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cloversworld) wrote2012-01-10 07:42 pm
cloversworld) wrote2012-01-10 07:42 pm
Entry tags:
AU Fic: Rhapsody 4/4
I will respond to comments later. I have a flu and been having chills so it's hard for me type.
Rhapsody, 4/4
David Cook/ David Archuleta, PG-13
Main Header
Parts: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4
4—
Being back on stage felt absolutely exhilarating. The sense of power that surged through Cook's body was incomparable. The crowd's cheers revitalized him, prompting him to give everything he got.
Even as their set came to a close with an encore, Cook's body still pulsated from the after-thrill.
"You. Haven't lost your touch, my friend." Andy threw an arm languidly around Cook's shoulder. "You should come back, you know. Or maybe perform with us once in a while."
Without hesitating he said, "I just might, Skib. I just might."
They had a few drinks – just like old times – before they headed back to the hotel, already planning their next gig. Cook didn't take part in the conversation, just listened to them talk about how it would be cool to go on tour again.
There was a traffic jam along Eighth Avenue and Cook heard Andy mumble, "Ugh, Christmas rush."
"Nah. I think there's a concert at Central Park," Monty said, craning his head to peer out the front.
Cook wasn't bothered at all, just sat comfortably in the back seat and kept his eyes out the window while drumming his fingers on his thigh. He caught sight of the banner hanging on a post lamp where 'Christmas At The Park' was printed in large fonts. He thought he saw David's name but the SUV moved before he could check again. There was another banner ahead and Cook made sure to keep his gaze fixed on it. Luck was on his side because the vehicle slowed down and Cook's heart skipped when he saw 'David Archuleta' on the list of performers.
Something else caught his eye before he could yell, "Stop the car!" Cook blinked to make sure he wasn't just imagining things. Just above David's name was written: Adam James performing with the New York Philharmonic Orchestra.
"Fuck," slipped out of Cook's mouth. The kid was telling the truth.
"What the fuck is it, Dave?" Neal spat from the driver's seat.
"David's here," Cook said, hopping out of the car. "I'll see you guys back at the hotel." He dashed into the park, heart hammering against the walls of his chest. David's here. David's here. He kept repeating it in his head like a mantra, afraid that if he stopped, it might turn out as nothing but a dream.
**********
Performing on stage felt extremely liberating. David hardly noticed the bitter cold. His fingers flew across the keys – the warm melodies of Haydn Sonata in G major spiraling from the piano. At the end of his last piece, he soaked in the crowd's appreciation, applause rippling around him.
As soon as he got off the stage, he sought out Kris but he wasn't anywhere in sight. He sauntered away from the stage, cell phone in hand, but his call was thrown straight to Kris' voicemail.
David could hear the orchestra behind him. They started out with the violins, a haunting melody flowing from the stage. Then the other instruments folded in like they were all telling a story and the enchanting sound sent goosebumps up David's arms.
It was a rhapsody, David recognized. And he was drawn back to the stage, worming his way through the crowd as if there was some invisible rope tied around his wrists and pulling him closer and closer.
David's eyes were fixed on the conductor, watching intently as the conductor's arms moved as if he was controlling the tides in the sea – his posture, his every move exuded a rich amount of confidence. His back was turned but there was something about him that David couldn't tear his eyes away. David had to stare long and hard to realize he was a child.
A little boy?
"David?"
That voice! David's body seized. I know that voice.
Slowly, David twisted around and gasped. "Cook." The name came out in a whisper. David felt like his knees would give way but before he could sink on the ground, large arms wound around his waist, holding him tight.
"Oh god, David. It is you," Cook said against David's skin, face buried in the crook of David's neck.
Cook's here. David's mind reeled. He held on to Cook, afraid that if he let go, Cook would disappear. "Oh my gosh. You're here."
"Yes, David. I'm here."
The music coiled around them, pitch rising as if the rhapsody was about to reach its climax. David slid out of Cook's arms but he kept his side pressed against Cook's, their hands entwined. They both lifted their gaze up on the stage, watched as the boy led the ensemble into a powerful close.
Applause tore through the momentary silence and when the boy turned to take his bow, David's heart leapt up to his throat. "Oh my gosh!"
And he vaguely heard Cook say, "I know that kid."
"That's AJ!" they both cried out and David snapped his head to meet Cook's gaze. "You know him?" they asked at the same time but Cook was the first to explain.
"I met him yesterday at the park. Washington Square," Cook said, lines appearing on his forehead. "How do you know him?"
