by Blythe Stone
“There you are! They’ve been looking for you. It’s time,” Jenny said.
She hadn’t seen that much of her assistant over the past few days and in truth she’d forgotten that she was here a few times. They hadn’t even texted much. Stan maintained contact constantly when he was with her and Jenny had just given her space. She hadn’t noticed how nice it was to breathe and do her own thing.
“We’re coming,” Iris said, getting up and patting Jenny on the back.
“You okay?” She asked.
“Yeah, yeah, I probably need to get in some more gym time but fine,” Jenny huffed out.
“Thanks for coming to get us,” Iris said and stepped back toward the couch.
She put her hand out for Nat to take.
Nat left her sandwich and took her hand.
“Back to work,” Iris hummed and led the way.
No one mentioned the incident from earlier but Iris could tell that people were looking at them differently. They were all professionals. There was no need to bring it up. They took their time with the scene.
Iris felt unstoppable and showed it, nailing almost every take. Nat was even better, giving one of her best performances in a tense scene. Iris kept thinking about that kiss that happened ten feet to her left. That’s when she messed up. She’d smile when she was supposed to be serious.
They managed to finish earlier than expected and, at the end, Iris was actually joking with Michael about one of his lines. She punched his arm and laughed along with him about the over-dramatic part of the script. She’d nearly bust out laughing when he delivered the line while the camera was rolling but managed to keep herself together.
“I swear they should just make it the tagline of the movie,” Iris grinned.
“I know,” he said and put on his serious face. “Did you really think we’d let a bunch of robots take over Earth?” He growled, using a voice akin to Batman’s.
“You gotta stop,” Iris laughed. “I’m dying.”
She naturally reached out to find Nat’s body and rubbed her back, still caught up in the conversation.
Nat cuddled close and kissed her head.
Brian came from behind the camera to dismiss them for the day and they said goodbye to Michael and the others. They walked off set arm-in-arm, enjoying the intimacy.
“I need to check in with Jenny before we go. She’s probably around here somewhere,” Iris said.
“No rush,” Nat said.
Iris nodded and they walked to the costume trailer to change back into their street clothes. Iris knew that Jenny had to be in one of two places, craft service or her trailer. She and Nat went to the trailer first and that’s where they found her, sitting on the couch Iris had fallen asleep on the day before.
“Hey!” Iris walked up and bent down to give her a little hug. “I just wanted to say hi before I leave. Just call me if anything comes up. I promise I’ll have my phone on me but everything should be fine.”
“Sounds good,” Jenny said.
“I guess we’ll see you later,” Iris said, walking back to where she left Nat at the door.
“Hey,” Jenny said.
“Yeah?” Iris asked.
“Congrats,” Jenny smiled.
Iris laughed and smiled back at Nat, catching her eyes before turning back to Jenny.
“Thanks,” she said.
Jenny gave her a thumbs up and Iris rolled her eyes, backing down the stairs and waving as she went.
“Byyyyye,” she drawled and closed the door.
She faced Nat and grinned, she was doing that so much these days. “Should we go by my hotel tonight or tomorrow?” Iris took Nat’s arm and curled her own around it, linking them as they walked back toward the main set.
“If I’m not going to be there much I figured I could use some more things, like my guitar and my laptop,” she said.
“Lets go now,” Nat smiled. “I want you comfortable.”
“You’re sweet,” Iris mused.
They met Nat’s car at the curb outside and rode the twenty minute journey to the hotel close to one another and occasionally exchanging words but mostly just enjoying one another. Iris kept thinking about Jenny’s reaction and the way everyone else hadn’t made it a big deal.
They could have been weird about it and she knew it couldn’t all be like this. They would probably meet someone somewhere who gave them crap for their relationship. There would always be people like that.
When they got to the hotel, Iris gathered her things and left the place as empty as it had been when she arrived. There was no need to keep a foothold here until she doubted. She made a choice to put everything, every caution and red flag that her mind could throw up, aside and trust in the feelings.
