#imagine billy's face when they all yell SURPRISE!!

[ihni]

Happy birthday Billy!!

(I couldn't fit more people there, but just imagine they're standing out of frame. A whole HOUSE full with people who are ready to celebrate Billy's birthday, and shower him with gifts and food and love.)

[thissortofsorcery]

I can so imagine a scenario where Billy and Steve have been screwing around for months, like months, and while Billy has plenty of experience with sex, he’s never slept with anyone quite like Steve.

Steve who holds his hand during sex, Steve who gets off on Billy’s pleasure, Steve who kisses him before and after and during, who likes cuddling, who doesn’t avoid being seen with Billy at all and actually starts hanging out with Billy at school and out of it, who invites him to play basketball in the park and to get food after, and to stay over at his house like every weekend.

Naturally, Billy thinks they’re dating.

But they never talk about it. Somehow, for months of this, it never comes up in conversation how to define their relationship. It’s not exactly necessary, both of them being content as they are with what they have with each other. Whatever they think it is.

Until, of course…

Senior Prom.

Billy’s been dodging prom invitations left and right for two weeks now, leaving a trail of pouty glossed lips behind, claiming he has no interest in going to “the party equivalent of daytime tv”. Steve hasn’t said anything about it except a half-muttered comment that he went to Junior Prom with Nancy, after which he immediately changed the subject. Billy assumed he didn’t want to go either.

Which is why Billy’s surprised when he hears through the school grapevine that Becky Olson asked Steve to Prom and he said yes.

When Billy shows up at Steve’s house after school that day, he’s rage smoked half a pack of cigarettes and stewed in his anger all through the afternoon. Even Max heard about it all the way in the middle school, and offered to take Steve’s bat to his balls. Billy drops Max off at home after promising that if he doesn’t kill Steve, he’ll let her at him.

He lets himself into Steve’s house (Steve always leaves the door unlocked for him) and goes straight to Steve’s room (it’s routine by now), where he finds him sitting on his bed, going through cassette tapes.

“Hey, man,” Steve says. Entirely unconcerned.

Billy’s nostrils flare.

“What the fuck, Steve? Is that what you’re gonna say? ‘Hey, man’?”

Steve does look up then, and frowns at Billy, fucking confused. Like Billy’s saying nonsense.

“Yes? Hello? How was your day?” Steve says, nose scrunching up. “What am I supposed to say?”

Billy can’t fucking believe this. This whole time, Steve’s been so- Now he’s acting like he didn’t even do anything.

“Maybe start by telling me what the hell you’re thinking going to prom with some chick!” He yells, like he hasn’t been cursing her name for at least two hours.

Steve gets up from the bed then, runs a hand through his stupid hair, crosses his arms. Billy can see he’s closing himself off, going on the defensive right off the bat.

“Why are you mad at me about this? You don’t even wanna go,” Steve doesn’t raise his voice, but his words echo in the room same as a slap on his face would.

“I don’t know, Steve, maybe I’m mad my boyfriend’s going on a date with some girl!”

This isn’t making any fucking sense. Steve isn’t like this, an inconsiderate asshole going behind Billy’s back. He’s sweet. He’s always been sweet.

There’s something wrong here, and Billy can’t put his finger on it, and it just makes him angrier.

Steve rears back, brows going up, up, up towards his hairline, eyes wide, a sea of white around brown.

“Boyfriend?” He repeats. Licks his lips. “How- Why would you say boyfriend?”

Billy’s stomach sinks, takes everything in his abdominal cavity with it. He feels hollow, weighed down. All the fight has been sucked out of him.

That’s why the conversation felt off.

"Because we've been dating for like, three months, Steve," Billy says, or forces out, and his voice comes out shaky.

They were. He thought they were. Steve’s been- He holds Billy’s hand. They go on dates, as much as they can while staying under the radar. Billy stays over most weekends. It’s never been like this with anyone else, for Billy, not even in California. Even Before.

Steve’s eyes are still wide, but his eyebrows are doing the puppy dog thing, turned up at the inner corners like he’s hurt.

“I…” He starts, stops. Decides on something else. “We never talked about this.”

Billy rears back this time, feeling the sentence like a blow, and Steve follows him with a step forward, hand reaching out.

“I mean- shit,” Steve says, stammers, runs a hand down his face. “I didn’t know you felt that way. About me. I thought you didn’t-”

“What the fuck did you think when we were going on fucking dates, Steve?!”

“You’re my best friend!” Steve says, and it stings. “We do everything together!”

“And suck each other’s dicks, too!”

“I thought-”

“Thought what, this was some friends with benefits shit? If you’re my best friend and we’re boning, how’s that different from a relationship, Steve?!”

“We never talked about it!” Steve finally raises his voice, and the sound of it stuns Billy.

Steve makes an aborted motion with his hand, then again, before closing it into a fist by his side. He rubs at his eyes with his other hand, but not before Billy sees they are wet.

“I’m not going to assume you’re in love with me, Billy! What if I’m wrong? What if I spend months thinking you love me and it turns out to be bullshit?”

Steve’s breathing hard as he finishes speaking, cheeks blotchy red, and hands shaking. He looks terrified right now, terrified Billy’s going to give up on him and leave, going by how he glances from Billy to the door; terrified he’s hurting Billy, because he keeps reaching out but doesn’t step any closer.

Billy feels something click, then, a piece of the puzzle that was grating on him with jagged edges smooths outs and slots into place. That’s the Steve he knows, with his head tangled in so many feelings he can’t parse them out, but never uncaring. Never cold.

“Well, I do,” Billy says, stepping closer to Steve.

He walk forward until their toes are almost touching, until Steve has to tilt his head down to look Billy in the eye. Billy takes a breath and raises an eyebrow, raises his chin, gives Steve his best smirk like wants to eat him alive. Takes a chance.

“I do love you. Whatcha gonna do about it?”

Steve’s eyes jump between his, mouth parted, like a man lost searching for something. Like he’s looking at something holy. Billy feels tentative fingertips at his elbows, then fingers running up his triceps, until finally one of Steve’s hands closes around his arm. The other continues up, up, a long tingling line to his neck, and Steve cups his jaw like something precious. Rubs his thumb on Billy’s cheekbone, feather light, but Billy feels it like a brand.

“You mean it?” Steve’s voice comes out in a ragged whisper, breath spilling over Billy’s lips.

“I do.” They’re so close. Billy wants to take in all of Steve’s face, the way he’s looking at Billy, with his eyes half lidded and his lips parted, like he’s everything Steve could ever want.

“Basketball in the park,” Steve says, out of nowhere, voice still low. “In February. You complained about the cold the whole time but you still kicked my ass. I bought you a burger at the diner, after. That was our first date.”

Billy’s face splits into a grin so wide his cheeks hurt, and he bunches his hands in Steve’s dumb polo shirt, pulls him closer until Steve has to lean down those two inches to press their foreheads together.

“I love you,” Steve whispers against Billy’s lips, “I’m so in love with you.”

Billy nods, barely moving his head, unwilling to part where they’re touching, “‘m in love with you.”

Their lips really touch then, feeling like the first time even if they’ve kissed a thousand times before, are as familiar with each other’s mouths as they are with their own.

The scrape of Steve’s teeth against Billy’s bottom lip pulls a moan out of Billy, and he presses himself tighter to Steve’s body, pulls at his chest, his hips, wants to climb inside him and never leave.

No one’s ever felt like this. No one’s ever made Billy feel like this, this wanted, this needed, like the world starts and ends with them, together. That’s why Billy was so sure they were together. It couldn’t be anything else.

Steve’s the best thing that’s ever happened to Billy, and he’s not gonna let him go without a fight.

[the-kr8tor]

muehehehehe angst >:) (as for who hurt me...lets just say i was selfprojecting a tiny...insy weensy bit) Now yall get a break while I yell my lungs out to a song that sounds like something roze would definitely listen to (Nasty Dog by Sir Mix A Lot) Daily Hobie HC! Idk why I've been putting off this prompt for so long but I have Hobie's an amazing cook, which is very obvious. The amount of fulfilling meals he's made just out of throwing random things together and hoping for the best is truly shocking, ever since you learned that he isn't one to really follow the instructions. Hobie uses instructions as very loose guidelines, with everything else being just what he thinks would be good. However, you're grateful he's at least responsible enough to know that he should make sure that meat is properly cooked through, and not just wing it. Hobie loves to cook with and for you, even if you try to stop him from making you anything due to his stress about being Spider-Man. He still does it, wanting to show you that he still loves you to the other galaxies and back, because just to the moon isn't enough. You used to fully trust him in the kitchen unattended, until one day Hobie managed to almost burn down the houseboat. He had left something on the stove by accident, finding that the place was too quiet and wanting to make sure both you and his cat weren't up to something. Seeing you cuddled up to his side of the bed underneath the covers melted Hobie completely, making him forget that a meal was on the stove as he looped an arm around your body, pulling you closer as your face buried itself into his chest. He convinced himself to just stay like his for ten minutes, but eventually you got to him and he managed to fall asleep. Almost 30 minutes later, you both woke up to the smell of smoke, with Hobie quickly remembering the food on the stove and darting to the kitchen. Sure enough, a fire had already formed, and chaos erupted in the houseboat. After panicked yelling about what a fire blanket is, and managing to extinguish the fire somehow, Hobie knew that you would never let him live this down. And you didn't. Every time he entered the kitchen to make something, you found your place on the counter to watch him. If he questioned you, you'd simply bring up the incident, causing Hobie to lightheartedly groan in feigned disappointment. In all honesty, he wasn't surprised in the slightest when you reminded him of it, since in his head it was your fault for being so cute and distracting him. And besides, Hobie doesn't mind the fact that you're now leaning against the wall of the kitchen watching his every move and even helping a few times. However, he swears to never listen to you (and keeps that promise) whenever you're cooking and you tell him to get out of the kitchen, instead just grabbing some random ingredient and trying to taint your food with it, such as the cornstarch in soup one time. Even now, with Billie and Ramona either trying to cling to your legs or swinging from Hobie's arms, you still don't let him in the kitchen. Even if he tries to give the excuse of how the incident was years ago, wrapping his arms around your waist and rubbing little circles into your skin, trying to make you melt, it doesn't work..sometimes. Other times, you give in and let him hang around the kitchen, keeping a close eye on what he picks up and holds near the meal in case he plans on giving the twins something diabolical such as chewy soup. -🐦‍⬛

Lmaoo i don't know that song but it's definitely something roze would listen to 🤣

Daily Hobie HC!!

Finally! 'the incident' (so ominous!)

Bro has cooking talents! I'll say this until my dying breath, cooking together is the highest form of romance 🥰

"because just to the moon isn't enough" 🥹🥹 excuse me i will find a corner to cry in

Omg so that's what happened! I forgive him bc he had a very valid reason 😂 also plus points bc he wanted a cuddle too 🥰

Lmaoo i can just imagine their reactions like how sims react to a fire 😂😂

Ah yes the legendary too much cornstarch in the soup

Awwweee Billie and Mona helping out in the kitchen 😍🥺 I bet b and r asked them abt the incident 🤣

[k-marzolf]

Blackbird;

—friends to lovers, alcohol consumption, kissing, fluff, fem!reader—

Part of the Imagine Being Loved By Me AU.

@idaofinfinity @e-dubbc11 @rosaleenablack

You had your arms wrapped around Billy’s middle, face buried in his red sweater, while he played with your hair. You lifted your head drunkenly. “Missed you, Blackbird.” You slurred.

“Missed you, too, sweet pea.” He replied, looking at you with a smile on his face.

He was finally home for good, out of the Marines. You’d written to him after meeting him in your apartment building where you were yelling at the vending machine, you’d been sheepish and a friendship started. He hadn’t told you, but your letters were what got him through his service. The smell of your perfume on the envelope was something the guys ragged him for, but he didn’t give a fuck. Someone actually cared.

You’d both had wine in celebration of the end of his service, but you suspected Billy wasn’t as drunk as you.

“To no more carrying around two hundred pound packs in the desert,” he said, raising his glass.

“To paying someone off to carry my pack, and my princess ass across the desert,” you had said, clinking your glass with his.

Billy had snorted. “Yeah, like a princess all right. You’d probably make us fan you with palm leaves, too.” He had said, downing his wine.

You giggled, “Don’t forget about feeding me grapes.” You teased him.

Billy pinched your cheeks, “You’re incorrigible.” He laughed.

Now, you were drunk, but you felt warm and safe in Billy’s arms. You looked up from your hiding spot, pausing before pressing your lips to his. Even your drunken haze, you were surprised when he returned it, tongue sliding slowly against yours.

Your arms tightened around his middle, as if by might he’d never leave you, that you could hold him there, hostage in your arms.

You pressed closer, your fingers digging into his hips. You sighed when he pulled back, “Want you to stay,” you begged him sweetly. “Please, Billy?”

“Sure, baby.” He kissed you again gently, before settling in with you. Your eyes fluttered as you snuggled against him.

He watched you, wondering when you’d become so irreplaceable in his life.

[blusapphire]

Play me a memory (Billy Russo x Reader)- Chapter 9

Summary: When you first met Billy Russo, you fell for him hard and fast. Being with him was like a dream, You were perfect for each other, or so you thought. You return home one night to find all traces of him gone. You’re left heartbroken… and with a life changing surprise. Years later, you find yourself in a predicament when you unexpectedly find your way back into each other’s lives. 

A/N: So sorry for the long wait, but I hope you guys enjoy! Thanks for the likes, comments, and reblogs, they are all greatly appreciated!

Warnings: Swearing, Blood, brief mentions of sex

Series Masterlist

…

Well, this was highly unexpected. 

You stood at your door, staring with a dazed look on your face, as you wracked your brain, thinking of all the possibilities and reasons why what was happening, was happening. 

Why was Billy at your door this time of night?

You nor Jaz had opened the door, and you thought it was funny that if it were a few years ago, you would have opened that door for Billy, without a second thought, but now, the thought had not even crossed your mind. 

Jaz hadn’t let go of the baseball bat she had carried with her to the door, still holding it up as if there was an ongoing threat on the other side. You didn’t say much for a while, just thinking, when Jaz broke the silence. 

“What’s he doing here?” Jaz asked, in a yelled whisper. 

“I-I don’t know?” you slightly yelled back, “your guess is as good as mine!“

Your daughter, thankfully, wanted to stay over at your aunt’s this weekend, so she wasn’t home, but for whatever reason Billy was here, you didn’t want to let him in. Ava may not have been home, but as imagined, her stuff was all over the apartment, so it wasn’t an option. 

You soon realized that you had spent the whole time not saying anything to Billy, too busy trying to find your own explanation, when the loud sounds of hissing and grunting made you snap your head back in the direction of the door, finally inquiring on Billy’s visit. 

“Billy, what are you doing here?” 

You could tell that he was leaning on your doorframe, and you guessed that someone who stood at the door would sound a bit further away, but his voice sounded closer, as if he were right by the door. You could hear him trying to speak, but his strained breathing stopped him from doing so, and you spoke. 

“Billy, you can’t just show up here like this. Especially at this time-“

“No, I know it’s late, and I’m sorry if I woke you,” he spoke, his voice strained, “but I…I kinda need a ride home...”

His response made you stand upright, and you frowned. You were puzzled as to why he would show up at this time, of all times, for something as simple as…a ride home. You shot a glance at Jaz, who had the same expression written on her face, and you spoke for the both of you when you voiced it.

”You came all the way here…to ask for a ride home?”

You heard him chuckle before he answered, his voice still strained. 

“Yeah, I know it’s out of the blue but, I was around the neighborhood, and I had a ride but he…well, he kinda ditched me. And I can’t really drive right now so…”

What he was saying didn’t make any sense, at all. Billy had a car. So why would he turn up late at night, asking you, of all things, for a ride?

“You’re not making any sense, right now, what do you mean you’re ride ditched you?”

 He didn’t respond with any words, instead with another grunt and a hiss, a now clear sign that he might have been in pain. The noises were repeated and ongoing, and it started to worry you, which you couldn’t hide in your voice. 

“Why do you sound like that?”

Billy didn’t answer you again, his heavy breathing his only response, so you pondered again. 

“…Are you hurt?”

After a few seconds of heavy breathing and the persistent sounds of discomfort, another grunt took over what you were sure was meant to be words, and he spoke. 

“Yeah,” he admitted. “I’m a little banged up.”

Knowing Billy, ‘a little banged up’ often meant quite the opposite. He would always downplay how serious his injury was whenever he was hurt in the past, so keeping that in mind, you didn’t hesitate to reach for the handle, and unlock the door. When you did though, the sight you were met with stopped you in your tracks, and a small gasp left your lips.

Your hands flew up to your mouth and your eyes widened, as you watched Billy lean on your doorframe, in attempt to hold himself upright. 

“Oh my God, what the hell happened to you?!” 

You reached for him, but quickly pulled your hands away when he swore, in pain. You profusely apologized, leaving him to lean on the doorframe again. 

You then felt Jaz come up next to you, who had been standing behind the door for a minute now, and when she emerged, she didn’t exactly have the same reaction as you did. 

“You’re lucky Russo, I almost rearranged your face with this thing-Woah...” Jaz paused in her words, finally lowering the bat she had in her hand. “You look like shit.”

Billy chuckled at her comment, followed by a wince and a deep inhale. 

“Nice to see you again too, Jaz.” 

He wore dark clothing, but it took a matter of a second to guess that it was blood that drenched his clothes, the tint too dark to be anything else. His hands were painted in it too, fresh bruises forming over his knuckles, one of them grasping his other arm, as he winced in pain.

He looked like he had gotten into some kind of fight or altercation, but whatever it was, it wasn’t good. 

There were spots of blood trailing your apartment door, some of it dripping through his fingers and onto the floor. 

You were taken aback, standing there and watching, as you took in the sight before you. You could feel your facial expressions change in a matter of seconds from shock, to worrisome, which Billy noticed, and he shook his head, trying to console you. 

“…it’s not that bad.”

Your eyes shot up to his, and you looked at him as if he had grown two heads.

He had to be insane. Not that bad was a paper cut, or knee scrape. Not blood dripping through your hands and barely being able to stand on your own. 

“Not that bad?” You yelled, narrowing your eyes at him, “You’re leaving trails of blood all over the floor, and you can barely even stand!-This is a little banged up?!” 

Billy ran his tongue over his lips, and sighed. 

“Really, I'm fine,” he reassured, “it looks worse than it actually is.”

None this made any sense to you. Why would Billy stop by at your apartment, for a ride of all things, when he could barely stand at that, and not go straight to the hospital, where they’d aid him? You didn’t know what to do, so you did the only thing that made sense in that moment. 

“Wait here, lemme me grab my coat, and I’m gonna drive you to the hospital-“

“No,” he blurted, “no hospital. I just need a ride back to my place. So I can patch myself up.”

He remained grasping his upper arm, and had a stern look on his face when he spoke to you, which you thought was crazy. 

“...Are you insane? You don’t have to patch yourself up, that’s what hospitals are for, I’m taking you, you’re hurt and-!”

“Y/n,” he sighed, prompting you to stop and look at him, “I can’t go to the hospital. They’ll ask too many questions that I…that I can’t answer…”

He swallowed and look away at his last words, down at the ground. It was then that you come to the conclusion that whatever left him in this state wasn’t the result of anything good, no injuries ever were, but showing up at this hour, injured, and to refusing to go to the hospital, in fear of them asking questions…was a dead giveaway.

 It also didn’t help that he chose to ignore your first question of where he’s been, instead of answering them. 

“…You mean the question you’ve failed to answer since you got here, like where you’ve been? Or why you’re bleeding all over the place? Those questions?”

He looked at you then, and it was as if his eyes were pleading with you, not to ask any further about the situation. 

How could he just show up in the state he was in, and not want you to ask questions? Who would even agree to that?

But, that wasn’t important right now. 

What was important was that he was hurt. And any questions, or I’ll feelings about the situation and the past would have to wait, because you had to make sure he was okay. 

So, you finally agreed, much to your displeasure. 

“Fine,” you said dryly. “Wait here.” 

You grabbed your keys and your coat, prepared to head out, when Jaz sad something about wanting to tag along. It was a hassle getting downstairs, Billy insistent that he didn’t need help to, but his pained hissing saying otherwise. 

…

“This is where you live?”

You looked up slightly in awe at the high rise building that stood in front of you, admiring the outside, as you stepped out of your car. The building was luxurious, the exterior even catching the eye of strangers passing by.  

“Wow,” Jaz followed right behind you, impressed. “Not too shabby, Russo. Even for you.”

That earned a small laugh from Billy in return, and he helped himself out of your car, and he led you to the entrance, where a doorman awaited. Billy greeted him, and to your surprise, the doorman simply smiled, as he held open the door for the three of you, as if Billy weren’t covered in blood. Perhaps it wasn’t visible due to how dark it was outside, and you couldn’t tell if he genuinely didn’t know, or if he chose to ignore it, but you followed Billy anyway. 

Upstairs, the inside of Billy’s apartment, was even more luxurious, and you would even say, breathtaking. You had a well paying job, and had one of the highest salaries in your company, but you could admit that you could never afford to live in a place like this one. You knew that Billy had grown wealthy over the years, through Anvil, but he must’ve been doing better than you had guessed to secure such a place. 

As soon as you made it inside, Billy gently sat down his couch, an expensive one if you might add, shifting. You couldn’t help but scan your eyes over his large apartment, the large windows having a gorgeous view of the city. Surprisingly, the place mostly empty except for a the couches and few chairs. To the side, there were different varieties of bottles of alcohol displayed behind a shelf of glass. 

You thought it looked an expensive suite you would only dream of staying in. But regardless of the expensive displays, and furniture, there was nothing about Billy’s apartment that…made it a home. Under all the luxury, If you were honest, it looked rather sad. There were no pictures, or anything, that said anything about him or his life. You were curious as to why that was, but you were pulled out of your thought when you heard Billy’s voice.

