"Noel it's time to get dressed!" Trevante called into the bathroom. "Okay, are you wearing all black?" I asked him as I exited the bathroom. "Yeah except the shirt, they wanted us to look alike so if we win we'll look like we're on the same page." He nodded.
"Boring." I laughed softly. I guess I'll wear a black tie to match. Where's Lovely?" I asked. "She's in the other room, your mom and dad came just a few minutes ago too." He told me. "I guarantee you she's gonna cry by the end of the night." I joked but was dead serious. "I don't doubt it." He laughed with me.
"Come on we're wasting time!" Tre kissed my cheek and started getting dressed himself.
//
"You look so cute!" Kim squealed as Noel posed for another one of her pictures.
"I have to put on my tie soon, where's dad?" Noel asked for his father needing extra words of encouragement before he faced yet another wave of publicity. "He's on the phone right now but I can go get him. Do you know Trevante's location?" She asked me. "He's talking to his publicist and finalizing his acceptance speeches. He should be down in a few minutes." He nodded breathing heavily.
Just as he sat back down he was receiving a FaceTime call from Justine.
"OMG you look so cute!" She gushed as soon as he answered. He blushed slightly straightening his camera so he was fully in the camera. "Thank you Jussy!" He thanked her. "I just know you and Tre are gonna be the hottest couple there!" She followed up making him blush even deeper.
"Maybe but Tre is the one who's gonna shine. He looks good in black." I winked. "I'm sure he does, have you seen his Calvin campaign?" She rose her eyebrow. "I was the first to see it." He smirked "You horn dog!" She giggled. "You asked!" He chuckled.
"Yeah, so but I didn't expect that answer!" She said.
"Noel, picture time." Trevante's voice broke up his conversation with his best friend. "Go, call me after the awards and tell me everything!" She told him. "Hey Indie!" Tre squished his face next to Noel's. "Hey Tre! You look so handsome!" She gushed at him. "Wow I get cute and he gets handsome? Who's the best friend here!" Noel joked. "Oh shut up!" She rolled her eyes as he laughed. "I love you Jussy, I'll talk to you later." He blew her a kiss. "Love you too Indie!" Tre added. "I love you guys too! Have fun!" She waved before hanging up.
"Ready?" He asked. Noel nodded pocketing his phone as he saw his mom sneaking pictures. "It's gonna be a fun night huh?" He asked. "Definitely!" Tre kissed Noel's cheek and helped him up.
//
"Trevante this way!" Many photographers called. I stood to the side letting him take pictures. I smiled softly as he stuck his tongue out before ushering me off the red carpet.
He grabbed my hand as soon as we entered the theatre. "Thank you for coming." He cheesed. "You have to stop doing that." I shook my head wiping excess chapstick from the side of his lip. "I was coming with no objection. This is a big moment for you." I smiled.
He nodded. "Be my boyfriend?" He asked. I looked at him confused. "I know, it's not an extravagant gesture but I want you to be mine. We might be moving fast but I like this pace. We've been through hell together already and I want to be on top together. We don't have to go public but I want you to be off limits to anyone else." He explained as we got to our seats.
Still in though he grabbed my hand with a small smile. "I don't expect a straight away answer so just think about it." He said. I only nodded in return.
I thought this is what you wanted?
It is, but now I don't know.
What do you mean you don't know. He's ready to commit and you are too. What's the problem exactly.
What if I fuck up?
Then you do, you can't be scared to mess up Noel there are going to be mess ups it's apart of a relationship. Whether you grow through it is what keeps the relationship. You're ready trust me.
"Yes." I spoke softly. He rose his eyebrow. "Really?" He smiled. "Yeah, I want to be yours." I matched his smile with a nod in return. "I would so kiss you right now if I could." He whispered. "Yeah me too." I agreed squeezing his hand. The lights dimmed as it signaled showtime. "Go time." He shook his body. "My nerves are coming." He laughed softly. "Relax, you guys will win." I gripped his bicep. He agreed a small smile peaking through his lips.
//
"This is it." Tre grabbed my hand. I held his just a tight feeling his anxiety rubbing off on me. "Relax, you guys got it in the bag." I rubbed my thumb across the back of his palm.
"And the nominees for Best Picture are!" The video played on the big screen as I felt Trevante grow more anxious, especially when a clip of Moonlight played. A smile playing on my lips as he appeared on the screen.
"The winner is La La Land!" Trevantes head hung as he stood to clap for their opponents. Noel stood also sad that he didn't win. Trevante offered him a smile but he knew it didn't reach his eyes.
Sitting through the directors speech, Noel could see Trevantes demeanor changing. His head was hung as he looked to be fighting back tears. "Hey, don't hang your head. Your movie was amazing, you have nothing be sad about." I said softly. "Yeah I know. Just hurts." He sniffed quietly not wanting to draw attention to himself. I discreetly wiped his tears and placed my hand on his knee in comfort.
"Wait there's been a mistake! Moonlight, you guys got best picture!"
Both of our heads popped up. He looked at me in confusion as I gave him the same look right back.
"No seriously," The Director of La La Land grabbed the card and turned it around. The card in bold letters read
MOONLIGHT
Gasp spread throughout the room as all eyes were on our section. Me and Trevante almost stood in concession as the beginnings of celebration started.
Tre gathered me in a tight hug kissing the side of my face. I still stood back in shock that he has just done that. A look of fear flashed in his eyes before it vanished. We couldn't act like anything was wrong especially not in front of the camera.
"Go." I smiled telling him. Just as I motioned for him to go he was hugged by most of his cast mates.
I took multiple pictures of him as he held the award above his head as well as pictures with his cast mates.
//