Forgotten age [a Martin Freeman fanfic]

11:11 <3

Author's note
Hold your wigs, my loves... I can't even describe how it felt to write this chapter. I really hope you enjoy it, I knew you guys were waiting for this :))

Love,
[sherloving]

xx

We were all sitting around our tables. Lilian was about to give a speech. Brenton's arm hugged my back and was resting on my shoulder. He said it would make good publicity for the movie. It felt weird. After the 'kissing incident' it has always been very awkward between us.

Sitting with us at the table was Sophie, my brother Wes and Brenton's parents. For a second I thought of my own parents, I felt bad for inviting Wes and Sophie instead, but after all, we had a maximum of three invites and I knew they weren't too excited about it. They've never really liked the atmosphere of this industry.

"Ladies and gentleman," Lilian started, announcing himself with a little cough as he rose from his seat. Martin and Ben were sitting next to him on the table with their wives.

"We've reached an end. After four months of filming, the dice have been rolled. I can proudly say it has been an honor to work with all of you. In the first place, I would like to thank the production department, none of this would have worked if it wasn't for your constant and meticulous analysis of the schedules and your—"

But my mind was already somewhere else. I scanned his table until I met Martin's eyes. He was looking at Lilian with a fainted smile on his lips. A glass of white wine on his hand. I observed how he took various sips while the speech kept going on. Why was he drinking so fast? You're supposed to 'enjoy' the wine, keep it in your mouth a little, then swallow it. Anyone could've mistaken Martin's drink for water by the way he was drinking it.

I narrowed my eyes at him and proceeded to scan his wife, Amanda. When we locked gazes I looked away immediately, feeling completely busted. Why was she staring at me? I felt a known heat climbing through my cheeks. Shit. She probably saw I had spent five whole minutes scanning her husband. How could I explain that?

"And last, but definitely not least. The actors. My wonderful, talented, actors. You molded this movie into what it is now, you filled it with tears, laughter and lots of passion. You paid with sweat, and exhaustion. But I can assure you, your hard work will have its reward."

When everyone started clapping and cheering for him was when I realized he was done speaking. I barely listened to half of it and I was starting to feel bad.

"And..." Lilian added as an afterthought raising his glass. "I'm pinning for Brenton and Melissa's kiss, you guys deserve every single award. Cheers!"

I was shocked to see everyone's faces turning to look at me and Brenton. His arm hugged my back tighter and I knew what I had to do. I raised my hand and placed it on top of his, giving it a short squeeze. Enough for the paparazzis to snap a bunch of photos holding their cameras with undeniable happiness.
I distinguished Martin from the corner of my eye, Amanda was whispering something in his ear, she looked angry. However, Martin was nodding with the most boring look on his face, staring at nothing in particular.

When everyone drew their attention back to Lilian, I sighed in relief as Brenton finally pulled his arm away.

Little did I know, I shouldn't worry about my little plan to get Martin alone. He took care of that part.

When I was just leaving the restroom I nearly crashed into him.

"Ow, I'm so sorry, sir!" I stuttered at first.

"Melissa, it's me," He said softly. It was true that the lights in that area were pretty dim but that was no excuse.

"Oh, Martin," I mumbled nervously. "I didn't see you there."