iinterstellars

[iinterstellars]

you're cocky. it's not entirely meant to be a compliment but he takes it as one and smirks in response. the one thing that gets him disliked in one form seems to be attractive in another, isn't that so funny? clearly he's cocky, but also stupid because whatever he was expecting her power to be... it was not this. as soon as their hands touch fully he feels like he's sinking. it's like nothing he's ever experienced before; makes him think of that one scene in ' get out ' where the protagonist gets sent into the sunken place except that's CLEARLY not good and this feels... almost nice, if not entirely unfamiliar. it's like being on autopilot, how his hand moves without him commanding it, but the way she places it right where she wants it feels right... if he had it his way he'd probably tried to move it a little bit lower but before he can even try she's already pulling away. sunwoo blinks once, twice, literally trying to get adjusted to being back in control of his own body. he lets out a soft sigh, suddenly feeling as if he'd just went through a really strenuous hike but, luckily, he recovers quickly. " that was... something else, " he finally says, only a few seconds later. it's an understatement, really, but he's not really sure how to even begin to explain what that felt like. " ...i'm fine, don't worry about it. i'm honestly kinda surprised you even managed to make me feel tired for a second there... "

maybe it's the realization that he clearly shouldn't be indulging this what makes him feel inclined to keep going, or just... the fact that this is a side of talia that he'd NEVER be able to see otherwise. it feels special, like something he's the only one that's gotten to see it so far. he steps forward, reaches out to place a hand on her waist, right where she had placed it before. leans down ever so slightly, so she can hear him clearly and right against her ear. " how about you join me for some drinks then? since you're obviously not pleased with how drunk i seem to be... then you can figure out how YOU want to call me... "

talia knows she's paving herself for major embarrassment the next day , but when she's had a few drinks . . . her willingness to care becomes very close to 0 . she allows one side of her mouth to snake up in her trademark ( but rare ) grin . she rolls her eyes , amused , as he volleys back to her . for a second , though , talia swears there's a familiarity there . with the way sunwoo talks . the type of retort he offers . it tingles something in the back of her neck , but talia doesn't bother considering it . she shrugs it away . " what would you prefer i call you ? " and she's definitely flirting . a little rusty . talia can't remember the last time she's BOTHERED to flirt . she's always been a direct girl , and right now is no different . sober her would be mortified that she's trying to sleep with one of her classmates . but drunk her can't think of anything better . WHEN DOES SHE EVER GET TO MEET PEOPLE ? when was the last time she had anything but her own vibrator and fingers to get off ? her brain reasons that this is a reasonable request .

WHEN SUNWOO TURNS TO FACE HER PROPERLY , talia feels her body ignite . there's something about the proximity . his broad chest . his ropy , muscular arms . seeing him properly is something she's never allowed . but once her eyes begin to wonder , she doesn't bother to stop them . she sweeps them up , then down , then back up to him and cocks her eyebrow . " you're cocky . " talia says , as response . as if she isn't exactly the same . as if it doesn't thrill her to hear back . but then he extends his hand out , and talia looks right at it . her mind is in enough places that she does lock away the information of how large his hand is . she bites into her bottom lip , feels the threat of don't do this . . . and does it anyways .

talia slips her hands over sunwoo's , palm to palm , fingers flat . it takes a second , but then it hits . she knows the experience won't be as nearly pleasant for him as it is for her . if it was anyone else , anyone but his stature , it'd be enough to have them gasping for breath . this purposeful touch . but something within her knows he can take it . TALIA HASN'T PURPOSELY TOUCHED SOMEONE IN YEARS . she enjoys how warm and lightly calloused his hand is . and then she feels herself sink . she feels her hand , mingle with sunwoo's , and she can't quite tell which is which . it's like she's holding her OWN hand . and . . strangely , her mind feels sharper . lighter . clear . AH . she understands : he's more sober than she is . but not by too much . talia considers the pair together , then allows her brain to tick , mischievous . daring . seductive . she makes him move his other hand to her waist , close to her ass but not quite . STUPID . consent , talia , she reminds herself - and immediately , she lifts her palm from sunwoo's and lets herself exhale with a vague shake . talia takes a step back , has his hand drop from where she placed it recklessly onto her waist . the alcohol seems to hit her more now that she's properly back in her own body . " we definitely need to get you a stronger drink . " she exhales , feeling slightly woozy at the shift in persona's ( she's not a master at it . not even close ) . " was that . . . do you feel ok ? shit . i probably shouldn't have done that . "

[iinterstellars]

the door opens and the words he was about to say suddenly die on his tongue. habit makes it so he immediately goes into his ' professional ' persona instead of the side of him that only defne has been able to see so far. " good afternoon, connor... " he replies with a polite smile and a curt nod of his head. his gaze falls to the fading scar on his cheek and he feels pleased with the way it has healed so far, pretty good considering he's NOT a plastic surgeon. " seems like you'll manage to heal with very minimal scaring too, lucky you... " he comments almost mindlessly.

it doesn't take too much thinking for thomas to put two and two together. the condoms, the way defne is now stepping away from him. it's really not that difficult to figure out; still it doesn't make the realization any less jarring. part of him wants to come up with a excuse, it would be easy after all. to say that he needs her to stay longer to go over the inventory, or to organize something that definitely doesn't need to be organized ( considering how much he tinkers with the medicine supply ) but that would be unfair, wouldn't it? despite their age difference she's still an adult and she has a say on what she does with her life and her body. it's not up to him. all he can do is swallow up his feelings and accept the distance she's trying so hard to put between them. thomas looks away from them, keeps himself busy by placing down the things he had been holding onto before. " i can manage by myself if you want to go, defne... go enjoy what's left of the day. " having to say it tastes bitter but... it's the correct thing to do, right?

she allows the begrudging smile remain on her face . " i didn't think you'd find this all SO funny . i'll never get your sense of humour . " defne adds . the air between them feels lighter than it has in a while . it's then that defne remembers how much she likes having thomas near her for various other reasons : he's her friend . when she eyes him again , she notes how he stands easy , full - attention to her . she could shower in it for days . so different from the first few conversations they had . he replies with careful precision . defne doesn't realise she's holding her breath , waiting for an answer , although she doesn't know what it could be . she tilts her head to the side , surveying him . " that sounds like the best case divorce i've ever heard . " she comments , softly. she opens her mouth , to ask more , when the clinic door swings open to reveal connor . immediately, defne feels like she's been doused in ice water . FUCK . she forgot—

" hey , ready to go , def ? " he greets , easily , before looking over at thomas . " hey doc . " connor tilts his head to show off his cheek , where a fading scar is . " those stitches y'all did on me a couple weeks ago were awesome , by the way . " OF COURSE DEFNE REMEMBERS THAT . because that's when connor asked her out . and she said yes . and thomas had left for the day , letting her monitor connor overnight . and defne had thought ' i need to move on ' . and defne had VERY MUCH thought ' thomas is married ' . which now feels like decades ago . which now feels like a possible mistake on her end . she clears her throat , steps away from thomas , if caught in a salacious act , and nods .

