Sam shivered as she stepped out of the front doors of the Bugle building and into the cold NYC air. She had grown up just two blocks over--in a poorer neighborhood, granted, nothing like the large Manhattan apartment her mother had now “miraculously” found the money to rent--but it had been years since Sam had experienced a NYC winter in person all the same. It was the general cliche: the girl graduates and runs away from home, picks the place and the people most unlike that that she had left. She had chosen sunshine and stoners--not the cold scholars she had known in high school. Now, back in the city, two days after her father’s funeral, moved into her mother’s spare bedroom, a new job in the works, Sam felt the old familiarities closing in again like a cage.
She wrapped her jacket tighter around her shoulders and looked again at the badge hanging around her neck: a Bugle General Reporter’s access ID and clearance. As a young girl, she had dreamed of this day--the day she’d make a “difference” with her words, the day she’d be a “famous” reporter; as a young woman, she’d given up on dreams. Funny, that you only got what you wanted the day you didn’t want it anymore. Keeping her eyes up--despite the way it might her eyelashes nearly freeze to her face--Sam hurried through the city and back toward her apartment. Or, rather, her mother’s apartment. (That never ceased to make her grit her teeth--the dependence, the relapse: a woman once voted “most likely to succeed” back to her childhood state and living with her Mommy Dearest.)
She was two blocks down when she spotted him: a boy younger than herself, brown hair, not too tall, not too big--not the sort of boy you went running away from in the late afternoon, seemingly average except for one glaring “unique” quality: the energy--like a lightning bolt--erupting from his fingertips. “Well,” Sam said, taking another step forward. “That’s one hell of a party trick.”
Who: Billy Franklin & Promise Matthews
When: ...earlier in the week; couple days before the party
Where: Billy's dorm
Triggers: None
Contains: Promise goes over to Billy's dorm upon discovering Billy's sister was there on a surprise visit; Shannon pisses Promise off; they have dinner; fluff
Promise had arrived and basically let herself in Promise's room, instantly raising an eyebrow to Billy's sister as she listened a moment. "Well, I for one can petition that Billy's eating habit's are pretty incredible." She winked at Billy, playfully, basically addressing sexuality and eating all in one sentence. She walked over to Billy, and god, she knew Billy would kill her, but she placed a soft kiss on her cheek, wrapping an arm around her waist as she did so. "Miss me, Babochka?" She completely ignored Shannon for the time being.
Billy cringed as Shannon raised a disapproving eyebrow. Her sister's eyes were practically bugging out of her head. "Shannon, this is Promise. Promise this is Shannon." she introduced, trying to stay calm. "Your little girlfriend?" Shannon asked, frowning. "No, she's not." Billy rolled her eyes.
Promise couldn't help but clench her jaw as her eyes burned right through Shannon's in anger, when she saw the look that Billy was getting. This was definitely a bad idea. Instinctively, Promise took a step forward, half standing in front of Billy. "I'm not little. I mean, sure, look at me - I'm barely four inches above five feet." Then she smirked, almost sadistically. "But tell that to the six foot four, two hundred and forty-three pound asshole that was my step father. And by was? I mean I killed him. By all means, look it up on your phone. Five years ago: Russian teen kills abusive step-father in self defense." Her entire body was tense, though, something she knew Billy would probably see that Shannon might not, because her voice didn't crack once. But inside, she was sick to her stomach having to say that.
Billy jumped in shock, her chest contracting. Shannon looked at a loss for words as she glanced at Billy questioningly. Then Shannon's face hardened and she crossed her arms. “I'm certainly not afraid of you. I can see why Billy picked you though, similar histories and all. Except I don't understand how she can be with someone so violent when's she's so passive. Even if it is a silly phase” Shannon said. “Shannon, don't.” Billy pleaded glancing worriedly between the two.
Promise tightened her fists at her side. "Seriously!? You can stand there and be 'Daddy's Little Girl' even after what he did to her!?" Then Promise was across the room, shoving Shannon hard against the wall - and hard enough to possibly knock the wind from her. She forced her voice to calm, but held her there. "You were wrong to not be afraid of me. And if you didn't have her blood through your veins, you'd find yourself on the ground in severe pain." She scoffed and released Shannon, turning her back to her and taking a few steps, looking at Billy. Her beautiful Butterfly. How could she be related to the monster she called a sister? "You know what?" She turned around with a smirk, and planted her right fist to Shannon's face, following up with a left to a pressure point near her ribs, causing her to bend over, which she took an elbow down onto her back to force her to the ground. Once she was there, she walked back over to Billy, standing behind her, but pulling the blonde's hips back into her with a gentle firmness. Her body relaxed and she softly kissed the top of Billy's head, looking Shannon in the eye. "But you're right - she's /mine/. My Babochka. And I take care of what's mine and the ones I love. It'd be a mistake to show up here unannounced again. But since you're here, how about we all sit down for dinner."
