Harmonic parked in the back of the school. The sun had already gone down some time ago, and the gray clouds overhead dusted some snow overhead. On the outside, there seemed nothing out of place where the gym is supposed to be, except for the fact that he couldn’t see through the windows.
Turning off the engine and flipping a mirror open, the Violinist looked over himself. He already showed, combed back his hair, shaved, and put on his black cleaned suit. Although he did adjust his pearly white bow-tie over his Victorian collar, as well as to be sure his white shirt and vest were spotless too, he was still preparing himself mentally to meet a group of people that he hardly spoken to for over a year.
“Well, might as well get inside,” he told himself when he opens the car and grabbed his coffin case. He walked up to the back entrance, all the while could hear the familiar tuning of an orchestra. ‘They’re here already?’ he thought as he approached the door. ‘It’s not even seven-thirty yet. I didn’t expect they would be here so soon.’
After pushing the door open with his back, the Orchestra teacher turned around and then suddenly stopped when he got a good look at what Mr. Disc had done to the gym. If he didn’t know that the surrealist art teacher possessed other worldly powers that defy the laws of physics, architecture, and reason, he would easily call the room an eighth wonder of the world.
The first thing that drew his attention was the ceiling. There were no steel beams, nor lamps that hung from the ceiling. In its place was a curved, arched ceiling that was in midnight blue with dots of light where in two places become so clustered together that they droop downward to make two, elegant chandlers. Looking downward, he saw the starry night merged into the white, rococo walls that held gold leafing, mirrors, and shiny candelabras with lit candles. All about the gym turned ballroom, were gilded chairs with red velvet seats. Some stood by carved tables with refreshments. Even the floor had no trace of the original gym that the layouts of the wood laid out like a mosaic. Harmonic couldn’t miss the fountain in the center of the room, nor the stage where the orchestra was tuning.
“So, what do ya think?” Harmonic quickly turned to the sound of Mr. Disc’s voice. He found his fellow teacher in a suit, similar to his own only had on a bright red vest. “It took me a while, but I’m quite proud at the results.”
“I can tell,” the Violinist looked up, “what did you do to the ceiling?”
“Simple, I sneezed and out came stars.”
“No, seriously,” he deadpanned, “how did you make that.”
“And I’m telling you, I sneezed. It’s amazing what florescent pepper can do.”
Harmonic opened his mouth but quickly closed it, deciding that there’s no point in arguing when it came to the surrealist. “Let’s change the subject here. Are you feeling confident in your date with Celestia?”
“I’m trying to keep calm. After all, it’s been eons-and-a-half since I’ve last dated anybody. I’m actually surprised she even said ‘sure’ to it at all.”
“But you haven’t answered my question.”
Julius sighed, “I’m hoping that this will go alright at least. I kinda feel like a teen on his first date.”
“Try to relax, that’s the key, after all, you were the one to put this work of art on display.”
“And not a single construction company in sight,” he laughed nervously as he looked at his watch. “Why don’t you go join up with your guys? I’m sure you have some warming up to do as well.”
Harmonic agreed, and headed towards the stage where it didn’t take long for members of the orchestra particularly the conductor, to notice him. “Excuse me; I hope I’m not too late for warm-ups?”
“No, of course not,” said the conductor in a gray suit who jumped off from his stand.
The Violinist blinked, “I’m sorry, but has Mr. Romanov retired in the past year?”
“He has, and I’m his replacement,” he landed on the hardwood floor and offered his hand. “I’m the new conductor, Pitch Perfect.”
“Well then, Mr. Perfect,” Harmonic chuckled to himself as he shook his hand. “I’m glad that the orchestra could come do this favor I’ve asked.”
“Oh no sir, the pleasure is all ours to have you back, or at least, for this one night.”
“Well yes,” the Orchestra teacher then sat his case down and took out his violin. “Remember, this doesn’t mean that I’m rejoining you guys for good. It’s just that I needed someone to play for these students, and my boss suggested I should call you guys up.”
“Not a problem Mr. Trotivari, we’re honored to have you play with us once more, with me conducting.”
As the Violinist looked over the faces of the orchestra, he noticed that there were a few he didn’t recognize as he rosen his bow. “I’m guessing you’re not the only one who’s new to the orchestra?”
“Well yes. For example, we have a cellist who’s originally from this very town!”
“Really, who?”
