Nobody Like U

Robaire LaFlash Pride University || 4*Town Trainee 21 'Cause you have opened my eyes and stolen my heart // you make me believe that love can be hard // and I can never survive a minute apart // you are my one true love, my one true love

[nobody-like-robaire]

Robaire Émile Laflash

Wasn't this the kind of thing you'd been wanting? // the life you hoped for, the life you wanted // the life you chose, you achieved everything without regrets // and on top of that, you have a big house, big cars, big rings // all the things you wanted, you've got it all // so what's the problem? Just enjoy it // or just let it go, no? Then run, or stop // don't whine, just choose one or the other

Nicknames: Robbie, Ro, Baire (Bear), Emmie (Family only). Magic status: Merman - Not Out. Possessed by Demon - Not out. Nationality: Canadian Ethnicity: Black (Mixed race - Nigerian, Tahitian, European) Accent: French Canadian   Height: 5'8 Build: Athletic Skin tone: Tanned / Bronze Eye color: Brown Notable Features: Notched Right Eyebrow  Hair color/length/style: Undercut - Longer/Curly on top with shaved sides. Tattoos/piercings/daily jewelry: Colored Contacts (usually just a slightly lighter brown variation when everyday use, can vary if performing) / Sunglasses (this is to cover those special mercreature lenses). Various tattoos on his left arm. Ears and nose pierced.

Occupation: Pride U Student / Trainee @ Pandemonium Records What would you find if you Googled them?: His social media as well as his youtube/tiktok channels where he posts covers/music. His name will come up under Pride-U for various things, and it might come up under some strange really small company website - wonder what that's about.  What natives would know about them: Robaire came to Swynlake in early summer of 2024 and enrolled as a Music Studies/Producing major. He is heavily involved in campus activities (SDG, Intramural Volleyball, Hockey, etc). In the beginning of this year (Jan 2025) however he dropped from the dorms before the semester and seemed much busier with something outside of school, becoming much less likely to be seen around campus. Other: Is a Merperson (Closeted) and is currently possessed by an Envy Demon (unknown). He's been drafted by a music label and is currently training to debut in a boyband.

[nobody-like-z]

Homecoming Kings || Beach Boyz

[nobody-like-z]

"Wow a lot of rock and alternative love then!" exclaimed Erin. "That's surprising coming from two pop stars. What drew you to make pop then?"

Oh, yeah, this was a fuckin' Robaire question for sure. Aaron leaned back. He wasn't touching this one.

Thing was-- Aaron didn't hate pop. Seriously, he didn't. He'd never made pop music, but sure, he listened to some artists here and there. Some pop was really good. Had he ever wanted to become a pop artist? Had he ever imagined himself in a boy band?

No. That was Robaire's doing. That was Robaire's dream.

And when you listened to Robbie talk about that dream.... well, it sounded shiny and irresistible. It was easy to think that it could be his dream too.

The reality was turning out to be something completely different, but honest, that was more the Dick of it all than...the music. Like, Aaron hated motherfuckin' B00M B00M, but not all their songs were that empty. If they had gotten more say in what tracks actually made this EP, then he wouldn't feel so resentful. He'd have a better answer for this lady.

But he had nothin', so Robaire was gonna need to cover his ass.

@nobody-like-robaire

[nobody-like-robaire]

If Robbie hadn't long mastered the poker-face, he might've grimaced here. It wasn't as if he... hated pop. He loved all music, obviously, but his big loves did lie in R&B, Ballads and yeah, rock--

But those weren't as 'consumable' to the general audience. What had someone once said to him? It was called popular music for a reason? Robbie hated that it usually meant they were forcing themselves to toe the line between good pop music and the kind that was forced to live in the limbo-hell of general store music.

Of course, he also couldn't just say: well, our manager wanted us to make basic pop music to churn out because it sells well, easily goes viral on tiktok and is easy to market... But that was okay, because (unfortunately) he was Robaire! So of course he had a media-ready answer for that.

One that started with another easy laugh and shrug of his shoulders. "We have five members with very drastic music tastes and opinions, naturally-- but that was the really cool thing about making this album with the guys. Coming together and finding that common ground between us, and that ended up being pop! So that's why the general backbone of the album reflects that genre." Robbie answered easily, his hand gesturing vaguely.

"That's not to say there aren't tracks on this album that don't slightly stray from that, because I do feel like a few of them definitely connect more with certain member's styles. Like personally - I love a ballad. 1 True Love was definitely something I rallied for, and you'll find tracks like that for every member, so.. I'm actually really curious if the fans will be able to pair up the song's vibes with the members behind them."

