Disclaimer: This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents are either the products of the author's imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.
Warnings: language, alcohol references.
"I understand you have a new project in mind. Tell me more about it..." Hunt gestured Luna to take a seat in the elegant leather chair across from him.
"Clash at Sunset... here's the script" Luna let the heavy script fall right on top of Hunt's desk and took a seat.
Hunt crossed his arms and lowered his eyebrows while he lies back on the dark brown leather chair "I'm assuming you did not write all this script by yourself in a matter of days... Who's the writer?"
"I really wouldn't be able to tell you. It appeared suddenly outside of my dorm. It's an amazing script, I'm sure it'll make a spectacular movie. Holly Chang already reviewed it and she very much approved of it. We just made some adjustments, which are underlined in orange" she opens the script and points to an example of one of the mentioned adjustments.
"I see... but, explain to me, how did you get your hands on this? Nobody just leaves such an "amazing" script for other people without asking for something in return. How do you expect to make a movie without proper permission from the script's author? Unless you prefer to go through a copyright lawsuit for the first time in your life, I bet that would be an expensive and harsh lesson that actually might be necessary in your case"
"Well, actually it wouldn't be the first time that I go through that..." Luna spoke more to herself than actually replying to Hunt. She automatically blushed as she realized she just spoke those words rather than thinking them. He widen his eyes, surprised at the unexpected confession.
"It wouldn't? What do you mean?" asked Hunt, raising an eyebrow with curiosity all over his face.
"Oh, don't worry about it. It was something that was actually not worth it, nothing really happened and it's all in the past now. Anyways... coming back to this script, everything is good to go, the author has been compensated and all copyright contracts have been signed. We're good to go." Luna tried to forget the painful memories and hide the sorrow in her big hazel eyes, action that didn't go unnoticed by Hunt.
Hunt was more curious than what he actually wanted to admit. At the moment, he decided to let it go, not without making a mental note to look into that later.
"I think there's more to that story of the script than what you're telling me. Tell me everything you know if you want my help" he demanded.
"All right... long story short: my benefactor. The other day Addison, Ethan and I were at my dorm watching movies when somebody knocked. When I opened the door there was a suitcase with the script, legal documents, a letter and this..."
Luna picked up a brown messenger bag that was resting by her side and opened it in front of Hunt, who was rather unimpressed by the large amount of one hundred bills that were perfectly stacked in several piles.
"Let me guess... this "benefactor" gave you all of this along with a list of actors that you need to recruit for the movie" he answered, bored.
Luna widened her eyes in surprise, followed by narrowing them in suspicion at Hunt's words "Uhhh, yeah... how did you know?"
"Throughout the years there's been several students with this same 'benefactor', you're not the first one and you'll certainly not be the last"
"And do you know who this person is? Is it...uh..." Luna gave Hunt a puzzled look.
"If you are thinking that I'm that mysterious benefactor you're greatly mistaken. If I ever were to do something like that I'd have searched for someone much more talented, intelligent and obedient"
"Please, don't hold back and spare my feelings" Luna said rolling her eyes, voice full of sarcasm.
"If you can't hear a simple truth, then I recommend that you don't waste anymore of your time and most importantly, mine and just leave my office and Hollywood U altogether. This industry will devour you if you can't take plain and simple criticism" Hunt scowled and grabbed the script, giving it back to Luna.
As she received the script back, Luna couldn't believe that one person could make her feel so small and insignificant with just a gaze. Thomas Hunt was the biggest jerk she's ever met and the biggest challenge she has ever had, but she was not about to give up that easily. She remembered how the shooting of Lisa's video developed and she had to admit to herself that without Hunt's sharp eye to details and invaluable experience, things would not had turned out as great as they did. If she wanted to learn more from him she had to play by his rules. She took the script from Hunt's hands and took a long, measured look at it.
"I apologize Professor, it's just been some stressful days. Please take a look at the script for me" Luna's eyes softened as she grabbed Hunt's hand, returning the heavy script back to him.
