Sorry for the huge lap since my last update of this story. Life hasn't been that great for a while. Anyway, I hope you like this chapter. It's a REAL doozy. -sorrowXdarkness
I do not own Steven Universe, hence the 'fanfiction'.
Steven Universe- Roommates
Chapter 15: The Critic
oooOOOooo
"You wanted to see me sir?" Jamie appeared by the doorway. The door to the mayor's office was left open as two bodyguards quickly arrived to apprehend him. The men did a quick search before letting him go.
"He's clear." The taller of the two spoke as they stepped aside. Jamie felt slightly violated as he attempted to recapture his composure; they were quite thorough with their search. The mayor was too occupied by his conversation on the phone to realize what just occurred to the young thespian. As the call ended, the man with his slight "thinning" hair turned his direction to his guest.
"Jamie my boy! You have no idea how happy I am in seeing you." The man came to Jamie and gave the most uncomfortable embrace he ever felt.
"Sir?"
The mayor pulled away before letting out a hearty chuckle. "Do you have any idea with whom I had the pleasure of talking to in the phone?"
"Honestly, I wouldn't have a clue." Jamie said sincerely. He had never seen the mayor so excited before. Well except for when his political campaign won the previous year. It helped that no one ran against him during the elections.
"I had the honor of speaking to Michael Gold."
That strung a chord to Jamie as his expression shifted. "You don't mean..."
"Hm-hm."
"The..."
"The one and the same."
"So he'll..."
"He'll be partaking in the night as one of your audience during opening night. Leave a good impression with him and I can guarantee more concrete fundings for our city's recreation activities."
Jamie's mind lit up. Michael Gold was both a film and play critic with a reputation that stretched across the country. A single paragraph from the man was enough to give light to one's work, or the darkness, never allowing another opportunity to shine. The risk was high; a height that far exceeded Jamie's expectation.
The mayor let out a cough. "So be sure to do your best. After all, I had to pull some mighty big strings to get him to attend your play." As he spoke those lines, the mayor received a call that he took. Jamie was escorted out of the mayor's office by one of the guards and was left on his own outside the building.
When he realized where he now was, he turned to his hands. They both began to quiver, though it wasn't through excitement.
oooOOOooo
The final week of the production and everyone was practically ready for the play. They were given a total of three weeks to prepare the play (a play that may continued for a handful of times if successful at its first night). So much was in the works as the actors continued to practice and Peridot continued to perfect the stage props. It was mostly decorating them to hide the machinery from the audience's eyes. Pearl decided to help with the decoration and to look over the dances. Connie was really useful in keeping Jamie up-to-date with the progress. Above all, he had the wonderful opportunity to practice alongside Lapis. She was already gifted in her own rights, probably through the watching of many films and mimicking their actions.
He never felt such joy as they performed several scenes together, fine-tuning their skills and performance. If only that was the case when he was in Kansas City, dealing with her. No, thought Jamie. If he never left Kansas City and returned to Beach City, he wouldn't have met Lapis the way he did and they wouldn't be as close as they were now. Their mid sections were connected, as they twirled their bodies together. The dance was the most crucial. Every small movements must captivate the audience, but at the same time they must not be mindful of them. No one should exist between the two figures as they danced. The only eyes they should see, were each others.
"Jamie, are you alright?"
"Hm?"
Lapis and Jamie halted. Lapis was holding Jamie in place as she dipped him. Her eyes were cast down, staring at the eyes before her. Toward the end, Jamie's movements dwindled as they came out of sync with hers. What could distract the young thespian from performing in a play he wrote himself. Lapis could feel the trickle of liquid coming from his eyes.
She could easily hold Jamie in one hand, and she did as she freed her other hand. Jamie didn't realize the trail of water trickling down until Lapis pulled them aside with a wave of her freed hand. The gesture surprised him as Lapis returned them to their original position before Jamie detached himself. "Jamie...is everything alright?"
