A/N:

I really didn't want to use such a cheesy song title for this fiction, but I couldn't think of anything else. But then, I got to thinking about it, and it really fits the plot I have planned for this piece.

Basically Daryan and Klavier meeting for the first time.

I will have a link to my interpretation of the 'Guilty Love' lyrics up shortly.

In the meantime, comments, criticisms, concerns, or just plain babbling is welcome!

DISCLAIMER: I do not own Green Day, (just all their albums) the Stratocastor name (a girl can dream, right?), the characters mentioned in this fiction, with the exception of Alex Romanov, Duke (Darren) Fairington, and Brian Hanley.

Verse One: Longing to Belong

Klavier furrowed his brow as he tuned his guitar, a high end acoustic guitar that his father had bought him to appease his creative outlet. His older brother had the violin, it was only fair that Klavier had an instrument to play. He was in the corner of the classroom, where it was the quietest, trying to asses that his E String was sharp. He had arrived earlier than the other kids for the sole purpose of getting his tuning right. He was unawares of the newest addition to their band class staring and chuckling at him.

"Man, you're trying too hard," the dark-haired kid said to him finally, but Klavier never heard him.

Suddenly a hand adorned with a silver ring in the shape of a lions head and chipped black polish, stopped all progress. Klavier looked up, ready to chastise this person who dared intrude on his tuning, when he realized it was the new kid. He was too surprised to say anything, as the other scanned his face with his sparkling gray eyes.

"Did ya hear me?" The boy asked as he knelt to eye level with Klavier, who was suddenly mesmerized with the boy's long black hair that was pulled back in a pony tail, and his perfect pink pouty lips, and they way the moved when he talked. "You need to tune it with the other instruments. You're not gonna get a good sound."

The boy's voice brought Klavier out of his mini reverie as he shook his head.

"No, it needs a new e string," Klavier finally found his voice. "It's an older guitar-"

"Well, that's obvious," the dark-haired boy snorted in derision. "But you can't force it to tune."

Klavier stared at him and the boy rolled his eyes and got up and walked away. The blond could feel his friends eyes on him, watching his reaction.

"Do you think he'll snap?" Alex whispered to Duke who was sitting on the piano bench next to the thin girl with white pixie hair and big brown eyes. Duke was tapping a beat on his thighs with his drumsticks.

"Who knows with Gavin," Duke whispered back, his voice heavy with his British lilt. "He's such a perfectionist, I'm surprised he hasn't made the teacher wait for him."

Alex smirked, but it melted into surprise as the new kid sauntered by with a shiny black and red Fender Stratocastor. She elbowed Duke, who had lost interest in their conversation and the situation when his little red-haired crush had walked in. He whipped his head in Klavier's direction when the Stratocastor walked by.

"You gotta listen to the mood of the room," the new kid said as he knelt in front of Klavier again. The blond blinked up at him, not expecting him back. "The flutes are restless today, the brass doesn't give a shit about this class, but they are excited about the pep-rally, and the pianist and drummer boy are staring at you. So, you are either friends with them, or they each want a turn at you."

Klavier gaped at the new kid who chuckled and looked back at Alex and Duke who were pretending to not listen, but were each blushing.

"So, now that I have your attention, my name is Daryan Crescend." He held his hand out for Klavier to shake and he took it hesitantly. The dark-haired boy had Klavier's full attention, as he studied him. His black 'Skid Row' t-shirt was slightly worn at the edges and was thrown haphazardly over a grey and white striped shirt.

"You also have good taste in music."

"How would you know?"

"You're wearing a Faded Black shirt." Daryan wasn't one to get in people's personal space, but for some reason he was comfortable with this kid, as he reached over and unzipped his purple hooded sweatshirt and pointed at the shirt underneath. "I thought they were only popular up in Seattle?"

Klavier felt the warmth build up in his cheeks when Daryan moved closer to him. Those gray eyes would be his undoing, and he looked away as he played with his hair.

What was wrong with him? Acting like a silly school girl with a crush...

He cleared his throat before he spoke. "My dad works as a defense attorney in the music industry and he travels a lot. I went with him to Seattle this last summer and heard these guys on the radio. I snuck into the bar where they were playing."

