Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Ever since his early childhood, Franklin always knew he wanted to be on TV in some sort of way, particularly because he wanted to be famous. It was every child’s dream at the time, since international broadcasting was becoming ever more popular. However with family and attitude to social life like Franklin’s, it wasn’t going to be particularly easy.

Franklin was always viewed as a miserable grump wherever he’d go, never wanting to have fun and was very rarely ever seen smiling. He was ‘the down-pour to everyone’s sunny day’ as people said. Because of this, he was often turned away at auditions and interviews when he grew to an adult, or was thrilled to be excepted into something, only to despise the role and leave the production as soon as possible.

Unfortunately however, once his only supporting family member of his, his grandmother, passed away in her sleep on a late February evening in her home, Franklin was left with nothing. No love, no support, no help with money, he had absolutely nothing now. So, in the end he had no choice.

Depressed and even more miserable, Franklin desperately searched for auditions high and low, going to every single one he could, whether he wanted it or not, to no avail. He was broke, exhausted and emotionally shattered. He felt he had nothing else left. Nothing at all.

That was until one day in May of 1969 he received a phone call for a ‘call-back’ to one specific audition he had attended a few weeks prior. It was for a children’s puppet show set to release later on that year called ‘Welcome Home’.

Franklin’s heart dropped at the sound of this. Shocked he had actually gotten accepted, but also have dread set in as this was the one audition he would have been happy not being accepted for.

A children’s show…seriously? Just the mere thought of it caused Franklin to go through 7 cigarettes that day alone. He absolutely despised children. Maybe being broke and sad would’ve been better.

Whatever, it was money at the end of the day, and that’s all Franklin needed. He didn’t give a shit about fame anymore. He gave up on that dream a long time ago.

Finally, the day rolled around for Franklin’s ‘call-back’ audition. With a rough night’s sleep, a slight hangover being the cause of it, deep eye bags and a look of absolute dread, Franklin took a deep breath and made his way inside of the building.

And that’s where our story begins now…

Chapter Text

Stuffy.

That was the word Franklin would use to describe it.

It was extremely stuffy in this room where he sat on one of the many different coloured chairs, his leg bouncing up and down constantly in an uncontrolled manor. It was a habit Franklin couldn't stop when he was nervous, which embarrassed him a little. He wasn't meant to be nervous, at least not for a silly little gig like this. He'd probably end up in the same situation he's seen himself in many times before; working the job on set for a month before getting tired of it and just leaving without a trace, just this time with no financial support. He knew it was unprofessional and could possibly risk his 'career', but no one did contact him or seem to care when he did. He was practically invisible to them on the job so why would they care if he left without a second word? Whatever, he was just going to end up in that stage again, although he might stay another month to earn up just a little more money for that months rent. Or to try pay off all the one's he's missed-

The big wooden door to the right of him opened with a sudden 'swoosh', the impact of the air making Franklin immediately break out of his thoughts. In the door way stood a very well dressed lady holding a clipboard in her hand. She had red curly hair that was cut into a bob and small pointed glasses that sat on the tip of her nose. She wore a very neat red blouse with a white neck bow and a matching navy blue blazer and pencil skirt. Tapping her pencil against her chin, he watched as her amber eyes skimmed over the paper.

"Hmm...Oh! Mr. Franklin, yes? Right this way! You're the last one."

With a heavy sigh and a rub of his eye, Franklin stood up straight and straightened out his knitted vest, holding the piece of paper with his name and picture on tightly in his hands. He followed the neat woman into the room she held the door open for, wearing a large smile on her lips. It was a bit...uh...unnerving, to say the least. He politely smiled back as he walked past her into the room where some muffled voices were now becoming more clear. He lifted his head and was instantly shocked to see that the room was full. People were holding small white cups of water in their hands as the chatted in small groups. But the main thing that Franklin noticed in the room was that everyone...looked so different. This was nothing like an audition or staff meeting he'd ever been too before in past jobs. Everyone seemed very vibrant. It was certainly refreshing.

A tall woman with short side-swept dark brown hair and a very cozy looking rainbow cardigan that looked like she had knitted herself stood in one corner of the room, talking to a shorter woman with a very vibrant yellow afro who had a hand on her hip and a drink in the other. In the other corner stood 2 very tall men, one slim and taller who looked like he had just come from a shift at the store, whilst the other was a little more smaller and slightly chubby, his laugh deep from having just told a joke to the other man. Franklin then looked to where the table of beverages and pastries sat, instantly being met with a...blue pompadour? Well, that wasn't a style you seen everyday. He was, not surprisingly, surrounded by at least 3 females, each of them giggling whenever the man said something, although if this were anywhere else, Franklin would've assumed he was a boy on his way to school with his red cardigan and being able to possess that same uncanny smile all kids seem to have. Although, to be fair, the short man did not at all seem to be bothered at getting swooned over, just simply talking to them as normal. There was always at least one.

With the slight roll of his eyes, Franklin drifted his gaze to the large window where 2 men stood. Franklin didn't even have time try and listen to what they were saying, as he instantly couldn't draw his amber pupils away from those purple ones of the man that stood leaning against the glass, his laughing face in full view. The man was tall, not tall like the other 2 from before, but looked to be close to Franklin's height, possibly being a slightly bit taller than him. He had a white t-shirt and and blue jeans that were neatly put together, although clearly not ironed due to the amount of crinkles prominent. He had red short hair that was slicked back slightly, but not red as in ginger, no, it was bright red, and boy did it match perfectly with his lightly tanned skin and freckles adorning his nose and cheeks, which were rosy, along with having a small goatee on his chin that matched the colour of his hair. Oh, and he had he had the most beautiful Southern accent that Franklin could hear muffled from afar. He could tell the man was muscular whilst also being slightly plump as well based off of his stature. And his eyes...

"Spotted someone already~?"

Franklin let out a high-pitched yelp that alerted a few people around him, thankfully not the guy he had just been staring at for a solid 3 minutes. He whipped his head around with his unibrow furrowed, instantly being met with a large sum of blonde hair and a smug look upon a woman's face, her hands on her hips.

"Damn, that was fast! You haven't even been in here for 10 minutes and you're already eyeing-up the southern red head-"
"Geez, keep your voice down! You're going to make me look like psycho." The shorter blonde woman let out a giggle before holding her hand out to Franklin, each nail painted a different colour that somehow matched perfectly with her puffy skirt and sleeves.

"Juliet is the name! This time with no Romeo." Franklin eyed Juliet up and down with confusion before lifting his hand to shake hers back. "U-Um...It's just Franklin." Juliet's pink eyes instantly lit up with light, a smug grin lifting up upon her pink lips as she pointed her free hand at Franklin.

"Can I call you 'Franky'?"
"Absolutely not."

Before another word was said, a screech came from a small speaker on the wall before a voice then followed.

"Will all cast and crew members please make their way through the next door for a final analysis and talk with the head's of 'The Playfellow Workshop' company. Thank you."

Juliet let go of Franklin's hand and spun on her platformed heels towards the door where everyone was heading towards. "See ya there, Franky! Good luck!"

Oh boy. Either this is the final battle and Franklin can leave with no job in the next 15 minutes, or this is the start of a living hell. A very colourful one at that.

Chapter Text

Franklin scratched the back of his head as he looked down at the piece of paper he was just handed by that same red-haired lady from before.

'Franklin Ferguson'
Sex : Male
Age: 27
Role(s) auditioned for: Ensemble, Clocktower
Role chosen for: ‘Frank Frankly'

Franklin's unibrow furrowed at the sight of the character he was chosen for.

'Frank Frankly', huh? He was a little weirded out on why he was picked for a character he never auditioned for. Franklin never wanted to have a large role in the show, only picking the characters that were at the very bottom of the character sheet, ones that could've been voice acted by a few people and not just one singular person, characters that would probably feature in one episode and then never get brought up again for at least another 3 or 4.

He doesn't really remember looking at the main characters for the show when he went for the audition. He knew he never wanted a big role in the show, only wanting to say a few lines, earn a few bills and finally pay off some debt and have a nice meal. However, he does remember seeing one at the top of the list that caught his eye, simply because it was close to his name. He remembers that name being 'Frank' but then thought nothing of it after that. He was still astonished onto how he got called back for the show. When he went, he wasn't even able to see the people who were watching him, as the sat behind a large black curtain. It confused Franklin, to say the least, and he vaguely remembers being a little rude to them, walking out of the audition early as to when he asked why he couldn't see them, they simply stated that he 'didn't have too'. That pissed him off, and after spitting a rather venomous goodbye to them, he picked up his jacket and walked out of the room, letting the door slam behind him.

So, why the hell would they want him back? And why specifically to voice one of the main characters he most definitely didn't audition for.

He was the last left sat on a small bench behind a large back curtain that was concealing the call-back auditions, nervously picking at his pants as his leg bounced up and down the wooden flooring, his other hand occupied as he bit his nail, his audition paper discarded beside him. He hadn't even heard the previous audition end before he heard his name being called, the time by a male voice.

"Franklin next please." The young man quickly stood up and brushed off his pants before running a hand through his short black hair he had managed to style that morning, although it was a little roughed up now. He took a deep breathe, picked up the paper and drew back the large black curtain.

He immediately eyed 3 people sat at a table full of papers like his, one male in the middle and 2 females either side of them. The sat in front of a large open space in a room with a wooden floor, plain walls and a mirror in the back. Certainly a contrast to the rest of the colourful studio. Franklin smiled nervously as he walked into the middle of the floor in front of the table, feeling 3 pairs of eyes burning directly into his soul.

He stood straight and swung his arms behind him. All 3 judges were smiling, the exact same uncanny smile the red-haired woman had earlier on. Seriously, what was wrong with smiling staff in this building. The male judge spoke first, smile unmoving.

"Ah, Mr. Franklin. Glad you could make it in such terrible weather."
"A-Ah, y-yes sir..."
"Fantastic! Now, I know you must be a little confused because of the character we have listed you for wasn't any you auditioned for. But, just know we picked you for it for a reason."

That man's smile...It was still there, even as he speaking. It's like it was being held up with pins on his face. And, 'for a reason'?...What damn reason? Franklin smiled again, even more nervously before slowly nodding, looking everywhere but these 3 people's faces.

"Don't be alarmed, we have you all covered. We just need you to say a few lines of dialogue for us and we'll go from there. Here." The man held out a piece of paper that was given to him by the lady to his right. Franklin's unibrow furrowed again before he let out a silent sigh and grabbed the paper, moving back to his place in the middle of the room, skimming over the script.

The man spoke again, signalling to the lady on his right, them all still smiling.

"Me assistant here will help play the character Julie Joyful in this scene, since you will be playing Frank's role. So, begin whenever you're ready." All of them stared intensely at him after those final words, making Franklin fumble slightly with nerves he's never ever felt in an audition before, quickly looking down at the paper and clearing his throat. Well, he may as well try. This may be his only chance of securing a job.

F: "W-Well? What did they say?"

J: "Your tomatoes think you have a very love-o-ly bowtie today!"

F: "They do?-"

Franklin then decided to bend down and pretended to softly and politely 'thank' the tomatoes. He stood up again, following the scripts description of Frank turning his attention back to Julie in the scene.

F: "What else are they saying?"

J: "Well- they also think your marigolds could be a little merrier! But I wouldn’t say that in front of your flowers!"

Franklin then pauses for a moment, now mumbling an apology to the marigolds and was going to 'see what he could do about it'. The woman then speaks again.

J: "They also had one last thing to say…. They think… That you’ve done such a good job gardening… That you should go play jump rope with Julie to celebrate!"

Franklin lets out a loud sigh and then his expression churns, his voice turning distressed. He could feel his palms sweating.

F: "Oh Julie! You were fibbing about the tomatoes telling you all that, weren’t you!?"

J: "No, Frank, I was telling the truth! Honest! Your marigolds really are very, very rude!"

Franklin then rolls his eyes and crosses his arms, turning into the neighbourhood grump he was meant to be playing. Hey, sounded a lot like him himself.

The scene then finally came an end by the 3 of them clapping and Franklin finally breaking out of character, his face slightly flushed with embarrassment. He's never gotten a round of applause before. Maybe he played this Frank character a little too well...

"Bravo, Mr. Franklin! That was great. Now just a few more individual lines for you to speak and you're finished." Franklin breathed a sigh of relief, feeling like a weight had been lifted off of his shoulders. Maybe this wasn't so bad.

15 minutes later, Franklin walked out of the audition room with a still nervous smile and wave, the 3 people auditioning him still having that same uncanny smile that hadn't fell off of their face once, all wave in unison. Very creepy...

Immediately the moment the door shut behind him and he went to take a breather, a certain familiar blonde from before jumped out in front of him, making him jump yet again. This girl had serious problems with scaring people.

"So, how did it go~?" Juliet exclaimed with a large grin on her face, bouncing back and forth on her platformed heels.

"Not...as bad as I thought...You'd certainly be good at playing the character my character was talking to in the scene I had to play out." Franklin raised a brow and crossed his arms over his chest, however he was smiling.

"I shall take that as a compliment, my dear Franky."
"What did I tell you about calling me tha-"
"Hey, you up to go get something to eat? There's a good Chinese restaurant in the city centre."

Franklin was certainly caught off guard by Juliet's offer. He had spoken to her a mere 2 times now, been quite openly rude and cold to her and yet she was asking him...to go get food? This woman was something else. She could quite literally be a murderer trying to lure him in as a victim, but from what Franklin could tell, the girl was just hungry.

"I, um...don't exactly have the money." Franklin felt ashamed at saying that, keeping his head down as he spoke, fidgeting with the small butterfly broach his Grandma gave him that hung on his knitted vest. Juliet stared at Franklin with wide eyes for a few seconds before lightly punching him in the arm.

"Shush, like hell am I missing out on having an excuse to go and get food!"

Franklin's eyes widened as he grasped his arm. "No, no, I couldn't-"

His arm was suddenly grabbed by 2 of Juliet's hand, a large smug grin on her face. "Zip it! I'm hungry so hurry up!"

-----------------------------

"So, defiantly him then, yes?" A female voice spoke.

"Oh yes. He's perfect."

Black ink dripped onto Franklin's audition paper, covering his face completely with it's dark abyss.

Chapter Text

"Oh my god...I haven't had this in awhile. I forgot how good it tastes." Juliet whined, kicking her legs as she lay her back against the glossy marble, stabbing her fork into another curry-coated chicken slice, bringing it to her mouth and chomping down on it as if she'd just been involved in a famine.

"What do you think, Franky?" The blonde haired woman said, her mouth full and cheeks stuffed as she looked at her new-found friend. The sight made Franklin cringe a little, before he sighed and looked back down at the small plastic tub in his hand, filled with all kinds of food he'd never had before. It took him a long time to choose what he wanted when they both got to the restaurant Juliet non-stop talked about the whole walk there from the studio to the city centre, very enthusiastically. Growing up in a rich and posh family with very old family traditions did have it perks, but also a lot of cons aswell, like not really being given the chance to try different foods and meals from other cultures...and also not being aloud to basically live your life the way you want to. That was the whole reason Franklin didn't talk to a single one of them anymore. Well, apart from his dear grandmother, who sadly wasn't with him anymore...

