#gingerverse ask

[pink-pone]

Hey mom gives u a banan og

“Oh why thank you son-I’ve-never-met-before, I know just what to make with this!!”

“Banana milk!! Drink up son, you’ll need the strength in the coming days…”

[e-dubbc11]

Birthday Boy

Photos are not mine. They are courtesy of Pinterest/Google.

Pairing: Billy Russo x F! Reader

Warnings: A couple of swear words and fluff

Word Count: 1.8k-ish

Summary: It’s Billy’s birthday, after a day of paintball, you have a couple of surprises at home for him and you’re hoping he’ll snap out of the bad mood he’s in

A/N: Part of the Gingerverse. Frank and Ginger are in this but only a little bit, I hope you’re not too disappointed, I know some of you guys really love those two(I do too.) But I wrote this in honor of my love Ben Barnes’s birthday coming up on the 20th. I wrote it kinda fast so I’m sorry if it sucks or if there are any mistakes. I hope you like it!

As always, thank you for reading!  I appreciate it so much and comments, reblogs are welcome and encouraged. Don’t be shy to tell me your favorite part. 💕💕 💕

Just like laser tag, it was Ginger’s idea to have a day of paintball. You had been trying to think of something to do for Billy’s birthday anyway and thought he’d probably have fun with paintball and he did have fun until he didn’t.

And again, just like laser tag, you thought it would be better if Billy and Frank were on opposite teams. At Frank’s request, more like demand, he had to be on the opposite team as Ginger too.

Watching them try and work together during laser tag was painful because they fought like cats and dogs but all in good fun, and it was very amusing to watch. Still, Frank couldn’t have Ginger on his team this time, he said it may cause him to “pop a blood vessel.”

Frank got Billy and he got him good, right in the side of his neck. He’ll definitely have a bruise there in a couple days.

The silence was deafening in the car on the ride home while the ride up was so lively and upbeat. There was no music, no stopping for a coffee, and no talking. You could tell he was furious. You’ve been with Billy long enough now to know it was best to just leave him alone for a bit BEFORE telling him he was being a big baby.

The taunting Frank did after he shot him was what probably pissed Billy off the most, although he would have done the same thing if the roles were reversed. Frank’s team captured your flag first, game over, your team lost, and you were left to listen to the others gloat about their victory.

Billy always played to win, only this time he didn’t, and he felt like he let the whole team down even though it was just a game.

Even the elevator ride back up to the penthouse was silent, the only noises were the hisses and whirs from the friction of the guide rails. The modest squeaking of the cables and pulleys that you don’t normally hear because you’re usually talking or laughing with him, were quite loud when everything inside the elevator car was hushed.

Once inside, he dropped his bag and headed right for the shower but didn’t ask you to join him like he usually does. If you didn’t know before, you knew now that he’s REALLY mad about it.

It was supposed to be a friendly game of paintball for your husband’s birthday but there was nothing friendly about any of this. You were all competitive in your own way, Ginger took the loss pretty hard too and she was already planning a rematch. She really was the most competitive person you’ve ever met but Billy was a close second.

He had been so excited earlier when you told him that’s what you were all doing for his birthday, a scout sniper’s dream game, but the lot of you were sullen and quiet when the game was over even though you tried to be upbeat, saying it was all about having fun.

“UH, and WINNING y/n!!!” Ginger bellowed. “It’s about WINNING!!”

You weren’t sure you ever heard him yell “FUCK!!” as loud as he did when that green ball of paint exploded against his jugular. Billy called Frank every name in the book as Frank’s laughter and taunts echoed from behind the rustling trees.

“That’s gonna leave a mark, huh Bill?!!” Frank shouted in between hearty bouts of laughter.

Ginger groaned. “Dammit Frank!! Billy was our best shooter!!!”

“Not anymore!!!!” Frank yelled. “Bill the Beaut, you’re DONE!!!”

Billy was in the shower for a long time which gave you time to sneak down to your neighbor’s apartment one floor down to get the birthday cake you made for him.

Billy had a nose like a bloodhound when it came to sugar so you had to hide it somewhere where he wouldn’t find it and you burned probably every scented candle you owned to try and mask the scent of cake when he came home from work that day.

Meticulously, you cleaned every square inch of the kitchen to make sure all of the evidence of your cake baking and decorating adventure was gone so he would remain clueless because it really was difficult to surprise him. You hid his gifts under the kitchen sink behind all of the cleaning products, knowing full well he wouldn’t look back there.

Billy still wasn’t really used to receiving presents, he had never really had anything when he was a kid living at the group home so to watch him open presents with pure excitement in his eyes and a childlike smile on his face was better than any gift you could ever receive.

Gently, you closed the door behind you and listened carefully to see if the water was still running. Thankfully it was, so you could prepare his gifts and the cake.

You were very satisfied with the cake you made for him, it was round and it looked like a button down dress shirt, complete with a collar, and a black tie cascading off of the top. It took a long time and a lot of hard work to get it exactly how you wanted it but in the end it all came together and you really hoped Billy was going to like it.

In addition to the cake, you bought him a couple of gifts. The first one was a bottle of the bourbon you know he really loves and just ran out of not too long ago and the other was a new watch, the band was made from a whiskey barrel.

You heard the water turn off. He would be out soon and if you were to guess, he would ALMOST be ready to apologize for being salty and a sore loser. Dimming the lights, you lit the single birthday candle in the middle of the cake. It glowed bright yellow with flickering blue at its edges.

“Baby? You out there?” He called out from the bedroom, his voice becoming louder as he got closer to the edge of where the bedroom ended and the living room began. He was wearing a white t-shirt and sweatpants. “Sweet girl, listen I’m really sor—“ He started to say but stopped when you began to sing very softly.

Happy Birthday…to you

Happy Birthday to you

Happy Birthday, Mr. Russo

Happy Birthday…tooooo…youuuuuu.

The smile on his face stretched from ear to ear like a Cheshire cat as he lovingly watched you walk out of the kitchen holding the cake in the soft glowing light from overhead, the one bright spot being the lone candle in the middle of the cake, illuminating the smile on your face.

“Sit down on the couch, handsome. This is all yours…and so is this cake.” You giggled.

He couldn’t help but crack a smile. “You’re such a goofball, baby.”

“Ah, but I’m YOUR goofball.” You said with a warm smile behind the candle.

He smiled and licked his bottom lip. “Yes you are, my love. Yes, you are.”

“Make a wish, baby.” You said.

Billy gazed at you from behind the candle as he blew out the flame. He had an apologetic look to his beautiful brown eyes and in return, you showed him the forgiving look to yours. You had been waiting for him to reveal the silent apology that he would eventually vocalize later when he felt ready enough.

“Happy Birthday, Billy.” You said, as you gently pressed your lips to his. “I got you these too!”

Excitedly, you handed him the gift bag.

“What did you do, y/n?” He genuinely sounded surprised that you handed him a gift to open.

Discarding the tissue paper on the floor, he pulled out the bottle of bourbon first. The tension in his shoulders eased and he looked more relaxed as he gazed fondly at you and then looked closely at the bottle.

“Sweet girl, this is…you didn’t have to do this.” He shook his head in astonishment.

Billy had a hard time finding the words to say but before he could say any more, you said “Oh there’s something else in there too!”

He reached in, pulled out the small wooden box, and opened it.

“Do you like it? The band is made from a whiskey barrel.” You stated.

Billy looked at the watch and the bourbon, then looked at you with a warm smile. He pinched your chin between his forefinger and thumb and kissed you, while he moved his hand from your chin to your throat, wrapping his long slender fingers around your neck like a necklace.

His lips pressed harder against your mouth causing you to let out a faint moan and you tangled your hands in his tousled hair which was still a little damp from the shower. His tongue twisted with yours as his lips traced down the side of your neck before landing on that special spot you love so much.

“I take it, that’s a yes?” You asked sarcastically.

Billy flicked his gaze back up to meet yours. “Of course, it’s a yes. But I really don’t deserve it after the way I acted earlier, I’m sorry baby.”

“You did act like a big baby, ya know. You would have gloated the exact same way if you were the one to shoot Frank.” You said sternly.

“I know.” He said, scratching gently at his beard.

“I don’t wanna have to put you guys in time out…Ginger too!”

The two of you started laughing, he pulled you into his chest and leaned back against the couch, kissing the top of your head.

“Ok, ok we’ll do better next time, I promise.” He said. “So you made that cake just for me? It’s impressive!”

“Well, I’ll say it wasn’t easy and I wanted it to be a surprise so Jane let me keep it in her apartment for a day.” You said.

You could tell he had narrowed his eyes and when you looked up at him, he was pointing his finger in the air.

