A/N: So, this is the first sort of truly AU'ed chapter, and the first of a two parter. It is set during Bring Me Stanton, and is kind of the beginning of my true goal for this story/interconnected series. And for the first time, a character other than the Mazzuchelli family members and Maashous makes an appearance.


"Set" to Fail Part 1

Maashous notices a change after the disaster that was the Football Party. Gordy offered to take his sisters out for ice cream yesterday. They left, Sadie smiling brightly, and still talking about it even now, as today Maashous continues his work on the model set for Spring Awakening, spread out over the main table. He hasn't really talked to Gordy much at all even after moving in with the Mazzuchellis, unsurprising considering they run in such different circles. And there still seems to be an unspoken tension between them, a tension that has become abundantly clear, because Maashous can sense an act from miles away.

"Hey Maashous," Mrs. Mazzuchelli enters the room, looking at the model. "Seems like you've been busy. Working on a Sunday?"

Maashous nods. "Mr. Mazzu's excitement is contagious."

"It is isn't it?" She smiles, but it doesn't entirely reach her eyes. As someone who watches actors on a daily basis, Maashous can tell her words are double edged even though her tone is upbeat. "That's adorable. It looks like mini Stanton."

"That's the idea."

Mrs. Mazzuchelli looks at Maashous, glancing toward the model. "May I? I'll be careful, I promise."

Maashous backs away slightly. "Go ahead."

"You built this?" She reaches toward the model, spinning it gently to face her. "Maashous...this is…really good."

It is this moment of awe that Maashous feels deeply. And then again as Mr. Mazzu sees the finished product for the first time, hand clapping down on his shoulder. The attention makes him instinctively shrug, glance away fleetingly even as the smile of pride is still present. And then he notices Gordy in the hall: that unreadable half frown that reeks of indifference that isn't and hasn't been indifferent since Maashous Evers has moved into the Maazuchelli home, and then Mrs. Mazzuchelli's expression changes as she looks at her son, then to her husband; the mask falls. Maashous finds his own feeling of pride churning in his stomach, poisoning the mood like bad shrimp as it deflates, and he grabs the model and leaves the room, moving past silently and without acknowledgement.


The late rehearsals are taking their toll. Maashous watches the arguments play out.

"REHEARSAL'S OVER! You can go." Mr. Mazzuchelli snaps. Maashous flinches. Everyone files out, but Maashous just as exhausted, lingers near the door.

"Oh god!" And Mr. Mazzuchelli runs out past Maashous as though his shoes are on fire, so only Ms. Wolfe is still in the auditorium with him.

For some reason, Maashous can't bring himself to leave just yet. He goes where he's never dared go for longer than five minutes at a time, on the stage. His model is still on the cart. He can't help the fire that rises in his stomach as he remembers the words: A 15 year old is going to tell me how to do my job? This set is causing nothing but trouble.

"Maashous, you alright Sweetie?" Ms. Wolfe speaks.

He can't speak, not yet. But then suddenly he does. "What do you think we should do about the set Ms. Wolfe?"

Ms. Wolfe sighs. "I don't know."

Maashous raises his eyebrows. He doesn't buy that response, not for a second. He knows that Ms. Wolfe is holding back.

"Maashous, be honest Baby, this is about more than the set isn't it?"

He falls back into silence, rocking onto his toes, and then sits on the edge of the stage, letting his legs drop over the side.

Ms. Wolfe, to her credit, doesn't say a word more on the subject. "It's alright." is all she says with a touch to his shoulder that is so light, Maashous isn't even sure he felt it at all.

Maashous simply nods rising to his feet and going back to the door. "Have a good night Ms. Wolfe."

"You too."


A/N: So this is the last pre-written chapter. I should have part 2 ready soon. Some teasers for part 2: We get more of Maashous' thoughts, a true conversation or moment of sorts involving Maashous and Gordy. Maashous and Lou and some connections that determine the final decision regarding the set that is made within Bring Me Stanton. And as Tuesday's episode seems to have a lot regarding Maashous, I will definitely incorporate that into another chapter. So lots of fun ahead.