They had met five years ago. Both called together by one of the more renowned violinists, Erwin Smith.
Hanji had met him after one of her performances with the local string orchestras. After the final piece was over, and most of the audience had left, he approached her backstage and held out a hand.
"The name's Erwin Smith. Perhaps you've heard of me? I have heard about your skills with the violin, would you like to join me? Even though I can see that you have a slight tendency to ignore the tempo and steamroll on, your skill is still admirable."
Of course Hanji had accepted it "Sure! It's an honor to play side-by-side with one of the best Cellists I've heard of!" It was worth sacrificing her time to gain the skills that playing in a quartet required: Precise teamwork and coordination, the ability to commit long hours, not to mention memorizing notes and scores. Her life had been changed with that one handshake. "I'd have to let the Orchestral Committee know about this though," she laughed "not sure if they'd be glad or sad to see me go!"
Erwin gave a little chuckle at that last sentence "Perhaps both, sad for skilled, young lady such as yourself to leave, but maybe glad that they don't have to worry about you accelerating the tempo anymore."
"Oh, you heard that?" She laughed nervously "It's a habit I think. I always seem to go faster whenever I play really fast pieces. Especially that last one, it was one of my favorites."
"It was not something really that obvious, most of your fellow players managed to cover it up. Although in a quartet that's not really possible."
"I'm prepared to do whatever it takes, work with whomever I need to work with to improve on this problem." She vowed.
Levi's circumstances were much more different from hers. Having kept his skill with music a secret from almost everyone, only his childhood friend, Petra Ral, he never expected anyone to ask him anything music-related. Let alone forming a quartet, least of all by Erwin smith.
He had been playing a borrowed violin in an empty concert hall, trying out a song that he had just heard several minutes ago. Petra was sitting alone in the empty hall, listening to him try out the chords. He was halfway through the song when he saw Petra's eyes widen and another melody flowed into his, its deep notes accentuating his higher-pitched ones. He looked around and saw someone standing behind him on the polished wooden stage. How long he had stood there Levi did not know, he also did not expect what that man was about to say.
"Impressive, especially for one who plays by ear. Would you like to join me and put those skills of yours to good use?"
"I don't know what you're talking about, old man. That shitty piece was a fluke and you know it." Levi stared at him.
"It is no fluke and you of all people should know that. I've been watching you come in here with your charming friend for the past three weeks." Erwin smiled.
Levi just glared at him as Petra walked over "What's going on? Is there anything wron-"She squeaked when she got near enough to recognize Erwin.
"I was just about to ask your friend here if he would like to join me, his skills are admirable. Even if he doesn't admit it to anyone." Erwin smiled as he looked at Levi, who was still glaring.
"Wait just a minute, old man. What did you mean by joining you? I'm not as good as you say I am. Who the hell do you think you are to decide?"
Petra cut right in before Erwin could reply "Levi! He's Erwin Smith! One of the best-known cellists here in Trost! Of course he would be able to tell how skilled you are!"
"Indeed, and I am forming a quartet with some new talents that I have been observing in this district. You haven't replied to my request yet, would you be interested in joining me? Why play for an empty hall when you can have a full one? Do not let your skills go unnoticed when you could do so much more with just a little more work."
Levi relaxed his glare minutely "I'll have to think about it," he growled.
He glanced at Petra "Levi, whatever you choose, I'll always support you!" she smiled "Just make sure you have no regrets with whichever path you choose. I trust you'll pick the right path."
"Fine, old man, you've got yourself another player." He muttered as he shook the hand Erwin had held out. He had no idea what was going to happen from that moment on, but he most certainly hoped that he would not regret making this choice "But my playing is still shitty, I have no idea why you chose me in the first place."