[Listen: Sylvain dragging him here was bad enough? Felix doesn't enjoy loud, crowded spaces—and this place is so loud, and so crowded, and if the bartender (whatever it is) hands him one more Long Island Iced Tea (whatever that means) then Felix is going to lose his mind. How long can a man lurk by the end of the bar, reluctantly sipping his drink and glaring at anyone who dares approach him...
...Well. It's Felix, so the answer, naturally, is forever—but damn, if the music in this place isn't making everything worse. Of course he's paying attention to it, albeit in an absent manner. It's different than what he's used to? Which is both, ah, good and bad, he's finding, but that difference doesn't explain why he finds tears running down his face when someone is wailing on the stage. That is annoying; that almost sends him back into the crowd to hunt for Sylvain, just so he can leave this place with or without his best friend.
But then the music... shifts. Three ballads in a row finally gives way to something lighter, something stirring, and Felix finds himself suddenly nursing an odd ache in his chest. Uncomfortable, really. It sends him shifting about, looking back over the crowd of people as he unthinkingly searches for a distraction.
And a distraction he finds, in the form of a familiar shock of orange hair that sends his heart lurching in his chest. It still takes him a second to parse! For his brain to realize that, ah, that is her, struggling to make her way through this sea of taller individuals—and then he's moving, shoving past anyone and everyone on his way to her side. Who cares what they're calling after him? As he nears her, all that matters is—]
Annette?
[He's reaching for her before he even realizes it, hand wrapping tightly around her much smaller one before he tugs her right to him. To help her, you see. Keep her from getting trampled. She's so tiny; this is the least he can do.]
You're— [Hmm. He peers down at her, brow furrowing.] What were you thinking, cutting through the center? There's barely room to move.
[Case in point: someone edges toward them, and Felix tears his eyes from Annette's (very cute, holy shit) face long enough to shoot them a glare.]
...Well. It's Felix, so the answer, naturally, is forever—but damn, if the music in this place isn't making everything worse. Of course he's paying attention to it, albeit in an absent manner. It's different than what he's used to? Which is both, ah, good and bad, he's finding, but that difference doesn't explain why he finds tears running down his face when someone is wailing on the stage. That is annoying; that almost sends him back into the crowd to hunt for Sylvain, just so he can leave this place with or without his best friend.
But then the music... shifts. Three ballads in a row finally gives way to something lighter, something stirring, and Felix finds himself suddenly nursing an odd ache in his chest. Uncomfortable, really. It sends him shifting about, looking back over the crowd of people as he unthinkingly searches for a distraction.
And a distraction he finds, in the form of a familiar shock of orange hair that sends his heart lurching in his chest. It still takes him a second to parse! For his brain to realize that, ah, that is her, struggling to make her way through this sea of taller individuals—and then he's moving, shoving past anyone and everyone on his way to her side. Who cares what they're calling after him? As he nears her, all that matters is—]
Annette?
[He's reaching for her before he even realizes it, hand wrapping tightly around her much smaller one before he tugs her right to him. To help her, you see. Keep her from getting trampled. She's so tiny; this is the least he can do.]
You're— [Hmm. He peers down at her, brow furrowing.] What were you thinking, cutting through the center? There's barely room to move.
[Case in point: someone edges toward them, and Felix tears his eyes from Annette's (very cute, holy shit) face long enough to shoot them a glare.]
[ Life's hard when you're tiny.
It's even harder when you're suddenly grabbed out of nowhere with only a single word of warning. Well. At least this is more warning than he usually gives. ]
Felix—mmph!
[ She's abruptly cut off with a mouthful of fabric as his arms close in, and even in her slightly sloshed state - it doesn't exactly take much booze to get you going when you're the size of a peanut M&M - she can tell that this isn't exactly Normal Felix Behavior™. But it's also not...bad? Despite the suffocating heat of too many bodies jammed in one area, it's comforting to have a shred of normalcy to cling to—wait. Is she clinging? Oh. She's definitely clinging. How embarassing.
Prying her fingers open, she peers up at him, lips pursed despite her joy at seeing yet another friend in this (quite frankly) creepy place. ]
Felix, I'm fine. And cutting through the middle was the fastest way, okay?
[ Or, would have been, if there hadn't been so many couples practically braided together. Annette Fantine Domnic is good at many things, but politely asking people engaged in, ahem, to please move out of the way is not one of them. ]
The lady I was talking to at the bar said that they were doing some kind of singing contest but that it might be ending soon, so I have to hurry if I don't want to miss it—
[ Right on cue and barely audible, a voice drifts over the crowd. Most of what it says is lost in the cacophony of the crowd, but the words 'last call' manage to reach Annette's ears. Gasping, she squirms until she's disentangled herself (with the exception of their hands, still linked together) in order to tug Felix towards the karaoke station with all her tiny might. ]
C'mon Felix, let's go! Before it's too late!
