Chapter Text
The First Meeting (Chemistry Read)
Leah’s POV
The studio is buzzing with energy. Leah steps into the room, script in hand, nerves tingling under her skin. It’s the final round of auditions—chemistry reads. Everyone’s been talking about Walker, how he’s already nailed Percy’s charm and intensity.
But when her eyes land on him, sitting casually on the couch, his gaze already fixed on her with an unsettling intensity, she finally gets what all the hype is about.
He’s gorgeous—confident, tall, with a smile that borders on cocky. But it’s his eyes that get her. Dark. Intense. Watching her like she’s the only person in the room.
“Leah, right?” His voice is smooth, rolling over her name like he’s trying it out, testing how it feels on his tongue.
“Yeah. And you’re Walker,” she replies as she cautiously makes her way over to where he’s sitting, holding out her hand. His grip is firm, strong, his fingers lingering a second too long before letting go.
“Looking forward to working with you.”
“Likewise.” She smiles, her nerves easing under his charm. “I hear you’re great with a sword.” She smirks, her eyes dropping to the practice weapon lying beside him. “At least, that’s what everyone’s saying. I actually recently started taking an interest in swords myself since I started this whole audition process.”
Leah is immediately mortified because she realizes that her words can be taken in another context entirely.
However, Walker’s smile widens, and without missing a beat, he leans in, his breath warm against her ear as he whispers, “I am. But the only sword I’m interested in you handling... is mine.”
Leah’s breath catches, her cheeks flushing hot as her eyes snap up to meet his. She expects to see him smirking, playing it off like a joke. But instead, his gaze is locked on her, dark and possessive, like he’s daring her to look away.
She doesn’t. She can’t. They just... stare at each other, the air between them thick and electric, until—
“Alright! Let’s run the scene!” the director calls, snapping them both back to reality.
They take their places, but Leah’s heart is still pounding, her mind spinning from Walker’s words.
The scene begins. Their lines flow effortlessly, their chemistry undeniable. Percy’s playful arrogance clashing with Annabeth’s sharp wit. But beneath their dialogue, there’s something raw and powerful simmering between them.
“Cut!” the director’s voice echoes through the room.
Leah jerks back, blinking as if waking from a trance. Around them, everyone’s buzzing with excitement, practically salivating over their chemistry. But Leah’s still shaken, her chest tight and her pulse racing from more than just the scene.
Walker’s smile is back, friendly, charming, as if that moment hadn’t just happened. But Leah can’t shake the feeling that there’s something underneath it all. Something deeper. Darker.
And she has no idea that Walker has already made up his mind—she’s his. Whether she knows it yet or not.