#shakespeareadventevent

[tveckling]

Shakespeare Advent Event, Day Twenty-five Prompt: Christmas Day Play: Romeo and Juliet

THE LAST ONE WOOOO

When Benvolio woke up his first thought was that there was something missing. Mercutio was burrowed into his arms, but there was no warm body pressed against his back, as there should've been. He could clearly remember Tybalt's arms pulling him close before he fell asleep, and their absence was upsetting. Opening his eyes with a groan, forcing the drowsiness out of them with willpower, Benvolio looked around the room. No Tybalt. Slowly and carefully he moved his arms away from Mercutio, hoping that for once he wouldn't wake up. The hope was in vain, though, Benvolio realized as Mercutio groaned and opened bleary eyes. "Whas go'n on?" he mumbled. "Nothing, just going to find Tybalt," Benvolio answered softly. Mercutio sat up and yawned big. "I'll come with." Benvolio opened his mouth to argue, but decided against it. Mercutio was already awake, and has decided to stay awake, so there was no point in trying to get him to sleep again. Instead Benvolio nodded and rose from the bed, stretching as he did. He could hear rustling from behind him as Mercutio also left the bed. The time couldn't be much, Benvolio thought as he looked out the window. It was dark, although there was enough light that he didn't need to switch on any lamp as he looked for pants. Mercutio didn't care for such trivialities and walked out of the room, perfectly satisfied in his underwear. Benvolio followed him into the kitchen, where the light was on. Tybalt stood at the stove and Benvolio took a moment to breath in the wonderful smells of freshly cooked breakfast. "I was going to wake you up as soon as I was done," Tybalt muttered as soon as he noticed them. Mercutio went over and plopped down on a chair at the table, smiling sleepily. Tybalt smiled and returned the quick hug Benvolio gave him. "I tried to be quiet and not wake either of you. Apparently I failed, sorry about that." "No, no, it was me who woke up, by myself, and then woke up Cutio." Benvolio leaned against the cupboards and watched Tybalt work. Tybalt glanced at Benvolio, then down at the food. "I'll have it ready soon. Christmas Day, wanted to do something special." "So you make us a feast? I can't say I'm complaining," Benvolio said and grinned. "I'm definitely not," Mercutio agreed loudly, a half-eaten egg in his hand. As Benvolio shook his head and went over to the table to guard the rest of the food from Mercutio's greedy fingers he was sure he heard Tybalt chuckle. It was a nice morning.  - End -

[tveckling]

Shakespeare Advent Event, Day Twenty-three Prompt: Stockings Play: Romeo and Juliet

"No, that's ridiculous! Tybalt, tell Benvolio he's being ridiculous!" Tybalt looked up from his desk and frowned as Mercutio stormed into the room Tybalt and Benvolio used as an office, Benvolio hot on his heels. "What are you talking about?" "Benvolio has this stupid idea, and it breaks everything that's right and traditional about Christmas. But he refuses to let it go!" Benvolio scoffed and crossed his arms. "It's not stupid. I think that instead of everyone having a Christmas stocking of their own, we could have a big one to share." Mercutio swirled around and spread his arms wide. "But that's not how it works! Each person has a stocking so they can get small gifts and candy and whatnot tailored to them specifically; having one big defeats the whole purpose! Besides, it would look ridiculous. And where would we hang it? Do you have a magical hidden room with extra space?" "And you should think of the inconvenience of those tailored gifts," Benvolio shot back, gritting his teeth and glaring darkly. "It's better for everyone to have only one, because then we can concentrate on getting candy everyone likes. Not to mention, that's already what we do! We always share the gifts, and the candy, and it's never especially tailored to begin with, so I don't get what you're arguing about! And you're being unreasonable on purpose, it's not like I want to buy a giant stocking. What are you imagining, something bigger than a tree?" Tybalt raised a hand, as well as his voice. "I have two things to say." He waited until he had gotten their attention, then continued. "First of all, I don't see the purpose in having Christmas stockings at all. Second, I'm in the middle of drafting a document that will be the backbone of a big and expensive lawsuit. I closed my door for a reason, and this debate is what's truly ridiculous. Now get out and stop bothering me!" Benvolio cleared his throat and muttered an apology, quickly exiting the room. Tybalt turned to look at Mercutio, and they silently watched each other for several long seconds, until Mercutio huffed and turned around, leaving the room and closing the door behind him. Sighing, Tybalt leaned back in his chair and rubbed his temples. He lived with children, he thought, ridiculous children. Tybalt had barely began concentrating on the document again before he heard voices rising in the hall. Gritting his teeth he muttered to himself to ignore them, just ignore them, but had to admit defeat. It took but a moment to rise from the chair, go over to the door, tear it open, and shout, "SHUT UP!" Finally silence.  - End -

[tveckling]

Shakespeare Advent Event, Day Twenty-two Prompt: Hot Chocolate Play: Romeo and Juliet

