#billy zzz

[ravvaroniandcheese]

Oh Billy, I love you sm

[thehondahasciviced]

Billy confesses with his new form

Got him today after i lost to grace again she js really likes the constructs ig. Only one with his sig w engine he deserves it i spent everything

No warnings just fluff and a slightly botched confession, hc format

you've been friends with Billy for a long time, long enough to notice if he'd ever changed anything about his appearance

slightly less red jacket? Hair less fluffy than usual? Eyes drooped down a little? Nicole called you creepy but you preffered the term caring

not that Billy ever minded, he lavished in your astute observations of his every little thing, often complaining how the rest of the cunning hares could barely tell when he added a brand new limited edition Starlight Knights pin

his recent addition to his model was a button in the middle of his chest

the thing you found stranger however was the fact that he tried lying to you about it

"What button?" He asked with all the nonchalance of a toddler trying to walk

you brushed it off, maybe he wanted to surprise you with some Starlight Knight related change

you were right on the money. Almost.

the day you saw him with his new form you could feel your heart hammering against your ears

you don't remember exactly when you started to find him weirdly attractive for an intelligent construct, you just knew when it happend it felt as though the sky had fallen; Billy was your friend! You can't see him in that way no matter how red your face got when he was near.

unfortunately your heart simply couldn't still, he looked amazing

he yapped about the modifications, striking a few poses every now and then to add some flair

you always pay attention to what he's saying, but at the moment you just couldn't get your mind off how unbelievably good he looked

you wanted to grab him and shake him around with how cute his facial expressions were with every explanation he gave

eventually though, a nervous air came about him

it wasn't completely unusual, he gets nervous about things, but you expected him to be the epitome of joy at this moment

"Is something wrong? I promsie I was paying attention!"

loud incorrect buzzer

"Nothings wrong! Uhm, I just wanted to say..."

he fidgeted with his hands, the sight was rather adorable

there he was, cool red scarf and jacket swaying, his horns ever so obvious against his white hair, yet here he was floundering abiut like a school boy

still, you were concerned, "Billy are you okay? Are the modifications painful or something?"

"Nope! Perfectly safe! It's just uh...you're the first person I'm showing this to..."

you smiled at that, heart warmed at the fact that you were the first person he wanted to show something so important to him

"That's really sweet of you," you placed a hand on his scarily muscular metal arm, "thanks for thinking of--"

"I like you!"

you stared, he stared, silence was shared

"I'm...sorry?"

"Gah!" He ripped his arm from your touch and grabbed his hair as though he made a grave mistake

"Shoot! I was supposed to say that way cooler! Uhm, could you pretend I didn't say that?"

"Pretend I didn't-- Billy I can't pretend!"

your face was fully on fire and by the looks of it, so was Billys. His hands shifted to cover his quickly overheating face, an eye peeking through his fingers

"This all went wrong! Wait, no, don't move!"

he quickly turned around, fixing his attire and smoothing out his hair before spinning back and throwing a finger gun at you with an attempt of a wink

and saying nothing

he starts fumbling again, somehow forgetting the crucial three words for a confession

you clutch your stomach. Not in pain, no, you couldn't stop laughing. Billy notices and his nervousness increases as does your laughing. He was so cute and bad at this while looking like he'd be the main character of an action movie

he let out an awkward laugh with you, gears still turning in his head as to how he could salvage this. He'd spent serious money on his upgrades and made sure you'd be the first person to see it in all its glory, a confession right after is the most Starlight Knight thing he could do, but of course he had to lose it when you smiled and touched his arm

he remembers so clearly the first time he saw you in a less than platonic way, he was planning on recounting the whole thing while staring lovingly into your eyes! -When you talked about Starlight Knights with him and called it cool, he swore his eyes could turn into those cheesy romance movie hearts, you were his new Monica!

