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Movie Club

By CozyKhajiit
Created: 2022-07-27 06:31:45
Updated: 2022-08-12 05:09:41
Expiry: Never
anonmoondancerequestria girlswallflower blushjuniper montage

  1. “What!? Why don’t you want to do movie club anymore!?”
  2. >No one is bothered by how loud your statement is.
  3. >The constant noise of the cafeteria during lunch period drowns most of it out.
  4. >You look at Moondancer who’s face is, surprise surprise, buried in a book.
  5. >She doesn’t even bother to look up for her response.
  6. >“Because it’s boring Juniper.”
  7. “Boring? We’re watching some of the finest pieces of cinema ever made. Besides, we’ve already invested this much time into it that it would be a waste to quit now.”
  8. >“We’ve only watched movies at your house the past two Friday nights.”
  9. >She holds up two fingers.
  10. >Meanwhile her face continues to stay in that stupid book of hers.
  11. >You suppress a groan as you try to think of a counter argument.
  12. >Stupid stubborn Moondancer just loves to show off those former debate team skills.
  13. >“And I’m just not interested in a bunch of old black and white movies where all that happens is that people talk.”
  14. “Well what did Wallflower say?”
  15. >“I’m right here.”
  16. “Huh?”
  17. >You turn to your left and see Wallflower sitting next you you.
  18. >How long has she been there?
  19. “Oh, sorry I didn’t see you.”
  20. >She gives a deep sigh as she crosses her arms and looks down.
  21. >“It’s fine.”
  22. >Moondancer’s voice brings your focus back to her.
  23. >“Why can’t you just watch movies by yourself?”
  24. >By yourself!?
  25. >How do you even begin to explain the difference in enjoyment between watching a movie with your friends and watching it alone to this antisocial grouch!?
  26. “Because it’s more fun watching movies with other people.”
  27. >“It can’t be anymore fun than watching them with bored people who are only half paying attention.”
  28. >You feel a harsh pressure on your jaw as your teeth begin to grind.
  29. >You take a long inhale through your nose.
  30. “I’ll let you both pick movies you want to watch.”
  31. >You didn’t want to do this, but it was your only option.
  32. >If Moondancer quit coming to movie night then how much longer would it be until Wallflower stopped showing up?
  33. >She had already missed one night.
  34. >At least you’re pretty sure she did.
  35. >“You already said you don’t want to watch anything anime related.”
  36. >Of course you don’t.
  37. >You had to listen to her and Wallflower talk about anime almost every lunch period.
  38. >If you were going to be in this group then it was about time that they engaged in your interest too.
  39. >“Well I think it’d be nice if we had more people at movie night.”
  40. >You turn back to Wallflower.
  41. >“I mean, it be a good chance to have people get to know me-us, I mean, us.”
  42. >That actually isn’t a bad idea.
  43. >That would be a good opportunity to expose more people to the fine art of cinema.
  44. >And with more people you wouldn’t have to rely on just Moondancer for the followup conversation after the movie.
  45. >Not that there was anything wrong with talking with Wallflower.
  46. >It’s just that she really wasn’t that good at talking with people one on one.
  47. >Poor girl needs some anxiety meds.
  48. >“And it would also be nice to have some, you know, some boys at movie night too.”
  49. >Wallflower brushes a stray lock of hair behind her ear as her cheeks turn a very light shade of pink.
  50. >You notice that Moondancer’s eyes quickly dart over to Wallflower at the mention of the “B” word.
  51. >You smile at the sight of a newly discovered weakness.
  52. “I can get boys to come to movie night.”
  53. >Moondance slams her book shut with a scoff and looks you dead in the eyes.
  54. >“Really?”
  55. >You place your elbows on the table and rest your chin in the palms of your hands.
  56. >You’re so close to victory that you can see it on Moondancer’s scowling face.
  57. “But if you two don’t want to have movie night anymore I guess there’s no point in inviting them.”
  58. >Two woolly eyebrows knit deeper down her face as her scowl grows.
  59. >“Fine.”
  60. >Her hand shoots up and points a finger inches from your nose.
  61. >“But we get to take turns pick what to watch each week. ...And they have to be cute boys.”
  62. >Her face drifts down to the table as it slowly turns a deeper shade of red than Wallflower’s.
  63. >You continue to smile as you watch Moondancer’s finger retract back to her side.
  64. >It’s Thursday so you have both the rest of today and tomorrow to find some new people to join your Friday night group.
  65. >Plenty of time.
  66. >“And you need to find one by the end of today.”
  67. >Your inner planning is cut short as you look to find Moondancer’s eyes locked onto yours.
  68. “What? The end of today?”
  69. >“If you’re serious about this as you say you are then you should be able to get at least one to be a part join us before school ends today.”
  70. >You look over to Wallflower.
  71. >She solemnly nods.
  72. >Your eyes narrow.
  73. “If those are the are the conditions then it’s a deal.”
  74. >You pick up your tray and deliberately scan the room as you make your way to drop it off a the cleaning counter.
  75. >You’ve come this far and your not about to quit now.
  76. >You make sure to examine every person you see along your way.
  77. >All you have to do is find one of them to convince.
  78. >A lone figure sitting at a table in the corner comes into view as you approach the cleaning counter.
  79. >Sure you’re short on time but that’s OK.
  80. >You’ll just have to do what any good actress would do when something unexpected happened while filming.
  81. >Improvise.
  82. >And there is the perfect opportunity.
  83. >A boy sitting all by himself at an empty table watching something on his phone.
  84. >You drop off your tray and begin to make your way to him.
  85. >His back is turned to you obscuring his face.
  86. >As you get closer though the video playing on his phone becomes more clear.
  87. >With each step the action of a man in a dark suit quickly dispatching of a would be killer play out before the unknown student.
  88. >Including the hero straitening his tie before he briskly exits the room and the scene cuts to him sitting at a fancy dinner table next to a well dressed blonde.
  89. >Your smile is back and bigger than before.
  90. >He’s watching a movie!
  91. >An actual movie with actual people and shot on an actual camera.
  92. >And not just any movie.
  93. >A James Bond movie.
  94. >You recognize the distinguished face of Roger Moore immediately.
  95. >You don’t care who this guy is.
  96. >He likes watching something that isn’t anime.
  97. >He’s is joining your movie club.
  98. >You stand next to him a give a wave.
  99. >This is going to be awesome.
  100. >You’re going to have a fellow film buff as a friend.
  101. >His lack of reaction causes you to realize his has earbuds in.
  102. >You give a gentle tug on one.
  103.  
  104. *****
  105.  
  106. >“Although I sorta of respect a movie where the hero actually acknowledges no one was there to hear his one liner so he finds someone to repeat it to.”
  107. >You laugh hardly.
  108. >You love thirty something Youtubers making sarcastic remarks over old shitty movies.
  109. >And its such a shitty Bond knock-off.
  110. >Really who actually went to see this thinking that they would get something good.
  111. >Oh well, the lesser quality just makes it that much easier for the funny internet man to be funny on the internet.
  112. >Suddenly natural noise begins to flood into you right ear.
  113. >You turn to see a girl with green hair smiling at you.
  114. >“Hi there.”
  115. >You smile back.
  116. “Hey.”
  117. >It’s not everyday that a new person comes up to you.
  118. >“I couldn’t help but notice what you were watching.”
  119. “Oh yeah, I love this guy he’s great.”
  120. >“So do I. You see I’m the biggest film buff here at Canterlot High, I can name every single one of his movies.”
  121. >You though you were a fan but this girl has you beat big time.
  122. >“As a matter of fact I happen to run my own personal movie club.”
  123. “Hey, that’s pretty cool.”
  124. >She flips one of her twin tails over her shoulder.
  125. >“It is. And luckily for you there happens to be an opening for a new member. What do you say?”
  126. >A club where you watch movie and riff on them sounds awesome.
  127. “Sure, it’ll be fun.”
  128. >The girl throws her hands together in a big clap.
  129. >“Perfect.”
  130. >She reaches into her pocket and pulls out a cell phone.
  131. >“I suppose I should introduce myself. I’m Juniper Montage, here’s my number so we can keep in touch.”
  132. >She holds her phone out with her number displayed on it.
  133. “Hey aren’t you the girl that works at the snack counter at the mall?”
  134. >Her jaw tightens and speaks through clenched teeth.
  135. >“Yep that’s me, ha ha.”
  136. “I’m Anon.”
  137. >You close the video and begin to type her number in your contacts.
  138. “So is anyone else in the club?”
