Mwf.art

A/N: This might not be the most eventful chapter, but it's one I'm proud of for it being, after nearly an year, the end of my hiatus. Thank you for everone who waited for me, I hope I have not disappointed and I can confidently say this time that more is coming very soon. Once again, thank you.

The words echoed inside Billie Dean’s heart, caressing and stabbing it at the same time. She pulled away just enough to stare at brown eyes, hands cupping Venable’s cheeks and caressing them with her thumbs, wiping the remaining of the tears away. Two arms wrapped around her own waist, pulling her closer. I love you. She couldn’t say that yet—so soon, so fast. So she leaned closer and kissed those wine lips in front of her, pouring the words on them, speaking through caresses. Wilhemina held her even tighter, lips moving slow, gentle… lips pouring I love you’s all over.

The rest of the lunch break went smoothly, and once people began to get back into the office, Venable was already kissing Billie Dean on the cheek and walking back to her table. A sigh of relief left her lips as she eyed Emma’s empty table. After getting settled, she turned the computer back on and took a deep breath, excel sheet already spread out on the screen. Not even five minutes into work, heels clacked loudly to her left, indicating Emma had come back to her table. Wilhemina nibbled on her inner cheek as she kept her eyes on the monitor, avoiding any eye contact possible.

In her office, Billie Dean smiled to herself as she did her best to focus on the e-mails in her MacBook. Her mind kept on slipping to Venable, to their kisses, to their conversation… to how much she inevitably came to love that woman. I don’t want to sleep alone tonight. But Wilhemina had been a loner her whole life it seemed, and perhaps she needed some personal space. Or maybe she was a loner for a lack of choice. Billie had yet to find out. I could invite her for a glass of wine at least. Billie Dean blinked twice and tried focusing on the words in front of her yet again, corner of her lips tugging up nonstop. Once Jenny got back from lunch, they started working on what was left of the Christmas special.

Two hours of nonstop work later, Billie stretched her back and took her glasses off. She sighed as her spine popped, eyes closed. “Oof.”

“Right.” Jenny leaned back on the chair, stretching herself as well.

Blinking a few times to adjust her sight again, Billie Dean sat back straight. “I need a cigarette.”

“I need something sweet.”

“Good idea.” Billie got up, followed by Jenny right behind. They both walked to the kitchen, and she excused herself to the balcony, purse in hand. The first hit of nicotine instantly relaxed her body, leaving her leaning against the wall with eyes closed. She took another drag and then another one until the cigarette was gone, and then she got back to work alongside Jenny, whom ate a bag of chocolate-covered pretzels.

With eyes still on the monitor, Venable almost missed it when people began getting up to leave. She blinked twice and leaned back on the chair, saving the document she had been working on. Her mind instantly slipped to Billie Dean, and to their lunch and to their time at her place and to all the butterflies that were still present in her stomach. Would she come over tonight? Wilhemina figured sometimes Billie would need some alone time, but asking couldn’t hurt… right? I will be upset if she says no, though. Being upset was worth the shot. Once she collected all of her things, Venable leaned onto her cane and got up to put her coat on. Jenny walked by the office, smiling at them as she followed to the elevator. From the corner of her eye, Wilhemina watched her. Billie should be alone. Discreetly, she grabbed her purse and followed into the hallway all the way to Billie Dean’s office. The door was already open, so red waves peeked inside; there Billie was, quietly gathering her things. Venable watched her quietly, eyes bathing on the beauty of the unnoticed. She’s the most beautiful creature to ever grace this Earth. “Billie?” She called quietly, as to not scare her.

Honey eyes instantly lifted up from whatever document Billie Dean was gathering. She opened a smile, so bright and sincere Wilhemina had to grasp her cane a little harsher in order not to fall. “Hi, darling.” She set the paper aside and walked to Venable, purse on her shoulder. “Are you done?” She asked as she leaned to peck her lips.

Wilhemina nodded. This time, the tobacco was a little stronger on Billie’s kiss. “Yes. I was wondering—I was wondering if you’d like to come over, uh, tonight?”

Taken positively by surprise, Billie Dean nodded. She reached to caress Venable’s waist, resting her hand right where her skirt met her sweater. I know what’s underneath it. She gulped. “I would love to. I have this bottle of red wine in my place that I’ve been saving, I can bring it along if you’d like?”

“Sure.” Somewhat relieved with the answer, Wilhemina took a discrete deep breath. The fingers against her waist were a sweet reminder of earlier—as if she needed one. “Y-you can stay over, if you’d like…”

Oh. Biting her lower lip with an even bigger smile, Billie caressed the place her fingers rested. “Would you like me to? I don’t want to impose…”

“I would love you to.” Being honest and vulnerable was becoming easier for Venable to do so when around Billie Dean. She almost didn’t recognize herself sometimes. “But I understand if you need some alone time, too. I mean—I also don’t want to impose.”

With her eyes scrunching affectionately, Billie leaned to peck Wilhemina again; this time, Venable’s free hand reached up to cup her cheek and pull her into a full kiss. A sweet chuckle escaped Billie Dean’s lips. As they pulled away, Billie stared at brown eyes. “I’ll be there at seven.”

“Perfect,” Venable nearly whispered. She pecked Billie Dean again and pulled away to follow her way to the garage. With a smile, Billie watched her from behind.

The ride home was cheerful; Billie sang loudly to the songs that played on the radio, mind on Wilhemina. As she got home, Eleanor was already gone. With quick footsteps, she got upstairs and straight to the bathroom, ready to take a shower. It didn’t take long for her to step out, body wrapped in a towel and hair up in a bun. She walked to her closet and began to look through her underwear. What if something happens? It’s not that Billie Dean was waiting for it, but if something ended up happening, she at least wanted to look nice. Reaching for a set of blue lace panties and bra, Billie put them on and went to choose an outfit. Something simple… A dress and some boots, her nearly signature look at that point, as well as a coat and some tights. Once dressed, Billie Dean gathered her things to spend the night over and put on some basic makeup—mascara and lipstick, that was enough. And then she nearly showered herself again in Floratta Blue before going downstairs and to the garage, stopping only to grab the bottle of red wine she had promised Venable.