you wipe a few stray tears away, blissfully unaware of Billys inner turmoil, "Sorry, sorry," you grab hold of his arm to tug him closer to you, "you were just so adorable."

his face overheats again, fans kicking in at the sudden proximity, "O-oh! That's good!"

you chuckle, "I like you too Billy."

you knocked him completely off his axis with such a simple sentence. Seriously, it would take an infinite amount of ethereals to make him feel as weak in the knees as you do

"Wait," his eyes widen, "but...but I didn't even look cool doing that!"

you roll your eyes, "Billy you always look cool, plus you have a charm of your own."

his eyes scan yout face as though he didn't believe the words coming out of your mouth before he abruptly picked you up by the waist and spun you around

"Haha! Yes! I am the happiest construct alive!"

his joy was contagious and you couldn't help but laugh along

[composing-the-future]

[jadenaristotle]

sometimes found family is a pair of biological siblings with different hair colors, their bangboo, their all-powerful ai assistant, their persona/stand, a freeloading, egg-loving snake thiren, and an intelligent construct who loves the starlight knights

[astropeachy]

idk

[shiggypinkyfinger]

Period Comfort

A/n: Um hey.. I'm not writing this for any reason *Crys* it doesn't even hurt I just get hungry and then I feel bad for eating then I stress eat. It's a whole thing. And this is my first zzz writing hope you like it

Paring: ZZZ males x s/o reader

Summery: This has, Lycaon, Lighter, Asaba Harumasa, Seth Lowell, Banyue, Billy, Hugo

Contains:fluff;sfw;comfort

Harumasa

You never told Harumasa it was your time of the month.

Instead, you simply got out of bed, shuffled into the living room, wrapped yourself in the fluffiest blanket you could find, and turned on the TV. The blanket wasn't just for warmth it was your shield from the world.

Harumasa, as usual, slept much later than you.

A while later, you heard a loud yawn followed by lazy footsteps.

"Hey..." he mumbled, stretching his arms over his head. "Where are you? I want cuddles... and back rubs."

He wandered into the living room, spotted the giant blanket lump on the couch, and grinned.

"There you are."

Before you could protest, he plopped down beside you and immediately tried to crawl under the blanket.

"Stop," you complained, clutching it tighter. "It's my blanket."

He barely paused.

You always forgot just how strong he was.

With almost no effort, he tugged the blanket open just enough to slip underneath before wrapping an arm around your waist and pulling you against his warm chest.

"So cranky..." he chuckled, resting his chin on top of your head. "You on your period or something?"

It was meant as a joke.

"...Yeah. So what if I am?" you muttered, burying your face against him. He was warm. Ridiculously warm. Like a walking heating pad.

His teasing smile disappeared in an instant.

"Oh."

For a second, he looked like his brain had completely stopped working.

"Uh... okay." He cleared his throat awkwardly. "Then... I'll make you something to eat... and rub your back."

He said it with all the enthusiasm of someone announcing they had to do their taxes.

You couldn't help letting out a tiny laugh.

"But..." he added, tightening his arms around you. "I want cuddles first."

He pressed a soft kiss against the side of your head before closing his eyes, perfectly content to hold you there.

You sighed happily, letting yourself melt into him.

"...I want food now, though," you mumbled after a minute.

"Yeah... heard you."

He didn't move.

"...Harumasa.”

"Mhm."

"You said you'd make food."

"I did."

"...Just give me five more minutes."

Five minutes passed.

You looked up at him.

"...Harumasa."

"Hm?"

"It's been five minutes."

"...Has it?"

"Yes."

He groaned dramatically, burying his face into your hair.

"You're asking a lot from a sleepy man."

"You literally offered."

"I know..." he sighed, sounding as if the task were the greatest burden imaginable. "I'm just trying to emotionally prepare myself."

You rolled your eyes.

"So dramatic."

"I have to leave the warm blanket."

"You also have to feed your girlfriend."

"...Fine."

