#singer!billy russo

[marvelmusing]

JESS I NEED YOU

RIGHT NOW

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Also not me getting ideas with these photos about very famous R&B star!Billy Russo...

THIS MOTHERFUCKER IS GOING TO KILL US ALL

HELP

Also not me getting ideas because of these photos about very famous R&B star!Billy Russo....

That smooth, smooth voice of his waxing poetically about all the supposed girls he's been with when it really is just you......

The purple lighting is certainly doing something

[Warnings 18+]: smut, unprotected sex, Fem!Reader, thigh riding, dirty talk, size kink, creampie, hint of pain kink from Billy and reader, little bit of choking

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Imagine Billy performing in a bar before he gets his big break, and you accidentally bump into him after his performance. Maybe you spill your drink over him but he insists on buying you a new one and the two of you get talking.

When you see his name on a poster at different bar in town you decide to drop by, and his face lights up when he spots you.

As his fame grows he releases more music and the fans are obsessed with him. The two of you remain friends and he teasingly refers to you as his number one fan. He always makes sure to keep you out of the spotlight even when you go to as many of his gigs as possible.

He asks for your opinion on everything. The two of you spend countless days together when he’s writing new music. He shares his new songs with you - even when the lyrics make you blush - and he loves seeing your reaction to everything he does.

It’s only when Billy performs at a huge club that you end up making a move.

He’s buzzing as he performs, eyes alight with excitement, loose strands of hair hanging over his forehead as he moves about the stage. His skin glows under the lights as sweat glistens over the hollow of his throat.

Swallowing hard at the sight of him, you continue to watch from backstage as he sings. Billy is the best friend you’ve ever had, of course you found him attractive, but you had never let that get in your head. Or at least, you thought you hadn’t.

As you’re walking back to his dressing room, a giddy group of fans clamour for his autograph and some photos. A few of them throw out some suggestive comments, inviting for a drink with them. Billy flirts as smoothly as he always does and something in your stomach twists.

But then he declines.

His eyes meet yours for a moment and your heart pounds.

The two of you are quiet as you make it to his dressing room. Usually, you would lounge on the couch for a while, talking about the show and making plans for the next city.

This time, you skip the downtime and you open up your suitcases to begin packing, fuelled by the need to do something with your hands.

Billy leans his shoulder against the doorframe, watching you with his dark eyes. The feeling of his gaze weighing on you doesn’t help the itch of irritation running over your skin.

“Alright, what’s bothering you?” he asks.

“Nothing.”

“Was it those girls?”

Not looking at him, you fold up one of his shirts and place it in a pile.

“I know you’re a ladies man, Billy. I’m not gonna judge you for flirting.”

He raises a brow at you.

“A ladies man?”

Turning to face him, a scoff leaves your lips when you see the surprise glistening in his eyes.

“Have you even listened to any of your songs?” you remark, thinking over the countless dirty lines you now know by heart.

A smirk tugs at the corner of his mouth, his tongue tracing over his teeth before he pushes away from the doorframe.

“There’s only one girl I’m ever talking about in my songs.”

His words have a frown pulling at your features. Does Billy have a girlfriend? That he hadn’t told you about? Surely you would have noticed if he was even interested in someone. His next question drags you away from your spiralling thoughts.

“Does it bother you? The flirting?”

As he stands mere inches away from your crossed arms, you raise your chin to meet his gaze. The intensity in his eyes makes you shiver even as you attempt to seem nonchalant.

“Why would it?”

He hooks a finger under your chin, stroking his thumb along your jawline. Then he presses the pad of his thumb against your lower lip, heat pools into your stomach as the blood rushes away from everywhere except the spot between your legs.

“You tell me, darlin,” he murmurs.

Then you spot the necklace he’s wearing. The one you had given him for his birthday.

Billy looks as confident as ever, watching as you uncross your arms tentatively. His brow raises slightly as you hook your fingers under his belt to tug him closer. When he moves easily towards you a smile spreads over your lips.

“Because you’re mine,” you state.

Billy only has a few seconds to grin, before you’re claiming his lips with your own. Slowly at first, but the kiss soon turns heated as Billy tilts his head, working his lips against yours hungrily.

He tugs you closer, so that you land against his firm chest. As he drags you both onto the couch, you tug at the buttons of his waistcoat and shirt. Billy nibbles on your earlobe as he glances down to tug off your clothes.

You’re both smiling, eager noises of pleasure falling from your lips as you grasp at one another. He spreads your legs before he rocks your hips over his thigh. When you gasp at the sparks lighting up over your body, Billy breathes out a small laugh before he kisses you again.

“All my songs were about you,” he says, his voice a delightful rasp against your skin as he trails hot kisses down your throat. “Every single one of them.”

“Billy,” you whisper softly.

Your head drops down onto his shoulder as he continues to drag your hips over his thigh.

“Thought about you every fucking night since we met.” His teeth bite down on your shoulder and you whimper, bucking your hips in a desperate search for more friction. “So I wrote it all down. Every dirty thought, every late night fantasy.”

His words spin around your head, accompanied by thoughts of his lyrics now that you know he was thinking about you when he wrote them.

“Swear you’re right for me, that pussy’s designed for me.”

A whimper catches in your throat as you recognise his words - the ones you’ve heard him sing countless times that never fail to fluster you.

“Billy, fuck, please.”

You can feel his smirk against your neck as you cling to him, nails digging into his bare skin but he doesn’t even flinch. His own nails scrape lightly over your bare thighs as your dress has ridden up to your waist.

He groans lowly when he sees the tiny panties you’re wearing that are now soaked with your arousal.

Billy shrugs off his jacket fiercely, before he’s tugging at his belt.

“Was gonna have you cum on my thigh, then my fingers. Wanted to taste you too.” He pushes his trousers down, revealing his boxer-clad bulge. “But I don’t think I can’t wait.”

You nod in agreement.

“Need you.”

He seems to notice the twinge of apprehension in your eyes as you look down at his cock. Billy strokes himself slowly, hissing at the friction.

“You sure you can take me? Want me to stretch you open a little?” he offers.

You shake your head, lifting yourself up as Billy pulls your panties to one side.

“Take your time,” he murmurs.

One of his hands curls around your thigh, gripping at the soft flesh as you line the head of his cock up to your dripping entrance. He murmurs more encouragement as you begin to lower yourself onto his cock.

“Breathe, baby.”

Exhaling shakily, your nails dig into his shoulders as gravity and the smooth glide of your arousal aids your motions. A broken moan leaves your body as you tighten around him.

“Billy,” you whisper, squeezing your eyes closed as tears track their way down your face. The stretch burns delightfully, and it’s almost too much to bear. The pleasure-pain tingles through your body as you sink lower.

“That’s it baby. Doing so fucking well for me.”

He grips your thigh tightly, his other hand fisted onto the fabric of the couch to prevent himself from pushing you down.

The last few inches seem impossible, as your legs begin to shake.

“Billy I can’t-”

He pats your thigh gently in an attempt as soothing you.

“Yeah you can, baby.”

You shake your head.

“No. I need you to…” A whimper of frustration breaks your words and Billy blinks up at you.

He rolls his hips forward slightly, relishing in the startled breath that leaves you. He grins.

“You need what, darlin? Need me to fuck you?”

“Yes Billy, please.”

“Say it.”

“Need you to fuck me, Billy,” you stammer shakily before you repeat with more confidence, “Please fuck me, Billy.”

He jerks his hips upwards, sliding the last inch of his cock inside you. The motion knocks the air from your lungs and Billy holds onto your body tightly as you squirm at the feeling of being so full.

He presses a hand over your stomach, his thumb stroking over the flushed skin there.

“That better?” he teases.

With a daze look in your eyes, you nod but plead,

“Need more, Billy.”

“More? Darlin, you got my whole cock in you, and you want more?” You nod desperately and Billy breathes out a laugh. “Greedy little thing.”

He then proceeds to bounce you over his cock, thrusting his hips hard against yours as he does. You’re both moaning loudly, every thrust shakes the couch, knocking against the back wall and you wonder if anyone can hear you.

Billy reaches down to your clit, rubbing a few harsh circles there and you clamp down on his cock. He grits his teeth, grasping the back of your neck with his other hand to pull you in for a kiss that you return eagerly.

With your orgasm within touching distance, you drag up the energy to continue bouncing on his cock despite how hard it’s getting with the grip of your pussy clinging to him and lack of help from Billy’s hands.

The hand at the back of your neck moves to curl around your throat, squeezing lightly which makes you want to beg for it harder.

“Whose am I?” You blink at him. “Tell me, baby.”

It takes a few seconds for you to realise what he’s asking for.

“You’re mine,” you whisper. Billy grins. “Mine, mine, mine…” With every word from your lips you thrust hard onto him, claiming him as yours.

“I’m yours,” he breathes out. “And you’re mine. You gonna cum for me now?”

You nod hurriedly.

“Yes, yes Billy, fuck please.”

Pleasure sparkles throughout your body and you moan loudly as you clench hard around his cock, crying out his name. He groans, still holding onto your neck.

No doubt he can feel your pulse thundering beneath his palm, the same rhythm as your pussy as it twitches around his cock. As he continues to rock into you, a whimper catches in your throat.

“I know baby, can you keep going? I’m so fucking close, I swear to God.”

His accent is stronger, honey sweet in your ears as it sinks into your pleasure filled brain. You nod, breaths ghosting against his sweat-soaked skin as you pant.

“Yes please, wanna feel you cum too.”

“Fuck, you’re a fucking angel, you know that? Yeah you are. Yeah.”

He groans loudly, his back arching as he thrusts into you, then you feel him spilling inside you. After a few weak jerks of his hips, he slumps down onto the back of the couch as he catches his breath.

As he does, you brush a loose strand of hair away from his eyes. When you smile shyly at him, he chuckles, urging you closer for a kiss.

Billy smirks when you withdraw your lips from his. He takes your chin in his hand, smoothing his thumb over your jawline as he says,

“I’m yours, okay?”

Your smile widens and warmth flushes over your cheeks.

“Okay.”

[ladyms-stuff]

Ben and his dad performing You’ve Got a Friend in Me in London on September 22nd 💛

Thomas Barnes’s heartwarming entrance can be found here.

(the vid is mine)

[amhrosina]

Your Pretty Heart (Billy Russo x f!Reader)

A/N: Anyone else widely obsessed with Pedro Pascal and The Last of Us right now? Being back in my Pedro era feels like getting home after a long ass trip. Should I write for some of Pedro's characters?? SOS! Also, I hit 800 followers today??? Like what??? Thank you to everyone who supports me and this account!!

Request: ex’s to lovers with Billy Russo or Matt Murdock. Where Frank and Karen “help” Billy/Matt get their ass together to get back with Reader. Because come on their clearly still in lovee. 

Word Count: 3.7k

Summary: When you and Billy break up, Karen takes it upon herself to get you back together. Her plan comes to a head one night at Josie’s, and you and Billy must face the consequences of loving and leaving one another. 

(Warnings: so much angst, cursing, Billy is a soft!boy at heart, soft!Billy, descriptions of smut (but like romantic descriptions, not graphic ones??), I think that’s it, it’s literally just really sad until the end lol) 

“You look great.” Your date smiled, but he wasn’t looking at your face. Instead, for the third time in less than a minute, his eyes trailed the sloping curve of your cleavage as it disappeared into your dress. You shrugged his gaze off, hoping there was at least something interesting about him to keep you entertained for the evening. Something could be there. Deep, deep, down, but there, nonetheless.  

“So, Brad, what do you do for work? When Karen set this up, she didn’t tell me much about you.” 

“I’m an accountant.”  

Brad nodded his head along with yours, an awkward bob as you waited for him to return the question. He didn’t, instead choosing to fix his gaze on the jazz singer across the restaurant. Zero for two, Brad. 

“Do you, uh, have any hobbies?” You tried again to break the conversation dam, but Brad’s attention was so far away from the table you were sharing that he barely glanced at you when he responded. 

“I jog sometimes.” 

“Oh!” You lurched forward, desperate to grab onto anything that might make this date less awkward. “I like to jog, too. I’ll listen to books when I do it to pass the time. Do you read at all?” 

Brad’s eyes flicked to yours, then back to the jazz singer. Uninterested, bored, and inconvenienced. That’s what his glance told you. 

“People who need books or music when they run aren’t capable of self-reflection. It’s how you grow as a human being, you know? You should try it.”  

You blinked. Who the fuck does this guy think he is? A pompous, arrogant, prick seemed like the winning description, and you chuckled as you looped your purse handle over your shoulder. 

“Well, Brad.” You stood from your seat, drawing his attention away from the band. “Congratulations. You win. I think this is quite possibly the worst date I’ve ever been on, and that’s saying a lot.” 

You didn’t deem him with an explanation as you exited the restaurant, but a vivid memory flashed in your mind of Billy standing you up on your anniversary last year. Yeah, that date was terrible, but at least Billy hadn’t insulted you after standing you up. He’d spent weeks apologizing with flowers, jewelry, and even cutting down on his time at Anvil so he could spend more time with you, but that date would always stick out in your mind as the beginning of the end.  

You shook the thoughts from your head, digging through your purse to find your cellphone. Karen was going to explain where the fuck she met this guy, and why she thought setting him up with you would be a good idea. She picked up on the second ring. 

“Karen.” You tapped your foot on the sidewalk. “What the fuck?” 

“Hey! How was the date?”  

Wherever Karen was, it was loud. You could barely understand her through the speaker, muffled by music and what sounded like a crowd of people in the background.  

“The date was so bad.” You almost whined. Almost stomped your foot at how unfair the dating world had become. Almost thought about how much easier it was when you were with Billy. “Where did you even meet this guy?” 

“At work. Was he an asshole?” She sounded apologetic, but the volume at which she had to scream her question into the phone made the entire interaction feel a little less impactful.  

“Grade-A Asshole.” You groaned. “Where are you?” 

“I’m at Josie’s, but-” 

“Great. I’m on my way.”  

You hung up the phone before she could respond and hailed a taxi. You felt a little guilty for barging in on her evening. Karen was a good friend, one that you’d clung to since you and Billy had gone your separate ways, and she deserved a night out without your moping. But the nagging feeling rolling around in the pit of your stomach told you exactly the reason you had to go to Josie’s. If you didn’t go hang out with Karen, you’d end up calling Billy, and the last thing you wanted to do was let him see you after a shitty date. You climbed into the taxi and hoped you could drink away the memories of tonight with Karen once you arrived at Josie’s.  

- 

Billy took a hefty sip of his beer as he eavesdropped on Karen’s phone conversation. Technically, it wasn’t eavesdropping if Karen had whacked him on the arm the second her phone started ringing, but it made Billy uncomfortable anyways. What they’d planned felt too much like a trick, and he didn’t want to take advantage of the situation. 

“She’s on her way.” Karen grinned, raising her beer in the air to clink bottles with him.  

