Guarding Love

Chapter 2 - The Kiss

"Best friends are the people in your life who make you laugh louder, smile brighter and live better." — Unknown.

Scarlett POV

We walked back down the red carpet, signed autographs and took photos with as many fans as possible. Their faces lit up with joy and excitement as Y/N, and I approached. People must have wondered what we were doing since walking back down the red carpet was a little unorthodox. Although perhaps they didn't since we were doing it for the fans, I could feel the cameras on us more than when I initially walked the red carpet.

Y/N always had a special bond with her fans and took extra care to sign or get photos with as many as possible. Although she would go above and beyond for them, she still had a line she wouldn't cross. Most of her fans understood and wouldn't cross that line. However, there have been instances where people did, and she would put them in their place or ignore them. If people approached her in a restaurant or store, she wouldn't always give them the time of day because she felt that should be her time, but if any young kid approached her, she would always give them her full attention. However, if the paparazzi asked for autographs, she would usually ignore them since they were already getting money for the photos they took.

As for my fans, I have felt that many were only my fans because of my appearance. That view has slowly changed since being in Marvel when I see little girls dressed up as Natasha. Nonetheless, I am always meticulous and cautious when I interact with them. Y/N, on the other hand, seemed at ease. It was different for her. Y/N had much more confidence than I and didn't care what everyone else thought. She just ran across the red carpet without caring about the recourse. I know she saw what my ex-husband and friend were doing, which is why she's here, missing her flight and risking a fight with Katie for me.

Whenever I was with Y/N, I felt safe and at ease. She never judged me or put me in a position I never wanted to be in. Always protective, making sure I made my own decisions and not letting her control the situation. My second husband, now ex-husband, always wanted to control me. He wasn't controlling at first, always charming and attentive, but something changed after a while. I thought the way he controlled me was how it was supposed to be between husband and wife. He was always interested in my career and gave his input, but I realized he was steering me in his desired direction.

Regardless, I was devastated and heartbroken when I discovered my childhood friend slept with him. I still loved him. They had been sleeping together for years. When Y/N found out, she was livid. She threw him and all his belongings out of the house. I had never seen Y/N that angry before. He must have been embarrassed after Y/N threw him out because the split was leaked to the public, and rumours were spread saying I cheated. Y/N's and my team worked overtime to nullify the rumours, but the damage had been done.

Marvel wasn't happy with the bad publicity; we were supposed to be perfect in the eyes of our fans. The perfect role models for fans to look up to. Y/N risked it all to set the record straight, I told her she didn't have to, but she insisted. She was criticized because of how close we were, so she would say anything to protect me. I had to be careful with what I said because of the lawyers. Y/N, on the other hand, Y/N had no obligations, but she was meticulous about what she said to lessen any blowback on me. I do not know how she found the proof she did, but she let it slip in an interview, which changed the narrative. I was worried she would be blocked, but she didn't. She somehow avoided any backlash.

Once we finished signing autographs and taking photos with fans, we returned to the theatre entrance for a few interviews.

"Scarlett, Y/N." said a female reporter as she waved us over. I recognized her as Charlotte from Entertainment Tonight. She always had great questions after the initial, what are you wearing questions.