When Rafe Showed Up I CRIED

More Hearts Than Mine Part 8

In which you spend Christmas and New Years with your family.

Series Masterlist

Mood Boards

Pairing: Jake “Hangman” Seresin x afab!reader

Word Count:5.1k

A/N: Im making a mood board for this that ill add later. Also, I will be waiting here patiently for the wave of comments and messages because yall are going to scream.

Keep reading

Can I be a meme yet?

Sweet as Candy (J.S)

Jake 'Hangman' Seresin x F!Reader

Description: Reader has a sweet tooth and Hangman learns that this is the way to your heart. OR the 4 times Hangman brings you candy.

Warnings: mentions of a cheating ex-boyfriend, slight mentions of drinking but nothing crazy.

WC: ~3000

This is dedicated to all the girlies who buy their own candy for valentines day. May you find someone who brings you treats all year round.

Happy reading :)

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To say you had a sweet tooth would be the understatement of the century. In college, you motivated yourself with to study with the promise of candy, although your roommate would have to guard it until you were done (it really wasn’t the best study method). You had quickly earned your call sign 'Haribo' in flight school after a bag of gummy bears fell out of your flight suit at the worst possible time. After that, you tried to limit flying and candy as much as possible, only indulging after hours.

When you joined the dagger squad, naturally they questioned the origins of your call sign. Silently cursing your past self again for putting yourself in this situation, you explained how you earned ‘Haribo’. It didn’t come at a surprise that it got quite a few laughs from the group, something that you always took in stride. What you didn’t bargain for however, was that although Jake was laughing, he hung on to every single word.

The first time Hangman brought you candy wasn’t only a shock to you but a shock to him. You had just broken up with your boyfriend of 5 years. You had come home early from a mission, hoping to surprise him but instead when you reached his apartment, you found him in bed with his neighbour that you were constantly told not to worry about. Typically after a successful mission, there was a sort of buzz around the squad, but it had seemed to skip over you. Jake suspected that something was off as you walked through the hangar.

“Mornin’ haribo” he greets you with a hint of that southern drawl and a smile.

“Hey Seresin” you reply trying to muster as much normalcy as you can.

Jake sees it. He sees the way your smile doesn’t quite reach your eyes or how your eyes don’t quite reach his. “Everything alright?” He asks, not wanting to overstep.

“Dandy” you reply as you move past him willing the tears not to spill.

As the day moved on, the thought of you unhappy gnawed at him. He couldn’t help the fact that he wanted to fix it (whatever it was), it was who he was. That afternoon he had cornered Phoenix in the hallway to try and get some information on what was making you so upset.

"Phoenix, i'm not asking for your social security number, I just want to know what's up with y/n." Jake said starting to grow slightly frustrated at her loyalty.

"Fine" Phoenix huffed as she looked around, ensuring their privacy "She caught that asshole cheating on her when we got back from the mission on Thursday. That is why she is so upset." Phoenix whispered with anger in her eyes.

It felt like a punch to the gut. He couldn't rationalize why someone would ever compromise a relationship with someone like you. Someone so genuine and passionate. Fire burned through Jake's veins as he thought about the fact that someone would hurt you like that. "Thank you" he said to Phoenix as he left the hallway.

That night on his way home, he stopped at the grocery store. He stood in front of the candy section debating on what to buy and what would communicate "I am so sorry your boyfriend cheated on you, just out of curiosity where does he live." He let out a puff of air as he realized he was certainly overthinking this candy thing. He grabbed two bags of gummy bears and made his way to the checkout.

The next morning you were no better. Jake still saw the way your smile didn't quite reach your eyes and how you constantly tried to make yourself seem small. He hated that, he hated that anyone would ever make you feel like you weren't good enough. When the rest of the squad was preoccupied around the base with their various tasks, he wandered around until he found you flipping through pages of paperwork. He made his way over to you with the gummy bears in hand. He cleared his throat to get your attention. He felt the tug at his heart when your eyes met his, puffy and red. He could tell you had just been crying. Without saying a word he held the candy out to you.

"What's this" you question, your eyes darting back and forth between him and the candy.

"C'mon y/n, don't make it weird." He says, placing it on the table.

You stand up from your seat, moving around the table to stand in front of him. Your hands move around his side pulling him into a hug. You breathe in his scent for a moment, comforted by the fact that you are not alone. He places his chin on your head and rubs a hand up and down your back as he lets out a breath he didn't know he was holding. "We've got you y/n, we always have".

The second time Jake brings you candy, is a much more joyous occasion. After the uranium mission, it was decided that the dagger squad would stay together for 6 more months as an experiment of sorts , the final decision on if the group would be permanent or not would be made at the end. The entire group waited eagerly to see what would happen. As the end drew near, each morning briefing was filled with anticipation. The morning Maverick walked in, smiling a little too much for 6am on a Monday, the squad knew this was it.

At the end of the briefing, Maverick announced what everyone suspected and the excitement filled the room. Jake surprised himself a bit when his first reaction was to search for you. You surprised yourself by doing the same. Beaming, he wrapped you in a hug lifting you off the ground.

That night he found himself at the store yet again, eyeing the candy. He opted this time for a bag of m&m's. The next day, he followed the same routine as the time before, waiting for privacy. He didn't know why the thought of the rest of them knowing bothered him so much, especially after his display when he learned the group was staying. He found you talking to Bob in the hangar about the previous days training exercise. Jake stood back for a moment, not wanting to impede on work. When the conversation had begun to drift, Jake took opportunity to interrupt.

"Baby on board , do you mind if i have a second with Haribo?". He said making his way over to the two of you.

