Fic: Media Circus - Part Two
AN: In my geographically-challenged world, the Ellen set is in New York. *facepalm*
Title: Media Circus - Part Two
Fandom: STXI RPS
Pairing: Pinto, Zach/other
Characters: Zachary Quinto, Chris Pine, cameos and a surprise guest appearance (lol).
Rating: PG-13
Summary: Really, it's no surprise the media thinks that Zachary Quinto and Chris Pine are an item.
They start filming the new Trek movie in May and almost immediately, the rumours that had died down with Matt's departure return with full force to the newsstands. The primary Trek cast makes a game out of buying some of these tabloids and reading out the more ridiculous articles over lunch break.
"This one is pretty tame," says Chris. "Apparently, I refuse to be on the same set with Zach because I'm still pissed about being cheated on."
"And this one says that you've started a torrid love affair with Karl out of jealousy," adds Zoe, earning barks of laughter from around the table.
"Let me see that!" Chris snatches the tabloid out of Zoe's hand and guffaws. He slides up to Karl and throws one arm around the Kiwi's broad shoulders. "I knew we had something going on, Karl!"
Karl rolls his eyes and shrugs off his arm. "Married, remember?"
"But the tabloids still think you're fair game," replies Chris, batting his eyelashes.
"No, no, listen to mine!" pipes up Anton. "It says here that you and Zach managed to rekindle your passion and that Zach has promised to leave Bomer for you."
"And this one insists that Chris and Matt are the one who are in a relationship. Look it even has a photo!" says John, flipping the paper over so that everyone can have a look.
Chris recognises the photo from the one time he took Matt to LAMILL. Matt had playfully kissed him before they left. Unfortunately, none of the paparazzi had managed to get into a good position to get a clear photo of that. But the passers-by and other patrons of LAMILL had definitely seen it their duty to let the entire world know that Matthew Bomer had kissed Chris Pine on. the. lips.
"Ah, Matthew Bomer," Chris sighs. "Now there's a man after my own heart."
"And what am I? Chopped liver?" deadpans Zach, looking up from his script for the first time since they started their 'tabloid session'. It's not strange to see Zach's nose behind the script. Everyone knows how dedicated Zach is when it comes to work, but he's been a bit too reserved, even by his standards.
Chris goes behind him and put his hands on his shoulders placatingly. "Aw, don't be like that. You know there's really nothing going on between me and Matt."
"Sure, there's nothing going on. That's why the two of you made out right in LAMILL. How could you do that, Chris? That was our special place."
Chris laughs. "One kiss does not constitute making out. Now are you going to tell me what's wrong, or are you going to keep deflecting?" He frowns when he feels Zach sag a little under his hands. "Is it Chris?" he asks in concern.
Zoe snorts, "Are you actually referring to yourself as a third person?"
"No, we're not talking about me Chris. We're talking about Zach's new boyfriend, Chris," replies Chris.
The rest of the cast exchange confused looks. Finally, Simon asks, "Is this a joke?"
"What? No! Why do you think I would play a joke on you?"
"Aren't you Chris and Zach's boyfriend Chris one and the same person?"
Chris looks down and shares a funny expression with Zach. "I don't know how to tell you guys again but this Chris - as in Mr. Pine here - and I are not together. It just so happens that my boyfriend's name is Chris as well."
John hangs his jaw. "Are you for real? All this while, when you talked about your boyfriend Chris, I thought you were talking about Piney here."
"John, I bitched about my boyfriend. As in seriously bitched. I wouldn't do that to Chris. I mean, my Chris. Our Chris," Zach quickly amends.
Chris surveys the table, taking note of the slightly bewildered air everyone is sporting and chortles, "You all thought Zach and I were a couple?"
"It just seemed natural that you guys would be," defends Karl.
"In fact, it's kind of weird that you're not," adds Anton.
"Aw, guys, I'm touched really," simpers Chris. He ducks the bread rolls that come flying towards him before returning to his spot behind Zach. "So what's up with little Chris?"
"Little Chris?" sniggers Simon.
"Don't call him that," scowls Zach.
"Why not? He's younger!" retorts Chris.
"It makes me feel like some pedophile!"
"Okay, so what do you propose we call him so as not to confuse our friends here any longer?"
"...Chris Junior."
"How is that better?!" demands Chris laughingly but quietens down when Zach glares at him. "Okay, okay. What's wrong with Chris Junior?"
Zach shrugs restlessly. "He has issues with me...being so close to you."
"Did you explain to him that I'm a part of your soul and can never leave or you'll die?"
"Yes. He didn't buy it."
"Young people nowadays. So disbelieving," Chris harrumphs in mock disapproval. Then, he straightens his expression and looks at Zach in a way that makes him meet his gaze. "Do you want me to? I don't mind, you know, if this is what it takes to make things work better for the both of you."
"I don't know. I like him but I think he's being a little too bothersome about our friendship. It's kind of annoying."
"Hey, a little annoyance is good every now and then. Makes for excellent make-up sex."
"Do you really want to go there?" asks Zach with a playful smirk.
Chris shudders. "No I do not."
At the other end of the table, Zoe tugs at Karl's elbow. "Are you sure they're not just shitting us?"
X
They finally believe it when Zach introduces them to Chris Junior - better known as Chris Meyer- live and in person, when he comes to the set to visit Zach and according to Simon's gossiping lips, to further drive in the nail of territorial possessiveness if the looks he sends their resident Captain Kirk is any indication.
In spite of himself, Karl does a google search on Meyer, just to make sure that Zach will be safe with the guy. Turns out Meyer is an actor as well. He's been in several movies, none of them prominent enough to propel him into the spotlight, which a relationship with Zach no doubt would.
Zach is a good friend and the last thing Karl wants is to see him get hurt, but when Zach starts dropping hints that he's in this relationship with Meyer for the long run, Karl doesn't have the heart to bring up his suspicions.
To his credit, Meyer doesn't seem like such a bad guy upfront. Sure, he has an overwhelming sense of self-assurance that is both charming and stifling, but that speaks for pretty much seventy percent of most actors vying to and have already made it big in Tinseltown, doesn't it? Karl himself is relieved to have found a rock-climber in Meyer; an interest they shared, at least, which allows them to default to discussing the climbing gyms available in LA whenever things get awkward or if Meyer tries to wheedle information about Chris (Pine) out of him.
Speaking of the other Chris - which is a little funny because he used to be the only Chris - he's been showing great restraint ever since Meyer decided to make his visits to Zach a daily thing until the shoot is over. He's already signed the confidentiality forms the studio had shoved under his nose so there are no problems there. But Meyer's constant presence means that Chris has to respect the guy's position as Zach's boyfriend and stay away.
The seat next to Zach that is usually reserved for him is now occupied by Meyer while Chris scoots all the way over to the other end of the table between Karl and Simon. It's almost counter-productive because with every joke or comment, Chris would lean so far over the table towards Zach as if propelled by the need to share his enthusiasm and amusement with his best friend by means of proximity. Karl frowns with sympathy every time he sees Chris' hand twitch next to him in desire to touch Zach's back or pat his shoulder familiarly. It almost hurt to watch him attempt to reign in his need to be close to Zach.
In contrast, Zach appears fairly content with the way everyone is accepting Meyer into their circle. They laugh, engage in witty banter and exchange nauseatingly loving looks that eventually, Chris settles down in his new seat, silent and content to stare resignedly at the cheer on the other side. Sometimes, Karl wonders if Zach realises how hard this situation is for Chris; if Zach will consider breaking up with the other Chris because their Chris is gradually becoming sadder with the growing absence of the chumminess their close friendship once entailed.
