ocean eyes ✧ Billy Hargrove

[ 040 ]

After dropping Max off at the middle school Snowball, Daphne and Billy headed back to his house. The Camaro's headlights cut through the evening darkness as they drove, and an easy, relaxed vibe filled the car.

Billy pulled into his driveway, and they headed inside. Billy dropped his keys on the kitchen counter and went straight to the phone to order takeout. "Chinese food okay with you?" he asked, glancing over his shoulder.

"It's perfect," Daphne replied. "I'm starving."

Billy smiled and dialed the number for their favorite Chinese restaurant. After placing the order, he set the phone down and headed to the living room. "Let's get comfortable. The food will be here soon."

Daphne settled onto the couch, and Billy sat beside her, casually draping an arm over the back of the couch. "I was thinking," he said, reaching for the remote, "we could watch a movie while we wait."

"Oh, sounds good. What do you have in mind?" Daphne asked, looking intrigued.

Billy smirked. "I've got just the thing. My favorite movie, The Shining."

Daphne's face fell slightly. "Oh... that's a bit scary, isn't it?"

Billy chuckled. "Yeah, but that's part of the fun. Come on, it'll be great."

He popped the movie into the VCR and adjusted the volume. As the opening credits rolled, Daphne sank deeper into the couch, trying to ignore the growing sense of unease. Billy, meanwhile, seemed completely absorbed in the film.

As the movie progressed, Daphne found herself clinging to Billy's arm, her eyes darting around the room. "I really didn't think it would be this intense," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.

Billy laughed softly, glancing at her. "You're such a scaredy-cat. It's just a movie."

"I know," Daphne said, trying to sound brave, though she shivered as Jack Nicholson's eerie grin appeared on the screen. "But you have to admit, it's pretty creepy."

Billy gave her a reassuring squeeze. "Don't worry, I'm here."

The tension between them was palpable, and as the film's suspenseful moments intensified, so did their closeness. Billy's hand slid from Daphne's shoulder to her waist, and she responded by leaning into him.

Their shared laughter and nervous glances turned into lingering touches and soft smiles.

"Okay," Daphne said with a deep breath as the movie's climax approached, "I think I've had enough horror for one night."

Billy turned off the TV, his gaze turning more serious. "You want to do something else, then?"

Daphne met his eyes and hesitated for a moment. "What do you have in mind?"

Billy's voice lowered to a gentle, coaxing tone. "How about we just enjoy each other's company?"

She looked at him, torn between her lingering fear from the movie and the warmth of his presence. "I... I don't know" Daphne asked softly. "I don't want to rush things."

Billy smiled, his eyes filled with affection. "We don't have to rush. We can take it slow."

Daphne's hesitation melted away as she saw the genuine care in his eyes. She nodded, taking his hand and letting him lead her to his room.

In Billy's room, the atmosphere was different—cozy and private. Soft light from a lamp cast a warm glow over the space, and the faint sound of the wind outside was the only thing breaking the silence.

Billy sat on the edge of his bed, looking up at Daphne with a mix of anticipation and tenderness.

Daphne stood by the bed, feeling a flutter of nerves and excitement. She took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. "I want this," she said quietly, "I'm ready."

Billy reached out, gently pulling her closer. "Are you sure?" he murmured, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "I just want to be with you."

As their lips met, the world outside seemed to fade away. Their kisses deepened, hands exploring with a newfound sense of urgency and desire.

Clothes were discarded slowly, and the intensity of their connection grew stronger with every touch.

In the quiet of Billy's room, the only sound they could hear was their moans and their body colliding. The connection between them was electric, a blend of tenderness and passion that left them both breathless.

Afterward, they lay together in bed, wrapped in each other's arms. Billy's breathing had slowed, and he nuzzled closer to Daphne, who looked content but with a distant expression.

"What's wrong?" Billy asked, noticing the shift in her mood.

Daphne hesitated before speaking. "Nothing, I'm fine. I'm just happy now. "

Billy's brow furrowed with concern. "Is that so? Who would have thought I would have been the one to make you happy, huh?"

"I don't even know how it happened," Daphne admitted. "You're the only one that succeeded in winning my heart."

Billy kissed her forehead reassuringly. "I'm deeply honored. Also because nobody can have you, you're my princess. Mine and only."

Daphne smiled, feeling comforted by his words, but an uneasy feeling lingered in her mind, like what had happened was only the beginning.

As they lay together in the quiet room, she couldn't help but wonder what the future held and if their recent battles were truly behind them.