A Thousand Miles Apart (A Skylar Astin Fanfic Sequel)

Chapter 1- More Auditions

(A/N): This book is a sequel, so you should read my other book before you get into this one. It's called "I've Got The Magic In Me", and you can find it on my profile. :)

So for the rest of you who have read the previous book, I hope you enjoy! Also, I know Skylar filmed 21 and Over before Pitch Perfect, but for the sake of this book, he didn't. I guess you could say this is an AU. 

~Skylar's POV~

"They've started shipping us," Ben said from the other side of the bed. "Those girls on Twitter and Tumblr ship us constantly."

"Shipping?" I asked. "What's that?"

"It's when people show their interest for a pair or couple. Usually they only do it for fictional characters, but real people aren't off limits. It can be any two people. They give names to the ships by combining their first or last names."

I leaned over and put my arms around Ben, pulling him tight. "Wow. You have a lot of knowledge  on this subject. May I ask why?'

Ben shrugged, obviously guilty. He grinned. "I have a lot of free time."

"What's our ship name?" I asked. 

Ben tried to hold back laughter. "It's called 'Plastin'. It's 'Platt' and 'Astin' put together. Totally ridiculous."

I started laughing too. "I guess Plastin is better than 'Bylar'." I kissed Ben's neck while he continued to laugh. 

This was how Ben and I always woke up: We would both do it around the same time, as if we were synchronized, and we would just go off into a random conversation. Today's conversation was, apparently, about shipping.

We always found that a lighthearted conversation helped ease the tension for whatever the day had in store for us. Whether it was an audition or singing gig, talking to each other made things seem a little bit easier.

I especially needed it today, since I was going to meet with Jon Lucas and Scott Moore, the directors of a new movie called 21 and Over. I had recieved a couple offers for it, but once Pitch Perfect came out, they really wanted me onboard. Even though I still had to do an audition, they made it sound like I already had the part. 

I didn't want to get out of bed, for more than one reason. Ever since Ben and I reconciled on the night of the Pitch Perfect premiere, we always had trouble leaving each other. I also didn't want to leave because that meant bringing up my audition, a word that hadn't been kind to Ben. 

Despite the Pitch Perfect fame, Ben was easily overlooked. He didn't have movie and TV deals coming in like I did. Ben kept himself occupied with singing gigs (which he was paid for) but I could tell that he wanted more. His lack of work gave him plenty of time to find out about "shipping". 

I started loosening my arms around Ben. He reacted quickly. 

"No, you should stay here with me," Ben pleaded playfully. 

"Oh, I would love to, like you wouldn't believe," I said, resting my head in the crook of his neck. "But I've got my meeting to go to."

Ben groaned. "You can say 'audition'. I'm okay with it."

"You'll find work soon," I assured. "How many nights are you singing this week at that bar downtown?"

"Three nights, but they probably found someone better."

"Oh, please. You're just being dramatic." I turned Ben's head to make eye contact. "You'll be okay. I love you." I kissed him. 

"I love you too," Ben said, a smile on his face.