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Raven

Xavier slept in Raven's spare room the following morning. He occasionally stayed at her house until daybreak, letting journalists see him leave. Everyone fell for it, trusting each other like a frail thread ready to crumble at the sight of a hug. She believed anybody could accept anything that satisfied their aspirations, even a fake romance.

Mya breathed softly on the sofa. Raven tiptoed in, glancing at her friend's peaceful face, a gentle smile tugging at her lips. The warmth of home enveloped them both.

Raven rushed into the kitchen beaming. The vibrant image of Alicia's beautiful smile flashed in her thoughts, her laughter echoing like a catchy tune. Her pulse raced as Alicia passionately talked about Kismet. Every statement felt like a shared secret, a whispered promise of something spectacular. The notion of Alicia's gentle lips on hers, hinting at something more, increased her pulse. Could it be? An excitement unfurled within her, igniting hope.

Her anguish came from the possibility of never seeing Alicia again. She felt a heavy weight in her chest after the audition, glancing over at the empty chair where the actress had been just moments before. She gripped her fists, her palms moist with sweat, while the casting directors nodded eagerly at the clip.

"Alicia's audition was something else," Raven had told the casting director, her voice barely above a whisper, yet filled with conviction. "This woman brought a depth to Qala that no one else can touch. I want Alicia Steel as my co-star."

The weight of the unspoken hung heavy in her chest, an ache that settled there, as she fought to keep a brave face, knowing that each word felt like a fragile thread tethering her to a friendship that might soon fade into memory.

Raven drew in a deep breath, a spark lighting up her eyes as she vigorously underlined lines in the screenplay, her pencil dancing across the page like it had a mind of its own. Each note she scribbled was accompanied by little giggles and excited wriggles in her seat, the corners of her lips curling into a wide grin.

She glanced across at Xavier, who was walking slowly down the hallway, his coughing echoing all the way. His hair stood defiantly from the night before, stiff and jutting out at odd angles, a testament to the gel's relentless hold.

His lips curled into a wide smile, revealing a flash of white teeth. "You look chipper this morning."

Raven's smile radiated warmth as she greeted the day, a sparkle in her eyes that hinted at a joyful spirit. "That's exactly what I am!"

"Well, don't get too enthusiastic, R," Xavier said, glancing at Ivory and Mya curled up on the couch, the sound of their gentle breathing resonating. "The girls need their beauty sleep."

"She wakes up grumpy, anyway."

"Which one?"

"Ivory, of course." Raven rose from her seat, her eyes locked onto the rabbit as she leaned in, fingers outstretched, ready to snatch it up. The animal nuzzled closer as she held it, her fingertips sliding into its velvety fur. She whirled on her heel, frowning, when she saw Xavier laughing. "Did you want─wait, you're laughing. What's so funny?"

"Nothing." Xavier covered his mouth before bursting out, "Where the hell did you get that sweatshirt?"

Looking down at her top, which said, "Emotionally attached to fictional characters," Raven shrugged. "What about it? When I'm at home, I want to relax and feel at peace."

"Raven, it's July. No one wears sweatshirts in the summer."

With her nose held high, she turned away from his playful grin. "So? I feel cute and comfortable in it."

Mya let out a soft sigh, her fingers weaving through her wavy brown hair as she sat up, a hint of agreement flickering in her eyes.

"I kind of agree with him," she said, looking at Raven. "I bet you can feel the dampness clinging to your skin, and the fabric sticking uncomfortably as beads of sweat trickle down your back."

"Hey! Just leave me alone, okay?" Raven set Ivory down, her arms folding tightly across her chest. "Here I was, in my kitchen, marveling at the variety of food, with my mind on breakfast ideas."

Xavier fell to his knees, eyes wide with desperation. "Our apologies, we have no idea what we're doing."

Raven let out a frustrated sigh, her eyes darting upwards in exasperation. "You're fully aware of your actions. You two are ganging up on me, and I won't stand for it."

Mya and Xavier laughed together, as Ivory slid herself onto the cold tiles, her back resting near the kitchen counter. Raven's lips curled into a smile while they gathered around her by the stove.