Mercutio was busy glaring at the rebellious espresso machine when the door opened, letting in new customers along with cold air. Normally he'd have greeted them happily, but at the moment he was locked in a battle he refused to lose, and, besides, Viola could take care of them just as well. "No 'hello' for your favorite boyfriends? I'm feeling unloved here," a familiar voice joked, bringing an involuntary smile to Mercutio's lips. "I think you can take a little less loving today, Ben, after yesterday's activities," Mercutio said and turned around with a smirk. Benvolio and Tybalt stood at the counter, each dressed in thick winter clothes, Mercutio noted. "Has it gotten that cold? It wasn’t that cold when I came into work, almost pleasant even. Wasn't it supposed to stay that way the whole week?" Tybalt nodded and removed his hat, deeming it unneeded in the warm café. "It was, but as proven time and time again it is a futile effort to even try to predict the weather." Mercutio grinned and leaned his hip against the counter. "And here comes our dear Tybalt's animosity towards weather forecasters, amusing to hear as usual. One day you will have to tell us why you hate them so much." "There's nothing to tell." Tybalt pursed his lips and looked away. It was tempting to lean forward and rub his cheeks—he always got this indignant look that Mercutio found absolutely charming—but Benvolio, who must have seen the way Mercutio inched forward, cleared his throat. "Anyway, Tybalt said that you probably weren't dressed for this sort of chill, so we drove here to give you a ride home instead, since we are the most generous and humble and loving boyfriends one could want." "Also bored out of their minds, right?" Benvolio shrugged with an innocent face, and Mercutio snorted. He glanced at the clock on the wall, then had to take a second look. "Wow, I had no idea it was that late already. Time has really been flying today; first we had a group of tourists that swarmed the place for four hours, then Niccoló started messing around, so I've been fighting with him for- oh, two hours now." Tybalt sighed and eyed Mercutio tiredly. "Can't you stop naming your machines after your exes?" "I do it only because their personalities fit so well," Mercutio replied with a wide smile. He gave said machine a hard smack, and it peeped loudly as if protesting. "Like our, sadly non-departed, Niccoló, this machine is also a piece of shit, preferring to fuck up everything it touches and spit in our faces if we try to reason with it." Benvolio shook his head. "You've complained about that machine for weeks. Isn't it time you throw it out and get a new one?" "Ah, but you see, dear Benvolio"—Mercutio raised a finger and tutted—"unlike his garbage of a namesake, this Niccoló actually does have his good sides. You'll only have to taste his espresso once to realize that his is a talent you can't just throw away. So instead we fight and reason and, if nothing else works, threaten him, and at the end of our troubles we get an amazingly good drink." Benvolio and Tybalt looked at him with matching deadpan looks, which didn't bother Mercutio the slightest. He simply grinned, taking a moment to wave goodbye to the couple that had been sitting in a corner for most of the day. Viola came up the to counter, smiling quickly at Benvolio and Tybalt. "Hey, guys. Cutio, there's only those two teenagers left, and about twenty minutes before we close, is it okay if I go early today?" Mercutio nodded, waving a hand at her. "Go, go. Disappear quickly before I come up with a reason to keep you here, and go home myself." She nodded and gave a thumbs up before rushing off towards the back door. Experience had taught her that if Mercutio said to disappear quickly, he meant it. "See you, guys," she called out, and then she was gone. "Now then. Since you were so thoughtful and came to escort me home, I believe you deserve a treat." Mercutio hummed and motioned towards the cozy chairs in the front of the café. "Go sit down, I'll be there soon." Benvolio lead the way, choosing the chair with the best view of the street and throwing his jacket in the chair next to it. Tybalt took more care in hanging his jacket on one of the clothes stands next to the door, before sitting down. They chatted for a little while, then fell silent as Mercutio came walking, bearing a tray with three steaming mugs on it. He placed the tray on the coffee table before giving Tybalt a kiss, and then climbing into Benvolio's lap and giving him a kiss as well. Tybalt took one of the mugs and sniffed once. "Hot chocolate?" "The best for this sort of weather, don't you agree?" Mercutio smiled and grabbed one mug for himself, simply holding it and warming himself. Benvolio smiled and hugged Mercutio. "The best," he agreed.  - End -

[the-full-shakespearience]

What Shakespeare Characters want for Christmas

A comfortable chest binder, respect, and a gift card from The Gap: Viola, Rosalind, Portia, Julia

A cheese of the month club membership: Falstaff, Dogberry, Nurse

 Velvet Elvis painting: Titania, Benedick

 A set of high-quality lock picks: Brutus, Puck, Iago

 As much chocolate as their petite stomachs can hold: Beatrice, Horatio, Kate Minola

 LEGO Death Star: Lady Macbeth, Richard III

 Some Goddamn peace and quiet: Malvolio, Richard II, Lear

[soljoe]

slightly-late pic for day 20: snow! everyone on the island is needy for snow, so naturally, they consult prospero. (left to right: ferdinand, miranda, prospero, ariel, caliban)

[tveckling]

Shakespeare Advent Event, Day Twenty-one Prompt: Ice Skating Play: Romeo and Juliet

