Date: Sat, 5 May 2018 15:50:57 -0700
From: christopher <breakingthroughstory@gmail.com>
Subject: Breaking Through 19

A very big thank you to all of the readers who have taken the time to send
kind messages for the story. I very much appreciate it. Please send any
feedback, complaints, and correspondence to breakingthroughstory@gmail.com.

The usual disclaimers apply. This is fiction.

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Chapter 19

Chris wove his way through the clusters of Adirondack chairs to look for
Armie. It wasn't ever hard to spot him, but it was tough to actually get to
him. The book party was set up on a makeshift deck on top of the sand, with
string lights hanging above the crowd and the requisite taco truck on one
side. It wasn't like any book party Chris had ever been to, which was the
point of the whole thing. It was more an excuse to get everyone
together. There wasn't a formal signing, there wasn't even a huge blow-up
poster of the cover--there was a smattering of billboards in L.A. and New
York, however. Instead, there was a table of books for anyone interested
and the sound of the Beach Boys in the air. The books were the only
indication that the party had any sort of purpose other than revelry. Chris
noticed that nobody had taken one yet, even though everything was well
underway.

"The photographer left," Chris said when he finally reached Armie. Penguin
had insisted that there be some sort of photographic evidence, especially
with a tiny sliver of Hollywood present. Chris assumed it was for social
media, to give the "People" magazines of the world that he was in the orbit
of famous people. It helped sell books, but it didn't do much for his
reputation in literary circles.

"Did you get a chance to eat?" Armie asked, wrapping one arm around Chris'
waist. Armie had a beer in the other hand. Chris leaned into his body,
wanting to melt right into it if possible. He could hear his heartbeat
thumping in his ears. Everything was buzzing around him, but the whole
world seemed hazy.

"I'm okay," Chris said, surveying everything happening around them. "Maybe
I should get some water, though."

"That speech really took it out of you." Armie joked. Chris had spoken for
less than a minute, welcoming everyone and thanking them for coming. Armie
ended up interrupting, announcing that Chris' new book had, in fact, gone
to the very top of the "New York Times" bestseller list, was officially his
most well-reviewed release to date, and just about everyone really was
excited to read it. It was a good place to be in, Chris admitted, but it
was also new. Mixed reviews were the norm for him. This time around, the
consensus seemed to be clear: good job. Armie had spent most of the day
reading the reviews aloud from his phone and Chris was almost being
lavished with nothing but positivity.

"My nerves are shot," Chris said. "Your parents are here and just about
everyone I know is here."

"Don't exaggerate," Armie said. He took a long swig of beer and a deep
breath. "Okay, my parents are going to freak out. Should we get this over
with?"

"That's a great attitude to have right now," Chris said. He ran his fingers
through his hair, doing his best to look kempt, even though the ocean spray
and gentle gusts were working against him.

"The taco truck is only here for a little longer, we have to."

Together, they walked over to where the audio setup was. There was no DJ,
just a laptop that was rigged to the speakers. Armie grabbed the microphone
as Chris turned the music down.

"Hello, hello, everyone," Armie said. Chris watched as everyone turned to
face where they were standing. "Thanks again for coming to celebrate Chris'
new book. We're so, so happy that you could all make it," he continued as
the two of them walked a little bit closer to where everyone was standing.

"Seeing everyone here, eating great food, and sharing this achievement with
us is really great. This morning, Chris and I were freaking out, because
this whole thing was happening and we didn't know if everything would turn
out right, but we both have to say that this is pretty perfect. However,
there's more to celebrate than this guy," Armie said as he pulled Chris
close to him. "Before all of this, we took a little detour downtown. I'm
very, very proud and excited to say that Chris and I went to City Hall and
got married."

Chris scanned the guests' faces. It was a combination of shock and awe
along with an almost palatable joy. He could almost feel the buzz coming
off of everyone as they let the news sink in. It took a split second, but
there was a wave of cheers and applause. Armie leaned over and kissed
Chris, bringing his focus away from everyone's reactions to the
announcement.

