A/N: Okay, I apologize for the short chapter this week. Oh the joys of state standardized testing. Yeah, we had that this week so my mind was mush after four hours of math. Anyway, I want to thank all the people who left reviews and all of the people who are following me! I want to thank you for giving this fic a chance. It means a lot to me. Don't worry next week there will be more action, think of this as a bridging over chapter. Reviews are much loved! Thanks to fangirlfangle for, editing!
"What?" Alfred replied, as if he hadn't heard Arthur.
Arthur sighed, not liking to repeat himself. He seemed to have to do that a lot with Alfred though.
"I said, how would you like to be in the play?" Alfred stared dumbfounded at the young Brit, trying to see if he was serious before shaking his head.
"No. No I couldn't, I can't, I-No." Alfred turned trying to end the conversation.
"Oh but you were great!" Arthur laid a hand on Alfred's shoulder spinning him around again to face him. "Please. You would be the perfect Antipholus of Syracus! It's the only character I haven't casted yet."
Alfred steeled a look at Arthur, "No. I can't. Thanks for the offer or whatever, but I can't."
Arthur grunted exasperated. When would this stupid American understand that Arthur was a person who got what he wanted?
He tried again, making his British accent go a few octaves higher, "Please? Pretty please?"
"No Arthur. Now move I have to finish the stage." Well, so much for pleading.
He wouldn't give up though. He knew his show would be perfect if only this stupid boy would say yes to the part.
"I'm not the acting type." Alfred continued looking away from Arthur trying to finish the last coat of paint but finding it increasingly hard with Arthur in the way.
"Oh really? And why's that?" Arthur inquired.
Alfred blushed a little, "No reason. I just know I wouldn't like it."
Arthur raised an eyebrow at Alfred. Something about his tone seemed off.
"Well you sounded like you enjoyed it. I mean you spoke the lines with a good rythmn and tone. Your emotion could use some work but overall it's much better then some people I've heard."
"Thanks, but I'm still not saying yes." Arthur frowned. Something was definitely wrong. He leaned down, staring intensely at the darker blonde's face. He noticed how Alfred avoided eye contact and seemed a bit flustered. He had seen this before, some actors got like this when they had- No, did Alfred-
"Do you have stage fright?" Arthur asked. A look of embarrassment flashed across Alfred's face confirming Arthur's suspicion. So, Alfred had stage fright; loud, confident Alfred. It was too much for Arthur; he bursted out laughing.
Alfred's face flushed, "Glad you find it so funny."
"No, no I just-" Arthur tried to get ahold of himself wiping away a tear from laughing so hard, "I just never thought you of all people would have stage fright. I mean you're so obnoxious, it just took me surprise is all."
The American grimaced, "You don't have to rub it in."
Two green eyes studied Alfred, considering how he should handle this new information.
"So is that the only thing keeping you from acting? The stage fright?" He asked his tone going gentle. Alfred shrugged, "Yeah I guess, I mean I always thought it looked cool. But then when I think of actually getting up on stage with everyone watching….I mean what if I forget my lines? Or don't hit my mark? I love theatre but I could never preform. That's why I do the 'behind the scenes' stuff."
Arthur contemplated Alfred's words, his mind racing. He knew he could help, he just didn't know how. If he could manage to get Alfred to accept his part in the play and get him over his fear of preforming they could both benefit. Then an idea came into his head, and for the second time that evening he smiled at his cleverness.
"Tomorrow's Monday. I want you to meet me in room 301 after school. No exceptions." Arthur ordered then walked out of the room, leaving a very confused American in his wake.