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Word count: 988
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The film studio was a bustling hub of activity, with humans and puppets alike darting back and forth, working to bring the show "Welcome Home" to life.
In the center of it all was Actor, the main lead. Standing at his full 3 feet, his blue hair perfectly coiffed.
He strutted through the studio, greeting most everyone) with a charming smile.
Today, he was feeling especially affectionate, and he was determined to show his special person just how much they meant to him, even if it made him a bit flustered.
Actor spotted Y/n by the coffee machine, their usual spot in the morning. He double checked if his attire was neat, before tiptoeing over, intending to surprise them.
"Good morning, darl-"
He couldn't finish his sentence as he got picked up. Which wasn't hard with his gremlin size.
As soon as Y/n wrapped their arms around him, Actor went limp, melting into the embrace. His cheeks turned a rosy hue, and he buried his face in their shoulder. "Missed you." He mumbled, barely audible.
Just as the two where about to continue, a voice interrupted the tender moment.
"There you are, Mr. Darling. We need to go over the schedule for tomorrow's shoot."
It was Janet, one of the studio's assistants. She was a tall, no-nonsense woman, known for her strict adherence to the schedule and her less-than-friendly attitude towards the puppets, particularly Actor. Her tone was curt, and her timing couldn't have been worse. The couple didn't miss the judging stare they got from the position they where in.
His flustered delight immediately shifted to irritation, while his expressive eyes narrowed. He straightened his posture, turning to face her with a steely look. "Janet, we're in the middle of something important here." He said, his voice taking on a sharper edge. "This can wait."
Her crossed her arms, a slight sneer playing on her lips. "Important, huh? Well, some of us have real work to do. Not everyone can sit around playing cute all day."
Just cute?
Oh, how that sentence bothered him. Yes, Actor was aware with his appearance and height he was seem as a small adorable thing.
But he worked so incredibly hard to be here, to acquire the place and position he had now. And this women always undermined him, trying to challenge his competence and confidence.
Sometimes he wished he was actually taller and stronger, maybe even more masculine just to scare her off and make her stay in her lane for once. As hisassistant, a role he gracefully allowed her to have after she screwed up on set.
With how he was now, a cute small puppet she would always try to walk over him even if he got serious.
Y/n felt a pang of concern, seeing Actors cheerful demeanor quickly replaced by his bossy, scrutinizing persona. They knew how much he struggled with moments like these, where his authority was questioned or his professionalism was undermined.
They continued securely holding him into their arms, and he still managed to look sassy like this, thanks to this hold he was able to be on eye-level with her.
Actor, however, wasn't about to back down. "Janet, I suggest you check the schedule again. I'm on break right now, and as for 'playing cute,' remember that being 'cute' is part of why 'Welcome Home' is as popular as it is." His voice was firm, leaving no room for argument. "And while we're at it, I'd appreciate it if you showed a bit more respect. We're all professionals here, and I expect you to treat me with the same courtesy you extend to the human cast."
Her face flushed slightly, a mix of embarrassment and irritation. She opened her mouth to retort, but he cut her off. "If there's nothing else, I'd like to continue my break with my partner. We can discuss the schedule after."
Y/n could see the tension in Actors stance, his small frame practically vibrating with the effort to maintain his composure. They squeezed his shoulder gently, hoping to calm him. Janet huffed, rolling her eyes before muttering something rude under her breath and walking away.
As she disappeared around the corner, he let out a heavy sigh, the bravado draining from him. He turned to them, his eyes apologetic.
"I'm sorry about that." He said, his voice softening. "I didn't mean to get so worked up."
Y/n shook their head, smiling reassuringly. "It's okay. You stood up for yourself, and that's important. Don't let people like her get under your skin. She doesn't see the amazing puppet I see."
Actor smiled, the warmth returning to his eyes. "You always know how to make me feel better." He reached up and took their hand again, feeling a wave of affection wash over him. "I guess I still have a lot to learn about handling things like this."
As they wrapped up for the day, Actor took Y/n's hand, his face flushing but his grip firm. "Walk with me?" He asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
They walked through the now quiet studio, hand in hand. Actor was uncharacteristically silent, lost in thought. Finally, he stopped and turned to face Y/n, taking a deep breath. "I know I can be a bit much sometimes." He began, his voice trembling slightly. "But you make me want to be better. I'm trying, for you."
Y/n smiled, their eyes soft with affection. "I know and you're doing great. I love you just the way you are."
His eyes widened, and he felt his heart swell, feeling like his stuffing might burst from all the affection.
"I love you too." He said, his voice strong and clear for once.
With them, underneath the dim studio lights, he felt truly at home. He had his friends, his fans, and most importantly, his partner by his side. And while he might be a diva, he was determined to be the best version of himself for them.
