eachdraidh | 3rd libretto | video

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3rd libretto | video | open to all

[For anyone familiar with any semblance of the Wildcats, the pose Ryan and Kelsi are in is incredibly familiar, with Kelsi behind a large piano in the Seelie palace, comfortable and smiling, even if her hair is incredibly messed up and she’s in the equivalent of her pyjamas, glasses haphazardly perched on her face as she slapped them on in a hurry.]

I didn’t know there was actually a piano here--must be left over from a shardbearer, right?

[Occasionally the camera rocks back and forth as if whoever’s holding Kelsi’s locket is spinning it, but eventually it settles and Ryan answers as his free hand comes down to walk his fingers along the keys.]

Probably. Maybe you should just consider it a Christmas present?

Oh, yeah. I missed Christmas. [ She sounds nonchalant, of course, but anyone who actually spends two minutes with her can probably recognize she’s a little bummed about literally sleeping through her world’s celebration period. Good job, Kels. ] Hey--your locket? [ But she looks incredibly at home, hands already finding their place among the ivory keys. ]

[There’s a hum like Ryan’s not really paying attention, tone light when he speaks.]

Can’t remember if this one’s mine or yours. I kinda threw everything into one bag when we left the infirmary. But if you’re asking what I think you’re asking, the answer’s yes. [The chipper grin is practically visible just from the tone. He knows Kelsi is going to pick up on the implications immediately. He’s pulling her into the spotlight whether she wants it or not. Sorry.] ...hey. Know what we both missed this year? Christmas movie night.

I missed Peanuts! [Her lips turn downward, and it’s hard to tell if it’s a thoughtful pause or just her pouting before she starts playing one of her favourite tunes. It’s a little selfish of her not to play the main theme, but it was always the most fun to play. She looks up at Ryan while she plays, fingers gliding expertly across the keys like skates on ice.] Well, since you’re recording... I guess this is a little East High spirit for Drabwurld? This is something we do every year around this time, play and listen and watch stuff like this, so… Oh.

[She blinks.] I guess this is my belated present to you guys.

[Of course he’s recording, and it’s why the camera’s solely on Kelsi even as he talks.] Music’s kinda like the gift that keeps on giving, you know? And surprisingly Kelsi knows more than one song. [Is he teasing her? Yes he is.] Anyway she’ll be more than happy to take requests, too, won’t you, Kels?

If I can play it! [She’s still tapping away at the keys.] I know a lot more classical music, but I’m good with pop songs, too.

You’re good with a lot of things. [He’s just scolding her lightly as though they’re used to having this conversation, arguing about Kelsi’s skill level.] Guess now’s as good a time as any for musical education.

[ ooc: pink is kelsi, blue is ryan--responses will mostly come from kelsi, but ryan may threadjack! ]

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[ She is so close to smacking you Ryan. So. Close. She's red faced and flustered and she stomps her foot, a move she learned from Sharpay, though she still looks way more mousier without all of the attitude to back it up. ]

Ryan! This is serious! I've never done this before, I mean--even Jason and I sort of--it was never a date!

[You wanted him to laugh harder? Oh, okay. Luckily it doesn't last that long before he just grins a little wider.]

That's because you could probably substitute you for Zeke and Jason wouldn't really notice the difference. No offense, but he's not exactly...dating material? I'm so glad you came to your senses.

[He sits up a little taller on the piano, folding his legs into a lotus position and letting his hands fall into his lap.]

Okay. Let's go back to the beginning. What's the real reason this is a problem?

Have you seen her? It's like Sif all over again-- [ okay kelsi has a type apparently ] --but she said yes. She's strong and brave and I'm...

[ She sort of awkwardly shrugs. ]

I'm pretty sure I way less than you, and you're one of the skinniest people I know.

[He rolls his eyes a little because yeah, Kelsi totally has a type and she really needs to stop because it's not working out that well for her. Then again, the heart wants what the heart wants, blah blah blah.

He looks marginally insulted (and maybe a tiny bit pleased) by that slight but he just shrugs right back.]

Look. Take it from somebody who knows unrequited crushing a lot better than you do. The best case scenario is she'll actually let you fall into her strangely masculine arms and you'll have a happily temporary romance that's gonna be punctuated by a stupid war. Or worst case scenario is you get let down again and it'll suck and you'll still have me.

[He's really great at this friendship thing.]

However...because I'm your best friend and I have a huge investment in your happiness and wellbeing I'm going to help assure it doesn't turn into the worst case scenario. Okay?

[ Strangely masculin--what the heck?! Her look says it all as she listens. ]

Thanks. I... Think.

[ But more, importantly, Ryan's going to help her. Kelsi tries to focus on that and not the rather dismal tone of Ryan's speech. Focusing on the latter part as sort of like the forest from the trees, she has a feeling, but she takes a deep breath to calm herself down. ]

What am I going to do with my hair?

