Respite (Angelica)

Theora’s brain was buzzing like a nest full of hornets. She’d been working on the newest production, so far she had given it the work in progress title of Senses. Obviously that title had nothing to do with anything but the concept for what the play had to appeal to and unfortunately, it was pretty much all that Theora had managed to nail down.  The trouble was that every aspect of the creation was so far out of her wheelhouse that any ideas she had ended up torn out of the notebook and thrown into the garbage.  It really was discouraging and the ideas had been building up in her mind.  So many little buzzing thoughts all wanting to be written down, to be heard.  It was enough to drive you mad.

What she needed was a brilliant writer, or, failing that, to drink less coffee.  That probably also contributed to the buzzing. But she couldn’t help it, she drank it faster when she was stressed, it helped her focus on work.  But the work couldn’t come and so it all just fed in on itself like a wild ouroborous.  She leaned against the hallway wall and rested her forehead against the cool concrete wall.  She hadn’t even been able to enjoy watching people walk along minding their own business and going about their day.  The intruding thoughts bored their way in, the only respite was sleep.

Theora sighed dramatically, life was full of suffering.  She closed her eyes and took a deep breath before pulling herself away from the wall to start walking away.  She started walking normally, lost in thought, but her gait changed, her steps became more rhythmic without her noticing.  While her mind was elsewhere, her body had picked up on the faint sound of music flowing through the halls.  In fact, she didn’t notice until the music abruptly stopped and she missed a step, nearly tripping over her own feet.  Theora shook her head and tried to collect what normal thoughts she could. That music had slipped into her head so easily, that might be just the thing she needed.  To try and reduce any outside elements, she closed her eyes and listened, waiting for the music to start again.  

When it did, she began to follow it down the halls, hunting for the classroom it was coming from.  Eventually, she had it narrowed down.  She didn’t hear voices, so it probably wasn’t a lesson, and there were no classes on right now.  Still, she wasn’t prepared to just walk in and interrupt the song.  Theora had been taught better than that.  So she waited until the song was over.  As the last notes faded, she opnened the door and walked in, clapping her hands.  “Bravo, magnificent.”

It's been some days since Angelica finished her transfer to Fukui Academy and she found herself at the piano classroom playing after classes were over again. The familiar and smoothing sound of the piano helped her relax and think back about the last few days. A small smile graced her lips remembering how easy it was for her to settle in the new class and the Second Year dorm; her roommate is even a guitar player as well who Angelica wanted to listen to the girl's music soon. But what the red hair found most interesting about her new school is how peaceful everything seems to be and she can totally see herself enjoy her stay here.

Angelica didn't really remember when she first heard and tried to play it but Canon has become her go to piece of classical music when she just wanted to play the piano just because she felt like it, which happen quite alot. An hour or two after classes of losing herself to music was wonderful; and the best thing was that noone would look at it and think it's a strange thing at all. Allowing herself a small giggle as the ending notes echoed through the room, Angelica closed her eyes, letting out a happy sigh and was about to pushed herself up only to hear clapping and compliment coming from the room's door. Ah, look like her playing did get someone interest, and that someone as Angelica turned around on her seat was a pretty looking blonde girl wearing the same second year uniform as herself who she's never met before, the girl must be from another class then.

"Thank you." Offering the blonde a smile, Angelica turned to look at the piano and ran her hand over it. "I'm glad you like my playing. I'm Angelica Duerr, I just transferred to the academy some days so if you attend piano class as well then please pardon me for not knowing."

Theora Katou

Theora shut the door behind her and too her first look at the girl. This Angelica's most stand out feature was definitely her figure which was, well, enviable to say the least. Not that Theora let herself feel any emotion as petty as jealousy, oh no, there was definitely no jealousy at all here. The second feature was the girl's hair, it was red, though not nearly as bright and vivid as Matches' hair was.  Well, red hair seemed to be a good omen and Theora was always on the look out for good omens.  

"A new student, well, the school must have incredible luck and skill to recruit a talent such as yours."  Theora made her way away from the piano to pull out a chair and drag it closer.  "And how lucky I must be to hear it in such a private setting rather than having to share it with the world, I am truly blessed."  She sat down, crossing one leg over the other and setting her purse down to one side.  "But no, we have not met, much to my regret.  I am sad to say I was not born with the talent of music, though I do enjoy listening to it performed well.  And no amount of work has cultivated any skill in my fingers."  She reached into her purse and pulled out a small notebook which she placed in her lap and withdrew a pen from behind her ear.  

