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Whats this, another chapter up already? WITCHCRAFT

Truth be told I have been writing this all in one document. The current document is around 10k words long and so far I've chopped it up to be parts one and two. I do plan on having more parts in the future. Anyways...

ON WITH THE SHOW

Disclaimer: Kaleido Star, its characters, its setting, and any other things associated with it all belong to the original owners. I claim nothing except the original characters I make.

A few days later...

As the music stopped playing on the speakers, he lowered his salute and continued his way to the post office on base. The morning dew shimmered against the small patches of grass that sat in the roadway medians and small lawns in front of buildings. He had sent the signed notebook to his sister yesterday. Her reaction to hearing that she would be tutoring Donna was just as he had expected. She was going hysterical in her office, causing a ruckus with some of the animals in for treatment. Though having avoided being sentenced to death he found some satisfaction in having met the performers of Kaleido Stage.

He still found the memory of the show hard to believe even now but he knew it was all real. Including bumping into Donna earlier that day. What a way to meet a star. Tossing the thoughts out of his head he entered the post office. Greeting the workers good morning he was then handed his mail after showing his ID. Thanking them, he walked off and began to check through each of the letters. Advertisements, fake raffle rewards, insurance information, a letter from Donna Walker, bill-. The last letter stopped him in his search. Going back, he pulled it out and stared at the information. It wasn't wrong at all; it came from Cape Mary so…

She sent him a letter.

Growing curious he hurried back to his office. Taking glances at the letter in his hand every other moment before he arrived.

Break to office.

Entering he tossed the other letters in the trash before taking a seat and opening the envelope. Carefully taking out the letter he unfolded it to see a small sticker at the bottom of the Letter. Then from between the folds fell out what looked like to be a ticket. Setting it aside he went to read the letter before going on any further.

Dear, Sergeant Collier

I hope this letter doesn't come at an inconvenient time, but I would like to thank you for introducing me to your sister. I was very surprised to learn how much of a fan she was, it makes me so happy to see that I was able to be such an inspiration to her. She was delighted to know that you recommended her to me. She helped me out on a problem that I was having trouble with, and I didn't want to bother my professor.

Reading this segment of the letter he smiled. Seeing his sister go gaga for Donna must have been a sight to see. Though he hoped Charlie and Jack didn't suffer too much from her screaming.

But as we talked over the phone, she asked about you. And from there she started to talk about you and how you two were as kids.

The smile that once was on Roy's face slowly faded away as he read on. His sister could ramble, but he didn't expect her to turn to him as a subject matter.

I told her that I had met you earlier in the day when you bumped into me. She wanted to kill you for pushing me to the ground, but I eased her down. I told her that you were quite polite. Even after the show you were very polite, I even heard some of the other performers talking about you.

He felt a cold sweat run down his neck. But internally thanked Donna for saving him from eternal doom. However, the contents of the letter grow curiouser and curiouser. Reading on he kept his eyes open for any hints.

This may seem like too much but, if possible, I'd like to invite you back to one of our shows next weekend. I know your schedule may be busy, but I do hope you can make it.

I wish you the best.

Sincerely,

Donna Walker

Glancing down at the ticket he looked over the information. It was for The Planets. Looking back, he could remember one of the performances his sister had was of the very same name. Furrowing his brows, a bit he gave sigh before folding the letter up. Putting it on the side of his desk he put the tickets against a family photo he kept. Going about the normal office work for that day but making a note to write a return letter to Miss Walker.

A few days later at Kaledio Stage...

"Alright everyone let's break for lunch! Then we'll meet up in two hours to continue with the routine."

Wiping the sweat off her forehead she began to descend from the small training tower. Sliding off the rope ladder she wrapped the towel around her neck and joined up with Laura and Kayla. Listening into the conversation they were having.

"That was just grueling, I can't wait to relax tonight." Kayla said in a sing song voice. Holding her hands behind her back as she walked.

Laura leaned in with a small smirk, though younger and shorter, she put on quite the menacing figure. "With that Airman huh? Remind me how you two met again?"

