T/W:

****

A week after that fateful day, when I was asked to issue a statement in regards to why I pulled that ridiculous disappearing act, we're wrapping up the final scenes for the movie. Despite being thankful that I was able to secure a decent role, I am beyond excited to have a few days off, where I can just kick back, and hole up in my apartment.

Pedro has brought up the idea of him taking me to Chile for two weeks, right before the premiere. Immediately I was wary of this suggestion. While we've been doing much better since we finally hashed shit out, I'm still somewhat uncomfortable with meeting his family.

Our relationship remains a hot topic in Hollywood, and there's pictures and short videos, posted online, showing us out running errands or attending interviews or going shopping. I still hate it, though I'm learning to live with all the scrutiny.

I have also, on occasion, spoken with Mel, but it seems like any time we do, she doesn't have much to say. That hurts, but I guess I just need to let it go. No point in getting angry or depressed about it. And though, Pedro doesn't think Mel has it in her to make my past public, I still have my doubts.

****

"And that's a wrap!" James calls out as Pedro and I break from the last scene. Everyone whoops and cheers as Pedro grabs me up in a big bear hug. I chuckle, squeezing him back, as tension starts seeping away. Pedro kisses my forehead, setting me down. James joins us, grinning ear to ear, shaking Pedro's hand and giving me a quick hug.

"You did it, Charley. I'm proud of you. Pedro's proud of you. You should be proud of you."

"I am," I say, though it's not entirely true. Mostly, I'm relieved that this experience is over and Pedro and I can get some much needed downtime.

***

"Glad to be done, chica?" I'm wound around his lean body, as we recline on my bed. I swear, I haven't stopped yawning since we left the after party. I nod, feeling drowsy.

"Yeah..." Pedro chuckles, his hand going in circles on my back. He buries his face in my hair, breathing deeply. I close my eyes, drifting off.

"So..about going to Chile?" Pedro says, moving his face.

"Hm?" I'm so relaxed at the moment, I could fall asleep in a minute.

"Would you still like to come to Chile with me?" I open my eyes, afraid I'll say something wrong. Pedro's eyes search mine. "You still need some time to think it over?"

I nod. "I'd prefer that." Pedro smiles, kissing the top of my head.

"All right. We'll return to this subject later on." I nod, closing my eyes, though  my sleepiness has been breached and I'm irritated at Pedro for bringing up a subject that I'm not sure I care to respond to.

****

Pedro and I sleep in late the following morning and finally decide to just hang out at my place for the remainder of the day, mostly lazing about in my bed, recalling some of the most memorable moments of filming.

"One thing I hadn't expected," Pedro murmurs, his fingers on my face, trailing down to my bare neck and lingering on my exposed collarbone. "Was falling for my amazingly talented co star."

I smirk. "I bewitched you, Pascal." He rolls his eyes, but I see the amusement in his eyes. He's not fooling me.

"Do I want to know how?" he asks. I smirk again.

"That's classified information." Pedro slides his fingers to my side, gently tickling. My body jerks and twitches as I convulse in giggles.

"Pedro!" I gasp between giggles. "STOP!" He gently tickles for a few more seconds before stopping. I glare, pushing his hand away,  though I doubt my glare holds much acid.

"You're so easy to rile." Pedro smirks. I half-heartedly swat at him, shaking my head.

"Meanie!" I pout and Pedro chuckles again, wrapping his arms around me. I squirm, but he holds fast. I finally relent.

"See? You secretly adore me riling you up," Pedro whispers in my ear. I huff, but a few seconds pass and I start grinning. Pedro grows a little restless, his hands starting to wander. I smirk.

"You're a hopeless cause when it comes to me," I taunt. Pedro's movements still, and I peek at him. He's smiling softly, leaning in.

"That I am, Hermòsa. That I am."

****

After making love, we get up, showering together and Pedro starts some coffee while I make us some toast and scrambled eggs. Then we huddle together on the couch, feeding each other.

"Would now be a good time to discuss if you'll allow me to take you to Chile?" Pedro asks. I take a quick sip of my coffee, trying to buy myself a few more seconds. Pedro is gazing intently at me, waiting for an answer. I lower the coffee mug.

"You don't think it's too soon?" I ask. Pedro smiles, reaching for my hand.

"Absolutely not. We've technically been dating for almost six months." I fidget with the mug, nearly spilling the remainder of the contents.

"You don't want to, do you?" While presented as a question, I hear the proclamation clearly, laced with extreme disappointment.

