Beyond the lens - Billie Eilish

69 -

The music keeps playing, filling the space with an euphoric energy. Joan and Ellie toast again. Ellie feels light, carefree, carried away by the moment. Sometimes, she can feel Billie's gaze on her, a mysterious smile forming on her lips. This little game of exchanged glances, this floating tension she shares with Billie, only adds to the warmth in the air.

As the night winds down, Kate and Aubrey leave the event, exhausted. Joan and Ellie, still leaning on the bar, continue swapping stories. Joan suddenly murmurs, dreamily:

Joan: "Fuck, I think I'm in love," he says, his eyes shining and that goofy smile stuck to his lips.

Ellie: "Dude, you've just had way too much to drink."

Joan: "No, I swear, it's my heart talking."

Ellie: "Your heart? You gotta be kidding me, Romeo?" she replies, laughing.

As the alcohol finally kicks in, Ellie wobbles slightly as she gets up. She's about to fall when a firm hand lands on her hip. She turns around, surprised, meeting Billie's piercing gaze, who steadies her with a smile that's both amused and caring.

Billie: "Looks like someone's had a bit too much," Billie murmurs, a smirk on her face.

Ellie feels her cheeks flush, a little embarrassed.

Ellie: "Shit... I think you're right."

A knowing smile passes between them before Joan approaches, with Hailey in tow. He turns to Ellie:

Joan: "Alright, I think I'll follow the lady before she runs off,"

Ellie gives him a playful smile and winks at him.

Ellie: "Enjoy, my friend. I slipped a little gift in your pocket."

Billie, intrigued, furrows her brows at that.

Billie: "What did you give him?"

A mischievous smile plays on Ellie's lips.

Ellie: "Something to protect himself."

Billie: "Why do you have condoms on you?"

Ellie: "I grabbed some in the bathroom earlier, why?"

Billie: "Wait, you were planning to fuck a guy??"

Ellie leans in slightly towards Billie, whispering with a wink:

Ellie: "Maybe."

Billie, visibly annoyed, slowly pulls away from Ellie.

Billie: "Ah... cool."

Ellie: "It was for Joan, I figured his night was gonna end like that."

Billie: "That's not funny."

Ellie: "I thought it was. You're cute when you're jealous, too."

Their exchange intensifies, leaving a palpable tension hanging in the air, their gazes locking in an electric silence. Billie steps closer, her hand sliding onto Ellie's hip, the touch sending a shiver through her.

Ellie: "Well, I'm gonna head out before I end up on the floor,"

Billie: "If you want, I can take you home,"

Ellie hesitates, her heart pounding.

Ellie: "Are you sure? I don't want to bother you..."

Billie moves even closer, whispering softly in her ear:

Billie: "You're not bothering me at all."

Ellie shivers, an amused smile forming on her lips.

The two first stop by Finneas to let him know they're leaving. Billie pauses at several groups to thank the guests, and after each conversation, she places her hand back on Ellie's hip, as if to keep her close. Ellie, still a little tipsy, smiles and clings to her, letting the warmth of the gesture wash over her. Billie grabs a bottle of water from the counter, handing it firmly to Ellie.