you stood just off stage, arms folded, headset around your neck, and phone in one hand but not really looking at it. billie was in the middle of soundcheck with barely anyone in the arena yet, just crew and techs. she was in that sweet spot of warm up where she didnt feel like she had to hold anything back

she wore that oversized jersey again, something that made her look younger than twenty three but moved with a kind of confidence that reminded you how many stages shed already owned. the beanie was slouched on her head with strands of dark hair slipping out in waves as she leaned into the mic

“alright give me a little more reverb on the monitor” she said to the sound tech, stepping back and spinning the mic in one hand with practiced ease

you were supposed to be looking over tour budget notes. venue schedules. whatever. instead your eyes kept drifting up to her

the way she played with the mic cord. the way she smiled a little when the lights changed behind her like she was imagining the crowd already there. the way she caught you watching her

“yknow youre not technically working right now” billie said mid soundcheck, not even looking directly at you but knowing exactly where you stood “just vibing in manager mode?”

you raised an eyebrow “i am working. making sure my very unpredictable client doesnt get electrocuted or decide last minute to crowd surf during a soundcheck”

she smirked, pulling the mic to her lips again, eyes locked on yours now “so protective. i feel so.. valuable”

“you are” you said without missing a beat and something in the way her head tilted, like she hadnt expected that answer to land so soft, made your chest tighten just a little

she looked down and brushed her fingers along the mic stand “youre staring again”

“im paid to keep an eye on you”

she grinned “that your excuse for everything?”

you just smiled. there was still half an hour before the doors opened and Billie was already glowing