Blue Rose - Reneé Rapp

Eyes on You

The bright Los Angeles lights reflected off the mirror as Y/N adjusted her dress—a bold yet elegant piece, perfectly designed to catch attention. She always knew how to balance the two sides of her personality: the lighthearted charm that could make anyone laugh, and the natural, effortless sensuality that left hearts racing. But tonight, it was more than just another appearance. Tonight, she was at the peak of her career, newly nominated for her first major award show—the VMAs.

Being a rising star wasn't easy, but Y/N had worked hard. Her music, raw and unapologetic, spoke to people, especially women who loved women. With songs that captured the intensity and beauty of queer love, she had built a loyal fan base and gone viral almost overnight. It wasn't long before her name was on everyone's lips—music critics, fans, and even other artists in the industry. She wasn't just any newcomer; she was the newcomer, and tonight was her chance to solidify that status.

She flashed a grin at herself in the mirror. "You're killing it, baby," she whispered, confidence radiating through her. Humor and swagger were her go-to. It kept the pressure off and, if she was being honest, made her feel damn good.

-----

As Y/N stepped out of the car and onto the VMA red carpet. Photographers snapped away, capturing her every move, and she threw them a wink, striking a playful pose. Y/N had become known for her irresistible mix of humor and sex appeal, and tonight, she was about to prove why the world couldn't stop talking about her.

As Y/N posed for the cameras, she noticed a buzz spreading through the crowd. Heads turned, whispers filled the air. That's when she saw her—Renee Rapp. Effortlessly cool in a tailored black suit, Renee moved down the carpet with the kind of confidence that demanded attention. There was something magnetic about her, something Y/N had always admired from afar.

Watching Renee in interviews had been Y/N's guilty pleasure—her sharp wit, her no-nonsense attitude, and that underlying vulnerability. She could steal a room with a sarcastic remark or a killer performance. 

But there was no time to dwell. Y/N was here for her own moment. The VMAs were not just a night of celebration; they were a stage, and tonight, that stage was hers.

----

Once inside the venue, the night sped by in a blur of performances, speeches, and camera flashes. Y/N sat at her table, surrounded by industry elites, but her mind kept wandering to the main stage. Any minute now, it would be her turn to perform.

Her heart raced with excitement, though it had nothing to do with nerves. She lived for moments like this—moments when she could be on stage, unapologetically herself, singing about what she wanted, how she wanted. And tonight, she had something special planned.

The announcement for the next presenter echoed through the venue. "Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome... Renee Rapp!"

Y/N turned her head toward the stage just in time to see Renee step into the spotlight, microphone in hand. Her voice was smooth, confident. "Next up, a performance from one of the hottest new artists shaking up the music scene right now and its making every girl fall in love with her... Y/N!"

Y/N's breath caught in her throat with how Renee introduced her. For just a moment, their eyes met across the room, and Y/N felt a rush. It was brief, but it left a mark—a flicker of recognition, maybe admiration. Y/N couldn't help but smile to herself as she made her way to the stage.

The lights dimmed, and the crowd hushed. The opening chords of Y/N's song filled the arena, a sultry beat that wrapped around the audience like a slow-burning flame. Her voice slid effortlessly into the melody, each note laced with heat and desire.

The song was about a love that had started with stolen glances and ended with something much more intense. The lyrics weren't subtle—they spoke of late nights, secrets, and the way a kiss could turn into something much deeper.

"I can feel the way your hands trace my skin,
Pull me close, let the night begin...
Lipstick stains and whispered names,
We'll never be the same..."

Y/N moved across the stage, her eyes sweeping the audience. She reached the edge of the stage, descending the stairs into the crowd of celebrities, making her way toward them. Her voice was sultry, every word dripping with intention.

"One look was all it took,
Now we're lost in the heat of the night,
Your lips on mine... yeah, it feels so right."

The audience was mesmerized, hanging onto every word. As Y/N walked through the tables, she locked eyes with various artists, sending flirtatious winks and playful smiles. But when her gaze met Renee's from across the room, everything seemed to slow down.

For just a few seconds, their eyes held, and it was as if the world had fallen away. Y/N sang directly to her, her voice lowering as she delivered the most provocative line in the song:

"Kiss me like you mean it, make me forget everything else...
Because tonight, it's just me and you, nobody else."

The connection was brief, but it hit Y/N harder than expected. She continued singing, pulling herself back into the moment, but the memory of Renee's gaze stayed with her as she finished her set. The performance ended with thunderous applause, but all Y/N could think about was that look—those piercing blue eyes watching her.

---

Backstage, the adrenaline was still rushing through Y/N's veins as she tried to catch her breath. The performance had gone even better than expected, but her mind was buzzing with the memory of Renee's gaze on her.

She could still hear the roar of the audience as she leaned against the wall, smiling to herself. There was a knock on the door of her dressing room, pulling her from her thoughts. A crew member poked their head in.

"After-party's in an hour, Y/N. Thought you'd want to know."

Y/N gave a nod, still processing the night. The VMAs had been huge, but there was something telling her that the real fun was just about to begin. With a smirk, she turned back to the mirror, giving herself one last look. "You did good tonight," she whispered, eyes sparkling with excitement. "But let's see what happens next."