First Floor Rec Room, Wednesday Morning

[whenshewasnice]

It was bright and early (for a winter break morning, anyway) and Natalie was back from Montreal. It was, in fact, so bright and early that she didn't want to go up to her room quite yet, on the off chance that Tara wasn't awake yet

Comments

[didntchewgrass]

Elphaba had settled back in late last night from her trip home to Oz for Lurlinemas. Having planned to head out to get some breakfast that morning, she was instead distracted by the music and entered the rec room.

"What is it that you're playing?" she asked, curious.

[whenshewasnice]

Natalie had progressed from Christmas carols and bits of random melodies to actual songs by now. Something a little more her style.

God Protect Your Soul," she replied without looking up. "Title of the song, not a religious greeting."

[didntchewgrass]

Elphaba nodded in acknowledgement. "I did not know you could--"

She paused, realizing something. "You're not Kate, are you?" she asked, thinking she knew already.

[whenshewasnice]

Sigh - albeit not one Natalie actually let out of her head.

"No," she said, mildly, glancing over her shoulder. If she was in any way surprised to be addressed by green girl, she didn't show it. "Natalie."

[didntchewgrass]

"You're quite similar," Elphaba said. "I'm sorry for my mistake. I can only imagine that must get tiresome."

She gave a little nod of her head. "I'm Elphaba. It's very nice to make your acquaintance, Natalie."

[whenshewasnice]

"Nice to meet you too." It was a phrase you were supposed to say in a situation like this, but it didn't sound unkind. "It happens. The... mistaking me for Kate thing."

It was annoying, but not really anyone's fault.

[didntchewgrass]

"Well, I won't make that mistake again," Elphaba said. "Have you played the piano long? You seem at least somewhat skilled."

[whenshewasnice]

"For a decade or so," Natalie replied, watching her fingers dancing over the keys. "Parents made me take lessons."

[didntchewgrass]

Elphaba looked suitably impressed. "Do you enjoy it, I think is the appropriate question. Or is this an... exercise in homesickness?"

[whenshewasnice]

Natalie gave a quiet, quiet little snort. "I came from home this morning," she said, with an almost imperceptible nod towards the bag on the floor. "I guess I like it fine enough."

No, she kind of loved playing. She just didn't like telling people things like that.

[didntchewgrass]

"I just returned from home myself," Elphaba said, because it seemed the sort of thing to say. "But good. You probably would have fit in quite well at the holiday show at the local theater, with skills like that."

[whenshewasnice]

"I'm not really one for shows." Oh, how that would change. But she was still at a stage where she needed to be persuaded to do things like that in too public a setting. "But thank you."

[didntchewgrass]

Elphaba hardly could argue otherwise, so she acquiesced with a nod. "I'd stay a bit longer to listen, if you don't mind. Unless you prefer to lack an audience."

[whenshewasnice]

"I don't care," Natalie said, but lightly. This was a sort of a good day, and she'd chosen to play out in the semi-open. Refusing an audience of one would be pointless. "You can stay if you want."