delicate | b.e.

fifteen.

FALLON
Continued...

"Because I'll die!"

"What? Why?" Billie asks.

"Billie, if I want out, they'll jump me out of here and when they do that, they try to kill people so they died in the mafia." I explain.

"But you're a leader." She furrows her brows. "Just of my gang. There's higher people than me, Billie, and they can hurt me and you if they know you're affiliated with me." I tell her.

"Nobody has to know." Billie says. "But people will know. What will people say if Billie Eilish is with a fucking mafia leader? It'll ruin your reputation." I respond.

"I don't care about my reputation, I care about you, Fal! All I've wanted these few months was you. You feel like home to me." Billie explains. "You take care of me, you feed me, you help me, you're sweet to me. No one's ever had me, not like you do." She shakes her head.

"You like me?" I ask quietly. "Is it not obvious, Fallon?" She rolls her eyes. "Billie, you can't fall for someone like me. I'm no good for you." I tell her. "But don't you feel it too? Come on, Fal, I know my feelings aren't one sided." Billie responds.

"Bil, they aren't, but we can't be together. This was supposed to be so I could protect you, not be with you." I sigh. "Why can't you do both?" She asks.

"Because I- just.. come here." I pull her in and kiss her. The two of us make out while my arms wrap around her neck.

"Um, guys...?"

We pull apart and see Owen, standing there.

"Uh, what?" I ask nervously. "I'm not gonna ask any questions about what I just saw. James and I were just... hanging out and he passed out. Come help please." Owen says with tears in his eyes.

Looks like we're not the only ones falling.

I walk upstairs to his room with Billie and Owen following behind me.

I find James, unconscious on the bed and I check his forehead for a fever.

Nope.

"I'm gonna do CPR." I say, getting into position to start. "You know CPR?" Billie asks. "I had to learn when I was younger." I shrug.

I give him mouth to mouth before doing three chest compressions, then repeat the process.

I do this over and over till he gasps for air and wakes up.

Once he catches his breath, I say "Thank god you're alright. What happened?"

"James and I were... kissing." Owen admits. "You two.. are together?" I ask. "For a few weeks." He nods. "I'm sorry, boss."

"I don't care. As long as you two don't let your relationship get in the way of work, it's fine." I sigh.

"James, you know you can't do that. You have bad asthma." I roll my eyes. "I'm sorry." He replies. "You and Billie are- are so lucky you can kiss for long." James says breathlessly.

"What?" I ask.

"We both know, Fal. It's obvious." Owen states. "Don't speak of it again. I need to figure things out." I tell them. "Billie, we need to talk. Owen, take care of him please and no more making out." I say, smirking as I try not to laugh.

I grab Billie's hand and bring her into my room. The two of us sit down on the bed and I grab her hands, rubbing the top of them softly.

"Bil, I like you, I do, and these past few months have been nothing but great, but I can't date you and I hope you can accept that." I tell her.

"Why not?" She asks. "Things have to be normal between us. Nothing but professional, okay? Once I find those guys that want you and take care of them, maybe we can be more." I say.

"What do you mean 'take care of them?' Billie questions.

"I'll kill them, Billie."

"But- but you can't, Fal. You'll get in trouble an-"

"I don't care. I don't want anyone hurting you and I told you I won't let you get hurt. You're delicate and I can't let anything happen to you. I don't care if it means I die or I go to prison. As long as you're safe, that's all that matters to me. I'll protect you till I die." I tell her.

"But what about leaving all this behind? It's worth nothing if you don't leave." She responds. "Love, you know I can't. James and Owen and everyone are my family. I can't just leave them behind." I shake my head.

"Then get them jumped out, too. You can all leave." She suggests. "But what about all of my things? What about this place? What about my buildings? What about everything I've made?" I ask. "I don't know what to tell you, Fal." Billie sighs.

"Look, once they're dead, I'll get jumped out, but I could die. You need to know that consequence, okay? Me leaving this for you means we might not end up together." I tell her.

"I know." She nods her head. "But I promise, I'll get you the best doctors. I'll be right there to get you to the hospital. I'll do whatever it takes. I wanna be with you, Fallon."

"You're being selfish, Billie. You really want the chance of me dying so maybe, just maybe, we'll be together? It's so stupid. I can't just leave." I say.

"Sleep on it. You don't need to do anything for me, you've already done enough, but just think about it. Please?" Billie asks.

"Fine. Go to sleep."

"Goodnight, Fal." She hugs me and kisses my cheek. "And no more kisses as much as I like them." I chuckle. "But goodnight, darling."

She smiles sadly and gets off the bed before walking out.

I don't know what to tell her or what to do.

I don't know if I can risk my life just for the chance of us being together.

I can't believe I fell for her.

This is such a bad idea.

But she's worth the risk.