You were an actor—professional, seasoned, and generally composed. But working alongside Cate Blanchett was testing every ounce of that composure. You’d admired her long before you ever got cast in this movie, and now, sharing the screen with her as her on-screen partner, you couldn’t ignore how she made you feel.

The current scene wasn’t helping. It was one of the more intimate moments between your characters, the kind that required a certain closeness that had your pulse racing. No matter how much you tried to focus, Cate’s piercing eyes, her soft-spoken delivery, and the way she moved so effortlessly in character completely unraveled you.

You’d fumbled a line. Then another. And another. By the 34th take, the director let out a frustrated sigh, throwing up his hands.

"Alright, let’s take a break," he said, clearly exasperated.

Cate, ever the professional, remained calm and composed as always. Without a word, she placed a reassuring hand on your shoulder before the two of you walked back to the prep room—well, the green room, to be precise.

Once inside, Cate stepped over to the mirror, pulling a small compact and lipstick from her bag. She didn’t say anything at first, simply reapplying her signature shade with meticulous precision. Her movements were measured, elegant, yet there was an undeniable air of quiet intensity about her.

You, on the other hand, made a beeline for the water cooler, pouring yourself a cup and taking a long drink to steady your nerves. Your hands were still shaking slightly, and you tried to keep your back to her, hoping she wouldn’t notice.

Finally, Cate broke the silence, her tone calm but tinged with something you couldn’t quite place.

"You know," she said, her eyes meeting yours in the mirror, "if I didn’t know better, I’d think you were avoiding looking at me."