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Grover Cleveland Middle should pride itself on it's teacher more. No, seriously! They have him teaching there after all, and he's one heck of a talented man. Who is he, you asked? Well, he's Tom Ryder, of course! The most talented, greatest teacher any school could have. Tom Ryder, an English teacher and Theater club's supervisor at GCMS. His classes aren't boring, his students love him, and the kids in theater club also adore him as well, so more point to check in Tom's Cool Teacher Checklist. The classes the brunet takes on, he tries to make it as fun as possible for his students. Better put his degree in Theater Arts to use, right? Lessons in literature analysis were his favourite. Teachers can have their favourite lesson, alright? Sue him. Tom likes to let his students act or perform a small part of the text they are currently reading and analyzing. Doing activities like that will surely help the children remember new words and the story better that way. Tom won't admit it but it is fun to slip a bit of acting tip here and there while he watches them perform in class. Those count as speaking skill lessons…hopefully.
Admittedly, Tom wasn't a teacher for his whole… career path. He went to college and had gotten himself a bachelor degree in Theater Arts, post graduate Tom had been a promising rising actor! Okay, maybe not that promising... His temper had led him to a mistake he can't undo, calling a director he was working with a staggering waste of camera films once, and blacklisted from the industry was what left of his previous career. Tom moved on, he swears it. He doesn't care about what happened anymore. Though Tom does think back to that time period once in a while. He gotta give it to Colt, his best buddy since college days for helping him getting back on his feet. Colt found him in his apartment high off his mind, wallowing in his misery after he ghosted basically every attempt at contacting him for a few days. If you ignore the insults they throw at each other for fun every time they see each others, Tom and Colt were quite close, and for that Tom is still grateful for until now.
Now Tom's a teacher, not something he had expected at first when he was still in his college days. But here he is, grading papers, planning lessons and preparing for the spring break in a week or two. During lunch earlier, Colt had mention his brother would come to San Francisco to visit soon. "Another one of you?" Tom had said, "As if one Colt isn't insufferable enough." That statement gave him a laugh plus a playful punch to his arm. The brunet looked up from grading the assignments he had handed out a few days ago, he just finished giving a doodle of him wearing a cool pair of sunglasses and a sticker for a student that got over 80% on their work. He sees a hot pink Post-it note stuck onto the computer in front of him, "Remember to check your email" written on it (he can leave that for later, that's what the notes scattered across his working space at his apartment and his table are for anyway), before looking at the time at the corner of the screen. Class is ending soon and he still haven't given these bunch of sunshine their stickers yet. Tom must remedy this immediately. "Alright, who's up for a quick flash round of pop quiz before the bell?" Tom asked out loud for everyone, and smiles when his class began to stir, getting ready for some pop quiz. Grabbing his sticker sheet, he walks to stand somewhere in the middle of the rows of chairs and tables. Last period of the day is always his favorite, the kids are more energetic and eager to participate in these games with him.
"First question, who can give me the definition of what a synonym is? Yes, Abby!"
"A synonyms are different words that have similar or the same meaning!"
"Extra point, give me an example!"
"Sad and upset!"
"Great job, Abby."
He walk over to Abby and stick two stars onto her forehead, smiling when she so smugly show it off to the Rekha who is sitting next to her. Then he turns around, facing his class once more. "Who can tell me the Latin root word that means bad or evil?" Tom look around the room and excitedly point at another student. "Trang!"
"Is it- uhm, is it mal?"
"Extra point, can you give me an example?"
"Malformed!"
"That's right! Here are your stars." He came over to Trang and stick the stars onto the girl's forehead. After a few more questions, the bell ring, ending their class a bit too soon for some kids liking. "Class is dismissed! Remember to cash in your stickers for bonus points and prizes!" Tom said loudly over the excited chatter of his students as they gather their supplies back into their bag, prepare to go home. Tom's gonna stay for another hour or so, he still has papers to grade and emails to read. Spring break's close and Tom really, really want to finish all of his work as soon as possible so he can spend the week off doing other gigs here and there beside just planning out lesson or doing overdued grading.
While Tom check his students' work, he heard a knock on the door and a voice calling out "Knock knock!" so he grinned.
"Who's there?" Tom asked out loud.
"It's Colt. How's your classes today?" Colt asked and walk in, hand in his jacket's pocket, relaxed.
"All good, I'd complain a little bit but what does a P.E guy like you even know about using your brain power to teach anyway?" Tom grinned at the eye roll that jab got him.
"Speak for yourself, dude. You don't see me using stacks of Post-it notes to remind me to do my own job. Also, I'm just checking if you're free to go out with us later? Me, Jodes and Dan planning to go to that karaoke bar a few block away." Colt says with a quick punch to Tom's shoulder.
"I'll have a meeting with Gail about the theater club later and I'll go with you guys once we're done. Just send me the address and I'll drive by."
"See you later, then!" Colt leaves Tom's classroom then, leaving Tom to do his things.
