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blackstone bulletin reporter blackstone ridge native former golden boy

[billyblueklein]

Billy Blue Klein Introduction

Full Name: William "Billy" Blue Klein

Nickname/s: Billy, Bill, Blue, BK, Klein, Baby Blue

Faceclaim:  Lewis Pullman

Gender // Pronouns: cismale // he/him

Age // Date of Birth: 31 // July 17th

Hometown: Blackstone Ridge, Texas

Occupation: Reporter/Columnist at Blackstone Bulletin

Neighborhood: Lakeside

Time in Blackstone Ridge: Entire Life (other than 3 years out of state for college)

Trigger Warnings: Domestic Abuse, Emotional Abuse, Homophobia, Abandonment, Depression, Mania, Bipolar Disorder

Biography:

Born in Blackstone Ridge on a bright summer's day, the youngest of three siblings (one brother, one sister). Grew up in Lakeside and will always have a deep affinity for the Lake.

Growing up, there was a lot of shouting in the Klein-Murray household, but only ever from his father. Billy tried as hard as he could to drown it out.

He became aware, pretty early on that his family life wasn't normal, nor was it particularly stable. His father never laid a finger on them, so as to not leave a mark. But he was mean, and made sure to espouse his beliefs whenever and wherever he could. One of the ones that consistently hit Billy was his father's deep-rooted homophobia. It stung, if even for the fact that Billy believed everyone deserved to love and be loved. But it became the code of conduct, enough that he almost started to believe it.

As refuge, Billy turned to sports. Though he was young, he joined the local T-Ball team and it turned out, though he was scrawny, he had a good, strong swing. As he grew up, this morphed into a devout love for the game of baseball, and Billy worked his way up, becoming Blackstone high school's shortstop.

Before that, though, things drastically changed when Billy's dad up and left. It was a financial burden, sure. But things were lighter, there, for a while. Billy leaned on his siblings, took his mother's last name and started to relax into family life that felt fueled by the community.

Back to baseball, Billy grew into somewhat of a prodigy. He was fast, and as he grew up, he got a lot stronger. College scouts started to come to town to see him play, and for the first time in his young life, Billy felt a future on the horizon.

He also fell in love with writing during this time, but he kept that a bit closer to the chest. Baseball took up most of his time, and though he was kind to a fault, he took his spot in the social hierarchy of high school seriously.

This was only furthered by his father's former opinions, long gone though he may have been, and the thoughts that would occasionally creep in, painting an attraction towards some of his teammates. He shook those stray thoughts away with vigor, traumatized by his paternal influence and the rumor mill that could so easily turn against him.

It was also around this time that he experienced his first true dip into depression, which was quickly followed up with a foray into mania. Billy felt unstable, but he pushed it down, chalking it up to normal high school highs and lows, the stress of trying to perform. He skipped getting diagnosed, prioritizing the work he had to put in to remain on top of everything.

He got a full-ride scholarship to UVA, finally getting out of the sleepy Texan town and moving further north to Charlottesville, Virginia.

He loved it there, loved the mountains and the girls who gave him attention and the Literature classes he could take and how much his baseball team took him in. He joined a fraternity, Sigma Chi, and felt at peace. He kept his problems locked away, and played the perfect part of kid coming into his own in college.

He was going to go pro, he just knew it. He had so much promise, a stellar GPA, a robust social circle and he finally felt like he could handle it all... and then everything came crashing down around him.

During his junior year, he realized he had a crush on one of his frat brothers, and it ate at him like a disease, sending him further and further into his spiraling thoughts until the depression set in. He couldn't outrun it this time. He started skipping practices and ditching classes, because he couldn't confront himself, which is what true help would require.

The warnings came and went and soon, his scholarship was revoked, and he was unceremoniously kicked off his team, his true ticket out of Texas. The manic bender that ensued was terrifying and damaging, and Billy had no choice but to get a diagnosis, start therapy, and return home, his proverbial tail tucked between his legs.

He took a year off and moped. He moved back in with his mom. He learned how to garden and play guitar. He started running a lot more. He cried a lot, journaled, processed.

He then dusted himself off and enrolled in the local Community College, earning his Associate's Degree in Writing.

It was then that he really fell in love with it in a meaningful way again, starting to write for the Bulletin.

Years out, he's the top Reporter and a columnist for the paper. He lives in his own house out in Lakeside, and has some room for a garden. He lives with his Bernese Mountain Dog (1 years old), Scout, is in therapy, is not only surviving but actually starting to thrive.