“Over there,” Pitch pointed over to the cello section, one of whom had light green skin and messy but short hair, “Is a guy named Whole Note. We let him in a couple months after you quit. Not very social, but he’s pretty decent in what he plays in my opinion.”
“I see,” Harmonic and the conductor climbed on stage.
“So, is it true that you teach here?”
“Yes. I teach High School Orchestra, and some privet lessons during the summer.”
“Ah, you’ve kept yourself busy lately.”
“I try,” Harmonic sat down in the vacant chair among the violin section.
He felt a tap on his shoulder, looking behind him, he saw an old woman sitting there. “It’s good to have you back.”
_*_
Mr. Disc stood by the door that connected the converted ballroom into the hallways of the school. He could already hear the murmur of small talk of other students that had gathered an early crowd by the door. Looking at his watch in one hand and the key to unlock the doors with the other, he waited until it was eight o’clock.
By then, the orchestra had already warmed up and tuned for playing. With their scores set out before them, all of them, including the conductor, waited for the signal to begin playing the march to welcome the students in.
“Now!” Mr. Disc cried. At which, the percussionist drummed out a rhythm that echoed in the room, which caused the murmur to die down from behind the doors. Once the first few thunderous notes had roared, Julius unlocked the door to the students and one Principal that have been waiting.
“Meine Damen und Herren,” he said taking a bow, “Welcome to Vienna.”
Students came pouring in, taken completely off guard at the change the gym had become in their suits and dresses. Even Celestia was awed struck.
“So,” Mr. Disc lifted his arms, “what do you think of this?”
“Did… Did you really do this all by yourself?”
“Eh, art for me isn’t that difficult as long as I know the subject. Of course, I’ll turn it back to the boring old gym once everything is done and over with. But you still haven’t answered my question. Do you like it?”
Celestia looked up at the ceiling, “I’m impressed actually. Really impressed.”
Julius grinned, “I knew you would, and by the way, nice dress.”
She looked down at the clothes that she had on. It was dark blue with trimmings of light blues and white, “Thanks. I had to borrow my sister’s since I hardly have anything to ware for something to dance in.”
“Still, it looks good. Quite regal if I do say myself.” He swiftly went over to her side, offering his arm, “So, shall we milady?”
“Of course,” she linked her arm around his. “Let me see what you did for snacks.”
As they walked away, another couple arrived, also linking arms as they entered.
“Whoa,” Lyra said, “What happened to the gym?”
“It looks incredible,” Bon Bon commented. “Looks like something out of a fairy tale doesn’t it?”
“Fairy tale… I wonder if they got someone from Equestria to do this. This place is gorgeous!”
“I’ll say.” They looked around the room, at the starry chandlers to the orchestra playing in front of a scarlet curtain. “So, what do you want to do first?”
“I think we can dance a little later. Besides, I think that Soarin and his boyfriend are coming.”
“Are they here now? I don’t see them.”
“Neither do I, but while we’re waiting, I want to give ya something.”
“Same here, but let’s go sit down somewhere.”
The two of them headed towards one of many gilded chairs when they sat down, Lyra said, “Okay, do you want to go first or should I?”
“Here, let me.” She took off her jacket that revealed her dress of having on a deep blue dress with a light pink ribbon around her waist. Searching through her pockets, she pulled out a small, heart-shaped box about the size of her hand.
After handing it over, Lyra opened the lid, in which she found inside the words, “To my sweetheart,” along with a few pieces of chocolate.
“Awe Bonnie, that’s adorable. Thanks so much. Now here,” Lyra took off her coat that covered her violet dress. After searching in her pockets, she paused, “I have some really good news. I think that I can go to college with you.”
“What!” this got Sweetie Drops attention, “But I thought you said that you can’t afford it.”
“I thought so too, but I’ve sounded something in our attic. It was wrapped in a newspaper that had been yellowed over time. When I open it, this was one of the things I’ve found,” she pulled out a necklace that made her girlfriend gasp. The necklace was connected by a strand of pearls which every three, there where silver flowers with a white diamond in the middle. Hanging from each of these silver flowers hung oval shaped pearls with the largest one in the center, all encompassed by a tear-shaped ring of diamonds. “Bonnie, do you know what this is?”
She shook her head as her girlfriend put it around her neck.
“There were other jewelry, one of them, a pair of earrings, have a double-headed eagle with three crowns overhead. I’ve looked it up on the web, and if I’m right, you’re wearing a piece of jewelry from the Romanov’s, the last royal family of Russia.”