Bob laughed giving a nod before leaving. After the pre-uranium tension subsided, Jake and Bob had grown fairly fond of each other.

"What's up Bagman?" you asked, stealing Phoenix's line as you turned to face him.

"Here" he said as he tossed the bag toward you, ignoring the name. "If i'm going to be stuck around you indefinitely, I need to keep you sweet" he said with a smile.

You opened the bag, ignoring your rule of no candy while working, and started to eat a few pieces. "Ugh, these are so good, you're the best" you say, closing your eyes and savouring the sweetness.

"Oh yeah?" Jake questions with a mischievous glint in his eyes.

"Uh-huh" you mumble.

Jake takes a step closer, grabbing a handful of the m&m's, popping them into his mouth. "You're right, so good" he mumbles as bits of candy start to fall out.

You start to laugh. Full on uncontrollable laughter, the kind that is so infectious that just encourages the other person further. Jake swears that it is the most beautiful sound he's ever heard. He wants to hear you laugh again, he wants to be the one to make you laugh again. His thoughts and your laughter is interrupted when Maverick enters the hangar.

"Sir" Jake nods as the two of you try to pull it together.

Maverick looks between the two of you, a faint smile on his face. "You two, we're up in the air in 20, I wanna try something new" he orders.

As he walks away the two of you fall into a fit of laughter again. As you wipe the tears from your eyes and move to get yourself ready.

"See you up there, sugar "Jake calls with a wink while you are left definitely overthinking the new name.

The third time Jake brings you candy, he really doesn't have an excuse other than he loves to see you smile. He had grown quite fond of the way your eyes lit up and how it seemed to make your day a little brighter. That night before heading to the hard deck, he opted for a bag of sour skittles, tucking them safely in his jacket pocket before heading out the door. The all too familiar feeling of butterflies filled Jake as he walked into the bar and seen you, head tilted back laughing at a joke Fanboy had made. It was getting harder and harder for Jake to convince himself that he felt this way because you were such great friends. He never got butterflies when he talked to Coyote or Phoenix. Jake had decided once again, that he would wait until the two of you were alone to give you the candy. He wanted that time just for him, and the smile just for him.

As Jake approaches the crowded bar he greets Penny with a smile before flicking his attention back over to you momentarily. "The usual?" Penny asks, once he's close enough that she doesn't have to yell over the music and conversation.

"Yes ma'am" Jake replies with a smile as he leans against the bar.

He lets his gaze travel over to you once more and he can't fight the smile on his face. Jake watches the way the bar lights dance over your cheekbones and he can't help but wonder what it would be like to brush his hand against them. He watches the way you chew on your lip in concentration before throwing a dart and he cant help but wonder what it would be like to taste them. Would they be sweet? It dawns on Jake that he's been spending a lot of his time wondering what it would be like to just be with you.

He is pulled out of his thoughts when Penny gently taps on the bar ahead of him, a knowing smile on her face. Jake feels his cheeks turn that rosy colour ever so slightly.

"Thanks, Pen" Jake says as he goes to grab his beer but Penny doesn't let go.

"You know Hangman, the worst that could happen is she says no" She offers.

Jake lets out a laugh and shakes his head. "I have no idea what you're talking about" he says.

Penny hums in response. "I'm not blind you know, neither is Maverick" she says as she lets go of the beer and backs away.

Jake nods as he moves away from the bar and towards the group. He thinks about what Penny said for a moment, but he finds no comfort in her words. The thought of not hearing your laugh or seeing you smile because he couldn't keep his feelings in check? Quite frankly sounds like it would be the end of the world, because you are his world.

Jake takes a breath and a swig of his drink before joining the group but he doesn't miss the way his heart skips a beat when you smile at him. He takes a place beside you, something that had grown common his the last few months as he watches Rooster line up his shot at the dart board.

Jake is able to ease into the evening trying not to focus too hard on the way your leg brushes his or how you put your hand on his arm after he says something to make you laugh. He certainly tries not to think about the smell of your perfume but he fails miserably at that.

His breaking point comes later in the night, mid conversation with Coyote, when he feels your head rest on his shoulder. Every ounce of self preservation is thrown out the window as he takes in your sleeping figure. Jake is beyond thankful when he realizes that Coyote is far too drunk to clue in and has already put his attention elsewhere. Despite him wanting to stay with you like this forever, he knows that it's best to get you up and home.

"C'mon sweets" he says softly, nudging you awake.

It doesn't take much before your eyes open and you're sitting up straight once more, slightly disoriented. Jake watches as the heat rises to your cheeks when you realize what you had done, he forces himself to bite back a smile.

"I'm so sorry Seresin" you mumble, bringing your hand to your face, eternally grateful that you didn't drool.

"Don't worry about it" he smiles. "C'mon, up we go pretty girl, i'll drive you home, I only had one drink." he says standing, grabbing his jacket and handing you yours.

Too tired to protest. You nod your head and follow him, offering the rest of the group a quick goodbye as Jake goes to close out his tab. As you approach the bar, Penny is saying something to Jake that causes him to blush. "To be a fly on the wall for that conversation" you think to yourself.

"I'm closing out too Pen" you say as you reach the bar.

"No need, Hangman here already had it covered" she says with a smile before moving to tend to the next customer.

"You really didn't need to do that" you say turning to Jake. He just shakes his head. "You had like two drinks, that's nothing Haribo" he says as he puts his hand on your back, leading the two of you out of the busy bar.

The drive back to your place is fairly silent except for the sound of old country music that fills the cab of the truck. You turn to look at Jake and can't help but smile. He looks over at you quickly before returning his gaze to the empty streets.

"What are you smiling about?" He asks, a smile on his face now too.

