I could feel his eyes on me. I always could. As I stood with my head held high and my red carpet smile on, his wandering brown eyes felt like red lasers on every minuscule detail of my body. His eyes never strayed far from me and my perfected smile gave way to be replaced by a cheesy grin that only Theo manages to make me have in public. I always wondered if he could feel my eyes that often land on him because right now his are the only thing I can think of. Barely comprehending the interviewers words, I entice by brain to engage with her but to no avail.

"So you agree, Alexandria? This is a good opportunity for your relationship with Theodore Williams?" She says as my brain finally kicks in.

Internally growling, my soul thrashes against the restraints the cameras force me to put up. Keeping any snarky remark inside, I dress her with a fake laugh. "Not at all. Our relationship isn't some business scam where we're looking for opportunities. It's a real relationship and that's all to be said. The benefits of tonight is seeing all of the amazing cast and crew members behind every TV show."

"I see, now you say there are amazing casts in these TV Shows. What actor or actress is your favorite?" She asks and my heart fills with hope that this could be a serious questions. "Try not to say Theodore."

And then my heart deflates. I know this is our first red carpet. I know that this is a big deal for us as well as management. I understand that the media as well as the fans want pictures and gossip. But what happens when there is no gossip? We're in a relationship and that's about it. There's nothing left to say and since Theo and I decided to keep most of the details to ourselves, there's no drama to fill them in on.

Feeling frustrated that I can't talk about Queries or the shows or any of my friends / co-workers that are here, my smile begins to slip as agitation sets in. "I wasn't going to say him. I think that, truth be told, every single actor and actress is doing amazingly right now. All the shows have had some pretty difficult situations to act and I think they've all been handled really well."

"Was your relationship with Theodore difficult to handle with management?" She insists, raising the microphone to me.

I walked straight into that one. Straight into it. I squeeze my hands together tightly and begin to feign an excuse when a warm hand comes to rest on the small of my beck. Looking to my right to see Theo smiling down at me, I send him a relieved look that I'm no longer alone.

"Excuse me, I just need to take Alex for a moment." He smiles charmingly and I sigh at his outwardly appearance that is affecting me a lot tonight. His suit is fit for his body and my mind is in whole agreement with whoever decided that he should wear this. Probably Joanna. I should thank her.

He begins to glide me away, his hand pressing into the small of my back and guiding me to the middle of the carpet with paparazzi either side, interviewing various celebrities. Confusion laces through me and I come to a stop as I spin around to look at Theo. Daring plans lie like a mist over his eyes, anticipation settling over me as I recognize his look of determination.

"What are you doing?" I ask, a smile pulling at my lips no matter how much I try to deter it.

He smiles before placing his hands on my hips, pulling me closer to him. My eyes widen at his bold move. I should be aware of the tens of eyes on us right now, not to mention the amount of camera lenses, but my mind centers itself on Theo and everything else blurs into oblivion as my heart pounds against my chest.

"I'm doing what I've wanted to do since I saw you tonight. Maybe it'll shut these guys up." Theo smiles at me, indicating his head to the side where the cameras stand ready.

"What are you goin-" Is all I get out before Theo's lips meet mine.

His soft, warm and tender lips are a concoction of ecstasy as his arms move to hold me steady, wrapping around my waist. Heat courses through my veins as our lips move in sync, my body automatically responding to his no mater what shock is coursing through my system. He smiles into the kiss and my knees go weak, his affect on me lulling me into a heavenly state of bliss.

Silence sinks into my mind as I lose myself. I always do with Theo but something about this kiss feels final. Solidified. I know he did it to prove something but this feels more like a statement of security rather than a example of why they shouldn't be doubting us. Although, I'm not entirely sure why they doubt us because he is the one for me. I love him and announcing it has to be one of the most liberating experiences I've ever had.

Deciding to stay out out of the public eye to develop our relationship was the right decision at the time but the thought of hiding it now is simply not an option. Remembering the day we decided stay public, the fragments of the moment come sliding back in.

(A/N: This flashback takes place after their first kiss but before they say I love you!)

