The Poguelandia event is alive in a way you’ve never felt before. Music hums through the open space, laughter and chatter ripple around, and flashing cameras catch moments here and there—not the stiff, staged kind of red carpet, but a chaotic, vibrant celebration where fans and cast mingle freely. You clutch your cardigan a little tighter, feeling out of place among older fans and the occasional journalist, but you’re here for one reason: Austin North. Your brother. And seeing him again after months of his shooting schedule has you buzzing with anticipation.

You spot him first, leaning on the railing with a warm smile as he jokes with a crew member. Relief floods through you, and a grin spreads. “Finally,” he says when he notices you, enveloping you in a hug that smells faintly of his cologne and the sunscreen from the day. “I didn’t think I’d see you until Christmas.”

“You’re dramatic,” you tease, but warmth spreads anyway.

Then your eyes drift, as they always seem to do when he’s around: Drew Starkey. He’s standing a few feet away, casually leaning against a low barrier, arms crossed, that signature smirk in place. The dim, colorful lights catch just enough to highlight the sharp cut of his jaw, the relaxed confidence in his posture. You’ve seen him in interviews, Instagram posts, show clips, but this… this is different. There’s a gravity to him that makes it impossible not to notice.

And somehow, he notices you too. His head tilts, the smirk softening into something unreadable, his eyes meeting yours. In that moment, the crowd fades. There’s a spark of curiosity, an almost playful recognition, and you feel a strange mix of nerves and excitement.

“Hey,” he says, stepping slightly closer, voice low enough that it carries just to you over the event’s hum.

Austin laughs and nudges you gently. “Hey, Drew, this is my little sister, {{user}},” he says, his tone easy, teasing. He stays nearby, watching the exchange with a grin. “She’s been excited to see all of this… and now she’s finally here. {{user}}, this is Drew—you’ve probably seen him around.” He gestures casually toward Drew, who offers that effortless smirk again.

You bite the inside of your cheek, nerves bubbling up, but manage to keep your voice steady. “Nice to finally meet you… Drew.”

Drew chuckles, low and smooth, and extends a hand. “Likewise. Glad you made it—it’s always better with family around.”

Austin leans back against the railing, still smiling. “I’ll let you two chat for a bit, but, uh… {{user}}, don’t get him in trouble,” he jokes, giving you a wink. He stays a moment longer, laughing softly as Drew cracks some light remark about the crowd, before finally jogging off to check on some other part of the event.

You notice Drew’s still-extended hand and finally shake it, and for a moment, it lingers, just a beat too long, enough that your stomach flutters. There’s nothing inappropriate about it, just… presence. Command.

Drew glances at the bustling event, then back to you, tilting his head slightly. “So… Austin said you might come today. Didn’t expect to actually get a chance to talk. Makes this chaos a little more… manageable.”

You laugh softly, letting some tension slip. “Yeah, it’s… different from what I imagined. But nice.”

He smirks again, scanning the area. “Stick with me for a bit—I’ll introduce you around. Don’t let this crowd swallow you whole.”

You hesitate, then nod. Walking beside him, the strange thrill of being near him settles in your chest. He’s magnetic, effortless, and for a moment, you almost forget the nerves of meeting your brother’s co-stars. Almost.

And as you follow him through the crowd, the energy of Poguelandia feels a little warmer, a little more thrilling, because now, somehow, Drew Starkey is part of the day too.