The penthouse was bathed in soft afternoon light, casting a warm glow over the spacious living room. Billie's family lounged comfortably, laughter and conversation floating through the air as Zaine entertained himself with Shark. Patrick and Finneas sat on the couch, chatting about upcoming projects, while Maggie watched Zaine with an affectionate smile, occasionally throwing Shark a toy to keep the pitbull happy. The energy in the room was light and easy—like home.

But Mars wasn't paying attention to any of it.

She stood by the sliding glass doors that led to the penthouse balcony, her entire focus fixed on Billie, who stood just a few steps away. Billie's brunette hair was tied in a loose bun, messy strands framing her face, and she wore her usual comfortable, oversized clothes—a pair of black sweats and one of Mars's hoodies, sleeves too long on her small frame. And she looked so effortlessly good that it was driving Mars to the brink of distraction.

Billie was mid-conversation, but Mars wasn't following a word. All Mars could think about was how badly she wanted to touch her, hold her—something, anything. Being close to Billie always had that effect on her. She was magnetic, and Mars had zero self-control when it came to her.

"Zoe should be here soon with Alex and Nat," Billie said, her hands gesturing idly as she spoke. She gave Mars a glance, waiting for a response.

Mars stepped closer, her gaze locked on Billie's face. "Right," she muttered absentmindedly.

Billie raised a brow, her lips twitching with amusement. "My break starts at the end of the week."

"Mhm," Mars hummed, now standing close enough to feel Billie's warmth.

Billie tilted her head slightly, her green eyes narrowing with playful suspicion. "Marscello Tosin."

Mars blinked, as if coming out of a trance. "Yes?"

Billie crossed her arms, smirking. "Are you even listening to me?"

"Of course," Mars said, though the guilty look in her mismatched eyes betrayed her. She was already leaning in, hands finding Billie's waist as if it was second nature.

"You're so full of it." Billie tried to sound exasperated, but the smile pulling at her lips gave her away.

Mars grinned, unrepentant, and pulled Billie into her arms, burying her face into the crook of her neck. Billie let out a soft laugh, her arms instinctively wrapping around Mars's shoulders. Mars pressed a kiss to her neck, a small, affectionate gesture that made Billie's skin tingle.

"I missed you," Mars whispered, her voice low and rough.

"We've been together all day," Billie said, though there was no real complaint in her tone. She tightened her hold on Mars, resting her chin on her shoulder.

Mars's hands roamed lazily along Billie's back, sliding beneath the hem of the hoodie she wore. "Not enough," she murmured, brushing her fingers against the smooth skin of Billie's waist. "Never enough."

Billie's breath hitched, and Mars felt it—felt the way Billie's body relaxed into her, like it belonged there. It made something warm bloom in Mars's chest. She loved how Billie always melted into her touch, how it felt like they were two pieces of the same puzzle fitting perfectly together.

"Okay," Billie whispered, voice soft and teasing. "You really can't keep your hands off me, can you?"

Mars chuckled against her skin. "Nope. Not even a little."

A playful groan escaped Billie, but she made no attempt to pull away. Mars knew she didn't really mind. In fact, Billie had grown to expect this kind of clinginess from Mars—and maybe even liked it a little more than she let on.

They stayed like that for a moment, wrapped up in each other, the rest of the world fading into the background.

From across the room, Maggie glanced over at them and chuckled softly. "You two are ridiculous."

Billie turned her head, still tucked comfortably in Mars's arms, and shot her mom an amused look. "Yeah, well... you're the one who said we were a good match."

"Didn't expect you two to be this attached," Maggie teased, shaking her head with a laugh.

Mars only grinned, tightening her arms around Billie in a playful show of possession. "She's mine," she said, her voice low and teasing.

Billie rolled her eyes, but the affectionate smile on her face told Mars everything she needed to know.

Zaine, who had been quietly playing with Shark, looked up at them from across the room. "Mars?" he called, his small voice curious.

Mars turned her head slightly, loosening her grip on Billie but not fully letting go. "Yeah, buddy?"

Zaine tilted his head, watching them with childlike curiosity. "Why do you hug her so much?"

Billie let out a soft laugh, the sound making Mars's heart flip. She crouched down so she was at eye level with Zaine, still holding onto Mars's arm like it was second nature.

"Because Mars likes hugs," Billie explained with a warm smile. "And I like giving them."

Zaine considered this for a moment, his little brow furrowed in thought. Then, with the kind of straightforward honesty only a four-year-old could manage, he said, "I want a hug too."

Mars felt her heart squeeze. Billie's expression softened, and she opened her arms without hesitation. "Come here, Z."

The little boy beamed and scrambled off the floor, making his way over to them. Billie scooped him up into her arms with ease, pulling him into the middle of their embrace. Mars wrapped her arms around both of them, pressing a kiss to the top of Zaine's head.

Zaine giggled, clearly delighted by the double hug. "This is a good hug," he declared, snuggling into both of them.

Billie laughed softly, brushing a hand through his curly hair. "Yeah, it is."

Mars held them close, her heart full in a way she hadn't thought possible. This—being here, with Billie and Zaine—felt like everything she had ever wanted. A strange, unexpected little family, but hers all the same.