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As the house lights dimmed themselves the audience gradually fell into a hush, silence overtaking them as they fell into darkness. After only a moment of pause the stage lights were brought up, curtains parting as the first of the main cast was illuminated amongst the set designed to look as the interior of a lavish castle.
There was an almost immediate round of applause, something that caused Rook to beam with joy at the audience's excitement, but left Vil biting back a look of annoyance. Would they be like this all evening? Regardless, as the crowd once again fell into silence Vil opened his mouth and began his opening monologue.
He was accustomed to more.. professional theater, but Crowley had all but begged him to audition. "For the sake of the school," the man had said, "Attendance numbers would surely be so very high if they learned you were to have a role." That paired with the fact that the Ramshackle Prefect had been swindled into the role of the director- Vil had decided he would set a good role for all of Pomefiore and help with the production. Unsurprisingly the lead up to said production had been nothing but a continuous mess, aided hand in hand by the student body's typical clashes, and the fact that Crowley had decided that anyone who assisted with the play would be given extra credit towards a class of their choosing.
Rook spread his arms out towards the audience in his typical dramatic flair, accentuated only more so by the billowing sleeves of his costume, the blonde extensions added to his hair fluttering about as the crown atop his head never shifted. "But of course my king, for this kingdom cannot help but love you so. We try so hard to do what we can for everyone who lives within our boundaries. None to be poor, homeless, or hungry." He brought his hands to his face, covering his mouth as if he were about to cry, "Though I fear what will happen to our kingdom once we are old, for we still have no heir.."
Oh he was laying it on thick. They had specifically discussed this after Rook had gotten too overzealous with his movements during rehearsal. Just as Vil feared the man's impassioned nature was creeping up. Quickly Vil brought a hand to gently rest upon Rook's shoulder, bringing him to a still. "Do not worry my queen, we are not old enough yet to be so preoccupied about what lies after our demise. We may be blessed with an heir any day now still." He gently cupped Rook's cheek with his free hand. Someone in the audience screamed. It took every fiber of Vil's being to not roll his eyes.
Backstage set crew was bustling about, prepping for the upcoming scene change as the queen was to take a walk through the forest behind the garden. "Did Rook just twirl?" Deuce spoke in a hush, eyes fixated on what he could see of the stage as he and Epel prepped for the next scene.
Epel didn't even bother looking. "Wouldn't surprise me, Vil's been on his hide about getting too dramatic about everything. But you know how he is."
Deuce was frozen in place watching the play. "Yeah but- oh man his sleeve just hit Vil in the face."
"Aw shit really?!" The lights dimmed and Epel swore once again under his breath. "That's our cue, come on." Cast members shifted out and the existing set was pulled into the wings as the forest was rolled into place, Rook waxing poetic over the speakers about taking a walk to be alone with his thoughts.
As quickly as the lights went out they were brought back up, the crew having scampered off the set and back into the wings. With things back in view Epel gave a questioning look to the sight of Jack holding Deuce under one arm like an oversized football before setting the smaller boy down. "Try not to fall down again." Deuce hung his head in shame.
On the other hidden wing of the stage Jamil finished his fussing with Azul's hood and wig combo. "Honestly, you nearly ran us down to the last minute."
Azul huffed softly and adjusted his sleeves. "I told you, I was running last minute prep for the lounge in order to ensure it would be alright without me present for the night. It's bad enough as it is that Floyd is manning the intermission refreshments booth by himself, let alone-"
"It'll be okay!" Kalim's chipper voice came out as an excited whisper. "You got it all figured out and then were here in the nick of time!"
Jamil freely rolled his eyes with a tight frown. "Yes. As you've told us three times now." Rook's fake weeping filled the speakers. "Okay you're on." Azul gave a quick nod and crossed out onto the stage.
"That was really nice of you to help him get his costume sorted out." Kalim spoke softly, swaying with clear excitement.
Jamil crossed his arms and kept his eyes fixed on the stage. "I'm a stagehand so it's just my job." Azul's voice filled the speakers as he began to recite his lines as the witch of the woods. He mirrored Rook in being adorned in a layered dress with longer hair to give the at-a-glance appearance of him being a stereotypical "woman", but unlike Rook Azul bothered to lift his voice slightly, bringing a gentle lilt to his tone as he spoke.
"I think Azul looks really pretty with long hair. Maybe he should grow it out."
"Hm, I suppose." Jamil mused out loud, tilting his head slightly. "But you know he would say it's unprofe- No we are not talking about this ." He hissed softly and moved elsewhere, Kalim tailing with a soft giggle.
Unaware of the fuss in the wings Azul continued on, posing more elegantly than a woodsy witch character probably should but still staying effortlessly in character. "My lovely queen, take these two seeds and plant them in the furthest corner of your garden under a golden cup. When you awaken at sunrise, remove the cup and you will find two small blooming roses, one red and one white." He withdrew his hands from Rook's own as he pantomimed gifting the seeds. "It is then that your fate is in your own hands. You must choose the flower you wish to eat, and with that you will choose the child that will be born to you. Red for a son, and white for a daughter."
Rook gave an impassioned nod, his false tears dripping down his cheeks- how did he manage that one ? "But what shall I give you in return? Surely there must be something you ask of me?"
It was here that Azul's smile shifted to be a bit.. forced. "Why, I ask nothing at all of you my queen. I only wish you a happy future." He held his tongue for a single second before making a decision. "I only ask that you keep me in your heart within said future. After all, I'm sure we could more than help one another should we need to do so."
Behind the stage Vil gripped the shirt of the nearest stagehand in a blind fury. "He's AD LIBBING ."
Azul continued, being stopped by neither crew nor cast. "It is, after all, so important to keep up with your important contacts, my lady. Just as I may suggest that after you choose which rose to consume you should seek a complimentary-" The rolling stage piece with trees in the foreground shifted to collide with the backs of Azul's ankles, getting a cry of anguish to bubble up within his throat, though it was quickly muffled by his hands and a fake cough. "Ah, yes yes I'm afraid you must be on your way. Though my lady-" He had slipped back into character without missing a beat, "Do take care in only eating one rose."
"He still tried to plug the lounge? After what Vil said he'd do to him?" Kalim winced softly to himself as he peaked out at the ending forest scene. He didn't need to be on until the second act and was more than content to simply watch in the wings. "Poor Azul, he's going to be in so much trouble."
Jade chuckled softly as he typed up a message on his phone, standing close behind Kalim. "I was sure he would risk it, so I managed to film the sad attempt. I've no doubt Vil is waiting for Azul to exit so he may strangle him."