Or... alternatively which songs each member absolutely loathed - like Aaron Z and Boom Boom.

@nobody-like-z

[nobody-like-z]

Homecoming Kings || Beach Boyz

[nobody-like-z]

Aaron had leaned back and relaxed to the point that he nearly closed his eyes, content to listen to Robbie's warm voice as he brought him back to his childhood-- back home.

'Course, music was huge in his house too. It was one of the only things he ever actually talked about with his grandpa. Jessica liked to put on the radio too. Sun up to sun down, there was always someone singing-- sometimes Joni, sometimes Celine. He got that music in his blood, the same way he got salt in his curls when he stepped outside.

His eyes had nearly closed when suddenly-- Robbie nudged him again.

Aaron sat up straighter and met his gaze. "Oh--" A smile twitche on his lips. "Uh-- I remember, yeah."

"Really? You two made mixtapes?" asked Erin.

"No, not...they were CDs, not tapes," said Aaron. "And then we uh...we did make um, 8tracks playlists. But I always liked... you know. When you had a physical thing."

"Right, very nostalgic," agreed Erin. "If you were going to recommend some old Canadian musicians for your fans to listen to, who would you say? Or maybe a particular song?"

Aaron hesitated. But then he answered first. "Maybe uh...Funeral, the album by Arcade Fire?" His dad fucking loved that album. Aaron had even learned Wake Up on guitar when he was like 12.

"Oh, an alternative song! What about you, Robaire?"

@nobody-like-robaire

[nobody-like-robaire]

Robaire was fully prepared if Aaron didn't take the bait. He was used to that actually, being able to navigate around non-verbal responses or just soft affirmatives. However, Aaron did respond, and Robbie's smile grew even larger as his fingers gently tapped against the back of the other man's shoulder.

Partly due to the fact he answered at all, but also with the fondness of the memory. Their vault of 8tracks playlists were probably long gone, but that distinct thought was as vivid as ever.

He couldn't help the immediate breath that slipped through his lips at Erin's (ironic that he just considered the Erin versus Aaron of it all) question, his brows knotting like the task was almost too great of one to consider.

And.. well, for a music lover, it might've been. To think of one song or artist to represent Canadian music history?

But his hesitation meant something incredible happened; Aaron offered up an answer first. Of his own accord.

Immediately Robbie's gaze slipped back to the side, watching Aaron as his smile softened a fair bit. He was hyperaware of Aaron's answer, of course, knowing how much that album meant to Aaron, how connected it was to his life, to growing up. Aaron had actually been the one to introduce Robbie to Arcade Fire, naturally.

"Oh uh-" He realized he'd been asked as well, his focus having solely been on Aaron before he turned back to the camera and cleared his throat. "...That's a hard one, like I said there's so many talented artist that came from Canada but-... maybe D.O.A? They're like the founding father's of punk rock, which is really neat."

And also like... incredibly politically involved in the best way. Not that Robaire was going to outright say that, of course - dare they take a stance on anything but... the implication was always there.

@nobody-like-z

[april-von-drake]

Rock Star in the House # [Robril]

[april-von-drake]

April gasped and bat Robbie's hand away as he teased her. Joking about going grey was not something to tease about. She almost had a heart attack.

And then they entered the ballroom.

She had been in here plenty of times before--or since.

It didn't affect her. At least--she didn't want it too. Except, every time, she couldn't help the way her gaze trailed upwards.

"Yeah. One of the jewels of the Tipton," April said, tracing her finger over some of the gold filigree. "It's pretty nice. Used to take my ballet classes in here sometimes."

@nobody-like-robaire

[nobody-like-robaire]

April pulled away a bit, and Robbie shot her an apologetic pout, though his gaze was quick to follow hers around the room, eying the fine details that seemed to run through it - from the floor molding all the way up to the ceiling trim.

There was something timeless about it - the way that old architecture never seemed to appear out of date, but always just had a beauty to it no matter when you saw it. The room shared that same flair, drawing Robaire in as he stepped further onto those sturdy floors. A good base responding back with every step.

"Oh yeah? Wide open space like this must've been fun." He responded softly, glancing down and pressing some more weight onto his right foot, as if to test the structure before he did a lazy pirouette - facing back towards April at the end of it with a nod of his head. "...Pretty solid, actually. Does it uh-- see a lot of use? Surely people rent it out fairly often, eh?"

