Power Stone Goals from now on: I always post a minimum of 5 chapters. Henceforth the following are the goals:
Every 150 powerstones, I upload an extra chapter.
If we hit top 30 in the 30-90 days power stone rankings, thats 1 more chapter
If we hit top 10 in the 30-90 days power stone rankings, thats 1 more chapter
If we are top 5...well lets get to that first. Happy readings!
Chapter 28: Planning for the audition
After lingering a little longer at the convenience store, Crystal and I eventually said our goodbyes to Kevin, who was already brainstorming new ways to mess with customers. I could tell he was excited about the possibilities, already scribbling down some chaotic ideas on a receipt with a half-dried marker.
I made a mental note to follow up with him in a few days, just to see what kind of madness he managed to capture on tape. But for now, it was time to eat.
We walked a few blocks in silence, the afternoon sun casting long shadows along the pavement. It was one of those comfortably quiet moments, the kind where neither of us felt the need to fill the silence with small talk.
After some casual back-and-forth about where to go, we decided on a modest corner diner we'd passed earlier—nothing fancy, just booths and big windows and the soft hum of an old jukebox in the background.
Once we were seated, the server dropped off two plastic-covered menus and some glasses of water, then left us to figure things out.
Crystal picked up her menu and flipped it open with one hand, already looking more relaxed than she had all morning.
"So," she said, glancing at me over the top of the menu, "you really think Kevin's going to blow up online?"
I chuckled, setting my menu down. "Well, he's got the right kind of energy. A little unpredictable, mildly confrontational, but not in a threatening way.
It's the kind of vibe that people online can't look away from. Like watching someone try to juggle flaming swords—chaotic, but you keep watching just in case they actually pull it off."
Crystal smiled, amused. "You talk about this stuff like it's a science."
"I mean, it kind of is," I replied. "There's a pattern to what people respond to. It's not always consistent, but once you've seen enough of it, you start recognizing the beats. Like... awkward pauses, people not knowing how to react, unexpected jokes—it all adds up."
She rested her chin in her hand. "So you're saying if I get confused and say something weird on camera, you're going to turn it into a meme?"
"Only if it's gold," I said with a grin.
The conversation paused as we scanned our menus. I ended up choosing a cheeseburger with fries—classic and safe. Crystal opted for a grilled chicken sandwich and a side of coleslaw. After giving our orders, we leaned back and settled into the quieter rhythm of the place.
There was a group of older folks playing cards at the far end, and a server rearranging salt shakers on an empty table nearby. The whole vibe was slow, peaceful, and a little nostalgic.
"So," Crystal began again, her voice softer now, "do you ever think about what you'd be doing if this whole entertainment thing didn't work out?"
I tilted my head, giving the question some real thought. "Honestly? Probably something more structured. I don't know, maybe... law?"
Crystal blinked. "Law? That's kind of a left turn. You know, entertainment is all about connecting with your emotions, people, telling stories. Law's more about structure, evidence, documentation. Cold facts. Isn't that... the opposite?"
I gave a half-smile. "Yeah, I guess it does sound like the other end of the spectrum. But I've always found it fascinating. The way language can be wielded like a tool—or a weapon, depending on how it's used. It's not just rules and logic. It's about framing, interpretation, and precedent. It's like building a case with words, and seeing if it holds up under pressure."
Crystal tilted her head, intrigued. "That's... not how I've ever heard anyone describe it."
I laughed lightly. "Most people probably see it as dull paperwork and courtroom dramas. But for me, there's something satisfying about it. Like solving a puzzle. There are always variables—human ones too—but there's a framework you can work within. It makes sense to me."
She looked at me for a long moment, the kind that felt like it lingered on more than just what I'd said. "You know, I feel like I just saw a part of you no one else has."
I shrugged, trying not to overthink it. 'That's because no one in this world is supposed to know I've already lived it,' I thought. Out loud, I just said, "Guess I've kept that part quiet."
Crystal gave a small smile. "I kind of like it."
The food arrived just then, breaking the flow of conversation in the most welcome way. Our plates landed with the soft clatter of ceramic on laminate, and for a minute or two, we both focused on eating. The burger was better than I expected—greasy in a satisfying way, with crisp lettuce and just the right amount of melted cheese. Crystal's sandwich looked decent too, though I caught her giving my fries a few longing glances.
I nudged the basket toward her. "Go ahead."
"I wasn't going to—" she began, but I cut her off with a look.
She laughed and grabbed a few. "You know, this is nice."
"What, the fries?"
"No," she said, popping one in her mouth. "Just… this. Being out. Talking. Not acting or working or being 'on' for once."
I nodded, wiping my hands on a napkin. "Yeah. I've been so caught up in building things—content, relationships, systems, everything—that I sometimes forget how rare this kind of moment is."
