#he’s still so loving and adoring of his work on Billy and the CONTINUOUS work on billy and the cast/crew

[spideyhexx]

STOP THE ADDITION OF TOM BLYTH IS ON THE POSTER. .. .HES SOOOOOO

HEHEHEHE THEY WERE LIKE OUR BILLY MADE IT BIG WITH HUNGER GAMES SO HE GETS THAT🫶

[loveisanimaginarydagger3000]

The Babysitter (42)- Flour Fights

MILF Wanda Maximoff X Reader 18+

Summary: In need of money and a way to escape the problems at home, you get a job babysitting two lovely boys named Billy and Tommy Maximoff. What happens when you start to feel things you shouldn't for their mother? Will it bloom into love or leave you heartbroken?

A/N- I would just like to say that there will be some sensitive issues in this story such as alcoholism, homophobia, anxiety as well as more mature content such as smut so, if you continue to read this, please consider this warning.

The Babysitter Master list | General Master List

Chapter 42- W/c 5.8k

Flour Fights

Wiping the counter top down, you ensured that marble top was clean of the small amount of coffee a customer had spilt before turning around to continue your conversation with Peter and Gamora, a playful expression on both yours and Gamora’s face as you teased the brunette, his head shaking at your antics.

“I should report you both to the manager for bullying,” he grumbles in a joking manner as he expertly pours the milk into the drink to create a beautiful piece of art in the liquid, the way he effortlessly completes the task making you a little jealous as you had been trying to learn how to do latte art for a while and had failed miserably. “Oh wait, I am the manager,” his tone is laced with a hint of theatrics as he turned to his girlfriend before looking at you, raising his brow in faux warning. “Stop bullying your co-worker or I’ll put both of your shifts on rush hour,” Peter threatens with little conviction, knowing he wouldn’t be able to as all the shifts had been arranged specifically to fit around the last of the summer holidays, the man complaining less than an hour ago about how long it took and how he never wanted to plan shifts again. His words simply earnt a roll of Gamora’s eyes and a small smile from you at her reaction, the two of you trying your hardest not to tease him again when the bell at the front door rang, signalling a new customer.

At the sight of a familiar set of auburn locks and two very energetic boys, the corner of your lips lifted at the sight of them as Wanda’s eyes flickered around your place of work for a table, quickly spotting a nice booth to sit in before ushering the twins into it. A motherly look appeared on her face, the familiar sight endearing for you to see as her hands fixed Tommy’s hair as he sat down before caressing Billy’s shoulder in an affectionate way, the older woman murmuring something to them before making her way over, a mischievous smile on her face as her alluring green caught yours, heat instantly rising to your cheeks.

“I’ll get this one,” you murmur to Gamora as she approached the countertop to take Wanda’s order, her brow raising at you suspiciously at the pink tinting your face and that enamoured look in your eyes before letting you take the customer, moving further back to join Peter at the coffee machines, the two of them keeping their eyes on you as Drax, Rocket and Mantis returned from their break, preparing to serve the other customers entering the café.

“Hi, what can I get you?” You asked, putting on your ‘work’ voice for the older woman whilst trying your hardest to not smile at her like an idiot in love, your heart fluttering at the way her hands glide across the freshly cleaned countertop, fingers tapping indecisively as she looked at the boards with the menu on it.

“Can I get two small hot chocolates with whipped cream and extra marshmallows on them,” her tone shows how she is unable to hide her happiness as she ordered for the twins, the older woman smiling at you lovingly as she hadn’t seen you properly today due to how early your shift had started, part of her like a teenager in love as she felt almost giddy in your presence. It shocked her at how you could still cause so many feelings to bubble inside her, the way a simple look could ignite a warmth to wrap around her heart effortlessly and she adored every single minute of it, having always wanted to love someone like she loved you and be loved the way you passionately loved her.

Your smile grew even wider at her order for the twins, the emphasis on extra marshmallows not being missed by you as you knew how much they loved them on their drinks, your finger tapping on the screen to write down her order as you glance up at her, noticing the way her teeth subtly bite down on her lower lip to not grin at you. You blushed a little under her gaze as she met your eyes, her enticing green hypnotising you as you let the look linger, the sound of a coffee machine beeping snapping you back to reality as you waited for her to continue with the order.

“Can I also have…” she started, trailing off as she skim reads the rest of the menu, part of you already knowing what she was about to order as your finger hovered over the screen, ready to tap, “A flat white espresso.” You smiled to yourself as you entered in the item, oblivious to how Peter lingered nearby to see how you were doing with the customer, Gamora hiding near the coffee machine and eavesdropping too, your co-workers unaware that this was Wanda, having never actually met her before.

“Is there anything else?” You ask once you had logged everything you needed to, watching the way Wanda’s fingers tapped against the countertop, her smile tugging up in a mischievous manner as her gaze flickered up to meet yours, a hint of mirth in them at her next words.

“Is your number an option?” She teased with a charming smile, your eyes widening at her words before you went along with her joke, a small, shy laugh escaping you as you felt heat rise to your cheeks, her captivating smile and stare making you flustered.

“That depends, are you single or am I going to get in trouble?” Your tone signals your amusement as you murmur the words, letting your gaze switch between the pools of green and her plump lips, admiring her angelic features as you wait for her to respond.

“You won’t get into trouble, I won’t let you,” she rasps out, purposely letting her voice drop an octave and her accent seep into it, knowing you couldn’t resist the way her words gracefully fell from her lips when she did so, her smile widening at the way your pupils dilated noticeably, your mouth parting a little bit as she leaves you speechless for a moment until you can compose yourself.

“I’ll uh, bring your order over to you when it’s ready,” you stammer out in response, avoiding her gaze as you could tell she was humoured by how easily she could fluster you, an infectious laugh briefly escaping her as she chuckles at your adorable form, quickly paying for the drinks before putting you out of your misery and walking away.

You can’t help but watch as she walks away, the older woman seeming to know you were staring and looking over her shoulder at you, winking playfully before moving to sit next to Billy so she could continue to watch you work, smiling at the way your co workers quickly move over to you after your interaction.

“What are you doing?” Peter’s tone is slightly raised as confusion laces his voice whilst you turn around to face him, his wide eyes and tone puzzling you as your brows furrow, your hand stilling the way you were writing your number on the cup, his fingers slipping the item out of your hand. “You can’t just flirt with customers like that, what about Wanda?” It clicks in your mind when he mentions the other woman, a laugh escaping you as your gaze flickers between Gamora and Peter’s concerned gaze, neither of them wanting you to ruin what you had with your girlfriend as they had heard such amazing things.

“That is Wanda,” you say after a moment, unable to stop chuckling to yourself at their reactions, part of you grateful for their intervention as it just showed how much they cared about you. You watch entertained at the way their faces drop from worry to confusion, to disbelief and shock, Gamora’s gaze moving to where the twins and Wanda’s were sitting whilst Peter just looks at you, bewildered.

“How?” Is all that leaves his lips before Gamora’s hand smacks the back of his head, shooting him a warning look as he rubs the spot his girlfriend just hit, his cheeks turning a little red in embarrassment. It wasn’t that he didn’t think you weren’t beautiful or an amazing person because you were, everyone around you knew that you were, it was more the fact that Wanda looked like a goddess among people, something about her just making her all the more radiant. “I mean, how… come we have never met Wanda?” He sheepishly mutters out, grimacing himself at how poor his recovery of the situation was, your brow raised at him as Mantis overhears the conversation, excitement swirling in her eyes at the mention of the older woman, your friend eager to meet her.

“Wanda’s here? Where is she?” Her voice conveys her giddiness as you smile at her reaction, the two of you growing closer over the last couple weeks as your shifts were on at the same time, the black haired woman taking an interest in your love life as she could tell how smitten you were. Before you could respond, Rocket spoke up, the casual man leaning against the countertop on his phone, clearly pretending as though he was busy with work stuff, his eyes never leaving the screen.

“Who’s Wanda? Does she need her order taken over?” His voice lacked any real conviction as to find out who she was, simply acting as though he was contributing to team as he messaged Lyla on his phone, your head shaking as you made the two small hot chocolates, making sure to swirl the whipped cream perfectly and add as many marshmallows as you were allowed to.

“Why are we talking about Wanda again?” Drax asks from your side, making you jump a little as you hadn’t realised he was standing there, his body so still it was as though he was invisible.

“She’s here,” Mantis emphatically answered him, the man seeming to be just as disinterested as Rocket as he was only interested in relationships and love when it meant he could tease someone, his eyes following to where Mantis was looking before flickering his gaze back to you, a laugh escaping him.

“Yeah right,” he chuckled out, a look of shock forming on your face at his dismissal that it was Wanda, your features pulling into a look of offence as he smiled in disbelief at you, a glint of determination appearing in your eyes as you wanted to wipe that smug smile off his face.

“I’ll prove it,” you muttered out to the man, his smile widening as he refused to believe you, his arms crossing over his chest nonchalantly as he leaned against the countertop, watching you in amusement as you carried over the order to the booth they were sitting at, looking at Wanda with a shy but mischievous look before turning your head to make sure your co workers were watching, in particular Drax.

“Two hot chocolates and a flat white,” you say with a polite voice, the slight change to your tone amusing the twins as they mimic your voice to each other, making you playfully stick your tongue out at them for their teasing you as Wanda shakes her head at your antics, biting down on her lower lip as she admires you in your work uniform as you hand the twins their drinks, marshmallows overspilling from the cups. Your gaze flickers over to her appreciative stare when the twins become distracted by the sugary treat, the older woman loving the way your tied apron exaggerates your curves as she eventually lifts her gaze to your face, an enamoured look evident in her eyes as she can’t stop thinking about how adorable you look right now, the slightly shy smile on your face as her green has your heart pounding in your chest, warmth wrapping cosily around it.

Smiling a little to yourself, your tear your eyes away from hers to break the lingering gaze to focus on her drink sitting on the tray in your hands, moving to pass her the drink when her fingers brush yours on purpose, the older woman innocently smirking up at you as steals the drink from you, revelling in the way you seem to blush a little in embarrassment at the effect she has on you.

“Thank you,” she murmurs out whilst taking a sip of the drink, making sure to keep eye contact with you to further torment you, her lips tugging up into a smile around the mug as you linger nearby, trying to figure out how to prove to Drax you were with her without making it obvious to Wanda that you wanted a kiss.

“Is there any chance my service deserves a tip?” You ask with a hint of cheek seeping into your words as you offer her a charming smile, her brow raising at your words as you still play along with the joke from earlier, excitement appearing on her features.

“What did you have in mind?” She murmurs out, letting her gaze drift over to the counter where your friends were not so discreetly watching the interaction, the older woman trying her hardest to not roll her eyes as she could tell you had made some sort of bet at the way they were so interested in what was happening, that look in your eyes only Wanda could notice also giving it away as she could easily read your body language.

“Something that might get me in...trouble,” you whisper out, Wanda letting out a small chuckle before shaking her head lightly at your actions, her hand moving to your collarbone, sliding against the fabric of your shirt teasingly before grabbing the collar of your button up blouse, pulling you down to meet her lips.

The kiss was tender and loving to keep it appropriate for the setting, the two of you instantly smiling into it when you hear a contrast of reactions, the twins as usual pretending to be grossed out by the action whilst a small, elated noise could be heard from where Mantis was, her body buzzing with joy as she just loved seeing people happy, her smile practically reaching her ears at the way you shyly pulled back from the kiss.

You couldn’t stop the way love and adoration swarmed through you when Wanda softly waved towards your co-workers before sitting back in her seat, relaxing with her drink in her hand as you simply stood there, admiring the woman you loved.

“You might want to stop staring Detka,” she teases after a moment, “You’ve still got twenty minutes of your shift left,” she gently reminds, prompting you to pick up the forgotten tray from the table and return back to work after telling her you would meet her back here when you had finished your shift.

The prominent blush on your cheeks was engraved there as Peter and Gamora offer you suggestive looks as you returned to the counter, Drax’s arms dropping as he simply stood there with his mouth parted, somehow lost for words, not a single teasing remark lingering on his tongue which seemed to be a first.

“You should have put money on it,” Rocket teased as he patted Drax’s shoulder, joking with the man who still remained frozen and confused as to what had happened, your head shaking at the other man before letting your gaze inevitably drift back over to the table where she was, catching her curious stare. You watched intently as she placed her drink down and lifted her hand, the smile growing on your face fading when she motioned for you to turn around and stop staring at her, your eyes rolling theatrically at her before you did as she said, returning to cleaning the machines as the last twenty minutes of your shift dragged on.

***

Untying your hair, a deep sigh left your lips at the relief of returning home, the promise of having another family night exciting you as it was a time to unwind and simply enjoy being with the twins and Wanda, the bag of ingredients in Wanda’s hands intriguing you as she hadn’t told you what her and the twins had planned for tonight.

You made a beeline for the kitchen as that was where she had wandered to, walking past the framed photo of her on the ride at Asgard with a smug smile before your eyes searched for her auburn hair as you leaned against the doorframe, taking a moment to observe her. Her fingers rummaged through the plastic bag for various items as she stayed oblivious to your presence, her back to you as you continued to watch her, unable to stop the love coursing through your veins at the domestic sight of her expertly and swiftly moving around the kitchen, her green eventually catching your figure at the door.

The corner of your lips instinctively  lifted at the simple look before you pushed yourself off the frame to slowly walk over to her, your body tired after your long shift at the café, wanting to feel the comfort of her body against yours as you have been deprived of her touch for far too long in your opinion. You practically melted into her body as your arms snaked around her middle, your head resting against her shoulder as you placed a kiss to the fabric of her jumper, expressing your love to her silently.

The two of you adored the fact you could easily show your care and affection for each other without having to explicitly say ‘I love you’, your actions, looks, and kindness enough for one another. You purposely let your hands squeeze her body gently, encouraging her to lean back further into your embrace, knowing she cherished being hugged from behind and listened out for the satisfied sigh that would spill from her lips when you would do so.

You smiled against her sweater when you heard the familiar sound, the older woman stilling in your arms as she relaxed, a soft, tender expression gracing her features as you both savoured the moment before the twins would eventually come running downstairs, ready to start the fun family night.

“Can I have another kiss or is that going to get me in trouble with your girlfriend?” you tease, breaking the brief silence, your words slightly muffled by her shoulder as you mumbled against her, the corner of her lips tugging up at your playfulness whilst her head shook lightly before she turned around in your arms, mirth clear in her eyes.

“I don’t know, that might get you into trouble,” she rasps out whilst you move one of your hands to tuck the stray strand of her hair behind her ear, a tenderness wrapping around you both comfortably as you joke with each other.

“That’s a shame, it was such a good kiss,” you murmur out, tilting your head so that your lips ghosted hers, the feeling of her lips briefly brushing yours intoxicating, the thought of pressing them together consuming your mind and sending a heat throughout your body.

“Yeah?” she hums out, sliding her hands further around your waist, the pads of her fingers toying with the hem of your shirt and grazing your warm skin. “Maybe one more wouldn’t hurt after all,” she husks out with a smirk, lowering her head at a tantalising pace as you await the delicate feeling of her plump lips slotting over yours, your body craving the feeling again as you wait what feels like an eternity before her lips finally claim yours.

Much to your dismay though, the sound of footsteps interrupts the kiss, breaking off the affectionate moment far sooner than you wanted, a small groan leaving you as you sink into her embrace, your face hiding at the crook of her neck, basking in the warmth and safety it provided for a moment.

“You’re such a tease,” you mumble against her skin, earning a gentle chuckle as her fingers run up and down your back, the twins storming into the room after having cleaned their rooms, knowing they had to finish that chore off before the fun could begin.

“You’re the one who started it,” she whispers tauntingly before pressing a kiss to the top of your head, sliding her body away from yours to check their rooms were done properly before starting the activities planned for tonight, your dumbfounded figure left to watch her walk away, still thinking of the feeling of her lips.

***

A baking competition.

That’s what family night was for this evening, a look of shock, confusion and excitement appearing on your features as it was everyone versus everyone on who could make the best cookies, the thought of the twins trying to make their own worrying you a little bit as their version of baking cookies meant eating as many chocolate chips as possible before you would notice, too busy doing the actual work involved.

“Are we sure we don’t want to have teams?” you ask once more as you sit on the chair at the kitchen island, your head leaning against your palm as you stare at Wanda who was sorting out all the ingredients into an efficient system, her face pulling a look that suggested she wanted to agree with you, Tommy speaking up instead.

“No teams!” he exclaims, clearly excited about doing it all himself as Billy nodded along with him, the twins adamant that they could make them themselves, assuming it was much easier than it was. “Unless you want to team up with Mom because you’re scared you’re going to lose,” he teases, making your jaw drop, Wanda failing the stifle her laugh in time as your bewildered expression meets her humoured one, her smile soft as she bites down on her lip to stop herself giggling at her son’s words.

“I make good cookies,” you mutter in response, thinking about all the times you and the twins had made various types of cookies and the way they’d absolutely devour them, your mind then soon replaying the way they’d run across the house to get their mothers, the older woman’s skills in the kitchen superior to yours.

“Not as good as mine though,” Wanda whispers as she moves around to stand behind you, pressing a chaste kiss to your temple to help comfort you at the fact your abilities had been undermined, her head leaning against yours as your hand reached out for hers, letting your thumb brush over the back of her hand as the twins decided on the rules and how the winner would be decided before you could start.

Eventually, the four of you were ready to start measuring out everything needed to make the signature Maximoff family recipe of chocolate chip cookies, Billy fighting with the bag of flour you and him were going to share whilst Wanda effortlessly opened hers and Tommy’s, a look of sympathy growing on your face as he struggled. He wanted to remain independent during the entire baking process so you offered him a reassuring smile as you could understand how frustrating it was to open packets like that, something deep inside you hating bags of flour after the many times they had split open on you. The packaging was just always so impractical, white powder inevitably getting everywhere as soon as you tore it open, your gaze watching as he put a little more force into trying to tear it open, a grimace forming on your face as you could predict what was about to happen.

“Let me try-” your words were cut off by the bag tearing open vigorously, flour puffing out of the bag and all over the countertop as well as yours and Billy’s hands, a cloud of it filling the air around you two as Wanda sighed, her smile still present on her face though.

After a sheepish look in the older woman’s direction, you turned your gaze back to the pile of flour now on the marble top, your hand coming up to your forehead as you try to figure out the best way to deal with the situation, not realising the amount of flour coating your hand.

A humoured expression grew on everyone else's face as you managed to have a streak of flour across your head, the twins trying their hardest to not laugh and give it away, wanting you to continue looking silly, whilst Wanda seemed to pause, a nostalgic look in her eyes.

Her mind recalled the memory of when she came home from work to see you baking with the twins whilst you were babysitting them, the way warmth spread throughout her at the adorable sight of you with a similar streak of flour on your face. She remembered fondly the way you seemed to grow flustered as she gently wiped the mark away, her heart fluttering in her chest as she realised how far the two of you have come, how you have managed to change her life for the better.

“What?” you chuckle out as you notice her staring at you with love overflowing from her enchanting green, Billy helping get the remainder of the flour into a bowl to weigh it out.

“I love you,” she whispers, your brows furrowing a little bit at the emotion underlying the words, the concern quickly dissipating as she comes closer to you, her fingers gently holding your chin like she did that day, tilting your head up as she grabbed a cloth to wipe the flour away, a hint of deja vu flowing through you both. “But sometimes I think you’re just as messy as the twins,” she mutters playfully, a mischievous glint appearing in your eyes at her words as she loses herself in admiring you, unaware of how your hand was moving near the table.

“I’m not messy” you whisper innocently whilst moving your hand up to cup her cheek, her face morphing into shock at the feeling of flour being smeared against her skin, an infectious laugh escaping you and the twins as they watch the scenes unfold, revenge swirling in the older woman’s eyes.

Before you know it, the kitchen turns into a mini warzone, flour flying everywhere as you all try to cover each other in it, the food fight amusing to everyone as laughter bounced off all the walls, a small scream leaving Tommy as you wrap your arm around his body, sprinkling flour all over him and wiping a streak on his cheek to mimic the face paintings warriors have. To torment the boy even more, you tickled his side, watching as he tries to squirm his way out of your grip, his giggles echoing around the room as Billy dodges his mother’s flour attacks, the woman giving up chasing after one of her sons as he was too quick, deciding to save her other one instead.

A squeal practically leaves you when Wanda steals you away, pulling you into her body so that her front is flush against your back, your body trying to fight her strong grip but failing, laughter constantly spilling from your lips as you feel the remainder of the flour being wiped across your face. Her fingers friskily remained on your face, tormenting you further as you could hear her chuckling behind you, your hand trying to stop her from drawing random shapes of flour on your forehead as you gripped her forearm, amused at the way her sleeve had a massive streak of white across it.

The core memory engraved itself into all of your minds, the sheer joy and happiness radiating through you all as Wanda eventually let her head rest at the crook of your neck, inhaling the scent of your sweet perfume as your giggles eventually died down, your ragged breaths filling the room. The four of you panted after the intense battle, Wanda’s arm unwrapping from around your middle, freeing you of her grasp so you could turn around to send her a mini glare, the expression never coming onto your face as you were too busy grinning at her, an avalanche of affection and warmth enveloping you at the sight of her. Flour sat on the edge of her nose almost comically, a couple light dusts also tainting the pink visible on her cheeks whilst your eyes travelled up to look at her hair, chuckling in amusement at the massive white streak in her auburn locks.

A teasing comment about her age was on the tip of your tongue, the older woman seeming to sense where your thoughts were heading as she tilted her head almost warningly, daring you to make the joke as you smirked up at her, your composure crumbling a little at the hint of dominance swirling in her eyes. Deciding it would be better to not be a brat, you stayed silent instead, a triumphant look flashing on her features before she let her gaze flicker away from you to around the room, taking in the mess you had all managed to create, her eyes widening a little bit at how far the four of you had gone.

“I’m not even sure we’ll have enough flour to make cookies anymore,” she said sceptically as she checked the remains of a bags of flour, noticing how there was only just about two cups left in one of them and maybe just under one cup in the other bag , the twin’s faces almost turning as white as the flour at the idea of not having any cookies, the two of them running to check the bag their mother was looking at before checking the bowls that previously had measured out flour in them.

You watched curiously as they tried to pile together as much of the leftover flour as possible in hopes there'd be enough, your head shaking softly as you decided to wipe your face, cleaning yourself up whilst the boys remained running about with the ingredient in their hair, seeming to make the mess worse as they kept moving about. Wanda copied you and started trying to clean herself up, observing the twins as you were before speaking up, deciding she didn’t want to clean any more mess than she had to, part of her wishing she had the powers Billy had given her in his drawings so she could just magic all the mess away.

“How about this,” she starts off, gaining everyone’s attention. “You two can go and have a shower now, making sure to get rid of all the flour in your hair,” she said, making a point as she ruffled Tommy’s hair, showing how white his locks had turned, “And when you come down there might be some cookies nearly ready to eat." Bright smiles stretched across their lips as they nodded emphatically to agree with their mother’s plan, the two of them wiping as much of the mess in their hair off in the kitchen before being allowed to sprint up stairs to shower, your brow raising as her gaze then met yours, an innocent smile growing on her lips which could only mean one thing- she was about to torture you.

“And what am I supposed to do?” you ask in a hum, leaning against the countertop in front of her after she had just measured the flour out, a small amount still left in the bag behind your body that you were oblivious to. At the suggestive tone to your voice, her hands move to rest on the marble behind you, bracing her body above yours as she trapped you against the island, her head lowering a little bit, encouraging you to chase her teasing and alluring lips. 

Just as you think she’s about to kiss you on the lips, your eyes fluttering shut, she moves slightly behind you, the action going unnoticed as her lips pressed against the corner of your mouth, driving you insane with the thought of her as warmth wraps around your heart and also travels down your body towards you core, the feeling of her smirking against your lips clouding your mind. 

“You can help clean,” she murmurs in a seductive voice, a groan leaving you at her addictive tone and her words, the false hope annoying but equally amusing as she pulls back to see your eyes gradually opening, your darkened pupils showing how excited her actions had made you.

“Have I ever told you how cruel you are?” you grumble whilst stealing a quick kiss from her, the older woman letting you after her tease, her fingers wrapping around something behind you, her right arm moving slightly to your side as you focus on pouting at her, trying to get her to feel sorry for you and kiss you again and again until you couldn’t remember why you were pretending to be so annoyed. You thought it was working at the way her head lowered once more, your tongue subconsciously swiping across your lips to wet them, ready to lose yourself to the arousal steadily corrupting your thoughts. 

“Just a few times,” she chuckles out, smirking at you in a mischievous way as you search her green, confused as to why her smile seemed to grow that little bit wider, your brows furrowing until your felt flour being poured over your head, your vision being covered by the powder spilling down your face. You simply stood still as the bag emptied above your head, unable to stop a shocked but also impressed smile tugging at your lips, your laughter light and contagious as Wanda couldn't help but laugh along with you as you fell for her plan. Shaking your head vigorously, your hands shot out to hold onto her waist to keep her close, keeping her in the firing line as the two of you acted like fools in love for the rest of the night.

The two of you were only just about able to make the cookies and clean the mountain of mess in time for the twins, care and adoration underlying all you actions as the rest of the night breezed by, the happiness of spending the night together as a family consuming you entirely.

[whateverloomis]

What if you did a Billy x reader x Stu where they’re like IN LOVE in love w reader but the readers just super oblivious and when they kill their girlfriends readers just like “oh shit I’m next” but they confess they’re love also reader could be gender neutral

(I’m sorry if this sucks I am NOT good at requests)

Don't worry anon, it's totally okay! I feel like I got way too dramatic with this lmao, but we need a little bit of drama to spice things up once in a while :P

Warnings: Hopelessly romantic Billy and Stu (lol,) stalking, mentions of murders, touchy feely Billy and Stu, kissing (nothing too intense here,) unedited

Word count: 1.3k

Reader: GN, no pronouns used

Casey, Tatum and now Sidney. You're most likely next. No, you are next, 100%. Why would the ghost face killer spare you? You're part of the friend group and you sure as hell aren't special. At least that's what you told yourself, but Billy and Stu thought different.

