Collaboration

Collaboration 37

*NOTE* I do not claim to know the celebrities mentioned below or their sexual preferences. This fictional story was written solely for entertainment purposes only and does NOT imply the sexual preferences of said celebrities or anything about their personal lives. Enjoy!

This was new to T.I. He had never been on a movie set before and really didn't know what was expected of him. The first day of his new project was mainly spent with the director and the cast members, talking and getting to know them better. The director also had individual talks with each person about the character they would be portraying. He offered insight on the fictitious characters, their motives, and goals for the film. T.I. paid extra close attention to everything that was being said and the goals for this movie because he wanted everything to be right. The caramel colored rapper was a perfectionist and he was going to make absolute sure that everything was right with this movie. Once the group dismantled the director called T.I. over to him once again.

"Hey," he said. "What should I call you? You go by so many names," the director laughed.

"I know. It doesn't matter to me though. Whatever you want."

"Clifford. I like that name. It's unique, like you."

"Thanks," he said as he blushed a little. "So what did you want to see me about?"

"Right. Well you're basically the star of this movie right? It's you life. Your story. Well not literally but you know where I'm coming from."

"Yea."

"Well I don't want to put more pressure on you but I want you to give me everything you got okay?"

"I know. I'll try my best."

"That's all I ask. You are the right man for the job. I'm glad I was convinced."

"What do you mean?"

"Well. Don't take offense but when they told me that you were cast for the lead role I was a bit skeptical. I thought the whole `another rapper trying to act' scenario."

"Oh."

"But now, seeing and talking to you like this shows me how wrong I was. Right now you're nothing like the rapper T.I."

"Yea. It's a part of my personality but not the only aspect of it."

"You're so intelligent and articulate as well."

"You sound surprised shawty."

"Sorry. I don't mean to be but I am. I hope I didn't offend you."

"I'm not. I'm used to it. Most people don't realize that the rapper T.I. is only a part of me. Clifford Harris is who I am. T.I. is just mixed into that and sometimes takes over when I'm feeling bad," he mused.

"A sense of humor as well. These are all the qualities I want you to bring to your character. I know now that you are right for this job."

"Thanks. I'll do my best to bring my character to life."

"You don't have to try hard. Just looking at you I can tell it'll be done effortlessly. It's called charisma and you have plenty of it my friend."

They talked a while longer about character development, plot analysis, and how hectic the shooting schedule was going to be. The younger rapper didn't mind because he knew what he was getting himself into work wise when he signed on to do this project and this motivated him. His cast mates and everyone on the staff were extremely courteous and professional in their endeavors and this made his transition from the world of rapping to acting as easy and smooth as possible. The hours were long and the schedule for shooting was packed at times but this was what he got paid to do and he intended to do the best he possibly could.

The younger rapper's mind was constantly on his love for the St. Lunatic rapper from time to time because he missed him a lot. Their lives were so busy that they hadn't spoken to each other since he started shooting the movie. A glimmer of hope shined down on him during the second week of shooting when the rest of the afternoon shots were cancelled because of a sudden and slight rainstorm. He was glad for this because the day was long, seeing as he was up since four in the morning shooting. While back in his trailer, he showered off all the stress of the day and threw on a pair of basketball shorts and a tank top. He fell back on his bed and instantly reached for his cell phone nearby.

"Hey you."

"Well look who finally decides to call his nigga," Nelly said in a sarcastic tone.

"Huh?" he asked, confused.

"Got you! Hey my baby boy! What up?"

"Just here missing you. It feels so good to hear your voice."

"Yea. Why aren't you shooting?"

"A small rainstorm came out of nowhere so the rest of the day got cancelled."

"I always knew there was a reason I liked the rain so much."

"You're so cute. What are you up to my little soldier?"

"A lot. Still promoting the album, doing all these talk shows, and everything else under the sun."

"I didn't hear missing me in any of that."

"Well I naturally assumed that was a given."

"Is it? I don't know," T.I. said coyly.

"Don't play with me."

"It doesn't hurt to hear it from time to time."

"I miss you. Like crazy aight. You happy now?"

"Very."

"When can I see you?"

"I don't know. Things are insane around here, especially since we had to reschedule today's shots because of the rain."

"Yea. So you enjoying yourself? How are you doing?"

"I'm doing good. Better than I thought. Everyone's been great. This is an easy environment to work in."

"I'm glad. So the transition's easy then."

"Yea."

"I knew you'd be okay. You are a fast learner after all," Nelly said with an underlying tone.