@april-von-drake

[nobody-like-z]

Homecoming Kings || Beach Boyz

[nobody-like-z]

The more Robbie talked, the more Aaron's muscles loosened and relaxed, his shoulders sloping down. He let his legs spread another inch wide. Didn't uncross his arms though-- honestly, Aaron wasn't even aware he was doing that shit. It was instinct, like a turtle staying in its shell when too much noise was happening all around it.

But, at least for now, he didn't feel like jumping outta his skin.

And the creature was quiet. Unbothered.

"Wow! That's amazing," said Erin the reporter. "I'm sure your fans will love that."

Yeah, if we ever actually get it out, thought Aaron to himself. It had been a goddamn miracle they'd pulled this album outta their asses in time.

"Let's rewind now," said Erin. "Obviously, we're a Canadian publication and it's not every day we get someone from our hometowns. How do you think growing up in Baie-Comeau shaped your music tastes? Did you listen to any Canadian musicians growing up?"

She glanced between both Aaron and Robaire, but hell no-- Aaron was gonna let Robbie go first.

@nobody-like-robaire

[nobody-like-robaire]

"Oh, for sure." Robaire was quick to answer with a huff of a laugh. "I think that's part of the beauty of it actually - I don't know if people outside of Canada know just how many of their favorite artists and bands are from Canada, you know?" Canadians always seemed to float under a weird radar of being... 'American passing' or something? He wasn't sure, but he'd seen time and time again the surprise of someone learning--

"Wait, they're from Canada!?"

He thought the accents were pretty noticeable. Then again, maybe it was just being from the Quebec region.

"But I mean, who my age didn't grow up with people like The Weeknd, Drake-" He paused to make a small face here-- as if to state his side of the fued without actually stating it "Simple Plan, Sum 41-- Justin, obviously. Avril Lavigne. I feel like all of our parents were obsessed with Bryan Adams, Joni Mitchell, Neil Young, Rush or --- I mean, come on, Celine Dion?-- Absolute Queen, by the way. One of our first performances, the Aaron's and I had to pay respect to Canadian's own B4-4. Canada is full of incredibly talented people. You heard it everywhere you went in Baie-Comeau. I feel like I can say with like... a huge certainty that they helped shaped my taste in music....-"

He turned to Aaron Z, almost fully, like he were having a casual conversation with a friend, rather than a structured interview. "Do you remember all the time we spent trying to remix those old CD's our families had? We were really trying to make that Maestro Fresh Wes remix happen."

@nobody-like-z

[nobody-like-robaire]

"All five members of beloved boyband, 4*Town, said to be among 360+ presumed dead on SWYN2015 crash over the--"

NAME: Robaire LaFlash OCCUPATION: 4*Town Boyband Member - Leader SECTION: Fuselage SURVIVAL SKILL: If Scooby-Doo logic was in play, he could entertain an attacker long enough to run away. Otherwise: none. MAGICAL SKILL: None REASON FOR BEING ON FLIGHT 2015: On Tour & flying from one stop to another. PERSONAL ITEM: His cell phone. Now cracked. Currently at 86% PERSON OF SCIENCE/FAITH: You want him to believe the island is possessed???

BIOGRAPHY:

All his life, all Robbie wanted to do was involve himself in music and the arts. He'd grown up doing every school play, every community musical and every choir group he could possibly join. Music was his life and he knew there was an amazing opportunity just waiting for him out there.

That opportunity came in the form of an offer he couldn't refuse from an experienced manager - one that promised not only fame and success, but experience and opportunity to create, perform and share music with the world. That was all Robaire could ever want - and so he'd agreed, and from then on 4*Town was born.

While it was grueling and hard work, in the beginning, it had seemed like a dream come true. While most of them had been complete strangers, all of his bandmates were amazing, talented people who wanted the same thing he did - and with hard work came their payoff. 4*Town's success skyrocketed, and the next thing Robaire knew, it felt like they were on the top of the world.

As it turned out though, the top of the world was an incredibly fragile place. Try as he might, the band's tensions started to rise. More and more he was separating fights between members or fielding arguments. As time went on, he too was in the middle of the same fights as things came closer and closer to a boiling point.

Somehow, the bad energy hadn't yet leached out into the performances... but Robbie was starting to get more nervous as their tour went on. He stayed up late at night, wondering what he could do to bring the band back to where it had been in the beginning. To make their relationships closer the way they used to be. He knew a lot of the tension circled around Dick... but Robbie was afraid that their own relationships were taking hits they weren't going to recover from either at this point.

They needed a wake up call.

Robaire just didn't think the plane back home crashing was going to be the one they were getting.

