summary: you go to the premiere of the film and you start to see Johnny in a different way
warning: none
word count: 1276
Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 6
- Do you think I could borrow the dress later? Calvin Klein is one of my favourite designers.
The call weirded me out, I'm not going to lie. I was getting ready for the afternoon when Amy called. We have barely spoken in class, but I’m not surprised she’s calling me now. The announcement of the movie premiere was made a while ago, and the whole town is excited that Winona is going. I don't want to draw attention to myself, as I would never have imagined that I could be invited to this kind of situation, and yet, in just a few hours, I'll be getting my hair and make-up done by several people, which is exciting and I'm curious to know what these kinds of galas are like.
- I'm not sure, you usually have to return them after the event, unless you buy them.
- Well, that's a shame - the voice on the phone sounds slightly disappointed but quickly regains interest -. Are there any famous actors? - They recently let people know who the main actors were. Until then, Winona hadn't been able to talk to anyone about who she was acting with, or what the film was about. Except for her parents and me, of course.
- You know I have no idea who's famous now, but apart from Johnny Depp, there's Michael Hall, Diane Wiest and Alan Arkin.
I'm so proud of myself. I remembered all the names.
-Oh, Jonny Depp. You know, I'd take the chance to hook up with him-
-He's with Mona? - the statement comes out in the form of a question out of disbelief.
- So what? You can't deny he's handsome as hell. I would be head over heels.
-Even if I liked him, he's with my best friend, I want what's best for her, not to make her miserable - I snort.
-What difference does it make? It's Johnny Depp. One shag, you're in the papers and you're the next big thing - I look at the phone. What an idiot. I hang up without saying goodbye.
⋆ ⋆ ⋆
I follow the rest of the actors as they turn away from the cameras and flashbulbs and head for a door. I keep taking in the surroundings, the crowds of people milling around, the screaming fans and the journalists asking questions that go unanswered when a man stops me.
- Just actors.
- I'm in the film.
- Lead actors only.
The man gives me a disdainful look and I can't help but be annoyed by his stare. I look over his shoulder and see how the rest of my friends have passed.
- Please step out of here.
- Where am I supposed to go? I've been invited to the premiere- he smiles haughtily as if I'm trying to sneak in and he's caught me.
- Please don't make the situation complicated- I guess his intentions, but I don't react quickly enough and he grabs my arm roughly.
- Don't touch me - it comes out more rudely than I'd like, but he's starting to get on my nerves.
-Is there a problem? - I recognise the smell of citrus and woody notes. Johnny steps between us-. She's coming with us- he adds, staring at the way he's grabbing me. I pull away, glaring angrily at the security guard. Moron. He pretends to apologise but I can tell from the look on his face that he couldn't care less.
- I wasn't informed, I apologise - and stepping aside, he goes on to stop anyone without an invitation.
- Are you all right? - asks Johnny.
-What do you care? - I know he's not to blame for what just occurred, but I'm still upset about what just happened and how the man treated me. Before he can say anything else, I walk through the door they didn't intend to let me through. Instead of following the various directional signs, I continue forward, getting as far away as possible.
A long staircase is all I find. I sigh. It'll have to do.
Grabbing the bottom of my dress, I climb them, until I reach the roof.
Stupid guard.
I reach the top of the building, the roof is a fascinating space offering a panoramic view of the city. The fresh air and light breeze cool my face, and I realise how hot my face is.
From here, I can look out over the vastness of Westwood. Houses and houses and a few blocks of multi-storey buildings, all lit up with lights. I can hear the hubbub below, the murmur of people and the hum of cars.
I want to go home. I shouldn't have come.
- So here you are.
I tense for a moment but as I turn around, I calm down.
- I thought you were that guard- I say, looking back at the starry night. If he makes a gesture, I don't see it -. What are you doing here anyways, don't you have to go to the premiere?
- It's just brunch now, the presentations aren't until later. I wanted to make sure you were okay- I feel Johnny's presence beside me.
- I'm fine, I just came here... to smoke - I lie. I don't even know what I'm doing here. I don't know why I haven't followed the rest of the cast. When I'm frustrated, I prefer to be alone, but this wasn't the time to behave like a little girl.
Johnny looks me in the eye, and I notice a mocking smile.
-To smoke?- I look back at him defiantly. Of course, there's not a lighter in my bag, but he doesn't need to know that. His smile widens and at this moment I realise that I'm challenging Johnny Depp. One of the most famous actors in the world. All the jokes, and comments, and out for a drink hit me and suddenly, I'm embarrassed to be standing next to him. I look back at the queue that has formed outside the theatre.
- Are you going to tell me to quit because it's not good for me?