Hunt flinched at Luna's unexpected contact. Her soft, warm hands felt like silk against his skin. He quickly took the script and placed it on his side. Luna noticed his sudden nervousness with astonishment and fought the smirk that was about to slip from her lips.
"Uhhh… I will. I'll read it over the weekend. In the meantime, go and continue with the casting. Come and see me with the names of the candidates and we'll do a final callback of the characters the benefactor actually lets you pick. Oh, and I need that 3,000 word essay that I asked during the filming of Lisa Valentine's video, I hope you did not forget about it" He was avoiding her stare at any cost now.
"How could I forget? Here it is, and I quote 'a 3,000 word essay about why obedience, respect and modesty are key elements to success', just what you asked for" He turned his gaze back at her and she winked at him. His annoyance was more than obvious and she gave him a small smirk. She loved the way he got all flustered over her teasing and he was extremely irritated at her constant provocations. "Oh, and that presentation you wanted me to do, I have it right here with me" She grabbed an USB drive from her pocket and showed it to Hunt "whenever you're ready I'm too".
"We'll leave the presentation for later, I've had too much of you for one day. Now, get out of my office, I'll have the script ready by Monday" Hunt placed the script aside and pretended to focus his attention on a different pile of papers that were on the opposite side of his desk. Luna just stood there in front of him, watching him closely, a pink strand of hair in front of her right eye. Feeling her stare, he looked at her and immediately waved a hand "Out! You may leave now!" he said with a grimace.
Luna tucked the stray strand of hair to the back of her ear and stood up from the dark brown leather chair "Gladly! See you later, Professor" Turning on her heel, she mockingly saluted him as if she was a Nazi officer and he was Hitler, turned on her heel and quickly left the room.
He sighed and rolled his eyes, annoyed by her childish attitude. He tried to concentrate on the pile of papers in front of him but his gaze kept on turning to the "Clash to Sunset" script. He sighed and finally giving up he took the script on his hands carefully, just as if it were so fragile it could break with any minimal force. He passed his hand on top of the front page cover, a genuine, happy smile in his face. Oh, how he missed this feeling! He loved the way he felt before reading a script. A new idea, waiting to be discovered, ready to become a reality. For reasons unknown, he trusted Luna's judgment. He had an "eye" for talented people. Everybody in Hollywood knew this, from movie producers and casting agencies to celebrity wannabes. She was something else, she was very passionate and determined towards everything that involved film-making. He noticed a fire in her eyes the very first time he saw her yell 'action' in Lisa Valentine's video. There was such hope, excitement and dedication in her eyes that he could only compare it to the way he felt every time he was involved in a film production: alive. Yes, she was something else, something he has never seen, and he wasn't sure if that was a good or bad thing. He smiled again and turned to the clock to see the time '5:58 pm. I have no more classes for the day, it's a Friday and I have this beauty to enjoy all weekend.' He thought as he got up from his chair and walked towards a small bar that was underneath a big window. He grabbed a glass and poured some scotch on it. He looked through the window and saw Luna walking with her friend Addison, both girls laughing and talking cheerfully. He found himself staring at the pink haired young woman. "How could I not stare, that hair is so pink that you could see her 10 miles away" he justified to himself.
He shook his head and return to his chair. He opened the front cover and began to read the first page of the script. Page after page, scotch after scotch he was completely immersed in the story. Eight glasses of scotch later, he finished reading "Clash at Sunset", a smile in his handsome face. He turned to the window and saw that it was completely dark outside. Alarmed he turned to the clock, 1:15 am. I've been here for almost 7 hours! He placed his cell phone on his pocket, took his suit jacket, keys and the "Clash at Sunset" script as he headed out of the building. He placed the script on the back seat of his pristine, luxurious sports car. As he was closing the door, he suddenly realized that he was drunker than what he initially thought. "Maybe I should call a cab, I can come back for my car tomorrow morning… I'll have to go outside the campus, though. There is no way security will let a cab come in here this late" he thought. Actually he didn't mind, he needed a walk to think several ideas that have been going through his head. He started to walk towards the exit of the campus while reaching for his smart phone, opened Google and started to search for the phone number of the nearest cab company. Suddenly, he heard loud music playing from the newly built Pop Star Dorm. He frowned as he approached the building, yelling and laughter turning louder and louder with every step he took.