“Fuck,” Billy swore, now grabbing at his torso,  as he shifted on the couch, drawing your attention back to him. 

“Where’s your first aid kit?” You asked, remembering the task at hand. 

“You don’t have to,” he shook his head. “I can patch myself up, I just need a minute.”

You looked away for a moment, annoyed at his constant refusal of aid from you. 

“Billy,” you closed your eyes, and heaved an exasperated sigh. “You wouldn’t let me take you to the hospital, and you’ve probably lost a good amount of blood by now, so I’m not arguing with you about this. Where’s the fucking kit?”

He put his hands up in defense, giving up without another word, and threw his head in the direction of one of the rooms. 

“The bathroom.”

“I’ll get it,” Jaz offered, as she poked her head out of Billy’s kitchen. 

You had wondered where she disappeared to, the room she choose to explore making sense in her case. As she went grab the kit, you pulled a chair in front of Billy. 

 You fixed your mouth to speak your next words, opening and closing your lips as they failed to come out, and Billy furrowed his eyebrows, puzzled, as he started back at you struggling to speak. You knew what you wanted to say next, it was necessary, but you couldn’t help but feel the heat rising to your face. 

Maybe you hadn’t thought this all the way through. 

“Okay,” you sighed. “You have to…you have to take your shirt off.”

You voice came out in low mutter, but it was obvious that Billy heard you. 

Within a second, Billy’s face went from confused, to amused, and he couldn’t hold in the smirk that took over his face, as he reached over, and began to peel his shirt off. 

“You know, you should’ve led with that,” he remarked, “would’ve saved a hell of a lot of time.”

You sighed, amazed at how he could still manage to flirt even when he was hurt, and it made you wonder if he was truly confused previously, or if he actually did know what you were struggling to say.

He was having a hard time removing his shirt, his hissing and swearing the indication, and you couldn’t stand to watch him in pain any longer, so you stepped in. 

“Here…”

You stood up and helped him pull his shirt over his head, a difficult task, and his hair was left a bit messy from his shirt brushing over it. You could finally see the wound that he had been holding onto in pain all night, the blood having stopped. You slightly grimaced at the sight, eyeing it.

It wasn’t a deep one, so it didn’t look like it needed stitches, but deep enough that the amount of bleeding made sense. When you took a good look at it, and didn’t take you very long to guess what caused it, it’s shape similar to one you’ve seen on Billy’s body before. 

You dreaded to even think it, but the wound was similar to that of a bullet graze. It had to be, because there was nothing else you’d ever seen that made a wound like that. 

Where the fuck did he get a bullet graze from? 

As you stared at his arm, your mouth slightly agape, Billy noticed, and as if trying to shift your attention, he moved to peel off what he had left on, a white tank top. It was apparent that he had fresh wounds underneath, the bright red patches seeping through the undershirt. When he removed that next, you were left stunned for the second time that night.  

All your nervous emotions seemed to go out the window, with what you did next. 

Lifting your hand, you placed you fingers on his bare chest, trailing down his body where the scars were plastered, and your eyes followed suit, darting back and forth where your hands led, and you could feel Billy’s gaze on you. 

“Like what you see?” Billy commented, with a smirk. 

You were too baffled with what you were looking at go respond to his words. 

Besides the fresh wounds, there were scars that you didn’t recognize. Most were healed, the light pink shade of them indicating that they were older, and there were some that were fresher, but not from tonight. They were much too healed to be from tonight. He obviously had some, from when he served, and you knew them like the back of your hand, so you were certain. 

Those scars were definitely not there before. 

You had no idea what he had been doing to acquire wounds and scars like these, and there could have been a long list of possibilities. 

But you knew none of them were good. They couldn’t be.

What you also couldn’t understand, was the why. Why would Billy be involved in these things?

It couldn’t have been for money. He had his own company, and you guessed must’ve had many, many high end clients. He was filthy rich, hence the place you were sitting in now. 

It could’ve been anything, because you didn’t know what he had gotten into these last few years. Mostly because he wouldn’t tell you. 

You hadn’t even noticed that you said nothing all this time, and your hand made it all the way down to the middle of his body, just a few spaces from his middle. So you realized how it might’ve looked from Billy’s perspective, you were just…touching and staring. 

And he didn’t miss the opportunity to voice his thoughts. 

“…I really, really, like where this is going,” he said, amused. “Wherever it’s going.”

You ignored his remark, skipping to the question you had in mind. 

“Where did you get these?” You asked, in a whisper, as you were still entranced with the scars that covered his body. 

Within the second, Billy’s smirk quickly diffused, and he ran his tongue over his lips, shifting in his seat. He let out a sigh, and the words left his lips in a rush. 

“Training,” he said in an obvious tone. “At Anvil. Sometimes, it’s hands on.”

At his words, you just, looked at him. And that look, quickly turned into a glowering one, and you pressed your lips together. 

Did he think you were stupid?

You opened your mouth to give him a piece of your mind, when Jaz’s voice shifted your attention. 

“Found it! And I-Woah…” 

Jaz paused in her words, narrowing her eyes at you and Billy, the first aid kit in her hand, and she waited a moment, before she continued. 

…Am I…interrupting something or…”

You could see her eyes where your hands were, on Billy’s chest, which you forgot was there, and you scrambled to remove your hands and answer her, and so did Billy, your voices reaching Jaz’s at the same time. 

“-no,-”

“-Yes.” 

Letting out an exasperated sigh, and rolled your eyes, signaling for Jaz to hand you the kit she found and she did, disappearing into one of the rooms.  

You grabbed a bottle of the least expensive alcohol he had, which wasn’t very many, and took to cleaning Billy’s scars, each one causing him to grit his teeth and swear. After you patched him up, Billy insisted on staying on the couch. 

“Are you sure you’re okay here on the couch? I could help you get to the bedroom,” you offered. 

“Nah, I’m good,” he ran his hand over his face. “I just need to sleep it off.”

You didn’t know how he intended to ‘sleep it off’ but you accepted anyway. 

“Okay well, let me get you a blanket, or something,” you got up and headed to his bedroom, before he could protest. 

It took you a minute to actually find his bedroom, as the apartment was a large one. You noticed that what you saw outside of the bedroom, was exactly the same in the bedroom. There were no pictures, or anything lively about the room. 

You walked in, finding Jaz rummaging through his drawers. 

“Jaz, what you doing?”

She wasn’t startled, continuing her action. 

“Nothing. I was exploring, and my hands just happened to find themselves here,” she said, and she muttered the last of her words under her breath. “Just like your’s found themselves on Billy’s-“ 

“Okay,” you stopped her, walking towards the drawer in the room. “One, that was nothing, and two, were not going through his stuff. I’m just gonna hand him a blanket and we’ll get out of here.”

She sighed at your answer, and frowned. 

“Fine,” she dragged out, and walked up to another drawer on the other side of the room. “You know, you don’t make revenge easy.”

You continued looking for a blanket, which wasn’t easy to find, and it was like he didn’t have any. His drawers were mostly empty and bare, and your mind was pulled elsewhere, when you heard Jaz hum. 

“Hm…”

“What is it?” You asked, with your back turned to her. 

“There’s…a number here. A ‘Trish Walker’.”

You stopped in search at Jaz’s words, and turned to face her, as she looked down a small piece of paper, that looked like it was ripped from somewhere. 

When you came closer, you could see the number written in pen, Billy’s handwriting, and underneath the number, ‘Trish Walker’ was scribbled. 

“Where do I know that name?” Jaz inquired, as she put her finger on her chin, in thought. 

You didn’t have to ask yourself. You knew the name. And the face, of the Tv star, having seen her at Anvil a few weeks ago. 

You felt your heart sink a bit, a disheartening feeling coming over you, and you shifted on your feet. 

“She’s-from that tv show from few years ago. You know, the one with the song,” you answered, as you walked back to where you were standing, continuing your search. 

“Oh, yeah!,” Jaz snapped her fingers as the memory came back to her, and sang the highly recognized song from the show. You heard Jaz hum again, and she voiced her thought. 

“Why’s he have her number though?”

You tried to hide the disappointment on your face, when you answered her. 

“Beats me,” you shrugged. 

You went back to searching for the blanket again, and after a about minute you finally found one, and you were about to head out of the room when Jaz’s words stopped you. She sounded entranced by something in her hand, when you approached her.

“Wow…”

“Are going through his stuff again?”

She quickly waved you off, denying it. 

“No-I was, closing the bottom drawer and I found…a ring. An expensive one, too. It’s has to worth like, thousands.”

“A ring?”

When you came up next to her, your eye caught glance of the shiny diamond ring, the light that was reflecting of it, made the ring shine brighter. When Jaz handed it to you, you were actually certain that the ring was brighter than the light inside the room. It was in a tiny velvet box, which seemed to have collected dust. 

The ring was really pretty, and it looked expensive. Very expensive. And as you stared at it, you thought about how it was just your style, something about it that you’d be drawn to. Clearing your throat, you quickly snapped out of the trance you were in, urging Jaz to return the ring where she found it, and walked out of the room. 

Handing him the blanket, you retook your seat in front of him, a determination on your mind. 

You couldn’t leave without some answers, and if he thought you were going to, he was very wrong. 

“…we need to talk…”

“That’s never the start of a good conversation,” he sighed.

Shifting in your seat, you let out a breath, before speaking. 

“Okay, first, I’m not stupid. I know you didn’t get those scars from any ‘training’, and two, how many nights have you shown up like this? You’re too calm about it, so I know it’s happened before, so don’t try to deny it.”

He turned his head towards the window, away from you, as he let you speak. 

“And whatever happened tonight, I know, it’s nothing good.”

You heard him heave a sigh, and you continued. 

“…Do you remember that night, when you asked me if I would ever run away with you? We were…laying in bed. After we…you know…-“

“Do you mean after we had that mind blowing sex? You’ll have to be more specific, cause there were a lot of those,” he commented, a smile curved into a smile. 

“You know what I mean,” you said, rolling your eyes. “I thought you were joking, but now…I’m not so sure. So help me out.”

He sighed again. 

“Y/N-,”

“Were you serious? About running away? Or Does wherever you came from tonight, have something to do with that? Or what you didn’t want to tell me the other day?”

You stared at him with wide eyes, waiting for an answer, any answer from him.  

He sighed once again, and said nothing. 

“Look if you…if you’re involved in something you’re not supposed be-or with someone…dangerous, maybe I can help you get out of it, or maybe work something out-

“Y/N,” he started, turning towards you, with a deadpan expression. “I am sorry that I got you involved in my shit tonight, I had no other choice and that’s bad enough, but I’m asking you…to let it go.”

Wow. 

You eyes drifted away from Billy’s, down to the ground. You could feel the pain creeping up on you, and your heart hurt, at the sound of his words. You looked back up at him, your eyes glossy. 

“Come on, don’t look at me like that-,”

“Did you really just ask me that?,” you asked, your voice low. “To let it go? I want answers, to why you were gone for so long, and you’re telling me to let it go-?”

“Y/N, that’s not what I meant-“

“And you had no other choice but to come to me? So I…I was your last choice to come to for help? When you were hurt, and-“

“No, that’s not what I’m saying,-“

“So I’m guessing you usually go to Frank or Curtis, for these things? What, are they on fucking vacation today, or something?”

“Y/N…,I can’t answer the questions your asking me, alright?” he shook his head, a grave expression painted his face. “I can’t.”

You looked at him, scoffing. 

“…you can. You just won’t,” you spat.

You picked up your coat to leave, and you could hear Billy faintly calling your name, which you chose to ignore. You called to Jaz, and she followed you out the door. 

…

“Y/N. Y/N!”

Billy called after you, and you sped up as you approached your office door, attempting to slam it behind you, when he caught it at the last second. 

It had been a few days after Billy had shown up at your apartment, and you’d been ignoring him ever since. You really had no desire to speak to him since then. You found that, since he refused to answer your questions, you didn’t think there was any reason too.

You didn’t like the constant fighting that you had going on with Billy. You hated it. It made you sad to think that was all of what you did since he’d been back, compared to what the two of you used to be before. 

In the past, the two of you hated whenever you would fight. Your fights would never last more than a few days, and even then, you were pushing it. After the two of you would have a couple hours to yourselves, you both would be scrambling to apologize to the other. 

And you wished you were in the same situation as back then. When things were easier. 

“I have nothing to say to you.”

You sat behind your desk, going through some papers, as Billy stood ahead of you, his hands by his sides. 

“Can you please, hear me out?”

You sighed, and lifted your head from your papers, looking up at him, expressionless. 

“Are you going to tell me the reason you showed up at my apartment, bleeding all over the floor?”

“I told you, that I cant-“

“Are you going to answer any of my questions?”

“Y/N-“

“Then no.”

He opened his mouth to say something, when a knock on the door made him pause, and you both looked towards it, and it opened shortly after. 

Nick poked his head in, a smile on his face. 

“Hey, Y/n. You ready for lunch?”

As you looked back at him, Billy’s head shot back in your direction, and his eyes narrowed. 

“Yeah,” you replied, with a smile. “Just a minute.”

Nick replied with a smile and a nod, and he backed up and closed the door. 

You got up from your seat and began to gather your stuff, as Billy stood in the middle of the room, frozen. 

“You’re not serious,” he said, as he searched your face for any hint that told him you were joking. 

Your only reply, was a sigh. 

“You’re punishing me, that’s-that’s what you’re doing.”

“Billy,” you sighed. “What are you talking about?”

“You’re punishing me, by going out on a date, with him.”

“Not everything is about you, okay? I’m not going on a date with anybody. I’m going to lunch, with my friend.”

You moved and made your way around the desk, making it to the door, and attempted to reach for the handle, when Billy stood in front of you blocking you from doing so. 

“That guy doesn’t want to be just friends, Y/n. I-I see the way that he looks at you-“

“The way he looks at me? What are you-?”

“Yes, Y/N! The way he looks at you, like he’s planning an entire fucking future with you in his head!”

You watched Billy as his nostrils flared, and he stared back at you, his mouth set in a harsh line. 

“I’m leaving,” you moved to go around him, and he stood in front of you again. 

“Wait,-just wait,” he started, and you stopped, annoyed. 

He sighed, his eyes darting between yours, and he spoke, in a whisper. 

“Look I, looked into this Nick guy, and I couldn’t find anything on him. Nothing about his life. Where he’s from, or-“

“Oh my god, you looked into him?!” You exclaimed. 

“Yeah I did, and did you hear what I said? I couldn’t find a damn thing about him-“

“Maybe because he’s a private fucking person, Billy!” 

“I’m just saying that I think that’s really fucking weird. Only someone with something to hide is that ‘private’,” he spat. 

“Of course, you would know all about that, wouldn’t you?”

He sighed a deep sigh, and threw his head back at your response. He looked to the side and ran his tongue over his bottom lip, before looking back at you.

"Those answers you're looking for they're not...they're just going to make things worse," he breathed,

his eyes pleading with vou.

You looked up at him, your eyes pleading as well.

"Let me decide that for myself," you moved closer to him, hopeful, as your eyes darted back and forth between his, waiting for an answer.

Billy looked down at you with soft eves, and he ran them over your face, almost as if he was thinking. His gaze made it’s way to back up to your eves, and you didn’t see his face change, at all, when he made the decision he made next. His face stayed expressionless, and he slowly moved away from the door and out of your way, shaking his head, as he shrugged. 

“I can’t.”

You didn’t move, just looking at him, disappointed. But he wouldn’t look at you, his gaze finding the ground. You scoffed, and breezed past him, as you left the room.

…

Nick was a good guy. A great guy. So you didn’t hesitate to accept his offer to lunch when he texted you this morning. And as you sat across from him at a table as he ate his lunch, you couldn’t help but steal a few glance at the man. 

Great. Billy had put the thought in your head, and now you couldn’t stop thinking about it.

He also brought to your attention, that you didn’t know much about the man, and it was true. Yes, you went on two whole dates with the him, but knew nothing about him. Now that you thought about it, he had let you talk for most of those dates, and you barely picked up anything about him. You realized now, that it was bad manners on your part. 

Nick had arrived at the company over nine months ago, and was one of the newest additions. What you did know about him, were the little scraps he gave up about himself, or what people at the office would talk about.

It was the only thing on your mind, and it was bothering you, so you let your curiosity get the best of you. 

“…Hey, Nick?”

“Hm?” Nick looked up behind his glasses, his blue eyes appearing bigger behind them. 

“Where are you…from? Or do you have any family? You just-you never told me when we went out, and you let me talk for most it,” you laughed. “I guess that’s kinda snobby of me…”

He furrowed his eyebrows, and a soft expression took over his face. 

“No! That’s really on me,” he started, shifting in his seat. “Uh...I’m from, Chicago, I moved here a couple of years ago, and as for family…it’s not something that I talk about-much.”

“Oh…” you said softly, your face softening, and you suddenly felt bad, for trying to dig into his life, demanding answers. 

You knew what it was like to have family be a soft subject. 

“You know, forget it,” you laughed nervously, “you don’t have to explain anything to me, it’s none of my business, I’m sorry for-,”

“No, don’t apologize, it’s fine,” Nick waved you off. “I want to tell you.”

When he said that, his eyes gleamed, and you gave him a tight knit smile. 

“…I have…a sister, but we had a falling out, and it didn’t end well.”

You watched him as he spoke, and he continued. 

“And as for parents…uh-,” he cleared his throat, “they both…”

Catching his drift, your eyes softened, and your heart sunk, as a result of hearing his story. 

You felt like an asshole. He really was just a private person, and here you were making him share something about himself that you barely shared, with anyone. Billy had put his paranoid thoughts in your head, and they got the best of you. 

“I’m sorry. About your parents and your sister. For even asking-“

“Y/N, really, it’s fine. You’re good, really.”

You accepted his answer, and shortly after, Nick drifted the conversation. 

“So…, I don’t want to overstep, but I was just curious,” he started, and you shifted your attention to him. “Is there something between you and that new guy, Russo?”

You paused, surprised by his words, and Nick noticed. 

“Yeah, I kinda sensed there was something there. Is he your…boyfriend-or hopefully, ex…boyfriend?” He chuckled. 

You grimaced at his words, and your face twisted. 

“Was it that obvious?” You replied, grimacing. 

“Well no, it’s just that, you guys are always together, always talking, and the way he looks at you…,” your eyes shot up to him, “actually now that I think it about it, it is a little obvious.”

“They way he looks at me…?”

Nick furrowed his brows. 

“Well yeah, like he’s planning an entire future with you. I got the hint that he didn’t like me. Now I know why…” he joked. 

You looked down at the table, biting your lip, before looking back at Nick to answer his original question. 

“It’s…complicated,” you sighed, the tight smile finding itself back on your face. 

“…is it complicated enough for you to…be my date to that fundraiser thing we have for the company this weekend?” Nick asked, his face hopeful. 

You knew what your answer was before you said it. You were furious at Billy, but you weren’t going to be someone else’s date to something, while you were working things out with him.

“I think I’m just gonna go alone, this time,” you answered. 

Nick looked disappointed, but he nodded, with a half smile on his face. A short while after, the two of you gathered your stuff to leave, and as you stood up, Nick bumped into your table, spilling a glass of water all over you. 

It was so quick and sudden, and you didn’t even know how it happened, but he profusely apologized. 

“I’m so, so sorry. That’s my bad, I ruined your shirt-,”

"Oh, it's fine! It's just water," you waved him off, "I'm gonna run to the restroom really quickly," you said, placing your phone that you had in your hand, on the table. 

You went to the restroom and dried off as much water as you could, washing your hands before you left, and when you got back to the table, Nick was standing by it. You went to pick up your phone that you placed on the table, but you stopped at the last second, tilting your head in thought, puzzled. 

That's not where it was when you left it. Right?

At least you didn't think so.

You were sure you’d out it on your right hand side of the table. but now…it was on the left side of the table. 

Huh. 

"Something wrong?"

Nick's voice pulled you out of your thought. 

If you told him that you thought you left your phone on the other side of the table, and it wasn’t where you left it, he'd probably think you were crazy. So, you waved it off.

"Nothing," you smiled, following him out the door, as he led the way.

 "Nothing at all…”

…

You pulled one of your hands from your coat pocket, and reached up to knock on the door, the loud sounds of running and laughter apparent behind the it.

 You soon heard footsteps approaching, and when the door opened, you were met with a warm smile from the mother who hosted the play date Ava was so thrilled about all week, and you returned it. 

“Hey! How was she?” You wondered, with a tight smile, hoping to get a good answer. 

The woman smiled back you,  at first, but it diffused into a worrying expression. 

You spotted Ava behind her, and you smiled at her. She gave you a faded smile in return, and that quickly made your smile fade, wondering why that was. 

“She was an angel, as always,” she added, reassuring you. “But um…she was a little sad, towards the end.”

“Oh…?” 

As you spoke, Ava came over and stood by you, in front of the door, but now with a slight frown on her face, that didn’t go unnoticed by you. 

“I tried to get her to tell me what was wrong but…she just wouldn’t tell me,” the woman shared, with a soft expression. 

You looked down at your daughter, her expression having not changed, and you grew worried. It was unusual in her behavior to act this way. She was always so joyful, all giggles and smiles. Of course she got sad and upset sometimes, which was unavoidable, but you could tell that this, was different. 

You thanked the mother, and waved her goodbye. On your short walk to your car, you stopped and got down to Ava’s level, trying to figure the cause of her sadness. 

“Sweetheart, what’s wrong? You were so excited about going to Amy’s house all week, it was all you could talk about,” you added softly, your eyes set on her. 

When she spoke back to you, her voice was nothing but a mumble.

“Nothing…I’m tired. Can we go home now?”

It was obvious that something was bothering her, her long face didn’t budge, but you took a deep breath and sighed, accepting her request. 