In her house, Wilhemina was already waiting for Billie Dean. She put some music on and sat down on the couch in comfortable sweater and trousers, skin covered by the delicious smell of lavender from her soap. Purpura purred as she lay down on Venable’s lap, eyes closed as she received caresses on top of her head. Venable had already started cooking some chicken, which was now in the oven, as well as some salad and rice—something simple, but nice. On the table in the middle of the couches she had poured them both an empty glass, ready for when Billie Dean arrived with the bottle of wine. In the air, music hummed lowly as Wilhemina had turned her record player on and meticulously selected Aretha Franklin as the soundtrack of the night. Even though there was no reason for it, Venable felt her chest nervously bubbling. It didn’t take much for the bell to ring, which caused Purpura to already jump off of Wilhemina’s lap and walk to the front door, meowing softly as Venable followed close behind. With quick fingertips, she opened the door. There Billie stood, with that beautiful dress and tights and looking as perfect as ever. “Hi,” she smiled.

“Hi, darling.” Billie Dean gripped her bag a little tighter. She did look amazing earlier in that skirt, but Jesus those trousers are perfect.

“Would you like to park in the garage? Since you’re spending the night, it could be safer.”

“Oh, thank you. But I ubered here, since we’re going to the same place tomorrow morning.”

Smart. Venable felt her cheeks warming up. She nodded and stepped aside for Billie to get in. As she did, Billie Dean leaned to peck her lips sweetly. Wilhemina smiled before closing the door behind them. Purpura meowed happily as she stared up at Billie. “Someone missed you,” she chuckled. Already walking to the couch so she could pet the cat, Billie Dean took a seat and set her bag and purse beside her on the floor. Instantly, Purpura jumped on her lap and purred loudly, head bumping on Billie’s chest as Billie Dean caressed her head lovingly, mumbling sweet compliments to the cat. Venable watched as she stood there close to the door still, hand on her cane and eyes glued to the absolutely angelic scene in front of her. She makes herself home so easily… Wilhemina could never feel so comfortable in a place that was not her own, could never just be one within and blend in so well, yet Billie Dean… Billie Dean had barely arrived and she already looked like she belonged to her place—to her life, to her ways, to her heart. Purpura bumped her head more and more against Billie’s chest, receiving pets and little kisses on the nose. What a lucky woman I am. “You’re so beautiful,” she said without really thinking, almost as if Billie Dean wouldn’t be able to hear her.

Honey eyes looked up at Venable, almond in shape from the smile she carried on her lips. “I was just thinking the same about you.” With her free hand, Billie pet the seat next to her on the couch. Promptly, Wilhemina walked there and sat down, cheeks crimson.

“I mean… not only on the outside.” Venable reached for Billie Dean’s knee, caressing it on top of the tights and on a place Purpura was not stepping at. With her own cheeks tinting, Billie reached to caress the hand on her leg. “You make yourself belong so easily…”

“I think that’s your eyes speaking, darling…”

“Either way, it’s beautiful.” Venable leaned to kiss Billie’s cheek. Purpura meowed softly as she stared at them. With a chuckle, Wilhemina used her free hand to pet the cat’s head. “I’ll share only with you,” she said softly.

With the hair on the back of her neck standing up, Billie Dean bit her lower lip. “Are you possessive?”

The question caught Venable off guard. She bit her inner cheek, searching for any signs of discontentment in Billie’s eyes; she found only curiosity and a hint of mischief there. Her cheeks tinted even redder. “No. Just extremely monogamous.”

With the corner of her lips tugging up, Billie Dean hummed. She squeezed the hand underneath her own. How was it possible that Wilhemina Venable simply never failed to be so damn enticing? So damn sensual? So damn classy? “What a coincidence, so am I.” Calm down. Her lower stomach trembled.

She’s teasing me. “So, you’re just mine?” It was safe to tease back, she assumed.

Oof. This time, Billie opened a shy smile as she bit her lower lip. “Yes. Only yours.”

Leaning closer, Venable brushed her lips against Billie Dean’s. She felt the way her breath quivered, and with a small smirk and ignoring all the burning of her cheeks, Wilhemina squeezed Billie’s leg again. “Did you bring the wine?” She whispered.

“Y-yes.” Billie Dean gulped. Even though they were inches apart, she refused to look away from brown eyes. What was this new side of Venable she was getting to experience and explore? I’ve never seen her so confident. The hand on Purpura didn’t move anymore, but only rested against the fuzzy purple sweater.

“Good.” Pulling away without a kiss, Wilhemina smiled to herself at the state she left Billie at; chest quivering, face crimson. A giggle left her lips as she reached for her cane and began to get up. “I’ll go check on the chicken. The glasses are on the center table,” she bobbed her head over to it.

Nodding the best she could, Billie Dean watched as Venable disappeared into the kitchen, with Purpura jumping from her lap and following right behind. Taking a deep breath, she let out a chuckle to herself. “Jesus,” she breathed out. Her palms had begun to sweat a little, and with somewhat wobbly legs Billie got up to open the bottle of wine she had brought. Only now, alone in the living room and with her senses very well aware, did she hear the faint buzzing of the record player. ’It’s a lovely day today,’ it hummed, ’so whatever you’ve got to do, you’ve got a lovely day to do it in, that’s true’. It was indeed a lovely day. Once she had managed to open the bottle, Billie Dean poured them both a glass of wine and sat back down on the couch.  Her heart was just now starting to lose the extra speed it had taken.

“I figured I’d get us some snacks, so we don’t drink on an empty stomach.” Walking back into the living room, Wilhemina held a tray with a few tiny bowls on it. “Peanuts, cashews, cheese, olives and ham. Is that alright?”

“It’s perfect, darling.” Billie reached to make room for the tray on the center table. Once Venable set it down, she sat back beside her on the couch. Billie Dean smiled at her. “I hope you like the wine.”