  139. >The pain in Juniper’s mouth seems to fade as her face relaxes.
  140. >“There’s me and Moondancer and Wallflower Blush.”
  141. “I’ve heard of Moondancer.
  142. >She’s supposed to be in some really smart college level classes.
  143. >You’ve also seen her at the library a lot.
  144. >She often there with another girl.
  145. >One with long unkempt hair and freckles.
  146. >You figure that must be Wallflower.
  147. >Or it might not be.
  148. >The name rings a bell but you can’t quite recall a face to go with it.
  149. “Anyone else?”
  150. >“Not at the moment, but we’re always open to some one new as long as they love movies. Maybe you know some one?”
  151. “Hmmm…”
  152. >You rub your chin as you search your brain.
  153. “I don’t know…”
  154. >A lot of people got bored of internet joke reviews in 2018.
  155. >Not you though.
  156. >People say that you’re the kind of person that finds the same thing funny every time.
  157. >You’re sure what they meant by that but you take it as a compliment.
  158. >“Well if you do let me know. The more people we have the more we can introduce to the fine are of cinema.”
  159. “I’ll keep that in mind.”
  160. >“Perfect, I’ll text you Friday after school just be sure to bring a movie.”
  161. >Friday?
  162. >That’s gonna cut into your primer TV time.
  163. >Friday’s at 8 you like to watch Kids Baking Championship on Discovery Family.
  164. >You love to watch those kids bake.
  165. >So young.
  166. >So passionate.
  167. >“Oh, one more thing.”
  168. >Juniper leans in close.
  169. >“I shouldn’t have to say this to a fellow cinema lover, but no anime.”
  170. >You give a thumbs up.
  171. “No problem.”
  172.  
  173. *****
  174.  
  175. >You walk with all the swagger of a secret service agent.
  176. >Movie night is officially saved.
  177. >You sit back down at your table.
  178. “You two should be prepared for Friday night’s show. And our newest member.”
  179. >“Really?”
  180. >Wallflower looks over with interest.
  181. >You even have Moondancer’s attention.
  182. >Wallflower scooches in closer to your side
  183. >“So who’d you get?”
  184. >You flip one of your tails triumphantly over your shoulder.
  185. >It’s a gesture that emphasizes your actions.
  186. >You learned it on an acting website.
  187. “Anon.”
  188. >Both girls exchange a look.
  189. >Moondancer gives an annoyed groan.
  190. >“Ughhh, I said they had to be cute boys.”
  191. >Great, nit picking already.
  192. “Anon is cute.”
  193. >“He’s not cute he’s just plain looking.”
  194. >You look to Wallflower.
  195. >She simple shrugs her shoulders.
  196. >“Eh.”
  197. >Moondancer slouches down in her chair and mumbles.
  198. >“He’s an oblivious idiot.”
  199. “Well he’s a boy and that was the condition.”
  200. >“Yeah well you better get more.”
  201. >You shake your head.
  202. >Poor Moonie doesn’t know how boys work.
  203. “I won’t have to. Boys always hang out in groups so in no time at all Anon will invite all his friends over and we’ll have a couch full of boys.”
  204. >“Does Anon even have friends?”
  205. >You scoff.
  206. “Of course he does. Everybody has friends.”
  207. >It’s true.
  208. >Everyone has friends.
  209. >This school is weirdly obsessed with talking about how important friendship is what with all the posters and pep rallies and such.
  210. >Wallflower twirls a strand of hair aimlessly.
  211. >“I do see him with other people a lot. I mean he seems to get along with just about everybody so I’m sure he has friends.”
  212. “See, everything is going to work out perfectly.”
  213.  
  214. *****
  215.  
  216. >Oh man you are not prepared at all.
  217. >It’s 6:05 pm on Friday and movie night starts in less than an hour.
  218. >You open every drawer you have in your room searching for where you keep all your Blu-rays.
  219. >Maybe this is why your parents are always telling you to clean your room.
  220. >Finally in your top dresser drawer you find a scattered assortment of plastic cases.
  221. >Good, now all you have to do is pick one that isn’t an anime.
  222. >You shuffle them to the left as you scan each cover.
  223. >Demon Slayer: Infinity Train.
  224. >One Piece: Baron Omatsuri and the Secret Island.
  225. >Sword of the Stranger.
  226. >This may be harder than you though.
  227. >You check one last Blu-ray covered by (hopefully clean) socks.
  228. >Valkyrie Drive.
  229. >Yeah you should especially not bring that one.
  230. >The girls probably wouldn’t like such a perverted anime.
  231. >You’re running out of time.
  232. >You need to think of something.
  233. >You dash to the living room and check the entertainment center.
  234. >There in the compartment below where the TV sits you find a row of your parents old DVDs.
  235. >You hope Juniper has something that can play media this old because you are out of options.
  236. >Well really you have too many options.
  237. >There must be over fifty movies here.
  238. >You start grabbing at random hoping to find something you recognize.
  239. >Suddenly your attention is grabbed by a very striking cover.
  240. >Instantly your curiosity is peeked.
  241. >You flip the case over to read the back.
  242. >This could work.
  243. >It says that it was directed by one of the greatest directors of all time and that it was nominated for several academy awards.
  244. >Juniper will be sure to like it.
  245. >And it was based on a book.
  246. >So Moondancer will probably enjoy it.
  247. >And Wallflower will like…
  248. >Actually you don’t what Wallflower likes.
  249. >But your sure there’s will be something in here that she will enjoy.
  250. >You check your phone and see it’s 6:15.
  251. >Perfect.
  252. >That gives you enough to time to pick up a pizza and be at Juniper’s house by 7.
  253. >You don’t have to get food but you figure it will be a nice gesture.
  254. >These girls did ask you to hang out with them after all.
  255. >With DVD in hand you grab your keys and exit the door whistling a jaunty tune.
  256. >Man this is exciting.
  257. >You’re going to have so much fun.
  258. >In no time you’re at Juniper’s with food and entertainment.
  259. >Juggling boxes both large and small you manage to knock on the door with your knee.
  260. >Juniper opens the door and quickly moves out of the way to let you in.
  261. >“Anon there you are. I was worried you were gonna be late.”
  262. “Oh I just wanted to get something for everyone before I got here.”
  263. >She nods at the sight of the pizza.
  264. >You follow Juniper to a spacious living room where two other girls sit on a large leather couch.
  265. >“Stay here I’ll go get something you can put the food on.”
  266. >She exits around a corner leaving you with your new acquaintances.
  267. >You look at them.
  268. “Hi, I’m Anon!”
  269. >The one with unkempt hair and freckles fidgets and starts looking everywhere but you.
  270. >The one in glasses just scowls.
  271. >“We know.”
  272. “You’re Moondancer.”
  273. >She rolls her eyes.
  274. >“Yeah, that’s me.”
  275. “I remember you from middle school. You used to hang out with Twilight all the time back then.”
  276. >Moondancer stays quite as she crosses her arms.
  277. >Her bushy brows furrow as her eyes narrow at you.
  278. >She must not know what to say.
  279. >That’s OK.
  280. >You’ve been around shy people before.
  281. >You look to the girl on the other end of the couch.
  282. “And you must be Wallflower.”
  283. >She looks up and gives a small wave.
  284. >“Hey.”
  285. >“Here’s a place to put the pizza.”
  286. >Juniper reappears with a folding table.
  287. >You sit down two boxes and open them revealing one large pepperoni and one large cheese.
  288. >You turn and give a thumbs up to the girls.
  289. “OK, food’s ready. Help yourselves.”
  290. >Wallflower wastes no time in going to grab a slice.
  291. >Juniper looks over at Moondancer.
  292. >“Anon brought pizza, wasn’t that nice of him”
  293. >She sounds really satisfied.
  294. >You sigh softly.
  295. >It feels nice to be nice.
  296. >Moondancer uncrosses her arms.
  297. >“Where’s it from?”
  298. “Doughy’s, I had a two for one coupon.”
  299. >“Doughy’s has terrible pizza.”
  300. “Yeah but there’s two!”
  301. >Moondancer’s face falls into her hands.
  302. >“Uggh.”
  303. >She must be more of a Marco’s person.
  304. >Juniper slides over to your side.
  305. >“So Anon what movie did you decide for tonight? Something action based I assume.”
  306. “Actually I picked a movie that’s supposed to have ‘unforgettable imagery, startling music, and innovative language’. It’s called ‘A Clockwork Orange’.”
  307. >You hold up the DVD.
  308. “And with a cover this cool looking it has to be good.”