"There you go," Armie said softly. "That wasn't so bad, was it?"

"Thank you for celebrating with us," Chris said into the microphone. "I
hope everyone has been having a great time. Armie and I are very grateful
to have you all here to share this with and I don't think that we'd both be
where we are right now without everyone either supporting us or telling us
we're making a huge mistake."

"Last call is happening pretty soon, so I hope everyone got enough to eat
and has a great night," Armie added. "Thanks again for coming, everyone."

Another round of applause swept the crowd and Chris felt himself being
pulled into a hug and another kiss. The swell of cheers got even
louder. Chris smiled as Armie pulled away. "I love you," Chris said, his
arms tight around Armie's torso.

"We did it," Armie said. "This is real." Chris rested his cheek against
Armie's chest for just a second, trying his best to commit this feeling to
memory.

"You guys are serious, right?" Sebastian asked. He pulled them both into
his arms. "You told me you were going to get a haircut and you end up
getting married?"

"I did get a haircut. Oscars are on Sunday!" Chris said, grinning. "And
this just felt right. It really did."

"He took some convincing," Armie emphasized. One of his arms was still
around Chris' waist, even as everyone was coming up to congratulate
them. "I've been trying to convince him to think about getting engaged
again...and we decided to go all in."

"I'm so happy for you guys. Congratulations," Sebastian said. "It's about
time."

"And here come my parents," Armie said as he saw them through the
crowd. "I'm going to talk to them, you guys have a drink for me."

Armie made his way to his mom and dad while Chris accepted hugs and well
wishes. "You were never one to follow tradition," Dru said.

"Mom, this wasn't a last-minute decision. I've thought this through," Armie
said.

"Chris is wonderful," Dru said, her hands reaching for Armie's. "I'm not
going to ruin tonight for you. There's a lot to think about. You know how
hard marriage is. I've been through it. You've been through it. He has,
too."

"I love you, mom," Armie said, hugging her. "But we're not talking about
this right now. I'm too happy to hear anything negative. Have a beer. Have
some fun."

"I didn't really think about it at all," Chris said to Sebastian. They were
sitting on the edge of the party together. Chris couldn't keep from smiling
as they watched everyone get back to eating and drinking. "I told him I
wasn't ever going to get married again. Then, this morning, we went and did
it and I am so happy I can't even explain it."

"You're crazy," Sebastian said. "Everyone knew this would happen. We were
all just waiting."

"I didn't want to go through that whole circus again," Armie said to his
father. He could see Chris out of the corner of his eye. "Chris already had
a big to-do. This just felt like the perfect thing for us to do. Everyone
is here. We're celebrating anyway. Why not?"

His dad didn't need an explanation. From the very beginning, Armie knew his
dad loved Chris, too. When Armie decided to pursue acting, his mother was
hesitant, insisting that there was so much out there that was more stable,
more reliable. His dad was encouraging, even if he did have second
thoughts.

During Armie's divorce, his mom suggested therapy and his father actually
sat down to listen. His parents had split up; they knew how tough it
was. It wasn't surprising that his dad would support this decision. He
couldn't see his mother being as quick to celebrate, but he hoped she'd
make her way through the thinning crowd.

"You're officially married now and I'm still struggling to keep things
going with my girlfriend," Sebastian said to Chris. "Who would have thought
that would be where we are?"

"I don't think that much is going to change," Chris said. "We're so
busy. Right now I have to finish writing an entire movie."

"No honeymoon?"

"We didn't even have an actual wedding," Chris said, motioning to the party
around them. "We literally signed a paper and walked back to the car. We
had to pay $20 for a witness. I don't think a honeymoon is in the books."

"Take him to the island," Armie's dad said. "Spend as much time as you
want."

"We can't right away," Armie said. "But I appreciate the thought."

"This time's the one, I can see it."

"I hope so," Armie said. "Because I feel it."