But again, he doesn't bring it up.
Around the same time, Zoe goes around asking everyone to leave the week after shooting free for a mini-vacation at someplace with a beach. "We're not going to see much of each other once we go back to our lives, so we might as well, right?" She eventually settles on Florida; booking the hotel rooms in advance and gathering everyone's okay simultaneously.
Then, two days before the end of shooting, Chris withdraws his participation. Karl can see the comical storm brewing behind Zoe's face when Chris tells her in between takes, which subsides almost immediately when she takes in his downcast eyes and the quietness of his voice. She neutrally asks him why. He already has his next job lined up - a short cameo in a new CBS TV series - but it's not like he has to report back for a few more weeks.
"I have somewhere to be," Chris answers evasively, and manages to avoid any more questions when JJ calls for the next take.
Chris stays away from everyone else for the rest of the day. Karl notices Zoe telling those involved that Chris isn't able to come with them to Florida anymore and sees Zach frown with confusion and concern, but as soon as JJ calls it a day, Meyer walks into the set and commandeers Zach's attention.
The next day, Chris is similarly withdrawn, if not more so. This is his last day of shooting so Karl had expected him to be at least a little bit happy at the sense of accomplishment but the younger man doesn't even manage a proper smile when JJ slaps his back and announces, "Chris Pine's last take people. Let's give him a hand."
John loops an arm around his shoulders and tries cajoling him to a night out in the town despite the fact that Sulu still has a scene to film tomorrow. Chris hugs him, inducing Cho wide eyes (excuse the lame pun), and begs off. When John shares his concern with Karl, they write it off as exhaustion. Chris worked hard on this film. He deserves the break.
The following day is the last day of shooting. They have a tradition of assembling together on set for the final takes so that they can share the joy of completing a film together, but Chris is nowhere to be found. Karl makes a point to check Chris' trailer when he's not needed, but Chris isn't there and it doesn't look like his bed has been slept in last night. A little peeved by Chris' indifference, Anton tells Karl to stop searching and just enjoy the buzz of anticipation that is running through the set today.
Karl sighs resignedly and agrees to worry about Chris later, when his phone vibrates in his pocket. He smiles apologetically at Zach and Zoe who are doing up their final scene and sneaks out of the studio to answer the call. When he sees Chris' name on his caller ID, Karl is both peeved and relieved, and prepares a few sardonic words, which die in his throat when he finally picks up the call.
"Karl?"
Chris' voice is soft and raspy, as if he's too weak to speak any louder than that and his throat had gone through the blender. Karl's heart clenches in panic. Just where is Chris, and what happened to him?
"Hospital. Ah- don't have enough money on me for a cab. Come get me?"
Karl's stomach drops at the first word and tries his best not to think up worst case scenarios as he rushes to his trailer for his wallet and flags down the first cab he sees. He sends Simon a text telling him where he's going and switches off his phone when he enters Cedars Sinai.
Chris in the reception area, face drained of all life and eyes red-rimmed, looking as if he had been crying all night. Karl's never seen Chris look so fragile before. He rushes up to him and grabs his arms a little too hard. "What happened?" he demands softly.
"I'm so tired," says Chris, eyes going half-mast. "I drank all night. Drank and drank until I collapsed. They had to bring me in with a gurney. They pumped my stomach and kept me here for the night."
Karl's throat closes up at the apathetic tone Chris' voice had taken, like he doesn't care that he nearly killed himself with alcohol poisoning. Karl rubs up and down Chris' arms. The younger man feels far too cold for his liking. "Chris, is this about Zach?" he asks warily. "You haven't been smiling a lot since Meyer started coming onto set and-"
"What? No." Even though Chris sounds weak, the disbelief in his voice is genuine. "No, this isn't about him. I admit that I was a little upset when I didn't get enough time to hang around Zach, but this - this isn't about that."
"Then are you going to tell me what this is about, mate?"
Chris swallows with difficulty and his hands tremble. "A friend of mine - childhood friend - died two days ago."
That was when Chris told Zoe he wasn't going to Florida. "Oh, Chris," Karl says sympathetically, fingers digging harder into Chris' arms.
"Yeah." There are tears in his voice even though he is too tired to cry any more. "We grew up together. Went to the same high school, and even kept in touch all throughout my Berkeley years. It's not like I didn't see it coming. He's been fighting cancer these past few months. I just didn't - I thought -" He takes a deep shuddering breath. "I'm going home for his funeral."
"You should've just told us, mate," says Karl, his accent heavy with emotion. "You can't just keep all of this inside and hurt yourself. These are what friends are for."
"I didn't want to destroy the good mood," says Chris somberly. "I mean, everyone's excited about the end of shooting and the Florida mini-vacation, and Zach's insanely happy with Chris and-" There is more but Chris doesn't continue. He just hangs his head miserably. "I'm not stupid. I don't usually go on a booze marathon. I just needed one night to grieve properly."
"Are you going to be okay going back for his funeral alone?" asks Karl.
"I will be. My family will be there. We all knew Billy."
"I'm so sorry, Chris." Karl brings his arms around Chris, who sags against him wearily.
"It's fine," Chris mumbles. "Thanks for coming so quickly by the way. I'm not supposed to be discharged so quickly so that nurse has been giving me the evil eye for the longest time."
"Chris!" Karl complains.
"I am not staying here," says Chris resolutely. He stands up and walks towards the exit. "Did you tell anyone else about this?"
"I told Simon I was going to the hospital but I didn't tell him why."
"Do you mind keeping this to ourselves? I don't want anyone to be feeling sad for me during that mini-vacation thing."
"Chris," Karl protests.
"I can deal with this on my own. But thanks for caring, buddy. It means a lot."
Karl sighs with resignation and follows Chris out of the hospital where the taxi is waiting. Sometimes, being Chris Pine's friend sucks.
X
Zach finds out in the worst of ways: by accident. He had been intending on continuing their ridiculous game of collecting crazy tabloid articles when he finds the one publication reporting the death of Chris Pine. The tosses the money for the magazine at the counter and storm out of the airport bookstore, thumb flying furiously over his phone.
When his call to Chris goes directly to voicemail, Zach's heart plunges to his stomach. He tries three more times before trying his sister's number instead, but Katherine Pine isn't picking up either.
He tries to recall the last time he had seen Chris and nearly throws his phone in frustration when he realises that his last good memory of Chris is nearly a week old. He remembers Chris from three days ago, barely, looking downcast and quiet, but John had told him that Chris had merely been tired and Zach had taken for granted that maybe John understood Chris as well as he did.
Zach scans the tabloid articles for clues of legitimacy. They report that Chris had died of a mysterious illness, which means they don't have any specific information either; a sign of a hoax, and Zach would've been more than happy to put off the article as fake were it not for the photos.
There is a picture of Chris being rushed to Cedars Sinai on an emergency gurney and there is a possibility that maybe the photo is a fake as well, maybe that isn't Chris, but that doesn't stop Zach's heart from lurching with fear, because the next photo is one of a funeral, complete with a coffin, a priest, as well as Katherine Pine and her mother. What was Chris' family doing at a funeral if it isn't his?
But he's jumping to conclusions here. If something had happened to Chris, they would've contacted Zach. They know how much Chris means to Zach; how close they are as friends. Not so much recently, an evil voice says in his head. You've got another Chris in your life now, haven't you?