[nobody-like-robaire]

Dead Man Walking || Potameides

[nobody-like-jesse]

There weren't many people that Jesse could say that he hated. The list was a short one, admittedly. Bram was there, despite the fact he didn't truly know the other but the way he had spoken to Mim and about Mim had placed him firmly on that list. A handful of his high school bullies were there simply because they had made his life hell back home. And then, sitting squarely at the top, was Dick.

The man could suck any joy out of the room; made it feel ice cold just with his presence. He lorded his control over the group and acted as if he was the only one who knew how to get them what they wanted. The leash he held on them was absolute between the contract they'd all signed and the deals made with their demons.

And the way he made Robaire shrink into himself only further served to make the fairy hate the man that held all of their fates in his hands.

As Dick spoke, Jesse moved to take his headphones off, letting them settle around his neck as he frowned from his place on the couch. Of course Dick saw it as a waste of time that Robbie would actually rest. That any of them would. As if their schedule wasn't tedious and filled with so much shit that they had very little down time. Time, that in Jesse's opinion, was needed to center themselves for whatever insane thing Dick had them scheduled for next.

Of course, he was going to be on their ass about it.

"Ain't gonna be around t'enjoy being a global popstar if we run ourselves into th' ground," he mumbled, returning the sneer Dick leveled at him. He couldn't help himself. He had long grown tired of Dick's hand squeezing at their throats and making them feel less than for needing even the basics of human needs. "Wouldn't look too good if we walk into the next interview lookin' dead on our feet. Other people notice shit like that."

@nobody-like-robaire

[nobody-like-robaire]

As soon as Robbie saw Jesse shift his headphones down out of the corner of his eye, he winced. He only knew that would spell impending trouble, and as much as Robaire had tried to keep the peace between the members and Dick, or to take the brunt of the force from their manager to keep everyone else safe from his retaliations, it had always been Jesse who had been the hardest to shield.

It only spoke to the man's character. He really took that being the oldest thing to heart evidently, as he couldn't imagine a more 'big brother' coded member in the group.

So... even if it made him grimace, Robbie was expecting the words to come from Jesse's lips - and for the scowl on Dick's to get even deeper.

"You pathetic lot wouldn't run yourselves into the ground if you even had an ounce of discipline. I was honest with you all from the start, was I not? This was never going to be a fucking cake-walk. You were going to need to work hard. Bust your asses. Overtime wasn't going to be an option, it was going to be a necessity to get remotely close to where you need to be. It is not my fault you continue to fail to handle that" Dick spat, and Robbie raised a hand to scrub at his temple, already feeling that headache blooming.

"Besides. The only thing people would notice is how put off you all are after a single measly album. You haven't done shit to warrant exhaustion. You see those little groups you envy so much? Dancing their asses off five days a week at sold-out stadium tours across the world for months on end? They have an excuse to be tired. You lot can't even handle a goddamn press tour, you think you're capable of anything more?"

"...We're doing what we're supposed to be." Robbie said after a moment, hoping to cut off the argument he was sure was brewing. "We aren't missing practice or interviews or press. We're responsible--, okay? If I knew you would have been coming---"

Dick made a condescending noise through his teeth - like a woman trying to alert the manager's attention at a restaurant. "Don't even fucking start with me, boy. Not only is that the bare fucking minimum, but you know damn well that's not true either. I can give you an entire fucking list of times the lot of you have not been on time, or have pleaded for scheduling changes for insignificant reason."

@nobody-like-jesse

[nobody-like-z]

Homecoming Kings || Beach Boyz

[nobody-like-z]

Post-production mixes?

If Aaron didn't have a camera on him and some stranger staring him down, he might've snorted. Sure, he worked on post production mixes...that Dick refused to use.

He and Jesse had both tried that shit. They even worked on a track together, a good-as-hell track too, but Dick said it didn't "fit the vision" of their debut. "Maybe next time," he'd dismissed them both.

If there were a next time.

Though so far... sales weren't bad. Which was nice, but kind of pissed Aaron off, since he didn't want to admit that Dick was right. Nothing was more annoying to him than Dick being good at his job.

Swallowing, Aaron's response lagged while he figured out what to say, and eventually settled on-- a nod.

"Wow, post-production mixes! You planning to release any remixes?" said Erin. "I know that's a strategy for many bands. What's the goal for this album anyway? Top Ten on Billboard?"

@nobody-like-robaire

[nobody-like-robaire]

A nod.