"Nothing, just happy" you reply, your voice laced with fatigue.

After a few more minutes of silence. Jake pulls into your driveway and places the truck in park.

Jake turns to you before speaking. "Uh before you go, I brought you these" he says, reaching into his pocket and pulling out the skittles.

Your eyes light up yet again and Jake can't help but smile even brighter when he sees your excitement. You lean across the centre pulling him into a quick hug, as best you can in a truck.

"Thank you Jake, you're the best." you say into his shoulder.

When you pull back and look at his face, you can see a hint of something in his eyes that wasn't there before. Passion? Determination?

"Y/N, i've been meaning to ask" he says as he scratches the back of his neck. You swear you've never seen the man so bashful before. "do you wanna go get dinner sometime, like a date?" he says, making eye contact at the end of his sentence.

Jake swears its the brightest smile you've given him yet. You nod your head "I thought you were never gonna ask me, Seresin" you reply.

After you said your goodbyes, and Jake promised to bring you to your car tomorrow, you fell into the best sleep that you had in months. Excited, optimistic and a little nervous all in one.

The fourth time Jake brought you candy, he thought he was going to be sick. He had never in all his years been this nervous for a first date. He wasn't quite sure why this was so different considering you had worked together for almost a year at this point, and the date had been agreed upon for a little over a week. But still as he stood in front of your door, gummy bears and your favourite flowers in hand, he couldn't help but notice the way his stomach flip flopped. When you opened the door, you quite literally took his breath away. Dressed in a floral black dress that hugged your curves perfectly and the smile that he simply could not get enough of. You were radiant, and Jake was certain that you were an angel standing in front of him.

He had a similar effect, dressed in a crisp white button up and black slacks, his hair looking effortless on his head. You stared at him for a second, smiling like a crazy person before kicking back into gear and inviting him in.

"You look stunning" he says, his eyes giving you a once over yet again.

"You clean up well yourself Seresin" you smile, taking the flowers and gummy bears, setting them on the kitchen table.

"You brought me gummy bears?" you turn to him, still smiling.

"The last time I gave you gummy bears, a boy treated you horribly. This time i'm giving them to you because I promise i'm going to treat you right. The way a man would. " He says, a serious look on his face.

You bite back your smile and nod your head at him. Who knew the Jake Seresin could be so cheesy and passionate at the same time.

Jake felt his nerves begin to slip away once you reached the restaurant. The two of you fell into a comfortable, familiar rhythm as you talked about everything and anything. Jake told you about growing up in a house full of sisters and how he was the victim of tea parties and dress up until he grew up. He told you about his childhood dog that he loved so dearly, his mom and how much he missed her cooking. You told Jake about your experiences in high school and college, how no one believed that you would make it as an aviator, let alone flying fo the top squadron in the country. Jake felt his heart swell with pride at that one. He had always admired the way you never let anyone stand in your way yet always remaining kind.

As it grew later, you found yourself sitting on the beach, his jacket around your shoulders as you both ate ice cream. Naturally, you opted for chocolate while Jake ate strawberry. You lean your head against his shoulder, intentionally this time.

"Thank you for such a great night Jake, I really think this is the best date i've ever been on" you say, bringing the ice cream to your lips again.

"As much as I love to hear that, Y/N, I also feel like your bar is incredibly low" he says, letting out a small chuckle.

You can't help but laugh yourself, "yeah you're right". You lift your head to look at him, setting the cup of ice cream down beside you. "But I think it helps when it's with the right person." you say.

Jake swears he can feel his heart expand at that sentence. He looks down and smiles. "Yeah, I think you're right." He pauses for a moment before beginning again. "For the record, this has also been the best date i've been on."

The two of you look at each other for a moment, watching how the moonlight bounces off the others features. The gentle sound of the waves crashing against the shore filling the silence in between. Jake leans forward ever so sightly. "I'm going to kiss you now okay?" he asks. You just nod your head.

Jake moves closer, bringing one hand to the back of your neck and the other cupping your face. He gives you a small smile before closing the gap. You never understood the whole fireworks moment that you read about in those romance novels, or how the woman's head goes blank at a kiss. It turns out that you had just never been kissed properly.

As your lips move in unison, the taste of the strawberry and chocolate ice cream mixing, you could not produce a thought if you wanted to. Every sense filled with Jake , Jake, Jake.

The two of you break apart, foreheads resting against each other with matching cheshire cat-esque smiles.

"Yeah, best date i've been on" Jake breaths out before meeting your lips again.

When you break apart for the second time, your head finds its place on Jakes shoulder once again.

"I've always wondered what your lips would taste like" Jake admits.

"Did you find your answer?" you ask lifting your head up.

"Yup." he says, turning to look at you. "Sweet as candy." He says, smiling at you once more.

If you enjoyed reading this, please consider leaving a like/comment or giving it a reblog!

if you enjoyed this, please consider leaving a like/comment or giving it a reblog!

top gun as text posts: (1/?)

You can shed tears that she is gone, or you can smile because she has lived. You can close your eyes and pray that she’ll come back, or you can open your eyes and see all she’s left. Your heart can be empty because you can’t see her, or you can be full of the love you shared. You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday, or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday. You can remember her only that she is gone, or you can cherish her memory and let it live on. You can cry and close your mind, be empty and turn your back. Or you can do what she’d want: smile, open your eyes, love and go on.

Rest in Peace, Allison Argent. (Died March 17th, 2014)

*sprays single, solitary ant with an entire can of bugspray”

me @ ant: tell your friends.

