Wooh I'm legit SO fuckin pumped for this shiz!!! 😆

Anyhoe, just as a bit of an explanation, first we'll dive into Juliette and Felix's relationship (obvi) before reeeally getting into the nitty gritty of stoofs. Their break-up, drama, reunion, etc. And while I do have some bursting ideas already, I honestly don't know much yet of how it'll go. So I deeply apologize in advance if some things or crucial plot points may seem kinda rushed or short at times, or even if they're progressing too slow! >_<

Also, as much as the next person, I think clichés are cheesy and can be boring. But sometimes it just can't be helped, and since this IS a rom-com story I'm almost 101% sure that there will be quite a bunch of cliché scenarios or whatevs 😅 Although, I'll TRY to make 'em as cute and/or interesting as possible!

But, without further ado, let's jump right to it~!! *Chucks you a bag of popcorn from mah dumpster home*

. ⋅ ˚̣- : ✧ : - ⭒ ⊹ ⭒ - : ✧ : -˚̣⋅ .

     JULIETTE FAY shuddered as she walked in the lively streets of New York. She drew her scarlet faux fur coat to her freezing body, heels clacking rhythmically on the pavement.

It was a chilly late night, but Juliette just didn't feel like returning to her scarcely furnished apartment yet. She was currently on location, having recently auditioned for a role in an upcoming horror flick before then being hired for the job.

She was still fairly fresh faced to the whole celebrity gig, but for the past year or so she has managed to make headlines due to her sheer talent. She had always possessed a burning passion for the performing arts, so it seemed only right for her to have started a YouTube channel showcasing unique song covers and occasionally even composing her own music. It wasn't that long, though, before she was discovered and was no more her fanbase's pretty little secret.

It was really nothing but an utter dream come true for her. As a kid, all she ever yearned for was to be on stage rocking away and hopefully even inspire some people. But, now that she's had a life-altering taste of it and has a couple of successful tours backing her rising reputation, she decided to indulge in a brief rest and give acting a try.

Her manager, Elijah Dean (or EJ as Juliette called him), was absolutely ecstatic when she told him about her plans. Ever since their first encounter, he has been so pleasant and supportive; it honestly felt like he was more of a brother figure to her than a manager at times. But he was very impressive and dedicated in his line of work and as soon as she shared her desire while they were out having brunch one day, he immediately whipped out his phone out of nowhere and began dialling his contacts for any open auditions like some kind of showbiz genie.

Juliette wasn't a professional actress by any means. She poured her heart out in every audition, but she can understand why none of them chose her. However, she at last got her break when a certain director did take a liking to her. She was rather rough around the edges, but she undoubtedly had some star quality potential that the director was eager to coax out.

Thus, once that was settled, Juliette flew out to the Big Apple where the movie was going to be shot. She hasn't met her co-stars yet, but rumours claim that most of them were quite an A-list cast. Juliette was anxious, but she knew that she'll be just fine... She has to be.

She spent the entirety of the first week immersing in photoshoots and interviews. Just the usual like how she felt about the project, teasers about her character, and what she expected. It was all so exhausting and there was a vexing interviewer here and there, but overall it was an exhilarating experience.

Which was why that when she finally had some time to herself, she more than happily took advantage of it. When EJ dropped her off at her apartment after a strenuous day, he vehemently warned her about the dangers of exploring alone at night in the concrete jungle especially for a young lady. Juliette could barely suppress her laughter at his overprotectiveness, transforming into a griping grandfather.

But while his concern was valid, Juliette was going to be a rebellious grandchild. She's only gone out when she had appointments to attend to and hasn't fully appreciated the city that never sleeps yet. And yes, it was cold, but she'd much prefer to take a relaxing stroll than to stay inside and waste away scrolling endlessly through Netflix before ultimately just dozing off on the couch at around one a.m. without ever actually picking anything.

She wasn't going to venture too far, though. Right now she suffered from an incurable wanderlust, but she still used her common sense. And so--stashing a can of pepper spray into her matching scarlet purse (just in case) and donning ankle boots with heels ridiculously sharp they could work as knives--she waited until EJ drove away, and that's when she took her cue.

