Author's Note: Thanks for the nice reviews, I very much appreciate it!
Okay, so here the next chapter. Hope you'll like (and here the warning: I don't know if auditions work like that, so... if they don't... just regard it as something my fantasy bred out) ;)
Read, review and hopefully enjoy ;)
A few days later, the big day has come. Drum roll, please! Or... rather not. Deeks still fails to figure how Hetty could actually get him an audition that fast. He knows that Hetty knows everyone and everything and that she is probably even more influential than the president himself, but it never ceases to surprise him just how far the Hetty-Network reaches.
Therefore, Hetty and Kensi, and he are sitting in front of the room leading to the audition. Deeks is dressed in white dress shirt and anthracite suit, his knee nervously bobbing up and down in the seat.
"Mr. Ambrose, if you intend to find a way to the story underneath, you might just as well use the stairs, you don't have to kick a hole into the ground," Hetty lectures him in a soft voice. Today she is wearing a red ensemble... Deeks still thinks she is showing her fighting colors here.
"I can't help it that I freak before I'll majorly make a fool outta myself," Deeks brings out, kneading his palms against the agitation bubbling deep inside of him. He is nervous as hell, obviously, and he doesn't want to be here in the first place, so... this doesn't just get him on edge, it tosses him five hundred feet beyond it.
"You won't, I'm sure," Hetty assures him quickly.
"I'm so gonna make his day, as good laugh," Deeks huffs.
"Calm down already," Kensi exhales. She wears fake rectangular glasses, a black pencil skirt with a broad belt, high heels, and a flower-patterned blouse with ruffles over the chest. And darn, does she look sexy in that... or so Deeks remembers when first seeing her in that outfit, because now he is too busy freaking out.
"I won't calm down until this is over and I never have to touch that thing again" Deeks grunts. Kensi comes over to him with a bottle of water. He takes it, and in fact his hands are trembling.
"Just take a deep breath. Just a day like any other," Kensi reassures him. He gesticulates, shakes his head, then hands the bottle back to her, and his knee is immediately bobbing up and down again. Kensi claps him on the thigh before sitting back down.
"Mr. Ambrose, you have practiced like a maniac, so to speak. I'm certain your performance will be more than fine. I believe in you," Hetty assures him another time.
Deeks: "Then you're for us two," Deeks huffs, because he doesn't see that happening anytime soon. A young man comes outside the door, "Ms. Lange? Mr. Parker is now ready to see you. If you'd follow me, please."
Hetty: "Thank you," Hetty smiles at the gentleman, getting up. The other two follow suit. Together, they follow the lanky man into a separate room. Everything is of wood and over with books and antiquities. Surely something Hetty enjoys a lot. Mr. Parker sits behind a huge wooden desk. Upon catching sight of Hetty, he gets up from his chair, straightening his fine dress and walks up to her, kissing her hand, "Ms. Lange, it's an unbelievable pleasure to finally see you again. How long has it been?"
"Too long, Mr. Parker. Way too long," Hetty pats his hand with a smile.
"So I heard you brought me a little something," Parker grins at her.
"Oh, I hope a little big something. Meet Mr. Julian Ambrose, my latest discovery," Hetty turns around and gesticulates at Deeks, who hastily shakes the other man's hand, "It's an honor to finally be able to meet you, Sir. Ms. Lange's told me so much about you."
"Oh, we'll see whether you'll be honored. After all, it all depends on your performance," Mr. Parker argues with a smirk, though Deeks knows he's deadly serious.
"Mr. Parker, I can assure you that you won't be disappointed," Hetty smirks at the man.
"I trust your words, but of course I have to learn for myself... and who are you, young Lady?" he glances at Kensi. Hetty holds her hands up, "Oh, my manners. This is my secretary and Mr. Ambrose's personal assistant, Ms. Amelia Finnegan."
"Pleasure," Kensi smiles at him sweetly, shaking his hand.
"Oh, the honor is on my side. So now that we introduced ourselves, how about us coming to business? After all, you came here with a request," Mr. Parker suggests.
"Most certainly. Mr. Ambrose?" Hetty nods at Deeks, who then straightly turns to Parker again, "Are we going to do it here?"
"Don't you want?" Mr. Parker huffs. Deeks licks his lips, "I don't mind, it's just the acoustic I'm worried about. Those pillars will disturb the sound, but if that is your intention, then this is of course more than fine with me."
That actually makes the older man smirk, "At least he knows what he's talking about. I already had two applicants today who wanted to do it here – in good conscience that this was proper, because it's most certainly not for a proper audition."
"So we won't do it here," Deeks asks again, feeling a bit of relief. Last respite.
