Date: Thu, 28 Jun 2007 17:46:57 -0700 (PDT)
From: Christian G. <synful_romance@sbcglobal.net>
Subject: The Gyllenhaal Encounter - Part Twenty-Four

Disclaimer: I do not know or claim to know Jake Gyllenhaal and I don't
mean to imply to know any knowledge of his personal life or sexual
preferences. This is a work of FICTION and nothing more. If you're under
18 or don't like to read fan-fictions about same sex romances then DO NOT
read this story. For everyone else, sit back and enjoy.

                                      +++

It was a big day for everyone working in the Gyllenhaal camp; it was the
day when promotion for the movie Jarhead would begin. No one was more
excited than Jake himself. When he woke up that morning, he took a quick
shower and pumped himself up for the endless talk shows and late night
appearances he would have to do in order to get the word out for the
film. After a speedy meeting with his publicist and assistant Jen, Jake
was given a paper filled with names and times that he needed to make in
order to start the day off on the right foot. After doing some of the
smaller radio talk shows and cable networks, it was time for the big time
names. First there was Late Night With Conan O'Brien. Jake and his team
jumped on a plane to New York for the weekend and got ready for the shows
taping to commence the next day. Jake usually got nervous when flying
around to do promotion even though it was something that he had done for
several years now. It never got any better, it only made him adjust to
life out of a suitcase during those long months. The night before
appearing on the show, Jake went out and had dinner with his friends and
got ready for the coming days as this was the only time he would be able
to completely and fully enjoy being around those closest to him.

Jake arrived at the NBC studios in New York and was met with fans lining
the back door of the building, holding out his pictures and magazines
with him on the cover in hopes of getting a single mark from his marker.
Jake managed to pose for some fans as he walked through the crowd but was
instantly ushered inside by one of the producers of the show.
"Your clothes are laid out in your dressing room," the woman with a big
head mic said, walking backwards as she lead the way through the halls.
"If you need anything just give me a ring, my name's Sofia."
"Okay, thanks." Jake walked into the room with a golden star and his
initials on the door. Inside there was a large couch, coffee table packed
with food and water and a small television broadcasting what the cameras
caught in their eye sight. Jen walked into the room with another woman
working for the show behind her, the live band echoing inside as they
practiced on stage.
"Hi, Jake!" the woman said, greeting him with a smile. Huffing and
puffing with a pile of papers and a thin folder cradled I her arms, Jen
set everything down on the table while Jake made himself comfortable,
thumbing through the grapes and carrot sticks displayed in a large tray.
My name's Julian and I'm the segment director. Here's what's going to
happen: In thirty minutes the show is going to begin..."
"Thirty minutes?" Jake cut in.
"Yeah, but Conan likes to start off with several minutes of stand up for
the audience so you have plenty of time until you actually go on. Um,
when you finally get to talk to Conan then he's going to ask you about
your week and what you've been up to then he'll ask about your movie.
The clip we're going to show is of the desert scene with Jaime Foxx."
Jake only nod his head as Julian talked his ear off. "So if you could
just explain a little about that and what you've gotten from the role
and stuff like that, okay? Do you have any questions?"
"Nope. I'm good."
"Okay. Remember, lots of energy." Jake giggled to himself and asked for
his privacy. He managed to change into the evening suit and was later
joined again by his assistant, watching the opening segments of the show
on the television in his dressing room.

"My next guest is the star of the new film Jarhead. Please welcome Jake
Gyllenhaal!" Conan stood up from behind his table and walked towards the
entrance of the stage where he met Jake and walked him to his seat. Randy
watched as Jake waved to the crowd and smiled nauseatingly. It was just
past midnight and Christian was sleep upstairs. Randy lay on the living
room couch with a Corona beer snuggled in his hands. He awoke minutes
earlier and flipped on the TV, hoping there would be something on to keep
him company. The channel automatically changed itself to the Conan show
as Christian had set the timer earlier in the day. Randy watched as Jake
took a seat beside the tall, red headed man and began praising his
appearance on the show.
"I just wanna say that I'm really excited to be here. I love you and
your show." Jake smiled at Conan. Randy watched on with growing
revulsion in his eyes. He wanted to switch the television off but instead
only sat there on the sofa. Quietly closing in on himself. He found it
obnoxious and intriguing all at once. The show went on as Jake and Conan
joked with each other like little children who've known one another for
years. When Jake's segment finally ended, Randy stood up from his place
and downed the rest of his alcoholic drink before angrily shutting off
the television and heading upstairs.
                                      +++

