↳ greasy boy .

“Mummy, papa has his guitar out!” Sophie gasped excitedly, grabbing at Lily’s skirt to tug her towards the staircase. Lily couldn’t help but smile, knowing just how fond Sophie was of her father’s voice. Having Beck around actually gave her a more balanced family life, and surprisingly Lily was adjusting nicely to having him around all the time. Things were pretty close to perfect at this point, it felt like old times had just slipped back into place as if nothing happened. “What do you think he’s going to play us today, hm?” Lily had been pushing him back into playing, knowing he had true talent. “I hope it’s the one about the roses,” Sophie whispered with a smile, her mother finally picking her up and carrying her towards their staircase. The moment Lily came face to face with the love of her life, she instantly was glowing in his presence. Having these lovely breaks in the morning after a long early practice was something Lily craved at this point. Beck was the equivalent of a spa day to her, especially when it got Sophie out of her hair. “Hello, my Darling,” Lily said as she set down Sophie, who rushed forward to place a kiss on her papa’s cheek. “I thought maybe today I could film you…?” She proposed carefully, as he usually shut her down. She had an insane online following, she wished he’d just let her use that to help him. “It’ll just be a quick video, I promise.” Knowing from the look Beck gave her, it was a hard pass. “Fine, fine,” Lily gave up, but her hand still reached for her phone. Before Beck could tell her to put it away, Lily spoke up, “It’s for me, I want this for myself.” The twinkle in her eyes said otherwise, but she gave a pretty solid defense. “It’s for Sophie to have, she loves listening to you. So maybe when you’re busy I could play her the video?” She knew he couldn’t say no to Sophie, she had him wrapped around her finger faster than even Lily had had him. With him, albeit reluctant, blessing, Lily swiped her phone to pull up the camera to start recording. “Whenever you’re ready, my love.” She smiled, hitting record. 

To say Beck’s voice didn’t absolutely have control over her would be the biggest lie in the history of the world. Beck didn’t have an Instagram account, so he wouldn’t really know if she posted it or how many people would see it. Lily never knew the names of the songs, but she learned them organically through him playing them for her. She never tried to pry into his writing, but it was clear their relationship had been an inspiration for some of the songs he sang. The lyrics always brought her back to a hard time or a lovely time, but all in all they spelled out what it was like to be them. Her and Sophie stood there deadly silent as Beck played, basking in the sound of his voice bouncing off the walls of the hallway. The studio had been made for dancing, but the stairway was an acoustic heaven for Beck. Once the song came to a close, Lily stopped the recording. Lillian was always rendered speechless when she thought about just how far Beck had come since she knew him. When they met, he ran away from her and couldn’t speak a word, and now here they were and he was singing. The trauma he had endured never left her conscious, but something beautiful came out of his voice. After Sophie had gotten her kisses and Beck set the guitar aside, Lily finally got her turn to shower him with love. Planting a warm kiss on his lips, Lily cupped his cheek and earned a whine from Sophie. “That was fantastic,” Lily complimented once she pulled away, setting her forehead on his. “You’ll remember us when you’re famous, yeah?” Sophie tugged at her skirt again, this time looking displeased that she was taking up kisses from her papa. “You’re going to make pancakes?” Sophie finally asked with a pout. “Of course, how about Papa helps you get washed up and then we can all eat?” Beck lifted Sophie up easily after he pushed his guitar around his back. Watching them disappear up the stairs, Lily quickly pulled her phone out and went to Instagram. Only a few moments later, her video was posted and shared with her millions of fans. She didn’t really think much of it at all, sure it’d get likes because her fans really enjoyed sneak peeks into their private life. She had muted the video, or so she thought she had. Since the whole thing with Mason had gone down, she was pretty open about the fact that she was with Beckett now. Her fans had been supportive through the transition, it was only fair to reward them once and a while. And hey, maybe it’d help Beck somehow in the long run. 

Finally following her family upstairs, Lily went to the kitchen and started making pancakes. Humming Beck’s song to herself, she swayed in the kitchen remembering his voice. This was the home she always envisioned Sophie growing up in, filled with love and warmth. She heard Beck’s steps behind her, making her smile when he wrapped his arms around her waist and pressed his lips to her neck. “I hope you’re hungry, I made quite a few pancakes,” Lily smiled resting back against him. It was weird after everything they had been through, but Lily wanted to grow her family with him. Sure, they’d wait a while to make sure things were working out, but Lily wanted to have a big family with Beck. “Go get our monster, they’re almost done,” She said as she started stacking the hotcakes on a plate. She heard him getting the table and Sophie ready as Lily grabbed the butter and syrup before heading to the table. Once they were all around the table, they started digging into their breakfast. Sophie was almost as messy as her father, syrup getting all over her face. Her phone started going off in her pocket, which was weird since only her family and Gavin’s phone calls set off her ringer. “One second,” Lily excused herself, seeing Gavin’s name flash across her phone. “Lillian Moon- have you seen what you’ve done?” Gavin instantly asked when she picked up. “I just posted a little home video-” Gavin stopped her midsentence, “Lily, go on Twitter. Or look at the post. This shit is blowing up.” Lily bit her lip as she leaned against a wall, “Um, how big of blowing up are we talking about?” Twirling her hair nervously in her hand, she was nervous about Beck finding out she had posted it behind his back. “Big, big- like bigger than that one time Percy posted his dick on accident,” Gavin laughed, “Your man has a good set of pipes, I’d be worried about the mob of girls Lily.” Lily hung up the phone and quickly pulled up Twitter, her mentions were exploding with videos of Beck singing. “Holy shit,” Lily groaned, shoving her phone in her pocket as she made her way back to the dining table. Maybe it would blow over and Beck wouldn’t have to know about it. Maybe. No. No more hiding things. 

“Hey, Beck- could I, um, could I speak to you in the other room?” Beck passed her a look of confusion but followed her regardless. Once they were in their room, Lily closed the door behind them. “So, I did something. I posted a video of you performing-” Beck opened his mouth and Lily quickly held her hands out to shush him, “Before you get mad, in my defense I thought it would upload without the sound. But it didn’t, and now it’s kind of everywhere? I’m sorry, Beck- I didn’t mean for this.” Taking her phone out, she quickly went to Instagram to show him her post. The video had 676,000 views and climbing every second with almost the same amount of likes. “It’s not just Instagram, it’s everywhere. People love your voice, Beck,” Lily reassured, sensing the panic that could come out at any moment from her partner. “It’s- it’s only been up for not even twenty minutes and it’s exploding. Jesus, Beck, you’ve gone viral.” This meant wonders for his blooming career. Lily didn’t even begin to think about the downsides of Beck becoming a star, she just wanted him to be recognized for his talents. “Please don’t say you’re mad? Or do get mad and I can delete it and we can just never talk about this again.” Her phone started ringing again, this time from Derrick. “Hello?” Lily answered on speaker phone, giving Beck and apologetic look. “You need to bring him down to the studio, Lily. Like they want him, bad.” Lily groaned and hung up the phone, tossing it onto their bed. “I didn’t mean for this to happen, babe,” Lily took a step closer to him, hoping this wouldn’t send him spiraling in shock. “Talk to me, what do you want me to do?” She could delete the video, but it was everywhere at this point. 

Beck grabbed the neck of his guitar just as he heard Lily say her final goodbye to the morning class, her voice dancing up their stairwell and into the open door of their little home. He’d fallen into a routine during the last few months- falling in love with his woman, his daughter, and his music. His mornings were made up mostly of him doing things around the apartment to feel more like home- painting the walls, repotting the flowers on their window sill, delivering a cup of coffee to his sleeping girlfriend, and waking up Sophie with a kiss to each of her cheeks. His afternoons were mostly reserved for himself, for his music and his writing, sometimes he’d head down to the shelter to donate food or visit old friends. His evenings though, they were the times that he treasured most. While they usually spent the evenings inside, Lillian cooking dinner and Beck helping Sophie learn math or another language (really, Lillian was adamant about Sophie being the smartest in her kindergarten class when she started in a year), there were some evenings when Lily would let Beck take them out- the three of them- to a fancy dinner and a walk in the park. Sophie would usually fall asleep in her stroller around nine and Beck would have Lillian to himself for most of the night. They’d spent a lot of those nights making out under the stars in the nearest park, Sophie sleeping comfortably next to them in the stroller. He’s fallen into a routine and honestly, Beck knows he couldn’t be happier with his life as it is. He loved waking up to Lillian and putting Sophie to bed, he loved the long nights where Gavin would babysit and he’d get to fuck Lillian well into the morning. Beck was happy just being a father and a partner and quite honestly, as much as Lillian had been pushing him to chase his “dreams” he hadn’t quite gotten it through her pretty, blonde head that she was his new dream. He was pulled from his thoughts just as he settled in the stairwell and Sophie bounded around the corner and up the steps, tumbling into his arms and planting kisses on his scruff-covered chin. “Hey baby girl, how’s my favorite ballerina?” he kissed the little girl’s cheek a few times, eliciting a very happy squeal from his daughter. His eyes flicked up to Lillian’s to which he gave her a quick wink before returning back to give his daughter a few more kisses. “Alright, princess- take a seat for me, yeah? Papa’s almost done with this song, so tell me if you like it, yeah?” He ran a hand down back and squeezed her sides, another soft giggle echoing up the hallway as he did. 

At Lillian’s question, Beck reeled back and narrowed his eyes, “Moon- you know how I feel about-” he sighed when Lillian’ tried to be sneaky, only rolling his eyes in return. He knew he couldn’t stop his girlfriend from doing what she wanted. He knew that there was no way in hell that he could stop her, but at least the video was for her eyes only. He’d sung for Lillian before- many times- but this was different. This song was different. It was one that he’d written just at the beginning of their relationship, before Mason had discovered their budding romance. It was new and fresh and the feeling was still raw. He cleared his throat and flushed a bit, “Lillian- you know I don’t-” he smirked, his eyes running up and down her body. He’d get something out of this in return later, “You’re lucky I love you.” With that, he began to strum the first few chords, his fingers tuning the guitar with a practiced knowledge as Sophie looked up at him with a patient anxiousness. She tapped her fingers on her lap and shot her father a large smile, to which Beck returned. The song was easy- one he’d been singing for ages but had yet to sing to his girls. He ignored the camera in order to favor the song, his eyes only glancing up to meet Sophie’s and Lillians. Before he knew it, he had come to a close and was setting his guitar to the side, allowing Sophie to slide into his lap. He pressed a few kisses to her chin and her tummy, the sweet giggle that he’d fallen so in love with being the only thing he was truly paying attention to. Lillian’s mention of pancakes had his stomach grumbling and in one quick swoop, he had hoisted his daughter up the stairs and set her down gently once they’d reached the top. “Alright, pretty girl. Go play with your dolls for a moment, yeah? Let mummy get breakfast ready. We’ll come get you when it’s done, okay?” He stilled her in the kitchen for just a moment to pull her long, blonde hair from the tight bun Lillian had tied it up in earlier this morning. Her curls rolled down her back and Beck grinned as Sophie shot a quick, “Thanks, papa!” before bounding off to her room. Beck wasn’t surprised to see Lillian already cooking, her soft voice humming a tun that he knew so well. He snaked his arms around his girlfriend’s waist, his chin coming to rest on her thin shoulder, “Hi mama,” he mumbled into her neck, his lips pressing a gentle kiss to the spot soon after, “You know I’m always hungry.” He nipped at her neck, “Maybe not always hungry for hotcakes, but definitely hungry for something,” he gave her ass a quick squeeze and let out a laugh at her ‘Beckett! Our baby!’ “Our baby is playing silently in the next room, not a care in the world. Right now, my other baby is looking particularly beautiful this morning and I just want her to know that,” he turned Lillian around and pressed her into the counter, his hand cupping her neck and his eyes searching hers, “I love her more than the sun and the stars and most certainly the moon.” Beck let out a laugh and pressed a kiss to her lips, “Think Gavin might be able to watch her tonight?” He nosed at Lillian’s neck, “It’s been a while,” the request came out more as a whine than anything. Beck kissed Lillian’s lips once before pushing off the counter and making his way towards Sophie’s room. 

“Hey princess,” he was met with the largest smile from Sophie, “Time to go get washed up, Mummy’s nearly done with breakfast. Come on,” He hoisted his daughter upwards and carried her to the bathroom to let her wash her hands, only taking a moment to wash his own. Sophie had already run into the kitchen by the time Beck was finished and he soon settled into his seat next to their daughter. They had only started just eating for a few minutes (Beck was still just finishing cutting up Sophie’s pancakes) when Lillian’s phone rang and she excused herself. He could only hear bits and pieces of what she was saying, but didn’t pay much mind to the conversation. Beck had only met Gavin a handful of times and while the first two had been filled with an irritated tension from both parties, Beck soon realized that Gavin was just simply a lot in general. They weren’t friends, per say, but a mutual respect had been formed after Gavin had chewed his ass out for nearly feeding Sophie peaches at the park one day. Turns out, Beck didn’t know that she was highly allergic to peaches and Gavin had certainly saved both his and Sophie’s butts that day. Sophie had already begun to dig into her pancakes, a soft little hum coming from her throat as she doused her food in more syrup, “That’s enough, Soph. Mummy’s gonna yell at us if you put any more on.” He capped the bottle and set it across the table just as Lillian returned. He shot his girlfriend a quick smile and went to take another bite of his food before Lillian was asking him to step into the next room. Beck’s stomach swooped, suddenly worried that he’d done something stupid again, a thought in his head making it seem as if something wouldn’t go right. Once he stepped into their room and Lillian had securely closed the door behind her, he turned on his heel and crossed his arms against his chest, “Did I do something?” His teeth instantly began to nibble at his lower lip, unsure of how to handle what was about to go down. They’d been in such a good place for so long. As Lillian went into an explanation of what had happened- that she’d posted a video and it’d gone viral, Beck’s stomach twisted. Sure, he wasn’t on social media, but that didn’t mean he never used it- there were times when he’d take Lillian’s phone and scroll through instagram or twitter, occasionally on Facebook to watch stupid videos that had over a million likes. Now he was one of those videos that would probably soon have over a million likes. Retweets. Whatever. “Lillian, you didn’t,” he bit out, his palms growing sweaty. This wasn’t what he wanted. He had his dream- this was her dream, “I don’t-” before he could go further, Lillian’s phone was ringing again. Derrick mentioned something about being signed to a label. 