Ethan and Luna were talking and joking inside Lisa's brand new dorm, both friends with a beer on their hands.
"This party is huge, Luna. It's bigger than James Franco's birthday bash. And even better, everyone's talking about 'Clash at Sunset'. The buzz has begun." Ethan grinned as he took a sip of beer.
"I know! It's crazy, isn't it? Without any efforts and just by being in the right place at the right time our movie is starting to gain popularity and we haven't even started!" Luna was so happy, it all seemed like a crazy dream.
"Told you! In order to become successful in Hollywood networking is key! Surround yourself with sexy, beautiful, and rich people and you're all set! Lisa for example. We all know she's loud and wild, but truth be told, she's like a hot party guru. I mean, basically everyone is here. Everyone is hot. And oh my god, everyone is making out" Ethan sudden realization made both friends laugh. They've been so busy figuring out details, talking over the casting and budget that they barely realized the large amount of awkward romantic couples around them.
"This is turning plain creepy and weird, wanna step outside?" Luna asked before drinking the last sip of an uncounted number of beers.
"Sure. I need fresh air. Want another beer?"
"Do you even have to ask?" Luna raised a brow and smiled.
"I swear, if you weren't so hot and cute I would've thought you were a dude. You have the alcohol tolerance of an old German brewer."
"Well, why lie? I do enjoy my occasional glass of beer, or scotch, or wine, or tequila... hahahaha you better go get those beers, I'll wait for you on the terrace"
Luna smiled as she walked towards the two big glass doors. She opened them slowly and walked towards the edge of the terrace, where she leaned against the railing. She couldn't remember the precise number of beers she'd consumed, but she was having a good time and was planning on keeping the party going. Once they started the filming of Clash at Sunset they'll be little or no time for partying. After a few minutes Ethan made his way back through the cheerful people and towards Luna. Ironically, the full moon was resting just on top of her, covering her with an unusual glow. Just like her name, one moon facing another one.
"Hey you… here you go, one beer for the gorgeous lady" Ethan dazzling smile looked even more radiant under the full moon's light.
"Thank you!" she smiled back. "Look at this view, LA's skyline under the full moon's glow… amazing" her former hazel eyes changed to an unusual shade of blue under the moon's light and Ethan couldn't help but to admire her even more. The feelings that he had been holding back overcame him.
"Luna, there's something I gotta tell you. I've been fighting with myself over whether I should tell you or not but I just can't keep it in any longer."
Luna looked at him alarmed. "I really hope you're not dying because you're really scaring the shit out of me, are you ok?" he took her hand in his and delicately caressed her soft skin.
"Don't worry, it's nothing bad… I hope. Okay, here it goes… I'm attracted to you, I'm pretty sure you know that. And yes, I also understand that between you and me there is a business relationship. I normally don't date people that I work with, I like to keep things professional; but, even though we haven't treated each other for long I feel this connection between us that I just can't ignore anymore. I find myself constantly thinking about you since the first day that we met, and I was hoping that you would accept to have dinner with me sometime." He was very nervous but showed anything but confidence in every word he spoke. The news took Luna completely by surprise. She knew he was attractive, she knew she was attractive. However, with everything that had happened to her these past weeks, she had no time or energy to think about love. Her mind went blank and all she could do was to take a big gulp of her beer. After drinking about half of the amber liquid, she left the bottle on a small table next to her and started to gather her thoughts.
"Ethan… I… I really don't know what to say. You've become one of my best friends here and I'd really hate it if that changed because of an uncertain attraction. I did not expect this at all…" her cheeks flushed and she lowered her gaze to the beautiful garden in front of the dorm. She noticed that a silhouette was slowly approaching them. Intrigued, she narrowed her eyes attempting to get a better look at the unknown, yet familiar shadow. Ethan noticed her distraction and followed her gaze, slowly releasing Luna's hands, trying to figure out who it was.
