[right][sub][color=darkgray]Timestamp: After first bell, during homeroom
Location: The Morning Show news studio
Dani [@Fabricant451], Sully and Rye [@Aces Away][/color][/sub][/right]
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[center][img]https://img.roleplayerguild.com/prod/users/95162263-a3ef-4a5f-9f50-e0893bbaa139.png[/img]
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[color=28e0af]“Gooood morning BHHS and welcome back to another day of chaos and classes!"[/color] Rye opened up from his spot to Sully’s left, television smile in place and tapping fingers hiding safely behind the front panel of the newsdesk. Why had Sully had to bring up him and AJ literally minutes before airing and then leave him with no answers? The dude really didn’t know how to talk to people properly, he should know by now that leaving a conversation with no closure stressed Rye out. On top of that, he had clocked movement in the window of the door to the hallway and saw his best friend peeking through when she absolutely should have been in her homeroom. Oh god, what happened? The day had barely even [i]started[/i] and he was going to end up hyperventilating in an empty classroom by the end of it. [color=28e0af]“What a week, and it’s still not done!"[/color]

[color=c45508]“Nobody slept on Pajama Day, in fact y’all really ate with that pancake contest. Ate and left no crumbs, in the case of first place winner Dash Day,"[/color] Sully stepped in, barely glancing at their notes. He couldn’t believe this was part of his work scholarship requirements.

[color=28e0af]“Everyone [i]sported[/i] their best attire on Tuesday, really dodging embarrassment,"[/color] Rye emphasized, doing his best not to roll his eyes at how cheesy they were being.

[color=ff8189]“I am legally obligated to say that on Wednesday you all dressed as cowboys."[/color] DJ, on the right of the broadcast table, was very clearly not reading from the pre-approved script. If she had, she might well have died at having to mention how well everyone lassoed up a fit for cowboy day. [color=ff8189]“You know the movie for Wednesday was Wild Wild West, right? That’s not even about cowboys! They’re cops! You can see Will Smith’s di-"[/color] The camera, naturally, abruptly cut away from the wide shot of the three hosts for the moment. 

[color=28e0af]“And you were all super crafty on Thursday,"[/color] Rye continued in a monotone, already dropping his cheek into his hand and flapping the papers in disgust. [color=28e0af]“Come [i]on[/i] you guys are you trying to get us blacklisted from parties with this cra-"[/color]

[color=c45508]“And today!"[/color] Sully cut in, smile still perfectly in place despite how much he wished to act like his fellow co-hosts. This position really was used as a punishment, wasn’t it? [color=c45508]“We’re sure y’all’re really [i]Bringin’ It On[/i] in your fierce red and black fits. Keep that pep up for the pep rally later today, you’ll be excited to know it gets you out of class early."[/color]

[color=28e0af]“Hear hear!"[/color] Rye chanted with little enthusiasm.

[color=ff8189]“Of course, attendance isn’t mandatory but it is highly encouraged. After all, the high school athletes really like having their egos boosted before they go off to college and fail to get scouted by the professional leagues!"[/color] DJ’s smile was as bright as Sully’s, though her tone of voice was so dipped in sarcasm that in a weird way she almost resembled a professional broadcaster in cadence if nothing else. [color=ff8189]“And for all you dateless losers out there, don’t forget that today is the last day to get tickets for Homecoming. And no, no one believes you that you have a girlfriend in Canada who couldn’t come to the dance because of travel issues. Sure, you might spend the whole time sitting by the wall, but at least the punch is free! You two have dates for the dance, don’t you?"[/color] DJ threw back to her co-hosts, her smile remaining so wide that it was almost starting to look deranged. 

Rye went static next to Sully and the boy in a baseball cap tilted his head down so that the camera couldn’t capture his eye roll past the brim. That was just vindictive for no reason.