Kalim tilted his head up to glance behind himself at Jade. "You recorded it?"
Jade tilted his head down and gave a smile with just a hint of teeth. "I'm sending it to Floyd as we speak."
As the two continued their quiet conversation Azul exited the stage, careful to scurry out of Vil's vision and keep to the shadows to avoid the wrath he had knowingly incurred. Sure the attempt at plugging the refreshments booth was a rushed and mildly poor one but.. Oh who was Azul kidding it was a laughable mess, an absolute disgrace . He wedged himself into a corner behind a set piece and prayed he could stay unseen until his next queue.
The set shifted from the forest to the garden, students grabbing the rolling set pieces to break the way into view, the false depth of the scene enhanced by the projector in the rafters. Up with all the lighting equipment Idia yawned softly and tapped on his phone to replenish the stamina in his game. Everyone was lucky that he was allowed to play on his phone, having all of this rigged up to change automatically with simple and quick button presses, otherwise he would probably die of boredom from this stupid play. Even just hearing Azul begin to ad lib had nearly made him cringe out of his skin.
"My poor seeds, I pray that you really are magic, and not another in a long list of false hopes made to break my heart even more then it is already shattered." Rook spoke his prose and Idia gagged from up in his station. Gross who actually liked stuff like this. Regardless he glanced at the stage, gave a mental count as Rook walked off, and hit the button on the lighting board that transitioned the scene from sunset into darkness and into a vibrant sunrise. Yeah. Piece of cake.
As the lights went through the process of fading in and fading out dramatically a small group of students set to work about Rook, carefully undressing the topmost layer of his gown as part of his hair was pinned up. With the removal of his crown he was now in bed clothes in an effortless costume change. He gave a quick and soft round of praise to his team before stepping back on stage, giving a gently hurried walk to where the cup had been placed in the fake garden. In a seamless motion he seemed to glide onto his knees, reaching out for the cup before faltering, a moment of hesitance casting over him before he removed the cup with confidence, two small roses having "bloomed" within the false night from the prop cup. He touched the petals gently. "I.. am afraid I did not believe I would see you here." There was a great silence that fell across the cast and crowd. "I gave not a moment of thought to what I would choose. Who I would pick." Rook's hand ghosted the red flower. "I could have a son, who would lead this kingdom proudly and warmly like his father before him. But oh. War may come to our peaceful little land, as it often unexpectedly does. I may lose him." His hand ghosted the white rose now. "A daughter, she would stay home, safe from such violence. But when she reaches the age to marry.. I would lose her for sure."
As Rook began to cry with emotion once more Vil watched with pride in the wings. Azul's fuckup be damned this Frenchman could act. The audience was transfixed and watched with bated breath as Rook gently ate the red rose, crying softly before picking and eating the white one as well. The production was lucky Trey was an accomplished baker, being able to make simple modeling chocolate flowers that looked a little more lifelike to the eyes of anyone not close enough to tell the difference. It also helped that his unique magic made them a little more gentle on the palette. Despite this Vil still gently winced as Rook ate the roses. Eugh.
The set crew was back to work as the scene came to a conclusion, switching the sets around to the interior of the castle once more as Rook was quick changed into another gown, Vil having thankfully had his costume change ages ago in preparation for the months advancement the play was now given as Rook happily rushed onto the stage to announce his pregnancy. The group had opted to have no scenes that would have any sort of prop stomach to feign said pregnancy. The first years had gotten far too rowdy with their joking, comparing the idea to the various television shows about young teen mothers and had gone as far as jokingly asking Rook how he felt being one.
As the scene transitioned yet again to the dramatic night of the child's birth Vil stepped offstage and clasped a hand around Ace's shoulder, the latter dressed up as a medical professional for the scene. " No nonsense. Not a single moment of it. " Vil hissed his words with an elegantly restrained fury as Ace swallowed nervously. It was bad enough that Azul had decided to go off script, the last thing any of them needed was any of the joke stunts from Ace.
Speaking of Azul, he was still wedged between the set piece and the wall, stewing in his own turmoil until the set piece moved. He stifled a cry of panic before his eyes rest upon Jade, needing no time to adjust to the darkness. " Leave me alone, I'm clearly hiding. "
"Yes, that's exactly why we came to find you." Jade grinned, Kalim peeking out from behind him. "We were.. worried." Azul's eyes narrowed at the obvious lie.
"I think you did a really good job! Your acting was really great, even if the refreshments part was kind of weird!" Kalim spoke happily, unintentionally stabbing verbal knives into the already weary octopus.
Before the conversation could continue voices came from the stage once again as the next scene progressed, a hilariously dramatized scene of the queen giving birth to her child, which everyone had opted to let Rook simply narrate how OH he was so worried and in such pain OH HOW TRAGIC. It was silly but the far better of their options.
Jade perked up immediately, some sort of internal radar for chaos going off. "Pardon me. I'll return in a moment." He quickly stepped away and pulled his phone from his pocket once more.
A soft humming laugh left Kalim. "He's having fun."
Azul scoffed. "He's a sadist."
Out on the stage the scene proceeded as planned, the cast of first years in an uproar as the child was revealed to be a projection of a slithering lindworm- a mythical dragon like serpent. The projection slithered up the wall and on to the window sill to turn and hiss threateningly at the group, before vanishing through the window. They were left in a state of shock, brought only out of it as Rook spoke up once more. "What was wrong with my child? I wish to see them- OH but it feels like I am still within the throws of labor!"
Ace moved now, walking up to the space blocked off by a small curtain to where the fake birth was, hiding most of Rook and a good number of props. It was there that Ace fished out the swaddle of cloth and doll that they were using for the second child. "My lady you were right! Here! A second son!" As Ace straightened his back the bundle fell from his arms. " Oh shit- " He scrambled to catch the fake baby, earning a scattered laugh from the audience as he tried to compose himself once more. Vil was going to murder him. "L-Look my lady! Behold your child!" Shit he was yelling. Oh my god he was freaking out.
Jade stood in the wings, smiling softly as he recorded the entire incident.
From the other side of the stage Deuce, Epel, and a small handful of other set crew did their best to bite back their laughter. "He talked such a big game and then he dropped the baby- " Deuce wheezed.
" What a fucking idiot- did you hear the plastic head hit the floor??" Epel leaned against Deuce as the two of them tried to not dissolve into an absolute fit.
As the group on the stage swore their secrecy to the queen Jack moved to gently smack the shoulders of the still laughing set crew. "Come on, we have to get this set change rolling."
One of the fellow first years groaned. "There's way too many set changes in the first half."
