Chapter 7

seven

. . .

Without looking down, Julius signed a movie poster for an eager fan, flashing them a smile as he did. His pen moved effortlessly across the glossy surface for the hundredth time that hour. “There you go,” he said, handing it back with a wink. “Enjoy the rest of the con and don’t forget, Dreams of the Earth is in theaters February twenty-first, twenty-twenty-six!”

“Like I could forget?” The woman beamed excitedly before moving on.

Julius’ gaze drifted over the sea of costumes and faces, searching for a glimpse of Hillary’s chestnut hair or striking green eyes. Or perhaps even any sign of someone furiously scribbling away on a notepad.

The vibrant energy of the convention swirled around him, a kaleidoscope of colors and sounds, yet his mind kept wandering back to Hillary. He could almost hear her soft laughter, see the way she tucked her hair behind her ear when she was listening intently to his answers or how she seemed to duck away anytime she grew embarrassed as if it would hide the adorable blush. He swore he could still feel the way her body heat spurred him on last night, to the hard press of his lips against hers.

Despite the chaos, everything kept going back to Hillary.

With each fan who approached for a photo or autograph, Julius couldn’t help but scan the crowd for a glimpse of Hillary before turning his attention to the person before him. Was she somewhere amidst the sea of fans, perhaps conducting an interview or scribbling notes for her article? His heart skipped a beat at the thought.

“Mr. Theon, could I get a selfie?” Another eager fan appeared, holding out their camera with a hopeful grin and payment slip in hand.

“Of course,” Julius replied with his trademark megawatt smile, posing for the camera as it switched to selfie mode. After the flash went off, he quickly scanned the screen before moving on to the next person.

No sign of her yet, just a sea of fans dressed to match his character, all vying for his attention.

Well, guess I’ll just keep hoping to spot her in the halls.

As the day wore on, Julius grew more and more antsy, his mind continuously drifting back to Hillary. It was almost frustrating how much he couldn’t seem to focus on anything else, even though he had fans waiting for him at every turn.

After hours of snapping photos of the exuberant cosplayers, Julius damn near sighed with relief when his assigned volunteer let him know he was done in this room. There was a gap in his schedule, which meant looking for Hillary was a little over-eager, but allowed. Surely, she wouldn’t be upset that he wanted to see her again.

“You’re off the hook for tomorrow,” Louisa tossed a bottle of water at him as she walked up to the side of the table. “We still need you at the Q&A Sunday, so don’t get any crazy ideas to leave town. All that’s left is the photo team up in two hours. Be there in an hour forty-five, please?” Louisa winked.

“I wouldn’t dream of missing it.” Julius uncapped the bottle and chugged. “I love my fans, but why do I always forget how draining it is to sign my name a hundred times?”

His agent chuckled. “Welcome to making it big. See you in a few hours. Go give your hand a break.”

Pulling out his cap and sunglasses, Julius put the silly disguise on. He sometimes pretended to be cosplaying himself out in the crowd, but with his mind on Hillary, he wasn’t as interested in being adored today.

He sought refuge in an empty booth nearby, grateful for a brief respite from the constant hustle and bustle.

As he leaned against the cool wall, trying to catch his breath, his gaze drifted to a small table tucked away in the corner. A woman with brown hair sat there, pen moving fluidly across the pages of her notebook. He started to move, in awe that he stumbled on her without trying, but as the woman looked up at him, he could see that she was much older. Thankfully, she didn’t seem to recognize him with his glasses on, or didn’t care.

He sighed, disappointed that it wasn’t Hillary, but also acknowledging he may be acting like a crazy person. No, crazy would be if he texted her again after the short good morning text exchange. He wasn’t going to do that unless he found himself so distracted he messed something up.

“And that doesn’t happen to me.” The growl of his stomach stopped him from continuing to look around where he thought she might be. “Food first. Pictures second. Maybe a Hillary sighting after.” He chuckled. If anyone knew he’d gone loopy over a woman he’d never hear the end of it after taking interview after interview about his lack of a dating life.

As he strolled through the crowded convention hall, fresh off a good mental break, his eyes were drawn to the elaborate costumes and intricately crafted props that filled every corner. The dedication and passion of the fans was evident in every detail, from the delicate stitching on a robe to the careful construction of an otherworldly weapon. He couldn’t help but smile, grateful for their love and support that allowed people like him to continue to bring fantastical films to the movies. It was as if he had stepped into one of his own movies, surrounded by fan-made creations that rivaled even the most skilled Hollywood prop masters’ work.