"It's actually...a lot better than I expected. Even though I've been living on the edge for the past few months, I always did vow to cook myself a meal every night with the few things I had." Franklin poked at his food with the plastic fork as he tried to completely drown out the sounds of the noisy traffic and cars and colourful lights surrounding him. After all, he was sat on the steps of a monument in the middle of a city centre, eating a take-away Chinese since the restaurant was too full to sit inside. "I wouldn't have even went near something like this before, but seeing as you were buying it for me...I couldn't say no." Franklin shifted his eyes to look at Juliet, a small smile adorning his lips as he sat back against the marble of the statue next to her.

"Well, well, you can always count on me Franky! So, I'm suggesting you like it? Even if...you've only eaten the rice." Juliet eyed Franklin's tub in his hands, seeing it still full of food she had selected and thought he would like. She smirked and rolled her pink eyes before reaching over with some plastic chopsticks and picking up a crispy spring roll, bringing it up directly in front of Franklin's face. "Try this!"

Franklin flinched at the sudden closeness of the unfamiliar food being stuffed in his face, turning his head away as he furrowed his brows again, frowning.

"Hey- no! I can eat on my own."
"Oh shush, I wanna see you eat it."
"No way, Juliet, move back a little-"
"Oh but, Franky!"
"Stop calling me that!"
"I'll stop if you eat this."
"Hah, like hell you will!"

"Just shut up and eat it, Franklin." Juliet's face suddenly turned stern, her frown alarming Franklin. Geez, it was scary to see this girl not smiling. It reminded him of a monster he'd dreamed of as a kid. A rainbow monster at that. He sighed before turning his head back with an even bigger frown, taking a bite off of the end. He instantly expected to not like the flavour at all and prepared himself to spit it out into a napkin, but then he started to chew, confused. Juliet raised a brow with that same smug smile on her face.

"Is it a yes or a no?" Franklin continued to chew for a minute before looking back at Juliet and smiling widely, grabbing the chopsticks off of her and eating the rest in one bite. The blonde stared at Franklin, gob-smacked before letting out a loud laugh, one not even the cars could drain out. Franklin instantly realised what he had done and grew red in the cheeks, swallowing the rest of the spring roll and adorning his signature frown on his lips, crossing his arms and angrily turning his head away from Juliet. "I-It's not funny...I was just hungry that's all."

Juliet wiped a single tear from her eye before continuing to giggle as she fell back against the pillar of the statue with dramatic arms. "Oh, I'm sorry Franky...You're just funny without knowing." Hearing that made Franklin smile a little. He hadn't had someone to laugh and joke around with for so long, and even though him and Juliet had only met not even 24 hours ago, he'd felt like he had known her for decades. But then he thought of something, which sort of let his spirits drop...

He turned his head and stared directly forward into the traffic and colourful advertisements that stood in front of them, his arms still crossed as he fell into a daze.

"Juliet?...Do you think we'll actually get chosen for the roles we auditioned for?..."

Said girl opened her eyes and leaned forwards to look at her friend with a confused gaze. "Huh? Well, haven't we basically already? We got called back specifical-"

"No, I know that. I just mean...officially. Like, confirmed..." The thought of getting rejected scared Franklin for the first time ever. He needed this job. He was at his wits end. He had no one and nothing to go back home to. Maybe he was too much in his audition. Or maybe he wasn't good enough. He'd probably never be able to see Juliet again, or that red haired man he was so infatuated with. He would go back to being alone. Normally, he'd like that little bit of isolation, but no he'd have not on single person to go to. Just like the last few months. No wonder Frank had started getting into bad habits. He was a true loner. A useless lone man who had absolutely no one.

Juliet frowned as she saw Franklin's face turn worried, noticing how he began to squeeze his biceps harshly as he brought his hands up to them, fidgeting with the fabric of his white shirt underneath his vest, desperately trying to comfort himself. Most likely a habit. Gently, Juliet placed her smaller hand over Franklin's tense one, making him jump slightly and turn his head quickly to look at her. She smiled softly with a reassuring expression.

"Franklin, stop over-thinking it. You're head will start to spin. I know you'll get it. Of course you will! And even if for some remarkable reason you don't, we won't ever lose contact." She smiled again, an even brighter one this time. "I like you Franky. You're one cool guy! You actually remind me of one of my sister's. A lot! She's a 'Grumpy Mc Grumpster' as well, and that's completely ok! Not everyone can be constantly chirpy all the time. Well, except for me, but that's beside the point."

"You'll get this Franky. I know you will."

Hearing all that made Franklin feel very warm inside, a thing he hasn't felt in a long time. It was...refreshing. He smiled slowly as he stared down at Juliet, slowly lowering his shaky hands from his now wrinkled shirt and onto the cold step the sat on. He then wiped a small stray tear from his eye and laughed quietly. "You haven't known me for 12 hours and yet you've already took my out for food, brung me out of my comfort zone to try new things and knocked some sense into me...Thank you." He smiled solemnly, quickly gliding his finger over the bridge of his nose. Juliet smiled her iconic big smile again, laughing a small bit. "Well, that's what best friends are for! Now..." She quickly stood up with the now empty plastic box, her platformed shoes clicking against the ground. "Let's get going, we can split at the train station."

Franklin stared up with wide yellow eyes at Juliet, shocked at her sudden statement. 'Best friend...' he thought. He'd never been an owner of that title. He sighed with a smile, and stood up beside her underneath the starry sky, both of them beginning to take steps down the monument and onto the pavement, Franklin's box still full in his hand. "Yeah, alright. I'll take this home and heat it up, and I'll let you know what I thought about the rest the next time I see you, which will hopefully be...a week?" Juliet nodded with enthusiasm, throwing her empty box into a bin close by, both of them crossing the bust rode to get to the steps leading to the underground railway station.

Once they both got down, the both realised they had to split there and then since their way home were on different train lines. They both bid a goodbye with the black haired thanking the blonde excessively for the night, to which she happily agreed to. Just as they turned away, a voice sprang, "Oh, one more thing, Franky!" Before Franklin could even turn fully and ask, he was tackled into a strong bear hug, that left his gasping for air. This was...different. He just stood there in shock. He couldn't really remember how to hug, not like he had ever learnt properly in a family that disapproved of it highly. Once Juliet pulled away, they waved goodbye before heading down opposite corridors, Franklin heading to his usual seat where he sat and waited for his train to arrive.

He smiled as he stared down at the takeaway box in his hand, rubbing his thumb on the edge of the lid, humming a laugh at the thought of Julie forcing him to eat that spring roll. He was certainly shocked at how well today went. He hadn't had a day like this for...well, years.

After a few minutes, his train arrived on time, to which he climbed on, relieved to see a somewhat empty carriage due to it almost being midnight, only having a few people scattered at different seats, minding their own business. He took his seat on an empty one next to window, leaning his head against the cold glass and shutting his eyes. Not only had he possibly secured a role in job he doesn't know what he was going to experience in, but he had also made a new possible lifelong best friend who was the polar opposite of him. Or, well, he hoped to be life long.

Oh, and he had tried a spring roll! Which could quite possibly be one of his new favourite foods.

Chapter Text

"Oh dear..." Franklin muttered, falling back onto the matted cushion on his couch, one hand pressed against his forehead as the other held the paper and now opened colourful envelope. He forced himself to re-read the words written on the now slightly scrunched paper, still in complete disbelief. Surely, this couldn't be real.

'Dear Mr. Franklin,

On behalf of the Playfellow Workshop Company, we are happy to inform you that we have accepted you to play a role in the new upcoming children's puppet show 'Welcome Home', staring as the 'resident grump', Frank Frankly!

Please report back to the company building at 10AM on Monday, 13th of June. We will further introduce ourselves and welcome you into our Home before then moving onto production for the first episode, set to be released Saturday, 11th of October.

We do hope you are happy receiving this letter and are excited to start making dreams come to life with us!

Until then, don't forget to wave high and low!

Sincerely,
The Playfellow Workshop Company'

Oh. He actually got the role. He actually got the role of Frank Frankly. He was accepted, even with his low sociality and constant frown. He must've been a great fit then for the 'resident grump'. Juliet was right. He did get it. And he sincerely hoped she had as well. He didn't even have her number to ask her. Pretty silly of him to forget when they quite literally spent most of the day with each other. That night was just over a week ago now, but Franklin still remembered it all clearly. He couldn't wait to see Juliet again. She was a nice girl who didn't seemed to be fazed by his uncontrolled rudeness and short temper. Well, Franklin had probably figured that's because they were completely different. Opposites attract, right?

Now, even though Franklin had been to many auditions throughout his job and gotten many minor roles that he frankly hated, he was never ever this nervous to hear back from a production company or this excited to know he had gotten a role. It was a semi-new feeling to him. He hadn't felt this excited or nervous ever since he was 7-years-old and performing a short play and song in front of his Grandmother on Christmas night. No body else in his family cared enough to even bother staying in the grand living room, but Franklin was still anxious, fearing he may embarrass himself in front of the only family member that spent time with him. But, after much reassurance from her and a lot of promises later, little Franklin finally came out from behind the Christmas tree with a small cape wrapped around him, a small crown draped in his black gelled hair and a wooden sword in his hand his Grandma had given to him earlier as a present. With a small and shaky sigh, he began to perform a scene he had read out of a book a week earlier, completely becoming lost in the moment. He imagined himself actually standing on top of a castle and ordering his guards to march forward, standing proudly with one hand on his hip and the other extending the sword, now silver and sharp, forward. He didn't even realise he was finished until he Grandmother started clapping, her wrinkled lips laughing proudly before she picked her grandson up and sat him down on her lap, tickling him as she spoke highly of his performance. That was the moment Franklin knew he wanted to become an actor. To be on screen or stage and be loved by thousands. He felt that they would all love him like his Grandmother did, whooping and cheering his name as he took bows or was photographed. It was destiny to him. His destiny.

If only he knew then how hard his so-called 'destiny' would actually be.

He got his first 'major' role in a school play he was participating in when he was 16-years-old, grabbing the spot of Macbeth in his school's rendition of the Shakespeare play, which was a yearly thing since he went to a private school. He always did take-part in each year's school play, but was never able to break out of his shell too much, due to the fear of his old-fashioned parents judgement, knowing full well they'd not accept his dream career since he was meant to take over the 'Ferguson Family Company' when he became of age, but the sound of sorting through stuff like papers and money that would 100% just go to the same fat rich aristocrats in partnership with his father made him quite literally want to swan-dive himself out of a window. Luckily, his parents never came to any shows he was in, only his Grandmother, which relieved him even though he was mostly only a background character with one or two pieces of dialog. However, when he found out that that year's school play was 'Macbeth', which was one of his Grandmother's favourites, he knew he had to play the main character. He finally, in his words, 'got-a-grip' and actually went full-out in the audition, going into school the next day, only to see his name written proudly next to the character of Macbeth. He was absolutely ecstatic. Franklin never knew he would be able to do it, but he was proud he had. He felt that same nervous-excited feeling he had when he was 7, which put a smile on his usually slumped lips. He knew he was going to go all out. After all, his parents weren't going to be there to judge him, right?

Wrong. There they sat with their arms folded in the audience next to his Grandmother, the largest frowns on their faces as they stared dead at the stage. Waiting impatiently for their son to make a show of himself and disgrace the Ferguson name.

Franklin still remembers that feeling that overflowed his teenage body like an everlasting plague. Shock, terror, dread. His brain was manic and his breathe began to quicken, his knuckles turning white as he gripped the red satin curtain like a life-line. He remembers how everyone backstage stared at him. All those eyes on him. It didn't feel nice. He felt humiliated. This isn't what he meant by wanting everyone to look at him. Not like this. Not whilst he's like this. Not whilst he's not perfect.

He doesn't remember running off to hide behind a small cabinet, he only felt himself crouching as he cupped his hands over his ears, tugging at the black hair strands as some fell into his palm, tears streaming down his face and ruining his makeup. He couldn't think straight. He wanted to go home. He wanted to be in his Grandmother's arms. Not here. Not in front of his parents.

"A-Are you alright?..."

The voice made teenage Franklin whip his head up to look at the source, fearing it may be his parents of drama teachers-...Only to see one of female peers, dressed in a black ripped robe with her face dotted with freckles, even under the heavy blush and dark eye-shadow. But what was most notable of her, was her bright yellow hair. She was clearly playing one of the 3 witches in the play, which completely contrasted with her bright hair colour, especially with her dark costume. In fact, he remembers her in rehearsals. She was absolutely amazing at acting and she was clearly known well by the drama teachers, who constantly praised her to the high heavens. Her voice was loud and grand, echoing off of the walls of the brick room. To Franklin, he found her obnoxious but he also would admit that her acting was out of this world.

He was suddenly broke out of his panicked daze by the girl's hand touching his shoulder gently, kneeling down in front of him with a small smile on her face, not the usual big smug grin she wore every time he seen her around, which wasn't much because she was in another year, just in rehearsals. She rubbed in gently with her thumb before speaking with a quiet tone. "Just take a breathe, alright? Watch, copy me." She then took a deep breathe in, held it, then out, not breaking eye contact with Franklin. He followed her, his breathes becoming less shakier until they were steady again and his tears stopped streaming, just resting in his eye-lids now. The girl smile again and nodded her head. "Perfect. That was great. Now, let me help you up."

She stood and held out both of her hands, to which Franklin took and stood slowly with, his legs still slightly shaky, holding onto the girl. After a moment, he lifted his head and looked back at the girl, her wide piercing yellow eyes staring back at him with comfort and care. "Well done! Now, come here, let's fix that makeup before you go on stage." The yellow-haired girl then slowly walked them over to a small table with a mirror and lights on it, picking up a small eye-shadow compact and a brush with one hand the other still holding onto Franklin.

"Now, just sit down on that case there." Franklin turned to look at the small black and white case, which was covered in colourful stickers, mainly of space, planets, stars, signalling to him that it was either her makeup or costume case. He slowly sat down on it, placing his shaky hands on his knees and taking a deep breathe. Suddenly, the soft pad to something hit his cheek, making him slightly jump and turn his head to look at the girl, only to see her with a makeup brush. She smiled softly again before beginning to drift the brush across his cheek, covering his tear streaks and adding pigment to his sharp cheekbones. She then took a small brush and dabbed it on a rouge colour, swiping it across Franklin's eye lids before spraying his face with some sort of mist. "There, you're all set for the stage. Now, go out and break-a-leg!" The girl yelled, lightly punching Franklin's arm, making him mumble an 'Ow' before nodding his head and standing slowly, rubbing his arm.

"Hey, uh, thank yo-"
"Ah-ah, shush, shush, just doing my star duty in helping my fellow ensemble." The girl proudly stated, before her face softened and she placed a hand on Franklin's shoulder. "Go out there and show them what you can do."

Just those few words instantly made Franklin's confidence boost. It was like speaking to his Grandmother. So, from then on forward for the rest of the night, Franklin put on the most dramatic acting skills he could muster up, never forgetting one line and speaking like he was addressing the entire world. Showing them, showing his parents, showing his Grandmother, what Franklin Ferguson could do and be. Be the best star in the world.