[color=c45508]“You know we don’t,"[/color] Sully’s smile never broke as he turned to stare Dani in the eyes, and he nudged Rye’s leg with his own beneath the desk so the other boy could cover up the look on his face. [color=c45508]“I’m too busy buildin’ sets and fixin’ all the things people break around here to be askin’ someone out for a single night. Why would you ask someone out for one night?"[/color]

[color=28e0af]“Holy- wow I’m not touching that one, buddy. That was such an innocent statement,"[/color] Rye cut himself off, trying to turn away from furthering the conversation. He grinned largely at the camera. [color=28e0af]“Speaking of innocence, if any of you are planning on losing yours at or after homecoming, condoms and other barriers are strongly encouraged. We Pirates support safe practices."[/color]

[color=ff8189]“You heard it here first, Pirates, we encourage a healthy sex life for the students!"[/color] Dani placed a finger to her ear and after an uncomfortably awkward pause turned to the solo camera like she was about to deliver a breaking news story. [color=ff8189]“I’ve just been informed that while BHHS isn’t an abstinence school, the affiliates of BHHS do not condone or endorse students having sex. And remember: if they keep trying after you say no, it doesn’t mean they love you and counseling is available during all hours of the school day."[/color] Dani turned back in her seat, facing forward as the feed went back to the wide shot. 

[color=ff8189]“So, any announcements for the school, gentlemen? News for the student body?"[/color] 

The Morning Show, as it was every day that DJ was in front of the camera, was chaos on one side of him and disaster on the other. Sully didn’t even want to be on the Morning Show, it had been a requirement, yet somehow he was working the hardest to keep this train on its track and he had no idea why that became his job too. Sully looked down at his notes, taking a deep breath.

[color=c45508]“We do, Dani! In recent news, the Arts club set up a new mural facin’ the back lot, meant to represent the blossomin’ opportunities and friendships created and fostered by the school,"[/color] Sully’s interpretation was that that was a bunch of bullshit. It was just a bunch of flowers and some sun rays but hey, whatever keeps your funding he supposed.

[color=28e0af]“The wads of gum stuck to the wall of the hallway leading to the boiler room have been cleaned off and the wall repainted, the maintenance staff has asked us to remind the students that there are trash cans every twenty feet in this place so really, no need to be so ratchet, y’all have so much access and amenities-"[/color]

[color=c45508]“[i]Don’t forget,[/i] Pirates,"[/color] Sully cut off before the boy got on another rant about how rich kids treat the custodial and maintenance staff. It would run out the whole rest of the time limit. [color=c45508]“That the theme of the dance is [i]Hollywood![/i] So bring your best and be ready to walk the red carpet for your paparazzi, played willingly by the Photography club underclassmen, so be sure to strike some killer poses for a chance to end up in the yearbook."[/color]

[color=28e0af]“And don’t make any scenes or mistakes, for the same reason!"[/color] Rye chirped with a large smile while Sully clenched his jaw in a sign of frustration. Ope, moving on then. [color=28e0af]“Dani? Any club cancellations or changes in schedule?"[/color]

[color=ff8189]“Of course there are, Rye! The chess club has canceled its meeting today; no reason was given but it’s probably due to lack of anyone giving a crap about chess!"[/color] DJ paused long enough for what she imagined to be laughter from the audience watching in their classrooms. [color=ff8189]“The film club’s Friday screening has been postponed due to the events of Homecoming, because why watch something entertaining when you can watch the thrilling world of high school football - a sport that is beloved only by middle aged dads who peaked at [i]their[/i] Homecoming game! I’ve also been told that due to the earlier schedule today that tutoring will be unavailable after the pep rally, so you’d better hope you’re prepared beforehand but if you need tutoring at this school it just means your parents don’t have enough money to bribe your teachers!"[/color] 

Another pause, complete with DJ looking absolutely thrilled with herself, especially as she looked around to see the response from the behind the camera staff. Sure, she might get another detention out of it, but studies showed that students retained information when it was delivered with such sarcastic glee. The study, of course, was made up by DJ but pepper any bit of information with enough words and people would be willing to believe it as truth. 