It reminded him of the first time he’d ever stepped foot in any sort of fan convention. He’d been so overwhelmed with the different versions of his beloved warrior elf that he almost had to lock himself in a closet to avoid being overwhelmed with emotion.

Any lack of dedication he felt this morning was completely replaced, filled with a need to be everything his fans needed him to be.

The photo area was tucked away in a spacious room, adorned with various backdrops and lighting setups. Julius arrived a few minutes early, taking a moment to compose himself before the chaos began. He straightened his jacket and ran a hand through his hair to ensure he looked his best for the eager fans. He knew what these photo ops cost, he wasn’t going to be anything but his best.

Just as he settled into his designated spot on the tall black stool, the doors opened, and Ethan and Rebecca walked in, her presence immediately commanding attention. Ethan looked dashing in a tailored suit, his dark hair artfully tousled, while Rebecca was a vision in a flowing gown that shimmered under the lights.

“Julius! Where have you been the last two days?” Ethan grinned as he got closer, extending his hand. He looked as he always looked, without a hair out of place and his megawatt smile in place.

“Interviews. Panels. The stuff the hero does,” he snickered as he clasped his co-stars hand and pulled him in for a quick hug. Nearly a decade later and Ethan was still alive as the villain of their series, a constant source of teasing from Julius.

“Keep it up, elf-boy. Sooner or later, they’re going to realize the orphan human is the catch and let me end you once and for all.” Ethan walked to the stool on the other side of Julius, knowing his spot as the jilted lover was not beside the elf princess in their photos.

“The pair of you are why I like women.” Rebecca took her place beside him.

“Really? I thought it was more about the?—”

“Enough you three,” a security guard stepped up. “I’m in charge of this session and I want you to save the banter for the fans.”

He couldn’t help but chuckle as the older man tried to hide a smile.

“Your call, Boss.” Ethan mock saluted.

Before they could engage in any more conversation, the first group of fans was ushered in, their excitement palpable. They lined up, clutching their photo op slips or cell phone confirmations, their eyes wide with anticipation. Julius, Ethan, and Rebecca fell into their well-practiced roles, posing for photos and engaging in brief exchanges with each fan.

The room buzzed with energy as the flashes of cameras illuminated their faces. Fans gushed over their favorite characters, sharing stories of how the films had touched their lives in the short sixty-seconds they spent in the photo area. Julius listened intently, his heart swelling with gratitude for the impact his work had on others.

As the minutes ticked by, the line of fans seemed endless. Julius, along with Ethan and Rebecca, moved through the motions, their smiles never faltering despite the growing fatigue. They posed for countless photos, each one a cherished memory for the fans who had waited so long to meet them.

In the fleeting moments between shots, Julius tried to catch Ethan’s eye, hoping for a chance to chat, but the constant flow of fans made it nearly impossible. He resigned himself to focusing on the task at hand, determined to give each fan the best possible experience.

The room was a whirlwind of activity, with staff members efficiently guiding fans through the process. The air hummed with the excited chatter of fans comparing their photos and gushing over the actors’ kindness and charm. Julius felt a sense of pride in being part of something that brought so much joy to so many people.

A woman in line with her head down and notebook out drew every iota of attention he had away from the fans walking toward him. Her brown hair was too short, but it hadn’t stopped his heart from speeding up for just a moment.

The woman was dressed as Lois Lane, iconic reporter from the Superman comics. Her fitted purple suit hugged her curves, the skirt ending just above her knees. A small fedora sat atop her head, a nod to the character’s classic look. She carried a small notebook and pen, ready to jot down any important detail. But she wasn’t the real reporter he had hoped found her way in here.

As she stepped up for her photo, Julius couldn’t help but be reminded of Hillary. The way she carried herself with a quiet confidence, the intensity in her eyes as she observed the world around her. It was as if Lois Lane herself had stepped out of the pages of a comic book and into the convention hall.

Julius posed with the woman, his arm draped casually over her shoulder after gesturing for approval, and they smiled for the camera. For a brief moment, he allowed himself to imagine it was Hillary standing beside him, her warmth seeping into his skin, her scent enveloping him like a comforting embrace.

