Lucas watched the news footage with an amused expression. "The whole hair thing is hilarious - I hadn't even slept in that bed for months."
"Those kids probably found old hair from when you still used the room," Jennifer suggested, trying not to laugh. "Or maybe they planted it themselves to make it look authentic."
"You know what?" Lucas pulled out his phone with a mischievous grin. "I think I'll bid on my own guitar."
"Wait, really?" Jennifer perked up. "That's actually smart. They'd have to show up for the transaction eventually. Could help the police track them down."
Lucas opened eBay and searched for the guitar listing, only to find a red notice across the screen. "Item has been removed due to suspicious activity and potential stolen property claims."
"Looks like someone reported it," Jennifer peered at his phone. "eBay must've taken down all the listings after the news broke."
"Police shouldn't have let this hit the media," Lucas sighed. "Makes catching them ten times harder now."
"No kidding," Jennifer leaned back. "They've probably gone underground already."
They spent the next few minutes trading theories about the robbers, with Jennifer suggesting they might try selling on the dark web next. Lucas joked about finding his mugs in some underground auction house.
After finishing up in the kitchen, Lucas returned with their meals, settling beside Jennifer on the couch. The conversation flowed easily as they ate, Netflix playing quietly in the background.
Curled against Lucas's side, Jennifer brought up their upcoming projects, their relationship, the usual topics that filled their quiet evenings together.
"Oh, by the way," Lucas mentioned, "Neil reminded me about our Walk of Fame ceremony. They just announced it."
"The stars!" Jennifer sat up straighter. "God, I completely forgot. You're the one who paid for mine, right?"
"Yeah," Lucas confirmed. "The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce actually liked the idea of placing our stars together."
"Well, I am an Oscar winner," Jennifer smirked. "Not exactly a tough request to grant."
They spent the rest of the evening trading jokes about whose star would get more visitors, eventually dozing off on the couch with Netflix still playing in the background.
***
Days passed while the LAPD continued their investigation into the break-in. Public criticism mounted over the police's handling of the case, especially after the premature media leak had potentially tipped off the suspects.
At the Walk of Fame ceremony, Hollywood Boulevard buzzed with excitement. Hundreds of fans lined the barriers, phones raised high. When the black SUV pulled up, the crowd erupted with shouts of "Lucas!" and "Jennifer!"
The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce officials greeted them warmly, leading them through the traditional handshakes and photographs. Their stars, positioned side by side, gleamed in the sun.
The media crowded around the ceremonial stage as Jennifer stepped up to the microphone, greeted by enthusiastic cheers from the crowd. Her bright smile lit up the morning as she waved to her fans.
"Growing up in Kentucky, I used to dream about having my name on these stars," Jennifer began, gesturing to the boulevard. "But actually standing here? It feels surreal. I have to thank my incredible family who supported this crazy dream of mine, my amazing fans who've been there through everything - the falls at award shows included," she paused as laughter rippled through the crowd.
"And of course," she turned toward Lucas with that characteristic twinkle in her eye, "my boyfriend, who not only supports my career but actually wrote the check for this star. I mean, what says 'I love you' more than dropping fifty-five grand to get your girlfriend's name carved into Hollywood Boulevard?"
The crowd burst into laughter, cameras swinging toward Lucas, who sat in the front row trying - and failing - to maintain a straight face.
After Jennifer wrapped up her speech to enthusiastic applause, Lucas took the stage. The crowd's energy immediately surged - shouts of "Lucas!" and "We love you!" filled the air. One fan yelled, "Have my babies!" making several others laugh.
Lucas pointed toward the voice with a grin. "Focus on your own life first - maybe start with getting straight As in school. Then we'll talk."
The crowd roared with laughter as Lucas adjusted the microphone. "Honestly, I wasn't sure about having my name permanently embedded in the ground for people to walk all over. These stars do look suspiciously like fancy tombstones." He paused as laughter rippled through the crowd. "But Jennifer insisted, and well, here we are."
"In all seriousness though, I'm incredibly grateful to the Chamber of Commerce for nominating both Jennifer and me. And thanks to everyone who's going to politely pretend they're not taking selfies while standing on my name later."
Jennifer watched Lucas from her seat, unable to suppress her smile. His humor, once hidden behind that serious, polished public image, now emerged more naturally. Years together had gradually revealed this playful side of him, making him feel more authentic, more himself in the public eye.
Lucas continued his speech, mixing heartfelt gratitude with well-timed quips that kept the crowd engaged. Five minutes later, he concluded to enthusiastic applause, joining Jennifer as they made their way down the red carpet.
