That Way Madness Lies: XV of Shakespeare's Most Notable Works Reimagined

by Dahlia Adler

Hazem was there, perfectly sculpted eyebrows reaching for the ceiling, the imaginary brother Taron had wished for so long ago now come to life. “My dear friend, you are a terrific mess. Tell me our gamble didn’t pay off now. I want to judge your delivery.” “We mean to punish you for that gamble,” Taron said, because that part still made sense. “And you did not succeed! But it may be that our plans to make you see how viciously wrong you were have … turned against me … most foully…” “Don’t write the Bard’s lines, brother. That’s not your art.” Taron turned to Hazem, the feel of Tegan’s hips still in his open hands, a mental picture of them smoldering in his bed. And not for the first time, no. “Do you really want us together?” “Do you really think it would be so bad?” Hazem’s usual smile rested. He put a hand on Taron’s shoulder. “Tegan does something to you that no one else does.” “I told you about those dreams in the strictest of confidence!” Taron roared. Hazem grabbed Taron’s other shoulder and spoke with punctuated enunciation. “I am not teasing you! You like Tegan. More than like them! We all noticed.” “Yes, and they do not like me, so you are worse than teasing. You’re breaking my heart. It’s been endless months of cracks. Every single show a new fracture.” “Taron.” Hazem’s eyes actually clouded, a small, disbelieving laugh slipping out. “I’m so happy for you. You’re in love.” “How are you happy? After Marius … after you, even! Tegan swore off dating in the company. ...