They were both painfully in love with you. They couldn't handle having anyone trying to hit on you and steal you from them. They were possessive and with each day it got even more intense and fucked up.

They's kill whoever showed any kind of romantic interest in you. It was unbearable to know there was someone else other than them who felt for you.

Billy loved to follow you to your house and make random apparitions when you least expected it. He thought it was so adorable when you did that little jump when he scared you.

"Billy! You scared me!" You said after gasping.

"Aw I didn't mean to." He said, eyes dark with amusement.

You looked around, anxiety evident since he triggered your fight or flight. What if there was someone else following you? What if the killer's stalking you without you realizing it? If Billy, your close friend who you could easily recognize could do it then a masked killer could do it too. You were terrified.

"It's okay I... Can you walk me home? It's getting kinda dark already." You asked and Billy smirked. He got exactly what he wanted.

"Sure thing."

•

Somewhere along the way he placed his hand around your waist while you guys walked. You didn’t think much of it since he obviously didn’t mean anything by it, so you thought. Instead, you expressed to him how scared you were because of the kills taking place in Woodsboro. It had been months since your friends were slaughtered and you got pretty good at suppressing your emotions and continuing your life semi normally, but it still got to you inevitably from time to time.

Billy and Stu were your primary source of comfort. After the kills took place they didn’t waste any time and became as close to you as they could.

“I understand your worries and fears, YN. Really, I do, but…” he trailed off. Billy didn’t want to exactly dismiss your words, he just wanted to play around with them a little bit so everything was in his and Stu’s favor.

“…but you have me now. Me and Stu. We’ll protect you no matter what. You’re safe, I promise.” Billy reassured and smirked in satisfaction once he felt you relax under his shoulder.

“You’re right,” you said softly as you climbed up the stairs to your front porch.

Billy stood in front of you, one step lower and leaned against the wooden rail. He looked into your eyes and for a second your heart skipped a beat, but you blinked quickly and looked away, composing yourself.

Billy is undeniably attractive but you couldn't go there, plus there was no chance in hell he'd be interested, so you brush any weird feelings away.

"You home alone tonight? I can keep you company if you'd like," the boy suggested and you definitely wouldn't have minded one bit. Being home alone wasn't your favorite thing especially after the murders. Much less being alone an entire week thanks to your parents being away on a work trip.

You hesitated for a moment, not knowing if it would be best to be alone or with someone in the house. What if Billy got killed instead of you? Or worse, what if you both got killed? In your own home? The irrational thoughts ran wild and Billy could see that you were lost in them.

"Hey" he said softly and grabbed your hand reassuringly, secretly seeking more physical contact with you; "It's okay if you don't want me to-" - "No, no it's not that I just..." you trailed off when you felt Billy touch your cheek with his free hand, looking into your eyes. Was he going to kiss you? It definitely looked like he was, but the boy got interrupted.

"What's up kiddos!? We having a party at YNs?" Stu broke Billy's moment as he approached from behind. The boy bit his lip in annoyance and glared at Stu as he made his way towards you and hugged you tightly, lifting you up in the process.

You inevitably giggled at his playfulness and placed your hands on his chest as he set you down.

"C'mon! Let's have a movie night or something! You got popcorn here?" Stu asked excitedly and you nodded. His cheerfulness made the idea sound perfect, so you took his offer and invited the boys in.

•

"Ugh, why is there always a lowkey love interest in horror movies? Everyone is gonna die anyways." You said related to the film you were watching.

Billy craned his neck to the side and looked at you, lifting an eyebrow in intrigue; "Why wouldn't there be? It makes things more interesting." He said and Stu hummed in agreement, lost in the sex scene that was taking place on the screen.

"Well, yeah but what's the point? Honestly." You replied and Billy gave you a confused expression.

"I mean, have you ever been in love? If you analyze it, it does make sense." Billy said and you thought for a second before replying; "Mm, no. I don't think I ever have."

At your words Billy shifted on the couch to face you completely. Stu paused the movie, too shocked to continue watching the film.

"Are you serious?" Billy asked and Stu looked at you in shock, his head resting on Billy's shoulder.

"No. It's not a big deal guys. Plus, nobody has ever been in love with me either so it doesn't really matter."

The boys tensed up at your words. Were you really that oblivious? The tension, the touchiness, the compliments, all their love languages spilled on you wasn't obvious enough?

"What if I told you that you're wrong?" Billy asked, his voice soft.

"The signs have been in front of you the whole time, YN!" Stu said, losing his patience.

You couldn't read their expressions or understand what they were trying to say. Were they admitting that they both love you? There was no way that could be true, right?

"Wh- What are you guys saying?" You asked and Billy had enough of your games, even though you had no idea they felt challenged by you.

The boy leaned in and kissed you. His hand immediately fell on your thigh and you couldn't help but kiss him back.

Stu stood up and sat behind you, wrapping his arms around your waist and placing kisses on your shoulder.

You felt chills all over your body at the sensation of both of their lips on you. You never thought you'd ever be in this position, much less with your best friends. The only ones left after everything. The only ones who were there for you.

Your emotions were overwhelming. You were confused, excited and turned on all at once. Maybe you have feelings for them too and didn't even realize it.

"You don't know how much I've been waiting to get my hands on you." Billy whispered against your lips and kissed you a few more times before continuing; "Show you how much I feel for you... Fuck, how much we both feel for you." He bit his lower lip and kissed you again.

You moaned into Billy's mouth, his words were so promising. So real.

"Mhmm." Stu hummed softly in agreement next to you; "It's been driving me crazy, YN... Both of us." He continued and turned you around. It was his turn to kiss you now. You played with each other's tongues and moaned softly into each other's mouths before he finally said it; "We love you." He kissed you once more before continuing; "So fucking much." He finished as he squeezed your sides in excitement.

Billy wrapped his arms around you from behind, his limbs resting above Stu's; "So... So much, baby." He whispered in your ear and you just about melted.

You had so much to figure out. So much to address with yourself and so much confusion circling in your head, but all you could think about was how much you wanted them. How much you needed to feel them and explore their feelings further. How much you needed Billy Loomis and Stu Macher.

[burntsaltsblog]

Hear me out... pegging Billy Butcher. Like the build up and the aftercare. Butcher has never been do pampered in his life

mdni// smut under the cut

no because THAT is something. just thinking about massaging his muscular globes until you spread them apart, revealing his tight, puckered hole.

“relax, baby,” you’d murmur, trailing a hand down the back of butcher’s leg softly.

he’d only grunt in reply as he propped himself up on his hands and knees.

butcher and your sex life had been full of exploration, always trying new things. but the one thing you had wanted to try since the beginning of your relationship was pegging him.

“how about we stick to me fuckin’ your ass instead, love, yeah?” he had said, eyeing you.

but despite your love of the control butcher had over you in the bedroom, there were times when you wanted it to be the other way around. you wanted to be the one straddling him, driving into him with enough drive to knock the air out of his lungs while you muttered praises with a touch of degradation here and there.

one night, when he had been fucking you, missionary, you had decided to reach your hand around and begin tracing his hole, teasing him gently.

you didn’t miss the moan that fell from his lips as he threw his head back. “fuck,” he groaned, eyes closed, as his hips stuttered and hot ropes of his seed coated your walls.

that had become a common occurrence when you were intimate until butcher was ready for more.

now you were kneeling behind him and opening a bottle of lube, pouring a generous amount into your hand.

your finger would circle his rim, wetting his puckered hole before carefully pushing inside as a string of curses left butcher’s mouth.

when you had been able to work two more fingers into him, you knew he was ready.

you’d be diligent with making sure the strap on was lubed up as much as possible before guiding it to his ass, circling his rim just like you had done moments before with your finger.

then, you’d slowly push in, watching in wonder as the tight ring of muscle opened up just enough to let the tip in.

��fuckin’ hell,” butcher would breath heavily, beginning to pant.

when you felt him relax, you’d push in a little more and wait for him to adjust. you’d then repeat the process several more times.

“almost there, baby. you’re doing so good,” you would praise, messaging his lower back to keep him at ease.

once you bottomed out, you’d slowly draw out before thrusting back in, butcher whimpering in the process.

“i know, baby. i know,” you’d coo, comforting him.

then, you’d reach around and wrap your hand around his hard cock, stroking him while simultaneously taking him from behind.

“feel good?” you would whisper in his ear.

“s’good, doll.” he’d breath back.

your pace would be steady as you fucked him into an orgasm, hot sperm coating your hand, but you would continue to stroke him as well as drive into his ass until he was milked and spent.

butcher would then collapse on the bed and after discarding the strap on, you’d scoot up to the top of the bed and gently lay his head in your lap, whispering soft words of adoration and praise.

“you did so good for me, my love. so good. im so proud of you,” you would say, running your hands through his hair.

then, you would gather a towel and rinse it under warm water, cleaning butcher up. he’d blink slowly up at you, still still coming down from his high.

you’d cover him with a thick blanket before sliding under it as well. you would wrap your arms around him, and pull him to rest on your chest before placing a tender kiss on his head.

“my good, sweet boy.”

[sunnyferr]

"Akatsuki Yandere + a song for each one"

Hey! This is my second post! I hope you like it as much as you liked the previous one<3

No mentioned pronouns

WARNING: YANDERE, Obsession, manipulation, obsessive jealousy, verbal aggression, mention of physical abuse

part 1 / part 2

characters: Deidara, Sasori, Hidan, and Kakuzu

playing: NEW MAGIC WAND - Tyler, The Creator

Deidara, one of the youngest members of the Akatsuki, I would say he's closer to the "teenage romance," so to speak. I see him as the "sweetest," if you will.

Still, I view him as someone who manipulates emotions. He would use the classic "don't you love me anymore?" as his main weapon. He would never lay a hand on you, but he would play with your innocence and kindness towards others, especially towards him.

"Do you want that nice guy to end up dead because of you?... Hmm, that's what I thought."

Gradually, you would see how your interaction with the outside world deteriorated. He hardly let you communicate with other members, always under his watchful eye.

He would hug and kiss you as much as possible, but only if you were obedient to his rules and commands. He tends to give the cold shoulder when you don't obey what he ordered.

His hands on your cheeks, squeezing lightly as your plump lips parted, he looked at you like a small and defenseless being, one who wouldn't harm a fly. He knew he had you under his control. Your teary eyes made him want to hug you tighter, so tight he could crush your ribs, but love was like his art, explosive, isn't it?

playing: hostage - Billie Eilish

He does not have a heart, Sasori does not have that feeling of "love" like Deidara, he only feels obsession towards your body, your delicacy, and your sweet demeanor... the most innocent puppet in his collection.

He would always be by your side, protecting his next work of art, constantly admiring your eternal beauty, his eyes piercing your beautiful waist and hips, your beautiful hair and your bright eyes, but in his gaze, it is cold, only showing greed to have you there, just for him.

"No, I don't like you at all, you seem annoying to me, what I like is your body..."

He would be in your room all night, watching you sleep while he fixes his puppets, watching your chest rise and fall with your breaths, your body relaxed and stretched, he looks at you with desire, undoubtedly you will be part of his next collection.

He never kissed you, never touched your body, he saw you as so fragile, as if you were made of glass, he did not want to harm your perfectly cared for skin, it would be sacrilege for him...

His hands so close and yet so far from your body, with a destructive desire to strangle you and turn you into his next work of art, to him it seemed... exciting, imagining the way you writhed before him, it made him feel in some way, as if he had control of your life, he loved being able to possess you, to do whatever he wanted with you, like a puppet...

playing: Ultraviolence - Lana Del Rey

In addition to being aggressive as a partner, he is a crazy obsessed with his partner, and always forces you to be behind him, chasing him like a dog in search of some love, because he couldn't even provide that to you.

He always saw you as a fragile doll, that he really wanted to break, stain, just to satisfy his morbid fascination with you, he always wanted to destroy you, sees your tears as the most beautiful and adorable thing, even if they are from the pain he himself caused you.

"Look… are you about to cry again? You are so cute when you cry for me…"

His eyes always on you, watching every move, if you spoke too much, he would correct you when you got to his room, grabbing you tightly by the wrist, quickly dragging you to his room.

He won't really feel guilty about anything, just pretends to by bringing you some flowers and maybe some chocolate or candy he knows you like, so you feel a little loved, and then he will continue to be the same human trash as always.

A wet cloth on your cheek, he had hit you again for throwing a "tantrum", you were crying, in the darkness of the room, until he opened the door, with the same bouquet of flowers as always, throwing it beside you, as if that would make the bruise on your cheek disappear, he slowly approaches you, and places a hand on your injured part, and leans in to give you a kiss, a kiss that seemed sweet, but in reality, meant nothing to him.

playing: Drunk Walk Home - Mitski

A really tough man, very materialistic, not so jealous, he really doesn't care, what he doesn't want is for you to leave his mental control, he is very materialistic, he loves money, how far would he go for it?

I know it's hard to hear, but he prostitutes you, of course, only with the people he wants, he really has a fetish of seeing you surrounded by other men, it's something that actually increases his sexual desire, seeing you trembling and embarrassed is something he craves.

"You look so beautiful when you look like that… you should be grateful that I see you as a beauty…"

You really agreed to that "job" because he threatened to leave you if you didn't accept, really a manipulator, playing with your kindness and love for that man.

although he is a LITTLE kind with the aftercare, helping you up and taking you to the shower, giving you privacy to shower, since in half an hour, more clients would come…

he watched the steam come out from under the door, while he was counting bills, going back to the raw memories of your tears running down your cheeks, really exciting to be honest, he stopped counting when he felt the water turn off, and saw you coming out of the shower with just a towel covering your intimacy it made him think of the beauty he had in front of him, too bad that beauty was not only defiled by the man…

[e-dubbc11]

To Love You More

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

Pairing: Billy Russo x F! Reader

Warnings: mentions of Billy’s abandonment, love confessions, maybe a swear word or two, fluffy bunnies and unicorns

Word Count: 2.3K-ish

Summary: Billy shows up at your apartment drunk. You’re surprised at what he has to tell you.

A/N: Based off of the song To Love You More by Celine Dion (don’t you judge me 🤣, the violin in it is really pretty) Sunday mornings are my alone time so I was food prepping and serenading my dog when the song came on so I continued to sing to her and this idea popped in my head. 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. 💕💕 💕

The three loud raps against your door startled you.

The noise scared you bad enough to cause you to toss some of your popcorn onto the floor. You managed to regain control of your wine glass before you dropped that onto the floor too. Pausing the movie, you placed the bowl and wine glass onto the coffee table and cautiously walked over to the door.

The clock on the microwave read 1:25 AM.

The three knocks came again along with a voice you recognized. “B-baby you awake?” He boomed from the other side of the door.

“Billy? Is that you?” You asked, relaxing a little when you heard your boyfriend’s voice.

“C-can y-you lemme in s-sweet girl? P-please? I-I f-feel like I’m gonna f-fall over.” He slurred.

Oh boy…

Billy had an event for his company, Anvil, tonight. As CEO, he had to make an appearance but by the sounds of it, he stayed a little longer than he probably should have.

Your relationship with Billy was still somewhat new; he hadn’t asked you to accompany him to one of these events yet and you were using the term “boyfriend” loosely.

The two of you spent a lot of time together but you just assumed he didn’t want to put a label on it and you couldn’t shake the feeling you were just setting yourself up for a heartbreak because you knew a lot of men like Billy…and dated them. They didn’t have relationships or want them; they just played with you until they were ready to move on.

But unless Billy was an exceptionally good actor, he really seemed like he was having a lot of fun with you and in turn, you were having a lot of fun with him. More than anything, you wanted this relationship to work because he made you feel loved even if he hadn’t said it out loud.

You opened the door. Billy stood leaning against the doorframe; his tie was loose around his neck. Normally perfectly styled, his ebony colored hair was slightly tousled and grazed the top of his eyebrows, and the top buttons on his crisp white dress shirt were undone. He still looked incredibly handsome.

Billy’s cheeks were flushed from the chilly winter air as he greeted you with that familiar million-dollar smile. His eyes were halfway open and you could still smell the bourbon on his breath as he pinched your chin and gave you a slightly sloppy kiss.

“W-well don’t you look a-adorable!” He exclaimed.

You chuckled a little and bit back a smile because you were just wearing pajama pants and a ribbed tank top. It wasn’t anything special.

“I-I had that work th-thing tonight.” He said, gliding into your apartment and trying not to lose his balance. “I-I might ha-have had a little tooooooo much to drink.”

“Yes, it does seem like you had one too many.” You said, biting back a slight smile. “Come on, lieutenant. Can you make it over to the couch?”

Billy started to carefully walk over to the couch when he looked down and noticed your spilled popcorn.

“Y-you sp-spilled some, baby. Oh shit…d-did I sc-scare you when I knocked on the d-door?” He asked, trying his best to not slur his words.

“A little.” You replied. “But it’s ok. What are you doin’ here, Billy?”

After removing his jacket, you helped Billy sit down. His long, slender fingers grazed the skin of your lower back when he lifted the hem of your tank top as he planted himself on your couch. Shivers danced up and down your spine while goosebumps sprinkled across your exposed skin. His touches always burned your skin in the most delightful way, every time.

“I-I just missed youuuuu. Y-you shoulda come w-with me tonight. Oh, I-I probably should have asked you to come with m-me.” He said, nervously.

It had to be the alcohol making him say all this but it made your heart swell to hear that he missed you.

Making sure he was seated firmly on the couch, you tried to let go of his hand to walk away. “I’m gonna get you some water and ibuprofen, I’ll be right back.”

Billy didn’t let go of your hand.

“I scared y-you tonight, huh. I g-guess I just scare everyone. Anyone that tries to get close, I p-push them away. I p-pushed my mother away too, ya know. Sh-she didn’t want me either.” He said, his voice a little steadier.

Billy didn’t talk much about his childhood. You knew he was a product of the system but he didn’t elaborate on that after he told you. That was the first time he had ever mentioned his mother to you.

Crouching down in front of him, you looked into his eyes, brushed the bristles of his beard with your thumbs and replied, “You haven’t pushed ME away, baby. I’ll always want you.”

With his other hand, he pushed back the hair that had fallen into his eyes so he could get a better look at you. His mouth split into a shy smile as he leaned in to touch his forehead to yours. The scent of bourbon was on his lips as he softly pressed them against your freshly cleansed skin and you inhaled the aroma of his spicy cologne.

“I-I don’t want to push you away, my love. I’ve waited a long time for you.” Whispered Billy. “Y-you let me be…me. I love you, y/n.”

Billy didn’t know what he was saying; he couldn’t have meant that. The alcohol flowing through his veins clearly allowed him to talk freely and tell you things that he never told anyone else. You thought maybe he would later regret doing that but it was too late now.

“Ok, you’ve had a lot more to drink than I thought and I know you don’t mean that but I’ve told you before, you can always be yourself with me, Billy. I will never judge you.” You said in barely more than a whisper as his eyelids became heavy and you coaxed him to swing his legs up onto the couch. “Lie back for me, baby. Thaaaaat’s it…”

“No, I really do mean it y/n!” Said Billy, in a slightly elevated tone.

“Oooooook, time to get some sleep, soldier.” You replied, playfully.

He was asleep before his head hit the pillow. His lean body was fully stretched out with one hand resting on his chest, the other was draped off the side with his knuckles barely skimming the floor as you gingerly covered him with a blanket.

Before turning off the living room lamp, you watched Billy sleep for a few minutes, stroking his handsome face with your knuckles and you warmed his skin as you lightly pressed your lips to his cheek and then to his lips.

He didn’t move.

In the gathering darkness, before going to your bedroom, you whispered in Billy’s ear, “I’m always here for you, Billy. I love you too…goodnight my love.”

Your pillow cradled your head as you stared up at the ceiling, thinking about Billy’s confessions to you that left you wondering if he meant any of what he had said and would he remember any of it? If you were to put any money on it, you would have said he wouldn’t remember any of it, deny that he even said anything, or blame the alcohol and he didn’t mean a word of it.

Before drifting off to sleep, a slight smile stretched across your lips. He came to you wanting nothing more than to tell you that he missed you, that he wanted you by his side tonight and upset with himself that he didn’t ask. With zero hesitation, you would have said yes.

Well…there was always next time.

**********

Your eyes lightly fluttered opened and closed again as the mattress dipped underneath you. A warm body spooned up behind you and Billy kissed your bare shoulder. A handful of hours must have passed as the early morning sky was just starting to lighten. He must have stripped down to his boxer briefs because you felt his skin touch yours as his long arms wrapped around your waist.

Humming into your ear, he kissed the spot where your neck meets your shoulder. You loved when he did that and a soft moan of his name escaped your lips as a reflex.

“Mmmmm…Billy.” You said.

Billy buried his head into your neck like a cat, desperately wanting to be as close as he possibly could to you. He gripped you tightly, possessively like he was afraid to let you go as he purred into your ear, “You meant it, right baby? That you’ll always be there for me?”

In the liquid darkness, you turned to face him. You couldn’t see him with the exception of some of his features. His lips were close to yours as he repeated, “I heard you. You said you’d always be there. I’m not making that up, right?”

Slowly, you extended your hand, reached for him, and started to gently rake your nails against his scalp as you replied, “Of course, Billy. As long as you want me, I’m here baby.”

“As long as I want you?” He questioned. “As long as YOU want ME!” He said.

Billy’s lips crashed against yours, his hands tightly gripped your waist, your lips parted as his tongue slipped into your mouth, wanting to tangle with yours. His raven colored hair glided in between your fingers and you could feel a trace of his smile against your lips as he continued to kiss you in the softly filtered glow of your bedroom.

After and holding you in a firm embrace, he told you about his mother and it wasn’t a mystery anymore of why he didn’t trust people, or why he didn’t let anyone get too close. He was afraid of being abandoned again.

Billy never wanted to feel the way he did standing outside that fire station, a scared little boy wondering what he did wrong for his mother to leave him and never come back. It wasn’t his fault and you made sure to tell him that he did not push her away. That was all her doing.

As he spoke, you wondered if Billy could ever completely forgive his mother for what she did. And if he could, he’s a much better person than you are because you could never forgive her for that. The dull ache in your chest persisted as you felt your heart break for him.

Billy was a child, he didn’t deserve to be treated that way, but she earned everything she got in return. She didn’t deserve a second chance, not after abandoning her own child like she did.

The stars slowly disappeared as the sky started to brighten. And in that early morning light, you could finally see Billy’s dark eyes fixed on yours, like he was waiting until he could actually see you to say what he wanted to say next.

“I know you thought I was too drunk or that I didn’t mean it but I do mean it, sweet girl. I love you. I’ve never told anyone about her except you because I feel like—“ Billy said then paused.

It was a struggle for him to tell you how he really felt but he was trying and you could never fault him for wanting to be better.

He continued.

“I feel like I can…trust you.”

Love and trust…those were two things Billy never thought he’d ever experience. You’ve never given him a reason not to trust you. He said it earlier…”You let me be…me.” If he wanted to talk, you would let him and no matter how much or how little he wanted to say, that was enough for you.

Even though he had trouble verbalizing how he was feeling, he would show you how much he cares with a surprise cup of coffee at work in the middle of the day, or a donut from the place down the street because you “like their sprinkles,” a walk in the park on a warm sunny day, or reading to you because he knows you love listening to his voice.

Those were just a few of the ways Billy Russo expressed his feelings for you. Deep down in the pit of your stomach, you knew he meant what he said. Those three little words he never expressed until tonight…to anyone.

Feeling the warmth of his skin, you inched closer to him and his gentle exhale brushed against your lashes; you gave him a warm smile and gently pressed your lips to his.

“I love you too, baby. And you can trust me that no one will ever love you more than I do.” You said softly against his lips.

The night blackened window of your bedroom had started to brighten with the sun attempting to break through the small space in between your curtains as you held each other in silence.

Sometimes words weren’t always necessary. Actions speak volumes and really attest to someone’s feelings and intentions toward you. Putting his trust in you helped to pick up the pieces of Billy’s broken heart and carefully put it back together again.

Billy didn’t say anything else and he didn’t have to. The way his lips crushed against yours, how he lovingly kissed every inch of you, his fingers tracing all the curves and hollows of your body, and how gentle he was when he caressed your face…there wasn’t any doubt in your mind now that Billy Russo adored you, that he only wanted to be with you, and more than anything, that he loved you.

I’ll be waiting for you

Here inside my heart

I’m the one who wants to love you more

You will see I can give you

Everything you need

Let me be the one to love you more

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

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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.

[sadhours]

this idea is rlly niche so if u don’t like it that much that’s fine l!

billy having an oral fixation, just managed to quit smoking but he’s still irritated. Maybe it’s night, ur reading a book and he just comes over and latches onto ur tits. But it’s like so messy, because he just keeps sucking/licking and it gets to the point where it’s too sensitive and you have to beg him to stop. So he just goes over to ur other tit and does it all over.🧎‍♀️

I LOVE THIS IDEA!!! I hope you love what I’ve done with it ♥️

It’s been a long fucking day. You were swamped at work, which was not typical for your office job. Usually, you had time to read your book or flip through a magazine but today, the phone was just ringing off the hook and your boss had so many memos for you to type up. By the time you got home, you’d gathered all the energy you had to cook dinner and shower. Once you were done with those, you collapsed on the bed and pulled the novel you’ve been attached to up to your face to read.

Your boyfriend, Billy, was busy with something that was actually pretty noisy but you couldn’t tell what it was. However, he’d just recently quit smoking so Billy was rather agitated more often than not. Which meant he did tasks a little louder, taking out his frustrations on whatever he was doing. You were proud of him for quitting and eager to help, you read many pamphlets in search of ways to ease the process. You’d read that the oral fixation was the hardest habit to break, so you’d bought him a ton of gum and even this little plastic contraption that was supposed to mimic the shape of a cigarette. Billy chewed on it for about a week before he grew frustrated and chucked it out the window of the Camaro.