He's still regretful of how life played out, how he squandered his potential and chances. Life is simpler now, back in his sleepy hometown. But he has learned to live with how it shook out, and he's trying, every day, to find peace in all of it.

Headcanons:

Massive fan of the Texas Rangers. Very occasionally growing up would make it out of Blackstone to see them play in DFW. It was always his biggest dream to play Shortstop for the Rangers.

First time he even thought of a man as attractive was watching Han Solo in Star Wars. There was something about a young Harrison Ford.

Scout is his best friend. He got her a year ago when a local in town had puppies to adopt, and he fell in love instantly. She's grown a lot in the year and is deeply loyal, and kind. Taking her on walks is one of Billy's favorite parts of the day.

Is tremendously close to his mother. He believes she is the strongest person on Earth, and thinks the absolute world of her. She remained unflinching and protective throughout his childhood with Billy's father, and once he left, she made sure her kids were truly taken care of, relying on community to make that possible.

Massive sweet tooth. Constantly craving baked goods. Has a drawer of candy stashed at his desk at work, especially now that he doesn't have to keep in tip-top shape for baseball.

Feels very safe by the water, which is why he initally moved into a place in Lakeside instead of being closer to work. Now he's doubly happy he did so Scout has room to play.

Has made peace with his bisexuality and has started to explore it, though he has remained somewhat closed off to genuine attempts at dating over the 10 years since returning to Blackstone. There have been moments, here and there, but he has truly prioritized healing on his own first and foremost.

Never intended to become a journalist per say, but loves writing and this job would pay him to do it.

Still goes down to the Baseball Diamond in town sometimes to reminisce. He's mostly through the immediate pain in recalling how things played out, but sometimes still feels a bit tender about it.

[javier-rojas]

It was odd, the way the mind worked. At one point in his life, Javi could name different parts and pieces to planes and rockets without even flinching, and now, he couldn’t even get a fucking drink order right. It was humiliating in some ways, and in spite of how he tried not to let that show, he knew it was scribbled all over his face as he apologized to the other man. But this guy was far kinder about it than Javi had expected him to be– bartending could be a pretty unforgivable vocation and it hadn’t taken him long to figure that out. He was just grateful that this person wasn’t as caustic about a fucked up drink order as some people could be. “You sure?” He asked, fully prepared to chuck the gin and tonic and start again. “Well, if you change your mind and wanna file a formal complaint, tell ‘em my name is Henry Rosenberg,” he teased with a chuckle, clearly none the wiser to who this guy was or his connection to Henry. He was just making a joke and trying to lighten the mood– per usual. “Good to meet you, Billy, and trust me– I appreciate that more than you know. I’m new here, a little out of my depth, if I’m bein’ honest,” he laughed, head shaking, although he didn’t want to make excuses. Sure, this wasn’t what he wanted to be doing with his life, but he was grateful for the opportunity while he tried to find his way back into the world. “But I’m Javi, just moved here not too long ago and landed here– kinda figurin’ it out as I go.”

[billyblueklein]

He could practically see the angst moving out of the other man in waves. He understood it because that had been Billy, just a few years ago. He didn’t know this bartender’s story, didn’t know the disappointment of his past, but he knew what it was like, walking around with those tired eyes, as though he was in some sort of existential trance, adding up every moment in his head until he got here. “Absolutely sure.” Billy gave him an easy grin, and eyes lit up as he mentioned Henry. “Rosenberg, hm? You know, if you see him around, tell him Billy Blue sends his best.” He knew he’d be finding Henry later, he knew Henry would probably end up tangled up with him tonight back at Billy’s, but he could keep the new bartender at bay for a little bit. He didn’t want to spook him anymore than he already had. Plus, Billy knew Javi would start learning about the people who kept coming back around, and now that he had someone to keep seeing, Billy was one of those. Javi would know soon enough. “Well, it’s lovely to meet’ya Javi! What’s your story? How’d you end up in a town like this?” Billy’s voice was filled with mirth, for he really had fallen back in love with the town since his return, but there was always going to be a part of him that was jealous of those from outside… who didn’t have to grow up in such a small place. Who could have stayed somewhere bigger.

