Work Text:
The crowd was cheering as the current group sang. Touya listened to the music, enjoying it. Yet, it was hard to focus on that when he knew that he and Akito were up next. Anxiety was running rampant in his brain, doubting if he would be able to perform without freezing up. He even considered running out of the live house and straight home. Or maybe to the nearest arcade, as home wasn't a place he really wanted to be either.
"C'mon, it's almost time to go on!" Akito said, urging Touya to follow him. However, Touya had seemingly frozen in place. "What are you waiting for?"
"I-," Touya stuttered, "I'm a bit nervous. I've never performed in a live like this before."
"Scared? You can't be serious," Akito scoffed.
Touya frowned. "The crowd is just so big. It's a little intimidating." He listened again, hearing all the voices of the people watching the current performers.
"Dude, we've practiced for this for days. You're ready!" Akito clapped him on the back, giving him a grin.
Somehow, Touya wasn't calmed. He felt that after spending all that time practicing with Akito, he would be fine. But he still had stage fright.
"Hey," Akito said, slightly softer this time, "you trust me, right? You're gonna do great!"
Yes, he did trust Akito, but he still wasn't convinced. Touya took a deep breath in, then out, then in again. Then, he got an idea that could possibly calm his stage fright. He wasn't sure how Akito would react, but figured that since he thought it would help, he should try it.
Touya took hold of Akito's hand, then said softly with a smile, "Hold on tight so I don't run away." He knew the words were a little cheesy, but figured they were appropriate since he was feeling like he could ditch at any time. Also, the act of holding his partner's hand was very calming.
Akito seemed to be showing mixed emotions. He wasn't sure how to react to the sudden contact nor the words spoken to him. He blushed slightly, then sighed. "Okay, but only until we're almost on the stage."
Touya smiled. "That works. There's really no chance to run once we're on stage, right?"
"Right!" Akito agreed, squeezing Touya's hand slightly.
"Alright everybody!" the MC began. "Now, we have some newcomers performing here for the first time. Please welcome BAD DOGS!"
"That's our cue," Akito said as the crowd cheered. They began making their way to the stage, still hand in hand, only letting go once they were about to take the stage. When they took their places, the music started. They each glanced at each other, and Touya knew that this performance would go well.