As the woman thanked him and moved on, Julius found himself lost in his thoughts once more. He pictured Hillary sitting across from him on the sofa, her pen scratching across the pages of her notebook as she interviewed him. He could almost hear the soft lilt of her voice, the way she carefully crafted each question to draw out the most interesting answers.

He imagined them walking through the convention hall together, Hillary’s eyes wide with wonder as she took in the colorful displays and intricate costumes.

She was under his skin in ways that shouldn’t be possible for someone so used to female attention.

“Julius, are you ready for the next group?” Ethan’s voice snapped him back to reality.

“Yeah, absolutely,” he nodded, pushing thoughts of Hillary to the back of his mind as he turned to greet the next cluster of excited fans. The show must go on, after all, even if his heart wasn’t entirely in it today.

“Hey, you okay?” Rebecca whispered between fans right after Ethan snapped at him, her hand resting lightly on his arm. “You seem a bit... distracted.”

Julius shook his head, trying to brush off her worry with a casual shrug. “It’s nothing, really. Just... just a woman on my mind, that’s all.”

The words slipped out before he could stop them, and guilt twisted in his gut. He shouldn’t be thinking about Hillary, not when he had a job to do and fans counting on him. But even as he posed for the next photo, he couldn’t shake the image of her sparkling eyes and quick wit from his thoughts.

“A woman, huh?” Rebecca elbowed him playfully. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen you caught up on a woman. What’s she like?”

“Focus you two,” Ethan hissed. “Do not remind these humans of why I am superior when you cannot focus.”

As if scripted, Julius fell into banter with Ethan as if they were elf and human, discussing the merits of war.

Julius grinned as he slipped into character, his posture straightening and his voice taking on a regal tone. “Ah, but you forget, dear human, that we elves have centuries of wisdom and experience to draw upon. Our methods may seem foreign to you, but they have served us well through countless battles and trials.”

Ethan scoffed, his eyes glinting with mischief as he stepped forward, closing the distance between them. “Wisdom and experience? What good are those when faced with the raw strength and determination of the human spirit? We may not have your fancy magic or eternal youth, but we have something far more valuable—the will to fight for what we believe in, no matter the odds.”

The fans watched with rapt attention, their cameras flashing as they captured every moment of the impromptu performance. Julius and Ethan circled each other, their movements fluid and graceful, as if they were engaged in an intricate dance.

“You speak of the human spirit as if it were some great virtue,” Julius countered, his lips curling into a smirk. “But what of the destruction and chaos that your kind leave in their wake? How many wars have been fought, how much blood spilled, in the name of your so-called determination?”

Ethan’s face grew serious, his voice dropping to a low, intense whisper. “And what of the elves’ isolation and indifference to the suffering of others? You hide away in your enchanted forests, content to watch the world burn as long as your own lands remain untouched. At least we humans are willing to stand up and fight for what is right, even if it means sacrificing everything we hold dear.”

The room fell silent, the faux tension palpable as the two actors starred each other down. Then, as if on cue, they both broke into wide grins, the spell broken as they clasped hands and bowed to the cheering crowd.

“Well played, my friend,” Julius chuckled, patting Ethan on the back. “You almost had me convinced there for a moment.”

“What can I say? Only you think I’m second best,” Ethan winked, gesturing to Julius with a flourish.

Rebecca rolled her eyes, but there was a hint of a smile playing at the corners of her mouth. “If you two are quite finished with your little display, we have fans waiting for their photos.”

Julius and Ethan exchanged sheepish looks before turning back to the line of eager fans, their smiles bright and their energy renewed. As they posed for photo after photo, Julius couldn’t help but marvel at the magic of the moment—the way that a simple exchange of words could transport them all to another world, even if only for a few fleeting minutes.

Ethan shot him a knowing look as they waited for the next group to come through the black curtain. “A woman, huh?” he asked in a low voice, just loud enough for Julius to hear.

Julius shifted uncomfortably in his seat. “Yeah,” he admitted with a sigh. “She’s... different.”

Rebecca raised an eyebrow curiously. “Different how?”

“She’s smart,” Julius said with a small smile. “She seemed interested in this world, but like her entire actual focus was on academic readings and meetings.” It sounded ridiculous when he explained it like that.

“And you got all that how?” Ethan snickered, but clearly interested.

“Well... she’s a journalist,” trying to find the right words to describe Hillary without giving away too much. “She’s incredibly smart and passionate about her work.”