I will forever love Rafe and pope as besties ❤️❤️❤️

Kildare University- Senior Year: 6 (Rafe)

Endings Announcement

Synopsis: A Social Media AU in which you find yourself at Kildare University along with your friends. Starting over at a new school shouldn't be difficult. Well, except for the fact that your ex-boyfriend is the quarterback, and you are the drum major. Add in a little bit of drama, a lot of friendship, an ex who can't seem to let you go, and a best friend who has been in love with you since you were kids and well? Welcome to KU!

Pairings: Past!Rafe x Reader, JJ x Reader, Rafe x Reader

Masterlist

Taglist:

@akobx @onelonelybitch @the-universe-and-karma @beeskisses @frankoceanluvr11 @ivy-34 @rafecameronsloverrrrr @k-k0129 @asyouwish-fromcabin3 @xoxo-ada @aariahnaa @strawberryforks @urbrunettebombshell @whatisoutside @spenceatiny18 @animalistic0 @modern-mermaid @littlefreak-liz @marleymarleymarelymarley @callsign-mirage @elltheawkward

The emotion. The connection. The feeling. So so good❤️❤️

# DREW STARKEY — ACTORS ON ACTORS !

MASTERLIST !

001. SUMMARY !

✯ drew and you participate in variety’s “actors on actors” series.

002. WARNINGS !

✯ cursing, talking about nude scenes, probably inaccurate acting experiences.

003. NOTE !

✯ sorry to all the actors i stole roles from😭 also zendaya is used as a face claim for the social media but the writing is inclusive and has no descriptors of physical appearance… or at least i hope so.

word count : 5,4k (chat i got carried away)

The cozy studio was bathed in warm light, designed almost as if to feel like a welcoming living room. Two plush chairs faced each other, separated by a low coffee table adorned with a few carefully placed books and a small vase of fresh flowers. Everything about the space was crafted to exude intimacy and warmth, inviting open conversation.

Drew Starkey entered the room first, his usual calm confidence mingled with a tinge of nervous energy. He smoothed his shirt absentmindedly and scanned the setup, trying to ground himself in the moment. He was used to being in front of cameras, but this felt different. This wasn’t just about promoting a project or answering rapid-fire questions on a press junket. This was you.

“Hello,” Drew started, a smile gracing his features as he took in the fact that he was sitting right in front of his number one celebrity crush. His hand hovered awkwardly in a small wave, as if he couldn’t believe this was real.

“Hi,” you said back, a giggle falling past your lips when you noticed his sheepish look. “Nice to meet you.”

“Nice to meet you too,” he said, his voice just a little higher than usual. Drew cleared his throat, laughing at himself, which made you laugh too. “Sorry, I’m… a little nervous.”

“Oh, don’t be,” you reassured him with a warm smile. “I promise, I don’t bite.”

“Good to know.” He chuckled, his shoulders relaxing slightly. “How are you doing?”

“I’m great, thank you. What about you?”

“Pretty good, can’t complain.” A laugh bubbled out of him, and subsequently, you. The way he rubbed the back of his neck made you think he was still pinching himself that this was happening.

The cameras rolled, capturing the easy charm and immediate chemistry between the two of you. 

Drew’s grin widened as he began. “First of all, let me just say—I’m completely starstruck right now. I mean, the way you completely own every role you take on... it’s incredible.”

Your eyes widened in surprise, a bashful laugh escaping as you waved off the compliment. “Oh, stop it. You’re making me blush!”

“I’m serious,” he pressed, leaning forward slightly. “You’re like… the blueprint. If I ever get even halfway to where you are, I’ll consider myself lucky.”

“Well, now you’re just flattering me,” you said, your voice teasing but your cheeks undeniably warm. “But thank you, that’s so sweet. And honestly, you’re being way too hard on yourself. You’re incredible in Queer. You’ve got this natural charm that just lights up the screen.”

“Natural charm, huh?” He smirked, pretending to preen, which made you laugh again. “I’ll take that.”

“Good,” you replied, smiling. “You should, because it’s true.”

Drew’s gaze softened, the teasing giving way to something more earnest. “That means a lot, really. Especially coming from you. You’re like… Hollywood royalty to many.”

You tilted your head, a playful smirk tugging at your lips. “To many, huh? And are you part of this many?”

Drew’s eyes widened, and he laughed, a little caught off guard. “Oh, absolutely. I’ve got a lifetime membership to the fan club.”

“Good to know,” you teased, crossing your legs and leaning back in your chair with an air of mock superiority. “I’ll have to start charging you membership fees.”

“Totally worth it,” he shot back, his grin widening.

“Well, thank you,” you said with a soft laugh, “So, we’ve both got some things in common, which I think is pretty cool.”

“Like working with Daniel Craig?” he asked.

“Yes! Honestly, I still reminisce about our time on set… he’s genuinely incredible, isn’t he?”

“He is, yeah. I found myself just admiring him and sort of forgetting I had to act too. He’s just… he’s on another level, for sure.”

“Daniel’s a master of his craft… Most of my scenes as Paloma in No Time To Die were with him, and at first I was so nervous because, like, what if I messed up in front of the Daniel Craig?” Drew let out a laugh at your words, and you couldn’t help but laugh too. “But when he noticed I was nervous he reassured me that it was all good. He’s just the best.”

“You’ve worked with so many high-profile actors.” You nod slightly at his words, as if it were the most common thing in the world. “Are you always nervous when meeting them, or was it just a Daniel thing?”

“It wasn’t just Daniel, no, but I think it depends. For example, when I did Oppenheimer with Cillian Murphy, for some reason I felt more relaxed… even though I had some nude scenes with him.”

“Nude scenes just make you connect, don’t they?” he joked, leaning back with a sly grin.

