#actress!reader

The Drama. 

By your side sits Robert Pattinson as you’re across from the two hosts. 

Smiles wide and relaxed as you answer their questions.

Talking about the film and what audiences can expect. The romantic comedy themes while it delves into something a bit more intricate and darker than one might expect. 

All leading to the little intricate details of your own outfits as part of the press tour. Making Princess swoon at the dresses. 

“And why’re you so happy this morning?” Perlah asks as she stops by her side, eyes flicking to glance at what had captured her friend's attention. “Really, a morning show?” 

Princess says your name, as though it were the only explanation necessary for her delighted state. 

“C’mon Perlah, surely you’ve heard of her,” Donnie interjects, “My wife has been raving on about this movie because of her.” 

“Isn’t it just a rom com about a wedding?” Perlah raises a brow. 

Princess lightly slaps her arm, “It is going to be so much more than that. Not only is it a rom com but it is a rom com staring Robert Pattinson and Y/N L/N. She always adds so much depth to the characters she portrays.” 

As others catch wind of the conversation a small group begins to form as they watch. 

Her eyes drift back on screen. 

“And so with the way you two have been acting you have fans in a frenzy over whether you two are secretly together?” 

“The wedding themes certainly do nothing to quell the rumours, do they?” Robert quips, sending you a knowing glance. This was definitely not the first time you had to field this question. But each time you hoped it would be the last. 

Sitting a bit straighter. “Look, Robert is a great guy I’ll give you that. But he already has an amazingly stunning and wonderful partner, Suki. Who I adore, and if anything I’d be trying to get with her,” you replied. 

“Fair. So this isn’t your typical showmance. Perhaps you can tell us whether anyone else might have wedding bells ringing in your ears?” they continue to probe. 

You internalise the sigh and roll of your eyes that you want to let out. As a graceful smile slips onto your face instead. 

“Fans noticed on your recent couch session with Graham Norton that you seemed pretty cosy with the up and coming singer, Sombr. Any thoughts about that?” 

You can practically feel Robert stifling a laugh beside you. 

At some point the hounding questions into your dating life had become a running joke between you two. Feeling certain that he had made a bingo chart of all the possible people that talk show hosts and journalists might theorise you to be dating. 

They roll a clip of the very show they were referencing. 

With you wedged between guests on the iconic red couch. Supposedly very cosy beside the music guest, Sombr. As you all chat and smile, making your own little anecdotes. Laughing at Graham’s jokes. Adding your own praises for the talented artist, confessing that you at the time were listening to Dime on repeat. 

The hosts send you a pointed look with grins upon their faces as though they had struck gold, “Perhaps you’d like to talk about this?”

“He is a talented singer and I enjoy his music. But I want to make it clear that I’m really not interested in dating at the moment. So you won’t be finding me on the dating scene anytime soon,” you reply, ending with a light laugh and shake of your head. 

Could no one think to ask you of anything other than your love life? It was slowly becoming a drain on your energy. 

….If only they knew. 

That your heart was taken. Kept by the gentle, nurturing hands of a certain young man you had met years ago, in a little town called Broken Bow….

Dana looks at the screen, trying to get a gauge on what has her nurses so distracted, “Why are they asking her all these questions about her love life. Shouldn’t they just be asking her about the movie?” she asked with a deadpanned look. 

“We just want to know that she’s being loved! She’s such a lovely person. If she’s not in love then there’s no hope for any of us,” Javadi explains with a slight dramatic edge to her words, while Princess nods in agreement. 

“Oh she’s definitely on my hall pass list,” Santos nods. 

Whitaker brows furrow at her words, “Hall pass list?” 

Santos clicks her tongue. “You know a list of celebrities that you’d sleep with if given the chance, even if you’re in a relationship. I know your dating life is dry huckleberry, but surely you’ve heard of the list?” 

He lets out a sigh with a small roll of his eyes. 

“I told you, I have a girlfriend. We’re just doing long distance at the moment,” he said vaguely. 

Santos folded her arms, “and I told you, I think you only use that as an excuse to dodge going out”

By all accounts his dating life was dry. 

Throughout the months that he’d been living with her. Santos had not once seen him go out on a date. 

At least none that she knew of. 

To the point where everyone in the ER was fairly certain that the farmboy was most definitely single. 

Even if he claimed to have a girlfriend. For all they knew it was simply a ruse to keep people off his back. 

But there was little proof to show he was in a relationship. 

…Little did anyone know. 

That the very woman they were just fawning over. 

Was the woman that held his heart in her hands. 

His very own sweetheart. 

A secret to the world. But simply each other’s peace and comfort. With nothing to prove. 

“Why are we all standing here? We’ve got patients to see, people to check,” Robby clapped his hands, ushering everyone to move. 

Snapping Whitaker out of his daze. 

Away from his thoughts that drifted to you, and the memory of your hand intertwined within his. 

Of the days when you had both first met almost 4 years ago. 

Of that Summer where the sprawling fields seemed to glow a bit brighter. 

Where the leaves felt more lush and the sky appeared more blue, as the air was laden thick with a sweetness. 

How as the sun dipped down in the sky it felt like the cicadas were singing in tune with his heart. Lying in the fields side by side as you gazed up at the stars. As you confessed the dreams tightly knitted within your souls. 

Words of hope filtering between you both. 

He was there by chance. 

Having returned home for part of the Summer break. As his nieces and nephews clung to him. Whilst he helped his family on the farm. Falling back into a rhythm, one he had come to miss while away studying. 

But there was a distance. 

Silences that stretched too long. 

A gap that just never seemed to bridge between him and his family. 

Always feeling a little misplaced among them. 

As though peering from the outside in, made to feel different from. 

He supposed that as the first to go to college. Let alone the first to study to become a doctor in his family. That the strain between him and his brothers would only worsen with each time he left to study. 

With his parents left to feel unsure about his endeavours. Having never known this pathway before. 

But Dennis’ ambitions didn’t waver. 

Or at least he never showed his hesitations to his family. 

Despite feeling out of place, he loved them.

And then he met you. 

And he realised how much brighter the world could be. How much deeper his love could go. How much acceptance a person could feel. 

Within your embrace you had given him a feeling of home he had never quite felt before. A sense of belonging washing over him as he stood by your side. 

And it all began when his nieces and nephews had insisted on taking him to the movie set filming not far from the town of Broken Bow. 

How they just had to see it. Eyes gleaming with curiosity. 

It was very rare that a film crew would make its way to the rural town. 

So rare that it had become a sort of spectacle amongst the town. 

Some with intrigue and others simply waiting for the ‘city folk’ to leave them in peace. 

From what Dennis had gathered it was a relatively small film. Not quite a superhero blockbuster. No starlets from vogue or actors from the covers of people’s choice. 