[billyblueklein]

WHERE: Billy's House

WITH: @hxnrycomeon

It was the perfect date already. One of those August nights where everything sort of felt like it was suspended in time. The air smelled of marigolds and summertime, and the crickets chirped as the night crawled on. Henry had planned it, a movie night at the Drive-In. It was the perfect pick, too, as the movie playing that night was The Princess Bride, one of Billy’s lifelong favorites. They brought Billy’s blue truck, and laid out in the bed of it. Billy had brought blankets and pillows, making it as comfortable as possible in the chill that started to creep up in the later summer nights.

Billy was utterly charmed by it all. He had come to the Drive-In for his whole life, but there was such a different feeling here. Wrapped up in the arms of someone he found so precious… was just that. It was delightful and delicate, and made his heart flip-flop in his chest. He couldn’t ask for anything better, truly, or so he thought. Billy didn’t quite know what the night had in store. 

He cooed along to Buttercup and Westley’s forbidden romance, laughed about 1,000 times at the constant repetition of Vizzini’s “inconceivable!” and recited Inigo Montoya’s monologue, softly, alongside Mandy Patinkin. He kissed Henry silly in the quieter moments and looked like a kid on Christmas as the credits rolled. “God, that film.”

So now, here they sat, in the car ride home with blushing cheeks and the Marcus Mumford solo record providing a soft soundtrack to the ride. Billy reached over to place a light palm on the space above Henry’s knee, squeezing softly, with reverence. Billy crackled with a sort of electricity, feeling like the Universe was trying to send him some sort of sign. They ended up at his house, and he parked in the driveway, finally looking over at Henry. “My goodness, you look beautiful in this light.” He leaned in to give him a brief kiss before pulling back to exit the car.

[lettiescott-deactivated20250927]

“It does. Feels like it needs to be a song title,” she chuckled. Who knew, maybe in due time, the person they were dating would write a big country hit called Billy Blue. Stranger things have happened. “A large city indeed, but the world is small in that way too.” For all she knew, she probably had some form of a connection to Billy’s partner. “How long have you two been together?” If Billy was this sweet and outgoing, she could only hope her partner was just as complimentary to his spirit and demeanor. “Oh, okay, duly noted,” she said, taking out her phone and quickly jotting down the recommendations they offered. She had some downtime tomorrow and would try to check out at least two of these establishments. “What kind of journalism do you do?” 

[billyblueklein]

“My momma loves a bit of older country music. Wouldn’t surprise me if she was thinking the very same thing.” He grinned, looking back out at the dogs, having a good old time of their own. “It’s all very fresh and new, you know. A few months but still very much in the early stages of it all. But it’s the first time I’ve ever started thinking about a sort of… forever. He’s different, for me. Different in that I’ve never met anyone quite like him, but also that it’s something new for me. Being committed to the choice of someone, you know? Showing up every day and choosing them. It’s really… sweet.” He couldn’t help the fondness in his eyes, the little grin on his lips. “His name is Henry, by the way. Henry Rosenberg. You know, if the world is truly that small.” He smoothed back some of his wavy hair, leaning a bit back. “Oh, you know! Small town paper stuff. I report on sports in town and write about the happenings in local businesses. Occasionally I’ll break a big story, but it’s slow down here. Sometimes I get real opinionated, but that’s all just coming from me.”

[sara-iyer]

Both of them had just gotten out of hard appointments. Today was brutal, he told her. Apologized again for not being more approachable. Sara shook her head, slight as to not to trigger the pain point in her neck. "You don't need to be sorry." She said, soft but sincere. She was a stranger to him - he was letting her sit on the table pushed next to his out of nothing but the kindness of his heart. While she somehow, in her screwed up brain, believed that she had to explain herself, she didn't think that he had to. His session today was therapy, and oh, Sara could so relate to everything he said that followed that fact. Imposter syndrome, and wondering why there wasn't something on the outside to signify their illnesses. Her nod was small, yet enthusiastic. Knowing. "It's invisible." Sara agreed, her Sunflower lanyard hanging off her neck and resting on the table top. She touched the plastic for emphasis. Nobody knew what it was like being inside her body, or his brain, better than they did themselves. And a lot of people - doctors included - couldn't seem to wrap their heads around.

