Work Text:
Different Fate (Romeo & Juliet)
Romeo is leaning against a tree, taking advantage of the shade it provides. He’s awaiting the messenger hoping he carries word from his love. He is desperate to see her again, as he knows this is not their end. Once the messenger finally comes Romeo is handed a letter, though it is not from his wife, but from Friar Laurence, Romeo hastily tore it open.
“Dear Romeo,
I write to you with hope, and I tell you, if you hear news of Juliet’s death do not fear, for she is not truly passed. Her parents had tried to wed her, Juliet simply refused. She came to me looking for any way out of this, I devised a potion that would put her into a peaceful slumber that mimics death, she took it with courage and love. Her heart is slow, but it still beats. Tonight she lies in the Capulet tomb, in two days time she will awaken and I shall be there to greet her. Then together we shall leave for Mantua, where your love can flourish away from the feuds in Verona.
I beg that upon receiving this letter you make haste to join me in Verona to be here when she wakes. Trust me in as Juliet has in your love.
In God’s grace
Friar Laurence.”
Romeo had not yet heard news of Juliet’s death but he is immensely grateful that he had not. Folding the letter and putting it in his pocket, he quickly makes his way towards his horse to make the journey back to Verona. On his way back he hears someone say his name, looking up he sees his friend Balthasar with a worried look “Balthasar what brings you here?” Romeo asks. “I come with terrible news” Balthasar says solemnly “word has reached me that Juliet is dead, I wanted to be the one who told you.” Romeo placed a hand on his friends shoulder “No, she is alive, the death was fake, done of a potion, she shall wake soon.” Balthasar looked relieved “let me return with you to Verona?” he asked, Romeo merely nodded before taking off once more towards his love. Romeo arrived at dawn, it appeared that Friar Laurence had yet to arrive. Balthasar helped Romeo break into the tomb before Romeo asked him to keep watch.
Walking in the tomb Romeo took a breath, Juliet truly did look dead, despite him knowing that she was not. Romeo knelt beside her, taking her hand, and let out a sigh of relief, she was still warm. Not long after Friar Laurence arrived, Juliet’s eyes fluttered open and she looked a Romeo through a blurry gaze, moments later she gasped “Romeo?” he laughed with relief “yes, my love, I’m here, I received the letter explaining what was
happening.” She smiled at him and they embraced each other with a kiss. Friar Laurence cleared his throat, interrupting their moment “we must leave quickly” he told them “this is not safe, your families will never support this.”
And so they left, Romeo put Juliet atop his own horse and they rode together, he invited Balthasar to join him and so his friend did. They lived the rest of their lives away from the feuding and stress of their families, with only Friar Laurence knowing the truth.