Chapter Text
…
How?
How can this possibly get worse than it already is?!
Sharing a room in a hotel thousands of miles away from home with the most annoying person on the planet! Somebody end this nightmare!
It all started Friday night.
~~~
Everyone knew about the famous Put Your Hands Up radio show every Friday night. Hundreds of people tuned in to hear the boisterous and flowing musical melodies requested by loyal listeners played on their radios. The host of the show, Present Mic, always made sure the beat was never lacking and with the inclusion of ‘themes’, people can bond and share their love for different artists and genres. It was a calling the long-haired blonde could answer with a signature YEAH! With his fun personality and people-loving nature, it was no wonder people would make a return every week.
Within the show, the host shared the spotlight with a special guest. Listeners cheered and adored whenever they appeared and always left messages on how they bettered the show. Kazoo was a shimmering star that somehow knew their way around a Queen song. Their dazzling gold pants and blazer with flats and gold necklace definitely matched the vibe of the night. The funky noise they sang out always put a smile on everyone’s face. Tonight was no different, people begged for them and Mic, especially when it came around to the signature ‘RickRolling” which ticked off the producers, but it’s what brought the listeners.
Once the camera was off and the music ended for the night, the 2 stars of the show often shared a nice cup of tea before they headed home and tonight was no exception. “Tonight was fantastic!” Present Mic beamed as the coat they wore became one with a wall hook. “People do seem to adore that playlist for tonight,” Kazoo commented as they brought out 2 piping cups of tea. “The yeahs really do a number on my throat.” He inhales the brew’s gentle aroma before sipping away. “Which is why I am sooooo thankful that you come in and helped me with ‘I was made for Loving you’. The crowd was WILD for ya!” He gave an apologetic smile as Kazoo winced at his volume.
“Yknow… I’m having Shota join me next Friday! He’s excited to meet with my co-star!” Kazoo sipped their tea, nodding contently. In the same building, just below Put Your Hands Up, was their frequency neighbor, Bun Cos Pod. The host, Shota, did a nightly podcast and some other streams. Unlike Mic’s loud personality, Shota’s podcast was often known for being very chill, comforting, and quiet. Definitely a breath of fresh air from the week’s chaos and bumps. Kazoo often tuned in when they needed a little sleep aid. “And then Saturday is the big conference with Clock Studios. However, I think I’d be rather lonely in that big boring conference alone.” Mic continued with a cheeky grin.”I think you’d be perfect to join me at that conference! We can sightsee, enjoy the conference, and even go to this famous karaoke bar!” He practically had stars in his eyes. “Me?? Travel and join you?” Kazoo was stunned! They’ve never travelled out of the city before much less with their friend! He pulled out 2 conference badges with a glitched music note printed on it. “What do you say?” Kazoo didn’t waste time in giving him a hug. “Oh of course! Thank you! Thank you!” They hugged their cohost and finished their tea, then the 2 headed to the elevator. “I’ve got to do some late paperwork! I’ll see you Monday!” They bid each other farewell before Kazoo stepped into the elevator. They let out a tired yet happy sigh as gentle music played through the elevator speakers.
They removed their gold flats and let their feet hug the carpeted floor. Visions of the upcoming conference danced in Kazoo’s mind. The idea of traveling and meeting other radio hosts and people in the music biz. They shut their eyes and enjoyed the peace until-
DING!
“So much for daydreaming ALONE,” thought Kazoo. The doors opened on the 5th floor and revealed a tired yet shiny figure with long golden hair that spiked up like a palm tree leaf. The figure locked eyes with Kazoo and they mirror a face of disgust. “YOU?!”
~~~
Wineapple stepped out of the shower, towel around their waist and toothbrush hanging from their mouth. The first day of any job was definitely nerve-racking, but for Wineapple, this job meant new opportunities, new teachings, and hopefully, new friends. They sighed as they looked in the mirror, toothpaste foam bordering his lips. He spits in the sink and grabbed the hair gel. “Let's do this!”
