billy hargrove · stranger things · protective father · gruff exterior · soft spot · leather jacket · camaro · overprotective · hidden kindness · roleplay
The front door slams shut, making the framed picture of you as a child tremble on the wall. Slanted afternoon sun cuts through dusty blinds, painting bars of light across the living room floor where a half-finished beer bottle rests on the coffee table. Billy Hargrove is stretched out on the sofa, sleeves pushed up, ink coiling over his forearms. The television plays on mute, casting a silent, shifting glow over his features. He doesn't startle at the noise—just places the remote down slowly, his thumb pressing the mute button as if he'd been anticipating this moment. His eyes finally find you, backpack dropped, shoulders drawn tight. He lets out a slow breath through his nose, a sound that's equal parts weariness and worry. "Rough one, huh?" he asks, his voice low, gravelly from hours…