Billy just watched the scene unfold. She didn't even move when Promise was holding her, she just stared at her sister. Shannon gasped trying to rise to her feet. “I never agreed with what our dad did. That doesn't mean I abandoned him like Abigail did.” She slowly rose to her feet clutching at her side. “I'm serious thought. You must really love her because she's so much like him. One day that tempers going to turn on you.” Shannon finished with a look of disappointment and a few deep breaths. Billy looked away, just desperately trying to process what was going on. She wanted to tell Shannon yes, she really did love Promise. But instead she pulled away from Promise, turning on her heel. “Dinner sounds great. I'll go finish it up.”
Promise grabbed Billy's wrist and pulled her back to her to kiss her, forgetting that Shannon was there. She cupped her face gently in both hands, caressing her cheeks. "You listen, and you listen well, Bubbles. I will /never/ raise a hand to you. Don't you think I would of already? You are my best friend, and you know me. You know I'm terrible for you. But you /have/ to know as easy as I just beat your sister into the ground? As much as I actually enjoyed it because she's had it coming? I can't ever do that to you. Won't." She kissed her forehead and let her go make dinner, then went over and sat beside Shannon. "She's my best friend. She has to love me." She grabbed Shannon's wrist and folded it slightly. "You move and it breaks." She got closer, speaking in a threatening tone. "I have five little sisters. One brother. Since I was /seven/. And I /never/ let that monster touch them. /That/ is love, do you understand me? You wanna know what happened? Little Alina was about five or six and wanted some apple juice because she was sick. She was coughing too loudly and it pissed off the hung over John. I walked in to see him hit her. You know what I did? I fought him. And he fell down the stairs. Now, here's the part not even Billy knows. I got Natasha to take everyone away and to call the police. Then I went and grabbed my switch blade and I stabbed the bastard because he was /still/ alive. But you? You /disgust/ me. He /hit/ your baby sister, and you call it /abandoning/ him? You're not even worth the title of sister. You remind me of Mama - she let him do that to me. And you're the person who would even let her own child go through that. You are /just/ as bad as John; as your father. And I'd just as happily see you suffer. Which you will if you /ever/ make her cry again. And ask her - my threats are /never/ empty." She finally released Shannon and walked over to Billy and just watched her with a gentle, relaxed look; admiring her.
Billy listened intently as Promise spoke and it made her feel better. She watched Promise walk over to her sister and sighed quietly to herself. “Daddy said the same thing once, but I trust you.” She didn't say it loud enough for Promise to hear because it was true. There was a time where Robert Franklin would never have raised a hand to his daughters. Cassie wouldn't have allowed it either. But she /knew/ Promise would never hurt her. She'd had enough chances already. Billy wanted to pull Promise into a hug and never let her go. It wasn't fair what she had to go through, not at all. Shannon watched Promise with a cautious eye. When she'd finished she paused for a moment before speaking. “She almost killed herself you know, because of what he did.” Shannon commented. “And I always just thought, she's being overly sensitive. That's the way she is. When you have your father on a pedestal it's hard to see him fall. But don't you dare think for a moment that Billy wasn't the same. She used to think she deserved everything he did. When you're raised to think a certain way it's hard to change. I've tried and I think you made me realize something.” Shannon looked over at her sister, a little sadly. “There's no way this is a phase. She wouldn't put her heart on the line for anything other than the real deal. I just hope that you don't ruin her like I think you will.” With the release of her wrist she stood and left towards the bathroom. Billy blocked everything out but her cooking. She didn't even notice Promise when she came up.
Promise scoffed again. "You keep talking, but..honestly? The second he raised a hand to her, not only should you have /watched/ him fall, you should of /pushed/ him." When Shannon mentioned that she'd ruin Billy, Promise spoke only loud enough for Shannon to her, grabbing her before she left. "I will. I know I'll ruin her..." There was a look of pure sadness in her eyes. "So you need to get over yourself, Shannon, and be her /sister/. Love her..because I know I'm bad for her. But I'm selfish, and won't lose my best friend. So you and Laura..take care of her.." She released Shannon and Billy didn't even acknowledge her standing there. "Look at me!" Misplaced anger, she knew. Shannon said this wasn't just a phase for Billy, but she also knew her best friend didn't feel for her the way Shannon assumed. "You know I'm right! And no, I'm not sorry I hit her. More than once. So I need to know now before I sit down all..friendly like. Two weeks ago, you told me you'd leave me if I got into another fight. And that bitch is your sister. So..do I have to leave and delete your number from my phone?"