[color=ff8189]“For other club inquiries, check with your club advisors! And maybe tell them to let us know next time so you can cut out the middle man! Because we work for you, for free, which technically makes us slaves. Isn’t that right, Sully?"[/color] 

[color=c45508]“I think I’m technically an indentured servant,"[/color] He answered plainly before he could think of what he was saying. Letting Dani’s last shot finally break his professional air as he realized what he said, Sully slumped over the desk on his elbows, hands grasping the back of his own neck desperately, kneading at the tensing muscles beneath. Staring blankly at the desk panel before him, thinking about the terms of his scholarship, his [i]contract[/i], he muttered, [color=c45508]“Oh my god, [sup][i]am I?[/i][/sup]”[/color]

[color=28e0af]“While Sully has an existential crisis that should have come about when he first signed his soul away on the dotted line,"[/color] Rye jumped in, patting the other boy’s back consolingly but not looking his way. The show must go on. [color=28e0af]“Remember upperclassmen, it’s never too early to send in your college applications but there is absolutely a point where it becomes too late, and your counselors will be getting a hold of you all for individual meetings regarding your life trajectory. Because that’s something to decide when you’re barely legal and up to your eyeballs in hormones, real great time to agree to spend tens of thousands in tuition and be sure of what you’re gonna do for the rest of your life. DJ,"[/color] Rye turned to his best friend’s sister, happy to be matching energy with her now that he wasn’t the target of her comments. Sully was still staring blankly into the middle distance , and he’d certainly check on the other boy once the recording light turned off, but for right now they had a show to finish and Sully was not even here behind his eyes anymore. [color=28e0af]“any final words before we sign off? Sully tapping out gave us some free airtime today."[/color]

[color=ff8189]“For those in the know, I was informed that the theme of Saturday’s totally unsanctioned and unaffiliated event has a theme of Risky Business, because nothing says ‘good party theme’ like a movie where Tom Cruise has sex with a prostitute! If you’re not in the know, well ask yourself why that’s the case and then try to befriend someone who is! But finally, and this is straight from me, if I wind up in detention, please don’t talk to me because I hate you. You wanna sign us off, Rye, before Sully starts acting like Howard Beale from Network? Look it up, people, it won four Oscars."[/color] Dani turned her head towards her co-hosts, a look of pure satisfaction on her face. It was no wonder they rarely let her in front of the camera. 

Rye grinned back while Sully honest to god groaned into his own forearms. Mr. Wells was giving him the cue to wrap things up and Rye had a lot of respect for the man, even if his actions in front of the camera never showed it. When you spent enough nights over someone’s house and in his daughter’s bed, you develop a weird understanding of each other. 

[color=28e0af]“ARRRRRRRRRRRRRight Pirates! And yes, I have to do that per my contract, let’s seize this day and all the treasures it can offer us, plunder that booty well, and maybe find me at that party if you wanna make that more literal,"[/color] Mr. Well’s hand motion became more demanding and sharp, telling Rye he may have pushed the envelope a bit, but honestly if Riley wanted the three hosts to follow the script he should demand the writing team do a better job, and if he didn’t want them saying lewd things then he should have someone at the ready for live censorship. [color=28e0af]“This is the slaves of the Morning Show, signing off for the day, see you psychos in the halls!"[/color]

As the cameras were cutting, Dani held up the back of an index card where her script notes were written. In bold writing were just the words ‘SEND HELP’ as Dani pointed at the message before the feed was cut entirely. As soon as she got the sign that the cameras were off, Dani once again placed her feet on top of the desk as she leaned back in her chair. [color=ff8189]“I think we’re gonna win the Emmy for that one, guys. Truly our finest work. I honestly thought you were gonna start screaming, Sully. Maybe next time."[/color] If today’s broadcast had been a trainwreck, then Dani was happy to have been one of the conductors on the train. In a weird way, she was gonna miss this job when she graduated. 