He huffed one last time before finally untangling himself from you, only to immediately tuck the blanket back around your shoulders so you wouldn't get cold.

"I expect payment."

"What payment?"

"A welcome-home cuddle."

"You haven't even left yet."

"Exactly. I'm planning ahead."

You laughed as he shuffled toward the kitchen, still half asleep.

"You better not fall asleep making breakfast."

"No promises," he called back.

Despite all his complaining, you knew he'd come back with your favorite comfort food and probably a warm drink too. He'd grumble the entire time, acting like you were making him work far too hard.

But he'd do every bit of it without hesitation.

Manato

Manato would know on day one

He'd notice the little things before you even said a word.

The box of period products sitting on the bathroom counter. The way you were a little quieter than usual. The slight irritation in your voice over the smallest inconveniences.

And the biggest giveaway?

You kept reaching for his tail.

Whenever you weren't feeling well, you always ended up absentmindedly petting it. It was your favorite source of comfort.

He smiled to himself.

"Got it," he muttered. "Period."

Without saying another word, he grabbed his wallet and headed for the door.

"I'll be back!"

"...Huh?"

Before you could ask where he was going, he was already gone.

About fifteen minutes later, the front door opened again.

"I'm home!"

"Wow," you blinked. "That was fast."

"I couldn't keep you waiting."

He set a grocery bag on the kitchen counter before walking over to the couch.

Without hesitation, he sat beside you and gently flopped his fluffy tail right into your lap.

"There."

Your eyes immediately lit up.

"So soft..."

You wrapped both arms around his tail, rubbing your cheek against the soft fur with a content little sigh.

"I knew it'd work," he laughed.

His ears twitched proudly as you continued petting it.

"I also grabbed a few things while I was out." He pointed toward the grocery bag. "I got what we needed to make most of your favorite meals, your favorite snacks, chocolate, and your favorite drink."

You looked between the bag and him before throwing your arms around his neck.

"You're so sweet."

Your face buried itself against his chest while he wrapped both arms around you, holding you close.

"It wasn't a big deal," he murmured, gently rubbing your back.

After a moment, he tilted his head with a mischievous grin

"So..."

"Hm?"

"Would you say I'm the best boyfriend ever?"

You couldn't help smiling.

"Yes."

"Just 'yes?'"

You laughed.

"Yes. The very best."

His tail swished happily behind him.

"I knew it."

He leaned down and placed a gentle kiss on top of your head before resting his cheek against your hair.

The two of you stayed like that for another minute, enjoying the quiet.

Eventually, he gave your shoulder one last squeeze.

"I should probably start making your favorite dinner."

"But your tail..."

He chuckled.

"You can come steal it while I cook."

"Really?"

"Mhm."

You immediately stood up, still hugging his tail.

He laughed as you followed him into the kitchen, refusing to let go for even a second.

"I had a feeling that's exactly what you'd do."

Lycaon

Lycaon would know before you even told him.

In fact, he would probably know before you realized your period had started.

With his heightened sense of smell, he'd notice the subtle change in your body's scent as your hormones shifted. He'd never make a comment about it or embarrass you he would simply make a mental note.

He also kept a calendar.

Not because he thought you couldn't keep track yourself, but because he wanted to be prepared. Your preferred tea was always stocked, pain relievers never ran out, your favorite snacks were replaced before they were gone, and there were always plenty of period products tucked neatly away in the bathroom cabinet.

You never had to worry about checking.

Lycaon already had.

You lay curled up beneath the blankets, waiting for him to return after he'd quietly excused himself to fetch a few things.

A couple of minutes later, the bedroom door opened.

"I've returned."

Balancing a tray with practiced ease, Lycaon walked over to the bed.

"Here you are."

He carefully set a steaming mug of tea on your bedside table first.

"Freshly brewed. Be careful, it's still quite hot."

Next, he plugged in the heating pad before gently placing it across your lower abdomen, making sure it wasn't too warm against your skin.