My knock echoed through the hallway and I looked from side to side, up and down the hallway. The coast was clear but my nerves were still on standby, buzzing gently throughout me like a grenade waiting to be launched. My hands clutched at the package in my arms, delicately placed to not harm it. The plastic crumpled with every moment I made, the crinkling sound causing tears within the designers probably.

Despite my nerves, excitement runs through me. I know he's on the other side. Waiting for me to spend the night. We haven't seen each other in the past five days due to ridiculous filming times. Only briefly waving to each other whilst passing on set, his absence in my life has felt enormous. Knowing that I get to sleep in his arms tonight soothes me more than anything, it's been a goal for the last five days and it's finally here.

Finally opening the door, Theo's gorgeous face comes into view as he pokes his head out. A smile stretches across his face and I smile back, happiness pouring out of me. His brown hair looks messier than normal and I know it's because he's just back from his final scene of the week - the rugged look just makes me want to run my hands through it even more.

"You're here." He smiles.

"I'm here," I confirm with a nod. "Can I come in?"

"Of course." He says, opening the door wider and taking a step back to let me in.

I brush past him on the way in but he puts a hand on my arm, halting me in my tracks when I'm halfway through the door. Tuning to look at him confused my question is answered when Theo gives me a slow, consuming kiss that leaves my lips tingling. Humming contentedly, I smile up at him as he whispers, "Hi."

"Hi." I laugh, walking all the way in so he can shut the door.

"What's in the bag? You're carrying it like it's a newborn." Theo laughs and points at the bag.

Bringing him into his bedroom I put the coat hanger on top of the wardrobe, lifting to the bag hang from the top. Bringing down the zipper I unveil my red carpet dress with a dramatic jazz hands which causes Theo to smirk before he looks at the dress. His eyes draw in every detail and I see him let out a sigh.

"Isn't it stunning?" I gush, taking in the intricate detailing that I've fallen in love with.

My dress for the awards show tonight is a gold embroidered dress with a tulle skirt. I tried it on at the final fitting today and I felt beautiful. Delighted with it, I took it here to show Theo instead of bringing it back home like I was instructed to do.

Taking in his reaction he looks from the dress to me and then back again. A small smile makes its way onto his face and he holds out his arms for me where he sits on the bed. I go and sit sideways on his lap, wrapping my arms around his neck as he kisses my cheek and wraps his arms around my waist. Resting my head against his shoulder I sigh with happiness.

"It is stunning. It's going to be too stunning once it's on you. You're going to look gorgeous." He murmurs, smiling at me.

I smile back. "I love it. They finally let me help choose what I wear - I'm so relieved it actually turned out well."

"You should always have the right to that," Theo frowns before shrugging and smiling. "At least you're getting it now. It looks great."

"Thank you." I sigh, shutting my eyes as I rest against him.

Calm settles around us like the fine particles twirling around us. Theo's heartbeat is audible but steady, a soothing rhythm that lulls me into contentedness. My body relaxes around his, safety wrapping around me in a blanket of emotions. The blanket is torn to shreds once the realisation dawns on me.

"We're not going to be able to walk the red carpet together." I murmur in sadness as the epiphany hits me.

Theo sighs, dropping his head so it's closer to mine. "I know."

Shutting my eyes in exasperation I mull over the rules in my head. We've only been dating for a while and this is the first big event we've had as a couple - I want to spend it with him.

"You know, they only say we can't date someone from the cast. Technically flirting and walking a red carpet doesn't count." I suggest, raising my head to look at Theo who lifts his.

"You know what the media would assume. It's too risky, gorgeous."

"But we could just say that we're friends." I urge.

"Friends who flirt constantly and want to kiss each other of every moment of every day. Never mind my reaction to that dress."

I stand up in front of Theo and cross my arms in disappointment, annoyed that restrictions are already being put on a part of my life that feels so freeing and adventurous. "I don't want to do this."

"Neither do I." Theo murmurs, leaning back on his hands as he looks at the floor - a frown creasing his usually smooth skin.

"So we just keep this private? All of it?" I ask, not liking how the words sound.

