the lights were pulsing behind her like they were synced to her heartbeat and not the beat of the song. her hair whipped forward as she jerked her head down, body leaning into the chords she ripped from her guitar like the strings had done her wrong. the crowd was screaming but you werent watching them

you were in the wings with your hoodie up while half hiding but not really caring if anyone noticed. your arms were crossed and head tilted while watching her lose herself on stage. youd seen this version of billie before, the one with her voice low, her fingers flying, and her whole body committed like she was trying to fight something off through the music and even though it wasnt new, it still did something to you every time

her solo came to an end and the spotlight dragged across her figure like slow applause. she didnt acknowledge it, just dropped her head, let the feedback buzz for a second too long, then let it die as the crowd roared

you knew her set list. that was her last song so you slipped out of the shadows and went down the back ramp before the rest of her entourage could flood her. you waited near the hallway she always disappeared into after a show, leaning against the wall like you had every right to be there

she came around the corner three minutes later, sweaty and out of breath

“hey” her voice was hoarse and electric at once “saw you lurking”

you smirked “didnt think youd notice. you were busy melting faces”

she rolled her eyes but her mouth twitched “stage billie has incredible peripheral vision”

“stage billies also got sweat on her eyelids”

she blew a damp strand of hair off her face. “so youre saying i looked hot”

“i didnt say that”

“you implied it”

“maybe me”

you pushed off the wall and walked with her down the corridor, her steps slowing to match yours. the hallway was dim and quieter than it shouldve been like the sound couldnt catch up after what just happened on stage

she nudged you with her elbow “you coming to the hotel or ghosting me again like last time?”

“i didnt ghost you. i fell asleep”

“same difference”

you looked at her like really looked. her shoulders were still tense from the high of performing, black nail polish chipped, and her wristband soaked through

“ill come” you said quietly

that made her pause and glance sideways as her face softened just a little “yeah?”

“yeah”

you both stopped at the door to her dressing room. she turned, glancing at you “you hungry?”

“starving”

"cool” she said, opening the door “then youre carrying my stuff”

you snorted “that wasnt part of the deal”

“it is now” and somehow you didnt mind at all