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"Yes you can," She shot back, her tone firm as she tightened her grip on his hand; she wanted very much to give him his hat back, especially after seeing the expression on his face, but she couldn't! This was for his own good, and she was his tutor for the day...

"I believe in you, but you have to believe inyourself first," She went on, "If it makes you feel better, I'll sing and make a fool out of myself together with you... Keep this between the two of us though." She kept a deadpan face before giggling; well, it's not like she had a reputation to keep anyway, "Keep in mind that if we go on field trips together, you might get separated with your hat... And I do not want that to result in you getting hurt..." She trailed off, shaking her head as she smiled sheepishly.

"Trust me, alright?"

Mot grimaced. What Lizzy said was true. She made sense. Mot had it in his mind that the more he put it off, the issue would end up resolving itself. Of course it wouldn't. He knew that. It was just.. difficult.

"..I trust you." He admitted, with a furrowed brow. There was less dragging involved, with Mot walking with her at a much more stable pace. This would be hard, and he really didn't want to do it at all. But it was with Lizzy. He liked Lizzy. For her he would do anything.

"We'll start with just the both of us in that scareoke room, and when you get the hang of singing, we'll go to the public stage," She smiled, feeling pleased that he trusted her despite the fact that it was a huge step for him to take, especially since it had been so sudden, "You will do great!" Whatever confidence Mot was lacking in him, was made up by the confidence Lizzy had in him.

She walked rather quickly, clearly excited, as she held onto Mot's hand and led him to the highest level of the maul. After booking a room at the counter and ordering some finger food to be brought to their room later, she wandered (looking a little lost) around the corridors inside the shop before stopping outside 'Room 14'.

"We're here!" She grinned, pushing the door open to reveal a room containing a comfortable couch along the back wall, long enough to accommodate at least 5 people, with a glass table in front; currently, there was a remote control on it. On the wall facing the couch was a skelevision where the lyrics would be shown during the song; several mics were attached to the song player below the skelevision. Her grin widened, "Eeeee, this looks big enough for a whole group of us!"

Lizzy was either confident in him, or she was just buttering him up to get him to crawl out of his shell. "I've.. sang on stage before but.. I had my hat so.." His hat was his mask, his security blanket. With it, he was invincible. Invisible. "It didn't seem like a big deal at all.."

Soon, they had arrived. The little private room was amazing, really. But it made Mot nervous, despite it being just the two of them. Actually, it was because it was just the two of them. Why? It was just Lizzy. She was his best friend. Why be nervous? Maybe having his hat off was bothering him more than usual.. His heart hurt.. Why?

"Huh? Yeah, ha ha we should all come here together some time." Mot said nervously, avoiding any and all eye contact.

Please don't make me sing......

"You're doing it without your hat this time," She informed him gently, setting down FooFoo-with-hat down on the floor; it was surprising that they did not take away the minipet when they entered, but she wasn't going to complain.

She tilted her head at the boil, noticing how odd he's acting, before reaching to ruffle his bangs, offering him a sheepish smile, "It's only the two of us, there's no need to be so nervous..." It was her intention to let him go first and allowing him to pick his own song, but now...

"I'll go first!" She exclaimed, raising a balled fist into the air with a determined expression before trotting over to the mics and picking one up, "What would you like to hear me fail at today?"

FooFoo was in a place he'd never been before. The foxfire, sniffed around the floor curiously, the hat sliding over his nose awkwardly. "Aroooo~" The mini pet rolled around and played with the hat.
The room had been forgotten.

"Right." Mot replied with a short nod of his hat. No need to be nervous. No need. It was just him and Lizzy. So why wouldn't his heart stop beating so bloody fast?

"Oh! Sure." Maybe if she went first, he would be able t go with the flow of the mood. That was usually how he manged. He'd been fine when he was at Lizzy's house.

Mot sat down at the couch, opening up the book of song lists for an idea. Lizzy would be singing... What do ghouls like to sing? Mot mostly knew rock music for the most part... did ghouls like something different? The reaper flipped through the section with songs that might be popular with ghouls while prodding FooFoo in the belly with his boot.

