V & V - Rageous Rageon Rise

Womanizer

Veneer POV:

I watch as my fans scream for me, the applause filling my head with the roar of the crowd. I smile and wave as I walk off stage. I barely hear the congratulations from everyone as I feel lightheaded.

I need Ritz. I look around as I'm hugged, yet I don't see him. He must be on the other side of the wings. I head to the dressing rooms and lie down, the applause of tonight still ringing in my head.

Shit... I don't feel good. I close my eyes, not moving, as I hear Ritz enter the dressing room.

Kid Ritz: "V? Ven? What's wrong?"

He hurries over and kneels beside me.

Ven: "Nothing is wrong, sweetheart. I'm tired, I think. I know that sounds crazy, but the stress of the hoop really did numbers on me tonight. Plus, the songs all at once were just a lot, even on troll."

Kid Ritz: "I hear you. Can you sit up?"

I nod and let him unzip my bodysuit. He rolls it down to my waist, but he has to stop as our door is knocked on.

Head Manager: "Boys! Are you in here?"

I look behind Ritz's shoulder as the Head Manager pushes his way inside.

Head Manager: "I've got brilliant news! I have scored a spot in the Rocking Rager for next Friday! Can you believe it?"

Ven: "Isn't RIVAL still there?"

Head Manager: "Don't worry about them. They're more than willing to make room for just one show. That way, we can make your last show even more exclusive at the Rage Dome!"

Ven: "The Rage Dome?"

Head Manager: "Yup! I can't wait! Good job up there; that hoop, followed by the silks, is going to look marvelous."

Ven: "The what?"

Kid Ritz: "Silks?"

Head Manager: "Yup! Ven will be on silks for the Rage Dome show. Your training will start on Monday. I expect these last four new songs to be just as good as what you've given me!"

Ven: "I... I don't think I can do it, sir."

The Head Manager blinks.

Head Manager: "What?"

Ven: "I... am tired after tonight's show. Do you really want to add four more songs? And silks?"

Head Manager: "I don't want to; I'm going to. You are contractually obligated to do whatever I and the choreographer tell you to do. I don't like this attitude from you. Shape it up before Monday."

With that, he leaves the dressing room. I stand up and take a few steps to try to calm down the quickly rising smoke emulating from my hands.

Kid Ritz: "V..."

Ven: "The fucking nerve. We have done absolutely every bullshit thing he's asked of us, every damn song."

Kid Ritz: "Veneer."

I look at him, my eyes glowing brightly as I try to take a deep breath. I see myself in the mirror, the smoke rolling off my shoulders showing my anger.

Kid Ritz: "Don't think about it right now. I just want you to breathe."

I sigh and hug myself. My hands sizzle as they touch my waist, but it doesn't hurt. I hold myself and listen to Ritz's deep breathing until I'm able to relax slowly. I pry my hands away from my ribs and see the handprints I've burned onto myself.