A Healthy Rivalry: The Lion vs The Warrior

VII

Bad 4 Us

A.K.

I really, really hate it when people are late.

This is the only thought going through me as I wash my hands in the men's bathroom. Actually, it's been the only thought going through me since 10:31. It kind of ticked me off that the Stage Manager waited until the day of the meeting to inform us of the time-zone mishap, but she let me know hours in advance. I was asleep, but I got up! I was here on time!

I sighed and scowled at the sink. I could be sleeping right now. If I, of all people, can get out of bed early as fuck and make it to a meeting, anyone can. However, sulking about it won't get me anywhere. I made my way out of the bathroom, headed back toward my brunch meeting.

"...business wouldn't get in the way of your work here?" Jerent's complaining must mean our mystery "L/SD" has arrived. Of everyone in Group Chat, he's the only one I haven't seen. His profile picture is a silhouette of a man in a dancing pose, as if taken mid-stride. Jerent, Smanta, and G- our costume designer, "BandAidThumbs"- have their faces as profile pictures. Luce, our Technical Director- "Babysitter", has a picture of a hazard sign. My profile picture is of a make-believe set I made in University, and my username is "Setter"; because I enjoy volleyball and I'm the Set Designer.

My breath caught in my throat, and every nerve ending tingled at the sound of the snarl that came in response to Jerent. The tingles were headed straight for my lower half. I took in the tight muscles of the person standing in front of me, until the feeling of that growl registered, I've felt that before. "Karter?" I managed to ask in my calmest voice, my training helps me everyday. Even my blood was beginning to flow normally again.

He spun around to let orange eyes meet my own icy turquoise ones. I took my time in blatantly checking him out, and since his eyes moved to meet mine at the end of my journey, I'd say he did the same. I smirked at him.

"You two know each other?" Jerent spoke, and before I could answer him I was cut off.

"We've conversed. However, back to the matter at hand. My Continental matters played no parts in this, I left my meeting to come here. Why wait until the day of the meeting to inform of a change?" He spoke in Lion's voice, trembling with authority.

However, I couldn't let myself get caught up in the heat or indulge my perverted thoughts of overpowering him. He cut me off while I was speaking, and he kind of lied about knowing me. I tuned out their bickering and studied Karter's back. Why would he lie? Wasn't he the one growling at me about being honest? I suppose it wasn't a full lie but... Continental duties made him late? Understandable to an extent, but he could've let someone know. I have too many questions and not enough answers.

When I re-focused on the conversation, I noticed Karter was back in the forefront. It would seem the matter was resolved. Before he sat down, I gave G a look and he chuckled, before sliding down. When I went back to my seat Karter would have to sit next to me, which is exactly what happened.

I made sure not to directly look at him or touch him during our meeting, but I definitely stole glances. We all conversed over base ideas and got the overall idea of the show from Jerent. I must say, his take on Fences isn't particularly spectacular, but it'll be a good looking show with our help. We discussed our set meeting days and time (for the UK time zone) before digging into brunch. Karter's ideas for lights and sounds are actually very unique, which may come from his unorthodox training. He explained that he was a dancer first but found interest behind the scenes. I wasted no time in letting him know I liked his ideas and his methods.

"I'm glad you two get along well. I like it when Lights, Sound, and Scenic get along; but make sure you keep G clued into your clique." Jerent spoke while digging into his waffles.