"Shut up!" he said as he laughed. "You're not slick kid."

"Never said I was."

"Whatever. Enough about me though. What about you baby? How are things with Murphy?"

"What things? It's the same as before. We haven't talked since it all happened. He hasn't told anyone though."

"How do you know that?"

"We all had to get together a few times to do some promotional stuff. The first people he'd have told would've been our friends. No one asked me about it so they don't know."

"That's not necessarily true baby."

"I'm hoping here."

"I know. That must've been so hard for you."

"It is. He doesn't even look at me. I feel even worse than before, if that's even possible. I miss him baby."

"It's okay Cornell. I know this is hard for you but it will work itself out soon enough."

"It's even harder being away from you. When will this movie be finished?" he cutely whined.

"It just started baby. I miss you badly but this is our lives."

"I know. I miss your arms around me. You know how you make me feel. Especially now."

"Don't worry. I'm always here for you."

"Thank you. Listen, I don't wanna but I have to go. I have a party to go to in a few. Make an appearance or whatever."

"Okay. Be good baby," T.I. said sexily.

"You know me durrty. You also know how much I love you right?"

"I do Mr. Nelly guy. Have fun. I love you."

"I love you. Bye."

T.I. had a calming feeling throughout the rest of the night. The rain eased slightly so he called for a limo to take him to the hotel he was staying at. There was a slim hope, by the director, that the rain would subside enough to continue shooting but that didn't happen. Nelly was in Miami and the he was what seemed like a million miles away in California. The caramel colored rapper's mind was only on the man that he loved with everything he was as he was being driven to the hotel room. The cast invited him to a party tonight but he didn't really feel up to it because he was tired and needed some time by himself to think. He wanted to come up with something he could do or say to get Nelly and Murphy back together so bad that he thought about it every chance he got but nothing came to him.

He stared out the balcony to the rain sprinkling over the city. A lot of things have been residing in his mind since he and Nelly got back together, though it's been mainly about the fight he and his best friend had and their situation now. He wanted this problem resolved right away. If he wasn't thinking about that then his mind ran on himself. He was extremely happy and pleased with his performance on the movie set so far, as was the director. He's complimented the caramel colored rapper on several different occasions. The character was coming to life because of him and he was enjoying himself more than he thought he would. The rain slowly increased in intensity as he took off his tank top and hopped into the lonely bed. He didn't want to sleep alone but he knew that he had no choice. His man was three thousand miles away on the other side of the country missing him the very same way. He thought about his life for a while longer until he was unaware when he finally drifted off to sleep.

The weeks were going by extremely slow without the older rapper there to talk to him but as much as he hated to admit it, he had to get used to this because they wouldn't always be together. So far, the movie was going great. Shooting kept on schedule and T.I. developed a close rapport with Evan Ross, who plays his younger bother in the film, and Lauren London, who plays his love interest. They were genuinely interesting people and the caramel colored rapper enjoyed being around them. Sometimes, late at night, they would all relax in one of their trailers and talk about anything. T.I. knew that he would have to eventually do some scenes where he would be kissing Lauren and talking and getting to know her on such a personal level like they've been doing was definitely going to make easier for him to perform in front of the camera.

He didn't tell Nelly that he would be kissing one of his costars but he was sure that the older rapper was going to understand that he had to do it because it was required of him. He meant to tell him the few times they did talk throughout the shoot so far but the overwhelming feeling of hearing his man's voice always caused it to slip his mind every time. He really could relate to Evan because they were both ambitious, have street smarts, and not too bad looking, though that had nothing to do with anything. T.I. admitted to himself after about a week of shooting that his costar Evan Ross was cute and the kind of guy he would go for. He had everything the young rapper wanted in a partner from honesty to compassion. He especially liked the conversations they would sometimes have alone in either of their trailers. These conversations is what allowed T.I. to read his young costar so easily and he really liked what he saw. Evan was insightful, motivated, and charming to no end.

The director was pleased immensely with the effort that all the young stars put forth in this movie. He always complimented them on their great work and acceptance of the insane work schedule. They nailed scene after scene effortlessly and had been getting out earlier than expected on quite a few occasions. The three friends would spend time together but Lauren would leave them at times to spend time with her family or boyfriend. T.I. didn't mind this though because he really liked spending time with Evan. It was past twelve one night and they had just finished shooting. Lauren disappeared shortly after and the two boys returned to T.I.'s trailer and Evan made himself at home as the rapper was taking a shower. He flicked on the TV and was browsing through the channels as T.I. emerged from the bathroom with a towel wrapped comfortably around his waist. Evan couldn't help but stare at the rapper's caramel skin and perfectly toned upper body that glistened with beads of water.