Finally, he set a small glass of water and your pain medication on the bedside table within easy reach.

"These are ready whenever you wish to take them."

You gave him a tired smile.

"Thanks..."

You burrowed deeper beneath the blankets with a soft sigh.

After a moment, you looked up at him.

"...Can't we just cuddle or something?"

Lycaon's expression softened almost immediately.

He rested a hand on your head, gently stroking your hair.

"I would very much like to."

His thumb brushed lightly over your forehead.

"However, I still intend to prepare dinner for you. Proper meals are just as important as rest, especially while you're not feeling your best."

You pouted.

"But I want you."

A faint smile tugged at the corners of his lips.

"And you shall have me."

He leaned down and pressed a gentle kiss to your forehead.

"Allow me twenty minutes to prepare your favorite meal."

His hand remained in your hair for another moment before he continued.

"After that, I will return."

"And then?"

"Then," he said warmly, "I will remain by your side for the rest of the evening."

"Cuddles?"

"If that is what you desire."

"Head scratches?"

"Of course."

"Can I steal your tail?"

A quiet chuckle escaped him.

"I suspected you might ask."

His tail gave a slow, amused swish behind him.

"You may."

Your face immediately brightened.

"Really?"

"Within reason," he replied with a small smile. "I will need it back eventually."

You couldn't help laughing.

"Fine."

Satisfied that you'd smiled at least once, Lycaon gave your head one last gentle pat before making his way toward the kitchen.

"I shall return shortly."

You watched him leave, already looking forward to when he'd come back not just with dinner, but with the promise of spending the rest of the night wrapped up together.

Billy

Billy knew what periods were.

He just... didn't really think about them.

Not because he didn't care.

He was an AI construct. Human body functions weren't something he naturally considered. He never had to worry about bodily functions for himself, so it wasn't something that crossed his mind unless you mentioned it.

The moment he realized you were on your period, though?

He went into full support mode.

He even cornered Belle one day.

"So... hypothetically," Billy said " what shoud I do... you know... period stuff... what do I do?"

Belle blinked.

"...You're asking me for advice?"

"I don't want to mess it up!"

She laughed before giving him a list of ideas.

Heating pad.

Favorite snacks.

Warm drinks.

Patience.

Lots of cuddles.

Billy remembered every single one.

Today, the two of you were walking to the convenience store because you'd run out of period products.

Billy had offered to go by himself.

You politely refused.

Mostly because you didn't trust him to grab the right ones.

"Are you sure you don't want me to carry you?" Billy asked, flexing dramatically. "I'm super strong."

He struck a heroic pose.

You laughed.

"No. It'll mess up my gravity, you know."

"...Gravity?"

"Yep."

He stared for a second.

"...Yeah."

You reached over and grabbed his hand anyway, holding it as the two of you continued walking.

Billy looked down at your intertwined hands.

"...Hehe."

He definitely didn't understand the gravity comment.

But holding your hand?

That made perfect sense

Once you reached the store, you headed straight for the aisle you needed.

Billy followed closely behind, looking around with obvious curiosity.

"There are... way more options than I expected."

"There really are."

You grabbed the brand you always bought before tossing it into the basket.

Billy leaned over to get a better look.

"So... these are the ones you like?"

"Yeah."

He nodded very seriously, like he was committing classified information to memory.

"Got it."

"You don't have to memorize it."

"I absolutely do."

"You do?"

He pointed at the package.

"That way, next time, I can get the right ones instead of making you come all the way here."

You blinked.

"...Billy."

"What?"

"That's really sweet."

His faceplate practically lit up.

"It is?"

"Mhm."

He proudly crossed his arms.

"Mission accomplished!"

You laughed and continued shopping, grabbing a few comfort foods while you were there.

Billy immediately noticed.

"Cookies..."

"Mhm."

"Chocolate..."

"Yep."

