the director is hot.

[longwinded]

Thinking back on auditions, John wasn't sure what compelled him to take this Orchestra class. Perhaps he just had it too easy when he tried out. The piece was simple enough and the scales are something he's been doing for nine or so years. Maybe it was the fact that he and Rose are best friends and they really needed a pianist in the Orchestra and John why don't you join Orchestra with Rose.

Whatever happened, he's here now and expects some crotchety old guy to come out and do his old man thing. That's usually what Orchestra directors are save for the few he knows of that are in their mid to late thirties. Years of refined experience and knowledge to the ends of the earth. It would be nothing new, really.

He shuffles through his books, picking the piece out that was written on the board. He was going to run through this while he waited for class to start, and slowly play the measures that have been giving him trouble ever since he received the music.

Comments

[rememberstime]

Rose isn't actually there yet. Surprising since Rose is always the ridiculously punctual type. She would have been there first, usually.

The mystery of her whereabouts is revealed pretty soon as she enters through the door. It's the man next to her that is ore surprising. He's obviously too old to be a student here. But he's not some crotchety, old man either. Rose shuffles off to her seat and the man? He walks to the front, dropping his bag against the wall.

There's a lot of whispering going around amongst all the student (mainly the girls, let's be honest) before he clears his throat and waits for everyone to go quiet. "Dave Strider. You can just call me Dave and no, I don't actually encourage being called Mr. Strider. Mr. Strider is for old people who care too much about youngins respecting their elder or some other hullabaloo I don't care for. I'll be your director as we get through the concert season and hopefully the school won't want to fire me within the next month screaming heathen."

He's not what you probably expect. Faded out skinny jeans and band t-shirt. He's got aviators perched on his face on his face and old, worn out converses on his feet. He looks a lot of what you'd expect from a college kid, but he must have graduated a bit ago if he's teaching now.

[longwinded]

John originally stopped to say hello to Rose. He no more than peers around the piano to see where she was seated and he spies Dave. Let's be honest here, the girls weren't the only ones making headway in undressing Dave in their minds. John can silently admit to himself that this is the single most attractive Orchestra director he has EVER come in contact with.

Just call him Dave, huh? He likes this already. Though calling him Mr. Strider would be kind of hot too. John is pretty sure he thanked whatever higher power existed when it's confirmed that this off the wall and attractive man was going to be their director. Just the fact that he's out of the box just makes him really attractive.

John has to shift to get a better view of him, when he does his hand lays out on the lowest notes of the piano- loudly. Oh, great first impression Egbert. Lay your hand all over the piano like a dumbass.

[rememberstime]

The form fitting t-shirt and the skinny jeans probably doesn't leave too much to the imagination.

Dave let's out a rather attractive chuckle in response. "Well, looks like someone is a little excited to get started with things. Promise I won't be late next time. I had to actually get chauffeured to the classroom. This school is a hell of a lot bigger than the one I went to." Dave turns his back so he can pull out a packet of paper which gets passed around. "The first page is the performance dates scheduled. The ones bolded are competition dates, so you'll probably want to get your panties in a bunch over those since I'm pretty sure you guys want to go up in rank." Although peoples' panties aren't currently in a bunch for music, that's for sure. "The second page has the basic outline for practice. There won't be any time I'll let you guys early. Maybe once in awhile, but let's be honest. You guys didn't get this far by goofing off. A list of your songs are also there, but you probably should have been given your line ups earlier since that stuff was decided way before the school started."

He smiles easily. "Don't think there's too many other things I should mention. How 'bout we warm up and play us some purdy music."

[longwinded]

No, it really doesn't leave much to the imagination. Not staring in the middle of class is going to be so fucking hard.

John kind of sinks back behind the piano. If Dave was listening there was a meek sorry from behind the majestic instrument. God damn was he embarrassed. Could he have even made a bigger fool of himself? Probably. But that would require him falling completely off the bench and there was no way John was willing to stretch around that far unless it was completely called for. When he gets the paper packet he files it into his notebook. They sure had a fuck ton scheduled for this Orchestra. John has been in this school for two years and he didn't really know how much they actually did. Which was part of his initial hesitance to join, he really likes an active musical group.

John breathes a sigh of relief when Dave is finally ready to warm up though, he can finally focus on other things.

[rememberstime]

"Ah I forgot. Before we can get playin', we gotta do them introductions. Dave Strider. I already said this, but I already said that. I'll be your director and I've been in the whole music business for a damn long time." He's not really expecting them to know who he is though. They don't seem like the type who get super into classical recitals, but he bets a lot of them know the mixes he releases under his alias. He's not gonna mention that though. "Main instruments are violin, cello, and piano. Speakin' of piano. How 'bout are enthusiastic fella at the piano introduce himself next? Since he was rearin' to go and all."

