Who: Theodore Altman and Billy Kaplan What: First meeting When: Tuesday, October 21st, afternoon. Where: On the set of Teddy’s TV show, Those Left Behind. Rating: PG for flirting Status: Complete
Growing up in Hollywood, the child of working actors and relative of a working director, Theodore had spent a lot of time on sets. He’d been fascinated as a child by this world of make believe, where people could do anything or be anything, thanks to wardrobe and makeup. For awhile he’d thought about going into special effects makeup, but as much as he loved watching other people transform through the magic of makeup, he loved the way that actors could transform without any makeup at all; The right words, said the right way. The right body language, performed flawlessly. If done right, it was a transformation.
His character, John, on this new show, Those Left Behind, was a normal college student before D-Day--the Day of Departure, when a third of the Earth’s population simply vanished. No one in John’s family had vanished, but he’d been effected all the same. The director and showrunner had described John’s character arc as one of the prodigal son, someone who had gotten lost, but would eventually come home. It was an arc that Theodore knew firsthand, in a weird way.
Coming back to the OC was a surreal experience. The last time he’d lived here he’d been in high school, living with his parents. Now his parents were dead. They’d sold the house he’d grown up in after his parents’ deaths, so Theodore was currently living in a hotel near the set until he could find something more permanent. Finding a house was one of many things on his list, but that was why he was meeting with his new PA today. The studio had assigned him this guy--someone named Billy--and Theodore was just glad he didn’t have to go through the trouble of hiring someone himself.
He was currently killing time in his trailer--another contract perk he’d negotiated for--waiting for the PA to show up. He had a wardrobe fitting in an hour, and in the meantime, he was rereading the script for this week’s episode. They’d shot the pilot a few months ago, so it’d been awhile since he’d had to been inside John’s head. There was something raw and hopeless about John that made him an interesting character to play, but which Theodore knew was going to make the season painful.
Ironically Billy had started out the same way, he had always been fascinated by the whole world of film and television production. But he was more than happy behind the scenes, he was good at what he did. Organisation was his thing and being a PA allowed him to be on sets and see everything happening. Billy had turned up to work that morning and been assigned a new young actor called Theodore. Billy didn’t recognize anything he’d been in but put it on the list to watch. It might help after all.
He’d grabbed a couple of lattes on the way in, hoping that the new guy would like one or at least appreciate the offer. The last couple of actors he’d been assigned to had been awful, one had barely looked at him the entire time he’d been there and the other had him running around fetching only green m&m’s and his dry cleaning.
Taking a deep breath he located the trailer and knocked on the door, waiting to see what fate would bring him this time.
“Yeah?” Theodore responded from inside the trailer. He looked up, towards the door, but otherwise didn’t move from where he was stretched out on the couch. “Door’s open.”
Pushing open the door Billy smiled talking almost straight away, “Hi, I hope you like coffee, most people do but you never kno...Teddy!” he exclaimed in surprise when he came face to face with his dream boyfriend, or fiance now. He nearly dropped the Starbucks cups but managed to save them just in time. He had never expected this to happen and it left him stood there gaping like a fish.
Theodore watched the scene unfold with raised eyebrows. Nobody had called him Teddy since his mom had died. Although he’d seen some stuff on social media from his fans. Apparently this guy was a fan. That could be good or bad. He was also cute. That could also be good or bad.
He plastered on a smile, designed to put the guy at ease, and set his script aside as he stood up and moved closer.
“Just call me Ted,” he said, still smiling. “I’m guessing you’re a fan? I’d heard they’d called me Teddy, but I haven’t paid attention to that stuff in so long,” he laughed a little, an apology. “I’m not even sure they remember me.”
Oh dear, he was just as incredibly good looking as he was in Billy’s dreams. But he didn’t know Billy. Of course he didn’t, he wouldn’t have dreamed yet if he’d just moved here. It was just so surprising to see him that Billy hadn’t been able to control his reaction.
“God, I’m sorry. I was just surprised to see you,” Billy explained, looking sheepish, “Um. I’m Billy. I’m your assistant, if you still want me after I was so rude,” he added before holding out a coffee, “Latte?” he offered.
So the fanboy was his assistant? Theodore grinned, more genuine this time, and took the offered Starbucks. “Thanks. And of course I still want you.” He looked Billy over, deliberately, over the top of his coffee cup. Cute, and a fanboy. This could be very good.
“I’m sorry the studio just sprung me on you,” he added, between sips. “I’m sort of...between assistants right now. Honestly, I haven’t needed once since I left Vancouver, but I haven’t been home--I mean, back--since….” Since his parents died. But he wasn’t going to say that out loud.
He cleared his throat and stepped back to lean against the side of the trailer. “I appreciate your help. I haven’t even found a place to live yet. I don’t even know how to go about doing that, really. Or a car service.”
Billy almost flushed at the words and the once over, but managed to control his outward appearance. He sent up a small thanks to his powers.
“Oh, not at all. I mean it’s my job, I’m a floating assistant for those who need one. I just didn’t recognise your name,” he explained, at least not as Theodore anyway.