"It's not that."

"Then what, Charley?" Pedro releases my hand, jamming his fingers through his already tousled hair, his frustration evident. "Every time I try to break through the hard shell of yours, you just build it stronger."

I sigh. "I know. I'm impossible." Pedro looks away briefly, before his gaze returns to mine.

"I want us to share everything. The good and the bad. No matter what."

"Let me think about it some more, okay?" I drain the remainder of my mug, setting it aside. "Despite what you think, Pedro, this is a big step and I want to make sure I choose the right decision."

Pedro immediately softens, probably remembering his promise to be more understanding and patient with me. He draws me against him and I smile, my fingers going to his beard. He can't resist a smile and I kiss him, all the earlier animosity wiped clean.

****

Unfortunately, after a few days, Pedro and I are forced to come out of hiding, as we both have interviews lined up and both our agents thought it would be an excellent idea for us to do a magazine spread, since we'd just wrapped up filming a movie together.

I'll be the first to admit that I'm not a fan of photo shoots. Sure, the end result is fantastic, but the actual process is hell. I get poked and prodded, all these products either sprayed or slapped on my body, particularly my face, arms and legs. I feel like a Thanksgiving turkey by the time I'm finished.

Having Pedro here makes a significant difference. He jokes around with the makeup artists and the wardrobe consultants, which leads to a more relaxed atmosphere. Even I'm giggling at his corny jokes and one liners. As I'm studying him, that thought I've had before pops into my head of why everyone loves him.

Pedro just has this calming presence about him, where he makes everyone around him feel seen and heard. No wonder I fell under his charm. As we head over to the set where the photographer wants to begin shooting, I think: sure, I joked that I bewitched Pedro, when in reality, he's the one who bewitched me.

****

After the photo shoot, Pedro steers me into a nearby deli, where we grab sandwiches and juice, before heading to the park, finding a shady area underneath a tree. I sit on the bench, unwrapping my sandwich and take a bite, chewing slowly.

"You hate photo shoots, huh?" Pedro's dark eyes are twinkling with his usual mischief. I roll my eyes.

"Whatever gave you that impression?" I snap playfully. Pedro grins, shrugging.

"Not your body language," he jokes and I just shake my head.

"So you enjoy getting poked and prodded and looking like a Thanksgiving turkey when you're through?" I tease.

Pedro feigns offense. "I look damn good! I do not even remotely resemble a turkey!" I start giggling, nearly choking on my sandwich. Pedro looks alarmed.

"You need the Heimlich maneuver?" He asks. I cough, shaking my head.

"I'm...(cough, cough,) fine," I protest. Pedro doesn't look entirely convinced, but he just nods, sipping his juice.

"Okay, okay, so you're not wrong about me and photo shoots. They're a necessary evil," I reply, sipping my own juice. Pedro nods, reaching for my hand. I smile.

"We sacrifice a great deal for our art," Pedro murmurs, his thumb caressing the back of my hand.

"We sure as hell do," I mutter, thinking about just how much we sacrifice. Both of us fall silent for several minutes before Pedro tugs me up and we begin our trek back to his apartment. I spot at least three paparazzo, hovering around, trying to blend in, (as if that's possible), as we slip inside the front entrance. I'm sorely tempted to flip them the bird, but decide it's not worth it.

We get in the elevator, taking ourselves up to Pedro's apartment floor, stepping out. Pedro fishes out his keys, unlocking the door and we slip in. The second we're sealed safely inside, Pedro has me in his arms, his lips crashing down on mine. I smile against his lips.

"Maniac," I tease. Pedro's expression darkens, as he lifts me up, my legs wrapping around his waist, him heading straight into the bedroom. He kicks the door shut with his foot, moving to deposit me on the bed in a rather ungraceful heap. I squeal as he joins me, caging me in with those muscular arms of his, covering his body with mine, attacking my neck with his lips.

"I'll show you just how much of a maniac I can be."

****

Afterwards, I lay there, exhausted, curled up against Pedro's body, as he traces slow, lazy patterns on my body. I smile up at him and he gives me a wink. I reach up, cupping one of his cheeks in my palm. He turns his head partly, planting a kiss on my palm. I chuckle.

"Pedro?"

"Yes, mi amor?"

"I've made up my mind, about you taking me to Chile." Pedro stills, holding his breath, waiting for my response.

"Let's go."

His face breaks into the biggest grin I've seen. He leans in, kissing me.

"As you wish, baby."