be my next mistake // prinxiety

★ 18 : opening night ★

Roman grabbed his costume from the rack where a couple stagehands were talking, waiting for the show to begin. Techies were called hours earlier than the actors, so their jobs were already done until the actual show.

While Roman was warming up, Janus picked up Logan and Virgil. Virgil could have driven, but the paparazzi knew his license plate, and they didn't want anyone trying to enter the theater and disturb the atmosphere.

"Do you two want to talk?" Janus prompted.

Logan huffed. "Sorry, Virgil." He avoided eye contact completely, making it clear he wasn't the type who liked to admit they were wrong. "I don't think you treat me like you're using me. It was immature of me to lash out."

Virgil frowned. "I mean, that rant had to come from somewhere. Is something up?"

The nerd rolled his eyes, but he wasn't annoyed. Just tired of everything. "Occasional periods of social isolation because of my..." He stopped and lowered his volume. "Mental illness. Depression. Ugh. Whatever! I don't like thinking about it, or talking about it or anything. Especially not to you. I barely know you."

Oddly enough, Virgil appreciated that, and he could still see Logan was holding back. "Makes sense. I don't open up easily either."

"So... Is everything good?" Janus asked.

Logan shrugged. "Hopefully."

"It is," Virgil stated.

They arrived a few minutes later and were allowed into the theater after being given programs. Virgil kept his head down and stayed between Logan and Janus in order to hide the best he could.

He wore a sweater despite the temperature outside to hide his recognizable tattoos, but the temperature wasn't as high inside the theater.

Their quiet conversation was interrupted after the theater filled up and the lights dimmed, only shining on the stage.

The actors ran out on stage, one strumming an electric guitar, and Roman brought an 80's camera. He wore a vintage sweater, scarf, and fake glasses.

When the huge applause from the audience died down, he said, "We begin on Christmas Eve with me, Mark, and my roommate, Roger."

It didn't take Virgil long to be submerged into the story as Mark continued his speaking introduction.

"Smile!" Roman turned the camera onto himself and a spotlight shone on him as he began to sing the opening number. "December 24th, 9 PM, Eastern Standard Time. From here on in I shoot without a script."

As Roman owned the stage like it was his second home, Virgil noticed that although it wasn't a dance-heavy show, Roman was a fantastic dancer in the parts he did dance. For example, the Tango: Maureen.

Most, if not all of the actors, seemed Broadway ready. And Roman's incredible vocals were a whole other topic. He wasn't even showing off his full range and power as a singer and overall performer for the role, but he was absolutely captivating.

After the act one finale, La Vie Boheme, the curtains went down and the lights came up, so it was time for Virgil to quickly turn his head down at his phone and hide his identity in the clear light. He had his hood on and even filled in his eyebrow slit with makeup just in case someone saw that tiny detail from afar. Though, his hair would be a bigger giveaway than his eyebrow, but still.

Fifteen minutes later, the show progressed and the actors received a standing ovation during bows. Roman was the last to bow due to his role, and Virgil's heart warmed at the sight of the actor's tired yet accomplished grin that carried into his bright eyes.