Billy fiddled with the bottle in his hand, unsure if there was anything to be ‘cheersing’ to. 

“C’mon, Bill,” Frank grunted, meeting Karen’s still outstretched arm, “It worked. She’s on her way. Now, all you have to do is be a lesser asshole than her date.” 

“Don’t you think she’ll be furious when she finds out her entire evening was construed by her ex-boyfriend and best friends? She doesn’t even want to see me.” 

“Trust me, Billy,” Karen angled her head for emphasis, “She does. She just won’t admit it.” 

“How do you know, though?”  

“I see it on her face, and hear it in her voice, and she’s still sleeping on my couch. And you know what that tells me?”  

Billy rolled his eyes. “What does that tell you, Karen?” 

Karen’s eyes twinkled with mischief. “That she’s not looking for another apartment. That she still has hope that she’ll be able to go home, to your apartment.” 

Billy shook his head. “The market is insane. Maybe she just can’t find an affordable one.” 

“I saw three listed in the paper this morning. She’s not looking, Billy. She misses you.” 

Billy groaned, dragging his hands over his face. This entire situation was completely and totally fucked, and it was completely and totally his fault. He’d always been warned that his ambition would get the best of him. You’d slipped through his fingers so quickly that he got whiplash when he thought about the end of the relationship. It was like you were there one day and gone the next, and he had no idea how he ended up alone, stranded in his kitchen in the middle of the night because the idea of going to bed without you hurt too much.  

“What if it’s too late? What if I can’t fix it?” 

“All you can do is try, Bill.” Frank shrugged. 

“She loves you.” Karen spoke firmly, tapping her finger on the table, “And you love her. But she needs to know that. You have to show her that you love her.” 

“How? I thought I was doing that before.” Billy let out a disgruntled breath and cleared his throat.  

“Your priorities need to change. She deserves better than last-minute cancellations and rescheduled dates. You’re your own boss, Billy. You make the rules, and no matter how much money you spend on her, or how many gifts you buy her, she’s always going to remember the times that you didn’t show up.” 

Billy nodded. Karen was right, as usual. There’d been a significant change in the amount of time Billy was spending at Anvil, sometimes returning home early in the morning, only to change suits and leave again. It wasn’t your fault – it never was – but Billy couldn’t help himself from falling back into his old patterns. When shit got too real, he retreated, and it ended up costing him the most important thing in his life.  

Tonight was his chance to fix everything – to bring you home, to remind you that he adored you, to show you that his life was falling apart without you in it. All he had to do was get you to listen, and he was sure everything else would fall into place. 

- 

You took three steps into the bar before swiveling around and marching out in a dramatic fashion. Cursing Karen for conveniently forgetting to mention that Billy was with her, you tried not to stomp down the sidewalk that led to Karen’s apartment. If you had an apartment of your own, you’d surely be stomping your way there instead.  

You didn’t make it far before you heard your name being called behind you. Two distinct voices trailed you, but you were more focused on the lack of the third. Had he stayed behind at the bar? You swung around, almost slamming into Frank’s chest. Karen was a few steps behind him, and behind her, stood beautiful and broken Billy, hands in his pants pockets.  

“What?” You screeched, eyes flickering between the group. 

“I just wanted to tell you thaaaat,” Karen’s eyes twinkled, and you should’ve known that she was about to make your night go from bad to worse, “I’m going back to my apartment with my boyfriend, who is going to do very loud things to me for hours. If I were you, I’d steer clear of the whole block tonight.” 

You rolled your eyes and looked at Frank, whose innocent expression gave away Karen’s plan faster than you could piece it together. Clearly, this coup had been planned, and they were leaving you with no option but to spend time with Billy. 

“Is that so?” You narrowed your eyes at her, hoping she could read every nasty thought you’d ever had about her in your gaze.  

“Yep!” She hooked an arm through Frank’s and tugged him down the sidewalk. “See you tomorrow!” 

You watched them until they turned a corner, and you could no longer see them. When you turned to face Billy again, he had inched closer to you, standing a heady meter away with his hands still in his pockets. 

“Did you plan this?”  

The anger in your voice echoed across the concrete, slamming into Billy. He grasped his chest as if you’d shot him in the heart.  

“No. I didn’t even know there was a plan until I showed up at Josie’s earlier.” 

You hesitated to believe him, but something in the way he was looking at you told you to trust him. You looked him up and down, focusing on the way he looked worse than you’d ever seen him. For a brief second, you felt triumph over it. He deserved this after everything he did to you. He deserved to feel like shit. The triumph faded faster than it came, and an overwhelming sadness replaced the ire thoughts you were having about him.  

There were bags under his eyes, and you could tell he hadn’t been sleeping well. He never did when he couldn’t sleep with you. The facial hair that he usually kept so neat and maintained had grown beyond his usual boundaries, and the fact that he kept subconsciously scratching at it told you he didn’t like it. You tried not to let it get to you. You probably looked like shit, too.  

“How’ve you been?” His focus remained wholly on you. You rubbed the back of your neck to try and shake off his stare. 

“We don’t have to do this, Bil.” You looked at the ground, focusing on the crack in the concrete that crawled its way across the sidewalk, drawing a line inbetween you and Billy. You couldn’t decide if that was fitting, or incredibly sad. Maybe it was both. 

“We’re not doing anything.” He shook his head innocently. 

“You know what I mea-” 

“Come home.”  

There was a pregnant pause in the conversation as the two of you eyed each other. 

“Billy, I-” 

“Just for tonight. Until Karen’s apartment is...safe again.” 

You narrowed your eyes at him, searching for an ulterior motive. And of course, there was an ulterior motive. You couldn’t blame him for it, because you knew if the roles were reversed, you’d be doing the same thing.  

“I don’t know if that’s a good idea.” You shook your head, more towards yourself than at him.  

“Why not?” He cocked his head to the side. 

“You know why.”  

He nodded but shrugged his shoulders anyways.  

“I’m not going to leave you out here with nowhere to go. It’s either the apartment, or we spend the next few hours in awkward silence at a diner.” 

The apartment. Not ‘my’ apartment. He didn’t consider it his when you weren’t there to claim the other half of it. You couldn’t lie to yourself. You wanted so badly to go with him, to see the home that you’d built with him. You wanted so badly to see how he’d faired over the last month without you. It was with all this in mind, and not how much you missed him, that had you nodding, agreeing to go home. Just for a visit, you repeated in your mind, just for a visit. 

When you stepped into what was once the living room you shared with Billy, you were struck with an overwhelming sense of familiarity. There was nothing different about it, except that the bookshelf was a little less stuffed than usual. You’d grabbed your favorites on your way out, unable to part with them, even just for a little bit. 

“Can I get you some wine?” Billy asked, already heading toward the kitchen to pour himself a glass. You nodded, shrugging your jacket off and trying to ignore the strangeness of being treated like a guest in the home that you’d lived in for years.  

When Billy returned with two particularly full glasses, you plopped down on the couch. You didn’t know how to act, or what to say, or who to be when you were around him anymore and falling back into old habits seemed like a grand way to get your feelings hurt again. 

“You didn’t answer my question earlier.” Billy took a swig from his glass, sitting on the armchair across from the couch. You silently thanked the universe that he had put distance between the two of you. The closer he was, the less clearly you could think.  

“Which one?” 

“How’ve you been?” 

“Oh.” You took a sip, only because it gave you something to do with your hands. “I’ve been alright.” 

He smiled, but the corners of his mouth didn’t reach his eyes. Anyone who looked at you longer than two seconds could see that you’re clearly not doing alright, but you’d grown comfortable living in denial, and you weren’t going to admit how not alright you were.  

“Heard your date didn’t go well.” 

You scoffed. Maybe it was the wine, or the way he looked smug about the fact that you’d had a shitty date, but you couldn’t help what came out of your mouth next.  

“Fuck you, Billy. It’s none of your business.” 

Billy looked startled by your outburst. You gulped down another mouthful of wine before rubbing your hand down your face. 

“I’m sorry.” You shook your head. “I don’t know where that came from.” 

“It’s okay. I probably deserve it.” He shrugged, leaning back in his seat. 

“What happened to us?” You asked, gazing at the ceiling. 

“You tell me, sunflower. You’re the one that left.” 

Your heart ached at the nickname. It wasn’t fair that he used it, especially when you were clearly in a vulnerable mood, but you cherished it anyways.  

“You left first.”  

It was barely a whisper, said so quietly that you weren’t quite sure he had heard you. If the palpable tension that followed wasn’t indicative of his acknowledgment, the deep sigh that erupted from his chest soon after was indication enough. He stayed quiet, swirling the remaining wine in his glass around in small circles. 

You stared at him, unflinching in your assessment of his body language. He didn’t look as miserable as you felt, and a spark of anger ignited in your belly because of it.  

“Did you ever really love me, Bil?” You barked. It was bait, and both of you knew it. You’d never questioned his love for you, and he knew you were trying to get a rise out of him, but he couldn’t help stepping up to the plate and taking the bait. 

“What kind of fucking question is that?” He watched you closely. You tried not to let your triumph show on your face. “Of course, I love you.” 

He stood from his seat and rested his hands on his hips, willing you to do the same. Meet him where he stood, he dared, show him how much you still care. You were nothing if not a daredevil. You joined him in the middle of the room, pressing your index finger into his chest. 

“Well then, what the fuck happened?”  

“You. Tell. Me.” He gritted from between clenched teeth. 

Billy wasn’t being fair to you, and he knew it. You were asking a valid question, and he was cowering behind the anger and frustration in the room.  

“I can’t do this again, Bil.” You turned, reaching for your purse. A heavy tug on your elbow had you crashing into Billy’s chest, where he enveloped his arms around you and pulled you into a crushing hold.  

“You’re not leaving, are you?”  

There was a softness in his voice that tugged at your heartstrings. For a moment, you forgot you were speaking to a grown man and not an orphaned little boy. You blew a long breath out before shaking your head. He rested his forehead against your shoulder. 

“No, Bil. I’m not leaving.” 

“I always knew I’d end up breaking your pretty heart.” His voice was muffled by your shoulder, but you didn’t miss the slight crack in his words. “I knew I’d fuck it up eventually.” 

“I don’t understand what happened. Everything was fine, and then it wasn’t.” You blinked away the tears that had built up on your waterline.  

“I know, baby. I’m so sorry.” 

You cupped his face as he dropped to his knees in front of you. His eyes, now red-rimmed and glassy, pleaded with you, and you couldn’t stop yourself from lowering your body next to his. 

“What’s going on?” You asked him, eyes flickering between his fast-blinking eyelids and rapidly shaking hands.  

“I was afraid.” He cleared his throat. “Am. I am afraid.” 

“Of what? Where is this coming from?” You gaped. You knew Billy struggled with commitment more than most – it had taken him almost a year of serious dating before he could tell you he loved you – but you thought he had moved past that. 

“Tom’s getting married.” 

Your brow furrowed. “What does Tom have to do with us?” 

“Tom’s getting married, and all I can think about is how I don’t know if I’ll ever be able to give that to you, and how you deserve someone who can give you everything you want and more.” 

You let his words sink into your chest, dissecting every interaction you’d had with him leading up to your breakup. It had been a slow descent, and when it finally became too much, you’d left with no clue how you ended up alone and sleeping on Karen’s couch every night. 

“Billy,” You shuttered, shaking your head as tears began to travel down your cheeks, “I never said I wanted any of that.” 

“It’s what you deserve.” 

“But it’s not what I want. Why couldn’t you see that I was happy with the way things were?” 

“I was terrified that you’d leave me. And then I became a shit boyfriend, and you really did leave me, and it was the worst thing that’s ever happened to me.” 

You wiped the tears from under your eyes and sniffled. “You weren’t always a shit boyfriend.” 

Billy snorted, letting a small smile cross his face as he tucked a piece of your hair behind your ear. 

“Can you ever forgive me, sunflower?” 

You considered his question. If you were being completely honest, you’d forgiven him as soon as you saw his pretty, brown eyes across the bar earlier, so sad and searching for you.  

“Can you promise that you’ll tell me when you’re feeling like this again, instead of shutting me out?” You cupped his cheek, eyes flicking down to his lips and then back up to his eyes.  

“I can promise that I’ll try.” He swallowed, searching your expression. “Is that enough?” 

You lurched forward, pressing your lips to his. The kiss tasted of red wine and salt, and you were suddenly grateful that you’d slumped to the floor earlier instead of waiting until now, when your knees were weak and shaking with anticipation.  

“I love you.” Billy mumbled inbetween kisses. 

“Show me.” You responded, opening yourself to him for the first time in over a month. 

He took you right there on the living room floor, a flurry of intertwined limbs, swollen lips, and skin brushing skin. His lips only left yours long enough to whisper praises against your neck before returning to yours in a bruising kiss. When you came apart underneath him, you couldn’t stop the tears from forming, but he didn’t mind. He kissed the tears away, apologies in their own right, as he continued showing you how much he loved you. 

Later on, after hours of reconciliation and apologies, you collapsed next to Billy on the couch. You’d lost your clothes a long time ago, only covered with the throw blanket you’d purchased the year before on a whim, and you watched as he sighed in quiet contemplation.  

“We should tell Karen and Frank that their plan worked.” You rested your head on his shoulder. He smiled, pulling you into his chest.  

“Let them figure it out on their own. They’ll come around at some point tomorrow when you still haven’t gone back.” 

He was right. The next morning, when Karen and Frank knocked on the door, you and Billy were still cuddled together on the couch, so worn out from the night before that you hadn’t been able to muster up the energy to move to the bedroom. You took one glance at Billy before you were on him again, uncaring that your friends were waiting. That’s fine, you thought, let them wait. Let them wait. 

Tag List:

@alexxavicry @hallecarey1 @km-ffluv @chiaraxtargaryen @trulylavandedarling @D0wnbad @deliciousfestsalad @lilyevans1 @imagineadream @22carolina08 @definitelynotsugar @casualchaoticdevil @peachy-flxwr @nashja @xshewayout @purple-amaranthe @raajali3 @emiemiemiii @messymissy @mossexe @fictional-hooman @oeuryale @violet-19999 @quackson03 @husherstan @dumb-fawkin-bitch @sweetserendipity65 @americaarse @lazyxsquirrel @anastasianeedstoread @mxxnligxt

[don-daygamerz]

Ben Barnes x reader who's in her 20s and Ben likes her one day he couldn't control himself and says it like "I know I'm older but I still love you" idk something like this?!?

Hi sorry for the delay, I'm on break from taking requests but I'm not going to abandon your request. So here's a taste of the dynamic between Ben and (Name) as I figure out what to put together. Just some headcanons whilst I work on your story.

- (Name) being a Young millennial/Millennial Z.

- I can imagine reader being an Actress and a singer herself rising through the ranks due to her unique talent.

- Ben and (Name) first met through mutual friends.

- In fact, they met at the Troubadour where Ben was actually performing that night.