The day had finally arrived. The premier was being held at the venue
Christian and Randy were working in. The work day started as usual but
instead of opening their doors to allow outsiders to be let inside, the
entire place was shut down so the theatre crew could go in and get all
the needed adjustments done on time for the evening showing and guests.
Christian was in charge of cleaning the screen rooms that were going to
be used and also the projection booths above while Randy worked most of
the bottom section of the theatre; working the concession stand, manning
the ticket booth and making sure the lobby was clean and tidy. Everyone
was working on overload. An hour before the doors could open, the event
coordinator showed up with his posse of workers and checked out the
building, making sure everything was in order and working as it should
be. Seeing as the theatre was given a new look for the premier, the
ushers had to have the same for them. Instead of the red vests and white
button down collar shirts, they were given an attire that consisted of
all black. Everyone looked as if they were going to a funeral.
Christian made his way around the men and women working outside the
building, putting up the velvet ropes and rolling out the stereotypical
red carpet. It was unusual to see such things happening around him but
Christian was proud to be representing his theatre at such a dire and
exciting. After hanging a large "Jarhead" backdrop across the front
side of the building with help from his co-worker, Christian set up the
blown up movie posters around the venue to remind people of what movie
they came to see. It wasn't long until the place resembled those on the
television screen and on channels like "E!" and "Entertainment
Tonight." Before the work was completely done, Mr. Anderson called
everyone back into the lobby of the theatre for one last pep rally before
the fans and stars started to arrive.

The entire outside of the theatre was packed with men holding large
cameras and microphones in their hands. Christian watched as more and
more people filled the sidewalk across the street, hoping to get one shot
of their favorite movie stars. There were even some die hard
Gyllenhaalics holding signs with "I Heart Jake" and "Mrs. Gyllenhaal"
above their heads. It all brought a smile to Christian's face, he knew
how much support Jake had behind him and how many devoted fans that were
willing to stand out in the heat for hours. The sun went down and the
black short limos started to pile in. William Broyles Jr., Sam Mendes,
the actual Anthony Swafford, all the people behind the film, stepped onto
the red carpet and down the photo line to pose with each other for
photos. The paparazzi all yelling different commands and directions as
the bulbs of flashed rapidly in their face.
"Over here! This way!" they continued while those being photographed
talked amongst themselves. It was definitely a chaos not to be missed.
"Hello, welcome." Christian repeated at the doors once everyone
finished their walk down the line. "Welcome." His heart was pounding
and his palms were moist. He couldn't wait to see Jake up close again.
It had been nearly a month since they've last seen each other due to
Jake's busy promotion tour overseas and around the states. The
anticipation for Jake's arrival was imminent as everyone's excitement
level heightened every time another car pulled up. Randy wasn't in the
same mood as everyone else in the world. He dreaded seeing Jake again.
It's enough to see him on screen but he couldn't bare to see him face
to face. He knew Christian felt differently and yet there was nothing he
could do about it. All he could really do was stay close to Chris so Jake
would keep his own distance. It didn't matter to him how ridiculous he
would look while doing it. If it meant following Jake around all night
then he was willing to do so.
Deep into the party, Jake, Peter and Maggie all arrived on the red carpet
and, before heading inside, they were dropped off across the street where
they posed and signed autographs for the many, many fans waiting to catch
a glimpse of them. They rushed back across the street to allow the
paparazzi to do their job. Once they walked the line, Jen made sure they
were let into the over crowded theatre to mingle with the best of them.
Christian was away from the doors and now handling the concession stand
when Jake entered the building. Mr. Anderson, the theatre manager, came
out into the lobby and riled everyone in the overbooked room to commence
his speech.
"Hello, my name's Edward Anderson," he began, "And I would like to
welcome you all to our little theatre. We're very honored to hold such
an event as this one and hope you all enjoy yourselves and the film. I'm
now going to hand the spotlight over to director Sam Mendes." Mr.
Anderson stepped aside and Sam took his place across the rug. While he
talked about what the movie meant to him and the actors, Jake stood near
the back with Peter at his side. Christian ran a towel over the counter
top, half listening to the speaker up front and half concentrating on the
faces in the crowd. He scanned each person tolerantly, looking for
Jake's familiar face but due to the overwhelming number of human heads
in the room, he was unable to locate the one he searched for. From across
the room, Jake had a clear view of Christian and he used it to his
advantage; glaring over at him and peeking around to see if Randy was
anywhere near.
"I'll stop talking now so we can move into the rooms for the screening.
Thanks again for coming out tonight." Sam concluded he speech and the
sea of people slowly scattered into four different screen room. Having
missed his chance, Christian gave in and walked around with a broom and
dust pan, sweeping up the business cards from those trying to exchange
information, hoping to create a network of businesses.
                                      +++

