Shadows of Stardom / Scarlett Johansson x Daughter

Chapter 8: A Step Closer

Days passed, and Anastasia found herself more and more comfortable around the cast. The tension that had once hung in the air began to fade. Even Scarlett, who had always been the most difficult presence for her to accept, didn't seem as bad as before. Anastasia didn't feel the same sharp resentment when they were in the same room anymore. Maybe it was because they were both trying, or maybe because there was a strange comfort in seeing parts of herself in Scarlett, no matter how much she wanted to deny it.

One afternoon, after wrapping up a day of filming, RDJ clapped his hands together with his trademark grin. "Alright, everyone, I've got a wild idea! Party at my place. What do you say?"

The cast erupted into a chorus of agreement. Anastasia, though usually hesitant about large gatherings, nodded her head. She'd been getting along with everyone better, and after a week of emotional ups and downs, she figured it might be good to let loose. "Count me in," she said, offering a small smile.

Scarlett, on the other hand, seemed uncertain. She glanced at Anastasia, her concern evident in her eyes. "I'm not sure if it's the best idea. I don't want to... you know, make anyone uncomfortable."

Chris, who had overheard, grinned and slung his arm around Scarlett's shoulders. "Come on, Scar. It wouldn't be any fun without you there. Besides, Anastasia's going, and we all know a party's better when the whole gang's there."

Anastasia, catching Scarlett's hesitation, raised an eyebrow. "It's fine, really. If you're worried about me, don't be. It's just a party."

Scarlett studied her daughter's face for a moment before finally agreeing. "Alright, I'll go. But no promises on staying too late."

---

Later that evening, RDJ's house was alive with music, laughter, and the warm buzz of people enjoying themselves. The mood was light, and for the first time in a while, Anastasia felt a sense of nostalgia—a flicker of the past when life wasn't so complicated. Everyone was eating, drinking, and dancing. The Marvel family was back together, and for a moment, all the complexities and awkwardness of the past didn't matter.

Anastasia had a drink or two, her usual cold demeanor softening under the influence of the alcohol. She wasn't drunk, not yet, but there was a pleasant haze in her mind that allowed her to forget the weight of the world for a bit. She danced with Billie and Florence, laughed with Chris and Elizabeth, and found herself smiling more than she had in years.

At one point, slightly tipsy, she found herself unconsciously sitting next to Scarlett. Without even realizing it, Anastasia leaned into her, resting her head against Scarlett's shoulder. It was such a small, innocent gesture, but it felt monumental. Scarlett, who had stayed sober for the night, froze at first, unsure of what was happening. But she stayed quiet, her heart swelling with a mix of emotions she couldn't quite name. Her daughter, the one who had pushed her away for so long, was now here, resting against her, even if it was only because of the alcohol.

Scarlett didn't say anything, but she couldn't help the smile that tugged at her lips. It was the first time in years that Anastasia had been this close to her. And though she knew it wouldn't last forever, she allowed herself to enjoy the moment.

Across the room, Chris noticed and shot a glance at RDJ, who grinned. "Well, would you look at that?" RDJ whispered to Chris. "Maybe there's hope for those two after all."

As the night went on, everyone began to gather around the TV, laughing at the suggestion of watching some of their old, embarrassing scenes. RDJ pulled up a collection of bloopers and funny moments from their various movies, and the group erupted in laughter as they watched themselves in all their awkward glory.

Anastasia nearly choked on her drink when they played a clip of her first role at sixteen. "Oh my God," she groaned, burying her face in her hands as everyone laughed. "I can't believe I looked like that. Why didn't anyone stop me?"

"Because it was adorable!" Chris teased, nudging her. "Everyone starts somewhere, Ana."

Florence grinned and leaned over, patting Anastasia on the back. "Hey, we've all been there. But at least you can laugh at yourself now, right?"

"Barely," Anastasia muttered, though a smile tugged at her lips despite her embarrassment.

Then, someone pulled up one of Scarlett's scenes from a Don Jon movie where she was making out with her co-star. Anastasia's face twisted in exaggerated disgust as she pointed at the screen. "Okay, no. That's just wrong. That's my mother. This is... this is disgusting."

The room erupted into laughter, Scarlett included. "I was just doing my job," Scarlett protested, though she couldn't help but laugh at her daughter's reaction. "Not everything I do is superhero stuff, you know."

Anastasia shook her head, still looking mortified. "I don't care. It's still awful to watch."

Chris was doubled over with laughter. "This is priceless. We should have filmed your reaction."

"I'm never watching that again," Anastasia muttered, though her cheeks were flushed with laughter and embarrassment.

The night wore on, and as it neared 5 a.m., the group started to wind down. Some of the cast members began to head home, while others—too tired or tipsy to drive—decided to crash at RDJ's place. 

Anastasia, still feeling the effects of the alcohol but sobering up, stretched and looked around. Despite everything—despite the years of resentment, the awkwardness, the unspoken tension—tonight had felt different. She had fun. She laughed with them, felt a sense of belonging she hadn't in years. 

Scarlett, sitting next to her, glanced over and smiled. "You okay?"

Anastasia hesitated for a moment before nodding. "Yeah," she said softly. "I'm good."

Scarlett's smile widened, relief flooding her chest. "I'm glad."

As the last of the group either settled in for the night or headed out the door, Anastasia found herself reflecting on the evening. She didn't know what tomorrow would bring, or if things would go back to being as complicated as they were before, but for tonight, it didn't matter. She was here, surrounded by people who cared about her, and for the first time in a long while, she didn't feel like she was on the outside looking in. 

Maybe things could be different. Maybe they could heal. 

For now, though, she would take things one day at a time.

Let's give it a try.