“Wait, are you saying that this might be royal jewelry?”
“I’ve checked it out with a jeweler to see if this stuff is even real. And I was told that whether or not they’re reproductions, those jewels, stones, and pearls are real. I think that if I sell them, I might have enough to go to college with you.”
“Lyra, I’m amazed. I mean, I feel like a queen with this on.”
“You’re quite welcome, you’re Majesty,” she took a bow which made her girlfriend giggle.
“Still, I don’t know how I can repay-”
“Don’t. The jewelry is probably worth at least a year or two of college so I don’t think you would repay me anything except to see you happy.”
“Thanks, Lyra,” Bon Bon smiled before hugging her. “You’ve never ceased to amaze me.”
“Oh you know me; I’ll always come up with something.” It was then that the mint Harpist heard a ‘ding!’ from her coat pocket. Reaching for her phone, she investigated what she received.
“What is it?”
She showed her the text. It’s from Soarin, and it said only one word, “here.”
“Well, at least we know our friends have arrived,” Lyra said.
It was then that the march had finished, and there was a round of applause.
_*_
“Would it be weird if I said that I’ve never been on a date on Valentine’s Day?” Soarin asked.
“Really?” Braeburn blinked, “Not once?”
He shook his head, “Nope. I mean, I haven’t even gotten one of those cards since Elementary School. Not even the girlfriends I had even given me one of those candy hearts that say something corny like, “B mine,” or “I’m nuts 4 u,” things like that.”
“Oh yeah, Ah remember those too,” he pushed the front door of the school with his back. “Did Y'all remember makin’ those Valentine boxes out of shoeboxes?”
“How could I forget? I think all the teachers from kindergarten to sixth grade had us make those things the day before.” Here, the athlete laughed, “It’s funny really, that I’ve put so much effort into making those things as a kid. With all the cutout hearts, a mountain of crayons, and a bucket full of glue, that I hoped that I would wow everyone the next day.”
“All Ah remember is the candy,” he shrugged as they walked towards the gym. “Let’s face it, when it comes to the day of love, we weren’t interested in the cards since ya can by a bundle of them at tha store.”
“You know, looking back on this day when I was a kid, I guess I didn’t realize then how hollow it all was.”
This got the yellow Apple’s attention, “Hollow?”
“Well think about it when you were a kid. When all the students had gone around the room, putting their cards and candy into everyone else’s boxes that it’s time to open yours up. Then you get your box back and open the thing up, finding that it’s full of stuff. Yet, once you actually go through it, you’ll find that aside from the candy, the cards themselves are all generic. That the only thing that makes them unique is the names and… that’s it. Once you realize that everyone else got the same thing as you do, you quickly figure out that they did it for the same reason you did. Because it was all a chore that you had to write out to those you don’t even know.”
They stopped for a moment to give their tickets to one of the students before they proceeded towards the door that leads to the gym and the sound of a pizzicato melody.
“Maybe,” Braeburn said with a sly smile, “This Valentine’s won’t be hollow.”
“I suppose so,” they stopped in front of the door. “You ready man?”
The dressed up farmer looked over to the door before returning to Soarin, “Do ya think this’ll be weird with us dancin’ in there, out in the open?”
“Hey, Mr. H is in there, along with Lyra and Bon Bon, so don’t worry so much about anything else except one thing.”
“Have fun?”
“Nope,” he pressed on the door, “that I’m your- what happened to the gym?”
Braeburn looked, and his eyes widen also at the sight of the temporary ballroom. “Soar, are ya sure we’re in the right place?”
Soarin felt his cellphone vibrate, checking to see what he got, he found a text from Sweetie Drops with the words, “See u.”
“Yep, we’re in the right place,” he confirmed his boyfriend question, “Although I can’t believe it myself.”
The cowboy gave a low whistle, “They’ve really classed this place up… Ah kinda like it.”
“There you are.” Their attention was directed to the two ladies that came up to them. Lyra added, “They’ve really made an improvement in decorating this year, huh?”
The two boys agreed. “So how have you two been?” Soarin asked.
“We’re doing pretty well,” Bon Bon said. “If anything, I think things are looking up for us.”
“How so?” Braeburn inquired.
“I think we might have solved our money troubles for college when we graduate.”
“Ah, that’s good.”
“What about you two?” Lyra asked, “Do you have any plans after High School?”