Jack's ears tilted back as his tail swished with annoyance. "Yeah.. but it's our job so let's all just make sure we do it right."
Epel straighted up, helping Deuce to his full height as well. "We don't want to end up on the Azul Ace kebob." Another round of rolling quiet laughter passed over the group as they moved to grab the new set pieces as time would once again move forward.
"So you've decided to hide?" Jamil spoke calmly, blinking like a languid cat as he stared at the space behind the set piece, both Azul and Kalim now crowded behind it.
A scowl was written across Azul's features. " Obviously. What else would you suggest?" Despite Azul's obvious aversion to having two people so close within his personal space Kalim continued to smile at him warmly, gently patting Azul's hand in a misguided attempt at comfort.
Jamil smirked. "You know. I think you're right. This is a good place to leave you."
" Jamil Viper don't you DARE. "
Up with the lighting boards Idia swore at his game, having undergone the worst possible outcome for two ten pulls in the new event gacha. He still had plenty of diamonds he had saved up but SERIOUSLY?? What kind of bullshit rng was this game using?? This was a focus centered around his best girl and he hadn't even gotten a regular card that he already had with her! WHY DID SHE HATE HIM- no he couldn't think about it like that. It would break his heart. He hit the button for another ten pull as tears pricked the corners of his eyes.. When would she return from the war- Oh shit yeah the lights. With a scoff Idia glanced towards the stage to wait for the right moment before pressing the next button. The game in his hand chimed. Ah. Garbage, garbage, okay she was new, garbage- OH FUCK YEAH !! A png of a glasses wearing girl with blue and purple hair filled his screen, a golden SSR emblazoned in the corner of the scene of her gaming in her room. Idia punched the air and happily bounced in his seat, now more thankful than ever that his lighting crew duties were a minimum.
As the lights once again feigned a sunrise they revealed Riddle in center stage, flanked by other cast members in armor as they peered off into a great valley. It had been an ordeal convincing Riddle to join the cast after the original actor for the prince wound up getting sick. Riddle had insisted that he had more important duties concerning the more public side of the play, but was ultimately assured that he would fit the role quite well and- sadly there was a little bit of begging involved. Regardless Riddle stood there now, shoulders back and head held high like true royalty. "Our travel should take us less than a week's time. If we take the clear paths there's little reason for us to have too much trouble."
"THE PRINCESS WILL BE EAGER TO SEE YOU, I'M SURE." Sebek was beside Riddle now, in full captions armor as he gestured grandly.
Riddle placed a gentle hand against Sebek's arm. "Your enthusiasm is appreciated dear knight."
Sebek faltered slightly, understanding the queue that he was being too loud. During rehearsal he had objected to the idea vehemently, stating that being able to project oneself was crucial within theater. It was only once he was reminded that not only Lilia but Malleus himself intended to be in the audience that Sebek finally seemed to listen, putting the idea of having the play be as polished as possible beyond his own personal opinions about theater. "Ah- Yes that is- It's not every day that two suitors finally meet!"
Riddle moved elegantly, gazing off with a gentle look across his features. "Yes.. The princess and I have been exchanging letters for a while now, and we both have been eagerly awaiting this day."
Backstage Kalim began to squirm away from where he was hiding with Azul and past Jamil. " Sorry- I didn't mean to step on your foot- I'll be back- I just, I really want to see when Jade comes on."
Jamil quickly moved out of Kalim's way, catching him before he tripped over a stray prop. "Take your time, I know where you'll be." Kalim gave his thanks and headed to the closest wing in order to watch the stage, Jamil and Azul both watching him as he left.
The cast on stage took their places as they began to feign heading out of the kingdom, Idia at the ready to head the projector as needed to pull off the next scene.
It was then that Jade finally entered the stage.
He had been against playing such a central role, his auditioning intended more for some scheme of Azul's rather than his own sort of gain. Again he was someone who practically had to be begged in order to take the stage. It was only after a proper idea hatched for how to incorporate him into the role in a way no one else could manage, that he began to agree. The projector was used to amplify his visage to a larger scale, the other actors having to keep their distance to allow the illusion to have its full weight. One arm slinking out from behind the curtain before his body made way to be illuminated in his full reveal as the great and terrible lindworm.
Internally Jade was thankful that the lights were cast in such a manner that he was unable to see the audience. This really would have been a role better suited for Floyd, had he actually bothered to audition like he was instructed. Nevertheless Jade continued on for the sake of.. obligations. It would be fun either way, his true form given some accessories and little prop work to make him look more terrifying, though he had no doubt his natural teeth and claws were doing plenty for him. My, this was embarrassing.
The party of knights drew back in terror at the projection used to make the lindworm look nearly three times Jade's actual size, a couple drawing their weapons as a loud hiss rose from him. "Eels do not growl." Jade had said early on into rehearsal. "But I can manage a hiss of sorts."
"Is it scary though? Regardless of sound, the most important element is that you are to be intimidating." Vil had been patient, working to revise the script to adapt to people's needs.
Kalim and Yuu had been the ones to speak up in Jade's stead. "It's kind of intimidating." Kalim had said with a look of deep contemplation, before it was waxed over with a wide smile, "Mostly I think it's just really cool!"
It was hard not remembering that grin now, or how enthusiastically Yuu had nodded in agreement. It was embarrassing really. Still, even as Jade did his best to not flounder, Riddle took his queue with ease. "Great creature! Why do you block our path? If you do not let us pass we will be forced to slay you."
Another hiss left Jade. "A bride for me, before a bride for you. " He spoke low and drawn out, letting the words flow in a simple stream for an eerie effect.
Off in the wings Vil was watching happily, beaming gently as the scene played out better than he could have hoped. The idea to use Jade's mermaid form to their advantage had been a spectacular one, and had cut tons of work out of their prop budget. Of course it helped that Idia had already built the projection system last Halloween so they only had to- Wait was Azul finally out of hiding . Vil turned quickly, locking eyes with what was indeed Azul, caught in the middle of trying to peek out onto the stage. Ah, a moment of weakness borne from friendship. Vil pointed a threatening finger and mouthed the word " you " before quickly charging his way towards Azul.
Azul made a soft genuine cry of panic- which was thankfully concealed by Sebek yelling once more as knights pretended to be knocked back by the projection. Vil thanked anything and everything that Azul would be unheard as the two of them hooked behind the backstage in a near run. The set crew parted as the two weaved between set pieces, Azul scrambling over and between what he could in an almost comical attempt to shake Vil, though it seemed to be an impossible feat as Vil kept getting closer and closer until-
Jamil stepped between the two, Vil crashing into him as the two of them fell onto the bedroom set for the final scene. " Just what do you think you're doing?! " Vil huffed in quiet anger, quickly straightening himself up as he gave a glance around the stage for where Azul had run off to.
