Billy Watson

Twenty-Four future doctor Strive for progress, not perfection

[heybillywatson]

Billy hadn't realised how lonely New York City could feel at times. Or how lonely it could be being a student. Especially when he wouldn't leave his apartment for days, using his mounting deadlines as an excuse as to why he wasn't going outside. In reality, he only left his bed to go to the bathroom. Sometimes he's remember that music existed, but most of the time he was scrolling his phone silently, wondering why no messages were popping up. Forgetting the unread messages he promised to reply to soon. Soon could be tonight, tomorrow. This week, at least.

That's what he's telling himself now, during a brief moment when he's bored of mindlessly scrolling through his phone. Still, replying to people is the last thing he wants to do. It takes so much energy, thinking of appropriate replies to various people. That, on top of the unfinished coursework, is adding to his stress, which is adding to his inability to do things. Be productive. Live a normal life.

Dating is hard too. How do you meet people nowadays? Dating apps are full of people who are just looking for a quick fuck, but the idea of a brief moment is the last thing he wants. Once again, communication and interaction with people takes too much energy. Why is it so difficult sometimes? Why can't it come easily to him?

Tomorrow, he tells himself. Tomorrow is the day he'll get out of bed, clean his room, buy groceries, and get back on top of everything. Reply to his messages. Get back on top of his coursework. Get his life back on track. Soon the loneliness will fade again. Hopefully. It's time to get back up.

[heybillywatson]

itsamandascott​:

location: anywhere on the streets of new york

“Hey!” Amanda called out, running to catch up someone down the sidewalk on the streets. She’d been chasing them through the crowd for nearly a block from when they saw the wallet drop from their pocket (or purse respectively) and was out of breath by the time she finally got their attention. 

Smiling, she held out the wallet with one hand as the other rested on the leg warmers she was wearing. “You dropped this back there. I thought I wasn’t going to catch up to you, I’ve been calling out for you for almost a whole block, but I guess you didn’t pay too much attention cause well, I could have been calling for anyone right? Anyway, here ya go.”

-

There’s someone shouting after someone, but it’s not a voice Billy recognises, so he keeps on walking. She doesn’t seem to get the attention of whoever she’s trying to reach, though, but after a minute, the noise of the city has drowned her out, and it’s soon forgotten by him. It’s not until he’s tapped on the shoulder that he realises that she’d been yelling after him.

Offering a grateful smile, he reaches for the wallet. “Thank you, that’s so nice of you. Nicer than most people in the city, I assume.” Most people would’ve probably taken everything in his wallet. Quickly opening and looking through it, he reaches for a $20 bill. “I’m not sure what to do in these situations. Finders fee?” He holds out the bill for her to take.

[heybillywatson]

fashionistamaisyackerman​:

LOCATION: Central Park WHO: Open

The pencil between her teeth shifted as she erased something in her journal. An idea had struck her in the middle of her walk through the park and she absolutely had to jot it down before she forgot. Ohh – and she just got a new piece from the thrift shop down the street that would work wonderfully with the dress pattern she had in mind. 

Maisy replaced the pencil with her pink eraser, eyes burrowing in concentration. The woman didn’t bother looking were she was going as she drew and next thing she knew her journal was on the ground and she was steadying herself on the person in front of her.       “Oh my goodness, I am - I am so sorry. Are you okay?”

-

He’s stressed. Very stressed. With a huge test coming up, one he can’t fail, Billy has been reading and studying non-stop, trying to memorise as much as possible by the end of the week. So focused on trying to memorise and glancing down at his notes, he didn’t notice that someone was walking towards him, also not looking at where they’re going.

The collision snapped him right out of his trance, whatever he was cramming immediately forgotten. “Oh, shit, I’m so sorry,” he says, almost in unison with her. Making sure she’s steady, he apologises again. “I’m all good, just too busy studying,” he says as he waves his notebook in his hand. “Didn’t look where I was going, I’m sorry.”

