Chapter Text
Alex Horne, music director of Clementine High School’s annual show, has only met the theatre teacher a couple of times, despite the fact that they will be working closely together for the musical. The theatre teacher is an incredibly tall man named Mr. Davies. Alex thinks his first name might be something like Grant or Greg, but he’s not entirely sure. This year the high school is putting on Jekyll & Hyde. Alex thinks it’s a bit risque for a high school, but the music is fun and he’s looking forward to working with the pit orchestra. Plus, the high school is known for having talented students, so doing a musical is always a good time. Last year they did Les Miserables, which turned out to be absolutely incredible, and quite a blast. That was before the new theatre teacher started working at the school. Alex himself is quite tall at six foot two inches, but Grant (Greg?) towers over him by at least half a foot. Alex hopes he is up to the task.
On the first day of rehearsals, the air is electric with excitement. Roles had been assigned to the students, and everyone is eager to get started. The air smells like paint and sawdust as the stage crew set to work building their make-believe world of London. Mr. Davies gathers the kids around in a circle to detail what their rehearsal schedule will look like. Alex is in the theatre, sitting in one of the folding seats at the center of the audience. The pit orchestra won’t get together with the actors until much later on, and Alex wants to see what Mr. Davies’s teaching style looks like.
As it turns out, Mr. Davies is very good. Towering over all the students, he exudes a manner that is playful and friendly, easygoing and laid back. The kids laugh a lot and seem to be at ease with him around. His long arms gesture dramatically when he points to places on the stage for marking, and his laugh is loud and buoyant. Alex likes him immediately, and knows that he wants to get to know the man better before the end of the year is out.
At the end of the rehearsal, the students are in good spirits as Mr. Davies sends them home. Alex finds him standing outside the school, watching over the stragglers whose parents have yet to pick them up. He sidles up next to Mr. Davies and clears his throat.
“Hey! It’s Alex, right?” Mr. Davies shouts, smiling, turning to Alex and holding out a hand to shake.
“Yes, that’s correct. And is it… Gr…?” Alex stumbles on the name, unsure of whether it’s Grant or Greg.
“Greg Davies,” the man says, saving Alex the embarrassment.
“Pleasure,” Alex says, and returns Greg’s smile.
“Gotta love the first day of rehearsals,” Greg says, looking back out at the parking lot and pickup area. “These kids are good. Really good. It’s going to be a great show.” He turns to Alex again. “Ever done this show before?”
Alex shakes his head. “No, but I’ve seen it live a couple of times and listened to both albums a fair amount.”
Greg nods his head, looking wistful. “I did it in high school myself, got the lead role.” His chest seems to puff up a bit. “Incredibly demanding but very fun.”
“Wow, the lead?” Alex asks, looking up at Greg. “That’s really impressive!”
Greg chuckles. “Yeah, I suppose I’m lucky that they chose this show during my first year here.” Then he switches topics. “Have the pit rehearsals started already?”
Alex shakes his head. “No, not yet. We’ll be starting in a couple weeks, and then we’ll use the last two weeks to rehearse together, with the actors.”
“Well, I’m looking forward to it. I really am,” Greg beams, and his smile is radiant. He waves goodbye to the final student as they get into their parent’s car, and then rounds on Alex.
“What do you say, you up for a pint? My treat.”
“Oh!” Alex is caught off guard. “Y-yeah, sure! I’d love that.”
“Great! I’d love to hear more about this school and what shows it's done in the past.”
They begin to walk toward the parking lot, aiming at their respective cars. They stop in the middle when it’s clear one of them needs to go one way and the other needs to go the other way.
“Well, last year we did Les Mis,” Alex says conversationally.
Greg’s eyes go wide with shock. “No fucking way,” he rumbles in a deep, low voice. “Okay, I need to hear about this. Meet at the Red Hen on Thimble Street?”
“Yes, I’ll see you soon!”
“Great.” Greg grins. “It’s a date.”
As he turns to walk toward his car, Alex is suddenly very thankful it’s dark outside, because he feels his ears burning bright red.