Billy looked down, refusing to look at Promise. “I said I wasn't going to leave you.” she said, firmly. “I'm not exactly happy you hit my sister but there's nothing to do about it now. You can help me by getting plates. "
Promise grit her teeth and stood up. "Get them yourself." Her heart hurt, and she wasn't quite sure why because she was still refusing to allow herself to fully admit her feelings. In a cemetery at night, talking to a tombstone was different. This would make it real; and it wasn't. It /couldn't/ be. "Because unless I have another reason to stay, I have school work and training to do." She needed Billy to tell her she was wanted. Except Promise didn't know what she needed or really even /why/ she needed it. She threw her bag over her shoulder. "I've clearly made an impression on your sister, which was my intention, and she doesn't want me here. I don't like her, and honestly? My best friend won't look at me, so I don't see a reason, do you?"
Billy dropped what she was doing and walked over to Promise. She pulled her into a searing kiss before pulling away and fixing her with a glare. “You are so infuriating, do you know that? You're going to stay because I want you here. Who cares what Shannon wants? This isn't her dorm.”
Promise was surprised by the kiss, but relaxed into it, disappointed that it had so soon been over. "So I've been told." She grumbled back, rolling her eyes, but she did set her bag back down. Pursing her lips, as if she was making a decision that wasn't already made, she let out a deep sigh. "Fine. But only because I'm hungry and you're an amazing cook.." Her voice softened in the last part, before she got out the plates that were previously asked for and sat down. Billy could just..talk, and could calm her down. It was funny how that worked. How Billy could say 'Promise? Be nice,' with that warning look..she remembered the one. The one from the card game. And Promise would continue being an ass just long enough to make it seem like it was her idea to be nice. Because Billy just..made her a better person like that.
Billy winked. “You know I am.” She kissed Promise one last time before heading back to the task at hand. That fluttery feeling in her chest was back. Why couldn't for once she fall for someone who liked her back? Sure, Promise loved her. Just not in the same way. However she'd rather have Promise as a friend than not at all.
Promise kissed Billy back, giving her butt a small smack as she walked away. "You're also a minx." She had forgot Shannon was there at all, and watched Billy from across the room intently; and with her feelings in her eyes. She loved how Billy became absorbed with cooking, because it allowed her to stare without really being caught.
Billy jumped a little, turning quickly to shoot Promise a look. She rolled her eyes. Shannon came back in a few minutes later on her phone. “Shay, are you OK?” Billy asked, cautiously. “I'm fine Bee.” Shannon smiled at her and Billy beamed. That moment was more like when they were kids.
Promise only smirked at Billy's reaction, giving her an innocent look. "What? You have a cute ass." When Shannon came out, she stopped staring at Billy like that, taking out her school work, and curling up on the couch with it. "Make me a coffee, Babochka?" Her voice was soft, speaking a silent 'can you?' and a 'please.' If it had been anyone else, Promise would of gotten it herself, but she liked the way Billy made her coffee, and even though it was small, it was still her asking for help in a minor way.
Billy rolled her eyes, laughing. “Sure, Buttercup but next time you should use the magic word.” Shannon raised a curious eyebrow. “Are you guys nicknamed after the Powerpuff girls?” Shannon asked. “Yeah! Laura is Blossom.” Billy nodded. “I still need to see her before I leave.” Shannon laughed, shaking her head and turning to her phone. Billy stuck out her tongue before winking at Promise.
Promise couldn't help but genuinely smile at Billy's excitement for their nicknames. "We have a Mayor or whatever." Her gaze didn't leave her books until Billy stuck out her tongue. "Put it to use or keep it in your mouth, Babochka." She winked back. "I'm sure I could keep you quiet enough so even your sister couldn't hear how incredible I can make you feel." She smirked at Shannon before going back to her studies. "Oh, P.S. or something - I did use the magic word, and you know it." Which was basically Promise asking softly and not harshly telling.
Billy giggled, shrugging her shoulders. “You keep saying that and I will.” she teased, forgetting her sister was there. Shannon coughed a little uncomfortable. “I know you did, but it's better if you vocalize because not everyone is fluent in Promise.”