[iinterstellars]

" ─── facade? how do you know that's not just my personality, hm? " she plays along. facing him fully makes her feel bashful, for some reason; for a few seconds she can't look him directly in the eyes and instead stalls by taking another sip of her drink. it serves well enough to give her some COURAGE, and allows her time to... admire his physique, if you will. then she's looking up at him, playful and teasing. " hmm... i think i'll gatekeep it a little longer. and i'll show it to you personally next time we go out for drinks, sound good? " that is to say she would like there to be a next time. having friends, real friends, in this industry is difficult and, well, so far he's proving to be good. wishful thinking or overconfidence? she's not quite sure, but his enthusiasm is contagious; so she plays along this time too and raises her glass. " well then, cheers to that... let's hope you have good foresight. " she smiles and then clinks her glass against his carefully. it feels conspiratorial, intimate in a way she can't quite pinpoint. savannah has never really been the type of actress that HOPES for a film to become the new ' it ' thing, she's more someone that picks and chooses based on HER OWN interest on a role, but maybe he's right. it is a very good film after all. " well... " she places a hand under her chin, mimicking the way one would try to analyze a painting for its meaning. " ...you look like you're a huge extrovert, so... you probably love being surrounded by people. maybe big parties? basically the complete opposite of me. " maybe she's overstepping and judging a book by its cover but, she feels like she's right and he asked her so maybe it's not so bad. " i don't know it just feels right to me... like, not having to put up a front, you know? "

" do i get to know what the place is , or are you gonna keep up the cool , nonchalant , mysterious facade all night ? " bas teases , then pauses , hoping he hasn't offended her . bas has a track record of getting overly comfortable too quick , which is great when doing interviews , press and carpets - but not great when you're already on thin ice with your coworker . bas swivels in his small stool , facing her properly , and he tries to ignore how intimate and close they suddenly are if anyone were to look . there's hardly a drop of space between them , and bas' heart seems to accelerate at the very notion of their knees even grazing . he keeps his limbs pinned to his stool , avoiding that very idea . he smiles , instead , grateful , to bernardo who barely notices or cares and simply slinks away once more .

bas holds up his glass to hers this time , " well . we oughta cheers . " he hasn't thought far enough ahead to think of what they'll cheers about , so he swallows , scours his brain . " we're about to be the faces of an oscar -front runner . i just know it . this may be the last bit of quiet we get to ourselves for a while . " BAS CAN'T SAY THAT FOR SURE . in fact , if anything , his name attached to the movie might be what holds them back from critical acclaim . but it's a good arthouse film , and it's already getting some rumblings due to the production and savannah's name . he'd like to think this is his UNCUT GEMS , but who really knows ? bas arches an eyebrow up to her , teasing . " and what do you think is my idea of fun , savannah ? " his eyes crinkle as he smiles , takes another sip , keeps his eyes keenly on her . he doesn't even notice the vague burn of alcohol sliding into his throat , making his head warm and light . " what is it you like about home and the quiet so much ? " bas asks , curious . he can't relate to that . he always needs a tv and youtube playing , simultaneously . he's never been good at sitting still , or routine . or anything that savannah describes .

[iinterstellars]

he can't resist the urge to let his eyes wander; sizing up or checking out? is there really a difference? nevertheless he does, and notices she looks a little different now. what could it be? well, for once she's not scowling their way; but that's to be expected since all her issues are against sunny, not him. they've never interacted before and that's one hundred percent intentional. a necessary measure to NOT blow the entire operation they have going on. other than that she looks a bit... loose, in a good way. he can't say he dislikes how it looks on her. sunwoo smirks at her remark. " champ, really? what are you... a middle aged white guy? " his physique might be different now but that smart mouth and sharp tongue stays the same no matter how he looks. it's something he should be working on but, well, it's an entirely different thing on whether he actually wants to. then, he's turning fully to face her; empty shot glasses ignored and replaced by a tall glass of some citrussy cocktail he chose on a whim ( which, actually? pretty good. he might order another one )

for a moment he hesitates, eyebrow raised as he considers the offer. he doesn't know what her powers are supposed to be, but he'd heard something about it needing contact and that's why she's always covered up. curiosity is... dangerous, or maybe it's just the ambience. because what she's offering actually sounds like a good idea. " if you wanna touch me that bad you only had to ask... " he teases playfully at the same time he extends his hand towards her, palm facing up, but stopping short just so she can be the one to take the final step closer.

TALIA HASN'T SPOKEN TO MANY PEOPLE IN THE CLASS . she's never been great at making friends , even when she was younger and at normie - school . she was snappy , impatient , bossy , and a bit of a show off ( a lot of a show off ) . she also hated being wrong , which was never a great combination . but she'd been so surprised ( and flattered ) to be invited out with the class to drinks that talia had felt . . . light . she'd never been a person that was included much before . the fact that the class wanted her there , despite the rocky beginning with sunny , and her skulking behind them in every class since . . . talia was secretly thrilled to be included . it's why she took a drink when handed to her , then another . and soon she was smiling , which was not an often seen image from her . she felt warm and flexible . the air sung with cicadas and the promise of summer , and the world didn't seem so crazy or scary . it didn't feel like any of them had any real problems or MISSIONS . they were just all together . like friends .

she finishes her next drink easily , then experimentally touches the person next to her ( james , part amphibian ) to get a sense of how drunk he is . immediately , she feels it hit a lot harder , and a lot less sober . she releases her hand from him , before he can even tell she did anything . DANGEROUS . she wouldn't normally do such a thing , either , but the alcohol has made her slightly careless . at least she is still somehow way more sober than him , and a lot of the others , by her gauge and gazing around . happily enough , she tumbles away from the small group they've split into across the pub and walks closer to the bar , ready for another drink . she's surprised at the voice , and when she looks over . . . talia is even more surprised . she doesn't think she's ever heard sunwoo talk before . talia glances around , unsure if he's talking to her . the alcohol makes her feel brave , and she juts her chin out . " sounds like you're the opposite of a lightweight , champ . " the dumb nickname runs off her tongue easily . it's hard not to notice his athletic physique , ok ? she hesitates , before sucking her cheeks in briefly , then taking a step closer . she waves her hand closer to him . " want a second opinion ? " again . risky . stupid . SHE SHOULDN'T BE USING HER POWERS LIKE THIS . but right now , it seems like the best idea in the world . and getting to touch a man who looks like sunwoo ? an added bonus .

