Of Stalking and Tomatoes

Chapter 6

This place was huge. Enormous and downright surprising. No one would have expected this place to be here, inside a private compound. It was a mini theatre complete with a stage, curtains with controls, backstage sets and an underground walk space. Nyx had only seen these kinds of theatre back when he used to be an actor. But that place was a highly funded location. This was different. It's privately owned. Who in their right mind would own something like this?

"Are you two doing okay?"

Nyx turned behind him to see a large man. He was tall. Tall enough for Nyx to crane his neck up to look at him. He looked friendly enough though, with that smile and rounded face. Ivan was a real fit for Russia. Tall, intimidating but looks friendly enough to hug. At least, that's Nyx's impression of him. He barely knew the guy and no, he was not going to hug him. He'll ask later.

"Yeah, we're cool." Jul answered for both of them, "Just...you know. This place..."

"My uncle owns it." Ivan said, "It used to be rental space for theatre students but now, schools have their own theatres so it is abandoned. We have people clean it up sometimes."

That explains a lot. But still. How much money does it take to keep this place functioning? Nyx can't even imagine.

"But, man, your uncle's loaded to keep this place stay in one piece, 'van."

Aaron came up from behind him, making Nyx jump. In his defense, there was barely any lighting and he grew up with theatre ghost stories. A lot of them.

"Sorry, dude. Didn't mean to scare you."

Nyx gave the man a nod. Aaron had his America bomber jacket on and a dog tag around his neck. That attracted most of Nyx's attention. It was shiny.

The place gave Nyx the shivers. Not because of the ghost stories. But this place sparked nostalgia from him. He had been in theatres for as long as he can remember. His papa taking him whenever there's a show. Granted, they were only watching a show but that was enough for Nyx. It was the reason why he tried to pursue a theatre career. It didn't go well. Not with his papa passing on and his mama re-marrying. But he had no regrets. He enjoyed his time in the theatre, even though it was just a short amount of time.

"You're getting old, Nyx."

Nyx turned to find Jul beside him, Ivan and Aaron nowhere to be found. He must've been lost in his own head again.

"You're older than me."

"I'm not the one drowning in nostalgia."

He gave Jul a light punch to the shoulder. It wasn't his fault. It's just that being back inside a theatre was something he never thought about before. He was sure that he would never be able to step back on stage again. I guess this was a pleasant turn of events.

"Fratello!"

A high-pitched voice made him turn to the entrance door. Two figures were hugging by the large wooden door but one of them seemed to be struggling to get away from the other.

"Get off me, Fratellino. I will hurt you."

Was that Ren? Nyx would recognize that voice and accent anywhere but he was too far to make sure.

The figures were walking down the stairs as one clung to the other's arm. They were taking a long time so Nyx decided to get closer to the stage for a better look.

Brown messy hair, barely being held up by a hair tie. A black long sleeved top barely clinging to a slender figure. Gray pants and a pair of combat boots. And...are those glasses on his face? Oh, right. Ren wore glasses. Nyx forgot all about that bit.