"There you are," Chris said, getting back on his feet as Armie
approached. He gave Armie a quick kiss. "People are freaking out."

"Figured they would."

"How are the Hammers?"

"Mom's not so good. Dad's great. Went just like I thought it would."

"Can't win at everything," Chris said.

By the time everyone had said their goodbyes, Chris and Armie had a chat
with Michael and Dru, though it wasn't anything more than a second round of
congratulations. Chris could feel some of the tension, although Armie
seemed to be satisfied with where things were standing. Chris knew that it
had taken a long time for Armie's parents to accept his acting career, so
it could take just as long for them to adjust to the news. Chris and Armie
gave them hugs and goodbyes and, hand in hand, they headed back to the
house. By now, the night sky over the ocean was inky black, though the city
lights illuminated everything in the other direction.

"This is the first time we've done this walk as husbands," Armie
said. "Does it feel different?"

"Not even a little," Chris said. "Which is how it should be."

"When we wake up tomorrow, will things be different?"

"Yes," Chris said. "Because I'll get a lot of flower deliveries and phone
calls and who knows what else? My book is out."

"You're being crazy," Armie said, squeezing Chris' hand tight. "We need to
get wedding bands. We need to tell Deb."

"We'll do all that, too," Chris said. "But I think right now, I'm going to
enjoy you being right here with me."

Chris undersold the after-book protocol. Armie watched, wide-eyed, as the
house filled with bouquets of flowers, sent from editors, friends, and
people Chris couldn't even place. Chris' inbox was filled with
congratulations and praise. His phone buzzed almost nonstop. By the time
Chris shut it off to maintain his sanity, Armie's head was spinning. It
wasn't even lunchtime.

"This is slightly more than normal," Chris explained. "I'm not usually
getting roses from the people at NPR."

"What are we going to do with all of these? There's no room for it all."

Chris shrugged. "Honestly, I have no idea." For his part, Armie was dealing
with his agent and how to let the world know about what had happened the
night before. Without an official statement and no professional photos,
everything on the internet was still hearsay. Deb was coordinating with
Chris' publicist, but Armie was hoping that everything would be done by the
end of the day. If they timed things right, the Oscars would overshadow
their marriage announcement. It was better that way. Being tabloid fodder
wouldn't help his chances with HBO.

"Why are we on Rodeo?" Chris asked. They'd managed to leave the house,
leaving a note on the front door, telling any deliverymen to just leave the
packages, no signatures necessary. Usually an oasis of calm, the house was
a tempest of chaos. They needed out, just for a bit. "I thought Ilaria was
sending our shoes?"

"I have to pick up a pair, she had to have them shipped in," Armie
explained. "She has other clients. I'm saving her the trouble. Plus, we
have to pick something up for ourselves."

"Oh, right," Chris said as they walked down the palm tree-lined
street. "Did you call ahead?"

"They know we're coming," Armie said as pulled his sunglasses off. Tucking
them into the collar of his T-shirt, he grabbed Chris' hand and led them
towards Cartier. A few minutes later, Armie was sipping scotch and they
were examining a tray of wedding bands in a private room in the back of the
store. It was definitely different from the first time around. Jake had
chosen everything, not that Chris had taken issue with that. Armie was
making sure that everything was cooperative, that each experience was
shared.

"I'd prefer white metal," Armie said. After he found Chris' old ring
upstairs, he made it a point to get something different from the gold
wedding band he'd seen hidden away. If Chris objected, he'd stand down, but
if he could nudge him towards something, he'd do it.

"I wear mine on a necklace sometimes," Chris explained to the
saleswoman. "So, something rounded. Something thin. Nothing flashy."

Chris gravitated the simplest one, though Armie suggested one with an Art
Deco-inspired detail, with a raised portion that made the ring look like
something more sophisticated than a band. "It's based on a design from
1938," the saleswoman added. "A classic design that the maison
updated. It's called D'Amour. Love. It's very popular."

