Threat or warning?

Who ever said that being a voice actor was an easy job, lied. It was difficult and very satisfying if the director pass a scene.

Philip was never one to mimick feelings when acting but, improvise every scene but, not there apparently.

Everything was in a timeline. You act according to the writers vision. It's like you are being chased on a straight line. Let's see you run, if you dare.

It was a fucking twenty minutes film but, to even finish the first two minutes took him five hours. What of the rest? Should he just give up?

"Let's take a break, guys" Said Monica who Philip had no idea why she was filming them.

"What? Its already noon?" Asked Philip, shocked. It was too shameful for him to admit how mediocre he was. He sucked every life in there. Everybody moved like zombies.

"Hey, sugar thing. Doing great, I hear" Said Grayson as he peeked through the studio and landed on Philip.

"Tyler was being an ass to him for no reason" Said Leon with a sigh, standing up to walk away, "Where's Aiden? I got things to discuss with him"

"At the academy, obviously but, you got the second best thing with you" Replied Grayson pointing to Philip. Who wished could be anywhere but, there.

"You mean some untalented bitch exercising his nepotism right?" Questioned Tyler sarcastically, "Yeah, we have seen him"

"Woah. Was he like this all morning?" Asked Grayson, amused.

"And there's nothing I can do about it" Said Leon drained from Tyler's thirst for blood.

"I'm sorry you met him on a bad day. He's quite fun to be around with" Said Grayson to the silent Philip.

No matter what anyone could say, Philip loved Tyler, the story writer and producer. He was real. He heard too many murmurs since he sat foot in that building but, Tyler was the only one who gave it to him straight.

"What did Aiden see in him to turn gay just like that?" Asked Tyler aloud. He was clearly disgusted by the image.

"You can't turn a person gay honey as we apparently aren't able to change your mind" Replied Grayson before turning back to Philip when they reached the restaurant, "What would you be having?"

"Did Aiden get you up to it?" Asked Philip, suspiciously.

"I need a favour from him so, take it as me buttering you up for it" Replied Grayson with a smile before they heard a snicker and Leon deciding that wasn't his scene and fled.

"Since when were you a suck up to Aiden? I thought you guys were friends" Commented Tyler.

"I'm not sure I understand what's happening here" Said Grayson cocking his head sideways menacingly, "Are you jealous of Philip or Aiden? Either way you're still closeted to date"

"That's going too far Grayson!" Said Tyler before stomping out of the restaurant angrily.

"I'm sorry" Apologised Philip in a small voice.

"Well, I'm not. At least now, he won't be feeling depressed to the point of suicide" Said Grayson before they heard his name by the waitress.

"I don't think if that's how it works" Said Philip thoughtfully making Grayson reply with a smile, "That's cute"

"It's been a minute since you last visited" Said the waitress excitedly.

"Believe me, it's not my intention. If it were up to me, I'd forever wish to gaze upon that face" Said Grayson smitten by the blushing waitress, "Such perfection"

"So, what will you guys be having?" Asked the waitress expectantly

"Nothing much. Just you on top of my usual order" Replied Grayson with a playboy demeanor.

"And you, sir?" Asked the waitress to the startled Philip. He was, sir? He is a man! Too many times with a persona that he forgot how to be a him.

"Fries and six sausages, please" Said Philip with a tight smile.

"Coming right up but, as you wait, what would you guys be drinking?" Asked the waitress.

"Avocado juice for me" Said Philip hoping that the girl could disappear.

"Beer" Ordered Grayson making the waitress frown.

"How about you drink the same as your friend here?" Suggested the waitress and Grayson though bummed. He nodded at her.

"Can I ever say no to you?" Asked Grayson, flirting.

"You can always try" Said the waitress before blowing Grayson a kiss and walked away.

"I thought you were a thing with Julia" Said Philip impressed and confused.

"That woman is a hard nut to crack" Replied Grayson with a scoff and a shake of the head.

"That she surely is" Agreed Philip, nostalgic as he remembered working with Julia at the club.

"Too independent to be in a relationship with me that's for sure" Said Grayson before bending forward in a whisper, "Do I really have a toxic masculinity mentality?"

"I don't really know you to judge" Said Philip apologetically.

"You are right" Said Grayson as he schooled his face to be his cheerful self when the waitress returned with their drinks.

"You love Julia" Observed Philip silently.

"I really do" Admitted Grayson vulnerably, "I don't know what to do"

"Don't worry. Just let her take the lead" Advised Philip taking a sip of the juice and it was marvellous.

"So, what's the get up?" Asked Grayson as he looked at Philip intently. He had no make up and no flairs in his outfit. Just a typical man costume, "I didn't notice that it's Halloween already"

"I... I'm trying to love myself more" Said Philip with a shy look.

"Good for you and relax once you are in there. Own the stage just as you usually do" Advised Grayson.

"It's hard to be a voice actor" Said Philip sincerely making Grayson smile.

"Then that's how you know you are doing your best" Said Grayson wisely.

"Yes, grandpa" Nodded Philip sarcastically, making Grayson cuss at him.

"I hope you don't take to heart whatever Tyler was saying to you" Said Grayson as an afterthought.

"He's a great guy" Agreed Philip with a hum.

"The best in the industry" Said Grayson proudly.

"I have a feeling he doesn't know that" Teased Philip.

"Are you the best actor?" Asked Grayson instead.

"No" Replied Philip curtly.

"But, to Julia and Aiden? There's nobody they could compare you to" Said Grayson seriously making Philip emotional.

"Yeah, I'm lucky to have them" Said Philip with a smile.

"It has nothing to do with luck but, the alcohol" Said Grayson meaningfully making Philip's tummy twist and that's when their food was brought.

"What are you saying?" Asked Philip as soon as the waitress left them.

"I know that it's bullshit what you told Aiden about two years ago" Supplied Grayson simply putting a grenade that terrifies Philip from day one.

"Are you going to tell on me?" Asked Philip, panic holding him at the table.

"Relax, I can't even if I try" Replied Grayson casually, "I never seen my boy this fulfilled as he is with you"

"Is this a threat or a warning?" Asked Philip not quite getting Grayson's gain.

"Neither those nor blackmail but, a simple reminder. Don't fuck him up" Said Grayson digging in to his lunch with gusto.

Philip had only one thought. To run.