Imagines (Beyonce x y/n)

Just Friends 3

The air in Beyoncé's suite was surprisingly calm, a stark contrast to the tempest outside. It was meticulously organized, like everything she touched, but a faint scent of chamomile and something metallic, like dried tears, hung in the air.

"Sit," she commanded, her tone still holding an edge, but without the sharp hostility of before. She remained standing, her arms crossed, a silent sentinel.

I sat, feeling the familiar awkwardness that often arose when our professional and personal lives blurred

She turned then, her dark eyes meeting mine. There was a vulnerability there I rarely saw, a raw honesty that cut through the layers of celebrity and expectation. "last night... it felt like I was speaking a language you didn't quite understand. Like I was explaining the color of the sky to someone who'd only ever seen in black and white."

"Bey, I really am sorry," I began, choosing my words carefully. "The gift was... it was just a small token. I got caught up in the excitement of Bella's project, her new studio. It was about her launch, and I should have been more present with you. I should have remembered that it's our time, our celebration too."

She finally uncrossed her arms and walked to the window, staring out at the city waking up. "You brought her that studio after she threatened to leave you, you know that, what kind of gift is that..." she said, her voice low and reflective "that's not even what upset me"

I nodded, my throat tightening. "I know. It's... it's about feeling second. Like I'm always juggling, and sometimes, you get dropped. I understand why you feel that way." I paused, gathering my courage. "But it's not true. You are never second. What we have, our friendship, our work... it's the foundation. Bella's just... she's family"

She turned from the window, her expression unreadable for a moment. Then, a faint, almost imperceptible smile touched her lips. "Family," she echoed, the word softer this time. "Yes, I suppose she is...for the time being until you come to your senses and see she's using you who knows?" She walked back to the table and picked up the wilting flower, turning it in her fingers.

"But sometimes, I just need to feel like I'm the priority. Not the next project, not the next performance, not even the next 'family' member. Just... me."

A wave of relief washed over me, so potent it made my head spin.

Aside from being her normal petty self, She wasn't being entirely unreasonable. She just needed reassurance. "And you are, Bey. You always are. Maybe I haven't been showing that enough lately. I've been so focused on..." I trailed off, realizing I was about to make excuses.

She met my gaze, and in her eyes, I decided to not go along with my excuse

"We're both busy people," she conceded. "With lives that are... a lot. But we have to make time to tend to the important things. Like us."

She walked over and sat down on the sofa, patting the cushion beside her. I moved closer, the chasm between us shrinking with every shared breath

"So," she said, her voice regaining some of its usual warmth, though still tinged with a vulnerability I rarely saw. "Let's talk about the show. I still want you to see my dance Kelly helped with. Perhaps, we can discuss how to ensure your 'family' doesn't overshadow your favourite girl"

I managed a genuine smile this time. "I can do that, Bey. And I promise, from now on, you'll have all my attention"

She laughed, a rich, full sound that filled the room and chased away the last vestiges of the night's frost. "That's more like it," she said, leaning back against the cushions proppingher feet on me. "Rub my foot, please."