The first thing that graced his awareness was the natural ambiance that came with each morning, leaves rustling, birds singing... Smiling, he lazily pushed off silk sheets and snapped his fingers. A member of his entourage skittered forward, bowing as they presented him with his favorite handheld mirror.

"Goodmorning beautiful~" He gushed, how could he not? A perfect set of pearly whites answered him back with the most dazzling smile he'd ever seen, smoldering dark eyes that broke hearts as often as they blinked, and spiked, intricately styled black hair that countless would pay hundreds-of-thousands to get a single strand from.

"Oh brodette, do you know anyone who can wake up looking this good ?" He marveled to a somewhat exhausted looking maid, too enthralled in his own reflection to spare a glance at the magnificent eye roll she gave him.

"I can't say I have, Sir…" The maid growled, too preoccupied with trying to clean the absolute disaster that was the hotel room they resided in.

"I know, right?" He sighed, trying out a few of his best expressions in the mirror before handing it back to his faithful attendant, after all, morning facial exercises were a must. Standing, he snapped his fingers again, holding his arms out as a soft robe was draped on his shoulders. He strode forward towards the blinds that blocked out the morning light. As he came closer to the balcony windows, the sweet sound of nature grew louder and louder.

"Can't keep them waiting, now can I?" He chuckled, yanking the blinds aside, the cheers of the crowd outside growing to new heights. Pulling aside the sliding windows and stepping onto the balcony, (despite the worried protests of his entourage) he greeting the adoring masses with a wave. They couldn't help it, it was him after all, it was only natural they reacted like this.

"Tell me who you love, Beverly Heights!" He encouraged, over the deafening cheers.

"Billy! Billy! Billy! Billy! Billy!" They cheered, said object of adulation holding his hand to his ear good naturedly.

Dark eyes watched from within the crowd, piercing gaze trained on only Him. They loved it when he did that. He really was in His element, being worshiped just looked natural on Him.

'Like music to my ears!' Billy thought, laughing. He did a little spin and pose, eliciting more cheers, before leaning as far as he dare (And he dared) over the balcony, ignoring the cries of distress of his entourage, yelling out,

"I'm back, baby!"

Clack Clack Clack

"So let me break it to you easy Sweetheart-"

Red ankle strap pumps, keeping a stern pace with the chaotic rhythm of a schedule only Billy Joe Cobra's Manager could understand. Cold tile floors surrendering beneath them with every calculated step. Billy sometimes wondered if the interior designer of this building avoided carpet floors with those exact heels in mind.

Clack Clack Clack

"-at 11:15, today honey, not a second later. I don't care what you say about being fashionably late, we can't swing it if we don't land this-"

Black pencil skirt with a diagonal cut just high enough to still be professional and two asymmetrical horizontal white stripes. New enough that if Billy didn't know any better, he'd think the tag might still be on it, or better yet, that she'd conned the skirt right off the model who first wore it. He wouldn't be too surprised if the latter were true. She was too precise to leave a tag on, she'd rather be caught dead.

Clack Clack Clack Clack

"- welcome home concert at 9:30, with guest star Marco Venus! I got him at half price ya'know? Big fan of yours B-man, in fact he told me-"

White wrap blouse that hugged her waist just tight enough to show off a curvy waist, and just loose enough to leave the rest up to the imagination. She wore a new outfit everyday it seemed, the idea of her putting on any item of clothing more than once seem ludacris. It was more than likely that she shopped for new outfits and threw them out after one use, after all, she was Billy Joe Cobra's Manager, she could more than afford it.

Clack Clack Clack Clack Clack

"-the after party, we're gonna need you for a photo-shoot and then an interview with this absolute darling of reporter, writes for this chic gossip magazine, and she needs you to make this piece Heartbreaker, can you do that for me? I need you to wow this girl for me, absolutely blow her away, normal Friday for you right?"