Even in the dead of night, well, New York wasn't dead at all. There were the rowdy hustle and bustle of honking vehicles accompanying a drowning sea of citizens, not to mention the dazzling lights that the city was widely known for. Juliette was transfixed by everything like a moth to a flame, and she was struck by a sudden fondness that she had one of the coolest occupations ever.

Eventually, she stumbled across a small bar. 'The Stars' Hideout', its name blinked in ever changing neon hues on the window.

'Why the hell not?' Juliette thought with a shrug. She had nothing else better to do and she had the morning off tomorrow, anyways, before she had to leave for filming in the afternoon. So, best get drinking and regret it while she still can!

Pushing the door open, she was greeted by a cozy setting. It was open mic night so there was someone crooning a low tune up on the tiny stage while another mellowly played the piano. There were only about a dozen patrons hanging out in booths, but they all seemed to be enjoying themselves as they quietly laughed and chatted with their companions or watched the entertainment.

It wasn't anything fancy, but it was definitely warm and inviting. There were orange moodlights that flickered every once in a while, a clear sign they needed to be replaced. But oddly enough that only amped up the ambience--a rare sanctuary that momentarily provided peace from the ongoing drone just right outside.

Juliette inhaled deeply, catching an intoxicating whiff of pine and cinnamon from the candles. It instantly eased her nerves, strutting towards the lone bar stand on the left.

The bartender appeared to be in his mid to late thirties. He was preoccupied cleaning a shot glass, but was soon cut off from his reverie when Juliette took a seat on one of the stools.

"A Manly Temple, please." Juliette ordered, causing the bartender to quirk a brow before letting out an amused chuckle and nodding.

As he set off preparing her drink, Juliette pulled out her phone to check her social medias. The latest picture she posted on Instagram was steadily gaining likes and her Twitter notifications were FLOODED. Scanning through them, she saw countless of really heartwarming Tweets of congratulations from her fans while others were haters dissing her for whatever silly reason she simply didn't understand. Still, though, she was quite impressed with how they'd spend so much time stalking her whilst obsessively despising her. It was almost like a weird, dysfunctional act of adoration to stand out from the rest.

Swiping through her feed, she then noticed an article with a candid snapshot of her from one of her concerts along with the bolded title: "Up-and-coming songstress Juliet Fae might be old news if she blows new movie!"

Juliette couldn't help but roll her eyes. She's already read too many of these obnoxious and poorly written articles to care. Most of them were just misinformed and sometimes even spelled her name wrong like this, and they did near to none to actually discuss about the topic. All they published were their own half-assed opinions no one asked for and some rather unflattering photos of Juliette when she was still only blossoming early on in her career.

"Here ya go, hot stuff." The bartender brought her back to reality, placing the alcoholic beverage in front of her and winking. "On the house."

Juliette completely forgot about her aggravation at that moment, enticed at the notion of a free drink. And, well, the bartender was sort of cute--even though he was older than her who's twenty-four.

"Thanks." She smiled, taking a sip of the cherry coloured liquid and basking in the satisfying burn that slid down her throat. "I've had a tiring week, I really needed to unwind."

The bartender's doe brown eyes twinkled, cocking his head to the side slightly. "A gorgeous woman like you? You're probably tired from all the hearts you've broken, huh?"

Juliette only laughed, shaking her head. But she didn't feel uncomfortable with the flirting like she typically did with strangers. Whoever this man was seemed alright to her for some reason, or perhaps he was just that smooth...or maybe it was because of the bribery of complimentary booze.

She can tell that the bartender wanted to flirt some more, but seemed to be holding himself back. His lips were pressed tightly together as he busied himself with wiping the counter, but stole glimpses at her with a torn expression every so often.

'Fuuuck, she's HOT! But shit, I'm on the clock right now... I'll lose this damn job if I ditch again and have a quickie in the washroom with a customer--assuming she's into me.' The bartender mentally lamented to himself, biting back a groan of frustration as he rubbed the towel on the counter even harder.

Soon the music came to an end, the crowd clapping mildly as the singer and pianist bowed then exited the stage. A few beats passed before the velvet drapes revealed another young woman with a guitar, leaning into the microphone as she began an acoustic rendition of If We Ever Meet Again by Timbaland and Katy Perry.