He truly wasn’t sure what the movie was about. 

Just that it was using the sprawling fields of Broken Bow, and the water ways up north as the backdrop. 

And that it had made the younger kids of the town flock towards it just to catch a glimpse of the sets. 

It was on this little trip, that he had bumped into you. 

You were sneaking his nieces and nephews some snacks from the cast trailer, you smiled and answered their endless questions. Crouching to reach their height, nodding at their enthusiasm. 

While Dennis trailed after them ready to apologise for their energetic behaviour. 

Only for his words to be caught in his throat at the sight of you. 

You had this presence. 

Unpretentious. 

Patient. 

Charming. 

It had bewitched him entirely. 

And it seemed you had noticed. Giggling softly as you stood before him. Waving a hand in front of his eyes pulling him out of his trance.  

Sticking a hand out you introduced yourself, as he shook your hand softly, but with an eagerness he couldn’t conceal. 

You flashed him a smile. Bright and kindly. 

Refreshed by his honest nature. 

So unlike the people you met daily back in New York. 

So unlike the guys that had looked upon you as though you were only there as decoration. Those men that had leered at you, never knowing when to take no as an answer. Or simply too self centred to even listen to a single word you said. 

His willingness to listen, his attentive nature and humbleness made you drift towards his company. 

That first meeting eventually spurred on into him showing you around town. Finding time to spend it with you. Days exploring what Broken Bow had to offer. From early morning sunrises, to sitting side by side watching as the Summer sun set in the sky, burnt oranges illuminating the fields. 

You had savoured every moment together. 

Together you found a balance. 

In a world where all anyone had ever done was speak over you both. As they questioned your dreams, hopes and ambitions. You two had created a space for one another. 

A space that allowed you both to breathe. 

You made him feel as though he could come out of his shell, to peel back the layers of himself as he revealed his innermost thoughts. 

The doubts he had never once voiced before. 

How he loved what he was working towards. And how that didn’t stop the fears which settled alongside his ambitions. 

All while you held his hand. 

Steady and true. With an open ear and open heart. 

You had made him feel wanted. 

And he had made you feel safe. 

Seen. 

Desired. 

From the moment he kissed you. 

Under the expansive twinkling lights of the stars, on a balmy evening where the cicadas rang out. While your fingers entangled with the soft curls of his hair, as he pulled you softly against himself, arms wrapped around you.  

In this town where very little happened. 

With less than 4000 people. 

You had found a person, a beautiful young man, who had made your heart feel full. Who had you seeing stars as he kissed you sweetly. 

Then all too soon, the Summer was coming to an end. 

Your movie had started to wrap up, and Dennis was due to return to college. 

All too soon your world was starting to feel like it was crashing down on you. Not wanting this to end. Not wanting this romance to be a fleeting moment in your life. A passing memory. 

So you had intertwined your pinky finger with his, however childish or naive it was, you had made him promise to keep in touch. 

To make this last. 

In response he placed a soft gentle kiss upon your intertwined fingers. Before pulling you into his arms as he hugged you tightly. 

“Promise that when you become some superstar doctor you won’t leave me behind,” you had whispered softly. 

As he murmured in response, with just as much conviction, “I would never. I could never leave you behind. I love you.” 

Pressing a chaste kiss to your cheek with a grin, eyes full of love, “If anything, you’re going to be the superstar, with the world at your fingertips” 

“Maybe someday…” you smile softly, in admiration of his belief in you. 

Sighing in his arms. “I love you. And I’ll always be happy with you, kind, sweet, you.” 

You make the long distance work. 

With you in New York, while Dennis continued his studies. You persisted in your relationship. 

Through rough patches and rocky roads. You always came through for each other. 

From late nights spent talking endlessly on the phone. To being just a simple presence on the other side of the call, as you went over lines and he poured over his medical notes. 

With weekend trips interspersed throughout, whether that was you visiting him or him visiting you in the city. 

Savouring each second within his grasp. 

He is there for all your big milestones. Supporting you every step of the way. 

Words of encouragement drip from him like an endless fountain, even as your belief wavers. He never fails to make you believe in yourself. 

And when that movie you had filmed all those months ago in Broken Bow finally gets released. 

It became a hit. 

As doors that were once closed now fly open for you. Stepping into spaces you had once dreamed about. Had once told Dennis all about. 

You become a rising star. 

He makes note of each big moment in your career. Filing them away for you to one day reminisce over. From magazine clippings, to interviews documented in the papers, to snapshots of you on talk shows, and photos from your press tours. 

He is proud of each and every development in your career. 

Just as proud as you are of him. Unwavering in your support of his work. You are the loudest to cheer as he graduates. With the widest smile spread across your face as he beams back at you. 

You both felt extremely lucky to have each other by your sides. Cheering each other on. 

You exchange letters. As he sends you love notes and pressed flowers. And you send him thoughtful gifts, new pens, stationary and books as he studies diligently. 

You once asked him why he sent you love notes. Rather than simple texts or messages.  

Without even missing a beat he had told you it felt more intimate. It felt special. Knowing that somewhere, hours away from him, in a different city, you would be there holding his words in your hands. 

The very proof of his love for you. 

Beating strong. Despite the distance. 

Soon your fame grows more and more. 

To the point where you have to be a little more conscious of what you say. Of where you go. Of how you’re seen. 

As people grasped onto anything they could. Pulling theories out of thin air. Making edits of you alongside whoever else they deemed you should date. From costars to even passing figures in your life. 

There was a huge focus on your personal life from your fans, to speculative journalists. All narrowing in on your love life. 

The last thing you had wanted to do was put Dennis in an uncomfortable position. 

In a position where he would be flooded with attention and pressure he shouldn’t be under, just because of your career. You wanted to preserve his privacy. 

And selfishly you wanted to keep him to yourself. 

A little slice of paradise all for yourself to enjoy and bask in. He had loved you long before you were famous. Loving you deeply, to the point where it felt there was no end to his love. 

And he knew you loved him just as fiercely. 

Never feeling unsure in his position in your heart. Knowing that at the end of every day he was yours, just as you were his to care for. 

As he kept you to himself, a little secret that didn’t need to be shouted out to the world. Not needing approval or attention. All he wanted, no, needed was you. 

“Hey love,” your words carried over the phone. Lying awake in bed as you stared up at the ceiling, the phone settled on your pillow as it was on loudspeaker. 

Dennis’ soft voice echoes around your room, laced with a tiredness, “Hi sweetheart, what’re you up to?” 

“Nothing much, just wanted to hear your voice” 

A smile spreads across his face at your words, while you hear a faint typing come through the phone, “Are you studying?” 

“Yeah, just writing up some notes from the day. Things I want to remember from next time”

“Don’t let me keep you then–” 

“-No. No. It’s ok, I missed your voice too,” he cut you off, almost panicked that you would hang up. Following up quietly, “Tell me about your day, how did filming go today?” 

