Limelight || A Shourtney Story

.25 buy me in and out (shayne)

Cloud 9 never felt so real to Shayne. After a night of intense press interviews, a stunning red carpet, and seeing all of his hard work over the past few months come to life, the adrenaline pumped furiously in his veins. He'd never been at a premiere quite this loud or crowded.

Fans screamed for him. Reporters shouted his name. The lights blinded him. It was all rather overwhelming if he was going to be honest. But the comradery between his cast mates helped a great deal. Damien paraded with him through the carpet, cracking jokes and operating as the tag team they once were. And Keith's laughter rang louder than the shutter of the cameras - a familiar sound that calmed his heart.

And then there was Courtney. Shayne wasn't sure if she knew, but he had routinely skimmed the crowd to catch a glimpse of her. The pale blue fabric of her dress shimmered under the lights. Her smile brightened his heart, giving him a moment to breathe amidst the chaos. It meant so much more knowing that she didn't have an ulterior motive to be there. She just wanted to be there. For him.

As the cast finally whisked indoors to the theater, a few members of the press were invited inside to capture photos. He supposed that made sense - after all, it was a first look of the film. But his heart yearned for Courtney's company. Her hand would have been entangled in his, light whispers of wicked and facetious intent passing between them.

His one solace was that his seat had a clear view of Courtney's who sat on the other side of the room next to Tommy. Her soft, feminine features glowed under the dim illumination of the screen. At the action heavy portions of the film, her brow would wrinkle as she studied the action sequence. In times of comedy, the tension in her face disappeared with a bright beam. And his favorite moment - the scene which she helped with all those months ago - brought gentle tears to her eyes.

With the conclusion of the film, the cast and crew gathered in a private room for light refreshments. Shayne sprinted to her side as soon as he could. Heavy laughter laced his greeted as he struggled to catch his breath.

"For a superhero, you really need to work on your speed," she teased, kissing him on the cheek affectionately. "I'm so proud of you, Hollywood."

Shayne didn't have a witty comeback. He never received compliments well, so instead he shrugged as a peach blush warmed his cheeks.

The small side room of the theater heated from the overcrowding of bodies. Beige walls and carpeted floors gave an unpretentious feel.

"So, what's next?" Courtney asked, her cheeks flushed brightly from the excitement of the evening. "I finally get to spend some time with you."

"Did you... miss me?" Shayne's eyes widened with realization. "Oh my gosh. You've gone soft."

"Don't tell anyone. It's a secret," Courtney's eyes glinted. She pinched her thumb and forefinger together as if to zip her mouth shut. Eyes crinkled in response.

"So, I was thinking I'd introduce you to one of my favorite LA traditions," he began. "We're all going to out after this reception to really celebrate."

Courtney's brow furrowed in confusion, finishing off the last sip of her champagne. She set aside the glass on top of a high-top table before clasping one of her hands in his. "Another beach trip, like Dame and Olivia did for me?"

A cheeky grin curved his lips. "Close, but not quite. I like to do things a little differently. It was a So Random! unofficial tradition to rent out a fast-food place after big shows."

An eyeroll pivoted emerald rises as betraying smile appeared on Courtney's face. "I should've guessed."

"Should've guessed what?" Damien appeared next to the pair, clearly buzzing from excitement as well.