“They do, actually,” you replied, leaning into the banter. “You’d think they’d be worse, but honestly, with the amount of seriousness and concentration they take, it’s like you don’t have time to be nervous.”

“You clearly pulled it off flawlessly,” Drew said with mock solemnity. 

“You did too in Queer.” You compliment him, “I watched it a few days ago, and the chemistry you had with Daniel was just off the charts.”

Drew’s face lit up, a mix of pride and bashfulness crossing his features. “Daniel’s an amazing scene partner. He really made it easy for me to tap into everything.”

“Well, it shows,” you said. “It was such a raw and beautiful performance. I might’ve shed a tear or two.”

“Okay, now you’re just trying to make me blush,” Drew teased, pointing at you with a playful squint. “But seriously, that means a lot coming from you.”

“Hey, give credit where it’s due,” you shot back with a grin. “You’ve got this way of making everything feel so real. Like when you’re in pain, we’re in pain. When you’re in love, we’re falling right alongside you.”

“Wow,” he said, shaking his head as if to clear it. “I don’t know what to do with all these compliments. This is the best therapy session I’ve ever had.”

You laughed, crossing your legs and leaning forward slightly. “Well, I’m glad I could help. But now I’m curious—how did you prepare for a role like that? I mean, it’s so emotionally intense, no?.”

“It was a lot of journaling, a lot of talking with Luca about backstory and motivations,” Drew explained, his tone more thoughtful. “And honestly, I kind of drew from real-life experiences. Not the exact ones, obviously, but just feelings of vulnerability and… wanting to be understood.”

“That’s beautiful,” you said softly, your smile turning tender. “It’s amazing how much of ourselves we pour into these characters.”

“Exactly,” Drew agreed. “And sometimes it’s terrifying, but when it resonates with people, it feels worth it.”

“It definitely resonated with me,” you assured him. “And I’m sure with countless others too.”

“That’s really nice to hear,” he said with a soft smile.

“How was it for you to work with Luca? Because I remember it being one of the highlights of my career.”

Drew’s eyes lit up at the mention of Luca Guadagnino, and he leaned forward slightly, as if the memory itself was a magnet pulling him closer. “Oh, working with Luca was… incredible,” he said, his voice laced with awe. “He’s got this way of creating such a safe, open space on set. It’s almost like he’s not just directing—he’s inviting you into this world he’s building in his head.”

You nodded eagerly, your own memories of working with Luca bringing a nostalgic smile to your face. “I know exactly what you mean. He makes it feel like you’re collaborating on this deeply personal piece of art, rather than just executing someone else’s vision.”

“Exactly!” Drew said, gesturing animatedly. “And he has this way of pulling things out of you that you didn’t even know you had. Like, he’ll ask you one simple question, and suddenly you’re diving into this emotional rabbit hole.”

You laughed, tilting your head in agreement. “He asked me once, ‘What would this character, Maren in my case, dream about?’ and it completely changed how I approached the next scene.”

Drew’s mouth dropped open in mock surprise. “He asked me the exact same question!”

“No way!” you exclaimed, your laughter spilling out in disbelief. “I love that! It’s honestly such a deceptively simple question, but it opens up so many layers.”

“It really does,” Drew said, chuckling. “And then you’re sitting there like, ‘Okay, now I have to rethink everything I thought I knew about this character.’”

“It’s kind of genius, though,” you added. “He makes you work harder, but not in a way that feels forced. It’s like… he trusts you to figure it out, but he gives you these breadcrumbs to follow.”

“Exactly,” Drew said again, his tone growing softer. “I think that’s why his films feel so intimate, he gets the human part so right.”

You smiled, letting his words settle in the air for a moment. “I think that’s what makes working with him feel like such a privilege. It’s not just about telling a story—it’s about feeling it.”

Drew nodded, his gaze thoughtful. “And those are the moments that stick with you, you know? The ones where you felt something real, even if it was just for a moment.”

“Completely,” you agreed, your voice soft with sincerity. “Those moments are why we do this.”

For a moment, the two of you sat in companionable silence, the weight of the conversation settling in the cozy studio. Then, Drew broke the quiet with a grin. “Okay, but did Luca make you do those impromptu rehearsals at, like, the crack of dawn?”

“Oh my God, yes!” you burst out, your eyes widening. “I’d just roll out of bed with zero coffee and somehow be expected to pour my soul into a scene.”

Drew laughed, his face lighting up. “Right? It’s like, ‘Good morning, here’s your emotional breakdown for the day.’”

You laughed along with him, the shared experience adding another thread to the easy camaraderie forming between you. “But honestly, I’d do it all over again in a heartbeat.”

“Same,” Drew said, his expression softening again. “For Luca? Anytime.”

“Absolutely,” you agreed, your eyes locking with his for a moment before the warmth of the studio light reminded you both that the cameras were still rolling.

Drew shifted in his seat slightly, his expression thoughtful. “You know, it’s kind of wild—hearing you talk about all these incredible experiences. You’ve been doing this for so long, and yet it’s like you’re just getting started.”

You tilted your head with a small smile. “That’s sweet of you to say. But yeah, I guess I have been in this industry for most of my life. It’s all I’ve ever really known.”

Drew’s eyebrows lifted. “That’s crazy to think about. I didn’t even consider acting until after college. You must’ve been, what, ten? Eleven?”

“Eight, actually,” you corrected with a chuckle. “My first role was in this little indie film. I was basically just the kid who ran around in the background eating ice cream, but I thought it was the coolest thing ever.”

He laughed, clearly amused. “That’s adorable. And now you’re the Hollywood It Girl. No big deal.”

