You don't know about Us - A MewGulf AU

Chapter 18: Marked

Waterproofing the make-up turned out to be a... challenge. According to the stylists, who seemed very versed on checking every part of his (half-naked) body that's to be exposed to the camera. Their complexion didn't have to be perfect, showing some redness and stubble was all part of making it more intimate, but it was rather... another need for make-up that was important.

Because Tharn and Type were supposed to have a blooming, not so much as passionate, relationship, there were certain things were expected to be... on Type's body. Gulf wasn't even sure who came up with the idea, but the whole crew seemed very set on having a proper display of it.

And Gulf, used to going with the flow and not really caring, just shrugged and smiled. However, he hadn't expected that the make-up just wouldn't stay, making him have to dry off, go back to the make-up chair, and touch up before they could do the proper scene. He swears it's a conspiracy. (Before had just been a walk-through and rehearsal.) His body was going to end up being a prune at this rate. The filming of this shower scene turned out to be less hot than he'd expected, and Mew still hadn't kissed him, in spite of his earlier words.

(Patience, nong.)

It had the opposite effect, catching a glance from Mew at the side-lines, the younger only grew more impatient. He had no clue what his phi's earlier words meant, but they had left his heart a jumble of emotions and his stomach in knots. Not only from the confession that his phi had wanted to kiss him, but also for the implications it had, and the fact that everyone knew their double reasons for enjoying this scene.

He just fucking wanted to kiss Mew, was that too much to ask?

"This would be much easier if the hickeys were real," Gulf sighed out lout, not really thinking his words through. But then again, does he ever.

The people surrounding him suddenly went quiet, his make-up stylist stopped the repeated patting on his neck and shoulder blades. The younger simply rolled his eyes. He didn't really care much for what the rest thought, he was impatient, okay, and this was taking far too long.

But of course, the one sitting at the side watching the nong get ready, broke the silence. Mew let out a laugh, immediately clearing up the weird atmosphere. "Are you volunteering?" he asked, in a clearly joking tone.

Gulf felt himself flush, but not out of embarrassment. He met the phi's eyes head on. "So what if I am?" They stared at each other, not looking away as they both dared one another. The people around them had started moving again, the patting of the make-up brush replaced by some liquid sponge, and faint whispers and soft steps were the only sound that surrounded them.

There was a challenge playing in their eyes, twinkling with something deeper than simple teasing. Making Gulf feel hot in the most pleasant way.

"Well then, get on with it," their silent match was interrupted by a third voice. Gulf blinked at the same time as Mew, thoughts connected in a primal way. They turned to the director, who was waving away the make-up artist.

"Is phi Mew volunteering as well?" Gulf asked the director, even though the question wasn't directed at him. "Because I'm becoming a prune here", he teased.

The director rolled his eyes. "I'm sure he is," and then walked away. Gulf could swear he heard him mumble something to his assistant. It took him a while to make it out, and when he did, it filled him with mirth.

("He can be covered from head to toe in hickeys for all I care, at least all this tension is good for the show.")

They were directed back to the set, the assistants checking the camera positions and microphone for one last time while the two stood next to the shower. Gulf was aware he could already get ready, putting water on himself and foam, but the earlier words of the director were resounding in his head.