His words settled her. Reminded her of something a nurse had said to her once: even if you were a drug addict, you'd still deserve kindness and compassion and care. You'd still be in pain, and you'd still deserve pain relief. Her new friend's sentiments were the same. He had to take pills, too. Antidepressants, she guessed. She always forgot about those - had been on something herself since she was fifteen years old, so much so that it felt normal to her. Normalized. "Thank you. You... you're right." Sara murmured, appreciating his kindness. She slipped her MSIR bottle back inside her purse. Her toast was losing steam, but her fingers were aching too hard for her to even butter her bread. She left it and her cup of tea for the moment, focusing on sinking her body into the chair and willing the morphine to flood her system.

The bad feelings… or the ones too good to be true. They gotta be kept at bay. Sara glanced up at him, eyes tired and curious. That sounded more like bipolar medication, not antidepressants. "The ones too good to be true?" She asked - no judgement. Attempting to clarify what he meant by it. "Going to therapy is brave, by the way. Putting the work in, it... it's hard. Not many people have the self-awareness or inner strength to do it. To participate wholeheartedly session after session. But you do." Focusing on him, and pushing her own stuff away for a moment, really seemed to help. It was so much easier saying these things to a stranger and believing it, instead of trying to convince herself that she deserved the same validation and grace. "Sorry, I... I'm Sara. My name is Sara." They knew the surface level of each other's chronic health issues, but they didn't even know each other's names. Funny how that always happened.

[billyblueklein]

The banana was a little too soft, a little too mushy, but he swallowed it down, anyhow. He wasn’t good on a completely empty stomach, and he knew he’d have more waiting for him at work, when he could shake himself out of this spell enough to show up to it. He was lucky, at the Bulletin. He worked out his therapy schedule with them, so on the mornings of his appointments, he had a buffer period. Where he could decompress, eat his pathetic little breakfast and just feel before he needed to clock in. And if it was truly a bad day, one he couldn’t really move past, he could text his boss and tell them it wasn’t going to happen. He rarely ever did that, never wanting to take advantage of something so precious and necessary when shit got bad, but he appreciated the option, all the same. 

“Mania?” He doesn’t know, for a moment, why he phrases it as a question. “Sometimes I feel like I’m flying. Normally it comes after a bad bout of depression, and sometimes it feels… feels so good, that I can almost taste it. I feel invincible, untouchable. Like I’m talking to some higher power directly, or like I am some higher power. Weightless.” He almost laughs, a bitter little sound. He doesn’t often talk about this to anyone anymore. Sometimes, family.. Ophelia, his mother, knows how to track Billy’s mood like no other. His therapist, Julie, knows all of his tells. Henry is starting to pick up on the bigger things. But he has it mostly under control these days, so it’s something he almost forgets about. Sometimes, every so often, he skips a pill and the balance goes all out of wack. He scares himself in those moments. 

“Well, thank you. In the beginning, it was really out of necessity. There was a really bad low which turned to an even worse high and I ruined a lot of things in my life. But… therapy’s good now. It’s been ten years since I’ve started, and I can’t imagine life without it. It’s hard work, but it’s good. Sometimes I have to stop and be proud of how far I’ve come.” He softly smiles at her, another sip of OJ. “Lovely to meet you, Sara. I’m Billy Blue.”

[thornlau]

"Good to hear because desserts and wine is all I got to bribe folks these days. I know he added some of the festival specials in there for you, feedback always appreciated." It was supposed to be a simple piece, write about this year's Parker County Peach Festival. Highlights, brief comments from some of the townspeople, and an invitation to join them again next year. Yet, they were nearing deadline and only had half-written notes to show for it.

"insane is part of the work, alright lay it on me," she said with an amused sigh, knowing the range could go, from silly and simple to being here for the rest of the day to make sense of what he'd present. "No, I mean you're right, it's just the peaches story. But," but she couldn't disagree with him. There was something missing. She had felt a level of uneasiness, but since she was unable to place why that was, she decided to hold on that feeling. After all, what could be suspicious about peaches? "There's a reason we've been circling this for days without actually writing it." Investigative scandal, that pulled a smile from her lips. Stumbling onto one of those didn't just happen out of the blue, did it? "I just can't place what we missed, was it that last interview we did? I did feel like they dodged us a bit this year, ushered us out after three questions. That'll barely be enough for a quote."

