Disclaimer: You know the drill: Don't own the Newsies, the original characters belong to themselves, and my friends own themselves (I think.). Anywho…read on for randomness!!(And WAAAAAAAAY too much processed cheese and caffeine, LOL!!)
"Music is your own experience, your own thought, your own wisdom."-Charlie Parker
SPOTMy name is Gabriel 'Spot' Conlon, and I'm gay, flaming gay, as a matter of fact, so if you've got a problem with that, leave now.
OK, now we've weeded out all the homophobes. Good.
I LOVE LOVE LOVE MUSIC!! Which is why I'm in marching band, Singers, and jazz band. So I have an eight period day, but it's worth it. 'Course, that ALSO means I have to get up super-early, and I go to bed super-late, but like I said, it's worth it.
I think.
But…right now, I was watching Liz wind her way from person to person, telling them something, talking, laughing, (smacking Blink upside the head). She eventually found her way over to me, and sat down next to me, our tattoo halves touching. Yeah, when we were 13, we ran away from home, told a tattoo shop owner we were orphans, and persuaded him to give us two tattoos each. We got the two halves on our upper arms, then she got some phrase in Spanish, and I got the Latin phrase, 'Quod me nutrit me destruit'. 'What nourishes me also destroys me'. Then we ran back home. We got grounded for forever, but it was worth it. 'Thick as thieves', our mothers called us.
Eh, whatever.
We've actually managed to keep our mothers from finding out about our ink by getting them high up enough on our shoulders so that our shirtsleeves cover them. But the color guard uniforms have no sleeves, so Liz is outta luck. HAHAHAHAHAHA!!!
I laugh at her plight. But only a little bit, cross my heart.
"Hey, Spotty", she said, giving me a hug and grinning. She toyed with my hair. "Purple streaks. Nice touch. Listen, after the game, we're going out for pizza. Can you take…" She looked at a piece of paper. "Jack, Blink, and Dave in your car?"
"Sure thing, mi amiga", I said. "Just…they aren't gonna start making out in the back seat, are they?"
"Not that you'd mind." She laughed. "But Dave isn't totally sure he's gay yet."
"I could fix that," I said, grinning wickedly.
At this point, I suppose I should mention, that, in addition to the purple streaks and tattoos, I have an eyebrow ring, a tiny diamond in my nose, and, currently, I had painted my nails purple and was wearing one coat of black mascara.
Yeah, I'm a flamer. Ain't it great?
"I think we should tell 'em after the game. They're our best friends, they've got a right to know."
"We've kept it a secret for 16 years, let's keep it that way, 'k, babe?"
"Don't people ask you about the tattoo, Spot? 'El fin' doesn't make a whole lot of sense all by itself, does it? It's like when you were in the closet(short time that it was, admittedly), you weren't being true to yourself."
I looked at her. She had a point, but I still wasn't sure. Then she made me an offer I couldn't refuse:
"If we tell 'em tonight, I'll pay for another piercing, AND I'll do your nails every week for a month. And touch-ups whenever you need it."
I can't refuse a decent manicure. And I'd been wanting my actual lobes pierced for a while, but I couldn't afford it.
"OK" I said, resignedly. "I'll do it."
"Oh, gracias, mi amigo! Dios, estoy feliz!! Ay-yi-yi-yi-yi!!'" And she proceeded to dance away happily, almost stepping on Snitch as she went.
Hey, it's not her fault he's so damn short. She can't make him grow.
I couldn't help but feel a slight sense of foreboding, though.
So, the game ended and we got changed. I was wearing really tight jeans, a white muscle shirt (also tight, sensing a pattern here?), and grungy old sneakers.
I looked pretty damn sexy, if I do say so myself.
Liz came out of the color guard room, wearing a denim mini, a black camisole, and a white shirt kinda like an Oxford, unbuttoned, over the camisole, and black knee-high lace-up boots. However, being normal was never her strong point, so she'd put in Day-Glo pink laces, spray-painted parts of the boots silver, and had glitter painted the phrase 'Color guard-Can't handle it? Try cheerleading!'
She inhaled sharply. "OK, let's get moving, mi amigo!" she said briskly. We all piled into our respective cars, and headed over to Pizza Hut, which is only 10 minutes away from school, but we usually make it in 5.