[iinterstellars]

" ─── yes, come to me first. i'm glad we can settle on that... " when was the last time he's ever laughed like that? long enough that he doesn't even remember HOW it could have happened. as always, it's defne breaking down his walls and finding ways to make his life feel different, better. just her mere presence is enough to disarm him in the best way possible. sometimes he wonders if she even realizes how much influence she has on him, how a single look can render him speechless, or... if he really is that good at hiding his true feelings and she's none the wiser.

her familiar teasing yanks him away from his thoughts and he can't help but shake his head, half disbelief half acceptance. this is how she is, and he likes it that way. it's back to that closeness he's learned to cherish. " any question... within reason. don't act like you don't know what i mean... " he teases lightly as he narrows his eyes at her, playful still. her nudging does little to him other than making him look down at her, that innocent expression on her face; he's not buying it, of course. he's learned about her well enough that he can tell when she's trying to satisfy her curiosity but this topic doesn't make him uncomfortable. he has nothing to hide here. " well... i don't think she ever felt like anything more than a friend to me. it wasn't really love as much as it was companionship, which was... nice, yeah, but i guess we had different expectations and that eventually led to our divorce. simple as that. "

DEFNE HAS NEVER HEARD THOMAS LAUGH LIKE THIS . it makes her face balk , then flame up , then . . . her own lips begrudgingly twitch up . " shut up. " she lets out , but a soft laugh escapes her own mouth . she reaches over and gently pushes his shoulder . " stop laughing at me . it's rude , dr moore . " she doesn't really care though , because it feels like how she knows them to feel . warm , elastic . comforting . her eyes go to his mouth and again , as usual , she pulls the gaze away . defne knows she's been distant with him for a few weeks . this return of friendliness , talking , sharing smiles . . it feels like a drug to her . one she was so desperately trying to wean off . but one hit , and she's right back . she'd do anything to hear him keep laughing like this . she'd be the biggest idiot in the world all over again if it made him keep laughing . " so . lesson learned . talk to you first next time . " defne agrees , she slides another glance at him , biting back her own dumb ass grin .

she flushes with a secret pleasure that he INVITES HER BACK IN . he allows her to talk , to ask questions . he's open with her in a way she doesn't have a right to , and hardly deserves . " any questions ? " she repeats , intent clear , expression mischievous , because they both know that's not EXACTLY correct . unfortunately , her interest in his marriage and subsequent divorce doesn't seem to be letting up . there's nobody in the clinic , connor and condoms forgotten as she sidles up closer to thomas , her shoulder nudging his ( with some trouble , due to the height difference ) . " how could you tell ? " defne asks , with a faux innocence , acting like it isn't an entirely self-serving question . she swallows , but plunges ahead . " that she only felt like a friend and not more ? "

[iinterstellars]

* incoming delivery: private starter for @hvrtbroken !

if this was some coming of age movie this would be the scene where everyone is making connections, enjoying their youth and living the moment; maybe with 'pursuit of happiness' by kid cudi or some other equally project x adjacent song. but... this is not a movie, they're just a handful of young adults with the single minded objective of getting drunk enough to regret it tomorrow morning ( or... late afternoon, in his case, there's NO WAY he's waking up early on a saturday ). the pub near campus is questionable, to say the least. but it's not like any of them want luxury right now, after a long week of constant training and projects all they really need is a steady supply of alcohol; and considering the place's reputation among the students this will be the PERFECT place for that. even sunny is ok with it, or well... sunwoo is, but he's ok with anything as far as everyone else is concerned. the thing about living a double life, in the most literal sense, is that it's a must to remain lowkey in at least one of those; and with sunny's reputation being the loud, bitchy clown class sunwoo's HAS to be the opposite.

the familiar burn of alcohol is welcome as it goes down his throat, he closes his eyes for a moment; letting it linger for a few seconds before opening again. how many shots has he had again? about five if the glasses in front of him are any indication, but the pleasant buzz he's looking forward to DOESN'T seem to be any closer. " do you think they're watering these down to sell more? " he mutters almost to himself, but still loud enough for anyone nearby to hear. from the corner of his eye he catches talia glancing his way; of course she'd have absolutely no idea he's the same person she almost got into a fight with about a week ago. so he has to keep it together and fight against the urge to roll his eyes and instead looks her way. " i swear, not that i'm a lightweight but... i feel absolutely nothing. this is kinda fucked. "

[iinterstellars]

only when the realization sets in on her face does thomas allow himself to chuckle, softly at first, but it quickly gets a little out of control. " god, i'm sorry... " he tries to say as he covers his mouth with one hand but it does little to cover up the giggling, it's getting to the point that his belly is genuinely aching from the effort it's taking to keep himself from laughing. " i swear i'm not laughing at you... it's just... " he sighs, closes his eyes for a moment before taking a deep breath. finally calm once again. " ...i was very worried someone was lying about me and you believed it. i'd hate for that to happen. "

there's a lightness in his body now, the tension on his shoulders long gone; he feels much better. no longer awkward or frustrated. it seems like everything has gone back to how it should be and he's almost grateful at her, for quickly falling back into her old habits. " defne you can come to me for any questions you have. you know that, right? even about my life, if i don't feel comfortable answering i would just tell you. " when she looks at him again he can't help but smile back, something about her just makes him feel all warm inside; she's quickly becoming his weakness and he's not aware enough to realize it. " just general differences and lack of time and communication. we were more like friends... it was an amicable divorce too, last i heard about her she moved to work at a hospital in a different city. after that i lost contact. "

the air between them seems to snap , or pop . although defne can't quite tell why . he exhales , like a sigh . his voice is purposely even in a way that defne , for once , can't read . which is saying something , because he's already a difficult guy to read ( but she thought she'd learned a bit . . here and there . . ) . defne feels a small pull , a tug . his finger , warm , comforting , familiar . she allows her chin to move up to face him , eyes flashing under her lashes . I'M NOT MARRIED . the words sound like a hail mary . " but - " defne doesn't need to ask , though , because thomas' next words are a greater comfort than she could have even wished for . " oh . " she says , soft , quiet , like an exhale . " you're divorced . " defne states , slowly . her mind is immediately buzzing with another thousand questions . but she's already more than invaded his privacy . she doesn't quite know how she's feeling right now . embarrassed , but that's nothing new . silly . also not a new feeling around thomas . relief ? maybe . defne exhales again . " . . . i guess ingrid and i sound really dumb right now then , huh ? " defne asks , her hand goes up , to push some of her hair out of her face .

