Not in the Script

3

One afternoon, after a particularly grueling week of rehearsals, they decided to take a break from the chaos. They met at a local park, enjoying the rare chance to be alone without the preying eyes of their professional lives. 

As they walked through the quiet park, the weight of the unspoken truth still hung between them. Brylee, usually the one who kept her emotions close to her chest, finally spoke up. 

"So, what now? We've been tiptoeing around this for weeks, and I feel like we're both avoiding the obvious."

Colin stopped walking and turned to face her, his eyes locking with hers. There was a certain honesty in his gaze, something that had been missing in their early interactions.

"I think we've been avoiding it because we both know it's real now. Whatever we were doing before, it's not just an act anymore, is it?"

Brylee let out a small laugh, one filled with equal parts relief and apprehension. "No, it's not. I guess I was waiting for the other shoe to drop. I didn't want to fall into something that wasn't real. But... I'm starting to think that maybe this is real."

A smile tugged at Colin's lips as he stepped a little closer, his voice soft but filled with sincerity. "I don't want to pretend anymore either. I don't want to keep acting like I'm not falling for you, because I am."

"You know, this is the part where one of us is supposed to make a joke to break the tension. But I think, for once, we're both too tired for that."

Colin chuckled, shaking his head. "I guess we are. And maybe that's a good thing."

-----

But with all relationships, even the ones that start in the most unexpected ways, there were challenges to face. Their newfound connection, though genuine, had to endure the constant pressures of their high-profile careers.

One night, after a particularly long SNL week, they found themselves in a rare argument. The late-night exhaustion, the stress from the show, and the pressure of being constantly under the spotlight had taken its toll.

"You're always busy, Colin. I feel like I'm not even part of your life anymore when we're not on set. I get it - your career comes first. But I don't know if I can keep up with it."

Colin ran a hand through his hair, pacing in their shared dressing room. "It's not like that, Brylee. It's just that everything's always moving so fast. I don't know how to slow down, let alone balance everything."

She crossed her arms, a quiet hurt in her eyes. "I'm not asking you to slow down for me, Colin. But I need you to be present when we are together. I need to know that you want this... want us."

He turned to face her, his tone softening. "You're right. I haven't been as present as I should've been. And I don't want to keep making the same mistake. I want this, Brylee. I want us."

She met his gaze, her anger fading into something softer, more vulnerable. "Then show me."

-----

It had been a couple of months, and the time they spent was mostly at Colin's place. 

Colin's fingers absentmindedly traced through Brylee's hair, his touch gentle as he played with the soft strands. She was tucked between his legs, her head resting against his chest, the steady rhythm of his heartbeat soothing against her ear. The low hum of the television played in the background, but neither of them paid attention to it.

Brylee let out a content sigh, melting further into him, and Colin smiled. His hand stilled for a moment, his fingers twirling a loose strand before he took a quiet breath and finally said it.