At the end of the play, there was a standing applause from the audience, most of them coming from when Franklin bowed right at the very end. He was overwhelmed. Overwhelmed in happiness. He wanted to revel in this feeling forever, everyone cheering and applauding him. Surely, that would have changed his parents perspectives.

Oh boy, was he wrong again.

That night, he and his parents had the biggest argument ever. The told him that he had disgraced the family's name out of his pitiful acting and said that it was no Ferguson's job to become so petty and washed-up actor who would get nowhere in life. However, this time, Franklin didn't hold back and say nothing like he always did. He stuck up for himself, yelling at them that its was his dream and that they couldn't control him. This further infuriated his parents, especially his father, who slapped him harshly and dragged him up by his wrist to his bedroom, completely neglecting his son's pleas and cries to stop. He locked him in his room that night, yelling that he would never become an actor and that he wouldn't be allowed back out of his room until he agreed to that.

That night, after many hours of crying and similar situations to earlier where the girl helped him, he finally decided that he was going to leave right then and there. No more information needed. He packed a small bag of belongings, specifically his book on bugs he had been reading a small butterfly teddy his Grandmother had crocheted for him when he was a baby. He always did like butterflies. They reminded him of freedom. Something he had always longed for.

Sneaking out of his window, Franklin stumbled his way out of the large family estate, heading straight for the closest train station and buying a one-way ticket into the city, where his Grandmother lived and long away from the house he called prison.

From then on forward, Franklin was practically on his own. Even with the small help from his Grandmother, that still didn't stop Franklin from struggling to get through daily life, going from one audition to another, side job to side job and with absolutely no qualifications since he didn't end up graduating from school. He was bombarded with hate and expectations he could not fulfil by fans and crew of shows he stared on, TV or not. This wasn't the fame he had dreamed of since he was 7, and eventually because of this, the spark and excitement for acting faded away like a sad flame that has no more wax to melt.

This went on for years and years, up to where Franklin is today. 27-years-old, only accepting family member dead, and having just bagged a job he actually feels excited for. He had picked up bad habits over the years that he knew his family would disagree on, like smoking and drinking, although he wasn't an alcoholic. They certainly wouldn't have accepted him now, being a now voice-actor and...knowing full well he is attracted to men and men only. If he wasn't already shunned by the family, he would've certainly been now. Probably disowned. But, that didn't worry him, he disowned himself and even in a still unaccepting society that looked down upon him, Franklin wasn't ashamed at the fact he was gay man. In fact, he wore it like a badge of honour, since he knows for a fact it will keep people like his parents away from him.

He does wonder sometimes, though. Did they ever...look for him after he had ran away. His Grandmother never spoke of his parents to him when she was alive, to which Franklin was happy with, but then does that mean...That they really didn't care? Especially since he had never seen his family members over at his Grandmother's or any police on they look for him, and growing up in a family as rich, important and posh as they were, his face should've definitely been on the front on the newspapers and milk cartons. But he never was, and that...saddened him a little. He truly was unwanted and was disgraced, lonely and miserable, especially after his dear Grandmother died.

But now, here he was, holding the confirmation letter to his new dream role as he sat on his dilapidated old couch and grinning from ear to ear. He stood quickly with a slight jump and a squeal, spinning around like a younger version of himself as a toddler, dancing in his Grandmother's living room in his diapers. He couldn't be more happier in any moment but now. After spinning once more, Franklin whipped his head to the small open window of his apartment, eyes softening as he seen the same blue and gold butterfly that flew to his window porch everyday.

He walked over to it and kneeled down on his wooden floor, resting his head in his arms as he watched the butterfly sit next to him, flapping it's shimmering wings, a sign that Franklin now took as it listening and telling him speak.

"I got it. I got the role I've been needing for so long now. I've already made a friend from the studio already. She's really nice and fun. The complete opposite to me. You'd like her."

Franklin smiled again, holding out his finger for the butterfly to latch itself onto, to which it did, fearlessly, deep blue and gold wings flapping lightly in the summer's heat of his high-rise apartment.

"I done it, Grandma. I think I finally got the role I've been seeking for forever."

Chapter Text

The underground train into the city centre was always very bumpy and over-crowded, especially in the mornings. Everyone was always squished together like sardines in a tin can. You were considered lucky if you managed to catch a seat, but even then your elbows are touching one another. It was even worse in the summer, because then it was ten times as hot as it already usually was. Even faint inducing sometimes.

Despite all of this however, Franklin did love the quietness of it. Sure, you would have the odd lunatic jump on every now and then, and the odd argument that would break out from time-to-time, but most of the time everyone was too awkward to even make eye-contact with one another, let alone even talk. Most people either stood there reading something or just stared off into space. Franklin was a reader, usually bringing a good book he had borrowed from the city library that week to read whilst he stood there, normally with one arm up holding onto a pole and not being able to move his body as a result to being held upright by people's bags and bodies. Not that he really cared, he was normally too engrossed in his novel anyway. He always had it finished by the end of the week though, since he grew up training to be a fast reader..

However, today was different. It was Monday, 13th of June. The day he had been told to return to the 'Playfellow Workshop' to finally start his role as the character Frank Frankly. He had been so excited all week for this day to finally come, not sleeping a wink the night before. He hadn't felt this feeling in a long time, which made him even more eager to get there. As a result of this, Franklin had left his novel he had been previously reading at home today, completely forgetting it as he rushed out of the door bright and early, not even dreaming to be even at least 1 minute late. He stood on the train as it ran through the dark tunnels at speed, one arm held up against the pole to steady himself in the big crowd he stood in. He had an unusual smile on this face, replacing his normally large frown, as he read through his confirmation letter over and over again, not wanting to forget a single detail when he got there. He needed this job, but...he also wanted it, oddly enough.

Out of the blue, the train stopped with a sudden jolt, breaking Franklin out of his dazed state to look up at the crowded carriage. Many passengers stood there with confused expressions, everyone looking around at one another and the windows, not seeing another train station, instead just the pitch black of the inside of a tunnel. The air in the small carriage suddenly began to feel a lot more tighter as the atmosphere grew more tense, people's faces now going from confused to agitated.

A sudden noise came from the small speaker in the corner of the stuffed carriage, the male voice of what clearly was the train driver beginning to speak.

"We are sorry to inform everyone, but it appears we are stuck in this tunnel for a portion of time due to a medical emergency happening at the station after this one. We are being held at a red-light signal until further notice."

Oh brilliant.

Groans began to sound through the packed carriage of the train, quiet chatter instantly beginning to start up. That was the polar opposite to what everyone was just like 30 seconds ago - silent. Franklin's lips twitched a little into his usual frown, peering back down at his confirmation letter again in his free hand. Great, of all days someone had decided to, what Franklin presumes, throw themselves onto the tracks, they pick today. Was this the start of everything going downhill?

Franklin sighed and dropped his head in defeat, figuring that maybe his luck was just non-existent at this point, or that the world just simply hated his guts. It was only until his back was met with an unexpected object that he realised he had been leaning backwards as he wallowed, instantly making him jerk his body upward again to stand straight and whip his head around to apologise to the person. "Uh, sorry abo-"

Oh.

That purple. Those same purple iris's that had mesmerised Franklin those few weeks ago stared right back at him. The man stood tall from behind him, his arm lifted to also hold a train bar next to him. Franklin had completely froze at this point, just staring up at the man with a dumbfounded face with the other staring right back at him. Oh, shit. Why now and here of all places? And just why did Franklin have to go and lean up against him?! He was mortified.

He felt his cheeks begin to heat up, hoping the taller man with red hair would just think it was because of the heat in the carriage. "-a-about that..." he continued, instantly everting his eyes away from those purple ones, not wanting to feel humiliated even more. Suddenly, the purple haired man began to chuckle, shaking his head and free hand sheepishly. "No, no, you're good! I know what it feels like to not have enough sleep." His southern accent was thick. Yep, definitely him.

Franklin internally sighed a huff of relief, thanking every god known to man. 'At least he didn't recognise me', is what ran through his head, his eyes still staring at the train floor.

The man then suddenly stopped laughing, Franklin being able to see him cock his head to the side a little out of the corner of his eye as he pointed a finger. "Wait, I feel like I know you from somewhere..." The purple eyed man thought for a second, scratching his small red goatee on his chin before his eyes then lit up. "Ah, you were at the call-back's a few weeks ago for Playfellow! I remember you." Nevermind.

The slightly taller man then chuckled again a little, scratching the back of his head. “What a coincidence, eh?” He then held out his hand, making Franklin finally look back up, desperately trying to suppress his flushed cheeks. “I’m Edward Dearest, by the way!”

Ah, finally a name Franklin could now put to that flawless face. No wonder his name was ‘Dearest’, he was a total sweetheart with the most handsome features.

Wow, was this how Franklin was thinking now? He hated himself even more now. He could bet everyone else around him could tell aswell.

Laughing quietly and awkwardly, still avoiding eye contact, Franklin lifted his hand and clasped it around the other’s, his frown straightening as he felt the very obvious hand size difference, his being much more thinner and smaller in Edward’s larger and rougher palm. Oh lord, this was humiliating.

With an even more awkward smile, Franklin began to shake Edward’s hand gently, his usual straight and clear voice now becoming shaky and tiny as he spoke. “U-Uh…F-Franklin Ferguson…”

Edward’s smile grew more upon Franklin shaking his hand, nodding his head before laughing softly. “Pleased to meet ‘ya! I wasn’t expecting to run into somebody I’m working with so soon!” Gosh, that southern accent made his knees shaky.

“H-Haha…y-yeah…” Oh he wanted the floor to swallow him whole. Could he not be so awkward?! Edward probably thinks he’s such an idiot! Fantastic first impression Franklin, you messed up yet again-

His train of self-beating thoughts was cut short with the actual train suddenly jolting and beginning to move, making Franklin and Edward stumble, both instinctively gripping eachother’s hands tighter to steady one another. Oh wait, they were still holding hands.

This was either the absolute worst or best.

Laughing again, Edward steadied them both with his other hand around the railing above their heads, his other hand still holding onto Franklin’s.

“Gee, they could’ve gave us a warnin’, right?!”

Franklin didn’t reply straight away, as he stared wide eyed and straight lipped at his and Edward’s clutched hands, gulping slightly before lifting his head to finally meet Edward’s purple eyes again, his cheeks now a very obvious dark red.

“U-Um, Y-Yeah!…U-Uh…”

“Hey, you alright Mr. Ferguson?” No, no he wasn’t. He could feel his heart beating in his throat as he continued to stare down at their clasped hand, eyes not leaving how Edward’s pale and freckled skin absolutely submerged Franklin’s darker and nimble hand.

Suddenly, the train stopped and the doors opened, people beginning to leave and board the already busy carriage, breaking Franklin out of his tranced state.

“A-Ah, this i-is my stop!” He then tugged his hand out of Edward’s, instantly missing the warmth and slight roughness of the other’s skin.

“W-Well, I-I guess I’ll be going…S-See you later!” Franklin shouted with an awkward smile, parting from a stunned Edward and pushing through the crowd of boarding passengers, breathing a sigh of relief as he felt his foot touch the platform.

Thank god that was over, Franklin thought as he went to clutch his job confirmation letter to his chest, only to then realise both of his hands were now empty.

Eyes widening in fear, Franklin quickly turned around to run back on the train, only to be met with the carriages swooping past him and then disappear into the tunnel.

Oh shit. Franklin’s heart stopped.

His job confirmation letter for the Playfellow Workshop was now gone thanks to his careless nature.

Luckily, Franklin had memorised the address of the studio building from his multiple re-reads, but would they still allow him in? What if they don’t believe it’s him?

Whatever, he’s just have to walk there and see what happens.

Franklin let out a defeated sigh and turned his body around to leave the underground station, peering up at the station name before his jaw dropped.

He had gotten off at the wrong stop. 5 stops before he needed to get off, to be exact.

Chapter Text

"Hey! Watch it, asshole!" Normally, Franklin would respond with a polite 'sorry' or an extremely dirty look, but right now he didn't exactly have the time to do remotely anything. He just continued to run. Not once did he stop to take a breath. He just continued down the streets of the bustling city, barging through everyone and dodging cars like bullets, much to the dismay of the angry drivers.

Quickly glancing down at his watch, Franklin's eyes widened in horror. It was 10 minutes to 10am, aka the time he was meant to already be at the Playfellow Workshop studio. "Shit!" He continued to bolt it down the street, one foot after the other. Gosh, why did he have to be so stupid and get off at the wrong station?! All because he was too goddamn awkward to stand around a guy that he had one conversation with. This was the first time Franklin had actually hated the fact he was attracted to men.

He was suddenly brought back rather harshly to reality upon his face being greeted with a lamp post on the side of the road, making Franklin stumble backwards and cup his nose with his hand. Upon doing so, he felt a warm sensation begin to drip from both of his nostrils, the pain beginning to set in as people passing by stared at him. Franklin felt his eyes prick with angry and frustrated tears, his palm covering his nose, now definitely covered in blood.

Why? Why did this day have to go so wrong? The one day Franklin had actually been excited for, something he had not felt in a long time, it just had to wrong. He wasn't sure if he had broken his nose, nor did he really care. The only thing he cared about was getting to that damn studio on damn time, but that now clearly wasn't going to happen. For heaven's sake, he didn't even have his confirmation letter anymore.

Grabbing onto a nearby railing with his free hand, Franklin hunched over as he tried to balance himself, his hand still cupped tightly over his bleeding nose and his eyes squoze shut from the pain. Curse the world for making him inherit his father's long and pointed nose.

"A-Are you alright, dear?"

Franklin's eyes instantly sprang open upon the sudden and unfamiliar female voice, making him whip his head up with his hand still covering his nose, flinching from the quick pain that shortly followed. As he squoze his eyes, he noticed a very cozy-looking and familiar cardigan in the corner of his vison, each thread of the wool being a variety of colours. His mind races as he began to remember seeing it on his first proper meeting at the Playfellow studio, being worn by a very tall woman that had a distinct gradient of dark brown fading into multicoloured hair.

Franklin internally kicked himself. Seriously, why did he have to meet upcoming co-workers at the worst time ever? Great first impression, am I right?

Slowly lifting his head in humiliation, Franklin laid his slightly blurry vision on that very woman from his flashback, that same brown and multicoloured side swept hair still present. Not to mention, she was indeed in fact very tall, almost intimidating. Although, she certainly didn't give off that vibe due to her very concerned expression and the fact she was bent a little.

"U-Uh...Y-Yeah...Yeah, I'm fine..." He suddenly flinched again from the pain in his nose, gritting his teeth in annoyance as he began to taste that coppery flavour on his lips. He felt a large hand settle on his upper back, gentle and warm. "Goodness dear, you hit that post pretty hard. Is your nose bleeding?" The tall woman's voice was calm and concerned, making Franklin want to die even more. With a slightly shaky voice, he answered back, keeping his head down in shame. "J-Just a little..."