You rolled your eyes playfully, your laughter light. “Oh, stop it. But yeah, it’s been a journey. Growing up on sets definitely shaped me, for better or worse. Sometimes I wonder what it would’ve been like to have a more ‘normal’ childhood.”

Drew’s smile softened. “That must’ve been such a whirlwind. I can’t even imagine starting that young. I didn’t even think about acting seriously until high school.”

“Oh, I’ve read about that!” You said, your voice lighting up. “You were all about sports growing up, right?”

“Yeah,” Drew admitted with a chuckle. “I was your typical small-town kid—baseball, basketball, you name it. I was convinced I was going to go pro in something, but clearly, that didn’t pan out.”

“Well, I think acting suits you pretty well.” 

“Thank you,” he says with a soft laugh, rubbing the back of his neck. “But yeah, the real shift happened in high school when I joined a drama class. It was all Samuel Beckett and absurdist plays, which at the time I thought was the coolest thing ever.”

You leaned forward, intrigued. “So that’s what pulled you in? Drama class?”

“Pretty much,” he said with a nod. “And then I went to Western Carolina for college. I double-majored in English and theater, thinking, ‘If this acting thing doesn’t work out, I’ll at least have a backup plan.’”

“That’s so realistic of you,” you said with a laugh. “Meanwhile, I was ten, telling anyone who’d listen that I was going to win an Oscar one day.”

“And look at you now,” Drew said, gesturing to you with an almost reverent smile. “You made it happen.”

You chuckled, a bit flustered by his admiration. “Well, not quite, just an Oscar nominee for now. But thank you. You know, I think your journey’s pretty incredible too. A double major? That’s no joke. And starting later in the game like you did… it must have felt like a slow burn, but it’s clearly paid off.”

“Yeah, I guess,” Drew said thoughtfully. “It was definitely a slower burn for me. I didn’t land my first real gig until I’d been auditioning for what felt like forever.”

“I think that makes your journey even more special,” you said, your tone sincere. “You came into it with all this life experience and maturity. It shows in your work, you know? There’s this depth to your performances that’s just… rare.”

Drew’s ears turned a little pink, and he laughed softly, glancing down at his hands. “Wow, you’re gonna make me blush over here.”

“Good,” you said with a teasing smile. “It’s only fair after all the compliments you’ve been throwing my way.”

He looked up, his grin sheepish but warm. “Touché. But seriously, hearing that from someone like you—someone who’s been at this for so long and is so insanely talented—it means a lot.”

“Well,” you replied with a playful tilt of your head, “I think it’s safe to say we’re officially mutual fans.”

Drew laughed at that, the sound easy and genuine. “I can live with that.”

The conversation shifted into more comfortable territory as the two of you shared experiences, trading stories about acting and the film industry. Drew, now feeling at ease, leaned forward with renewed interest.

“You know,” he began, a thoughtful expression crossing his face, “I've been thinking about how different TV shows and movies are, especially when it comes to the pacing and character development. Like, in a show, we have to maintain this ongoing energy for the characters over multiple seasons. But with movies, it’s a totally different vibe, right?”

You nodded, understanding immediately where he was going. “It’s definitely a huge shift. With TV, you’re given time to build on a character slowly. Every episode is another chapter, so you can explore new facets of them and keep the audience hooked for longer periods of time. But movies, they’re this intense sprint. You have to get everything across in just two hours or so, but in a way that feels just as layered and satisfying.”

Drew's eyes lit up with excitement, clearly passionate about the topic. "Exactly! You have to balance the action and suspense while still giving the characters these moments of vulnerability. Over multiple seasons, you can really let them grow and change. It's like a slow burn. But when you're doing a movie, you don’t have the luxury of that buildup. It has to be this concentrated emotional punch right from the start.”

“That’s one of the biggest challenges of film, for sure," you agreed. "In a film, every second counts. You can’t afford to waste a moment. But I think what’s also interesting is how both mediums can explore a character’s journey from different angles. TV shows can dive into their backstory in more detail, but movies... they really need to hit those emotional beats and leave an impact without dragging it out."

Drew smiled, clearly engaged in the discussion. “In TV shows you need that perfect balance of suspense, character development, and personal growth. And then, at the end of the season, you drop a huge bombshell that leaves people wanting more.”

You laughed, raising an eyebrow playfully. “Sounds like you’ve been doing some serious thinking about it. What’s the secret to keeping the audience hooked without losing the depth of your character?”

He leaned back, his expression thoughtful. “Well, I think it’s about letting the characters evolve with the story. You need to make sure the audience sees the human side of your character, even when they're in these crazy situations. It’s what keeps people invested in the long run.”

“You’ve really got the process figured out,” you said with a smile. “But you’re right—it’s a different rhythm for TV. With a movie, you get to go deep quickly, but with a show, you have to keep it dynamic and varied. And let’s not forget, you need that cliffhanger at the end to make people binge-watch the next season.”

Drew’s eyes twinkled with mischief. “You’re giving away all the secrets! Next thing you know, people will be expecting a cliffhanger every time they watch a movie."

“Well, movies and TV are both art, but they demand different approaches,” you said, “and you’re doing an amazing job balancing both. I’m honestly so excited to see where your career goes next. Both worlds are lucky to have you.”

He chuckled softly, clearly humbled. “Thanks. I think I’m just lucky to be a part of both. I mean, who wouldn’t want to be in a show that gets people talking for days?”

“Right? You’ve got Outer Banks, which has such a dedicated fanbase, and then movies like Queer that touch people in such a different way. It’s amazing to watch your versatility.”