"Huh, wouldn't have thunk that from a California preppy like you!" Daryan said as he flicked Klavier's long blond hair. He heard hisses from the two kids behind him.

"Hey don't touch the hair!" Klavier's eyes flashed with anger, but Daryan could see the color rise in his cheeks, making his eyes bluer than they already were.

"Sensitive," Daryan chuckled as he stood. "Come over to the piano and we will tune that guitar." He nodded his head to the piano as Alex and Duke suddenly sat up straight.

"Tune with the piano?" Klavier looked at Daryan like he was crazy. "No, I don't think so. I'll get it eventually. Thanks." Then, turned his attention to his guitar again so he wouldn't have to look at those eyes.

"Whatever, kid. I'll be laughing at you from my corner when I hear that flat e-string."

"It's sharp."

"Trust me, it's flat dude!" And Daryan walked away, flashing a smile at Alex and Duke who exchanged looks after he passed.

X

"Alright kids!" The teacher, Brian Henley, called as he entered the room. "As you all know, State Finals are in five weeks. For those of you entering solo, your forms have to be turned in tomorrow. Those with Duets or more have one more week to turn in your forms. Am I clear?" He scanned the room through his buddy holly glasses and watched as everyone nodded and mumbled their approval. His gaze stopped on Daryan. "You must be the new kid..." He paused as he read his roster. "Daryan Crescend?"

Daryan gave a half smile as everyone turned their heads in his direction. He heard whispers and mumbles and he knew that rumors were flying about his looks. When he had walked in, he noted that ninety percent of the class had blond or sun-kissed hair and tanned. The exceptions were the two hanging around the piano, the kid trying to tune his guitar (who was included in the exceptions because his attire wasn't typical Californian) and a cute red-haired freckled girl who was one of two girls in the brass section.

"Is that a Stratocastor 80 series?" Brian looked over his glasses at Daryan's guitar.

"Yeah."

"There were only one hundred of those made. How did you get a hold of one?"

Out of the corner of his eye, Daryan saw Klavier lean forward in his seat to look at him. Daryan shrugged and smirked. "My great uncle toured with Green Day for a while."

More murmurs.

Brian finally cleared his throat and shuffled the papers in front of him. "Yes, well, it's one thing to have an impressive instrument, it's another to play it impressively."

"Don't worry, I can play."

"Right." The teacher narrowed his eyes at Daryan as he pushed his glasses up his nose. "Alright, let's bring out the piece we've been having such a difficult time with." He paused and pulled out some sheet music from his briefcase and walked it up to Daryan. He didn't have the heart to tell the teacher he knew that piece by heart, so he took the music anyway. Daryan nodded at the teacher and looked over at Klavier who was still trying to tune his guitar.

Klavier wasn't going to look up, but something compelled him to. As he did, the cocky gray eyes of Daryan Crescend were staring holes into him. Klavier wasn't going to be bested by the new kid, but damned if he couldn't get the right sound. He saw Daryan's mouth move over the word 'flat' before he turned his attention back to his guitar.

"Remember, Key of E." The teacher raised his hands waiting for everyone to be ready, then fluidly started directing, only to stop everyone halfway through the first page.

"Klavier, you're flat."

Daryan bit his lip to keep from laughing.

Klavier looked at the teacher dumbfounded, then turned a scowl on Daryan. He made the proper adjustments then signaled his teacher he was ready.

X

"Daryan," Brian said as he walked up beside him as he was putting his guitar away. "You really brought the piece home. We've been having problems with the beat, and you helped."

"Thank you Mr. Henley," Daryan said as he stood and smiled. "I appreciate that."

"I'm sorry I razzed you before. You wouldn't believe the kids that come in here with their daddy's guitars, or drum-kits, expecting to make an impression, and end up falling on their faces. You and Klavier Gavin are the only ones that haven't fallen completely on their faces."

"I have the same philosophy as you, about having and impressive intrument and knowing how to play it. Anyway, I'm glad I could help."

"Are you going to put in for state?"

"I had no plans," Daryan paused and played with his hair. "I wasn't sure I would qualify, since I just arrived here in L.A."

"Sure you do!" Brian clapped Daryan on his shoulder. "You're in my class and it would give you a boost into the professional world."

Daryan looked at his teacher curiously.

