#OC:Ian Velasquez

[miss-m-and-her-blog]

He’s My Girl (Chapter 7)

TITLE OF STORY: He’s My Girl

CHAPTER: 7

AUTHOR: miss-m-and-her-blog

WHICH TOM/CHARACTER: AU Actor!Tom

GENRE: Romance, Action, Drama

FIC SUMMARY: He’s a guy, she’s a boy in disguise. He’s an actor, she’s a stuntman or -woman. How can it ever work when the famous Tom Hiddleston stars in an action film, with Charlie or Charlene as his stunt choreographer? 

RATING: T

WARNINGS/TRIGGERS/AUTHORS NOTES: There would be a mention of blood, but that’s all :)

FEEDBACK/COMMENTS: This is the longest chapter for HMG, I think, and I hope that’s okay for everyone :D

The loud ringing of her phone alarm woke Charlene but there was something off about the room--daylight was already dawning through the windows.

And after rubbing her eyes, then she only found out what was wrong,

“Oh, shit! I’m so late!” She shouted out that woke Lily who is just sleeping beside her.

“Shut the fuck up, Cha! I’m trying to sleep…” Lily slurred before ending up going back to sleep and with a snore.

Charlene quickly got into the bathroom, and she didn’t bothered on scrubbing her body as it was already 7:40 in the morning. The call time in the studio is 8 o’clock and she only has 20 minutes to get ready, get out, and get the heck into the studio.

I already skipped warm-up on 7 o’clock. Al is going to kill me when I get there.

When she finally took off her clothes, she hanged them on the hooks behind her. She was about to turn the shower on but she noticed her panties from the reflection of the mirror beside her–-her panties had a big blot of red in the middle.

Charlene instinctively looked down and saw that it was indeed bloody down there.

“Fuck! Not now!” She angrily shouted at her vulva.

However, she didn’t want to be late, and so she speedily had her bath; borrowed from Demi two sanitary pads and two tampons (she used the pad first because she had never really tried on tampons before), just in case, then dressed and got her body bag.

When she finally put on her black cap, she was Charlie again.

As he rushed downstairs, he saw Uncle Barty and Auntie Baby having breakfast with their two other children, Aurora, nicknamed Ora; fifth child of the eight siblings; Penelope, nicknamed Penny; the sixth of the eight siblings.

“Hey, couz, have some breakfast first.” Penny offered after she placed the pancakes and some longganisas* on the table.

Charlie cringed but said, “I’m sorry. I’m so late for work. Maybe tomorrow.”

“Sure. What do you like for tomorrow?” Penny being the best cook of the family and also a chef at a fine dining restaurant in Downtown, was very reliable when it comes to requests like this.

“Champorado**?” Charlie replied as he swung the door open now.

“Hey, we haven’t had that for months, that would be good.” Ora spoke up, after taking a sip of her coffee.

Even if Charlie was running late, she still had a smile on her face because of how sweet and caring her extended family can be.

“Bye, guys! You’re just the best.” He sang then got out of the house.

Uncle Barty who had just folded down the newspaper that he was reading thought aloud, “Why is Cha-Cha dressed like a guy again?”

Auntie Baby answered that for him, “It’s for her work, remember? Lily told us that before.”

“Oh.” Uncle Barty shrugged.

When he got on the train, he noticed his reflection in the glass doors, he forgot to put on any contouring make-up (that Lily taught him) and the drawing of stubble in his face.

He mentally cursed to himself, I’m clean as a baby’s butt right now! And I don’t look like a man at all.

Charlie noticed that he does look handsome when he’s a man. But he thought why doesn’t he look that good when he’s a woman.

That’s just unfair. He sighed.

After getting off the train, he tried to run for it now as his wristwatch had already ticked past 8 o’clock. There was nothing else in his mind but being late, but he also thought that his run could be his warm-up too.

When he got into the studio’s entrance, he only flashed the guard his ID and kept running until he reached the training quarters.

