(Jo)
I stare down at my phone screen, my eyes narrowed as I read the article announcing Hero's role in The Silencing.
The article had only been released on the day of the Los Angeles premiere, but he's known for some time now which only made me even more upset.
My biggest fear had come to life.
I knew that whatever happened on this tour would stay on the tour. Today was our last day, and tomorrow things would go back to the way they were before.
As if nothing had happened.
But how could they?
So much has happened.
My mindset had changed a lot after Hero announced he would begin filming shortly after the tour ended.
I missed him terribly, and the overwhelming guilt I had about not telling him how I felt only added to that.
Everything made sense now. On top of the pressures of trying to keep a working relationship along with a romantic one, Hero and I led separate lives aside from After. If we were going to be together, we needed to work around that.
We needed to have better communication.
I wish he had told me sooner. I'm sure we would've been able to work it out. It was only two weeks.
We've already been apart for eleven at this point, which was eerily ironic.
Eleven days ago, Hero had asked for time to think about everything.
Within those eleven days, he's done nothing but send mixed signals. From being jealous over Dylan and Shane to that little kissing my hand stunt he pulled in New York.
I was growing more and more tired by the second, even though I understood now why he had done it.
But it only made me wonder what would happen next.
Were we going to work things out?
Were we going to stay apart?
I had no idea.
What I did know, was that if we decided to stay apart, I was going to focus on myself entirely. I wasn't going to lose focus again, and not let my guard down.
I couldn't keep getting hurt.
Today was our last day of the promo tour, and we were wrapping it up with a signing with Anna, Hero, and myself as well as Dylan and Shane.
I could only hope Hero wouldn't do anything reckless, granted that he seemed to have a hard time seeing me talking to any person of the opposite sex.
It amazed me how jealous he becomes when we aren't together, and it made me wonder why he'd push me away only to want to keep me from other guys.
At this point, if things worked out in our favor then so be it.
If not, I was moving on for good.
At the signing
Dylan and Shane meet up with us at the bookstore. We're kept in the break-room while the store staff set up the area that the signing was being held in.
Hero hasn't said much to me since we left the hotel aside from a quick hello.
It could never fail to amaze me how every day seemed to be different for us, one bringing feelings of sadness while another could bring feelings of anger.
At the moment, all I felt was neutrality. As if everything had just stopped.
Perhaps he's made up his mind, or maybe he's given up.
I'd prefer if he had made up his mind, that way mine could be put at ease.
When the manager of the bookstore comes to get us, I walk ahead with Dylan and Shane while Hero and Anna hang back.
I could feel Hero's eyes piercing into the back of my head as we make our way towards the table that was set up for us.
I happen to glance back and catch him quickly looking away after our eyes meet. I wish he would just say something.
Anything.
I couldn't handle this distance between us.
I wanted nothing more than for this to work, but I found myself caught in a battle between right and wrong.
We stand together in front of the table and take a picture before taking a seat behind it.
Hero and I end up on opposite sides of the table, the space between us hurting more and more.
I couldn't comprehend how one person could have this much control over me.
Ever since that one night, or maybe even before, I've found myself under his spell. I've put my heart through hell and back for him, but I don't know if I could handle the suffering any longer.
I needed him more than ever, but I wanted him to need me too.
The signing comes and goes, officially marking the end of the promo tour.
We make our way back into the break-room before Anna suggests that we go surprise some fans who were attending an early showing of After today.
I politely decline, informing her that I had a phone interview scheduled.
She pulls me in for a hug, telling me she'd talk soon before letting Shane and Dylan say goodbye.
Hero hangs back for a moment, waiting until they're out of sight. "So, I guess this is goodbye for now."
My heart sinks, his words signaling that he had made up his mind.
He was going to go off and do bigger and better things... without me.
We would part ways, sticking to a professional relationship.
After everything, that was it.
"I guess so." I breathe out.
"I'll uh..." He says, taking a deep breath. "See you soon."
I nod slowly before turning away from him, not being able to say goodbye.
I just couldn't.
I had been hurt one too many times by him, and this would only hurt more.
If not the most.
I quickly make my way out of the store, not even bothering to hail a cab until I was a few blocks away from the store.
I just had to get away from him.
Later that day
(Hero)
My chest ached as I began packing for my flight to Canada tomorrow.
I felt like absolute shit.
Once again, I didn't listen to the advice given to me.
Alex had said to tell Jo everything.
But I just couldn't bring myself to.
How could I know if she was ready to hear everything I had to say?
She still seemed distant, and maybe this time apart would do us some good.
Who was I kidding?
I was dying inside.
I couldn't find the right words to say.
I was a coward, and frankly, I deserved to rot away in the mountains for the next two weeks.
And maybe even for the rest of my life.
I pushed away the only good thing in it.
Now I was nothing.
I couldn't even begin to imagine what would happen if we were greenlit for sequels. A selfish part of me hopes that we aren't, only so I don't have to find myself sucked back under Jo's spell.