[ "Let's"? Yeah buddy, you're part of this adventure now. ]
It's even harder when you're suddenly grabbed out of nowhere with only a single word of warning. Well. At least this is more warning than he usually gives. ]
Felix—mmph!
[ She's abruptly cut off with a mouthful of fabric as his arms close in, and even in her slightly sloshed state - it doesn't exactly take much booze to get you going when you're the size of a peanut M&M - she can tell that this isn't exactly Normal Felix Behavior™. But it's also not...bad? Despite the suffocating heat of too many bodies jammed in one area, it's comforting to have a shred of normalcy to cling to—wait. Is she clinging? Oh. She's definitely clinging. How embarassing.
Prying her fingers open, she peers up at him, lips pursed despite her joy at seeing yet another friend in this (quite frankly) creepy place. ]
Felix, I'm fine. And cutting through the middle was the fastest way, okay?
[ Or, would have been, if there hadn't been so many couples practically braided together. Annette Fantine Domnic is good at many things, but politely asking people engaged in, ahem, to please move out of the way is not one of them. ]
The lady I was talking to at the bar said that they were doing some kind of singing contest but that it might be ending soon, so I have to hurry if I don't want to miss it—
[ Right on cue and barely audible, a voice drifts over the crowd. Most of what it says is lost in the cacophony of the crowd, but the words 'last call' manage to reach Annette's ears. Gasping, she squirms until she's disentangled herself (with the exception of their hands, still linked together) in order to tug Felix towards the karaoke station with all her tiny might. ]
C'mon Felix, let's go! Before it's too late!
[ "Let's"? Yeah buddy, you're part of this adventure now. ]
[Good morning, Miss Annette. There's a friendly face here to greet you, all charm and all smiles and polite as could be. When he speaks, it's like silk, and his words are carefully cultivated. The very picture of elegance and refinement, the noble Brigadier General McGillis Fareed.]
Am I speaking with Annette Fantine Dominic?
[...yet another ridiculous name. Ah, well. Continuing to beam at her:]
This is McGillis Fareed, responding to your application. If you had a moment...
Am I speaking with Annette Fantine Dominic?
[...yet another ridiculous name. Ah, well. Continuing to beam at her:]
This is McGillis Fareed, responding to your application. If you had a moment...
[ Thank the goddess for Sylvain teaching her how to use this tiny weird notebook thing (it's called a "phone") otherwise she'd been staring cluelessly as it beeps insistently at her.
She is, of course, appropriately impressed by the incredible business acumen (and charm) of the tiny face before her, and it takes her a few seconds to school her expression into something less awed. ]
Oh, yes, of course! I'm definitely not busy right now. [ .... ] And yes, this is Annette.
[ Maybe she should have said that first. ]
Pleased to meet you [ oh no....does he have a title? sir? lord?? he didn't mention one soooooo ] Mr. Fareed.
She is, of course, appropriately impressed by the incredible business acumen (and charm) of the tiny face before her, and it takes her a few seconds to school her expression into something less awed. ]
Oh, yes, of course! I'm definitely not busy right now. [ .... ] And yes, this is Annette.
[ Maybe she should have said that first. ]
Pleased to meet you [ oh no....does he have a title? sir? lord?? he didn't mention one soooooo ] Mr. Fareed.
Please, you may call me McGillis.
[For various reasons, he despises that name Fareed but can't quite shake it. Not even a million miles away. But that pleasant face doesn't falter, and he gets straight to the point. Civilized, certainly, but with the subtle sharpness of a general—the quiet pressure of a man who knows how to get what he wants.]
I'm merely seeking your qualifications. Have you cared for mounts, as a hobby or as a profession?
[For various reasons, he despises that name Fareed but can't quite shake it. Not even a million miles away. But that pleasant face doesn't falter, and he gets straight to the point. Civilized, certainly, but with the subtle sharpness of a general—the quiet pressure of a man who knows how to get what he wants.]
I'm merely seeking your qualifications. Have you cared for mounts, as a hobby or as a profession?
[ That seems awfully overfamiliar, but if he insists. ]
Oh, okay then. [ Time to file that away for later. ] And yes, I have. The Professor used to assign me to stable duty all the time back at the Academy. I only got to ride the horses a few times outside of class, but you can bet I kept all those stalls squeaky clean when it was my turn.
I'm not sure how different the [ what was it again ] chocobos are compared to horses, but I promise I'm a quick learner and a hard worker.
[ Does she mostly want to pet the fluffy-looking feathers....maybe. ]
Oh, okay then. [ Time to file that away for later. ] And yes, I have. The Professor used to assign me to stable duty all the time back at the Academy. I only got to ride the horses a few times outside of class, but you can bet I kept all those stalls squeaky clean when it was my turn.
