Beyond the lens - Billie Eilish

42 -

Ellie and Livaï quickly settled into their hotel room after arriving in Melbourne. The space was huge, with a beautiful view of the city, and even though she was used to this kind of comfort on tour, she found herself almost missing this vibe. As she unpacked, Ellie felt a mix of familiarity and novelty.

Livaï had immediately claimed the couch, his paws resting on his favorite stuffed animal. Ellie walked over to him, gently petting his head. "You like it, huh?" she murmured before standing up and putting on lighter clothes. Kate was waiting for her in the hotel lobby, ready to go explore Melbourne.

After making sure Livaï was comfortable, Ellie went downstairs to join her friend. Kate was already leaning against the reception desk, an eager smile on her face.

Kate: "So, ready to check out Melbourne? A little calm before the tour picks up again?"

Ellie: "Hell yeah, my legs are still fucking numb from the plane."

They stepped out into the streets of Melbourne, the afternoon sun lighting up the city. The imposing buildings, the little streets lined with cafes, and the relaxed atmosphere gave the city a vibe that was both vibrant and warm.

Kate: "So, tell me everything, the Billie surprise???"

Ellie: "Your turn to tell me, what do you wanna know?"

Kate: "Well, did it go well? And, what happened exactly?"

Ellie nodded, her mind going back to the moments spent with Billie: "I was totally caught off guard. We spent a lot of time together, it was really nice, and we kind of got closer."

Kate glanced at Ellie, her smile widening: "What do you mean by 'closer'? Like, close, or REALLY close, you know?"

Ellie smirked, a bit embarrassed but amused by her friend's curiosity. "Let's say we got closer, but it's more of a game between us. Nothing too serious."

Kate: "A game ? If it's what I think, you better be careful, Ellie. I don't doubt Billie doesn't wanna hurt you, but these things can get messy real quick"

Ellie nodded, touched by her friend's concern: "I know, don't worry. I got it under control."

Kate: "If you're sure."

Their walk continued in a relaxed mood. They wandered through Melbourne's lively streets, talking about Kate's vacation in Tulum, the upcoming concert, and future tour plans. Ellie was already feeling more at ease after her first day in Australia, and the idea of joining the rest of the team for the next part of the tour made her more and more excited.

A few hours later, they returned to the hotel. Ellie was tired from the journey and the walk and decided to rest a bit. She entered her room, where Livaï greeted her happily, still holding his stuffed animal in his mouth. She collapsed onto the bed, ready for a quick nap, when her phone buzzed.

Billie: "So, made it okay? Shark is already super excited to see his best buddy!"

Ellie: "Is Shark excited, or is it really you?"

Billie: "Touché, I can't wait to see you again."

Billie: "To see HIM again*"

Ellie: "Glad to hear that. I can't wait to see YOU again."

Billie: "How about coming over for dinner at my place tonight? It's not fancy, but I've got my awesome caravan, pimped out by yours truly."

Ellie: "A caravan, really? I absolutely have to see this, I'll be there in a sec!"

Billie: "Perfect, I'm making you a feast."

Ellie got up, changed quickly, and gently called Livaï to head out. They grabbed a taxi, and during the ride to the stadium, Ellie reflected on this new dynamic with Billie. There was definitely something special between them, but she knew she had to stay cautious. The professional setting of the tour made everything more complicated.

When they arrived at the stadium, Ellie spotted Billie's caravan parked in a quiet corner. She passed through security, and Shark, Billie's dog, was the first to greet them, barking joyfully when he saw Livaï. The two dogs sniffed each other and immediately began playing, as if they'd never been apart.

The caravan door opened, and Billie came down the steps, a big smile on her face. "Ah, here are my two stars! Welcome to my little piece of paradise."

Ellie burst out laughing: "Your little piece of paradise, huh? I have to say, it suits you."

Billie: "Come on in, I made tacos."

The caravan was simply but tastefully decorated, with cushions scattered here and there and string lights creating a cozy atmosphere. The table was small, but just enough for a casual evening. They sat down quickly, the steaming tacos on the table, and began chatting about everything and nothing. Ellie enjoyed the laid-back vibe, far from the spotlight and tour pressures.

At one point, as they were talking about the next steps of the tour, Billie became more serious. She lowered her gaze for a moment before looking Ellie directly in the eyes.

Billie: "You know, I'm really glad we're having moments like this together. A year ago, I barely had any friends. Besides Zoe and my brother Finneas... and of course, the people who work for me. But everything felt so... serious."

Ellie stayed silent, watching Billie closely. She could tell her friend needed to talk about something important.

"And then..." Billie paused, visibly emotional, tears welling up in her eyes. "I feel like I don't deserve all of this, you know? These kinds of friendships. Sometimes, I feel like I'm not made for it... like people like you deserve better."

Ellie, moved by her words, gently took Billie's head in her hands, forcing her to look into her eyes. "Stop saying shit, Billie, you're probably the most amazing woman I've met, you're beautiful, kind, fucking funny, talented, and you genuinely care about people, never doubt yourself again."

Billie stayed silent, a mix of relief and embarrassment crossing her face. A silence settled between them, but it wasn't uncomfortable. It was as if all the emotions they had been holding in had finally found space to breathe.

Ellie, eyes locked with Billie's, lost herself in their deep blue. She could feel the tension between them rising, like an invisible electric current pulling them closer. She noticed that Billie was staring at her lips, and without really thinking, she slowly leaned in, her heart racing faster.

But just before they could go any further, a knock on the door interrupted, breaking the spell. The two dogs started barking joyfully, and Billie jumped a little.

Billie: "Oh shit... sorry, I'll see who it is."

Ellie straightened up, still a little shaken by what just happened. Billie opened the door to find Finneas, her brother, standing there with a mischievous smile.

Finneas: "Sorry for barging in like this, but I need the hard drive you took from the plane."

Billie sighed, a little annoyed but amused by the interruption: "Yeah, come on in Finn, I'll get it for you."

Finneas briefly entered, nodding at Ellie as a greeting: "Hey, Ellie. How's it going?"

Ellie: "Good, and you?"

Finneas grabbed what he needed quickly and left as fast as he came. Ellie, slightly disturbed by the interruption, stood up, realizing the evening was coming to an end. "It's getting late, I should probably head back," she said quietly.

Billie seemed surprised, as if she didn't expect Ellie to leave so soon. But she didn't insist: "Okay... see you soon then?"

Ellie nodded, smiling. "Yeah, see you. Thanks for tonight." After one last look between them, she grabbed Livaï's leash and left the caravan, her thoughts still unsettled by the moment suspended in time.

As she walked toward the stadium exit, Ellie's heart was still beating a little faster than usual.

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Hope Finneas didn't frustrate you too much // don't blame him—it's totally on me. READY for the next chapter ???? :p