Armie slipped it on Chris' ring finger. He held it up, the clean platinum
gleaming in the store's bright lights. "I like it," Chris said. "It is
nicer than the plain one. Love. That's very appropriate."

"I'm going to need a new necklace if we get this," he added.

"That's fine," Armie said softly. The sight of Chris' finger and the ring
hit something inside him he didn't expect. It was real now. The rings would
be a testament to that. "That looks...wow."

"Are you okay?" Chris asked, reaching to feel at Armie's cheek. "He's not
usually like this. He should be goofing off."

"Time and place," Armie said. He took a slow sip of his scotch and took a
deep breath. "We'll take that one, a chain, and let's get me the same
one. All set."

"You should get a bigger one," Chris said. "Your hands are bigger than
mine."

Chris picked up a thicker version of his band and slid it onto Armie's
finger. He blinked back some tears and Chris chuckled. "You're such a
softy," he said. "Armie, calm down."

"I'll get some options for the necklace," the saleswoman said before
excusing herself.

"I never thought this would happen," Armie said. "You told me you wouldn't
get married again. We're here, though. Tell me this is real."

"This is very real," Chris said. "We got married. I hate to break it to
you."

Armie leaned in and kissed Chris softly. "I don't know what's happening in
my head or my heart right now. I just know this feels really good."

"It could be that drink," Chris joked, pressing their foreheads together.

"We'll take this one," Armie said, holding up his hand as the saleswoman
opened the door. "And Chris' and also whatever chain he wants."

"No, no," Chris said. "I don't need the necklace. I'm okay. I'll wear it on
my finger. If I need it, we can come back."

"You'd think that size 14 would be in stock everywhere," Chris joked as
they walked down the street. No shopping bags necessary--they wore the
rings right out of the store. Armie let out a soft laugh. He couldn't
remember ever getting shoes without having to special order them. Only a
few of the big designers even made his size and it helped that his stylist
had developed relationships with the brands that did. Being tall did have
some disadvantages.

"This'll be quick," Armie said. "They have everyone ready for me to pick
up."

Armie was true to his word. After a quick in and out, they were back in the
car. Chris was about to close his eyes when he felt Armie grab a hold of
his hand, his fingertips tracing at the new ring. He didn't say anything,
but Chris knew it meant a lot to Armie to see it. "After Sunday, let's go
away."

"I would love that," Chris said.

"I want to get away from all of this," Armie said. "I've got all I need
right now."

"You need a script," Chris added. "Take me away and I'll get you one."

"It's a deal," Armie said. "But we can go even if you don't write it."

"It'll be like a retreat," Chris said. "With a very welcome distraction. I
don't even care where we go."

Back in Venice Beach, Armie moved most of the flowers out onto the
patio. The house was filled with the heady scent of flowers and both Chris
and Armie were still grinning from ear to ear. With Armie's shoes,
everything for the Oscars was set, too. Ilaria's assistant had dropped off
their tuxedos. They had Sunday's schedule set. Now that Armie had thrown in
the idea of getting away, Chris was even more excited for the days to fly
by.

"And it's out," Armie said, eyes focused on his phone. "Exclusive to
'People,' but since we didn't have an actual photo, they used one from the
first premiere we went to together."

"That's not even a good picture," Chris said, looking over at Armie's
phone. "But I can't blame them for that. Bless Deb for getting this out at
the end of Friday. Nobody will care."

"And you maintain your air of mystery," Armie said.

"It's tough when you're making statements to 'People,' but I manage," Chris
said sarcastically.

Armie settled in on the couch, but didn't get anything more than a few
seconds of quiet before Chris tossed a small box on his lap. "That's from
David. Feel free to share." Armie tore open the box to find another one
inside. Carefully pulling it out of its bubble-wrap cocoon, Armie opened
the inner box to find a card that simply read "Congratulations." He smiled
at the sight of two cigars. "I'll be on the patio," he said over his
shoulder.