And so you rambled on, in the peaceful hours of the evening. As he talks about his own day and all he’d done. Until soon you fall asleep from the sound of his voice. Soothed by him. 

With every word of affection you had spilled to him. 

From even the most mundane of things. He felt loved by you. 

You had pulled him out of the shadows of his comfort zone and made him believe in himself, to become bolder. Confidence growing within him. 

If only just to match your energy at times. 

With more and more people chasing after you to star in their next film, their next show, project, or even stage play. 

You gained more autonomy over your career. No longer having to say yes to everything. Now more able to be selective with your choices. 

And with that flexibility you had also warranted yourself some time to visit Dennis, all the way in Pittsburgh. 

Coming off the tail end of your press tour, having flown all across the country. Even going to London for further events, all in order to promote your film. Brushing shoulders with the stars of Hollywood, as cameras flashed in your face. Figure drenched in finely tailored looks, purposeful and pristine, all to convey the story of your film. 

You were more than ready to have a little break. 

To simply hold Dennis in your arms once more. Having craved him from the moment you let go of him last. 

Too impatient to wait. 

You leave the airport to travel straight to PTMC. Not wanting to wait a moment longer.

No longer decked in designer clothes. 

Just dressed casually, with an effortless grace. 

You make your way through the crowded waiting room, while everyone focuses on themselves. Unaware of who you are. Doing your very best to keep it that way. 

You come up to the window, you spoke softly with a kindness in your eyes, “Hi, I’m here to visit Dennis Whitaker” 

The woman nodded, “Is he expecting you?”

“No, I’m just an old friend stopping by to say hi,” you explained a little vaguely. Hands twisting a little from nerves. 

“Oh, I can take her, Lupe,” A woman spoke up from behind as Lupe nodded in agreement. 

Smiling, as you get brought through the doors, met by the woman from before. 

“I’m Cassie,” she greeted you. 

“N/N,” you stated your nickname. You didn’t need to make it too easy to recognise you. 

“So you’re an old friend of Whitaker’s?” she asked. Observing you, you seemed familiar. 

Like a face she couldn’t quite place. Despite the normality of your clothing or your casualness. There was a touch of something more than emanated from you. 

“Yeah, I’m actually his girlfriend.” You confessed. 

Her eyes widen a fraction, “So you are real” 

Furrowing your brows at her words, “You didn’t think I was?” 

“We hadn’t seen a photo of you before, so a few of us weren’t sure what to think of it,” she shrugged. “Not that I was one of them, but a few of the others mentioned it” 

“Well I am definitely real,” you smiled. Understanding the assumption. 

And then you stop in place, eyes locking onto the very man that made your heart skip a beat. Watching as he walks away from a patient’s bedside, as he looks up. 

Eyes meeting yours from across the room. 

And the biggest smile splits across his face. Tired eyes lighting up at the sight of you. As though the very presence of you had revitalised him. 

Pace quickening, almost tripping over his own feet, hands tugging off the latex gloves tossing them away, as you walk just as briskly to meet him in the middle. 

All thoughts fading from your mind. Simply just wanting to feel his touch. 

Barely inches from each other, eyes locked, cheeks hurting from the way your lips are pulled into a wide smile. Genuine as it does nothing to hide your glee. 

“Hi love,” your hand reaches up to cup his jaw, thumb gently caressing his cheek. 

Leaning into your hold, he closes his eyes at the touch of your hand. “Hey sweetheart”

Biting your lip as you admire him now, how his scrubs fitted him. Hair tussled from the day, curling slightly at the edges. Honey brown strands that you reach for. Soft as you pull him towards you. 

Lips catching his, feeling the plushness of his lips, the slight chapped texture as it melds against yours. 

You hum in contentment. Before pulling away to simply tuck your head against his shoulder. 

“I missed you,” you whispered. 

Pressing a soft kiss to your head he smiled, “Missed you too”

It felt as though the movement all around you had come to a halt. 

The eyes of his colleagues peering at him. At the little moment of bliss that had unfolded before their eyes. 

“What the fuck?” Santos’ words sliced through the air. 

Confusion crossing the features of many around the room. 

Dennis’ eyes snap open from the words. A sheepish grin forming on his face, as heat rises to his cheeks. His hand intertwined with yours. “C’mon let’s go somewhere a little more private”

Teasingly you quip, “I just got here and already you want to get me alone, what would your mother say”

Your words only make his blush deepen, as he shakes his head at your accusations whilst you giggle lightly. 

Your arm coiling around his, as he guides you to the breakroom. Only to be trailed after by his coworkers. 

“You’re not getting away that easily, huckleberry.” Santos notes as she follows after him, while Javadi and Princess follows suit. 

“Was that Y/N?” Mel asks Langdon while they stand at a nurses station. Watching as you and Dennis pass by.

Eyes flicking up to follow her pointed finger, Langdon’s own eyes widen a fraction, “Good for Whitaker,” he offers. 

How he had managed to snag you was beyond Langdon’s imagination. 

“Hey where’s everyone going? We’ve still got hand offs to go through,” Robby calls out with a raised brow, as Dana settles in beside him. 

“Whitaker’s girlfriend came in,” Mohan replied. As she herself begins following everyone else. 

“And?” 

“And she’s the Y/N, as in the very famous actress everyone pines over,” Donnie whispers to them. Not wanting to alert the patients. 

“And you know this, how?” Dana asks amusedly. 

He purses his lips, “I told you my wife is a big fan. Do you think she’d be open to giving me an autograph? I just know my wife would flip if I got that for her”

“You might have to get in line, seems like everyone wants to meet Whitaker’s girlfriend,” Abbot slides into the conversation, jabbing a finger towards the growing crowd outside the breakroom. 

“Don’t tell me you know who that is too?” Robby sends him an arched brow. 

Shrugging, “She’s in some pretty cool films. The kid’s got game to pull her”

“Yeah, or he’s been bestowed some incredibly good luck,” Ellis adds as she leans against the bench. 

“Good for him,” Dana replies.

“And good for me, means I win the bet,” Shen grins widely. With a cheeky glint in his eye. 

They all scoff a laugh at his words. Shaking their heads at his unseriousness. 

Santos stands before you both. 

As you’re seated in the breakroom, his hand still entwined with yours, softly caressing the back of yours with his thumb. While you lean your head on his shoulder. Relishing being able to be by his side. 

Javadi and Princess by her side as they observe the both of them. 

A lovesick look adorned on both your faces. Glowing from happiness. 

“Explain” 

It made no sense. 

How was Dennis Whitaker.  

Huckleberry. 

Her roommate. 

Dating one of the most famous actresses at this point in time? 