“Wait. Is that why you had every candle known to man burning in here the other day when I got home?” He asked.

With a sly smile on your face, you replied “Maybe…”

“This is amazing baby, I almost don’t wanna cut into it.” He said.

Brushing your knuckles against his beard, you lifted your head off of his chest and said. “It’s double chocolate on the insiiiiiiiiide.”

Bolting up off of the couch, he said “I’ll get the knife…and some ice for my neck.” He turned back around to face you and said with a warm smile. “Thank you sweet girl…for everything. I love you.”

“Happy birthday, Mr. Russo and I love you too.”

Tag List: @mindidjarin @saintmurd0ck @wheresthesunshinesblog @rafaelakelley @idaoftheburningmind @snowkestrel @xdervyxccgh @mattmurdocksscars @fakehappy27 @music-indie-tv @fictional-hooman @kayhi808 @munsonownsmyass @gijos @celestialams @idek-what-to-put @anastasianeedstoread @ratsys @k-marzolf @nutmeg17 @rosaleenablack @vaguekayla @qu1etwolf @danzer8705

Others that might enjoy: @itwasthereaminuteago @fluffyprettykitty @jvanilly @simple-lovebot @russosafehaven @mrsbillyrusso @imagine-a-fictional-boyfriend

If you’d like to be added (or removed from) my tag list(s) for the ever so handsome Billy Russo, just let me know and thank you again for reading! 💕💕💕 If I tagged you but you didn’t want to be, just let me know and I’ll never do it again.

[elizabethrobertajones]

The Gingerverse

(Author’s note: i am *extremely* feverish this week)

The TV in the newly decorated and recently vacated “Dean Cave” rumbled ominously, and with a great shudder spat out Sam, Dean and, finally with a heavy thump, Cas. He sat up in a pile of trenchcoat and grumpy eyebrows, to find Dean staring at him.

Dean’s eyes went from Cas’s face, to his hair, then back to his face, then, once more, inexorably back up to his hair.

Cas had never felt self-conscious in his life until that moment.

“We’re not cartoons anymore,” he said, carefully, wondering what would come of this strange expression that Dean was pointing at him.

“Thank god for that,” Sam said. “I was getting tired of running back and forth making zooming noises.” He waved his arm around experimentally, and with a final puff of purple magic, it made a wobbling noise that faded out like damp whine as the spell broke.

“Cas,” Dean said, slowly. He stopped, though his expression still waved uncertainly like he was on the verge of speaking.

“Yes?” Cas asked.

“Uh… I wasn’t gonna say anything. I thought it was… a… an animation error…”

Cas looked down at his tie, no longer striped, back to normal. “Yes, there were some odd inconsistencies, although your cheekbones were -” He stopped himself from talking.

“No, your hair.”

Sam, who was already heading out the door, no longer interested in their cursed television but in finding the books to research how to stop it ever doing that again with the clues they’d picked up in Scooby Doo, paused and looked back at Dean.

“Are you okay?” he asked. He glanced at Cas, who rolled his eyes in Dean’s general direction, indicating that Dean was being ridiculous. Sam shrugged, and left the room.

Dean finally managed to stop wordlessly dithering on the subject. “Have you always been ginger?”

Cas stared at Dean in disbelief.

“My vessel, Jimmy McShane, was ginger…”

“Wa-wait, what? McShane? No, you -”

“I what?”

“He wasn’t called McShane - I mean… Claire… You…”

“I assure you, both Claire and Jimmy have always been called McShane.” Cas opened his phone and scrolled to a picture of himself with his vessel’s daughter, a sulky ginger version of Claire, scowingly freckled-y at Dean from the phone with such a familiar expression despite the genetic differences.

“C-Claire Novak,” Dean said. “She’s blonde. Huge, poofy blonde...” He gestures a waterfall of hair, the same shape as the unruly curls on Cas’s phone screen, but oh so different in his mind’s eye.

“I’ve known her several years, and she has always been red-haired,” Cas said. “As have I.”

Dean ran a hand over his face. “Oh, no, this is too freaky. I can’t even look at you… God, I’m in the wrong universe somehow…”

Cas squinted at him, almost hilariously ready to believe Dean and take him at his word. “What do you think happened?” he asked earnestly.

“I don’t know! Maybe the TV spat me back out into the wrong universe? How does inter-TV-dimensional-cartoon travel happen?”

“Do you require a diagram? It would take some time to explain, but -”

“No, no… it’s, uh, good… Well you still act like my Cas, that’s reassuring.” Dean peered side-eyed at him, as he couldn’t quite bear to face Cas directly. He looked so much like Cas though - same face, same bulky coat and lopsided tie… Same expression directed at him. Carrot top.

Cas ran a hand through his hair, and it bounced back to its usual mussed up shape. Glancing in the dark screen of the now ominously silent television, his reflection looked the same as it always had to his own eyes, though he would give Dean credit for knowing something was wrong.

“Your Cas,” he said carefully. Wondering what this Dean from another dimension might feel for ‘his’ Cas.

“Yeah, the one with the, you know… normal hair.”

“Red hair is perfectly normal, especially for people of Irish heritage,” Cas replied, still baffled about why this was an issue.

“Buddy, I have no idea who ‘Jimmy McShane’ is. Trust me, there’s some real wires crossed, and I need to get back to the tall dark and handsome Cas I know.”

Dean blanched after saying that, seemingly horrified to have admitted this to another version of Cas, so Cas smiled nervously and hoped he was reassuring when he said, “Let’s go tell Sam and we’ll see about getting you home.”

Dean nodded, still gulping wordlessly, and Cas gestured the door.

On the way out, Dean looked once more around his seemingly normal room, just as he had left it - or maybe not. Almost all was as he had left it - Margiekugle sign on the wall, the same lights in his kegger chandeliers… But his lovingly placed wall art of Point of Know Return had become Acoustica by the Scorpions. He raised an eyebrow at gingerverse!Dean, and with an exaggerated shiver, followed who he was forcing himself to think of as Castiel McShane out of the room.

[pink-pone]

Happy 6-year anniversary to you owning your OC, Ginger! ^^🎉

How does it feel?

Thank you!!! 🎉 it feels like just yesterday I came up with her, and yet here we are so many years later!

Without her, none of the other gingerverse cast would be here. I had no intention of ever having an oc/ponysona to begin with. I was content in using Pinkie Pie as my “character” or who I would draw to “represent myself” on this account at first. But then I realized “hey wait, I should make a character to represent myself so that they can interact with my favorite mane six like Pinkie and Twilight!!” and then there you go. She eventually got a family, and a town, and a whole cast of characters to interact with!

She started it all and is at the center of it all. She may not have the most intriguing backstory or major story influence, but she is who she is and I love her for it ^w^

[pink-pone]

ivory reminds me of this meme

you get it

[pink-pone]

I LOVE COMFY COZY!!!!!!! HE IS ME!!!!!! THATS ME!!!!! SAME MOLE!!!!! THATS ME!!!!!!

He heard your ask in his sleep and smiled :) 💕

[pink-pone]

I hope this is okay! I found your blog by chance and fell in love with Nova Stella's design when I saw her, and just...couldn't resist drawing her ;;w;; I don't need anything in return /gen, I just really love drawing colorful horses and I'm a sucker for space themes in general,, I hope I did her justice!

WAAaahhhHHH 💕💕💕💕 this looks so gorgeous and pretty and perfect OMG!!! How nice of you, wowowow, thank you thank you!! ;0;

I’m under the weather rn, so this made my day!!!! You drew her wonderfully 🥺✨

[pink-pone]

@the-howling-wind your comment was way too accurate to pass up. what can I say, I see a shiny new oc and I add it to the pile XD

[pink-pone]

ginger bread,have you ever been out of maple leaf? if not,where would you like to go?

"There are soooo many more places I'd love to go I could probably go on forever!!" - Ginger Bread

(I'm so excited to finally finish this ask, it was so fun to draw and explore some mini lore! My plan is to answer many more asks so if you or your ask blog character want to ask a question to an oc of mine go right on ahead!! ^^ You can find all my ocs here.)

[pink-pone]

Question about Indigo! (and sorry if this is a part of his lore you posted and I missed!)

Does he have a disability like paralysis or hypotonia or does he use a wheelchair/cart/appropriate horse adaptive tool due to him having an alternate form that is better adapted to a different environment and he isn't as skilled at walking with the standard unicorn form?

Either way he looks really cool and I love your art!!!

Aw thank you for the compliment and for asking!! I haven’t touched on this yet (I update my Gingerverse info post at a snail’s pace unfortunately haha) but I’d be happy to answer for ya! Let me preface though that I am not an expert on any disability and I’ll try my best to be accurate where I can. 

