Who: Jim and Janet What: A lack of inhibitions means Jim needs to break out into song. What do you mean this isn’t the musical plot? Where: Janet’s apartment. When: Wednesday night. Warnings: Guaranteed awkward, but otherwise, watch this space.
Jim loved Wednesdays. They were his one day off in a long, stressful week. Granted this last week hadn’t been too bad – he’d managed to survive, few accidents had occurred, and he’d thought he dodged Belle’s surprise pretty well. Still, he was grateful when Wednesday came around and he was able to sleep in and get normal things done. He grabbed his MP3 player, feeling nostalgic and starting some music before heading out.
He managed a nod and a grin for the people doing repairs on the stairs and elevator – about time, they’d seemed shitty for a while – paying little mind to it. He tucked his pile of mail under his arm, before setting out. A few hours later, he came back after a run around the nearest park – hijacking a kite flying session with a group of youngsters who reminded him of his siblings. They’d been grateful for the help and it was such an easy thing to assist – someone tall(er) then them as they set off for a running start. If he started humming Mary Poppins, that wasn’t a big deal, was it?
A slight side jump was given – ala the Wizard of Oz – before ducking into Hamartia. Not very fitting for what began playing and his steps slowed slightly. RENT was an old favorite, simply for how close it came to home – making him think of ridiculous things, like Broadway and making it there in the future, before he could stop himself. His grin from earlier became weaker, a little more beaten. He shouldn’t think of such things – not when the Magic Store was close to being semi-sane. A hand reached for the railing, pulling himself forward.
The change escaped him entirely. His free hand moved back to the MP3 player, restarting the song. Sheesh, he was being ridiculous about it. Worries vanished. The song had a message. Going for it, pushing on. How could he let that stop him before? He laughed as Roger began to sing, before chiming in, “One song to leave behind…”
Jim wasn’t about to die from AIDS, nor was he any composer. But that was beside the point – the theme of the song itself mattered. Pushing. Achieving that goal most discouraged you from or you were too scared to take. He continued to ascend, singing on, tenor clear – not caring who heard him. The stairwell had good acoustics and he knew even if Broadway didn’t that he was skilled.
“One song – he had the world at his feet. Glory – in the eyes of a young girl…” Like Janet. He shut his eyes, singing on.
Was it coincidence that his phone beeped then? Without missing a beat, he dug out his phone and opened the lid. Janet’s text surprised him for only a moment. But worry was shoved away as a wry smile spread. He could take advantage of it. He could. The voice in his ear told him too. His idea was strange, unexpected – but he had to do it. There was no reason not to.
“Find glory in a song that rings true…” He kept the phone in his hand, running up the stairs. His free hand grabbed the railing in turns, yanking himself upwards to move him faster. Occasionally he broke off as the music overtook him – swinging for a moment, eyes shutting as he went on, “Time flies – and then, no need to endure anymore!”
The stairs were climbed until he got to the third floor, music dying then. He pulled the headphones from his ears, tucking it away before adjusting his shirt. There was only a moment’s hesitation before he texted Janet back.