He removed his hand slowly to look at the mess he had made, his frown growing even more as he seen his palm completely covered in blood. He knew it was bad, but not that bad. He heard the tall woman beside him softly gasp as she had seemed to look at his palm as well, her hand leaving his back as she sounded like she was rummaging through her bag. "Oh heaven's, here you go dear." A small packet of tissues was held out in front of Franklin's vision, making him slowly reach out with his none bloodied hand to take them. "Thank you..." Taking out a tissue, he pressed the thin paper to his aching nose, instantly feeling it begin to dampen from the red liquid. After a moment, he turned to look up at the woman to gather a proper view of her, being met with wide green eyes and a sad frown. Oh yeah, this definitely was one of his new co-workers. Fuck.

Her frown growing into a smile, she stood up straight again, her tall stature shadowing the sun from Franklin's vision. "You looked like you were in a rush. I-Is everything alright?" Oh yeah, he was in a rush, but now, he wasn't so sure if he would even get there on time. For the love of god, he didn't even quite know where he was. Franklin thought he knew this city like the back of his hand, so much for that. Voice muffled by the tissue, Franklin spoke again. "O-Oh, uh, yes...I was on the way to my new job. Do you perhaps know where the, uh...Playfellow Workshop studio is?"

By the sound of the company's name, the tall woman's green eyes widened with shock and slight worry before she quickly covered it and smiled brightly. "O-Oh, yes! I'm actually heading there myself right now. We are just around the corner from it." Franklin's eyes bulged. Oh. If he had carried on running, he would've ran right past it. He turned to look at the lamp post he had just smashed his face into previously moments ago. Damn, could he have not had such a harsh wake up call? Quickly turning his head back, he eagerly spoke to the tall woman. "Really? H-How long left until 10?!" The woman smiled sheepishly and glanced at her wrist. "3 minutes. Don't worry, we'll get there in time." How on earth were they going to do that?

Well, funnily enough, after just walking down the street for not even 60 seconds, him and the tall woman, turned one corner and were met with those same colourful doors Franklin walked out of just that little while ago. As both of them walked towards the 2 doors, the taller woman gasped suddenly and began to blush, turning to look down at Franklin. "O-Oh, goodness, silly me. I haven't introduced myself yet. I'm Penelope Pritchard." Smiling slightly from under the fresh tissue he had just applied to his nose, Franklin nodded, "Franklin Ferguson."

--- ---

Upon entering the colourful entrance, Franklin let out a deep sigh of relief, feeling like his body might just collapse from the amount of stress and pain he had just put himself through. He had gotten there, just in the nick of time.

Walking up to the front desk, Franklin was met by that same red curly haired woman with pointed glasses from his previous visit, sitting at her desk with many papers surrounding her and that same uncanny smile.

"Ah, Mr Franklin and Miss Pritchard, so happy to see you again!"

Penelope nodded her head with a shy smile. "O-Oh yes! Excited for another first day!" Franklin turned his head to look up at the taller female, a confused look on his face. "Another first day?" Her face dropped a little upon Franklin's question. With a slightly unsure look, Penelope went to open her mouth to speak to answer, only to be interrupted by the red haired woman behind the desk. "Yes! Miss Pritchard has worked with us on another project before! Our last one funnily enough. She was amazing on it, am I right Miss Pritchard?" With a slightly fearful and dark expression, Penelope quickly changed to happy as she felt Franklin look up at her again. "U-Uh, y-yes! Y-Yes, it was wonderful..." Franklin raised one side of his unibrow upon the sudden shakiness of Penelope's voice and expression, seeing the taller woman now purposely avoid eye-contact with him.

"Well, could I see your confirmation letters please?" Oh shit. Franklin suddenly turned his head to look at the smiling red haired woman, her eyes boring into him as he somehow tried to fumble an excuse. "U-Uh...L-Listen, I don't-"

"Mr Ferguson!"

Franklin's eyes widened in shock, instantly whipping his head around to look at the sound that oh-so familiar southern accent came from.

Oh gosh, there he was. Red styled hair and small goatee, purple iris's, crinkled white shirt and tie. Edward Dearest in all of his beautiful glory.

With a relieved expression upon his freckled face, and hurried over to where Franklin stood, taking place right in front of him. Franklin felt his face heat up as he stared up at the man, blood-stained tissue covered over his face and all. Oh lord.

With a slight chuckle, Edward held out a piece of paper in front of him, hand clutched tightly around it. "You forgot this when you got off the train. I picked it up and seen it was- What on earth happened to ya' nose?!" Edward's relieved expression changed drastically upon making eye contact with the shorter man, thick eyebrows scrunching together. Before Franklin could reply and embarrass himself even more, Penelope stepped in at just the right time, most likely sensing Franklin's very obvious fluster. "Poor boy hit his nose on a lamp post as I walked by. He's definitely holding up a lot better than I ever would though!" She then laughed. Thank god Penelope could read his expression easily, even from behind the tissue.

"Good grief, that must have been painful. E-Eh, anyway, I believe this is yours." Upon finally managing to look down, Franklin laid eyes on his confirmation letter being held in Edward's hand, slightly crumpled and wrinkled from the last time he had held it. No wonder, Edward had quite a heavy grip, noted by Franklin when they held hands for those 30 seconds. With a shaky voice, Franklin gently took the letter from Edward's hand and lifted his head to look up at him again, "T-Thank you..."

Finally turning back to the red haired woman behind the desk, who already had Penelope's letter in her hand, he handed her the piece of paper, to which she took with that same smile. "Wonderful! Now you can all head through that same door that you walked into last time. Enjoy you're first day! You are going to love it."

With a slight nod, Franklin turned around to walk to the door at the other end of the room, by those same multicoloured chairs Franklin had to sit on when he was called back. Penelope was beside him and Edward was already at the door, holding it open with a soft smile. "After you both." Good god, he was gorgeous.

Upon walking inside the same room he was in a week back, he was instantly met with those same familiar faces he had seen just that little while ago, all chatting away with cups of water and tea in their hands.

"Oh my god, Franky!" Before he could even comprehend, Franklin was suddenly pounced on by a very familiar ball of blonde hair, being met with that same toothy grin. With a bright smile now replacing his awkward frown, Franklin turned to gently hug the girl back, dropping the bloodied tissue to the ground. "Juliet! It's so nice to see you again." Pulling back from the hug, Juliet let out a loud laugh and eagerly shook her head. "Gosh, it feel like it's been foreverrrrr! We gotta catch up- Franky, your nose!" Sudden realisation hit Franklin like a car as he registered the familiar wet sensation dripping from his nostrils, cringing at the taste of it streaming down his lips. "S-Shit, where did that tissue-" "Here dear." Penelope suddenly appeared again standing beside him, holding out that same packet of tissues he must have dropped when Juliet jumped onto him. With a quick 'thank you', Franklin quickly unpacked the paper from the packet and pressed it against his nose, completely confused and embarrassed on why it hadn't stopped yet.

Turning his head towards Juliet, being met with an extremely worried expression on the woman, he quickly glanced over her, observing her vibrant red long-sleeved dress that was covered in embroided flower patterns. "I-I didn't get any blood on you, did I?" Glancing over herself, Juliet then waved her hand dismissively, "Don't you worry about that, Franky. Just as long as you are alright. What the hell even happened?!"

With a slight smile, Franklin looked up at Penelope who was smiling as well, clearly waiting for him to speak. He turned back to look at Juliet who now had her hands on her hips, her heels tapping on the ground in cartoonistic fashion.

"Well, uh, long story..."

Chapter Text

Juliet stared up at Franklin with wide eyes, her face in slight shock after listening to his story, before then bursting out into loud laughter that overpowered the chatter around the room. “No way! I didn’t expect you to be the type of guy to do that!” She then continued to laugh. Franklin’s face grew quickly with anger, unibrow furrowing, face flushed with embarrassment. Everyone was staring at them now. “Y-Yeah-, w-well…well I did, ok?! Everyone can make mistakes in a hurry!” He then flinched, a pain still stinging through his nose as he continued to clutch the tissue over his nostrils.

Laughter dying down and swiping a sole tear from her eye, Juliet looked back up at Franklin before whacking his shoulder playfully, much to Franklin’s dismay. “Sorry Franky, it just surprised me is all. Didn’t think that would happen to you.” Raising one side of his unibrow, Franklin’s frown stayed prominent on his face. “Yeah, yeah, I heard you the first time.”

With that, Poppy walked her way back over to the duo, bending down slightly to make Franklin’s height. “Has your nose stopped bleeding yet, dear?” Franklin slowly pulled the tissue away from his nose, only finding a few droplets of blood left. He then brought his free hand up to feel above his top lip, “Yes, actually. I think it has.” He pressed the tip of his nose lightly, flinching slightly before frowning again, this time in confusion. “I don’t know why it bled so much…I’ve never had any nose bleed that lasted that long.” Juliet shrugged. “Well, I mean you did hit a lamp post face first.” Franklin frowned again in annoyance before waving his hand in a dismissive manner. “Jesus, I know that- but it surely shouldn’t have lasted that long. It lasted 20 minutes and I went through 2 whole packets of Penelope’s tissues.” He looked down at the red freckled tissue scrunched up in his blood stained hand. “It’s just…a little odd-”

A loud ring then came from the corner of the room, specifically from the small black speaker that hung on the ceiling of the small room, alerting everyone to stop speaking. “Good morning all! May we please have the voice actors for the Neighbourhood residents come through into the next room please?” The speaker then turned off, resulting in everyone begin to move around.

Hooking her arm around Franklin’s, Juliet began to drag them over the door. “Ooo, I’m so excited to start! Come on Franky!” Stumbling over his own feet, Franklin slowed them both down as he tried to steady himself. “Calm down, Juliet. Are you ever going to give me a moment before you just start dragging me everywhere?” “No!” Franklin’s frown straightened before he let out a quiet laugh, throwing his bloody tissue in the bin before walking through the small doorway with the hyperactive blonde.

——— ———

Franklin would have never imagined himself in this position just a few weeks ago. He expected him to still be his same miserable self, having absolutely no one, most likely drunk, and was probably on his way to being evicted by his landlord. He’s still surprised that hasn’t happened yet. Yet, here he was, stood in a group of 7 other people who all looked so friendly and outgoing, the opposite of him, all waiting for those same 3 people who Franklin had to perform in front just that little while ago, still sitting with those same uncanny smiles. Apparently, that’s a normal thing in this place. But, it was nice for a change from that awful atmosphere most of his other jobs had.

Those same 3 people were going through 8 different pieces of papers, presumably resumes about each person in that room that were playing the roles of the Neighbours, including Franklin. Each one of them eagerly waited as they watched the 3 in front of them skim over the papers.

He would never really admit this, but Franklin was quite excited for what the 3, uh…’higher-up’s’ were going to say to them. For the first time, Franklin was actually excited for a new role he had somehow managed to grab, and he clearly wasn’t the only one. It was obvious that everyone in the room was also either excited or nervous, from Juliet bouncing on her heels next to Franklin, to Penelope fidgeting with the buttons of her rainbow cardigan. Everyone there was also making eye-contact with one another or just flat out staring at the 3 in fancy wear in front of them. In fact, he knew it himself since he could feel someone’s gaze burning a hole into the side of his head, making him turn it slightly to look at the source.

Much to Franklin’s shock, it was Edward Dearest himself that was staring at him, lips curling into an awkward smile as he realised he had been caught, turning his head away to cough and loosen his tie around his shirt collar. The action made Franklin’s cheeks heat up a little, covering his mouth with his hand to try and conceal his shaky smile.

The 3 in front of them all finally placed the papers down onto the table before standing, the main man in the middle with rectangular glasses speaking first.

“Ah, good morning to you all!” He then stopped and observed each and every one of the 9 harshly, making them squirm slightly under the hard and intense gaze from behind the rectangular glasses. “Wow, you are all absolutely…perfect...for the job. I’ve never had such a perfect cast.”

Franklin raised his unibrow slightly in confusion. He was speaking to them all like they actually were the goddamn characters they were playing. Whatever, that could be a good thing.

The man with rectangular glasses then spoke again, them tipping to the edge of his nose.

“I’m Patrick Fier. I am the founder and CEO of the ‘Playfellow Workshop’ here, and in charge of everything we produce.” He clasped his hands together in front of him. “I’m very happy to inform you that you will all be playing very important roles in our next production, ‘Welcome Home’, a children’s edutainment show that will air every Saturday morning, starting from October 11th.”

With that same uncanny smile unmoving from his lips, Fier outstretched his hands at his sides and continued to speak.

“You lot will be playing the roles of the local residents of ‘Home’, very important jobs to play as there will never be an episode where even one Neighbour is left out. You will be a key feature in every single screening.” Each one of them nodded or hummed in agreeance. ‘Definitely no walking away from this job then, Franklin’ he thought to himself.

“As some of you in this room have already experienced, these shoes are extremely big to fill in as this is what children will be watching, buying into and supporting whilst we teach them the morals and basics of life from a very young age. Of course, our previous co-star’s, Wallifer and Penelope will know this.” Fier spoke.

Everyone looked down the line the had formed to see who was who, until the smallest person with the stylish blue pompadour and wavy smile nodded and spoke, his voice monotone and slow. “Yes, it is very important.”

Franklin then turned his head to look up at Penelope at the other end of the line, seeing her biting her nails subconsciously in a daze before blinking. “O-Oh- Y-Yes!…Y-Yes they are…” Her bright green eyes trailed down to the floor again as she went back to gripping onto her cardigan buttons. Only this time, Franklin noted how shaky her hands were. Was she really that nervous? Even after being here once before? He figured he’d have to ask her about it later.

Fier spoke again, turning half of his body to gesture to the 2 woman stood at the table either side of him. “These 2 ladies are Ramona and Marina. Introduce yourselves."

The lady to the left of Fier stood up, her ginger hair big and styled, piercing sky blue eyes and a smart dark blue and white attire. Again, smiling like all of the others. "I am Ramona Brighton. I am the head of the production department and will often be the one that stands right next to the cameras as they role. Such a pleasure to meet you all." Her eyes were intense and cat-like. She probably was hard to please by the looks of it.

Shortly after, the much small lady to the right of Fier stood, her hands clasped tightly in front of her red skirt and her long curly brown hair swaying side-to-side behind her, the same signature smile of this place sat on her lips. "Hello everyone! I am Marina Swallow, head of the casting department! I am the one in charge of making sure every line and action that comes from you is in character. So, you will most likely be seeing me a lot in the future!" She seemed much more friendlier, which made Franklin let out an eternal sigh of relief.

After Marina had finished, Fier coughed from behind his fist, signalling everyone else in the room to turn their attention back to him.

"Now, that introductions are over, we shouldn't be keeping you any longer now, shall we? You still have yet to see the studio!"

------ ------

A collective audible gasped was heard from each cast member as they walked through the large colourful doors and into the main filming studio. Franklin was left shocked, completely dumbfounded by the sheer amount that sat in front of him.