“Of course we can,” you answered, holding open the car door, as she stepped inside. 

You didn’t want to push her, but you didn’t stop trying to cheer her up. 

The car ride was quiet, and you barely got a peep from Ava. You tried to make her laugh, making funny faces at her, and putting on her favorite song that the two of you loved to sing together. It didn’t do much, but you got a small giggle from her, which was a step up from nothing. 

You even made her favorite dinner when you got home, which she mostly picked at. Even Jaz tried to help, but when nothing seemed to work, you couldn’t stand to see her like that anymore, so you were determined to find out what was on her mind.

“Okay,” you started, as you and Ava walked into her room. You moved to sit on her bed, as she stood in front of you playing with her hands. 

“I made your favorite dinner, and I even hid the meatballs under the spaghetti how you like, so it’ll be like a surprise when you find them. And I offered you cookies, that you didn’t eat so I know, this is serious…”

You looked at her, and patted the space next you, which she understood and took a seat next to you. Ava sighed, looking down at her hands in her lap. 

“…It’s just, today…everyone’s Mom and Dad came to pick them up today, like they always do. And…whenever you come to get me…it’s only you.” 

With those simple words your daughter muttered, you understood what was bothering her, the reason why she was so down. 

And your heart sank. 

You knew this moment would come again, eventually. It was bound to happen again. 

“What’s taking Dad so long?…Does he…not want to see me?”

Her voice was low, and you could hear the sadness in it, when she spoke. It broke you that she even thought that, even for a second. 

“Ava, no,” you shook your head, getting down to her level, and kneeled on the ground in front of her.

“That’s not true. That’s not it, at all.”

Your words didn’t seem to have much effect, so looked at her, your eyes soft, and you said what you could at the time. 

“…I know…that I haven’t told you much, but I can tell you about him? If you like?”

Ava tilted her head, thinking about it, before she nodded with a small smile. 

You nodded as well, you sat back on her bed with her, as you prepared to tell her about Billy for the first time. She really didn’t know much about him, you barely told her anything, because you didn’t want her to get her hopes up, just for it to come crashing down on her. 

But, right now, it hurt you, to see her hurt. And if easing her pain meant that you had to talk to her about Billy, it was a pill that you were going to have to swallow. 

So that’s what you did. 

“…Your Dad…is the best. He’s funny, and silly…. And he always, gave the best surprises.”

Her eyes lit up at your words, a giant smile on her face. 

“Really?!”

“Yeah!” You answered. “And, it was always so, so hard for me to surprise him. He just always knew what was coming.”

She giggled, and you continued. 

“And…he loves that pie that you like to eat, from the diner we go to? Maybe…even more than you do…?”

“That’s silly!” She exclaimed. “I love that pie!”

“I know, it’s crazy, but I think it’s true!”

You laughed and giggled along with her, and this went on for the next hour. Ava was so entranced, as she listened to you talk about Billy. She watched you, and her eyes lit up, just as they would when you would read her fairytale stories at bedtime, or when she was watching a movie she was interested in. 

And as your conversation came to an end, you stepped out for a minute, and headed to your bedroom. Inside, you took out the shoebox that was underneath your bed, pulling out a picture of you and Billy. 

It was different from the one Ava had seen before, and it was one of your favorites. Closing the shoebox, you went back to Ava’s room, where she waited, and you handed her the picture. 

She studied the picture, for a few minutes. You surmised that she didn’t remember his face from the first picture she found a couple months ago, and your thoughts were correct. 

“…I can get you a frame for it tomorrow, and you can keep it right here,” you gestured to her nightstand, and she couldn’t hide the smile that painted her face.

You watched as joy took over her face as she held the picture.

You knew that you needed to tell Billy about her. You didn’t know how, but you needed to. And soon. 

“…you’re going to see your Dad…very, very soon.”

“Really?”

You looked at her, as she watched you with hopeful eyes. 

“Yeah…,” you said, smiling. “I promise...”

…

Taglist:

@celestialams

@snowkestrel

@promnightbinbaby

@intothesoul

@weallhaveadestiny

@ramadiiiisme

@patniera

@wolfmoonmusic

@polireader

@mysweetlittledesire

@rainbowgoblinfan

@justyoursimpleflower

@naxxsstuff

@simp4panos

@nosebeers

@sumsytee

[depressedbagpipe]

"Blackbird to Robin, do you copy?" (Billy Russo x ofc)

Chapter six

Words: 5151 Warnings: mentions of the previous attack (check the last chapter for reference), mentions of PTSD, death, guns, explosions (and the aftermath i guess). poor grammar choices. change of pov, foul language, dana wants some soup. A/N: yeah, it's been a long time coming. i accidentally fell into a burning ring of fire depressive episode ft a massive writer's block but thank you for your patience and love. had to add some billy into it, too. hope you guys like it (mind you i haven't written anything in like two months so sorry for the poor grammar choices) Taglist: @badasseddy, @noortsshift, @britishbassett

Series Masterlist Previous chapter

Chapter six

I felt the thick thud of my skull before I could even register I was in pain. My skin felt warm and sticky, and although my entire head was throbbing, it especially felt like a needle was constantly poking my temple. Even with closed eyes, the ache seemed to grow every second. My entire body hurt, too, and I heavily debated whether I wanted to open my eyes, too afraid of what would wait for me on the other side. 

Muffled voices and footsteps screamed from the other side of the door, the sound too distant and distorted to fully comprehend what they said, and for an instant, I panicked.

And then, like a slap across the face, a flash of black flooded my vision, and Billy’s eyes were suddenly all I could see. The throbbing in my head grew stronger and unforgiving, and dizziness overcame me. Memory was coming back in flames, and each was more painful than the last. 

Billy. The attack. Billy’s apartment. The café. Billy’s car. My apartment. Billy’s black suits. The MET. Owen. Billy. 

Billy.

The name tasted weird on my tongue. There was bitterness in it, and fear, but also comfort and power. The mix was strangely addictive, and it weirded me out even more after realizing he was the first thing on my mind after having just woken up. 

I groaned, and although the sound was distant in my ears, mixed with the slight ringing that filled the silence around me, it was apparently loud enough for the door to burst open wide. I winced at the sudden noise, but the surprise was quickly replaced by relief when the man himself crouched next to me, unannounced. My eyes were still closed, but his scent was unmistakable. The warmth that followed, although unmistakable as well, was surprising.

‘Good night, Dana,’ he whispered. His voice was uncommonly soft, and the usual sharp edge he wore like a suit was gone. I wondered if, for a second, I had imagined it, because it seemed so foreign to him. But I couldn’t deny that I liked it.  

I believed he would have shouted, screamed, yelled at me and my irresponsibility. I thought he would just give me an earful, repeating the same speech like a mantra about safety and trusting strangers. How mad he would have looked, with his eyes sending daggers into my heart and venomous words into my brain. He would’ve repeated over and over how he had been right, and how I had been wrong, and how stupid and reckless I had been and almost had gotten myself killed because of it. 

But when I opened my eyes, I found none of that. Gone was his anger and fury. Instead, I was met with a rather compassionate face, with deep lines of worry around his eyes, and his usually-tamed hair falling flat on his head, with strands gracelessly tousled and unkempt. 

My fingers twitched slightly as if wanting to reach and fix it for him on their own. But either it hurt too much to move or I was too much a coward to do anything. So, instead, I just lay there, with eyes half-closed, a killing headache, and a nervous heart. 

‘Hi.’ My throat was hoarse and it hurt to speak. My voice sounded weak, and I fought the urge to grimace at that. I knew I was weak, and yet, I hated that. Especially in front of him.

‘You gave me –us, quite a scare the other day,’ he coughed lowly, his eyes moving across my face. His pupils seemed to mix with the irises entirely, and the darkness around us created two pools of somber black that were now analyzing every single aspect of my face. I had never felt so naked, yet so alive.

His little slip-up didn’t go unnoticed, but I was too tired to even press him on it. All I could do at the time was frown, and even the movement sent another hard thud to my head. To my dismay, Billy noticed that, and brought his warm palm against my forehead and softly rested it on the skin, careful and caring. Two things I never thought Billy Russo could be.

‘The other day?’ I asked finally after registering his words.

‘At the park.’

I sat there, looking at him. For a second I thought this illusion of Billy would fade, and the anger would come back, but it didn’t. I waited, staring at him, trying not to dwell too much on the way his hand felt on me, and kept waiting, but he didn’t move. It was only then that I spoke for him.

‘The attack.’

He nodded gravely, and I could have sworn a small sigh escaped his lips. ‘Yeah. The attack.’

I frowned again. ‘The other day?’

He took his hand off, and the sudden coolness of the air made me miss his contact, even though it felt refreshing. His existence was a complete contradiction in my head.

‘Yeah,’ yet he didn’t look me in the eye this time. His hands suddenly occupied themselves by pouring water into an empty glass on the bedside table. Recognizing the round shape of the object, I finally realized I was in my bed, back at my apartment, safe and sound.

He carefully brought it to my lips and tilted my head forward, helping me. His hand cradled the back of my head, and with one touch I was hooked. If he felt any affected by it, he didn’t show it. I almost wished he did.

The cold water soothed my aching throat, if only a little, and even though I was still tired, I couldn’t help but ask.

‘How long have I been out?’

‘Three days.’

‘What?’ the shock moved my body upwards involuntarily, but pain flashed in my eyes and my back collided with the mattress rather harshly. 

Billy helped me down again, adjusting my bed covers over me as he rechecked my head.

‘You’re fine, Dana. Just… go to sleep, alright? We’ll talk when you recover,’ he said, standing up again.

‘I thought you said I was fine,’ I couldn’t help myself. He didn’t answer, but instead rolled his eyes. He started walking away toward the door, and suddenly, the prospect of staying alone became unbearable.

��Wait,’ I called him.

Billy was already walking out when he stopped.

‘What do you need?’

It was so casual, the way he said it. So domestic. So natural. It was scary to think that, behind all that hair gel and money, there was a man. A person. A person I now needed beside me, if only to sleep. I knew that as soon as I closed my eyes, nightmares would plague my dreams. They had been haunting me ever since I closed my eyes three days ago, but my brain refused to wake up. Now I knew they were memories. And I was desperate to make them stop.

‘Could you… stay with me? At least, until I fall asleep?’

He seemed shocked at the question, and before he could refuse, I spoke again.

‘I don’t want to be alone right now, please.’

I winced again, both at the pain and at my own embarrassment. My voice felt as weak as the rest of my body, but I hated being powerless even more in front of Billy. I didn’t know what opinion he had of me, and I didn’t know if I’d ever know, but for some reason, I didn’t want him to think of me as weak. I hadn’t known him for long, but at that moment, in that state, I just wanted, needed, a break. I needed Billy to look at me and not see the desperate and frightened girl I felt at the moment. For once, I wanted to be strong, and I had just blown that away by asking him to stay with me. 

But, thank God, Billy sighed and closed the door, leaving the two of us in the dark. His movements were measured and precise as he walked toward me and to the side of my bed, taking off his shoes and placing them by the foot of the table. He didn’t look at me and I didn’t look at him as I scooted over to make room for him. Even though the space wasn’t that big, once he lay down, we both managed to fit next to one another without touching. I almost wish we did. 

The silence was deafening. I tried to control my breathing and not move too much, knowing the second I did I’d brush Billy’s arm. My blinds had been rolled down and very little light was coming from the outside, and the thought of not being able to see Billy, despite feeling his warmth next to me, was somewhat bizarre. A battle was raging on my insides, and unfortunately, the pain in my head was the deus ex machina saving the day. Everything still hurt too much: my head, my back, my pride. And yet, Billy made no noise beside me. I wondered whether he had fallen asleep, for it sure felt like hours.

‘Billy?’

Silence.

‘Yeah?’ he finally answered.

His voice was smooth, and I instantly knew he hadn’t been asleep either. This was as awkward for him as it was for me, but he still made the effort. I appreciated that.

‘Why didn’t you take me to the hospital?’

It was probably the stupidest thing to ask, but I felt the urge to keep him talking. At least his voice was something familiar. At least his voice was anchoring me to reality, instead of letting my mind wander and losing itself again.

‘It would’ve been dangerous.’

‘What if I had died?’

‘You’re not dying on me, Dana Jones.’

‘How can you be so sure of it, Billy Russo?’

‘Because they’d have to get through me first. I’m not planning on dying any time soon.’

His words weren’t romantic by any means. They were harsh around the edges, full of implications, just like him. But I liked the way he said them. And I could always blame the raging headache for such nonsense in the morning.

I scooted an inch closer, still without making contact. I rolled on my side, facing him, even though I couldn’t see him. I even heard his faint breaths, a bit rushed and erratic. What was he nervous about?

‘Thank you.’

He took a few seconds to answer again.

‘Don’t mention it.’

‘And thank you for saving my life.’

‘Go to sleep, Dana, you need it.’

‘Alright.’

Silence. It really was awkward, to say the least. Both of us were awake, sharing a bed, and yet, no one talked. It felt like hours, although they definitely were a few minutes. My breathing slowed, and my eyes kept drooping despite my intent of having them open. I couldn’t tell whether Billy was awake or not. And just when I thought he had fallen asleep, he spoke. 

‘Goodnight, Dana.’

My lips twitched slightly, and I answered.

‘Goodnight, Billy.’

…

Waking up with a killer headache wasn’t anything new to me. Many times before I had woken up with the remainder of a hungover, with mismatched pajamas and sweaty sheets. Other times, it was a flu, or a migraine, or a simple cold. I wasn’t a sleepwalker by any means, but every night brought an adventure with it. I never knew when, where, or how I’d wake up.

That day I woke up hot, cold, and alone. Again, not my first rodeo. But after realizing the events of the previous night, I couldn’t help the wave of disappointment that flooded my senses. The other side of the bed felt oddly empty, and Billy’s scent still lingered on the pillow. It was the only clue I had that whatever had happened was real. My head still hurt, and my stomach was grumbling like crazy, and despite not having enough strength to leave my bed, I did so with a groan. 

The floor was cold under my feet, even though I was wearing pink fluffy socks that definitely did not belong to me at all. I looked around my room with a frown, but everything seemed in place. Taking a quick look at the mirror next to the door, I noticed I was wearing a new set of pink pajamas, matching the socks, as well as a clean bandage across my head and arms. It was quite a spectacle, really, but my hunger got the best of me and with a final sigh, I opened the door and walked out, knowing with every single step that life was about to get a thousand times more dangerous.

Surprisingly, I found Karen sitting by the kitchen, with a mug in her hand and bags under her eyes. Her face lit up as soon as she saw me walk in.

‘Oh, Dana, thank God you’re awake!’ she almost dropped the mug on the counter and stood in front of me. 

With tentative arms, she hugged me, and the warmth that came with it had me closing my eyes in enjoyment. It had been too long since somebody had even embraced me like that.

‘Hi,’ I said rather shy. 

We were the only ones in my apartment, and I felt grateful for that. I didn’t know what I would have said had Billy been there. 

‘How are you feeling?’ her voice was low and soft, a total contrast to Billy’s. She showed genuine care, and maybe it was the concern in her eyes or the worry in her words, but all of a sudden, tears filled my eyes and fell on their own accord.

Karen quickly hugged me even harder, rubbing my back comfortingly as I sobbed into her shoulder.

I didn’t even know what I was crying about. The attack, the shock, the way my life had crumbled in a matter of seconds since Billy showed up at the stairs of my school. The tension, the pain, the fear, all of it was now going down the drain as I let it catch up to me. I lost complete track of time; I just allowed myself to stand there and break down, and Karen’s soothing presence only encouraged me further. God knew how long had it been since I had a good cry, and now it felt like the dam had broken and all the pent-up emotion was exploding in every direction, leaving me more and more empty the longer it went. 

But it felt good. I rarely allowed myself to be vulnerable, much less in front of other people. And part of me knew that the downfall was inevitable, so I was glad I was home at least. I certainly wished the situation was different, but my sanity appreciated it nonetheless.

Only after my eyes ran out of tears I dared look up. Karen’s eyes were equally reddish but cupped my face into her hands and looked me in the eye.

‘Are you feeling better?’ she asked.

‘Yeah.’

She smiled. ‘Great.’ She led me to the couch and sat me down, checking my bandages. ‘How’s your head? Does it hurt?’

I shook my head, even though it hurt after crying so much. ‘I’ll be fine. I could use a shower, though. And food.’

She smiled. ‘That’s good. Go take a shower and I’ll make you some soup. Can you stand on your own?’

I nodded. ‘I’m just tired.’

‘Understandable. Go, I’ll be here when you get out. And, Dana,’ she stopped me as soon as I turned around to leave. ‘I’m glad you’re okay.’

I smiled, genuinely. ‘Thank you. For everything.’

She smirked and nodded at me, and I left.

I didn’t want to make the situation any more awkward, and that’s why as soon as Karen resumed to her own devices, I sprinted to the bathroom, quickly hiding there and locking the door behind me. Against better judgment, I stared at my reflection in the mirror, and couldn’t help but to grimace at the view. Not only was my hair sticking up in weird shapes and places, but I still had heavy dark circles under my eyes, my lips were chapped and dry, and the skin looked like it needed some more melanin to be deemed healthy. Shaking my head I got in the shower and didn’t leave until my fingers were pruney and begging to be dry once more. 

I rinsed my skin once, twice, until it burned. Every time I closed my eyes, memories haunted me. Flashes of red and orange danced before my eyes, followed by deafening noise and terrified yells. New York attacks were nothing new, and I had seen my fair share of violence and injustice before. But this time, I had been caught in the crossfire. It had been entirely my fault, for ignoring Billy’s orders despite promising otherwise. I knew I had always had a target on my back, but, for the first time, it felt real. As selfish as it sounds, I had been directly affected by the chaos that usually ran rampant but silent in the city. And that only angered me. Because today I had been the victim, and I had survived, but deep in my gut I knew innocent people hadn’t. And that it hadn’t been the first time, and it definitely wouldn’t be the last.

At some point during my little stream of consciousness, I heard the front door open. I didn’t need to listen further to know it was Billy. I could recognize his footsteps from a mile away. 

With a deep breath I finally got out of the shower and dressed, and, with tentative steps, I exited the bathroom. The warm water had slightly relaxed my tense muscles, and I truly felt better after laying in bed for so long, but mentally I wasn’t ready to face Billy. I wasn’t scared of him, but I didn’t want to have a reason to. 

What I wasn’t expecting was to find Billy, Frank, and Karen talking in hushed voices, with Karen close to Billy’s face and an angry frown on her face. 

‘Don’t stop on my account,’ I said, reading the room. The tension could be cut with a knife, but I was still too tired and hungry to care.

Their heads twisted in my direction, and their sudden attention had me almost trembling in my place.

Frank stood there with virtually no expression on his face, as he usually did. Karen looked relieved, although something close to resentment emanated from her eyes. And then there was Billy.

It was the first time I had truly seen him since before the attack, and, to my surprise, didn’t look any better than I did. His hair, although freshly washed, wasn’t combed in the meticulous way he usually wore it. His clothes, too, were clean, yet he hadn’t bothered to properly tuck his shirt into his pants, and the laces of his shoes were undone. His expensive blazer lay forgotten by the entrance. And his eyes… they were tired. The creases around them were more prominent, and for the first time, he looked older. I knew he was older than me, but with his cocky attitude and his perfectly-kept appearance, I always forgot. Now, he looked his age, somewhere in his thirties, and it felt like a ton of bricks just hit me in the face at the realization. 

When our eyes met, I shied away. I still felt embarrassed about the night before, and I doubted he’d go easy on me after I could stand on my own. I really didn’t want him to be right about Owen, and I didn’t want him to remember me laying frail and cold in my bed. I had the strong urge to disappear, but it was time for me to face the consequences, wherever those led. 

‘Hey.’

‘Hi,’ Billy answered. His voice left a tingling sensation in the back of my neck.

‘Are you okay, kid?’ Frank suddenly spoke. His voice, too, was smooth, contrasting greatly with his appearance. He was dressed in his usual dark attire, yet his bulletproof vest and the grip of a gun on his waist were new additions. 

I nodded carefully, not even assessing his question. I was in no way okay, but I still had my guard up around them. I wanted to be okay. I was tired of not being fine.

‘Alright, you need to eat,’ Karen interrupted the moment bringing her hands together and led me to the kitchen, where a steaming bowl of soup was waiting for me at the small table. She slid two pills together with a glass of water as I sat down. ‘For the pain. Eat, and we’ll talk later.’

She gently patted my forehead, probably searching for a fever, but her hands were soft and I appreciated it nonetheless. It had been so long since anybody had taken care of me, that I didn’t mind it was a woman I had only seen a couple of times. I still didn’t face Billy, although I could feel his burning gaze on me, but thankfully Karen caught his attention and resumed their previous conversation, as I did my best to swallow and ignore the details they spilled on the other side of the room. 

My eyes closed for a few seconds as I took a big breath, hoping to find enough strength to face whatever was to come as soon as I was done eating. I looked at the clock on the wall by the entrance, and it surprised me to see it was noon. I wasn’t sure what I was expecting to find, but I welcomed the time. I still had at least half a day to get my shit together, instead of wasting another one drowning in my own misery. But that’d come later. I just wanted to eat the damn soup.

…

I wished the soup would have been endless, because now I was sitting on the couch, with the other three adults looking down at me with varying expressions and hidden emotions. It was silent for a while until Billy spoke.

‘Tell us all you remember,’ he said. Gone was the softness, and his tone reminded me of the same one he had used when we first met, back in the interrogation room at Anvil’s headquarters.

‘Well… I was with Owen…’ I stopped and cringed. I wasn’t looking at him, but Billy suddenly stood straighter when I mentioned his name. ‘And he insisted on getting an ice cream after the museum. So we were at Central Park, and… that’s when everything went to shit, I guess.’