"My name is Katou Theora, I am part of the theater department, I'm the Producer."  She said and smiled, though this one had a glimmer of pride and self satisfaction.  "I expect you will hear of me eventually, while I am not famous, my name is not unknown among the students here."  Whether what they had to say was positive or negative, Theora didn't much care.  Right now, she just wanted them to be known, although if there were any negative words about her pets, Theora would care a great deal and it might not end well.  "But I have not come in here to talk about myself." She said, which was technically true.  "I have come only to hear your music."  This was less true.  Theora had entered recruitment mode and Angelica seemed like a worthy prize that she could collect, Polish, and promote to even greater heights.  "So please, feel free to continue."

"Ah..." Saying that Angelica wasn't taken aback from such greetings coming from the blonde girl would be a lie but she made sure not to show much of it. "I don't know if it's the school's or my luck that I transferred here but I'm glad you enjoy my playing; I haven't had any audience for quite awhile." There was this air of confident around the girl which actually made the red hair feel more at easy, how strange. "Sometimes I do wonder if I was blessed with this bond with the piano or not you know, yet 'practice makes perfect' is always my motto."

"Theater Producer ?" And there it was again, the glimpse of that self-confident again at least it was to Angelica that made her return the smile with her own and curiosity in her voice. The red hair knew the academy is famous for its wide range of training and Theater should be included as well, it was just she didn't know much about the art and if there was a chance then she would love to learn more about it, even just the basics. "Isn't it better for a producer to be popular right ?" Running her fingers over some of the grand piano keys, Angelica gave her honest thought while humming the intro of her next performance in mind. "But I'm sure we'll have time to talk more later, let's just enjoy the music then." With that the first note of Get Wild echoed throughout the room and Angelica poured herself into the piano once again, this time with a thought of an audience in mind.

To Angelica, the song was about the motivation, the drive of someone who struggled yet finally found the goal they've been looking for and willing forge their way towards it no matter what. "Get wild and tough ~" A bright smile graced her face as the red hair remembered her past adventures while singing that catchy lines of the chorus. "Get chance and luck ~" Humming happily, she let the images of the past drifted off before finding the calm ending of the performance arrived. "It's nice to have a clear goal in life to strive for don't you think ?" Angelica asked absentmindedly, still letting her mind wander a bit after the last note of the song.

Theora Katou

To be popular. Theora thought about that as Angelica began playing again. There was some level of truth to the statement. Probably far less than Angelica would suspect. A great many unpleasant people had produced great works that inspired people to this day. Her thoughts stuttered as the piano broke into a wild dance. She really was quite good, very impressive. Theora tapped her fingers against the notebook in time with the song and closed her eyes. Popularity was a useful tool, but it was perfectly expendable. Being well known, celebrated for your work was popularity enough and more valuable in luring new pets to create even greater works.

Here and now, at the school, she had to play the game, occasionally hide her inner self, shift and adjust as the targets came in so that she could recruit them without trouble. It could be exhausting and it was easy to forget who you were unless you had a rock solid core to return to at the end of the day. Once she was out in the world, being a true producer, once she had shown people that she could direct, they would forgive her eccentricities and they would seek her out. The general public didn't need to like her, they didn't even need to know she existed. So long as they consumed and embraced her creations and adored her pets, Theora would be satisfied. Those who needed to know who she was would know.

The last notes trickled away in the room and the fading voice shimmered in the air. Angelica spoke, a wistful question. Well Theora knew an opening line if she'd ever heard one. She stood up and walked toward Angelica. "It certainly is." She said softly, she put one foot in front of the other, walking heel to toe so the steps were silent. "Tell me, what is your goal, Sukikyo". She lightly placed her hands on the girl's shoulders. The way the girl had played, the way she carried herself while sitting at the piano had a noble elegance to it. So Theora had chosen to call her cardinal, after the songbird.  "Your music is beautiful, you put so much emotion into it.  Please, play me one more song."