  309. >Moondancer’s hand goes to her chin.
  310. >“That title sounds familiar…”
  311. >Juniper takes the plastic case and begins setting up the TV.
  312. >“It’s supposed to be one of the greatest movies of all time and we’re all about to find out why.”
  313. >You sit down the far end of the couch.
  314. >Wallflower takes a place between you and Moondancer with a slice of pizza in each hand.
  315. >Sitting in a lone chair not to far from you Juniper readies the movie via remote and hits play.
  316. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FfHrryY5UL0
  317. >“What’s it going to be then, eh?”
  318. “It’s going to be a long one, huh?”
  319. >Juniper turns and holds a finger to her mouth.
  320. >“Shhh.”
  321. >Oh they must want to wait until something funny happens to start the riffing.
  322. >After roughly an hour and a half the movie ends as credits roll to the delightful sound of a show tune.
  323. >You look to your left.
  324. >Wallflower’s eyes are wide and vacant.
  325. >You check you right.
  326. >Moondancer has her legs tucked up close to her chest and the lower half of her face covered by her turtle neck.
  327. >Juniper stands up and faces you all.
  328. >Her face is pale and clammy looking.
  329. >“Well that was… interesting. I can see why now why it’s so controversial.”
  330. >“That Was The Worst Thing I’ve Ever Seen!”
  331. >Moondancer jumps up and points at the TV.
  332. >“That was just one glorified rape seen after another!”
  333. >“Oh calm down.”
  334. >Juniper looks down at her feet.
  335. >“There was only the one r-rape scene.”
  336. >“There was more than just one!”
  337. >You scratch the back of your head.
  338. “Admittedly there was a lot of rape involved.”
  339. >Maybe you should just brought the Demon Slayer movie.
  340. >“Yeah well it had other good qualities too.”
  341. >“Oh really like what!?”
  342. >Juniper and Moondancer are now standing face to face leaning into each other.
  343. >“Like… The camera work for one and-and the… the way the special affects heightened the tension.”
  344. >“That doesn’t excuse the graphic depiction of RAPE!”
  345. >“Well it’s a classic so it can be excused for some things.”
  346. >The girls are now forehead to forehead.
  347. >You should probably do something.
  348. >Maybe a third opinion will help calm tensions down.
  349. “What did you think Wallflower?”
  350. >Her eyes stay wide never blinking.
  351. >“It was amazing.”
  352. >The other two girls turn to her in unison.
  353. >“What?”
  354. >“What!?”
  355. >You are also surprised.
  356. >“I’ve never seen a movie with such a sensitive protagonist before.”
  357. >Moondancer stomps her foot and glares at Wallflower.
  358. >“WHAT!? WHAT!?”
  359. >Wallflower keeps staring at the TV.
  360. >“He was so passionate and caring. And that he ended up being used by those around him makes him all the more heartbraking.”
  361. >“HE WAS A RAPIST!”
  362. >Wallflower finally looks up at her friend.
  363. >“He was a tragic victim Moondancer. He was an artist who couldn’t control his passion and was punished by a souless authority who was afraid that he would show other what it meant to live free.”
  364. >“He was a sociopath who raped women and was being rightfully punished for it!”
  365. >Wallflower stands up and joins the other two in their standoff.
  366. >“You just can’t appreciate a good anti-hero Moondancer.”
  367. >“Oh. My. God. You do this all the time Wallflower, you keep liking characters you’re not supposed to like! This is why I can’t talk about Rick and Morty with you anymore!”
  368. >“Rick is the only character on that show who feels!”
  369. >“He blatantly puts his grandson in mortal danger for the sake of his own ego!”
  370. >“Will you two stop talking about nerd shows and talk about the movie!”
  371. >Oh no.
  372. >Things are starting to get out of control.
  373. >You better think of something fast.
  374. >Wait, you’ve got it.
  375. >You jump on the couch and tower over everybody.
  376. “Who wants frozen yogurt!?”
  377. >All three girls stare at you blankly.
  378. >Juniper takes off her glasses and pinches the bridge of her nose.
  379. >“Don’t stand on the couch Anon.”
  380. >You step down.
  381. “Sorry.”
  382. >In no time for a second time you and the girls are at the local yogurt shop.
  383. >Walking in you find the place is standing room only.
  384. “Looks like we might be here awhile.”
  385. >The girls stay quiet.
  386. >They didn’t really say anything in the car either.
  387. >You’d be lying if you said that you didn’t feel a little responsible for the silence.
  388. >You honestly thought that was going to be a good judging by its cover.
  389. >Well it was a good movie when it wasn’t making you uncomfortable with the violence or when there were the boring talky parts.
  390. >Maybe you can say something to help lighten the mood.
  391. “So… what movie are gonna watch next week?”
  392. >None of them look at you.
  393. >Man this is starting to get depressing.
  394. “So…”
  395. >Wallflower speaks up
  396. >“Anon it’s nice of you to drive us here and all, but let’s just get out food and leave. I’d rather be at home playing video games or posting on a forum.”
  397. >Moondancer stares at the floor and Juniper keeps her eyes forward on the unmoving line.
  398. >OK now it is officially depressing.
  399. >Well that’s not going to stand with you.
  400. >It maybe your fault that things are like this (and it is a maybe because can you really be blamed for showing a movie that you’ve never seen yourself?) but that doesn’t mean your going to leave it this way.
  401. >These three girls are going to get a happy ending to tonight’s story if it’s the last thing you do.
  402. >There has to be some way to make this line go faster.
  403. >Scanning the crowd you see that only one cashier is at the register.
  404. >Well that explains why the line is so long.
  405. >Then while you’re looking the faintest hints of movement come from a hallway behind the front counter.
  406. >You stand on your toes and squint trying to get a better view.
  407. >Wait a minute.
  408. >You recognize that green hair.
  409. >That’s Stella.
  410. >And it looks like she’s sweeping…?
  411. >Of course the cashier is so busy that she can’t go back and ask Stella for help.
  412. >But there’s no reason you can’t.
  413. >Staying on your toes you take a deep breath.
  414. “Hey Stella!”
  415. >She doesn’t stop her sweeping.
  416. >Looks like you need to yell louder.
  417. “HEY STELLA!”
  418. >Still nothing.
  419. “HEEEY STEEEEELLAAA!”
  420. *****
  421. >The people in line are laughing at Anon’s antics.
  422. >Some of them are taking videos of him with their phones.
  423. >Moondancer is pulling her turtleneck up over her face.
  424. >Wallflower just stands there like nothing is happening.
  425. >But all you can see is Anon shouting like is life depended on it.
  426. >He’s putting every ounce of energy into making himself heard to a girl he decided was so important he didn’t care who knew.
  427. >Before he get out another sound you grab him by the shirt and pull him close.
  428. “Anon do you have any idea what you’re doing?”
  429. >He face betrays his confusion at his current position.
  430. >“Trying to get Stella’s attention to help the line move faster…?”
  431. “You are doing the single best impression of Marlon Brando I’ve ever seen.”
  432. >“The baseball player from the cubs?”
  433. “Do you know what this means?”
  434. >He slowly shakes his head.
  435. “It means that I’ve finally found the one person good enough to play opposite to me in acting. Anon from now on you and I aren’t going to watch movies, we’re going to make movies.”
  436. >You keep a hold of his shirt as you run out the door.
  437. >There’s no time to loose you’ve got to get this all planed out right now.
  438. >Upon crossing the threshold you discover Moondancer and Wallflower are not far behind.
  439. >Wallflower is close enough that you hear her voice behind you.
  440. >“I was promised frozen yogurt.”
  441. >After hitting a drive through for an order of fast food ice cream (you did promise the girls) you’re back in Juniper’s living room.
  442. >You wait patiently while Moondancer plays on her phone and Wallflower enjoys her frozen treat.
  443. >Finally Juniper enters the room with a large cardboard box.
  444. >Sitting it down unceremoniously on the floor she pulls out an old fashoned looking fedora and places it on your head.
  445. >“Perfect.”
  446. “Uhhhhh”
  447. >Moondancer puts down her phone.
  448. >“What is that supposed to be?”
  449. >Junpier pulls out a trench coat and throws it around your shoulders.
  450. “Uhhhhh”
  451. >“Its his costume for when her plays Rick.”
  452. >“Why do you get to pick what movie we make?”
  453. >“Because I own the camera.”
  454. >Juniper then holds up a gray camcorder that looks to be about ten years old.
  455. >“My phone has better quality recording than that thing.”
  456. >Juniper scoffs.
