#badplan

A/n: this fic that I’m adding into rotation is one I started well over a year ago. The original first chapter was over 5k words long so I’m going to have to break it up. It’s also Karl Urban, cause I mean, hello he’s gorgeous as well.

Summary: Renee had a fail proof plan to get rid of her nervousness for sending in her writing manuscripts. Audition for a movie, surely she'll get rejected.

The plan backfired and now she has to act, joining a crew of seasoned actors from Star Trek. Her quick friendship leads her down the rabbit hole with Karl Urban.

CHAPTER 1:part 1

Some of the dumbest things in my life I have done because of the phase 'meh, why not'. This however was more based on trying to get used to being rejected. You see, I'm a writer, I write fiction and screen plays. I have yet to send one to get publish or sent to be read by a director, mainly for the fear of being told 'hey, this sucks, so do your self a favor and stop wasting your time writing.' My bright idea was 'hey, let's audition for some movie roles, you'll surely be turned down multiple times and get used to it'.

So when I got a call back for a second audition my anxiety sored  through the roof and I felt like relocating to Mexico. This is not how this was supposed to go, I'm not an actor. I was supposed to be laughed at and told to bugger off.

When I received the call after the second audition and was told I got the female co lead in this movie I about choked and died. I have massive anxiety problems when in new place, new situations, and around people I don't know. This was not the plan, and just like life has always done in the past it decided to slap me face and pull the rug out beneath my feet.

“So, Renee," my sister, Rosalyn inquired with a hint of amusement in her voice as I was breathing into a paper bag, "whatchya going to do now? Can't exactly back out."

“Says who?" I sneered into the bag, sitting on the couch.

“The fact you went through both auditions," she giggled, " how's your bright idea now?"

“Bite me, rainbow bright." I leaned back into the couch, pulling the paper away from my face. I pinched the bridge of my nose, trying to think clearly. There was a couple saving graces about this movie set. A.) it was local, it was being filmed in and around the Oregon city area and B.) I was a no-body. I could blend in a lot easier.

“What's the name of movie? Who's going to be in it?" She pounced on to the couch next to me, I turned my head ever so slightly and just stared her. This month her hair was pale blue with hot pink roots, her ghostly colored skin was pinkened from just get done working out.

“I don't know, to either of those questions."

“How do you not know? What's was the script you read?"

“I wasn't paying attention and I can't remember. I was trying to get through the ordeal."

“Your going to make a horrible actress if you can't remember any of that." She stated, pushing up off the couch. "What about your normal job? Since it takes a couple of months to film."

“I already talked to my manager, I'm taking a leave of absence. And thanks for the ego boost."

“Your welcome!"

*****

The next few weeks after that were spent getting my rear end handed to me by a personal trainer. Who by the way, was adamant about a very strict eating schedule, which I was severely punished for daily by drinking Starbucks. I also had a trainer for learning how to fight, all of it choreographed of course but still. Most nights I came home very late and couldn't remember how I made it my bed. Just to wake up to my phone going off by Satan calling me two hours before I was supposed to work out.

My sister being the loving and caring individual she was would poke my sore muscles. Drink some wine and have her Starbucks all while telling me I couldn't have some. Yes, I knew it was revenge for the countless times I did things to pester her but still.

The first evening on set was a cast and crew get together. I learned that I was joining in on an established movie sequence. So everyone knew each other, except for me. Wonderful. Just my luck, I showed up in my ratty jeans and a nice top. I was told it was a casual occasion, no need to dress up. My short cropped hair was sporting a recent sun burn, first time I have ever had one but then again I didn't start buzzing my head till a couple months ago.

I was wandering around trying to find where we were all supposed to meet up. I found no security guards to help me out, which I thought was odd. I turned down a corridor and bumped into a gentleman.

“Oh, I'm sorry." His accent was heavy, he seemed hesitant on whether to say sir of miss.

“No, it's my fault. I wasn't paying attention to where I was walking. I'm really lost so i keep checking my phone and I'm rattling on, sorry."

“It's okay," he chuckled, my brain was trying to get my attention but I ignored it. "I'm lost myself. Where are you headed to?"

“Some hall, I'm supposed to meet up with a bunch of people I don't know. So it’s not like I can text anybody for help." I showed him the details on my phone.

“Looks like we are headed to same place, but I know everybody. And none of them are answering their phones anyway." He smiled, something about this guy. I recognized his smile, but not his voice. Which is odd for me, normally I recognized voiced first.

“Well, isn't that nice of them." I chuckled, he was a damn good looking man.

“I guess it would be better to be lost with someone then be lost alone." He stuck his elbow out inviting me to take it.

“Sounds like a wonderful plan, People look at ya weird when you talk to yourself." Open mouth insert foot. He let out a deep chuckle.

“That's for sure." We continued to wandered the abandoned building.

“Karl!" Someone yelled from behind us, he turned his head looking over shoulder. It was dark and couldn't make out the mans voice but I knew who it was right off the bat. He jogged over. "Where the hell have you been?"

“Lost." We followed Chris as he walked back the room where everyone was. It didn't take long to figure out who I was walking with or what movie this was now. "who's your new friend?"

“Actually I never got her name."

“My name is Renee Winter."

“Ah, your going to play the new ensing." Pine flashed his pearly whites. We walked into the large hall. Easily over a hundred people, slightly loud, and I felt like a panic attack was about to hit. I must of instinctively gripped Karl's arm a bit tighter. He looked over at me with a bit of concern on his face.

“Hey, your fine. Just breathe." He whispered into my ear. "Let's go get a drink and then I'll introduce to everyone."

He ordered two drinks, I was trying to gather myself back up. He handed me something, I took a sip, it was sweet and warm despite the ice.  He made eye contact with me, and smiled.

“So what's your anxiety from? The amount of people or because of who all is in the room?" He asked, I turned my head to survey the room. Karl gently brought his knuckle up and turned my head back to face him. "Breathe, and keep looking at me."

