Chapter Text
- Excellent! - The director says, and his assistant taps the black badge. All the actors in the scene stop at the same moment, turning to look at the director, who has a smile on his face as he speaks with his southern accent - You were great!! Jeffrey, Lucie and Emi, simply brilliant - He claps, walking slowly towards the actors
- Don't tell Jeffrey that, he's going to spend a whole week just showing off - The short woman says, crossing her arms as she sees the camera being turned off, the illuminators gathering to leave the filming studio
- Hey, let the director praise me! - Jeffrey turns to the woman, who looks at him as if challenging him, taken as a joke. The boy looks at the director, talking as if he were with a friend, and not with his boss - Cellbit, will the recordings resume tomorrow?
Cellbit laughs - Of course not, tomorrow is Monday, no one deserves to work on Monday - He puts a hand on Jeffrey's shoulder, and gives a short friendly pat, and then turns around, speaking in a good tone - Take the opportunity to rest, on Tuesday your character will die - He walks away with slow steps
- WHAT? - Jeffrey says, Cellbit, Lucie and Emília laugh at his exaggerated reaction
- Cellbo is joking - Lucie looks up into the eyes of the boy in the cap, she smiles silly and fixes her bangs that bother her eyes - Just enjoy this rest, I'm sure Tuesday will be a difficult day... Emi won't come, right? - She turns to her daughter, who continues playing on her cell phone while just nodding her head - That's right, Emi will be studying
- Exam week - Emi takes a deep breath, looking really tired as she puts her cell phone in the pocket of her pants, bloody with easy blood, she would have to change her clothes before leaving - I'm going to change my clothes, mom, I'll wait for you in the trailer
- Let's go together, my dear - As soon as Emília turns around, the mother follows her, her hands resting on the girl's shoulders while Jeffrey watches the mother and daughter walk away
Jeffrey misses having a family close like that, he strokes one of his arms with the other and sighs, remembering his past, remembering that camp, remembering all the guilt. His vision darkened, this happened quite often, and there were few things that saved him from this situation, and one was about to scream
- JEFF! - They shout for him, the "pizza boy" turns to see who was calling him, but that voice, that accent... ah, it was impossible not to recognize all of Diego's moves, as he arrived with his palm outstretched, moving it from side to side and a smile on his face, until he approaches, holding Jeffrey's hands in his - Jeff, you did so well today! Oh, for a moment I really thought you were comparing the death of a hamster to the death of the girl's father! - He seemed really excited when talking
- Ah puppy - Jeffrey smiles silly, a pink color appears on his cheeks as he touches his forehead to Diego's, and in a quick movement he seals their lips, it only lasts an instant, but for him it lasted an eternity - I really acted so quite like that? - Jeffrey recovers, and returns to his ordinary happiness
- Very well! - He stands next to his beloved, putting one of his arms around the slightly taller boy's shoulder, they walk together towards the exit, probably going to the car - I think Oscar is coming now
-Oscar? We're doing a series! - He laughs, stroking his boyfriend's strong and thin hand
- But if there were an Oscar for series, you would win for best actor!
Jeffrey sighs happily, almost at the studio door - Don't say so much, I'm sure Benito would get this award... Whenever he enters the scene he steals it, it's impossible to act with him, even though my character is also one of the main characters. , I can't compete with his 'charisma' - He makes air quotes with his hands
The couple continues walking, now along the Hollywood curb, few cars passing by on the street as they continue, Diego remains silent for a while, thinking about what to say, until he says it as if it were the most obvious thing in the world - Maybe you should date
- What? - Jeffrey says as if he really didn't understand, as if he hadn't even heard, but the penny dropped, his boyfriend actually suggested that he date someone else. In a fright, the older man takes his boyfriend's arm off his shoulders, and speaks as he continues walking side by side - Puppy, what the fuck?