He really shouldn't pick on John, but whatever. He's mostly amused.

[longwinded]

Oh no, he isn't really doing this right now is he. Is Dave doing this right now. Dragging out the talking. John just breathes. As long as he doesn't accidentally say something stupid then maybe he'll be okay. John is certainly impressed by the fact that this teacher is talented as hell. Playing several instruments is always somewhat of a plus side.

He thinks a moment before he stands. The fact that he is pretty much right off to the left of the director means he is presenting himself to the class. "I'm John Egbert. Uh, this is my first year in this Orchestra but I've been playing piano for nine years." He looks kind of starstruck. He doesn't know what else to say so he just sits back down and waits for everyone else to do introductions.

Damn you Dave for bring amused at him, it's not even that amusing!

Just for our reference here is the concert layout they use. Minus the harps probably. Unless Dave needs them. x:

[rememberstime]

Excuse you, but knowing the names of all the students is important. So just deal with it, John.

But introductions go along as normal and before long everyone is settling in to practice. And since Kim feels like having them deeply detail orchestra practice is kind of silly, we are going to get to the part where everyone is getting to leave. Because I can. Deal with it.

[longwinded]

Yes, just for future reference. The first Orchestra practice is always the worst. even though they didn't really sound that bad. But it's different to music students okay. Moving along now, John is packing up his things and getting himself ready to head out of the classroom.

He just takes longer than everyone else so he can make sure he's all organized and stuff. Plus he tidied up the piano area. Putting the cloth over the keys, closing the lid, and pushing in his bench.

Alright, time to fucking high tail it out of here. As soon as he gets his backpack on.

[rememberstime]

While John is being a busybody and trying to be organized. Rose just approaches Dave and starts talking to him like they've known each other for years. The spoiler is that they have. But no one probably can guess that these two are siblings. Their last names are different and everything, although they do have similar complexions.

It must look kind of surprising to see Rose approach the other for smalltalk. She can be kind of a suck up, but nothing they're talking about is school related.

[longwinded]

John hangs back for a moment to observe this. How was Rose able to do that? John would have stammered and fallen on his face already at the point she's at. Like how is she even doing that? Rose has always been the braver of the two of them, and they've been friends for quite some time.

John heads for the door now, keeping his posture cool and collected so he doesn't do something stupid. He's had enough of himself making dumb mistakes today. He'll just say bye and get right on his way. Yeah, that's gonna be good.

As he gets closer, he kind of brings up his hand to say bye. "See you guys tomorrow. Good practice." Also he kind of interrupted them whoops.

[rememberstime]

They both stop talking and Dave looks at John's direction. Dave tilts his head and gives the other a bit of a smirk. "See you around, John." Dave packs up his bag and slings it over his shoulder so he can leave. "Tell her that she needs to stop spiking my juice, Rose. Seriously. I'll see you two tomorrow."

He clicks his tongue and gives a salute before heading out. Rose just smiles there with a slight roll to her eyes before she turns her attention on John.

[longwinded]

Oh man if that didn't set him off in a good way just a little. That confident smirk and the fact that he actually cared to remember his name an hour and a half later. John looks kind of starstruck again and goddamn if he wasn't staring- not that he meant to stare or anything.

He turns back to look at Rose. "Don't even start. I know exactly what you're going to say and you;re probably wrong. This is not what it looks like."

[seeringlight]

"Whatever do you mean, John? What am I about to say and why is it wrong? You seem to be purring words into my mouth before I even say anything. I find this to be quite offensive. I only mean the best when I speak."

She just continues to smile at John though. "What are you implying because I haven't a clue why you're getting defensive so quickly!"

[longwinded]

"So what if I was staring at the new director and so what if he's hot. That doesn't mean I'm gonna develop some stupid crush on him. You are crazy Rose. That is definitely not what is going to happen." He crosses his arms and hell yes he is getting so defensive right now.

"Just can we not psychoanalyze me today. That would be a cool step in our friendship."

[seeringlight]

"John. I hope you realize that I wasn't going to say that you thought he was attractive and that you had a crush on him. I am very much aware that Dave gets admirers of different ages. You were the one who mentioned about a stupid crush. Or the lack thereof." She didn't even have to say anything for you to blurt your intentions.

"I don't have to do anything when you seem more than capable of saying things without me edging you on."