The couple looked at each other for a moment, “To be honest, Brae and I have been talking a bit about that, and we thought that we should work a bit before we go to college.”
“Technically,” the Yellow Apple said, “Ah have a job workin’ on the family farm so money ain’t much of a problem fer me. However, Ah’ve suggested ta Soar to maybe get a job from us fer a while until we get enough ta get in.”
“Besides,” Soarin wrapped an arm around him, “I’m not planning to go anywhere without this guy.”
“Wait! Hold that pose.”
“Huh?” both gentlemen said in unison before there was a flash from Lyra’s phone.
“Got it,” the green student grinned, “that was adorable!”
“Wait, let me see,” Sweetie Drops leaned over. “Not a bad pic,” she turned to the other couple, “Anyway, do you guys want to hang out with us for a bit or do you wanna dance for a while?”
“Maybe when they start playin’ the next song,” Braeburn started to move towards the fountain in the middle. “But we’ll talk with ya later though.”
“Sounds good,” she took hold of Lyra’s hand, “If you need us, we’ll be over by the snacks.”
As they separated, Soarin followed his boyfriend towards the very center of the room where the sparkling water flowed over into the small pool. The farmer sat down on the edge of the marble structure, “Ya know,” he began, “Ah kinda feel like this is our first date in a way with all these people about.”
“Why?” the blue athlete sat down next to him. “You know that the school pretty much knows about us.”
“Ah know that it’s just… ta actually show it in front of everyone that’s makin’ me as nervous like a kitty on the edge of a clock tower. Especially when we’re gonna get so many stares from all around.”
“Dude, so what that people will look,” Soarin grinned, “Maybe ought to give them quite the show.”
“Look, Ah’m sorry. Ah’m really am. It’s jus’ that Ah’ve never done anythin’ like this befor’.”
“What? Dance at a dance?”
He shook his head, “Ah mean with another guy… at least in the open.”
“Dude, it’s okay. At least I’ll be right here for ya.” Soarin placed a hand underneath his chin, “If it’ll help, don’t focus on anyone else but me. After all, you bought me those tickets to be here, so why not make the most of it?”
“Okay,” he nodded as the pizzicato song had ended. The room applauded, and the orchestra went straight to another waltz with a soft opening of violins and French horns.
Soarin stood up and took a bow, “Well,” he held out his hand, “may I have this dance?”
Braeburn stood up also. He glanced around to see if anyone was watching, and indeed there were a handful. There were already whispers that encompassed the two.
“Brae,” his boyfriend called again, “please?”
Taking in a deep breath, he took his beloved’s hand, “Only if you let me take the lead.”
“Of course,” Soarin nodded as they made their way towards a clear spot. Once they found a suitable space, the athlete and the Apple farmer bowed before they took a step toward the other. From the corner of his eye, Braeburn could see other students taking out their phones. “You ready?”
Seeing that these bystanders are just going to only watch, he nodded. “Ah think Ah am.”
“Okay, start whenever you’re ready.”
The Cowboy listened to the orchestra as it swelled amongst the brass, winds, and chimes. The strings helped the music calm itself until there was a pause when the cellos and double basses plucked their strings. Then slowly as the two begin their dance, so did the melody. Braeburn took note that many of the murmurings had subsided.
However, as the music of the Blue Danube grew with confidence, and to have Soarin in his arms, it might as well be the safest place in the world. To be dancing to the tune that once entertained Kings and Emperors of the Old World, in a place of elegance was as if they were transported into a forgotten fairy tale.
Not to say that as they danced, each took a moment to appreciate the other. From the fiery, golden hair to the watery blue that waltzed together in their simplicity. To their finest of Sunday clothes, in which both hand in their breast pockets, a single red rose. The music was the only thing to keep them in check of the rhythm they danced in.
“Hey Brae,” Soarin spoke, “I wanna say thanks for this.”
“Nah, ya don’t have ta. Its jus’ a dance.”
“No. I mean… as sappy as this is going to sound, for being my valentine. I guess finally having someone to dance with that has been with me for so long is a miracle. In fact, perhaps I should consider you a saint from here on out.”
Braeburn raised an eyebrow, “How so?”
“You’ve performed a couple of miracles to me. The first is for you being a loyal friend who had withstood the test the time. The second is that you’ve fallen in love with me, something that none of my past girlfriends had done. And the third is you’ve proven yourself to be not only a great best friend but a lover too.”
