This is my second story I've wrote, so sorry for any mistakes!! Thank youu

Brie's matte Christian Louboutins clicked as she hustled off the front stage. Her tense eyes quickly analyzed the backstage set, which was very modern; enough to be a luxury condominium in the city. Workers buzzed steadily, each one operating independently, but all together preparing for the next game. Trying not to attract too much attention but still looking for an answer, she asked around the busy workplace. "Excuse me? Do you know where the private room is? Pardon, could you help me?" Instantly, one of the public relations agents escorted the guest interviewee to her desired location. "This way, Ms. Larson." Brie followed willingly. As the floor transitioned into carpet, they went down 5 corridors, each one more still than the last.

The agent opened the door labeled BRIE LARSON and examined the young woman. Brie strode in quickly and leaned on the door frame, thankful she was in a more conservative place.

The agent spoke carefully. "Ms. Larson? Are you alright? In absolutely no disrespect, you look a little overwhelmed."

Brie spun around hastily, each leg almost tripping over the other. "Oh— me? I'm doing great. Thank you so much." It was evident the celebrity was covering something up, but the agent didn't wanna push it.

"Of course, Ms. Larson. There's refreshments and your personal belongings on top of the glass table. If you need anything else, please notify us. We want you to feel as comfortable as possible. We'll give you timely alerts through the intercom."

"Thank you, I appreciate it."

Brie closed the door, unaware she was tugging the sleeve of her luxury sweater. If she did any longer, she could've damaged the material. A deep sigh escaped her; she was finally alone. Unfortunately, that gave her more space to think and reminisce.

She still wasn't used to it. To being part of the colossal marvel fandom, to having this much recognition, to having this amount of tension and opinion, to everything. Knowing that whatever she said or did was observed by millions was ridiculously overwhelming. It could all be used against her. She doesn't know how, but they would find a way. They always do. With her fame came controversy, and she didn't know how to handle it personally. Brie isn't as experienced as her fellow costars and without these circumstances, she's slightly awkward. Of course, her agent and her supporters help her with the press but sometimes, they're not there privately. Media isn't always an asset, predominantly when it comes to a someone famous. People analyze your history, wether it's unfortunate or beneficial to the present. Social services and individuals have been taking her past public addresses and twisting them into a labyrinth of harsh lies and distressing theories.

The audience of The Ellen Show wasn't too big but there was still a fair amount. There were mixed emotions found in the crowd; some rolled their eyes in disgust intentionally and unconsciously, others absolutely adored her. Brie was aware that taking such a large role would come with repercussions and risks, but it also came with benefits. She hasn't been more successful in her life, she's made her name known. More importantly, she's formed close relationships and bonds with people; her fan base, and more specifically, people in the marvel cinematic universe. They've grown into her and have taken a large part of what she is today, and ever will be.

Brie trudged to the mirror which brilliantly radiated with intense light. Trying to recollect her thoughts, Brie placed her hands on the chilled marble slab and leaned. She lifted her head to meet her reflection, and gazed at her condition. Brie was unsuspecting of the tears that were had descended down her face. If it was possible, she felt even more upset. She thought she looked miserable and pitiful, giving way into a pit of her own issues and emotions. She was tired of being like this. Ordinarily, Brie was overall a joyful person. Her smile could illuminate the darkest of all rooms and her laughter could bring the dead back to life. But as of right now, she was mentally exhausted.

A gender neutral voice came through the intercom. "15 more minutes, Ms. Larson."

Suddenly, cautious but firm knocks were heard from the other side of the entrance.

"Let me in, Desaulniers."

Brie cracked a small smile and left the mirror to open the door, knowing who was behind it. She was one of the only people who could easily pronounce her birth name.

As Brie opened the door, Scarlett's facial expression and atmosphere immediately changed. She quickly strode into the room and closed the door behind her.

"Hey, you okay?" Scarlett asked in a concerning tone. Brie's face was obviously moist, and not from moisturizer. The taller woman tilted her head downward, trying to hide her face. Brie forgot she had been tearing up. She was about to reply before she was cut off.

"No, you're not. What's wrong?"

The tone in her voice made Brie look upZ As soon as clinquant brown eyes met green, Scarlett comprehended everything. She led herself and Brie to the contemporary-styled sofa and sat her self down, encouraging the other to sit next to her.

As much as she could comprehend from her gaze, Scarlett needed to hear it from her best friend. She handed her personal hanker chief to the woman next to her.

Taking the soft cloth, Brie spoke in a down-hearted tone. "It's just, I'm so overwhelmed. I mean, you've worked your way to where you are now. You're accomplished and professional. You know what you're doing. You're not new, but that doesn't mean people like you any less. You're the best." She was now on the verge of tears. Scarlett wished to interject and prevent hearing what Brie thinks of herself, but she thought it was selfish.

"Me? I'm the exactly that but the opposite. I'm recent, people wonder why I'm even casted. I've never got this much attention and some of it's not beneficial. Actually, a pretty good portion is for my disadvantage. I can't avoid looking into the crowd so when I do, I can see the nerves." Brie sarcastically chuckled, but Scarlett was too troubled to even try. She continued. "Others are taking my past and altering it into things I can't even comprehend as being me. Change is difficult, I understand that, probably more than a lot of people, but it's a lot more than I thought I could handle."

"Oh, Brie." Scarlett pulled her best friend into an affectionate embrace. Although Brie had a slightly larger stature, she welcomed it, hugging back. A minute later, both women let go of each other, but their hands remained close.

"You can't meet or surpass everyone's expectations. We're all different, we all think different. If anyone were the same, there would be no conflict or trouble in the world." Scarlett spoke facts. "It wasn't easy for me when I first entered, heck, maybe to some extent it still isn't today. People thought my character was getting in the way of Iron Man's spotlight. They rejected me while some embraced me, just like you. They'll come around soon, especially because you're you. You're one of the most amazing people I've met. Besides, you're disgusting when you cry."

"I'm kidding." The two women lightly chuckled in unison, both relieved of the pensive ambience.

Brie freshened Scarlett's designer outfit and spoke genuinely. "Thank you, I really need that."

"Of course. If you need anything at all, tell me. I love you, Desaulniers."

"I love you too Scarjo."

They both engaged in one last hug, which was meaningful but quick.

"I think we missed the 5 minute notice to get back." said Brie as she chuckled

"Yeah, I think so too."

Together, they walked down the 5 corridors to the front stage, each one thankful for the other's company.

I don't know if I should turn this into a romance or not?? I will be uploading this to an Archive of our Own soon. Would you guys like this to be a oneshot or continue?? Please let me know in the reviews!! Thank you so much