Chapter Text
The rain had been falling heavy all day, drenching everything in sight. The coffee shop had little to no business, Billy's 6 hour shift was slow, but almost over. He was enjoying it; spending most of his time standing in front of the big windows, a cup of coffee in hand, calmer than he'd felt in years. He'd already cleaned the store twice and there was nothing left to do but wait. He refilled his cup and lazily strolled around the store, brushing his fingers against the tables to triple check they were clean. His last customer had been hours ago now, the evening settling in and leaving few stragglers who were brave enough to face the storm. Billy hummed to himself, smiling as he took a drink. The warmth from the coffee settled in his chest, only making the day more peaceful. He thought about the apartment he'd just rented with Tommy, closer to the coffee shop and Teddy's place. They finally had separate rooms, with seperate beds. Billy kind of missed curling up with someone every night, but it was also nice to have his own space again. He laughed thinking about how he'd told Tommy he'd only be there for a little while and now they had rented a place together.
A car drove by, disturbing the peaceful image outside. Billy finished checking the tables and looked around for anything else to do. He only had an hour left, the clock ticking by slower now that he was watching. He wished he could speed up time, because no matter how peaceful he felt here, he knew somewhere he'd feel even better at.
The chime on the door startled him out of his thoughts. He hoped it was Cassie coming in to relieve him but when he turned around Teddy was standing there. He was soaking wet, water dripping from his hair, his clothes, his everything, yet he had the biggest smile plastered on his face.
“You're making a mess,” Billy joked, a giddy feeling building in his chest. Seeing Teddy always sent the butterflies into a riot, bringing a smile to his face even when he wanted to stay upset.
“Yes hello to you to Billy,” Teddy stuck his tongue out and shook his entire body, spraying the surrounding tables and Billy down with water.
Billy laughed and set his coffee down on the table, “Now look what you've done! It's everywhere!” He tried to be mock serious, but he couldn't keep the laughter out of his voice. Teddy took a big step towards him, and Billy met him in the middle for a brain melting kiss.
“Hey,” Billy's voice was thick with love. He'd never felt happier. Everything wasn't perfect; he still had his nightmares, his anxiety. Bad days still existed, but oh were they easier with Teddy by his side. Teddy gave him another quick kiss before letting go and heading to the counter.
“What's the specials today? Anything good?” Teddy's smile never left his face as he leaned down to look at the menu.
“Mmhmm, I've been drinking our new butterscotch latte,” Billy appreciated the view of Teddy leaning against the counter, one leg stretched back and drawing his jeans tight against his ass. Teddy turned around and flashed him a shit eating grin. He rolled his eyes at that, going behind the counter to make Teddy his drink. He could feel Teddy's eyes on him, just as electric as the first time. He couldn't really believe it, that half a year ago he was with Ric and so low he didn't think he'd ever come out of it. He looked back at Teddy, who was trying to dry his face and hair with a couple of napkins. Trying being the key word. The napkins were soggy and a part of it broke off on his cheek, sticking to it with the moisture. Billy tried to stifle his laugh but apparently failed by the way Teddy looked up with a glare (though it was completely ruined by the smile still on his face and the twinkle in his eyes).
“You, uh, got something on your face,” Billy laughed again, making the finishing touches on Teddy's drink.
Teddy swiped at the wrong cheek and caught Billy's eyes, “Did I get it?” That just made Billy laugh harder. He set the coffee cup down so he wouldn't drop it as he bent over from laughing. Teddy huffed and tried another fake glare. He couldn't hold it though and started laughing with Billy. They eventually calmed down and Billy walked over with Teddy's drink.
“Let me just,” Billy reached up and grabbed the piece of napkin off his cheek and flicked it somewhere. He leaned in and gave Teddy a soft kiss as he placed the drink in his hands.
“Thank you,” Teddy took a sip and closed his eyes, savoring the flavor. “This is great, B.”
“Thanks, it's my new fave.” Billy rounded back around the counter, checking the clock as he passed. 20 minutes, gah he was so close. Teddy followed him the a booth in the corner where Billy could still keep an eye on the door. They settled in on opposite sides, hands finding each other's across the table.
“How was your day off?” Billy asked, rubbing a thumb over Teddy's hand.
“Hung out with Eli. Have you noticed anything strange about Kate and Tommy? They're normally all each other can talk about, but he avoided every mention of them today.” Teddy looked concerned. Billy smiled, knowing the real reason they were all acting weird.
“I can't tell you. It's a secret I've been sworn to keep, cross my heart hope to die,” Billy made a cross over his heart, smile mischievous.
“Ah come on, don't be like that!” Teddy whined, “I'll owe you a favor?”
“You think a simple favor will make me turn on my brother? How dare you,” Billy faked offense, hand over his heart like a true southern bell.
“It's always worked before,” Teddy gave him a cheeky smile and leaned in for a kiss. Billy gave it to him, short and sweet.
“Not this time buster.” Billy leaned back and wiggled his finger back and forth.
“But Bill -ly ,” Teddy whined. He gave his best impression of a hurt puppy and Billy felt his resolve start to crumble. He was a sucker for Teddy's puppy dog face.
Luckily, for Billy that is, the bell above the door chimed before his resolve could fall completely. Tommy spotted them in the corner and immediately dashed towards them. He pulled Billy into a side hug, ruffling up his hair.
“Whatcha doin, baby brother?” Tommy smirked before giving Teddy an overly serious fist bump. He let go of Billy only to shove him further into the booth so he could slip in with him.
“Definitely not telling Teddy anything,” Billy shoved him back, “And you were born like, 3 minutes before me, douchebag.” Billy checked his watch because if Tommy was here it was almost time to leave.
“You better not have,” Tommy glared at him before giving Teddy the finger to eyes move. “I've got my eyes on you, Altman.”
The all turned to look as the door jingled again, Cassie running in with her bag over her head. She wasn't as soaked as Teddy had been, but she was definitely still dripping. Billy would never understand how Tommy seemed to avoid getting wet in storms.
“Sorry! Sorry I didn't realize how late it was!” She yelled as she came inside, heading straight behind the counter to grab an apron. Billy got up and followed her, taking his own off on the way.
“It's alright, you're not late yet,” Billy patted her on the shoulder. They made idle chit chat as they switched over the drawer, Cassie telling him about some workshop she'd gone to recently. He could hear Tommy and Teddy teasing each other, probably about the awkward threesome Tommy was hiding.
Billy smiled to himself. A couple of months ago he thought the world was falling apart around him and he didn't think he was going to survive. Now? He couldn't imagine things working out any other way.
“Come on guys, let's go home.”