Lights, Cameras, Maze Runner! (completed)

five (part one)

Connor stands in front of me, a suitcase at his side. "Surprise! Happy birthday, babe!"

"H-Hi," I say in disbelief, praying he didn't hear anything going on between Thomas and me moments ago. "Here, come in." 

Connor and I step into my hotel room, leaving the doorway empty. I hear Thomas walk up behind me and he places a hand on my shoulder. "Oi, who's this, Kelsey?" he asks, looking at Connor.

Connor stares at him like he's an insect, and I mentally curse at Thomas. How could he not have heard me greet him?

I remove his hand from my shoulder and give my boyfriend a kiss full of passion. "Connor, this is Thomas. He's one of the lead actors in the film. Thomas, this is my boyfriend, Connor," I introduce. 

Thomas shakes Connor's hand. "Hello, mate.''

Connor looks at him smugly, ignoring his words. "Care to explain why you're in my girlfriend's room alone with her?" I think Thomas and I are in the clear. If Connor heard us kissing each other or laughing, he would have addressed it by now.

I quickly jump in, just as Ki, Kaya, Will and Dylan return to my room. Their arms are all full of snacks, ranging from chips to popcorn. They all see the scene here. "Connor," I begin, turning him so he can see the four people that just entered my room. "I'm spending some time with my friends here after a long day of filming. Ki, Kaya, Will, Dylan, meet my boyfriend, Connor. Connor, these four are also lead roles in the movie we're filming." I'm trying desperately to calm him down. Thomas looks scared to death.

Connor points to Dylan. "Isn't he the guy Mallory's in love with?"

"So I've heard," Dylan says, stepping forward and shaking my boyfriend's hand, balancing his snacks and beer in his left arm. "We were just in the middle of a pretty intense Monopoly game when we took a brief pause to go find more snacks. After all, snacks are essential on game night! Would you care to join us?" I find myself silently thanking Dylan for coming to the rescue.

Connor's face softens, and he doesn't look as fired up as he did five seconds ago. "My flight actually just landed about two hours ago, and I'm pretty beat. Right before leaving Vermont, I worked an eight-hour shift. Not to completely ditch a party, but I'd really like to just get some rest." He wraps an arm around my waist and pulls me in closer to kiss the top of my head, just like Thomas was just doing.

Will wags his eyebrows at Connor. "I'm sure you do." Everyone in the room begins to laugh at the sexual comment, lightening the tension.

"How about we all go out to a bar or something tomorrow night?" I suggest.

"I'm down," Connor says, turning to me. "I'm here for three more days. I leave on Saturday afternoon. I could use a good Louisiana party with some famous actors. How's your birthday been, Kels?"

Ki, Kaya, Will, Thomas and Dylan all gasp. "Kelsey!" Dylan scolds. "Why didn't you tell us it was your birthday?"

I shrug. "You didn't ask."

Kaya groans. "I'm so mad at you right now! I would've gotten you a gift!"

The four boys all nod in agreement.

"Gifts aren't necessary, guys," I say. "Really. It's just my nineteenth. It's no big deal."

"I beg to differ," Will contrasts. "I will be getting you a gift, and you will love it."

"Well, let's all head out then," Ki chimes in. "I mean, you heard the guy! Connor needs his rest!"

I grin at my new friends. "Goodnight, everyone. See you tomorrow at nine on set!" I wave as all five leave, wishing me a happy birthday as they do it. On the way out, Thomas shoots me an apologetic glance.