#ace dutton

CYRUS: This was really nice, guys. I’ve been really stressed with everything that’s going on. The album, the gala, and you know, Julianna..

JONESY: Oh yeah the galas coming up really soon isn’t it?

CYRUS: Yeah, they’re doing the last of the prep today and tomorrow actually.

ACE: I’m sorry, gala?!

CYRUS: Yeah, big charity party I do every year. Help put some money into local LGBT organizations and other good causes. Though we mostly focus on the community.

GINO: That’s amazing. I didn’t know you did that..

CYRUS: *chuckles* Not so one note.

GINO: I never thought you were.

JESSE: So you’re going to be gone again? To go to the gala, I mean.

CYRUS: What? No. It’s going to be a group date. Got fancy duds for you guys and everything. You’ll get to meet some of my more presentable friends. We’re making a whole day of it. Should be a fun time. Booze, music, and tons of people showing off for a good cause. *chuckles*

JONESY: Same guests you usually have?

CYRUS: A few of the regulars. Couple news faces who want to get in on the fun. I heard Bella Goth is gracing us with her presence this time.

JESSE: So it’s a pretty big deal then..

CYRUS: Eh, not really. But we do hope to bring in a good amount of money this year.

FRANKIE: Wait can be back up a second. You got clothes for us? Can we see?!

CYRUS: Sorry, love. Gotta wait for the big reveal. But you’ll all be red carpet ready.

ACE: Oh god, I’m going to hate this aren’t I?

FRANKIE: No. Fuck THAT. We’re doing something. Jonesy, go steal his credit card and order the worst takeout you can think of. Go change into comfy clothes, get any self-care shit you need. No drugs though, good coping only please. Send Gino to the living room and then stay the fuck out until I call you.

ACE: Is that all?

CYRUS: Hey, I’m really sorry about them. I know they can be… a lot.

ACE: It’s fine.

CYRUS: No, it’s not. Trying to maintain order at an event like tonight mean I usually have to put up with things I’d rather not. I know they won’t apologise, so I’m doing it for them.

ACE: I said it’s fine.

CYRUS: You can vent a little if you need to. I know X is a shithead of the highest calibre.

ACE: Shouldn’t you be getting back out there?

CYRUS: No. Right now, I’d like to be here, with you. Though you seem to want to be literally anywhere else.

ACE: *deep breath* Sorry, just.. brings me back to times I’d rather leave in the past.

CYRUS: Wanna talk about it?

ACE: *laughs* Not particularly. It uh- It just takes me back to my bootcamp days.

CYRUS: Oh fuck. I am such a moron…

ACE: No arguments here. But it’s not your fault or anything. Those pretentious shitbags don’t got nothin’ on my old drill sergeant. Man could make God feel worthless.

CYRUS: I bet you still gave him a run for his money.

ACE: Bet your ass I did. But everyone.. uh- everyone breaks eventually.

CYRUS: Yeah, they do…

ACE: We should probably, *clears throat* probably head back out, huh?

CYRUS: In a minute.

ACE: Sorry. Not getting anything else outta me tonight.

CYRUS: *chuckles* It was nice while it lasted. I look forward to the next time you let the walls down, even just a little bit.

ACE: I will when you do.

CYRUS: Touché

ACE: Can only expect so much without givin’ any in return.

CYRUS: So I’ve heard.

ACE: So?

CYRUS: *deep sigh* What do you want to know?

ACE: Is it worth it? Being clean I mean.

CYRUS: Honestly?

ACE: No I want you to lie to me. Yes, honestly!

CYRUS: *sigh* Until pretty recently I would have said no, and even now I can’t fully say yes. Pretty hard to run from yourself when you can’t get away anymore. And I’d be lying if I said it didn’t feel… *chuckle* really good. But uh- you just get tired, y’know? It wears you down until there’s just… nothin’ left.

ACE: *mumbles* sometimes that’s what you’re hoping for…

CYRUS: What?

ACE: I just hope you get there eventually. To the point you can say yes.

OCTAVIA: And I’m telling YOU, that that’s derivative and I will not be a part of it.

X: You wouldn’t know REAL creativity if it fucked your husband right in front of you. It will be my greatest work yet!

OCTAVIA: You will not defile the fine art world with the nonsense, X.

X: I don’t remember asking for your permission.

CYRUS: Hey! My two favourite artists! Don’t tell Mai I said that.

OCTAVIA: Thank god, maybe you can talk some sense into this mad man.

CYRUS: X? A mad man? Never!

X: Thank you. See? At least SOMEONE here understands my vision!

OCTAVIA: He doesn’t even know what it is yet.

X: Cyrus can just appreciate a fellow genius.

ACE: *snickers*

X: I’m sorry, who are you exactly?

ACE: Sorry, name’s Ace. Just… uh the thought of someone describing this dumbass as genius? *laughs*

CYRUS: Rude.

X: Genius is never appreciated in its time, darling. But what exactly do you do? Who are you again?

CYRUS: He’s one of the contestants on my show.

OCTAVIA: Oh yes, the bachelor thing. So you’re just tonight’s arm candy then?

X: So, not a creative then? Then please stop speaking. I’m trying to share my genius.

OCTAVIA: Yes, sweetheart please give us a moment. The adults are talking.

*Ace stiffens*

CYRUS: Ok, ok. Calm down. What’s this idea?

X: I will create a work which highlights man’s apathy and indifference to the world.

CYRUS: Doesn’t sound too bad so far.

OCTAVIA: Just wait.

X: I will do this by creating vignettes, little windows into people lives which become progressively more violent or cruel for people to watch as they walk through the exhibit. Followed by a massive sign at the end saying, “WHAT DID YOU DO?” It will be just marvellous.

CYRUS: Sounds… extreme.

OCTAVIA: Gratuitous is more like it.

X: Good art is always controversial.

CYRUS: I’m not sure it’s the best idea. Especially if it’s a live performance. Isn’t that illegal?

X: Performance art always teeters on the edge of ‘acceptable’. It MUST be extreme in order to get the point across.

CYRUS: Well… good luck. I look forward to reading the scathing reviews. Oh, Octavia, I believe your husband was looking for you. Something about wanting to double your donation?

OCTAVIA: Is that so? I guess I’d better go look for him. If, you’ll excuse me.

X: Of course. We’ll continue late then.

OCTAVIA: Eheh, of course, darling. Later.

CYRUS: We’ll have to be going as well. Many more people to greet still.

X: A genius’s work is never done, I understand. Though I hope we’ll be able to speak again before the night is done.

JONESY: Still feel like it would be best to leave him be so he can work it out for himself. Wait for him to come to us…

ACE: Nah bullshit. Now how are we getting him out of there?

JESSE: Uhhh… fake emergency?

ACE: Such as….

JESSE: …Don set the couch on fire?

JONESY: *laughs* It’s happened. He’d just ask if everyone was safe and to make a list of things that need to be replaced.

ACE: Jesus Christ, that man is a fucking walking disaster. And that’s coming from ME!