---
Billie had always been the type of person who wore her heart on her sleeve. A musician at heart, she expressed herself best through the melodies she strung together and the lyrics she penned down late at night. Yet, when it came to Gracie, words seemed to fail her.
They met at a local music festival, Billie’s band headlining the event. Gracie, with her fiery red hair and infectious laughter, had caught Billie’s eye from the stage. There was something magnetic about her—a warmth that radiated from her smile, and an air of confidence that Billie found intoxicating. They exchanged glances during the performance, and after the show, fate brought them together at the afterparty.
Billie approached her with a smile. "Hi, I'm Billie."
Gracie looked up, her emerald eyes twinkling under the dim lights. "I know. You were amazing tonight."
Billie blushed, unused to the directness of Gracie's compliment. They talked for hours that night, discovering a shared love for music, art, and late-night coffee. Gracie had a sharp wit, always quick with a joke or a clever retort. Billie, on the other hand, found herself more reserved, listening intently, captivated by Gracie's energy.
It wasn't long before they started spending more time together. Coffee dates turned into long walks in the park, which turned into late-night talks that lasted until dawn. Billie was falling, and falling hard. But every time she tried to express her feelings, Gracie would brush them off with a laugh or a teasing comment, leaving Billie unsure of where they stood.
One chilly evening, as they sat on a bench overlooking the city, Billie mustered the courage to open up. "Gracie, I need to tell you something."
Gracie turned to her, her usual smile replaced with a more serious expression. "What's on your mind?"
Billie hesitated, her heart pounding in her chest. "I care about you… a lot. I think I'm falling for you."
Gracie's eyes softened, but she looked away, biting her lip. "Billie, you don't have to say that. I mean, we’re good friends and all, but... someone like you? How could you really fall for someone like me?"
Billie's heart sank. "Why would you think that?"
Gracie shrugged, her voice barely above a whisper. "You're this amazing musician with a bright future. I’m just... me. I’m not sure I can believe you feel that way."
Billie felt a pang of frustration and sadness. Gracie was so vibrant, so full of life, but beneath her bravado, Billie could see the self-doubt that gnawed at her. Words alone wouldn’t convince her—Billie knew she needed to show Gracie just how much she meant to her.
That night, Billie sat in her small apartment, strumming her guitar as the city buzzed outside her window. She thought about Gracie—her laugh, her smile, the way she lit up a room just by being in it. And slowly, a melody began to form, followed by lyrics that poured out from the deepest part of her heart.
Over the next few days, Billie worked tirelessly on the song. She fine-tuned every note, every word, pouring her soul into the music. This song had to be perfect. It had to show Gracie everything Billie couldn’t say with just words.
Finally, the song was ready. Billie titled it "Birds of a Feather," inspired by a conversation they had about how they were different but still belonged together, like two birds flying side by side.
She invited Gracie over one evening, the air between them filled with unspoken tension. Gracie sat on the couch, looking slightly nervous, as Billie picked up her guitar and sat opposite her.
"I wrote something for you," Billie said softly, her voice trembling slightly. "I want you to hear it."
Gracie's eyes widened in surprise, but she nodded, sitting back as Billie began to play.
The melody was soft, tender, and as Billie’s voice filled the room, the lyrics painted a picture of two souls who found each other in a world that often felt too big and too lonely. The song spoke of insecurities, of doubts, but also of the undeniable connection that bound them together. It was a declaration of love, wrapped in the notes of a song only Billie could write.
As Billie sang the chorus, her voice cracked with emotion:
*“Birds of a feather, we should stick together”*
*" I love you don't act so suprised"*
When the last note faded into the air, Billie looked up at Gracie, her heart laid bare. Gracie sat in stunned silence, tears welling in her eyes. She had always believed that love was something distant, something meant for others but never for her. Yet here was Billie, confessing her love in the most beautiful way she could imagine.
Gracie wiped away a tear, a shaky smile forming on her lips. "Billie, that was... I don’t even have words."
Billie put down her guitar and moved closer to Gracie, taking her hands in her own. "I meant every word, Gracie. I love you. And I don’t want you to ever doubt that."
Gracie looked into Billie’s eyes, searching for any sign of hesitation or insincerity, but found none. For the first time, she allowed herself to believe that maybe, just maybe, she was worthy of this love.
With a soft laugh, Gracie leaned in, pressing her forehead against Billie’s. "I love you too," she whispered. "I’ve just been too scared to say it. But I believe you now, Billie. I really do."
Billie smiled, relief washing over her. She pulled Gracie into a gentle kiss, sealing their unspoken promise. When they finally pulled apart, Gracie’s eyes were shining with the same warmth that had drawn Billie to her in the first place.
"Birds of a feather," Gracie said with a grin. "I like that."
"Me too," Billie replied, squeezing Gracie’s hand. "And I’m never letting you go."
They sat there together, the city lights twinkling around them, knowing that they had found something special—a love that was real, undeniable, and worth every song Billie would ever write.
---
**The End.**
