Chapter 2: Acting and First Impressions

Shiro flipped his hood over his head, shielding him from the wind. He had forgotten how cold New York got at night, especially late October. Doubling back down an alleyway, he saw a figure wrapped in a coat, hiding from the wind. There was something about that person's stance that looked familiar. The person turned and walked towards a bookstore and Shiro saw a flash of coffee-colored hair. "Adam?" he whispered incredulously to himself.

He hadn't seen the other man since high school. Coming to a decision, he followed him into the store. Adam was examining the drama aisle, finally grabbing a copy of The Phantom of The Opera. "Excellent choice," said Shiro from behind him. Adam squeaked in surprise and dropped the book. "Takashi? Is that you?" he asked, stooping to recover the fallen novel. "In the flesh" Adam ran to him and wrapped his arms around Shiro's waist.

"I missed you! Where the fuck have you been these past 4 years?" Shiro grinned and hugged Adam back. "I missed you too Adam. As for my answer? Trying and failing to stay out of trouble." Adam stood back and noticed a few changes in the man before him. 1. He was stronger, more muscle. 2. He had a large cut across his nose. 3 His hair had turned white. 4. One of his arms were missing and was replaced by a prosthetic "I guess you're unarmed then," said Adam, forgetting for a minute that his best friend presumed dead had just walked into a bookstore.

Shiro laughed and wiggled his prosthetic fingers. "Yeah, I was in an accident about 3 years ago. This," he gestured to his face. "Is from a gang fight. My haired started growing white last year. Stress I guess" Adam raised an eyebrow. "What have you been doing?" Shiro grunted. "Working 3 full-time jobs, continuing theater, and trying not to let my arm jam up" Adam paid for the book and they walked back into the cold night. "Can't you ask for any help from Ryou? or even Itsuki?" asked Adam, referring to Shiro's brothers. Shiro's jaw clenched. "Ryou went into the military, he got shot and didn't make it. Itsuki started drinking and doing drugs, he's the reason I'm working 3 jobs" The mocha skinned man put an arm on his shoulder.

"I'm so sorry Takashi. Why don't you come back to my place tonight? You look like you've been alone for far too long, and I want to catch up" Shiro hesitated. "I don't want to impose-" The other man laughed. "I see you haven't changed Shirogane. Come on. I've got coffee" Shiro sighed. He could never resist Adam's coffee. "Fine, but only for the coffee. I haven't had yours in four years and I miss it" Adam grinned. "C'mon then, the castle awaits"

-BIG ASS TIMESKIP-

Lance and Keith were glaring daggers at each other from across the stage as the director walked in. "You all know your lines for this scene?" When everyone nodded, Keith raised his hand. "It's Keith, right? Keith? good! What is it?" "Why are we doing Masquerade/Why So Silent today? We skipped like half the show" The director nodded. "Good point. We're doing this scene today because it takes the longest and we'll probably spend all week on it, that and the chandelier drop next week. When we've got both of these scenes done, then we can finish up Act 2" Keith nodded his understanding. "Right, RAUL! CHRISTENE! CARLOTTA! MEG! Come over here until we need you! Everyone else get ready- YES THE ENSEMBLE TOO! WHAT DO YOU THINK?!" roared the director, starting the music. Keith and Lance walked to center stage. "Ready mullet head?" asked Lance.

Monsieur Andre!

Monsieur Firmin!

Andre, what a splendid party!

The prologue to a great new year

Quite a night, I'm impressed

Well, one does one's best

Here's to us.

A toast to all the city

What a pity that the Phantom can't be here!

Keith's brain started working overtime as his part ended and he and Lance began walking to where the banister was supposed to be when they had the set. Shiro was on in a few minutes and Keith had never met him before. He had heard rumors, of course, about the mysterious man. He had never met anyone who had seen his face before, except for Adam. Keith had been to plays that Shiro was in but had never actually gotten a good look at his face. It had seemed to always be hidden in shadows or clothing. Looking over at Lance, he noticed that the Cuban man was deep in thought too.

As the music began changing, Shiro realized that it was his cue. He let the world fall away and the music to change his attitude. He could almost feel the annoyance and instability radiating from his character. He kept his face passive behind the mask. Sam, the director, had asked him to wear it which had seemed strange considering that it was not a dress rehearsal. He had shrugged and complied.

Why so silent, good Messieurs?

Did you think that I had left you for good?

There were scattered gasps of shock as he stepped out, not all of them scripted. His voice was smoothly baritone, a sarcastic and bitter note resided somewhere in the song as well.

Have you missed me, good Messieurs?

I have written you an opera

Here I bring the finished score. Don Juan Triumphant!

The music reached an eerie pitch before residing back to its steady, ominous beat as Shiro tossed the folder to Keith and drew his sword prop. Keith just managed to catch it with fumbling fingers as Shiro began advancing towards them.

I advise you to comply

My instructions should be clear.

Remember there are worse things than a shattered chandelier.

There is a natural fear instilled in humans of what we cannot see. Three-quarters of Shiro's face was obscured by the mask, they could only see his eyes, glittering dangerously. The corner of his mouth was tilted upwards in a sneer and what showed off his scar made him terrifying. Axca subconsciously backed up a couple steps as Shiro turned to face her.

Your chains are still mine. You will sing for ME.

He let the last word end on a hiss as the music slowed to a stop. There were a few seconds of stunned silence before raucous applause rang out across the stage. All at once the phantom drained out of Shiro and he flushed. Sam clapped to get their attention. "Alright! Good job guys. A few notes and we can break for the day! Andre and Firmin, singing was great but you still looked like you wanted to rip each other's heads off, please don't do that. The ensemble, work with Ellen a little more on choreography and sopranoes need to work on the higher notes but apart from that, it was great."

Keith, Pidge, Hunk, and Lance all stepped outside in total shock as watched as Shiro went into a cafe. "That was insane, let's go talk to him," said Lance. Surprisingly, no one disagreed as they pushed open the glass door.

CLIFFY! I'm going straight to fanfic hell for that. There will probably be another chapter up by Tuesday because I have a lot going on Monday and school starts again. EW. Anyway. I hope you enjoyed