- I mean, a scandal like that would make the series a success... I'm a third-rate actor, he's the future of Hollywood... Maybe you too deserve a place in the spotlight - Diego raises his hands in the air as if in surrender - I-I'm not telling you to leave me! No way, I'm talking about a fake relationship
Diego opens the passenger door of the car, Jeffrey sits down and lets his boyfriend close the door and then walk around the car, sitting in the driver's seat. The car remains stopped on one of the streets of Hollywood while the two talk - Fake dating? That wouldn't do anything good for Benito- That doesn't make sense
- Benito is not a bad person... - Diego says embarrassed, running his hands over the steering wheel in front of him - And this relationship would be good for your reputation, I see no reason not to at least try to talk to him... Think about that - He starts the car, and the two continue in silence
. . .
Luís stretches out on the sofa, complaining in his mother tongue as he continues to sit on the sofa at home - ¿Hoy vamos al pub? - He says, adjusting himself on the sofa. "Are we going to the bar today?"
Benito walks slowly towards the sofa, leaning on the back as he holds a newspaper folded in half with one of his hands, and he pats it lightly with the other - Well, I'll go, I don't know about you
- Oh yes, I need to drink - Luís leans on the sofa, raising his head to look at Benito kind of upside down, the super Mexican smiles stupidly - Celebrating the award for best screenwriter~ - He says happily, boasting
The actor reaches forward, and in a quick moment joins his lips with those of Luís, who closes his eyes in that small second in which they meet. The taller man turns, looking Benito in the eyes as he listens to him - The best writer for series made in the second half of 2023. It's not a big deal - He crosses his arms
- And how many awards do you have, Mr. Benito? - Their conversation continues in a playful tone, and Luís holds the "doctor" by the tie, bringing their faces closer until Kennedy feels Benito breathing - You may have gone to the Oscars, but in this house I'm the only one with a figurine
- Not for long - Benito says trying to keep his face serious, but a slight blush appears and remains present on his cheeks - I will receive a golden statuette - Not just any one, I will receive The golden statuette for best actor of the year , and when I get on stage I won't even mention you
Benito takes a step back as soon as Luís loosens his tie, the boy standing back shrugs
- Even if I wanted to, I couldn't
- Oh, and you wanted? - Luís jokes with him, looking at him with a silly smile and a focused look - Do you want to bring me out of the closet at the most important cinema awards?
Benito sighs deeply, one hand on his waist and the other hanging in the wind - No, it's obvious I wouldn't do that - He says more seriously than before, eyes closed for a moment - I'll just thank the public, perhaps the academics, even to the director... - And he starts laughing to himself, a hand over his eyes - Cellbit is a son of a bitch, but he's the coolest son of a bitch I've ever met
- After me - Luís opens a smile bigger than the one he already had on his face, and jumps over the sofa trying - We make a good team! A son of a bitch screenwriter - He tries to imitate the director's accent - And a pendejo actor - "idiot"
In a slow movement, Luís passes his hands around Benito's waist, and looks into his eyes one last time before placing his forehead on his shoulder, taking a deep breath with his back bent. The actor passes his arms over the other's body, making small spiral symbols on his back as if it were a caress or something like that.
Benito is certainly not the best person to caress someone, he simply doesn't know how to do it, but for both of them this is fine, their relationship works, and until then it is based on pure trust and companionship. Benito imagines he has earned his living, he has everything he ever dreamed of, a strong man in his arms and his name in the near future could enter the Hollywood hall of fame.
Until a call interrupts him.
The ringtone on Benito's cell phone is annoying, Luís once set his favorite song as an alarm, and then neither of them knew how to remove it, and finally, they had to listen to the same song playing respectively every day. It was irritating. So whenever it rang, they both ran as quickly as possible to get the phone and put an end to these trumpets from hell.
Benito answers the phone "Pizza boy" written in large, bold letters shining on the screen, he is the one who speaks first, his Mexican accent imperceptible - Pizza boy! - He says happily, Luís looking at him from afar, admiring him
The boy on the other end of the line stutters - Doctor, y- you really answered - He sighs, whispering something while covering the microphone for a few seconds, Benito waits patiently - Do you have... time to talk?
