✿ฺ ᡣ𐭩 ✿ฺ ᡣ𐭩 ✿ฺ ᡣ𐭩 ✿ฺ ᡣ𐭩 ✿ฺ ᡣ𐭩 ✿ฺ ᡣ𐭩 ✿ฺ ᡣ𐭩 ✿ฺ ᡣ𐭩 ✿ฺ ᡣ𐭩
｡ﾟﾟ･｡･ﾟﾟ｡
ﾟ。 Beck x Lysander
ﾟ･｡･ﾟ
✿ฺ ᡣ𐭩✿ฺ ᡣ𐭩✿ฺ ᡣ𐭩✿ฺ ᡣ𐭩✿ฺ ᡣ𐭩✿ฺ ᡣ𐭩✿ฺ ᡣ𐭩✿ฺ ᡣ𐭩✿ฺᡣ𐭩
Shaun Cohen arrived at the bustling theater with a sense of nostalgia and a tinge of anxiety. It was hard to believe that twenty-seven years had passed since the release of a sitcom that catapulted him into stardom when he was just fifteen. Crazier that the movie was getting a screening for it’s twenty-fifth anniversary.
As he stepped inside, he surveyed the dimly lit lobby filled with guests—both familiar and new—and spotted the designated area for the screening. He spotted his mother, tilting her head slightly as she adjusted chunky bracelets adorning her thin wrists, still youthful in spirit, though the years of Alzheimer’s had painted her perception of time with strokes of confusion. Her silver hair caught the soft light, and Shaun felt the familiar pang of guilt wash over him. “I wish I could do more, Mom,” he whispered under his breath, though he knew that he was doing his best by bringing her to this event.
“Shaun!” she called, her voice breaking through his reverie. He smiled, his heart warming as he approached her. “Look at all the lights! Are we going to see a movie? Is Robert coming?” Her eyes sparkled with a flicker of joy, even if the specifics faded with her memories. “No, dad—Robert’s busy tonight, Mom. But it’s just us, and it’s a special occasion!” He leaned down to hug her, feeling the weight of her fragile body against him. “Let’s find you a seat, okay?”
He guided her through the crowd with gentle encouragement, leading her to their reserved seats. He settled her comfortably, making sure her sweater was draped just right over her shoulders and that her purse was securely by her side. “You’ll love this movie, trust me. It’s a chance to see me when I was just a kid. Kind of crazy, right?” He chuckled, trying to engage her with a piece of their past, but the look of confusion returned briefly as she tried to anchor her thoughts. “I remember my son as a little boy,” she replied, her eyebrows knitting together. “He was so cute.”
“Yeah, I bet he was,” Shaun smiled with a hint of sadness. He shifted in his seat, glancing at the program, which also included screenings of the latest films from some of his high-profile clients like Winslie de la Cruz and Lucian Turner. He had transitioned into management—something he never envisioned doing—but he enjoyed helping others find their footing in an industry as unpredictable as show business.
As the lights dimmed, Shaun’s heart raced with anticipation and dread. They still had a few minutes until the official premiere, but highlights from the show played over the big screen. Would his mother understand what was happening on screen? Would she remember any of it, or would it all slip through the cracks of her mind like sand through fingers? He had agreed to stay for a few of his own films before making a quiet exit, not wanting to overwhelm her with the length of the event, especially when they would later screen those big names he managed.
“Is that you?” She leaned into him, her eyes widening as the familiar face of a young Shaun appeared on the screen, the vibrancy and energy radiating off the film.
“Yep, that’s me!” he said, enthusiasm rising in his voice. A small smile broke across her lips, and for a moment, he felt a flicker of hope that perhaps she would find joy in this shared experience. Remember who the man sitting next to her was. Not just his name, but that it was her son. As scenes unfolded before them, he noticed snippets of herself shining through the confusion—a laugh here, a nod there, fragments of who she once was revealing themselves.