Jamie walked a bit toward the edge of the stage. Looking ahead, he tried to imagine the audience to be during the first night. For him, each play was crucial for his career. Any flop would only guarantee his change in career. He nearly gave it up once. A second time would only latched onto him longer; perhaps permanently like super glue with no luck of removing itself from him. His career would be over. His love for the arts would be over. Proving to her that he truly had no skills for acting. Steven noticed the scene and quickly made his way to Jamie, only to be stopped by Pearl. He looked up and saw her shaking her head.
Lapis stared at the backside of her partner. The wind blew the tip of his hair freely, but the rest of him felt restricted. Stuck. She took a step forward, still waiting for him to say something. He didn't. Perhaps he was pondering something. With each day disappearing, the actual day of the performance was drawing near. They were well on track for that night, but even that did not prevent the anxiety he felt. The anxiety the rest of the cast would feel. Everyone else were showing signs, most of which were their excitements. It drew the untapped energy to continue. Eventually that would turn on them. Their exhilaration would transform into fear. Was Jamie feeling the fear already? They were doing so fine, so what was there to worry?
"Lapis."
"Yes?" Hearing his voice, Lapis halted any thought process. Pouring all of her attention, she waited for him to continue.
"You're amazing...truly stunning. Seeing you perform with ease, but above all, with the joy that could easily fill the hearts of the audience." Jamie said, leaving a confused Lapis in place. They were all nice comments from him, but she sensed sorrow in his words. What was going on in the mind of the thespian/director/friend/boyfriend? He turned to her. His eyes stared at her figure for a moment. Her form was even enchanting as the sun shined its ray down on her. He closed his eyes. In their place, was his smile; a forced one at that. "If this play turns out to be a flop... I'm sure if you really want to, you cou-"
Lapis didn't give him a chance to finish that line. Instead, she embraced him wholesomely. She bound his arms to his body as she held him tightly. She wanted to say how much of an idiot he was being. What was going on with him? She wanted to know.
"Jamie... I'm only going to say this once. You're an idiot if you think I would go ahead and leave us behind. I'm doing this because of you..." She took a moment to allow her gem on her back to settle down. How angry was she? "...because it's with you...so please stop talking like that."
Jamie let out a sigh as he felt the warm embrace. He reciprocated the gesture, turning to her as one of his hand ruffled her hair. How fortunate was he? His heart could not settle. The reason shifted as did the feeling behind it. His heart was in utter joy. He pushed Lapis apart. The action surprised her as she began to fear for the worse. They turned out to be silly thoughts of the mind as Jamie pulled her in. The difference? He bestowed a light kiss for a moment before pressing forward for another kiss. Lapis understood as the second kiss held them both together for what felt like forever. Nothing else really mattered as they allowed the sensation to spread across their body. Lapis felt she was flying without the use of her powers as her mind began to forget the wooden floor below her feet.
As they departed, they discovered how tearful their faces have gotten. Finding it humorous, they leaned and connected foreheads.
"So what's going on?" She asked.
Jamie knew not how to reply. As director, it would be better if his crew did not know about their surprise guest. They were already stressed out with the play itself. Anymore could be detrimental for the performance and his staff. Still, when staring at the eyes of someone that cared so much about you, there was no way you could refuse. "I'm a bit worried, that's all."
Lapis wanted to chuckle. Why on Homeworld, would he be worried? Everything was fine. They were fine. Even though she wanted to laugh, she didn't. "You have nothing to worry about." She wanted to shower him with all of her feelings, and hoped that it would remove any insecurities in his body. She had to settle with her words that spread to his face. "Because I'm here."
Steven and Pearl both gave a light smile in response to what they heard. Despite the scene, only a handful of people noticed. Connie, who was going over the lighting with Peridot, noticed their conversation. She wasn't the only one. Lapis stood next to Jamie, resting her head on him as they allowed the moment to pass through them. Eventually, they returned to practicing for the remaining hour. Kiki stared at the couple throughout the rest of the day, though with equivocal pair of eyes.
oooOOOooo
"Here you go. A plain bagel with the works." Steven said cheerfully as he gave the treat to Connie that took it with steady hands. Upon receiving the tasty snack, her gaze went down to the bagel. Steven then began to work on his own bagel, but stopped midway when he noticed Connie's expression.
