25 Walking Together

"I know," Brylski said, walking with his hands in his pocket and his head lowered.

Stronger gusts of wind tugged at his golden-red hair, which was more flamed in the light of the setting sun. He was beautiful, tender and romantic. Perhaps it was this sad reflection about his behavior on the set that gave him that nostalgic look, but at the moment there was something absolutely captivating about him, something… charming.

Fans all over the world would faint seeing him like this. They would probably call him the Mystical Prince or the Immortal Beautiful, because he actually resembled a creature out of this world - perfectly physically beautiful and very spiritual. Spiritual to such an extent that even Radosz could hardly control his heart, in which horses were galloping again...

Damian decided that he had to engrave this image in his heart, which was like the purest aesthetic beauty. He has to engrave it in his memory and recreate it someday in a series or movie.

“I know” repeated Rafał with a sigh of resignation and helplessness “but Różycki does not like it when someone disturbs his creative process. I don't want him to lose inspiration.”

Radosz was slowly returning to reality, too surprised by Rafał's words to remain in this ethereal world into which Brylski had transported him for a moment.

“To lose... what?” Damian thought he didn't understand. “What inspiration?”

“Well, directorial” Brylski repeated.

The spell was broken.

Radosz had no idea whether to laugh or cry.

Did Rafał think all of this seriously? Yes, I guess judging from the tone of his voice and the look in his green eyes. The only question is whether he came up with the idea himself or whether someone convinced him, for example Różycki himself.

Directorial inspiration was a concept that Damian Radosz knew and understood perfectly well. He had nothing against her, only that in the case of The Fifth Capital it was by no means to be talked about.

Różycki was not employed in this series as an artist, but as a craftsman who was to perform a specific task under certain conditions. It was not Różycki's directorial film, his artistic work of art, but healthy commercialism, which was to sell well and expensive. There was no room for any artistic quirks or inspirations here. A good craftsman can work without it, and if not, he shouldn't be on the set.

But each country had slightly different customs and maybe Różycki actually considered himself first after God, or even before him, since the actor on the set was afraid to ask for a break so as not to spoil the director's ‘inspiration’.

However, the actress, who played the main female role, was not afraid to disturb the director, and he himself did not make any problems with it. Why was Brylski afraid of this? Did Różycki really apply double standards and use any method to depress Rafał?

At that point, it wasn't funny anymore. Radosz began to feel real anxiety.

Brylski had talent and he really tried his best. Mońka praised him and everything indicated that Urbański, recognized as specialists in their fields, also prized him. Damian was sure that if he had asked on the set, more people would have responded positively about Brylski - unless, of course, they had succumbed to the propaganda of the biased director and would not be afraid to speak up at all.

By the way, Różycki's behavior was beginning to be a bit puzzling. What did he have against Rafał that he tormented him so much?

Is it really because he didn't choose the actor to play the lead role? Was that some way to show who's really in charge here? Some weird retaliation? A lesson for Brylski that although someone else gave him this job, Różycki is the lord and ruler here?

Or maybe there was some other factor, maybe more private, about which Radosz did not know?

“Rafał, do you know Różycki from other circumstances?” Damian asked. Now he really wanted to delve into why a director would treat his actor so badly. “You know, from a different set or some party?”

"No," the actor replied naturally. “We met on this project and we have no other relationship.

“And were the other directors you worked with like Różycki?” asked Radosz. Maybe this innocence of Rafał suggested that he is intellectually a little different? "I mean, did they treat you the same way he does?"

"No," he replied in exactly the same tone. “But probably every director is different and has his own style.”

“And which director did you cooperate best with?” Damian inquired. It will be a good reference to your plans for the future. More and more told Damian that he wanted to work with Rafał on another project.

"Hmm..." Rafał wondered and looked at the sky, on which heavy and dark clouds began to appear, moving faster than their color would allow, suggesting a high load of water.

Damian saw something magical in him again, and the horses in his heart buckled again.

God, if it goes on like this, all of Radosz's emotions will become chaos, which he will not calm down until morning… or longer.

“I think with Wojtczak” Brylski informed him. “At first he took me for an interview and asked if I had any idea about the role. We talked for a while and then he gave me directions. Święcik was ok too, but he gave me a bit too much freedom and I didn't quite know what to do. That's why I appreciate that Różycki keeps me short.”

Wojtczak, Wojtczak... Damian hardly remembered this director, who did not receive many prestigious awards from critics, but the audience liked his films. These were rather cheap and modest productions. I wonder how Wojtczak would handle a more serious and expensive project?

Radosz will have to take a better look at this director.

For now, however, his eyes were fixed on Brylski, who combined innocence and determination. Mońka said that Rafał works hard, tries, is brave and obedient. These were the features that made working with him good.

How much better would everyone work and Brylski could really spread his wings if he worked with a director with whom he can communicate?

Rafał smiled and suddenly looked at Radosz. His eyes gleamed with green and a certain sadness, although his lips suggested that Brylski was very pleased.

"I know why you're asking me so," he announced, surprising Damian completely. “It's because of Anita. She believes that Różycki is abusing me and must have told you about it. I… understand her, but disagree with her. Różycki is a bit difficult, demanding and strict, but I treat it a bit like a unitary. You know, such a bad corporal chasing cats. His methods aren't always fun, but a man's character is shaped by challenges and hardships. Anita is a girl and I am close to her as a little brother, so she just wants to protect me from any pain. You know, she's a woman.

Yes, Radosz knew that women have a slightly different view of the world than men. If Anita Janiszek had witnessed today's incident with these three boys, she would have either called the police or an ambulance right away. Meanwhile, Rafał explained with the boys everything that had to be explained and that was the case. The guys didn't have to mess around with the police to solve their disputes or run to the doctor with just any scratch. They were guys after all.

"But certain limits shouldn't be crossed by anyone, not even a corporal in the army," Damian reminded him.

"I agree," Brylski nodded seriously. “But these boundaries are also probably different for different people.”

“What do you mean? They are not universal?” Damian was surprised. He really wanted to hear about Rafał's point of view because it promised to be very interesting.