Archive of Our Own ^beta

“Shhh… hurry, before someone sees us.” Ariana cast one last glance before slipping behind the curtain of the Wizard's face. There, she melted into Ethan's arms, lost in a moment of exhilaration. Clothes were discarded, and makeup smudged. Ariana knew she would have to explain herself to her make-up lady, Julie, but that could wait. They lay entwined, half-dressed, as sunlight filtered through the window panes. They were lost in each other’s eyes when an unexpected voice broke the silence.

“Ari…” Cynthia called as she walked back, certain she had heard laughter just moments before.

“Shit, shit… hurry, hide.” Ariana urged Ethan as he hurried to gather his clothes. She quickly slipped on her top and stepped into her pants just as Cynthia rounded the corner, catching her mid-dress.

“Ethan?” Cynthia questioned, then noticed Ariana. “Oh… OHHHH… sorry!” Cynthia quickly retreated, leaving the couple frozen in place.

“What do we do now?” Ethan asked, finishing dressing.

Ariana looked at him, noting his disheveled appearance. She chuckled softly, smoothing his curls. “I’ll talk to her, but maybe we should lay low for a bit. I want to gauge Cynthia’s mood, you know?”

Ethan shrugged. “If that’s what you want.”

As Ariana pulled up her pants, she kissed his cheek. “I have to go; I’ll see you later.” She hurried off, hoping to find Cynthia before the next call.

She checked her trailer, but Cynthia wasn’t there. After several unanswered calls, Ariana had no choice but to head to the makeup chair and prepare for the afternoon. She was unusually quiet, and Julie didn’t press her. When a typically vocal actor was silent, she respected their need for space. Ariana also stopped by Cynthia’s makeup trailer, but she had already left. So, she made her way to set, waiting for Cynthia.

A few minutes later, the familiar scent of Cynthia’s perfume reached her before she saw her. As Cynthia approached, Ariana smiled, expecting the usual cheek kiss or at least a smile in return, but Cynthia offered neither.

“Cyn…” Ariana whispered.

“Not now, Ari,” Cynthia snapped, her eyes fixed elsewhere.

“Girls, places please… and ACTION!” Without missing a beat, Cynthia dove into character, leaving Ariana shaken by Cynthia’s cold demeanor.

“CUT. Ari, start again… and ACTION!” Ariana sighed, shaking her head and exhaling deeply.

Scene after scene echoed with “CUT, CUT, CUT…” Until finally, Jon had enough. “Alright, I think everyone is exhausted. Let’s wrap up early, but I need you all back here ready to work tomorrow. Great job everyone.” Just as Cynthia began to leave, Jon called after her. “Cynthia, I need you and Ariana to come to my trailer once you’re done with makeup. It won’t take long.”

They both nodded and returned to their respective trailers. About 45 minutes later, Ariana was in Jon’s trailer sipping water when Cynthia arrived.
“Great, there you are. Please take a seat,” Jon instructed.

Ariana shifted over on the couch, and Cynthia reluctantly sat down. “Listen, I try not to meddle in personal matters. What you do in your own time is your business, but when it starts to affect production, it becomes a concern. It doesn’t take a genius to see something has shifted drastically from this morning to now. Is there something either of you would like to share?” Jon stood before them, arms crossed, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of a parental scolding, as they both hesitated to confess.

Ariana glanced at Cynthia, who slowly shook her head in refusal. “I’m sorry, Jon. I’m just really exhausted. These long hours are taking a toll.”

“Yeah, I apologize too,” Ariana added. “We’ve been going non-stop, and I think I’m just feeling the effects.”

Jon regarded them skeptically. “Hmm, alright. Here’s what we’re going to do: tomorrow, you two have the day off. I don’t need you in; we’ll work on Ethan and Marissa’s scene instead. Go home, rest, and come back on Wednesday ready to dive back in.” Typically they would protest, but they had learned the value of taking a break when necessary.