"I didn't prep," Chris said one more time to the producer, who was too busy
screaming into his headset to pay any attention. As soon as he and Armie
stepped out onto the Academy Awards' red carpet together, Chris was pulled
away and ushered straight into the auditorium. Armie didn't even realize
what had happened until he reached for Chris' hand and saw that he was
missing. A panicked second later, a production assistant let him know
exactly what was happening. One of the ceremony's presenters had dropped
out and the show's producers were scrambling to get someone who was roughly
his same height to take his place. Armie volunteered, but he was too
tall. The camera operators weren't prepped for someone of his height
standing next to the co-presenter and it was too late to get the blocking
right.

"You'll just say, 'And the nominees are,'" he finally told
Chris. "Elizabeth Olsen will read everything else."

"Also, this white jacket will look great on camera. Thanks again," he
added.

"Wait, what?" Chris asked. "What am I even presenting?"

"Best Supporting Actor," Armie said, scanning the script. "Jake is
nominated. This is a joke, right?"

"What?" Chris asked, pulling the paper from Armie's hands. "This is
unreal. I'm not here for a ratings stunt. Who dropped out?"

"James Franco," Armie said. "You know what happened there."

"And it's the second award of the night," Chris said. "That means..."

"You're on in 30 minutes," the producer interrupted.

"You look really handsome," Armie assured Chris.

"Yeah, at least there's that," Chris said. "Because I will manage to screw
this up somehow. Do I look okay?"

"I just said that you looked handsome," Armie said. "And if they wanted it
to be for publicity, wouldn't they want me to do it?"

Chris took a few deep breaths. He'd done this before. He could do it
again. Jake didn't win awards. Nothing weird would happen. Suddenly, the
weight of his new wedding band seemed monumental.

"Do you need anything?" Armie asked, his hands on Chris' shoulders,
squeezing slightly.

"I'm fine," Chris said. "I just can't believe they'd choose me over the
dozens of other people here."

"Right place, wrong time," Armie said. "You'll do great."

Chris felt a hand on his elbow and he turned to see another PA, who was
ready to whisk him deeper into the bowels of the theater. "Makeup," he said
flatly. Armie was a few steps behind, not sure where he should be. If he
went back out to the carpet, there'd be questions about why Chris wasn't
with him. In the back of his mind, he knew that Deb wouldn't be happy with
the fact that the two of them skipped out on the interviews out there.

"I need to call Jake," Chris said. "I'm not going to surprise him with
this."

"I'll text him for you," Armie said, reaching for Chris' phone.

"Thanks."

Armie leaned against the doorframe as Chris sat in the makeup chair, the
harsh lights of the mirror making them all blink a few times. "He probably
won't be able to answer," Chris added. "But I can say I tried."

"I'll stay back here with you," Armie said. "There's no point in going to
our seats."

"Do you think we can leave after I present?" Chris joked.

"We have a room across the street," Armie said, reaching out to hold Chris'
hand.

"For a nap?"

"You know what it's for," Armie said.

"Need you at the stage," they both heard. Chris hopped out of the chair,
cringing at the amount of powder they had packed on his face.

Armie pulled Chris back a few seconds later, so that they were a few paces
behind the headset-wearing PA that had been wrangling them for the last 20
minutes. Chris felt himself being pushed against the wall and Armie's lips
on his own. Chris melted into the embrace, the familiar warmth and feel of
Armie's body against his. A buzz in Chris' jacket pocket brought them both
back to reality.

"That's Jake," Chris said, pulling away. One hand lingered on Armie's chest
as he checked the message. "Let's get this over with."

"Oh shit, the opening monologue is already over," Armie said, eyes focused
on a tiny monitor down the hall. The two of them rushed towards the stage
and Chris took his place next to Elizabeth Olsen, making sure that he
didn't stomp on her long, beaded dress.

"You two are cute together," she said.

