(A/N: I am totally aware of how dated this will seem in a few months, but laugh anyway. Also, I am increasingly picturing Michael Cerveris as Erik, so do with that as you will.)
Chapter Ten: Feelin' Kinda Emo
The gang was sitting in a booth at Denny's, looking over a printout of movie times Megan obtained from Fandango ahead of time.
(Product placement.)
"I'll admit, I am curious about Brokeback Mountain," said Anne.
"I don't think so," said Megan.
"Why, because they're-"
"No, it has nothing to do with that!" said Megan. "It's because it's a romance lacking serious disfigurement, singing, or traumatic disasters that kill thousands of people, and a Western to boot. I don't do Westerns."
"Well then," Richard cut in, taking the paper, "Fun with Dick and Jane is still playing-"
"Seen it," said everyone else.
"Okay." said Richard, sounding chastised. "I personally want to see Narnia, but if you lot-"
"This is pointless," Erik said darkly. "We're sitting here, trifling over these mass-produced monsters in hope that maybe for one second we'll forget who we are! I've been trying to do that for years…"
"How is it that your corner of the table is so much darker?" Richard wondered aloud.
"It's never- going- to- change!" Erik shouted, thumping his fist on the table. "All through my life and even afterward, I suckle heedlessly on the teat of escapism. Knock-knock, who's there? ERIK! Open up, please, or I'll freeze out here!"
He sobbed a little and put his face in his hands.
"If you want to see Hoodwinked, Erik, you should have just said so." said Richard.