“There's a lot of people here, and it's the complete uncertainty of the situation." I breathed out, breaking eye contact and looked down at the ground.

“You'll be fine, we can go and let you meet people one on one. Take a break and step out into the hall, get a breather in." I just nodded, slowly looking back up at him. "I have a couple close friends and family members who have anxiety. So don't worry about judgement."

He slowly lead me around the room, I faked being fine. Joking around while getting to know the cast. It was an hour into the shindig before we stepped out in the hall. I sped to the opposite wall and started to gulp down air like fish.

“No wonder they picked you. If it weren't for the death grip, I wouldn't have suspected that you any anxiety." He jested.

“Sorry, bout that." Turning, pressing my back against the cool wall. I stared at ceiling, wondering how big of an ass I was making myself out to be.

“So, tell me about yourself, Renee." He asked leaning up against the wall with me.

“Like what?"

“What other acting gigs have you done?"

“None, literally the first time auditioned."

“Seriously? Lucky break, most get turned down hundreds of times."

“I know, I was banking on that."

“Huh?" I could see the perplexed look out of the corner of my eye.

“I'm not an actor, I'm a writer. I was doing this to get used to rejection before I sent my stuff to get published. But seeing how I'm cursed, I ended up getting the part." I chuckled to myself.

“Wow, how's that going for ya?" He chuckled with me.

“You know, my sister asked me the same thing."

“Sounds like a smart lady, come on. Time to go back in there." I took a deep breath and walked back in.

“Sorry, I'm terribly late, I got lost in the building." I heard a very unmistakable British accent. Well, my sister is going to flip when I tell her this.

“No big deal, Tom. So did we." Karl replied, giving the man a hug.

“Glad to hear I wasn't the one." Tom chuckled back.

“Tom, this is Renee. She's also new to the Star Trek world." Tom took my hand a gently shook it.

“Pleasure to meet you." He smiled, yeah, my sister was going to murder me in my sleep.

“Nice to meet you too." The rest of the night was just greeting and making small chat. The end of the night Karl walked me back to my car. "Seriously though, thank you. I don't think I would of made it. I would of stood awkwardly in the corner the whole time, looking at my phone every two minutes."

“No big deal. So what hotel do they have you staying at?" We finally reached my car, I grin back at him.

“The beauty of this, I get to go home every night. I live local."

“Lucky duck." He laughed, "kinda jealous."

“Yeah, but I don't get room service. I mean I could try yelling at my sister to make me food but she's a chef and hates coming home to cook. So she would probably poison my food."

“Yeah, don't do that." I opened my car and sat in the seat. "See you tomorrow?"

“Yeah, I'm supposed to be at the make up trailer at 5am. So I'll probably be up earlier, knowing satan." He gave me a weird look. "The personal trainer they gave me."

“Ah." He laughed. I started my car and waved before I left.

*****

“So, tell me." I had just barely cracked the door open.

“Not even going to let me walk in." She was waiting on the couch like black panther.

“Nope, what movie? Who's it in? And no spoilers."

“The new Star Trek, the usual suspects. And I can't tell you all the crew with out giving you any spoilers." I smirked.

“Hang on, what do you mean you can't tell me all the crew without giving me spoilers?!"

“Because someone is in it that normally isn't. And you said no spoilers." I smirk walking into my room.

“Renee Abigail Winter! I'm not done talking to you!" She yelled following me.

“Rosalyn Amy Winter, you told me not to tell you." I flopped onto my bed, repressing my urge to laugh.

“Come on, Renee. Tell me." She pleaded, I shook my head.

“Oh, look at the time, it's midnight and I have to be at work at 5am. I really do need to get some rest now." I feigned a yawn, I was tired but this was far more entertaining.

“Please?!" She was hopeless, if I didn't tell I would get no sleep. If I did tell, well, I probably get no sleep.

“How about how this, I'll text you tomorrow when I get a chance. Because I really do have to get some sleep."

“Fine." Her voice was full of rejection as she slid off the bed. "You better remember."

CHAPTER 2

“So let me get this straight, you volunteered me to cook a bbq, two days from now. On my day off, and I should do this why?" She raised an eye brow.

“Because you like throwing bbq's and having people over." I replied recalling the many times we had had people over for dinner.

“Yes, but not people who are used to away higher cooking skill." She sounded annoyed.

“Look, they don't want fancy food. They want just an old fashion backyard bbq's. Where they sit down and just relax like everyone else. Plus I thought you'd be alittle excited getting to meet them all."

“Fine, but your buying everything and being my help. Which means.."

“I cater to you. Deal."

******

Friday I went and bought everything, while getting texts from excited people asking what they should bring. Saturday morning was helping prep the food. I was just excited to have everyone come over. Plus waiting to see the look on my twins face when she met Tom.

There was knock, I ran to go get it as my sister was outside grilling.

“Hey kid," ah, that amazing smile. "Brought some beer."

“Nice, and your like an hour early." I smiled, gesturing for him follow. Showed him the quick down stairs tour of the house.

“Utterly gorgeous. I love old houses, they just don't have the same character in homes today." We walked out back, our patio was huge. With a fire pit in the middle, benches built in to the side of the deck. White lights were strung up, to be honest the patio costed us a fortune but it was well worth every penny.

“Completely agree with you, we jumped when it went up for sale. Got it for a steal cause it had so many issues. But, we knew some people."

“Hey Karl. You found the place okay?" My sister asked. "Can be hard to find."

“Yep, can't see looming up from the street since its on the top of hill or anything." He joked back.

“Well, the drive way can be a pain sometimes. Somebody hasn't trimmed the hedges out front."

“Oh my gosh, they arnt that bad."

“Renee, you can't find the mail box." She pointed the flipper at me.

“Fine I'll go cut them back real quick." I hurried off, stopping by the shed to grab the cutters. I was just about done when two more cars pulled up.

