backstage was chaos. the buzz of the audience leaked through the walls like static, mingling with the sharp clack of heels on polished floors and the shrill hum of stage lights heating up. you were crouched near a crate of props with fake snow, a tangled garland, and someones forgotten lip gloss near it. your hands were busy with last minute fixes for the big number. youd worked backstage long enough to stop caring about the drama that trailed the plastics like perfume but that didnt mean you werent watching

regina was already snapping “gretchen if you mess up the timing again i swear i will pull you offstage myself” she hissed, adjusting her red top, her blonde hair falling in glossy waves past her shoulders “i dont care if youre having a moment. get it together.”

gretchens lip quivered and karen looked like she was thinking about snowflakes, boys, or waffles

you stayed silent. it wasnt your place or fight. not anymore. you were just crew now and not the girl regina kissed behind the curtains at last years winter talent show or the girl she held in the dark during rehearsals, whispering that being with you felt like finally breathing. you were just the ex, invisible in black jeans and a headset

they had about five minutes before they had to be on stage. regina turned away from the chaos and marched towards you with the familiar sway in her hips and the irritation in her jawline

you looked up and your pulse stuttered. you quickly set down what you were holding and wiped your hands on your jeans. something about her walk and focus made you feel like you were sixteen again and waiting for her to say 'what are we doing' like it was your fault

she stopped in front of you with her arms crossed and eyes sharp as she snapped “seriously? you’e just gonna stand there and let them act like toddlers?”

you didnt flinch “not my job”

“funny. you used to have a lot more to say when i was losing my mind”

“yeah well were not us anymore remember?”

her jaw tensed. she hated when you didnt bite. regina george lived for the fight and you werent giving it to her “fine then give me good luck”

you blinked “good luck?”

she rolled her eyes, stepping closer “not like that”

before you could react, her hand was on your face. her fingertips tilted your chin up like she still had the right like no time had passed at all. her manicured nails were cool against your skin but the warmth of her breath hit you a second before her lips did

it was fast, soft, and familiar

her mouth pressed to yours with that same fire she always tried to hide from the world like she couldnt stand you and couldnt help herself all at once and before you could breathe her in, she pushed you back just enough to leave you off balance and then she turned

just like that she was gone. back to her mark, back to her girls, and back to the show like it had all meant nothing