Sukikyo ? The blonde girl sure had a strange way of addressing people, yet to think about it, Angelica did fit the image of a scarlet songbird herself. Even with her interest in vocal classes, the piano has always been the one thing that kept the red hair going though all those hard time ever since she first started playing and if she can express herself from her music then isn't it a wonderful thing ?. "Apart from being a successful pianist like you and maybe many others would think ? I only wish to get better at playing and then one day that little dream of mine can come true." Angelica turned her head to look up at the glasses wearing girl beside her; a producer hm, she sure looked like someone who already had all their goals planned out or at least much more clearly than Angelica herself. "Who am I kidding." A small giggle came from the pianist as she once again ran her fingers over the piano keys for the next song, right, she forgot how emotional she could be during and after her performance again. "...I do have ambition dear Producer ~ But would you believe that my dream would be having a small bar of my own, where I get to meet interesting people from everywhere, letting them escape from the busy daily life even just for a little bit with my piano playing and who knows, maybe some singing as well." Then the notes of Crimson Dream danced their way through the small room, promising a peaceful ending after a long and hard journey; Angelica knew such wishful thinking, just like that peaceful ending would be nearly impossible for now but she still wanted to find it someday, after she finished her journey of course.

The red hair basked in the echoes of those last notes while leaning back a bit to relax, expecting the blonde would be still behind her. "What do you think dear Producer ?" Angelica knew she was having a bit too much fun with herself right now and calling Theora like that might not be the best but asking for her piano performance meant asking her honest feelings and the red hair would not disappoint. "I'm sorry but performing does have this affect on me you know, how to put it...losing yourself to the moment or something like that."

Theora Katou

To get better at piano, a goal to be sure. But it was hardly a great one. It didn't speak to a plan, it didn't speak to some final end goal with a finish line to pursue. It was a nebulous get better, even the best player in the world could get better. Had she been wrong? Talent was nothing without vision. But her Sukikyo went on. A bar, it was almost cliche except Theora had never heard of something so simple. But there was a nobility to it, she wished to provide comfort, to overcome sorrow. Theora could understand that, to some degree. Her fingers tightened on Angelica's shoulders as the music began, not painfully, but it was there.

Theora closed her eyes. This music could be just the ticket. Her next production was going to need so much, but the music had to be played with the full spectrum of emotion. If the player felt it as they played, the listener surely would as well. She leaned in closer, her head hovering just over the sitting Angelica. As the final chord faded to silence, Theora took a deep breath and sighed. "I think that was quite lovely." She released her grip and slid her arms forward so her forearms were now resting on her Sukikyo's shoulders. "Sing us a song, you're the piano man." She half whispered, half sung.

Obviously it didn't sound great, English wasn't her first language and she had trouble singing on key at the best of times. But Angelica had awoken that song in her memory. "It's a good effect." She leaned against Angelica as the girl leaned back against her. They were just shy of a hug as their bodies met and Theora rested her chin on top of Angelica's head. "I could help you, you know. In theater, we need people with so many talents. Dancing, acting, singing, and yes, even the piano. Somebody of your talent would be invaluable to me, just imagine it." She shifted her head to one side and began to whisper into Sukikyo's ear.

"You and your piano. Your music echoing through the halls, every note touching the souls of the audience. Hundreds, if not thousands, filling the theater, all of them there to see you and forget their troubles for awhile." It was so much more than a tiny bar could provide. Though the money earned from a single sold out show was surely enough to get one started in the busines and the word of mouth would keep customers coming.

"Thank you." A smile made itself known on Angelica's face while she replay the short harmonica intro of the Piano Man on the grand piano to complement with Athora's singing. The blonde Producer sure did enjoy her music and that was enough for Angelica to keep on entertaining her with her performance. And the red hair almost forget how it felt being so close with someone else like this, when was the last time she actually hugged someone and not just her familiar stuffed shark, Angelica didn't know and her attention didn't stay on that thought long enough hearing the whispers in her ear. Well, not like she felt a bit disappointed when the weight on her head shifted away but Theora's words did perk her interest, that adventurous streak clawed its way back easily with the mention of piano and theater in one sentence.

"You and your way with words dear Producer~" Glancing at Theora, meeting those blue orbs with her knowing red ones, Angelica didn't know if-nah, there was no way her Producer could ever plan all this thus the red hair wanted to give it to Theora even more. Closing her eyes, the red hair gave a small nod while her mind building up the image the blonde was talking about; just Angelica and her piano before a full packed audienc-and her breath hitched lightly, her shoulders stiffen up before slowly relaxed as she tried her best to stir the image back to just her and the piano on stage. "Yes...just me and my piano..." Not noticing she was talking to herself, Angelica let out a breath, trying to to find that calmness within herself again while leaning back against the blonde Producer a bit more. "I'm sorry about that, it's just I'm not that good when it comes to crowds." The scarlet songbird admitted, her fingers pressed onto some keys absentmindedly. "If you don't mind that in your theater dear Producer, then I'd say you just got yourself a pianist ~" Who knows, Theora didn't seem to be the type that just gave up easily and maybe this could be the first step that Angelica has been blindly looking for. "Just don't push yourself too much, I could always stay in the back and play you know, if the whole performing on stage doesn't work out."

