The energy backstage at the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show was electric. Models rushed around in silk robes, makeup artists worked their magic with precision, and the buzz of excitement hung in the air like glitter. You had spent weeks preparing for this moment, from early morning fittings to late-night rehearsals. But now, as you stood behind the curtain, moments away from stepping onto the runway, you weren't thinking about the flashing lights or the millions watching from home.
You were thinking about Nicholas.
He was here. Somewhere out there in the crowd, sitting front and center, supporting you like he always did. Nicholas wasn't just your boyfriend—he was your rock, your biggest cheerleader. Despite his own fame and demanding career, he made time for every one of your milestones, and tonight was no different.
"Alright, ladies! Let's go!" one of the stage directors called, clapping her hands to get everyone moving. The opening beats of Britney Manson's "FASHION" began to thrum through the speakers, the bass vibrating under your feet.
You took a deep breath, adjusting the intricate wings strapped to your back. This was it.
As the model ahead of you strutted down the runway, the crowd erupted into applause. You peeked out from the curtain, scanning the audience, and your eyes found him almost instantly. Nicholas was seated in the front row, looking impossibly handsome in a tailored black suit. His hair was styled just the way you liked, and he had that familiar, easy smile that made your knees weak. He caught your gaze, and when he did, he winked, mouthing, "You've got this."
The nerves that had been bubbling in your stomach melted away. You straightened your shoulders, the confidence surging through you. This was your moment, and Nicholas was here to witness it.
The stage manager gave you the signal, and you stepped onto the runway. The lights were blinding, the crowd was a blur, and the music pulsed like a heartbeat. But none of it mattered because all you could focus on was Nicholas.
Your steps were strong and purposeful, your heels clicking against the glossy floor in time with the music. The glittering outfit you wore caught the light with every move, and the massive angel wings on your back seemed to soar as you walked. The crowd cheered, cameras flashed, but your eyes kept flicking back to Nicholas.
He was watching you with so much pride, so much love, it was as if the entire room had disappeared for him too. His hands rested on his knees, but you could tell he wanted to stand and cheer for you.
As you reached the end of the runway, you struck your pose, one hand on your hip, the other resting lightly on the curve of your waist. The room roared with applause, and you could feel the energy radiating from the audience. You turned your head slightly, your gaze locking with Nicholas's once more. He gave you a small, subtle thumbs-up, and you couldn't help the radiant smile that spread across your face.
The walk back felt like a blur, the adrenaline coursing through your veins. By the time you stepped off the stage, you were buzzing, exhilarated from the moment.
When the show wrapped and the models began filing backstage, you quickly changed out of your wings and outfit, slipping into something more comfortable. As you made your way out to the VIP lounge where friends and family were waiting, you spotted Nicholas almost immediately.
He was leaning casually against the bar, a glass of champagne in hand. But the moment he saw you, he straightened, setting the glass down and crossing the room in long strides.
"You were incredible," he said, his voice full of awe as he pulled you into his arms.
"Thank you," you said, your voice muffled against his chest. His arms were warm and strong around you, grounding you in a way nothing else could.
He pulled back just enough to look at you, his hands still resting on your waist. "No, seriously. You owned that runway. I don't think anyone in that room could take their eyes off you. I know I couldn't."
You laughed softly, your cheeks flushing. "You're biased."
"Damn right I am," he said, grinning. "But it doesn't make me any less right."
The two of you stood there for a moment, wrapped up in each other despite the crowd around you. He reached up, tucking a stray strand of hair behind your ear. "I'm so proud of you," he said softly, his voice carrying the weight of his sincerity.
"Thank you for being here," you said, your hand resting lightly on his chest. "It meant everything to me to have you in the crowd."
"Like I'd miss your big moment," he said, his tone playful but his eyes serious. "I'll always be here for you. Always."
And in that moment, you knew he meant it. Whether it was on a runway, a red carpet, or just the quiet moments at home, Nicholas would always be your biggest supporter. And tonight, with the lights still shining and the buzz of the show lingering in the air, you couldn't have asked for anything more.
