Chapter Text
" God no."
"Absolutely not."
"Oh come on!" Corbin called after Benjamin and Jennifer, making them stop, already with a foot out of opposite doors " This movie needs that little extra something . People come for the reunion but the juice from the backstage, that's what makes them stay. The kids already got theirs, from the documentary, the whole world knows about their twists and betrayals'' all the Wildcats look down in what seems like shame "You, Jessica, sorry, Jennifer, are known to the public as just their encouraging high school theater teacher who maybe shouldn't be so involved, while Benjamin, the people have no idea who you are, so we have to give you character."
Benjamin was more than over the theatrics, as usual, "I have nothing to do with this movie, why on earth would I need a story." He was already rubbing his face, and Jennifer knew him well enough to know he was seconds away from flipping at Corbin. Better him than me she thought
"Because you will appear in the behind the scenes footage! This talented kids need teacher to have their backs, of course, played by you too." Benjamin was so beyond annoyed that he didn't even try to say that they were actual teachers who supported them, not just characters "That's why I propose we play out a love story. Just listen to this" Corbin Bleu starts pacing the room, capturing the students' attention "Since you don't seem that fond of each other, I can play with that. Imagine this, you two used to get on each other's nerves, but one day... became reluctant partners. From there, the only way was up. Friendship, compassion, love . But this guy" Corbin places his hand on Benjamin's shoulder who simply tells him never touch me , and it could be just in his head but he can see a soft smile tug on Jennifer's lips "Sorry. He gets a job at one of the most prestigious universities in the world, and as heart sick as it makes Jennifer feel, she just lets him go. Months later, he realizes he can't live without her and drops everything to go home to her. Isn't this a great story?" the kids gasp and applaud, like it wasn't just that: a story, an elaborate lie. It is a made up lie, right?
Benjamin and Jennifer shared looks across the room, almost able to hear the thrumming of the other's heart from afar. They couldn't let it slip. It was all a lie, all fake, not an ounce of truth and much less an ounce of love. Right?
"So... what do you say?" Everyone seemed to be staring at them, holding their breaths while waiting for the final decision. Jennifer and Benjamin looked at each other. There was too much at stake.
"No."
"Nop."
Both of them storm off, wandering the halls to their offices, mumbling under their breaths about how stupid this whole thing is.
---
Jennifer couldn't sleep. She kept thinking about Corbin's little speech. She couldn't believe she was actually considering this russe. While having a... boyfriend (god it was stupid to be this hard to say, but that's a problem for another sleepless night). But she had to put her personal feelings, very big personal feelings, out of it for once. For her kids.
She turns on her phone, the bright 1:17 am burning her eyes, and decides to not linger too much on his contact photo or the call log or their last text exchange. Nothing should get in her head before this call.
Her nail polish is chipped beyond repair when she hears his voice on the other side of the line.
"Jennifer, you better be dying." if she was to focus on his voice, she would be damned once again, so she just takes a deep breath and tries to get herself together.
"We have to do it."
"What the actual hell are you talking about right now and why is it so important that you have to do it at 2am."
"It's 1:18 and I meant the fake relationship." Jennifer knows she has to blur it out before he hangs up in her face "This behind the scenes thing is important to sell the movie, meaning it's important to sell their roles. The very first role they ever got, Benjamin, it's a very big deal that can make their careers. Yes, it pains me that it's gonna get in the way of the musical but if that and holding your hand and giggling a little with you is gonna help them achieve their dreams, god knows I'll do it."
Benjamin doesn't answer for a while, and Jennifer starts to really worry. They had history. Him and her and him and the kids. Hopefully, those things can co-exist in his head.
"I'm gonna be honest, I only heard half of the things you said but I got the message." She can hear the sound of Benjamin moving in his bed and sucks in a breath, trying not to imagine having this conversation while laying next to him "I'll do it. For the kids."
"Thank you." Jennifer hangs up before he has time to actually sit with the weight of what he agreed to and back down, places her phone back on her bedside table, and resists the urge to scream into her pillow.
They would talk to production tomorrow, and after that, the whole world would think they are a hopelessly in love couple with a rom-com back story. They would have to be touchy and flirty and just, well, talk. By tomorrow she may have changed her life upside down with no going back.