Nightingale Opera House

[Mayah Playah]

Ellery

"Ethan, he didn't even like the idea of me dating a girl. Being in love with a man is bound to be worse with him." He looked to the program. The musical was almost over. Anthony was already singing Confrontation, a duet with himself about control over the body. He would kill himself soon and then Ethan and Lock would be free to murder. What were they going to do?

The songwriter shrugged. "He's pretty sweet-tempered, from what I remember, so it would take something big to upset him. then again, the break was pretty long, so you might be right in thinking it was during intermission." His phone buzzed silently, although Ellery ignored it. It was likely just another dinner invitation from his former teacher.

Lock

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[Its Smiley]

Mayah Playah

Ethan looked around, desperate to find some kind of answer that would hopefully be on the ground. No such luck. Wait, was that a mystery drink spilled on the ground? Yuck!
After a moment, a light bulb flashed on top of the Texan's head. "Tell him it's my fault." he whispered to Lock while looking at the stage to not raise any suspicions. "No. Don't even acknowledge it. Just say you felt something. I'll tell him that I grabbed your hand while you weren't looking."

Fredrich glanced at Ellery's phone for a second. He seemed to have a fan. That phone rang the same time every day, and with the same ID he saw long ago. Aldrich. Playing dumb and pretending like something wasn't going around wasn't going to help. Fredrich had seen this dozens of times with women at the police station. What Ellery had was a stalker, and he didn't like it one bit.

 

[Mayah Playah]

Ellery

"What, and let him rip your head off? No way!" He took the hand, holding it to his chest. "We... We have to tell him, Ethan. I have to tell him. He's my brother, he deserves to know who I love."

The phone buzzed again, this time a call. Ellery looked down, sighing, then stood. "I'll be right back," he said to Fredrich, pressing TALK as he rushed down the aisle and out of the room. Safe int he hallway, he held the phone up to his ear. "Mr. Brandt, I'm afraid that this is beginning to become a bit of a nuisance," he said, silent as he was responded to. "Yes sir, I'm aware that I've been busy of late. It's not that I don't wish to catch up, I've just been very caught up with the band. What, tonight? I'm afraid that I'm at a play with- oh, no! No, it's alright! I'm sure that we can meet after. I wanted to go out for dinner after anyway. Forty-five minutes, yes. We'll see y-" The man hung up, leaving Ellery by himself. Oh well, it was just his teacher. He was certain that Fredrich wouldn't mind...
Right?

Lock

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The Texan blushed. "Wh-What are you doing?" he stammered and tried to tug his hand away while looking at the stage to see if Anthony was still glaring at them. "Aren't you afraid of how mad he'll get? Look, it's okay, I can take the heat. I deal with crappy luck all the time." he tried to reassure.

Fredrich's eyes glowed with silent rage. So that's why this Aldrich kept calling, because Ellery was answering. Knowing the songwriter, he wouldn't just humor a fan, especially for so long. What relationship did those two have?

 

[Mayah Playah]

Ellery

Lock shook his head, gripping the hand tightly. "No way, Ethan. It's time he knew, anyway. I love you, and I want him to know." Lock wouldn't back down. He was far too invested in this now.

Walking back to his seat, Ellery leaned over to whisper to Fredrich. "I don't know if you remember, but I told you some time ago that my former teacher was coming to town. It turns out that he's invited himself to dinner with us tonight. I tried to tell him that tonight's our date night, but he just wouldn't listen. If you don't want to go, it's alright, I can go alone." He set a hand of Fredrich's arm. "But I'd prefer it if you came."

Lock

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Wow. He was willing to face his fire-breathing, murderous brother in order to stay his boyfriend. For a second, Ethan saw a white background behind Lock and an invisible breeze blow his hair around. He was like a prince! Or a knight. A knight in shining armor.
"Oh Lock..." Ethan said dreamily, his doe eyes sparkling in admiration as tiny hearts floated above his head.

So that man was going to join their date, was he? And he forced himself to do it. Fredrich closed his eyes for a second. He couldn't just tell Ellery his suspicions, that would only spark another unnecessary fight, but he couldn't well let this man do whatever he wanted. No, he'd join and observe Aldrich to see if he really was a threat. "I'll join you." he said and smiled lightly at the songwriter.

 

[Mayah Playah]

Ellery

Lock, however, was filled with dread at the thought that he would have to come out to his elder brother after little-to-no preparation. But that look that Ethan was giving him was certainly offering up courage that he needed. As the cast bowed and the curtain fell, Lock stood. The lights came on, and he took a deep breath. "Come on, let's do this."

The petite brunette could hide his look of joy, leaning up to kiss Fredrich's cheek as the lights came on. He adjusted his lover's jacket, then his own, then started to stand. "Let's congratulate Anthony, then we can get going." He looked over to Ryuu, offering a kind smile to his new, but secret friend.

Lock

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Ethan gave Lock an unsure look, but nodded. He didn't even pay attention to the last song. All he kept thinking about was how cool Lock was and what to put on their tombstones. And now was the time to face the music.

