Who is That Masked Man?
“I couldn’t believe it!” the girl gasps into the reporter’s mike. “One second, I was thinking ‘I’m going to die!’, the next...there he was! Amore`! He just appeared out of nowhere. It was like something out of a movie! He snatched the knife right out of that robber’s hand, then WHAM!” she mimes a vicious punch, “Amore` laid that dude OUT! He totally saved my life!” Her eyes taking on a dreamy look, she sighs rapturously, “Then he kissed my hand and told me to call the police. Oh, my God! He was so sexy! And he had the softest lips...”
Turning to the camera, the reporter announces: “And there you have it, folks! Yet another of our citizens saved—and from the looks of it, another heart stolen—by the masked vigilante, Amore`. This is Brenda Smith, reporting live for WXYZ News. Now back to the studio. Bill...”
“Thank you for that report, Brenda.” Addressing the TV audience, the anchor continues the story: “Since Amore` first appeared on the scene earlier this month, he has been credited with preventing a number of robberies and acts of theft and vandalism—not to mention, saving a few lives. While, officially, the police have stated that they do not in any way support Amore`’s actions, our sources tell us that they are, in fact, indebted to Amore` for helping relieve the burden of an overworked, understaffed police forc—”
“Could someone please turn that ridiculous shite off?” James growls, interrupting the newscast.
"What’s crawled up your arse, James?” Michael asks, brows raised in surprise.
“Piss off, Fassbender!” James snaps, flushing when he realizes all of his co-stars are staring at him. Embarrassed, he mutters, “Sorry, Michael. It just irritates the fuck out of me to see people mooning, all cow-eyed over some wee bastard prancing about playing super-hero!”
Jennifer, Anna, and Ellen all speak up in protest:
“Amore` is a hero!” Jennifer huffs indignantly.
“That’s right!” Anna seconds. “He risked his life to save that girl!”
“And people moon at him because he’s sexy as hell!” Ellen interjects. Complete silence and confused blinking from the others. “What!?” she glares. “I still know a sexy man when I see one!”
More blinking, then everyone shrugs, seemingly satisfied with that answer.
“Well, I think Amore` is awesome!” Jennifer gushes. “I mean, think about it—a real-life super-hero! He’s so brave. And, God, he’s so hot! I would love to be rescued by him! And, oh baby, I would thank him so hard!” If her waggling eyebrows and lascivious grin, weren’t enough to relay her meaning, the ass-slapping motions and growled, “Who’s your daddy?” leave no questions.
Though everyone is laughing uproariously at Jennifer’s antics, Michael notices that James is unusually quiet. Strange, because when it comes to raunchy humor, James is usually laughing harder than anyone. This time, he just looks uncomfortable and mildly embarrassed. Michael knew that James hasn’t been quite himself lately, but it suddenly hits him just how truly tired the other man looks. He’s even paler than usual and has dark circles under his eyes.
In retrospect, Michael shouldn’t be surprised. “He looks fucking exhausted—no wonder he’s so irritable! The divorce must be even harder on him than I thought. It can't have helped that I’ve not been a very good friend,” Michael thinks, feeling guilty. He feels even guiltier when he thinks of why he hasn’t spent more time with James, as of late. He cringes inside, imagining that conversation:
"Terribly sorry to hear about your impending divorce, old buddy, old pal, old friend of mine! There, there, now—don’t you worry, Michael will shag it all better. Oh, dear me, I never mentioned that I’ve been dying to get in your pants for ages?! How thoughtless!” Even as he mentally cringes, he can’t help but snicker to himself, imagining the look of horror on James’s expressive face. “Oh, yes, James, been absolutely gagging for it, you delicious little bite of shortbread! Ooh, and then we’ll cuddle afterwards...and get married and adopt babies, and puppies, and kittens, and live happily ever after—and you’ll forget you ever loved anyone but me.” God, I’m pathetic. Michael manages to pull himself together and heads out with the others to begin the day’s filming.
As the day wears on, Michael gains a whole new appreciation for James’s acting abilities. For a split second, when he'd thought no one was looking, James had let the mask drop and Michael saw that James wasn’t merely tired—he was exhausted to the point of being ill. His complexion wasn’t just pale, it was ashen, and his hands were trembling. Before, Michael had just been a little concerned—now, he’s really worried because he can see how much effort James is putting into just getting through the day.
Finally, the last shot of the day is done, and everyone heads back to their hotel so they can rest up for the next day of filming. Michael follows after James, determined to find out what’s up with him.
“James! Wait up!”
“Yeah, Michael?”
“You want to get a drink before we turn in for the night? We’ve not gotten to hang out much lately and, well...don’t take this the wrong way, but you look like shit. You look like you could really use a drink.” Michael shuffles awkwardly at James’s look and rubs the back of his neck. “Erm, you know, to help you relax and get some sleep, mate. You look done in.”
“I’m fine, Michael.” James answers flatly.
“Don’t lie to me, mate. You look ready to keel over. When was the last time you slept?”
“I told you, I’m fine.” James turns his back on Michael and starts walking.
“You’ve been faking it pretty well, James, but I saw you earlier—how you looked when you thought no one was paying attention. It really scared me. You’re my friend and I’m worried about you.”
James’s shoulders slump and he turns around, this time not trying to hide his exhaustion. “You’re right, I am done in. I’m sorry I’ve been such an arse lately, Michael. I—I’ve just been having some trouble sleeping, is all, and it’s got me a bit off my game. I’d love to get a drink with you, but I need to crash and get a full night’s rest.” He gives Michael a tired, but genuine-looking smile.
Though still worried, Michael feels a bit of relief at seeing that smile. “Well, if you’re sure, then...?
“I’ve missed hanging out with you and all, Michael, but I’ve got to sleep—I don’t think my body’s going to give me a choice tonight. But I promise, we’ll get that drink tomorrow and catch up with each other.”
“Sounds good,” Michael grins at him. “I’ve missed hanging out with you, too, James. This shoot hasn’t been nearly as much fun without you. So...drinks tomorrow?"
“I promise. Drinks tomorrow. Now, I’m going to get that much needed rest.” They part ways at James’s room, with plans to meet up after the shoot tomorrow. Michael decides to get a head-start, and enjoy a drink tonight. He feels much better hearing James say that he is going to rest up proper the night. That’s why Michael is so surprised when a short time later, from his vantage point at the bar, he spots a black-clad James slip out of the hotel’s side entrance...
Michael’s dying to follow and find out why James isn’t getting that rest he so desperately needed. But at the same time, he’d be mortified to be caught in stalker-mode, only to discover that James had only run out for a pack of smokes or something silly like that. But really, James shouldn’t be out wandering around by himself at night, especially as tired as he is—whatever else is going on, Michael knew James hadn’t been faking that bone-deep exhaustion. What if someone attacked him? It’s not like he could count on Amore` to show up and save the day, Michael snorts to himself. Decision made, he pays for his drink and slips out into the falling twilight...