Theora Katou

Theora smiled. The girl obviously knew the proper way to act. As Angelica's fingers danced along the keys, Theora watched them move. Long and slender, filled with energy but still precise, there was a great deal to envy there. She'd have to introduce this Sukikyo to the Dove and see how the two of them got on. Her dove spoke so little and never sang, perhaps this connection might draw out more brilliance from both of them. But there was a hitch, a change came over the girl. As dutiful as she was to imagine along, something Theora said had affected the girl unexpectedly.

Theora was no stranger to stage fright. Her first attempt on the stage had brought with it a great deal of anxiety, but nothing more and it quickly disappeared. Now, she felt confident that she could step up on stage without a moment of rehearsal and feel as cool and in control as if she'd been preparing for months. But Theora knew that this wasn't the same for everyone. Her confidence had been nurtured through an obsession with improvisational work. A few of the girls she had worked with confessed not just to stage fright when they were young, but even now that they were older and had more experience than even Theora had.

At first, Theora had been bothered by the idea, even briefly considering them not true artists. That notion had been dashed very quickly, fortunately. People reacted differently to the stage, but it was a love of the stage that kept them coming back and if that edge of fear was there, it did not interfere and was, perhaps, just as integral as any other pre-show ritual. Theora lightly began rubbing the girl's back, attempting to ease the tense muscles that had stiffened out of nervousness. "Oh, I see. My apologies for making you uncomfortable, Sukikyo. But I would never mind such a thing." Which was now more true than it had been. "We all have faults, everyone has some weakness they must overcome. Much like learning the piano, you must start small and work your way towards greatness."

She stood up, though her hands remained against Angelica. "I am not the one being pushed, but I would not be so cruel as to push you to perform in a space like that before you were ready, both in piano skills and mentally fortified. But do not discount your own strength, Sukikyo, I expect you can and will surprise yourself with how much you can do up on my stage." The line had been cast, the hook was baited, and that bait was taken. But even now, it could be thrown away, this was Theora setting the hook. Would Angelica accept a place as one of her pets?

'Nobody's perfect' Angelica knew full well how true that is yet it didn't stop her as well as countless others striving to perfect themselves. No matter how many times she's told herself that she was used to it, the red hair's hesitation, Angelica refused to call it fear, when it came to overcrowded places always reared its head back. And she would love to overcome that some day yet memory was something you just can't get rid of that easy.

"Angelica, what do we do now..."

"Silly girl, how many times do I have to tell you that they would never blame you for what happened. You are a hero and never let anyone or anything take that from you."

Angelica had to admit, being cared for like this even it was just a simple gesture was something she did carve for. "You're right, nothing can be done if you don't take that first step." She had to give it to Theora, the blonde sure knew how to play with her words and Angelica wondered how passionate her Producer could be with her stage just like the red hair with her piano. When it came to things out of her interest or being too much of a hassle, Angelica just couldn't find any motivation but she would find the drive she needed if there were someone pushing, guiding her the right way. It had happened before and you could say it was bad to let people lead you like that but not like any random person could have that affect on her. This time though, Angelica had a feeling Theora was that person, her ticket to something she had no knowledge about and...Soft giggle escaped her lips as the red hair girl reached for the comforting hand on her shoulder, squeezing it a bit before standing up and turned around.

And...maybe it was time for this Sukikyo to share its songs with everyone.

"I do hope you know what you are doing after because I surely don't." Angelica couldn't help buy smilling brightly at the blonde with no trace of the normal polite one. "But you got me; show me how passionate you are in the art and I'll be sure to do so as well. This Sukikyo is yours my dear Producer, please take good care of me."

She has always been content with following others...and she would love to do so again.

