Ramin Karimloo imagines and one-shots

One-Shot #17 (Ramin Karimloo)

I was sitting by myself in one of the red velvet audience chairs, looking out at the large stage in front of me. 

The Royal Albert Hall was truly one of the most beautiful places I had ever seen, and I found it even more extravagant than Carnegie Hall in New York. 

Unfortunately, though, it was also one of the most overwhelming places I had ever been to, so I was having a hard time adjusting to the grandeur of it all.

It seemed like hours had passed until I heard distant footsteps on the stage, which caused my head to perk up in response. 

A silhouette slowly emerged from the shadows, and my breath hitched in my throat as soon as I saw the distinct white mask.

The light fell upon the exposed side of Ramin's handsome face, and I could see his brow furrowed behind the mask. 

"Avery," he said softly. "What are you doing out here by yourself?"

"Nothing," I replied quickly while standing up from my seat. "I was just...admiring the place."

He tilted his head the slightest bit, nonverbally telling me that he was unconvinced. 

I ignored his questioning gaze and put on my best smile. 

"I should get back to work," I said with a nod. "Good day to you, Ramin."

Just as I began to walk away, however, I heard Ramin faintly say, "Wait."

All my instincts told me to keep walking, but my foolish heart took over and made me glance over my shoulder at him. 

His expression was caring as he gestured for me to come onto the stage.

I inhaled sharply, but I eventually got my legs to move toward him and up the side stairs. 

Once I was close enough, I asked, "Is there a problem?"

"No," Ramin shook his head. "I am merely wondering why you seem so tense. Did something happen backstage that I should know about?"

His tone became slightly protective as he said the last few words, and I was a bit surprised at the sudden change. 

I quickly gathered myself, however, and said, "I promise there's nothing going on. I'm fine."

"Are you sure?" he pressed, his voice returning back to its soft tone. "Your eyes tell a different story."

Nice going, a voice chided in my head. You always have to wear your heart on your sleeve.

I eventually bit my lip and relented. 

"Fine," I sighed. "I'm overwhelmed by this atmosphere. I've never been good with change, but this is a whole different level. I don't feel like I can relax at all, and I'm extremely stressed because of it."

I paused to take a deep breath, then whispered, "I'm scared that I'm never going to get used to this; that I'm going to fail at everything I've worked so hard for."

Tears started to prick at the corner of my eyes, and I turned away from him in shame. 

You are pathetic! the same voice yelled. Have you learned nothing?

I was expecting Ramin to leave because of my awkward reaction, but I was proven wrong when I suddenly felt his hand wrap around my wrist. 

His grip was incredibly gentle, giving the impression that he wasn't even touching me. 

That must be the Phantom in him, I thought to myself.

Ramin turned me around to face him and brushed a stray tear away.