Sizzling bacon and delicious batter on the griddle filled the air. Xavier flipped the golden pancakes with a flourish, his laughter ringing out like a melody as Mya playfully swiped a piece of crispy bacon from his plate. Their eyes twinkled as they joked, and Mya almost spit out her mouthful of pancakes when she laughed and wiped her tears.

Across the table, Raven watched them with a soft smile, her heart swelling with warmth. She loved how Xavier treated Mya with unwavering respect, the bond they shared evident in every playful jab. Unlike her past flings, where tension thickened the air, this felt like home─a haven where secrets danced freely.

"What are you two talking about now?" Raven lifted her gaze from her plate, a curious glint in her eyes, as laughter danced around them.

Xavier took a bite of his pancake, syrup dribbling down the side, and said, "R, Mya and I were just mapping out how you and I will end things publicly." His constant calling her "R" never bothered her. "It needs to make waves."

"Make waves?" Raven furrowed her brow, her gaze fixed on him, uncertainty flickering in her eyes.

"Yes, spread the word. And I really mean in the news. Every media outlet should showcase it."

Raven took a slow sip of her orange juice, her gaze steady as she remarked, "I'm sure the news of our breakup will be public."

"Xavier and I believe that revealing to the press cheating on him would make an impact." Mya raised her cup to her lips, the steam curling up as she savored the warmth, her throat moving as she swallowed the rich, fragrant liquid.

"But that will label me as a slut, and I'm not cool with that."

"She's playing games with you, babe." Xavier's lips curled into a smile as he shifted in his seat. "We need to brainstorm some ideas. Love Without Bars will play at the film festival next month, and I'm hoping to bring a date. A man. Or a woman. I haven't decided yet."

Raven grasped Xavier's hand, a soft smile playing on her lips. “Can't we just admit that we're happier this way, as friends?"

"Sure, you can say that," Mya replied, a smirk dancing on her lips. "Just be ready for the whirlwind of drama that follows. The spotlight has a way of bringing out the wild side in everyone."

"Trust me, I know," Raven replied, her voice light despite the weight of her words. A hint of exasperation flickered across her face. "Vivian is already breathing down my neck about any negative publicity, so this cover story needs to look believable."

Mya toyed with the crust, her gaze slipping to the floor, cheeks flushed. "I'm guessing the agency isn't cool with you working on Kismet."

Raven clenched her fists, the tension coiling in her shoulders like a taut wire. "No, they're not happy about it," she muttered, her voice laced with frustration. "I booked the role without Mario's help," she added, a bitter edge creeping into her tone. "They want me to quit."

She turned her head away, her moan emerging as a resentful sigh, as if the weight of their displeasure was pressing down on her like a storm cloud about to explode.

Mya's fingers traced the rim of her empty dish, her golden eyes glinting with unspoken empathy. "People can be pushy," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.

Raven nodded, subdued. "Facts."

"You know what? Screw them." Xavier's lips curled into a smile, his plate pushed away as his gaze locked onto them. "We should go ahead and break the news that you've found someone else. Maybe a woman?"

She raised an eyebrow, disbelief etched across her face. "Are you kidding me?" Raven's mouth dropped as she stared at him with a firelike ferocity. "No way. I'm not quite ready to share that part of myself with the world."

Mya's laughter filled the room, a bright sound that danced through the air. "It would ease the pressure from those who question your performance in this movie."

"Be quiet. Both of you. I need to think." Raven slumped in her chair, her fingers intertwined tightly in her lap, her gaze fixed on the floor. "The press had already snapped photos of me with Xavier, so who would believe we're broken up?"

"I don't know, but we need to do something, R." Xavier let out a deep breath, followed by a harsh cough that echoed in the silence. "I'm getting close to coming out as queer, and I know I need to be prepared for how my conservative family might react."

Raven's heart sank as Xavier's words echoed in her mind, a dull ache tightening her chest. No one in his family supported him.

And despite dating some of the world's most attractive men, Raven couldn't remember her last relationship. But she had company. Xavier and Mya were excellent friends, but not her soulmates.