"I needed your approval for an outfit change. The shirt Kalim is supposed to be wearing when he enters seems to have gotten a tear." Jamil stood now, brushing off his black pants before moving to pick up the garment he had been holding. "Would this do as a substitution?"
Vil narrowed his eyes, giving Jamil a once over before he turned his attention to the shirt. "Yes. This is fine." He gave a pause and another scrutinizing look before heading back to where he had previously stood. It was unnecessary to give such a blatant lie too much attention.
As the scene began to change once more Vil walked hurriedly onto the stage under the cover of darkness to take his mark, sighing softly at the time that had been wasted in chasing Azul. Really, it was embarrassing how Azul's flounder had gotten him so riled up. However, as Rook joined his side the other gingerly brought his lips to Vil's ear. "As the play draws to a close this evening, he'll be within your sights." Ah, conspiratorial. Vil couldn't keep the smile from his face.
As the cast and crew moved to change the scene back to the castle a select group of students moved to quickly help Jade exit the stage, taking heaps of his tail into their arms as they set him down in a small holding area they had made just off stage for him to prevent the need to switch between his forms multiple times. Jade himself had insisted it would be fine, but Azul knew the physical strain it caused and had put together a small group of Octavinelle students to carry him as needed, keep him from getting too dry, and most importantly to quickly clean up any slick residue or slime left behind on stage in Jade's wake.
Even with all the precautions Deuce found himself tripping over the very end of Jade's fin, knocking a rolling piece with trees from the forest scenes out into the castle on stage, a whispered, " NOOOOO! " of anguish leaving his lips as he reached out to attempt to grab the set piece.
As quickly as the trees had rolled onstage Epel pulled them back into the wing just before the lights came back up, using far too much strength and toppling himself over. From within his holding tub Jade gave the two of them a grin. "Aren't you two just trying your best? "
Deuce groaned.
"My dearest child," Rook crossed the stage towards Riddle, clasping the red haired boy's face within his hands, "You're home far sooner than expected. Did something happen on your journey?"
Riddle gave a nod, letting the queen's hands fall from his face as his expression soured. "No matter what path we took to leave the kingdom, we were brought to a halt."
"Something was stopping you?" Vil spoke now, tone concerned, but even with patience. Still he walked closer, placing a hand upon Rook's arm as the three on stage gave the air of being a close and loving family.
"We were halted by a lindworm."
"A lindworm?!" Vil was the one who spoke, as Rook seemed to pale with shock.
"I've never seen a creature so terrifying. It blocked our path like its very life depended on the act, taking no heed to any threats or attempt at attack." Riddle paced gently as he recounted events unseen by the audience. "No matter what we attempted, it only spoke one thing to us. 'A bride for me, before a bride for you.'"
It was then that Rook covered his mouth in shock, tears once again welling up in his eyes as he began to come clean to the king and prince about the mysterious day of the prince's birth. What an emotional queen Rook seemed to be. Vil chanced a glance out at the audience, catching sight of a couple people looking moved by the monologue. Alright at least the quick tears were working for them.
As the recounting of the event came to a close Vil straightened himself out, one hand still gently rubbing Rook's back. "I see.. This means that the lindworm is our child. The first son and heir to the throne." There was a deep silence that overtook the room. Vil turned to speak towards the audience, his costume fluttering dramatically as he did. "Then we have no choice. For our people, for our kingdom. We must send for him.. and prepare to find a bride who will wed such a monster."
Within a beat the lights dimmed once more as Jack hoisted the pulley to close the curtains, the stage descending into darkness before the house lights were brought up to illuminate the crowd. Finally, they had reached intermission.
As people began to exit the theater for the chance to use the bathroom or purchase a refreshment Floyd looked up from the sign he had just finished scrawling out in sharpie. "Oh fuck yeah perfect timing." He turned the sign over and slapped on a doubled over piece of duct tape before smacking the sign on to the corner of the stand he had been tasked with manning. The sign loudly read "Floyd Special- Three Thaumarks"
Azul would be pissed if he saw the sign, but Floyd had been left in charge since Azul just HAD to play the kind and benevolent witch of the woods. Azul could deal. Though judging by the video Jade had sent him earlier, there was a good chance that Azul would be made into fresh takoyaki by the end of the night.
Floyd chuckled to himself and pocketed his phone as the first set of people made their way to his side of the booth to order. "Hello uh, what's the 'Floyd Special'?" The girl leading the group asked nervously, eyes flitting from Floyd's eyes to his teeth and back again.
His grin only grew wider. "Well, it's three marks for a cup 'o whatever I feel like givin you." Floyd gave a shrug. "Like a mystery drink, but every one is totally different."
The group of girls talked amongst themselves for a minute before turning their attention back towards Floyd. "Yeah, sure that sounds fun! We'll take four." The same girl spoke, getting nods from her friends.
"Kaaaay~." Floyd grabbed four of the cheap plastic cups Azul had ordered for the event, scooping ice into them before setting to work figuring out what he wanted to make. The first one he filled mostly with a lemon lime soda, before adding a splash of a diet cola and a lemon wedge. The second he put in grape soda, to which he added flavor shots in cherry, blue raspberry, and vanilla. The third he poured half full of some red Italian ice flavoring before topping it off with a cherry cola. The last one he filled entirely with coffee creamer.
Yeah this was a fuckin blast already.
After he took the girls' money and handed them their drinks the Octavinelle student running the register beside Floyd scooted closer. "Okay what is the Floyd Special supposed to be again." Floyd blinked for a moment, turning away from his line to grab another cup, scooping in ice before pouring in vanilla syrup, lemon lime soda, and grenadine.
"Stuff like this."
The other boy quietly took the drink from Floyd's hand. "Yeah okay I think I get it."
Floyd gave him a hard pat on the back. "Try to not have too much fun."
"Shouldn't I be the one saying that to you?" The boy spoke as he handed off the drink to his customer, watching as Floyd began to mix things to make something almost neon purple.
The eel cackled in response, handing off the drink and grabbing another cup. "See you're forgetting something basslet," Floyd started coating the sides of the cup with strawberry syrup, locking eyes with his companion as his pupils narrowed, " I'm your fucking boss ."
The act of intimidation was met with a playful scoff. "Just thinking about Azul here, Floyd."
A soft laugh left Floyd this time as he poured some sort of premade tea into the cup he held, watching as the other continued to make his own drinks. "Azul ain't here right now, so what's it matter?"
