the house was packed with the lights low, a roaring crowd, and a sea of phone lights waving like stars. the first few chords rang out from your guitar as you walked across the stage, feeling the electricity surge through your fingers. you always played standing up. you couldnt stay still even if you tried. the music moved through you like muscle memory and your shoes thudded softly against the stage as you paced and played, lost in the sound and moment

renees laugh echoed through the microphone before she even sang a word. she was looking at you with her cheeks flushed from the lights or maybe something else. you strummed the strings, met her eyes, and smirked. it wasnt just music between you anymore

“y/n” she said into the microphone, laughter spilling through her voice “is trying to steal the show again. look at her go.”

you shook your head and twirled in place as you hit the next chord, slightly showboating. the crowd screamed and renees laughter cracked louder

it wasnt rehearsed. none if it ever was with her. you just knew each other. when to look. when to move. when to laugh. on stage it was like your own private language wrapped in guitar strings and lyrics

she moved closer, singing the next verse. her voice was warm and rich like honey and heartbreak. you leaned your head towards her mic, harmonizing softly with the chorus, your fingers never leaving the fretboard. she smiled a smile that made your knees weak even after all these shows and nights

by the time the final chorus hit, you were beside her with both of you grinning like idiots and practically leaning into one another. she bumped her shoulder into yours and you bumped back. the music swelled and the lights followed, the crowd roaring at the unscripted joy

you loved her most like this. when she forgot to be serious and let the stage be her playground like you were the only one who could pull that out of her

even as the song ended and she turned to thank the audience, she reached behind her and grabbed your hand, pulling you beside her