kaisou | [Closed] MEETING THE QUEEN

[Jusis has absolutely no idea what he's about to be introduced to, other than the fact that Zulius is a very loud personality. His eyes immediately dart to the atrocious wrapping paper, but he gives a polite wave back to his friend.]

Tag, Elliot. The answer is most likely no, but yes. I'll let you take the lead on this.

[Is his trust in Elliot's judgment going to be put to the test, here?]

[Elliot gives a sheepish laugh.]

Probably...for the best. Just remember everything you tell him will become known by the entire city by the end of the week.

[The gossip network is that strong]

Anyway! Let's go in! You look great by the way.

[With a deep breath, he'll push open the theater doors. holding them out for Jusis to follow him in.]

...Noted.

[Time to be very careful with his words, then. Hopefully.

Jusis follows after Elliot, but he's definitely thrown off by the compliment to his appearance. Why is he saying that at a time like this? Granted, he is in Jusis Casual, though a little on the simpler side. A long-sleeved green shirt and charcoal slacks that are tailored to him, and a nice pair of brown boots that strangely work with his outfit.]

Thank you. Court ran longer than expected, so I had to change clothes quickly.

Ehehe, I would've never guessed.

[As usual, Jusis looks flawless. Elliot was sincere in his praise, but also...yeah. Best to make a good first impression.

Elliot will lead him through the opening hall that's full of Santa-centaurs and flamingos. Opening the door to the theater, he'll call in]

Zulius? Are you in? It's Elliot.

[The atrocious tackiness of the opening hall is a little less eye-searing in the theatre proper. Or it would have been if Zulius wasn't already prepared for this meeting. He's stood in one of the aisles and as soon as Elliot opens the door, he throws a few light orbs into the air, adds a handful of glitter and for a final show of glory creates a rainbow to gleam above his head. It's all so fucking sparkly. If you didn't know you had come into Gay Centaur Territory before, you sure do now! ]

Never fear, your queen is HERE!

[They probably weren't afraid before this moment, honestly. ]

[He prances over to Elliot to give him little air kisses on either side of his face.]

Elliot! I was SO glad to get your message, it's been WAY too long, Babe. I-

[His head is turning, despite being a zebra Jusis probably has the horrible sensation that an apex predator has locked in on him. He looks Jusis up and down, putting a hand to his chin. He lets out a little HHHM! sound.]

And who is this gorgeous somethin'-somethin' you've brought along?

[Y-Yeah, that's about what he expected from Zulius. Being in the gay music world long enough, he's not fazed by any of this. In fact he knows full well to go along with this, returning the air kisses as is proper]

Zulius! I know, sorry for keeping you waiting for so long. [He'll offer his gift] I brought this to make up for it.

[And ah. As predicted, he noticed Jusis]

Oh, this is my friend Jusis. He decided to accompany me today, I hope that's alright!

[... This is a lot. Like. A Lot a lot. Jusis waits politely while the two greet each other, weirdly reminded of himself and Lambert in a way that doesn't bear thinking about too much.

Being noticed by the centaur so suddenly and with very obvious interest is not an experience he can say he's had before. At least, not by a literal centaur. Jusis has been to a gay bar before and attracted some attention, but he's never had such, uhh, intense attention. The blond gives him a polite nod. Well, if Zulius is obviously interested, then maybe he can use that to help Elliot and get a bit more information. Granted, that may have been his friend's plan from the start, all things considered.]

Guten Abend, Zulius. Elliot has spoken of you before, but words don't do you justice. It's a pleasure to meet you.

[Elliot knows the Correct Way Of Doing Things and this is important. He lets out a squeal of delight at the present, taking it with grabby hands.]

OH! You even got little zebras on it. And tigers! My past life totes banged a tiger, y'know! He was a real B.

[Did either of them need to know that piece of information? Nope! But they have it now! He's very impressed by Jusis, his grin widening. Yes, just feed his GIANT ego, nothing bad can ever come of it. ]

ACCURATE statement! The pleasure is all yours! [It's too late to run now, he grins at Elliot.] Hey, you can bring anyone around here if they're gonna say nice and true things about me!