Okay, it was something. A little less than Robbie thought he could get, but maybe he'd just underestimated exactly how uncomfortable Aaron Z really was with all of this. Robaire figured this might be a little easier; a 'familiar' tabloid they'd basically grown up with, on a video call rather than in person.

He guessed he always could have reminded Aaron that these things got edited down so much afterwards too, that there was really no risk of saying anything 'stupid' or 'wrong'.

Robaire felt himself laugh at the question though - a light sound as he raised his hand innocently, like he couldn't even believe the mere thought of considering the Billboard. "I mean, I guess that's always an amazing goal, right? Though I don't know, maybe it's just me still struggling to process this whole thing but that feels more a dream, really. It would be.. amazing for our first album to hit that kind of landmark, you know?"

Who wouldn't want to be on the Billboard Top Ten?

"I wouldn't say there's a strategy here though. It's just an amazing opportunity to be able to get our music out there for people to enjoy at all, and I think-- The really cool thing about 4*Town is that we do have five distinctly different voices and tastes and experiences between the members. Even between us-" Robaire gestured his free hand between himself and Z, another small squeeze to the back of his neck. "-our tastes and thoughts for music vary so much. A lot of the post-production remixes are our own spins on the songs. Things re-imagined from our own point of view, with our own influences on it, rather than what was decided as a whole for the group - so I wouldn't count out a super-cut of the album one day with those included."

@nobody-like-z

[april-von-drake]

Rock Star in the House # [Robril]

[april-von-drake]

April shrugged as they made their way toward the ballroom.

Like, yeah, technically they were supposed to be acting like they liked their aunt, but it wasn't like Robbie was gonna say anything. Besides, April wasn't really sure that plan was working. They all talked sweetly to her face, but she was (unfortunately) too smart to think it was real.

They were all acting like the little dolls they'd been told to be.

"It's whatever. She's just not my favorite. I mean, most of my family is kind of annoying. Even my sisters sometimes." She grinned over her shoulder at Robbie. "Daddy was the only one who was tolerable outside of them."

@nobody-like-robaire

[nobody-like-robaire]

Robbie glanced to April with a small frown as she mentioned her father, immediately thinking of Aaron Z. For...whatever reason. Maybe it was just the fact that whenever Robaire thought of all the good people in Aaron Z's life that he deserved to get to spend time with, they were the ones that were taken away from him too soon too. It felt cruel.

In the same way that April's favorite had obviously rested with her father - who she no longer had. He could only wonder how things might be different for her... if she still had him. In the same way he could only wonder what things might've been like for Aaron if say his mother had never been locked up.

Maybe it was because Robaire mourned his own parents when technically they were still out there. Somewhere. ...hopefully.

"From what you've mentioned, he sounds like he would have been." Robbie said softly, squeezing April's arm softly. "Shame the rest of them are annoying though - inconsiderate of them not to realize they're running the risk of driving you grey prematurely." He teased, peering at her head like he was looking for something. "Might be too late actually. Already see one." He didn't, of course. "Should probably file a complaint directly." Robaire pointed out with a playful smile before his gaze shifted to the ballroom as they entered, drawing back a bit as he let his hand settle on his hip.

"....Damn. You would have to be an idiot to touch this place, Jesus. Look at the size of it - it's massive and yet still so detailed."

[nobody-like-z]

Homecoming Kings || Beach Boyz

[nobody-like-z]

Aaron stared straight through that woman, finding the dark eye of the laptop camera. It was just a tiny dot at the top of the screen. But it felt huge and penetrating, already seeing straight through him to the slimy creature in his chest.

That creature was wide awake, tickling at Aaron's arm hairs. It wasn't scared of the camera. It wanted Aaron to lean in and introduce himself.

Maybe... maybe he should just let...

But before he could legitimately consider giving the demon control, Robaire's hand landed on his knee. He squeezed, and the creature retreated, drawing in its thousands of tentacles into a tight, uncomfortable ball that sat in Aaron's stomach. Like gas or something.

He breathed out. He managed a cursory smile, though he crossed his arms instinctively and nodded. "Yup."

The PR lady seemed unconvinced. But her lipstick cracked as she smiled and then thumbs-up'd them. "Great! Let's get it going, then, eh?"

She turned around and hit the call button. It didn't take long for it to connect. On the other side of the screen was another young, attractive lady. She grinned as she waved, and then French flowed through the speakers--

"Robaire, Aaron! Oh, you don't know how excited I am to talk to you today! It has been a long time since Quebec has hadn our own international pop stars! As you know, I'm Erin!"

International pop star? Aaron wouldn't go that far.

"How are you both doing today? Has the album release sunk in yet?" continued Erin.