[billyblueklein]

“Oh, but dessert and wine could bribe me any day.” He grinned, looking over the basket of goodies. “You always spoil me, you two. I’ll have to return the favor with some things from my garden soon. You like tomatoes? They’re growing with a vengeance!” Billy hated being this close to deadline with nothing much to produce. And he worked incredibly well with Laurel, had for a long time, so it wasn’t as though their collaboration was the problem here. “Well… we interviewed that mid-price American restaurant the town over… what was it…” he checked his notes, sifting through. “Oh! North Springs Tavern and Grill. Yeah. They had specials on a Peach ring cocktail… a peach burrata dish and some peach dessert, but… the owner was acting real nervous when we came around. Which… that’s so odd, right? Wouldn’t they want the business? Isn’t this like a major driving force for their clientele? They’ve always been happy with the publicity from our paper before, and they like the traffic comin’ in from Blackstone. I don’t understand.”

[leylademircii]

"Shit no," Kit said with a shake of his head. "They feed 'em the same ol' slop every cartoon kid movie has, I'm sure. But from what I hear, the pigs ain't too picky about it. They're like goats, they'll eat just about anything you put in front of 'em." Kit hadn't been around many pigs in his life, his family always being more of a cattle farm type, even going back generations. "You? A farm hand?" Kit grimaced before reaching for his beer and sipping from it. "'Fraid not, buddy. You might garden a little, but those hands of yours look a little too soft to pass for a ranch hand's." Kit held his hands out for Billy to inspect, showing off the scars and callouses that had formed over the years just from his job alone. "You're gonna have to do some convincing to get a job as a pig farmer. I think you're better off goin' in as the pig."

[billyblueklein]

Billy simply chuckled along, shaking his head. “But that slop looks horrific! I think the pigs deserve something nicer, even if they’re not really aware of this. It’s why I can’t go in as the pig… you know? My own survival skills, be damned. I like a nice meal. Hell! I like cooking a nice meal! And I deserve to continue eating nice things, even at the expense of investigative journalism.” He pauses, barking out a laugh. “Which reminds me… I don’t know that I’ve ever cooked for you, but you ever want a nice, homecooked meal, come over to my place. We can have another bonkers conversation, you know. Our usual.” He looked down at Kit’s hands, sighing with defeat. “Okay country boy, you’ve made your point. All my callouses are long gone with my baseball career.”

[smartiesclub]

Eli's head turned slowly, almost comically as he locked in on Billy's features. More so, he heard his voice than anything else. "Do you really believe that?" he asked, letting the wind carry his words. "Don't they say it's like riding a bike. Once you learn, you never forget? I don't believe that, not by a long shot. You could never let me down." As it was, Eli held a strong belief in Billy. As a matter of fact, he held a strong belief in all his friends. "I know," he whispered. "The unknown is scary as fuck. I'm not pushing one way or another but, my Nan used to say if it doesn't scare the living shit out of you, it won't ever be worth it. This isn't about proving anything to anyone. You loved the game and the game loved you. That much was clear. I have half a mind to come down here after dinner and just swing at the balls. Let our inner kids run free once again."

[billyblueklein]

“I mean… no? Probably not. I’ll probably pick it back up, ‘real quick. Too quick, that I won’t even have any time to think about how heartbroken I am by it. I’m never gonna be as fast as I was, and my swing won’t pack the same punch, but goodness me, I know how to swing a bat. And that might ruin me from the inside out, ‘cause I could’ve fuckin’ done something with it.” He took a sip of his drink, shuddering, just a bit. “We start slow? I wanna do this but I’m fuckin’ terrified, and I can’t let this upend like… years and years of therapy.”

[spencerdolans-deactivated202601]

"Oh yeah?" Spencer knew that look. He had that look on his own face lately. He knew how much his friend struggled, so he was happy to see him happy. Billy deserved it more than anything. "I'm glad to hear that, man," he said. "Absolutely we do. I've been pretty good, too." He smiled, appreciated that the other man was thoughtful that way. Handing him the peach ice cream, Spence gestured for Billy to follow him. "You wanna take a walk and catch up a bit?" he asked.

[billyblueklein]

Billy took the ice cream, gratefully, immediately tasting the beloved sweetness. “Feeling peachy keen, man. This stuff is so good. Your family knocks it out of the park, as per usual.” He grinned, nodding. “Come on! I can help you escape for a bit.” He turned to Spencer, grinning, as he took another lick. “Glad it seems like things are good for you too. Talk to me! I’ve been.. well newly pre-occupied, but there’s much to catch up on, I’m sure.”

