you were already on edge. everything felt loud today. the sound of the fridge humming, your phone buzzing, even billies soft tapping on the couch with her thumb scrolling through something on her phone. it wasnt her fault but your mood didnt care about logic

she was lounging on the couch with hoodie sleeves pushed up and eyes on her phone as you stormed past the kitchen counter, slamming a cabinet shut harder than you meant to

"can you not do that?" she said casually, not even glancing up. her voice was calm like she already dealt with this a hundred times

you didnt even look at her "then maybe stop giving me reasons to be pissed"

there was a pause with a beat of silence then her voice again, cool as ice "fix your attitude" she said, still not looking up "before i have to fix it for you"

that was it. you turned toward her, heat in your chest "fix it?" you repeated, sharp "youre not my damn mom billie"

thats when she finally looked up. there was no smile or lazy teasing in her eyes like usual. just that cold and steady gaze that made your chest feel too tight

she locked eyes with you, phone lowering in her hand "then stop acting like a brat" and that made your stomach slip