THE HOUSE FOR THE RELEASE PARTY WAS MASSIVE, packed with friends, musicians, and a few of the industry's familiar faces. the space had been transformed into a luxe but laid-back vibe with soft lights, velvet lounge areas, and a bar stocked with every drink you could think of. valerie felt a low thrill running through her—this was her and billie's night, and there was something about being here, with everyone they loved, that just made it feel right.
valerie caught sight of billie across the room, laughing with sabrina and conan. billie's laughter was full, relaxed, and she looked so effortlessly confident it made valerie's chest tighten. billie noticed her watching and raised an eyebrow, a smirk pulling at her lips.
billie sidled over, drink in hand, her gaze lingering on valerie. "enjoying the party?"
valerie leaned in just a little closer, their arms brushing. "even better now that you're here."
billie's smile widened, a playful spark in her eye. "didn't think i'd get you to say that so openly," she teased, her voice low.
valerie shot her a quick, challenging look. "i don't have to be coy about it, right?"
billie's fingers skimmed the back of valerie's hand, a light, barely-there touch that sent a jolt up her spine. "guess not." her gaze held steady on valerie's, intense but warm. "you look... like trouble tonight. good trouble."
valerie felt a thrill from billie's words, laughing quietly. "oh yeah? and what does good trouble look like to you?"
billie's eyes traveled over her, just a bit slower than casual, then back up to meet her eyes. "pretty much exactly like this."
before valerie could respond, olivia and danah came over, laughing about something as they joined them.
"okay, are we pretending we didn't see that, or...?" danah said, looking between the two of them with a smirk.
valerie rolled her eyes. "please, danah. thought we were past being nosy."
"i'm not nosy," danah shot back, grinning, "i'm just observant."
olivia leaned in, laughing. "you're absolutely nosy." she turned to danah, nudging her. "speaking of... didn't you say you were gonna set me up with louis?"
"oh, yes," danah said, winking. "he's supposed to come by a little later. he's all yours tonight."
olivia's eyes widened, a little blush creeping onto her cheeks. "wait, seriously? i was joking, you didn't have to do that!"
danah nodded, looking very pleased with herself. "only the best for you, babe."
they all laughed, teasing olivia a little more before she shooed them away, muttering something about killing danah if she embarrassed her in front of him.
eventually, people spread out to different parts of the house, talking and drinking, and the night felt almost surreal. valerie found herself on the balcony with billie, overlooking the city lights stretching out beneath them.
they leaned against the railing, the city quiet and far away from the noise inside. valerie could feel the buzz of the night, the excitement of the release, but it all faded slightly when it was just them, out here alone.
"so... think the song's gonna hit?" billie asked, her gaze soft as she looked over at valerie.
valerie shrugged, a faint smile on her lips. "i think it already has. can't wait to see everyone's reactions."
billie watched her for a moment, then leaned a little closer. "you looked amazing tonight. actually, i don't think i've ever seen you look like this."
valerie met her eyes, feeling the heat rise to her cheeks. "oh? what's different?"
billie's gaze lingered on her lips for just a second before meeting her eyes again. "everything." her voice was soft, but the intensity behind it was unmistakable. she reached out, brushing a strand of hair from valerie's face, her fingers grazing her cheek.
valerie felt her pulse quicken. "you're just saying that because it's our night."
"maybe," billie murmured, her fingers still resting lightly against valerie's cheek, "or maybe i'm saying it because it's true."
they were close, almost too close, but neither of them moved. the air was thick, charged, and all valerie could focus on was the warmth of billie's hand and the way she was looking at her, like nothing else existed in this moment.
then, without another word, valerie leaned in, her lips brushing against billie's in a kiss that started soft, slow, but quickly deepened, as though all the tension they'd been holding back had finally found its release. billie's hand slid to the back of valerie's neck, pulling her closer, and for a moment, everything else disappeared—the party, the people, the noise.
when they finally pulled back, both of them breathless, billie smiled, her thumb lightly grazing valerie's cheek. no words, no need for them. they just stood there, holding each other's gaze, letting the silence between them say everything.
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