“And beautiful?” Rebecca prompted with a wiggle of her eyebrows.

“Absolutely,” Julius replied without hesitation. “But that’s not what drew me to her.”

Rebecca raised an eyebrow at him in surprise. “Oh? Do tell.”

“It’s... hard to explain,” Julius admitted with a shrug. “It’s like she sees through all the superficial stuff and actually cares about who I am as a person. And she’s not afraid to challenge me or ask me the questions that don’t make any sense in line with my character.”

Ethan chuckled lightly. “Sounds like she’d be more interested in your character than you.”

Julius rolled his eyes playfully before turning serious again. “She interviewed me yesterday,” he explained. “And she just, got under my skin somehow. Then last night?—”

“Got under your skin? Sounds like someone has a crush,” Rebecca teased, nudging him with her elbow. “Now, we have a little more left. Let’s get your head out of your own fantasy and into the one that pays our bills.”

As the session ended and the fans dispersed, Julius found himself reaching for his phone, his fingers hovering over Hillary’s contact information. He took a deep breath, trying to steady the nervous flutter in his chest as he typed out a message.

“Hey, how’s your day going? I was wondering if you might be free to meet up later, grab a coffee or something?”

His thumb hovered over the send button, uncertainty holding him back. Was he being too forward? Too desperate? He didn’t want to scare her off, but he also couldn’t bear the thought of letting this connection slip away.

With a final surge of courage, Julius hit send, his heart beating oddly fast for just sending a text as he watched the message whoosh away into the digital ether. Now all he could do was wait and hope, his fate resting in the hands of a woman he barely knew but couldn’t seem to forget for a second time in as many days.

Hillary navigated the bustling convention halls, her eyes wide with wonder she tried to not stop in front of every single booth she passed. From plushies to books, and character models to dice, there was literally every color under the sun and every possible fandom she could think of represented up on the main floor. The air buzzed with excitement, a palpable energy thrumming through her very bones. She felt a sense of belonging here, amidst the throngs of passionate fans and creators, all united by their love of storytelling.

As she wove her way through the crowds, Hillary couldn’t help but scan the surrounding faces, secretly hoping to catch a glimpse of Julius. She knew it was a long shot, with his undoubtedly packed schedule, but the memory of their brief encounter still lingered in her mind, a tantalizing “what if” that refused to be ignored. He’d stopped them both, but she’d ultimately killed it by rushing out on her own.

“Focus, Hillary,” she muttered to herself, shaking her head as she glanced at her itinerary for the ninth time. ‘World building in the Science Fiction Age’ was down next to Artist’s Alley, and if she didn’t find the escalators to get down there on time, Olivia would have her head because she was friends with two of the authors on the panel. It wasn’t that she didn’t know where they were after two days, just that she had to find her way through the throngs of people.

She couldn’t afford to be distracted, no matter how captivating a certain actor might be.

Rushing, her foot got stuck on what must have been wiring tapped to the ground and she stumbled forward, slapping her hands against a booth.

“Sorry!” She muttered and tried to move even faster out of the way.

She nearly sighed in relief when she found the down escalator, stepping on without pausing to avoid a collision behind her. She did her best not to tap her fingers as she waited to get to the bottom. Thankfully, she’d been in this panel room earlier—she just hadn’t come from upstairs.

Rushing into the designated room just as the lights began to dim, Hillary settled into a seat surrounded by eager fans, many of whom she had interviewed earlier in the day. As the panelists took the stage to a round of applause, Hillary felt a buzz against her thigh. Startled, she reached for her phone, her heart skipping a beat as she saw Julius’s name illuminated on the screen.

She knew opening it was a bad idea before the panel, but couldn’t seem to help herself. Tapping the banner to open the message, a smile tugged at her lips as she read his text. He wanted to see her again, to spend time together amidst the chaos of the convention. The thought sent a thrill coursing through her, even as a voice in the back of her mind whispered cautions about getting too close, too invested.

Hillary took a deep breath, trying to calm the flutter in her stomach. She typed out a response, her thumbs dancing over the screen as she crafted a message that she hoped struck the right balance of casual interest and professional distance.

“Today’s been amazing, but you’re far too much of a distraction! I’ve got to stay focused on the job at hand. Rain check on that coffee?”

As she hit send, Hillary couldn’t help but wonder if Julius had been thinking about her throughout the day. If their brief connection had left as much of an impression on him as it had on her. The thought made her giddy. She was like a schoolgirl with a crush, and she had to stifle a laugh as she imagined his reaction to her playful rebuff.

