Who Says Three is a Crowd? (Under Construction)

Respect

Billy's POV

It's been a little over a year since California. Since y/n said she loved me for the last time. I told her she had to let me go and that I would let her go but it was easier said than done.

Her and Eddie seemed to be doing well. Things had fallen back into place for them. Which was good... right? Fuck.

I missed her. That time in California was everything I had wanted. I had got to kiss her again, touch her, hold her. And then let her go. All over again.

And now Eddie Munson wanted to have a talk with me... alone. Sounds like the last thing I wanted to do but we'd both been respectful towards each other since then so I agreed to meet with him.

I even had Thanksgiving dinner with them. They let me take William whenever I wanted. My boy. I might have fucked up but I was doing every in my power to fix it now. I love him. More than anything.

I walk into the diner and hear the bells jingle as I push open the door. I see him sitting there in his leather jacket, a cup of coffee in front of him.

What was this about?

I take a deep and walk over to him. His eyes flick up and meet mine as he gestures for me to sit. He looks stressed. His eyes look tired.

I slide into the seat across from him and clear my throat.

"Munson." I say gruffly.

Eddie takes a sip of his coffee and places it back on the table before running his hand across his face.

"What's up, man?" I push. He's making me nervous with all his fidgeting.

He meets my eyes again. "Are you and y/n fooling around?" he asks suddenly.

What?

I laugh loudly until I see his face. He's serious. Oh.

"No. Eddie.. we're not."

"Be honest with me. Don't fucking sugarcoat it.. I can take it." Eddie says sternly.

I start to feel guilt in my stomach. And it's not something I like. Do I actually fucking feel bad? We did this to him.

"Look man. I know we fucked up but that was a year ago. Y/n loves you. She chose you. We're not fooling around. Where uh.. where is this coming from?" I dig in my pocket for a smoke, passing one to Eddie before taking one for myself.

Eddie nods at you as he takes the cigarette and lights it up.

"I.. uh. Fuck." he mumbles running his hand through his messy hair.

"I don't know. We've been a little distant. I feel like she's pulling away..." he drifts off.

"I've been busy. I work all the fucking time. I don't take her out enough anymore. William is.. well you know, he's a handful and I'm just scared I'm gonna lose her." he rambles quickly and I lean back against the booth listening to him pour his heart out.

Why is he saying all this to me?

"I'm trying to be a good husband but life is.. life is hard sometimes and..."

I'm not really sure what to do but let him keep going. I couldn't get a word in even if I tried.

"And then I think.. well why wouldn't she run back to.. well.. you." he pauses and looks up. His hands have stopped waving around.

I think he's done. Okay, Billy. Say something...

"I love her." Not that you fucking idiot.

Eddie sighs deeply.

"Wait.. I'm not finished." I say quickly.

"I'm not gonna lie to you. I love her. I'll always love her. But there's nothing going on between us."

This is awkward as shit.

"Would you tell me if there was?" Eddie's jaw clenches tightly as he looks at me across the table.

I nod a simple nod. "People have rough patches. I don't know why she's pulling away... but she's not running to me. Man to man, Eddie, I'm not fucking up my chance to be in William's life. I care about y/n. But we haven't done anything. I swear." I hope my words are enough to reassure him.

I think this fucker needs a friend.

"Yeah... yeah okay." Eddie replies.

"You're doing good with him, by the way. He loves you." Eddie smiles a small smile.

"Yeah?" I can't help the smile that creeps across my face.

"Said he wanted a mullet.." Eddie grimaces and I grin.

"I'm assuming you want him to have whatever that is." I point to his wild hair.

Eddie chuckles and waves a waitress over.

"You want some lunch?" he asks and I pause for a second.

"Why not?"

******

"I can't let you sit here and shit on AC/DC.." I say as I toss a fry in my mouth.

"I'm not saying they aren't good. I'm just saying Metallica is better." Eddie says through a mouthful of food.

"Agree to disagree." I chuckle and Eddie shrugs.

"Sure. But there's still right and wrong.. and well.. you're wrong." Eddie

I shake my head and take a swig of my coke. We've been here for about 2 hours now.

I think I'm enjoying his company..

"Eddie." My tone turns serious and his smile fades a bit.

"I um... I wanted to say thank you. For being there for both of them when I fucked up. William is lucky to have you." I say what I should have said a long time ago.

Eddie looks emotional, his eyes gloss over slightly. "Don't cry, man." I grunt and he just laughs.

"You're welcome. And even though you've been a giant, and I do mean giant, pain in my ass.. I'm glad you came back. For William. He needed you too." he says and I feel my eyes start to water.

"Fuck." I chuckle as I stand up. Eddie follows and holds out his hand. I swallow hard as I reach out and give him a firm shake.

"This doesn't mean we're friends." I say flatly.

"Wouldn't dream of it." Eddie smirks before patting my shoulder and heading out the door.

It feels like a weight has been lifted off my chest. The guilt of my past is somewhat less heavy. I'll always love y/n but as much as I hate to admit it, Eddie is a good man.

I have my son. And I still have her in my life.. even if it's not how I planned. Eddie isn't pushing me out. This feels like a breakthrough. This feels good.. maybe I have changed for the better. I know where she belongs.

I still love her though... I always will.

**A/N: I have decided I'll probably do all of the one shots I mentioned before. I'm not sure exactly when they'll come out but hopefully you guys enjoy them. Some will be a bit longer and some a bit shorter. I appreciate all the love this story has gotten. I've also had quite a few readers not "love" my y/n so much and that's okay too lol but I do appreciate you all. 🖤🖤🖤