Chapter Text
Inside of an office, near the heart of New York City, there’s three men.
One man rolls around, anxiously wringing his fingers and minutely ridding his hands of sweat via his pants.
Another man pinches the tender spot between his eyebrows and nose, shaking his head and ruffling through stacks of papers.
The last man is tapping his brown leather shoes on the plush red carpet of the office. He checks his watch, and brushes blonde hair out of his eyes.
The office is usually a comforting place to be. There were a handful of plants kept in tip-top shape, a few engineering projects lying around, and warm lights casting a welcoming atmosphere. There were also ideas pinned to a cork-board, and a suggestions box on the opposite wall. For all intents and purposes, it was a cozy office of one of the most well-known managers in the acting world. For both theater and behind the camera, Cub had become world renown for his work. Being the reason most actors could retire at 40.
However, right now, Scar was about to ruin his entire career by promoting a heinous scandal against the man. He wasn't sure what it would be, but that was unimportant.
Now, normally, Scar wasn’t a malicious person. Especially not when it came to people he respected, and people who he is good friends with. But right now, Cub was his sworn enemy.
Why? You may ask. Since, it was odd for the two to be at such an impasse, especially when they had been friends for five years now. Cub’s the reason that Scar finally got his big break on Broadway, and Scar had gotten Cub several new clients. Soon they were out getting drinks on the weekends and playing trivia together. So, it was certainly odd.
But not unexplainable.
The reason the two close friends were arguing was due to the third man in the room.
Grian Cuteguy. Apparently pronounced “Ck-Out-Goo-Ay”, but everyone just pronounced it as ‘Cute Guy’.
Grian was an actor known for his role on ‘Ain’t Got No Permit!’. A sitcom that followed the life of a family in NYC, trying to make it with their upstart business. Scar had never really watched the show, but he believed their ‘business’ was making permits for other companies and being the regulators of them too. Grian’s character, Poulter, was the bubbly and flirty son. He was the reason the family's business had gotten so well-known. The classic charismatic character that was a fan favorite.
However, that sitcom was now the reason all three of them were stuck in this predicament.
“Look, I know it isn’t ideal—“ Cub starts, checking through his documents.
“Not ideal?! This is one of the worst possible solutions.” Scar argues back.
“—But, it’s what will be best for both of your careers. You’ve already been seen interacting numerous times, your friend groups are already close, and the seed has already been planted within the press.”
Grian coughs, looking at his watch and then back to Cub, a bored look capturing his face. “I get why it logically makes sense, but the two of us have no chemistry.”
Scar was ready to roll over Grian’s feet with his wheelchair. Sure, he wasn’t happy about this situation either, but Scar was great at chemistry! Not the subject, of course, but he could act like he was in love with somebody any day, every day. Heck, he had played a role where he fell in love with a woman, and that would certainly never happen in real life! Stupid British boys and their presumptions.
“Look, if you don’t do this, both your careers are over.”
“What?!” Scar shouts, standing up from his wheelchair, “So, this is just it? Accept these terms and conditions or succumb?!”
“Pretty much, yeah.” Cub says with a grim look, taking the strewn about papers and stacking them up neatly. “In order to save both your dying careers, you’ll have to fake a relationship.”
Oh my watchers. Scar was actually going to ruin Cub's career.
Grian still has a bored look on his face, but at the news he grimaces slightly. Rolling his eyes in discomfort. Like Grian had any right to be discomforted, he was half the reason they were in this mess to begin with! Well, the other half was because of Scar, but that was unimportant.
“This is so cliche.” Grian says with a yawn, moving his heart shaped sunglasses back onto his eyes and getting ready to stand up. “So, what, we just been seen together on dates and stuff?”
“Not quite.” Cub says, “Because the media only has an idea of you two being a couple, and no actual proof, all you have to do for now is be seen together. Go to a few interviews, talk about how you met through business, just act casual. No true couple would blatantly announce their relationship, not unless they were that desperate. And we need to make this whole thing seem believable.”