This time, Zach really does throw his phone, and just his luck, Anton spots him doing it. "Zach! What's wrong?" Zoe must've had sent Anton looking for him since their plane leaves in an hour. But their little trip to Florida is the last thing on Zach's mind right now.
He grabs the magazine and thrusts it at Anton's face. "Tell me this isn't true! Tell me Chris told you something before he left yesterday!"
"What?" Anton grabs the tabloid and reads, his eyes growing wider with every sentence. "Zach, come on. We just saw him-" He pauses. He hasn't seen Chris before he left the studio yesterday either. He grows pale at the implication and runs back to the group. "Karl!" he yells, attracting more attention. He screeches to a halt in front of the tall Kiwi. "Karl, you're the last one who saw Chris before he left, aren't you?"
"What's going on?" asks John, grabbing Anton's shoulder to help him steady himself. He snatches the tabloid from Anton and gapes. "What the fuck? Anton, you can't be serious. Tabloids report shit like this all the time."
"But we didn't see him!" says Anton, his voice pitchy with panic. "We haven't seen him for days!"
"Karl did!" says John.
"You did?" asks Simon, after having glanced through the article that is making his friends lose their heads. "When? Was it when you went to the hospital?"
"You went to the hospital?" screeches Zoe. "What for?"
"Was it because of Chris?" Zach demands, grabbing the front of Karl's shirt so hard that his knuckles are turning white. "Was Chris in the hospital?!" He is practically shouting by now. Everyone stops in their tracks to look. Some recognise their faces and start whipping out their mobile camera phones.
Meyer seizes Zach shoulders and tries to make him let go of Karl, pleading, "Zach, calm down!"I'm sure there's a reasonable explanation for all of this!"
"I haven't seen my best friend in days!" seethes Zach. "I didn't check up on him even though I noticed him looking like shit and I know I shouldn't believe this sort of crap from the tabloids but they have pictures and Chris isn't picking up and neither is his family -"
"ZACH!" barks Karl, big hands closing over his shoulders and shaking him hard. "Get a grip on yourself! You're scaring everyone!"
Zach pants and looks. Karl is right. Everyone is staring at him with barely-concealed worry. He must look like a madman right now. Even his boyfriend is backing away. But he has to know. Chris - not this man beside him, but his best friend Chris - is important. Chris is the best friend he found rather late in life, the only one who appreciates both his cynicism and lame jokes, and wouldn't take crap from him when he's being overdramatic. This is Chris who came to him for Scrabble and macaroni because he can't sleep and who had insisted he would win that Golden Globe even though Zach had thought Joseph Gordon-Levitt was a shoo-in. Zach looks up at Karl pathetically. If Chris is alright, Zach is going to punch Karl for keeping it from him. But if the news is true, then Zach wants Karl to never confirm it for him. The fabric beneath his fingers slightly give way a little.
Karl steels himself, jaw tensing. "He's fine. That photo of him in the gurney is probably when he tried to drink himself to death on Friday night after hearing that his childhood friend passed away. That's why Chris declined going to Florida with us - to attend the funeral, which the paps probably got a photo of in there too."
Zach releases Karl's shirt, ruined because of his grip, and slumps against the taller man. "I'm sorry," Karl rumbles. "Chris told me not to make it a big deal by telling everyone."
"Yeah, well, Chris is an idiot," says Zach, trying his darnest to stop tears of relief from flowing down his cheeks. The last thing he needs is a photo of him crying on the Internet after the spectacle he had just made of himself. He steps back from Karl and pulls back his fist. "Next time, don't you dare keep something like this from me." He swings.
X
The media frenzy caused by photos of their public panic attack at the airport is crazy. Zach receives separates calls from his publicist and the studios reaming his ass for not controlling himself better in public but Zach cannot bring himself to feel very bad for his freak-out. If anything, he feels them justified. It's not every day someone lies to you about your best friend's death.
In the end, none of them goes out to Florida. Zach goes to Chris immediately and doesn't allow his boyfriend to come with. He knows how awkward Chris can get around his boyfriend and this isn't the best time to make Chris feel uncomfortable, although Zach fully intends to beat the crap out of him for making him worry like that.
After news about Chris' death explode across more than one tabloid, Chris publishes a post on his official website: Hi, everyone! It's me, Chris, and I'm back from the dead. Heaven was lovely, by the way.
So it's not long before the rumours about his death are discredited completely.
Chris takes about a week to get back to his normal, non-weepy self and quickly sends Zach back to the arms of his half-worried, half-disgruntled boyfriend. "This is your first serious relationship in ages. Don't mess it up because of me, Zach."
Unfortunately, encouragement from Chris isn't enough to keep the relationship afloat. Not after Meyer has seen how broken Zach can be without Chris - not him Chris, the best friend Chris.
X
The magazines speculate and report about Zach's breakup with Meyer for weeks before it becomes true. Zach doesn't give his publicist any story to give to the press because how is he supposed to concisely explain that at his age - not that he admits that he's old yet, mind you! - he's starting to think about forever and comfortable silences on lazy mornings with feet propped up on the coffee table, and Meyer isn't all of that? Fortunately, by the time Zach has to face the media for the press junket of the new Trek installment, his relationship with Meyer has become a memory and not a very evocative one that the press is very interested in. If anything, the Trek press junket gives the media an opportunity to jump back into the Pinto bandwagon.
They return to snapping photos of him walking about LA with Chris, doing nothing really except enjoying each other's company and the occasional cup of coffee. It amuses Joe to no end when they come banging on his studio apartment when the paps ambush them with such enthusiasm that if they tried to brave the horde right now, someone is going to lose something.
"Maybe if you gave them something definitive to put a rest to their speculations, they might actually ease up a little," he suggests.
"Unlikely. Have you seen how much buzz we've generated online? We're the biggest epic romance right now," snorts Zach, inching closer to Chris on the couch until their knocking knees and Chris can drum his fingers on Zach's thigh.
Joe raises his eyebrow and says dryly, "Yeah, I really can't imagine why."
They both promise to have lunch with Joe one more time before the craziness of the press junket begins before leaving the safety of his abode with a different set of clothes just to throw the paps off their scent.
But media madness aside, the premiere of the new Trek movie is something they both have been looking forward to for months. They haven't seen any of their cast-mates in the months between filming and now and cannot wait to catch with everyone amidst the hundred of talk shows and thousands of interviews.
Zach looks over his shoulder when he hears the phone ring and decides to let it go to his answering machine because he's not letting his macaroni burn. There is a click and Zach hears the hilarious message he'd recorded with Chris earlier that year and cracks up. He wonders how many people have heard that ridiculous recording and if that had helped fuel the Pinto craze at all. The recording stops and it's Zoe's voice on the other end.
Zach collect the macaroni into two bowls and sets it on the coffee table in the living room just as Chris presses the bell. Zach meets him at the door and smirks. "Couldn't sleep, could you?"
Chris smacks himself against Zach miserably, pillowing his cheek against his chest and murmurs, "I should just give in and listen to you next time."
"I'm not averse to that at all," Zach replied mirthfully. "Come on. I have your macaroni on the table."
"I love you. Marry me."
Chris lays out the Scrabble set as Zach goes to the kitchen to fetch them spoons. He curves out his arm when Zach returns, relaxing only when he feels the older man press up against his side. Best thing about Scrabble: you have to play it sitting on the same side. Chris plays his Scrabble without even touching the tiles; one hand over Zach's shoulder and the other spooning macaroni into his mouth. He lets Zach piece his words on the board for him and neither of them bother adding up scores because it's far too late to care about winning.