[inezdeveaux]

✿ closed starter / billy klein @billyblueklein ✿ location: the blackstone bulletin office

Not everyone in Blackstone Ridge got free drop-offs for their orders, but Billy Klein was something of a special case. He was Inez's neighbor, her little sister's first boyfriend, and a regular customer at the shop. Each of these alone meant she'd bend the rules a little now and then, but combined? They made him a special, special man. "Little Boy Blue," she sang out as she sat the vase filled with his mother's newest arrangement on his desk. Moving to rest her hip against the edge of it, Inez nosily looked around Billy's desk, hoping to catch sight of something entertaining. "The sheep's in the meadow, the cow's in the corn, blah, blah, blah, something about blowing your horn... Any fun gossip this week, or just the same boring ol' real news to report?"

[billyblueklein]

Billy sat at his desk, glancing at the time on his computer. It’s not that he was antsy, per say. He was just a little bit bored. It was a slow news day and it was beautiful outside, and he could be anywhere. On a boat out on the lake, out on a run, on a leisurely bike ride. He longed for the warmth of the sun on his shoulders, which… he could pine about through the window. Just as he heaved a sigh, he heard Inez’s voice, and flicked his eyes up, filling up with warmth, almost immediately. She had such a lovely presence, such an open heart, and Billy felt lucky to have her in his orbit. She reminded him of Persephone a little bit, like some sort of Goddess of Spring, what with her smile and her flowers. Speaking of which, she placed an arrangement on his desk, and he all but cooed out loud. “Nez! These are so beautiful. Momma’s gonna love them. As she always does.” He paused, pondering. “Slow news day… you caught me dreaming helplessly of being outside. But football’s boutta start back up, so I imagine there’ll be a lot going on soon. Oh! I’m dating someone now so if you see a tall, lanky man lingering around my place, I do in fact want him to be there.” He grinned, resting his chin on his palm. “Wouldn’t say it’s newsworthy, but… it’s good.”

[hxnrycomeon]

"I don't know if I'm 'good people' I think I'm like moderately good." Henry shrugged, he wasn't the most secure. There were many days where he questioned if he was good. He knew he wasn't bad, but he couldn't help but wonder how people might still be affected by his bad actions. "Squish is a sweet girl. I think she'll love you. Especially if you give her some treats, or some catnip."

"Yeah, I mean we can take this as slow or as fast as we want. Within reason of course." Henry blushed. Heat rose to his cheeks turning them just the slightest bit pink, like someone had been pinching them. "I just know that right now, I want to keep seeing you." The beginning stages of seeing someone new was always a little scary. The fear that at any minute Billy could decide that he doesn't want to continue this kept Henry nervous. Usually he didn't get like this on dates since he wasn't really looking for anything serious. Even before their first date Henry wasn't looking for anything serious, but then Billy Blue was just plopped right in front of him, and things just changed. During that first encounter Henry just knew that he needed to pursue Billy. It was difficult to put his finger on what exactly it was about the other man that made Henry change his mind on almost everything when it came to relationships. Maybe it was too soon to think about these things, but Henry didn't care, like he said earlier, they could play by their own rules.

"Well I was impressed the second I walked in here." Henry admitted. Billy could've left his house cluttered, bought fast food take out and Henry would've still been in awe. Henry's own home was a disaster, messes everywhere, no fresh food to cook with, so when he walked into Billy's home, he felt at ease, despite the pre-date nerves he had felt. Henry could feel his shoulders relax when Billy took his hand. He hadn't even realized they were tense before. The soft touches were sweet, something Henry hadn't known in a very long time, but boy did he crave them. For a very long time Henry wouldn't let himself have anything gentle or kind, he felt unworthy of that kind of love. He had piles of baggage that he didn't want people to know about. It seemed like Billy was willing to see past that, and take Henry for all that he was, baggage included. "I have a lot of issues you know." Henry started, unsure of where his words would take him. "Um, so if you don't want to deal with them, then say something now. I don't want to put you through my bullshit if that's not something you want to sign up for."

[billyblueklein]

“Well, for what it’s worth, and I’m not sure it’s worth too much, but I suppose that’s another story…. I think you’re wonderful. We all fuck up sometimes, we all have our own baggage, but if your heart’s in the right place, well.. we keep striving to be better, right? That’s all we can really do.” Billy had many regrets, but he tried not to let too many of them linger anymore. His therapist helped with that. Every time he made peace with something, he felt so much lighter. “I’ll spoil her rotten. Just like my girl Scout, here. She saves me everyday. The least I can do is show them some love.”