Theora Katou

And hooked. The girl was hers. Theora let go of her shoulders and began walking back to her chair and bag. "I have no idea what I'm doing at any given moment until I am doing it. Life is a stage and improvisation my calling. It is like that american jazz music. There is no written guide, you simply understand and move forward as your heart leads." She picked up her bag and set it on the chair before lifting both up and moving them to sit beside the bench Sukikyo was sitting on. "It was my heart that led me to you, I find it rarely leads me astray. Though sometimes it leads me to find where my weaknesses lay."

But once you knew where your weaknesses lie, you were able to overcome them, be it with practice, hard work, or simply hiring somebody else to take care of it for you. Theora was a big fan of the last one as there were so many talents required in a theatrical production and it would take a true superman to be able to perform all of them. Theora could fill in adequately, but she wanted real professionals. Her place was making sure everything happened, anything else was a bonus and she could be the perfect understudy or stage hand in the background.

She moved her bag onto the piano, sat down and ran her fingers along the keys, an abreviated glissando of high notes, but it managed to sound harsher than a true musician's attempt. "Tell me, how familiar are you with the work of one Pyotr Tchaikovsky? Specifically, his ballet of The Nutcracker?" She took her hands off the key and looked at Sukikyo. "My current project draws heavily from his work, as there are very few that have the same distinction." She reached up and drew a notebook filled with scraps of paper from it. She flipped near the end, the pages that went by were covered in disorganized writing, drawings, diagrams, and who knew what else. She finally stopped at the page she was looking for.

She put the whole notebook on the stand for sheet music. The pages were opened to show a great deal of scribbles. Notes of all kinds, all related to a different themes, some circled, some crossed out, some both. Words like 'simple' or 'vibrant' or nonsense phrases like 'smell of smoke'. None of it seemed to really connect properly. And at the center was drawn a crude attempt at a sketch that was obviously the theme overall. An eye, an ear, and a square. There was a line connecting the three items together with a harsher penciled in slash cutting the connection between the eye and ear. "Do you see?" She asked.

A producer who was at her best when there was no plan to hold her back, Angelica could understand how you shouldn't limit yourself to just one course of action but having too many open paths wasn't her favorite either. "Following my heart hm? I used to do that too before it led to rather unfortunate events." Chuckles masked her moment of grief as Angelica moved a bit on the bench so both of them can fit on it before Angelica's thought went back to her Producer. Those who practice Arts like Angelica herself weren't stranger to improvisation but she has never thought a producer would do anything without any kind of plan; then again who was she to doubt. Even the best laid plan could go off track and failing to improvise when the situation called for it could lead to disaster. Angelica should just focus on doing her part as a pianist but the linger of doubt was still there at the back of her mind.

"Oh, the cannons composer." Angelica mumbled her first thought without realising she's done it while replaying the notes Theora just played on another set of keys by habit. She has never meant to disrepect the great composer, let's just say 1812 Overture with the use of cannons of all thing left quite an impact of the young Angelica. "I have to admit I've never seen the ballet itself but Nutcracker Suite is one of my favourite from his work." Glancing at Theora's notebook, the red hair sure easily got interested in how a theater producer go about making her ideas come to life. Speaking of which, heavily drawn from Tchaikovsky seemed fitting for theater stage given how famous Swan Lake and The Nutcracker ballets are. "To me, Tchaikovsky's work has this strange sense of magic in them. Like I said, I've never seen the ballet but by knowing only the titles; whenever I play the Nutcracker Suite I can somewhat imagine what could be the ballet in my mind or at least putting images together to fit such imagination."

Helping the blonde to keep her notebook in place on the stand, the red hair could finally see what the main idea for her Producer next project was. In the midst of scribbles, all kind of notes, crossed out words and drawings were a clearly shaped eye, ear and a square with the focus on their connection. If they hadn't talked about Tchaikovsky then it would have been much harder for Angelica to guess what her Producer was having in mind but it didn't mean the red hair fully understood it. "Given what you said and the drawing, especially the slash separating the eye and ears; I guess a stage play experince by either ears or eyes alone ? Or maybe both at once too ? Where the audience can imagine what could be on stage by the sound and music only and vice versa; a stage performance that by only watching it people can come up with their own version of what it might sound like." The red hair pasued for a bit before shaking her head. "I still can't get what the square stands for or you'd want the 'ear' and 'eye' experience to be the same or different depends on each audience dear Producer." If what she suspected were true then the difficulty of the project would off the roof and Angelica sure hoped her Producer knew she was getting herself into.