[He moves to lead them to the bak area of the theatre, his little gift still held in his hands.]

C'mon, let's go to my office and we can see what we can do for you.

[Oh sweet jesus that's some TMI he wasn't expecting]

O-Oh did you? Can't say I've heard that one before from the memories...

[What the heck man what the heck.

But he'll just keep a smile on and the screaming inside his heart as he gives a glance at Jusis to check on him]

Alright, sounds good! [He'll follow after]

[There's a part of Jusis that hates himself with how morbidly curious he is about this tiger business, but, thankfully, he has enough respect for his sanity to not ask the question. He just lets Elliot talk for him!

The blond glances back and gives him a subtle nod. Jusis has definitely dealt with worse so far in terms of personality, both in this life and his past life. Zulius reminds him of some... very... out there nobles. He follows after the other two.]

I've heard that your theater will be putting on an opera soon, is that right? Are you directing it or a performer?

[He's done his research, at least.]

Yuuuuup, that one was a surprise to me too!

[Neither of them needed that TMI and there's a non-zero chance that Zulius just did that to see if it would fluster either of them. Sometimes, you just have to poke the metaphorical bear to see what will happen.

...That or he's a chronic oversharer. That too.

Jusis doing is homework IS impressive, though. He lets out a soft little hah.]

You mean Madma Butterfly? Neither! It's noooooot really my area of expertise- it's a touring operatic society- they come by a couple times a year. While they move across country. The director's an old friend I met on Broadway. Great guy, nice ass, his hubby loves coming here to hike in the state park for some godforsaken reason.

[Look, he doesn't have a lot of goss, but he's here to SHARE it. He opens up a door leading to his office. It's...pretty much exactly what you would expect a queen's office to look like, gaudy with various animal prints everywhere and old framed copies of Playbill hanging on the walls. Zulius gestures to two seats for Jusis and Elliot, before sitting on his haunches on a beanbag on the other side of the desk. Regular chairs really don't work for him anymore, so he's had to learn to improvise.

He opens up his little gift, sealing at the banana light within. ]

OH my god, it's SO tacky. I LOVE it. Thanks!

[Count on Jusis to try to do his research. Elliot will move to sit down in a chair, glancing around the room. It's...gotten even tackier than he remembers, but he guesses he shouldn't be surprised. ]

Oh yeah, I remember those guys! They're pretty talented- you should try to see them if you get a chance Jusis.

[He has to hold in a sight of relief as Zulius reacts positively to the gift]

I know right? I saw it and just knew you'd love it! [The gift has been accepted, time to get to business]

Anyway, the reason I'm here is I wanted to see if your theater had any open nights this summer. School's letting out soon and I really want to get back into performing.

[Jusis manages to take the state of the office's décor in stride, though only because he's decided that questions will only lead to madness. On the other hand, maybe he can shove Zhongli in Zulius's direction and watch the fireworks. The blond takes a seat.]

That sounds like a fine idea to me.

[Oh, god, where the hell did Elliot find that?! No, wait, he can guess. The Goodwill. That one Jusis refuses to step foot in, and yet still mails him packages sometimes.

He lets Elliot take the lead, here. His friend booking some performances is definitely of higher priority in his mind.]

You should! I might be able to score some tickets for you guys if you really wanna see them~

[Elliot really shouldn't be surprised. Zulius' tackiness is only doomed to get worse with time. Zulius is cooing over the light which is absolutely gonna take pride place in this office so EVERYONE who does business with him has to SEE it now. They have experience this monstrosity and they have Elliot to thank for it. ]

You are SO right. It's so me!

[But now the proper traditions have been carried out, it is indeed time for work. Zulius looks delighted by this turn of events though.]

Could it be true? Has our musical prodigy decided to come back properly to the FOLD? That's fantastic! [He pulls out a diary, flicking through the pages.] When're you looking at? You know what June's like in this place- Fabulous Season and all, but if you want it that soon, I'm sure I can move stuff around for you.

Really? Jusis, what do you think?

