Chapter Text
The tension in the cinema was palpable. The film was proving to be a worthy sequel with the audience on the edge of their seats, but there was a greater tension brewing in the front row of the theatre where the stars of the film sat. Bill was starting to lose grip of the movie’s plot and instead zeroed in on the way Lena and Alex kissed. Of course, it wasn’t really Lena and Alex, it was their characters but jealousy was clouding the distinction between the two. He knew Lena and Alex had good chemistry, and why wouldn’t they? Lena had been Bill’s girlfriend of a solid two years, she’d even spent Christmas at his family home last year. It was only natural that she and Alex would get on well. He certainly didn’t want them to hate each other, and yet Bill felt his jaw tense as Lena’s character and Alex’s locked lips in what was shaping up to be a very intense make out scene.
It’s just a film. It’s just a scene. Bill repeated this mantra to himself but his stomach churned as Alex tugged off Lena’s dress. Her familiar body was pressed against one that wasn’t his and Bill had to remind himself to breathe normally. He tried to focus instead on his girlfriend, he was proud of her and her skill getting the recognition it deserved. Critics and audience members alike had praised her work, and it made his heart warm when he read such things. The sleazy articles on how hot she was made him frown but he could ignore them for the most part. Watching his brother unclip his girlfriend’s bra however couldn’t be.
“Bill?” Lena whispered his name after noticing how hard he was gripping her hand. His eyes snapped onto her face, momentarily shocking her with how bewildered he looked but his expression melted away easily. She shook his hand and he pulled a face and released his grip, mouthing a ‘sorry’ to her. She pressed her cheek against the arm of his suit, her head just skimming his shoulder. She was content. Her film was doing well, she had Bill on one side and Alex on the other. What more could she want? She had to admit it was a little strange seeing herself on screen, especially as she was moaning; clawing at Alex to take off his shirt which he did. Even though she was used to seeing him shirtless, having spent holidays with him and the rest of the family she was always struck with how impressive his body was. On screen she ran her hands down his arms, feeling the muscles as his lips descended down her neck. She hadn’t meant to do that but in the moment it just felt right. A part of her wanted to feel his taut muscles again, and another part scolded her for having these kind of desires for her boyfriend’s brother. She looked up at Bill, his jaw was clenched and she wondered whether he was enjoying the film. The absence of strong lighting made it hard to read his expression, only enhancing the shadows of his cheekbones.
When her eyes flitted to Alex on her left he was the complete opposite. He was relaxed. A small smirk playing on his lips as his character tugged off her underwear with his teeth. Lena’s hair in the film was artfully spread out on the pillow, her signature dark locks looking nothing less than luxurious on the silk sheets. The candle light had ignited her body from its usual brown to a golden tone, and Alex’s eyes traced over her features again taking in her body once more. He had always liked Lena but it was only until this scene that he really began to think of how lucky his brother was. To have this girl with her soft, honeyed skin at your fingertips every day must be heavenly. He remembered being surprised by how supple her skin was. His character draped her left leg over his shoulder and he shivered as he remembered the sensation of the underside of her leg slipping over him. She was so sensitive. No acting was required when he kissed her thighs, and he had to remind himself that this was just a film as she mewled at his touch.
Alex’s character had ascended up Lena’s leg and before he buried himself between her thighs he looked up at the camera for a split second. Bill squeezed Lena’s hand tighter than before making her gasp. Her character on screen moaned softly at the same time.
“Bill!” Lena said as quietly as she could. Her boyfriend’s hands had engulfed her own, and she squirmed as the uncomfortable, tight sensation of her bones pushing against her skin intensified. Even though Lena had done well in keeping her voice low it had still caught the attention of Alex who leaned over Lena; the column of his neck grazed the top of her head making the hair on her arms stand up.
He whispered something in Swedish to his brother softly, and Bill turned and frowned while muttering back a reply. It was obvious that Bill was displeased but Lena could only focus on the blood returning into her hand. She winced, wiggling her fingers to make sure they still worked.
“You okay?” Alex asked, and before Lena could answer he was gently cupping her hand in his. His digits affectionately caressing her own. She was momentarily stunned by the gesture. It wasn’t as though they hadn’t touched before. Aside from the film there were plenty of times when Alex had hugged her, or put his arm around her while drunkenly singing ABBA on new years’ eve. Yet this touch was charged with something else, something not platonic in nature.
“Yes” she said in a quiet voice, unable to look Alexander in the eyes lest she say something she’d regret. The two shared a look and then broke it with an awkward smile. Bill meanwhile was feeling apologetic. He pressed his forehead against her head like a puppy. His lips brushed the shell of her ear.
“I’m sorry älskling” Bill said tenderly. She knew he meant it because he only pulled out his special pet name for her in their most intimate moments. It always made her heart flip and this time was no exception; the name was a reminder that he loved her and she was always sure to swoon when he said it. Lena smiles, nuzzling into him so that the pair’s lips are touching without actually kissing.
The film ended quietly with the party of three in the front row. Lena blinked, feeling overwhelmed by the lights coming on and the roar of applause in her ear. Bill kissed her cheek and whispered soft praise into her ear for only her to hear, making her giggle. Alex watched on, feeling his chest get uncharacteristically tight as he watched Bill and Lena. Something about watching them act all lovey-dovey was annoying him. He had seen them kiss before; last Christmas Bill had found a sprig of mistletoe and beckoned his girlfriend to him to share a holiday kiss. Alex had smiled when he saw it, feeling happy that his brother was happy. How it had changed.
The actors got up to thank the audience and Alex offered Lena his hand which she took. He kissed the back of it, giving her wink while she grinned back. The two took to the front of the theatre while the director said a few words about the work that went into the making of the movie. Bill watched unamused by the way his brother would not let go of his girl’s hand. He looked at Alex and Alex looked back. It’s hard to say what exactly what was communicated in that moment, but as simply as possible, the brothers had silently agreed to a competition.