Indigo has incomplete paraplegia which means his leg muscles are paralyzed to a certain degree. This is due to an injury to his lower spinal cord. While he can stand on all fours for brief periods of time to do simple things like change wheelchairs, get up from sitting, get in/out of the water when swimming, he very much prefers being in his wheelchair when up and about! (fun fact, his wheelchair and all its parts can be made waterproof due to a cool spell he learned!)

Though he would absolutely love the idea of being some sort of mythical water beast who takes the form of a tiny unicorn for travel haha!

[e-dubbc11]

One More Sleep

Photos are not mine except bottom center, that is me with real life Ginger. All others are courtesy of Pinterest/Google.

Pairing: Billy Russo x F! Reader

Warnings: None really…little angst if you squint, maybe a swear word or two but mostly pure Christmas fluff, all the bunnies and all the unicorns. Alludes to smexy time.

Word Count: 5.7K-ish

Summary: Part of the Gingerverse. You and Billy were married in January and are excited to spend your first Christmas together as a married couple but he takes a job out of town close to Christmas and he may not be back in time to celebrate with you or attend your work ugly sweater Christmas party.

A/N: Title is a song by Leona Lewis off of her album, Christmas with Love. Real life Ginger did pick her Christmas karaoke song and another one that I put together in a Christmas karaoke playlist that I’ll link at the end. Frank and Reader have more interaction with each other in this one. It’s pure fun with a little bit of conflict. I hope you like it and enjoy your holiday season!🎄

As always, thank you for reading!  I appreciate it so much and comments, reblogs are welcome and encouraged. Don’t be shy to tell me your favorite part. 💕💕 💕

“Why can’t someone else go, Billy?” You asked with an elevated tone.

His open garment bag was on the bed, a few crisp suits and ties rested on top as he packed his toiletry bag. You weren’t the only one who was having a hard time with the fact that Billy had a job out of town so close to Christmas, he was too.

He hated disappointing you which is why he was trying very hard not to look at you.

Your arms were folded protectively across your chest as you leaned against the bathroom door frame while he angrily threw things into his bag.

“You think I wanna be away from you, baby?! It was either me or Frankie and I’d rather not take him away from his family this time of year. He was away from them enough when we were deployed.” He said.

His voice was low and angry. You knew he didn’t want to leave you but he had no choice, it was a big opportunity for the company and the team to travel to D.C. for a job. He just didn’t know exactly how long it was going to take.

This was supposed to be your first Christmas together since you got married back in January so when he told you about this job, you were very happy for him and the company but also sad that he might not be home for Christmas.

“I know, Billy. I just wanted to spend my first Christmas as a married woman with my husband.” You said, relaxing your shoulders and dropping your arms away from your chest.

Billy looked up from the bathroom counter and into the mirror to look at your reflection. He smiled that perfect smile at you, the one he always gave you when he didn’t want you to be mad at him anymore.

It was hard to stay mad at him when he flashed that smile at you but you weren’t really mad, just a little sad and disappointed.

He turned around and held his arms outstretched, he wanted to hold you.

“Come here, sweet girl.” He said softly.

Billy pulled you into his chest and kissed the top of your head. You snaked your arms around his torso and you could hear his heart beating against your ear. The tension in your shoulders eased as you closed your eyes and felt the warmth radiating off of his body; he always managed to make you feel better.

“Well, if I’m not home in time, that just means you get to spend Christmas Day with Ginger.” He said. “So it’s not all bad but I will try my hardest to get home in time.”

You could feel him smile against the top of your head.

“No, it’s not all bad. But if you’re not back in time, you’re gonna miss my ugly Christmas sweater party at work too.” You said in a disappointed tone.

Billy tilted your chin up so you were looking into his rich brown eyes, they looked like two endless pools of black ink and you never failed to get lost in them. He leaned forward and gently pressed his lips to yours. You could taste the fresh peppermint on his lips as you delicately scraped your nails against his scalp.

“I know, I’m so sorry my love. But I put Frankie in charge of that job, your company wanted security for it, I guess in past years you guys have had some party crashers?” He asked.

This was the first you were hearing about your company hiring Anvil for security at your party so it caught you off guard.

“Oh! Yeah we’ve had some crashers in the past. So wait, Frank will be at the party? Oh, Ginger is gonna torture him. Did you tell him there’s usually karaoke?” You asked.

Billy gave you a devilish smile.

“No, but here’s the best part…I told him he had to wear an ugly Christmas sweater because that’s what your company wanted but that was a lie. He’ll be the only one from the team wearing one. He’s gonna kill me but it’s gonna be really funny.” He said with a wide smile and raised eyebrows.

“Billy Russo!! That is SO mean!” You exclaimed, trying to hold in your laughter.

He kissed you again.

“I know, but hey that’s what we do…we prank each other. This is a good one though! And don’t you dare say anything.” He said, pointing his long slender finger at you while you were biting down on your lower lip.

God, you loved him so much.

“I promise I won’t say anything.” You said.

“I love you, sweet girl.” He whispered in your ear.

You smiled affectionately at him and replied. “I love you too, handsome. Ooh I can’t wait to tell Ginger!”

You turned and ran out of your bedroom toward the kitchen when Billy called after you.

“Hey, what did I say?!”

You yelled back from the kitchen. “Oh she’s not gonna say anything, Billy! Trust me, she’s gonna want that to happen more than anyone!”

He just shook his head and smiled.

God, he loved you.

**********

“Wait…so I need to make sure I heard you correctly. Frank thinks he has to wear an ugly Christmas sweater to the party because that’s what work wants him to do? So he ‘blends in?’” Said Ginger, typing away on her keyboard.

You turned your head to answer her. “Correct.”

A wide Cheshire cat smile stretched across her face.

“Aaaaaand Billy told the rest of the team to dress in their normal work clothes and not to tell Frank about it?” She asked.

You nodded. “Yes.”

“Oh my god, this is gonna be the best party ever! He also has no idea we have karaoke at this thing, does he?!” She asked, full of excitement.

“Nope!” You replied.

“He’s gonna be PISSED!!” Ginger said, clapping her hands together. “I gotta figure out which Christmas songs to sing!”

The wide smile slowly disappeared from your face. You were excited for the party and had the perfect ugly Christmas sweater but remembering that Billy may not make it back in time for the party OR for Christmas was a little upsetting. You tried to smile anyway but Ginger could see right through it.

“Billy may not make it back in time, huh?” She asked.

Shaking your head vigorously back and forth, you answered, “He said he’s not sure how long this job was going to take. Was I wrong to be upset with him for going out of town so close to Christmas?”

“You have a right to be upset, all you wanted was to spend Christmas with your husband and now you might not be able to…anyone would be disappointed.” She said.

You nodded.

“But hey, even if he doesn’t make it back, I’m gonna make sure we have a fun Christmas. Ok?” She said with a warm smile. “I’m gonna get champagne, breakfast food, oh and we’re soooooo sleeping at your place because…penthouse! Make sure my room is ready!”

Life was certainly better with friends like Ginger and you were probably just as excited as she was to see the look on Frank’s face when he realizes that he didn’t have to wear the sweater and Billy pranked him.

Even though it would be difficult, you were going to try and enjoy the rest of the holiday season.

**********

You tried to keep as busy as possible.

There were days where you went shopping with Ginger, or had dinner with the Castle family because Frank and Maria didn’t want you to be inside the penthouse all alone.

Before he left for his trip, Billy had put your Christmas tree up. You loved that the penthouse had high ceilings so you could pick out a very large tree but a real one didn’t fit in the elevator so you settled for a very real looking artificial tree. Nothing was more important to Billy than to see a smile on your face or make you laugh and he knew that setting the tree up would make you happy.

So most nights you would sit in the dark with only the tree lights on, drinking your tea, and looking at all of the ornaments. The soft warm glow of the white lights illuminated the ornaments in front of them nicely.

Your parents let you take the ones from your childhood that used to be on their tree, then there were the ornaments Billy had given you, and the ones that the Castle children had made for you that had their pictures on the inside. It really warmed your heart that they called you “Auntie.”

The busy streets below shined brightly with festive white lights placed in trees and buildings all around the city. There wasn’t anything quite like New York City at Christmas time.

Looking out at the moon, you wondered if Billy was doing the same. It loomed large encased in an ethereal glow while the bitter winter wind howled past the window. You suddenly felt cold; you missed him terribly and wanted him home but there wasn’t anything you could do about it except wait.

Billy had already been gone for a week, Christmas was four days away, and he still didn’t know when he would be coming home. A tear streaked down your cheek remembering the phone call with him earlier. That one did not end well.