Once Beck took control, Lillian felt like they were starting back up where they left off. There was something innocent and needy about the both of them. Having the knowledge Beck thought about her while they were separated only turned her more on. She couldn’t even count how many times she had craved him or the nights that Mason woke up to her moaning his name in her sleep. How many nights had Mason woken up to her crying? Every moment they had been apart seemed to pay off once he was deep inside her. “Beck,” Lillian gasped, letting him slowly take her. “You’re perfect- just-” She was in rapture under him, rolling her hips to meet his at the slow pace he’d taken. “Just keep going.” Her hands gripped around his shoulders, leaving small crest moons in his back. Beck had this way of making her feel sexy but also incredibly precious to him. Originally that had been what set him apart from other men, but Beck always treated her with the utmost love and respect. Something about the way he’d look at her always said “I love you,” even if he was furious. Whatever the two of them had been through in their time apart was being washed away with every wave of pleasure echoing through her body. She was made for his cock, Lillian nodded eagerly- afraid she’d cry something out if she opened her mouth to confirm. Small moans escaped her lips as she tried to keep herself under control, his slow thrusts were teasing her as they hit all the right places but not quite fast enough for her to orgasm. “Please, more.” She whimpered, her hands tracing down his arms until she found his hands and clasped her hands with his. Somehow she felt like a virgin again with him, everything was starting off fresh for them. In a way she felt embarrassed for how needy she was for him, it wasn’t her normal style. 

And just like that, Beck started fucking her more intensely than she had felt in years. Mason had been rough with her, but he had been such a demanding lover. He worshipped her in bed, but only for chasing his own orgasm. It had never been about wanting to please her, but how she could please him with her body. Lillian flinched away from Beck for only a moment, thinking Beck would do some of the things Mason would do to her. Usually, when he’d start getting rough he’d violently hold her down or slap her around. Once he’d gone so far out of control she had to miss shows because makeup couldn’t cover the bruises on her wrists or neck. She had gotten so used to it, it stopped becoming a strange phenomenon and that’s why she half expected Beck to try to lay a violent hand on her. All that fear was replaced with overwhelming love and warmth as he fucked her, bringing her closer to him. He probably didn’t know it, but him drawing her close made her feel safe in his arms. Just when she had allowed herself to get wrapped up in the pleasure growing in the pit of her stomach, Beck pulled out. “No,” She whined, trying to grip at him to continue. Her eyes traveled with him as he lowered himself towards her warmth, filled with excitement. Beck had been the last person who had eaten her out and chills ran down her spine like electricity. “Please,” Lillian could barely get out, her hands reaching to pull him down on her. Her hips bucked up towards him on their own, craving more of his mouth. “Beckett, fuck.” She couldn’t hold her moans back- not this time, it was far too much. Once he licked her clit, she was a mess under him. Her whole body arched eagerly wanting to be as close to him as possible. “Daddy, please.” Lily gripped his hair so tightly, she was unsure if she’d hurt him from just how hard she was tugging on him. A fumble of pleases escaped her lips, moaning for him to continue until he pulled away from her. She looked up at him, her body feeling like a puddle of love and lust. Her legs shook eagerly, leaving her as a heaving mess of frustration. 

He didn’t make her wait long until he was deep inside her again, earning a weak cry from her as she gripped at him like he was the only thing anchoring her to this world. His moans kept sending fireworks through her chest, making her bite her lip hard to ensure she wouldn’t be too much louder than she already had been. “I love you too,” She said softly, her eyes looked up him through a hooded hazy of pleasure. “I love you so much, Beck.” It felt like a dream. Like she was going to be woken up by Mason wrapping his hand around her neck and telling her he’d break her pretty neck if she ever so much as dreamt about him. Lillian was snapped out her thoughts once Beck started pressing against her clit as he fucked her, earning obscene moans to echo in their room. “Cum for me.” She begged, feeling her own orgasm coming swiftly. Just as she started cumming, Beck chased his own to allow them to cum together. She was worried he’d cum in her, but she had no care at the moment to warn him. Once he fucked her through her orgasm, she clung to him instantly. “I love you.” Lily finally said, her breathing ragged. She felt so small in his arms, her whole body feeling tender from his touches. “I hope you never let me go.” She said softly, pressing her face into his neck- all her emotions rushing to the surface. How had she been so lucky to be with this actual angel twice in her life? Beck was saving her and he had no idea. He had saved her once from not going beyond the point of no return when it came to love, and now he had saved her from Mason. In her heart, she hoped Beck hadn’t caught her flinching from him since he had been nothing but nice and consensual towards her. No matter how hard or rough their sex had gotten, Lily had never felt in danger. It was strange how she had accepted Mason’s actions, how she thought it was normal. She felt tears prick at her eyes as she clung to him tighter. “I’m sorry- I’m just emotional after sex I guess. Weird shit happens to your hormones after you have a child.” She mumbled into his neck, her hands reaching up to play with the baby hairs on his neck. The fact that she and Beck could be a proper family now was more than she ever thought would happen.

“I missed every inch of you.” She admitted, poking her head up to give him to give him a small smile. Her tears had subsided, leaving her nose and cheeks a rosy pink. “I missed those lips, I missed your tongue.” Her hand reached up and traced over his lips, still unsure when she’d wake up from this fantasy she seemed to be living now. As sore as she felt, she could have gone all night with him. But this was their reunion fuck lovemaking session, it deserved to be special and a little sacred. “You have this power over me, it’s insane. When I dance I love having the audience watching me. They admire me and think I’m beautiful but breakable like glass. Their breath is hanging in their throats to see if I will mess up. I have to prove them wrong.” Lily sat up and rested her head against his shoulder, looking at him fondly. “But when you watch me I know you’re not holding your breath. You trust me to be here and love you. You admire me, but you also know me better than anyone in this entire world. You don’t think I’m glass.” Lily rest her hand on his back, tracing circles lovingly. “When I watch you, I don’t think there’s anyone who could make me fall so in love with them. No one has ever taken my breath away. When I saw you in that supermarket, it was as if all the air in the world ceased to exist.” Lily had sworn to herself if she ever got a chance with Beck, she’d tell him everything. “Even in my dreams, you’d make me lose my breath. I’d wake up in a huff as if I just stopped breathing.” Those were times Mason wasn’t home. Beck made her heart feel full and complete, she didn’t need anything else from this world besides him and Sophie. “All those years ago, I let so much get to me. I let people get in my head.” Lily shook her head, glancing away for a moment. “It’s not going to be like that ever again.” As good as things were now for the couple, it was unrealistic to think they’d never have problems. Hell, she thought she’d have to beg him to stay with her after this Mason fiasco. “Even with a black eye, you’re still the most gorgeous man I’ve ever laid eyes on, Beck. You protected Sophie today like a father before you even knew the truth.” 

Beck allowed Lily to cling to him, his arms wrapping around her with ease. He ran a gentle hand down her smooth back and pressed his nose to her hair, inhaling deep at the sweet, familiar scent he had loved all those years ago. Beck had hardly sensed Lillian being a nervous mess or that she had flinched in a way that would’ve alarmed him. He, of course, became suddenly worried when he felt her body begin to shake as she held back tears, “Lilypad,” he murmured, his voice smooth and gentle in her ear, “You don’t need to apologize for anything, okay?” Beck ran his hand through Lillian’s hair, “Our worlds were- our lives were different. They’ve been different for five years and now suddenly having everything you’ve ever wanted-” he sucked in a deep breath of air, “it’s not something to take lightly. It’s... I’d be crazy to say that I’m not terrified that the hat will drop at any moment- that I’ll wake up or Mason will charge through the door and take you from me.” Beck leaned into the woman’s touch and pressed his cheek to Lillian’s head, “I love you. I don’t know if I ever stopped loving you and I don’t remember a time before loving you,” he let out a gentle laugh, “we’ve turned into big ol’ saps, you know that?” Beck looked down at Lillian when she glanced upwards to which he took just a moment to press a soft kiss just below each of Lillian’s eyes. He could feel the heat from her tearstained cheeks and it only made him pull her closer. Beck kissed Lillian’s fingers as they traced his mouth, eventually moving his hand to catch her wrist so that he could still her movements and press a kiss to the palm of her hand. 

He listened to her words with apt attention, and while his own were bubbling in his throat, dying to admit to her of all the same feelings, Beck held his tongue. Lillian needed to get this out. He sucked in a breath at the woman’s admittance to all of the things he wondered about- had she thought about him? Clearly she had, and clearly she had hoped he’d come back into her life just the same way he’d done. “Baby,” he finally murmured, cutting Lillian off, “You are glass, but you’re shatterproof. I remember the first time we had to meet my father- my real father- and I was so freaked because he had reached out to you.” Beck shook his head, his arms pulling Lillian impossibly closer, “But you were so strong- the strongest I’d ever seen anyone before and I couldn’t,” Beck stopped talking and pressed his face into Lillian’s cheek, “When I found out you were with Mason- I was so, so worried you’d never see me. I had thought- for all these years- that I was just a blip on your radar. That you’d have grown to hate me in more ways than I could say. So when you asked me to come over and you invited me in, it was just- I didn’t want to ruin your life.” Beck sat up and looked back at Lillian against the pillows, “You, as well as myself, know that you will continue to let people get to you, but just know that I’ll be here to defend it all. I’m not going anywhere this time, baby. You can kick, punch, scream, and do whatever you damn well want to me, but just know that I will never let you go.” Beck reached for Lillian’s left hand and pressed a kiss to her ring finger, “Someday I’ll make that an official promise, you know that, yeah? That after all of this-” he gestured to the room around them, “Life seems a bit pointless without you by my side. I don’t think I could handle having to see you walk out the door again, at least, not without me by your side. So the next time- and I mean the next time you get put into a show, wherever it may be, Sophie and myself are coming with you. No more selfish Beck, okay?” Beck carefully pulled Lillian into a sitting position before leaning over to his bedside table and extracting a stack of hidden photos. 

“You know-” he mumbled, “I never wanted to be a father before I met you. I was so scared of being my own dad that it was-” Beck shuddered, “I guess... when I met Sophie and you told me she was your daughter, it didn’t matter that I wasn’t her father,” his voice trailed off, “At the time,” a ragged chuckle followed, “it just- it felt right to protect and to encourage but I’m not... sure how I’ll be able to handle parenting. What happens when I have to scold her? Or when she gets a scrape and I can’t actually kiss the pain away? What about when she expects me to give her the moon and I can only give her...” Beck swallowed hard and looked down at the stack of photos in his hands. The first one is no larger than a 4x8 and it’s folded in half twice, “I can only give her me, Lily.” In the picture, its just minutes after Lillian’s first major performance for the Royal Ballet, just after Lillian had gotten cast in the London production of the nutcracker. She’s in a gorgeous cream and pink getup with her hair done in an elegant bun and her face layered with more makeup than Beck could ever realize, but she has her arms wrapped around Beck’s waist and her face pressed against his black suit. They’re smiling at the camera so wide and so large and all Beck truly remembers from that night was the amount of complete and total pride he had felt for his girlfriend in that moment. Beck knows now that that photo was really the beginning of the end for them, “I just- I fucked up so much with us. How can I know I wont fuck up with her?” He hands Lillian the photo, “This is one of my favorites of us. I kept it tucked in my jacket when I was living on the streets. I remember watching you dance across that stage like you were as light as a flower. Your smile so large, it was like watching all of your wildest dreams come true. I still can’t believe I got to be there to witness it. This photo got me through a lot of tough days, I just- I always hoped you’d come back. And you did. And you brought one of the greatest gifts I could’ve ever asked for.” 

The two slipped together like puzzle pieces, making Lillian hum in bliss as she cuddled him closer. She stayed silent as she let him confess his feelings, wanting to acknowledge his feelings. Lily knew he wanted her to not be hard on herself, but she knew it was too soon for him to forgive her fully. “There are so many what-ifs, Beck,” Lily sighed, shaking her head as she tried to grasp what could have been for them. This was their reality, which was much better than it had been only a month prior. It killed her that Beck’s mom had passed away before she had a chance to meet Sophie. Her parents had met and spoiled Sophie, but Lily was notoriously closer with Beck’s mom. She just never had the means to find her or her son. The bookstore was a charming time for them, Lily wasn’t sure if she’d try to convince Beck to open a new one. “Honestly, the only thing I can think about is how lucky I am right now.” Her voice was clear, her mind made up completely. “If I hadn’t found you none of this would be possible. You would have just stayed the love of my life that got away. Anything from here on out is a happy ending for me.” It was impossible for her not to gush about how grateful she was to him. “Back then… You helped me so much. I was… I was awful. I wanted nothing to do with falling in love. I’m not sure if the roles were reversed back then I would have helped you in the ways you helped me. I was far too selfish to see past your missing voice. You really changed my whole world and then gave me the biggest gift in the world Even if this doesn’t work out, Beck, I will always be grateful to you and want you to be happy.” Her blue eyes landed on his, big bubble tears threatened to fall. Being around him was incredibly emotional for her, especially when things could have turned out so badly for the both of them. Lillian would do anything for him, staying with Mason wasn’t even an option once Lily reconnected with Beck. She gave him a soft smile and buried her face in his shoulder. “We may have drunkenly made out during spin the bottle a couple times, but that’s about it- I promise. Gavin’s like my brother, it’s pretty gross to even think about now.” 

