The Curious Cast of Coney Island

Chapter 7- Rooftop Rescue

Jane linked arms with her on the way to the stage. She'd helped get her a practice costume- the right skirt and top, just for her to practice in while the more detailed costume was being finished to her measurements.

"Are you ready to work on Valentina with Gustav? He's a wonderful dancer. Just let him lead like you practiced with me and you'll do perfect." Jane smiled as she looked down at Aria, proud of the progress she’d already made.

Aria blushed and nodded, holding onto Jane. "Yes. I'm ready. Let's just hope I don't trip." She let out a soft laugh, trying to lighten the mood a bit. "Thank you for teaching me Jane. It'll be a sad day to see you go."

"Oh, I'll still come by to visit. I'll miss you all too much not to!"

The dancers fell silent when they walked onto the stage arm in arm. Mister Y, who appeared on edge, beckoned the two closer. "Here we are, our Valentina’s."

Aria blushed softly and made her way over, holding onto Jane a bit as they walked further out onto the stage. "I'm... Sorry if we were a bit late, Mister Y." She said softly, looking up at him. Seeing him on edge put her a bit on edge as well.

"No, I was early." He assured them, glancing out into the auditorium. Mr. De Chagny sat, in his top hat, in the front row to watch his son’s rehearsal.

A rare occurrence. And one Mister Y happened to hate.

He approached Aria and took her hand, leading her out center stage. "I would like to introduce our new Valentina, miss Aria." He announced with a smile.

Aria blushed brightly and bowed. The other dancers, especially Fatima, all growled beneath their breath. "Tonight... She's dead." Fatima whispered, her anger reaching a boiling point.

"Pleasure to meet you again, Mister De Chagny." Aria said softly, yet loud enough for him to hear. Then she looked to Mister Y, bowed, and quickly made her way back to Jane.

"I want you all to treat Aria well. For the next week, we're going to spend rehearsals helping her learn the choreography." Mister Y explained. Gustav was sitting against the piano, tying his ballet shoes, a soft, hidden smile on his lips. His day was only getting better with Aria in the picture.

"And for those of you who doubt her abilities," Mister Y shot a look to the ballerinas. "I’d like to start with our duet. I’d like to hear our new star sing with our leading man."

Gustav rose to his feet, grinning at Aria. "You'll do great. I've heard you rehearsing this week." He whispered.

Aria blushed brightly and swallowed softly. Her stage fright started to set in. Swallowing again, she looked to Gustav. "Sh-Share some of that courage, w-would you?" She asked playfully, trying to ease herself as she moved to the stage with Gustav.

Taking a deep breath, she was trying to stop her anxiety. She took a deep breath, closed her eyes, then slowly opened them to look at Gustav, getting into character.

Gustav took her hand, squeezing it lightly as the pianist began to play the intro. Gustav had a verse in the beginning- but he was singing to her. A little differently than he did to Jane. His singing was full of emotion, trapped emotions that he was almost scared to release. But with her… With her, he felt strength, and it showed in his singing.

Aria listened, feeling her heart start to race and felt her butterflies start to fly as she started to sing her part, her other hand on her chest. Something felt different inside her as she sang. She could feel his emotions, and it made her sing more. More passionately. Wanting Gustav to feel the same emotions.

In the climax of the song, Gustav’s hands slowly moved to caress her sides and softly grasped onto her hips. Their chemistry radiated around the room, even with the few minutes that they had been singing together.