Hopesnare

in which maxi lets himself have fun

"Ruby. What is this?"

Ruby smiles softly, her eyes closed. "Your lyrics, Maxi. You can read them, correct?"

You snort. "Of course I can, I've been making music since I was five."

She lifts an eyebrow and opens her eyes halfway. You glare at her, fairly certain she's doubting you, and she retaliates by sticking her tongue out. You return the gesture.

"Anyhow, I was asking about the words," Ruby says. "All good?"

You stare at her for a second, insulted. "Of course I can read them, you smiley claybrain! What, do you think I'm an idiot?"

She smiles nervously. This tells you that yes, she does indeed think you an idiot. Well, fuck her.

You mutter some angry gibberish, then raise your voice to ask, "Can you give me the tune? I just need to... uh..."

Ruby quickly begins to hum, which eventually turns into lyrics, which is eventually accompanied by her violin. She ends with a twirl and a curtsy, and you (completely unwillingly) applaud. She smiles sweetly at you and once again you stick your tongue out at her. She ignores this.

You glare at her for a minute, then proceed to pester her about the song. "The lyrics are stupid."

"It makes sense in the context."

"Context?"

"It's from a musical. About the American Revolution."

"Oh. I guess it does kind of make sense."

Ruby smiles at you. You frown at her.

"Do you want me to start?" you ask, tapping your fingers against your leg.

She gives you a sweet, angelic smile, and nods her head. You return this gesture with a scowl.

"So? Are you going to start?"" she says, smiling slyly and placing a hand on her hip.

"Yeah. Yup. I need a moment." You cough into your sleeve, fiddling anxiously with your fingers. She folds her fingers patiently, waiting for you to begin.

"You say..." You stare at Ruby out of the corner of your eye, a concerned look on your face as you sing. "The price of my love's not a price that you're willing to pay."

You stop midway, looking up at the ceiling. "Ruby, are you sure about this?"

She nods, an encouraging grin on her face. "You're fantastic! Why don't you sing more? You have such a good voice."

You look away anxiously. "I don't like singing," you mumble.

Ruby gives you a light punch in the arm. "Says the boy who's been playing music for seven years."

You curl your lip and cross your arms, sticking out your tongue once again.

"Keep going," she urges.

"You cry in your tea which your hurl in the sea when you see me go by." You close your eyes, smiling slightly as you continue. "Why so sad? Remember you made an arrangement when you went away. Now you're making me mad!" You glide across the room and lean against the wall. If you were faced by other boys, you would surely be called a pansy for your fragile and delicate nature. You can dance. You can sing.

"Remember, despite your estrangement, I'm your man..." You come to an abrupt stop. "Ruby, am I good at this?" You look at her with a concerned stare.

She responds in an excited voice. "Yes! You certainly are! It's fantastic! You're fantastic!"