- (Name) was also invited to perform as well.

- My girl did Rock music. And did she have some serious pipes.

- Ben could not look away from her performance. He thought she looked so ethereal but at the same time so enticing under the blue and dim lighting of the stage.

- The way she strummed her guitar to impossible notes made her look like a Metal Goddess.

- When the show was over Ben had the chance to introduce himself through a friend of his who conveniently knew her as well.

- He felt shy to approach such an intimidating but captivating young woman.

- He found her to be very attractive and quite adorable actually. With her highlighted hair, smokey eyeshadow with glitter, dressed in a black sheer lace top with a dark bra underneath and a pair of dark jeans and laced doc marten boots.

- Immediately fast friends when they started exchanging dirty jokes (Ben can be a hound dog for sure).

- Ben enjoys to cook and share with his friends and after getting to know (Name), he's insistent that she joins him for dinner (with some friends, of course...it wasn't a date...not yet).

- When she first came to dinner she brought over some special dessert from her culture (Whatever ethnic background she is; I'd imagine it being Flan/Basbousa/Avocado ice cream/Ube cake...etc. could be any)

- Ben loved her dessert. Made it official that she introduces more ethnic desserts to his colonizer palate.

- Ben saw something unique in (Name): she was so funny, eccentric, talented, free spirited, and crazy but in a good way.

- It wasn't long before they'd coincidentally worked together staring in the Marvel series 'The Punisher'.

- I'd imagine (Name)'s character being the sister to Frank Castle and there is some sort of chemistry between her and Billy Russo.

- (Name) doesn't know this but Ben has actually watched her films and series.

- After meeting her for the first time, he grew curious about her work and explored her films and music, and immediately became enamored by her method of acting and her lyrics.

- Her first time to explore London, Ben is there as well and offers to show her around.

- When he took her to the Harry Potter store (Name) couldn't help but mention how he would've been perfect for a Harry Potter film:

"Ha ha not you too."

"Yes, me too. I've seen your old pictures and you would've been the perfect Sirius Black. Ugh what a wasted opportunity but too late, you're...oooold." She'd exaggeratingly say the last bit in a grim voice.

"I am not old you just happened to be born really late."

"That's what an old person would say."

- His contact name on her phone would be 'Shadow Daddy' (She just had to since his character, General Kirigan, was trending like crazy)

- It was a slow start between the two. Starting off as friends but then things between the two became serious.

-Serious how?

Having dinner together with just each other.

Visiting each other's designated trailers.

Going to London's famous bookstores and exploring great literature.

Ben and (Name) would even do a music sesh or duet some songs together.

She even got to meet his family.

He met her family as well.

- I can imagine (Name) being well versed in technology.

- Young Millennial Zs are just good to adapting to new technologies and constructing their own system units. So it's only natural that she's good at it as well.

- She's also a pro at video games. Like really good that she makes misogynistic, fascist pigs cry like little bitches.

- Like the chick has her own customized mug/tumbler that reads 'FASCIST TEARS'.

- A total badass in Call of Duty (Warzone), Overwatch, Dead by Daylight, Dying Light, Friday the 13th, League of Legends, etc. Don't mess with her.

- Ben one time heard her lay down some serious trash talk and come backs at a bunch of sexist, misogynistic 'men'. (He had spare keys to her place and found her preoccupied in her gaming room)

"Woah! Are you a gamer girl?! Send me some titty pics, bitch"

"You can't handle my melons, bitch. If you're looking for some titty action go back to sucking your mama's. Annoying ass brat."

"This game ain't for girrrllls! Go back to the kitchen and make me a fucking sandwich!"

*Soon after he said that (Name) would constantly headshot his lame ass character barely even touching her or landing a shot at her*

"What the fuck?!Nah Nah, fucking bitch is cheating!"

"Ha ha ha! You fucking suck man. I don't think this game is for you so how 'bout you go to the kitchen and make my fucking sandwich."

- Oh yeah, (Name) is a major savage when ripping into those assholes.

- She was surprised Ben found her like that and felt embarrassed. She was worried he would find it appalling with spoke... Ben was such a composed fella and her... she was basically the devil incarnate ready to erupt and drink the blood of her enemies.

- But her worries went away when Ben chuckled at the scene he had witnessed and asked if she was okay (in a nice way) She'd later explained about how she was being insulted online and it made Ben worried.

- She told him not to worry and that she handled well by kicking their ass.

- Ben's not a gamer (I think) but he was really impressed with how she put down those sexist assholes.

- He found it kind of hot.

"Well that was an...interesting reaction, ha ha ha!"

"Stop laughing! I feel so embarassed that you had to see me that way!"

"I have to admit I found it quite cute how you swore at the screen. Ha ha, you looked like an angry chihuahua. Ha ha ha!"

"Ha Ha very funny"

"Alright, I'm just teasing you. I just hope you won't get into trouble"

"Nonsense. Besides...they only try and get my account reported for 'cheating'. It's not my fault they deliberately suck at playing."

"You are really good... It almost feels unfair."

"You say that because you've never beaten me at Mario Kart to this day."

"I've been practicing whilst I was away filming. So I'd like to think now I'm close to beating you."

"Ooh ho ho. Big talk eh. I'd like to see you try. Prepare to lose...again!"

- The two also enjoyed teasing one another that it gave everyone the impression that they were couple. Heck even their parents thought there was something more between the two.

- Ben laughed it off when his parents told him and he denied saying that he was too old for her. But they thought differently.

- (Name)'s mom was rooting for them (aww bless her) and her dad well...He didn't mind Ben but that was his sweet baby girl. To him, Ben was corrupting his sweet, innocent, little 'angel' baby (Ahahaha he can't see it clearly that his daughter is basically the devil who thrives on Cyberbullying fascist gamers... Yeaahh, an 'angel' for sure but there's nothing wrong with putting down toxic gamers. The girl is basically considered a saint in the gamer girl community)

- Sure there was a bit of a large age gap between the two but his parents had no qualms against whom he dated as long they treated him well. And they believed (Name) was the right fit for him.

- Ben would also invite her to one of his recording sessions and let her listen to him sing and play his piano.

- She would also invite to him to her recording studio to witness her play and come up with new songs.

- She'd be in awe of his talent and it would not go unnoticed by Ben which just bolstered his ego and made him flustered at the same time.

"Enjoy the show?"

"You were amazing! I mean... You all were amazing." She included the rest of the musicians who played by his side.

"Thanks, I'm happy to hear that."

"I heard that you're putting a lot of focus into your music since you didn't have the time to do so?"

"Yeah. I've put it off for a while since I wasn't so sure at the time but..."

"You're doing great and I'm not just saying that as a friend. It may seem late but you've put in a lot of work and creativity into it. I'd say all these years you just had some pent up creativity storming through that head of yours."

"Thanks that means a lot. I appreciate it."

"Happy to help. Ooh now that you're a rising musician does that mean I can be one of your groupies?!"

"Ha ha ha you can be so ridiculous!"

"That's what you love about me."

"You have no idea."

- Ben doesn't understand it yet but he always looked forward to (Name)'s words of encouragement and unwavering support as he trekked through the world of music.

- Despite the age difference the two shared their worlds and experience with one another and it brought them closer and closer.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

[e-dubbc11]

Songbird

Photos are not mine. They are courtesy of Pinterest/Google.

Pairing: Billy Russo x F! Reader

Warnings: Ah, let’s see…in this part, none really I don’t think.

Word Count: 3.3k-ish

Summary: Part 1 of 3 (maybe 4, if you guys like longer fics, it will be 3) You live in the same building as the “Penthouse Playboy” as you call him. He eavesdrops on you singing in the stairwell and is immediately smitten but you rebuff his charms. It goes back and forth between Reader and Billy's POV. The two songs used in this chapter are Paint It, Black by Ciara and Have You Ever Really Loved a Woman by Bryan Adams

A/N: Based off this ask from my lovely Lily @munsonownsmyass

Okay, a little idea for you 🩷 We know Billy is charming and could get any woman he wants. But... what if he one night meets a woman who doesn't swoon? Someone who doesn't fall for his smooth talking or handsome looks? Of course she's interested (who wouldn't be?), but she's a tough nut to crack. Billy is instantly intrigued and wants to win her over.

I had the idea of a singer reader for awhile now and I thought combined with this ask, it sounded like a perfect combination so I hope you enjoy this and I do have a playlist that goes along with this, it's linked with the series masterlist.

As always, thank you for reading!  I appreciate it so much and comments, reblogs are welcome and encouraged. Don’t be shy to tell me your favorite part. 💕💕 💕

The sky appeared heavy with the promise of a storm that had not yet broken. Would it be rain or would it be snow? It was difficult to tell on this cold afternoon in November, walking home from work.

Everyone on the sidewalk rushed past you and desperately wanted to get indoors before the sky opened up. They didn’t care if they bumped into you or if they knocked your purse off of your shoulder…THEY had to get inside before the rain or snow melted them into the sidewalk next to you. It was an amusing scenario to think about.

Walking in the rain and snow never bothered you. It soothed you, helped to calm you down after a rough day. You did want to get home soon to practice for tomorrow night but you didn’t rush, you took your time walking home, stopping to look in storefront windows and coffee shops.

You could smell the delicious roasted nuts from the vendors on the street from a block away, a baby crying in a stroller coming toward you, and a couple arguing as they drank their coffee walking ahead of you.

Those were just some of the sights and sounds the city produced on a daily basis and on your walk home every day, they were all different. No two days were the same, it kept you on your toes.

A cold droplet landed on the tip of your nose. As you looked around, there were little white flakes floating down, surrounding you as you watched them hit the ground and instantly disappear.

The ground was still a little warm for the snowflakes to stick to the sidewalk but they sparkled like a carpet of diamonds on the patches of grass and the bare tree branches as you continued your walk past the park toward your apartment building.

When you walked inside, you saw him standing in front of the mailboxes. His nickname was “The Penthouse Playboy.” You had no idea what his actual name was so that’s the nickname you came up with for him. He was always bringing home different women, no one steady.

Sure, he was incredibly handsome, an impeccable dresser, and he had a smile that could melt your insides but you knew his type. You knew it a little too well, you dated plenty like him and they were all the same…handsome, charming, and could smooth talk the pants right off of you.

You decided to hang back a little before checking your mail.

He’s made eyes at you a couple of times, those endless dark eyes that looked like two wells of black ink. You could definitely lose yourself in those eyes but you were immune to his charms.

You’d always give him a polite smile but that was it. You couldn’t help but compare yourself to the women he brought home, they were as dumb as a box of rocks but they were very beautiful.

Finally, he headed for the elevators and you could get your mail without an awkward encounter. After checking the mail, you headed up to your not-the-penthouse apartment but it was perfect for you. Changing out of your work clothes, you were trying to remember your set list for tomorrow night.

Your little singing hobby actually turned into a regular weekend gig with a few of your friends. There were a few small intimate clubs that booked you and your band on a semi-regular basis. It wasn’t every weekend but you really were having a lot of fun.

You had always been a little shy when it came to showing off your talent but each time you performed, it became easier. Finding a good place to practice was always a challenge. You didn’t want to bother your neighbors so you never really practiced inside your apartment other than the occasional shower concert.

Your favorite place to practice was actually in the stairwell. It was out of the way, you didn’t really bother anyone and hardly ever ran into anyone while you were out there.

But on your walk home, you had an idea.

Instead of practicing on the same floor as your apartment, you would go up to the top. You thought maybe there’s less of a chance of running into anyone on the top floor. Penthouse Playboy always took the elevator anyway, he wasn’t walking down all of those stairs.

It sounded like a perfect plan.

Billy

It was almost time for you to leave and meet Agent Madani for a drink. After adjusting the cufflinks on your shirt, you added an extra spritz of cologne before putting on your jacket and locking up.

Removing the key from the door lock, you noticed how quiet it was at the top. No one else to wait for the elevator with, it was just you. It was lonely sometimes but you didn’t do relationships, they were a weakness. The company you kept was sporadic and in a matter of hours, they were gone and you’d never see them again. You liked it that way.

You had awhile to wait before the elevator stopped at the top and that’s when you heard her. The melody was coming from the stairwell and it was…beautiful. You needed to find out who she was so you crept closer to the door to see if you could see her face. The dull ache in your chest caught you off guard, it was incessant.

As you inched closer, you finally recognized the song but it was slowed down. It was a version you had never heard before.

I see a red door and I want it painted black

No colors anymore, I want them to turn black

I see the girls walk by, dressed in their summer clothes

I have to turn my head until my darkness goes

I see a line of cars and they're all painted black

With flowers and my love both never to come back

I see people turn their heads and quickly look away

Like a newborn baby, it just happens every day

Paralyzed in place, you stood in silence listening to her. You made sure to stay away from the window of the door so she couldn’t see you and she finally turned so you could see her face, her beautiful face to go along with her beautiful voice. You’ve seen her many times before, getting her mail, talking in the lobby with the neighbors or helping them with their groceries.

She was the only woman that didn’t fall apart at your feet when you would smile at her and was completely immune to your charms. You knew deep down that she was probably too good for you.

Madani was a tough egg to crack too but not like your little songbird here, she liked to play hardball. She would ignore you most times while getting her mail, you’d steal glances at her in an elevator full of people but she never looked back.

That feeling of vulnerability would take over when you would see her but you didn’t like feeling that way. You were used to being in control but seeing her took you out of the driver’s seat and threw you into the trunk.

It was difficult to keep this new feeling you were experiencing under control, you were a marine, a soldier…you were always composed and unemotional. Emotions will get you killed and you were definitely in the line of fire after listening to her sing.

Her hypnotic voice had made you late for drinks. You were never late for anything. She was like a siren enticing a sailor. Your little songbird wasn’t just a mission anymore, these feelings she had stirred up inside of you were something that maybe you could give into for the first time in your life, but will she let you?

You

Sound check went well, it felt good, and you were ready for tonight. Your makeup, hair and outfit were perfect. The club was intimate and the dim lights were a welcome sight as opposed to the bright fluorescent ones in the stairwell in your apartment building.

The stairs outside the penthouse were a perfect place to practice, you didn’t see a single person and you weren’t interrupted at all but you couldn’t shake the feeling that you were being watched as you sang but that couldn’t be, could it? But you forgot all about it as it got closer to show time.

There were a lot of familiar faces in the crowd tonight, a lot of the same people came to see you sing each time you performed. You didn’t want to call them “groupies” but let’s face it, they were groupies. They’d sit at the front tables, bring you flowers and hang on your every word.

And you thought getting cat called walking by a construction site was bad, these guys didn’t let up for almost the entire show. The club actually provided you with some security so they couldn’t come near you which you were thankful for.

But you had a sinking feeling, tonight was going to be an interesting one.

Billy

This was the second night in a row you had met Dinah out for drinks, you could tell she wanted to sleep with you by the way she would lean into you as she sipped her drink or brush up against you when she excused herself to go to the restroom. You knew she was using you for something that you couldn’t quite put your finger on yet.