“Only fifty years?” She challenged with a small smirk, her body reacting to his touches and leaning into his hands. She could feel him shaking, her eyes glancing down briefly before looking back up at him. It was going to be baby steps to get back to where they had been, she wouldn’t push him too hard. She thanked the lucky stars she had thrown her red bra on today since her neutral ones had been dirty. His laugh took her out of her thoughts, “Only four times as sexy? C’mon I’d say at least 8.” She teased, looking down at him. She raised an eyebrow, but her face turned bright red- who she always belonged to. If she said she never thought about Beck when she had sex or touched herself, that’d be a massive lie. But she wouldn’t reveal that to Beck just yet, he’d probably bust early before they even got physical. Lillian joined in his laughter, adjusting herself so that his head was in her lap. Once Beck started his story, Lillian felt herself turn bright red and she pressed her thighs together. Their sex life was so red hot and passionate, it was something she had longed for since they’d separated. Mason had nothing on Beck, that was something she’d never really got over. Her shirt came off with ease, her hands reaching for his shirt in return aching to see his tattoo again. He had always belonged to her in return, and he knew that. “Beck…” Lily whined, knowing she had to be quiet for him again. There was a big difference between fucking in a bathroom stall and in their apartment. “I love you too.” She murmured back as she pushed her hips up towards him, aching for him. There was so much to relearn about each other, no matter what they wanted to believe. All these weeks she had thought about what she would want to do to him, but she had been so scared to make a move too early. If anyone had seen the romantic tension between them, the sexual tension was palpable. It was uncomfortable how much she wanted him when they were together, and even more so now when she could indulge herself. His lips sent chills up her neck, surprising Lily he still knew where her sensitive spots were. “Please, please-” Lily responded, her hands wrapped around his neck as he talked about how much he wanted her. It was going to be so hard to keep quiet, she wished she sent Sophie off with her uncle at this point.

Once they hit the bed, her pants were off in a flurry and Lillian finally found herself in a familiar position. The moment she got a chance, Lily pushed him off her in a flash and pushed him down on the bed. Looking over him, she could see him all pink and flustered. “You want to know what story I always got myself off to, love?” Crawling over him, she positioned herself over him as if she was going to ride him. Grinding her hips over him, she could feel him harden under her. “Remember our trip to Brighton and you rented us that little cottage on the beach? And we thought we’d spend all the time on the beach, but instead, we just fucked like rabbits the whole weekend?” She leaned down to press kisses down his neck until she reached his tattoo. “You let me tie you up to the bed.” Her hands trailed down to his jeans, slowly undoing the button and zipper. “And I sucked you for what felt like hours, always teasing you close to cumming.” Her breath was hot against his neck again, her hands shaking slightly as she tried to calm her nerves. “Finally you got so fucking close, you literally broke the bed frame to get to me.” She smirked, tugging his jeans down as far as she could. Reaching down, she softly teased at his cock. They desperately wanted each other, but if she let him have his way the whole experience would be over in minutes. Her eyes were on his face like a hawk, smirking at every hot breath he let out. “And I thought no one in my life would ever want me as much as you.” It didn’t take long before he was throbbing in his underwear. Moving down, she finally pulled his pants all the way down and off with his underwear. Looking over him, he looked so vulnerable and fucked. “I always wanted you to watch me with those begging eyes again.” Lily moved over him, her lips centimeters from his tip. “Every time I got myself off, I thought about how hard you fucked me after that.” She murmured, her lips gently pressing against him while she talked. His precum seemed to lather her lips, leaving small stripes between her lips as she spoke. “How you went from begging me to how you made me scream and beg. And you wouldn’t let me cum as a punishment for teasing you for so long.” His cock had been red and full like it was now, making her glow with excitement.

Finally, she licked him slowly before taking him inch by inch into her mouth. She had been so eager, this was teasing herself at this point. She let out a moan and pressed her legs even tighter together as she raised her hips in the air to get a better angle on him. Lily had a hard time reaching his base, having not sucked him off in years. Her eyes fluttered open, wishing she had a camera to capture how beautiful he was. Once he started trying to mouth fuck her, Lily took control again and held his hips firmly down until she thought he was about to cum. Pulling back, Lily’s lips buzzed from the friction. “You want me, daddy?” She hadn’t really used his nickname until now, because well… That seriously made her want to fuck him. She reached around and popped her bra off, smirking down at Beck. “You’ve made me so wet.” She gasped as she kicked off her underwear to the floor. She pressed herself against him, teasing him at the entrance of her pussy. “See what you do to me? I’ve always belonged to you.” Her voice was soft and warm, pressing down further on him. Slowly she lowered her hips on him, watching him as she had to cover her mouth from moaning out. Her whole body shook as she took him all for the first time in so long, it was everything she had craved. “B-Beck.” She cried, unable to stop small moans from escaping her lips. All confidence she had built up flew out the window as she took him all. Her whole body had small twitches as she moved to position herself closer to him. As she moved her hips, her hands grasped onto him tighter and her nails cut into his shoulders. “Fuck,” Lily breathed, her body adjusting to his size with every movement. “You’re so much bigger than I remembered.” She moved one had to her mouth to stop her from moaning loudly as she started to pick up the pace. “I love you.” She managed to get out, feeling embarrassed with how much she melted over him. “I love you so fucking much.” Her cries were soft, “C-Can you just fuck me, baby?” She finally begged, wanting him on top of her. “I just want to w-watch you fuck me.” 

Beck tended to forget about things when Lillian was around. Sometimes he’d forget his words, sometimes it’d be old memories of other people, but usually it was any form of a filter that he’d developed over the years. Especially now, when it was finally, finally just Lillian and him, Beck found that being with her was everything he’s always wanted and everything that the world has decided he deserved to have. Even now, all these years later, as Beck pressed Lillian into their bed with heavy lips and soft touches, Beck could think of nothing except her. “You are the most,” he paused, his fingers running against the smooth skin against her ribs, “Beautiful person I’ve ever known.” Beck fully intended to give her everything she asked- but in a very Lily-like fashion, she flipped them over and Beck groaned in response, his cock jumping at the ghost of old touches from their past sexual endeavors. The feeling that washed over him surprised him in a way he wasn’t expecting- his heart racing and his palms sweaty, his cock pressing hard against the thin cotton of his boxers as he let Lillian get to work- its was all so much and not enough at once and Beck can barely wrap his head around her hand on his cock before she’s teasing him with her lips. “Lillian,” Beck moaned, his voice hoarse, his hand pushing some of her long, blonde hair out of the way. “I thought about you so, so often- mmmfph-” he couldn’t even finish his words before Lillian was sinking her pretty, soft mouth down around his cock in a way that he only remembered feeling. It took everything he had not to buck up into her, to slide his hands through her hair and hold her face still as he fucked into her pretty mouth, but Lillian knows him and stopped his action immediately. They’d been around this rodeo once before- many times before, but this immediately felt different to Beckett. It’d been so long since he’d had someone’s mouth around him, but even longer since he’d sunk his cock deep into a girl’s warm pussy. The thought of finally getting to be in Lillian again was enough to make his cock jump once more, right as the woman in question teased him with his nickname. 

“Baby girl,” Beckett smirked, watching the way she seemed to melt for his cock in the same way he wanted her. He helped Lillian yank off her panties, his hand immediately going to her wet pussy, “Fuck- baby, you are so, so fucking wet for me.” He slid his fingers through her folds and relished in the feeling- even he was surprised at how much an effect all of this had had on her. Beck barely got a chance to touch Lillian before she was swatting his hand away and sinking down onto his cock in such a slow motion that he tossed his head back against their pillows and let out a deep groan. He could tell that she was starting to hesitate- the feeling of firsts suddenly washing over her in the same way it did for him. Beck’s hands settled on Lillian’s hips, his thumbs rubbing small circles into the skin- he knew he was big but he had assumed that Mason would’ve been at least somewhat similar in size. This felt like she had to take a moment to adjust as her hips moved slowly, but Beck ached for more. He wanted to be in control. They’d have all the time in the world for Lillian to have her way, but this was his turn to show her everything he’d felt for the last five years. At her begging, Beck didn’t hesitate to flip them over, his cock still deep in her pussy as he did so, “I love you, fuck, I love you so much- I didn’t think I could ever love someone as much as I love you.” His lips pressed hard into Lillian’s mouth while his arms slipped under Lillian’s knees, “Let me know if it’s too much- talk to me, okay?” Beck rolled his hips in small circles, his eyes glancing from the blonde’s expression to her pert nipples and eventually down to her pussy. He pulled his hips back and watched with hooded eyes as his cock slowly slipped back into Lillian’s pussy, his length covered with her wetness. He wasn’t expecting this to be so slow and so antagonizing, but there was something completely and utterly erotic about the way Lily took his length that had Beck wanting to keep the pace at nothing more than a slow, slow roll. He glanced upwards at Lillian, “Look at you,” he muttered, “you were fucking made for my cock.” 

The slow and antagonizing teasing eventually got to Beckett, in the same way he could tell it was getting to Lillian, because he soon dropped his arms from under her knees, leaned forward, and pressed a kiss to Lillian’s lips as his hips bucked forward with such an intensity that they both moaned in unison. He sucked a kiss into Lillian’s shoulder, his hips finding a good, steady pace as she moaned sweetly in his ear. This felt like their first time and Beck’s heart was pounding at the thought of getting to do this whenever- that this, his cock fucking in and out of Lillian’s pussy, was no longer just a fantasy that he used as a way to get off. Beck groaned and leaned back, one of his hands traveling down Lillian’s body and the other moving under her waist to pull her upwards, her back immediately arching, her pussy sinking down even deeper (although that probably wasn’t possible, but Beck could swear he felt it). Lillian let out a moan as Beck fucked into her harder, his hips chasing an orgasm that he could feel deep in his stomach. He knew he wouldn’t be able to last, not at the rate his hips were fucking into Lillian. Without a second thought, Beckett pulled out of his girlfriend and smirked at her needy whine, her fingers clawing into Beck’s toned arm as she barked out a what the fuck are you doing. “Baby,” Beck teased, his body scooting down the bed until he had settled between her legs, his lips pressing a teasing trail to Lillian’s thigh, “I was not going to last if I kept going. Besides,” the tip of tongue ran down her thigh and up to the smooth skin just above her folds, “I haven’t gotten a taste yet- and you did. You know this was my favorite- one of my favorite- parts about fucking you. You always tasted so fucking good.” Beck pressed his nose into Lillian’s thigh and gave her a smile. He could feel his cock throbbing between his legs, but he wanted Lillian closer to cumming, he wanted to feel her cum around him and he knew that wasn’t necessarily an easy feat. 

Lily paused, giving Beck’s question proper thought before answering. From this moment on, she wanted to ensure that communication between them was honest and earnest. “I’m okay with it.” She shrugged, giving him a smile. “I- I don’t want them to go after you, you know?” Her cheeks turned rosy as she shyly turned away from him for a moment. “It’s just weird being Beck and Lily again. These people don’t really know the background story of us. I just hope people don’t take anything out on you or the studio.” She wasn’t really sure how to prepare him for any backlash. Lillian had only become more famous in the last few years as the lead female principal dancer at the royal ballet. Mason was deeply connected to her success and recruitment, but also had strong ties to the papers. From his behavior earlier today, she knew it wasn’t going to be an easy ride for her and Beck. “I think we just need to be prepared for the worst. No one at the studio knows you were homeless, Mason might be the only one to know you were homeless.” She wanted to protect Beck, but she needed to figure out how to best keep him safe. None the less, they were both in this awkward and tense situation. She knew that they could pretend nothing was going to get between them, but unfortunately everyone believed they had two cents about what Lillian Moon should do. Thankfully, she rarely went out in public without Sophie and paparazzi respected Sophie’s space as a child. “It’s nicer for us though to not have to hide. To not walk on eggshells about what I should do or say. I’d rather suffer through hell and have you by my side.” Beck had proven himself over the last few weeks as someone who wanted to be with her. He loved Sophie and Lily, and he made it clear he wasn’t going anywhere without them. “I just think we need to build a strong support group around us.” She had already been working on bringing new people into her life, specifically, a lawyer who could protect them against any bullshit Mason tried to pull with the studio. 

Lily eyed the two as the shuffled towards Sophie’s new room. She held a smile as she listened to them babble back and forth. It wasn’t surprising that Beck was an amazing father, he had always treated Lily well. Something itched at her that Beck was a little off since the mention of Gavin. Mason had problems with Gavin for the same reason Beck would, he was far too handsy and cocky about their relationship. Gavin somewhat made Lily a competition, believing no one could be as close to her. He wasn’t wrong, but her and Beck were extremely close on a different level. Dinner went by smoothly, surprisingly. After the events of the day, she was convinced at some point everything might go crashing down again. When it was just her and Beck she could feel his uneasiness again, making her a bit on edge. “Hey love,” She said softly back, leaning into his kisses. It killed her when he wasn’t able to get his words out, knowing just how far he had come. “Gavin knows about you.” Lily started, her hand reaching up to run a hand through his hair. “He’s like a brother. He won’t lay a hand on you unless you give him a reason to.” It was hard to explain Gavin without Beck experiencing him. Before Lily could go into depth of reasons Beck shouldn’t be intimidated by her dance partner, Sophie wandered into the kitchen. Lily picked her up, snuggling her nose into Sophie’s neck. “Yes honey bunny, I’ll tell you the story again. Go get in bed and we’ll be right there.” Sophie ran off, excited for them to join her. Lily took the cup of tea, passing Beck a grateful smile. She dropped two cubes and took a sip, she could really get used to this. Being with Beck felt right, she just didn’t want this honeymoon phase to end. “It’s really just the story of us.” Lily smiled, leaning into his kiss eagerly. “I love you too. Bring some tissues, okay? I don’t want our daughter already seeing you cry.” She teased with a wink, tugging on the hoops of his pants until Sophie started calling them. It was going to be a little difficult to find a balance between being a mom and being Beck’s partner. Especially when she constantly just wanted to jump his bones. 