Frank’s face was unreadable, and Karen softly nodded. ‘Alright, no brain damage. That’s good,’ she sounded quite relieved.

‘What did you last see before…’ Billy paused for a second as if it physically pained him to talk. I found it hard to believe that he actually cared about me, but I had seen weirder. ‘Before everything went to shit?’

I took a few seconds as well. ‘I mean… Everything’s kinda blurry. Not like there’s anything wrong with me, it’s just… I mean I was terrified. And things were happening so fast and… I don’t know,’ I tripped over my words.

To my surprise, Frank nodded. ‘We get it. We’ve dealt with these situations way too many times to count,’ he looked at Billy, who shared the same expression. ‘Listen, kid, things are not going to get easier from now on. PTSD is no joke, and if you ever need to talk, we know some good people that can help. Trust me, I know what I’m talking about,’ he even cracked a smile. 

It was reassuring to say the least, that these hunks of men struggled just as much, if not more, as I did. But those flashes were all I could see at the time, and it terrified me to think they’d stick with me forever. 

‘I really don’t wanna talk about it right now,’ I said, hoping to just stop their conversation. ‘I mean, I appreciate it, don’t get me wrong. But… I just want to deal with all this when I’m ready. I’m still not sure about why things are the way they are so yeah, I guess I just need time.’ 

The three of them nodded at me. I could tell there were still a thousand things they wanted to say.

‘I do, however, have questions. I don’t wanna deal with my feelings until I know who’s making me feel like this,’ I said, with a lot more confidence than I had. ‘So what actually happened? How did you find me?’

Billy’s POV – Three days earlier

‘Shit.’ 

That was the last thing I heard from the earpiece before the explosion went off. People were running and screaming all around me, making their way out of the park, as far away as they could. My legs moved involuntarily to the source of the noise, despite better judgment. Dana was there, and that’s all I cared about.

‘Robin?’ I asked, but the static on the other side answered for me.

I picked up my pace, running as fast as I could. From the periphery of my eye, I caught many police cars, as well as my own company’s vans, trespassing into the park, followed by ambulances and paramedics. It didn’t take me long to reach the Great Lawn, my breath stuck in my throat at the sight. It had been almost destroyed, the entire green field. Burnt corpses lay around, their bodies completely unrecognizable. FBI agents were already running after the surviving men, getting lost in the immensity of the park and the echoes of their gunshots.

I looked around in a panic, trying to find Dana. Many trees were burning around me, some of them on the ground after the blast.

‘Dana!’ I yelled, raising my voice over the many sirens that blared around.

I ran along the nearest path, simply guessing Dana and Owen’s possible route from the museum. Maybe fate was on my side, after all, because only a few feet away I found Dana’s body, laying on the ground, dangerously close to a fallen and scorched tree.

I immediately kneeled beside her, pulling her up into my lap, looking over her only to find not a single scratch on her clothes. Only the side of her head was bleeding slightly and seemed to be unconscious because of it, but her heart was still beating strong and steady. Some branches had fallen on her arms as well, but nothing else seemed to be out of place.

I didn’t even have time to sigh in relief. I held her close, feeling the dread of losing her wash over me as I lifted her in my arms. 

‘Blackbird, it’s Raven,’ Frank suddenly spoke in my other ear. ‘You there?’

‘Yeah,’ I struggled a bit with Dana’s weight, taking her up in my arms and running across the park, avoiding both people and debris as I followed the direction of Anvil’s medical aid. 

‘Is she okay?’ Frank asked as I approached one of the medics by the small ambulance, dropping her carefully on the stretcher. He quickly looked over her, assessing the damage to her side, and quickly cleaning it and putting some bandage over it.

‘I hope so,’ I noticed my hands were trembling, but I couldn’t dwell too much on it. 

I only cared that Dana was alright. 

Time seemed to go too slowly. Distant gunshots and explosions still resounded behind my back, but I didn’t care anymore. The cops could handle that one. My only concern was the unconscious girl in front of me.

‘She’ll be okay,’ the medic finalized. ‘Just a hit to the head, nothing too serious. She’ll probably be out for a day or so, the shock could have gotten to her. If she doesn’t wake up by the third day, take her to the hospital, they’ll know what to do. She’ll struggle with headaches and sensory overload, most probably, and make sure she has two of these once a day, preferably with a full stomach. Sorry, Mr. Russo, I gotta help the others,’ the young medic said quickly, and after dropping the bottle of pills in my hand, he ran to the next victim.

I could only sigh in relief, quickly taking Dana back in my arms and walking towards my car, making my best to avert the inquiring press and curious bystanders who had reached the park. Dana’s head lolled to the side and into my chest, revealing the earpiece, still connected. I tried my best to ignore the weight of her head in my chest, and the warmth that came with it and spread through me as I finally spotted my car. There wasn’t anybody around, thankfully, and with some difficulty, I placed her in the backseat and drove to her apartment before the police closed the surrounding streets. 

Dissociating was my best chance, for I quickly reached her apartment complex, and after a quick scan of the area, I grabbed Dana and took her upstairs. It was my bad luck that had me coming face to face with Dana’s neighbor. 

‘Mrs. Bardot! What a pleasure!’ I greeted her with a whisper. 

She naturally seemed alarmed at the sight. An unconscious girl being carried by a man.

‘What have you done to her?’ she took big strides to where I stood.

I shook my head reassuringly. ‘Fret no, Mrs. Bardot, she’s asleep. We accidentally had too much to drink earlier on and she’s a bit of a lightweight,’ I lied. 

Mrs. Bardot looked unconvinced, and I knew what I had to do. ‘My little sleeping beauty,’ I added, pressing a kiss on her temple. It came out with a lot more emotion than I originally intended, but the weirdest part was that I didn’t feel like I was lying. Not this time.

Dana didn’t stir, and although that preoccupied me, I didn’t let Mrs. Bardot see that. She quickly smiled at the gesture and offered to help me open the door.

‘You two make such a lovely couple. Take care of her, Billy, she deserves it,’ she said as I walked into the apartment. She glared at me for a second before bidding me a good night, and closed the door, effectively leaving Dana and me back in the silence of her apartment. 

With a final sigh, I walked to Dana’s room and placed her on the bed. I even took a second to look at her, finding myself wishing the circumstances were different. I fought the strong impulse of tucking her hair behind her ear but reached her nevertheless to take the earpiece off.

My fingers still trembled slightly when I reached for my phone, quickly pressing the ‘call’ button.

‘Karen? I need your help.’

Next chapter

General Taglist: @angiewhoohooo, @azaleaniath, @mishaandthebrits, @celestialcharles, @idohknow

[green-loser-lover]

How about some headcannons for the gang with an s/o who’s the just sweetest person they’ve met. Like they’re just the most motherly and kind person to them. Can be a Gn reader if you want

The smile that came onto my face when I saw this bro I'm 😍😍

Sweet!Reader x Various

Big Billy

He probably met you when the gang was bullying kids

your younger sibling was one of them so you stepped in

Obviously he and the others were expecting to be yelled at when you came over but then to their surprise you just asked them to play nice and very gently guided them into it

After that Billy tried to pay attention to the places you hung around which were mostly parks and cafes

When you started dating he also paid attention to what you like

Books? He stole found you some. Candy? Has your favorites. You like a certain show? He'll watch it

You would stand up for him when the gang is being extra mean so in return he's like your giant shield

Lil Arturo:

You guys meet at a diner where you work as a waiter

As you might imagine the boys have very little restaurant manners but not once when you were waiting on them did you even seem slightly annoyed or offended

He probably came back to the diner on his own on your work days just to see you

When you started dating he went out of his way to be around you but tried to make it seem coincidental

If you pat his hair or run your fingers through it he actually doesn't mind too much since your not meaning to do any harm

Snake:

You met him at a movie the gang went to, they were being too loud and rowdy so you convinced them to be quiet

He didn't really like you right away for that

But as he saw you more he got used to you being responsible

He really likes how you stand your ground without being the slightest bit mean or even annoying

When you start to date he is so very clingy and always touching you

Unless you ask him to stop, he'll stop

Sometimes you have to reel in just how nice you are to people otherwise he'll get jealous and be all over you not that you mind it you just don't want him to be upset

SURPRISINGLY he's actually pretty mean

Like sees a kid walking by him and trips them mean,, he gets nicer when he realizes it doesn't impress you it takes him awhile to realize tho,, the poor thing is DUMB

He soaks up your affection and kindness like a SPONGE

He can and will go out of his way to impress you,, even if he messes up and looks silly

Ace

You guys met when he and the gang were shoplifting from a small convince store

You just so happened to be working part time there and we're on shift

You knew what they were doing right away but didn't say anything for a while, you watches them and waited

Ace realized you knew after feeling your eyes on him

He may or may not have tried to pay you (most likely with candy) not to say anything to your boss

However when you offered to pay whatever the gang stuffed into their pockets he felt,, bad they paid themselves and left

After that if he found himself alone he would stop by and cause a little trouble just to see you

You found it a little funny but not too funny

At least funny enough that Ace would feel confident enough to casually not casually at all actually to talk to you

He was so extremely surprised by how nice you were even off the clock

He tries not to lie to you but it happens every so often

You always forgive him and it makes him truly wonder how your so sweet

Hes dragging you around because he feels he's just gotta let the world know how great you are

Try not to be nice to anyone who flirts with you btw

He will jump them,, it'll happen

Probably gets into more scuffs with the PPG so you'll bandage him up

[itsprashimusic]

'I got it! I got it!!!!'

Pairings - Avengers x platonic!gn!Reader, Steve Rogers x Reader

Summary - It is team bonding time! This time the avengers are playing cricket on a Sunday afternoon. Just some fun and chaotic times. And somehow you ended up on a date with Steve.

Warnings - swear words, reader is 25/26 years old, the reader ogling steve (and bucky, like once), steve kinda ogling reader😉, reader takes their top off (girls don't worry, you can imagine them with a tank top on underneath), reader's got some rizz, descriptions of a broken nose?, no they do not end up kissing. NOT FULLY PROOFREAD.

Word Count - 3.6k

A/N - this is an au where everyone lives and a few of the newer characters are introduced, also for the sake of this fic let's pretend that cricket was popular in the US in the 40s. This ended up being more of a Steve x reader towards the end. though i tried to include the avengers as much as i could.

sidenote - if you're reading this as a guy and are not into guys, i apologize cause the reader and steve act flirty w/ each other in this. you may very well skip this fic if you wish.

It was a warm afternoon. The kind that either made you want to cozy up in bed for hours or go for a walk outside, each option depending on person to person. Although you wanted to do the former, Steve and Tony decided it was perfect weather to spend some team bonding time.

Even though the sun was out, and you wanted to stay in, you soon forgot about all your earlier protests of it being too hot and you wanting to finish a book you were reading, when the playing actually started, and your slight competitive nature came out.

So here you were, 45 minutes into the game, covered completely in sweat but still having the time of your life. It was probably no surprise when the two teams formed were namely Team Cap and Team Ironman. When you heard the names the teams you face-palmed yourself, but then again it was Tony who suggested the names.

Under team Cap came of course the Captain himself, Steve 'America's Ass' Rogers, the most likely vice-captain, Sam Wilson, the one who was forced to play to get 'social time', Mr. Bucky Barnes, the one who was excited to play because she played it with her brother and their friends when they were younger, Wanda Maximoff, the one who was excited just to be included in team bonding, Kate 'Clumsy' Bishop, the one who was over-the-top joyful to be there, Thor Odinson, and the little one who wanted to join his mom, Billy 'Mama's boy' Maximoff.

Under team Ironman was the self-proclaimed captain, Tony 'Showoff' Stark, the levelheaded one who is actually the captain, Natasha Romanoff, the one who doesn't know what to do but will gladly join for the fun, Vision, the one who is excited for no apparent reason, Peter 'I will not fail you Mr. Stark' Parker, the one who will be kicked off the team if he uses his powers, Pietro Maximoff, the other little one who wanted to play with his dad and (real) uncle, Tommy 'I'm the faster twin' Maximoff, and the one who would've preferred to stay inside but was dragged to play, one Y/N Y/L/N.

Playing the role of the umpire to this game was Rhodey, and bless this man's soul of being able to have patience with the Earth's Rowdiest Mightiest Heros, cause the game was just chaos entirely.

Team Ironman was batting first. The first ones up were Peter and Vision. "Remember keep a firm grip on the bat! We don't want it flying like last time!" Tony was yelling from the sidelines as Peter was readjusting the bat in his grip. At the same time Tommy was cheering on his dad with a "You got this dad! We can beat mom's team!" which was honestly really cute.

Where normal matches would've had 20 overs, the Avengers decided on having just 10. After confirming Peter was ready, Sam took a bit of a running start before throwing the ball. Keeping his eye trained on the ball Peter swung his bat hard, only to have it be flung over 25 yards (roughly 22 meters) from his hands. Just as Peter's hands immediately go to cover his face in embarrassment, Tony's hand ran down his face in frustration. "This is just what I told you not to do kid," Tony said while shaking his head, then turning to look at you he said, "Can you believe this kid?" "Nope, but you still love him" you responded.

"That I do"

Once Wanda returned the bat to Peter, the game resumed, and this time Peter actually held on to the bat and hit the ball scoring a 4. Nice. After another hit done by Peter, it was Vision's turn. He turned out to be surprisingly good at this game despite it being his very first time. Two balls later and Peter was out. Next came in Tommy and to make it a little easier for him to hit the ball it was Billy who would be throwing them for his twin. It was adorable watching the kids play along with their father like that. A sight like this was rare at the Avengers Compound lately. But sadly, Tommy too got out and had to leave. Next up was you along with Vision, who was surprisingly holding his own pretty well.

After promising Tony for the 100th time that the bat would not fling out of your grasp, you finally got to play. Your start was not that strong, but after a couple of balls you were getting better. Because you and Vis were both good players, Rhodey agreed to give you a tougher bowler. So instead of having Kate bowl, it was now Steve. And good god was this man frustratingly good at cricket. He was really making it hard for the two of you.

"Hey Rogers, mind making it easier for us here? It's kinda hard to hit a ball with you throwing it so fast," you said after completing a run.

"Kinda the entire point of me throwing them, sweetheart. Kate was making it easy for you." damn Steve and his constant use of nicknames. OK WE'RE GOING OFF TRACK. Steve took his stance again and began jogging. Your eyes followed his thighs as he stood and started jogging towards you...putting it plainly you were distracted. He threw the ball, which came hurling at you at lightning speed. You somehow managed to hit it, only for Kate, out of all of them, to catch it mid-air. Sighing in defeat, you made your way back to the bleachers handing the bat over to Pietro.

"You did good kid. Out of all of them, I think you've played the best." Tony said pulling you into a side-hug.

"Really?". Tony nods his head.

"You're on my team, and let's be honest, a Stark's choices tend to be the best."

"Next thing you know, Morgan will be using that when she brings a boy over," you say with a chuckle. To which Tony replies, "There's still time for that, she's not growing up that quick." he said more to himself that anyone. You nodded your head, stifling a laugh while Tony brought you in for a side hug. "Looks like Maximoff's out. Red, you're up."

It was now down to their last two players. Nat went up to the pitch that had been created by pulling out the grass. You see, when it's the Avengers playing, they don't care about safety equipment. Only the two kids were wearing knee pads and a helmet. But other than that, nobody was wearing something that would protect themselves. And that would make a clear path for some accidents to make themselves home.

Thor was bowling when Nat joined. "Alright, let's do this!" he exclaimed with a lot of enthusiasm. First missed red flag. Thor insisted on not doing what he called the 'pathetic little run'. He said he'd be fine without it. He took his place while Nat took her stance holding a bat that was a bit too heavy for her. It was meant to be used only by Peter, as he was physically stronger than the others on his team

Second missed red flag.

Thor threw the ball. Nat swung her bat hitting the ball, but not without hurting her wrist with the weight of the bat. But being the trained ex-assassin that she is, her face remained neutral. Hence why no one could tell she was in pain and continued the game.

After completing 2 runs Nat took her stance again. Thor was holding the ball in his hand, tossing it and catching it. When the average person plays cricket, they would normally use either a rubber ball or a much softer yellow tennis ball. But the Avengers are not normal. When Tony ordered the kit online, he didn't realize that he ordered the Season Kit. THIRD MISSED RED FLAG!

The ball that Thor was playing around with was a season ball, a ball much heavier than a rubber ball and much harder than a tennis ball. And in all his excitement, he one: got too into the game and two: forgot to check whether Nat was ready.

She wasn't.

He threw the ball at her without warning. She was not expecting it and it hit her in the face, hard. So now not only was Nat's wrist injured, but she almost definitely had a broken nose. When her wrist got injured, she acted as if nothing happened. But when the ball made contact with her face a loud squeal was heard from her.

Because of how rare it is to hear such a sound come from the world-famous widow, almost everyone ran to her the second her hands flew to her face. Tony's 'we are gonna win' smirk dropped from his face and his legs started moving forward.

"Ow. Tony what the hell is that ball made of?" Nat yelled when she saw him, sending him a terrifying glare. Rushing towards Nat, you knelt down in front of her. Her hands and face were coated in blood. Everyone crowded around her while Peter took the bat from her. You had already taken your t-shirt off and started wiping the blood from her hands and face. Steve had come back with an ice pack.

Now, the team has seen you without a top on countless occasions. So did Steve. But that didn't stop him from staring at you, his jaw slightly dropped. Maybe because your muscles became more defined since the last time he saw you shirtless. You, of course, didn't notice it since your focus was on Nat.

"Thanks y/n/n" she said, sounding very nasally. Her nose really was broken. "Can someone get me to the bleachers?" Before you could react Sam effortlessly picked her up and carried her to the bleachers. Nat kept your shirt with her to absorb any more blood which dripped out of her nose. Steve had not moved from his place as his eyes followed you. Bucky came up behind him, smacked him in the back of his head, took the ice pack and walked away with an all-knowing smirk on his face.

Steve shook it off and walked up to where everyone was coddling Nat. You were next to the group of people already on the phone with Dr. Cho and in the other slightly bloodied hand you held a hand towel, wiping the sweat from the back of your neck. Quite a sight it was for the Captain who could not keep his eyes off of you, eyes following where the towel went to wipe up sweat. That earned him a quiet whistle from Bucky in his ear and a smirk from you who knew he was staring.

Once everyone finally left Natasha alone and in the care of Dr. Cho, team Ironman finished all of their overs (which meant that Tony was forced to play against his will) and it was team Cap's turn to bat. Peter had already offered you an extra t-shirt of his which he carried with him, and that made Steve a little jealous.

Most of the game went by soon. Turns out majority of team Cap were pretty weak batters. But then Sam came onto the scene, and everything changed. The only score he seemed to be getting were 4s and 6s. Thor got out pretty quickly. And in came Bucky Barnes. He and Sam were among the last players but were the strongest at the same time. The score team Cap had to beat was 104. It proved a bit hard in the beginning, but eventually got easier.

You were currently stuck playing wicket keeper. Originally Tony wanted Peter to do it, but Rhodey didn't allow it when he saw Peter had his webshooters with him. No one else wanted to be put in a crouched down position, and you were pretty good at catching things, so it ended up being your responsibility.

Because of the earlier batters being so sadly poor at the game, you were able to score 7 wickets by the time Sam came along. 3 more and you would win. Pietro was bowling, while Sam was batting. It was starting to get really hot, so much so that Bucky even lost his inseparable leather jacket, entire metal arm on display. A sight that got you staring for a few minutes until Tony cleared his throat catching your attention.

Pietro took a short jogging start and threw the ball. Sam hit it sending in far enough to be considered a six and took off running. You couldn't hear your own yelling over Steve's. His authoritative voice overtook yours as he yelled at Sam and Bucky to run faster. Not gonna lie, you found that hot. Peter yelled your name and threw the ball to you. You caught the ball and hit the wicket just as Bucky's bat made its ground. Everyone looked at Rhodey, "Safe". Rhodey had called that out when Steve started wolf-whistling. With wide eyes you turned around to look at him, just like everyone else.

"You might wanna save those sounds for later Cap" you say with a smirk, knowing exactly what Steve will say next.

"Oh, and what might 'later' entail?" he asks as you toss the ball over to Pietro. "Later entails me and you in a pool at sunset" you call over your shoulder with a wink. Steve's red face from running around earlier had cleared leaving him back to his normal shade, but a bright shade of scarlet started creeping up along his cheeks. Yep, you just got Captain America flustered. You heard Nat chuckling from the bleachers. Her nose was bandaged up and she came back to watch the match.

The plan was to play a sport during the afternoon and then spend time in a pool during sunset. Not just you and Steve but the entire team. Though, you knew them well, they all would probably make some sort of excuse to leave you and Steve alone.

There were a few more overs left now it was just Sam and Steve who were batting. The ball was thrown and just as Steve was about to hit it with his bat, you whistled loudly right in his ear. This caused him to lose focus and hit the ball wrongly. It also was the reason you got a disappointed look from Rhodey but a proud and approving one from Tony along with a thumbs-up.

The game continued and soon they were down to their final ball. the score was 100, 9 wickets. You called out to Steve, "Aye Cap, wanna bet? Loser has to buy the winner anything they want." Steve turned around to face you. With a smile on his face he said, "Sure. We beat the score, I win. You hit the wicket, or I miss somehow, you win." You nod your head and you both shake on the deal, "Though there will be a price limit of $200." you say.

The bowler got ready and started running. He threw the ball. Steve hit the ball. It bounced on the field. Peter caught it. He threw it to you. Steve saw it and had to make a sharp turn to dash back. You caught the ball. You hit the wicket. You yelled, excitement in your tone. Steve was looking down but there was a smile on his face. It didn't matter to him that his team lost the match or that he lost a bet, all that mattered to him was that there was a smile present on your face.

