Different From The Rest

Chapter 10: interrogation

The gate creaked open.

Y/N stepped through, hoodie half-zipped and hands tucked in the front pocket, a quiet but curious look on her face as she scanned the backyard. The soft amber glow from the string lights wrapped around the trees gave the space a warm, welcoming feel, and the faint scent of smoke from the firepit clung to the air.

Billie stood when she saw her. "Hey," she said casually, but there was a flicker of relief in her voice.

Y/N smiled, brushing a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "Hey."

Billie nodded toward the small group by the fire. "Come on, I'll introduce you."

She led her over, and as soon as they got within range, it was like stepping into a spotlight. Quen, Odessa, and Alex all perked up, straightening, their eyes locked on Y/N like she was the most fascinating guest to ever exist.

"Hi," Quen said immediately, beaming. "We've heard a lot about you."

Y/N blinked, the corner of her mouth lifting. "All good things, I hope."

Alex leaned forward, already too curious for his own good. "So how did you and Billie meet? Were you a fan first? Did you recognize her right away?"

"Do you like her music?" Odessa added, voice quick. "Or are you one of those people who pretends not to know her?"

Before Y/N could answer one question, another came right after.

"What's your favorite Billie song?"

"Do you work at that record store full-time?"

"Do you even listen to vinyl or are you more of a Spotify person?"

Y/N blinked again, eyebrows raising slightly as all three fired questions like a rapid round of trivia. She looked at Billie, amused.

Billie looked mildly horrified. "Guys—"

Y/N let out a laugh—genuine and unexpected. "Wow, okay. You all really came prepared, huh?"

Quen threw her hands up. "We just want to know who you are! Billie never brings people around."

"Yeah, she keeps her circle tighter than a jar of pickles," Odessa said, grinning.

Y/N shook her head, laughing again as she sat down on the empty lounger. "Well... I guess I should feel honored?"

"You should," Billie muttered under her breath, more to herself than anyone else.

And for a second, the group quieted down, all of them smiling, settling back a little now that their curiosity had been partially satisfied.

Billie sat down beside her—not too close, but close enough that the warmth between them lingered quietly.

And just like that, the night started to unfold. Calm, chill, and full of quiet glances.

N took a sip of her drink, finally answering one of the lingering questions. "Yes, I do actually listen to vinyl," she said, raising an eyebrow at Alex. "Not just for aesthetic."

Alex held his hands up in mock surrender. "Respect. Just had to check."

Quen leaned forward again. "Okay but seriously—how did you and Billie meet?"

Y/N glanced over at Billie, who just smirked and gave a small shrug, letting her tell it if she wanted.

"I work at a record shop," Y/N said simply. "She walked in one day. That's it. No dramatic story."

"But you didn't, like, fangirl?" Odessa asked, genuinely surprised.

Y/N shook her head. "I mean, I knew who she was... I just didn't feel like treating her like a zoo animal."

The group laughed. Billie gave a half-smile, quiet, but her eyes flicked toward Y/N with something softer in them.

The conversation flowed from there—music tastes, favorite late-night snacks, the weirdest things fans have said to Billie (Alex had way too many questions), and even a small debate about which LA coffee shop actually had the best espresso.

Y/N found herself easing in, her voice more confident with every laugh from the group, every moment of shared chaos or eye-roll-worthy joke. It was easy. They were good people.

At some point, Billie got up. "Bathroom," she mumbled before disappearing into the house.

Only a minute later, Quen followed.

Inside, Billie was washing her hands at the sink when Quen leaned against the doorway.

"She's cool," Quen said, arms crossed, tone casual.

Billie glanced over. "Yeah?"

Quen smirked. "Come on, you know she is. She's not trying too hard, but she's not pretending to be too chill either. Just... herself."

Billie leaned against the counter, silent for a second. Then she let out a small laugh. "I know. That's the problem."

Quen raised a brow. "What do you mean?"

"She's not like the others," Billie said quietly. "She's not trying to get something from me. She doesn't care about the whole... 'Billie Eilish' thing. She sees through it."

Quen gave her a look. "And that's a bad thing?"

Billie didn't answer. She just dried her hands and headed back outside, Quen trailing after her.

As Billie stepped back into the backyard, she caught sight of Y/N mid-laugh, head tilted back slightly, eyes sparkling. Odessa had clearly just said something ridiculous, and Alex was already arguing with her in return, fueling the fire.

Y/N was fully in the moment. Comfortable. Smiling. And Billie just stood there for a second, watching.

There was something about seeing her like that—at ease, woven into the group like she'd been part of it for years—that made Billie feel a little bit lighter. A little less alone.

She walked back over, quietly taking her seat next to Y/N again. Y/N glanced over and gave her a soft smile, one Billie couldn't help but return.

The night went on. And for once, Billie wasn't waiting for it to end