𝑰 𝐒𝐋𝐄𝐏𝐓 𝐖𝐈𝐓𝐇 𝐌𝐘 𝐂𝐎-𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐑 [𝐙𝐇𝐎𝐍𝐆𝐋𝐈 𝐗 𝐂𝐇𝐈𝐋𝐃𝐄]

-𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐓𝐖𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐘 + 𝐓𝐇𝐑𝐄𝐄-

•'¯'•. . .•'¯'•

To be amazed by the dazzling lights of the grand entrace layed out for the actors and movie crew to be greeted by was a dream. For anyone who dreamed to reached this sort of level in the acting and movie career. Such as Tartaglia. Whom was in awe; he was here at his childhood star's level. He was head-to-head with Zhongli and was seeing the world from what Tartaglia's believed must've been Zhongli's point of view all this time. Was the glamour and excitment always this exciting? The sparkles and light, the urge to improve your performance to a peak, and go beyond your capabilities and compete against expectations until you were the best. And that's what Tartaglia wanted to be; the best. Hence why he looked up the world's number one actor so much.

To Tartaglia, Zhongli was a man of no flaws. Like a Greek statue that could not be moved from its place, and was perfect in every way and place.

"By the rate of my unpopularity is going upwards, I wonder how long it is until I am blacklisted.." Zhongli had wondered as they headed inside. One hand was kept in his pocket and he squeezed the small box he was carrying with him. "If so, I need to come up with a plan so I do not tarnish Tartaglia's growing reputation and bring him down with me.."

The movie premiere went on its usual schedule and it was ultimately amazing. All the actors sat in their own little space up front, and movie critics and journalists sat in the back. Their pens and notebooks opened and ready to criticize and or rejoice what their eyes were ready to watch like a hawk. Most directors and producers would be nervous, but Kaeya noticed the producers seemed rather tense and Kaeya was paying close attention to them rather than the film. The producer was much more calm compared to the last time Kaeya and him spoke to each other.

As the movie began, Tartaglia's eyes lit up. Like an innocent child's dream had finally been accomplished, he could feel his younger self laughing with joy. And how much he would have loved to cry out with happiness and cheer for himself for getting so far. But he kept that inside for now. He could celebrate later.

"Me and Mr. Zhongli... we're together on TV.. We're incredible.."

Their acting blended together in such a genuine way; their interactions on the screen weren't stiff or cold, but genuine and normal. The indirect love and flirting came off so easily from them. Truthfully they played the characters whom started as uncertain individuals, to lovers quite well. Ajax had planned to use Morax and steal his powers, only to find himself caught by Morax, and when so, hurt when he realized how heartbroken he caused the God to become by trying to deceive him. They engaged in a fight then part. Only to be reunited and claim their vows wanting to be together forever.

"This is it.." Tartaglia thought with a gulp. This was the kiss scene. The last part of the movie before the credits. The part of the film that directly tells the audience both Morax and Ajax are romantically in love; they weren't just close friends which most people would automatically assume.

Zhongli became tense in his seat, squeezing the box tighter in his hand without even knowing it.

"If the world can let us have this.. then maybe.." Zhongli bit his lip, never blinking, and only watching the movie as it grew near the end.

All Zhongli needed was the reasurence that he and Tartaglia could be together without Tartaglia's life being in danger. If the movie could just keep that kiss scene, then it would be the hope and reassurance Zhongli would need that this could work without him hurting Tartaglia's dream. The dream Tartaglia had since he was a mere child, and the dream he so proudly announced to Zhongli the actor on that cold winter day in Russia when they were first met. The dream that even kept Zhongli going; that kept him alive and away from the edge of the bridge that Zhongli had been so close to letting take his life.

'Morax.. let us stay close forever..' Ajax, said with a smile.

Just then, the movie ended and the credits rolled on the screen. The kiss scene never appeared. It was taken out.

•'¯'•. . .•'¯'•