A Roman Holiday

This story cried out to be written... it haunted me until I put pen to paper. This is an entirely new story, not a follow-up to Cat's in the Cradle. It is set 6-7 years in the future.

Acknowledgements: Nodame and Chiaki are the invention of Tomoko Ninomiya. Maltovia, I borrowed from the late W E Johns. The setting of Rome was inspired by my admiration for Audrey Hepburn and William Wyler's gorgeous 1953 film. Respectful apologies to the Imperial House of Japan for dragging them into this madcap tale.

As usual, all the mistakes are mine…

Chapter 1

"What?… So what you're really saying is that I'm going to be mainly on my own?"

"You didn't have to come, you know."

"Of course I had to… I've never been to Italy before much less Rome. Besides, I need a holiday."

Well, he knew he couldn't begrudge her that. She had worked very hard leading up to the Daniel Tilburn International Piano Competition and was deserving of a break. But he made it clear to her that he was on assignment and not in Rome to fritter away his time as a tourist.

Chiaki Shinichi had been invited to be guest conductor for the Santa Cecilia Academy of Rome Orchestra to commemorate the visit of the Crown Prince of the Imperial House of Japan to Rome. It was a great honour and one, he knew, that was not bestowed lightly. Although only 29, he had already received more than his fair share of accolades and had already performed as guest conductor and principal conductor at several highly regarded orchestras. His longest stint was with the Roux Marlet orchestra in Paris where he was credited with saving it from musical ignominy. Although there was no doubt that Chiaki was especially gifted, he himself knew that he had earned his reputation with a mix of blood, sweat and tears. Young though he was, he had achieved a great deal through sheer hard work.

The woman who was with him, although only a year younger than himself, seemed to have possessed the secret to lasting youthfulness. Unlike many of her peers, she exuded an undeniable feeling of unworldliness. On first glance, it was easy to conclude that they were a strange pairing but on closer examination, one could see an unmistakable affection which, some would say, had been tested and forged by the slings and arrows of time. Chiaki was not a man prone to bouts of impulsive behaviour and publicly appeared to be a stoic figure especially in contrast to the mercurial and exuberant free spirit that was his constant companion. To say that he tamed her would not be completely true as it was more the case that they transformed one another and brought out the best in one another. To the casual observer, he did not appear to be a man in love least of all with the unconventional ingénue he was engaged to.

The unsophisticated, unpretentious individual was Noda Megumi, better known to her friends and acquaintances by her portmanteau, Nodame. Though she had not yet achieved the star status of her partner, she was a pianist of distinction in her own right, recently being the silver medalist in the Daniel Tilburn International Piano Competition. She had patiently waited over 6 years for him to finally ask for her hand but hadn't been sure at first if they were really (and finally) engaged. However, a double carat diamond ring was cast in her direction which seemed to seal the deal for all concerned. Of course, part of the deal was that she would go for the Tilburn and reach the finals. She, with her customary shattering display of technique did one better and took the silver. Oddly, instead of being ecstatic at taking a prize in one of the most prestigious piano competitions in the world, she was simply satisfied that she had not disgraced her future husband.

They were polar opposites and yet somehow fate or the Creator, with an unexpected sense of humour, had brought them together. Their universes collided and she encroached into his world despite his continual resistance to her invasion. Bit by bit, she chipped away at that resistance and eventually won his heart. No one was more surprised that he when he realized how much he needed her. While his aviatophobia had more or less dissipated, he hated traveling without her for reasons known only to himself. The music never sounded the same and an aching emptiness assailed him every time they were separated for long periods of time. This, he felt acutely while guest conducting at the London Philharmonic and while she was preparing for the Tilburn Competition. Twice, during that time, he had seriously considered leaving London on impulse. However, Chiaki never told her. Each time, he stopped himself from going, remembering that she had yet to make her mark on the world stage and that his going would only be a selfish distraction. When she took the silver medal for the Tilburn, all he could think about was how much he missed her and how eager he was to have her back by his side. Again, he did not tell her except to congratulate her on a great performance. He also neglected to tell her that he had been carrying the engagement ring for over 2 years, waiting for the right moment to ask. At the time when she mentioned that she would be going for the Tilburn, all he said to her in response was, "We should think about getting married after that." No drum rolls, no violins… just a casual reference to matrimony, and his hand secretly fingering the little velvet box inside his overcoat.