The shorter man spins in place, a slightly evil smile appears on his lips as he leans on the kitchen counter, he liked to play with Jeffrey - A star like me doesn't have much free time, keep it brief - He makes it seem superior, Luís in front of him rolls his eyes and goes back to watch TV
- And yet you answered my call in just two rings, haha! - He takes the risk of saying, and as if he hadn't said anything, he continues - Anyway- I, aaah Lucile was inviting us to go to the usual bar, but I saw that you left the group of actors we have...
- I left? - Benito raises an eyebrow, and then his eyes meet Luís's - Pendejo, ¿te metiste a mi celular y me tiraste del grupo? - "Idiot, did you get into my cell phone and take me out of the group?"
- Doctor - Unlike Benito, Luís's accent is constant and velvety - I was trying to change the group photo, because Emi sent me a very funny meme, when I saw it, I had accidentally left the group! - He slaps a hand on his own thigh, laughing at what happened - This girl is very funny, you should have seen the meme, then you would understand!
Luís' cell phone was at the concert, the only option was to share the same cell phone. Normally Luís only uses Benito's cell phone to do work things, but he couldn't bear to be without the memes that Emi sends
- Anyway - Benito leans on the kitchen counter, with his back to the other Mexican - Do you need a ride?
Jeffrey takes a while to respond, as if he wants to continue listening to the conversation between Benito and Luís - No, no, I'm going by car... - He clears his throat, a hand over his mouth - But I'm just going to ask you not to take Luís. ..
A smirk rises over the "doctor's" lips, and he turns around, closing his happy eyes as he performs according to the band - And why is that? - A penny fell on Benito's thoughts - Oh, are you guys fighting?
- No, no, nothing like that!
- Then why?
Silence for a while
- Because I want to talk to you alone... - Bacon says almost in a whisper, probably feeling embarrassed on the other end of the line
- Of course, pizza boy~ I'll take a shower and I'll be right there
- ...See you, Doc
- See you later
It's Jeffrey who hangs up the phone, and Benito throws his cell phone on the counter, he looks at Luís from afar, still staring at him as if he were a stray dog. The actor walks slowly, arms resting on his waist and a mischievous smile on his face.
- The pizza delivery guy doesn't want you in our private meeting
- ¿Él no me quieres? - Luís seemed genuinely sad, and crawled onto the sofa, lying down with his arms behind his head. Benito looks at him from above, seeing him really in love, not that he would really talk - I would invite him to my next film! "He does not want me?"
- Pendejo, it's not you who chooses who will or won't be in your films
- I'm friends with Cellbit, he would definitely help me place who I want... We are best friends, we work together
- Yes, whatever - Benito smiles, and turns, walking slowly towards the corridor, he takes off his tie and throws it on a chair he sees on the way.
At the moment, Benito's only company is the hot water running from the shower, unlike the cold outside, inside the shower it was warm like a hug from someone who cares a lot. Benito prefers to be alone than with people, he feels that only then can he be who he really is, a different person than he is in front of the cameras.
Then Luís arrived in his life, and showed that maybe not everyone wanted him just for his fame or his talent. Benito hated that part of Miguel, that made him feel at home regardless of where they were, and he also hated that Miguel seemed to have no evil part in his entire being.
Benito cannot take on Luís, he cannot arrive at the Oscars and shout his name, much less tattoo his name on his forehead. But Benito would never do that, he's too handsome to get a tattoo on his forehead.
The only thing Benito could do about Luís is to be next to him, but not too close, but also never far. It was difficult to figure out the right distance.
. . .
Jeffrey taps his thin fingers on the small table in front of him as he spins an almost empty glass of whiskey, his mind lost in everything he would say, if the plan would work and especially if that was what he wanted. But there is no more time, the older actor enters through the main door of the bar, and Bacon makes a point of decorating every part of his being: He was wearing a different hat, and if Jeffrey strains his eyes he can tell that it was a gift from Cellbit . Benito dresses like his character, even in real life he usually wears clothes commonly worn by doctors, just to joke about his new role - Hello, pizza boy!