Walking into Sophie’s room, there had been some makeshift blanket and sheet situation set up. Sophie bounced excitedly in her bed, watching her parents walk in. “Are you ready baby?” Lily smiled, helping to adjust her to a laying down position. When Sophie nodded eagerly, she reached out and held Beck’s hand in her own smaller one. “So once upon a time, there was a Prince.” Lily started, but Sophie already interrupted her yelling out Beck’s name and squeezing his hand. “And he was cursed by an evil wizard when he was a little boy. He couldn’t speak a word until he found his true love.” The story had been difficult to tell before when Beck was out of her life. It only existed as a reminder of what she left behind all those years ago. Lillian had a hard time looking at Beck when she told the story, a little embarrassed that he knew she told Sophie stories about them. “One day the Prince had a big party with his friends, and in walked a normal girl. He’d never seen her before because he always kept his nose in books.” Lily teased, biting her lip for a moment before continuing. “And when he laid eyes on her, she was so beautiful he couldn’t help but want to dance with her. But once the dance was over, he was so scared she wouldn’t accept his curse that he ran away.” Sophie let out a whine, sad the prince ran away from the girl. “But he couldn’t stop thinking about the girl, she made him want to talk. And a few days later he ran into the girl and she figured out his curse. Instead of hating him, she embraced him and his differences. Soon it felt like the curse had been a distant memory to them. One day, the prince looked at the girl and realized that she was his one true love. And just like that, the curse was lifted and he was able to tell the girl how much he loved her.” She left out the part where she had a nervous breakdown and almost left him at Disney World all those years ago. “And then they lived happily ever after together.” It finally felt like the story was true. The ending hurt the most because Beck and Lily hadn’t had their happily ever after. Lily finally met Beck’s eyes and she offered him a warm smile, this was what she had wanted for so many years. 

Sophie looked half asleep, still holding onto Beck’s hand. Lily knew she was a little afraid that Beck could disappear suddenly as well. “Good night baby.” Lily smiled, leaning down to press a kiss to Sophie’s head and tucked the blankets in around her. She stepped out, letting Beck have a moment with their daughter. Lily needed to let them build their relationship without her meddling. She had a feeling Sophie was going to become a daddy’s girl over time, they were so similar. Sitting down on the couch, she lit some candles on the living room table. It was their first night being official. They had slept together but there was nothing more than kissing and close call touches. She was oddly nervous, afraid this was a dream. Once he walked in, she opened her arms to him and pulled him close to her. “I can’t believe this is my life.” Everything was finally falling into place. They were going to make a life for their family here in London. “I have the love of my life and my baby under one roof. I have you all to myself and don’t have to worry about Mason.” She pressed her face into his shoulder. “What he did to us is unforgivable. What I did to you is unforgivable.” But here he was by her side. “I’m sorry he did this to us. I wish I could erase it all and make it go away. I wish I could go back and see the signs.” She looked up and studied his face, her hand cupping his cheek gently. “I just want to live my life making it up to you. I want to make your dreams come true and support you.” Money wasn’t important to Lily, she had enough for their family to live comfortably. “I want us to have the happy ending we always deserved.” It was disgusting how much she loved him. All those years ago, she was terrified of a happy ending with anyone. She had grown up swearing off love after watching her parent’s marriage fall apart. But now, Lily didn’t want to go another day without having him in her life. “You don’t have to worry about Gavin. He has a bark worse than his bite and just wants to fuck everything in sight. He’s an amazing dancer and probably my best friend. He wants to help the studio and our family because he loves Sophie and I. But he’ll love you too once he gets to know you.” Gavin would still be antagonistic towards Beck, but she didn’t want him worrying too much. “I’d be more worried about him trying to steal you from me.”

Beck doesn’t cry when Lily tells their daughter her bedtime story, but he’d be lying if he didn’t admit that he came pretty damn close to wanting to. For some reason, during their five years apart, Beck had just fallen into assuming that Lillian had moved on and forgotten him. Once Lily wrapped up her story, Beck gave her hand a squeeze and nodded as she said her goodnights to her daughter. Suddenly, he was left alone with his daughter and this moment, well, it seemed so much more important than it had ten minutes before. This was his first real moment with Sophie and if Beck were honest, he wanted it to be important for him and for the little girl. “You all ready for bed?” he mumbled, watching as Sophie’s eyes seemed to struggle to stay open. Beck smoothed her curls down and pulled up the blanket a little higher on Sophie, smiling as she snuggled deeper into her bed. “You know,” Beck sat down on the ground next to Sophie’s bed, her eyes opening only a bit to look at him, “I have waited for five years to meet you. You’re more than anything I could’ve ever asked for. When I was younger- not too much older than you,” Sophie blinked at him and smiled, her little hand twisting around Beck’s, “I used to write stories. It wasn’t until I was older that I thought maybe I’d like to tell them to my kids someday. So maybe- maybe you’d like to hear one of my stories?” his daughter’s eyes lit up, “I’ll make it fast- I know your mum doesn’t want you up much later. So- here we go,” he wasn’t sure why, but Beck’s stomach suddenly started twisting with nerves. “Once upon a time, in a far off land, there lived a little boy with a pet cat. Now him and his pet cat- they were the best of friends. No one in the town had ever seen them apart until one day, the little boy vanished. It was then that the little cat revealed his true identity as... a superhero!” Beck’s soft voice comforted the little girl in more ways that Mason had ever done before. He continued on with the story, smiling as Sophie reacted to certain bits that he had reacted to when he had come up with it all those years ago. Beck hadn’t gotten but halfway through the story before Sophie had fallen asleep- her tight grip on his hand suddenly becoming slack. Beck pressed a kiss to the little girl’s forehead, “Goodnight, Little Bird- I lo-” he stopped, unsure if it was natural enough to say that he loved the girl in front of her. He did, that was absolutely true, but it felt strange. He decided to save those words for when Sophie was awake to hear them. Beck tucked the blankets around his daughter once more before flipping the light switch off and closing the door ever so carefully. He wasn’t sure how Sophie would sleep with the door closed, but if she had a problem, Beck was sure she’d let them know. 

When he returned to the kitchen and rounded the corner to the living room, he let out a whistle at the sight before him, “Candles and a pretty woman?” Beck sat down and slipped into Lillian’s arms, enjoying the feeling of being the one held, “I don’t deserve any of this,” he hummed. He let himself fall heavy into her arms, his face pressing to the flat part of her chest, just below her neck. She still smelled the same and Beck was pretty sure he’d never be able to get over it. “I wish you’d forgive yourself,” he finally said, “I know that you won’t- and that you’ll blame all of this on you forever, but you have to remember that this was equal parts me and you and then, well- mostly Mason, too.” Beck picked his head up to kiss Lillian’s chin, “I like to think about what it’d be like if you hadn’t left- like... coming home to you and you telling me that you’re pregnant- us going through it together and having party after party after party. I just- you deserved every enjoyable moment of your first pregnancy that most women get. Then I think like- would we still have the bookstore? Would my mom have gotten to-” Beck slipped his arms around Lillian and nuzzled impossibly closer to her, he didn’t want to kill the vibe but damn, “I wish my mom could’ve met her- Sophie. She’s basically everything my mom loved. God, she would’ve spoiled her rotten. I don’t know if we would’ve been able to control her, honestly,” he chuckled into Lillian’s chest and heaves out a sigh of relief, “Just- lets just move on from the past, okay? Or try to- for tonight. Stop talking about happy endings and things that we can’t control. I don’t want my happy to have an ending- we’re only at the beginning of our happy.” Beck was very, very much a sap and this only proved himself further. “Him trying to steal me?” Beck grinned, “I dunno, baby, you’re pretty hot. I don’t know how anyone could not want you. Regardless of their sexuality.” 

Beck sat back up and looked over his shoulder at Sophie’s doorway to see if it was still shut and turned back to Lillian once he had confirmed that it was, “So-” he lifted an eyebrow, “Miss Moon- do you come here often?” Beck leaned back towards Lillian, his lips ghosting against her chin and up across her jaw, “How about we stop talkin’ about other men and about sad shit like the last five years of us not being together and start talking about all the wonderful things that we’re gonna do for the next fifty.” Beck ran his hand down Lillian’s side until it settled on her hip, his fingers pressing into the little dip in her sides that had once been constantly bruised by his fingers, “Thing one that I’m gonna do for the next fifty years?” his lips traveled down Lillian’s neck, his teeth nipping at the soft skin, “make sure you’re loved every which way to Wednesday.” Beck could feel his hands shaking- the way they used to when he’d have to sign something emotional to Lillian when his voice still seemed to struggle to be heard. He pushed the thought away and followed his instinct- his hands pushing the fabric of Lillian’s shirt upwards until it revealed the red lace of Lillian’s bra, still the same woman you’ve always been, huh? “You know, I think you’re like- four times as sexy these days-” Beck didn’t know how to be sexy and that hit him incredibly hard. He laughed against Lillian’s stomach, “I’m sorry, baby, I’m not very sexy- I’ve kinda-” Beck’s head popped up, his blue eyes meeting Lillian’s, “All I want to do is carry you to our bedroom,” the our seems to hang heavy between them, a smile slipping to Beck’s face, “throw you against the bed, and remind you who you’ve always belonged to.” Cocky? Yes. Truthful? Also yes. “Do you remember when we were younger- like six months in,” Beck sat up, his arms easily pulling Lillian into his lap, his hands settling on the curve of her ass, “You had dragged me out to one of those stupid fucking clubs that I hated but you were dressed in this tight, red dress-” Beck’s lips traveled back to Lillian’s neck, “I’m pretty sure we were both drunk but that red dress was driving me fucking crazy- you looked so good in it and we were dancing- well, you were dancing- I was swaying,” his hands traveled up Lillian’s sides until his fingers found the shirt again, “and then you pulled me close and told me you weren’t wearing panties,” Beck yanked the shirt upwards and over Lillian’s shoulders, “I don’t think I had ever moved so fast- right into the bathroom of a dirty club- and fucked you so hard against a wall that you almost passed out as you came.” 

He stood, his arms supporting Lillian’s weight long enough to press her against the living room wall, “Remember how quiet you had to be in that stall?” I do, Beck thought, I had to cover your mouth just so that the other people in the bathroom couldn’t hear you scream, “I need you to do that again- I know it’ll be pretty hard for you to do, but you’re a good girl- so be that for me. At least until we can get a sitter.” Beck’s hand traveled to Lillian’s hair where he twisted a few strands around his finger before pulling her face close, “I love you, baby. You know? I can’t wait until I get to spend every fucking day of every tomorrow with you, in you- same thing.” He cupped Lillian’s cheek, “Its like- loving you is the only thing I’ve known to be a fact for my entire life and I can’t- I can’t get over the fact that you’re here- with me- I just-” Beck doesn’t hesitate to press his lips hard and fast to Lillian’s. He chest is bursting with emotions that he’ll never be able to explain, but he knows Lillian will understand in their language. Beck swiped his tongue across Lillian’s lower lip, a smirk blossoming across his face as Lillian opened her mouth. His hand traveled up Lillian’s back, the blunt tip of his nail scraping gently down the woman’s spine, just enough to have her arching towards him, her body pressing into his. Beck pushed her harder against the wall, his hips jolting upwards with the desire to feel her in ways that had only made his cock hard in his hand over the course of the last few weeks. He had gotten off anytime he could, really. In the shower, usually, while both girls were away and Beck could slowly stroke himself to the thought of Lillian wrapped around him. Beck pulled back, his lips leaving Lillian’s with a soft pop as he pressed his way to her neck, his teeth nibbling at a spot that was much more prominent than the ones hidden behind Lillian’s hair, “I want you so bad, baby- god, it’s all I’ve thought about.” Beck kept his lips attached to the spot on Lily’s neck as he pushed away from the wall, his legs stumbling as he moved them towards their bedroom. He laid Lillian down on their bed, his cock already half hard and throbbing in his pants, Beck waited just long enough to yank his shirt over his head before he was back on Lily, his hands fumbling with the button on the woman’s pants, “off, off, off,” he mumbled, Beck’s lips trailing wet, sloppy kisses down Lillian’s tummy. His head was fuzzy with fifteen different emotions running through his brain. 

Lily knew the feeling Beck was having. When she looked at little baby Sophie in her arms she knew she’d never love anything as much as she loved her. There was nothing that compared to love between a child and a parent. Lily never thought having Beck there to be her father would make her so happy. She never thought she’d have to share her angel, but with him… It felt like every aspect of her life was falling into place. How was she ever going to convey to Beck how much he had saved her from digging herself a hole? “Sophie is going to change your entire life outlook, I promise. She’s such a mini version of us.” Lily beamed at him, happy they were no longer in the strange aggressive mood. “She’s got your brains and my spunk. Sophie’ll have you around her finger in no time. We might have to have to have a talk with her though. She’s only four so this is a big change. Right now you’re only Beck, but you’ve been in her life quite a bit so far. She’ll just need it to be explained to, I think. But she clearly loves you.” Now they had to use protection. Mentally Lily scoffed, she wondered how long that would last until he wanted more children. Safety was never really something they did before, but now they had a child so that was saying something. “I’d rather take the pill.” She whined, biting her lip. Just thinking about having sex with Beck again made her squeeze her thighs together. Lily wrapped herself close to Beck, biting her lip as he went to her ear. “Beck…” Her hand went to her mouth to help keep her noises to herself. It was like they were back right where they had left off, making Lillian crave him even more. Her sex life had been abysmal since she had left Beck all those years ago, nothing seemed to scratch the itch. “I want you.” She replied back at him softly, closing her eyes as she focused more on his hands on her body. “It’s not too forward, it’s overdue.” The last three weeks, Lillian had wanted nothing more than to tackle him and have her way with him. “I just got out of almost getting married and you already want to marry me?” She teased, her eyes meeting his once he pulled her in close. She bit her lip as he put the corn on his face, her hands tenderly rubbing his arm. “I’m sorry he punched you,” Lily said softly, checking his eye from under the bag. 