[heybillywatson]

josh-cole​:

You know when you’re around intoxicated people and you start feeling under the influence yourself? Josh would ask if he hadn’t fallen into a drunken silence. And then you’re alone or with someone sober and realise you’re not drunk at all? It happens all the time at home, with both alcohol and weed. Well, this is… the opposite. He heads straight to the edge of the roof where a waist-high wall acts as a barrier, looking out over the street before he turns to lean back against it. “I love it,” he replies, not having meant to fall silent for so long. “Do you get to do this all the time? D’you think they can tell that I don’t?” Josh’s smile is enough to show he doesn’t really mind too much either way. “Thanks for letting me come here with you.”

-

The silence is comfortable, and Billy doesn’t want to be the one to break it. Seeing Josh enjoy the view of the city, seeing him enjoying himself, he can’t help but smile. He’s happy seeing his friend happy. It’s almost disappointing when Josh breaks the silence, interrupting his admiration of his friend. “Yeah. I mean, there’s always a party somewhere. I don’t go to most of them, though,” he shrugs, thinking about how he’s usually sitting in either his room or a library instead of at a party. Josh is the reason he’s out partying tonight. “I think you fit in perfectly. Got the char, of a college student,” he smiles, stepping next to the man to look at the city. “I’m really glad you joined.”

[heybillywatson]

arthurgustin​:

“Nice, thanks. I’m sure I’ll love them,” he responds, and he’s confident about it. He’ll make a book club or a party or a movie night or whatever work if it means that they’ll get some downtime. “Do you go to parties with them?” is his next question, asked in between sips from his mug of champagne. “Because surely you’re not spending your entire day in class or studying, right?” 

-

“We go to parties sometimes.” Billy not so often as some of his friends, though. A lot of his time is spent in the library, or at home. He’s definitely not the biggest party-goer of the bunch, that’s for sure. Some of them even tease him for taking his studies so seriously. “I brought Josh to one of the parties the other day, actually. It was so much fun. So I do get a break sometimes.” Probably not as often as Arthur would like him to take a break though.

[heybillywatson]

alexxa-caldwll​:

Alexa nodded and smiled, seeing that he understood her advice and would hopefully take it. “Also, remember that dating is strange and stressful for everyone. Plus, you’re young. You’ve got tons of dating ahead of you. Just enjoy that. Meeting new people, playing the field. You’ve got time to find the one.” She smirked. 

“You’re sure? It’s really no trouble for me. I don’t mind.”

-

“So stressful,” he chuckles. It’s a bad habit, he know it, but Billy always works himself up whenever he’s got a date. Does he look decent? Did he pick a good place for the date? Is he funny enough? Smart enough? Charming enough? Too many questions swimming around in his head. It’s hard for him not to worry, really.

“If you insist,” he finally gives in, but looks at her to make sure that she means it. “It’s very nice of you.”

[heybillywatson]

tcmmykane​:

Tommy’s brows curve inward, and he eyes theguy next to him curiously, like he can’t tell if the kid is making fun of him ornot. Ultimately, he decides, it doesn’t really matter. “I mean, it is abouttime for a revolution, but I’m sure as shit not going to start it.” He says,waiting for the bartender to refill his glass. He’s perhaps spending too much moneyand time here tonight, but he’s in a mood, and a bar setting suits thatmood. “Power will always corrupt. Any sort of nice, perfect, ideal society imageanyone has in their mind will never be executed properly because people,ultimately, are awful.”

-

“Guess there won’t be a revolution any time soon,” Billy says in reply, sounding defeated. If the man next to him isn’t starting the revolution, and he himself isn’t going to either, then who will? Will they just sit and wait around for someone else to do it? They might be waiting forever if that’s the case. “Ah, you’re a glass half empty kind of guy, aren’t you?” he comments, glancing at him before taking a sip of his own drink.

[heybillywatson]

arthurgustin​:

“That’s fair, I guess, but I bet more of them read for fun than you’d think. Besides, I wanna meet your school friends,” Arthur tells him with a shrug. “I bet they’d like to come to book-themed parties.” There’s a pause before he corrects himself. “Or… parties in general, maybe. We can find an excuse to get you guys all out of your books for one reason or another, I bet. If anyone deserves a break, it’s you guys. Book club is just one of many options.” 