“I’m sure I will.” Wilhemina reached for a glass and closed her eyes as she leaned closer to smell the liquid. Absolutely rich. A hum escaped her lips. Billie watched her somewhat nervously. “Bordeaux…” Carefully, she took a sip. “Lafite Rothschild?”

With her eyes growing in size, Billie Dean nodded. “Yes, actually. How do you know that?”

Venable smiled as she set her glass back on the table, eyes back on Billie. “The tobacco… it’s kind of unique.”

Blinking twice, Billie Dean let out an amused chuckle. “That’s… really impressive.”

Chuckling back, Wilhemina smiled to herself. “Thank you.” She leaned back against the couch, relaxing as she stared at Billie. She watched as she reached for the glass and took a sip as well, lips tinting purple before she licked them clean. Instinctively, she bit her lower lip. I want to kiss her. Venable felt herself craving for those lips, because how long had it been since they had last kissed? A few hours, probably. It felt like days already.

Taking another sip, Billie set the glass down and popped a small cube of cheese into her mouth. She slowly began to chew on it, back resting on the couch once again. Her eyes met brown ones, and she found in them something awfully similar to love, and perhaps a hint of lust. Her lower stomach trembled. She took a deep breath, reaching for one of Wilhemina’s hands and tangling her fingers in hers. “Can I confess you something?” Venable nodded, eyes already scrunching up lovingly. Billie Dean chuckled to herself, cheeks starting to tint. “Your… you have the most beautiful breasts I’ve ever seen.”

“Oh—“ Letting out a surprised laugh, Wilhemina covered her mouth with her free hand. That was definitely unexpected. She’s lying, her head screamed, shut up, Venable shouted back, and this time she managed to actually make it quiet down, for Billie meant safety. “Thank you?” Is that really true?

“You’re welcome,” Billie giggled. She bit her lower lip, fingers caressing Wilhemina’s. She watched how brown eyes seemed to struggle with the dimple of worry between them, that even though faint was still there. She’s doubting it. Once again, Billie Dean felt guilty for her past, even if it didn’t make sense. “I mean it,” she added, softly. “They’ve been on my mind all day.”

Holding back any embarrassed sounds this time, Venable only allowed a shy chuckle to come out. “Thank you,” she repeated. “I—I’ve been, uh, thinking about earlier. A lot.”

“Yeah?” Seeing Wilhemina with such red cheeks would never fail to make Billie melt. She kept on smiling to herself, finding a weird sense of delight in how brown eyes refused for stop on her honey ones.

“Yeah.” Venable nodded. She cleared her throat and reached for an olive, popping it into her mouth right before taking another sip of wine. Her nerves deliciously bubbled up as she could feel Billie Dean’s eyes on her. Leaning back against the couch, she licked her lips clean.

“I don’t think it’s fair you haven’t allowed me a kiss yet.”

Blinking twice, Wilhemina held back the urge to look away and decided she’d play the same game. A hum left her lips. “Have you tried kissing me yet, per chance?”

With the corners of her lips tugging up, Billie nodded slowly. “Touché.” She moved closer, watching how brown oceans focused on her lips. Cupping a cheek with her free hand, Billie Dean was about to collide their lips together when Venable pulled slightly away. She frowned.

Wilhemina bit her lower lip, eyes now on honey ones. “You’re cute when you´re flustered,” she nearly murmured. I barely recognize myself.

Already red cheeks grew even redder, and Billie bit her lip harshly to hold back a gasp. Remaining as collected as she possibly could right now, her fingers moved to caress the base of Venable’s skull, deliciously massaging her scalp there. “So are you,” she murmured back.

This time, it was Wilhemina’s turn to say nod. “Touché,” she whispered before finally meeting their lips together. The fingers tangled in Billie Dean’s slowly let go as she reached to caress Billie’s waist, pulling her closer. Their lips moved as if their kiss were an oasis and they had been lost in the desert for years.

“Mm,” the sound escaped Billie Dean’s throat before she could stop it. Her cheeks threatened to tint impossibly more but she simply did not care. With her now free arm, Billie caressed one of Venable’s legs, fighting the urge to just slip up a little. Not now. Too much, to fast. She squeezed the flesh there softly, tongue dancing alongside Wilhemina’s as her lower stomach twisted and turned even more. Flashes and more flashes of earlier invaded her mind, from the pretty lace Venable had on, to just how absolutely gorgeous her breasts looked covered by it, and to how utterly delicious they felt under her lips. I might go insane. Billie Dean was consciously aware of her touches by that point, careful not to be too rough.

The only thing Billie’s hum did for Wilhemina was to leave her ears tingling. Her hand squeezed the curve of Billie’s waist, and she couldn’t help but take a deep, shaky breath. I need to compose myself. Composing oneself was fucking hard when Billie Dean was there, kissing her lips and slowly going down her jawline. “Mgh,” Venable bent her head back, coral lips instantly peppering the skin of her neck with kisses. The position was weird now, but Wilhemina didn’t have the mind to adjust herself.

I need her. Billie’s mind screamed. I need her and I need her desperately. With her lips tingling, Billie Dean twisted her body the best she could to reach Venable’s neck. It was still uncomfortable. Without really thinking, she moved to straddle Wilhemina, each thigh on each side of her body. Hands instantly caressed her hips, pulling Billie closer and closer. Underneath her, Billie Dean watched as Venable threw her head back and closed her eyes, lips red and swallowed from their kiss. Slow. We’re going slow. The words were something Billie had to always remind herself, for resisting Wilhemina was a war right now. With her thumb carefully placed under Venable’s jaw, Billie Dean leaned closer and placed an open-mouthed kiss right on her pulse point, taking her time to savor each and every curve of her delicate skin. “You always smell so good,” she murmured, soon allowing the pad of tongue to sooth the place there.

With the delicious weight of Billie’s body on top of her, Wilhemina could only hum. Her hands slowly passed up and down Billie Dean’s tight covered thighs. I want to go under her dress. She squeezed Billie’s hips. “I…” Venable murmured as a sigh.

