The cigarette burned low between Natalie's fingers as she leaned against the brick exterior of the studio, the late afternoon sun casting long shadows across the pavement. She'd clocked out early from the garage, grease still smudged along her knuckles, her leather jacket thrown over her oil-stained tank top. Not exactly dressed for a high-fashion environment, but whatever. She wasn't here to impress anyone.

Except maybe you.

The studio doors swung open, and a cluster of models spilled out—all legs and sharp cheekbones and voices like wind chimes. Natalie barely glanced up until she heard one of them—tall, blonde, the kind of polished that screamed expensive—pause near her.

"You waiting for someone?" the model asked, tilting her head. Her smile was all teeth.

Natalie exhaled smoke through her nose. "Yeah."

The blonde leaned a little closer, undeterred. "Lucky girl."

Before Natalie could respond—before she could even roll her eyes—the doors opened again, and there you were.

You stepped into the light like the damn sun had been waiting for you, your designer coat draped over your shoulders, your hair still pinned half-up from the shoot. Your expression—tired, aloof, the one you wore like armor in this world—softened the second you saw her.

"Natalie?"

She stubbed out the cigarette with her boot, grinning. "Surprise."

You didn't hesitate. You crossed the pavement in three strides, your hands cupping her face as you kissed her right there, in front of everyone. Natalie could taste your lipstick, faintly sweet, and the coffee you'd probably been drinking to get through the last round of shots. When you pulled back, your thumb brushed the corner of her mouth, smudging the red she'd stolen from you.

"Let's go home," you murmured, like the rest of them weren't even there.

The blonde model blinked. "Home?"

Natalie smirked, sliding an arm around your waist. "Yeah," she said, loud enough for all of them to hear. "Her girlfriend picks her up sometimes. Problem?"

The way your fingers tightened on her hip told her everything she needed to know.

And if Natalie made sure to kiss you again—deeper this time, just to watch the blonde's jaw drop—well. That was just a bonus.