Chapter 1: Adrift
Disclaimer: I don't own the characters. I do own originals though and the plot.
A/N: Uhm. Yeaaaah... here you go.
The motorcycle engine hummed, popped, cracked, and then slowed to a click. It had shut off; luckily the rider had made it to school. The rider grumbled, got off the bike, and removed their helmet. No looking, the rider was a tall blonde, quiet, good student, and female. Though rather handsome there was an obvious girlish look to her. She sighed walking her bike into her parking spot; I hope it's just the spark plug.
Just as she had made her way to her first class she was joined by short blonde girl sporting a red bow. She smiled at the tomboy, "Hi, Haruka."
"Hey there, Minako" she replied.
"Okay question," the smaller blonde stopped and looked at her friend. "You live here in a dorm, yet every morning you ride your bike to class. The campus isn't that big. Or must you make a macho entrance for your female fans?" She tapped Haruka's nose.
Haruka blinked, "Well… I'm not sure, actually. Habit I suppose? I guess I miss high school where I got to race half way across town. I don't know."
"Ah, yes… the old high school days." Minako looked up thoughtfully. "Well, class is about to start, we're having lunch today too right?"
"Yes, if you'd like."
"Can I bring Makato or maybe Usagi?"
"If they've actually shown up for school I've got no problem with it. I'll be surprised if Usagi isn't rushing to class about now."
Just then a loud blonde came running through the hallways, "I'm late, I'm late, I'm late! Get out of the way!" She flailed her arms as she ran into her first class.
"Someone should tell her she has a few minutes…" Haruka stared.
"Heehee… yeah, well if one of them or both want to go. Then I'll bring them along. See you come lunch." Minako went to class.
Today Haruka had one class today, infact she was only taking four classes four days of the week: English, Physics, Music History, and an Arranging class which required composing and performing and was more of an independent study; playing piano was a big thing for her but she wasn't quite sure why she had majored in music for the current semester. She supposed she was still deciding on what to do. This semester was easy, she could slack off all she wanted, why she wouldn't just graduate early was beyond everyone.
Haruka sat as the instructor walked into class. She was happy it was Thursday, it was her Friday, and it was her arranging class.
The instructor spoke, "Today we have someone special joining us, a very talented young lady, so please give your respect and attention to…" Haruka had zoned out by this time.
A girl, a gorgeous girl, stood. She folded her hands in front of her and bowed, "I'm happy to be joining this class."
Haruka paid this no mind simply because she was too busy thinking about her bike, but she did admit the girl's beauty when she had taken a slight glance. She leaned back in her seat, and sighed. 'Today's going to be long…'
A bow met strings and the new girl had begun playing an original piece. Haruka's attention now fell to the girl, she was blown away. Never had a song sounded so wonderful… yet she felt a sort of longing and sadness behind the music.
Wait, what's her name again? Uhm, damnit, I need to start paying more attention. It's a wonder how I pass classes like I do. Haruka squirmed, she would've asked someone but she didn't really talk to anyone in this class.
The instructor and class clapped as she finished, "Impressive!" he complimented, "Now class, she has here an original arrangement. How about we get some of you to sight read this? I have faith that it won't sound terrible. There's a difficult piano part… 'I think Haruka may be the only one who can play this without too much of an issue'."
The other few pianist looked at the piece and passed it, sure they could play it but there was some hard clefts to read and no one indulged themselves as much as Haruka. Once the piece had reached her she looked at it, stood and then made her way to the piano. Everyone else had settled in their places when the instructor stepped up. This is how class was, everyone wrote a piece, handed out parts, they played it, and then critiqued it. It was very different from normal arranging classes, it made it more interesting.
"Okay everyone; notice the time signatures and key changes, if any. And…" He tapped then motioned the count off mouthing, "one and two and three and four and…"
The music began and swam through the room. It was titled, Adrift. Apparently it was a song of romance and it was felt. The violin sounded as it was singing its sad love song, and the piano sang back. It was strange how the two instruments played key parts in the song and worked so well together.
The song was interrupted by bad luck when a loud snapping sound went off and a cellist yelled.
"Ow, ow, ow, ow, ow!" He wailed his arm frantically in the air; the thick string had cut his forearm when it broke.
"Go quickly to the nurse, Kazoo." The instructor shook his head then looked up when he heard Haruka play. "What is this piece, Tenoh?"
She shrugged playing what came to mind, "Just waiting for your next instruction."
The new student, Michiru watched intently and amazed. The blonde continued playing a few more measures before stopping because class had now come to an end.
"Alright class, see you next week. Pieces are due from the following students on the list at the door."
'That'd be me…' Haruka grabbed her things and left the room to see Minako and Usagi.
"Ready?" the tall blonde asked the two smaller ones.
"Yup!" replied Minako, "Oh Makato will meet us there."
"Can I drive?" Usagi shot Haruka an innocent smile.
"Hell no." Haruka was blunt.
"Aw why!"
"Are you kidding? Teaching you how to drive was a nightmare. It's a wonder you passed your test."
"She probably scared the person in the car" Minako snickered as they walked.
"Plus, it's on campus… and I don't have my car today." Haruka patted Usagi on the head.
"I'm not that bad of a driver!" she whined.
"You're as good as driving as you're as good as cooking." Makato had caught up to them.
Usagi fell over with a sweatdrop. The other three laughed to themselves.
"Come on, someday Haruka will trust you to drive her car." Minako encouraged.
Haruka rolled her eyes, opening the door letting the girls go in first. They sat down at a booth and sighed.
"One more class and I can go home." Makato heaved out, exhausted.
"You went to a party last night, huh?" Minako looked at the tired brunette.
"Maybe!" She smiled.
"Why do you guys get to take less classes than me!?" Usagi whine over their conversation.
"Because you slacked off and barely passed high school… and whatever major you choose requires the classes… you should've taken them when we were in high school." Minako looked at her.
"Hey, Ruka." Makato looked at the tomboy, "Why haven't you graduated yet? You're a top student and you've got enough credits… you could graduate this year. A year early, right?"
"I could, yeah. I don't know… I guess I like the atmosphere and a little more education won't hurt me." She shrugged then thought of something, "Have you seen the new girl… she has, well, aqua hair… blue eyes… ah, probably carrying a violin."
"Michiru!" Usagi yelled. "She's such a sweetheart…OH" Her eyes got mischievous. "Does Ruka-Chan have a crush?" The other two leaned in on the tomboy.
"What! I… no, I was just wondering if you knew her or saw her. I don't… like her or anything. I don't even know her." She spat out in bits, but she had a little blush going on.
"Suuure!" They all beamed together then huddled so that Haruka couldn't hear.
Makato grinned, "I say we do it!"
"Agreed, and fast too. Michiru could be wooed by anyone; oh she's so pretty…" Usagi nodded.
Haruka was on the outside, curious. "Uhm, girls?"
"Just don't screw up, Usagi!" Minako glared.
They peaked over their shoulders at the pianist. "Heehee!"
"Okay!" Makato lead…
"BREAK!"
The three girls sat before the tomboy, smiling innocently. She was lost and figured it a good idea just not to bother… but rather watch her back.
'Oh boy…' Haruka felt a little nervous.
I'd be nervous too.