“Yes?” Murmuring against the skin, Billie Dean now kissed the other side of Wilhemina’s neck, free hand using the backrest as support. She’s quivering.

I don’t even know. Venable simply hummed again. Her hands went down and up again, but this time she allowed them to follow an inch up inside the dress. On the cusp of her ear, Billie whined lowly. The hair on Wilhemina’s neck stood up. She gulped. Gosh. “Can I?” She managed to whisper. Instantly, Billie Dean nodded. Venable bit her lower lip, hands nearly trembling as she began to move them up and under the dress, caressing the outer parts of Billie’s beautiful thighs, digits dangerously close to the curve of her ass.

“Mgh,” Billie Dean whimpered, back subconsciously arching as her lips moved up and to Wilhemina’s again. She kissed her with gusto, stopping to pull on her lower lip before kissing her again, tasting the Holy wine.

It was becoming too much for Venable to handle, and so she had no choice but to move her hands up and cup Billie’s butt gently, nearly asking permission to do so; when Billie Dean insisted against her palms, however, Wilhemina gave herself full permission to actually feel them. Her heart skipped a beat. She gulped. Jesus Christ. It felt just like she had imagined it would, and the memory of herself, weeks ago, touching her own body as she imagined the exact situation she was at right now was enough to engulf Venable’s body in lust and a tiny bit of shame—one that passed by unnoticed, for the other with no doubts won the battle. It was so fucking erotic. “Fuck,” she murmured against Billie’s lips. Billie Dean pulled back just slightly, smirking softly as she stared at her with those seductive honey eyes.

“You sound so good,” Billie murmured, leaning to peck Wilhemina slowly. With her cheeks red, Venable nibbled on Billie Dean’s lip before pulling slightly away. Her palms delicately massaged the fat against them, pulling Billie even closer. Billie Dean could feel her underwear already sticking to herself. Just a touch and I can barely handle myself. Never had that happened in her life, and even though absolutely torturous, Billie definitely enjoyed it. She bucked her hips, grinding on nothing at all, eyes still deeply staring at brown ones. It was Wilhemina’s turn to let out a small whimper, eyes looking away from Billie Dean’s for a second. Fuck me I want to hear more. Billie leaned closer and kissed those lips again, hips finding a slow, delicious rhythm that was soon picked up by Venable, whom now helped her move gently, hands helping on the movement.

Growing uncomfortably wet between her thighs, Wilhemina let out a sigh as she focused on just feeling all that was happening. Her heart had been pleasantly beating inside her head for a while now, and all her senses seemed to be turned off for any and every thing that was not Billie Dean. Floratta Blue lingered in the air, and with the reminder of it, Venable moved to kiss down to Billie’s neck, taking her time to move her lips against every single inch of skin she found there, tongue eventually making contact with it all. Wilhemina’s lower stomach took a turn, and she couldn’t help but to squeeze Billie’s butt a little harsher. On top of her, Billie Dean had already settled her arms to rest around her neck, never once allowing it to slip even an inch south and close to Wilhemina’s spine. I’m safe. Venable felt comfortable with what they were doing, just like she had felt this morning. Do not get into your head right now, she scolded herself before the chance of a bad though occurring. Kissing up to Billie’s right ear, Wilhemina felt herself growing brave, taking strength out of seemingly nowhere—an impulse, a gush of fresh air. “Sometimes,” she started, low and slow. “I can’t help but stare at you… at your legs… at your ass…” Her cheeks were burning, but Venable simply couldn’t manage to care. Stop. You’re embarrassing yourself. She ignored the voice.

With a low hum and a teasing smile, Billie Dean made sure to arch her back a tiny bit more. When had she ever heard Wilhemina talk like that? Feel safe enough to actually do so? Billie was not taking it for granted at all. The hair on her neck stood up. Her body filled with goosebumps. Go under the tights, she wanted to say, go under and touch it all… scratch me, bite me, spank me, do whatever you please. Instead, she took a deep breath, for Venable should be the one to decide when she felt ready and comfortable to explore more of Billie Dean’s body. Her insides, however, never stopped twisting and turning. “Do you like them?” She breathed out.

“Yes,” Wilhemina was quick to answer before placing a kiss right under Billie’s ear. “Yes, I do.” With a content hum, Billie Dean reached to cup Venable’s cheeks as gently as she could at the state she found herself at, pulling her up for another kiss. Wilhemina felt herself melting, tongue dancing around Billie’s, body tingling. This is enough. Stop it before you make a fool of yourself again. Except, Venable didn’t know if she actually could, for her body seemed to be on autopilot and commanded by something awfully similar to desire. She gulped. I want to have her. I need to have her. I love her. Was she even ready for it? Was she ready for Billie Dean to see the worst part of herself? To see her back, to see her spine and all the turns it took? Panic began to crawl inside her chest, clearly telling her no, demanding she stopped it, demanding she gave in once again. Wilhemina gulped yet again, struggling to keep her pace on their kiss. One of her hands softly moved up, resting on the small of Billie’s back, caressing it and trying to ground herself back to reality. I’m fully clothed, I’m safe. Her back rested against the couch a little firmer. Her heart kept on beating fast, but it no longer felt good. No, no no no, not now. Not again. Venable squeezed her eyes shut, fighting the growing feeling inside her chest.

Billie Dean was no fool; she had felt the way Wilhemina had gotten stiff out of nowhere. Her hips stopped in place, and as she was about to pull away, the oven in the kitchen began to beep continuously, letting them know that whatever was cooking was ready and nearly burning. They pulled away. Venable took a deep breath. Billie offered her a soft smile. Even though Wilhemina smiled back, she knew it was, without a doubt, time to stop. “That damn oven,” she played, for perhaps it was best to act as if she didn’t know the turmoil that was passing inside Venable’s beautiful head.