@nobody-like-z

[nobody-like-robaire]

There was a slight shift in Robaire's expression as soon as the PR woman turned away from them, Robbie's fingers pressing into Aaron's knee one more time before they drew back entirely to fold politely into his own lap.

Though, that last squeeze was probably more for himself than for Z, given he knew he was nervous too. As much as he emanated that outgoing energy, that made-for-the-stage enthusiasm, it didn't mean Robbie didn't still feel that same twist in his gut. Part of him wondered if-... Well.

If either of their families would see this. Unlikely, he figured.. At least, on his front. he hadn't heard a peep from his since he'd left home. They'd gone back to the Pod... - as far as Robbie knew, they hadn't come back to land since.

Part of him hoped maybe somehow they still would...

Robbie blinked, shifting in his chair as that smile broke out across his lips - a wave of calm breaking over him as he fell into that persona he'd long since perfected.

"Oh, I don't know about us, but I feel like we're talking to an international pop-star. It's an absolute honor - I mean, getting to talk to you might be the first time it's actually sinking in for us honestly." Robbie immediately teased, a good natured laugh slipping from him as he leaned back in his chair and crossed his ankle over his knee - the arm closest to Aaron immediately resting on the back of the other man's chair.

Just enough that his fingers could softly brush against the fabric of Aaron's shirt just out of the camera's view.

"It's been... - I don't even have the words to describe it. I genuinely don't believe it has sunk in though. We've just been so busy-" He turned his gaze to Aaron, an easy raise of his brow. "-I'm not even sure you've seen outside the studio in a while with the post production mixes you've been working on."

@nobody-like-z

[nobody-like-robaire]

Dead Man Walking || Potameides

[nobody-like-jesse]

Jesse heard the jiggle of the doorknob, the telltale sounds of the key being worked in and turned. It made him stiffen just slightly as if preparing for the worst. It was all he could do where Dick was involved.

Because Robaire was right. He could work them to the bone. Hadn't he done that already? With the insane practice schedules, the rigorous dance rehearsals, the unreasonable amount of time spent in the recording studio. Everything he said was for the group's debut. And now that they had put out that record, it could only get worse right?

Dick was going to come up with even more ridiculous ways to keep them busy. They had to keep momentum going, had to get the group at the forefront of every conversation. Numbers needed to be higher, engagement needed to be more.

"Uh-- yeah, I-- I hope so," he mumbled distractedly as that doorknob turned fully and their manager appeared in the doorway, looking every bit the villain from a day time soap opera.

@nobody-like-robaire

[nobody-like-robaire]

Robbie's brows furrowed softly, uncertain of why Jesse's entire energy had seemed to shift. How quickly he'd gone from tired, but relaxed and uncaring to almost... tense, short. Like he suddenly didn't want to continue the conversation.

A question nearly formed on Robbie's tongue before his gaze shifted over and he found himself flinching at the sight of another person in the doorway - and not just any other person; but Dick. Shit.

Shit, shit, shit. When the hell had he shown up?

Robbie quickly sat up with a grimace, but Dick's head was already shaking, a dismissive hand going out. "Oh no, please, don't get off your lazy ass for my account." He ground out, making it perfectly clear his opinion on finding Robaire doing nothing with his time. Which.. was perfect. Just figured, right? The one time he'd laid down in what felt like days and that was when their manager had to show up? Had he been lying in wait for such a moment!?

"That--.. I just got back from that interview with--" "I know." "...and I only have like an hour before---" "I'm aware." Dick interrupted before Robbie could even finish again, making the younger boy press his lips into a thin line as he swung his legs (careful not to take Jesse out) so that he could sit properly on the couch, even if his fingers immediately twisted together in a slightly anxious tick.

"Sorry." He finally muttered, letting his gaze drop as he picked at his palm, leaving Dick to scoff as his gaze swept over onto Jesse for just a moment, sizing the oldest member up with a slight sneer in his lips. At the very least, one could have argued he was doing something useful with that laptop. Perhaps the only thing that saved him from immediate scorn.

"...Did you believe becoming a global popstar to be easy work? You think you'll get there by laying around doing nothing and wasting what little time you have with useless shit?"

@nobody-like-jesse

[april-von-drake]

Rock Star in the House # [Robril]

[april-von-drake]

Her favorite spot?

April wasn't even, really, sure what that was. It tended to change from time to time. When she'd been young, it was her father's office. She used to enjoy sitting on his lap and typing into a blank document nonsense while he made business phone calls.

