the studio was massive, a cavern of harsh lights and even harsher deadlines. ropes twisted like nerves above the set and billie hung midair, harnessed in with her arms thrown wide and hair caught mid motion like it was flying from her head, making her look powerful and effortless

then were was you, suspended off to the left and just out of frame but always within her orbit. you were part of the rigging crew for the shoot, a former gymnast and now the one who double checks knots and body weights and quietly prays while the cameras roll

billie had requested you. that wasnt a secret to anyone. when you had walked onto the set this morning most of the crew had looked at you like you were either about to start drama or finish it but you and billie were fine. that was the thing. weirdly fine.

“yo” she called, swaying slightly in her harness “is my left strap riding up or am i just insane?”

you floated a little closer, tightening the tether on your own gear “nope not insane. its a little off.”

you reached out, your fingers brushing the sleeve barely hanging on her shoulder. she flinched a small twitch but then stilled as you slowly and professionally adjusted the strap like it didnt once wrap someone you used to wake up next to

“there” you muttered, trying not to breathe in the way she still smelled faintly like vanilla and something smoky “better?”

she looked at you then “you still doing flips in the gym or are you officially retired now?”

“just flips of the emotional variety” you smirked, backing off and feeling the tension of the line pull you gently upwards again “kinda like this job.”

her laugh was real and light. it made one of the riggers glance up from below and shake his head like you were both trouble

you werent together anymore. you havent been for almost a year but here you felt weirdly tethered again

the director shouted something and the crew moved around you like a choreographed current. billie readied herself, straightened her body, and let her arms float back into position

before they called action she looked back at you once more “you ever think if we had just been a little older we couldve done this better?”

you blinked and felt the harness tighten across your chest “yeah but then we wouldnt be here right? me making sure you dont fall. you making sure i dont forget.”

“dont let go” she whispered while smiling a real smile

“wouldnt dream of it”