the airport buzzed with that usual chaotic rhythm. rolling suitcases, garbled announcements, and the hum of tired travelers nut none of that mattered to you. you stood just inside the private terminal, dark sunglasses on, hands shoved deep in the pockets of your custom balenciaga coat while playing the part of 'unbothered' to perfection. your heart though? it was a whole different story

it had been five months. five brutal months of facetime kisses, voice notes at 2 am, and a painfully empty side of the bed. billie had just wrapped the last leg of her international tour, three continents, sold out stadiums, and barely a second to breathe. the whole time you had been counting down every damn day

you spotted her before she saw you. head down, headphones on, mouth in that adorable pout she did when she was half tired and half annoyed by the crowd. a black bandana was wrapped around her head, one you recognized from your closet actually. she always stole your stuff whenever she wanted to. she looked so good it made your teeth clench

your hand twitched, itching to run to her but instead you straightened your posture and pushed off the wall like you didnt just hold your breath for 143 days

she looked up and paused. you caught the moment her eyes locked on yours. just like that, everything in her expression softened. she didnt smile yet. just stared like she needed a second to believe you were real. you smirked, casual and cocky but your fingers trembled in your pocket

“hey trouble” you said with your voice low, calm, and controlled

she pulled off one headphone, slow as hell “took you long enough” she muttered with a smirk but you didnt miss how her steps quickened

before she could say anything else, you stepped forward and pulled her into your arms. tight. way tighter than you meant to. she melted instantly with her face buried in your neck

“i missed you so bad” she breathed

you didnt answer right away. just ran your hand down her back, grounding yourself in the moment

after a few very long moments, you pulled her suitcase behind you, her hand laced in yours as she looked up and said “youre staring”

you smirked “i havent seen you in five months. sue me”

she rolled her eyes, blushing and leaned into your side “i like when you act all cool. even though i know you were pacing ten minutes ago"

you didnt deny it. you just kissed the top of her head and whispered “welcome home baby”