Mister Softee & I

Doubt

Upon their return, Sam and Daniel decided to make their relationship semi-public, but only to a few select friends/co-stars and their respective management teams. They knew that it would invite a whole new level of attention and scrutiny, especially with filming about to pick back up. But they were willing to start small before allowing the whole world in.

The day of the first table read for Season 5 had arrived, and Sam and Daniel found themselves filled with a mixture of excitement and nervousness. They had spent weeks rehearsing their lines, immersing themselves in their characters, and now it was time to bring the written words to life alongside their castmates.

As they entered the conference room where the table read would take place, Sam couldn't help but feel a tinge of doubt creeping into her mind. The room was buzzing with energy as the cast and executives gathered, as everyone seemed to catching up from their summer break. She glanced at Daniel, who seemed to radiate confidence, and wondered if she was the only one feeling this way.

As they settled into their seats, the executive producer welcomed everyone and expressed his excitement for the new season. The table read began, and Sam listened intently as her co-stars delivered their lines with conviction and flair. But as each time her turn approached, a wave of self-doubt washed over her. "What is going with me today?"

She glanced at Daniel, who noticed her unease and gently squeezed her hand under the table. "You've got this, Sam," he whispered, his voice filled with reassurance.

Sam offered him a weak smile, grateful for his support. But as she started reading her lines, her words felt heavy, lacking the usual spark she had during rehearsals. Her scenes were filled with so much angst and longing from her character. It was difficult to put herself in that frame of mind. The insecurities continued to nag at her, and she couldn't shake the feeling that she was letting her castmates down.

After the table read, the room erupted in applause, and everyone congratulated each other on a job well done. But Sam couldn't join in the celebration. She felt a growing sense of disappointment in herself, wondering if her doubts were an indication of her ability to handle the semi-public nature of their relationship.

As the cast and crew began to disperse, Daniel approached Sam, concern etched on his face. "Are you okay?" he asked, his voice filled with genuine worry.

Sam sighed, her shoulders slumping. "I don't know, Daniel. Today... I just felt off. My performance didn't feel as strong as I wanted it to be. Maybe going semi-public was a mistake. Maybe I'm not cut out for all this attention."

Daniel took her hands in his, his gaze unwavering. "Sam, don't let one bad day make you doubt yourself or us. We all have off days, and it doesn't define who we are. You're a talented actress, and I believe in you."

She looked into Daniel's eyes, searching for the truth in his words. She knew he was right. Doubt was a natural part of any journey, and their relationship was no exception. "Maybe it's more so that this season is going to have our character's be apart again." she said, her voice filled with melancholy. "I'll try to come out of my own head more."

He smiled, a mix of relief and love in his eyes. "That's my girl. And yeah, this season is looking like it's going to be a tough one. But guess who you got by your side."

Smiling at his antics, ""Hmmm..let me guess. Is it Michael?" She laughs at his reaction.

Shaking is head, going in to tickle her on her side, "Oh, you got jokes." Sam's laughter filled the space as he was able to bring her out of her self-doubt. Taking a breather, she wraps her arms around his shoulder, "It's you, Daniel. The best on and off screen partner I've had. But don't let that inflate your ego." She chuckles.

Daniel pulls her in closer, "You do have me," he says and then gives her a quick peck to the lips, "too late about that ego though."

With renewed resolve, Sam and Daniel walked out of the room, as discreetly as possible. Leaving set, they decided to go back to Daniel's place to order in and spend the night just relaxing. They curled up on the couch, a cozy blanket draped over them, as they indulged in their favorite takeout. The familiar warmth of their togetherness enveloped them, easing away the residual doubt and worry.

Snuggling up closer  to Daniel, her head resting on his chest as they watched a movie. She felt so comfortable and safe in his arms, and she knew that she was exactly where she wanted to be. When the movie came to an end, Sam looked up at Daniel and was lost in her thoughts, "Am I really about to say this? This man has turned me into a simp." Her heart filled with a trepidation and confusion. Looking into his eyes she whispered, "I....", her voice caught in her throat barely above a whisper.

Daniel's eyes clouded with hope when she stopped herself, but then a huge smile spread across his face. "I love you too, Sam," he said, pulling her in for a kiss that felt both familiar and new all at once.

She took his hand and placed it over her heart, "I do feel that for you Daniel, it's just..." Looking down at the hand on his thigh and taking a deep sigh. "This is a next step, takes us from causal in New York to a real thing here. My brain is having a hard time catching up sometimes."

Daniel lifts her chin up to meet his eyes, "This has always been real to me Sam. But, I know what you mean. If you feel for me what I do for you, then I can wait for the words when you are ready."

Settling back into each other's embrace, Sam knew that her doubts and fears would still creep in from time to time, but now she had something solid to hold onto - and she was going to continue riding this journey.

Apologies for the delay on this chapter for this story. I was on a steady roll and then came to a bit of writer's block. The vision for this story is coming to together though. Hope you enjoyed it, until next time!