Different From The Rest

Chapter 36

Later that evening, the sky outside had faded into soft blues and purples, streaked with the last blush of sunset. The apartment was bathed in warm lamplight, gentle and quiet. You stirred slowly beneath the blanket, the ache in your shoulder still present, but dulled now by rest, medicine, and Billie's careful tending.

You blinked, eyes adjusting to the cozy dim. Billie was on the floor in front of the couch, her back resting against it, knees drawn up as she scrolled lazily on her phone with the TV playing some comfort show in the background.

You sat up a little, wincing softly at the movement. That tiny sound was all it took—Billie turned instantly, eyes wide, setting her phone down.

"Hey—hey," she said, climbing up next to you, voice gentle but laced with concern. "How's your shoulder? You okay?"

You nodded sleepily, shifting a bit as you got your bearings. "Still hurts... but not like earlier."

She exhaled in relief, brushing a hand through your hair like she had earlier. "Good. I was gonna wake you soon for meds, but you looked too peaceful to mess with."

You smiled at her, warm and lazy. "Thanks for taking care of me."

Billie shrugged a little, but her cheeks turned pink. "I kinda like taking care of you."

You glanced down at her hand resting on your leg, fingers lightly tapping against the blanket. "You said some stuff while I was sleeping."

Billie froze. "What—wait. What did you hear?"

You tilted your head at her, teasing. "You mean the part where you said you really like me?"

Her face flushed deeper now, but she didn't pull away. "Okay... I didn't think you were awake for that."

"I wasn't. Not really. But I heard enough." You looked at her for a beat. "I like you too, Billie."

The quiet that settled next wasn't awkward—it was electric, soft, full of something new and unspoken.

She bit her lip, then gave a breathy laugh. "Good."

You leaned your head back again, and Billie tucked herself closer beside you, like the day had somehow led perfectly to this moment.

No pressure. No labels. Just the comfort of two people finding their way.

"Can we stay like this all night?" she asked softly.

"Yeah," you said, eyes fluttering closed again. "We already made it this far."

The evening rolled in slowly, the air cool but warm in the apartment, especially with the oven on and the smell of dinner starting to fill the space. You and Billie had decided to cook together tonight—something simple, but intimate. The kitchen wasn't big, but it was cozy, and the way the light from the overhead lamp made everything feel like a scene from a movie made it all the more special.

Billie stood at the counter, chopping vegetables, her brow furrowed in concentration. You stood beside her, carefully slicing some chicken for the pan. Every now and then, your shoulders brushed, and you both chuckled quietly as you moved around each other, working in harmony despite the occasional misstep.

"That's looking good," Billie said with a smile, watching you season the chicken.

You glanced up at her, still feeling the tenderness of the day. "Not as good as you," you teased, giving her a grin. She rolled her eyes, laughing softly, and then focused back on the vegetables.

After a few minutes, the food was almost ready. The scent of garlic and fresh herbs filled the room, making your stomach growl in anticipation. Billie hummed under her breath, and you couldn't help but smile at how effortlessly the two of you fell into this rhythm, like you'd been doing it for years instead of just a few days.

You placed the last of the food on the table and pulled out a chair, ready to sit down.

Billie turned to you, wiping her hands on a towel, her eyes suddenly soft as she walked over, the laughter from earlier still hanging in the air. "I've been thinking about something all day."

You looked up at her, your heart skipping a beat. "What's that?"

Billie hesitated for a moment, biting her lip, clearly unsure. Then, after a deep breath, she said, "I've been wanting to ask you something... something serious."

You raised an eyebrow, feeling a small flutter of nerves in your stomach. "What's going on?"

Billie took a small step forward, her hands clasped together as if trying to steady herself. She looked at you, and you could see the vulnerability in her eyes—something rare for Billie, but something she trusted you with.

"I know this is all happening pretty fast," she started, her voice soft but steady, "but every day, it feels more and more right. I can't stop thinking about it."

You blinked, not entirely sure what she was getting at, but the way she looked at you made your heart race.

"I... I've been wanting to ask if you'd be my girlfriend. Officially. You know, like—just us. No pressure, no rush, just..." Billie trailed off for a second, biting her lip nervously. "Just, I can't stop thinking about you, and I think I'd like to make this more real."

There was a small, vulnerable silence between the two of you, a hesitation hanging in the air. You could see how much it meant to her to ask, how much she was hoping for an answer.

You met her gaze, your heart thudding a little faster now. There was something about the way she looked at you—like you were the most important thing in the room, in her world. You smiled softly, taking a step toward her.

"I think... I think I'd really like that," you said, your voice steady but full of emotion.

Billie's face broke into a grin, her eyes brightening. "You're serious?"

"Yeah," you answered softly. "I'm serious. I want that too."

She closed the distance between you, her arms wrapping around your waist as she pulled you in close, burying her face in your shoulder. "You just made my whole night," she murmured against your skin, her voice full of relief and happiness. "I'm glad we're doing this. Together."

You held her just a little tighter, savoring the moment, the way it felt to know you were both on the same page.

Dinner could wait for a few minutes longer.