she allows herself to look at thomas again . her heart does that silly tug it always does . that pooling of warmth . she swallows , hard . " i'm sorry for not asking you first . i didn't want to be nosy , but . . . i was . it's all . . . totally your business and life . " defne chews her lip , and can't help the next words tumbling out . " so why'd you get divorced ? "

[iinterstellars]

savannah can't help but chuckle softly; not at him, of course, she's not that kind of person. maybe at his clumsiness but mostly at the situation, it feels weirdly... like it's borderline first date territory. something she's vehemently against but, well, what's there to lose if she enjoys herself for one night? " in our line of work? probably not... i think being aware of how ridiculous it sounds gives you a pass too... " miles better than other costars she's had, that's for sure, but that's a thought that stays in the safety of her own mind. she doesn't want him to think she's a judgemental bitch or something like that.

she shakes her head ever so slightly at the offer of his glass; she's not picky about her liquor at all but scotch might very well be poison as far as she's concerned. " i don't know if it's a favorite or just... familiar but it's nice, i go there often now that i live here... " when bernardo arrives and sets the drink down she thanks him with a smile and reaches for the glass, taking a few sips before continuing. " oh, no... i'm from the south. but i've been living up here for a few years now, so i know a few places. " savannah can feel his gaze on her and honestly? she gets it now, why women are drawn to him, why they giggle at every word he says. she's glad she's learned to be composed enough to not fall to his charm though... that could easily be a recipe for disaster. " i think my idea of fun might be very different to yours but, well, i'm more of a homebody. i like quiet nights in, spending time with friends. not to say i don't like to party but i prefer to save my energy for work... it's an added bonus that it gives the paps a hard time. " she adds with a soft laugh.

SHE'S HERE . he stands up , almost knocks over his glass as he does . then sits back down , slightly more clumsy . he can't move his eyes from her , as if he's one of her biggest fans . it feels odd to see savannah outside of the studio , or a set . he blinks , coughs , tries to clear his head . he looks at his lap , then over to bernardo who is barely paying any of them any attention . that's always been his favourite thing about him . THEY'RE SAFE HERE . " i used to come here before i . .. ahh . " bas cuts himself off , gives an awkward laugh . " is saying ' before i became semi - famous ' too pompous ? " he checks , then shakes his head at himself . the tone of her voice .. . bas likes that she's teasing . she seems so much lighter , so much less serious and intimidating now that they're here .

bas offers her a sip of his scotch , just in case , and because he doesn't know what else to do with his hands . he leans back on the stool . the orange hue of the lighting is perfect on her . bas isn't a photographer per se , but he'd go to school , take up every course in the world , if it meant being able to capture her right now . " you got a favourite spot 'round here too ? " bas asks , pleasantly surprised . " are you from here ? " he's still getting used to the AMERICAN world . he's been around america for a few years , but he doesn't think he's ever fully gotten used to it . " i'm glad you like it . i didn't wanna be that bloke who says where should we go and what we should order . ' she'll just have a salad ' or that bollocks . " he inhales, exhales , laughs softly , then shakes his head again . " what else do you like ? " bas asks , after allowing a small pause . his eyes wash over her head , onto her soft , hooded eyes , to the curve of her lips . the cameras don't do her justice . bernardo sets down her vodka tonic , then turns back away . despite the bar being usually empty and quiet , save for a few others ( who are just as quiet ) , bernardo always seems to have some work to do . bas has always wondered if this is a space leftover from speakeasy days . there's even an abandoned , tiny stage , where bas can imagine a small jazz band used to set up .

[iinterstellars]

would it be out of place if he laughed right now? probably, no, definitely. but he wants to... to the point that it's getting harder and harder by the second to keep it at bay. he feels it bubbling up on his chest and he has to look away for a moment just to keep it together. when he feels composed enough he lets out a sigh and feels the tension in his body disappear just as quickly as it came. " ingrid told you... " he repeats, isn't it so ridiculous? that the crux of the issue was all based on hearsay. this is why he hates gossip.

he turns to look at her again, all embarrassed and trying not to be; the sight shouldn't be so lovely and tempting but, it is, somehow. " it matters to me. it's always better to cut off rumors right from the source... " he shrugs and then lets his expression soften as much as it allows, he reaches forward, gently placing his index finger under her chin to encourage her to look at him. " defne, i'm not married... " the words come out of his mouth easily, direct and to the point, no reason to beat around the bush. " ...i'm sure ingrid wasn't trying to overhear but, since she was, she should've stayed a little bit longer. " he lets his hand fall again, almost wants to place it on the side of her face but, no... that would be too much. " maybe then she would've heard everything i said about how nervous i was when i got married... and then again when i got divorced... which i've been for more than ten years now. "

defne isn' a confrontational person and never has been . but she feels like she's been waiting for thomas for years . she feels like the moments between them meant something . she NEVER would have seen him as even slightly someone to flirt with if she knew he had a WIFE . it isn't in her character to behave like that . she hates cheating , and she feels dirty at the very notion that their legs touched , her hands skimmed over him ( yes , medically , but it was definitely more than professional ) . and again - it's all her . all in her head . all HER who did it . while he seems determined to know who said what , defne exhales . " ingrid told me . she overheard . . . i think she overheard you and meredith . " it sounds so pedestrian . so middle school . defne squares her shoulders , knowing thomas is confused and irritated , and feeling it reverberate onto her own skin . they've always gotten along , except for right now .

