The Greatest Showman #882 - Low-Key Debut

"Renly, do we really want to go out there?" The extended sedan slowly came to a stop. Annie lay on her stomach, staring wide-eyed at the crowd outside the window. The bright red carpet stretched out before them, and the atmosphere was filled with excited chatter. Nervous yet eager, she turned to Renly and grabbed his arm, her voice trembling, "Are we sure about this?"

Renly looked at her with a smile, his right hand gently tapping her nose. "It's your choice, but it's too late to back out now. Just remember, once we step out, there's no turning back."

Annie blinked and swallowed, her nerves clearly visible. "Then... will you stay with me? I mean, all the time," she emphasized, raising her hands to make a big circle in the air.

"Don't worry, Annie," Alex chimed in from the sofa across from them, adjusting his bow tie with exaggerated care. Though he appeared nervous, he puffed out his chest and added confidently, "I'll be there with you, too."

Renly nodded with a smile. "Yes, we'll all be together. You're not alone."

Annie met Renly's eyes, her gaze unwavering and sincere. After a moment, she nodded, her fists clenched in determination. "I'm ready! Let's go to the party! Heather's still waiting for me to tell her a story!"

Renly paused for a second, a soft smile playing at the corner of his lips. "That's right. Tonight, you have an important role. And you too, Alex, the 'flower messenger' can't go wandering off." He gave them both a reassuring nod before turning to the security guard outside the car. With a gesture, the door was opened.

Alex was the first to jump out of the car. He quickly extended a hand to help Annie, his voice gentle. "Careful, there are steps here." He looked every bit the little gentleman.

Renly's movement paused as Roy called his name from the other side of the car. Turning, Renly saw Roy, Andy, and Nathan sitting together, their movements stiff, caught in the moment. Roy smiled at Renly, though his words held a hint of reassurance. "Good luck tonight. Taking care of the two little ones won't be easy, but we've got your back."

Renly smiled back and nodded, acknowledging their support. With a final glance at the three in the car, he stepped out and onto the red carpet.

The scene that greeted him was nothing short of overwhelming. The carpet, usually reserved for the biggest stars, was lined with flashing cameras, microphones, and the hum of excited chatter. It felt more intense than the Emmy Awards, the Golden Globes, or the Berlin Film Festival. The energy was almost tangible, the air vibrating with anticipation.

Annie, feeling the pressure of the crowd, instinctively grabbed Renly's right hand tightly and leaned against his side. Renly noticed her nerves and crouched down beside her, offering a reassuring smile. "Compared to the concert, this is a bit underwhelming, don't you think?" he whispered.

Annie blinked in surprise, then broke into a small smile. "Heather's right—it's a grand party, but... are you disappointed?"

She laughed quietly, shaking her head, her shyness evident.

Renly turned to Alex, who was trying hard to appear brave. "What about you, little warrior? Ready to take the lead? After all, Captain America always goes first." He extended his left hand to Alex, a playful challenge in his eyes.

Alex puffed out his chest, raised his chin, and nodded like an adult. "No problem." He grasped Renly's left hand, his nerves gradually settling as he took a deep breath.

Renly smirked and teased, "The cheers here are a bit... tame. Not quite as lively as the concert, huh?"

Annie and Alex giggled, the tension between them easing. "Exactly! Remember how loud it was at the concert?"

"Everyone was clapping and shouting. This is nothing like that! Thank goodness Heather stayed home. She'd be disappointed!"

With the two little ones now more comfortable, Renly stood up and led them both onto the red carpet. The earlier chaos was quickly forgotten as the trio began walking down the path together.

Although the scene was packed with people, the atmosphere felt strangely empty. The crowd, while large, seemed to lack the usual energy, as if waiting for something more exciting to happen.

Renly couldn't help but reflect on the unique nature of the Grammys. Unlike other high-profile awards, the red carpet at the Grammys was less about fashion and more about personal expression. Singers often dressed casually, with no strict rules—just as long as they weren't wearing flip-flops. The audience here wasn't filled with movie stars and international icons, but rather indie musicians and country singers, some of whom were unknown to the general public. It was a space where anonymity was welcomed.

As Renly looked around, most of the faces on the red carpet were unfamiliar, but the energy was slowly building. The real excitement was saved for later in the evening.

Just as Renly took a step forward, a loud cry pierced the air. "Renly-Hall!" The sound echoed, sending a ripple through the crowd. In an instant, the atmosphere shifted. Shouts, cheers, and applause filled the air as everyone turned to see who had arrived.

Renly was momentarily stunned by the outpouring of energy, but it only lasted a second. The cheers erupted so suddenly and so powerfully that even he couldn't quite comprehend what was happening. Annie and Alex, both wide-eyed, clung to him for support.

Renly quickly crouched down and pulled them both into his arms. The roar of the crowd was deafening, and Annie buried her face in his chest, her body trembling. Alex, on the other hand, stood tall, peering around with curiosity, searching for the source of the commotion.

"Annie, are you okay?" Renly shouted, but his voice was nearly drowned out by the cacophony.

Annie looked up at him, her voice shaky but reassured. "I'm fine, Renly! They're calling your name!" Her eyes sparkled as she looked around at the chaos.

Alex, unable to contain his curiosity, wiggled out of Renly's embrace and took a few steps forward. He squinted at the fans screaming and shouting, a smile tugging at his lips.

Renly followed his gaze. There, in the distance, a small group of dedicated fans had gathered, shouting his name. It wasn't just any crowd—it was a concentrated burst of energy, unlike anything else on the red carpet. The excitement was contagious, and the atmosphere began to crackle with life.

Renly had to admit it. The unexpected attention, the cheers from the crowd—it was all for him. But it wasn't just because he had arrived. It was because of the unexpected pairing—Renly Hall, stepping onto the Grammy red carpet with two young kids. The moment was surreal, and the crowd was taking it all in with a mixture of disbelief and enthusiasm.

As Renly looked around, he could feel the buzz shift into overdrive. The red carpet was alive now, the energy infectious, and the night was just getting started.