"Well- "Growing flustered she scratched her head and looked up to the sky. "He was a part of the team who handled the flyover. He was walking near the main stage while we were practicing. I walk over, he and I talk and…"

"Mile high club?" Kayla nearly fainted at the suggestion all the while Laura was laughing up a storm. Holding her stomach as she tried to regain her breath. "I'm sorry! Maybe I said too much."

Taking her towel, Kayla began to swing it at Laura. Who in turn dodged and ran off with Kalya in hot pursuit. Crying all sort of bloody murder towards the teenager to the amusement of others including Donna. It seems that the USO performance didn't only just help the troops but her hopelessly romantic friends. Looking back to the night she called Margret Collier for advice. She started to recall some of the things she had said about her dear brother the Sergeant. Then the small factoids which made her laugh.

Leading her to write a letter of thanks for introducing him to his sister.

A letter of thanks which describes how polite he was and suggests his sister rambled about him.

A letter that invited him back to Kaleido out of his own volition.

A letter, which may or may not, have romantic implications.

Stopping just at the door leading outside of the training area, Donna felt a bead of sweat roll down her forehead "Oh God, did I ask him out?" Letting the words linger in her head. It certainly seemed that she did, though perhaps the letter was innocent to be such. That the letter was just a polite way of thanking him and showing her appreciation. Nothing more, nothing less.

She rejoined her castmates at the dining hall to chow down on what the cooks had made for them. All congregating round their tables to chat and take in the much-needed sustenance. But through their meal Sarah Dupont, the dormitory manager and unofficial mother, came in with the mail crate with a joyous expression.

"Mail call ladies and gentlemen." She said happily, using the military lingo as she dished out the mail. One of the lasting effects that Armed Forces Day had on KalEido Stage.

As she passed along the mail she came upon Donna's Table. Handing out mail to Laura, Kayla, Klaus, and Donna. Leaving them to continue dishing out letters and parcels. Glancing at the letters that were delivered to her, she came to a stop as she glanced upon a letter. Addressed to her from… Roy Collier, Camp Pendleton? He wrote a letter back to her. Her static expression drew the look of Klaus beside her. Glancing to the letter he couldn't help but smirk.

"My, my Donna. It seems you've worked your charms unto that Sergeant since last weekend. And to send such correspondence? How romantic." The man giggled as he teased her.

Donna felt her face fluster slightly, Klaus was a close friend of hers. A very close friend considering he preferred partners of the male persuasion. His more free-spirited escapades had always led him to tease her about being less active compared to him and other castmates, but to him, that inactivity has manifested into something else. The commotion drew Laura and Kayla from their own discussion to look at the two.

"A letter from Sergeant Collier? This we must see." Laura said as she leaned in.

Kayla nodded in earnest. "C'mon open it, let's hear it."

Donna gave them all a dead stare before he began to open the envelope. Taking out the letter she unfolded it and saw a small stick of gum fall onto the table. Staring at it for a moment she carried on and unfolded the letter. Glancing over the paper she was quite surprised by the watermark at the bottom. "From the Desk of Sergeant Roy N. Collier, 1st Battalion, 11th Regiment, 1st Marine Division. Camp Pendleton, California." Going back to the top of the letter she began to read. Klaus, Laura, and Kayla gathered behind her to read to Donna's dismay.

Dear Miss Walker

I hope this letter finds you in good times. Thank you for the letter you sent me. I am glad my sister was able to help you in your studies. I am also glad that she didn't go into a catatonic state when she first talked to you. Again, she is a huge fan of your work. However, I was quite apprehensive when you stated that she had gone on about me. Being her younger brother, I tend to be at the blunt end of her memories.

Margert had quite the chatterbox when it came to her brother. Starting with a rage to his initial meeting with her. Then turning into an embarrassing story from their youth. It provided a contrast to the more collected Roy she had bumped into.

She was quite ecstatic when I called her. Knowing that she'll be tutoring you, I can say you're in good hands. The last thing she wants is to ruin the future career of Donna Walker. Oh, and allow me to say in better detail that I am absolutely astounded by the stuff you and Klaus did that night. Logic dictates me to think that whatever you did up there was impossible but seeing it with my own eyes. You have made the impossible possible. I have no greater words to describe my admiration.