- Doctor! - Jeffrey waves to him, and gets up from his elevated bench, Benito approaches at his normal slow speed until they are face to face. Jeffrey extends his hand and presses it tightly against the other actor's - I'm glad you could come...
- Yes, I was already wanting to come drink, your invitation was just an additional - The shorter one sits down, and Jeffrey sees that he can't put his foot on the floor, only on the backrest made for this - A very welcome addition, I I say - He laughs to himself, resting his chin on one hand as he looks for a waiter who can serve him.
Bacon's throat almost burns, he tries to be as pleasant as he can, but his mind only focuses on the desire to breathe toxic gas, to destroy his lungs with the dirtiest air he has. In other words, Benito needed to smoke, and as soon as possible - You can order whatever you want, today it's on me
- Oh, what a gentleman. Well, I'll accept it then - He raises his hand when a waiter passes by, the worker smiles and turns to the two actors, familiar faces in the house - Gabriel, how is the family? - He tries to appear as kind as possible - I'll have a Martini
- That's it, boss - The waiter says, holds his metal plate against his chest and walks to the other side of the bar, placing Benito's order with the cook.
The "doctor" turns to his fellow actor, crosses his arms and says, getting straight to the point - To what do I owe your presence?
- I... - Jeffrey taps his fingers against the table again, Benito on the other side tapping his foot on the metal structure on his foot - I kind of came to ask you to be my boyfriend
Silence
The penny dropped for Benito, Jeffrey was in front of him, kind of asking him to be his girlfriend. It's too much for Benito to handle, he bursts out laughing, spins around in the rolling chair, goes back and forth and slams his fist against the table, Bacon can't do anything but blush with embarrassment, it's the worst idea of his life , and you don't know why you decided to do this
Benito recovers, panting and tearing up, he runs a finger across his eye to wipe away the single tear that was forming. The Martini arrives, he leaves it untouched on the table - Pizza boy, did you come to ask me to be your boyfriend?
- KIND of asking you to be my boyfriend! - He tries to defend himself, finishing the whiskey in his shallow glass
- Pizza boy, you really are cute - Benito continues looking at the other, a playful smile on his face and legs crossed, the "doctor" takes the first sip of his drink, which goes cold down his throat. He needs to smoke, he has no option - What does it mean to ask me to be your girlfriend?
- Look, our characters play a romantic interest in the series... - Jeffrey tries to explain himself, running his hand through his somewhat greasy hair - And well... You're a great actor, and I believe I also have a future in the world of cinema, we are one of the only openly gay people in Hollywood, I think it would be good for our image - He is determined, and sticks out the tip of his tongue while looking for evidence on his cell phone, he adjusts his posture and shows the cell phone to Benito , an image of the two together on the recording set, the shorter one holding the other's waist while trying to help him in a scene, the comments full of # and parasocial people who believed they knew more than they actually did - See?
- Well, any interaction I have with any man generates these types of comments - Benito leans on the backless chair, he takes another sip, his smile gradually disappearing. It wasn't that he was mad, he just realized that maybe Bacon was serious - But I have to admit, you have a lot of courage... He asks me on a date, tells me to my face that he wants to sort of date me and confesses to wanting to use me for leverage his career - He crosses his legs under the table - You have balls, pizza boy
- I'm saying this because I know I can handle it - Jeffrey didn't think this was true, he was sweating under all his clothes, but he was trying to maintain his posture - I'm not asking for us to actually date, I just want this fake relationship to continue until completion from the series. We'll start today and we can finish a month after launch, I don't care
- Oh, and why are you so sure that I'm going to accept? - Benito leans on the table, uncrosses his legs and looks deep into the pizza boy's eyes - You're talking to a movie star. What gives you all this certainty?