He leaned in slightly, a playful glint in his eyes. “I’m just trying to keep up with you. Honestly, your transition from action to more emotional roles is inspiring. I hope I can pull off something even close to what you’ve done with your career.”

Your smile softened, your voice sincere. “Well, you’re already doing it, Drew. You’re already there. It’s not just about the roles—it’s about the heart you put into them. And you’ve definitely got that.”

Drew’s smile faltered for a moment, the weight of your words sinking in. His gaze softened, as if he were truly reflecting on what you’d said. He leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms but keeping his eyes on you, his expression thoughtful.

“It's crazy, isn't it?” He began, his voice a little quieter now, “The idea of giving so much of yourself to something that feels so... intimate. But when it works, when the audience feels it too, there's nothing like it.”

“Exactly,” you agreed, your voice a little quieter now. “That's the real magic, when the audience feels like they know the characters, like they're right there with them. It’s not about the plot twists or the fancy sets—it’s about the emotions that we build and share with them.”

Drew nodded thoughtfully, his gaze drifting away for a moment before returning to you. “Speaking of emotions, I just saw your new movie, We Live In Time,” he said, his voice taking on a softer tone. “It’s one of those films that stays with you, you know? It’s raw in a way that makes you uncomfortable, but it’s also beautiful. How did you tap into that for Almut?”

Your expression softened as you thought back on the experience. We Live In Time had been a journey—a raw, almost therapeutic one. “It was an emotional rollercoaster, honestly,” you said, leaning back slightly, letting the memory settle in. “I think the hardest part was showing that moment where her whole world shifts. It was such a raw, profound type of emotion I had to channel in order to do justice to the character and her experiences.”

Drew sat back, letting the weight of the conversation settle. “I think that's what makes your career so incredible. You never just play a character. You become them. And you take us with you. Every heartbreak, every triumph, every moment of doubt... we feel it all with you. That's what makes your work so powerful.”

You met his gaze, feeling the depth of the conversation linger between you both. “It’s all about connection, right? Connecting with the character, with the audience, and with the emotions that we all share as humans. Because at the end of the day, we’re all just trying to make sense of time, love, and the moments we get.”

Drew smiled, his expression genuine and soft. “Well, you’ve definitely made sense of it for me. We Live In Time—it’s not just a movie. It’s a reminder to cherish what we have. And that, in itself, is something special.”

You smiled back, your heart full as you let the words sink in. “Thank you, Drew. That’s really sweet of you.”

You both shared a comfortable silence for a moment, before Drew broke it with a playful grin. “You know, it’s clear you’ve mastered the art of vulnerability on screen, but I can’t help but wonder—did you ever have moments on set where it was just... impossible to take things seriously?”

You laughed, the sound light and genuine. “Oh, absolutely. In fact, as a kid, it was all impossible to be serious,” you admitted, shaking your head at the memory. “I remember this one time during a scene on set when I was probably around 9 or 10. We were supposed to be doing this emotional scene, and I had to cry on cue. But instead of crying, I couldn’t stop giggling. It was a dramatic moment, and my co-star was all serious and trying to get through the scene, but I just... lost it.”

Drew raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. “Giggling during a dramatic scene? What happened?”

“Well, my director, bless her heart, kept trying to give me these 'serious actor' looks. She was this no-nonsense kind of woman, and she had this way of narrowing her eyes when things weren’t going well. I tried my best to hold it together, but then my co-star—who was way too good at being serious—looked at me and just gave this super intense stare, and that was it. I burst out laughing right in the middle of the take.”

Drew chuckled, shaking his head. “I can just picture that. You were probably trying to hold it together, but it must have been so hard with all that tension in the air.”

“I swear, the more I tried not to laugh, the harder it became,” you continued, grinning at the memory. “It was one of those moments where you’re like, 'Why am I even here? I can’t do this.' But somehow, I got through it. The director had to take a deep breath, and we did a few more takes. Eventually, we got it done, but I think we all were on the verge of cracking up the whole time.”

Drew let out a laugh, clearly imagining the scene. “I can’t blame you. I feel like as a kid, you have no filter. Everything feels like a joke, and it’s so hard to be serious when everyone else is trying so hard.”

“You have no idea,” you said, your voice still light. “There were so many times I’d be doing a serious scene, and I’d start thinking about something random, like a certain meme or a funny sound someone made on set—and then, bam, it was game over. I’d be holding in a laugh like my life depended on it.”

Drew smirked, leaning in a little. “I totally feel that. I mean, as an adult, I still have moments where I struggle to keep a straight face. I once had a scene where I was supposed to be super intense, but the prop guy was standing just out of frame, and he made this ridiculous face at me—completely threw me off. I couldn’t stop laughing, and it ended up taking hours to finish the scene because we kept cracking up. Honestly, I think the crew started to get annoyed with us after a while.”

“See?” you said with a grin. “It never really changes. Truthfully, the older you get, the harder it becomes to hold it in. But then you look at the footage and realize how much fun you actually had, and that makes it all worth it.”

Drew nodded thoughtfully, a playful twinkle in his eyes. “Yeah, that’s the thing. Sometimes it’s the moments you didn’t plan for that end up being the most memorable. Like when you have a laugh on set, and suddenly you feel closer to everyone, even though you’re supposed to be in character.”

“Exactly,” you said, your smile widening. “There’s something so beautiful about those unscripted moments. It reminds you that acting is, at its core, about connecting—whether that’s through laughter or the heavy stuff. And even though I had my fair share of giggling fits as a kid, I think those moments taught me just as much as the serious ones. Maybe more.”

Drew leaned back in his chair, a thoughtful look crossing his face. “It's funny how those little moments—like a laugh in the middle of a serious scene—can end up being the ones you remember the most. I think those are the ones that make the work feel real, you know?”