-

“Yeah, you should meet them,” Billy agrees enthusiastically. “They’re all really nice and super smart. I think you’d like them.” He’s proud of the small group of friends he’s managed to make this far. It hasn’t always been easy for him to make friends, so he’s happy that he’s got some people that willingly spend time with him, and who enjoy his company. “Parties, always. Well, some of them. Some defy the stereotype and don’t go partying that much. But I can suggest a book club at least.”

[heybillywatson]

josh-cole​:

“See, this is why you went to college. You’re so smart.” Josh chuckles as he gives a quick scan of the room to determine where the door is. He figures it out after a beat and grabs Billy’s hand to lead them out. “S’there a fire escape or somethin’? I d’know if I have the patience for the elevator.” By the time they get out into the corridor of the complex, it’s weirdly quiet. He guesses the building was made for students with how well the sound of the party is blocked out - still very much audible, but muted enough to make it feel like his ears need to pop. “Okay now we’re not around drunk people I feel… drunker.”

-

Following Josh, his hand feeling hot in Josh’s, Billy lets out of a breath of relief as they emerge out of the crowded, loud room. He’s nodding for a brief second before realising that that’s not enough information, and he quickly opens his mouth, “Right this way.” Now Billy is the one leading Josh outside to the fire escape, stopping as he lets go of his hand and takes a small bow, gesturing and giggling, “After you.” The fresh air feels great against his skin as they step outside, and he only now realises how warm it was inside - no wonder, in a room packed of drunk people, and the excitement of their game of beer pong. “So, how are you liking your first college party?”

[heybillywatson]

alexxa-caldwll​:

Alexa smiled as she closed up her shop and began walking with him down the side walk a few steps to her car. “I mean, it’s not bad advice.” She smirked playfully, shrugging. “Take things slow. Enjoy the moment. And just remember that whatever is meant to be will be. You can’t change it. All you can do is be yourself and hope that who you are meshes well with who she is.” She smiled and patted his shoulder. 

“I’m sure you’ll be fine.” She walked around to the drivers side and pauses then speaks once more. “Do you need a ride home? It’s late.”

-

Listening intently to her words, Billy nods knowingly, signalling that he’s taking in her words. It’s all very logical - take things slow, enjoy the moment. Taking things slow, he’s good at that. Enjoying the moment is harder when you overthink every possible interaction. Still, he’ll try his best to enjoy every moment of it. “Thanks, that’s really nice,” he smiles softly. “I’ll try my best.”

Shaking his had, he slaps his thigh. “No, I’ve got these two, I can walk home.” Cringe. Why did he do that? “Wouldn’t want you to drive out of your way anyway.”

[5sospicturesque]

Clearing out my camera roll 8972/?

[heybillywatson]

dottystclaire​:

where: dotty’s corner café !

who: open to anyone !

She had been trying to get the dishwasher to turn on for several minutes now, and every attempt seemed to conclude with a horrible sucking noise straight out of Dotty’s nightmares. The dishwasher itself was her newest purchase and it had arrived with the promise to save up to 37,000 gallons of water a year if she used it right. Dotty was just glad she didn’t need to keep doing all those dishes by hands. The mugs were adorable, sure but her hands were so dry! And she was running out of lotion, which was the true crime here. 

None of that, though, solved the issue of the dishwasher and its absolutely disgusting noise. The frown that had marred Dotty’s face since she had excused herself through the mint-green swinging doors that proudly proclaimed “employees only” over them remained firmly entrenched on her face. “I really thought this would be easier,” she muttered to herself, bending down. “I swear I read all the instructions and – Oh!”

Standing up so fast that her head nearly collided with the bottom of her new purchase, that frown had morphed into a smile. “It needs water in that compartment!” Smiling to herself, and firmly resolving to never, ever tell Derek or her father about this, she pressed the switch that said “fill” in neat letters, slid the first rack of mugs into the dishwasher as they all chatted merrily to themselves, closed the door with more force than she needed, and started the machine.

That was plenty of work for today, she though, but before she could do much of anything, the bell above the door chimed merrily out front. Dotty sighed, smoothed out a few wrinkles in that absolutely adorable pink apron she had fought to get into this place, and walked back through those doors, her best smile already gleaming on her face. 