Red nails the perfectly matched her lipstick, bold in a way that screamed, I can wear this and more and still sell you a million dollar deal. Total confidence and drive in one very determined package. It was one of the things that made Billy trust her honestly, if anyone looked like they really had a handle on showbiz, it was her.

Clack Clack-

"Billy?"

Billy finally tuned in, raising his eyebrows in a way he hoped said ' I've totally been listening to you! Do go on!' Though, by the look in his Manager's eyes and the growing agitation in her face, he'd failed, horribly.

"Okay Billy, what's on your mind? Talk to me." She sighed, massaging her brows for a moment and tapping her foot impatiently.

Billy pouted, crossing his arms, and looking to the side. "I came back to Beverly Heights for a reason Cammie! All this sched-whatever sounds like a total drag!" Billy huffed, finally looking at his manager with the best 'I don't wanna' face he could muster.

"BJC! Honey! Sweetheart~...We can't just shut down production cause you came back home! You don't wanna be yesterday's news, do you?" She said, wrapping an arm around Billy's shoulders, and walking him into a slow pace alongside her.

"I mean, what do you think your fans will do if you cancel on them, huh? Marco Venus? The Camera guys? That sweet reporter? They need Billy Joe Cobra!" She exclaimed, squeezing his arm urgently, looking faux distressed as she continued.

"The world need your music, your beautiful face, and those inspiring words of yours to keep it turning! I know it's hard but-" She paused to stop and look at him sympathetically. "It's the burden you gifted few are cursed to bear…"

Billy looked shocked, before internally cursing himself. Of course! It was so obvious now that she'd laid it out so clearly for him! He couldn't just take a day off at the mansion and abandon the world to go Cobra-less! The masses wouldn't survive, much less forgive him!

"Aww, Cam-Cam! I didn't even think!" He lamented, running a sorrowful hand down the side of his face dramatically (He was BJC, how else was he supposed to do things?) "All those poor, pathetic Cobra-heads, with no Billy Joe to keep them running! I'm a monster!" He cried, growing teary eyed as he imaged hoards of Cobra enthused fans morning some lame-o concert with no Billy! Marco Venus? He would never satisfy them all, that was a job only BJC could do!

Quiet feet trailed behind, keeping just behind corners and potted plants, never taking their eyes away from the object of their passion. It was a gift really, to be so close, one they were readily willing to work for.

"That's why I'm your Manager Billy, I can't have you doing something you'd regret, now can I? Voice of reason right here B-man, just listen, and you can't go wrong!" She boasted, looking very pleased with herself. Billy nodded, a smile quickly taking over his previously gloomy expression.

Scratch out everything he'd thought before, this SUCKED! The meeting was supposed to be about his new album, Cobra Midnight Magic, but all he could glean from the whole meeting was boring, old people stuff, and numbers.

'It's the burden you have to bear Cobra!' he thought to himself, trying desperately to at least act interested, but found himself failing miserably. How could anyone honestly think any of this was interesting? He was nearly sleeping where he sat! This had to end!

"-now Mister Cobra, my investment comes with some stipulations, this album of yours needs more than your usual, well, to be frank, overblown yet vapid style." A large, overtly wealthy looking man snorted, looking extremely full of himself.

He'd had enough! This tool-box was not only boring and old, but had the gall to call him...Whatever he'd just called him! Overblown? The Cobra would show him overblown…

"Ah...And what would you suggest ?" Billy's Manager asked, looking nervously between the investor and Billy, already sensing her clients growing agitation. The rest of the men in the room looked to the man expectantly, as did Billy. 'Let's see what this jerk-wad thinks he can come up with.' Billy thought.

'Well I'm glad you asked! I had a meeting between the writers in my fold along with myself, and have come up with a much more exciting collection of songs I would like sampled in this album." effused, smiling as if he'd just suggested the advent of sliced bread. He signaled his assistant as she began handing out thin binders filled with said songs.

"What?!" Billy exclaimed, slamming his hands on the table and standing abruptly. He looked downright insulted, and he was!