Tom didn't need to wait long after Colt left for Gail to came into his classroom. He put the stack of paper aside, pulling out a file on his computer, plans for the theater club for the remaining of the school year. The meeting with Gail went amazing as always. Gail has her… methods of teaching and lesson planning, sure, but they do makes Jody a little bit freaked out, and so is Tom sometimes. But credit where credit is due, Gail knows what she is doing when she signed up to help him established a better theater club for the school. Now the club and its members are like Tom's babies, a little bit of what he can do that still reminds him of his passion for acting. With middle schoolers, it's more chaotic and fun than whatever he experienced before getting shunned anyway. They'll have a project running after spring break, a stage play of The Little Prince that Tom and the kids will bring to stage together, and he's suuuuper excited. Now though, he has a bar to be at, so he need to gather his stuff quick. After tidying up and putting his word load into his bag, Tom finally head to the location Colt sent him.
The walk to the bar wasn't long, he's following the path the Map app is showing him. It wasn't too loud of a bar, and he was able to spot his friends sitting at the bar top together. Tom walks over and sat down next to them, ordering himself an Amaro before finally joining the fun for the night. Colt was talking about his baby brother coming to visit San Francisco again, Tom sips on his drink as he listen.
"He's going to hold a concert during our spring break actually! I'll see if I can get my hands on a ticket or two." Colt says with a big grin, a hint of pride in his eyes. Concert, huh?
"Your brother's a singer?" Tom asked, resting a side of his face onto his hand.
"Yeah," Colt nodded. "His songs are huge hit for young people is what I'm seeing."
"You got a name I can check?" Tom was already taking his phone out.
"Ryland Grace. You should give his music a try."
"Different last name?"
"…Well, Seavers is my middle name." Colt just shrugged.
Tom nodded and look up Ryland Grace. He sees… Colt? "Dude, you sure you're not pulling my leg?" He turn his screen to show Colt the pictures that appeared when he searched up the singer's name. He was met with a laugh.
"Right, right, I supposed forgot to mention that we're twins."
…Oh, that make sense then.
"Should have started with that, man." Tom mumbled. Maybe he'll listen to a song or two, see what Colt's brother's up to. Grace seems to have a growing audience from what Tom can see. The numbers speak for themselves… Hopefully. They spent the next few hours downing a few more drinks and sing a few songs before everyone leave to go back to their place for the night.
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Tom got back to his apartment to his kelpie barking excitedly. "Hey buddy!" Tom said with a wide grin, petting and kissing his dog's head. He needs to clean up and order some food for dinner. With that thought in mind, he goes to fill up Jean-Claude then head to the shower. After showering and ordering take outs for himself, Tom put on Grace's music to listen to while he work. He didn't know what to expect here honestly, probably a voice like Colt singing fast paced pop songs.
…Oh this is bad. This is so bad. What had started off as curiosity has turn into a complete spiral. Colt did say his brother was famous among the younger people early at the bar, right? Tom gets it. The songs he listened to, it is nothing like someone who look like Colt would sing. He didn't expect to hear a gentle singing voice, he didn't expect fall in love with that soft melodious voice either. Okay, maybe falling in love is a big stretch, shush, let him have his moment. Grace's songs are relaxing, soft angelic voice on guitar, and perhaps cajon drum? The tempo of the song isn't exactly fast, and the melody has a crafty vibe to it. His songs are perfect to listen to when he wants to relax, or just to listen to when he needs to focus and needed some background music to work with. That's how Tom found himself listening to every song he could, his usual playlist has long been cast aside. He has some serious adjustment he needed to make for his main playlist now that he has been introduced to Grace's music. He spent around four more hours just playing songs after songs while grading his students' exams and assignments. No it's not just the voice, Tom convinces nobody in particular (probably himself). The melodies are just as good as the singing voice. Trust him on this, alright?
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Wednesday wasn't the best day for Tom, but he wouldn't say that it's the worst either. Monday takes that crown. It's mostly because his students are still not as excited for classes like on Thursday or Friday. Friday classes are his favorite for this reason (don't tell his students that) because then everyone isn't as moody, he didn't have to deal with that much snarky teenagers. Sometimes Tom would put on a relaxing background music on low volume while his students work on their worksheet. He'd walk around to check and help anyone struggling with class work every fifteen minutes or so, but besides that he'd prefer sitting at his table to grade the seemingly endless amount of assignments that he has to grade, creating lesson plans that would most likely be useless when he and his class comes up with some other fun thing to do for their lesson. When lunch break rolls around, Tom prefers sitting in his own classroom, a rare period of time that he gets to relax. Tom was peacefully enjoying his lunch when a Colt Seavers walk into the room with a slight frown. He put his fork down and look up, tilting his head slightly.
"Bad morning?" Tom asked, noticing the slightly slouched posture when the other man sat down and take out his own lunch.
"Nah, the kids were fine," Colt replied. "My brother gave me two backstage passes for his concert. I was going to ask Jody to come with me since the concert happens during spring break but she said she's visiting her family. Dan isn't available as well so… d'ya, like, wanna come with me?"