Crystal looked down for a second, then said, "I get that. I'm always worried about the next role, the next audition, the next thing I have to do. Even downtime doesn't feel like real rest anymore. But right now... this feels real."
I glanced at her, studying the way the sunlight caught in her hair, the ease in her posture. 'The System doesn't reward moments like these,' I thought..
We finished the meal slowly, conversation flowing more naturally now, covering everything from childhood hobbies to awkward fan encounters. Crystal told me about a time she got recognized at a grocery store and the guy just started following her silently, convinced it was part of a prank show.
I myself just recently joined the show buizz so I didn't have any funny stories yet.
We laughed more than I expected.
I definitely had fun as we made our way back to the set...
As we made our way back to set, still full from lunch and oddly content, I glanced sideways at Crystal and decided to share something I hadn't told anyone else yet.
"So, there's something coming up I thought I'd mention," I said casually, hands in my pockets.
"Oh?" she turned her head slightly.
"I'm auditioning for a role in the Harry Potter franchise. Cormac McLaggen."
Crystal's face broke into a smile. "That's actually amazing, Jace. I didn't realize you'd landed a role in a huge film!"
I shook my head quickly. "No, no—it's not a big deal. It's actually really minor. Cormac McLaggen shows up here and there, but nothing heavy. I just figured it was a good way to keep myself active during the gap year. I didn't want to disappear for a year, but I also didn't want to throw myself into something overwhelming."
She didn't really seem to mind that I was taking up a row in the UK, maybe it was just me over thinking but she didn't seem to mind because she knew that we would come back to each other when teen wolf S2 would begin shooting...well I knew for sure it would.
"It's kind of odd, though," I added after a beat. "I haven't really talked to anyone on set about it. Not even Dylan. But telling you feels... natural."
Crystal looked over with a softer expression now. "Well, I like that you're telling me. It's nice being part of your world outside all the chaos."
That warmed something in me.
By the time we reached my trailer, I pulled out my phone and opened the email from my agent. I handed it to her. "Here, take a look."
She read it, nodding along. Then she smiled again. "You know, Jace... we could actually use the school set for your audition. I'm sure the director wouldn't mind if we just shot it after hours."
I blinked. "You were thinking that too? I was kind of debating it."
"Cormac's arrogant, right? Maybe you could get Dylan to play Ron in the scene, for Ron's roll and you guys act out a Quidditch scene. It'd sell the whole dynamic."
I looked at her, a little impressed. "You've read the books?"
She gave me a mock-offended look. "Excuse me? Of course, I've read the books. What do you take me for? I'll have you know I'm eight years older than you—I've read way more than you have."
"Highly debatable," I said, smirking.
"Oh yeah? Well let me hit you with this—I've finished Lord of the Mysteries. Or at least read up to the most recent chapter."
She didn't seem to realise the irony that she was talking to the author of the series...
"Wait—seriously?" That caught me off guard. I'd only mentioned the book not too long ago.
She nodded smugly.
"Okay, well? What did you think of it?"
Crystal tilted her head, narrowed her eyes, and said, "I'm not telling you."
"What? Why not?"
She grinned and turned away from me, arms crossed. "If you want to know, you're going to have to force it out of me."
"You sure about that?" I asked, stepping closer.
"Try me."
And so I did.
I lunged forward and tickled her sides. She let out a sharp laugh and twisted away.
"Jace! Stop!"
"Not until you tell me what you thought!"
"Never!" she yelled between gasps, squirming to dodge my hands.
She retaliated by going for my ribs, and suddenly we were both locked in a flailing mess of laughter, neither of us giving in. We stumbled into the small sofa tucked along the trailer wall, still half-laughing and half-grappling until I slipped and we both collapsed onto the cushions.
She landed half on top of me, her head against my chest, both of us panting and still grinning. The chaos of the moment faded just a little as our eyes met.
For a second, the noise disappeared. The laughter softened. There was a pause.
I felt her shift, just slightly. I leaned forward.
And right then—right as our faces were closing in—
The door to the trailer burst open.
"Yo, Jace, you left your—oh, uh..." Dylan's voice trailed off as he froze in the doorway.
Crystal quickly sat up, straightening her hair.
I stayed where I was, blinking. "Hey, Dylan."
He looked between the two of us, then held up the script he was holding. "You left this on the bench. Figured you'd need it."
Crystal cleared her throat. "Thanks."
Dylan handed it over, still smirking. "Carry on, I guess?"
And with that, he backed out, leaving the door slightly ajar.
We sat there in silence for a moment. Then Crystal let out a snort.
"Of all the moments..."
I laughed. "Timing, right?"
She nodded. "So... when's the deadline again?"
" 4 days from now..."
…
Authors note:
You can read some chapters ahead if you want to on my p#treon.com/Fat_Cultivator