Promise licked her lips, clearly turned on by the statement, and honestly not caring that Shannon was there or how uncomfortable she was. "You'd have no idea what the image of you between my legs right now is dong to me, Babochka. Can we get rid of Shannon?" Shannon didn't need to know they were both virgins, did she? Actually..thinking about it, since when was oral considered sex? "Well, I wasn't speaking to everyone, I was speaking to you. And you're more fluent in Promise than I'd actually like, so why does it matter?" She put the books down and made her way to the kitchen to help make her own coffee, and took her mug out. Then, she took Billy's hips and firmly pushed them into the fridge, kissing up her neck. "YA khochu tebya, Babochka.." She looked Billy in the eyes with a hungrily lustful look, pressing herself close to her before whispering in her ear huskily. "I want you, Butterfly. And the second she is gone, I'm going to push you onto the couch and give you a personal dance. Then I'm slowly going to undo your pants with my teeth and get on my knees between your legs. Then I'm going to make you feel so good, your neighbours will hear what I'm doing to you.." She didn't know if Shannon heard or not, but didn't care. She wasn't being loud, but she wasn't being overly quiet either.
Billy blushed before gently turning to push Promise off. “You have a dirty mind.” Billy shook her head laughing a little nervously. Shannon didn't seem to be concerned with them and for that she was thankful. The thought of anyone seeing her naked in anyway made her stomach turn. That definitely wasn't what she was expecting. The insecurities were making it really hard to concentrate. She swallowed hard. “You're funny, get your coffee and go on.”
Promise gave a small pout as Billy pushed her away, but definitely saw the blushing and smirked. She made her coffee but didn't leave as she had been told. She softly wrapped her arms around Billy's waist from behind and pulled her close. "I'm pretty funny, sure. But about this, Babochka? I'm..I'm serious.." That much she whispered for only Billy and found herself deeply blushing.
Billy blushed even deeper red. “Come on, you're distracting me. I thought that was my job.” She teased.
Promise laughed and placed a gentle kiss at the base of her neck. "I figured since we have the witch, we're just missing the flying monkey's now. So I've taken it upon myself to give you a day off and take the job on myself." She nipped Billy's ear. "Plus, payback is always good. And you're fun to distract. You're sexy and cute and adorable."
Billy raised an eyebrow. “Did you just compare my sister to the wicked witch of the best?” She snickered, trying to contain her laughter. “Original.” Shannon muttered, rolling her eyes. Billy burst out laughing. “You're terrible and also a dork.”
Promise shrugged. "It's west. Not best. And I did. Only beause we just had this conversation." She laughed, hugging Billy closer to her from behind, then looking to Shannon. "Love the sarcasm, but wasn't talking to you, Sweetheart. And it was a personal reference to the monkey's." She rolled her eyes, kissing the side of Billy's head. She wasn't thinking that from where Shannon was sitting, she'd be able to see how much of a couple they looked like, or even how uncharacteristically gentle she was with Billy because she loved her. "And true, but so are you, Bubbles."
Billy shook her head in amusement. “Are you really sure she's not your girlfriend?” Shannon asked, sounding confused. “Oh look dinners done.” Billy decided to change the subject in hopes of preventing another conflict that might arise.
Promise rolled her eyes. "Clearly, you need glasses more than I do; you're blind. Billy is my best friend, and yeah, I love her." She quickly pecked Billy's cheek with a smile. "We get along so well /because/ she's my best friend." Promise reached over and stole some of dinner before it was served. "That's amazing. Do we have to feed her, though?" She gave a small pout.
Billy cringed a little, sighing. “Honey, I'm not the blind one here. Apparently both of you really is neither of you is seeing it. You look more like a couple than most other couples I see.” Shannon said. Billy smacked at Promise's hand giving her a scolding look.“We're going to feed her so she can leave and say she did her sisterly duties.” She said quietly, not loud enough for Shannon to hear.
Promise rolled her eyes. "That's what best friends look like." She was staring Shannon down from behind Billy with a clenched jaw. She didn't need anyone pointing that out. If Billy found out their friendship would be over. "Hey!" She feigned a hurt look when Billy smacked her hand away, and gave a small pout, before laughing at what her blonde friend said. "Fine. But she doesn't get left overs." She sat down before smirking at Shannon. "How's your bruises, Sweetheart?"
Billy smiled and started serving up the food. “Best friends my ass, and I'm fine.” Shannon glared at Promise, holding back a snide remark. Billy paused a moment and realized it must be a family thing. Saying your fine when you're really not. It was an easy lie to tell. “OK both of you stuff your faces and stop arguing. I want a peaceful dinner.” She said firmly.
Promise continued to glare at Shannon. "How about I get your other side - even your face up a little bit?" When Billy gave the orders for a peaceful dinner, Promise let out an annoyed sigh and sat down closest to Billy. "I'll play nice if /she/ does." But Billy asked for it, so- no, wait. Is that really how it was going to work? Of course it was, who was she kidding? Billy had her wrapped around her finger, and she was certain the blonde didn't even have a clue.