"No, we have a separate auditorium exactly for such purposes," Parker nods.
"That is very good to hear," Deeks coughs nervously. He already feared that the guy would call it off after he talked back, but... first hurdle taken, yay?
"Then we shall go to the auditorium," Mr. Parker declares and walks ahead. The others follow him into a room without any pillars, fully equipped for such purposes.
"Amazing... oh, I'm sorry," Deeks blushes, but Mr. Parker holds up his hands, "Oh, I like to see when people are actually excited about even such things. Many take it for granted that there are such opportunities. I still remember the days when one had to play in an audition in a room about the size of my office, with so many pillars in it that you could barely see one another."
"Then you must have been extra good to work through this," Deeks smirks.
"Oh well, it always depends on luck as well. If the tester is sympathetic or not plays a great role just as well. So is this your first application to our ensemble?" Parker asks curiously.
"Yes," Deeks nods hastily.
"Mr. Ambrose is still quite new to the business," Hetty provides.
"I was wondering about that anyways. I never heard of you before, Mr. Ambrose," Mr. Parker blinks at him.
"A newcomer," Hetty assures him.
"And in what orchestras did you play yet?" Mr. Parker asks. Yeah, the references...
"He was abroad for some time and played in small ensembles before he actually went out in the streets to play," Hetty delivers the background story. She and Deeks discussed that this might best fit their purposes. If they had told him that Deeks was to all kinds of big orchestras already, he may realize that they are lying to him. Internationally, you have better chances that you may join an ensemble a guy like Parker may not know about. And with the streets, it's to give it a kind of personal touch.
"In the streets," Mr. Parker repeats with a grimace.
"Yes. That is where I found him. And I was so stunned I immediately took him under my wings," Hetty smiles at him.
"Well, that's unconventional," Mr. Parker shrugs.
"That is how you get real feedback in my opinion. In the orchestras I used to play, I always got the feeling that the audience is only applauding because they are being polite. When you play in the streets, you get immediate feedback, without coloring. Either they like it and listen, or they walk on, and if they really like it, they give you some money," Deeks explains. It's good that he went through this story with Hetty. When he proposed to set it like that, she was surprised, too, but when he explained that this might bring out this enthusiasm, it may cover up for the technique he is lacking, which is why they went with it.
"Interesting. Well, I take it that you're a free thinker, then. I hope that this doesn't interfere with the ensemble, though. In there you have to play your part. We are not looking for solo starlets who are only after their own personal fame. The ensemble is the center of it all – at least that's our philosophy here," Mr. Parker argues. Well... at least that guy likes to make himself believe that. After all, the Marine was their little starlet.
"I'm fully aware of that. The times alone when playing out in the streets were more of a... an experiment, you see. I love to play in the group. When everything comes together, that's when you make real music. And that is what I want to do for the rest of my life," Deeks smirks at him. And at that point he is just so glad that he can lie right into someone's face with just that smile. Because that is nothing he'd like to do in the future... or present. At all.
"Very well, then we should get started. Mr. Ambrose, please?" Mr. Parker nods at the blond man.
"One moment," Deeks nervously starts to fidget for his things.
"No need to hurry. Take your time to get ready. After all, this is a once-in-a-lifetime-chance, literally," Mr. Parker tells him... if that was supposed to encourage him in some way... it just did the opposite. Deeks would just love to hurl now. He manages a nervous smile, "Right."
He takes off his jacket and hands it to Kensi before he takes out the violin, to which Mr. Parker smiles, "A beautiful violin."
"A present from Ms. Lange. She was so kind," Deeks nods.
"I thought that he deserved it," Hetty shrugs.
"Then let's hope you live up to the quality of that beautiful instrument," Mr. Parker says.
"Yeah," Deeks coughs lightly. Darn, is it hot in here or is it just him...or Kensi? Why is his mind not working?! Oh, right, because he hates it here. He always hated tests in general. And now... this is tested. This of all things in the world.
"What are you going to deliver to us?" Mr. Parker asks curiously.
"Uhm, my request would actually be to play something I wrote myself," Deeks licks his lips nervously. That is the dangerous part here.
"Oh, you know that this is very risky," Mr. Parker grimaces.
"Yes," Deeks nods.
"Because then you'll also be judged for your composition. If your composition is not the best, it may tear down your performance entirely. Do you still want to do it?" Mr. Parker asks. And it is probably only thanks to Hetty's friendship that he points that out to Deeks. Others... he'd surely let them walk into that trap.
"Yes, and I'm aware of all that, but this is... it's a matter of heart to me," Deeks explains.
