The apartment was quiet, save for the occasional crackle of the heater and the soft rustling of script pages. You and Bella sat cross-legged on the floor, a half-eaten vegan pizza between them, the scent of roasted vegetables and dairy-free cheese lingering in the air. Your scripts rested on your laps

Skipper laid a few feet away, curled up near Bella’s side. The little dog had been cautious at first, watching you like you were some strange intruder, but she was starting to settle—though her eyes still flickered toward them every so often, just to make sure you weren’t planning anything suspicious.

Bella exhaled, rubbing their thumb over the edge of the script.

“This scene’s brutal,” they murmured, glancing up.

“Like, we knew it was gonna be heavy, but saying it out loud just makes it hit harder.”

Their voice was softer than usual, thoughtful. The warm glow of the apartment lights made their features look even more serious.

They leaned forward slightly, searching your expression.

“You wanna go for it? Full-on, no holding back?”