“Hey, up that way?" Zoe asked pointing up the drive.

“Yeah, I'll be up in a minute. Karl's already here." She pulled in, Simon and Tom in her car, Chris waved as he followed her, Zach riding shot gun. I felt a wave of anxiety, and steeled myself before trekking up the drive.

I introduced my sister to our guests. Except one, Tom. You see my sister had been giving me grief about this cook out since I told her about it. I devised an evil plan to get back at her. I knew my wonderful dear twin needed more burgers. I was already carrying side dishes so I asked Tom to snag the burgers and take them to her.

I love her I really do, but I knew how much of crush she had on this man. I would never get to do something like this to her again. I watched as he walked out.

“Excuse me, miss, your sister asked me to bring you this." He said walking up beside the unsuspecting woman. I watched as her entire body went rigid, no doubt completely recognizing that British voice. She turned rather slowly, looking at him and blinked hard a couple of times. I watched as her face paled, then slowly turn pink.

“Uh, thank you." She stammered and turned back to the grill. I walked over to the table where all guests were and put the sides down.

“God, you two have a slice of heaven back here." Zoe exclaimed, taking everything in.

“In all seriousness, this is a pretty sweet patio." Chris stated, taking a swig of his beer. "I mean you got the recessed fire pit, some falls with a koi pond in the corner. Beautiful trees surrounding it. You can't even hear the street down there."

“Thanks, Ros and I spend a lot of time out here during the summer and fall." My phone vibrated, I pulled it out. All it said 'I'm killing you after they leave!'

Once the food was done we all sat and chatted, enjoying the evening. Rosalyn having an in depth conversation with Tom and Simon about England. Zach and Zoe were arguing about how certain words were properly pronounced, in Klingon.

“So Renee, you going to tell us about some of your writings?" Chris inquired, sitting on the back railing.

“It's not much." I replied, trying to dismiss it. I felt odd talking about my own work.

“Come on, just tell us about one of them. Karl said you auditioned to get to ready to send them publishers which means you have at least one ready. " this time I flushed up.

“Well, I have one that deals with a young woman who has the ability to do magic in present time and has manage to catch the attention of an angry psychotic Greek deity." I explained the best I could.

“Sounds interesting. What kind of format is written in? First person? Third person?" Chris looked excited.

“It's in first person."

“You said you also wrote some screen plays." Karl asked, a twinkle in his eye. Or maybe it was just the lighting.

“Yes. That ones a little bit harder to describe." To be honest that one made me uncomfortable talking about. I grabbed the dirty dishes and went into the kitchen to catch a break. My anxiety was raising talking about my work. They were my babies and wasn't sure if I was ready for the world to read them.

“Hey, you okay?" Chris had followed me this time. I was not expecting that.

“Yeah, I'm fine. Why?" I looked over my should at him.

“You just made a quick exit when we were asking about your writing, that's all." He walked up behind me, his finger tips just barely touched the back of my arms. I wasn't sure what was going on but it was making me feel very uncomfortable. Not in a bad way but it wasn't something I was used to.

“I'm just not used to talking about it that's all." I turned around, facing him. He gave me a lopsided smile. "If you'll excuse me, I'm going to go back outside."

He stepped to the side and allowed me to pass him. I was shaking lightly, I was not used to being that close to someone. I took a deep breath once outside and rejoined the conversations taking place.

The evening winded down, and everyone was leaving. Zoe hijacked the rest of the potato and macaroni salad. She begged Rosalyn to text her the rescipe, my sister conceded.

“So, kid, I'll see you on set Monday?" Karl asked as I walked him to his rental.

“Of course. Where else would be at 5am?" I smiled back at him.

“Rosalyn, amazing dinner." He remarked climbing in his car. She gave him thumbs up, as i walked back to our front porch.

“He likes you." She stated through her smile as we watched him leave.

“Whatever." We walked back in.

“You just couldn't tell me about Tom?"

“Try working with him, and not being able to tell you because you said no spoilers. And he's a spoiler." I point at her snickering.

“Yeah, still going to kill you for that." She made herself some tea.

“How's next weekend sound? I'm booked full this week." I replied, grabbing some water.

“Busy next weekend. Have your people contact my people."

**

5am came early, I dragged myself into the make up trailer feeling more tired then normal. It was a cold morning, causing my ankles it hurt painfully. I had fractured them both when I was younger, I dreaded winter every year.

“Morning kid!" Karl sat in the chair next to mine. I glanced over, he held out a coffee.

“You are a life saver." I announced, taking it from him.

“Noticed your sister was shooting you daggers most the evening the other day. What was that about?" He questioned in between sips of his coffee. "Hopefully we weren't a burden to her."

“No, not at all." I chuckled. "She just has the biggest crush on Tom, hence why I had him take the burgers out. I knew I'd never get another opportunity to do that to her again." He laughed hard in reply.

“So you ran with it? Aren't you sneaky, kid?" He laughed again, I chuckled watching him.

“Trust me, she deserves it." I watched as he recomposed himself. "She is my sister and with the teasing she's been putting me through nightly."

“Well, I happen to know he's single." He mused as we walked over to wardrobe.

“Really?" I chuckled as he held the door open. "And what are you implying, kind sir?"

“What I'm implying is we set them up. Cause I heard a little a birdy ranting and raving about your twin."

“Ooo, you have me intrigued." I giggled.

“What am I missing?" Chris popped out from one of the booths in wardrobe. A broad smile shot out when his eyes landed on me. "Morning Renee."

“How we are setting up Rosalyn and Tom." Karl replied getting into the booth.

“Count me in. Sounds like fun." Chris replied crossing his arms over his captains uniform.

“You two are worse then teenage girls." I jested. Going into the other booth.

**

The day ended with me in the gym, going through yet another fighting scene. Mike wasn't there, his wife had finally had her baby. So I was just going through the moves. Throwing kicks and dodging the invisible air persons punch. I had no idea how long Karl stood leaning up against the wall watching me. His arms crossed, a small smile across his face.