"Can't you guys meet up after the whole concert is done?"
"You're so right, but having backstage pass is also cool. I get to meet him earlier since we are rarely in the same area for too long."
Tom nodded, eyes lighting up immediately at that. He's a man of opportunity, he can't let this go to waste. "Sure, I'm free during spring break. I can go with you." That's PERFECT! Tom has a note to remind him to buy a ticket for Grace's concert somewhere, but now that it's taken care of, he's all good! And a backstage pass at that! Holy shit, God must really love Tom Ryder for this to be happening. He's in a much better spirit for the afternoon classes as his students has pointed out. Is he that obvious? Well, he got a backstage pass to his new favourite artist's concert, so yeah, excuse him for being too excited. He's rolling his eyes at you by the way. Tom has never wanted the week to end faster than this.
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Preparing for a concert isn't new to Tom, concert is barely new to him, he has his fair share of wild days back when he was still studying for his degree. Alright, checklist! Ticket? Check. ID? Where's his wallet… double check for ID and wallet! Phone, check. Portable battery… Colt might have one but he'll bring his, too. Aaaand check. That should be it. Tom made sure to give Jean-Claude a goodbye head kiss before checking his outfit for the final time, then he heads out to where Colt is waiting for him and got in the car's passenger seat. Let it be known that he's absolutely terrified of being in the same vehicle with the other man, so if Tom end up dead before they even get to the concert… it's Colt. He loves his best friend, he does, but that man drives like safety is just a suggestion and not actually something to be considered. Taking a deep breath, he prepares himself mentally the moment the wheels started rolling.
The venue was a on the smaller side. The tickets Colt snatched for them allow them to skip the long line and they were able to enter the venue early to secure themselves good spots. Watching the live soundcheck was fun as the twin try not to laugh every time their eyes would meet. He caught Colt trying to hold back his giggles and Grace grinning widely a few times and Gods Grace is so cute. Tom wonder what was even making them laugh, though. Maybe it's the twin telepathy thing. Once the space eventually fill up, the venue looked some how tinier when it becomes crowded. He could see a lot of teenagers, young adults chatting excitedly among themselves. The concert haven't even started yet and Colt was already vibrating with excitement. Normally, Tom would make fun of him for that, but right now he isn't doing that much better.
"You look like you're about to explode, Tom." Colt said with a smirk, nudging Tom with an elbow.
"And you look like you're about to bounce around the room, bitch." Tom quipped back.
The concert started not too long after, and Tom wanted to burst with joy when Grace finally step onto the stage, guitar string slinging over his shoulder, smiling so brightly at everyone. But he's not a little teenage girl, he's not going to be cringe, he shall control himself and maintain his cool guy image. The songs started and everyone sing along with Grace, and despite all the noises around Tom, soft tunes and and angelic voice fill the room. He was humming along, but Colt was singing loudly next to him. Colt seemingly has all the lyrics to every song memorized, and Tom can't really be annoyed at that. He would be the same, singing the words along with everyone if he has more listening time.
The concert came to an end (tragic, truly), and they were going to meet Grace (finally!!!).
"Colt!"
"Ry!"
The twins said at the same time once they saw each other and ran for a (crash) hug. Tom follows behind and try his best to calm his racing heart. He probably failed. C'mon Tom, be cool.
"You were amazing up on stage, Ry!" Colt said, and now Grace- Ry? Was stuck in a head lock as Colt ruffles up his hair even more.
"Thanks! And thank you for coming, too, Colt. And you are?" Grace looked up at him and Tom think his heart just started staring at Grace with him and forgot to do its job for a second there.
"Tom Ryder, I'm Colt's coworker," Tom replied with an extended hand. "He introduced me to your music, you have a really nice singing voice." Was that too straight forward? He hopes not.
"It's always nice to meet my brother's friend! Nice meeting you, Tom!" Grace said excitedly and reach to shake Tom's hand.
"Nice- uh, Nice meeting you too, uh, yeah. Cool." He nodded. After the twin have a few more minutes talking and hugging, they took a few pictures together. Grace handed Tom a bag of merchandise as well. Tom thinks this might just be the best concert of his life.
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Tom couldn't find it in him to complain when Colt takes him back to his apartment. He opened the door to find Jean-Claude fast asleep. With happy steps, Tom retreat back to the bedroom. He hadn't check the bag of merchandise Grace gifted him yet, and he's curious. Tom carefully take each item out, admiring them. The first item is a little fox keychain with glasses and guitar, he let the little fox sits on his bed side table. The second was a tote bag with an album cover, The Red String, with the iconic astronaut fox on it. Tom will stop using his other bags now, thank you very much. And finally, a shirt. Tom might just have it tucked away in his closet rather than wear it and accidentally ruin it somehow. Just when he was about to put the bag away, something else caught his eyes. Inside was a card, and when Tom opens it, his heart almost jumped out of his chest. Hand written words, cutest little foxes doodles and a string of number.
"Text me? - R.Grace"