"Is everything alright?"
Connie bit her lips before speaking. "Is Jamie usually this worried right before a play?" The day before, Connie caught sight of Jamie's insecurities. How would an army fare, when their leader was in ruins? It was thanks to Lapis that Jamie shifted gears in his mood. It was actually the basis of Connie's concern.
Steven stopped making his lunch all together. Today was a free day for them as they decided to have a picnic together. It has been a while since they last shared a picnic. Lately, they both were busy with things; Connie with her violin lessons and Steven with his missions as a Crystal Gem, let alone the play.
"Yes..." Steven began though changed his mind. "...no. He gets worried, but never like this. He told me to keep it a secret, but someone really important will be attending the first night. Someone that could either make or break his career with a stroke of his pen."
Connie nodded, affirming that she understood. "That would explain why he acted the way he did." She knew that Jamie was a struggling thespian, but never thought he was struggling this bad. Each of his plays may lacked the adequate fundings and cast, but they were performed with plenty of heart. "Still, we're going to knock that guy's socks off with our first night performance." Connie said confidently, standing tall. Steven laughed in responded before following her lead.
"Yeah! He will have no choice but to write a good review on Jamie and his play."
They both were quite sure of themselves as they ate their bagels.
oooOOOooo
"So this is Beach city?" A man, well over his fifties, said as he boarded out of a tour bus. He looked around and noticed how small and un-stimulating the place was. The trip took him several hours, but he already regretted his decision in making the trip. The only reason he came to Beach City was because an old classmate of his told him of a one of a kind play. He really doubted that, but since his friend insisted and he was bored, he might as well do him that favor.
When he found a bench to relax, he took a seat and pulled out a flier from his satchel.
"The Divine Candidate?" He said to himself. The paper had a vague design of two people; one toward the center and the other toward one side. The one toward the center was clearly a woman performing a dance while the one toward the side was a man. It was somewhat interesting, but the picture did not reveal too much of the play. "Am I supposed to be impressed?"
Then suddenly, it sprang. It came so abruptly and without warning as the low growl from within notify the man that he was hungry and was in need to satisfy that hunger. He walked around the "famous" broadwalk to find a place to catch a bite. The boardwalk didn't seem so full with tourist as he only spotted a handful of people walking by.
When he spotted a vendor, he quickly made his way to his establishment; Fish Stew Pizza. The place was completely packed with people as they merrily sang a tune. He came slightly annoyed by their action as they made common slurs to a beloved song. They were mostly fishermen and town folks as they sang and ate without no concern for anyone else nearby. It was truly a crime to the critic as he kept his opinion to himself, willfully making his way through the crowd. Arriving at the counter, he turned his attention to the man standing on the other side.
"I just rolled into town and I'm wondering, what do you serve here?"
The man smiled by the newcomer as he presented the critic with a menu of the place. He looked through the options and decided to try their specialty.
The man jotted it down before shouting to his daughter of the order made by the critic. The daughter did not look all that enthusiastic about it, but took the order anyway before leaving to the kitchen.
"We will let you know when it is done. Please wait patiently for your order."
The bad thing about waiting for his meal was that fact that everyone else was continuing their little chorus. If this is all Beach City has to offer, then I regret agreeing to come here.
Just then, the door to the place opened and a strange person walked in. Strange was the perfect word for it as said person was surprisingly blue; literally the color blue. Everything about her was blue; her skin, hair, and eyes. Even her dress was blue as she walked over to the counter and rang the bell.
When she noticed the critic staring at her, she smiled politely. He found himself smiling back as she directed her attention to the counter. The man from before returned with a plate of drinks as he realized who rang the bell.
"Ah Lapis, quick on your feet as always. For now, there are no deliveries as practically everyone is here. So if you don't mind, please hand out these drinks to table number five."
