Chapter Text
Alfred gripped the steering wheel as he took a deep breath in and out. He turns to adjust his mirror and fix his hair for the seventh time. He's nervous. He places his hands back on the wheel to breathe again. "Okay. First audition, for a really cool show. No big deal. I'm totally going to nail it." He glances at the mirror one last time until he turns the engine on and pulls out of his parking spot.
He arrives to the studio in a short time. In hindsight, he didn't need his car, he could have walked. However he wanted to show up looking his best and not a sweating mess. He parks and jumps out of his car. The view of the studio is even better up close. For years he's dreamed of landing a role in a popular show. The idea of having thousands to millions of eyes looking at home from everywhere in the world gave him exciting goosebumps. With a smile on his face, Alfred steps towards the entrance.
When Alfred enters the studio he walks to the front receptionist, "Hello! I'm here for the audition." The guy glances up to Alfred from his computer. The receptionist has dark brown hair, with a strand of hair sticking out to his right side, and a irritated demeanor to him, Wonder what's got him annoyed? Alfred also takes notice of the receptionist wearing sunglasses despite being indoors. The receptionist types something into the computer before sighing and looking up to Alfred, "What's your name?" Alfred smiles more, "Alfred F. Jones!" The receptionist cringes a bit and then looks back to the computer and types. "Ok. you have a audition for the lead role in A Guide to Murder." The guy looks up to Alfred with a raised brow, "Is that right?" Alfred nods, "Yup! I'm going to totally get the role!" The receptionist scoffs and smirks for the first time during their interaction, "I'm sure you will." He hands Alfred a lanyard. "The audition is in studio 4, the director is there, so you better make a good impression." Alfred takes the lanyard and puts it around his neck. He smiles at the receptionist, "I will! Thanks!" While walking away Alfred hears the receptionist whisper, "idiot-bastard". Alfred chooses to ignore it, this is his day after all.
Alfred eventually finds himself lost while trying to find the studio. He looks to his phone to see the time, Damn I only have 5 minutes before the audition starts, so much for a good impression. He pockets his phone and starts to look around for anyone that can help him. His eyes land on a security guard who is standing near the restrooms. Alfred walks up to him and upon closer look the security guard has blonde slick back hair and a stern look to him, Is everyone so tense here? The guard turns to Alfred, "What are you doing here?" He says in a stern tone, it jolts Alfred a bit but he relaxes quickly. "Hi, I am here for the audition for A Guide to Murder in Studio 4. I'm new so I'm a bit lost can you show me where it is?" The guard glances at the door to the men's restroom briefly until looking back at Alfred, "I'm sorry, I can't walk you there I was told to wait for someone. Studio 4 is-" Before the guard can finish a door to the men's restroom is slammed open and a man with wavy, dirty blonde hair reaching to his shoulders steps out. The man looks down as he fixes his suit, "Ludwig. Seriously, you don't need to walk me out. I know my way to the door." The man finally looks up and his eyes immediately land on Alfred, "Oh! I'm sorry, you're new? Do you need something?" Alfred was about to answer until he's interrupted by the guard. "Francis. You were told to leave the premises 30 minutes ago. You must leave NOW." Francis scoffs and walks toward Alfred. He wraps an arm around Alfred's shoulder as he eyes Ludwig, "Ludwig no need to be so harsh. This boy is new and I am going to help him find his way." Francis turns to Alfred and gives a gentle smile, "Which studio are you looking for?" Alfred side-eyes the guard briefly before looking to Francis, "Studio 4." The smile on Francis beams to an almost mischievous one as he grabs Alfred's hand, "Perfect! I was just there, I can show you the way, easily!" Francis drags Alfred away as the guard tails behind them, "Francis! You were told to leave! You must not return to Studio 4!" Francis brings Alfred close to whisper, "Let's loose him. Auditions are starting in 3 minutes." Before Alfred can respond, Francis starts to pick up his pace as Alfred follows. Alfred can only think while running, This is so stupid! I'm definitely NOT making a good impression!
They eventually reach Studio 4, which was on the other side of the building. No wonder that receptionist called me an idiot, Alfred thought. With just a minute to spare Alfred walks in as Francis follows behind. He hunches a bit as he whispers to Alfred, "Pretend I'm not here." Alfred whispers back, "And I get in trouble? No way! What if that guard gets here?" Alfred sits down as Francis finds a seat behind him and whispers, "Don't worry about Ludwig. If he shows up, just say I ran off when I left you here." Alfred sighs as he looks around the studio, there's a several other people. I'm going to have to really give it my all if I want this role. Francis places his hand on Alfred's shoulder as he leans in, "Are you nervous?" Alfred glances at him, "Maybe." Francis smiles, "Don't be. I'm sure you'll do well. Besides…I know the director." Alfred almost jolts out of his seat to question Francis further until a someone starts to step on the stage. It's a man with bushy eyebrows and blonde short hair. He's wearing a simple white buttoned-up shirt and gray slacks.
That's the director. Is all Alfred can think of as the man on stage speaks into a mic. "Hello, and good afternoon to all of you! All you are here to audition for the leading role in my show A Guide to Murder. I wish I can keep all of you, but sadly I must pick the weeds out from the daisies. So let's get the auditions started!" The man walks to the directors chair as he picks up a paper he continues talking, "I will call out each of your names, alphabetically, you will start when I say 'start'. I have a long day today, so do not waste my time." Alfred gulps. Suddenly, he kind of doesn't want to audition for the role anymore. No, I can't walk out now! I have worked and waited for my chance, so I'm not going to be intimidated easily! Alfred thinks as he takes a deep breath in. Francis places his hand back on Alfred's shoulder, again. "Don't overthink it. Arthur is all bark and no bite. He's sardonic but he is really nice when you get to know him. Just try your best. And if you do fail, you and I can leave this place and go get some lunch." Alfred turns back to look at Francis who has a gentle smile on his face. Oddly enough, Francis's words help to ease Alfred a bit more. He looks at the room of other people auditioning and at the stage where the director is jotting notes as someone performs in front of him. Alfred feels more confident, he does belong here and he will get the role.
Some time has passed and some people had already gone up to perform. It is going to be Alfred's turn soon. Alfred can't help but wonder if being first is better to get it out of the way or if being last makes it easier to calm the nerves.
"Alfred F. Jones!"
None. Oh my God! Kill me!
Francis pats Alfred's shoulder and gives him a thumbs up, whispering, "Break a leg." At this moment Alfred wishes he did. But he isn't about to let his nerves gain control of him, Alfred stands up and walks confidently to the stage. As he starts to ascend the steps he stares at the director who is looking down at his paper. Alfred is completely starstruck to see the man up close. So starstruck that he doesn't sees the person walking towards him.
*Thump!*
Alfred crashed into the previous person that performed. They're both on the floor of the stage, the other auditionees are staring, Francis is staring, the director is staring.
Shit. I think I broke a leg.