[longwinded]

"Oh. Well then. Forget I actually said anything. You were just hearing things and I said nothing about this. You are going especially crazy today Rose." John was just digging his own hole deeper at this point. He blurted it out and he knows that what he said is true. Good job John. You can't keep your mouth shut.

"Oh my god I should have just kept my mouth shut."

[seeringlight]

"You really should have. It probably would have saved you so much of your dignity just now." She just chuckles lightly as she moves to pick up her bag and violin case. "But your secret is safe with me. I will be sure never to mention your heart's deepest secret to our director."

"Let me distract you by formally inviting you to my place. I believe mother intends to have a good dinner to serve. I am sure that there will be dessert that is not cake, but still satisfactory. But only if you wish to join. I'm sure the beginning of school obviously means you are already neck deep in homework."

[longwinded]

"I still have my dignity. Even if it's very little of it." He takes a moment to breathe. Rose is suddenly back in his good graces. "I'll be alright. I'm sure it's just an initial impression or something. He's good looking and talented, who wouldn't like that?"

He thinks a moment, yeah he actually is balls deep in homework at this point. Plus he has to practice this music. But a home cooked meal at the Lalonde household always proves to be interesting, and delicious. "Sure, I can come over for dinner. Even if the repercussion is that I'll have to be up in the waking hours doing my homework."

[seeringlight]

"Of course not. Please, John. No need to rationalize your schoolyard crush. It happens to even those with the strongest of knees."

She chuckles a bit. "Please, John. I like to think that you are actually much smarter than most who procrastinate on their schoolwork. I assure you that the meal you will have will make up for it anyways. We can do homework together, anyways. It's still a bit early for dinner and I know food won't be ready by the time we get there. We have plenty of time to get work done." She's already heading out.

[longwinded]

No Rose, you clearly don't understand John's need to rationalize this schoolyard crush. Like it is very important that he make he forces himself not to have the biggest and probably gayest crush on the new orchestra director.

He's following her. "You're right. We could probably get through the bulk of our homework before dinner is even ready." Means he won't stall when he gets home. He won't have to worry that he didn't do his homework, because he was being awesome and productive at Rose's place. "Thanks for having me over."

[rememberstime]

Rose being Rose actually does spend the time doing homework as soon as they get to her place. She even makes sure John stays on track so he gets his homework done. What a good friend.

The sound of the front door being opened and closed can be heard from Rose's kitchen, where they're currently situated. Dave kind of saunters in, grocery bags in hand. "Heh. Why didn't you tell me our plus one was John? Here I thought I'd have to consider something extra fancy incase you went and brought a fine dame back to grace our homes."

[longwinded]

Rose is a great friend. They probably did enough homework to warrant a break, and John was just about to suggest it when Dave just willy nilly walks up into the house. He takes it back. Rose is a horrible friend and he is shooting her the dirtiest look right now.

He's really unsure of what to do other than put his pencil down and just sit there with a flabbergasted look on his face. He had no fucking idea Rose and Dave lived together? Why does Rose leave out important details? This is literally distressing.

When he finally speaks up, it's probably dumb. "No worries dude, I'm not even picky." He also mumbles out some apology for Dave having to cook for them. He totally could have cooked.

[rememberstime]

Rose just gives John the most pleasant smile. She has no regrets, John. You can't get her to regret anything.

Dave just places the groceries on the counter and laughs a bit. "I hope you like steak then because steak is fucking awesome." There's a pause while he pulls out the meat he bought. "Rose didn't say shit to you did she? That's the face of someone who didn't know what to expect." He tips his sunglasses up, red eyes giving Rose a look who just continues to smile that smile she's got.

"I'm not some prop to use to surprise your friends, you know."

[longwinded]

Oh she will regret it after he pranks her one good time. Yeah, big threat right here.

John furrows his brow and shoots Rose another look. Wow, she played both of them then. "Yeah you're right, I literally had no idea." Oh man, Dave is cooking them steak, the fastest way to John's heart is his stomach and Dave can cook. He can see this trip to Rose's house being a very difficult one.

"Thanks for having me over." Where were his manners, sheesh.

[rememberstime]

Oh yes. Because pranks are totally scary when you have passive aggressiveness on your side.

"Naw. You should thank Rose. I only visit here once in awhile. I'm too old to stay living in my parents' basement after all. Seems kind of in ill taste to live here when I can easily afford my own place." He shrugs lightly. "I'm just as much of a guest as you are. I just happen to be covering cooking duty because neither of us want her mom cooking." He surprisingly doesn't refer to her as his own mom though.