I'm not sure how different the [ what was it again ] chocobos are compared to horses, but I promise I'm a quick learner and a hard worker.
[ Does she mostly want to pet the fluffy-looking feathers....maybe. ]
[Faster isn't always better, Felix "I'll cut through" Fraldarius wants to argue—but as he looks back down at her? Takes in that expression that's far, far more appealing than it has any right to be? Ah, well. He has a tenuous relationship with words at the best of times; now said relationship has just up and disappeared, because Annette is so small, and so feisty, and Felix would like nothing more than to hold her as he half-listens to whatever it is she's going on about. Singing... yeah...
...Yeah.
It's only Annette pulling away that snaps Felix back to his senses. Annette turning, trying to tug him behind her, and it would be funny, really, if Felix didn't find himself following right along. He can't let her delve back into this mess of too-forward people on her own—and like hell he's pulling his hand free from hers, even though he feels the need to (loudly) grumble:]
Annette, will you just— wait—
[Nah. Of course she can't. One of the many reasons Felix likes her as much as he does—and let it be known that he still likes her when, after bodychecking who knows how many people on the dancefloor, Felix finds himself standing by the side of the stage, staring down at screen listing what are presumably song titles. "Endless Love?" "Don't Go Breaking My Heart?" His ears are ringing as the person currently on the stage tries—and fails—to hit a particularly high note; his hand is warm and comfortable, still wrapped about Annette's; his stomach is twisting, because oh, shit. Shit, shit, shit.]
This is what you wanted to do? [A huff as he looks back down at the list, pretending that he does not see "You're The One That I Want" right at the top of the list.] I'm not singing.
[Annette, he can't HARMONIZE.]
...Yeah.
It's only Annette pulling away that snaps Felix back to his senses. Annette turning, trying to tug him behind her, and it would be funny, really, if Felix didn't find himself following right along. He can't let her delve back into this mess of too-forward people on her own—and like hell he's pulling his hand free from hers, even though he feels the need to (loudly) grumble:]
Annette, will you just— wait—
[Nah. Of course she can't. One of the many reasons Felix likes her as much as he does—and let it be known that he still likes her when, after bodychecking who knows how many people on the dancefloor, Felix finds himself standing by the side of the stage, staring down at screen listing what are presumably song titles. "Endless Love?" "Don't Go Breaking My Heart?" His ears are ringing as the person currently on the stage tries—and fails—to hit a particularly high note; his hand is warm and comfortable, still wrapped about Annette's; his stomach is twisting, because oh, shit. Shit, shit, shit.]
This is what you wanted to do? [A huff as he looks back down at the list, pretending that he does not see "You're The One That I Want" right at the top of the list.] I'm not singing.
[Annette, he can't HARMONIZE.]
[ ...... :(
There's definitely the beginnings of a blush spreading on her cheeks at being guessed so easily, but to her credit, she tries hard to rally back. ]
Who wouldn't think they're cute? They're big, fluffy, giant birds. [ Adorable! ] A-anyway, I think horses are cute too! And sometimes cows. It doesn't mean I'll work any less hard.
There's definitely the beginnings of a blush spreading on her cheeks at being guessed so easily, but to her credit, she tries hard to rally back. ]
Who wouldn't think they're cute? They're big, fluffy, giant birds. [ Adorable! ] A-anyway, I think horses are cute too! And sometimes cows. It doesn't mean I'll work any less hard.
Well, of course not. I didn't doubt you at all.
[Just kidding, he doubts everybody by default. He's just really, really good at pretending otherwise.]
There are many people who would seek the companionship of our chocobos. Anyone can muck out stables, but we need someone passionate to "sell" them and to prepare them. A bright person, who can serve as the face of this operation. And an adaptable person, who can deal with difficult personalities.
[Ahem. Not that he'd know anything about that.]
Is that you, Annette? Or should I look for somebody else?
[Just kidding, he doubts everybody by default. He's just really, really good at pretending otherwise.]
There are many people who would seek the companionship of our chocobos. Anyone can muck out stables, but we need someone passionate to "sell" them and to prepare them. A bright person, who can serve as the face of this operation. And an adaptable person, who can deal with difficult personalities.
[Ahem. Not that he'd know anything about that.]
Is that you, Annette? Or should I look for somebody else?
[ Annette, redfaced from both the lingering alcohol in her system and also having to shove her way through countless writhing forms on the dance floor, chooses to ignore that last comment. ]
But it'll be fun! [ For who, though. ] We're already here, one little song won't hurt. Besides, it's not like there's anything else to do here other than drink and do... [ her free hand lifts, waves vaguely at the crowd ] ...that.
[ Would you really rather do that, Felix.
