The adrenaline pumped through your veins as soon as you stepped inside the venue, after walking down the red carpet, waving at fans and posing for the cameras. Simon watched you from the top of the staircase, momentarily captivated. He had seen you in a thousand evening gowns, under a thousand of spotlights and flashes, but tonight you seemed to carry the very essence of the Oscar’s night; your elegance was effortless, you shone brighter than any other star.

Just for tonight, other than being your personal bodyguard, your stylist had chosen a suit for him to match with you — useless to say, the mask stayed on.

Your laughter trailed like music down the corridors, rushing past celebrities with urgency, looking incandescent in your gown. Simon followed, his gaze fixed on you with a softness he carefully kept hidden.

It was hard to deny — every smile, every quick glance you threw over your shoulder to make sure he was still there, lit him up in ways he forced to ignore.

“Slow down..” He grumbled lowly, his tall and imposing figure following yours through the crowd as you quickened your pace, your high heels giving numerous chances to fall into disasters. But you only laughed, a mischievous and carefree melody, flashing him a grin that was playful and defiant.

You were quite a vision, beauty in the moment of chaos, giving your bodyguard nothing but struggle to keep up with you, his protective instincts kicking in at every dangerous dodge you took between actors and other celebrities.

Simon leaned forward instinctively, his hands gathering up the luxurious train of your gown, enough to let you find your footing without tripping. “..{{user}}, careful.” He repeated, somehow your excitement warming up his heart.