"Zo called earlier," Zach informs him, as he grabs more tiles from the bag. "We're having breakfast together with everyone tomorrow before the junket starts."
Chris murmurs a sleepy and wordless assent, and Zach isn't surprised when he finds Chris asleep against him minutes later.
The next morning, they are the second-last to arrive at the restaurant along with Anton, who comes in sporting the most ridiculous haircut Chris has ever seen on him. They can't help it. They stare. Anton scowls darkly and jams a fedora onto his head. "It's for a movie!" he growls defensively, looking decidedly more sullen with his mohawk peeking out from under the brim of the fedora.
"I think it looks cute," offers Zach, trying to give the kid a break.
"Yeah," John agrees light-heartedly, but only to distract Anton from the fact that Chris is sneaking up behind him. "Absolutely adorable." He gives a yell when Chris swipes the hat off his head and ran. Anton starts chasing Chris, who tosses the fedora to Karl, who passes it on to Simon when Anton gains on it, and they continue playing monkey with the brown felt hat until Zoe makes her appearance as the latest attendee. She glares at them like a matriarch until all them take their seats like adults and appear apologetic for their tomfoolery. Then, finally she smiles and she's the lovable Zoe that they're not so afraid of again.
"So," she says, after taking a seat between Simon and Karl, "who got lucky this morning?" The men next to her pause and exchange bewildered looks. "Come on, you can't fool me. This table reeks of sex. Someone obviously got some before breakfast."
"Yeah, I kind of noticed," adds John. "Didn't smell like this before Anton, Chris and Zach came though."
They all turn to Anton, who backs away in his seat at the silent accusation, hands flying to his hat in case anyone tries to be funny again. "What? It's not me, I swear!"
They then turn to look at Chris, who is happily eating his stack of pancakes, ignorant of the honey he had accidentally smeared at the side of his mouth. Zach makes a small noise and wipes the honey off with his thumb. "Don't be messy, Christopher," he chides softly and receives Chris' low grunt of agreement as he licks the sweetness off his thumbs and return to his plate of fruit.
Nothing strange there. The rest of them stare at Anton again.
"I'm serious, it's not me!"
Later, as Zach and Chris are prepped for the first interview with Entertainment Tonight, both their publicists warn them about the interviewers asking them about the Pinto rumours, which apparently range from them breaking up to announcing a wedding date after the movie's release. The talk show hosts have promised to play nice but still, anything can happen so, "Be careful."
Zach and Chris share wry grins and allow themselves to be led to the chairs on set. At the far right, they see Simon and John give them the thumbs up before being whisked away into another room for another interview. This is what they will be doing for another month.
"You ready for this?" asks Zach with a smirk.
Chris replies with a matching expression. "Sure. Why not?"
X
They're in New York and have about five interviews scheduled for today, three of which are talk shows and one of them is Ellen's. Zach remembers his last time appearing on that show and wonders if Ellen will bring up the small misunderstanding Zach had caused last time. Chris, however, has other concerns. "I can't see why we can't just skip one interview. We've been doing so many they all sort of overlap in my memory, and it's not like the questions they ask or the answers we give will be all that different from the other interviews."
"Chris, we've done more interviews in one day before. What's the problem?" asks Zach.
"I promised Matt that I would come visit him when we come to New York," explains Chris. "But this schedule is making this impossible."
Zach purses his lips but say nothing. It's not like he has anything against Matt - they've been friends for years! - but he doesn't like the way Matt looks at Chris sometimes, like he would like Chris with a side of potatoes please. He's even less pleased by the fact that Chris often likens them. "You two have the same quirk, you know, the silent energy and the giant vocabulary." Zach sometimes have to reign in the childish desire to convince Chris that he's much better than that other kid.
But in the end, despite Chris' disapproval, canceling an interview is a no go, so Chris retaliates by mixing things up on Ellen's show. Ellen is friendly and funny as always. She doesn't bring up the Zach's slip from last time but that dangerous glint in her eye says that she's going to try and pull a new slip up this time round. Not that she has to try very hard because Chris practically hands it to her on a silver platter.
"I'm in love with him."
Zach chokes on his own saliva. But Ellen has no such disadvantage. She pounces at once. "I didn't even know you two knew each other. How did you know him?"
"Through Zach," says Chris, patting Zach's shoulder with a playful smirk. "They were buddies in Carnegie Mellon."
Zach tries to pull himself, as if that childish whine isn't practically on the tip of his tongue, as if his best friend hadn't just confessed his feelings for his college buddy, but in spite of his efforts, what he says still comes out like a complain. "You never told me about it."
Ellen turns to him, visibly surprised, though he can't tell if it's for real or she's just playing it up for the audience. "You didn't know?"
"How could I? Chris never mentioned him until this morning and he's only seen Matt a couple of times when he visited me in LA. And it's not like he's better at Scrabble than I am."
"He's not?" asks Chris, eyebrows raising.
"Trust me, he's not," Zach replies with utmost seriousness.
"Then I take it all back."
"What?"
"Sorry," laughs Chris, turning to Ellen. "I just wanted to rile this guy up. He's so cute when he gets all flustered like this, isn't he?" Chris loops a hand around Zach, who barely refrains from shrugging it off indignantly. Chris continues cheerfully, "Really, there's nothing between me and Matt. I just wanted to give him a shout out since we're in New York."
"Strange way to give someone a shout out, don't you think?" asks Ellen.
"It's more fun this way," insists Chris. "Of course, now I have to put up with this guy's sulking for the rest of the day."
Zach raises an eyebrow and pulls away. "Unlike some people, I am an adult, Christopher. I do not need to sulk to get my point across."
"Whoo boy. He called me Christopher. I'm in trouble. C'mere you." Chris pulls him in for a light peck on the cheek and the audience practically screams the house down.
It takes Ellen two minutes to get the crowd to quieten down to a manageable level. And by then, her time with Zach and Chris is up and she's due to bring in her next guest. She gives them a wave accompanied with an amused smirk as they are escorted off set during commercial break. Zach pretends not to notice the meaningful look she sends his way.
"You did that on purpose, didn't you?" says Zach, the moment he and Chris are left alone.
"Isn't it obvious?" Chris retorts. "At least now Matt knows that I didn't ditch him on purpose."
"That's what the phone is for, Christopher."
"But this is much more fun!"
"It won't be as much fun when our publicists and the studio are breathing fire down our necks."
"Please. If they tolerated rumours about us this long, they're going to love the attention this will bring to the movie."
And Zach has to admit that Chris has a point there.
"Come on, don't be so serious," says Chris cajolingly as pulls him closer and drags his fingers over Zach's cheek. "At least now we won't have to think up stupid ways to dodge answering those questions about the rumours."
Zach smiles and nips Chris' wandering fingers, and after he makes sure that no one is looking, dips his head to kiss Chris. In retrospect, Zach supposes that this ties the whole matter up in a neat circle. He first insinuated a relationship between him and Chris a year ago on Ellen - albeit accidentally - and now the world knows that the relationship is real on the very same talk show.
They don't try to hide their affection for one another with double entendres or vague answers after that and the journalists who write about them do get confused as to how to categorise them. Some label them as friends who just recently become lovers, while other claim they've been in love all this while and have been masquerading as friends. In truth, even they aren't sure of where the line stands between them, but they don't think it's all that important anyway.
