's everything at home?" Daphne asked, taking a sip of her coffee.

Billy leaned back, his expression thoughtful. "Things are pretty much the same, but a little better. My dad's been laying low, which is a relief. Speaking of which, I need a favor from you."

Daphne raised an eyebrow. "Really? Spill it."

Billy's tone was slightly hesitant. "Susan's having a meltdown over Max's Snowball outfit and hairstyle. She's freaking out about trends and stuff. You're pretty much the trendsetter around here, so I was wondering if you could help her out."

Daphne smiled warmly. "For Max? Absolutely, I'd be happy to."

Billy chuckled. "Thanks, princess. I appreciate it."

Daphne leaned in, her tone playful. "Hold on, I'm not done. What's in it for me?"

Billy's eyes twinkled with mischief. "Well, after I drop Max off at the Snowball, Susan and my dad will be gone for the evening. That leaves the house empty. How about you come over?"

Daphne said sarcastically, a smirk on her lips. "Hmm, I don't know, Hargrove. I might need to think about it."

Billy laughed, shaking his head. "Gosh, don't ever change, Byers. I love your attitude."

Daphne grinned. "I know, I do too!"

They both laughed, the tension from earlier melting away. The conversation flowed easily, and for a while, it felt like they were simply two people enjoying a nice lunch.

Billy's gaze softened. "You know, it's kind of nice to sit here and talk about normal stuff. I think I've never done this."

Daphne nodded, her expression thoughtful. "Yeah, also it's strange to think about how much has changed in such a short time. But right now, this feels like a little piece of normalcy."

Billy reached across the table and took her hand. "I'm really glad we can have moments like this. After everything, it's nice to just relax and enjoy being together."

Daphne squeezed his hand, her voice sincere. "Me too. These are really the best moments."

Billy looked around, as if taking in the calm atmosphere. "You know, we've been through a lot, but I think we've come out stronger. At least, I know I have. And it's only thanks to you."

Daphne's eyes met his, filled with warmth. "It was my pleasure, you know one day we should do a dinner with your father, to make it official. It would be the perfect way to end your growth journey." She finished with a small laughter.

Billy's smile was soft and genuine. "Yeah, we'll try. So, about that reward... You were kidding right? You don't have to think about it-"

Daphne's playful smirk returned. "Yeah, Hargrove, it's called sarcasm. Of course I'm in."

Billy leaned in, his voice low and earnest. "I think we've earned a quiet evening, don't you agree?"

Daphne's smile grew. "Yes, it sounds just perfect to me. I'll definitely take you up on that."

As they continued their lunch, the conversation shifted to lighter topics, filled with laughter and shared memories.

For the first time in a long while, the weight of their experiences felt a little lighter, and the promise of a new beginning seemed within reach.

———————
maya's corner
heyy guys! i had a bit of time of freedom so i decided to update. i hope you're liking the story so far, let me know anything in the comments and like the chapters, don't be silent readers!! that said, we're almost finished with season 2 and as soon as i have time to rewatch the third season i'll keep updating. stay tuned! love y'all.