[color=c45508]“I’m gonna lose my scholarship in the last semester because’a you guys,"[/color] Sully mumbled into his forearms before finally freeing himself of his own grasp and looking at the two creatures of misfortune that loved to sit on his shoulders. [color=c45508]“What did I ever do to you?"[/color]

[color=28e0af]“Does rejecting my flirtations when we first met count? I didn’t take it personally, but that is something that you did."[/color]

[color=c45508]“Your what? When?"[/color]

[color=28e0af]“Nevermind, buddy, stay pure. DJ, I’m gonna go see why your sister has had her eyes locked onto me through the door window for the past ten minutes, see you later,"[/color] Rye popped out of his seat with no further fanfare and made a beeline for the exit, only stumbling once along the way as he got distracted trying to get his earbuds out of his pocket and connected to his phone. The silence after the lights go off always made the ringing in his ears much more apparent, and he had a feeling he couldn’t be overstimulated for whatever conversation had JJ literally waiting for him in the hall.

[color=c45508]“Am I really an indentured servant?"[/color] Sully asked DJ quietly, managing to look like a kicked puppy and a aggrieved kitten in one fell swoop.

[color=ff8189]“I’m sorry you had to find out this way, Sully."[/color] DJ offered condolences by way of a patronizing pat on the back. [color=ff8189]“But if it makes you feel any better, you can call it an apprenticeship. You might save some dignity that way."[/color] DJ looked towards the door window but Rye’s swiftness meant she barely caught a glimpse of her sister. It had to have been JJ. If it was important, DJ would find out later. [color=ff8189]“Look, you didn’t say anything off color…for the most part. You’ll be fine. Buck up, or whatever. No one’s gonna even remember this by last period."[/color] She could not have sounded any less interested in this pep talk, but with Rye off flirting or whatever with JJ, the responsibility for perking up the sad puppy unfortunately fell to her. [color=ff8189]“Come on, it’s too early to be so depressed. Can’t you internalize it, like we all do?"[/color]  

[color=c45508]“What do you think I’m doin’ most of the time?"[/color] He asked back with little heat, releasing a heavy sigh and pushing his chair back. That was much less assuring than she probably thought it was, but he also didn’t think the girl cared much. Just as she’d suggested, he got to work on internalizing it and returning to his normal school persona. He didn’t care much for upholding reputation, but he also wasn’t a fan of open vulnerabilities. [color=c45508]“I’m gonna go get another coffee before the underclassmen dump it, you want any?”[/color]

[color=ff8189]“Nah, one cup is enough for me. If I had any more I might lose my charming personality."[/color] DJ at least joined Sully in pushing her chair back from the table. As much fun as it was to be granted a late pass for class, she couldn’t stay in the broadcast room all day. She’d tried. [color=ff8189]“But seriously, Sully, don’t worry about it. Everyone could see you were trying to keep things on track or whatever. Every good entertainment act needs the straight man. I don’t know where I’m going with this but just…you know…relax. Because it’s really exhausting trying to cheer you up. I hate doing that. Cheering people up. Like in general, not just you specifically. You’re fine, okay?"[/color] Another pat on the back from DJ. It was the only move she had. 

[color=c45508]“I-"[/color] He had no idea how to respond to that, brows furrowing and head tilting to the side as words and reaction began to escape him.  He wasn’t genuinely worried about losing his scholarship; slowly, he’d built up enough of a following that he was comfortably paying the majority of his uncovered tuition. If it truly came down to it, Sully could be dead broke for the rest of the year and put all his income toward paying tuition, but that would mean having nothing to make his ma’s life easier, and that shit could not slide. Add to all of that that Dani’s announcement of the Risky Business party reminded him of his deal with Ethan Green, and Sully was realizing that once he walked outside the studio doors there would be no peace or calm for the next forty eight hours in the very [i]least[/i]. He needed that coffee. 

Shaking his head to clear the fog that was rolling in, Sully just nodded to the shorter host and reached up to fiddle with his hat’s brim as he turned and walked away from her, no longer even connected enough to the conversation to remember to say goodbye. Coffee always helped when he started struggling with thoughts and words, just like anyone else. At least, that’s what he always told himself.

[color=ff8189]“I should be a motivational speaker. Every time I talk I’m motivated to never talk to people again. Nice."[/color] DJ looked proud of herself though kept herself from pumping her fist in delight. [color=ff8189]“Good show, Mr. Dubs. Let’s do it again some time, say, next week? Alright."[/color] Dani was out of the door before Mr. Wells could even think of giving her a detention slip. [/color][/indent][/indent]