Juliette has never heard this upbeat pop song in this way before, so the inner musician in her was very much intrigued. The songbird's sweet voice resonated in the room as everyone granted her their utmost attention, enraptured.

However, that only lasted for a few measly seconds. The door's bell chimed, signalling a newcomer. And said newcomer practically BUSTED in, almost clumsily toppling forward.

But they didn't seem to pay any mind to their unceremonious entrance, heavy boots thudding against the floor as they stepped further inside. A couple of the patrons visibly grimaced at the harsh interruption, but the rest didn't even acknowledge it.

"Hey, Nickaaay! YOOHOO!" The newcomer bellowed, grin as wide as the Cheshire Cat as they waved both of their hands enthusiastically like a child.

"Felix, shut the FUCK up!" The bartender whisper shouted, rolling his eyes so far back his head that it was a wonder they returned. "I told you a thousand fucking times that my boss will murder me if you ever cause a scene again!"

"D'aww, c'mon, lil bro! Ain't you glad to see me~?" The newcomer, Felix, pouted. As he strided closer to the bar, Juliette had a better look. The whole space was quite dark so she couldn't really make out a lot of his features, but she can see that he was tall. Very tall. He was also sporting a leather jacket, his hands now shoved into his pockets.

"If you're just gonna be this annoying then no, I am NOT glad to see you." The bartender huffed indignantly.

"Nickster, you wound me!" Felix exclaimed dramatically, a hand flying over his heart.

"It's NICK, asshole! I told you not to call me that!" The bartender, now informally introduced as Nick, ranted a mile a minute. "Now are you gonna sit down or do I have to kick you out?"

"Boo... You're so mean, Nicky." Felix sniffled, but plopped onto a chair nonetheless. Only one stool separated him and Juliette.

"The usual, I reckon?" Nick queried, but was already making swift work of his hands.

"You got it! One entire gallon of regret, please~" Felix joked, causing Nick to roll his eyes again though his dimples showed as a smile tugged at his lips.

Juliette just left them to their own devices, resuming to tinker around with her phone until her ears perked up at the most god awful singing.

"What's somebody like you doin' in a place like this?"

Juliette whipped her head to the side, finding Felix's mischievous grin now directed at her as one of his legs unconsciously bounced. He continued singing, totally tone deaf and pathetically mumbling the lyrics he didn't know.

"Please stop, you're ruining the song for me." She deadpanned, sighing.

"Everyone's just ganging up on poor ol' me today!" Felix whined, but quickly recovered with that giddy grin of his. "I'm Felix, by the way."

"I know. The cute bartender aggressively whispered it earlier."

"Whaaa? You think my broski is cute?!" His eyes went as wide as dinner plates, snapping his head towards Nick. "Nicholas, you nasty old perv, shame on you for playing with a fair maiden's heart!"

"Shut. The. FUCK. Up." Nick seethed through gritted teeth, not bothering to be gentle as he slammed Felix's drink on the counter.

"Oooh, yummy!" Felix beamed, unfazed as he grabbed the glass. But before he could chug it, Nick hit his head with the towel.

"Lightly sip at it, dumbass!" Nick chided, sensing a damn headache coming on.

Juliette had to put a hand over her mouth to stifle her laughter with Felix looking so comically dejected, like a large dog who just got scolded. Hell, she can almost see the drooping ears and tail!

As Felix begrudgingly sipped at his drink, he faced Juliette once more and smiled. "Sooo... A Shirley Temple?"

She glanced over at her half empty glass, shaking her head. "Manly." She corrected.

"Why, thank ya! Thank you very much!" He imitated Elvis Presley's voice on the last part, flexing his muscles for her. She merely rolled her eyes as well, now sympathizing with Nick's troubles. It was a great impression, though.

"Sooo... A chocolate martini?" She shot back at him, downing the rest of her liquor as her sapphire eyes regarded him curiously.

"What? It's delicious!" He defended. "I can guzzle down pretty much anything, but chocotinis are my favourite. Besides, you know what they say?"

"If I ask, will I regret it?"

"Chocolate's an aphrodisiac." Felix proceeded with a chuckle, ignoring her question. "So it's a real hoot to, y'know, drink it with such a fine lass like yourself!" He winked, doing a horrible British accent.