It made no sense at all. 

Minds racing from thoughts at how this could be. 

How the very person who was just on TV, supposedly in a secret relationship with whoever the media speculated about from high profile actors to heartthrob musicians. 

Was in fact, dating her colleague, her roommate, her friend?

Pressing a kiss to his cheek, you ask sweetly, “Do you want me to explain, or do you?”

“I like the way you tell it, sweetheart,” he murmured back. Enamoured by your presence. 

Turning back to the crowd forming before you. 

“I love him, and he loves me, simple as that”

Princess interjects, “That is in no way simple.”

“C’mon we have to know more, I mean this is Whitaker we’re talking about,” Javadi states. 

While Dennis’ brows furrow slightly at the insinuation. Only for it to melt as you only snuggle closer into Dennis’ side. “We’ve been together for 3 years now–”

“-almost 4,” he murmurs. 

Nodding, “Almost 4,” looking back at them, “There’s really not much else to say” 

“Why him?”

“Why not?” you retort. “Have you seen Dennis, this man has been working on a farm since he was a boy. He is ripped with a heart of gold beneath those scrubs”

Dennis rolls his eyes at your words. With a small chuckle escaping his lips. Feeling flushed by your compliments. 

Turning to gaze at him. “Besides, he’s only ever loved me for me. Not for anything else.” 

“I love you too,” he replied gently. Those words he never held back in telling you. 

Turning to each other you hear his friends comment, “These two are way too cute to be real” 

“Surely she’s under some sort of spell,” Santos states, looking to you, “Hey blink three times if you need help”

Laughing, you reply, “I promise this is real and not just some weird stunt.” 

Grinning as you add, “Dennis might’ve also mentioned some sort of list and me being on it”

Santos’ eyes widen as she shoots Dennis a scalding look of betrayal. 

“I’m flattered. But unfortunately I’m happily taken” 

“Well that solves that question,” Princess shrugs. 

“So who do you think won the bet?-” 

“Make it rain, make it rain, make it rain~” The tune of Shen singing out enters the room. 

“Yeah, I wonder who,” Santos replies sarcastically. 

Finally left alone you bury your head into his neck, as he holds you firmly against him. “Your friends seem nice”

“I think they were just a bit caught off guard”

“Were you surprised?” you asked. 

“Most definitely,” he maneuvers slightly to press kisses upon your cheeks until they are pressed firmly against your lips. 

Letting out a sigh of content, pulling apart just barely. 

“How long do I have you this time?”

“Two weeks until I need to get back,” you say sadly. 

Nodding, with a sad smile, “Well, let’s enjoy it while it lasts.” 

Loving Dennis wasn’t difficult. 

Being loved by him was easy. 

But being kept apart. That was a hurdle you never quite seemed to get used to. 

Just waiting for the day when you could simply go back to your very own home, together. 

But for now, you’d wade through the struggles of long distance. You’d dodge the prying eyes of the media. 

However that didn’t mean you had to hide it from Dennis’ friends. 

Slowly letting more and more people into your little bubble. 

Even if they were completely baffled by how. 

It was endearingly sweet to witness.

The way you were both completely besotted by each other. 

Content to simply bask in each other's embrace. 

As the chaos and noise of the world faded away.

Being brought back to that moment beneath the starry night skies and chirping cicadas. 

Where Dennis had first kissed you all those years ago. 

A moment you’d cherish forever. 

Keeping it tucked within the memory of your heart. 

Alongside so many other memories by his side. 

Hoping to make many more. 

And Dennis was all in.  

Thank you for reading, I hope you enjoyed! Let me know what you thought about this little story. This was a really fun idea to explore. (I may have gone overboard with fluff but whatever. I also used The Drama and put the reader in place of Zendaya, she just felt like the right vibe to emulate) Feel free to send in other requests if you have something in mind 😊

Also vaguely inspired by the song Bewitched by Laufey Comments, Reblogs and Likes are welcomed and appreciated 💕 Feel free to find my Dennis Whitaker x Former Army Medic!Reader Tread Lightly Series here Feel free to find my Dr Robby x Wayne!Reader Rinse & Repeat Series Masterlist here 🩺 Or check out my overall Masterlist here

“But, uh, it’s—” Drew tried to continue, but his brain suddenly felt fuzzy as y/n turned to the side with a sway of her hips. He found himself watching, lips slightly parted as he was practically turned away from the interviewer, focus completely diverted towards his beautiful wife. The interviewer laughed, Drew’s focus immediately snapping back towards the interviewer (well, mostly, he kept stealing glances over his shoulder every couple of seconds).

“I— sorry, what was the question?” Drew said, running his hand along his jaw as he chuckled.

“A little distracted?” The interviewer teased, causing Drew’s cheeks to blush bright red.

“Yeah,” Drew grinned. “But I mean, can you blame me? That’s my beautiful wife!”

when he first called her “wife”...

“Good afternoon, Mr Starkey, we’re so happy to have you here.” The waiter nodded towards Drew as the two of them settled into their seats. The restaurant was absolutely beautiful, with crisp, linen tablecloths and glittering chandeliers hanging around the elegant dining room. They didn’t often go out to dinners like this, but after Drew was able to snag a highly sought after reservation for their anniversary, y/n was quite excited.

“And, Mrs Starkey, we’re—” The waiter continued, causing to choke on the sip of (likely expensive) champagne she’d just taken. Across the table, Drew’s eyes widened slightly.

“I’m sorry, are you alright, miss?” The waiter leaned in, a look of concern on his face as y/n coughed. She waived him off, her coughing slowly abiding.

“Yes, sorry.” Y/n cleared her throat. “Just… went down the wrong pipe.”

Drew tried to hide his smirk as he caught her eye.

“Well, alright.” The waiter straightened. “As I was saying, Mrs Starkey, we’ve very glad to have you here tonight.”

“Well, thank you.” Drew grinned up at the waiter. “My wife and I are happy to be here this evening.”

Y/n let out a small, involuntary gasp she hadn't even realized she’d been holding. The waiter flashed the two of them one last practiced smile before leaving the table.

“‘My wife’?” Y/n asked with a quirk of her brow.

“Well, you’re gonna be one day.” Drew shrugged, a mischievous grin on his face as he took a sip of champagne. Y/n let out a chuckle, shaking her head as she felt her cheeks warm.

“Might as well get used to it.” Drew added with a wink.

when he got drunk and wouldn’t stop talking about her…

“No, dude, but for real…” Drew slurred, his arm draped around JD’s shoulders, who looked simultaneously terrified and amused. It was well past midnight, and after a night full of drinking with the rest of the OBX cast in Croatia, Drew was— for a lack of better words— absolutely sloshed.

“She is, like, soooo pretty.” Drew continued, a wide smile spreading across his flushed cheeks.