  457. >“You don’t shoot a movie on a phone Moondancer.”
  458. >Wallflower pulls out her phone.
  459. >“I recorded us going through the drive through and it turned out pretty good.”
  460. >With spoon in mouth she holds out the screen and presses play.
  461. >Your voice fills the room.
  462.  
  463. >>“Yeah I’ll have a medium sized chocolate ice cream.”
  464. >>“Sozzzz zzz larzz zzzlate zzz czzzm.”
  465. >>“No, medium. One medium sized chocolate ice cream.”
  466. >>“OK zz mezzzm chocozzzz zzz zzeaz.”
  467. >>“No, one. Just one.”
  468.  
  469. >Man your voice sounds weird when you hear it.
  470. >“No. We are recording on an actual camera. And Anon will be Rick and I’ll be Ilsa. You two can be Major Strasser and whatever the character played by Peter Lorre was named.”
  471. >Moondancer stands up placing her hands on her hips.
  472. >“I still don’t think it’s fair that you get to pick the movie.”
  473. >Taking one last lick of her spoon Wallfower nods in agreement.
  474. >“While I’m not necessarily against wearing a German military uniform I think Moondancer’s right. And I’m pretty sure that this-”
  475. >Once again she plays the short video
  476. >“-has better picture than that.”
  477. “We could always just make up a movie of our own.”
  478. >The others look at you with confusion on their faces.
  479. “I mean it can’t be that hard. We can all act in it, Juniper can be the lead and help with all the techinacal knowhow sinces she’s seen so many movies and we can get help making props and costumes, Wallflower seems to know what she’s doing with a camera so she can shoot, and we can deal with the rest as it comes up.”
  480. >It was solid plan if you do say so yourself.
  481. >Junpier’s hand goes to her chin.
  482. >“I guess it could work… But what kind of movie would it be?”
  483. >You shrug.
  484. “I uhno.”
  485. >You honestly haven’t thought that far ahead.
  486. >“That’s easy.”
  487. >You look over to Wallflower who points to Moondancer.
  488. >“Moondancer can write a script for us no problem.”
  489. >All eyes are now on the girl in question.
  490. >She stands with a blank expression on her face.
  491. >“What?”
  492. >Wallflower just smiles.
  493. >“Come on Moonie, you’re always talking about all the fanfics you write and the ones you let me read were really good.”
  494. >Moondancer’s face begins to turn red.
  495. >“I… Well that was different- that was-”
  496. >“Come on Moonie.”
  497. “Yeah, come on Moonie. Whit as much as you read this’ll be easy for you”
  498. >You chime in with the hope of encouraging the would be writer.
  499. >And using her cute nickname surely can’t hurt.
  500. >Staring at her feet with her face twice as dark as it was a second ago she gives a small nod.
  501. >“ok.”
  502. >A steady tapping alerts you to Juniper as she drums her fingers on the cardboard box.
  503. >“Alright. But nothing too anime, got it?”
  504. >There’s another small nod.
  505. >“Good, now lets get started on ideas.”
  506.  
  507. *****
  508.  
  509. >Hours pass by.
  510. >You’ve already rummaged trough Juniper’s costume box at least a dozen times by now.
  511. >Your eyes wonder the silent room.
  512. >Looking at the same medieval style dress and pair of leather pants can only be so interesting.
  513. >Unfortunately there doesn’t seem to be much else going on.
  514. >Moondancer sits at a kitchen table with a very scrunched up face as she writes.
  515. >Juniper shifts through a second box sorting gold painted statuettes from plastic swords.
  516. >Wallflower lies on the couch browsing her phone.
  517. >The old camcorder sits on a light stand next to her head.
  518. >Guess the thing wasn’t that interesting.
  519. >Neither is the thin cape you’re holding.
  520. >You slide next to Juniper and peek over her shoulder trying to see what other items her box has.
  521. “What ya doin’?”
  522. >“Sorting through props.”
  523. “What’s this?”
  524. >Leaning down you grab a bright red object just to the side of Juniper’s hand.
  525. >Stretching you catch sight of a bundle of brightly painted metal tubes tied together underneath an alarm clock whose battery has long since gone dead.
  526. >A warmness caresses your cheek.
  527. >Unthinkingly you turn your head to investigate its source.
  528. >The world shifts focus as you turn to see a pair of blue eyes moving to meet yours.
  529. >Lips brush against lips in a soft almost ticklish sensation.
  530. >Instantly Juniper throws out her arms and pushes you back.
  531. >The world rotates as you find yourself staring at the ceiling.
  532. >“Geez Anon!”
  533. >You look up.
  534. >Juniper’s face is red.
  535. >“Go bother someone else.”
  536. >She keeps her eyes on the box and digs at a fast pace.
  537. >You must have really surprised her.
  538. >Standing you move over the kitchen table.
  539. >Sitting down in an empty chair you watch Moondancer.
  540. >All of her attention is on the notebook in front of her.
  541. >Her eyes are narrowed to slits.
  542. >Her hand moves at a furious pace.
  543. >She really gets into her writing.
  544. “What ya writin’?”
  545. >She freezes.
  546. >She doesn’t look at you when she responds.
  547. >“A script.”
  548. >After a few short seconds she beings to write again.
  549. “What’s it about?”
  550. >Again her arm comes to a stop.
  551. >“A space adventure.”
  552. “Oh.”
  553. >Silence again fills the room.
  554. >Then Moondancer once again begins to write.
  555. “You should add ninjas.”
  556. >Moondancer’s body goes rigid.
  557. >“There are no ninjas in space.”
  558. “But you can still add them. Ninjas are fun.”
  559. >“I don’t need to add ninjas to make sci-fi fun.”
  560. “Yeah but if you add ninjas to dull scene then the characters are forced to deal with them.”
  561. >There’s a crack as Moondancer’s pencil is snapped in half.
  562. “Also you should hold your pencil more gently that way you don’t get carpal tunnel.”
  563. >Moondancer slams her hand on the table as finally faces you.
  564. >“Anon! Go bother someone else!”
  565. >You sigh as you move back to the living room.
  566. >Writers can be so touchy.
  567. >You sit on the couch.
  568. >You turn to your right to Wallflower.
  569. >She’s taking up two spaces with her back resting against the couch’s arm and her legs on top of the middle seat.
  570. >Idly she plays on her phone.
  571. >As you think of something to say she lowers her device and looks back at you.
  572. >You smile.
  573. >Her eyes dart back and forth.
  574. >She opens her mouth.
  575. >You wait patiently for her to begin.
  576. >In the end she just lets out a deep breath then her head falls back down to her phone.
  577. “Were you going to say something?”
  578. >She shakes her head.
  579. >“No.”
  580. “You sure?”
  581. >“Yeah.”
  582. “Really, cause it looked like you were gonna say something.”
  583. >She crosses her arms.
  584. >“Yeah, I’m sure. Look I’m not good at small talk alright.”
  585. “Sure you are.”
  586. >She looks at you with eyebrows raised.
  587. “Small talk is just talk and you and I have talked before, heck we’re talking right now.”
  588. >“It’s not that simple.”
  589. “Yeah it is. Watch.”
  590. >You stand up and walk over to Juniper.
  591. “Hey Juniper, what’s your favorite color?”
  592. >Juniper responds without loosing a beat on her sorting.
  593. >“Mint turquoise.”
  594. “Hey Moonie.”
  595. >Before you can take a step Wallflower jumps up in front of you blocking your path.
  596. >“OK OK, I get it. You should really leave Moondancer alone, she doesn’t like having her concentration broken while she’s writing.”
  597. >You feel the warmth of pride spread through you chest.
  598. >You haven’t known her for very long but you have noticed that Wallflower rarely talks when she’s in public.
  599. >Sure she doesn’t have any problem being open around her friends but she still seems to be more reserved with you.
  600. >Well if you’re going to be her friend then you were going to make sure to help her be more confident around people.
  601. >That’s what friends do after all.
  602. >(Then maybe you can help Moondancer not be so grumpy all the time.)
  603. “See that’s all there is too it. All you need is a little practice and you’ll get the hang of it in no time.”
  604. >You smile and place your hand on Wallflower’s shoulder with a firm pat.
  605. >As soon as you do her body goes rigid.
  606. >A hot red covers her freckles.
  607. >Her breathing becomes audible.
  608. >Her eyes seem glued to your hand.
  609. >“Y-you t-t-too Anon…”
  610. >Spoke too soon.
  611. >Guess it’s going to take more practice.
