Lavender Thorns

Chapter 14- Roman

I woke up on Thursday, with the sun shining through my window brightly. I was extremely excited for theatre today, for two reasons. One, I was Orpheus, the lead role. Who wouldn't be excited? Two, I got to prove Virgil wrong.

I'd get five bucks, and the satisfaction of being proud of him for being the other lead. I was confused though, if he was Stage Crew, why was he given a role?

I pushed it aside and got dressed, brushing my teeth in the bathroom. I had taken a shower the night before, so I was good to go for the day. I walked into the kitchen, and found dark and dreary himself, sitting at the island, sipping his coffee.

He looked at me once I entered the room and did a lazy wave. He looked exhausted.

I got my iced coffee from the fridge and leaned over the opposite side of the island, facing him.

"You ready to ask Thomas about your role?" I smirked at him as I sipped my coffee.

He rolled his eyes. "Absolutely. I'm positive it's just a typo."

I didn't say anything more, and we both stood up, walking out of the dorm and outside. We didn't have very much conversation, not even a debate why we were right. We were too stubborn to admit we could be wrong, even though I was clearly right.

We eventually got to the Performing Arts Center, and upon realizing we were fairly early, sat on stage. The other trio of friends came busting in shortly after we arrived.

Valerie smiled at me as she ran up on stage, the other two walking at a comfortable pace. "Good job on the role Roman!"

I smiled and scratched the back of my neck. "Yeah. I'm really excited, especially given who Eurydice is.." I glanced at Virgil and gave him a malicious grin. He stuck out his tongue in response.

Talyn gasped slightly. "Wait, do you have a crush on the Eurydice?!"

Both Virgil and my cheeks must have gone a deep shade of crimson, because Valerie laughed as she pointed at us. Talyn, having gotten no answer due to us being flustered, was scrambling to figure out who Eurydice is.

Joan chuckled, looking squarely at Virgil. They must have looked at who Eurydice was, being clever enough to do so. They said nothing though and turned to the enthusiastic Talyn, who was frantically trying to find a cast list so they could play matchmaker.

I smiled and turned back towards Valerie. I gulped as I realized I hadn't checked who she was.

"H-hey, Val.. What role are you and the other two..?" I rubbed the back of my neck and smiled nervously, feeling like a semi-bad friend.

She smiled widely and bounced a bit. "I'm Persephone, Talyn decided last-minute to join Stage Crew, and Joan joined her. I was slightly surprised, but it's whatever they want."

I was also surprised, but didn't comment. "That's great! We'll get to interact a bit in the show!"

She smiled but I blinked and it was suddenly mischievous. "And you'll get to interact with Virgil," she spoke in a hushed voice, so only I could hear.

She leaned back, with an innocent smile and Virgil looked over with a confused face.

I put my hands in front of myself, my cheeks turning slightly pink. "I-it's not- I don't-" I coughed once Thomas bursted through the door, clutching a rolled up cast list.

He had a huge smile on and I forgot about my previous conversation and looked to Virgil, who only smirked at me.

Does he actually think it's a typo?

"Hello you bunch of dorks! As you all know, the cast list went up yesterday, but I'll be going over it today." Thomas set his bag down and went to the front of the stage, unrolling the cast list and flattening it. He cleared his throat and Talyn looked directly at him, deadset on finding out who Eurydice was.

I'll just inform them afterwards that I don't actually like Virgil.

"Let's start with main characters! We have..." He read through for a moment, and smiled.

"Roman Black will be playing Orpheus.." The cast applauded, and I smiled with joy.

Thomas looked directly at Virgil, smiling even wider. "Virgil Elliot as Eurydice."

The cast applauded, and I looked to Virgil, who looked back with wide eyes. I would have smiled proudly, for him and for myself, being right, but all I saw was fear. He was scared.

I could tell he was trying his best to hold himself together as Thomas continued down the cast list. Eventually, he finished. Theatre was over for the day and everyone packed up.

I said a quick farewell and went over to him, trying to put on his bag. I tapped him on the shoulder, and he whirled around quickly.

"Hey.. You wanna go talk to Thomas?" I smiled sympathetically at him and he sighed.

"I was about to go do that. Come if you want." He smiled back and left to go to Thomas, but I followed.

I wouldn't admit it yet, but I cared about Virgil. Despite his sarcasm and stubborn nature, you could tell he was really a big softie, with a tough exterior.

He seemed confused as I walked beside him, but I said nothing. We made it to Thomas, and he spun around as soon as I cleared my throat to gain his attention.

"Oh hello you two! I was assuming Virgil would like to see me. Come into my office." He gestured to follow him and I looked at Virge warily. He seemed wary too, but we followed anyways.

The walk was extremely short and Thomas opened his door, gesturing to sit down at the seats on one side of his desk.

"I assumed you'd have questions about your role. I also get to knock out two birds with one stone, as I had to talk to you anyways, Roman." The confusion in the room escalated and me and Virgil shared another glance.

He shook his head but looked over to Thomas. His hands were gripping his arms tightly, and his knuckles turned white. I winced, knowing that there would be a bruise tomorrow.

"To start, why did I get a role? I'm Stage Crew." He looked at his feet, tapping on the ground in a rhythmic beat.

"Again, a question I'd assume you'd ask. Your singing audition was phenomenal, and fit the role perfectly. I wasn't going to miss the chance at a perfect Eurydice." He tilted his head as if showing Virgil to ask any other questions.

"I'm not fit for the role, still. You must have seen how horrible I was at dancing!" He looked at Thomas with his eyes narrowed.

Thomas smiled, again. "That is why I was going to call Roman here in the first place." Thomas turned towards me and I gulped. "You had the best dancing audition I've seen in awhile, so you're one of the most qualified to help Virgil here. Mikayla needs to work with the rest of the cast on choreography, so she simply doesn't have time."

My jaw must have dropped to the floor, and my hands clasped together tightly. "I mean- I'm not qualified to tea-"

"Nonsense. You are absolutely qualified. It is your decision though."

I thought to myself, glancing at Virgil for any answer but his face was buried in his hands. Thomas looked at me expectantly and I groaned. I'm going to regret this.

"Sure.. Wh-What do I need to teach first?" My voice was taut because of my nerves.

Thomas sighed, clearly relieved. "A good fundamental to start would be slow dancing, and it gets you two used to it. There is a slow dance section during the actual show."

A/N: I've never seen Hadestown, so don't @ me.

Of course.

Virgil groaned from beside me and looked ready to die as he peeled his face from his hands. He knew there was no point arguing, and I knew the same. It would be uncomfortable, but it'd have to be done.

Thomas listed a few songs we could practice to, and we eventually left the small office uncomfortable and not knowing what to say.

Word Count: 1,359