- Oh no, I'm not the kind of person who tries to convince someone to give up their bad habits. Besides, that wouldn't be very convincing coming from me, would it? - I smile faintly without looking at him- Y/N, I know today has been a bit of a struggle, but I want you to know that you're doing a great job handling all of this. Don't let comments like that discourage you.
He places his hand on mine. The cold touch of the gravel where my hands were resting disappears at his warm touch. My gaze fixes on his hand. Maybe it's because I'm still shaken by the way the guard has spoken to me in contrast to Johnny's gentleness, but how I wish for once he would stop giving me friendly gestures and hug me.
I want to apologise for the way I treated him earlier, I want to tell him that I really don't smoke, that I feel out of place with them and that the scene with the guard was no big deal, but he pointed out that, indeed, this is not my place. I don’t tell him that.
- You know, that brunch you were telling me about, sounds delicious.
I back away from his hand and he smiles. And when he gestures for me to go first up the stairs, I smile back and can't help but feel guilty about seeing Johnny Depp through different eyes for the first time.
summary: you go for a drink with Mona and Johnny, and you meet one of their friends.
warnings: none
word count: 700
hi after almost a year :)
Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 5 Part 6
-Do you have everything? - I ask, coming out of Mona's room. She nods. Once we're in the hallway, she stops, realizing that she doesn't, in fact, have everything.
-Wait! I'm missing my bag; I'll be right back. You get going.
-Okay, I'll wait for you outside! - I say, opening the door. I meet Johnny and a blond boy.
-Hello Y/N-
Oh. I had totally forgotten they were coming. It's not the first time I go for a drink with Johnny or the rest of his friends. Mona cares about me feeling included in their group.
- Hi guys- I smile back. I think I've hidden my surprise pretty well.
-You knew we were coming, didn't you? -
Or maybe not so well.
-Oh yeah, yes- reassured-, I just didn't remember your name- I lie, turning to the boy.
-Michael- he smiles.
-You're the one who plays...- I stop, trying to remember the role he plays in the movie. I am sure I know him; I've seen him from afar on the set, and I'm pretty sure he's done some commercials. He's dressed in a black shirt with a plaid shirt over it and slightly ripped jeans. Johnny, on the other hand, is wearing a simple white shirt, a denim jacket and black pants.
-Mona's jerk boyfriend- I remain silent at his serious look, not knowing if I can joke about it or if he's serious. He certainly plays the role of an asshole-. I'm kidding- Johnny laughs softly and more relaxed, we wait for Mona to come out.
-Coming!- Mona gets out and after quickly greeting both of them we head to the car; Michael and I sitting in the back seats, leaving Winona as co-pilot. He turns out to be a fun guy, and since we share so much, it was easy to talk to him; besides our Guns N' Roses fanaticism, he also loves the beach and wants to travel the world.
The bar is less than a ten-minute drive away. I'm so immersed in conversation with Michael, I don't notice how we walk into the bar, following Mona and Johnny. The establishment is cozy; the wooden walls and the round tables with armchairs and soft benches make the stay comfortable. The bartender behind the counter greets them cheerfully; it's not the first time they come here.
- What do you want?- asks Michael as the rest of us sit down. Over the last few weeks, I have noticed that they have the habit of inviting each other when they go out for a drink.
-Surprise me - I answer when his gaze falls on me-. But keep it mild.
- That's done- he replies with a smile. While waiting at the bar, the three of us start to comment on how good students we were as children and comparing our weekly study hours, Johnny topping the list. The afternoon passes quickly. As dusk begins to fall, Winona looks out the glass door and rises with precision.
- I'd love to hang around longer, but I have to be on set early tomorrow and I can't stay too late.
-I can give you both a ride, I didn't drink -he nods, pointing to the coke on the table.
-Thank you Johnny, but don't worry, my stepbrother is coming to pick me up. Y/n please stay, I'd hate if you had to come back early because of me- she says as she sees me get up too.
- Nonsense, of course, I'll come back with you, we can go for a drink next week.
My proposal is welcomed with approval.
- Let me at least accompany you - Winona doesn't contradict him this time and Johnny gets up from the table. However, it doesn’t get a genius to realize that what he really wants is to spend a moment alone with Mona. I step aside as he escorts her to the door, where they remain talking.
- What a gentleman he is.
- Isn't he? You see what I have to deal with every day-Mike jokes-. I hope to see you again, it was nice meeting you.