“She’ll call you anything, just… Take it slow with her okay? She’s a little girl,” Lily sighed, worried he was going to put too much pressure on himself to make her like him. Beck had been doing just fine, but she didn’t want to force anything between them. “Let’s not use daddy, I agree.” She scrunched up her nose at the thought. Papa, it was then. She always felt like Papa was a little… old sounding. But Beck was so passionate about his new self-declared nickname, she wasn’t going to say anything. Lillian laughed when he got caught up in wanting to know everything about his daughter. Not like they had forever to figure everything out, it was adorable to see him happy again even with a black eye. Lily was a little peeved when her daughter walked past her and chose Beck, jealousy sit in her stomach. Now she had to actually share Sophie with him, something she looked forward to and dreaded. She was used to being the favorite parent and Beck was going to give her a run for her money. It was overall for the better, but Lily couldn’t help but be jealous. Lily grabbed her coat and purse and soon the newly bonded family was going to go on their first family errand. Once they got to to the store, Beck and Sophie became almost instantly separated from her. Initially, her heart panicked, but she knew they were okay. She reached down to pick up some meat, her right hand shined in the light because of the ring Beck had given her.  “Lily.” A voice beamed, this time she was pleasantly surprised. It was the mother of one of her students. “I, um- I saw you with that guy. Is he one of your brothers?” Lily let out a laugh and shook her head, but she was unsure what to exactly call Beck. “No, no. He’s my daughter’s dad. We’re-” The mother’s eyes lit up, immediately interrupting her. “Could you introduce him to me? I’ve seen him around the studio, he’s so handsome.” Now Lily happened to like this woman, but she clearly made a face that said it all, because the woman nervously took a step back. “No, we’re trying to make it work between us.” Lily was kind of happy to finally say something so it’d get out. Calling Beck her boyfriend seemed… juvenile. They were so much more than boyfriend and girlfriend. “What about Mason?” The woman looked like she was about to lose her mind on the hot gossip. “We’re not together anymore.” Lily had a feeling once she walked away the news would spread like wildfire, but she didn’t care for once in such a long time. “I have to go, but it was nice catching up with you.” Lily waved with a smile, walking away to find Beck and Sophie. 

“You have no control.” Lily rolled her eyes with a smile, putting the meat in the cart. Sophie was beaming towards her mom, knowing she won a major battle with Beck. Lily kissed Beck back but pulled away with a nod. “It’s… Nice though. Besides you trying to give our daughter cavities. Soph, have you even had cheesecake?” Sophie laughed, shaking her head no. “I didn’t think so. So was this Papa’s idea then and he’s blaming it on you?” Lily teased but left the platter in the cart. Beck was going to be an influence on their daughter. “We don’t usually eat sweets,” Lily said as she took over the cart as she moved towards the veggies so she could make a shepherd’s pie. “No sweets, no soda. If she gets sweets it’s only ice cream once in a while.” If Beck was going to be Papa, he needed to know the ground rules Lily had set for the last four years. “I don’t want her to be like those kids addicted to sugar. We eat vegetables, don’t we Soph?” Lily chimed, her daughter nodded her head but kept her eyes focused on the colorful boxes they passed in the aisles. Lily was already a health nut as it was, her daughter was raised eating vegetables and balanced meals. Beck would probably change that a bit to a more… Family friendly menu. Sophie was going to be a tall thin girl, much like Lillian was when she was younger- the perfect dancer body. Now Lillian wasn’t perfect, she and her daughter held a huge appreciation for burgers and fries that couldn’t be rivaled. “A mom just approached me and thought you were one of my brothers. She wanted me to introduce you two.” Lily made a grossed out face as she gathered up some carrots and potatoes. “And just like that, the news is already out.” Lily glanced up and gave him a smile, not really afraid of what the future was for them. For now, she wasn’t going to stress herself about it, they both needed to figure it out along the way. Sure, her heart was broken by what Mason had done. She had loved the man enough to want to marry him in the first place. She wasn’t heartless, but she also realized how easily she had fallen out of love with him. Grabbing a bag of frozen peas, she handed it to Beck to help with the swelling as she shopped around. 

Once they got everything, Lily went to the register and opened her wallet. She felt pleased to take out her own card and swiped it for the cash register. Beck grabbed the bags and Lily held Sophie, who was counting all the cars as they passed by. Suddenly Sophie stopped and leaned in close to her mom. “Beck is my papa?” She whispered, eyeing him walking next to them. “Yes, my love,” Lily whispered back, smiling towards Beck. “Is he gonna stay with us? Is- is Mason going to come back?” She could tell her daughter was afraid of her ex by the way she bit her lip and said his voice even softer as if he was going to be able to hear her. “Yes, we’re going to live with Beck now in the studio. Mason isn’t going to come back if mummy and papa can help it, okay?” The girl nodded and threw her arms around her mom’s neck and tucked her head into her shoulder. Lily was furious that Mason had been so aggressive and scared her daughter. He had no care for Sophie, only hatred in his heart for Beck. He probably hated Beck more than he ever loved her. Once they got home, Lily grabbed her apron and started cooking dinner. When they arrived there were some duffel bags filled with clothes that Derrick had probably dropped off. A small note on top said he would bring his girlfriend the next time he stopped by. “Oh, I finally was able to hire another teacher to come teach at the studio.” Lily beamed as she put the food in the oven. “He was my dance partner while we were on tour. Hopefully, the boys will like him, he can be really intense.” It was hard to teach the boys in her classes since techniques were so different between the sexes. Women worked more on footwork and grace while men focused more on lifting and jumps. “You’ll like him though, he’s pretty much my best friend if I’m honest. His name is Gavin.” Sophie perked up once she heard the name, gasping excitedly. “Uncle Gavin is coming?” Lily nodded, loving how close those two had been on the road. “Yes, he’s moving to London next week to start teaching here.” Sophie looked up at Beck with a smile. “Have you met him, Papa? He’s very handsome.” The last part she whispered to Beck as if it was a secret. It wasn’t a secret that Gavin was gorgeous and he full well knew it. 

Beck scoffed at Lillian’s request that they continue to eat healthy. He knew that already, as he had seen that not much had changed from the way Lillian chose to stock her fridge. “Baby,” he mumbled, his fingers unlatching the sugar cookie container, “I don’t think a few cookies and some sweets as a form of celebration,” he pressed a kiss to Lillian’s cheek as he handed a cookie to their daughter, “Will really void everything you’ve spent the last four years for. And besides... the cheesecake is for mum and papa lovin’.” Beck winked, a sly smirk crossing his face. Sure, he had planned on letting Sophie try some of the cake, but he knew that Lillian had a soft spot for raspberry cheesecake. “Besides, Papa likes vegetables too! And fruit- speaking of which, apples?” Beck followed Lillian around the store, his eyes trained more on their daughter than anything else. She was the spitting image of everything he loved about Lillian - her hair color, her eye color, her lips but Sophie’s nose was definitely his. Beck shook his head, how had he not figured it out earlier? “A mom?” He perked up, “Like... one of the ones from the studio?” There had been quite a few people to pass through the studio over the course of the last three weeks but Beck had never cared to pay attention to the mothers. He enjoyed watching the children dance and the way they seemed to stumble over Lillian’s feet to be just like her. Beck slipped his arm around Lillian as they walked, one hand pushing the cart, “Are you- do you care that the news is out?” Beck hadn’t put much thought to it, not really. He had always known Lillian for who she was, without the fame. The thought made him think- how would their life change? “Because I- I mean, I don’t. I don’t really care much for these people to know that I was homeless,” Beck muttered the last word as they stopped in front of the bread isle, his finger gently pinching Sophie’s cheek to elicit a sweet giggle, “I’m kinda glad they know. It’ll be less stress on us and the studio to keep things low. And hey- maybe you can even use me as an example of what not to do during some of the dances.” 

Beck carried the bags with ease- living with nothing but the things he could carry had made him a bit tougher with hauling things during long distances. He, of course, perked up at Sophie’s question and although it was said softly, Beck couldn’t help but to let a smile blossom on his face at Sophie’s acceptance, even if it was with a bit of hesitance. Something in his chest throbbed at the thought of him getting to watch Sophie grow up- all the dance recitals, homework, school dances, future boyfriends- he could hardly believe that he had a baby with the love of his life. He had missed so much, but in that moment, Beck vowed to never miss another important moment. Upon arriving to their little flat, Beck set down the groceries and helped to put away all of the things Lillian wouldn’t be using to cook. He snatched a few strawberries from where they had just been rinsed in the sink and popped one into his mouth, “Who?” Beck could only vaguely remember Lillian having a dance partner in the performances that he had seen, “Gavin... I can’t say I’ve heard of him, but if you love him, then I’m sure I will too.” Somewhere deep down, Beck felt a twang of jealousy and a hint of worry- what if Gavin hated Beck too? He could only handle so much hatred from something he had no control over. Beck chuckled at Sophie’s question and scooped her up in his arms, “He’s handsome, hmm?” he handed his daughter a strawberry, “No dating until you’re married, alright?” Beck pressed a kiss to his daughter’s rosy cheek, “Lets go take a look at your room, alright? Papa can’t keep sleeping on the couch and I need to know exactly what little miss princess wants in her room.” He carried Sophie into the connecting room where a few pieces of furniture was already assembled. The walls had been painted a gentle pink and the floor was newly carpeted. Beck had been working hard to pull it all together, but he wasn’t entirely sure if it was set to go. 

“So I think we can get mummy to go and get you some new sheets tomorrow,” He picked Sophie up and set her on the mattress of her bed, “Do you like it? We can make any changes that you want. You just say the word,” Beck knelt down to Sophie’s level and watched as she took in her new bedroom. He had made sure that the room had enough natural light to feel open and came with at least three spots for good nightlights. “I even made sure to build you your own little dance studio,” he walked towards the far end of the room, towards the window. The carpeted ground suddenly ended and opened up to a large wooden space clad with a mini dance barre and a few large mirrors. “This way, you can show papa your dances even when mummy is teaching the older girls, okay?” He had seen Sophie get caught up on a twirl on their living room carpet more times in the last three weeks than he’d like to admit. His daughter let out a squeal of delight and twirled for a few minutes on her new dance floor, Beck only joining to spin her at his daughter’s request. It wasn’t much longer after that that Beck and Sophie were called to the kitchen for dinner. The table was set, something that he had only seen Lillian do a handful of times. Their kitchen had never really been quite large enough for a nice dining room table, so this was certainly a nice change. Beck slid into the seat across from Sophie and Lillian, figuring that he probably should share their daughter. It was easy to fall into the rest of dinner- the conversation was light with Lillian asking Sophie about homework and if she’d practiced her new dance, filled with giggles from Sophie as Beck made faces at her and small gasps from Lillian when Beck ran his foot up her calf. This felt like home. 

After dinner, Lillian pushed Sophie off to the bathroom, asking that she get ready for bed. Beck stood at the kitchen sink and got to work on the dishes- just like old times, “Hey baby,” he mumbled as Lillian slid the leftovers into the fridge, “This Gavin guy. Do I need to- does he know? Is he-” Beck couldn’t seem to get the words out, his anxiety starting to get to him and his voice, “I-” he struggled and shot Lillian a look. Is he like Mason? Do I need to prepare myself? He let out an irritated sigh and set the clean dish into the drying rack. Beck rinsed and dried his hands before wrapping his arms around Lillian, his face pressed into her neck for comfort, “Words are still hard sometimes.” It was his version of a shitty apology, “Is he going to hate me?” The words came out in a rush, “I don’t know if I can deal with getting another black eye so soon,” Beck let out a sad laugh and eventually pulled back, his hands going to the kettle on the stove to heat them up a cup of tea. Sophie bolted back into the room just then, her little fists settling on her hips, “Papa,” she whined, “Will you and mummy tell me a story tonight? Can I hear the one about the princess again?” she batted her eyes and hugged onto Lillian’s thigh, Beck smiled in return, “Of course, Little Bird. Go get in bed, mum and I will be right there.” The kettle had just started to whistle, so Beck got to fixing them each a cup, “So the story of the princess?” He handed Lillian her cup and slid the bowl of sugar cubes towards Lillian, “I know you mentioned it earlier, but you may have to take the reigns on this one. I’m sure I’ll catch on soon enough,” Beck took a sip of his tea and let out a relaxed sigh- he could get used to this life. Forever in a dream with his love, he decided, “Have I mentioned that I love you? Because hey-” Beck stepped towards Lillian and pinned her to the kitchen cabinets, “I do. I so, so do. I love you,” he snuck one more kiss in- a deep one pressed directly to Lillian’s lips just as Sophie began to call out for the pair of them. “Seems like our baby is calling- after you, Miss Moon,” someday you’ll finally be Mrs. Frayn. Someday.

Lillian had seen Beck be upset before, but this was a new level. She let him talk, her eyes glancing at him every so often when he hit a nerve. He deserved to be pissed at her, she had hidden something monumental from him. She had no nice way to just say I wanted to make sure you were ready. If she had just come out an exclaimed that Beck was Sophie’s dad, that would have paralyzed him with anxiety. He had every right to be upset at her, but not for reasons that were out of her control. Lillian was a victim as well to Mason’s meddling, but she wasn’t about to make this about her. “You think I wanted anyone that wasn’t you?” Lily rolled her eyes, Beck was truly unbelievable. “I wanted only you, exclusively. I didn’t date for two years.” It was true, Mason had to court her for two years and shove lies upon lies down her throat to ensure she wouldn’t want to go back to Beck. “If you love her for being mine, you should love her even more that she’s ours.” In the few weeks, they had been in each other’s lives, Sophie had grown so attached to Beck. Lillian was beginning to think he was a better parent than she was, especially making sure to build her her own space within their flat. Sophie looked at him like he was a God among men, constantly asking when she was going to see him when they were separated. Beck was the one making excuses now about how he had to integrate fatherhood into his life. “Yes, Beck, because you aren’t already a father to her. That very opinionated little girl upstairs loves you more than me half the time.” He was being insecure about his fathering abilities, something she knew he would put on himself.  I didn’t have the opportunity to be. “We don’t get to chose things like parenthood. But I know damn well that you know that out of everyone in the world you are already a better father than most.” Lily was frustrated with him, he wanted to be her father and now he was. And then the fear and insecurity started to make him feel like he wasn’t going to do a good job. “Plus whatever you lack, I pick up.” She took the turn to bring his chin down to her level to look him in the eyes. “That’s why we make the perfect team. Mason? He didn’t do anything for that little girl of ours. You’ve done more in three weeks to make her fall in love with you than he ever did in five years.” Beck was the best thing to happen to both Lily and Sophie. 

