IMAGINES ▹ ROSS BUTLER

↳ speaking volumes

( SPEAKING VOLUMES )by onemorefanaccount

Your head felt as though it were getting heavier by the minute and you couldn't help but start to tune out of the conversation around you.

Your manager and cast mates had tried to convince you to stay back from the interview today but you thought you could tough it out. Currently wishing you had listened to them, you slowly leant back against the couch-sinking into its cushioning.

Ross shot you a knowing look before turning back to the man who was in the middle of asking a question.

You'd been unwell for over a week now and all you felt like doing was curling up in bed and getting some much needed sleep.

As everyone's eyes fell on you, you quickly snapped your attention back to your surroundings, "I'm so sorry," you apologised, speaking for the first time in the interview since you'd introduced yourself. "Could you repeat that?" you requested.

The man sent you a look of understanding, clearly able to identify how you felt. "How does it feel to be getting involved with a show like 13 Reasons Why?" he repeated.

"It's great," you told him honestly. "This show has incorporated a lot of important issues that need to be addressed-and it's going to continue to do so in this upcoming season. I'm just grateful to be able to be part of something that means so much to people."

The woman beside him crossed one of her legs over the other, resting her hand that held her cue cards on her knee, "You sound full up with that nasty flu that's been getting around," she frowned, "you doing okay?"

Smiling, you nodded, "I am, thank you. I think I've gotten past the worst of it. It's just feeling so exhausted all the time that's doing my head in," you sighed.

You could feel Ross' eyes on you, but you kept your own on the woman as you leaned into his side when he placed a hand on your knee reassuringly.

"Well we've all been there," she agreed. "I hope you feel better soon."

"Thank you," you told her.

"But back the the show," she continued, "your character, (C/N), is new to town-what should we expect from her?"

Chuckling, you cast a glance to Alisha and matched her smile, "You'll see some really great friendships start to blossom for one. But uh-(C/N) is very...full on, she takes nothing from no one," you explained. "It's refreshing to take on a roll that's so independent and strong minded. She's not afraid to say what she thinks. So expect drama-because there will definitely be some. And hopefully a lot of laughs too."

"There's a little rumour going on that a certain basketball player wins the heart of this new girl in town," the man interjected, looking between yourself and Ross. "Can you tell us a little about that?"

Finally looking over at Ross, you encourage him to answer.

"It's a bit of a journey," he admitted, "between (C/N) and Zach. But I will tell you that I'm sure the fans of the show will be happy with how far they progress, not only in their relationship but as people."

"Their relationship, hmm?" the woman teased. "So you can confirm there's a little love story somewhere in the plot?"

Ross released a small laugh, "I guess so," he answered. "You'll just have to watch to find out what happens. But like (Y/N) mentioned earlier, the show brings to light so many important issues and I think viewers will really get to see the effect those things have."

The interviewers nodded at his response, a smile continuing to grow on the woman's face. "I have to ask," she insisted. "Zach's finally getting some love in the show," she began, "how about out of the show?" she inquired, glancing at Ross' hand that was still on your knee.

Dylan and Alisha tried to hide their smiles and you tossed them a playful glare.

You shook your head at them, trying to avoid eye contact with either of the people interviewing you all, as you awaited Ross' answer.

Rubbing at the back of his neck with his free hand, Zach provided them with a small, nervous chuckle.

Quick to realise that neither of you would answer the question, the woman only nodded-a smirk etched into her face, seemingly pleased with the response-before moving the attention off you both.

As the questions were redirected to Dylan, you took the opportunity to look back over at Ross who was staring at the ground-looking as though his mind was working in overdrive.

Placing a hand gently atop of his, you pat it twice to grab his attention before letting it drop on your lap.

Peering down at you, Ross sent you a smile, You okay? he mouths.

Nodding, you yawned-exhaustion suddenly hitting you worse than before. You shifted your position slightly, resting your head on his shoulder as you fought to keep your eyes open.

By the time the four of you arrived back at the hotel, you were practically asleep. You weakly waved goodbye to Alisha and Dylan before Ross led you to your room.

You quickly changed before making your way to the small lounge room where you found Ross waiting. Lying on your side, you rest your head upon his lap-your eyes closing as he buried his fingers in your hair.

"Why don't you go to bed?" he asked softly.

You shook your head, "I don't want to sleep," you said, "just rest."

Ross resisted his urge to laugh, "(Y/N)," he said, "you need to sleep."

"Not yet," you denied. "Just...let's just stay here for a little while."

Unable to deny you, he nodded-knowing you couldn't see and continued to play with your hair. "I'm sorry about today," he began quietly.

"Hmm?"

"At the interview...when she asked about us."

"Why are you sorry?" you mumbled.

Ross sighed, "For not telling her. It's just we haven't talked about what were are or how we were going to answer that type of question," he explained. "I just don't want you to get the wrong idea."

Your nose scrunched up in confusion, "Wrong idea about what?"

"About how I feel about you," Ross replied quickly. "Because I really do care about you."

Fighting your smile, you shifted your position slightly so you were resting your hand on his thigh by your face, "You must if you're sitting with me when I'm all gross and sick and look like...this."

Ross rolled his eyes, "You look beautiful."

"As if," you scoffed, deciding to quickly change the subject before he started to try and convince you otherwise. "But really," you continued, "I know how you feel about me and you don't have to declare it at an interview-I don't even need you to declare it at all, that's just a bonus," you smiled. "You show me and I think that's a lot more important than just saying it."