Actually, she doesn't want to think about that, even if there is some deep small part of her terribly interested in knowing what all the big fuss is about. Blame it on her natural love of learning. And maybe the booze. EITHER WAY the singers before them seem to be winding down to a close, if their slowing vocals are any indication, which means it's time to get a move on. ]
What if...what if I let you pick the song? You can pick any one you want.
[ Even to her own ears that offer sounds pretty lame, so she backs it up with the full force of her wide, pleading eyes. ]
Please, Felix?
But it'll be fun! [ For who, though. ] We're already here, one little song won't hurt. Besides, it's not like there's anything else to do here other than drink and do... [ her free hand lifts, waves vaguely at the crowd ] ...that.
[ Would you really rather do that, Felix.
Actually, she doesn't want to think about that, even if there is some deep small part of her terribly interested in knowing what all the big fuss is about. Blame it on her natural love of learning. And maybe the booze. EITHER WAY the singers before them seem to be winding down to a close, if their slowing vocals are any indication, which means it's time to get a move on. ]
What if...what if I let you pick the song? You can pick any one you want.
[ Even to her own ears that offer sounds pretty lame, so she backs it up with the full force of her wide, pleading eyes. ]
Please, Felix?
[ Wow, way to pressure a gal there!
Good thing she's always been the type to thrive under pressure. Well, in her own unique way.
It's perceptible the way she straightens on camera, free hand curling into a determined fist off-screen. ]
No, I'm your girl! I've dealt with all sorts of people before at the Officer's Academy, and I know I can make everyone who comes in want to leave with a chocobo.
[ Is all of this 100% true, maybe not, but gotta appreciate that confidence and earnestness if nothing else. ]
Good thing she's always been the type to thrive under pressure. Well, in her own unique way.
It's perceptible the way she straightens on camera, free hand curling into a determined fist off-screen. ]
No, I'm your girl! I've dealt with all sorts of people before at the Officer's Academy, and I know I can make everyone who comes in want to leave with a chocobo.
[ Is all of this 100% true, maybe not, but gotta appreciate that confidence and earnestness if nothing else. ]
[Fun, Annette? Fun? Singing a song he does not know in front of a crowd of (admittedly preoccupied) people he does not know? Felix would rather face down a Demonic Beast on his own, thanks, but—ah. Well. Let it be known that that has a certain appeal, but only in the sense of, like, holding Annette close, hand pressed into the small of her back as he listens to her chatter on about anything and everything. He's always enjoyed the sound of her voice, truth be told. The ups-and-downs of it never fail to draw him right in.
That also, however, sends a flush creeping up the back of his neck, quickly climbing to the tops of his ears, so let him just shift his attention right back down to the list of songs he is absolutely not going to sing. He's just not, even when she generously offers to let him pick. His place is off to the side somewhere, leaning against a wall as he watches Annette dance about the stage.
But this, you see, is where Felix Hugo Fraldarius makes a tactical error, because Felix Hugo Fraldarius chances a quick glance at her—and oh, but he's gone the second he looks into those blue eyes. He is done. Refusing her anything he's capable of giving suddenly seems like the most grievous crime.]
I told you, I'm not—
[Hhhhh. A dramatic huff, then, as he looks back down at this list, unthinkingly tightening his hold on her hand as he does so. Him? Nervous? Perish the thought.]
...You're impossible, [he grumbles, hurriedly picking the first song that doesn't include the word "love" in the title: Islands in the Stream, baybee. We stan Dolly Parton in this house.] I'm only going to ruin it. You'd be better alone.
[Is that terrible singer finishing up their last note... why, they sure fuckin' are...]
That also, however, sends a flush creeping up the back of his neck, quickly climbing to the tops of his ears, so let him just shift his attention right back down to the list of songs he is absolutely not going to sing. He's just not, even when she generously offers to let him pick. His place is off to the side somewhere, leaning against a wall as he watches Annette dance about the stage.
But this, you see, is where Felix Hugo Fraldarius makes a tactical error, because Felix Hugo Fraldarius chances a quick glance at her—and oh, but he's gone the second he looks into those blue eyes. He is done. Refusing her anything he's capable of giving suddenly seems like the most grievous crime.]
I told you, I'm not—
[Hhhhh. A dramatic huff, then, as he looks back down at this list, unthinkingly tightening his hold on her hand as he does so. Him? Nervous? Perish the thought.]
...You're impossible, [he grumbles, hurriedly picking the first song that doesn't include the word "love" in the title: Islands in the Stream, baybee. We stan Dolly Parton in this house.] I'm only going to ruin it. You'd be better alone.
[Is that terrible singer finishing up their last note... why, they sure fuckin' are...]
Yay!