When he walks into the bedroom, the frustration is etched all over his features. Lip curling, eyebrows furrowed and jaw clenched. It’s almost adorable, he looks like an angry little puppy. You fight the urge to giggle and keep reading your book. He’s loud in the bathroom as he gets ready for bed and he takes longer than usual, but once he’s climbing under the covers, he’s clinging to your side.

“Rough day, babe?” you ask, petting his head gently and smoothing your hand over his curls.

“Yes,” he says, cheek squished against your shoulder. It’s so cute you lean down to kiss the crown of his head.

“Tomorrow will be better,” you say before going back to your book.

You can feel Billy’s eyes flicker from your face to the book before he scoots himself lower on the bed and pushes your t-shirt up over your breasts. You lift your book and watch him curiously for a second, he’s just smoothing his hands across your stomach and looking at your chest. Again, you return back to your novel.

Then you feel Billy’s warm, wet tongue circle around your nipple.

At first, you tell him to stop, you’ve been wanting to read all day and haven’t had a chance.

“Keep reading then,” he says, “Don’t mind me.”

Well, if this gets his mind off of smoking, then you can’t really protest, can you?

Your eyes follow along the words, trying hard to understand them while he licks against your tender skin. Billy’s fully aware of how sensitive your nipples are. Hell, you have to have some kind of attention on them to cum at all. So comprehending the words you’re reading is a challenge to say the least, you’ve read the same sentence three times now. His tongue is unrelenting, lapping at the bud and you can feel his saliva coating your entire breast. You bite your lip hard and read the sentence again, determined to understand it this time. You get the first three words down and then Billy sucks your nipple in between his lips, causing a throaty groan to escape from you. You can feel him smile against your chest and you huff, starting the sentence over again while he continues mouthing at you. You’re gonna read this chapter, whether it takes you all night.

You finally get through the paragraph but you’re panting, fingers shaking as you turn the page and it’s starting to be too much. It’s starting to hurt with how sensitive you are and how messy he’s being. The sheer sound of his mouth slurping at your perked nipple makes your legs quiver and you toss the book down.

“Billy,” you whine, pushing his head away gently, “too sensitive.”

You look down to see his plump, pink lips turning up into a smile and his tongue darting out to flick against your nipple.

“Billy, I mean it,” you whimper.

He grabs the book up again and hands it to you and for a second, you think he’s finished. You hesitantly take the book and find your place again. Then he’s leaning to the other breast and licking broadly against it. You stifle a moan, eyes falling shut but you want to keep the illusion that you’re still reading. He laps at you, sloppy and loud, his hand planted firmly on your side. It’s almost already too much, your pussy is aching and you’re sure you’ve soaked through your thin underwear.

“Christ,” you exhale, feeling a shiver rush down your spine as Billy sucks on your right nipple.

He chuckles softly before biting the flesh just under your nipple. You let out a squeal, back arching at the welcomed assault. Again, you toss the book, knitting your fingers into his hair as you watch his mouth at your breast once again. It’s sinful sight. His lips shiny, swollen just like your nipple. His eyes lock onto yours while he swirls his tongue against your perked bud.

“You’re so pretty,” you blurt out and he laughs, mouth open against your chest. His breath fans against your nipple and you squeeze your thighs together, aching for some kind of relief down there. Billy grabs a hold of your breasts and pushes them together, licking and biting the sensitive skin.

“Your mouth is fucking sinful,” you tell him, sighing softly.

He chuckles again before licking a broad stroke between your tits. You exhale and he hooks his fingers in the waistband of your shorts, inching them down your thighs as his mouth descends, licking every inch of skin in his wake. He bites along the thin skin across your hipbone. You gasp, watching him carefully as he soothes the bite with his warm tongue. You ache all over in anticipation, he’s dangerously close to the place you desire him most. He pushes your thighs open, scratching at the flesh as he grabs it.

“Fucking,” you gasp, “Fuck…”

He smirks up at you, spreading you apart with his fingers and letting out a pleased, low laugh.

“You’re soaking…” he observes aloud, moving his fingers around as he peers between your legs.

“S’all your fault,” you admit, honestly as you roll your hips up.

“I wanna taste,” he purrs before dipping his tongue down against your fluttering hole.

A sharp gasp pushes past your lips as you spread your legs even wider, knuckles white where you’re gripping the bedspread tight. Billy chuckles softly at your reaction and delivers experimental licks around your entrance. Hot white euphoria erupts in your stomach when his tongue slides inside of you. Billy takes his time, licking up through your folds to circle your clit before penetrating you with his tongue over and over.

“Goddamn, Billy…” you pant out, “more…”

He pulls back and bites at the flesh of your thigh, pressing his palm against your core as he does so. He applies pressure with his hand but doesn’t move it at all, sucking a sizable hickey into your skin. It’s the complete opposite of what you’ve asked for but you’re not complaining, it feels amazing too. He decorates your thighs with a handful more love bites before he removes his hand and puts his mouth back where you need it. He’s more persistent this time, hungrier in his actions as he laps at your heat, grunting and humming.

A moan tears out of you and you knot your fingers into his hair, pushing his face further between your legs if it’s possible. You’re so glad he’s quit smoking, he’s so much more eager in this moment.

“Holy… fuck,” you cry out when he slips two fingers inside your hole easily, curling them up as he pumps them in and out. You swear you can feel him smile.

His tongue circles around your clit before he sucks it between his lips, pulling a choked cry from you because it’s a little too much yet not enough at the same time. Your back arches and you move a hand to squeeze at your own breast before pinching your nipple between your fingers. Billy’s stunning blue eyes meet yours and you bite your lip, chest heaving as you stare down at him. The sight of him is an absolute dream. It pushes your climax further along, you can’t help but feeling like the luckiest girl in the world.

“Billy,” you whine, tugging on his hair gently.

He pulls back slightly and licks his lips, “Yeah?”

“Need you,” you gasp.

A smirk spreads across his lips, his fingers haven’t faltered for a second and each time he thrusts them up, the tips stroke against your g-spot. “Not yet,” he purrs, “You haven’t came yet.”

He flicks his tongue against your clit before going back to work, completely putting his mouth on you and your head falls back against the pillow. Your orgasm creeps up on you fast, you don’t even realize it’s happening until it does. Your legs snap shut, trapping his head between them as you jerk your hips up and cry out. Billy’s making a pleased sound against your core, working his fingers faster as you ride out the waves. You fall limp against the mattress, hands falling to your sides as your legs release your lovers head. Billy pulls his fingers out just to slide them between his lips and suck them clean.

As your catching your breath, you watch Billy shove his briefs down and his cock springs up against his stomach, the tip flushed and leaking. Your whole body vibrates in anticipation, ready for more. He leans down and presses a bruising kiss against your lips. You grab onto him, weighing against him impatiently.

“Ready for my cock, baby?” he asks against your mouth.

You nod, “I need it.”

“Yes, you do,” he grins, reaching between your bodies so he can grab a hold of his cock and slip it inside you. The remnants of your climax make it so slick and delicious it has you both groaning out in pleasure. He presses his forehead against yours, panting softly as he rolls his hips slowly.

Your fingernails scratch down his back, urging him to go harder and faster. You need it so bad, you feel like an addict.

“More, need more,” you plead, voice trembling.

Billy exhales a short laugh, you can feel his breath against your lips and nose. “So desperate,” he tsks, grabbing a hold of your face when he pulls back so he has better leverage.

He moves his other hand to your hip and holds you down, pounding into you relentlessly now. A collection of moans, cries and groans flow out of you every time he thrusts into you. It’s intoxicating the way he holds you down and chases his high, taking you completely. You’re fueled from it, clinging onto his back, his skin is sticky and cool with sweat.

“Billy,” you babble out, the force of his hips jerking your body.

“S’that feel good, baby?” he says with a pout, his voice slow and little condescending.

“Mhm,” you whine, “So good, Billy… love it so much.”

He grins down at you, “yeah? You look so pretty stuffed full of cock.”

His filthy words make you feel on fire, your second orgasm zeroing in on you fast. It’s always like this, Billy can pull them out of you so quickly once he knocks the first one out. His record in five in one session but you were exhausted afterwards, you slept like twelve hours and felt like you were in a haze the whole next day.

“Gonna cum,” you tell him, voice already wrecked.

“Already?” he teases, moving his hand from your jaw to play with your nipple.

That seals the deal, you’re coming again with a cry as you thrash around beneath him. Billy allows you to ride it out for a minute before he’s grabbing onto your hips and slamming into you brutally, totally focused on his own orgasm. He teaches it quickly, pulling out and coating your stomach in white ropes. He rests his palm on the mattress and closes his eyes as he catches his breath. He reaches for his briefs and uses them to clean the mess up before laying beside you and pulling you close, pressing kisses against your shoulder and neck.

“Now, I really need a fucking smoke,” he complains with a laugh.

[the-kr8tor]

Reader must leave for a work emergency and Hobie must remain in charge of his little daughter, will he have difficulties when the arachnid duty calls him or will it be a father-daughter adventure of which they will be accomplices?

I LITERALLY RUN TO WRITE THIS —🫀

This was so adorable! I changed some things around hope you don't mind ❤️ I tried making their names vague but it's literally impossible for this fic, I hope thats ok. thank you for the lovely prompt!

Pairing: Hobie Brown x fem! Reader/ Spider-Punk x fem! Reader

Tags: No use of Y/N, no specific physical description of the reader, they have twin baby girls, CW food mention, FLUFF.

It's Fluffy Friday!

ʕ⁠·⁠ᴥ⁠·⁠ʔ

"Are you sure you'll be okay?" You kiss Ramona on her chubby cheeks whilst Hobie juggles Billie and your work bag in his arms. Helping him immediately, you take the bag from him in exchange for his daughter. It's the first time in months since you've gone to work, maternity leave (unfortunately) ending. You dread it, already missing your girls.

Hobie sees your frown, bouncing Mona in his arms, Billie gurgles in her sleep. "We'll be alright, love" he would embrace you if not for his twins occupying his arms.

You huff, puppy eyes staring at Hobie. You want to stay home, unfortunately diapers don't grow on trees. "I don't wanna go" pouting, you peck Billie's forehead, careful not to wake her. Hands circling Hobie's elbow with a steady hand.

"It'll be over before you know it. The girls and I will just be here waiting for you. Right, Mona?" Hobie addresses Mona, bouncing her in his arm, curls bouncing with the movement. She blows a raspberry, spit bubbles forming on her mouth.

The adorable sight would usually make you giggle but now you look forlorn while you wipe her tiny lips. "Mommy's gonna miss you" cooing at the bundle, you take a big whiff of her scent, (not the weirdest thing you've done since you've become a parent) "And you too" moving towards Billie, you caress her cheek with your index finger, she crinkles her nose in her sleep. It's uncanny how much she looks like Hobie when she makes that face.

"Oi, you forgot somethin'?" Hobie pipes up, brows furrowed.

"No, I was saving you for last" you finally crack a smile, kissing Hobie, pulling away for a second to stare at his eyes before you continue attacking his lips.

"Alright, you'll be late" he says against your lips. Hobie almost couldn't speak with you basically eating his face.

You pull away, sighing, taking a mental picture of your family. "Okay, call me if anything happens"

"Yes I will, they won't cause me any trouble. I've got 'em, yeah?" He fixes his hold on the babies. They've gotten quite heavy the last three months. "Be careful on your way"

"Okay, byeee" walking backwards to the door, your eyes glued to Hobie and your girls. It clicks closed.

Hobie turns back around when the door opens with you peeking through the gap. "Love," he says with a chuckle.

"Okay, bye for real this time" you do a flying kiss motion towards Hobie. The door closes for the second time.

Hobie expects the door to open again but it doesn't, he's so proud of your self restraint. Ramona takes his attention with a small whine, hand gripping his jumper. "You hungry? I think we've still got some roast beef here" he jokes, forgetting that you're not in the room with him. You would've laughed.

Guess you're not the only one missing someone. Hobie brings the twins on their Bassinets, Billie wakes up almost immediately when Hobie takes his arm away. His senses warn him of an impending loud cry. Eyes watering, lips trembling, Billie lets out a wail before Hobie could calm her down.

He takes her out of her bassinet, careful with her head, the loud noise ringing his ears. He can handle it, right? Hobie is Spider-Man after all. Glancing at Mona, he sees her slowly change her face from content to sadness. She probably just heard her sister and now she begs for his attention too.

"Crap" Hobie hisses when Mona cries in tandem with Billie. As if some cosmic entity wanted to torture him, his bracelet rings out, Miguel's booming voice startles his girls, they cry louder in his arms.

Oh it's gonna be a long day for him.

—

"I'm home!" You happily trot over to the living room, eyes searching for your family. "Hobie? Mona? Billieee?" You call out to them in a sing-song voice. Rattling the paper bag in your hand, you spot the bedroom door open, tiptoeing inside, melting at the scene.

Hobie sleeps with the twins on his chest, hands secured over their small backs. He looks exhausted with his wicks standing in different angles, shirt stained with milk and baby spit up. He has one sock on his right foot, the other nowhere to be found.

Dropping your bags on the floor, Hobie opens his eyes at the sound. You wince, feeling guilty you've woken him up.

"Sorry" whispering, you sit down on the edge of the bed, wiping his drool with your sleeve. "I've got take out" you beam at him with heart shaped eyes. Tilting your head to check on your girls, finding them both fast asleep. "You okay?"

"Peachy" he yawns, Billie snuggles closer to her dad while Mona holds Hobie's shirt with a strong grip. "That better be shawarma" he says with no ounce of anger, just fatigue laced in his voice. Hobie thinks it's all worth it though, all for his girls.

You chuckle quietly, leaning down to kiss Billie on her little beanie, tiny curls peeking out of her hat. Moving a bit, you peck Mona on the crown of her head, curls tickling your nose. Lastly, you cup Hobie's face with both hands, carefully avoiding hitting the twins with your elbow.

"It's shawarma from your favourite place" you say softly against his waiting lips.

"Thank fuck, love you" He leans up, meeting you halfway. Hobie will tell you about their little adventure after you give him some food.

Reblog banner by @/cafekitsune

[sethsclearwater]

Omg can I request a fic based on the recent Paul x Reader where they're insecure about having a baby. What if the roles were switched and Paul was having baby fever but too nervous to bring up to the reader? How would he tell the reader he wants a baby?

you and paul were at sam and emily's house for their baby's third birthday party. although the entire pack was pretty much over there all the time anyways, today was a bit of a special occasion seeing as oliver had just turned three and sue, billy, and old quil were also making an appearance for the party.

while you sat on the porch with emily as the party began to die down, paul was out in the yard playing with oliver. paul (and you of course) absolutely adored oliver but paul and him had a bit of a special bond that you loved seeing grow. oliver was running around the yard with paul right behind him, oliver bursting into a fit of giggles everytime paul "caught" up to him and picked him up.

after nearly 20 minutes of this, oliver seemed to finally be getting a bit tired and curled up in paul's arms so he could carry him back over to his parents. when paul saw you on the porch, he smiled at you, "everything okay?" he asked as he handed a half-asleep oliver off to sam, him and emily heading inside to put him down for his nap.

you nodded, smiling, "everything is great," you reassured, laughing when paul picked you up so he could sit down in the rocking chair you were just sitting in, pulling you into his lap.

"you're so good with him you know," you mused, running your hand up his chest to wrap around his neck and gently thread your fingers into his short hair.

"you think?" paul asked, a soft smile on his face as he took in your words. ever since you'd known paul, you'd known he was pretty hard on himself when it came to being a role model for any kids in his life so you knew your comment meant a lot to him.

"positive," you cooed, leaning up to press a quick kiss that he made quick work of deepening, tightening his grip on you so he could pull you closer to him as the two of you melted into eachother.

you giggled against his lips, letting out a soft sigh when he allowed you to part from his lips so you could catch your breath, "what's got you all worked up?" you asked teasingly, your voice barely above a whisper as he rested his forehead against yours.

he paused for a moment before responding, you assumed it was because he was thinking about how to word his response, "would you ever..." he trailed off when he couldn't find the right words, his free hand subconsciously coming to rest on your abdomen as he thought some more.

you smiled to yourself when you realized what he was trying to ask you, "have a baby with you?" you finished, smiling when he quickly nodded.

"don't wanna pressure you if you don't want to-" he started, both of your voices still hushed as you spoke about your future together.

you were quick to cut him off, already knowing he'd be beating himself up for asking you in the first place if you didn't reassure him, "of course i will," you giggled, pressing another quick kiss to his lips before continuing, "was waiting for you to bring it up," you added teasingly, giggling when he pulled you into a tight hug against his chest, smushing his lips against your hair for a kiss.

"you're serious?" he mumbled against your hair, only loosening his grip on you when he realized you likely wouldn't be able to respond with the way he had you constricted.

you let out another series of giggles, "absolutely," you cooed, pressing a soft kiss to his collarbone as he took in a few deep breaths, clearly relieved to hear your response, "now are you gonna take me home so we can get started?" you asked teasingly, barely finishing your question before paul was getting up with you in his arms and carrying you back to your car so the two of you could get to work.

[bookshelf-dust]

your fic about Billy finding that cat was so cute! It got me thinking about him as a cat guy though, and I wondered if you could write something where he goes to meet the reader’s cat for the first time, and he pretends he doesn’t care, but the cat ends up adoring him and he’s all soft and smiley? Thank you either way, I love your work 💞

cornelius

the aforementioned kitty fic

billy hargrove x gn!reader

word count: 775

warnings: swearing, fluff

a/n: hi baby!! thank you so much for your request. i am so so sorry that it took me a while to get to this! i’ve just been super busy lately and trying to catch up on loads of things. this is such a sweet sweet idea and i’m really glad you liked billy as a cat person. i hope you enjoy this!! <33

————

“I’m not meeting a cat named Cornelius.”

You roll your eyes, and Billy crosses his arms, smirking at you.

“Billy, Cornelius is a gentleman. You’ll get along, I swear it.” He drags a hand down his face, shaking his head at you. “And you have lots in common.”

“Oh yeah?” He snorts.

“Yeah. You’re both grumpy. But you also both like belly rubs and snuggles.”

“You’ve got to be kidding me. You know what? Now I’m really not meeting your damn cat.”

You approach him, pulling his arms apart so that you can hold his hands. You stare up into Billy’s blue eyes, doing your best to bat your own lashes in imitation of the way he does the same to you.

“Stop.”

“Pretty please, Billy?” You kiss the back of his hand, maintaining eye contact with him.

You keep doing that, trailing a line of kisses up his arm, and only when he starts to develop goosebumps does he give in.

“Fine. Let’s get this over with.”

————

“Hi, baby!” You lean down, scratching an orange tabby cat behind the ears.

The cat squeaks at you, almost as if to say hi back. He skates between your legs, and stares upwards, big green eyes luring you in, not unlike those belonging to the boy standing behind you.

You pick your cat up. He’s purring up a storm in your arms.

“Billy, this is Cornelius. Cornelius, this is Billy.” You lean into the cat, lowering your voice to a whisper thought still looking at the boy. “The one I told you about.”

He chuckles. “You’ve been talking to this fluff ball about me?”

You kiss the top of said fluff ball’s head. “See? Told you he could be a pain in the ass,” you say, and your cat blinks up at you.

Billy rolls his eyes. His swipes his pinky finger over the cat’s forehead, right above the eyes. Cornelius’ purring ticks up, and he chases the touch after he’s lost it.

You set him down and move to sit on the couch. Billy follows you, and Cornelius is practically running after him. He hops up on the cushions the second Billy is settled, and suddenly there’s an orange weight in his lap, curled up and working on getting back to sleep.

“What is this shit?” Billy looks at you, but you just giggle.

“He likes you.”

Cornelius nudges Billy’s fingers with his nose, which is cold and wet. The boy fights the urge to smile at the gesture.

He strokes his hand once over the cat’s head, and let’s him be, hoping maybe he’ll just go sit with you soon.

You turn on the television, but you’re not paying attention to it. You’ve turned sideways to face Billy, starting to talk about your day like always. He told you once that he likes to hear every single thing you did. It’s soothing.

You notice halfway through your speech that Billy is continually petting Cornelius—scratching his cheeks, under his chin. The emanating purrs are louder than you’ve ever head them.

Without realizing it, you think, Billy has a soft smile resting on his face. He’s content, and you can tell.

“You’re liking this, aren’t you?”

Billy turns to face you, realizing he’s been caught looking happy—sweet, even.

“Maybe.”

“He likes the chin scratchies the best. And maybe when he’s awake he’ll let you rub his belly. He goes nuts for that stuff.”

Billy grins at you, fingers smoothing out the ruffles in the now slumbering cat’s fur.

Billy looks towards the other side of the room, spotting a bin full of strings attached to the ends of wooden sticks, little squishy toy balls, a stray fish made out of felt.

“All those his?” He asks you, smirking.

“They are. He’s greedy. Like someone else I know.”

Billy pinches the squish of your thigh, but there’s absolutely no malice in it.

“Shut up. I think I deserve a kiss for putting up with this shit. Gonna have to lint roll my jeans.”

“See? Greedy.”

You lean in anyways, careful of the sleeping kitty, and kiss him. It’s sweet, and Billy grins into it, albeit a little cockily. You pull away and he kisses you once, twice more before letting you relax again.

You watch Billy settle further into the couch, Cornelius completely setting up camp in his lap. He’s sprawled out at this point, body slipping between Billy’s legs, his front paws stretched up by the formers stomach.

“There’s a lint roller under the sink, by the way. Though he may keep you trapped there forever.”

Billy laughs softly. “He is pretty nice.”

“Told you so.”

————

please let me know if you liked this! feedback is always appreciated!! comments and reblogs mean more than you know. <33

[deliciouskeys]

So I liked what we have of season 4 a lot?! I don't know if I set my expectations really low, maybe didn't expect to get that fandom feeling back, but I think I can say with certainty that I've enjoyed e1-3 of s4 more than e1-3 of s3, and mayyyyyybe even more than e1-3 of s2. Some of the storylines don't interest me, but that was true of prior seasons too.

Things I am loving so far...

(under cut because there may be teensy weensy spoiler references)

Sister Sage! Yes, she says the lines that are in the trailer, but they are so misleading about the type of character she is. I LOVE her so far.

Homelander's frustration with being adored no matter what he does and his ennui about being surrounded with sycophants (which tbf, he engineered). I am SO glad they're walking that back to some degree. Related to point 1 above, I am delighted by the way he goes about solving this problem.

Every single scene with Ryan is so fucking good?? Like, Cameron Crovetti is the ideal Ryan of my mind's eye when I write fic. I feel SO bad for him. But I am loving the divorced plot and them jockeying to be his dad. Some of it reads like fucking fic, in a good way too. Like I can't believe the conversation between HL and Ryan after he comes back from Butcher's place actually happened on TV and not in my head.

I am actually SO SO happy they decided to outsource Billy Butcher's shitty tendencies to his Tyler Durden. I did not expect him to fucking apologize to Ryan for the S3 debacle. Even ~I~ felt apologized to for that "necessary for the plot but makes zero sense outburst".

I am loling every time Noir speaks. I don't know why, but I'm finding it hilarious.

I think they're actually doing a good job with A-Train's storyline, or a better job than I expected to justify how he becomes their new double agent.

I'm enjoying Chace Crawford's work in season 4. I like that he's sincere about the comic relief role.

Hughie is so charismatic, and for the first time in 4 seasons I think he elicited tears in me (in the scene right before his mom shows up when he's listening to his dad's messages).

I like Ashley's dialogue more this season than season 3. Part of that may have to do with me enjoying her character when she's angry rather than scared shitless or "trying to imitate HL"

I welcome the larger Victoria Neumann presence, and can't wait to see more about her past.

I enjoyed BIlly Butcher using a crowbar in a fight

I enjoyed seeing Antony Starr playing a mommy and a daddy and a.... secret third thing in the mirror.

What I'm meh about...

I hate to say this but the Boys' storylines are mostly dragging and feel disconnected. I'm already tired of Frenchie and Kimiko refusing to talk to each other and attempting to drink/drug their problems away. The mystery about why Frenchie is distraught was mostly solved right away, and Kimiko's mystery is still some derivative of her backstory in S2. It just doesn't feel connected.

Mother's Milk is fine, but I do think his character took a turn toward the unreasonable in season 3, and it has sort of continued. It's not clear to me why he's kicking Butcher out of the team multiple times, especially when Butcher saves them, and clearly has nothing better to do with his time. It feels especially cruel to kick him out when he tells him about the terminal illness.

Annie's storyline is.... fine, I guess. Maybe it will develop into something more interesting, but it feels like the writers don't exactly know what to do with her now that she's out of the Seven. I don't know why Firecracker had to have a personal vendetta against Starlight beyond being a symbol of 'wokeness'. I guess I'll wait to see if Annie's meangirl past becomes relevant as the season goes on.

Firecracker is okay. I'm amused that Homelander seems bored and annoyed by her, so I take it it's fine if we feel the same way too. It's certainly an interesting addition to the Seven to have someone so underpowered.

Hughie's mom frustrates me so much I wanted HL to come and laser her instead of Hughie after that chase. Her explanation made it worse for me, not better. I await to be proven wrong, but so far I think Hughie is being a really kind person to her. "Your father didn't want me to talk to you". But you were allegedly talking to him for years? And you son is in his 20s, I think you could have contacted without his daddy's say-so. UGH.

I don't really care about this so much, because I don't like character deaths, but it is pretty funny when Vicky doesn't kill Hughie or Butcher, and when Homelander is nerfed beyond all belief and is unable to laser Hughie in a closed space. I'll chalk it up to him losing a step or fifty with the enlargement of his prostate.