Being taken away from her thoughts, Billie Dean looked at Wilhemina. Now that their emotions had calmed down from everything that had happened, Billie found herself… scared. What if she does think I’m a whore? It was stupid to consider that… and yet, she did. We just had a special moment, why am I even thinking about it? Billie Dean was not one to get scared, but after the rush of emotions she had her mind only now seemed to be assimilating everything. “I’m okay. It’s just work.”

Venable wasn’t sure she believed Billie’s words. Did I do something wrong? The question popped in her mind and she nearly bit her lip to stop it from slipping out. Did she find my breasts unattractive? The possibility hadn’t crossed her mind… until now. She did call me a Goddess… The elevator was starting to lose its speed as it approached the seventh floor. Hesitantly, Wilhemina nodded. Before the door could open, she leaned to place a kiss on Billie Dean’s cheek. “Text me when you’re ready for lunch?”

With a nod and a smile, Billie turned to peck Venable on the lips. They let each other go before following inside. At the main office, people still worked quietly. As Wilhemina got settled back into her table, her eyes discreetly tracked Billie Dean until she was out of sight into the hallway. With a sigh, she leaned back on her chair. Certain green eyes watched her, but Venable ignored it.

Entering her office, Billie was met with Jenny quietly typing something on her phone as she sat around the huge table there. “Hi,” she said softly, closing her door as she got inside.

“Hey.” Letting her phone aside, Jenny smiled up at Billie Dean. “Where were you? I couldn’t find you anywhere. I texted and called, but you didn’t answer.”

“I had to go home, I’m sorry.” Billie sat down on her chair and set her purse aside, reaching for her phone inside it. Indeed, there were two missed calls and a few texts from Jenny.

“Are you okay? Did something happen?”

“I’m fine.” Honey eyes moved back to Jenny. The girl frowned playfully.

“Billie Dean… you had to go home just when Ms. Venable came to see you? And she was not on her desk, either…” Jenny opened a smirk.

Billie felt her cheeks tinting as she realized what was implied there. She chuckled and shook her head. “It was not that.”

“Mhm.”

“Truly. We just—we had to have a talk.” Billie Dean looked away. Jenny kept on staring at her with a puzzled look. She sighed. “About Terry…”

“Oh.”

“Yeah.” Billie bit her lip. “I told her everything… after you left, she was really weird and I ended up finding out Emma had said a few things to her…”

“About you and Terry?”

Billie Dean nodded. “She was… she was scared, and there was no postponing that talk anymore.”

“Did you tell her the whole thing?”

“Yes. Everything. I showed her all the documents and pictures.”

Jenny’s eyes grew in size. “The pictures too?”

“I wanted to be completely clear with her. She deserves it.”

“Are you—are you two okay?”

With her lips tugging up, Billie nodded. “We are. I’m just having a few bad thoughts but they’ll go away soon.”

“What thoughts?”

Nibbling on her inner cheek, Billie Dean looked away. She took a deep breath as she pondered her answer. What thoughts? Too many. And they didn’t even make sense. “Insecurities, I suppose.”

“About what?” Jenny set her phone down.

Shifting on the chair, Billie sighed. “I’ve told her I was scared she’d think I’m a whore…”

“That again, Billie?”

“Yeah… but it’s not just that.” Billie Dean shook her head. “It’s stupid, it’s nothing.”

“Are you sure?” Jenny raised her eyebrows. Billie nodded. “Alright… if you ever want to talk, you know I’m here for you.”

“I know. Thank you.” Billie Dean reached to squeeze her hand softly. Jenny offered her a smile and squeezed it back.

Behind her glasses, Wilhemina’s eyes were heavy. I’m tired. Venable had to admit last night hadn’t been the best sleep she had ever had, given she was a little nervous for what the week had in store. She took a deep breath and looked down to the clock on the monitor. 11:30 A.M. Still half an hour to go. Wilhemina decided she’d have to drink some coffee. Floratta Blue was still vivid in her nostrils, clouding her clothes and skin. She bit her lower lip as she walked to the kitchen, phone in hand just in case Billie decided she wanted to have lunch a little earlier. Her mind kept on sending her little reminders from all the places Billie Dean’s lips had been over, causing her cheeks to tingle and her chest to grow warm. Once she had poured herself some coffee, Venable walked to the secluded balcony there, leaning against the wall and taking a deep breath. The cold breeze hit her skin in the most pleasant of ways, contrasting with the warmth there. She closed her eyes, mug on both hands as her cane rested beside her on the wall. Birds sang outside, adding a touch of organicity to the city noises. I wish I had kissed her more. Wilhemina licked her lips, mind entering the thoughts. Her lips might be the best thing I’ve ever felt… Without opening her eyes, Venable brought the mug of coffee up to her lips and took a sip. Billie Dean had grown seemingly nervous at the elevator, and something about it still didn’t sit right with Wilhemina. She nibbled on her inner cheek. Maybe it’s just my head… No, she knew a bit about Billie and it was definitely not something from her head. She frowned, eyes opening as she took another sip of coffee. Setting the mug on the rail, Venable reached for her phone. Biting her lower lip, she clicked on Billie Dean’s contact and stared at it. What even should I send her? It felt so damn stupid to send a text like that. Don’t be scared of showing affection. Billie had said she’d never judge her on that. With another deep breath, Wilhemina finally began to type. ’Hi, just checking if you’re alright. If you need anything, let me know.’ That was the best Venable would manage. It sounds so… cold. Wilhemina didn’t mind sounding cold, but with Billie Dean… She typed again. ’Hi angel, just checking if you’re alright. If you need anything, let me know.’ Without thinking twice, she hit send. “Ugh,” Venable groaned out loud. Shoving her phone back into the pocket of her skirt, she reached for her mug and took another sip. The sky was cloudy today, which meant it would probably rain soon. I love how it smells when it’s rainy. A rainy day never failed to bring peace into Wilhemina’s mind. Taking another sip, Wilhemina hummed at the rich flavor. That coffee was simply the best thing she had ever had in the office. That’s Billie Dean’s lips. Letting out a chuckle, Venable shook her head at herself. Jesus, I’m back at being what? Sixteen? Wilhemina could only assume that’s what being a normal sixteen year-old was like. Leaning her head back against the wall, Venable could feel her phone vibrating in her pocket. Her stomach took a turn. She set the mug back onto the rail and reached for it; Billie Dean’s name lit up on the screen. ’Thank you, darling. I actually do need something, can you come to my office?’ Instantly, Venable reached for her mug and cane and made her way back inside. She quickly washed the mug and left it out to dry before making her way down the hall. Softly, she knocked three times on the door and waited. It didn’t take much for Billie Dean to open it with a smile. Thank Goodness she’s not crying. “Hi, did something happen?”