And then it was the front desk, which she would hang around bothering Mr. Moseby, because he always had such great reactions and made her feel seen.

Orrr the rooftop, where she liked to sit and look out over the tiny little town and imagine a life beyond...

"Oh, we have, like, a million. You gotta see the ballroom. It's sooo gorgeous. Thankfully, my stupid aunt knew better than to do anything with it." She took his hand and pulled him toward the ballroom.

@nobody-like-robaire

[nobody-like-robaire]

Robaire's brows knit together slightly, like an unspoken question - but April was already grabbing his hand and tugging him along. He supposed when he thought about he didn't actually.....know very much about April. About her life or her family. Aside, of course, the obvious of knowing that she was one of three sisters. (And had a... deceased brother?)

He'd very briefly met June, heard so much about May, but obviously he knew April best. Personally. Outside of that though... A stupid Aunt felt like a new nugget of information. Or.. maybe not the aunt part, but perhaps just the emotion tied to the way she said it.

"Stupid Aunt, huh. Do we not like her?" Robbie felt himself ask with a small huff, a light way of broaching it as he squeezed her hand softly.

@april-von-drake

[notbad-justsungthatway]

A Little Night Music || Robica

[notbad-justsungthatway]

There was a pause as Robaire's words sank in before she burst out into a roll of genuine laughter. "The perk of working with my dressmaker, she understands the important things in life. Like pockets." It just usually wasn't men who commented on that fact.

Then again, she had a feeling there was a lot she didn't know about Robaire. It would be interesting to see if she could find out.

"There is no rush and no pressure. The offer is open to whenever its convenient for you. In the meantime, I should let you enjoy the rest of the performances. It looks like its about time for the next group to take to the stage."

@nobody-like-robaire

[nobody-like-robaire]

"I've been told they're quite essential." Robbie laughed, and maybe it was just because he understood the need to carry things was pretty important. Trinkets. Instrument pieces. Flash drives. You could always have a bag, of course, and Robaire had plenty - but there were some things you just wanted to keep close to the chest. (or... on your physical person).

He smiled regardless though, a small nod of appreciation at her words. "...Thank you. I uh-.. I definitely will be in touch. And -.. really, I appreciate everything you uh, you do here. Having something like this in town is a privilege I don't think a lot of people take advantage of. Live music is such an art." One he appreciated to no ends.

@notbad-justsungthatway

[nobody-like-robaire]

Dead Man Walking || Potameides

[nobody-like-jesse]

For the first time in what felt like a long time Jesse was relaxed at the house. He sat with his back pressed against the couch, laptop settled on his knees as he fiddled with is own projects. He had his headphones on, albeit haphazardly. One rested over his ear while the other rested just behind it, allowing him to keep track of the others in the house.

It was a strange feeling that had settled over him now that their album was out. They had put in so much time and effort and now the world knew about it. There was something to show for all the hours they had spent sequestered away from the outside world.

But it was exhausting. Jesse had known from the start that it would tax him. That he would have to be around people he didn't care for, pretend that he truly enjoyed the music that they were putting out, that he cared for any part of the fame aspect of the group. He just hadn't expected it to be like this. This bone deep weariness that made it hard to think or even move.

"We'll get t'take a break eventually, right? Like a real one. Not one'a those 'oh here's a vacation but you're actually gonna be working every day while you're on it' kinda things?"

@nobody-like-robaire

[nobody-like-robaire]

"..." Robbie's nose scrunched up lightly in an answer that Jesse wouldn't have seen unless he shifted enough to look over his shoulder at him. Perhaps the beat of silence that followed right away was enough of an answer though, even if it was eventually followed by a small huff of a laugh. "...Yeah, I mean. I sure hope so. I think we'll get a break, you know? He can't keep working us forever."

Well... actually he could.

That was kind of the whole thing about this industry, wasn't it?

Jesse had a point though. Even their 'Spring Break' wasn't much of a break, was it? They'd worked. Both.. for the school in volunteering, but also for Dick. Making the music video. They actually hadn't gotten a real vacation out of it, in hindsight. "I think our scheduling will lighten up after this press tour." Robbie said, back to staring at the ceiling as he tried to count off on his fingers the things they had to do.

"Once we get through promotions, we should have a break before we start anything concrete. Since we kind of have to wait for--" As he was talking, there was a clear sound of rustling against the front door. A very familiar quick and aggressive thump as the handle rattled, a key obviously fighting with the lock. Robaire, of course, didn't hear this. "--everything to kind of.. shake out? You know. Can't plan the next moves without knowing exactly how well we did."