[winniethewife]

Believe in one thing, I won't go away

Chapter 3: Let her know how much she means

A/n: Last chapter! Thankful to everyone who read it! (I Like to think the picture is one reader took and keeps as her phone background or something adorable)

Chapter 2

Words:1031

A Whole year had Passed, Basil was holding the black velvet box in hand. He opens it for a second, the Small marquise cut diamond ring glittered in the light. He felt like he was a mess. He looked at the love of his life sitting out on the balcony in the morning air. He had ordered food from her favorite Italian restaurant to be delivered that night, and managed to get a bottle of Champaign. Tonight was the night. He was going to ask her to marry him. He slides the ring box in the drawer he was hiding it in, surrounded by sticky notes. He wanders out on the balcony and lights his cigarette before looking at her, she was leaning back in the patio chair, looking out on the city, a thoughtful expression on her face.

“Penny for your thoughts dear?” Basil asks after taking a drag of his cigarette.

“Oh, it’s nothing. I was just…thinking.” She smiles at him getting up and walking over to him, He put an arm around her as she came over and held her.

“Oh yeah thinking, Dangerous operation that.” He jokes, she laughs.

“I suppose so, you never know what might happen.” She played along. A smile on her face. Basil pulled her in tight, burying his face in her hair, holding his cigarette out to the side as he takes in her familiar scent. He hums softly before running his hand under her shirt, running his hand along her stomach, her soft skin soothing to the touch. She turns in his arms and reaches to touch his face, gentle caresses over the scarring on his face. Neither of them expect to look like they used to, but slowly overtime the scars on their face have started to heal. Basil’s hand still under her shirt on the small of her back tracing circles on her skin as he looks at her with adoration.

“I love you.” He says softly kissing the tip of her nose,

“And I love you.” She says with a smile taking his face in her hands and pressing their foreheads together.

~

That evening dinner was delivered and Basil was setting everything up as she was finishing up some work. When she was done she got up and went to the bedroom really quick to grab something and she saw one of her nice dresses was laid out on the bed. She smiles and takes some time to put it on and freshen up. She assumed it was just another surprise date night. Something she and basil had done many times. As she wanders back downstairs to be greeted by Basil at the foot of the stairs.

“You look amazing.” He says softly with a look of awe on his face. She smiles at him as he takes her hand and they sit down to eat. Quite conversation happens as normal until at some point she looks up at him to see the nervous expression on his face.

“Baz Baby…Something up?” She asks.

“Uh. Yeah…I um.” He felt like he was freezing up, how does he even ask?

“Basil…you can tell me anything. You know that right?” She reminds him softly reaching across the table to hold his hand, their fingers intertwining. Basil finds the courage in her touch.

“Right, well um here goes…I…I…” Basil feels the tears coming to his eyes, words fail him. He had a whole speech prepared about how much she means to him, how much she mattered, but it was all out the window as he looks into her caring eyes, He squeezes her hand gently and simply takes the ring box out of his pocket opening it to show her. Her eyes lit up in surprise.

“Are you…Are you asking what I think you’re asking?’ She looks at Basil as he continues to fall apart, his tears rushing down his face as he nods. She smiles. “Then, Yes. Yes I will marry you Basil.” She gets out of her seat, kneeling in front of him and taking his face in her hands, wiping his tears away. “I love you Baz, I always have, Always will.”

~

It was an Autumnal day, the chill in the air had the two newlyweds cuddled under blankets as they listened to music, enjoying a quiet afternoon with no obligation. The wedding had been nice, Just them and Family at the court house. They had made jokes about everyone wearing paper bags, but they ended up just going with the flow. It was just them and family, nobody cared or judged them and they were happy. Now they just enjoyed each other’s company listening to the music on the record player as basil lay his head in her lap. She’s running her fingers through his dark curls as she hums along quietly to the music.

“I love you…you know that right?” Basil says softly.

“I do. And you know that I love you right?” She replies

“Yeah. I do.” He hums in approval. Basil closes his eyes, taking in her scent as she rests on him. She smiles as she caresses his face, her thumb gently running under his eye, letting his eyelashes run over the tip of her thumb. She leans in and kisses his forehead, eliciting another soft hum from his lips. “You’re too good to me, my love.”

“Am I now? I had no idea.” She chuckled. He opened his eyes again.

“I am ever so lucky you came to help me, I would have never guessed that when you showed up at my door that day it would lead to you being my wife.” He says softly as he reaches up to touch her face.

“I don’t think either of us had planned that out.” She leans into his touch. “I just knew the second I saw you again. I wasn’t ever going to leave again. You needed me, then I needed you. We needed each other.” As She says this Basil sits up and wraps his arms around her pulling her in, Kissing the top of her head.

“Now we have each other… and I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

~

Masterlist

[super-hero-confessions]

Homelander is great example of how desensitized and normalized actual grooming, trauma, and victim blaming are in society from multiple facets.

Every scene of him with Madelyn is intentionally made creepy and gross in the show, but people ignore this and what is being portrayed in favor of sexualization, even with eerie music or sound designed to make the interactions off-putting and sinister.

With victim blaming, there are as many people willing to blame Homelander for his situation and upbringing as there are people willing to blame Becca for being made a victim because of Homelander. All while ignoring the true root of the problem, society. Or in this case, Vought. And ignoring that sometimes the abused can and do become abusers.

It's a little disheartening because even some with genuine sympathy for Homelander seem to relish in the idea of him suffering further, being de-powered and tortured, or put into the same abusive dynamic if not similar to the one he had with Madelyn Stillwell. But then try and call it healthy, healing, and redemption.

Speaking from experience. Repetition of the trauma that you've been through doesn't help you get out of the place the trauma created. It just reinforces the walls and gives you new trauma.

Tough love isn't real. It's just the excuse people make when they want to be cruel without taking accountability for their actions. You can teach someone to be strong without being an asshole or abusing them.

I actually want one of two endings for the show. Either it's something a bit akin to the comics in which Homelander (in place of comics Noir) likely kills Soldier Boy (in place of comics Homelander), and then is killed by Billy, who's then killed by Hughie (spoilers I guess for those who haven't read them). Likely with the Boys forced to pick up the pieces and continue trying to dismantle Vought.

Or I want to see Homelander lose his shit and completely destroy Vought with no chance of the company recovering, probably because of something Billy does or says. Then disappearing for a while. Maybe being found as a completely different person in the future. Not necessarily redemption, but freedom from his tormentors, including the internalized ones.

But I feel the ending might work best if either both Homelander and Billy Butcher die, in which there is reflection on the hands they'd been dealt in the aftermath of their deaths. Or that they both survive and manage to stop that proverbial hand from dragging further victims into the fold.

When it comes to fandom and fics, I always find it a little odd but as an idea I have yet to see used? I think Vought could be brought down with the evidence of Homelander's upbringing being released to the public. One vial of compound V was enough to stir up a little trouble but nothing they couldn't sweep under the rug.

But with so many skeletons in that proverbial closet, if anyone could convince Homelander that Vought was the true enemy and his abuser. The archives he has access to would bring down Vought faster than the Nazi shit brought Stormfront down. And I do not understand how I haven't seen fandom use this concept. Maybe I haven't searched far enough, fair enough.

But I do find it a little ironic that while knowing and complaining about Vought being the true villain, people still individualize the problem and prefer to go after Homelander in fics. Even the people who claim to love and adore him.

Anyway, just a couple thoughts I wanted to chime in on. I could definitely hope for the survival ending, but I expect the death all around ending and hope at least for the post mortem reflections and maybe revelations of Homelander's past. I do wish fandom could be a little better on some things though.

This might seem crazy. But there is a lot of grandiose self importance and holier than thou attitude that goes around in The Boys fandom. I get that show plays with morality a lot and has people polarized as much as nuanced but Jesus fucking Christ.

And no, Justice is not Vengeance.

[carolperkinsexgirlfriend]

fanfic ask game: 6, 11, and 29!! (hoping praying i remembered the right numbers fhkdkhdjg)

Hi, hello <3

6. Are there any fics from others you reread all the time?

Oh my god, so many. I do this really horribly nerdy thing, where if I find a fic comforting enough, I put it in a text to speech format, and listen to it while I try to fall asleep. I don’t know WHAT makes them comforting. Sometimes, I can absolutely adore a fic, and it just doesn’t hit the exact right part in my brain for this treatment. But, I’ll share a couple of the Stranger Things fics that do: -took you for a working boy by pukner -His Majesty’s Jester by GreenQueenofClubs -Sanctuary by SpicedSage -Blood on My Name by VTHX -The Future Mrs. Harrington by BritChick91 -Conversations About Love by MuseumGiftShopEraser

11. Do you have specific playlists for writing fics?

Not usually. I’ve occasionally made playlist for fics, but usually it ends up as more of a distraction tactic. I tend to listen to a lot of indie music when writing because I feel like it sets the mood well without being so poppy that it makes me want to move around. I’m a generally twitchy person. 

19. Give us a small teaser from one of your WIPs.

I chose the Crash Bang Incident since you showed interest. There’s only about 1,500 words of this one, but here’s some of it!: “Nancy?” Steve asks, voice slurring around the name. The guys laughs, all shaky past whatever bravado he’s lightly veneered on. “Guess again, big guy.” Steve squints, making his barely-open eyes even smaller. She’s not sure how he can see anything at all, but he says, “Munson?” all soft and confused as he looks up at the other guy. “What’re you doin’ ‘ere?” he asks, voice slurring alarmingly.  The guy, Munson, laughs again, and removes one of his hands from Steve’s cheek to tuck his wild hair behind his ear. Max can see his face now, and he might’ve laughed, but he’s not smiling as he asks, “I could ask you the same thing,” in a tone of voice that doesn’t hide the worry behind all that forced nonchalance.  She can feel their window of opportunity closing. This guy’s going to commandeer the car, whisk Steve to a hospital, and that’ll be the end of her night. No more quests. No more delay of the inevitable.   Her palms are sweaty, and her windpipes shrinking in on itself like it’s one of those milkshake straws that gets stuck together if the shake’s too thick.  Billy’s going to kill her when he sees her again. There will be no Steve Harrington and no inexplicable bat full of nails between them. He’s going to kill her, and that’s not something she can fight.  But this? This is a plan with steps they can take to make sure everyone comes out alive. She’s a dead man walking, but Will doesn’t have to be.  And that girl with superpowers could probably use all the help she can get, no matter how cool she is.  She steps on the gas pedal, careening past the guy’s van where it’s still blocking the road, and continues on her chosen path even as the backdoor shudders with each turn of the wheel, trying to shut on mystery guy’s legs.

[buckysgrace]

Sixty Nine

Dancing in the Dark masterlist

CW: Some smut, lil bit of panic attacks

1990

“First day of school,” Billy grinned as he shuffled Kim over, “You’ve got this.” He reassured her as he ran his fingers over her cardigan, ensuring that it was placed correctly over her shoulders as she stared at him. Nerves were flashing through her eyes as she continued to fiddle and play with her hair. He was so proud of her. She’d done so well in college and finally earned her degree in Elementary Education. 

“I don’t think I do,” Kim said nervously, “I should just go back.” She said as she quickly nodded her head, feeling like she’d gone way over her head to do this. He shook his head, knowing that she was overthinking it. 

“Nonsense,” Billy shushed her as he stood up, “You’re already in your classroom.” He reminded her, gesturing towards the classroom they had spent all summer decorating. It was cute, warm and very busy. The kids were going to love it. 

“They can get a sub.” She said as she began to grab her purse again, like she was seriously thinking about running out. He began to protest again, pushing down lightly on her shoulder until her door was slammed open. 

“Hey,” Steve grinned, poking his head in, “First day, are you excited?” He grinned as he held his arms out dramatically. Billy was quite thrilled for Kim to have someone she knew so close by. This would be Steve’s first year teaching fourth grade as well. He’d graduated with Kim, even sat by her at their ceremony because of their last names.

“See,” Billy smirked, “You and your best friend can work together.” He teased her, thinking about how close they’d all grown. They babysat quite a bit, not that he really minded anymore. He liked listening to Jennifer ramble about her many stories she was experiencing in school now. 

“It’s going to be fun,” Steve smiled briefly before it dropped, “I hope. I threw up in the shower this morning.” He admitted as he rested his hands against his hips, looking a little stressed as he nodded his head in agreement. 

“That’s disgusting.” Billy wrinkled his features up, having a feeling that Steve wasn’t lying. Kim laughed, although she still looked green around her edges. 

“Well-,” Steve paused, “Yeah it’s worse than baby puke.” He said as he began to fiddle with the collar of his shirt. Kim closed her eyes, inhaling deeply like she was trying to keep herself from freaking out. 

“How are they handling you working?” Billy asked him, hoping to get their minds off of the students that would soon be filling their classroom. He was glad that at least someone else had the same concerns as she did. Perhaps that would help her. 

“Well Paisley is too little to understand what is happening right now,” He started, “Jennifer tried to help me make lunch, so that was nice.” He said with a nod, his face lighting up as he mentioned the two little girls. They were pretty adorable. 

“They’re so cute,” Kim smiled as she thought about them, “Is Gina ready to have them all on her own?” She asked next, a little worried as she thought about it. They both knew that Gina really wanted to go back to school. 

“I hope so,” Steve mumbled, “I feel bad.” He said honestly as he nodded his head along, rubbing at his arm. It was no surprise to anyone that their relationship was still fairly rocky. They were adjusting, they’d get back to where they wanted to be eventually. 

“Because they’re bratty like you?” Billy grinned as he leaned against Kim’s desk, wagging his eyebrows towards her. She shook her head, poking him with her pencil. He swatted at it playfully, enjoying the grin that formed on her lips. 

“They’re not bratty,” Steve defended them quickly, “They’re just particular. You know, like you’re Jennifer’s favorite but Paisley likes Kim the best. But I’m always the favorite out of everyone else.” He replied confidently, nodding his head quickly. It was true. Jennifer had slowly but surely became Billy’s best friend. She was the coolest. 

“Paisley is the smartest,” Kim said at last, “We’re like bestfriends.” She nodded her head, speaking proudly. Paisley did seem to prefer hanging around Kim, but she was also more reserved like her. 

“She’s not even one yet,” Billy laughed, enjoying teasing her about how he’d steal Paisley too, “Have a good day.” He told her seriously as he bent over to kiss the top of her head. He lingered for a moment, listening to the way she sighed deeply. 

“I’ll try,” She mumbled, “I hope they like me.” Her eyes were wide and filled with worry. It made him feel guilty, as if there was anything else he could do for her. 

“They’ll love you,” He reassured her, “Don’t think too much into it.” He told her seriously, watching the way her hazel eyes were filled with worry once again. If he could stay with her and hold her hand all day, he would. Those little kids better not be mean to her. 

“Where’s my kiss?” Steve teased as he pressed his hands into his pocket, smirking playfully. Billy shook his head, rolling his eyes at his words. 

“In your dreams, Harrington.” He said as he played with Kim’s hair, listening as she covered her mouth and started to laugh. 

“I did have a dream about that once,” Steve mumbled to himself, “It was weird.” He furrowed his eyebrows tightly together, looking a little confused as Billy gawked at him in disbelief. 

“What is your issue?” Billy scoffed as he shook his head, “You’re going to do fine. Call me on your break.” He smiled as he bent over and kissed the top of her head again. He rubbed her shoulders gently, enjoying the way she moved her cheek against his.

“I will,” She nodded her head quickly, “Thank you. I’ll see you tonight?” She looked at him worriedly, like he’d forget to pick her up. She was too damn cute. 

“Of course I’ll be there,” He said as he poked his finger across her nose, “You’re going to have the best day ever.” He promised her, glad that she was doing something that she would really enjoy. 

-

“Kim,” Linda, one of the other second grade teachers sang as she walked towards her, “Congrats to your husband.” She grinned from ear to ear as she pushed the magazine down on the table. Kim looked over it curiously, her eyebrows raised as she read the title.

It had taken a few weeks to get fully adjusted, but she loved her job. She loved her coworkers. Even though she and Steve spent the first week explaining that they were in fact not married. Or having an affair. It had been awkward. 

A smirk formed on her lips, because of course Billy had been ranked number one in their area for the hottest up and coming chefs. She wondered how long he had known about this and kept it a secret. Probably for some time. 

“Can I keep this?” She asked in excitement, staring at the picture of her husband on the cover. He looked handsome with his hair pulled back, a soft smile on his lips despite the irritation that was swimming between the curve of his eyebrows.

“Only if he promises to bring us in more of those little sandwiches,” Linda said urgently, “They were so good.” She nodded her head along, feeling like it was only fair.

“I’ll tell him,” Kim promised, “I have to hang this up on the fridge.”  She smiled happily as she held it to her chest, very proud of him.

“He really is so handsome,” Linda responded as she rested her cheek on her fist, “Very handsome.” She added a second later, making Kim’s eyes narrow for a moment. “That he is,” Kim replied awkwardly, “And all mine.” She said with a nod of her head, feeling like that was an important part. She just wanted everyone to know that. Billy was hers. For forever. And ever. 

“Sadly you’ve mentioned that before.” Linda grumbled as she brought her coffee up to her lips, shaking her head like it was a loss. Kim grinned at the response, glad that she still got to brag on him. All of her coworkers thought he was the sweetest. 

She was overjoyed by the time she returned home, carefully placing the magazine on top of his lap as he sprawled out lazily on the couch. Both of the cats were near him, snuggling against his side. 

“Where did you get this?” He groaned as he looked at it, staring at the picture of himself with disdain. She picked up Dove gently before she sat by him in excitement. 

“Confidental,” She giggled as she gripped his face and pressed a kiss against his lips, “My husband made the cover for being the hottest chef!” She giggled as she gently pointed towards the page before she pecked his cheek. 

“Yeah,” He grumbled, “Thanks.” He shook his head, his cheeks slightly flushed as he took a deep breath. She smiled as she held onto him, wondering why he was so shy suddenly. 

“It’s very sexy.” She told him, but she was proud of him above all else. It was a great accomplishment and she was sure it had to mean a lot to him. He had come so far. 

“It’s embarrassing.” He grumbled as he continued to pet at Pearl, like he was trying to change the subject. She watched him, tracing her eyes over the curve of his nose. It was still so soft and sweet. She suddenly wanted to poke it. 

“No way,” Kim grinned as she held the photo up again, “Apologize to this hunk immediately.” She told him playfully, narrowing her eyes playfully before she pecked his photo gently. 

“You’re asking for it.” He said pointedly as he nudged at her knee. She cocked her eyebrow as an amused grin spread across her lips. Was she really?

“Am I?” She asked him as she playfully crawled over his lap. He smirked as he moved one of his palms against her backside, keeping her balanced as she scooted her skirt up over her knees. She giggled before she sat back down, far more comfortable this way. 

“Mhm,” He smiled as he kissed her lips gently, “You look good today.” He mumbled as he drifted his hands across her thighs, sending sparks through her body as he leaned forward to kiss at her neck. 

“Thanks,” She hummed softly as she played with the hair against the nape of his neck, “You look really good too.” She grinned as she bit down on her bottom lip, enjoying the way his curls wrapped around her finger as she bent down to kiss him again.

Their lips molded together sweetly, blissfully as he moved his hands to pull her skirt higher over her skin. Goosebumps formed on the back of her thighs as she licked at his bottom lip, prodding softly with her tongue as he kneaded her ass in his hands. 

She moaned as she tasted his tongue against hers, rubbing them slowly together as she rocked her hips down against his forming bulge. He moved his hands across her slender waist, teasing her before he unhooked the button to the side of her skirt. He unzipped it next, making it looser before he began to tug her shirt up over her head.

She sighed softly as his lips fell against her collarbone, kissing her gently before he reached the area between her boobs.His fingers wrapped against the hooks of her bra, letting it fall loose before he began to kiss at her pink nipples. 

He hummed as he flicked his tongue across her hardened buds, making her gasp before he rolled her off onto the couch cushions. She sighed, eyes widened as she watched the frantic way he tugged the long skirt off of her hips.

She fell back against the cushions, biting back a smile at the quick way he pulled her skirt and panties from her legs. She laughed as he nearly toppled backwards from the force of his movements, chuckling before he balanced himself once again.

“Are you sure I’m the clumsy one?” She asked him, biting down on her finger as his eyes traced over her curves. He lingered against her tits, against her pussy before he turned to face her again.

“I think you need something to make you shut up.” He teased as he squeezed at her thigh, a smirk forming on his lips as he brushed his fingers further and further up the dip of her thighs. 

“Yeah?” She giggled, squealing softly as he pulled her down to the floor with him. She watched as he laid back, a smirk forming on his lips before he gripped the back of her thighs and pulled her over his face, “You’re eager.” She teased once again, taking the time to rub her palm across his bulge.

She squeezed softly, biting her bottom lip as she felt him pulsing underneath her touch. She unzipped his jeans slowly, taking her time before she fussed with his boxers. He pupped free, his cock long and hard as she wrapped her slender fingers around him.

“Hm,” He huffed, his hot air ticking against her wet folds before she felt shivers spread across her skin, “S’pretty.” He mumbled before his tongue dragged slowly against her pink pussy. She sighed, crooning softly as she stroked him slowly in her palm.

She felt her thighs shivering as his tongue flicked across her clit, dipping between her folds before he traced the tip of his tongue against her fluttering hole. She sighed slowly, letting the pleasure wash over her for a moment before she slid his fat tip against her plump lips.

She smiled at the breathlessly sound that left his lips, moaning at how it vibrated across her skin and made her insides tremble. She whimpered as she pressed his tip inside of her mouth, hollowing her cheeks as she slowly began to bob her head up and down the length of his cock. 

She moaned at the way he fit inside of her mouth, at how he still had to relax her jaw and feel her lips burn around his thick girth. The feeling of his tongue curling inside of her fluttering hole spurred her own, leaving her pushing more of his long dick inside of her mouth.

She wrapped her fingers around his base, giving him a soft squeeze before she began to pump the part that wasn’t in her mouth. She whimpered, drooling a bit to wet the part she couldn’t reach as he buried his tongue further into her hole. 

He hummed against her cunt, sending chill feelings through her as he reached around to rub at her clit. She cried out, gagging around him as the tip of his cock hit the back of her throat. She whined, squeezing her eyes shut as she massaged her spit onto his balls. He groaned louder from underneath her, using his free hand to squeeze at her waist.

He felt heavy against her tongue as she languidly stroked it across his girth, earning a shudder from underneath her as Billy continued to trace and attack her cunt with his tongue. He continued to hum, to groan against her as he brushed his fingers into firm circles against her clit. She whined, rutting down against him as she tried to focus on his cock throbbing in her mouth.

She gagged around his dick as the pleasure rushed up her spine suddenly, taking her by surprise as her stomach knitted into thick knots. She covered up her moans with another gag, cumming harshly around the thickness of his tongue.

He hummed, continuing to lap at her cunt as he moved his hands to her waist. He clawed at her flesh, holding her tightly as he began to rock his hips up to meet the movements of her mouth. She shut her eyes tightly, focusing on the feeling of his cock pressing against his tongue before he buried himself deeply against the back of her throat. 

He grunted as he came, making her eyelashes flutter as his thick globs of cum coated her mouth and throat. She whimpered as she breathed in deeply, savoring the taste of him in her mouth before she pulled away. 

“I win,” He grinned as he smacked her ass, making her yelp, “You’re still easy.” He teased her as she turned back to face him, licking away the slick from his lips as she playfully narrowed her eyes. She’d have to get back at him somehow. 

1991

“Happy Birthday,” His lips were scattered across hers, across her cheeks and her nose as he rolled over on top of her, “Happy Birthday dear Kim.” He teased, playfully singing as he brought his fingers across her ticklish sides. She giggled, rolling underneath him with a grin on her face.

“Thank you,” She giggled softly as she blinked the sleep from her eyes, “What a lovely way to wake up.” He mumbled in agreement as he tapped his fingers against her sides softly. 

“Mhm,” He chuckled as he placed a kiss against her cheek, his breath already minty and his clothes already on his body, “Go get ready. I’ll make you breakfast.” He offered, sitting up before she could protest about sleeping in. She supposed she could listen, just this once.

She dragged herself about, splashing water into her face before she scrubbed it clean. She needed to wake up quickly. She worked on getting dressed next, then cleaned her teeth. She grew excited as she began to wonder what surprises Billy would have for her this year.

She walked back into their kitchen, watching as the cats paraded around his feet as he worked on pouring the pancake onto the skillet. He’d gotten good at cooking, really good. She understood why he’d grown so popular recently. She stopped thoughtfully for a minute. 

“You know what you could get me for next year?” She rested her elbows against the counter and placed her chin on her fingers as she watched him. He glanced towards her before he looked down towards the pan of pancakes. 

“Hm?” He hummed, flipping the pancake easily in the pan. He wiggled his eyebrows at her, looking proud from his motions. She giggled, thinking of how to phrase her answer. 

“Very exquisite,” She praised him. She paused for a moment, rubbing her finger along her lip, “A baby.” She bit her bottom lip, rubbing her fingers together as she waited for his reaction. His head snapped towards her. 

“What?” Billy paused, nearly dropping the pan from his hand before he caught it again. He stumbled for a second before he pushed it off of the hot burner, “Like a real one?” He seemed almost nervous, like he wasn’t sure how to grasp her suggestion. 

“Yes,” She giggled softly as she pushed the bangs from her eyes, “A real baby.” She bit her lip, holding back a grin as she held her hands tightly against her chin. She was nervous, unsure of what he thought or how he’d react. He had wanted a baby before, but that was then. This was now. 

“Yeah,” Billy looked at her surprised, grinning widely as he stepped around the counter, “I can certainly do that.” He smiled as he pulled her close, kissing all over her face as she laughed softly. 

“You’re sure?” She asked him, feeling like it was a little sudden. But she had been thinking about it for some time now. She really wanted one with him. A mini version of them. Their baby would be perfect.

“I have been for a while,” He laughed as he kissed her temple, “I’ve been waiting for you.” He hummed softly, making her shake her head at his comment. Even if it was true. 

“Mhm,” She grinned as she held him tightly, “We’ll I’m ready now.” She told him seriously, smiling as she bit down on her bottom lip. He grinned from ear to ear. 

“I think it’s the best timing,” He hummed as he tucked her hair behind her ear, “When can we start?”

