Completion.
"That's a wrap," Eric just barely managed to say before Vince tackled him in front of everyone, kissing him deeply as a reward for wrapping his first film as a director. "I did it."
"Yeah," Vince grinned brilliantly. "You did, E. Just like you said you could and I knew you would." He had seen every frame being shot and knew exactly how amazing this film was going to be. Eric was poised to be the next big thing, and Vince was okay with playing second fiddle to someone else's career for once. He couldn't think of a more deserving star than Eric. "So when do I get to see this masterpiece of yours?"
Eric scratched the back of his neck nervously. The plan was to go back to New York to work with an editor he'd met during Medellin. Vince would be able to spend time with his family and E wouldn't have to worry about ignoring him while he was busy. There was more to it than that, though. He had an ulterior motive, one that he hadn't even shared with Vince yet. "Yeah, about that..."
"What does that mean?" Vince asked suspiciously. He had been patient through the long nights and the early call times because he believed that this would finally make Eric the big player that he wanted. With a handful of producer credits to his name, E was someone worth noticing in Hollywood. Directing his first film was a major move and one that Vince had supported fully. He just wanted his boyfriend back. "E?"
"I don't want to show you until it's done." The confession came in the form of a rushed exhale. Eric couldn't bare to look at Vince because he knew he'd only see disappointment. "I just want it to be perfect for you, Vin. You're the whole reason I could even do this. Not just because of the connections, either. Like, you gave me the confidence to do it, you know? And I want you to be proud of me. I know you are now, okay, you don't have to reassure me. It's just important to me."
Vince beamed at his guy and saw images of Eric at all phases of their life. He was the same guy he'd always been, just as tired and jaded and hopeful and together as he had been when they were street kids. He reached out and brushed a lock of Eric's hair away from his blue eyes and nodded his affirmation. "Just promise me you won't go all Billy Walsh on me, okay?" he teased. Eric had too much suit in him to ever been like Billy, but Vince could see traces of that same manic obsessive in Eric.
"As if," Eric laughed. The last thing in the world he wanted to be was the next Billy Walsh. "Though, we do have one thing in common besides worshiping you." Vince puffed out his chest proudly. He loved knowing that he was adored by Eric. "My mom is the only one besides the editor that is going to see this before it's done."
He could argue but there would be no use. "Fine, but I want to be the first one to see it when it's all the way done, even before the editor and your mom. I want to see the director's cut. Deal?"
"Deal," Eric grinned before kissing Vince. There were a million people around on the set, from production assistants and talent to caterers and security.
"Have I mentioned how proud of you I am?"
"A million times, yeah," Eric chuckled. "Thanks, though, seriously. You're amazing, and I couldn't have made it through this without your faith in me."
"Duh."
Eric laughs again as Drama comes over with Turtle right behind him. Eric bumps fists with Vince's brother and half hugs Turtle. Vince returns with a bottle of champagne he'd scammed off of craft services and Drama manages to snag a few cups from a passing coffee cart. They toast their achievement, because that's' how E sees it – as a group effort that took all four of them to make it happen.
Six months later, Vince flicks the remote off and turns to look at Eric. They're at their house in the theater, Eric pacing nervously in the back while Vince watched the film for the first time. No one has seen it, not even the editor, in this final form. Just like he had promised on the set all those weeks ago, Vince had the privilege of the first viewing. Turtle and Drama were going to watch it with them later that same evening.
"Well?"
"Well..." Vince drawled. He looked at Eric and grimaced. He had always been a good actor. "I'm not sure how I feel about it, E."
Eric's eyes go wide with panic. "Wait? What? What's that mean?"
"I mean, your leading guy is kinda uh, hot."
Eric picked up a pillow and hurled it at Vince's oversized head. "Shut the fuck up."
"It was amazing," Vince gushed as he started to climb over the seats. He makes it to Eric in record time before pressing him against the wall. "You're gonna be a star."
"We'll be a real power couple," Eric agreed with a wry grin. "The paparazzi are gonna be climbing all over the driveway just wanting to get a shot of us doing something boring like picking up the paper."
"Yeah, they kind of already do that," Turtle pointed out as he came into the room toting a six pack of beer. Drama was close behind with popcorn from the gourmet place Vince loved back in New York and a box of Cheez-Its for Eric. "I think there were a few of them parked across the street actually."
"Ah, well," Vince shrugged as he collapsed back into a seat and pulled E down with him.
Drama grabbed the remote off the floor and started the movie back up. Turtle passed them both back a beer before settling into the black leather recliner. Having already seen it, Vince was more concerned with playing with E's hair than watching the screen. Eric leaned into Vince's palm and finally relaxed. He might have called cut months ago, but tonight, his directorial debut finally felt complete.
