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Neil's happiness was over the roof, he got Puck the main role, the fairy. Oh how he could hug the heavens right now, (his heaven came in the form of blue eyes, and messy hair.) and practice his lines until his voice became hoarse, his first play, first time acting.
Maybe that's what fuelled his eternal love for acting, but truly it was Mr. Keating, his motivation, his analysis of poets. His carpe diem. The blinding stage lights, the costumes, his own bravery.
He knew Todd would watch, he always did. Todd's memorized the lines several times over, if Neil ever forgot his lines, Todd would quietly whisper them to him.
"Okay everyone, in Five we begin, make sure you have everything ready!" Mr. Pritchard called to everyone as crew and actors scrambled to their places.
Todd sat nervously in the audience mumbling the lines to himself. You can do this Neil, I know you can. His mind tells him.
The curtains draw and Theseus walks on stage.
----
When Todd sees Neil for the first time, on stage, he feels like his heart is beating out of his chest, and he could've sworn everyone else can hear it. He looked breathtaking, as if Aphrodite herself had given Neil part of her own beauty. He doesn't know what to do with his body as his leg bounces quietly and he fidgets with his fingers.
Neil's voice quavers, just a little, seeing Todd and Mr. Keating in the audience, he wants to do good, he wants to be good, if not for him, then for them. For Todd (his not so subtle crush), and his inspiration of a English teacher. But out of the corner of his eye his father stands with disappointment in his eyes, in the very back. He was screwed he knew that much.
----
Neil takes a gracious bow as his co-stars follow, the audience erupts with cheering and applause. Some throw roses, Todd was one of them. The pang of his heart, Todd's smile, tells him everything he needs to know. God he loved Todd so much, and his smile was priceless. He cant help but smile in return, so much his face hurts.
He heads for his nearest changing room as the other actors meet up with their friends or families. He can't bare to look at his father again, his disappointment crushes Neil.
Several minutes later Todd finds him, just as he's putting his shoes on. "Neil! You were incredible!"
"You really think so?"
"Of course, Neil, you're like a star on the stage," Todd happily conveys as his smile reaches his eyes.
His anxiousness present but mellowed out, "Is it okay if I do this Todd?"
Todd's brows knit into a look of confusion.
Holy shit, I think ill just go for it and kiss him.
Neil leans in and pecks him on the lips.
Todd returns the favor.
"I'm sorry Todd that was sudden,"
"Its fine Neil, I liked it!"
"Could we be more, more than friends.. Boyfriends maybe?" Neil asks with a gentle look and a shy smile.
"Of course!"
He's so thankful for Todd, he truly desperately is.
Maybe playing Puck was all worth it now.