I caught him out of the corner of my eye. I kept going, feeling awkward. I had thrown some other moves that I thought worked and was running it out smoothly to show Mike in hopes of changing the Choreography. It looked cooler then the original choreography. I finally got done running that set and walked back to my starting point to run it again.

“You changed it kid." He pushed himself off the wall.

“Yeah, I thought it'd look better and it runs smoother. Not that I'm a choreographer." I stated as I started throwing punches. He took his shirt off and jogged over to me. He ducked my kick and relieved the invisible mans place.

“I would have to agree it looks better." He said racking my legs out from under me. I fell back and rolled out as he stomped down. It was odd dance, but none the less we moved like dancers. We hit the spot I had changed and I started calling out shots as we sparred.

It ended with him holding me down. Both of us breathing heavy drenched in sweat. I must admit there wasn't any where I'd rather be. Our eyes were locked, and for a breif moment there was complete silence. My heart pounded in my chest. A slow clap startled both of us.

“That was badass you guys." Pine's voice echoed in the room. Karl smiled, he stood puling me up off the ground. "I don't remember that fight scene though."

“Well that's cause she redid it and you should of recognized the first half of it. It's your fight."

“It is?"

“Yeah." I breathed hard trying to regain my breath. "I was working on it. The second half of it felt chunky, like it just didn't flow."

“Actually Chris, you should take a run with her on it." My head snapped over to

Karl. Sure I knew I was going to eventually have to work with Pine but I wasn't ready.

“You're right." He smirked taking slow confident steps to me. "Ready?"

Can I please say no? I thought to myself as I walked back to other end of the mat. Chris walking close behind me. I took a deep breath before I turned around to face him.

I threw the first punch full force, he ducked. And so began this awkward dance. I may have landed a punch or a kick but he didn't let on. When it came to the changed part I started calling out the shots like I had with Karl. It ended just like Karl and I had, me being pinned to the floor by Pine.

He stood quickly and walked back to the starting place.

CHAPTER 5

"So you don't come Portland often?" Tom asked, stealing her attention away from me.

"Not usually, neither of us like one way streets. It's alright once in a blue moon." Her voice sounded nervous, she swirled the straw in her drink.

"Well, I'm glad you could make it out then." Tom smiled at her, I could see the blush creep up her cheeks. I slowly leaned into Karl, keeping my eye on my sister.

"I think I may be in the clear." I whispered, catching the scent of his cologne. Not only he was he hotter then the sun, voice smooth as whiskey but he smelled like a slice of heaven, with maybe a dash of sin laced in there. I looked up at his face, his eyes were warm as he smiled at me.

"Renee?" My sisters voice broke me from my trance, I snapped my head back her. "I'm using the restroom, come on."

"Damn girl code." I muttered, pushing my seat back. I leaned in close to Karl once more and whispered. "If I'm not back in ten minutes call in the national guard."

I left before he had a chance to respond, taking a deep breath as I followed her through the mass of people. Trying to think of a good excuse to give her for this set up. My mind whirled as we stepped into the ladies room. She pivoted facing me, her eyes wide as panic ran through her body at warp speed.

"Dude!!" She exclaimed, flapping her hands up and down trying to do what, I had no idea but she looked like a robin trying to swim.

"Dude!!" I mimicked her, trying to figure out when she was going to fillet me and serve me with fava beans and a nice chianti.

"Could you of warned me? I'm not even cute!" She almost squealed, I didn't think her eyes could get any bigger but alas she proved me wrong.

"Uh, I didn't know he was going to be here?" I lied slowly.

"He knew I was going to be here!" She snipped, calming herself enough to throw draggers in my general direction.

"Okay, Karl asked me if I wanted to get drinks. I told him that I was going to bring you cause you calm me down." I explained, okay, I lied. But she didn't need to know that. "But right now your stressing me out. Breathe."

"Oh don't give me the innocent trick. I know you better then you know me." Rosalyn shot another glare at me, beginning to ponder if I should be keep count.

"What does that even mean?" Sometimes being a twin has got to be the most confusing thing on the damn planet. "That makes no sense."

"It means." I shook my head cutting her off.

"We're done here, you and I are going back out to that table and continue chatting those two handsome men up. Cause dammit sis, I need a wingman!" Can we just pretend that I didn't mean for that to come out. I mean, yes he's gorgeous and all but also way out of my league.

"The only reason you would need a wingman is so you don't make a fool out of yourself." She sighed, running her hand through her hair. "Alright, let's do this."

"And I don't make a fool out of myself. I make a distraction so no one see's my anxiety level peaking." I calmly replied, holding the door open for her. We walked back through the crowded bar, snaking our way back to the tiny table in the corner.

"Ladies." Karl greeted us as we sat back down, he leaned forward his lips brushed my ear. "You had thirty more seconds till I called the guard."

I giggled nervously, trying to cover how incredibly nervous him being that close made me. I looked over and Roslyn was back into conversation with Tom. I breathed a sigh of relief, looking over at Karl.

"This wasn't that bad of a plan." He stated, crossing his arms in front his chest, looking at our co-star and my sister.

"Better then shoving them in a room." I quipped back, smirking.

"That plan had potential. And technically they still are in a room, so I get some credit when the wedding toast starts." He chuckled.

"Yeah, lets not skip them getting to know one another, or dating or any of that stuff. Straight to weddings." I shook my head before looking over at him.

"Just calling it like I see it." He replied, standing up.

"And what do you see?" I asked, looking up at him.

"A pretty lady talking to a man who is interested in her." He replied looking down at me, his voice had taken a serious tone as his eyes pinned me in place with their intensity. A part of me wasn't sure if he was talking about them or referring to something else. "Care to join me at the bar for a drink?"

"Sure." I tried not to squeak, standing from my seat. I glanced back over at my sister, Tom must of said something funny cause she was laughing pretty hard. I turned and followed him back through the throng of people.