The praise was flattering. And coming from him, it made the words feel all the more meaningful. More than say perhaps the occasional fan mail she was sent. She could even hear him saying them to her in her head.

As for your invitation, I accept. I have some leave saved up and so I intend to use it then. It is very kind of you to get me tickets to another show. I know they are high in demand, but I assumed as a principal performer you'd have some leeway at the box office.

Thank you again, Miss Walker. I look forward to catching your next performance.

Sincerely,

Roy Collier

PS Thanks for saving my hide with my sister. I left a stick of gum in the envelope. Keeps my head cool when we're out in the field. So, I hope it keeps yours cool up there in the sky.

Resting the letter down on the table, Donna glanced at her co-stars who couldn't help but grin. They quickly began to clamor for the letter and began to examine each line carefully. Chattering amongst themselves at the prospect of their star now having a possible flame. Choosing to ignore them she picked up the piece of gum off the table and took a small sniff. It was minty fresh and still in its wrapping. Taking the advice to heart she pocketed the piece and went about her meal, turning into the happenings between the trio as they dissected the letter. Thinking about a response to Roy's letter as she ate.

Lunch came and went, and it was back to the practice tent. Again, ascending the tower to man, the trapeze. She withdrew the piece of gum from her pocket. Unwrapping it she took the gum and began to chew on it. Taking a few deep breaths to let the cool burn of the mint flow into her lungs, she then took the bar and swung out. Finding that a cooler head felt nice when somersaulting between bars.

After a week and a half had passed...

"Next stop, Cape Mary!" cried the conductor through the carriage.

Leaning against the window, Roy watched as the train slowly departed the station they were currently at. Glancing out to the small shopping street which ended and opened out to the beautiful coastline ahead of him. He had done it several times, but he cursed himself for not taking the train before then. The Pacifc Surfliner was a wonderful line and had he not done research prior he wouldn't have known how to get to Cape Mary besides a shuttle bus. But now he was on the way. With an ALICE pack and his bicycle in tow near the luggage racks, he slept the entire morning ride up the coast till this point. Opting to get up now than to bother with sleeping through his stop.

For the past few days, he and Donna had been exchanging letters. Having nice conversations with each other about life, their jobs, and all sorts of other things in-between. Her studies, though difficult, were going well while Roy was counting the days till the end of his tour which would end early next year. Each letter he received seemed to add more and more joy to his day. Becoming a routine whenever he did, he'd always set aside time to write one in return and slip in some gum.

And now with three days leave he was open to do a lot. And from what Donna said, Cape Mary had more to offer than just KalEido. Small hiking trails littered the coast and were ample opportunity for a ruck. The quiet local beaches were mainly used by locals and their animal inhabitants. Then there were the calm nights by the pier that Donna had described so well. The Cape felt more like a vacation spot than anything else.

It only made sense to stay a few days to take it all in. But now he'd have to start as the train began to slow. The Conductor over the PA announcing Cape Mary. Getting up out of his seat he grabbed his pack and slung it round his back. Going to the luggage racks he unlocked his bike and pocketed the lock. Making his way to the double doors which lead to the platform. And with the slow his and jostle of the car, they opened, and he stepped out. Taking in the fresher air of Cape Mary before he began making his way off the platform of the small station.

Passing through the small stationhouse he exited out into to the morning sun. Taking out his sun wire frame sunglasses he slipped them on and glanced about his surroundings. Dressed in Levi's and a red checkered short sleeve button-down, he slipped on his bicycle and began to peddle off for Kaleido. Where he would be staying for his leave thanks to Donna.

Kaleido Stage

Waiting by the boardwalk leading to the tent. Donna leaned against the wooden railings as she waited for the arrival of Roy. Checking her small watch, she saw that it was just a few minutes past when he should of expected to arrive. She hadn't done much to dress up initially, just going with some jeans and a pink powder blue sweater. But he had hoped that she didn't look bad. But the moment of truth came as she started to hear pedaling and a bell. Turning to the parking lot area, she was happy to see that Roy had made it. The man slowly coming to a stop just a few feet in front of her before dismounting his bike. Pushing it the rest of the way he stopped and looked at her.

