( it is the first time he's celebrating frank's birthday with him in years, so he is going to do his best to make it as enjoyable for him as possible. it won't make up for what had happened to him and his family, and it certainly won't wipe his own slate clean or make him feel any less... guilty for his involvement in it (as indirect as it was). billy has no intention of making a confession or asking for forgiveness here, but duplicity is almost like a second chance for him to do right by him.

maybe it's cowardly; maybe it'll eventually come back to bite him in the ass, but he knows frank too well. if he ever finds out, he will have hell to pay and let's just say he isn't ready for that. he doesn't think he'll ever be. at the same time, he knows he can't keep it from him forever. it'll be better for frank to hear it from him than somebody else, yet— why stir the pot when there is no need for it? he can keep being his best friend and that suits him just fine.

billy figures frank would appreciate a more low key celebration for his birthday, so aside from a long overdue shopping spree, he has kept the day's events on the more relaxing and casual side of things. now, they're back at his apartment where he has just finished cooking dinner. time to kick back, crack open a beer and enjoy themselves. )

Grab a plate and help yourself. ( unsurprisingly, he has whipped up all of frank's favorites for the night. ) Cherish this moment, Frankie, 'cause you're gonna have to wait another year before I cook this much for you again.