  612. >Well you’ll be there to help her.
  613. >That’s what friends do after all, and you’re now her friend.
  614. >A melodic beeping fills the room.
  615. >You look at your phone.
  616. “Looks like it’s curfew. That means I gotta go.”
  617. >You make your way to the door.
  618. >Wallflower now free of you presence begins to rub the back of her head.
  619. >Though a slight pink still remains in her cheeks.
  620. >“I guess we should go too.”
  621. >Moondancer grunts as she stands from the table with her notebook tight to her chest.
  622. >“I can finish this at home.”
  623. >Juniper waves her hand as she continues her work.
  624. >“Be safe on your way home.”
  625. >You check your phone.
  626. “It’s 11:45 the roads shouldn’t be busy at this time.”
  627. >Moondancer just shakes her head.
  628. >“We’re not driving, we don’t have cars.”
  629. “Then how did you get here?”
  630. >“We walked after school.”
  631. “The both of you?”
  632. >Wallflower nods.
  633. >Well this won’t do at all.
  634. >Your not going to let your new friends walk home at this time of night.
  635. “Get in my car I’ll drive you home.”
  636. >“Just be back tomorrow morning.”
  637. >You all look back at Juniper.
  638. >“We’re going to start filming.”
  639. >After you and the girls are in your car you’re off to the addresses they gave you.
  640. >The various houses and pass by the windows.
  641. >Both Moondancer and Wallflower sit in the back not making a sound.
  642. >You wish one of them were up front next to you.
  643. >At least then you could have a conversation.
  644. >You’d like to now but that would mean you have to turn your head back and you got yelled at enough for keeping your eyes on the road when you took your driving test.
  645. >You stop the car by the curb when you come to Moondancer’s house.
  646. >The lights in the front window are still on.
  647. >“Great, my sister’s still up.”
  648. >She huffs.
  649. >“I can’t wait to answer all her questions.”
  650. “I’ll pick you up tomorrow morning?”
  651. >Moondancer answers as she gets out of the car.
  652. >“Just text me when you get here.”
  653. >Checking the rear view mirror you see Wallflower staring out the window facing the opposite direction of the house.
  654. “You can sit up here with me if you want.”
  655. >Her eyes go wide.
  656. >“You want me to sit next to you?”
  657. “Yeah, come on up.”
  658. >You pat the passenger side seat for emphasis.
  659. >Her arm wraps around the seat and a leg quickly follows.
  660. >A tangle of green hair hangs as she keeps her back low so as not to hit her head on the roof.
  661. >After maneuvering her shoulders around in two different positions she gets upper body in the front part of the car.
  662. >As she attempts to push her hips through she looses her balance and falls side ways.
  663. >She lands on her hip with her face mushed against the glass of the window.
  664. >Try as hard as you might you can’t help but laugh at her antics.
  665. “You could of just got out you goofball.”
  666. >She rearranges herself into a sitting position.
  667. >“Yeah… I guess I could have h-ha ha.”
  668. >She brushes back multiple locks from her face.
  669. >The pink from your earlier advice is still there.
  670. >You’re glad she’s not too embarrassed from you laughing.
  671. >You pull forward and back onto the road.
  672. >Wallflower sits stiffly.
  673. >Suddenly she points at the radio.
  674. >“Oh, I know. How about some music.”
  675. “Sounds good to me.”
  676. >She clicks a button.
  677. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iFx-5PGLgb4
  678. >Wallflower starts playing with the lose strands of hair that previously covered her face.
  679. >“Man, what a lame song huh?”
  680. >Her smile is visible despite the low light of the street lamps passing by.
  681. >It brings a smile of your own.
  682. “Yeah, pretty lame.”
  683. >“You know you’re pretty cool Anon.”
  684. “You think?”
  685. >“Yeah, a lot of people don’t try to get to know me, they just act like I’m not even there. But you hung out and talked to me and even included me in your movie idea. It’s just really cool.”
  686. “Well the movie was Juniper’s idea, and really I just have fun being around people.”
  687. >“Do you think…”
  688. >She stops and takes a deep breath.
  689. >“Do you think I should use my plants for the movie. You see I’ve been learning how to garden and I’ve got a good collection of all kinds of plants and I think they would look good for the like settings and stuff.”
  690. “That sounds like a great idea. Movies need sets after all.”
  691. >Once again you park on the side of the street.
  692. “Looks like we’re here Wally.”
  693. >Her head jolts back briefly.
  694. >“Wally?”
  695. “Well yeah, just like Moondancer is Moonie I figure you need a cute nickname too so you’re Wally.”
  696. >Her arms wrap around her sides.
  697. >She leans forward as a wide grin fills her face.
  698. >Slowly she opens the door and gets out.
  699. >Before it closes you wave to her.
  700. “See you tomorrow Wally.”
  701. >“Y-you t-t-too Anon…”
  702. >You begin the drive home as you whistle along with the radio.
  703.  
  704. *****
  705.  
  706. >Patiently you wait outside of Moondancer’s house.
  707. >It’s been close to ten minutes since you text her.
  708. >Finally she exits the building.
  709. >Her shoulders are hunched over as she shuffles toward your vehicle.
  710. >She has her notebook held tight to her chest.
  711. >An image of Moondancer cuddling it as she sleeps flashes through your mind.
  712. >You stifle a giggle at the thought.
  713. >She opens the door and sits next to you.
  714. >You turn and smile to your friend.
  715. “Morning Moonie.”
  716. >She turns.
  717. >She squints as she adjust her glasses.
  718. >The bundle of tape on the nose bridge causes them to tilt slightly.
  719. >Random bits of stray hairs stick out at all angles.
  720. >The corners of her mouth bend down.
  721. >“Yeah, whatever.”
  722. >Her voice is groggy.
  723. “Just wake up?”
  724. >“Obviously.”
  725. “I know just the thing for that.”
  726. >You shift into drive and take the car in the opposite direction.
  727. >“Where are you going?”
  728. “To get us some coffee. Coffee makes everything better in the morning.”
  729. >Moondancer gives a small groan.
  730. >“You sound like my sister.”
  731. “Come on it’s good coffee, you’ll like it I promise.”
  732. >Moondancer stays silent.
  733. “It’s form a place called ‘Il Primo’, which I’m pretty sure is Spanish for ‘sick primer’.”
  734. >Moondancer stays silent.
  735. “I like their cappuccinos myself but I hear they do a pretty mean frappé.”
  736. >Still more silence.
  737. “Come on, it’s my treat.”
  738. >“I don’t like coffee.”
  739. “Well what do you like?”
  740. >“Soda. I like soda.”
  741. “What kind?”
  742. >“Anything is fine really.”
  743. >You park the car at a run down looking gas station.
  744. >After you unbuckle you seat belt a yawn escapes your lips.
  745. >Guess you could use some caffeine too.
  746. >You run inside and make your purchase.
  747. >After getting back in the car you hand Moondancer one of the two bottles you just bought.
  748. >As you restart the car she takes it and for the first time today she looks at you.
  749. >Her eyebrows are as high as you’ve ever seen them.
  750. >This close you can see that her eyes are a dark purple.
  751. >“Mr. Pibb? This still exist?”
  752. “It does here apparently.”
  753. >She traces the logo with her finger.
  754. >“I haven’t had this since I was a kid. I though it was discontinued. All I’ve ever found anymore is Pibb Xtra, and that just doesn’t taste the same.”
  755. >You shrug.
  756. “Call it a stroke of good luck.”
  757. >You feel her eyes on the side of your face as you drive.
  758. >“...Thanks Anon.”
  759. “Sure thing.”
  760. >You park and both of you make your way to the front door of Juniper’s house.
  761. >Inside you see Juniper smooths out a green sheet hung on the wall.
  762. >The furniture had been pushed to one side or the other to make a big empty space in the middle of the living room.
  763. “Morning Juniper, what you doin’?”
  764. >“Setting up a green screen in case we need to add effects later.”
  765. >You and Moondancer look at each other.
  766. >“Do you even know how to add green screen effects?”
  767. >“We’ll just play around with an editing program how hard can it be?”
  768. >Moondancer shrugs.
  769. >“Well then we just have to wait for Wallflower.”
  770. >“I’m right here.”
  771. >Moondancer jumps at the voice coming from behind her.
  772. >There next to where the door swings in stands Wallflower setting up her phone on a tripod mount complete with ring light.
  773. >Juniper walks to a fold out table a few feet to the left of the ‘green screen’.
  774. >“Alright, let’s see that script.”
  775. >You all sit down.
