The Language of Love

by TheOriginalDash


The Beginning (or, Much Ado About Nothing)

This performance may have been over, but the play was not. The tall, slim, elegant woman onstage took her bows with the rest of the cast, her long, silky midnight tresses catching and reflecting the light of the brilliant stage lights and the spotlight trained on her. She is my lovely Juliette, and I, her humble Romeo, forced to watch her glory from the dark recesses of the wings.

Octavia took her last bow, and then came sweeping back into the wings of the stage. Heading to her dressing room, she hugged a few of the other cast members as I began wrapping up various cables and wires. Catching my eye, she flashed me a short smile, let me remove her stage mic, and glided off to change. I sighed softly, watching her disappear into the dimly lit hallway leading off the stage. We're close, indeed, but not as close as I'd like to be. I am her mic and equipment tech, but really not anything more. I'm nearly certain she is only friendly with me because I have always fixed every problem with her electronics promptly this season. We have the occasional night out with other members of the group, but nothing ever to just ourselves.

Shaking my head to dismiss my torturous thoughts, I finished packing the audio cables into the black crate waiting in the corner. I saw that Caramel and Noteworthy had already replaced their crates, ready to go for tomorrow night's show. It was our last performance on our home stage in Manehatten; after tomorrow night, we would hit the road to tour the country for a year or so. We had heard rumors that there would be talent scouts in the audience, looking to recruit members of the cast to other companies, other shows. I fervently hoped that no one would seek to tear Octavia away from the show she loved so much, though I know she would be elated to move on to a bigger production. Romeo and Juliet is an old classic, a play someone will always be performing somewhere.

I shook my head and picked up mics one and eight, Juliet's and the Nurse's. Glancing to make sure they were turned off, I strolled over to the recessed panel on the wall that held the actor's mics, and slotted them into place. I saw movement behind the other curtain, and I looked up to wave at Doc, the senior stage manager. I wasn't quite there yet, but I was happy to be junior manager. Flashing him a quick thumbs up to let him know things were squared away on my side of the stage, I began walking back to the stagehand locker room, the first room in the hallway that also held the dressing rooms for the stars. I sighed softly, releasing the tension of the night, and stepped inside to gather my things.

A few minutes later, I had changed out of my dirty, dusty, still slightly sweaty black shirt and jeans into my street clothes, and I headed for the door. A little under a half hour had passed since the play ended, about normal for packing up on a home stage, and I was exhausted and ready to go home. Opening the door, I hoisted my backpack a little higher on my shoulder and was about to set off for my Liberty in the parking lot, when I felt something heavy bounce off the door. Of course there was a person out there. Probably one of those meat headed actors.

"What the heck? Watch what you're doing, idiot! You could've gotten - oh..." It was Octavia, sprawled out on the dusty floor and holding her arm. I panicked. Why did it have to be her?

"Octavia! Are you alright? I'm terribly sorry, it was my fault. I should have been more careful opening the door." I stretched out my arm to help her up, and she gripped my hand warmly with strong, slender fingers. She chuckled lightly.

"I'm not sure how you were supposed to look through solid oak to see me, but if that's your opinion... I should have been more careful myself. I forgot this door opened outward. Vinyl, isn't it? Thank you for your concern, I'm quite alright." Octavia shook my hand firmly, and then released her grip. She had held my hand this entire time, just slightly too long for my comfort. I blushed lightly, and shrugged off her thanks. I jammed my hands in the pockets of my jeans, and stood awkwardly in the silence that followed. There was a brief hesitation, and I realize that Octavia expected me to speak, but then she seemed to come to a resolve of her own.

"So, Vinyl? Some of the girls and I were planning to go out drinking for a bit, to celebrate while we can. Tomorrow, we'll be too busy packing. Would you care to come with us?" I blinked in response. Octavia had never invited me anywhere before. Usually one of the other actors would take me along for company. And generally, the girls would invite all of their boyfriends. I guess tonight was a girls' night.

