On Set Sparks

Wheels in Motion

The day wrapped earlier than expected, leaving Vera with an unusual stretch of free time. As she exited the studio, the crisp afternoon air felt refreshing against her skin. She glanced at her phone, contemplating what to do next when she noticed a notification from Malachi on Instagram.

**Malachi:** *Hey, you free? Thinking of hitting the skate park. You in?*

Vera smirked at the message. She hadn't mentioned her love for skateboarding to anyone on set, but somehow Malachi seemed to have a knack for guessing her interests. Without overthinking it, she typed back a quick reply.

**Vera:** *You're on. Meet you there in 20.*

She hopped into her car, the familiar buzz of excitement building as she drove through the city streets. Skateboarding was one of her favorite ways to unwind—a rush of adrenaline paired with a sense of freedom that acting, despite its thrills, couldn't quite match.

The skate park was nestled in a quiet corner of the city, surrounded by towering trees that provided a mix of sun and shade. When Vera arrived, she spotted Malachi instantly. He was perched on the edge of a ramp, his skateboard resting beside him, the same mischievous grin on his face that had become almost a signature.

"Nice wheels," Vera called out as she approached, nodding toward his board.

Malachi looked up, his eyes lighting up at the sight of her. "I could say the same to you. Didn't know you skated."

Vera shrugged, pulling her board from the trunk. It was a well-loved piece, with scuffs and scratches that told the story of countless tricks and falls. "There's a lot you don't know about me, Barton."

He chuckled, pushing himself to his feet. "Guess I'm about to find out."

They spent the next hour weaving through the park, racing each other through the half-pipes and challenging one another to tricks. The playful banter from the set carried over into the skate park, but here, it was stripped of any pretense. It was just them, two people enjoying the ride and the thrill of competition.

After landing a particularly tricky kickflip, Vera came to a stop at the top of a ramp, panting lightly as she looked out over the park. Malachi skated up beside her, his breath coming in short bursts, but there was a gleam of satisfaction in his eyes.

"You're good," he admitted, a hint of admiration in his voice. "Really good."

Vera flashed a grin, wiping the sweat from her brow. "You're not so bad yourself. I might actually be impressed."

"High praise coming from you, Santos," he teased, leaning on his board as he caught his breath.

They stood there in companionable silence for a moment, the energy between them still buzzing but softened by the shared experience. Vera could feel the tension of the day melting away, replaced by a simple, undeniable connection.

"So, what's the story behind the skateboard?" Malachi asked, breaking the silence. "You don't exactly strike me as the skateboarding type, but then again, you're full of surprises."

Vera looked down at her board, running her fingers over the worn surface. "I've been skating since I was a kid. My brother and I used to race each other through the streets of São Paulo. It was our thing, you know? A way to escape, to feel free."

Malachi nodded, his expression softening. "Sounds like you've got some good memories tied to it."

"Yeah," Vera agreed, a wistful smile tugging at her lips. "It's one of the few things that's stayed constant, no matter where I go or what I'm doing. Keeps me grounded."

They lapsed into silence again, but this time it was comfortable, the kind of silence that spoke volumes without the need for words. Vera felt a strange sense of contentment wash over her, something she hadn't felt in a long time.

"Ever think about doing this for real?" Malachi asked suddenly, glancing at her out of the corner of his eye.

"What do you mean?"

"Skating. Competing. You're good enough, that's for sure."

Vera laughed, shaking her head. "Nah, I love it, but acting's my thing. Skating is more of a passion—a way to let off steam, clear my head. Besides," she added with a smirk, "I like playing different characters too much. Skating's just for me."

Malachi grinned, clearly satisfied with her answer. "Fair enough. But if you ever decide to switch careers, let me know. I'll be your first sponsor."

They both laughed, the sound echoing through the park as the sun dipped lower in the sky. Vera felt a sense of ease settle over her—a rare feeling in her line of work, where everything was so often planned and calculated.

As they skated around the park one last time, Vera couldn't shake the feeling that this was the start of something new. Something real. And as she glanced over at Malachi, who was currently attempting a trick with his usual mix of determination and flair, she couldn't help but feel that, whatever it was, she was ready for it.

The day had started with the anticipation of a new role, but it was ending with something far more personal—a new connection, a new thrill, and the promise of more to come. And Vera was more than ready to see where it would take her.