“Great, so we just hang out a few times a week? Perfect! Can I go now?” Scar says with an anxious retort, seriously ready to decompress and take a nap on his couch in his sad little New York City studio. That sounded like perfection right about now.
“Not so fast, Scar.” Cub jeers and Scar sits back down in his wheelchair with a pout. “Grian, you still have a scene to shoot for ‘No Permit’, right?”
“Yep.” Grian says, unenthusiastically.
“Good,” Cub nods, working something out on his computer, “Scar’s schedule is free for the rest of the day, so I would like you two to attend the shoot together. Press has already been tipped off, so all you have to do is be seen leaving together. Sounds reasonable?”
Scar truly wants to leave and just go anywhere else but the studio, but he knows better than to fight Cub on this. Especially when this impacts his career so heavily. He still couldn’t believe that the ‘best’ solution to two unpopular actors was to give them a dating scandal. It was so 2000’s and certainly something Scar would never have agreed to otherwise if it weren’t for the circumstances. On the bright side, it did seem like something that would happen on a Disney channel show, so it couldn’t be that bad.
“Yeah, that’s.. fine..” Scar says, looking away from Cub, and out the window.
Grian nods, “Alright. Just make sure not to pester me during shooting, Scar.”
Scar turns to look at Grian, glaring. “Don’t worry, you won’t even know I'm there.” He says with a mock British accent.
“Good.” Grian says, “Wait, hey!” He chirps, glaring at Scar for his impression. “Now that’s just rude.”
“No, it’s accurate.”
“Okay, fine!” Grian curses, acting like an angry bird. “I’m a dumb American who makes knock off shows and acts like they’re so much better.” Grian says in a near perfect New York accent. It helped that his character on the sitcom was American, but it still pissed Scar off.
“Oh yeah, you can’t even drive more than four hours because you think it’s too long! I drive more than that just to visit my parents.”
“Well that’s because we have public transportation! Something you clearly don’t understand given you all love your bulked up cars!”
Cub slams a hand down on his desk, making both boys pause in their bickering. “Look, I get this isn’t ideal, and neither one of you wants to do it, but you don’t have a choice. Argue all you want in closed quarters, but keep your animosity out of the camera's eyes. Alright?”
“Alright…” Scar says.
“Got it.” Grian bites out, rolling his eyes.
“Now, get to the set before Grian is late and I get a very angry call from Mr. Xornoth.”
Grian nods and leaves the chair, quickly walking out.
Scar stays a moment longer as Cub holds up a hand. “Scar, do be careful. I know why you did the things you did, but make sure you think them through. You don’t want to regret this.”
“Right, I won’t!” Scar says with a cheery smile that makes his heart clench. He rolls out the door, following after Grian.
All he can hope now is that the studio has free food and maybe a couch.
And that he hasn’t just made a huge mistake.
…
The studio was like rolling along the streets of New York City during rush hour. Assistants and interns were running around as they shouted what sounded like nonsense to Scars ears.
There were food stations being prepared and set for the cast and crew as they mumbled drama over their directors. It was the hubbub that Scar had missed when working Theater, and the controlled chaos that quieted his mind.
Grian took one look at the mess that was television, and began walking towards the direction of his changing room.
Scar pushed his wheel once before Grian turned around swiftly, and glared at him.
“Could you just find a couch to station yourself at? I don’t need you following me around like a lost puppy.” Grian says with a characterized grin and dark eyes.
“You think so highly of me.” Scar responds with an equally dark grin. “But you don’t have to try and act so hateful with me Grian, I know that’s not what you’re really like, and I’ll get your true character out one way or another, Pesky Bird.”
“Pesky-?!”
“See you after the shooting!” Scar says with a friendly wave as he wheels off towards one of the snack tables.
He doesn’t catch Grian before he wanders off, but he does hear a familiar huff.