"Is that Hunt?" she asked, surprised.
"I really can't tell. I don't think so. It's past 12, I bet Hunt's right now sleeping or grading papers or something like that"
"No, it is Hunt. Look at the way he walks, his posture. It could only be him"
The silhouette starts to faint and eventually disappear as Hunt approaches the lights located in front of the dorm's main entrance. His handsome face can now be seen clearly and he stops right under the terrace where Ethan and Luna were standing.
"It is me, and I'm sorry to disappoint you Mr. Blake, but I do not go to sleep before 12 am nor I spend my entire day grading the atrocities you so call homework. Now, what I don't understand is how you managed to turn this prestigious university into some sort of brothel. Could I please have a word with you Ms. Armstrong?" Hunt crossed arms.
"Oh my god, does he have bionic hearing or something like that? Scary!" she whispered to Ethan.
"I know!" he whispered back.
"Sure! Come on in! The front door is open!" Luna smiled and waved at Hunt.
"If I go in there you can say good bye to your little gathering. You have 2 minutes to be here" his voice low and his index finger pointing right in front of him.
"Oh! What a chivalrous gentleman!" she said sarcastically. "I'll be right down, master!"
Luna smiled and quickly turned to go meet Hunt. Ethan gently grabbed her by the arm. "Hey, do you want me to go with you?" he asked softly.
"I got it, don't worry. I'm pretty sure I can take Hunt down in a heartbeat" She winked at him.
"Hahaha I'm pretty sure you can. Hey, but we still have a little chat pending, just think about it, ok?" He winked back.
"I will" a soft, pink smile decorated her face.
"I'll be with Addison, we'll be waiting for you… now, go! Your time is running out!"
"Shit! Be right back!" she turned around and started to run downstairs. On her way she saw a big cooler that was next to the living room, opened it and grabbed a whole twelve pack of Stella Artois beers. The night was fresh, the lingering smell of rain and wet dirt fulfilling the air; a cold beer sounded like a perfect combination.
"Late, as always." Hunt grumbled, his eyes staring at his clock.
"Oh, come on! It was just like 5 seconds! Plus, I stopped and grabbed you a beer, doesn't that count?" she childishly pouted her lips and handed a cold beverage to Hunt.
"I don't drink with my students" he glanced at the green bottle and then looked at Luna.
"Oh, come on, get off your high horse. I can tell you've already been drinking" she took a small step closing the distance between them and started to sniff around Hunt "Scotch, and… uhhh, what a lovely perfume!" after sniffing a little bit more and lifting her eyes in thought, she added "Is that Clive Christian 1872? Wonderful choice, I must say" she faked a snobbish accent and smiled.
Hunt was mildly impressed. Guessing his signature perfume just by smelling it for a few seconds was pretty strange, especially when the perfume was not a conventional fragrance. She must know the fragrance from before, I don't think it's a coincidence, he thought. "Yes... and exactly why would you know that?" he narrowed his eyes.
"A women should always keep secrets to herself" she flashed him a playful smile. "Anyways... you could say that we are now colleagues, we're going to be working together, so in the spirit of that new and improved relationship, beer?" she offered him the icy cold beverage.
"We are not colleagues and we certainly don't have any 'new and improved' relationship. I'm you teacher, your my student, that's it. We'll never be friends and you have a lot to go through to even begin calling yourself a colleague of mine. But we're both adults and tonight is so humid and hot that I'm going to accept the beer" he knew it was wrong to show weakness and to be seen interacting with a student like that, but he blamed his mild drunken state and the high temperature of the night for his imprudence. He grabbed the green bottle and took a big gulp of the refreshing liquid. Luna watched with a grin on her face.
"I just finished reading the script. May I have a word with you? I'd like to discuss some of the ideas and details of the production with you"
"You're finished? It's a huge script, it'll take hours to-" realization dawning on her face "You've been reading the script from the moment I left to just right now, haven't you?" she asked, astonished.