The movie finally ended and, as if in reverse, men and woman poured back
into the lobby of the theatre. Some still talking about the film while
others wiped away tears from their eyes. Jake walked out with Sam's hand
around his neck and Maggie patting him on the back for a job well done
while Peter enjoyed the attention he got from another source of people.
Randy and Christian stood talking by the area where the ticket line would
have been. They didn't care to cater to the crowd and decided to act as
if they were working instead. Christian still hadn't seen Jake but by
this point, he had forgotten Jake was even in the same room as he. It
wasn't until Maggie came up to him and Randy that he realized Jake was
somewhere near.
"How are you?" Maggie enthusiastically asked. She looked beautiful in
her lavender dress and simple hair-do elegantly pushed back behind her
ears. She smelled sweet and sounded even sweeter. "I haven't seen you
in a while. How was your trip?"
"Yeah," Christian replied, "It was good. Thanks--You remember Randy,
right?"
"Oh, yeah." Maggie smiled. "I remember you. How're you?"
"Good," replied Randy, returning the smile.
"Has Jake come over yet?" As soon as Maggie mentioned his name
Christian's heart sank to the pit of his stomach. It was made even worse
by the fact that Randy was standing right beside him. He wanted nothing
more than to steer away from any sort of Jake talk but couldn't avoid
the subject.
"No, he hasn't."  There was a bit of an awkward silence beginning to
arise. "Anyways, I think the toilet paper's low in the bathroom. It was
great seeing you again." Christian began to turn away after Maggie waved
him goodbye. He pushed through the crowd and entered the bright bathroom
to get away from Randy, knowing he would ask how Maggie knew of his trip
out of town when Christian assured him earlier that he hadn't seen any
Gyllenhaal. From afar, Jake watched as Christian disappeared into one of
the bathrooms and quickly went to follow, excusing himself from the
circle of people trying to get a word in about his role. Jake swung the
bathroom door aside and let it close again with a loud squeak of the
hinges. He turned the corner and there he saw Christian standing in the
middle of the room with his back to him. Once Christian heard the door
close, he turned back, expecting to see Randy but got Jake instead.
"Hey." Jake solemnly replied, taking one hand out of his pockets to
wave.
"Hi."
"I was going to come up to you out there but I was trampled when
everyone went in to see the movie," Jake smiled. "It would've been
nice to get you in the dark."
Christian giggled and lean back on the tile counter top.
"How was the movie?"
"Good. Everyone seems to like it so..."
"Hopefully I'll get to see it sometime."
Out of no where, Jake moved in an took Christian in his arms. Christian
pushed away as the element of surprise was still strong. Anyone could
walk into the bathroom while he and Jake are in there together and that
made Christian nervous. What if Randy was to walk in? Or worse, a gossip
columnist who needed new fuel for their magazine? It was far too risky.
"I want to see you again." Jake insisted. "What's your new address?"
"Why do you want it for?" Christian panicked.
"So I can go and see you."
"I can't give it to you. It's Randy's house and he might be home when
you come around. I'll come to you instead."
"Alright. But I really want to see you again."
The bathroom door swung open again and someone walked in to use the
restroom. Jake act as if he was busy washing his hands and Christian
quickly exit the room where he bumped into Randy just outside the door.
Christian walk passed him with out acknowledging him then Jake walked out
a second later. Randy stared Jake dead in the eyes but walked away as if
he was just passing by. It was a tense moment that made both their blood
boil.
                                      +++

It was a quiet night at home. Randy was in the living room, downing
bottle after bottle while sprawled out on the couch, eyeing the
television screen while Christian took the dining room table, sipping on
a cup of piping hot coffee and enjoying the latest in Entertainment
Tonight. The house was still and the atmosphere calm until the doorbell
suddenly echoed through out the rooms, breaking the calm mood in the air.
"Are you going to get it?" Christian called at Randy after the third
time the bell rang. With no answer, Christian stood up from his chair and
traversed to the door, he undid the lock above the door handle and swung
the plank aside. To his surprise, he found Jake on the other end, staring
back at him with a childish grin on his face. Realizing that Randy was
only a few feet away, Christian stepped halfway outside, holding the door
close behind him.
"What are you doing here? How'd you find me?"
"I asked one of your co-workers."
"I told you I'd go and see you."
"I know but I couldn't help it. Come on, let's go." Jake tugged at
Christian's arm.
"No," Christian replied, holding his place at the front porch.
"Randy's home. If I leave he'll ask all these question about where
I'm going and who I'll be with."
"So, lie."
Back inside the warm house, Randy sat up on the couch and wearily tossed
the empty beer bottle on the coffee table with the rest of them.
"Who is it?" he cried.
"It's no one." Christian went to close the door but Jake placed his
foot in the way.
"Just for a couple of minutes. Tell him you have to go with a friend or
something."
"No, I'll see you later. I have to go."
Randy stood up and jadedly moved towards Christian behind the front door.
He was certain that it wasn't no body that kept Christian outside,
whispering and gossiping for minutes at a time. "Who is it?" he asked
again, this time stepping out through the small door opening. Jake locked
eyes with Randy and a strong wave of goose bumps showered his entire
body. His arms were covered in tiny knobs when Randy added, "What's
going on?"

To Be Continued...
                                      +++

Thanks for reading! Hope you all enjoyed this section and stick around
for the final sections coming up.

Email: synful_romance@sbcglobal.net

-Christian