[Elliot knows to keep his cool in front of Zulius, but internally he's much less calm

-- But right. There is one thing in the world that can make Elliot stop his gay thoughts, and that's music]

Haha, not sure I'd describe myself as a prodigy- but yeah! I've missed it. [Teaching only does so much to scratch the itch ok] Right, I'm sure you're really booked for Pride. Though I have family coming into town in June, so if there's anyway you could squeeze me in- I'd be grateful! I'll even take opening for someone else or working as part of an ensemble, I know this is relatively last minute.

[Jusis considers the idea for a moment. It's definitely a generous offer, and he isn't opposed to seeing an opera with Elliot. That's if his friend wants to do that. And if Rean is okay with it.]

I think it's a very kind offer. I wouldn't be opposed to getting tickets if possible.

[Obviously, he'll have to pay Zulius back for this. It's something Jusis will have to think about. As the two talk shop, the blond stays quiet to listen to the conversation.]

[Zulius is glancing between them after that casual exchange. At least Elliot is convincing enough that he doesn't immediately pick on the vibes. They are safe. For now.]

Bet! Being tight with a theatre owner does have its perks, y'know.

[Plus he LIKES sharing the wealth. Why have it if you're not gonna spread it around a little? Zulius makes a soft little hah noise in the back of his throat.]

I would and I think I'd know. [So there, accept the praise, bitch.] And no stress, I can for sure squeeze you in. We got some ensemble pieces for SURE. And I know the gang in the pit would love to have you around for a couple of the musicals we've got going on this time around. They've missed you.

[OH MY GOD, HE AGREED. ITS ACTUALLY HAPPENING. ✨ Elliot's poker face isn't so good that he manages to hide his expression of elation about it. HOLY CRAP--]

G-Great! Oh, and if possible, could you make it three tickets? I'm sure Rean would like to come! I don't mind paying for it, of course.

[As if he'd leave Rean behind on this opportunity. AS IF!!]

[But once again, there's sone thing that gets Elliot more excited- and that's music. He's physically amped about this]

Aww, Zulius. [Sweet as always!!] And great! That's wonderful! I've really missed those guys too, so now I'm excited! I'll make sure I give you my 200% in my performance! You won't regret it.

[TIME TO PULL SOME INSANE ALL-NIGHTERS PRACITICING IN OTHER WORDS]

-- oh right. Jusis, you had something you want to ask him right?

[Oh, no, Jusis doesn't know what to do about that obvious joy in Elliot's expression, and that his consent seems to have been the source. He might have a very good poker face, but even Jusis can't help looking slightly embarrassed by how he's not quite looking at his friend. Too gay for two men, help—]

Heh... I'll pitch in as well to help with the cost.

[Depending on the kind of seats Zulius gets them, they can be insanely pricey. That said, it does the heart good to see Elliot so excited about the upcoming performances. It's clear where his passion truly lies.

He gives a nod to that question.]

Indeed, I did. Some time ago, I received a vision of a scene from CATS, the musical, which I've not seen before. We were curious if you knew of a telepath who might've sent that to me.

[Zulius flaps his hand dismissively. Guys he has so much money, it's no big deal.]

Nah, consider it a gift if it means getting one of the best musicians in the city back here on the reg. For all three.

[He's DEFINITELY noticed both Elliot's excitement and Jusis embarrassment. Maybe if the subject of CATS hadn't come up, he would have prodded more into all that to see what tea can be sniffed out from this. Luckily the subject he love-hates comes up and it derails him. ]

I-dee-kay anyone who would actually do that to another living person, except- [He makes a scoffing sound in the back of his throat.] My skank-ass ex has been sniffing around again - I don't think he's got telepathy, but that's the sort of thing he'd do.

[Zulius, this is the sort of thing YOU'D do, too. ]

What scene was it? That's probs important.

[There is a god. Jusis will keep the topic on CATS for as long as they can so that they can escape without feeding the gossip demon.]

It was about 'gelical cats.' I'm afraid I haven't seen the performance before, but it seemed like the opening song.

[When they exit the safe harbour of the Cursed Topic, they will not be so lucky. ]

Jellicle Songs for Jellicle Cats, it's the PROlogue, so yeah, opening song. Tugger only gets like, one solo line in it so I can't see him throwing that at you when he could have picked a bigger number to show off. He's way too into himself to do anything less.