The studio was simply a very large and dark warehouse, although filled with large stage-lights and various small boxed rooms at different sections that each displayed a different locations. One of what looked like a shop, another a post office. They were all very brightly coloured, so bright that it burned Franklin's retinas. It looked like a whole unicorn had threw up on it. But, it was a kids show, so obviously it had to be, otherwise the children wouldn't be interested.

Franklin felt out of place. Very out of place.

"Oh my gosh, it's so colourful!" A cheerful voice came from beside Franklin, snapping him out of his trance as he felt his shoulders get squeezed tightly, Juliet's nails digging in through his white shirt as she jumped.

"O-Ow! Jeez, Juliet, stop using me as bounce pole, for heavens sake!" Juliet pouted, stopping her jumping momentarily as the taller male swatted her hands off of him. "Sorry, Franky. It just looks so amazing, don't ya think?" Franklin averted his eyes back to the various sets in front of him. "Mm..." He nodded with agreeance, lips still sat in a straight line.

To be honest, Franklin didn't know what to think. It was all very overwhelming. He'd never seen such a place with so much colour. He was never really allowed to, and due to his cold attitude and shallow look on life over the past few years, he hasn't really seeked such a thing out. It felt very...odd.

But...a change was good every now and then, right?

A booming voice suddenly piped up, stemming from the woman with a brightly yellow curled afro who slipped past the duo. "Oh my goodness, is that her?!" She made her way over to a set that displayed a large stage, space memorabilia decorated all around it with different planets hanging from the ceiling.

Once their, she leaned over the mini lightbulbs decorating the edge of the stage to pick up what looked like a large doll. A star for a head and all. Was that one of the characters?

The brightly haired woman gasped, finally turning around to face the other's. "Oh my- She's perfect! She's just the way I imagined her! How astronomical!" The woman cheered, a large smile crowning her red lips.

Franklin watched in disbelief with everyone else, squinting his eyes not at the doll, but the woman.

Why did she look so familiar?

Franklin had seen her obviously the first time he had came to this place after finding out he got a role. She was talking to Penelope. Yet, Franklin never did get a proper view of his face. but now that he did...It was weird.

"W-Wait, don't touch that!" Mr. Feir's familiar voice was suddenly shouted, shoving past everyone to move towards the woman over at the stage set. He looked panicked, which was evident by his quick and powerful strides towards her. His uncanny smile was also gone.

Before the yellow haired woman could even comprehend, the star doll was snatched out of her hands by a now fuming Fier. "You could damage her! For heavens sake, who even left her there?!" With a quick head whip, he turned to glare daggers at Ramona and Marina, who had just made their way through the colourful doors, their faces pale and signature smiles missing.

As both woman slowly glanced at one another, Fand everyone else in the room held their breath, Fier took a very notable deep sigh, smoothing his light brown hair back and adjusting his rectangular glasses, turning back to a very obviously shaken cast member. "Apologies for my sudden outburst, Miss. Startana. These puppets are very delicate and the must be kept safe." With a shaky nod and crooked smile, Startana averted her eyes from Mr. Feir and to the rest of the cast members, who looked like they were all standing on needles. Her cheeks grew red before her face twisted into anger from embarrassment, crossing her arms and making her way back over to the group.

Once again staring at Ramona and Marina from across the room, who both had their head's down looking at the floor, Mr. Fier finally spoke after letting out another sigh, changing his attention to the cast members. "Sorry, we really should cut this short now. We have some important business to attend to. But, not to worry, you guys will be back first thing Wednesday morning on June 15th! Production will start that day, so make sure you're here for 10AM sharp." That same uncanny smile then made it's way back onto Fier's face, making Franklin's stomach churn with unease once again.

"Pleasure to meet you all. We can't wait to start working with you all. We couldn't have gotten a better cast." Next thing you know, he was gone, swooping past Ramona and Marina who timidly followed behind him through the large colourful doors, leaving a very confused and shook cast.

There was silence, not even Juliet spoke, currently still hiding behind Franklin.

That was until a large blue haired man spoke, his voice deep and bubbly.

"Well, that was a dog's-downer. Does anyone fancy heading to get a drink? My mama has the best booze in town." He ended with a chuckle.

Chapter Text

Franklin wasn't exactly used to going out to bars or clubs with 'friends'. He never really had any, and the idea of just going home and drinking until he passed out rather than having to interact with people he never liked, sounded much better to him. It's what he usually did after a rough day working at a place he despised, though it didn't exactly make him a nice person. He preferred it that way though. Kept, what he'd call 'distasteful cretins', far away from him.

So, to say he was confused to find himself sitting around a small round table filled with half drunken and empty beer bottles and cocktail glasses, nursing a glass of a now slightly warmed old fashioned in his hand, with loud music blasting down his ears from the band stood on the stage, would have been an understatement.

This wasn't a scene he was used to, so he didn't know exactly what to do. He'd just agreed to, what he'd learned his name was, Bradley's offer because everyone else agreed to it almost right away. He didn't want to exactly outcast himself just yet, since everyone in the cast seemed like a decent group of people. Even if he did stick out like a saw thumb. He knew it was only a matter of time before he did become one anyway, even if he would try his best. It was inevitable with Franklin. He'd given up on fitting in a long time ago.

That's why he just stayed sat there, didn't move from his seat as he just watched his new colleagues go about the bar like it was second nature to them.

He'd look over to his left, seeing Juliet having the time of her life on the dance floor with what looked like Miss. Startana, or better known as Stella.

He'd look straight ahead and see Wallifer and Bradley having a good chat with a small woman who kept fixing Bradley's hair, presumably his mother, by doors to the staff room.

He'd look over to his right, urging himself not to stare as he watched Edward and Howard converse like the two had known each other for years whilst stood at the bar, downing their beers every-now-and-then.

And then finally, Franklin would look down at his outfit, his shoes and the old fashioned that's ice had completely melted by this point.

He looked pathetic. He knew he did. Everyone else around him was having fun and actually behaving and moving like normal human beings. Yet, Franklin could even move an inch off of the wooden chair he sat on.

He looked liked a complete outcast.

He mentally kicked himself in the head. 'Stupid...' Franklin thought, scrunching his eyes shut as he leaned back against the back of the chair, dropping his head in shame. Why the hell did he even agree to come to this anyway. Figured he'd probably insult Bradley's mother if he disagreed.

Right now though, he just wanted to disappear. It was taking everything in Franklin's body to not just march up to the bar and drink himself to death from shame. At least then, he'd be out of this self-eating state. He never was responsible with alcohol. Always seen it as a way to escape.

But, he wasn't really in the mood for making a scene in front of people he was going to be working with. Specifically Edward. Or Juliet, probably would leave the poor girl mortified that she'd cut him off right away.

God, this sucked.

"Hey dear." Franklin's self-deprecating thoughts shattered at the sound of a familiar voice, yellow eyes springing open to see Penelope set down a small glass of ice-cold lemonade on the table and sit down on the long, circled red couch booth next to him. Her polite smile still sat on her motherly features, adjusting her long skirt as she got comfortable.

She let out a low laugh, almost inaudible from the band's loud music, before she gestured slightly to the fresh drink. "I don't exactly do well with alcohol...Prefer to stay sober, just in case." Franklin nodded, head slightly jittery.

He looked back down at his drink before finally speaking for the first time in what felt like hours, "Y-Yeah, yeah...I normally like to stay sober as well..." He lied. That was so obviously a lie. Quickly, he brought the glass up to his lips, sipping the bitter liquid faster than he probably should have. It was all gone now, even though he had a half-full glass merely 5 seconds ago. "But, it's nice treat yourself every once in awhile, right?..." He laughed nervously, avoiding eye contact with the taller woman.

Luckily, Penelope must have grasped how uncomfy Franklin was quickly and avoided asking questions, just nodding gently before the pair fell silent.

"You know, I'm not entirely used to coming to places like this. Not exactly my style." Penelope spoke after a period of time, looking out a head onto the dance floor. "But, not too long ago I met Stella. Before this job, that is." Franklin shifted his gaze to Penelope, fully listening to her now.

"We actually met at a Christmas market last year. I have a small bakery business, so I put up a stall for others to come to. It was full of children, due to a small theatre production company putting on a play of 'A Christmas Carol'." Penelope breathed. "That's where I met Stella. She was playing, I think it was, the Ghost of Christmas Past, and had forgotten her lunch that day. So, I offered her one of my pastries and she loved it. Came back to my stall everyday for the whole week after that." She laughed, her giggle bubbly.

"We continued to keep in contact after that and have been really close ever since. I introduced her baking and knitting, and in return, she took me out to show me what 'proper night life was like' since I'd never experienced it." Penelope smiled warmly, glancing down at her glass and circling her thumb around the rim. Stella clearly meant a lot to her. "I then introduced her to this audition, and she couldn't have said yes more faster."

"I know she may come off as head strong, but she really is an absolute sweetheart once you get to know her." She then looked over at Franklin, who was mesmerised by the story, much to his embarrassment.

"That's why I think you should let yourself open up to people, Franklin. Go and actually express yourself to those who want to become close to you. I've bearly known you a day, but I can tell you are a good person." Penelope nodded. "Take Juliet for example. From what I've seen, you two get on like two peas in a pod, and I can see how much you both care for one another."

Franklin's cheeks flushed slightly from that comment, his stubborn attitude causing him to be embarrassed. Him and Juliet had only met each other once before today, yet, he hadn't realised how close they had gotten already. Heck, the first time they met, they'd both ended up in the middle of the city centre, sitting on a monument and devouring a Chinese take-away. Juliet had seen Franklin's closed-off and cold attitude the first time they had met, and yet she still voluntarily continued to talk (and jump) to him when she had seen him for the second time this morning.

It really did confuse Franklin. How could someone be so nice to a person they basically don't know?

"And Edward, as well." Penelope spoke up again, interrupting Franklin's thoughts, making the male whip his head back up to look at the taller woman. "He clearly cares about you along with Juliet, and I can see you reciprocate it as well. I could tell by how nervous you went when he gave you your job confirmation letter this morning." The female laughed, quietly and mother-like.

Franklin felt his cheeks warm even more, evident with how flustered he now looked. Jesus, this woman sees right through him! Franklin thought he had the sternest, most unmoving expression ever, much like his father (not that he wanted to share that similarity). He must have been wrong. Very wrong at that.

Turning his head around to look at the bar again, Franklin laid eyes on Edward for what seemed like the 50th time tonight.

The redhead's face was now in full view from where Franklin sat across the other side of the room. Even under the dim lighting and loud music, he could still see Edward's handsome smile as he leaned his plump body against the wooden bar, still hear his warm and deep laugh as he spoke to Howard.

His white shirt was slightly creased from the day that had previously went by, but he still wore it smart and tucked into his blue jeans. Granted, it did look like he had loosened his tie, judging by it now hanging slightly lower from his collar, which looked a little scuffed.

And his purple iris's. Oh, his gorgeous purple iris's. The shone brightly with such kindness.

God, this man was just a complete dream.

"Penelope..." Franklin finally spoke up, eyes still locked onto the ethereal man across from him. He stayed quiet for a few seconds, knowing the woman behind him was waiting patiently for him to continue.

Finally, he turned his head to look back at her, expression now quiet timid and fearful. "Do...Do you think I'll fit in here?...I-In 'Playfellow' I mean..."

Penelope remained silent for a few moments, her face still straight before her usual motherly smile grew on her lips.

Leaning over the short gap, the taller female placed a maternal palm on Franklin's back, green pupils not breaking contact with yellow ones.

"Franklin...I don't think you don't truly know just how amazing you are. How do you think you got this job, hm?" Penelope raised a small eyebrow. "You came for just a small job, didn't you? Just small roles in the show. Yet, you were clearly recognised for your talents, so much so, they took you on as one of the main characters. Something so many will have auditioned for, but only you got." She smiled.

Franklin listened closely, taking in everything Penelope was saying. How did she know all that already? Had he already spilled that onto her? Franklin had trained himself for so many years to be as reserved as he could be. Had that already been broken...so quickly?

"You're one of us now, Franklin." Penelope spoke softly. "In fact, you always have been. It just...took awhile for everyone to find each other." She smiled, a small one.

"We're all one team now, right? We'll always be there for one another. No one left behind."

Franklin felt his heart stop at that statement, his unibrow raising and eye's widening in shock.

'One team'

'Always there one another'

'No one left behind'

Franklin had never been told that. Not once in his life. He'd always been left on his own. Left to fend for himself. A disgraced face of the Ferguson family name. A harsh, cold-hearted and miserable person that no one wanted to be around. An outcast.

Yet, here he was. Finally being invited into a group with open arms.

It felt nice.

Feeling a wet sensation drip down his cheek, Franklin broke out of his dazed state, lifting his hand to touch his cheeks.

It was a tear. He was crying. He hadn't cried properly for a long while. Normally finding a way to drink or smoke his sorrows away.

"A-Ah..." His voice broke, looking down at his fingertips. The wetness of his previous tear glistened on his tan skin underneath the dim lighting.

Penelope's smile widened, her hand on Franklin's back going from rubbing to lightly tapping. "Now, go up there and have fun! I'm sure Juliet is waiting on the dance floor for you."

Staring at the taller woman, Franklin remained silent and still for a few seconds, before finally taking a deep breath and nodding.

There wasn't a lot of opportunities that you got an early day off from work and went partying with you co-wor- no, friends. So, there's no point in just sitting around mooping all night.

Pushing back his seat and placing his empty glass on the table, Franklin stood and made a bee-line for the bar, not failing to notice how he seemed to have caught Edward's attention.

Leaning forward on the wooden surface, in the middle of the crowded area, Franklin alerted the free bartender. "One bottle of beer please, and 3 shots of tequila."

Nodding, the bar man got to work preparing his drinks, whilst Franklin dug through his pockets to get a few 10 dollar bills.

"Wait, are you with Bradley's lot? It's on the house, pal." The bartender spoke, British accent thick as he placed down Franklin's filled shot glasses next to his beer.

Oh, even better.

Before he knew it, Franklin was there downing his shots of tequila like it was second nature to him, face scrunching still at the bitter and burning sensation running down his throat.

Placing the last now empty shot glass down on the bar, Franklin snatched his beer and took a long swig of it, thanking the bartender before backing away to look over at the dance floor. Well, not before taking at glance at Edward, who was now staring at him with wide purple eyes. He clearly wasn't expecting that.

He didn't know what over came him, but with the strong alcohol now coursing through his system, Franklin found the confidence to wink at the redhead, smirking as he done so.

Well, that came out of nowhere.

Franklin turned around to walk towards the dance floor quickly, not wanting his shame to set in, instead drinking it down with another swig of his beer. No time for that now.

Making his way onto the crowded dance floor and pushing past a few people, Franklin finally found a very intoxicated Juliet and Stella, moving their bodies to the music being played by the band on stage in front.

Noticing his presence being pointed out by Stella, Juliet finally turned around and gasped at the sight of her friend, a wide smile etching onto her face. "Ah, Franky~! You finally decided to get up here!" The blonde flung herself at Franklin, swinging her arms around him in a giant hug. "I've been waiting for youuuuu~."

Franklin laughed out loud, using his free arm to try and balance the stumbling girl wrapped around him like a koala. "Good god, Juliet, you are completely wasted!"