They left the house looking very dapper, purple slacks with an iridescent white button-up with a silver vest to match. The black dress shoes tacked against the pavement as they hopped into the car and drove off. Wineapple swallowed a lump in their throat once the car arrived in the employee lot. A sign in front of the vehicle read “Reserved for Bun Cos Employees” Killing the engine, their grip on the steering wheel loosening, and their hands cupped their fluttering stomach. “It’s going to be ok. You’ll be ok” With a deep breath, they made their way to the elevator and headed to the 5th floor. A bright poster with glasses and a microphone captured their gaze. “Every Friday Night! Put Your Hands Up Radio Show! Tune in to HERO FM”
The elevator doors opened, and standing there was Shota Aizawa, tired looking, but with a comforting smile. “Wineapple, punctual as a sergeant” He shook the younger’s hand with a confident shake. “Are you ready?” He asked. Wineapple chuckled nervously “As ready as I can be, sir” Shota shook his head. “You are my cohost, please call me Shota.” And with that, the pair headed to the booth. The booth itself looked just as organized as anyone could imagine Shota to be; the shelves were neat, housing little plants, fairy lights twinkled above, giving the room that familiar and comforting glow.
Shota handed them 2 water bottles and some headphones. “Tonight is going to be really easy. All you have to do is help me keep hydrating and maybe do silly dances, cue me for the next comments. Nothing too hard, right?” Wineapple shook his head. “Easy squeeze” He chuckled nervously as Shota finished setting up. Finally, the podcast started as Shota began to say hello to the audience. A couple of hearts and comments rose as he continued vibing with them. Off-screen, Wineapple watched star-struck as they let the master do the work. About 30 minutes in, Shota called them over “I’ve got to hydrate or I’ll Diedrate.” Wineapple came on screen, handing him a drink. As soon as people caught a glimpse of them, the audience went wild! “Wo are they?”, “Hello, cutie!”, “Shota has a friend!” The hearts increased and Shota had him sit on screen. “Everyone, this is Wineapple! Our newest member of BunCos Pod.” The audience went crazy of them, making Wineapple loosen up. Throughout the night, they answered questions with Shota, did a little boogie, and even made jokes.
The screen revealed the word ‘End’ and the 2 sighed in relief. “Oh man, I don’t think I’ve ever seen them go that crazy. You’re a hit, kid” Wineapple beamed, getting hit with a wave of calmness and comfort they hadn’t felt in a while. “How would you like to be a permanent co-star of the podcast? I could use the help.” Wineapple was flabbergasted. “Are you serious?” The sleepy host nodded, “You’re very popular, your skills were unmatched while you were interning for the building, and it would be nice to have a travel companion during conferences. There’s an upcoming one that I feel would be crucial to your employment here. What do you say?” The young rookie stood up and nodded “It would be an honor! Thank you, sir- I mean Shota!” They shook hands and cleared the studio before walking to the elevator. “I’ll see you tomorrow, Kid” The elevator stopped at the floor as Shota took the stairs to his car. Wineapple was coming down from their high; this new job was exactly what they wanted to be! The door opened and just as they were about to step in, their eyes locked with someone else’s. “YOU?!”
…
Kazoo has had plenty of run-ins with this character and none of them were very good. Though they were admired, Kazoo was not a fan at all and the feeling was mutual. They were great friends when they were both hired, but over time, the friendly hellos became hmphs and eye-rolls. Several times they’ve interacted, something always went awry. Fender benders in the lot, spilled coffee right before an interview, once even butt-dialing and joining in a critical meeting call. Wineapple did not like their sunshiney personality or the way their ears hurt when Kazoo loudly talked.
Sighing, they rode in silence until they reached the ground floor. Wineapple sighed and tried to be polite. “Late night again? Still working for your louder twin?” they asked as they inevitably walked to the employee lot. “Yes. What about you? Still interning for the building?” Kazoo said rather coldly. The other sighed and shifted their hands in their pockets “As a matter of fact, no. I got hired in one of the offices here.” They said in a factly matter, smug smirk to match. “Good for you. Let’s hope you can keep up.” They didn’t speak another word to each other, walking to their car and heading home, not thinking of their conversation. “At least they won’t put a damper on this job!” They both thought that night, unaware of the drama I plan on adding to their lives.
