darker_london | Ry/Scarlett Street Performance; PG-13

Getting out of the house had seemed like a very good idea the next morning. After the angst of realising that Jude was missing, really for real even, there had seemed nothing more to actually do until Jude decided to come back on her own. At least, that was as simple as it seemed to Ry.

Anyway, he needed to make more money for the house again. Dressing in his loosely fitted brown poet top and jeans, Ry grabbed some coins and beret for further coins to be put into. He set out.

The corner he usually busked on could be seen by four streets, but was a little way from the corner. The day was cloudy and overcast, but not cold. The wind would not carry his voice horridly, so overall, it seemed a good day for his sport. Placing the beret down on the cobblestones before him, he dropped the coins in to encourage others to follow suit, and loosened his body for getting into character. Benedict out of Much Ado About Nothing today, he thought. But which quote to use?

Well, with all the PMS running rampant around in the past week, there seemed only one good quote came to his head. And of course, once that came in, no others jumped to mind.

He began.
"That a woman conceived me, I thank her; that she
brought me up, I likewise give her most humble
thanks: but that I will have a recheat winded in my
forehead, or hang my bugle in an invisible baldrick,
all women shall pardon me."

A pair of old women walked past him and glanced up in interest. Ry inclined his head towards them on speaking that last line, before his eyes swept towards a young couple.

"Because I will not do
them the wrong to mistrust any, I will do myself the
right to trust none; and the fine is, for the which
I may go the finer, I will live a bachelor."

The young man smirked at these words, and reached into his pocket. His lady friend elbowed him that he would find amusement in this speech made against the trust of women. The tittering older women came up to him with bright smiles and tossed change towards him. No doubt thinking it a wonderful thing that someone his age actually knew Shakespeare to perform, Ry thought ironically.

"With anger, with sickness, or with hunger, my lord,
not with love:" Ry rolled his eyes and shuddered slightly,
"prove that ever I lose more blood
with love than I will get again with drinking,"
He mimed a glass to toast with,
"pick out mine eyes with a ballad-maker's pen and hang me
up at the door of a brothel-house for the sign of
blind Cupid."

Both the elderly and younger couple had moved off by now, and nobody had yet replaced them.

scarlettvoices
Sometimes Scarlett thought she must have had some sort sixth sense for art. Because she knew the words were from Benedict before she even clearly heard or saw the boy. When she did see him she was surprised. Certinally hadn't expected that.

But, oh, he was speaking her favourite play. She stood just off to the side and mouthed along with his words.

pick
out mine eyes with a ballad-maker's pen and hang me
up at the door of a brothel-house for the sign of
blind Cupid.

How lucky was she to be here while some young man was quoting the only play she knew beginning to end?

epithet_
"If I do, hang me in a bottle like a cat and shoot
at me;"

As Ry got into it more, he remembered only the lines without even needing to think them. This was what he had needed. Air and money and out of the house.

Then he noticed a redhead mouthing along with his words. She didn't move any closer, and she didn't appear to be one of the ones who was going to toss coins his way.

"and he that hits me, let him be clapped on
the shoulder, and called Adam."

It was a brilliant line. He hadn't really intended to go further than that. It was a good place to end, before the leaving out of Don Pedro's lines became too obvious. Yet still, the redhead watched him, and for her, he pulled out more, enjoying her reaction, enjoying the excuse to overdramatise.

"The savage bull may; but if ever the sensible
Benedick bear it, pluck off the bull's horns and set
them in my forehead: and let me be vilely painted,"
Here he paused, and raised his hand into the air, painting out these words as though for all to see,
"and in such great letters as they write 'Here is
good horse to hire,' let them signify under my sign
'Here you may see Benedick the married man.'"

Ry bowed his head. He would do no more from this. That and, other than the redhead, there were few passersby reacting to his performance. Time to change to another then.

scarlettvoices
She liked him. He was pretty good- not the Benedict she ever pictured but he was an impossible ideal perhaps. 'Here you may see Benedick the married man.' And when he bowed his head she couldn't stop herself. The words were there. They wanted to. Oh, don't, Scarlett. He might think you're rude. He might think-

"I wonder that you will still be talking, Signior
Benedick: nobody marks you."

How wonderful her upper class accent worked with her beloved Beatrice. She smirked at the boy but not unkindly. She hoped it was obvious she was just getting into the performance.

epithet_
Ry's head jerked up at the feminine tone answering him in Shakespeare. He blinked. The redhead. Of course.

The words were out of his mouth before he could stop or think about them. "What, my dear Lady Disdain! are you yet living?"

Odd. Words 500 years old causing them to sound as though they knew one another. In all his life, Ry knew he had never met this girl.

scarlettvoices
The few people gathered were looking at her as well now. Ah well. Too late to turn back. With a flick of her hair she said, "Is it possible disdain should die while she hath such meet food to feed it as Signior Benedick?" She stepped toward him slowly, boots clicking against cement and again smirked, feeling as if she really were addressing Benedict. "Courtesy itself must convert to disdain, if you come in her presence."

epithet_
"Then is courtesy a turncoat. But it is certain I
am loved of all ladies, only you excepted:"

She walked to him, but Ry could not move without stepping away from his beret. Already, people were edging towards it and throwing away their change to him, quickly edging away again, sure not to interrupt this rare performance in the middle of the street that just about seemed to be improvisation on these two young people's parts. There was a girl who caught his eye at his 'loved of all ladies'. Ry smirked.

