the stage was dim and dreamy. a soft blue haze washing over the crowd like mist. the familiar piano chords of 'ocean eyes' began to drift through the venue, slow and haunting. billie was standing at the microphone with her eyes half closed and voice low and tender

“ive been watching you for some time cant stop staring at those ocean eyes”

the crowd sways gently with her, entranced. what she doesnt know, what no one on that stage knows except her inner circle, is that youre already just off stage, tucked behind the curtain with finneas and a few crew members giving you the green light

your heart pounds in time with the song. you havent seen her in months. not in person. not like this and now youre about to walk on stage during her moment

at the first chorus, finneas subtly nods 'no fair you really know how to make me cry'

thats your cue. you step onto the stage from the shadows, microphone already in hand. the moment the spotlight shifts and the audience recognizes you, an eruption of cheers rolls through the venue. people scream your name and flashing lights from phones explode like fireflies

billie blinks in confusion for a beat, her mouth parting slightly. then her eyes land on you and everything melts

a massive smile breaks across her face. her expression softens into disbelief, awe, and joy all at once. she walks toward you, still holding her microphone, wrapping one arm around your waist as she hugs you from the side, never missing a note

you join in seamlessly 'when you gimme those ocean eyes'

your voices blend like they always did in the studio. billies whispery tone brushing perfectly against yours. the two of you finish the chorus, singing to each other more than to the crowd 'im scared ive never fallen from quite this high'

when the song fades out and the lights dim down, the crowd explodes again. billie turns, keeping her arm around you, still grinning

“okay okay” she laughs into the mic, catching her breath “somebody forgot to tell me this was happening tonight”

the crowd laughs too and she looks at you like shes trying to process that youre really there

“this” she says, tugging you a little closer “is my best friend in the world. like ride or die, facetime every night, send me ugly pictures of her cat type of best friend and we havent seen each other in months. ive missed her more than anything"

you cant help but smile, heart thudding as the crowd 'awws'

“shes also a badass” billie continues “yall already know shes a star and now i just got to share this song with her. so thank you” you both wave as you exit the stage together, still giggling

backstage in the green room, the moment the door shuts behind you, billie tackles you into a hug, arms locked around your shoulders, cheek pressed to yours

“you really flew in for this?” she mumbles against your skin

“i had to” you whisper back “i missed you”

she pulls back just enough to look at you “you killed that"

“you always make it easy” you grin