V & V - Rageous Rageon Rise

One Last Time... Before The Finale

Kid Ritz POV:

The show ends, and I can feel the tension backstage. No one wanted to do those two songs... and I have a feeling that negative energy transferred to the audience.

I find Ven and see him breathing hard as the choreographer gives him notes. Ven meets my eyes with his hands on his hips; he looks defeated.

Choreographer: "We needed more energy and passion, Ven! I don't know where it went! You looked not at all focused!"

Kid Ritz: "We need to go."

I wrap my hand around Ven's waist as the choreographer glares at me.

Choreographer: "You're not going anywhere. This show looked a mess, and it needs to be the absolute best it can be tomorrow! We are not paying you guys to go and pull that shit show that we just saw!"

The choreographer yells at me in my face. The dancers and stagehands look at me nervously.

Kid Ritz: "First off, I'm an adult; don't talk to me that way. These two songs sucked and you know it. Have you stopped to think that maybe it was unrealistic to add two songs to a show? Every show? There was bound to be a pair that wouldn't go over well. Now, if you'll excuse us, we need to leave, as does everyone else here, so we can prepare for tomorrow."

I walk Ven away as the choreographer scoffs angrily at me.

Ven: "I should have said something. I'm so sorry."

Kid Ritz: "Don't be. You did the songs perfectly; they just aren't good songs, period."

Ven nods as we reach the dressing room. I see he's still breathing hard, as am I. I try to help him unzip the back of his suit, but my hands are trembling too much.

Ven: "It's okay; I'm just going to wait for the team."

I nod as our door is knocked on. I open it to see it's RIVAL.

Roman: "Hey, guys! Can we stop in for a minute?"

Ven: "Of course!"

RIVAL walks in and gives us hugs. Jewels jumps over to Roman excitedly and holds her arms up so that he can hold her.

Cade: "We loved the show! It was so much fun!"

Ven: "I'm glad you liked it."

Kid Ritz: "Yeah, we really appreciate you guys moving a date for us."

Dixie: "Of course! Though, you don't sound that excited."

Ven: "It was just the new songs we added tonight. None of the crew, dancers, or Ritz and I felt good about them; I don't think they were needed."

Kid Ritz: "Yeah, I think they are just... not in good taste."

Roman: "It didn't come off as bad; it was just a little different of a song choice than I think fans would expect you to take."

Dixie: "Yeah, I really enjoyed the silks and the hoop, V! It was so impressive!"

Ven: "You guys really are too kind."

As Cade and Dixie talk to Ven, Roman looks my way. He notices my hands and then gives me a sad look as he meets my eyes.

Kid Ritz: *i t ' s  j u s t  t h e  n e r v e s.*

He nods, but he and I know he doesn't believe me. I can't lie to him.

Kid Ritz: "Roman, do you mind coming with me for a minute? I actually wanted to show you something backstage since you're here regularly."