"and I
would I could find in my heart that I had not a hard
heart; for, truly, I love none."

scarlettvoices
Scarlett wasn't as tall as him, not even near, but she moved closer and met his eye, hands on hips.

"A dear happiness to women: they would else have
been troubled with a pernicious suitor. I thank God
and my cold blood, I am of your humour for that."

Again she smirked at him and then looked away and into the gathering audiance, adressing her words to them instead.

"I had rather hear my dog bark at a crow than a man
swear he loves me."

There was a small laugh that ran through the crowd at the eye rolling she did on that line and then she looked back at the boy and smiled a triumphant Beatrice smile.

epithet_
She was good, he'd give her that much. Better than good. There was certainly a difference between performing when expected in Dantes and just wandering up to another person reciting Shakespeare and joining in.

"God keep your ladyship still in that mind!" Ry announced, a smart grin flashing across his face in responce to her triumphant Beatrice. "so some
gentleman or other shall 'scape a predestinate
scratched face."

scarlettvoices
The words were coming spitting out now and she could feel her heart rate speeding up.

"Scratching could not make it worse, an 'twere such
a face as yours were."

epithet_
Ry opened his eyes wide as though thoroughly shocked. Many in the crowd 'oooh'ed. Completely at home within character, Ry strutted away from her, saying carelessly over his shoulder, "Well, you are a rare parrot-teacher."

scarlettvoices
"A bird of my tongue is better than a beast of yours."

The crowed 'ooooh'ed once again and she smirked at him.

epithet_
Ry just shrugged, knowing as he did that the performance must about come to an end, he put the boredom into his voice that his Benedick would be sure to feel.

"I would my horse had the speed of your tongue, and
so good a continuer." He pulled off a yawn.
"But keep your way, i' God's
name; I have done."

scarlettvoices
Inside she fumed, feeling Beatrice's own dissapointment and annoyance at Benedick. She sneered at him. "You always end with a jade's trick." She left a long pause and a sadness sank into her voice and features. "...I know you of old."

And then she knew it was over and the crowd clapped as she smiled at the man, feeling like Scarlett once again.

epithet_
Ry couldn't help it. His lips quirked and he chuckled. The crowd clapped, more people coming over now that it was clearly done to donate money for their enjoyment. Caring less about that, Ry reached out to grab the redhead's arm before she took to her head to leave on him.

"Well, that was unexpected," he said, speaking to her for the first time as simply himself, Ry.

scarlettvoices
She smiled brightly at him. "I'm sorry, I just couldn't help myself. 'Much Ado' is my very favourite play." She held out the arm he wasn't holding to shake his hand, still feeling slight exhilerated from the acting. "I'm Scarlett."

epithet_
"Oh, I'm sorry, did I sound like I minded?" Ry let go of her arm, and shook her hand, kinda surprised at her sticking it out, but having her done that, there didn't seem much else he could do.

He then bent down and picked up his beret. It was quite full. "I'm Ry. We can go somewhere and count this up, if you want. Some of it's got to be yours after that performance."

scarlettvoices
"Nice to meet you, Ry. Espeically nice to meet you under the circumstances." She laughed softly. "And, no, that's all yours. I'm just glad I'm happened to be walking past here at this time. Wouldn't have wanted to miss this." She smiled a little from under her eyelashes. "But I wouldn't mind going somewhere and getting a drink or something."

epithet_
Ry shrugged. He wasn't going to offer a second time. Besides, his whole point of today had been getting money he needed. Now, with Scarlett's help, he had done exactly that. He could, of course, have done just as well on his own... sure.

"A drink. Right. There've gotta be some good coffee places around here." Ry glanced around the four way intersection and shrugged. "I don't much go out for drinks. You might have to help me out here."

scarlettvoices
She nodded and pointed a long nailed finger down one of the streets. "There's a really nice little place down this way." She looked at him and started walking. "So, you do this often?"

epithet_
"Do this? You mean street performance? No. Well, not before now." Ry rolled his eyes. "I just moved out of home. Gotta do something to get the money up."

scarlettvoices
"Aaah," she said. "The downside of living out of home right there." She led them down the street toward the little cafe she'd discovered with Kaitlyn. Coffee would be so nice. "So this was the first time you've done it?" She laughed a little. "Aww, and you were inturuppted by a pushy redhead." She smiled at him.

epithet_
Ry shook his head. "Nah, not first time. Just not many times. And seriously, how could I be upset at the interruption?" He jangled his beret. "Sounds like it worked out well for us both."

scarlettvoices
"I'm certinaly impressed," she told him. "Although, the sparring between Benedict and Beatrice is the best reason to do that play." She sighed dramatically, pressing her hand to her chest. "So epic!"

epithet_
"Quite," Ry said drolly. "Of course, you've now ruined it for future times. Don't know how I'm going to top that next time."

scarlettvoices
"Well, obviously, you'll always need me there now." She grinned and flicked her hair.