Brian put his briefcase down and reached into his vest pocket and produced a business card. He chuckled as Daryan read it and a look of recognition came over his face.

"Yes," Brian interrupted before Daryan could say anything. "Most people don't put the face and name together. But I am an independent producer-"

"You brought together the Blue Ribbons and brought Kari Baron to fame...I think you are more than independent..." A movement in Daryan's peripheral vision caught his attention. Klavier and his friends had moved down to their level to exit the room. Daryan could tell Klavier was trying to not make it obvious he was eavesdropping.

"So why are you teaching high school band?" Daryan had interrupted whatever Brian had said.

"What else are you going to do with a major in music and a minor in communications?" Brian laughed. "This is my first love, it was only coincidence that Kari and those kids made it big. We are in L.A. You know. Listen, Daryan, you have real talent. So does Klavier. I think you and him should seriously consider putting in as a duet."

"You have got to be kidding me!" Klavier stormed over to the duo. "I'm not gonna put my talent and good looks on the line with this...this dark horse! You promised me I would hit it big if I went solo!"

Daryan narrowed his eyes at Klavier.

"Klavier," Brian grabbed his shoulder to calm him down. Klavier was breathing hard and he returned Daryan's icy glare. "I said, If you put in as solo you would have a good chance of getting first place. If you put in as a duet, or even better," he gestured at Alex and Duke. "If you put in as a band, you could get regional recognition."

"I'm willing, if the blond hot-head is willing to put his ego in check." Daryan crossed his arms.

"C'mon Klavier, it's a once in a lifetime chance!" Duke was standing next to his friend. "Besides, I like Daryan. He knows his stuff."

Daryan gave Duke a warm smile as Alex joined them.

"I'm in." Alex said. "I like anyone who's willing to go head to head with Klavier."

She smirked at Daryan, and he thought he saw a devious twinkle in her eye.

"Achtung, Alex," Klavier turned his glare on her. "I thought you were on my side?"

"Oh I am. However, I think this is the fresh sound that we need."

Klavier bit his lip.

"Alright, but I call the shots. Remember that, Daryan, and we will get along famously." Klavier poked the other in the shoulder.

"Don't worry, Klavier, there's only going to be room for your ego anyway!" The tension was thick as they glared at each other.

"Good, I'll get the paper work ready." Brian picked up his briefcase. "I expect to see this passion focused into your music. Meet me at this studio on Thursday." He handed Alex and Duke his buisiness card with an address written on the back. They thanked him as he walked off.

"I'll bring my a-game tonight if you guys want to practice before then." Daryan pulled his phone out of his pocket and exchanged numbers with Duke and Alex, then turned to Klavier, who crossed his arms and looked away.

"I'll get it from them." He jabbed his thumb at the other two.

"Fine whatever," Daryan said. "Text me when you guys are ready."

"Actually, we only have study hall next," Alex said as she shrugged into her cardigan. "I'm sure there's nothing going on, we could skip?" She winked at Daryan. Klavier pursed his lips and started to protest as Daryan interrupted him.

"Huh, fate may be telling us something cuz I have study hall too!"

"Let's meet at my mums garage, say thirty minutes?" Duke piped in and texted Daryan his address. Then him and Alex took off in a bustle of excitement.

Klavier only glared at Daryan.

"Pfft, whatever, I'll see- hey!" Daryan started to attend to his guitar when Klavier grabbed his arm and pulled him up.

"Don't ever do that again. I told you, I call the shots, so back off!" Klavier was so close to him that he could feel his hot breath on his cheek. It sent a weird shiver down his back and he pushed Klavier off.

"Fine, just...stay out of my bubble!"

"Gladly." Daryan heard Klaviers boots stomp out of the room and let out a breath he was holding. He held his head in his hands, a swarm of emotions washed over him as he tried to make sense of the feeling he had when Klavier grabbed him. He re-tied his long black hair back in its ponytail, and pushed all that aside as he finished putting his guitar away.

Klavier's emotions were all awry as he stepped outside into the warm California air. He didn't know if he wanted to scream at Daryan, or punch him, or... he couldn't interpret the other feeling that was making his stomach do flip-flops. Those unusual gray eyes. He was either going to hate them, or they were going to be his undoing.