Reality smacked David right across his head. How would he explain this to Cook?
"Um…"
"Mr. Archuleta! David!"
David released the breath he didn't realize he was holding. He turned just in time to see Kris bounding over to them.
"David! Thank goodness." Kris had his hand pressed against his chest as if he was trying to catch his breath. "I was asked to turn off my phone so I didn't know how else to contact you," he said. "Come with me. There's someone I'd like you to meet."
Before Kris could walk away, David managed to introduce Cook. He didn't offer anything else, just said, "This is Dave Cook," with a wave of his hand but Kris smiled as if he understood who Cook was.
"Come, guys. He's waiting," Kris said and led them behind the stage where a tent stood as a temporary shelter to the performers.
A couple of women and a man swarmed around AJ. His eyes lit up when he met David's gaze. He said something to the people he was speaking with before ambling over to them.
AJ's eyes skipped to Kris and David saw Kris nod through the corner of his eye. AJ's lips stretched into an earnest smile. "I knew it," he said, his eyes on Cook. "I knew we were connected somehow."
Cook's face was framed with utter confusion. AJ turned to David, smile growing wider. "Hello Daddy," he breathed out in a whisper. "Did you miss me?"
David lost it then. He threw his arms around AJ and let the tears fall. "I'm sorry. I'm so, so sorry. I didn't know you were alive until recently."
AJ's tiny arms coiled around him. "It's okay, Dad. Mr. Kris told me everything." When David pulled back, AJ's eyes darted back to Cook. "Is he…?"
David schooled his expression before lifting his gaze up to Cook's face.
"He called you dad," Cook said, hurt evident in his voice.
Oh, David thought. "Oh. He's actually um… he's also your son."
The frown lines on Cook's forehead deepened. "How did that happen?"
David told him the story in the most concise way he could manage, including all the lies his father had made. Mixed emotions danced on Cook's face before his lips finally arched in a heartfelt smile. He pulled David in for a kiss, his mouth eager and fervent against David's own.
"Um, Dad? Papa?" AJ's voice broke through the spell David was under, reminding David where he was. David drifted reluctantly away from Cook to face his son, who looked sheepish when he said, "Can you take that somewhere else?"
Cook barked a laugh and hefted AJ up, hugging him tightly. When AJ slid back to the ground, he raised both hands in invitation. "Can we go home?"
"Of course." David took AJ's left hand while Cook claimed the other. They invited Kris for dinner but Kris declined, telling them they would need the privacy to bond, to reconnect.
"Some other time," Kris said and David didn't insist.
Tonight was about AJ. About him. About Cook.
**********
Two years later…
"Papa! You're going to be late for your own concert! Gosh!" AJ's voice echoed around the house and Cook had to laugh at how his son sounded like he was the adult one.
"I'm coming!" Cook dashed down the stairs, feeling his pockets. "Wait. I forgot my phone." AJ held up his hand, fingers curled around Cook's phone. "What would I do without you," Cook said, ruffling his son's hair.
"Papa!" AJ pushed Cook's hand away. "Dad and I spent hours fixing that."
David was already behind the wheels when they jogged out of the house. The drive to Staples Center didn't take long despite the usual Los Angeles traffic.
"AJ and I are going to look around," David said when they were trudging down the hallway leading to the dressing rooms and gave Cook a quick peck on the lips before wandering at the opposite direction with their son. Cook was led to a room where he settled on a chair and the make-up artists were soon all over him.
Fate had been kind, Cook thought. If he hadn't decided to regroup with his old band under the new name 'Anthemic' then he wouldn't be here. The last two years had been a struggle but patience and hard work had its rewards. They were signed up with a major label and their first album had gone platinum in only three months.
But the best reward was his family. David still taught music but occasionally played for a crowd of five thousand, sometimes more. AJ on the other hand chose to leave Julliard and went through grade school like every ten-year-old kid. He appreciated his gift but he wanted to have a normal childhood.
After Cook had slipped into a pair of very tight pants, a t-shirt and his boots, he lingered at the side of the stage, watching Neal and Andy and Monty and Kyle take their places. Then the stage manager ushered Cook down the stairs where David and AJ were waiting.
"Good luck," they said at the same time.
Cook planted a kiss on his son's forehead then his mouth descended on his husband's. "I love you both," he said when he pulled away and climbed up on the platform that would lift him up to the center of the stage.
This is it. The platform began to rise and Cook struck a chord, giving his band the cue they needed before starting out the intro for 'The World I know.'