Title: Media Circus - Part Two
Fandom: STXI RPS
Pairing: Pinto, Zach/other
Characters: Zachary Quinto, Chris Pine, cameos and a surprise guest appearance (lol).
Rating: PG-13
Summary: Really, it's no surprise the media thinks that Zachary Quinto and Chris Pine are an item.
They start filming the new Trek movie in May and almost immediately, the rumours that had died down with Matt's departure return with full force to the newsstands. The primary Trek cast makes a game out of buying some of these tabloids and reading out the more ridiculous articles over lunch break.
"This one is pretty tame," says Chris. "Apparently, I refuse to be on the same set with Zach because I'm still pissed about being cheated on."
"And this one says that you've started a torrid love affair with Karl out of jealousy," adds Zoe, earning barks of laughter from around the table.
"Let me see that!" Chris snatches the tabloid out of Zoe's hand and guffaws. He slides up to Karl and throws one arm around the Kiwi's broad shoulders. "I knew we had something going on, Karl!"
Karl rolls his eyes and shrugs off his arm. "Married, remember?"
"But the tabloids still think you're fair game," replies Chris, batting his eyelashes.
"No, no, listen to mine!" pipes up Anton. "It says here that you and Zach managed to rekindle your passion and that Zach has promised to leave Bomer for you."
"And this one insists that Chris and Matt are the one who are in a relationship. Look it even has a photo!" says John, flipping the paper over so that everyone can have a look.
Chris recognises the photo from the one time he took Matt to LAMILL. Matt had playfully kissed him before they left. Unfortunately, none of the paparazzi had managed to get into a good position to get a clear photo of that. But the passers-by and other patrons of LAMILL had definitely seen it their duty to let the entire world know that Matthew Bomer had kissed Chris Pine on. the. lips.
"Ah, Matthew Bomer," Chris sighs. "Now there's a man after my own heart."
"And what am I? Chopped liver?" deadpans Zach, looking up from his script for the first time since they started their 'tabloid session'. It's not strange to see Zach's nose behind the script. Everyone knows how dedicated Zach is when it comes to work, but he's been a bit too reserved, even by his standards.
Chris goes behind him and put his hands on his shoulders placatingly. "Aw, don't be like that. You know there's really nothing going on between me and Matt."
"Sure, there's nothing going on. That's why the two of you made out right in LAMILL. How could you do that, Chris? That was our special place."
Chris laughs. "One kiss does not constitute making out. Now are you going to tell me what's wrong, or are you going to keep deflecting?" He frowns when he feels Zach sag a little under his hands. "Is it Chris?" he asks in concern.
Zoe snorts, "Are you actually referring to yourself as a third person?"
"No, we're not talking about me Chris. We're talking about Zach's new boyfriend, Chris," replies Chris.
The rest of the cast exchange confused looks. Finally, Simon asks, "Is this a joke?"
"What? No! Why do you think I would play a joke on you?"
"Aren't you Chris and Zach's boyfriend Chris one and the same person?"
Chris looks down and shares a funny expression with Zach. "I don't know how to tell you guys again but this Chris - as in Mr. Pine here - and I are not together. It just so happens that my boyfriend's name is Chris as well."
John hangs his jaw. "Are you for real? All this while, when you talked about your boyfriend Chris, I thought you were talking about Piney here."
"John, I bitched about my boyfriend. As in seriously bitched. I wouldn't do that to Chris. I mean, my Chris. Our Chris," Zach quickly amends.
Chris surveys the table, taking note of the slightly bewildered air everyone is sporting and chortles, "You all thought Zach and I were a couple?"
"It just seemed natural that you guys would be," defends Karl.
"In fact, it's kind of weird that you're not," adds Anton.
"Aw, guys, I'm touched really," simpers Chris. He ducks the bread rolls that come flying towards him before returning to his spot behind Zach. "So what's up with little Chris?"
"Little Chris?" sniggers Simon.
"Don't call him that," scowls Zach.
"Why not? He's younger!" retorts Chris.
"It makes me feel like some pedophile!"
"Okay, so what do you propose we call him so as not to confuse our friends here any longer?"
"...Chris Junior."
"How is that better?!" demands Chris laughingly but quietens down when Zach glares at him. "Okay, okay. What's wrong with Chris Junior?"
Zach shrugs restlessly. "He has issues with me...being so close to you."
"Did you explain to him that I'm a part of your soul and can never leave or you'll die?"
"Yes. He didn't buy it."
"Young people nowadays. So disbelieving," Chris harrumphs in mock disapproval. Then, he straightens his expression and looks at Zach in a way that makes him meet his gaze. "Do you want me to? I don't mind, you know, if this is what it takes to make things work better for the both of you."
"I don't know. I like him but I think he's being a little too bothersome about our friendship. It's kind of annoying."
"Hey, a little annoyance is good every now and then. Makes for excellent make-up sex."
"Do you really want to go there?" asks Zach with a playful smirk.
Chris shudders. "No I do not."
At the other end of the table, Zoe tugs at Karl's elbow. "Are you sure they're not just shitting us?"
X
They finally believe it when Zach introduces them to Chris Junior - better known as Chris Meyer- live and in person, when he comes to the set to visit Zach and according to Simon's gossiping lips, to further drive in the nail of territorial possessiveness if the looks he sends their resident Captain Kirk is any indication.
In spite of himself, Karl does a google search on Meyer, just to make sure that Zach will be safe with the guy. Turns out Meyer is an actor as well. He's been in several movies, none of them prominent enough to propel him into the spotlight, which a relationship with Zach no doubt would.
Zach is a good friend and the last thing Karl wants is to see him get hurt, but when Zach starts dropping hints that he's in this relationship with Meyer for the long run, Karl doesn't have the heart to bring up his suspicions.
To his credit, Meyer doesn't seem like such a bad guy upfront. Sure, he has an overwhelming sense of self-assurance that is both charming and stifling, but that speaks for pretty much seventy percent of most actors vying to and have already made it big in Tinseltown, doesn't it? Karl himself is relieved to have found a rock-climber in Meyer; an interest they shared, at least, which allows them to default to discussing the climbing gyms available in LA whenever things get awkward or if Meyer tries to wheedle information about Chris (Pine) out of him.
Speaking of the other Chris - which is a little funny because he used to be the only Chris - he's been showing great restraint ever since Meyer decided to make his visits to Zach a daily thing until the shoot is over. He's already signed the confidentiality forms the studio had shoved under his nose so there are no problems there. But Meyer's constant presence means that Chris has to respect the guy's position as Zach's boyfriend and stay away.
The seat next to Zach that is usually reserved for him is now occupied by Meyer while Chris scoots all the way over to the other end of the table between Karl and Simon. It's almost counter-productive because with every joke or comment, Chris would lean so far over the table towards Zach as if propelled by the need to share his enthusiasm and amusement with his best friend by means of proximity. Karl frowns with sympathy every time he sees Chris' hand twitch next to him in desire to touch Zach's back or pat his shoulder familiarly. It almost hurt to watch him attempt to reign in his need to be close to Zach.
In contrast, Zach appears fairly content with the way everyone is accepting Meyer into their circle. They laugh, engage in witty banter and exchange nauseatingly loving looks that eventually, Chris settles down in his new seat, silent and content to stare resignedly at the cheer on the other side. Sometimes, Karl wonders if Zach realises how hard this situation is for Chris; if Zach will consider breaking up with the other Chris because their Chris is gradually becoming sadder with the growing absence of the chumminess their close friendship once entailed.
