Hi everyone! Thanks to all of you who have favorited/followed/reviewed this story so far. I've outlined the chapters and downloaded the libretto, so we're ready to go! A quick note: it occurs to me that some of you reading aren't familiar with Sweeney Todd. You don't have to know the show to get this story, but if you wanted to see the play/movie without spoilers, go see it and come back to this story later (warning: it's dark and violent). That being said, on with the show!
Disclaimer: I do not own these characters nor the musical they are performing.
"Alright! Welcome to the cast of Sweeney Todd!" The director shouted to the cheering teenagers. "A lot of you are new, so I'm going to go over the basics. My name is Ms. Lucas, but you can call me Ruby. Our choreographer is Ms. Bell, and our stage manager is Elsa. She may be a student, but I expect you all to listen to her and be respectful. We rehearse two or three times a week until right before the show, when things will get more intense. I'll send out a schedule at the beginning of each week to let you know when you will be needed."
"Now," Emma looked up because Ruby had finished her usual opening speech. "because it's never too early for some cast bonding, we're going to have a screening of the movie version of Sweeney Todd here in the auditorium on Saturday. Attendance isn't mandatory, but it's highly encouraged." She looked at her watch. "That's about it for now. Before you leave, go to the table over there and pick up your scripts. Thank you all for coming." The cast got up and started heading to the table. Emma took this time to approach the director. "Hey, Emma! Congratulations on your role."
"Thanks, Ruby." She forced a smile. "There was something I wanted to talk to you about."
"Does this something have dark hair and the other leading role?" Ruby asked. Emma nodded. "I figured. Look, I know you too don't really get along…" Emma snorted. "but it's going to be fine. You're both really talented and will be great in the show."
"It's not the show I'm worried about, it's both of us making it out alive."
"Well, you won't, Emma. Haven't you seen Sweeney Todd?" Ruby's quip was met with an eye roll. "Seriously though, I have a lot of faith in the both of you. Besides," she smirked, "might as well put all that sexual tension you two have built up the past few years to good use."
"The what?!" Emma's eyes widened. "We don't have… It's just...You can't really think…"
"Whatever you say Ems. I call it like I see it." Ruby held up her hands. "Go get your script. We'll talk later." Emma nodded, beginning to walk away. "Oh, and Emma?"
"Yeah?" She turned around.
"I really am glad you're going to be in the show." Ruby smiled. Emma grinned back, then continued to the script table.
"Belle! Come over here! I want you to meet someone." Killian shouted over to her. She walked over to Killian and another boy. "Belle, this is Will Scarlet. Will, this is Belle."
"Nice to meet you." Belle smiled politely.
"Likewise." Will replied. "I guess we'll be seeing a lot of each other these next few weeks."
"Most likely. Have you been in the other shows? I think I might've seen you before."
"Yeah, I joined the club last year." Will shrugged. "Is this your first show?"
Belle nodded. Killian laughed. "I finally talked her into joining the dark side." He joked.
"We're happy to have her." Will said.
"Happy to be here." Belle looked at her phone. "I'm sorry, my dad's here. I have to go. Killian do you need a ride?"
"No love, Liam's coming for me."
"Alright. I'll see you both tomorrow then. It was nice meeting you, Will." Belle hugged Killian, waved at Will, then headed for the auditorium doors.
"You too." Will called after her. He turned to Killian. "So that's your girlfriend?"
Killian shook his head. "No. We're just friends. She's practically my little sister."
"I see." Will hid a smile. "You know, she doesn't seem like the getting onstage type."
"She isn't really, but she's really talented and wanted to give this a try, so here we are." He shrugged. His phone rang. "That would be Liam. I've got to go."
Will nodded. "See ya around, mate."
"It won't be so bad,"
"So bad? Elsa, we're going to be spending like six hours together a week! I'm going to go crazy." The two were sitting on the couch at Emma's house, killing time before movie night.
"Just don't put those props to use. We're renting and I don't want real blood on fake knives."
"Anything for you." Emma teased. She knew that Elsa was incredibly protective of the props. Her mood was improved. Elsa always knew what to say to make her feel better.
"Look on the bright side. He's pretty cute."
Emma smacked her friend's arm. "Elsa!"
"I'm just saying." She shrugged. "You can't tell me I'm wrong."
"I'm too distracted by his massive ego to notice." Emma scoffed. "Ruby said that she thinks we have sexual tension. Can you believe that?" Elsa looked like she was going to say something, then hesitated. "What?"
"Can you promise not to hit me?"
"Elsa…"
"She's kind of right. Everyone thinks so."
Emma's jaw dropped. "Everyone?" Elsa nodded. "Oh my god." She buried her face in her hands.
"It's not necessarily a bad thing. Heck, it could come in handy in this show."
The front door opened. Emma's foster mom, Mrs. Nolan, came in. "Hi girls!"
"Hi Mrs. Nolan" Elsa smiled.
"Do you girls need anything?" They shook their heads. "What time is your movie?"
"7:30." Emma answered.
"You'll be home by 10?"
"Probably."
"Okay. You'll call if something changes?"
Emma rolled her eyes. "Yes, Mary Margaret."
"I'm just looking out for you honey. I'm going to make dinner now. Elsa are you staying to eat?"
"If you don't mind." Elsa replied.
"You're always welcome here. Bye girls." Mrs. Nolan went into the kitchen.
Movie night had an excellent turnout. All of the cast and most of the members of tech had shown up. Ruby and Ms. Bell set up a snack table, making sure everyone was set before they started the movie. The lights went down, and Ruby turned the projector on. Emma and Elsa sat in the back. Killian and Belle were off in a corner. Belle had never seen the movie before.
Within two minutes of the movie, people were already commenting to each other.
"Are you going to do that to your hair?" Belle teased Killian.
"Maybe."
"Hey Emma, you don't even need to wear makeup to look like that. We just won't give you caffeine the week before the show!"
"Shut up Elsa."
About halfway through, Belle turned to her friend. "This is a bit dark for a school play, isn't it?"
"It's not that bad." Killian said as the Sweeney on screen killed another man. Belle pointed at the movie. He shrugged. "So you may have a point. But the music is beautiful, you have to admit."
"Gah! I can't look." Elsa hid behind her hands.
"It's just fake blood. Don't worry." Emma chided. "If you're like this during the movie, what'll you be like during the show?"
"Who says I was going to pay attention aside from scene changes?"
"Quiet back there!" A voice snapped. Elsa slid lower in her seat. Emma giggled.
At the end of the movie, the group of teenagers cleaned up and went outside. Emma and Elsa stood by the parking lot, chatting. Suddenly, something crashed into Emma. She turned around, annoyed. Killian Jones looked down at her, still too close for comfort.
"Watch where you're going Jones." She glared.
"Swan, always a pleasure." He smirked. They locked eyes.
"Killian, are you ready to go?" Belle came out the auditorium door. Killian turned to look at her.
"Yeah, just about." He replied. "Until next time, Swan." He strode away.
Emma huffed. "Who does he think he is?" she started towards her car. Elsa followed, shaking her head. This show was going to be one interesting production.