-

Kim had always thought they were good at sex. Incredible. Sex with Billy was mind blowing, made her weak in the knees and feel sparks and see stars. There was no comparison. 

They were, however, pretty bad at creating a baby. It turned out that neither of them were exactly comfortable with the idea of making one. He came inside of her all the time, but it wasn’t because either of them wanted her to get knocked up. It just happened. It was apparently not sexy to either of them to actually make a baby. A shame. 

“I’m gonna-,” He stalled for a moment, “I’m gonna put a baby… in you?” He paused, still pressed deeply inside of her as she raised her head from the pillows. Her moan died on her lips as she met his blue eyes, noting the way his eyebrows furrowed together curiously. 

“Um,” Kim paused, “Is that a question?” She asked him, still slightly out of breath as she felt herself start to laugh softly. She could feel him slowly softening inside of her, clearly not at all turned on with what he was trying to say. 

“It’s kind of weird to say,” He mumbled, “Now that I think about it.” He dropped his head dramatically, his blonde curls drifting softly across her features. 

“Just a bit,” She giggled from underneath him, “You alright to continue?” She asked him playfully as she drifted her hands across his muscular shoulders, He grumbled as he dropped his head in defeat. 

“I think I need five minutes,” He laughed into her chest then groaned from embarrassment, “Sorry about that.” He apologized but she shook her head. There was no real loss. They could pick it back up in five minutes. No issue. 

Only five minutes came and went and they were still unable to pick it up. Billy got hard and she could feel herself getting turned on, but it was like it escaped every time it came to the event of finishing. If he did finish, at that point he had to pull out. They did not have a very fun time trying to actually make a baby. 

“Should we-,” She paused for a moment, “Not stop. Just, maybe we’re trying too hard?” She asked him curiously as she rolled over to face him, squeezing her eyebrows together curiously. He sighed as he rubbed his palms against his face. 

“What do you mean?” He grumbled like he was expecting the worst, like this was some sort of competition. Apparently he’d had a conversation with Steve and he had mentioned how easy it was and Kim had soon found herself mixed up in some sort of weird competition. Even though she knew for a fact that Gina didn’t want any more children. 

“I think we’re freaking ourselves out,” She admitted, “I stay away from birth control and you still don’t wear condoms but, we just- you know. Don’t make it seem like we’re making a baby.” She said as she nodded her head, trying to make her thoughts make sense. He paused as he turned to face her, his features wrinkling up inquisitive. 

“I think that would be best,” He laughed a second later, “Less pressure.” He said as he gestured down to himself, making her laugh this time. Less pressure would be best. 

-

“What are we doing?” He asked curiously, then quickly turned his attention back down to the two little girls that were clambering through his arms, “Shouldn’t Steve be here for this?” He asked seriously, moving his face away as the girls kept trying to poke his nose. 

“He had to work.” Gina dismissed quickly as she crossed her leg. She kept bouncing her feet, glancing around like she was nervous. She’d been on the same page in the magazine for the past ten minutes. 

“I learned about spiders today,” Jennifer said, grinning as she poked a little finger into Billy’s cheek, “They have eight legs.” She replied proudly as her face lit up in delight.

“Oh yeah?” Billy grinned as he bounced her on his leg, “What else do you know about them?” He asked her curiously as she held her dolly close to her chest. At five years old she had grown, bearing Steve’s long legs rather than Gina’s short ones. 

“They eat bugs!” She exclaimed with a giggle, squealing as she kicked her little feet around. Paisley protested, shoving at Jennifer’s foot to which Billy quickly intervened. They did not get along very well. But Paisley was still really young, so he assumed they’d grow closer once they got older. 

“Gina Harrington?” The doctor asked, finally making his entrance as he walked inside. Billy watched as Gina quickly set her magazine aside, looking anxious as she sat forward. 

“That’s me,” Gina smiled, watching as Paisley wobbled around the room, “It’s good to see you.” She introduced herself as she held her hand out, shaking it quickly. 

“What brings you in today?” The doctor smiled, reaching out a finger as Paisley walked over to hold onto his knee. She grinned, her brown eyes shining as she looked up at him. Billy thought that both of the girls looked like Steve more than Gina. 

“I want a tubal ligation,” She replied quickly, “I’ve had two complicated births and I don’t want another. I brought my husband today to vouch for that.” She said, taking Billy by surprise as she gestured towards him. 

“Steve?” The doctor asked, glancing over once he peeped at the sheet in front of him again. Billy felt his lips part for a second, stalling until he got the hint from Gina’s intense gaze. 

“Uh,” Billy paused, realizing that Gina and her doctor were waiting for him, “Yeah. Yeah. She wants her tubes tied.” He said in confusion, blinking his eyes as Jennifer began to show her doll off to him again. He nodded his head, trying not to be rude as he turned his attention to Gina. 

“Alright,” The doctor looked them over for a moment before he slowly nodded his head, “If that’s what you both want.” He shrugged his shoulders, looking like he was ready to sign it as long as they both agreed. Billy felt bad that Steve wasn’t here. 

“We do,” Gina said, “Don’t we, honey?” She asked as she fluttered her eyelashes. He watched her for the longest time, noticing the desperate look in her eyes. There was something sad that lingered in her gaze, sorrowful. She was hurting, something that she hadn’t told anyone about. 

“Yeah,” Billy nodded along, “That’s what we want.” He said at last, watching as the doctor began to write something down. He inhaled softly, watching the way Gina avoided his gaze. She looked guilty, but stern in her decision. 

She rushed after that, trying to get out of the hospital as her face fell. She looked like she was close to tears, like she was going to break down any second. He didn’t understand why she’d gone through with this if it was so upsetting. 

“Gina,” Billy started, struggling a little bit to get out the door with both girls in his hands, “Why did you lie?” He asked seriously, pausing to pick Paisley up as she continued to struggle to keep up. Jennifer started to skip, like she was happy with the fast movements. 

“Because Steve would never agree to this,” She said quickly, “He wants a whole litter and I physically can’t take that. I want to get a job. I don’t like this tiny house we’re in or the hours he works. I can’t do this right now.”

“Okay, alright,” Billy responded, struggling as he pulled the door open before he shifted Jennifer into the car seat, “You had a rough time with labor. I get that. I still think you should talk to him.” He said seriously, feeling like Steve needed to know. It was no secret that he wanted more kids and he felt like this could be a deal breaker. 

“He won’t understand,” Gina said in frustration, “He doesn’t even care about me unless we’re having sex. It’s always about the kids.” She said as she held her hands up to her face, her eyes filled with tears as she shook her head. 

“I mean,” Billy shifted Paisley in his arms, “They’re kids.” He said as he tilted his head back and forth, looking at the way Paisley rested her head on his shoulder. He gave her a soft squeeze before he moved her into the carseat. 

“But I needed him,” Gina said as she pointed at herself, “If Kim was pregnant and they asked you to save her or the baby, who would you pick?” She asked once the door was shut, clearly not wanting the girls to hear about it. He looked at her surprised. 

“What kind of question is that?” He asked seriously, feeling like that was an impossible decision. He didn’t want to be in that position either. It was insane, even if it might be realistic.

“Whom would you pick?” Gina asked him, “Because you can ask Steve. It wouldn’t have been me.” Her voice was raw as she spoke, her eyes watery. He stared at her for a moment, thinking about how rough both of her pregnancies had been. She’d never really bounced back, not fully. It had changed her in some way. 

“Alright,” Billy said slowly as he walked around the car, sliding inside of the driver’s seat, “Do you guys want ice cream?” He asked as he turned to face the two little girls, smiling as their squeals filled the car. 

“Billy,” Gina breathed out gently, “I know this is asking a lot and I’m sorry about it. But Steve can’t know. He’ll leave me for it.” She said with sorrow, looking heartbroken as she revealed the truth. He knew she was right. This would be the thing to break them. It was a lot to put on him. 

“Okay,” Billy nodded his head along gently, “This stays between us.” He said as he nodded his head, giving her his promise. He’d get her to talk to Steve eventually. It was her job. 

-

By the second week of October Kim had missed her period and had a serious case of morning sickness. Pearl and Dove clung to her side as well, nuzzling against her at all times. It was like they knew well before she had any clue. 

“Do you think it’s ready yet?” He asked as he tilted his head, nervous as he continued to pet at the cats. He took turns, trying to keep himself distracted. 

“I don’t know,” She sighed, “I don’t think so yet.” She played with her hair, the long strands just lightly curling down her back as she continued to tug on it. 

“I’m nervous.” He told her seriously, still a little embarrassed at how he had struggled so hard to actually make a baby with her. He wanted kids and he wanted her, but he apparently did not have much of a breeding kink. 

“Me too,” She gulped as she turned towards him, “What if I’m not pregnant?” She asked him nervously, her eyes wide like he would be upset. He’d never be upset. 

“Then we keep trying if you want,” He added softly, “Let’s go peek at it.” He reassured her as he squeezed her hand, giving her knuckles gentle kisses. She sighed deeply as she observed him, then nodded her head in agreement. 

It was a slow walk to the bathroom, despite it being so close. She had shut the door and everything, fearful that she might peek at it too soon. It was exciting. 

“The color changed,” She said as she turned towards him, her eyes filled with fresh tears, “We’re having a baby!” She exclaimed as she held her face up to her hands, cupping her cheeks as a few tears rolled down them. He felt his heart flutter, his own excitement building. 

“Oh Jesus,” He grinned as he cupped her face, pecking her lips repeatedly, “We made a baby.” He smiled as he pressed his nose against hers, thinking about how incredibly lucky he was to have her. For them to be together. He was so happy. 

“I can’t believe it,” She sniffled, crying a little harder as she held onto him, “Oh my. We’re going to have a little baby.” She repeated like she was in disbelief, staring back at the pregnancy test that had made him feel like some sort of scientist when they had set it up. 

“You know what this means?” He asked as he kissed her wet cheeks, making her smile at the sensation. He kissed her nose, then her forehead once again. Suddenly feeling like she was the most delicate thing he had. 

“No?” She hummed in confusion, looking towards him as her eyes continued to glisten. He smiled as he tilted his head, wiping the rest of her happy tears away. 

“We’re going to need a bigger house,” He said seriously, “A baby and two cats takes up a lot of room.” He said with a laugh, wondering what his high school self would’ve thought about this future. He probably would’ve laughed.

“Right,” She said with a grin, holding onto him happily, “When do we tell everyone?” She asked him, eyes already blazing with excitement. He thought about it for a moment, not wanting to rush anything and have to explain to anyone if they lost the baby. That would be too painful, especially for her. 

“I don’t know,” He chuckled softly, “Let’s wait a few weeks. Just to be safe.” He nodded his head softly, tucking her hair behind her ears once again. She sniffled as she nodded his head. He blinked, hiding the emotion in his own eyes. 

“You’re right,” She smiled as she held onto him, still bearing tears in her eyes, “We’re going to be parents. We’re going to have a little baby.” She grinned excitedly, making his eyes blur over with his own tears this time. Damn her. 

“Don’t get all emotional already.” He teased her as he kissed both corners of her lips. She was too precious, too sweet. And their baby would be exactly the same. 

“I just can’t believe it,” She sniffled as she held a palm over her stomach, even though it was still flat, “I’m so happy for us.” She grinned from ear to ear, looking quite proud of herself as she faced him once again. He felt the same way. 

“I am too,” He said softly, “C’mon. I think this means we deserve a night out.” 

-

“What do you think?” Kim asked him as she tapped her feet back and forth, staring at her socks as the hospital gown rested awkwardly against her knees. Gina had told her she’d been allowed in her regular clothes during her ultrasounds, but apparently Kim was different. 

“What do you mean?” Billy looked at her curiously, his hair tied up behind his head as he linked their fingers together. He looked a little less nervous than she did, but not by much. Just barely. 

“About our baby?” She questioned, “Do you think everything will be okay?” She whispered softly, fearful that something inside of her would be wrong. She didn’t want anything bad to happen. Perhaps that was what she was most afraid of. 

“Of course I do,” He smiled softly, “Our baby will be strong like their mama.” He gave her a little wink before he kissed her knuckles again. It was slowly becoming a habit of his. 

“And daddy,” She said gently, “I just want everything to be alright.” She told him honestly, repeating the same thing that she’d done for the past few weeks. Ever since she had officially made the appointment. 

“It will be.” He reassured her, speaking a little sternly so it would keep her mind from racing. She nodded her head softly, smiling at him. He was right. Everything would be fine, one way or another. 

“Kim?” The nurse introduced herself with a smile, “Have you done this before?” She asked kindly, making Kim all nervous once again. She just hoped it didn’t hurt. 

“No,” She answered honestly, “This is our first baby. Both of us.” She nodded as she turned to look at Billy, catching his soft smile before she looked back at the nurse. 

“How exciting,” She said with a smile, “I’ll guide you through everything and I’ll be right here for any questions.” She reassured her, doing exactly that as she worked through the process of gloving up and then applying a cool gel to Kim’s lower stomach. 

“It’s cold,” She told him to explain the way she had flinched, “Nothing too bad though.” She told Billy reassuringly, feeling him stiffen against her grasp. She squeezed his fingers softly, relaxing him once again. 

“And then right here-,” The nurse paused as she turned towards them, smiling brightly, “Is the baby’s heartbeat.” Kim felt her eyes widen, her own heart racing at the sound. It was sweet. 

“Oh wow,” Billy spit out, his voice raw as he spoke, “That’s her heart beating? It sounds fast.” He said at last, blinking quickly before he glanced up to the ceiling for a moment. Kim continued to stare at the monitor, trying to make out where their baby was on the little screen. 

“It’s at a normal range,” The nurse said as she looked at the screen again, “You’re hoping for a girl?” She asked with a smile, catching Billy before Kim did. She glanced to him, watching the way he flushed. 

“Well,” He paused for a moment, “I’d be happy with anything, but yeah. A little girl would be nice. Just like her mama.” He smiled gently as he leaned against their linked hands, making Kim feel all sweet on the inside. 

“When can we find out?” She asked for them, feeling excited as she began to imagine picking things out for the nursery. And crocheting. She’d have so many things to make. 

“In a few more weeks,” The nurse said with a smile, “Everything looks good though. Keep up the good work.” She congratulated them, letting them listen for another few minutes before it was time to go. 

-

Finding the right way to announce it was difficult. Kim knew she would have no issue telling her friends, but she was more so worried about how their parents would feel. She knew they’d be excited, but she still felt like it needed to be done in the correct manner. She wanted to make it special. 

“What are we doing?” Rosemary asked curiously as she helped set the food on the table, “I mean, this is a lot of food.” She was skeptical for sure. They had routine dinner days and this particular Friday night was not a part of it. But Kim figured it would be fine. They could announce their baby before the big holidays came along. 

“We like to cook.” Billy said with a shrug of his shoulders, smiling brightly as he walked past her. He was definitely trying to cover for her. She’d baked and baked for hours this morning. There were all sorts of desserts and other foods that were laid out and about. Russell seemed to be the only one that was appreciating it. 

“You look nervous.” Rosemary said slowly, blue eyes inquisitively as she stared Kim down. Kim snorted, shrugging her shoulders dramatically as she forced a laugh out of her chest. 

“I’m not nervous,” She said as she shook her head, sighing like it was a ridiculous thing to say. In all seriousness, she was sure that she was seconds away from losing strength in her knees and passing out, “I’m fine.” She said, keeping her tongue from betraying her by shoving another cookie into her mouth. 

“I think this is all great,” Sam commented as he grabbed another piece of banana bread, slowly under Rosemary’s watchful eye, “It’s just some food. What’s the harm?” He asked as he munched down on the bread. 

“Nothing,” She said as she shook her head, “I was just making sure everything is alright.” She said with a nod of her head. Kim glanced towards Billy, furrowing her eyebrows together because she knew she couldn’t wait much longer. 

“We do have news,” Billy started slowly as he took Kim’s hand, looking at the way she seemed petrified on the spot, “We’re having a baby.” He stated, fully ripping the bandaid off as Kim brought her palm up to her mouth. She waited. 

“Oh!” Rosemary hopped out of her seat, “A baby? Are you sure? Really?” She asked in excitement, blue eyes wide as a loud squeal left her mouth. Sam turned towards them surprised, grinning from ear to ear. 

“Pretty certain,” He said with a laugh as he passed the ultrasound around, “That’s our baby.” He said, pausing with Russell to point out the little blob on the paper.

“I can’t see anything,” Russell said as he squinted at the picture, “Are you sure it’s not like in Alien?” He asked, yelping at the way Billy shoved at his shoulder. 

“What happened in Alien?” Kim asked as she glanced around, trying to recall if she had watched it or not. Russell began to answer but was only silenced once again. He shook his head, looking like it was a good idea to keep his answer to himself.

“Nothing,” Billy said, quickly reassuring Kim. Like he didn’t want her to freak out, “Just a dumb movie.” He replied as he wrinkled his nose up, glancing at his younger brother to ensure that he stayed silent. 

“Oh,” She said with a nod of her head, “But yeah. That’s like where her face is.” She smiled as she leaned over, showing Russell once again. He looked down, squinting as he held it closer to his face. Perhaps he was in need of glasses. Or he had them and refused to wear them. That was certainly possible. 

“Her?” Billy asked her, taking her by surprise as she glanced towards him. He was smiling softly, his lips pressed together knowingly. 

“Shoot,” She sighed as she glanced back towards Billy, “He thinks that we’re having a girl.” She explained as everyone turned towards them. Rosemary dropped her shoulders, looking like she had been seconds away from jumping out of her seat again. 

“Sounds like you do too.” He said with a grin as he bumped his shoulder against hers gently. She smiled as she looked at him, nodding her head in agreement. His excitement was quite hard to ignore. 

“Congrats,” Sam stood to kiss the top of Kim’s head, holding onto her gently, “A baby is great news. How did Susan react?” He asked curiously, making her stall as she felt her smile go stiff. She felt bad, but he and Rosemary lived a lot closer. She thought it would be better to do it in person first, rather than over the phone. 

“Uh,” Kim paused for a second, “She doesn’t know yet. I’m going to call her, I just wish I could tell her in person.” She said as she played with her hair, hoping that it didn’t make her sound like a terrible daughter. She would’ve preferred to do it with all of them together, but she knew it wasn’t possible. 

“She’ll appreciate it either way,” Rosemary spoke up again, smiling brightly, “Oh I need to start on a quilt.” She mumbled to herself right before Billy and Kim were scooped up into various arms with congratulations on their lips. Everything was going to be fine. 

-

It was right before Christmas that they settled in a house. It was nice. Four bedrooms, two and a half baths and a huge backyard. They had an upstairs too, it wasn’t fully finished but Billy was adamant that he could fix it up. It was a little further away from Rosemary and Sam’s but they were still close to the beach. Kim really liked it. It would be good to start their family here. 

Dove raced through the house, meowing as she bounced from wall to wall. Pearl was a little slower, strutting around as she took in the view. She kept bouncing from counter to counter, trying to find the best place to soak in the sun. 

“This is very nice,” Rosemary smiled as she set down her box on the counter, “Wow. You guys picked out a good one.” She rested a hand on her hip, looking around the kitchen as she nodded her head in agreement. 

“You really did,” Sam said as he kissed the top of Kim’s head, “It will be good for the kids.” He said as he nodded his head in agreement. She looked up at him curiously, watching as Russell began to chase after little Dove. 

“Kids?” She asked as she thought about it, placing a palm in front of her stomach. There was still nothing to show, but she was excited despite all of that. Hers and Billy’s baby would be here before she knew it. 

“You’ll want more than one,” He reassured her, “Trust me.” 

-

“Will you be visiting soon?” She asked Susan over the phone for what felt like the hundredth time this month. She kept pestering her about visiting and had even offered to pay for the trip and all. It seemed like there was no hope. Susan was dead set about never leaving Hawkins now that Neil was out and about. Even though Kim reassured her that he wasn’t. He was behind a fresh set of bars, he just didn’t realize it. 

“It’s winter, baby,” She sighed on the other line, “You know how badly it snows here. It would be too dangerous to travel.” She added, sounding like she was distracted as she mumbled something offhandedly to someone else.

Kim was sure part of her issue was jealousy. Anytime she spoke to Susan, all Susan did was gush about being a grandma. Even though she wasn’t technically one. She had somehow decided that she was one when Eddie and Addi had their son. Apparently she watched him a lot. She swallowed her bitterness all over again.

“I know,” Kim started, acknowledging that it truly could get awful there, “But I thought it would be fun for you and Wayne to come out. And Max. And whomever else.” She added a second later.

“It’s expensive.” Susan said at last, the same excuse as always. Kim bit back the urge to sigh deeply, closing her eyes as she thought of another way that might convince her mother. 

“Billy and I can cover your ticket and Wayne’s,” She encouraged with a nod of her head, “And Max’s. Wouldn’t it be fun to come out and get some sunshine?” She questioned her, smiling because she knew that’s what she would want to do. She really wanted to tell everyone in person. And she thought it would be fun to pass up the ultrasound as a Christmas present for everyone. 

“The sun still shines here.” Her mother’s voice was sweet, but a little snarky as she reminded Kim once again of how she didn’t want to go out there. Kim knew that deep down Susan was resentful too. She felt like in the end Kim had chosen Sam, which was nothing like that. Things were difficult. But San Diego was her home. 

“Mom,” Kim sighed deeply, pressing her manicured nails together as she held the phone into the crook of her neck. She frowned for a moment as she shook her head, “I'm pregnant.”

“Oh, oh!” Susan exclaimed, “That’s great news, honey! Oh, I’m sure we could make some time out to come and visit.” She said suddenly, leaving a sour feeling inside of Kim. She tasted the bitterness on her tongue before she bit down on her bottom lip.

“It’s okay,” She said softly, “You’re right. The roads get dangerous when it storms. Can I talk to Max?” She asked instead, no longer feeling the need to have Susan out here. She was just angry, she knew that. She’d feel better about it in a few days. 

1992

Kim leaned against the tub, wishing that her morning sickness would go away. It had only grown worse as the months went on. She crawled towards the sink before she tugged herself up, then scrubbed at her teeth and tongue until she could only taste and smell fresh mint.

She dragged her feet as she headed towards the kitchen, glancing over to see Billy had the back door open. He was stroking Pearl’s fur, clad only in a pair of shorts as he likely finished his morning coffee and cigarette. 

She worked on making a piece of toast, only to get frustrated as it came out too dark. She grumbled before she put another piece in, knowing that Billy would eat that one for her. She listened to the sound of him humming before she felt his strong arms around her waist. She giggled, feeling her bad morning melt away until she got a whiff of it. 

“Oh my God,” Kim groaned as she covered her nose and mouth, “What is that smell?” She asked him seriously as she pulled away from his mouth. She rolled her tongue inside of her mouth, looking like she was about to be sick as she did so. 

“What?” Billy looked at her curiously, almost offended as he stepped back and took a sniff of himself. She shook her head, resisting the urge to gag as she knew the smell was clearly from something else. 

“You need to brush your teeth,” She said as she fanned her mouth, “Is that from your cigarettes?” She asked him seriously, even though she knew the answer. It was awful. Terrible. She had never smelt something so horrendous in her life. 

“Is it that bad?” He asked her, beginning to laugh only to be silenced by her gagging, “I’ll be right back.” He said seriously, taking fast paces towards the closest bathroom as she felt herself turning back to her normal color. 

She lingered on the couch, still in disdain as she chewed on her piece of toast slowly. She could feel her eyes twitch at how it tasted like nothing. Nothing ever tasted good, sounded good. She was so tired of getting sick, of being sick. She no longer found joy in eating, not even with sweets. It was like a heartbreak. 

“Looks like our little cherry will be picky like you.” Billy mumbled as he sat near her, avoiding her long legs as he rested his palm against her abdomen. She glanced down at his gesture before she looked up at him. 

“Cherry?” She asked him curiously, furrowing her eyebrows as she thought about the nickname. She felt a smile pull to her lips. It was cute. 

“Because she’s tiny,” He grinned in response, “Tiny and sweet. And probably red.” He added, grinning as he leaned forward and pressed a gentle kiss to her mouth. She savored the feeling, happy with the way he smelt now. 

“I like that,” She said softly as a small smile pulled onto her lips, “That’s a cute name.” She said, giggling as she reached down to press her hand near his. She suddenly couldn’t remember why she’d been so cranky. She was excited to meet their little baby. 

“Better than bean,” Billy said quickly, “I can’t wait to meet her.” He replied, bending low to give her tummy a soft kiss. She laughed, playing with his hair softly as she nodded her head in agreement. 

-

Her pregnancy quickly turned rough. Unbearable. It was like her baby didn’t want to be stuck with her, like she already had some sort of vendetta against her. 

She was constantly sick and had no appetite. Some days she could barely keep water down. She was struggling to work, feeling dizzy most days and like she was too weak to get through the day. On her last doctor’s appointment he’d diagnosed her with Hyperemesis gravidarum, and a new load of medications that she was required to somehow take without vomiting. 

“You need to try and eat,” Billy spoke softly, trying to convince her. She huffed. It wasn’t like she was avoiding eating, but nothing sounded good. Ever. And even if she tried to eat, it always made its reappearance, “Come on. Something has to sound good.” Billy begged resting at the edge of the couch as she laid across it.

“Nothing sounds good,” She whined miserably, beginning to cry, “I’m so hungry but I can’t eat anything.” She rubbed her tummy, sniffling hard as Billy looked at her softly.

“What about corn dogs?” He was gentle as he spoke, his touch even softer as he rubbed his fingers along her tiny baby bump. She was four months along and so far her symptoms had been miserable. She was always sick, always rushing to the bathroom to vomit. She was always tired, she constantly felt flushed and not to mention that her boobs hurt all the time. 

“No.” She replied quickly, her nose curling up at the thought of it. She had no cravings, nothing ever sounded good. Billy bit his lip, looking deep in thought.

“Pasta?” She shook her head again, “Come on. You’re losing weight, Kim. Think, I’ll get whatever you want.” She sniffled, thinking for a moment. She didn’t like how serious he sounded, even though she knew it was a serious matter. Her doctor was threatening bed rest for the remainder of her pregnancy unless she got better. She didn’t know why this baby was fighting her so hard.