She had truly hypnotized me, and the more and more I thought about her, the angrier I became with myself.
We could've worked it out.
I know we could've.
But I was afraid.
And I let that get the best of me.
When I turn to put my clothes in my bag, I accidently knock it off the luggage stand causing everything outside to tumble out.
I let out a groan in frustration before kneeling down to pick everything out.
My eyes narrow when I see a white piece of paper laying on the ground.
I reach over to pick it up, but I realize that it wasn't a piece of paper.
It was a polaroid.
When I turn it over, I let out a gasp.
It was a picture of me.
I turn and look at Jo, the shutter of the camera giving her presence away.
"I thought you left." I say, my voice raspy with sleep.
Tears burn at my eyes as I remember that night.
Our first time together in months after yearning for each other.
How I so badly wanted her.
How Jo had tried to hold my hand in public, regardless of the possibility of us getting caught.
She was willing to risk everything in that single moment, proving just how much she loved me.
I shake my head in disbelief, knowing that I had overreacted.
There was no reason to be afraid of the possibility that Jo didn't love me.
I knew she did.
Even if she didn't say it.
She didn't have to.
She would've risked everything for me, and I could've done the same.
I would've done the same.
I will do the same.
(Jo)
I could barely focus during my phone interview, the feeling of emptiness swallowing me whole.
I couldn't believe that's how things would end between Hero and I.
Abrupt and emotionless.
He could've at least given me an ultimatum.
Anything really.
But maybe it was for the best.
Leaving me like that fueled the fire inside of me, and it could possibly help with moving on quicker, not holding on to any possible hope.
I'm just about to head into the bathroom for a shower to clear my head, when there's a knock on my door.
I raise my brow in confusion, not having expected any visitors today.
I move closer to the door, and the knocking increases.
When I open the door, my heart slams against my chest.
Hero pushes his way past me, not even giving me a second to process what is happening.
"Jo, I love you." He abruptly says as he drops his bag to the ground, taking me aback.
"W-What?"
Was I hearing him correctly?
Better yet, was he actually here right now?
"I love you." He repeats, and I could feel my heartrate increase. "I'm so sorry. For everything. For my birthday, for New York, for France. All of it. I was afraid of losing you Jo, but I already had you. You've been there the whole time, through everything. We were there for each other when times were difficult, we've been through things together that we've never experienced with anyone else. I shouldn't have been worried about losing what I already had. I should've been more worried about keeping you happy and being the best boyfriend I could be for you. You deserve so much more than I've given you and-"
"I love you." I say.
Hero stops midsentence, his eyes widening. "You... what?"
"I love you." I repeat, tears burning from my eyes. "I'm so sorry I didn't tell you before. No excuse is worth giving. I should've told you. I love you, Hero."
He slowly moves towards me before taking my face in his hands. "You do?"
I rest my hand on his cheek, a smile spreading onto my lips for what seems like the first time in forever. "I've always loved you, how could you not know that?"
"I guess I just needed that reassurance. That it was real..." He softly says, looking away.
"I love you." I tell him again, wanting to give him that reassurance.
"I love you too."
"Don't say too, it just sounds like you're agreeing with me." I tease.
He laughs before rolling his eyes. "Maybe I should finish that book."
"Yeah, maybe you should." I say with a smirk.
We stand there for a few moments before he pulls away. "Jo, you were willing to give up everything for me. For us. I want you to know I'm willing to do the same. I don't care anymore. Frankly, I should've never cared. Privacy is something I've always cherished, but I know now that we don't owe anyone anything. I want to rebuild our relationship and make it stronger than before. I want to be there for you whenever you need me. I want to take you out, show you off to the world, love you, kiss you. I'd do anything for you. I don't care if the world knows. Let them know! Let them know I'm madly in love with you. Let them know that I don't care, as long as I have you. No matter how big and famous we become, I'll never forget the way you make me feel. Nothing could ever change the way I feel. Not the fame, not the fortune, not the time. It will never change me and you. And I'm sorry it's taken me so long to realize that."
Tears begin to stream down my face, but I quickly wipe them away. "I want all of those things for us and so much more. But... I think we should wait until you finish filming first."
"Wait what?" Hero asks, panic in his tone.
"Hear me out." I shake my head, a smile forming onto my lips. "We've been through a lot on this tour. We've learned things about each other, and about our relationship that we will have to work through. I think it's best that you get through these two weeks without having to worry about that."
He lets out a small sigh in relief before nodding his head. "I agree."
I take his face in my hands and give him a reassuring look. "I'll be waiting here for you when you come back."
"I'm never going to let you go again." He tells me.
And I believed him.
"Kiss me." I almost beg.
He slowly moves his head down, our foreheads resting together for a moment before our lips meet in a passionate kiss.
I could feel butterflies erupt in my stomach as our mouths move together for the first time in what feels like forever.
His arms wrap tighter around my waist as my hands move into his hair, our bodies pressed together.
When I pull away for air, I look into his lust filled eyes, falling deeper and deeper under his spell.
