#tvarks

“What? No. It just…takes some getting used to.” She smiled, revealing her dimples. “I’m used to seeing, like, your hair brushed up like it was in rehearsals or in long curls from when we filmed." 

“Well, filming the movie was kind of why I cut my hair, to be honest. Without that wig, it literally feels like a weight’s been lifted off me.” He ran a hand over the top of his head, drawing Sam’s eyes to his hair once again. 

“May I?” She reached out one hand, making Aaron grin, but he lowered his head to acquiesce to her request.

She placed a hand above his right temple, brushing the soft hair there. “It’s so short…” she mused, her gaze wandering down to meet Tveit’s eyes. She was still absently running her fingers over his hair when Russell’s voice suddenly sounded from behind her.

 “Sammie, what are you doing?” the Australian actor asked as he came off-stage.

 Barks jumped, and Aaron quickly stepped back before greeting Crowe. “Hey, Russell.”

“Aaron stopped by to say hello. I was…admiring his haircut.”

Russell eyed the young man’s new look. “Looks great for a summer in the States, mate, but you might start getting cold soon.”

“That’s why I brought this.” Aaron reached into his coat pocket and removed a black beanie, which he put over his head and ears, making his co-stars laugh.

“Sammie and I were going to celebrate the concert with a drink. Care to join us? I can guarantee it’ll be paparazzi-free.” The actor stroked his bushy gray beard, which, combined with his own shaved head, drastically altered his appearance.

Aaron looked to Sam, who gave a small nod. “Yeah. I think I have time for a drink,” he agreed.

“Great. Let’s get out of here.” Russell offered Sam his arm, which she took with a giggle, and surprised Aaron by linking her free arm through his, allowing both men to escort her.

As they exited the arena by a private route, Russell asked Aaron if he had any other projects coming up. “You’re a Broadway star. Are you going back to theater after we do press for the film?”

“Actually, I might have a few concerts myself coming up in May. Nothing like this, just some small shows, but there’s a place called 54 Below…”

Title: Barks Meows

Notes: i really do not write RPF! Having said that, here is my take on this delightful prompt. Warning for one instance of language.

Disclaimer: I obviously do not own these two and I quoted a little from the movie/musical. Couldn't resist.

Aaron walked down the line of dressing rooms until the sound of an odd vocal warm-up made him pause. He leaned against the doorframe, looking in through the half-open door as Samantha performed her exercises, her eyes closed to better concentrate.

"Wow. Eddie told me but I didn’t believe it. You really do meow."

Sam’s eyes shot open and she whirled to face him. “Aaron! Sorry, I thought no one was around yet. Did I bother you?”

"No, I was just taking a walk and poking around."

"Shouldn’t you be in hair and makeup?"

He winced. “Yeah, in a few. Getting that wig on is kind of torture, though. I mean, don’t get me wrong, it really helps me with the character but—” He broke off as he noticed Sam’s lower lip tremble. 

"What? Are you laughing at me because I’m avoiding a wig?"

Instead of laughter, a sob burst out of her, making his eyes widen. “Shit, Sam, what is it?” He came in and closed the door to give them privacy.

"I’m sorry!" She was already dabbing at her eyes with a tissue. "I’m just…emotional. I’m in a huge movie with A-list stars and I just want to do my best, you know?"

"And you are! Everyone’s working really hard and giving it their all. I see it. I see you. You’re awesome, Sam, really."

"Thanks. So are you." She took a drink from a water bottle and cleared her throat. "I hope you don’t take this the wrong way but would you mind terribly if I asked you to give me a hug?"

He opened his arms to her with a smile and she moved into his embrace. As Aaron held her, she sighed contentedly in the silence that fell over them.

"Hey, did you hear that?" he asked suddenly.

"What?"

"I think that was the sound of the elusive Barks purring."

She laughed and smacked him lightly in the chest. “You’d better get going. We have a production schedule to keep.”

She pronounced it without the hard “c,” and Aaron chuckled.

"I like the way you talk," he sang.

"And I like the way you tease."