THE MOMENT
"No you don't understand, I literally AM the character!" Bobby insisted. He was visiting his best friend, Calvin, and they were hanging out in his room, each focused on their own node at that particular moment.
Bobby hadn't been there long, and they hadn't decided what to go and do yet. Calvin was working on his side hustle and needed a few more minutes while Bobby had time to kill. He used the handful of moments to build up his courage and reveal his secret. The buildup wasn't a long process, he trusted his best friend. He never planned on revealing it when there was no reason to. But, he did finally have a reason.
"Dude, no offense, but you're nowhere near as pretty as Sunstream Jubilee," Calvin chuckled without bothering to look up.
"What? No, not that show, dummy. She's a streamer, obviously I didn't mean her."
"So, you're NOT secretly a magical girl?" Calvin asked. This time he did glance up to meet Bobby's eyes with a smug grin.
"No, I'm not a magical girl, nor on Jubilee's team," Bobby shook his head. "The other show you like! I'm a character in that!" he said. Calvin had returned to his task, but he was forced to look up again, this time he narrowed his eyes and tilted his head at Bobby.
"Helios' Variety Hour? Which skit? I thought Helios did that show all by himself?"
"Ugghhh...," Bobby grumbled and shook his head. "Not that one!"
"Bro, I'm trying to get this done so we can go. Just give me a name. You can't toss out, 'from that show you like so much', I like a ton of shows. You didn't specify 'my favorite' which we already established you're not Sunstream Jubilee."
"I'm the 'Masked Skater'!" Bobby replied.
"No way!" Calvin finally showed some of the excitement Bobby had been hoping for. "The ringer from 'Derby Challenge' right? Apparently, I have to make sure with you," he chuckled.
"That's me!" Bobby beamed.
"Wow, I'm impressed," Calvin nodded. "I had no idea you were that good at Derby... unless... it's scripted..?" he asked tentatively. He didn't want to insult his friend's skills, but he knew the realities of television.
"Nope, I'm legitimately that good," Bobby smiled.
"That's awesome. Why tell me now?" Calvin asked. "I'm super curious, the show's been on for a couple of seasons already. It's cool that it's you under the mask, but, yeah. What brought on this confession?"
"Season finale coming soon, and they want to spice things up to be sure and secure a third season," Bobby answered.
"Uhuh....," Calvin nodded. He didn't see what that had to do with him yet, but he knew Bobby was working toward a point.
"It turns out the Masked Skater has a long lost brother... and they're taking auditions," he grinned at Calvin.
"No way!" he hopped to his feet from pure excitement. "When?"
"Public posting goes up next week. But, as a man on the inside, I can set up a private audition whenever, anytime before that."
"Now? Now! Please!" Calvin pleaded.
"Sure, I think I can get you in front of someone today," Bobby nodded. He'd already booked an audition shortly before confessing to Calvin. "You know, whenever you're done with your side gig."
"Now. I'm done now," Calvin nodded and his node disintegrated into nothing.
"Well then, I guess let's go," Bobby chuckled and stood up. "But, if anyone asks, it's probably a good idea to say 'Derby Challenge' is your favorite show."
