Listen to Your Heart

Chapter Nineteen- Part II

SMUT AHEAD!! Sorry, not sorry. ;)

The instant they were backstage, ignoring the flashbulbs and general commotion surrounding them, Stefani threw her arms around his neck, hugging him as tightly as she possibly could, his cheek flush against hers as he bent to meet her halfway. If singing with him was perfection, his nearness was heaven; his stubble tickling her cheek, his arms, firm, yet gentle, pinning her by the waist, the way his scent enveloped her.

"I'm so fucking proud of you," she proclaimed, without any consideration of who was within earshot. "You did it, B."

"We did it," Bradley lay a chaste kiss on her forehead. "That felt—really, really good." His eyes were bright, and he grasped her hands in his. "Thank you."

There were so many facets to his thanks and every single one of them reflected onto her heart. "Even if we don't win anything else, that was incredible. I'll never forget it, as long as I live."

"Neither will I."

Stagehands came to remove their body mics as they talked excitedly, and various people came by to offer their congratulations. The performance had gone better than she could have possibly hoped if the insane crowd reaction was any indication.

"The best song category is up soon," he reminded her as they posed for a few more backstage pictures. "That's yours, Stef. No question."

She smiled, smoothing her dress. "I hope we pull a win, but we'll see. Honestly, I know it's so cliché but just being nominated is a dream."

They were escorted back to their seats and Irina stood, aware that cameras and eyes were upon her, accepting Bradley's hug and innocent kiss, whispering into his ear before he turned to Gloria, bending to embrace her as well.

Settling back into her seat, Stefani couldn't help but notice that the other woman didn't say a word to her, and her obvious discomfort immediately bothered her. Should I check-in? What would I say? Speaking might only make matters worse so instead, she turned to Natali who kissed her and expressed her pride.

"You guys were amazing," she gushed excitedly, digging her phone out of her purse to snap a selfie of the two of them. "That was something else."

Her phone buzzed inside of her clutch and she took it out, reading texts from her mother, full of emojis and exclamation points and some from Sarah and the rest of The Haus with their congratulations on a beautiful performance. Bobby's message made her pull a face at the screen before she shook her head and handed it over to Natali.

Social media is going INSANE, L.G. A warning—before you read the comments, some aren't so kind. But honestly, kiddo, that was a gorgeous performance. Sarah kept giving me weird looks though...I think she thinks I'm hiding something. You may have to make an announcement at brunch tomorrow, babe. I can't hold these guys off more much longer.

"People are seriously making rude comments. Over a performance?" Natali was on the edge of her seat, already poised to enter mama bear mode. "C'mon now, I mean, yeah, it was hot but I'm sure that's what you guys intended."

She didn't know if it was the pre-celebratory drinks she'd consumed or the heat of the blush that had suddenly crept up, but she was sweating. "Not the place to discuss this, Nat. Anyway, I'm used to people saying shit. Doesn't bother me anymore."

"Yeah, well, it bothers me." Natali frowned as she scrolled through Twitter. "I don't want you to read some of these."

"I'm a big girl, sissy. It's okay."