Theo runs a hand down hi face. "Yeah, we're going to have to by the looks of it. Damn, this suck."

Standing in front of my dress that now looked exciting, the flowing material just reminds me of the beginning of my secret relationship, apparently. Defeat consumes the room and my mood lowers. Sighing I shuffle my feet as I attempt to reorganize my thoughts.

Realizing my discontentment Theo stands up and takes my face in his large hands, cupping my cheeks. Kissing my forehead, he looks deep into my eyes as he whispers, "Seven months. We've got this."

"Are you sure?" I question, insecurities reigning triumphant across my usually willful mindset.

"I'm sure." He nods, kissing me softly on the lips.

We stand in a bubble. One that I prayed would surround us for the next seven months and protect us from the media. Light shone from the inside of our bubble and it radiated into my chest, filling me with hope that we could survive the next seven months.

His lips lift from mine and my eyes flutter open in a haze of romance. Noise slowly trickles in, shouts and protests from photographers and interviewers who have millions of questions. The only question that stays clear in my head is the question in Theo's eyes. Nodding as if to say it's okay, relief fills his features and we stand tall together, acting as a wall against the tsunami of voices.

The interviewer who Theo dragged me away from catches my eyes and screams over the noise, "So this is official then? There's no media set-up."

"This never has been." I shout back before looking to my side where Theo is smiling at me.

Wrapping an arm around my waist, he promptly drags me form the red carpet into the reception to get away from the hoard of cameras. Unfortunately we just move from one hoard of people to another and as soon as we're inside the swanky reception hall milling with people, a crowd forms around us. Of course these questions are more respectful and from fellow actors so my attitude is a lot calmer towards them. No irritation bubbles in the middle of my chest, instead pride flows through every fiber of me as I get to publicly call Theo mine.

Eventually I manage to break away from the group and find Isadora. Like the friend she is, she drags me to the bar.

"That was mental." I sigh, taking a seat on one of the stools.

"I agree. Also, the kiss? Hot Alex, go you." Isadora nudges me with her shoulder, cackling loudly with at my flushed face.

"It just happened. He came over dragged me to the middle and started kissing me." I shrug, taking a sip out of my cocktail.

"Like I said, hot."

"You need to find someone." I laugh, hopping up from my bar stool to go and take a seat in the corner of the room.

Management has arranged awards for tonight by only comical ones, luckily. Noah doesn't exactly act gracious when he gets lots of attention and I can't be bothered with his smug face when he winks at me - which he would. Sitting down, I sit next to Theo and clasp his hand in mine, the action feeling so effortless yet monumental at the same time. Nobody pays attention to the gesture, it's discreet after all, but having a physical connection with him in the middle of this busy room feels like the pot of gold at the end of a rainbow.

I eventually win most likely to be late to their own wedding. Noah wins most likely to do a Calvin Klein photo shoot whilst Theo wins most likely to go bankrupt because of donations. Isadora wins the most likely to break an ankle because of heels but she merely raises her glass from the bar instead of collecting it.

It's a simple night. A night that would fade into the background with others if it wasn't for Theo beside me. His constant presence beside me sent tingles across my body any time I looked to the side and found him there. He would always smile back, our happiness shared. That night Theo and I leave in Mr Walden's car towards his place. Sitting in the back I receive a text from Clara.

Clara: Saw you guys on the red carpet. You guys were amazing. I'm also definitely borrowing those shoes next time I have a party.

I laugh at my screen and quickly type a reply before shutting my phone off. I rest my head against Theo's broad shoulder and peace finally washes over me as Mr Walden drives us home.

~~~~~
Author's Note:

Go Alex and Theo!! They survived their first red carpet!

What did you think of the kiss? How about the flashback?

I hope you enjoyed this chapter, I loved writing it - I couldn't really concentrate on anything until it was done :)

Of course if you want to read the next chapter you can! It's available right now for FREE on Inkitt. All you have to do is follow the instructions in my bio and click on the link.

It's the FINAL chapter of Chasing The Stars and the whole gang is together! Plus, Alex and Theo make a decision...

Thank you so much for reading, I'll see you all next Friday :)

Much love,

Jade x