"X, I understand. We will devise a strategy," Raven sympathized.

"Is someone calling you?" Mya took Raven's phone from the dining table and looked down, then said, "Oh, it's Camilla."

Raven flipped the phone over, acting as if she didn't see it. Xavier appeared confused, while Mya just shrugged.

"What if you ended our relationship because you thought you were hindering my career?" Raven interjected, steering the conversation in a new direction. "I mean, the public knows I'm from Mexico City, and I came to the States for acting."

"That's a great reason," he said. "I'll go along with whatever you want."

"Thank you." Raven grinned. "Just promise me that we'll stay friends."

"No way. The quicker I get rid of you, the better." Xavier let out a delighted chuckle. "But on the flip side, I'll probably run into you when I'm hanging with Mya."

"Yes, because I promised him I'd set him up with my brother's best friend. Vincent is already a fan of Xavier's and thinks he is sexy."

"That sounds like... a lot of drama," Raven said, laughing. "But I'm here for it."

"Let the drama continue," Mya said with a grin.

• • •

The piles of screenplays on Raven's living room floor kept her pulse racing for a month. As she practiced late at night, the smell of new ink and coffee comforted her. Each line she remembered seemed like a step forward, but as the premiere of Love Without Bars approached, a cloud of uncertainty hung over her. Would viewers relate to a woman sacrificing everything to free her man from prison? 

Raven could practically hear the studio buzz about her breakup with Xavier, a combination of anxiety and sadness from everyone constricting around her heart. The chatter morphed into an unending cycle of speculation.

"Budget disagreements," said one article. "Location conflicts," another spun.

She ignored the film's box office failure and rumors. Her heart hammered when she delved into passionate love stories, pleased of her dedication to acting. Raven became lost in tattered paperbacks where love grew in the most unexpected places. Working on Kismet served as a canvas for an incredible love-story.

The following day, Raven perched on the edge of her chair, her fingers tapping nervously against her thigh as she scanned the quiet rehearsal space, the scent of fresh paint lingering in the air. Ivory sat quietly next to her, while Oliver Smith's easygoing presence brought a slight comfort. The anticipation hung thick like fog, especially with the sound of a loud sneeze breaking the stillness.

Her gaze flicked to Alicia, who stood off to the side with a furrowed brow, her striking features illuminated under the stage lights. A rush of warmth flooded Raven's cheeks, and she bit her lip, feeling inexplicably drawn to her.

Looking at Ivory, Alicia said, "I should have known you'd bring her."

Raven stated, "My baby comes with me everywhere I go," with her hands in her lap. "Is that a problem?"

"Whatever. This time, I have a prescription."

Raven's cheeks flushed as she interpreted Alicia's comments. She saw the actress take a little package from her pocket, the pills gleaming in the light like her perfectly manufactured character. She groaned, adjusting her gelled hairstyle to conceal her exhaustion. The beige pantsuit draped elegantly, accentuating her slender silhouette with a touch of classic sophistication.

Oliver sprang up, a determined glint in his eye. "I'll be right back; just need to check the lobby," he said, already moving toward the door.

Raven shifted in her seat, eyes downcast, the air thick with unspoken words, with only Alicia beside her. Her gaze lingered on Raven, an unsettling intensity flickering in her eyes. She watched as Alicia took a sip from the glass, a sly smile creeping across her face.

"So is Alicia Steel your real name?" Raven's eyes narrowed, her voice barely above a whisper as she leaned in closer.

"Alicia is, but Steele isn't," Alicia said, her eyes darting around the room. "My birth name is Alicia Marie Barlowe."

"Ah. Now I see the reason behind your choice of the other name." Raven's laughter bubbled up, filling the air as she settled beside her. "Your name's lovely, but a captivating stage name can change things for you."

"That's my point, Raven." Alicia let out a soft sigh, her eyes drifting down to her lap. "By the way, I'm sorry."

Raven furrowed her brows, her eyes narrowing as she tried to make sense of Alicia's apology. "What for?"

Alicia's fingers fidgeted with the edges of her script, her gaze fixed on the first line. "Look, I know I was harsh with you last time," she said, her voice steady despite the tremor beneath. "But let's keep things professional. We are now working together, and I want the process to go well."