On this particular evening, they were having dinner at Salieri's, renowned for its fine dining specializing in seafood. Anybody who was anybody in Rome, came to Salieri's at one time or another. They were both there as guests of the orchestra. Unfortunately for them, other members of the orchestra frequented the place as well. Due to his celebrity status, they also provided fodder for the gossip mongers who were busily scrutinizing their every move.

"So that's Chiaki? What's he like?"

"Pretty much what you'd expect from his reputation. Brilliant obviously and a hard task master.

"Who is that with Chiaki?"

"His fiancée, I expect. She sat in at rehearsals the entire morning."

"She… is his fiancée? Not exactly what I envisaged for a man of his more sophisticated palate."

"I thought the same. But after rehearsal, she went backstage and started tinkering on the piano and played the entire first movement in one sitting."

"In one sitting?"

"Yes. He then went over to her and said something like 'Have you memorized the entire first movement already?' She nodded and he just stood there next to the piano until she finished."

"She memorized the first movement from the rehearsal?"

"Apparently. Anyway, when she finished, he leaned over and kissed her and introduced her as his fiancée, Megumi Noda.

"Megumi Noda? The name rings a bell."

"The silver medalist for this year's Tilburn."

"She? I find that hard to believe."

"Wait till you hear her play."

For a man who valued his privacy, celebrity status did not sit well with Chiaki, which he acknowledged was the drawback of his profession. He was hoping to enjoy a quiet moment with Nodame over dinner but could feel the stares of his fellow diners directed at them the entire time. He was beginning to wonder if it wouldn't have been better if they had just ordered room service at the hotel. Nodame being Nodame, however, took it in her stride, completely oblivious to the attention that she was drawing but giving her complete attention to the delectable lobster in front of her. Chiaki's discomfiture, however, was increasing as the evening progressed as he kept meeting well-meaning acquaintances or eager music lovers who just happen to pass by their table. Also, he had tickets to the opera for that evening, which he had intended as a surprise for her.

"Nodame, we have to go or we'll be late." He spoke in low, urgent tones.

"Go? Where are we going?" Nodame was still wrestling with the remaining anatomical parts of the lobster.

"To the opera."

"To the opera?!" She exclaimed through an inch of lobster flesh.

"Ssssshh… Not so loud. Hurry it up, won't you?"

"I can't enjoy it properly if I'm in a hurry." Nodame grumbled. "You should have told me."

Still, in a short period of time, she managed to do it justice. Chiaki had to smile. Nodame did like her food and it would have taken a dozen wild horses to pry it off her.

"I was hoping to have dessert…"

"You can always have it later. The opera awaits. Come on…" Chiaki virtually had to drag her off the table.

"What are we going to see?"

"The Marriage of Figaro."

"A Mozart comedy… good… Why didn't you tell me about it beforehand and give me some warning?"

"It was supposed to be a surprise."

"Well, it worked, I'm surprised. Don't know if I'm dressed right though." She commented, looking up and down the dress she was wearing.

"You look fine. But there's spot of Hollandaise sauce on your chin."

"Ack, gyabo! Now you tell me." She said, frantically searching for her compact.

"Never mind, I'll handle it." Pulling out his own handkerchief, he took the offending spot off. "You're such a messy eater." He chided gently.

"Yeah, well, you hurried me, didn't you?" She grumbled trying to patch her make up.

"Blast, where's a taxi when you need one?" Chiaki wondered, scanning up and down the street.