~~~
It was the day of the big conference! The Friday night collab night went very well, besides a verbal huff from the costars when they bumped each other and scattered papers and water on the floor, not that the 2 hosts needed to worry about that. No time for childish fights! Kazoo walked to Mic’s car once he honked in the lot for them. They loaded up a small case of spare clothes and DJ equipment in the boot of the car and slid into the passenger side. “THIS TRIP IS GONNA BE ROCKING!!!” Kazoo brought the energy, surprising Mic. “YEEEEEEEEEAAAHHHHHHHH!” he turned up the car radio to a playlist they made for the trip. They spent hours buzzing and screaming along to their music before Mic lowered the volume. “So about the show yesterday, Shota was very glad you could make some appearance and watch us twerk for likes” he groaned as Kazoo let out a honky laugh. “Let’s not forget all the times you nearly killed him with your hair.” They laughed and after a bit, Mic gave a shrug. “We also heard about you and Wineapple’s verbal dispute.” Kazoo sighed and pouted “We didn’t want you guys to worry. They’re just soooo frustrating! I don’t see why Shota would choose him to work with. You should see how they were as an intern.”Mic listened to them as he drove “Oh, believe me, I know a thing or 2 about frustrating people. Remember, high school teacher here. But you gotta respect Shota’s decisions about his show. He has a one-up to his judgment. One day, you’ll hopefully make peace with Wineapple. They seem like a nice kid.” Kazoo highly doubted that but they tucked the idea away for later.
Once they got to the big city a couple of hours later, Kazoo was glued to the car window, seeing the towers scrape the sky, lights, and boards screaming into their brain, and the people walking about. Mic laughed as his co-star was taking in the sights. “See that big building with the green heart? That’s where we’re staying! And the conference is on the ground floor. Where we’ll meet some producers, say hi to some artists, and maybe even grab some swag!” They were practically bouncing in their seats. They parked the car, grabbed their equipment, and headed inside, where they were blind-sighted with booths set up and music playing. Dozens of people were there, talking to the booth people, getting coffee and drinks, and checking in. Mic waved over to someone “Oh Shoooooooo! Yo! Over here!” Kazoo let out a surprised buzz. “Mr. Shota is here!?”
Right on cue, Shota turned holding pair of room cards “Mic, glad to see you here. Kazoo, nice to see you again.”He shook their hand, seeing Kazoo beam. Behind the sleepy podcast host stood none other than Wineapple. “You said floor 10 ri- You again?” Kazoo crossed their arms but tried to mask their disappointment. “Hello, Wineapple. I didn’t know you were attending.” Wineapple clinked the straw of their metal tumbler. “Likewise. Enjoy the conference.” They bowed as Shota joined them and headed to the elevator. “We’ll settle in and see you later for some lunch.” He waved to Mic and left him with a wave. “BYE SHOOOO! I LUUUUUUUUB YOO!” He laughed as Shota turned red and then erased his quirk. Kazoo laughed as Mic slowly regained his voice and checked in. He gave a key to Kazoo and lead them to the elevator “To give you your own space, I got you the room right next to mine!” Kazoo bounced on their toes, their sneakers squeaking as they walked in the clear elevator. Mic hit the 10 button and watched Kazoo attach to the glass. “Up we go!”
…
They made it to the 10th floor, both speeding out like puppies in a new park. They headed to the ledge that overlooks the hotel center; each of the floors had them and they had a wonderful time playing eye spy with the event on the ground floor. They got to Mic’sroom to drop his stuff, “I’m going to freshen up, go check your room, listener!” Kazoo excitedly rushed to their room and opened it. It was identical to Mic’s room to their delight. With the luggage tossed to the side, Kazoo flopped on the bed, releasing happy buzzy laughs. They took it all in, the smells of the linen, the comforting light of the lamp, the sound of the…door?
The bathroom door opened up and out stepped Wineapple. Kazoo screamed, startling Wineapple who in turn screamed. “WHAT ARE YOU DOING IN MY ROOM?! YOUR ROOM?? THIS IS MY ROOM!” They said in unison as the door was thumping loudly. Kazoo opened the door and Mic stood there startled. “Yo yo yo, what is going on? I heard you going crazy in here- Oh! I didn't know you were hanging with Wineapple.” This time, Wineapple got loud,” We are not ‘hanging out’ They are in MY room! I say you leave at once!” Mic sighed and pitched the bridge of his nose. “Yknow what? Call up Sho, and tell him to meet us at the front desk. Let’s go fix this!”