"And why's that? Is it 'cause you're too old to get it up yourself?" She smirked, her immaculately manicured nails mindlessly tracing the rim of her glass.

"Ohoho, are you already thinking about doing the Devil's Tango with moi?" He gasped, scandalized as he covered his chest. "You'll have to take me out on a date first, Lady in Red!"

"I usually only mess around on the third or fourth date, but with your luck I don't think I'll even take you out on a date to begin with." She quipped sassily.

"Woooah, feisty momma!" He hollered, this time doing a just as horrible (possibly even worse) Southern accent. But as he leaned in nearer, the faint glow of the lamp in the bar illuminated his steel blue eyes alight with mirth behind his thick rimmed glasses. "Anyways, how's 'bout another drink? On me. Right on me, babes. Body shots!"

Against her better judgment, Juliette giggled. Giggled! It was almost an offense to herself--she hardly EVER giggled. But Felix seemed to brighten at the tinkly sound, the corners of his eyes crinkling as his toothy smile reached all the way up to his ears.

"I'll take that as a yes, then. SLAVE!" He was doing a snobby accent now, clapping his hands. "Your finest distillery at once, I command thee!"

"Tch. Sure, if you can afford it..." Nick grumbled, just completely over everything at this point and wishing to abandon the moron already. Felix's happy-go-lucky smile only broadened, laying against the counter and propping his stubbly chin atop his palm.

"By the way..." He piped up, gaze intent on Juliette. "Can you tell me your name or should I just call you mine?"

"Tell you what..." Juliette hummed, feeling her cheeks heat up and boy was she thankful it was dark enough for him not to see! "If you can beat me in a drinking contest, I'll give you my name and number."

As if on cue, two new drinks from Nick clattered onto the counter.

"You're SO on, dollface!"

. ⋅ ˚̣- : ✧ : - ⭒ ⊹ ⭒ - : ✧ : -˚̣⋅ .

As the hour ticked by, neither Juliette nor Felix knew or cared what time it was. Just a handful of other people were still in the bar and no one was performing anymore, the only loud commotion filling the room being Felix's constant goofing around and Juliette's untamed drunken laughter. They were also sticking close to each other now, at one point Felix having hopped over to the stool next to Juliette.

Nick yawned a few times and reprimanded Felix with whatever shit he pulled, but Juliette also got to know him a bit better. Turns out, him and Felix grew up in an orphanage together and were bestfriends until they were both adopted as brothers by the same compassionate elderly woman. It was also the first instance that night where Felix was quite solemn and soft spoken as he and Nick alternately shared their story, and it was evident that they both loved their adoptive mother a lot.

"Buuut anyways~!" Felix sang, lightening up the vibe and tipping back yet another shot as he grinned lopsidedly at Juliette. "Enough about me and the lil troll here--" Nick flipped him off. "--how 'bout ya? You mentioned earlier you're not from New York, so what brings you over? Doin' some soul searching?"

Juliette also gulped a shot, shaking her head. "Naaah, I actually came here for work." She slurred, clearing her throat and trying to get a hold of herself.

"What a coincidoink, so have I!" He giggled boyishly, patting her shoulder. Felix was, as Juliette learned, a pretty touchy drunk. "Also, maybe it's just me being fuckin' trashed, but I realized around our fourth set of shots that you look...kinda familiar?"

"C'mon, Lix. You'd for sure remember someone as stunning as her if you actually know her. But I highly doubt you do, considering how fugly you are." Nick teased, Felix scrunching up his nose and immaturely sticking his tongue out at the brunette.

"You're just jealous I won 'Hottest Comedian' Award!"

"Felix, that was EIGHT years ago! And even then you made a total embarrassment of yourself, rambling about fucking nothing on stage then tripping on the way down before crashing on some unfortunate cameraman."

"YOU PROMISED YOU'D NEVER BRING THAT UP ANYMORE, DICKWAD!"

"HOW THE HELL AM I SUPPOSED TO FORGET WHEN IT WAS TURNED INTO A GODDAMN MEME?!"

As Felix and Nick bickered back and forth, Juliette was puzzled. Her brain was so muddled, she barely registered what they were even arguing about in the first place. Something about...a comedy? Maybe a show of some sort?