Oh, this seemed like something a ghoul might like? Though he; never actually heard it before. "Uh.. do you know this song?" He asked, pointing to something called Oops I Did It Again? Interesting...

Lizzy would pay more attention to FooFoo being adorable as usual, but she was feeling too nervous to concentrate on the silly antics of the foxfire; she hadn't sung in front of anyone since... Since months ago, and that was with a friend! However, this would probably be the only way to get Mot to maybe loosen up a little... Especially since she had never really viewed singing as one of her strengths.

"O-oh! I know that song!" She relaxed a little, looking relieved as she brushed her bangs away to the side; unfortunately, she had failed to see that it was a cover. Without really reading the rest of the information, she went ahead and hit 'play' on Mot's song selection.

"A-" She stopped, staring as the lyrics flashed across the screen. As the song went on, she looked more and more distraught, unable to follow the way they were singing it... To her, the lead sounded like he had a sore throat! By the time the song hit the chorus, she was staring at Mot with a 'help meeeeee' kind of expression that could easily rival a similar expression from FooFoo... Minus the ears.

Hm.. This didn't sound ghouly. It was actually kind of cool! Somehow, Lizzy seemed lost. He tried, with all his might, not to laugh. If anyone were to laugh at him while singing he'd surely die. But.. she looked so...

Mot's lips tightened into a strained smile, trying very hard not to burst into giggles. "Lizzy... y-you seem lost!" Mot called over the music, not being able to help the grin that followed after. "Is this not what you expected?" He asked, while clearly giggling through a cupped hand over his mouth. Yeah, he couldn't not laugh.

"Go at your own pace, Lizzy! You don't have to scream like he does!"

Thankfully for Mot, Lizzy was used to having people laughing at her (in a way) and she took it in her stride; after all, laughing was good... Even if it was at her expense. Still, she couldn't help feeling embarrassed when she realized that the boil was grinning and giggling at her, her cheeks turning pink.

"B-but Mot! I don't have a sore throat!" She pouted, crossing her arms before dropping the act and laughing along. Then, putting on a (mock) determined face, she turned back to face the screen again, restarting the song. Her voice dropped a few octaves (at least she tried to) as she tried to mimic the way the singer was singing, "Oops! I did it again. I made you believe we're more than just friends-" By now, her pitch had dropped so much that she could go lower no longer.

"OH BABY-" She screamed into the mic before falling to the floor in an 'OTL' position before sitting up, still on the floor as she resumed singing, in a normal-ish voice now that she was done having fun with the machine, "It might seem like a crush, but it doesn't mean that I'm serious. 'Cause to lose all my senses, that is just so typically me! Oh baby, BABY~" Yes, she still insisted on screaming once in a while.

"Oops! I did it again
I played with your heart, got lost in the game
Oh baby, baby
Oops! You think I'm in love
That I'm sent from above
I'm not that innocent"

She twitched, cleared her throat as she stood up; the rest of the song had no lyrics, so she dragged herself to the space beside Mot before sinking into the seat. Giving him a gentle punch to the arm, she pouted, her face still red, although it was difficult to tell if it was from breathlessness or embarrassment, "I'm going to choose a ghouly song for you."

Sore throat? Well, no of curse you don't Lizzy. having one would kill the ability to sing. Not that she sang well at all, but still. Luckily, the ghoul continued with her.. performance. It was a good thing she wasn't taking it too seriously. It was different seeing Lizzy act like such a goof. Sure, she was usually a goof, but never this obscene... though that dance at Prom...

Anyway..

Mot patted the ghoul on the back for a job well done, though his smile poofed at what she said next. "What? Why?! Noooooo~" He pleaded, batting at her arm.

"The frilly apron with a matching headband? Yes, yes I did," She started giggling again, unable to keep the image of that gruff gnome with the frilly wear out of her head, "Since the refreshments are here, we probably should rest before heading out, after this song~"

She paused at the song that Mot had chosen, staring at the name before staring at the song duration; it didn't occur to her that Mot might be stalling for time, and she merely thought that it was a song that he liked... And anything that Mot liked was fine by her, despite the rapping catching her off guard when the song started, "Uh..." She was concentration really hard, but the song was difficult to follow and in her mind, she was basically going "WHAT IS RAP? HOW DOES ONE RAP? WHY ARE THE WORDS ALL JUMBLED TOGETHER? WHAT IS THIS?"

