All That Followed

3 - NERVES

ANDERS KING SAT in a chair at Marvel Studios, waiting for the media director to tell him the name of the next fan. To promote Captain America: Civil War, Joe and Anthony decided to advertise on social media. Twitter was just one of the many networks- fans had the chance to vote and display their loyalty to Team Cap or Team Iron Man. To reward the fans and raise the hype of the movie even more, the media director had suggested the cast send short videos in reply, with the same short caption along side each one: "@username are you sure you made the right choice? Find out in theaters."

He drummed his fingers on the arm rest and leaned back in his chair, absently gazing at the TV screen where the next fan's Twitter's profile would show up. He chuckled as he overheard Chris, Anthony, and Elizabeth in the next room, filming their replies.

"Adam," Elizabeth's voice floated through the air, her tone serious. "Team Iron Man? I am going to destroy you."

The media director walked hurriedly into the room, giving Anders a brief smile. "Alright, Anders, we have a fan for you."

She fumbled around on her iPad for a few seconds before an image appeared on the TV screen. Anders studied the Twitter page curiously. The bio, which said I like to think I'm secretly an Avenger, made him chuckle to himself. As his eyes drifted to profile picture, he did a double take. It was a girl, who looked to be about his age. She had a bright smile and her hair was a red-brown shade that made Anders wonder what color it would look like up close.

"...chose Team Cap," the media director's voice broke through Anders' thoughts, and he looked at her blankly. "Uh, sorry, what'd you say?"

She gave him a look before starting over. "I said, her name is Emma, and she chose Team Cap."

Emma, he thought. It suits her.

"Smart," he said, nodding in approval. "Emma's got good taste."

"I'll give you a few seconds to think about what you're going to say," the media director said as she got the camera ready.

Anders sat back in his chair, thinking to himself. What should I say? Great job champ, Team Cap is the way to go. No, that sounds stupid. Thank goodness you didn't pick Team Iron Man, or we could never be together. What the hell am I even saying?  I always knew you were a Team Cap girl. No, that's creepy. 

"Ready, Anders?" The media director angled the camera at him. Oh shit. An unfamiliar wave of nerves washed over him. 

"Three, two, one, and action!"

Ok, just go with it. He clasped his hands together and looked at the camera. "Emma, thank you for ch- uhh, picking Team Cap."

He leaned towards the camera and raised an eyebrow before adding, "You made my day." He smiled for a few beats before the media director stopped the camera. "And cut!"

Anders was mentally slapping himself in frustration. He had gotten nervous and stumbled over his words. He never got nervous. Ever. Fliming and acting had always come naturally to him, whether it be for a huge role or a promo vid, like this one. He hoped he had smoothed it over well enough that no one noticed.

"I'll have a few more fans for you soon," the media director added.

Oh, god. What if I mess up again? I can't risk it.

"You know, I actually think I'm going to head out," Anders said, rubbing the back of his neck. "I'm not feeling too well."

The media director blinked at him in surprise for a moment before nodding her head. "Oh. Okay, well yeah, you should get some rest if you're not feeling well. Feel better soon, Anders."

He mumbled his thanks and walked towards the studio exit, nearly bumping into Chris on his way out. "Hey man, where are you going?" Chris asked cheerily.

"Oh, I'm not feeling like filming today," Anders said nonchalantly. "I'm just gonna head home. But I'll see you tomorrow, dude."

Chris looked at Anders strangely, but nodded his head. "Yeah, see you tomorrow. Have a good day."

"You too," Anders called, already halfway out the door.

__________

If you watched the video in chapter one, he doesn't really stammer that much. But for the purpose of the story, I'm choosing to exaggerate Anders' "stumble over words."