[ Yes, that's the first thing she says. Ryan, you're rubbing off on her. ]

[Ryan believes in happy ever afters, really. But Ryan's also a little skeptical when it comes to these things in a roundabout way of wanting to make sure Kelsi doesn't get hurt.

That, and perhaps he's biased. Nevertheless he takes the subject change with ease and looks over her hair, tilting his head to the side.]

Curl it. You always look really cute with your hair curled and before you say it, I know how to give you beach waves without a curling iron. I think you might want to figure out what you're going to do once you get there.

I was kind of hoping to ignore all of that and hope I can magically figure it out...

And how'd that work out for you and Jason? [Just a look.] I'm serious though...what do you know about Saber besides the fact she's really pretty and a knight or whatever?

[....and then suddenly, an idea.] Wait. Wait okay I have a good idea. [He sits up a little taller, and Kelsi may recognize his expression as the one he usually wears as he slips into a new role.] Pretend I'm Saber. What's the first thing you'd say to me?

Ryan, this is-- [ she doesn't even bother finishing it, gaping at him. ]

You're 100% serious about this, aren't you?

Is that any way to talk to a knight? [He just arches a thin eyebrow, not bothering to shift his posture or anything. Yes, Kelsi, he's 100% serious.]

Okay, okay. Deep breath. [ Even if your cheeks are burning and you think this is the stupidest thing ever. ]

Umm... I like your outfit. Do you want to sit?

[ This is so awkward. ]

Thank you. [No. No he's really into this sorry Kelsi why the hell do you put up with him? But really, what did she expect when it came to befriending an actor? He sits up a bit taller on the piano, racking his brain to remember the conversation Kelsi and Saber had over the lockets.]

Your absence truly did not go unnoticed, dear Bard. I'm quite glad to see you're well, though I imagine it would have been more appropriately suited at the Barrel Yule. [A small, closed-lip smile graces his face.] Have you regained your strength? Surely being out in dreamless sleep must make you more exhausted than before.

[...okay. Okay, he's breaking character a little bit while trying not to laugh, but come on Kelsi, just loosen up a little. His logic is that if he makes this as dramatic and ridiculous as possible now she won't nearly be as nervous when she sees Saber.]

[ Kelsi bursts into laughter. If Ryan's objective was to get her to calm down, it worked, because Ryan is so serious and Kelsi thinks she catches a smug grin on his face, however briefly. She mock-curtsies, playing along. Anyone else and she'd still be frozen to the spot. ]

I dreamt of nothing but you, noble Saber! How I longed for hot cocoa and your presence!

[Good. Good, that's exactly what he wanted and he doesn't even try to hide how pleased he is. It doesn't take him long to slip back into his Saber-character.]

Fear not. We're together now and the hot cocoa will certainly ensure we spend a long time catching up. I've many things I wish to tell you but first, perhaps, you should tell me something.

[...yeah. Yeah he's breaking again.]

Wait have you seriously been dreaming about her?

[ Kelsi, who had been posed dramatically with her back against the piano and her hand over her eyes, stands up straight and puts an arm down. ]

What? No!

[ That's a total yes. ]

[Sorry Kelsi he's just cackling suddenly because embarrassing her is one of the little joys he has in life.]

Uh huh, sure. Look, I still think you're worried about nothing and she's the one who brought up missing you first. Shouldn't that be a good sign?

What if she's just being nice, though?

[ And goddammit, Ryan, that laugh just makes her wish she could melt into the floor. ]

[Aw Kelsi...okay, okay, he stops laughing and just regards her quietly before he rolls his eyes again.]

Why focus on "what if" instead of making it into a reality? You know how I feel about what ifs. It's going to be fine. I promise.

Okay. [ Deep breath. Ryan's the only one good enough to get her to calm down when she gets like this. She forces a bit of a smile. ]

You're right--no what ifs. Just be myself. Right? [ 'Even if myself isn't interesting?' ]

[He's had a lot of practice calming Sharpay down from her fits, let's be honest here. He knows the smile is forced and just gives her a look, laying both hands on her shoulders and shaking her a little bit.]

Listen to me. You're smart, you're adorable, and you're passionate. What about you wouldn't be interesting?

[Does he know her too well? Probably.]

Do you want that list chronologically or alphabetically?

[:|]

Okay let's try another approach. Would you let me sit here talking that way about myself if this was about a fantasy date with me and...whoever?

No! Not at all. But you and Chad already know each other and--

[ Oh, shit. Had she just really said The Name. ]

We are not talking about Chad Danforth right now. [You must not speak about He Who Must Not Be Named, god Kelsi.] Anyway you're already a step ahead of me. When's the last time I went on a date with Chad? Oh. Right. Never. Because that will never happen.

[Eyebrow raise. Just a very, very high eyebrow raise.]

3rd libretto | video | open to all

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