Inspiration (England x Reader)
The hallway was eerily soundless and empty as you fiddled with the dial on your number lock. Counterclockwise, clockwise, counterclockwise. Your locker swings open and you grab a small white plastic bagg before slamming it shut.
It was time for rehearsal.
This year, the play was based on one of Shakespeare's earlier masterpieces, the ever-so-famous Romeo and Juliet. You had tried out for Juliet but failed, ending up as the backup instead. So you ended up signing up for crew, just to be near...nevermind.
You locked your locker and strolled down the echoing hallway, with the exception of a few people milling about.
"Hey, _!" a familiar voice called out.
You twirled around to receive a very enthusiastic glomp from your best friend, Ally.
"Hey Al," you replied, unfazed, although smiling slightly.
"Jeez, you're always so mature!" Ally pouted, her blue eyes showing melachonly. "But then again, it's always interesting!"
"Suit yourself," you retorted, throwing the bag over your shoulder. "We're going to be late if you don't hurry up."
"Right! I can't afford to be late again!" Ally grabbed your hand and dragged you all the way to the auditorium, her short blonde hair flying as she sprinted.
You managed to get there in time, thanks to Ally and her agility.
"Is everyone here yet?" the drama teacher called.
You adjusted your glasses before counting the number of heads in the room, and found one missing.
The teacher did the same, and checked their name off when he saw them. "Mr. Arthur Kirkland is not present," he stated, looking under his glasses at his clipboard.
Whispers went through the crowd, especially one especially-loud voice that belonged to a blonde-haired, blue-eyed, "hero-like" boy named Alfred, that stated that Arthur was later then him for once.
Ally turned to you, blue eyes mischevious. "i guess you can't stare at your dear Arthur now," she teased playfully, in a crooning tone.
"Quiet." You blushed slightly before thinking up a comeback. "Why don't you go flirt with Alfred, like you always do?"
It was common practice for you two to tease each other now. Ally knew that you had a crush on Arthur, and you knew your best friend had a crush on Alfred. Who could resist teasing the other.
As your best friend blushed a light pink, the doors suddenly slammed open violently. A blonde man with emerald green eyes stumbled into the auditorium, clearly out of breath. "I apologize for the inconvenience."
"You're late, Mr. Kirkland." The drama teacher marked a check next to his name. "If you're late to the performance tomorrow, we'll have your understudy have the role."
"I understand." Arthur took a seat at the front, still a bit out of breath.
"_ ! _ ! Are you already daydreaming?" Ally's voice snapped you out of your thoughts. "The minute he comes in, you've already bought a ticket and went to Lovesick Land?"
You attempted to hit her with your bag but failed.
"Ehem..." The teacher stepped onto the stage and addresed the cast and crew. "For the past few months, we have preparing this play. I expect the best out of each and every one of you. Now, let's change into our costumes and start the last dress rehearsal!"
A cheer met this brief pep talk.
You leaned back against the small green bench on stage left, still clutching your bag. Sighing, you slid it under. You know that you're not going to ever need the Juliet costume, ever.
Peeking out of the curtains slightly, you spot Arthur reciting his lines.
"O true apothecary! Thy drugs are quick. Thus with a kiss I die." You love how dramatic he said his lines. They flowed brilliantly, and-
"Oi! That's our cue!" Ally whispered hoarsly into your ear.
"Right!"
It was performance night, and the actor for Juliet still wasn't here.
You paced backstage anxiously. You were all ready to perform if the actress didn't show up, but there was a slim chance you would even get to perform anyway.
"Agh! She's not coming! _! You're playing Juliet now!" The drama teacher called.
"_! This is your big chance!" Ally exclaimed excitedly. "I'm so happy for you!"
You could only nod as you went to change.
"What's here? A cup, closed in my true love's hand? Poison, I see, hath been his timeless end: O churl! Drunk all, and left no friendly drop to help me after? I will kiss thy lips; Haply some poison yet doth hang on them, to make die with a restorative."
You were supposed to pretend to fall, but instead, you accidently tripped and fell while the curtains closed.
And you just happened to fall onto Arthur.
And you just happened to...kiss.
"I-I'm sorry!" You pushed yourself up and gently touched your lips.
"It's fine, _," Arthur replied, looking up at you. "I actually sort of enjoyed it. N-Not that it means anything, of course."
"Eh, really now...?"
AND ROMEO AND JULIET LIVED HAPPILY EVER AFTER.
"What do you mean, we lived happily ever after?"