“Wait, so you might miss New Year’s too?!” You had said, sternly.

Touching the palm of your hand to your forehead, you had closed your eyes, trying very hard not to get upset with him but the stress had been too much.

It was a little lonely working all day and then coming home to an empty apartment, listening to Christmas music and looking at the tree alone, baking cookies without him sneaking one when you weren’t looking, or taking a sip of your hot chocolate before giving it to you to make sure it wasn’t “too hot.”

“Hey, I’m not doing this on purpose, alright?! You know I hate being away from you but this is my job, sweet girl. You know this! You know who you married, I’m not always a 9-5!” He had yelled.

He was right. It wasn’t his fault; you knew who you married and it was good business for him but before you could apologize, he had ended the call. Billy was the closest person to you: It was just easy to take it out on him and he didn’t deserve that.

You tried to call him back but it went to his voicemail.

“I’m so sorry, Billy. I know some things can’t be helped and it’s not your fault. It’s good for your business and I’m happy you’re doing so well. I just miss you…I love you, baby.”

Billy shuts down when he gets angry and still doesn’t quite know how to navigate his anger so he keeps it all inside, and then it comes out sometimes in explosive ways.

You had a feeling you may not hear from him for a couple of days.

**********

“So he just hung up on you?” Asked Ginger.

You needed to have an after work drink and vent the next day.

“I shouldn’t have snapped at him, Ginger.” You replied.

“And you haven’t heard from him today?” She asked.

You shook your head.

“No…and I doubt that I will. I tried to call and apologize but he didn’t answer.” You said, taking a sip of beer.

“Well hey, our party is tomorrow, Christmas is in three days, and I know he’s not here with you but we’re gonna have fun alright?” Said Ginger. “Plus we get to bust Frank’s balls about the sweater. Maria said it’s a good one but she wants it to be a surprise.”

She started to laugh which brought a smile to your face and made you laugh too.

The two of you clinked your glasses of beer together.

“Thank you for making today better, Ginger.”

“You are very welcome!” She replied.

**********

December 23

It was your last day of work for the year. The company always shuts down for the week between Christmas and New Year’s, not completely but most of the employees have a bit of a break which is really nice but again, you didn’t want to spend it alone.

That was another reason you got upset with Billy; you have a week off from work coming up and before he went away, he told you maybe he would take a couple of days off with you but now that was also in jeopardy.

On your way out of the building, you could see the silvery gray clouds overhead and the air was dry yet it had a fresh scent to it. It smelled like snow. The scent brought you back to your wedding day when Billy smelled the snow coming…and he wasn’t wrong. The weekend he proposed to you, you told him it smelled like it was going to snow.

Until you told him, he had no idea incoming snow had a scent. You weren’t even sure that it did but it always smelled the same to you and your nose was never wrong. And now you were on your way home, about to get ready for your Christmas party but you couldn’t get Billy off of your mind.

You missed him.

It was difficult to concentrate on getting ready when all you could think of was Billy but luckily Ginger came over and distracted you as you were getting ready.

The two of you had matching ugly sweaters so you obviously had to show up to the party at the same time. The sweaters were red and green, wrapped in silver garland with red and green Christmas bulb ornaments on the front and back.

“These are gonna be such a hit!” She said, excitedly. “They are so loud but so fun!”

“The only thing that would make them better is if they lit up.” You said with a smile.

“Well, we’ll look for something like that next year, let’s go!” Said Ginger.

She pulled you out the door by your coat and the two of you headed for the elevator. On your way down to the ground floor, she reassured you it was going to be a great night, you were going to have fun, and maybe get your mind off of Billy even if it’s just for a little while.

You really hoped she was right.

When you arrived at the party, it looked like the company really outdid themselves this year with everything…the food, the decorations, and of course, the security.

Frank was hard to miss in his sweater…it was gray with snowflakes all over it and it had the body of an elf on it so Frank’s head was also the elf’s head.

You tried your best but you and Ginger could hardly contain your laughter.

“That’s uh, a nice sweater Frank.” You said, trying to control yourself.

Ginger was practically in tears, she was laughing so hard.

“Maria was right, that is a good one!” She cackled.

Frank folded his arms across his chest, trying to cover up the body of the elf but it didn’t help. The more uncomfortable he looked, the funnier it was.

“I’m gonna wring your husband’s neck when he gets back, you know that don’t ya?!” He bellowed. “I’m the only one dressed like this!”

Another member of the security team saw Frank in his sweater.

“Lookin’ good, Castle.”

“Yeah? You think this is funny, Wilcox? Keep walkin’ and go do your job!” Said Frank.

“We’ll be back later, Frank! Hope you’re ready for karaoke later!” Ginger said, walking away.

Frank stopped you while Ginger walked away to go mingle.

“Your husband’s a dead man, kid. Tell him right now, I’ll wait.” Frank said.

The smile disappeared from your face. “Yeah, he’s not too happy with me right now, Frank. I, uh, got angry with him when he said that in addition to maybe not being here for Christmas, he may not make it home in time for New Year’s either.” You said in a low voice.

The tears that welled up in your eyes was instant, almost like it was a reflex. You hated fighting with Billy but you were under added stress with the holiday’s coming, family obligations, parties, etc.

You explained to Frank that it was just a busy time of year and everyone had slowly been chipping away at your patience level and you took it out on Billy when he didn’t deserve it. You just wanted to spend Christmas with your new husband.

Frank put a hand on your shoulder and squeezed.

“I know what it’s like to not be with your family during the holidays, kid. I couldn’t thank Bill enough for letting me stay behind so I could spend this time with Maria and the kids. But I know that he hates that he’s had to spend this time away from you. He told me the other day when I talked to him. You are his family.” He said.

The side of your mouth curled up into a half smile as you gently brushed the tear away from your cheek. Billy Russo was your husband, the love of your life, and the person that made you happier than you ever thought you could be.

But no matter how many times you reassured him of your love for him, sometimes he was still scared that if he didn’t do everything perfectly, that you might end up leaving like his mother had done or anyone else that he had cared for.

Billy was strong; he was a survivor and had already gone through so much heartache that you tried your very best to make sure he knew he was loved and that you weren’t going to abandon him…ever. You showed him that he didn’t have to try so hard to be the perfect husband, the perfect lover, or the perfect friend because nobody was perfect.

You certainly weren’t. But you were perfect to Billy because you loved him more than anyone ever has. He finally had what he had always wanted which is why he tried so hard to not disappoint you and shutting down was easier than trying to say how he felt.

It was something that was always a work in progress with him; he needed to hear those words…”I’m not going anywhere, Billy. You can tell me, it’s ok. You are good enough.”

But sometimes, you would need that reminder too. You needed to remember that he needed that extra coaxing and encouragement so you could continue to help him put back together the pieces of that fragmented little boy inside that he desperately wanted to fix. And he worked very hard at that…for you.

“I love him so much, Frank.” You said with a hitch in your voice.

Frank smirked. “He loves you too, kid. It’ll be alright…you’ll see.”

“Is Frankie the elf gonna go tell Santa what I want for Christmas?” You started to laugh.

He couldn’t help himself; he started to laugh too.

“Ya know, we were having a nice moment and you had to remind me that I’m wearing this ridiculous sweater!” The gruff tone to his voice sounded even more intense but he was still smiling. “Alright, get outta here, go have fun and lemme do my job, yeah?”

“Thank you, Frank.” You said with a playful smile.

“You’re welcome, sweetheart…Bill’s still a dead man though.” He asserted. “Ginger was kidding about the karaoke, right?”

A sly smile stretched across your lips as you walked away.

“RIGHT?!!!” Frank called out after you.

“See ya later, Frank!” You answered back and waved.

Now you were ready to have a little fun.

**********

The lights dimmed a little lower after dinner, the bar was open, and it was almost time for karaoke. Frank looked more and more uncomfortable by the minute. Not only was he in a silly Christmas sweater, he was going to be subjected to Ginger’s singing until the party was over. She tended to hog the microphone at parties like this but no one minded because she was so entertaining.

If you asked Frank though, he would most definitely disagree which made her performances even more entertaining to see the grumpy look on his face. He couldn’t even leave the room because he had a job to do.

He held it together for the most part but the song that had him wanting to fling himself out into traffic was Christmas Wrapping by the Waitresses. What’s not fun about watching Frank squirm while Ginger entertains the room? It definitely had you in stitches.

Bah, humbug!" No, that's too strong

'Cause it is my favorite holiday

But all this year's been a busy blur

Don't think I have the energy

To add to my already mad rush

Just 'cause it's 'tis the season.