"Good morning, Miss Walker." Greeted Roy as he seemed to straighten up. Though not bearing any mark of the Military he kept to the strict professionalism required by it. It made her giggle quietly, though the waves muted it from his ears.

"Good morning, Roy. I'm glad to see you made it." She said as she held her hands behind her back. Glancing at the bike and over his shoulder slightly at the pack on his back.

He nodded in reply. "Apologies for any delay, I'm no local around here so I took me a moment or two to remember how to get from the station to here. Luckily a police officer nearby helped me out."

"Oh, that's good to know. Anyways, shall we get going? I know Sarah's going to want to meet you before you even think of stepping foot in the dormitory." Donna said as he began to walk towards Kaleido. "Especially since you're a guest."

"Got it, I hope I wouldn't be too much of a problem. I can always camp out if necessary." He said as he followed along behind her.

"Oh, she wouldn't dare leave you out in the cold. And mind you it does get cold here at night. The wind chill from the ocean really does make the weather here bearable during the day but at night, it's cold, especially up in the trapeze tower."

"Then remind me to get you a jacket instead of gum." He quipped, a smirk forming on his face.

Turning around to at him she chuckled a little at the suggestion, smiling in return. "I'll hold you to it, Sergeant."

"Yes Ma'am."

Kaleido Dorms

Entering in, Donna led Roy to the manager's office. Giving a nod to some of those present within the halls as he followed her lead. Once they arrived, she knocked, waiting a moment before a voice called from the other side. Opening the door, she walked in and held it open for Roy. Who entered after her and shut the door behind him gently. Turning around he came to face a woman just a few years younger than him looking to him and Donna with a warm smile on her face. He had remembered her from when he was introduced to some of the performers that night. She was a singer, if his memory served him right.

Leaning against her desk she looked at Donna then back to Roy. "Donna, is this the guest that'll be staying with us for a spell?"

"Yes, Sarah. This is Sergeant Roy Collier, his sister's been the one that's been helping me in school." She replied with a more anxious tone. "If it's still alright, he can stay in one of the empty rooms, right?"

"Oh it's quite alright, so long as he can keep that room tidy and spotless when he leaves." Turning her head to face Roy she stood from her desk and looked up slightly towards him. "Understood, Sergeant?"

"Crystal, Ma'am."

"Excellent!" She said with a stride in her tone. Fishing out a key from the filing cabinet behind her she drew out a key and tossed it to him, which he caught. "Rooms in the Men's wing, second floor, room 15. Bathrooms are segregated and communal. Any other questions?"

"No Ma'am."

"Wonderful. Donna, I'm liking him more and more already. Now remember you got rehearsal in an hour, okay?"

Donna nodded. "Alright, I'll be there on time. I'd just like to show Roy around first."

"Fine by me. See you later." Sara said as she returned to her work which was comprised of music sheets.

Leaving the office, Roy parted ways with Donna for a moment to check the room. Making his way up the stairs he passed some performers who whispered amongst themselves about a possible new security guard. Leaving them by, he unlocked the room and entered. Seeing it was just as bare bones as the barracks he left his bag and made his way downstairs. Rejoining Donna in the more in-depth tour of the campus.

Outside of the main stage he was surprised to see so many different facilities available to the staff at Kaleido. The group was no traveling circus but more of school for performing. From dancing, acrobatics, trapeze, costume design, and more. More surprising was the number of teenagers around, which in a sense made Kaleida more of a trade school than anything. Rounding back to the main stage he saw the beginnings of rehearsal as equipment was being moved.

Donna waved to some of the other performers, then turning to Roy. "Well I have to change for rehearsals. I suppose you're free to watch. I talked with Kalos and he approved of you staying here. Though Sarah probably had a hand in that. Anyways I'll see you later."

