Prompt-ober

Underwater

Mitch stormed through the large doors of the auditorium furiously. He could not believe what his husband was planning for tonight's show. The fact that Scott had kept this a secret from him made him even more livid. He stomped down the aisle and found his partner on a ladder over looking an incredibly large glass tank.

"Scott Richard Grassi-Hoying, what the actual hell do you think you're doing?"

Scott looked down from his position on the ladder and blushed at his lover. Mitch wasn't supposed to find out about this until tonight during the show. That way he wouldn't have the chance to stop the performance. Scott had two ways of playing this: 1) pretend that nothing was out of the ordinary, there was not a giant fishbowl in the center of the stage, or 2) acknowledge that he'd kept the truth from Mitch and suffer the wrath of the brunette. Door number one it was.

"I'm just getting prepared for the show tonight baby. Nothing unusual."

"What the fuck is that then? " Mitch jabbed a perfectly manicured finger at the monstracity.

"Oh, this old thing," Scott chuckled but Mitch was having none of it as he glared up at the blonde. "It's just for a trick Mitchy."

"I know what it's for you dumbass! But you are not doing that! You haven't practiced it in months. And the last time you did it at a show you wound up unconscious in the hospital."

"I'll be fi--"

"Don't you dare say you'll be fine Scott. I don't want to hear it. You are not doing this trick. I'm getting Avi and Kevin to take down that... that thing."

Mitch accentuated his words with a sharp turn, his nose tilted in the air. Scott knew that the other man would do everything in his power to prevent this trick for happening. But the theater owner had specified that he wanted this specific performance and Scott couldn't disappoint. 

By the end of the day Scott had managed to work something out with his stage hands who, though fearful of Mitch's wrath, had gladly accepted the bonus Scott offered to keep things under wraps. 

Mitch was clueless during the show. He went through the motions as Scott's lovely assistant, helping him with tricks just like they'd rehearsed. Mitch got into his position for the final act but was confused when he didn't see Scott on his mark. He wait a few seconds, the stage smile never leaving his face before he excused himself to see what was taking the illusionist so long.

It was then that Avi and Kevin began to wheel out the large tank, filled with water, a ladder attached to the side. Mitch's eyes began to fill with tears. Scott couldn't be doing this, not again. He's promised Mitch after the last time went so horribly wrong that he would never do this again. Yet, here they were. Scott getting into position, straightjacket on, locks secured, brick attached to his ankles to keep underwater. Mitch backstage staring at the man he loved about to perform one of the deadliest tricks in the industry; but all he could do was look on. It was too late to stop them, Scott was already being lowered into the water.

Six minutes, he kept repeating it over and over in his head. Six minutes. Six minutes. Six minutes.

That's how long the brain can last without oxygen before things start to fail. Last time, Scott was underwater for eight. He passed out and it took hours for him to regain consciousness. In the ambulance on the way to the hospital, Mitch was sure he'd never see those bright blue eyes again.

Seconds ticked by and Scott was fully submerged. Mitch watch as Kevin discreetly checked his watch. Hopefully, if Scott wasn't done in less than six minutes, Kevin would start the crank and pull him up.

Mitch decided not to take that chance and walked on stage to stand next to the much larger man. If Kevin didn't start the crank, Mitch would.

One minute. Scott looked calm and in control as worked on ridding his body of the restraining jacket.

Two minutes. He was thrashing a bit more but Mitch could tell it was just for show as his face remained smooth.

Three minutes. More thrashing, less calm.

Four minutes. The jacket sank to the bottom of the tank and Scott bent to undo the chains on his ankles that held him down.

Five minutes. Scott looked panicked as he struggled to free himself, his body bobbing in the water. Mitch saw and reached to start the crank but was stopped by Kevin.

"He said give him seven minutes, it's only been five."

"NO! Let me pull him up."

The larger man held Mitch's sobbing body in a bear hug, successfully preventing him from pressing the button.

Six minutes. Six minutes. Six minutes.

Scott's eyes stayed closed a little too long as he blinked against the water. Even as he floated, his movements had grown slower and lethargic. He was slipping and Mitch couldn't do anything.

After a few agonizing seconds the blonde refocused enough and bent down again. He managed to successfully free his left ankle before he kicked the right one free as well, allowing his body to float to the top of the tank.

In that moment Mitch managed to break free from Kevin's hold and dashed up the ladder. He pulled Scott to the side of the tank kissing him roughly. His ears barely recognizing the applause from the audience.

"I hate you! I hate you so much right now!" Mitch screamed through his tears.

"I told you I'd be fine. It was just a few minutes underwater love."