* 𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐫 𝐠𝐢𝐫𝐥 .ᐟ

morning shift at rita's, she needs to steal a coffee.

"of course it's not," she mutters under her breath as she moves behind the counter. at least he can't follow her back here.

"— fred." she's stopped by him, eyes closing as she composes herself. "i'm not doing this right now, i have to clock in so viola can go home."

she's shaking her head, pulling the door open to walk inside. "i'm late for my shift."

a puzzled expression is met with hands trying to yank her sleeve back down. she's already trying to think of excuses, "birdie's been playin' a little rough, it's nothing."

catches sight of him on the way in, "fred, hey, you eatin' at rita's 𖤠"

covering the bruise on her arm with her sleeve as she walks into rita's.

@preachersb0y "he's always grumbling about somethin'," she gives a little snort, pulling her jacket a little tighter around her form.

@preachersb0y birdie runs off to play with the others, leaving the two awkward parents staring at each other. a minute later, "there's food, you should, uh, get a plate."

@preachersb0y it always stung a little to hear that, billie scrunching her nose instinctively. "i know i keep sayin' i'll come to a sunday dinner but i'll try to get there soon."

@preachersb0y she pulls at the sleeve, fixing it. "yeah 𖤠 how's he doing 𖤠 things good and all 𖤠"

@preachersb0y "yeah, all good," a firm nod, heel of her palm going to rub at her eye. some smoke irritated it. "you 𖤠"

once upon a time. . .@preachersb0y.

@preachersb0y "she just snuck dessert before eatin' dinner so i think maybe a little too much," a soft laugh, hand reaching out to wipe a smudge of chocolate from her mouth.

@preachersb0y . . .i'm all gross from work, but thanks, freddie.

@preachersb0y actually perfect. . .

@preachersb0y they're laughing and giggling and dancing but once he appears, birdie is running into his arms. "hey," she says, fixing a small smile.

@preachersb0y dancing with birdie by the fire.ᐟ