  776. >Moondancer places the notebook in the center.
  777. >Juniper picks it up and flips through the pages as her eyes move left to right.
  778. >You lean on your elbow as time passes.
  779. >Finally Juniper slams the bundle of paper on the table.
  780. >“What is this? I’ve read ten pages and it’s nothing but back story.”
  781. >Moondancer rolls her eyes.
  782. >“Well yeah, if you’re going to tell a story the audience needs to know what’s going on.”
  783. >“And how exactly am I supposed to let the audience know that some inventor decided it was a good idea to make his own planet when that happened a hundred years before the actual plot? Look, there’s still ten more pages of nothing but backstory.”
  784. >“First off it was eighty seven years before the plot starts, secondly a covert mission started by one galactic power while it’s in the middle of a joint operation for the sake of peace with it’s rival isn’t going to make any sense unless you’re aware of the delicate political intrigue.”
  785. >“You mean the delicate political intrigue of some scientist having an affair with his sister?”
  786. >Juniper holds up the page in question.
  787. >“That is very critical to the main character’s back story, thank you very much.”
  788. >“The main character isn’t even related to these people. Wait, is he?”
  789. >Juniper once again begins flipping through the pages.
  790. >Finally she stops holding throwing her head back and groaning.
  791. >“Uggghhh, Moondancer this won’t work. We need start with an action scene. Start by having the main character doing something exciting to get the audience’s attention, then we can go about explaining the pointless back story.”
  792. >“Pointless!? How are we supposed to understand the character if we don’t know who he is or where he comes from?”
  793. >“By having him do something that demonstrates his ability or bravery. This is all pointless.”
  794. >Moondancer shakes her head.
  795. >“Yeah, it’s all pointless. Next you’re going to tell me that we don’t need to explain how faster than light travel works in this universe either, as if people are just going to magically accept that people who don’t use light speed travel are still the same age as those who do as if relativity isn’t even a thing.”
  796. “We could always do a text scroll like in Star Wars.”
  797. >Moondancer gives a single laugh.
  798. >“Ha, Star Wars? Star Wars isn’t even science fiction.”
  799. >Now it’s Juniper’s turn to shake her head.
  800. >“With as much text as there is here it’d be easy to just pass out a text book. Besides the text scroll is kind of already an iconic Star Wars thing, we can’t use it with people automatically associating us with it.
  801. >Juniper puts the notebook on the table and points to a page.
  802. >“We’ll start filming here.”
  803. “We don’t want to start with scene one?”
  804. “Movies scenes aren’t shot in order. Usually they’re shot around when actors are available.”
  805. >She goes over to a box and returns with a pile of fabric.
  806. >Unceremoniously she dumps in your lap.
  807. >“Here go get into costume.”
  808. >You look down at the small pile.
  809. >You then look up at Juniper.
  810. “Uh, OK.”
  811. >“Bathrooms that way.”
  812. >She points down a hallway.
  813. >“In the mean time we’ll get the camera set up.”
  814. >After some amount of time you walk back into the living room.
  815. >The red vest doesn’t have any buttons only a series of broad yellow patches.
  816. >As a result you leave it open.
  817. >The padding on it sticks out past your shoulders.
  818. >The black long sleeve shirt is small enough to reveal your physique.
  819. >Or lack there of really.
  820. >But that’s nothing compared to the pants.
  821. >You walk slowly because your costume pants are exactly the easiest to move in.
  822. >They’re a slick leather like material that happen to be tight… well everywhere really.
  823. “OK, I think I’m ready.”
  824. >All the girls turn to look at you.
  825. >Juniper takes a deep breath and spins around.
  826. >Moondancer’s face goes red and she immediately turns to look at the wall.
  827. >Wallflower’s mouth falls open and she just stares wide eyed.
  828. “There a problem?”
  829. >Juniper clears her throat.
  830. >“Your pants are a little… revealing, that’s all. That’s OK, we can just shoot you from the waist up.”
  831. >Moondancer begins to pull her turtle neck over her face.
  832. >“We should have him wear something that doesn’t show off his bulge.”
  833. >“Well he can’t just wear the jeans he had on.”
  834. >“Then give him something else.”
  835. >“Like what, those were the only pants I had in my costume box.”
  836. >“I don’t care what you get him, just get him something. I can see the… shape. Are you even wearing underwear Anon?”
  837. “Well I was, but I had to take them off in order to fit into the pants.”
  838. >Moondancer tries to cove her eyes but the fabric refuses to go that high.
  839. >“Juniper do something.”
  840. >With a sigh Juniper turns and looks you directly in the eyes.
  841. >“Anon, turn around.”
  842. >You do as your told.
  843. >“Now keep your feet planted but turn your torso sideways.”
  844. >Once again you follow orders.
  845. >“That’ll do for now. Just make sure to buy black pants next time your out.”
  846. >She walks over and hands you an index card.
  847. >“These are your lines. We’ll have you do a few practice takes then we’ll have you do one without the card.”
  848. “Got it.”
  849. >“On my signal. Wallflower start fliming.”
  850. >There’s silence.
  851. >“Wallflower? Wallflower! WALLFLOWER!”
  852. >Finally the other girl comes to attention.
  853. >“Huh? Wha?”
  854. >“Start filming.”
  855. >“Right.”
  856. >Juniper points to you.
  857. >“Action.”
  858. >You look at your index card.
  859. “But this is not the last they will hear of Crelen Buratus they’re efforts to kill me and destroy my research are all in vain for as soon as my hyper drive is repaired I shall locate my sister and see them all placed before the court of the emperor himself.”
  860. >“Cut.”
  861. >Juniper shakes her head.
  862. >“Anon what was that?”
  863. >You look between the three girls.
  864. >You’re unsure of how to answer.
  865. “Reading the lines you gave me.”
  866. >“Try reading them with some feeling this time.”
  867. >You nod.
  868. >Once again she points at you.
  869. >“Action.”
  870. “But this is not the last they will hear of Crelen Buratus! They’re efforts to kill me! And destroy my research are all in vain! For as soon as my hyper drive is repaired! I shall locate my sister! And see them all placed before the court of the emperor himself!”
  871. >“Cut.”
  872. >Juniper’s face falls into her palm.
  873. >“No, no, no. When I said read it with feeling I meant read it with emotion, like you actually believe what you say is true.”
  874. >Moondancer crosses her arms and stares at Juniper.
  875. >“He might be able to say it with more emotion if he wasn’t saying exposition that you changed to dialogue.”
  876. >Juniper continues to look at you while she waves her hand at Moondancer.
  877. >“The audience has to know he wants revenge somehow don’t they?”
  878. >You feel constriction begin to form in your upper thighs.
  879. >You think your getting cramps from standing in an awkward position for so long.
  880. “Hey guys can we take a break?”
  881. >Juniper’s lips curve downward.
  882. >“A break? It’s only been like five minutes.”
  883. “Yeah but I’m not sure I keep standing like this for very long, you see my legs-”
  884. >“Toughen up Anon, you’re an actor now and that means you’re willing to suffer for your craft. Now read the line again and this time with feeling. Action.”
  885. >You do as your directed.
  886. >“Again, this same them slowly and more deliberately.”
  887. >Again you recite the monologue.
  888. >“Again, but this time try to think of yourself as the character and same the lines like he would.”
  889. >Again you repeat the intro.
  890. >And again.
  891. >And again for more times than you can keep count.
  892. >Each time you finish the speech your a little more numb in the legs.
  893. >Finally Moondancer interjects.
  894. >“Do you think we should try to shoot a different scene.”
  895. >Juniper taps her chin.
  896. >“Hmmmmm, OK. We can always come back to the intro later. In the mean time let’s see how those scenes with Anon look.”
  897. >You breath a sigh of relief.
  898. >Straightening your torso you start to take a step in the direction of the wall.
  899. >However once your foot hits the ground you find that your leg has neither the blood nor the strength to hold your body weight.
  900. >Your knees buckle and the world tumbles around you.
  901. >One hard smack to the head makes the world stay dizzy for a few seconds longer.
  902. >The carpet scratches the side of your face.
  903. >Your limbs are splayed out on the floor.
  904. >Once your vision becomes stationary you see the girls crowding around Wallflower.
  905. >Juniper goes the phone and hits the screen.
  906. >You hear your own voice say the same words that you must have said over a dozen times.
  907. >Her faces scrunches as she leans in closer.
  908. >Moondancer peers over her shoulder.
  909. >She hits the screen again.
  910. >Her face remains the same.