“That pizza place in Chicago,” She sniffled at last, letting him wipe her tears away, “You know, the Chicago style pizzas.” She nodded at last, finding some comfort in the way he was gently touching her. She breathed in softly, doing her best to keep from hiccuping. “Okay,” Billy breathed out slowly, “I’ll see what I can do.” He fluffed her pillow again, helping her rest back on the sofa. He was acting like they weren’t hundreds and hundreds of miles from Illinois. She sighed deeply, thinking that a nap sounded good right about now. 

He approached a little while later, his movements awaking her from her pity nap. She blinked in confusion, watching the determined look on his face as he approached her. She looked down at the plate in his hand, feeling stunned at what he was holding. 

“You found some?” She sat up quickly, looking at him surprised. The mixture of the cheese and sauce hit her nose, nearly making her mouth water. She was sure that she had never been this hungry before. She felt like a small child that was awaiting her presents as he held the plate out. “Well, I made it,” Billy glanced at her, looking a little worried as she sat up, “Not too fast.” He mumbled as he sat the plate down on the coffee table. He joined her on the couch, pushing her messy hair from her face as she reached forward to grip the fork. She took a large bite, moaning as the cheese, olives and sauce danced on her tongue. She closed her eyes to fully appreciate how it tasted. 

“This is really good,” She told him between mouthfuls, feeling like she hadn’t eaten in so long, “It tastes the same.” She praised him, thinking that this possibly tasted even better. He watched her eat every bite, looking like he was afraid she’d end up barfing it back up. She dragged the side of her fork along the plate, trying to hide her temptation to lick it clean.

“Do you want another slice?” He asked softly, still twisting her hair gently behind her back. She squinted her eyes for a moment, resting her hand on her tummy as she let the food settle for a moment. She pursed her lips together.

“I think in another minute,” She said wistfully, “Did you get some?” She looked at him worried, feeling bad for scarfing all of that down when he hadn’t had anything. He chuckled, dropping her hair and letting his fingertips drag down her spine. 

“I’ll get some in a minute,” He kissed her cheek, lingering there for a moment before licking the sauce from the corner of her lips. She squealed, giggling softly as he picked up her plate and stood, “Just relax.” He told her seriously, giving her a pointed look so she wouldn’t move. 

The rest of her pregnancy survived off of Billy’s pizza and the occasional smoothie. She knew it wasn’t the most healthy, but Billy said it was better than eating nothing. She supposed that he was right, but it still made her feel bad about it. She didn’t want her baby to be unhealthy. 

“Oh God,” Kim’s legs were twisted and turned so tightly together that she was sure it would take a miracle to untie herself, “I don’t think I’m going to make it.” She told him seriously as she dug her nails into the seat. They had just left from Sunday dinner with Sam, Rosemary and Russell. It was pizza, which wasn’t what they normally had, but Kim appreciated it. 

“You went before we left,” Billy said softly, covering his laughter with a cough as he glanced away. He was fighting his hysterics as best as he could, but she clearly knew that she was acting insane. She couldn’t help the pressure that was in her stomach, how she was sure she was going to end up peeing in his seats, “We’re almost home.” He promised her, honking on his horn as if he could make the cars in front of him go any faster. She was really beginning to regret how they moved out of their apartment. 

“I’m going to piss my pants.” She told him seriously, struggling to keep her bladder under control as it gushed around inside of her. 

“Wow, wow,” Billy grinned as he faced her, “No cursing in front of the baby. She’s sensitive.” He teased as he reached over to rub her tummy. She snapped her gaze towards him. 

“Sensitive?” Kim asked him, “Tell her to stop attacking my bladder. Jesus. Move!” She shouted towards the cars in front of him, leaving him chuckling even louder. 

“Calm down,” His eyes were crinkled up as he continued to laugh, giving her hand a tight squeeze, “We’re like five minutes away.” He tried to reassure her, but she only shook her head. He didn’t understand. 

“I’m like two seconds away from peeing on your seats.” She warned him with a stiff nod. The laughter suddenly died on his lips. They’d had discussions about getting another car, or van, but he wasn’t sold yet. He was too attached to the one he had, even though she constantly reassured that he could still keep it. They would need something bigger. 

“Okay,” Billy paused, “That’s not funny.” He said as he turned towards her. His gaze narrowed towards the road, looking a little worried this time. 

“No, it’s the truth,” She told him as she held her palms over her knees, “Oh thank God. Pass them please. This is an emergency.” She flagged her hands desperately, sighing in relief as he did what she asked. Everything blurred after then, especially when she began to race towards the house. 

“Hey, wait! You forgot the keys!” He shouted as he stumbled out of the car, tripping over his shoes as he struggled to meet her. She turned back. 

“Hurry!”

She rushed inside the house, hands shaking as she finally got the key inside of the lock and the door opened. She slammed it behind her, not bothering to pull the key out before she raced to the bathroom, just barely making it before she released her bladder. 

“Are you alright in there?” She heard Billy a moment later from outside the door, probably laughing at her frantic actions. She narrowed her eyes as she looked at the ceiling, thinking about how this was all his fault. She was the one that had to suffer. 

“I am now,” She sighed in relief, “That was almost a disaster.” She said honestly as she began to freshen herself up, then scrubbed her hands clean. She caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror, taking in her smooth skin and slightly rounder face. She looked pretty good. 

“Maybe we should go ahead and start buying diapers?” He teased once she opened the door, cocking his eyebrows as she snorted at his suggestion. 

“You are so funny,” She said as she poked his chest, “Just you remember this.” She told him playfully, trying to be as serious as she could. He smiled as he held onto her wrist softly, making her heart flutter once again. 

“I love you.”

-

“Why are you hiding?” Billy teased as he rested on his knees in front of her. His large hand was rubbing across Kim’s tiny belly, just barely touching her as he spoke to the small bump. He was always far too gentle, like he was afraid he’d break her if he pressed down too hard. 

They had just gotten back from their last ultrasound, finally breaking down and confirming that their baby was in fact a girl. Even though they had both suspected it. Especially him. Still, she reminded herself that things could change and that would be fine too. She’d love their baby no matter what. 

“She must be shy,” Kim teased, watching the way Billy slowly lifted her shirt up. He smiled, holding onto her hip with one hand as he peppered kisses along the curve of her tummy. She giggled, the sensation tickling against her skin, “I have nothing to show.” She whined after a moment. She was six months along and barely had anything to show for it. She didn’t even look pregnant, she looked like she had gained a beer belly.

“Sure you do,” Billy stood, smiling brightly as he rubbed his hand along the curve of her belly again. He was obsessed with it, constantly touching it and kissing it whenever he got the chance. She didn’t mind, she liked the sensation just as much, “She’s just gonna be an itty bitty thing.”

“Dad came by with the crib today, he said it would be easy to set it up,” She told him, “Oh, Rosemary brought more clothes too.” She grinned, thinking about how many clothes their little baby was going to have. Not just as a newborn either, none of them seemed to be able to resist buying clothes even if it would take years for her to grow into them. 

“I showed my dad the ultrasound, he’s excited.” Billy mumbled softly, making her freeze in her path. She stared at him, sure that she had heard him wrong. Neil? She knew that Billy visited him occasionally and rarely shared a phone call with him but she had no clue that he actually told Neil things. 

“He’s not going to meet her.” She said with a laugh, blinking slowly as her smile quickly dropped when she realized that Billy was being serious. She was putting her foot down here. Absolutely not. 

“What?” Billy looked at her surprised, like she was saying something wrong. Like this wasn’t obvious. 

“After everything he did, he’s not going to be in a room with my baby.” She said as she pointed towards herself. Neil was dangerous, no matter how his relationship with Billy was now. Which, still wasn’t good. 

“Our baby,” Billy clarified, “That’s not fair. Your mom made mistakes too. If she gets to see her, then my dad should be able to.” He compared their parents, as if they were the same. She scoffed. 

“My mom never hit me or you or anyone else.” She reminded him sternly. Susan would barely see their daughter anyways, if she’d even come out to visit. She acted like she was terrified that Neil would somehow find her. 

“He’s not like that anymore.” He said softly, his features dropping as he rubbed his fingers across his chin. She stared at him, feeling bad for him. She knew that he really wanted to believe that. 

“I don’t want him to hurt her.” She said, watching the way that his shoulders sagged. She breathed in deeply. As the years grew on Rosemary had been more open to discussing how things had been when Billy was young. Specifically when Neil had turned cruel. Billy had been so little, Kim didn’t trust him. It made her sick. 

“He won’t,” He told her seriously, “Trust me, I won’t leave her alone with him.” He kissed the side of her cheek, like it might somehow change her mind. She bit her lip, knowing he wouldn’t be happy with her answer. 

“I don’t want to talk about this right now,” She replied as she shook her head, “I just-, can we please discuss it later?” She held her palms up towards him, feeling like she’d end up vomiting if she thought about it for much longer. Her hatred for Neil seemed to grow every day. 

“Okay,” He added gently, “I didn’t want to stress you out.” He apologized as his eyes softened, touching her shoulders softly. She frowned, not wanting him to feel bad either. 

“It’s fine,” She sniffled as she rubbed her eyes, “They were just playing that sad puppy commercial again.” She leaned against him, hating how emotional her growing baby made her. She didn’t know why she was crying in the first place. 

“Yeah?” He asked gently, his lips curling into a gentle smile as he kissed her nose. He leaned against her, sighing deeply. 

“And I was just thinking about what a great dad you’re going to be,” She added, beginning to sniffle harder, “You’re going to treat our little cherry so well. You’re going to be the best daddy.” She nodded her head seriously, breaking down at that thought. He sighed as he hugged her tightly. 

“I don’t know about that.” He hummed as he rested his cheek against her temple. She breathed in his musk, enjoying how strong and warm he felt against her. 

“You will be,” She said sternly, “I know it.”

-

“You’re having contractions?” Billy asked in horror as he stared at Kim, who was buried in the little nest she’d made into the couch, “We need to go to the hospital!” He told her seriously, shoving off his work uniform as he quickly grabbed for some other shirt. Anything else. 

She had announced it as soon as he had walked through the door, but spoke of it like it was casual. Like a new episode to their favorite TV show was rerunning. There was no urgency, no rush or panic. She was freaking out. 

“My water hasn’t broken yet,” She groaned as she rubbed her belly, “I’m fine, I’m totally chill.” She shook her head, looking rather relaxed as she settled back into her cocoon of blankets and pillows. 

“Kim,” Billy looked at her frantically, “You’re going into labor.” He told her as he buttoned his new shirt up, trying to figure out why out of all things she wasn’t freaking out over this. She yelped when he began to move her blankets aside. 

“No,” She told him sternly, “This baby is not ready because I’m not ready yet.” She proclaimed as she pointed to herself, sniffling before she tried to shuffle back under her blankets. 

“It’s going to be okay,” He told her, bending over to grip her hands softly. He gave her a soft squeeze, drawing her panicked eyes back to him, “Just focus on me. It’s going to be fine. And just think, we finally get to meet our cherry. Isn’t that exciting?”

“I do want to see if she looks like a cherry.” She added softly, hazel eyes filled with tears as she watched him. He nodded along with her, bringing her out of her haze. 

“See,” He smiled as he kissed her knuckles, “How would we know if she’s stuck in your tummy forever?” He teased as he drifted his knuckles across her tiny bump. She was too cute pregnant. 

“I’m scared.” She admitted to him, eyes rather large as she stared at him fearfully. They’d read through every pregnancy book and had taken several classes to take care of their little cherry, but no one had prepared them for how the labor would be. 

“I am too,” He told her seriously, “But I’ll be with you the whole time. I won’t let them treat you or her badly. I promise.” He told her as he nestled his chin against her tummy softly, making her laugh in her usual manner. 

“Okay.”

“Ready?” He asked as he held his hands out, letting her take them gently as she pulled herself up slowly. She groaned, wincing for a moment. He made sure she was fine, well balanced before he collected all of their bags that they had prepared weeks ago. 

“I guess so,” She replied, slowly waddling towards the door, “Oh I need to feed the cats first.” She paused, trying to turn around to do so. He shook his head, motioning her back towards the door as he went to do it instead. She was always thinking about someone else. 

-

“Are you cold?” Billy asked her as he picked up a blanket, “I can cover you up. Or are you too warm? I bet I could figure out how to crack a window.” He told her, even though he was fairly certain that the windows didn’t open from this high up. 

“Billy, I love you. I really love you,” Kim said quickly as she held her fingers together, “But I need you to stop pestering me for just a second.” She said, her eyes wide as she stared ahead. Billy quickly dropped the blanket that he was holding out, nodding his head in agreement. He figured he could worry from afar.

She had labored breaths that came and went in waves. She seemed to be more in pain at certain times, which they said was normal. He wasn’t sure what to do to comfort her, but he tried his best. 

“I need this baby to come out,” Kim said, holding onto her back as she paced the room. Billy watched, a small smile forming on his lips as he realized their baby had taken this long to show, “What are you grinning at?”

“You just look beautiful,” He told her honestly, watching the way her nose squished up, “And sexy.” He added for extra effect, watching the way her features wrinkled up in disbelief. God, he wanted to kiss her. 

“There is nothing sexy about this.” She gestured towards her flushed, sweaty cheeks and messy hair, then down to the overly large hospital gown she was wearing. He took a slow moment to look her up and down, sure that her face burned brighter. 

“Of course there is,” He grinned as he watched her, “You’re giving birth to our baby. That’s the sexiest thing ever.” He watched as she approached, smiling as he took her hands softly in his. They were warm too. He should’ve packed a fan for her. 

“Mhm,” She mumbled softly as she leaned over to kiss the top of his head, “The books never said it would feel like this.” She said as she leaned against him. He was careful to avoid hitting her belly as he wrapped his arm against the back of her thighs. He pressed his head against her, leaning against her chest for his own amusement. 

“Like what?” He asked seriously as he brought his spare hand up to trace gentle shapes into her stomach. He wondered what their cherry was doing, if she was just as eager to meet them. 

“I guess I’m just scared,” She admitted, “I didn’t realize I’d be so scared.” She said at last, furrowing her eyebrows together as her eyes grew panicked again. He squeezed her softly, staring at the anxious look that grew in her eyes. 

“It’s okay to be scared,” He reassured her, “You’ve got a lot going on.” He told her seriously, sure that he wouldn’t be able to go through what she was doing. She inhaled deeply as her breathing became labored once again. 

“If only she’d come out,” Kim mumbled, leaning forward to rest her hands at her knees. Billy instinctively reached his hands out, afraid that she may topple over, “I’m fine.” She told him, like he would move his hands away. 

“You’re fiery,” He teased her, “I see the ginger in you now.” He told her seriously. It was there, just buried deep down. The pregnancy had shown him that. He was very grateful he never knocked her up when they were younger, sure that she would’ve straightened him out in a manner he wasn’t ready for.

“Oh God,” She laughed as she shook her head, glancing over towards him in amusement, “That’s what you’re thinking about?” He nodded his head in amusement, drawing soft shapes on her spine as she continued to catch her breath. 

The delivery process was moving around smoothly, but Kim’s anxiety kept growing worse. He did a good job of talking her down, but he could see in her eyes that as the minutes turned to hours her thoughts were growing worse. 

“I can’t breathe,” She cried out, her chest heaving deeply, “Everything feels like it’s crushing on top of me and I can’t breathe.” She told him, shaking her head as her breathing became more and more labored as she pressed her hand against the crook of her neck. 

“You’re just panicking,” Billy gripped her hand, squeezing her hand softly to try and draw her eyes back towards him, “You’re just feeling a lot right now.” He told her seriously, knowing that there was just a lot going on at the moment. Her eyes were dilated, wide and wild as she glanced around the room before she fell back to him. 

“It hurts,” Kim cried pitifully, making Billy’s heart hurt, “But I don’t want a shot in my back.” She shook her head, apparently set on that an epidural would be bad. He leaned forward, knowing that she probably needed it. 

“Hey,” Billy cooed softly as he wiped the tears from her cheeks, “It’s just going to be a soft pinch. I’ll be here the whole time too, okay?” She nodded her head, continuing to cry as he kissed her forehead. 

“I’m scared.” She breathed out, hiccuping harshly as he continued to brush his thumbs across her cheeks. She leaned against him, making him close his eyes as he brushed their noses together. 

“It’s all going to be okay,” Billy reassured her, holding onto her the whole time as the hospital staff gathered behind her, “It’s going to make you feel better, okay?” He told her seriously, holding onto her as they began to guide her through it. 

She continued to hiccup, sniffling as she sobbed into his shirt. He didn’t mind. He knew that she was everywhere and it was all happening all at once for her. He just wanted to make her feel a little bit better. 

She calmed down a little after that, her face still contorted in pain but she wasn’t crying as much. He kissed her forehead, reassuring her that she was doing a great job as he moved her hair behind her ears. She was so beautiful, even in this condition. 

“Wow,” Kim stalled as she stared ahead, “Holy.” She said as she stared at her feet, beginning to wiggle her toes slowly. He sat up a bit, watching her confused. 

“What?” He asked, fearing that the medicine had already worn off. He didn’t want her to be in pain. He wanted her to have an easy time, even if that was a lot to ask for. 

“The room is spinning,” She said curiously, as she turned towards him, “Or am I spinning.” She asked as she roughly pointed towards her chest, her eyebrows knitted tightly together. 

“You’re not spinning, babe,” He reassured as he patted her hand, “You’re sitting on the bed.” He told her, realizing that the drugs had finally settled in. At least she wasn’t in pain. It was better than nothing. 

“Oh,” She began to laugh as she turned towards him, “What’s the spinny ride called?” She asked as she exhaled deeply, sighing like she was relaxed. He watched as she lazily brought her palms against her belly, beginning to rub softly. 

“I’m pretty sure it’s just called a spinning roller coaster.” He told her gently, pressing his lips together so she couldn’t see his smile. It was taking everything in him to keep from laughing, but he figured she’d get scared if she knew that she was high. 

“How lame,” She said seriously, “We should come up with a cool name and become rich off of it.” She hummed thoughtfully as she continued to rub at her baby bump. Billy reached over and started to do the same, curious if their little cherry was kicking or not. 

“Hm, what do you have in mind?” He asked her teasingly, watching as her eyebrows knitted together and her lips parted. She thought for a few minutes before she spoke up again. 

“Spinny roller coaster,” She said with a grin, “I feel like I’ve just been on one.” She giggled softly as she turned towards him lazily, her cheeks flushed and her eyes flashing with mischief. 

“Well, you haven't,” He chuckled, “Do you feel good?” He asked as he moved his palm to her forehead this time, wiping away the little beads of sweat before he pushed her hair out of her face. She looked around the room cautiously, worriedly before she moved her face towards him. He met her quickly, not wanting her to move too much. 

“Billy,” She whispered as she leaned over, “I think I’m high.” She told him softly, eyes wide like she was afraid of getting in trouble. He paused, hoping that she wouldn’t have a bad reaction. He didn’t want her labor to be rough. Not like Gina’s. 

“Mhm,” He hummed as he did his best not to laugh at how she started to glance around the room again, “No. I think you’re fine.” He told her as he nodded his head, sitting back a bit as an older gentleman came into their room. 

“No like-,” Kim paused, straightening up as the doctor walked inside, “Oh. Hello. Nice to meet you.” She said formally, bouncing her big toes against one another like she was jittery.

“Did the epidural help?” He asked as he looked down at his sheet before he began a quick assessment over Kim. Billy leaned in close, keeping a hand on her arm because he knew how uncomfortable she could get with male doctors. 

“I think so,” Billy replied as he kissed Kim’s hand again, “How does she look?” He asked worriedly, hoping that she was on the right track. It was getting pretty late. Or early he supposed. 

“I can’t feel my legs,” She admitted, “Am I wiggling my toes?” She asked as she looked down, staring at her feet like she couldn’t decide if she was moving them or not. 

“I believe so,” The doctor responded, “Everything is going smoothly. I’ll be back, but ring if you feel any changes.” He told them seriously, nodding at both of them before he left again. 

“Hey,” Billy started as he turned his attention towards Kim, “Instead of wiggling your toes, can you wiggle your nose?” He asked her, feigning curiosity as she wrinkled her features up once again. 

“Uh, yeah,” She responded as she began to scrunch her face up, “Just like this.” She said proudly, triumphantly as she kept her face in that position as she turned to him. 

“You’re wiggling your lips and cheeks too,” He pointed out, trying to keep from laughing, “Can you just wiggle your nose?” He asked again, doing it to prove a point. She dropped her jaw, staring in awe at what he was doing before she tried once again. 

“Oh,” She drew out slowly, “No. No I don’t think so.” She pouted her lips out, looking quite defeated as she laid back into the bed. At least she was relaxing. For now. 

-

Exactly one hour later, they welcomed their little baby girl

Kim held her first, fat tears streaming down her cheeks as their baby cried. Billy was scared at first, nervous that he would drop her or somehow manage to crush her. Those fears only diminished as he held her in his arms. He knew right away that he wouldn’t be like Neil, or Sam; like any of their parents. He would never hurt her, he would never let anyone hurt her. 

“Why are you crying?” Kim asked, sobbing as she looked up towards Billy, “Now I’m crying.” She bawled as she pressed her palms against her cheeks, shaking her head like she was trying to keep herself under control. Billy blinked harshly, trying to keep himself from sobbing in the same hysterical way. 

“I’m just happy,” Billy breathed in deeply, looking down at the small bundle in his arms, “You’re incredible and she’s so cute.” He told her truthfully, watching the way she puckered her little lips as she slumbered on. She was still a bright pink.

“Dad, do you want to get some skin contact?” It took Billy a second to realize the nurse was speaking to him. He inhaled deeply again, trying to keep himself from sounding like he was seconds away from breaking down again. 

“How do I do that?” He asked curiously before he looked back down at the little baby in his arms. She was precious, too good for this world. 

“You can lift up your shirt or take it off. Then we’ll put her on your chest,” The nurse explained as she finished looking over Kim’s vitals, “It’s easy.” She promised with a nod of her head. 

“Oh, do it Billy,” Kim cooed softly, “It’d be so sweet.” Billy nodded along, watching the way Kim’s lip pouted out like she might start sobbing again. 

He did as directed, handing the baby to the nurse as he removed his shirt. He ignored the sound of Kim trying to wolf whistle, knowing that she was still riding the effects of the epidural. He wondered if she’d gotten extra medicine from how panicked she had been earlier. 

The nurse removed their little girl from her onesie, then stuck her flat against his chest. He sighed softly, breathing in her sweet baby scent as she wiggled her way against his skin. She was so small, so fragile. 

“She’s so soft,” Billy muttered as he glanced down at the small infant, “She smells good.” He mumbled as he lightly inhaled again as his nose brushed against her forehead. She stirred a little bit, stretching out before she settled against his chest once again.

“Where’s the camera?” Kim asked frantically, trying to wiggle out of bed despite not being able to feel her legs, “Oh darn it.” She whined, looking like she was going to break down again. Those drugs had certainly hit her hard.

“I can get it,” The nurse reassured her, “Is it in your bag?” She asked calmly as Kim began to wipe her eyes roughly. She nodded her head, sniffling harshly. 

“Somewhere,” Kim said, “Oh. There’s a chocolate bar too. I want that. Please.” She said as she brightened up a bit. Billy looked up at her, a small laugh leaving his lips. 

“You packed chocolate?” He asked in a hushed voice, careful not to wake the sleeping baby. She looked so peaceful, felt so soft against him. He smiled as the nurse approached with the camera and chocolate bar. 

“In case I needed something to calm down with,” She reasoned, “I didn’t freak out though.” She said with a reassuring laugh, making him keep to himself so he wouldn’t laugh.

“Mhm,” He hummed in agreement after he smiled for the picture, “Not at all.” He said softly once it was taken. She shifted in his arms, making a soft squeaking sound that reminded him of the little mewls Pearl and Dove both used to make. It was cute. 

They passed her back and forth, each of them taking turns to admire and hold their little bundle. Kim got to practice feeding her, looking fairly proud once the little baby successfully latched. 

“Oh, how’s everything going?” The nurse smiled as she entered the room again. Kim had just finished feeding her again, then had begun the soft motions of patting her back. 

“Good,” Kim cried out as she rocked their baby towards her chest, “She’s so tiny.” She said truthfully. Their baby was tiny. Very small and fragile. 

“But perfectly healthy,” The nurse said with a smile, “I was wondering if you’re ready to name the baby?” She asked curiously as she held onto the papers between her fingers. 

“Mhm,” Kim answered before Billy could say anything. He felt his heart clench, looking at the way her bottom lip wobbled and she burst into fresh tears, “Cherry.” She said at last, taking Billy by surprise.

“Cherry?” He questioned quickly, his tired eyes widening in surprise. She furrowed her eyebrows as she nodded her head, “I thought we decided on Elaine or Nora.” He said in surprise, thinking of the two names that they had been bouncing back and forth. She hummed for a moment. 

“But look at her,” Kim cried out again, pushing the baby out just a little bit, “She’s our cherry. She looks like a little cherry.” She sniffled between her tears, smiling as she pushed the little red strands on top of their baby's head. 

“She does, that’s right,” Billy nodded as he kissed her temple, “But are we sure we want her name to be Cherry?” He asked, thinking about how odd of a name that was.

“It’s perfect for her,” She whined, “Just look at her.” She told him sweetly, blinking her eyes quickly as she nudged their baby towards him. He chuckled softly. 

“Can we have a little bit longer on that?” Billy asked as he looked towards the nurse, doing his best to give her the hint to turn tail and leave. Kim shook her head quickly. 

“No, I want to name her Cherry.”

“You know, I did forget the pen,” The nurse nodded her head, “There’s no rush. I’ll come back later.” She said with a nod of her head, smiling at the both of them before she turned and left. 

“That sounds like a good idea,” Billy nodded his head, “Thank you.” He smiled kindly, trying to keep himself relaxed as he began to brush his fingers across the infant's soft head. 