"Hey, look, here." She gestured to the little care they were now standing outside of. "Wanna find a seat outside? It's such a lovely day I feel the need to bask."

epithet_
Ry raised his eyebrows. Her perky personality was making it very difficult for him to remain aloof. "Well that's very well for me. Hope you don't mind if I have a smoke?"

scarlettvoices
"Go ahead," she said and waved a hand. "I'm surprised I haven't picked up the smoking habit since almost all the boys I hang around with do it." She sat down at one of the outdoor table and reached for a menu she didn't need. (It was just habit to pick it up.) But instead of even looking at it she laid her head back, her hair tipping down and possibly brushing the dusty ground- meh- and enjoyed the feeling of the bright sunlight. "You make a very good Benedict," she told him, her eyes still closed and face tilted upward.

epithet_
Ry flicked the lighter a couple of times before it caught, and he inhaled on the cigarette before blowing it out and speaking.

"So I shan't offer you one then?" he asked, holding the packet out briefly before stuffing it back in his pocket. The day had brightened up significantly since he had set out what must have been at least an hour ago. He wished he had his sunglasses.

"A good Benedick, huh?" Ry asked. The waitress came by them and asked what they wanted. "Double shot latte," he said, glancing at Scarlett in silent question of what she would want.

scarlettvoices
The waitress looked and her and made a knowing smile. "Mocha, Scarlett?"

Scarlett laughed a little. "I'm in here too much."

The waitress smiled and wrote down their orders. Then, seemingly as a side thought, added: "When is Entropy playing next? Haven't heard you guys for a while."

"We've got a gig tonight," she told her and after the waitress- Melinda was her name- told her she'd try to be there she left and went to make their drinks.

Scarlett looked back at Ry. "Sorry about that. And, yes, a good Benedict. He's one of my favourite males so I'm happy when anyone takes him on."

epithet_
"Boy, you really mean it when you say you come here a lot," Ry murmured, as the waitress sauntered off. She was kinda pretty. "So, what's Entropy?" he asked, returning his gaze to her. "Gig tonight. Don't tell me I'm keeping you?"

scarlettvoices
"Entropy's the band I sing with." She checked her watch. "And I've got time. Well, enough time." She smiled at him. "You should come along and see us play if you've got no better plans." She leaned forward and batted her eyelashes all faux-seductive. "I promise it'll be good for you too, baby."

epithet_
Ry's eyebrows disappeared under his hair that fell over his face sometimes before he could stop it. Was she coming onto him?

On the other hand, with Slink and Deirdre flailing about Jude and Deirdre flailing about Renee in her spare time, was it a worse option to come along to a gig? He didn't hate music.

"Sure. Yeah. Why not? Where and what time?" he asked.

scarlettvoices
"Yes!" she hissed triumphantly. "We've been trying to round up more people to come along. I've been making my girlfriend bug people about it too." She laughed and wrote down the address and the time on the back of a coaster. "Here. Bring along other folk with you if you like. No cover charge."

epithet_"
Nope. Not coming onto him. Under the cover of looking down to the time and address on the coaster, Ry smirked. Trust him to hook up with a lesbian.

The waitress came back with their drinks. Ry nodded and smiled his thanks as she put his drink in front of him. Again, he watched her behind as she left them.

With a sneaky smile, he turned back to Scarlett and said, "You know the waitress. Is she coming tonight?"

scarlettvoices
"Well, she did say she might." She watched Melinda's arse as she dissapeared back through the door and threw Ry a wicked grin. "She's into boys, and she's very nice." She poked the marshmellow in her drink with her spoon and added, "Especially when unclothed."

epithet_
"Into boys, huh? Score. I'm in with a chance then." Ry smirked, then rolled his eyes. What was up with him? He wasn't usually this flippant around others unless stoned. Then he remembered the last sentence she'd thrown in. "Unclothed?!"

scarlettvoices
"Figure to die for. Enough to make a girl jealous." She took another sip of her mocha. Mmmm, made just how she liked it. "Oh, you'll have to come tonight so I can properly introduce you both."

epithet_
Ry ducked his head to drink his latte. It was well made. Explained the pleasured expression on Scarlett's face. He chuckled under his breath. "I already said I would come, didn't I?"

scarlettvoices
"That's brilliant." She checked her watch again. "Dammit, I probably should get to practise and see my girl before the show. But I'll see you there tonight." She gulped down her mocha and left a note on the table as a tip. "Later, Ry!" She grabbed her back and turned, heading off. She really should have left earlier...

epithet_
"Hey!!"

Ry picked up the note and held it out to the already disappearing Scarlett. Hadn't the whole point of this outing been that he would pay with the money they had gotten from their busking.

He sighed. Women!