“Thank you, you may go,” Jon said, stepping aside as they both stood to leave.

Cynthia hurried back to her trailer, but Ariana caught up to her. “Cynthia, please stop and look at me.”

Cynthia didn’t respond. She opened her door, and without thinking, Ariana followed her inside.

“What are you doing here, Ari?” Cynthia finally asked, her tone sharp.

Realizing she had entered uninvited, “Shit, sorry Cyn. I’ll go.” But just as she turned to leave, she turned back to Cynthia. “Just say it, Cynthia. I know you have something to say.”

With a deep sigh, Cynthia finally spoke. “He’s married, Ari… and he has a baby at home.” She fixed her gaze on Ariana.

Ariana closed the door and stepped closer to Cynthia. “Don’t judge me; you’re not perfect either, Cynthia… Lena?”

Cynthia’s eyes widened. She knew Ariana had a point. While she wanted to argue that it was different, was it really? “Just go Ari,” she finally said, packing her bag and pulling out her phone.

“Are you really not going to talk to me now?” Ariana asked as she moved toward the door. Cynthia slung her bag over her shoulder and approached the door.
“You coming?” she finally asked, holding the door open.

Ariana rolled her eyes and followed her out, waiting on the bottom step as Cynthia locked up. “Good night,” Cynthia said as she walked past Ariana and got into her car.

Ariana groaned loudly, tilting her head back. “Everything alright?” A familiar voice called from a distance.

Ariana looked down and shook her head. “I mean, who knows?” She found herself wrapped in Ethan’s arms but quickly tried to pull away. “No, Ethan… someone could see.”

“Let them see. You’re upset, and I want to be here for you,” he said, kissing the top of her head. “Come on, let’s go.” Ariana sighed, accepting that he was the one person she had right now. In London, she felt far from her friends and family. Most nights were spent with Cynthia, but with their current tension, Ethan was her only companion.

Ethan visited Ariana at her London apartment, but he had to leave shortly after, as his wife had moved to London to be with him while he filmed. Since he finished early, he had some time before he needed to be home. “Do you want me to make something up? I could say I was sleeping at the trailer tonight.”

“No, Ethan. Don’t do that,” she replied, flopping down on her bed.

“Alright, just another hour or so… then I’ll leave.” He leaned in, hovering over Ariana to kiss her.

“No, Ethan, sorry. Not tonight.” Ariana stopped him mid-kiss. He sat back on his heels, then climbed off the bed. “Don’t be upset.”

He looked at her, attempting a smile as he grabbed his jacket. “I’m not upset, Ari.” He glanced toward the door. “I think I’ll head back, unless you want me to stay?”

“No, no… you go. I’ll see you in two days.” She walked him to the door, leaning in for a kiss before watching him leave. Sighing, she closed the door behind him. “Why does everything have to be so complicated?” she muttered to herself before returning to her room and snuggling with her dogs until she drifted off to sleep.
The next morning, she woke in a panic, realizing it was 7:00 AM. She should have been on set over an hour ago. She jumped out of bed and then paused, remembering she had the day off. After making herself some coffee, she pulled out her phone.

A: Can we talk, please?
C: Ari… you don’t need to explain yourself to me, it’s fine. We’re fine.
A: 🙄
C: Girl, no. Don’t.
A: Then come over, please.
C: Fine. I’ll be there soon.

Ariana turned over with a smile, feeling reassured that Cynthia couldn't be too upset with her; otherwise she would have put up more of a fight. Shortly thereafter, Cynthia arrived, bringing one of her dogs along. Ariana squealed in delight as she took the dog from her, speaking in a high-pitched baby voice as if the dog could understand her. She noticed Cynthia’s smile but chose to keep that observation to herself. Cynthia walked in and settled comfortably; having visited countless times, it felt like a second home to her.

After finishing her moment of adoration for the dog, Ariana sat next to Cynthia on the couch, crossing her legs to face her. “Why are you mad at me?” she blurted out.
“Wow, no 'Hi'? No how are you?” Cynthia replied.