"Lucas! Jennifer!" Reporters crowded around them. "Any updates on the break-in investigation?"
"How does it feel having your stars side by side?"
"When's the wedding?" someone shouted from the back.
They navigated the questions with practiced ease, Jennifer fielding queries about their relationship while Lucas addressed the recent robbery with measured responses. The ceremony continued with the traditional star unveiling, photos with the Chamber of Commerce officials, and the customary hands-on-stars pose that would appear in tomorrow's entertainment sections.
After the final round of photographs and autographs for the gathered fans, Lucas and Jennifer slipped away from the buzzing crowd, leaving their newly minted stars to glitter under the Hollywood sun.
While their Walk of Fame ceremony wasn't groundbreaking news, it marked something significant - Jennifer Lawrence and Lucas Knight had officially joined Hollywood's elite.
They now stood among legends like Leonardo DiCaprio, Brad Pitt, Meryl Streep, and Julia Roberts. Though still young, they'd become the faces of a new generation in cinema.
Lucas's rise particularly stood out. In just six years, he'd transformed from a sitcom actor to an Oscar winner. His journey began with Modern Family's Dylan, where his performance of "Perfect" became an iconic moment in the show's history.
The video clip still circulated regularly on social media, introducing new audiences to his musical talents.
These days, his reduced appearances on Modern Family were explained away by Dylan's success with his band. The show worked around his schedule, incorporating phone calls with Haley Dunphy and occasional guest spots that kept the character's presence alive.
The Modern Family cast's Twitter congratulations poured in:
@SofiaVergara: "Our Dylan got his star! So proud of you @LucasXKnight ❤️"
@TyBurrell: "From singing in our living room to Hollywood Boulevard. Congrats kid!"
@Sarah_Hyland: "My TV boyfriend's officially made it! 🌟 @LucasXKnight"
Lucas replied warmly: "Thanks everyone - Modern Family gave me my start. Wouldn't be here without the best TV family anyone could ask for. Time for a Dylan comeback episode? 😉"
Fans immediately flooded the replies:
"That Perfect performance clip was how I discovered Lucas! Now he's winning Oscars 😭"
"Who else remembers staying up to watch Dylan's singing scene when it first aired? Now look at him!"
"From singing to Haley to starring in Joker. The glow up is insane!"
"Can we talk about how that Perfect scene still hits different? Been rewatching it since 2011!"
The clip of Lucas performing "Perfect" started circulating again, racking up millions of new views as fans shared their memories of first discovering him through the show.
***
Around September, the Venice Film Festival screening of "Arrival" drew significant attention. Lucas arrived with Jennifer by his side, and though she wasn't in the film, Denis Villeneuve and the cast warmly welcomed her presence.
During the screening, Jennifer found herself tensing whenever intimate scenes between Lucas and Amy Adams appeared on screen. She knew it was just acting - she was an actor herself - but something about watching Lucas's tender moments with another woman stirred an unexpected jealousy.
After the standing ovation, Lucas delivered a thoughtful speech about the film's themes of communication and connection. As they left the screening, he noticed Jennifer's unusual quietness.
"Everything okay?" he asked once they were alone.
Jennifer sighed. "I know it's ridiculous - it's just acting, we both do it - but watching those scenes... I got jealous. Couldn't help it."
"Hey," Lucas smiled, pulling her closer. "You know you're the only one who gets the real version of those scenes. You have nothing to worry about."
"I have my reasons to worry," Jennifer said softly. "You hear about it all the time - actors falling for their co-stars, leaving their real partners. And with you doing method acting..." She hesitated. "Sometimes I worry you'll get so deep into character, you'll actually fall for your on-screen love interest."
"Hey," Lucas squeezed her hand. "Remember what I told you? I'm done with method acting. It's dangerous, and I'm taking better care of myself now."
Their conversation continued as they made their way to the waiting car, eventually arriving at the private hangar where Lucas's jet stood ready.
Jennifer stepped inside, taking in the pristine interior.
"I still can't get over how nice this jet is," Jennifer settled into her seat, admiring the interior despite having flown in it to Venice. "Makes my pre-owned one look like economy class."
"Well, some of us prefer quality," Lucas smirked playfully.
Jennifer's smile faded slightly, and Lucas quickly backtracked. "Hey, I'm just messing with you."
"Anyway," he smoothly changed topics, "I'm going on Kobe's podcast soon. Want to come with?"
Jennifer's eyebrows shot up with interest. "A podcast? I haven't done one of those yet. Could be fun - count me in."
---
Read advanced chapters on my p-a-treon.com/NewComer714.