"Talk to the hand, you little bitch!" Felix snorted, smacking his hand on Nick's forehead. Nick cursed at him, but Felix abruptly avoided the situation as he slung a gangly arm around Juliette.

"Darlin', I think I've won the contest!" He snickered, Nick looking like he could rip his hair out at any second. His or Felix's. "Time to gimme your name and digits!"

"No way! I'm not done yet, ya dingus!" Juliette giggled tipsily. Yep, she's lost it now.

"Hmm... Fine, I'll just guess your name! If I guess right, then we'll take it as me winning."

Juliette made a show of thinking, tapping her temple before nodding.

"Alrighty, then! Uhh... Annie?"

"Nuh-uh."

"Barbara?"

"Nerp."

"...Carolina?"

"Now you're just going alphabetically."

"Aww, man! I dunno, dude!" Felix groaned, running his hands through his unruly raven locks. "Can't you at least give me a hint, Ms. Mysterious Lady I Wanna Hook Up With?"

Juliette felt her heart flutter, and she was tempted to just blurt out her name. But where would the fun in that be? "J. My name starts with J."

"Julie Andrews?"

"Just give it up, Lix! Anyways, sweetheart, I heard you call me cute earlier. Whaddya say we get rid of this motherfucker? I'm almost off my shift, and I can show you that I can be a LOT more than just cute." Nick intervened, smirking wolfishly at Juliette. He was only half serious about his offer, mostly just wanting to piss off his idiot of a brother.

"Hey, don't forget the bro code! Besides, she's WAY more into me!" Felix yelled, but suddenly stopped. Nick and Juliette also did, now watching him worriedly as his eyes widened and his skin seemed to flush a sickly green.

"Felix? You oka--" Juliette couldn't get all the words out as Felix bent over, retching his guts all over her (formerly) beautiful red coat. She screamed in disgust, and instinctively stomped her foot down on his. He yelped in pain, her heel making contact on his big toe.

Then, everything faded to black...

. ⋅ ˚̣- : ✧ : - ⭒ ⊹ ⭒ - : ✧ : -˚̣⋅ .

"I can't BELIEVE you, Juliette!" EJ roared, restlessly pacing around the dressing room. "What did I tell you? WHAT DID I TELL YOU?!"

"Jesus, DAD, calm down!" Juliette moaned, her head pounding. It was the next afternoon, and EJ hasn't once shut up ever since she woke up hungover that morning and found him with his arms crossed while glaring daggers at her on the couch in her living room.

"Juliette Lyra Fay, you listen to me!" EJ persisted, narrowing his fiery hazel eyes at her. "I told you, didn't I?! It's dangerous to wander alone at night! And fine, if you don't care about that, at least think about your reputation! You're SO lucky no one recognized you, and even with your drunk ass you still managed to call me! But if you're gonna be like this, then maybe I should hire a personal bodyguard!"

"Just a shame what happened to my coat... It was Stella McCartney." Juliette pouted.

"JULIETTE!" She jolted, looking up to see EJ sweaty and exasperated. "Just... Oh, fuck, whatever. Just get ready, we're going soon!"

As he left, he was replaced by two stylists who promptly began bestowing their miracles on Juliette. She was sitting in front of a lit up vanity, her third cup of coffee in hand and huge sunglasses hiding her sunken eyes. One of the stylists was curling her chestnut tinged tresses, elegantly falling onto her back before the other removed Juliette's shades and gasped.

"I had an...interesting night." Was all Juliette could mutter guiltily.

"Well, nothing a little makeup can't fix!" The stylist chuckled, quickly touching up her face.

Juliette just stared blankly at the mirror as she was done up, her mind drifting elsewhere. It took a while for her to remember everything that transpired last night, but she eventually did while on the way to set in EJ's car as he articulated an Oscar-worthy furious monologue while she zoned out.

Felix... Just a single damn name was enough to make her stomach erupt into butterflies--but also CRINGE. She still couldn't forgive him for what he did to one of her favourite coats, even if it was an accident.

"Hurry your ass up, we'll be late!" A male voice suddenly thundered, Juliette hearing rapid footsteps before another lighter timbre groused.

"Geez, man, you know I'm getting old!" Juliette froze. She knew that fucking voice. The stylists were oblivious as they focused on their tasks, but Juliette jumped up slightly in her seat to listen some more to their conversation.