To his shock, Al was waiting for him at the entrance of the roofed gym, with his hands on his waist and a scowl in his face.

Charlie halted to a stop right in front of Al.

“What time is it, Mr. Go?” He sounded surly and Charlie’s sure he’s getting a scolding from him.

He took a glance at his wristwatch, “8:30, sir.” Then Charlie gulped as he can feel his throat dry up because of his run.

“Warm–up’s at 7, call time’s at 8; is there nothing clear with my time schedule for you people?” Then he glared at Charlie.

“I’m sorry, sir, I woke up late–” Charlie apologetically replied but Al cut him off,

“No! I won’t tolerate this. The next time you’ll be late I’ll make sure to double the punishment for you. I hope this unprofessional behavior is the last time that I will see it.”

“Understood, sir.” Charlie looked down, and he could feel his cheeks heat up with embarrassment.

“Now, do it. 6 reps of push-ups, 5 reps of sit-ups, and 4 reps of squats. Begin.” Al ordered Charlie before walking back inside.

That was the punishment for all late-comers and no one was exempted to this.

But, Ian came over to Al and tried to reason with him, “Al, I’ll join Charlie in his punishment. Look at him, he was running late and he said he won’t do it again.”

Al only exhaled through his nose and said, “You better get back to your own damn place before I really put a dent on that pretty face of yours, Velasquez.”

Then he hit Ian’s shoulder with his own, to which Ian almost fell back but managed to get on with his feet. Ian only brushed off his shoulder, but he will admit to himself what Al did hurt.

He looked over to Charlie who was doing push-ups now outside the roofed gym and he isn’t even given a mat.

Tom also saw what is happening, and he watched Charlie from the distance as he did his punishment. He also wanted to help Charlie out but, he already saw how Al talked to Ian, and he felt it was best to not say anything for now.

Julian approached him, “Look at Ian, he’s watching over Charlie.”

Tom glared at Julian, “I can see that.”

“Well, no one’s exempted with Al’s rules. He’s a military man, you know–-well, he used to be. That’s why the man’s so damn serious all the time.”

Al had already called out Ian as his training are to begin already.

As for Charlie, he already finished the push-ups, and now he’s starting to do the sit-ups. But little did all the people knew, as he did the sit-ups, he felt his menstrual flow leak down like a gushing water pipe.

Fuck. I could feel the pieces come out. Fuck this shit! I am never going to be late again– especially if I have my period on!

The struggle of even getting up while his (her) uterus was being squished on by his muscles were harder than running quickly. Charlie worried that his pad might leak and he’ll have a red spot behind his jogging pants.

Finally, he was on the squats, he tried to feel if his butt was dry or wet from blood. When he touched his lower butt, he felt no stain or blot of blood. Charlie could finally breathe as his punishment exercises had not made his pad leak.

Only, he felt like he had ran a few more laps as he is tired as an outworked horse now. He dragged himself inside the gym and Al was watching him. But Tom saw Charlie’s face almost droop down with heaviness.

As fast as he could, he grabbed his water tumbler and ran towards Charlie.

“Charlie. Are you okay?” Tom asked as he handed him the tumbler.

Charlie didn’t spoke but Tom opened the cap for Charlie.

“Drink. Go ahead.” Tom instructed him.

At last, Charlie’s dry throat was quenched and he almost choked for a moment while drinking.

“Easy. Don’t be late again, you know now how it goes.” Tom reminded him.

Charlie gave back the tumbler, “Who’s tumbler is that?”

Tom closed the cap of the tumbler, “Mine.”

He paused and threw a surprise look at Tom. It would sound creepy but he had just drank from his crush’s water tumbler and nothing would be the same again.

As if I’d already tasted his lips too. Charlie’s thoughts played around at that idea.

“Good grief, you look pale. Are you really all right?” Tom worriedly pointed out as his lips did looked very pale.

If Charlie could only tell him that it’s his first day of his period, hence, his pale lips.