"I want you." I tell him. "One last time before you go."
I've been starved of him for eleven days too many, and the idea of the possibility that I could've never had him again only made me want him more.
Our lips reconnect in a passionate kiss before his hands move down my sides. In one swift motion, Hero picks me up, my legs wrapping around his waist, and carries me over to my bed.
He gently places me down, our lips only breaking contact for a second as I lift his shirt over his head.
Hero presses his lips once more against mine before trailing them across my jawline towards my neck.
Whimpers escape from my lips as my arms wrap around his neck, my hips bucking up.
I didn't want to waste any more time.
We've had enough of it.
I needed him now.
My hands move from his neck down his torso to the button of his jeans. I feel him harden against me as I grip him through the material, a low groan escaping from his lips.
"Fuck, Jo please." He says through gritted teeth.
I quickly unbutton his pants before pulling the zipper down. Once his jeans are removed, Hero wastes no time in pulling my t-shirt over my head, leaving me in a simple black bra and yoga pants.
"You're so beautiful. I can't believe you're mine." Hero breathes out before kissing me once more.
Once my yoga pants and panties are off along with Hero's boxers, I feel an overwhelming sense of urgency overcome me.
I needed him so badly it hurt.
The ache between my legs was consuming my every action and thought as I pull him closer to me.
"Please Hero." I whimper.
"I know, baby." He says as he reaches over to his discarded jeans. Before I know it, he has a silver packet between his teeth.
Once the condom is on, I wrap my legs around his waist.
When he pushes inside of me, I let out a sigh of relief.
"Oh god." Hero moans. "I've missed you so much, Jo."
I cup his cheek with my hand as he slowly and passionately thrusts in and out, our eyes locking together. "I love you."
"I love you, baby." He tells me before kissing me, our mouths moving in a similar rhythm to our bodies.
I never fully lost hope in the idea of Hero and I pushing through. I knew he loved me as much as I loved him, and I wouldn't have stopped at anything to make him aware of that.
I needed him like air to breathe.
He had become the better half of me, and I knew that we'd be able to get through anything.
I was ready to take on this new life with him.
That one night changed everything for the better.
We ride out our highs together before Hero collapses on top of me.
I kiss the top of his head as he holds me tighter, a sign of his promise to never let me go again.
The next morning
I hadn't realized we slept through the night until the sunlight shining through the curtains wakes me.
Hero is still fast asleep, his arms wrapped securely around my waist like before.
I move slightly, but he stirs awake. "Jo?"
"I'm here." I assure him.
"What time is it?" He asks, his accent laced with sleep.
I glance over at the digital near my bed. "Seven-thirty."
"Shit." He groans.
"What?" I ask.
"My flight is at ten-thirty."
We reluctantly get out of bed, dreading the fact that we wouldn't be able to wake up together for two weeks.
But I knew what we were doing was the right thing.
Hero and I needed to talk about everything.
And it wasn't fair to have him worrying about anything while he was filming.
Two weeks didn't seem as scary as they did before.
In fact, two weeks couldn't come soon enough.
The idea of finally getting to experience a relationship with Hero.
I was excited for our future together.
Hero is ready within the hour, and after lingering and reluctant kisses goodbye, we finally part ways.
Two weeks.
I knew they'd go by quickly.
But seeing how fast the nights changed for us, I couldn't help but wonder what would happen when we were apart...
Canada
First day of filming
(Hero)
"And cut!" Robin, our director calls. "That was brilliant everyone! Let's call it for the night. Don't forget, we have an early call time tomorrow. So please try to get some rest."
I make my way off set and grab a cup of tea to warm myself up.
"That was brilliant, Hero." Annabelle, one of my costars tells me.
"Thanks." I gush.
"Hey, a bunch of us are going to the bar later to celebrate the first day of filming. Want to join?"
I had been worried that I wouldn't get on with this cast as well as I had with my After castmates, especially given that they were a bit older than I was. But they all seemed like nice people, and it couldn't hurt to get to know them.
"Sure." I nod.
"Cool. We were going to go now actually."
"Oh, okay. Let me just go and get my phone from my trailer. I'll meet you back here." I inform her before jogging off towards the trailers.
I figured while I had my phone, it wouldn't hurt to text Jo and check in on her.
I already missed her terribly, and these two weeks couldn't seem to come quickly enough.
I couldn't wait to have her back in my arms again, ready to take on the world as a couple.
I knew it would be risky, but we've been through so much together.
This was just one more obstacle we had to overcome.
When I get to my trailer door, I take my key out to unlock it, but my eyes widen when I notice it's slightly ajar.
My heart begins to beat rapidly against my chest as I slowly push open the door.
"Hello?" I call.
I glance around the small living room before slowly making my way into my bedroom.
I come to a halt, my eyes widening when I see her sitting on my bed.
I blink a few times, hoping that it wasn't my imagination.
"Jo..." I say. "What're you doing here?"
A simple smile spreads onto her beautiful lips. "I can't stay away from you."
Night Changes