It all ended up with her making a really pitiful, exasperated expression at Mot.

Mot tried to lead the song along, however, seeing Lizzy's face made him burst out laughing. He couldn't do it. The song was ridiculous, and Lizzy's bewildered expression was priceless.

"Let's just let it play while we have a snack, yeah?" Yep. Definitely. Mot wasn't able to continue anyway, as he tried not to laugh himself into a coma. The reaper sat himself down and patted the seat beside him.

"I like that plan," She agreed with a nod, although a small, small part of her was disappointed; she wanted to hear Mot rap! Even though it sounded to her like 'people talking really fast to the beat of the song'; she liked normal singing much better, even though she wasn't very good at that either.

She basically skipped over to the seat beside him like FooFoo would frolic to someone, flopping down as she stretched her legs out. She stopped there, simply sinking into the comfy couch before leaning forward to grab the bowl of pumpkin chips from the table, placing it on her lap instead, "It's almost like watching a musical, without understanding the story." She muttered, referring to the song that was currently playing, as she inched a tad closer to Mot, tilting the bowl towards him to offer him some chips.

"A musical? Really?" Mot laughed, smiling widely. "That's one way to see it, guess." Mot took a handful of the offered snack, popping some into his mouth with a flick of his finger. This was nice~ Sitting with Lizzy~ Even if it was for self confidence training.

Ugh.

Never mind that! Just pretend he was out with Lizzy! "This room is pretty cool. I'd like a house with a room like this." Lizzy probably had like three of them. He'd never explored the whole house.

"Yup! A really confusing musical," She confirmed with a nod of her head, grabbing a chip and popping it into her mouth, chewing and swallowing before speaking again, "You do! You're always welcome at my house. Always." She giggled, holding up a finger, "It could be... Your secret hide-out! When you're hiding from your mother! And we can lounge all day long, with a cup of Dr. Doom and a bowl of pumpkin chips~"

Always welcome.. Every break, he could be with Lizzy, and away from home. What a sweet plan!

Lizzy's other plan was also awesome. "Heh. If only. It couldn't be at my parents house though." He said with a chuckle. "She rules that house like a military base. It's have to be a whole other place."

"My place~" She grinned, tilting her head a little as she popped another chip into her mouth, studying Mot's expressions with a small smile; it was nice to see him like this. Sure, he looked great with the hat but she loved how she could actually see him making various expressions that would normally be hidden by the brim of his hat. Swallowing, she sat up before frowning slightly, "Why is your mother so... Uptight? Uh, if you don't mind me asking?"

She never did ask him much about his family before, but she found herself intrigued by it.

Mot's smile didn't fade. It was a fair question. It dampened the mood, but not so much that it was uncomfortable. The reaper chuckled lightly. "She's just trying to raise me right, I guess?" He said with uncertainty. "She's got it in her head that I have to keep my focus completely on my career, like some big wig behind a desk or something." The reaper rubbed his neck and leaned back.

"Not sure. Whenever I questioned her, she'd flip out on me.."

"It does sound like she's trying to raise you right... I wonder why she doesn't want to answer you though..." She nodded before tilting her head, deep in thought; her own mother did say something about parents being strict because they didn't want their child to stray. She reached for the top of his head, ruffling his already messy black hair, "But... Hm... Well! You're in school now! I hope you're having fun here at least!" It was hard to believe that it had been so long since they first met!

"Remember when we first met, and you took me to the arcade?" She giggled; that was a fond memory, "I've been to the arcade several more times now!" She looked extremely proud of herself; maybe a little too proud, "... But don't tell my mother."

"Loads of fun! I've never been so happy like I am here." Mot proclaimed with a wild grin. He chuckled bemusedly as the ghoul ruffled his hair, shifting his shoulders. He used to care little about having his hair tousled. Now it felt nice.