The perfect gift for me would be

Completions and connections

left from Last year, ski shop,

Encounter, most interesting.

Had his number but never the time

Most of '81 passed along those lines.

So deck those halls, trim those trees

Raise up cups of Christmas cheer,

I just need to catch my breath,

Christmas by myself this year.

Ginger did her best to get everyone in the room to sing along too. “Come on everyone! Help me out here! Frank loves this song!”

Merry Christmas! Merry Christmas!

But I think I'll miss this one this year

Merry Christmas! Merry Christmas!

But I think I'll miss this one this year

Mingling around the room, you conversed with co-workers, had a couple of drinks, and then decided it was time for you to do a couple of songs.

Billy was usually your focal point, staring intently at you with his infectious smile that lit up any room. The way he looked at you showed everyone how much he was in love with you and that you were the only woman in the world for him.

The duet you and Ginger did of Baby It’s Cold Outside was a HUGE hit. The two of you were in matching sweaters, so of course you had to do a duet of some sort and you had a blast doing it. Frank did seem to enjoy that performance from the sly smirk you noticed across his mouth.

When Ginger walked away and left you by yourself with the microphone, you were nervous so you felt the need to explain the reason why you chose the next song. You gave them all the short version.

“My husband is out of town at the moment and I really miss him. So I keep hoping that it’s only one more sleep until I get to see him again.” You said softly into the microphone.

Snow is falling all around us

My baby's coming home for Christmas

I've been up all night inside my bedroom

He said that he'll be with me real soon

You weren’t quite the entertainer that Ginger was but your performance wasn’t bad.

So I wait

And I wait

But I've had as much as I can take

'Cause I've got 5 more

nights of sleeping on my own

4 more days until you're coming home

3 more dreams of you and mistletoe

2 more reasons why I love you so

I've got 5 more nights

until you're next to me

4 more days of being lonely

3 more wishes I can barely breathe

If I can make it to

Christmas Eve then it's

One more sleep

(one more sleep until it's Christmas)

One more sleep

(Can't believe how much I missed us)

One more sleep

(One more sleep until it's Christmas)

One more sleep

When you looked off to the side, you noticed Frank talking on the phone. His eyes kept shifting from the entrances to the room then to you and back to the entrances. You assumed he was just doing his job but you did wonder who he was talking to.

Now I don't think I can remember

A cold and lonelier December

And I find myself staring at the window

Wondering when you're

gonna get back home

It had been a little lonely the past couple of weeks but you had great friends that were there to make sure you were ok and didn’t have to spend the season alone.

So I try

And I try

But there is nothing I

can do to pass this time

I've got 5 more nights

of sleeping on my own

4 more days until you're coming home

3 more dreams of you and mistletoe

2 more reasons why I love you so

I've got 5 more nights

until you're next to me

4 more days of being lonely

3 more wishes I can barely breathe

If I can make it to

Christmas Eve then it's

One more sleep

Out of the corner of your eye, you noticed movement over where Frank was standing. A tall slender silhouette glided into the room, the man’s back facing you as Frank talked with him.

Frank was all smiles when he embraced the other man, also in an ugly sweater; they were both laughing and pointing at the other’s sweater; he squeezed his shoulder and glanced over at you as the other man turned around to look at you.

Until we're rocking

around the Christmas tree

Until I got you sitting next to me

We got a lot of catching up to do

I just can't take this missing you

Even with the lights down low, you knew that smile anywhere.

As Billy came closer, you could see his sweater better. It was black and white with red along the collar, the cuffs and the hem. Pictures of reindeer, Christmas trees, snowflakes and candy canes were splashed all over it. The sweater was hideous.

5 more nights on my own

4 more days

3 more dreams

Mistletoe

I can't believe I ever let you go

5 more nights of sleeping on my own

4 more days until you're coming home

3 more wishes I can barely breathe

If I can make it to Christmas

Eve then it's one more sleep

It'll be one more

It'll be one more

(One more sleep)

It'll be one more

(One more sleep)

One more sleep

You weren’t even sure the microphone was back on its stand before you took off running. Before you could jump into his arms, he held his hand out to stop you.

“Whoa, wait one second sweet girl!” He said with a welcoming smile.

Confused, you stopped just short of crashing into him when he reached into his sleeve and pressed something. Lights all over his sweater started to twinkle and he extended both of his arms, welcoming you into an embrace.

“Merry Christmas, beautiful.” Said Billy, pulling you into his chest.

He squeezed you tightly and you, in turn, squeezed back. His body was a warm cradle for yours as you rested your ear against his chest. “Merry Christmas, handsome.”

Cupping your cheeks, his liquid brown eyes flicked from your eyes to your mouth as he leaned in to kiss you. His long slender fingers traced down the hollow of your throat and the bristles of his beard raked against your soft cheeks.

“Are you surprised?” He asked.

“I think you know the answer to that, baby.” You lightly touched your lips with your fingertips, trying to place the sweet taste to Billy’s lips. “Is that chocolate, I taste?” You asked him.

Billy chuckled. “Well when I stopped home to change into my sweater, I found the cookies you made.” He said.

“You sniffed out those chocolate chip cookies inside the sealed Tupperware?!” You asked.

He winked at you. “I found the peanut butter ones too. You’ve been busy! They’re delicious.”

“You are such a sugar junkie, my love.” You said with a playful smile.

The smile on your face quickly disappeared in favor of a slight frown while you tried to apologize to him.

“It’s alright, sweet girl. You already apologized…I’m—I’m sorry too. What I’m NOT sorry about is having Frankie wear this sweater! That is a good one.” He laughed.

Frank pressed his lips together in a straight line, a look of embarrassment washed over his face along with playful hate for Billy.

“The only reason I don’t give you a black eye right now is because y/n is so happy you made it home.” Frank growled. “Oh no, Ginger has the microphone again. What time is this party over anyway?! I can only take so much, kid.” He said.

You glanced at your watch. “Thirty more minutes, Frank. And are you saying you DON’T wanna do this again next year? Ginger will be disappointed if you don’t.” You giggled.

Billy couldn’t take his eyes away from you. His stare was incessant and made the hair on the back of your neck stand up but in a good way. He drew your hand up to his lips and planted a soft kiss along your knuckles sending delightful sparks down your spine.

“I’ll gladly go out of town for a job so I don’t have to do this again next year!” Said Frank. “But I like seeing you smile, sweetheart. And as much as I wanna slap that smirk off of his face, I like seeing this guy smile too.” He said, pointing at Billy.

“Come with me, beautiful. I wanna show you something.” Billy said into your ear.

Clinging to him tightly, you didn’t want to let him go but you let him lead you out of the room. His fingers laced with yours, you had to take two steps at a time to keep up with his long strides.

Frank called out after the two of you. “HEY!! Where do you two think you’re goin’?!! Don’t leave me here alone listening to this!!”

You and Billy left the room while Frank was forced to listen to Ginger do her best Mariah Carey impression.

Oh, I just want you for my own

More than you could ever know

Make my wish come true

Oh, baby, all I want for Christmas is youuuuuuuuu!!!

“Where are we going, Billy?” You asked.

He turned to look at you over his shoulder. “Just outside.”

As you got closer to the door, you could see the sidewalk was covered by a light dusting of snow, the street lamps illuminated the snow as it gently fell from the sky, and the cold winter air stung your lungs as he ushered you outside.

The snowflakes were so big, they almost didn’t look real and the surrounding city sounds were muted as a subtle smile stretched across your lips.

“I knew it…I could smell it on my walk home today. Is this my Christmas gift, handsome? You brought home snow!” You exclaimed, your hand tightening firmly around his.

Billy shook his head, clusters of snowflakes gathered in his rich brown hair and his eyes locked on yours. The feeling of butterflies in your stomach gradually intensified as he continued to gaze at you, not noticing people on either side of you passing by.

“I wish I could take credit for this, baby but have you noticed that it we’ve had snow during some of our biggest relationship milestones?” He asked, pulling you in close again.

He noticed too.

“When we got engaged…the day we got married…and now our first married ‘almost’ Christmas.” You replied with a warm smile. “I thought about that earlier today, actually.”

It was cold but with Billy’s arms wrapped around you, the cold didn’t seem to bother you. You could only imagine what you look like to the people walking around outside, holding each other in the snow with your ugly Christmas sweaters on with Billy’s actually flashing different colors but it was nothing less than perfect.

“It’s been ok the past year, hasn’t it?” He asked with concern in his voice.

You pulled away to look at him. “What do you mean, Billy?”

“Our marriage…I know we fight sometimes but I—“ He said before you cut him off.

Billy Russo wasn’t scared of anything. He had been to war, survived childhood trauma, and found the one thing he thought he’d never have…love. Not only did he fall in love, that person in turn, loved him back.