[Pot kettle black. He taps his chin in thought.]

Moxx was in CATS with me too. Last time I checked he didn't have any telepathy, but he might have gained some weird...demony powers after coming back from the dead.

[-- excuse him what]

- Moxxie is alive?!

[Jusis will nod in agreement, even if he has absolutely no fucking idea who this ex is. That's okay, though. It seems like neither him nor Zulius are the source, since this all sounds entirely truthful.]

I see.

[...That bit about Moxxie being alive is definitely news to him, but Elliot beats him to it. That's not normal, and it's definitely something Jusis is going to have to keep in mind because of some new questions it raises.]

[It is this moment that Zulius realises that Moxxie did not tell EVERYONE about his glorious return to life. Thanks a lot, you fuck (affectionate). ]

Uhhhhhhhh yeah. He showed up at my door like...three weeks ago? [He examines his fingernails.] He was totes human again and had like- literally nothing, but he's for SURE alive and not some weird clone zombie thing. I checked. The demon stuff's come back since along with his things, but yeah- alive! He's avoiding the network in case Zodiac find him and try to, like, murder revenge him or something. He's...around.

[What he DOESN'T say is that Moxxie's living here in the theatre in his little teapot house. Zulius promised Moxxie a safe place here and he intends to keep that one. ]

[This is...so much to unpack. Elliot is just sitting here in stunned silence]

What the heck...

[He needs time to process. Of all the bombshells he expected to get dropped, it wasn't that someone returned from the dead. Sure Rean and Hunter did too, but that was some magic ritual thing. This???]

[Jusis glances at Elliot with subtle concern before turning his attention back to Zulius.]

That's wise of him to do, given what I've heard had happened. It's good to know that he's at least safe.

Oh yeah, he's safe. Safe as all heck.

[Zulius is fully prepared to defend his friend if he needs to. It's definitely in his familiar Ride or Die territory. He doubts Jusis or Elliot would BE a threat to Moxxie, but still. Better safe than sorry.]

You'll probably see him around if you like, look for him. [Then, because even he can see Elliot's struggling with this, a little more gently:] He's fine, promise. It was...flunking weird, and I guess that means literally everyone here is effectively immortal but, y'know, we'll save the existential dread for another day.

[Yeah sorry guys he just needed a moment there because people don't usually come back from the dead. He'll take a deep breath to collect himself.

"Effectively immortal"....]

Y-Yeah I think I'm going to shove that thought into a dark corner of my mind. Professor Moxxie was a demon, so maybe that has something to do with it...

[Yeah finding some rationale makes it easier to deal with]

I'm glad he's alright though. He was my music professor in college, so it was pretty startling to hear he passed.

[Jusis gives a small nod to Elliot.]

That's possible, but I think this is one mystery I'd rather not rush into figuring out definitively one way or another.

[Which means he's keeping this out of his report to the Order. It could, theoretically, just be Moxxie. But if it's not, then he'd rather be safe and not inform his superiors.]

Yeah, I've known him for...way more years than I actually like to count anymore. He's, like, the person who's stuck around me the longest...pretty much ever. I was so flunking mad at him for getting himself killed when I specifically told him not to do that.

[And he cried about it the whole week Moxxie was gone. But like hell is he gonna admit to that anytime soon. Zulius clucks his tongue, leaning back on his beanbag chair a lil'.]

Sorry, didn't mean to drag everyone to the bummer zone. But hey- happier stuff that's not worrying about the maybe horrible press of immortality- we can celebrate Elliot letting himself do more music work again and being amazing at it. That's a good thing, right?

[Ah. seems that Zulius wants to move on from the topic. While he's curious about Moxxie and Zulius's friendship...he'll leave it be for now, respecting the centaur's wishes]

Eheh, it's okay. I'm thankful you told us. Otherwise who knows when we would've found out.

[Since Moxxie sure seems to not be making any public announcement about it!!]

But- sure! I'm happy to celebrate that. I'll be sure to practice lots starting now, just to get rid of any rust I acquired while I was busy teaching.

[Closed] MEETING THE QUEEN

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