"...Ice cream."

You gave him an innocent smile.

"What?"

He gasped dramatically.

"So periods are just an excuse to buy all your favorite snacks!"

"They're a reason, not an excuse."

"...Fair enough."

He reached over and tossed another one of your favorite treats into the basket.

"There."

"You didn't have to do that."

"I know."

He gave you a thumbs-up.

"But Belle said comfort food increases happiness."

"...Did she really?"

"...Maybe I added that part myself."

You couldn't help laughing.

As the two of you headed toward the checkout, Billy quietly glanced down at the basket one last time.

Brand.

Size.

Favorite snacks.

Favorite tea.

He stored every detail away.

Because next month...

He wanted to be the one who got everything right.

Seth

Seth didn't notice right away.

It wasn't because he didn't care he was just so busy with work that it completely slipped his mind until halfway through the week.

The moment he realized, though, his ears perked up.

"Why didn't you tell me the day it started?!"

Instantly, full cat mode activated.

He warmed up microwave meals, made sure your heating pad was plugged in, checked that you had pain medicine nearby, and smothered you with extra kisses and cuddles before leaving for work.

As he slipped on his shoes, he sat beside you one last time, gently rubbing your back.

"So... is there anything you want me to bring home for dinner?" he asked. "Anything at all. Don't worry about the price."

You thought for a moment before looking up at him.

"...Maybe some KFC?"

His tail gave a little swish.

"KFC? Easy."

He leaned over to kiss your forehead.

"I'll get your favorite meal, extra sides, and a drink too. If they have dessert, I'll grab that as well."

You smiled.

"You're spoiling me."

"I know," he laughed. "That's kind of the point."

With one last squeeze of your hand, he headed for the door.

"Text me if you think of anything else. I'll bring it home."

Banyue

Banyue always kept a mental note of when your period was due.

He never made a big deal out of it, but he wanted to be prepared. He'd spend his free time researching ways to ease cramps and even stop to chat with the local grannies whenever he saw them.

Some of their advice was... questionable.

One insisted that singing to flowers would help.

Another swore that wearing fuzzy socks inside out would "balance your energy."

Banyue listened to every suggestion with complete sincerity, even if he quietly ignored the more ridiculous ones.

One piece of advice, however, turned out to be surprisingly helpful.

Gentle morning walks.

So now, whenever you felt up to it, the two of you would take slow walks together along the beach.

The cool breeze drifted past as your footsteps sank into the sand, Banyue matching your pace without ever rushing you.

After a while, he glanced over at you.

"Are you feeling all right?" he asked softly. "Do we need to take a break?"

He rested a gentle hand against your lower back, rubbing small circles through your shirt.

You smiled reassuringly.

"I'm okay."

After another few steps, your stomach gave a quiet growl.

"...I am getting a little hungry, though."

Banyue chuckled.

"Then I think we've walked enough."

He offered you his hand.

"Let's head back. We can make a snack together... and after that, you can spend the rest of the morning relaxing."

"And you're relaxing with me?"

He gave your hand a gentle squeeze.

"Of course. I wasn't planning on leaving your side."

Hugo

Hugo could tell almost immediately.

Being a bat Thiren meant his senses were far sharper than most people's. The subtle change in your scent was enough for him to figure it out before you even noticed yourself.

The next morning, you stirred awake as Hugo lazily rolled over to face you.

He blinked sleepily before speaking in the most casual tone imaginable.

"Darling... you do know you've started your period, right?"

Your eyes flew open.

"What?!"

You shot upright faster than lightning, immediately throwing the blankets back to check the white bedsheets.

A sigh of relief escaped you.

"...Still white."

"Hugo!" You placed a hand over your chest. "Don't scare me like that!"

You carefully climbed out of bed and shuffled toward the bathroom.

Behind you, Hugo simply stretched with a quiet yawn.

"What?" he asked innocently. "It's not as though anything happened. And even if it had, it's hardly the end of the world."