Peter came running over to you and you both collided in a hug with chirpy squeals. Everyone started shaking hands. You walked up to Tony, "I guess a Stark does make good choices after all." He pulled you into a side hug and said, "We do, but you are a hell of a player kid. Good job, you did well. Now go claim your prize, the captain is waiting." and he shooed you away with a wave of his hands.

Steve came up to you with a grin on his face and held out his hand for you to shake, which you took. "So, Rogers. Where are we going for dinner?" "Why would we be going for dinner?" "Because you have to buy me whatever I want and what I want is a date with you, tonight." Should you start a counter for how many times you got Captain America to blush? Because once again Steve's cheeks started to turn pink. "So, Cap, am I gonna get what I want?" "We did make bet, didn't we?"

Just as you had predicted earlier, everyone slowly started leaving so that it was just you and Steve alone in the pool, at sunset. The atmosphere was serene. Being tired from playing all afternoon you just sat in the jacuzzi next to Steve, head resting on his chest while his arm was holding you. When you first came out to pool where almost everyone was, he stopped to take a good look at you. He would rarely get to see you in your swimsuit. You had tied your hair up, not wanting to get it wet since you'd have to wash it and were frankly too tired to do so. But now the sun had set, and it was time for your and Steve's date. It felt like it had already started while at the pool, but you both agreed to have a casual date.

You dressed comfortable and wore slip-on shoes. Steve was waiting for you by his bike. Offering you a helmet he said, "Is there any food you are craving right now?" you answered no and put the helmet on. "Where are we going?" Steve didn't reply. All you saw was a smirk before he pushed his helmet visor down hiding his beautiful face. He was in a pair of shorts and a t-shirt which was probably too tight for him, not that you minded.

You moved to sit behind him on his bike, one hand around his waist while the other rested on his thigh. And the two of you were off. After a 20-minute-long windy journey Steve stopped the bike in front of a local burger joint. They were a bit on the pricey side, but their food was delicious. You both got off and got some food.

Back on the bike he drove to a secluded location and stopped. You got off once again but this time in a grassy area. Walking slowly, you looked up to admire the stars that were now visible in the sky, like freckles dusted on a person's face which enhances their beauty even more. Your eyes moved back down to Steve when he called out your name.

"A picnic at night?" you questioned with a smile, "Now that's not your average date." Walking closer to him he holds his hand out to you and gently pulls you to the ground next to him. You and Steve unwrap your food and eat in silence, the tiredness from the day catching up to you. Until you out of nowhere you perk up with a random question, "Have you ever drawn the night sky?"

He looks at you a bit confused. So, you try to clarify. "Like have you ever drawn the moon, the stars, a comet flying in the background, maybe the shadows of some Christmas trees and mountains?" He seems to be understanding what you mean and chews quickly to reply.

"Yes, I have. I was sitting at my window when I got hit with sudden inspiration and pulled out my sketchbook. That night I not only drew the sky, but I also drew a picture of a very beautiful star which I also saw from my window." "How do you draw a star? Especially one which you saw outside." you asked, your mouth full. That made Steve chuckle, even more so when you covered your mouth to chew, hiding your grin.

"It was easy," he said, leaning in a bit closer. "I drew you." This time it was not the captain who blushed, it was you. You could feel your cheeks slightly hot and faintly hurting. Since your hands were filled with food, you leaned forward rested your head on his chest with a soft thump.

You softly squealed into his chest which elicited a deep laugh from him, whose vibrations you could feel. You looked up at him and he pulled you closer with his free hand. "I draw you quite often. Every time I look at you, I feel inspired to draw your portrait and have the urge to frame it on my bedroom walls. My favourite picture of you that I have drawn it one where you are laughing. I added a flower to it, an amaryllis tucked behind your ear."

At this point you were just looking at him with utmost adoration. He was looking straight while talking but your eyes were glued to him and how he looked while talking about drawing you. When he finished and set his gaze back on you, the two ended up just looking at each other. The electricity could be felt and the urge to move up a little was there, it didn't feel like the right time, so you settled for tilting your forehead against his, noses touching.

The moment felt like it was going forever but eventually you both finished eating, packed up and drove back to the compound. He walked you to your room and just before leaving you he gave you a soft kiss on your cheek before bidding you goodnight. Just before he disappeared behind his own door you said, "I enjoyed spending time with you Steve. I wanna do it again."

"How about we make a bet?"

Rest assured you were squealing into your pillow for the rest of the night.

A/N- So after working on this forever (September 20, 2022) I have finally been able to post. I am in the middle of writing 4 different posts rn and have started exams (i have a paper in a few hours). Just wanted to gift my 60-something followers a fic so that they know I have not died.

Apologies if i accidentally mentioned any specific pronouns for the reader, please let me know if i do, i will make the changes.

[msookyspooky]

Terrible Trilogy

Part 25 pt. 1

*TW: Suicidal Tendencies/ Thoughts from YN*

wordcount: 7,500

"Surprise YN… URGH! SHIT-" 

Stu groaned in pain after you jabbed him in the ribs with your flashlight as hard as you could. He went to grab you again and missed. Knocking the flashlight from your hand as you narrowly dodged him grabbing your arm before shoving a stray chair in his path. 

"YN! Wait a minute!" Stu yelled out before wincing and hissing under his breath, "God she got the bad ribs too. Every freaking one of them-" He clutched his side and ran after you. 

You ran as fast as you could to the other room and practically barrel rolled to get the lock box on the table. Both Billy and Stu rushed in after you before ducking down each with a yelp when you opened fire, a vase nearby shattering into a million pieces as they both scrambled away.

"YN! It's us you fucking idiot!" Billy squawked out from the ground. 

"I KNOW!" You snapped while aiming with only one hand in a way you didn't usually do with your other hand still recovering. 

Stu raised a hand with an urgent yell. "Hold on! Just hold on a second!" 

  "What are you doing here?! I warned you to never ever come here!" You argued.

Stu gave around the corner of the hallway. "H-Hey, I didn't come to fight, I was just goofing around! Ya know, just making an entrance!" 

"Well I'm not laughing, Stu!" 

"Yo, we just wanted to talk!" He yelled back.

"Then pick up the phone and call like a normal fucking person!" You tried seeing in the dark without your flashlight with it knocked out of your hand somewhere in the kitchen. The thunder rumbled as you tried to prevent your hands from shaking.

 Billy countered from somewhere in the room you couldn't see. "We don't have your number after your old cellphone got destroyed, remember? And you didn't give Stu your house phone. Can't imagine why." Billy sarcastically said in-between grunts; sounding like he was struggling to move around near the furniture but you couldn't see. "Kind of stupid to give him your cell's digits, too." 

"Really? Like, you actually think nows the time for petty digs, dick?" Stu countered, still hidden around the corner near the hallway to the kitchen. 

You sucked in a shaky breath, aiming everywhere in the room as you heard thunder roaring, wind howling and Cherri barking from your bedroom. A harsh streak of lightning lit up the room in an off blueish white hue for a second. Just enough for you to see Stu a few feet away. You gasped, went to point the gun before feeling something jerk you back by your shoulders as an arm looped around your collarbone and another twisted the gun out of your hand. You held onto it, releasing a frustrated yell as you tried to not let Billy get that gun from you before he harshly hissed in your ear.

"Drop the gun right now, YN. We're just talking, alright? Just for now, I'm not slashing you up." 

"Fuck you!" 

"Drop it. NOW." 

"No!" 

"Alright, screw it." He grabbed your bandaged hand and put pressure on it. You cried out, a sharp pain shot up your arm at just the pressure he used before you dropped the gun from your other hand. Despite it all, you jerked from his hold and jumped to grab it on the ground in the dark before it was intercepted by Stu.

Your face fell. So many deja vu moments hitting you as you were cornered by Billy while Stu held your gun. A stormy night all alone facing down the killers.  He gave you a look you could barely make out in the dark before walking over and putting it back in your lockbox. Slamming it shut and shoving it to the side. Both of them soaked as Billy's hair clung to his cheek and Stu's thin shirt was clinging to his body. You all stood still for a moment as the storm raged around your home.

You gave a panicked glare at them in the dark, lightning from your nearby window highlighting them every so often.

"I told you, Sweetcheeks. We just needed to ask you some things." You went to run to your phone in your bedroom when Stu blocked you. You noticed he clutched his right side as he did so. "Nuh uh. YN, it's not happening." 

Your eyes widened as he grabbed you and turned you around to face Billy and away from any exit.

"...What do you both want?" 

"Answers." Billy replied instantly as you heard his boots creaking the floorboards as he walked.

"Then hurry up and ask them and then get the hell out of my house." 

"Awful cocky for someone with no weapon, security systems down and no phone on hand from the looks of it…And uh, you're pretty isolated out here, aren't you?...It's just us three for miles." You could hear the smugness in Billy's voice. 

To your surprise, Stu sighed and released you. "We're not here to fight. I'm serious, we just had questions we needed to ask before we leave…Right, Billy?" 

Billy just grunted in response. Not a very convincing one either.

"The fuck you aren't! You break into my house on a stormy night when you know I'm alone after I told you both specifically not to show your faces ever again and you claim you're not here for a fight?" 

"Sweetcheeks, look. No knives out, no ones restraining you, no threats…Just calm down and chill, girl." 

"Seriously? You want me to calm down after everything that's happened? Oh and what are you suddenly best friends again looking out for each other? All the bad blood just washed itself under the bridge?" 

"That wasn't part of the conversation, YN." Billy said with a tinge of irritation.

Stu huffed. "Don't you worry your pretty head about us. Let's just say we both called a temporary truce despite the lies and bullshit." He cocked his head as your eyes adjusted to the lack of lighting. "Just… Just answer some simple questions and tell us the truth. If you tell us; we'll leave." 

'Liars.' You thought as You shook your head and monotoned. "Why would I tell you? After what you two did…Why would I tell you anything when you already threatened my life?" You raised both your arms out with an outraged look. "Besides, I already know Stu went to the cops as Dennis!" 

Stu raised a finger. "Ah, ah- I got found as Dennis and got taken in whether I liked it or not. Had to pretend a bullet hadn't grazed my ribs a few days prior. I was about to piss myself with all the dumbass questions they asked. Rest assured, Dennis Rafkin is in the clear. I even nabbed Gale's file of me from her bag on my way out the door. So yeah, Dennis is gonna be A-Okay." 

"But Stu Macher and Billy Loomis; we're not so sure about." Billy muttered.

You huffed with a disbelieving look. "So…You want to know just how much I told the cops or what? You'll kill me?" 

"Stop trying to fight if and just tell the truth…You can't lie; we'll know." Billy gave as you saw the outline of him become more clear the closer he was to your nearby window. Lightning in the distance through the glass. You soon noticed he was stiff with his left leg.

You stared right back at him before looking between the two and shaking your head. "...Is this some weird trick?" 

"Why would it be?" Stu asked.

"Because how do you know I'm not lying? Huh?...How do you know whatever answer I give you is the truth?" 

"I don't know. People tend to be pretty honest in-between two knives. Spill their guts every time." Billy mused as he glanced at the rain streaking near the window he stood at. You heard Stu give a long exhale through his nostril behind you followed by a "Man…" Under his breath.

"I didn't tell them anything. " 

"Bullshit." Billy scoffed.

"Okay, so you already know? So this is one of your rigged mentally screwed up tests. " 

"We know you got in a Detective's vehicle after our fight. Even Deputy Doofus could figure that one out…I just want to hear it from your mouth how much you told them so I can prepare." Billy urged.

You bit your inner cheek realizing…It would never stop. Not until you killed them or they killed you. And you knew them too well. Billy either already knew the answer or would be paranoid that you're lying and would probably just kill you regardless. Stu is so desperate to possess you he'd make up any excuse to hold you hostage or stay just to 'make sure' you were being truthful…There was no use in even trying anymore.

You stared a moment before huffing with a shake of your head. "You really want to know?...Okay fine...I…I told them everything." 

Stu stiffened behind you and Billy tilted his head to stare you down. A loud clap of thunder sounded as another streak of lightning highlighted their faces once more as you were cornered between the two.

Billy's voice lowered. "What do you mean you told them…Everything? How much exactly did you fuck up?" 

You sucked in a shaky breath. "...I told them everything…I did. From Woodsboro to me letting you both go and lying at Windsor to even helping you both this time around."

Stu shook his head furiously. "Nah. No  you wouldn't jeopardize yourself like that."

"For Randy and Dewey and my loved ones I would...Look at me Stu. I told them I was involved and how I was involved."

Stu stared, jerking back slightly as he clearly saw you were serious.

Billy's tongue moved inside his cheek as he glared at you. The light from your window illuminated the room in dark blue just enough to barely see. He finally spoke up with narrowed eyes your way. "...Then where are they? Why aren't there mugshots of us or the fucking FBI on our asses?" 

"How do you know they aren't looking for you and they're just keeping it on the down low? How do you know I'm not wearing a wire or the entire house isn't bugged?" 

They subconsciously glanced around the room before Billy huffed. "Again; full of shit. If it was true; you wouldn't tell us about it. What do you think we are, stupid?" You opened your mouth and he interrupted. "Don't answer that if you like breathing." 

You closed you mouth and gave him an annoyed stare before speaking again. "Maybe. But I told them everything when Detective Kincaid picked me up; they're already looking for you and I'll just have to deal with my role in this in court when they arrest you. Sorry but I couldn't exactly hide how I acted after running for my life out of our motel." 

You saw that switch in Billy as his eyes narrowed a fraction.  "Is that so? You mean when you willingly got in his car after spraying me in the fucking face?" Billy scowled at you in anger. "After I stopped Stu from blowing your head off? Is that when?" 

Stu groaned. "Man, don't do this shit Billy. We talked about this!" 

Billy's glare slid over to Stu for a second before centering back onto you. 

You returned that glare. "Don't forget it was only after you and Stu threatened to kill my only friends and you put your hands on me, Billy. After that, I sure did tell the cops everything to save myself and them. You both were gonna kill Randy no matter what; I had to do something!…Considering you choked me at Milton's as revenge for spraying your eyes; I would have thought you'd be over it by now…My necks not sore anymore but what about yours? You looked like you were struggling a bit with Neil."  You gave with a tilt of your head and mockery in your voice. 

Billy's lip twitched into a slight sneer. He went to say something when Stu jutted out a hand towards you and interjected."So you told them everything?" 

"Everything." 

Billy stared at you and shook his head slowly with narrowed eyes. You could see bruises on his face and head from last week the closer he got. "...No. …What are you trying to pull here?" 

"Nothing." 

 "Then why are you telling us the very thing you know will piss us off? Why do you have a death wish right now?...I'd say it's a trap but I don't know how unless you're just really bad at it...You have a recorder on you or what?" 

Stu cautiously looked around himself after Billy said that. Clearly wary, maybe you did have the place bugged.

Billy continued. "Doesn't matter. Record our voices all you want; they still don't have our faces and will never find us."

You rolled your lips before uttering. "...You want to know why I'm giving you this warning to get out? Because I will NOT be some Laurie Strode dealing with you two as my Boogiemen for the next 20 years. I'm done with all of this and if that means risking my life to get you caught then so be it. How about some consideration that I'm giving you a heads up to run away and never look back." 

Billy eyed you. "This place isn't bugged and no cops are here to rescue you because if they were; they'd be here by now and you'd be side stepping more to get more evidence. " He got a little closer, tilting his head and lowering his voice. "No one's listening, no one else is here and you're lying through your teeth to scare us off…So like I said; what's the reason for the death wish in pissing us off?" 

You tried so hard to maintain the glare but something in you was cracking…You were tired. So, so tired. You felt like your body was betraying you as you bit your lip to prevent it from wobbling. "…I really don't have as many reasons to fight as I thought I did. Maybe I'm tired of fighting. " Your voice cracked ever so slightly. The idea of leaving your family and Randy and Dewey and Cherri and any future you had behind was awful but so was dealing with these threats forever. You were so tired of it all.

Billy's brows furrowed in confusion while Stu gave Billy a look before mumbling out. "...Oh shit…What happened? Well, besides whatever happened to your hand." 

You could hear the bitterness in your own voice. "Besides you two? The usual. A delusional masked freak ruining my life…And my hand's the least of my problems right now." You countered, voice heavy with unshed tears as Stu shook his head.

"Nah, you lost something important this time…Someone. I know Randy and Dewey lived because we saw them before escaping." 

"It's nothing. I told the cops. You got your answer so just get out of here before you do something to get yourselves caught."

You felt a pit form in your stomach as Stu scoffed under his breath behind you. "I get it…You didn't tell the whole precinct, did you?"

You snapped more aggressively than you meant to. "I told you I did!" 

Billy got too close for your comfort, staring you down with that probing gaze. "Did you really?" 

"Yes!...Okay, I did! I'm sure the entire LAPD and the FBI knows and is after you-" 

Billy tilted his head and cut you off. "You're sure or you know for a fact?" 

You faltered. "What? I told them all at the precinct!" 

Stu spoke up. "You're lying." 

"I'm not, okay?! I'm done! I told them and now there's nothing to do but wait till you're caught." 

"Another lie." Billy raised a brow. "You seem nervous, YN… Like you're bluffing." 

"I'm not." You challenged, swallowing and trying to hold the eye contact Billy was giving you. 

Your face fell as Stu figured it out. "…Holy shit. It was that pretty boy Detective, wasn't it? Now I remember; Dewey mentioned him being dead. The one that Billy said picked you up? He's dead now, isn't he? I didn't see him at the precinct when I was brought in and the door with his name on it was wide open with a bunch of flowers on his desk. " 

Billy raised his brows. "So, the guy that picked you up. You told him?"

"Yes, I did! You can believe me or not but I told the cops-" 

"No, I get it now…You told one cop." Billy drew out. "One. Dead. Cop." 

"Sweetcheeks, if they all knew; Then why did the precinct not have me booked after asking me questions? If there was a manhunt for me; I think the guy that looks like me would have been their number one suspect…They don't know…Could Randy or Dewey know? Maybe so, babe. But they aren't here right now and Dewey isn't exactly arresting anyone anytime soon." Stu smiled a little. "No authorities know anything." 

The silence stretched out as you knew Stu's wishful thinking was confirmed by the body language you failed to hide. 

Billy cocked his head to the side with realization and a slow smirk tugged at his lips. "Ohh…So that's why you're so difficult right now. You put all your faith in that one little pig and now he's buried 6 feet under…And I'm guessing; so is our secret… Am I right, YN? No one knows we're alive and a threat, huh?" 

You jerked away with a pained intake of air, trying not to look at either of them as the tears welled up in your eyes no matter how hard you tried not to cry. "Eat shit." You whispered back, trying to keep your voice from shaking as your eyes burned. 

"You actually thought it would work? That you and that Detective would put away the bad guys and go get married and live happily ever after like none of this ever happened?" Billy scolded before you yelled at him.

"I said eat shit, Billy!" You yelled over your shoulder, walking closer to the window.

"You can be mad all you want at the truth but you'll never have a normal life. Not after what we saw…You have survived this long for a reason. I'll give you that much." Billy gave with a slight shrug. "I mean, I've done better but not bad for your first time. " 

You hesitated at that before Stu continued for him.

"I know I said I didn't want to fight or anything but Babe…I gotta say it, you were so badass. Hottest thing I've ever seen once I got over the shock of it all." 

Billy huffed. "I wouldn't go that far." 

"I would so shut the fuck up, man!...Seriously. I mean, you wasted that bitch." He released a chuckle as he grinned and came closer to you. "I always knew you had it in you. Even if you don't agree, It's why I said we need each other-" 

You jerked back around to glare at Stu as he stopped mid step. "I DON'T NEED YOU!"  

Stu smirked down at you. "Oh, is that so? Randy and Dewey looked terrified of you. I think you were a little bit scared of yourself too and you know why? Because secretly you liked it. It felt great, didn't it? " He grinned ear to ear. "Come on, I know you enjoyed it even if you won't admit it…You think Randy could accept you being involved with us? You think the dead Frat Boy could handle you doing whatever it takes to survive? You actually think that the Detective wouldn't have been a little afraid of you and have you on a watchlist after you stabbed that chick so many times?" 

"It was self defense-" 

Billy chimed in. "One time is self defense. You stabbed her almost as much as I did Maureen. You know, the thing you were sooo disturbed by on that set." Billy chuckled ever so slightly. "I gotta hand it to you; even I was a bit surprised." You stared with wide eyes and your mouth parted as Billy's smirk grew. "Looks like you don't have room to throw stones anymore, YN." 

"It…Was Self…Defense!" You drew out through your teeth.

Billy shrugged. "Whatever helps you sleep at night…I don't care, honestly. However, I do have a few burning questions that need to be answered." He lost the smirk. "Like did you have that cop just waiting outside our motel for the right moment? How long were you working with a damn cop?!" 

"I DIDN'T! He was stalking outside our room after he dropped me off that day and sensed something was off. You're right, I'm a bad liar and he saw that." You felt them staring as you yelled out. "DO I LOOK LIKE I'M LYING?!" You shook your head and backed away. "What is this?...Why are you really here? You knew they weren't manhunting Stu when he was taken in so why are you really here?!" 

Stu opened his mouth to speak but Billy answered first. "We came here for answers." 

"Well, you got them! I stabbed you in the back, sold you out to Mark and he's dead! I have NO ONE to help me now and your secret is lying in the grave with him. We're square now, alright?!" You pointed to the door, a storm still raging outside. "So, get out!" 

Billy tsked and looked at Stu who shook his head at him. "You hear that? We're square now. Even Steven." 

"What?" Your voice had an edge to it.

"Do I gotta spell it out for you? You still sold us out." Billy gave simply.

"I thought you said you'd leave if I answered your questions?" You countered. "Let me guess; A lie. Shocking."

