new billie book tomorrow?

Cedric had been growing his hair out ever since Billie asked him to, and now, her favorite part of the day was sitting in his lap, fingers threading through the soft, fluffy curls. She claimed it was therapeutic, like her own personal stress ball, but Cedric suspected she just liked knowing she'd convinced him to change something about himself. Not that he minded—it gave her joy, and that was reason enough.

What surprised him was how much he'd grown to enjoy these moments, too. The quiet intimacy, her light touch, the way she'd smile at him like he was the only thing grounding her in a chaotic world—it was everything he didn't know he needed.

Life with Billie was unlike anything Cedric had experienced. His days of rigid schedules and impersonal routines were gone. Now, his world was filled with late-night conversations, impromptu photoshoots when Billie decided the lighting was too good to waste, and an endless stream of her teasing jokes.

He wasn't officially her bodyguard anymore, but the instinct to protect her hadn't diminished. Cedric still took the lead when they moved through crowds, his broad frame shielding her from overeager fans, paparazzi, or anyone who might make her uncomfortable. Billie never had to ask—he just did it.

It wasn't just about duty anymore; it was about love.

One sunny afternoon, Billie was sprawled across the couch with her phone, scrolling through the countless candid pictures she'd taken of Cedric over the last few months. He was annoyingly photogenic. Whether he was laughing at one of her jokes, brooding as he fixed something in the house, or simply lost in thought, he looked like he'd stepped out of a magazine spread.

She smirked at one particular photo where he was mid-laugh, his dimples on full display, his green eyes crinkling with amusement. She hadn't even said anything that funny—she just liked how his laugh lit up the room.

"Baby," she called out, her voice sing-song.

Cedric appeared in the doorway, his freshly grown curls slightly damp from his post-workout shower. He raised an eyebrow at her. "Yes?"

"I brought someone here to see you."

He frowned, glancing around the room. "Who?"

Billie's grin widened as she pointed toward the front door.

The sound of footsteps filled the space, and Cedric's expression shifted from confusion to surprise as his older brother, Aaron, strolled in with the easy confidence that seemed to be a Pierre family trademark.

"Hey." Aaron greeted, his voice warm and teasing as he extended his arms for a hug.

"Aaron?" Cedric said, still processing. He stood, meeting his brother halfway. "What the hell are you doing here?"

"Your girl invited me," Aaron said, pulling Cedric into a tight embrace before stepping back to survey him. His eyes narrowed, and then he broke into a wide grin. "Oh my gosh, HE HAS HAIR?"

Billie burst into laughter, clutching her stomach. "I told you it'd be worth the trip!"

Cedric groaned, running a hand through his curls. "It's not that big a deal."

"It is definitely a big deal," Aaron said, stepping closer to inspect his little brother's new look. "You've been shaving your head since you were what—seventeen? And now, look at you. Who are you, and what have you done with Cedric?"

Cedric rolled his eyes. "Im still me dickhead."

The rest of the afternoon was a whirlwind of laughter and storytelling. It was clear where Cedric got his charisma, though his own was quieter, more understated.

Billie loved seeing Cedric in this context—relaxed, surrounded by people who adored him.

At one point, she caught Aaron watching them with a knowing smile.

"What?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Nothing," Aaron said, taking a sip of his drink. "It's just good to see him happy. He's been... different since he left for the military. But you—you've brought out a side of him I haven't seen in years."

Billie's heart swelled at the thought. She glanced over at Cedric, who sat by her couch with shark. "He's brought out a side of me, too," she admitted softly.

Aaron nodded, his gaze thoughtful. "Then I'd say you're good for each other."

Later that evening, after Aaron had left, Cedric and Billie found themselves alone in the kitchen. Billie was perched on the counter, her legs swinging idly as she watched Cedric clean up.

"You didn't tell me you were inviting Aaron," Cedric said, his tone teasing but with a hint of curiosity.

"I wanted to surprise you," Billie said, shrugging. "Plus, I figured you'd been ignoring his calls long enough. Someone had to get you two in the same room."

Cedric smirked. "You're sneaky."

"Sorry not sorry." she said with a grin.

He set down the dish towel and walked over to her, standing between her legs as his hands rested on her hips. "Thank you," he said, his voice soft.

"For what?"

"For everything. For making me laugh, for putting up with my brother, for... just being you."

Billie's smile softened, and she leaned forward to press her forehead against his. "I could say the same about you, you know."

They stayed like that for a moment, wrapped up in each other, the world outside fading away.

As the days turned into weeks, Aaron's visit left a lasting impact. Cedric seemed lighter, freer, as if reconnecting with his brother had reminded him of a part of himself he'd left behind.

And Billie? She couldn't get enough of this version of him—the one who laughed easily, who didn't shy away from her affection, who let himself be loved without reservation.