Upon hearing Henry and seeing the way he blushed, Billy could feel his own face matching. “It might be an insane time to mention this, but if we’re playing by our own rules… might as well.” He took a deep breath, feeling himself easing into the vulnerability. But he felt safe with Henry, so that had to be worth something. “I’ve never done this before… not really. I mean, I had a girlfriend in high school, but I didn’t really pay her any attention, ‘cause I was so focused on getting scouted for baseball. I was also so deeply entrenched in the closet as a teenager, so in many ways that wasn’t particularly fair, or real, for that matter. I was like… in love with my frat brother in college, but he was very much straight, and I was such an idiot about it, and then well… the whole… mental break happened. So.” He paused, frowning a little bit. “What I’m trying to say is that I’m not used to this. And I might fuck up, ‘cause I might get a little scared of messing something up, ‘cause I’ve been casual for ten years. I didn’t think I deserved something real, especially not with someone like you. Someone beautiful and good to me, so. Our own pace…. I’m really into you. Like undeniably, irrefutably into you. It’s inevitable. But I’m also terrified, and… I want you to know that despite that, I’m not going anywhere if you’ll have me.” He smiled sheepishly, hoping he didn’t say something he shouldn’t have. 

[javier-rojas]

WHERE: The Whiskey Barrel WITH: @billyblueklein

Luckily for Javi, he'd always been a quick learner. It’d made this bartending gig a lot easier to slide into than he’d originally thought it would be. However, that didn’t mean he was flawless, or that he hadn’t fucked up a time or two. He was still a work in progress, and oftentimes, Javi’s mind tended to move quicker than his hands. Tonight was just another example of that as he sat the wrong drink down in front of a customer and instantly clocked his own mistake. “Shit–” he hissed beneath his breath, his fingers freezing around the glass he’d just sat down. Within his grasp was a gin & tonic, which…he was now realizing belonged to someone else halfway down the bar. He’d gotten ahead of himself, and as a result, he’d mixed up a couple orders. “This is so not what you ordered, is it?” Sighing, he shook his head, trying to remember what the guy had actually wanted. Tonight was hectic, and while that wasn’t an excuse, Javi knew he was overstimulated. “Sorry, man– still getting the hang of this,” he supplied, shrugging a shoulder. Talk about great first impressions– he couldn’t even get his fucking drink right. “I’ll remake it on the house, alright?”

[billyblueklein]

Billy was back at the Whiskey Barrel. It was no surprise at this point; he’d already been coming in for years, and then, upon starting to date Henry, he resumed his place as a bona fide regular. He came back to his usual barstool, and his eyes lit up at a new bartender. He was sure Henry was around, somewhere, doing some menial task for Benny… he was doing a lot of those, lately—a form of apology or repentance, more than likely. But Billy didn’t mind. He’d see Henry on a break and have his way with him then. This was a more interesting turn of events. He ordered his usual whiskey sour and as his eyes zeroed in on the gin and tonic in front of him, he offered the man a sheepish smile. “Man! It’s okay! Truly. I love a spot of gin. I can drink this, no issue.” He tried to soothe, to ease the clearly stressed man in front of him. “I’m Billy Blue and I promise you, I’m never gonna give you any trouble here. Easygoin’ as they come. You new here?”

[goldenboyhale]

Nate listened only in the way he could, quiet, steady, and present. His hands stayed loosely wrapped around the bottle, posture easy but open. When Billy talked, Nate didn't interrupt. Just waited, taking in everything he'd said. When the words finally settled, Nate let out a breath through his nose, eyes tracking a distant point ahead of him before turning to Billy again. His voice was low and even, soft--it was always soft for Billy. He couldn't help that part.

"I think bein' able to talk about him without shutting down's worth a hell of a lot. More'n most people ever get to." He fixed Billy with a long, thoughtful look then. "I know it took a lot to get here.You've done all the work. Ain't a small feat. I don't think you're too much. Not even a little." His lips twitched upward. "The way you go talkin' about him, I don't think he'll be scared. Sounds like you've been careful with him, like you know him enough to sense he can handle it." He paused, thinking for a moment as his thumb ran down the edge of the bottle.

"Even if he is scared, that don't make it your fault. Sometimes people just need to process. Don't let that stop you from saying it with your whole chest, okay? Just show up. That's all you can do. From there, they decide what to do with it." He reached over and nudged Billy's knee lightly. "I'm proud of ya, kid. Truly."