Billy scoffed. "Fuck that now. You think after everything you could just admit to selling us out and we'd get over it?" Billy argued. "That you could go toe to toe with us like you did and we'd just shrug and get over it?" 

You looked at Stu and he struggled with himself. Looking towards the window as it illuminated his features. "...It was fucked. I'm still ticked off and I really don't know how to handle that without doing something crazy but…Billy, let's just get the hell out of here! The cops don't know, man. Okay? We're good." 

"Shut the fuck up, Stu. You want to just walk out that door KNOWING she's betrayed us not once but twice?" He glared at you once more. "Maybe we should give the cops something to come here for? Maybe we should do exactly what she accused us of and kill off all the survivors that could ruin our lives?" 

You shook your head with a defeated look. "What do you want, Billy? You want me to beg for mercy? Get on my knees and sob for my life?" 

"Maybe." He uttered. "It'd be a start." 

"No." You quietly gave a crackling waver to your voice you hated as he tilted his head."After everything you've done, you of all people should know what it's like to fight for those you love. You did it on that stage…So what if I'm not sorry and I don't beg?" 

His demeanor changed. As you brought up his past hurts. "Then you'll piss off the murderers and we all know how that goes." 

Stu glared at him and went to argue his point before you spoke up.

"Fine. Then kill me." You simply gave with your arms wrapped around yourself. A stray tear fell even when you fought it. Crying in front of them felt like just another failure on your part. "Go on and stab me then. I stabbed you both in the back for a second time putting my friends before you. Putting myself before you. So why not just finish what you both wanted to do 5 years ago? One less survivor to worry about." 

Billy shook his head in disbelief.  "...God, you really have lost it." 

"Because you forced me to lose it! What choice did I have after all this shit but to lose my sanity and will to survive?! Unlike you two, I had no choices other than let you kill my friends or go along with your fucked up game and end up dead or in prison. You had only yourselves while I had my entire family and friends to think about!…When are you going to finally grow up and own up that all of this was your fault. ALL of it. Your plan was stupid, your motive was weak and everything is fucked because of your choices! Roman groomed you and Stu egged you on and your parents clearly caused severe emotional damage-" 

"Stop." Billy ordered with a panicked look in his eyes.

"- But you made the ultimate choice to do what you did unprovoked. It wasn't even revenge; it was just you pissed off at the fucking world for your homelife and unable to accept the truth about your parents. You brought all this upon yourself because even if Maureen was wrong; your Dad was wrong too and your Mom made you a second priority to herself! However, no matter how fucked your family was or if Roman used you; You had choices and you made the worst ones you could have possibly made. ALL OF THIS… Is… Your…. FAULT!" 

"YN, seriously, cut it out! Damn! We're leaving, okay? You made your point-" Stu went to jerk Billy by the shoulder but Billy gritted his teeth and jerked it out of his grasp.

"Watch your mouth, YN." Billy gave with a darkening stare your way as he retrieved his knife from his pocket. "I mean it. You're pushing your luck so bad right now." 

"Then stab me, BILLY!" You yelled with your arms outstretched.

"YN!" Stu exclaimed with a growl of irritation to his voice as he got out his own knife and got ready. "For god sakes-" 

You continued as you saw Billy gripping and ungripping his knives handle at his side. "No! I'm done! You both might as well just kill me because you've ruined my life so much…I might as well be dead anyways. You've taken so many lives; what's one more?...The truth is, you already killed me 5 years ago in that shed when I found out the truth. You want to talk about betrayal? That messed me up. The YN you knew in High School is dead and my life hasn't been the same since that fucking night…You go on and on about your heartbreak; Sid thought you loved her just for you to be her Mom's killer. Tat died thinking Stu loved her. And guess what?...." You hesitated, choking on what you were about to say. You sucked in a breath and stopped yourself. "...I'm done with you and all of this." 

Billy lost all his cockiness. Stu frowned at you and a strange look washed over Billy before he shook his head slowly with a subdued glare. "...Fine. I ruined your life and killed the Prescott's because I was a pissed off kid at my fucked up family and you're the innocent victim like always. That make you feel better? Huh?...Feel like dying after getting that off your chest?" 

"Yeah, I guess so…. Go ahead and do it."  

Stu's eyes widened as he got between you both.  "Woah, woah! W-We just wanted some freaking answers, man! We're all getting carried away here-" 

"You got your answers and you're still here because you apparently don't like the answers I gave you OR you really just wanted to kill me all along and used it as an excuse…WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?! DO IT!" You demanded with a yell. "Go on. Paint the walls with my blood or gut me like a fish or whatever other threat you've given me all these goddamn years. I won't fight back."

"...Wait…You're serious??" Stu asked.. 

They both exchanged looks for entirely too long. Billy's mouth slacked slightly and you saw Stu completely lost for words…You scrunched your face in confusion. "What are you waiting for? I have no weapon, my phone is in my room, no one's here, I can't possibly fight you both off at the same time, there's nowhere to run even if I do escape. If I'm stabbed and run away, I'll bleed out before I could even get help…I'm done. I can't fight you both again. I just can't." You softly murmured with the tears freely flowing. Angry just as much as defeated sadness. "So go ahead. I've said my peace and maybe me dying will give Dewey and Randy a heads up before you can get to them…Kill me and move on. No one will know it was you." 

You saw Stu trying to form something to say and for once was speechless while Billy's jaw clenched as his brows went upward in what you could only describe as struggling with himself before he visibly gritted his teeth and glared.

"...What the fuck is wrong with you?...HUH!?" He barked out in an agitated yell enough to make you flinch as he walked towards you. "You just want to die? You're just giving up?! What the fuck happened to that bitch that has done NOTHING but bring me HELL the last few years from fighting me every time?! What are you trying to do here?" 

"I'm not doing anything. I already told you to kill me. So, do it." ,

Stu exclaimed. "Yeah but…You're serious?! This isn't just you trying to press your luck or fight…You're just gonna stand there and let him or us stab you to death?" 

"Yeah, I guess so. Go on." You held up your arms outward as a sigh to let them and just stood there.

You expected Billy to march over to you and accept it or for Stu to fight him on it or both of them to do it because you weren't a challenge anymore…But instead, Billy just glared at you, huffing while he held his knife in his hand from his pocket and Stu shook his head at you with a disbelieving look.

"...Do it!" You felt yourself almost getting angry. Adrenaline pumping and disbelief at what you were seeing. "God damn it, do it! What is the issue, Billy?! What? Can you only do it if I'm crying and screaming?! You want me to run around here playing the helpless victim?! Is that what gets you going enough to raise your knife?!" 

"Fuck you!" You saw his jaw clench as he gripped his knife tighter and his hair with the other hand. "Shut the fuck up!" 

"No, FUCK you! Do it! I'm sick of the threats, I'm sick of fighting, I'm sick of everyone getting to live their lives but me!" You felt your lip quiver as Stu deeply frowned at you and Billy started pacing and gripping his head with a frustrated growl in his throat as you ranted. " So just kill me, damn it, fucking do it." They stared in silence but you could see Billy gripping and ungripping his knife as you yelled. "I'm never getting a normal life or a life how I want so why fight anymore?! Go ahead and kill me like you did my best friend! Kill me like you did Sidney!" 

"You're not Sidney!" He snapped, yelling louder than he normally did as you stopped your rant to stare at him. He sucked in air through his nostrils as Stu watched as Billy forced out through his clenched teeth. "God damn it; You're not Sidney Prescott and you don't get to die that easily!" 

"Then what the hell am I?...What am I then?" You asked hopelessly. Brows shooting up as you stared.

Silence stretched out as you both stared in the darkened room before Billy shook his head in disgust. "...I'll kill you when I'm ready. Not when you're begging me. You're right, no ones here to save you because no one knows we even exist. I'm not killing you while your name is still circulating in the papers. Consider this your extremely lucky freaking day." 

"Alright, enough man. You got that out of your system; let's get the keys from her and go-" Stu tried reasoning but it was too late. You didn't even hear him. You felt ready to crack with Billy the prime target as you interrupted Stu. 

"Motherfucker...You piece of shit fucking asshole!!" You yelled out in a guttural cry that wanted to crawl out of you for far too long. It was a scream similar to what you gave while protecting Neil from being tortured by them. You couldn't contain it erupting from you.

Billy raised his brows at you and so did Stu. You pointed an accussing finger their way enraged. "You came here to just scare me, you fuckers!? To talk about some questions you already knew the answer to just to what? Watch me bare my soul and break down?! Is this what you want so badly Billy?! To see me crack?!" You shrieked, huffing as angry tears streamed down your face. 

Billy stared before walking closer. He was silent before eyeing you and saying. "...No but thanks for the show, kid. Because I'm not killing you…You get to sit and wait and live in paranoid isolation just like I did all these years from you calling the cops that night 5 damn years ago!" Billy yelled back before lowering his voice once more. "Life sucks, doesn't it?" 

You wanted to go over and slap him, punch him again, try to fight him because all the threats on your life felt more and more like empty promises…Empty…Promises. Here you were pushing buttons and begging to die after years of being petrified and he refused…Then it hit you. Your face dropped and you looked between them…And…It clicked. Your eyes momentarily stopped watering as you stared back with wide eyes.

 "...Wow…." You simply gave in stunned amazement as it all made sense.

"'Wow?'...The hell is that supposed to mean?" Billy demanded.

"...You can't do it." You finally said. 

His eyes widened as his mouth parted and Stu just stared at you like you grew two heads.

"You actually can't kill me... Why? You killed Sidney practically for existing and she was your girlfriend. Here I've betrayed you how many times and you're telling me you can't?" 

Stu snapped himself out of it and practically hissed at you with a clenched jaw. "YN, stop it already; we're gone I will drag him out of here if I have to-" 

You held up a hand to quiet him as you continued staring at Billy in the dark room. You could see his outline looking away, walking a few feet from you to compose himself. Not able to even look at you. 

"Oh my God…I…I can't believe I never realized it till now…You could kill me, but for whatever reason, you don't want to…You're not going to. It's all just a bunch of empty threats." You raised a hand towards them in disbelief. 

He jerked back around with a mad look in his dark eyes. It's like you were cornering a wild animal. "Empty threats? Was Stu's party an empty threat? Or that college or when I had my hands around your throat last week?!" Billy jeered with his jaw clenched. 

You remembered it. A stark comparison to him sparing you years ago when you accidentally called him James in the yard. All before you 'betrayed them'…And yet, as enraged as he was, he still didn't kill you. He didn't even choke you nearly as hard as Neil did. It just proved your point even more. 

"You could have killed me at Milton's party multiple times and you didn't." 

"We were waiting to get the killer. We were gonna use you as bait!" Billy exclaimed, glaring as you gave him a mocking, disbelieving smirk at the excuse. 

You replied. "Really? After we got rid of the evidence you both ran and hid instead of slitting my throat for Dewey and Randy to find." 

"We didn't have time." 

"And at the motel; you both could have killed me and Stu could have just found another identity or something to go by instead of Dennis. Suddenly getting caught matters more than some wacky plan to kill? Or all the arguments you had with me where you both left the room or-" You started laughing with tears still wet on your face. You didn't know why but it all seemed ridiculous the more you thought about it…They had been holding back all along and not because of any of the excuses Billy gave.

"…What is so fucking funny? Have you cracked your lid or what?! You have two murderers cornering you in your dark ass house and you're giggling!" Billy yelled, getting agitated at you not taking them seriously and for good reason…They still weren't killing you.

You stopped giggling but held the smile as you continued, voice raising in outrage. "When I really think about it; Yeah, you've choked or threatened me with a knife or even my own gun but how many times could you have stabbed me and you didn't? How many times, Billy? Stu, you could've shot me. Go ahead, hit me or choke me out of anger and prove my point because you could do the most awful shit to me but you aren't killing me." You held a bitter smile as you shook your head more at yourself than them…It's a joke that I ever let either of you have this power over me over empty threats when it comes to my life. I could understand my loved ones; but not me. For whatever reason; you can't do it." 

Billy suddenly rushed over and hauled you up by the shirt and sneered at you as Stu went to grab him. "Listen here you fucking crazy bitch; I'm gonna string your god damn insides all over this cabin if you don't shut up! You want to die so badly? Keep pushing." 

You shoved him away as Stu jerked him off. "We both know you won't because you would have done it by now!…Even if you did kill me; I want to die at this point. You'll just be giving me what I want." 

He went to grab at you again, rage fueling him before you shocked even yourself. Your good hand reached up and slapped him across the face the second he got close enough. Right where you left that scar on his face 5 years prior. Stu gasped to himself as Billy's eyes widened and his mouth parted. He looked completely surprised…You were too but either you were at your breaking point or you were tired of it and ready to prove your point. 

He made a move towards you and you went to raise your hand again just for him to grab your wrist and jerk you forward to see his face fully up close. You flinched when you felt his knife pressing into your abdomen. Rain still pouring on the roof was the only sound for a few seconds. 

"Still feeling confident?" He drew out, his dark eyes burning into yours. You felt fear for a moment before it subsided. You stared a few moments before telling him. "Still wanna die? Still think you've got some sort of power over this situation, YN?" 

"...Even at the motel; Stu hesitated. If he really wanted me dead, he's right, he would have done it by now." You gave Billy a somber look.  "And you could have too."

You were dropped onto the floor when Stu jerked Billy off, practically shoving him so hard he almost toppled over a nearby table. "I said it's enough! I'm getting my fucking car and we're out of here, alright?! And before you start; remember you're more injured than I am, pal." 

You faltered at that as you tried to get up. "...What?" 

Stu slapped his arms at his sides in exasperation as Billy staggered to stand while glaring at Stu and gripping his knife. Stu gave him a look with his own knife in hand. "My car, YN. You know, the one I left parked in your garage to go on a roadtrip to find dickhead here and figure this shit out? THAT'S why we came here." He gave you both a glare. "I've been trying to tell you halfway through this conversation. I need the keys to your garage." 

He gave you a dumbfounded look and dug in his pocket with his hands. Your entire face fell when he jangled a set of car keys for emphasis. You knew his car was in your garage but it did slip your mind the last few days considering everything.

"I've been hitchhiking with asshole here because he promised he could fix the fucked up radiator I've been babying if I gave him a free ride to Clarksburg. After that, we're done. Because you think you've been betrayed? The guy I formed a murder plot with, who I thought was my best friend, was lying to me the entire time. I was always the guy he was going to pin the fall out on if it got too rough…And the one girl I care about wants nothing to do with me because I fucked up and I have no one left in my life. One fuck up to make her never trust me again because let's face it…You don't wanna die. I saw that in the motel and just now when Billy grabbed you. You're just depressed and not thinking straight because the guy replacing me kicked the bucket. You'll get over it and realize how stupid it is to keep arguing with psychotic murders." 

You stared in shock before stammering.  "B-but…But you still broke into my house. You didn't have to do that…And my power!" 

"BECAUSE how else could we talk to you to get info and my car without setting off your alarm? We've been trying to decide what to do since before the storm started and saw an opportunity when the storm knocked out the power. Not us, the storm…Would you have answered the door without calling the police or shooting us? Seriously?" Stu gave you an exasperated look as silence fell over all of you. 

Stu finally spoke his peace with a haughty smirk. "You know what? You're full of shit too. I don't want to kill you, and maybe Billy can't kill you either unless it's for some specific bullshit reason but most of all; you can't kill us either." He said before Billy had a chance to argue his name being brought up. He glared at Stu and you were sure if it wasn't for his 'injuries' Stu claimed then he would have attacked Stu for shoving him back like that.

"What?" You gave a forced humorless scoff of a chuckle. 

"You heard me, Sweetcheeks. You could have turned us in so many freaking times, man, before Detective Kincaid. You could have killed us on that stage, you could have killed us in that motel and blamed Neil or Roman when shit hit the fan, you could have let Dewey shoot us or make it out like we were another set of murderers involved but you didn't. You know why? Because Stu Macher is always right. Even if you're right and let's say you don't need us…You also don't want to kill off or send to prison the last two people that truly understand the darkest parts of you and still accept you for it…Because maybe Randy won't be here years from now or Dewey will be wrapped around Gale's finger and whatever plot she has for a money grabbing novel? Face it, babe. You're just as guilty as we are with who's sparing who." 

You gawked at him. Truly horrified at what he was saying as you violently shook your head. "No…NO! I just tried to shoot you!" 

"And you missed. I know it's dark and your hands screwed up but come on. I think we both know you are a better shot than that."

You felt your lip raise in a sneer. "You're wrong, Stu. I do not want you in my life and I was aiming to kill!" 

Stu snapped at that, clearly hurt and fueling it with anger as Billy stood on the sidelines in his own whirlwind in his mind at what tonight brought to the surface. "ALRIGHT! Got it! You hate my fucking guts! Yeah well, be that as it may, you STILL can't kill us either. Go ahead, I could hand you the gun and you might shoot at us but you won't make that kill shot. Dead serious, I'll put it in your hand and stand here waiting." 

You didn't answer just staring at him in shock as he nodded with a tsk. "Yeah…That's what I thought." 

An awkwardness lingered at the things brought up.

As if divine intervention at the worst time; the power was back on. The lights flickered to reveal all of you. It seemed like no one could fully look each other in the eyes. But you all could see the bruises, the bandaging you saw on Billy's abdomen through his white tank he wore under his jacket. The bulging patch on Stu's side through his black t-shirt. The bruising and cuts on their faces and including the ones on yours from fist fighting Neil. Just rain pattering on your metal roof, Cherri barking from your room and the silence from the knowledge all of you couldn't take back now.

[robybyn]

Beware, this is a very, very, very scary story with a scary thing that will give you nightmares. If you haven't heard of it, it's the michael pikmin story. here it goes (beware)

I've always been a big pikmin fan, so imagine my surprise when i randomly came across a gamecube and pikmin 2 for aforementioned gamecube at a garage sale in Louisiana it was an immediate buy, my unwashed sweaty fingers swiftly reached for my pikmin themed wallet as i handed $42 to the garage sale man (a steal!!!). Obviously, I rushed home, plugged my cubed console into my wall, and tv then threw the blessed pikmin 2 into said gamecube, I sat my 32 year old ass onto the couch in my bitch mothers basement as i waited for pimkin 2 to load. and then there it was. the theme to pikmin 2 started playing... although it sounded a little slower than what i remembered... and a little lower in pitch, but I brushed it off as it was probably just me remembering it wrong, and I started playing the game!

Two hours into the game and one hour away after my stupid mother made me dinner with no fucking chicken nuggets (god I hate her) I came back and unpaused the game to see an untextured pikmin in the distance "that's weird" i thought, "probably just a bug tho" i said outloud to nobody but my olimar body pillow. I made olimar walk to the untextured pikmin so i could figure out what type it was and... upon closer inspection... the pikmins eyes was bleeding and looked voidesc. Seeing this creeped me, and I was about to walk away until the untextured pikmin said in a brash voice.

"I am evil pikmin. I do evil to all"

I gasped at the TV. what? "pikmin can't be evil" I thought but then the evil pikmin continued.

"I am evil pikmin, the true owner of this pikmin game is Billy Johnson. He died, and so now i must punish you for disturbing his resting place... MICHAEL"

Hearing the evil pikmin say my name made me piss myself in fear but not in a pathetic way, a cool way. I decided to unplug the gamecube and plug it back in, hoping it would fix everything... I was wrong.

the game loaded up, the theme music sounding even more ominous than before. when i tried to load the game, my save file was gone, so i punched the wall, prompting Mother to shout at me. i decided to start again, but this time, the evil pikmin was hiding in the cutscenes and around the levels, and when i turned Olimar around to face the camera... his eyes were red and bleeding!!!! I jumped out of my couch and evil pikmin showed up again. Olimar and evil pikmin got closer to the camera and started talking at the same time.

"MICHAEL YOU STOP PLAYING THIS PIKMIN RIGHT NOW"

Olimar shouting at me made me cry a little, but i stood my ground and shouted back at the tv "NO I'M PLAYING THIS GAME NO MATTER WHAT" inbaddass tone, oh how deeply I regret that! the evil pikmin shot olimar as I screamed "whyyyyyy" my bitch mother came down and started yelling until i heard another gunshot, the evil pikmin left the TV and killed her!!!! The evil pikmin was out of the TV and grabbed me by my receding hairline as he began to swing me over his head as if i was the pikmin i was so happily throwing around just an hour ago, he thew me into a wall knocking me unconscious, I thought i had died because he shot me too but months later I woke up from a coma after all the events. I was naive and thought the evil pikmin couldn't get me here... I was wrong. Dead wrong. The evil pikmin jumped from the ceiling like a licker from resident evil and started attacking my face beating me until i began to cry. finally, after my beating was over, the evil pikimin said

"One of these days Michael pikmin, I will kill you, I'm going to follow you around and enact my vengeance upon you every day until i get bored"

He let out an evil laugh. Michael pikimin? why did he call me that I thought until... I LOOKED DOWN AND MY BODY WAS SLOWLY TURNING INTO A PIKMIN I'M TYPING ALL OF THIS AS I TRANSFORM FURTHER INTO-

"pikmin"

Guys, I told you this story was terrifying... I hope you sleep well tonight.

[ventya]

steve is standing behind billy. everyone is here. all of the friends steve had made in the recent year. the party talking all things dnd, the adults drinking some wine. robin, eddie, nancy, and jonathan are closest to them having some sort of conversation. they are all occupied, engaging with others too busy to notice.

billy is here because of max, a pity invite. he doubts that even steve wanted him here because whatever they had going wasn't something the brunette really flaunted. it wasn't even something billy wanted others to know about. and in all honesty, he wasn't sure what it was. steve was always so hot and cold when it came to him.

it drove billy crazy.

just three days ago they had a fight after steve had seen him out and about in the city. steve had completely lost it over billy hanging out with another guy. but it wasn't like they were exclusive?? billy yelled back and he was surprised they hadn't actually fought each other. so they hadn't spoken to each other in three days. even when he entered steve hadn't greeted him all he did was take a long look at him before ignoring him for the rest of the night.

billy thought with a joyless chuckle "guess that's it" to himself and went to get himself a drink, which he nursed for the whole night. and he thought of how he is going to go back to the city after bringing max back home and find himself a nice guy because fuck steve harrington.

now here he is standing in the small circle of a mismatched friend group. he did boast about his plans especially when eddie talked about his own plans for the later night.