Pulling Juliet back a little, Stella finally spoke, drunk but not as much as Juliet. It was the first time she was speaking directly to Franklin. "She's had about 5 bottles of beer and, like, 15 shots of vodka! Not to mention the 2 cocktails she had coming in..." Stella spoke, sipping her half full martini in her hand.

Sweet jesus, that girl can drink. Then again, he was one to talk.

Before Franklin could even ask, Juliet was pulling at his wrist, a large grin still prominent over her drunken features. "Come on, Franky~! Dance with meeeee!"

Rolling his eyes playfully, Franklin nodded and took a long swig of his beer before beginning to dance with the smaller blonde.

This whole situation felt very odd to him. He's never been one to go out and actually have fun in bars and clubs. He just usually went for a few drinks, only to then leave and pass out the moment he got into his crumbling apartment. Plus, he never exactly had friends to go out with.

It was an unfamiliar feeling, a good one at that. Juliet was a good dancer, even in her intoxicated state. She just looked like she was having fun. Along with everyone else. The band's music wasn't that bad either. No one seemed to care about what anyone else was doing, which to Franklin, felt like bliss.

So he started to dance with Juliet, beer in hand, occasionally bumping shoulders with a few people surrounding him. Stella had long since left, most likely having gone back to the table to talk with Penelope.

He just continued to move his body to the music, lost in the moment, and mind basically completely blank for what felt like the first time. It was fun and exciting, and now that Franklin had started, he couldn't stop.

He didn't know how long he had been on that dance floor for at one point, just continuing to move until he eventually backed up into someone, making his eyes spring open. The tequila and beer at this point had already heavily hit his system, so when he turned around, he didn't fully recognise who it was until his vision adjusted. All he could make out was that the figure was a little taller than him, white shirt, blue jeans, tie, red hair...

Oh, it was Edward.

Oh shit.

The redhead smiled as he looked down at Franklin's shocked appearance, gesturing with the cold beer in his large hand. "Sorry to disturb 'ya like that, Mr. Ferguson. Just thought I'd join 'ya since 'ya look like you're havin' fun!"

Franklin nodded his head, still slightly in his shocked state. "U-Uh...Y-Yeah, yeah..."

"Edward, yayyy~! Come dance with us!" Juliet slurred, leaning sloppily against Franklin's back, blonde hair all messy and make-up smudged, side-eyeing him sneakily whilst wiggling her eyebrows. That little-

Franklin quickly forgot what his mind was saying as soon as he felt his free hand being grabbed by a very familiar large one. "Absolutely, Miss. Jandreau!" Edward cheered, pulling the smaller male with him to a larger gap in the dance floor.

Before he knew it, Edward was know dancing with Franklin, whilst holding a free hand on his waist, Franklin's resting awkwardly on Edward's shoulder as he begged himself not to explode.

Good god, Edward was touching him. TOUCHING HIM. HOLDING. HIM. BY. HIS. WAIST. Franklin felt like he was going to die.

"Y'know..." Edward began, breaking Franklin out of his trance to look up at the redhead. "'ya left me a lil' flustered back there, Mr. Ferguson. When 'ya winked at me at the bar." He chuckled.

Franklin felt his face flush, averting his eyes to his nearly empty beer bottle in his hand. "O-Oh, y-yeah...S-Sorry about that..."

Edward laughed out loud, deeply. "No, no, nothin' to be sorry about! Plus, I didn't expect 'ya to be such a drinker, considering you spent most of the night at the table with one drink."

Franklin huffed, smirking and rolling his eyes. "Yeah, well, I've had my fair share of drinks in the past. I'm not usually a big drinker." Well, that was a fat lie, but Franklin didn't exactly feel like confessing that he used alcohol to drown his sorrows to a guy he was practically head-over-heels for.

"Yeah, well..." Edward leaned down to Franklin's ear, wanting him to hear him clearly. "Kinda' of a shame since I wanted to buy ya' a drink."

Franklin felt his heart skip a beat at Edward's words, a shiver running down his spine at the sensation of the redhead's warm breath against his skin. He had never been this close to anyone, let alone a man. No, let alone someone like Edward.

Well, he can't miss his shot now.

With a wave of intoxicated confidence, Franklin grasped the back of Edward's shirt collar and gently pulled him back to face him, noses inches away from touching.

"Well, what's stopping you from doing it now? The night is still young, right?"

---------------------

The rest of the night went as a blur to Franklin. Downing drinks and shots left, right and centre. Dancing until his feet ached. Laughing and talking to his new co-workers like he had knew them for a lifetime.

It all felt very natural, and Franklin got used to it very quickly.

But nothing could prepare him for the predicament he had found himself in now.

Now he found himself pressing the door to his apartment shut with Edward's body, the pair messily moving their lips against one another's like it was the last thing the could do on earth. Both were very drunk from the excessive amount of booze they had all downed, so much so that Franklin can't even remember how they got to his apartment, since it was on the whole other side of the city.

Had they walked? Got the train? In the middle of the night? Franklin couldn't care less. All he was feeling right now was Edward's lips against his and the hands on his waist.

Moving away from the door, Franklin was backed against the wall next to his coat rack by the redhead, still neither of the breaking contact.

Franklin was completely lost in the moment, mind blank and body moving on it's own as his hands travelled upwards to cascade through Edward's firey red hair. It wasn't neat and gelled anymore, mostly now sticking out in certain places. It made Edward look even more handsome than he already did, especially with his small red goatee.

Pulling back for air, Edward and Franklin stayed inches away as the gazed into his each other's eyes, panting from the lack of breath.

Edward's purple eyes were even more beautiful up close, with little dark flakes swimming through the lilac that Franklin could feel himself drowning in.

"Mr. Ferguson..." Edward spoke, out of breath and still nose-to-nose the black haired male. "A-Are 'ya sure you're ok with thi-"

Gritting his teeth, the smaller male reached up and yanked at the redhead's already messy tie harshly. "For fuck's sake Edward, how many times must I say it. It's Franklin."

Twisting the fabric of the tie around his knuckles, Franklin yanked it again, making Edward gasp. Still they never once broke eye-contact.

"Now, shut up...and kiss me again."

Chapter Text

Sunlight beamed through the small crooked window of the 5th floor apartment, bathing the crumbling bedroom in a beautiful golden hue. Light bounced off of the glass vase on the chipped windowsill, the bloomed daffodils cascading a shadow onto the wooden floorboards beneath it and also the bed, where a figure laid still.

Body slightly covered and wrapped in the crinkled white bedsheets, Franklin's chest rose and fell as he took small intakes of air, only moving when his closed eyes twitched from the bright sunlight. Did he forget to close his curtain last night? That wasn't like him.

Slowly, the male's eyelashes softly fluttered open, his yellow eyes squinting at the harsh light as he began to break out of his sleepy trance.

That was until it hit him.

The overbearing punching in his head smashing against his skull. His hangover.

Franklin wasn't unfamiliar to this feeling, not at all. However, this time it was different.

It throbbed a hell of a lot more, and it quite literally felt like he had been punched in his face 15 times.

Groaning loudly, Franklin lifted his hand to grasp at his forehead, tongue still tasting that vulgar after-taste of drinking one-too-many beers and shots.

Sweet jesus, how much had he drank last night? Not like he could even remember.

Edging up on his elbows, Franklin slowly lifted himself into a slumped sitting position on his ragged mattress, running both hands over his face like he was trying to shed the skin of the previous night.

It was only then that he noticed, when taking his palms away from his face and staring down at his chest, he had no clothes on.

What? Franklin was never the type of person to not sleep with a full set of pyjamas, even if it only was a tank top and shorts.

Suddenly, he was bombarded with the memories from just merely 8 hours ago.

Bradley's mother's bar, Penelope, the booze, the dance floor, Juliet, the band...

And Edward.

Oh fuck.

He remembers them both getting back to his apartment, the making out, the way the couldn't keep their hands off of one another...

Oh shit.

Franklin's yellow eyes twitched to the side of his bed, his mortified face growing a lot more prominent.

Clothes were scattered everywhere. From the door to the bedroom, to the bed like a goddamn path. Some items, Franklin recognised, other's...he did not.

Oh god.

He'd slept with Edward Dearest.

HE. SLEPT. WITH. EDWARD. DEAREST.

That's when Franklin's brain crashed. Completely. That bitch crumbled.

Then the door to his bedroom opened.

There stood Edward himself, in nothing but his fucking boxers and long white socks, red hair all over the place, holding a full plate and a steaming mug. Still with that same handsome and bright smile he usually wore.

Franklin felt his heart skip.

"Ah, thought I heard 'ya awake!" Edward cooed, further opening the door with his socked foot and making his way over to Franklin on the bed, placing down the and mug, that seemed to be filled with coffee, on the bedside table.

"I hope 'ya don't mind I used you're stove, oh, and 'ya bacon in the fridge." The redhead chuckled, sitting down on the edge of the bed beside the other male.

Franklin felt himself short circuit, if that was even more possible anymore. He was frozen, completely, just staring at Edward with wide eyes.

What exactly was he meant to say? Was he meant to act normal with the other, even though, he just kind of, I don't know, SLEPT WITH THE GUY HE HAD ONLY MET A DAY AGO.

"I don't quite know what 'ya like, and I'm not a world-class chef, but, it don't look to shabby, righ'?" Edward spoke with a wide smile, holding out the plate to the ebony haired male, who just stared straight ahead.

After a few seconds of silence, Franklin forced himself to blink a few times and break him out of his daze, shaking his head. "W-What?..."

Oh, the plate.

Looking down quickly, Franklin didn't wait to take, no, snatch the plate out of Edward's hand, laughing nervously as he done so. "I-I'm sure it will be fine..."

The redhead smiled in return, leaving Franklin to finally glance down at the plate's continents. Well cooked bacon, slightly overdone scrambled eggs, fresh toast...

Franklin was actually pleasantly surprised. This actually looked quite nice.

"Eh...Ya' might wanna get more food in though...I kinda' used the last of it." Edward spoke, running a hand though his messy red hair.

The other male sat confused for a moment, not knowing what Edward was talking about. Until he remembered. His fridge was basically empty before he left for work that previous day, possibly even being home to a rotten apple on the third shelf, if his memory was correct. He hadn't been grocery shopping for a good week, due to him not having enough money to afford it. So, he was just living off scraps, maybe even that Chinese takeaway Juliet had bought for him...

And Edward probably would have seen that. How humiliating.

Franklin felt his cheeks heat up, "S-Sorry about that..." He felt ashamed. Not only had he somehow dragged back this guy to his deteriorating apartment, where it was cold, the wallpaper peeled and cobwebs littered the corners of each room, where Franklin just couldn't reach, but he had also left him to deal with rotting food in the fridge.

Upon seeing the other's embarrassed and ashamed expression, Edward quickly shook his head and reached up to scratch his neck. "S-Sorry, I-I didn't mean it like that! I-I get ya'! I didn't exactly grow up with a lot of money either..." He chuckled nervously.

That was the polar opposite to Franklin, who had grew up with all the money and luxuries he could ever want, yet still went onto becoming a failure without the money to afford the basic necessities like fucking fresh fruit. All because his ego was too big and he tried so hard to make his false dream a reality.

He'd never ever admit it out loud, but Edward's confession couldn't help but make him feel more ashamed. How selfish of him.

He had to shake it away though, just nodding his head before stabbing a rash of bacon with his fork and bringing it up to his mouth, not failing to notice how the redhead waited with baited breath to hear the other's opinion.

Oh, wow. This was good.

Unconsciously, Franklin's lips twitched up into a smile as he chewed, letting Edward release a sigh of relief. "Oh thank god, thought I'd ruined the last of 'ya bacon there!" The taller laughed.

Nodding his head with a muffled laugh, Franklin spoke with his mouth full, pulling his hand in front of his mouth as he done so. "This is a hell of a lot better than anytime I've ever fried bacon. In fact, it's nicer than how those diner's make it." He smiled, scooping his fork though the scrambled eggs and lifting to his lips.

Eggs were a little overdone than what Franklin would usually have them as, but still delicious.

Edward's cheeks grew a little more rosy than they originally were, clearly not expecting the excessive compliment, before he chuckled quietly. "O-Oh, didn't know i-it was that good...b-but thanks!"

Then they both sat in silence, Franklin too busy trying to distract himself from the, uh...previous night's 'situation' with his delicious breakfast, whilst Edward sat there in a daze, clearly waiting for the other to be the first to ask.

It was sort of uncomfortable, since both didn't seem to be used to these kind of situations, one scraping scrambled egg around a plate, the other playing with his sock. Both were very obviously nervous.

Well, Franklin was the one to drag Edward back to this dilapidated place, so he HAD to be the first one to bring it up. It only made it fair. Even though he wasn't exactly good with words.

"So, um...How are you feeling?..." Really? That was the best he could muster up? Idiot, it didn't even make sense. "I-I mean after last night..." Franklin finished, flinching as he scraped the fork over the porcelain, creating a sickening screech.

Edward, breaking out of his dazed state, adjusted his purple eyes to look at the other male, expression shocked. "M-Me? O-Oh, yes! Y-Yes, I'm totally alrigh't Mr. Ferguso- I-I mean, Franklin!" The red head nervously chuckled, reaching up to scratched the back of his head. "A lil' tired, b-but nothing a good shower couldn't fix...W-What about you?"

Franklin nodded slowly as Edward spoke, sighing as he lifted up his hand to run through his messy black hair. "Gosh, I can't even fully remember last night...How much did I drink?" It wasn't unusual for Franklin to find himself in such an intoxicated place, but he could still remember the previous day's acts. So, what was so different about this one?

Upon hearing Franklin's confession, Edward's smile seemed to wobble a little, him averting his eyes back down to the floor and nodding his head slowly. "Righ'..."

He wasn't expecting Edward's sombre expression so suddenly at the fact that Franklin couldn't remember the previous night's activities, making him quickly muster up a add on to his past remark. "I-It'll probably come back to me later on..." Was that good enough?

Once again, the pair sat in conjoined silence. It was a little more comfortable now, but still unsettling.

The sun had moved by this point, cascading a shadow from the other city buildings outside of Franklin's apartment into the man's room, the sun no longer beaming on him, but instead Edward. It bathed him in a beautiful golden hue, highlighting the man's beautiful red hair and freckles that sprinkled over his entire body like a starry night sky.

This man was truly a sight to behold, appearing like he was crafted by the gods himself. Muscular yet chubby, perfect facial features with a pristine tiny beard and hairline and a personality that really embodied his 'Dearest' last name.

Yet, here he was, sat on Franklin's bed in his rotting apartment. Not anywhere near where he needed to be.

"Mr. Dearest..." Franklin finally broke the silence, making the other male lift his head to face him. "I-I'm sorry about last night...W-Whatever happened...just know we can forget about it." He couldn't even look at Edward, he was that ashamed. He just hung his head in defeat. "It's my fault...and I apologise for tha-"

Franklin was suddenly cut off be a large hand gently gripping his chin, forcing him to lift his head and stare at the red head, who was now inches away from his face. Edward had now sat closer, leaning over with a serious expression, not breaking eye contact with the other.