“You called her Cherry this whole time,” Kim sobbed dramatically, “Why not now?” Billy leaned over, looking at the IV bag in disdain as he wondered when the drugs would wear off. 

“Are they still giving you drugs?” Billy mumbled, feeling like all of her emotions were out of whack. Kim turned towards him slowly, blinking incredulously. 

“Are you accusing me of something?” She asked him, mouth parting as her eyes widened. He shook his head rapidly, feeling l8ike he was digging himself into a hole. 

“No, no of course not,” He said quickly, “This is just different from what we were deciding, remember?” He touched the top of her head, brushing his fingers through her hair softly. 

“But it’s perfect,” Kim sniffled as she held her up as if to make a point, “Does she not look like a Cherry?” She asked him again. He stared at the little infant, noting her flushed skin and bright red hair. She did have a point. 

“She does,” He told her quickly, “But I think it would be good to look over our suggestions again.” He reassured her. She sighed as she nodded her head. 

The rest of the day was spent learning how to change diapers, how to feed and burp and how to wash her. He also spent majority of the time keeping Kim away from the birth certificate, just until he was able to pick out a name for her. One that wasn’t after a fruit. 

“Billy,” Kim pouted as she turned to look at him, “Why hasn’t our family come? Do they not care?” Billy felt his eyes widening, his body freezing as he finally remembered what he’d forgotten to do.

“Uh,” Billy shot up quickly, “I’m not sure. I bet they’re stuck in traffic.” He said as he brushed his palms across his jeans, panicking for just a moment. He felt dumb, unsure of how he’d forgotten to call his mom and Sam. 

“Where are you going?” Kim asked, knitting her eyebrows together in confusion. He bit his lip before smiling, letting his hand drift across their baby’s thick hair. He looked back towards Kim, admiring her knitted features.

“I need to take a piss,” He said, leaning over to kiss her temple, “I’ll be right back.” He told her softly, smiling sweetly down at her. Kim nodded her head in agreement

He raced down the hallway, digging into his pockets as he searched for quarters as he reached the phone. He cursed the whole time, wincing and forcing himself to keep from banging his head against the wall as he waited for someone to answer. 

“Did she finally go into labor?” Rosemary asked in excitement as she answered the phone. Billy rubbed at his eyes, sighing deeply as he shook his head. He pushed his hair out of his face as he readjusted the phone up to his ear. 

“Well,” Billy paused, “She had the baby. Um, this morning. Around 4:30. Well 4:23 to be exact.” He clarified, feeling like that time would forever be ingrained in his brain. It was special to him.

“And you’re calling now?” Rosemary shouted in protest, sounding frantic as she spoke. Billy pulled the phone away from his ear, wincing as her shrill voice continued to carry over the line. He paused, feeling like he didn’t have enough sleep to deal with this before he pressed the phone back to his ear. 

“I’ve been busy.” He reminded her softly as he rubbed at his eyes again. He hadn’t slept a bit, not that he really felt like doing so. But now he was worried. 

“Oh, visiting hours must end soon,” Rosemary said, “Sam! Get the kids ready. We’ll be there right away.” She said forcefully. He sighed, knowing that this was his fault. 

“Mom you don’t have to, you can wait until tomorrow.” He tried to reassure her, feeling bad that they’d have to rush over in such a short amount of time. He listened to her scoff on the other side of the line. 

“You’re kidding me,” She scoffed, “We’ll be there soon.” She said shortly before hanging the phone up. Billy sighed as he dropped the phone back on the receiver. He paused for just a second before he picked the phone up again. 

He called Susan next, ensuring that she wouldn’t be left in the dark despite living so far away. He always hated talking to her, even though he knew he shouldn’t. He breathed in, listening to her ramble of her congratulations before they eventually hung up. 

He lingered for a moment after, thinking of Neil briefly. He quickly decided against it, thinking that the time wasn’t now. He didn’t want to upset Kim either. 

“You got here fast.” Billy stated, looking at them in surprise as he poured himself a cup of coffee. Max came through the doors first, smiling brightly as she glanced around. Billy shot her a tired smile, figuring she was looking for Kim. She was visiting for the summer, deciding on whether or not 

“We wanted to see her,” Sam grinned, “I can’t believe I’m a grandpa.” He rested his hands on his hips, looking quite proud of himself. Billy chuckled softly as he nodded his head, reminding himself that he was a father. A dad. He had a baby. 

“How’s Kim doing?” Rosemary asked, her blue eyes sparkling in excitement. She held her fingers tightly together, like she was holding herself back. 

“Mhm, pretty good. She’s resting,” Billy said as he traced his fingertip across the lid of his cup, “She’s just doped up. Like really high.” He said a second later, thinking it was best that they wouldn’t be surprised by Kim’s behavior. 

“Was the labor painful?” Max asked a little frantically, looking panicked as she questioned Billy. Her blue eyes were wide, her expression filled with concern. He bit his lip, thinking about lying before he decided that the truth was best. Kim would probably tell them anyways. 

“She nearly had a panic attack when we first got here. I think it’s more for nerves,” Billy said as he sipped on his coffee, “She’s a lightweight and I think they thought she was in worse condition than she was.” He nodded his head as he took another gulp, suddenly tired. 

“Well,” Rosemary paused, “At least she’s resting.” She said with a nod of her head. Billy agreed with her. Kim had dozed off a few times, but she was obviously fighting the urge to really sleep. 

“Yeah, I just need them to stay away from the legal documents until her heads cleared up.” He said with a sigh, pouring his coffee back to the top of his cup. Sam wrinkled his face in confusion. 

“Why?” Max asked, her expression turning offensive as if Billy was the one doing something wrong. He held her harsh stare before he chuckled again. 

“She wants to name the baby Cherry,” He replied dryly, “Yeah, you heard me right.” He said as Max’s features wrinkled into disbelief. She paused before she nodded her head, understanding his point suddenly.

“Cherry?” Sam looked at him confused as they headed down the hallway, “That’s a bit odd.” He replied thoughtfully, rubbing his beard that had grown out since they last time they’d seen each other. 

“It’s the drugs,” Billy replied tiredly, “I called the baby cherry through her pregnancy. It’s my own fault I guess.” He admitted as he led them to the room. He paused as he pushed the door open, standing aside so they could all walk in before him. 

“Hi,” Max was the first one to Kim, smiling brightly with tears in her blue eyes, “How are you, Kimmy?” She asked kindly as she softly bent over, giving her sister a soft hug. Kim sniffled as she held their baby up. 

“Hi, Max,” Kim mumbled softly, “Look at what I made.” She replied with a little cry, showing off the little baby that was wrapped tightly in a soft pink blanket. 

“She’s cute,” Max sniffled as she looked down at the baby, “Another ginger.” Max said as she snuggled up towards Kim. She rested her head on Max’s shoulder, looking happy once again. 

“Oh, she’s beautiful, Kim,” Rosemary said softly, letting Sam slink in their first to kiss the top of Kim’s head. He mumbled something underneath his breath, bringing fresh tears to Kim’s eyes as he gently stroked the hair from her face, “How do you feel?”

“Good,” Kim grinned happily, “I feel really good.” She nodded her head, wearing a proud expression as she glanced back down at the baby who was managing to sleep peacefully through everything. 

“What’s her name?” Russell questioned as he gently touched the top of the baby’s head, brushing his fingers through her soft red strands. Billy gave him a look, narrowing his eyes although he wasn’t the least bit surprised that Russell would bring it up. 

“Cherry Elaine,” Kim proclaimed, “That way both of our names are used.” She smiled as she nodded her head. He sighed as he pushed his hand through his hair. 

“Kim,” Billy sighed deeply, “Are you thinking of where we used to live? On Cherry Lane?” She paused for a long minute as she took in what he said. Max laughed from next to her. 

“Wow, it does sound similar.” Kim said as she looked towards Max, looking a little offended for a second. Max shook her head, giving her arm another squeeze. 

“You can always change the name,” Sam said quickly, “Only if you want to.” He added quickly, reassuring her once again as Kim looked back down at the baby. Billy glanced down the hall, feeling like he needed to stop at the nurses desk for a moment. Damn them for sneaking in while he was gone. 

“I don’t want to,” She admitted dreamily as she held the baby close to her chest, “She’s just so cute.” She hummed softly, rubbing a finger against their baby’s cheek. He listened for a second, taking in the way their infant sighed in response. 

“Can I hold her?” Russell asked, smiling big, “I think Cherry is a great name.” He added as he smiled widely, holding his arms out. He’d gained some muscle recently as he’d been going to the gym often with Billy. He still worked at the bakery, but had 

“Of course,” Kim smiled as she leaned forward, “Just be gentle.” She told him softly as she passed off the sleeping baby. Billy stepped forward, suddenly worried that she would be dropped onto the floor. 

“Support her neck like this,” Rosemary helped guide Russell, “There you go.” She said with a smile, before she began to dig for her camera. Billy sat on the other side of Kim’s bed, giving her knee a soft squeeze. Everything would be okay.

“She’s so tiny,” Russell looked up at them surprised, “Like a little doll.” He added as he held her softly in his arms. He smiled big as he looked up, posing for the picture Rosemary took. Billy glanced over his shoulder, looking at where Max was whispering something to Kim. 

“She does look like a doll, doesn’t she?” Sam smiled, “Kim was tiny like this too.” He said as he looked down at the baby, smiling as he touched her hand softly. 

“Oh Billy wasn’t,” Rosemary glanced back towards them, “He was so chunky and heavy.” She sighed blissfully like she was remembering it. He huffed underneath his breath. 

“Thanks,” Billy responded dryly as Kim linked her ankle over top of his, “Not much has changed.” He told her truthfully as he looked down at himself, feeling like he’d gained more weight during this pregnancy than Kim had. 

It was late when their family finally left, although Billy liked having them there. He also liked having Kim and their baby to himself. It was a bit sweeter that way, getting their own time to adjust to their new baby. Their still nameless baby. 

Billy felt a fresh wave of joy filling his heart as he rocked the infant back and forth. He pressed his index finger underneath her soft palm. He admired her tiny fingers, her small hand as she lightly gripped a hold of his finger. He looked back up to her features, noticing how she wasn’t as pink anymore. She still slumbered peacefully, her eyes moving back and forth underneath her eyelids as she dreamed on.

He could feel his walls crashing down, his defiance breaking as Billy realized that Kim was right even if she was high. Their baby really did look like a little cherry. Sweet and small with bright red hair. He leaned forward, giving their baby’s nose a soft kiss. 

“How’s Cherry?” Kim asked teasingly, stirring as Billy continued to hold the baby to his chest. He leaned back in his chair, feeling a soft grin forming on his lips.

“Alright,” He said gently, “Cherry it is.”

-

Cherry Elaine Hargrove was born June 25 at 4:23 in the morning. Kim thought she had never seen someone so perfect in her life. She was tiny with pouty lips and Billy’s nose. She had a thick layer of red hair on her head, her eyebrows already full as she sucked on her bottom lip as she slept. The room was peaceful as they took turns cradling her to their chests. She had only cried once thus far, but most of the time squeaked when she wanted something. 

Kim looked at the enamored look on Billy’s face as he held their baby in his arms. She found herself crying again, too overcome with her emotions. He looked up at her in concern, looking fearful for a moment as he glanced back down at their baby.

“What?” He asked her quickly, raising his eyebrows like he was scared that something had happened to her. She had been a little whiny since they had come in here and aggressively rubbed on her abdomen. It hurt worse than pushing out Cherry. 

“I’m just so happy,” She told him honestly, dramatically dropping her hands onto the bed, “I didn’t think we’d ever be so happy.” She told him as she shook her head, sighing deeply. She didn’t know that having a baby would make her so emotional. 

“Your mama is so silly,” Billy mumbled to Cherry, “But she’s my silly girl.” He promised his daughter as he pressed a kiss to her tiny nose. She cooed as she slowly opened her eyes, wrinkling her features up quickly as blue eyes met his.

“Hi,” Kim said suddenly as she sat up, “I didn’t know you were coming. Hey. It’s good to see you.” She waved as Billy looked up from his distraction, looking as Steve and Gina walked in with Paisley and Jennifer. 

“I hope you don’t mind,” Gina spoke softly as she approached Kim first, “How was it?” She began to ask, diving into that conversation as Steve made a B-line for Billy with his daughters. He grinned as he looked down at the baby in Billy’s arms. He sighed dramatically before he passed her over, already knowing what he wanted. 

“Look girls,” Steve grinned as he held Cherry out towards them in his arms, “Don’t you want another little sister?” He asked with a bright smile, letting both of the girls take a good look at her. Kim was grinning from her spot. 

“Yeah,” Jennifer giggled as she touched Cherry’s red hair, “She’s cute.” She said as she nodded her head, grinning brightly. Paisley wasn’t as enthused, but still paused to give Cherry a little kiss on the cheek. 

Billy shared a look with Gina, who quickly turned away. They would be having no more daughters. Or sons. Not unless they adopted, which Billy didn’t think she’d want to do either. But perhaps he was wrong. 

“How have you been adjusting?” Gina asked instead as she began to play with Kim’s hair. Kim hummed softly as she shifted in her chair once again. 

“Good,” Kim nodded her head gently, “Last night wasn’t bad. Billy has been a big help to me.” She said as she nodded towards him, a grateful look in her eye. He felt his own grin forming, glad that she thought so. He was sure they wouldn’t have the same issues that Gina and Steve would be facing. They were just different.

-

“I can’t believe you’d try and keep this little angel from me,” Susan hummed as she held Cherry in her arms, “Look Max.” She asked, fresh off of her plane from that morning. She hadn’t even brought Wayne with her this time, too excited to meet the baby. Max would be going back with her. 

“I see her, mom,” Max shook her head, “Let me hold her.” She held her arms out softly, an awkward expression forming on her lips as Susan rested Cherry in her arms. Kim was stretched out in the recliner in their house, comfy and at home as the cats made extra special attention to her. So did Billy. 

“Oh I can’t believe my baby had a baby.” Susan smiled as she passed Cherry back to Max. She had only complained about the name half a dozen times. If not more. 

“She did a good job,” Billy told her honestly, “She’s a trooper.” He mumbled as he kissed the top of Kim’s head. He handed her the cup of tea, going by Rosemary’s words to give it to her daily until she was well rested. He wanted to take good care of her. 

“Thank you,” Kim said softly as she rested her head back, looking tired still. She was sleeping a little bit better, at least their furniture was more comfortable than the hospital beds, “It’s warm.” She nodded her head as she sipped it down.

“I’m jealous that Russell gets to see you all the time,” Max cooed as she held onto Cherry again, “You’ll have to show her pictures of me everyday so she remembers.” She said sternly, looking at Billy specifically.

“Right,” Billy snorted softly, “You should just move out here.” He told her, then instantly winced at the way Susan snapped her head towards him. Touchy subject. He always forgot that Susan thought that Sam was trying to turn the girls against her. 

“Hm,” Max hummed softly, “I guess it would depend with what Lucas wants to do.” She said as she shrugged her shoulders. Billy sat down next to her, careful with how loud he spoke as Kim began to drift off again.

“Getting serious, huh?” He teased her as he played with Cherry’s little curls again. He smiled as he bent over to kiss her head. She still smelled so good.

“Back away,” Max swatted at him, “You get to see her all the time.” She said as she rolled her eyes, face flushing as she ignored that question. Susan smirked.

“They’re very serious,” She pointed out, to which Billy nodded along as he bore a stoic expression, “I think he’s going to ask permission to propose any day now.” She added as she poked at Max’s shoulder, who continued to simmer.

“If I want to get married,” Max said sternly, “He doesn’t need to ask anyone else for my permission.” She said at last, making Billy nod his head in agreement. He’d expect nothing less from her. 

-

The first night back with Cherry was restless, even with Max and Susan staying with them. Cherry wasn’t even loud, which was precisely the problem. 

“Billy?” Kim tilted her head in his direction, still finding it too uncomfortable to lay on her sides. His eyes were just as wide as he looked up at the ceiling. She shifted her eyes back up there, wondering if he was drawing shapes and figures in his mind too. 

“Hm?” He mumbled softly, sounding a bit tired as the time ticked on around them. She breathed in softly, fearing that she was being irrational. 

“She’s not crying.” She said slowly, thinking about how everyone had warned her that she wouldn’t get any sleep with a newborn. Cherry had yet to cry, yet to disturb them. It was beginning to freak her out. 

“Yeah,” He was staring up at the ceiling with her, his body tense with hers, “It’s a good thing, right?” He asked her, sounding unsure as he spoke. According to everyone else, this should be a great thing. 

“Course,” She nodded her head, “Only what if she’s suffocating?” She said worriedly, unable to even picture it. It made her sick to her stomach. “I’m sure she’s fine,” Billy shifted a bit, patting the pillows underneath him as he tried to grow comfortable again, “There shouldn’t be anything in there for her to suffocate on.” He said at last, trying to diminish her worries. 

“Right,” She agreed with him, “She can’t roll over yet, so that’s good too.” She said, trying to rid of her fears of Cherry falling between the crib mattress and the bars.

“Well, what if she does? What if she develops a little faster and she rolls over?” Billy said at last, tilting his head towards her as he spoke full of worry. She stared at him with wide eyes, feeling like both of their minds were racing at this point. 

“I’m sure she’s fine.” Kim tried to reassure the both of them, nodding her head furiously as her eyebrows knitted together even tighter. Cherry was probably sleeping peacefully right now, dreaming about something happy. 

“Should we check?” He asked quickly, sounding more alarmed this time. Her fear spread throughout her chest as she nodded softly. She was suddenly terrified that something was wrong. “Yeah,” She was pushing the blankets off of her, wincing as her movements caused a sharp pain to jolt up her body, “Let’s go check.” She replied as she tried to sit up, her body aching as she wiggled around. 

“I’ll bring her in,” Billy reassured her, helping her lay back down, “Easy.” Billy’s movements were gentle as he laid her back down. He moved quickly towards the nursery as she watched him disappear, fearing that she may need to join him in case they needed to call 911.

She sat up a little bit more, still feeling worried at how long it seemed to be taking. She listened closely, confirming that she didn’t hear any little cries or Billy’s panicked yelling. Kim found herself moving towards the edge of the bed, feeling like she needed to go see for herself. Footsteps approaching halted her movements. 

“See,” Billy smiled, rocking Cherry gently in his arms as he walked back into the room, “She’s sleeping.” He confirmed as he crawled back into the bed. Kim looked in reassurance, watching the way Cherry was sucking on her bottom lip, a soft smile forming on her lips as Kim pressed a kiss to her cheek. She inhaled softly, breathing in the soft baby smell.

“She’s safe,” Kim confirmed, “But you still brought her in here.” She giggled, playing with the soft hairs on Cherry’s head. Cherry sighed deeply, stretching her little limbs out as Billy held her to his chest. He grinned widely.

“How could I not?” He bent down to press his lips against her tiny nose, earning a soft squeak from her, “I know she’s not supposed to sleep in bed with us but she was begging me.” He pushed his index finger under her soft fist, slightly raising it as if she was waving towards Kim. She grinned.

“I’m sure one night will be okay,” She added softly, “I can’t believe we have a baby.” She said at last, still feeling like they were so young for this. She rested her cheek against his shoulder, drawing her arm across his stomach as she traced her fingertips across his bare skin. 

“She’s pretty just like you,” He told her seriously, “I don’t want her to ever grow up.” He said seriously as he looked at their baby softly. Fatherhood looked good on him. 

“Who’s going to watch her?” She asked suddenly, curious as to what they’d do with her when they both started working again. School didn’t start until late in August for her, but that would approach quickly. 

“I don’t want her to have a babysitter,” Billy said quickly as he glanced towards her, “I don’t know how you want to go about that.” He replied softly, but she knew what he meant. She agreed with him. No babysitters. 

“I started on that picture book,” Kim breathed out softly, “Maybe-, maybe I could see how that works? Robin said she might be able to help get me published.” She added worriedly, fearing that he would think it was insane. It did sound pretty crazy. 

“Of course,” Billy smiled at her as he leaned forward to kiss her nose, “You’ll do fantastic.” He reassured her with another kiss. She felt her heart flutter. She was very glad he thought so highly of her. 

“That means I won’t go back to school,” She replied gently, “I can watch her while I work on things, if that’s okay with you?” She asked him curiously, wondering what he thought about it. He looked back down at Cherry. 

“Of course that’s fine with me,” He grinned as he rubbed his finger across Cherry’s nose, “Someone has to watch this little cutie.” He said seriously as he kissed Cherry’s temple again. He was already so sweet with her. 

“Do you think she’ll be a handful?” She asked him with a smile, wondering if she’d be loud and hyper like Steve’s girls were. 

“Her?” He asked as he looked down at their baby in his arms. She smiled, observing the way Cherry curled against his arms, “No way. She’s a total angel.” He replied, grinning before he chuckled to himself. She bit back a smile. 

-

Saturdays were for grocery shopping, something that Kim and Billy enjoyed to do together. She preferred it that way, especially with Cherry being so little. She knew their baby was a cute sight, but she hated how strangers grabbed at her.

At five months old she loved sitting up on her daddy’s lap, resting against his chest as she gnawed on her chew toys. She loved being held while she slept, which was a lot, and was slowly learning how to squirm around on her belly. Kim was sure she’d be crawling soon.

Cherry had also gotten her first tooth recently, just bearing one top one that poked out against her lip at times. She hated wearing socks and also cried anytime her parents left her line of sight.

Kim felt like she was lucky, as she had been able to bounce back after labor fairly quickly. Billy spoiled her, bought her nice things and made sure that she wasn’t ever on her feet for too long. He really did too much for her. 

She grew more and more worried about not having a job, fearing that they’d somehow fall through if she didn’t do something. But Billy was insistent that they would be fine.

It wasn’t her fault, but Cherry was expensive. She bounced back and forth between formula and breast milk, but usually settled upon formula. But only the expensive time. And the poor baby had such sensitive skin that they needed a specific brand of diapers and cream.

“Kim,” Billy’s voice drew her out of her trance, making her blink as she turned away from the prices in front of her, “Did you hear me?” He asked her, tilting his head as she blinked her previous thoughts away.

“Honestly-,” She paused for a moment, looking down at where Cherry was trying to stuff her foot into her mouth, “No.” She smiled sheepishly, knowing that it was better to be honest with him. She had a lot on her mind, that was certainly true. 

“What’s wrong?” He asked her, tilting his head as he raised his eyebrows at her. His hair was the shortest that she’d seen in a long time. The top of it curled against his forehead, with the rest of it just barely touching the nape of his neck. There had been an incident. An incident that involved Billy napping on the couch with Cherry while Paisley came at him with a pair of scissors. He had said he needed a change anyway. 

“It’s just expensive.” She breathed out softly, not sure what she was referencing if she was being honest. She didn’t even care for this cereal brand that much, but it had stuck with her. She thought of counting her change, of having to pick the cheapest options and still not making it by. It was like it was haunting her suddenly. 

“And we can afford it,” He reminded her as he hugged her from behind, giving her cheek a soft peck, “If we start struggling you know I’d make you go back to work. Do you want to?” He asked her softly, his eyes reassuring. He would do whatever she wanted to do. She was lucky he was so understanding, so patient. 

“It’s not that,” She said quickly, “I like watching Cherry. I just, get paranoid I guess.” She said honestly, feeling bad suddenly as she reached forward to give the little girl a soft kiss on her tiny nose. Cherry stared up in surprise before she started giggling all over again. 

“Do you want to take over the bills for a while, maybe that would help?” He asked her curiously, genuinely trying to find a solution as she sighed deeply. She bit her lip, feeling like she was being unreasonable. 

“No,” She shook her head, “Just bad past memories I think.” She told him softly, turning to give him a reassuring squeeze before they headed out of the cereal aisle. Perhaps a bar of chocolate would make her feel better. Cherry cooed for the cart, apparently getting ticklish from how the cart moved. 

“I understand,” He hummed as he pushed the cart forward with her, “But we’re going to be okay.” He told her seriously, smiling as Cherry began to babble. She could be talkative at times, especially when she was wide awake like right now. 

“I know, I know,” She nodded her head, trying to engrave that into her mind, “I’m fine. Really.” She told him as she nudged him softly, making a point to grab a box of Oreos to prove that she was fine. 

“We could get ice cream after.” He suggested as he grabbed at his own items that he’d been wanting down this aisle. She thought about it for a moment. 

“What about the frozen stuff?” She asked him as she looked down at the bags in their cart. She also thought about the way Cherry got jealous anytime they ate something that she wasn’t quite ready for. 

“Or we could buy ice cream and eat it at the house.” She said a second later, raising her eyebrow as a smile formed on her lips. He tilted his head as he watched her, chuckling softly.

“I think we can do that.” He reassured her, sending her a wink before he tickled his fingers across Cherry’s tummy. She sighed deeply, reminding herself that everything was going according to plan.

-

It was a rare afternoon where Kim was gone for a girls day, leaving Billy with Cherry for the afternoon. Not that he minded. He loved being with his little girl, loved seeing the way her personality slowly grew. 

She could sit up on her own now and had begun to crawl around. She moved slowly when he watched her, but seemed to race when she was trying to grab one of the cats or the ornaments on the Christmas tree. 

“Hey,” He hummed softly as he picked her up, earning a squeak from her as he saved her from one of Pearl’s warning smacks. She never scratched at her, but she always had this look in her eye like she was waiting for the day, “You can’t eat cat food, silly.” He smiled as he lifted her round tummy up to his face, kissing softly before he lazily carried her back to the living room.

“Da-da!” She proclaimed, blue eyes flashing with mischief as he sat her back in her little area. He didn’t mind the mess as much anymore, for every time an item was put away three more objects were dumped out onto the floor.

Kim had playfully had a fit when Cherry had said dada first instead of mama. But he was happy with it. It made him feel special, even though he knew that there was no real rhyme or reason to it. 

