Unscripted Ties

A Family on Camera

Fourth fidgeted anxiously, his eyes darting between Leo and the crew bustling around the set. They had been scheduled to film a commercial for a family-oriented brand, one that required a child to play the part of a "happy family." But the child actor originally hired had come down with a high fever, leaving the production team scrambling. With no time to find a replacement, the only option left was Leo.

The director had suggested it casually, but Fourth's immediate reaction was a firm "no." He wasn't ready to expose Leo to this world, even if it was only for a few minutes on camera. The industry was brutal, and he didn't want his son pulled into the chaos and scrutiny that came with it. Besides, he'd promised himself to keep Leo's life as private as possible, a vow that felt more fragile with each passing day.

But the director was persistent, assuring him they'd only film Leo's side profile and his back—just enough to create the illusion of a family without revealing his identity. The assurances from the crew, and Gemini's calming hand on his shoulder, eventually wore him down.

"Only his side profile," Fourth emphasized, glancing at the director with a steely gaze. "And I want him out of here as soon as you're done. No retakes unless absolutely necessary."

The director nodded enthusiastically, clapping his hands together. "Of course! We'll make this quick. Just a couple of shots, and he'll be done."

Fourth crouched down to Leo's level, adjusting the little boy's shirt and running his fingers through his hair. "You'll be okay, right, buddy?" he asked softly.

Leo looked up at him with wide, curious eyes, a small smile tugging at his lips. He was clearly excited by the set's colorful lights and the attention from the crew, blissfully unaware of the tension around him. "Okay, Papa!" he chirped, reaching up to touch Fourth's face.

Fourth couldn't help but smile, a mix of pride and nerves swirling in his chest. "That's my boy," he whispered, pressing a quick kiss to Leo's forehead before standing up and stepping back.

Gemini joined them, reaching down to give Leo's hand a reassuring squeeze. "You're going to be a star today, little guy," he said, winking at him. Leo giggled, clutching Gemini's hand as they headed over to the set, the familiar ease between the two of them settling Fourth's nerves—if only a little.

The commercial scene was simple, designed to showcase a family enjoying an afternoon together. Fourth and Gemini were to sit at a picnic table, chatting and laughing as Leo ran around, playing with toys, and occasionally running to them for hugs. The lighting was warm, casting a golden glow that made everything feel cozy and idyllic. It felt surreal to see his own life—his son and this "relationship" with Gemini—reflected back at him through the lens of a camera.

Leo, despite being so young, seemed to know what to do. He played along naturally, his laughter bright and infectious as he ran from Fourth to Gemini, his tiny feet pattering against the grass. Fourth found himself drawn in, swept up in the genuine joy Leo radiated. For a moment, he forgot about the cameras, the pressure, the script. It was just him, Leo, and Gemini, like a snapshot of a life he hadn't realized he'd started to imagine.

The director called for a shot where Leo would run up to Fourth, arms open wide for a hug. Fourth crouched down, opening his arms as Leo barreled toward him with a big grin. Fourth scooped him up, lifting him high into the air, the little boy squealing with delight.

"Perfect!" the director called, clapping his hands. "One more, with Gemini holding Leo this time!"

Fourth hesitated but forced himself to stay calm. He glanced over at Gemini, who gave him a reassuring nod. Carefully, he handed Leo over, watching as Gemini settled Leo comfortably in his arms. Leo seemed completely at ease, his arms looping around Gemini's neck as he rested his head on his shoulder. The sight was unexpectedly intimate, a small moment that felt entirely too real, too honest.

"Alright, now look over at each other, like you're sharing a private joke," the director instructed.

Fourth followed the cue, glancing over at Gemini, who gave him a playful smirk. He couldn't help but smile back, the natural warmth in Gemini's expression making it easy to fall into the moment. They held each other's gaze, Leo nestled between them, his tiny hand clutching the fabric of Gemini's shirt.

"Beautiful," the director murmured. "That's a wrap, everyone!"

The crew erupted into applause, and Fourth felt a wave of relief as he gently took Leo back from Gemini's arms. Leo looked up at him, his face lit up with joy, clearly unaware of the weight of the moment. Fourth held him close, brushing a hand through his hair, thankful that it was over.

Back in the dressing room, Fourth packed up Leo's things, his mind racing with a mix of emotions. The shoot had gone smoothly, but a part of him couldn't shake the unease. He'd agreed to this one moment, this one small piece of exposure for Leo, but he knew how quickly things could spiral in this industry. And he hated the thought of Leo becoming a piece of the public's puzzle, a face to be analyzed and speculated about.

Gemini entered the room quietly, watching as Fourth carefully folded Leo's sweater. "You okay?" he asked, leaning against the doorframe.

Fourth glanced up, managing a small smile. "Yeah, just... nervous, I guess. I know they won't show his face, but this isn't exactly what I'd planned."

Gemini nodded, his gaze soft and understanding. "I get it. But he was amazing, you know. And so were you." He paused, giving a gentle smile. "If it helps, I'll keep an eye on the footage. Make sure nothing slips through the cracks."

The sincerity in Gemini's voice soothed him more than he'd like to admit. "Thank you," Fourth murmured, glancing down at Leo, who was tugging at his shirt, his eyes half-closed with drowsiness.

"Hey, little guy," Gemini said softly, crouching down to Leo's level. "You did such a good job today."

Leo gave him a sleepy smile, reaching out to pat Gemini's face with his tiny hand. Fourth felt his heart clench at the tenderness of the gesture. It was these small, unguarded moments that reminded him of the strange, almost familial bond that was growing between them, one he hadn't anticipated.

After a moment, Leo yawned, nestling into Fourth's chest. Fourth stood, carefully cradling him, feeling the weight of the day settle on him.

Gemini walked them to the car, his presence a steady comfort. As they reached the car, he looked at Fourth with an expression that was both gentle and determined.

"Fourth, if there's ever anything you need—anything—I'm here, okay?" Gemini said softly, his hand reaching out to rest on Fourth's shoulder.

Fourth nodded, the simple gesture carrying more weight than he could express. "Thank you, Gemini. For everything."

Gemini smiled, a quiet warmth in his gaze. "Anytime."

As they drove back to the hotel, Fourth glanced at Leo in the rearview mirror, his heart full of a complicated mix of pride, protectiveness, and... something else. Something that felt a lot like hope. He wasn't sure what lay ahead or how this complicated "relationship" would play out, but in that moment, he knew he wasn't alone. Gemini was there, and somehow, that made everything feel a little less overwhelming.

For now, he'd take things one day at a time, cherishing the small, real moments amidst the charade. Because as much as the cameras captured their public smiles, it was these quiet, private moments that told the real story. And for that, he was grateful.