“Who is?” Madison teased with a giggle. Drew’s eyes widened, his mouth falling agape.

“MY WIFE!” Drew shouted, throwing his hands up dramatically. JD flinched, trying his best to stifle his laughter as Drew looked around with an exasperated look on his face.

“Look at— where is my phone, I need to show you a picture of her.” Drew slurred before he began patting at his pockets before finally fumbling his phone out.

“Drew, we know what y/n looks like.” JD chuckled as Drew shoved his lockscreen— a picture of him, y/n, and Charleston smiling on the beach— in his face.

“No, you don’t understand!” Drew said. “She is so pretty and funny a– and talented and cool and—”

“Ok, Starkey, I think we get it, you love your wife.” Carlacia laughed as she took a sip of her drink. Drew let out a long sigh as she sunk back into his seat, a lovesick expression on his face as he smiled.

“She’s just the best… I wish she was here.” Drew murmured to himself.

when he refused to call her anything other than “wife”...

“WIFE!” Drew shouted from the kitchen of the small, Grecian cottage the two of them were staying in. The doors leading out to the patio were wide open, allowing for the fresh, sea salt air to gently blow through the house.

“What?” Y/n chuckled as she turned around from the lounger she was sitting on. She peered over her sunglasses at Drew as he stood in the kitchen. He was wearing his swimtrunks, his tanned skin and gold chain glittering in the sunlight, and had a cheeky grin on his face as he looked at her, very much pleased with himself.

“Do you want another spritz, wife?” Drew asked, holding up a bottle of Aperol.

“Sure, Drewseph.” Y/n giggled, rolling her eyes playfully. Drew winked at her before pouring out two big glasses adorned with orange slices. Y/n laughed again before turning back to the book resting in her lap. Her skin was warm under the sun, her eyes continually darting from the words on her page to the way her diamond ring glittered in the sunlight. Even after a week of saying “I do”, y/n still found herself in complete disbelief over the fact that she was married.

“Here you are, wife.” Drew sang as he walked out onto the patio, a glass full of refreshing orange spritz in each hand. Y/n felt her cheeks warm, shaking her head bashfully before taking one of the glasses. Drew leaned down, pressing a kiss to the top of y/n’s head before sinking down into the lounger next to y/n. The two of them had spent the majority of their honeymoon (well, whenever they weren’t in the bedroom, that was) outside soaking up the sun and basking in each other's presence for the first time as a married couple.

“Thank you, Starkey.” Y/n teased before taking a long sip of her drink and turning back to her book. Drew watched her, a grin on his face. After a while, y/n felt his eyes on her and turned to look over at him.

“What?” Y/n giggled, quirking a brow.

“Just looking at my beautiful wife.” Drew murmured, reaching out to brush a piece of y/n’s hair out of her face. Y/n felt her cheeks warm under Drew’s intense gaze.

“Are you gonna call me that forever now?” Y/n chuckled.

“You’re gonna be my wife forever, yeah?” Drew asked, reaching out to grasp y/n’s hand.

“Of course.” Y/n said, squeezing Drew’s hand gently.

“Then I’m always gonna call you my beautiful—” Drew pressed a kiss to y/n’s hand, “smart—” another kiss further up her arm, “talented—” another kiss further upwards, “and perfect wife.”

He pressed a long kiss to y/n’s lips. She melted into him, a hand moving to smooth along his broad chest. Drew pulled back slightly, his blue eyes raking over y/n’s face.

“If that’s alright with you, wife?” Drew murmured, his hand brushing against the skin that rested just under the band of y/n’s bikini top

“That’s more than alright, husband.” Y/n said.

I was sitting on my couch watching some ridiculous reality tv show with a light pink blanket on me and my dog lying beside me.

I just got back from filming a new movie in South Carolina and I am extremely exhausted.

My phone buzzed just as my eyes were about to close. It was from my best friend, Wilma.

Wilma <3

Have you seen this video???

“Who’s your celebrity crush?” Somebody asks.

Will sits there for a second.

“Y/n l/n.”

The guy laughs. “Hopefully she’s watching this.”

Will’s face turns red as he starts laughing.

He’s cute.

Very cute actually.

What’s his name?

Wilma <3

Will Smith he plays hockey for San Jose 😏

That’s perfect. San Jose is only 30 minutes away from me.

I look up tickets for their next home game.

January 6, 7:00pm.

I order two tickets, one for me and Wilma, because I don’t want to go alone.

The next day I go out to look for his jersey.

As I find it, which was pretty easy.

“$200!” I whispered.

I sigh, “The things I do.”

That night me and Wilma go out for dinner at a nice restaurant.

“So did you get his jersey?” Wilma asks.

“Yea.”

“He’s gonna flip.”

“What are you going to wear for the game tomorrow?”

“I have a San Jose shirt.”

Game day finally comes and I’m nervous but excited.

I grab the jersey from the back of my chair and put it on with a pair of jeans and black heeled boots.

While spraying my perfume my phones buzzes.

Wilma <3

I’m here

I let out a sigh and grab my purse before I walk out the door.

The arena is buzzing with fans and music blasting in my ears.

Me and Wilma get some food and drinks. We settle down in our seats and start eating.

Just as I finish I feel someone tap my shoulder.

“Hi I was wondering if I could get a photo with you?” A, most likely, teenage girl asks.

“Of course.” I smile

She gets her phone out a takes a selfie of us.

“Thank you so much.” She says smiling.

“Of course sweetheart.”

A few minutes later the teams come out for warmups and the camera immediately lands on Will.

Wilma bumps her shoulder into mine. My face turns red as I start smiling.

His blonde hair sticking out from under his helmet, his blue eyes has a little shimmer in them as he smiles at whatever his teammate said to him.

The arena suddenly erupts I look up and realize I’m on the jumbotron. I smile and send a wave towards it.

“Hopefully Will saw that.” Wilma said.

I shake my head but the grin is still on my face.

The Sharks won 5-4 Will scored a goal and had two assists.

Wilma drops me off at my apartment and I take a shower and put on comfortable clothes.

I open Instagram and immediately see the picture I took with the girl and a couple of me from far away. With the caption:

Y/n l/n wearing Will Smiths jersey 🤨

she must’ve seen the interview 😭😭

lowkey could see them together

they would be the most attractive couple

A few minutes later of scrolling through the comments I get a notification.

_willsmith2 sent you a message.

My hands freeze.

Oh my god.

I open it.

Saw you at my game. Looked good in my jersey.

I smile as my fingers start typing.

Thanks. Wore it for a certain someone.

Hopefully it was for me.

Of course it was.

I take a screenshot and send it to Wilma.

Wilma <3

OH MY GOD!!!

Wilma <3

HES IN LOVE WITH YOU!!!!