"Aren't you coming?" Tybalt looked back at Benvolio, who was standing still on the ice. "I am, just give me a moment. This isn't precisely my favorite thing to do," Benvolio muttered and slowly pushed forward on the ice skates. Tybalt frowned and turned around to skate closer to Benvolio, hovering around him. "If you don't like to go ice skating you should have said so, we could have stayed home." "No, that's not it. I like skating, I do." Benvolio laughed and grabbed Tybalt's hand, using him as support. "It's just that I've always lacked the skills to be good at it. Unlike some people." He looked ahead and shook his head fondly at Mercutio laugh as he was being chased by a bunch of kids. Mercutio was just as quick and graceful as he was on ground, and one could easily have thought he was running on grass instead of slippery ice. "Yes, well, some people need to learn to take it slower," Tybalt said and clicked his tongue as he watched one of the kids fall and start crying. Mercutio was quickly at the girl's side, but he looked more than a little bit panicked. He had never liked it when children cried. Benvolio huffed a laughter. "It's a good thing we're going slow and steady, then. Any quicker than this and I'm going to fall as well." Tybalt shrugged and easily kept skating next to Benvolio. "The speed is of no matter to me. What's important is the company, so rather than go off on my own I think I'll stay here with you." Benvolio smiled widely, waving at Mercutio who was looking their way. The girl had stopped crying and had decided to try and climb onto Mercutio's back instead, surely demanding to be taken on a ride around the small rink. It wasn't the first time Mercutio had done that, and the neighborhood children loved the speed and the tricks he could do. The parents encouraged it, glad to have a free babysitter for a while. "You're such a romantic," Benvolio said and grinned at Tybalt. "I feel special, no, I feel honored to be bestowed your company." Tybalt rolled his eyes. "If I want sarcasm I can talk to Mercutio. If you don't want me to stick around, just say so." "Don't run away." Benvolio raised Tybalt's hand and kissed it. "I'll be nice, so stay with me?" Tybalt huffed but didn't try to pull back his hand, so Benvolio knew he wasn't actually mad. He turned in another direction, explaining to Tybalt as he did, "We should probably head in another direction. If we get too close to Mercutio he's going to start chugging off kids on us." "I thought you liked kids," Tybalt commented with a raised eyebrow. Benvolio winked. "I do, but sometimes someone else can take care of them. Right now I just want to skate with my boyfriend in peace and quiet."  - End -

[strengthsbystrengths]

Shakespeare Advent Event, Day 21

Prompt: Ice skating

Play: Coriolanus

In which Rome tries and fails to find an activity that doesn’t lead to Martius and Aufidius brawling and neither notice they’re on thin ice until it’s cracking underneath them

[tveckling]

Shakespeare Advent Event, Day Twenty Prompt: Magic Play: Romeo and Juliet

"What the hell do you think you're doing?" Tybalt glared darkly at Mercutio, who had just risen from his bed. "The doctor said as little movements as possible for seven days at least, and it's only been two days. I know you went to the bathroom half an hour ago, so don't try that excuse this time." "Maybe I need to go again," Mercutio said with a pout, but he didn't offer any resistance when Tybalt pushed him down on the bed again. He laid back, and very slowly and gingerly raised his right foot to place it on a thick pillow. Benvolio came into the room just as Mercutio had made it comfortable for himself again. "He tried to leave the bed by himself again, didn't he?" he asked with a sour look. Tybalt rolled his eyes with a nod. "Third time today." "I can't help it. I'm bored!" Mercutio pouted and did his best pitiable face, but when all he received was twin looks of disinterest he dropped the facade. "Come on, entertain me!" "We're not your servants, Cutio, you can't order us to do things," Benvolio said and crossed his arms. "Please?" Mercutio tried adding with a big smile. "Tybalt, can't you do something?" Tybalt frowned and glanced at Benvolio. "Me? What would you think I could do?" Mercutio leaned forward and gestured at Benvolio, lowering his voice as if to tell a secret. "You know, Ben, I have it on good account that our dear kitten used to be quite a magician when he was younger." "Wait what? You did magic tricks? You? You never told me." Benvolio looked at Tybalt, halfway between amused and horrified. Tybalt, however, was firmly stuck on being horrified, and stared at Mercutio with wide eyes. "No one knows that. I never told anyone! Who to-" He stopped himself and sighed heavily. "Julia." "Right on the first try," Mercutio said and grinned widely. "She told me how you used to show her all your tricks, and about that specific trick with the roses you always did whenever she was feeling sad, and still do. Oh, and also-" "Julia talks too much," Tybalt interrupted with a glare. His tone was hostile and his face far from friendly, but his cheeks had begun to redden, and now Benvolio had started smiling as well. 'This sounds very, very interesting." Benvolio leaned against the doorframe, effectively blocking the only way of escape. "Why don't you show us a few tricks of yours? It'll make the time go faster, I'm sure." Tybalt looked between Mercutio and Benvolio, then breathed out. "Fine. I'll do one trick, but then  you'll stop asking about it." "Of course," Mercutio said genially. Benvolio and Tybalt both knew he wouldn't stop. "Right. So, do either of you have a blank paper around?"  - End -