Backburner, Charlie Bushnell

Sitting In A Tree

Four ✶ Sitting In A Tree

"Cut!"

Their director, Ashlynn, said for what seemed like the millionth time that day. They'd been on set since 5 am and it was almost midnight now. The only cast members on set now were Neomi and Charlie. Filming the last part of the episode where they argue and end up confessing to each other.

Which then ends with a kissing scene.

The pair had ignored the fact that they kissed each other a week ago, not wanting to make things awkward as their other castmates had already made it the whole day — the constant teasing, nudging, and shipping in general. The worst part was everyone on set was in on it.

Every interaction the pair had with each other, they had a joke to quip.

It was her own personal hell.

But now, her energy was slowly wearing off. Ashlynn started to notice this and let everyone have a break. "Everyone take 10!" She announces and everyone scatters around the place.

Neomi decided to rest at her trailer while others went to grab a snack or drink. Charlie grabs two chocolate bars for himself and his castmate. He could tell she needed energy and how nervous she was with the scene as she'd been ignoring him most of the day.

So he went to her trailer. He knocks on her door which startles the girl. "Hey." Charlie starts, and she gives him a small smile. He takes his seat at his usual spot in her trailer, the vanity chair.

Neomi was currently lying down on the couch, trying not to get her clothes crumpled while also letting herself rest. "Got you a Twix bar, know how much you love these." He throws it to her and she catches it.

She opens it and immediately takes a bite. "Thanks." He lets out a chuckle when he hears her muffled voice then it's complete silence.

It wasn't always like this with the two of them. Most of the time they'd be telling stories to each other or just be talking about random stuff to let the time pass by and fill the air. But it's been different ever since the Halloween party.

Neomi was confused as to why he never brought it up while Charlie was upset with himself that he didn't confess first before having their first kiss.

She just wanted him to talk to her, practice their lines, and share what they saw on TikTok but none of that happened. So she decided to be the bigger person and started the conversation. "So... How has your day been?"

"Weird. I forgot we were going to kiss this episode and you've been avoiding me since... you know." She sighs before standing up to get a bottle of water from the refrigerator.

He bites his inner cheek, thinking about what he just said. "Since you kissed me at the party, yeah," Neomi says while looking at him. The curly-haired boy opens his chocolate bar takes a big bite and leans back on the chair.

Her attention was all on him now. No matter what time of day it was, he still managed to look good and make her feel comfortable after all the teasing she got that day. She examined his face as she waited for him to speak. "Sorry, I never brought it up." Charlie manages to get out.

He mentally curses himself before speaking once again. "I was afraid you didn't feel the same way and I saw how uncomfortable you were with all the teasing." Her gaze softened as she listened to him ramble.