[ Is she a grown-ass woman at this point? Sure, but that doesn't change the fact that she's still got the heart of the fresh-faced sixteen year old that enrolled in the Officer's Academy with her best friend in tow.
She's quick to show her gratitude in the form of a hug, wrapping her free arm around his waist to squeeze him tight for the barest of seconds before pulling away again. ]
You're the best, Felix!
[ Ah, what a rare sentiment to emerge from her mouth, one she'll surely take back in the span of the next few days. For now, Felix can bask in the glow ofthe too warm spotlights her effusive praise as she goes to sign them up with the robot emcee whirring nearby.
There's a light smattering applause from the three people still watching in the crowd as the last singer finishes up, and it's about then that Annette returns to shove a microphone into Felix's hand. Don't hold it like a sword, got it. ]
Apparently you're supposed to sing into this thing. [ She doesn't know why but at this point she's not gonna question it. ] But you can just sing the words off the blackboard [ screen ] so you don't have to worry about remembering them.
[ Which is good, because she's never heard of this song before. Should be fun either way though, right?? ]
[ Is she a grown-ass woman at this point? Sure, but that doesn't change the fact that she's still got the heart of the fresh-faced sixteen year old that enrolled in the Officer's Academy with her best friend in tow.
She's quick to show her gratitude in the form of a hug, wrapping her free arm around his waist to squeeze him tight for the barest of seconds before pulling away again. ]
You're the best, Felix!
[ Ah, what a rare sentiment to emerge from her mouth, one she'll surely take back in the span of the next few days. For now, Felix can bask in the glow of
There's a light smattering applause from the three people still watching in the crowd as the last singer finishes up, and it's about then that Annette returns to shove a microphone into Felix's hand. Don't hold it like a sword, got it. ]
Apparently you're supposed to sing into this thing. [ She doesn't know why but at this point she's not gonna question it. ] But you can just sing the words off the blackboard [ screen ] so you don't have to worry about remembering them.
[ Which is good, because she's never heard of this song before. Should be fun either way though, right?? ]
[ What. What?!
Way to stun the normally chatty girl speechless for a few seconds. ]
Wait, that's—right now? But I need to—
[ And now she only has 1 minute 50 seconds left, a fact that is quickly dawning on her. Pull yourself together, Annie! You can do this. ]
I mean—
Way to stun the normally chatty girl speechless for a few seconds. ]
Wait, that's—right now? But I need to—
[ And now she only has 1 minute 50 seconds left, a fact that is quickly dawning on her. Pull yourself together, Annie! You can do this. ]
I mean—
2/2 my childhood as a horsegirl has prepared me for this moment
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
overannchiever
2020-07-01 03:45 pm (UTC)(link)
Good morning, sir!
[ Goodbye goes her trepidation, hello comes Mock Saleswoman Annette. ]
Are you here to look at horses? Because boy do we have some horses for you.
[ What a great start. ]
Actually, we just got a new addition that I think you'd be really interested in. Her name is Bubbles [ .... ] and she's a 15-hand tall, year old mare with a chestnut mane. She's very sweet and obedient and loves apples. She's also great with children if you're planning on taking a ride with your family.
[ Unlikely in this economy but who knows!! ]
She's not easily spooked and doesn't have any problems crossing water or other debris. When she's not out on the trails, she likes napping out in the fields and chasing small animals nearby...
[ The longer she goes on, the more it sounds like she's describing a cat instead of a horse but you know what, a girl's got to work with what she's given (which is NOTHING!!!!) ]
[ Goodbye goes her trepidation, hello comes Mock Saleswoman Annette. ]
Are you here to look at horses? Because boy do we have some horses for you.
[ What a great start. ]
Actually, we just got a new addition that I think you'd be really interested in. Her name is Bubbles [ .... ] and she's a 15-hand tall, year old mare with a chestnut mane. She's very sweet and obedient and loves apples. She's also great with children if you're planning on taking a ride with your family.
[ Unlikely in this economy but who knows!! ]
She's not easily spooked and doesn't have any problems crossing water or other debris. When she's not out on the trails, she likes napping out in the fields and chasing small animals nearby...
[ The longer she goes on, the more it sounds like she's describing a cat instead of a horse but you know what, a girl's got to work with what she's given (which is NOTHING!!!!) ]
[My, my. She really took to that challenge, and McGillis has to admit: he's impressed. She'll obviously need a bit more schooling, since chocobos were a bit different than standard beasts of burden, but she has the enthusiasm and the passion necessary. By the end, after a harrowing silence, McGillis starts to applaud.]
Well done, Annette. You're hired.
[Kind of a tough boss, isn't he? But at least he's smiling, so that's a good sign.]
Report to the stables, bright and early tomorrow. We'll begin your training at once.
Well done, Annette. You're hired.
[Kind of a tough boss, isn't he? But at least he's smiling, so that's a good sign.]