"Billy." His Manager said harshly, giving him the evil eye. Billy pouted, giving her the best puppy dog eyes he could muster, still fuming. It ended up looking more like a sad sowl though, and failed. "Sit." She hissed, and he reluctantly did, though he refused to attempt to look happy, opting to scowl at Shankly instead.

The man in question simply side-eyed him and moved on as if nothing had happened. Billy glared harder, how DARE he? After about a minuet a of glaring, Billy finally picked up the folder, flipping it open in a lackluster fashion. He couldn't believe what he was seeing, scrunching his brows in confusion, he flipped to the next page, then the next, again and again and again. Suddenly it hit him and he burst out laughing. These were all awful, he was pretty sure a four year old could write better in poetry class!

"Is there something you would like to say, Mister Cobra?" Mr Shankly growled, looking very unamused.

Suddenly, all eyes were on Billy, and for one moment he froze. Then Billy remembered 'Oh yeah, this is exactly what I needed!' Smiling, Billy leaned forward, as relaxed as a devil among sinners.

"Actually no, I don't got a single thing I wanna say to you Shaw-Shank-Redemption!" He retorted. Before could respond, Billy suddenly snapped his fingers, a faithful attendant coming forward and handing him his guitar. Billy smirked, jumping on the table, causing some in the room to gasp, as he prowled forward towards Mr Shankly at the other end the table. "See I'm a singer at heart, words are cheap, but music? It speaks for the soul. So buckle up! Cause I feel a song coming on!"

Billy spun, landed on a pose, and started playing.

~Frankly, Mr Shankly, this position I've held

It pays my way and it corrodes my soul

I want to leave, you will not miss me

I want to go down in musical history~

~Frankly, Mr Shankly, I'm a sickening wreck

I've got the 21st century breathing down my neck

I must move fast, you understand me

I want to go down in celluloid history, Mr Shankly~

~Fame, fame, fatal fame

It can play hideous tricks on the brain

But still I rather be famous

Than righteous or holy,

any day, any day, any day~

Billy danced and slid around on the conference table, all eyes trained on him. He spared a glance at his Manager, who at the moment, was as awed and amazed as the rest of them. When he stopped his impromptu performance, he might be in for an earful, but for right now, he was a star, their star.

This was why they did it. Moments like this was what made every grueling hour spent crouching in shrubs or standing in freezing rain worth it. Not just any fan was able to catch moments like these, once in a lifetime performances that they would treasure for the rest of their life.

Billy turned on his heel suddenly, and started towards Mr Shankly himself, who was looking absolutely aghast at the performance, which satisfied Billy just as well.

~Frankly, Mr Shankly, this position I've held

It pays my way and it corrodes my soul,

Oh I didn't realise that you wrote poetry

I didn't realise you wrote such bloody awful poetry, Mr Shankly~

~Frankly, Mr Shankly, since you ask

You are a flatulent pain in the ass

I do not mean to be so rude,

Still I must speak frankly, Mr Shankly,

Give us money!~

Billy landed on his knees, striking a final pose that would send his fans screaming and paparazzi snapping away. Instead of either of those, he was met with stunned silence. For one frightening moment, Billy wondered if he'd messed up, had he crossed a line? Thankfully, the moment ended as quickly as it came, the meeting goers bursting into a cheering frenzy and clapping with gusto. Billy grinned, stood and began bowing in a way one could mistake as humble (it was not).

He walked to the end of the table, as his small audience continued clapping, winking at his manager, and paused before he jumped down to spare a sneering glance at Shankly. Then Billy jumped down, sat with legs crossed, took off guitar, handed it back to his attendant, and leaned back. 'Your turn Shankey' Billy thought, smiling coyly.

Billy reclined even further in his plush chair, relaxing as the makeup artist did their work.

'This is exactly what I needed' He thought. After landing that stupid deal, Billy's Manager chewed him out and then some, just like he'd guessed. Apparently, mocking a billionaire's horrible music taste wasn't something you were supposed to do, even in song form.

