Chapter Text
Grian grumbled as he packed his bag. This edition of Truth Seekers was a special overnighter to the haunted Pinball house. Apparently it was a big bar in the 1980’s, offering pinballs and any substance you want according to the rumours, now the owners who bought it planning on turning it into a pinball museum. The renovation and pinball machines was costing them a small fortune, which Grian had no idea what to bring apart from Mumbo’s striped pjs because it would make such a good gag.
Grian closed the bag with a sigh. At least Renbob managed to get hold of some sleeping bags for them to use. They did need to be aired out because Grian was pretty sure they were going to get into trouble for turning up stinking of weed but they looked warm and they came at the best price of all… free. Grian made sure to pack his charger and some snacks before helping to pack Mumbo’s bag.
Mumbo had a few office hours to complete and was planning on join him at the place to film. Mumbo had sent him a list of items to pack which Grian did mostly. Grian was interpreting some of the instructions a little. 1 pair of cotton briefs became 1 pair of obviously jokingly given red silk boxers because damn he wanted to see Mumbo in them. Grian groaned as Mumbo listed out his entire morning routine to make sure Grian packed everything. Grian wasn’t a dick and packed it all while grumbling. He was planning on just heading home afterwards to get clean. He could live without brushing his teeth for a couple of hours.
Grian grabbed everything and made sure he had his charger at least six times. Pearl was coming with them along with Ren and Martyn to film it. Pearl had managed to get the pair a contract too with the station to be the film crew on their work and Grian had no idea how she was doing all this. He wasn’t questioning it any more, not since he got his cut from the video profits and it was more than his monthly wage.
The pinball house thankfully wasn’t far as Grian was left carrying both his and Mumbo’s gear. The place was very kitschy and Martyn, Ren and Pearl was already there filming the b-roll footage and backing shots. He managed to toddle over them, almost sliding in the muddy front garden. He almost fell into the pond, after he startled a frog who croaked loudly at him. He managed to get his feet under him and sighed. “You better not have filmed that.” He told them, and knew they had judging by the innocent look on their faces.
Ren laughed, still wearing his sunglasses even though it was evening time. “Oh no definitely not my dude. It isn’t going to be part of the end card footage. We wouldn’t dare.” He lied through his teeth to Grian and Grian couldn’t blame him. He managed he looked ridiculous.
Grian shrugged and shifted his backpack higher on his shoulder. “Where are we sleeping tonight Pearl? Can we dump these down?” He asked, feeling just how heavy the bags was now. He only packed lightly but carrying them for so long was making his joints hurt.
Pearl had her clipboard out and nodded. “Yep. So Joe told us we can use the workshop to store out things while you guys film but you will be sleeping in the most haunted room in the place. The main dance floor.” She told him, knocking on the front door.
The door swung open and inside was a strange long haired, glasses wearing bearded man wearing a striped suit and a mad grin. It was perfect. “Weeeeeeeelcome to the Pinball Museum!” The man was absolutely perfect for their videos. Over the top, colourful and Grian loved it. They were his people. Those not afraid of being odd or different and Grian couldn’t wait to interview him.
Grian held his hand out and grinned. “Hey I am Grian and thank you for helping us out tonight. We promise we won’t break anything. Mumbo should be here soon enough and will you be giving us the tour?” He asked as he looked around the man to peer into the room. He could see fake cobwebs and fake plastic monsters dotted around the place.
Joe laughed. “Yep! That is what I am contractually told to do. And if there is anything in this world which I obey it is my legal contracts.” He told Grian while rocking on his heels.
Mumbo finally made it stumbling up the stairs and panted. “I am not late am I?” He asked the pair. “Oh hey Joe!” Mumbo greeted the man. “This is your new job?” He asked, sounding like he knew the man.
Joe nodded and stepped back to let them into the place. “Oh yeah well there isn’t much work for someone to convince others that they aren’t living in a simulation. It just seems to be your group that constantly has the issue for some reason.”