"I remember!" Mot exclaimed with a nod. The day he met Lizzy! She'd been looking for Mac. If Mac had been home, maybe he never would have gotten the chance to be friends with her. Thank you fate!
"My lips are sealed~." Mot nodded, 'zipping' his lips closed. "Don't tell my mom that I don't memorized text books every waking moment."

She beamed at Mot when he joined in, the blush on her cheeks darkening as she continued to play the guitar; he was doing good without his hat! She felt so proud as her attention went back to the audience just as the song finished. There was silence at first as all eyes stared at them, and for a moment, she thought it might be nice for the stage to open up and swallow both of them whole.

"GAY!"

Someone yelled, causing Lizzy to hang her head, twitching before looking up at the faintest sound of an applause. Soon, the clapping became louder as more people joined in, and it was evident that their little song had either touched those in the audience, or they were simply being polite... Maybe both. She stood up, taking a bow, "And for this next song, my friend Mot will be doing a solo of his own choosing before taking one song request from the floor." She removed the guitar, propping it up against the chair she had been sitting on before turning to give the boil a brief hug on her way down, whispering "Good luck!". She then grabbed FooFoo - who was hiding in some plants nearby - and took a seat at the table nearest to the stage with FooFoo on her lap, shooting Mot a thumbs up.

Mot wished he was dead. Very much so. Cold, dead and in the ground. While the applause that followed after ward helped slightly, that want to run and hide was loud and prominent.

And then Lizzy fed him to the sharks.

The look that was in his eyes as she gave him a quick hug was not a happy one. Not even scared or nervous. Mot was plain unhappy.

At least the song choice was his own. Lizzy left him, and his gaze lingered on her form for a while. With a disgruntled sigh, the reaper scrolled through the list until a song appeared that he recognized. "Hello. First of all, the jerk who yelled needs to mind his mouth in the presence of a lady." Mot said in a tone dripping with disdain. "Other than that...Enjoy."

The song began to play...

"I'm not the first you sucked down
I drank your pleasure slow
Then stumbled out from your veil"

Despite Mot having looked right cross earlier, he began singing without much hesitation. Either he was being a good sport about being abandoned, or he was singing out of spite.

"Still I've come for you tonight
Choke my faith and stab my pride
And tell myself that

This is the last time
This is the last time
This is the last time now
I'll bleed for you"

She couldn't resist giggling at his comment; that was so Mot, and she was truly grateful for him. She listened to his singing, standing up - forgetting that she had a FooFoo on her lap - immediately after he was done to give him a standing ovation, a wide grin on her lips. She was probably his biggest fan, as the rest of the audience only started clapping a second later; she didn't mind looking silly (or like a rabid fanghoul) because it was all for training! And because it was Mot! He's been such a good sport that it was only fair for her to support him too.

"Yayyy!" She cheered before waiting for the audience to vote for a song. Mot would find two songs flashing on the screen in front of him; the top two picks: "The Trouble with Ghouls" and "Cowboy".

...

Jack Damnit, really?

These songs seemed to be poking fun at him. Clearly. Both of them did. Mot's eyebrow twitched with slight irritation. Sure, no one was yelling stupid things at hi, but somehow his mood was slightly sour. "Right.." Mot wasn't in the mood to sing something so sappy, so he chose the cowboy song, even if he was having 'ghoul trouble'.

"Well I'm packing up my game and I'm a head out west
Where real women come equipped with scripts and fake breasts
Find a nest in the hills chill like Flynt
Buy an old drop top find a spot to pimp"

Ugh.. these lyrics. Well, he'd sung worse, even by his own choosing, but never in front of Lizzy or any ghoul for that matter. Then again, Lizzy had danced to this song at Prom... dedicated to him.

The reaper tried not to think about, lest his already flushed skin get noticeably darker. He'd just say it was the lights...

"No kidding, gun slinging, spurs hitting the floor
Call me Hoss, I'm the Boss, with the sauce in the horse
No remorse for the sheriff, in his eye I ain't right
I'm gonna paint his town red, and paint his wife white"

He was a sport alright, his eyes steering clear of Lizzy altogether, lest he choke completely.