Ariana sighed dramatically. “Hi, Cynthia. How are you?” she said sarcastically. “Now, please tell me.”

“I’m not mad at you, Ari. I’m just... surprised and a little hurt, to be honest.”

“Hurt?” Ariana tilted her head in confusion. “Why?”

Exasperated, Cynthia threw her hands up in frustration. “Oh, I don’t know, Ari. We tell each other everything, yet you somehow left out that you’re fucking Ethan.”

“Cynthia, I..” Ariana began but paused mid-sentence.

“Why didn’t you tell me?” Cynthia's expression shifted from anger to sadness.

“I don’t know. I guess I didn’t know how to tell you,” Ariana admitted.

“When did it start?” Cynthia mirrored Ariana’s criss-crossed position.

“About two months ago. We’ve only slept together a few times though, that just started.” Ariana replied, maintaining eye contact.

Cynthia nodded. Ariana reached out to take Cynthia’s hand. “Please don’t look at me like that. It breaks my heart.”

“How am I looking at you, Ari?” Cynthia challenged.

“Like… I just broke up with you or something. You seem sad and hurt, but I don’t understand why.”

Cynthia’s eyes widened, and she cleared her throat. Pulling her hand away, she stood up, prompting Ariana to do the same. “Hey…” Ariana tugged at Cynthia’s sweatshirt, pulling her close and wrapping her arms around her waist.

Cynthia glanced away, trying to hide a smile. Ariana laughed and met her eyes. “I didn’t tell you because I didn’t know how you’d react, Cynthia. But if you want me to end things with him, I will.” She whispered, inching closer.

Cynthia wrapped her arms around Ariana as well, and they swayed gently, their faces just inches apart. “Ari…” Cynthia breathed, her voice barely above a whisper.

Ariana leaned in closer, catching the scent of peppermint tea on Cynthia’s breath. Their lips nearly touched as they paused, longing for that final step. Suddenly, Cynthia’s hands slid up Ariana’s shirt, her warm fingers brushing against her skin. Ariana’s breath hitched, her eyes locked on Cynthia’s.

“Cynthia…” Ariana gasped. Without warning, Cynthia pressed her lips firmly against Ariana’s. The kiss was messy yet perfect, filled with passion and urgency. Ariana pulled Cynthia closer, their bodies pressing together as they removed each other's shirts. Their tongues danced as their hands explored, bumping into the coffee table and laughing as they made their way to the bed. Cynthia fell onto Ariana, who instinctively wrapped her legs around Cynthia’s waist.

Cynthia kissed down Ariana's chest, breaking free from the embrace. She tugged off Ariana’s pants, and Ariana reciprocated. Their hands roamed as fingers entwined, releasing soft moans until they reached their climax. Afterward, Cynthia collapsed beside Ariana. Ariana brought her hands to her head, breathless. “well fuck,” she remarked, looking at Cynthia.

“We agreed not to do this again, love,” Cynthia replied with a grin.

Ariana chuckled, turning to Cynthia and cupping her face in her hands before leaning in for another kiss. “Didn’t we say that last time too?” Cynthia laughed, rolling onto her back.

Ariana sat up, followed by Cynthia, who took Ariana’s hand and kissed it, eliciting a smile from Ariana.

“So, what are you going to do about Ethan?” Cynthia finally asked, breaking the silence.

“What are you going to do about Lena?” Ariana countered, tilting her head in challenge.

Cynthia smirked, rolling her eyes before pulling Ariana back down on top of her. “Ugh, another fight... I guess we’ll just have to kiss and make up.” Ariana laughed as Cynthia leaned in, pressing her lips against hers. “One more time won’t hurt,” Ariana said between breaths, as she felt Cynthia’s mouth move lower, Ariana grabbed for her sheets as she shifted under Cynthia's tongue. “Or maybe two.”