Chapter Text
“Over here, guys!”
“Big smiles to your left!”
“Keep waving over here!”
“Arms round each other, and huge grins for the camera!”
Flashes burn my eyes as I try to keep them open, my cheeks sting from smiling, and my arm aches from waving. Thank God I have Dylan’s firm grip around my waste to guide me, or I who knows what could have happened by now, this premiere is harder work than I thought it would be.
It’s only two weeks until the Maze Runner is released into theatres, and to say I’m excited is the understatement of the year. Knowing all the hard work that has been put into this film makes me all the more inpatient to see the final results. My smile widens a little knowing that I get to see it tonight with the rest of the cast and crew.
“Let’s go.” I hear Dylan’s soft whisper in my ear, and soon I’m being ushered out of the bright light of the camera.
I sigh heavily, thankful that I can relax now I know the cameras aren't on me anymore.
“Sorry, that was intense, you okay?” Dylan asks me, concerned. I flash him a smile and nod, blinking several times to try and shake myself back to reality. A few feet away there is a large group of girls chanting Dylan’s name, covered in face paint, clutching posters, and pleading for him to go over and talk to them. I still don’t think I've got used to the fan base he has, I’m not jealous, but it’s a lot to get you head around.
“You should go talk to them.” I tell Dylan.
“O-Okay, stay here.” He replies, buttoning his blazer and straightening his adorable bow tie. He looks nervous, I don’t know why, those girls clearly adore him. “I’ll be back in a minute, don’t go anywhere.” He says soothingly before wandering over to the massive bundle of screaming, crying teenagers.
I stare at my shoes, not wanting a reporter or fan to ask me anything while Dylan isn't by my side.
“Looking a bit lonely over here, Lottie.” I spin around, startled, almost tripping over my abnormally long dress in the process, only to find Thomas giggling to himself behind me.
“Thomas I nearly fell on my face!” I say, regaining my balance.
“That was the point.” He replies with a huge grin plastered on his face.
“Whatever. Where’s Penny anyway?” Thomas and Penny have been going out since the party where me and Dylan got together, but Thomas never said anything about her unless someone asked.
“Oh urm, she isn’t coming today. She has a-a work thingy.” He mumbles, staring at the floor. I know something isn’t right but I don’t think he wants to talk about it right now, so I decide to leave it for now.
“Oh, okay. Looking forward to the film then?” I say, trying to change the subject.
“I’m sooooo excited!” He exclaims, returning to his normal happy self. “I haven’t actually seen the whole thing yet, so I can’t wait to see what it’s like. You excited to see all of your awesome make up skills on the big screen?”
“Massively!” We laugh for a second, but it’s followed by a slightly awkward silence.
“I-I should probably get back and find Will, I left him doing an interview by himself.” Thomas says, finally breaking the quiet.
“Yeah, yeah of course, I told Dylan I would stay here so….” My words slowly trail off, as I start to look at the ground again.
“Alright, see you later.” Thomas briskly walks off, leaving me stood on my own again.
A few minutes later, Dylan returns, a grin playing on his lips.
“Come with me.” He says softly, taking me hand, and trying to pull me in the direction on the screaming girls, but I hesitate and stand my ground.
“Where are we going?” I ask, confused.
“The fans want to meet you!” He sounds cheerful, but his grin fades when he sees my look of horror. “Wh-what’s the matter?”
“You told them we were dating, didn’t you?” I said sternly, drawing my hand back and crossing my arms.
“Well, yeah. Is that a problem?” He sounds almost hurt for some reason.
“I-I just didn't want people to know so soon, you know?”
“Not-not really, did I do something wrong?” Dylan’s voice softens as concern creeps it’s way into his tone.
“No! Just, I’m a bit scared of fan girls, they can be pretty vicious.” It’s true, I was scared. I’ve heard that they can get threatening when people start dating their favourite celebrity. Especially if they don’t think that the two are very suited for each other.
“They will love you, I promise.” He takes a step closer to me, taking both of my hands in his. “And if they don’t then I will make sure that if anyone even lays a finger on you, they will have me to answer to.” He says confidently, a small smirk playing on his lips.
“Okay.” I whisper.
We slowly walk over to the girls, and my heart starts beating faster with every pace we take.
I shouldn't have worried though. Every one of the girls where so lovely! They didn’t ask personal questions like I thought they would, but ones about the film and what it was like to work with the cast. I spent about 10 minutes answering their questions, before a tall man in a pristine black suite told us it was time to leave.
As we were heading towards the cars, I caught a glimpse of a familiar figure in the corner of my eye. I quickly snapped my head in that direction, hoping I would see who it was, but I soon wished I never looked. She was wearing a black hoodie to cover most of her face, but I would know those piercing green eyes anywhere.
Grace.