Show Stoppin' (A Robert Manion x Reader FF)

~ Chapter Three ~

~ (Y/n)'s POV ~

Its been about a week since I have moved in with Jeff and rehearsals for The Guy Who Didn't like musicals had officially begun. Everyone was finishing up with an early morning read through as I helped plan out the set and necessary props with the stage manager, Paul Gabriel. Everything got a whole lot noisier as everyone was taking a break after finishing the table read and it was clear that everyone was excited about the roles they were placed into. To see all of their smiling faces was making me feel a sense of pride and happiness. It still seemed like such a dream to be working on this show with an amazing group of people. 

"Alright everyone, we are gonna start working on learning the songs. We are gonna start with one of the smaller songs since we did the table read. Jeff will be taking Lauren, Mariah, and Jaime for Cup of Roasted Coffee. Jon, if you could go with them so once they learn we can do some minor staging that would be great," Nick spoke out to the cast as everyone carefully listened. The four of them disappeared rather quickly, leaving the rest of us to continue conversing and working on whatever. Most of the cast worked on starting to memorize their lines, while I continue on helping Paul and Corey Lubowich with the scene design ideas. Yet, it didn't take long for Nick to walk up and tap me on the shoulder. I turned around to face him with a smile. 

"What can I do for you Nick?" I asked in a cheery tone due to how happy I was in this moment. 

Nick smiled and told me, "Jeff told me you have been listening in on him playing the songs, and that you know how to play piano, so I was wondering if you could possibly go back to the other practice room and start working with Robert on Show Stoppin' Number?" My heart skipped a beat. He wasn't wrong, I did indeed enjoy sitting around listening to Jeff playing the songs, and I do know how to play the piano, so there really was no good reason for me to say no.

"I'd love to!" I chime as I show Nick a wide and joyous smile. He seemed pleased with my answer as he immediately called over Robert.

Robert walked over and stopped in front of us, "What's up?"

"Well, you will be going with (y/n) here to the spare practice room and she will help you start learning Show Stoppin' Number, so if you could go with her that would be great," Nick explained. Robert didn't even take a split second to oblige and he led me to the spare practice room. 

Once we got there, it was rather small, but it was nice. I quickly sat down on the chair in front of the Piano and Robert sat beside me in another chair. We got to work immediately and for the next two hours we worked on his number.

"Ah, actually, Robert, you need to go up on that note by a half step like this," I said before I sang to show him what he needed to do. After he listened to me, he followed my example and it sounded absolutely beautiful. 

I paused in playing and looked at him, "You are a really good singer Robert, like really good." 

"You know you aren't too bad yourself, (y/n)," He replied and I looked at him shocked that he would say that to me. I shook it off, but he continued staring at me as I sang out his part. Yes, he followed along, but his eyes were mostly on me and I could feel it. Eventually, it made me curious so I turned to face him.

I blurted out, "Why do you keep staring at me?" as I realized just how rude that sounded I quickly added, "I didn't mean for that to sound so rude! I'm sorry!" All that came out of him was a laugh as he listened to my frantic apology. 

"I'm sorry if my staring is making you uncomfortable. I just have been sitting here listening to you and I'm just wondering something," He told me, this raised my curiosity.

I asked him in the most polite tone I could, "What could you possibly be wondering at a time like this?"

He stared at me for a moment longer before he asked his question, "I'm just wondering why you aren't part of the show if you are such a good singer?" I thought about his question and then I looked up at him with a sweet smile.

"Well, as much as I love singing, and being on stage, I've always felt better with all the behind the scenes stuff. Yes, I've performed on stage many times, but to me, it wasn't as fun as being backstage and watching all the actor's hard work come together. I mean that's one of the best parts. Seeing the work you've put in combine with the work of the people on stage, it's so satisfying," My eyes glowed with passion as I rambled on and on about how much I loved working backstage.

I took note that I was rambling and laughed to myself, "Ah, sorry for rambling on."

Robert placed a hand on my shoulder and responded, "Don't be, it's always nice seeing how passionate someone is about their work, it lights a fire under me to do just as amazing they are." I looked into his eyes and we sat there in a very comfortable silence. Looking into his eyes I was able to see just how much he loved doing this. Learning, and performing. It's almost like its in his blood. My heart pounded in my chest as I realized his hand was still on my shoulder. 

"Uh, Robert," I nodded my head towards his hand and quickly pulled it away. 

"I am sorry, just got lost in the moment," He stuttered as he turned his head away. I could see the light pinkish tone on his cheeks and it made me blush. He looked really sweet. 

Yet, we were both pulled out of the moment by my phone blaring.