"Okay. I can do that." She said enthusiastically. She took the drinks and began walking toward the crowd.
"Lapis!" They all cheered as they made way for her to walk through.
"Hello. Please don't mind me. I'm here to drop off the drinks." She said as she placed down the drinks and took back the plate. "Can I get you anything else?"
One of them spoke for the mass. "Lapis, you know why we're here. Can't you give us a sample of what's to come tomorrow?"
Tomorrow?
Lapis shook her head with a smile plastered on her face. "As much as I love to show you all a small portion of the play, I really want you all to be there to see the whole thing."
"And we will!" Said another.
"Yeah, I already purchased my ticket ahead of time." Yet another voice said.
"Me too!"
Lapis thanked everyone as she promised to give it her all in tomorrow play. By then, the critic received a drink and as he took a sip, he spat it out. She's in the play?! His sudden spit take did not go un-noticed as the same blue girl quickly came to his side.
"Are you okay?" She began, patting his back with the gentlest of touch. "Do you want a napkin?"
"I'm fine. Just surprised, is all." He said, capturing as much of his composure he lost as he could. "So you're performing in a play, huh?"
"That's right. It's called Divine Candidate and it is going to be performed tomorrow. You should come and check it out if you can."
The switch was flipped when he received confirmation. Putting down his drink, he spoke. "So tell me, is this your first time performing?"
"In a live audience, yes." She said excitedly.
"And you're not worried about messing up?" He asked.
"No. Not one bit." She said plainly. "I read the play several times and completely memorized all my lines."
"Really?" The critic asked, not too impressed. "What's your least favorite line from the entire play?" Most people could recite their favorite line in a play or story. The same could not be said about their least favorite line. When he heard not a peek from the girl, he thought he got her. When she spoke, he was in for a surprise.
"My prince, the very embodiment of divinity and kindness to take interest in me, it is truly a heavy heart to deny you of anything, but I am a peasant. Unsuitable to stand before you. I am merely a person with no nobility or resource to offer. I'm sorry." When she was done, she opened her eyes.
"Not bad. You got potential, that's for sure."
"Does that mean you're coming tonight?"
The critic nodded. The girl got him slightly interested as he finally received his meal.
The strange blue girl then left when her boss called her back. As he continued to stare at her fleeing figure, he found himself to be a bit excited for the night performance.
oooOOOooo
It was finally the night of the play and everyone was excited. With the help of Pearl and Barbara, they managed to provide everyone with clothes and props. As the people were walking through the open field and taking their seats, Jamie was performing a final check with Connie and Peridot. Everyone was accounted for as they were occupied with putting on their costumes and reciting their roles.
As he finished with the check up, he felt a tap on the shoulder, turning around, he found Lapis in a dress. It was supposed to be a modest dress that was suited for her role as a peasant. It was still modest by itself, but somehow it had brought a new shade of Lazuli that Jamie was not used to seeing.
"How do I look."
By the gods, how was he supposed to answer that? No answers he could provide would be able to satisfy her inquiry. It definitely made sense to make a dress similar to what Lapis usually wore. As she gave a small twirl around, her attention went on the young director for a response. Her eyes waited and waited some more as they spotted his mouth ajar.
"Jamie?" She asked, straightening herself once again.
"You look...amazing." He forcefully let out as he felt the butterflies in the cavern of his stomach.
"Really?" When he nodded, her cheeks beamed a dark shade of blue. A praise was good before the show as she confidently walked around with her costume on. This actually was the second dress they made for her, after Pearled added her inputs. Pearl knew what she was saying as the new dress was easier to dance around with. The previous dress was cute, but very restrictive. Any sudden movements and she feared she could tear a sleeve or two.
"Can we perform one last lighting check?" Connie asked through the headset. Peridot nodded from a distance as she tinkered with the control panel.
Jamie took in a deep breath as he peeked through the curtains. Honestly, he hoped to fill half the seats in the audience. When he saw the whole place packed, the anxiety came in. This is it, he thought. This was his big shot. It finally came down to this night. There were tons of people, so it was hard to tell if the critic came.
