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As Deuce stood in line in the backlot of Twisted Studios, he held his phone up to his ear. On the other end, his mother spoke worriedly at him.
“It’s nothing, Ma. Seriously.” Deuce said into the phone. “Just because I’m not doing Halloween at NCR this year… No, I’m not on the committee. That was last year. No, I’m… Look, this time it’s a paying job. It’s called being a scaractor. Like scare-actor, yeah. It’s a haunted house job, yeah. So I’m here to scare people.”
“No, mom, it’s not…Yeah it’s kinda gory and violent but… Yeah, this one ain’t for the kids… Look, I just stand in a room, and when people come by I pretend like I’m going to hit them with a fire ax and shout some things… Yeah, I know it sounds gross, it’s… It’s fine. Yeah, everyone here is an adult… No, they have special glow in the dark necklaces to make sure nobody who doesn’t wanna get scared…”
“Look, I gotta go. My turn in line is coming up. I gotta go get my makeup. Love you Mom. I said I love you Mom! Bye! Bye! Gotta go, bye!” Deuce finished as he hung up his cellphone and followed the line into the back room. He walked through a small hallway into the make up room.
“Alright, one killer janitor here for Academic Proba–” Deuce said as he stepped into the room, only to notice just who his makeup artist was.
“Vil, what are you doing here? I thought you’d be helping at NRC or back home…” Deuce said in surprise. Vil sighed before he put on a smile, one that Deuce thought was… At least partially genuine.
“Twisted Studios is filming my latest movie.” Vil explained matter-of-factly, “And as part of my contract I was required to help with this whole Halloween event. Luckily I managed to negotiate it down to working with makeup rather than working as a scaractor.”
“You didn’t want to be a scaractor?” Deuce asked as he approached Vil.
“Of course not. Could you imagine that?” Vil scoffed. “Me? A scaractor? They’d market this entire event based on the fact I would be working here. They’d have a poster with me wearing fake blood and whatever maze I was in would be crowded and nobody would be able to move through. Or they’d be disappointed that I’m hiding behind some door. I could never be a scaractor.”
“Oh…” Deuce said. “Yeah, I guess this isn’t exactly a job for famous actors like you…” Deuce looked down sheepishly, somewhat dejected.
“...No, I… There’s a place for schlock horror and violence and gore. I’m not going to judge the existence of art. Whatever people enjoy… I didn’t mean to insult you.” Vil said.
“No, it’s fine.” Deuce said. “I get it. Kinda.”
“Good. Well, why don’t you take a seat.” Vil said. “Just because we’re so close doesn’t mean I should waste time.” He motioned to the barber style chair in front of the mirror.
“Yessir!” Deuce nodded and took a seat in the chair. “...I’m sure the skeletons would have gone a lot better if you were the one doing our makeup.”
“You looked amazing.” Vil said with a smile. “Don’t sell yourself short. Everyone did amazing last year, even if I think us vampires stole the show.” His smile turned into a smirk.
“Hah, yeah…” Deuce flushed. “Though after last year I’m kinda glad I’m here rather than back at school.”
“...You and me both.” Vil said. “Now, close your eyes. I don’t want to smudge the shadow too much…”
Deuce closed his eyes, and soon he felt a soft sponge pressing against his eyes. He felt Vil’s free hand gently holding his chin as he was caressed… It was so nice, a small bit of intimacy.
“So… Do you think this event is going to be any good?” Deuce asked, still with his eyes closed.
“That’s relative…” Vil hummed in thought. “It’s not… Exactly up to my exacting standards, but would a group of amateurs trained to scream at particular points… Would that be a good form of horror?”
“...I remember Yuu talking about how he would watch footage of horror events back in his world and how it seemed pretty cheap…” Deuce said. “I have no idea. This could be nothing like those…”
“As long as the guests enjoy themselves in their own way, we’re probably doing things right.” Vil said. “Even if I can only do so much.” There was a moment of silence as Vil drew his finger along Deuce’s jawline.
‘V-Vil…” Deuce said as his eyes fluttered open. He found himself staring at the actor’s face while the actor in question stared at his chin.
“Has anyone ever told you that you have a lovely jawline?” Vil asked, as he touched it. “You have a good look. I think I might be able to get you an audition for a bit part in an action movie. Only if you wanted me to, of course.” Vil looked back up into Deuce’s eyes.
“Uh… Yeah.” Deuce said. “I-I mean that I’d like it, not that anyone has told me that.” He nodded. Vil nodded in return.
“Good. I’ll be sure to remember that. Now… Turn your chin up.” Vil turned around to the makeup table. Deuce followed orders and turned his chin up. When Vil turned back, there was a bottle of fake blood in his hands. With another makeup sponge, Vil started applying a fake wound to Deuce’s chin.
“And down.” Vil said, and Deuce turned his head down. Vil applied a second wound to Deuce’s forehead, though this one was less bloody and gross.
“...Perfect. Now you look like a murderous possessed zombie ghost janitor at a public high school.” Vil said as he looked Deuce over.
“...I’ll take that as a complement.” Deuce said as he stepped out of the chair and up to the mirror. “I actually look really good.”
“That’s the skill of Vil Schoenheit.” Vil gave a playful bow. “So, all that’s left is for you to go get that ax of yours and to get over to the maze.”
“Y-Yeah. Thank you Vil.” Deuce said with a smile. “I’m glad I had you. I remember during dress rehearsals I had someone who wasn’t that gentle during makeup.”
“Well, I’m glad I could help.” Vil smiled genuinely. “But… If you want a hint?”
“Sure, what do you got?” Deuce looked excited. Vil leaned in close, a bit conspiratorially.
“I heard that some of our friends are coming today. Cater and Leona are on a double date with Kalim and Yuu, and apparently Malleus, Jamil, and Lilia are joining them.” Vil whispered into Deuce’s ear. The evil janitor flushed at the closeness, but pulled back.
“R-Really. I’ll be sure to really try to spook them.” Deuce said.
“You’re welcome.” Vil said with a nod. “Be sure to come back to me so I can help you remove your makeup. I wouldn’t want you getting remover in your eye and blinding yourself…”
“Of course.” Deuce said with a smile. “Happy Halloween, Vil!”
“Happy Halloween, Deuce.” Vil smiled and gave a small bow. “Have a fun night.”