Chapter Text
Robert?...Mr. Robinson…?
He finally snapped back to reality. Seems like he had forgotten where he was, too deep in thoughts.
“I’m so sorry it might be the jetlag but can you repeat your question?”
The interviewer just chuckled the tension away.
“Your fans are very curious to know, what’s next?”
What’s next…
***
Last day of shooting
It was finally the last day of shooting. Their show “Dispatch” is coming to an end after almost a year of filming. The journey was a long, exhausting, yet rewarding one. Everyone was hyped but also saddened by the end of filming. Robert, however, finds himself somewhat….lost. He rests in his trailer. Well, not really rest, more like rehearsing the script countless times while laying down the couch before a knock was heard.
“Hold on a sec.” The man stretches his limbs before opening up the door. It was his manager, Fleur. That usually means that he’s needed on set now so he instantly got ready, picking his jacket up with the script before Fleur stopped him. She made him sit back down on the couch.
“Not yet, I need to talk to you first.”
“Oh? All of the sudden?” He probably knew what it was about. Yesterday’s filming. One he’d hope to not talk about anymore. He already explained his side and he already said his. It was nothing but a discussion that slightly escalated between two actors. But, you can’t really expect a peaceful day with a life like his. Being an actor.
“I need you to tell me the truth.”
“Ask me a hundred times and I’ll say the same answer over and over again, no.” He emphasized more. It was getting irritating. His manager was probably just trying to avoid any type of controversy or gossip being leaked when they were so close in finishing the show.
“You do know that I cannot help you if you’re keeping something from me, yes?”
“How old am I, eight?”
His manager is not getting paid enough for this. (She actually is. Good for her)
It was finally time to start the shooting. They were shooting the last scene from episode 8, the ending with Shroud on the burning building. It was a nice day outside today. As much as he appreciates the intricate sets inside of their studio, filming outside just hits different for him. As expected, almost everyone was on set for the finale. Every crew and actor were on stand by as he prepared. Luckily, he dodged his manager again by using his precious schedule. The makeup department started working on his bruises from the previous fight in the episode. As always, he reads his lines, rehearsing, while the artists take their time on his face. After that, he finally slipped into the rugged yet iconic SDN blue uniform and got his hair down.
This is it. This is really it. The finale of Dispatch. It was fun but he just wants to get over it.
“Alright stand by Camera 1.”
“Scene 22, Take 1”
Everyone got into their positions as the assistant director began to cue the crew and actor. Robert was on top of an actual building. It really looks surprisingly burned down and destroyed from the fight. He loved those little details in filming. As the director began to signal the actors to get ready, Robert immediately immersed into his role, channeling Robert Robertson and he heard the clapper and the shout of “Action!” from the director.
Scene 22 was the part where Robert beats Shroud up from threatening Beef, his dog, as he contemplates whether or not he should kill the man. It was one of the significant scenes when it comes to Robert’s character. He did a great job on the first take. Like how they rehearsed, his fake punches seemed more sharp, to create the illusion that he was really beating up Shroud. Even though he accidentally laid his knuckles on the actor of Shroud, they continued rolling and got a sick shot. He was almost feral as he beat him up, feeling a sense of satisfaction after everything Shroud had done to Robert. Jaws were clenched as he chokes his throat tight, not cutting his airway. But at the end, he still chose to give him mercy. It showed Robert’s heroic core. As they finished that scene, he helped Shroud up with a hand. The actor’s face looks so grotesque from the beating. It looked horrifyingly real. The makeup department never disappoints as always.
The actors sat on the side for a short break as the other actors for the next scene joined him. Most of the time, you and your co stars are not really as close as you seem to show in public like award shows or interviews. It’s often just for show, to really sell the chemistry in the film. But for the Dispatch casts, they seem pretty acquainted. Melody, Blonde Blazer’s actress, joined Robrert with a puffy jacket on her. To be fair, it is pretty windy on set but the cold doesn't really bother him anyway.
“Excited? Or scared?” She asked with a blushing smile.
“I’d say both.”
The two of them are very friendly and knew each other before the filming of Dispatch. They met during the Wicked West End play. Melody played as Glinda and Robert watched on the upper balcony. He was so enthralled on how she interpreted and acted Glinda. Eventually, the two clicked after she helped her book an Uber after the show. It’s an odd history between the two, yes, but Robert was more than glad it happened.
“You tell me, everyone’s more serious yet emotional. I rarely get such friendly casts like this.”
Robert looked around worriedly before looking at her.
“Don’t tell.” She chuckled jokingly as she bumped his arm. Both of them began to read through their lines again for the next scene, which is the celebration of the team after Shroud got defeated.
They started to shoot the final scene of the finale. Everyone was on the set, crowded but fun. Robert stood tall on top of the building as he helped Courtney, who was wounded. They pretended that the sun was rising as the battle between the Z team and Red ring finally ended. It was the perfect ending. As they got down, Courtney immediately got medical attention. They got her on the stretcher and met her fellow heroes again. Everything changed for the better. The Z team celebrated her good deed with claps and a firework show from Prism, which they will edit later in the final cut. It was beautiful and symbolic. The former villains were proud of the good deeds they did. Robert was a great dispatcher and mentor to them.
“You did great out there.” Mandy held Courtney’s hand as they walked to the ambulance, giving it a gentle squeeze.
“Please, you guys did most of the heavy work.” Both of them chuckled at the light banter, like they’ve known each other for a long time.
“Well, you still did a lot. I know from then that you’re going to be good.” Mandy said with a smile in which Courtney returned. Robert took to admire the wholesome moment between the two, not wanting to interrupt. As she got in the ambulance, he gave her a warm hug.
The SDN building was a complete wreck but everyone seemed happy with the outcome despite everything. There were a few journalists already at the scene, questioning the Z team. Waterboy confidently answered them.
After shooting those scenes, it was officially a wrap for Dispatch. Confetti poppers were shot as the crew clapped, thanking themselves and the actors for doing such a fantastic job at the show. There was a short celebration, eating of the cake, before everyone went their separate ways again most of the time that was the case. Not each and every chemistry you see on screen was like in their real lives. Sure, they’re well acquainted but not enough to be considered as close friends. But this cast was slightly different. Sure they weren’t besties and all but the forming bond from the show was genuine. Before they went, each of them congratulated each other with a hug or a short conversation. They also have a group chat made when they filmed episode 5. So they’re getting there. It was nice for once, Robert thought.
As he finished changing in his trailer, ready to go home and relax, there was a knock on his trailer. To his surprise, it was Elias, Flambae’s actor.
“Eli? What are you doing here?” He asked, trying to hide his surprised expression.
“My niece is a big fan of yours, can you give her a lil’ autograph?” Elias said as he looked at Robert, which he avoided for some reason.
“Uh yeah sure man.” He picked up a marker from his table and signed a Mecha man poster from the show. After that, there was an awkward tension again. Elias didn’t leave right away, he looked around as he gently put the poster in the envelope. Meanwhile, Robert contemplated whether or not he should speak. At the end, he just gave him a smile and congratulated him again. He finally left, leaving Robert and his thoughts alone. For some reason, he was disappointed at how the interaction ended.
He went home after that. The comfortable and soft mattress of his bed accompanied his aching back. He put on a face mask to soothe himself a little, his own way of celebrating. But, it’s not really the end, isn't it? The premiere, farewell party, and press tours are coming.