“Hi there! Welcome to Dotty’s Corner Café, where we’re working to save the planet one straw and plastic lid at a time!” The words flowed off her tongue. Dotty had had plenty of practice with them by now, but more than that, she wanted to show that she believed them. “I’m Dotty,” she continued with a little giggle and a half-curtsey, “and I’d be happy to get you whatever you’d like! Is this your first time in?”

-

He’d hear promising things about Dotty’s Corner before, and the sandwich that Cassie had shared with him that one time on the steps outside his apartment had Billy coming there to see if the rest really was as good as their shared lunch had been that day. If the outside is anything to judge by, he’s sure the place will meet his expectations. 

The charming ring of the bell above the door and the comforting warmth that embraces him when he walks in has him sold - Dotty’s Corner really lives up to all his expectations, and he’s not even ordered anything yet. The pleasant smile and the kind voice of the woman welcoming him inside drives a smile on his face as he walks up to the counter. “First time in, yes, but I’ve had the pleasure of having had one of your sandwiches before,” he admits, adding, “and it was wonderful.”

[heybillywatson]

lunawilliams​:

Luna was kinda drunk so her threating someone wasn’t something she’ll usually do. As she saw the male approaching she dropped the roller “Fuck, sorry I just got scared. Sorry.” She said as she let out a sigh “They just closed but I can share if you’d like?” 

-

His own heart racing from the interaction, Billy needs a moment to collect his thoughts and consider whether he should accept her offer of pizza. She does seem like she’s harmless, having been truthfully scared just a moment ago. Looking around, weighing the pros and cons, he hesitantly decides to take up her offer. He’s got long legs - he could always try to run away if it turns out to be shady after all. “Thanks. I really thought they’d be open a little longer.”

[heybillywatson]

lunawilliams​:

It was already so late and Luna was hungry. Nothing was opened but her usual pizza place. She loved that place not because the pizza was actually good but, because it was open twenty four seven. She bought a whole tray for herself and sat next to her building entry, taking a few bites. She was in a whole other world with that pizza. Then, suddenly she heard something “Just letting you know that I stole the pizza roller and I am not afraid to use it!” She said as she got up, trying to look at who it was. Her heart was racing.    

-

Having been couped up in his apartment all day, losing track of time, Billy had suddenly felt his stomach rumble. By now it’s late, late enough for most places to be closed already. Google Maps promised that this pizza place was open, though, and relatively close to his apartment. What he had not expected was being startled by a threatening woman besides the entrance. Maybe this pizza place wasn’t the place to be after all. “Shit, sorry, I thought this place was still open,” he says quickly, about to turn around. “My bad.”

[heybillywatson]

pinkishlace​:

open to: anyone (: location: lower manhattan, outdoor stage

“Okay guys, let’s go!” She put on a smile and lead her kindergarten dancers onto the stage, reminding them where their spots were before stepping off down the stairs to give them cues in case they forgot. This was one of the parts of her job she really really loved, all their hard work had paid off and they were able to perform. Some of them cried from nerves, or forgot quickly, but she quietly went up to comfort or to remind them their next steps. They were just baby dancers, after all, it was just for fun at this point in time. The music ended and she went up to the stage, reminding them to take their bows before leading them off the stage. “You did great!” She encouraged, giving each a high five and a little Christmas present for the end of the winter sessions. 

Their little end of year showcase had concluded, at least for this studio, and she took a bow with her class and other teachers that helped set up the showcase before wandering off to find something warm to drink. She cradled the warm cup of hot chocolate in her hands, watching the teachers set up for the older classes. “Oh, I’m sorry am I in your way?” She asked, a short laugh following when she realized she was standing in front of someone, quickly shifting to the side so they could see the stage if that was their goal. 

-

Billy had wandered the streets, trying to keep moving in order to stay warm in the chilly New York air, when he had seen the stage full of dancing children - and most importantly, hot chocolate being handed out. After getting his little cup of hot chocolate, he soon got captivated by the tiny dancers on stage, and the varying emotions on their faces. Some were smiling, as if everything in their lives led up to this moment on stage, whereas others looked like they couldn’t wait to get off the stage and back to their parents.

Once the performance ended, and his hot chocolate is gone, Billy turns around to find a trash can for his cup and finds himself stuck in the crowd. Trying to get the attention of the woman in front of him, he smiles apologetically, confirming her question. “Yeah, I’m just trying to find someplace to throw this away,” he says, holding up his empty cup. “Any clue where there’s a trash can?”