" it wasn't like she was TRYING to overhear. " she feels the need to defend . ingrid isn't a gossip . the other girls , maybe , sometimes . but ingrid is trustworthy . she only told defne because she knew how defne felt . hell , anyone with eyes knew how she felt . " she heard you say something about the only other day you were nervous was when you got married to your wife , or . . something . " defne is slightly embarrassed to remember the almost exact wording . she exhales , looks away . she's accusatory when she has no right to be . she opens her mouth . closes it . a large part of her WANTS to blame him . to say , i know you're not stupid . you know how i feel about you . instead , her eyes find his , helplessly . " why does it matter how i know ? "

[iinterstellars]

the rest of the day goes by in the blink of an eye, but savannah likes it like this. it's easy for her to get lost in her work; the make up trials, the fittings, rehearsals... it's what she knows and loves. so even when the day comes to an end, it feels like she's done nothing at all despite the fact that her schedule had been jam - packed. she finds herself on her trailer, sitting down in front of the mirror with her manager ( more like her other half at this point ) cynthia, who's meticulously going over tomorrow's agenda. savannah lets out a soft sigh as she gets rid of today's make up and replaces it with her skincare, there's a bit of a giddy feeling brewing deep in her gut; it could be nervousness or excitement, she's never been all that good at telling them apart. " oh, by the way... i'm going out for drinks tonight... " she announces as she closes the cap of her moisturizer and turns on the chair. she's not surprised to see cynthia's expression to morph into something like disbelief. " i mean it! with sebastian... eh, bas... you said it'd be good for chemistry and he invited me, so... " no, yeah... it's definitely nervousness. she realizes at the same time, her life long friend gives her the look: something she only reserves for when she has a feeling sav is making a bad decision. ' you know about his reputation, plus isn't he the kind of man you despise? ' she says and savannah can't help but nod, because, yes... she knows, but the glimpse of him she'd seen today told him he was DIFFERENT than what the media says. " look, i know, i know... it's one hundred percent friendly. and, yeah, you don't even have to mention it. i'll be careful, ok? " this seems to put cynthia at ease, savannah is not one to lie and well, she's very level headed. a few minutes later, time she spend relaxing and scrolling on her phone, a text with the location arrives and she quickly dresses up in comfortable but still casual clothes; her normal attire. her driver takes her to the very dodgy looking bar in only a couple minutes, she thanks the man before stepping down the car and into this place.

" oh, i wouldn't do that to you... i promised i'd be here, so, here i am... " she responds with a soft laugh, then places a quick order for a vodka tonic before sitting down in front of bas. " you come here often enough to be on a name to name basis with the owner? " she teases as she looks around the place, he was right in his description but it's still somehow cozy, and low key, so basically perfect. " hmm... i guess i'll have to show you my favorite spot next time, but this is good, i like it. "

bas can't pretend that he isn't honoured by the way savannah is able to rectify things . he opens his mouth but finds that everything he's wanted to say ( and hasn't been able to , properly ) , she says with ease . it's like she's read inside of his entire mind . his eyes drift over her , unable to stop themselves . there's something so magnetic about her . and then someone has called her attention and she's gone , but bas stands there , brain working in overdrive , repeating her words . the air still smells like her , warm and cinnamon-spiced . ' bas ? mate ? ' he blinks and realises that he's needed now , too . it's time to take off his makeup and get re-fitted for next weeks scenes . he glances around , as if hoping for another quick glance at savannah , but she's gone . he could have imagined her - just like he does in their movie .

bas' time flies by after that . he gets fitted again , people flounder past , and he grins easily at them , offers a wink . as he leaves set , he hears an uproar of fans standing outside . while a few people try to usher along , bas falls out to say hi , wave , take a few selfies. he doesn't mind this . HE'S GOOD AT THIS . it takes 2 of his managers and a bodyguard to finally pull him away and he's chuckling . he knows he's a nuisance , but what's the fun in being famous if you can't do SOME things you want to do ? ' early night today , bas . ' his manager , fiona , states , as they shove into their car . ' you hear me ? ' bas pulls a face immediately. " 'm going for drinks . " the silence in the car is one that's unimpressed . " with savannah . " now , everyone in the car turns to look at him. ' your coworker , savannah ? ' fiona says , eyes wide . she looks to his pr manager , who is immediately nodding . ' perfect . get some photos , won't you ? it'll be perfect for press. ' bas chews the inside of his cheek , remembering the way savannah's face twisted at the idea of being pr . he clears his throat , but stays silent . instead , he instructs the driver downtown , to a hole-in-the-wall bar he used to frequent . bas slides right out of the car as it stops , ignoring additional comments about pr , interviews . as soon as he enters the bar , it's silent save for quiet jazz , and bas texts through to savannah the address . ' it looks dodgy . ' he feels the need to add , over text , before nodding to the bartender . immediately, a neat scotch is slid over to him . BAS EXHALES IN RELIEF . save for one other older man slumped over the bar , the place is dead . no chance of anyone seeing them , despite his teams desire for pr and paps . when the door dings , bas looks up with expectation . he could have been waiting for years for her and it probably would still surprise him to see her right there . he exhales and stands in greeting . " hey . was worried you'd stand me up . " he teases , before nodding over to the bartender again , who immediately walks over to take her order . " hope this is alright . bernardo's the owner and bartender here . he's a top bloke . "

[iinterstellars]

thomas lets out a slow controlled breath, trying to will the tension out of his body. the fact that she stepped away, doesn't want his touch feels... wrong, like a slap to the face but he knows he can't say anything about it. it's not his call but hers; all he can do is accept it. even if it makes his heart clench painfully in a way it never has before. " i didn't say that... " despite his best efforts his tone comes out a bit harsh, clipped, not because of her but just the entire situation. he doesn't like it when people put words in his mouth, or assume things he hasn't said; it's leads to even more misunderstandings and that's exactly what he's trying to avoid.

her response only manages to leave him more confused. " if nobody is talking about me behind my back then who told you that? " he insists, there's a sense of urgency in his tone. part of him want to reach out again and encourage her to look at him but he doesn't. he only steps forward to try to close the distance between them. " defne, it's not... " he sighs, then takes a deep breath, trying to collect himself and figure out the right words to say. " look, besides you there's only two people i talk to about my life or my past; and i know for a fact none of them is the kind of person that goes around spreading baseless gossip. so tell me, where did you hear that? "

when she feels thomas' hand on her shoulder , defne feels suddenly restless . she takes a step back , and lets the hand fall . she doesn't want thomas to touch her . she doesn't want him to give her that begrudging smile . she feels so stupid and embarrassed , and she can only blame herself . IT'S THE END OF THE FUCKING WORLD , and she's getting caught up on whether a guy likes her or not ? she wishes she could hit herself in the head and say grow up . thomas' question about who told her that only makes her stomach twist tighter . no denial . " so it's true . " she says , and tries to act like she doesn't care . defne pushes some of her hair past her shoulders , straightening up . " it's elysium . word travels fast . " and gossip travels especially quick .