Nevertheless, they managed to arrive at the Teatro dell'Opera di Roma with plenty of time to spare. By then Nodame had settled into the idea and was looking forward to, with some relish, watching an Italian opera in Italy. In fact, the last time she saw an opera was 2 years ago, when Chiaki took her to see Puccini's Madama Butterfly in New York and she had sobbed from the second half of the final act until they arrived at her hotel room.
"It's just a story…" He had said.

"But it's so sad… not being loved as much as she loved." She had wailed piteously. It was then he experienced a pang or two of guilt and wondered if Nodame was projecting from her own experience.

Tonight, however, they were watching a comedy and he wondered what her reaction was going to be. Being with Nodame was akin to riding on a rollercoaster for the first time. Although she had mellowed slightly in the last few years, she still embraced life with both hands and saw every little thing as something of an adventure. Her infectious energy for life had invaded his soul in spite of every demonstration of antipathy on his part. For better or for worse, Chiaki knew that wherever the journey took him, he knew that he just had to see the world through her eyes.

"Don't ask me again, Albert, I can't do it."

"Marina, you know how I feel."

"Yes, Albert… but with the way things are…"

"For crying out loud, this is the twenty-first century, Marina."

"Maltovia is proud of her history and traditions."

"Maltovia and her traditions can all go to…"

"Stop it Albert – you're not making things any easier. I don't want to talk about it now. This is neither the time nor place."

Nodame took off to the ladies room during the intermission, with the overture still swirling around in her head. Humming it buoyantly, she sauntered past a tall, regal-looking young woman who took on a proud bearing and had the most profoundly sorrowful eyes. As they walked past one another, she flashed Nodame a look that spoke of heartfelt anguish and resentment. Nodame was taken aback. What did this fantastically beautiful, elegant creature with hair like spun gold have against her or anyone else for that matter? She would have the world at her feet. Yet she was sure that she did not mistake that fleeting look of hostility. Those eyes… the pain… Nodame thought she would never forget the way they looked at her.
"What took you so long? There were people I wanted you to meet." Chiaki demanded.

"Senpai… there was this beautiful girl… the most beautiful girl I have ever seen…" Nodame looked bedazzled.

"Huh?"

"She looked like a princess from a fairytale – like Rapunzel with the golden hair."

"Huh? Are you talking about the opera?" Chiaki was mystified.

"No, no… it was this girl… no, not just a girl… She was a lady… outside the rest room. I'm so glad you didn't see her, senpai, or you'd forget me in an instant."

"Nobody can be that beautiful." Idiot. After all this time…

"But she was…"

"Anyway, it's time to go back in." He took her hand, gave it a gentle squeeze and slipped his arm around her waist. She understood that he was trying to reassure her and rested her head against his shoulders. Together, they walked back to their seats.

"So what did you think… of the opera, that is?"

Chiaki and Nodame had decided to take a stroll back to their hotel and enjoy the sights on the way back. Nodame was still humming the final aria.

"It's interesting, isn't it? So comical and so sad at the same time. People not appreciating what they have until they think they are about to lose it." She said thoughtfully.

"The original play was written as a satire about the aristocracy but Mozart's librettist Lorenzo de Ponte cleverly stayed clear of any overt political content. I suppose what you say fits in with that. People in positions of power or with power don't often think how their actions can affect those around them… they are corrupted by the power they have and abuse it."

"I was thinking more about love... still... I would hate to be someone with any political power… much less an aristocrat… To become a slave to all that power. It's a terrible position to be in."

"No chance of that happening… we're just musicians…"

"But as musicians, we have the power to do good… to move people and to make them forget their troubles… if only for a moment."

And people wonder why I'm with her.

They walked a little further and sat down for a moment's rest.

"How do you like Rome?" He turned to her and asked.

"It's wonderful…" Nodame gushed happily. "Walking along the streets here with you , surrounded by the night lights… it's so romantic. Just like Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck."

She gave a loud satisfied sigh. "Do you think anyone will mind if I just stretched out here on the bench and went to sleep under the stars?"

"Don't be silly… We have to keep going otherwise I'm not going to get enough sleep."

"Whaaat… already?"