As Scar approaches the snack table he gets the usual crowd dispersion that comes with having a wheelchair. The avoidance from people too timid to do anything but walk away with darting eyes. All besides one tall skinny man.
He’s wearing a blazer with bland clothing, minus the tie that had a subtle design of potatoes on it. He has short black hair that he pushes back with clammy hands. His beard seems to stand up as he reads through a checklist with concentrated eyes.
Scar goes to grab a lone chocolate chip muffin but the man smacks his hand. Scar pulls his hand away like it’s been burned as the tall man looks down at him with a disgruntled look. That is, until he registers that he just smacked a man’s hands.
“Oh, pants! I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean to smack you! I’ve just got to inventory every single item here and actors keep taking the items and then i’ve got to re-inventory it and i’ve redone this about nine times now-“
“Woah, no worries! Sorry I should have asked first.” Scar laughs politely. “I’m Scar GoodTimes.”
“Scar- Scar Goodtimes?” The gentleman asks, finally registering the man in the wheelchair beside him. “As in two time Tony winner, known for his role as Emmet in Legally Blonde done entirely in a wheelchair, and a very well known Broadway Actor? Oh wait, I just smacked your hand. That is a fireable offense! Oh bonkers!” He runs another hand through his hair.
“Woah, woah!” Scar puts up his hands. “Look, I'm not trying to get anyone fired, I'm just here to kill some time. I promise you, man, that I am just here to relax and get some food. But of course, I can wait until after you’ve finished.”
“Ah goodness, right. I am so sorry, I didn’t mean to hit you, or go all jumbo on you.” He takes a well needed deep breath and reaches out a hand. “I’m Mumbo Jumbo, I've just gotten an Assistant Director position on this show. Something about the previous guy quitting. Anyways, this is the biggest shot I’ve got.” Mumbo laughs awkwardly.
“Well I think you’re doing a great job so far, especially for counting inventory.” Scar says, looking around at all the crew before turning back to Mumbo with a devious look. “How about I be your bodyguard! I’ll roll over anyone who tries to take food until you’re done.”
“Wait, really?” Mumbo asks with a suspicious look before he pauses. “Oh, but, you’re most likely busy. I wouldn’t want to keep you more than I already have.”
“I wish I could say I was, but nope… I’m just here for some business and then I’ll be on my way. I’ve got nothing to do until this is over.” Scar shrugs in his seat. “So, deal? You let me snag a muffin if I make sure you are not disturbed?”
Mumbo laughs and smiles. “It’s a deal.”
The two work in tandem at the table, sharing stories of their jobs. When people inevitably approach, Scar doesn’t run over their toes, but he definitely death glares them into oblivion.
However, it isn’t long before their joyous conversation gets interrupted.
Scar had been unwrapping his muffin as Mumbo and him traded puns over the finger foods that were spread out in front of them. After Mumbo had finally finished his list, he took a beat just to laugh and talk with Scar. Turns out the two of them were very passionate about puns.
“Well, muffin can stop me now, even your quick reflexes." Scar laughs, biting into his muffin.
"That was an accident!" Mumbo laughed, "You ain't got muffin on me."
The two cracked up at their less than hilarious jokes until a certain blonde haired actor walked up to them. The pair didn't even notice him as they continued with their rambles, not until Grian coughed loudly into his arm.
Scar turned his head, his smile dropping a tad when he noticed the new member of the group.
"Shooting over already?" Scar asks with a breathy tone. He's a little disappointed by the fact, still enjoying the easy conversation that he had with Mumbo.
"Yeah," Grian says, looking at the two of them, "Sorry to disappoint you." He mumbles.
Scar looks awkwardly between the two men, smiling politely at Mumbo. "Well, it was nice talking to you!" He says with a cheery tilt. "I'll definitely talk to you soon, and I am not muffin around!"
Mumbo laughs before waving a hand at Scar, "It was nice talking to you too!"