“Of course we fight, Billy! I’d be worried if we didn’t! How many times do I have to tell you that you don’t need to be perfect?” You asked him.

His lips curled into a shy smile. “At least one more time, sweet girl.”

“Billy Russo, I will always fight for you and I will never give up on you as long as you try…as long as we both try. I don’t need you to be perfect. All I want and all I need is you.” You said, trying not to let your tears fall but failing miserably. “I love you.”

You felt his warm breath against your eyelashes before he leaned in to kiss you, the scent of his cologne on his sweater was faint but still there, and his cold fingers wrapped around your neck like a necklace.

You drew in a sharp breath as his mouth slanted over yours, parting your lips with his tongue, kissing you desperately, and telling you over and over again how much he loved you.

“I love you too, baby.” He said softly. “You ready to go back inside?”

“Y-y-yes.” You replied, your teeth chattering slightly.

“We’re taking Ginger home with us, I’m assuming?” Asked Billy.

“Her room is ready and waiting.” You said. “She’ll be with us for Christmas too.”

A devilish smile extended across Billy’s mouth, a smile that you knew all too well, and with that smile, you knew you were in trouble as soon as you got home.

“I hope she packed noise cancelling headphones because, Mrs. Russo, your sweater is really doin’ it for me.” He purred in your ear.

You could feel yourself blushing as you replied.

“Oh…you’re not joking, are you.”

He had a feral look in his eyes when he slowly shook his head back and forth. You wanted him just as badly as you whispered back,

“Well…let’s go home then, Mr. Russo. You can probably get a better look at it if I JUST wear the sweater.”

Tag List: @wheresthesunshinesblog @rafaelakelley @idaoftheburningmind @snowkestrel @fakehappy27 @music-indie-tv @fictional-hooman @kayhi808 @munsonownsmyass @gijos @celestialams @k-marzolf @nutmeg17 @rosaleenablack @vaguekayla @qu1etwolf @danzer8705 @fireeyes-on-teller-dixon-grimes

Others that might enjoy: @itwasthereaminuteago @fluffyprettykitty @jvanilly @imagine-a-fictional-boyfriend

If you’d like to be added (or removed from) my tag list(s) for the ever so handsome Billy Russo, just let me know and thank you again for reading! 💕💕💕 If I tagged you but you didn’t want to be, just let me know and I’ll never do it again.

[e-dubbc11]

A Forever Promise

Photos are not mine. They are courtesy of Pinterest/Google

Pairing: Billy Russo x F! Reader

Warnings: Not many, painful memory for Billy, angst, some tears, maybe a couple of swear words, I can’t remember, fluff and fun

Word Count: 4.2K-ish

Summary: Part 1 of 2. Planning a wedding is stressful but your friends are doing their best to make sure you have fun before the big day. Your Jack and Jill party turns into a search for the groom.

A/N: I know you’ve missed them, Frank and Ginger are back for Billy and reader’s wedding. If you’ve followed along from the beginning, you know that these fics are always pure fun with a slight conflict and this one isn’t any different. If you haven’t followed from the beginning, I will leave the list of their shenanigans under the author’s note. Some of you know Ginger is based on my best friend, she is the funniest, sweetest, best person I know and I would not make it through my every day life without her.

This is the longest intro ever, I’m so sorry!

The Gingerverse (thank you Robin for that term)

Happy Birthday

Happy Birthday Part 2

Game On

Snowstorm Shenanigans

As always, thank you for reading!  I appreciate it so much and comments, reblogs are welcome and encouraged. Don’t be shy to tell me your favorite part. 💕💕 💕

Stress had consumed you for the past few months. Why didn’t you just elope!? It would have been so much easier than planning a wedding, albeit a small one. When you started, you figured it couldn’t be any more stressful than planning the big birthday bash you had but you were wrong.

There were more details to pay attention to for a wedding, like food, flowers, cake, centerpieces, favors, etc. The list went on and on but in the end, you knew it would all be worth it. At the end of that day, you would be Mrs. William Russo and you could not wait for that.

He couldn’t wait either. Billy suggested eloping, jokingly. “We’ll go to Vegas. Go for the weekend, get married, then come home. And we’ll have a party when we come back.” But you knew he was only half serious. Even though he didn’t have any family, he knew how important it was for you to have yours there.

Having Frank, Maria, and the kids there was important to Billy even if he didn’t really say so. The Castles were the closest Billy had to family, especially Frank. They had been through so much together, and although they weren’t blood, they were brothers in every sense of the word.

Everyone said you were crazy for wanting a winter wedding but Billy had asked you to marry him during a snowstorm so you thought it was only fitting the two of you get married in winter. Billy just wanted you to be happy.

He wanted everything to be exactly how you dreamed it to be and you wanted a winter wedding, complete with snow flurries if possible but maybe that was asking for too much.

“What color dress am I wearing!?” Asked Ginger. She was your best friend and maid of honor.

You were on the other side of the dress shop, going through the racks of dresses to see if there were any styles that caught your attention for the bridesmaids. You wanted them to wear the same color but whatever style they felt most comfortable in. It was going to be an evening wedding so you decided black would be a good color for everyone.

“Look for a black dress, Ginger. In whatever style you like, I just want the girls to wear black though.” You told her.

“Gotcha!” She shouted from across the store, giving you the thumbs up.

Maria and another good friend of yours, Lily were looking for their dresses also.

“Sooooooo when do we get to see you in your dress?” Ginger asked with a sly smile, raising her eyebrows up and down.

“As soon as you all find your dresses, I’ll try it on for you.” You told her.

Maria and Lily were anxious to see you in your dress also.

“Yeah, come on! We wanna see you in your dress!” Lily exclaimed.

Ginger’s smile turned a little wicked because she knew she had opened Pandora’s Box, your other two bridesmaids wanted to see you in your dress. In fact, they were begging you now.

In unison, they stood in front of you with their hands folded, pleading with you.

“Please!!! Please, show us!”

You had narrowed it down to three choices and they were with you when you tried them all on but you wanted your decision to be a surprise.

“I told you guys, I want you to pick out your dresses and then I’ll show you which one I picked.” You said.

Ginger perked up and said in a determined voice. “Alright you heard her, ladies! Fan out and let’s find our dresses!”

After an hour of searching, everyone found a dress that they loved and felt comfortable in. Ginger picked out a sleeveless black velvet dress that gathered on the side, Maria chose a floor length black lace deep V-neck dress with cap sleeves, and Lily elected for a long, V-neck, flutter sleeve dress with a long slit up the front.

The dresses were gorgeous and your friends looked absolutely beautiful in them, so since they held up their end of the bargain, you had to hold up yours and show them your dress.

Before stepping out from behind the dressing room door, you inhaled sharply and let out a long exhale with your eyes closed. It wasn’t because you were nervous but it just made it more real, that you were actually getting married soon.

You turned the corner to see your friends sitting in a row on the couch in front of the pedestal and the multi-way mirror. Ginger’s jaw was on the floor, Maria wiped the tears from her eyes, and Lily had her hand over her mouth and her eyes were smiling.

“That’s my favorite!!” Ginger said. “I was hoping you would pick that one!”

You turned around to face the mirrors, your friends also gazing into the mirrors to catch a glimpse of your smiling face as the sales assistant fanned out the short train of your dress in back of you. It was close to a mermaid style dress, fitted at the top with a slight sweetheart neckline that flared out a touch on the bottom, the long sleeves were made of lace, and the entire dress had a lace overlay.

In between all the smiles and the laughs, Maria asked “You think the boys are having this much fun?”

Ginger took a sip of her champagne and replied. “I doubt it, no one’s having as much fun as we are right now.”

**********

“They all look the same, Bill. You shouldn’t ask me these kinds of questions.” Frank said.

Billy just shook his head, while Chris and Curtis chuckled a little.

“He’s right, Billy.” Curtis stated. “You can’t ask Frank questions like that when the only formal wear he has are work boots that don’t have dirt on them.”

The four of them were walking around the tuxedo shop waiting for the sales person to come back with the suit Billy picked out for the groomsmen to wear. He chose a classic black suit, with a white shirt, black vest, and black tie. His tie was black with small white polka dots and tiny white skulls on it.

Billy knew you would love it.

Frank asked. “The girls were goin’ dress shopping today, yeah?”

“Ginger just texted, they’re at the dress shop now and y/n just tried on her dress for them.” Chris said.

One by one, Billy’s groomsmen tried on their suit and had their measurements taken. The shop had Billy’s measurements already because he lived in suits for work, for the rest of them, this was a new process.

