Saya smiled as she heard Haji playing his cello above deck. The Chevalier never did like to remain below on the ship, perhaps preferring to be in open air. Saya followed the strains of music, noting the slightly more somber tones. She paused at the door at the top of the stair, searching out Haji.
He sat on a wooden chair taken from one of the rooms, cello resting against his legs, leaning his cheek against the slender neck; his eyes were closed, but Saya knew that the slightest threat would not go past his notice. She walked over to the railing, staring out over the ocean and closing her eyes to listen to Haji's music.
"Haji. Your music is sadder today," Saya spoke softly, enjoying the salty breeze pulling at her shorter hair.
The music stopped, to Saya's dismay.
"You are sad, Saya. I played to suit you. If you wish a happier song, I will accommodate you," Haji said in his calm voice.
Saya looked over her shoulder at him, leaning her chin into her palm as she watched him. He held her gaze, then his eyes slid away out over the ocean. It was one of the very, very few signs that Haji displayed when he was nervous or uncomfortable; it had taken her months to notice this in her beloved Chevalier.
"I like anything you play, Haji. Play what you feel like."
Haji looked at her once more with his contemplative eyes. A sudden, fleeting and small smile graced his lips and Saya blinked. He had smiled?
Haji bent his head, resting his cheek against the neck of the cello once more and closing his eyes. He poised the bow over the strings, pausing. Saya waited, wondering if he was going to play something happier for her. Then, very quietly so that she wasn't sure she heard it at first, Haji began to play.
Haunting, exhilarating notes filled the air and began to get louder, stronger. The pitch increased, the timing, until the music became urgent and fast-paced. Saya couldn't help but stare as the bow expertly caressed the strings, guided by that elegant and bandaged hand. A lock of hair fluttered across Haji's face from the bow holding it back, going unnoticed. The music made Saya's heart hurt, made her want to laugh and cry all at once. She closed her eyes and leaned into the music, wanting it to never end. Her Chevalier…