   Butterflies started dancing, my heart attempted its escape through my throat, my hands trembled like the state of California during an earthquake. I was now officially in over my head, I was walking away from my safety blanket and into the lions den. Okay maybe not a full lions den, more like a single lion. An old single lion but still a lion nonetheless.

   "So what do you think of acting?" He asked, sitting down on the stool, waving his hand at the other for me to join him.

   "Acting?" I question back to him. Have you seen me this evening? It's a miracle I've made as far as I have on set.

   "Yeah, that thing we do?" He grinned chuckling at me.

   "It's a lot more difficult then I gave anyone credit for. Especially first thing in the morning, when I haven't had any caffeine." I calmed myself back down.

   "Kid, you and your coffee." He shook his head at me.

   "Hey, old man, I see you drink twice as much as I do." I jested back at him, he let out a hearty laugh, placing his hand over mine.

   "So what if this old man asked out on date for tomorrow night?" He asked as his laughter died down.

CHAPTER 4

Karl and I had devised a plan, some how I was to convince my dear murderous, I mean loving sister to come down to down town Portland for a couple of drinks. How I was suppose to convince her to get drinks in Portland was a mystery to me, but nonetheless I returned home earlier then I had the past couples of nights.

"Hey, your home early." She yelled from the kitchen.

"Yeah, there was some technical problems on set. So they decided to give us the rest of the day off." I replied, waltzing into the kitchen.

     "Was this technical problems name Renee?" She jested, looking at me from the dishes.

      "Ha ha, very funny." I replied, my phone vibrated in my pocket. I took it out a glanced at it. It was Karl saying Tom was on for tonight. Guess there was no backing out now, I just needed to figure out what color casket I would be needing by the end of the night. "Hey, you know what we haven't done in like forever?"

     "There are a ton of things we haven't done in forever, should I start listing them alphabetically or chronologically?" She quipped back.

     "We should go out and have a couple drinks." All I needed was to get her in the car, don't bring up Portland till we were half there. Nothing suspicious, act cool Renee.

    "You've never suggested that. Usually I have to drag you to go out to a bar." Her eyes narrowed at me. Ah shiitake mushrooms, quick think of something, just don't stare at her.

    "Well, I was just thinking, you know, I'm trying to get myself out of my comfort zone. Not that being on set isn't outside my comfort zone or anything." Shut up shut up, you idiot your rambling! "It was just a thought, I don't know. It's a nice night, might as well, right?"

     "What are you up to?" There goes not being suspicious.

     "I just thought it would be nice for the two of us to get out of the house, that's all." If all else fails, plan B, act angry that she'd question me. I throw my hands up in the air and stalk off. Okay, so I made up plan B but still, it's worth a shot.

    "Hang on, I didn't say no." I heard her call out behind me, I felt a grin play across my face. Quickly I wiped it off as I turned to face her, putting my fists on my hips.

    "Well you were certainly acting like it." I raised my voice a bit.

    "Just a little out of character for you, but yeah. Drinks sound nice, give me a minute to go change." She said, walking past me up the stairs. Sister going for drinks, check, that wasn't nerve wracking. Then again that was easy part.

It was about half to Portland she came to suspect something was a miss. I tried to play it off as I saw a cool looking bar on my way home from set earlier. She gave me a side eye and I attempted not to look guilty, or sweat in the drivers seat.

    "Why do I get the distinct feeling your up to no good again?" She stated as I parked the car.

    "Why would you ever think that?" My words jumbled as I held the door open. "You find us a seat and I'll grab the drinks."

    I left before she could reply, dashing to the bar. I ordered us both drinks and a shot, the shot I downed as soon as the bartender set it down.

    "Starting off quick, kid?" There's that sexy voice, I turned to face him.

   "She's on to me." I said, looking around him, trying to see her through the throng of people.

    "Is that a bad thing?" He chuckled, signaling for the bartender.

    "No, not all." I replied sarcastically, is it still lying if I'm being sarcastic?

"So, how about you and your sister come joins us, we at a table over in that corner." He told me, leaning and pointing in the direction that Tom was seated.

"Yeah, we'll be over in a minute." I smiled, as I grabbed my sister's and i's drinks and walked over to find her. She was seated at the opposite side of the bar.

"Took you long enough." She laughed as I handed her her drink.

"Sorry, I ran into Karl. He asked me if we wanted to join him." I replied, watching her reaction very carefully.

"Uh huh." She narrowed her eyes at me, I could myself start to panic again. A hand on my back startled me, my drink shook in my hand as I jumped.

"You sure are jumpy tonight, Renee." Karl stated from behind me.

"Yeah, she gets that way when she's up to something." My sister told him.

"What kind of trouble are you up to?" I looked over my shoulder at him, trying not give him a wide eyed look.

"I'm not up to anything." I stammered out.

"Sure you're not." My sister chuckled.

"Would you ladies like to join my friend and I?" He asked, looking over at her with a coy smile.

"Sure, just cause I want to see what she's up to." Rosalyn said, standing from the table. Karl started walking us the the table him and Tom were occupying. I think I've decided on a burial at sea, I mean that way I don't have to worry about a casket or flower arrangements. It really is a better idea, that way if she kills me in a horrific fashion there's no need to worry about an open casket ceremony.

Tom looked up from the table as we approached, his face lit up the moment he saw her. However she turned her head ever so slightly to shoot draggers back at me. I never said this was a good plan, in fact I'm pretty sure I thought it was a bad plan. I may not of voiced it, but I did think it.

"Rosalyn, I.. good evening." He stammered a bit as my sister and I took a seat.

"Hi, Tom." She smiled at him, starting to fiddle with the straw on her drink. She glanced at me, I casually looked over at Karl trying to avoid eye contact with her.

"What are you ladies up tonight?" Karl asked, leaning back, he gave me wink before looking at my sister.