Nat helped her carry the few bags she had down. She carried her guitar and suitcase. They put them in the trunk and drove back in the direction of Nat’s place.
The night surrounded them and Iris relaxed into Nat, enjoying the support and safety she provided. They had so much to look forward to, a whole day of doing whatever they wanted before the hard work began.
They had stunt work the day after and Nat would have scenes with Michael, including the one Iris had been dreading ever since they started seeing one another. It wasn’t just a kiss but a full blown sex scene with nudity.
Iris trusted Nat, and Michael was growing on her, but it would still be weird. She didn’t come from this world. She could get used to it. This was a job, not Nat having a good time with someone she wanted to be with.
Still, Iris held Nat tighter and kissed her on the lips. They had a day before she even had to think about it. She watched shadows pass over Nat’s face and thought about how lucky she was. Nat was more than she could imagine.
Chapter 12
Touristy Things
Vancouver was filled to the brim with trendy cafes and restaurants but Natalie wasn’t interested in any of that today. “So, what do you think?” Nat asked. They’d gotten showered and hadn’t done much else since the high of being together was literally floating them like fresh helium. She’d knelt in front of Iris by the foot of the bed and held at her knees staring up at her face joyfully. They hadn’t dressed just yet.
“Are there any more eclectic things to see. I keep forgetting to look things up on my phone because you’re so damn distracting,” Iris smiled.
“I’m distracting?!” Nat teased, staring up at Iris’s perfect face and her body, the girl was a twelve.
“Yes, in the best way,” Iris told her.
She reached out and pet Nat’s hair with both hands smoothing it down and then cupping her cheeks, leaning close enough to give her a short kiss.
“What do you want to do?” Iris asked.
“They have this cool bridge,” Nat said. “Olivia told me about it but I never got to go.”
“Then we’ll see it. I’m down for anything as long as I get enough coffee and kisses,” Iris said.
“Well then,” Nat breathed, standing and sniffing up Iris’s body slowly while she did. “I am going to dress for the outdoors.” She kissed up Iris’s neck and tasted the bodywash and the moistness from the water they’d just rinsed in.
“I can’t wait to see what outdoorsy Nat looks like,” Iris teased and widened her eyes. “I won’t even look until we’re both done getting dressed.”
“Um. I’m going to look exactly the same,” Nat laughed. She’d pretty much worn what she was going to wear, except she had a nicer hoodie that was more stretchy and form-fitting.
“So, super sexy and delicious,” Iris said.
She stood up and ran her hands over Nat’s shoulders, letting one hand stray to Nat’s breast. She squeezed it lightly and then leaned down to kiss the nipple. When she was done she walked away to where she left her suitcase the night before.
Nat couldn’t have it. Iris was a lot like Olivia and it was literally driving her insane. She walked over to her and turned her around, forcing a deep mouthy kiss and holding her body with her arm
s and hands.
“That was nice,” Iris said, watching Nat.
She nuzzled Nat’s nose with hers and dipped down to steal a kiss, content to stay standing like this, enjoying the touch and feel of Nat.
“You can’t just touch me, it does things,” Nat whispered. She squeezed her tight and rested her forehead on the side of her head. Where Olivia bit, Iris softened and Nat was really starting to notice that she liked it like this. When Nat first started with Olivia, all their moments were tender like this.
“I like doing things to you,” Iris said.
“We will literally stay here all day if we start to do things,” Nat warned. “I’m not gonna want to allow you to breathe.” They’d been hot and heavy but that didn’t mean the urge had been quenched. Nat had gone through a vast dry spell which meant she could probably go for days and days and still crave it.
“Then, I suggest we go get coffee, go see this bridge, have fun exploring, and then come back here so I can do whatever I want with you,” Iris said, drawing a fingertip down between Nat’s breasts.
Nat breathed heavily, staring slightly down and into Iris’s completely entrancing eyes. She pushed Iris back to give herself space. Then she walked to her clothes and started to change.