The part time bartender for the lounge paused in the middle of his drink creation to give the statement some thought, before returning to mixing up something he hoped would taste like a raspberry soda. "I suppose it's just a problem for future us to worry about then."
After the exchange the two of them fell into a routine, aided by the other few students in the back of the booth helping with the occasional food order or grabbing ingredients needed. By the time the intermission began to come to a close over half their sales had been in Floyd Specials alone.
"You know," Floyd's companion broke the silence that had begun to settle over them, "I think Azul is just gonna be mad you didn't charge more."
Floyd responded with a loud cackle.
Back on stage there had been enough fussing with second act costume changes and set dressings. As the audience began to quiet down and settle into their seats the lights were brought down once more in a mimic of the play's opening. Like the opening the stage was set to the main castle interior, Vil and Rook now adorned in new costuming, Riddle by their side this time. As the lines began to flow seamlessly on stage it was Cater that found himself eagerly waiting in the wings.
Honestly he hadn't expected to make it in for a speaking part, and the idea of performing was a little.. Well he was feeling nervous, enhanced by the fact that he would be on stage next to Vil. The last thing Cater needed to do was totally bomb this, especially since he asked Trey to get good seats in the audience to snap some great shots that Cater could post on Magicam later. Though of course Cater had taken his own pictures earlier while he was getting ready, cute mid makeup shots, but he really wanted to get a great pic of himself on stage. #FriendPhoto #TotallyCandid #NRCLiveProduction- tagging Vil since he'd be present in the shot, of course. He would be on stage the entire time Cater found himself under the spotlight. It all came down to Trey not botching the photos. Please Trey, for the sake of the likes .
Regardless of how much Cater was seemingly caught up in his own mind, he stepped on stage with perfect timing, focused on giving the best- well, his best performance. Cater was another student who found himself in a dress, though he was fortunate enough to have had his hair deemed fine as it was for the role of the first visiting princess. Honestly it was kind of sad that he would only be able to wear the gown for the course of the production, he was definitely rockin it. "My king and queen," Cater gave a deep bow, the decorations upon his crown gently dipping with him, "I am honored to finally meet you, as I am delighted to finally meet the prince I have become betrothed to."
"Ah yes," Vil spoke with hesitation, Cater's words immediately bringing disease to the players on stage. "I'm afraid the eldest prince will be.. indisposed until the wedding this evening."
"This evening?" Cater did his best to feign surprise. "So soon?"
"Worry not my child, we shall have you fit for a dress, decorated as a proper bride before you meet your husband."
The scene carried on for a few more minutes even as Cater exited, a few stagehands now in costume as they moved decorations into the foreground, acting as castle staff decorating while the king spoke of how important this marriage was, how the lindworm had begun to terrorize the people of their kingdom. Even as he finished speaking the decorating continued, the lighting dimming to the warm glows of evening before the princess was brought back on stage, a light wedding gown quickly slapped atop the base gown Cater had already been wearing while some accessories had been swapped out to give him the appearance of a bride now.
Trey had better get a good picture of him.
After some more feigned confusion from the cast, now accompanied by the dressed stagehands, playing the staff and audience to the wedding, once more the lindworm entered.
"I'm honestly surprised we managed to talk him into this." Azul spoke calmly from the dark sidelines, hand to his chin in thought while Jamil's gaze slid from the stage to rest his attention upon his new companion.
"Out of hiding so soon?"
Azul's eyes closed, his hand falling down to touch his fingertips to the space above his three octopus hearts. "Nothing but cruelty from you I see. After all I've done for you."
Jamil kept his expression flat, save for raising a single eyebrow. "That you've done for me ? Here I seem to recall it being me who's helped you tonight." He bit back a smirk as Azul's eyes flit open. "More than once I might add."
Ah. That was right, wasn't it? Helping Azul with his costuming before his blatant attempt to halt Vil's pursuit earlier. Something in Azul's stomach dropped. "I see. That is.. correct." How had he messed up so badly as to act without caution? He shifted his weight between his feet. "If there's anything-"
"Don't bother." Jamil was quick to snub any forthcoming offer. "I'm just doing my job tonight. It's nothing beyond that."
A beat of silence passed between them. There was screaming on stage as the scene had changed to the morning after the wedding, castle staff showing the king bloodied bed sheets in horror with the revelation that the lindworm had devoured the princess. "I suppose you're right." Azul's mouth curled back into that perfectly practiced smirk. "I must commend you for an impeccable job, at the very least."
Jamil gave a small scoff of laughter, barely reaching Azul's ears over the continued panic on stage. "I always do an impeccable job."
"I know."
On the other side of the wings Jade and Epel both found themself doing their best to fish a first year Octavinelle student out of the water tub Jade had been put back into once more. At least that was how it may have looked to the untrained eye, seeing as Epel was doing the most genuine attempt at helping, cursing softly under his breath while Jade was doing barely anything to push the student out, instead having too much fun watching their horrified reaction at having fallen in after him. As Ace aided Deuce, and two other stagehands attempting to throw paper towels and a mop onto the growing puddle Silver was all but shoved on stage.
It was time for the second princess to arrive, but it seems he had fallen asleep behind the scenes, standing dead on his feet for a moment before snapping back to attention and immediately getting into character and crossing over to the royal family. Again a wig had been forgone, despite the chosen dress doing nothing but accentuate the toned muscle Silver was made of. Despite Ace laughing at the costuming choice and saying it made Silver look more like a dude than ever they decided to stick with the choice. Rook said it made him look beautifully androgynous. Kalim had chimed in saying it made the lindworm seem even more terrifying, knowing it could devour such a strong princess. Silver himself had spoken up and said he thought the dress was pretty, the material shimmering different colors in the right light. Ultimately it was due to his own favor for the costume that sealed the deal.
The scene played out similarly to the one before it, showing the confusion before the wedding, the palpable fear during the wedding, and the horror of the princess having been lost after the wedding. They only need do it twice to hammer in that this would be a trend with the dreaded lindworm.
As yet another faux sunrise lit the stage Vil was now seated, accompanied only by Rook as the two began to lament over the losses. "Our kingdom has enemies now. We have lost four innocent lives to our own pathetic attempt to pacify the beast that plagues our kingdom." His head sunk into his hands, crown gently going askew in a visible manifestation of his stress. "Our people are terrorized, now going hungry and homeless from the fervent discretion of the lindworm as he revels in our futile attempts."
Rook placed a gentle hand upon Vil's shoulder. "Who are we to make such sacrifices? To cast these poor women off to meet such terrible fates?"