"Fine, if that is what you wish. I may tell you, though, that there will only be one piece I'm going to listen to – whether or not your composition appeals," Mr. Parker warns him.
Deeks: "I'll stick to that, thank you," Deeks nods, flashing a smile at the older man.
Mr. Parker: "Alright, Mr. Ambrose. The stage is yours whenever you feel ready," Mr. Parker holds out his hand with the palm up to indicate Deeks that he may start once he's ready. He nods, "Thanks."
Deeks sucks in a deep breath, closes his eyes. He sucks in another deep breath, his muscles loosening up with every ounce of oxygen being absorbed into his system. He pushes all dark thoughts away, all insecurities, all those haunting memories that flood back to him at the smell of rosin. He leans to his right, into the touch of the violin. Deeks raises the bow and brings it down on the strings. And with that a soft tune fills the room, warming, comforting, lunatic, homey. Hetty silently smiles to herself as she leans back in her chair, enjoying the subtle melody. Kensi's eyes glimmer at the beauty of the piece Deeks is delivering and with how much passion he delivers it. The tune ends with a huge finale, a climax, collapsing on itself, yet never losing its tenderness, its vulnerability, its frailty. Deeks leans into the movement as he lifts the bow again. He opens his eyes, slowly, the fear creeping back into his features. His eyes wander to Mr. Parker, to find a sole tear running down his cheek he quickly wipes away, "Mr. Ambrose, this was... I am... speechless..."
"That bad?" Deeks's features sag. Did he just make him cry with his awful play? He'll do paperwork for the rest of his days if that's so.
"Not at all, Mr. Ambrose. It's a good sign if you catch me showing that much emotion during an audition, be assured. It's just that this tune reminded me of... something, and that really captivated me. I mean, of course there are people who have a more refined style. They can play The Magic Flute in absolute perfection, every tune just as it stands in the music book, but you... I don't know how you do it, but there is something in the way you play. You... feel... the sound. That is something very rare these days. Normally, technique is everything, really everything, and originality becomes as rare as diamonds. You only occasionally catch a glance of, well, free spirit, of feeling the music," Mr. Parker explains. Deeks staggers for a second. Is that just happening?
"Yeah, I know I've been off in the Reprise and the Coda," Deeks scratches the back of his head.
"The thing is that I noticed so, but... it didn't bother me, you see? Your style and your way made me forget about all that – and I thank you for that, Mr. Ambrose," Mr. Parker nods at him.
"You... are welcome, Sir," Deeks grimaces... that is really happening.
"Well, I want to be honest to you," Mr. Parker carries on. Ah, there comes the infamous "but"-part.
"All up for that," Deeks manages a faint smile.
"Well, I don't want you to have illusions. It's as I said. Technique is everything," Mr. Parker sighs.
"Yeah, I know my chances weren't that good with what I chose and well, my current level," Deeks nods.
"But I really enjoyed what you did. It moved me. And I, personally, would like to see where you can take your talent if given the chance. But I can't guarantee you that you may make it the orchestra. What I can assure you of is that I will try to get you a placement, though," Mr. Parker declares. Deeks's jaw drops with a plopping sound, "Mr. Parker, now I'm... speechless."
"You deserve at least a proper chance, I think. Just because you are original doesn't mean that you have no right to play in an orchestra, so I believe," Mr. Parker smiles at him. The guy actually smiles at him.
"Mr. Parker, I'm more than relieved about those news, but I'm curious. I thought you were the head of the orchestra and that you are the only one to decide on who gets a placement within the ensemble?" Hetty questions.
"That's actually no longer true. We had to make some changes over the past year. And now we are in a situation where I make the preliminary decisions on who's even appropriate for a placement, if at all. Everything else is settled within the committee, then," Parker shrugs.
"Oh, I still remember the times when you were the committee alone. After all, they call you "The Ear" around here, still, don't they?" Hetty smirks charmingly.
"I still have the nickname, but... I'm no longer the only one, you see? But that is not the issue now, is it? After all, we are here to test Mr. Ambrose's performance," Mr. Parker shakes his head.
"Most certainly," Hetty agrees.
"So, I will give my other colleagues a record of what you just delivered. It might be that we'll have you over for another live performance, then, for when they are not sure from the record alone. We'll let you know as soon as possible. I can only assure you that I will put in a good word to them for you – because you amazed me, to be honest with you. Sadly, that's not the only criterion, so we'll see where that goes. Ms. Lange, I can't tell you how thankful I am for you to introduce me to Mr. Ambrose. It's been a pleasure, as always. Ms. Finnegan," Mr. Parker nods at them.
"Sir," Kensi bows her head.
"Thanks, again. This is a great opportunity for me," Deeks says quickly.