Will sends me another text.

Do you wanna meet up tomorrow at a cafe?

you doubled as her dress up doll and client from a young age. you landed your first acting job, with your agent's help, at the age of eight: a low budget family-film following a girl who'd began to receive letters from fairies. it was a movie with terrible special effects that continued to haunt you, especially on social media, to this day. thankfully, it had been outshined by 'bridge to terabithia' shortly after its release.

there was no clean break between childhood and everything that came after. just years that filled themselves with scripts and call times. there was never really a gap between your offers—sometimes in supporting roles, sometimes loudly in leads that put your face on billboard and magazines— though you still tried to keep your private life as private as possible.

nineteen years later, you'd felt like the studios scattered throughout california had been your real home— and the penthouse suite in encino was just a placeholder. somewhere that held your name, but rarely held your body.

you loved the industry, but you could admit that you were tired. it was time for a break. in fact, you were a few months into one when you got the call.

the first warning was the time. 12:45 am stared back at you from the top left corner of the incoming facetime request. the second warning being just that: facetime. your agent stuck to regular phone calls and texts. sometimes, even emails. never video requests.

you slouched deeper into your couch unconsciously, fingers tapping against your thigh as you stared. you could see your reflection in the rectangular frame, lit up from the trashy reality show re-runs on your tv.

you considered letting the call run, but curiosity won before the ringing stopped.

when you accepted the call, the third warning herself sat at a wooden table with folded hands and a bright smile. corinne looked freshly pressed in a blazer and her hair tight curls into a low bun. the complete opposite of your oversized hoodie and mess of braids thrown onto the top of your head.

suspicious... it was nearly one in the morning and your agent looked like she had just met with an executive.

you didn't need a fourth, or even fifth, warning but they arrived with corinne's quick clap and excited promise of 'good news!'. your hope of it being a non-business conversation officially vanished.

"which corinne am i talking to right now?"

"i need you to keep an open mind—"

her voice stops mid-sentence as you tap the red button and shove the phone in your pocket, only for it to buzz again seconds later.

and buzz again after that attempt goes to voicemail.

you pull your phone out on the third call attempt and lean over the mound of blankets to toss it to the floor. there's silence for a handful of heartbeats before it restarts its incessant buzzing. the vibrations shift your phone gradually under the couch.

you feel your frustration building. this is not what you wanted to do on a tuesday night. what you wanted to do on a tuesday night hung across from you on the wall, paused in the middle of an over exaggeratingly emotional scene. you blindly reach for your phone and accept the call.

"you promised me at least six months off, corrine." you start, turning on the nearest lamp. the contempt was clear on your face. "it's been half of that."

but corinne shows no signs of hearing her. "listen, i think that you might really want to hear this."

your head dropped to the back of the couch. last year had been soul sucking— to put it politely. the main series you'd been cast in had finally wrapped after six long years. on top of that, between the end of filming and the start of promo, your most recent relationship had officially died. which, honestly, was a long time coming. but there was hardly time to celebrate between the ambush of interviews, photoshoots, and publicity events followed by even more interviews, photoshoots, and publicity events. corinne had been unreserved in her support of you when you brought up taking a hiatus.

you'd even tarted to have normal-ish days together! lunch dated with no mentions of contracts. spa days at corinne's home a few miles east, where corinne didn't check her email but one time. craft nights at your place. and your favorite: your late night movie viewings. between your re-watches of the recent michael jackson biopic and the influx of horror movies this summer— you were in movie heaven.

of course, all good things must come to an end.

"the studio wants you for a romantic comedy."

you fought the urge to hang up and turn the phone off. what part of hiatus didn't she understand? no, you had never done a rom-com before; not unless you counted the coming-of-age movie you were in nearly a decade ago. but you were sure this wouldn't be the last. there would be another opportunity— after you'd had your six months of peace and quiet. you let out a sigh and began to reject the offer as you moved to the kitchen.

"(name), listen," corinne emphasizes, "just listen before making any decision. this project is already greenlit. the studio isn't shopping around— they want you. it'll be a quick filming in cali. and a short location shoot."

"location shoot?"

"it's a wedding rom-com."

phone propped up against a vase full of peonies, you pulled a barstool up and sat at the kitchen island. you rubbed at your eyes immediately after. your sleep schedule was ruined, but that was your right. as a woman on a hiatus.

"yeahhh... respectfully, i'm gonna decline—"

"the male lead is already in discussions. they want a chemistry testing, but it's just procedural—"

your hand had already began to inch towards the bright red 'end' as you cut corinne off, "still declining, by the way."

"but you wouldn't if you would just listen to who they're hoping for—"

"— a man won't ever change my mind." you'd been a half second away from ending the call when corinne leaned forward suddenly, hands spread and face centered on the screen.

"it's jaafar."

your finger twitched, but still hovered in front of your phone. a satisfied smirk fell over your agent's face as she re-iterated, "jackson. jaafar jackson."

your arm fell flat against the island, the urge to hang up forgotten.

jaafar jackson.

now, don't take this the wrong way. it's not that you were in love with him— or even crushing. no! you didn't know him outside of what you'd seen in the biopic. which, obviously, wasn't much considering he was playing his uncle and not himself.

but your social media algorithm had begun to peak your interest. it must have been an offhand sentence about him spoken aloud, maybe about how much you loved the biopic around the third or fourth viewing, that made instagram recommend his account to you. that made twitter show that each day, another of your mutuals would follow him.

and it must have been your slight scroll through his account, that made him start to appear on your 'for you page' through accounts that have him tagged. you'd even seen the workout thumbnails of him from his personal trainers' page.

no, you didn't watch them. you swear.

you did, however, see how often they came up. different outfits, longer hair, leaner body, sharper facial structure. jaafar had trained long and hard for the role in every way, and put so much care into it. he'd represented the king of pop while simultaneously shining a spotlight on himself. you couldn't deny your admiration towards people who loved what they did and were good at it at the same time.

corinne watched as you leaned back in the barstool chair. "they think that you two are... the pairing."

you blinked once. twice. you hated to entertain this... but, "and he's aware and okay with this?"

"more than okay with it, though he has some reservations. he's never done anything like this before. the studio has been circling him since the biopic's release. girl, you haven't seen the hold he's had over the internet? jaafar is the new it boy. there's a long list of petitions on twitter for him to be casted in any and everything."

a soft hum left your lips as you grabbed your phone. the facetime call window shrinking to the corner as you pulled up twitter to confirm for yourself.

you wondered what kind of reservations he could have. you'd never watched an interview of his, but he seemed confident enough? he definitely had the drive to do whatever he put his mind to.

"obviously, there's no gun to your head. you can still decline. but like i said, they want a chemistry read. nothing needs to be accepted until offers are officially given."

"when do they want to meet?"