"Yet we must." Vil raised his head now, placing a hand atop his wife's own. "The beast stops his onslaught for a while after we give him each bride. I know the sacrifice of one is not enough to weigh against the lives of many but.. we simply must."
"Man, I hate how much of a melodrama this play is." Ruggie yawned from his position in the wings. "And here I'm stuck with the most dramatic part."
"We're getting a big chunk of extra credit, so why are you bitching?" Ace huffed softly, arms crossing as he glared at his upperclassmen.
Ruggie laughed while the scene changed on stage. "Nah, I'll live. The credit is nice, but I've been living it up with all the free food during rehearsals! And I've seen the lineup for the after-party!"
Ace heaved out a sigh. "Shoulda known that's what you're excited for."
"What can I say?" Ruggie turned and gave a shrug, a smirk plastered across his face as he began to walk out to his mark, "I'm an easy to please kinda guy."
The stage was set back to the garden, lights coming up as Ruggie set to pretend to tend to it, scooping dirt over the roots of a small plant before standing and wiping his palms off on the stained and dirtied knees of his pants. As Vil entered the stage Ruggie turned and regarded him almost warmly, more like an old friend than his king.
Their conversation began to dwindle and a heavy silence fell between the two of them, broken only as Vil began to speak with such a gentleness that Idia found himself glowering as he had to turn the mic sensitivity up. "My friend.. we have known each other since childhood. We grew up in this castle together. And despite our differences in status I truly have only ever regarded you as a friend." Another pause settled over them, tensions rising. "I regret to say I must ask something truly unforgivable of you."
"How do I look?" Kalim's voice had an uncharacteristic wariness to it, fidgeting as he pressed himself close to Jamil. "I think everything is on okay."
Jamil gave a sigh, a particular tone Azul had grown to realize was reserved for Kalim exclusively. "You look fine . If costume and makeup is done with you then you're good to go." His hands found his hips, eyes giving Kalim a once over while refraining from any adjustments to the boy before him. It was in that moment that Azul chanced remember the feeling of Jamil's hands skirting across the fabrics of his own costume, gingerly preening him before his own stage debut.
Oh my. His face felt warm. Thank goodness it was so dark back here.
Kalim's face broke into a wide grin. "Thanks Jamil!" Of course he glazed over the dismissive tone in Jamil's voice, opting to take the reassurance at face value. "I guess I'm just a little nervous." Despite his words he seemed anything but, shifting on his feet to twirl the skirt he was wearing around him.
"I cannot tell you how sorry I am to ask this of you." Vil began to slowly exit the stage, the crowd deathly silent as he made his retreat. "But you must ."
As Ruggie was left on stage he sat within the silence, figuratively before he literally sat down on the stage, his head in his hands as he seemingly processed the conversation he had just had. It was then that Kalim was handed his prop- a basket full of market goods- before finally heading on to the stage.
It was the first time there had been audible gasps from the crowd since Jade had been introduced as the great lindworm. He was another in the group that had chosen to have long hair for his part, saying he had always been curious how he would look. It had been a headache trying to keep him out of the wig since, and it had taken some heavy convincing to get him to agree that he didn't need ornate braiding like Jamil typically wore. Despite his plainer costuming, hair loose with little styling, and no accessories, he was stunning to behold.
It was a big part of why he had been chosen to play the heroine, no matter how much of an additional headache it was to get him to memorize the lines.
"Father!" Kalim spoke cheerfully before pausing, calling out to Ruggie once more as he swept to his side. "Is everything alright? Are you hurt?"
Ruggie laughed bitterly, looking over at Kalim before cupping his face gently within his hands. "I'm just fine, my child. It's you that I'm worried for."
"Me?" Kalim put the basket down and put his hands atop Ruggie's own. "I don't understand.."
"The king-" Ruggie's voice seemed to catch in his throat. It was a pretty good performance despite Ruggie's previous verbal displeasure at the heightened drama of the play, getting a pleased nod from the ever vigilant Vi. "You must marry the lindworm."
Again silence overtook the auditorium, poignant as Ruggie embraced Kalim- perhaps a little too hard, as Kalim couldn't help but make a small noise of discomfort before the dialogue resumed. "I'm so sorry that you're cast into this terrible fate. You deserve so much better than this. You always have."
Kalim broke the hug, pulling away to give his father a gentle smile. "Don't cry for me father. No matter my fate I'll be helping my kingdom. It's not a sad fate, it's an honor to help protect the kingdom that I love."
From offstage Jade snapped photos of his own, careful to not alert the attention of the fellow dorm members attending to him. It was a silly habit, sneaking pictures here and there. Originally it had started as a way to gain blackmail for Azul, and for himself, but it had slowly begun trickling into other things. Photos of plant life he had found on his hikes, of views from mountaintops that he wanted to keep a solid memory of, things he wanted to try to sketch in his journal later when he had the chance to sit down.. and the occasional photo of the people around him. Simply things that caught his eye. They were just for himself. Little memories. Nothing more.
Still this was far from the first picture he had taken of Kalim.
On the wing opposite Azul shifted uneasily once more. "Do I look alright?" He spoke softly to his unwitting companion, unintentionally matching Kalim's notion from earlier while taking notice as Jamil looked up lazily from whatever he had been searching briefly on his phone.
Jamil reached out and brushed a piece of Azul's bangs out of his eyes before trailing down to straighten the high buttoned collar of Azul's dress. "You're good."
Azul felt like he had gone completely boneless, legs wobbling gently as he tried to steady himself. Thank fuck Jamil had turned his attention back to his phone in time to miss how Azul had to stifle a soft gasp for air. He had almost forgotten how to breathe. Shit and he had to get on stage . He muttered his soft thanks before quickly trying to shuffle off to his mark on stage, legs fighting him every step of the way.
Without looking up Jamil gave a soft smirk. He didn't know what Azul's game was, but he had to admit it was a little amusing how easy it was to get under the merman's skin. He relished seeing when Jamil displayed the cracks in his mask and well, Jamil figured he could find some pleasure in seeing the same from Azul. It wasn't often that the Azul Ashengrotto found himself at a loss for words after all.
On stage the scene had found Kalim wandering through the woods as the queen had in the first act, crying softly before coming up on the witch. Their conversation mirrored that of the earlier one as well, the gardener's daughter assuring the witch that she was resigned to her fate, and did not wish to burden anyone with her tears.
"My dear girl, worry not, for I know what can break the lindworm's curse." Kalim gave a small sniffle as he began to hang onto Azul's every word, his hand reaching up to dry his own watery garnet eyes. "Before your wedding night tomorrow, you must don ten white shifts. Send a servant to adorn the room with a tub of lye, a tub of milk, and as many birch rods as a stable boy can carry."
