Bodyguard (YN x Beyonce)

I stood there for a second longer than I should have, staring at him like he was a ghost.

"Why didn't you tell me you were in town?" I asked, trying to keep my voice even, casual but the edge slipped out anyway.

Julius grinned like he didn't notice. "Wanted to surprise y'all."

He shifted the boxes in his arms and stepped inside like old times, like everything was still the same. Like the foundation of this entire house hadn't shifted while he was gone.

Beyoncé gasped from across the room. "Julius?!"

Her face lit up as she got to her feet, Blue squealing and running over as he walked in.

"Uncle J!" Blue nearly tackled him, wrapping her arms around his waist.

Julius laughed, leaning down to hug her tight. "I missed you too, kiddo. You getting taller?"

"You always say that," Blue grinned.

Beyoncé reached them next, smiling wide as she pulled Julius into a warm hug. "You really just showed up, huh?"

"Didn't want to miss Christmas." he said, pulling back.

Beyoncé looked over at me, eyes flicking to mine just long enough to check in.

I gave her a small smile and tried to breathe. She could tell I was still reeling, but neither of us said it out loud.

Julius had no clue. No idea what had happened while he was gone. No idea I was the reason she glowed a little more every day. That we were more than just what he left behind.

Beyoncé turned back to him, brushing her hand over Blue's hair. "Well, you definitely surprised us. You're just in time too... we were about to do dessert."

"Perfect timing then," Julius said.

I stepped further into the room and placed one of the gift bags I was holding onto the table. My chest was still tight, but I forced a lighter tone.

"Well... welcome back."

He gave me a smile, genuine and unsuspecting. "It's good to see you, YN. Glad you're still keeping things in order."

I nodded, heart skipping.

If he only knew.

And soon he would.

Later that evening, the house had quieted down just enough for me to find a moment to breathe. The lights on the Christmas tree twinkled softly across the room, casting a warm glow as Beyoncé and I sat side by side on the couch. She was curled into my side, both of us full from dinner, hearts fuller than that. But I could feel her glance on me before she even spoke.

"You're quiet," she said gently.

I looked over at her. "Just thinking."

"About Julius?" she asked, already knowing.

I nodded slowly. "Yeah... I just—I didn't expect him. Not like that."

She shifted a little to face me better. Her hand rested on my thigh, comforting and grounding. "You should talk to him."

I sighed, leaning my head back. "You think he's gonna be pissed?"

"I don't know," she said honestly. "But I think he deserves to hear it from you. He cares about us... and he's been gone, so there's a lot he missed. But you telling him? That matters."

I looked at her, really looked at her. The way she was trying to keep peace, trying to help me carry this without forcing me. "He was your security first. He protected you for so long..."