the tour bus rocked gently as it rolled down some nameless stretch of highway with neon lights pulsing inside like the party wasnt planning to end. it was 1:48 in the morning and renee was lit up in more ways than one with being bathed in hot pink led lights, glasses still on despite the hour, and dancing like she was the only person left on earth

you stood in the hallway with your arms folded while watching her with that half smile you only saved for her. her shirt was rumpled, drink half finished, and her voice was high and tipsy as hell. she looked like chaos but she was your chaos and very very drunk

“renee” you said softly “baby come on. time to lay down”

“i am laying down” she slurred dramatically, throwing both arms up like a victorious queen “laying down my soul to the beat”

you raised an eyebrow “that doesnt even make sense”

“neither does time” she giggled then spun on her heel and nearly tripped over her own feet. you caught her before she could hit the little couch

“alright” you murmured against her temple “thats enough” she squirmed in your arms like a cat resisting a bath

“noooo” she whined, dragging her words out “i dont wanna go to my bunk. its tiny. youre not even in there and im vibing”

“youre vibing with a cup of melted ice” you said, gently tugging the drink from her hand “thats not tequila anymore babe. thats just hydration”

she pouted, swaying in your grip “you always ruin my fun”

you smirked, wrapping your arm fully around her waist now “youll thank me when youre not hungover during soundcheck”

she tried to protest again but her words melted into a breathy laugh as you suddenly scooped her up bridal style. she gasped, arms wrapping around your neck while stunned

“you didnt just- oh my god” she hiccuped, giggling into your shoulder as her glasses nearly slid off her face “you canemand me”

“yup. gotta do what i gotta do”

you nudged open the narrow curtain to her bunk and gently laid her down onto the little mattress. she squirmed, reaching out and suddenly sobering slightly when she saw you start to tuck the blanket around her

“hey” she whispered, her voice catching “dont leave.”

you didnt answer with words. you just leaned down and kissed her. it was slow and warm. you had one hand still holding the blanket around her like a cocoon and the other steadying myself against the wall, your lips met hers in the soft dark of the bus

her fingers tugged at your shirt like she didnt want the moment to end as she whispered again “stay?”

you pulled the curtain closed behind you, closing the world out “im right here baby. i got you.”