Walking in the crisp autumn air next to her, you were trying to listen as she talked and talked and that’s when you heard it. Paint It, Black…slowed down just like your songbird had been singing it. The music was coming from up ahead, from a club called Berlin.

You turned to Dinah. “Let’s go in here for a drink.”

She looked at you confused. “I thought we were goin’ back to my place.”

“Well, I wanna have a drink here first.” You said, walking ahead of her. And however a sure thing she was, she wasn’t what you desired anymore. She wanted you but you wanted another and when you looked up at that stage, you swore your heart skipped a beat.

It WAS her.

She looked even more beautiful than when you saw her in the stairwell. The way she held the audience's gaze and captivated them with her voice, you stopped dead in your tracks. Her voice gave you goosebumps.

I look inside myself and see my heart is black

I see my red door I must have it painted black

Maybe then I'll fade away and not have to face the facts

It's not easy facing up when your whole world is black

She performed like she was born to do it. The microphone was a part of her hand, she held it so naturally and interacted with the audience with just a couple of glances and smiles in their direction.

They loved her.

No more will my green sea go turn a deeper blue

I could not foresee this thing happening to you

If I look hard enough into the setting sun

My love will laugh with me before the morning comes

She glanced over to the side of the stage where you were standing with Dinah and her face froze for the briefest of seconds before going back to her performance. She obviously was not expecting to see you there and you could feel Dinah burning a hole in the back of your head because you were ignoring her.

She kept trying to get your attention but you wanted to listen to her finish the song because you weren’t able to the night before.

I wanna see it painted, painted black

Black as night, black as coal

I wanna see the sun blotted out from the sky

I see a red door and I want it painted black

No colors any more, I want them to turn black

I see the girls walk by, dressed in their summer clothes

I have to turn my head until my darkness goes

Hmm, hmm, hmm...

She made eye contact with you again, you made sure to clap louder than anyone else in that room, and the slightest of smiles stretched across her face as she bit down on her bottom lip to try and keep you from seeing.

At that point, you couldn’t deny it anymore. You were smitten and determined to make her yours.

You

As you started to sing your next song, you looked over to your left again, through the stage lights there was no mistaking that it was definitely your Penthouse Playboy. He was still there and he had a date with him…and why wouldn’t he?

She was beautiful, dark hair, deep brown eyes and glowing tan skin, but her eyes quickly narrowed when she saw the way he was looking at you.

Clearly, he wanted your attention but you were determined not to give it to him no matter how handsome he was, no matter how loud he clapped for you and no matter how many times he flashed that perfect smile at you.

Trading cash for a table close to the stage, he sat down with his date. Of course he sat down closest to you and instantly became one of your “groupies.” He hung on your every word and paid zero attention to his date, no matter how hard she flirted with him. She removed her jacket to reveal a silk camisole underneath, with lace detail decorating the top. Surely that would grab his attention…but it didn’t.

To really love a woman

To understand her, you gotta know her deep inside

Hear every thought, see every dream

And give her wings when she wants to fly

Then when you find yourself lyin' helpless in her arms

You know you really love a woman

When you love a woman, you tell her that she's really wanted

When you love a woman, you tell her that she's the one

'Cause she needs somebody, to tell her that it's gonna last forever

So, tell me have you ever really, really, really, ever loved a woman? Yeah

Your Penthouse Playboy was staring at you like you had hung the stars in the sky, looking at you in a way you’ve never seen him look at any of the women he brought home before. Apparently you had a knack for being in the lobby at the same time he was when he would bring a “date” home with him.

You made sure to show your regular admirers more attention than him, before taking your break for the evening. The members of the band always took their break outside where you preferred to stay on your stool which is when your smooth talker made his move toward the stage.

Security stopped him before he could get too close but you were kind of intrigued as to what he had to say to you.

“It’s alright, Nick. You can let him through.” You said, sitting down at the edge of the stage with your feet dangling off.

With a concerned look on his face, Nick said “You sure, y/n? I’ve never seen this one before.”

Your Penthouse Playboy scoffed at being called “this one” which made you smile a little too hard.

“No, really it’s ok. He lives in my building.” You said. “Or should I say, I live in HIS building. He looks down at all the peasants under him that DON’T live in the penthouse.” You said with a slightly wicked grin.

You could tell that comment got under his skin a little.

Nick was glaring at Penthouse Playboy as he walked back over to the other side of the stage and left you alone with your new admirer. He was trying his hardest to charm you just with his smile but this wasn’t your first rodeo. His type was all the same and you’ve fallen for it one too many times.

“You, uh…have a really beautiful voice.” He said, leaning in closer to you.

“Thank you.” You said indifferently and took a sip of your water. “What made you descend from on high to come mingle with the common folk?”

“I was walking by and heard you singing.” He said with a tough expression, matching your indifference.

You glanced in back of him at his date sitting by herself at the table.

“I don’t think your date appreciates you talking to me.” You said.

His lips curled back from his teeth as he said “Well right now, I don’t care what she thinks. And right now, I wanna talk to YOU.”

“Oh and you always do what you want, right?” You asked. Sarcasm dripping from your voice and inching even closer to him so you were both breathing the same air.

“Yeah…I do.” He said. “I apologize for never introducing myself before now but you do tend to ignore me when we cross paths…Billy Russo.” With such a short distance in between the two of you, he didn’t have to extend his hand very much for you to shake it.

You finally knew his actual name.

“Well, it’s nice to finally meet you Billy Russo. I’m y/f/n y/l/n.” You said in a harsh whisper.

Billy turned around to glance at his date, she had a scorching glare on her face and he licked his bottom lip as he turned back to face you. The space in between your bodies seemed smaller and his warm breath brushed against your eyelids.

His voice was full of confidence as he said “I’d really love to take you out sometime.”

Shocked that he would have the audacity to ask you out while on a date with another woman, it was another level of confidence or just egotistical, maybe a bit of both.

“I bet you would, Mr. Russo. And you have a lot of balls to ask me out while on a date with someone else. She looks like she wants to spit venom in my face, by the way.” You said.

Motioning for him to come closer so you could whisper in his ear, your hand snaked around the back of his head as you ran your fingers through his ebony colored hair.

“And…you’re gonna have to work a little harder than that, my Penthouse Playboy.” You said sharply, your lip pulled back over clenched teeth and adding a slight tug on his hair before pulling away.

Billy raised his eyebrows at you. “Penthouse Playboy, huh?”

“I didn’t know your name before tonight so I just referred to you as the Penthouse Playboy.” You said with a genuine smile this time.

“Is there something I could do to get you to change that nickname?” He asked.

There was a slight bitterness to your voice as you told him “Like I said, Mr. Russo…you’re gonna have to work a little harder than that. I’m not like the little bimbos you typically bring home.”

You watched as Billy’s date pushed herself away from the table and stormed out of the club, trying to make as much noise as possible on her way out, just as your band members made their way back to the stage.

Pointing to Billy’s empty table, you said to him. “Looks like your date had enough.”

“I guess she did.” He replied, not phased at all.

“Well I do have a set to finish, so you’ll have to excuse me.”

Billy turned to walk away in defeat.

Your expression softened just a little as you said “And Billy?”

He turned back around to face you.

“I’m sorry I ruined your date. I hope you’ll stay for the rest of the set anyway.”

He flashed you that perfect smile again. “You didn’t ruin anything, my little songbird. I’d love to stay. Besides…I have to earn that new nickname, don’t I.”

And with a wink, he headed back to his table and patiently waited to hear what you were going to sing next.

Tag List: @mindidjarin @saintmurd0ck @wheresthesunshinesblog @rafaelakelley @idaoftheburningmind @snowkestrel @xdervyxccgh @mattmurdocksscars @fakehappy27 @music-indie-tv @fictional-hooman @kayhi808 @munsonownsmyass @gijos @celestialams @idek-what-to-put @anastasianeedstoread @ratsys @k-marzolf @nutmeg17 @rosaleenablack @vaguekayla

Others that might enjoy: @itwasthereaminuteago @fluffyprettykitty @jvanilly @simple-lovebot @russosafehaven @mrsbillyrusso @imagine-a-fictional-boyfriend

If you’d like to be added to (or removed from) my tag list(s) for the ever so handsome Billy Russo, just let me know and thank you again for reading! 💕💕💕 If I tagged you but you didn’t want to be, just let me know and I’ll never do it again.

[storiesfabled]

updated muse list

under the cut you will find the most up-to-date muse list.

911

evan buckley

maddie buckley

charlotte buckley-diaz // rowan blanchard // buck & eddie daughter

eddie diaz

athena grant

may grant

howard han

tommy kinard

bobby nash

harper nash // er registrar // ashley benson // bobby & marcy daughter

jonah nash // firefighter // tyler blackburn // ray & margaret son

raymund nash // principal // d.w. moffett // bobby’s brother

russell nash // lawyer // jack coleman // bobby’s brother

matthew ransone // police officer // casey deidrick // lou’s son

josh russo

ashlynn wilson // college student // victoria justice // henrietta & karen daughter

henrietta wilson

karen wilson

911: lone star

nancy gillian

trevor parks

arianna reyes // maiara walsh // tk & carlos daughter

carlos reyes

gabriel reyes

gabriella ryder // troian bellisario // judd & grace daughter

grace ryder

jackson ryder // football coach & pe teacher // eric stonestreet // judd’s brother

judd ryder

weston ryder // oil tycoon // jeffrey dean morgan // judd’s brother

aubrey strand // madison davenport // owen & npc daughter

owen strand

tk strand

victoria strand // liana liberato // owen & npc daughter

paul strickland

billy tyson

billy tyson jr. // firefighter // steven r. mcqueen // billy & npc son

destinie tyson // nursing student // phoebe tonkin // billy & npc daughter

chicago fire

tricia boden // aisha dee // wallace & donna daughter

wallace boden

sylvie brett

matt casey

gabriella dawson

christopher hermann

stella kidd

patrick mcholland // hunter parrish // mouch & trudy son

rachel mcholland // anna kendrick // mouch & trudy daughter

randall ‘mouch’ mcholland

peter mills

kelly severide

leslie shay

allison shay-severide // zoe levin // kelly & leslie daughter

brian ‘otis’ zvonecek

chicago med

anna charles

daniel charles

will halstead

maggie lockwood

connor rhodes

chicago pd

kevin atwater

antonio dawson

eva dawson

hannah halstead // willa holland // jay & erin daughter

jay halstead

erin lindsay

trudy platt

adam ruzek

savannah ruzek // dianna agron // adam & kim daughter

emmaline voight // shay mitchell // adopted by hank

Hank voight

Madeline voight // police officer // charisma carpenter // hank & trudy daughter

Criminal minds

Penelope garcia

Aaron hotchner

Alexandra hotchner // ssa bau // alona tal // aaron & haley daughter

Jennifer jareau

Emily prentiss

Derek morgan

Brynnlee reid-morgan // aisha dee // derek & spencer daughter

David rossi

Rylee rossi // hayden panettiere // david & erin daughter

dallas

Ann ewing

Bobby ewing

Christopher ewing

John ross ewing

Olivia ewing // britt robertson // bobby & ann daughter

Bryan jones // history professor // colin donnell

fire country

Bode Donovan

Sharon Leone

Vince Leone

Gabriella Perez

Manny Perez

Grey’s anatomy

Teddy altman

Jackson avery

Miranda bailey

Tuck bailey-jones

Stephanie edwards

Lexie grey

Meredith grey

Zola grey-shepherd

Alex karev

Chloe montgomery-shepherd // er nurse // madelaine petsch

Arizona robbins

Mark sloan

Sofia sloan-torres

Callie torres

house

Robert chase

Lisa cuddy

Gregory house

Veronica house // hailee steinfeld // greg & lisa daughter

ncis

Anthony dinozzo jr.

Tobias fornell

Hannah gibbs // haley ramm // jethro & jenny daughter

Leroy jethro gibbs

Timothy mcgee

Jenny shepard

Private practice

Cooper freedman

Addison montgomery

Jasmine montgomery-reilly // dove cameron // addison & jake daughter 

Jake reilly

Station 19

Travis montgomery

Theo ruiz

Ben warren

Zoey warren // college student // amber riley // ben & miranda daughter

supernatural

Annabelle buckley-moore // hunter // josephine langsford // evan buckley & jess daughter

Castiel

Crowley

Bobby singer

Rufus turner

Dean winchester

Johanna winchester // danielle campbell // dean & castiel daughter

John winchester

Sam winchester

[dear-indies]

full list of biden letter 2:

Aaron Bay-Schuck Aaron Sorkin Adam & Jackie Sandler Adam Goodman Adam Levine Alan Grubman Alex Aja Alex Edelman Alexandra Shiva Ali Wentworth Alison Statter Allan Loeb Alona Tal Amy Chozick Amy Pascal Amy Schumer Amy Sherman Palladino Andrew Singer Andy Cohen Angela Robinson Anthony Russo Antonio Campos Ari Dayan Ari Greenburg Arik Kneller Aron Coleite Ashley Levinson Asif Satchu Aubrey Plaza Barbara Hershey Barry Diller Barry Levinson Barry Rosenstein Beau Flynn Behati Prinsloo Bella Thorne Ben Stiller Ben Turner Ben Winston Ben Younger Billy Crystal Blair Kohan Bob Odenkirk Bobbi Brown Bobby Kotick Brad Falchuk Brad Slater Bradley Cooper Bradley Fischer Brett Gelman Brian Grazer Bridget Everett Brooke Shields Bruna Papandrea Cameron Curtis Casey Neistat Cazzie David

Charles Roven Chelsea Handler Chloe Fineman Chris Fischer Chris Jericho Chris Rock Christian Carino Cindi Berger Claire Coffee Colleen Camp Constance Wu Courteney Cox Craig Silverstein Dame Maureen Lipman Dan Aloni Dan Rosenweig Dana Goldberg Dana Klein Daniel Palladino Danielle Bernstein Danny Cohen Danny Strong Daphne Kastner David Alan Grier David Baddiel David Bernad David Chang David Ellison David Geffen David Gilmour & David Goodman David Joseph David Kohan David Lowery David Oyelowo David Schwimmer Dawn Porter Dean Cain Deborah Lee Furness Deborah Snyder Debra Messing Diane Von Furstenberg Donny Deutsch Doug Liman Douglas Chabbott Eddy Kitsis Edgar Ramirez Eli Roth Elisabeth Shue Elizabeth Himelstein Embeth Davidtz Emma Seligman Emmanuelle Chriqui Eric Andre Erik Feig Erin Foster Eugene Levy Evan Jonigkeit Evan Winiker Ewan McGregor Francis Benhamou Francis Lawrence Fred Raskin Gabe Turner Gail Berman Gal Gadot Gary Barber Gene Stupinski Genevieve Angelson Gideon Raff Gina Gershon Grant Singer Greg Berlanti Guy Nattiv Guy Oseary Gwyneth Paltrow Hannah Fidell Hannah Graf Harlan Coben Harold Brown Harvey Keitel Henrietta Conrad Henry Winkler Holland Taylor Howard Gordon Iain Morris Imran Ahmed Inbar Lavi Isla Fisher Jack Black Jackie Sandler Jake Graf Jake Kasdan James Brolin James Corden Jamie Ray Newman Jaron Varsano Jason Biggs & Jenny Mollen Biggs Jason Blum Jason Fuchs Jason Reitman Jason Segel Jason Sudeikis JD Lifshitz Jeff Goldblum Jeff Rake Jen Joel Jeremy Piven Jerry Seinfeld Jesse Itzler Jesse Plemons Jesse Sisgold Jessica Biel Jessica Elbaum Jessica Seinfeld Jill Littman Jimmy Carr Jody Gerson