@nobody-like-jesse

[april-von-drake]

Rock Star in the House # [Robril]

[april-von-drake]

"Porty, meet Robaire," April said, switching to French, just because she could. Porty jumped up onto Robbie's pant leg and April made no move to stop him.

"Welcome to my kingdom." She kept one arm around Robbie's waist, though she turned to gesture to the grand foyer, complete with a resplendent fireplace and sunken seating area.

"What do you want to see first?"

@nobody-like-robaire

[nobody-like-robaire]

Porty.

Well wasn't Porty just an adorable little thing? Robbie could only smile as he leaned down and gently scratched the small fluffy dog behind the ears, uncaring even as he scampered up against his legs. He'd never had dogs (obviously) or any pet - well, he did briefly have a seal, he supposed but.. he didn't know how dogs on land were meant to act!

"I suppose it would be cheating to ask to see your favorite spot first?" Robbie pointed out as he straightened back up, eying the main room with a small tilt of his head. He'd never been in the Tipton, given he'd moved right into the dorms pretty much, but it seemed quite nice, didn't it?

"...Do you have an event space?" He ended up asking with a small tilt of his lips. Of course he'd want to see that, no matter how silly.

@april-von-drake

[nobody-like-z]

Homecoming Kings || Beach Boyz

[nobody-like-z]

"My French is baller, thanks," said Aaron, not in French.

Honestly-- he didn't know. It had been almost a year since he spoke it but surely it would be like riding a bicycle. That was what they said, yeah? This kind of stuff got in your bones and never left you. Hearing French was no problem, after all. So hopefully he'd open his mouth and magic would happen.

Then again, Aaron struggled to speak in English. He needed more than magic. He needed a miracle.

He needed Robaire.

He cleared his throat a little, glancing at the computer, seeing the Zoom screen pop up. He grimaced. Time was ticking down. "You'll take the lead, right?" he asked, though it was the kind of thing that went unsaid.

They hadn't done many interviews, but the ones that had happened so far had always started and ended with Robaire. A few other people jumped in here and there. Tae liked to try to make a good impression, Aaron T needed to make a joke or he'd pass out cold, and Jesse could form full sentences. Aaron Z was the one who felt his whole body stiffen, making it hard to shake his head yes or no.

Before Robaire could answer though, the PR lady turned around. "Almost ready! The journalist is in the waiting room so we'll let her in soon. How you two feeling?" She beamed.

Aaron swallowed. "Fine."

@nobody-like-robaire

[nobody-like-robaire]

Robaire was ready to answer - because sure. Of course. He'd have no problem taking the lead, in fact, he often did so far. It was easy, given he was the leader but it was also easier for him than it seemed to be for most of his group. He was naturally outgoing and easy to talk to. He thrived in conversation and engaging with others, plus as their manager had often said many times before, he was practically already PR trained from the start.

There was very little 'work' Dick had to do with him when it came to presentation, at least.

That wasn't to say Robbie actually did like interviews. They scared the shit out of him too - but he did what he had to. He protected his own.

So while his answer was cut off by the woman, Robbie could only offer her an equally bright smile with a nod of his head. "Great! I mean come on, we're stoked. This is like an honor to kids who grew up in Baie-Comeau." Robbie huffed, a hand landing on top of Z's knee like an excited little slap.

Though his fingers squeezed softly three times.

Easy Robaire speak that only confirmed the words he failed to say.

@nobody-like-z

[april-von-drake]

Rock Star in the House # [Robril]

[april-von-drake]

@nobody-like-robaire

"Tonnerre!" April trilled when she spotted Robbie walking through the revolving doors.

She bounced towards him, hair flying in all directions. She'd actually been on time once, waiting for him. If only because she was excited! April loved showing off the Tipton and she knew that Robbie needed a break.

Porty ran after her, yipping with her excitement.

She crashed into Robbie, giving him a big hug. "Hi!"

[outfit]

[nobody-like-robaire]

Time was a valuable thing these days - but so was Robaire's sanity.

So of course he wasn't going to turn down an opportunity to hang out with April, especially given the chance to hang out with her in her dwelling for once - since normally they tended to hang out in more public areas (aka the club, or the lake, or uni).

His hands were quick to wrap around April's frame as soon as she plowed into him, his frame only tipping back a tiny bit as a laugh slipped through his lips. "Salut éclair." He greeted easily, giving her a small squeeze before his gaze shifted down towards her small companion.

"Oh- and her very scary attack dog, hello to you as well." That it was certainly not.

@april-von-drake