"What you staring at little bro?" T.I. asked as he laughed.

"Nothing man," the young actor lied. He was mesmerized by the rapper's perfect body.

"You can pick your jaw up from the floor now man. I know my body is perfect."

"Damn nigga! You sure do have an ego on you."

"Whatever kid," he said as he disappeared back into the bathroom to change. He returned shortly after.

"You hungry Cliff?"

"Yea. You?"

"Yes."

"Okay. Since we won't be getting any food around here then why don't we just go back to my hotel room and order there?" T.I. suggested.

"Sounds good to me."

The limo ride was anything but quiet on the way back to the rapper's hotel room. They talked and joked about everything from shooting the movie to their lives. Evan interested him and he couldn't believe that the young man was Diana Ross' son. Although shooting was going on track to what the producers and director wanted, the cast would often have so many bloopers and do silly things in front of the camera that would have everyone laughing. T.I. was grateful that his first time making a feature movie was the kind of experience he wanted it to be, laid back and just plain fun. The atmosphere created by everyone was easily the best part of making this movie.

The caramel colored rapper didn't know how to explain it but he had a feeling about his costar Evan Ross. At first, he thought it was because he liked spending time with him but then dismissed that. The way Evan would listen to him and his body language around the rapper had him wondering what was up with him. These thoughts would float in and out of T.I.'s mind from time to time but he didn't think too much about it because he figured the young actor liked talking to him as much as he did him. The limo pulled in front of the lobby to the hotel and the two young men got out. T.I. handed the driver a couple hundred dollars for his trouble and they silently made their way to his room. Evan never saw such a nice place that someone just used to crash in for the night before. The hotel room was really nice.

"How much do you pay for this place?" he eagerly asked the rapper.

"What you being so nosy for kid?" he replied a she laughed.

"Don't make me kick your ass Cliff."

"I'd like to see you try. But in the spirit of friendship, about three grand a night."

"Damn! Didn't know you were living that large hommie."

"You know how I do. Just relax yourself. The menu's over there man. Go see what you want."

"Aight. I don't have any money on me thought."

"I got you. Relax kid."

"You know what Cliff, you're lucky you're hooking me up otherwise---"

"Otherwise what punk? All I hear is your big ass mouth."

"Forget you! Damn!"

"What?"

"I need a shower bad. I didn't even go back to my trailer after shooting today."

"Well I wasn't going to say anything but I knew I smelled something."

"Fuck you nigga!" Evan said as he laughed and was slightly embarrassed.

"Well look, you can shower here. Doesn't matter to me."

"What? You don't mind?"

"Why would I? You're my brother right?"

"In the movie yea."

"Close enough."

"I don't have any clothes though."

"You look like you're about my size. I'll let you borrow some of my clothes."

"Oh no. You don't have to. I'll just take one when I go home."

"Nah kid. If you hanging with me then you gotta be fresh, sexy, and clean."

Evan blushed. T.I. was getting to him in more ways than one. "Some ego there. I am fresh, sexy, and clean Cliff. That's how I roll."

"Not right now little bro. So you jumping in the shower or what?"

"Aight. Let me get some clothes."

T.I. went and fetched his costar an expensive ensemble of clothing. A black pair of Dolce and Gabanna jeans, a black and white stripped Ralph Lauren Polo shirt, and a black pair of silk boxers. Evan took the clothes and went into the shower. He couldn't believe he was going to do this; put on clothes that belonged to another man. T.I. didn't think too much about what just happened as he flipped through the hotel menu. Deciding he would get a Chicken Caesar Salad, he tossed the menu on the bed and went for his phone. Nelly called him twice, once around ten in the morning and the other around five. The caramel colored rapper assumed that he either had a day off or made one because he missed him. T.I. missed him too as he called him back. No one answered so he left the older rapper a message letting him know how much he loved, missed, and thought about him. After that, he went and laid on the sofa and stared up at the ceiling, thinking.

"What's going on man?" Evan asked as he came out of the shower ad sat next to the young rapper. "You aight?"

"Huh? Yea. Just thinking," he said as he sat up. "Damn I got good taste in clothes shawty."

"You do," he admitted. "So what about dinner?"

"The menu's on the bed. I already know what I'm getting."

"Aight."