Joe Hipps Joe Quinn Joe Russo Joe Tippett Joel Fields Joey King John Landgraf John Slattery Jon Bernthal Jon Glickman Jon Hamm Jon Liebman Jonathan Baruch Jonathan Groff Jonathan Marc Sherman Jonathan Ross Jonathan Steinberg Jonathan Tisch Jonathan Tropper Jordan Peele Josh Brolin Josh Charles Josh Goldstine Josh Greenstein Josh Grode Judd Apatow Judge Judy Sheindlin Julia Garner Julia Lester Julianna Margulies Julie Greenwald Julie Rudd Juliette Lewis Justin Theroux Justin Timberlake Karen Pollock Karlie Kloss Katy Perry Kelley Lynch Kevin Kane Kevin Zegers Kirsten Dunst Kitao Sakurai KJ Steinberg Kristen Schaal Kristin Chenoweth Lana Del Rey Laura Dern Laura Pradelska Lauren Schuker Blum Laurence Mark Laurie David Lea Michele Lee Eisenberg Leo Pearlman Leslie Siebert Liev Schreiber Limor Gott Lina Esco Liz Garbus Lizanne Rosenstein Lizzie Tisch Lorraine Schwartz Lynn Harris Lyor Cohen Madonna Mandana Dayani Mara Buxbaum Marc Webb Marco Perego Maria Dizzia Mark Feuerstein Mark Foster Mark Scheinberg Mark Shedletsky Martin Short Mary Elizabeth Winstead Mathew Rosengart Matt Lucas Matt Miller Matthew Bronfman Matthew Hiltzik Matthew Weiner Matti Leshem Max Mutchnik Maya Lasry Meaghan Oppenheimer Melissa Zukerman Michael Aloni Michael Ellenberg Michael Green Michael Rapino Michael Rappaport Michael Weber Michelle Williams Mike Medavoy Mila Kunis Mimi Leder Modi Wiczyk Molly Shannon Nancy Josephson Natasha Leggero

Neil Blair Neil Druckmann Nicola Peltz Nicole Avant Nina Jacobson Noa Kirel Noa Tishby Noah Oppenheim Noah Schnapp Noreena Hertz Odeya Rush Olivia Wilde Oran Zegman Orlando Bloom Pasha Kovalev Pattie LuPone Paul & Julie Rudd Paul Haas Paul Pflug Peter Traugott Polly Sampson Rachel Riley Rafi Marmor Ram Bergman Raphael Margulies Rebecca Angelo Rebecca Mall Regina Spektor Reinaldo Marcus Green Rich Statter Richard Jenkins Richard Kind Rick Hoffman Rick Rosen Rita Ora Rob Rinder Robert Newman Roger Birnbaum Roger Green Rosie O’Donnell Ross Duffer Ryan Feldman Sacha Baron Cohen Sam Levinson Sam Trammell Sara Foster Sarah Baker Sarah Bremner Sarah Cooper Sarah Paulson Sarah Treem Scott Braun Scott Braun Scott Neustadter Scott Tenley Sean Combs Seth Meyers Seth Oster Shannon Watts Shari Redstone Sharon Jackson Sharon Stone Shauna Perlman Shawn Levy Sheila Nevins Shira Haas Simon Sebag Montefiore Simon Tikhman Skylar Astin Stacey Snider Stephen Fry Steve Agee Steve Rifkind Sting & Trudie Styler Susanna Felleman Susie Arons Taika Waititi Thomas Kail Tiffany Haddish Todd Lieberman Todd Moscowitz Todd Waldman Tom Freston Tom Werner Tomer Capone Tracy Ann Oberman Trudie Styler Tyler James Williams Tyler Perry Vanessa Bayer Veronica Grazer Veronica Smiley Whitney Wolfe Herd

Will Ferrell Will Graham Yamanieka Saunders Yariv Milchan Ynon Kreiz Zack Snyder Zoe Saldana Zoey Deutch Zosia Mamet

[omgellendean]

The text of the letter and names of the celebrities that signed it under the cut.

"October 23, 2023 

Dear President Biden,

We are heartened by Friday’s release of the two American hostages, Judith Ranaan and her daughter Natalie Ranaan and by today’s release of two Israelis, Nurit Cooper and Yocheved Lifshitz, whose husbands remain in captivity.

But our relief is tempered by our overwhelming concern that 220 innocent people, including 30 children, remain captive by terrorists, threatened with torture and death. They were taken by Hamas in the savage massacre of October 7, where over 1,400 Israelis were slaughtered - women raped, families burned alive, and infants beheaded. 

Thank you for your unshakable moral conviction, leadership, and support for the Jewish people, who have been terrorized by Hamas since the group’s founding over 35 years ago, and for the Palestinians, who have also been terrorized, oppressed, and victimized by Hamas for the last 17 years that the group has been governing Gaza.

We all want the same thing: Freedom for Israelis and Palestinians to live side by side in peace. Freedom from the brutal violence spread by Hamas. And most urgently, in this moment, freedom for the hostages. 

We urge everyone to not rest until all hostages are released. No hostage can be left behind. Whether American, Argentinian, Australian, Azerbaijani, Brazilian, British, Canadian, Chilean, Chinese, Danish, Dutch, Eritrean, Filipino, French, German, Indian, Israeli, Italian, Kazakh, Mexican, Panamanian, Paraguayan, Peruvian, Polish, Portuguese, Romanian, Russian, South African, Spanish, Sri Lankan, Thai, Ukrainian, Uzbekistani or otherwise, we need to bring them home. 

Sincerely, 

Aaron Bay-Schuck Aaron Sorkin Adam Berkowitz  Adam Goodman Adam Levine Adam & Jackie Sandler Adee Drexler  Alan Grubman Alex Aja Alex Edelman Alexandra Shiva Ali Wentworth Alison Statter Allan Loeb Alona Tal Amy Chozick Amy Pascal Amy Schumer Amy Sherman Palladino Andrew Singer Andy Cohen Angela Robinson Ant Hines Anthony Russo  Antonio Campos Ari Dayan Ari Greenburg Ariel Martin  Arik Kneller Aron Coleite Ashley Levinson Asif Satchu Aubrey Plaza Barbara Hershey Barry Diller Barry Josephson Barry Levinson Barry Rosenstein Beau Flynn Behati Prinsloo Bella Thorne Ben Stiller Ben Turner Ben Winston Ben Younger Billy Crystal Blair Kohan Bob Odenkirk Bobbi Brown Bobby Kotick Brad Falchuk Brad Slater Bradley Cooper Bradley Fischer Brett Gelman Brian Grazer Bridget Everett Brooke Shields Bruna Papandrea Cameron Curtis

Carin Sage Casey Neistat Cazzie David Charles Randolph  Charles Roven Chelsea Handler Chloe Fineman Chris Fischer Chris Jericho Chris Pine Chris Rock Christian Carino Cindi Berger Claire Coffee Colleen Camp Constance Wu Cory Litwin Courteney Cox Craig Silverstein Dame Maureen Lipman Dan Aloni Dan Mazer  Dan Rosenweig Dan Swimer Dana Goldberg Dana Klein Daniel Glass

Daniel Palladino

Danielle Bernstein

Danny A. Abeckaser

Danny Cohen

Danny Strong

Daphne Kastner

David Alan Grier

David Baddiel

David Bernad

David Chang

David Ellison

David Geffen

David Gilmour &

Polly Sampson

David Goodman

David Joseph

David Kohan

David Lowery

David Oyelowo

David Schwimmer

Dawn Porter

Dean Cain Deborah Lee Furness Deborah Snyder Debra Messing Diane Von Furstenberg Donny Deutsch Doug Liman Douglas Chabbott Eddy Kitsis Edgar Ramirez Eli Roth Elisabeth Shue Elizabeth Himelstein Embeth Davidtz Emmanuelle Chriqui  Eric Andre Erik Feig Erin Foster Eugene Levy Evan Jonigkeit Evan Winiker Ewan McGregor Francis Benhamou Francis Lawrence Fred Raskin Gabe Turner Gail Berman Gal Gadot Gary Barber Gene Stupinski Genevieve Angelson Gideon Raff Gina Gershon Ginnifer Goodwin  Grant Singer Greg Berlanti Guy Nattiv Guy Oseary Gwyneth Paltrow Hannah Fidell Hannah Graf Harlan Coben Harold Brown Harvey Keitel Helen Mirren Henrietta Conrad Henry Winkler

Heidi Jo Markel Holland Taylor Howard Gordon Iain Morris Imran Ahmed Inbar Lavi Isla Fisher JD Lifshitz Jack Black Jackie Sandler Jake Graf Jake Kasdan  James Brolin James Corden Jamie Ray Newman Jaron Varsano Jason Blum Jason Fuchs Jason Reitman Jason Segel Jason Sudeikis

Jason Biggs &

Jenny Mollen Biggs

Jeanne Newman

Jeff Goldblum

Jeff Levin

Jeff Rake

Jeffrey Best

Jen Joel

Jennifer Morrison

Jeremy Piven

Jerry Seinfeld 

Jesse Itzler

Jesse Plemons

Jesse Sisgold

Jessica Biel

Jessica Elbaum

Jessica Seinfeld

Jill Littman

Jimmy Carr

Jody Gerson

Joe Hipps

Joe Quinn

Joe Russo

Joe Tippett

Joel Fields 

Joey King

John Landgraf 

John Slattery

Jon Bernthal

Jon Glickman Jon Hamm Jon Harmon Feldman  Jon Liebman Jon Watts Jon Weinbach  Jonathan Baruch Jonathan Groff  Jonathan Marc Sherman Jonathan Ross Jonathan Steinberg Jonathan Tisch Jonathan Tropper Jordan Peele Josh Brolin Josh Charles Josh Dallas Josh Goldstine Josh Greenstein Josh Grode Josh Singer Judd Apatow Judge Judy Sheindlin Julia Fox  Julia Garner Julia Lester  Julianna Margulies Julie Greenwald Julie Rudd Julie Singer  Juliette Lewis Jullian Morris Justin Theroux Justin Timberlake KJ Steinberg Karen Pollock Karlie Kloss Katy Perry Kelley Lynch Kevin Kane Kevin Zegers Kirsten Dunst Kitao Sakurai Kristen Schaal Kristin Chenoweth Lana Del Rey Laura Benanti  Laura Dern Laura Pradelska Lauren Schuker Blum Laurence Mark  Laurie David Lea Michele Lee Eisenberg Leo Pearlman  Leslie Siebert Liev Schreiber Limor Gott  Lina Esco Liz Garbus Lizanne Rosenstein Lizzie Tisch Lorraine Schwartz Lynn Harris Lyor Cohen Madonna Mandana Dayani Mara Buxbaum

Marc Webb

Marco Perego

Maria Dizzia

Mark Feuerstein

Mark Foster

Mark Scheinberg

Mark Shedletsky

Martin Short

Mary Elizabeth Winstead

Mary McCormack

Mathew Rosengart

Matt Geller 

Matt Lucas

Matt Miller

Matthew Bronfman

Matthew Hiltzik

Matthew Weiner

Matti Leshem

Max Mutchnik

Maya Lasry

Meaghan Oppenheimer

Melissa Zukerman

Melissa rudderman 

Michael Aloni Michael Ellenberg Michael Green Michael Rapino Neil Blair Neil Druckmann Neil Paris Nicola Peltz Nicole Avant Nina Jacobson Noa Kirel  Noa Tishby Noah Oppenheim Noah Schnapp Noreena Hertz Octavia Spencer Odeya Rush Olivia Wilde Oran Zegman Orlando Bloom Pasha Kovalev Pattie LuPone Patty Jenkins Paul Haas Paul Pflug Paul & Julie Rudd Peter Baynham  Peter Traugott Rachel Douglas Rachel Riley Rafi Marmor Ram Bergman Raphael Margulies  Rebecca Angelo Rebecca Mall Regina Spektor Reinaldo Marcus Green Rich Statter Richard Jenkins Richard Kind Rick Hoffman Rick Rosen Rita Ora Rob Rinder Robert Newman Roger Birnbaum Roger Green Rosie O’Donnell Ross Duffer Ryan Feldman Sacha Baron Cohen Sam Levinson Sam Trammell Sara Berman Sara Foster Sarah Baker Sarah Bremner Sarah Cooper Sarah Paulson Sarah Treem Scott Braun Scott Braun Scott Neustadter Scott Tenley Sean Combs Sean Levy  Seth Meyers Seth Oster Shannon Watts Shari Redstone Sharon Jackson Sharon Stone Shauna Perlman Shawn Levy Sheila Nevins Shira Haas Simon Sebag Montefiore Simon Tikhman Skylar Astin  Stacey Snider Stephen Fry Steve Agee Steve Rifkind Sting & Trudie Styler  Susanna Felleman Susie Arons  Taika Waititi Thomas Kail Tiffany Haddish Todd Lieberman Todd Moscowitz Todd Waldman Tom Freston Tom Werner Tomer Capone  Tracy Ann Oberman Trudie Styler Tyler Henry Tyler James Williams Tyler Perry Vanessa Bayer  Veronica Grazer Veronica Smiley Whitney Wolfe Herd Will Ferrell Will Graham Yamanieka Saunders Yariv Milchan Ynon Kreiz Zack Snyder Zoe Saldana Zoey Deutch Zosia Mamet

[the-cult-of-russo]

Poetic Tragedy (Part 1)

Pairing: Reader X Billy Russo

Warnings: Cursing, angst, sadness, substance abuse, mental health issues. This one’s a little dark and not really in a violent way (okay, it does have the typical canon violence lmao). Just more the themes explored, I guess? 

A/N: So I legit have like three other Billy multi-chapter stories I’ve come up with since being back and I get like one chapter done and another idea hits me. This one came to me when writing another and I hope you guys like it. I'll be honest, I usually like waiting until my multi-chapter fics are completed before posting them. I have a habit of starting them and then I get stuck or whatever and they get abandoned. But I'm onto my third chapter of this and I figured I'd post it and see what people think. 

Name for this one is from a song of the same name by The Used.