But again, he doesn't bring it up.
Around the same time, Zoe goes around asking everyone to leave the week after shooting free for a mini-vacation at someplace with a beach. "We're not going to see much of each other once we go back to our lives, so we might as well, right?" She eventually settles on Florida; booking the hotel rooms in advance and gathering everyone's okay simultaneously.
Then, two days before the end of shooting, Chris withdraws his participation. Karl can see the comical storm brewing behind Zoe's face when Chris tells her in between takes, which subsides almost immediately when she takes in his downcast eyes and the quietness of his voice. She neutrally asks him why. He already has his next job lined up - a short cameo in a new CBS TV series - but it's not like he has to report back for a few more weeks.
"I have somewhere to be," Chris answers evasively, and manages to avoid any more questions when JJ calls for the next take.
Chris stays away from everyone else for the rest of the day. Karl notices Zoe telling those involved that Chris isn't able to come with them to Florida anymore and sees Zach frown with confusion and concern, but as soon as JJ calls it a day, Meyer walks into the set and commandeers Zach's attention.
The next day, Chris is similarly withdrawn, if not more so. This is his last day of shooting so Karl had expected him to be at least a little bit happy at the sense of accomplishment but the younger man doesn't even manage a proper smile when JJ slaps his back and announces, "Chris Pine's last take people. Let's give him a hand."
John loops an arm around his shoulders and tries cajoling him to a night out in the town despite the fact that Sulu still has a scene to film tomorrow. Chris hugs him, inducing Cho wide eyes (excuse the lame pun), and begs off. When John shares his concern with Karl, they write it off as exhaustion. Chris worked hard on this film. He deserves the break.
The following day is the last day of shooting. They have a tradition of assembling together on set for the final takes so that they can share the joy of completing a film together, but Chris is nowhere to be found. Karl makes a point to check Chris' trailer when he's not needed, but Chris isn't there and it doesn't look like his bed has been slept in last night. A little peeved by Chris' indifference, Anton tells Karl to stop searching and just enjoy the buzz of anticipation that is running through the set today.
Karl sighs resignedly and agrees to worry about Chris later, when his phone vibrates in his pocket. He smiles apologetically at Zach and Zoe who are doing up their final scene and sneaks out of the studio to answer the call. When he sees Chris' name on his caller ID, Karl is both peeved and relieved, and prepares a few sardonic words, which die in his throat when he finally picks up the call.
"Karl?"
Chris' voice is soft and raspy, as if he's too weak to speak any louder than that and his throat had gone through the blender. Karl's heart clenches in panic. Just where is Chris, and what happened to him?
"Hospital. Ah- don't have enough money on me for a cab. Come get me?"
Karl's stomach drops at the first word and tries his best not to think up worst case scenarios as he rushes to his trailer for his wallet and flags down the first cab he sees. He sends Simon a text telling him where he's going and switches off his phone when he enters Cedars Sinai.
Chris in the reception area, face drained of all life and eyes red-rimmed, looking as if he had been crying all night. Karl's never seen Chris look so fragile before. He rushes up to him and grabs his arms a little too hard. "What happened?" he demands softly.
"I'm so tired," says Chris, eyes going half-mast. "I drank all night. Drank and drank until I collapsed. They had to bring me in with a gurney. They pumped my stomach and kept me here for the night."
Karl's throat closes up at the apathetic tone Chris' voice had taken, like he doesn't care that he nearly killed himself with alcohol poisoning. Karl rubs up and down Chris' arms. The younger man feels far too cold for his liking. "Chris, is this about Zach?" he asks warily. "You haven't been smiling a lot since Meyer started coming onto set and-"
"What? No." Even though Chris sounds weak, the disbelief in his voice is genuine. "No, this isn't about him. I admit that I was a little upset when I didn't get enough time to hang around Zach, but this - this isn't about that."
"Then are you going to tell me what this is about, mate?"
Chris swallows with difficulty and his hands tremble. "A friend of mine - childhood friend - died two days ago."
That was when Chris told Zoe he wasn't going to Florida. "Oh, Chris," Karl says sympathetically, fingers digging harder into Chris' arms.
"Yeah." There are tears in his voice even though he is too tired to cry any more. "We grew up together. Went to the same high school, and even kept in touch all throughout my Berkeley years. It's not like I didn't see it coming. He's been fighting cancer these past few months. I just didn't - I thought -" He takes a deep shuddering breath. "I'm going home for his funeral."
"You should've just told us, mate," says Karl, his accent heavy with emotion. "You can't just keep all of this inside and hurt yourself. These are what friends are for."
"I didn't want to destroy the good mood," says Chris somberly. "I mean, everyone's excited about the end of shooting and the Florida mini-vacation, and Zach's insanely happy with Chris and-" There is more but Chris doesn't continue. He just hangs his head miserably. "I'm not stupid. I don't usually go on a booze marathon. I just needed one night to grieve properly."
"Are you going to be okay going back for his funeral alone?" asks Karl.
"I will be. My family will be there. We all knew Billy."
"I'm so sorry, Chris." Karl brings his arms around Chris, who sags against him wearily.
"It's fine," Chris mumbles. "Thanks for coming so quickly by the way. I'm not supposed to be discharged so quickly so that nurse has been giving me the evil eye for the longest time."
"Chris!" Karl complains.
"I am not staying here," says Chris resolutely. He stands up and walks towards the exit. "Did you tell anyone else about this?"
"I told Simon I was going to the hospital but I didn't tell him why."
"Do you mind keeping this to ourselves? I don't want anyone to be feeling sad for me during that mini-vacation thing."
"Chris," Karl protests.
"I can deal with this on my own. But thanks for caring, buddy. It means a lot."
Karl sighs with resignation and follows Chris out of the hospital where the taxi is waiting. Sometimes, being Chris Pine's friend sucks.
X
Zach finds out in the worst of ways: by accident. He had been intending on continuing their ridiculous game of collecting crazy tabloid articles when he finds the one publication reporting the death of Chris Pine. The tosses the money for the magazine at the counter and storm out of the airport bookstore, thumb flying furiously over his phone.
When his call to Chris goes directly to voicemail, Zach's heart plunges to his stomach. He tries three more times before trying his sister's number instead, but Katherine Pine isn't picking up either.
He tries to recall the last time he had seen Chris and nearly throws his phone in frustration when he realises that his last good memory of Chris is nearly a week old. He remembers Chris from three days ago, barely, looking downcast and quiet, but John had told him that Chris had merely been tired and Zach had taken for granted that maybe John understood Chris as well as he did.
Zach scans the tabloid articles for clues of legitimacy. They report that Chris had died of a mysterious illness, which means they don't have any specific information either; a sign of a hoax, and Zach would've been more than happy to put off the article as fake were it not for the photos.
There is a picture of Chris being rushed to Cedars Sinai on an emergency gurney and there is a possibility that maybe the photo is a fake as well, maybe that isn't Chris, but that doesn't stop Zach's heart from lurching with fear, because the next photo is one of a funeral, complete with a coffin, a priest, as well as Katherine Pine and her mother. What was Chris' family doing at a funeral if it isn't his?
But he's jumping to conclusions here. If something had happened to Chris, they would've contacted Zach. They know how much Chris means to Zach; how close they are as friends. Not so much recently, an evil voice says in his head. You've got another Chris in your life now, haven't you?
