"okay" billie huffed, dramatically flopping onto her back again "that one didnt count. i slipped."

"you always say that" you said through a grin, kneeling beside her on the living room rug as shark curiously padded over to sniff her head

billie slapped a hand over her eyes and groaned "how do you make this look so easy? i swear my spine isnt built like yours"

"its the hips" you teased "you gotta pop em. watch"

you hopped back a step then smoothly dropped onto your back, kicking your legs up and landing clean on your feet in one fluid motion. billie stayed flat on her back with her arms splayed and hair a mess of strands against the floor

finneas snorted from the kitchen "that was pretty badass not gonna lie"

"see?" billie called from the floor "shes showing off now"

patrick walked by with a mug of tea while chuckling "youve got determination kid. thats what matters."

billie propped herself up on her elbows, looking up at you "okay. one more. try four was just a warmup."

"that was try five" you reminded her

she narrowed her eyes "dont make me bring up your first time on a snowboard"

you smirked and offered her your hand "fine ill be nice"

she grabbed it, letting you pull her upright before dropping back down to the floor with overly dramatic focus. you knelt beside her, placing your hands at her lower back and under one knee

"alright. youve got this. breathe. when you kick explode through your heels and snap your chest forward. ill guide you this time."

she looked at you, serious now. her eyes scanned your face like she was grounding herself "i dont know if i want to land it more or just impress you"

you smiled, brushing her hair out of her face "you already impress me. now shut up and kick."

"three.. two.." then she launched

for just a second it looked like she might make it but then she turned to far, landing in a ball with a yelp, bumping into your legs as you fell half on top of her while shark came running over with his tail wagging

“god ow..” billie groaned from under you “did i break something or is that just my pride?”

you laughed into her shoulder “your prides been gone since try three.”

her arms came around your waist as you laid there, tangled up and laughing while claudia looked around the corner while taking a picture “not to interrupt but im definitely sending that one to the family groupchat.”

“nooooo” billie whined “tell them i stuck the landing”

"they saw the whole thing from the couch. maggies already crying laughing.”

you kissed billies cheek “still the most beautiful failure ive ever seen”

she looked up at you with a red face “youre so lucky i love you.”

you raised your eyebrows “try six?”

she sighed “only if you fall with me again”