"I... Yeah. Sure. I'll go. Probably won't be drinking, but I'll go out with you girls." I hoped this was the right course of action. Octavia beamed at me, so I assume it at least made her happy.

"Good! They're all gathered out back, waiting on me. I don't think they'll mind, especially if you're my guest. Ready to go?" Octavia held out her hand toward the door leading off the stage.

"Almost. Give me five seconds to turn off the work lights and lock up." Octavia nodded, and I dropped my backpack at her feet, then dashed off to flip down the panel of switches on the back wall and lock the stage doors. Five minutes later, I jogged back down the long corridor to find Octavia still patiently waiting. She smiled at me as I approached, and I reached down to swing my backpack up on my shoulders. As it settled comfortably on my old brown leather jacket, I held out my arm, and escorted Octavia out of the building.

We walked a hundred feet around the side of the building to get to the back of the theater. Octavia’s friends were waiting, as promised. She waved a casual hello to them, and they waved excitedly back. I managed a nervous smile and a half hearted wave, and they responded enthusiastically. Maybe this night wouldn’t be so bad after all. Maybe I would make some new friends. That could be nice.

Octavia and I soon came close to the three girls, and I recognized them eventually. The short blonde was Lyra, the willowy brunette standing close to her was BonBon, and the other dark-haired girl was Symphony Strings. All were in the pit orchestra, which surprised me immensely. I knew these girls. I spent lots of time with them, setting up their audio cables and checking up on their equipment. I didn’t expect Octavia to have friends in the orchestra. Usually actors and musicians tended to stay to their respective groups. I smiled pleasantly at the girls, and they grinned back in turn. I realized that the night was going to be very fun, indeed.

Lyra and BonBon walked up to me and sandwiched me in a hug. I laughed and hugged them back, and then turned to Octavia. She stood a foot away, an amused expression on her face. These two girls were incredibly friendly and affectionate, especially with each other. I loved them dearly, and I might even say they were two of my closest friends. Eventually, long after was ordinarily acceptable and polite, they stepped away to hug Octavia. When they were done greeting her, she turned to me.

“You know these two? At least, I would hope you would, after a hello like that.” I nodded, and said hi to Symphony.

“Oh, yeah. We’ve known each other for a long time. Lyra and I have been friends since we met at the performing arts academy of our high school, and BonBon was the first person to be kind to us on our first day with this theater group. I don’t know Symphony quite as well, but I would assume you two are good friends,” I added as Symphony hugged Octavia tightly, the way only best friends do.

“We met back in the third grade, and we’ve been inseparable since. She’s like the sister I never had.” Symphony smiled at this, and I watched the two of them finish their hellos. I spotted Lyra about to step out to hail a cab, and I called out to stop her.

“Hey there! Lyra, I have a car. We can all go in it. I’ve got five seats in the Liberty. Doesn’t cost as much as a cab, and it’s a lot friendlier. How about I go get it from the employee parking lot, and I’ll drive around to get you guys?” The girls nodded or spoke their agreement, and I readjusted my pack on my shoulders and set off for the lot. Octavia called after me, and then jogged to catch up. I let her come with me, as I didn’t really mind the company this late at night in a pretty much abandoned parking lot.

After a few minutes, we reached my car, and I unlocked it with the keyless entry tag. I popped the hatch and tossed my pack inside, and gestured for Octavia to take the front seat. She opened the door and slid in gracefully, and I merely hopped into the driver’s seat. Sitting in this quiet, enclosed space with her was doing awful things to my heart rate, so I quickly put the key in the ignition and started the car. Warm air blew softly from the vents, and I tuned the radio to my favorite rock station. Finally, I put the car in Drive, and cruised back down the short length of street to reach the other girls.

I breathed out a sigh of relief when they clambered into the back, glad to not be entirely alone with Octavia anymore, and then I drove off down the street to reach the main road once they were buckled into their seats. I concentrated on driving, even as Octavia reached toward me to turn up the volume on the radio. I glanced at her questioningly, and she smiled and said, “My favorite song,” as an explanation. The girls filled the car with meaningless friendly chatter for the next several minutes as I drove. I smiled occasionally as Lyra would tell a particularly funny story from our adolescence. Those were good years, together with her.