"Do you want to hear my opinions or not?" he changed the subject, bothered.
"Sure! Let's go to the next dorm's garden, the music here is so loud we would have to be screaming at each other the whole time here"
"I agree. Be grateful I don't shut down your new friend's little party. I know she can be pretty chaotic, but right now I've got another priorities in my mind. Clash at Sunset really impressed me, I really believe there's a lot of potential in this script" Hunt grabbed the box of beers and followed Luna.
Both student and professor walked towards the next dorm beautiful, well maintained and tastefully decorated garden. It was far enough for the music and screaming to reduce to a minimal level where they could have a normal conversation. Small lights hanging from arc shaped vines, color changing LED lights showing the stone walkway, honeysuckle fragrance filling up the air. Luna smiled as she remembered the day Addison asked her for her help. Addy volunteered to take care of the garden for the whole month, chore that she wasn't qualified to do. Addy loved gardening, but knew nothing about it. She remembered Luna talking about how her grandfather taught her all she knew about plants and trees. Luna offered to help and both girls planted all sorts of flowery plants and several trees all around the garden. Addison received a lot of compliments for their work. Addy giving always Luna full credit.
"The fashionistas did an outstanding job with their garden this month. The other dorms should follow the same example, work harder and take more pride on their gardens, specially the director's dorms" he glanced at Luna and watched her smile turn into a scowl.
"Can't you be civil just for one day? I'm getting tired of you always trying to find ways to criticize me or annoy me" she crossed her arms in exasperation.
"As your professor it is my duty to point out flaws that might prevent you from learning. It's not my fault that you can't handle constructive criticism"
"Oh, I can handle constructive criticism. What you do is a whole new level, you're so overcritical of everything and everybody around you. Relax and stop being so paranoid" she rolled her eyes as she sat down in one of the outdoor chairs. Hunt followed her quietly and placed the box of beers on top of a table right in front of Luna.
Hunt was more surprised than angry at this point. Never in his whole life did he meet someone who had the guts to speak to him like that, especially since he became a Hollywood legend. She was obnoxious, blunt and rude. But she was straight forward and very bold. He liked assertive, assured people, even though he tried really hard not to show it. He knew that those attributes could easily turn into flaws. He took a sit on the chair that was on the other side of the table and took a sip of the amber liquid.
"Fair enough. Let's discuss the script then"
Luna was dumbfounded at how quickly he let go of his annoying self and suddenly became a real professional director. When he began to analyze each part of the script she could see how the expression in his eyes changed from harshness to excitement and warmness. As the minutes passed, both Luna and Hunt were eagerly debating about changes in the script, costumes, casting, and filming techniques. Minutes became hours and after a long, productive discussion both Luna and Hunt were so absorbed by the discussion that they hadn't realized dawn was about to arrive. Without thinking of any consequences, not even contemplating any at all, he relaxed so much that he forgot he was before one of his students, not a fellow director. It has been so long since the last time he remembered having such a pleasant conversation with someone that everything else didn't really matter.
Hunt was talking when Luna suddenly interrupt him.
"Do you hear that?" Luna shushed pointing a finger at the air.
After a short silence Hunt replied. "...I don't hear anything"
"Exactly! There's no more music, no yelling… Oh my god, what time is it?" she suddenly realized dawn was about to take over the cloudy morning sky.
Hunt took a quick look at his fancy silver wrist watch. "5:45 am... I better call a cab and go home. At least we went through most of the details involving the production, so it wasn't a complete waste of my time" Hunt stood up and fixed his tie.
"Oh my god, don't pretend you didn't enjoy our conversation, come on, admit it!" Luna teased.
"How can I enjoy a conversation with someone I don't respect?" Hunt replied coldly.
"Yeah, just keep telling yourself that, you enjoyed this more than what you care to admit... Can I get a ride? I don't think I can go back to the party since it probably ended hours ago and Ethan and Addy more than likely already left".
Hunt rolled his eyes "Your dorm is on campus, can't you just walk? I'm taking a cab and I have to go outside of campus".
