"I need help," the master said, folding his hands. "You know my student Alejandro already, don't you?" Leo nodded at the master's words, not sure where this conversation was leading to.

"You see, he has a problem with speed and general flow when it comes to playing," the master said, making Leo's brows knit in confusion. The master pushed back a strand of stray hair from his forehead before continuing to address Leonardo. "Not that I would want to change all of that for the world, the messiness sort of makes his music." The master admitted, giving Leo a steady gaze.

"The things is, no one has ever been able to keep up with him. Heavens, I can barely follow him halfway through a piece," the master admitted, gesturing to himself. Leo nodded, his mind still wondering what this had to do with him. A bell chimed, indicating the change in periods. The sound of students and laughter echoed through the window as master Rutherford continued to speak.

"But you," he started, pointing at Leo with his surprisingly well-manicured fingernail, "you can keep up, you compensate for his mistakes, you compliment his playing," the master said as Leo followed his hand gestures.

Leo ran a hand through his blond hair, not quite sure what to make of the information. Sure, he'd changed the way he would normally have played when he and Alejandro were paired, but he figured anyone could do that.

"I personally think Alejandro would do best as a solo performer," the master continued, letting out a low sigh, "but he insists on chasing a career in an orchestra," the master finished, sighing to himself.

"Now that's where the problem lies, he simply can't play with people," the master argued, a hint of irritation in his tone. Leo guessed the master and his student had certainty argued over this a time too many.

"But," the master started, taking up a pen and twirling it between his thumb and index fingers, "if he learned to properly play with you, that'll be a start."

"I promise to teach you conducting if you promise to aid Alejandro. At least give him a decent amount of your time," the master said, laying down the ground rules as he slouched into his seat.

"I don't know..." Leo trailed, wondering what a 'decent' amount of his time implied. He liked his free time and he wasn't sure he wanted to part with it so willingly.

"Please," the teacher pleaded, "I've been teaching disabled students all my life, but Al happens to be the most complex. I certainly can't do this alone." The master pleaded, making Leo cast his gaze down at the change of department permission slip. He wanted to solely concentrate on conducting, but what was wrong with brushing up his piano playing skills by the side?

"Okay," Leo said as he watched the master release the slip to him.

"Good, I guess you'll have to go pick up your new schedule then," the master pointed out, bidding Leo farewell.

Leo got up soon after, voicing his thanks before exiting the room. He wondered about the hallway for a while before spotting Marie and James who were getting ready for their next lessons.

"Well?" Marie asked, earning a big grin from Leo. Leo flashed the change of department permission slip like it was a lottery ticket that he miraculously won. Marie laughed, rolling her eyes at his silliness.

"Well, Claire's going to be devastated," Marie pointed out, making the trio laugh.

Leo left them soon after so they could tune their instruments and leave for their class. He headed to the main admin office, handing the slip to the person who seemed to be in charge.

"Well, let's see how long you'll last," the lady said with a sigh as she read through the slip. Leo smiled at her. It was obvious she regarded him as a regular customer.

"It's my last year, I promise they'll be no more changing of departments," Leo said, holding his right hand to his chest in a mock pledge.

The woman smiled at him, handing him his new schedule.

"Good luck," she chirped as he took the schedule from her and exited the office with a grin.

Leo was relieved, he could finally learn to conduct as he had wanted to.