Jeffrey adjusts his collar, looking up as he searches for a real reason. The truth is: He doesn't have a reason, much less balls, he's just very scared - That would also help you, wouldn't it? The series doing well is of common interest...
Benito would do well with this situation, but not because of this series.
Luís can't come out of the closet, his family would never accept him and he knows everything Benito went through as an openly gay man in Hollywood, he just couldn't risk his entire career to admit Benito as his boyfriend/boyfriend/whatever they are. And even though they keep their relationship as personal as possible, the two always appear in magazines and gossip sites together, it didn't take long for fans to assume that the actor and the screenwriter were dating, or at least having an affair. Luís is tired of this, he has complained several times, and will continue if Benito doesn't put an end to this situation once and for all.
Camelo smiles, and gently slams his hand flat on the table, looking deeply into the other's brown eyes - Let's talk about this outside, I need to smoke - He takes his last sip of the drink, and leaves it on the table with the rest - I think better with a cigarette in your mouth
Benito gets up, and Jeffrey can clearly see the difference in size, so much so that he can almost see him from above his head. Bacon sweated, arms crossed as he followed the other without saying anything, just swallowing frequently in fear.
Benito needed a cigarette, Jeffrey really wanted pizza. They were different people.
The two go towards the bar's balcony, just a large bench that was certainly placed for people like Camelo, who want to take a break from drinking to smoke a little. The shorter boy sits on the corner of the bench, takes a pack of cigarettes from inside his coat and a worn yellow lighter from his pants pocket. He takes one and points it at Jeffrey - Do you want it?
Jeffrey sits as far away as he can, but the porch is very small, so his feet are almost on the floor. The American shakes his head, hands on his knees - I don't smoke, I don't know how I would do it
- I'll teach you - Benito lowers his head and lights the cigarette in his hand, placing it between his thin, clear lips - Ah, I've been doing this for so long that I don't even know how to explain - He leans on the backrest and looks at Above, it was a perfect moon bath - It's as if... - The boy holds his cigarette between his fingers and sees the smoke coming out of his mouth - Look, try breathing with your mouth
Jeffrey breathes in and out through his mouth
- Now try to do this with your mouth closed
Bacon tries as much as he can, the first time he instinctively breathed through his nose, the second time he tried so hard to breathe with his mouth and nose closed that he lost the air, and had to cough to see if it would come back. Benito was amused by the sight, crossing his legs and smoking another piece again, not letting the ash fall on the bench - How is that possible?
- It's a matter of practice - The "doctor" gets up, takes a small step forward and is now standing right in front of Jeffrey
Jeffrey looks up and blinks slowly, Benito takes his glasses off his eyes, takes another cigarette and asks the American to hold it - Ok, ok - He holds it between his fingers, he tries his best to stop shaking, ashamed of see the cigarette move between your fingers.
Benito gets closer, too close. And with the cigarette between his lips, he calmly touches the cigarette between Jeffrey's fingers, too close to his mouth. The American doesn't even know what to do, he looks at everything he has the right to, he focuses on Benito's black hair, his closed eyes, the little beard that grows on his chin and that he will probably trim tomorrow when he regrets everything he has done. did it tonight. Jeffrey risks saying that he is facing the most beautiful person he has ever seen.
Jeffrey barely notices when they separate, Benito again sitting half-close, half-far away, smoking, and Jeffrey just holding the cigarette.
It's a good time to try. Jeffrey puts the cigarette between his lips and exhales, he's almost sure he's going to cough, but he holds it in as long as he can, he doesn't want to look like a teenager who doesn't know what he's doing. Just like Benito, Jeffrey wants to appear smart.
- You can't even handle this and want to fake a relationship? Haha, maybe you'll die of a heart attack first
- I said I can handle it - He swallows again, looking irritated this time. In normal situations, he would be happy to see the smoke coming out of his lips like that - I promised I can handle it. So I can handle it - Jeffrey looks at Benito as if challenging him, who just smiles
- Okay then~