You glanced back at him.

"Easy for you to say. It still sucks."

He smiled sympathetically.

"I know."

As you disappeared into the bathroom, Hugo swung his legs over the side of the bed.

"Take your time, darling."

He stood and straightened his shirt.

"I'll make breakfast for you. And before you ask yes, I'll make enough for leftovers so you don't have to think about lunch, either."

A small smile tugged at your lips.

"...You're making it really hard to stay grumpy."

"I'll consider that a victory."

With a quiet chuckle, he headed toward the kitchen, already planning your favorite breakfast while the smell of fresh coffee and warm food would soon fill the apartment.

Lighter

Lighter was a lot like Billy.

He knew what periods were, but he just... didn't really think about them until they were happening.

The difference was that once he realized you weren't feeling well, he couldn't stand seeing you in pain.

From that point on, he followed you around like a lost puppy, constantly asking if you needed help.

Need to stand up?

"I got you."

Need to sit down?

"Careful."

Need to grab something from the top shelf?

"I'll do it."

Honestly, he'd offer to help with just about anything.

You had wandered into the kitchen to make yourself a quick snack when Lighter walked in.

He froze.

"...What's the meaning of this?"

You looked over your shoulder.

"...Huh?"

He stared at the ingredients on the counter before looking back at you with genuine concern.

"Why are you making food?"

"...Because I'm hungry?"

"No."

Before you could react, he scooped you up with ease and set you on the kitchen counter.

"There."

"Lighter!"

"I'm serious."

You let out a dramatic sigh.

"Dude, I'm fine."

You made absolutely no attempt to climb back down.

He crossed his arms with a determined look.

"I told you, I'm the man."

"...Okay?"

"I'm supposed to take care of you."

His expression softened into a proud grin.

"I've gotta be a good house husband... dude."

You couldn't help laughing.

"House husband?"

"Yep."

"You know we're not even married."

"Details."

He waved a hand dismissively before turning toward the stove.

"Now stay there."

"...Or what?"

"I'll pick you up again."

"You would."

"I absolutely would."

A little while later, he returned with a warm plate of food, proudly presenting it to you.

"There."

You took a bite.

"Mmm... Thanks, Lighter. It's really good."

His grin immediately grew wider.

"I knew it."

Then he leaned in with the most shameless smile imaginable.

"Now..."

He tapped his cheek.

"Kiss the chef."

You rolled your eyes with a laugh before giving him a quick kiss.

"There."

He beamed.

"Worth it."

[hazymoonlinh]

Could you ask for a little story where Billy tries to impress a female reader with his new design?

Something adorable like a date where Billy brags about the greatness of his new design (avoiding saying that he likes the reader) It would be very pleasant and satisfactory for me if I could fulfill this 🙇

anon your request was so cute i had to deliver!! billy would absolutely do this. he is not subtle. he is so not subtle.

Just a Starlight Knight Passing Through (Your Heart)

(domestic, fluff, f!reader)

The café table wobbles slightly when Billy sets his elbow on it, leaning forward with the kind of barely-contained energy that suggests he has been waiting, well, very, very impatiently, to say something important.

He doesn't say it right away, though. He picks up his drink. Takes a sip. Sets it down. Glances away at the street like something out there is suddenly very interesting.

You wait.

"So" he starts.

"So..." you echo.

"You noticed anything... different?"

You look at him. Really look. The new silhouette is hard to miss. The Starlight Knight aesthetic that used to live mostly in his head now lives on him, woven into every polished detail: the upgraded armor, the clean geometric lines, the red scarf draped over his shoulder like it was designed specifically to catch the afternoon light. Which, honestly, it might have been.

"Hm" you say. "Your scarf's new."

Billy makes a sound caught somewhere between indignant and pleased. "My scarf? That's what you're leading with? The scarf?"

"It's very red."

