He Loves Her, He Loves Me Not
Chapter 1
Okinawa was still upbeat with the glaring midday sun, despite the passing of three decades which the stoic Chevalier spent in an inescapable state of melancholy. His Queen awoke without paying heed to the affection his eyes portrayed – perchance, an emotion that had died not long after.
Solomon.
How he loathed that man, with his flawless face and silken blond tresses, the charming perfect smile. However, he was not a man whom he wished to dispute with any longer. Solomon lived. Solomon did no wrong. Solomon won Saya.
Haji was seated upon the stage at a local restaurant, his eyes plastered to the angelic face of his Queen, her luscious pink lips fixated into the most genuine of smiles – a smile he could never give her. His fingers nearly bled while he strummed the cello strings with such intensity and abhorrence. When the surprisingly harmonious song ended, he gently set aside his most prized possession. The audience erupted in a standing ovation, but soon settled to return to their dinner.
"Excuse me," a beautiful female voice began softly.
His azure eyes flickered up to meet sight with endearing hazels. Her porcelain skinned face was, dare he say, more striking than Saya's, though he was not a man merely interested in looks. Her full scarlet lips were stretched into a timid, heart-throbbing smile and her hair cascaded to her shoulders in velvety russet curls. He'd almost forgotten how to speak.
"May I help you, Miss?" he politely inquired, standing up to surprisingly find her of almost equal height. She was no teenager.
"Yes, actually," she began sincerely, running her fingers along the polished surface of his instrument. "This is truly such a beautiful instrument."
Haji inaudibly nodded in agreement, never losing focus on her tender gaze.
"Do you mind… if I play it?" she asked.
The Chevalier glanced over at his Queen to find her more concerned with the man on her arm. Immediately after, he asserted it his decision. It was his instrument now, after all.
"You can play my piano if you're looking for a fair trade," she laughed kindly, noticing his hesitation. Even her laugh could break a man's heart.
"That is not necessary." He returned a small smile, gingerly passing the cello over by its neck.
"If you're positive," she agreed, seating herself in his chair. "But, I'd really appreciate it if you could assist me."
She propped the instrument against a slender shoulder, positioning her fingers like an amateur. He stood behind her, adjusting her posture and arrangement into that of a professional's while she was moderately inquisitive of his bandaged appendage.
"Thanks," she spoke, her cheeks flushing a rosy tint. After gracefully running the bow across the strings, Haji determined she was not at all familiar with the large instrument in her lean arms.
"Have you never played before?" he queried, guiding her delicate hands along the refined body of his instrument. Nostalgia briefly embraced him for a moment, recognizing the pose from his last voyage on the Siberian Express.
The woman shook her head. "I was interested in playing it for so long, however."
"I see," he quietly acknowledged, continuing his ministrations.
"Do you give lessons, by any chance?"
He shook his head.
Mildly surprised, she complimented, "Really? You'd make an excellent teacher, though…" She trailed off looking for a name to fit to his face.
"Haji."
She gratefully smiled, offering her own name in return, "Adèle."
***
"Looks like Haji isn't going home alone, tonight," Kai chortled suggestively, elbowing Lewis in the ribs.
"You can say dat again," the former Red Shield member heartily laughed.
Saya turned to witness the scene before her unfolding. Her most beloved friend was instructing an unbelievably gorgeous woman with the gentlest of eyes. What frightened the Queen the most was their unfathomable chemistry.
She uneasily tightened her grip around Solomon's forearm.
He instantly noticed, "Is something troubling you, my love?"
"I'm… just a little bit tired, that's all."
I think, came her afterthought.
Courteous as always, Haji escorted Adèle to the door of the restaurant, parting from her more or less reluctantly. He then returned to his table of friends with his cello case secured to his back.
"Wonderful performance, Haji," Solomon commented honestly, stroking Saya's raven hair.
"Yeah, Uncle Haji! That was just… breathtaking!" the more energetic of the twins, Aoi, piped, her blue eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. Her shy maroon eyed twin, Akane, nodded in unison. "Don't you think so too, Aunt Saya?"
Evidently distracted, she replied, "Hmm? Oh yes, of course."
You were always breathtaking, Haji.
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A/N: Don't flame me you crazy pairing fans D:
Hope you enjoyed this first chapter!