Would you Swallow all your Pride?

Chapter Forty-Two: Sapphire.

A/N: It's here! I'm so sorry for the delay, college break is over and I've been struggling to get used to the schedule. I think I'm back on track, now! This chapter is not the most eventful, but I promise things will get exciting once again from now on (: I hope you guys like it, still! Thank you <3

Venable took another deep breath, for she had been forgetting to breath. That wasn't so hard. But it had certainly not been easy, either. I need a Valium. "T-thank you," she whispered. And then, shyly, she offered Billie Dean a hand. A palm instantly rested against hers. A small smile touched her lips. "Would y-you come closer?"

Billie's lips twisted up in a soft smile. She nodded and scooted towards Wilhemina. Instantly, Venable reached to wrap an arm around her waist. Deep brown eyes stared at her, and Billie Dean reached to gently tuck a lock of red hair away from Wilhemina's face. Venable stared at her as if she were afraid Billie would jump away or start yelling at any second; her eyes carried so much affection but it seemed to be mingled in fear. Billie Dean wished she could make the fear disappear. The arm around her waist held her firmly, a silent plea for her to not go away; as if Billie would ever. "Are you feeling better?" she asked lowly.

Wilhemina nodded. Her fingers played with Billie Dean's, caressing them. "Yes," she whispered back. Billie smiled a little. Her knuckles brushed against Venable's cheek, caressing the skin. Honey eyes fell down to Wilhemina's lips, and Venable wondered how could that woman still want to kiss her after the pathetic show she had just given her... and the question only made her want to kiss Billie Dean even more. She leaned closer and pecked the lips in front of her, lingering against them for a second or two. "I'm sorry for ruining the morning." Their lips nearly brushed together.

The butterflies were back inside Billie's stomach. She shook her head, closing the gap as she kissed Wilhemina again. "You didn't ruin anything," she whispered before, once again, colliding their lips together. Her fingers kept on tracing the bone on Venable's cheek as they worked in unison.

I hope my breath isn't too bad. Wilhemina's mind was still spiraling with many accusatory and not-very-nice thoughts, but the lips against hers helped her ears to buzz sweetly and her brain to grow a little hazy. It was a new day, and the night before hadn't been a dream. Still, Venable made sure to hold Billie Dean close, feeling her waist moving as she breathed. Her heart, however, was still beating too fast, and she could feel her hands wanting to start shaking again. I should take a Valium before my anxiety wins me over a second time. With much hesitation, Venable pulled away from Billie's cherry lips. "I need to feed Purpura." Their faces were still close. Billie Dean nodded, eyes still closed. "I'll be back. Don't leave the bed just yet."

"I won't." Billie pecked Wilhemina again before letting go of her. She watched as Venable reached for her cane and got out of bed, with Purpura following her out of the room right after. Taking a deep breath, Billie Dean rubbed her eyes and got out of bed. She walked to the bathroom to quickly brush her teeth and wash her face, taking a quick glance at the mirror before she got back under the sheets. Thankfully, her face didn't look too swollen from sleep, and her hair had, thanks to the party and all the dolling up, woken up beautifully. Why am I even concerned about it? She has seen me thrown up before and still wants to kiss me. The thought came flying, and with it came the realization that... that's how it was always supposed to feel like. Such intimacy in so little time. I feel understood for once. It was scary to have so many important feelings already. The thumping of the cane came echoing from outside, taking Billie Dean's mind out of her trance. She looked over to the door, watching as purple approached her once again.

Form the doorframe, Wilhemina squeezed her cane somewhat nervously. She stared at Billie Dean—on her own bed—looking so beautiful and so delicate and just so Billie Dean. Venable could feel her heart already beating a little faster than usual, but it had started to slow down by now, thanks to the Valium she had taken while feeding Purpura. My back is hurting a lot. All the standing up from the party had caused too much pressure on her spine, and she definitely should be taking it easy today. "Billie?"