"Lame…"Billy mumbled. It wasn't like he'd planned it out or anything, that jerk-face had went out of his way to be a total tool. "I was doing a public service! Jay-day! I was in the right, right?" He whined, giving his makeup artist his best 'I'll-cry-if-you-say-no' face. Jessie, knowing exactly how much damage a Cobra diva tantrum could do (And the mascara? Don't even joke, waterproof makeup wasn't Cobra proof!) put on their best sympathetic smile and did what they always did.

"BC, you can't let the haters get you down! You, are a grown man, it's you who decides what you do with your life. No one else!" they encouraged, tissue on standby, just in case.

Billy thought the speech through as he always did, and smiled. Why was he all twisted up about some loser from old money anyways? He was Billy Joe Cobra! People would be singing his praises thousands of years from now, way after that old turd was dead and gone! And besides, in a few years, he'd be twice as rich as that old fart! His net worth was
already as much.

'You're right, as always. Why do I ever question your inter-stellar advice Jess-dressed?" Billy praised, leaning back as Jessie put some much needed glitter in Billy's hair.

They'd promised themselves when they first began their hobby to never interfere. Good fans don't run onto the stage and ruin the performance, that was a rule. That didn't mean they weren't tempted to at times though. They had always envied the entourage, always nearby by, and able to touch and speak to Him regularly. Meanwhile they had to stay so far away, hiding in the labyrinth that was His costume closet. At least the costumes smelled like Him.

"I don't know Boo Boo, that's on you!" they giggled. While they were well aware that Billy was stuck up, he was still a fun guy. As Billy's private and most trusted stylist, they were an essential piece of Billy's entourage, and someone who had the luxury of being called friend by the Cobra himself "Now close your eyes, or do you want a repeat of last week?" they commanded, Billy shuddering before closing his eyes obediently, not at all wanting a repeat of last week. They still hadn't found the horses!

After a few quiet moments, there was a pleased hmmimg sound and then-

"There! You look more than perfect B-B. Get out there!" They congratulated, slapping Billy's back as he stood and pointing him towards the stage. Billy grinned, giving Jessie a wink, and marched forward, ready to set the stage on fire.

"Knock'em dead, killer!" Jessie cheered, knowing they couldn't be heard over the deafening roars of the crowd as Billy stepped on stage.

Billy sighed, pleased with his performance and pleasantly surprised at the apparent fan that Marco Venus was. He gave him an autograph at the surprise cobra-heads request and promised a good time at the after party, already planning a bunch of songs to sing for karaoke. He liked the guy, but that didn't mean he wasn't competitive!

"Mister Cobra, can you turn your head a little? I wanna see those eyes of yours Honey."

Billy compiled, internally groaning as the pose he was striking became more and more uncomfortable. That's how the camera guys did it. They start out all 'Oh! Go ahead, get comfortable, we want your natural look!' and slowly worked you into a position that would kill an olympic gymnast!

"Now lift that leg up a liiiiiiiittle bit mooooooore…." They coaxed, absentmindedly lifting their hand as well.

Billy winced, breaking character for a moment. "How many moooooooore?" He groaned, he was starting to feel like he'd been here for hours!

"Just one more! C'mon baby! You're a tiger! Roar for me~" They enthused, trying to excite Billy back into character.

It was times like these that they wished they could comfort Him. He was doing such a great service, yet the world would never stop asking more of Him. They wanted to give Him everything, but they knew their everything would never be enough for Him. They only hoped He knew just how much the world appreciated what He did.

"Fineeeee….." Billy grumbled, taking a deep breath, and hitting the pose with as much energy as he could manage.

"Beautiful! *Snap* Absolutely dazzling! *Snap Snap* You're a natural Billy! You're a Star! *Snaap* "

"Have you ever tried Nutella?"

