England x Reader

The Phantom of the Opera | Part 1

-------6 months later---------

Your POV:

"Hi, Mum. Hi, Dad," I called tiredly as I stepped through the door. Rehearsals had gone overtime...Again. The show was in two days and rehearsals were sucking the energy out of me. Even Valentino seemed stressed. All that was whirling around in my head were lines from the script and lyrics from the songs. I was singing the same songs over and over to the point where even my parents were getting fed up.

"Hi, Honey. Dinner's in the fridge, we're off to bed. Goodnight," Mum yawned from the top of the stairs before walking away to the bedroom.

"Okay, thanks. Goodnight," I replied sadly. I missed spending time with friends and family, the show was not only sucking up my energy but also my time. As much as I was enjoying myself, Valentino's enthusiasm was really starting to annoy everyone. Though, at least Jessica's seriousness created a balance. I trudged into the kitchen and went to heat up the food in the microwave. My eyelids drooped as I stood, waiting for the food to heat up.

Ding

The beeper went and I jolted awake, realising I'd fallen asleep. As I ate, I decided to read more about my character, just to feel secure in my knowledge. But the article was long and became increasingly difficult to read as time wore on. Occasionally, my eyes would close. I found myself reading the same sentence over and over. I found myself reading the same sentence over and over. I found myself reading the same sentence over- "OKAY!" I shouted at the narrator. "That's enough," I grumbled and stopped reading. I quickly washed up my plate and trudged up the stairs. "So tired..." I mumbled as I brushed my teeth. I sluggishly got changed and fell onto my bed, lazily reaching over to switch off the light. As soon as my eyes closed, I was out.

------Time skip to the day of performance ------------

Arthur's POV:

I parked my car next to [Name]'s as I waited patiently in her drive. I glanced at my watch. Today was the first performance and even I was feeling nervous. I looked up and smiled when I saw her walking towards my car. She waved at me and I waved back. I sighed lightly when I noticed her biting her lip, she always did that when she was nervous. I knew it was going to be tough, first performances always were. 'Just ask her how she's feeling' I reminded myself, deciding it was best to start with a gentle conversation on such a morning.

[Name] smiled and got into the car. "Morning," She said, masking her emotions the way she always did, with a smile.

"Good morning, Love," I returned the smile and switched on the engine. "How are you feeling?" I asked softly as we pulled out of the drive. She laughed lightly, though it was a nervous laughter.

"Well, my hands are a bit clammy and won't stop shaking," She said jokingly, though I heard her voice tremble. I took her hand, not caring what condition it was in, and squeezed it firmly to reassure her. I smiled empathetically and rubbed my thumb gently over her knuckles. Her pulse slowed as she calmed down and she steadied her breathing.

"You'll be fine. Just remember to breathe. You know all your words, your voice is beautiful and even if you make a mistake, it's not the end of the world," I smiled at her and she chuckled.

"I don't know, the stage could explode if I forget a line," She giggled. I laughed lightly. She always knew how to calm my nerves with laughter. Now it was my turn to do the same.

"You know, most of the time that you're on stage, you're with other people, so even if you make a mistake, everyone else will be there to cover you," I said encouragingly.

"Yeah, that's a relief," She sighed happily and I felt her relax more. "Thanks," [Name] whispered and I nodded in understanding. The rest of the journey was silent but I decided not to break it. [Name]'s usual talkativeness had quietened, a clear indicator of how nervous she was, though it wasn't as bad as before. I brought her hand up to my lips and kissed it lovingly and she smiled shyly at me. 'I love her so much'.