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As the last notes of the song faded from the radio and the laughter died down, a soft silence settled over the car. Beyonce turned the volume down completely, her fingers lingering on the dial as she glanced over at Y/N. Her smile had softened, although still full of love but now with something deeper, more serious.
She shifted in her seat to face her fully, tucking one leg up as her hair brushed against the window. "Can I tell you something?" she asked, her voice quieter now like the words were just meant for this little world they'd made inside the car.
Y/N nodded, sensing the shift in the energy. Eyes locked onto Beyonce's.
"I know everything's starting to change," Beyonce began, her eyes flickering down for a second before lifting again. "The group's getting bigger, and there's so much happening. More shows, more attention...more eyes on me."
She reached across the console and took Y/N's hand, lacing their fingers together. "But I need you to know something. No matter how loud things get out there...this..you and me? It's not changing. I don't want you to ever feel like you have to question where we stand."
Y/N blinked, heart thudding in her chest.
"I love you" Beyonce said, her voice sure and strong now. "I really do. And I don't want you to feel like you're in the background of my life just because It's a spotlight on me now. You're not .. You're the calm in it all of it. You're what's real."
Y/N squeezed her hand, eyes stinging a little with emotion. For all the noise, for all the lights that were beginning to chase Beyonce wherever she went... This was where her heart was. Right here. In a parked car, hidden away from the world with the girl who made her feel like she mattered beyond the stage.
"I love you too." Y/N whispered
Beyonce leaned back in her seat, still holding Y/N's hand. The air between them thick with love and truth. She tried to lighten it, cracking a half smile as she said "You know...maybe I should just tell my parents. I'll be like, 'Hey Mom and Dad.. suprise! I got a girlfriend now, and she's kinda perfect." She let out a small laugh, trying to play it off, but Y/N didn't smile. Didn't even flinch.
Beyonce's grin faded slightly. "What?" she asked softly.
Y/N looked out the window, jaw tight. "It's not funny Bey." she said, voice low. "You're dad...he scares the hell out of me. If he found out about us, I don't even know what would happen. He'd for sure never want me around anymore."
Beyonce's face fell into something more serious. She squeezed Y/N's hand, trying to bridge the space between the joke and the fear hanging in the air now.
After a second, she tried to lift the tension again, this time with a crooked smirk, "Well, I mean...at least you can't get me pregnant. That should earn you some points, right?"
Y/N looked at her, not even cracking a smile.
Beyonce's face softened again "Hey...I know you're scared. I get it. I'm not pretending it's easy. My dad is intense. Controlling even .. But my mom...she loves me. That would be a whole different conversation."
She leaned in closer. "But I'm not letting them make this decision for me. I'm not walking away from you to make anyone else comfortable. I want you. Even if we have to keep it quiet for now. I need you to know I'm in this fully."
Y/N's eye shimmered, torn between fear and the fierce love she felt for this girl. She loved the way she spoke to her like she was the only person in the world.
"I believe you." she whispered.
Beyonce nodded, brushing her thumb over the back of Y/N's hand. "I'm gonna prove it to you every chance I get."
THE NEXT DAY
The rehearsal space was the basement of The Knowles's home. Filled with the echo of tight harmonies and the constant voice of Mathew Knowles calling out corrections. Preparing for the girls first album to come out was intense and stressful for everyone.
"Again. Tighter on the choreography girls. Beyonce, I need it stronger this time. Let's go."
Destiny's Child was deep in another grueling practice session, sweat glistening on their brows as they moved in near perfect sync. Mathew was relentless as usual. Always demanding perfection from the girls, especially from Beyonce. It wasn't just about being good, It was about being the best.
Off to the side sitting in a folding chair, with a notepad in her lap and a bottle of water at her feet was Y/N. She watched the group intently, scribbling notes when Mathew barked instructions or needed or needed something fetched. She wasn't technically staff... but Mathew liked her and liked keeping her busy. Especially since she was always around anyway. She'd become something of an unofficial assistant. Grabbing whatever the girls may need, helping with outfits, organizing paperwork and running errands. It kept her close and Y/N was satisfied with that.
Just being there and watching Beyonce shine was enough. She always worked well under pressure and killed every task Mathew tossed her way. She grew up with the girls and that closeness had only deepened over time. What no one realized, not even Mathew, was that the girl jotting down notes and handing out vocal tea was madly in love with his daughter.
Only Kelly knew. She'd caught on months ago, thanks to a few too long glances and of course when she walked in on Beyonce and Y/N making out. But instead of judgement she just laughed and told them she knew all along.
One afternoon during a short break in rehearsal, Kelly sat next to Y/N nudging her shoulder and whispering with a grin "You're a better assistant than half the real crew. But we both know you're only here to watch your girl."
Y/N smiled "Guilty."
Kelly leaned closer. "You make her happy. Don't let anyone make you feel like you don't belong here. You do...you always have."
Those words stayed with Y/N. Especially when Mathew was being extra intense, barking orders and shifting between manager mode and father mode like a switch. Y/N sometimes wondered what he'd say if he ever found out the real reason she never missed a rehearsal. But for now, she kept her head down and her heart steady.
Beyonce was her heart...and every hour spent in the background was just another way to stay close to the girl she loved.