Kalim continued to nod as the witch spoke, only interrupting as the final step was reached. "Must I- really hold him?" His voice was nearly trembling with fear.
Azul gave his own nod now. "You must ."
"Woah Azul looks like a babe."
Ace slapped his hand over his mouth as he all but jumped out of his skin as a familiar voice rose up from beside him. " Holy shit dude ." He nearly squeaked up at Floyd. " WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE ."
Floyd shrugged, a wide lopsided grin plastered across his features. "Got bored. Thought I'd check out the play." A snicker of amusement from Jade wafted from behind the two of them.
"You could like, check it out in the audience like a normal person."
"Nah." Floyd stretched, cracking his sternum. "That's not as fun." As he spoke, Azul's gaze locked with his own, hesitating in his line as his eyes widened for only a moment. Floyd chuckled softly.
Jade moved slowly, the water around him making little noise as he came to rest his elbows on the side of the tub. "Looks like you had best be on your way, or else you'll never hear the end of it."
As soon as Azul had exited the stage he took a sharp turn, no doubt headed to scold the misbehaving twin. Floyd swayed listlessly on his feet. "He can try . I could make this whole play a lot more interesting if I really wanted to."
Quietly as he could, Ace began to slink away from the group.
The stage was once again shifted, this time to accommodate the final wedding scene, but the stagehands found themselves unaccompanied by a specific group of first years.
" How did he get in here ?!" Ace gave a sharp whisper to his companions, looking between Floyd and Azul weaving through the set pieces behind the stage.
" Who was watching the door? " Deuce gave his own look between the two opposing forces. If they got rowdy and ruined the play it would be the death of everyone.
"Uh, Deuce, I think you were supposed to be watching the door." Despite the accusation Epel spoke rather gently.
" Me ?!"
"Wow Loosey Deucey really fucks it up again."
" HEY -"
"It doesn't matter who was supposed to be watching the door," Jack scratched the back of his head, ears flattening with mild annoyance, "What matters is that we keep them from getting out of hand."
Epel gave a soft punch of his fist into his open hand. "Ain't gonna be no ruckus on mah watch."
" No fighting from you either ." Jack was quick to reprimand the idea, getting soft grumbles of annoyance from his fellow freshmen. "Though it uh, looks like we might not have to worry."
The group turned their attention back to the mermen, watching as Azul began dragging Floyd towards the door with a hell of a deathgrip, one hand wrapped around Floyd's face so tightly his cheeks were sure to bruise. Still, it was keeping the amused cackling coming from the eel muffled enough that the audience surely wouldn't hear.
"Damn trash took itself out." Ace laughed to himself.
"Not too loud or he'll throw you like a basketball again."
" Fuck, don't remind me ."
The scene on stage held on the wedding this time, letting it play out for far longer than the earlier wedding scenes, allowing the audience to see how kindly the heroine regarded everyone around her despite her fate. The wedding was strangely somber, more akin to a funeral than anything else. As it came to an end Kalim approached a maid, asking confidently and politely to have a tub of lye, a tub of milk, and as many birch rods as a stable boy could carry brought up to the bedroom. The maid didn't even bother to question the new princess as she gave her word that the requests would be met.
At last, they had all managed to make it to the final scene. As the lights were brought down for the final time, the stagehands switched out the set for the elaborate bedroom setup, pushing the rest of the props and stage pieces back to allow room for the rest of the cast to watch over the climax.
Up in the lighting booth Idia slumped back in his seat, playing a mobile version of a game he preferred to play on his computer on his tablet. The graphics were so much shittier on his tablet. Ortho rocked happily in the chair he had brought up in order to sit in next to his brother, having joined him about halfway through the play. "This is gonna be so cool! If everyone thought Jade Leech looked scary before, they're not ready for this next scene!" He hummed happily and pressed the button to bring up the lights, setting the stage in a dusky evening glow.
Idia laughed smugly from his chair. "All these npcs don't even know how lucky they are to see something with my programming involved."
Sure enough Jade was still a sight to behold, aided by the holographic technology to make him continue to seem large and menacing before Kalim. Still Kalim seemed to hold his ground before the creature, aided by the sure sight of the lye, milk, and birch rods. As Vil continued to observe from the wings he was reminded of the disastrous rehearsals they had previously for this scene. It was often by no fault of Jade or Kalim themselves thankfully, more often than not the difficulties coming from the fellow performers or set crew ready and waiting with laughter or obscene jokes.
"Maiden," Jade spoke with a wet hiss,"Remove your shift for me."
"Lindworm," Kalim replied gently, "Remove a skin for me."
The lindworm gave pause, cocking his head as he processed the girl's words. It was just a performance but there was something eerily inhuman in the way Jade did the motion. "No one has ever asked that of me." He gave a hissing laugh before his hands moved to pull off a "skin" like the shed of a reptile. It was all the holograms, of course, but it was still quite the sight, seeing Jade slip from a faux "skin" and grow ever so slightly smaller.
As he pretended to discard the hologram skin offstage Kalim followed in turn, removing one of the white shifts and dropping it to the floor in front of him.
"Maiden," Jade began again, "Remove your shift for me."
"Lindworm," Kalim spoke just as gently as he had the first time, "Remove a skin for me."
They continued in this manner, the extended scene a strange standoff between the two of them rising tensions as Jade seemed more winded and pained by every "skin" removed. The two were playing off of each other perfectly as they kept the atmosphere tense without letting the audience drop into boredom. It wasn't until Kalim was clearly down to the very last garment that Jade was left sticky, bloody, and heaving.
"My wife ," Jade rasped, "Remove your shift for me."
"My husband ," Kalim whispered, "Remove your skin for me."
As soon as the "skin" was removed from Jade Kalim grabbed for the birch rods, the lights shifting to make the scene look far more dramatic than it really was, as the girl was to break every stick across the creature.
Jade hissed and writhed in a terrible display, happy that most of it was masked by the new lighting. Oh, the things he was doing for this play. Still it was funny, how he could act like such a deplorable creature, and still not even phase Kalim.
As the final stick was discarded Kalim took Jade into his arms- oh he was actually lifting him fairly well. They had only rehearsed this once but Jade had been clinging to Kalim then, trying to let himself be held steady. Now, however, he was still thrashing a little, but was still being held significantly well. How amusing.