"Alright, take it easy out there." Roy said with a nod to her as she hurried off. Turning back to the main stage he stood near the border between the seats and the stage floor. Looking to see some of the performers practicing he saw that they were going about some floor work which included juggling and acrobatics. He envied them to be able to get out there and do all for thousands of people. But the loud bang of a small pyrotechnic explosion rocked him, causing him to jump slightly. He frantically looked around and he saw the smoke but looked at the source. His heart was jumping slightly though he took a few deep breaths before calming down.

Looking near the well he saw a kid towards him. She was one of the performers, though appearing to take a break before rehearsals started. He tried to put on a friendly appearance, smiling and giving a small wave. She returned the wave with a smile and tugged the sleeve of one of one of her fellow performers. A boy who looked quite familiar. Once he got a look at Roy he smiled and ran over to the well.

"Sergeant! Hey it's Howie!" The boy exclaimed as he made it to the barrier. "Why are you here? Are we doing a show with the Marines?"

Walking down to meet them he chuckled. Remembering the kid's excitement from when he first met him that night. Stopping at the edge he shook his head. "No, not for a while I suppose. Miss Walker invited me back here."

"Wait? Really? Donna invited you here? Why? Are you going to perform? How long are you going to be here?" Howie kept rolling with the punches, hammering Roy as he struggled to get a answer in. Only speaking once Howie had to take a breath.

"Hey slow down there, kid. No I'm not going to perform. I'm on leave right now for three days. I'll just be here to watch tonight's performance and then hike around Cape Mary." Chuckling as he reached over and patted Howie on the back. "Hopefully that answered a lot of your questions."

"Sure did, though I better get back, rehearsal is starting soon. Anyways I'll see you later, okay?"

"Sounds fine with me Howie, I'll take my leave here. I rather not get spoiled at all before tonight. Good luck." Seeing Howie go back to his friend he gave a small chuckle.

Though upon turning to head out of the main stage a voice caught up to him. Turning around to see who it was, he looked to see Donna walking over. Beside her were two other performers whom he vaguely remembered. Then behind them was Klaus. Stopping when he saw Donna and her friends stop. They waved to him, and he gave a small wave in return. Stepping up to him, Roy couldn't help but look at her with wandering eyes. Sporting a gym outfit, which really showed her figure wasn't helping any of his efforts. Doing his best to keep them up at her face.

"Roy, where are you going? Rehearsals are about to begin?" she asked as a small frown formed and as she crossed her arms. She did take note of his mannerisms. Subconsciously giving him, perhaps, a better angle.

"I'm heading out to check out the different trails before tomorrow. I don't want to be spoiled before I even watch the show. I'll be back before lunch so that's…" Raising his watch to his face he checked the time before lowering it. "1230. About two and a half hours till then."

A small pout formed on Donna's face, but she lightened up and nodded. Understanding his reasoning. "Alright then, Roy. But you better get back on time. Okay?"

"Yes, Ma'am. Oh, and before I forget. Take this." Pulling out a packet of gum from his pocket, he tossed a stick over to her and pocketed the rest. Giving her a smile as he walked away. "Tell your friends I said hi over there."

Donna stood there for a moment as she watched him leave. Putting the stick of gum in her mouth slowly before turning around. There Laura, Kayla, and Klaus were both grinning madly at her. Taking the hint, she blushed slightly and began to make her way over to the stage. Trying to ignore her teasing.

"What a charmer? He's even got me all fluttered up inside."

"Klaus! Don't ruin this for Donna. You know how much she needs this."

"Yeah, besides aren't you going out with Damian after the show?"

"Yeah, but I want to keep my options open."

Laura and Kayla continued to berate Klaus for his thoughts as they made their way to their places on the stage. Donna followed behind them quietly, keeping to herself. Meeting Roy again had been quite an exciting moment for her. Without the uniform he was a friendly guy. Their letters had always been kind and with an air of formality but talking to him in person made things feel more… personal.

She started to get that feeling again. One she got whenever she read his letters. Chewing on the gum harder she tried to clear her head as she stepped onto the ascension cable for the trapeze.