"Anyways, about this Juliette girl..." The familiar voice was saying, somewhat hesitant. "I know everyone's gotta start somewhere, but are you sure she's cut out for this shit? I mean, I don't wanna judge since I also came from the bottom, but I personally don't think some random influencer who just got famous overnight should be in a movie."

"You're overreacting, Felix. Juliette Fay is talented, she just needs to hone her skills." The other responded.

"Still, though... I really don't know how to feel about it." The two men were now in the room, but they both halted in their tracks as their attention landed on Juliette.

"O-Oh, uh, Ms. Fay!" A dark skinned fellow stammered. "Very nice to finally meet you! This is Felix Kane and I'm his manager, Will Bennett. I can give you my business card later."

Felix Kane... Now it made perfect sense, everything clicking in Juliette's mind. Endured his humble beginnings in stand-up comedy before joining SNL for several years, then branching out to be his own comedian and actor.

"Nice to meet you, too." Juliette replied flatly, gaze trained straight ahead as her grip on her coffee tightened.

"A-Anyways, umm..." Will coughed. "I'll leave now. Catch you guys on the set!"

As he rushed away, the stylists also just finished up with Juliette. The result was amazing, but that didn't change how angry and hurt Juliette felt on the inside.

"We'll be right back, Mr. Kane, we just need to get some scissors and products to fix your hair with!" One of the stylists excused, Felix only smiling and nodding before they ran away.

"Sooo..." He kicked off awkwardly when they were alone, fidgeting with his hands. "Err, nice to meet you!"

"Your manager already said that." She dryly pointed out, sipping her coffee.

Felix didn't know why, but the way she drank almost seemed...strangely familiar to him.

"...I'm guessing you heard what I said outside, huh?"

"My! Whatever made you think that, Sherlock?" She gasped sarcastically.

"I'm sorry." He sighed, scratching the back of his neck sheepishly. "I...I don't have anything against you, babes. I just don't know you yet, and I guess I sorta feel nervous myself since this is my first movie in some time."

Juliette was silent for a few moments, but Felix felt as if it was a dreadful eternity. Finally, she broke the ice though not in the sentence he expected.

"Do you call everyone babes?"

"Huh?" He furrowed his brows, dumbfounded.

"God, Nick was right... You ARE a dumbass." She released a breath she didn't even know she was holding, putting her coffee down before standing up and turning to Felix. He had different sloppy clothes on, but still wore his worn out leather jacket. He also had contact lenses, his baby blues now in better view and some bandages on his chin from having woken up late then shaving and cutting himself in a panic. And in the light and completely sober, Juliette can clearly perceive that his naturally curly hair was mid-length and even messier than last night.

But FUCK he was hot.

It took an extended pause for Felix until recognition sparked in his eyes, and he couldn't restrain himself as an elated grin tore across his face. "No way, YOU'RE the mystery woman?!"

"I dunno, am I?"

"Still as feisty as ever, I see!" He laughed boisterously, clutching his stomach. "Aw, man, this is WAY rad! What chance do I got of being your Romeo?!"

"Let's see..." She smiled forcefully, tone cheerfully fake as she placed her hands on her hips. "You fucking threw up on me, talked shit behind my back, and nearly forgot about me just right now like I was nothing despite me tolerating all your stupid jokes last night. What do you think?"

"Weeell~ You stomped on my foot and I still have a bit of a limp, so I guess we're even." He innocently retaliated, still with that shit-eating grin. "And what I think? I think I have a pretty good fucking chance, Ms. Sexy Lady I Now Wanna Hook Up With Even More!"

. ⋅ ˚̣- : ✧ : - ⭒ ⊹ ⭒ - : ✧ : -˚̣⋅ .

This was looong, I'm SO sorry O_o

But what did y'all think? Like I said, I STRONGLY encourage comments and/or if ya wanna spread the word about this! It would be SUPER appreciated 😃

But srsly guys I had TONS of fun writing this, especially the petty fighting between Felix and Nick and ofc Juliette and Felix's banter!! Hopefully you lovelies enjoyed it too and look forward for more as soon as I can get to it~

Speaking of, do y'all have any ideas what Juliette x Felix's ship name can be?? Feel free to drop in some suggestions❣