This time, Zach really does throw his phone, and just his luck, Anton spots him doing it. "Zach! What's wrong?" Zoe must've had sent Anton looking for him since their plane leaves in an hour. But their little trip to Florida is the last thing on Zach's mind right now.
He grabs the magazine and thrusts it at Anton's face. "Tell me this isn't true! Tell me Chris told you something before he left yesterday!"
"What?" Anton grabs the tabloid and reads, his eyes growing wider with every sentence. "Zach, come on. We just saw him-" He pauses. He hasn't seen Chris before he left the studio yesterday either. He grows pale at the implication and runs back to the group. "Karl!" he yells, attracting more attention. He screeches to a halt in front of the tall Kiwi. "Karl, you're the last one who saw Chris before he left, aren't you?"
"What's going on?" asks John, grabbing Anton's shoulder to help him steady himself. He snatches the tabloid from Anton and gapes. "What the fuck? Anton, you can't be serious. Tabloids report shit like this all the time."
"But we didn't see him!" says Anton, his voice pitchy with panic. "We haven't seen him for days!"
"Karl did!" says John.
"You did?" asks Simon, after having glanced through the article that is making his friends lose their heads. "When? Was it when you went to the hospital?"
"You went to the hospital?" screeches Zoe. "What for?"
"Was it because of Chris?" Zach demands, grabbing the front of Karl's shirt so hard that his knuckles are turning white. "Was Chris in the hospital?!" He is practically shouting by now. Everyone stops in their tracks to look. Some recognise their faces and start whipping out their mobile camera phones.
Meyer seizes Zach shoulders and tries to make him let go of Karl, pleading, "Zach, calm down!"I'm sure there's a reasonable explanation for all of this!"
"I haven't seen my best friend in days!" seethes Zach. "I didn't check up on him even though I noticed him looking like shit and I know I shouldn't believe this sort of crap from the tabloids but they have pictures and Chris isn't picking up and neither is his family -"
"ZACH!" barks Karl, big hands closing over his shoulders and shaking him hard. "Get a grip on yourself! You're scaring everyone!"
Zach pants and looks. Karl is right. Everyone is staring at him with barely-concealed worry. He must look like a madman right now. Even his boyfriend is backing away. But he has to know. Chris - not this man beside him, but his best friend Chris - is important. Chris is the best friend he found rather late in life, the only one who appreciates both his cynicism and lame jokes, and wouldn't take crap from him when he's being overdramatic. This is Chris who came to him for Scrabble and macaroni because he can't sleep and who had insisted he would win that Golden Globe even though Zach had thought Joseph Gordon-Levitt was a shoo-in. Zach looks up at Karl pathetically. If Chris is alright, Zach is going to punch Karl for keeping it from him. But if the news is true, then Zach wants Karl to never confirm it for him. The fabric beneath his fingers slightly give way a little.
Karl steels himself, jaw tensing. "He's fine. That photo of him in the gurney is probably when he tried to drink himself to death on Friday night after hearing that his childhood friend passed away. That's why Chris declined going to Florida with us - to attend the funeral, which the paps probably got a photo of in there too."
Zach releases Karl's shirt, ruined because of his grip, and slumps against the taller man. "I'm sorry," Karl rumbles. "Chris told me not to make it a big deal by telling everyone."
"Yeah, well, Chris is an idiot," says Zach, trying his darnest to stop tears of relief from flowing down his cheeks. The last thing he needs is a photo of him crying on the Internet after the spectacle he had just made of himself. He steps back from Karl and pulls back his fist. "Next time, don't you dare keep something like this from me." He swings.
X
The media frenzy caused by photos of their public panic attack at the airport is crazy. Zach receives separates calls from his publicist and the studios reaming his ass for not controlling himself better in public but Zach cannot bring himself to feel very bad for his freak-out. If anything, he feels them justified. It's not every day someone lies to you about your best friend's death.
In the end, none of them goes out to Florida. Zach goes to Chris immediately and doesn't allow his boyfriend to come with. He knows how awkward Chris can get around his boyfriend and this isn't the best time to make Chris feel uncomfortable, although Zach fully intends to beat the crap out of him for making him worry like that.
After news about Chris' death explode across more than one tabloid, Chris publishes a post on his official website: Hi, everyone! It's me, Chris, and I'm back from the dead. Heaven was lovely, by the way.
So it's not long before the rumours about his death are discredited completely.
Chris takes about a week to get back to his normal, non-weepy self and quickly sends Zach back to the arms of his half-worried, half-disgruntled boyfriend. "This is your first serious relationship in ages. Don't mess it up because of me, Zach."
Unfortunately, encouragement from Chris isn't enough to keep the relationship afloat. Not after Meyer has seen how broken Zach can be without Chris - not him Chris, the best friend Chris.
X
The magazines speculate and report about Zach's breakup with Meyer for weeks before it becomes true. Zach doesn't give his publicist any story to give to the press because how is he supposed to concisely explain that at his age - not that he admits that he's old yet, mind you! - he's starting to think about forever and comfortable silences on lazy mornings with feet propped up on the coffee table, and Meyer isn't all of that? Fortunately, by the time Zach has to face the media for the press junket of the new Trek installment, his relationship with Meyer has become a memory and not a very evocative one that the press is very interested in. If anything, the Trek press junket gives the media an opportunity to jump back into the Pinto bandwagon.
They return to snapping photos of him walking about LA with Chris, doing nothing really except enjoying each other's company and the occasional cup of coffee. It amuses Joe to no end when they come banging on his studio apartment when the paps ambush them with such enthusiasm that if they tried to brave the horde right now, someone is going to lose something.
"Maybe if you gave them something definitive to put a rest to their speculations, they might actually ease up a little," he suggests.
"Unlikely. Have you seen how much buzz we've generated online? We're the biggest epic romance right now," snorts Zach, inching closer to Chris on the couch until their knocking knees and Chris can drum his fingers on Zach's thigh.
Joe raises his eyebrow and says dryly, "Yeah, I really can't imagine why."
They both promise to have lunch with Joe one more time before the craziness of the press junket begins before leaving the safety of his abode with a different set of clothes just to throw the paps off their scent.
But media madness aside, the premiere of the new Trek movie is something they both have been looking forward to for months. They haven't seen any of their cast-mates in the months between filming and now and cannot wait to catch with everyone amidst the hundred of talk shows and thousands of interviews.
Zach looks over his shoulder when he hears the phone ring and decides to let it go to his answering machine because he's not letting his macaroni burn. There is a click and Zach hears the hilarious message he'd recorded with Chris earlier that year and cracks up. He wonders how many people have heard that ridiculous recording and if that had helped fuel the Pinto craze at all. The recording stops and it's Zoe's voice on the other end.
Zach collect the macaroni into two bowls and sets it on the coffee table in the living room just as Chris presses the bell. Zach meets him at the door and smirks. "Couldn't sleep, could you?"
Chris smacks himself against Zach miserably, pillowing his cheek against his chest and murmurs, "I should just give in and listen to you next time."
"I'm not averse to that at all," Zach replied mirthfully. "Come on. I have your macaroni on the table."
"I love you. Marry me."
Chris lays out the Scrabble set as Zach goes to the kitchen to fetch them spoons. He curves out his arm when Zach returns, relaxing only when he feels the older man press up against his side. Best thing about Scrabble: you have to play it sitting on the same side. Chris plays his Scrabble without even touching the tiles; one hand over Zach's shoulder and the other spooning macaroni into his mouth. He lets Zach piece his words on the board for him and neither of them bother adding up scores because it's far too late to care about winning.