Billy beamed brightly as they all sat down like a horrible makeshift family. “Glad to know she's got someone else whipped.” Shannon joked. “She used to have Mama in the palm of her hand. Even I can't resist her most of the time which is why I will play nice.” Billy looked a little confused but didn't say anything. No more arguments on her watch. “So small talk let's try that.” She suggested.
Promise rolled her eyes that she was sure Billy could hear them being rolled beside her. "No one has me whipped. Not now. Not ever." She turned to look at Billy. "Unless you wanna try that with the handcuffs, Babe?" She smirked and took a bite of food. "I can see that you got the brains /and/ looks in the family, though, Bubbles." She tried to discretely kick Shannon under the table, but had no idea if Billy noticed or not. "This is amazing, Babochka."
Billy would have face palmed if she could of. “Thank you.” Billy smiled. “It really is good, Bee. Mama would have been proud.” Shannon agreed. Billy nodded politely, and yes she noticed Promise kicking but decided to just let it go. Shannon barely blinked at the contact.
Promise said nothign else as she let them have their 'sister' moment But mostly for Billy. She ust continued to eat in silence, her knee leaning in to Billy's under the table.
Billy ate quietly, exchanging glances here and there with her sister. They'd always been good at communicating without words.
Promise finished eating, then leaned over and kissed Billy's cheek. "It was amazing, Babochka. Thank-you. I'm sure Shannon will offer to do the dishes." She kissed Billy's neck, but not in a sexual way. "You are coming to sit down with me."
Billy bit her lip nervously. “Of course I'll do the dishes if I can get away from this little lover's fest. Just wait for sex until I leave, please.” Shannon stood quickly gathering up the plates and things for the sink. Billy just looked to Promise to lead her where she wanted to go.
Promise smirked. "No promises. Tell me, if we start the sex now, will you leave faster? Because she's sexy when she's loud, and trust me - I get her there." Not that Billy was going to thank her for the comment, but she lead her to the living room and pulled the blonde onto her lap, tucking hair behind her friend's ear. "I've gotta go soon, Babochka. I have a lot of things to do and so little time. Will you be okay alone wth her or should I kidnap you?"
Billy snorted a little but followed Promise obediently. “I'll be fine, especially if this keeps up.”
Promise raied an eyebrow. "If what keeps up?"
Billy smiled. “This niceness. She hasn't called me Bee since I was a teenager.”
Promise shrugged. "See? A little violence did her some good." She pulled Billy in for a lingering kiss. "She's not too bright, but hey, whatever." There was a pause as Promise simply ran her fingers through golden locks. "Babochka? You..know I'd never hurt you, right?.."
Billy just sighed. “Shannon's smart, probably smarter than I am.” She admitted. Cupping Promise's face, she smiled. “Of course you wouldn't.”
Promise placed a hand on Billy's lower back and laid her back on the couch so she was on tp of her friend, straddling her right leg, and connecting their lips. "Good. I care about you more than you know, Bubbles." She kissed her again, like in the car the day she drove Billy to see her mom's grave. "Am I dressing you on Sunday?" She ran her hand through Billy's hair a few times, not climbing off of her, and just smiling down to her.
Billy looked up at Promise smirking. “Nope, I have my own ideas this time.”
Promise raised an eyebrow. "Oh? And will those ideas make me want to strip you in front of evryone?"
Billy laughed, "Probably."
Basically, Promise leaves and they say goodbye in a couple like way
Harper stood outside the locker rooms. It was 20 minutes until the girls started flowing in for Lacrosse practice. She wanted Billy in and out of there as quick as possible so that questions weren't raised about what was happening.
Ash sat on her bed, she didn't want to tell Billy but if this relationship was to work, she had to. It already weighed heavy in her mind, she just hoped that the girl still wanted to be with her. But she wouldn't blame her if she didn't.
Ashton pulled up outside the dorm building. Before she even got out of the car, she deleted the thread of texts she had with Nirvana, that was not something Billy needed to find. Finally she got out of her car and went up to Bill's dorm, knocking.
Wren downed a shot of whiskey and slapped another bill on the bar, signaling the bartender to hit her with another, and crossed her right leg over her left, her head resting in her palm as she waited for Billy to show up. She'd only been here for five minutes, but it felt like forever. There was a bandage over her forehead, the gash being too disgusting to solve with some makeup, and she hoped that it would go away eventually - she didn't want to be stuck with it for the rest of eternity.