[heybillywatson]

gardenerlifestyle​:

🌱 ᴛᴏʙʏ ᴍᴄᴄᴀʀᴛʜʏ

“Just, you know…” his words trail off, Toby’s speech skills never showing up when he needs them. Mostly because he doesn’t have any. “I, um, I actually came here on a date. Both to work, not to—not to eat - not like there’s anything wrong with eating here - and I decided to stick around.” Unlike his date. Smiling at Billy, Toby gives a little shrug. It was a long time ago, he barely remember the dude’s face. He was already volunteering at the time, so giving his free time off to another good cause has been like a natural step, and also to the shelter that came after that. He just needed to keep on giving, considering how much he took with his other activity on the side.

“Oh, cool, like Doctor Strange.” The words are out before Toby knows it, and he ducks, trying to hide the blush running up his cheeks. “I mean—I’m sure there’re other famous brain doctors. Like, real ones.” Worrying at his bottom lip with his front teeth, Toby speeds up a little, if only to avoid looking at Billy, who’s surely thinking how lame that comment was. He isn’t even that big of a comics fan, but with little going on in his life except for his jobs, the paid work and the volunteering, he has to fill-in the silence in his home with something.

Inspecting the boxes and then Billy, he nods excitedly at the man’s words, so happy Billy’s there to help him and also motivated to do so. “We just need to put everything away and then we’re done,” he explains, showing the shelves near them with a gesture. “Got any plans for later?” He wonders, peeking curiously at the other while he crouches and starts opening the boxes.

-

Billy raises his eyebrows in surprise. This is definitely an interesting place for a first date. Not a bad idea though - it would easily show another person’s views on a lot of things, including helping others and how they are around others who are less fortunate. “That’s really cool, actually,” he affirms, offering a small smile to confirm that he means what he’s saying. “Was it your idea or your date’s to come here? I bet it got the conversation starting, having a first date here.” He’s genuinely curious about how such a date would go - if Toby doesn’t mind him asking. “It’s nice that you decided to stick around, though. I’m hoping to stick around too.”

As Toby utters the name Doctor Strange, Billy can’t help but burst out laughing. “Not quite, I don’t have his superpowers” he says in between laughs. “That’s a comparison I haven’t heard before.” Unable to come up with any other well-known neurologists, he has to agree with Toby. It’s a little charming, the way he immediately referenced a comic figure instead of the usual ‘Oh you must be so smart and spend so much time helping others, that’s so good of you’ type of praise - it’s refreshing. 

Looking from the boxes to the shelves, the job doesn’t seem so bad. With some good company, organising shelves and putting away things can be quite fun - and go quite quickly too. “Are there specific places where everything goes, or do we just need to put it away nicely?” Shaking his head, Billy confirms that the rest of his day is pretty empty. “I wasn’t sure how long this would take, so the rest of my day is free.”

[heybillywatson]

tcmmykane​:

“It’s the people with all the money who want to hoard it like a bunch of dragons sleeping on treasure.” Tommy remarks, his brows high and pulled together at the same time. “Trickle down economics doesn’t work, they get away without being taxed, their wealth grows, the poverty of everyone else grows… see what I’m sayin’ here?” He asks, draining the last of his alcohol before setting the glass back down on the table and wiping his mouth with the back of his arm. “That’s what I’m saying!” Tommy replies, eyes wide, arms thrown out. “There are so many, so fucking many who don’t fit that description, yet… the news and media are never inundated like this. The system’s fucked.”

-

“Next step is for us to take them down,” Billy says, half joking, half serious. Sure, he’s got some money himself, but he’s not anywhere near those the man is describing. And he tries to give to those who need it more than him, rather than hoarding the things he’s got. “No more trickle down economics, more equality, am I right.” He’s not even had the chance to order a drink, he’s realising now, the discussion too captivating. Taking a moment to order a beer, he turns back to the other man. “I think we need an entire reboot of the system. If only they let it happen.” It’s an impossible suggestion, to change the system in order to make everyone equal. A utopia that doesn’t exist.