Lily glanced out the window, watching her barely smoked cigarette on the pavement. Beck wasn’t going to leave her, but he was mad. She had a feeling that their love would probably overcome this over time if they just… Forgave each other. Specifically, if Beck forgave Lily. Which she knew she didn’t deserve now, but she couldn’t help but give him a small smile. He wasn’t going to run away from their lives, which she wouldn’t have really blamed him all that much for. But now he was pulling her close into his lap and she couldn’t help but pull herself as close to him as possible. She offered him a sweet smile as he talked about his dreams for their family. “You didn’t miss anything, I promise,” Lily said, resting her head on his shoulder. “I was so angry and irritated. Derrick would come take care of me and we’d get into throwdown fights. I would actually try to fist fight him.” Lillian let out a small laugh, remembering the times he’d deny her requests or called her fat. “He would come visit and call me Jabba the Hutt because I was making requests but couldn’t move anywhere. They started knowing him so well at the bakery because of me. They’d tell him he was coming to pick up the Lily Special. A chocolate croissant with chili flakes and a side of strawberry jam. And a tall glass of ice tea with raspberries.” She was so vicious when she was pregnant, she was glad she was able to take it out on Derrick and not Beck. “And then I would throw fits that you knocked me up and weren’t there. I would yell so much Derrick just started bringing noise-canceling headphones. We’d be sitting there watching TLC together and I would just lose it when Say Yes to the Dress was on. I was the most bitter pregnant woman there was.” Derrick was the oldest one, so he took responsibility for looking after his sister at their father’s estate in Spain. He’d joke that he’d force Beck into a shotgun wedding, but it seemed to only make his sister’s eyes more and more sad until he stopped bringing him up altogether. It wasn’t his place to get involved, but he wished his sister would allow him to hunt Beck down for her. “You wouldn’t be able to handle me, loverboy.” She teased, wanting to stay close to him and just… Be. 

Things had started feeling… Right between them. Beck loved her, she loved him. Beck was always far more romantic than she was, leaving her speechless to his declaration. “I love you too.” She managed to get out softly, blush spreading across her cheeks. “I could never do that to her- to you either.” Mason wasn’t involved with Sophie like Beck chose to be. “She’s never lived a lie or wondered where you were. I told her that one day you would come back. Even if you couldn’t be in my life romantically, I hoped one day we would cross paths so you could meet your daughter.” And how happy she was that it was romantically. What were the odds of them finding each other prior to her and Mason’s wedding? While there wasn’t a set date or plans, she had long given up finding Beck before she settled. His kiss sent chills throughout her body, making her wonder how any other man could have ever made her happy outside of Beck. He had the magic touch that seemed to wipe all sense of confusion from her conscious. She followed him upstairs, sending Derrick a small smile as the two passed him and Sophie. He didn’t have a chance to say anything, understanding Beck’s motion towards him. Once they got in the bedroom, Lily watched him carefully as he dug through his old closet. She had never quite gone inside to look through his things, it had always been closed and ignored. “Beck.” She breathed, looking at him with wide eyes. It had only been mere minutes since she had become officially unengaged, now he was going to put another one on? As he began to unfold about the mystery behind the small box, Lily brought her hand up to her mouth to hide her shock. He had gone so far to get approval and plan everything out… And then she left. Their story was all about missed opportunities and ridiculous mistakes. It was a constant slippery slope of trying to keep together at times, but Lily loved that about them. “I don’t know what to say Beck.” Her voice cracked, glancing down at the ring presented to her. “I’m not going anywhere, Beck.” She threw her arms around him and felt her tears finally escape. “Fuck, I love you so much.” Lily sniffed, feeling everything come together finally. “I want everything and more with you. I don’t want to live another day without looking into your eyes.” 

Suddenly she was below him, and her hips instinctively met his in passion. “You have all of me,” Lily whined, her hands grasping behind his neck. His touches left her breathless as he kissed up her stomach. Her eyes became reacquainted with the ceiling of their room before she closed them to focus on Beck’s touch and voice. “We can’t-” Lily gasped, finally brought back to the world around them and the fact that their daughter was outside with her brother. Her face was flushed red and they both look like they at least reached third base at this point. Beck had run his hands over the stretch marks that riddled her sides, making her frown at him and snatch her shirt down. That was a behavior she’d have to talk to him about. “Yes, we have a lot to do, my love.” She sighed, physically frustrated at his lack of fucking her. Honestly, for the last three weeks, she had to do his job in getting herself off to the thought of him. It was about time he took responsibility for what he did to her. Finally, Lily got up and opened the door to see Derrick with his ears covered with Sophie passed out. “Really, Derrick.” Lily rolled her eyes, not surprised by her brother’s actions. “I didn’t know if you two were reuniting in the physical sense. You guys sure look like you had some make up… baby making.” He was careful with his words, his eyes darting towards Sophie to make sure she was still asleep. “I was going to go get Lily’s things from the flat.” He offered, sitting up carefully to not wake his niece. Lily walked towards her purse and tossed her keys towards him. “Just make sure Sophie can’t hear any of that dirt stuff. All of us back home hated hearing you get more action than the three of us combined.” He mused, giving Beck a wink. “I’ll return soon.” With that, the newly formed family was alone for the first time. “If he’s tackling that… What should we do?” She whispered, eyeing her daughter who was out like a log. “I mean, some activities are just… too loud apparently.” Lily laughed quietly, lacing her hands with Becks. “Maybe go to the store? So we can have our first family dinner tonight. We can make your choice.” She was going to try harder for him to feel like he had the family he had always hoped for. There was no use in continued crying and fighting at this point.

“Regardless of how vicious you were,” Beck chuckled, “I still would’ve loved to have been there for you. I- you know I’m always going to regret that, yeah? That I missed watching her grow and- all of the things a father should get to do. I’d-” he paused and ran a careful hand down Lillian’s shoulder, “You could’ve screamed at me until the dogs ran home and I bet I still would’ve been the happiest man alive. I guess we learned one lesson from all of this,” Beck cupped Lillian’s face, a small smile pulling at the corners of his cheeks, “Maybe unprotected sex isn’t the best route for us to go down because clearly we can’t seem to take care of the whole contraception part of it all.” As he thought back to when they were dating, Beck began to quickly realize how dumb they had been. It only made sense that Lillian would end up pregnant, “But I guess we got a pretty good gift, yeah? She’s- I don’t know, Lills,” Beck pulled Lillian closer, “I didn’t think I could love something so much. I love you, you know? But this- wow. And now knowing that she’s mine- ours- it just... I didn’t think my heart could grow two sizes. I really, really didn’t.” Something warm bubbled in Beck’s stomach at how happy Lillian seemed to be from getting the ring- he wondered if he’d ever be able to top this happiness again in their lifetime. His fear, of course, lied in the fact that after this- after all the drama disappeared- would Beck be able to fulfill Lillian in the way she needed? At the end of the day, Beck was still poor and jobless. He still couldn’t provide for his daughter and while right now, he had an excuse, but he wasn’t sure how long Lillian (or himself, really) could let that fly. Beck had a lot of dreams for his small family. 

Beck pulled back from Lillian with an audible gasp followed by a low grumble, his lips attaching to the soft spot behind Lillian’s ears, “You know-” he hummed, “I finally get you back and I can’t even have you. It’s really not fair.” He continued his path of kisses, finally settling at a spot hidden by her hair to leave a pretty, purple mark. “Let me just-” he muttered, “Let me just kiss you a bit longer, okay? But be quiet, for once. It’ll be like a new game for us, although If my memory serves me correctly, you don’t exactly know what its like to be quiet.” Beck’s hands traveled back down to the edge of her shirt and pulled it back upwards again, “Stop hiding from me,” he pressed into her ear, “I love every part of you- every part. All of this,” One of Beck’s finger’s traveled a red stripe, “Means that we have something together. We have a real, living something together. And that-” he let out a low chuckle, his lips pressing soft kisses to Lillian’s forehead, nose, and chin, “is honestly so fucking sexy. Please don’t be ashamed of them, alright?” Once Lillian finally pulled away, Beck tossed himself beside her and stared up at the ceiling, “I’m gonna need,” he cleared his throat, “Just a moment, alright?” Beck watched as Lillian readjusted herself, “You’re the most beautiful thing,” he stood and wrapped his arms around her waist before carefully walking her forward until Lillian’s back hit the door with a soft thud. “Honestly, the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen and I just- want you so bad,” he groaned, his hands shoving deep into Lillian’s ass pockets, “Sorry- is this too forward? It’s been... a while,” Beck grinned, eventually pulling her in for another soft kiss, “We need to get her room done today if we can, yeah? I don’t want to wait any more- not when we don’t have a good reason to wait.” He finally pulled himself away from Lillian and let her exit the room, his eyes glued to her ass the entire time. Beck flushed at her brother’s comment, but chose not to answer. If it had been up to him, Beck would have been in the middle of some baby making right about now. Upon Derrick’s departure, Beck pulled Lillian into the kitchen to let their daughter have a bit more rest- it had been a long day for her. 

“The more you say family, the more I just want to go and get married tonight,” Beck pulled Lillian into his arms, “Dinner sounds good, though. How about we make Sophie’s choice? She’s had a long day- but could we maybe,” he pressed a gentle hand to his quickly bruising eye, “Maybe get some frozen peas or something? I feel like this thing is going to start swelling fast and as much as I don’t mind walking around with a black eye, I’d like to not terrify our daughter any more than she was today.” He let Lillian go and began to rummage through the fridge, finally finding a frozen bag of corn, “I guess this’ll do.” Beck pressed the frozen product to his eye and winced, “What do you think she’ll call me?” he whispered. It had always been a thought that’d crossed his mind. Growing up, Beck had only ever called his father by the name of dad and for some reason, it had never sat well with him afterwards. “I was- I’ve always kind of wanted to be called papa- maybe daddy? But that-” Beck chuckled, his finger looping into Lillian’s belt loop, “reminds me of things that should not be associated with my daughter.” It felt oddly good to put ownership on a human, but it was true. Sophie belonged to him- in a sense. “What does she like? I mean- I know she likes certain foods and colors- but what about toys? Animals? Should we get her a dog? I just-” Beck pressed a kiss to Lillian’s lips, “I want her to know that her Papa loves her- and that I’m not going anywhere. I wish I could just rope the moon for her and tie it to our windowsill.” That’s a good line- remember that for later. It wasn’t but moments later that Sophie was wandering into the kitchen, her little fists rubbing the sleep out of her eyes. She walked right past Lillian and immediately reached up to Beck, “Up,” she mumbled, to which Beck quickly obliged. Beckett smoothed down some of her wild curls and pressed a kiss to her cheek, “Hi sweetheart,” his eyes danced to Lillian’s for a moment. 

“Beck-” Sophie stopped, her fists curling in the collar of Beck’s shirt, she gave him a puzzled look before Beck spoke up, “Papa,” he replied, “Call me Papa, okay? If you want.” And as easy as that, Sophie nodded in agreement and let her head fall to his shoulder, “I’m hungry, Papa.” Beck let out a laugh and looked to Lillian to mouth ‘Definitely my daughter.’  “Well, lets go get some food. Let mom put on her jacket and get everything together, okay? Why don’t you go and get your shoes for me and we can put them on?” The three of them seemed to fall into an easy routine that ended with Lily at the door waiting for her Beck and their daughter. Beck scooped Sophie up as he followed Lillian out the door and down the street to the grocery store, finally allowing himself to slip a hand into his Lily’s in public as if it was finally, finally not a big deal. They stepped into the grocery store and Beck helped Sophie settle into the seat, his hands taking extra care to help her legs through the small holes. Beck had barely gotten Sophie settled before Lillian was off and around the corner, headed towards the meat department. “Lets go this way,” he gave Sophie a wink and wheeled her towards the pastries, “Do you think Mum would be mad if we got something a little sweet tonight?” Sophie giggled and shook her head no, but Beck knew better. He picked through a few of the baked goods before settling on a cheesecake platter, his stomach already growling at the sight. “What do you want, Little bird? Cupcakes? Cookies? Ice cream?” First day as her official father and already starting bad habits. Good job, Beck. He brushed the thought away and headed towards the soft sugar cookies that Sophie was clearly begging for and popped them into the cart. “Alright, lets go find mom,” Beck turned the cart and spotted Lillian at the end of the isle, a smirk on her face. He shot her a shrug and wheeled the cart towards her, “I couldn’t say no, Baby. She gave me the signature Moon eyes- you know I’m weak for them,” Beck pulled Lillian into his side and kissed her on the lips, “I’m- I don’t know about you, but this feels surreal.” 

Beck’s words hit her right in the heart, showing just how much better off she was with him. Lillian had never been so afraid of Mason or Beck in her entire life, they both were so aggressive. Once the truth was out though, she wanted to be on a different planet than Beck. She could tell that had hurt him instantly, she wanted nothing more than to comfort him and explain herself. After all, he was the one he had chosen, right? Everything had happened so quickly, she wasn’t sure how to process everything Mason had said. She knew he had been obsessed with her, but she didn’t know to this extent. Is that why he had hunted her down and threw money at her to go on tour? Was she even talented or did he just want her? How deep did all of this run? The guilt hit her like a tsunami wave, freezing her in place until Derrick had shoved him out of the studio. This wasn’t how this was supposed to happen- she was supposed to talk to him alone. Derrick sent her a look of apology for not being able to shut Mason up sooner. Her sobbing daughter was all she cared about at the moment, but she knew this was going to become a much larger situation as the day progressed. There had been so much said in such a … harmful way. Beck was a soft person, but he looked more like a man now- less approachable and stoic with his black eye forming. She wanted to rush and kiss his face and tell him it would be okay, but he didn’t meet her eyes whatsoever. 