You smiled, your gaze distant as you reflected on the years of working on sets. “I know exactly what you mean.”

“Yeah, like those unscripted moments,” Drew added, his voice quieter now, as if the weight of the sentiment lingered in the air. “They give the performance an authenticity that you can’t get from just following the script to a tee.”

You nodded, the words hanging between you like a shared understanding. “Exactly. And as a kid, I was so focused on getting it ‘right’—on being perfect—that I missed the beauty of just being in the moment. But as I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized how important it is to let go of the idea of perfection. It's in those mistakes, the wrong takes, the bloopers—that's where you find the truth.”

Drew's expression softened, his eyes meeting yours with a sincerity that made your chest tighten. “I think it’s key not to be afraid to show the mess, the imperfect parts of a character, because that’s what makes them human.”

A small chuckle escaped you, the warmth of the moment filling the studio. “Right? We’re all just a little bit of a mess, trying to figure it out, but that’s what makes the journey worth it. We’re constantly learning, constantly evolving, and we bring that to our work. The growth, the mistakes—it all shapes us.”

Drew nodded, his gaze shifting as if reflecting on those same ideas. “Yeah, and the growth never stops, does it? Just when you think you’ve figured it out, something new happens, and it challenges you again.”

“That's the beauty of it,” you said, your voice quieter now, the bond between you both deepening. “The challenge is what keeps it exciting, keeps you moving forward.”

Drew grinned, a playful spark lighting his eyes once more. “Well, I guess we’re both lifelong students of this thing called acting, huh?”

“Absolutely,” you said with a laugh, the lightness returning. “And just like any good student, we’ll always be learning. Who knows, maybe we'll even get better at not laughing in the middle of dramatic scenes.”

Drew let out a hearty laugh, nodding enthusiastically. “I think that’s going to take years of practice, honestly.”

You both shared a moment of genuine laughter, the warmth of your conversation filling the space around you. You leaned back into the chairs, the laughter still lingering in the air, a sense of camaraderie that made the space between you feel comfortable and open. You continued sharing stories, moving seamlessly from one experience to the next.

The conversation began to slow, the easy flow of stories fading into a comfortable silence, as you both shared an unspoken understanding. The light laughter that had filled the room now felt like a warm, lingering hum between you.

Drew shifted slightly in his chair, his gaze turning toward you with a subtle, thoughtful expression. “You know,” he began, his voice softer now, “I really hope we get to work together sometime. I think it’d be incredible. It’s the kind of thing where I can already imagine what it’d be like. Just... easy, real. Like this.”

Your heart skipped a beat at his words, but you kept your composure, offering a smile that spoke volumes. “I’d love that. If you receive a call from your manager these days… maybe I had something to do with it, so be prepared.”

The air between you both was charged, the quiet intensity of the moment not lost on either of you. There was something unspoken, something deeper that neither of you addressed outright but that seemed to hang there all the same. The connection was undeniable, yet it lingered in the silence, unspoken, but clear.

Drew finally broke the spell with a playful grin, his eyes flicking back to yours. “Oh, I’ll be ready. Can’t wait to see what magic we create together.”

You returned his smile, your heart racing ever so slightly, though you kept it hidden behind the ease of your words. “I’m sure it’ll be something incredible.”

As the interview wrapped up, there was a lingering sense of something unspoken between you both, an attraction that neither of you had to mention but was so clearly felt. The kind of connection that could only be hinted at, but would never truly fade. It was the kind of moment that would stay with both of you long after the cameras stopped rolling.

“Thank you,” you said softly as the final moments of the interview started to loom, your voice carrying a depth that reflected everything unsaid between you. “This has been amazing. Honestly, it feels like we’ve been talking for hours, and yet it still doesn’t feel like enough.”

He nodded, his expression soft but genuine. “I feel the same way. This has been one of the most honest and open conversations I’ve had in a long time.”

The crew began to pack up, signaling that the interview was at its end, but neither of you seemed in any hurry to break the moment. The usual chatter and movement around you felt distant, as if the two of you were in your own world for just a little longer.

“You know,” Drew said, his voice quieter now, a hint of sincerity threading through, “I think we make a pretty good team even just sitting here talking. Imagine what we could do with a whole script.”

Your smile softened, and you nodded, the words feeling right, but the undertone of something more—something unsaid—hung in the air. “Yeah, I think we’d be unstoppable.”

The moment stretched between you both, filled with the kind of comfortable tension that comes when you realize you’ve shared something real. Something that felt like it could turn into something more.

You both stood up, a final, lingering moment before the usual goodbye. Drew extended a hand, his gaze holding yours a beat longer than necessary.

“Take care, okay?” he said, his voice warm, like the words carried more than just a polite farewell.

You shook his hand, the warmth of his touch lingering just a moment longer than expected. “You too, Drew,” you replied, your voice soft yet carrying an undercurrent of meaning that mirrored his own.

As you turned to gather your things, you couldn’t help but glance back over your shoulder. He was still standing there, watching you with that same thoughtful expression, his hands casually tucked into his pockets. The faintest smile curved his lips, as if he were replaying the conversation in his mind.

“See you around,” he called out, the words simple but loaded with promise.

“Yeah,” you said, meeting his gaze one last time. “See you around.”

Walking away, you felt a peculiar lightness, as though something intangible had shifted, leaving you both exhilarated and curious. It wasn’t every day you met someone who made you feel seen in such a profound way, and as you left the studio, you found yourself smiling, a quiet hope blooming in your chest.

And for a fleeting second, you allowed yourself to wonder what could come next.