“I’m all right. Let’s start your training. Is Julian here?” Charlie was now all business and he had shooed away blissful thoughts of Tom.

They both walked towards Julian who had dragged a mat so they could begin now. But when Charlie saw Julian, Julian's eyes were squinted at his face.

“You look pale– and clean shaven. Are you okay, man?” Julian pointed out.

Charlie wasn’t in the mood to explain himself and so he snapped back, “If I get asked one more time if I’m okay, I’m going to kick someone in the balls. Is that clear?”

Both men were quite surprised with his response and so, they went on to begin the training for the day. Charlie knows well that it’s his hormones talking and being snarky today but he couldn’t well help it.

Julian and Tom both backed down from Charlie who's clearly having a bad day.

"Let's start." Charlie ordered, his voice cold and almost harsh. As they started some stretches, Julian is analyzing something in his head; he has an older sister whom he lived with until their teens.

Whenever she has her period, Julian had to isolate himself from her because she can be very grumpy.

Volatile, to the point, I might say

But then, when he thought about it...

Whenever she has a period...

And as if an epiphany had presented itself to him, he observed Charlie.

Charlie was instructing Tom for a move where the latter would slam him down the mat; as he looked at Charlie, he does look feminine or maybe androgynous. However, the way his body is shaped--Julian started to doubt.

Then, the idea of him already meeting Charlie before came to his mind. But, it was followed with the memory of Dodong's team mate from their audition, the girl that Andy Lockley rejected,

Charlie? And that girl?

At that moment, Julian saw Charlie's profile as he stood in front of Tom, giving instructions; and indeed, the mystery was solved.

They are just one person! Charlie is in disguise!

"Holy fucking shit." Julian blurted out.

Both Tom and Charlie turned to Julian who held back his mind-blown reaction.

"Did you swore, Jules?" Tom turned to Julian.

"No! No--heck no. I-I didn't said anything." He stammered.

"I thought you swore because you saw Gwen again--and I don't see her around here." Tom joked.

That caught Charlie's attention, "Gwen? Isn't she Paula's assistant?"

"Yes, and my friend, the hopeless romantic Julian Tanner, is madly in love with her." Tom teased.

Charlie spoke up, "Actually, Paula introduced me to Gwen, last Tuesday."

Julian then started walking closer so he can hear them and Tom only stood there, curious.

"Why did Paula do that?" Julian was trying not to let his anger show but Charlie felt intimidated.

"I don't know. Maybe she just wants me to meet Gwen." Charlie shrugged.

"If Paula did that--that means that Gwen must like you!" Tom interjected and Julian was not amused.

"What?! What would she like about you? Your boyish charm?" Julian almost scolded but Tom now got in between them.

"Hey, it's not my fault that Gwen likes my Korean features." Now Charlie taunted Julian.

As frustrated as he is, Julian exhaled hard from his nostrils and his eyes were blazed with anger.  In the middle of that argument, Tom noticed what Charlie meant from what he said; that he is part-Korean.

"Now, boys... We're on training. Be nice to each other." Tom was mentally laughing at himself as he sounds like a parent.

Julian stepped closer towards Charlie, as he muttered, "Let me slam him down, Tom." Julian tried to cross over Tom's barrier that is his broad shoulders.

"No! No--I'll slam him. You go sit and watch, man." Tom ordered.

Julian slumped down at the bench like a spoiled brat who had just been shouted at. For a moment, Julian almost forgot about his discovery.

You can't fool me, Charlie. And you won't fool Gwen. I'll make sure this will blow up in your face.

While Tom and Charlie stood face to face at the mat, Charlie said, "What's wrong with Julian? Is he that love-struck with Gwen?"

Tom looked back at Julian who is now pouting and scowling at them, he turned back his head and spoke, "It's the first time I've seen him like that. I mean, I've worked with him in Thor, Avengers, and Skull Island. I've seen girls flirt with him on set because we look alike--but he doesn't use that to hook up with them. But, he doesn't even take time to notice them. That's why they say he's picky."