[billyblueklein]

Billy settled back into his chair, letting Nate speak. He could hear the softness in his voice, quiet though it may be, and he appreciated it more than he knew how to say. Nate was always soft with him, and it felt especially meaningful when he knew that wasn’t how he always operated. His own father had been so callous and cruel, and even though Nate was quiet and reserved, he was still sweet. Sweet to Billy, anyways.

“At least it’s letting me untangle all the feelings I have about him, how he left. There’s a piece of me that will always hate him. For leaving. For being so godawful to me and my siblings. For being just bigoted enough to make me hate myself for the longest time but… there’s a lot I could attempt to forgive. I won’t forgive him being mean to my momma. Ophelia’s a saint. How dare someone ever mistreat her.” He paused, looking down, shaking his head. “Enough about him. He doesn’t deserve a breath.”

“Anyone ever told you how wise you are, Nate? ‘Cause they fuckin’ should.” He smiled, slow and soft, a bit of a blush on his cheeks. Nate nudged him and he couldn’t help the small laugh that fell out. “It means somethin’ mighty, making you proud. Thanks for being there when he wasn’t.”

[lettiescott-deactivated20250927]

"Billy Blue," she chuckled. "Don't think I'll ever forget that one." They didn't seem like someone blue in spirit, but radiated joy and a delightful energy that Lettie couldn't help but soak in. She figured Arlo had good taste in canines, so it would only make sense that it was true with the owner, too. "Yes. Moved from Houston a few weeks ago. Still getting my bearings, but Blackstone has been great so far! Any recs for a newbie?"

[billyblueklein]

He grinned, shaking his head. “You can thank my momma for that one. Used to think it was silly when I was a kid, you know when the other kids might tease, but the name really works now. Sort of rolls off the tongue, I think.” His eyes lit up at the sound of Houston. “Oh! Houston! Great city. My-“ he stopped himself, blinking a bit while trying to come up with an accurate label for the situation he was in. “The guy I’m dating is from there. What are the odds, hm? Big city, but who knows. You might know him.” He blushed, even thinking about Henry. “Oh! Fantastic selection at Blackstone Books. Bluebonnet Bakery is to die for. Mariana’s has got some incredible guac. I’m born and raised, so I know just about everything in this town and there are truly endless recs. Oh! And if you’re ever in the mood for some honest journalism, I’m just pushing out articles at the Bulletin.”

[smartiesclub]

Eli released a sigh and handed him a nice cool drink before he spoke. ❛❛We should play.❜❜ He didn't see a reason why not. ❛❛I don't mean in a professional league or what have you but just for fun. You miss it, so why not just do it for fun. For no one else but you and your own happiness.❜❜ maybe he was a little bit tipsy, but still, his words rang true. ❛❛That's one idea. The other wouldn't be very nice. Going up to them and just taking over their game. ❜❜ he laughed just as the thought was silly.

[billyblueklein]

Billy almost paled, heart racing merely at the thought of it. He wasn’t sure what else he had expected to come out of Eli’s mouth, but it surprised him all the same. “I-“ he paused, floundering. “I haven’t played in 10 years. I… I don’t even know that I’d be good at it anymore. I’d let you down, you know? But I..” He seemed almost agonized, the draw to the field so loud and present in the moment. He took a sip, letting the bitter taste of beer wash over him. “I’m scared of it, Eli. Falling in love with the game again. It was everything to me.”

[billyblueklein]

🎐 ]ㅤ.ㅤdo they have a sound, like a song or voice, that they associate with peace ? [☂️ ]ㅤ.ㅤdo they crave touch or fear it ?

🎐 ]ㅤ.ㅤdo they have a sound, like a song or voice, that they associate with peace ? 

Sweet Baby James - James Taylor

[☂️ ]ㅤ.ㅤdo they crave touch or fear it ?

Billy craves touch, deeply. It makes him feel like he’s in his body. He loves it.

[billyblueklein]

💼, 🌊, 🦇!

[ 💼 ]ㅤ.ㅤwhat do they always carry with them ?

Childhood trauma. Dog treats.

 [ 🌊 ]ㅤ.ㅤwhen was the last time they cried ?

already answered!!! 

[ 🦇 ]ㅤ.ㅤwhat is a fear they never talk about ?

That he’s gonna turn out like his father. That he’s going to end up bitter and mean. He actively has worked to make himself a healthy person, but it will always terrify him.