Lizzy looked worried, hands clasped together in front of her as the song started. It was a surprise that of all the songs in Halloween, the song that the audience had picked was the one that she had dedicated to Mot during prom - not her best memory, since she remembered feeling utterly embarrassed by the end of it, but she did have fun! However, as she stared at Mot from where she was standing, she couldn't help but feel that he wasn't quite himself, and worry started to build up in her chest, threatening to bubble out.

Did she go too far?

She had wanted to give Mot a shove, seeing how he did really well over the break without his hat on, going shopping with her and even buying her a meal, but... What if he was mad at her for doing this to him? He wasn't smiling, and he had pointedly refused to look at her, which made her worry even more; she would have to apologize to him after this! Ugh, she felt like she could just melt into a puddle on the floor right about now.

As the song came to a finish, she held her breath... And the clapping begun. This time, there were no discouraging comments, no 'polite' clapping. This time, the clapping was more enthusiastic, like Mot had really done well and the audience was impressed with his performance. Lizzy heaved a sigh of relief and joined in the clapping, hoping that Mot would stop avoiding her eye contact as she waved at him, gesturing for him to join her at the table.

It was over? Finally? The audience seem genuinely pleased. Mot wasn't really sure why, but it made feel a little better. He caught sight of Lizzy waving him down, and took little time to get to her from the stage.

The look on his face was not one of his best.

"You left me." He muttered dejectedly, like some child who didn't understand why they were being punished.

Meanwhile, FooFoo was still on his back under Lizzy's chair.

When he came closer, her heart sank as she felt sick to the stomach; without the hat to cover his eyes, she could see how betrayed he felt. His tone made her feel worse as she tackled him in an affectionate hug, mumbling something incoherent as she tugged him towards the seat with FooFoo under it and sat him down, "Ohhh, Mot! A-ah! I'm sorry! Really! I just wanted to help you feel a little more confident in yourself and ahhhhh-" She frowned, looking around before her eyes settled on the boil again, "T-to make it up to you, you can request me to do anything."

Dangerous, perhaps, but this was Mot! He wouldn't make her do anything too bad, right?

Mot's exposed eyes stared at Lizzy with disapproval as he was hugged, and even sat down. Did he enjoy being cross with her? Not at all. He hated it. But he also wasn't about to push that away simply because he wanted her to smile again! Nope! Not giving in..

Foofoo sensed his master's discontent.
Foofoo did nothing but wiggle his legs in the air. OMJ SO MUCH FUN AHH! *W*

Mot sighed a bit, shaking his head. "You don't have to do anything." Mot muttered, leaning back in his seat. "I've had enough excitement for one day."

She whimpered, not sure what to do with the grumpy Mot sitting in front of her. She didn't mean for things to turn out this way! Unable to come up with a better solution, Lizzy did what she knew best - hugging. Grabbing a chair and dragging it over beside him, she then reached out for his arm, tugging him towards her while ignoring any protests, but making sure to be gentle.

She pressed a hand down on his head to make him lay on her shoulder the same way she had done to her ghoulfriends whenever they were feeling down or troubled... Not to say she saw Mot as a ghoul; far from it. He was her big brother and he was the best big brother a ghoul could ask for... Except he was now being grumpy, and she was frightened by the way his eyes looked so dull when she was used to him being so full of energy. Her other hand wrapped around his back to hold his arm, "I'm sorry... I was being selfish, wasn't I? I didn't ask you for your opinion at all..."

Mot watched Lizzy move about with mild curiosity. Somehow he didn't really see what she was trying to do until she did it. There wasn't a whole lot of protest verbally as she pulled him toward her, though there was a little bit of hesitation on his part. Lizzy felt bad, he could tell. It was always easy to tell with her. Mot just wasn't sure how he felt about being consoled in a public place.
Then again, the crowd was more focused on a pair of comedic singers on stage now. Fantastic distraction.

Mot remained tense for a while, even as she spoke to him. He was mad! He didn't want to listen to reason! But Lizzy's sweet voice was hard to ignore, even if he wasn't happy with her at the time. Slowly, Mot relaxed. "You weren't being selfish." Mot muttered. I was just being a coward... he thought to himself. "If you had asked me I would have fled the scene, don't you think?"