stupidly , she wishes his hand WAS on her shoulder . that she hadn't pushed it away . everytime she does anything , she immediately regrets it . she doesn't know how to behave . she doesn't know how to deal with anything , so she deals with nothing . badly . his soft plea for her to meet his eyes has her clear her throat , but finally look at him . thomas' eyes are wide but curious . defne knows she can get lost in them . she flicks her gaze away again . " no - nobody's talking about you behind your back . unless , it's like . . . really good things . because you're super well respected . and people like you generally . " defne offers . " again , i don't . . .care that you're married . " LIE . " i just thought we were close enough you would have told me . "

[iinterstellars]

the portion of her head that made contact with the floor is POUNDING ever so slightly and sunny slowly sits up; takes in and lets out a controlled breathe to try and reign in her emotions, the anger that she feels could eat her up alive. she's not too worried about the damage since she knows her ' other self ' can easily heal but that didn't make it any less infuriating. " i'm good... " she mutters after a while, keeping her eyes closed for a moment. her power feels erratic, almost ITCHING to be used, and she's trying her best to keep that from happening. an uncontrolled psychic is the last thing any of them needs right now. a few seconds later she feels calmer so she opens her eyes again as she shakes the tension off her shoulders, only to find talia extending her hand. what kind of apology is that? the childish part of her wants to roll her eyes but she finds enough strength to keep the urge to herself. she still doesn't take her hand though, sunny waves it away with a huff and then stands up by herself. " why wouldn't they let uncouth people in? i mean, you're here already. that should've given you a clue... " the snarky response however... there was nothing she could do about it.

" i'm already on his shit book. " she mentions nonchalantly as she straightens up her clothing and then runs her fingers through her hair. why was sunny on theo's ' bad student ' list you ask? a myriad of reasons probably. exhibit number one would be this exact situation. it's NOT exactly the first time she makes a scene like this ( though this is probably the worst case so far ). " i'm probably at the top of the list, actually. he's just very fun to mess with and i hate this class... " at least when she's like this.

this entire situation feels like something talia has lost control of . if there's one thing talia hates , it's losing control . her entire being has always been defined by that : control . power . tact . movement . ever since she found out what just one touch to her skin could do , she's hidden from it . she can't quite tell if that's why sunny grits her , as much as she does . you're just as bad as me . the words bounce in talia's brain , just like the other intrusive ones did . they feel unwelcome . cruel . unfair . she'd foolishly thought she'd come into this class and come out with some physical bruises . but instead , she's left with quite a few mental ones .

talia lets out a groan of a noise , before she rolls off sunny dutifully . theo looks like he has major regret about teaming them up together . she knows she'll hear plentiful about this at their next tutoring session . she knows what he'll say : he's disappointed . he's surprised . she's not usually like this . yadda yadda . he's right . talia doesn't need the reminder . it's that which makes her look down at the girl , guilt throbbing over her in waves . " you okay ? " she finally asks , regret laced in her tone . she shouldn't have been so hard on her . she shouldn't have gotten so angry . the only small win is that talia didn't try use her power . who knows where that would have gotten them . theo is calling out breaktime for the rest of them , who groan loudly . somehow , her and sunny took a lot more training time up that they thought they would .

talia looks down at the girl in question , and fights hard to ignore the annoyance within her . instead , she holds out a gloved hand to her . it's her own way of saying sorry . an immature way . irresponsible . if she's honest to herself : she still doesn't care for sunny , or her painfully cheating ministrations . but she won't bring that up now , lest she gives theo a migraine . " let me help you up . " talia says , bitingly . " or we'll both be in theo's shit books . no doubt you deserve to be in them more . i didn't think they usually let un-couth people like you in for training . "

[iinterstellars]

defne has managed to render him speechless plenty of times, usually in a playful way... never like this though. at first he doesn't know what to do other than frown and stare at her, waiting for the chuckle that would commonly follow one of her jokes but she's looking away from him now and it feels like she's pulling away from him altogether. as if a distance is growing between them. he doesn't like it. he moves closer in response, a hand reaching out and resting over her shoulder to get her attention. " i─ what? who told you that? " there weren't many people he talked to, even less people that knew about his life before elysium. were there rumors going on around him or what the hell was going on? he knew he needed to clarify this, but he needed the information first in order to do it. thomas doesn't like where this is going. part of him was to ease every single one of her worries; it tells him that maybe she's right, why is he so hung up on his age anyways? isn't it foolish with everything else going on in this world? at the same time he knows deep down defne could very well be his undoing, and the thought of putting her through the throes of his own inadequacy is too painful to satisfy the selfish need to have her. instead he has to settle for something less convoluted and urgent: clearing up this misunderstanding. " can you look at me, please? just tell me... is someone talking about me behind my back or something? "

defne has never been so surprised and confused by thomas before . and that's saying something because the man is a walking who-dunnit mystery . her eyebrows furrow together at his tone, the sharpness of it all . he sounds exhausted . not at all like he might usually sound and defne can't quite realise why . he's not stupid . how could he not realise what she's talking about ? her lips curl into a frown . " . . . . you're married . " she finally says , and it feels like she's ripped a huge chunk of herself out , in between them . it hurts more than she thought it would , to admit . to say . YOU'RE MARRIED . YOU NEVER TOLD ME . a harsher part within her wants to say : you made me think i had a chance . but that's not fair . thomas never said or did anything . it was all defne , all the time . defne inhales , sharp and deep , letting it fill her lungs , silently begging her not to react . " i just thought you would have told me . " her voice sounds silly , whiny , pedestrian . she swallows and its her turn to look away now . " sorry . i know i shouldn't bring up something so sensitive , and i know i should have given you time to bring it up , because you probably have your own feelings on it all . i guess i was just . . surprised . " to put it lightly . she doesn't deserve to feel that way , though , so she crumples the condoms in her hand , shoving them into her overalls pocket .