"Zo called earlier," Zach informs him, as he grabs more tiles from the bag. "We're having breakfast together with everyone tomorrow before the junket starts."
Chris murmurs a sleepy and wordless assent, and Zach isn't surprised when he finds Chris asleep against him minutes later.
The next morning, they are the second-last to arrive at the restaurant along with Anton, who comes in sporting the most ridiculous haircut Chris has ever seen on him. They can't help it. They stare. Anton scowls darkly and jams a fedora onto his head. "It's for a movie!" he growls defensively, looking decidedly more sullen with his mohawk peeking out from under the brim of the fedora.
"I think it looks cute," offers Zach, trying to give the kid a break.
"Yeah," John agrees light-heartedly, but only to distract Anton from the fact that Chris is sneaking up behind him. "Absolutely adorable." He gives a yell when Chris swipes the hat off his head and ran. Anton starts chasing Chris, who tosses the fedora to Karl, who passes it on to Simon when Anton gains on it, and they continue playing monkey with the brown felt hat until Zoe makes her appearance as the latest attendee. She glares at them like a matriarch until all them take their seats like adults and appear apologetic for their tomfoolery. Then, finally she smiles and she's the lovable Zoe that they're not so afraid of again.
"So," she says, after taking a seat between Simon and Karl, "who got lucky this morning?" The men next to her pause and exchange bewildered looks. "Come on, you can't fool me. This table reeks of sex. Someone obviously got some before breakfast."
"Yeah, I kind of noticed," adds John. "Didn't smell like this before Anton, Chris and Zach came though."
They all turn to Anton, who backs away in his seat at the silent accusation, hands flying to his hat in case anyone tries to be funny again. "What? It's not me, I swear!"
They then turn to look at Chris, who is happily eating his stack of pancakes, ignorant of the honey he had accidentally smeared at the side of his mouth. Zach makes a small noise and wipes the honey off with his thumb. "Don't be messy, Christopher," he chides softly and receives Chris' low grunt of agreement as he licks the sweetness off his thumbs and return to his plate of fruit.
Nothing strange there. The rest of them stare at Anton again.
"I'm serious, it's not me!"
Later, as Zach and Chris are prepped for the first interview with Entertainment Tonight, both their publicists warn them about the interviewers asking them about the Pinto rumours, which apparently range from them breaking up to announcing a wedding date after the movie's release. The talk show hosts have promised to play nice but still, anything can happen so, "Be careful."
Zach and Chris share wry grins and allow themselves to be led to the chairs on set. At the far right, they see Simon and John give them the thumbs up before being whisked away into another room for another interview. This is what they will be doing for another month.
"You ready for this?" asks Zach with a smirk.
Chris replies with a matching expression. "Sure. Why not?"
X
They're in New York and have about five interviews scheduled for today, three of which are talk shows and one of them is Ellen's. Zach remembers his last time appearing on that show and wonders if Ellen will bring up the small misunderstanding Zach had caused last time. Chris, however, has other concerns. "I can't see why we can't just skip one interview. We've been doing so many they all sort of overlap in my memory, and it's not like the questions they ask or the answers we give will be all that different from the other interviews."
"Chris, we've done more interviews in one day before. What's the problem?" asks Zach.
"I promised Matt that I would come visit him when we come to New York," explains Chris. "But this schedule is making this impossible."
Zach purses his lips but say nothing. It's not like he has anything against Matt - they've been friends for years! - but he doesn't like the way Matt looks at Chris sometimes, like he would like Chris with a side of potatoes please. He's even less pleased by the fact that Chris often likens them. "You two have the same quirk, you know, the silent energy and the giant vocabulary." Zach sometimes have to reign in the childish desire to convince Chris that he's much better than that other kid.
But in the end, despite Chris' disapproval, canceling an interview is a no go, so Chris retaliates by mixing things up on Ellen's show. Ellen is friendly and funny as always. She doesn't bring up the Zach's slip from last time but that dangerous glint in her eye says that she's going to try and pull a new slip up this time round. Not that she has to try very hard because Chris practically hands it to her on a silver platter.
"I'm in love with him."
Zach chokes on his own saliva. But Ellen has no such disadvantage. She pounces at once. "I didn't even know you two knew each other. How did you know him?"
"Through Zach," says Chris, patting Zach's shoulder with a playful smirk. "They were buddies in Carnegie Mellon."
Zach tries to pull himself, as if that childish whine isn't practically on the tip of his tongue, as if his best friend hadn't just confessed his feelings for his college buddy, but in spite of his efforts, what he says still comes out like a complain. "You never told me about it."
Ellen turns to him, visibly surprised, though he can't tell if it's for real or she's just playing it up for the audience. "You didn't know?"
"How could I? Chris never mentioned him until this morning and he's only seen Matt a couple of times when he visited me in LA. And it's not like he's better at Scrabble than I am."
"He's not?" asks Chris, eyebrows raising.
"Trust me, he's not," Zach replies with utmost seriousness.
"Then I take it all back."
"What?"
"Sorry," laughs Chris, turning to Ellen. "I just wanted to rile this guy up. He's so cute when he gets all flustered like this, isn't he?" Chris loops a hand around Zach, who barely refrains from shrugging it off indignantly. Chris continues cheerfully, "Really, there's nothing between me and Matt. I just wanted to give him a shout out since we're in New York."
"Strange way to give someone a shout out, don't you think?" asks Ellen.
"It's more fun this way," insists Chris. "Of course, now I have to put up with this guy's sulking for the rest of the day."
Zach raises an eyebrow and pulls away. "Unlike some people, I am an adult, Christopher. I do not need to sulk to get my point across."
"Whoo boy. He called me Christopher. I'm in trouble. C'mere you." Chris pulls him in for a light peck on the cheek and the audience practically screams the house down.
It takes Ellen two minutes to get the crowd to quieten down to a manageable level. And by then, her time with Zach and Chris is up and she's due to bring in her next guest. She gives them a wave accompanied with an amused smirk as they are escorted off set during commercial break. Zach pretends not to notice the meaningful look she sends his way.
"You did that on purpose, didn't you?" says Zach, the moment he and Chris are left alone.
"Isn't it obvious?" Chris retorts. "At least now Matt knows that I didn't ditch him on purpose."
"That's what the phone is for, Christopher."
"But this is much more fun!"
"It won't be as much fun when our publicists and the studio are breathing fire down our necks."
"Please. If they tolerated rumours about us this long, they're going to love the attention this will bring to the movie."
And Zach has to admit that Chris has a point there.
"Come on, don't be so serious," says Chris cajolingly as pulls him closer and drags his fingers over Zach's cheek. "At least now we won't have to think up stupid ways to dodge answering those questions about the rumours."
Zach smiles and nips Chris' wandering fingers, and after he makes sure that no one is looking, dips his head to kiss Chris. In retrospect, Zach supposes that this ties the whole matter up in a neat circle. He first insinuated a relationship between him and Chris a year ago on Ellen - albeit accidentally - and now the world knows that the relationship is real on the very same talk show.
They don't try to hide their affection for one another with double entendres or vague answers after that and the journalists who write about them do get confused as to how to categorise them. Some label them as friends who just recently become lovers, while other claim they've been in love all this while and have been masquerading as friends. In truth, even they aren't sure of where the line stands between them, but they don't think it's all that important anyway.