Storm of Hearts: Graham Crackle x Reader: Carmen Sandiego 2019

Chapter 2: The Spark

Author's note (h/c) stands for home country, (f/b) stands for favorite book

Graham pov

The curtains fell as the first full run of the show ended.

"Take 30 minutes and then we're going over act 2 again!" The director called.

I stepped out from the lighting booth and followed Vinny back stage.

It took me about a minute to register her as she walked backstage, still gitty from the performance. One of the stage set members who I believe was named Paula stood right by her side all chatty. Her (h/c) hair messily pushed back to fit her mic.

"Graham? Graham did you here me boy?"

"Huh?" I turned back to see Vinny, "you know I could never ignore you mate."

"Good good... after rehearsal today I need to speak with you. It's concerning your future and I recommend you listen."

"Crikey you sound serious, something wrong with the misses?"

"For the last time I'm not married!" He spat.

"I wonder why not..  I'm sure you'd be quite the catch with the ladies mate. Speaking of..." I walked over towards Paula and her mysterious,  friend, "G'day ladies. I don't believe I've had the pleasure yet... name's Graham Calloway.. pleasure."

~

(Y/N) POV, present

I expected my chest to explode with anxiety as he pushed back his waves of brown hair. Instead I felt a strange sense of... comfort.
"Graham huh?  Like the cracker?"

"Or like your future date love."

"Geez are you always this flirty or are you particularly unhinged this afternoon?" I smirked.

"Just trying to make our leading actress smile, is that such a crime mate?"

"No but do you have to go right in front of-" I turned to my side to see Paula was now on the other side of the room giving me a thumbs up.

"Afraid your friend left to leave us alone. Quite nice of her don't you think? By the way I didn't catch your name."

"I didn't throw it but (Y/N) (L/N) nice to meet you 'mate'"

"Judging by your accent you're not from around here are you?"

"Afraid not, I grew up in (h/c) but flew out here for the gig. Judging by your rampant use of Aussie slang I'm assuming you are?"

"Born and raised love. Born and raised."

Fast forward, after rehearsal

I stuffed my bag back up, the contents overflowing with loose hair ties and energy bars. A mild amount of sweat dripped down my back, damn those stagelights were hot.

"(Y/N) I'm heading out want me to wait for you?" Paula asked stepping into my dressing room.

"No it's okay go ahead. I think I might hang around for a bit." I mumbled trying to squeeze my water bottle into a loose pocket.

"If you say so, nice work tonight. See ya tomorrow!"

It took me a grand total of 60 seconds to get distracted. Originally, I was going to ask the director a question and then hang out for a bit with the remaining cast. But then I saw (f/b) in the bottom of my bag and thought a chapter or two couldn't hurt.

~

Each word entered my mind like a wave leading into the ocean of possibilities in the narrative. I had read this book a thousand times over but my love for it strengthened with every page.

"Crap what time is it?" I thought realizing how far I had gotten. I packed my book away, picked up my things, and left my dressing room convinced I was the only one left in the theatre.

Thinking it was a shortcut, I turned down a hallway I had never seen before. It was eerily dark, and not nearly as nice as the rest of the building.

I spotted the exit when I suddenly heard something or rather someone.
"I'm telling you mate I just don't know."

I peaked my head around the corner to see Graham and Vinny going on about... something.

"Think of the money! Think of the possibilities! Think of the thrill. Travel the world every day! You could never have to light another show again."

"But what happens if I get caught? I don't want to end up rotting in some jailcell." Graham retorted crossing his arms.

"Vile is the most highly accomplished crime school in the whole world. If you go there the last thing you need to worry about is getting caught. With your talent you could rise in the ranks.. maybe even make faculty one day. You could be someone. Belong somewhere."

Graham froze clearly taken aback,
"And.. all I have to do is call?"

Vinny nodded the grin growing on his face.

"What about my life here? What happens?"

"Your an orphan Graham you have no life here."

Boom boys another one done!! Hope y'all enjoyed let me know your thoughts/feelings on the chapter:D and yes we will be timeskipping fairly soon but keep on reading to find out