At the worried look on Wilhemina’s eyes, Billie felt herself melting even more than she already had with the word ‘angel’ on the text. She shook her head and reached for Venable’s free hand, pulling her inside. “Nothing happened, I just wanted to see you.” She closed and locked the door.

Wilhemina gulped. Her ears buzzed lovingly as the corners of her lips inevitably pulled themselves up. “Oh.” Warmth grew inside her chest and cheeks. Honey eyes watched her so sweetly, moving closer and closer. Venable let her cane go, because fuck the cane right now, and her hand reached for Billie Dean’s waist, pulling her closer as her back hit the wall. The sound of the cane falling on the floor was barely heard as their lips met, moving gently and passionately against one another. Their fingers tangled, and Billie made sure to hold Wilhemina tightly on the waist, supporting her up.

Fuck, I love her. Billie Dean gently pulled away, eyes on brown ones. She’s blushing. She bit her lower lip with a smile. “I know you take your work very seriously, I don’t mean to bother you.”

Venable shook her head and leaned to kiss her again. “I take you more seriously,” she whispered.

Billie chuckled and pecked her once more before pulling away to look at brown eyes again. She caressed the fingers against her own. “I thought we could have lunch now?”

Wilhemina nodded. “Sure.” Her ears were still buzzing pleasantly. Definitely the best thing I’ve ever had in the office. She cleared her throat. “Did you—did you actually need something or…?”

“I needed you.”

Venable was sure her legs would give up at any given moment. Taking a shaky breath, she tried holding back the enormous smile that fought to grace her features; it was no use, it appeared anyways. “Silly…” Wilhemina murmured shyly. With a tiny giggle, Billie Dean pecked Venable before pulling away. She reached for her cane down on the floor and handed it to Wilhemina, completely letting her go once she made sure Venable wouldn’t fall. How come Billie never once hesitated when it came to her cane? How come it was so natural to her? So mundane? So normal? I am normal to her. Wilhemina’s chest kept on getting warmer and warmer. “I lo—“ She bit her lip to stop herself. Billie Dean turned back as she grabbed her purse on the chair.

“Huh?”

I love you. Venable shook her head. “I—I love the food you always choose to the office. Maybe we could—maybe we could have lunch here?”

“I was thinking the same.” What was it she was going to say? Billie wouldn’t pry, for if she wanted to say it, she would eventually. “Today is spaghetti, and I’m a sucker for pasta.”

Thank God she didn’t notice it. Wilhemina nodded. The rush of adrenaline that had passed through her body caused her heart to speed up, so she focused on discreetly taking deep breaths. “Perfect. I’ll go turn the computer off.”

“Okay.” Billie walked to Venable and kissed her cheek before reaching to unlock the door. She opened it and stepped aside. “I’ll be in the kitchen.”

“Okay.” With a smile, Wilhemina followed to the main office. People were already getting ready to leave for lunch, which meant they’d probably have the whole floor to themselves. As she sat down to turn the computer off, Emma walked to her table. Venable frowned and looked up at her. “Can I help you?”

“Are you really not giving me a chance to talk to you?” Emma’s words were quiet. Wilhemina kept on staring at her, eyebrows drawing closer together. “Let me take you for lunch… just once. We can talk it all out.” Her hand slowly moved closer to Venable’s, which rested on the mouse.

“Leave me alone.” Instantly, Wilhemina pulled away. Emma sighed.

“It’s not fucking fair you won’t even listen to me.”

Venable was at her limit. “It’s not fucking fair you won’t leave me alone when I ask you to. Can’t you understand I was already settled on ending things with you before anything with Billie even happened?” Brown eyes stared furiously at emerald ones, piercing through them. Emma took a deep breath, teeth grinding in anger. “I know you’ve been threatening her, how do you think that makes me feel?”

“She’s lying,” Emma quickly said. The office was now empty, saving from the both of them.

“Don’t you dare,” Wilhemina hissed through her teeth. “Don’t you dare accuse her like that. I’ve seen the texts you’ve sent her. And even if nothing had happened with her, do you think I’d want to have something with someone so fucking low? Someone who says she’s no child when I ask for consent?”

Emma’s eyes opened to the size of the moon. “What are you talking about?”

“You know what I’m talking about.”

“All I know is that you came to my house a week ago and buried your fingers deep inside me!”

Wilhemina held back a hiss. “Keep your tone down while you speak to me.”

“Oh please,” Emma rolled her eyes.

“It was a mistake. Can’t you see that?”

“How was it a mistake?! Everything was alright until she decided she wanted you to herself! You’re just being a puppet in her game!”

“Keep. Your. Tone. Down.” Reaching for her cane, Venable got up. “Stop talking about her like that,” her voice was back at slipping through her grinding teeth. “Stop it. You have no idea who Billie Dean is. You have no idea what she’s like.”

At the hallway, Billie Dean frowned as she approached the doorframe. She had decided to go check on Wilhemina once the office got quiet, only to hear the faint hostile tone. When honey eyes saw Emma, her insides twisted. She froze in place.

“Oh, I know what she’s like, I’ve known her way longer than you have. I’ve seen her playing that same game on Terry. She t—“

“You don’t know shit!” This time, Venable’s voice increased in volume. Her knuckles turned white as she gripped the cane. Emma took a step back. “You don’t know fucking shit and I won’t allow you to talk about my—Billie Dean like that.”

