BLUEPRINTS || Billie Eilish

Trio

"Does this look okay?" Billie asked, stepping out of the bathroom, her fingers still fidgeting with the cuffs of her dress shirt. Her expression was a mix of nerves and determination as she took a small, hesitant step toward Kai, who was sprawled on the bed.

Kai glanced up from her phone, squinting slightly as she adjusted to the light from the bathroom. A soft smirk tugged at her lips. "You realize you're meeting my mom and stepdad, not the president, right?" she murmured, her voice edged with a sleepy rasp. She had been waiting on Billie to get ready for what felt like forever.

Billie ran a hand down the front of her shirt, smoothing out an invisible crease, her eyes fixed on her reflection in the full-length mirror. "Kai, this is serious, I don't want to look like an idiot." she insisted, adjusting the collar until it was just right. For once, she looked polished, dressed in a crisp white shirt tucked into black dress pants with a slim black belt. Her usual loose hoodies and baggy jeans were nowhere in sight, and the new look made her stand out, almost making her seem like a stranger.

Kai let out a sigh, throwing her phone aside as she slumped deeper into the covers, their soft warmth pulling her back in. "Billie, it's just a simple dinner. This is just to see Nicky—my mom's not even gonna notice what you're wearing. Trust me."

"Hey, hey, don't fall asleep on me!" Billie protested with a laugh, grabbing her perfume from the dresser and spritzing a quick spray. The scent hung in the air, light and floral, filling the room with her nervous energy. "We're leaving already."

Kai groaned, reluctantly hauling herself up out of bed, rubbing her eyes and glancing toward the mirror where Billie was still fussing. Billie looked down at her wrist, adjusting the watch she'd chosen, giving it a second look as if to reassure herself.

"We need to make a quick stop at the grocery store," Billie said, her tone casual, though the way she fiddled with her watch hinted at her underlying nerves.

Kai blinked, raising an eyebrow in amusement. "Hold on— first of all...I've literally never seen you wear a watch before. And second, why the sudden grocery store stop?" She looked Billie up and down, her expression equal parts curious and entertained.

Billie smiled a bit sheepishly, stepping closer and sliding her watch back into place. "I want to pick up some flowers for your mom," she said softly, like she was admitting to something embarrassing.

Kai softened, noticing the thoughtfulness behind Billie's nervousness. She reached out, pulling Billie gently to sit with her on the bed. "Can we talk real quick?" Her voice had taken on a gentler tone, laced with both affection and a hint of worry.

"What's up?" Billie asked, settling on the bed and slipping an arm around Kai's waist, drawing her close as she waited, her full attention on her.

Kai looked down, gathering her thoughts, then looked back at Billie, brushing a stray strand of hair from her face. "It's...really sweet that you're going out of your way to make a good impression. But I don't want you to be disappointed when you meet her."

Billie's brows knitted together in confusion. "Disappointed? Why?"

Kai bit her lip, feeling the weight of the explanation. "My mom isn't exactly...motherly. She has this way of turning small things into arguments, then acts like she's the victim." She sighed, the words weighing on her. "I just don't want you to be shocked if things get tense. I wish I could bring you home to this warm, welcoming mom who's excited to meet you. But it's not like that, and I don't want you stressing about how you look or act, because... she'll see you however she wants to."

Billie studied her, her expression softening as she gently cupped Kai's cheek, letting her thumb trace a reassuring line along her skin. "Hey, that's okay," she said, her voice low and steady, almost like she was making a promise. "I just want her to know that you're safe with me. Whether she likes me or not, I'm going to give it my best. Because no matter what, she's your mom. And if I want you in my life, that means she's gonna have to be in it too, right?"