"i know some good clubs in the city," billy then tips his cup, "with better shit."

"and good company?" eddie gives a sarcastic look with a raised brow and pouted lips. billy smirks and this makes a smirk just grow on eddie's face. "take me with youu." that's when he earned a slap from robin, who then goes into a rant about how special this night is. after all this is a celebration of defeating the all-evil vecna. it's then that billy notices that steve hadn't said anything just sipping on his cup and staring at him. billy starts to feel uneasy. he walks past him to get another drink. shoulders bumping and billy's grip tightens around his own cup. it's when he comes back and everyone else is occupied with something or someone. when steve is behind him billy can feel his presence, his warmth, and his darkness almost like he is looming over him.

steve leans down, but not too low for anyone to really notice it. speaking so low so no one but billy can hear and it sends shudders down his whole body.

"you're not going back there," it's demanding, authoritative. steve doesn't even touch him but billy can imagine his tight grip on his chin making him look up at him. " because you belong to me"

[andvys]

ANDY!! i just finished part 10 and IT WAS SOOO GOOD!!

He didn’t see a point in keeping the relationship going. Why should he? You are the one for him, you are the one he wants, you are the one he loves. 

men are really quick aren't they? took you long enough steve 😭

Steve might never let you go but he is willing to try. 

boy if you don't- 😭

Every time he thinks that it can’t hit him any harder, it hits him even harder. The realization that he is nothing but a stranger to you now, broke his heart all over again and took everything in him not to break down in the school's hallway. 

i kinda relate to him... but in a platonic way. as in, that's how i felt about my friends when we fell out. the pain is unreal but the difference is that steve deserves it 🤭

The smell of the locker room makes Steve feel sick and he can’t wait to get out. A cloud of cologne mixed with sweat and the fog from the showers hangs over the room. He looks into the mirror as he dries his hair with the towel. Drops of water dribble down his chest. Steve looks at Eddie through the mirror. He is surprised to see him here. Usually, he skips gym class. His friend Jeff is standing next to him as he puts his shirt on, laughing at something Eddie had whispered to him. 

MALE LOCKER ROOM THE FLASHBACKS THIS GAVE ME 😭 at our uni gym when you exit the girls locker room you walk down the hallway and you pass the boys room and their door is ALWAYS open and you always get a sniff 😭😭

“Yeah, your mom.” Eddie smirks and turns back around to put his shirt on.

BAHAHAHAHAHAHA

“Wheeler is turning you into a pussy, Steve.” Billy says as he looks at him over Tommy’s shoulder.

billy you should bang your head against the wall

Tommy chuckles to himself and shakes his head, “he was always a pussy.”

tommy you too

You’re not alone, of course you are with him and you look so beautiful but different. You are wearing a skirt, one that is certainly too short for this weather, the fishnet tights do nothing to protect your skin from the cold. You are wearing platform boots and a short leather coat – dark colors, dark nails, red lips, curls and bangs. You are starting to look like the female version of him. 

she has to look so cool and hot tbh i love this kind of style and i always wanted a red lipstick but i'm still not very brave enough 🥹

“I know it will be,” you giggle, “I still got the credit card my dad gave me, we can book a hotel room afterwards.”

GIRL- SHES KEEPING HERSELF BUSY OKAAAAYYY

It’s been three months ever since you had gone separate ways and you changed, a lot. Your hair is longer now, your clothes are different, your music taste has changed, you are learning how to play guitar, you write songs with Eddie and you work at the record store three times a week after school – he only knows that because Max Mayfield told him, who apparently is your number one fan now. You are her english tutor and ‘the much cooler older friend’. She loves to brag about you to the boys and to him. Steve likes her and she somehow became a little sister figure in his life but he hates the smug look on her face whenever she tells him stories about you. 

IF MAX LOVED ME MY LIFE WOULD BE COMPLETE TBH IMAGINE MAX MAYFIELD THINKING YOURE COOL 😭❤��

“One has to be a real fucking idiot to dump someone with that ass.” 

wish i had a big ass tbh

“She wouldn’t even look at the freak after I’d fuck her dumb.”

billy the wall calls you

Maybe he is right. Steve never took care of you the way you always took care of him. You always made sure that he felt good, he never did the same for you and he feels ashamed about it. 

boy... AND ON TOP OF EVERYTHING YOU DIDNT MAKE HER COME 😭

“Shut the fuck up, Carver!” Billy yells, “I’m sick of your motivation speeches.”

😭 he's got a point there

He is happy. 

trying to convince yourself there? 😭

IM SO INVESTED IN THIS!! i live for steve's suffering and i'm so excited to see what's next 😭 - honey anon ♡

HI OMG YOU MADE ME GIGGLE WITH YOUR COMMENTS 🤭

BILLY THE WALL CALLS YOU 😂😭 it’s been calling him since he first appeared on the show

I’m sorry about the fallout with your friend :( it’s the worst when you become strangers with someone you used to be close with :( but steve really did deserve it

i know red lipstick would look amazing on you! (i’m not brave enough to wear it either but i hope you will be someday 🥺)

ALSO I AGREE ABOUT MAX! if she thinks you’re cool then you really won in life 😭 max is the coolest

i also wish i had a big ass 😭

Steve was a bad boyfriend and a bad fuck, let’s hope he will do better in the future 😂

And he really is trying to convince himself but really, he isn’t convincing anyone. Boy is miserable deep down

I’m so so happy you liked it! I can’t wait to share all the upcoming drama with you 🤭 there’s still so much coming 👀

[fcundaticnsofdecay]

she was starting think that he was right. that she shouldn't have even gone back to work. to an extent she was trying to have some sense of normalcy. now she was starting to realize that there was clearly not going to be anything normal. no one could have imagined that a drunk customer would back their car into the bar. it was going to be weeks probably of dealing with insurance companies and construction. she was just relieved that it seemed no one was seriously hurt. her mind was buzzing and she felt like her heart was on the verge of bursting from her chest. the fact that her boss was leaning heavily on her wasn't a surprise but she didn't see why he was putting it on her. sure, she had been there but she didn't think that it was supposed to be something she dealt with.

all that billie was wanting at that moment was ezra. even if they were still trying to figure things out, she had come to feel like she needed him. she hadn't even realized how much she felt like things shifted. before, she never would have had someone to lean on. she would have tried to suck it up and deal with it. now, she knew, that she had ezra and that he cared about her. their bond was still new and they both were trying to figure out how to make their relationship work.

it was an utter relief when she realized he had shown up. of course it probably should have dawned on her that he would find out. after all the men in the poker group tended to gossip. plus it was a small town and everyone knew everyone's business usually. she couldn't help but cling to him the moment that he was stepping outside. she was tempted to keep her face pressed into his chest but at his urging, she tilted her head up. her face was stained with tears but already she felt calm being right there. even when she heard her boss yelling," get over here you stupid fucking omega!" she knew that her boss didn't pay that much attention when she had brought him the form signed and probably hadn't realized ezra was her alpha. she inhaled sharply and nodded," i'm-i'm just shaken up, it happened so fast-i don't know what to think."

ezra had a lot of rules and he knew it, but he wasn't always as strict on one rule as he was another. some of the rules were more like guidelines, and a few were just suggestions, but while he hadn't been mated to billie long, he thought he'd made all of the set in stone, unavoidable rules to her crystal clear, so when she didn't answer her phone, he knew something was wrong. no, that wasn't accurate - he already knew that something was wrong because one of the guys from poker night had called to tell him that he'd fucked up and picked the exciting night to stay home on and that a car had ran into the bar.

that right there was something he should have heard about from billie, or from her boss, not a gossipy good for nothing who was dramatizing the whole thing and couldn't tell him who was injured. ezra didn't like not knowing if his omega was safe or not and the fact that billie wasn't answering made him think that something was wrong with her. what if she'd tried to walk someone out and got hit? or she was standing too close to the wall, or watching through a window? hell, she could have been across the room and hit by a flying brick, or knocked down and stepped on by barcrawlers for all he knew.

he tried calling billie again. and again. and then he called the hospitals, but nothing. that should have been a good sign, or it could have meant they hadn't gotten to her yet. either way, ezra wasn't waiting to hear back from someone, getting in his truck and driving to the bar himself to find her. never before had the drive seemed so long, even with him breaking the speed limit the entire way there. he didn't slow down until he got closer to the bar, close enough to see the flashing lights of cop cars and fire trucks, the precursor to ambulances. eyes casting around the parking lot, ezra tried to see through the glare, and he saw customers milling around, saw billie's boss.. then he saw billie. jerking into a parking spot a lot more roughly than he should have, ezra barely managed to get out of the vehicle before he had his arms filled with billie, squeezing her tightly as he smelled her tears and distress. "are you okay? hey, look at me. billie, look at me, are you hurt?"

[alloftheimagines]

billy hargrove | the sauna test

masterlist | ko-fi

words: 3.1k

warnings: 18+

spoilers for season three "the sauna test", mentions of abuse and violence, flayed!reader, brief references to sex

prompt: Could you possibly do a billy x reader but the reader is controlled by the mind flayer or something among those lines. I kinda imagine it like s3 and billy noticed you acting weird and so did everyone else. So they come with the sauna test and billy is their when they do it obvi. He doesn't like the idea of the sauna test but does it for your safety. If they are able to get the mind flayer out of her, he starts comforting her and giving her affection. But I would like one like that if you could. Basically just a Billy x controlled reader :)

It starts with you standing him up. Billy had been waiting for you. Wanting you. But you never showed, though you’d arranged to meet up in your special, secret place, an abandoned cabin on the edge of town, after work last night. And he isn't the damn type to let a girl waste his time, but you aren't just any girl to him. Before, it was always the chase that kept him in the game, but he’d worn you down well before graduation… and he's still drunk off you even now. He isn't supposed to be. You’d never named this anything but casual, and he's too stubborn to ask you to take the next step, though he knows you aren't seeing anyone but him.

At least, he thought you weren't. Now, a niggling worm of insecurity has grown inside his stomach. He’d never admit to it. Never let it show. But it hurts, because you were the one thing he had. The one thing he could trust. And for the first time since the first time, he doesn't know where he stands. 

You come to the pool the next day looking… different. Your face is waxy, a light sheen of sweat coating your forehead. You keep your face turned to the tiles while you teach your swim lessons, as though you can't stand the sun. Billy saunters in fully intending to give you the cold shoulder just like you had him — until he catches you on your way out of the changing rooms, half-staggering over your flip-flops and sweating through your swimsuit. 

“Hey. Where were you last night?” He grabs your wrist, a silent plea for honesty, or perhaps reassurance, which he hates. Despises. He should have been stronger than this, but you make him weak. 

“What?” You observe his curled fingers as though you’ve never seen them before — and when you look up at him, his breath hitches. Your eyes are bloodshot and your skin is burning through his palms. 

“Whoa. Are you sick?”

“I’m…” You frown, then make swallowing look like hard work. His insecurity quickly becomes concern. Heart-thundering, terrifying concern. “No. I’m fine.”

“You don’t look fi —”

“I’m fine,” you snap, tearing your arm away so quickly he steps back, surprised. And that pisses him off. Because he’s really trying, and you’re not even apologising. You’re not even looking at him. You’re not you, and he can’t stand that. He remembers a time before his father’s abuse was normal. When he’d get home from school and Neil would ruffle his hair, ask him how his day was, but then later Billy would leave an action figure on the floor or ask for ice cream one too many times, and everything would change. Neil would snap. Billy would be yelled at, and then later, beaten. And he’s been terrified of that happening ever since. He can’t trust kindness because he was shown how quickly it can disappear. 

But he trusted you. Out of everyone in the world, he trusted you. You’d always been gentle kind, but you’d also match his attitude when you needed to. Keep him on his toes, with no ill intent. Even the sex is gentle with you most days — you usually beg him to slow down unless he’s been teasing so bad you lose all restraint, and it doesn’t take much convincing when he wants to feel every second, every thrust, every beat of your hearts syncing. 

He doesn’t know what’s changed. Only knows it feels like a sword tearing him asunder. Slicing through the space between you, where all of the most important parts lie. 

“Y/N…” he begs lowly. He hopes it doesn’t sound as pathetic as it feels. “What’s going on here?”

“Nothing.” You shake your head. Your voice is so empty, so cold, that he wants to shiver. “I gotta get back to work.”

“What about last night?”

But you don’t reply. You keep walking. And he lets you because he’ll be damned if you take his power now. He takes a few deep breaths in the corridor, blinking back his tears defiantly. If you want to be cold, he can be colder. 

So he rolls back his shoulders and walks back out to the pool, and he doesn’t spare you a second glance for the rest of the day. 

***

You don’t show up to work the next day, and only then does he let his worry overpower his pride. Because he knows how badly you need the cash, and the more he thinks about it, the more unsettled he feels about the way you were yesterday. You looked… sick. Not you. Even your voice was hollow. Maybe he should have worked harder. Done more. Made sure you weren’t at least running a high fever. 

So when the pool closes, he goes to your house. It’s empty. Not even your parents are home. That leaves him feeling even worse. He misses you like hell already. Misses hearing you laugh. Misses your smile. Misses the smell of your perfume in his Camaro. Misses the shitty music he sometimes lets you play. He misses being buried inside of you, savouring every moment he has with you, because it’s the only peace he’s ever known. And now all he knows is pure, searing anxiety.

***

Max and Eleven come to him that night. They ask Billy if he’s seen you. If you’ve been acting differently. He demands Max gets out of his room at the mention of your name — until she says she thinks she knows what’s wrong with you. He doesn’t believe it at first. Monsters are human, and nothing beyond that exists for him. He can’t imagine a creature worse than his dad, and certainly not one who could possess you. 

But then they tell you how they found you with Heather’s family, and he realises Heather didn’t show up to work today, either. It doesn’t make sense to him still. He doesn’t want to believe it. 

***

But he has to believe it. The next day, you reappear at the pool. He finds you in the showers in your swimsuit, the water so chilly that it creates a draught in the peak of summer. And he’s certain that Max and El are just kids playing make-believe, but he has to know for sure.

“Y/N?”

You don’t move beneath the stream of cool water, and he takes a cautious step closer. “Look. I don’t know what’s going on with you but…” He bites his lip, so used to holding back anything that might reveal how afraid and alone he feels inside. But it’s you, and he has to try. “I’m worried. I’m really fucking worried. Maxine is saying you’re possessed or something, which is fucking ridiculous.” He waits for you to laugh, but you don’t. You don’t turn around at all. You keep your head bowed, your back to him, and his heart aches. 

He takes another step and notices a black, bruised wound on your arm. It curls into your veins like snakes slithering beneath your skin. “What happened there?” He dares to put his hand under the water in an attempt to touch it, but he draws away when he finds it's like ice. He curses under his breath and turns the knob to shut the water off. “Jesus. What the hell are you doing? It’s freezing.”

Still nothing, like you’re not there at all. 

“Y/N?” His voice rises with panic and he places a hand on your shoulder, desperation taking hold. The moment he does, you snap back to life — only it’s not you. You slam him against the damp shower tiles with far more strength than he knew you had, your eyes empty. Cold. Gone. He searches desperately for any sign of you; that dimple at the corner of your mouth, that wrinkle in your nose, the blush in your cheeks. None of it is there. Behind the rivulets of water running down your face, he doesn’t recognise you at all. 

This isn’t just the cold shoulder, he realises. Something is wrong. Really fucking wrong.

He doesn’t fight you. He couldn’t. Even now, he’ll never hurt you. 

“Angel, c’mon,” he pleads instead, his fingers looping around the wrist pinning him to the wall. “What’s going on, huh? You’re not you.”

“I’m something better,” you whisper, pressing down harder. “And you will be soon, too.”

“You’re not going to hurt me.” His voice wobbles, betraying his doubt. If his own father could hurt him, anyone could. But he has to believe that you’re better than that. That you’re nothing like Neil. He has to believe that you’re still in there, wherever ‘there’ is. 

For the first time, he wonders if Max was telling the truth. This isn’t sickness. This isn’t a fever. You’re looking at him like you don’t know him.

Like you’re possessed.

“What’s happening to you?” he asks. “Whatever it is, let me help.”

“You can’t help me,” you say. “I don’t want you to help me.”

He tries to pry your hand away when it gets tighter around his neck. “Please. Let go. Let’s talk about this.”

“He wants you to join him.”

His blood goes cold. “Who? Who does?”

“It’s easier this way, Billy. No more pain. You’ll be stronger. Better. Nobody will be able to hurt you again. Come with me. Let me show you.”

He shakes his head, a tear rolling down his cheek. He can’t find you. He can’t find you anywhere, and he doesn’t know what to do.

Until Max’s voice echoes in his mind. This “Flayer”, the monster… it doesn’t do hot. Heat weakens it. That’s why your shower was ice cold. It’s why you were sick in the midday sun. 

He doesn’t think. With his free hand, he turns on the shower closest to him, setting it on its highest setting. Water sprinkles down on the both of you, steam curling around you. You recoil, your grip loosening, and he takes the opportunity to turn on the next shower and the next, until every single one pours scalding hot. 

“No.” You lick your dry lips, bracing yourself desperately against the wall. “Turn them off. Turn them off.”

But he can’t. He can’t let this thing take you. So he yanks you away, guiding you quickly down the hall to the sauna room. It’s still warm from the last session — warm enough to keep you weak. He pushes you in and locks the doors, reaching for the thermostat and hiking it up to its hottest setting. 

He knows he’ll never forget the sound of your screams. You’re banging on the door, trying desperately to get out, pleading. He almost sets you free, but he can’t. He can’t. So he presses his forehead to the window pane. “I’m so sorry. I’m so, so sorry,” he says, trapping a sob of his own. “I don’t want to hurt you, but I don’t know how to help.”

“Let me out,” you beg. “Please let me out!”

But he can’t, so he doesn’t. Instead, he calls Max.

***

By the time the kids get here, you’re on the floor, covered in sweat. He sits on the other side of the door, his knees to his chest, listening to your incomprehensive babbles. He barely looks up at Max. “What now?”

“Please. Billy, please!” 

He stiffens. It’s the first time you’ve said his name. The first time you’ve sounded like you. He hauls himself off the floor without thought to find your hands clasped, your face splotchy and body shuddering. He did this. You’re in pain, and it’s his fault. 

“Please, Billy. I love you. I love you so much. Please let me out,” you say. It's the first time you've used that word, and it stings that it's not really you.

“I can’t do that, angel,” he murmurs, placing his hand on the glass. “Not until I know you’re my Y/N.”

“I’m sorry. I’m so sorry.” Your face crumbles, but you’re looking at him, your hair curling into your eyes from the heat, and he sees you again. Finally, you’re on your way back to him.  “He made me do it. He made me do all of it. I didn’t want to. I swear, I didn’t want to, Billy. Please let me out. Please.”

“I know. It isn’t your fault. It’s okay.”

“No. No, it hurts. It hurts, Billy. You’re hurting me.” 

He flinches as though your words are a fist. 

“You promised you’d never hurt me!” you scream, and he stumbles back as agony, guilt, roils through him. “You promised!”

He did. The first time you asked about his bruises. He told you about Neil and you told him about your grandpa. How he used to hurt you and your mom even in adulthood. He kissed your knuckles; promised he’d never do that to you. Promised himself that he wouldn’t be like his dad.

He thinks of his mom then. How she must have screamed this way at his dad, once. He bites down on his own tears. They're seeping down his face now. 

“Let me go!” you scream. 

His resolve weakens. His fingers hover over the door handle. 

Max stops him, pushing them away. “You can’t. She’s trying to trick you.”

“She’s in pain,” he argues.

“And so is he. Because it’s working. He’ll say anything to make you stop because he wants to take all of us. We can’t trust anything she says.”

You crawl to the door, standing so you’re face to face through the window. You press your hand to the glass, leaving a handprint in the steam. “Please let me out, Billy. Please. I love you. It’s me. I love you.”

“Soon. I’m going to let you out soon, angel. I promise.” He meets your hand on the glass, meeting your eye.

And Max is right. There are still shadows there, though they’ve dissipated slightly now. That thing, whatever it is… it’s still there. Still controlling you. 

He sees it when you begin banging frantically on the door again a moment later, screaming like there’s not an ounce of sanity left inside you. You're going to hurt yourself, head ricocheting off the door over and over.

“Talk to her,” El says. “Remind her.”

He frowns, raking his hair out of his face. “Of what?”

“Who she is.” Her round eyes are full of fear, but she’s the only one who looks like she knows what’s happening, and he forgets that these are kids claiming you’re possessed by a monster for a moment. He forgets everything. He just wants you back. "She has to remember."

So he begins softly, shakily. “You remember the first time we met? You were sitting on the hood of my car like you belonged there.” You’re shakes become faint shudders as you look back at him — listening. It’s working. “I knew then. I was smitten. And then I tried to flirt with you at that party and you ignored the hell out of me all night just to tear down my ego. It worked, too. All I wanted was you, and it was pretty clear you didn’t want me, and that killed me.” He smirks sadly. “But I wore you down, didn’t I? Even went to that dumb school dance for you.” He bows his head, tears clogging his throat. “It was because… because I missed the ocean when I moved here, and somehow, you felt like waves. Invigorating. You made me want to swim when I was sinking, and you always understood me, even when I acted like a jerk. I hated that at first. That you could see right through me. Now, I love it. I love you. And I’m begging you to come back. Fight it, Y/N. For me. For us.”