Report to the stables, bright and early tomorrow. We'll begin your training at once.
[ She's sweating internally and externally at this point tbh, wound up from having to come up with so much in so little time. Preparation is her forte, not immediately improvisation.
But something about it seems to have worked out for her because there's McGillis finally responding, with positivity rather than negativity (as she was starting to assume from the prolonged silence). ]
R-really? [ Surprise quickly morphs into gratitude. ] Thank you, thank so much! I promise I'll be there right on time tomorrow.
[ Maybe. Hopefully. Time to pray she can find someone to serve as a backup alarm clock while she's here. ]
But something about it seems to have worked out for her because there's McGillis finally responding, with positivity rather than negativity (as she was starting to assume from the prolonged silence). ]
R-really? [ Surprise quickly morphs into gratitude. ] Thank you, thank so much! I promise I'll be there right on time tomorrow.
[ Maybe. Hopefully. Time to pray she can find someone to serve as a backup alarm clock while she's here. ]
[Praise and a hug. Goddess above, but it's a two-pronged attack that renders Felix temporarily useless, unable to do anything more than watch her dart right over to that weird robot as the tips of his ears burn. She is—well, okay, she's always cute; Felix accepted this in his heart of hearts, like, a long time ago, but right here, right now...
...Listen. Listen. Love-struck Felix is a fool, which is why he seems in a bit of a daze as he accepts the microphone, turns it over in his hand as Annette gives him her little spiel. Sing into this? Sure. Read the blackboard? Fine. He's not thrilled about any of this, as evidenced by the ever-present scowl on his face, but as his eyes flick back to Annette's face—ah. There goes his traitorous heart yet again.]
Why would I remember them?
[He's never heard this song before, he's never going to listen to this song again—and it's also, you know. Just something to mutter under his breath as the person on stage beats a hasty retreat... and the emcee announces the next act! A duet, ladies and gentlemen. Very romantic.
Felix dies.
Or: Felix does not die, but Felix looks and feels distinctly uncomfortable as he follows Annette onto the stage. Three people staring up at them is three people too many? He's never enjoyed being watched—but Annette is right here beside him, beautiful beneath the too-bright lights, and Felix hurriedly focuses on the "blackboard" as the first few notes ring out. He's faced down countless enemies; he can do this stupid thing for her.
So please enjoy Felix mumble-singing his way through these first few lines. He couldn't carry a tune in a bucket, but he's making... somewhat of an effort here. Somewhat, as he squints at—sings—these wild lyrics. "I was soft inside?" Well, maybe. "You do something to me that I can't explain?" Yes, embarrassingly enough. Whew.
(Please sing louder than him, Annette. Drown him out. Help him out.)]
...Listen. Listen. Love-struck Felix is a fool, which is why he seems in a bit of a daze as he accepts the microphone, turns it over in his hand as Annette gives him her little spiel. Sing into this? Sure. Read the blackboard? Fine. He's not thrilled about any of this, as evidenced by the ever-present scowl on his face, but as his eyes flick back to Annette's face—ah. There goes his traitorous heart yet again.]
Why would I remember them?
[He's never heard this song before, he's never going to listen to this song again—and it's also, you know. Just something to mutter under his breath as the person on stage beats a hasty retreat... and the emcee announces the next act! A duet, ladies and gentlemen. Very romantic.
Felix dies.
Or: Felix does not die, but Felix looks and feels distinctly uncomfortable as he follows Annette onto the stage. Three people staring up at them is three people too many? He's never enjoyed being watched—but Annette is right here beside him, beautiful beneath the too-bright lights, and Felix hurriedly focuses on the "blackboard" as the first few notes ring out. He's faced down countless enemies; he can do this stupid thing for her.
So please enjoy Felix mumble-singing his way through these first few lines. He couldn't carry a tune in a bucket, but he's making... somewhat of an effort here. Somewhat, as he squints at—sings—these wild lyrics. "I was soft inside?" Well, maybe. "You do something to me that I can't explain?" Yes, embarrassingly enough. Whew.
(Please sing louder than him, Annette. Drown him out. Help him out.)]
[ The duet is....well. Suffice to say, it's not very good.
But that's what happens when you stick a guy who would rather be anywhere else on this planet than up on stage with a girl with an excess of enthusiasm but no formal training together.
All things considered, the enthusiasm gets them pretty far.
Where Felix is nothing but mumbled words and lack of movement, Annette practically dances atop the stage as she sings out the lyrics, most of them slightly off-tune despite her best efforts. Thanks, booze. Too bad there's not enough booze to fully brunt the ends of her reason sensors, and the pale flush on her face steadily grows the longer she sings. ]
♫ We got something going on ♫
[ Okay, that's kind of cute, and she smiles at Felix as she sings it. ]
♫ All this love we feel needs no conversation ♫
[ A little cheesy, but whatever, it's just a song. Romance songs are always like this, right? ]
♫ Making love with each other —wait, what?