"My sister said she wanted to go out for drinks, though usually we stay a bit closer to home." She turned her head, giving me a slight glare. I pretended that she wasn't staring at me cause I mean really. It could of been worse, I could of dragged her out to Portland for karaoke.

"I thought it would be a great idea, we never come to Portland." I remarked with a smile.

"You hate Portland." She quipped back.

"It's a love hate relationship." I responded, not bothering to look at her.

"It loves to get you lost and you hate one way streets." Maybe I was imagining things but I'm pretty sure She had lazer beams shooting from her eyes.

CHAPTER 1: Part 3

The fight scene was the first to be filmed, I was already regretting it. Not that I had a way around it. Personally I was hoping to get it done and over with. If this had been any other time I would of been happy to do the fight scene repeatly but I was hurting.

It started off smoothly enough, that was until I tripped over my own foot. I had been practicing bare foot for far too long and had grown accustomed to working that way. It's like when you start wearing sneakers after always wearing flats, you forget to pick up your foot just that little extra. Needless to say I came crashing into Karl rather ungracefully.

“Cut!" I heard the director say. I flushed up red, it was my own fault. I pushed myself up off a very amused Karl. "Let's start from the beginning of that!"

The next three hours were spent trying to repeatedly do the scene. I kept tripping, forgetting parts and in general getting overly frustrated. The director was getting mad, the rest of the crew where annoyed, and Karl had the patience of a saint.

“Okay, let's take lunch guys. We will move onto another scene afterward. Renee, we will try it again tomorrow if you can't do it then I'll put a body double in." He voiced raised and his face was red. I slunk off, texting my sister to meet me down the road for lunch.

******

“Hi, snookums." She announced honey lacing her voice as she sat down. She order her food to go as I had already been chowing down.  "What's the your problem?"

“I've literally done this whole fighting thing a million times, and I keep messing it up. I know my problem is I've been practicing it without shoes. But still."

“Can you do it with out shoes?"

“No, it wouldn't make any sense." I said putting my head in hands looking down at the table. "And I have to get it right tomorrow or they swap a body double in."

“So, are you going to let them do that?" I shot her a glare. "Well it sounds like you practice it over and over with your shoes on tonight."

“Yeah, but I feel like failure."

“Why? You keep trying." She stated quiet bland.

“I messed up yesterday, and today. Odds are I will mess up tomorrow. Everyone is getting frustrated with me." I whined.

“Don't be such an infant." I heard that smooth southern drawl, as sweet as whiskey from behind me. He came over and sat next to us.

“Thank you, I was about to ask her in she wanted her blanky and bottle." My sister responded. Great, two on one.

“Great minds think alike, Karl." He introduced himself shaking her hand.

“The great whiners twin, Rosalyn." She smiled.

“Twin?" He gave me alook. "She said she had a sister."

“Yeah, yeah. We get that all the time." I sat back in my chair rubbing my fuzzy head.

“You the pick me up committee?" He asked her.

“Evidently, usually it goes the other way. Unless in public and she's having another one of her anxiety issues. Really I don't know what she'd do with out me."

“Rejoice." I interjected, not that either was paying any attention.

“Poor thing can't find her car keys half the time." Karl chuckled at that. "So she going to be late coming home tonight and will she be in pain? This way I can get some Motrin, were out."

“Probably." He replied staring at me, I crossed my eyes and stuck my tongue out at him. "You know, that's if she's commited to doing this."

“Yes, to both of those." I sighed. " we should get back."

*****

The rest of filming for the night went okay, I didn't mess up on anymore of my lines and I got to work with Tom some. Which was amazing to watch him go from mild manner Tom into a stark raving mad man. My sister was for sure going to kill me when she found out.

Karl and I got to the gym earlier then the day before. I went and changed leaving my shoes on this time. I took a deep breath and came out into the padded room, Chris was in a chair next to the wall.

“You forgot the popcorn." I snarked as I walked over to Karl.

“No, Zach's bringing that. I brought the soda." Her gestured to the two bottles by his feet.

“I was being sarcastic." I snipped, looking at Karl with a small bit on annoyance.

“Well, I know your not used to doing this in shoes and only with no one watching. We are killing two birds with one stone." Karl replied.

“Anyway, we are here for support. Because, regardless if you only auditioned to get used to rejection, we want you to succeed." Chris added.  Just had to tell everyone Karl?

“Besides, Chris is the next one you have to fight, in case you haven't forgotten." Zach added walking in behind me, the smell of popcorn infiltrated my senses.

“Three on one is not cool guys." I replied huffing in disbelief.

“Technically four on one because your sister is on our side." Karl added. "Come on kid, let's get this started."

“Fine old man, wouldn't want you to get any more gray hair."  With that we started, true to earlier I kept tripping. We stopped and restarted. Chris and Zach would let me know what part I would mess up and tell me exactly how I was tripping myself up. We had been there for hours. Even after we had it perfected we kept going through it committing it to memory.

I was throughly exhausted by the time we were done. Karl laid on the mat, he was completely drenched in sweat and shirtless. Not going lie my inner fan girl was screaming.

“Just throw me a pillow and blanket." He yawned, Chris let a deep laugh.

“Come on." He extended his hand. "Let's get you back to the hotel."

“You going to be safe to drive?" Zach asked me, I was weary on my feet. Part me knew driving home this tired would be a bad idea, the other part of me longed for my bed.

“Probably not in my interest." I responded back.

“You can crash in my room." Chris pipped up.

“No, she can crash in mine." Karl quipped back. Okay, what's going on? I must be more tired then I thought.

“Guys, she can crash my room. Or in Zoe's." Zach smirked.

“To be honest I don't care as long as I can sleep. However I do need to text my sister." I yawned, walking over to my bag. I fished my phone out and sent her quick texted letting her know I crashing some where else for the night.

*****

The next couple days on set went by easy. I had no more troubles remembering scenes or fights. I felt like I was getting the hang of this. The crew were getting me on their shenanigans and I felt more like a part of them.