About five minutes later, I had reached the little jazz bar that Octavia had directed me to. It was a quaint little place, clean and bright, but not exactly something the upper echelons would ever visit. Which was fine by me, because I enjoy the company of common people more than “high class” individuals, even if I technically belonged to the rich and elite. I chose to align myself with the “lower classes”, as it were.

We all exited the car and grouped up to enter the bar. I could smell the scents of warm food and mild alcohol inside, accompanied by the strains of jazz. It was a comforting mix, relaxing and pleasant. I would enjoy myself tonight, even without drinking. I had ensured that I was the designated driver by choosing to take everyone in my car. But that was fine, because I didn’t particularly care for alcohol, anyway. Octavia linked her arm with Symphony’s, and I felt a slight twinge of jealousy that I quickly pushed down. I locked the car with the key fob, and strolled up to join Lyra and BonBon. I felt like I was majorly third-wheeling, but there was really nothing I could do. A group of five is always awkward.

I held open the door for all of the girls, and then let myself into the bar. It was my first time at this particular joint, but I already liked the atmosphere. Sweet swing music flowed under the noise of soft chatter and dining, and the whole building had a cozy, homey feel to it. This bar was more of a limited-menu restaurant than strictly a place to consume alcohol, and soon a waitress came over to show us to our table. She was a pretty thing of twenty-something, maybe thirty. Nice hips, and sleek, dark hair that was swept up into a messy bun at the back of her head. I may have to just leave my number out for her before we leave. I might be currently campaigning after Octavia, but that doesn’t mean I can’t pick up some fun along the way to my victory.

Soon, we were seated at a respectably clean corner booth, and we placed our orders; Lyra chose the house beer and a burger, BonBon and Symphony both decided to split a bottle of Oban Single Malt and a large basket of fries, Octavia opted for a glass of Jura and a basket of onion rings to share with me, and I selected water. The waitress scribbled down our orders, and hurried off to the kitchen to place them. I couldn’t help but stare as she sashayed away, and when I turned back around as she entered the double doors leading to the back, I saw four pairs of eyes scrutinizing me.

“What? Come on, like you’ve never seen a gorgeous woman before. Don’t give me that. I know you better.” I rolled my eyes at them, slouched a little in my seat, and crossed my arms self consciously over my chest. I was thoroughly embarrassed that they had caught me, but I wasn’t going to let it show. Octavia spoke, likely to chastise me.

“It’s not that, I guess we all just had it in our heads that you were straight. Heteronormative society, as it is, dictates that to us as a common occurrence.” I blushed when she said this. Of course they didn’t know. I had hid my orientation relatively well, especially during college. That’s a dangerous time for curious girls. Lyra just giggled at my red face, and leaned a little closer over the table, and looked at us all conspiratorily.

“Just between us five, she’s not the only one here checking out that waitress. I’m liking the sight of that booty. Unfortunately for her, I’ve already got myself a hot date for tonight. Isn’t that right, Bon?” BonBon blushed deeply as Lyra threw her arm around her shoulders. She ducked out from underneath her hold, and scooted subtly away from Lyra.

“No, you do not have a hot date tonight. Please don’t start that again. The more you flirt, the more everyone else starts rumors about us. Why can’t we just be normal friends for the next couple of hours? Please?” BonBon turned to face Lyra, who merely shrugged, and grinned devilishly at the rest of us. Leave it to Ly to flirt with every girl in the room… But she had a thing for Bon, a special preference when she flirted. I was pretty sure I was the only one who knew that all of that teasing was secretly being used to hide actual affection. Ly was never good at expressing herself, and she was also afraid to lose one of her closest friends. I don’t think Bon would ever reject Ly, just the romantic notions Ly might have going on in her head.