The cup is not half empty as pessimists say

As far as he's sees, nothing's left in the cup

A whole cup full of nothing for him to indulge

Since the voice of ambition has long since been shut up

A singer, a writer, he's not dreaming now of going nowhere

He gave heed to nothing, and all that he was....

Is just a tragedy

So he voyages in circles

Succeeds getting nowhere

And submits to the substance

That first got him there

Then in violent, frustration, he cries out to God or just no one

Is there a point to this madness and all that he was....

Is just a tragedy

—------------------------

“The vigilante duo, The Punisher and Jigsaw, once again took down a crime syndicate last night with the help of their soldiers. We don’t have details right now but the CIA and FBI have said they're looking into it,” the newsreader said gravely and you rolled your eyes, leg bobbing up and down as you waited impatiently on the sofa. Josh came back out from his room then. He’d been on the phone when you got here and told you to wait. He chucked his phone on the dirty coffee table before he licked his lower lip and tilted his head at you. He was skinny, scarily so and his blonde hair looked dull and hung over his eyes.

“It’s gone up, sweet cheeks,” he smirked. It made your skin crawl and you glowered at him.

“What do you mean it’s gone up? It went up last week. Do you think I have money coming out of my ass?” you asked in a snappy tone, your hand sweeping across you and drawing attention to the dirty jeans and the holey, far too large for your frail frame, dark gray sweater. He let out a condescending snort and shrugged his shoulders.

“That's not my problem, Y/N. You’re not my problem. It's gonna be $100,” he smirked. You stood up, hands clenched to fists as they shook. You felt the desperation clawing at you as you grabbed the only money you had out of your pocket, waving it at him.

“I have $50! 50, That we agreed on! It’s all I have!” you yelled, your voice tinged with panic.

“Well it's not $50 anymore, princess,” he grinned darkly. You growled, gritting your teeth so hard they felt like they might shatter.

“Or…. you could give me the 50 and make up for the rest in another way?” he smirked leeringly at you and you recoiled, feeling sick. You’d only ever stooped that low once before and you’d never do it again. It made shame fill every pore of your body to think about.

“Go fuck yourself!” you snarled, stomping to the front door.

“Come back with the money or your pussy or don't come back at all, Y/N!” he called out after you and you slammed his door forcefully. 

That slimy piece of shit. You hated him. Hated that you had to rely on him and hated that he could easily screw you over and there wasn't a damn thing you could do about it. You had about a day before things were about to get really fucking bad for you. You knew the only option was to steal the money you needed. Stealing wasn't exactly new to you, it was how you made most of your money these days. But with the amount so high, you didn't think you’d have enough left over for food too. And with no food in your stomach for 4 days, it made you feel depressed. You knew what you’d pick, what you’d always pick. You heaved a sigh and brought your arms around yourself to stave off the cold. Your sweater wasn't thick and all you had under it was a ratty old black tank top. The same clothes you’d worn for the past 3 years after a local church wanted to help those in need. You didn't believe in god, didn't think he'd bestow the life forced on you if he was real. Still, you were grateful for the good Samaritans that helped in the name of Jesus. Your boots had holes in them and were a size too small. You’d found those in the dumpster a few years back too. You glanced to the sky and you knew it would be dark soon. That's when you’d strike. It was best like that. Less people around to try and intervene. 

By the time darkness blanketed the sky, you were on the prowl. You hadn't come across anyone suitable yet. No one alone and an easy target. You might be desperate but you weren't stupid. A flick to the nose would have you on the floor so you had to be careful. There had been plenty of people, although not half as many as in the daytime. Mostly groups of drunk people having a good time on a Friday night. You scratched your face with a sigh, a hopelessness consuming you as you worried you wouldn't find anyone. But then luck seemed to hit you across the face. A woman was crossing the street, coming over to your side. She was chattering on her cell phone, looking like her head was in the clouds. You eyed her up, noticing her Louboutin heels as they clicked against the sidewalk. You might be broke as shit but it didn't mean you didn't know designer when you saw it. Your eyes lit up gleefully. Maybe you'd be able to get your food too after all. 

You steeled yourself as you walked, the girl walking your way as she yammered on to whoever the poor victim on the phone was. Her purse was dangling precariously off her forearm as she strutted down the sidewalk like it was a runway. You rolled your eyes internally. Didn't she know how dangerous New York was at night? She was lucky you were the one to meet her and no one else. As you walked past her, your hand darted out with the reflex only an experienced thief would have as you snatched her purse.

"Hey!" She squealed at you, but you didn't stick around as you took off running. You knew with those heels, she wouldn't be chasing you. You ran until you got to the alley a block away. Your alley. You finally looked at your goods then. A Gucci purse, figures. You knew it would fetch a pretty penny if you could sell it. Issue was that no self-respecting business would allow you to step foot in their store. Holding no value to you, you opened it, snatching the money from the pocket inside before you tossed the purse to the damp and dirty ground. Your face split into a grin as you counted it. $500. That would be enough for what you needed plus food for days. Maybe even for your next few trips to Josh's. It sent a wave of relief right through you. You'd never managed this much before. It was getting harder and harder to steal here in the city. Maybe since crime rates went up and vigilantes became a thing all over the news. 

You were basking in your accomplishment, too distracted to hear anyone behind you at the mouth of the alley you'd just come from. 

"Didn't your parents ever teach you manners?" A voice rang out, making you whirl around to come face to face with two men. Your eyes darted from one to the other in quick succession. One was shorter than the other, his face unobscured but his chest emblazoned with a skull. The other was wearing a black hoodie, the hood pulled up and a weird white mask with painted cracks on it. He looked like he should be in a horror movie. But you knew looking at them who they were and once your shock wore off, you scoffed and shook your head. The Punisher and fucking Jigsaw. Of course. 

"You've gotta be fucking kidding me," you huffed, jaw clenched. No, god really didn't exist. 

"Stealin's wrong, sweetheart. Hand the money over," The Punisher smirked, holding out his hand. Your hand tightened around the money as you gaped at him.

"Don't you have real crime to be dealing with? You know, like rape and murder?" You asked dryly. 

"Stealin’ is a crime," Jigsaw muttered, tilting his head at you. He was far more unsettling than his counterpart, only his dark eyes visible from his mask. He was standing tall and imposing, legs slightly apart and his shoulder squared.

"I'm not giving you the money," you growled, squinting at them both. 

"Yeah, you are," The Punisher smirked. 

"Or what?" You asked defiantly, raising a brow. Jigsaw reached around him, grabbing a handgun from his waistband before cocking it. 

You let out an incredulous laugh as you shook your head for what felt like the millionth time. 

"Are you serious?" You asked, looking half amused and half stunned. 

"As a heart attack," The Punisher answered.

"Did you see who I stole this off? Bitch looked like she has a penthouse with a maid. Fucking Louboutin shoes and a Gucci purse. Meanwhile, I'm over here living in a goddamn alley," you swept your arm behind you where a meager blanket lay near the wall on top of a large piece of cardboard.

"I haven't eaten in four days, but no, I'm sure Miss Penthouse will really miss a few hundred dollars," you seethed. The pair looked at each other, Jigsaw rolling his shoulder a little. The Punisher gave you an uncomfortable look as he stepped forward, making you tense as he held his hand out. You scoffed a mirthless laugh, roughly slapping the money into his hands. 

"And I thought you guys were supposed to be the good guys," you sneered. 

"We are," The Punisher muttered tensely. You snorted at his words. 

"Sure, keep telling yourself that. You go out there trying to rid New York of crime but you don't ever question why stuff like this happens? You really think petty crime is the same shit as murder? You tar all of us with the same brush when some of us do this out of necessity. To survive. But yeah, we're all just criminals. I'll remember that when I'm lay there freezing and starving," you bit out, anger swirling around inside of you before you stomped over to your blanket. 

"Now get the fuck out of my alley!" You bellowed, glaring at them. They exchanged another uncomfortable glance with each other before Jigsaw made a move to grab the Gucci purse from the ground. With that, they left. 

You sat heavily on the cardboard, pulling the blanket around you although it did little to ease the cold. It was turning winter and you dreaded it. Those were always the hardest months here. You couldn't believe those two assholes. Now you had no money for food, no money for… You felt a lump in your throat as the panic clawed at you again. It wasn't like you did it because you liked it. Not anymore. But now you needed it to function and you hated it. You lay down as tears pricked your eyes and you willed yourself to get to sleep. You had no idea what you were supposed to do now.  The idea of having to go and pay Josh that way again made you feel sick but you were starting to think you wouldn’t have a choice.

—------------------------

The next morning, you lay wrapped in your blanket, eyes unfocused and gazing at the opposite wall. You’d been awake for hours but you couldn’t bring yourself to get up. It had started. Withdrawals. Your body was aching like a bitch and you felt colder than you knew you were supposed to. Your head was thumping and you were exhausted, yet unable to sleep. You heard your stomach growl loudly on its fifth day with no food but you tried to ignore it. You didn't want to face the world, didn't want to have to sit there and beg for change. It certainly wouldn't help you right now, give you what you needed. And while you knew you also needed food, the thought made your stomach roll. You still had the $50 burning a hole in your pocket, but you weren’t touching that. That was for something else and you needed to make up the rest of the money and fast. You heard the sound of boots in the alley and struggled to sit up. When you glanced over, there was a figure walking down it. It took you a moment to recognise him without the skull over his chest, but there was The Punisher. He was wearing a dark green hoodie with the hood pulled up, some jeans and boots on. He held something in his hand. You groaned inwardly, not in the mood for his bullshit. Your nerves felt raw already and you didn't want to deal with him after last night.

“I thought I told you to fuck off,” you huffed weakly as he stopped a little in front of you. Your face felt clammy and you leaned back against the brick wall as you sat there looking at him. 

“You did. But I… I brought you breakfast,” he muttered, looking uncomfortable. He held out a styrofoam tray and cup of some kind of hot drink but you made no move to take it.

“Wow, didn’t realize breakfast and a drink cost $500!” you smiled mockingly at him. He shifted on his feet, eyes darting all over the place before back on you. When you didn't take the food, he sighed and placed them on the floor next to you. Despite your salty words, you picked up the drink, not caring what was in it. The heat on your hands felt relieving and you sipped on it gingerly. Coffee. 

“Your little pal Jason not with you?” you quipped hotly after another sip and him just awkwardly watching you. A confused frown graced his face.

“What?” he asked, squinting at you.

“Jason… Friday the 13th?” you asked, raising a brow with a blank look on your face. 

“Look… About last night,” he started, completely ignoring your question.

“Unless you got my $500 in your pocket, I don't care,” you smirked darkly. He raised his eyes heavenward for a moment with a sigh.

“I know shit ain’t black and white, alright? I’m not stupid. But you can’t go around takin’ shit that ain’t yours,” he huffed. You laughed but it wasn't a pleasant sound as you blinked up at him. You felt like shit and you had no patience.

“Listen…” you trailed off, not knowing what to call him. You didn't know his name and calling him The Punisher to his face felt weird.

“Frank,” he supplied. You squinted at him for a moment.

“What?” you asked slowly.

“My name is Frank,” he offered easily, his eyes boring into you. You didn't know what to do with the information. You weren't sure if his name was common knowledge or not or if he’d just willingly given you something that could hurt him. But you didn't really care.

“Listen, Frank. Spare me the lecture on mortality, okay? You're standing there with enough money to buy a random stranger breakfast and a coffee, with your nice warm clean clothes and wherever you are, I bet you have a roof over your head. You have no idea what it’s like living this life, the shit I’ve had to do to just survive. So you don't get to stand there and act like I’m some hardened criminal. Because tell me, Frank, who’s the murderer here?” you asked darkly, raising a brow at him. He swallowed thickly, shifting on his feet as he looked away for a moment. You were glad. He had no right coming here and trying to make you feel bad for doing what you needed to just to live. You lost the guilt you used to carry with you for stealing long ago. 

He was silent for a long moment and you slurped your coffee. You knew you should eat the food but your stomach churned and you knew soon you’d be throwing up and you hated it. After a while of him seemingly not knowing what to say, he looked you over again.

“You feelin’ alright? Look a little… ill,” he muttered. 

“Oh my god. Can you spare me the little sad puppy routine? Stop acting like you care. Thanks for the coffee and everything, but please just go away,” you sighed, closing your eyes for a brief moment. You heard him move and your eyes snapped open to find him digging something out of his jeans pocket. He pulled out a piece of paper before crouching next to you. You instinctively tensed and squinted at him as he held out the piece of paper. There was an address scrawled onto it along with a phone number. You didn't make a move to take it.

“We got a place, alright? You need a warm bed or… or food or whatever. You can just… come to us. Whatever you need,” he murmured, that stupid pitying look on his face. Your jaw ticked as he placed the paper on your lap when you didn't take it from him. You wondered if he was stupid. Wondered if this was their secret lair, the base of their operation that he’d just handed to you. You didn't know much about the pair of vigilantes, it wasn't like you owned a TV to watch the news, but you’d caught snippets whenever you were at Josh’s. You knew it wasn't just the two of them, though they were the leaders. But they had a whole group and the news called them soldiers. You could easily hand this to the police and you both knew it. You wouldn't though. As much as they were assholes to you the night before, you knew they did good on the street. Made it safer. The streets were very unsafe for anyone homeless, especially a girl like you. Especially in your condition. You’d wasted away out here and your little problem hadn't helped that issue any. There was nothing to you anymore and you knew just how cruel these streets could be. The statistics of homeless people murdered each year were sickening, the number of them going missing even worse. Because homeless people weren't viewed with the same lens everyone else was. They weren't seen as people. People thought they could do what they wanted to someone on the street because they had no one to care for them, no people to miss them when they were gone. Not even the police cared. People were conflicted when it came to the vigilantes. Most people thought they were a good thing, getting rid of crime and doing what the police couldn't or wouldn't do. But the NYPD weren't happy with having their toes stepped on, being made to look bad. And they’d called in the CIA and FBI to help catch the crusaders. It could be dangerous. Make other people feel bold enough to turn vigilante themselves and wind up hurting someone innocent or hurting themselves. It got messy when people thought they could take justice into their own hands. You glared at the paper for a moment, not knowing what to say. You didn't want his pity. You needed the money he’d taken from you but you knew you weren't getting it back.

“My number’s on there… if you ever need anything, need help… give it a call,” he sighed when you didn't speak.

“With what? My invisible cell phone?” you snorted derisively. You couldn't help it. He’d annoyed you and now he was trying to help you. No doubt felt he needed to save you or fix you. You were beyond fixing. He gave you a look for a minute before he rummaged in his pocket again, placing 50 cents with the paper on your lap. 

“Use a payphone if you need to. I’m just trying to help,” he murmured sadly. 

