Chris and Co. Oneshots

Greatest Regret - Chris Evans x Reader

Warnings: Light Angst! Fluff!

Award season was never something that bothered Chris, not usually. It was a time when the art form he appreciated the most was recognised. He was able to see friends he hadn't seen for a while. And most importantly he didn't have to do too much press. He just had to turn up, quickly walk the red carpet and present an award.

This year though he was dreading it, and he wished he never agreed to present. Because this year you were going to be in attendance, nominated for best original song at the Oscars.

It had been nearly a year since your break up but it still cut deep with Chris. The pain is just as present as the day you called it all off, seemingly out of nowhere. Chris had begged you to stay, to work at it, but once you made your mind up there was no changing it. So you would always be the one that got away.

Chris just hoped he could avoid you because he didn't trust himself not to look heartbroken whenever he saw you. He wasn't so lucky though because as soon as he stood on the red carpet, all alone, he looked over and spotted you at the other end.

You looked stunning, in a dress that perfectly matched the suit he wore. Your hair and makeup were done to perfection, you looked like a glistening diamond amongst stones. He could hear your laughter over all the noise from the press and crowds, and it was like music to his ears. You were so happy and excited to be here, and despite how much it hurt, he was happy for you.

Only once had you stepped away and moved out of his line of vision did he look back towards the wall of cameras. He gave them all a small smile, doing his job and nothing more. Once he was done on the red carpet he made his way inside, hoping the rest of the night was easier.

To his luck, his seat wasn't anywhere near yours. You were sat with the rest of the cast and creators of the film you wrote the song for. And he wouldn't admit it but he was relieved to see that like him, you didn't have a date.

It was going alright until the time came for you to perform the song that was nominated. He watched as you sat at a large black grand piano, your dress flowing out onto the floor behind you. The set was relatively simple, just filament light bulbs that faintly glowed in time to the music.

As you started to play the memory of you playing the piano at home with him flashed through his mind. He let out a long sad sigh as he looked down unable to watch you any longer.

He still listened though because despite everything your voice was still his favourite. However, his brows furrowed when he heard a particular lyric. The one about hiding under blankets on the 4th of July, because that was exactly what the two of you did when you were together.

The more Chris listened the more lyrics he heard that he could apply to your relationship. Different memories of the good times you shared before you left. Unable to help himself he looked back up and his eyes met yours as you sang the final lyric.

"Setting you free will forever be my greatest regret" you sang your eyes never leaving his as the final chord rang out through the theatre.

His view of you was obscured as the crowd all stood and applauded. Standing up alongside them Chris could see the misty look in your eyes as you looked out gratefully at the crowd, giving them a small bow of the head before gracefully walking off the stage. But not without a final glance over your shoulder in his direction.

Chris ran his hand down his face as he sat back down, shaking his head slightly to stop his mind from running away from him. The song was for a movie about a woman trying to reconnect with the child she gave up for adoption. You were singing from the perspective of the mother, the memories she wished they shared. You weren't singing to him. He had to remember that, no matter how much the hopeless romantic inside him told him otherwise.

A short while later he made his way backstage ready to present the next award. He greet Scarlett with a smile and a hug, asking her how was she was and how the kids were doing.

"They're good, but I mean speaking of kids, Y/N's song... wow that was amazing brought a tear to my eye" Scarlett remarks shaking her head, her hands over her heart.

"Yeah, she always had that ability with her songs" Chris nods his head in agreement.

"She told me the song was a complete fluke, when they approached her to write a song she already had it in her arsenal, just had to change the perspective slightly but 99% of it remained unchanged" Scarlett explains as she takes the envelope from the assistant.

Chris furrows his brows at this new bit of information, his heart racing in his chest.

"Did she tell you when she wrote it?" He asks clearing his throat.

Scarlett smirks "8 months ago, you should talk to her"

Chris could only nod, pulling at his tie which suddenly felt really, really tight. He took the Oscar from the assistant and waited for the cue to walk out on stage with Scarlett.

He read out what was on the teleprompter, introducing the category and the nominees. But as soon as he got the change his eyes scanned the crowd, stopping when they met yours. A slight involuntary smile broke out on his face when you gave him a small warm one.

He then read out the winner for the award, smiling when he saw it was for the movie you worked with. He watched with a warm smile as you hugged the winner and cheered loudly for them.

Chris was still backstage talking to the winner when the award for the best original song was presented. He hung back in the wings as they read out the nominees and announced your song as the winner.

Chris clapped loudly as you walked on stage and accepted your award. Chris didn't have the best view of you but he could tell you were emotional and in disbelief as you spoke and thanked everyone for the award.

"I put a lot into this song, probably more than usual so this is an honour that means so so much, so thank you" you finish wiping away a stray tear.

As you walked off stage, Scarlett ran over to you, hugging you tightly as she congratulated you. As you stepped out of the hug your eyes met his, he could see the hint of nervousness but your smile remained warm.

"Congratulations, the song is beautiful no one else deserves that award as much as you," Chris tells you with a warm smile.

"Thank you Chris, that- that means a lot" you smile nodding your head.

"Can I walk you back to your seat?" Chris offers, trying not to sound too desperate.

You smile warmly up at him "that would be lovely thank you" you say linking your arm with his and letting him lead you away.

The both of you remained silent as you walk through the corridors doors of the theatre. But it wasn't awkward though, it was comfortable. Chris just hoped he wasn't about to make it awkward.

"Scarlett told me that you wrote that song before they even approached you," He says looking down at you.

You nod your head gently "yeah, I didn't think it would ever see the light of day it was.... too personal, but the movie made it possible" you admit looking up at him.

Chris comes to a stop, turning to face you "do you still mean it? What you said in the song?" He asks quietly.

"Yes," you whisper.

*******

A/N: I will not be doing a part 2, so DO NOT ASK FOR ONE OR TELL ME I SHOULD DO ONE! I will not change my mind!