“Those cats will scratch you,” He told her seriously as he laid down on his stomach, resting his weight on his elbows as he watched her scoot around, “They’re bitches.” He told her playfully, watching as she brought the rattle up to her mouth. She blinked at him before she began to giggle again, shaking the toy carelessly before he fell behind her.

“Got it,” He told her quickly, not even caring that it was covered in slobbers before he handed it to her once again, “You look like your mama you know that?” He hummed, just enjoying speaking to her.

She really did too. Cherry matched Kim perfectly at this age, minus the blue eyes. And the nose. She did share that with him too. And the little curls. But everything else was Kim. The curve of her lips, her soft eyebrows as inquisitive expressions. 

Even her mannerisms matched Kim’s at times. She fidgeted in the same manner with her fingers, pouted out her lips similarly and even whined in the same way. It was cute. 

“Thanks,” He replied as she tossed the toy into his hand, chattering about something as she moved onto the next object. She had a habit of humming, like she was trying to sing to the song that was playing through the radio, “Is this mine now?” He asked her, teasing her as he held the toy into the crook of his elbow.

She dropped what was in her hands, grunting as she crawled forward. She nearly knocked her hard head against his own, making him pull back as she searched for the toy. She eventually grabbed it, wrapping her chubby fingers around it before she collapsed on top of his arms.

“What are you doing, silly goose?” He teased her as she fell to her side, apparently stuck as she was unable to get herself back up. He took the opportunity to attack her cheek, pressing soft kisses against her skin before he blew a few raspberries. It always made her giggle hysterically.

She garbled again before she successfully rolled over onto her back, holding up the rattle triumphantly as she accidentally smacked it against his chin. He winced, shaking his head to brush the slight ache away before he looked down at her again.

Sometimes he wondered at one point Neil completely lost his patience with him. Sometimes when he looked at Cherry he saw himself and always promised himself that he’d never treat her the same way. He was better than his dad. Much better. He was proud of that. 

She shook it high over her head, giggling as she began to babble off about something once again. He listened with interest, wishing that he could understand her a bit better. She turned towards him again, trying to shove the rattle into his mouth as he laughed in response. He pushed it away playfully. 

She dramatically dropped the rattle to her side again, sighing deeply before her eyes began to flutter. A telltale sign of her impending nap that would be approaching. She was a sleepy thing and he was thankful for it. Rarely did they ever have to get up with her through the night.

He gently sat up before he pulled her into her arms, smiling at the way she curled herself against him. She was warm, but he didn’t mind. He popped the pacifier into her mouth, keeping her from sucking on her thumb as he nestled them both into the recliner. He had a bad habit of falling asleep when she slept. He’d never been one for naps before now.

“Sweet dreams little, Cherry,” He whispered softly as he traced her soft features, “I’ll be waiting for you when you wake up.” He promised, bending down to kiss her soft forehead as she drifted off into her dreams. He wished her a safe passage before he began to scroll through the TV channels, determined to stay awake this time. 

1993

“My dad wants to meet her,” He said one afternoon, bouncing his leg nervously as he sat with her on the couch, “I would like for her to meet him too.” Kim glanced towards him, sighing in exasperation as she continued to struggle to get Cherry to latch to her. Sometimes she did really well, other times she preferred the bottle. 

“Billy, -” She began, already looking displeased with the idea. 

“You said it was okay before.” He said quickly, looking just as tired with the subject. She bit her lip, knowing that she had agreed to it before. It just all felt so different now that Cherry was actually here. Kim looked down at how tiny she was, fearing what Neil would do if he got his claws into her. 

“He can’t ever be alone with her and he can’t stay long,” She told him seriously, “I don’t want to talk to him either but I can’t leave her alone with him.” She listed off her rules, which he agreed with all of them. He’d never let Cherry get hurt. 

“I know,” Billy told her earnestly, “I know how it sounds but he’s my dad and he’s honestly changed so much. You don’t have to talk to him, he won’t even look at you. Just for an hour or so.” He paused for a moment, holding his hands out as Cherry reached for him. He watched her for a moment, smiling before he traced his finger across her cheek. 

“Okay,” She said at last, “But I’m coming with you.” She said a moment later, making him nod his head in agreement. He was fine with that. 

The nursing home was nice. It wasn’t anything fancy, but Neil got his own room because he still got a fair amount of money from his retirement fund. Billy pitched in when he could, but it wasn’t a lot.

“He’s had a great day,” One of the nurses gushed as Billy entered. She was about their age, with thick eyelashes and a dreamy look on her face, “He’s just the sweetest man.” She added with a smile, something he was all too used to. They loved him. 

“Sweetest?” Kim looked at her in disbelief, “Are we talking about the same person?” She asked, snapping where she clearly didn’t mean to. The nurse stared in surprise as tension filled the room. 

“He was a pretty stern dad,” Billy said softly to keep it vague, “Thank you.” He told the nurse before he dragged Kim forward before she could protest anymore. 

“What does she mean that he’s sweet?” Kim asked him seriously, eyebrows furrowed together as she struggled to take in what he had already come to terms with. 

“He’s nice to them,” Billy said softly, “It’s weird, I know. They say it happens like this sometimes. I don’t know, like a switch.” He’d told her about some of Neil’s odd behavior before, but he also knew it was hard to picture unless she was actually around him. 

“Oh,” Kim said softly, “Alright.” 

“Dad,” Billy greeted softly as he walked into the room. Neil sat in his armchair, staring outside the window with a newspaper sprawled across his lap. He jumped, looking a bit confused as he blinked his eyes, “I have someone here to meet you.” He said slowly, already able to tell by the look in Neil’s eye that he doesn’t remember their previous conversation.

Kim followed behind shortly, holding the baby carrier so tightly in her hands like she was prepared to use it for a weapon. Cherry shifted in Billy’s arms and he helped her sit up before she could try and wiggle out again. Kim kept her distance at the end of Neil’s bed, looking like she was too nervous to get any closer. Billy didn’t criticize her for it. 

“Oh,” Neil leaned forward with a smile on his lips as Billy bounced Cherry gently in his arms. He hesitated before he sat down in the chair next to Neil’s, letting Cherry gently rest on his lap, “Well who are you?” Neil leaned closer and held out a finger, letting Cherry grip a hold of it.

“This is Cherry,” Billy told him, glancing over as Kim watched each interaction like a hawk, “She’s my daughter.” He said a bit proudly as he rocked  the little redhead in his arms. She grinned as she scrunched her little nose up, looking around the room with curiosity ridden eyes. 

“You have a daughter?” Neil looked at him confused, his blue eyes wide in surprise, “Since when?” He asked but he looked happy as he leaned over to get a closer look at Cherry. Billy shifted her a bit so he could wipe the drool away from her mouth. 

“She’s seven months old,” Billy told him, careful to not confuse him. Billy glanced over to his left, seeing the picture of Kim and Billy holding Cherry the day they brought her home on the nightstand, “She’s a really sweet baby.” He told him honestly, still feeling so lucky to have such a sweet baby. He wasn’t sure how he lucked out, knowing how he’d been in his past. 

“Huh,” Neil said but continued to smile as Cherry tugs on his finger, “I always thought girls would be easier to raise.” He told him for what felt like the hundredth time. Billy remembered how Neil would talk about that all the time, how he especially liked to use that term when Kim and Max moved in with them. 

“She is,” Billy confirmed with a nod of his head, although he felt a little hurt from Neil’s words, “She’s very easy going.” He grinned down at Cherry, watching the way her eyes light up in excitement. Kim shifted a little closer, gaining Neil’s attention. 

“You must be the lucky lady that got stuck with my son?” Neil raised his head up, smiling warmly towards Kim, “I hope he doesn’t talk about his car too much.” Neil chuckled, tilting his head as he observed Kim. She faltered for a moment, her hands falling to her sides as she looked towards Billy surprised. He paused for a moment too until the realization began to sink in.

“That’s Kim, dad,” Billy reminded him gently, “You’ve met her before.” He kept it simple, not wanting to throw Neil into another fit of rage if he couldn’t recall who Kim was. Neil furrowed his eyebrows together as he watched Kim, clearly searching for any sense of recognition.

“I don’t recall that I have,” He said at last, “Billy must be confusing you with someone else.” He placed the blame back towards Billy, like it must be something that he’s done. Billy inhaled sharply, remembering that he wasn’t in his right state of mind at the moment. Then again, Billy didn't know if Neil would be normal again. 

“It’s alright,” Kim held a hand up to keep the peace, “Billy has a bad memory when it comes to girls.” She teased him lightly, moving a little closer so she could rest her hand against his back. He felt a little less jittery, more relaxed as he soaked in the feeling of her skin against his. 

Cherry began to babble about something, beginning to wiggle around her little feet as she shifted in Billy’s lap. He adjusted her a bit, watching as her fist squeezed Neil’s finger hard. She began to giggle, looking amused with herself. Neil laughed in return.

“You used to do that a lot,” Neil commented as he glanced towards Billy, “Then when you started to teethe, you’d always be chewing on something. It was hard to keep you out of stuff once you started crawling too.” He said a little softer this time, looking deep in thought as he began to recall the memory. Billy’s lips parted in surprise from listening to this side of Neil speak. He’d never heard him talk about any of this before. Billy was sure that Neil hadn’t been present through any of it. 

“Guess it’s just carried down.” He gulped hard, feeling a little too emotional suddenly as Cherry began to squeak and writhe in his arms. She released Neil’s finger, whining and shifting until she fell down in Billy’s arms. He rocked her for a moment, watching as she curled her head up against the crook of his arm. Her long eyelashes fluttered a few times before they remained closed and she was soon drifting off into sleep. Billy looked up, determined to ask if Neil wanted to hold her but he was no longer looking at them. 

“Well, I guess I’ll see you later,” Neil settled back into his chair, “I’m taking my son Billy fishing today once he’s back from school. He’ll be in eighth grade after this summer, he’s becoming a man.” Billy felt a rock sitting in his gut, like he’s being weighed down in his chair as he nods his head quickly. He didn’t know how to respond, how to handle the fact that his dad was picturing a different version of himself. 

“See you around,” Billy spat out, his voice feeling rough and raw like he was about to break down into tears. He blinked them away rapidly as he carefully stood, unable to look at Neil any longer, “I’ll come by in a few days.” He promised, although it’s feeling harder and harder to do so. He gently placed Cherry into her carseat, his hands shaking as he tried to keep his walls from coming down. Neil only hums in response and Billy doesn’t have to look at him to know he’s looking towards the window again. 

Kim linked her arm through his, keeping him steady as they made their way out of the building. She’s kind as she waved towards the nurses, saying their goodbyes while Billy’s mind is still reeling. Her fingertips are soft against his skin and he felt himself blinking repeatedly to keep himself from crying out.

“I got her,” Kim said softly as she took the car seat from him. He nodded in response, unable to actually speak from how badly his throat was burning. She wiggled her way into the backseat as she hooked Cherry up and he quickly climbed into the driver’s seat. He turned on the AC, feeling like everything was too hot and overwhelming, “Are you okay?” She asked him softly once she was inside.

He bit his lip hard, hard enough he swore that he could taste blood as he rapidly nodded his head. His eyes were burning, beginning to leak as her simple question took its toll. He inhaled deeply, everything coming out at once as he broke down into a fit of tears. He felt like he was eight again and he realized for the first time that his mother will never be coming back. Only now it’s Neil. Neil didn’t choose to leave, not on his own at least. 

He kept his palms up over his eyes, sniffling and blubbering as he let out all of the overwhelming emotions that had been piling deep inside of him the past few months. It was hard, hard and he had no idea what he was supposed to do. He didn’t want Neil to die alone but it was also breaking down his sanity visit by visit.

Kim reached over the middle console, moving her body over until she wrapped her slender arms around him. She said nothing as she cradled his head to her chest and he was gripping her with as much desperation as he searched for something to anchor him again. Many years had passed, but he still knew by heart the route to get the drugs that he was suddenly craving. He hated to think of himself as so weak, that he would truly need something to keep his mind off of his father. He couldn’t do it. Not to Kim and not to Cherry.

“I’m sorry,” He spit out in a harsh breath as the tears finally started to seize. She shushed him gently, letting her fingers dance through his hair as she kissed the top of his head. He buried his face into her shirt, hoping that he could hide his embarrassment, “I don’t know what got into me.” He pulled away slowly, looking up to her as she gently cups his face. She had her own tears in her eyes but he knew that they’re not for Neil. 

“Don’t apologize,” She told him gently, “You’ve been going through so much lately. It’s okay to need a break.” She reassured him and he looked at the way the green and brown mix and blend so easily in her eyes. He shut his for a moment, trying to still the ache in his heart as she rested her forehead against his.

“I can’t,” He said softly, feeling like Kim can’t really understand what he’s feeling. He knew that she was trying, that she wanted to make him feel better. He appreciated her for that, loved her more than he was sure that she even knew, “He’ll die alone.” He spoke up again. He went to wipe his eyes but she was already doing it for him. 

“I know you feel guilty,” She told him gently as she cupped his face to make him look at her, “But Neil is not your responsibility. It is okay to want the best for him and it’s also okay if you don’t feel like that’s you. There’s other routes we can take to help him.” She tried to tell him but he’s quickly shaking his head to dismiss her statement. 

“I can’t leave him.” He told her quickly, knowing that he doesn’t have the heart to do so. He was sure that he’d never be able to look at himself again, just knowing that he had left Neil behind. 

“Billy,” She looked at him like she’s got the whole world in her eyes, “You’re not leaving him. You’re visiting him and calling him all the time. That’s more than most people do. He’s not going to die overnight, you don’t have to take this giant toll.” She tried to reassure him as she squeezed his face in her hands. He closed his eyes, trying to let her words wash over him but he was unable to accept it. He felt stupid. 

“It’s just not fair,” He said finally, “He’s finally not being a shitty dad and he can’t even remember who the fuck I am.” He told her seriously, feeling so angry suddenly. Neil can talk about waiting for him from school all he wants, but Billy is certain that Neil was never that happy about seeing him. He never acted like he was. Usually Billy was confined to his room because of Neil’s violent and brash outbursts. Billy couldn’t ever do anything right at that age. 

“I know.”

“I hate him,” He said at last, “I hate that all of the staff love him because they think he’s a great guy, that he’s been some great dad because all he talks about is me. I hate that no one ever saw the signs or refused to believe what he did. I hate how he makes me feel like I’m crazy because I don’t hate him.” He finally admitted, wondering if that was worse than hating him. He felt like something had been torn off of his chest, like he was finally being honest with himself.

“He’s your dad,” Kim nodded her head in agreement, “And he put you through a lot. I’m sorry you’re still going through it. Everything you’re feeling is normal and you shouldn’t be ashamed because of it.”

-

Kim had never thought that a baby’s party could be so stressful. But it was Cherry’s first birthday and even if she didn’t remember it, they wanted to make it special. After a long and strenuous conversation about what would be best, they decided on a little beach theme.

Every day that she grew, Kim saw more of herself in her daughter. She did mirror her quite a bit, despite the bright blue eyes and her daddy’s nose. She had thick ringlets of red hair that just reached the nape of her neck now, her tone much paler like Kim’s for the time being. 

She preferred to giggle and sing, at least that’s what they thought she was trying to do, rather than crawl around the house. Although she had finally started taking her first steps this past week, ultimately deciding it would be a good time to do so when Billy came home from work one evening. He had cried over it.

Her little blue dress was puffy, the sleeves wide with a sheer tint to them. It was a few years older, but Kim didn’t really want to get something new and expensive when she would just make a mess with the cake anyways. She looked cute despite that.

“Hi,” Billy grinned, cooing softly as he swooped in to kiss at her chubby cheek. He paused for a moment before he wiped the drool away from her chin, “What are you doing? Don’t you know it’s illegal to look this cute.” He told her, smiling at the way she squealed and kicked her feet. 

“I think she’s ready for the cake,” Kim teased as she balanced Cherry in her arms, admiring the way she began to babble off about something. The da-da’s that left her lips were strong and stern, like she was saying something important, “I think you’re in trouble.” She teased as she passed her off to Billy.

“My bad,” He hummed as he rocked her back and forth, a large hand caressing her little back as she dramatically dropped her head to his shoulder, “You look hot.” He grinned at Kim, sending her a sly wink as she scoffed before she looked down at the baby drool that was decorated across her shirt.

“Not yet,” She added as she kissed his cheek this time, lingering for just a minute. She hadn’t worked on her hair or makeup yet. Nothing, “I’m going to get ready. People should start arriving soon.” She reminded him, glancing around to make sure that everything was set up. She’d probably spent too much time on the decorations but it was worth it.

“You better hurry,” He teased, “Don’t be late for your daughter’s own party.” He smiled again as Cherry raised her head, her little lips pulling into a bright smile as she looked up at him. He leaned forward, giving her forehead a soft kiss before Kim left to get herself tidied up. 

She’d dressed simply, because she didn’t really feel like he needed to be out there. She put on one of Billy’s longer white button up shirts, then tucked it into her short overalls. She rolled the sleeves up to her elbows, quite liking how it all fit her. His clothes were still loose on her, which made her feel a little bit better about the pounds that had stayed on after Cherry had been born. 

She looked around when she stepped out taking in Sam and Rosemary and arrived on time with Max and Russell. Gina and Steve were there with their kids, Tommy was standing near Alma, Robin and the girl Robin had been seeing for the past few months. Everyone should be here, that was nice. 

“He’s hogging her,” Steve whined, “It’s not fair.” He grumbled as his own daughters continued to tug on his hands, clearly wanting his attention all to themselves. He really did enjoy holding Cherry, he was obviously trying to make an impression. 

“She’s a daddy’s girl,” Kim said seriously, a small laugh forming, “He likes showing her off too.” She pointed out, watching as Billy continued to drift her from person to person. He kept a tight grip on her, however. Only occasionally passing her off to their siblings or their respective parents. 

“He doesn’t call her spoiled now that he understands how it is.” Steve said smugly as he picked both of his girls up. They both mirrored him, with dark eyes and thick dark hair. Jennifer was beginning to grow freckles, however, relating to her mother and uncle. 

“No, he doesn’t,” She agreed with a small laugh, “I guess it’s different with your own kids.” She admitted truthfully, knowing that she would never call her baby spoiled. She was just spoiled from love. That was all. 

Cherry’s eyes were wide, so blue and soft as she glanced around the room of people that were singing to her. Her cheeks were slightly red from how she’d crawled around, trying to keep away from Russell as he chased after all of the kids on his hands and knees. He got Cherry each time before he blew raspberries against her cheek. 

“Look,” She cooed as she got Cherry’s attention once again, “Blow out the candle. Like this.” She showed her the motions, trying to get the one year old to follow her lead. Billy was clasping her tiny hands, trying to keep her from grasping the open flame. 

It took another second before she sort of followed their lead, but they ended up blowing it out for her before everyone clapped. Cherry jumped in surprise before she grinned widely, giggling harshly as she kicked her little feet. She was the cutest thing.

Even when she was taking fistfuls of cake up to her mouth, smearing blue icing across her face and body as she munched down on her cake. Kim enjoyed a cupcake in a slower manner, wondering how Cherry’s appetite would develop.

“She might as well be a smurf,” Billy observed as he wrapped his hands around Kim’s waist, pulling her onto his lap, “Look at her. She’s stained.” He said, laughing as she offered another fistful to Sam. He took a bite each time, not looking pleased by the way it was served but clearly feeling too bad to deny her. Rosemary continued to mess with her camera, surely already having hundreds of photos from this afternoon.

“I want another,” She whispered softly, smiling at the way his eyes widened, “Don’t you think another baby would be nice?” She asked him quietly, hoping to keep the conversation between them. He paused before he leaned forward to kiss the corner of her mouth.

“Another baby sounds great.” He agreed, making her heart flutter at the thought of their small family growing. She had never felt so happy before. 

[e-dubbc11]

Goodnight Kisses

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

Pairing: Billy Russo x F! Reader

Warnings: Fluffy bunnies and unicorns. Mentions of guilt.

Word Count: 1.4k-ish

Summary: Billy is working at home in his office while you’re reading close by on the couch

A/N: Not a lot to say about this one. Just a little thought I had and how much I’d love for Billy to just curl up next to me and read to me from my book. Oh! Quotes used are from one of my favorite books Clockwork Princess by Cassandra Clare

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. 💕💕 💕

A warm blanket covered the lower half of your body as you sat curled up on the couch on a cold snowy evening in your shared home office. He used it more often than you did but he loved to have you in the room with him even when he was working.

His office was also your own personal library, built in bookshelves on every wall and it was the first place he would go to look for you when he came home after a long day.

With soft pillows propped up against your back, you sat facing his desk, looking up at him every so often while turning the pages of your book.

The sleeves of his dress shirt were rolled up to his elbows as he typed out email after email, glancing back and forth between the papers on his desk and his laptop screen, his lips pressed into a straight line with a furrowed brow.

He looked exhausted.

As CEO of his company Anvil, Billy Russo worked harder than anyone you’ve ever known. But that was the reason why he was so successful and one of the reasons of why you were so proud of him.

Billy felt incredibly guilty. He worked too much, he knew he did but you told him it didn’t bother you. You understood how important his work was to him and how much he loved it but he loved you too.

He hated missing dinner, not hearing about your day and he was afraid. Billy was afraid if he missed too many dinners or too many evenings together at home, that you would leave and it would devastate him if you did.

He didn’t notice but you smiled at him as you watched him work. His long agile fingers quickly hitting the keys on the keyboard became white noise, soothing and comforting.

The snow falling steadily outside the window behind his desk just added to the sight of him in front of you. As he worked, stray snowflakes softly kissed the glass and froze in place while the rest fell to the ground, muffling the sounds of the city below.

However intense, he was still beautiful. Stray pieces of his raven colored hair had fallen into his rich brown eyes, his fingers gently scratched at his beard as he read the words going across his screen when you knew he’d much rather be reading the words going across the pages of your book.

Another guilty feeling washed over him.

He hadn’t read aloud to you in days. It was one of his favorite things to do for you and he missed it. He adored having your legs draped over his lap as he read to you, gently rubbing the soft material of the blanket in between his fingertips. The romantic tone to his voice, how easily his lithe fingers turned the pages…it was all so sensual and calming.

A smile stretched wider across your face as you continued to steal glances at him, and although he was busy, you were happy he wanted you around. Billy was always so happy to see you, his perfect smile lit up his entire face when you walked into the room.

Aside from his work, you were his whole world but lately the guilt he felt consumed him. It ate at him every day he didn’t come home early enough to help you cook or take a shower with you, but again you told him it was alright.

Billy wasn’t convinced he was worthy of you. He wasn’t sure he deserved happiness after the things he’s done or the things he’s seen but couldn’t question.

He felt you deserved someone better than him, you were so sweet, so understanding. He believed he was broken and undeserving of anyone’s love which is why he treasured your love for him.

Continuing to read your book, you could feel him staring at you over the top of his screen. He watched as you sipped your tea, turned pages, and wiped a stray tear away after reading a particular sweet passage.

The dull ache in his chest persisted, he wanted to be the one to brush the tear off of your cheek but he still had a little more work to do.

Cutting through the silence in the room, Billy spoke.

“I’m sorry, baby.” He said barely above a whisper, with tired eyes and a slight frown.

Surprised, you glanced up from your book and asked. “For what, my love?”

“For…this.” He said angrily grabbing a hold of a handful of papers on his desk and pointing at his computer screen.

You gave him an inviting smile. “It’s ok, Billy. I understand how important your work is to you.”

“But…” Billy stood up, walked over to the couch and sat down beside you.

“You’re important to me too, sweet girl.” He said.

You rested your book on the end table and reached for his hand. “I know that, baby. I know.” You said, trying to comfort him. “You know how I know that, Billy?”

He had a hard time looking you in the eye so he just stared down at your fingers laced with his and shook his head.

Your heart broke for him. Of course Billy was scared that you would leave him, everyone else had. But you always tried to reassure him that you weren’t going anywhere.

Tossing the blanket off to the side, you straddled him, knees resting on either side of his hips and gazed into beautiful dark brown eyes. Raking your hands through his hair, you spoke sternly but softly.

“Because there is never a night where I have to sleep alone, I don’t have to go to bed without a kiss goodnight. Yes, you work long hours, miss dinner some nights, or our reading time together but I never have to worry about reaching for you and you not being there while I sleep. That is how I know I’m important to you, ok?” You said.

With a slight smile, Billy nodded, moved his hand from your waist to around your neck and pulled you toward him, your lips collided with his for an intense kiss, his mouth slanting over yours, and his tongue begging to tangle with yours as your lips parted giving him access to your mouth.

You showed him that he was wanted, he was desired, and he didn’t have to be scared because you weren’t going to leave him, ever. Wanting to be loved wasn’t a weakness, it was human.

Billy closed his eyes and rested his forehead against yours. The tension in his body eased under your gentle touches as you pulled away to place soft kisses on his forehead and cheeks.

“I think I’m done with work for tonight, sweet girl.” He said with a warm smile. “I love you so much.”

He captured your lips once again and he didn’t know how much love you felt in his kisses. You knew he loved you more than anything but it was nice to hear him say it.

“I love you too, Billy.”

The night was hushed and the sound of falling snow was your music as Billy sat on the couch with your legs draped across his lap. Watching his lips form the words on the pages, he used the perfect inflection every time.

His voice was sweet as sugar and mesmerizing, holding your attention from the very first word he read to the last until your eyelids became heavy with sleep.

“Don’t say those things, Tessa. Don’t say them.”

“Why not?”

“You said I am a good man," he said. "But I am not that good a man. And I am--I am catastrophically in love with you.”

Billy held you extra close that night, the bristles of his beard tickled your shoulder as he placed gentle kisses on the back of your neck. His presence solid, and reassuring with your body molded against his.

The guilty feeling in his chest had eased as you laced your fingers with his and he remembered your words “there is never a night where I have to sleep alone.”

At the end of the day, that is all you wanted was for him to try, to make an effort, and do the best that he could. And however many times Billy failed at coming home on time, he would always be on time to kiss you goodnight.

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

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