"Oh, a true gentleman as always... see you Monday, professor" Luna stood up and started to walk towards the direction of her dorm. It was on the other side of campus, about 20 minutes walking. Hollywood U was a huge university after all. Luna was in no mood to walk that distance in the state she was – tired, sleepy and drunk – but she'd rather walk than beg her asshole professor for company.
Thomas didn't know why he felt that way. Did she just make him feel like a complete moron? Although he could be a jerk and actually enjoyed being one sometimes, he was not the type of asshole that leaves a woman alone, in the state she was at the hours of the morning they were. Even if the "woman" in question was almost a child in his opinion, and his student nonetheless. A small headache started to appear as he rolled his eyes and followed her.
"Luna! Wait! I'm sorry, it is my duty as your professor to assure your well being, please allow me to escort you to your dorm" his voice softened but remained low and stern.
"I'll be Okay, don't worry about me. I've been in worst situations than this, no biggie" she continued to walk.
Hunt rolled his eyes and reluctantly followed her. He didn't want to show weakness but again, what kind of a man, of a professor, would leave his female student in that position? Not him.
"Don't be so childish. What would you know about tough situations?" Hunt scoffed at the thought of Luna facing danger. He could almost see her crying her eyes out in front of a stranger about to mug her. "You're barely a child, and a difficult and stubborn one at that. Come on, let's go to your dorm" he grabbed her by the arm.
"And what do you know about me? You don't know a thing about me, where I have been or what I'm capable of" She let go of his grip in a quick movement that startled Hunt "That's the problem with you, for Thomas Hunt there is nobody more important than Thomas Hunt. I don't care who you think you are, but you are not better than me or anybody else for that matter. I know how to take care of myself probably better than you ever will. See you Monday." she turned around and quickly disappeared through the trees, almost like if she was running away from him.
Hunt just stood there. He didn't know what to think, do or say. Every time he interacted with Luna he was more and more perplexed, both in a good and a bad sense. She seemed so childish sometimes, so obstinate and careless; but there were also times - like tonight - where she was so intelligent, so talented, so... fresh. 'Just what Hollywood needs' he thought. He sighed and walked outside of campus, called a cab and got home at 7:30 am. He felt remorseful for letting her walk by herself. He kept fighting the idea but finally he gave in, took his phone and searched for her number. The one she gave him after the incident at Lisa's Video shooting. He hesitated once more but pressed the green dial button despite his doubts.
Beep, beep, beep. The loud ringing sound brought her back abruptly from the deep dream she was in. She had to rub her eyes twice when she read the name of the unexpected caller. "Cunt". The vulgar word replacing Hunt's name made her laugh. What would he say if he knew about the nickname she had assigned to him in her phone? After a few more seconds, a sleepy voice finally answered on the other side.
"Hunt? I can only assume your conscience was stronger than your pride. I'm OK, you can rest now" she said with a soft, yet sarcastic voice.
"Good, see you tomorrow then" Hunt replied with an equally soft voice.
"Tomorrow? Maybe you're starting to hallucinate or something but tomorrow's Sunday. Sunday is a day for resting and relaxing, don't you know that? Do you even know how to relax?"
"There's no relaxing in Hollywood. See you tomorrow in my office to finish off the details of Clash at Sunset that we discussed. Be there at 11 am sharp. Don't you dare to be late" he warned.
Luna was about to respond with a typical sarcastic comment when Hunt hung up the phone.
"Yeah, have a nice day too, prick..." her voice dripping in annoyance, but with a genuinely happy smile in her lips that she actually didn't notice.
A/N: I apologize for the delay of the publishing of this chapter. You know, sometimes life gets in the way of our hobbies, but I'll try my best to dedicate more time to this fanfiction. Thank you so much to all the people that take the time to read this contribution of mine to the fandom. I see with sadness that our little fandom is starting to decline. Hopefully that changes soon. Thank you all again, and please let me know if you enjoy this fanfic, it's always encouraging to hear that somebody out there is enjoying my stories.
