They were definitely not going to be ready in time for opening night.

It had started off as a normal rehearsal. They were two weeks out from opening night and were fluent with the scene changes, dances, songs, and lines. Miss Hill was pleased and even Mr. Coulson had to agree that it looked like they would have a good show this year. But when Edna's and Wilbur's number came up, everything fell apart.

https://youtu.be/spyKy9z-cnc

The actor playing Edna - Reed - twisted his ankle in the high heels and fell off the stage before he could catch himself. There was nothing in the orchestra pit, since they would be using a CD for the music. But he still landed badly on his leg. He was taken to the infirmary, and Dr. Cho affirmed that Reed would not be able to finish the show.

Miss Hill had to take a moment to calm herself. She needed a new leading actor. Who could she ask? No one else knew Edna's part!

"Steve could probably do it," Tony told her. "He knows all her singing lines, and he's watched it a billion times when we do it."

"Tony, I'm working backstage," Steve reminded him.

"We can cover for you," Bucky insisted. "You're the best choice at this point, punk."

Steve sighed and thought for a moment, weighing his options, before answering, "Can I think about it?"

Miss Hill nodded, just grateful for his consideration, "Get back to me on Monday."

Steve and Tony spent their weekend pouring over Reed's script, trying to help Steve get to know the lines and blocking. It was 6:00 pm on Sunday and Steve was still having trouble figuring out the dances. He finally just dropped down on the couch and buried his head in his hands. Tony sat next to his boyfriend and wrapped an arm around Steve's shoulders.

"Stevie, it'll be alright. You don't have to have it perfect tonight. You have another two weeks. You have time to practice."

"But, Tony," Steve lifted his head, "Reed had it down. I'm not gonna be good enough!"

Tony kissed Steve and then held one of his hands, "You'll be great, Steve. No one can keep up with you at your best. You'll get it down, and you'll be the beast Edna the world's ever seen."

"Really, Tony, I don't know."

"Steve, if you can fight Nazis, you can play Edna Turnblad."

"I hate you, you know that?"

Tony kissed Steve again, "I know."

Monday morning, Steve walked into Miss Hill's classroom and told her he'd do it.