Frank married Maria wearing his dress uniform and only wore suits on very special occasions like when he came to your birthday party and the night Billy asked you to marry him. But Billy was his best friend and whatever Billy wanted him to wear, he would wear it, no questions asked.

Frank did, however, make one small demand. “I’m gonna take the tie off after the ceremony, feel like I’m being choked wearing this thing.” He stated.

Billy replied with a half-smile. “Whatever you want, Frankie.”

“You nervous, Bill?” Frank asked with a serious tone to his voice.

Chris and Curtis were occupied which left Frank and Billy to talk privately.

Billy ran his fingers through his ebony colored hair and smiled nervously. “A little, but I was more nervous asking her to marry me.” He replied.

“I’ve never seen you this happy, seriously.” Frank said, playfully jabbing at Billy’s shoulder. “So don’t mess it up because you’re not sleeping on my couch if you do.”

Billy returned the playful jab and laughed. “I don’t plan on it, Frankie.”

**********

The days started to run together and before you knew it, Ginger was reminding you that your Jack and Jill party was tonight and tomorrow night you were getting married.

She had an idea awhile ago that she claimed “even Frank can’t say no to.”

“Look at his face! He doesn’t hate it!” Ginger yelled excitedly.

“Axe throwing, huh?” Frank said with narrowed eyes and a slight smirk on his face.

Maria snickered. “That’s Frank’s excited face.”

So Ginger and Frank planned the party at the axe throwing bar. It was a place in Albany called The Yard: Hatchet House and Bar. Everyone in the wedding party including you and Billy would get out of the city for a night, spend the night there and drive back to the city the next morning to get ready for the wedding.

Curtis decided to ride up with Frank and Maria, Lily caught a ride with Ginger and Chris. After riding in the same car with Ginger on the way to Vermont, Frank said he’d never do that again on account of Ginger’s tiny bladder and terrible singing voice.

On the ride up to Albany, Billy seemed a little quiet. He just stared straight ahead at the highway in front of him in between sips of coffee and the hand that was usually resting on you during car rides was on the steering wheel. Was he nervous about getting married tomorrow?

“Billy?” You asked nervously.

He turned to glance at you quickly before returning his eyes to the road.

“What’s up, sweet girl?” He asked, his perfect smile extending across his face.

Suddenly, you were a little nauseous before asking him. “Are you…ok? You’ve been really quiet.”

He took your hand in his, brought it up to his lips and kissed it. “I’m sorry, my love. I’m fine, really I am.” He said with a warm smile.

“Are you sure, baby? We have a big day tomorrow, are you having second thoughts about marrying me?” You asked with a slight hitch in your voice.

He barely let you finish that question before emphatically answering you.

“NO! Y/n, why would you ask me that?!” His voice was stern and raised slightly.

“It’s ok if you’re nervous, Billy. I’m nervous but I—I’m also really excited.” You said calmly with a smile, hoping it would calm him too.

That seemed to put him at ease. “Ok, yes I’m a little nervous but it’s only because I want everything to go smoothly, that’s all. I…I love you.”

You moved your free hand to rest on top of his, squeezed it and smiled at him. “I love you too, Billy.”

Getting Billy to admit he was nervous was no small feat so you just decided to leave it at that, he knew you were anxious too but you didn’t leave any doubt that you wanted to be his wife. After that, his shoulders seemed to relax and he held your hand for the rest of the ride to Albany. He was your Billy again.

After checking into the hotel, you and the girls decided to get ready together. Ginger had a sash that said “Bride to Be” and a tiara for you to wear tonight. She also bought sashes for the bridesmaids to wear. Hers said “Maid of Dishonor,” Maria’s said “Dancing Diva,” and Lily’s said “Bad Influence.”

“…And then he says ‘Never again with the two of you! Lily, you’re switching cars for the ride home, the singing, the ridiculous amount of bathroom stops, and the cackling! I didn’t know I was gonna be riding with TWO Gingers in the car!’” Ginger said in a deeper voice, mocking her boyfriend.

Through her laughs, Maria said “Sounds like Chris was channeling his inner Frank.”

The four of you started laughing again.

When the laughs died down a little, Ginger turned to you and said with a warm smile. “Tonight’s gonna be so fun and, AND!! You’re getting married tomorrow!!”

You were very excited but Billy’s behavior still worried you a little and you just hoped he was ok. It was all going to be different for him after this, he’ll be a husband, and he’s going to have a new family. No wonder he seemed a little out of sorts but he said he was fine and you wanted to believe him but something was still poking at you like a nagging little itch that wouldn’t go away.

Maybe it really was just nerves.

But whatever it was, you’ll deal with it later because it was time to have a couple of drinks and throw some axes and your bridesmaids were ready to make sure you have a fun night, it was your last night as a single woman after all.

Billy seemed relaxed, he was smiling, laughing, and having fun with his friends, especially with you. He looked so handsome tonight, dark jeans, a black Led Zeppelin t-shirt, and black boots. He’d steal glances at you while you were talking to Ginger and the girls, you’d catch him and he would wink and smile at you. You’d smile back and blow him a kiss, you really could not wait to be his wife.

Frank and Ginger’s “friendly” competition resumed tonight. While he did not participate in karaoke at your birthday party, Frank was subjected to Ginger’s musical numbers waiting for you and Billy to get back from your drive to the Anvil office. Then their competitive sides came out the time that you all played laser tag together which led to the snowmobile race and the rousing game of Pictionary during the weekend in Vermont when Billy asked you to marry him.

They bicker like siblings, Ginger likes to spin Frank up in whatever way she can and he falls for it every single time but you’re also convinced that despite all of the bickering, the competition war they have going on, and the constant jabs they take at each other, they are really good friends.

“Alright, let’s go Frank! Me and you, time to see who’s better at throwing this thing. Loser owes the winner a hundred bucks! I hope Billy pays you well, cuz you’re goin’ down!” Ginger said tauntingly from across the bar after getting a beer.

Sipping his beer, Billy was standing at the high top table overlooking the wooden targets in front of him when you walked over to him and snaked your arms around his long torso squeezing his body against yours. His dark chocolate like eyes gazing down at you, full of love. He rested his beer on the table so he could return the hug and he kiss you on the forehead.

“Hey there, handsome.” You said, the words sounding a little muffled against his chest.

He pinched his thumb and forefinger against your chin, and tilted it up, making your lips more accessible to his and he kissed you, the taste of beer still heavy on his lips.

“You look really beautiful tonight baby, but you always do.” He said with a warm smile.

He still made you blush every time he complimented you. “Thank you, my love. And hey, if you think this is beautiful, wait til you see me tomorrow!” You exclaimed, adjusting your sash and tiara.

Billy chuckled a little. “I can’t wait, sweet girl. I can’t wait.” And he kissed you again.

The commotion and friendly taunting going on between your friends was amusing to watch. You hadn’t been paying close attention so you weren’t sure who was winning although Frank just hit a bullseye and the guys erupted with cheers and hi-fives all around.

“I thought you were good at this, Ginger!” Frank teased.

Ginger narrowed her eyes at Frank, she was the most competitive person you’ve ever met. Billy and Frank were a close second but she absolutely HATED to lose.

“It’s not over, Frank! I see you have better aim with an axe than you do when you’re taking a leak, according to Maria!” Ginger barked.

Frank glanced over his shoulder at his wife and all she could do is shrug her shoulders, silently telling him “she’s not wrong.”

Ginger drew back and let her final axe go, it turned end over end heading toward the target and stuck in the circle just outside the bullseye, four points. She needed 6, or a bullseye, to tie with Frank so he was the winner.

With a loud growl, he let out an excited “YES!!!”

Everyone gave him a hi-five or a fist bump, even Ginger who accepted defeat gracefully. It didn’t mean she liked it but he did win fair and square.

“Hundred bucks, Ginger! Pay up, kid.” Frank bellowed.

Ginger had that look in her eye that she would get him back before the night was over, you weren’t sure what it was going to be but you were positive it was going to drive Frank crazy.

You did spot a karaoke machine on the way in, maybe she did too.

**********

Rolling over in bed the next morning, there was a cold empty space where Billy had been. You had felt him kiss you on the shoulder a little while ago but then you fell back to sleep. Glancing around the hotel room, you noticed Billy’s overnight bag was gone which caused you to sit bolt upright in the bed.

You turned to look at the clock—06:30 and noticed a piece of paper folded in half, it said “My Love” in Billy’s handwriting on the outside. With a shaking hand, you picked up the piece of paper, unfolded it and began to read.

Good Morning My Sweet Girl,

I promise I will see you later, there was just something I had to do before we get married and being back in Albany gave me the perfect opportunity to be able to go and do it. I made arrangements with Frankie, he’ll take you back to the city.