“What I'd do for a good old fashion burger." Zach remarked one evening as we sat around after filming.

“Right, and some homemade potato salad. Not this fancy stuff." Zoe giggled.

“Backyard bbq." Chris smiled. "Would be pretty awesome."

“What about this weekend? None of us are filming." I asked nonchalantly, murdered Renee table for one.

“Where are we going to have this bbq?" Smion asked, crossing his arms.

“Did none of you get the message she's a local?" Karl questioned.

“You are? So that means we could totally do something like this?" Tom asked, excitement etched across his British face.

“Yeah, I live less then an hour from here. My sister is a chef, it really wouldn't be that big of a deal to have you all over." Yep, death by knife.

“She would be cool with all of us coming over?" Zoe asked, ear to ear smile.

“Yeah, no problem at all." I chuckled, or maybe she'll poison my drink. Either way, the out come remains my death. "So this Saturday sound good to you all? Bout 5?"

*****

“So darling, amazing sister of mine." I buttered her up when I got home. She paused the original Star Trek.

“Okay, what is it you want from me?"she looked at me, eyes squinted.

“So, the crew was talking about how badly they wanted a good old fashion bbq, nothing fancy just burgers and homemade potato salad." I started out slow.

“You didn't." She admonished.

“I may have, okay I involenteered you to volenterrily to cook a bbq, with my help. I mean we have this amazing patio and huge house." I smiled weakly.

“I'm going to kill you."

“Just think, you can put you cooked for some a list actors on your resume and hey, you could even end up a private chef." I cheerfully told her.

“Your dead." She glared at me. "When?"

“Two days from now at 5. For.." I stopped and counted on my fingers. "Six. Just the main cast."

“That's five, nice try. Who's the sixth person?"

“The bad guy."

CHAPTER 1: part 2

5am came way to soon. I sat in the make up chair, feeling like a zombie. The lady putting my make up on was a chatty lady, who to honest should lay off the caffeine pills.

“You know what I mean though?" She asked.

“Yep." It was all I could muster out, not even sure what I was agreeing to. Who cares though, I sipping on my Starbucks like it was life saving miracle drink that it was.

“Morning Renee." I heard that amazing accent come from somewhere behind me.

“Morning Karl." I sounded half dead.

“Someone not a morning person?" He asked sitting in the chair next to me.

“Not one bit." I took another sip of my coffee. "And if Satan were to find out I cheated again and grabbed coffee he would probably attempt my death for the hundredth time."

“Your secret is safe with me." He joked. "So, you remember your lines?"

“I have to talk? I thought I was just supposed to show up."

“Well, that is part of it."

“I think so, I'm still trying to figure out how I drove here to be honest."

“I think we all are." The morning went by in a blur with me trying say the phrase 'Kirk, red alert, we are on stand by. Commander, next order.' Which for some reason my brain kept going red Kirk alert. Yeah, after a dozen or so tries they decided a break was in order.

I went back to my trailer, being ticked off with myself.

“For some reason I can't even say the simplest phrase. 'Kirk, red alert.' With out stumbling over the words or saying them backwards. Oh btw, Benedict is in this movie." I sent my sister a quick text, a knock at the door snapped me back to reality.

“Come in."

“You okay?" Karl had followed me.

“Yeah, just irritated with myself. It's the stupidest thing to get tripped up over." I flopped back in the chair next to me.

“Hey, I get that." He stated leaning against the counter across from me. "It's nothing to get mad about."

“Sure you say that, but you've been at this a while. And your first movie wasn't a major motion picture, not that this is what I was going for but I still don't want to suck at this." I stood up and walked to the fridge, I grabbed an energy drink out.

“Your very correct, everyone gets tripped though. You'll be fine, your doing fine now." He reassured me, a knock on the door grabbed our attention.

“Come in, your just being nice." I replied, Chris came in.

“What if you just say Captian, red alert." He asked.

“I can't just say what I want."

“Why not?" Chris asked, leaning his hip against the door way. "We all do it every now and then.

“That's you, not me." I thought about how arrogant that sounded. "You're a seasoned actor, I'm a nobody."

“So, I'm sure simon's not going to care if you switch Kirk to captain." Chris responded, eyeing my energy drink, I motioned to my fridge. He excitedly rummaged to find himself one.

“Well, I just texted him." Karl announced, finally looking up from his phone. "Chris, your trainer is going to kill you for that."

“Well worth it." He stated after a long drink, ear to ear grin played across his face. Karl gave me a look as I drank from mine.

“Hey, I disobey mine everyday. So satan should just get used it." I shrugged as Simon walked in. The little trailer was getting crowded quite rapidly.

“Hey girly, I've heard you've been having problems with one of the lines." He looked tired, "if it's to much trouble go ahead and switch the wording."

“I'll be fine," I was getting annoyed with this, damn it I was going to say the line if killed me now. "I just needed to let my brain wake up."

A buzzing sound let us know that break time was over. We all got back on set and found our places. True to my word, I just needed to let my brain wake up and I finished the scene without anymore hiccups.

Filming went well, my sister responded to my text telling me how jealous she was that I was working with Benedict. The fact he was reprising his role as Kahn was weird, but it was more for a flashback then a major role this time.

After I was done filming for the day I had to go spend a couple hours going through hand to hand training. Not going to lie, it's pretty bad ass that they were training me instead of subbing me out with someone else.

“So, we are going to partner you up with who your going to fight in this scene." He told me as we stretched. So the whole thing went down that I was being forced by an enemy race to fight my own crew. Brain washed into helping the alien race, which was commanded by Tom, Loki anyone?

“Who am I sparring with?" I asked looking around, over stretching my arms. Being double jointed had its perks, for one dislocation doesn't happen often.

“Mr. Urban." He was very formal, for the first month he referred to me as Miss Winter. I had to win a bet to get him to stop. "But let's go while we wait."

