Chapter Text
“Today, we’re switching things up,” Angelina says as she claps her hands together. Our whole team is lined up, facing the mirrors, with Angelina pacing in front of us. I can't help but think about how much I don't want to be here. I was going to ask Angelina if I could take things slow after last week’s performance, but I ended up being late. The last thing I need right now is for things to be “switched up”. Hell, I don't think anyone here needs things switched up right now. This group has only had one competition since our hiatus, and that competition went horrendously. At least, it did for me. Shouldn't we be more focused on getting things back to normal? Not that I can, of course. My duet partner is gone. My lover is gone. And with him, the lifeblood of this whole goddamn team. It's not like we can bring Raphael back to life. And just because Angelina invited those two new people- Jake and Skylar- to join after he left doesn't mean they can take his place. Nothing can take his place, and without him, nothing's the same. I’m starting to hate dancing. Maybe I should just quit. I feel like I’m dying inside.
“All of you have strengths when it comes to playing characters on stage,” Angelina continues. “But that also means that you all have weaknesses. So, I’m going to give you all acting roles that I know will be difficult. And to help break you out of your roles-” she clenches her hands dramatically on the word “break”- “we’re switching up your normal partners.” There was a general murmur of disapproval amongst us all. “Wow, guys, a little enthusiasm?”
“Yay partners!” Jake cheers.
“Thank you, Jake.”
“Woohoo,” I grumble, crossing my arms and staring off to the side. An air of silence lingers and I start to feel a little guilty. Cassiopeia rubs my arm from comfort, and I give her a weak smile.
“New partners?” Oren barks. Cass immediately pulls her arm away, wiping the sweat from her palms off on her leggings.
“I’m glad you’ve finally caught up, Oren,” Zayla smirks. Oren clenches his fists.
“Don’t start, you two,” Angelina chides. “In fact, you might want to declare a truce.”
“Oh, don’t tell me-”
“Zayla, you will be doing a duet with Oren.”
“No!” Both of them yell simultaneously. I can’t help but chuckle.
“Your duet will be called Wild and Free. Oren will be playing a wild, reckless, quick and harsh character, and Zayla, you will be safe, cautious, slow moving.”
“How the hell are we supposed to win with this?” Oren challenges. Angelina glares at him.
“This is less about winning and more about improving. And we’re moving on,” she says before Oren can complain more. “Jake, you and Donny are also going to be doing a duet. It’s a romantic piece called Welcome Home.”
“Wait, my acting piece is that I’ve got to pretend I’m straight?” Donny rolls her eyes. Zayla and Jake burst out laughing.
“Partially. It’s about you being able to create chemistry and trust with people that you might not be used to. You two are playing a newlywed couple, so there’s a lot of...giddiness. And Jake, you’re going to practice being the leader in a dance and being dynamic on stage, without Skylar to help you.” Jake beams and does jazz hands. He’s adorable. Er- adorably annoying, of course. I hate him.
“Coen and Skylar, I have a few ideas for the two of you, so come see me after this and we’ll discuss the options, okay?” The two look at each other, grin, and nod.
“And last but not least, Cassiopeia, you and Artur will be dancing together.”
“Awesome!” Cass says, hugging Artur out of excitement. Artur grins and hugs back, but after a glance from Oren he lets out a nervous chuckle, lowering his arms.
“Your piece is going to be called Partners in Crime. Artur, we’re going to combine your strength with Cass’ flexibility and have a ton of fun lifts and tricks. It’s going to be a winning performance.”
“So, “Partners in Crime”, is this like, romantic?” Oren asks through clenched teeth. Damn, possessive much?
“It’s inspired by the whole Bonnie and Clyde criminal idea. Meaning you guys’ challenge will be acting dark and evil and confident.”
“Uh-” Artur starts, but Angelina interrupts him.
“Confident.”
“Wait a minute,” I butt in. “I haven’t been assigned anything.”
“Right. Tyler, I thought you could use some more time off,” Angelina explains. “I still want you to come to competition with us, and you’re more than welcome to come to lessons and learn the pieces for fun, but when it comes to actual competition, you’re still on break, okay?” She gives me a knowing smile, and I try to hide my thanks. Even if she was just trying to save the Frye School of Dance the embarrassment it suffered from my hand last time I took the stage, I'm grateful.
“Yeah, sure, whatever.”
“Alright then!” Angelina says, clapping her hands together. “Everyone warm up and let’s get to work!”