[ She squawks, snags her foot on a cord, and immediately goes down. The crowd (of three) immediately goes wild; this is probably the most action they've seen all night from this contest. ]
But that's what happens when you stick a guy who would rather be anywhere else on this planet than up on stage with a girl with an excess of enthusiasm but no formal training together.
All things considered, the enthusiasm gets them pretty far.
Where Felix is nothing but mumbled words and lack of movement, Annette practically dances atop the stage as she sings out the lyrics, most of them slightly off-tune despite her best efforts. Thanks, booze. Too bad there's not enough booze to fully brunt the ends of her reason sensors, and the pale flush on her face steadily grows the longer she sings. ]
♫ We got something going on ♫
[ Okay, that's kind of cute, and she smiles at Felix as she sings it. ]
♫ All this love we feel needs no conversation ♫
[ A little cheesy, but whatever, it's just a song. Romance songs are always like this, right? ]
♫ Making love with each other —wait, what?
[ She squawks, snags her foot on a cord, and immediately goes down. The crowd (of three) immediately goes wild; this is probably the most action they've seen all night from this contest. ]
Edited (my dumb ass didn't pick an icon) 2020-07-02 01:21 (UTC)
[All things considered, Felix really shouldn't keep looking over at Annette? If he's going to sing (re: mumble) these words that he definitely does not know, keeping an eye on them is, ah, of the utmost importance—but it's impossible to keep himself from glancing over her way as she sways about. It looks... like she's having a halfway decent time in the spotlight, all things considered, and as awkward as Felix feels, that's—hmm. Good, he thinks. Some part of him is downright pleased, and when Annette shoots him a smile, the corners of his lips quirk upward the slightest bit.
But then, you know. Everything goes to shit the moment he glances back at the magical blackboard, because he hears Annette's yelp—and then turns toward her just in time to watch her hit the ground. Ah. That's—
Well, first thing's first: one of those three (3) people lets out a raucous cheer, and Felix, being the person that he is, glares into the crowd of people made all but invisible by the lights and viciously snaps:]
Shut up.
[Very mature, Mr. Fraldarius, 10/10. Excellent use of your microphone. But both the crowd and the song pale in comparison to Annette, and so Felix shifts back around, making his way to her side to, like, half-crouch over her as he offers her his hand. This concerned look on his face as he gives her a quick once-over? The furrow of his brow? Who is he.]
Annette, [he all but murmurs, surprisingly soft tone in stark contrast to the way he'd just fired back at the crowd.] Are you okay?
[He will be Tsun in a second! Count on that! But for now... oh, best girl... who currently has full control of his heart...]
But then, you know. Everything goes to shit the moment he glances back at the magical blackboard, because he hears Annette's yelp—and then turns toward her just in time to watch her hit the ground. Ah. That's—
Well, first thing's first: one of those three (3) people lets out a raucous cheer, and Felix, being the person that he is, glares into the crowd of people made all but invisible by the lights and viciously snaps:]
Shut up.
[Very mature, Mr. Fraldarius, 10/10. Excellent use of your microphone. But both the crowd and the song pale in comparison to Annette, and so Felix shifts back around, making his way to her side to, like, half-crouch over her as he offers her his hand. This concerned look on his face as he gives her a quick once-over? The furrow of his brow? Who is he.]
Annette, [he all but murmurs, surprisingly soft tone in stark contrast to the way he'd just fired back at the crowd.] Are you okay?
[He will be Tsun in a second! Count on that! But for now... oh, best girl... who currently has full control of his heart...]
[ It's not the first time she's tripped on something perfectly insignificant and it certainly won't be the last. There might be a grimace on her lips - and a new bruise on her hip? owww - but the only thing hurt is her sense of pride. ]
I'm fine.
[ The last syllable stretches out, ending in a whine. Ugh. It's just one embarassment after another tonight, isn't it? ]
Who put that rope there anyway?
[ The robots that set this whole thing up. So it would work. So that they could all sing. But that's much too logical of an explanation, of course, and logic is the first thing that throws itself headfirst out the window when she loses her composure. ]
And how could you pick a song like—like that?
[ Speaking of the song, it's still going, the music still blaring in the backdrop and the words still scrolling across the screen.
Sail away with me
To another world
And we rely on each other, ah ha
Meanwhile, the yelling guy before is back at it again: ]
Hey, keep singing! Song's not over yet!
[ He's got a point. ]
I'm fine.
[ The last syllable stretches out, ending in a whine. Ugh. It's just one embarassment after another tonight, isn't it? ]
Who put that rope there anyway?