"I thank you for... well, this piece of music. I really enjoyed it," Mr. Parker smirks at him.
With that they tell their goodbye and take off again.
"Deeks, that was absolutely amazing! That was, wow!" Kensi blurts out as they make their way to the car.
"I, too, was surprised at the fact that you wanted to deliver one of your own pieces. As far as I recall, you only presented me the classics during the training," Hetty agrees.
"Well, I just figured that... that I won't be perfect enough to impress him, so the least I could do was to do something original. And original in music is... well, your own style," Deeks shrugs. He contemplated this the whole time. He read about what you usually show present for such an audition and he tried his best to learn the classics, but in the end... he just doesn't have those years of experience. And that is something, so the detective figured, he couldn't cover up for. That is why he decided to go a different lane and see what happens.
"But this is most certainly more than just one's own style. You composed an entire piece – and I must say you did very, very well so if Mr. Parker is that impressed with you," Hetty smirks.
"You're making it too much of a fuss, you guys. I wrote that thing ages ago, only thing I did was to to refine it here and there. And it wasn't that original if you asked me," Deeks shakes his head.
"Oh, original it was above everything else. Yet, I was quite surprised to find out that you are not only a very fine violinist, but at the same time a composer," Hetty argues. One of the reasons why she hired Martin A. Deeks at first was that she actually managed to surprise him. And to the day... that hasn't stopped. That man doesn't cease to surprise.
"Again, this is very old and...," Deeks wants to make up apologies, but Kensi jumps in, "I loved it. And Mr. Parker actually cried, I mean, he seemed like a tough bone to me."
"Oh, back in the old days he was known to throw out applicants upon hearing them greet him!" Hetty throws in with a chuckle.
"Ouch," Kensi hisses.
"Yet, it was curious to me that he stepped down from his sole position as the head. He used to lead the orchestra all by himself – just as he built it up by himself," Hetty grimaces mindfully.
"And he seemed fairly disappointed about that in my opinion," Kensi agrees.
"Most certainly," Hetty nods.
"So he's a candidate," Kensi concludes.
"I don't believe he is, for I know him in years now – but of course we can't just assume that upon this thin evidence," Hetty admits.
"At the same time those who were turned down by him in that fashion may also be interesting for us," Deeks suggests, now finally able to act like a detective again. God, does that feel good? Yes, it does!
"Yeah, maybe Gallagher's death is related to that in some way? Or at least the decision making process might, don't you think?" Kensi nods.
"I was thinking about that as well. At least that would deliver a psychological motive for the murder – if it's an applicant who's failed to make it, or failed for a long time before he finally made it, or to get his place there by throwing out the competition," Deeks agrees.
Kensi: "With you on that one. So we should not only look for those who are part of the orchestra, but also those who failed," Kensi nods.
"Or the renegades," Deeks shrugs. Kensi has to frown at that, "So those who changed the orchestra. You think they have a motive coz they were frustrated before or butt-headed with the committee?"
"Something like that, yeah," Deeks nods with a roll of his shoulders.
"Okay, sent Callen and Sam a text to let them know 'bout the latest findings – and about your huge success," Kensi declares.
"I hope you didn't put it like that, though. We know nothing yet," Deeks argues.
"You made him cry, c'mon, it was a success," Kensi insists. Really, normally Deeks absorbs praise like a sponge, but here... he hardly admits that his performance was good. Just what the hell?
"Did you write them that he cried?" Deeks asks, now with a pang of worry in his voice.
"I wanted to," Kensi shrugs. Deeks snaps the phone from her hands.
"Hey!" she cries out, fidgeting for the device, but Deeks's arms are sadly longer than hers.
"That's not happening. If you want to give them ammunition for fifteen years of torturing me, then tell them. If you care for me just a bit, you leave that alone," Deeks argues.
"You are really upset about this, you realized?" Kensi blurts out. That just doesn't fit him, does it?
"Yeah, I am," Deeks nods.
"Are you going to tell why that is so?" Kensi asks.
"Do you think I will?" Deeks replies.
"No?" Kensi makes a face.
"Then you are right in your predictions," Deeks shrugs. And she knows that's the end of this discussion.
Meanwhile with Callen and Sam, who are in the car, observing some of the ensemble while they have their break.
"Kensi just sent me a text. It went well with the audition," Callen tells his partner, who makes a face, "That means he's actually in?"
"No, but Deeks has good chances, she says. The dude seemed fairly impressed about his play," Callen goes on.
"I still can't believe it that Deeks is actually doing something... cultural," Sam shakes his head.
"Is it nagging on you that much?" Callen huffs playfully.