"It's— okay yes, the scarf is great, the scarf is a key element of the whole look, but—" He gestures at himself broadly, an expansive sweep that encompasses the full picture. "I mean. Come on."

"You look nice~" you say, which is both the truth and a deliberate understatement, because watching Billy try to fish for a compliment without asking for one is one of your favorite things in this world.

He makes a face. "Nice. Nice. You know what the Starlight Knights say about 'nice'? Nothing. They don't say anything about 'nice' because 'nice' is not in the vocabulary."

"What is in the vocabulary?"

"Incredible!" he says immediately. "Legendary! Cool beyond measure! Stuff like that!" A pause. "I'm just saying, objectively, the new design has a lot going for it. This isn't even opinion. This is? this is data."

You rest your chin in your hand. "Give me the data, then."

Billy was clearly waiting for this. He sits up straighter.

"Okay, first—" He taps the pauldron on his shoulder, and there is unmistakable pride in the gesture, something almost shy behind the bravado if you know where to look. "The upgrade isn't just cosmetic. The whole loadout got a serious overhaul. The girls—" He pats his hip, where his revolvers sit. "—are running better than ever. Better range, better output. Not that they were ever bad, obviously."

"Obviously."

"Second—" He touches the scarf, just briefly, just with his fingertips. Something quieter moves across whatever expression Billy's faceplate is capable of carrying. "The red scarf. That's....it means something, actually. It's not just a scarf."

You don't push. You just let the silence hold open like a door.

"It's from back when I was with the Sons of Calydon," he continues, a little more slowly. "I gave mine to someone before I left. Didn't think I'd get another one. But." He clears his throat, which shouldn't be possible for a machine, but Billy has always been impressively human in the ways that count. "Anyway. Point is..... it's a good scarf. Symbolically. Aesthetically. All of it."

"It suits you." you say, and this time you mean it plainly, without the tease.

Billy goes quiet for a moment. You catch the slight adjustment in the way he's sitting, shoulders just barely less square, some small defense dropping.

"Yeah." he says. "Yeah, I think it does."

The afternoon light shifts through the café window and catches him perfectly — the scarf, the clean lines, the boy underneath all that polished armor who wanted nothing more his whole life than to be something worthy of the heroes he loved. And here he is. Finally.

"Third point," he says, rallying. "The motorcycle."

"There's a motorcycle?!"

"There is a motorcycle." And the pride in his voice then is enormous and entirely genuine, every trace of affected cool evaporated. "Brand new, fully integrated into the combat system. I know, I know — already cooler than everything you were imagining."

"I wasn't imagining anything—"

"You were imagining something. It's okay. The motorcycle earns it." He leans in again, conspiratorial now, that particular Billy energy that makes everything feel like a shared secret. "Between you and me? When Nicole saw the invoice she made a noise I've never heard come out of a human being. But she approved it. Which means she also knows it was worth it."

"She definitely approved it for the sake of the team."

"She approved it because it looks amazing and you know it! He points at you. "You agree. Don't pretend you don't agree."

"I didn't say anything."

"You smiled."

You school your expression back to neutral. He is entirely too perceptive for someone who spends half his time quoting a children's superhero show.

"My face does whatever it wants." you tell him.

"Yeah, well." Billy leans back, arms crossed, one corner of his posture settling into something loose and content that you have learned to recognize as him at his happiest. "Your face was agreeing with me. The data is conclusive."

The afternoon stretches warm and easy between you, and Billy goes on about the Starlight Knights, about the upgrade, about some episode he re-watched four times this week. And you listen, and watch the red scarf move when he gestures, and think that he never once says I wanted you to see this or I thought about you when I got it or anything so direct as that.

He doesn't have to.

You already know.

[milounyo44]

Cunning Bunny Billy 👯‍♂️ Gotta fund that upgrade and w-engine somehow right Billy boy? Me personally…I would pay cash to get such a dorky waiter.