"It's going to be great." Someone said from behind.
Jamie turned around and saw Kiki standing there with a clipboard. Although she refused to take any acting roles, she offered her free time to help in any other way possible.
"Yeah. I know. There's a lot of people tonight." He commented. "How's Jenny?"
Kiki shrugged her shoulders. "Fine I guess. She didn't seem anxious at all."
"Well, it's probably because she has no line at all. Lucky her."
Kiki chuckled before speaking once again. "Hey, you'll thank me for it. My sister is all about moving and grooving." When she saw he wasn't looking at her, she became slightly annoyed. It wasn't until she noticed something off that her expression changed. He was fiddling with his fingers as more people came roaring in, with or without seats.
"Hey. It's going to be great." She repeated.
He felt the pressure pressing down on his shoulders as he swallowed down the apprehensiveness. "Okay." He said before walking off. Kiki looked at his back, concerned over her friend. Maybe it was time to take a different approach.
oooOOOooo
Omake:
"Lapis, please deliver this to Mr. Harold at his home." Mr. Fryman said, passing a bag to the Crystal Gem. She took it politely before taking off. To think, she finally found a job she could do. Steven explained more about the concept of money to Lapis and how to acquire it. When she heard Mr. Fryman was looking for someone to deliver their food, she approached him about the job. She heard about the job from Steven that accompanied her. Mr. Fryman was not too keen in hiring her, but thanks to Steven, he decided to give her a chance. Today would mark the third day since she started her job. It was simple and helpful as she became more acquainted with the small town of Beach City.
Everyone was mostly nice to her on her delivery, especially Barbara. For some reason, she kept talking about Jamie to her. Not that she was complaining, since she learned more about her boyfriend. The mail carrier was happy for them both as she felt Lapis was both a sweet girl and quite the catch.
"Catch?"
"Makes me wonder, how on earth did Jamie manage to get your attention."
Lapis smiled in response to Barbara's inquiry. "Honestly, I'm the lucky one."
As she flew, she became excited about her paycheck. In two days, she would be receiving her pay for her work. She wasn't sure on what she could buy with it, but knew part of it would go to Jamie for allowing her to stay with him. Boy, won't he be surprised.
Returning to her workplace, she was met with Ronaldo. He was the son of her boss that worked there as well. He didn't seem as passionate as Lapis was about her work, but still performed them. When he noticed her, he quickly ran up to her to ask her some questions. Since her first day, Ronaldo kept asking her questions about her existence and culture as a gem. They were pretty harmless as she tried to answer some of them to the best of her abilities. She kept reminding him that she was trapped for many years in a mirror so she became somewhat detached with Homeworld.
He still continued despite what she said as he posted her answers "on-line". He had a place there to report his findings to everyone that read them.
"You know, Peridot might be able to help with your 'blog'. She already familiar with your computers." Lapis brought up. That went well with the strange teen as he pulled his eyes from his jotted notes. She definitely lit a fire within him.
"Oh my gosh! You are so right. Peridot already has this inclination to study and examine our planet. This could bring out a whole new perspective from an outside source." Ronaldo began before dashing through the boardwalk. Her guess, he was heading to Steven's house to speak to Peridot.
"Ronaldo! We still have work!" She shouted, but Ronaldo simply waved his hand. Did that have some significant meaning, she wondered. "I guess he doesn't care about his job." She concluded. He was more into his website than his work anyway. So why is he working here?
"Lapis, another delivery!" Mr. Fryman shouted.
"Coming!" She quickly went inside. Her job was far from over; there was still two more hours before the end of her shift. Just remember why you are doing this...for Jamie.
-End of Chapter
Author's Notes:
So Lapis got herself a job. Jamie is concern about the play. Lapis and a few others are concern about Jamie. So much to do and so little time. As you would guess it, the next chapter is the play itself. I haven't decided if I should break it down into two parts or leave it as one. It may depend on the actual writing content so stay tune! Oh and any predictions of what's to come?