"Tomorrow's a big day for me… more rehearsals in the morning…. Unlike you, I don't have the luxury of sleeping in. Besides that, we're attending a dinner reception in the evening at the Japanese embassy."

"We? I'm invited?"

"Well, I'm invited and since you're my… er… fiancée, it is expected that you'll be accompanying me." It's still strange to think of us as being engaged. But nice…

"Gyabo! Senpai, why didn't you tell me earlier? I have nothing to wear for such an occasion!" Nodame wailed. "I'm on holiday… remember?" She was in panic mode now.

Chiaki wondered at his own forgetfulness. "Can't you just wear what you're wearing to my performance?"

"Are you serious? I can't wear the same thing twice on two such important occasions?! It's embarrassing. You don't want people thinking that your fiancée is some kind of inelegant lout."

Too late…

"Alright, alright. Go and get something in the morning – within reason." He placated.

She suddenly became quiet.

"Senpai…" She said softly.

"Huh?"

"I liked it when you called me your fiancée." She said almost shyly. "It's almost as good as 'wife'. Almost." She emphasized the last part meaningfully.

"We can stay engaged permanently if you like." He teased.

"No way! So don't get any ideas." With a flash of defiance, she strode off in a huff. Grinning impishly, he ran to catch up with her. With practiced dexterity, he managed to slip his arms around her.

"Idiot… as if I will…" He remarked before kissing her lightly on the hair.

"How can I help you, miss?" A polite, well-spoken and well-groomed female came up to her.

"Er… I'm looking for a dress…" Ack! This sales assistant dresses better than I do.

"What's the occasion… perhaps I can help you…"

"I'm attending a dinner reception tonight at the Japanese embassy."

"Something formal then."

"I suppose so."

"Why don't you come this way with me? We might have something appropriate for you."

Nodame was a nervous wreck. She had been wandering in and out of several boutiques on this street and felt like a child rambling through a forest strewn with blooming wild flowers, while wondering which ones to pick. In short, she was stumped. Everything looked so good. Up to now, her mother made most of her formal wear, so she'd never really given much thought to her apparel.

She did feel relieved when the sales assistant took charge but for 2 hours she felt like a much abused mannequin. Although there was something magical about trying on beautiful things, she was more than relieved when they (the shop assistant, manager and herself) all finally agreed on something. The price tag nagged at her – senpai was going to divorce her before they were married. Then she thought about her competition prize money. She sighed. It was nice to have some money for a change. Granted, this was probably the most expensive dress she'd ever bought but it was to her mind, worth every cent. She hoped senpai would like it and of course, the Crown Prince as well. Afterall, the reception was held for his benefit.

As she went to the counter to pay for her purchase, she noticed that there was a different atmosphere in the store. A young lady followed by her entire entourage had burst in and there was a buzz of activity around her. Nodame's interest was piqued and she stood tiptoed as she tried peering over the swarm that had gathered around this obviously important person. She gasped when she realized who it was. It was that exquisite lady from the opera. Now, that she was able to study her further, Nodame realized that she was quite young but her regal mien gave the impression that she was a little older than she was.

"Who is that person?" She whispered to the sales assistant.

"Oh, that is…" The sales assistant lowered her voice discreetly. Before she could say anything more, the manager came over.

"Anna, if you've finished here, you're needed in Room 6. Go now." He barked.

"Sorry, I have to go… but your dress will be delivered to your hotel at around 4. Good luck, miss!"

"Thank you."

By now, the staff at the entire store was at the beck and call of the illustrious personage that had come in. Nodame folded her receipt and walked out of the boutique, still wondering who this impressive creature was.

A voice squeaked through the speakers in a dark, dank room.

All preparations for Operation Fire Storm are in place. Awaiting your orders to begin.

"Are you sure you want to do this?"

"We've talked about it already."

"But if we get caught…"

"We won't…"

"How can you be sure?"

"Because I have been planning this for over a year."

"This is Fire Storm headquarters… you have permission to go."