The Greatest Showman #992: Shy Fanboy

"How is that even possible? Sitting for six hours made my butt tingle, but this experience? Unimaginable! God, Renly, can I come back tomorrow to watch it again?" Meadow jumped up and down, her excitement bubbling over. This was the true face of a fan.

"Meadow..." Paul gently rubbed his daughter's head, but Meadow quickly dodged, grumbling as she did. Paul chuckled helplessly. "You know how hard it is to get tickets. And you also know how much Renly values his privacy. If you really want to watch it again, we can queue up tomorrow and show our support the old-fashioned way."

Renly smirked. "Dear Meadow, if you're asking for the stars, well, that's your father's job. But if you're just asking for tickets to a West End show, I think I can manage." He grinned, seeing Meadow bounce up in delight.

Paul gave Renly a playful look, shaking his head. "Renly, you're going to spoil her." But despite his words, the fondness in his eyes was clear. He couldn't help but look at Meadow with pride.

"It's just a small thing," Renly said, patting his friend on the back. "How's London treating you? I know the rain's been persistent, not the best weather to visit, but... well, this is London."

Paul chuckled. "Just like the last time I visited New York, right? God, that was a disaster. I swear, I must have some kind of power to summon rain." They both laughed, but then, a faint sadness flickered in Paul's eyes. London wasn't quite the same without Heather Cross around.

Renly caught the shift in mood and quickly changed the subject. "Has filming officially started yet? Is everything on track with 'Fast & Furious 6'? Diesel didn't make a fuss when you left the crew, did he?"

After months of delay, Fast & Furious 6 was finally moving forward with its production plans. There was no Luke Hobbs spinoff, but at least the sequel was back on track. For Universal, the crew, and everyone involved, that was a relief.

"I'm also a producer," Paul said matter-of-factly. One short sentence, but it carried an undeniable weight, a hint of the quiet power Paul had built in Hollywood. It was a strange thing to see, but Renly couldn't help but feel proud of his friend. In an industry where you often had to fight for your place, Paul was proving his mettle.

But then, Paul softened again. "We're still in the prep stage. The real work doesn't start until July. For now, it's all about testing cars and setting up. We don't need to be there yet."

"Well, you're still Paul," Renly said with a grin, shaking his head at the honest simplicity of it.

But then Renly's smile faltered, just for a moment. He looked at Paul, eyes full of concern. "Paul, promise me something, okay? Promise me you'll be careful. I mean... this whole thing—it's dangerous. Filming is risky, and there are so many uncertainties. Just... be safe."

The words hung heavy between them. Renly knew the risk Paul was about to face, and it stirred something deep inside him. He couldn't bear the thought of losing another friend. He'd lost Heather Cross once. Could he really face another loss?

For a second, Paul froze, not understanding at first. But then he saw it—the worry in Renly's eyes. It wasn't just about the stunt work; it was something more. Heather Cross. The name hovered unspoken in the air between them.

Paul's face softened, and after a brief pause, he smiled warmly, bumping Renly's shoulder. "I promise, Renly. I'll be careful. You have my word."

Renly nodded, grateful. The knot in his chest loosened slightly, but it wasn't gone. It never would be.

Then, Renly's gaze shifted to another figure in the waiting room. A young man was standing in the corner, looking awkward and a little out of place.

Renly smiled and approached him. "Sorry, I didn't notice you earlier. Are you here with Alexander tonight?"

The young man, tall and strikingly handsome, stood there a bit stiffly. He looked like a top model—long legs, broad shoulders, a cool, reserved air about him. But when he entered earlier, Renly had been so focused on Paul and Meadow that he'd missed him.

"Uh..." The young man seemed flustered, a little nervous. His eyes widened as he tried to process Renly's friendly approach. He was clearly taken aback, unsure how to respond.

Renly chuckled and extended his hand. "Bill? Right? Or is it Will? There are so many Skarsgårds in the family, I hope I've got the right one."

The young man blurted out quickly, "No, no, I'm Bill," and shook Renly's hand enthusiastically, voice trembling with excitement. "I—uh—I came here on my own. Alexander said I could come by and visit you. I'm sorry, I didn't mean to disturb your rest."

Bill Skarsgård. The younger brother of Alexander Skarsgård.

The Skarsgård family was a notable name in Sweden. Bill's father, Stellan Skarsgård, was one of Sweden's most famous actors. Bill had seven siblings, and though only a few of them were in acting, the family's legacy loomed large. Bill, born in 1990, had made his mark with films like Simple Minded Simon, and while still a newcomer in Hollywood, he was gaining recognition—especially after Hemlock Grove and It.

Renly smiled warmly. "Of course, you're welcome. I didn't realize it was you. I should've noticed earlier. Did Alexander come with you today? He didn't text me beforehand."

Bill shook his head, grinning proudly. "No, no. I came alone. I actually queued for three days to get these tickets. I—uh, I know it sounds crazy, but I couldn't miss this performance."

Renly raised an eyebrow in surprise. "You queued for three days? That's dedication. But honestly, you should've just come to me directly. Thank you, though. Really. I'm touched."

Bill's face lit up with a mix of pride and excitement. "It was nothing! I'm a huge fan. I've watched Buried Alive and Crazy so many times. Seriously, I watch Crazy at least once a month! I was actually planning to go to Berlin next month, but there was an audition, and the timing didn't work out."

Renly blinked in surprise. "You're kidding. I didn't realize you were such a big fan."

Bill nodded eagerly. "I am! Your performance—especially the last scenes in Crazy—God, how did you do that? The emotion, the depth, the tension! I could feel the character coming to life. You're a genius, Renly! Alexander was right about you."

Renly smiled, genuinely flattered but slightly overwhelmed by the enthusiasm. He tried to interrupt, but Bill just kept going, his words tumbling out in a rush of admiration.