Both Ryuu and Markus got up at the same time, pausing at the strange coincidence. They took a step in the same direction, towards backstage, and paused again at the coincidence. They stayed in their stupor until Ryuu saw the smile from Ellery. He offered only the faintest of nods in acknowledgment then looked back to the stage. He shouldn't go. He'd like to tell Anthony how well he did, but someone would undoubtedly get a picture of him surrounded by that Korean band, and then Ken would really let him have it. Pursing his lips, Ryuu turned around and made his way to the exit. He'd just send roses. Again.

 

[Mayah Playah]

Ellery

Lock looked around, unable to spy his brother. He glanced to Ellery, who was already on his phone, trying to call the star. Eyes back on Ethan, he reached for his hand and tugged lightly. "If we can't find him, we may have to put it off."

Unfortunately for Ryuu, a familiar voice sounded from in front of him. "Ryoichi, you really came to see me!" he cheered in Japanese, waving away the producer and reaching for the younger man's arm to tug him away from the little crowd that always ended up surrounding him after a show. "Oh, I could barely see you, what with all those lights in my face, but seeing that you came to see me gives me such joy!" He glanced to where his brother and that awful American stood, having been on his way to see them, but distracted by the star. "Now tell me, did you enjoy the show? I do love feedback."

Lock

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"That's good. Maybe he'll get a chance to calm down next time?" Ethan tried to reassure. "I mean, you were there when my parents found out. My dad left immediately. Maybe it's the same for your brother?"

Ryuu paused when he heard his name and looked over to see a figure fight through a crowd of people to reach him. He blinked and put a hand in his pocket as the star made his way to eagerly greet him. "Ah, Anthony. It was a good show like always. You nailed the duet - it was like I was listening to two different people." he praised. He wanted to ask about the anger he heard in the earlier songs, but decided against it so he wouldn't hurt the star's feelings.

 

[Mayah Playah]

Anthony

"Then let's just go home," he said, already taking out his car keys. "Besides, I want one more night to snuggle with you before my brother kills one of us."

Anthony blushed, raising his hands to his warm cheeks. "Oh, you're making me blush so much, Ryoichi!" he gushed, holding back fangirlish giggles. "I'm glad you liked it. I always perform my best in case you're out in the audience." He reached into his pocket, pulling out a small, brown leather book, opening it to a dated page. "But I do wish you had a rose to give me. i look forward to your bouquets. Speaking of flowers, how is the rest or Kurai Arashi? I hear that your band is doing very well for itself."

Lock

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"That's great and all, but my brother drove us here." Ethan sweatdropped. "He's probably up at the lobby. I could send him a text if you want?"

"You don't need a flower from me, I'm sure you've already got your room filled by those sent by your fans. Still, I'll send a bouquet later." Ryuu promised until the memory of his band made him frown. "Ah, it's fine. Kenshin has been very determined ever since we came here, and fortunately it's helped our production. We're boosting in sales and have three concerts coming. Would you like a ticket to one?"

 

[Mayah Playah]

Anthony

"Yes please, God, I love you," he said in one breath, leaning down to peck Ethan's cheek before sending a fast text to Ellery that they were leaving and to tell his brother that they would see him later.

Anthony nodded excitedly. "Oh, of course! I love getting to see you all in action!" He leaned in, setting a hand on Ryuu's shoulder to brace himself. "Between you and me, I like Kurai Arashi much more than my brother's silly little band." He leaned back, smirking a little at the younger man. "I'll be sure to send you a bouquet of flowers as well, the usual, of course."

Lock

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Ethan blushed while sending his text. Jeez, it wasn't like he whispered foreplay to Lock! Once the message was sent, he put his phone up and looked back at the blonde. "Hey, why don't we use your fancy key?" he suggested.

Ryuu laughed at the comment. "I'm glad we've got at least one fan." he said then dug his hands in his back pockets. "I'll send you tickets in the mail first thing in the morning. Oh, excuse me a second." He pulled out his cell phone, eyes gleaming with excitement for a moment... only to return to disappointment. Ken wouldn't be free at all tonight. How was he not surprised? "Erm, if you're not busy then you could join me for a drink, if you want?" he offered. He'd be there all night, anyway.

 

[Mayah Playah]

Anthony

He kicked the ground, looking down and cheeks ruddy. "I... I let Haneul borrow it," he said. "I haven't seen it since he started fooling around with that butler guy."

Anthony prepared to decline, then glanced at his brother that he could just barely see over the crowd. With a small frown, he shook his head, then smiled again and nodded at Ryuu. "I'd love to! It appears as though that my brother won't be coming over to praise me, so I may really need a drink anyway. Just let me change and get my coat." He ran a hand through his blonde hair, gesturing for a young woman to grab his coat as he went to change out of his stage clothes. Suddenly, he stopped, reaching back to grab Ryuu's arm. "Why don't you come help me? I'm awful at these silly buttons, and all the assistants are busy anyway. You don't mind, do you?"

Lock

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