you hadnt seen billie in months, maybe a year, depending in when you stopped counting but now she was sitting on your studio floor like nothing had changed

“why are you smiling like that?” you asked, crossing your arms and leaning against the wall

she didnt even open her eyes “because this is nice. i missed this”

you rolled your eyes but your chest tightened anyways “missed what exactly? sitting criss cross in my space like you still live here?”

“yeah” she said, looking up at you now “exactly that.”

you shouldve kicked her out when she knocked earlier, claiming she was just in the area and wanted to check in but you didnt because her voice still sounded like your favorite playlist, her eyes still made your knees a little bit dumb, and you were weak when it came to her and she knew it

“you really think you can just come back” you said quieter now “flash that stupid smile, steal the air out of the room like you always do, and pretend we didnt break each other?”

her smile faltered just a little as she started twisting her thumb ring “no. i think i came back hoping youd still let me try”

you stared at her, heart thudding hard in the quiet between you. there was no tour, cameras, or late night texts to blame this time. it was just her barefoot on your rug, nervous and glowing

“try what?”

“to start over. or at least.. bit leave this time before we know how that ending really goes”