[ To Ferdinand, the very idea of physical intimacy without some established emotional connection is a bit cold for his tastes. The House, of course, was keen to try to push him in other directions, throwing no end of incentives his way to try to grease the proverbial wheels.

Acting? That's something Ferdinand can do, even if his idea of it is a bit dramatic and over the top for some people's tastes. The actors he's seen, of course, were stars of the opera stage, bold and colorful personalities. There is no subtlety on an opera stage, save for the nuance of a vocal performance.

He walks a fine line, playing the part despite his preferences. The House had chosen well in ensuring that his first role had been against someone who had actually been his teacher at some point, but now, he had been informed that his scene partner would be someone different, someone he had never met. Someone who, like

There's no need to go all the way. You have hands, don't you?

It's with that in mind that he enters the set. And nervous though he is, he's putting on a brave front. ]

If I cannot bring my grade up before next week, then I will be ineligible for the feetball—

[ There is a throat clearing sound from off stage. They've been over this. ]

—football game. I know that my grades started off poor, but I put in a lot of effort to bring them up, only to ruin it at the last moment.

[ He straightens up, furrowing his brow. He's always been a good student, so pretending to be anything but is a bit of a stretch for him, but he's trying. ]

I only need one chance. Please, I beg of you.