"What?" Billy scowled, absolutely not amused by the question. Okay, so maybe it wasn't the worst question, but c'mon! You have The Cobra right in front of you, and you ask 'Have you tried Nutellen' or whatever? That was just dumb!

Billy was tired and grumpy, and this interview was not helping. This day was a nightmare! First there was that stupid conference, then he got yelled at, then he'd had the worst photoshoot ever, and now-

"Mister Cobra?" The woman nervously brushed some hair aside and she cocked her had long straw blonde hair, warm brown eyes, and everything about her screamed ' I'm doing my best!'. Billy sighed, he'd just have to suck it up and slap on a smile. It wasn't really this dudettes fault anyway.

"I...can't say I've ever tried it, so nah." He shrugged, leaning back and trying to bask in the knowledge that this one interview would probably be read my millions, desperate to know more about the Cobra. He was doing a great service, and that weight was to be carried by him alone.

"Alright-" The woman scribbled frantically for a moment before continuing "So I, along with many others, have heard the rumor that you have sworn to a life devoid of a lifelong partner, so my question is. Is that true? And If so, why?" The woman questioned, looking extremely curious.

Now that was an interesting question!

"Well…" Billy responded with a small grin and leaned back. "It is true...In a sense…" he conceded, and waited a moment before continuing, internally laughing as the woman sat at the literal edge of her seat.

"I guess it all started when I was seven.." Billy considered "I was still a little squirt of beans back then, and I hadn't really hit my stride yet. My dad was my manager still too…" He frowned for a moment before continuing.

"He took me to Tokyo, where I'd end up performing with this Pop idol named Minami-tsunami! She was great! Really sweet, had no trouble working with a hyper little kid like me!" Billy chuckled, remembering how annoyed everyone had been with him, even his dad. The only one who laughed and acted kindly towards him no matter what had been Minami.

"One day, we were doing costume practice, trying out our outfits for the first time. I was adorabro, obviously, but Minami...She was beautiful." He smiled, remembering it as the first time he'd ever thought that about a person. A part of him wondered if maybe he should have thought that about his mom, but he could barely remember what she looked like, even back then, much less know if she was beautiful.

"So then we practice our dancing and singing right? But all I can think is 'She's the prettiest person I've ever seen!' so I wait for practice to finish, then I go to her and I say-" Billy suddenly snorted, giggling and covering his face with a hand.

"Augh! It's so dumb…" He mumbles past his hand before shaking his head mournfully and letting out another breathy laugh.

"And I say, seven years old to this twenty something woman 'Minami, you're so pretty! Will you marry me?"

Billy can't hold it in anymore he laughs, covering his face with one hand. He wouldn't admit it on pain of death, but he was kind of embarrassed, at least of his younger self. The woman interviewing him had different thoughts.

"Awwwwww! That's super cute~" She coos, obviously imagining a little heartbreaker in the making asking such a silly question.

"Yeaaah well…" Billy sighed, relaxing a bit, now that the embarrassing part was over. He could still remember the mix of adoration and slight pity in Minami's eyes when he'd asked her. It made sense, but that didn't mean he'd liked it.

"That's pretty much what she did too. I got all emotional over it though, and she had to give me a hug to get me to stop crying. Then I asked 'why Minami?' and her response surprised me"

This was the part that hit him, he could still remember it clear as day. "She said 'In Japan, Idols can't get married, and they can't go on dates, and they can't have sex.' and mini me was shocked! I was like, 'Why Minami? Doesn't that make you sad?' and she's all 'Nope, because my fans would be even sadder if I did those things! My fans love me Billy, and to show them I love them too, I can't pick favorites.' "

The interviewer look thoughtful before asking "So what did you do then?"

"Well, I told Minami 'Well, then I'll wait till we're both really old and ugly, and no one loves us, then we can get married!' and, yeah, Minami thought that was funny too." Billy shrugged, as the interviewer giggled, sitting up before continuing.