His boyfriend chuckled with a blush, “Soar, you’re way too kind.”
“No man, I’m not saying that because to just flirt with you… okay, partly. But more importantly, because it’s true since you’ve performed one miracle after another.”
“Ah’m jus’ a guy that harvests and takes care of apple trees.”
“Not to mention, a saint.”
Braeburn shook his head, “Nonsense, you performed a couple of miracles too.”
“I did?”
“Y'all accept me when Ah came out. Ya said ‘yes’ fer me to date ya. And even when you’d agree to be a special someone, doesn’t that account fer somethin’?”
Soarin shrugged, “I guess you have a point. Still, you really are a wonderful guy to be with.”
“Ah know, and so are you.”
“I have to say man; this is pretty romantic in a way.”
“Yeah… but Ah think somethin’s missin’.”
“Like what?” the aqua athlete raised an eyebrow. “What’s missing?”
Braeburn smirked, “Oh… maybe somethin’ like the lines of…” and before Soarin had time to process what was happening, he found the yellow Apple’s lips upon his. His eyes widen by surprise, that he didn’t think that the Cowboy would be this bold to have his first kiss out in the open.
The only thought that the athlete had when he was being kissed by not only from his best friend for the longest time, was that it didn’t seem awkward at all. If anything, having Braeburn kiss him for the first time felt… right. As if it were the most natural thing in the universe. That, and he could hear the ‘Ooh’s’ and ‘squee’s’ from the girls nearby, but he wasn’t quite sure.
It didn’t last long when his boyfriend pulled away, “Holy crap man,” Soarin said, “where did that piece of confidence come from?”
“Uh…” Braeburn looked away, “Sorry, it just seemed right, ya know? Ah jus’ thought-”
This time, Soarin kissed him. Whatever the farmer was going to say was faded into forgetfulness as a daydream of his suddenly became flesh and blood.
“You know what?” the watery blue athlete inquired, “You’re right. That was the only thing missing from tonight. Thank you.”
“Ah…” Braeburn trailed off, aware that his head had turned a glowing red. “That… A-Ah mean…”
“You’re speechless,” Soarin grinned wickedly. “Hmm. Note to self-”
“Oh shut up,” the golden Apple playfully shoved him. “Jus’ promise me not ta change.”
“I’ll see what I can do.” For the rest of the waltz, the two of them dance on the Blue Danube.
_*_
“You know,” Principal Celestia said, “it’s kind of refreshing to have an old fashion dance every once in a while.”
“When you say refreshing,” Julius asked after downing some punch, “you mean where there isn’t a DJ blasting out window shattering techno music?”
“It’s not that I’m against it. I know that kids always need their music. Besides, we listen to songs that the previous generation didn’t approve either, so it wouldn’t be fair if I did the same. Yet, what I’m saying is that having something like this every so often gives them the opportunity to show them a bit of culture and show how much class romance can have.”
The Art teacher snorted, “Oh please, as if there was any ‘class’ in any generation.”
“Nevertheless, it’s still appreciated. Like opening the door for a lady, speaking to your date with respectability, or-”
“Allowing women and children to the lifeboats first,” Mr. Disc joked. “However, I do get where you’re going with this. Showing kids what the golden age of manners was like, or at least, a romanticized version of it.”
“Well, I suppose that’s true,” she adjusted her dress a bit. “At least our students are appreciating this dance, seeing this as something magical than an annoyance.”
“I guess it all comes to teases,” he said. Throwing his cup away, “that, and having some who are open-minded enough to try something new.” He turned towards his Boss, “A change in subject, how are you tonight?”
“I think I’m holding up. If anything, I’m rather glad that I’m taking a break from my usual routine of staying home. It’s not every day I get to be asked out for a dance.”
“To tell you the truth, I haven’t been to dance myself since… when was it again? College? High School? Huh… I can’t really remember, except that it’s been a long time.”
Celestia nodded, “I guess we’re in the same boat. Still, this is… nice.”
“Oh?”
“At the same time, I have to wonder why you’ve asked me out. You know you have the whole school to choose from.”
“I know,” he mused, “but it’s just that I uh…”
When she saw that there was a touch of light pink on the Mr. Disc’s gray cheeks, Celestia pressed, “Yes?”
“I uh… l-like you.”
The Principal tilted her head, “Define ‘like’.”