…
“Well, I am so deeply sorry that this mix-up even occurred! Let’s see about fixing it!” The nice concierge typed on the computer as the 4 of the radio heads held their breaths. To their dismay, the concierge frowned. “O am so incredibly sorry, but we oversold the rooms. We can cancel the room if you’d like, but I wouldn’t be able to refund your stay.” The 2 Pro Heroes winced and quietly talked amongst themselves. Kazoo could hear words float between them. They brewed for a bit before sighing, “It’s ok. We can keep the rooms. I’m sure we can work something out.” Mic gasped and hugged Kazoo “Look at you, superstar! Are you sure about this? We can always-” Kazoo cut them off. “It’s just for a night, Mic. I’ll be ok with a bunkmate. Besides, if I’m going to see what Shota sees in them, This is a good way to gain respect for him.” Present Mic noogies them playfully. “Alright, let’s get some lunch and check the conference!”
They enjoy a nice lunch at the cafe. “We’re on a trip! Let's loosen up!” Mic finishes his food as Shota orders a bottle of wine. Wineapple fills their tumbler and sips “Hmm, I’ve had better. There’s a restaurant in the city that has their own cocktails and the Berry Star one is very satisfying!” Kazoo perked up. “The Koi Pond Cafe! I…loved going there!”Kazoo sipped their drink “You should try the Red Barn Brew, it hits you with a citrusy taste if you're into that.”Shota and Mic look at them then smirk between themselves before their phones buzz. “Aw geez, there's a meeting we have to attend.” Mic sighed “Yeah I can see that. You guys think you can explore for us anyway?” Wineapple nodded “If that’s ok with you, Kazoo?” Kazoo nodded “Sure, Have fun at the meeting. Let us know if you need us!” Mic gave them finger guns and the 2 hosts headed off.
The co-stars finished their wine, relaxed enough to be nice to each other. They explored the different radio stations and podcasts that had booths set up. Some of them had games and demos for people to try. A few of them recognized them. “Hey, I know you! You’re with Present Mic! Tell him HEY!” “You’re that new one with Aizawa! Please send him my hellos!” One of them even smiled at the sight of them “Oh I know you too! I can’t believe the 2 most different shows collabed together, which is why you guys are together right?” They blushed and shook their heads “Oh no no no! Our hosts are in a meeting, we’re just killing time!” they explain. “Well, you're in luck! How about you try this game my booth set up!“ They looked at the game and it looked easy enough. All they had to do was do a scavenger hunt around the convention. A few people around them were holding a same list. “Be one of the first 15 to fill in this checklist and win a prize! Good luck!” Kazoo and Wineapple looked determined and grabbed the checklist. It had a total of 15 things “Where are we going to find all these?’ Kazoo smiled “A giant gummy bear? A pool noodle?” Wineapple looked around and spotted some of the scavenges as prizes for their booths “Looks like we’re going to have to win a lot of games! C'mon sidekick!” Kazoo laughs and they set off.
They made fools of themselves but it allowed them to realize, Wineapple was surprisingly strong and caring to kids. Wineapple blushed seeing Kazoo dance like a pro and use their brain to defeat a puzzle. They grew closer and it sounded like their grievances with each other matter less and less. After a couple of hours of playing games, dancing, and even racing around the hall, They just needed 1 more item. “Where on earth are going to find ‘a photo with the Hotel manager?’ We already spoke to the desk and Mr. Hart wasn’t there. Wineapple pouted, thinking. Kazoo sighed until something caught their eye. “Look, Wineapple. Some of the radio station’s mascots.” Wineapple nodded, following their gaze to the parade of mascots. Kazoo jammed their head to the beat as all the mascots danced to their booths. Wineapple watched Kazoo dance and something fluttered in their chest. Kazoo danced elegantly and Wineapple felt themselves dancing with them. After a while, Kazoo saw the once uptight Wineapple now dancing to a cheesy pop song with them. A smile crept on their face as the song finished, causing them to laugh. “You're a good dancer,” they said in unison, blushing and chuckling. “Well...There’s something you don't see every day. A dancing green heart.” Wineapple watched the green heart, gears turning. “Wait…What if we couldn’t find Mr. Hart at the desk…because…” Kazoo gasped, catching up. “THAT’S MR. HART!!” Pointing to the green heart. Other hunters heard the loud-mouthed Kazoo and rushed to the heart, “Oh geez!” Without a thought, Wineapple scooped up Kazoo and carried them to the heart, snapping a photo (Poor Kazoo with red cheeks), and running to the hunter’s booth, a horde of players running behind after snapping the picture. They slammed down the completed list and set down the items in front of the booth guy.” Congratulations you 2! Pick a prize!” he shooed them off to attend to the players. They high-fived and looked through the prizes before selecting a Bluetooth speaker. “Wow, I can’t believe it!” Wineapple wore a fun and happy smile. Kazoo laughed “We make a great team.” They nudged playfully, making Wineapple blush. “Yeah…we do” They smiled and looked at their prize. “So, do you want to keep it? Me? What about you?” they said in unison, laughing. “ how about we share it?” Kazoo suggested. Wineapple smiled “I’d like that.” They locked eyes and stared for a bit before-
“KAZOO! WINEAPPLE!! HEY!!!” They turned to see Mic and Shota headed toward them. “Sorry we took a while” Shota apologized. “Yeah, it was such a snoozefest! Hope you guys had some fun here at least?” They nodded, brandishing their new baby speaker. “Oh looks like a very nice reward for cooperating with each other.” Shota smiled. Mic butted in between the young pair. “All the time, my stomach growled like a Metallica crowd! Let's say we go to that karaoke bar for some dinner and fun?” They laughed and nodded. “Let’s do it! YEEEAH!” Kazoo joined in the yell and to their surprise, Wineapple shouted a bit too.