Charlie replied, "Maybe he's waiting for the one."

Tom tilted his head and leaned in closer to Charlie. "The one?"

"Yeah. Something like a Soulmate? Destiny? One true love?" Charlie explained, complete with hand gestures.

Tom huffed at the thought of Charlie believing in soulmates.

"What? You don't believe in that?" Charlie tapped Tom's abs as if to establish something manly between them two.

Now Tom placed his hand on his waist and ran his other hand over his overgrown beard that he will be needing for the part of John Hicks.

"I don't know. With my past relationships, it made me skeptical about the idea of a soulmate. How about you? What do you believe in?"

That caught Charlie off guard. He believes it even though as Charlene, he has not met his soulmate yet.

And at this rate, disguised as a guy, I may never even attract a soulmate.

He licked his lips before saying anything else, then, with all his sincerity he replied, "I believe in the power of love."

Tom saw something in Charlie's eyes; it was as if he saw a bright hopefulness from those brown eyes, like a child believing in all things full of innocence and wonder. He didn't know it but he felt being drawn closer to Charlie.

I might ask if he's for real but--he is.

Tom went quiet for a while, but Charlie could only hope that he didn't sound like Wonder Woman saying that line.

Don't be silly, Thomas. Tom thought.

"So, am I going to slam you or not? I'll let Julian down if I won't." Tom broke the ice.

Charlie let out a laugh and they both positioned themselves.

Tom placed his right foot forward and held out his hands. Charlie nodded, "Now."

With one swooping motion, he grabbed Charlie by the arms and tripped him with his left foot. And just like he was a sack of rice, Tom slammed Charlie's butt down in the mat.  Julian stood up and went over the two. Tom held out his hand to help Charlie up.  But, because Charlie is wearing a gray jogging pants, Julian saw it clearly.

"Hey, midget man, you've got blood down your ass." He pointed out.

And as if all of the alarms in Charlie's head went out and banged around, he also felt the blood on his face drained.

That's why I felt something squishy when Tom slammed me down.

Charlie twisted and tried to look at it, and it was indeed a big blot of red. He was about to panic but he thought first what alibi he can say to talk his way out of it.

"Charlie, you're bleeding!" Tom pointed out, and of all the least Charlie expected, Tom reached out to touch the blot of red in his ass to feel if Charlie is bleeding from a wound.

When Tom's hand landed just in between the lower and inner side of Charlie's ass; Tom felt nothing in there.

Where the fuck is his balls?

Charlie slapped Tom's hand away and stood away from the two of them.

"I-It's, uh... It's probably my--" Charlie's words broke out, as he is still internally panicking.

"What?" Julian asked.

"I have this... I have this big pus in my ass!" He almost shouted out so that is what they would believe.

"Charlie, what are you talking about?" Tom demanded an explanation

A nervous laugh escaped Charlie's lips, "I had this pus for two days now. I-It probably popped already."

"Maybe I slammed you down on something sharp or anything?" Tom asked and Julian was checking the mat if there is anything sharp where Charlie landed.

But Charlie insisted, "No! It's the pus! Definitely! No doubt about it, whatsoever!"

Julian and Tom only stood there with quizzical looks on their faces. Julian is almost sure that it isn't a pus, but Tom is only worried.

"Uh, how about this... Julian? Let Tom have 4 reps with the kick pad, and I'll change my pants."

Tom spoke, "Just make sure you really are okay."

He only nodded in response.

Then, Charlie was off to the bathroom. He grabbed his body bag and ran as quickly as he can even though he can feel an eminent menstrual cramp coming.  When he was finally inside a cubicle, he pulled down his pants and his panties; the end of his sanitary pad and crotch area of his panties were soaked with blood.

Yep, this a fucking murder scene.

Charlie was clever enough to bring an extra pair of pants and panties; as if he already knew this was going to happen anyway. He took out the tampon from his bag and thought,

Why did I used a pad instead of you?!