Mr. Disc opened his mouth but closed it again when he elbowed the mirror behind him in which he pulled out a dictionary from it. After opening it up and looking through it, he responded. “It’s just that I… appreciate you for being… you.”
“Julius,” Celestia asked, piecing some of the pieces together, “Where did this come from?”
Tossing the book into the fountain, he rubbed the back of his neck. “Oh… nowhere. It’s that you’ve been nice to me and all…” Just as Mr. Disc was looking for an excuse, the orchestra suddenly started to play his requested song. “Oh,” he turned to Celestia and bowed, “may I have this dance?”
Although she raised an eyebrow while smirking, she accepted it. “Okay spill it,” she said as they started dancing, “how long have you started to ‘like’ me?”
“Oh… do you really want to talk about that?”
“Well, you have gotten me curious.”
“…. I don’t know… maybe five or six years give-or-take.”
“That long?” her eyes widen, “Julius, why are you telling me this now?”
“Would it matter? Knowing you, your schedule is always packed. Grant it, that’s because you and your sis have a school to run. Always have paperwork to climb, always students to discipline, when do you honestly would find the time to do something like this? Boss, I’m not stupid. I’m not going to be one of those guys that’ll show up to your doorstep with a boom box over my head playing some cheesy eighties song. I know where my limitations are, superpowers or no.”
“So, you think that because I tend to work hard that I wouldn’t have time for you?”
“You didn’t the last time.”
“What was that?”
Realizing what had come out of his mouth, Mr. Disc sighed, “Okay, you’ve caught me. Before I went into that madhouse, I tried to ask you out on a dinner. However, you were so busy that I didn’t get the chance to have my say. So I almost didn’t see the point of trying again after that.”
“But you’ve asked me out to the dance.”
“True, but you presented me an opportunity to do so when you’ve asked me to decorate this place.”
“You just made this all for me, didn’t you?”
He turned his head away and nodded. What he didn’t expect was that for Celestia to kiss him on the cheek, turning back to her in surprise.
“I’ll tell you what,” she said, “Next week for me is going to be packed, but the week after on a Saturday, however, I think I have some free time. If you want, we can go out to that Thai place that Luna likes.”
Julius blinked, “Did… did you just asked me out?”
“So what if I did,” she smirked, “Besides, I’ve got nothing better to do.”
_*_
By the time that the students had drifted away, and the orchestra finished their last waltz, Pitch Perfect called in a night for everyone.
While everyone was packing up, the conductor went up to Harmonic. “Excuse me, Mr. Trotivari?”
“Hm?” he inquired as he put his instrument back in his case.
“I want to thank you for having to play with us again. You were quite wonderful tonight, still got that touch.”
“Uh-huh.”
The conductor shifted in his shoes. “So, are you sure you don’t want to come back for good this time?”
“Not really,” he shut his case and locked it up. “Maybe sometime in the future, but I still think it’s still a bit too soon.”
“Ah, I understand. Well then, if you ever change your mind about teaching here, you know who to call.”
“Sure thing,” the Violinist got up. “And thanks for the favor,” he added as he started to make his way towards the door.
“Uh… M-Mr. Trotivari?” he paused. This was a voice that he hadn’t heard of before. It wasn’t a student’s voice, nor was it any of the teachers he recognized. Curious, he turned to find it was the light green cellist that addressed him.
“Yes?”
“Uh,” he held out to him a copy of the waltz’s they had played along with a pen. “C-Can I uh… get y-your autograph?”
“Well… sure,” he put down his coffin case and took hold of the pen and the music book. “Who is this going to?”
“Huh?”
“Your name?”
“Oh,” he scratched the back of his white hair, “name’s Note. Whole Note.”
“Ah,” Harmonic opened up the sheet music to the Blue Danube and wrote in, “To: Whole Note. Wonderful performance with tonight’s dance,” and with that, he signed his signature.
“Thanks,” the cellist said when he was given his book back. “I’m quite a fan of yours s-sir.”
“So I’ve noticed.”
“Is it true, that you’re just gonna continue teaching here?”
He nodded, “I am. Maybe someday I’ll go back on tour with you guys. But for now, however, I’m just not exactly ready yet.”
“Oh,” Note said with disappointment, “I see.”
“Well, goodnight then,” Harmonic picked up his violin case and walked out of the door.
Whole Note flipped opens his copy of the score to where the autograph was and sighed, ‘Maybe… someday,’ he thought.