Beyond the lens - Billie Eilish

76 -

A month had passed. Billie and Ellie hadn't left each other's side since then, literally spending all their time together. Ellie was slowly trying to rebuild herself after Livaï's death. Billie, on her part, had been a true pillar, offering her all the affection she needed, always finding the right words when the pain resurfaced.

They took advantage of a break in the tour to spend some time in New York, a destination Ellie had chosen. The city had deeply affected her on her first visit, and she felt the need to return, as if every street still carried the imprint of her mother.

When the plane landed, Ellie took off her headset and grabbed Billie's hand, offering her a soft smile.

"Ready?" Billie asked.

"More than ever," Ellie replied.

After collecting their bags, a car arrived to take them.

In public, they kept a certain distance. It felt strange, even for Ellie, to realize that she still hadn't labeled their relationship. Still, whatever happened, she knew she wanted to keep what they had away from prying eyes. Although a few photos had surfaced on social media, leaving fans to speculate about the identity of this mysterious Ellie, it never went beyond mere speculation. She was simply described as "Billie Eilish's new friend."

During the car ride, Ellie let her gaze wander over the vastness of the city. Her thoughts drifted between the past, the present, and what she hoped for in the future. How had her life changed so drastically in such a short time? Deep down, she knew the answer. The brunette with blue eyes sitting beside her had changed everything. Ellie slightly turned her head to look at her before resting her head gently on her shoulder. Billie smiled and tenderly slipped her fingers between Ellie's.

A little later, the car dropped them off in front of a hotel that Billie had booked. They settled in quickly. While Ellie opened her suitcase, she felt a tender kiss on her neck, making her shiver slightly.

"Billie, I'm unpacking," she murmured with a hint of amusement.

But Billie, with a mischievous smile, continued.

"You should stop being so hot."

"Are you kidding? I'm still in airport clothes," Ellie replied, laughing softly.

Billie continued to plant kisses along Ellie's neck while sliding her hand under Ellie's shirt to gently caress her back. Ellie turned around, cupping Billie's face in her hands and kissing her softly.

"Don't you want to wait until we shower?" Ellie suggested, smiling.

Billie's gaze became more intense, almost playful. She slowly lifted Ellie's shirt and murmured with a mischievous smile:

"We could do both at the same time."

Without hesitation, Billie grabbed Ellie by the waist, now in just her underwear, and lifted her slightly before gently tipping her onto the bed. She kissed her chest, moving slowly downward while slipping her hand under Ellie's joggers. Ellie arched her back at her touch.

"Damn Billie, you..." Ellie began, but her words faded in the intensity of the moment.

Proud of the effect she had, Billie eventually moved back up. Ellie, suddenly more daring, straddled her, switching roles. Surprised, Billie let out a soft laugh.

"Now it's my turn to take control," Ellie murmured before lifting Billie's shirt, exposing her body.

Two hours later, clean and dressed, though Billie still looked like a fugitive from the FBI, they walked the streets of New York. Ellie stopped at nearly every food stand, curious to taste everything.

"Ellie, you're going to make us sick," Billie joked, watching her devour her fourth falafel.

"No way, I trust them," Ellie replied, laughing.

They wandered for a while and ended up near an entrance to Central Park. Ellie tugged on Billie's hand.

"I didn't get the chance to go last time," she said with excitement.

"Then let's go," Billie said with a soft smile.

They entered the park, where the trees, bathed in orange hues, seemed to envelop them. Ellie looked up, captivated.

"This is magical," she whispered, her eyes sparkling like a child's. Billie, on the other hand, couldn't take her eyes off Ellie.

She was so beautiful.

They sat on a bench. Ellie rested her head on Billie's shoulder, who took the opportunity to remove her hood and sunglasses.

"You're so much more beautiful like this," Ellie whispered with a soft smile.

The moment felt timeless. Billie leaned in to kiss her, but suddenly a bark broke their bubble. A young Australian Shepherd rushed toward them, full of energy. Ellie sat up to pet the dog. Billie, watching from a distance, smiled tenderly, even though she could sense it might stir painful memories.

A young girl ran over.

"Zoro, come here!" she called before attaching the leash. "Sorry, I'm still getting the hang of controlling him."

Ellie, petting the dog's head, smiled and said,

"Don't worry, mine was the same. You'll get there."

The girl thanked her and walked away with her dog. Billie turned to Ellie, noticing a tear slowly falling down her cheek. She gently wiped it away with her fingertip.

"I miss him so much," Ellie whispered.

Billie pulled her into her arms, silent. The moment, despite the pain, was soothing. Ellie sighed.

"I wish this moment could last forever."

Billie lowered her head to catch her gaze.

"It can, if you want it to."

Ellie looked up at her.

"Everything ends."

At that moment, Billie looked deep into Ellie's eyes. She thought about how this girl had changed her life. She wondered if she would, if she could, make her happy. And without thinking, she whispered,

"I love you."

Ellie pulled back, startled. Billie realized what she had just said and stammered.

"I..."

Ellie moved away slightly.

"You didn't mean that..."

Billie, troubled, answered sincerely.

"What if I did?"

Ellie shook her head.

"You were just trying to make me laugh, right?"

Billie reached for her hand.

"What if I really meant it?"

Ellie, nervous, pulled back even further.

"No, Billie... Take it back. I don't want to lose you too. Nothing can change, not today."

The streetlights cast a reddish light on their faces. Billie approached her again, determined.

"I'll only hurt you if you let me. I'll never leave you, Ellie. I love you, deeply. God, so much. I've never felt this way before."

Ellie lowered her eyes, but deep inside, she knew. She couldn't escape it.

"I love you too,"

A smile lit up Billie's face. She kissed Ellie tenderly, breaking the kiss with little laughs.

In that moment, Billie was happier than ever. She knew it deep down.

Next to this photographer,

She was the greatest.

The End.