Chapter 8: Ode to the Conductor | Sammy/Reader,

(ft. Henry and Susie)

⦁ "Could you remind me why we're here again?"

Bendy and (Y/n) shuffled through the vast auditorium of the Music Department. Inside, various instruments laid on the floor - Violins, Bass Fiddles, Drums; along with scads of Music stands with paper scores of sheet-notes. The cheeky devil kept fiddling with what was presentable in the Music Department, goofing around like a child who had the opportunity to play with toys for the first time.

"Okay, so we have this big orchestra today!" - affirmed Ms.(L/n) rather excitingly as her eyes searched through some stacks of papers "It will be performed by none other than Sammy Lawrence. Everyone will be in it! It will be a busy day, but probably one of the most important for us."

"Aha...?"

"Reason is, Daniel Goldmark and Carl Stalling* will arrive to see our band's work. They are famous composers who make music for other big studios! I also heard that some musicians from Robert Israel Orchestra* may come...Anyway, If Sammy and his bad will be able to impress them, then we might get a chance of cooperating with them and bring in a more positive review about our work!"

"Oooh, they seem like important folks." - Realization knocked on Bendy's croissant-shaped head. He could already imagine the hoards of employees running back-and-forth during this whole event: preparing themselves, practicing in advance, making sure everything is in place, while Mr. Drew would holler commands at the Crew. "Let me guess, everyone will be wheel-horsing over the fact that important people are arriving, so the whole crew will try to make everything extra-perfect?"

"Exactly, It'll be a grand performance."

"Ah, typical."

"But here's the thing... We told Lawrence to play "The Lighter Side of Hell" - since it's a controversial masterpiece that he wrote, the judges would be fascinated!" - interpreted (Y/n) as she recalled the awestruck music that Samuel showed her individually. "But instead he denies it, saying he should perform the Song "Thinking of you" or "The Monster Waltz"."

Indeed, Bendy recalls how he heard the employees of the Music Department confront their Director Lawrence to pick a valid choice (since he eavesdropped behind the walls) Polk would argue with Sammy that "The Lighter Side of Hell" would leave the judges speechless, while Samuel would huff and roll his eyes.

"Sure, poor Sammy Jammy - he's always unsatisfied. So what're we supposed to do here in his office?" - said Bendy sarcastically, following (Y/n) all the way to the hallway.

"Nothing important..." - with a jiggle emitted from the keys in (L/n) hands, The Dancing Demon recognized Sammy's office keys. "We'll just hide all of his sheet-notes."

⦁ The vast auditorium of the Music Department was brimming with people. The seething mass of humanity dressed in smart-casuals jostled, shaking hands with each other upon every encounter brought a nostalgic smell of classical cigars and jazz in the distance. Ladies and gentlemen arrived dressed with the utmost elegance, ambulating in their tailored suits and dresses.

Remarkably, the event was on. Meanwhile, Joey Drew, as a proud manager, greeted and shook hands with the most important people who arrived to see their work:

"Greetings, Mr. Drew!" - Daniel Goldmark and Carl Stalling* arrived "We're looking forward to your company's performance for your 'Bendy' cartoons."

In which the manager, in his arrogant triumph, would smirk - "Believe me, you'll be speechless."

⦁ The celebration was a riot of color, everyone a little more hyped up than they should be. Concurrently, Susie Campbell, all dressed in black with curly hair sat in the auditorium while conversing with her co-worker - Henry.

"Can you believe it? I've seen Joey talking with Daniel Goldmark and Carl Stalling over future cooperation." - Gossiped Campbell "Today's orchestra will either bring our studio to a high pedestal or completely destroy it!"

In which Henry would respond worryingly - "We'll cross fingers for Sammy. We depend on his performance."

"Speaking of Sammy... Where is he? Shouldn't he be with his band?" - Asked Susie, pointing to the stage in which various musicians groups: woodwinds, brass, percussion, and strings all sat on the stage of the auditorium, checking their instruments and prepping up before their grand performance. Those poor fellas were nervous beyond expectations.

"Yeah. Sammy and (Y/n) are missing so far...Everyone else is here-"

"WALLY!" - A booming voice seemed to shake the walls, electrifying the air. There, stomped Sammy Lawrence out of the corridor rigged with fury, his crimson face underlining his piercing grey eyes. Nevertheless, Lawrence was desirable of examining with the appearance of this young handsome personage who fitted him better than anyone. He was dressed in a double-breasted suit, while his hair locks were slicked back.

Wally Frank yelped - "Hey, Sammy Jamm- UGH"

"Where are my sheet-notes and keys? You thought I didn't know it was you who hid them?" Sammy gripped on Wally's collar, a vein almost popping in his temple and his fists tightly clenched. The poor kid trembled in his arms.

"W-what are you talking about?!"

"I have a gig in less than an hour, Wally. YOU were the last one to use my keys, so where are my sheet notes!?"

