VALERIE ADJUSTED HER MIC ONE last time as she sat beside billie on the sleek couch across from jimmy fallon. her pulse raced-not because of the cameras or the live audience, but because billie was sitting so close, their legs brushing occasionally.
jimmy greeted the crowd with his signature energy. "ladies and gentlemen, we've got a treat tonight! two of the biggest names in music right now, and they just dropped the hottest collab of the year. please welcome billie eilish and valerie wilson!"
the audience erupted in applause as valerie and billie exchanged a quick smile.
"thank you, jimmy," valerie said, leaning forward slightly, her voice steady despite the buzz in the room.
"yeah, thanks for having us," billie added, her grin casual but warm.
jimmy wasted no time diving in. "okay, let's talk about this song, 'guess.' it's already breaking records, dominating charts. how did this collab even happen?"
billie leaned back, gesturing toward valerie. "honestly, i was a fan of vei's music for a while. we kept saying we'd work together, but schedules never lined up until now."
valerie nodded. "i actually already had the song written and ready, so we just started recording it."
jimmy raised an eyebrow, leaning closer. "and now you're, what, best friends? songwriting soulmates? what's the vibe here?"
valerie laughed, glancing at billie. "i mean, i wouldn't go that far-"
"oh, she's just being modest," billie interrupted, her voice teasing. "we're totally songwriting soulmates."
the crowd cheered, and jimmy pointed at them both. "see? that's what i'm talking about. the chemistry is undeniable."
valerie felt her cheeks flush but kept her composure. "we just work well together, that's all."
jimmy smirked. "sure, that's all. but come on, the fans have been buzzing about how close you two seem. any truth to those rumors?"
billie and valerie exchanged a glance, both suppressing a laugh.
"we're just really good friends," billie said smoothly, though the corner of her mouth quirked up in a way that made valerie's stomach flip.
jimmy leaned back, raising his hands in mock surrender. "all right, all right, I'll back off. for now."
he turned to valerie. "but tell me, valerie-you've been open about how personal your music is. was it tough to share that vulnerability with billie in the studio?"
valerie hesitated for a moment, her gaze softening. "a little, yeah. but billie has this way of making you feel completely safe. it's like she gets it, you know? we talked about a lot while making this song-it wasn't just music, it was cathartic."
billie's expression softened as she glanced at valerie. "same here. it wasn't just a collab; it was like- i don't even know the right word dude. but it truly was the most amazing collab experience i've ever had"
jimmy clapped his hands together. "and that's why we love you both together so much! you guys just make sense together. okay, last question: there's another huge release party this weekend hosted by your friend, danah. what can we expect?"
billie grinned. "honestly? chaos. good chaos, though."
valerie laughed. "yeah, we're throwing everything into it. it's a celebration for everyone who worked on the song, and, you know, just an excuse to let loose."
"well, i can't wait to see the behind-the-scenes footage," jimmy said, turning to the audience. "give it up for billie eilish and valerie wilson!"
the crowd roared as the segment ended, and the trio stood, exchanging hugs before heading backstage.
valerie and billie walked side by side through the bustling backstage area, the energy still crackling between them.
"you handled that well," billie said, nudging valerie's shoulder.
valerie rolled her eyes. "yeah, except for the whole 'chemistry' thing jimmy kept harping on."
billie smirked. "well, he's not wrong."
valerie stopped walking, turning to face billie. "you love teasing me, don't you?"
"it's my favorite pastime," billie replied, her tone light but her gaze lingering.
before valerie could respond, a stagehand called them for photos. billie leaned in as they walked away, her voice low. "don't worry, vei. i'll behave at the party... maybe."
valerie laughed, shaking her head, though her heart was racing again. the party hadn't even started, and already, it felt like the night would be unforgettable.
i ran out of ideas so i thought why not throw another party...