IT'S A WEIRD DAY TODAY ? yeah . to put it lightly . to put it kind and nice . today feels like one of the worst day defne has endured , and that's saying something when she's outrun literal human hunters and men begging for a lot more . she just got so comfortable here , at elysium . with thomas . the clinic . defne exhales now , slow and considerate , trying not to seem like any of this means anything . " 12 years is a difference in another life . " she says , stubbornly , crossing her arms over her chest . " i think we're too old to really think about that now . " not old in terms of age , but experience . THIS LIFE . god . why is she even mentioning that ? it's all so foolish . defne clears her throat, and takes her own turn , looking away from him , his handsome size , shape , square shoulders . . . EVERYTHING. " sorry . you're right . it's a weird day . " she uses his excuse as good as any , despite her heart aching for more .

[iinterstellars]

there's a very strong feeling of relief that comes with knowing that he doesn't think the worst of her, the way his features seem to soften just like hers; it's almost exactly what she needed too. even his smile, despite being so awkward, seems to be miles away from the heartthrob persona he was hellbent on pushing. " just for the record i don't think that about you. some of us are just unlucky enough to get boxed into a stereotype... " only she and her manager know how hard they've had to fight to avoid that altogether, if she's considered a ' serious ' actress it's only because of their relentless effort. " if anything you are the one that got handed an awful hand by the industry... " she concedes in a gentle tone, letting him know that she DOESN'T think it's entirely his fault, maybe just a series of not so good decisions. which anyone in their industry can relate to.

his words are the only reassurance she needed, he seems to be honest enough and it's because of it that she decides to believe him wholeheartedly; she nods once and then smiles at him, wide and unabashed. " alright then, i'll take your word for it and... i look forward to those drinks? " her attention is caught for a moment by someone trying to signal her to come closer but she makes only makes a gesture ' be right there ' before she looks back at sebastian. " i promise i'll try to... not be so serious about it. it probably doesn't really help, does it? " then a soft laugh, the tension seems to dissipate with it too. " you're doing a great job so far, honestly... just follow your instincts, they're rarely wrong in my experience. "

the way she exhales . . . it's completely different . it's like , suddenly, she's a different woman than the one he'd dealt with moments prior . not in a bad way , per se . SECRETLY , IN A GREAT WAY . it's like she remembers that they're just people , this isn't an acting scene , and they can be people outside of the movie . his own face softens as hers does , almost imitating the way she's able to change the mis en scene of it all . there's that savannah ability , that charm , the strength that nobody else has. this is the same woman he stared at in awe , years ago , wandering how she could be so on and then so . . . . savannah . but not in a locked down way . rather the opposite . maybe the years have changed her , just like they've changed him ( from lovestruck love interest, to goofy hero ) . they are only what the media presume them to be .

" i don't think you're a monster or a diva . " bas promises . he likes that she can be honest . it makes his heart strike a chord . a warmth flush over him . oh . she's so beautiful and earnest . she's so drastically out of his league . he swallows , looks at the bright light shining in their face , then back at her and offers her another sly , but stilted and awkward , grin . " it's okay . i know you got handed a crap hand : you're a serious , real actress , and you got stuck with me . . . hollywood's next romcom lead . " he offers . he wants her to know that HE KNOWS what they're saying about him . that he knows what his image is , too . " but i promise , i didn't take this job to be a joke , or flounder around . i really want to try be serious . and you're the best in the business for it . " bas doesn't know how else to tell her that she's so different from anyone else he's ever met . THERE'S NO REAL WORDS FOR IT , but he appreciates her own ability to try , to awkwardly break the tension between them . IT'S KIND OF HER .

as the filming crew calls for them , he holds out a hand of acknowledgement , but nods to her . " no , you're right . that takes precedent . me and you . . i . . sorry i'm not so good with the words . maybe you're right and i need a new publicist. " bas counters , with a small laugh . he can see the crew chatting , the room filling . the scene is about to restart , he presumes , or they're done for the day . you can never quite tell what is what , even after years of experience . " i mean . . yes . i'd love to take you for a drink after this . i hope we can both ignore my foot-in-mouth syndrome . it's probably equally painful for us both , yeah ? i promise i don't mean it to be . this is just very different from anything else i've been on . but getting to know you is as important to me as getting to know anyone . "

[iinterstellars]

was there anything else she could do besides taking the hit? maybe, but honestly she didn't really want to. it was, one, too much unnecessary effort and, two, against her principles. her principle being: not trying too hard as far as physical fights go. she knows it's a stupid perspective to have but this body is quite literally NOT meant for that. that is to say... she was simply letting it happen, bracing herself for impact even; what she did not expect was the intensity in which it happened. she falls down with a soft ' oof ' leaving her as the air is pretty much FORCED out of her lungs. then comes a dull ache on her head and for a moment she swears her entire vision goes blurry. sunny groans ever so slightly and finds herself pinned down once again. what is it with talia and these compromising positions? she blinks a couple times, until her vision goes back to normal and she can see clearly once again but, the pain doesn't go away. she hates it, hates getting hurt, hates feeling weak; hates that this girl is clearly stronger and better than her at this. she feels the anger bubbling up once again, hot and blinding. this isn't good at all.

" properly?! god, fuck off. you're just as bad as me. " she whispers in her best attempt at containing herself. anger has always been the hardest emotion for her to deal with. she knows it and theo knows it too; which is why he's immediately trying to keep the situation from getting out of control. ' girls, please... let's take a breather. ' her hands twitch even under talia's grasp. she knows she wouldn't even need to touch her to get her off of her, but despite it all she DOESN'T want to hurt her like that. not yet, at least. " can you get off of me already? i don't know what the hell you have on your head but i don't want you like that... "

talia wants to bare her teeth . she feels like an animal for a second as she glares at sunny and her stupid , polite smile . her jaw works , clenching and unclenching , teeth mashing together in fury . she doesn't know how or why , but sunny specifically gets right under her skin . maybe it's the sheer arrogance , the blatant cheating , the clear disregard for anyone but herself . ALL OF THE ABOVE . talia despises every single part of it .

