all right, i was just staring at this incredibly GORGEOUS picture of Shinobu a few days ago, and decided i just had to write a fanfic based on him. its a change from the usual pairings that people write about in LCD.

so heres the first chapter, this whole story is short, in general, compared to my other ones. hope you like it

R&R

Autumn was settling in, with a playful breeze teasing the atmosphere. Everywhere, color was arriving and fading. The leaves were orange, yellow, red, gold, and brown. Innocently, a tree slowly shed one, as though unable to bear it's beauty amidst all the other brightly colored foliage.

Accompanying its descent was the sound of the violin. The notes seemed to float, similar to the way of the falling leaf, slowly supporting its gentle fall. The notes were as gentle as the heart of the man who was standing under the tree and giving them life.

His eyes were closed, his chin resting gently on the body of the violin, his fingers slowly pressing and releasing the strings as his other and soulfully drew the bow across them. His hair was a rich reddish brown, his eyes the color of honey glazed chocolate.

As the melody ended, he straightened and opened his eyes.

Ousaki Shinobu could not help but feel enchanted each time he picked up his violin.

Such a simple thing to learn, he thought to himself. But so difficult to understand.

He bent over the violin's case which was lying on the stone bench under the tree and affectionately packed it away.

The new semester had started at college, and he was eagerly looking forward to it. The wind pushed at his hair, causing his fringe to fall into his eyes. Shinobu pushed them away, and made a mental reminder to make an appointment for a haircut.

Shinobu was very content with his life. His final year at Seisou had blessed him with top marks, and a scholarship into a renowned college of philosophy and fine arts. Two years had already passed, and he was now in his third year. Life had definitely favored him, and he was grateful that it had.

He had just reached the sidewalk that led to the road to his apartment when someone called him.

"Ousaki senpai!"

Turning, he saw a cherry-tressed girl coming towards him, wearing Seisou's General Education uniform.

Smiling, he raised a hand in recognition.

"Good afternoon, Hino-san."

Kahoko stopped in front of him and smiled back.

"How are you? I don't see you coming in to check on the orchestra club these days."

"I've been out of town actually. I had a two week break from college, so I went to Kobe to visit my grandparents."

"I see. So will you be coming to Seisou anytime soon?"

"I'll be back from next week."

"That's good to hear. It's rather dull without you, you see. Hihara senpai is good company, but I missed you."

Shinobu gave her a questioning look.

"Missed me?"

Kahoko blushed, and wished she had been clearer with her words.

"What I meant was, I missed talking to you, and hearing you play, that's all", She rectified, waving her hands.

"I see. Well, it's good to know I was missed."

"Were you playing just now?" Kahoko asked him, gesturing to his violin case.

"Yeah, I was. The spot under that tree there", Shinobu pointed with his hand, "Is a pretty place to play."

Kahoko turned to see where he had pointed. She had to agree with him. The tree he was pointing to was aged, it's trunk gnarled and sinewy. But its branches splayed gracefully outwards, bearing numerous leaves, all transformed from green to various other shades to welcome autumn.

But the spot seemed a bit lonely, she thought to herself. Like the type of place one comes to when they wanted to hide, or when they felt empty.

"What's wrong?" Shinobu pushed his glasses up the bridge of his nose and looked at Kahoko closely.

"Nothing." Kahoko looked back at her senior. "The spot seems so lonely though, don't you think senpai?"

"You thought so too?" asked Shinobu in surprise, because he had felt the same way when he first saw the spot.

"Yes, it's beautiful, but inexplicably sad."

Was that how he felt? Kahoko thought to herself. Lonely?

The truth was, Shinobu wasn't lonely, but he was waiting for something. As content as his life was, he couldn't help but get the feeling that there was something missing. He didn't know what; he just knew it wasn't there.

"Hino san."

"Yes?" asked Kahoko looking at him.

"I'm sorry, but I have to get going. My roommate's going to kill me if I get home late. I've promised him that I would help him on his theology project."

"All right then, you go ahead. I'll see you at school! Bye Ousaki senpai!"

Kahoko crossed the road, and continued home.

Ousaki senpai is so sweet, she thought as she walked.

I have to thank him for encouraging me to continue violin after the third selection. Otherwise, I would have given up playing…

Shinobu returned to his apartment and found his roommate gone. A quick text message told him that his friend had gone out with a few others for a movie.

Thanks a lot buddy, Shinobu thought to himself.

I wouldn't have rushed back if it hadn't been for you.

He eyed his violin case thoughtfully. Music flowed into his ears. Not skillful or very polished, but a bit rough, with mistakes here and there. Yet, it was this music that completely captivated him, and reminded him what made music special.

Smiling, he placed the case on the desk and went to the kitchen to make some tea.

hehe....I think Shinobu is a real sweetheart...but i'm eternally faithful to Azuma

^_^

this story was written during a particularly boring maths period i had in tution...i was deviously sitting in the last bench along with a few other friends who also love fanfics

plz leave a review, they are most valued

^_^