𝐯𝐢𝐢𝐢.

After years of being in Hollywood, Chris was well accustomed to just about all of his female co-stars being classified by the tabloids as his latest girlfriend. It was annoying, but it came with the territory.

Truth was, ever since he and Jenny broke up earlier in the year, starting a new relationship was probably the furthest thing from his mind. But it didn't matter to the folks at TMZ or E! News—they just wanted to be the first to report a story, regardless of it being based on facts or not. It was like a man and a woman couldn't be friends without someone assuming they were together.

He'd taken some time off to focus on bettering himself, and he felt like he'd succeeded for the most part. A few romantic prospects had popped up here and there, much like with Ana, but he'd brushed it aside. Then, it had been to focus on self-care. Now?

It was because of his growing affection for a certain sportswriter.

The closer and closer they drew to the Oscars date, the more Chris wondered if he'd end up facing the music when it came to Faith. It was far too early to even think about that four-letter word, but he'd be lying to himself if he didn't admit to having developed a bit of a crush.

It was weird because although Chris was a romantic through and through, he didn't get crushes easily. A person's looks didn't matter if they had a boring personality or anything of the kind, as it was harder for him to maintain interest. Not so with Faith. If anything, her personality complimented his in such a way that he felt more at ease with her than he had before with anyone in recent memory.

It was getting to the point where even something as simple as a text from her would make him smile. Chris knew it was too early to tell, but if even the smallest part of her reciprocated, there very well could be a future for them somewhere down the line.

Thanksgiving had come and gone; Chris enjoyed it like always, but all it meant was Christmas was that much closer. When he'd asked Faith to join them for Thanksgiving, he halfway regretted it as it may have been too forward—and while she ended up declining, Chris wasn't as bothered as he thought he'd have been. Christmas was special to him and getting to spend it with Faith was going to make it infinitely more so. Not to mention getting to cook with her had an air of domesticity to it.

Saturday rolled around and Chris found himself frustrated due to lack of progression on his screenplay. He wasn't sure why its current trajectory made him want to abandon the whole project, and not having many people to bounce ideas off of made it even more difficult.

Dodger slowly got up from his usual spot in the corner of the living room, leaping onto the couch to rest his head on Chris' lap, as though being able to sense his dad's dilemma.

"Thanks, bub." Chris scratched him lightly behind the ears, Dodger humming happily in response.

Just then, Chris' phone began to ring from its spot on the coffee table in front of him. He reached forward to grab it, looking at the caller ID and seeing that it was Faith. Even though he tried to fight it, a smile touched his face anyway.

Jeez, he needed to get a grip. "Faith, hi. How's it going?"

"Hey, Chris..." He could tell something was up just by the tone of her voice. "Things would be a whole lot better right now if there weren't four paparazzi camped outside my apartment building. Other than that, everything's great."

Chris sat forward, smile fading instantly. "What the hell? Are you serious?"

"Yeah, I just got home from grocery shopping and I can see them crowding near the building entrance. They have cameras and stuff. I don't even know how they even know where I live."

Chris ran a hand over his face, frustrated. "Jesus Christ. You're still in your car, right? Are you safe?"

"I'm in the car and I'm safe. I don't want to try to go in right now, either, because I'm sure they'll try and follow me inside and to the elevator. It's sort of a big complex."

The gears were already turning in Chris' mind as he stood, looking for his car keys. "I totally get it. Listen, just text me your address and I'll come pick you up. You can crash at my place for tonight."

"What? No, you don't have to–"

"You can't stay holed up in your car all day, Faith. Besides, where I live there's a court order in place where the paparazzi can't come within 50 feet of the complex. You'll be fine. I'd rather have you here."

She let out a soft sigh. "Okay. I'll send over the address now."

"Sweet. I'll be heading out within the next five minutes, so just hang tight."

"Sounds good. Oh, and Chris?"

"Yeah?"

"...Thanks for having my back."

His smile returned. "Always."

• • • •

When Chris arrived at her place about fifteen minutes later, Faith instantly felt relieved. The paparazzi were still camped out in front of the building, unfortunately, so they decided to pull around back in order to avoid being seen. Once she'd slipped into her coat and exited the vehicle, he did the same.

"Hey. You good?" He asked while pulling her into a brief hug, chin resting atop her head.

Faith basked in his warmth for a moment, a welcoming respite from the blustery cold of November. "Yeah, I'm alright. Thanks again."

"Of course, you know I got you." He took a half step back and created some space between them, though Faith would've stayed like that forever if they could. "You said you had some groceries, right? I figured it'd make sense to take them with us."

"Yeah, they're in the trunk." She answered, pressing a button on the key fob to pop it open.

They loaded the bags from Whole Foods into Chris' car, Faith grabbed the rest of her belongings she'd taken with her for the day, and then they were off.

It was quiet for a good while, albeit a comfortable silence, until Chris spoke: "Listen, I'm sorry about all this. It makes my blood boil."

"It's not your fault," Faith reassured him gently, setting her phone down in her lap.

He shrugged a little. "I mean, it kinda is. Us hanging out together so much...people are curious, and wanna know stuff about anyone new in my life."

"Well, let them ask." She replied. "I like hanging out with you, you know."

He laughed quietly. "The feeling's mutual. I just...I want you to be safe. Especially in your own territory, you know. Paparazzi following me, it comes with what I chose when I became an actor. But you're different."

"I know. But some stuff can't be avoided. Honestly, I feel like I'll be able to manage it if it gets too bad."

Chris nodded along, but still didn't seem convinced by her reassurances. So without any inhibitions, Faith reached across the console and grabbed his hand, squeezing lightly. "And besides all that, I've got you in my corner. I like those odds."

As they rolled to a stoplight, Chris turned his head to look at her, a soft grin on his face. "Yeah, me too."

It was one of those moments—your gaze lingers a bit too long on the other person, and it seems to slow time to a stop.

The only reason they were forced to break eye contact was because the stoplight had turned green. And as she thought the spell was broken, Faith made the move to pull her hand away—only for Chris to hold fast, albeit not lacking in gentleness.

When he intertwined their fingers, Faith almost forgot how to breathe. And not even because of the action itself, but mostly because of how normal it felt.

Like it was—though she disliked the expression—meant to be.

• • • •

hii! i know this is a little on the short side but that's only because chapter nine will be longer and have so much more!! that means movie night, heart to hearts, all the things :)

i really appreciate you guys' love for this story, it makes me so happy that you love it as much as i love writing it! as always, comments and votes are appreciated <3