“Well...I’m here for whatever you need so I mean you can use me for anything. I can be your car service for a while if you like?” he offered, “Until we find something suitable anyway and if we have a look later at what you require I can start looking for a nice place too,” he added with a smile. Determined to make a good impression, he wanted Teddy to like him. It was important.
Billy was definitely making a good impression.
“I think offering to chauffeur me around is definitely going beyond the job requirements,” Theodore replied, smiling. He appreciated Billy’s offer, and was tempted to accept it. He tilted his head to one side, considering. “If you’re floating, are you working with other people right now? I don’t want to take up more than my fair share of your time.”
Billy laughed, “I like my job and between you and me you’re already much better than my last couple of assigned actors,” he admitted with a grin, “Oh no, I mean I float for the studio. They assign me, but only to one person at a time, even I couldn’t handle more than one at a time. So I’m all yours.”
“All mine,” Theodore repeated, searching Billy’s expression. “Good. Because, between you and me, I’m terrible at sharing. Only child.” He grinned again and moved back to let Billy more into the space. “Let’s get started. Finding somewhere more permanent than the hotel is definitely priority number one.” He sat back down on the couch and put his legs up on the coffee table. “Beachfront. Preferably private beach. Somewhere quiet, but close. The last thing I want to do is spend two hours in the car after a long day on set. Money’s not really a consideration.” Because as the only child and sole trustee of his parents’ estate, he’d gotten everything, and everything was fairly substantial, even by Hollywood standards.
Grinning, Billy replied, “Good job you don’t have to share then,” and winked. He really needed to stop this flirting and tell Jeremy that Teddy was here. Coming to sit down opposite him, Billy pulled his ipad from his bag and began tapping into it, “Okay, do you have any specific room requirements?” he asked, thinking this search was actually going to be quite fun.
Theodore hummed softly, idly fidgeting with the cardboard sleeve on the cup. “It’s just me, so...not really. I lived in a loft in New York, so, I like open floor plans...lots of windows. Space. I don’t like feeling confined. And I don’t mind my bed being in the living room. Sometimes it saves time.” He laughed a little and sent Billy another flirtatious glance. “Where do you live?”
“Okay,” Billy nodded, making a note to look for a spacious open plan home with large windows. It shouldn’t be too hard with no limits and a beach property. He blushed readily at the flirtation this time, “Uh I live in an apartment in Costa Mesa,” he said, knowing he should mention Justin but a small guilty part of him liked the flirtation and didn’t want it to be over too soon. He really needed to speak to his boyfriend.
Billy was cute when he blushed. Theodore tilted his head to one side and smiled as he admired him. Yeah...this was probably going to be a thing. But would it turn out to be a good thing or a bad thing? Only time would tell.
“Tell me about yourself,” Theodore demanded, smiling warmly. “How’d you end up doing this thankless job?”
Teddy was simply cute and Billy felt bad for even thinking that. Damn. He needed to focus, he and Teddy could be friends he was sure. Billy just needed to get a handle on things.
“I happen to love this job, even with the ‘difficult’ actors,” Billy smiled, sitting back a little. “I moved here hoping to work on a movie set and thanks to the local network I wound up with this gig. I was incredibly lucky,” he shrugged. “I’ve always been fascinated by the whole process, from soundstage to screen,” he grinned.
Theodore listened intently, sipping his latte as Billy spoke. He had a laid back way about him that Theodore suspected made him good in a crisis--which was a good trait for an actor’s assistant to have. “And you’re content to stay behind the scenes? Never wanted to be in front of the camera? You’re good looking enough.”
That compliment caused another blush and he looked down, “No, I’m perfectly happy behind the scenes. Don’t get me wrong I think what you do is amazing but I’d be terrible at it. I’m much better placed behind the camera.”
Mostly Theodore had asked that question to vet Billy--if Billy aspired to be an actor, then he would be more inclined to look for opportunities to get ahead--which tended to not be good when it came to closeted male actors. But if Billy was content to just be an assistant, then he might be trustworthy.
“That’s good,” he replied. “There’s probably something I should tell you,” he added. “If you’re going to be around me for the next few months, or however long production lasts.”
Billy tilted his head, “Sure, you can tell me anything. I signed a confidentiality contract for the studio which covers anybody I work for. And on top of that, I’m not the kind of person to go blabbing,” he promised, not that Teddy needed to believe him of course.
Theodore nodded, and set his coffee down, sitting up to clasp his hands loosely together as he met Billy’s eyes. “I’m gay, but I’m not out. You may have heard rumors, so I just want to confirm them--well, maybe not all of them,” he smiled, rueful. “But when I date men--not that I’ve dated anyone for a long time--it’s on the DL. I go to premieres and parties solo or with a female costar, whatever my agent thinks will play best at the time. It’s not...ideal, but…” he shrugged. “Hollywood.”