As the panelists took their seats at the front of the overly crowded room, Hillary leaned forward in her chair, her notebook at the ready. The moderator, a well-known science fiction author himself, welcomed the crowd before introducing the distinguished guests.

“Today, we have the pleasure of hearing from three visionary creators who have shaped the landscape of science fiction through their intricate and immersive world-building,” he began, gesturing to the panelists. “Please welcome Dr. Evelyn Thorne, renowned astrophysicist and author of the groundbreaking ‘Celestial Saga’ series. Liam Gallagher, lead designer of the critically acclaimed ‘Andromeda’s Edge’ video game franchise, and Naomi Naka, the mastermind behind the epic ‘Distant Realms’ graphic novel trilogy.”

The audience erupted in applause as the panelists waved and smiled, their faces illuminated by the overhead lights. Hillary couldn’t help but feel a sense of awe as she took in their presence, each one a giant in their respective fields.

Dr. Thorne spoke first, her voice clear and confident as she addressed the eager crowd. She was a small woman, not much older than Hillary yet when she spoke, she commanded attention in a way Hillary never could. “When it comes to crafting believable and engaging science fiction worlds, it’s crucial to start with a solid foundation in real science,” she explained, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. “By understanding the principles of physics, astronomy, and biology, we can extrapolate and imagine future technologies, alien environments, and the consequences of scientific advancements on society.”

Liam Gallagher nodded in agreement, leaning forward to share his own insights as he tucked a pocket square into his tweed jacket pocket. “In video games, world-building is about more than just the visuals and mechanics,” he added, his hands gesturing animatedly. “It’s about creating a sense of history, culture, and depth that players can immerse themselves in. But it has to be entirely visual. Every detail, from the architecture to the language, should feel authentic and purposeful.”

Naomi Naka chimed in, her voice soft but filled with conviction. “In graphic novels, we have the unique opportunity to blend visual storytelling with rich, layered text bits,” she said, her gaze sweeping over the audience. “By carefully crafting each panel, each character design, and each background, we can transport readers to fantastical realms that feel both alien and familiar at the same time.”

As the panelists delved deeper into their creative processes, sharing anecdotes and behind-the-scenes glimpses into their work, Hillary found herself furiously scribbling notes, her mind buzzing with inspiration. The way they spoke about their craft, with such passion and dedication, was infectious, and she could feel the energy of the room rising with each passing minute.

Questions from the audience flowed freely, ranging from technical inquiries about world-building mechanics to more philosophical musings on the role of science fiction in shaping our collective future. The panelists answered each one with thoughtfulness and candor, their responses sparking lively discussions and debates among the attendees. Hillary wasn’t certain her pen could keep up with the flow of information.

Hillary’s phone buzzed again, and she couldn’t resist sneaking a glance at the screen. Julius’s response was immediate and playful, a stark contrast to the serious tone of the panel discussion.

“I suppose I’ll have to let you off the hook this time, but don’t think you’re getting away that easily. Focus on your work, and we’ll catch up later. I’ve got a few distractions of my own to deal with.”

She laughed softly, imagining Julius surrounded by a hoarde of adoring fans, his attention pulled in a million different directions. It was a reminder of the world he inhabited, one so different from her own, and yet, in this moment, it felt like they were the only two people in the room.

As the panel delved into the intricacies of world building, Hillary found her mind drifting back to Julius, wondering what he was doing, if he was thinking of her. She pictured him at his booth, his charming smile and easy laugh drawing people in like moths to a flame. The thought sent a flutter through her stomach, a mixture of excitement and nervousness that she couldn’t quite shake.

She typed out a quick response, a smile emoji, before tucking her phone away and turning her attention back to the speakers.

The rest of the panel passed in a blur, her notes a jumble of half-formed thoughts and doodles in the margins, but notes just the same. As the applause died down and the crowd began to disperse, Hillary gathered her things, her mind already racing ahead to her next interview, her next deadline.

But even as she threw herself back into her work, the thought of Julius lingered, a tantalizing promise of something more, something that made her heart race and her cheeks flush. She knew it was foolish, knew that the odds were against him ever talking to her again in the real world, but she didn’t care. She was content to live in the present, to savor the thrill of possibility, and to see where this unexpected connection might lead.