THE END
**********
In reference to the Rhapsody that AJ composed, here's a clip from the movie, August Rush...
Rhapsody, 4/4
David Cook/ David Archuleta, PG-13
Main Header
Parts: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4
4—
Being back on stage felt absolutely exhilarating. The sense of power that surged through Cook's body was incomparable. The crowd's cheers revitalized him, prompting him to give everything he got.
Even as their set came to a close with an encore, Cook's body still pulsated from the after-thrill.
"You. Haven't lost your touch, my friend." Andy threw an arm languidly around Cook's shoulder. "You should come back, you know. Or maybe perform with us once in a while."
Without hesitating he said, "I just might, Skib. I just might."
They had a few drinks – just like old times – before they headed back to the hotel, already planning their next gig. Cook didn't take part in the conversation, just listened to them talk about how it would be cool to go on tour again.
There was a traffic jam along Eighth Avenue and Cook heard Andy mumble, "Ugh, Christmas rush."
"Nah. I think there's a concert at Central Park," Monty said, craning his head to peer out the front.
Cook wasn't bothered at all, just sat comfortably in the back seat and kept his eyes out the window while drumming his fingers on his thigh. He caught sight of the banner hanging on a post lamp where 'Christmas At The Park' was printed in large fonts. He thought he saw David's name but the SUV moved before he could check again. There was another banner ahead and Cook made sure to keep his gaze fixed on it. Luck was on his side because the vehicle slowed down and Cook's heart skipped when he saw 'David Archuleta' on the list of performers.
Something else caught his eye before he could yell, "Stop the car!" Cook blinked to make sure he wasn't just imagining things. Just above David's name was written: Adam James performing with the New York Philharmonic Orchestra.
"Fuck," slipped out of Cook's mouth. The kid was telling the truth.
"What the fuck is it, Dave?" Neal spat from the driver's seat.
"David's here," Cook said, hopping out of the car. "I'll see you guys back at the hotel." He dashed into the park, heart hammering against the walls of his chest. David's here. David's here. He kept repeating it in his head like a mantra, afraid that if he stopped, it might turn out as nothing but a dream.
**********
Performing on stage felt extremely liberating. David hardly noticed the bitter cold. His fingers flew across the keys – the warm melodies of Haydn Sonata in G major spiraling from the piano. At the end of his last piece, he soaked in the crowd's appreciation, applause rippling around him.
As soon as he got off the stage, he sought out Kris but he wasn't anywhere in sight. He sauntered away from the stage, cell phone in hand, but his call was thrown straight to Kris' voicemail.
David could hear the orchestra behind him. They started out with the violins, a haunting melody flowing from the stage. Then the other instruments folded in like they were all telling a story and the enchanting sound sent goosebumps up David's arms.
It was a rhapsody, David recognized. And he was drawn back to the stage, worming his way through the crowd as if there was some invisible rope tied around his wrists and pulling him closer and closer.
David's eyes were fixed on the conductor, watching intently as the conductor's arms moved as if he was controlling the tides in the sea – his posture, his every move exuded a rich amount of confidence. His back was turned but there was something about him that David couldn't tear his eyes away. David had to stare long and hard to realize he was a child.
A little boy?
"David?"
That voice! David's body seized. I know that voice.
Slowly, David twisted around and gasped. "Cook." The name came out in a whisper. David felt like his knees would give way but before he could sink on the ground, large arms wound around his waist, holding him tight.
"Oh god, David. It is you," Cook said against David's skin, face buried in the crook of David's neck.
Cook's here. David's mind reeled. He held on to Cook, afraid that if he let go, Cook would disappear. "Oh my gosh. You're here."
"Yes, David. I'm here."
The music coiled around them, pitch rising as if the rhapsody was about to reach its climax. David slid out of Cook's arms but he kept his side pressed against Cook's, their hands entwined. They both lifted their gaze up on the stage, watched as the boy led the ensemble into a powerful close.
Applause tore through the momentary silence and when the boy turned to take his bow, David's heart leapt up to his throat. "Oh my gosh!"
And he vaguely heard Cook say, "I know that kid."
"That's AJ!" they both cried out and David snapped his head to meet Cook's gaze. "You know him?" they asked at the same time but Cook was the first to explain.
"I met him yesterday at the park. Washington Square," Cook said, lines appearing on his forehead. "How do you know him?"
Reality smacked David right across his head. How would he explain this to Cook?
"Um…"
"Mr. Archuleta! David!"