Theora Katou

Unfortunate events, the thought of it was a lure of its own for Theora. For now she put it aside and let herself ignor it just as she ignored the empty space next to her Sukikyo for the moment. But a lure like the phrase 'unfortunate events' was one that was best savored and saved for a later day, secrets and stories phrased like that spoke of drama, and drama was so often better aged like a fine wine. Left in the dark where it could be theorized, imagined, and blown far out of proportion to the extent that it might fit with any Shakesperian tangled web. Often the truth was just disappointing or needlessly depressing. Life was rarely as well foreshadowed as a good play and the cruelties always seemed to have far less of a point.

As her Sukikyo spoke of the Nutcracker, Theora began to get excited. There was a thread here, this girl was starting to understand, or maybe she always would have. Truly Theora's heart had steered her to the perfect candidate and fate saw fit to bring this perfect pet into her collection. Theora's smile grew as the girl nearly correctly interpreted her chart. Finally somebody could see the obvious, or what was obvious to Theora. She got stuck on the box but that didn't matter in the least. The reasons weren't divined but even so basic a grasp of Theora's end goal was so fresh after so many of her other pets had reacted with confused glances and skeptical noises.

Theora stood up suddenly, sending her chair skidding back several inches. "Yes, that's it!" She stepped around behind Angelica much as she had been at the start of their interaction. Her hands came down onto Angelica's shoulders, her grip was firm with resolve. "Just like you've said." Her hands slid down Angelica's arms and down to her wrists as Theora leaned her entire body against the pianist to reach. She put Angelica's hands against the keys and whispered "Play anything." She let go of the pianist's wrists and brought them back to rest just above the girl's collarbone.

"You play the music, you see the actors on stage, the theater itself is the square. A show in two parts." She said as Angelica played. "But what if you can't have both parts. What if you've lost your sight?" Her hands slowly slid up Angelica's neck, up her cheek, and then covered her eyes. "The music tells the story just as in The Nutcracker, the prince, the rat King, you hear as the song plays the battle commences, you hear the frantic fear when the Prince starts to lose, the triumphant echo as he recovers and claims victory." Her hands slid away from Angelica's eyes and started moving back. "What if you can see but you can't hear. Play but see the stage with your mind's eye." She said as she closed her hands over Angelica's ears. It was hardly a noise cancelling headphone but the exercise was all metaphorical anyway.

Easily hiding her wincing at Theora's sudden outburst by trying to stay her focus on the notes, Angelica started to see how bold and commanding her Producer could be. That didn't mean she could just ignore the light blush making its way on her cheeks when the red hair can feel the blonde's hands on hers as well as her leaning against her back. Abd those whispered words as well, it took almost all Angelica's will not to react strongly to her personal space being shattered just like that. She was sure to her Producer, this was just normal daily work and Angelica could respect that, espcially it looked like she got what the blonde had in mind about her project as the notes of March slowly danced through the room, signaling the start of the piano arrange of The Nutcracker Suite.

"So that is what you're after, I think it's not impossible but surely is really ambitious my dear Producer." It was a miracle or Angelica herself being familiar with the piece that the red hair still could continue playing by ears and habits after being blindfolded by those hands. There were mistakes here and there that made the Sukikyo wincing internally but she still pushed on, hitting the faster notes as images of the battle between the nutcracker Prince and the rat King from Theora's words flashed through her mind. A relived sigh escaped her lips as Angelica finally regained her sight, finally made peace with her inner self as her music going smoothy with no more mistake. With the piece soon coming to its ending, now Angelica can really see what her Producer's aim was given she still could barely hear the music flow. "That was...unexpected to say the least." Angelica groaned after the last node echoed though the room then leant back against her Producer to rest for a bit before sitting straight up again. "With a good combination of narration and music timing, I think most people can imagine what could be going on or at least have their own interpretation." That was her thought about the whole concept as a pinaist and seemed like her Producer gonna need a lot of feedback to make her vision possible. "But I don't really know how the other way around would work." Shaking her head, Angelica took hold of the blonde's right hand, pulling it down a bit so she can lean her head to the side and rest against her forearm. "My skills aren't good enough yet to perform without hearing anything and my opinions on the visual side along wouldn't be reliable anyway. And my dear Producer, please don't- I mean a warning before I start playing would be nice next time. Have to admit I'm not used to sudden change like that during my performance, maybe with more time and practice I could overcome it but right now for sure."