Jade was dunked into the first tub- it wasn't actually lye of course, but Kalim pretended to wash him in it all the same, before heaving Jade into his arms once more and dunking Jade into the tub of milk- which of course wasn't actually milk. The very idea of swimming in milk admittedly made Jade feel a little sick. Floyd had of course fought hard to make them use real milk, insisting with loud laughter that Jade become "fucked up cereal".
It was after this final bath that Kalim gathered the discarded shifts from the ground, giving Jade time to grab the hidden transformation potion that had been stashed for him. It was a fraction of his typical prescription dosage, given to him by the attending licensed doctor at the school, it was special for the play as to ensure things went off without a hitch. Normally it wasn't too hard to switch between forms when needed, but it required more than just willpower and there were too many outstanding factors to allow for error, so a potion to kick it into happening without a hitch it was. A simple solution for a simple problem.
The mood was almost gentle now, Kalim sweeping Jade out of the bath and into his arms, wrapping the tired creature in the clothes and holding him tightly to his chest. "I didn't know this would be so exhausting.. I just.. hope the witch was right.." He leaned against one of the prop walls and let his eyes gently close.
His voice faded and the lights dimmed, keeping themselves up just enough to create a false night time, bathing the stage in low bluey hues. It gave Jade just enough cover to quickly take his potion, muscle and bone quietly changing and snapping as his form changed within Kalim's arms. It was uncomfortable, but nothing he wasn't unfamiliar with.
The lights continued to change, welling themselves from the dark hues of night to the low light before dawn. It wasn't a long transition, but it felt like it lasted forever for Jade. His face was hidden from view of the audience, thank everything, as he had his gaze fixed upon Kalim. He was breathtaking, white lashes resting lightly upon softly blushed cheeks, face framed by the stark contrast of his fluffy white wig. It really suited him. Although, Jade supposed most things suited Kalim. There was an inherent beauty to him no matter the situation, it fascinated Jade deeply. Even now in this fake light of dawn the boy looked damn near angelic.
It made something inside Jade's torso tighten.
As Kalim's eyes began to flutter open Jade closed his own, pretending to have been feigning sleep this entire time while a soft knock came from off stage.
"Princess? Your majesty?" The speaking role belonged to Epel, using the sweetest voice he could muster. "Are you.. still alive?" Ace and Deuce giggled beside him, earning each a sharp elbow to the ribs from the smaller boy.
Kalim sat up slowly, the light continuing to shift to allow streams of light to look as if they were shining in from the window. The set was a purposeful mess, puddles of murky water made to look like lye and milk mixing with fake blood on the cobblestone floor of the rolling platform the two were upon. "I- I believe so."
As he spoke he shifted Jade in his arms, moving the clothing just enough to show the audience that Jade was rendered an ordinary sleeping man within his arms. Though of course he didn't uncover Jade too much, seeing as he was in fact quite alarmingly naked under the shifts. They had made explicitly sure that Kalim knew just how to wrap him up so that there was no risk of anything being exposed. If it didn't get him expelled Jade would simply leave NRC and the land altogether if that happened. "I believe. Everything will be alright now."
As this line was said the platform was grabbed and whisked off stage, the castle scene revealed behind it as the rest of the cast emerged from the wings to fill the stage as if everything was in commotion. It gave time for Kalim to quickly have the last shift removed, now that it was wet, before a new dress was quickly put on him. All the while Jade hastily slipped on underwear before finding himself being promptly dressed as well. Vil moved to center stage to give an announcement, keeping the scene drawn out as everyone worked in a panic to get the costume change done.
Jade and Kalim linked arms and walked back on stage, greated happily as the kingdom regarded the now human prince, and the girl who broke his curse. They were now a happy couple. Well. In the play. Though Jade mentally admitted that having Kalim so close by his side wasn't too bothersome.
As the play wrapped up the team behind the scenes clapped along with the audience. This was a stupid as hell play, but it was their stupid as hell play. And they didn't have anything catch on fire even once this time around.
"I think we did pretty good." Deuce gave a small laugh as the cast began to do their bows.
"Believe me, there's still plenty of time for fuck ups." Despite his words Jamil seemed fairly relieved in his body language at this point, he was almost relaxed.
Ruggie opened his mouth to make a quip before loud footsteps running up to the group caught their attention, accompanied by soft panting. " Wait did- Did they do the scene right ?" Aw hell Floyd was back.
"Which scene?" Jamil didn't bat an eye.
" The fuckin -" He took a deep breath. "The end one- the naked one."
"Yeah Jade didn't flash anyone." Ruggie crossed his arms and leaned against a fake tree.
Floyd gave a loud groan of annoyance. Well there was no doubt the audience heard that one . "MAN. It would have been hilarious if everyone saw his dick. He woulda freaked out so bad."
"Dude."
"What? People have seen my dick."
Ace made a gagging noise. "Yeah only because you don't understand that you need to wear pants in the locker room."
"You're only encouraging him Ace." Jamil pinched the bridge of his nose.
"The sign says it's a changing room. There's no rules sayin I can't walk around while I change!" Floyd laughed as he spoke.
Ruggie's ears flattened. "Yeah I am really glad I didn't want anything to do with basketball."
"Did you catch my final scene?" Jade joined them now, having given his final bow on stage. "Or did you only just now manage to escape our beloved Azul?"
Floyd damn near giggled. "I coulda came back sooner, but nah. So I missed it. Heard you didn't flash anyone though. Bo~ring~."
"I was quite happy with the results."
"Can we please stop talking about dicks?!" Ace spoke a little louder than intended, getting the attention of the entire group around him.
Jade's grin grew thin. "Oh my, I seem to have interrupted something."
"YOU DIDN'T."
"My apologies for intruding on something so.. personal ."
"HOLY SHIT."
Back on stage Rook and Vil stood in the center, the final actors on stage as they were given the loudest round of applause. The two of them gave a deep bow before they stood back up in unison, facing the crowd to see a few people standing as they clapped, the occasional whistle ringing out from the crowd. Vil was sure it wasn't necessarily for the, admittedly very common high school level play, but simply because he was who he was. Although Rook's performance definitely did deserve the standing ovation.
Regardless he was standing there, hand in hand with his companion as the house lights began to rise, the curtain coming to a close before him as he managed to stand on stage until the very end.
How funny that it was for something so silly .
"HEY FISHES!" Floyd's voice cut like a knife through the excited talking of everyone behind the curtain as he gave a loud manic giggle. "FLOYD SPECIALS ON ME- TILL AZUL CLOSES IT DOWN!"
The cast and crew gave a laughing cheer that rivaled that of the audience.
There was no way in hell more than three Floyd Specials were getting made before it all got shut down.