  911. >Moondancer turns to glare at Wallflower.
  912. >Juniper continues tap the phone in rapidly not even letting the full dialogue play.
  913. >Wallflower at this point must be getting hot because you can see her sweating from your position on the floor.
  914. >Slowly Juniper turns to the camerawoman.
  915. >“Wallflower, why is the shot just a close up of Anon’s butt?”
  916. >Wallflower clears her throat as she wipes her forehead with her sleeve.
  917. >“I must have accidentally have the zoom on too high.”
  918. >Juniper pulls the camera from the tripod.
  919. >She slides her finger across it to punctuate her words.
  920. >“On. Ever. Single. Shot?”
  921. >Wallflower’s eyes are wide as she fumbles for words.
  922. >“I-you see-the lighting form the sun-and the blue tooth feature was caught in the magnetic-”
  923. >Juniper pinches the bridge of her nose.
  924. >“Auggghhh! Take five everybody!”
  925. >You start to lift yourself off the ground.
  926. >“Anon you stay put.”
  927. >You stop with only your chin an inch high.
  928. >Juniper walks down the hallway and quickly returns with a towel.
  929. >She throws it on your legs.
  930. >“Now you can take a break.”
  931. >After that she’s leaves via the same direction.
  932. >You finally manage to get yourself in to a sitting position.
  933. >“The towel Anon.”
  934. >You look over to Moondancer who’s using her notebook to cover her face.
  935. >You hold up the item in question.
  936. “Yeah?”
  937. >“Use it to cover… yourself.”
  938. “Oh right.”
  939. >You place it neatly on your lap.
  940. >The room becomes quiet.
  941. >Moondancer begins writing and the sound of pen scratching against paper is only loud enough to just be audible.
  942. >Wallflower sits slouched in a folding chair looking off at the far wall.
  943. “Trouble with the camera eh?”
  944. >She responds in a low voice without turning to face you.
  945. >“Something like that.”
  946. “Don’t worry you’ll get the hang of it in no time. I mean look at me I’m still getting used to reading lines and wearing a costume.”
  947. >You hear Moondancer’s scoff from behind her notebook.
  948. >“Oh she looked all right.”
  949. >Wallflower crosses her arms and sinks down further into the chair.
  950. >She sighs.
  951. >“Look, I’m sorry.”
  952. >You blink.
  953. “For what?”
  954. >“For taking having the camera zoom in on you inappropriately.”
  955. >You blink again.
  956. >Was that what she’s worried about.
  957. “You don’t have to apologize for that.”
  958. >Finally she turns to look at you.
  959. >“I don’t.”
  960. >You shake your head.
  961. “Of course not. You can’t help it if the camera malfunctions because it was caught in a magnetic field. It’s a technical error, it happens.”
  962. >The sound of paper pages slamming shut echos in the room.
  963. >“You cannot be serious right now.”
  964. >You look over to Moondancer.
  965. “Well you’re smart you can help fix it.”
  966. >She just rolls her eyes.
  967. >You’re going to have to do something about this grumpy one.
  968. >You start to say something when a motion catches your attention.
  969. >A shadowy figure emerges from the darkness of the hallway.
  970. >The hood on the cape lowers to reveal Juniper in a black unitard.
  971. >A gold scepter topped with a large red orb is slung casually over her shoulder.
  972. >“Now that I’m ready we can get started on filming my scene.”
  973. >Suddenly there’s a knock at the door.
  974. >You, Wallflower, and Moondancer all exchange glaces.
  975. “Who’s here.”
  976. >Juniper smiles.
  977. >“We’re obviously going to need more people to play all the characters so I invited someone who was willing to act for us.”
  978. >She opens the door and lets a familiar face in the room.
  979. >Stella waves cheerfully as she walks in.
  980. >“Hi everybody it’sh nish to shee you all.”
  981. >Juniper points to a small pile of clothes on the table.
  982. >“There’s your costume Stella, go ahead a change so you’ll be ready for when we need you.”
  983. >“Shure Sthing.”
  984. >“Now then.”
  985. >Juniper struts forward as Stella runs down the hall.
  986. >Once she reaches the center of the room she throws back her cape and strikes a pose.
  987. >“I believe it’s time for the star to shine.”
  988. >Silence fills the room.
  989. >Everyone stares at Juniper.
  990. >She gives a small wave of her hand without movie her posture.
  991. >Wallflower looks one direction and then the other.
  992. >She points at herself hesitantly.
  993. >Juniper gives a single nod.
  994. >Slowly Wallflower rises and tip toes to the tripod.
  995. >The red orb of the scepter points to your face.
  996. >You feel plastic push against your forehead.
  997. >“You’re in the way of the camera.”
  998. >You stand and slowly back away.
  999. >Juniper takes a deep breath and closes her eyes.
  1000. >Though she whispers her word is heard by everyone.
  1001. >“Action.”
  1002. >She opens her eyes.
  1003. >In a single motion she throws her cape over her shoulder.
  1004. >She stands with her arm raised and her face tilted up.
  1005. >Her stillness remains for several long seconds.
  1006. >Finally she speaks.
  1007. >“By all the stars in the vast cosmos.”
  1008. >She puts extra emphasis on the last consonant of each word.
  1009. >“By every machination of all those that would see me annihilated, by the very psylasum that pulse through me mind I will… prevail.”
  1010. >The staff sweeps out across her body creating a small gust of air.
  1011. >You’re still close enough to her to feel it.
  1012. >“In these moments of solitude adrift out here in the endless void of space my victory and the liberation of my people’s knowledge I Trezia Visom… I do decree!”
  1013. >She throws up her hand in a pointed gesture.
  1014. >“Until then I await my moment to strike in antici...pation.”
  1015. >As she gives her last line she turns her head profile and her hands go to her hips.
  1016. >She stays stationary once more.
  1017. >After a few seconds she smiles and relaxes her posture.
  1018. >“Cut. Perfect, now can get things set up for the next scene.”
  1019. >Wallflower raises her hand.
  1020. >“Uhhh, Juniper, do you want to actually see how the video looks or maybe do another take?”
  1021. >Juniper lets out a laugh.
  1022. >“No, that won’t be necessary.”
  1023. >“You sure? You had Anon read his lines like twelve times.”
  1024. >Juniper’s smile widens as he rests the tips of her on the top her chest.
  1025. >“Oh, I’m sure. You see I have a little thing called experience. I worked on an actual movie set you see.”
  1026. >“Well OK then. What do you think Moonie, did she keep to the script enough?”
  1027. >Moondancer shrugs.
  1028. >“Eh, she turned exposition into dialogue again, but I don’t care. I’m just ready for this to be over.”
  1029. >“It’s only been like an hour.”
  1030. >Moondancer slumps forward.
  1031. >“I know.”
  1032. >You take a step toward the two friends.
  1033. “Hey, stay positive Moonie. We’re probably going to be here awhile.”
  1034. >Making her cape swirl with a pronounced spin Juniper chimes in.
  1035. >“You’re going to be here all day.”
  1036. >A groan is heard throughout the room.
  1037. “Hey it’s not so bad. You know what you need?”
  1038. >Moodancer doesn’t even bother to move.
  1039. “You just need a pick me up. How about I go and get you some more Mr. Pibb.”
  1040. >A pair of eyes peak out from under woolly eyebrows as her head lifts up slightly.
  1041. “You don’t mind if I make a soda run do you Juniper?”
  1042. >Juniper continues to spin and make her cape flair.
  1043. >“Once we’re done with the next scene you can go, in the mean time stay here in case I need you for something.”
  1044. “That sounds reasonable.”
  1045. >You turn to Moondancer who gives a small shrug.
  1046. >“sure.”
  1047. >You reach for your keys only to find that you don’t even have pockets.
  1048. >You completely forgot that you’re still in costume.
  1049. >Which is weird because you still feel way too tight everywhere below your waist.
  1050. >Your keys should still be in your pocket, you hope.
  1051. >You try and search your memory bank for where you put your pants.
  1052. >They should be around here somewhere.
  1053. >You wrap your towel around your waist and start moving around scanning the room.
  1054. “I’m just gonna look for my pants in the mean time.”
  1055. >Juniper nods absently.
  1056. >“Yeah yeah, just stay out of the camera when we start filming again.”
  1057. >It’s at that moment that Stella peaks her head out from around the hallway.
  1058. >“Juniper I’m having a problem wisth my coshtume.”
  1059. >Hearing her name Juniper stops and faces Stella.
  1060. >“Hm?”
  1061. >“It’sh too tight.”