“Well I don't need your help, so go away,” you muttered with a frown. He nodded, not looking happy about it but at least doing what you asked as he stood. He gave you one last lingering look before leaving the alley and you felt yourself relax a small amount. As much as your pain-riddled body would allow you. You picked up the paper, recognising the address as an abandoned industrial estate. You knew it because homeless people would once go there. You knew you should throw the paper out, never planning on using it. But something tugged at the back of your brain and you sighed, slipping it with the 50 cents into your pocket. 

A few hours after Frank’s visit, you were lying unmoving, staring at the ceiling as Josh moaned above you. You felt nothing but a hollow emptiness as he rut into you, jostling your body a little. You knew you would end up here out of your desperation. But as your symptoms got worse, you couldn't hold out any longer. You couldn't go through full withdrawals, not again. You’d stupidly tried to get clean two years back. Decided your addiction was costing you far too much and making you ill. But going cold turkey when you're out on the streets is impossible. When you have no one to take care of you, help you through it. No safe space to go through something so traumatic. You hadn't lasted a day until you’d caved. After a large groan, he pulled out of you, taking off the condom and tossing it carelessly into the wastebasket near the bed. He padded off into the bathroom and you sat up, picking up your clothes as you started to dress yourself. You didn't feel upset. Didn't feel shame. No, that would come later. Once you were dressed, he came back in with a sly smirk, holding out the bag to you. As you made a move to grab it, he pulled it away with a wicked smirk.

“What do you say?” he asked with a raised brow, looking smug. You wanted to hit him. Wanted to wipe that smirk right off his face. But you knew what he was like, learned that lesson the hard way and he’d broken your nose for your troubles. You clenched your jaw, right eye twitching.

“Thank you,” you ground out, feeling the prickle of shame start to eat at you. You hated that you’d been reduced to this. All by the shit that was in the bag he was holding. His smirk widened and he let you take the bag. You didn't wait around before you scurried out of his apartment. You’d have enough to last you a week. That's how it usually went. 

You rushed to the shit hole that was your ‘home’, your hands trembling with the need to use. You sat on your makeshift bed, opening the bag quickly. You grabbed the piece of paper Frank had given you before carefully tipping some of the powder onto the back of your hand. You rolled up the paper before snorting it hurriedly. You’d never injected it. Back when Josh first approached you and tried to convince you to use it, how it would make you feel better, you’d told him you didn't want to get addicted. He’d promised you that you wouldn't. You couldn't get addicted if you snorted it. He’d lied. The only real difference between snorting and injecting was the fact it took between 5 to 10 minutes for the high to kick in compared to the instant results of injecting. You felt an instant relief that was more mental than the substance, knowing you finally got what your body needed. You moved to lay down, waiting for it to kick it. It never quite hit the same as when you first started using. You still got high and it helped numb you a bit but you never felt the euphoria you once felt. You’d used for too long, your body had gotten used to it. You’d slowly been having to use more and more as time went on to even feel high at all. You slowly started to feel the effects of the heroin take its hold and you closed your eyes with a breath of relief. At least you’d sleep tonight. 

[persephonescottage]

WIP Tag Game

Thank you for tagging me @kayhi808 and for saying you enjoy my work🥺 this took forever because turns out I have a lot of fics in my mind only… anyway.

PONY - Stalker!Billy Russo x F!reader. COMPLETE.

HONEY & WINE (PONY 2) - Stalker!Billy Russo x F!reader. 2 chapters in (2/10).

GUNPOWDER GAMES - Mafia!Billy Russo x F!reader. 2/35 (?).

EXES PAST - Obsessive!Billy Russo x F!reader. 2 posted out of 6.

WILDEST DREAMS - RegencyEra! Billy Russo x F!reader. I have this fic all planed but as of right now it’s just an idea.

START A WAR - General Kirigan x F!reader. Royal AU 4 chapters written.

UNTITLED - Handy man!Billy Russo x F!reader. 5 chapters written but quality is debatable.

UNTITLED - Singer!Billy x F! Reader. 2 chapters written.

Feel free to ask about any of these, don’t mean to sound cryptic I just literally have ideas all the time and forget to write them lol

[are-they-z]

Supporters of #NoHostageLeftBehind Open Letter to Joe Biden - Part 1/2

The letter consists of lies, no mention of Palestinian genocides, and a call for ceasefire.

Read the full letter:

Dear President Biden,

We are heartened by Friday's release of the two American hostages, Judith Ranaan and her daughter Natalie Ranaan [Raanan] and by today's release of two Israelis, Nurit Cooper and Yocheved Lifshitz, whose husbands remain in captivity.

But our relief is tempered by our overwhelming concern that 220 innocent people, including 30 children, remain captive by terrorists, threatened with torture and death. They were taken by Hamas in the savage massacre of October 7, where over 1,400 Israelis were slaughtered—women raped, families burned alive, and infants beheaded.

Thank you for your unshakable moral conviction, leadership, and support for the Jewish people, who have been terrorized by Hamas since the group's founding over 35 years ago, and for the Palestinians, who have also been terrorized, oppressed, and victimized by Hamas for the last 17 years that the group has been governing Gaza.

We all want the same thing: Freedom for Israelis and Palestinians to live side by side in peace. Freedom from the brutal violence spread by Hamas. And most urgently, in this moment, freedom for the hostages.

We urge everyone to not rest until all hostages are released. No hostage can be left behind. Whether American, Argentinian, Australian, Azerbaijani, Brazilian, British, Canadian, Chilean, Chinese, Danish, Dutch, Eritrean, Filipino, French, German, Indian, Israeli, Italian, Kazakh, Mexican, Panamanian, Paraguayan, Peruvian, Polish, Portuguese, Romanian, Russian, South African, Spanish, Sri Lankan, Thai, Ukrainian, Uzbekistani or otherwise, we need to bring them home.

Supporters:

Adam & Jackie Sandler

Amy Schumer

Aaron Sorkin

Barry Diller

Behati Prinsloo

Bella Thorne

Ben Stiller

Bob Odenkirk

Bobbi Brown

Bradley Cooper

Brett Gelman

Chris Rock

Constance Wu

Courteney Cox

David Alan Grier

David Chang

David Geffen

David Oyelowo

Diane Von Furstenberg

Eli Roth

Emma Seligman

Eric Andre

Ewan McGregor

Gal Gadot

Gwyneth Paltrow

Harvey Keitel

Isla Fisher

Jack Black

James Brolin

Jason Blum

Jason Sudeikis

Jeff Goldblum

Jerry Seinfeld

Jesse Plemons

Jessica Biel

Jessica Seinfeld

Joey King

John Slattery

Jon Hamm

Jordan Peele

Josh Brolin

Judd Apatow

Judge Judy Sheindlin

Julia Garner

Julianna Margulies

Julie Rudd

Justin Theroux

Justin Timberlake

Karlie Kloss

Katy Perry

Kirsten Dunst

Lana Del Rey

Laura Dern

Liev Schreiber

Madonna

Martin Short

Michelle Williams

Mila Kunis

Nicola Peltz

Noa Tishby

Olivia Wilde

Orlando Bloom

Paul & Julie Rudd

Richard Jenkins

Rita Ora

Ross Duffer

Sacha Baron Cohen

Sam Levinson

Sarah Paulson

Sean Combs

Shira Haas

Sting & Trudie Styler

Taika Waititi

Thomas Kail

Tiffany Haddish

Tyler Perry

Will Ferrell

Andy Cohen

Alex Edelman

Amy Sherman Palladino

Aubrey Plaza

Barry Levinson

Billy Crystal

Brad Falchuk

Brian Grazer

Bridget Everett

Brooke Shields

Chelsea Handler

Chloe Fineman

Chris Jericho

Colleen Camp

David Schwimmer

Dawn Porter

Dean Cain

Debra Messing

Elisabeth Shue

Erin Foster

Eugene Levy

Gene Stupinski

Gina Gershon

Guy Oseary

Henry Winkler

Holland Taylor

James Corden

Jason Reitman

Jessica Elbaum

Jimmy Carr

Jonathan Ross

Josh Charles

Juliette Lewis

Kristen Schaal

Kristin Chenoweth

Lea Michele

Mark Foster

Mary Elizabeth Winstead

Matthew Weiner

Michael Rappaport

Molly Shannon

Noah Schnapp

Pattie LuPone

Regina Spektor

Sara Foster

Sarah Cooper

Scott Braun

Seth Meyers

Sharon Stone

Zack Snyder

Zoey Deutch

Zosia Mamet

Zoe Saldana

Alex Aja

Aaron Bay-Schuck

Amy Chozick

Aron Coleite

Adam Goodman

Alan Grubman

Adam Levine

Allan Loeb

Amy Pascal

Angela Robinson

Antonio Campos

Anthony Russo

Alexandra Shiva

Andrew Singer

Alison Statter

Alona Tal

Ali Wentworth

Ari Dayan

Ari Greenburg

Arik Kneller

Ashley Levinson

Asif Satchu

Barbara Hershey

Barry Rosenstein

Beau Flynn

Ben Turner

Ben Winston

Ben Younger

Blair Kohan

Bobby Kotick

Brad Slater

Bradley Fischer

Bruna Papandrea

Cameron Curtis

Casey Neistat

Cazzie David

Charles Roven

Chris Fischer

Christian Carino

Cindi Berger

Claire Coffee

Craig Silverstein

Dan Aloni

Dan Rosenweig

Dana Goldberg

Dana Klein

Danny Strong

Daniel Palladino

Danielle Bernstein

Danny Cohen

Daphne Kastner

David Bernad

David Baddiel

David Ellison

David Gilmour &

Polly Sampson

David Goodman

David Joseph

David Kohan

David Lowery

Deborah Lee Furness

Deborah Snyder

Donny Deutsch

Doug Liman

Douglas Chabbott

Eddy Kitsis

Edgar Ramirez

Elizabeth Himelstein

Embeth Davidtz

Emmanuelle Chriqui

Erik Feig

Evan Jonigkeit

Evan Winiker

Francis Benhamou

Francis Lawrence

Fred Raskin

[marvelmusing]

Never Hurts to Dream

Pairing: Billy Russo x Fem!Singer!Reader

Summary: Lisa deems Billy her ‘cool uncle’ meaning that he’s the only adult allowed to take her and her friends to their first concert.

My Masterlist

“Girls!” Maria calls out from the bottom of the stairs. “Uncle Billy’s here.”

Billy glances up to where Maria had shouted up to, immediately spotting Lisa’s excited face peering down at him. There are two other girls that join her, the three of them giggling when he smiles at them. He shakes his head with a small laugh before he feels a hand on his shoulder. He turns to see Frank smiling at him.

“I appreciate this man.” Billy shrugs, rolling his shoulder lightly.

“It’s no trouble Frankie.”

Whilst he wasn’t particularly looking forward to spending the night listening to this popstar that the girls obsessed over, Lisa had determined that her Uncle Billy was the coolest of her dad’s friends. Under no circumstances would Frank let his baby girl go to a concert by herself, and Billy was more than happy to ease his brother’s mind. 

After a last-minute safety briefing from Frank, and a reminder to have fun from Maria, the girls are climbing into Billy’s car. Luckily not his Royce. He shudders at the thought of these glitter covered teenagers in the back of his beloved Wraith. 

Lisa sits in the passenger seat, meaning she has to turn to talk with the girls in the back, inadvertently drawing Billy’s attention to the conversation. He hears them gush about the venue, the last-minute band member change that was announced on Instagram, but most of their focus is on the popstar. They talked about how pretty she was, about your newest interview with Elle magazine, and whether you would be performing any exclusive songs tonight. 

The conversation only got out of hand once, when the girls started arguing over dating rumours, and Billy had needed to use his stern adult voice to get them to quieten down for him to focus on the road. Billy could drive no matter what the conditions in the car were like, but he wanted a moment of peace before the madness would truly begin. 

“Sorry Uncle Billy.” Lisa mumbles, and he smiles at her. 

“Don’t worry about it, kiddo. Besides, it’s none of your business who the girl’s dating.”

“She’s not a girl - she’s only a few years younger than you.” 

“Quite a few.” One of the girls adds in a whisper. Billy rolls his eyes fondly before he remarks teasingly, 

“She must be old then.” Lisa smiles and nods, she’s always found fun in teasing Billy for his age - even when he’s the youngest of all her dad’s friends. 

“Ancient.” He sighs, feigning a wounded expression as he pulls the car over into a parking space. 

Once everyone is out of the car, Billy feels the need to do a check. 

“Alright, does everyone have everything?” 

“Yes, Uncle Billy.” Lisa drones with a sigh, but she’s smiling. The other two girls nod in confirmation as he nudges Lisa’s shoulder. 

“Imma let you do your thing, but I’ll be keeping an eye on you. You need anything text me, I’ll be there.” She nods, wrapping an arm around him as their small group walks towards the entrance. 

The event was rather exclusive, the tickets were an expensive birthday present for Lisa from Frank and Maria.

Billy had been to a few concerts in his life, but they had all been at large stadiums, where the singer had been a dot on the stage, and he had spent his time watching one of the large screens. This was nothing like those concerts. Sure, Billy knew that small-time artists have gigs in smaller venues, little concert halls, or outdoor stages. But the popstar Lisa adored was well known, and yet she’d chosen a venue like this. 

“Nice place.” Billy remarks as their group stands in line in the entrance hall. He looks around, already hearing some premade playlist blasting over the speakers. The lighting is low, and the entrance is mostly made up of dark wood, with hanging plants and greenery over the walls. Fairy lights weave their way amongst the vines and stems. 

Lisa nods beside him. 

“She owns the building.” Billy lifts a brow at her as she beams excitedly. “All her albums have been created here, in the recording studio upstairs.” 

Billy nods in acknowledgement. It’s impressive, he’ll admit that. 

The rest of the venue follows the same theme, dark wood giving it an intimate feeling and no doubt putting more focus on the stage when it’s fully illuminated by the spotlights hanging overhead.

A mural of some sort has been painted on one wall, alongside a quote which is most likely a song lyric of from the artist. There’s a bar that runs along the length of that wall, and Billy decides it’s the best place for him to stand and keep an eye on Lisa and her friends. He knows she needs her space, so once he’s assured that she’s okay he heads over to the bar. 

He’s surprised when the bartender hands him a menu, and Billy takes a good length of time reading through the options. He notes that there’s no alcohol on offer, which he appreciates for the safety of the girls he’s looking after, but he’s certain that once the performance begins, he’ll be longing for something stronger than the fruity mocktail he requests. 

He takes a sip as he surveys the room. He has to admit, the ambience is good, and so is the drink. Lisa gives him a small wave when she catches his eye, and he nods with a small smile in return. 

Billy checks his watch, pulling the sleeve of his sweater up to reveal the time. It won’t be much longer until the show starts. As much as Billy had been dreading this, he finds himself eager to see what the fuss is all about. To ensure that he didn’t back out, he had refrained from listening to any of the music Lisa had mentioned, in case Billy found himself hating it. 

The lights dim, and the crowd buzzes with anticipation as the speakers quieten until there’s nothing but a tiny electric hum. 