Crossing her arms, Emma scoffed. “Are you two already labeling things?”

“It’s none of your business.” Shit.

“You’ve been seeing her for what? Three days?” Emma shook her head. “What a joke. She must have some really magic fingers to manipulate you like that.”

“You’re disgusting.” Wilhemina’s heart was beating so fast she could hear it inside her head. “Just leave me and Billie Dean alone.” Venable moved to walk to the hallway, only then realizing Billie had been standing there. Oh no.

“You’re the disgusting one! You cheated on me,” Emma continued, walking to block Wilhemina’s path. She frowned as she realized where brown eyes were at, and so she moved to look back. A cynical chuckle left her lips. “Great, just who I wanted to see.” At the doorframe, Billie Dean caught herself not really knowing what to do. She was about to say something when Venable began to speak again.

“How can I cheat on someone I didn’t know I had something with?” Emma turned back to look at her, features so absolutely hurt that Wilhemina almost felt bad. Almost.

“You two really deserve each other,” that was the last thing Emma murmured before storming out of the office.

Taking a slow, deep breath to calm her nerves down, Venable closed her eyes. When she opened them again, she looked down to the floor and gripped the cane harsher and harsher. As Floratta Blue began to invade her nostrils, Wilhemina was brought back to reality. She looked up at Billie. “Angel… are you alright?”

Angel. Billie Dean had decided to give her space, but when Venable looked back at her with nothing but concern and worry—for the second time that day—she opened a small smile and nodded. “Thank you for standing up for me.” She walked to Wilhemina and hugged her tightly, arms on her waist and far from her back. She’s shaking like a leaf.

Taken slightly by surprise, Venable blinked twice as she hugged Billie back, cane resting on her hip and secured on the skirt. She caressed her spine where her own would be curved, nose burying into blonde hair. All her anger slowly began to disappear. “I’ll always stand up for you,” she murmured softly.

Billie Dean nodded. She closed her eyes and allowed her body to relax against Wilhemina’s, trying to cope with all the adrenaline. After a minute, she turned her head and placed a tiny kiss on Venable’s neck. “Thank you,” she said once again and pulled away. “Are you okay?”

Wilhemina nodded. She reached for her cane. “Just mad… but that’s not new with her.”

“Fair,” Billie chuckled softly. “Me too.”

Venable offered a chuckle back. I wish I had never even exchanged a single word with that bitch. “Lunch?”

“Lunch,” Billie nodded yet again. They walked to the kitchen, and on the table at the center Billie Dean had already grabbed their food. “What do you say we have lunch at my office? I think it’s more secluded.”

Is she trying to hide me? What a stupid thought. Wilhemina held back the urge to laugh at just how absolutely delusional her mind could be at times. But also… it meant she was stressed, and that the conversation with Emma clearly touched something. “I was thinking the same.”

“Yeah? Perfect.” Although Billie’s heart was still somewhat faster than usual, she was trying to get herself together; she had things she wanted to discuss with Venable, after all. Is this even a good time, now? They gathered their food and walked down the hallway and to Billie Dean’s office. Once everything was settled and the door was closed and locked, Billie took a first bite. Her eyes closed as she hummed. “I do love pasta,” she murmured.

Wilhemina motioned her right after. She smiled as she looked at Billie Dean, whom sat at the other side of the wooden surface. “You always enjoy your food… it’s quite lovely.” That made no sense. Venable had already said it out loud, though.

“I really do,” Billie chuckled. She took another bite and reached to pour them both some juice. A smile touched her lips as she filled Wilhemina’s mug. “I love your mug,” she said softly.

Venable smiled back. “Thank you. Me too… even though coral and purple crash horribly,” she laughed.

“Agreed,” Billie laughed back. “But hey… they work together really well.”

With her mind being quick to catch what Billie Dean was implying, Wilhemina smiled. “Very well,” she repeated.

Billie Dean hummed. She took yet another bite, eyes on Venable. She’s so classy… Billie was sure she had never met anyone as such, not even the most famous or the richest of the richest had the class Wilhemina did. After a second of silence, Billie Dean took the courage to start speaking about what she actually wanted to. “I… I actually wanted to talk to you…”

Venable’s stomach dropped. Her appetite momentarily disappeared. She held the fork without really moving it as she stared at honey eyes. “Yes?”

She’s nervous. Billie instantly reached for her free hand. “It’s nothing bad,” she said gently, fingertips caressing the top of Wilhemina’s hand. Venable smiled shyly, but still nervously. “I just… earlier, at my house, did I—did something else happen? Or—or have I said something or is everything alright and I’m just overthinking?”

How can she express herself so clearly? It would always be a mystery to Wilhemina. Her nerves calmed down a bit, but not completely. “You’re just overthinking,” her tone was soft, gentle. The corners of her lips raised up a bit, and her hand turned to tangle her fingers with Billie Dean’s. “But I want to talk to you, too… about earlier as well.”

Laughing a little, Billie nodded. “Go on.”

Venable licked her lips as she searched for the best words she could find. Talking was hard for her most of the time. “Earlier… when we—when we got to the company. You grew quiet and I—I might be wrong, but I felt like you were… perhaps, overthinking something? And I just want to know if everything is alright, or if something happened, or if I… maybe I did something wrong? I figured I’d check on you.”

Two peas in a pod. Billie Dean felt the corners of her lips lifting up, even though she was taken by surprise in a way—which was, safe to say, kind of naive of her, given just how sensible Wilhemina always proved herself to be. Caressing the fingers tangled between her own, Billie nervously licked her lips. She does her best to be honest with me. I should be honest with her, too. “You did nothing wrong, darling. But I… I was in fact overthinking.” Subtly, Venable shifted on the chair. Billie Dean bit her inner cheek and forced herself to keep her eyes on Wilhemina’s. “I guess I have some insecurities when it comes to a few things—we all do, I know—but I… well, I suppose it’s what we talked about earlier, about me… me, um, being a whore.”

