down in hollywood // braeden lemasters

twenty : new role

"This is so cool!" You squeal to Braeden as he is getting his makeup done.

You are on the set of Wallows' next music video: 1980s Horror Film & you can't hide your excitement. The fifteen crew members hurry around you, preparing for when the director will start shooting. However, she is no where to be seen.

Braeden smiles back at you with pride. "I just hope this is worth it, i look ridiculous!"

"What?!" You say maybe too loudly, "You look amazing."

You hear two pairs of footsteps approach you from another room in the house. When you turn to see who it is, you almost don't recognise them.

"I stand corrected...you two look amazing!"

Standing before you, Dylan & Cole have had their makeup done & just got back from wardrobe, choosing their outfits. Dylan seems expressionless, although it is hard to see his face through the half horseshoe moustache, black wayfarer sunglasses & wild dark hair clearly inspired by Bon Jovi.

Cole is a pure sight for sore eyes. His now grown hair perfectly frames his face, highlighting the painters moustache & aviator sunglasses that unsurprisingly suit him. The smirk he is desperately trying to hold back that your facial expression caused just added to the exquisite masterpiece in front of you.

"Damn!" You exclaim, slapping your arms to your sides with disappointment, "I wish i looked as cool as you guys."

"Well, if you agreed to take the part as Jamie, you would've." Cole crosses his arms & poses extravagantly.

"Trust me, i could not pull off the wig." You chuff, "Besides, no one would believe me as Jamie, I'm nothing like her."

You catch a glimpse of the clothing on the wardrobe rack & go on your tip toes to look closer. Peering over Dylan's shoulder, you are totally in a trace of interest.

Dylan scoffs. "I find that hard to believe." He mutters.

Behind you, Braeden's face turns red with blush as his eyes widen with embarrassment & fears you heard the comment. You didn't, too distracted by the crew fitting Joanna.

Cole elbows Dylan in the stomach & as he curls over with his hand over the painful area, Cole claps his hands together.

"So! Anyone heard from Nina?"

As if on cue, David, the videographer, runs up to the four of you. The look on his face; you can only describe as pure panic.

"We have a situation." Everyone furrows their eyebrows & leans in with concern, "As you all know, Nina was coming from another shoot-"

"Wait. WAS coming?" Braeden asks.

"Unfortunately, yes." David places his hands on his hips, "I just got off the phone with her; the shoot ran way past schedule & now she's stuck there. There's no chance she's getting here."

Braeden shoots up from his chair & starts pacing, hands intertwined on the top of his head. "What are we gonna do guys?!"

Everyone remains silent, too shocked with the new knowledge to comprehend. Suddenly finding your shoes interesting, you can't help but feel sorry for you friends & feeling bad you hyped them up so much then have nothing to help with their problem.

"Hold on," Dylan speaks up, receiving the room's attention, "Y/N, you went to film school, right?"

All eyes dart to you. "Well, yes, but surely filming a music video is way different than a few short films?"

"From my experience, not really." David answers, "Nina and i can give you a few tips if you'd like."

"Are you sure? Cause i know how much this video means to you guys and it's your careers and i don't wanna mess things up or-"

One hand on each shoulder, Braeden quickly turns you to face him & looks at you dead in the eye.

"Y/N, you can do this. Dylan believes in you. Cole believes in you. David believes in you. Nina will believe in you once we tell her." His voice lowers, "I-I believe in you, Y/N."

You smile gratefully back at him. Everybody anticipating your answer, you turn to face the others.

"Okay, I'll do it!"

They all cheer & high five each other as Braeden's hugs you from behind.

"You're amazing." He whispers in your ear.
———————————————————————
The day has been amazing. After you agreed, everyone started setting up to start shooting. The crew was so incredibly understanding of the situation & you all got on really well.

Nina called you & talked you through the process, not exactly micro managing you from far away, but being really helpful & insightful. She loves your ideas that came from the top of your head & you started feeling really confident.

Joanna was amazing. She's so sweet, funny & could totally understand the portrayal of Jamie you were trying to display. Although it was sometimes a bit stressful, you tried your best to remain calm. Especially since there was also a behind the scenes video being shot.

The bois (just wanted to use that once) were so much fun to work with & you never thought you'd ever have so much power over them. You strangely enjoyed it a bit too much. They refused to take directions when you used their real names. Instead, they insisted you called them Merge, X Cameron & Ducky. They all fit their personas, you couldn't deny that.

No matter how much fun it was, you couldn't brush off this strange feeling every time you directed Braeden to look into the camera. You'd obviously looked into his eyes before, but this time it seemed so deep, almost as though it was meant specifically for you.

You also hated the fact you enjoyed looking at his happy trail.  'He should wear more crop tops'

You scold yourself for the thought that oddly popped into your head. You are sitting on the beach, hugging your knees as you watch the waves calmly collide with the sand.

"Hello, director." You hear a voice approach you from behind.

"Who are you? I only know Merge." Braeden chuckles as he sits close next to you.

You both stare silently at the sunset, tired from the long day. Feeling relaxed, you rest your head on his shoulder & he leans closer to you.

"I know we were joking all day," Braeden breaks the silence, "but we all really do appreciate your help today."

You look up at him. "I couldn't do it without you, Brae."

His heart rate increases as your old nickname for him falls off your lips. "I hope you don't do anything without me, Y/N."

You suddenly realise how close your faces are & you watch his eyes flicker to your lips. Not knowing what to do, you panic & quickly stand up.

"We should go help pack up."

Before he could stop you, you're already walking away.