The commotion brought a negative deal of attention towards the two. Sammy was hopping mad, He lost his sheet notes, the crew was lost on what to do, and if the word will reach Joey - their souls shall be doomed. But before Thomas Connor could crack his fist to save his friend, Wally Frank, a gentle voice called out:

"Sammy."

it was none other than (Y/n)(L/n), waltzing towards Samuel in her delicate form. Silky tuxedo (attire/dress) hugged her skin, bringing outstanding simplicity, yet classy outlook to her figure. She was smiling.

"You're looking marvelous today."

Perhaps her skin glowed: her inner beauty lit her eyes and softened her features. She smiled at Lawrence, leaving him stunned in his place. Losing his grip on Wally, Samuel couldn't avert his eyes from Miss (L/n)'s appearance. He couldn't help but heat up too, even if it was just on the inside.

She approached him, closer than usual, brushing her (skin-color) hands on his shoulders. Her voice was dangerously hushed: "Don't get so bent out of shape. You know every note of every song, improvise - show them who you are."

In Which the young man could only stumble on his response, his eyes never leaving her lips: "Y-yes..."

"Y-yeah...! Don't be clowning a clown o-or, You'll wind up with a frown, you, you clown!*" - screeched Wally out of Sammy's grip before skiddalling 'outta here'

Thus, The Storm abated. The crowd completely forgot the commotion that was happening. Lawrence - The hot-headed lad composed himself in mere seconds within (Y/n)'s caress. Weather Susie and Henry were staring in startle or balking jealousy - both of them kept speechless about it. Meanwhile, Lawrence watched thoughtfully as Miss(L/n) disappeared into the crowd, leaving him cold for her touch.

⦁Hour passed and the guests were escorted to their seats. The show was about to start.

Lawrence looked over the crowd. There must have been at least one hundred people watching him, bathing in the dim golden light of the auditorium, as he clutched tightly to his baton. He was worried, although his face was hard as stone, pointing out his sharp cheekbones in the light. This is his chance - to prove his talent. He hoped Miss (Y/n) was watching him with adoration between the crowds.

Speaking of (Y/n)(L/n), she was absent from the crowd. In fact, she was seated in the balcony of the Music Department - having a perfect view of the stage and the guests below. Sighing in relief her innocent face turned cautious: "Alright... Bendy? You can come out now!"

a seething mass of black oozing liquid leaked out from the wood planks as it finally rose to the floor to form none other than Bendy: "Did it work?"

"It Did!" - giggled (L/n) excitingly, trying not to be loud "He couldn't find them, you should've seen his face! But now it's out of our way, we can finally enjoy the show."

(Y/n) giddiness made Bendy smile in return. He appreciated the fact that they had the balcony as their own private booth, in which they could enjoy the orchestra - together. Alone. As curiosity took over him, The Dancing Demon eyed the Music Department from the edge of the balcony: "Whoah... The stage is bigger from here!"

"Shhhh...Bendy." - whispered (y/n), appeased with Bendy's whole reaction "You're gonna get us in trouble."

Down, in the middle of the stage - the young handsome leader of the orchestra, Sammy Lawrence, tossed his conductor's wand excitedly through the air, drowning with musical thunders the hum of people's approving whispers and gossips.

The music soared through the air like an eagle on an up-draft, taking with it the very souls of the listening audience. Nerves were trying to take over Sammy's body, but it only improved the movements of his performance. His heart kept time with the drums, pumping the music through his veins as he lost himself in the performance. Eventually, he lost all sense of everything except for the music.

The symphony of orchestra roared through Joey Drew Studios.

Lawrence was on his peak performance as his band began playing "The Lighter Side of Hell". The music ascended in a magical flight to the heavens and Hell, a breathtaking melody of orchestral exuberance. The Jazz met the listeners' heart with goosebumps the moment The notes rose with each swing from Sammy's baton.

"Look!" - gasped (Y/n) "He's performing it! 'The Lighter Side of Hell' !" - Bendy and (Y/n) peered with excitement. The two could barely hold themselves from dancing together. Boogie-woogie, bebop, jitterbug, they love all the fast dances. "Ode to the conductor, huh?"

Everyone was lost in the Music. Until Lawrence's rose his conductor wand one final time and his band ended the play with a loud Ending note.

Rapt silence. Then like a tsunami the applause rolled forwards to the musicians and the conductor. Applauses and loud praises roared throughout the auditorium, leaving Samuel Lawrence standing dumbfounded, speechless. He stood in front of the audience, sweat trailing from his forehead, breathing heavily - until he finally smiles. A genuine relieved smile.

Then after the crescendo Lawrence and his band of musicians all dived back down, giddy, their breaths stolen from their bodies, bowing at the clapping audience.

Ode to the conductor, indeed.

______________________________

*Daniel Goldmark and Carl Stalling - famous composers from the Golden age of animation for classic cartoons.

*The Robert Israel Orchestra - back in 1930-50's, they made music for famous cartoons such as Oswald the Lucky Rabbit, Mickey Mouse, Felix the Cat and many more.

*vine references.