“Billie…” Venable frowned. She squeezed the hand on hers. She’s perfect. How can she have any insecurities? Who was Wilhemina to judge? She embraced them and she would do so with anything Billie Dean brought to the table. “I don’t think that.”

“I know, I just—I’m scared of screwing things up,” Billie blurted out before she could stop herself, eyes falling to the food.

Sucking on her lower lip, Venable’s eyebrows drew closer together a bit more. “So am I… I mean, you…” She took a deep breath. My stomach hurts. Her heart sped up. “You have m-more experience with p-people when it comes to n-nearly everything and I—I’m scared I w-won’t be enough for you in m-many ways…”

Many ways. It was Billie Dean’s turn to frown. She shook her head. “Does that have anything to do with the thoughts you had earlier? At my house?” Her tone was sweet, comforting; Billie wanted nothing more than to understand her.

Hesitantly, Wilhemina nodded. Billie gave her time, for she seemed to be pondering things, fingers caressing hers and eyes far away. After a minute, Venable gulped and blinked once. “M-my body is far from being n-normal,” she nearly whispered, eyes glossy. Billie Dean kept on looking at her with those pools of honey kindness, hand never leaving her own. Wilhemina took a deep, shaky breath. “Y-you… I assume y-you’ve slept with b-beautiful women who h-had no issues, and I—I’m n-not like them. I c-can’t move properly, my back is…” A tear slid down. Venable gulped and tightened her jaw, ignoring it. “My b-back is hideous. And I have s-so much in my mind all the time that I c-can’t help but think y-you’d be better off with any other w-woman.”

“Wilhie…” The tear scared Billie. When did Wilhemina cry? Today had been the first time she had ever seen her doing so. And it was because of the pain I was feeling. How much pain was Venable feeling right now? How much pain did that subject bring her? “So it does have to do with the women I’ve slept with…” I’m a whore.

At the words, Wilhemina instantly shook her head. “Angel, no.” She sniffled quickly, free hand reaching to wipe her cheek dry. No. No no no. “I m-mean—yes, but not in the way you’re implying.”

Billie Dean took a deep breath, eyes growing teary as well as she was back at looking down to the plate of food on the table. It was now simply something organic with no meaning behind it. “I k-know,” she croaked out. “But I s-still feel like shit.” Venable bit her inner cheek, heart aching as she watched her. Billie took yet another deep breath, trying to regulate her emotions. She just opened up to me about something serious. Now is not the time to have pity for myself. Honey eyes looked up to Wilhemina again. What even could she say to her? What even could begin to translate the emotions and feelings she had for that woman? “Darling… you are perfect to me,” Billie Dean’s tone was so damn gentle it resembled a whisper more than anything else. It was visible how Wilhemina tensed up on her chair again. “I don’t talk about your body because I know it makes you uncomfortable, but I do notice it, and I love it.” Venable’s cheeks flushed pink, contrasting with her pale skin. Billie smiled a little to herself as she carefully picked and chose her words, for perhaps that was one of the most important conversations they had ever had. “I think you are absolutely gorgeous—face and body. Earlier… earlier I was—I had never felt like that so fast. So easily.” It was Billie Dean’s turn to blush now. She struggled to keep her eyes on deep brown ones. “You barely touch me and I already have a reaction. I think you’re a masterpiece, and nothing can and will change my mind on that. I’ve never given your back thought, at least not in a bad way, and when it comes to your mobility, my love, that’s the smallest of details to me. If I have to switch houses because you don’t feel comfortable going upstairs, I will. If I have to build a whole new company building for us to work at because something is not ideal for you, I will. I’m aware you might have your limitations but who doesn’t? I mean—I talk to fucking ghosts,” Billie chuckled shyly, which got herself a teary smile from Wilhemina. I’m doing something right. It eased her heart a bit. “There are places I can’t stand for too long, or certain situations in which I can’t manage to stay at during much time… I worry that might be a problem to y-you, too. But then I think back to why I fell in love with you… and how you’ve always treated me and eased me… and then I know it’ll be alright. It’ll be no issue, because I was never too much for you. And you’ll never be too much for me—or too little—no matter how you see it.”

Venable’s cheeks had been silently drenched by now. She squeezed the hand on her own, nodding as she sniffled yet again. Her heart was beating fast and her whole body seemed to have gotten anesthetized; what should she be feeling right now? All Wilhemina knew was that she did, in fact, love that woman. “I…” She licked her lips. Billie Dean smiled at her so damn sweetly, so damn lovingly… Venable’s mind struggled to translate her emotions into words. She was overwhelmed with something so good she doubted she had ever felt like that before—or rather, she knew she had never felt like that before. For a brief moment, Wilhemina truly believed and accepted that Billie wouldn’t leave her. “I… I think… I…” I sound like a broken record machine. Venable could feel how incredibly warm her cheeks were, as well as her chest and ears. I probably look like a tomato. Who cared? Who cared about anything that was not Billie Dean right now? “Y-you’ll never be too much f-for me,” that was the best she managed to croak out.

Billie couldn’t help but bite the tip of her tongue as she smiled brightly to herself. Even though Wilhemina couldn’t find the words, Billie Dean was sure she knew exactly what she was feeling; she was speechless in the best way possible. This is precious. Billie took a mental picture of it and tucked it away inside her favorite pocket of her heart. “I know,” she said softly.

Venable bobbed her head, body tingling. She nibbled on her lower lip. “I’m sorry—I… I can’t f-find the words…” With a tiny chuckle, Billie Dean shook her head. Wilhemina offered her a coy smile. “Just… just k-know I feel the same way and I… I feel s-so lucky to have y-you in my life.” I love you.

Billie was more than fine with the words Venable had managed to find. She got up from her chair and walked to Wilhemina, who was already standing up and ready to embrace her in a tight hug. With her eyes closed, Billie Dean took a deep breath against Venable’s neck. “Thank you for being who you are,” she whispered.

Another tear slid down Wilhemina’s cheek. She cradled Billie’s head with one of her hands, fingers caressing blonde hair. “I think that’s the first time in my life that I’m glad for being who I am.”