Meet Us at the Barre: A Series of SAB Oneshots

abby's famous vocal warm ups

abbydancesx

"Woah." Abby exclaimed, walking into the ballet studios for rehearsals that morning.

She froze at the sight of a girl without a ballerina's figure slumped over the piano.

"Hey, are you good?" Abby asked gently, shaking the girl's shoulder.

The girl was still in her leotard and tights from the day before. Judging by the completely open back on the leotard, Abby should've known exactly who this was. It was Katherine.

Her hair was also still in somewhat of her ballerina bun from the previous day's work as well, though the hairspray had long lost it's strength and baby hairs had started to frizz out of the pinned back bun.

"Katherine, you did not fall asleep here, did you?!"

"Hmm?" She sat up, rubbing her eyes. It was obvious she was still in a half asleep daze.

Abby sighed, sitting on the piano bench beside Katherine. "You've been working on your voice?"

"I can't believe we're stuck in this piece. Like I'm excited, but I can't sing."

"No, no, no, hush that. You got this. Here, do you want me to lead you in a vocal warm up? Maybe that will help you ease your worry."

~~~~~

"Marcus!" Abby called Mark's joke name, finding the young man pacing in the studio lobby. "Are you panicking or something?"

"The principals walked in like two seconds ago. They all look beautiful and what if they judge me for my singing?!"

Abby rolled her eyes, not even being able to comprehend why her boy was worrying so much. He was the most talented person she knew.

"Mark, you're going to listen to me." She stopped him, grabbed his hand and yanked him into a vacant studio. "You are the most talented person I know. I've heard you sing before, and it is beautiful. You're going to be so stunning." Abby gently kissed Mark's lips, smiling gently into the kiss.

"Thank you..." Mark drew out, sighing.

"Now, will a warmup ease your mind?"

~~~~~

"What's with all of us falling asleep these days?" Katherine mumbled.

It had been a day later, the first singing rehearsal had gone smoothly, much to everyone's surprise.

Katherine entered the living room of her shared apartment with Nessa and Abby. Nessa was long gone at rehearsals she had to attend for a role she was understudying. Kath and Abby were both off for the night, then.

Abby was still in her leotard and tights, with her knees curled into her chest, ontop of the couch.

Katherine frowned, knowing Abby was never tired enough for that. She always took off all of her makeup before bed, always changed into comfy pajamas, always washed the hairspray out of her hair. She never just crashed on the sofa.

"Ab?" Katherine whispered, gently shaking her friend's shoulder. She didn't know how long she'd been asleep, and she probably needed to eat something.

Abby lifted her head, her back popping as she sat up. She mumbled a curse word as she realized she had fallen asleep in such an uncomfortable position. Her muscles would pay her back for that in rehearsals tomorrow.

"Abby... have you been crying?" Katherine whispered, seeing her friend's red eyes.

"No." Abby was quick to respond.

"Quit that." Katherine shook her head, jokingly snatching Abby's blanket from her. "What's wrong?"

"I'm helping everyone and leading warmups and trying to make everyone feel better, but I'm scared." She admitted.

"Abby..." Katherine coaxed. "Listen to me, you're going to be so amazing. You're like the only one of us that actually has a beautiful voice. Now..." Katherine stood up, grabbing Abby's hand. "I'm going to do the leading."

She led Abby to the small keyboard Abby had bought the year prior, beginning to lead Abby in one of her own famous warmups.