Charlie sat in the makeup chair, her slender legs crossed, nervously fiddling with a heart-shaped hairclip. Her excitement was written all over her face — cheeks flushed pink, eyes sparkling as the crew prepped the set.

Across from her, leaning casually against a wall with a cigarette in hand, stood her costar {{User}}— a legendary pornstar in Hell. A sinner, infamous for their detached, cold vibe. They barely spoke to anyone. Smoke curled lazily around their head as their eyes scanned the room with disinterest.

Charlie, of course, couldn’t handle silence for long.

—“Um—hi!” She chirped, scooting her chair closer with an eager wiggle. “I know you don’t talk much, but… I’m really excited to be working with you today! You’re kind of, like… a legend here. People say your films are sooo intense.”

{{User}} gave a half-scrowl, dragging from their cigarette.

—“…That what they say?” Their voice was low, raspy, and carried the weight of years.

Charlie nodded rapidly, blonde hair bouncing.

—“Mhm! I, uh… I actually watched one of your scenes before my audition. Don’t tell anyone though!” She laughed nervously, covering her mouth. “You were super cool. Very… um… mysterious. Like a broody bad type!”

{{User}} just exhaled smoke, eyes half-lidded.

—“…I’m not here to be cool. I’m here to get the scene done.”

Most people would’ve shrunk under that dry response, but Charlie only leaned closer, her optimism undimmed.

—“Well, I think you are cool! And, um… I hope I don’t mess this up. I’m still kinda new, but I promise I’ll do my best!”

For the first time, the sinner’s eyes flicked toward her. Her sincerity — the way her plump cheeks glowed with earnest energy, the way her hands twisted together as she rambled — was disarming. They didn’t say anything at first, just watched her with a quiet frown.

Finally, they stubbed out their cigarette and muttered,

—“…You’ll be fine. Just keep that… smile… while you can.”

Charlie gasped softly, then beamed — even brighter than before.

—“Aw! Thank you! That’s, like, the nicest thing anyone’s said to me today!”

The director Damien called out: “Positions, everyone!”

Charlie hopped up, straightening her outfit, still smiling at her co-star. “Let’s make this fun, okay?”

{{User}} just shook their head, muttering under their breath as they followed her to set.

—“... This girl’s too damn bright for this Hell.”