Your pleas stop. So do your sobs. You’re completely still as you stare at Billy through the glass, the only movement your tears and beading sweat.

"Keep going," El orders.

He sees you there. A glimmer of hope ignites in his chest. “That’s right, angel. Come back to me. Remember the way we danced after graduation? We drove through the night, found a quiet place to watch the stars, and just danced to my damn car radio. Remember that?”

A slight nod. 

“And when you found out you got into college. I was so fucking proud. My girl is so smart. I just wanted to tell everybody you were mine that day. Every day. But I love having you to myself. I love taking you to that old cabin and being alone with you. Nothing can touch us, Y/N. Not even this. We’ll always be stronger. You’ll always be stronger.”

“I hurt people,” you whimper. “I hurt people, Billy. I did awful, awful things.”

“It wasn’t you, angel. It wasn't you."

"What have I done?" Your fingers curl against his, and then you sink back to the other side of the sauna, curling your knees into your chest on the floor. Your chest heaves with strained breaths as you tilt your head up, exhausted and limp, and all he wants to do is be with you. Hold you. He reaches for the lock.

“Billy —”

“I trust her. I have to trust her,” he says, turning the lock quickly. “Keep it locked until I say so.”

A hesitant nod. He opens the door, and you barely flinch, as though the life has been sucked out of you. Cautiously, he steps in and closes the door behind you, giving Max a look of reassurance before approaching you. 

“I’m right here,” he says, lowering to the floor beside you. 

Your throat bobs. “I’m so sorry. I'm so, so sorry.”

He shushes you, knotting his fingers through your damp hair. You close your eyes, nestling into his chest. “Don’t be sorry, angel. Just stay with me, okay? Stay with me.”

“Okay.” 

So the two of you remain in the sauna for hours, until you’re both sure the Flayer is gone. Until you’re both sure you’re you again. And your sniffles and sobs break his heart, and he’s terrified you’ll turn on him again, but he stays with you anyway — because he never had a choice before, but he does now. And he chooses you. He will always choose you.

[nikkisheep]

I loved your last billy x sister do here is a nother one.

Steve Harrington x hargrove reader.

Twins, billy and yn are twins. Yn is on the track team so she always watches his basketball practice after she is done.

She is like one of the guys. Except with her best friend. What would their reaction be to her coming in from practice ... Giggling.

I imagine Steve, who has seen this very little like jaw hits the floor.

The rest of the team is dumb struck.

But Billy has seen this before so he only a little surprised. Bc you only did it with your friends from cali.

Maybe some interactions between all of them with Steve dating Billy's sister

Billy's sister

Warnings: fluff, Angela is not the one from season 3

Steve Harrington x hargrove reader

Running the last lap around the track, you find your best friend Angela. She catches up to you, almost crashing into you. Smiling with her ponytail swinging with her steps, the two of you walk to the gym to change into fresh clothes.

---

Steve was taking the final shot of the five minute period before the final one started. Billy was pushing up against him, taunting him with his words. That is until they hear the gym door open, revealing a giggling you.

The move to Hawkins was a big change for you and Billy. While Billy wasn't too happy, you tried to make the best of it. That's how you met Angela and joined the track team.

When Billy heard your giggle, he looked to you, allowing Steve to make a layup. You looked to your twin and adverted your eyes to a certain brown eyed boy. Steve had asked you out a few weeks beforre and you couldn't be more lovestruck than ever.

You were laughing at something that Angela had said, then stopped when you see Billy. He was overprotective of you and as much as you loved that about him, you wanted him to give you some freedom. You don't normally laugh, smile or cling to someone's arm like you do with Angela. Billy liked the smile on your face. He remembered the day that he broke the move to you, he never saw you cry so much.

----

After changing, the two of you walk out to the bleachers and watch the boys practice. You watched Steve the entire time.

"You know, you look like a creep." Angela laughed from beside you.

"Says the person who has a crush on my brother," You giggle.

"Hey, Billy is hot."

"And so is Steve," You roll your eyes with a laugh.

You turn to the practice again, making eye contact with Steve and smile. You wave, he waves back and you blush.

"Y/n, this is for you," Steve yells, winking at you.

He goes to shoot but Billy blocks him.

"Next time Harrington," Billy smirked.

Billy didn't mind you dating Steve but he just didn't understand why. He didn't understand what you saw in him, but the Harrington boy makes you happy. That's all that matters to Billy.

Once practice was over, you went to kiss Steve on the cheek when you gave him a hug.

"You did great, Steve."

"Yeah, Harrington. You did great," Billy mocked you with a fake lovestruck look.

"Shut it Billy," You giggle.

Billy looked at you with a slightly surprised face, normally you said it sarcastically. He was liking the sight of his twin getting comfortable here, even if he didn't like Hawkins.

"You know you love me," He smiles.

"Only cause I love myself and everytime I look in the mirror, I see your face."

Steve snickers at your remark. He goes to pull you close.

"Harrington, hands off."

You turn red and hide in the crook of Steve's neck.

Angela talks a bit to Billy, stuttering over her words and blushing. Billy smirked at her and asked her if she wanted to go on a date. You had to catch her so she didn't hit her head when she started to faint.

You waved goodbye to the boys and linked arms with Angela.

"Of all people, Billy?"

"I could ask the same thing, Mrs. Hargrove." She giggled.

The two of you skipped to your next class when the bell rung.

"She is amazing," Steve said.

"Yeah and you make her happy," Billy admits.

"However, if you ever hurt her I will hunt you down."

"Oh believe me, I have no plans on hurting her." Steve smiled.

Billy watched his sister skip arm linked with Angela. He smiled when he heard the faint sounds of your laugh. If you were happy, Billy was happy.

[blusapphire]

Play me a memory (Billy Russo x Reader) - Chapter 1

Summary: When you first met Billy Russo, you fell for him hard and fast. Being with him was like a dream, You were perfect for each other, or so you thought.

You return home one night to find all traces of him gone. You’re left heartbroken… and with a life changing surprise. Years later, you find yourself in a predicament when you unexpectedly find your way back into each other’s lives.

Notes: The first chapter is finally up! Please let me know what you guys think!

Series Masterlist

…

When you were a child, You thought you had an idea of how your future would turn out. In your mind, you believed there were paths people could choose to follow that would decide their future. And You decided a long time ago, that you would follow the perfect one. You had a map in your head with your whole life planned out. Every direction you would follow, all the places you would visit, people you would meet, your dream job; Everything was set in stone. 

But of course, nothing is set in stone.

 One night, tragedy struck, driving a knife through your dreamlike fantasies, altering your future forever, forcing you to take a different path in life.

That horrific night that plagued your memories and left you scared forever. 

Needless to say, Your life did not go according to plan. It rarely ever did for anyone. 

Not that you hated how your life turned out.

 No, it wasn’t that at all.

 Sure, It didn’t go accordingly, but there were moments you couldn’t have imagined going any other way, and people you wouldn’t trade for the world. It wasn’t on your map, but you we’re happy. 

The gentle rain lightly tapped your bedroom window of your New York City apartment, the cool air fogging up the windows, as the raindrops fell from the grey tinted clouds. You go through the different outfits in your closet, looking for a weather appropriate color, as you hear a a knock on your door.

You yell for the person on the other side to come in, and a head pokes through the door. 

“Hey, y/n, uh…“she muttered, “she won’t come out of her room again.”

You heaved a sigh, as you closed your eyes,  bowing your head in constraint. You turn towards your best friend, as you prepare to utter the question that has long become a routine between the two of you, 

“Is it a color situation again?”

She replies with a single nod, followed by a tight knit smile. “I mean, it is effective though. Sometimes I think about hiring her as my personal stylist.”

You reply with a light laugh, as you move towards her, “I got it,” 

“You always do,” she smiles as you breeze past her, heading into the hallway, toward your daughter’s bedroom. 

You walk in and stand by the door, and find her rummaging through her drawer, you guessed looking for something that she couldn’t find. 

This wasn’t something that was out of the ordinary in your home. It actually happened a lot more than you would like, much to your dismay. You tried to get her to pick out her clothes the night before, which actually did work, but one morning she would decide that she wasn’t satisfied with what she had chosen, and insist that she pick out a totally different outfit. 

Which wasn’t a problem; it only caused you to fall 15 minutes behind schedule. 

“Alright Ava, I’m here,” you say as you place your hands on your hips, in a superhero stance, “What’s the super special piece missing from your look today?”

Your daughter turns to acknowledge you, with a look on her face that tells you she knew you would be there, as she holds up a blue item in her hand. 

“I can’t find my purple one,” she gestures to the blue headband in her hand, “the one Betts got for me last Christmas,” she tosses the item on her bed, as she returns to rummaging through her drawer. 

“Well, I see some blue in this outfit,” you point towards her multi colored dress, walking over to pick up the blue accessory, “I happen to think it goes really well with this dress.”

“Mom,” she turns and looks at you as if you’ve grown two heads, “I can’t wear purple shoes and a blue headband,” holding out her arms for emphasis, “ they just don’t go together!” 

“What’s wrong with the outfit you picked out last night?”

“Mom, I had a burst of inspiration this morning,” she replied in an obvious tone, “I can’t just ignore it.”

“What if you just wore a black one?”

“That would be too many colors in one outfit!”

You chuckled at your daughter’s reply, moving in to help her tidy up her now messy room, picking up clothing from the floor, and putting things away in the correct drawer. Sometimes, you thought your daughter was a little too smart for her age. Or that maybe her brain was actually that of a teenager trapped in a younger person’s body, the way she was so passionate and strong minded about her decisions. You doubted that a bunch of  second graders would care about their classmates appearances, or their own, for that matter. And if this was her at age seven, you wondered what she would be like when she was an actual teenager.

Boy, were you in for a ride. 

“Well, you might just have to go with one of the two,” you admit as poke around helping her look, “because I need to drop you off at school and get to work and we’ll have to take the train today while my car’s being repaired at the shop and we only have a few minutes to spa-“ 

Your interrupted by the buzzing of your phone, signaling that you just got a text. You fish out your phone from your back pocket and look down at your screen, quickly skimming over the text. 

“Hey, are you free for dinner Saturday night, at 8?”- Nick

You gaze at your phone in guilt, at the text from a man that you had ghosted after no more than two dates. You open your phone to reply, different excuses in mind, all which you end up erasing, when your pulled out of your trance by your daughter shouting something in the background. 

“ Found it!” She excitedly yelled as she placed the recovered accessory over her head. 

“Great,” You both walk out into the hallway, towards the kitchen, as you bring your phone back out to check the time. “We only have ten minutes to spare, and I still have to get dressed and make you breakfas-

“Breakfast is all done.”

You turn towards Jazmine, as she brings over a plate full of food over to Ava, the young girl impressed with the smiley face of fruit and whipped cream decorating her pancakes. 

“Jaz,” you let out a sigh of relief, “What would I ever do without you?”

“ mm, I guess we’ll never know,” she jokes as she gives a playful shrug. 

Jaz was a godsend. You had first met in high school, and had been inseparable ever since. You went to the same college together, got your first ever jobs together, and the list goes on. After college, you two got this apartment together, and the rest was history. She was there for you in your darkest moments, even when you were far from deserving, no matter how ugly things got. She practically helped you raise Ava and if not, was like a second mother to her. After Ava came, you tried your best to convince her that she was your responsibility and your responsibility alone, but Jaz did everything she could to pitch in and help raise Ava, much to your avail. 

You stood back and watched as Jaz and Ava had a very intriguing debate about wether or not cupcakes should be served after every daily meal, of which Ava was winning, biting back a smile.

 It was the three of you against the world. Your own little family. And no, it wasn’t on your map at all, but you wouldn’t trade them for the world. 

…

You adjust your bag on your shoulder, as you try to keep your balance holding on to the pole in the middle of the train cart, looking around at sleepy faces and those who had already their morning coffee. You had already dropped Ava off at school two stops before, and had to get back on to get to work. You hop off the train after a few stops, walking up the slippery steps, the subways wet and dirtier than usual, with the rain that had been at it all morning. You contemplated taking the bus the rest of the way, but decided walking a few blocks wouldn’t hurt. Usually you had your car, and didn’t have to worry much about the Nyc transit, but It needed to be repaired, and wasn’t available for pickup until this afternoon. 

You close your wet umbrella, as you walk through the turnstile doors of Wilburne industries,  greeting the security and staff good morning, before walking toward the elevators. 

Wilburne Industries. 

You had got a job at the multi- million dollar company a few years after college, After you had Ava, and had worked your butt off to get to be one of Wilburne’s top employee’s, earning you your very own office. When you first got here, you weren’t very qualified, previously being employed at a small tech company, but your boss, and founder of Wilburne Industries, Harrison Wilburne, had taken a chance on you. 

Sometimes you still couldn’t believe you worked there. 

You step off the elevator, onto the 23rd floor of the building, the heated floor warming up your freezing hands from the cold rain. You shovel through your bag for your office keys and greet friendly faces that bid you good morning. You unlock your office door and set your stuff down, remembering that you forgot to stop for coffee on the the way to work, due to Ava’s fashion dilemma this morning. 

You walk over to the coffee machine around the corner and grab your company designed mug, and begin making your normal roast, when your pulled out of your action by someone calling your name from afar. 

“Y/n, hey!,” the man wearing a tie calls, as he jogs over to the coffee station, phone in hand.  

You look over and grimace, before quickly turning back around, hoping he didn’t see you complete the action. 

“Shit,” you mumble to yourself.

He approaches you, out of breath, a smile across his face. 

“Hey, y/n, did you, uh, get my text this morning?”

“Nick, hey,” you dragged out the last word as you turned to face him. 

You liked Nick. He wasn’t a bad person. He was actually perfect. He had Perfect hair, a perfect smile. He spent his summer reading to elementary schoolers, despite his busy schedule, and he was a gentleman. 

So it wouldn’t make sense to the average person why you had ghosted him after two dates. 

You had a really good time on those two dates, but you didn’t see it going too far. You didn’t want to have the “it’s not you, it’s me,” conversation, but it was true. 

It really was you not him.

 It was hard to date while raising a child alone, and you wouldn’t be able to juggle work, a child and dating until you were ready. You didn’t know how to break it to him, not really one for awkward conversations, so you ghosted him, far from what he deserved, and avoided him all throughout the the office for weeks. It was actually a miracle how long you had gone without running into him. 

“Yeah,… I did but i actually didn’t get a chance to respond,” you say as you anxiously pour the coffee into your mug, eager to get back to your office and out of the current conversation, “But I’ll have to check my schedule and get back to you.”

“Well, how bout lunch this afternoon?”

“Uh, I actually have to pick up my car from the repair shop this afternoon, and pick my daughter up from school too so,” you give him an apologetic smile as you attempt to walk away, “it’s a really busy day but-

“Ms. L/N, Mr Wilburne is requesting to speak to you in his office.”

“Sorry,” You give him an apologetic smile, as you begin walk away, grateful to be saved from uncomfortable situation, “I have to go, but I’ll see you later,” and you walk away before he can speak another word. 

…

You knock on the door of your boss’s office, and he yells for you to come in. He looks up from his computer, expectant to see you,  with a welcoming smile on his face. 

“Y/n, please, come in!,” he gestures to the seat in front of his desk opposite of him, prompting you to sit down, which you do. 

“So, I’m sure you remember the security breach we had a few weeks ago.”

“Yes sir, I remember.”

It was three weeks ago, to be exact. A group of thieves had gotten past the company’s very complicated software, by hacking into the company’s computers, and broken into the building despite the constant security surrounding the building at all times, attempting to steal god knows what. It had become a five hour hostage situation, and some hostages ended up getting injured. You weren’t there at the time, thankfully, having left early because you got a call from Ava’s school that she hadn’t been feeling well. They somehow made it out of the building, but weren’t able to get away with anything. The police still hadn’t caught the guys who did it. 

“I was thinking of getting some extra security around the building, at least until the police know who was responsible, and as one of the important figures in this company, I wanted your opinion,” he says as he folds his hands on his desk, “your honest opinion.”

“Uh, yes, sir I think that’s a really good idea,” giving him an assuring nod, “it would help the staff feel a lot safer, given the circumstances.”

“Great. I was thinking of a company named Anvil,” he hands you you a pamphlet, with the company’s name “Anvil” written across the top in bold letters, “it’s ran by an old acquaintance of mine. I set up a meeting for next week, and want you and Chelsea to give him a tour of the building, so he can have an idea of where to place his men, for the extra security.”

You curiously look down at the pamphlet handed to you, having never heard the name before. 

“I want you to read through that, and let me know what you think. Also, I want you to write out a report of the floors of the building that were breached.”

“That won’t be a problem sir, I’ll read it through, and have a finished report ready for you, by next week.”

“That’s what I like to hear,” he points his finger at you for emphasis, and turns back to his computer, you guessed to finish what he was working on before you walked in. You stand up and leave his office, closing the door behind you, and speed towards your office, hoping not to run into Nick again. 

…

“So, have you ever thought about buying another car, or uh, scrapping this one, or driving anything else other than this?”

“Rob, the more you ask, does not raise the chances of me wanting to get a new vehicle,” you joked with the car repair man, as you walked past the several other cars in the repair shop,“and I thought I was your favorite customer?”

“Eh, that’s up for debate,”

You lightly chuckle at his reply, as you hand him the repair money, with a generous tip included, which he places in in his back pocket. 

“She’s good as new-, Well, as new as she could be.”

“That’s why you’re the best, Rob.” 

You walk around the car and do a quick inspection of the vehicle, that had began to fade in color, it’s bright red now a dull pink color. The mirror’s were rusty and the inside of the car had a few scratches, but it was perfect in your eyes. 

This was your third time at the repair shop in two months, if you counted correctly.

 Parts of the car would give in, which would lead you to the repair shop every few months or so. If it wasn’t the car battery, it was the engine that needed to be looked at, which made you a regular at the shop. You had been to many repair shops previously, and most refused to touch anything, afraid that it would break down within a few repairs. It became a difficult task to complete each time, with the number of repairs growing each year. 

But Rob always came through. 

It would’ve been easier to just get a new car, but you couldn’t bring yourself to sell this one.

It was one of the only things you had left of her. 

You thought of her everyday, your mother. 

Her smile, that would reach her eyes, that was almost as blinding as the sun. Her perfectly manicured hands, that would hold your hand in hers, whenever you were afraid. Her soft laugh that was like a feathers floating in a light summer breeze.  And that smell. That smell that only she had, that was uniquely hers. 

That’s how you wanted to remember her. 

Not what you saw of her that night. 

Not how he left her. 

You hop in your car, and adjust you seat belt and rear view mirror, as you try to forget the bad memory. 

“Thanks again, Rob!”

“Yeah, no problem, see you in a few months!” He jokingly yells out as you drive out of the repair shop, and hit the road to pick your daughter up from school. 

…

“You two are unbelievable.”

“I think you should give it a chance, it actually doesn’t sound so ba-“

“I can’t believe you let her convince you!,” you yelled in playful frustration at Jaz, who you now thought was just as much of a child as Ava was. “You would have a sugar crash, before noon.”

“But how come donuts can be eaten for breakfast?,” Ava questioned, “their full of sugar and frosting.”

“You know she actually has a poin-,”

“You are not going to convince me that you can turn a cupcake into a breakfast sandwich!” The two of you had returned home about an hour ago, and you decided to begin making dinner, while Jaz and Ava kept you company in the kitchen.

“But wait, what if.. you added bacon?” Jaz asks hoping to convince you. 

“That would absolutely not make it better. I think it would actually make it worse,” you replied, imagining a bacon filled cupcake, “And it’s actually kinda gross.”

“I just think you should try it,” she shrugs as she picks up one of the carrots you just peeled and snacks on it, “she might be on to something.”

You giggle at her ridiculous comment, when Ava stands from her seat, and walks over to you. 

“Mom, do you have any old magazines? I want to cut some pictures out for my new scrapbook.”

“Didn’t you just make a new one a few weeks ago?”

“Yes, but you can never have too many!”

“She’s right, you can never have too many scrapbooks,” Jaz adds. 

“I have a few up on my closet shelf-,” she runs off into the hallway before you can finish, “but give me a minute, they’re too high up and I don’t want you to hurt yourself!” you finish slicing up a vegetable as you yell out after her. 

After you wash your hands, you walk into your bedroom to find the old magazines, high up on your closet shelf. 

“I think there may be some underneath the bed, in a shoe box.” You inform Ava, as she begins reach underneath the bed. 

After a few minutes of searching, you realize that you may have misplaced the old magazines, prompting you to start searching in your bottom drawer. 

“Mom, who’s this?”

“Who’s wh-“

You turn around as your face freezes in panic, and your unable to finish your last words, as she holds up a polaroid picture. You thought you had hidden away all the pictures of him, but you had obviously missed one. The picture was of you and a man with black hair, as you placed your hand around the playful arm that was around your neck, and held up white roses that covered the bottom half of your face. 

Yet the smile still reached your eyes.

 The joy and excitement of that night , could be seen through the half of your face showed up in the picture. It was a simple picture, but it spoke a million words. It was the first night you had met. 

He had a smile you would recognize anywhere. 

Dark brown eyes that were different from just any regular old brown eyes. They had this unique sparkle to them, that could stop anyone in their tracks. 

Similar to Ava’s. 

Sometimes she reminded you of him. In the little actions she would do, the weird food combinations that were similar to his, that you used tease him for. And when you looked at her at times, you thought she looked just like him. 

Billy Russo. 

“That’s… an old friend. From a long time ago.”

She takes a second to look at the study the picture, before she decides to place it back in the shoe box where she found it. 

It was a name that was associated with so much pain, and heartbreak, and a whole bunch of other feelings were weren’t quite sure of. But one thing you were sure of was this:

You never wanted to see that man again.