Heh heh heh…twice the speed limit. Although there was that one time I got pulled over for going 80 in a 25 zone…but we won't get into that. Anyways…
We got there, and we were told it would be a 20-minute wait. We were all kinda pissed off, but there wasn't a lot we could do about it.
Eh, whatever.
So we all sat down, and proceeded to rehash every little detail of everything that had happened at the game, with emphasis on cheerleaders who are also flute players, who also happen to be blonde, are evil sluts. There was a general murmur of agreement, and we were just about to imitate the fight song dance, when our names were called.
"Damn" said Liz. "I was hoping to scare that waiter who kept staring at me. He kinda gave me the creeps." We both laughed.
We ended up sitting at three long tables in the center of the room, after all, there WERE 19 of us. Everybody sat down except her and I.
"Guys" she said, "We have an announcement."
"Spot's straight!" Sapphy yelled jokingly. We all laughed. There's no way in HELL I could possibly be straight.
"Nooo" said Liz, looking at me a little apprehensively. We stood next to each other, and she took off her over shirt, so our two tattoo halves made a whole.
"I didn't think it was possible for the two of you to be any weirder" said Jack, shaking his head. "Congratulations, youse two have managed to prove me wrong."
"So…what do the words mean?" asked Cassie. "'Cause…that ain't English, am I right?"
"You're right. It's Spanish. It says 'Primos a el fin'. And it means 'Cousins to the end'" I said, shooting her a death glare. This wasn't going the way I'd pictured it.
"Shut up, Spot! Anyways, as I was GOING to say before I was so rudely interrupted… we didn't tell you because we didn't know how'd you react. Also, I'm changing my name. Last name. The papers come through in two days. I'll be a Conlon for life" she grinned, throwing her arm around my shoulders.
"Bein' a Conlon ain't all THAT great" I said, pinching her arm.
She kicked me. "We are cousins of the most insane kind, and we love each other, no matter what" she added, giving me a hug. "Usually."
"HEY!!"
Everyone was quiet, looking at us, processing the information.
"We forgive youse guys for not telling us" Dutchy said at last.
"Thanks" she said. "No, can we please order? I need my pepperoni and caffeine!" Everybody laughed and ordered. When the drinks came, Mandie stood up.
"I'd like to propose a toast: To the Conlon cousins, who are now 'Out of the closet', so to speak!"
"To the Conlon cousins!" everybody cheered. I sank into a char in relief. So my second 'coming out' was a success, after all.
"Hey Spot" Liz said. "We'll get your ears pierced tomorrow, OK? And we'll buy some topcoat, I'm running out. Any particular color preferences?"
"Hot pink" I said, jokingly. "But bright neon blue would be better, I think."
She laughed and gave me yet another hug.
I took a sip of my Mountain Dew, and a bite of my pizza.
Ah. Life is good.
BROADWAYSo those two are related. Odd. Supremely odd. But, then again, you know, the whole world is kind of odd. But anyways, back to me…just kidding.
"So, Liz, what's it like being related to the gayest guy in school?" I asked, winking at her.
"Eh…it's OK" she said, laughing.
"Hey!" came Spot's voice indignantly.
"Eh, Spotty, ya know I'm just kiddin'" she said, laughing and punching him lightly on the arm.
Now, obviously, you've seen 1 or 2 teenagers eat, maybe 5, maximum. But nineteen is a sight you'll most likely never see again. 19 kids chowing on pizza, hot wings, garlic bread, and soda.
It's INSANE.
After we finished eating, we all chipped in some money for he bill, piled into our cars, and drove home. I dropped off Melody and Jinx, and then drove myself home. Thankfully, we all live close to each other, so I got home by curfew.
"Hello, Cassie" my mother said, looking up from the paper. "Did you have a nice time with your friends?"
"Yeah, I did" I said, smiling and giving her a hug. "I found out Liz and Spot are related. Their mothers are sisters. Kinda weird, huh?"
"Oh, I like Spot and Lizzy" my mother said, laughing.
"I didn't say I didn't, but it's kinda weird, I mean, they never told us before now, and they have tattoos! Hey Mom-"
"No tattoos, Cassie, not while you're under my roof."
I pouted slightly. "All right. I'm going to bed. See you in the morning."
"Good night, dear. I love you."
"Love you too, Mom."
But I didn't go to bed. I went upstairs to my room and signed on to AIM. Jinx, Sapphy, Blink, and Liz were on. I sent them a Chat Invitation, and they all accepted.