But the reality weighing on him lingered, a reminder that this was a fleeting instance, a shimmer of connection in the vastness of what he feared to lose. He allowed himself to sink into the clips, heartsick and full, while keeping one eye on his mother, ensuring she remained comfortable and engaged in this moment he had arranged for her. Time might be an relentless thief, but moments like these felt like treasures embedded in the everyday struggles of life—and for both of them, this would remain a shining memory in a dim world.
As the lights continued to dim, the anticipation in the air shifted toward a gentle hush. Shaun felt a vibration of excitement ripple through the crowd as everyone settled in. He held his mother’s hand tightly, feeling her warmth and comfort next to him, when suddenly, he caught a glimpse of a woman entering the auditorium.
It was Beck. He had met her just a few weeks ago at a networking event—or, otherwise known as Friendsgiving. A striking woman with an effortless charm and a smile that had lingered in his thoughts long after their brief conversation. However, the recent trip to Brazil, it seemed like she had been eluding him, brushing past what could have developed into something deeper. After she had kissed.
His gaze tracked her as she navigated the dimly lit room, but he couldn’t help but notice she was accompanied by a larger guy. The two shared a quiet laugh, and Beck’s eyes sparkled with a warmth that made Shaun’s heart skip, even as a knot of uncertainty tightened in his stomach. Was she just here for the screening? Did she even know he was here?
“Who is that?”his mother’s voice broke through his thoughts, instantly drawing his attention away from Beck and back toward her. “Oh, just some friends I think I saw,” he replied casually, attempting to brush it off despite the flutter of insecurity swirling within him.
“Just friends?” she prodded, raising her brows playfully. “She looks nice. You should go say hi.” Shaun hesitated, his fingers drumming lightly against the armrest. “Mom, it’s fine. I don’t want to interrupt their evening.” He hadn’t even realized the slip of the word “mom”, but she went along with it. Seemingly not confused why some random guy who visited everyday called her mom.
[color=#6cdaf0]“Shaun,”[color] she said, her tone turning motherly, as it always did in times of uncertainty. “Life’s too short to play it safe. You never know when you might miss an opportunity.” He could feel the weight of her gaze as he turned back to Beck, who had now paused near a seating area, her smile bright, but her attention clearly fixated elsewhere.
“Maybe…” he started, contemplating what his mother suggested. The idea of approaching her felt daunting, especially with his mother at his side, but the thought of not trying gnawed at him. “Why not invite them to sit with us?” she encouraged, her voice earnest. “I’d love to meet her.”
Shaun’s heart raced at the notion. The apprehensive part of him wanted to retreat back into his comfortable shell, but there was also a thrill in the idea of finally breaking the ice with Beck. His mother was right, life was full of fleeting moments, and this could be one of them. He took a deep breath, stealing another quick glance at Beck and her companion. “Alright, I’ll go. Just say hi.”
With determination swelling inside him, Shaun stood up, fighting against the nerves that threatened to surface. He leaned down to his mother. “Stay put, okay? I’ll be right back.”
“Go on, sweetheart,” she said with a warm smile, her eyes twinkling with encouragement. Shaun made his way toward Beck as she continued to survey the audience, unaware of his approach. As he drew closer, he could feel his pulse quickening—was this a good idea or just another fleeting moment that might slip through his fingers? He swallowed hard, brushed his hair back, and tapped her gently on the shoulder.
“Hey, Beck!” he said, trying to infuse a casual warmth into his voice. “What a surprise. Glad to see you here! Would you and your friend like to join us?” Shaun said, vaguely motioning towards the front of the theater, looking between the pair with a smile.
✿ฺ ᡣ𐭩 ✿ฺ ᡣ𐭩 ✿ฺ ᡣ𐭩 ✿ฺ ᡣ𐭩 ✿ฺ ᡣ𐭩 ✿ฺ ᡣ𐭩 ✿ฺ ᡣ𐭩 ✿ฺ ᡣ𐭩 ✿ฺ ᡣ𐭩