Charlie wiped himself off before putting the tampon on. Slowly, he inserted it with the applicator, and all of his panic finally dissolved down. Charlie had to lean back and sigh out as if he had just contained a ticking bomb.

This was a ticking bomb... Of dead egg cells and uterine lining.

He changed into his black and more loose jogging pants. Once again, he was fresh as a daisy. Charlie now felt the cramps as he walked back to the gym.

I should've not ran. I fucking hate everything. He mentally rambled.

After getting in the roofed gym, he heard someone call out to him--Gwen.

"Charlie! Hi!" She waved at him so eagerly.

Julian and Tom also saw Gwen but she had an eco bag in tow, and Tom noticed that there seemed to be lunch boxes inside it.  Tom nudged Julian who froze like a mannequin when he saw Gwen.

Gwen went towards Charlie who tried to smile in spite of his cramps.  "Hi there, Gwen." He greeted when she was already beside him.

"Good morning, Charlie. I, uh, I brought you lunch." Gwen nervously mumbled.

Tom and Julian also approached them to hear what they are talking about. Gwen finally took out the lunch boxes which are actually Bento boxes.

"I made you lunch." She sweetly presented the Bento box to Charlie.

Charlie hesitated for a while to accept it, but Gwen looked so happy and proud with her prepared lunch for him that it made him take it from her. Julian saw it and his heart caved in and was crushed from the inside. Tom could see Julian's chin tremble all the while Gwen smiled and talked with Charlie.

When both of them came around, Gwen then presented the second Bento box to Tom. "Tom, this one's for you. Paula made that before leaving."

He took it and said, "I didn't know Paula could cook. I thought you were supposed to be in New York."

She crossed her arms on her chest and said, “Jolene is with Gwen. But I’ll be following them next Friday.”

The honest truth, Gwen made those both. Paula only relayed the task to Gwen because what Tom said is true; Paula can't cook. And also, Paula just arrived in New York doing a two-week show of Mamma Mia in Broadway. Of course, Paula plays the role of Sophie.

Gwen didn't said anything else about Paula's cooking skills, but she said, "Paula says check your phone. She's been texting you all morning."

Tom didn't reacted, outwardly, anyways.

Charlie opened the box and saw the meal decorated with a My Neighbor Totoro theme.

"Aww. This is so cute." Charlie sighed.

Julian looked over to see the Bento, and he wished he didn't because he felt jealous all the more.

"Since you are from Japan, I thought that you might like it." Gwen remarked.

Charlie shook his head, "Oh no. I'm actually half-Korean, half-Filipino. I lived in Seoul, and we also have Bento there."

Gwen rolled her eyes, "Ah, stupid me, to assume that you're Japanese."

But then, Charlie leaned in closer to Gwen who stood the same height as he does.

"But still, thank you, Gwen." He insinuated, and because he wanted to annoy the shit out of Julian.

This time, Gwen didn't looked like a strawberry when she blushed; she looked glowing and very much in love.

"You're welcome." Her voice became softer and there was a hint of shyness in it.

Gwen then followed, "I better go. Take care in the training, Charlie."

But Julian reacted, "Hey, what about me? O-Or Tom?" Gwen didn't replied to that as she was too busy looking at Charlie.

She finally left and if she could skip around with all the joy in her heart, Gwen would.

When Gwen was finally gone, Julian spoke, "I'm invisible. Did you see that, man? It's a fucking tragedy."

Tom tapped his shoulder as if he mourns with Julian.

"Don't worry, Jules, I'll share you the Bento." Charlie offered.

Julian wanted to say something but he kept it to himself for now. There would be a time when he'll be able to confront Charlie.

During lunch, Charlie ate with Tom and Julian. Ian wasn't able to have lunch with him because he was invited by George to have a lunch instead, outside the studio. Julian almost floated with joy when he tasted Gwen's cooking. He wanted to imagine Gwen being his wife and cooking for him. But too bad, Gwen's not going to notice him soon enough.