We spent the next two hours sparring, throwing and blocking. Yes, it was all preplanned, but he wanted it to look real. Which meant I still ended up taking a hit or two on accident. Karl showed up just as the trainer was leaving.

“Sorry, I got caught up." He apologized sincerely.

“It's alright, man. I just have to go, I have a prior engagement. The two of can hang around and practice though." And out the door he ran. Suddenly I felt very awkward. Shorts and sports bra, I had given up on shoes a month ago. I couldn't move around in them and make it look fluid.

“Hey kid," he dropped his gym bag on the floor, I wiped the sweat from my forehead with the back of my hand. Kid? Really, he's only ten years older then me. "Ready?"

“Sure, but shouldn't you, I don't know, stretch first? I mean getting up there in your age a could fall mess up your hip." I quipped back. A coy smile played across his face. Oh yes, I just went there. "You started it."

“Your right I did." He suddenly sprang forward with a striking kick, I side stepped last minute as he caught me off guard. "Let's see if you have the endurance to keep up."

We both had been practicing the same set a moves for a long time. This was the first time we had done them together. I found myself tripping over my feet and forgetting what came next. Karl could see my frustration, especially after being kicked in the same leg for the third time because I kept forgetting to roll out of the way.

“Why am I sucking at this? I just went through all of this with Mike and didn't mess up once!" I sat on my ass, head in my hands. He just shook his head at me.

“It's like a dance, you are used to Mike’s moves. Even if it's the same steps over and over again." He reached down and pulled me to my feet. "Your not used to how I move, your body it's trying to figure it out and the brain is trying to keep up."

He went throw each punch, and kick toward me at a slower speed. Allowing me time to dodge and strike back.

“He became routine, comfortable." He stated as he grabbed my hand and pulled my feet with his. "Fighting is just as intimate as dancing, bodies respond differently to differently people." This is where his character was to render mine unconscious. "Shall we try it again?"

“Uh, sure?" Super hot guy, extremely sexy voice and body to body contact and your asking me if I want to go at this again?

*****

I walked into my house hours later, sore and tired. The last thing I wanted to do was walk up the stairs to my room. My sister and I live in a five bedroom Victorian home, so the stairs are narrow and steep. I wandered into the kitchen and made some hot peppermint tea.

“How was filming?" Her voice bubbled over, I jumped as she startled me.

“Ow!" I groaned. I motioned her to follow as I made way upstairs to the large bathroom.

“So?" She asked as she handed me the Epsom salts.

“Long, so very long. And painful." I responded drawing a hot bath. "I never realized how much energy it took not just to remember lines, but to be someone other then myself." She followed me to my room as I gathered my stuff.

“Why do you hurt then?" She grabbed my bathrobe I had dropped.

“There's a fight scene, I needed to go over it one more time before we film. Though I get a gut feeling I'll be doing that first thing in the morning."

“Ok, well, tell me more when your done." She backed out as I disrobed and lowered myself in. Steam curled around me and the heat penetrated my sore muscles. My phone went off on the edge of the tub.

‘How ya feelin', kid? That last throw, it looked like you took it wrong' it was from Karl. I sipped my tea and leaned my head back.

‘Feel great, like I could do that a million times.' I responded, letting the water work it's wonders. 'However on an unrelated note do you know any amazing chiropractors?'

‘I was about ask if you serious, cause you didn't move for a while after that.'

‘Yeah, that one sucked. Tomorrow is going to be painful.' It kinda felt odd to be texting Karl just cause of who he was but at the same time it felt really normal.

‘Just take a hot bath with some Epsom salts and take some Motrin. It will still hurt tomorrow but hopefully not as bad.' I laughed to myself.

‘Already doing that dr but thanks for the advise.'

‘Ha ha! Nice joke. I feel horrible, btw'

‘Why? Not your fault I twisted wrong.'

‘Still, I feel bad. Can I please get you a coffee tomorrow morning?' I couldn't help but smile.

‘Sure, sounds good.' My sister knocked on the bathroom door.

“You need anything?" She asked.

“Some Motrin."

******

I woke the next morning feel stiff, it hurt to move but I had a job to do and I needed to get going. I stopped by the kitchen and took Motrin and put a heat pack on my back before I left the house.

I stopped by make up and wardrobe before I found a nice place out of the way to stretch out my sore muscles before I did anything else. It felt amazing and painful at the same time as I was stretching.

“Morning kid." Ah my coffee was here. I threw a look over my shoulder, Karl was carrying two cups of coffee.

“Morning Urban." I walked over, taking my coffee as he handed it to me.

“How you feeling?" Concern washed over his face.

“Stiff, alittle bit of pain." I took a long sip, rejoicing in the caffeine.

“You took something for it, right?"

“Nah, I though I'd wellow in the pain. Of course I took something, Dr." Might as well call it like I see it.

“Well in that case, I'm going to have argue with you on working today." His natural accent disappeared, replaced with one that had a slight southern drawl to it. He had instantly snapped into McCoy without notice.

“Okay, the whole dropping your accent thing freaks me out." I responded going back to stretching.

“And why is that? You've already admitted you didn't even realize it was me when you first met me because I have an accent."

“Because, sir, I have gotten used to you talking normally when your not acting and it sounds odd now." I leaned to the side and then down. My back seized for a mintue, and I lurched.

“Hey now, take it easy." He was right behind me, hands on my waist. "Don't injure yourself further before we even start today."

“I'm fine, really." I stated, trying to get the fact he was touching me out of my head.

“You know you keep using that word, I don't think you know what it means." He whispered into my ear, Tom and Zachary had walked up and Karl had let go of my waist. Leaving me slightly confused.

“Morning boys." I announced, grabbing my foot and bringing it my hip from behind me.

“Good morning, Renee." Tom replied, Zachary just nodded and took a long drink from his coffee mug, looks like I wasn't the only one who didn't care much for mornings.