"After that, my dad told me the rest, how in Japan, it was less a way of life and more a strict rule that idols can't do any romancing. I felt bad for Minami, so I started doing it too, course, as we all know, I've repeatedly broken one of those rules. Still! These days, I do it because, well…" Billy paused, taking a breath before continuing.

"I love my fans, like no joke. Everything great about me wouldn't matter if there wasn't fans to enjoy it, ya'know? And I see everyone as a potential fan, the haters, the bros who know nothing about me yet, other stars, everyone. At this point, I don't think I can really stick with just one person because…I can't just love one person, ya'know? Just like I can't choose just one thing about me that makes me great. You wouldn't want a piece, you'd want the whole package! It's the same with me."

They were tired of waiting, they were tired of only watching. This was the last straw! No one loved Him as much as they did! No one cared about Him as much as them. No one appreciated Him the way they did, and no one ever could. The menu in their hands covering their face was tearing, but they didn't care. They were done watching.

The woman was writing furiously, the sound of pen against paper the only thing heard against the silence. Then she stopped. Pausing to pull some hair behind her ear she glanced up at Billy with a smile.

"Billy, my name is Holly Wood, Writer for the Beverly Heights Highlights, and I have one last question. Would you like to get a drink with me? You look like you could use a break."

Billy's brain stalled for a moment, before the situation caught up to him, he smiled, stood, and held his hand out invitingly.

"Why Miss Wood, I thought you'd never ask!"

Billy yawned, stretching in the backseat of his limo, and looked out the window as he neared his final destination. Holly had been really nice, and fun to chat with too. She had a brother who was a fan and after inviting him to hang out they'd hit it off as well. After Ash had suggested they all go to his place for cartoons, Billy had had a fun time watching some rad animated flicks and finally, had a very enjoyable time with Ash and Holly in Ash's bed. Billy had alway liked Tempurpedic!

Despite the fun times, Billy was tired, and he just wanted to hang at his place, maybe swing by his after party, and sleep. 'I really do need a few days off' He thought as the limo slowed. Finally he could see it. His beautiful mansion, "Mi Cobra Casa!" he cheered, hurriedly opening the car door the minute the car slowed enough for it to be non life endangering.

"Do you want some company?!" Jessie called out from the limo, looking worried, but hesitant.

"Nah!" Billy responded "You just head over to the after party J-bird! I'm just gonna catch a few Z's, maybe swing by later!" He didn't stop walking, opting to instead walk backwards towards the entrance of his lovely abode while he spoke.

"Alright! You call if you need anything, kay?" Jessie said, giving Billy one of their I'm-concerned-about-you-don't-make-me-regret-it, glares. Billy laughed, waving goodbye before turning toward his house.

He'd admit he'd been a bit off after his photoshoot, but Jessie was seriously overreacting. Things weren't that different, at least, Billy hoped so. 'I just need a break...' he thought, and not a simple nap either, a real, honest to goodness vacation! He'd more than earned it, and honestly, he was starting to feel like he was being run ragged. After a week vacay, he'd be back and better than ever!

"The world can live through a week or two without the Cobra, if the Cobra needs a week or two!" He exclaimed to no one in particular as he stopped at his front door.

"And besides…"He reasoned, fishing in his pockets for his keys. "What's the worst that can happen?"

Their eyes stayed trained on him as he makes his way to the door. They'd tried to be patient, they'd tried to be kind, but the time for try was over. There was only do. They closed the blinds to the second floor window and prepared themselves. It was time for a change.

Billy smiled, now resolute in his plan, he couldn't wait! He unlocked the door, then leaned forward as he reached for the doorknob to get inside.

Click

Billy died.

The song I used for Billy's spite filled performance is called, Frankly Mr Shankly. Considering Billy's a famous singer and all the songs we hear he's popular for in the show are probably written by him, I wanted to showcase his talent in an impromptu performance. I'm no song writer, so the songs I use will be credited in these notes. In this universe, just assume Billy wrote them unless otherwise specified. I like making Billy sing, so I will do it often when he appears!