  1062. >“It can’t be too tight, I wore it less than a year ago and I’m taller than you.”
  1063. >“Yeah, shee tshe tshing ish it’sh too tight in the chshesht.”
  1064. >Timidly Stella steps into the room.
  1065. >Her tube shaped dress is made of a shiny material and reaches right below her knees.
  1066. >The sleeves are nothing but shoulder padding covered in the same material.
  1067. >The square neck lines goes down low and-
  1068. >Wow, you once overheard other guys talk about how Stella has big boobs but it didn’t mean anything to you at that time.
  1069. >But now you see that they weren’t wrong.
  1070. >The low neck line revels a lot of flesh being pushed up by the dress.
  1071. >The outline of both bra cups and straps are visible through the snug outfit.
  1072. >Heck a good portion of those bra cups are showing over the neck line.
  1073. >Stella covers as much of her revealed chest as she can with her hands.
  1074. >This isn’t helped by the fact that every time she breathes the flesh between her fingers expands.
  1075. >With the hemline held as firmly as possible with tips of her fingers she pulls up the dress every few seconds only for it to inevitably slip back down.
  1076. >“Here let me see what I can do.”
  1077. >The sound of Juniper’s voice makes you realize that you’ve been staring.
  1078. >You shake you head and plant your eyes on the floor.
  1079. >It’s not a good idea to stare at Stella’s boobs.
  1080. >You don’t want to make her feel uncomfortable.
  1081. >After all you probably wouldn’t like it if one the girls here stared at you inappropriately.
  1082. >You begin to walk around the room.
  1083. >Your eyes sweep the floor trying to find your pants.
  1084. >“Hold still.”
  1085. >“You’re making it shtart to fall.”
  1086. >“No it keeps slipping on your bra.”
  1087. >“I am aware of the shlippagshe.”
  1088. >“This would be easier if you just took it off.”
  1089. >Your feet stop at the suggestion that Stella remove her bra.
  1090. >You take a slow breath.
  1091. >You came here to make a movie not to be a creep.
  1092. >And right now you’re looking for your pants so you get your car keys.
  1093. >“I could get it to stay in place if I had some tape.”
  1094. >“How ish tape going to help? Tape can’t make a dresh shtay up, and sthere’sh no way it’sh to shtick.”
  1095. >“They use tape to make outfits stick in the movies. It’ll be fine. Hold still.”
  1096. >“Ow! Shtop, you’re shqueezig Sthem!”
  1097. >You feel a bead of sweat run down your forehead.
  1098. >Comeone Anon you’ve got to think.
  1099. >People often tell you that isn’t your strong suit but you’ve got to try.
  1100. >“Let me go back to sthe basthroom sho I can-”
  1101. “That’s it!”
  1102. >The bathroom.
  1103. >That’s where you left your clothes.
  1104. >You rush toward the hallway while still keeping your vision on the floor.
  1105. >As you reach the corner you realize that turned too late.
  1106. >You are now on a collision coarse to the wall.
  1107. >You will your legs to slow down but there’s not enough time or distance.
  1108. >Instinctively you reach out your arm for something to grab.
  1109. >Your hand finds a solid object and instantly your fingers snap shut.
  1110. >A harsh ripping sound is all you hear as your head slams into the wall.
  1111. >Everything is white and painful.
  1112. >You now realize that you’re once again on the floor.
  1113. >Only this time you’re looking up at the ceiling.
  1114. >You sit up.
  1115. >There in front of you is Stella with almost the entirety of her now bare back.
  1116. >You follow tore cloth up from her mid back all the way past her bra strap and right up to her shoulders.
  1117. >Even from your position you see the remaining cloth in the front fall down to Stella’s waist.
  1118. >You feel a heat in your cheeks.
  1119. >Automatically she tries to cover herself with her arms.
  1120. >“Ahhh!”
  1121. >Juniper glares down at you.
  1122. >“Anon what the hell are you doing!?”
  1123. >You hold up your hands, one of which still holds the ripped fabric.
  1124. “Sorry! I was trying to get to the bathroom and I wasn’t looking where I was going. Sorry.”
  1125. >Stella rushes out of sight.
  1126. >Juniper continues to stare you down.
  1127. >She leans down getting her face closer to yours.
  1128. >You feel the warmth in your face rise steadily.
  1129. >“Anon you just ruined one of my outfits. You’re going to pay for that.”
  1130. “Right, I will do that.”
  1131. >Your statement does little to pacify her.
  1132. >You point down the hall.
  1133. “Let me just go change…”
  1134. >You lean forward and push yourself up with your feet as quickly as possible.
  1135. >Another harsh rip fills your ears.
  1136. >Only this time it came from behind you.
  1137. >“Anon!”
  1138. >Juniper’s jaw clenches.
  1139. >You swear you can hear teeth grinding.
  1140. >“Did you just rip my stage pants.”
  1141. >A draft of cold air tickles the skin of your buttocks.
  1142. >Though you can’t see her you can still plainly hear Moondacer’s voice.
  1143. >“Wait. You had Anon wear your pants?”
  1144. >Juniper pivots to respond to Moondancer.
  1145. >“Well it’s not like I have guy’s clothes just laying around.”
  1146. >Slowly you walk backward.
  1147. >Inching closer and closer to your destination.
  1148. >Juniper looks back over her shoulder at you just as your hand finds the doorknob.
  1149. >Finally you jump into the bathroom.
  1150. >You emerge wearing your normal clothes.
  1151. >Mimicking Stella you peak your head around the hallway corner.
  1152. >Wallflower and Moondancer sit at the table.
  1153. >Juniper stands holding what was once her dress.
  1154. >Stella is also in her regular outfit.
  1155. >You let out a sigh.
  1156. >With the ripped pants in one hand and the intact costume in the other you approach Juniper.
  1157. >Once your next to her she reaches out and takes the pants.
  1158. >Holding them up she stares at the large hole in the backside.
  1159. >“Great. Now what are we going to do?”
  1160. “I can pay to replace the clothes I ruined.”
  1161. >Moondancer adjusts her glasses.
  1162. >“That’s all well and good but it doesn’t solve the real problem. We need costumes that actually fit people. The more we use Juniper’s stage clothes the more we’ll run into this problem.”
  1163. >Juniper lowers the pants and address Moondancer.
  1164. >“And how do you propose we get them? We have no budget and only so much time.”
  1165. >Wallflower chimes in.
  1166. >“We could ask the drama department to let us borrow some of their stuff.”
  1167. >Juniper shakes her head.
  1168. >“No, it’s technically school property and they’re strict about it not being used for anything other than school performances.”
  1169. “We could always ask Rarity for help. After all she likes making clothes, it feel like a no brainer to me.”
  1170. >Juniper scoffs as she folds her arms.
  1171. >“Absolutely not. Rarity’s a total primadona who makes everything about herself.”
  1172. >Moondancer rest her face in her hand.
  1173. >“Oh no, I can’t imagine having someone like that around.”
  1174. >Juniper shoots her a look.
  1175. >“Besides she’ll just invite all her friends and then they’ll hijack out idea and make it ‘their’ movie.”
  1176. >You tilt your head back and think.
  1177. >Who else is good at making clothes.
  1178. >There has to be someone.
  1179. “Wait, who’s that one girl? You know, the shy one.”
  1180. >Juniper looks over at the two girls not known for being outgoing.
  1181. >“You’re gonna have to be more specific.”
  1182. “You know, she has short hair, and almost never talks, she’s really good at home ec.”
  1183. >Wallflower chimes in.
  1184. >“Coco?”
  1185. >You snap your fingers.
  1186. “That’s it, Coco. We can always ask her for help making costumes.”
  1187. >Juniper’s hand goes to her chin.
  1188. >“Is she any good?”
  1189. “Is she ever. I’ve seen her fix all kinds of clothes, one time the teacher even brought stuff in to have her repair. With her kind of skill I have no doubt she can make costumes for us.”
  1190. >“Alright we’ll ask her at school on Monday to help us. In the meantime I guess we can call it a day. I need to get everything cleaned up before my parents get home.”
  1191. >You nod and look to the other girls.
  1192. “Anyone need a ride home?”
  1193. >Wallflower clears her throat.
  1194. >“I c-could use a ride An-non.”
  1195. >You nod and turn.
  1196. “Stella?”
  1197. >“I shupposhe a ride would be nishe.”
  1198. “And of course I know I’ll be taking you Moonie.”
  1199. >Moondancer stands and walks past you to the door.
  1200. >“You owe me a Pibb.”

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