Hello, everyone, thank you for your patience. I know this update has taken quite some time. Please enjoy this next chapter. Sorry, nothing from Romeo and Juliet in this chapter, so I just do not own Spring Awakening at the moment. Reviews are very much appreciated.

The day of the play had arrived, and the town buzzed with anticipation. Several of the parents had made food to serve before the performance, so the play had become a large picnic and social event.

Ernst heard people talking outside the room that now served as the boys' dressing room as he stepped into the dress, which was his costume. He was alone. The call time was actually not for another half hour, but he had wanted to arrive and get ready without any of the others around him.

He was not really worried that they would make fun of him; he just wanted some silent time to think. Truthfully, he had been anticipating this day for weeks. Hanschen finally had to shed the cloak that Romeo provided him. Ernst felt himself become very excited as he looked forward to discovering Hanschen's real feelings. Once ready, he sat in silence, listening to the merriment in the nearby hall.

The time drew closer. Herr Sonnenstitch started gathering the boys who were in the hall, and others came through the back door of the school. Hanschen walked through the brisk air. He had not wanted to talk to anyone, so he did not attend the earlier festivities. As he walked up, he heard people being told to come in. He also saw the lovely Wendla Bergmann run up to Melchior.

She grabbed his shoulder, as he was about to go inside. He turned and looked happy and surprised to see her.

As Hanschen passed he heard her breathlessly say, "Melchi, I have such news for you. You will not believe what has happened!" Her hand rested on her stomach as she spoke.

Melchior looked at her then looked back, "I'm sorry. Wendla, I have to go now. I'll talk to you later."

"But, Melchior, it's very important."

"I know, but really I must go." Herr Sonnenstich was yelling inside. "I will see you after the show. I promise, we will talk then." He looked around for a moment and lightly kissed her. Hanschen pretended he did not notice.

"But, Melchi!" She called after him, but he had disappeared into the doors. Hanschen looked directly into her eyes and nodded in acknowledgement. She froze for a moment and then turned away and ran to where some other girls were standing.

Ernst's silence had been broken a long time ago, and the dressing room was full of noise as the boys talked amongst one another, looked for their props, and got ready. Hanschen walked over to him, placed his hand on Ernst's shoulder, but said nothing.

Melchior, now in costume looked around. "Has anyone see Moritz?" He looked worried.

"He's in the closet." Georg called to him.

Melchior knocked on the closet door, but Moritz would not open it. "Melchior, I cannot be seen like this. It is far too humiliating." Moritz panicked from the other side.

Melchior coaxed him, "Moritz, I'm sure you are exaggerating, please just come out."

Moritz returned with an adamant "No!" However, with some more mild coaxing and convincing from several of the boys, he came out. Many had to suppress a laugh, as he did look very amusing, in a large dress and white hat, but they tried to make him as comfortable as possible.

Ernst stared at Hanschen as he got ready. He looked remarkably handsome, his brow furrowed in quiet concentration. Ernst reached out and took Hanschen's hand. This started the blond, but he turned to face him, as Ernst pulled him a little closer.

Staring up at Hanschen with his large, innocent brown eyes, he whispered, "Hanschen, I love you."

Hanschen chucked and replied, "I know." He leaned down and kissed Ernst before he pulled away.

Most people were occupied in trying to convince Moritz that he did not look ridiculous. Moritz was preoccupied with the idea that he did, so only Melchior noticed their little exchange. He said nothing.

Herr Sonnenstitch burst through the door asking if everyone was ready, and then calling everyone to the backstage area. Moritz froze in the dressing room, obviously beginning to sweat. The other boys walked down the hall, with Ernst at the end, closest to the door.

Ernst heard Herr Sonnenstitch yell through the door, "Herr Steifel, get moving. If you do not leave we will start late, and I will not put up with it."

"Yes, Herr Sonnenstitch."

Moritz ran through the door, and ran down the hall to catch up with the others.

They set up for the first scene, and the lights came up.

The play had begun.