Tom was quiet all through lunch. He was multi-tasking; eating while texting Paula.

Why haven't you replied since 4am? What's wrong with you?  Paula texted again for the second time.

I already told you-- I was in training. And it was just 7 o’clock here at that time. Where else would I be? Tom hit the reply button too hard.

Julian pointed out his fork, “Problem with the missus?” He tried his best British accent as he teased Tom.

Tom shot Julian a dark look and Charlie saw it too. Julian gulped down and sat back as he already knew that Tom is in a bad mood.

Charlie watched Tom as his brows were furrowed and was looking down at his phone. No one might approach Tom as this dark cloud of a bad mood hangs upon him, but Charlie would. He was like a sculpted marble figure, with all the darkness etched on his face yet he still looked perfect.

Charlie feared that Tom might look back at him and snap at him for staring too much, but Tom didn't, he only looked down on his phone. As he observed Tom, he also saw that his face has its own bad side--a side where he’s not handsome.

He already saw this side of Tom when he is all surly, but Charlie was asking himself; why does he still like Tom?

He’s still perfect to me even though he looks like an old grouchy English man; so much like the tropes I see in movies.

As much as he can, Charlie tried not to sigh and then he turned his attention back to his lunch.

But, little did he knew, Julian was ultimately watching his every move. And Julian knows Charlie’s eyes sparkle on Tom’s way.

Meanwhile, Tom received a reply from Paula,

I was worried about you when you didn’t replied! And I felt stupid to know that you just actually ignored my texts.

Tom clenched his jaws; he is tired from the training, and this isn’t the thing that he needs right now. And even if he did nothing wrong, all he could do was reply back this,

I’m sorry, hon. Please, I just forgot about my phone, I was in training. I do hope you understand that.

He waited for Paula’s reply, but he wasn’t touching his food anymore.

Julian then spoke up, “Eat up, man. You’ll need your strength until the afternoon.”

Tom ignored Julian as Paula’s reply came up.

I’m sorry, too, hon. It’s just that I’m not used to this. I miss you.

He exhaled and scratched the back of his head. He started typing,

I miss you, too. But we have to make this work, hon.

Immediately, Paula answered,

Okay. I’ll do my best not to  miss you too much. Just take care there. See you in two weeks. I love you. xx

The problem was solved, it was just Paula being a baby; and Tom had contained it, thankfully.

But before eating again, Tom called someone over the phone.

“Hey, Luke? You’re in New York now, right? Can you contact Jolene, she’s with Paula now. Tell her to order red carnations or red roses--a dozen. They’re Paula’s favorites.”

Tom paused as the man spoke over the line, then he said, “To cheer her up. My girl’s very down right now. Thanks, Luke. You’re the best.”

Then the call ended and Tom started eating again but he didn’t said any word to Charlie or Julian, nor did they.

But, Charlie thought that it was very sweet of Tom to do. Though he had admit, there is a faint sickness of envy that sits down inside him.

What I would do to be Paula... Psh, maybe nothing. Come on, Cha, you’re Charlie right now! You shouldn’t even think about that! Charlie internally rambled.

The trio continued their lunch without saying anything else all through the end.

“Attention, guys! Mr. Greener would like to make an announcement.” Pete, the assistant stunt coordinator spoke out.

Al spoke up, “Grab some mats and take a seat, people.”

All the actors and stunt men who had just finished their training came over in a circle around Al.

It was almost quitting time and it was the appropriate time to make some announcements. But, when Charlie grabbed a mat, he saw Dodong who is also about to take the mat he is holding.

“Oh, go ahead. I’ll find another one.” Dodong courteously replied.

They both got a good look at each other, but Dodong didn’t reacted when he saw Charlie. Charlie almost had a mini-heart attack when he thought that Dodong would recognize him.

