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He wasn’t quite sure how it got like this. Leaned over with his hands on his boss's arms, showing him the proper way to hold a banjo. Chest pressed against the other man’s back.
See, Sammy was known to be distant - cold. Even to those that rubbed elbows with him daily. It wasn’t simply a case of letting him warm up - there was nothing to warm in that chest of his. Or so he thought. That seemingly empty chamber was now full of life. HIs heart beating with the ferocity of a drum being played by a toddler.
Rampant, loud, uncontrollable.
“ Somethin’ like this? " Joey’s voice piped up, demanding the musician's attention with little work. His head was turned to the side as he eyed the brunette, cheek almost resting against Sammy’s shoulder, just barely out of reach.
It drove him insane.
“ It’s good enough. " Came his leveled reply. Removing his hands and taking a step back. He could almost breathe again. “ Go ahead and give her a strum. ”
Watching as Joey lightly swiped his thumb across the strings, hearing not a single sour note. Good. He'd almost forgotten if he had tuned it what with the mere presence of the man throwing his thoughts into disarray. It was almost insulting the way he had looked at Sammy with big, pleading eyes to let him at least try the instrument out. He still couldn't believe he agreed.
Straightening his back and stepping beside where the man was sat.
“ That sounds about right. Go on and place your fingers like this - " Sammy's hand moved, settling by the fingerboard to point out which strings to hold down. Gently coaching Joey on which finger was to be placed where.
What was strumming became plucking, eventually leading into a mix of the two. It was clumsy, it was strenuous on his ears, but Sammy kept his composure - save a few winces and frustrated sighs. Placing a hand onto Joey's shoulder to bring his playing to an end.
“ I’m sure you’ll get better with practice. ”
“ D’you really think so? "
He could practically feel his skin crawl at the chipper tone of Joey’s voice. It was hopeful, almost cute.
“ No, but you did show an interest in learning. That's better than most. "