Page 4 of You. Me. Us.

As he walked through the studio lot, Julius couldn’t help the surge of excitement coursing through him like too much caffeine. The press release was just the beginning—a prequel to the comic con of sorts to announce all that his movie series would bring the full main cast, not just the originally teased three. At con, they would show off the first trailer on the main stage and have a panel, all of this a surprise announcement.

“I can’t wait to see their reactions to the new footage,” he said, his tone barely containing his enthusiasm as he fell in line next to Louisa. “The effects team really outdid themselves this time. The raw footage was only three days ago.”

“It’s going to blow them away. And the way the characters’ storylines intertwine in this installment? It’s pure magic. Magic, they’re all going to want a piece of when they realize the elusive fae warrior might be settling down.”

Julius grinned, his mind already racing with possibilities. “Auction off a date with me?”

Louisa snickered. “Have you met yourself? You’re the most charming man in the industry. That would end with a fanthinking she’s having your babies and destroy your image when you break her heart.”

Chuckling, he gave an innocent shrug. He was more than aware of how Hollywood saw him. The muscular good boy. The heroic champion of animal rights. The perpetual heartbreaker. And he was going to keep it that way. When he found a woman to spend his life with, she was going to fall into his lap without the promise of his fame in the way. He just wasn’t sure how to find her.

As they approached the studio gates, the distant murmur of chants became audible. They were already gathered, waiting for a glimpse of their favorite stars from the series.

“Rebecca,” he waved to his co-star when she spotted her walking with her agent from the lot’s small deli.

As always, Rebecca was absolutely stunning. She was every bit the princess she played. Her long black hair was curled and woven into tiny braids, decorated with crystals. Her elaborate emerald green costume caught the light and sparkling like a thousand stars. She was the embodiment of a fae warrior princess, every detail of her outfit carefully crafted to showcase her strength and courage. Even her famous scythe was attached to the hip of her leather trousers. A true showstopper fit to play a warrior princess.

“Julius,” Rebecca smirked, falling into line with him. “Do you think we could wow them anymore than we did last time?”

“Last time was a premier. I doubt we can impress them more, but what do you say we try?”

She smiled, giving him a subtle nod. Both agents stopped walking, knowing their place was behind the scenes and not in the limelight despite all the hard work they did.

Together, he and Rebecca climbed up the steps and out into the sunlight, ready to greet the waiting crowd. He made a showof entwining his hand with hers and lifting it into the air as they greeted the nearly rabid fans.

He took in the sea of faces before him, in the shrieks and cries for his and Rebecca’s attention. So many people, each with their own story, their own connection to the world he helped bring to life on screen.

He smiled, waving to the gathered fans. “Hey, everyone! Thanks for coming out today! I assure you, my princess, and I have no shortage of time to spend with our people.”

The crowd erupted in cheers, and the usual swell of gratitude overcame him. This, he realized, was what it was all about. Not the fame, not the accolades, but the chance to make a difference in someone’s life, even if only for a moment.

As he began to make his way through the throng of fans, shaking hands and exchanging greetings, Julius knew that this was exactly where he was meant to be.

Last week there’d been a small altercation where he may have punched a man bothering Rebecca and her wife, but this would remind them all, they weren’t meeting Julius, they were meeting Alen Lorakian and Celaena Eilwenys.

A young woman stepped forward, her eyes shining with excitement as she held out a poster for him to sign. “Julius, I’m such a huge fan,” she gushed, her voice trembling slightly. “Your performance in ‘Realm of Shadows’ was incredible. It really inspired me to pursue my dreams.”

Julius took the poster, his smile widening as he met her gaze. It wasn’t often people came for his dramatic roles, but he would always appreciate them since it had been ages since he’d stepped away from fantasy flicks. “Thank you so much,” he said sincerely, scribbling his signature across the glossy surface. “That means the world to me. Never stop chasing your dreams, okay? You’ve got this.”

As he handed the poster back, the woman’s face lit up with joy. “Thank you,” she whispered, clutching the signed image to her chest. “I’ll never forget this moment.”

Rebecca stopped to hand a young girl a flower from her hair, and Julius couldn’t help but be grateful for the pairing they made. She was level-headed and often kept him from forgetting he was not the great warrior he’d played for almost ten years.

“Go, we don’t need to be together,” Rebecca winked as she signed another autograph.

He continued to make his way through the crowd, taking photos and signing autographs, each interaction a reminder that this wasn’t just a contract for him. Despite the long hours and the constant demands of his career, moments like these made it all worthwhile.

“Julius!” A young boy called out, waving enthusiastically. “Can I get a picture with you?”

“Of course!” Julius replied, his smile never wavering as he posed for the camera. “Thanks for being here, man. It’s an honor to meet you.”

As the fan showed him the photo, Julius couldn’t help a rush of humility. He knew that fame was fleeting, that success could be taken away as quickly as it was given. But the love and support of his fans? That was something he would never take for granted.

He scanned the crowd, his eyes lingering on each beaming face. Each one seemed to reflect the impact he had made on the world— a mix of admiration, respect, and gratitude shone in their eyes. It was humbling and overwhelming, a rush of emotions that threatened to bring tears to his own eyes. He couldn’t help but feel proud of what he had accomplished and grateful for all those who had supported him along the way. As he gazed out at the hundreds of smiling faces, he knew that hislegacy would live on in their hearts and minds long after he walked away from this role.

With a final wave to the crowd, Julius turned back toward the studio, his heart full and his mind at peace. He knew that whatever challenges lay ahead, he would face them with the same dedication and passion that had brought him this far. And with the love and support of his fans behind him, anything was possible.

“Another day well done, Alen.” Rebecca teased as she tugged at the wig on her head when they were safely out of sight. “I will never want to wear these things. Ever.”

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