"Edward, Mr. Ferguson. This first name basis goes both ways, y'know?" Then he pressed his lips against Franklin's, gently whilst he still held his chin.

Franklin felt his heart skip a beat, his eyes still bulging wide at the unfamiliar feeling of a sensation against his lips, let alone it being a man he swooned over. Edward wanted this? He wanted to kiss Franklin? Or did he just want to shut him up? Was he not ashamed of last night's actions?

After all...they were both men. Did that not concern him?

He sat there frozen for a moment, not knowing what to do, until his body suddenly moved on it's own, almost instinctively.

Pressing back gently, Franklin reciprocated the kiss back, his eyes fluttering shut as he lifted his hand to cup Edward's cheek.

It wasn't aggressive. Not lustful. Not drunken. Not like the night before. It was just...sweet.

Edward tasted like tea, the total opposite to Franklin's coffee taste. He must have had the last tea bag that was in Franklin's tea jar. One he hadn't touched since his Grandmother had died. She loved tea, she just wasn't around for the last cup.

After a solid thirty, both males pulled away from the embrace, breathing quietly as they pressed their forehead's against eachother.

"I'm not ashamed of last night, Franklin...It was the best thing I have ever done in a long time." Edward spoke, thumb caressing Franklin's bottom lip. "I don't wanna forget it, y'know?" He chuckled.

Laughing back with a shaky chuckle, Franklin nodded, eyes locked on his and Edward's interlocked hands on the mattress below him. "I'm glad...I just hope I can remember it later on." He lifted his head to face the redhead, shakily smiling as he done so.

Smiling at his comment, Edward nodded and lifted his free hand from Franklin's chin, reaching up to smoothen the other's black hair. "I'm sure 'ya will. Just gotta sleep a lil' longer, righ'?"

Franklin playfully rolled his eyes, not daring to budge from Edward's hand movements against his hair. "I don't think I'll be able too."

Humming a laugh at his comment, Edward nodded again. Slowly, he turned to look at Franklin's clock on his wall. "Ah, shucks...I better head off. I told my Ma' I'd help her run a few errands today."

Franklin's happy expression faltered a little, beginning to feel sad upon other's departure so soon. He didn't want Edward to go. Not now.

Turning back, Edward's smile grew back onto his lips at Franklin's weakened expression, reaching over to drift his finger's over his cheek. "Hey, we'll see eachother again tomorrow, righ'? Don't worry, I won't tell anyone." The redhead winked, making Franklin's expression light up again, resulting in another chuckle.

Standing up, Edward walked over to pick up his and Franklin's scattered clothing from the night before, sliding his crinkled ones on his body, whilst folding the black haired male's neatly and placing them on the end of the bed.

Adjusting his tie around his collar, Edward tried to smoothen out the crinkles in his white shirt, not to much avail. The other male watched from afar, admiring the taller's actions as he moved with such messy precision.

Picking up his navy blue jacket from hanging over the edge of the door, Edward turned to look at Franklin, his usual warm smile set on his lips. Just that expression alone made Franklin's heart flip.

"Now, you get some sleep." Edward chuckled, winking before saying, "Don't want you having a worse hangover, Franky."

Rolling his eyes, Franklin huffed a remark, smirking. "God, first Juliet, and now you? I can't seem to escape it." The black haired male spoke, falling back onto his pillow.

"Damn right. Now, sleep. I'll see you tomorrow, Mr. Ferguson." Edward perked right back, closing the door quietly behind him.

Rolling his eyes again, Franklin quietly laughed before turning onto his side, gazing out of the window to see that same blue and gold butterfly, flapping it's wings as it perched itself on his windowsill. It shone against the sunlight, making the male's lips quirp up into a wider smile.

This was the start of something totally new for Franklin. Something he wasn't afraid of this time. Infact...

He couldn't be more eager to start it.

Chapter Text

"The next station is - Swingcross. Be careful of the gap when stepping off of the platform."

Lifting his eyes from his book, Franklin looked upwards at the speaker in the corner of the train carriage, realising that the next stop was in fact the station he was meant to get off at 2 days ago. The one he missed because of his incapability to stand close to a man he found absolutely enchanting.

He chuckled at that memory now, even if he was still humiliated by it. Little did he know what would have come afterwards.

The train wasn't as full this morning, possibly because he had gotten the later train. His hangover was still eating away at him the night before, so he may or may have not have woken up just that little bit later than usual.

But, for once, he decided to stay calm. He actually went to the small café in the station by his apartment complex and bought himself a coffee and a toastie with the very little money he had left in his wallet.

He couldn't wait to get his first pay check from this new place, since it was offering just that little bit more than other casting companies were. A single payment from this new 'Playfellow' place was more than enough to actually get him by a week and a half of groceries, which wasn't so bad considering he was getting paid by the end of each week.

He may actually gain enough money to afford himself new luxuries. Maybe do up his shambled apartment, or repay Juliet back for that Chinese takeaway faster than he had initially thought.

That sounded nice.

Sliding his bookmark into his book, he closed it shut and sat it on his lap, sighing as he sat back against the train chair and waited for the carriage to come to a halt.

Due to the silence that filled the space, Franklin's mind eventually drifted off to the day before. Specifically the morning before.

He smiled at the memory of waking up to Edward Dearest, himself, handing him breakfast he had made for him, a man he had only met properly the day before.

The slight awkwardness, the conversing, the sudden kiss...

Franklin brought his hand up towards hid mouth, finger's tracing his bottom lip where Edward's thumb once sat.

How in the hell did Franklin find himself in a situation like that? To say the least, he'd like it to stay that way.

Heck, Franklin kind of missed the red head being on the train with him this morning. He'd defiantly have to continue getting that earlier train everyday.

The slowing down of the train suddenly broke Franklin out of his dazed state, lifting his head as the carriage entered the inside of Swingcross enclosed station, eventually coming to a stop.

"This station is: Swingcross."

Upon hearing the speaker, Franklin stood up and began to walk to the train doors, not having to push through any crowd of some sort like usual mornings.

Pressing the button on the side of the exit, the train doors slid open slowly, Franklin beginning to step off the platform whilst looking down at the book and papers in his arms, his workcase hanging from his elbow. He wasn't really paying attention to his surroundings, just wanting to make sure he had everything he needed.

So, to say he wasn't expecting someone to just suddenly run past him and barge straight into his right side, was an understatement.

Due to the collision being so forceful, Franklin felt himself stumble and bash his back and head into the open doorway to the train doors. Thankfully, he didn't drop any of the things in his arms, as he held them close to his chest with a harsh grip.

Goddamnit, why does everything bad have to happen to him when he's on his way to work?!

A few short moments after he tried to regain his composure, Franklin whipped his head to the side of him, about to confront the culprit who had barged him. An apology would've been nice, right?

He was fully expecting to see a rugged person or a snobby businesses man sat with a snarl on his face due to the stature of the person.

But instead, he was met with a young guy, possibly a late teenager, who was staring at his with the most terrified expression Franklin had ever seen on a person.

He was dressed in a large black goat with his hood covering his face, almost as if he was trying to hide his identity, or possibly the bruises, swelling and cuts that littered his sickly pale skin...

It seemed that Franklin's face was something that shocked the boy, as his terrified expression dropped into one of shock for a moment.

He then opened his mouth to speak, his bottom lip quivering.

"Y-You're him...I-I remember..." The boy murmured quietly, eyes completely locked onto the black haired male's.

Suddenly, the doors to the train began to shut between Franklin and the bruised boy, making the younger male's face churn into one of horror yet again.

Pressing his grazed palms against the window of the doors, the boy began to banging on the doors and shout something, clearly trying to tell Franklin something, who stood frozen on the outside platform, just staring at the guy.

Not even two seconds after, the train began to move away from the platform, the younger male continuing to bang on the glass, desperate shouting muffled by the glass and loud train engine.

The young boy's eyes were petrified, pupils dilated as they stared daggers into the older. His mouth was moving at a million miles per hour, so it was impossible for Franklin to try and understand what the guy was saying.

The only word he could make out was...'Play'...

It wasn't until the train was almost fully into the tunnel exit of the platform that Franklin realised...that boy was missing three fingers.

Two missing on his right, one on his left, stubs tightly wrapped up in bloodied bandages..

It took awhile for the black haired male to compose himself, just gazing at the now empty tunnel where the train had disappeared into a mere 30 seconds ago.

What. The. Fuck?

It wasn't until another train swept past at a great speed that Franklin broke out of his dazed state, jolting at the sudden gush of air his body felt from being so close to the line between the platform and the train tracks.

Blinking a few times, he turned around and backed away from the line.

Gosh, he could feel everyone staring at him. Some probably from the previous ordeal, others from the fact Franklin was inches away from being hit by an oncoming train.

Lifting his free hand, Franklin grasped at his tight shirt collar, gulping slightly as he done so, before tilting his head down and shuffling his way to the exit.

He felt his grip tighten around the railing tighten as he stepped down the small set of stairs into the city streets, still incredibly shaken from the whole situation.

Franklin was sure he had never seen that boy before, but this guy somehow knew who he was.

Or was he just overthinking this? It could have some dumb kid on drugs or drunk. Possibly have gotten into a fight over it.

But having limbs missing?...Plus, Franklin was very familiar with the smell of alcohol. He hadn't smelled even a little bit on the boy...

Sighing, the black haired male lifted his wrist, glancing at his watch.

He still had 15 minutes to get to the studio.

Suddenly, Franklin's mind flashed back to the only word he could make out the boy to be saying from behind the glass.

"Play..."

What on earth had actually just happened?

---------- ----------

Sliding through the familiar colourful doors, Franklin looked around him, spotting that same red haired woman from a few days ago. Still smiling.

"Ah, hello Mr. Ferguson! Lovely to see you again." He really had to find out what her name was.

Nodding his head with an awkward smile, Franklin nodded and greeted the woman back, turning to walk through the other doors to, what he presumed now, was the staff room.

Quietly opening the door, the black haired male slipped into the room, greeted with the familiar faces of his new co-workers.

More specifically, Edward, who had conveniently been leaning on the wall by the doors, paper cup containing water in hand.

Upon seeing the Ferguson, Edward's freckle scattered eager face grew into one of happiness, reaching his hand out to the other before quickly retracting it. "Mr. Ferguso- I-I mean Franklin!...W-What do 'ya want me to call you out in public?..." The red-head spoke, thick accent hushed.

Franklin tilted his head to look up at Edward, chuckling under his breath. "Edward, I'm not bothered by you calling me Franklin anywhere. I'd rather it, actually." Good, because so far, Edward seemed to have absolutely no idea of the Ferguson name and who Franklin was related too. Or at least he hoped he didn't.

Shaking his thoughts away, Franklin's eyes traced over the red-head's position. Smirking cunningly, he crossed his arms over his chest, hands still full of papers. "Seems to me like you were waiting for a certain someone."

Cheeks turning into the same tone as his hair colour, Edward's smile quickly turned to a wobbly one. His fingers clenched tighter around his paper cup of water, reaching up to scratch the back of his head. "Y-Yeah...J-Just wanted to greet 'ya is all..."

Now it was Franklin's cheeks' turn to flush red, the smaller male's smile turning into one of lovestruck. This guy really does live up to his 'Dearest' name. What a gentleman.

"Well...Thank you, Ed-"

"Frankyyyy!!"

Sweet jesus.

Both males flinched harshly at the loud voice before Franklin quickly prepared his body for impact.

Pouncing on his back and wrapping her arms around his neck, Franklin was met with a very familiar tuff of big blonde hair. "Yes, yes, I know it's you Juliet."

Grinning widely, Juliet swung herself onto Franklin's side and began to giggle, voice as chirpy as ever. "Ah, I missed you! I didn't know where you went the other night. It's like you were there one minute, and then, POOF, you were gone!"

Cheeks blushing lightly, the grump smiled nervously and adjusted the papers in his arms. "Y-Yeah, sorry, I-I just had..." He eyed Edward, who was awkwardly averting his gaze. "...t-to get the last train!" He was so obviously lying through his teeth, but hopefully Juliet didn't know his line basically ran a whole 3 more times than the one he and Edward inevitably ended up catching.

Pouting, the blonde woman let go of her friend to place her hands on her hips. "Aw, shucks, bummer! I wanted you to meet my siblings..."

Franklin raised his unibrow, completely caught off guard. Siblings? Juliet had never mentioned her siblings before. "Oh, I had no idea...Were they at the bar that night?"

Juliet began nodding her head persistently. "Hell yeah! You know that band on the stage? That was them!" The blonde beamed.

Oh, they were her family? What a coincidence!

"They were your siblings?! Wow, Juliet, I had no idea." Franklin grinned, adjusting all of his items in his hands. "They were really good!"

Juliet's eyes sparkled at that statement, nodding profusely. "I know, I know!"

"U-Uh, Mr. Franklin?..." That southern accent immediately made said male turn a whole 180, both friends falling silent. Edward stood with an embarrassed and wobbly smile, holding out his free hand. "I-I can hold some of 'ya stuff if you'd like..."

Franklin's face flushed once again.

Why was Franklin still like this?! He'd already slept with the goddamn guy, and he's still flustered by him simply asking if he can hold a few papers.

Pull yourself together, idiot!

Blinking a few times, Franklin nodded slowly. "O-Oh...Y-Yeah...That would actually help..."

Smile widening, Edward nodded his head quickly and gently took the stacks of papers and empty portfolios from the other into his large hands. "No problem! I'm just gonna go get another drink...'Ya want one?"

"I-I'm quite alright...Thanks..." Nodding in agreeance, Edward turned and bolted towards the beverage table, leaving Franklin with just his bookbag hanging over his shoulder.

After a moment of silence, Juliet piped up, Franklin having completely forgotten she was still there. "Damn, what the hell was that about?"

She then wiggled her eyebrows, side-eyeing her best friend. "He got the hots for you already, Franky~."

Cringing at her statement, Franklin sucked in air through gritted teeth, speaking with a hushed voice. "W-Well...We, uh...did kind of...end up back at my place-"

"WHAT?!" Juliet abruptly cut off the taller, pink eyes extremely wide and her loud voice catching the attention of a few surrounding them. "YOU SLEPT WITH ED-"

Franklin was quick to slap a hand over the blonde's mouth, pressing a finger to his lips as he aggressively shushed her. "Shush! Shut up! Not everyone has to know!"

Juliet just continued to stare up at her friend with large eyes, standing still for a moment before grasping onto the male's wrist and ripping it away from her face. "You slept with Edward?!" She spoke, this time much much more quieter.

Embarrassed frown deepening, Franklin's felt his expression crack as he nodded his head in shame. "Yes, yes, I know! Now, zip it! You can't let anyone know." The black haired male sighed. "I need this job...And I don't want Edward to lose his as well...Not because of me."

Franklin felt like an idiot. Production hadn't even started, and already, 2 cast members have already had a secret affair. Not to mention, they were both men.

Shocked face turning into one of concern to sombreness, Juliet grasped Franklin's hand with her's, making him raise his gaze to look at her. "Oh, Franky, I would never. Your secret is completely safe with me."