Before the two of them can exchange any more pleasantries, Grian starts walking off towards the stage door. His character's hot pink jacket is strung over his shoulder and he pays no mind to if Scar was following him or not.
Scar exchanges a look towards Mumbo as he wheels off in the direction Grian had started in. He had hoped this whole situation would go over a lot more smoothly, but he didn't know what to expect when it came to a fake dating scandal.
The two end up in front of the metal doors with a big ‘Stage Door Exit’ sign written in a white curly font. Scar grabs hold of Grian’s arm before the other can turn the knob.
“So.. are we really doing this?” Scar asks with an anxious tilt, tapping his fingers rhythmically on the wheelchair.
Grian looks down upon Scar, his eyes seeming disinterested. “It’ll be best for both our careers, even if it is impractical, and I would much rather watch my career die,” He grimaces.
“Yeah, but, don’t you feel bad for lying?”
“Scar.” Grian sets his heart shaped pink sunglasses onto his forehead, and dark black eyes meet Scar’s own. “I lie every day of my life. It’s called acting.”
Scar rolls his eyes towards his soon-to-be partner and rolls next to Grian. “Well, okay then. Let’s do this.”
As metal doors swing open, Scar is blinded by camera lights and the cacophony of reporters. He feels a gentle hand on his shoulder as Grian stands over him.
Scar looks up to him and speaks quietly, a voice barely registered amongst a crowd of hundreds. “Thanks for the support, but it’s unwanted. I deal with this kind of thing constantly.” He says with a smile and waves towards the cameras.
Grian doesn’t look away, his own small grin meeting reporters cameras alike. He speaks in his own low voice, “If we want to do this, then we have to go all the way. Trust me, I would much rather be on the other side of the Earth than leaning on your shoulder. But do let me know if it bothers you,” Grian says before whispering one lasting tease, “Muppet.”
Scar swiftly turns to look at Grian, almost getting whiplash. “What did you just call me?”
“Eyes on the camera, Hot Guy, lest you want our cover blown before it’s even been made.”
Scar grumbles and turns back to the cameras, smiling politely. He only had to deal with this pesky bird for a few months. Then the two of their careers would be cemented in time and they could break it off. All he had to do now was get through the relationship announcement. And the fans. And his siblings when they found out. And Grian.
Watchers above this was the worst idea Scar has ever had.
Actually, no! It wasn’t his idea! It was his wonderful splendid manager Cub’s idea. With this notion, Scar telepathically sent all his frustrations and anxiety over to Cub. Said manager ruffled at the feeling like his entire bloodline was being cursed. Meanwhile, the broadway actor kept an easygoing smile and tried not to brush Grian’s hand off his shoulder in retaliation.
This wasn’t ideal, and fortunately they could both agree, but it's what would save the both of them in the end. All Scar needed to do was pretend to date Grian, then he would start getting more callbacks, and finally he wouldn’t be just a two-hit wonder. He wouldn’t just be the actor in a wheelchair, or everyone's favorite interpretation of Emmett. Soon, he would be able to make something of his career, and not live in a made up relationship.
Once Grian and Scar finish the onslaught of questions brought on from reporters, the two go their separate ways. Beyond the watchful eye of the cameras, of course.
Scar finds bliss once he can finally collapse onto his leather couch and cuddle with his cat Jelly. It's all he’s wanted to do all day, and it feels like the perfect reprieve.
Well, he supposes that the day wasn’t entirely awful. Hanging around Mumbo had actually been a blast, even if Grian had soured it. And it wasn’t that Scar didn’t like hanging around Grian, far from it, he just hated lying about something so personal to him.
But, like Grian said, the two lied in their careers all the time. That was the whole point of acting. However, Scar didn’t know how much longer he could keep this lie up. And how long he could keep this all from Grian, his supposed partner.
He just hoped it was long enough for his and Grian’s career to take off. Or else the two of them would be in for a world of trouble.