blue and one [djoser/open]

[WR Harthe]

In one of the more rundown parts of town was an area WR spent a lot of time practicing their street arts. It wasn't unpopular, but it wasn't crowded either. It was like a hole in the wall that passersby occasionally walked through to vanish into a ghost world, completely unnoticed by those who didn't go out of their way to look for it. 

It was in this hole today that WR had set up a small gig for themself, with help from a few friends. It was a fenced off makeshift stage where they sat propped up on a stool in front of a microphone with a guitar in their lap. The guitar was plugged into several amps that made a mess of cords on the stage, but otherwise it was pretty empty. There were a few people gathered around, some there for the performance, others for the ambience, and some were just passing by. Honestly, it was the ideal for them.

It wasn't often WR brought attention to themself, especially not with a performing art, but today they were feeling... free. And so with their collection of homemade samples ranging from grunge, to nu, to alternative, WR sat up in their stool performing their fucking heart out. About forty five minutes had passed already, and they still had plenty of material to show.

"So, this one's called Blue. I wrote it just after my sister died a few years ago, so, it's on the...rawer spectrum of things. In every meaning of the word really. I never finished it, so." They would awkwardly chuckle the last part.

After a deep breath, they would begin plucking away at the strings, humming a staccato tune into the microphone.

[Djoser Aneksi]

Art, parties, and the alternative scene. 3 things Djoser loved and was excited to celebrate. He was out in his usual florals and was enjoying the show. He had been there since the beginning, vibing out and even rallying cheers after songs. He was enjoying himself and brought an infectious energy to the venue.

Of course Dj knew that the person performing was the same person he had that awkward and aggressive encounter with the other night. Of course he didn't care, they were a performer showing their craft and baring their soul. He was going to support, collect money to hand them after the show, and in general. He wasn't going to be awkward or obnoxious, and when they sang their personal piece, he was totally quiet and reverent.

[WR Harthe]

'Blue' started mellow and sweet, but would quickly grow raw and aggressive, with the only vocals from WR being a 'call-for-help' type metal scream, followed by another mellow segment that was even more haunting than the first. This time, it featured vocals, which was simply the breathy whispering of the phrase 'eaten by my own version of the real' several times.

Unlike previous transitions from song to song, this time WR actually needed a break. So, after a few minutes they would wave the audience off, denying all forms of donations, and start picking apart the stage. The friends that had helped them set it up had already left.

[Djoser Aneksi]

Wow, that was a very raw song. And from the looks of it, it had taken a toll on the singer as well. Dj would look around and notice that they were trying to deconstruct the set by themselves. Dj would get up on stage and quickly calm the audience. He would then skip over and start helping. He wouldn't yet acknowledge WR with anything other than a nod, but would do his best to help and even put the money he collected quietly in one of the equipment bags.

[WR Harthe]

DJ's presence certainly wouldn't go unnoticed. WR didn't recognize him in the crowd, but they had no doubt in their mind that he was there the entire time. Whether he was here on coincidence or trying to make amends after their last interaction was yet to be known, but they would wait to address him until after the crowd had broken away.

"Come to pitch a dance routine for my show?" They would finally break the ice, raising a brow at him with a light smile as they threw one of the amps offstage.

[Djoser Aneksi]

Dj would continue helping as much as possible. He would happily do so even as WR addressed him. Only giving a chuckle as he turned his head over.

"Nah, you're show is fire as it is." I wish I could say the lun was unintended, but Dj is really that much of a dipshit.

"In all actuality though, regardless of past interactions you are still an artist that I support. I am not going to grief you based on past transgressions. He would say with a sweet smile.

[WR Harthe]

WR would exchange another smile and shrug. That was fair enough.

They would plop down on the stage to dismantle (and untangle) another amp before throwing it off the stage as well.

"Well, thanks. Not often I perform my music but I was really feeling it today." They would say with a certain genuinity that Dj would hear for the first time.

[Djoser Aneksi]

"Well, it was awesome. I'm very happy that you shared it with us. It was a delight." He'd say with an equally genuine smile, finishing up his side of the stage and brushing off his hands. "If you're ever interested in sharing your music, I wouldn't mind giving feedback. I'd certainly appreciate some help on my own work." He'd say cheerfully, hoping to possibly try again with WR, maybe through a mutual love.

[WR Harthe]

WR would stand up again and brush off their legs. That was almost everything... now all that was left was the damn stage. Now how were they gonna go about that...

They would wipe their forehead before addressing Dj again, then shrug. "Sure, I can send you some samples sometimes."

[Djoser Aneksi]

With the way WR was staring at the stage, he quickly understood just how difficult the task before the two androgynous people who had no business carrying all of this was.

"How did... you get it here in the first place?" He'd say, smile and good attitude never wavering.

[WR Harthe]

"I... had help setting it up. They left sometime during the show, and... I have no idea if they're coming back." They shrugged.

It was the painful truth.

[Djoser Aneksi]

"Well, I guess we have a bunch of heavy lifting ahead of us..."

Dj would say and start dismantling the stage with no small amount of effort. Despite the fact that it was unfortunate, he was not about to leave WR alone with it.

[WR Harthe]

"Yup," Was all WR had to say before they got started.

After a long fifteen minutes or so, they had managed to disassemble the stage and tuck the pieces away without any casualty or even injury. They didn't know what Dj's physical capabilities were aside from being a tall motherfucker, but they themself were on the verge of hurting. Consistent lifting was no joke.

They would pop their back with a satisfied grunt before turning back to him with an awkward smile.

"So, wanna grab food?"

[Djoser Aneksi]

Dj was not much of a lifter himself, just enough to be able to help. He was sore as fuck, but that never showed. His posture was perfect as always and he smiled as he stretched, trying to loosen up after the ordeal.

"Sure, anywhere in mind?"

[WR Harthe]

"Nope! But we'll figure it out." They knew they were hungry, but everything and nothing sounded good at the same time.

WR would hop off of the small ledge they were standing on and head off toward their car, signaling Dj to follow. They would open the passenger side door for him before getting in themself.