Cape Mary

Cape Mary had quite a beautiful landscape outside of the city. The further you went the more rural the roads were. And along some of the roads were small cliffside overwatches. Allowing tourists to park up and take a photo. Or perhaps take the staircase leading all the way down to the cove below. Lush waves and soft sand made for an ideal place to unwind for whatever was in the city.

To the east lay mountainous terrain, the sierras looming just further on with their peaks adorned with a white crown of snow. Taking all of what he saw down on a new notepad he had made a point on what to do the next day. Though sightseeing wasn't the only thing he had to do. And so he pedaled back to Kaleido. Coming upon the suburbs and the local park. There he could see kids playing, though from the looks of things they weren't in school. His assumptions only being confirmed by the familiar voice of Howie as he sprinted over to the road where he biked.

"Sergeant! Heeyy!" The kid had gas as he soon met him by the sidewalk. Pulling over to the side of the road, Roy planted both of his feet on the ground as he waved over to Howie.

"Howie! I assume rehearsals are done for the meantime?"

The boy nodded with a smile. "Yeah, they went super well. Now we're just out playing until we have to go in for lunch. Do you want to join us?"

"You know what? I'll take you up on that. What are you all playing?" He said as he pulled the bike onto the curb and onto the sidewalk. Dismounting and pushing it as he now followed Howie.

"Baseball, nothing special. I'm a really good catcher. They put me in the outfield when I'm not batting." He said as he looked out towards the park grounds. "Do you play baseball?"

"I played it when I was in high school, all four years of it. First baseman though I dabbled as center field when needed."

"Cool! Then you can help teach us too. Come on!" Howie picked up the pace. Roy hurrying to catch up. Soon as they arrived to the field, he saw that it was more or less a sandlot with decent fencing at home, the dugouts, and the outfield. Other kids, who were assumedly from Kaleido were playing. Shouting jeers as balls and strikes were thrown.

Once Howie had returned, they all looked to Roy with interest in their eyes. Pausing the game for a moment to come over and crowd around him. For his part Roy tried to not get mobbed but he greeted them with a smile. Letting Howie do the talking.

"Hey guys, this is Sergeant Roy. He's a friend of Donna's and he plays baseball!"

"Nice maybe he can teach us how to hit better!"

"Or how to pitch a corkscrew."

"Let's see if he's a good hitter."

Raising his hands in reassurance he chuckled. "Okay I'll buy it. Just hand me the bat and I'll show you some tips and tricks."

The kids cheered as they retook the field. Handing Roy, a wooden bat. The grip was slightly worn with no tar. Though it wasn't that much of a problem for him. Before taking the field, he stretched out for a moment to loosen himself. Some of the kids imitate his stretches. Then as he stepped to the mount, his muscle memory kicked in. Tossing the bat into the air he caught it by the head. Then proceeded to slam the handle into the ground which caused the bat to bounce, flip and fall back into his hand with the handle in his palm.

The trick caused the kids to watch with amazed faces. Looking at him he noticed the small audience he had and smirked. Going for his regular walk up routine. Taking the bat, he proceeded to do the very same bounce trick but tossing it behind his back into his left hand. Then using his left hand, he flipped the bat behind his back and caught it with his left hand. Flipping it around his neck and catching it with his left hand.

Assuming the mound he began to practice his swings. On the second he pulled the trick check swing. Swinging but letting go, sending the bat spinning before catching it further into the swing. Doing this twice before facing the pitcher. Who was stunned just as the others were.

"Ready?" Roy called out to him to which came back a slow nod.

The kid winded up and then let the ball fly. It was a decent pitch but sank into the dirt for a ball. Going for the second pitch he saw a far steadier fast ball. Taking a quick estimate, he swung for the bottom of the box and connected with the ball. Crushing it and sending it far out to the warning track and to the fence. The outfielders didn't even care to catch it as they saw the ball soar long and far. Landing in the grass beyond the fence.

Seeing it land he dropped the bat and began to jog around the bases. Grinning happily as he high fived some of the kids. Shouting all the while. "Bam, zoom. Get off me!"