He sat on the bed and closely examined the menu because although he knew he was hungry, he didn't know what he wanted to eat. His mind got away from him though because he couldn't believe that he was in T.I.'s clothes. It felt so good against his bare skin. The young actor didn't know how to explain what he felt when T.I. was around him but he liked it. He liked it a lot. Deciding on getting the seafood combo with pasta he told T.I., who then ordered it. Their food came about twenty minutes later and they ate and talked. The meal was good and the conversation was even better as the men enjoyed themselves. After the meal, the both returned to the sofa and relaxed themselves.

"You do that a lot don't you," Evan asked his costar.

"Do what?"

"Think."

"Yea. I never used to do it before but I'm really into it now."

"What do you think about?"

"Getting a little personal aren't we?" T.I. asked as he flashed him his infamous sexy smile.

"Sorry. I didn't mean---"

"It's aight shawty. I think about a lot of things. Like how fortunate I am and how much I love making music. I'm happy."

"That's good because you deserve it."

"Why do you say that?"

"I haven't known you that long but making this movie has given me the chance to get to know you and you're a great guy. I have to admit though that I didn't think there was more to you than T.I. I hope you don't take that the wrong way."

"Naw. It's cool. People who don't know me think the same thing about me."

"How do you deal with it?"

"I don't let it get to me because I know who I am and that T.I. or Tip are just parts of me. They're not only who I am you know?"

"Yea. I get you."

"Besides, I rarely show people Clifford Harris so you should feel lucky kid."

"I do feel lucky," he confessed in a low voice.

"Why is that?"

"No reason."

"You're lying shawty. But I won't push."

"I don't know what you're talking about."

"Whatever you say."

"You know I've been a fan of yours for a while now."

"Are you just saying that to change the subject?"

"No. I do like your music. You're one of the few artists I listen to."

"Yea? Who else you blast?"

"I was really into Jay-Z but I don't know what's going on with him. He's not as good as he used to be. 50 cent was aight when he first came out but he's so overrated now. I like Game though."

"I know. The Game's good. Glad he left that G-Unit shit. Would've only held him back."

"Yea. Oh and I really blast Nelly. His rhymes are off the hook."

T.I.'s insides lit up with the sound of his man's name. "Yea. I'm really into him as well. He's a true artist."

"He is."

"So why do you like me so much?"

"I said I liked your music punk. Fishing for compliments are we?"

"Don't need to fish. Get those anyway."

"I'm sure. But if that's what you want then I'll give it to you. Your rhymes are tight as hell. Songs have great beats. Great videos. You're a great artist in general. No denying that."

"You really think that don't you?"

"Wouldn't be saying it if I didn't think it."

"Thanks man. Always appreciate a fan."

"Good because we're the reason you're successful you know," he said coyly.

"Never denied that shawty. Gotta please the fans."

"Well I'm pleased right now."

"I'm glad. I want you to be comfortable enough around me to be yourself. Like I am with you."

"Trust me I am. You have this aura about you. It comforts those around you."

"You think so?"

"I know so. Look at me."

"I guess," the rapper said as he yawned.

"You getting tired?"

"Yea. I got an early shot tomorrow. At seven I think. Damn! That's the time?"

"Yep. It's almost two."

"We've been talking for that long huh?"

"Yep. And I enjoyed it."

"Me too."

"Well I think I better get out of here."

"It's so late though. Why don't you just stay here?"

"What? You don't mind?"

"Man just shut up and chill out here."

"There's only one bed though."

"And we're both eight hundred pounds each?" T.I. asked sarcastically. "The bed is big enough for the both of us. Lighten up."

"Aight man. Whatever you say."

"See. You should listen to me more often shawty."

"I should."

"One thing. You're not a blanket hog are you?"

"No."

"Good because I am," T.I. laughed. "I'm only messing man. Let's get some rest."

"I'm with you."

The two men took their shirts off and hopped into bed. T.I. felt weird sleeping with another man next to him that wasn't Nelly but he got over it because his relationship with Evan was strictly platonic. Evan was glad when he finally flicked the lights off because he was visibly uncomfortable with the situation. He was in a bed with T.I., both their shirts off and his perfect chest exposed. He was glad that the rapper couldn't see him because he knew that he would be so easy to read right now even thought he tried as hard as he could not to be. T.I. could always read him and he did a pretty accurate job most of the time. As soon as the rapper's head hit the pillow, he was gone because he was so exhausted. The young actor stared up at the dark ceiling for a while until he fell asleep as well.

If you have any questions or comments you can e-mail me at jc71883@hotmail.com or hit me up on AIM ~ Dragon93085.