Billy had heard of this kind of thing of course, had even worked for a couple of people he was convinced were gay but weren’t admitting it. This, however, was the first time someone had been so open with him. “Thank you, for telling me. I’ll do whatever I can to help, I promise,” he said, “I...I’m sorry, you have to hide who you are. It must be hard. I’ve never been able to do it, got moved a few schools because I refused to pretend.”
Of all the possible reactions from Billy, Theodore hadn’t expected condolences and sympathy. He brushed it off with another shrug, sitting back and picking up his coffee cup once more. “Just another role I have to play,” he drawled. “I’m an actor. It’s what I get paid to do.”
He fidgeted with the cardboard sleeve, running his thumb along the edge. “So you’re...out,” he said, casually, eager to get the focus off himself.
“Still, I’m sorry you can’t just be you. That you have to constantly play a role,” Billy said honestly.
But Billy left it there, he could tell Teddy didn’t want to talk about it anymore. “Yeah” he nodded, “Never really been in,” he chuckled, “You don’t need to worry though, a lot of PA’s are gay, it’s very rare they suggest anything is going on with the actors. Just in case you thought they might.”
Theodore shrugged again, appreciating the sympathy, though he’d long gotten used to it. “Discretion is important, but at this point I think it’s one of those open secret type things, like Zachary Quinto.” He smiled at Billy. “Anyway. Sort of moot since like I said it’s been ages since I dated anyone. My parents...well, you know,” he said, because who hadn’t heard about their car crash? “And then Otherworldly being cancelled, and then my uncle died. Haven’t really been in the mood to party.”
“I’m sorry” Billy said, “You’ve had a tough time. Have you had support through it all? Close friends? Not to party but just to be there, when you need them,” he asked, because it was important to him that Teddy wasn’t alone. He hated the idea that he had no-one, he deserved to be surrounded by amazing people who recognised how incredible Teddy was.
“Uh...not really,” Theodore admitted. “I know that must sound pathetic. I just...haven’t spent a lot of time around people for the past couple years. Kind of stayed off the radar while I worked through some stuff. This is my ‘comeback’,” he said, sarcasm creeping in as he rolled his coffee cup between his palms. “Such as it is.”
Billy shook his head, “That doesn’t sound pathetic.” Upsetting but not pathetic. “Needing time alone is understandable especially after everything but you know there are a lot of good people around here. And you’ve already got yourself one friend, who brings you coffee too,” he grinned his reassuring grin. “I have no doubt you’re going to be a big star and you need people around when that happens, just to keep you grounded.”
Billy’s conviction was so sweet. Theodore smiled, and set his coffee cup on the table. “Have you ever even seen me act?” he joked. “Big star...sure, I work, because people remember my parents. But I’ll never be a great actor. Not like them. I’m not that good.”
“Nonsense,” Billy said, “You can be as good as you want to be, you just need to work hard. I mean you have natural good looks which already puts you ahead of a lot of others and you must have talent right? I mean you wouldn’t have been hired if not.”
Theodore laughed a little, smiled wryly. “Talent has very little to do with being an actor. You should’ve worked with enough by now to know that. Also--I’m going to admit I’m a little hurt you haven’t actually watched anything I’ve done,” he pulled a pout and ‘puppy dog’ eyes. “You called me Teddy when you walked in. Are you admitting you’re not a real fan?”
“Oh I know which is why it’s great when there is someone with talent who comes along,” Billy told him before blushing, “Oh don’t give me that look, please. I’m going to feel guilty for the rest of the day,” he said, half joking, “Alright I admit it, I didn’t recognise you from seeing you on the television.”
The pout morphed into a sly smile, and Theodore sat back. “Well, don’t go back and watch now. It’ll just be embarrassing for both of us. Best you keep thinking of me as ‘that hot guy from the internet,’” he teased.
“Oh no, I am watching everything you have ever been in now,” Billy told him, “I’m hunting it all down,” he grinned teasingly, though he did plan on doing just that.
Theodore rolled his eyes but smiled. “Don’t say I didn’t warn you. It was on the CW. Their standards really aren’t that high so long as you agree to appear shirtless a certain number of times a season.”
“Well there’s another reason to watch it right there,” Billy said before he could stop himself, it seemed flirting around Teddy happened organically.
Flirting was definitely happening, and Theodore couldn’t say he wanted it to stop, even though he knew it was unprofessional and dangerous. He smirked as he regarded Billy, a small, playful expression. “Purely for research purposes I’m sure. Nothing prurient.”
It was unprofessional, but possibly more worrying for Billy. He should be professional at all times, especially with a new boss. Teddy had the ability to get him fired after all, but he couldn’t help himself. Maybe it was the surprise of seeing him in real life. “Research of course,” Billy replied with a small smirk.
There was a moment. Something happening. A spark of something, anyway.
And that moment was interrupted by loud banging on his trailer door and someone yelling. “Dorrek! Wardrobe!”
Theodore blinked out of whatever it was, sighed and stood up. “You coming?” he asked.
Billy couldn’t help thinking that he’d been saved by the bell, as he stood and nodded, “Let’s go” he smiled before holding the door open for Teddy.