The computer says No! Chapter 1, a beck fanfic

Disclaimer: I don't own anything… If I did, I wouldn't be writing this would I?

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I sat there glaring angrily at the laptop, my hands balled into fists, as yet another error message popped up on the screen.

"Damn computer." I mutter angrily, as I press ctrl, alt, delete for the 20th time that day. I selected shut down from the menu and slump down in my chair, ignoring the dull pain in my back. I don't even know why Ryusuke shoved this project on me. Did I look like a computer programmer? Gods no! I was a bass player, pure and simple. My hands should be making music, not cramping up on a keyboard, while I sat stifled within a hot, dark internet café on a Sunday afternoon.

I heard the low hum of the computer as it shut down on itself, and I tapped my fingers impatiently waiting for it to do its thing, as I rubbed my strained, bleary eyes with the knuckles of my right hand. I pressed the power button again and when nothing happed, I pressed it harder, sliding the computer across the small table.

I saw people turn to look at me out of the corner of my eye, but I just hunched my shoulders in a shrug and turned towards the windows. I watched the raindrops splatter against the windowpane, as the wind scattered trash and forgotten debris in frenzied swirls as the storm picked up tempo.

Great, I thought, just great. Now I can look forward to getting drenched once I finish this stupid first page.

"If I ever finish..." I muttered darkly. Sighing I try to straighten my back, wincing as a sharp pain emits from my shoulders as it lanced down my back and into my hips. I grasp the edge and pull the computer closer shaking the cobwebs out of my head, while I tried to focus my attention.

I'm not sure why we needed a web page at all. None of us knew how to design one, and we couldn't afford to pay someone to do it for us. I didn't know what I was up against, and Saku or Koyuki would have a better grasp at it than me. But Ryusuke took pity on them letting them off the hook, while Chiba (damn him) mentioned that I had taken some computer classes back in high school. By some, I mean I was present for oh about two days before I transferred out. Computers and I never saw eye-to-eye, meaning things beyond, email, the net, and other small tasks were way over my head.

I wasn't even sure where Ryusuke has obtained this laptop. It probably "fallen of the truck" somewhere and the previous owners where still looking for it. We couldn't afford high speed internet back at the apartment I shared with Saku, so I had to drag my butt down here to get some work done. At least this place was open 24 hours, and it was close, had a great menu, but it was too hot and quiet, way too quiet.

I was wishing I had brought my Mp3 player along, when I noticed a girl get up from her table and leave. Noticing that she left something on the chair, I jumped up, my muscles screaming in protest, and called out to her.

"Hey! Hey you…girl." She had the door partially open letting moist, cold air into the café. She turned slowly, reluctantly, a confused expression plastered on her face.

"You forgot your cell phone." I explained. Relief flashed across her face, which soon was replaced by a guarded expression. When she started back towards my table, I took the time to scrutinize her from top to bottom.

She had a very cute rounded face framed by very dark, almost purple black hair that stuck out at angles, spiked haphazardly. She wore glasses, but instead of obscuring her face they highlighted it, reveling beautiful blue eyes that seemed to sparkle internally. She was quite short, not skinny, average with some nice curves to her. She wore jeans, and a purple hoodie that hugged her torso. She had a ring on her right thumb, other that that she didn't wear any other jewelry. She seemed wary to come close to me and when she met my eyes she blushed deeply. Did seem that threatening to her? Perhaps she was just shy, so I flashed her a warm smile when I passed the cell phone to her.

She smiled tentatively at first gradually building into a lopsided grin. I smiled back at her, reassuring her that I wasn't going to whisk her away into the dead of the night when I glanced down at the computer screen again. My smile turned into a scowl when I saw the same goddamn error message pop right back up in place before.

"What!? What now. Y-you goddamn thing! You are driving me insane. You are out to ruin me…drive me to drink.. I..I.." I ranted and raved, slamming my fists down on the table drawing curious and concerned stares around us.

The girl gasped, hiding a smile behind her hand. I was afraid that she was going to retreat, my inappropriate behavior driving her off, but instead she started to laugh

"You know," she gasped between breaths, "that talking to a computer is the first sign of insanity?" Then she burst out laughing much to my chagrin. "Oh I am sorry. I did not mean it…truly. My name is Serene. Thank you for bringing my attention to the cell phone."

"It's okay really. I guess I deserved being laughed at. I'm Taira by the way…uh… Serene." I stumbled over the unfamiliar sounding name. I could tell she hadn't been in Japan long as her Japanese was too formal and strained as if it didn't come naturally to her.

"Mind if I took a look at your computer Taira? I now a lot about them…maybe I could help?"

"Be my guest Serene. See if you have any luck. I know I'm not. Computers aren't my forte. But weren't you going somewhere?"

"No not for a while Taira. I can stay and help if you like." She pulled a chair closer and turned the laptop toward her. Once she was under more favorable light, I noticed she had a very fair complexion, almost if she had lived indoors her whole life. "So tell me Taira what you are trying to do with this." She murmured quietly as her small hands danced across the keyboard, as the computer chirped and whirred happily along to her ministrations.

"Well we were, are, trying to design a web page but I don't know where to start. I get lost trying to navigate through cyberspace." I chuckled.

"Let us see what I can do to fix this hmm? I think I have just the thing in my bag. It is a program that helps you design a web page error free. After that you can take the whole thing and host it on the internet once you obtain a domain. It is very simple to update, and it is easy to learn. Do you want me to install it for you Taira? I can help you and teach it to you. I do not mind…"

"Sure, sure that's great Serene. Thank you so much. You have no idea how much this will save my life, my sanity. I would be in your debt for all eternity." I said bowling low with a flourish.

Serene laughed quietly again and dug in her bag for the disk. Maybe I wouldn't have to spend all evening butting heads with a machine that previously had the upper hand after all.

A/N Well there you have it the end of chapter 1. I hoped you liked it. This is my first Beck story. I will post the rest of the chapters as I type, tweak and edit. Your reviews are always welcome!

See you soon ;)

Thistlechaser-chan