My Darling Feline (Bill X Fem! Reader)

Chapter Seven: No Longer a Damsel in Distress

"You look great!" Ellen said, putting the final touches on my makeup. As I stared into the mirror, I was mesmerized by the transformation. Every detail from the gentle sweep of color on my cheeks to the subtle curve of my lashes was flawless, like magic brought to life by Ellen's skilled hands.

"You really outdid yourself, Ellen. I feel so pretty."

"Rightfully so." Louis's voice startled me as he appeared in the mirror, standing in the doorway. I wasn't expecting him to show up, especially with a compliment.

"Ellen, give us a moment, would you?" Louis stepped inside, hopping on his crutches toward me. Ellen nodded and slipped out, shooting me one last warm smile before she left.

"Are you ready?" he asked.

I swallowed hard. "I feel like I'm about to throw up. Can I really do this? I mean, I only had one night to practice and—"

Louis cut me off. "You'll be fine."

I frowned. "Did you come to give me some last words of wisdom?" 

Louis smiled. "No, not really. I just wanted to make sure you weren't having a meltdown."

"You're not funny. How's your leg by the way, Sir Limps-a-Lot?"

He rolled his eyes. "It's fine."

Louis tucked a loose strand of hair behind my ear. "Remember, the club's counting on you for this performance. Don't screw up." His words were sharp and serious, but there was a hint of softness beneath it all.

"Right. I'll do my best. I promise."

"I have faith you won't disappoint. It's another sold-out show. Adler and y/n's duty is to sway the hearts of the audience. Come on, I'll walk you to the stage."

"You mean hobble?"

Louis scoffed, clearly not amused by my broken-leg humor. I laughed at myself and walked over to the door, holding it open for him.

***

Bill's POV:

Y/n had finally made it backstage and, to my surprise, with Louis in tow. Louis wished her luck before heading off somewhere else. Y/n looked stunning. Suddenly, she was oxygen, and I was gasping for breath. I'd never been oblivious to her beauty. no one has. But for the first time, something stirred inside me, making my heart pound like it was trying to escape my chest.

Y/n caught my gaze and flashed me a bright smile.

"Just go talk to her," Aoba rolled his eyes, clearly noticing me fawning. He nudged me forward, giving me a little boost of confidence.

Y/n eyed me up and down, and I could feel my cheeks heating up. "Wow. Look at you, Tiger."

"Do I look stupid?" I asked, worried I was already making a fool of myself.

"Of course not. You look great. I'm sure the audience will love your Adler."

I smiled nervously, my hand rubbing the back of my neck instinctively. "You don't look so bad yourself."

"Thanks. All credit goes to Ellen for making me look good."

You always look good, dumbass.

"I had to take a large amount of Pepto-Bismol before I came. I'm still so nervous." Y/n covered her stomach with a shaky hand.

"Don't be too nervous. We'll do great! I mean, it's the two of us after all. We're a great team." I gave my best cheer-up smile. It seemed to work—her lips curled into a soft smile.