"Matt can memorize lines all he likes; it shouldn't automatically guarantee him for the part," Jason says, frowning at the disappointment on Peter's face. He brings his hand back to soothe down from his rumpled hair to his flushed cheeks, letting his fingers trace soothing circles on his skin, as if they could erase all of Peter's hurts and worries and fears. Romeo. The tragic, leading man of Shakespeare's most well-known play. Jason hasn't spent much time studying the character beyond reading lines out loud in Freshmen English, but when he thinks about it now, something about Romeo strikes at him. Like a cat pawing for attention. He tries to ignore it. "And besides, aren't those auditions after Christmas break? You've got plenty of time to prepare for completely wiping the floor with Matt. I'd love to see you as Romeo."

He pauses, considering for a moment. "But soft! What light through yonder window breaks?" He almost whispers it to Peter, offering it to him with an encouraging smile. "You're my Romeo, anyway." It's a deeply personal thing to say; it comes dangerously close to admitting that he loves Peter. But the words come rushing up in his chest, and Jason can't keep them contained when their breaths mingle and the points of contact between their skin burn like embers.

And then Peter's telling Jason that he's his muse, and he has to lean in and kiss him again, cupping his face and pouring all the warmth he has into the kiss and touch.