When Beck approached her, she thought he would embrace her. But he came for Sophie, plucking her sweet daughter from her and leaving her alone. The moment he was out of sight, Lillian crumbled on the floor. Derrick rushed over, pulling his sister into his arms as she sobbed into his chest. Her heart was in her stomach, making her feel physical pain in her body from crying so hard. “Shhh, Lily. He’s gone.” Derrick whispered to her, trying to get his sister to breath properly. He never thought he would have to comfort her to Beck being out of the room.  “I never got to tell him.” She managed to get out through her tears. Mason had done as much damage as he aimed to do to them. Lily hadn’t felt like a child in so many years, having to grow up at a young age. But now she couldn’t help but just want someone to hold her and make all the darkness disappear. “Everything will be okay.” He pressed a kiss to her temple, unsure what Beck had in store for her. Surely, he wouldn’t leave her. If he did, Derrick would personally have to speak to him. All Lily could think about was Beck taking her daughter away from her, leaving her alone. She just wanted to find the right time to talk to him, to find someway somehow to make him understand. Footsteps approached the two and Beck was finally there, making her anxiety heighten. “You’ll be okay, hun,” Derrick whispered to her, pressing another kiss to her head as he made his way back towards Sophie. Lily felt incredibly weak towards him, afraid to even look him in the eyes. She let out a pathetic laugh, “You want to do this now?” Her voice cracked, scared she would lose Mason and Beck on the same day. “He didn’t do enough damage?” When Lily finally met his eyes, she didn’t see the shining light that usually glowed from Beck’s eyes when he saw her. Mason had been so obsessed with her that he ruined Beck’s life, how was she supposed to live with herself?

“You don’t think I tried, Beckett?” Lily finally said after getting herself somewhat together. “All the phone calls, letters, tickets- I told you I tried everything to find you.” Mason had blocked his number from her phone, making her phone calls useless. “I never wanted to keep her away from you, Beck.” Lily didn’t know what else to say, she was too afraid to move closer to him. Her fear still hung in her eyes as she glanced at him. “I didn’t know how to tell you- I, I thought you knew honestly. The way you were around her was so… Like you knew. I told you her birthdate, I told you her age. Her middle name is your mother’s. For fuck’s sake, Beck, I called her ours. I’m not some slut, I couldn’t have gone out only weeks after we were together and slept with someone else.” The fact that he hadn’t asked her point blank until now only made her wonder how clueless he had been. “Didn’t you hear what he said?” Her voice cracked again, strained. “I cried every fucking day for you to be there for me. I didn’t even want Mason around me, I wanted you.” The memory of her labor was still very clear in her mind. “Ma’am, where’s the child’s father?” The nurse had asked her, holding her hand tightly as she went into labor. “H-He’s not coming, I think.” She cried, her face flush with pain, anger, and betrayal. Mason showed up an hour later to hold her hand, apologizing on Beck’s behalf for being a terrible father. Sophie’s birth certificate had his name, but not his signature recognizing himself as the father. “I couldn’t dance, I couldn’t do anything, and I didn’t have you. Do you think I actively chose that, Beckett? I was on bedrest for months. All I could do was call and write you. I had to give up after some time.” If she hadn’t given up, it would have killed her. She would have lost her mind trying to find him, but she had a baby to take care of. “I had to raise her by myself. Because I couldn’t find you.” Her and Beckett had been cursed from night one in that club, Lillian had convinced herself that they would never work out. And here he was accusing her of something she’d never dream of doing to him. But the fact Mason had hurt Beck in order to get him out of her life, made her want to expel Beck out for his own good. All of this was her fault. 

“You’re right, Beck.” She nodded, her eyes bubbling over with tears. “You don’t deserve this punishment.” Lillian had been punished for five years, and in turn that punished him- she had to take responsibility for it. He had missed his own mother’s funeral because of her. “I didn’t have control over Mason, but if- if it wasn’t for me this wouldn’t happen to you. I can’t keep doing this to you.” She could hear Sophie upstairs with Derrick, making her heart swell. “This was all a mistake, Beck. Me moving back here. Me doing all of this.” Mason had told her not to, and she didn’t listen. Maybe he did know best for her after all? “I wanted to tell you when the time was right. When we had everything figured out and we could be a family. I needed to make sure you wouldn’t disappear again.” Lillian had developed separation anxiety since losing him, it was clear in her behavior towards Sophie. She was drained from the day’s events, she was even more drained from the idea of him not wanting her anymore. “I understand if this isn’t what you want anymore. W-We can figure something out.” Maybe he took Sophie on weekends. “All I’ve ever wanted was for you to be a father to Sophie. I’ve never wanted to live that dream with someone else. I could have easily told Sophie Mason was her father, but I never did.” Mason. She’d have to get her things and find someplace to stay since Beck was in the studio. “I love you.” Lillian took a step towards her purse and pulled out a cigarette and quickly lit it, opening a window to blow the smoke out. “But the further you get away from me, the better you’ll be. We both understand that after today.” 

Beck couldn’t stand when Lily got like this. Now, he understood that she would feel bad and that she might blame this on herself, but it was obvious that Lillian was taking all of the blame. Yes, Beck was upset. He had a daughter that he had only just found out about that he already loved dearly. “Lillian,” Beck said, “How could you assume I’d just know? Sure, I found it strange that she has my hair, my taste, and loves things that I know you hate. But all of that- all of what you just said that you did to show me that she was mine- I was never going to connect those dots. Only because I trusted that you would have told me sooner.” As Lillian rambled on, Beck grew less angry, but more irritated, “A slut? Honestly Lillian, is that what you think I’d call you? We were broken up. After you left, you were free to do whatever you want. If you wanted to have sex with some random guy just after we had split, I can’t blame you for that. I never made assumptions as to why you had her. I didn’t want to give myself that gift of thinking that Sophie could be mine. That wouldn’t have been right- I loved her because she was yours. That was enough for me to treat her like she’s my own,” Beck shook his head at her excuse of trying to find him. Sure, Beck may have been unreachable, but they had mutual friends. They had her brothers. There were ways, “Lillian,” Beck turned from her to look out a window, he wasn’t ready to forgive her yet, but he knew that he’d need to, “You’re asking for the easy way out of this right now, you realize that, yeah?” At Lillian’s offer for her to leave, he let out an annoyed chuckle, “If you knew who I really was, you’d know that I wouldn’t want to give any of this up. I-” his voice stumbled, suddenly getting caught in his throat like it used to all those years ago. “I wasn’t the one that ran the first time, Lillian. Like I’ve been saying for the last three weeks- my dream has been you for as long as I can remember. It’s been having a family with you and now-” he watched Lily light a cigarette, “now I have that opportunity. But fuck, this isn’t exactly what I wanted when I said that. Sophie had already blended into my life and now- now I have to go through and show her that I’m not just some guy that loves her mother, but I’m her father and that I didn’t leave because I was shit, I wasn’t around because I didn’t have the opportunity to be.” 

Beck was having flashbacks to his own childhood. All of the times his father had walked out on him and his mother, only to return drunk and unstable- the punches and verbal abuse being so hard on his little mind that he vowed to never be like this to his own children. He had always promised that he’d give his children the world- even when he couldn’t afford it. Now, while he stood here next to his child’s mother, he wondered how many times Sophie had thought that Beck just didn’t love her because he was never around. His hand went to his heart as he pressed his back against the wall where Lillian was leaning out the window. He opted to not return the ‘I love you,’ and instead, let Lillian take a few drags of the cigarette before plucking it from her fingers and putting it out on the window sill. “I’m not going to leave you,” he muttered, “I’ve gone far too long wanting you back in my life to leave you for something like this. Yes, we couldn’t get in contact with each other, but I’m not going to let the possibility of raising my daughter with...” Beck’s voice trailed off, “with the love of my life pass me by again.” He kicked off the wall and wandered towards the other side of the room, his heart throbbing, “Being Beck to her was easy, Lillian,” he rubbed a nervous hand on the back of his neck, “I don’t know how to be her father. I’m gonna fuck this up, you know?” Beck let out a bitter laugh as he slid down the wall to sit, his knees pulled up to his chest and his head tucked safely between, “You know, all I ever wanted was a daughter? When we used to lay in bed or lay on the grass and watch the stars in the park- all I could ever dream about was the day that we got to have a family together. I always hoped it’d be a little girl- at least our first child,” Beck looked up at Lillian and held out a hand, “I think I dreamed more about the day we’d have a family than the day we’d get married,” he laughed and readjusted himself. As Lillian sat down next to him, Beck slipped one arm under her knees to pull her legs over his lap as the other wrapped around her waist to pull her close to him. Beck pressed his nose to her cheek, “I used to daydream about all of it when we were dating. How pretty you’d look pregnant, what you were craving, how irritated you’d be once you couldn’t dance anymore,” he smoothed a hand down the woman’s tearstained cheeks, “I’m just- I’m hurt that I had to miss all of this. Because of things that I... that we couldn’t control.” 

The air hung still between them for what seemed like hours. Neither of them speaking, but Beck’s hand pressed underneath Lillian’s shirt, his fingers rubbing little designs into the woman’s soft skin. “I love you,” Beck finally replied, “I have loved you from the moment I first saw you in that club and I’ll love you until I die, probably even long after that.” He looked at Lillian, his eyes searching her blue ones for confirmation that this was alright, “Thank you for not telling her that Mason is her father- thank you for-” Beck cupped Lillian’s face, “for hoping- for thinking that someday I’d be back in Sophie’s life enough for the little girl to have her real father.” He paused, his eyes dancing down to Lillian’s lips. Beck was still overcome with so many emotions, that he could hardly process anything at all. He knew that he wouldn’t heal from this bit of secrecy for a while, but he loved Lillian and at some point, he’d need to move on, “I love you, even with all of our secrets. We’ve been through hell and back- I would never, ever give that up for this. For something that you couldn’t control.” Beck leaned forward and kissed Lillian tenderly. He pulled back and closed his eyes, “Can I- would it be alright if I showed you something before we go back to Sophie. I think I have- I think there’s going to be a lot of making up lost time to do with her and right now-” Beck rested his head on Lillian’s shoulder, tucked just below her chin, “I just want to be here. I’m so,” he clung to Lily, suddenly afraid that she’d push him away. She smelled of vanilla and cigarettes, “I love you so much, that’s all. I love you. From here to the ends of the stupid universe. Wherever you go.” Beck’s mind was still racing even after he allowed himself to untangle himself from Lillian’s arms, eventually standing and pulling the woman up with him. He helped the woman back downstairs and motioned for her to follow him to his bedroom, only after motioning to Derrick that they’d be a few more minutes. Sophie was knocked out on the couch, her head pillowed on her uncle’s leg and her arms wrapped around one of Beck’s shirts that she had somehow grown fond of. His stomach did a flip at the sight. She looks just like Lillian when she sleeps. 

When they reach his room, Beck shut the door quietly behind them and lead Lillian to the bed, “Sit, please.” He turns to his closet and opens the doors, immediately dropping to his knees in search of something. “So,” Beck’s voice was muffled, “I wasn’t sure if- or when- I’d ever give this to you. I was thinking that maybe I’d give this to you when I was ready- when you were ready,” he found the little box tucked in a shoe with ease and crawled back out to where he could see Lillian. “I had this for eight months before you left,” Beck sat next to Lillian, his fingers fiddling with the black, velvet box, “A few days before you had left, I went to your brothers and god, I was so nervous,” he thought back to the memory, “You were interviewing for the traveling team and I was so worried you’d want to go without letting me make you mine. Fuck,” Beck mumbled, “I was so damn selfish. Anyways... it took some time and a few beers, but the three of them finally gave me their blessing. I came home and you- you were on the couch in the whole getup- your tutu was still on, your hair pulled in a tight bun. You looked like a character that had just danced through my dream and then you told me that they wanted you. And I-” Beck opened up the little box, “I couldn’t bring myself to ask you. I was hoping they’d wait before offering you the job. So I could at least ask you to marry me first- so we could do the distance thing but I’d know it wouldn’t matter because you’d be mine. But when you danced towards me and you were so excited- I couldn’t take that away from you.” Beck plucked the ring from where it sat, “Of course, I lost you anyways. I fought for the wrong reasons and well, you know the rest, but this is the ring- the ring that I was going to use to propose to you. I feel like it... it means more than just that though, and that it isn’t really what I’d like to use to symbolize any part of our love for our future,” He held out the ring to Lillian, “I want you to have it, though. It’s not- this isn’t my asking you to marry me, I’d like to find a new ring and a new way to do that, but I hope you’ll still wear it on another finger or give it to Sophie when she’s older. It meant- at the time- so much more than what it does today. I just wish I had gotten it to you sooner,” Beck slipped the ring down Lillian’s right ring finger, it fit like a glove. He sniffed and looked away from Lillian to rub his eyes, “I love you and I’m not- and will not- be letting you get away from me again, alright? No more talk about this you leaving me or me getting far away from you shit, you’re my life. My family. I’d like to have a fighting chance to fulfill that title, okay?” He looked back at the blonde once more, one of his hands cupping her neck, “And maybe- you know- get married, have a few more babies- live our lives the way they were meant to be and then these five years will have seemed like such a distant past thing that we can move on and forget it happened. Time heals all, right?” 

Beck didn’t wait for an answer and instead, pushed forward so that he could kiss Lillian hard and fast, a smile forcing its way onto his lips as Lillian seemed to melt under him. Beck didn’t hesitate to pull her further onto the bed, only so that he could move on top of her and kiss her like he’d wanted to for the past month. Sure, her brother and their daughter was in the next room, but Lillian was free again and all Beck wanted to really do was kiss Lillian like he should’ve for the past five years. He pushed Lillian’s legs apart to lay between them, one of his hands moving the thin fabric of Lillian’s shirt upwards so he could press a line of kisses to her flat stomach, “I- don’t want to have to tell myself I cant have you any more,” he moved upwards, his lips attaching to Lillian’s neck and his hand running up Lillian’s thigh, “I know we cant,” Beck muttered against her neck, “because these walls are paper thin, but dammit-” he nipped at the smooth skin before finally attaching his lips to Lillian’s, and with everything he had, he’s put all of his emotion into the kiss. Everything he’s felt for the last five years and everything he’ll feel for the next infinity. Beck swiped his tongue across Lillian’s lower lip and as if they never said goodbye to any of this, she molded immediately into his kiss. It was slow and deep and passionate and Beck could tell from where he’s positioned above Lillian that the woman is getting restless and that she wants more. While Beck, too, wanted more (seriously, if he could just strip her down right now he would), he pulled back to give the woman a teasing chuckle and rolled to his side, pulling Lillian on top of him, “I love you, Lillian,” his hands push the woman’s shirt up, Beck’s fingers gently running across the stripes on her stomach. He loves them, Beck immediately decides, “We should go back out there-” Lillian’s lips are bright red, but so are his, and while he’s loving all of this, Beck’s jaw and eye are starting to ache from earlier. “Maybe we can finally get Sophie to sleep in her room tonight?” Beck waggled his eyebrows, “maybe give mom and dad some much needed alone time?” There’s more to do, Beck knows - he needs to send people to get Lillian’s things, they need to get bedding for Sophie’s room, make dinner, the list goes on- but Beck can only think about the weight of Lillian on his lap and how bright his future with her suddenly seems. 