He laid out now the mat so Julian and Tom can sit there. He was going to stand up during the announcement but Tom pulled him down beside him to sit down.

“Were you just going to stand there while the meeting is going on?” Tom asked Charlie who is now sitting close to him.

Charlie only shook his head; if he had answered Tom, he would’ve said that he doesn’t plan to sit next to his crush so it would make it so much harder for him to breathe or even think.

But of course, Charlie kept that all to himself.

Al started to speak out with his deep and booming voice, “Now, in two weeks time the film would start with the principal photography. The filming location would be in London, around Westminster and some other areas in West End.

“For the stunt team; I would like all of you to prepare your passports and needed documents, ahead of time, please.”

All of them nodded in agreement, then he followed, “That’s all. I think for the actors’ part, the production team has prepared your papers.”

But Charlie was a little bit confused; he wasn’t sure if he is coming to London also, because he was not sure if that was part of his contract.

“Y’all dismissed. That’s it for today.” Al declared.

All of them started to pack up the mats, but Charlie is still left with confusion.

“Tom, am I coming with you to London? I mean with the stunt team.” Charlie turned to Tom who just stood up.

“I’m not sure. I think they said that you will just train me, but you are part of the stunt team.” He replied then he held out a hand to help Charlie stand up.

“You better ask Al to clarify that.” Julian spoke up as he rolled in the mat.

Charlie didn’t said anything else and approached Al.

“Mr. Greener--” Charlie’s voice squeaked, but he cleared his throat, “Mr. Greener, can I ask you about something?”

Al stared at Charlie and said, :”Yes, Charlie, about what?”

“Am I coming with the stunt team in London? I’m not sure if that’s part of my contract or my job anymore.”

Al stood closer to Charlie, he saw how Al’s muscles glisten with sweat when the light of the afternoon sun hit his dark skin.

“You are coming with us to London, George requested that. And you’ll be part of the fight sequences in the film.”

Charlie’s eyes were wide open, he didn’t know that he would be part of the fight scenes also.

“Are you sure, sir? I mean... This means so much to me.” Charlie gasped.

Al snickered and for the first time Charlie saw him actually smile.

“You’ll do good, Charlie, I know. Just don’t be late again, understood?” Al quipped.

“Yes sir!” Charlie giddily replied.

From afar, Tom can already see that Charlie’s happiness. He wasn’t really meant to join the stunt team as he was just hired to train Tom and his contractual work will end after the training, but Tom is glad that Charlie would be able to go with them to London and that his job is extended.

Julian stood close to Tom, “Look at the kid, he’s excited.”

“I know. Charlie’s done a marvelous job, don’t you think? He deserves his contract to be extended.” Tom replied.

Charlie now walked back to them, still wearing a wide smile on his face.

“Guys! I still have a job!” He beamed at them.

“Congratulations, man.” Tom placed a hand on Charlie’s shoulder.

Julian saw how Charlie reacted, his eyes changed into a faint surprise but his smile was now sweeter rather than jubilant.

“Thank you. I thought I was out of job.” Charlie placed a hand on his chest to show his relief.

They talked for a few minutes more before going home, but Julian never took his observant eye away from Charlie.

When the three of them bid goodbye to each other, Charlie went to his bag that were placed on the shelves at the entrance of the gym.

Charlie didn’t wanted to shower there in the studio because he wanted to go home already and tell everybody the good news about his job, and then to Lily that his sort of revenge on Andy Lockley is still a go.

He already wore his sweatshirt and cap. Charlie was half-expecting for Ian to offer him a ride home, but thought that it would be embarrassing to still accept it.

I’m not going to abuse that privilege from Ian. Maybe next time. He playfully thought.

Charlie was out of the roofed gym when he felt a hand hook his elbow.

“Hey, Charlie. Are you off home? Can I talk to you for a minute?” It was Julian, and Charlie doesn’t like Julian’s tone.

“Okay.” He replied, unsure if he should’ve said that.