David released the breath he didn't realize he was holding. He turned just in time to see Kris bounding over to them.
"David! Thank goodness." Kris had his hand pressed against his chest as if he was trying to catch his breath. "I was asked to turn off my phone so I didn't know how else to contact you," he said. "Come with me. There's someone I'd like you to meet."
Before Kris could walk away, David managed to introduce Cook. He didn't offer anything else, just said, "This is Dave Cook," with a wave of his hand but Kris smiled as if he understood who Cook was.
"Come, guys. He's waiting," Kris said and led them behind the stage where a tent stood as a temporary shelter to the performers.
A couple of women and a man swarmed around AJ. His eyes lit up when he met David's gaze. He said something to the people he was speaking with before ambling over to them.
AJ's eyes skipped to Kris and David saw Kris nod through the corner of his eye. AJ's lips stretched into an earnest smile. "I knew it," he said, his eyes on Cook. "I knew we were connected somehow."
Cook's face was framed with utter confusion. AJ turned to David, smile growing wider. "Hello Daddy," he breathed out in a whisper. "Did you miss me?"
David lost it then. He threw his arms around AJ and let the tears fall. "I'm sorry. I'm so, so sorry. I didn't know you were alive until recently."
AJ's tiny arms coiled around him. "It's okay, Dad. Mr. Kris told me everything." When David pulled back, AJ's eyes darted back to Cook. "Is he…?"
David schooled his expression before lifting his gaze up to Cook's face.
"He called you dad," Cook said, hurt evident in his voice.
Oh, David thought. "Oh. He's actually um… he's also your son."
The frown lines on Cook's forehead deepened. "How did that happen?"
David told him the story in the most concise way he could manage, including all the lies his father had made. Mixed emotions danced on Cook's face before his lips finally arched in a heartfelt smile. He pulled David in for a kiss, his mouth eager and fervent against David's own.
"Um, Dad? Papa?" AJ's voice broke through the spell David was under, reminding David where he was. David drifted reluctantly away from Cook to face his son, who looked sheepish when he said, "Can you take that somewhere else?"
Cook barked a laugh and hefted AJ up, hugging him tightly. When AJ slid back to the ground, he raised both hands in invitation. "Can we go home?"
"Of course." David took AJ's left hand while Cook claimed the other. They invited Kris for dinner but Kris declined, telling them they would need the privacy to bond, to reconnect.
"Some other time," Kris said and David didn't insist.
Tonight was about AJ. About him. About Cook.
**********
Two years later…
"Papa! You're going to be late for your own concert! Gosh!" AJ's voice echoed around the house and Cook had to laugh at how his son sounded like he was the adult one.
"I'm coming!" Cook dashed down the stairs, feeling his pockets. "Wait. I forgot my phone." AJ held up his hand, fingers curled around Cook's phone. "What would I do without you," Cook said, ruffling his son's hair.
"Papa!" AJ pushed Cook's hand away. "Dad and I spent hours fixing that."
David was already behind the wheels when they jogged out of the house. The drive to Staples Center didn't take long despite the usual Los Angeles traffic.
"AJ and I are going to look around," David said when they were trudging down the hallway leading to the dressing rooms and gave Cook a quick peck on the lips before wandering at the opposite direction with their son. Cook was led to a room where he settled on a chair and the make-up artists were soon all over him.
Fate had been kind, Cook thought. If he hadn't decided to regroup with his old band under the new name 'Anthemic' then he wouldn't be here. The last two years had been a struggle but patience and hard work had its rewards. They were signed up with a major label and their first album had gone platinum in only three months.
But the best reward was his family. David still taught music but occasionally played for a crowd of five thousand, sometimes more. AJ on the other hand chose to leave Julliard and went through grade school like every ten-year-old kid. He appreciated his gift but he wanted to have a normal childhood.
After Cook had slipped into a pair of very tight pants, a t-shirt and his boots, he lingered at the side of the stage, watching Neal and Andy and Monty and Kyle take their places. Then the stage manager ushered Cook down the stairs where David and AJ were waiting.
"Good luck," they said at the same time.
Cook planted a kiss on his son's forehead then his mouth descended on his husband's. "I love you both," he said when he pulled away and climbed up on the platform that would lift him up to the center of the stage.
This is it. The platform began to rise and Cook struck a chord, giving his band the cue they needed before starting out the intro for 'The World I know.'
THE END
**********
In reference to the Rhapsody that AJ composed, here's a clip from the movie, August Rush...