[ The robots that set this whole thing up. So it would work. So that they could all sing. But that's much too logical of an explanation, of course, and logic is the first thing that throws itself headfirst out the window when she loses her composure. ]
And how could you pick a song like—like that?
[ Speaking of the song, it's still going, the music still blaring in the backdrop and the words still scrolling across the screen.
Sail away with me
To another world
And we rely on each other, ah ha
Meanwhile, the yelling guy before is back at it again: ]
Hey, keep singing! Song's not over yet!
[ He's got a point. ]
[Catching Annette in embarrassing (to her, anyway) situations is par for the course, really—and Felix will never understand why she must be like this every single time, but! But. While he scowls down at her, flustered by this callout, she just... is how she is. He accepts—loves—the mystery that is Annette, even as the heat of the spotlights sends sweat trickling down the back of his neck.]
I didn't know what it was about, [he hisses back to her, like they are not on stage, like that idiot is not hassling them.] I said you'd be better alone, but you gave me that—look.
[So this is entirely your fault, Annette, please take responsibility. And also please take his hand as he straightens, because something, something, as he very much doubts that Annette wants to run off the stage (and as he very much doubts that Annette can be trusted to weather any more unexpected lyrics on her lonesome)—]
Up.
[The only thing he says to her before, like, half-turning back to that magical blackboard, watching the words light up for a moment before he painfully, reluctantly, begins mumble-singing once more. He has to cover for her, because she's—well! That's just how it's done! He'd cut his way to her side on the battlefield; he'll sing these cheesy, yet strangely accurate lyrics and hope she chimes in sooner or later.
I can't live without you if the love was gone
Everything is nothing if you got no one—]
I didn't know what it was about, [he hisses back to her, like they are not on stage, like that idiot is not hassling them.] I said you'd be better alone, but you gave me that—look.
[So this is entirely your fault, Annette, please take responsibility. And also please take his hand as he straightens, because something, something, as he very much doubts that Annette wants to run off the stage (and as he very much doubts that Annette can be trusted to weather any more unexpected lyrics on her lonesome)—]
Up.
[The only thing he says to her before, like, half-turning back to that magical blackboard, watching the words light up for a moment before he painfully, reluctantly, begins mumble-singing once more. He has to cover for her, because she's—well! That's just how it's done! He'd cut his way to her side on the battlefield; he'll sing these cheesy, yet strangely accurate lyrics and hope she chimes in sooner or later.
I can't live without you if the love was gone
Everything is nothing if you got no one—]
[ If they were anywhere else doing anything else, he can bet that pointy sword of his that she'd be quibbling over exactly whose fault this whole thing is. (His, it's obviously always his fault.)
But the music's still rolling and the crowd (of three) is still clamoring, and she feels weirdly soft and warm inside as he turns back to face the crowd and starts mumbling back into his microphone. Like one of Mercie's cakes, fresh-baked from the oven. It's sweet that he's doing all of this just for her, and she's always loved sweet things. So Felix wins - ""wins"" because is this really a victory - this round as she bumbles back to his side under the spotlights, thin voice gaining strength the longer they sing together because that's the power of music, baby.
Or just the power of this amped up juicebox blasting tunes around them.
She's mellowed back out by the time the song ends not too much later, their voices stumbling discordantly together before fading off. There's a 'finally' that drifts up from the crowd but Annette barely notices, chest filled with a whirlwind of emotions left over from their rollercoaster of a duet.
It's suddenly uncomfortably warm in here, and she finds that she can't quite bring herself to look directly at Felix, not after all of that. Therefore the floor becomes her new best friend as she stares at her feet, cheeks warm. ]
Hey, Felix.....thanks.
[ She's still talking to him though, even as she talks to the ground. ]
But the music's still rolling and the crowd (of three) is still clamoring, and she feels weirdly soft and warm inside as he turns back to face the crowd and starts mumbling back into his microphone. Like one of Mercie's cakes, fresh-baked from the oven. It's sweet that he's doing all of this just for her, and she's always loved sweet things. So Felix wins - ""wins"" because is this really a victory - this round as she bumbles back to his side under the spotlights, thin voice gaining strength the longer they sing together because that's the power of music, baby.
Or just the power of this amped up juicebox blasting tunes around them.
She's mellowed back out by the time the song ends not too much later, their voices stumbling discordantly together before fading off. There's a 'finally' that drifts up from the crowd but Annette barely notices, chest filled with a whirlwind of emotions left over from their rollercoaster of a duet.
It's suddenly uncomfortably warm in here, and she finds that she can't quite bring herself to look directly at Felix, not after all of that. Therefore the floor becomes her new best friend as she stares at her feet, cheeks warm. ]
Hey, Felix.....thanks.
[ She's still talking to him though, even as she talks to the ground. ]
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