She held up her pinky. "That's a Jandreau-Pinky-Swear!"

Stunned for a moment, Franklin's frown slowly etched up into a small grin. Softly, he laughed and lifted his pinky, interlocking it with Juliet's. "A 'Jandreau-Pinky-Swear'? Never heard of that specifically before."

The blonde raised her finger and wiggled it, showing off her newly manicured bright pink nails. "Why, my dearest Franky, it is a sacred Jandreau family tradition that must always be obeyed!" Franklin scoffed and rolled his eyes playfully in response.

The main colourful doors on the opposite side of the staff room suddenly squeaked open, being held open by none other than the familiar Marina Swallow, the head of the Casting Department, who had introduced herself to them all a few days ago. She still had that big smile on her face that quite literally lit up the entire room, even for her small stature.

"Good Morning everyone, so lovely to see you all here again! Now, can I please have the main cast to follow me through to the recording studios, please? Ramona will be through shortly for the rest of the production crew."

Grasping onto the taller male's wrist, which is something she seemed to like doing, Juliet began to quickly drag Franklin through the crowd and towards the doors where Marina stood. "Eek! We're gonna finally start recording for out roles! Come on Franky!" The blonde spoke with a very sing-songy voice.

Nodding his head, Franklin chuckled and followed the blonde along, but...his mind was still occupied...

Occupied with that boy on the train.

---------- ----------

Strolling into one of the individual recording studios, Franklin was in awe of what he saw around him.

It was a small little room, very dark but completely lit by the large window on the furthest wall from the door. A window to what looked like the set of the show. A very, and I mean VERY, colourful neighbourhood consisting of different shapes and sizes of small houses where the character's would most likely live in.

On his right, multiple scripts where stacked up on a small table. On his left, sat a corkboard held up on the wall, containing multiple pieces of artwork, specifically of a grey character and his design. Infront of that, a silver microphone hanging from the sealing, situated above a stand that seemed to have a closed script on already neatly waiting for him to open.

Franklin was speechless. He'd never been in a studio like this. This was downright insane.

How could a company Franklin had never heard of have such a large studio and singular individual recording studios for all of the cast members.

He'd never worked in a place like this, even in popular studios with big shows. Not like he stayed there for long.

Placing all of his papers and work bag down on the table and hook near the door, Franklin slowly walked over to the stand where the microphone was, reaching out to pick up the thick script book.

He read the front...

'The Playfellow Workshop Productions:
WELCOME HOME
-
EP 1: 'Good morning, Home!'

Script 1: FRANK FRANKLY
-
FRANKLIN FERGUSON

Recording Studio: 4'

Oh yeah, that was his character, Frank Frankly. Quite similar to his name. Same initials. Amusing.

Lifting his head to the corkboard on the wall in front of the microphone, Franklin made his way over, observing the artworks.

'So, this must be Frank.' The male thought as his eyes skimmed over the grey, cylindrical puppet.

Franklin's yellow eyes widened.

Gosh, he looked very familiar. Familiar to Franklin himself.

Side swept black hair, styled in a specific way, a large nose, prominent frown, colourful and neat vests, a unibrow, and seemed to be themed a lot with bugs...more specifically, butterflies...

Franklin stared at the puppet's cartoon design in front of him, eyes locked on the character.

He looked so much like him...Too much like him.

"I see you have noticed Frank's artworks on your wall." Franklin jolted at the sudden voice, whipping his startled self around.

It was Marina in the doorway, still smiling as she slowly walked over.

"The art department absolutely loved designing him, I tell you!" The curly haired woman cheerfully spoke, gesturing towards a piece of artwork that seemed to show the grey character's head spinning.

Franklin nodded shakily, staring at the small woman as she made her way over. "U-Heh..."

He dryly swallowed, staring at another piece of artwork, one clearly displaying Frank talking over the fence to a pink character with blonde hair...

'Even that one looks like Juliet..."

"I bet you're wondering why he looks so much like you, right?"

Franklin's eyes twitched, turning his gaze back to the brown haired woman, who still was admiring the art.

"Yeah, we took a different approach this time to our character designs for this production. Just to make them feel extra special."

She looked up at the taller male.

"So, we designed all of them based off of their retrospective voice actors!"

What?

Chapter Text

Franklin didn't exactly know how to feel about the whole situation.

I mean, yeah, it's not that big of a deal, but...should he be flattered or freaked out over the fact that the character he was now set to play for a major children's production was basically just a puppet version of him?

It was all just a little...odd.

He thought back to his first ever audition he had for Playfellow, it just being something he had seen on a flyer that was strung up on a board on the ground floor of his apartment building.

All he did was go to the building assigned on the paper and read out a few given lines for background characters that could've been forgotten easily.

It was his only chance of earning any money, since he had just been fired from his food service job due to a 'valid customer complaint'. Yeah right, Franklin knew it was over the fact that he'd basically told some stuck-up woman and her adult son to "fuck off" after they mercilessly harassed and screamed at him over not having enough sauce on their burger. That, and the fact his boss had despised him from day one.

Forgetting that, Franklin remembers not even bothering to look at the main cast list for this kids show - to be honest, he didn't even see one to begin with.

So, why the hell had they chose him to play a character, that looked like didn't even exist until he walked through the door.

And by the sound of what Marina had said, neither did anyone else of the major cast. Not Juliet, not Edward, not no one. Even Penelope and Wallifer, who apparently had been on productions for Playfellow before this.

"Yes, just like yours, everyone else had puppets all based off of them."

Even in the appearance? Personality?

It was so peculiar.

Now, Franklin stood tall, staring out of the window of his recording room to the colourful neighbourhood set.

Production staff ran around the small houses as they adjusted probs set on the ground next to them. Camera's were beginning to be stood up on stands. Ramona was directing people to different places. It looked like cameras were going to begin rolling.

"Now, Mr. Ferguson..."

Franklin jolted in his position at the sudden voice breaking him out of his deep thoughts, whipping his head around only to see Marina standing in his doorway.

"All you have to do is follow the script. Try and avoid making any mistakes as your voice will be live as it is being filmed." The woman then smiled, clasping a hand over the top of her clipboard in her hand. "The puppeteers have their own script much like yours, so don't worry, the character will move in the correct way when you speak." She then walked away without another word, shutting the door behind her.

Wait what? To say Franklin was left confused would be an understatement.

His lines will be recorded live? Not recorded before hand? Why? Surely, that would be easier to do that instead.

Marina didn't even give time for Franklin to ask questions. What the hell was he supposed to do?

Franklin felt a lump form in his throat, having to force himself to swallow it - No, he can't let nerves get the best of him now. Not when he's this close to a hopefully stable job. Even if it is...extremely weird.

Well, maybe they just do things differently here. Very differently.

Suddenly, the lights that lit up the colourful set shut off with a loud bang, breaking Franklin out of confused state and quickly rush to stand in front of the microphone that hung from the ceiling and the stand holding his script.

Frantically swishing the papers of the script book, Franklin finally landed on the page that was titled 'Scene 1 - INTRO' and skimmed over the various sentences of the other characters talking until he eventually landed on Frank's first line.

"Sweet jesus..." He brought his thumb and index finger up to squeeze the bridge of his nose.

This is something he's going to have to get used to.

-------------------

"Franky! How do you think it went?" Juliet's loud voice pierced Franklin's eardrums as he walked out of his recording studio. The female was ushering her fluffy coat over her shoulders as she waited for the taller to reply.

"Y-Yeah, I think it went...well, I guess. Different, but do-able." The male shrugged, adjusting the strap to his bookbag on his shoulder, just having slipped his scripts into it. "I'll just have to go home and rehearse them."

Seemingly shocked by Franklin's future plans, Juliet whipped her head up before quickly reaching out and grasping the other's arm, shaking it. "Oh, but Franky! I was gonna see if you wanted to come get food with me again. We can go that same Chinese place-"

"Please Juliet." Franklin stopped the girl mid-sentence, raising his hand in a dismissive manner. "I really can't afford it just yet, and I'm not having you pay for me again." He then rose his free hand to scrub over his face, nails leaving faint trails on his cheek. "Plus, I'm exhausted from today. I really just want to get home and focus on this script whilst getting a good night sleep."

A saddening pout traced over the blonde's rosy lips, pink eyes casting downward onto the floor as she slowly let go of the other's arm. "N-No, I understand, Franky...You wanna make a good first impression, right?" Juliet shakily laughed. "S-Sorry if I'm being too pushy all the time."

Unibrow furrowing at the female's reaction, Franklin let out a sigh before smiling faintly, grasping Juliet's hand. "I promise, as soon as my first pay check comes in, we can go and eat whatever takeout we want, ok?"

Defeated face lighting up slightly, Juliet smiled back and nodded her head enthusiastically. "Ok...Ok, that sounds good. We could even go to that park up in the hills and stargaze, if you'd like! We could take my big bro's car!"

Humming a laugh of relief at the blonde's usual enthusiasm appearing back, Franklin nodded, even if he was a little worried at the thought of Juliet driving a car. "Yeah, sure we can. Just...please keep steady on the wheel.

Gaping at the other's plea, Juliet let out a loud gasp as she pretended to take offense. "How dare you think I can't drive, my dear Franky! I'll have you know, my big bro taught me, and taught me well at that."

Franklin tried to think back to the band on the stage from the other night, the ones Juliet say where her family. If he tries to block out his woozy state he was in and remember, there was two females and one guy. The guy was on a bass, tall and lanky, and long green dread-like hair that hung over his eyes and shoulders. He remembers thinking he looked pretty cool and chill, until he went and nearly smashed his guitar on the floor after one song.

Oh, he was the one who taught her? Should Franklin be even more worried now?

Breaking back to the present, Franklin let out a nervous chuckle, nodding his head with a little hesitancy. "F-Fantastic..."

Letting go of each other's hands, Franklin and Juliet walked next to one another towards the exit before bidding each other goodbye and splitting ways.

Shivering slightly from the sudden chill of the outside, Franklin's frown deepened as he squoze his eyes shut, realising he's going to have to walk all the way to the train station with nothing but a long sleeved vest. Not exactly a warm one either, which he had decided on wearing since it was quite nice that morning. The weather was so unpredictable.

Just as he went to turn around the corner of the studio building, a familiar voice broke him out of his frosty mindset.

"'Ya must be freezing without a jacket on."

Yellow eyes springing open, Franklin whipped his head around to see the source of the southern accent. Edward, that same warm smile he always wore on his lips and his hands stuffed deep into his navy blue jacket.

Franklin didn't know what to say, not expecting to see the red head. He just stood there, both hands clutching his bookbag.

Even his purple eyes shone bright underneath the dim streetlight. Like two flaming stars somewhere in the starry night sky.

Smile softening, Edward shook his jacket off and gathered it in his hands, holding it out to the other. "'Ya can borrow it, if 'ya want..." He averted his eyes to the ground, words a little nervous and wavy. He was cute when he done that.

It took a solid few moments for Franklin to realise what Edward was offering, until he felt his cheeks heat up. "O-Oh...I-I couldn't, Edward. I wouldn't want you to become cold." It was respectfully cold that night, more than usual in weather like this.

Edward was quick to reply, waving his free hand in a dismissive manner. "No, no, I insist Franklin...I-I'm like' a human heater, so it gets too hot for me sometimes anyway." He let out a huffed chuckle, even though his rising goosebumps on his arms had already been noticed by the other.

But before Franklin could even deny the offer once again, he was engulfed in a woolly warmth wrapping around his shoulders. Instantly, he melted into the heat, and familiar cologne of the other. Edward smelled like a perfect mix of caramel and lavender. A smell Franklin now associated with the idea of butterflies in his stomach.

He didn't even realise how close the redhead was to him, quite literally only being inches away from their noses touching, since the taller was only slightly bigger than him.

"There...It looks good on 'ya." Edward smiled, stepping backwords to...admire (Franklin hoped)?

The black haired male stood stunned, only breaking out of his daze when a sudden gust of frosty wind brushed his cheeks and nose. "T-Thank you...Edward." Franklin stuttered, coughing into his fist before straightening himself up, eventually sliding his arms through the sleeves of the other's jacket.

The redhead nodded, his awkward smile wobbling before he shoved his hands into his jean pockets, clearing his throat. "Fancy walkin' to the train station with me? I know we get the same train...T-That's if you'd like ta." He spoke, hopefully but still hesitant.

How could the pair be so awkward with each other? They were acting like a pair of teenagers who have crushes on one another and struggling to have a normal conversation. Not two fully grown adults who had literally slept with one another not even 48 hours ago. It was funny really, even if it was a little embarrassing.

Franklin felt the butterflies grow to flutter at a faster pace in his stomach. Sure, he liked getting a peaceful train ride home where he could wind down and daydream...and wallow in his own self pity at how boring his life was...But, like hell he was going to pass up on this opportunity.

Lips edging up into a soft grin, Franklin nodded and hummed a noise of agreement. "Of course. I'd figure we are probably walking in the same direction anyway. We could even grab something small to eat on the way there if you'd like. If we have the time."

His eyes flickered down to one of Edward's hands, not that he could see it since it was in his jean pocket.

Would that be considered overstepping? Too insistent? They'd only met a few days ago...But Franklin felt a sudden spike of confidence growing within him.

Well, he wouldn't know unless he tried, right?

Reaching out slowly, giving the other enough time to pull away if he wanted too, Franklin slid Edward's left hand out of his pocket and grasped it with his own. Pale skin meeting tan. Warmth meeting cold. It was just like the first time the had held hands, when the redhead saved the ravenette from falling flat on his face on the jerky train ride. Even if it was only a few days ago, it felt like a lifetime.

The shorter stared down at their clasped hands. Edward's was still much larger than his own, practically engulfing his own in a warm embrace. It was a sight Franklin could get used too.

Lifting his gaze back up to the redhead, Franklin's warm smile remained on his face, holding in a chuckle at the picture of Edward's face a deep shade of blushed red, expression shook. His freckles became a much more prominent feature against a warmer shade. That was another sight Franklin could get used too.

"We should probably head off now. I really don't wanna be waiting another half hour for another train in this cold weather."

Purple eyes flickering and blinking a few times, Edward was delayed in his reply, clearing his throat once again and nodding. His cheeks turned an even pinker hue. "Y-Yes, s-sir-, I m-mean Mr. F-Ferguso-, F-Franklin!..." He nervously laughed, gripping the other's hand tighter unintentionally.

With that, the pair rounded the corner away from the Playfellow studio building, hands intact, Franklin leading just a few steps in front as Edward still came to terms with what was happening.

It was a sweet scene really. Something straight out of a romance novel. A little cheesy, but something that Franklin and Edward definitely wouldn't forget...

...And neither would the figure that hid behind the wall near the Playfellow studio entrance, having 'conveniently' overheard the conversation between the two males and seen everything.

A mocking smile grew on their ruby red lips, letting out a huffed laugh before smacking their compact mirror shut, shoving it into their pocket.

"Some friend you are, Ferguson." They muttered to themselves, before springing off of the wall and disappearing across the street, into the bustling city night.

"A fraud. Just like the rest of your scumbag family."