“It’s okay, Val. You got this. You’ve been practicing for this non-stop.” Valentino talked to himself as he looked in the mirror, smoothing some of the blonde locks which had come out of place during his pacing.

Most of the dancers although nervous never fretted as much over a dance as he did. Much less over one that was simply going to be done in class. Sure it would be a grade, but their ballet master was decently lenient- especially with something like this progress check. And though it wasn’t unique for Valentino to be worrying himself to death before a performance, this time he could actually argue that it was valid.

Today his instructor brought her friend along. And not just any friend. A recruiter of one of the most famous ballet companies. And rumor has it that he’s just so happens to be looking for a male dancer. The sound of one of the girls calling his name makes Valentino jump, blue eyes widening as his heartbeat skyrockets.

“Okay- coming!”

With one last shaky smile at himself in the mirror, he pushes open the bathroom door, striding purposefully towards the studio.

He takes a few moments to give a quick introduction, a small smile and nod, acting normal as if he wasn’t about to collapse from nerves on the spot. But he couldn’t afford that. Not now.

So he forces himself to take a deep breath and gets into position.

When the music begins, Valentino knows he’s stiff. His double cabriole felt off and he feels like he’s already fumbling. So instead of focusing on the sets of eyes on him, he immerses himself in his role. Pretends that he is Albrecht. That he truly had been cursed to dance until he died.

And so he dances.

The cheers of the other ballet dancers bring a smile to his face, a few of them huddling around him.

“You did so good!”

“How many extra hours did you do to make it that perfect?”

“Guys- who’s that?”

The sound of disgust catches Valentino’s attention, causing him to follow the girl’s gaze out the window.

A sight which would usually cause him to smile brightly instead made his entire body freeze up.

Anon was out in front of the building, leaning against a wall with a bag in hand. He was dressed in his usual attire, one that Valentino noticed made some of the dancers’ noses scrunch up condescendingly.

“Hey, Valentino, don’t you know him? Thought I’d seen him hanging around you a few times.”

“I-uh…”

Words seem to refuse to leave his mouth as Valentino continues to stare at Anon, wondering why the fuck he was here.

“He’s… my sister’s… boyfriend. We meet up sometimes. I’ll be right back.”

Not even bothering to check if anyone was listening, Valentino rushes through the doors, panting lightly when he finally reaches Anon.

Before Anon has a chance to speak, Valentino interrupts him. “Anon- what are you doing here?”

His frenzied gaze drops to the “visitor” tag haphazardly plastered on his shirt, interrupting Anon once more as he opens his mouth.

“Anon we’ll talk about this later.” Valentino attempts to push Anon towards the exit, hyperaware of the many judgmental eyes on his back. “You’re embarrassing me.” He hisses out, the blush on his face deepening as he imagines what the others inside must be saying.

He’s barely even registering what he’s saying, and honestly, he’s far too concerned with getting Anon out of here to care.