69 -

The music keeps playing, filling the space with an euphoric energy. Joan and Ellie toast again. Ellie feels light, carefree, carried away by the moment. Sometimes, she can feel Billie's gaze on her, a mysterious smile forming on her lips. This little game of exchanged glances, this floating tension she shares with Billie, only adds to the warmth in the air.

As the night winds down, Kate and Aubrey leave the event, exhausted. Joan and Ellie, still leaning on the bar, continue swapping stories. Joan suddenly murmurs, dreamily:

Joan: "Fuck, I think I'm in love," he says, his eyes shining and that goofy smile stuck to his lips.

Ellie: "Dude, you've just had way too much to drink."

Joan: "No, I swear, it's my heart talking."

Ellie: "Your heart? You gotta be kidding me, Romeo?" she replies, laughing.

As the alcohol finally kicks in, Ellie wobbles slightly as she gets up. She's about to fall when a firm hand lands on her hip. She turns around, surprised, meeting Billie's piercing gaze, who steadies her with a smile that's both amused and caring.

Billie: "Looks like someone's had a bit too much," Billie murmurs, a smirk on her face.

Ellie feels her cheeks flush, a little embarrassed.

Ellie: "Shit... I think you're right."

A knowing smile passes between them before Joan approaches, with Hailey in tow. He turns to Ellie:

Joan: "Alright, I think I'll follow the lady before she runs off,"

Ellie gives him a playful smile and winks at him.

Ellie: "Enjoy, my friend. I slipped a little gift in your pocket."

Billie, intrigued, furrows her brows at that.

Billie: "What did you give him?"

A mischievous smile plays on Ellie's lips.

Ellie: "Something to protect himself."

Billie: "Why do you have condoms on you?"

Ellie: "I grabbed some in the bathroom earlier, why?"

Billie: "Wait, you were planning to fuck a guy??"

Ellie leans in slightly towards Billie, whispering with a wink:

Ellie: "Maybe."

Billie, visibly annoyed, slowly pulls away from Ellie.

Billie: "Ah... cool."

Ellie: "It was for Joan, I figured his night was gonna end like that."

Billie: "That's not funny."

Ellie: "I thought it was. You're cute when you're jealous, too."

Their exchange intensifies, leaving a palpable tension hanging in the air, their gazes locking in an electric silence. Billie steps closer, her hand sliding onto Ellie's hip, the touch sending a shiver through her.

Ellie: "Well, I'm gonna head out before I end up on the floor,"

Billie: "If you want, I can take you home,"

Ellie hesitates, her heart pounding.

Ellie: "Are you sure? I don't want to bother you..."

Billie moves even closer, whispering softly in her ear:

Billie: "You're not bothering me at all."

Ellie shivers, an amused smile forming on her lips.

The two first stop by Finneas to let him know they're leaving. Billie pauses at several groups to thank the guests, and after each conversation, she places her hand back on Ellie's hip, as if to keep her close. Ellie, still a little tipsy, smiles and clings to her, letting the warmth of the gesture wash over her. Billie grabs a bottle of water from the counter, handing it firmly to Ellie.

Billie: "Drink this."

Billie's commanding tone surprises Ellie, who obeys without question, teasing lightly.

Ellie: "Yes, mom."

The nickname makes Billie smile. They then head toward Billie's car, a black Chevrolet Camaro that matches her hair. Ellie whistles, impressed.

Ellie: "I forgot you were rich."

Billie: "Not me"

----

In the intimacy of the car, the atmosphere is charged with a new tension. Ellie gently places her hand on Billie's thigh, slowly moving it up. Billie stares at her, both amused and serious. She firmly grabs Ellie's wrist and moves her hand to her own thigh.

Billie: "If you keep this up, we're gonna end up in a wall."

Despite the warning, she leaves her hand on Ellie's thigh, a soft but insistent pressure that makes Ellie blush. Ellie turns toward her, her gaze burning.

Ellie: "Why don't we go to your place?"

Billie smiles.

Billie: "Alcohol really does a number on you."

Ellie insists, her eyes never leaving Billie's.

Ellie: "We're going to your place."

Billie locks her blue eyes with Ellie's, a smirk forming on her lips.

