Everything I Wanted

Sleepover? - 12

As the night deepened, the cozy atmosphere in Billie's room made it easy for their conversation to flow. They had moved from chatting about music to more personal topics, finding common ground in their shared experiences. Story sat cross-legged on Billie's bed, absentmindedly fiddling with the edge of her oversized hoodie as she listened to Billie talk about her favorite moments on tour.

"You make it sound like so much fun," Story said, her voice soft but filled with genuine admiration. "The way you connect with your fans... it's inspiring."

Billie shrugged, a small smile playing on her lips. "It's surreal sometimes, you know? But it's also a lot of pressure. I'm lucky to have my family and people I trust around me." She glanced at Story meaningfully. "It's important to surround yourself with good energy."

Story nodded, feeling the weight of those words. "I get that. My mom's been my rock through everything. And now Gracie, too. It's crazy how much a good support system can mean."

Billie's smile widened. "Speaking of Gracie, you two seem really close. I love that for you."

"She's the best," Story agreed. "She always knows how to bring me back to earth."

The conversation naturally shifted to lighter topics as Billie grabbed a small jar of jelly beans from her desk. She offered it to Story, who laughed and picked a few.

"Okay, but tell me," Billie said, popping a jelly bean into her mouth, "what's your go-to karaoke song?"

Story chuckled, leaning back against the pillows. "Depends on the mood. If I'm feeling dramatic, maybe Someone Like You by Adele. If I'm just having fun, definitely something by Taylor Swift."

Billie grinned. "Solid choices. I might have to drag you to karaoke someday."

"Only if you go first," Story teased, feeling more comfortable with each passing minute.

As the night wore on, their laughter filled the room, punctuated by moments of quiet understanding. When Billie finally asked if Story wanted to stay over, her tone was soft and sincere, carrying a weight that made Story's heart flutter unexpectedly.

"Would you want to stay tonight?" Billie asked, tilting her head slightly. "No pressure, of course. I just... I feel like we're really connecting, and I don't want to cut this short."

Story blinked, caught off guard by the genuine warmth in Billie's voice. "Are you sure? I don't want to overstay or anything."

Billie smiled gently, her green eyes full of reassurance. "I wouldn't offer if I didn't mean it. It's been a long time since I've had a conversation like this, you know? One that just... feels easy and real."

The words made Story's chest tighten, though she wasn't sure why. She found herself nodding, the corners of her lips curling into a shy smile. "Okay, yeah. I'd like that."

"Good," Billie said simply, her smile widening. "I'll grab you something to wear."

Minutes later, Story found herself in a pair of Billie's soft, oversized sweats, settling into the guest room. As she lay there, staring at the ceiling, she couldn't stop replaying the evening in her mind. Billie's words lingered, resonating deeply. There was something about her—something calming, magnetic, and utterly captivating—that made Story feel safe and yet so vulnerable at the same time.

She turned onto her side, clutching the hem of Billie's borrowed sweatshirt, and smiled to herself.

✨

The next morning, sunlight streamed through the guest room curtains, gently waking Story. She stirred when she heard a soft knock on the door before it creaked open. Billie poked her head in, a smile spreading across her face.