Theora Katou

"You do not yet know the lengths of my ambition, my dear." She released her hold on Angelica and pulled away, ending their close contact. "The other way around is not nearly as difficult as you might think. But you are a bird, music is your life and passion." She reached out and stroked the back of Angelica's head. "But fear not, my Sukikyo, just as I seek out your great talent for music, I seek out others for theirs. They say it takes a village to raise a child, well it takes a crew to make theater."

She reached over Angelica and pulled her notebook off the stand. Theora cradled it in the crook of her arm as she flipped through page after page of ideas, names, and schemes. "No." She said, almost to herself. "Nothing to fear at all." She took a deep breath. Her pets need not ever fear, they just had to live and produce great things. They should be untroubled by the hardships and minor annoyances that could bring down their work. That was for a manager to sort out when it came to musician and actors. For the show, it came down to the producer.

"There is nothing for you to overcome, Sukikyo, I do not expect you to need to play while blind or deafened outside of normal stage darkness. Even then, you will have plenty of time to acquaintance yourself with the work and pieces you are given." She closed her notebook with less of a snap and more of a weak flap of the papers coming together. She glared at the thing for not being as suitably dramatic as she had wanted, but quickly set it down on the chair and went on.

"My greatest worry for the project is, while I might even manage to make a production that similarly appeals to both deaf and blind, it would be annoyingly repetitious or just redundant if you are neither. Why, for instance, should you care to be told that the villain has been stabbed when you see him lying before you with a dagger in his chest? To that end I have studied old radio dramas, to the sight without sound I have studied the silent films of yesteryear." They were really dull, in all honesty, she had a tendency to lose track of what was going on, but they did tend to be short. Honestly, musical cartoons were a far better indicator but didn't sound as good when used as an example for studying. "It can be done, and so I seek out a writer who might do the story justice. So do not worry. You will play your part when the time comes."

Right, it completely slipped Angelica's mind that how redundant the narration would be for people like her and especially it would downplay the dancers as well as her own performance! She could already see a headache coming if she would think more about thus the red hair just left the matter in her dear Producer's capable hand. That didn't mean Angelica gonna stop letting Theora know her thoughts on it, she would just focus more on doing her best for what she needed. "You're right, I should focus on perfecting my art and I'll be sure to do my best." To be honest, Angelica felt much relived knowing that she can just play the piano normally like how she's always been doing. Although sound and music would be one of the project's key elements, the red hair could shoulder it this time cause she also wanted to see if her dear Producer could it off in the end or not. Who knows, maybe Theora even gonna get more people to help out with the music as well.

"Although we just met but I have a feeling you could pull it through and finish the project my dear Producer." Angelica smiled confidently while running her hands slowly over the piano keys one more time. "Now I'm curious who else beside this Sukikyo would be working with you to reach that difficult but doesn't seem to be that impossible end goal." Then a short part of Cruel Angel's Thesis echoed through the room along with the red hair singing, she could be a bit too confident in herself as well as in Theora but that didn't matter much right now.

"Like an angel with cruel and merciless intent...
Go forth, young girl and you'll become a legend ~"

After the last note, Angelica took a quick glance at the clock on the wall before standing up and turned around. "It's rather late already, do you want to join me for dinner dear Producer ? It's fine if you already have other plan, and you know where to find me after class so I'm sure we'll have plenty of time to talk later." Closing the lid of the piano keys behind her, she quickly moved to get her bag in the corner of the room, taking a quick look inside to make sure she didn't forget anything at the classroom earlier today.

Theora Katou

"Good, good," Theora replied as her Sukikyo said that she had faith that Theora could pull off a project like this, "It's important to have trust in your Producer." She placed her hand on Angelica's shoulder and patted it softly three times. The girl began to play softly again as she asked who else might be working on the project. So many people, so many names, even if Angelica hadn't been a new student, she would likely not recognize most of them as they were all locked under Theora's nicknaming system. "Oh such a group, I have grown and gathered.

"Against your audio, most importantly is my Matches." Theora smiled. "Her hair is red like yours, but it burns brighter in the light." She ran her hand across Angelica's neck and slid it down her back, running her fingers through the girl's red hair. "But beside you will be my Dove. White and pale as the snow, and so very delicate. She writes such beautiful melodies when I ask, though she will rarely perform for me. Perhaps you might be what she needs to pull her soul out into the light for me." Theora leaned up against Angelica again. "Two beautiful songbirds, who knows what beautiful music they might make together."