"Same here." Raven frowned and shook her head. "But I don't remember you being nasty to me."

Alicia's lips pressed together, her eyes darting. "You don't remember what happened between us at the restaurant?"

Raven frowned, searching for the right words. "Yes, I remember that. I recall you being friendly, but you were also talking about how much you liked this movie."

As if witnessing Ivory pee on Raven's head, Alicia lifted her eyebrow.

The director sank back into his seat, eyes wide, breath caught in his throat. "The rest of the cast will arrive later. An accident occurred on the highway near the studio."

Fearful about what unfolded during the pile-up, Raven inquired, "Do you know if anybody was hurt?"

"I wish I had more information," he murmured, his gaze down at his notes, the worry lines deepening across his forehead. "But I do know that no one on our production team was involved," he added, a flicker of relief mingling with the tension that hung in the air. Oliver moved the pen behind his ear and turned on the camera. "Let's skip ahead to a significant altercation between Aryn and Qala. Raven, begin reading from the fourth line of page seventeen."

Raven didn't need to look at the manuscript before speaking since she already knew the lines. Her voice transformed into a sultry whisper, which suited the character's personality.

"I just want to know why you're scared of us," said Raven.

Alicia replied, "I'm not scared of humans, Aryn," without pausing. "You guys don't know anything about my race."

Raven chuckled as she met Alicia's intense gaze. "Please explain, Qala. Tell me who you are. Let me in."

"Let you in? I don't know how to do that! Your commander took Kyroz, and I don't know where he is. My brother is my only family."

"I can take you to him. No problem."

"Stop, Aryn. You're making things complicated."

Raven shook her head and inhaled deeply. "I'm not. Tell me about yourself."

Alicia huffed as her eyes bore into Raven. "You want to know me? Okay. I live on a planet far from yours, and I know you'll take my heart when you go. Is that acceptable to you?"

Raven noticed Oliver frowning.

"If you two could move closer to each other, maybe I can see the same chemistry from last time," he noted.

"Yes, sir," she said, nodding.

Raven climbed over the long table beside Alicia, her movements a graceful blend of leap and glide. She flinched, her body tensing as if ready to spring back. Alicia's hands twitched unconsciously, fingers curling and uncurling as if caught in a silent struggle.

Oliver crossed his arms and said, "Okay, Alicia, read your last line again."

This time, her voice wavered, a subtle crack that deepened the chemistry between them. "I'm from a planet far away from yours, and I know you'll take my heart when you go. Is that acceptable you?"

Raven's fingers brushed softly against Alicia's cheek, a warm smile lighting up her face. Her eyes widened, fixating intently on Raven's lips. "You're good enough for me, Qala."

"What if I'm not?" Alicia’s voice quivered as she spoke, her eyes wide and darting, like a deer caught in headlights.

The air crackled with tension.

Despite the lights, their hearts raced─this rehearsal felt far too real. They poured everything into their performance.

Raven relaxed her lips as she prepared to speak. "I wouldn't be on Elleron if I wasn't serious about you."

Alicia leaned closer, her apple-scented lip gloss shimmering beneath the faint lights, inviting. Raven's pulse quickened, eyes locked on Alicia's, brimming with unspoken adventures and thrilling escapades. The sinuous space between their lips spoke of untapped delights, sparking a yearning to explore.

Oliver moved in his seat, severing the two-second connection.

"Sorry," he murmured, looking at Raven. "Keep going."

"I've finally made it!" The older woman portraying the mission specialist entered through the doorway. "What did I miss?"

Alicia leaped forward. "I have to get a drink of water and go to the restroom. I need..." She ran out the door, halting her words.

Raven fidgeted with her hands, glancing at the empty chair beside her. A heavy sigh escaped her lips. She stared at the door, longing for her co-star's familiar smile, craving the chemistry they shared.

Alicia Steele's gentle influence on her emotions pulled Raven into a whirlwind of profound feelings. Yet, she handled it gracefully, demonstrating an emotional awareness underlying her serene façade.

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