Chapter Text
“Ms.Dale, you can’t, this isn’t going to work-” he blabbers, even as the older woman continues to go through the wardrobe choices for him.
“My dear, I saw you up there, you are a born star. There is no one else who can play Marco.” She says calmly and gently, the way you would speak to a small child.
“Thank you, but-” He begins to argue again, wondering how he could possibly explain that there is no way he could play a love interest when it was his actual love interest on the stage with him. He would look like a fool, or worse, it would painfully obvious to everyone the crush he had on the other man.
“So we only have a week to work through this, its going to be quite the battle so I hope you’re ready. Luckily Mr.Stark is nearly show ready so we can focus our efforts on you. Do you happen to know any of the other songs in the show?” She asks, picking out a leather jacket and nearly throwing it at him.
“Well yeah, I mean all of them, but-” He stutters, wondering if she ever stopped talking long enough for him to get his words out.
“Fantastic! The stars are aligned!” She rejoices, clapping her hands together.
“The problem is-” He tries again with another sign before someone else bursts into the costume room where they are standing.
“Problem? Already? Weren’t you just cast?” Tony says with a laugh, holding a couple fo scripts in his hand.
“I don’t think this is for me. I’m not meant for theater.” He finally stammers out, wondering why he has to trip over his words so much around Tony.
“Mr.Rogers, do not toy with me feelings this way, it is too much for a tired old woman-” Ms.Dale begins to monologue before Tony places a gentle hand on her shoulder, silencing her.
“Why don’t you give us a moment? Actor to actor?” He asks with meaningful look, which she nods to in agreement before heading out.
“That’s what I’m trying to say, I’m not an actor. The only place I sing is my kitchen and I’ve never even acted, much less danced or learned choreo-” He rambles before Tony places both of his hands on his shoulders, warm and surprisingly strong.
“Steve. You’re nervous. And rambling like crazy, which is a little adorable I’ll give you that, but you need to take a deep breath. And believe me when I say you can do this. I promise I wouldn’t let you go on that stage if I didn’t think that. Partially because it would also embarrass the shit out of me.” Tony says with a smirk, his honey brown eyes surprisingly kind.
“Thanks Tony… did you say adorable?” He asks, his heart giving the smallest flutter.
Tony removes his hand as he laughs, “Does that mean you’ll do it?”
“I’ll give it a try. At least one rehearsal, and then you guys will know you have the wrong guy.” He says, letting a small smile cross his face. He couldn’t bear saying no, not when Tony was being so reassuring and possibly even flirting.
“That’s all I ask. Let me show you what kind of guy you really are.”