She exhaled slowly as the song's last note ended. It was a bit of a surprise as Angelica looked at the clock and stood. Theora pulled back. This game of cat and bird had gone on longer than expected, though it had led to a fantastic new pet. While Angelica gathered her things, Theora, with far less speed, gathered her own and slid her chair back to where she'd pulled it from. "Alas, I must decline your date tonight, though it pains me to do so. I have plans made elsewhere tonight. But I am honored that you would ask me for such a thing so early in our relationship." She unzipped a side pocket from her bag and pulled out a rectangular piece of cardstock. "But here, please contact me again and we shall reunite under a lucky star." She held it out to Angelica.

It was a business card, it looked professionally printed. On the front in large font was 'Producer' printed in heavily stylized calligraphy and, beneath that was the kanji for dreams in silvery blue ink. On the back was her name, Theora Katou, along with her student email and her cell number.

Matches and a Dove alongside her, Angelica had to admit she was interested in the latter more while relaxing into the subtle touch from her Producer. The Dove seemed most likely to be a composer, a rather shy one ? The red hair would guess but her personality wouldn't matter much to Angelica as long as her music was as beutiful as Theora said. Good music should alwyas need to be enjoyed, that has been Angelica's line of thought ever since she started playing the piano and she'd surely help this Dove doing that. Another part of her was excited of exploring original music cause Angelica has barely ventured into it being a pianist; sure she did some small medley or mixing songs together from time to time but she's never thought of making an original piece herself.

And a date! Angelica shouldn't be surprised at Theora's words anymore yet she still was. She wasn't flirting with her Producer at all and for sure not meaning to ask the other to a date but if her Producer thought it like that then Angelica didn't mind humoring the blonde. And this Sukikyo's feeling was a matter for later days, not now when her attention was drawn to Theora's business card. "I'm sure we'll meet again soon...Theora." Smiling, Angelica took the card and easily took note of the cell number and student email in the back. "I like the simple design and you think I should make one myself too ?" A giggle came from the red hair as she easily put away the card and bowed her head a bit. "Don't worry, I'll send you a text as soon as I get to the dorm and just call me if you need anything dear Producer. I'd better go now and not holding you here much longer, have a nice evening dear Producer~"

The red hair was sure that she would meet the others Theora talked about sooner or later too so there wasn't any reason to probe for more information; and while she didn't say anything, Angelica was starting to feel hungry already. Most of the time she would treat herself a cup of hot milk during her practice session before dinner but not today. That break time was filled by Theora's arrival and can't say Angelica didn't enjoy the company.

Theora Katou

Theora waved her hand dismissively at the idea of the redhead needing a business card. "Oh no, absolutely not." She stepped up close to her Sukikyo and placed her hand on the girl's shoulder. "You, my dear, need only to stay with me. You do that and I will see to it that everyone knows you by sight alone." Theora reached up with her other hand and lifted Angelica's chin so that she could meet the redhead's eyes. Oh yes, she had great plans to take very good care of her pretty little pet. We'll not so little Theora had to admit, especially if she glanced down at all. That remained a bit annoying but nobody could help the way they were made, only others did that.

She released Angelica and adjusted her bag over one shoulder. "I will look forward to your first message." She smiled with as much kindness as she could and hiding all the excited glee she could as well. Today was a very lucky day. Such a marvelous specimen for her work, surely Sukikyo would be instrumental in the meteoric rise to fame and success. Theora closed her bag and zipped up the pockets. She would definitely need to send an email to Dove and set something up. "Fair well, Sukiyo. Until the next chorus." She said before waking out the door. It was not an accident that she had not requested Angelica's number. The girl would provide or she wouldn't. It was all part of Theora's little game to recruit talents and seduce them into the arms of the theater.

Meeting Theora's eyes with a more confident look in her eyes, Angelica gave her Producer a smile finding the other's touch more pleasant than before. Such chance encounter was never on the red hair plan for today practice session yet it wasn't an unwelcome one. Apart from Theora's way with words, there was something else about her Producer that got Angelica interested yet the girl herself had no idea what that was. "Until we meet again." For now she can only chuckle to herself after her Producer has left before leaving the music room herself, she had a dinner to tend to as well!

That night Theora would receive a message that read 'Good night dear Producer ~ Your Sukikyo'. Angelica was sure Theora would know who that was and thoughts about what the theater stage would be for her filled the red hair's mind as she slowly fell asleep to the melody of Rain and Tears.