Chapter Text
“Welcome back.” Idia said perfunctorily. He had barely looked up from the wall of board games when Azul walked in. It was almost comforting to return to such predictability.
“Thank you.” He replied as cordially as possible. “I’m sorry I missed our last meeting.”
“Ah, it’s okay.” Idia shrugged. “The Ramshackle prefect filled in for you.”
“Oh?” Azul fought an impressed smile. “Will they be returning for this week's club as well?”
“If you’ll have me.” Yuu’s voice startled them both, a development they were trying valiantly not to laugh at. They weren’t doing well. Azul at least was able to compose himself relatively quickly.
“Yuu!” His voice was all cheer and welcome, any resentment for the little slip Yuu had caused hidden away. “Are you here to join the board game club officially?”
“Actually, I came to welcome you back from your trip.” They said, smile only slightly nervous. “Though I’m not opposed to some board games.”
“We’re playing games?” another voice chimed in. Azul felt his heart drop a good four feet into the floor. “That sounds fun!”
Ace’s excited face morphed into something else when he saw the occupants of the room. Azul’s smile didn’t change.
“You’re more than welcome, of course!” He said, still as cheerful as ever. “More players means we can play more kinds of games, right Idia?”
The other club member seemed somewhat shaken by the addition of more than one person. But when Deuce poked his head around the other side of the door, he simply shrugged. “I guess.” No use in putting up a fight.
“Cool!” Yuu beamed at them both. “So, what do you guys want to play?”
Neither of the official club members said anything, busy trying to think of a game that could be adapted for so many. They were silent long enough for the others to start making suggestions. Each one came with its own problems: this one only allowed four players. Yuu had never heard of that one, and the rules were complicated. Another required multiple decks of cards and props. Yuu suggested some, but no one had even heard of the games, let alone the rules.
“C’mon guys, there’s got to be something we can all play, right? Maybe something without pieces?”
There was silence. Something without pieces, with relatively simple rules, that all of them could play? For most of them, it had been actual years since they’d played any games like that. But after a few moments, Azul did have something.
“Actually,” He began cautiously. “Vil introduced me to one that may work.”
“Oh?” Ace looked curious. “I didn’t think he played games.”
“It surprised me as well.” Azul tried to smile, but it was closer to a grimace. “In fairness, he does spend a lot of time waiting for things.” he said.
“So what is it?” Deuce asked this time, with Yuu nodding along.
“I don’t know if this is the true name,” Azul hedged, “but we called it The Price is Right–”
Yuu interrupted with a delighted noise, causing every eye to turn toward them. The attention put a slight flush on their cheeks, but didn’t stop their excited explanation. “I know that one. It was a popular TV program back in my world. Still is, I think.”
“So you know the rules?” Azul asked, and Yuu didn’t miss the note of pride in his voice for his solution.
“Well, to the game show. Not your version.” they admitted. “But I’m sure I can catch on!”
“I don’t know the rules.” Ace said pointedly. “Care to share?”
“Share what?” a familiar voice interrupted. Azul felt himself cringe. “Why you’re blocking the hallway?”
“Oh hey!” Yuu didn’t seem phased. “Welcome back from your trip guys.”
Vil graced them with a smile. “Thank you, dear. Now, about this gathering here?”
“Oh, Azul was about to explain the rules of the Price is right for us.” Yuu answered without a care. Oh, to be so unguarded. Jamil’s eyes glittered with amusement, and Vil’s smile grew.
“Oh, that’s a good one!” He glanced into the room at the Board Game Club members. “Are you all playing too?”
Though he didn’t even look towards the other students, Idia nodded, and Vil positively beamed. “Oh excellent! I would love to play a round or two with you all.”
“It’s settled then.” Azul stepped forward, ushering them all towards the foyer and its lounge-style seats. “Idia, bring the projector would you? I have an idea.”