Baby steps. That was the best way to describe your relationship with Billy Hargrove.

You'd quickly learned that the real Billy was like lava cake. He was a total jackass, and downright cruel at times. But honestly a sweetheart when you formed a bond with him. Once Billy trusted you, it was all nervous smiles and late-night cuddles. Even when Billy had been jittery your first time together (Neil said the gays were dirty--), everything had worked out.

All it took was some slow touches and a few *"Hey, it's me. You know me.'*s to relax him. He still wouldn't treat you like a boyfriend in public, especially school, but you didn't push. Baby steps.

Right now you were more concerned with Billy's eating habits. He never ate lunch, and his avoidance of you at school made it hard to prod him. And every time he was at your house he wouldn't accept any food, especially sugar.

"Baby," you said, hanging up your house key. You ignored his scowl at the nickname. "You don't have to ask or anything. Go eat."