Billie: "And I'm the mom, right?"

She starts the car and drives them to the apartment she's rented for her tour in London.

----

Arriving, Billie puts on her hoodie and sunglasses to go unnoticed. Ellie teases her, laughing at the situation.

Ellie: "That's pretty sexy."

Billie: "Are you making fun of me?"

Ellie: "I wouldn't dare."

She unlocks the door, and as soon as they enter, Ellie scatters around the apartment like a child exploring a new place. Then, she approaches Billie, so close that Billie can feel her breath.

Billie: "Yeah?"

Ellie: "Can I make a sandwich?"

Billie bursts out laughing.

Billie: "Make yourself at home, babe."

Ellie rushes to the kitchen and makes a sandwich to soak up the alcohol. Meanwhile, Billie turns on the TV, starting an episode of The Simpsons. When Ellie returns, she hands Billie a sandwich.

Ellie: "Here you go, 100% vegan and made with love."

They finish the episode, laughing like two teenagers. After cleaning up, Ellie returns to Billie, who's absorbed in her phone. With a quick move, Ellie snatches it from her hands.

Billie: "What the hell are you doing..."

Ellie: "You better lock your phone"

Ellie climbs onto Billie's lap. She gently holds her face with both hands, bringing her lips close to Billie's. But at the last moment, Ellie pulls back, a teasing smile playing on her lips.

Billie: "I'm all yours."

Ellie: "Getting sentimental?"

With a confident move, Billie flips Ellie onto the couch, placing her firmly underneath her. She leans close to her ear, whispering:

"Don't play with me."

These words make Ellie blush, a growing warmth spreading through her body. Billie takes advantage of their proximity to slide her hand up Ellie's thigh, caressing it and moving upward slowly.

As their faces draw closer, Billie's about to kiss her, but Ellie, sensing the game, grabs Billie's face with both hands and joins their lips in a deep, intense kiss. The kiss intensifies, becoming more hungry, more urgent. Their hands grasp at clothing, pulling it off, almost tearing it, as if patience had suddenly run out.

Breathing heavily, the two women continue exchanging burning looks, their breaths mixing in the intimacy of the living room. Ellie slips her hands under Billie's top, caressing the soft skin of her stomach, feeling every shiver she causes. Billie leans in even closer, her hand firmly planted on Ellie's hip, the other lost in her hair. Their lips meet again, their kisses growing more impatient, as if they were trying to fill a long-held desire.

In a passionate move, Billie pulls off her hoodie, tossing it carelessly to the floor without taking her eyes off Ellie. She gazes at Ellie beneath her, her face flushed, her eyes burning with desire. Ellie bites her lip, her fingers exploring Billie's shoulders, leaving a hot trace wherever they touch. Ellie's boldness seems to surprise even herself, but she doesn't hesitate, guided by the tension between them.

Billie lets her have her way for a moment, watching with an amused, mysterious smile, before deciding to take control. She gently grabs Ellie's wrists and pins them to the couch, looming over her, her face just inches from Ellie's. A heavy silence falls, filled with desire.

Billie: "I want to see what you're capable of," she murmurs, her gaze locked with Ellie's.

Ellie, undeterred, holds her gaze.

Ellie: "Show me."

Those words light a spark in Billie's eyes. She releases Ellie's wrists, but her hands remain firmly on her, as if to remind her of the power she holds. Ellie, far from being offended, smiles, her breath quickening further under Billie's touch. She feels every movement, every caress becoming more intense, more targeted.

Billie lowers her face, her lips brushing against Ellie's skin, marking every inch she explores with a slow kiss. Ellie arches her back slightly, her hands now freely wrapped around Billie, as if pulling her even closer.

Billie lets her hands glide down Ellie's curves, savoring every shiver she ignites in her. Their clothes slowly disappear, each piece tossed aside carelessly, with neither of them paying much attention, their minds entirely absorbed in one another.

Their kisses slow, but grow deeper, each movement becoming a passionate exploration.

They collapse against each other, breathless, looking at each other with a knowing, amused, satisfied smile. Billie gently runs her fingers through Ellie's hair, tenderly caressing her face. Ellie, a little dazed, looks into her eyes.

----