Iris grinned and watched her go, completely under Nat’s power. She turned and opened her bag, pulling out clothes to dress in: a pair of worn skinny camo pants, a sports bra, a tank top, and a thick hoodie from her friend’s band.
She put on her one pair of good hiking shoes and turned around, pulling her hair up into a loose bun and watching Nat finish up.
Nat let her hair hang loose since it was wet and she tucked her phone back into her purse. “I’ll get us some waters,” she said, knowing she’d want to bring her little backpack incase they were gone for a while.
They left the apartment and traveled down to the car, getting in.
“Requests?” The driver asked.
“A cafe?” Nat said. “And then the Capilano Suspension Bridge after that.”
“You got it baby,” her driver said. He rolled up the thick tinted partition and Nat relaxed, feeling blessed for the time. She hadn’t been working out, at least, not the traditional way. Nat almost always ran and did cardio. All these afternoons off with Iris were distracting her from her routines but she didn’t care.
“Interesting guy,” Iris shook her head and leaned over, resting her head on Nat’s chest.
“He’s sweet. Been with me for a while,” Nat said. “And he plays the saxophone at a Jazz club. I’m sure you’d like to know that.” Barry was older and he lived for the job.
“I like his voice. He reminds me of Louis Armstrong,” Iris decided.
“Yeah, he’s got that growl,” Nat chuckled.
“It’s cool. Maybe we can go see him play,” Iris suggested.
She tugged on one of the strings on Nat’s hoodie and played with it.
Nat leaned in and kissed Iris’s forehead. “You smell so good,” she whispered, throat tight. It was so nice to have her here to adore. Nat missed this so much, having a sweet girl.
The car stopped in front of a cafe and Barry opened Iris’s door. “I’ll hover ‘round back,” he said. “Take your time.”
“Thanks,” Nat said, getting out and following her in.
The clouds were out but the sun still poked through. People were sitting out on the gated patio in hopes and anticipation. “You wanna sit outside?” Nat asked.
Inside there was a fireplace and several little groups of people chatting and talking, drinking their bloody mary’s and coffee together and eating eggs benedict on biscuits and small charcuterie spreads with yogurt cups.
“Yeah, it’s nice out,” Iris said, she held Nat’s hand and huddled close.
Nat got them a table outside near the corner so they could be comfy and alone. There was always that knowledge of being recognized. Nat tried not to pay attention too much to the ways some people would stare.
“Iced coffee please,” she asked the waiter. “And the Sunrise Sammie.” It had avocado and fresh greens and the bread was made fresh. Nat wasn't in a rush but she wanted to relax and not spend years on the menu.
“I'll have the same thing,” Iris said.
“Aww, babe, you sure?” Nat asked, worried she came off as rushing. “I didn't even look at the menu, everything looks great here.”
The waiter hovered just in case. “The specials are amazing. It's a good choice,” he encouraged. “My favorite right now is the honeyhole hash. Our biscuits are a local favorite”
“Ooo, can we try a biscuit then?” Nat added.
“You got it,” the man chuckled. “And, what do you think? Are we sure?” He asked Iris. “People are obsessed with the Homie Waffles as well. Fresh fruit on those with house made whipped cream.”
Nat looked to Iris, her eyebrow raised.
“I'll try the waffles, then,” Iris said.
“Coming right up,” the waiter said. Nat stared over at her, entertained.
“Tough decision?” She teased.
Iris pursed her lips and raised an eyebrow.
“I heard waffles and I was sold. That's one of my weaknesses,” Iris replied.
She leaned close and gave her a wicked grin.
“I can think of better uses for the whipped cream though,” she said.
“Baby!” Nat teased, taken aback. Nat had her sunglasses on and she wanted to jump over the table and tug Iris towards her, kiss the ever loving fuck out of her.
“You're thinking about it now,” Iris teased.
She found Nat's leg under the table and used her foot to slide up her calf and back down.