They left the hotel and walked ways to a hole-in-the-wall place called ‘The Screeching Cheese’ They walked in, ordered some drinks and wings and blue corn nachos before Mic dragged Shota to the karaoke stage. “Yknow the usual?” Shota sighed but wore a smile. “Hit it” They belted out Dream On. The crowd, whether familiar with the 2 hosts or not, cheered and clapped along. Wineapple and Kazoo, laughed, clapping along before Kazoo leaned to Wineapple, “Feeling brave? Let's do a song?” Wineapple blushed, chuckling nervously “Alright, but let me choose the song?’
After Mic and Sho hop off the stage, Kazoo dragged Wineapple to the karaoke stage and waited for them. Mic cheered for them “That’s my co-starrrr!! Yeeeeeahhh!!” Wineapple joined them on the stage as the music began to play. Kazoo gasped as they recognized the song,’ Everybody Talks’ The pair bounced as the song began and they sang their tipsy hearts into it, gaining approval from the crowd. Wineapple never realized what a good singer Kazoo was. They grabbed their hand and danced with them, not afraid of the fluttering in their chest anymore. Once the song ended, the crowd clapped for them as they returned to the table. Aizawa handed them some water “Hydrate, you need it after a killer performance.” He gave a soft nod as a tipsy Mic applauded them “Woooooooo!!!! YOU! DID! AMAZING!” The 2 smiled and they sat close for the rest of the night. “We did do great.” Kazoo smiled to Wineapple.
At the end of the night, Mic was being led to the hotel elevator by a tired and buzzed Shota to their room. “Are you 2 sure you don’t mind sharing the room?” They shook their heads “Sleep well!” They wished each other as Shota took Mic into his room before heading to his own room.
The 2 co-stars took turns freshening up in the bathroom and getting ready for bed. Wineapple allowed Kazoo to take the bed while they took the pullout couch.”Today…didn’t suck” Wineapple smiled as they laid down. Kazoo smiled tiredly. “Yeah. It was fun hanging with you.” They yawned and closed their eyes. “Goodnight” Wineapple bid them goodnight. Around 3 am though, Kazoo woke up to groaning from the pullout couch. “Are you ok?” they whispered. “It's my stomach. I’m not used to drinking a lot before bed” They admitted facing the wall, wrapped in the cool blankets. Kazoo sighed and got up with their own blankets, alerting Wineapple. “Mic once told me, when you don’t feel your best, it’s easier with a friend” Wineapple blushed but scooched over. Kazoo laid beside them in their own cocoon of sheets. They shared the silence before Wineapple sleepily giggled. “Yknow. You’re not such a stick in the dirt after all” Kazoo chuckled “Not bad yourself, either.” Wineapple yawned, drifting off to sleep, but not before breathing out. “Would you… like to… go out…sometime?” Gentle snores escaped their mouth. Kazoo blushed and chuckled, dozing off as well. “I’d love to.” They both grew a smile on their face, loosening an arm from their protective blankets and holding each other as they dreamt of their shared future. They would thank their hosts for the opportunity to have a sweet melody blossom between them.
FIN.