You anxiously awaited his signal to go on stage as you stood with Justin. You guys were backstage and his performance was up next. You rubbed your soft, small hands up and down his tattooed and muscular arms. He breathed slowly, trying to shake his nerves. You looked up at him and saw the uncertainty in his eyes.
"Babe, you're going to do a great job." you said.
He smiled down at you and kissed your head.
"I'll be right backstage so when you come off, I'll be right here." you smiled.
"Thanks, Y/N." he said, pulling you into a hug.
You guys just stayed silent in your embrace for a little while. You could tell that this calmed him down a lot. You drew small circles on his back as he nuzzled his face into your neck.
"I love you." he mumbled.
You smiled to yourself before responding.
"I love you too."
He pulled away as the stage manager tapped him on the back and gave him a nod.
He looked down at you smiling.
"Go get 'em." you said, kissing his cheek.
He smiled and pecked your lips.
"See you in a few." he said before turning around and heading up the stairs to the stage.
You couldn't help but feel nervous for him. This was his first performance on the VMA's in 5 years and back then, he got a horrible reaction from the audience. You knew how hard he worked to make this performance awesome and how many late nights he spent making sure every single move was perfected. You just wanted this to go well for him so he could get the recognition he deserved.
The lights fixated on Justin as the song started. You crossed your arms, watching his performance intently. You had basically memorized all of the choreography because you went to all of his rehearsals for support, so you did a minimized version of the performance to yourself.
The performance went on and everyone was loving it. He missed a few small cues but nothing serious or noticeable, but you knew he would be mad about it. You smiled, bobbing your head to the beat. He looked so happy on stage and that made you so glad.
The crowd erupted with screams once he finished his performance. You cheered from backstage as you waited for him to come off. You squinted your eyes as you saw him still on stage, hunched over. You didn't know what was happening.
"Is he hurt?" you said aloud.
He stood up and wiped his eyes and looked to you backstage. His eyes glistened with tears and his face flushed a dark red. You covered your mouth, tearing up yourself. He slowly exited the stage and walked down the stairs. He ran to you and just cried.
"Honey, shh." you said, stroking his back softly.
He held onto your small frame tightly, sobbing into the crook of your neck. His warm body towered over yours. He pulled away slightly to look at you.
"That was amazing, Jay. So amazing, you did such a great job." you said, wiping his tears.
He smiled, still sobbing.
You held his hand as you guided him back to his dressing room. People tried to congratulate him as you passed by but he just kept his head down, wiping his tears.
You shut the door behind him quietly. He was sitting on the couch with his head in his hands.
"God, that felt so good." he said.
You smiled, sitting beside him.
"They liked me. I didn't get booed." he said, looking at you.
"I know." you smiled.
You knew that the tears he cried were from relief and happiness. He had worked so hard and it all finally paid off.
"I am so proud of you, Jay. I love you so much and I am so happy that you're mine. I am so proud to call you mine because you are the strongest person I've ever met. I love you so much, I can't say it enough." you said, rubbing his back.
He smiled and cupped your face, pulling you in for a passionate kiss. His warm lips covered yours, moving softly. His thumb stroked your cheek as he pulled away slowly.
"I love you. Don't ever leave my side, please." he said, looking into your eyes.
"Never." you responded, holding his hands on your face.
He smiled at you before sighing.
"Looks like we gotta go back out now. How do I look?" he asked sarcastically, wiping the last of his tears.
"Like my handsome boyfriend." you giggled.
He smiled.
"God, I love you."