“Oh, oh okay,” Nat said ,easily messed with. “What did I tell you earlier?” Nat asked, scooting her legs back under her chair and leaning forward over the table to keep herself safe from meddling. Her boobs looked fantastic though so this attempt to be chaste obviously wasn't working in her favor. Iris openly stared.
“Ah yes, I seem to have forgotten.” Iris put her hands on the table and smiled. “I promise to stop being bad. However, I request one kiss,” she bartered.
“Or. You can come sit by me and we can just kiss instead of eating,” Nat posed.
“The kissing could happen in addition to the eating,” Iris countered.
She did get up and move to the chair beside Nat.
“Is it unusual that all I want to do is be as close as possible to you at all times?”
“Um. I like it,” Nat laughed. “So no. Get over here.” Nat leaned in and started to kiss her, keeping it dreamy and slow. “Baby,” she whispered. She breathed her in and held at Iris's smooth neck and face. “Sometimes I think it's not possible to get close enough. I want you so much…”
Iris smiled at her and adored every inch of Natalie’s face.
“That makes me so happy. I want you too, obviously, and I hope you know I’m prepared to do anything to keep you,” she said dreamily.
“I'm not going to ask you to murder anyone,” Nat joked.
“Good, because I don’t like blood or touching most people,” she answered.
“Excuse me?”
“Hm?” Nat looked up. A woman was standing in front of them near the table.
“I um. Is there any way I can get a picture with you. I loved you in Burn Out.”
“Oh,” Nat said, “Yeah, of course.”
She got up and went around the table to stand with her. Burn Out was a super popular frat house comedy that literally painted her as a big boobed college-aged sexpot but it really paid. When Nat did comic conventions it was all that anyone wanted to talk about.
“Oh shoot, it's not working,” the girl said nervously.
“Here,” Nat laughed, taking the phone and holding it out just right to click the picture for her.
“Thank you. I love everything you do.”
“Thanks,” Nat laughed, watching the woman as she hurried away.
Iris had been watching the whole thing, smiling at
Nat and wondering how often things like this happened to her. When the woman was gone and Nat was back in her seat Iris leaned over and kissed her.
“You’re so sweet. I know I keep saying it but it’s true.”
“Let's just say things are a lot easier in Canada. I can't go anywhere in L.A.”
“I imagine not. It’s a lot more chill here. People don’t like to invade your privacy. Even I’ve been stopped in L.A. and New York.”
“Exactly,” Nat nodded. “America is just weird.” No boundaries.
“It really is and it’s great sometimes but when people start showing up at your house randomly and lurk outside in the bushes, that’s too much,” Iris said.
“Maybe that's why I refuse to buy a house,” Nat smiled sadly. “Some sort of unconscious self-preservation.”
Their coffee came and the biscuit they ordered was delivered with butter, jelly, and honey for experimentation.
“Probably and if you don’t have a fixed address then they can’t find you. Congratulate your subconscious on that plan. Maybe you also just need a reason to settle down,” Iris pointed out.
She watched Nat’s face as she spoke and sighed.
“This job isn't much for the settling type,” Nat reminded. She drank her coffee and put some honey on the biscuit to try it. “Mm,” she said, face changing. “Shit,” she laughed. “It's really good.”
She drank more coffee and stared at Iris openly. “Come ‘ere,” she said, wanting to kiss her again. Talk of settling down never seemed to factor into her dates. Well, unless they were with Olivia. Olivia always suggested she take a break and go live with her.
Nat rubbed Iris's thigh and kissed her sweetly, tasting the jalapeno honey as it slipped off her tongue.
“Do you think about settling down,” Nat wondered. The tour life could only work for a certain type of person. Iris didn't exactly fit the description but god she was beautiful. Nat wondered what a full tour with her would be like.
“Yeah, I do. I know it wouldn’t be the normal definition of it, at least not while I’m going full force with music and acting. I also feel like a person can be your home and settling down doesn’t have to mean you stay in one place. I want to someday. I know I’ll get tired of traveling so much and being around so many people. Sometimes, I think, when I get older I’ll be like my parents and get a little place with a garden and some cats,” Iris said.