Colorguard4life: What's up, Cassie? Couldn't sleep?
Theatrefreak226: Not really. Hey, everybody.
Thirdeyeblind: Queer Eye needs a 6th member, dontcha think? Can you say 'reality show star'?
MatchinLaces: LOL!
JewelEyes235: Blink, you're so GAY!
Thirdeyeblind: I know! Ain't it great?
Theatrefreak226: I could definitely see you on Queer Eye, Blink. Only thing is, what would you specialize in?
Colorguard4life: ::snorts, then laughs:: Not fitness, that's for damn sure
Thirdeyeblind: ::gives her the finger::
JewelEyes235: ::in a falsetto:: Children, stop fighting this instant!!
MatchinLaces: You tell 'em Sapphy!
JewelEyes235: LOL! I'm either gonna end up a teacher or a boxer! J/K!!
Colorguard4life: Ya know, ya gotta give Blink his props. He's got a nice face, a genuine smile, and sometimes he's honest to a fault
Theatrefreak226: Sorry, which Blink is this that's honest to a fault? LOL! 'Cause the Blink I know, he'll tell riddles and half-truths, but never the whole truth
Thirdeyeblind: Cassie. Shut. Up.
Colorguard4life: all right, youse two, break it up!
JewelEyes235: Great, crowd control's here. Party's over. Run, my pretties, run!
Theatrefreak226: Hey, Izzy signed on, I'm inviting her, 'K?
Rafikiroxmysox: Hey, people!
Colorguard4life: Hey, Izzy, I'm surprised you could move. You ate, what? Eight pieces of pizza, five hot wings, and half a loaf of garlic bread?
Rafikiroxmysox: Hey! I only ate three hot wings! And a quarter loaf of garlic bread!
MatchinLaces: LOL! I hate your metabolism, Izzy! I absolutely despise it!
Rafikiroxmysox: I know. LOL!!
JewelEyes235: You guys are weird and strange
JewelEyes235: Hey, if you spill gold glitter nail polish on your keyboard, is that bad?
Colorguard4life: ::snorts:: It's not generally preferred, Sapphy. What is that, your sixth spill? Your keyboard looks like a glittery rainbow now, don't it?
JewelEyes235: Yep, yep, yep!
Thirdeyeblind: Girls talk too much
Theatrefreak226: Look who's talkin', Mr. 'I-Had-Six-Mountain-Dews-and-started-reciting-the-amendments-to-the-Constitution-as-fast-as-I-could'. You're not one to talk
Thirdeyeblind: Shut up!
Colorguard4life: I know where this would go if it were you and I talking, Blink!
'L' is for the way you look at me, 'O' is for the only one I see…
Rafikiroxmysox: 'V' is very, very, extraordinary, 'E' is even more than anyone that you adore…
Colorguard4life: Can love! Is all that I can give to you! Love! Is more than just a game for two…
Rafikiroxmysox: Two in love can make it! Take my heart and please don't break it! Love! Was made for me and you!
Thirdeyeblind: are you two numbskulls quite finished?
Colorguard4life: randomness is never done!
Rafikiroxmysox: But for now, yes, we are done. Until we feel the need to sing again
MatchinLaces: My mom's telling me to go to sleep, I'll see you guys tomorrow, 'k?
JewelEyes235: Bye, Jinx!
MatchinLaces has left the chatTheatrefreak226: Yeah, I should probably go, too. See you guys!
Theatrefreak226 has left the chatColorguard4life: They're droppin' like flies! BLINK! Did you forget deodorant again?!
Thirdeyeblind: ::sniffs:: Nope, I'm good!
Rafikiroxmysox: LOL!!
Colorgurad4life: Hey, Blink, are we still on for band practice Dietze on Saturday?
Thirdeyeblind: Elves and Hobbits United! Yeah, 2:00 OK?
Colorguard4life: Works for me. Didja tell everyone else?
Thirdeyeblind: Yeah, Dutchy and Skitts are cool, but I can't get a hold of Mush
Colorguard4life: I'll call him. I've got his cell#
Rafikiroxmysox: When's your next concert?
Thirdeyblind: Christmas :-P We're playing the Winter Formal(or whatever it is they call the Christmas Dance so they don't offend anyone), and we're getting PAID!! WOO-HOO!!
Colorguard4life: WOO-HOO!! ::slaps Blink a high-five::
Colorgurad4life: :-P My mom's telling me to get off. Christ, it's 12:30! Izzy, Sapphy. we have band in 7 hours. Come on, everyone, bedtime!