Rounding third he stamped onto home, there Howie and some of the other batters swarmed him with praise and questions. Stars in their eyes and some held bats. "That was amazing! You have to teach us, Roy! C'mon please?:

"Alright then, but I'll be quick cause we got lunch soon. Now, how many bats do we have?"

Kaleido Cafeteria

Lunch came around and Donna sat picking at her food. It was 2 minutes past when he was expected to arrive. Klaus and Laura were chatting away while Kayla tried to cheer Donna up a bit.

"He's probably parking his bike right now. Don't worry about it too much Donna." Her voice was reassuring though it didn't help Donna as much.

"I wish he had stayed." She mumbled quietly. "I wanted to show him what I could do."

Kayla blinked for a moment. Though pretended she didn't hear anything for the sake of not making things worse. But to her surprise she saw that some of their younger associates were not present in the mess. Nudging Laura, she motioned it out to her. "Say, doesn't it seem emptier than usual?"

Layla looked around, as did Klaus too. "You're right, where Howie, Nora and the other kids?"

As they pondered on the reason why, their attention turned to a growing noise at the entrance of the cafeteria. A swarm of voices grew in volume until the doors burst open and the younger cast members of Kaleido rushed out to grab their lunch. Roy entered as he carried 3 baseball bats and a small bag of balls and gloves. Chuckling to himself quietly as he saw them all rush to join the line and eat. Glancing about the room he turned to see the four eating at their table. Donna looking to him with a puzzled expression. He nodded his head in greeting and walked over. Glancing at the kids in life and returning their call outs before taking a seat by an empty seat beside Donna.

"Apologies for showing up late. I got caught up with the kids there. They were playing ball at the park as I was cycling back, and they asked me join them in. I taught'em a few things and we went over the time we were meant to come back. Hehe.." Roy said with an apologetic expression.

Looking to him, Donna nodded. She remembered asking him about sports in one of their letters. He replied that he played baseball in high school. Though that's all she knew. "Oh- Well I suppose that's alright. What did you teach them?"

Setting the bag down on the ground he leaned back. "Oh a few batting tips, some pitch tricks, how to use your entire arm length when catching, oh and a few bat tricks to boot. They're real naturals in learning some of the tricks that took me months to master."

"Tricks? Like juggling or balancing?" Klaus asked curiously.

"Not exactly, here." Grabbing a bat off the ground he got up and walked to a decent clearing between the tables. "Allow me to demonstrate."

Giving the bat a feel, he went into the full walkup routine. Surprising the table as he effortlessly tossed around the bat like a lightweight baton. This got a few of the other older performers interested as they turned into tricks. Getting a few claps with the check swing flip. Once done he mocked a regular swing and set the bat down. Nodding to those who applauded and then sat back down.

"Damn that was sick, Roy! Didn't know you were hiding some tricks up your sleeve." exclaimed Kayla. "You've even got some of the seniors colored."

Roy had a goofy smile on his face as he wound down from the demonstration. "I always did that shtick during my first walk up of the game. Got the name 'Jester' because of it. I could hit absolute dingers if I could connect, but I pulled of more pinch hits than I can count."

Donna sat stunned as she looked to him. Looking to his smile and the small bead of sweat on his forehead. She felt another stir in her stomach. But realizing she was looking for longer than intended she snapped out of it. Recollecting herself as she took a sip of water. "That was pretty cool, Roy."

"Thanks, Donna." His voice mellowed out to something softer in tone. The change did not come unnoticed as she started to squirm in her seat. Muttering quietly something out of earshot of those at the table. Though her friends couldn't help but give devilish smiles. Roy glanced to them for a moment and gave them a look, which caused them to ease up on their own little fantasies as they went back to eating.

Looking back at the line he saw that it was empty. "Well looks like there isn't a line anymore. I'm going to grab whatever they have. Be right back." Getting up he went off to grab his food.