“It’s alright. I think she’s just teasing, Bon. And I certainly don’t believe anyone at this table would start rumors. We’re all good friends, aren’t we? No problem here,” Symphony said. Octavia remained strangely quiet, picking at a chip in the wooden surface of the table during the whole incident. Odd. I didn’t have any further time to ponder this, though, because soon that sexy waitress strolled back with our food and drinks. Lyra, of course, flirted up a storm and sent the waitress scurrying away, blushing madly. Always a charmer, that one.

The night passed calmly, full of good conversation and lots of storytelling amongst friends. The waitress happened by a few more times to check on us and see if we needed anything, perhaps a few more times than necessary. She always directed her attention to Ly, which gave me a warm feeling inside. I don’t believe I’ll be leaving my number here tonight, after all. Let Ly have her fun. There are plenty of girls out there for me to take a shot at.

The night was winding down around eleven, and as soon as the clock on the wall read 11:30, the pub manager came over to apologetically chase us out. But we were fine with that, because I was starting to become exhausted, and the girls were all fairly intoxicated by now. I led them out to my Liberty, and helped them one by one into the Jeep. Ly and Bon collapsed on top of each other in the backseat, and then struggled to find their seat belts. Ly had a goofy smile on her face the entire time; she had managed to get the waitress’ number before we left. Good for her. Symphony slid in after the other two, and clumsily fastened herself in. Octavia hopped into the front passenger seat rather nimbly for a woman who had just previously ingested at least four glasses of whisky. And I sat in the driver’s seat, and let myself relax for a few seconds, before tiredly fishing my keys out of my jacket pocket and putting them in the ignition. The rumbling of the engine coming to life comforted me, the familiar purr a natural sound to me by now.
I began the long process of driving all the girls home. I drove about ten minutes to Imperial Avenue to drop Bon and Ly off at their shared apartment. I parked outside, and rode up the elevator with them to their door, like a true gentlewoman, then headed back down to drive the other two home. Symphony lived two blocks away in the Celestial Sunrise complex, and I repeated the process of walking her to her door. Finally, it was just Octavia and I. She directed me to her small townhouse, part of a newly built complex about ten blocks from my apartment building.

I hopped out of the Jeep, and ran around to the passenger side to open the door for her while she struggled to unbuckle her seat belt. Eventually she got it uncoupled, and she took the hand I offered to help her out. We walked to the front door, and began the arduous climb up four flights of stairs to reach the top floor of the building, which was entirely taken up by her portion of the townhouse. She fumbled in her purse for the keys, and then dropped them from clumsy fingers onto the ground. I knelt, and picked them up for her. She smiled warmly at me.

“Thank you. And thank you for the lovely evening. It was very nice of you to accept my offer to come out with us, and even more wonderful to drive us around everywhere. You’re a sweet person, Vinyl.” I blushed at her simple praise. It was really nothing. Suddenly, feeling rather bold and rash, I scooped up her hand and placed a featherlight kiss upon it. It was her turn to blush, and I quickly dropped her hand.

“It was nothing, Octavia. My pleasure. I can do it again, anytime. Just ask.” Octavia smiled at me, and nodded her head. Seemingly seized with a sudden inspiration, just as I was, she dashed forward and brushed her soft, tender lips across the line of my cheekbone in a barely-there kiss. She darted back into her doorway, and flushed crimson while staring back at me.

“I’ll be sure to ask. You’re incredibly good company. Goodnight, Vinyl. See you tomorrow?”

“Of course, Octavia. I’ll always be there. Where would you be without your faithful equipment tech?” She giggled lightly, and shook her head.

“Ruined, I suppose. Well, see you in the morning, then.”

“Absolutely. Goodnight, Octavia. Sweet dreams.” I waited in a mildly awkward silence for Octavia to shut the door, and then I sprinted madly down the stairs to my car. Not until I was inside did I allow myself to let out a cheer, as I knew it would be muffled by the soundproofing I had installed in the interior. She just…. She kissed me? What was that? A friendly peck, that’s all. It was still nice, beyond wonderful. But just friendly, nothing more. I sighed, and started the Liberty up again, driving slowly in silence for the next ten blocks until I reached home.