I smile. I answer likewise, and I mean it; he really is a lovely guy. As he leans down to kiss my cheek, out of the corner of my eye, I see how Johnny moves his hand to the small of Mona’s back and places a brief kiss on her lips. I open my eyes again and Michael's closeness disappears.
summary: a small incident on the set brings you closer to Johnny
warnings: none
word count: 895
Part 1 Part 2 Part 4 Part 5 Part 6
I stand and watch the producers finishing their make-up or putting the other actors in place. Here I am, on the pavement walking aimlessly. I'd been lured into playing an extra. I didn't complain much though; this is fun.
-Hi, everything all right? - Johnny walks up to me. With the suit and the make-up, he’s quite repulsive. It's a very successful disguise.
-Hey. Am I that lost?- I joke.
-No, on the contrary, you look very professional- he smiles, and underneath the sad expression that has been achieved with the make-up, appears his playful smile.
-Yeah sure - I laugh-. No, I’m all good, I've already been told by the producer what I have to do. How about you? Ready?
- Waiting on you Y/N- he says smiling softly-. This is going to be a fun scene to shoot. Have you...? - Before he can finish, the director calls out to him and Johnny turns around, brushing me with the scissors.
-Oh, Y/N, I'm so sorry. Let me help you.
-It's all right, it's just a bit of blood- I smile but people start to approach.
-Come here, are you all right?-A woman comes up to me and gently but firmly grabs my arm.
-Yes, yes, it's nothing- I assured but she starts to lead me off the set.
-Antibacterial ointment and that's it. No, Johnny, you stay here- I can't quite hear what Johnny answers, but they end up laughing. The woman leads me out of the set, into one of the many rooms, and once seated, she puts a first aid kit on the table from which she starts pulling out jars. She proceeds to gently grab my face and after looking at my wound she says:
-A little soap and water and you're as good as a new, sweetheart. It's not very deep, are you feeling alright? - I smile.
-Yes, thank you very much for cleaning me up. .... - I remain silent for her to tell me her name.
-Margaret.
-Thank you so much, Margaret, it was just the impression, it didn't hurt. I can't imagine how many times Johnny must have cut himself by accident with those things- I say looking at myself in the dressing room mirror.
-God bless him- she shakes her head, wiping the wound with cotton wool-. Young Depp knows how to clean wounds in his sleep from all the times he's been here- I laugh-. That man can do wonders with his hands-I look at her through the mirror. She doesn't seem to realise what she has just said. I wonder how Johnny would react if he heard that-. There you are, sweetie. You can go back to the set- she smiles warmly.
-Do you want me to help you with something?- I ask, looking at several boxes piled up with a post-it with the word ORGANIZE on them. Margaret looks at the pile and waves her hand.
-No one has ever died from resting too much, have they? So it's okay if we take some time to rest -I laugh helplessly and Margaret smiles.
⋆ ⋆ ⋆
-Y/N, it's for you- my father peeks out of my bedroom door and smiles, nodding towards the phone in the living room.
-Coming- I pick up the phone placed on top of it -Yes?
-Y/N, Hi. It's Johnny. I was calling to see how you're doing after today’s accident. I didn’t have time to apologize
-Hi Johnny. Don’t worry, I'm fine, it was nothing serious. Besides, Margaret was a sweetheart, she made it all very enjoyable.
-I don't doubt it, you’re in good hands with her- Oh man, not the hand thing again-. I'm glad you're well. I almost forgot. I'll give you my number in case you need something. Winona told me that her phone has broken,— broken is an interesting way to mean that Winona and I accidentally ran over the phone cable untrusting it from the wall when we were dancing around the house — so if you need to ask her anything, you can call me since we’re on set together all the time. Anything you need, give me a call.
-Great, thanks- I say writing down his number- See you tomorrow then. Good night Johnny-
-Good night Y/N- I hang up the phone and head to the kitchen. My parents are talking to each other while preparing dinner.
-Who was that? Not that Rick-lad again, I presume - I grin sitting down.
-No dad. It was Johnny Depp.
-What a handsome guy, do you remember the show we saw? - My mom puts her hand on my father's arm asking him the question. He nods.
-He has a good future. Remember that kiddo- my parents laugh. I shake my head. My father loves to set me up with every guy who thinks he's a good lad. Being a lawyer, he says that after 25 years of practice, he recognizes that easily.
-He's with Mona.
-Our Winona has a boyfriend? -Mom smiles- Lovely as she is, no wonder she's with such a nice guy. Is he as friendly as he looks on TV?- I nod
-Well, they're not dating as such, but mom, really, you have to see them, you'd think they've been dating forever. And yes, he's very kind, he just called to ask me how I'm doing about earlier- I explained, alluding to the cut.
- How nice. What a lovely boy. And tell Winona to come home for lunch again sometime, I haven't seen her for a lifetime.