Julian dragged Charlie in a more obscure part of the studio, into a warehouse where no one else goes. Charlie started to get nervous and he started to think that Julian might do something bad to him, and it might be because of Gwen.

When they were at the entrance of the warehouse, Julian flashed Charlie his meanest look, like he’s doing a bad cop interrogation.

“How’s your pus? On your ass?”

“What pus?” Charlie replied, and he didn’t mean to say that out loud, but the words slipped from his mouth.

“A-ha! I fucking knew it!” Julian roared and his hands clapped loudly.

Oh shit! Charlie dreadfully thought, and now he’s panicking again.

“I knew it! You’re not really a guy, are you? And that you have your period today, that’s why the blood stain and snarky mood?” Julian taunted him.

Charlie started to come up with an alibi and he kept shaking his head, “Now let me explain--”

Julian cut him off, “You’re that girl whom Andy Lockley rejected, are you?”

For a while, Charlie was caught off guard, he wasn’t able to speak. He tried to speak out, but his mind had already been clouded with panic, he didn’t knew anymore what to tell Julian.

Charlie slowly nodded, Julian's suspicion was confirmed. He really is intuitive sometimes, Julian thought.

“Why are you doing this? And why are you flirting with Gwen?” Julian fired away the questions.

Charlie frowned, “First of all, I am not taking Gwen away from you--and as if she’s yours--I’m just doing that because you look damn hilarious when jealous.”

He breathed in to start explaining to Julian, “I’m doing this to prove a point.”

Julian guffawed and spoke, “What? That’s the lamest thing you can come up with? That’s it, that’s your reason?”

Charlie glared at Julian and then he stopped laughing,

“I know it may be stupid or lame, but I have to. Do you know the feeling when you’ve been put to shame by people who thinks that you can’t do anything? Or that you’re nothing? You’ll feel crushed; like you’ve been measured and judged accordingly, because they think that they are the best all-knowing people, ever, to exist.”

Julian’s demeanor softened when he heard that from Charlie. What he says is true, and it happens every time in Hollywood and everywhere in the show business.

“Now, I don’t what you are planning--to tell me off to Andy Lockley or to whoever the fuck you want, I don’t care. But I have to do this. And I have no other job, so... I don’t know anymore.”

Julian then looked away, feeling ashamed for making fun of Charlie’s motives.

“No. I won’t tell anyone. I thought that you disguised yourself because you like Tom and you wanted to get close to him.”

Charlie snorted, “That sounds like out of a Korean Drama series that I used to see, back when I was still in Seoul. And excuse me, I’m not into Tom.” Charlie lied at the last part.

Julian raised an eyebrow at him, “Oh really! Like I don’t see you checking him out when he’s not looking?”

Charlie shrugged, there was no hiding with Julian.

“No, no. I will assure you, you’re secret is safe with me... But I have something in mind.”

Charlie felt nervous again after Julian said that.

“What is it?”

Julian licked his lips, “Help me with Gwen. I know it may sound weird but I can’t flirt with her; I don’t know how to approach her. Whenever she’s there I just turn into a motherfucking stone.”

Charlie chuckled, with a look of disbelief on his face.

“Sure thing, dude.” Charlie clicked his tongue after

“Really?! Oh thank you so much, Charlie!” Julian was so relieved that his eyes popped with excitement.

“Charlene. My real name’s Charlene, just so you know. Can I trust you, Julian?” Charlie held out his hand to shake Julian’s.

Julian took his hand firmly, “Can do, Charlie. Can I trust you with your help?”

“I’m a woman, er, man of my word.” Charlie replied earnestly.

They were almost rivals for a time, but Charlie now found a friend in Julian. He can only pray that Julian don’t blabber away his two secrets: that he is a woman cross-dressing as a man and also his crush for Tom.

*Longganisa is a Filipino viand, sort of sweeter variant of sausage

**Champorado is Filipino breakfast/snack that is cooked with cocoa powder and sticky rice, sometimes also with coconut milk