"No, it's just that he doesn't seem to be the type of a guy for that," Sam grimaces.
"He may be dense at times, but he's not dumb," Callen argues. If he were, he wouldn't let him be on the team, that much is for sure.
"His hair screams anything but cultural," Sam snorts.
"That's of course true. Either way, Kensi says that we should also look into renegades and those applicants who didn't make it, or only made it after some attempts. Maybe someone was trying to get back at the orchestra and took the first violin to make it a showdown," Callen goes on with the text.
"That's at least something," Sam shrugs.
"Yeah. Then we should get going," Callen suggests.
"I'm tired of watching those guys fondling their instruments anyways. I find that disturbing," Sam makes a disgusted face as he starts the engine to drive off.
Once they get back to the office, Deeks immediately heads for the gym.
"Deeks, what are you doing?" Kensi blinks at the detective.
"Uhm... practice?" Deeks makes a face. Isn't that obvious?
"You had your audition, you're aware of that?" Kensi argues.
"And I gotta train for when they actually take me in," Deeks retorts.
"Your play was just fine," Kensi shakes her head. He was friggin' incredible out there.
"Exactly, just fine. Kensi, I made four mistakes throughout the performance. That can't happen if I wanna work that cover for at least a week. They'll throw me out before I play the first two tunes," Deeks throws back at her.
"Mr. Deeks is right. His priority is practice now," Hetty nods.
"You heard the Lady in Red," Deeks winks at Hetty.
"So we just wait?" Kensi asks.
"Oh, you'll join the other two in investigation – of course only for the outside groups. We don't want one to find out that Ms. Finnegan is working for the NCIS, after all," Hetty tells her.
"Sure, okay, catch you later, then," Kensi waves. With that she takes off again.
"And now, Mr. Deeks, you owe me one explanation," Hetty narrows her eyes at the young man, who instantly tightens all his muscles, "About what?"
"That piece of yours...," Hetty begins. Deeks swallows, "I didn't steal it, honest. I'm not that stupid to just take the jingle from latest commercial."
"Oh, no doubt this was original. Mr. Parker as well as I would have known about that, Mr. Deeks. Yet, I'm curious. I gathered that you are a fine player, but it caught even me off guard that you are composing," Hetty questions.
"I'm not composing, I just wrote this one piece ages ago," Deeks argues.
"Which makes it, if anything, even more appealing, for you wrote it far before High School, then," Hetty argues with a smirk.
"I rather don't think about this. It worked for the present purpose. That's what matters," Deeks replies. Really, it's a case, still. If he got them a ticket in, great. But it's not like this actually mattered. It remains a case.
"Is there something that I should know, Mr. Deeks?" Hetty asks, hands folded behind her back.
"No, don't think so," Deeks smirks at her.
"Huh," she sighs. Even though the man is a bundle of surprises, one thing usually stays the same about Martin A. Deeks. If he doesn't want to talk about something, then he doesn't. Never.
"Honest, Hetty. You know me. Not always so normal but fairly normal guy doing normal things. And for instance, he was forced to learn a classical instrument as a boy. That happens even to the best," Deeks jokes half-heartedly. Hetty comes a little closer to him, "I just hope you are aware that if there is something worth discussing, something you may not want to share with the team, then my door is always open for you."
"Thanks, but you... don't have a door – and I don't need it, so thanks anyways," Deeks winks at her.
"Just remember, the offer remains the same, Mr. Deeks," Hetty says in a serious tone. That blond detective, and she can't tell how, somehow crept his way into her heart. And that a long time ago.
"I didn't think you'd be so nice to me – after all I'm pretty bitchy about it," Deeks snickers.
"Oh no, I am just glad to finally have someone on the team who knows at least something about classical music. Makes me one less alone in this mess," Hetty argues with a smile.
"Always a pleasure, Hetty," Deeks winks at her.
"Now, Mr. Deeks, I found you some more pieces you may want to practice, some of my absolute favorites, I may add," Hetty changes the topic, something for which Deeks is glad.
"That's pretty heavy stuff, you know that?" Deeks scratches the back of his head as he eyes the papers she hands to him.
"Of course, the harder your pieces in practice, the easier it will be for you either way when in a real audition, or concert," Hetty argues.
"That's true, of course," Deeks nods.
"Then shall we?" Hetty suggests.
"You're going to join me?" Deeks blinks at the petite woman.
"Oh, I won't miss out on a chance to hear my favorite pieces played on my violin by one of my agents. This rarity I want to cherish," Hetty smiles at him now almost fondly.
"Then... let's get going," Deeks nods.
Deeks and Hetty walk into the gym and start to practice.