she plants her feet solidly on the mat . immediately squeezes her eyes closed at the next sudden thought that wrings its way into her brain . man , what the fuck . she physically shakes herself off , as if trying to bat away the thinking . she is NOT thinking about it . because she is not thinking about SUNNY , other than how to get that smile wiped off her face. talia looks to theo , who gives her a nod , then counts down properly . unlike sunny , talia doesn't play dirty . she doesn't care to . half of her is held back , though , expectant that another strange , random , bizarre thought may enter her brain . but thankfully , it doesn't seem to be the case . just as one . . . leaves theo's mouth , talia charges .

she moves with a harsher intensity than she normally would for a training class . she knows her emotions are wearing her more than she's wearing them , and she doesn't care as she ducks , swings low , and shoots out her leg to trip sunny . as sunny falls back , talia springs herself up , like a cat might , and lands either leg on each side of sunny , straddling her yet again . her legs keep sunny's pinned , her hands go right back to sunny's wrists . she uses one hand to pin both of hers ( they're small and delicate , but talia tries not to think about that ) , above her head again . " that's how you do it properly . " talia grits out , as she holds sunny down . " but hey , i'm sure your thing will keep you from dying for like . . 5 seconds . " when she looks up at theo for approval , his face is ashen . ' talia . ' he reprimands . ' this is a training class . we're not looking to knock each other out . sunny - are you ok ? '

[iinterstellars]

this is starting to get frustrating for him. thomas knows, or can at least guess, that she's NOT purposefully dancing around the real thing she wants to ask but he's not used to her being so vague. he's usually pretty good at reading her intentions but right now he's none the wiser and that makes him feel out of place. " can you please tell me what exactly are we talking about? and who is ' she ' supposed to be here? " he asks, feeling slightly exasperated. only because he doesn't WANT there to be any misunderstandings between them and right now it seems like there's a huge one right in front his very eyes.

thomas can't help the small chuckle that leaves him. " i don't think our age difference is big... it is huge. almost twelve years is quite a gap, defne... " every single time he thinks about it... it only feels more appalling; he was about to start high school when she was barely even alive. it was wrong of him to harbor feelings for her, not only because of that but, the reality of the world they now live in. it simply shouldn't happen. he lets out a sigh, and then runs her fingers through his hair. " but i also know you're NOT a kid anymore, and you can... do whatever you want with your body and your life. i'm just─ i don't know, i'm sorry. it's a weird day today, i guess. "

defne stares at him , mouth slightly ajar . there's a tilting within her , a notion that somehow they're both talking about different things . thomas can be obtuse sometimes , but never on purpose . " you don't like rings . " she repeats . man , if she got married to someone and he said that , she'd be fighting him everyday to wear the damn thing . defne shakes her head at herself , trying to clear her thoughts . drop it , she tells herself . but defne has never been very good at that . she opens her mouth again , closes it . DROP IT . " so . . and . . does she . or did she . . you know ? wear the ring ? " she waves her hands as she speaks , not trying to be vague , but unable to quite spit out the word ' wife ' .

as thomas turns away from her , awkwardness bleeding back into them , defne frowns to herself . yet again , the reminder is like a punch : thomas sees her as some dumb little girl . " i know you think our age difference is like . . cataclysmal , but i'm on my way to 30 . i am definitely old enough to have sex. " she finds the need to point out , with some defiance . she exhales , chews the corner of her lip . " that was a joke . i - " defne wishes she could read minds . not any mind : HIS MIND . " it was all a joke , because , you know . . . the condoms ? " she reiterates it as if either of them could forget , her hand filled with the condoms in question shaking its way into thomas' deflective glance .

[iinterstellars]

the slight tension transforms into a bit of awkwardness and savannah knows it mostly her doing. she can almost feel her manager's intense gaze on her back and their nagging echoes deep inside her mind going on and on about being less uptight, a little more friendly. it's good that you're professional, but you also need to make connections and get along with your coworkers. it was their favorite thing to say, and as much as she HATED to admit it, they were right. she had to make an effort too.

momentarily, she closes her eyes and lets out a soft sigh, trying to will the tension out of her body. when she opens her eyes again they meet sebastian's and she looks as apologetic as she TRULY feels. " i'm sorry, i think we've gotten off on the wrong foot here... " she breathes out, leaving out that it is mostly on her because, well, it's implied. they both know it. " ...i need to not be so serious, i promise i'm not some monster or a diva. i just need to learn how to take it easy sometimes, i'm working on it. " now her demeanor turns a little softer, kinder even; and she tilts her head to one as she looks at him. " i would genuinely like to get to know you or just... talk a little. so, whenever you have the time just let me know, ok? " she finishes with a small smile, her attempt at extending an olive branch between them. then she's uncapping her water bottle and taking a sip as she looks to one side; where the filming crew is calling for them. " well... we better get back to work. "

bas isn't an idiot ( despite what savannah may think ) . he's always been good at reading the room . and he can tell the exact moment the air shifts between them from polite , to slightly tense . when he first saw savannah , practically years ago , she'd moved like an ethereal being . everyone said her name with awe . she was THE person to work with . and he knows why . she's a generous scene partner . an excellent actress . she makes it all seem so much easier than it usually is . she's magnetising , draws you right in . but offscreen . . . bas is having trouble finding any connection . he's having trouble understanding her , or even knowing her , which leaves him floundering , useless .

at her sharp comment about the attention he receives , bas knows he could bite back . but he doesn't want to . instead , he gives her a indulgent smile . " you're only as good as you are if you're liked , right ? " he says instead , eyes sliding from her eyes , to her mouth . nope . back up to her eyes again . her next comment slides off him , and he simply shrugs . savannah is hard to talk to . maybe it's just him , but before getting the job ( despite wanting it for the very opportunity OF savannah ) , he'd heard the same thing : savannah is a professional . stay out of her way . she won't fall for your charm . she has her own path . bas had been hopeful that she'd still have SOME undercover charm , or personality . . . but instead , she's like a brick wall . she's closed up TIGHT , and she is not letting him past .

he chews his lip , giving another quick smile to his makeup artist before she leaves , and looks over to savannah again . tight . clean . professional . there's that god damn word again . the sigh , the reluctant agreement for a drink . it makes bas want to run his hand through his hair ( a nervous tic ) , but he knows he can't or the hair team will kill him . SHE SOUNDS LIKE SHE'D RATHER EAT GLASS THAN BE ALONE WITH HIM . " uh , you know . actually . i think i'm booked out today . maybe we can do another time . " he knows this directly contradicts HIS offer , but he hopes this is a way of silently telling her she doesn't HAVE to do this , when she clearly doesn't want to .