STANDARDS MATTER
By
Ashleigh Anpilova
Gibbs and Ducky go to a classical music concert featuring the compositions of some of the legends of classical music. Ducky, however, is clearly not happy.
An established relationship story.
Written: June 2009. Word count: 300.
"No. No. No." Jethro glanced at his lover who was muttering under his breath. He'd been aware Ducky had been far from settled for some time, and he didn't appear to be enjoying the concert. However, for Ducky to actually comment, no matter how softly, during the performance was unique.
Ducky was not the only person who seemed unhappy. All around him Jethro could hear people shifting in their seats, clearing their throats, and murmuring. He wondered what the matter was. Sure the playing wasn't the best he'd ever heard; even he, with his non-ear-for-music, could hear that. But they were doing their best, weren't they? It wasn't a professional performance after all.
Moments later the piece ended with what sounded like nails being dragged down a blackboard. There was muted applause and a much louder sound of chairs being pushed back and people standing up.
"You okay, Duck?" Jethro asked, once they had a glass of wine in their hands. "You don’t seem to be enjoying the concert."
Ducky widened his eyes. "How," he said, almost glaring as he looked at Jethro. "How, can anyone enjoy that travesty?"
"Is it that bad?"
"Jethro. These people are playing Mozart, Beethoven, Brahms, some of the greatest, most respected classical music composers ever to live. They are legends, Jethro, legends, and these people are massacring their work. It is painful to listen to."
"They are only amat-"
"That, Jethro, does not matter. I've heard children of ten play better than this. It is about standards, and these people have none."
Jethro sought for something to appease Ducky. "How about we skip the rest of the concert and go home, and you can put on some of your CDs and let me hear how these legends should be played."
Ducky beamed at him.
Feedback is always
appreciated
Go to NCIS Gibbs/Ducky Fiction Page