Thirdeyeblind: Yes, mother! LOL! Bye, guys!
JewelEyes235 has left the chatColorguard4life: Oh, Blink! Before I forget, Dave's s/n is StarofDavid8810. Told you I'd find it!
Thirdeyeblind: Thanx. Bye!
Colorguard4life has left the chatThirdeyeblind had left the chat
Rafikiroxmysox: I'm all ALOOOOOOONE! There's no one here beside ME! My problems have all gone! There's no one to DERIIIIIIIVE MEEEEEEEEEE!!
Rafikiroxmysox has left the chatWOO-HOO!! It's DONE!! Eight pages, but it's worth it! YIPPEE AND YEE-HAW!!
Ahem. ::clears throat::
Anyways…on to shoutouts:
SHOUTOUTS:
Sapphy: Spot says you may be his fag hag anytime you want, and is offended that you'd think otherwise. In fact, he wants to say something…
Spot: Sapphy, we been friends a long time, right? So, Ise gotta tell youse…Ise in love with Jackie-boi. But like she said, youse can be my fag hag whenever youse want to.
ME: There, now. Isn't that all better?
NEWSIES: ::collective eye roll::
ME: Oh, go on strike or something!
Love ya, thanx for the review!
Saturday: I give people shoutouts who haven't reviewed in a couple of weeks, if they've reviewed, they're getting one. That's just the way it goes.
Anyways, I must say I LOVED the way Race and Bumlets finished each other's sentences. I put it in my profile, like, two seconds after I read it, it was THAT good. And I forgive you for not telling me you were at camp. I thought you were boycotting me, or something. I am extremely paranoid. Oh, well. I've decided to give you a present.
ME: ::whispering:: Hey, Bumlets, get in the box!
BUMLETS: WHY am I being given to Izzy again?
ME: Because it's her birthday in a couple of months. It's in October.
BUMLETS: So…couldn't this wait a couple of months?!
ME: Nope, because I'm the Queen of the World, and I say so. Now, GET IN THE DAMN BOX!!
BUMLETS: Yeesh! Cranky much?!
ME: ::tapes the box shut, tucks her hair behind her ears, and gives the box to Izzy. Who promptly faints from bliss::
ME: Who knew she was so emotional? ::walks off leaving her on the ground, and Bumlets in the box::
BUMLETS: ::muffled:: GET ME OUTTA HERE!!
Love ya, see ya, thanx for reviewing!!
Oo Long shoutoutErin Go Bruagh: Yes, I mentioned marching band in my story. Only because it's the greatest thing on the planet!! LOL! Love ya, thanx for the review!! Yeah, but you actually get to TALK in the next chapter, so that's cool right? Love you, thank you SO much for reviewing! (P.S. Did you know your penname means 'Go Ireland'? That's pretty cool, since I'm one-fourth Irish!)
COIN: Did you know that you are getting to be one of my more faithful reviewers? It's true! ::glomps you:: I like faithful reviewers! I know! I'm gonna give you Mush in a box!
MUSH: Aren't I already dating her?
ME: Oh, yeah. Well, what am I gonna give her?
MUSH: Give her something with polka dots on it.
ME: OK! I'll give you polka dot boxers to wear when she's around!
MUSH: Not exactly what I had in mind…
SPOT: I think it sounds hot.
ME: Spot, of COURSE you think it's hot. You're GAY for crying out loud!
SPOT: ::pouts very cutely::
ME: ::melodramatic sigh:: But we love ya anyway! ::cuddles him::
MUSH: OK, youse guys are REALLY starting to scare me! ::backs away slowly, not taking his eyes off of us::
SPOT AND ME: ::in unison:: What's his problem? ::collective shrug::
Oo 'Nother long shoutout, but it was worth it!
Cassies-Grandma: I thought I put you in, unless I forgot your CC's name, which I probably did, knowing me. LOL!! Anyways, you can e-mail me your info if you want, and I'll try and put you in. It's: But if you don't want to, that's OK too. Thanks for cluing me into that!
MatchinLaces: Yeah, I figured it was about TIME I put you in. I can't blame you for quitting flute, theatre is SO much better! Love ya, thanx for the review!
Ah, c'est la vie! I must go! I love you all, hope you enjoyed it, it FRIED MY BRAIN!! Toodles!