Chris steadied himself on his feet and smoothed down his jacket. He glanced
over his shoulder to see Armie grinning at him, his blue eyes
sparkling. "Love you," he mouthed.

"I think I'll keep him around," Chris said, letting out a soft laugh. The
PA pushed an envelope into Chris' hand gave them a three-finger
countdown. One deep breath and Chris knew there was no turning back now.

"Here we go," Elizabeth said. Chris followed her out onto the stage and the
next few minutes were a blur. The lights were so bright that he couldn't
see anyone out in the audience. He heard applause, heard Elizabeth and
delivered his singular line as best as he could, tamping down the shakiness
in his voice.

"There you go," Elizabeth whispered in his ear as they turned to face the
screen behind them. "Nothing to worry about."

Chris handed her the gold envelope and he could feel her pause. "The Oscar
goes to Jake Gyllenhaal."

Chris froze. He didn't even remember to clap. He did, however, feel Jake
pull him into a hug when he arrived onstage. "What are the chances?" Jake
whispered into his ear. Chris felt a chill run down his spine at the
once-familiar sound of his voice, the scent of his cologne. Jake looked
devastatingly handsome all dressed up. Chris felt his breathing stop for a
second.

He took a few steps backward, taking his place beside Elizabeth again. He
didn't even hear Jake's speech. He stood still, rapt as he watched Jake
speak. He felt Elizabeth's hand on his arm and they crossed the stage one
more time, the lights and sounds blending into a hazy blur.

"Congratulations," Chris finally said when they were backstage.

Jake smiled and gave Chris' shoulder a squeeze. "Still keep yours in the
bathroom?"

"It got moved," Chris said softly. "I'm so happy for you." He felt a hand
on his back and he looked over to see Armie at his side.

"Congratulations, Jake," Armie said.

"I'm going to skip the press room," Chris said. "Go ahead, they're waiting
for you." He knew better than to take any attention from Jake. If they both
stopped to talk to the reporters, the questions would definitely sway
towards the two of them and not Jake's movie. Chris' body relaxed slightly
when he felt Armie step closer, letting more of the crew walk past
them. The three of them were basically blocking the entire walkway.

"Congratulations are in order for you, too," Jake said to both Armie and
Chris. "My sister told me."

Chris' face flushed and Armie wrapped his arm around Chris' waist. He
didn't know what to say. "Thank you," Armie said. "That means everything
coming from you."

"Jake, they're waiting for you," came a voice from down the hall.

"We'll see you at 'Vanity Fair,'" Chris said.

"See you there," Jake said before he walked away.

"That could have been worse," Armie said, pulling Chris aside so that they
weren't directly in the middle of everyone's path. Both of them stood,
backs against the wall as the commotion buzzed all around them.

"We should go sit down," Armie said. "There's a lot of show left."

"Yeah," Chris muttered. He turned to Armie and wrapped his arms around his
waist, wanting and needing the contact. He took a few deep breaths,
inhaling the now-familiar scent of Armie's cologne and willing his heart to
stop pounding so fast.

A few hours later, Armie was definitely buzzed on Champagne and Chris'
shock had worn off. They'd managed to get to their hotel room in just a few
minutes after the final award was handed out and Chris was already changing
out of his white jacket into something less fussy for the night's
after-parties as Armie sat on the edge of the bed and undid his bow tie.
Chris stepped out of his tuxedo pants and straddled Armie's lap, running
his hands down his chest. "This velvet feels so nice," Chris said before
kissing him.

Armie groaned into the kiss, feeling up Chris' bare legs to his back.
Chris' lips moved to his jaw and neck, but Armie held him still. "Let's go
to Grand Cayman again," he said softly. "For a honeymoon."

"I'd like that," Chris said, his lips still on Armie's throat. "But let's
figure that out later." With that, Chris climbed off the bed and got on his
knees between Armie's legs. He tangled his fingers in Chris' hair when the
familiar warmth surrounded his dick. Head tossed back, Armie couldn't think
of a better way to start off the night's festivities.

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