I don’t want you to worry, everything is fine.

I love you very much and I can’t wait to be able to call you my wife.

Love, Billy

But you were worried about him. Jumping out of bed, you threw on some sweats and with the note in your hand, went across the hall to Frank’s room and lightly tapped on the door.

He quickly opened the door and stepped out into the hall, almost like he was already waiting on the other side for you.

“Hey sweetheart.” He whispered. “Come on, let’s go back to your room. Maria is still asleep.”

As soon as the door closed behind you, in a confused tone asked “What’s going on, Frank? Where did he go?”

“He’s fine, kid. I promise you. There was just something he had to take care of, that’s all.” Frank said.

Frustrated, you ran your fingers through your hair.

“But what could he possibly—?” Suddenly you stopped and it hit you like a punch to the face. “Oh my god—no wonder he was so quiet on the way here. How could I be so stupid! Which one is it, Frank?!!” You asked with your voice raised.

Frank shook his head. “I don’t know, sweetheart. I’m sorry. He never told me which fire station it was.”

Feeling lightheaded, your knees buckled a little and you needed to sit down. Frank could tell you were about to lose your footing so he caught you before you could fall and eased you onto the bed. He reached for the bottle of water that was on the table and handed it to you.

“Drink that.” He ordered. “Don’t move, I’m gonna go find you some candy or somethin’.”

You’ve been so preoccupied with getting everything done for the wedding, that something that you should have remembered, completely slipped your mind. And you couldn’t possibly feel worse about it. Suddenly, your eyes welled up with tears and your hands started to shake again.

Frank returned with some orange juice. “Drink all of that. Can’t have you passin’ out on your wedding day, yeah?” He said.

“How could I not remember, Frank?!” You sobbed.

Frank caught your tears with his thumbs, every one of them so they didn’t have a chance to streak down your cheeks.

“No, no, no. Ssshhh, ssshhh. It’s ok.” Frank said as he sat down next to you and pulled you into an embrace to soothe you. “Look, you both have had a lot goin’ on lately, planning a wedding. That’s enough to make you forget your own name, let alone something like this.”

You buried your head in your hands. “I should have remembered, Frank. I should have remembered. He’s there all alone.” You said.

Frank made sure he was looking straight into your eyes when he said his next words. “Y/n listen to me, Bill is strong and he’s strong because of all the shit he went through. I promise you he is ok. But if you wanna go find him, then let’s go find him, yeah? Curt and Maria can catch a ride back with Ginger, Lily, and Chris. You and me, we’ll find him. How many fire houses can there be?”

It turned out there were eight of them and Frank said he would let Billy explain why he did what he did. Ginger insisted that she go along too but you told her to go back to the city and stall the hair stylist and makeup artist for as long as she could by doing everyone else first and you would be back in time for you to get ready.

She reluctantly agreed but she still felt like she should go with you. She didn’t want Frank to be the only hero which made you laugh.

After checking four fire stations, you saw Billy’s car outside of the fifth one you checked. Frank barely put the car in park before you jumped out and ran toward the car but Billy wasn’t inside.

Where could he be? The cold winter air chilled you to the bone and stung your lungs every time you inhaled. Looking across the street, you saw a figure in a black leather jacket, a black beanie, and his hands were in his pockets.

“Billy.” You whispered to yourself before taking off across the street and leaving Frank in the car.

You called out his name so he could hear you. “BILLY!!”

Practically knocking him over, you crashed into him and buried your face into the cold leather of his jacket.

“What are you doin’ here, baby? You’re supposed to be getting ready!” He said, wiping the tears from your face.

Through broken sobs, you just kept repeating the same thing over and over. “I’m sorry! I’m sorry, I didn’t remember! I’m sorry!”

He stroked your hair, you could feel him smile against the top of your head, calming you and telling you it was alright, but you were still upset that he left without saying anything.

“You could have at least told me, Billy. Not in a note and sneaking away in the early morning hours. I would have understood if you wanted to do this alone if you just told me. You gotta talk to me, baby.” You said with a hitch in your voice.

Billy hugged you even tighter and apologized. “I’m sorry, my love. Sometimes I just don’t think. I am trying to be better about it though. I’m sorry, beautiful.” He said.

“Are you ok?” You asked.

He pulled away before he spoke again.

“She left me right here, ya know.” Billy said of his mother, moving to stand next to a bench and looking at the fire house directly in front of the both of you. “She told me to stay here and not to move. So I did…I—I listened to her, I waited, and she never came back.”

You took his hand in yours as he clenched his jaw and his knuckles turned white.

“You know why I wanted to come here today, y/n?” He asked.

You shook your head and tried to say “No” but nothing came out.

“I came here because I wanted to try and let go of the hate I have for her. She may have given me life but she didn’t give me A life. My life is with you—it’s with my new family. It’s with Frankie, our friends, Frank Jr. and Lisa. I don’t need to hold onto this hate anymore.” He said.

Obviously Billy could never forget what happened to him, he’ll always have that awful memory but you felt like he could start to heal from it now. The weekend he asked you to marry him, you had asked him while looking at his scars. “Do they still hurt?” You remembered he smiled his perfect smile at you and told you “Not anymore, my love. Not anymore.”

You were helping him heal.

“How do you feel now, Billy?” You asked him.

He turned his face toward yours, his onyx colored eyes peering down at you and he smiled. “I feel…” he paused for a minute. “I feel free…like I’m not waiting to go home anymore because I already have one. I love you.”

He gently pressed his lips to yours, they tasted like dark roast coffee and sugar. After he pulled back a little, you exhaled forcefully, not realizing you had been holding your breath.

“I love you too, Billy. I’ll always be your home.” You said.

He kissed you again but he was interrupted by Frank bellowing from across the street. “HEY!! I’m freezin’ my ass off! You two ready to go get married or what?! Let’s GO!”

“You ready to go get married, beautiful?” Billy asked as he held out his hand for you to take.

You smiled, placed your hand in his, and wiped one last tear from your cheek and said “Let’s get married, handsome.”

Tag List: @mindidjarin @saintmurd0ck @wheresthesunshinesblog @rafaelakelley @idaoftheburningmind @snowkestrel @xdervyxccgh @mattmurdocksscars @fakehappy27 @music-indie-tv @fictional-hooman @kayhi808 @munsonownsmyass @gijos @celestialams @idek-what-to-put @anastasianeedstoread @ratsys @k-marzolf @nutmeg17 @rosaleenablack

Others that might enjoy: @itwasthereaminuteago @fluffyprettykitty @jvanilly @simple-lovebot @russosafehaven @mrsbillyrusso

If you’d like to be added to (or removed from) my tag list for the ever so handsome Billy Russo, just let me know and thank you again for reading! 💕💕💕 If I tagged you but didn’t want to be, just let me know and I’ll never do it again

[e-dubbc11]

Happy Tuesday my lovelies!

So I have two Billy fics that are basically done and I can’t decide which one to put out first so I thought maybe I’d ask y’all if you had an opinion. This will be my first poll…

[e-dubbc11]

Fic authors self rec! When you get this, reply with your favorite five fics that you've written, then pass on to at least five other writers. Let’s spread the self-love 🥰

My dear friend Lili,

I’m sorry it’s taken me awhile to answer this, picking out favorite fics of mine is still strange but it’s fun! I’ll link all of these in case anyone feels like reading them.

Devil May Cry - Matt Murdock x F! Reader

This was the most recent Matt fic I wrote, and even though it didn’t really do all that well, I still REALLY like the way it turned out.

Unforgiven - Matt Murdock x F! Reader

This one was part of my 200 follower celebration. And I forgot a few people asked for a second part, maybe it’s time to go back and revisit it…

The First Snowfall - Billy Russo x F! Reader

My first solo Billy fic so this one was very special to me. I was really nervous about writing for him, I wasn’t sure how people would react but I love this one.

Happy Birthday - Billy Russo x F! Reader

The very first fic in the Gingerverse! Real life Ginger was so flattered that I put her in here. Who knew it would inspire a whole universe where she is a central character

Raindrop Races - Billy Russo x F! Reader

This is a very a recent fic but I just love the way this one turned out. I just thought it was a cute idea and so sweet

Thank you again Lili! 💜

[pink-pone]

Can we send asks for the newest kids, such as Ivory?

Yooo you definitely can!! I need to post the post I have announcing asks are open but go ahead, I’ll just answer it the same time as the others, in a day or two! c:

[pink-pone]

i absolutely adore your characters but especially twigg she's my scrunkly she looks like she'd give me worms she found on the side of the road and i'll gladly take it

Twigg would be delighted to give you many worms

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