Leaving the four alone, Donna looked to see the faces of her co-stars. Her face was flushed red despite any illness. Which brought back the devilish smiles. She knew what they were getting at and as much as the thought was screaming at her in the back of her mind. She suppressed it for the moment. "Not, a word."

Moments later, Roy came back with his tray of food and began to eat. Donna beside him stealing glances over towards him.

Later that evening...

Backstage became a flurry as set pieces were moved around. Aside from them, dancers and performers began to get ready to take the stage. Up in the main booth, technicians began to prepare the lighting and audio for the evening. It was a sight to behold.

Coordinated chaos.

The theme for that night's show was The Planets. Inspired by Gustav Holst's orchestration of the same name. Standing near the main entrance to the stage, he had joined a few of the crew in providing some assistance. Giving some pep talk to the younger cast members before they went out to their positions. Before he went to take his seat in the audience, he went back to the dressing room. Seeing streams of performers exiting out. Letting them pass he peaked in and knocked on the door.

Inside, Donna who was fixing up her costume, was playing Venus. Hearing the knock she answered, thinking it was Eido. "I'm coming, Kalos. Just fixing up something."

I'm not Kalos, Donna. But management wanted me to check if you were good to go."

Hearing the voice, she jumped and turned around. Seeing Roy there by the door, Donna quickly fixed up her costume. Fumbling slightly to wrap around the last part of the toga Sounding flustered as she responded. "I… I apologize, Roy. I'll be getting ready."

Looking over to her, he saw her fiddling around with her costume. Stepping into the dressing room, he pipped up. "Say, you need help with your costume?"

"…Yes please. "Relenting she turned around and held up the piece of fabric that needed to be attached. Roy walked over and took it from her hands. Spotting the Velcro hook he looked to the back of her costume and saw the loops. Attaching the Velcro and flattening out the costume.

"There, you're all set." Roy took a step back, allowing Donna to turn around to face him. The light lavender purple leotard with silken toga like elements looked truly space age but ancient at the same time. Gold lined the edges with a glisten.

Looking up to him she felt something in her stomach. Thinking about it, Donna let loose a small question. Raising up the small golden headband and placing it upon her head. Turning slightly to shove off the costume. "So… How do I look?"

Taking in the costume in, Roy's eyes wandered about. Admiring the details, the designers put together. Then he looked at the person wearing it. The costume made Donna look stunning. Her blond her being in a bun in the back added an air of Roman royalty. Words struggled to come to his mouth, but after a moment he spoke with conviction.

"Like a goddess, Donna."

It wasn't easy to say it say it. The flush on his face revealed how he felt about it. Though Donna wasn't handling it any better as he could. Her face was in shock from the looks of it. The two stood there in silence for a few moments. Attempting to calm themselves after that exchange of admiration. Roy was the first to break the silence.

"Are you ready?" he asked as he checked his watch for a moment before looking back at her.

Donna who had been taking deep breaths, nodded in reply. Keeping her head down slightly to hide most of her feelings. She replied in a quiet voice, but loud enough for him to hear. "Yes." After one last deep breath she exhaled, finally calming down. Looking to the door she spoke, asking a question. "Could you walk me out?"

Roy was hesitant to reply, but he nodded. "Alright then, may I take your hand?"

Raising her hand, he took it. Holding it gently he began to lead her out of the dressing room. The ground staff and performers watched as they both walked out to the main entrance to the arena. The principal performers for that evening were quite chatty as Roy let go and allowed her to take her spot with them. Whispering while in ear shot. "Good luck."

Giving them a small salute, he hurried out to get to his seat before the show began. Half tempted to run onto the main stage and go into a clown routine. But fighting his intrusive thoughts he found his seat and waited for the show to begin.

Part 3 Coming Soon.

Part 2! Yay!

Yeah, it's technically already been done since I chopped up my initial document. But hey presto it's out now. Sorry to cut it off at a cliffhanger. I haven't actually written anything beyond this but do not fret. I will continue writing this because I DO want to complete this romance because if I don't the rest of the story is going to stay in my head until I finish it. Also leaving a romance on a cliffhanger sucks. Anyways...

Stay turned for Part 3