"thursday, first week of august." corinne looks up in thought, "about three weeks to read the script and think it over."

with a final agreement and corinne's lackluster attempt at hiding her excitement, the video call ends. an email notification appears within minutes.

FW: SILVERGATES PICTURES *CONFIDENTIAL- Script for Review + Chemistry Read Info

maybe, just maybe, your tuesday night plans could change.

you got to work in the kitchen; pulling a serving bowl out and filling it with mainly chocolate. you set up your tea kettle and leaned against the counter, scrolling through instagram. you didn't make it far before seeing a head of curly hair hidden beneath a hat, grey sweatpants, and a stretch band connecting him to that dreaded fuckign trampoline.

immediately exiting out of the app and putting your phone down, you decided to stare at a kitchen cabinet and wait. you needed to use social media less anyway.

when you'd finally settled back into your pile of blankets, you opened your email and began to skim through preliminary dates and times before finally seeing a link. the website to access the script had been passwotd protected. the script itself was watermarked on each page with the studio name and 'your name 'prepared for:' followed by your name.

you felt yourself hesitate when getting to the beginning of scene one and reminded yourself to take a deep breath. nothing was set in stone and you had plenty of time to decide if this would break your hiatus. honestly, you could dislike the script.

you could go to the chemistry read and dislike the directors and producers.

hell, you could go to the chemistry read and dislike jaafar jackson.

in a twisted way, all of that brought you enough comfort to start your first read of the script.

.✦ ݁˖

you loved the script.

you loved it so much that you stayed up until 5 that morning reading all 107 pages. you'd taken pauses throughout to squeal and kick your feet. you'd cried at a heartfelt scene where simone opens up about her past. you'd run a full lap throughout your apartment when simone and theo finally kissed on page 89. unable to contain your excitement.

then you remembered that you would potentially be playing simone when you were supposed to be on hiatus— your first real break in three years— and you forced yourself not to think about the script for a week. you closed your laptop, shoved it under your bed, and tried desperately to focus on anything else.

that week passed slowly. you found yourself right back on that password protected website— opening the script at home, on walks around your neighborhood, in line at the grocery store. the website had become the first suggestion every time you opened your browser and searched the internet.

your agent called to check in on a random wednesday afternoon and you, in an attempt to save face, claimed that you hadn't read the script yet. of course, your voice pitched up slightly when you lied— it always did— and corinne caught on immediately, calling you out. you weren't upset at being caught. not when it gave you an opportunity to talk about the story line. how the characters felt so real and lived in. how much you wish you had a theo in real life— someone who saw you for who you truly were beneath all the noise.

you hated that you loved the script. you hated how badly you wanted to bring simone to life, to inhabit this character who felt like she'd been written specifically for you. though, there was still a chance to save your hiatus— you had two things left to consider before making any final decisions.

the crew.

and jaafar.

.✦ ݁˖

the sixth of august arrived faster than you expected.

you chewed on your bottom lip as you shut the door to your car and glanced up at the beige building standing before you. it was unremarkable and easy to miss if you weren't looking for it. no flashy signs or logos. it looked like every other casting office in los angeles. you wondered if they designed it this way on purpose, to make figuring out upcoming movies and casts much more difficult for tabloids and gossip sites constantly hunting for information.

corinne met you halfway through the parking lot with a bump to your shoulder as a greeting. she was in the middle of a phone call, her voice professional, but turned to you with a thumbs up and a smile. her hand flipped to a thumbs down and frown before she raised her eyebrows in question and waited expectantly.

you laughed and responded with a thumbs up and an exaggerated grin/ you felt a little nervous, but your curiosity outweighed it by far.

inside, the receptionist directed you to a set of elevators. you drowned out corinne's phone call as you stepped inside and glanced behind you. the elevator cabin was made entirely of glass, giving you a perfect view of the city— los angeles skyline a glittering, sun-drenched sea of glass and steel. you turned your head back in time for the elevator doors to open to a waiting area.

sunlight poured through floor to ceiling windows overlooking the surprisingly empty parking lot, washing everything in a warm glow. a row of cream-colored chairs lined a wall beside a coffee station with paper cups stacked neatly next to a selection of teas and flavored creamers. you scanned the room discreetly but didn't recognize a single face amongst the bodies. a few people scrolled through their phones, one person rehearsed lines under their breath.

the door to a room down a short hallway opened just as you took a step toward the chairs. you turned to see a slightly older woman with thick, dark hair framing her face. her smile was immediate when seeing you standing near the elevators. she practically skipped over, raising a hand when she came closer.

"(name), good morning! we're so excited to have you here today," the woman uses both of her hands to shake yours, warm and welcoming. "can i get you anything before we head into the conference room? water? coffee?"

"thank you for having me," you stated politely before declining the offer, just slightly too nervous to drink anything at that moment. the woman introduces herself as amelie, the director, as you head back in the direction that she came from. your shoulders tense up at hearing this woman was the lead of this whole thing. first impressions were everything.

"you have no idea how long i've been trying to get my hands on you! busy woman you are," amelie says with an easy laugh. "not gonna lie, i was a little scared you weren't gonna show. wouldn't blame you— if i was on hiatus they'd have to send a swat team to drag me back to work."

the tightness in your shoulders eased. directors didn't usually lead with genuine enthusiasm; they led with agendas. there was no performance in amelie's warmth.

"that definitely would've been needed if i was on the beach somewhere," you joked in return, matching amelie's energy. you continued conversing on your short walk down the hallway, amelie asking about your recent projects and complimenting your work. framed posters from previous studio projects line the wall. as amelie opens the door for you to enter the conference room, you can see even more posters waiting to be viewed inside, a gallery of the studio's history.

in the middle of the room sits a long wooden table with black rolling chairs surrounding it. every chair is occupied but three- with one of the three being at the head of the table. at the other end of the table sits a man with a face that says he'd rather be anywhere but here, arms crossed and expression flat. four chairs line one side of the table: two men and two women, all with stacks of papers and open laptops in front of them. on the other side of the table sits the last two empty chairs.

completely centered. side by side. waiting.

you make your way around the table, shaking everyone's hands as you exchange greetings. two producers with opposing personalities , an extremely serious studio executive, and the sweet casting director who immediately made you feel at ease sit at the four seats. the grumpy man at the end is introduced as the casting assistant.

the muffled sound of an elevator ding sounds out right as you take your seat. amelie's smile grows even larger as she mumbles something about 'perfect timing' and rushes out.

the casting director— closest by far to your age— makes conversation with you while you wait. it doesn't take long for the door to open again, maybe two minutes at most.

it's almost as if the room molds and morphs itself to give him space when he walks in.

the photos online don't do him justice. he's much taller than you expected, though he moves around the room as if he's attempting to not seem so intimidating. you wonder if it's working for everyone else; if you're the only one just a little star struck by his presence.

jaafar's hair is slightly longer than it was when wrapping the michael press tour, soft curls peeking beneath his baseball cap. he holds a shy smile on his face as amelie very conspicuously cheers behind him—proud of herself and her team for putting jaafar and you in the same room, for making this chemistry read happen.

he starts to make his way around the table, starting at the casting assistant at the far end. jaafar gives everyone a polite smile and handshake as he introduces himself, his voice low and smooth. you finds your eyes drifting from the soft dimple in his cheek when he smiles to the way his arms look with his black crewneck pulled up to his elbow. you blink a few times and look away to gather your thoughts before glancing back over, trying to seem casual.

you rise from your chair as he rounds the table towards your seats, suddenly very aware of your posture. you smile and hold your hand out. "hi—" you feels herself waver as you make direct eye contact. "i'm (name). it's really nice to meet you."

