Both Jules and Marcus wait nervously for their final classes to end. They've been so excited since auditions, and they can't help but stare at the second hand slowly inching closer to twelve.

3... 2... 1...

The bell rings and both rush to the halls. Jules reaches the sheet first, quickly scans it, and scurries inside the auditorium and into his seat. Marcus, although being a fast walker, is still a little later than Jules. However, there's still plenty of time in between them spotting their name and the start of callback auditions. Marcus equally runs to their usual seat, and they spot Jules right next to it.

"Hey, you," Marcus says while rolling over the back of the seat, "looks like we're getting the roles we wanted."

"You don't know that, maybe it'll go to Jackson," Jules responds in a playful tone.

"You're new, so you wouldn't know," Marcus starts, "but Jackson has played the antagonist in the last three productions, and he loves it."

"Oh," Jules pouts, "I still have a chance of not getting it." Jules looks down, self doubt filling his head saying he's not good enough for the role.

Marcus lifts up his chin with their fingers. "You were phenomenal last week, and Mrs. Will would have to be stupid to not give you the role."

Jules looks at Marcus and nearly short circuits. He hasn't had this level of physical affection or almost intamicy with another person since his last girlfriend. When he moved away, they decided it would be best to break up, which means it's been quite a while. It's also very different seeing as Marcus isn't his girlfriend or even a girl at all. He feels like it should weird him out, but it's actually strangely comforting for him.

"Oh, I'm sorry," Marcus quickly apologizes, moving their hand away, "I'm a very touchy person."

"Y-you... you're fine," Jules stutters.

"What's your phone number?" Marcus asks, pulling out their phone.

Jules's breath catches for a second before he pulls out his phone too. They swap phones to create contacts for themselves. Jules puts the contact name as his actual name, but Marcus puts theirs as Angel. Once they hand back each other's phones, Jules notices and looks confused.

"I'm getting the role, might as well own it," Marcus explains. While they talk, they change Jules's contact name to Collins.

The director steps on stage and announces, "welcome to callbacks, and congratulations to all of you; the majority of this process will be figuring out the chemistry between each of you on stage."

Jules gets a nervous look on his face that Marcus notices. They take one of his hands in theirs and mouth you'll do great. This seems to help as people start to get called onto the stage. The director starts with couples, Roger and Mimi, Maureen and Joanne, and eventually Collins and Angel. Marcus, Jules, and the previously mentioned Jackson go up.

Mrs. Will starts by saying, "Marcus, don't think you've got the role just because you're the only one who auditioned for Angel."

Marcus, hands on their hips, proudly says, "I don't; I think I got the role already because I'm talented and the best pick for Angel. Also, I'm the only one called back for the role." They give a wide smile that gets a very short chuckle out of Mrs. Will.

It starts with Marcus and Jackson. Marcus is giving their all, but it seems like Jackson is holding back. It feels like he's just one step behind. Almost like he doesn't want the role. Either way, it ends shortly seeing as "Rent" is music heavy with small bits of dialogue sprinkled throughout. The entire part they're reading is only five lines long.

It is then Jules's turn to read for Collins. Marcus starts off the same way they did with Jackson. It's the same inflections, tone, announciation, everything. However, once Jules starts reading, the feelings shift. It feels like a new wind has blown through, probably since Jules is trying his hardest. They seem like they're actually trying to play off each other instead of focusing on the audition. Everyone watching them perform can see the clear chemistry that these two radiate.

"Wonderful!" Mrs. Will shouts, clapping her hands together once they finished.

Marcus and Jules excitedly walk back to their seats, and Mrs. Will starts calling other dynamics up. Mark and Roger, Mimi and Benny, Mark and Joanne, etcetera. It all culminates in everyone on stage, reading for different parts.

Auditions end with everyone going home very sure of themselves. Almost everyone goes to bed rather quickly. Marcus and Jules are the exceptions.

They both go to bed with smiles on their faces. Now all they need is Monday to come, so the cast list will be announced.