Maestro

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Bradley's heart pounded in his chest as he stepped onto the red carpet for the premiere of Maestro. The flashing lights, the echo of camera shutters, and the roaring cheers from fans painted a surreal picture of a night that would mark a turning point in his career. He felt the weight of it all; the excitement, the pressure, the attention, but there was one thing he couldn't stop thinking about Stefani.
He hadn't seen her yet, but she had promised she'd come. With every step, every question from reporters, his gaze darted toward the entrance, searching for the familiar blonde who, despite not being in the film, would be the highlight of his night.

Lea, held tightly to his hand, her little face alight with excitement. It was her first time on the red carpet, and she couldn’t wait for Stefani to arrive, too. Lea adored her, even considering Stefani a second mother.

Daddy? When is mommy coming?

I don't know, sweetie. She should be here soon.

Bradley smiled down at her, squeezing her hand gently.
Nearby, Carey and Nicole exchanged amused glances, charmed by the sweetness of the moment.

Looks like she heard you.

Carey nodded toward the entrance and not one second later, the crowd suddenly erupted into louder cheers, a signal that someone important had arrived. Bradley didn’t even need to turn around, he could feel it, feel her presence. The shift in the atmosphere, the magnetism pulling everyone’s attention toward the woman who had just stepped onto the carpet.

He turned, and there she was—breathtaking as always. She was dressed in a black, tailored suit adorned with intricate silver embroidery of two fairies. Her blonde hair was styled in soft waves, and she radiated a quiet, powerful elegance. The suit hugged her frame perfectly, the deep neckline adding a touch of boldness to her already commanding presence.
Their eyes locked, her striking green meeting his calm blue, and for a moment, the noise around them faded. It felt like time had slowed down, like they were the only two people in the room.

Stefani!

Relief washing over him as she went towards him with a warm smile.

Hey Bradley!

Stefani embraced him spreading a warmth through him, as he pulled her closer to his body.

Hey, you look incredible. I'm so happy you made it.

It's a big night for you, of course I wouldn't miss it. Sarah just needed a little more time with the make up, I'm sorry.

It's wonderful!

Bradley had a subtle grin playing on his lips.
As they walked down the carpet together, Lea between them, the world around them blurred into a sea of flashing lights and cheers. To the public, it looked like a friendly reunion, but Bradley’s heart was thudding in his chest. Every now and then, his fingers would find their way to her lower back or brushed against her hand, and with each fleeting touch, his nerves heightened. He couldn’t stop looking at her, at the way the suit moved with her, at the way she handled the attention so effortlessly.
Inside the theater, Stefani took her seat beside him, Michael on the other side while Lea had already left with Nicole. As the lights dimmed and the movie began, Stefani reached over and squeezed Bradley’s hand, offering him silent support. He glanced at her, and she gave him a reassuring smile.

You've got this! I'm so proud of you! The movie is wonderful!

The premiere went perfectly, but Bradley couldn’t shake the tension that had been building inside him all night. As the credits rolled and the applause erupted, he knew he needed a moment alone with her, away from the cameras, the crowd, and the overwhelming excitement.

Stefani, can we talk for a minute?

Bradley whispered in her ear, so only she was able to hear it. She looked at him, a hint of concern in her eyes.

Of course.

Bradley led her away from the crowd, finding a quiet corner with no one else around where they could steal a moment to themselves. Once they were alone, he turned to her, his hands trembling slightly. Her eyebrows drew together, a little concerned of whate he would say, unsure why he wanted to speak to her alone. Especially on the red carpet, she had tried to appear neutral and not like the girlfriend who would have loved to jump on him, even though it was pretty difficult.

Is everything alright with you? You're shaking!

I’m just- this night, everything about it, and you ...

Stefani smiled up at him, her heart swelling with affection. She reached out, rubbing her hands gently over his arms to calm him.

I can tell that you're nervous, but you don't have to be. Everything's fine, the people loved your movie.

Bradley chuckled, though he couldn’t stop the tremble in his hands.

I'm just so happy that you're here!

Before she could respond, he cupped her face and kissed her, soft and slow. His lips trembled against hers, and Stefani could feel how much he was holding back. When they finally pulled apart, Bradley rested his forehead against hers, breathing heavily.
Stefani smiled, rubbing her thumb across his cheek.

Gosh Stef, I needed that.

You're so sweet.

Bradley’s arms tightened around her, pulling her closer.

I want you to always be with me at those events.

Bradley confessed, a soft smile playing on his lips. The weight on his shoulders seemed to lift, replaced by a newfound sense of calm. She grinned, watching him knowingly.
Her thumb gently stroked his lips to wipe off the small imprint of her lipstick without any success, because only seconds later his lips were on hers again.

Hmm.

What?

You're so eager.

I'm just happy. I love you!

His hands found bers, looking directly into her eyes.

I love you too! And don't be so nervous about all this, okay? Nothing to worry about.

Are you okay? I mean I can feel that you're also a little tense.

I'm nervous too, but I know you're with me and you're always calming me, so I'm good. I love seeing all the people being so positive about your movie.

It's insane right? And Lea loves it too. She wants to be an actress now too, and a singer, like her mommy.

Ow. I think she's actually the only one who isn't nervous here. She does it so well, like a little pro.

You're right. She's so happy that you're here, beaming from ear to ear.

Wouldn't miss our little girls first red carpet.

Stefani had this warm expression on her face whenever she looked at him, which gave him strength. She had the ability to reassure him with just a look and make him believe that everything was all right. He was just happy to have her with him, somehow he could hardly believe it because it seemed so surreal.

Can I kiss you again?

Incredulous at how cute he was, especially when he was nervous, she shook her head before closing the gap between them again. His one hand was right back on her hip.

Okay, come on. We shouldn't give the others a show, otherwise I could have just kissed you on the carpet.

Next time then.

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