"i'm jaafar. it's a pleasure to meet you," he replied in a soft, even tone, taking your hand in his to shake. his hand is warm and his grip is gentle.

"i loved the biopic—honestly, i think i might be responsible for at least half of the ticket sales."

jaafar looks surprised, lips parted and eyes following you as you shift from one foot to the other, before becoming bashful, "thank you. that means a lot coming from you. really."

a clap sounds throughout the room before amelie starts the meeting, pulling everyone's attention to the front. you, suddenly aware that your hands were still connected for several seconds too long, pulled away from jaafar before sitting. he followed your lead and sat beside you. you expect him to shift over to give you both more room, but he stays. you glance at him from the corner of your eye as he settles in and spreads his legs to get comfortable.

you were sure that your knees would bump if you shifted even slightly to the left.

as amelie talks about the expectations of the chemistry read and information about the characters themselves— their backstories, their motivations, their arc throughout the film—you reach for the lone script waiting on the table between you and jaafar.

at the exact same time as him.

you snatch your hand back instantly when your fingers brush and whisper, "uh…sorry, go ahead. i can pull it up on my phone." you reach for your back pocket, looking up when you hear something sliding closer to you.

jaafar had pulled the script to the very end of the table, but not towards him. the script now sat perfectly in the middle of you both. "we can share," he looks up at you suddenly, meeting your eyes. you watch as he lifts a hand to the back of his neck, "if that's okay with you?"

"oh... yeah. yeah, that's fine."

you let out a nervous laugh as jaafar's attention turns back to amelie and the script. looking around discreetly, you see that every person in this room had their own script copy in front of them; everyone but the two of you. as you go to look back at the script, you catch the expression of the casting director—

who had been watching you and jaafar with a slight smirk on her face and twinkle in her eye, clearly pleased.

and looked away as soon as she noticed you looking at her.

"—we're going to be looking at a few scenes from the second act. don't worry about being perfect. we're not looking for perfection." amelie opens her script and states the page number clearly. "we can start with scene thirty-six."

jaafar finds the page and smooths the stapled corner to make it flat before returning it to the middle, adjusting it so you can both see comfortably. you lean forward slightly, shoulders nearly touching, the space between you minimal.

"frank will be jumping in for the lines of missing characters," amelie continues. every head in the room turns to the casting assistant. the grumpy man who had barely spoken more than two words since you arrived. "(name). jaafar. whenever you're ready. take your time."

you glance at jaafar quickly before taking a deep breath and beginning.

March 2025

You were seated next to Benjamin, Daeron Targaryen’s actor, on one of the chairs on set on House Of The Dragon. You were filming a couple scenes with him and James since your character, Vaenora Targaryen, was in Tumbleton with her lord husband and his squire. You never thought you would do scenes with your ex husband especially as a married couple.

“Your rings look really cool.” The teen boy admired the rings that adorned your fingers. You showed them off so he could take a proper look.

“Right? I really like this one. I hope they let me keep it after filming is done.” You pointed to the green emerald ring. In the show, Ormund gave Vaenora the ring.

“I hope i get to keep something. Maybe the wig?” He joked.

“I’m sure they’ll let you keep a prop or two. I got to keep a necklace from season one. Well not the original, I got one of the replicas. Still cool though.” You replied.

Before Benjamin could speak, James walked on to the set in full Ormund costume. He walked over to you and Benjamin. “I just took one of the best naps ever.”

“Mate, I don’t know how you do it. You’re napping in the most random places while there’s loud noises.” Benjamin said.

You knew James could take a nap pretty much anytime anywhere. You even saw him take a nap in his armor when you visited the set. Technically you weren’t supposed to be filming anything yet, but you decided to go just to see James act as Ormund.

“He’s a deep sleeper. At least he doesn’t snore.” You added.

Benjamin was about to ask how you knew, but he quickly remembered that you and James were once married. He stayed silent.

“You’re looking lovely. Oh, look at that,” James pointed at your rings that Benjamin was just admiring. “That’s a beauty.” The older man complimented.

“I would hope so. The costume department modeled it after my engagement ring. I was telling Benjamin I want to keep it. Looks nice, right?” You held out your hand so James could get a closer look at the ring that was almost identical to your engagement ring that James had given you years ago.

James couldn’t help but smile. You still had both your engagement and wedding ring. James wasn’t the type of person to ask for them back. He stayed multiple times that he had given them to you so they were yours.

Benjamin was then pulled away by some producer so now it was just you and your ex-husband sitting next to each other. It was never awkward between you two. The relationship had ended mutually though you hardly saw each other after it. Schedules were all over the place and both of you filmed in different locations. That didn’t stop you from sending a text message once in a while. You still remember the day James texted you about being offered the role of Ormund Hightower, the husband that your character, Vaenora, has been mentioning since season one.

“Have you eaten yet? I have some snacks laying around the place in case you need it.” You told James.

“No, I’m fine. I just ate after my nap. Thank you though.” James replied. His heart melted at the fact that you kept snacks around the set just for him.

You hummed in response. You relaxed into your chair and closed your eyes for a second. You assumed James was scrolling on his phone, but you could feel his eyes on you. Still, your eyes remained closed. “Do I have something on my face? Please don’t tell me I have some sort of bug crawling on me.” You joked.

“No, you’re fine. Even if there was a bug, I wouldn’t let it harm you,” James assured you. “You just look really ethereal in this lighting.”

He could’ve said pretty. Gorgeous. Beautiful. But no, he said ethereal and it made you remember why you fell in love with him in the first place.

—

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yourusername The Hightowers 💚 (before hair and makeup) jginorton

houseofthedragonhbo The Lord and Lady of Oldtown!

jginorton my lady!

darksister_ sir you can’t just comment that and expect me to move on

dragonscales i’m going to be thinking about this for days

starkoaths sometimes i forget they’re divorced because he does shit like this