“He’s living in your studio?” Derrick hissed, sending his sister a bewildered look. Lillian nodded slowly, careful with her words with her closest brother. “And you want me to bring Steph over to hear him sing? Are you doing drugs, Lillian?” He was always protective of her, he clearly thought something was off. “What about what’s his name… Madden?” Derrick grumbled, he didn’t like Beck from day one- but he surely hated Mason above all else. “Mason. He doesn’t exactly know yet.” Lily gave him a beaming smile, hoping he would cooperate. “I’m… I’m thinking about calling off the marriage, Derrick.” Her brother didn’t flinch, he saw her come in without that huge rock on her finger. He knew Beck was Sophie’s dad, Derrick somewhat figured this would happen if she moved back to London. “I’m not going to tell you how to live your life. But I’ll talk to Steph about coming over, the studio always gives bonuses for finding talent.” He grumbled something afterward about them going on vacation and needing the money, but Lily was too ecstatic to hear past his agreement. “So Beck, huh? It’s always gotta be that guy.” Derrick hadn’t told Lily of the fights him and Beck got into after she left. He knew how much that man loved her, he didn’t really have anything to say. In a way, Derrick was rooting for them whenever he came to drop off letters. “One second.” Derrick walked off towards his room, only to return with five letters in his hands. “These are yours.” Lily took them eagerly, her heart beating out of her chest that she would finally get these letters. “Why didn’t you tell me?” Lily said softly, glancing up at him with pain lost in her eyes. “Why didn’t you tell him about Sophie?” He sent a rebuttal, giving her a daring look. Out of her three brothers, Derrick was the only one who had her mouth. “Why didn’t you tell him about Sophie?” She challenged. “That’s your job.” He shrugged, “He was homeless. My niece couldn’t have some homeless man as a dad.” Lillian was angered by his comment but understood his place. “Would you mind if I come see him?” Derrick asked, causing Lily to perk up. “Of course.” 

Derrick was uncharacteristically excited to get to the studio, although Lily wrote it off as him being eager to see his niece. He became so paternal around Sophie, so scared to hurt her since she was a baby. As they approached the door, Lily slowed down hearing Mason’s voice. Her hand went to her purse, pulling her phone out to see she had missed his calls. When had he gotten back to the country? “Lily?” Derrick said quietly, glancing at her to show they were on the same page. “Who the fuck do you think you are?” Mason’s loud voice came from the doorway, causing Lily and Derrick to rush over. “Are you trying to fucking steal my fiance? Are you a cockroach I can’t get rid of in her life?” Lily held her breath, terrified in the doorway as she watched Mason encroach on her love. He looked like some kind of monster she had never seen before, like a lion wanting to rip the throat out of its enemy. “You aren’t welcome here. You’re not welcome around my fiance or step-daughter. I tried to squish you out all those years ago- you, you just don’t fucking get it do you?” His professional demeanor was fading from seeing the one man he hated more than the entire world. “She’s mine.” Lily swallowed hard, her voice stuck in her throat- too afraid to correct him. “Hey, man-” Derrick stepped in, his hands out trying to show he was calm. Lily was hiding behind him, her eyes wide with fear. “There she is,” Mason said, his outward appearance softening for a moment. “Mason.” She breathed, tears burning at her eyes, she had never been so scared of the man she almost married. Mason’s eyes went to her hand, his ring missing. “What is this?” He let out a pathetic laugh, turning back towards Beck. “I will fucking kill you.” Mason rushed Beck, only to get caught off guard by the door opening behind him. “Beck-” Sophie started until she saw Mason rushing towards Beck and she let out a scream. Lily let out a scream and Derrick flew forward to catch Mason before he was able to push Beck through the doorway and onto his niece. Derrick tried to wrestle Mason under control but he had taken swings at Beck’s face before he was fully pulled away.

“Nothing ever fucking worked to get you out of her life, huh?” Mason hissed, tears forming in his eyes. Sophie was full blown crying now, terrified of the man she thought was her stepfather. “The phones, this fucking building. Nothing worked. Let me go!” He screamed, fighting against Derrick who had him pressed up against a wall. Lillian rushed past the scene and cupped Beck’s face, seeing the swelling from Mason’s punches. “I’m so sorry.” She choked, tears overflowing now. She bent down to pick Sophie up who cried into her mother’s shoulder hysterically, completely overwhelmed by the situation. “You think you can take care of her?!” Derrick shoved Mason against the wall harder, trying to shut him up. “I made sure they threw your ass out on the street where you belonged. I made sure you couldn’t reach her. You have zero appreciation for that woman.” Lily’s hand reached out to Beck to hold onto him. “You did what…?” She sobbed as her strong facade breaking. “Your-You’re sick, Mason.” Lily resisted the urge to slap him in front of her daughter. “The Lillian Moon, cheating on her fiance with her baby daddy. How fucking romantic those headlines will be.” Mason shot back at her, making her recoil physically. “You know how badly she wanted you? Crying day in and day out pregnant with your daughter? Crying for you will she was in labor with me at her side?” He continued, thrashing against Derrick. “I blocked your number.” He finally admitted, causing Lillian to hold her daughter tightly and cover her ears. “I had to explain you didn’t love her and obviously didn’t want Sophie. Now you’re just back for her money, huh?” Mason had known that if Beck and Lily had gotten close then everything would be lost. “You missed everything Beck, now you want it all back? You can’t even afford her taste.” Lillian couldn’t even look Beck in the face, feeling so ashamed of herself for not having told him the whole truth earlier. “Fucking shut it.” Derrick hissed, shoving him against the wall again, his face red with anger. 

You’re not going to run. You’re not going to run. This is what you want. This is the life you want and this man does not deserve this. “Mr. Caine-” Beck started, “I’m trying to shut the store down so that I can take my break. Would you mind leaving the building, please?” He was desperate- trying so hard to get this man away from his sanctuary upstairs.  It seemed to all happen fast- Mason’s voice was raising and Beck’s temper was near close to hitting its own wall. He could only remain calm for so long. He wasn’t that quiet, silent little boy that he was during his and Lillian’s first jaunt in the world of relationships. “Mister Caine,” Beck bit, his voice harsh, “I don’t really give a fuck as to who you are or what you think about me. I need you to leave this building before I call the cops.” At Mason’s jab at Beck being a cockroach, he let out a deep laugh and folded his arms across his chest, “A cockroach? Really? That’s the best insult you could come up with?” Beck stepped forward, “I feel bad for you, honestly. For the last five years you’ve managed to convince yourself that you really have Lillian’s heart, huh?” He jabbed a finger into Mason’s chest, “I’ve got some bad news, bud. You never had her and you never will. Lillian feels a lot of things, I’ll give you that, but she will never love you the way that she loves me. And you- you will never love her the way I can. You can buy her all of the nice things- the designer clothes- the fancy car- everything. But you will never, ever be able to buy her love.” Beck was oddly calm in this moment, but felt it falter as Lillian and Derrick pushed through the entrance. His eyes immediately jumped to Lillian’s terrified ones, his stomach somersaulting in his stomach at the sight. No matter how many disagreements and arguments the pair had gotten into, there had never been this amount of fear to flash before him. Lillian was the strong one and seeing her like this was only the final truth that he needed to see to know that Lillian didn’t love this man. Things seemed to happen all at once- Sophie opening the door, Mason rushing to him, and Beck taking one last stand to put his body completely in front of the little girl on the stairwell. He’d be damned if anything like this monster came in contact with the one good thing that Lillian had gotten from being with Mason. 

Beck’s face took a few punches, most of which only did enough to make his jaw ache- he knew he’d have a bruise in a few hours-  but hardly made Beck stumble in any sense. Beck went to lunge forward, but stopped as soon as Derrick got control of the man. He could hear Sophie crying behind him and he moved aside to let her frazzled mother grab her child- Beck wanted nothing more than to envelop them in a hug, but he was so focused on Mason that he could hardly hear anything else. “What,” his voice darkened, the room suddenly seeming to still around him, “Do you mean by the phone lines? By the building?” Beck knew something had been off. At the time, he had only missed two rent payments. Sure, he was behind, but Beck didn’t have a chance to pay the bill before he was evicted. He had no chance at grabbing his belongings- the small monetary savings he had tucked under his mattress. Nothing. “You f-” Beck glanced behind him at the young girl, “You monster. You’re the reason why I was kicked out so suddenly? I missed two payments, Mason. Two. I had the check ready for the bank the next morning. This place was my home and you thought that it would be okay to take it away from me, even just after losing the one thing that mattered more than anything to me? I missed my mother’s funeral because I didn’t have any monetary funds to make it there.” He hardly had a moment to process any other bits of the information he was given- his mind jumping quickly back to phones when Mason continued on- cheating on her fiance with her baby daddy. The words hung in the air over Beck’s head like a falling piano in a cartoon movie. Falling fast and crashing around him, down upon his shoulders and his back, making everything he had always wanted to be entire true and completely hidden for the last five years. Beck glanced at Sophie behind him- her tear stained cheeks red with panic as she tucked her head under Lillian’s chin. She- Beck knew- was everything he had wanted in a daughter. The thought had passed his mind only twice before that maybe she could be his daughter, but Beck had never given himself time to process the possibility of that thought for fear that it might mean more for Lillian holding it against him- or hiding it from him. 

“I want you to get out of the studio,” Beck finally hissed. He wouldn’t give Mason any more time with his family. “I want you to walk out that door and never return. Your name isn’t on the title- I’ve looked it over- and you have absolutely zero stake in this company. Grab your belongings and leave. I’ll be sending over a few people to grab the last of Lillian and Sophie’s belongings. Lillian,” Beck turned his head to the blonde and held his hand out, “The ring, please.” He waited for Lillian to pull it from her pocket before he calmly approached the angry man, “This belongs to you. Money, you may find,” Beck motioned for Derrick to move the man towards the entrance, “Can give you a lot of things. It can provide a home, food, and lavish things,” his eyes glanced down to the shiny piece of jewelry clutched between his thumb and his pointer finger, “but this should be a symbol of love for a person not just what she can do for your social status. You can claim that I never loved her, but I will always love her more than you. Besides-” he tucked the ring into the man’s suit pocket, “If you truly knew Lillian Moon- you’d know that the only ring she ever wanted was something simple. She always hated big rocks like that. She has a fear that she’ll lose the stone.” Derrick forced the man outside, “I’ll be filing a restraining order as soon as we get the rest of things figured out.” Beck nodded to the man and once Derrick had closed the door, he locked it three times over. Derrick stood in front of the glass until Mason was long gone down the road and Beck had already turned to walk towards his family. He approached the pair with ease, but opted to completely ignore Lillian. “Hi Soph,” he whispered, Beck’s hand smoothing down the girl’s wild hair, “Hey, I know we said we’d get ice cream, but I think we might have some in the freezer upstairs. Can I-” Beck gulped for a breath of air. This was his daughter. His beautiful, intelligent, and wildly free daughter, “Would you mind if I carried you? I think your mum needs to speak with Uncle Derrick for a moment,” the girl had calmed down enough to look Beck in the eyes. For a moment, Beck saw her hesitate until she finally reached out towards her father with leap of trust. He pulled her into his arms and pressed a kiss to the girl’s forehead, “Beck?” Sophie questioned, just as he had began to make the trek upstairs, “Are you my daddy?” 

Beck didn’t answer the girl’s question until they reached the kitchen and he had set her down at the little table. “I think, Little Bird,” Beck popped open the freezer and grabbed a tub of strawberry ice cream. It had been his favorite flavor when he was stressed out, so it was no surprise to him that Sophie liked it too. The pieces had already started to slowly blend together, “That you are absolutely correct in thinking that.” He scooped the ice cream easily and dumped a few spoonfuls of rainbow sprinkles on top. Beck slid the bowl to the little girl and sat in the seat next to her, “Would it be alright if I was your daddy?” Beck was suddenly holding his breath for an answer he didn’t think he’d ever have to ask. He had thought about all of the times Lillian could have told him- all of the times even before meeting each other that she could have let him know. All he had wanted, for so, so long was to be a father to Lillian’s children and this- this was like a dream and a nightmare all at once. Beck had missed Lillian’s pregnancy out of selfish choices, but he had missed Sophie’s birth and all of her milestones out of Lillian’s selfish choices. “I’m gonna go talk to mum for a minute, okay?” Derrick and Lillian had just stepped through the door, “Derrick, would you mind keeping Soph company? I would like to speak to her mother, if you don’t mind?” Derrick nodded once at Beck’s reply before Beck motioned towards the stairwell that led to the top of the building, a silent request that Lily join him where their daughter couldn’t hear their next conversation. The air was crisp and quiet, but Beck knew that wouldn’t stay that way for long. Silence hung in the air between the two lovers before Beck asked, “So- Sophie is my daughter?” he folded his arms across his chest, “In what- in what world were you living in that you thought it’d be alright to hide this from me, Lillian?” Beck’s words came out harsher than he’d meant, “I get it, you know? I broke your heart but this- this-” he could feel his eyes start to well up with tears, “I never would have thought that I deserved this kind of punishment from you. She’s my daughter, Lillian. I missed her birth, her first steps, her first words. I’ve missed everything. How could you have been okay with thinking that I wouldn’t care?”