Then you step onto the stage.   

Glitter sparkling on your eyelids, your lashes fluttering under the lighting. A smile brightens your features, and you laugh as you gesture to whoever is working the lighting. The spotlight dims, before it moves further down your body. Blinking a few times, Billy can see the moment your eyes finally refocus. You pull the microphone from its stand, centre stage, and bring it to your lips as you continue to smile,

“Hello everybody.” 

Your voice is soft and conversational, and Billy can’t help but wonder what your singing is like. A stagehand walks out from the wing with a tall wooden stool in hand. You give them a genuine smile, and Billy can see your mouth move in a gentle ‘thank you’. You turn back to the crowd in front of you, 

“I hope you guys don’t mind.” There’s pause as you climb onto the stool. “But I wore some new shoes for yesterday’s show, and they tore my feet apart.” You laugh softly, and there’s a few laughs from the audience, as well as expressions of sympathy. “This tour has been amazing, but I am so glad to be home.” Your eyes scan over the crowd, your smile still present. “And I’m so glad you all came tonight; I’ve already spotted a few familiar faces.” You wave at a group near the front, prompting them to cheer and wave back eagerly. 

From there, you introduce each member of your band, ensuring that they each get a moment of the spotlight and a cheer from the crowd. Whether it’s all for show, Billy isn’t certain, but your kindness is heartwarming - genuine or not. 

You’re beaming when your attention returns to the crowd, your mood clearly fueled by their enthusiasm. 

“Shall we sing some songs?” They cheer and you laugh in response. “Okay, I thought we’d start with an oldie but a goodie.” 

When the band begins to play, and the first few notes reach Billy’s ears, the crowd explodes with excitement. They’re immediately singing alongside you. Billy has to admit, he does recognise the song. Whilst he doesn’t know all the words, the chorus has a few familiar lines and the tune is easy to listen to. He remembers that the song had been on almost every radio station a few years ago. Clearly it was a fan favourite as well. 

Billy doesn’t know a lot about music. He’s always wanted to learn an instrument - maybe piano, or guitar like Frank - but he’s just never found the time for it. Seeing how much you and the band enjoy what you’re doing makes Billy long for something like that. 

Despite the sore feet you had mentioned, you still get up and dance to particularly upbeat songs, and continue to interact with both your band and the crowd.

He usually hates the tacky love songs that are always so popular, which he had assumed would be the majority of your music. But it wasn’t. Yes, most of your songs were about love. But with the expression on your face, Billy feels every word. He sees the sparkle in your eyes when you sing about daydreaming about someone. He sees the longing in the crease of your brows as you sing about a love that only exists in your head. 

It’s safe to say that Billy is captivated. 

Once the show is over, the majority of the crowd makes its way to the exit. Lisa and her friends hurry over to Billy, eager to express their excitement. He smiles at the sound their chatter as they talk about their favourite moments, and Billy silently agrees with their comments about you. How good you looked; how good your live singing was. A few more groups hang around as the light’s brighten, and the music from before the show begins to play quietly. 

The tickets Frank and Maria bought included an after the show meet and greet, and the girls were all buzzing with nerves and excitement to see you in person. Billy knows that his ticket was only the same as the girls so that he could keep an eye on them, but he was also rather interested in meeting you - even briefly. 

When the staff members encourage the crowd to form a line, the girls immediately go to the back, wanting to be the last fans to meet you in the hope of spending unrushed time with you. Billy doesn’t think that’ll happen. He thinks that once the adrenaline of the show wears off, you’ll be eager to leave. But he doesn’t tell the girls his thoughts, allowing them their excitement. 

You prove him wrong though. 

Even with aching feet, when you’re hungry and tired, you greet the last group of fans with a smile and a hug for each of the girls. You give Billy a polite smile and nod as he leans against the wall, which he returns as warmly as he can. Whilst he is here to protect the girls, he doesn’t want you to be intimidated by him. 

You’re wearing the same outfit as what you had on during the show - a cream lace bralette and loose green trousers that had been pressed to perfection - though now you were also bundled up in a black hoodie at least two sides too big for you. A rather endearing sight, Billy has to admit. 

“Now which one of you is Lisa?” You ask them once the initial excitement of meeting you has simmered down a little. Lisa gives you a shy smile before she gestures to herself. You reach down behind the couch they’re all sitting on, pulling out a silver gift bag that shimmers in the low light. 

Lisa’s eyes widen.

“Your ticket was bought as a birthday present?” You ask her, and she nods with a shocked expression on her face. “I hope you don’t mind, but I got you a little something.” 

You hand her the bag, and she takes it carefully.

Billy had been there when Frank had booked the tickets, and he remembers there being a drop-down selection of reasons for purchasing the ticket. Billy’s reason had been: ‘accompanying a minor’. He’s certain that the small symbol on his wristband lets members of staff know the reason as well. Which will be why Lisa has a different symbol from her friends. He can’t believe how thoughtful you are. 

He’s not even looking at Lisa as she opens the bag, too busy watching you as you fiddle with your fingers - your nails painted perfectly in a sparkling grey. When Billy glances back at Lisa she has a potted plant in her hand. 

“If you don’t like it, please say, and you can have any merch you want for free.” You insist. She stares down at it for a moment, before she says,

“Is this a baby Simon?” You laugh softly and nod, which has a frown tugging at Billy’s lips. Once you see the confusion in his eyes you elaborate,

“Simon is a plant. The very first one I had in my new studio. He’s recently sprouted some smaller buds and I’ve managed to separate them.”

Billy’s brows lift. You’re kind and beautiful, you can sing, and you’re good at gardening. There must be a catch somewhere.  

“I love it!” Lisa tells you, with a wide smile on her face. You then mention to her friends that they can pick out some merch that you had brought in case Lisa didn’t like her present. After encouraging them to take what they want, all three of the girls soon have their arms full. 

Your manager appears, informing you that the venue is officially closed, and you nod in acknowledgement but don’t move to kick them out. Instead, you ask Lisa about her birthday, and what the girls liked about the show. You encourage them to take some photos with you on their phones, and Billy is immediately roped in as their designated photographer. Then you offer to take photos of the girls,

“Does your dad want some photos with the group?” Lisa’s nose wrinkles in disgust.

“He’s not my dad.” She assures you quickly. “That’s Billy.” Your face drops and your cheeks warm with embarrassment,

“I’m so sorry for assuming.” Billy shakes his head with an easy smile on his lips.

“Don’t worry about it, darlin.” You still feel a little bad, and hurry to explain yourself.

“I just thought there was a resemblance between you two.” Billy holds your gaze for a moment, before his smile widens. 

The Castle’s had always been his family, though not by blood. Yes, Billy had dark eyes similar to Frank - the eyes Lisa had inherited. But no one has ever said that he resembled any of the Castle’s. Without even knowing it, you had made him feel more at home with his family. 

He shrugs lightly,

“I’m her Uncle.” 

“Oh.” You say softly. Swallowing down your nerves, you force yourself to joke, “So I’m guessing you’re the fun uncle.” His smile twists into a soft smirk. 

“That’s me.” 

“Go on Uncle Billy. Let me get a photo of you two.” Lisa pleads before she adds teasingly, “You can show everyone at work to prove you’re not an old man.” You laugh quietly at her teasing, and Billy finds himself loving every second of your laugh. He sighs,

“Fine.” 

The girls leap off the couch, crowding around Lisa’s phone to see the picture of the two of you on the screen. Billy sits down next to you. 

“I’m sure your colleagues will love this.” You remark lightly with a small smirk. 

“Employees.” He corrects you with a gentle nudge to your shoulder. You breathe out a laugh. 

“Oh, do forgive me Mr...?” 

“Russo.” You smile, lowing your voice slightly. 

“You can sit a little closer, Mr Russo. I don’t bite.” 

He grins at you, sliding closer. His thigh presses against yours, but that the only contact he gives you. Instead of wrapping an arm around you to pull you into him, he drapes his arm over the back of the couch. From the camera’s point of view, his arm is around you, but there’s no contact. 

After an entire evening of people clinging to your arms or grasping for a hug, his nonchalance is a refreshing break. Of course, you love meeting your fans, and giving them the chance to hug you like a normal person is something you also love. Especially when you’re reassuring a nervous fan, or someone going through a hard time. But you can’t lie, it is demanding. 

You turn to Billy, and he catches your eye. The two of you share a smile, and in the distance, you hear the tiny clicking of photos being taken. Suddenly you’re aware of where you are, and what you’re supposed to be doing. You smile and pose for a few more photos, before Lisa nods with a wide smile. The girls hug you again and thank you for the show as well as everything else.

Billy gives you a small smile and a nod as he stands. 

You decide to walk them out of the building. Partially to buy you a bit of time before your manager returns to nag you into going home to rest, but maybe you also want to spend a few more minutes with Billy. 

The girls are outside already, and you can hear them buzzing with elation as they talk animatedly to one another on the sidewalk outside. Through the tinted glass of the exit, you can see them practically bouncing with glee. 

Your mouth is open, about to say something to fill the silence, when the sound of your manager’s voice echoes through the building, calling your name. You sigh softly, and Billy breathes out a laugh. 

“I think you’re being summoned.” You shake your head in exasperation. 

“No doubt he thinks I haven’t had enough water today.” 

“Have you?” You lift a brow at him incredulously.

“When do you think I fit a water break into this evening?” He shakes his head at you with a soft smile. Then his expression turns firm. 

“Go drink some water.” You laugh softly before shrugging in defeat and conceding, 

“Alright, alright, I will.”

“Promise?” He says and you nod.  

“I promise.” Billy is still gripping the door handle, and the two of you look at each other for a long moment. “Drive safe.” You add earnestly. He nods, then his brows crinkle.

“Are you driving home?” You shake your head with a small laugh. 

“I’ve been awake since four this morning. Someone from my team will be taking me home.” He nods in acknowledgement. 

“I guess this is goodbye then.” He pulls the door open but doesn’t move to leave yet. You look down at his shoes for a moment, unable to meet his eyes. 

“I guess.”

“Bye.” He says, which draws a smile to your face. 

“Bye Billy.” He smiles at the sound of his name from your lips. Then he’s gone. The door swings shut behind him, and you watch the man and group of girls as they walk to their car. 

Later that night, you’re in the back of your manager’s car, along with your guitarist Ricky, and your social media manager, Hannah. You’re eating a large number of fries that you had ordered at a drive-through not long ago, as Ricky tucks into a burger, and Hannah finishes her milkshake as she scrolls through her phone. 

“Can I have a look at tonight’s Instagram tag?” She raises a brow at you, her lips parted, and you know she’s going to refuse. “I won’t look at any comments, just the posts. I promise.” 

She hands her phone over to you, and you smile gratefully. You didn’t have many social media apps on your own phone, for the sake of your sanity. 

Each of your shows has a specific hashtag, and you can only hope that one of the girls you were searching for had used it. You aren’t scrolling for long before you see a familiar group of girls. @.lisa_castle26. You flick through the collection of photos she’s posted, until you reach the final one. Taking a screenshot, you airdrop the photo to your own phone before deleting it from Hannah’s camera roll and closing Instagram. You hand the phone back to its owner and look down at your phone. 

There’s a small smile on your face as you crop the image. Lisa had picked one of the photos where you and Billy had been looking at each other, as if you were unaware of the camera on you both. 

You doubt you’ll ever see Billy Russo again, but it never hurts to dream. 

»»---------------------►

Billy Russo Tag List: @blackbirddaredevil23 @restingbitchsblog @rafaelakelley @theysayitscrazy @nyx2021 @skybridgerton @dragon-of-winterfell @blanchedelioncourt @chickensarentcheap @stardustmorozov @sweetwritingfanficfriend @witchcraftandwit @ladyofsoa @ily2lia

[ladyms-stuff]

‘Do many of you know my mother is a therapist?’ (love how he’s asking that like the crowd has met his mother plenty of times 🥹)

‘I’m gonna be your therapist for a minute’ (your rates are too low, Mr Barnes!!)

‘Do you sometimes find it that it’s so easy to fall in love with someone but it’s not necessarily that easy to feel loved back. Sometimes to let yourself be loved back is not the easiest thing in the world’

Thanks Ben. I just need a minute (or a month) to contemplate my life choices now 🥺🥺🥺

September 22nd, London. Ben’s 2nd show of the tour, him presenting a new song.

(the vid is mine)

[brookstonalmanac]

Birthdays 2.17

Beer Birthdays

George Younger (1722)

Ernest Davis (1872)

John A. White Jr. (1878)

Wendy Littlefield (1956)

Marty Jones (1959)

Five Favorite Birthdays

Billie Joe Armstrong; rock musician (1972)

Arcangelo Corelli; composer (1653)

Joseph Gordon-Levitt; actor (1981)

Michael Jordan; Chicago Bills G (1963)

Denise Richards; actor (1971)

Famous Birthdays

Enrico Banducci; nightclub owner, "hungry i" (1922)

Red Barber; sportscaster (1908)

Michael Bay; film director (1965)

Noah Beery; actor (1882)

Jim Brown; Cleveland Browns RB (1936)

Buddy DeFranco; clarinetist, bandleader (1923)

Isabelle Eberhardt; Swiss explorer, writer (1877)

Dorothy Canfield Fisher; writer (1879)

Paris Hilton; celebutante (1981)

Hal Holbrook; actor (1925)

Barry Humphries; actor (1934)

Arthur Kennedy; actor (1914)

Friedrich Alfred Krupp; German manufacturer (1854)

Tobias Mayer; German astronomer (1723)

Valeria Mazza; model (1972)

Samuel Sidney McClure; publisher, writer (1857)

Loreena McKinnitt; pop musician (1957)

Mary Ann Mobley; actress (1939)

Lola Montez; Irish dancer (1821)

Huey P. Newton; political activist (1942)

Andre Norton; writer (1912)

Jerry O'Connell; actor (1974_

Lou Diamond Phillips; actor (1962)

Christina Pickles; actor (1935)

Wally Pipp; New York Yankees 1B (1893)

Gene Pitney; singer (1941)

Rene Russo; actress (1954)

Horace-Benedict de Saussure; Swiss physicist, founder of "Alpinism" (1740)

Margaret Truman; writer (1924)

Montgomery Ward; department store founder (1843)

Thomas J. Watson; businessman, IBM president (1874)

[e-dubbc11]

Squee, congratulations again, Ericca! 🥰

Could I please have 🌹 with Billy Russo as a singer like… Ben?

Thank youuuuuuu 😘

Robin!!

Thank you so much for sending in this ask and thank you for following me and just being a great friend. I really really appreciate it and I hope you know how much your friendship means to me. ❤️

This is the moodboard I came up with for you! I hope you like it! ❤️❤️❤️ Oh and I hope you don’t mind I used one of the pictures I took when I went to see Ben in NYC 🥰

[coollandlampdreamer]

Ben Barnes, just turned 40